Progenitors with the same implacable enmity to the power of the Gospel And is there not a cry for all this How long Lord holy and true dost thou not avenge our blood on them that dwell in the earth Rev. 6. 10. Doth not Sion cry the violence done unto me and my children be upon Babylon and my blood upon those heavens of the Nations and will not the Lord avenge his elect that cry unto him day and night will he not do it speedily will he not call the fowls of Heaven to eat the flesh of Kings and Captains and great men of the Earth Rev. 19. 18. Will he not make the Heavens like the wood of the Vine c. and what of all this Doctour The time shall come to discover her slain and not the simplest Hereticks as they were counted shall have his blood 〈…〉 enged Neither shall any attonement he made for this blood or expiation be allowed whilest a Toe of the image or a Bone of the Beast is left unbroken Again p. 13. No kind of government in Europe or line of Governors so ancient but that the Beast is as old as they and had a great influence into their constitution or establishment to provide that it might be for his own interest where the Pope hath not expressely bargained for his own interest and provided that he should have the chief place in all the Oaths and bonds that were betwixt Prince and People either by pretended collation of Right to pacifie the Consciences of blood-thirsty Potentates in the undertaking and pursuing their unjust Conquests or foolish Mitred confirmations of sword purchases he hath got them framed to his own end and purpose which was to bring in all these Nations into subjection to his Babylonish usurpations Which those Kings finding no way inconsistent with their own designes did willingly promote labouring to enforce all Consciences into subjection to the Romish Sea Hence it is that such an interposition was made of the rights of Holy Church That is Babylon the Mother of Harlots in all the Types Oathes and Bonds between Prince and People and for the advancement of the righteous judgements of God That the sons of men may learn to fear and tremble before him And it may be observed that that which doth and shall stick upon Potentates to their ruine is not so much their own or any other interest as the dregs of that Papall Antichristian interest thrust into their Oathes and Obligations for no other end in the world but to keep the Lord Jesus out of his Throne And this is a reason why the Lord Jesus by his mighty power at the bringing in of his unmoveable Kingdom will shake the Heavens and Earth of the Nations Reas Even because in their present constitutions they are directly framed to the interest of Antichrist which by notable advantages at their first moulding and contrived insinuation ever since hath so rivited it self into the very fundamentals of them that no digging nor myneing with an earthquake will cast up the foundation stones thereof c. Because as is their Interest so is their Acting The present powers of the Nations stand in direct opposition to the bringing in of the Kingdome of Christ At which time saith the Doctor Two things there are that will be confessed incumbent on him in this day of his advancement 1. The bringing home of his antient people to be one fold with the fulnesse of the Gentiles raising up the Tabernacle of David and building it as in the dayes of old In the accomplishment of innumerable promises and answer to millions of prayers Doctor in this you and your brother yet hath not cut a thred but proceed Doctor Now there are two main hinderances of this work that must be removed the first whereof is 1. Real The great river Euphrates the strength and fulnesse of those streams do yet rage so high that there is no passage for the Kings of the East to come over wherefore this must also be dryed up as other waters were for their forefathers of old Rev. 16. 12. and doubtlesse this is spoken in allusion to Abrahams going over that River into Canaan when the Church of God in his family was there to be erected whence he was called the Hebrew that is the Passenger i. e. over that River Gen. 14. 13. And then it may well enough denote the Turkish power which proud as it is at this day possessing in peace all those Regions of the East yet God can quickly make it wither and be dryed up Or to the deliverance of the Jews in Babylon when it was taken and destroyed by the drying up of the streams of that river and so the yoke of her tyranny broken from the Churches neck Jer. 51. 31. c. And so it can be no other but the power of the Romish Babylon supporting the Kings of the Nations Which must therefore be shaken and dryed up 2. Moral Or the Idolatry of the Gentile worshippers The Jews stick hard as yet at this That God should abolish any kinde of worship which himself instituted But that he should ever accept any falsworship which he had once strictly prohibited and no where to this day appointed To this they will never be reconciled Now such is all the invented idolatrous worship which the Kings of the earth have sucked in from the Cup of Fornications held out unto them in the hand and by the Authority of the Roman Whore This still they cleave close unto and will not hearken to the Angel preaching the everlasting Gospel that men should worship him who made the Heavens and the Earth and the Sea and the fountains of Water Rev. 13. 6 7. i. e. The God of Heaven in Jesus Christ according to his holy just and righteous laws statutes judgements and Ordinances as afore mentioned in opposition to all their Jeonolatry Artolatrys Hagiolatry Stanrolatry and Masse abomination This then must also be removed And because as it hath been said it is so rivited and cemented into and with all the Orbs of the Nations Heaven and Earth i. e. the politick or humane Frames of Government which they have made for * themselves and their interests they therefore must be shaken and brought to destruction before it can be effected The second thing he hath to accomplish is the Tremendous totall Destruction of the man of Sin and all his adherents that are not obedient to the Heavenly call Rev. 18. 4. c. Doct. Pray what is your meaning by the adherents of Babylon Resp Are not most Potentates tyed by Oath or other compact either to maintain the whole or some part of the old Tower under the name of Right of Holy Church Prelates and the like true Doctor they are Query It is clear then that you include all sorts of Governours and Governments to be adherents to the Papal power or mystery Babylon the great the Mother of Harlots and abomination of the the earth who support Prelacy
do them John 13. 17. as also the Apostle Peter If ye do these things ye shall never fall 2 Pet. 1. 10. Fourthly it sheweth what benefit we have received by Christ i. e. the renewing of that image wherein man was first created the Scriptures being a Lanthorn and a Light to that purpose as David hâ—th acknowledged Col. 3. 10. Having put on the new man which is created in knowledge after the image of him that created hâ—m In the state of Reformation of all things the Law shall have that use which it had before mans fall to shew the conformity of mankind in their holy obedience with the blessed will of their Glorious Creatour Lord and Master Jesus Christ blessed for ever Amen Of the Judiciall Law The Judicialll Law floweth from the Morall Law which is the Fountain and Foundation thereof and as the Morall Law is fixed in the Heart and Conscience of every man by nature Rom. 2. 14 15. so the Judicialls appertaining thereunto flow from the same Fountain and therefore seeing no Common-wealth can stand without a Civil and Judiciall Constitution the Lord therefore having provided the Law that binds in Conscience so here he sets forth the penaâ—ll lawes whereby the obstinacy of men may be restrained for if men were left to themselves there would be few that would not rather live as they list as the Ranters c. 1. Therefore because it might so fall out that all would not be Why the Judicial Law was given obedient to the Moral Precept it was necessary that the alone Law-giver Rom. 4. 12. who is onely able to save and to destroy to prescribe what Punishment every transgressour of the Law should be liable unto Of the word Judgement As touching the word Judgement in the Singular it doth not signifie as Judgements in the Plurall for Judgement in the Singular doth for the most part signifie condemnation but in the plurall it signifies as well the revenge and punishment of the guilty as the defence of the innocent 2. The word Judgement is taken three wayes as first it signifiâ—s the Act of Judgement and understanding which determineth what is meet and convenient to be done and so it is the fountain and beginning whence good Lawes do proceed Reason For the Law is made good out of Judgement So that the Judiciall Law is in effect as if the Lord had said unto Moses whereas I have already given the people Generall Rules of serving me as also how to demâ—an themselves one towards another now upon a full and deliberate consultation and Iudgement given I shall deliver their particular demeanour touching the same as also the punishment that shall be inflicted upon the violatours thereof whether towards me or towards one another 2. The word Judgâ—ment is taken for the Administration of Iustice which is the executive part of the Law 3. It is taken for the Law it self according to which Iudgement iâ— given The Iudiciall Law of three sorts 1. They either were such as were annexed to the Moral Law as the statutes and Judgements touching the Contemners of the Moral Law in Generall or in particular as in Blasphemy Idolatry Murther Adultery c. 2. Or such as were appendent to the Ceremoniall Law as the Statutes and Iudgements touching any dead thing or that were prohibited and the like 3. Or such as appertained to the particular Policie and State of the Jews Common-wealth as concerning the year of Jubile raising â—â— seed to the brother departed without issue by marrying his wife c. The two last of these are abolished one with the Ceremonies on which they attended the other as being onely peculiar to that Government is now decayed and determined with it The Great Controversie now to debate is whether the first of of these i. e. the Statutes and Judgements annexed to the Moral Law be as Binding to all Nations as the Moral Law it self In râ—ference to which I take the Affirmative part and say That the Judicial Laws annexed to the Moral Law is as Binding as the Law and ought to be put in practise by the Magistrates of ALL the NATIONS in the whole world This great Argument controverted It is acknowledged that the Moral Law is obligatory universal The Adversaries confession and eternal for that it is agreeable to the Law of nature commanded by God to Moses revived and ratified by Jesus Christ in the Gospel and therefore may really and truly be termed the Law of Christ and the Royall Law of Jehovah binding ALL NATIONS But as for the judiciall Law it ended with the Jews Common Their Objection wealth for which it was intended and therefore untill it can be shewn when and where it was renued and imposed upon all Nations Mounseir Needham the Court Parrasite and Pensioner that scoffing Ishmaelite and blasphemous Rabshakah of the times saith he will not believe it Resp I am glad this Court Sycophant and Temporising Parasite hath so much grace as to acknowledge what he hath in reference to the Royal Law of Jehovah i. e. the Moral Law and as touching the other I answer and say That the Judiciall Law annexed to the Moral Law is no more ended or determined than the Moral Law it self Neither can be And that for these following Reasons i. e. 1. For they are as I have said conclusions and rules of justice Reason 13 grounded upon the Morall Law or Royal Law and were not appointed to prefigure any thing but meerly grounded upon the law of Equity and Justice and therefore can nor ought to be laid aside any more than those precepts of equity and justice to which they are so inseparably annexed as that the one cannot suffer detriment without the other and consequently neither the law statute or judgment but by an open and apparent contempt of Jehovah the Lord Christ the God of equity and justice who hath established and ratified them to be his laws to such purpose and so not judaicall or peculiar onely to the Jews but to all that are under the verge of the Moral Law 2. For that the breach of the Moral Precept or Law is the same before the alone Law-giver in one part of the world as in another as to kill a man wilfully or by Accident is now the same sin before the eyes of God in England as it was then in Canaan and consequently of any other transgression of the Moral Precept and therefore in such cases the great and singular Law-giver hath declared that one Law should be for the stranger i. e. the Gentile as for the home born or Jews themselves Exod. 12. 49. Lev. 24. 22. And therefore unlesse this Changeling will undertake to prove Iehovah the Lord Christ such an one as himself as to prefix one punishment in Canaan for the violation of a Moral Precept whether General or particular and another sort of punishment for the same Transgression in another Country as in England c. which blasphemous
