Articles of Faith p. 90 91. of Iren. c. 2. Observe in general that from the varietes of the Discoveries in the said three books were by a special hand of Providence those 8 comprehensive convincing Arguments deduced in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or the Word Written which as strangly was published as might be shewed whereunto likewise very many upon like account might be added as being in like manner couched in such mysterious Discoveries and observable passages upon many occasions therein contained and many from the 31. Useful observations to understand mystical Prophesies after the Tract on Rev. 22 20. I might here add others from the nature and end of these Doctrines as that they are Homogeneal Harmonious and uniform with all other Christian Doctrines p. 50. to the end not new but only Scriptural explications of the Old Assert eight of the Key and from the end of them viz. the fulfilling of the promised mercies to the Fore-Fathers p. 5 6 7 8 9 10. I have observed 4 places in Scripture Divinity wherein these Doctrines naturally fall in otherwise there will be a Chasme and void place from Scripture grounds observable First the Consideration of the general Execution of Christs 3 Offices is to precede the particular as being the chief part of that well grounded distinction in the 11 and 12. Divine Thesis in p. 5 6. of the Irenicon 2dly Sacred Scripture teacheth that after Christ hath satisfied for sin risen again ascended and sitten the appointed time at the right hand of God on his Fathers Throne till he make his foes his footstool then he will begin to sit on his own Throne at his coming the 2d time without sin only for Salvation to all his People to perform that Adoption to the raised Sts. even the Redemption of their Bodies Rom. 8.23 by freeing them from the corruption of the grave c. And 2dly all those alive from all their enemies both Men and Devils to serve God without so much as fear of them all the dayes of their lives Luke 1 71. Rev. 20 c. and to redeem even the inferiour creatures from the bondage of corruption from Men or other Creatures into the glorious c. viz. in their capacity in that state of the restitution of all things Rom. 8.22 Acts 3.21 See for this in the Everlasting Gospel on Gen. 3.19 p. 8. the 6. particular there 3dly From the Scripture explication of the Lords Prayer that his Name may be then hallowed in earth as it is now and till then in heaven and so his Kingdom may come and will be done in earth then as in heaven now which will be perfectly done upon the coming of that Kingdom by Angels and raised Sts. in that world and by others then alive in a very great measure See p. 90 91. of the Iren. and New Jer. p. 4 15 the first Vse 4thly It is in part the end of that state both of the faith and hope of many of Gods servants who now groundedly both believe and hope for such their interest in that state of the promised mercies to the Fore-Fathers as we shewed largly in our Key being a part of Csts Purchase and of the Sts. inheritance for so long a time of which much is said in Scripture c. See the Key of the covenanted mercies to the Fore-Fathers and their spiritual seed as we here touch but that which in gnneral we shall only here farther set down as to the former Argum. is this one most comprehensive Foundation of Multitudes of particular Arguments in several kinds from several sorts of Subjects considered in the whol work namly That Doctrine is Divine truth which hath not only clear Scriptures for the nature and substance of it and for all useful and profitable parts and branches of it but also for the distinct and clear handling of both it them from Scripture foundations and this farther which is yet of very great waight where the faith thereof is wrought that these Doctrines are only in substance the promised mercies to the Fore-Fathers Ab. Is and Jacob and all their spiritual seed both circumcised and uncircumcised for that state in special through that one Divine seed Christ Gal. 3. to be fulfilled in that world to come Heb. 2.3 Luke 20.35 36. in the time of the New Heavens and New Earth c. which is the time of Christs great day of Judgment and of his Davidical Kingdom which is another strong foundation of the same promised mercies of all the spiritual Sons and Daughters of David through and with Christ himself then in that world I might add many others c. But now for the first said members viz. the substance and main branches of these Doctrines that have clear Scripture grounds that he that runs may read in the whose work but for the 3d which is the distinct handling of those things some may question therefore amongst the many distinctions in our Key whereof many were not before this work observed that I knew of I shall instance in the two New Jerusalems one the immediate work of God to be made by himself their for the Saints raised after Christs appearance or coming Heb 11.10 16. and described gloriuosly