heard and how shall they hear without a preacher and how shall they Preach unless they be sent And these expositors tell us not that Preachers shall be sent to the scattered Jews into all Turkish and Papists Lands to learn the Languages and convert them at once It is worth the Readers perusal c. 7. p. 217. how he justly derideth Bellarmine as supposing that Antichrist will put down Gods Worship in all the Earth telling him that he hath an hundred forty eight Thousand Thousand times five hundred fifty Thousand nine hundred and nine Miles to travel to do it and so much have Universal Popes and Councils to take charge of which will hardly be done in three years and a half And yet killing mens Souls is a less work than to make them alive It s doleful to think what Satan hath gained by corrupting the Church by wicked Bishops making that his Game when Pagan Power fell partly by tempting in Worldly wicked men by Wealth and Honour and partly by making Ungodly Princes the choosers of Bishops and Ungodly Patrons the choosers of Priests and when men ruled by Satan choose them Satan himself oft chooseth them Who by their wickedness Malignity and Persecuting the best men have tempted those Christians who most hate sin to call almost all the Church Antichristian and fly from it as worse than Pagan Rome and to lose much of their Love to all that are called by such abhorred names Had the Pastors of the Church bin all Holy Humble men of Love and not men of Wickedness and Blood their Power and Interest would have bin the Joy of Pious men But enough of that side II. On the other side they that say the contrary thus express their sense 1. The first Beast is the Roman Imperial and Military Power not as such but as the Grand Power of Idolatry first and next as the Captivator and Persecutor of the Christian Church of Jews and Gentiles 2. The Image of the Beast is both the Idol Statues Images and Altars of their Idol Gods and of themselves both which by their Laws were to be worshipped with Sacrifices and other acts of Idolatry 3. The second Beast is the Senate with all the Literate Idolaters and Flatterers Orators Philosophers Priests Poets Comedians Augurs c. as Learned defenders of Idolatry and reproâ—chers and Enemies of Christianity 4. The name of the Beast was the name of the Idol God whom they were to Worship and of the Idolized Emperours as called Divi and Dii and honoured by Altars and Sacrifices 5. The Mark was a Stigma or Badge then usually received by Servants and Souldiers and Votaries as an obliging mark of subjection 6. The number of the name was some abbreviating Letters part of the mark and here proved to be numeral though at this distance we cannot say what they were nor whether still the same 7. Receiving the mark is profest consent and usually by such a Badge 8. The Woman Whore was the City of Rome not meerly as a City or as Rome or as Rich or as Powerful but as Idolatrous and captivating the Church 9. The Witnesses were the Jew and Gentile Christian Teachers Prophets Miracle-workers and Martyrs that had the spirit as the first Christians had for signal Testimony to the Gospel Miracles long continuing in some degree These are their expositions Their Reasons they begin first of the Whore or the seat of the Beast which they say must needs be Pagan Rome 1. Because it was expresly said by the Angel who purposely explained it to be the great City which ruleth over the Kings of the Earth 1. Not a Church which is under Princes but properly a City 2. Not only pretenders to a Power of Church Keys but proper Rulers by Power of Armes 3. Not only over the Church oft called Heaven but over the Kings of the Earth noting those without 4. Not shall Rule but doth Rule as a visible note by which John might know the Whore This being so plain that only violence can obscure it may be say they a Key to all the rest 2. Ch. 17.2 The Kings of the Earth had at that time committed Fornication with her and the Inhabitants of the Earth were then drunken with the Wine of her Fornication else it could not be to John a notifying mark But the Papacy was not of many hundred years after in being 3. John was brought into the Wilderness to see it which was the then Persecuted State of the Church And it was to comfort him and that Church in hope of a near Deliverance for they were things that must shortly be done 4. Her name notifyeth her Babylon the great the Mother of Harlots and Abominations of the Earth Babylon captivating the Christians as old Babylon did the Jews the great as then being to whom the Papal Power was small The Mother or Nurse and Upholder of the most Abominable Idolatry and Wickedness not in the Church but of the Earth by Power and Learning upholding the Worship of Sun Moon Stars and Men of Jupiter Saturn Sol Mars Mercury Pallas Venus Neptune and numberless Idols by Paul called Devils and the wickedness of life described by Paul Rom. 1. Eph. 4.18 c. 5. The names of Blasphemy were hers reproaching Jews and Christians with scorn and ascribing Gods names and works to these their Idols and to Men. 6. The vast Riches and Luxury of her described punctually agree with Pagan Rome 7. She was then drunk with the Blood of Prophets and Martyrs which the Pope then was not The Angels undertaking to open the Mystery must not be thought rather to obscure it 8. She had been a Persecutor of both Jew and Gentile Christians who both gave God Thanks for her fall 9. The Whore sat on seven Mountains But so did not the Papal Civil Empire 10. The assistant Kings had not received Regal Power being but as Servants to the Beast and the Whore But Popish Kings are Kings indeed 11. They were unanimous in upholding the Whore But Popish Kingdoms long strove against the Papal Power 12. They fought against Christianity till they were conquered v. 14. But so did not many Popish Kingdomes 13. People multitudes and Nations more notifie Pagan Rome than Papal 14. C. 18. They were to reward her double as she had used them But so we must not do by Papists 15. The Kings of the Earth lament her fall But the more the Pope fall the more they rejoice except the House of Austria and a few more 16. Her fall cometh suddenly as in an hour but the Pope standeth yet after 150 years beginning to fall Moreover about the Beast they say 1. It is said he was and is not and yet is But the Papacy was not then nor is after it was not 2. The seven Heads of the Beast had the name of Blasphemy But if the heads were the seven species of Government the name of Papal Blasphemy was not on six of them at least but only of
c. which are left to them as Judges of Edification But not when they forbid Christs Ministers the work to which they are vowed and consecrated unless they be unable or forfeit their Commission The Pastors or Bishops Preached three hundred years against the Will of Emperors and Kings and long after against the Will of Christian Emperors called Arians Eutychians Monothelites c. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard 20. We are not so blind and hardened as to go against all the Divine Evidence which we have seen and heard and to silence what God bids us speak of which we have been the Eye and Ear Witnesses our selves 21. So when they further threatned them they let them go finding nothing how they might punish them because of the people for all men glorified God for that which was done 21. The common People were not so blinded hardened and malignant as the Chief Priests and Rulers but glorifyed God for that which did but stir up the Rulers malice â— God made the People a restraint to the Priests and Rulers rage 22. For the man was above fourty years old on whom this miracle of healing was shewed 22. For the case was past all doubt the Man having been thus lame forty years Chap. 3.2 23. And being let go they went to their own company and reporred all that the chief Priests and Elders had said unto them 24. And when they heard that they lift up their voice to God with one accord and said 23. Note Not that all are supposed with conjunct voice to say just the same words but either some of them one part and some another or some said these words with others acclamations and consent or they all spake by turns to the same sence Lord thou art God which hast made Heaven and Earth and the Sea and all that in them is 25. Who by the mouth of thy Servant David hast said Why did the heathen rage and the people imagine vain things 26. The Kings of the Earth stood up and the Rulers were gathered together against the Lord and against his Christ 