Assertion he is as like to maintain as any I know for a Stipends sake he cannot avoid but must per Force subscribe that the said statutes and Judgements are of as large an extent as the Moral Law it self acknowledged by him i. e. Obligatory Universal and Eternal and Binding all Nations Object 2 All Nations have a latitude left them of making such Civil Laws as they shall think convenient for the better Government of themselves according to Prudence and Discretion provided they be not contrary to that Royal Law Respon Prag I here challenge thee and all thy Mastâ—â—s which in Court City or Country Vniversities or Innes of Court by what names or titles so ever dignified or distinguished to shew me one Text of Scripture that granteth any such latitude to Magistrates by the alone Law-giver as they are or ought to be his Ministers or servants to put his Laws in execution but contrary-wise such Actions are so abominable in the eyes of Jehovah the Lord Christ as that he hath denoted a curse against those that do take upon them either to adde or detract that either swerve to the right hand or the left from those Laws Statutes and Iudgements prescribed by him for proof hereof see Deut. 27. 26. Gal. 3. 10. No Monsieur Prag those that are Dispensers of Iehovahs lawes must not make Laws for him whether in reference to Statute or Iudgement he is as able to prescribe his punishment as his Law without their help or assistance And therefore it was that our blessed Saviour so much inveighed against the Scribes Pharises hypocrites of his time of abode here on earth like unto Needhams forementioned Masters for that they had not onely transgressed the Commandements of God by their vain Traditions or Expositions but he had even made them thereby of none effect Mat. 13. 3 4 5 c. So that I affirm that Clause in Needhams Objection i. e. For the better Government c. to be absolute blasphemy for that by so saying in plain terms that his aforesaid Masters are Wiser than the Great God of Heaven and Earth in reference to the composing of all Government for the sonnes of men and therefore according to the Statute and Iudgement appropriated by Iehovah in such Cases he ought to be put to death vid. Lev. 24. 11. 15. 23. as also for his scurrilous expressions against Moses and the Laws given by God unto him to communicate to the people for he that despised Mose's Law was to dye without mercy under the testimony of two or three witnesses which Judgement will doubtlesse fall upon the heads of Needham c. In so saying he clearly giveth the Apostle Paul the lye who asserteth That the foolishnesse of God is wiser than the wisdome of men 1. Cor. 1. 25. The meanest of the Divine Orders being far beyond the wisest of his or his Masters vain imaginations so that by such their deceived foolish hearts they onely contract to themselves that Heathenish Character i. e. by professing themselves * Rom. 1. 2 2. wise to be Downright Foolish for in such Cases the Apostle doth positively affirm that the wisdome of the world viz. Athenian like Wisdome is foolishnesse to God for it is written I will destroy the wisdome of the wise whether in Civil or spirituall matters I will bring to nought the Councels of the prudent Where is the wise where is the Scribe where is the disputer or Needhams of this world hath not God made Foolish the Wisdome or politick carnal wisdome of this World and therefore he concludeth that not many after the flesh not many mighty not many noble are called by God to be made Instruments in his work or service whether in Civils or Spiritualls but contrarywise hath made choice of that which is Foolish in the esteem of Needham and his Masters whether in reference to persons or things to confound that which they esteem wisdome that no flesh might glory in his presence vide Rev. 27 28 29. 1. I doe therefore hereby affirm that God that gave life and limbs unto men c. hath onely power to dispose of them and none else and that he that taketh away either the life or limb of any man other wise than God himself hath appointed or given direction in the holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testament either by general rule or particular precept is a Murtherer and a Tyrant 2. I do also hereby affirm that whosoever doth not take away life or limb in such cases as the alone law-giver hath appointed is an unjust Judge And that he will be punished by Jehovah the Lord Christ for so doing Reason For he hath said Yee shall do no unrighteousnes in judgment thou shalt not respect the person of the poore nor honour the person of the mighty Levit. 19. 15. But in Righteousnesse shalt thou judge thy Neighbour A text that ere long may be urged against those that have urged it against others vid. Abridg. Remonst Albans pag. 10. with severall other scriptures to such purpose And hence it was that Moses charged the Judges of Israel saying Heare the cause between your brethren and judge Righteously between every man and his brother and the stranger that is with him and yee shall not respect persons in Judgment but yee shall heare the small as well as the great you shall not be afraid of the face of man Deut. 1. 15 16 17. Reason For the judgment is Gods 3. That in all other cases the Magistrate being the Minister or servant of God or at least ought so to be Rom. 13. 4. ought to execute justice as the alone Law-giver their Lord and Master hath prescribed which they cannot do otherwise than by putting his laws in execution according to those statutes and judgments established by God himself and not according to theiâ— own lusts and humours as our present Magistrates do at this day punishing severall things by death which the alonâ— Law-giver hath appointed other punishments and severall things with other punishments for which the alone Law-giver hath appointed death Reason For it is required in a disposer that he should be found faithfull 1 Cor. 4. 2. But Gods will otherwise appeareth not then in his word or law Therefore who so doth not accordingly doth not perform the will of the alone Law giver in his word or Law and consequently of the number of those Magistrates mentioned by Solomon in his book titled Wisdome cap. 6. 1. to whom he saith by way of rebuke and admonition Heare therefore O yee Kings and understand learn ye that be Judges of the ends of the earth give ear you that rule the people and glory in the multitude of Nations for power is given you of the Lord and soveraignty from the highest i. e. the Constitution of Authority or Magistracy Rom. 13. 3 4. and that according to the Armies own construction of that place in their Abridgment of the Remonstrant Albans wherein pag. 6. they
say that Paul speaks in that place of Authority c. Magistracy in its constitution not of a Person abusively exercising it to be Gods instrument of Good to every one and an incourager of good in every man and an envying to evill who will try your work or pollicy and search out your Counsel then Counsellours look to your selves you had need then to treble your guards about you Reason Because being Ministers of his Kingdom the Kingdome will be then found to be the Lords and not theirs who are now Usurpers both over it and the Lords Goverment which he hath appointed for it ye have not judged right wherein have they not judged right nor kept the Law What will become of those Magistrates then that have neither kept the Law i. e. that have not judged according to the Law of the alone Law giver neither have judged according to their own Laws surely the following judgment will fall with a Witnesse upon such Magistrates Nor walked after the Counsel of God no nor of good men neither but of a company of fawning Parrasites the Frogs Locusts Caterpillars and Cankerworms of Nations horribly and speedily will he come upon you For a sharp judgment shall be to them that are in high places for mercy will pardon the meanest such as may not properly be termed the makers and judges of Heathenish Laws i. e. the petty-foggers of the Laws and governments of man i. e. such as are not Commissionated to such purpose but mighty men shall be mightily tormented Reason For he that is Lord Oneral shall fear no mans person How not the person of O. P. c. Neither shall he stand in aw of any mans greatnesse but sure he dare not meddle with his Highnesse that is a degree above greatnesse for he hath made the small and great and earth for all a like how for all alike that 's a strange saying indeed surely the Lord will be a leveller with a witnesse But a sore tryall shall come upon the mighty Let her alone untill that day The Fox fares bâ—st when he is threatned most These are but Bug-bear-expressions to frighten children valiant Heroes fears them not me vive fiat saith Nero and his Comrades let this day of judgment come in their time so much do they fear it tush they are onely mock-beggers and scar-crows they see by reason and experience that all things continue as they were from the beginning of the Creation let a company of dreaming Prophets say what they will doth God take notice of idolatry or Tyranny as the simple vulgar term it Tush he seeth no such thing there is no such knowledge in the most high and if he do know yet doubtles he hideth away his face and will not see it For surely otherwise he would not have suffered it so long to have been practiced as he hath done away therefore with all such Fancies and let us look after our present work to suppresse such sawcy insolent fellows that dares to cite such Treasonable Texts to the â—nd they may affright us What! doth not our Prognosticatours tell us that our Government is permanent and will not admit of alteration for many hundreds of years what then ought we to give heed to such bablers Unto you O Kings saith Solomon do I speak that Ye may learn wisdome and not fall away How now Solomon do you give us this Counsel surely this book was made when you were in your doling condition when you began to have one leg in the grave it was not so with you when your Government lashed your brethren as with whips when your provision for one day was thirty measures of fine floure and threescore measures of meal ten fat oxen and twenty oxen out of the pasture besides Harts and Robucks and Fallow-deere and fatted fowl when you had forty thousand stalls of horses for your Chariots and twelve thousand horsemen when you had seven hundred wives and three hundred concubines No this was when you began to surfet of your pleasures and therefore to cry all is vanity and vexation of spirit well when we have taken our fill of pleasure as you did we shall peradventure take your advise in the mean time give us leave to satisfie the lusts of our own hearts and if not know we will take leave and so farewell Solomon Seeing that which is not of of faith or firm perswasion is sin Rom. 14. 