your fathers did so do ye Acts 7.51 Now that which makes men do this be these six things 1. Worldly Interest 2. Self-conceit 3. A blind Subjection to others 4. Pride of Heart 5. Satan's Policy 6. Education These make men have an implacable hatred to all that is good When men are governed by these they imploy their rage and fury against the faithful With the greater part of Mankind these are so powerful that nothing but the mighty power of God is able to overcome them and to rescue men from their force It will require a measure of the extraordinary graces of Gods Spirit to be poured out And this is that good work which the Lord works in the Souls of men by his holy Spirit He works in them his own Image his own holy Will Power and Strength Knowledge and Understanding a love to God and a delight in him He makes them new Creatures and leads them into the paths of truth and righteousness This is a victory and this victory overcometh the world even our faith 1 Joh. 5.4 And when he is come he will reprove the world of sin of righteousness of judgment Of sin because they believe not on me Of righteousness because I go to my father and ye see me no more Of judgment because the Prince of this world is judged I have yet many things to say unto you but ye cannot bear them now Howbeit when he the spirit of truth is come he will guide you into all truth for he shall not speak of himself but whatsoever he shall hear that shall he speak and he will shew you things to come John 16.8 to 13. 3. The Saint is the Seeker Ask and it shall be given you seek and ye shall find knock and it shall be opened unto you Mat. 7.7 And shall not God avenge his own elect which cry day and night unto him though he bear long with them Luke 18.7 There is a three-fold cry that enters into the ears of the God of Sabbaoth The cry of Blood Rev. 6.10 The cry of Prayer Isa 19.20 The cry of Sin James 5.4 This is that cry which taketh peace from the Earth This is that which turns the World upside down This is that which brings the great Earthquake that makes the Cities of the Nations to fall This is that which breaks the Arm and the Bow of the wicked and turns their counsels into foolishness This is that which makes distress of Nations with perplexity the Sea and the Waves roaring mens hearts failing them for fear and for looking after those things which are coming upon the Earth for the poâ—â—rs of Heaven shall be shaken What wonderful things have been done by Prayeâ— and if tâ—â—re â—e but a Spirit of Prayer â—â—pt up in Gods people the abomination of desolation will not be able to stand before them Mat. 24.15 Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain and it rained not upon the Earth by the space of three years and six months and he prayed again and the heaven gave rain and the earth brought forth her fruit James 5.17 18. 3. The Church of God shall consume the Kingdoms of the world by the Word of truth And I saw and behold a white horse and he that sate on him had a bow and a Crown was given unto him and he went forth conquering and to conquer Rev. 6.2 This Conqueror is the Lamb the Lord Jesus Christ and this Conquest he makes by the Sword. But what Sword is it not a carnal Sword but by the Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God Eph. 6.17 And out of his mouth goeth a sharp Sword that with it he should smite the nations Rev. 19.15 For the Word of God is quick and powerful and sharper than a two edged Sword piercing even to the dividing asunder of Soul and Spirit and of the Joynts and Marrow and is a discerner of the thoughts and the intents of the heart Heb. 4.12 When the Blessed Jesus came in the form of a Servant he spake from Heaven the Word of truth Whose voice then shook the earth but now he hath promised saying Yet once more I shake not the earth only but also heaven and this word yet once more signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken as of things that are made that those things which cannot be shaken may remain Heb. 12.26 The Word of truth is that which shakes the Devils Kingdom and Antichrist's Kingdom it shakes mens Foundations and their strong Holds their Refuges and Confidences And when the Lord lifts up his Name and makes his holy Arm bare his Power known by the Word of Truth and brings in his grace into the Souls of men and works in them by his Spirit his own Will his own Nature his Righteousness and holy Fear this is that which cannot be shaken and this is that which breaks in pieces and consumes hard and stony Hearts blind and dark minds carnal and fleshly Wisdom fierce and Lion-like Spirits This changeth mens Natures into a Lamb-like Spirit as the Prophet speaketh The Wolf also shall dwell with the Lamb and the Leopard shall lye down with the Kid and the Calf and the young Lion and the Fatling together and a little Child shall lead them And the Cow and the Bear shall feed their young ones shall lye down together and the Lion shall eat Straw like the Oxe And the suckling Child shall play on the hole of the Asp and the weaned Child shall put his hand on the Cockatrice den they shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain for the Earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the Waters cover the Sea Isa 11.6 7 8 9. When sin shall be done away and iniquity shall be finished when the Tribes of the Earth shall be rent from the power of darkness and the everlasting Gospel shall be preach'd to all nations under Heaven then none shall hurt and destroy in all thy holy mountain Let no man deceive you by any means for that day shall not come except there come a falling away first and that man of sin be revealed the son of perdition who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped so that he as God sitteth in the Temple of God shewing himself that he is God. Remember ye not that when I was yet with you I told you these things And now ye know what with-holdeth that he might be revealed in his time For the Mystery of Iniquity doth already work only he who now letteth will lett until he be taken out of the way And then shall that wicked be revealed whom the Lord shall consume with the Spirit of his Mouth and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming 2 Thes 2.3 to 8. The Apostle Paul having the Spirit of God did in that Spirit tell these Thessalonians what should come
gates that the righteous nation which keepeth the truth may enter in Isa 26.2 But ye are a chosen generation a royal priesthood an holy nation a peculiar people that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light 1 Pet. 2.9 The Church of God is a righteous Nation that keeps the truth a holy Nation that shews forth the praises of God This is a nation out of every nation and a people out of every people and are redeemed from the earth and from amongst men and hast made us unto our God Kings and Priests and we shall reign on the earth Rev. 5.9 10. O what Nation so wise and great as this Nation What so excellent and blessed as this Nation Blessed with all Spiritual Blessings in Christ Jesus Every Believer is a living Stone of the holy City a living Son of the Free-woman a true Member of the heavenly Jerusalem the Mother of all the Saints the Womb that brings them all forth these are called and chosen out of all Nations Then Peter opened his mouth and said Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons But in every nation he that feareth him and worketh righteousness is accepted with him Acts 10.34 35. Thirdly The Church of Christ is called a Common-wealth That at that time â—e were without Christ being aliens from the â—ommon-wealth of Israel and strangers from â—he covenants of promise having no hope and â—ithout God in the world Eph. 2.12 O â—hat a blessed Common-wealth is this â—hey are all Free-men there are no Aliens nor Strangers nor Forreigners â—mongst them God is the Father of this Countrey the Master of this Family the Walls and Bulwarks of this Land For I saith the Lord will be unto her a wall of fire â—ound about and will be the glory in the midst of her Zech. 2.5 Christ Jesus is the Head of this Body the Law-giver to this people the Captain of their Salvation â—he Spirit of God leads them into all truth â—nd fills them with joy in believing and with an increase of Grace and the supplies of the Spirit this Spirit comforts them when they are sad and helps and assists â—hem when they are at the throne of Grace this holy Spirit applies all that to â—hem which Christ hath purchased for â—hem it carries up their desires to God â—nd brings that peace from God that â—asseth all understanding Every Memâ—er of this Common-wealth is a trader â—or Heaven and he drives that Trade which is sure and certain he lays up treasures in Heaven But lay up for your selveâ— treasures in Heaven where neither moth noâ— rust doth corrupt and where thieves do noâ— break through nor steal Mat. 6.20 Richeâ— and honour are with me yea durable richeâ— and righteousness Prov. 8.18 Every Child of God hath a treasure and thaâ— treasure is in a secure place thieves cannot come nigh it nor rust cannot hurt it nor moth cannot destroy it This treasurâ— is in Heaven but while Believers are on Earth they have this treasure in hope anâ— in Faith in Expectation and in the Promise and in Reversion and a full Assurance of all this having the Earnest oâ— the Spirit and of the Inheritance Whâ— hath also sealed us and given the earnest oâ— the Spirit in our hearts 2 Cor. 1.22 Whicâ— is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession unto thâ— praise of his glory Eph 1.14 Thus yoâ— see the Church is a Kingdom a Nation and a Common-wealth Secondly I shall shew you who it waâ— that should set up this Kingdom thâ— God of Heaven the ever living anâ— blessed God. He hath made the Eartâ— by his Power he hath established thâ— World by his Wisdom and hath stretcâ—ed out the Heavens by his Discretioâ— He founded Zion and the poor of his people shall trust in it Isa 14.32 And now breâ—hren I commend you to God and to the Word of his grace which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all â—hem which are sanctified Acts 20.32 And upon this rock I will build my Church and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it Mat. 16.18 This is the Pillar of Truth that God hath set up 1 Tim. 3.15 This is the house that God hath built a spiritual house of lively stones This is that Church which God hath purchased with his own blood Hands did not set it up and hands cannot pull it down That the Reader may know this God of Heaven let him consider and see his Power and Wisdom in his Works His Mercy and Goodness in his Provâ—dences His Love and Grace in his Word First See his Power and Wisdom in his Works God hath laid his Works before us that in them we may see his Eternal Power and Godhead For the â—nvisible things of him from the Creation of â—he World are clearly seen being understood by the things that are made even his Eternal Power and Godhead So that they are withâ—ut excuse Rom. 1.20 This Text shews us plainly four things 1. There are some things of God that are invisible 2. These invisible things of God are clearly seen from the Creation of the World. 3. These invisible things of God are manifest and understood by the things that are made even his Eternal Power and Godhead 4. This leaves men without excuse O how great and glorious is the Power and Wisdom of God! by his power he cleav'd the Earth with Rivers and by his Power he placed the Sands for the bounds of the Sea by a perpetual decree that the Waters cannot pass over by his Power Birds fly and by his Power Fishes swim by his Power Grass and other things of the Earth grow and by his Power the Stars of Heaven move and the Sun runs its race The Heavens declare the glory of God and the Firmament sheweth his handy work Day unto day uttereth speech and night unto night sheweth knowledge Psalm 19.1 2 that glory which is above all expressions and beyond all apprehensions God speaks to the Inhabitants of the Earth by heavenly bodies Day unto day they utter speech and night unto night they shew knowledge Though Nations understand not one anothers Language yet all Nations understand this Language that God speaks to them by the works of his hands these all shine out gloriously they move orderly and continue to all generations they are as glorious now as they were the first moment that they were made and came out of the hand of God this is that which the Lord hath divided unto all Nations under the whole Heaven Deut. 4.19 namely the Sun Moon and Stars not that men should worship them but admire and praise that God that made them and if the Pavement of Heaven be so glorious O what then is that glory which is within Of all ingredients Light is the most excellent this is that makes one Star differ from another in glory O
Lord how manifold are thy Works in Wisdom hast thou made them all Psalm 104.24 Secondly See his mercy and goodness in his providences God holds the whole frame of Nature in his hand from the highest Angels to the lowest Worm they are all under his care He exerciseth a providence in the Government of the whole World He ruleth in the Kingdoms of Men and giveth it to whomsoever he will He is wonderful in counsel glorious in Holiness rich in Mercy high in Power and yet full of Pity and Compassion like as a Father pitieth his Children so the Lord pitieth them that fear him and he pitieth them most when they are in trouble and in distress under sore afflictions and great tryals When the Lord smites a Land with drought when the Heaven over our Heads is as Brass and the Earth that is under us as Iron Deut. 28.23 the Grass of the fields burnt up and the Beasts of the Earth languish mens Hearts failing them for fear Hosea 4.3 O what shall we do for Rain the fruits of the Earth will be destroyed and we fear a Famine when it is thus with a Land or Nation who can help them who can save them but the God of Heaven then he makes his power known and calleth for the Waters of the Sea and poureth them out upon the face of the Earth Amos 5.8 then the God of Heaven gives Rain from Heaven In that he doâ—h good and gives us Rain from Heaven and fruitful seasons filling our Hearts with food and gladness Acts 14.17 Ships that go upon the great and wide Sea from Nation to Nation are often wind bound and cannot make their way and sometimes lie at their Anchor for want of a fair wind many days and weeks the poor sea-men look out and look up to Heaven for a Wind that they may proceed on their Voyage then they are troubled saying O! that we had a fair wind to carry us to our desired port then the Lord sheweth his mercy and goodness to them in turning the wind and brings it about and carrys them to their desired haven then they are glad and rejoyce and bless and praise his holy name that bringeth forth the Wind out of his Treasures Jer. 10.13 So when they meet with foul weather at sea and are in great distress and danger of being cast away the Sea working the Waters standing up like so many Mountains the Wind bearing hard on them then all hopes of life and safety are taken from them then fear seizeth them and the thoughts of drowning terrifies them O! we shall go down to the bottom of the Sea and we are afraid we shall rise up again in the flames of Hell then they unto the Lord do cry for help when none can help them but the God of Heaven he speaks to the Winds and bids them be still and they obey him and to the raging Sea and the Waters become quiet and still Then they see the works of the Lord and his wonders in the deep his goodness and mercies towards them See the 107 Psalm Thirdly See his love and grace in his word More to be desired are they than Gold yea than much fine Gold sweeter also than honey and the honey comb moreover by them is thy Servant warned and in keeping of them there is great reward Psalm 19.10 11. The Prophet Micah makes an enquiry and the enquiry is this What will please the Lord Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of Rams or with ten thousands of Rivers of Oyl Micah 6.7 Now if nothing less than this will please the Lord then the Rich would be happy and