for a time return to the dust and afterwards be raised up again from the dust and so cast into Hell torments which is the second death which imagination is very strange and besides it presupposeth a Resurrection without Christ or else you must imagine that God intended in his saying to Adam Thou shalt die that his soul should go into hell torment the second death and his body to the dust the first death which Dagon-like Image shamefully falls before the Ark of truth First because it renders the coming of Christ the greatest of Gods gifts to man-kind who come not to condemne the world but that the world through him might be saved Iohn 3.17 I say it renders the coming of Christ to be the only cause of a horrible Judgement without the least mixture of mercy upon the bodies of those men whose souls were cast into hell for Adams sin that is to say Christ by his coming raises their bodies from the grave where they were without the fence of any misery and casts them without any cause into everlasting torments Secondly the imagination falls upon the account of Pauls words Rom. 5.12 shewing that that death which came by that one man Adams sin passed upon all wherefore it cannot be meant an eternal death upon the souls of men for that passed not upon the souls of the holy Fathers as aforesaid And thus you may see that neither of these imaginations can stand either according to Scripture or Reason and therefore the truth only remains before you as clearly proved by these considerations namely That Adams sin brought but the first death as hath been shewed and that mens loving darkness rather then the light is the cause of a second death and this may not be rejected because Christ himself saith This is the condemnation Iohn 3.19 Fourthly that Adams sin brought but the first death as aforesaid also appeareth from the Apostles words 1 Cor. 15.21 22. wherein is plainly held forth that Christ will bring all men to a resurrection from that death which comes upon all men by the first Adams sin wherefore it cannot possibly be the second death which he speaks of as brought by Adam for then it supposes all men brought to a resurrection from the second death or Hell torment and so preaches general salvation which is folly to conceive so then with the Prophet I conclude that the Son shall not die eternally for the iniquity of the Father But the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him that is to say upon him alone and not his child so as to bring it to eternal life And the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him that is upon him alone and not his child so as to bring it to eternall death Ezek. 18.20 Well then by this time 't is necessary to mind again our Question namely That if Christ died for all men How is it that all are not saved First by what hath been said you may see in what state man was in by his first Transgression even out of Gods favour and in a state of misery condemned to the first death But God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son to taste death for every man Heb. 2.9 Rom. 5.18 and so destroyes him that hath the power of death that is the devil And thus there is purchased by Christ a resurrection for all men from the first death with the gift of God which is eternal life and hence it is that children dying in Infancy cannot be condemned at the last day for of such is the kingdome of God Mat. 19.14 But now men having a being here through Christ come to rebell against God and going out of the way so as there is none righteous no not one Rom. 3.12 they become the children of wrath but such is the love of God that he followes the creature with mercy commanding the Gospel to be preached to every creature which Gospel men not believing the wrath of God abideth on them John 3.36 the light of eternal life and remission of sins in Jesus is held forth but men loves darkness rather then light the prize of glory is put into their hands but they like fooles have no heart to it and so whereas the Objector asketh how it is that all are not saved if Christ dyed for all the answer is in Christs words This is thecondemnation John 3.19 that light is come into the world and men love darkness rather then light because their deeds are evill Thus I judge that the seeming show of the objection vanisheth and that the truth remaineth in its power and plainness namely That Christ died for all men and so setteth all men in a way in which they may come to the knowledge of the truth and be saved The truth of which will appear if you shall take a view of the Scriptures speaking of the Generations from the beginning as first in the very day that Adam fell Christ was promised by God saying The seed of the woman shall break the Serpents head and it is said of Abell That by faith he offered a more excellent sacrifice then Cain Heb. 11.4 Shewing plainly that Abell was enlightened touching the promised seed to wit Christ the true Sacrifice in whom he believing his sacrifice became more acceptable then that of Cain also it is said of Enoch that by faith he was translated that he should not see death and before his translation he had this testimony that he pleased God and not only so but himself being enlightned touching Christ we find that he Prophesieth also of the coming of Christ with his faints to Judgement Jude 14. And so he was a preacher of the Gospel to others in his and following Generations In like manner we find Noah declared to be a preacher of Righteousness and by Faith preparedan Ark whereby he Condemned the World and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith 1 Pet. 3.18 19 20. 2 Pet. 2.5 Heb. 11.7 All which shewes that Noah was such an eminent light in his Generation that the whole world then in being was so taught and instructed by him he being a Preacher of Righteousness as that they being disobedient thereunto are said thereby to be condemned Also we find very cleerly that the Gospel was Preached to Abraham saying In thee shall all Nations be blessed Gal. 3.8 And afterwards unto his seed the children of Israel in the wilderness as appeareth Heb. 4.2 Among which people God shewed such mighty and wonderful power in saving and delivering them and destroying their enemies as that thereby he declared to all the World that he was Israels God and approved of their Faith and Worship as to instance some of many The Angel smote of the Campe of the Assyrians an hundred four score and five thousand 2 King 19.35 Also God delivering Shadrach Meshach and Abednigo from the fiery Furnace as also Daniel being delivered from the Lions den decrees were made that Every
all men and women in the way so as by his death they might have eternal life I say it will follow clearly that Christ dyed for all men for else the Gospel will be the tender of a lie which is blasphemy to affirme It will I say be the tender of a lie because in the Gospel there is offered to all as hath been shewed remission of sins and everlasting life through a crucified Christ but if Christ died but for some men and this glad-tyding of peace in the Gospel be held forth for all men as it is then to some of these all it will be the tender of a lie but that cannot be therefore I conclude that Christ died for all men This further will appear if you observe well how that all men every where are commanded to repent and beleive the Gospel Mark 1.15 Act. 17.30 and that is witnessed in the Gospel to all men both beleevers and Unbeleevers that there is eternal life in Christ and that they who receive it not make God a lier 1 Joh. 5.10 11 12. Again consider that God doth bid all earnestly and doth not mock any untill first they reject him Prov. 1.25 27. nor doth he deal as hypocrites to bid men to his supper having before decreed in himself that they shall never taste thereof but I say unfaignedly and altogether truly doth the Lord bid and invite all persons to come to the marriage supper and saith he for All Things are ready now if Christ died not for all how could he invite all even them that never came saying all things are ready when as to them that came