23. and faith must be grounded upon the Word as being wrought by the Word Rom. 10. 16 17 18. The Magistrate cannot justifie his Acts of Justice in the sight of God unlesse he can warrant the same from the word of God and what word is there for taking away the life of a man for simple theft c. with several other things now acted by the present Magistrates of this Nation as I shall undertake to prove if ever providence call me thereunto 5. In as much as God hath created man in his own Image Gen. 1. 26. c. which Image is in Mans Soul animating his body This Image I say ought not to be defaced and dissolved but by warrant and direction from the word of God and consequently in all other Cases where the Great Law-giver hath as well prescribed the Punishment as the Offence i. e. the judgement or punishment as the Precept or Statute and that who so doth not so is a Rebell and Traitor to the alone Law-giver whose servant he ought to be in all faitfulnesse and not an Vsurper of his Masters Authority or Legislatorship as our present Magistrates are at this day Object Mordecay and Daniel having place of Government under the Babylonish and Persian Kings did no doubt administer Justice according to the Laws and Customes of that Country Therefore the Laws of the Heathens were assented unto by godly persons Resp The Case is now far different for those Emperours or Kings were Heathen but the present Magistrates of this Nation are at least in pretence Christians and therfore for them above all other to act by and according to those Heathenish Laws and Customes doth render them to be Worse than the very Heathen Reason For the Heathens did make and act by such Laws meereâ—y out of blind ignorance Acts 17. 30. and therefore God is said to wink thereat but since hath commanded All Men every * None then can plead excuse where to repent of such their wickednesse because he hath Appointed a day in which he will Iudge the World in Righteousnesse which can be done by no other than his own Holy Iust perfect and Righteous Laws by the Man whom he hath ordained c. but the present Magistrates of this Nation or Supreme power which I take with Mr. Feak to reside in the Army or Chief Officers thereof they do it Presumptuously witnesse their Declarations Remonstrances c. in which they have Notoriously proclaimed to All the World that they have fought to set up the Lord Iesus Christ to be
thereunto and have no dependance at all either upon the Ceremonial Law or their pollitick constitutions but are as I have said conclusions and rules of justice grounded meerly upon the Loyall Law and therefore Jesus Christ could not destroy the one without the other But Needham himself hath confessed that Jesus Christ did ratisie the Royal law Ergo those judiciall precepts afore mentioned Resp 2. That the Apostles of the Lord Jesus taught the use thereof appeareth from Pauls 1 Epist to Tim. 1. v. 9 10. where he saith the Law is made for unholy and prophane persons For murtherers of fathers and murtherers of mothers for manslayers for Whoremongers for them that defile themselves with mankinde for men stealers for lyers for perjured persons and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine according to the glorious Gospel of the blessed God c. From which words it is clear that the Judiciall Law I stand for was to be in force under the Gospel Reason For severall things here numerated by the Apostle are not found in the Decalogue or Ten Commandements or Royal Law but are deductions there from i. e. part of those statutes which depend thereon as the Five Books of Moses will sufficiently testifiâ— For the Royal Law onely saith Thou shalt not kill It doth not particularise killing of fathers or mothers or manslayers c. Again it also saith in a gâ—neral expression Thou shalt not Commit Adultery It doth not particularise Whoremongers or such as defile themselves with mankinde Again in point of Theft it only saith in a general term Thou shalt not Steal It doth not particularise Man-stealers c. and so in the rest There can then be nothing more clear than that the Apostle doth here speak of the Judicial Law annexed to the Moral precept which he affirmeth to be good and lawfull to be practiced amongst Christians Therefore it may be safely concluded that the Judicial Law annexed to the Moral precepts is as well to be practiced by Christians under the Gospel as before among the Jews and that to all ends and purposes which I collect from these words if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine i. e. Loving God above all and our neighbour as our self that also saith the Apostle ought to be determined by those Statutes and Judgments 1. Because God hath given no other rule to govern the world by who are all under the Royal Law as hath been proved from Rom. 3. 9. 29. and consequently under the other i. e. the Statutes and judgments 2. In that Jesus Christ did not destroy the one more than the other 3. In that the Apostle ratifieth the one as well as the other As then it was Moses and Aron before Christ so now Moses and Christ in the Gospel State as Mr. Brain well observed God is said to judge the secrets of mens hearts i. e. the inward man by or according to the Gospel Rom. 2. 16. And the things done in the flesh i. e. the actions of the outward man by the Statutes and Judgments aforementioned as hath been shewed as also from 1 Tim. 5. 17. where the Apostle saith The sins of some are open before hand and go before to judgement i. e. before the Civill Magistrate Others follow after and so under the Judgment of Christ in the Church And this is further illustrated from Rom. 2. 2. we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them that commit such things which things if you would know read cap. 1. and you will find them to be idolatry and false worship as in making images of men and birds and four footed beasts or creeping things as also in vile affections as of men and women changing their kinde fornication c. all which appertaining to the judiciall precepts Again 1 Cor. 5. the Apostle doth make a clear distinction betwixt them that are properly under the civil and spiritual government i. e. the external and internal of Moses and Christ as in vers 12 13. where he saith What have I to do to judge them that are without do not ye judge them that are within But them that are without God judgeth as if he had said Men are now to be judged in things civil by the civil law of God committed to the Magistrate and that not only by the men of the world but members of Churches also for the Apostle doth not blame the Corinthians cap. 6. of that Epistle for that they brought their civill controversies to be decided by the civill Magistrate Reason 1. But because those civil Magistrates did not judge by the law of God and therefore could not give a just judgment Reason 2. As also in that they were such Judges as were not rightly fixed or qualified for such a purpose the latter is evident by the title which the Holy Ghost putteth upon them vers 1. viz. unjust Judges the former is also evident by the place of their abode viz Corinth the Magistrates thereof being unbelievers v. 6. i. e. Heathen Judges judging by Heathenish Laws as are all that now Govern as they did And in things spiritual by the censures of the churches as the afore mentioned expressions do clearly evidence Again our blessed Saviour himself doth clearly manifest that judgement of external acts against the Law of Moses was left to Moses Luke 12 13 14. where the man coming to have the inheritance divided Christ gave him this Answer Man who made mee a judge and divider over you Again in the case of the woman taken in the Act of Adultery John 8. 3 4 5 6. Jesus Christ would neither accuse or condemn her so that the woman was dismissed not absolved Shiloh being now come the Scepter was now departed from Judah and a Law-giver from between his feet Gen. 49. 10. The Jews at this time being then under the dominion of the Romans had not power to put any to death by their Law as clearly appeareth by comparing the 7 v. of John 19. with v. 31. of cap. 18. where the Jews tell Pilate they have a law to punish blasphemers by death And yet the case was then such with them that they could not put any to death thereby And hence I conceive it was that the Scribes and Pharisees Hypocrites brought the woman taken in the act of Adultery to our blessed Saviour to entrap him i. e. to see if he would take upon him to put their law in execution and that if he had then to have accused him for intermedling upon the priviledge of Caesar as is clear from John 19. 12. Where they tell Pilat that if he let Jesus go he was not Caesars friend Reason For say they who so maketh himself a King that is that taketh upon him to put our Laws in execution without the approbation of Cesar speaketh against Cesar Mat. 22. 15 16 17. c. All which temptations our Saviour then avoided because the time