the poor would be miserable But the Prophet puts it farther Shall I give my first born for my transgression the fruit of my Body for the Sin of my Soul verse 7. Poor People though they have not thousands of Rams and ten thousands of Rivers of Oyl yet they have a great many Children to take care of and to provide for though they are their comforts yet they are their care and trouble to feed them and cloth them therefore to part with these if the Lord should require it of them as he did of Abraham And he said Take now thy Son thine onely Son Isaac whom thou lovest and get thee into the land of Moriah and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the Mountains which I will tell thee Gen. 22.2 Would they not willingly do it and say Here they are Lord take them if this will please thee O see here his love and grace in the next words He hath shewed thee O man what is good and what dâ—th the Lord require of thee but to do Justly and to love Mercy and to walk Humbly with thy God verse 8. O! see here thousands of Rams and ten thousands of Rivers of Oyl are not required of thee nor thy first Born nor the fruit of thy Body this is not required of thee but to do Justly and to love Mercy and to walk Humbly with thy God this is that which is required of thee This is that good which the Lord hath shewed us We have many to serve but one to please and that is God he followeth us with his Mercies and shall not we follow him by Prayer and Praises He multiplies his mercies that he may preserve us and he magnifies his mercies that he may save us The Lord will not allow that the wise man should glory in his wisdom nor the mighty man to glory in his might nor the rich man to glory in his riches Jeremiah 9.23 a man would think that if any men under Heaven might glory these might do it and yet let not the wise man let not the mighty man let not the rich man glory in his riches nor the mighty man glory in his might nor the wise man glory in his wisdom If these men may not glory who then may glory see v. 24. But let him that glorieth glory in this that he understandeth and knoweth me that I am the Lord which exercise loving Kindness Judgment and Righteousness in the Earth for in these things I delight saith the Lord. A child of God may glory but a child of wrath may not a Son may glory but a Slave may not a Saint may glory but a Sinner may not he that glorieth in worldly-wisdom glorieth in foolishness hath not God made foolishness the wisdom of this world For the world by wisdom knew not God 1 Cor. 1.20 31. He that glorieth in carnal might glorieth in nothing he bringeth the Princes to nothing Isai 40.23 he that glorieth in earthly riches glorieth in that which is not Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not For riches certainly make themselves wings they fly away as an Eagle towards Heaven Prov. 23.5 Will men then glory in so little This is the glory of Vanity This is the glory of Pride which the Lord will stain The Lord of Hosts hath purposed it to
â—anities saith the Preacher vanity of vaniâ—ies all is vanity Eccles 1.2 What is there â—n this World but vanity what is this World but vanity 1. Mens thoughts are vain The Lord â—noweth the thoughts of man that they are â—anity Psalm 94.11 2. Their words are vain For when â—hey speak great swelling words of vanity they â—llure through the lusts of the flesh through â—uch wantonness 1 Pet. 2.18 3. Their labours are vain And the â—eople shall labour in vain Isa 51.58 4. Their devices and imaginations arâ— vain Why do the Heathen rage and thâ— People imagine a vain thing Psal 2.1 5. Their customs are vain For thâ— customs of the people are vain Jer. 10.3 6. Their Conversations are vain That yâ— henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walked in the vanity of their mind Eph. 4.17 Foâ— as much as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things from your vaiâ— conversations received by tradition from youâ— fathers 1 Pet. 1.18 7. Their Doctrines are vain Jer. 10.8 That we henceforth be no more Children tossed to and fro and carried about witâ— every wind of Doctrine by the sleight of menâ— and cunning craftiness whereby they lye iâ— wait to deceive Eph. 4.14 8. Their Religion is vain If any maâ— among you seem to be religious and bridletâ— not his tongue but deceiveth his own heartâ— this mans religion is vain James 1.26 9. Their Worship is vain But in vaiâ— they do worship me teaching for doctrines thâ— commandments of men Mat. 15.9 10. Their Hopes are vain Behold thâ— hope of him is in vain Job 41.9 And thâ— Hypocrites hope shall perish Job 8.13 How vain then is this World it is Vanity all Vanity and nothing but Vanity Behold and see it in these postures First See the World lying It lyes and it lyes in wickedness The whole world â—yes in wickedness 1 John 5.19 Many of Gods dear Children have lain in Prisons â—n Dungeons in Dens and Caves of the Earth of whom the World was not worthy Heb. 11.38 But the World the whole World it lyes and it lyes in wickedness Secondly See the World walking Surely every man walketh in a vain shew Psalm 39.6 They walk in a shew and â—his shew is vain We may see a World of people walking but what way do they walk in and whither are they going See Mat. 7. Enter ye in at the strait gate for â—ide is the gate and broad is the way that â—eadeth to destruction and many there be â—hich go in thereat Thirdly See the World standing it â—tands but not steddy not fast it reels â—nd staggers and shakes The Earth shall â—â—el to and fro like a Drunkard and shall be â—emoved like a Cottage and the transgression â—hereof shall be heavy upon it and it shall â—all and not rise again Isa 24.20 And â—e maketh them to stagger like a drunken man â—ob 12.25 I will shake all nations and â—he desire of all nations shall come Hag. 2.7 The World shakes like a Tree that is shaken with a mighty wind But the wicked are like the troubled Sea when it cannot rest whose waters cast up mire and dirt Isa 57 20. If the World lyes then it is in wickedness If the World walks then it is in the broad way that leads to destruction If the world stands then it is reeling staggering shaking and troubled that it cannot rest O what then will it profit a man to gain a vain world and lose his precious Soul The World makes a shew but it makes no man happy Can a shew a vain shew make a man really happy But this I say Brethren the time is short it remaineth that both they that have wives be as though they had none and they that weep as though they wept not and they that rejoice as though they rejoiced not and they that buy as though they possessed not and they that use this world as not abusing it for the fashion of this world passeth away 1 Cor. 7.29 30 31. Is not this the fashion of this World The Courtiers they thirst after Honour the Lawyers they thirst after Riches the Tradesmen they thirst after gain the Gallants of the times they thirst after pleasures Persecutors they thirst after filthy Lucre. And I will say to my Soul Soul thou hast much goods laid up for many years take thine ease eat drink and be merry but God said unto him Thou fool this night thy Soul be required of thee then whose shall those things be which thou hast provided Luke 12.19 20. This was a Crimson fool a scarlet fool a fool upon record the mouth of wisdom called him fool of this sort of fools a Saint may find and see every where in the World. Some men would want less if they had less they would enjoy more if they had not so much The World that looks so great now will appear to be but little when men come to die that which now allures them will then torment them that which now fills their hearts will then disquiet their minds Deliver my Soul from the wicked which is thy Sword and from men which are thy hand O Lord from men of the World which have their portion in this life and whose belly thou fillest with thy hid treasure Psal 17.13 14. If a man look into the World amongst all sorts of People what can he see in it but vanity and vexation of spirit men labouring for that which cannot satisfie nor save them from wrath to come they are things that perish the world is a vain shew and the fashion of it passeth away For all Nations before him are as nothing and they are counted to him less than nothing and vanity Isa 40.17 Sixthly It is a prejudiced world of the many evils the world lies under this of prejudice is not the least when people are possessed and filled with prejudice against God's holy Ways his Truth and Worship and against them that love and fear the Lord it is then a very hard matter to prevail with them to hear the Truth and to receive it The world hath a great prejudice against the people of God. First Because they are but a few to the rest of the world You that are but a few say they Are you wiser than all the world you that are the least in number are you wiser than the most Are you wiser than our Fore-fathers were They did do as we do now they did walk as we walk now and they did believe as we do believe now and we are very certain that they were in the right And the King of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat There is yet one man by whom we may enquire of the Lord but I hate him for he never prophesied good unto me but always evil the same is Macaiah the Son of Jimla 2 Chron. 18.7 Because strait is the gate and narrow is thâ— way which leadeth unto life and few therâ— be that find it Mat. 7.14 Now because the people of God
under Christ Jesus the Captain of our Salvation fighting under him against the Devil and the World against Sin and Lust against Principalities and Powers against the Rulers of the darkness of this World Eph. 6.12 Every Saint is a petitioner and a wrestler with God by prayer and supplication for the peace and happiness of the Church Every Saint is a labourer and a worker together with God that Gods glory may be advanced and his holy name lifted up in the Earth that his ways may be made known to all Nations and his saving health to all people that the work of God may go on and prosper in these Nations which the Lord hath begun and hath been carrying on these many years that Babylon may become a desolation and the hissing and loathing of all Nations and the Zion of God may become the joy and praise of the whole Earth and this is the Faith and Hope and Desires of all Gods people Fourthly From the Enemies of God Surely there is no enchantment against Jacob neither is there any divination against Israel according to this time it shall be said of Jacob and of Israel what hath God wrought Numb 23.23 The Pharisees therefore said among themselves Perceive ye how ye prevail nothing behold the world is gone after him John 12.19 And now I say unto you Refrain from these men and let them alone for if this counsel or this work be of men it will come to nought but if it be of God ye cannot overthrow it lest haply ye be found even to fight against God Acts 5.38 39. We have here a Cloud of Witnesses the Testimonies of good men that the True Church shall stand for ever and here are also the sayings of bad men and it is agreed on all hands That the Church of Christ cannot be destroyed but it shall stand for ever Can men pull out the Rocks that are in the Sea with their Teeth Can men blow away the Mountains of the Earth with their Breath Can men reach up to Heaven with their Hands Can men dry up the great and wide Sea where Ships go from Nation to Nation Can men draw a Curtain before the Sun that it shall not shine on the Earth Can men Seal up the Wind that it shall not blow where it listeth Alas this will be soon granted by all that men the greatest of men cannot do any of these things surely then men cannot â—estroy the Church of God for the Lord God is a Wall of Fire round about it For I sâ—ith the Lord will be unto her a wall of fire round about anâ— will be the glory in the midst of her Zech. 2.5 One of the seven Angels shewed St John two things which made him wonder with great admiration And he carried me away in the Spirit into the Wildernâ—ss And I saw a Woman sit uâ—on a Scâ—rlet coloured Beast full of Names and Blasphemy having sâ—ven Heads and ten Horns And the Woman was arayed in Purple and Scarlet colour and decked with Gold and precious Stones and Pearls having a Golden Cup in her Hand full of Abominations and filtâ—iness of her Fornication And upon her Forehead was a Name written Mystery Babylon the Great the Mother of Harlots and Abominations of the Earth And I saw the Woman drunken with the Blood of the Saints and with the Blood of the Martyrs of Jesus And when I saw her I wondered with great admiration Rev. 17.3 to 6. But where did John see this sight In the Wilderness And have not many Thousands of Gods faithful Servants seen the same sight in the Wilderness which John saw since that time and are still liâ—e to see until the Mystery of God be finished and the Mystery of Iniquity be removed In the Second place There came one of the sâ—vâ—n Angels which had the seven Vials full of the seven last Plagues and talked with me saying Come hither I will shâ—w thee the Bride the Lambs Wife And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high Mountain and shewed me that great City the Holy Jerusalem descending out of Heavâ—n from God having the glory of God And her light was like unto a Stone most precious even like a Jasper Stone clear as Crystal and had a Wall great and high and had twelve Gates and at the Gates twelve Angels and names writtâ—n thereon which are the Names of the twelve Tribes of the Children of Israel On the East three Gates on the North three Gates on the South thrâ—e Gates on the West three Gates And the Wall of the City had twelve Foundations and in them the Names of the twelve Apostles of the Lamb. And he that talkeâ— with me had a Golden Reed to mâ—asure the Ci y and the Gates thereof and the Walls thereof And the City lyeth four-square and tâ—e length is as large as the br dth And he measured the City with the Reed twelve Thousand Furlongs The length the br dâ—h and the heighth of it are equal And he measured the Wâ—ll thereof an hundred and forty and four Cubits accordiâ—g to the measure of a man that is of the Angel. And the building of the Wall of it was of Jasper and the City was pure Gold like unto clear Glass And the Foundations of the Wall of the City were garnished with all manner of precious Stones The first Foundation was Jasper the second Saphir the third a Chalcedony the fourth an Emâ—rald the fifth a Sardonix the sixth Sardius the seventh Chrysolite the eighth Beryl the ninth a Topaz the tenth a Chrisoprasus the eleventh a Jacâ—nct the twelfth an Amethyst And the twelve Gates were twelve Pearls every several Gate was of one Pearl and the Street of the City was pure Gold as it were transparent Glass And I saw no Temple therein for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the Temple of it Rev. 21.9 to 22. As the first sight which St. Joâ—n saw here was dreadful and terrible that made him wonder with great admiration to see a Woman drunk with Blood the Blood of Saints and Martyrs of Jesus And after this he saw another sight the Bride the Lambs Wife that great City the Hâ—l Jerusalem descending out of Heaven from God! having the glory of God! and the City lyeth four square Now 〈◊〉 was a glorious and a delightful thing to behold â—â—ere is want of words and want in words to express the glory of it There is a vast difference between good and evil light and darkness the works of the Flesh and the fruits of the Spirit the table of the Lord and the table of Devils the Temple of the Holy Ghost and the Synagogue of Satan between the Mystery of God and the Mystery of Iniquity Babylon and Zion the True Church and the Mother of Harlots The True Church may be known by its Purity by its Poverty by its Sufferings by it s not Conforming to this World by its Patience under sore and great Tryals by its keeping the Commandments of God and having the Testimony of Jesus Christ and his Fathers Name written in their Foreheads by the Victory it obtaineth over all Enemies And they overcame him by the Blood of the Lamb and by the Word of their Testimony and they loved not their lives unto the death Rev. 12.11 And upon this Rock I will build my Church and the Gates of Hell shall not prevail against it Mat. 16.18 Every Son and Daughter of this Church is a living Member and a fruitful Member and a holy Member and an enlightned Member a growing Member a sympathizing Member a praying Membâ—r a useful Member and a sanctified Member But we are bound to give thanks to God alway for you Brethren beloved of the Lord because God hath from the beginning chosen you to Salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the Truth 2 Thes 2.13 There is one Body and one Spirit even as ye are called in one hope of your Calling One Lord one Faith one Baptism one God and Father of all who is above all and through all and in you all But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ Eph. 4.4 5 6 7. Now he that hath an Ear let him hear FINIS