not which are the greatest part of men to them I say the only thing was not ready that is to say a Christ crucified for their sins and so whereas Christ saith that all things are ready this opinion which I contend against declares that there is nothing ready for I am sure that without a crucified Christ there is no salvation for the sons of men and moveover to conceive that Christ died but for some men notwithstanding his so often calls and loving invitations to all men whatsoever to come unto him that they might be saved Joh. 1.7 whether in the city or in the lanes or about the hedges to conceive this I say is to liken the Lord Jesus unto the vilest of men who as David saith Psal 55.21 have in their mouths words smoother then butter but war in the heart words softer then oyle yet were as drawn swords Moreover the Scriptures holds forth plainly that unbelief in the son of God is a great sin yea the cause of eternal condemnation John 3.18 Joh. 8.24 Now if the son of God died not for the unbeliever who is saith Christ condemned already because he believeth not on him then the unbeliever is condemned for not believing a lie but this cannot possibly be the judgment of the righteous God who condemns men for not receiving and beleeving the truth that they might be saved 2. Thes 2.10 11 12. Therefore again I conclude that Christ died for all men Moreover we find Paul that eminent light of the world in great heaviness and continual sorrow of heart yea and wishing himself accursed from Christ for his brethren the Jewes that were shut up in unbelief Rom. 9.2.3.32 33. Rom. 11.7 8 9 10. To whom also he acknowledgeth did belong the adoption and the glory and the Covenants and the giving of the law and the service of God and the promises now 't is most plain that the Apostle doth by acknowledging these so many and excellent priviledges pertaining to the Jewes declare and clearly preach up that there was a time when they might have been happy had they with others sought after the righteousness of God by faith but alas alas they obtained it not wherefore because Christ died not for them saith many but saith the holy Apostle because they sought it not by faith but as it were by the works of the law ver 31.32 And this is charged upon them as their great folly which indeed had been none at all had they not as well as others been put into a capacity through the grace of a crurified Christ to have beleeved and so eternally saved which thing most asuredly Paul understood touching them and therfore he abode in great heaviness for them yea and wished himself accursed from Christ for them knowing and beleeving that God had sent his son Jesus to bless them yea so far mark I pray as to turn every one of them from their iniquites Act. 3.26 and indeed to conceive the Apostle to be of a contrary belief that is to say that Christ died not for his Brethren that were shut up in unblief such a conception I say doth render the wise and eminent Apostle Paul to be simple and foolish both by his great heaviness and continual sorrow of heart for that which could not possibly be obtained to wit the salvation of his Brethren the Jewes and also by his wishing himself accursed from Christ for them that could not possibly ever be blest but God forbid that any sober minded man should hold any opinion that should thus render the wisdome of the wise of no effect but however if men will thus foolishly presume wisdome is justified of her children who clearly understands that Christ died for all men whereupon when they come to understand that men will not come unto him that hath died for them that they might have life Joh. 5.40 they understandingly with holy Paul greive and are of a mournful heart for them like the Lord himself Luke 19.41 42. Moreover Peter the Apostle of the Lord full of the Spirit declareth That the Lord bought such as bring in damnable Heresies and so bring upon themselves swift destruction even damnation that slumbereth not 2 Pet. 2.1 2 3. So then by this also it clearly appears that Christ died for or bought all men since no man questions his dying for such as shall be saved Furthermore there is before you a cloud of witnesses eminently advancing the truth of this Particular speaking after this manner Oh Jerusalem Jerusalem thou that killest the Prophets and stonest them which were sent unto thee How often would I have gathered thy Children together as a Hen gathereth her Chickens under her wings and ye would not Mat. 23.37 And when he beheld their City so great was his love towards them that he wept over it Saying if thou hadst known even thou at least in this thy day the things which belong unto thy peace but now they are hid from thine eyes Luke 19.41 42. Oh that my people had hearkned unto me and Israel had walked in my wayes so should their time have endured for ever Psal 81.13.15 Oh that their were such an heart in them that they would fear me and keep all my Commandements alwayes that it might be well with them and their Children for ever Deut. 5129. Oh Jerusalem wilt thou not be
made clean when shall it once be Jeremy 13.27 How shall I give thee up Ephraim How shall I deliver thee Israel As I live saith the Lord God I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked but that the wicked turn from his way and live turn ye turn ye for why will ye die oh House of Israel Ezek. 33.11 And now O inhabitants of Jerusalem and men of Judah Judge I pray you betwixt me and my Vinyard what could have been done more to my Vinyard that I have not done in it Jsa 5.3.4 But when he looked that it should bring forth Grapes it brought forth wild Grapes As also Israel in the wilderness Wherefore he was greived with that generation and at length sware in his wrath that they should not enter into his rest because of Vnbelief Heb. 3.10 11 19. Now that the Father the Son and the holy Spirit in the Prophets should utter such deep desires and large professions for the welfare of a People with weeping and great lamentations upon their neglect of that which should have been for their welfare Psal 69.22 Also confirming his desires by the immutable Oath of himself and yet notwithstanding know them even from the first altogether uncapable of happiness and well-being and that for want of that grace which himself is the only giver of That God I say whose Attributes of love and mercy are met together with truth and righteousness and kisseth each other Psal 85.10 should thus declare himself is altogether incredible for if he sent not his Son to die for them there is no other Name given under heaven whereby they might be saved Act. 4.11 12. The sence of these things being much upon my heart leads me forth yet further to question with you viz. How the wise God the Father could grieve forty years long for a Peoples unbelief if there was no Salvation for them to believe in And how Christ the Son of God could marvel at the Peoples Unbelief if he tasted not death for them whereby they might believe Mar. 6.6 And how the holy Spirit the gift of God could strive with men for their good if Christ in whom is all good was not intended for them The Father the Son and the Spirit according to the Scriptures of truth in all ages plainly declareth That he would have all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth 1 Tim. 2.4 in order to which he exercised much long-patience sending his servants calling upon them and beseeching them to be reconciled unto himself 2 Cor. 5.20 And so God preparing all things ready for them and using a sufficiency of means whereby they might come and receive it according to the Parable that is to say might believe and eternally be saved Joh. 1.7 Jo. 3.17.2 Thes 2.10 they not coming they not beleeving the God of love in wisdome greiveth for them and upon good grounds sweareth in wrath they shall not enter into his rest Mark well A man 's not doing impossibilities or not beleeving on that which is not is no sober mans wonder cause of grief or ground of wrath Wherefore all these things being considered together with the many more Scriptures that speak to