Rev. 21. which is not the future glory of heaven as formerly mistaken for fifteen reasons c. See New Jeru◠p. 9 10 11 12 c. The other made by men for the converted Jews and Gentiles as the Prophet Esay saith expresly by Strangers and their Kings Esa 60.9 See New Jerus 6 7. and for the 4th member that for those promised mercies to the said Fore-Fathers and David will then be accomplished to all the Elect that have lived before or suffered with or for Christ before that his 2d coming in the clouds of Heaven and that they shall have their rest with the Apostles 2 Thes 1.7 and be rewarded then Rev. 11.18 19. and all such have their part in all that promised mercy in that state our grounds of those covenanted mercies after the preparatorie 21 assertions laid down in the Key may sufficiently if well considered I conceive satisfie all serious unprejudiced understanding Christians which I doubt not to such may much more be made evident from divine Authority and these things would be greatly enquired into if Christians but compently knew and believed such their own mercy and interest in that state with Christ in that long continued excellent holy and happy condition which he hath purchased for them and gives them interest in with himself being joynt heirs thereof with himself A large volume might be written and to good effect on these 3 Articles to this end 1. of Christs coming to that first judicial act of Judgm Dan. 7. above 1000. years before the last trump and raising of the wicked suddainly as probable after the faithful that departed in the 1000 years as Esa 65.20 2dly of the communion of Sts. both raised and living 3dly of the resurrection of the just only
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 OR A KEY of the DOCTRINES contained in this BOOK for the better perusal thereof With some Additions Of Christs being Heir of all things in his three-fold Right Heb. 1.2 3. And Abrahams being Heir of the World Rom. 4.13 And of Promised and Covenanted Mercies to the Fathers since that first Promise made for a thousand Generations Gen. 3.15 By W. S. Minister of the Gospel London Printed for F. Smith at the Elephant and Castle without Temple-Bar 16â—◠〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 OR The Key of the Doctrine of the Kingdom of God c. for the better perusal of this Work First in more brief Assertions Secondly in their larger Explications 1. The briefer Assertions 1. THat the substance of these Doctrines contained in this Work is set down for Information of all sorts and to remove mistakes in the two folded leaves after the Everlasting Gospel on Gen. 3.15 2. That they yeild no ground of prejudice to Magistrates yea such prejudice is inconsistent with the Tenour of them See Word written page last besides Letters c. 3. Their Scripture Evidence is holy just and good containing an excellent part of the Gospel of Christ See the 12. Foundations the S. convincing Arguments 4. All holy Prophets and Pen-men of Sacred Scriptures give witness to them and chiefly the greatly beloved Prophet Daniel and the beloved Evangelist John the first declared Acts 3.19 20 21. The 2d from the Order or Series of the Rev. in the Letter to Mr. Cal. March 20. 1664. and in the Irenicon p. 26 27. and from the Scheme of the Rev. and Summaries and Abridgement of Daniels Prophetical Visions and the Parallels of both Monarchies in both books 5. That the book of the Revelation is given by Christ to his Church as an Orderly more full Exposition of many things in Daniel before shut up to Men and Angels and Sealed until that time of the End wherein Christ so revealed them Which said book of the Revelation is a Divine mystical Comment of such hidden part of Daniel See thence three sorts of Learned Mens mistakes page 30. of our General Title page as may be manifest by our said book of Parallels 6. That there are eight several sences of Christs comings in the New Testament two before his Ascention and six since First in his coming in our flesh as in that faithful true saying Christ came into the world to save sinners 1 Tim. 1.15 2dly when as the Minister of Circumcision Rom. 15. he came to his own viz. the Jews and they received him not John 1.11 The other six since he Ascended are handled page 41. to page 46. of our Irenicon c. See the last page of the Word written concerning the last coming 7. That Christs said Appearance and Reign the thousand years will both be personal may thence be plainly evident in that he then according to Scripture expressions is said to come to Judgment and then as well as at the last General Judgment both the Judgment is said to be set and the Books to be opened which are the Scriptural decypherings of both Judicial acts and quick and dead at both said Acts are judged as Dan. 7.10 with Rev. 20.4 and of the same time Rev. 11.18 upon the sounding of the seventh Trumpet when the Kingdoms of the world become the Kingdoms of Christ and he is praised by the