The third step Read much and often the Scriptures of truth if thou art willing they will direct thee if weak they will strengthen thee if troubled they will comfort thee if tempted they will assist thee if assaulted they will defend thee if distressed they will relieve thee if wavering they will confirm thee The Law of the Lord is perfect converting the soul The Testimony of the Lord is sure making wise the simple The Statutes of the Lord are right rejoycing the heart The Commandment of the Lord is pure enlightning the eyes Moreover by them is thy servant warned and in keeping of them there is great reward Psal 19.7 8 11. And that from a child thou hast known the holy Scriptures which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus 2 Tim. 3.15 And this voice which came from Heaven we heard when we were with him in the holy Mount. We have also a more sure word of prophesie whereunto ye do well that ye take heed as unto a light that shineth in a dark place until the day dawn and the day-star arise in your hearts 2 Pet. 1.18 19. Consider well these six things 1. The Authority of the Scriptures 2. The Power of the Scriptures 3. The Excellency of the Scriptures 4. The Truth of the Scriptures 5. The Comfort of the Scriptures 6. The Benefit of the Scriptures O dwell much upon this The fourth step Keep thy self from lewd and wicked people bad company is infectious it hath poysoned and destroyed many it maketh men bold to commit the greatest wickedness The sad effects of this is too often seen and heard at the place of execution of Malefactors who do there lament their miserable ends and desire that all others may take warning by them and not to keep lewd and wicked company as they had done which had led them into all wickedness and had brought them to that shameful end which shews it self in the sad looks they then put on and the sorrowful words they then speak and doleful crys they then make O! refrain from lewd men and women and from every evil way The keeping of bad company hath brought many men to shame and poverty to disgrace and to everlasting misery O! flie from this as from a Lion as from people that have plague-sores upon them as from poison that is set before thee in a dish And with many other words did he testifie and exhort saying Keep your selves from this untoward generation Acts 2.40 Wherefore come out from among them and be ye separate saith the Lord and touch not the unclean thing and I will receive you and will be a Father unto you and ye shall be my Sons and Daughters saith the Lord Almighty 2 Cor. 6.17 18. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness but rather reprove them Ephes 5.11 Let them be thy companions that fear the Lord and keep his Commandments and walk in the way of truth and righteousness For the path of the just shines as the perfect day and he that walketh with the wise shall be wise The fifth step Hear and hearken carefully to the voice of God that speaketh to thee and in thee This voice is from Heaven and it speaketh peace and good will to men on Earth Every man hath in him a Teacher and this Teacher is from God. The spirit of man is the Candle of the Lord searching all the inward parts of the belly Prov. 20.27 Say not in thine heart Who shall ascend into Heaven that is to bring Christ down from above or who shall descend into the deep that is to bring up Christ again from the dead But what saith it The word is nigh thee even in thy mouth and in thy heart that is the word of faith which we preach Rom. 10.6 7 8. Which shew the work of the Law written in their hearts their conscience also bearing witness and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another Rom. 2.15 God hath shewed thee O man what is good and what doth the Lord require of thee but to do justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with thy God Micah 6.8 And if a man continueth in well-doing he hath peace and joy in the Holy Ghost but if he do that which is evil then his Conscience accuseth him and reproacheth him And if he continue in it then Conscience condemns him and lays him under condemnation and will be a witness against him For if our heart condemn us God is greater than our heart and knoweth all things Beloved if our heart condemn us not then have we confidence towards God 1 John 3.20 21. If men cannot stand under the guilt of their Consciences here in this life there is little hopes that such men will be able to stand before God in the next life upon which the happiness or miseries of another state do depend The sixth step Imploy thy thoughts strength and time to make thy Calling and Election sure Wherefore the rather brethren give diligence to make your Calling and Election sure For if ye do these things ye shall never fall 2 Pet. 1.10 Therefore my beloved brethren be ye stedfast unmoveable always abounding in the work of the Lord forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord 1 Cor. 15.58 Heaven is won or lost on Earth There are treasures of grace in Christ Jesus and this grace hath appeared to all men and this grace is sufficient it is the grace of God O strive to gain this grace that it may give thee a title to the heavenly glory This grace is so excellent that it teacheth men that denying all ungodliness and worldly lusts they should live soberly righteously and godly in this present world Tit. 2.11 12. Now if thou wilt but take these steps towards Heaven then thou wilt be blessed in life and happy at death and glorious after death The principal design of this small Treatise is to comfort the people of God the subject whereof is exceeding weighty and of great use to all that desire to know the truth as it is in Jesus None can say of this as the man said of the Axe-head that fell into water And he cryed and said alas Master for it was borrowed 2 Kings 6.5 I have not entered into other mens labours neither have I built upon their foundations but upon the Prophets and the Apostles Christ Jesus himself being the chief Corner-stone Eph 2.20 If any shall say of this when they have read it that this man or that man could have done it much better I wish then they had done it Every one cannot be excellent who yet may be useful However it is not yet the twelfth hour there is yet time and room in the Lords Vineyard for others to come iâ— and labour also So far have I been led into these things I will detain thee no longer but intreat thee to accept this
110.1 Christ Jesus the Son of God expects this From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool Heb. 10.18 All the Saints of God live in the faith of this that all enemies will be made Christ Jesus's footstool let one then speak for all the rest the Apostle Paul For he must reign till he hath put all enemies under his feet 1 Cor. 15.25 The Prophet Isaiah hath spoken of good and great things to come And it shall come to pass in the last days that the Mountain of the Lord's house shall be established in the top of the Mountains and shall be exalted above the Hills and all Nations shall flow â—nto it Isa 2.2 See here five things 1. The true Church is the House of God 1 Tim. 3.15 Heb. 3.6 2. This House is a Mountain Jer. 31. v. 23. Isa 2.3 3. This Mountain of the Lord's House shall be established in the top of the Mountains and exalted above the Hills Micah 4.1 4. All Nations shall flow unto it They shall ask the way to Zion with their faces thitherward saying Come let us joyn our selves to the Lord in a perpetual Covenant that shall not be forgotten Isa 50.5 5. Of the time when It shall be in the last days Isa 2.2 The Prophet Daniel that was after Isaiah spake of this glory And the Stone that smote the Image became a great Mountain and filled the whole Earth Dan. 2.35 And there was given unto him dominion and glory and a Kingdom that all People Nations and Languages should serve him his dominion is an everlasting dominion which shall not pass away and his Kingdom that which shall not be destroyed Dan. 7.14 The holy Saint John that was long after Daniel saw this glory more clearly and hath shew'd it more fully And the seventh Angel sounded and there wâ—re great voices in Heaven saying The Kingdoms of this world are become the Kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ and he shall reign for ever and ever Rev. 11.15 For all Nations shall come and worship before thee Rev. 5.4 1. Here is then all Nations not a part but all not some out of all Nations but 〈◊〉 Nations 2. They shall come to him that is the desire of all Nations Hag. 2.7 That which Gods mouth hath spoken his hanâ— will fulfil Behold the Nations are as a droâ— of the Bucket and are accounted as the smaâ— dust of the Ballance Isa 40.15 A droâ— that the Lord can dry up and dust that hâ— can blow away 3. The end of their coming To worship before the Lord. For all Nation shall come and worship before thee and manâ— Nations shall come and say Come and let uâ— go up to the Mountain of the Lord and tâ— the House of the God of Jacob Mic. 4.2 And many Nations shall be joined to thâ— Lord in that day and shall be my people Zach. 2.11 O who will not wait for thiâ— with the greatest patience and pray foâ— this with the greatest fervency that God ways may be known upon earth and his saviâ—â— health among all Nations Psal 67.2 The Prophet Jeremiah hath spoken 〈◊〉 glorious things to come But this is 〈◊〉 Covenant that I will make with the House Israel after those days saith the Lord will put my Law in their inward parts aâ— write it in their hearts and will be their Gâ—â— and they shall be my people And they shâ—â—â— teach no more every man his Neighbour 〈◊〉 every man his Brother saying Know â— Lord for they shall all know me from the least of them to the greatest of them saith the Lord Jer. 31.33 34. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy Mountain for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the Sea Isa 11.9 For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the Sea Hab 2.14 Many shall run to and fro and knowledge shall be increased Dan. 12.4 This running will be from error to truth from the traditions of men to the holy Word of God from superstition to the power of godliness and from idolatry to worship the living God in spirit and truth This running will be from prophecies to providences and from precepts to promises from one part of God's Word to another and from lesser light to greater light till all men come to know and enjoy the true light of God the light of his countenance the light of his spirit the light of his providences and the light of his Word Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path Psa 119.105 This liâ—ht shines out of darkness and shines into the hearts of men to give them the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus â—hrist and in his light they shall see light To know God is mens greatest wisdom and to enjoy him for ever will be their greatest happiness Ezekiel the Prophet hath spoken of blessings of great blessings and of showers of blessings to come And I will make them and the places round about my Hill a blessing and I will cause the shower to come down in his season There shall be showers of blessings Ezek. 34.26 This Propheâ— hath spoken much concerning the Jew restauration and of the glory that shal follow and let the Reader consider theâ— these four things First how they went into the land oâ— Canaan and possest it in the days of Joshua they were as terrible as an Armâ— with Banners Cant. 6.4 The dread anâ— fear of them fell upon their enemie And she said unto the men I know that tâ— Lord hath given you the Land and that yoâ— terror is fallen upon us and that all the Iâ—habitants of the Land faint because of yoâ— For we have heard how the Lord dried up tâ— waters of the Red Sea for you when you caâ— out of Egypt and what you did to the tâ—â— Kings of the Amorites that were on the othâ— side Jordan Sihon and Og whom ye â—â—terly destroyed And as soon as we had heaâ—â— these things our hearts did melt neither iâ— there remain any more courage in any man because of you For the Lord your God he is God in Heaven above and in the Earth beneath Josh 2.9 10 11. They saw the glory of Gods miracles in their passing over Jordan the waters fled from them they stood up in heaps and were cut off Josh 3.13 They then had Gods glorious presence with them and he made his glorious Arm bare for them and the Angel of his presence went before them And it came to pass when Joshua was by Jericho that he lift up his eyes and looked and behold there stood a man over against him with his Sword drawn in his hand And Joshua went unto him and said unto him Art thou for us or for our adversaries And he said Nay but as Captain of the Host of the Lord am I now come And Joshua
said to the Chaldeans The thing is gone from me He had forgot it but was so dâ—sirous to know the Dream and the Interpretation thereof that he threatened them Ye shall be cut in pieces and your houses shall be made a dunghil verse 5. But if ye shew the Dream and the Interpretation thereof ye shall receive of me gifts and rewards and great honour therefore shew me the Dream and the Interpretation thereof verse 6. These promises and threatenings prevailed not They answered again and said Let the King tell his Servants the Dream and we will shew the Interpretation of it verse 7. The King answered and said I know of a certainty that ye would gain the time because ye see the thing is gone from me Here the King gives his opinion of the Wise Men of Babylon that they were no other than flatterers and liars For ye have prepared lying and corrupt words to speak before me till the time be changed therefore tell me the Dream and I shall know that ye can shew me the Interpretation thereof verse 8 9. The Chaldeans answered before the King and said there is not a man upon Earth that can shew the Kings matter verse 10. Here they make their defence for themselves and pleaded the unreasonableness of the thing that was required of them Therefore there is no King Lord or Ruler that asked such things at any Magician or Astrologer or Chaldean And it is a rare thing that the King requireth and there is none other that can shew it before the King except the Gods whose dwelling is not with flesh ver 11. That they should be put to death for not making known that to the King which themselves did not know that indeed was like a Heathen And the King commanded to destroy all the Wise Men of Babylon verse 12. And the Decree went forth that the Wise Men should be slain verse 13. Daniel hearing of what had passed between the King and the Chaldeans and fearing lest himself and his Fellows should have been slain with them he went first to the King and desired of him that he would give him time and he would shew the King the Interpretation That was granted verse 16. Daniel then went to his house and made the thing known to his companions that they would desire mercies of the God of Heaven concerning this secret that Daniel and his Fellows should not perish with the rest of the Wise Men of Babylon Then was the secret revealed unto Daniel in a Night-vision then Daniel blessed the God of Heaven By this the name of God was blessed and praised the King was satisfied the Wise Men of Babylon saved Daniel