24. God Prophesied by David that the Rulers of the Nations Gentiles and Jews should in vain joyn their Councels and Powers against Christ his Gospel and his Kingdom 27. For of a truth against thy holy Child Jesus whom thou hast anointed both Herod and Pontius Pilate with the Gentiles and the people of Israel were gathered together 28. For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy Counsel determined before to be done 27. All combined by their own wickedness to do that which God hath foredetermined God foredecreed that Christ should be a sacrifice for sin but the wicked determination of their Wills that did it God only foresaw and permitted but did not cause 29. And now Lord behold their threatnings and grant unto thy Servants that with all boldness they may speak thy word 30. By stretching forth thine hand to heal and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus 29 30. Note 1 That threatnings of malignant People are a fit opportunity for Gods Grace to his Servants 2. Boldness to Preach when unjustly forbidden is a great effect of Gods grace to his Servants 3. The gift of convincing miracles though promised must be prayed for by them 31. And when they had prayed the place was shaken where they were assembled together and they were all filled with the holy Ghost and they spake the word of God with boldness 31. The Spirit caused them thus to pray and more of the Spirit was poured on them in answer to those Prayers giving the boldness which they asked and that with a signal shaking of the place 32. And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and one Soul neither said any of them that ought of the things which be possessed was is own but they had all things common 32. They were all of one mind and will and practice united in fervent Love which made all common to them Note It was not a commonness by levelling Titles but by voluntary fervent love 2. And the Spirit did this in the beginning to give the word an example what true Christianity and the Spirits Operation is even such fervent Love to each other for Christ's sake as destroyeth all sinful selfishness and maketh others interest to be to us as our own and so uniteth us in one Body 33. And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus and great grace was upon them all 33. And with evident miracles and wonderful gifts of the Spirit did the Apostles perform their Testimony of Christs Resurrection And the favour of God and Man was upon them or great charity prevailed among them 34. Neither was there any among them that lacked for as many as were possessours of land or houses sold them and brought the prices of the things that were sold 35. And laid them down at the apostles feet and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need 34. This was neither to be the constant practice nor yet was it an unwise excess of zeal But it was a present effect of the Spirit to shew what a degree of Love all Christians should desire and what self-denial and contempt of Riches it should cause 36. And Joses who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas which is being interpreted The Son of consolation a Levite and of the Countrey of Cyprus 37. Having land sold it and brought the money and laid it at the apostles feet 36 37. To signifie his renouncing the World and selfishness in Love to Christ and his Church he himself being after to go abroad the World to preach the Gospel CHAP. V. BUt a certain man named Ananias with Sapphira his wife sold a possession 2. And kept back part of the price his wife also being privy to it and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles feet 3. But Peter said Ananias why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the holy Ghost and to keep back part of the price of the land 1. They pretended to give the whole price but brought a part and said it was all Why hast thou let Satan put so great a sin into thy heart as to think to deceive the Holy Ghost in us Apostles as if he knew not when thou lyest Note The sin consisted 1. In Hypocrisie pretending to give more than he did 2. In the remnant of a worldly distrustful mind that could not trust God with all 3. In blasphemy against the Holy Ghost implyed as if he knew not the heart 4. In reserving what he pretended to devote which was a kind of Sacriledge 4. Whiles it remained was it not thine own and after it was sold was it not thine own power why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart thou hast not lied unto men but unto God 4. While it was unsold it was thy
yet speaking and keeping the necessary truth or essentials of our Religion in Love and Concord in this Faith and Love may in all things grow up to greater measures by degrees even into a fuller Communion with Christ our Head and likeness to him 16. From whom the whole body fitly joyned together and compacted by that which every joynt supplieth according to the effectual working in the measure of every part maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of it self in love 16. From whom the whole Church receiveth both that vital Influence and that Conduct and Government to its own intensive and extensive increase in Love which is its spiritual Life which the natural Body doth from the Head and Heart by communication of vital and animal Spirits and Heat And this Life and Increase is received and communicated to each part from Christ by that coagmentation and due connexion of all the Members of the Church together while each keepeth his place and performeth his own Office by the exercise of Faith and Love effectually for the good of all Even as the Body is kept in Life and Health while every inferiour Part and Joynt is receptive and active according to its proper Place and Office Note There is no Text which is so plausibly wrested to maintain Popery that is One Universal Humane Government of the whole Church on Earth Monarchical or Aristocratical by Pope Council or combined Metropolitans as one Soveraignty as this It seeming to forestalled Men to speak of the Church as compacted in one Universal Policy so governed And it is a Text which must be greatly studied against Dividers and yet vindicated from Roman Perverters I. Doubtless the Text speaketh strongly for Universal Concord and not onely for an uniting of Members in several Congregations which shall each be Independent which would be but like so many Limbs cut off from the Body but for an uniting of Congregations yea of all through the World in one compacted Body And therefore all Christians must abhor Dissection and Separation or Schism II. Yet it is evident that Paul speaketh of no one Head but Christ and of no sort of Universal Soveraign on Earth as under him And indeed it is an Office that Humane Nature here is not capable of either in Monarchy or Aristocracy It 's impossible for any Church-Soveraign-Power save Divine or Angelical at least to rule the Church by Legislation Judgment and Execution all over the Earth much of it being out of our reach as the Moon is And the Church is under contrary enemy militant Civil Governours which maketh it the more impossible And the onely Pretenders have been the great Dividers and Destroyers What then is here meant and to be done for Unity Not to feign impossible Terms such as are An Vniversal Soveraignty and Multitudes of Hamane Doubtful Vnnecessary Canons which are the most effectual causes of Discord But 1. to take up with Christs own prescribed terms of Union here laid down v. 3 4 5. If Christ have not made the Laws of Church Union he is not the maker of the Church for Unity is essential to it as to a House or Body 2. To be one in Love and to repress all Tyranny that would destroy Love and Peace 3. As in the several Assemblies they must exercise the same Faith and Hope and love and worship the same God and Saviour by the same Spirit so that these Churches must live in love to each other and avoid all Discord And if any breach be made between them in Faith or Love they must use all reasonable means to heal it which is by Writing or Messengers giving to each other an account of their Faith and Practice and when need is consulting in Synods of one or of divers Nations Not that such Synods are Governours of many Churches by a Major Vote or by Metropolitan Power save as they may exercise the Magistrates Power of the Sword by his Commission which were such fit can be given only in his own Dominions out of which Synods and Metropolitans can have no Political Governing Power But the Major Vote must be regarded for Concord