this purpose as also many Scriptures bearing plain Testimony that Christ died for all 1 Tim. 2.6 Heb. 2.9.2 Cor. 5.15.1 Joh. 2.2 Rom 3.22 And not so much as one Scripture that saith he died but for some therefore with wise and holy Peter I conclude that the Lord God is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance 2 Pet. 3.9 and be saved through Christ the Saviour who gave himself a ransome for all to be testified in due time Therefore let all men fear how they testifie against it Object If Christ died for all how is it then that all are not saved Answ Bear with me I pray you if I speak somewhat large to this Question for I know that there is something in the understanding of those that ask this question as the ground thereof which is a great hindrance to the understanding of this glorious truth of Gods love unto all men namely that Adams sin brought him and all his posterity into a state of eternal condemnation in Hell which whosoever beleiveth cannot easily understand how Christ should die for all men say they if he died for all to free them from eternal punishment in hell and Christ dye not in vain then say they How can it be but that all must be saved First consider your mistake touching Adams sin for 't is plain that his sin brought but the first death and the companions thereof as fear shame sickness eating bread in the sweat of the face c. together with the ground cursed for his sake and not eternal torments in Hell which saith the Scripture is the second death Rev. 20.14 First because the second death or eternal torment in Hell was neither threatned to come upon him before his fall Gen. 2.17 neither is it in the least signifyed in the sentence against him after his fall Gen. 3.17.18.19 but rather this Dust thou art and unto dust shalt thou return this death therefore being only spoken of which is the first death let no man presume above what is written Secondly observe the sence of the Apostle Paul touching this Particular who saith That by one man to wit Adam sin entred into the world and death by sin and so death passed upon all men for that all have sinned Rom. 5.12 Now in that he saith that the death which came by Adam passed upon all it followes with much plainness that he understood it to be only the first death that entred into the world by Adams sin because the second death or eternal torment in Hell had not passed upon all and so he could not mean the second death for he right well knew yea and all men do know it had not passed upon Abraham Isaac and Jacob with many others that might be mentioned no nor never shall In vain will it be for any to go about to evade the force of this text by conceiving that it is the desert of eternal death which passed upon all forasmuch as the Apostle in much plainness saith That death passed upon all men not only deserved death but death it self passed also upon them as their desert Thirdly remember and well consider that it is granted on all hands that Adams sin from the beginning did and now doth bring men down to the dust or first death and also well consider that it is as generally beleived that the second death or Hell torments is an eternal fence of misery both upon the soul and body or an eternal horrible dying and never being dead both which being considered you may easily see that if God did intend Hell torment to be the portion of Adams sin either you must imagine that God did purpose and decree and so accordingly declare to Adam that if he sinned he should
shall not be mentioned so as to condemnation but shall be blotted out at that good day that day of refreshing Act. 3.19 So that through Christ which is the substance of the Scape-goat the Saints sins shall be seperated from them and so they shall be presented before the father without spot or wriukle or any such thing holy and without blame Eph. 5.27 and so Paul saith to the Saints at Rome That every one of us shall give account of himself to God Rom. 14.12 and so the discovery of their good and bad works they being brought to judgment will exceedingly set out the love goodness mercy and compassion of the Lord God in forgiving the debt or payment for Christs sake his faithfulness justice and righteousness in making good his promise in rewarding them according to their works for he will not forget their work and labour of love This Doctrine doth teach the children of God to walk very circumspectly redeeming the time applying their hearts to wisdome cleansing themselves from all filthyness of flesh and spirit prefecting holyness in the fear of God and to abound in love one towards another and towards all men adding to faith vertue and to vertue knowledge and to knowledge temperance and to temperance patience and to patience godliness to godliness brotherly kindness and to brotherly kindness Charity or love For that faith which worketh by love is availeable to Justification Gal. 5.6 and the duties done in love only will avail in the day of judgment 1 Cor. 13. Therefore let us have respect to all the Commandements of the Lord for in keeping of them in love there is great reward yea let us cloath our selves with righteousness as with a garment reaching after that which is before following hard towards the marke for the price of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus giving up themselves to watch and pray that so they may stand compleat in all the will of God So then they that die in the Lord or are found in him at his coming shall receive eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord for the gift of God is eternal life Rom. 6.23 and also eternal death will be the portion of them that obey not the Gospel Mat. 26.46 2 Thes 1.8 9. yea they that are not found written in the book of life shall be cast into the lake of fire Rev. 20.15 and this is the eternal judgment for it is unrevokable and this shall be when Christ cometh in his own person and not before that very person that was peirced with a spear yea that very person that dyed and rose again from the dead the third day which the Apostles did see and handle yea he was seen of five hundred brethren at once and many if not all did see him aseend into Heaven Act. 1.11 Zach. 12.10 Luk 24.39 40. Jo. 20.27 and so the Apostle Paul possitively asserts from the word of the Lord that the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout and with a voyce of the Archangel and with the trump of God and the dead in Christ shall rise first yea if you read from the 13 verse of that Chapter to the end you will see that the same Jesus that died and rose again from the dead shall descend from Heaven and all the Saints shall be raised and they that be alive at his coming shall be changed and shall be caught up to meet the Lord in the ayre and so shall be ever with the Lord and so shall be made perfect altogether Heb. 11.40 Object But it is said by some that it is not the person that shall be judged and cast into torments or hell but sin or the lust of the flesh and the tempter which is Satan and therefore they bring that in Revel 20. Death and hell is cast into the lake of fire not men say they but sin Answ It is unjust men as they do consist of soul body and spirit that shall be judged and cast into the lake of fire and there shall be tormented for ever and ever for their sin 1. Because soul body and spirit may be blamed at the coming of Christ 1 Thes 5.23 and they that are then blamed and set at the left hand of Christ as goats are cursed and delivered over to everlasting torments Math. 25.41 45 46. 