honoured and rewarded and this great secret revealed verse 17 18 19. First Daniel shews King Nebuchadnezzar the Dream or Vision Thou O King sawest and behold a great Image this great Image whose brightness was excellent stood before thee and the form thereof was terrible This Images head was of fine gold his breast and his arms of silver his belly and his thighs of brass his legs of iron his feet part of iron and part of clay Thou sawest till that a stone was cut out without hands which smote the Image upon his feet that were of iron and clay and brake them in pieces Then was the iron the clay the brass the silver and gold broken to pieces together and became like the chast of the summer threshing-floors and the wind carried them away that no place was found for them and the stone that smote the Image became a great mountain and filled the whole Earth verse 31. to verse 35. This is the Dream that is certain Secondly Daniel tells King Nebuchadnezzar the Interpretation thereof Thou O King art a King of Kings for the God of Heaven hath given thee a Kingdom power and strength and glory And wheresoever the children of men dwell the beasts of the field and the fowls of the Heaven hath he given into thine hand and hath made thee ruler over them all thou art this head of gold And after thee shall arise another Kingdom inferior to thee and another third Kingdom of brass which shall bear rule over all the Earth And the fourth Kingdom shall be as strong as iron Forasmuch as iron breaketh in pieces and subdueth all things And as iron that breaketh all these shall it break in pieces and bruise And whereas thou sawest the feet and toes part of potters clay and part of iron the Kingdom shall be divided but there shall be in it of the strength of the iron forasmuch as thou sawest the iron mixed with miry clay And as the toes of the feet were part of iron and part of clay so the Kingdom shall be partly strong and partly broken And whereas thou sawest iron mixt with miry clay they shall mingle themselves with the seed of men but they shall not cleave one to another even as iron is not mixed with clay This hath brought me to the words of my text And in the days of these Kings shall the God of Heaven set up a Kingdom which shall never be destroyed And the Kingdom shall not be left to another people but it shall break in pieces and consume all these Kingdoms and it shall stand for ever IN the opening of these words I shall shew First What this Kingdom is Secondly Who it was that should set up this Kingdom Thirdly Of the time of its being set up Fourthly The power strength and glory of this Kingdom and that in four things 1. That it shall never be destroyed 2. The Kingdom shall not be left to another people 3. It shall break in pieces and consume all these Kingdoms 4. It shall stand for ever First then This Kingdom is the Church the True Church the Church of God upon Earth this Church hath many Titles but one glorious Head the Lord Jesus Christ The Church is called a Spouse a Bride a Flock a Vineyard a Garden a Body a House a Family but here in the Text it is called a Kingdom as also in other places of Scripture That ye would walk worthy of God who hath called you unto his Kingdom and Glory 1 Thes 2.12 You are called of God and you are called to a Kingdom and it is the Kingdom of God O walk worthy of it you that are called to it Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness and hath translated us into the Kingdom of his dear Son Col. 1.13 You are of the Kingdom you are in the Kingdom the Kingdom of his dear Son. I John who also am your brother and companion in tribulation and in the Kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ Rev. 1.9 Here the Church is the Kingdom of his patience hereafter it will be the Kingdom of his glory He that will be a Saint must be a sufferer here they suffer for Christ but in Heaven they shall reign with Christ Secondly The Church of God is called a Nation Open ye the
stain the pride of all glory and to bring into contempt all the honourable of the Earth Isai 23.9 But every true Child of God may glory in this that they know the Lord experimentally and savingly His power that is so glorious his ways that are so just his word that is so true his name that is so excellent his wisdom that is so great his grace that is so full his promises that are so precious his people that are so happy his mercies that endure for ever his works that are so wonderful his Spirit that leads into all truth his loving kindness that he never takes from them and that glorious inheritance which is laid up in Heaven for them now this every poor Saint may glory in therefore let no man glory in men for all things are yours 1 Cor. 3.21 Thus I have shewed you God in his works and in his providences and here I am shewing you God in his Word that you may know the God of Heaven There are amongst men several Ranks Degrees and Qualities some are mighty some are wise some are rich and some are poor men now amongst all these whom hath God chosen to be his peculiar people the Apostle James tells us Hearken my Beloved Brethren hath not God chosen the Poor of this World Rich in Faith and heirs of the Kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him Jam. 2.5 Outwardly Poor but inwardly Rich little in hand but much in hope and in the promise poor in Spirit but theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven they that have the least of the Earth have most of Heaven they have thaâ— faith which is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen Heb. 11.1 Every true believer hath in Faith and in Hope all that God hath promised and all that Christ hath puâ—chased and all that the Spirit can apply God hath begun that good work in them and they have chosen that good part which they will not part with for all the Silver in America nor for all the Gold in Africa O! ye holy and blessed Angels that shine in heavenly glory brighter than the Sun on Earth admire the depth of the riches both of the love and grace of God in that he hath chosen the Poor of this World Rich in Faith heirs of the Kingdom of Heaven to be your Companions to be as the Angels of God in Heaven Mat. 22.30 O! what a blessed Choice is this O! ye inhabitants of the Earth fear and tremble before the God of the Spirits of all Flesh And Kiss the Son lest he be angry and ye perish from the way when his wrath is kindled but a little blessed are all they that put their trust in him Psal 2.12 Rejoyce and be glad O! all ye his Saints and bless and praise the God of Heaven that sets up his Church and hath chosen you to salvation through sanctification to be the Companions of Angels and Heirs and joynt Heirs with Christ if so be that we suffer with him that we may be also glorified together Rom. 8.17 But ye are come unto Mount Sion and unto the City of the living God the Heavenly Jerusalem an innumerable company of Angels to the general assembly and Church of the first born which are written in Heaven and to God the Judge of all and to the Spirits of Just men made perfect and to Jesus the Mediator of the new Covenant and to the Bloud of sprinkling that speaketh better things than that of Abel Heb. 12.22 23 24. by this you may learn to know God which is life eternal to know Joh. 17.3 Thirdly I am to shew you the time when this Kingdom was to be set up In the Days of these Kings shall the God of Heaven set up a Kingdom let him that hath understanding mind well these three things The Days The Kings The Way First Of the days here spoken of they are here called the latter days But there is a God in Heaven that revealeth secrets and maketh known to the King Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days Daniel 2.28 the mystery of God that was revealed and made known to Daniel what should be in the latter days in the Kingdoms of men and in the Church of God these latter days were to be the days of the Gospel for so are the Gospel days called both in the Old Testament and in the New by the Prophets and by the Apostles Gospel days are called latter days and some times last days And it shall come to pass in the last days that the mountain of the Lords House shall be established in the top of the Mountains and shall be exalted above the Hills all Nations shall flow unto it Isa 2.2 The anger of the Lord shall not return until he have executed and till he have performed the thoughts of his heart in the latter days ye shall consider it perfectly Jer. 23.20 And thou shalt come up against my People of Israel as a Cloud to cover the Land it shall be in the latter days and I will bring thee against my Land that the Heathen may know me when I shall be sanctified in thee O Gog before their eyes Ezek. 38.16 Now I am come to make thee understand what shall befal thy People in the latter days for yet the vision is for many days Daniel 10.14 Afterward shall the Children of Israel return and seek the Lord their God and David their King and shall fear the Lord and his goodness in the latter days Hos 3.5 But in the last days it shall come to pass that the Mountain of the house of the Lord shall be established in the top of the Mountains and it shall be exalted above the hills and people shall flow unto it Mic. 4.1 And it shall come to pass in the last days saith God I will pour out my Spirit upon all Flesh and your Sons and your daughters shall prophecy and your young men shall see visions and your old men shall dream dreams Acts 2.17 Now the Spirit speaketh expresly that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith giving heed to seducing Spirits and Doctrines of Devils 1 Tim. 4.1 This know also that in the last days perillous times shall come 2 Tim. 3.1 He hath in these last days spoken unto us by his son whom he hath appointed heir of all things by whom also he made the Worlds Heb. 1.2 knowing this first that there shall come in the last days scoffers walking after their own lusts 2 Pet. 3.3 Little Children it is the last time and as ye have heard that Antichrist shall come even now are there many Antiâ—hrists wâ—â—reby we know that it is the â—â—st time 1 John 2.18 How that they told you there should be mockers in the last â—â—â—â—e who should walk after their own lust Jude 18. Here you see is a cloud of witnesses the Prophets and the Apostles they have all testified and spoken of
lay And when they had seen it they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this Child Luke 2 16 17. This brought the good tydings of great Joy which shall be to all people verse 10. This Providence fulfill'd many Prophecies As God had spoken by the mouth of his holy Prophets which have been since the World began Luke 1.70 Then was fulfilled that Prophecy Behold I lay in Zion for a foundation a slone a tryed stone a precious corner stone a sure foundation When the Holy Ghost came upon the Apostles that they were filled with it when this was noised abroad the multiâ—ude came together and were confounded because that every man heard them speak in his â—wn Language Act. 2.4 As the Providence of God brought up Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem so by a special Providence oâ— God was this great multitude brought to that meeting where the Apostles and others were assembled together and no sooner were they come within the sound of the Apostles words and under the power of God's holy Spirit but three thousand of them were converted Oh what a blessed Providence was this they came with a stone in their hearts buâ— went away broken hearted they came spiritually dead dead in their sins anâ— trespasses but they went away quickned and full of spiritual life they came fuâ—â— of enmity and prejudice against Chrisâ— Jesus and his holy ways but they wenâ— away full of Faith Love and Joy in believing in that Jesus whom they had crucified they came Subjects of the Princâ— of the power of the Air but they wenâ— away called and chosen Children of thâ— free Woman they came covered with â— vail of ignorance blindness and darkness but they went away Children of the light and of the day The vail was rent thaâ— was over their hearts and the gloriouâ— light of the Gospel shined into them bâ— the power of God's Word and Spirit then were their Consciences awakened and they were pricked in their hearts and â—heir minds were enlightned their affeâ—tions raised then they humbled themâ—elves before the Lord and said unto Peâ—er and to the rest of the Apostles Men â—nd Brethren what shall we do Then they â—ad a sight and sense of their sins the Word of Truth having taken hold on â—hem and the Spirit having made its own way into their hearts this brought them â—rom the Law to the Gospel and from Moses to Christ Jesus that was full of â—race and truth this brought them from â—he Temple-worship of the Jews to worâ—hip God in spirit and in truth this â—rought them from the National Church â—f the Jews to the Church of Christ And â—he same day there was added unto them â—bout three thousand souls and they conâ—â—nued stedfastly in the Apostles Doctrine â—nd fellowship and in breaking of bread and 〈◊〉 prayers Acts 2.42 O! what a wonderful work of God was â—his these were Jews and Proselytes some â—f all Nations under Heaven that were â—urn'd from Darkness to Light and from â—he power of Satan unto God. And there â—ere dwelling at Jerusalem Jews devout â—en out of every nation under Heaven Now â—hen this was noised abroad the multitude came together and were confounded because that every man heard them speak in his own language And they were all amazed and marvelled saying one to another Behold are not all these which speak Galileans And how hear we every man in our own tongue wherein we were born Acts. 2.5 6 7 8. By this you may see how the Kingdom was set up in that day But let us see what was then done in other places the People of Samaria were then under great darkness having been of a long time deceived and bewitched by Simons Sorcery But there was a certain man called Simon which before time iâ— the same City used Sorcery and bewitched the People of Samaria giving out that himself was some great one to whom they all gatâ— heed from the least to the greatest saying that this man is the great power of God anâ— to him they had regard because that of a lonâ— time he had bewitched them with Sorcerieâ— Acts 8.9 10 11. What a sad and miserable condition were these People then in 〈◊〉 They were in the Devils snare and iâ— the bonds of iniquity and in the gall oâ— bitterness but Philip went down to the City of Samaria and preached Christ unto them ver 5. Philip being armed witâ— power from above and under the ricâ— anointing of the holy Spirit and in the fulness of the blessing of the Gospel and being enriched with all spiritual blessings having the Sword of the Spirit and that precious faith which overcomes the evil one That blessed servant of God comâ—ng amongst these Poor blind People did so convince them and inlighten them by â—he everlasting Gospel that he then Preach'd to them and by the miracles â—hat he did in their sight that many of â—hem believed both men and women and were baptized and Simon himself believed â—lso Wherever the Gospel comes in Power it â—reaks confounds the Devils Kingdom Sorcerers and False Teachers cannot stand â—efore it it swallows up Darkness it â—estroys Superstition and Idolatry It â—onfounds the Wisdom of this World â—t cuts asunder the bonds of Iniquity and â—t opens the eyes of the blind It causeth â—oy in Heaven amongst the Angels and â—t brings peace and good will to men on Earth For I am not ashamed of the Gospel 〈◊〉 Christ for it is the power of God unto Salâ—ation to every one that believeth Rom. â— 16 When the Gospel is let loose it â—ill run and it will conquer and overâ—ome Sorcerers Idolaters Persecutors and Blasphemers the very Devils cannot stand before it it makes them tremble and fly the Gospel is the arm of God the power of God the Spirit of his mouth which consumes and destroys and pulls down strong holds casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalteth it self against the knowledge of God and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ 2 Cor. 10.5 When the Apostle Paul fled from the Cruelties of the Jews to the Justice of the Romans from the rage and malice of the Jews to the equity and charity of the Romans Acts 28.16 he was brought â— Prisoner to Rome that was then a Synagogue of Satan a Temple of darkness a City too superstitious a place of abominable Idolatry they were Heathens anâ— yet were more kind to the Apostle Paul than his Country-men the Jews for theâ— gave him leave to dwell two whole years iâ— his own hired house and received all thâ—â— came unto him preaching the Kingdom oâ— God and teaching those things which concerâ— the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence 〈◊〉 man forbidding him Acts 28.30 31. Here by the sound of his words and by thâ— sound of his chain many were awakened by his Sermons and by his Sufferings manâ— were converted of these Romans light sprung up and light broke forth by the