which is the use of Synods yet so that it prevail not against Divine Authority and Law nor against Reason or the Churches good And therefore 1. Synods are but for Counsel and Agreement 2. And General Councils impossible and neeedless it being impossible and needless that all the World have notice of the Cases of every particular Church much less that they meet for the redress 3. And when Corruption and Tyranny as under the Arrians and Papists have got the Major Vote the minor are not bound to agree with them but to dissent As the Earth is Gods Kingdom and all Kings are his Officers in their several Kingdoms but neither any one Man or many Conjunct in one Aristocracie or Council are One Soveraign Governing Power over all the Earth but only should by Consultations seek to keep the Common Love and Peace even so all Churches and Christians on Earth are Christs Kingdom or Church Universal and all True Pastors are his Officers in their several Churches but neither one Man or many Conjunct as one Political Person or Aristocracie are one Summa Potestas over all Christians on Earth but those that are within the reach and notice of each other should when it 's needful by Synods and Consultations keep up Unity of Faith and Love and all needful Concord Had not Princes been made too capable of abuse they would not take well the Doctrine of a late Learned and Triumphant Writer who tells us that tho de facto Princes do not yet they ought to unite their Power in one Council which should be the brightest Governour of them all And so 1. all Kings must be Subjects 2. Aristocracy must rule Monarchy 3. How shall all Kings from the Antipodes or over all the Earth meet 4. Who shall call them 5. Where must they meet 6. Shall they trust their Crowns to Deligate Subjects 7. What if the most be Heathens and Mahometans and most Christians Hereticks in each others account 8. If he condescend to limit this Soveraign Diet who shall limit it and how And then the Universal Soveraign is still wanting They that dare plead for no more than Vniversal Communion should have understood that Communion as such belongs but to a Community and a meer Community is no Body Politick or Governed Society but a Confederacie of Equals as to Rule With respect to God only the World is one Governed Kingdom and with respect to Christ the Church in one Ruled Body Politick But neither of them is One as united in any Vicarious Soveraign but in their several Provinces must keep Communion in Faith Love and Peace 17. This I say therefore and testifie in the Lord that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk in the vanity of their mind 17. Therefore I charge you as from Christ that you that are Christians live not
which maketh me the easilyer believe Epiphanius that John was first banished into Patmos in the reign of Claudius and there wrote part of the Book at least For though some of it might be written of things past it s hardly credible that most of it should be such This Verse hath many Expositions Many say it speaketh not of individual Kings but of seven sorts of Government viz. Kings Consuls Decemvirs Dictators Tribunes Military and Emperours and the Pope they make to be the seventh and eighth But so much is said against this as I cannot answer As 1. That it is not meer Power but Idolatrous and Persecuting Power that the Text describeth And none of these persecuted save the Emperours nor were they so Idolatrous as Athens and other places 2. That the meer Imperial Power as the Pillar of Idolatry is plainly made the Beast therefore not the five antecedent 3. That indeed these five were no Supreme Power for that was only in the Senate which had the Legislative Power till violence ravisht them of it which when it did the Consuls Decemvirs Tribunes had but a part No nor the Emperours long or oft These were not several Sovereigns but parts of the Supreme as the Tribuni Plebis were and some of them very short And the Pontisices Maâ— might as well be named as some of them And who the seventh and eight Head were is said with so great difficulties difference and confusion as would be tiresome to repeat The Papists Opinions about a future Antichrist and theirs that apply all to Mahomet I will not repeat They that expound it of particular Câ—sars also are opposed by many hard Objections Some of them apply all to the seven Emperours that the Christians were first troubled by viz. Claâ—aius Nâ—â—s Galâ—a Oâ—io Vitellius Vespasian Titus and Domitian the eighth But three or four of these persecuted not Some think that seven here signifieth not a determinate number but many They seem the same with the seven Heads chap. 13. And if the ten Horns signifie not precisely just ten why should the seven I that understand it not may say it is as probable as some of these that this be the sense it being the time of the Fall of the Beast and Whore that I am speaking of there shall be at that time seven Caesars alive at once of whom Dioclesian Constantius Chlorus Galerius Maximianus Severus and Galerius Maximinus are faln at the time when Constantine is destroying Idolatry Constantine is the sixth who is then in being Licinius is after to be used as one of them seeming then a Friend The bloody Dioclesian who with Max. Herculius laid down the Rule is one of the seven and together will by the Devil's instigation attempt again to be the eighth but to his own perdition Whether Maxentius pass only for a partial Usurper after or pass for the eighth rather than Dioclesian I let pass Both Licinius and Maxentius continued but a short space 12. And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten Kings which have received no kingdome as yet but receive power as kings one hour with the beasts 12. Say some they are twelve Heathen Kings that are not full Kings but tributary to Rome Say others they are the Gothish and other extraneous Kings that are not in the Empire but are consederates Some say it is the Tyrants that have headed the Devil's Kingdom in seven several Ages But this is a vain Popish Evasion That ten Kings were dependent on Pagan Rome is clear and that ten or more of the Barbarians broke the Christian Empire But which is meant is the doubt 13. These have one mind and shall give their power and strength unto the beast 14. These shall make war with the Lamb and the Lamb shall overcome them for he is the Lord of Lords and King of Kings and they that are with him are called and chosen and faithfull 13 14. The ten Idolatrous dependent Kingdoms shall assist and support the Roman Pagan Empire with their Power and Strength But Christ who overcometh Rome will overcome them also for he is over all Kings and Kingdoms and will help the Christian Army under Constantine Or say others ten Kings shall give their Power to the Pope and make War against Christ that is his Doctrine and Worship and Christ and the Reformers shall overcome them But these cannot be the same barbarous Kingdoms of Goths c. forementioned but mostly others 15. And he saith unto me The waters which thou sawest where the whore sitteth are peoples and multitudes and nations and tongues 15. This Idolatrous Roman Power ruleth over many great and populous Nations of the Earth Or as others the Papal Idolatrous Power is upheld by many Nations even all the Empire 16. And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast these shall hate the whore and shall make her desolate and naked and shall eat her flesh and burn her with fire 16. The ten Nations that before upheld the Roman Idolatry shall turn against her and be the Instruments of her destruction The Britains Gauls Germans and divers others first fought with Constantine against the Pagans and many more of them after turned Christians Or say others the foresaid Goths Vandals c. shall overthrow the remnant of Pagans in Rome Or say others The Reformation shall be wrought by Princes that have forsaken Popery Whether it speak only of destroying the Idolatrous Roman Power or of destroying the Houses or City it self is controverted The latter is not yet performed nor the first as to the Papacy 17. For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will and to agree and give their kingdom unto the beast until the words of God shall be fulfilled 17. God hath so over-ruled them and all their hearts that eventually they shall serve the Pagan Empire say some or the Papal Power say others till the time that God will pull them down as he foretold Note God can so order things that all his Judgments shall be executed by sinners without causing any one of their sins 18. And the woman which thou sawest is that great city which reigneth over the kings of the earth 18. It is certainly Rome that then reigned It is certain then that Pagan Imperial Rome was at that time the Beast on which the Whore sate And certain that Pagan Idolatry was it that then made Rome the Whore But whether besides this Christian Imperial Rome under Constantine or under the Western Emperours after or Imperial Constantinople or Rome as the Popes Seat before 606 or after only or when be the Whore And whether their very differen sort of sin make them two or three whores or the concord in general or similitude make Pagan and Papal Rome to be the same whore as meant in this Text these and other are the doubts But the certain part must not be doubted of CHAP. XVIII 1. ANd after these things I saw another angel come down from