2. Because the fearful and unbeleeving and whoremongers and Idolaters and murtherers sorcerers and all that loveth or maketh a lie shall have their part in the lake that burneth with fire and brimstone Rev. 21.8 and Ch. 22.15 it is not the sin or the lie but the sinner and the liar so it is the man that lusteth and so committeth sin and repenteth not he shall be punished for ever for that is the second death and so death is cast into the lake of fire for the second death or everlasting punishment for sin is to be in the lake of fire Rev. 20.14 And for hell the grave and hell in the Scripture is taken for all one as it appeareth ver 13. So the earth shall be in the lake of fire or a great part of it when God causeth the elements to run together again 2 Pet. 3.10 and the Divel which is the tempter shall be cast into the lake of fire where the beast and false prophet or man of sin shall be in torments for evermore Revel 14.11 and 20.10 These Principles or foundations Peices or Pillars upon which wisdome builds her house Prov. 9.1 are the Doctrine or commandement of Christ and are laid down upon Jesus Christ the cheife Corner stone Ephes 2.20 Heb. 6.2 And there is no man or woman that can be judged or lookt upon as a Christian in order according to the Scriptures nor to be received into communion with the Church except he beleeve and practise this Doctrine mistake me not there may be some that walk up to their light and neglect not to know more that may be precious in the sight of God but we are to look to the order of the new Testament and to walk accordingly doing all things decently and in order 1 Cor. 14.40 Therefore no man ought to be received into communion in a Church state but those that do own and practise all the Principles of the Doctrine of Christ as aforesaid And that this ought to be so first consider that all that began to be Christians owned all this beginning Doctrine of Christ Heb. 6.1 and therefore they are called the first Principles of the Word of God and milk for Babes Heb. 5.12 13. or the word of the beginning of Christ and so the beginning of a Christian man and the three thousand which gladly received the word were baptised Act. 2.41 42. that is dipped in water and continued in the Apostles Doctrine which is the Doctrine of Christ Secondly As they under the Law of Sacrifices were to walk up in all the Law which did hold out Christ to come in the flesh doing all the commandements
THE WHOLE FAITH OF MAN Being the Gospel declared in plainness as it is in JESUS and the way thereof of old confirmed by divers Signs Wonders Miracles and Gifts of the holy Ghost In thirty six Heads setting out Mans way work from the day of his Conversion to the day of his Dissolution and what therein is both to be believed and practised The Second Edition much Enlarged By WILL. JEFFERY who hath for years been a poor Labourer in Christs Vineyard So likewise ye when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you say We are unprofitable servants we have done that which was our duty to do Luke 17.10 London Printed by G. Dawson for Francis Smith in Flying-Horse Court in Fleet-street near Chancery lane end and Stephen Dagnal of Alisbury 1659. TO The Christian READER Loving Reader THis work presented to thy view read I pray with diligence and care imploying thy whole understanding to observe what 〈◊〉 written herein whether it be according to the Scriptures of truth and finding it so lay it up in thy heart and bring it forth in Conversation and in Worship and that thou mayest so do mark well the Scriptures that are brought for the proof of that which is said and for the right understanding of the Scriptures note these five things First who it is that speaketh Secondly the ground or cause of the Word spoken Thirdly what is spoken Fourthly the time when Fifthly to whom it speaketh And labour to understand Prophecies whether they be fulfilled or no and mistake not so as to think that Parables or Comparisons in Scripture prove nothing for they do excellently prove things if rightly understood for the Parable of the unjust Iudge and the Widdow Luk. 18. v. 1. proveth that men ought alwayes to pray and not to faint and that in Rev. 16.15 which saith that Christ will come as a thiefe proveth that Christ will come suddenly and that day of the Lord shall come upon ungodly men unawares yea as a snare shall it take them 2 Thes 5.23 but it doth not prove that Christ will come unrighteously as a thief for that connot be So Parables and Comparisons in the Scriptures prove excellently the things for which they are brought but beware of using them beyond their line and also note that a Commandment or Precept only gives ground to duty for where no Law is there is no transgression mistake not for the manner of the performance of the duty is not alwayes in all things laid down in the Commandment so the primitive examples of the People of God for the manner of the performance of duty is very safe and where there is no example of the People of God in the Scriptures for the manner as aforesaid take heed that the duty be done decently and in order 1 Cor. 14.40 James 5.14 But stand in awe in the fear of God and beware that you add not to the Commandment nor diminish therefrom in the performance of duty for he that shall presume to speak a word in the name of the Lord which he hath not commanded him shall die Deut. 18.20 Pro. 30.6 Revel 22.18 19. Mind also that according to the Law and the Prophets and New Testament are to hear Christ in all things yea to give more heed to Christ then Israel was to Moses Heb. 2.1 2. Chap. 12.25 and to labour to understand what the first Testament is and who were the children hereof and what is the new Testament and who are the children thereof and let no man that believeth and is added to the Church according to the Scripture content himself in a child like state but labour with all diligence to come to mans stature being strong in Christ 1 Epistle of John 2.13 14. For in these last dayes will come in all deceiveableness of unrighteousness and so many will fall away the age groweth ripe many run to and fro and knowledge is increased therefore labour to understand the Mysteries of the Scripture walk up purely in all that thou knowest for they shall be revealed and fulfilled in these latter dayes yea whosoever thou art observe more what is declared it being truth then the manner of the declaring it be not offended at the plainness or poverty of the man that speaketh he speaking as the Oracles of God For God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise I have studied brevity for many reasons therefore heed well what is spoken and so have thy heart open for truth but closed up against all errour and try all spirits by the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament For if they speak not According to the Law and Testamony it is because there is no light in them Isai 8.20 And so read this Book with a single eye for it very highly concerns thy eternal life for for this end was it written that men might know the good old way of the Gospel and walk therein and so find rest for their souls and that God might have all the Glory and this is the sincere desire of him that is ready to serve thee with all his might in he strength of the Lord in the work of his Generation William Ieffery A TABLE OF The principal Matters spoken to or handled in this Book 1. THe Gospel what it is Page 1 2. That the Gospel is to be preached to all Men. Page 2 3. That Christ dyed for all Men. Page 4 4. That God through Christs death in the ministration of the Gospel sets all men in a way to come to the knowledge of the truth and be eternally saved Page 6 5. How Men in all ages were set in that way Page 9 6. What Adams sin brought upon all the sans of Men. Page 13 7. How Christ redeemed all Men from the first death and all the guilt or punishment of Adams sin Page 18 8. That all Infants dying in Infancie shall be saved Page 17 9. The great cause of condemnation and what it is Page 21 10. How Men are given up to blinded eyes and hardned hearts and wherefore Page 30 11. How Gods Decree takes hold of Men to condemnation Page 27 12. Gods Decree concerning Election to salvation Page 32 13. Why none but Beleevers are chosen to salvation and yet foreseen faith not the cause Page 33 14. The first Testament what it is in the strictest sence and what it is in the largest and who were the children thereof and how is it cast out and its children and the difference between the Law of Faith and the Law of Works and a word of the abolishing of the seventh day Sabbath Page 35 15. What the second Testament in the strictest fence and what in the largest and who are the children thereof and who the Ministers thereof and the vast disproportion between the first Testament and the Second Page 42 16. What Repentance is and what Faith is and the nature thereof Page 52 17. That Bilievers onely are the