and to an innumerable company of Angels to the general assembly and Church of the first born which are written in Heaven and to God the Judge of all and to the Spirits of Just men made perfect and to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant and to the blood of sprinkling that speaketh better things than that of Abel Heb. 12.22 23 24. And after this I beheld and lo a great multitude which no man could number of all Nations and kindreds and people and tongues stood before the throne and before the lamb clothed with white robes and palms in their hands and cried with a loud voice saying Salvation to our God which sits upon the throne and unto the lamb And all the Angels stood round about the throne And one of the elders answered saying unto me What are these which are arayed in white robes and whence came they and I said unto him Sir thou knowest and he said unto me These are they which came out of great tribulation and have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the lamb therefore are they before the throne of God and serve him day and night in his temple and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell amongst them they shall hunger no more neither thirst any more neither shall the sun light on them nor any heat for the lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them and lead them unto living fountains of water and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes Rev. 7.9 10 13. to the end I have here shew'd you what the Inhabitants of Heaven are that part of the Church that is triumphant and surely that can never be destroyed this will be easily granted by all men And now I am to shew you that part of Christs Church that is militant on the Earth and this is that Kingdom which shall never be destroyed The Church is called a Kingdom because Christ Jesus is the King of it Revel 15.3 he rules in it and over it he is the head of this body Ephesians 4.15 the husband of this wife Rev. 19.7 the shepherd and pastor of this flock John 10.11 he is the law-giver to this righteous nation James 4.12 He is the chief corner stone of this building And are built upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner-stone iâ— whom all the building fitly framed togetheâ— groweth unto an holy Temple in the Lord in whom you also are builded together for â—n habitation of God through the Spirit Ephes 2.20 21 22. Here is a building a building fitly fram'd together and a holy Temple in the Lord an habitation of God through the Spirit Behold and see a draught of the true Church here on Earth in these following things The Materials The Glory The Security 1. The Materials The Church of God is made up of People but what People are they The Apostle Peter will tell you But ye are a chosen Generation a royal Priesthood an holy Nation a peculiar People that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light which in time past were not a people but are now the people of God which had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy 1 Pet. 2.9 10. Hear the Apostle Paul also Who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all inâ—quity and purifie unto himself a peculiar people zealous of good works Titus 2.14 The Church of God is made up of men and women but what men and women are they See Acts 5.14 And Believers were the more added unto the Lord multitudes both of mâ—n and women They were all Believers The Church of Christ is made up of Children Young men and Fathers but what Children Fathers and Young men are they the Apostle John will tell you I write unto you little children because your sins are forgiven you for his Names sake I write unto you fathers because ye have known him that is from the beginning I write unto you young men because you have overcome the wicked one I write unto you little children because ye have known the father I have written unto you fathers because ye have known him that is from the beginning I have written unto you young men because ye are strong and the Word of God abideth in you and ye have overcome the wicked one 1 John 2.12 13 14. Do but see here what these children were their sins were forgiven and they had known the Father See also what these young men were they had overcome the wicked one and they were strong and the Word of God did abide in them See also what these Fathers were they had known him from the beginning The true Church is the House of God a house not made with hands neither can hands destroy it a house not made of stones and mortar of brick timber and such materials but of lively stones are built up a spiritual house an holy Priesthood to offer up spiritual Sacrifices acceptable to God by Jesus Christ 1 Pet. 2.5 By this you may see of what materials God's House is built 2. The glory of this Church which is both within and without the glory of truth the glory of holiness the glory of purity the glory of spiritual worship the glory of saving knowledge the glory of the power of godliness the glory of Gospel innocency and the glory of heavenly walking the glory of fellowship and communion with God this excellent glory is to be found and seen no where on Earth but in the Church of God. The King's Daughter is all glorious within her clothing is of wrought gold Psal 45.13 The Church hath God's glorious presence with her and in that glory she shines For I saith the Lord will be the glory in the midst of her Zech. 2.5 This is the woman that is clothed with the Sun. And there appeared a great wonder in Heaven a woman clothed with the Sun and the Moon under her feet and upon her head a Crown of twelve Stars Rev. 12.1 This glory can no man stain nor destroy the glory of this World passeth away let a man but shut his eyes and the glory of this World will be darkned every Saint in Heaven shines forth as the Sun in the Kingdom of their Father Matth. 13.43 and every Saint now on the Earth is more excellent than his Neighbour Prov. 12.26 Men have bestowed great charge and cost on their high places that they might set them off and make them appear glorious to the beholders and the poor and ignorant people have been greatly deceived by them as if there were more holiness in these places than in others Now this is not their glory but their shame The Spouse of Christ Jesus is glorious the Lamb's wife but what is it that makes her so glorious Christ's righteousness that covers her and his graces that enrich her and fill her with all
to his Church Armour and also unto every Member of Christ Put on the whole Armour of God that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the Devil Ephes 6.11 Other Armour will not serve the turn it must be the Armour of God put on the Armour of God this will not do neither unless it be the whole Armour of God put on therefore the whole Armour of God that you may be able to stand The Church of God hath not only Armour but Weapons also For the Weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty through God 2 Cor. 10.4 That which makes these Weapons mighty is that they are through God and that which makes them pull down strong holds is that they are spiritual This holy City or Church of God hath Walls and Bulwarks about it a Wall that the Enemies cannot scale and get over they that are within need not fear killing We have a strong City salvation will God appoint for walls and bulwarks Isa 26.1 For I saith the Lord will be unto her a wall of fire round about and will be the glory in the midst of her Zech. 2.5 This Wall Pharaoh could not break through with all his Army nor get over to come at Israel though he put on with all his might The Enemy said I will pursue I will overtake I will divide the spoil my lust shall be satisfied upon them I will draw my sword my hand shall destroy them Exod. 15.9 But Pharaoh did but one of all these that was he pursued the Church because the Lord was between the Egyptians and the Israelites as a Wall about his People this wall the persecuting Kings of Israel and Judah could never break through to destroy Gods Church and People For he that toucheth you toucheth the Apple of his Eye Zech. 2.8 when the Jews and the Gentiles both made an assault to use them despitefully and to Stone them Acts 14.5 God was then a Wall about his Church that the Enemies could not destroy it they are kept by his power assisted by his Spirit comforted by his promises strengthned by his presence confirmed by his word The Lord God is their Sun and Shield the Lord will give grace and glory no good thing will he with-hold from them that walk uprightly Psalm 84.11 Trust ye in the Lord for ever for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength Isa 26.4 the Church of God hath the same security now that it ever had in all times and it is the same security that Angels have for their standing and continuing for ever in Heavenly glory and happiness for they are upheld by the word of his power Who being the brightness of his glory and the express image of his Person and upholding all things by the word of his Power when he had by himself purged our sins sate down on the right hand of the Majesty on high Heb. 1.3 Gods truth and faithfulness in his word confirms and fixes them they take hold of this as we do and rejoyce in it To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be made known by the Church the manifold wisdom of God Eph. 3.10 Vnto whom it was revealed that not unto themselves but unto us they did minister the things which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the Gospel unto you which the Holy Ghost sent down from Heaven which things the Angels desire to look into 1 Pet. 1.12 And I fell at his feet to worship him and he said unto me See thou do it not I am thy fellow-servant and of thy Brethren that have the Testimony of Jesus worship God Rev. 19.10 And I John saw these things and heard them and when I had heard and seen I fell down to worship before the feet of the Angel which shewed me these things Then saith he unto me See thou do it not for I am thy fellow-servant and of thy Brethren the Prophets and of them which keep the sayings of this Book worship God Rev. 22.8 9. If the heavenly Angels should say to God Almighty Lord what assurance hast thou given unto us that we fall not and be not cast down to the fallen Angels What security have we for our standing and abiding here in Heaven and to continue in this glory and happiness for ever and ever Would not God Almighty then answer and say unto them You have my Word my faithful sayings the Word of a God that is true and certain Psal 119.87 They had almost consumed me upon Earth but I forsook not thy Precepts For verily I say unto you Till Heaven and Earth pass one jot and one tittle shall in no wise pass from the Law till all be fulfilled Mat. 5.18 Heaven and Earth shall pass away but my words shall not pass away Mar. 13.31 And it is easier for Heaven and Earth to pass than one tittle of the Law to fall Luk. 16.17 This is the assurance that God hath given both to Angels and Men if there were as many Enemies as there be drops of water in the Sea they shall not be able to destroy this Kingdom the Church of God on Earth There shall not an hair of your head perish Luke 21.18 Persecutors may kill but they cannot overcome they may lay low but they cannot lay waste they may spoil but they cannot utterly destroy the Martyrs won the day And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their Testimony and they loved not their lives unto the death Rev. 12.11 Men live upon their Inheritance and therefore are not willing to part with that at any rate The Church is God's Portion and his Inheritance For the Lord's Portion is his People Jacob is the Lot of his Inheritance Deut. 32.9 The Saints are God's Jewels which he will not suffer to be destroyed but will make them up And they shall be mine saith the Lord of Hosts in that day when I make up my Jewels and I will spare them as a man spareth his own Son that serveth him Mal. 3.17 They are the Sheep of his Pasture that enter into his Gates with thanksgiving and into his Courts with praise Psal 100 4. These are they that God holds fast in his hand so fast that no man can pluck them out I give unto them eternal life and they shall never perish neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand my Father that gave them me is greater than all and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand John 10.28 29. The Church is Christ's body and this body can never be drown'd as long as the head keeps above water He is an Advocate for his Church in Heaven and fights against the Dragon and his Angels here below And there was war in Heaven Michael and his Angels fought against the Dragon and the Dragon fought and his Angels Rev. 12.7 The Church hath been a long time on a Sea of
The Name of the Lord And I looked and lo a Lamb stood on the Mount Sion and with him an Hundred forty and four thousand having his Fathers name written in their foreheads Rev. 14.1 Him that overcometh will I make a Pillar in the Temple of my God and he shall go no more out and I will write upon him the name of my God and the name of the City which is New Jerusalem which cometh down out of Heaven from my God and I will write upon him a new name Rev. 3.12 The Name of God is upon his People and this shews to whom they do belong and whose they are 3. The comliness and glory of the Lord And thy renown went forth among the Heathen for thy beauty for it was perfect through my comliness which I had put upon thee saith the Lord Ezek. 16.14 And the Lord will create upon every dwelling place of Mount Zion and upon her Assemblies a cloud and smoke by day and the shining of a flaming fire by night for upon all the glory shall be a defence Isa 4.5 If ye be reproached for the Name of Christ happy are ye for the Spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you 1 Pet. 4.14 These are the things that are upon the righteous And there are three things that God hath given to his People 1. Himself But this shall be the Covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days 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 Jer. 31.33 They shall call on my Name and I will hear them I will say It is my People and they shall say The Lord is my God Zech. 13.9 For what agreement hath the Temple of God with Idols for ye are the Temple of the living God as God hath said I will dwell in them and walk in them and I will be their God and they shall be my People 2 Cor. 6.16 2. A Kingdom Fear not little flock for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the Kingdom Luke 12.32 And I appoint unto you a Kingdom as my Father hath appointed unto me Luke 22.29 Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven Matth. 