what they had so publickly declared for or an occasion to the enemies of God and his Christ to blaspheme have disserted their imployment and commands in the Army as Major General Harrison Colonel Rich Colonel Okey c. and some like noble Heroes now prisoners for their disrellish of the present apostaciâ—s of the army as Major General Overton Cololonel Allured with several others upon the like account as also of the now worse than Merosh Churches afore mentioned who have been far from helping the Lord against the mighty as that quite contrary-wise they have helped the mighty against the Lord by their new strengthening the hands of the adversariâ—s of the truth to persecute the faithfull followers of the Lamb and therefore to the end that all that hear or shall hear of these their Diabolical actions may henceforth learn to take warning by them I have writ these lines as also thâ—t they may learn with the industrious Bâ—e to gather hony from that gall of â—itternesse and bond of iniquity those poore souls have involved themselves in by such their conâ—ederacy against Christ and his Government as by this Treatise will appear as also that the faithful witnesses of the truth may be hereby incouraged to act for Christ as the other have done for Antichrist for God as the other have done for the Devil being such as are probably of that number that will erelong cry Lord Lord have we not fought in thy name and conquered in thy name and preached in thy name and baptised in thy name and yet shall receive for answer Depart from me I know you not c. Such whose damnation slumbereth not witnesse the present Hurlyburlies among them all their affairs lying as it were in a Chaos of confusion and doubtlesse will do every day more more untill his Government be set up whose right it is to govern the whole world by his Holy Just and Perfect Laws and Ordinances contained in the Scriptures of truth which if once imbraced by the people of this nation will I dare be bold to assert free the Inhabitants therof from these following burdens and oppressions they now Asse-like ly under Gen. 49. 14. 15. i. e. 1. Of the charge of a standing Army and so it may be at liberty to fight the Lords battels against his adversaries in forreign parts upon the Lords account and spoil of their enemies and not like Drones to live upon the labours of the industrious Beâ—â— or High-way-men to rob one another which at the rate of 120000 pounds per mensem according to the Souldiers Moneth of 28 dayes will save 156000 pounds per annum or nere upon 2. From Excise and the vast charge thereof 3. From Customes especially of our own nation and the great charge thereof 4. From the vast charge of Lawsuits 5. From Tithes and several other things of like nature and therefore worthy to be seriously considered not onely bâ— those who do really and cordially desire the promotion of the Law of God as they do the good of their own souls as do the fifth Monarchy-men and not of any carnal designe as is falsely suggested of them by the enemies of the truth but also of the self-interested men Not that I urge this Royal Law or Government in the least upuon a carnal account but that carnal men may see what benefit there is to be had under the shadow of it of this nation who are in love with their money in that what one way what other it would in a short time double their present estates by saving thâ—se annual expences which are scrued from them lit wil also concern younger brethen to ruminate hereof for whereas it is the Custome of this Nation to make the elder son a Gentleman c. and the rest half beggers this Just and Righteous Law doth alot the eldest son a double portion and the rest to have all equal portions Deut. 21. 17. 6. By advancing this law we do thereby own Jehovah to be our God and Legislator which now we cannot but are such in a Civil sence as the Apostle saith are without God in the world 7. By promoting the law all the vâ—st civil breaches of this Nation would be made up for by covenanting to be conformable to this Government we shall theâ—eby be all made Brethren and so should forget all former injuries and also it would be a fair way to make us one in a spiritual Relation which otherwise will never be done 8. By exalting this law we shall be freed from the Curse which we now lye under For cursed is every one that continueth not in the words of the Law to do them Deut. 37. 26. and John 7. 49. This people that know not the Law are accursed 9. By magnifying of this Law we shall have Justice done speedily and upon all occasions as well upon small as great matters Judges being appointed in all the gates of the Cities in the Nation Deut. 16. 18. to do Justice and Judgement without wresting Exod. 23. 6. Deut. 24. 17. without unrighteousnesse Levit. 19. 15. Without respect of persons Deut. 1. 17. 10. By submitting to this Law men shall not be condemned to Prison c. before they be heard Deut. 9. 15. John 7. 51. as is the practice of the present Governours of this Nation and which I can speak by experience having been formerly kept by their means seventeen weeks a prisoner having not a word to say unto me either before or during my imprisonment being never called before any man or examined or charged by any during that time or at all but onâ—ly told me I might be gone and now again they have also kept me fiâ—teen weeks knowing not in the least wherefore not yet having been called or questioned before any so that they have been more cruel than the Pagan Romans for Festus thought it a thing unreasonable and consequently Brutish to send a prisoner and not withall to signifie the crime laid against him Acts 25. 27. 11. By exalting this Royall Law every knowing man may plead his own cause it will be laid down so plain and stated so clear in the words of the Text and therfore needs not to be seven years apprentice to Moses as that blasphemous Rabshakeh Needham hath scoffingly spoken of Moses and the Law Who then that is rational would not rather forsake those muddy streams of Justinian Gratian and other blind and ignorant men and such as the Prophet saith turneth the needy from Judgâ—ment and taketh away the right from the poore that maketh widows their prey and rob the Faâ—herlesse 1 Sam. 10. 2. for those pure streams of Justice and Judgement that cometh out from God and riseth in him who would not that looks upon himself as a Christian rather submit to that judgement that is Jus Divinum than that which is a Traditional Jus Humanum from all the Idolatrous and Tyrannical Governours that have been in the world 12. What Liberty would this
Ceremoniall Law concerned such Rites and sacrifices as belonged to the externall worship of God prescribed to the people of the â—ews in reference to the promised seed of the woman which was to bruise the Serpents head Gen. 3. 14 15. and to typifie his coming to this end as also to distinguish them from other Nations in the world and to be signes and Symbols unto them of the Spiriâ—uall graces of the New Testament to be fulfilled by the Messiah The Ceremoniall Law utterly abolished As touching the Ceremoniall Law it is utterly abolished so that there is no place for them under the Gospel Neither can they be revived without derogation to the Gospel of Christ as the Apostle saith if ye be circumcised Christ shall profit you nothing Gal. 5. 2. for when the body is come the shadow must be done away but the Cremonies were shadows the body is Christ Col. 2. 17. 1. Their Temple signified the body of Christ in his Church their Holy place HEAVEN or the bodies of the Saints 1 Cor. 6. 19. Know ye not that your bodies are the Temples of the Holy Ghost which is in you c. their sacrifices the passion of Christ Heb. 9. 26. 28. their expiation the Remission of sinnes Heb. 22. c. these things then being fully verified and fulfilled in Christ have no more place in the Church 2. These Ceremonies served onely for that carnall people which were as children kept in Bondage under the Elements and Rudiments of the world Gal. 4. 3. But now we are no longer under Tutours and Governours the time appointed of the father being expired but are set free and redeemed by Christ 3. A third Reason for the abolishing of them is in respect of that people to whom they were prescribed as a mark and Cognizance to discern them from all other nations But now this distinction also being taken away and the wall of partition being broken down Jew and Gentile being now made all one in Christ by faith that also is abolished which discerned them from other people Reason 4 For the Causes being changed for the which the Law was made there must needs be also an Alteration of the Law it self The Moral Law remaineth in full force in point of obedience The Moral Law remaineth yet in full force and is not abrogated in respect of obedience which thereunto is still required under the Gospel But in respect of the Curse * Christ hath onely taken away the Curse and malediction of the Morall Law and malediction which Christ hath taken away so that it is most true which our blessed Saviour Saith He came not to destroy the Law but to fulfill it Mat. 5. 17 18 19. he hath fulfilled it first in his own person in keeping it 2. in paying the punishment for us which was due by the Law to the transgressors thereof 3. inabling us by his grace to walke in obedience to his Law Why it pleased God to give his written Law into the World 1. God did not give the moral law in writing in that he was either mutable in changing his first determination or that in processe of time he had found out a more profitable way then he knew before as some have wickedly objected of old and now revived by the The Ranters and Quakers Tenent Ranters and Quakers of this Apostate Generation saying that by the light of Nature before the Flood Men discerned good from evill just from unjust so that the old world sinning against the law of Nature was justly punished it being imprinted in their hearts they shewing the effects of that Law written in their hearts their consciences also bearing them witnesse Answer 1. But because the law of Nature was now much obscured and almost quite obliterated by reason of the Idolatry and Tyranny that was then spread over the earth which flowed from the corruption of nature Therefore the Lord thought it needfull to give it forth by a Visible writing thereof in two Tables of Stone To his then onely peculiar people who from that very cause was selected out of the world Gen. 17. 1 2 4. Exod. 15. 26. and 20. 2 3. Deut. 5. 1 2 3. and 6. 12 c. 2. Least men should complain that somewhat was wanting in the heart therefore to take away all pretext of ignorance the Lord gave his written Law so that all men in generall are left without excuse 3. Because it was to prepare and make way for the Gospel to shew that we have not strength in our selves to fulfill the law in reference to the spirituall part thereof and so it was our Schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ Gal. 3. 24. 4. It was given as a supply of the weakness and ignorance of man that whereas there was no certain rule before to know what was good and what was evill but men according to their blinde phantasie and carnal imagination placed happinesse some in one thing and some in another the written law was to correct their erronious opinions to teach one constant certain rule of truth and virtue Reason For although in Civill and Politick matters the esteemed wise among the Heathen by their depraved light of nature and experience had attained to some degree of knowledge therein yet they were utterly ignorant of the true knowledge thereof and worship which God required therein all which is explained in the law with the statutes and judgments annexed thereunto So that in doing of this the Lord is said to commit the greatest treasure in the world to mankinde as Moses affirmeth Deut. 4. 8. What Nation is there so great that hath Statutes and judgments so righteous as all the Law that I set before you this day The fourfold use of the moral law in the fourfold State of man First As man was in his creation and state of Innocency he received two benefits by the knowledge of the law which was grafted in him by creation For 1. thereby he was made conformable to the image of God And so directed as that he should not have swerved from the will of his creator 2. He had assurance so long as he walked in obedience thereunto of certain eternity never to have tasted of Death Corruption or Mutability For he that keepeth the Law shall live thereby Secondly in Mans corrupt and decayed estate the law served to restrain the evill i. e. the written Law and therefore the Apostle saith that the Law is not given to a righteous man but to a lawless and disobedient 1 Tim. 1. 9. as also to discover unto them their sins and hence the same Apostle saith without the law sin is dead Rom. 7. 8. i. e. sin was not known to be sin for saith he I had not known Lust except the Law i. e. the written Law had said Thou shalt not commit vers 7. Here then that Soul-destroying notion of Quakisme is confuted The Quakers opinion confuted which alloreth men that are in this corrupt and