Subjects of Baptisme not Infants Page 54 18. That Prayer and Laying on of Hands upon all Believers after Baptisme is a Prinsiple of the Doctrine of Christ Page 60 19. The Resurrection of the Bodies of just and unjust proved and the Christ that died and rose again and ascended into heaven shall come again in person Page 64 20. What the eternal judgment is and when it is Page 70 21. What the Church of Christ is and who are to be received into the Church of Christ and who not and the bounds of Communion and that we are to give more heed to Christ then Israel was to Moses Page 75 22. That there are Preachers Administrators of Ordinances in this our age and shall be untill Christ comes and who they be Page 86 23. The manner and right receiving of the Lords Supper that Saints ought to practice it untill Christ come Page 91 24. What Officers belongs to the Church of Christ and how they are to be chosen and what there Work is Page 95 25. The Maintenance of the Ministers of the Gospel what it is and that it is not by Tythes Page 99 26. Some things spoken concerning the Washing the Saints feet also that of Anointing with Oyl in the name of the Lord and Prayer with Fasting Page 102 27. The way to deal with them that sin against God and one another and to cast them out of the Church Page 103 28. That the power lieth in the Church to judge Offenders Page 108 29. That Magistrates are to be obeyed in all civil things and are supreame but they have no more power in the Church then Members Page 109 30. That all the way of the Gospel is a way of love and free grace Page 112 31. That men may fall from grace and that the grace of perseverance is of God and salvation eternal life is the meer gift of God Page 113 32. That the whole House of Israel after the flesh shall be called to believe and be a glorious people and the time when Page 120 33. What the Whore of Babylon is and who are her Daughters and that the Antichrist or Man of Sin is not the Whore of Babylon shewed in seven particulars Page 126 34. That Christ shall Raign Personally on the earth most gloriously Page 161 35. That untill Christ come to Raign the Saints shall be in a troubled persecuted Estate and that there shall be warr unto that day and a word to the Fift Monarchy Men. Page 164 36. Some of the Signs of Christs coming Page 174 Reader THou wilt find only some literal Faults which were not worth the while to make an Errata of therefore thou art desired in a friendly way to correct such Trivials with thy Pen. THE GOSPEL Declared in plainness as it is in JESUS And the way thereof of Old confirmed by divers Signs Wonders Miracles and Gifts of the Holy Spirit IN the first place mind what the word Gospel is or doth hold forth unto us and you shall find that it signifieth good or glad-tydings as appeareth Isai 52.7 compared with Rom. 10.15 Luke 2.10 11. Now what is contained in this good-tydings is this according to the Scriptures that God was in Christ reconciling the World unto himself not imputing their Trespasses unto them 2 Cor. 5.19 and that Christ dyed for our sins and was buried and rose again the Third day 1 Cor. 15.1 2 3 4. and that in Christ Jesus there is Remission of sins Luke 24.47 or forgiveness of sins Acts 13.38 and everlasting Life 46. this is the Gospel And this Gospel is to be preached to every Creature by the Commandement of the Lord Mark 16.15 that is to say to every Man and Woman that have ears to hear so as to understand not to Infants for the Lord speaks not unto though of them Deut. 11.2 for they know neither good or evill Deut. 1.39 which is agreeable to the testimony of the Angel of the Almighty which brought good-tydings of great joy unto all people Luke 2.10 Furthermore this Gospel was preached unto all yea unto them that received it not and that in all Ages Gen. 3.15 1 Pet. 3.19 20. 2 Pet. 2.5 Heb. 4.2 3 17. Acts 2.5 Coll. 1.23 for Paul saith it was necessary that the Word of God should be Preached unto them that rejected it yet there was no less in that word than everlasting life which they put from them Acts 13.46 in much envy contradicting and blaspheming and raising persecution against the Apostles so that at length they shook off the dust of their feet against them ver 51. And you know that Christ saith It shall be more toller able for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgement then for such a people So then the Gospel was preached to them that never received it as well as to them that did receive it therefore unto all Again the Parables and comparisons in the Scriptures proves that this good Tydings of eternall life as 't is in Jesus is to be preached unto all as it appeareth Mat. 13. in the parable of the sower for there you may see it is declared unto all sorts of men as the seed is sown in all sorts of ground likewise in Mat. 22. the â—arable bids all even them also that would not nor did not come the bad as well as the good for to come to the marraige Also the comparison of the brazen Serpent sheweth as that was lifted up for all that all that were stung might look on it andlive Num. 21.8 9. So is the Son of man the Lord Jesus lifted up for all that whosoever believeth on him should not perish but have everlasting life John 3.14 15. Again this is the condemnation of the world namely the not receiving the light that is in Jesus held forth in the Gospel John 12.46 John 3.19 And how shall they receive it so as to beleive it without a preacher Rom. 10.14 Therefore it is to be preached unto all Again Christ will judge all men according to the Gospel Rom. 2.16 Acts 17.31 and he that heareth and beleiveth according to the Gospel shall be saved and he that will not believe shall be damned as John witnesseth that they that refuse to hear the word so as to receive it shall be condemned at the last day by that word which they heard and rejected John 12.47.48 wherefore Christ judging all men at the last day by the word of the Gospel and that according to righteousness it followeth plainly that the Gospel must be preached unto all men Well then seeing the Gospel is to be preached unto all or this good tydings of peace which is as hath been shewed that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself not imputing their trespasses unto them and offereth everlasting life unto all in and through the death of his Son it will follow that Christ died for all men so as to seek to serve all men Luke 19.10 Mat. 18.11 yea to set
of harlots so she going a whoring after her own inventions she hath made all Nations drunk with the wine of the wrath of herfornication Rev. 2.5 and so according to that in Isa 24.5 The earth is defiled under the inhabitants thereof because they have transgressed the lawes changed the ordinance broken the everlasting covenant and therefore she shall be destroyed Rev. 17.16 And the curse of the Lord God Almighty will devour the earth Isa 24.6 19 20. wrath shall come upon the Gentile nations to the uttermost as it did upon the Jewes yea the Lord will make a full end of the Gentile nations Jer. 30.11 O that men would lay these things to heart and hear and obey the Lord according to the Gospel walking up orderly according to the new Testament in all things in sincerity of heart that they might escape the things that shall come to passe and to stand in Judgement before the Son of man Luke 21.36 And that ye may be sons and daughters of God according to the New Testament in order and so stand before the Lord with acceptance observe well that the first Principle of the doctrine of Christ is Repentance from dead works Heb. 6.1 For the Gospel is to be preached to all as it hath been shewed before that men may repent of all their dead works now repentance is a change of the mind from all that which is evill to all that which is good it hath