of Blasphemy 4. He is adored 5. He only healeth the wounded head 6. He is contemporary with the ten Kings with crowned horns 7. He is contemporary with Babylon which is Papal Rome 8. All the Texts agree to Papal Rome 9. He is Antichrist who is to sit in the Temple of God 10. That which hindred was to be removed before his Revelation which was the Empire as Pagan II. And they say it cannot be the Pagan Empire 1. Because that was risen long before 2. Because it was not that Power which was the sixth head but the seventh and eight and ascended out of the bottomless pit with whom the ten Kings were to receive Kingdoms 3. Because the Pagan Empire was not contemporary with Babylon 4. This Beast was to continue 1260 years whereas the Pagan Empire continued but 360. 5. It had not the ten crowned horns 6. The Roman Pagan Empire was lawfully obeyed being of God but so is not the Beast 7. The things said Chap. 19. agree not with it And here the sixth doubt is coincident what is the Whore For if it be only Papal Rome then say they the Pope is the Beast And this they prove 1. Because it is a mystery which Heathen Idolatry was not 2. Antichrist sits in the Temple of God 3. Because it is that Rome that must be for ever desolate and a place for Devils and Serpents c. 4. The fall of Babylon was to be after the faithful were come out of it 5. Pagan Rome sold not Souls nor made the Nations drunk with the Cup of her Fornication 6. She was not married to Christ and therefore could be no adultress 7. She had no false Prophet as here described to seduce and work Miracles but did all by force c. II. But because it is an advantage to the Reader to know the Judgment of men in the Connexion of the parts and Mr. Brightman seemeth to have done his Work with as Pious a Zeal and as great Learning and deep study as any man I shall sum up his opinion about this matter Having on Daniel strongly proved after Calvin that the passages commonly expounded of Antiochus are mistaken he saith that it is the Romans Power that they mean who were above all called Gods that is all Princes and that the Abomination not making but made Desolate was the utterly casting out the old Jewish Temple-Worship which was good till abrogate and Abominable afterward That this was done by the destruction of the Temple but perfected in Julians time by Gods overthrowing it when he attempted to re-edifie it And on Rev. 13. And forward he saith 1. That Antichrist the Pope is both the first and second Beast and Latinos his name c. 2. That the first 1000 years began with Constantine who was the Man-child and bound the Dragon 3. The binding him is that he shall no more set up Heathenism 4. But Antichrist began at the same time and reigned alâ— the while that the Dragon was bound even from Constantine And the Church was in the Wildernesâ— 5. The first Resurrection began 1300 when Marsil Patavinus Wickliff and others began Reformation But I am perswaded that those after called Albigenses and before Bagandoe were before Constantine Reynerius confesseth that they called themselves Apostolicks and said they were from Silvesters that is Constantines time Why then is Wickliff who hath many errors set above them 6. The rest of the Dead in Popery rose not by Reformation 7. The second death is Hell fire 8. A second 1000 years of Church Reformation and Prosperity began then at 1300 when the Dragon was let loose Antichrist began at his binding and the happy 1000 years Reformation at his loosing 9. His loosing set up the Turk Gog and Magog Scythians to a War against the Saints 10. The Camp of the Saints was Europe 11. The Holy City was the Converted Jews and the place of the War in Judea where the Turks shall wonderfully be utterly destroyed by Michael the Angel of the Jews 12. The Beast that deceived the Turk is the Turk himself 13. The Beast and false Prophet in Hell with him is Antichrist who falls a little before him 14. The Judgment and second Resurrection Chap. 20.11 are the full restoring of the Jews 15. The Dead small and great judged are the Jews that till now rejected Christ 16. The Sea and Earth giving up their Dead are all Countrys sending home the Jews converted 17. Death and Hell cast into the Lake are Turks and Papist that shall detain the Jews no longer 18. The Thrones and Reign of those dead is the destruction of their Enemies on Earth 19. Only elect Jews shall be in that Church 20. What the first Heaven and Earth is that shall be done away he doth not know but thinks it is the old Jewish way of Worship which shall cease as their conversion 21. No more Sea is no more false Doctrine 22. No more Death is no more sharp punishment and that the sting of death shall be taken out 23. And the new Glorious Jerusalem described in the 21. and 22. Chapters in this City or Church of the Converted Jews at Jerusalem the rest being restored with them Why I incline to Learned Mr. Calverts opnion that the conversion of the Jews is long ago past the obstinate Jews being mostly destroyed by Titus and Adrian and the Christian Jews being very numerous quickly and all that stayed in Judea as much made the Kingdom of Christ by Profession in the days of Cyril Juvenal and after when their Country was replenished with Bishops Churches and Monasteries and many abroad since then Converted as Lira Tremellius and others were as other Christian Kingdoms were where some still are Infidels I have shewed on Rom. 11. But the most wonderful part of the expected Miracle is that all these Thousands if not Millions of Jews that live scattered through the World and now are the most vile and Barbarous ignorant and worldly Persons living among Turks and Papists where they hear not the Gospel should all without Preaching or Teaching be not only Converted at once but made such Wise and excellent Christians as are fitter to constitute a Glorious Church than we that have bin taught so long If God have promised that not only a Nation but a New Jerusalem should be thus born or come down from Heaven in a day it must be believed But doubtless it will be a Miracle incomparably excelling all that Christ and his Apostles did yea Millions of Miracles at once And therefore we may expect such proof as faith needeth in so strange a case And as God is no respecter of Persons so the Jews never proved since Abrahams days under the Law under Judges or Kings or since so wise or excellent a People as may prognosticate such Advancement And God useth to work by means Christ and his Apostles converted none without the Word And Paul saith how shall they believe on him of whom they have not