King or Legislator in this Common-wealth as also vowed obedience unto him upon his Own Terms and that they would admit Him Onely to the exercise of his Royall Authority â—and in order thereunto have affirmed that the Law that was put into the hands of * which was no other than the statutes and judgements depending â—pon the Moral Law Deut. 17 18 19. Ioash at his Coronation to be a Law from heaven as also a Rule for all Rulers and that whosoever is not under those Laws owns not his Subjection to God So that what the Apostle saith of the Heathen Rom. 1. 21. i. e. That when they knew God they did not worship him as God but became vain in their imaginations their foolish hearts being darkened and so professing themselves wise became fools and thereby left themselves without excuse I may fitly apply to the late actions of these Army men yea and that in a Greater measure in reference to the Law of God Reason For in this particular Iehovah hath not afforded many of the Heathen that priviledge as to have either the Letter or true sence of the Law Rom. 2 14. But these persons have both the Letter and true sence of the Law and yet wilfully refuse to put them in practice and consequently receive this great grace and favour of God in vain chusing rather with Turks and Infidels to be a Law unto themselves And what is this lesse in a Civil Sence than the Quakers and Ranters Tenent in a Spirituall Sence the one thinking they have No need of the Touchstone rule or Standard of the Scriptures of the New Testament to guide them in their Spiritual condition or Inward Man living meerely upon the dictates figments or Notions of the wild Fancies of their frisking brain The other that they have likewise Reason and light of nature enough within them to govern themselves and their Vassals in reference to the outward man and therefore like the other will not make use of the Old Testament for that purpose but esteem them as things base and despicable for such wise and Profound Persons as Mr. Needham and his Masters the now great Courtiers are And thus betwixt them do they compleat that Body of Iniquity and * And have filled up the measuâ—e of the wrath of their predâ—câ—ssours in iniquity and consequently ripe for judgement whâ—ch sleepeth not Transgressions and therefore with the Heathen may properly be said to be without Law and without God in the World and consequently at the very threshold of entring into that unpardonable sin against the Holy Ghost which is defined to be a resisting of the known truth which can be no other than the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testament not of infirmity or for fear or favour but of more Malice and Hatred against the written Word i. e. the LAW and the Gospel the one trampled under foot by the Ranters and Quakers and the other despised and contemned by Needâ—am and his Masters witnesse his scurrilous pamphlet tituled the Observator notwithstanding they are the very dictates of the Spirit of God to Moses the Prophets and Apostles as I have proved And therefore ought to be of as much value and esteem among the people of God as if the same words were now inspired into them by the same Spirit so that by having the benefit of the Holy Scriptures it is as much as if we had Moses and all the Prophets with Iesus Christ and his Apostles now Extant with us with all the Miracles which were wrought by them for the Confirmation thereof John 20. 31. and consequently do thereby injoy God Christ and the blessed spirits breathings as if the same were now breathed upon us in reference to our guidance and direction in the duties required of us by God either as to himself or our Neighbour so that where it is prophesied that in the latter dayes we shall be all taught of God I affiâ—m it is meant of no other teaching than that of the Old and New Testament which shall then be the Onely Rule and Square of our Actions whether in reference to things spirituall or Civil for it cannot be other than Blasphemy to assert that the blessed spirit should teach Contradictions to teach one Rule in Scripture and another Rule in Notion and if so then all Notions whatsoever these Ranters Quakers c. pretend unto which are not as agreeable with the Letter of the Scriptures as a pair of Indentures agreeth with one another and even as face answereth face in a glasse I say and do testifie that they are of their Father the Devil And therefore the words of the Apostâ—e may fitly be applyed to these men Heb. 4. where speaking of such as were once inlightned and have tasted of the good word of God and the power of the world to come saith that it is impossible for such if they shall fall away to be renewed again by Repentance seeing they have crucified to themselves the Son of God and have put him to an open shame as also those words in Cap. 10. 26 27 c. where he saith If we sin wilfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth there remaineth no more sacrifice for sin but a fearfull looâ—ing for of Iudgement and fiery Indignation which shall devour the Adversaries Again if he that despised Moses Law died without mercy under two or three witnesses of how much greater punishment shall he be thought worthy who hath troden under foot the Son of God and hath done despite to the spirit of grace such â—â— now term the same spirit the spirit of the Devil which they have all along hitherto during the time of their Straits and Low Condition owned for the Spirit of God and the sole guider and director of their Actions * Simile Vid. Epist Jud. v. 10 11 12 13 c. much like the Apostate Sons of God in the old world who having once declared their holy profession through the lusts of the flesh the lust of the eyes and the pride of life became the most desperate wretches that were in that world running themselves head-long like a horse into the battel into all manner of Excesse and Riot neither fearing God nor man which abominable wickednesse was the occasion of the destruction of that world And our Lord Jesus hath foretold that as it was in the dayes of Noah so shall it be at the coming of the Son of man Implying that a great Apostacy shall happen at that time among the Professours of the truth which this day is too evidently fulfilled both in the Eyes and Ears of all that truly fear God and keep his Commandements to do them but to the thing in question 2. If Mordecay and Daniel might have had their will they would doubtlesse have promoted the Royall Laws of their Jehovah with the Statutes and Judgements annexed thereunto as clearly appeareth by the practice of good Nehemiah Cap. 8. 1 2. who
Religion whether in reference to God or our neighbour doth depend and that in such Cases men are bound in duty and conscience both to God and their Neighbour where no effectuall help doth from elsewhere appear not to be wanting in any thing they can either do or say to hold off impending Ruine from an Honest People and a good Cause but that as in publick fires all ought to lift up their Voice and Hand bringing what Ladders Buckets or what other assistance they can vid. Abridgement Remon Albans p. 1. as did say they part of the people in Arms or an ARMY interposing against the Standing Authority for the life of good Jonathan 1 Sam. 14. 45. And the People said unto Saul shall Ionathan dye who hath wrought this great salvation in Israel God forbid as the the Lord liveth there shall not one hair of his head fall to the ground for he hath wrought with God this day So the People rescued Jonathan that he dyed not From which with severall other Presidents in the said abridgement it is clearly apparent that an Honest and just cause doth justifie the Means that may accomplish it as also the instruments that acteth therein what then is there wanting but the sword of the Lord and of Gedeon to destroy all ungodlinesse and unrighteousnesse of man from off the face of the earth and to erect those holy just and perfect Laws Statutes and Ordinances of Iehovah the Lord Christ instead thereof Object The Moral Law was ratified by Jesus Christ and his Apostles but not the judiciall Law you plead for yea Jesus Christ doth in severall places null some of the Statutes and Judgemenâ—s which were constituted and appointed by Moses as in Mat. 5. 38. where he saith ye have heard that it hath been said An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth as in Exod 21. 22 23 24 25. Lev. 24 19 20. Deut. 19. 20 but I say unto you that ye resist not evil but whosoever shall smite thee on the right cheek turn to him thâ— other also Resp Our blessed Saviour doth here neither abrogate the Statute nor the Iudgement depending on that precept Thou shalt not kill but onely freeth the same from the Traditions and interpretations of the Scribes and Pharises Hypocrites of those times who took and gave liberty to foster and follow private revenge and therefore in as much as vengeance is Gods and in that he saith he will repay it by his instruments i. e. by such Magistrates as shall put his Laws in execution The Lord Jesus doth hereby rebuke them for taking on them to revenge their particular and private injuries and so to arrogate to themselves that power that belonged to him and consequently to his Lawfull Deputies the Civil Magistrate and not that he doth here in the least take off the punishment that God by Moses had appointed in such cases i. e An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth c. Reason For if so then it would unavoidably follow that every man that listeth may strike out the eyes and teeth of his Neighbour at pleasure as also that the person so offended should be so far from seeking revenge on the offender as that he is ingaged by our Saviour to provoke the offender to do him more mischief by turning unto him the other cheek to be smitten and if this be not the meaning then I would gladly know what course men should take in point of such injuries offered unto them That may be collected from this expression of our Saviour afore mentioned If it be replyed that complaint is to be made to the Civil Magistrate to the end he may do Justice therein on the person offending Resp I demand by what Rule for it is clearly evident to all that are rationall that those words of our blessed Saviour will bear no such construction but quite contrary-wise that the person so injured should endeavour to provoke the offender to do him more mischief Again put case that an Appeal is to be made to the Civil Magistrate if that Civil Magistrate to whom the Appeal is made be an Administrator or Executioner of the Laws of the alone Law-maker and giver what other punishment ought he inflict than that which he findeth prescribed in his Masters Laws so that in sâ—ch case Magistrates must either of necessity wholly omit any punishment for such like offences or they must judge by the standing Rule prescribed in the Law of God contained in the five books of Moses So thâ—n without all Controversie where Jehovah hath as well prescribed the punishment as the offence it ought not to be altered by any Magistrate whatsoever and therefore for any Magistrate to assume the impudence to dissolve those things that God hath so joyned together by the dictates of their own phantasie or light of Nature within them is no other than by professing themselves wise to become fools Again the Apostle James affirmeth That there is but one Law-giver who is able to save and to destroy It is therefore an absolute usurpation of Gods Legislative