twenty four Elders for taking to himself his great power and reigning they praise him not only that he had so judged that is rewarded his servants the Prophets and his Saints and all that fear his name both small and great but that he had judged them that destroyed the earth having so judged the Whore and probably the Turk also hence saith St. Paul of the same time who will judge the quick and dead at his Appearance and his Kingdome 2 Tim. 4.1 and in the said table of times chap. 20 4. to verse 11. passeth the thousand years of Christs said reign and Satans binding the little space for his attempt with his last Gog and Magog before the last General Judgment most clearly and fully set down with a great deal of distinct exactness of order at the last said Judgment the quick namely the last Gog and Magog are consumed with fire and all the Dead judged when the Jugdment was set and the Books opened v. 11 12 c. to the end So Mr. Mede Mr. Archer Mr. Maton and others but especially Dr. Homes a collection of whose main Texts of holy Scripture I shall only here quote referring the Readers to p. 78. of his R. R. which here I set down for the benefit of such as may not haply see his book where first he hath ten Texts for Christs personal appearance in the New Testament viz. Joh. 19.37 expounded by Zach. 12.10 unto which he addeth Rev. 1.7 Mat. 24.30 2 Thes 2. v. 1. to 9. Mat. 26.29 1 Tim. 4.1 Act. 3.19 20 21. Mat. 23.38 39 Mat. 24.3 Also sive Texts in the Old Testament Dan. 7.11 to the end which Mr. Mede stiles the Mother text for it Jer. 23.5 6. Zac. 2 10 11 12. Zeph. 3.14 and besides his judicious and learned Explications of them all a discourse is added thereof after the said texts And after his opening of many Prophesies in their order as they stand Recorded to this and other the like purposes respecting these said Doctrines very largly and learnedly out of the Old Testament He then adds page 377. twelve texts of holy Scripture more out of the New Testament for Christs personal reign viz. Mat. 24.13 14. Luke 1.31 32. 21.24 22.28 29 30. Acts 1.6 7. Rom. 11.25 26 27. 1 Cor. 15.1 to 29. 2 Cor. 15.16 17 18. Phil. 2.9 10.11 Rev. 2.25 26 27 28. 3.21 18 19 chap. Concerning all which Scriptures he saith so much there and else where that I judge may satisfie all impartial and understanding Christians and those Texts which prove his personal appearance will also prove his personal reign as we said which is the end wherefore he then appears as the Great King of Kings to sit on Davids Throne and to do his Kingly work of destroying and slaying his Enemies Rev. 11.19 Luke 19. and of rewarding his faithful servants the Prophets and his Saints and all that fear his name both small and great Rev. 11.18 22.12 So performing the mercies promised to the fore-fathers Luke 1.72 and the Oath which he sware unto our father Abraham c Luke 2.32 to be the glory of his people Israel of which Scripture is aboundant See Sir Henry Finch his book forenamed but note especially the time when the Kingdoms of all Nations shall be given to him Dan. 7.13 14 c. and all Kingdoms to make it yet more evident under the whole heavens shall serve and obey him v. 27. with Ezek. 37. chap. Esa 24.23 also our Tract on Jer. 3.17 with our paper of Sept. 27. 1664. p.
so divinely learned Apostle Paul 1 Cor. 2.7 to the end of that chap. which may be counted amongst his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that Saint Peter speaks of See Foundat 7th I shall only here beloved Christians advertise you all of these three particulars 1. That the 21. said brief assertions c. if duly weighed by Gods word may afford you sufficient satisfaction as to these Doctrines of Christs said reign the 1000. years upon earth 2. That both all Gods said general mercies promised to mankind Gen. 3.15 that Christ should eminently then break the serpents head as Ps 110.1 and also all that said promised and covenanted preservation and fruitfulness to and with Noah and the New world c. Gen. 8 9 c. are all then chiefly and finally to be accomplished also 3. That those more particular and special promised and covenanted mercies to Abraham Isaac and Jacob and to all their faithful seed both Israelites and Gentiles and also all those glorious promised and covenanted sure mercies of David and his spiritual seed shall all have their real true yea only future litteral fulfillings in the said Kind of Christ on earth But as for their larger explications being too large for the intended compass of this Key I must at present refer them to some future opportunity 22th The Doctrine of Christs glorious Kingdom or the New Jerusalem State now shortly approaching is exceeding comfortable and very advantageous to all faithfull Christians is manifest by the Key and this whole Work and by the ensuing Paraenesis or Monitory Exhortation may further appear Anno Dom. 1672. ANd now dear Christian Bretheren allow me a little freedom in this office of love you I