in it a hearty sorrow for sin and a confession of sin and therefore John the Baptist preaching Repentance they came confessing their sins Math. 3. Repentance is such a thing as changes the man from an evil conversation to that which is very good and also from all false whorish wayes of Worship to the pure Worship of God it hath in it these seven things As first it bringeth forth a continual care as not to commit evil nor to omit good yea a readiness to every good work secondly clearing the matter of fact if it be in wrong done to any man by a wise just restitution if able Luke 19.8 and by doing so no more what ever sin it be confessing it to God with brokenness of heart turning from it Thirdly an inward indignation against all sin Fourthly the sear of God which teacheth a man to depart siom evil and to have a singular respect to all the Commandements of the Lord so as to do them Fiftly a vehement hungring thirsting desire after Righteousness Sixtly a zealous continuing in every good work Seventhly a holy revenge in bringing the body under subjection by fasting esteeming the Commandements of the Lord more then necessary food 2 Cor. 7.11 And so it is repentance or a change of the whole Man from dead works for the wages of sin is death Furthermore that men may do works acceptably in the sight of God the next Principle or teaching of Christ unseparably joyned with Repentance is Faith towards God and that is to beleeve that God is and that he is a rewarder of them that dilligently seek him and that Christ died for our sins and that he was buryed and that he rose again the third day according to the Scriptures and that the blood of Christ is the Blood of the New Testament Shed for the remission of sins and that there is everlasting life and a most glorious Kingdome for all them that beleeve and walk according to the Gospel or New Testament and so Faith is the substance or ground of things which are hoped for and the evidence of things not seen Heb. 11.1 6.1 Cor. 15.1 2 3 4.1 John 2.4 6. yea this faith is of a purifying nature for every one that hath this hope purifyeth himself as Chirst is pure Chap. 3.3 Acts 15.9 The next Principle of the Doctrine of Christ is the Doctrine of Baptismes it is said to be Baptismes because there is a Baptisme of afflictions in a comparative sence in the which Chirstians are dipped into so as the waves goes over them yet are raised out of it by the Lord it is not every affliction but some great affliction and yet this is common to Christians Mat. 20.22 23. Luke 12.50 Psal 42.7 John 16.33 There is also Baptisme or Dipping in Water which is the one Baptisme in a litterall sence which all Believers ought to practice I say it is Dipping in Water because the word in the Greek holds forth a washing by dipping and not sprinkling for it cannot be shewed in the Lexicons as the learned confesse and John Baptised in the River of Jordan Mark 1.5 and Christ when he was Baptized came up out of the water of the river of Jordan Mat. 3.13.16 and Philip and the Eunuch went down both into the water and he baptized him in the water Acts 8.38 39. Baptisme in Water holdeth forth in a likeness a buriall with Christ Rom. 6.3 4. All which declareth that Baptisme is Dipping the whole person in Water and this learned Perkins freely conffesseth in his Golden Chaine Furthermore penitent Men and Women are the only Subjects of Baptisme and not Infants That such as professe faith as aforesaid are to be Baptized and not Infants will appeare because the Lord commands his servants to Go teach all Nations Baptizing them that learn the Gospel so as to believe the same but Infants cannot learn the Gospel by teaching for they know neither good nor evil Deut. 1.39 Therefore it is not lawful to Baptize them That Christ commands such to be Baptized as believe through teaching or preaching is evident from Mat. 28.19 in these words Go and teach all Nations Baptizing them c. That is Them of the Nations that believe for they might not Baptize unbelieving Jewes nor heathens therefore Mark saith being the same with that of Matthew That Christ commands the Gospel to be preached to every creature and He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved so then the Gospel is to be preached to all for this end that all may believe but all do not but they that hear so as to believe the Gospel are to be Baptized and no other are in the Commission or Commandenent of Christ for baptisme it is plain so then they that Baptize Infants do that which they have no Law of Christ for nay it is against the Law of Christ because they cannot beleeve through preaching and so they have not faith for there is but one faith and that comes by hearing Ephes 4.5 Rom. 10.14.17 Object But some say That Infants are apart of the Nations and Nations are to be baptized therefore Infants Answ So are unbeleeving Jewes and Heathens part of the Nations yet are not to be Baptized and so it is plain that Nations are not to be Baptized as such but beleeving men and women as hath been shewed before therefore not Infants Object But some men say That Infants do beleeve from that Scripture Mat. 18. in these words But whosoever shall offend one of these little ones which beleeve in
shall suddenly be destroyed and that without remedy Also mind well that the power to judge differences and to deale with Members lyeth in the Body the Church not in the Officers destinct a part from the Church This will plainly appear First because the Lord commands Mat. 18.17 That the offender and his offence be brought to the Church that they may judge it now the company of Elders are not the Church 1 Cor. 1.2 Therefore they have not the power apart from the Church Secondly the Apostle writing to the Church of the Corinthians commands them when they are gathered together in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ by the power of our Lord Jesus Christ to deliver the Fornicatour that had his fathers wife to Satan 1 Cor. 5. to the 6. Mark he doth not command the Elders to do it but the Congregation being gathered together to do it therefore the power lieth not in the Elders alone but in the Congregation Thirdly The Lord Christ saith that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise Lordship over them and their great ones exercise authority upon them but it shall not be so among you but whosoever will be great among you shall be your servant and whosoever will be cheife of you shall be servant of all Mark 10.42 43 44. And therefore the Elders who are the cheife servants are not to exercise Lordship over their Brethen therefore not to rule without the Body the Church for if they should rule without the Body it would be like that evill that Solomon spake of Eccl. 10.7 Servants upon horses and Princes walking as servants upon the earth and so indeed it hath been and is where the Pope and Lord Bishops and Presbytery hath the power they make the members of their National Generational way slaves to serve with great burdens and many of them are very ignorant But although it be so that the power lieth in every particular Body the Church to govern according to the word of Christ yet understand that with consent the Elders and Messengers are to rule in love and are to be obeyed by every particular member they exhorting and commanding duty and declaring the sence of the Church according to the word of Christ Heb. 13.7 17. and also the Body the Church may command the Elders or Pastours and Messengers to look to their Ministry which they have received in the Lord that they fulfil it Col. 4.17 And also note it is good and safe for a particular Church in things of high concernment to call for or desire help from sister Churches and so Messengers who are to take care of all Churches in an especial manner are to go in such cases Act. 15. Quest Hath not the Magistrates power in the Church to set apart her Officers and to punish Offenders as he seeth good yea with death if he please Answ No for Christ hath not said any where that he should so do now if Christ have not said it nor it be not in the Law and