5.3 3. Grace and Glory For the Lord God is a Sun and Shield the Lord will give grace and glory no good thing will he with hold from them that walk uprightly Psal 84.11 And he said unto me My grace is sufficient for thee 2 Cor. 12.9 Whether Paul or Apollo or Cephas or the World or Life or Death or things present or things to come all is yours 1 Cor. 3.22 O Christian how canst thou say thou hast nothing or that thou hast but little Here is thy Inventory see here what thy heavenly Father hath given thee count it and cast it up Thou hast all things God hath given thee himself and a Kingdom grace and glory things present and things to come the world life and death are all thine how great is thy happiness O! wait but a little and thou wilt be in the possession of all There be three things that God will never take from his people whiles they are in this life 1. His love and loving kindness I have loved thee with an everlasting love therefore with loving kindness have I drawn thee Jer. 31.3 He that hath my commandments and keepeth them he it is that loveth me and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father and I will love him and manifest my self to him John 14.21 Having loved his own which were in the World he loved them unto the end John 13.1 This the righteous are crown'd with in this life He crowneth them with loving kindness and tender mercies Psalm 103.4 2. His Spirit And I will pray the Father and he shall give you another comforter that he may abide with you for ever even the spirit of truth John 14.16 17. but the fruit of the Spirit is love joy peace long-suffering gentleness goodness saith meekness temperance Gal. 5.22 23. Know ye not that ye are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you 1 Cor. 3.16 God will not leave his Children comfortless he will not leave them orphans the Spirit of God dwells in them and abides with them and resteth upon them and leads them into all truth it convinceth sinners and it comforteth Saints For the Spirit it self maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered 3. His Presence which is the glory of his People and the glory in the midst of them God is in the midst of her she shall not be moved God shall help her and â—hat right early Psalm 46.5 Take counsel â—ogether and it shall come to nought speak â—he word and it shall not stand for God is with us Isa 8.10 Jesus answered and â—aid unto him If a man love me he will keep my words and my Father will love him and â—e will come unto him and make our abode with him John 14.23 The presence of God is the Saints Heaven on Earth They do sometimes in a duty enjoy so much of God's presence that it fills their eyes with tears and their hearts with joy they â—eel that they cannot express and enâ—oy that which cannot be fully uttered and tast that which they cannot declare to others I did know a young man in the City of Exon about thirty five years ago who lay under many temptations and fears because he wanted God's comforting presence but in a certain night when all the people in the family were in their beds and as he thought fast asleep except himself he rose up from his bed and went up into the Garret and there wrestl'd with God by prayer with fervency and many tears but was then so terrified by temptations and fears that he thought the Devil waâ— present with him in the room sometimeâ— before him and sometimes behind him which did so distract and interrupt him that he was forc'd often to break off foâ— a little time and this he continued to do for three nights together but on the third night as he was pouring out hiâ— Soul before the Lord in prayer his voicâ— was taken from him that he could noâ— utter a word but his understanding remained with him for about the space oâ— a quarter of an hour and in that time he thought himself to be in Heaven or the Joys of Heaven to be in him he then tasted and enjoyed so much of God that it was not possible for a man to utter nor to declare to others but when his speech returned to him that he could speak he then found that this extraordinary presence of God withdrew it selâ— from him then he blest and prais'd the God of Heaven that had seal'd his Love to him and given him the earnest of his Spirit and victory over the Devil God knows that what I have here
written is true and I appeal to Saints experience whether they have not found this at the Throne of Grace when they have been lying at God's feet they have been then â—aken up into his bosom Oh tast and see â—hat the Lord is good blessed is the man that â—rusteth in him Psal 34.8 There is a Riâ—er the streams whereof shall make glad the City of God the holy place of the Taberâ—acles of the most High Psal 46.4 This is not a little Spring but a River not a few drops but streams that makes glad â—he hearts of God's People Come and â—ear all ye that fear God and I will declare that he hath done for my Soul Psal 66.16 By this you may see God the Father will not leave his Children 2. The Son will not leave them And Jesus came and spake unto them saying All â—ower is given unto me in Heaven and in Earth Go ye therefore and teach all Naâ—ions baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost â—eaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you and lo I am with you alway even to the end of the World. Amen Matth. 28.18 19 20. Will the Head leave the Body Will the Vine leave the Branches Will the Shepherd leave the Flock Will the Fountain leave the Stream Will the Bridegroom leave the Bride Will the Purchaser leave the Purchase First then the Church is his body the body cannot live without the head this is a living body and the head gives life to every member of this body A life of Grace A life of Comfort A life of Glory Because I live ye shall live also John 14.19 as the living Father hath sent me and I live by the Father so he that eateth me even he shall live by me John 6.57 Now if we be dead with Christ we believe we shall also live with him Rom. 6.8 For whether we live we live unto the Lord or whether we die we die unto the Lord whether we live therefore or die we are the Lords Rom. 14.8 When Christ who is our life shall appear then shall ye also appear with him in glory Col. 3.4 For this my Son was dead and is alive again he was lost and is found and they began to be merry Luke 15.24 And you hath he quickned who were dead in trespasses and sins Ephes 2.1 Every Member of the true Church is a living Member and this life they all receive from Christ Jesus the Head and this glorious Head cannot leave his own Body the Church Let no man say he is a Member of Christ's Church unless he be born again Except a man be born again he cannot see the Kingdom of God John 3.3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again 1 Pet. 1.3 Every Member of Christ hath in him a vigorous Faith a lively Hope a saving Knowledge a measure of the Spirit and a sufficiency of Grace 2. Christs Church is a fruitful Church I am the Vine ye are the branches he that abideth in me and I in him the same bringeth forth much fruit for without me ye can do nothing John 15.5 you see here Christ Jesus is the Vine and Believers are the Branches the blessed Jesus will never leave these branches for without him they can do nothing but in him they are more than Conquerors and do bring forth the fruits of Righteousness love and Charity love towards God and charity towards men they do bring forth out of that treasure of grace that is in them good lives and conversations living righteously and godly in this present world all the Children of God that are in this world they are but as so many branches of this Vine they are but as so many limbs of this Tree they are but so many little partys and bodys that make up this body of Christ the Church of God that shall not be left to another people 3. They are his flock I am the good shepherd of the sheep and know my sheep and am known of mine John 10.14 Our Lord Jesus is that good shepherd and pastor that feeds all the members of his body he will not leave them nor fly from them that is the part of an hireling the hireling fleeth because he is an hireling and careth not for the sheep v. 13. when he was on Earth he did not leave them but watcht over them and preacht peace to them and nourished and cherished them and fed them with that truth which he had received from the Father and often prayed for them and when he left the Earth and went to Heaven there he ever liveth to make intercession for them But this man because he continueth ever hath an unchangeable Priest-hood wherefore he is able to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them Heb. 7.24 25. For there is one God and one Mediator between God and Men the Man Christ Jesus 1 Tim. 2.5 My little Children these things write I unto you that ye sin not and if any man sin we have an advocate with the Father Jesus Christ the righteous 1 John 2.1 Every believer feeds on Christ Jesus by Faith he sups with them and they with him and when they leave this life then they live and reign with Christ in the Heavenly glory 4. The Church of God hath a fountain and this fountain is the Lord the fountain of life and from this fountain come the streams that make glad the City of God this fountain is always flowing and over-flowing with love and kindness mercy and grace righteousness and truth They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house and thou shalt make them drink of the River of thy pleasures for with thee is the fountain of life in thy light we shall see light Psalm 36.8 9. But whosoever drinketh of the Water that I shall give him shall never thirst but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of Water springing up into everlasting life John 4.14 He that beleiveth on me as the scripture hath said out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water John 7.38 These rivers of living water will never be dried up because it is water of life and it flows from a fountain of life that doth always refresh strengthen and comfort the people of God. For they drank of that spiritual rock that followed them and that rock was Christ 1 Cor. 10.4 5. The Church of Christ is a Bride the Lambs wife And Jesus said unto them Can the Children of the Bride-chamber mourn as long as the Bridegroom is with them But the days will come when the Bridegroom shall be taken from them and then shall they fast Matth. 9.15 He that hath the Bride is the Bridegroom but the friend of the Bridegroom which standeth and heareth him rejoyceth greatly
with Christ Jesus and with the Spirits of Just men made perfect Fourthly The blessed Angels will not leave them 1. The Angels did proclaim the birth of our Saviour And suddenly there was with the Angel a multitude of the Heavenly Host praising God and saying Glory to God in the highest and on Earth peace good will towards men Luke 2.13 14. 2. They do rejoyce at the conversion of sinners I say unto you that likewise Joy shall be in Heaven over one sinner that repenteth more than over ninety and nine Just persons which need no repentance Luke 15.7 3 The Angels of the Lord encamp round about them that fear him and deliver them Psal 34.7 For we are made a spectacle unto the world and to Angels and to men 1 Cor. 4.9 For this cause ought the Woman to have power on her Head because of the Angels 1 Cor. 11.10 4. They are all ministring Spirits Spirits sent forth to minister for them who shall be Heirs of Salvation Heb. 1.14 5. Lazarus died and was carried by the Angels into Abrahams bosom Luke 16.22 The mystery of Angels we shall better understand in the next world than we do in this but this is certain the Church of God receives great benefits by them as I have prov'd before They are Spirits that are invisible They enter into our Houses as the light doth They take up no room nor justle any body aside They see and behold us though we see not them and do us good though we know it not and oftentimes keep evil from us though we do not understand it Heaven is their countrey yet they are often upon the Earth and do know the state and condition of the Church better than we do Then the Angel of the Lord answered and said O Lord of Hosts how long wilt thou not have meâ—cy on Jerusalem and on the Cities of Judah against which thou hast had indignation these threescore and ten years and the Lord answered the Angel that talked with me with good words and comfortable words Zech. 12 13. By this you may see God the Father will not leave his Children Christ Jesus the Son of God will not leave the Members of his Body the Spirit of God will not leave its temple that he dwells in the Angels of God will not leave the charge that is committed to them The Kingdom shall not be left to anâ—â—her â—eople First It shall not be left to another People as the Canâ—anites were left to the Sword of Joshua and to the Sword of the Hebrews that he might destroy them utterly and that they might have no favour but that he might destroy them as the Lord commanded Mâ—ses So Joshua took the whâ—le Land according to all that the Lord had said unto Moses and Joshua gave it for an Inheritance unto Israel according to their divisions by their Tribes and the land did rest from war Joshua 11.20 23. the Church of God shall never be left to another People as the Amalekites were left to the Spears and Swords of Saul and his Army Now go and smite Amalek and utterly destroy all that they have and spare them not but slay both Man and Woman Infant and Suckling Ox and Sheep Camel and Ass 1 Sam. 15.4 The Enemies may fall upon some small parties here and there and rout and destroy some of them as they have done all along but they will never be able to rout and destroy the main body of the Church This they could never do with all their power force and multitudes that they have brought together against the Church of God This they could never do and this they shall never be able to do as I have shewed before the Enemies have done their utmost oftentimes to cut off and destroy the Church of God by wicked ways by cruel laws and by bloody hands For lo thine Enemies make a tumult and they that hate thee have lift up the head they have taken crafty counsel against thy People â—nd consulted against thy hidden ones They have said Come and let us cut them off from being a nation that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance for they have consulted together with one consent they are confederate against thee Psal 83.2 3 4 5. This they have done often and this they will do by tumults by crafty counsel and by a confederacy Why do the Heathen rage and the People imagine a vain thing the Kings of the Earth set themselves and the rulers take counsel together against the Lord and against his anointed saying Let us break their bands asunder and cast away their cords from us He that sitteth in the Heavens shall laugh the Lord shall have them in derision then shall he speak unto thâ—m in his wrath and vex them in his sore displeasure Yet have I set my King upon my holy hill of Sion Psal 2.1 to 6. When men have done all they can and done their worst yet God will set his Son upon his holy hill of Sion and all the Enemies that are in the world will not be able to hinder it men speak great words and it comes to nothing God speaks and his word stands the Church of God is like a rock by the Sea side the Waves beat violently against the rock but they break not the rock but themselves The Enemies of Gods Church have made many assaults and like the Waves of the Sea have beat violently against it and upon it but they break not the Church but themselves to pieces The Church of God is like the Sea what it loseth in one place it gains in another When the Enemies are destroying God's faithfull Servants in one place then the God of Heaven is increasing and gathering of theâ— in another place by calling and conveâ—ting of hundreds and thousands turning them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to himself convincing their consciences enlightning their minds opening their understandings purifying their hearts by Faith and blessing them with spiritual blessings causing them to stand up to be faithful Witnesses and to bear faithful Testimonies in their day as others had done before them for God and his Truth By this it appears very plain that the Kingdom shall not be left to another People Secondly It shall not be left to another People The people shall dwell alone and shall not be reckoned among the Nations This people shall not mingle themselves with other people Numb 23.9 They shall not cleave one to another the World is one thing but the Church of God is another thing the World is a common Field but the Church is a well watered Garden Isa 51.3 The Garden of the Lord Isa 58.11 The World is as a Wilderness a barren Desart but the Church is a Vineyard which the Lord hath planted Psal 80.15 The World is a destroying Mountain Jer. 51.25 but the Church is God's Holy Hill Psal 2.6 The World is a Kingdom of darkness Eph. 5.11 but