power to save or destroy by any other means or rule than that great and onely Law-giver hath prescribed Again in point of common sence to whom can it rather refer to give rules of direction for what offence mans life shall be saved or other punishments to be inflicted and for what his life shall be taken away then to that holy just and righteous Law-giver who is the Author and giver of life and at whose will and pleasure mans life and limbs ought to be taken away and not otherwise And therefore I do hereby aver that whosoever shall henceforth contaminate or despise the aforesaid statutes and judgments doth directly derogate from Gods Authority and subjection who is the onely and sufficient Law-giver as also from the sufficiency of his Laws which is ten thousand times more perfect than any other constitution whatsoever and will thereby bring upon themselves an unavoidable destruction And it is well worthy our observation that whilest the present Army owned those judicials I plead for to be from heaven and a rule for all Rulers and that who so was not ever under them owned not his subjection to God They urged no other rule of justice to try the late King by as is clâ—erly manifest in that paper titled the Abridgment of the Râ—monst Albans where they cite multitudes of presidents out of holy writ to prove him guilty of death but not one statute law of the Nation No they were then out of date with them but now temporamutantur c. And the world is run round again since that time Object Jesus Christ and his Apostles never commanded the practice of the Judicial Laws you speak of therefore not to be urged under the Gospel Respon I have proved from Jesus Christ himself that he came not to destroy the morall percepts and consequently not those statutes and judgments which are in separably annexed
was not yet come that his Kingdome should be on the earth he being before that time to become a sufferer both in his own person and in his Members by that Roman power then in being at the end whereof i. e. at the expiration of the Little Horns Dominions Dan. 7. it shall arise out of the ruine thereof and so by gradation spread it self over the face of the whole earth as in v. 25 26 and 27 of that chapter Object The Severity of Mose's Judicials ought not to be practiced under the Gospel as the continuall practice of the Church sheweth as Paul willeth the incestuous person onely to be excommunicated 1 Cor. 5. there was then no Law in force to put such to death Resp This conceipt was the first ground of the Manichean Heresie for in making of difference in the proceedings of Justice under the Law and under the Gospel against one and the same Transgression they thereupon laid a foundation for the setting forth of two gods the one severe and the other mercifull whereas the Lord Jesus doth rather aggravate than mitigate the punishments of the Judiciall Laws as in the explication of that Precept Thou shalt not kill He to shew the latitude or complement or full extent of the mind of his Father therein saith that whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of Judgement and whosoever shall say to his brother Racha shall be in danger of the Councel but whosoever shall say thou fool shall be in danger of hell-fire hence John saith He that hateth his brother is a murtherer in Gods esteem Again v. 27. in his Exposition of that Precept Thou shalt not commit adultery He saith that Whosoever looketh after a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart c. And hence the Apostle Peter speaking of lascivious persons saith They have eyes full of adultery 2 Pet. 2. 14. In which expressions Christ sheweth that the Moral Precept extendeth as well to the inward as outward man and that he will punish the transgressions of the one as of the other the one by the Civil magistrate and the other by his Church and not in the least mitigateth the punishments of the fruits of the flesh i. e. Theft Aultery Fornication Vncleannesse Lasciviousnesse Idolatry Withcraft c. And as touching the incestuous person I have laid down a sufficient Reason why the Church could not punish him with death they having not the power to put the Laws of God in execution as also in that their Civil Magistrate did not act by Gods Laws but were unjust Judges so that it may as well be argued and concluded from Pauls expression elsewhere i. e. Let him that stole steal no more but rather let him labour with his hands c. That Theft under the Gospel is to be no other wayes punished by the Civil Magistrate than by an admonition to steal no more therefore those that affirm that the punishments of the Judiciall Law is mitigated by Christ and his Apostles under the Gospel would do well from the mouth of God to shew in what it is mitigated or to whom and whether to all or to some sinnes onely and why not all as well as some and how it can be in some particulars and not in all or each of them or how it can be under the Gospel and not declared by Christ and if by him then how can he be said to establish the Law and yet destroy all in part and whether Idolatry Blasphemy Murther Adultery Theft c. be not the same in Gods esteem now as formerly in England as in Judea and if so then why not the same punishments here as there for the violation thereof with much more that might be urged to this purpose Object If those Statutes and Judgements annexed to the Moral Law for the breach of the Moral Precept were now to be instituted it would overthrow all the constitutions of Government in Christendome yea in the whole world and so bring all the Magistrates of the earth into a Chaos of confusion and destruction with all their adherents and that both in things Civil and Ecclesiasticall Resp That is no more than God hath appointed and determined shall come to passe at bringing in of the Kingdome of the Man-child who is to rule all Nations with a rod of iron Psal 2. 9. and 72. 8. Rev. 2. 27. and 19. 15. and therefore for the further clearing up of this Assertion I shall set before you 1. Who are the professed Antâ—gonists of the Man-child with the matters or things whereby they have all along resisted and opposed his government and Subjects 2. The determinate purpose of the Man-child i. e. the Lord Jesus to subvert and destroy those persons and things which have and do so confront him and his Members i. e. his Church or people 3. The manner how he will effect it in all the Nations of the earth 4. The persons by whom he will effect it And first of the first in order to which I Assert Assert That the Kings or Tyrants of the earth have in all ages been the Grand Antagonists to the Kingdome and Government of the Lord Jesus and that both in things spirituall and Civil in the things appertaining to our duty towards God and our Neighbour comprised in the two Tables of the Moral Law But before I proceed to the proof of this Assertion I shall in the first place give you to understand that I take these two Tables of the Moral Law or ten Commandements with the Statutes and Judgements afore mentioned to be the Royal Law or Government of Jehovah the Lord Christ and that those Statutes and Judgements are that Civil Law by which he will rule the Nations with a rod of iron in that they produce the sword of Justice in the hands of the Civil Magistrate which sword of Iustice I say is that iron Rod formerly mentioned and no other thing and hence it is the Saints are said to have a two edged sword in their hand as well as the high prayses of God in their mouths Psal 149. the one edge offensive and the other defensive I also take the Gospel or New Testament to be the Spirit of the The Gospel the spirit of the Law Law and this Assertion our blessed Saviour himself confirms Joh. 6. 63. where he positively affirmeth that the Words which he spake they were Spirit and they were Life which is also confirmed by the Apostles in v. 68. where they say whither shall we go from thee for thou hast the words of eternal life c. But the Gospel or New Testament is the Counterpain of those words so spoken by him and his Apostles which they have left unto us ratified by signes and miracles to be a Lanthorn to our feet and a light unto ourpaths in the things that the Lord Christ expecteth to be done by his body the Church so that the
earth formerly treated of i. e. the Political Frame of Government which men have made for themselves c. i. e. of those Heavens and Earth which the Apostle Peter saith are to be burned and consumed by fire as also of that new Heaven and new earth wherein dwelleth Righteousnesse I say the Prophet speaking of that Great and notable day of triall by fire telleth us by way of explanation what is intended by the Holy Ghost in such manner of expression saith Behold the day cometh that shall burn as an oven Note and all that are proud and all that do wickedly shall be as stubble and the day that cometh shall burn them up saith the Proud and wicked persons must be this fire Lord and it shall leave them neither Root nor Branch but unto you that fear my name shall the Son of Righteousnesse appear with healing in his wings and ye shall go forth and grow as calves of the stall and ye shall tread down the wicked for they shall be as ashes under the soles of your feet Note In that day that I shall do this saith the Lord Remember what the Law of Moses my servant which I commanded unto him in Horeb with the Statutes and Judgements Ergo That Law Statutes and Judgments shall be put again in practise that day Again the Doctour doth further confirm this Doctrine from Rev. 21. 1. I saw a new heaven a new earth for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away And there was no more sea Here saith the Doctour the Heaven and earth is restored but the sea shall be no more Those gatherings together of many waters saith the Rabby Rivers from all places or Pretended Clergy men from all Nations into General Councels which were the sea or many waters on which the Whore sate shall have no * Note place at all in the Churches restored Conditions Reader you must understand the Rabby did not then dream of the Court of Tryers now at Whitehall or else you must if you can conceive them not to be pretended Clergy-men or a general Councel no you must take them to be only an image of such pretended Clergy men and general Councel and the like you know is not the same a pure Juggle But I conceive the Learned Doctor is out in the Exposition of that forenamed Text in Rev. for the holy Ghost doth not there speak of the Restauration of any of his Political Heavens and earth so much already treated of for the Text saith plainly they were passed away and the Prophet Isa saith cap. 65. 17. that they shall not be remembred nor come into the mind of God or his people therefore there can be no expectation of any restoring of them it must therefore be unavoidably meant of the aforesaid Laws Statutes and Judgements which the Doctour â—imself calls the firm foundation for the unmovable Kingdome of Jesus Christ and hence it is the Lord by Malachy puts his people in mind thereof at that notable day saying Remember ye the Law of Moses c. as aforesaid and therefore whereas it is said there shall be no more sea I do understand there shall be no more use of the Leviticall Priesthood that being now abolished by our blessed Saviour shall be no more No more use of the type when the antitype is come no more use of the shadow when we have the substance which mystâ—rie the Prophets saw but darkly as appears by their writings few of them seeing a Change of the Leviticall Priesthood which I conceive to be the great stumbling block to the Jews from Christs abode on earth to this present day But neverthelesse the Prophet David doth most excellently foretell the change thereof under the Gospel-dispensation as in Psal 40. where speaking in the person of Christ for it is impossible it should be understood of himself saith sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire mine ears hast thou opened burnt-offerings and sin-offerings hast thou not required Then said I Lo I come in the Volume of thy Book it is written of me that I should do thy Will O God which Text the Apostle Paul doth clearly expound of Christ Heb. 10. 