deceive Christ that he shall not know his Flock it men miscall them To own Christ and the Gospel and to murder Thousands or Millions in his Name as if he took it for acceptable Service is incomparably a more aggravated crime than the most bloody Pagan Persecution was Obj. These were Hereticks and deserved death Ans 1. And were they worse than Heathen Idolaters and Infidels and must three or four parts of the World be put to death Obj. But they were Baptized and so are Revolters Ans 1. And do they revolt to worse than Paganism 2. Is Infant Baptism of so dismal consequence as that the Papâ—sts may murther all that revolt from it Is not this the way to make Antipâ—â—o baptists or Antibaptists and keep Men from Christianity But oportet Mendacem esse Memorem Why then do your Historians charge them to have been against Infant-Baptism Did you murder none till they were Baptized 2. But what was their Heresie how can we know better than by your bloody Laws against them The General Council 4. at the Latâ—rane under Innoc. 3. â—â—â—s us it was denying Transubstantiation and disobeying the Pope And all Temporal Lords are to swear to extermâ—â—atâ— all such and all others that they wâ—ll call Hereticks on pain of Excommunication deposition and damnation So that all that renounced not their senses were Hereticks and all such to be destroyed or exterminated and Subjects â—bsâ—lved from their Allâ—gâ—â—nce to Temporal Lords 〈◊〉 will not execute it and many other grievous penalties are adâ—â—â— And seeing General Councils are the Rules of the Religion of the through Papist be not â—â—nvâ—y with them that call both your Pope and Council and Church Antichristian who thus exceeded Dioclesian and Max. Herculius in their work Obj. But how then can you hold that the whole Visible Church was never the Seat or Society of Antichrist in any one age Ans Very well Christ was Christ the head of his Church as visible and invisible in every age 1. Three or four parts of the Christian World were then and are now from under the Pope this very bloody Council saith c. 4. That the Greeks rejected the Roman Pope and so far abhorred the Latines that if Latine Priests did but celebrate at their Altars their Greeks judged them defiled and would not use them again till they had washed them yea they rebaptized those whom the Latine Priests baptized And they once a year Excommunicated the Popes long and they owned not Transubstantiation And they with the Abassines Armenians and all such others were three or four times more than the Papists 2. And who may not easily know that a Pope and such a Council called General are not the Western Visible Church real or representative It s not unlike that forty to one might be against them King John's Embassador was one of the consenters who then was in contest against Stephen Langton Arch-Bishop of Canterbury and to conquer his own Lords and Kingdom gave his Kingdom to the Pope and took it as from him And if such a King had the choice of Bishops they would no more represent the Church there than he and his Court represented the Kingdom when he gave it away and fought against it and those Bishops that the Pope chose did as little represent it being more the Messengers of his will than of the Churches And how few Bishops were in such Councils besides those that the Pope made or consented to When he and the Emperours Henry's were in War the Emperors Bishops condemned the Popes and the Popes Bishops condemned the Emperors and these Servants of two Men in power were not the representers of the Church The multitude of lower quiet Bishops Pastors and People were the Visible Chuâ—ch more than England was a Visible Kingdom distinct from King John's Court for the Pope was but an Usurping head which that King then was not Obj. Then you make two Visible Churches in Europe Ans Yes Christ had one diffused over the World and the Pope made another by Usurpation and Rebellion which was Regnum in Regno as any Rebel might do that could get strength to set up a party in power to call him King in some part of a Kingdom Such an Antichristianity as this I make no doubt but the Papacy did become guilty of and none that owneth it as such and receiveth their mark can be Innocent but are condemned by plainer Evidence than dark Prophecies but I will not therefore say the same of all from An. 304. Or any other that lived before this contracted guilt though too many at Rome and other Countreys prepared the way nor yet of all called Papists who own not the crimes and Characters of such men and much less of all the Visible Church in any one age And least of all of all the Visible Church since 3â—4 or thereabouts The World hath already seen a great deal of publick Sin and Misery in and by the Empires of Pâ—gans Mohâ—metans and Christians conquering and being conquered turning and overturning Thousands and hundred Thousands murdered c. more than I can find mentioned in Daniel or the Revelations In this Judgement I am in Pain and Languishing waiting for my Change and Hope of a World where all is expounded and all Wickedness Malignity and Divisions shut out and Holiness Love and Concord perfected and all perfectly pleased in pleasing God And as I can easily bear the reproach of those that accuse me foâ— no better understanding the Revelations and of all that accuse me of being either too little against Popery and Antichrist or too much being shortly to be above the ignorant obloquy of all extreams so Readers I earnestly advise you that you never take Faction for Religion nor lying or betraying truth for its defence Let them prove that Popes have not been Antichrists that can It 's none of my work But if you are never so sure that it is he indeed pull him not down by calling Truth Duty or things lawful Antichristian nor by telling men that all Protestants are Idolaters or Antichristian if they forsake not the Communion of all our Parochial Protestant Churches and of all other Reformed Churches that are as bad as they that the Papists may re-enter into them as deserted Garrisons and find no resistance Nor by telling the World that all our Laws against Popish Recusancy do punish them for not doing an unlawful thing which all Protestants should refuse as well as they This is no likelier a way to pull down Antichrist than Racking and Tearing the Reformed Churches by unlawful Snares and silencing the Faithfulest Ministers of Christ But above all begin not the Papal Antichristianity with the beginning of the Christians deliverance by Constantine nor too soon nor feign it to be Universal Read such Books as Jewel Rivet Blondel Pet. Moulin Dalleus c. If you are Schollars which prove the Novelty of Popery and the confident offer of the present Bishop of Lincoln Dr. Barlow no stranger to Antiquity or Books that he will recant and turn to them Let them prove by any full and concluding reason that any Christian Church in the World acknowledged or the Church of Rome her self assumed and publickly pleaded for such a Papal Supremacy as now they pretend to for 1000 years after our Blessed Saviour and for my own part I will confess and retract my error Let them prove by any such concluding reason that any Church in the World Eastern or Western Greek or Latine did acknowledge what now the Pope and his party so earnestly and vainly contend for the Popes Infallibility and his Supremacy over all general Councils for 1500 years after our Blessed Saviour and for my part I will retract what I have here affirmed and be what I hope I never shall be their Proselyte London 1684. Nov. 12. Natali Authoris Aetat Suae 70. RICHARD BAXTER FINIS 〈…〉
But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel Note 1. Peter had a priority though no Government over the rest 2. Lebbeus is Judas that wrote the Epistle extant 3. Simon is not called a Canaanite as to Nation but his name signifieth the Zealot Luk. 6.15 Act. 1 13. 4. Christ chose twelve in respect to the twelve Tribes of Israel to whose service they were first confined But when the Jews rejected him and the Gentiles were to be called he added Paul to shew that he confined not the Gospel to the Jews but the Church now must be Catholick 5. By the Samaritans is meant those that were not of Abrahams Seed but were sent thither at the translation in King Hosea's time And by the Israelites is meant all Abraham's seed that were chiefly in Judea but scattered also where the twelve Tribes had lived 7. And as ye go preach saying The Kingdom of heaven is at hand 7. As ye go Proclaim to them that the Kingdom of the Messiah whom God promised to send from Heaven is now at hand You may see the Christ so long expected 8. Heal the sick cleanse the lepers raise the dead cast out devils freely ye have received freely give 8. I give you power to heal c. Doing good is your work Do it freely as freely I give it you 9. Provide neither gold nor silver nor brass in your purses 10. nor scrip for your journey nor two coats neither shoes nor yet staves for the workman is worthy of his meat 9. You go not on your own work but mine Provide neither Money nor victuals for your Journey nor cloathing as for long time to come nor a defensive weapon or staff But look for your maintenance for your work 11. And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter enquire who in it is worthy and there abide till ye go thence 12. And when ye come into any house salute it 13. And if the house be worthy let your peace come upon it But if it be not worthy let your peace return to you 11 c. Enquire who is a godly person willingest to entertain the Gospel And when you come to any house say