Testament as it is not it may not be Isa 8.20 Heb. 1.5 Nay for the Magistrate to set apart Officers in the Church crosseth the Law of Christ which is that the Church by a free choise should set them apart as it hath been shewed before Again Magistrates may not punish offenders as in point of conscience for Christ commands the contrary Mat. 13.30 38. For there he saith that the children of the kingdome and the children of the wicked one shall both grow together in the field of the world till the end yea the Jewes that blaspeme against Christ are to be suffered for they are beloved of God for their fathers sake though they be enemies to the Gospel Rom. 11.28 and when the fulness of the Gentiles is come in all Israel shall be saved as it is written ver 25 26. So then the Jewes be to have liberty that is plain therefore all ought to have liberty of conscience that 's as plain So then the Magistrate hath not any power in the Church more then any other member but the power lieth in the whole Church to cast out offenders as hath been shewed but in all civil affaires as all sins against the second Table yea in all things that be civil that helongs to the Common-wealth the Magistrate is supreme and the whole Church is to obey him and honour him as the supreme in every civil thing for the Lords sake 1 Pet. 2.13 14 15. paying custome to whom custome belongeth and tribute as he or they hath and doth appoint Mat. 22.21 Rom. 13. from ver 1. to 10. Yea let them not dispute who is Cheif Magistrate no not by any means by warr but rather submit to the cheif Magistrate in being in every Nation So then from all this that hath been said it doth appear and that very clearly yea most excellently from the Scriptures of truth that God is a God of love and mercy and is long suffering and the riches of his goodness and bounty doth abound most freely and graciously towards all men and would have none perish but would have all come to the knowledge of the truth and be saved and that the way of Christ is a way of love in that he laid down his life for all men yea though they were and are enemies he tenders the word of the Gospel even glad tydings of peace beseeching by himself and by his servants though they do abuse them to be reconciled to God O how meek and lowly in heart was the Lord Jesus how doth his love and goodness appear in that he being in the form of God thought it not robbery to be equal with him made himself of no reputation and took upon him the forme of a servant and was made in the likeness of man and being found in the fashion of a man he humbled himself and became obedient unto death even the death of the Cross And so the Lord of life and Glory by whom all things were created beseecheth the creature to be reconciled to God and so to obey him in love and walk up in the way of the Gospel which is a way of love for the love of God being spread abroad in the heart men having from the God of love received gifts the love of Christ constraineth to preach the Gospel and to feed the flock of Christ and to seek up them that go astray and the Saints in love minister and communicate unto them what they want and so Ministers are chosen in love and their Doctrin is heard in love and received in love and the poor relieved in love and them that sin are dealt with in love and their meetings of the Church and feasts are in love and their Communion in Breaking of Bread is in love so al duty is to be done without murmurings and disputings in love so Faith in Christ is available working by love so the children of God receive the kingdome as a reward in
love given by the God of love so all the way of Christ is a way of love his word is the Doctrine of love So let all the Saints conclude with the Spouse his mouth is most sweet yea he is altogether lovely Cant. 5.16 And so this way of love which is the good old way of the Gospel was of old at first confirmed by signs and wonders and with divers miracles and gifts of the holy Ghost according to his own will Heb. 2.4 Therefore let every man in the fear of God walk therein and they shall find rest for their Souls Jer. 6.16 Yea let every member of the Church of Christ put on the whole Armour of God having their loynes girt about with truth and their feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace and praying alwayes with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit and watching thereunto with all perseverance Eph. 5.13 14.15 16 17 18. O that every one would lay it to heart and with fear and trembling work out their Salvation for in these last dayes will be perrilous times 2 Tim. 3.1 and many that have tasted of the good word of God and been enlightned so as to beleeve the truth will fall away from grace yea from the true faith so as that eternal death will be their portion yea some have fallen from the faith therefore it is no new thing First the warnings in Scripture proves this exhorting men to take heed that they do not fall away from the grace of God Heb. 12.15 and these warnings and exhortations are given to such as have received the truth so as to believe as it appeareth Heb. 2.1 1 Cor 10. from 6. to 12. Heb. 3.12 reads it thus Take heed Brethren least at any time there be in any of you an evil heart and unfaithful to depart away from the living God Heb. 4.1 2 Pet. 1.5 Chap. 3.1 2 3. Jude 3. Rev. 3.2 3. All these are warnings given in Scripture and very many more might be brought which exhort men to take heed that they do not depart from the truth which would be in vain 2 Cor. 6.1 if men could not fall away therefore they may 1 Thes 3.5 Secondly Threatnings if any do fall away prove this Rev. 2.21 22 23. Hebr. 10.26 reads it thus If we sin willingly after that we have received the knowledge of the truth there remaineth no more Sacrifice for sin and chap. 6.4 5 6. is very full to this purpose 2 Pet. 2.20 21. For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ they are again intangled therein and overcome the latter end is worse with them then the beginning for it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness then after they have known it to turn fom the holy commandment delivered unto them Rev. 3.3 Ezek. 18.26 you may read also which plainly proves this point Thirdly This appears by examples in Scriptrue of some that did fall away from the truth yea from the true faith as Judas Matth. 26.25 Acts 1.17 18. and Demas 2 Tim. 4.10 and Balaam who spake excellent things by the help of the Spirit of God as the other Prophets of the Lord Numb 24. Jude 11 12. and some making shipwrack of faith and a good conscience 1 Tim. 1.19 and Hymeneus and Phyletus who concerning the truth have erred saying the resurrection is past already and overthrow the faith of some 2 Tim. 2.17 18. Fourthly The Scripture speaking prophetically faith expresly That in the latter times some shall depart from the Faith 1 Tim. 4.1 and 2 Tim 4.3 4. and 2 Thes 2.10 2 Pet. 2.1 Jud. 14 15 16. All these Scriptures do foretell of some yea many in the latter times shall fall away so as to depart from the faith and give heed to Doctrines of Devils and shall privily bring in damnable heresies even denying the Lord that bought them and many more places might be brought for this purpose Fifthly The Metaphors and Proverbs in Scripture proves this also as Prov. 26.11 Mat. 5.13 Mark 9.49 50. and Mat. 12.43 44. and 2 Pet. 2.20 21. that in Peter sheweth that they which have been freed of their vomit and have been washed yet turned as a Dog to it again as a Dog to the vomit again and the Sow to the wallowing in the mire Sixthly if this were not so no man could sin against the Spirit nor none could be Reprobates for the sin against the Spirit is a sin of knowledge and against the conscience they do that which they are convinced they ought not to do as it appeareth Mark 3.22 to 31. compared with John 7.20 28. And also no man can be a Reprobate except he have known the truth or sinned willingly against that he knoweth as it appears Rom. 1.28 2 Cor. 13.5 2 Tim. 3.8 Object But it is but a seeming faith they fall from as the Scripture saith