8. saying above When he saith Sacrifice and offering and burnt-offering for sin thou wouldest not neither hast pleasure therein which are offended by the Law i. e. the ceremoniall Law Then said he Loe I come to do thy will O God He taketh away the first that he may establish the second he taketh away the shadow that he may establish the substance Now where was it prophesied of David that he should have a body given him to do away Sacrifice or to put an end thereunto it must therefore be meant of some others and what other than he that hath born our transgressions and by whose stripes we are healed vid. Isa 54. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 c. and 52. 13 14. 15. in both which places also the Prophet speaketh of another person and not of himself i e. Jesus Christ the Righteous who is the pro 〈…〉 for our sinnes Rom. 3. 25. 1 John 2. 2. and 4. 10. The Learned Doctour having thus proved for me what is meant by the Old Heavens and the Old Earth as also the New Heavens and the New Earth i. e. by the Old Heaven and Old Earth all the Old Forms of Government since the Creation that have been made by Political or Humane invention as also the New Heavens and new Earth to be that Constitution or Government made by God himself and ratified and confirmed by Jesus Christ i. e. the two grand Principles of Nature afterward branched forth into the Deoalogue or ten Commandements with the Statutes and Judgements unneued thereunto and the Ordinances of Jesus Christ in the New Testament which is the Spiritual Ecclesiastical or Gospel-part thereof I shall in the next place bring the presenâ— powers and Constitutions of Government in the Nation to the test or touchstone of the Scriptures and in this particular also Mr. Owen shall say for me in the forementioned Sermon p. 21. i. e. That the Kings of the Earth have given their power to Antichrist indeavouring to the uttermost to keep the Kingdome of Christ out of the world or that we term the fifth Monarchy What I pray hath been their main businesse for 700 years and upward even almost ever since the Man of sin was inthroned The Doctors Queries to this purpose How have they earned the Titles of eldest son of the Church The Catholick and most Christian King Defender of the Faith and the like Hath it not been by the blood of Saints Is there not in every one of these Kingdomes the slain and the banished ones of Christ to answer for in particular c. Have not all the Kings round about washed their bands and Garments in the blood of a thousand of Protestants and do not the Kings of all these Nations as yet stand up in the room of their
But what is your meaning by those words or the like Resp He that thinketh Babylon to be confined to Rome and its open Idolatry knows nothing of Babylon nor of the New Jerusalem the depth of that subtill mystery Rev. 17. 5. doth not lye in grosse visible folly It hath been insinuating it self into all the Nations for 1600 years c. And is now become as the marrow in the bones which before it can be shaken out The Heaven must be dissolved and the Earth shaken Query It seems then Doctor you conclude that all Governours and Governments that do support the Prelatical part of the Papacie are adherents to Babylon and therefore must be destroyed with it Resp The late King had learned a saying from his Predecessors No Bishop No King Hence he supposes his main interest to lye in holding fast Prelacy What ever he seems to part with all that he will not let go that 's his main interest Query And what is this Prelacy Resp A meer Antichristian encroachment upon the inheritance of Christ Christ coming to take his own shakes the other in pieces Query Well said Doctor and so he hath done blessed be Jehovah for it But what think you of Presbytery Is not that it you meant where you said Prelacy or the like Pray Doctor tell me your minde freely what you think of the Presbyterian Govâ—rnment and that Civil Political Power that doth supoort it Resp Those who would have been our oppressors in Scotland but that God hath crushed the Cockatrice in the shell and filled the Pit with their dead bodies which they had digged for us They also had prepared a Procrustes bed a heavy yoak a Beast that had it grown to perfection would have had Horns and Hoofs and in maintaining this they think their great interest to lie And in holding this fast are they after all their associations broken in pieces Query I plainly perceive that this Presbytery would have been a hellish Bondage to have been confined unto for you have painted it out in very notable significant characters but pray what was the designe of the Scots if they had prevailed Resp The corrupt design of these in Scotland was to have set up a Son of Tuâ—eal in England and themselves to be great under him that they and their partakers might impose upon the residue of the Nation Especially in the things of God Their great desire that things should be thus corrupts their minds to think that it ought to be so and shall be so Hence ambition to rule and to have all under their power Even in Conscience Iâ— quickly mistaken for zeal to the Kingdome of Christ Re-inthroning of Tyranny is Royalty and all according to the Covenant c. Thus mens mindes and judgments are distempered by their Iust and interests which makes them frame a way for God to proceed in which when he doth not How are they surprised Thanks noble Doctour you are then clear of opinion that Presbytery and the Civil Magistrates and Governments that support it are also Adherents to the beast or Papacy and consequently that they also are to participate of that Tremendous Final destruction and totall amotion as you have declared to fall on Babylon But I pray is there no hopes of taking off the Civil Magistrate from joyning hands with the Horned and Hoofed Beasts of the Presbyterian judgement Resp Can any expect that such as these i. e. Civil Magistrates of Political Governments such as they have made for themselves and their interest as the Doctour hath formerly mentioned should take up the despised quarrel of Christ against that Flourishing Queen Doubtlesse no such fruit will grow on these trees c. No sooner is one Carnal Form shaken out but they are ready to cleave to another yea to warm themselves in the feathered nests of unclean Birds all Fleshly Dominion therefore within doores and Civil Dominion that opposeth without doores shall be shaken Now these things are so glewed also to mens earthly Possessions the tallons of the birds of prey having firmly seased on them that â—hey also must be shaken with them and therefore from them also will be have us meaning the Saints and people of God to be loosed vid. 2 Pet. 3. v. 12 13. I Perceive Doctor there is then but one way to be taken with the Papal Prelatical and Presbyterian Magistrates and Ministers that will not be obedient to the Heavenly call as you have formerly hinted i. e. a final destruction and total amotion of them together and so Needhams Objection is answered with a witnesse and fully verified i. e. That the erecting or instituting of the Statutes and Judgements annexed to the Moral Preceptâ— will and is appointed by God to be the overthrow of all the Political Gouernments in the world and so I shall proceed to the third particular But now it comes in my mind I shall before I enter thereupon desire to compare our present Government with your Text to the end we may see whether or no it be in the Black Bead-roll that is to receive the final destruction and total amotion you say must happen unto them And for better Order sake I shall once more recite the words of your Text Heb. 27. And this word once more signifies the removing of those things that are shaken us of things that are made that those things that cannot be shaken may remain Argum. Now in these words it is notoriously pâ—ident to every Rational Man that all such Heavens and Earths or Political Forms of Government which men have made for themselves as afore mentioned by you as are made by such means shall be be shaken and removed i. e. by a fiâ—al destructâ—â—n and total â—â—â—â—tion as you have also affirmed But the present Government of this Nation was made his State-Policy or Humane Invention Ergo according to Mr. Owens Assertion and Attestation the present Government of this Nation is to receive a final destruction and total amotion Proof That the present Government of this Nation was made by State Policy or Humane Invention I appeal to every rational man sure I am it was neither made in Mount Sina nor ratified in mount Olivet unlesse the Learned Doctour can prove the Cock-pit to be the one and the Parliament-House to be the other which I believe will strain his Logick to the highest key Argument Again from this Text it is also undeniably evident that all such Governments as may be shaken must be also shaken and removed and that upon the Account of being made as aforesaid But the present Government of Nation is such a Government as may be shaken Therefore according to the Doctours Assertion the present Government of this Nation is to receive a final destruction and total amotion Proof That the present Government of this Nation is such as may be shaken I refer to the alterations which the late Parliament if they might have had their wills would have made therein and if it may be