Peace be to this house that is Gods blessing be here And if the persons be godly and truly qualified for his blessing it shall come upon them else not but you shall be clear Note 1. There is a worthiness consistent with free grace 2. And a worthiness before their receiving of the Gospel This had two degrees 1. The highest degree was true saith and godliness suited to that knowledge that the faithfull had before Christs incarnation who were in a state of Salvation but yet had not the knowledge of the Gospel fully so called and that Jesus was the Christ Such was Zachary and Elizabeth and Nathanael and the Centurion Act. 10 c. 2. And those that had but preparatory grace or a teachable tractable willing disposition were more worthy or less unworthy than the refractory 2. Ministers being not heart-searchers must pronounce Gods blessing on men on uncertainties and meer probability of the event 3. This benediction hath ever a condition implyed if the person be worthy or capable of it 4. If that person be unworthy and unblest the Minister is blameless if he went according to probable profession The fault was his own 5. No Ministerial blessing Baptizing the Lords Supper Absolution c. will save an unworthy person that is one not qualified for Salvation according to Gods promise 14. And whosoever shall not receive you nor hear your words when ye depart out of that house or city shake off the dust of your feet 14. And seeing you come not for any gain of your own but to bring them the joyfull tidings of Salvation so heinous is the sin of unthankful churlish refusal that you shall shake off the dust of your feet as signifying the labour you used in vain for their Salvation as a witness against them in time to come 15. Verily I say to you that it shall be more tollerable for the land of Sodom and of Gomorrha in the day of judgment than for that city 15. Note 1. There are different degrees of punishment hereafter some are more tollerable than others 2. Sodomes punishment shall be less than the refusers of the Gospel because they sinned against less means light and mercies False Christians then will have a heavy doom 16. Behold I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves Be ye therefore wise as serpents and harmless as doves 16. It is not a life or ease and worldly preferment or man-pleasing that I send you on but as sheep in the midst of many Wolves such enmity against the Gospel and godliness is in the corrupt nature and interest of man and specially of the obdurate that instead of thankful entertaining you and your message they will tear and devour you if God do not restrain them Therefore be wise to carry your selves inoffensively and cautelously preserving your selves by lawful means but be ye harmless and innocent that they may have no just accusation against you and use no unlawfull means Sheep and Doves are no good fighters against Wolves and Hawks 17. But beware of men for they will deliver you up to the councils and they will scourge you in their Synagogues 18. And ye shall be brought before governours and kings for my sake for a testimony against them and the Gentiles 17 18. But keep out of their hands as I do by just means For the Jews will deliver you up to their Councils of Priest and Elders and they will scourge you as malefactors in their Synagogues and if they can make your crimes seem capital they will deliver you up to the Roman power that both Jews and Gentiles while you are accused may hear from you what the Gospelis and be unexcutable in their sin 19. But when they deliver you up take no thought how or what ye shall speak for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak 20. For it is not ye that speak but the Spirit of your Father that speaketh in you 19 20. And let not your own slowness of Speech put you on anxiety as it did Moses and Isaiah For Gods Spirit in you will help you and teach you what and how to speak in season 21. And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death and the father the child and the children shall rise up against the parents and cause them to be put to death 22. And ye shall be hated of all men for my names sake 21 22. So great is the enmity of the Flesh against the Spirit and against Faith and Holiness that it will overcome even natural affection of brethren and parents and children so that they shall bring their nearest relations to Martyrdom and other sufferings And the world will hate you for my sake But he that endureth to the end shall be saved 22.
Messengers and your Commission shall be sealed by the convincing evidence of the miraculous and sanctifying operations of the Holy Ghost I will own you in all you say do or suffer according to your commission and will reward them that receive you and your words as if they received me my self for I am not to stay on earth to do all my work my self but will do it by my Ministers And he that receiveth me shall be accepted by my Father as if he had received him N. As this is a most strong and comfortable obligation to the receiving of Christs true Ministers so it is dreadful prophaneness to hear a proud domineering enemy of Godliness that hath got by force into the title of the Ministery and labours to make true Godliness odious and persecuteth the most faithful to plead this Text as if he that heard and received their malignant scorns at Piety did hear and receive Jesus Christ 41. He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophets reward and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous mans reward 41. Note 1. This tells us that God rewardeth not men according to their gifts but according to the will and heart And it is a great comfort to every ungifted and poor inferiour Christian that they may have the reward of Preachers if they do but receive them and further their works as they are able yea if they do but love them and would receive them if they could God taketh it as done 2. But by the same reward is meant the same in kind but not in degree 3. And by a Righteous man is meant an eminent godly man and that he that loveth such and entertaineth them shall be numbred with the truly righteous But it meaneth not that every wicked liver shall speed as the Righteous if he will but receive such tho he amend not himself But he that loveth a good man because he is such and sheweth bâ— receiving him tho to his cost and danger that his love is sincere shall be numbred with such himself 42. And whosoever shall give to drink to one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple verily I say unto you he shall in no wiâ—e lose his reward 42. He that loveth a Christian as such more than his riches and would give him more if he had it if he give but a cup of cold Water to the poorest weakest Christian because he is a Christian shall not lose the reward that I here promise Note 1. What a safe way of usury hath Christ taught all Believers He is an unbeliever who thinks he shall be a loser by any obedience to Christ 2. It is not the Rich only that shall have the reward of Charity but the Poor also that do their best and would give if they were able 3. It is not only charity to Preachers and rare persons but to the least Christians that Christ will reward 4. Therefore it is not only slandering reviling and 〈…〉 eâ—inâ—nt servants of Christ but even the 〈…〉 Christians that Christ will con◠〈…〉 miserable pretence to say they 〈…〉 â—ty perhaps for dissenting from 〈…〉 of usurpers as if any men were free from all errour CHAP. XI 1. ANd it came to pass when Jesus had made an end of commanding his twelve disciples he departed thence to teach and to preach in their cities 1. Having given his twelve Disciples their instructions he went about also to preach himself 2. Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ he sent two of his disciples 3. And said to him Art thou he that should come or do we look for another 2 3. Note It is doubtful whether John being in Prison and not seeing Jesus the meaning be Art thou the same Jesus that I baptized c. Or as is more likely that he sent his Disciples that they might be convinced by more than John's testimony 4. Jesus answered and said to them Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see 5. The blind receive their sight and the lame walk the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear the dead are raised up and the poor have the gospel preached to them 6. And blessed is he whoever shall not be offended in me 4 5 6. It is not my bare word but my works that shall answer you it is by the fruit that the tree must be known The miraculous works of Divine Power are done and the works of love to mens bodies and the Gospel of Salvation is preached for their Souls And these being Gods works are Gods testimony what I am And yet the meanness of my appearance and my contempt and suffering from men will be to many a stumbling block and make the work of believing difficult and blessed are they that believe notwithstanding all these difficulties 7. And as they departed Jesus began to say to the multitude concerning John What went ye out into the wilderness to see a reed shaken with the wind 8. But what went ye out to see A man clothed in soft raiment Behold they that wear soft cloathing are in kings houses 9. But what went ye out to see A prophet yea I say to you and more than a prophet 7 8 9. Jesus took this occasion to describe John to the people saying What went you to John in the Wilderness to see not a toy like a shaken Reed Nor yet a pompous Gallant in gay cloaths such be not in Wildernesses but in Kings houses you 'l say A Prophet Yes and greater than any foregoing Prophets A nearer Messenger of the Kingdom of God 10. For this is he of whom it is written Behold I send my messenger before thy face which shall prepare thy way before thee 10. For this is the Harbinger of the Messiah promised by other Prophets 11. Verily I say to you Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist Notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he 11. There hath not been a greater than John before him as being nearest the Kingdom of the Messiah But yet the least of my Ministers in this my Kingdom is greater than he and shall have more eminent gifts of the Spirit as well as a more excellent office and work so far shall my Kingdom begun after my Ascension excell all ages that were before it 12. And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence and the violent take it by force 12. And as the people crowded to John in the wilderness and now as you see flock after me so since John began to preach I may say that these multitudâ—s of inferiour people croud as it were into the Kingdom of Heaven and will not lose it while it is neglected by the higher sort 13. For all the prophets
say ought to you ye shall say The Lord hath need of them and straitway he will send them 4. All this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Prophet saying 5. Tell ye the daughter of Sion Behold thy King cometh to thee meek sitting on an ass and a colt the foal of an ass 1. c. Note Christs way of Travaile was as poor mens on Foot And it was the rich sort of persons that road on Asses they being there bigger than ours and onely Men of great State or War that rode on Horses And Christ knowing that the People would at his Entrance into Jerusalem applaud him with Hosanna as the Messiah and King of the Jews resolved to own their Testimony so far as to ride in in some State 2. Tho both the Ass and Colt be loosed and brought it was the Colt onely that Christ rode on 6. And the Disciples went and did as Jesus commanded them 7. And brought the ass and the colt and put on them their cloathes and they set him thereon 8. And a very great multitude spread their Garments in the way others cut down branches from the trees and strewed them in the way 9. And he multitude that went before and that followed cryed saying Hosanna to the Son of David Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord Hosanna in the highest 6.7.8.9 N. This was the common peoples Proâ—laiming him King and the Messiah spreading Garments â—nd Boughs being their Solemnization and Mosanna their Acclamation a Word which signifieth Save now and was used with that sort of Pomp. Blessed is he that cometh in the Name of the Lord signified Blessed be the Messiah and King whom we have long looked for and God hath now sent To which in Luke is added Peace in Heaven and Glory in the Highest That is Let the Heavenly Prosperity and Glory come down upon this Kingdom and his Kingdom tend to Heavenly Peace or Prosperity and Glory to God and Man with God 10. And when he was come into Jerusalem all the City was moved saying Who is this 11. And the multitude said This is Jesus the Prophet of Nazareth of Galilee 10.11 The Citizens all came to see who it was that came in so applauded And the people that accompanied him in told them It is Jesus the famous Prophet whose Miracles you have heard of 12. And Jesus went into the Temple of God and cast out all them that sold and bought in the Temple and overthrew the Tables of the Money changers and the seats of them that sold Doves 13. And said to them It is written My house shall be called a house of prayer but ye have made it a den of Thieves 12.13 In this State he went on to the Temple and as one in Power he cast out them that had turned the Temple into a Market-place to furnish men with Sacrifices and over-threw the Tables of them that like Goldsmiths or Bankers Exchanged Money for advantage Alledging Isa 56.7 My House c. Ye have made a Market-place of it where the Covetous Defraud Men for gain 14. And the blind and the lame came to him in the Temple and he healed them 14 He wrought out his Miracles openly in the Temple as he had done in the Country 15. And when the Chief Priests and Scribes saw the wonderful things that he did and the children crying in the Temple and saying Hosanna to the Son of David they were sore displeased 16. And said to him Hearest thou what these say 15.16 The Rulers that knew they were under the Roman Power and saw that Jesus was not like to deliver them from it were greatly displeased when they heard the inferiour Multitude and Youths crying him up as the King Messiah and said Hearest thou what these say of thee wilt thou suffer them to raise a Sedition for thee and expose us all to the Romans Wrath. 16. And Jesus saith to them yea Have ye never read Out of the mouthes of babes and sucklings hast thou perfected praise 16. Yea As it is Written Psal 8.2 c. N. The Septuagint which Matthew useth differs from the Hebrew but not in sence 17. And he left them and went out of the city unto Bethany and he lodged there 18. Now in the morning as he turned into the City he hungred 19. And when he saw a figtree in the way he came to it and found nothing thereon but leaves onely and said to it Let no more fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever And presently the figtree withered away 20. And when the Disciples saw it they marvelled saying How soon is the Figtree withered away 17.18.19.20 N. It began then to die but it was the next day that the Disciples saw it and wondred 21. Jesus answered and said to them Verily I say to you If ye have faith and doubt not ye shall not onely do this which is done to the figtree but also if ye shall say to this mountain Be thou removed and be thou cast into the Sea it shall be done 22. And all things whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer believing ye shall receive 21.22 Nothing shall be too hard which God hath promised and ye by Faith and Prayer are fit to receive 23. And when he was come into the Temple the chief Priests and the Elders of the People came to him as he was teaching and said By what authority dost thou these things and who gave thee this authority 23. The Chief Priests and Elders Examined him to shew his authority 24.25 And Jesus said to them I also will ask you one thing which if you tell me Iâ— likewise will tell you by what authority I do these things The baptism of John whence was it from heaven or of men And they reasoned with themselves saying If we shall say from heaven he will say to us Why did ye not then believe him 26. But if we shall say of men We fear the People for all hold John as a Prophet 24.25.26 They perceived the advantage Christ would have by their Answer Either Johns Testimony or the power of the Multitude who reverenced Prophets sent from God and would have stoned them Luke 20.6 27. And they answered Jesus and said We cannot tell And Jesus said to them Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things 27. If you will not answer my Question neither will I answer yours 28. But what think you A certain man had two Sons and he came to the first and said Son go and work to day in my Vineyard 29. He answered and said I will not but afterward he repented and went 30. And he came to the second and said likewise and he answered and said I go Sir and went not 31. Whether of them two did the will of his father 28. c. That you may see that your highest profession of Holiness and Knowledge while you disobey God doth leave you worse than the Publicans and