the Church is the Kingdom of his dear Son Col. 1.13 The World is as a Field of Blood but the Church is a righteous Nation The World is a Den of Thieves but the Church is God's Family and houshâ—ld Ephes 2.19 The World lies in wickedness 1 John 5.19 but the Church is glorious without spot or wrinkle Ephes 5.27 The World is as a heap of rubbish but the Church is God's peculiar Treasure Psal 135.4 The World is a lump of vanity but the Church is the City of God Psal 87.3 The World is as a common Harlot but the Church is the Spouse of Christ Cant. 5.1 The World is the habitation of Devils Rev. 18.2 The Devil is the God of this World the Prince of the power of the Air the Spirit that now worketh in the Children of disobedience Eph. 2.2 But the Church is the habitation of God a choseâ— Generation a royal Priesthood an holy Nâ—tion a peâ—uliar People 1 Pet. 2.9 By this you may see what the World is and what the Church of God is how vastly they differ the one from the other and how unlike they are the one to the other and have been ever separated the one from the other Be not unequally yoked together with unbelievers for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness and what communion hath light with darkness And what concord hath Christ with belial or what part hath he that believeth with an Infidel and what agreement hath the Temple of God with Idols For ye are the Temple of the living God as God hath said I will dwell in them and walk in them and I will be their God and they shall be my People wherefore come out from among them and be ye separate saith the Lord and touch not the unclean thing and I will receive you and will be a Father unto you and ye shall be my Sons and Daughters saith the Lord Almighty 2 Cor. 6.14 to 18. The Kingdom shall not be left to another People but this People shall dwell alone and shall not be reckoned among the Nations Thirdly It shall not be left to another People to follow their examples Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil Exod. 23.2 you must not follow bad men for company nor good men for applause When the Children of Israel were to enter into the land of Canaan they were not then to enquire after their Gods Take heed to thy self that thou be not snared by following them after that they be destroyed from before thee and that thou enquire not after their Gods saying How did these nations serve their Gods Even so will I do likewise Deut. 12.30 And ye shall destroy all their â—ictures and destroy all their molten Images and quite pluck down all their high places Numb 33.52 Thou shalt not bow down to their Gods nor serve them nor do after their works but thou shalt utterly overthrow them and quite break down their Images Exod. 23.24 But ye shall destroy their altars break their Images and cut down their Groves Exod. 34.13 But thus ye shall deal with them ye shall destroy their altars and break down their images and cut down their groves and burn their graven images with fire Deut. 7.5 Let the reader then well consider these Scriptures and dwell a little on them God will not be worship'd by imitation that is to worship ye know not what God is the author and object of true worship the Jews were not to enquire after other G ds and the Lord commanded them to destroy all their Pictures and to pull down their Images and burn them with fire they were not to keep them in their Houses nor to worship them in any place How vain and silly a thing is it for people to worship Idols and Images the works of mens hands they may make them eyes but they cannot make them see they may make them ears but they cannot make them hear they may make them feet but they cannot make them walk they have been often snares but never helpers they have brought Judgments upon People but never turned away any Men have provoked the Lord with their inventions and never pleased him with their Idols this prov'd a snare to Israel of old and brought upon them Gods heavy Judgments The Lord God is very Jealous of his worship and will not have his glory given to graven Images The Lord hath had a People in all ages and in all times that hath worshiped him according to his own will and commands For all people will walk every one in the name of his God and we will walk in the name of our God for ever and ever Mic. 4.5 The true worshippers shall woâ—ship the Father in Spirit and in truth for the Father seeketh such to worship him John 4.23 For we are the circumcision whâ—ch worship â—od in the Spirit and rejoyce in Christ Jesus and have no confidence in the flesh Phil. 3.3 Fear God and give glory to him for the hour of his Judgment is come and worship him that made Heaven and Earth and the Sea and the fountains of Waters Rev. 14.7 Little Children keep your selves from Idols 1 John 5.21 Thus I have shewed you that the Kingdom shall not be left to another people the Church of God. Thirdly It shall break in pieces and consume all these Kingdoms This destruction is not of mens lives but of mens lusts this destruction is not of mens bodies but of that sin that reigns in their mortal bodies this destruction is not of mens Rights and Properties but of that vanity and enmity that is in their hands and in their minds For if ye live â—fter the flesh ye shall die but if ye through the spirit do mortifie the deeds of the body ye â—hall live Rom. 8.13 Mortifie therefore your members which are upon Earth fornication uncleanness inordinate affection evil concupiscence and covetousness which is Idolatry Col. 3.5 I have already shewed you a draught of the True Church and now I will shew you a Map of the World The whole World lies in wickedness 1 Joh. 5.19 Love not the World neither the things that are in the World if any man love the World the love of the Father is not in him for all that is in the World the lust of the Flesh the lust of the Eyes and the pride of Life is not of the Father but is of the World and the World passeth away and the Lust thereof but he that doth the will of God abideth for ever 1 John 2.15 16 17. First It is a dead World dead in Sins dead in trespasses When the Assyrian Army came up against Jerusalem to destroy the Church of God the Lord sent an Angel that did destroy that great Army one hundred fourscore and five thousand this was done in one night Isa 37.36 and when the inhabitants of Jerusalem arose early in the morning they were all dead Corps what a sight was this to behold Should we see great
are but a few therefore vain and carnal men do conclude thaâ— they are in the right and that the most are the best and that it is a safe and sure way to follow a multitude Secondly Because they are poor I will also leave in the midst of thee an afflicted and poor people and they shall trust in the name of the Lord Zeph. 3.12 The true followers of the Lamb in all Ages have been the poor of this world but rich in Faith and heirs of the Kingdom of Heaven and because they were so the world despised them and were filled with prejudice against them Then answered them the Pharisees Are ye also deceived Have any of the Rulers or the Pharisees believed on him but this people who knoweth not the Law are cursed Joh. 7.47 48 49. The world have always had a great prejudice against Truth where-ever it was found against Truth in the Word of God against Truth in the Worship of God against Truth in the Ways of God against Truth in the People of God against Truth in the Providences of God this is that the world knoweth not this is that it cannot receive this is that it cannot bear therefore the people of the world are filled with prejudice against Truth as they have been in all times and in all Ages past that is to say 1. Against the Morning Truth 2. Against the Naked Truth 3. Against the whole Truth 4. Against the Love of Truth 1. The Morning Truth is that love light mercy and grace which Almighty God hath been pleas'd to bring forth and make manifest to his people in the dispensations of Times and in the Ages of the World for the good of them that did love and fear him When the fulness of time was come that the Children of Israel were to be brought out of the Land of Egypt and to go in and possess that good Land of Canaan which the Lord had promis'd to give them for an inheritance this was then the Morning truth To believe the Lord their God and to follow him fully but they were filled with prejudice against it And wherefore hath the Lord brought us unto this Land to fall by the Sword that our Wives and our Children should be a prey were it not better for us to return into Egypt And they said one to another Let us make a Captain and let us return into Egypt Numb 14.3 4. But when they had possessed the Land of Canaan and had divided the Land by Lot the Morning truth was then To keep Gods Commandments and to observe his Statutes and Judgments and to keep themselves from Idols and from all Idolatry but they were filled with prejudice against it and rebelled against the Lord their God and built them high places and did set up Images and Groves on every Hill and under every green Tree 1 Kin. 14.23 And when they slew the Beasts for sacrifice that they might offer up their blood they were then to look through all the sacrifices and through the blood to the blood of Jesus For if the blood of Bulls and of Goats and the ashes of an Heifer sprinkling the unclean sanctifieth to the purifying of the Flesh how much more shall the blood of Christ Who through the eternal spirit offered himself without spot to God Heb. 9.13 14. Then the morning truth was to believe the Prophets which shewed of the coming of the Just one but they were filled with prejudice against it Which of the Prophets have not your fathers persecuted And they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just one of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers Acts 7.52 And in the days of our Saviour when he was on the Earth and preached Peace to them and wrought many Miracles amongst them went up and down doing good this was then the morning truth To believe in him Neither is there salvation in any other for there is none other name under Heaven given among men whereby we must be saved Acts 4.12 But they were filled with prejudice against it Then Jesus said unto the chief Priests and Captains of the Temple and the elders which were come to him Be ye come out as against a Thief with Swords and Staves When I was daily with you in the Temple ye stretched forth no Hands against me but this is your hour and the power of darkness Luke 22.52 53. And after he was risen from the dead and had shewed himself several times to his Disciples and that all power was given to him both in Heaven and in Earth then this was the morning truth Go ye therefore and teach all Nations baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son of the Holy Ghost teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you Mat. 28.19 20. But they were filled with prejudice against it And when they had brought them and set them before the counsel the high Priest asked them saying Did not we straitly command you that you should not teach in this name And behold ye have filled Jerusalem with your Doctrine and intend to bring this mans Blood upon us Acts 5.27 28. But when believers were added unto the Lord multitudes both of Men and Women then the morning truth was the free grace of God being Justified by Faith. And by him all that believe are Justified from all things from which ye could not be Justified by the law of Moses Acts 13.39 but they were filled with prejudice against it For as much as we have heard that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words subverting your souls saying Ye must be circumcised and keep the Law to whom we gave no such commandment Acts 15.24 And this is the morning truth now to worship the ever living God in spirit and in truth and to wait for his Son Christ Jesus from Heaven and for the rich anointing of the spirit and the fulfilling of his word and the accomplishment of the prophecies and the perfecting of his work and the finiâ—hing of the mysteries of God to wait in patience in faith and in hope in a lamb-like spirit this is the morning truth in this our day and the World is filled with prejudice against it 2. The naked truth as it stands in the scriptures of truth which was delivered to the Saints of God by the Prophets and by the holy Apostles and by our Lord Jesus For whatsoever things were written afore-time were written for our learning that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope Rom. 15.4 God who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the Fathers by the Prophets hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son whom he hath appointed heir of all things by whom also he made the Worlds Heb. 1.1 2. To the law and to the Testimony if they speak not according to this word it is because there is no light
Church of God shall break in pieces and consume And it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms Life shall consume deadness light shall consume darkness good shall consume evil love shall consume enmity truth shall consume error power shall consume prejudice For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalteth it self against the knowledge of God and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ 2 Cor. 10.4 5. This breaking in pieces is not by outward of the Dragons in the waters thou brakest the heads of Leviathan in pieces and gavest him to be meat to the people inhabiting the wilderness Psal 74.12 13 14. Where Faith is lively and vigorous there is nothing can stand before it it carries a man over all dangers it carries him through all difficulties it conquers all Enemies and it gives him a sight of that glory which is invisible by it he lives in Heaven while he is on Earth 2. By Prayer The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much Jam. 5.16 Moses Prayer availed much And the Lord said unto Moses Wherefore criest thou unto me speak unto the children of Israel that they go forward Exod. 14.15 Jehoshaphat's Prayer availed much O our God! wilt thou not judge them for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us neither know we what to do but our eyes are upon thee 2 Chron. 20.12 Asa's Prayer availed much And Asa cried unto the Lord his God and said Lord it is nothing with thee to help whether with many or with them that have no power help us O Lord our God! for we rest on thee and in thy name we go against this great multitude O Lord thou art our God let not man prevail against thee 2 Chron. 14.11 Hezekiah's Prayer availed much For this cause Hezekiah the King and the Prophet Isaiah the Son of Amos prayed and cried to heaven 2 Chron. 