mean who are partakers of the grace of God purchased by Jesus Christ and by the spirit of sanctification wrought in your souls whether Episcopal so called Presbyterian or Independent with sundry others upon the same foundation First for Vnitie many of which through Gods especial mercy have evidently obtained like precious grace to you all I speak as such Why do you still stand at distance one from another Consider I pray you That one Heaven as ye all believe shall hereafter contain you all when ye shall be made perfect in one yea moreouer I am well assured that one Glorious Kingdom of Christ to come will satiate all your souls as such a long time before you can obtain the other viz. both souls and bodies all whose degrees of blessedness is only to be expected in Gods best order and time and manner revealed in his word whether men take cognizance of it more particularly or less Es 64.4 Ps 31.19 And after that great day of Judgment is finished the expectation of all Saints to attain Those things which eye hath not seen nor ear heard nor hath entered into the heart of man to conceive besides thee O God saith the Evangelical Prophet Esa And O how great things saith holy David hath God prepared c. But the state of things in Christs said Kingdom is not altogether such in the interim though very glorious and excellent and blessed and suitable to that condition then when Judgment shall be given to the Saints in the world long before the finishing of the last Judgment And most of you if not all are one in the things at present that are counted essentially necessary ad esse Ecclesiae for the being of the Church of Christ how should all sorts agreeing in the main then also endeavour to be one in things that pertain ad bene esse to the well being of the same also And I am strongly from Gods word assured that it will not be long before the Lord in that great day which he hath foretold will be one and his name one even in respect of such usual dissentments of men in our dayes and his people shall then serve him with one shoulder how then should all faithful Christians what in them is endeavour by all good means for Unity with the bond of peace as well as Truth though that especially and so to meet their mercy by the way and if it might be anticipate it by so hastning its coming how well would Christ then take it at all your hands Whereas if any should so be found short of this that they will from such dissentments be smiting their Bretheren though it be but with the tongue when they can do no more how will they expose themselves at that day to Christs objurgation before Angels and Men c. Unite therefore Bretheren I say Unite Unite in one in these matters also at least in your spirits and the actings of them that may be the way where God may supply what you are wanting in to bring about the business which you so rightly and really endeavour by granting his Fiat in the case Let each sort cast off their peculiar obstacles and any-wayes-thwarting interests Complying fully with Gods Rules that should fully guide us all therein and They I humbly conceive are very few but sufficient only men must beware they mistake them not that they pervert them not in their use and mannagment The first is that of the Apostle 1 Cor. 14.26 Let all things be done to edifying viz. of the souls of Gods people and this is a comprehensive and forcible rule and direction which in every constitution and counsel of men ought much to sway the matter is the thing pleasing or profitable or creditable c. that may be somewhat in some cases but the great Question in matters of such nature as men may order is But is it so for edifying If they will not advance that end in Gods Church what should they do there but if they will hinder it why should they be suffered in it And then a second follows v. 40. Let all things be done decently and in order which two rightly applyed like our Saviours first and second law of love containing all the other So may these being rightly mannaged in all such cases regulate the counsels and actings of men in Church affairs but as love was the matter of both these laws though fixt upon distinct octjects so edifying is the substance and the end of both though the latter for the manner ought often more necessarily to be applyed with the other as being subordinate thereunto in sundry respects of nature matter use and end c. The Apostles instances which occasioned this second Rule seems to teach us the right use of it the one case of decency whether women should speak in the Church That by the Apostle authoritatively was once and for all times ordered negatively as being specially guided by Gods spirit Let not your women speak saith he c. The other was a profitable orderly settling the way of their prophesieing that it might more tend to edifycation and contrary confusion be avoyded that would hinder the same And the Apostle seems so to subordinate the latter to the first as if no plea of