Law bring to this Nation what freedome from expence from unjust imprisonment of mens persons from being deceived in their causes and from being overborn in their Judgâ—ments by delay of Justice whereby potent adversaries have great advantage given them to corrupt Judges hinder Justice and get false witnesse many guilty persons by this means scaping unpunished and many innocent persons undone by imprisonments in their estates families and repute among men which would not be done had we but Judges as at the first and Rulers as at the beginning of the Common-wealth of Israel i. e. Men fearing God and hating covetousnesse and valiant for the truth to put this Holy Just and Perfect Law in execution not fearing the face of any knowing that the Judgement is the Lords the accomplishment whereof that the Lord would in much mercy hasten is the earnest desire of him who is now a prisoner at Lambeth for the Testimony of the truth as it is in Jesus which he is ready to vindicate with all that is near or dear unto him John Spittlehouse Errata REader the Authour not having had a sight of this printed Copy before it was wrought off throuâ—h the Correctours negligence these following Errors have hapned which are not onely very many but some also very grosse the matter being left out in some places so that without correcting thereof with thy pen before thou readest it will be troublesome to understand what is printed Page 3 line 15. read See and in the Margent r. be p. 8. l. 29. r. covet p. 10 l. 2. r. heard l. 4. r. commending and in marg r. were l. 26. r. hence p. 11. l. 11. r. hence p. 11. l 12. r. Restauration and for commanded r. commended l. 16. r. hence and in margent against l. 25. place figure 4. p. 12. l. 3. r. Jam. p. 14. l. 24. r. whether l. 31. r. denounced p. 15. l. 2. r. that they l. 5. betwixt saying and in r. he hath and betwixt term and that r. affirmed l 8. r. Civil l. 3. betwixt many and after r. wise p. 17. l. 5. r. enemy l. 27. r. over all 31. r. careth l 32. r. then p. 18. against l. 31. place figure 4 in marg p. 22. l. 1. r. declined p. 23. l. 20 r. those l. 28. r. their p. 24. l. 14. r. quiet p. 29. l. 36. deleâ— by p. 32. l. 14. r. it l. 27. betwixt at and bringing r. the p 39. l. 8. r. thence p. 40. l 35. r. contrivers p. 43. l 2. r. aâ—pectable l. 28. â—novel p 49. l. 29. r. intended p. 56. l. 1. r. such l. 15. betwixt of and Nation r. this l. 36. r judgeth and betwixt of and Antichrist r. the l. 37. r. his p. 58. l. 13. r. desired p. 62. and l. 31. r. and not that it is THE Royall Advocate c. Asserting Assert 1 I. That the Contents of the Royall Law of Jehovah the Lord Christ was planted in Mankinde by Nature Proof ALbeit our first Parents were created in the Image of God which consisteth in Righteousnes * Gen. 1. 26 27. Ephes 4. 24 and true holinesse yet were not they thereby made Lawlesse Persons as appeareth from the Testimony of the Apostle Paul Rom. 2. 14 15. where he saith The Gentiles which have not the Law do by Nature the things contained in the Law these having * viz. the written law not the Law are a Law unto themselves which shew the work * Or operation or effects of the law of the Law written in their Hearts their Conscience also bearing them witnesse and their thoughts in the mean while accusing or excusing one another And hence the Apostle saith I have lived in all good Conscience before God Act. 23. 1. vid. 24. 16. 2 Cor. 1. 12. 1 Tim. 1. 5. 19. 2. Tim. 1. 3. Heb. 13. 18. 1 Pet. 3. 16. 21. From which I Argue that seeing Mankinde in The conscience is as a thousand witnesses their adulterate and depraved estate had the operations of the Royall Law of Jehovah written in their hearts by Nature as also a Conscience accusing or excusing them in point of obedience or disobedience thereunto It must needs be that they had the same much more in their Virgin and pure estate when they were in their Innocency and Integrity before their fall And this doth clearly appear from Gen. 3. 6 7 8. Where no sooner had our first Parents violated the divine precept by means of the suggestions and delusions of Satan but immediately their eyes are said to be opened and that they saw their nakednesse and went and sowed fig-leaves together to make themselves Aprons As also in that assoon as they heard the voice of the Lord in the Garden they went to hide themselves among the Trees of the Garden All which doth clearly denote unto us that their Consciences had testified unto them their disobedience as also condemned them for what they had done and therefore they are said to be afraid as in v. 10. If our Conscience condemn us God is greater than our Conscience and he shall much more condemn us Vid. Heb. 9. 14. Assert 2 II. That this Royall Law so planted in mankind by Nature is comprehended in two grand Principles i. e. 1. To love God above all 2. To love our neighbour as our self Proof Deut. 6. 4 5. Hear O Israel the Lord our God is one Lord and thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul and with all thy might Deut. 10. 12. And now O Israel what doth the Lord thy God require of thee but to fear the Lord thy God to walk in all his wayes and to love him and to serve the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul c. Lev. 19. 17 18. Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thy heart thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour and not suffer fin upon him Thou shalt not avenge or bear grudge against the children of thy people but Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thy self I am the Lord. Assert 3 III. That this Doctrine was ratified by Jesus Christ Proof Mark 12. 28. Then one of the Scribes that was a Lawyer Mat. 22. 35. coming unto him and asking him which was the first Commandement or great Commandement in the Law Mat. 22. 36. of all Jesus answered him The first of all the Commandements or the Great Commandement in the Law Mat. 22. 38 is Hear O Israel the Lord our God is one Lord and thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul and with all thy mind and with all thy strength This is the first and Great Commâ—ndement And the second is like unto it namely this Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thy self There are no other Commandments that are greater than these Mat. 22. 40. On these Commandements hang all the Law and the Prophets Assert 4 IV. That this Doctrine was taught
no sooner had the * Gal. 6. 10 As we have opportunity let us do good Opportunity put into his hand of magnifying the Law of God and making it Honorable but forthwith put it in practice which sad experience teacheth our Army-Men have not albeit all their opportunities vows and protestations to that purpose as before expressed whereas it is the mind of God that if a man vow or swear an oath to bind his soul with a bond that he break not his word but do according to all that proceedeth out of his mouth Numb 30. 2. Again Deut. 23. 21. When thou shalt vow unto the Lord thy God thou shalt not slack to pay it for the Lord thy God shall surely require it of thee and it will be sin to thee again Ecclesiast 5. 4 5 6. When thou vowest a vow unto God defer not to pay it for he hath no pleasure in Fools Pay that which thou hast vowed better it is thou shouldest not vow than that thou shouldest vow and not pay Suffer not thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sin neither say thou before the angel that it was an error wherefore should God be angry at thy voyce and destroy the work of thy hand All that your Swords have gotten you Godly David telleth God that he will pay the vows which he made to him when he was in trouble but it seems our Army-men are content with Nebuchadnezzar to proclaim the God of Daniel to be worshipped in their Dominions provided he will be content to have it done after the Baylonish fashion Otherwise they have no more to say unto him Again it is worthy our observation what notabe Jugglers Instance the Kings or Tyrants of the earth have ever been with God as for instance in Dan. 2. 47. we find Nebuchadnezzar having lately received a favour from Daniels God in reference to the knowledge of his dream openly declaring that of a truth Daniels God was a God of Gods and a Lord of Kings and a revealer of Secrets and yet notwithstanding all this in the third verse following we find the same Nebuchadnezzar erâ—cting an image of Gold and compelling the worshipâ—ers of Daniels God to fall down and worship it An Act not much unsuitable to the present actions of our Army-men who having formerly proclaimed Jesus Christ as aforesaid Comparison by way of thankfulnesse for their wonderful preservations from so many eminent dangers and to exalt and magnifie him onely and that by his own Way or Rule of Worship in and by his own Laws and Ordinances contained in the holy Scriptures that they would suppresse whatsoever was contrary thereunto both in Church and State but the Nine Dayes Wonder being over forthwith cast all their Ingagements behind their backs and instead of performing thereof turn direct Antipodians or Retrogradians by setting up an image of some things that had been destroying and not onely so but also commanding obedience thereunto witnesse the late Gooernment they have erected 3. Albeit Mordecay and Daniel did act according to the Laws and Customes of that Country during their captivity in that place that doth not in the least argue or conclude that the Laws of the Babylonians and Persians should now be promoted among us Reason For what should we do with their Laws without their Idols for their Laws were their Religion by which they worship Flesh God or King or Tyrant at whose Lust and Pleasure the lives of men were sacrificed to appease his wrath or their graven and molten gods with the Rites and Ceremonies appertaining thereunto Therefore in as much as we do at least pretend that we do not worship their gods what use have we of their Laws or Religion whether in reference to their idolatries or Tyrannicall worship required by them So that the necessary Consequent of what hath been said will be that so many of this Nation as own that God which made his own Law in Mount Sina by which he will be worshipped as also how his Subjects shall demean themselves one towards another and which was established and ratified by his sonne and our Saviour in Mount Olivet and also by his Apostles as hath been proved That they henceforth indevour the promotion of those Holy Just and perfect Laws with all their might and power and contrary-wise to suppresse all such persons and things that are opposite thereunto whether in Church or State Object Our Saviour commandeth us to give tribute to Cesar and the Apostle injoyned obedience to the higher powers which doth bear the Sword and that for conscience sake Rom. 13. all which giveth Approbation to the Laws of Nations Resp The people of God were then as I have said under the power of Heathen Magistrates and therefore to the end they might procure unto themselves a great and peaceable life in all godlinesse and honesty 1 Tim. â—2 2. Our Lord Jesus and his Apostles admonished them in such cases not to oppose or resist them and indeed who would not feed a hungry and greedy Lion rather than to be torn in pieces and devoured by him But all this doth not in the least prove that the Laws of Cesar or the Image thereof are better than the Laws of God or that the people of God having now under God freed themselves from the Dominion of Cesar should now by force be brought back again to worship and adore the image and Superscription of Cesar under a Cesarian Habit that they should submit to the Laws Customes and Traditions of those false gods they have Conquered and Neglect the Laws Statutes and Judgements of that God by whose might and power they have conquered these false gods and their worshippers for if so what is it other than to imitate those disobedient Israelites who joyned in league with the Canaanites whom the Lord signed for destruction and with them to worship Baalim and the Groves Judges 3. 6 7. Therefore such whom the Lord hath made instrumentall either by word or sword to extirpate the name and person of Cesar out of this nation ought doubtles to persevere therein until they have as well extinguished and blotted out his Image and Superscription in whomsoever and whatsoever they see or find it to be fixed in and that to All Ends and purposes For without all Controversie the one is altogether as lawfull if not More than was the other yea doubtlesse it is a far lesse resisting of Magistracy to destroy the Image and Superscription of Cesar than it was to destroy His Name and Person but the Army affirmed it was no resisting of Magistracy to destroy the person and name of Cesar therefore it will be no resisting of Magistracy in the other to destroy the Image and Superscription in whomsoever and whatsoever they find it For in such Cases the Army hath concluded it as a Maxime that it is no resisting * Note to side with just Principles i. e. in such Cases whereupon the life and death of True