22.20 Elias Prayer availed much Wot ye not what the Scripture saith of Elias how he maketh intercession unto God against Israel saying Lord they have killed thy Prophets and digged down thine Altars and I am left alone and they seek my life 1 King. 19.10 Prayer hath obtained great Victories Prayer hath remov'd great Evils Prayer hath broken and consum'd great Enemies Fear not thou Worm Jacob and ye men of Israel I will help thee saith the Lord and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel Behold I will make thee a new sharp threshing instrument having teeth Thou shalt thresh the mountains and beat them small and shalt make the hills as chaff Thou shalt fan them and the wind shall carry them away and the whirlwind shall scatter them And thou shalt rejoice in the Lord and glory in the Holy One of Israel When the poor and needy seek water and there is none and their tongue faileth for thirst I the Lord will hear them I the God of Israel will not forsake them Isa 41.14 15 16 17. These have power to shut heaven that it rain not in the days of their prophecy and have power over waters to turn them to blood and to smite the earth with all plagues as often as they will Rev. 11.6 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the spirit and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints Eph. 6.18 That is Mental Prayer Exod. 14.15 Vocal Prayer Acts 4.24 Secret Prayer Mat. 6.6 Accidental Prayer Judg. 16.28 That which makes Prayer so powerful and prevailing is these three things 1. God the Object 2. The Spirit the Advocate 3. The Saint the Seeker 1. God is the Object that all his people look unto Their eyes are unto him and the desire of their Souls is unto his name and to the remembrance of him Look unto me and be ye saved all the ends of the earth for I am God and there is none else Isa 45.22 When we come to the Throne of his Grace and cast our selves down at his Feet by Prayer and Supplication God is that glorious Object we pray unto and by Faith behold him and take hold of his strength and wrestle with him for the obtaining of all Spiritual Blessings in Christ Jesus This is that the Saints of God have always done and this is that the Scriptures of truth teach us to do that when we pray the Lord God should be the Object of our Prayers Prayer is a great part of Gods worship and of all parts this is the most Spiritual Now they that have other Objects when they pray do but deceive themselves and rob God of his honour in giving that glory to graven Images which is only due to God Almighty But in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God Phil. 4.6 2. The Spirit is the Advocate Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities For we know not what we should pray for as we ought but the spirit it self maketh intercession for us with greanings which cannot be uttered And be that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the spirit because he maketh intercession for the Saints according to the will of God Rom. 8.26 27. But God hath revealed them unto us by his spirit for the spirit searcheth all things yea the deep things of God 1 Cor. 2.10 For through him we both have an â—ccess by one spirit unto the Father Eph. 2.18 The holy Spirit maketh intercession and is an Advocate for man with God and this makes a Saint a Conqueror for the Spirit of God that is in him so prevaileth with God for him that whatsoever he asketh in Faith according to the will of God it is given to him For ye have received the spirit of Adoption whereby we cry Abba Father Rom. 8.15 Now the Spirit is a double Advocate it is an Advocate for men with God and it is an Advocate for God with men The first of these I have already shewed you and this will lead me to the second And all things are of God who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation to wit that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself not imputing their trespasses unto them and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation Now then we are Ambassadors for Christ as though God did beseech you by us we pray you in Christs stead be ye reconciled unto God 2 Cor. 5.18 19 20. By this you may see how God beseecheth men to be reconciled unto him and this he doth by the Spirit in the Ministry of the Word The holy Spirit strives with men but they resist the strivings of it And the Lord said My spirit shall not always strive with man Gen. 6.3 Ye stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears ye do always resist the holy Ghost as
Head perish Luke 21.18 3. The Word of Threatning The Adversaries of the Lord shall be broken in pieces Out of Heaven shall he thunder upon them The Lord shall judge the ends of the Earth and he shall give strength unto his King and exalt the Horn of his Anointed 1 Sam. 2.10 Associate your selves O ye people and ye shall be broken in pieces and give ear all ye of far Countreys Gird your selves and ye shall be broken in pieces gird your selves and ye shall be broken in pieces Take counsel together and it shall come to nought speak the word and it shall not stand For God is with us Isa 8.9 10. And I will make drunk her Princes and her Wise men her Captains and her Rulers and her Mighty men And they shâ—ll sleep a perpetual sleep and not wakâ— saith the King whose name is the Lord oâ— Hosâ—s Jer. 51 5â— Wo unto you that desire the day of tâ—e Lord To what end is it for you the day of the Lord is darkness and not light As if a man did flee from a Lion and a Bear met him or went into the House and leaned his Hand on the Wall and a Serpent bit him Shall not the day of the Lord be darkness and not light even very dark and no brightnâ—ss in it Amos 5.18 19 20. Though they dâ—â— into Hell thence shall mine hand take them Though they climb up to Heaven thence will I bring them down And though they hide themselves in the top of Carmel I will search and take them out thence And though they be hid from my sight in the bottom of the Sea thence will I command the Serpent and he shall bite them And though they go into Captivity before their Enemies thence will I command the Sword and it shall slay them And I will set mine Eyes upon them for evil and not for good Amos 9.2 3 4. Therefore wait ye upon me saith the Lord until the day that I rise up to the prey for my determinâ—tion is to gather the Nations that I may assemble the Kingdoms to pour upon them mine indignation even all my fierce anger For all the Earth shall be devoured with the fire of my jealousie Zeph. 3.8 For behold thoâ—â—y cometh that shall burn as an Oven and all tâ—e Proud yea and all that do wickedly shall be stubble and the day that cometh shall burn them up saith the Lord of Hosts that it shall not leave them neither root nor branch Mal. 4.1 These shall hate the Whore and shall make her desolate and naked and shall eat her Flesh and burn her with fire For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will and to agree and give their Kingdom unto the Peast until the words of God shall be fulfilled Rev. 17.16 17. Therefore shaâ—l her Plagues come in one daâ— Death and Mourning and Famine and she shall be utterly burnt with fire For strong is the Lord God who judgeth her Rev. 18 8. God hath given assurance to all men that his Church shall stand for ever Now he that runs may read and he that reads may see in these many Texts of Scripture I have set before you that the True Church shall stand for ever Secondly From the Providences of God. God brings forth Time. Time brings forth Providences Providence brings forth Things And things work together yea all things work together for good to them that love God to them who are the called according to his purpose Providence is that seal d Book sealed with seven Seals And I saw in the right Hand of him that sate on the Throne a Book written within and on the back side sealed with seven Seals Rev. 5.1 The Angels were to sound the seven Trumpets The Angels were to pour out the Vials of the wrath of God. But the Lamb was to open the seven Seals that had sealâ—d up the Book of Providence And as the Lamb opened the Seals Providence brought forth thâ— things that were to be as God had purposed and determined according to his own Counsel and Will and these things knoweth no man till Providence brings them forth But of that day and that hour knoweth no man no not the Angels which are in Heaven neither the Son but the Father Mark 13.32 And he said unto them It is not for you to know the Times and the Seasons which the Father hath put in his own power Acts 1.7 Surely the Angels that are in Heaven know more than men that are on the Earth and yet you see they did not know of that day nor hour nor the Son as he was man but the Father And after our Lord Jesus was risen from the dead the Apostles asked of him saying Lord wilt thou at this time restore again the Kingdom to Israel He then soon answered them It is not for you to know the Times or Seasons which the Father hath put in his own power No man knoweth what shall be on the morrow what a day may bring forth Jam. 4.14 No man can say This shall be or that shall be in this time or at that time He can go no further than conjectures and imaginations which have led men into error and confusion and into great mistakes This is very plain that men do not know what shall befal them and others the next hour And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the Seals I heard as it were the noise of thunder and I saw and behold a white Horse and he that sate on him had a Bow and a Crown was given unto him and he went forth Conquering and to Conquer And when he had opened the second Seal there went out another Horse that was red And power was given to him that sate thereon to take peace from the Earth and that they should kill one another And there was given unto him a great Sword. And when he had opened the third Seal I beheld and lo a black Horse and he that sate on him had a pair of Ballances in his Hand And I heard a voice in the midst of the four Beasts saying A measure of Wheat for a penny and three measures of Barley for a penny and see thou hurt not the Oyl and the Wine And when he had opened the fourth Seal I looked and behold a pale Horse and his name that sate on him was Death and Hell followed with him And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the Earth to kill with Sword and with Hunger and with Death and with the Beasts of the Earth c. Rev. 6.1 to 8. By this you may see things did not appear until the Seals were opened but as soon as the Lamb had opened any of the Seals Providence brought forth the things that did appear to the sight and view of men Then that came to be known which before was unknown When he had opened the first Seal I saw and behold a white Horse and he that sate on him had a Bow
and a Crown was given unto him and he went forth Conquering and to Conquer This was the Preaching of the Everlasting Gospel Christ Jesus in the Ministry of the Word conquering and overcoming rebellious Sinners working in them by his Word and Spirit Life and Light Love and Grace Holiness and Truth and filling them with all Spiritual Blessings and being changed into the same Image from Glory to Glory even as by the Spirit of the Lord The Preaching of this Gospel did then raise a great Tumult and made the World to Arm and put them into a great Rage and men were filled with Enmity and Prejudice against the Truth then they consulted and took counsel together how they might destroy Gods Faithful Servants which keep the Commandments of God and the Testimony of Jesus Christ and the Persecutors in that day did slay and destroy many thousands of Gods dear Children And when he had opened the fifth Seal I saw under the Altar the Souls of them that were slain for the Word of God and for the Testimony which they held And they cryed with a loud voice saying How long O Lord holy and true dost thou not judge and avenge our Blood on them that dwell on the Earth verse 9 10. Then the Lord punish'd the Inhabitants of the Earth by many heavy and sore Judgments War and Pestilence and Famine and Death as appears by the opening of the other Seals Thus it was then and so it hath been ever since Now all the things that Providence hath brought forth at any time hath not overthrown the Faith of the Gospel nor swallowed up the true Church neither hath it destroyed Gods truth from amongst men neither hath it thrown down that Spiritual worship which God hath set up but all the things that Providence hath brought forth at any time have all workt together for the good of Gods people Whatever things have happened have â—â—ln out to the furtherance of the Gospel and to the increase of the Faithful The Mouth of the Lord hath spoken it Say ye to the righteâ—us 〈◊〉 it shall be well with them for they shall eat tâ—e fruit of their doings Wo to the wicked it shâ—ll be ill with them for the reward of his hands shâ—ll be given him Isa 3.10.11 Let the Reader consider well these three things 1. That Providence is a seal'd Book 2. That the Lord Jesus opens the Seals of this Book 3. That whatever things Providence shall bring forth in the World shall not hurt the Church but help it shall not destroy the Church but pâ—eâ—erve it shall not lay the Church waste but shall increase it and exalt it above the â—ills The thinâ—s that Providence brings forth may be known and understood by two things First The Voice of Providence Secondly The Signs of Providence First By the Voice of Providence There are it may be so many â—inâ—s of Voices in the World and â—ore of tâ—em are w thouâ— signifi ation 2 Cor. 14.10 Whose Voice tâ—en shook the Earth but now he hath promised saying Yet once more I shake not the Earth only but also Heaven And this word yet once more signifyeth the removing of those things that are shâ—â—en as of things that are made that those things which cannot be shaken may remain Hebrews 12.26 27. Secondly By the signs of Providence O ye Hypocrites ye can discern the Face of the Sky but ye cannot discern the Signs of the Times A Wicked and Adulterous Generation seeketh after a Sign and there shall no Sign be given unto it but the Sign of the Prophet Jonas And he left them and departed Mat. 16.3 4. By this you see Providence hath a Voice and a Sign the Voice of the Times and the Signs of the Times And both these shew Knowledge and give Understanding to Men that duly mind and observe them Every Providence is not a Trumpet but the mighty Things which Providence sometimes brings forth are as a Trumpet the sound thereof goes unto the ends of the Earth Whatsoever things Providence brings forth they shall work together for the good of the Church For the Eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole Earth to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose Heart is perfect towards him 2 Chron. 16.9 Thirdly From the people of God. They are all labourers together with God and workers together with him for the good of the Church 1 Cor. 3.9 By Faith by Prayer by Hope by Holy Desires and by all Good Endeavours that they may further the Churches Peace and Happiness and enlarge her Borders and for this end God hath given Gifts unto Men. But unto every one of us is given Grace according to the measure of the Gift of Christ Wherefore he saith when he ascended up on high he led Captivity Captive and gave Gifts unto Men. Now that he ascended what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the Earth He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all Heavens that he might fill all things And he gave some Apostles and some Prophets and some Evangelists and some Pastors and Teachers for the perfecting of the Saints for the work of the Ministry for the edifying of the Body of Christ till we all come in the unity of the Faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God unto a perfect Man unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ Eph. 4.7 to 13. Whether Paul or Apollo or Cephas or the World or Life or Death or things Present or things to Come all are yours and ye are Christs and Christ is Gods 1 Cor. 3.22 23. By this it appears that the Gifts and Parts and Abilities that Ministers have are given to them of God! not to gain filthy Lucre but to gain Souls that they might gather them unto Christ Jesus They are Builders but not to Build up themselves in worldly Wealth but to Build up the Church of God to perfect the Saints they have Talents given them but for what end For the work of the Ministry for the edifying the Body of Christ and for this end God gives grace unto men Unto me who am less than the least of all Saints is this grace given that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ Eph. 3.8 Christs Ministers have heavenly Treasures in them that they may make many rich Preaching to others the unsearchable riches of Christ and in this way will Christ Jesus be with his Church to the end of the World raising up faithful Witnesses in all Ages and filling them with his holy Spirit that rich Anointing which is from above that they may be able Ministers not only of the Letter but of the Spirit and this supply the Church will always have to the end of the World every Saint that is on the Earth is in Arms upon Duty and Exercise for the good of the Church every Saint is a Soldier