Luk. 8.18 That shall be taken from him which he seemeth to have Answ That if it be but a seeming faith then they do well in falling from it but Paul saith to Timothy 1 Tim. 1.19 That some did make Shipwrack of Faith and a good conscience and he exhorteth Timothy to abide in that faith which others have made Shipwrack of And for that in Luke 8. the sence of it is that they that do enjoy the light or talent that is given them so as to hear the truth and seem to make a good use of it but do it not I say God will take away that Talent or light because he seemes to improve it but doth it not that this is so it will appear if you compare Luk. 8.16 17 18. with Mat. 13.12 and Chap. 25. from vers 24. to 30. Object But Paul saith that he is perswaded That neither Death nor Life nor Angels nor things present nor things to come nor any things could separate him from the love of God also he demands Who shall lay any thing to the charge of Gods Elect for God Justifieth Rom. 8. Answ Paul as he is a believer is parswaded that nothing shall be able to separate him from the love of God which is in Christ and so are all true believers perswaded but if they depart from the faith nay if they do not go on adding to their faith vertue and knowledge c. as it is 2 Pet. 1.5 6 7. they lose that perswasion as Paul acknowledgeth that he himself might become a cast-away if he kept not his body under subjection 1 Cor. 9.29 It is true none can lay any thing to the charge of Gods Elect for God doth and will justifie but there is no man or woman Elected but in and through beleeving 2 Thes 2.13 as it hath been shewed and will appear if you mind the Scriptures for the Apostle tells the Ephesians that they were Elected yet the Lord Jesus saith to them Rev. 25. that if they do not
their first works he would remove their candlestick and John exhorts the Elect Lady and her children to look to themselves that they lose not those things they have gained but that they receive a full reward 2 John 8. And so he that continues in the faith to the end he shall be saved for the just shall live by faith Heb. 10.38 But if any draw back my soul shall have no pleasure in him Object But it is impossible to deceive the very Elect therefore men cannot fall from the true faith Mat. 24.24 Answ Christ speaks of such as make their calling and election sure by adding to their faith vertue and to vertue knowledge and to knowledge temperance and to temperance patience c. abounding in the bringing forth of fruit giving all diligence to continue therein according to 2 Pet. 1.5 6 7 8 9 10 11. they that do so shall never fall for the Lord God will give grace and deliver them from the evil of temptation making a way to escape that they may be able to bear it and so there is no condemnation to them that walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit and so none can lay any thing to those that so through Grace persevere to the end God justifieth them who can condemn them yea an entrance shall be ministred unto them abundantly into the everlasting Kingdome of our Lord Psal 84.11 1 Cor. 10.13 Rom. 8. But Further observe that such as have believed the Truth and do run well are called The elect of God 1 John 1.8 and are written for Heaven in the Book of Life which is the New Testament if they go on adding as aforesaid but if they turn again to folly and so turn from the holy Commandement and so come to be dead yea twice dead their names are blotted out of the Book of Life Gal. 5.7 Exod. 32.33 Rev. 3.5 chap. 22.19 and this will be fulfilled upon many in these last dayes for Christ saith That false Christs and false Prophets shall arise and deceive many Matth. 24.5 11. Now if they were not in the way to life they could not be deceived for they cannot be deceived and led out of the way which were never in it so then this is the way of the new Covenant they that through grace walk up after it are written for life and them that do not abide in the truth of it are written for death for the Lord will be with men while they be with him but if they forsake him he will forsake them 2 Chron. 15.2 John 15.2 10. So men are elected in Christ through believing the truth but they that depart from the faith depart from their election and choice for God hath chosen the godly man for himself not persons simply but godly persons and decreed to save them that so make use of his Grace so as to hold fast their confidence to the end Hebr. 3.6 and no other Object But the gifts and calling of God are without repentance Rom. 11.29 Answ It is true For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life John 3.16 And while we were yet sinners Christ died for us Rom. 5.8 So that God gave his Son freely for the world and so he cals men freely to believe that Christ died for them and gives time and space to all to hear and repent and this he doth whether men believe and repent or no so it is Christs death that makes the peace with God but it is made out by Faith Rom. 4.16 And so eternal life is the gift of God through Jesus Christ our Lord for in and through Christs death comes forth the glad tydings of Peace and so by him are all things 1 Cor. 8.6 for in him we live and move and have our being and by Christs death we are saved alive and are made able to believe so that justification is not of works but meerly of grace yet understand that Scripture in Rom. 11.29 speaks of the house of Israel how that the Lord God hath decreed to call the Jews and the whole House of Israel and make them one Nation and a glorious People and of this he will not repent But for the clearing up of this understand that when the fulness of the Gentiles is come in then the Deliverer shall come to Sion and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob Isai 59.20 Rom. 11.26 Christ the Redeemer shall come and gather the out-cast of Israel and the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth Isai 11.12 And make the two Nations of Israel one Nation neither shall they be divided into two Kingdomes any more at all Ezek. 37.22 And perform the good thing to Israel even the new Covenant according to that in Jer. 31. Behold the dayes come saith the Lord that I will make a new Covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah not according to the Covenant that I made with their Fathers when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the Land of Egypt which my Covenant they brake although I was an Husband unto them saith the Lord But this shall be the Covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those dayes saith the Lord I will put my Law in their inward parts and write it in their hearts and will be their God and they shall be my people and they shall not teach every man his neighbor and every man his brother saying know the Lord for all shall know me from the least of them to the greatest of them saith the Lord for I will forgive their iniquity and I will remember their sin no more And so a Nation even all them that remain of Israel shall be born at once and so all Israel shall be saved Isai 66.8 9 10. Rom. 11.26 27 28 29 30 31 32. Object But if any should say That these Scriptures were made good unto Israel when they returned from the Captivity of Babylon Answ That cannot be because both the Houses of Israel returned not at that time and so could not be made one Nation but when these Promises are made good the two Nations are made one and shall abide so forever and shall be moved no more at all out of their own Land Jer. 31.40 Consider well the 37. of Ezekiel especially from the 16. verse to the end Also it cannot be that these Scriptures can be fulfilled in the conversion of the Gentiles they being so made Jews for these Promises are made to the House of Israel and the House of Judah and the converted Gentiles are not called the House of Israel and the House of Judah in no place of Scripture Thirdly These things that are here promised to Israel and Judah cannot be made good to the Gentiles because the fulness of the Gentiles is to be come in when these things shall be made good to Israel Rom. 11.25