Hate Persecute Silence and Murder those that imitate them 37. O Jerusalem Jerusalem thou that killest the Prophets and stonest them which are sent unto thee how often would I have gathered thy children together even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings and ye would not 37. How oft have I offered by my Messengers and attempted to gather thee into a State of greatest savour and safety with tenderest Love but you would not Consent N. 1. Christ would have taken the whole City and Nation into his Church had they not refused And therefore Infants as they were before 2. If the Jews had all believed in Christ he would not have continued the Law of Moses and that Policie which did but lead to him nor have forsaken the rest of the World to make them onely his Church but would have made them a part of the Catholike Church 38.39 Behold your house is left unto you desolate For I say to you Ye shall not see me henceforth till ye shall say Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord. 38.39 Your Temple and City are near to certain Desolation when you have executed you fury on me I will leave you to the fury of Destroyers and you shall see me no more till Conviction constrein you to desire me as your Saviour Note That the Country of Judaea where the remnant of the Jews after the Destruction of Jerusalem abode were Converted to Christ as other Countries were in the days of Constantine and after and a Patriarck setled at Jerusalem an A. Bishop at Caesarea and many Bishops and Churches among them though some remained obstinate CHAP. XXIV 1. AND Jesus went out and departed from the Temple and his Disciples came to him for to shew him the buildings of the Temple 2. And Jesus said to them See ye not all these things Verily I say to you There shall not be left here one stone upon another that shall not be thrown down 1.2 All this shall be cast down for the Sin of this People 3. And as he sate on the mount of Olives his disciples came to him privately saying Tell us when shall these things be and what shall be the sign of thy coming and of the end of the world 3. They desired him that had so oft told them that he must be Crucifyed and Rise again and yet come again to tell them the meaning and signs of this his coming which they did not well understand Some Expositors of this hard Chapter think That the Question meaneth no more than what shall be the Signs of thy Coming to Destroy Jerusalem and of the end of their Policie Others think That they expected that Christ should presently come and Reign at Jerusalem and set up a Kingdom so excellent as should be the beginning of a New Age or World as Noahs after the Deluge when all the World of wicked men should submit to him or be destroyed Others say That these questions are put of different things and times and accordingly Answered 1. When the Temple should be Destroyed 2. When Christ would set up his Visible Kingdome 3. When the World should End The two first undoubtedly they meant but by his Coming I do not think they meant either his sending the Roman Army nor his Coming at the Day of Resurrection and Judgment but his Coming to be a Visible Monarch and Declaring himself King and Reigning accordingly And 3. By the End of the World whether they meant the utter Desolation at last or the End of the Unreformed Age or World which his Kingdom should overthrow I am not certain And though Christ do not presently blame their mis-expectations his Answers approve them not but tend to rectifie them 4. And Jesus answered and said to them Take heed that no man deceive you 5. For many shall come in my name saying I am Christ and shall deceive many 4.5 It s true that this Temple shall be destroyed and my Kingdom shall be set up and the world of Enemies be subdued and that of Nature be dissolved But for your Question of the time let me first admonish you to be fortified by Patience and Faith against many Deceivers that will for tryal be permitted to pretend that not I but they are the true Messiah such were Simon Dositheas Theudas and look not for a Visible Monarch 6. And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars see that ye be not troubled for all these things must come to pass but the end is not yet 6. There will be fearful Commotions Risings and Wars before these things come to pass Let not that disturb you 7.8 For nation shall rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom and there shall be famines and pestilences and earthquakes in divers places All these are the beginning of sorrows 7.8 Wars by sedition among your selves and Wars of other Nations with other Plagues and Commotions and Signes shall be but fore-runners of that sorrowful time 9. Then shall they deliver you up to be afflâ—cted and shall kill you and ye shall be hated of all nations for my Name sake 9. And before that day fore-know what shall befall your selves Persecution Murder and common Hatred for my Name sake 10. And then many shall be offended and shall betray one another and shall hate one another 10. And the temptations of those days shall prevail against many that professed Faith and shall pervert them and draw them to betray and hate my true Disciples and shew their unfaithfulness 11. And many false prophets shall rise and shall deceive many 11. And many that make themselves the Masters of Sects and Heresies shall pretend Inspiration and Revelation for Lies and pernicious Doctrines and many shall be deceived and follow them 12. And because iniquity shall abound the love of many shall wax cold 12. And iniquity shall so far abound both in the World assaulting the Church and in the declining of Church Members by Worldliness Fleshliness Pride and Heresie that the first fervours of Christian Love shall be abated 13. But he that shall endure to the end the same shall be saved 13. But he that overcometh these Temptations and keepeth his Integrity and persevereth in his Fidelity shall attain the end of his Faith and be Saved 14. And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness to all nations and then shall the end come 14. And the Jews driving you away by Persecution you shall Preach the Gospel to the Heathen Nations who by receiving it shall condemn the Jews And then shall come the desolation of their State and the ending of their Law and Policie 15. When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation spoken of by Daniel the prophet stand in the holy place whoso readeâ—h let him understand 16. Then let them which be in Judea flee into the mountaines 17. Let him which is on the house top not come down to take any thing out of his
Note 1. Whence the Ancient Doctors gathered that Christ hath a two old Knowledge Will and Operation One Humane and Imperfect the other Divine and Perfect 2. Angels may increase in knowledge 37. But as the days of Noe were so shall also the coming of the Son of man be 38. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking marrying and giving in marriage until the day that Noe entred into the ark 39. And knew not until the flood came and took them all away so shall also the coming of the Son of man be 37.38.39 As in the days of Noe they would not believe their danger till it surprized them but liv'd presumptuously in their fleshly pleasure and worldly business so will it be with Sinners at my Coming Both at the destruction of Jerusalem and at the day of Judgment 40. Then shall two be in the field the one shall be taken and the other left 41. Two women shall be grinding at the mill the one shall be taken and the other left 40.41 Then I will manifest my distinguishing Providence One that is a Believer shall be taken to me and be Saved and the other left to their delusion and destruction in unbelief Note The difficulty of most of these foregoing Texts forbids me to be peremptory in determining whether they spake onely of the destruction of Jerusalem as in Mark the Question seemeth to intimate Or also of the End of the World as some words in the Answer seem to intimate And I incline to think that as the Types and Prophecies of the Old Testament spake proximately of the things and persons Typifying but remotely and chiefly thereby of Christ and the things Typifyed so these Texts speak first of the destruction of Jerusalem and next of the Calling of the Gentiles and Catholick Church but thereby finally and chiefly of the End of the World As if Christ said As it will be here now so it will be then parabolically 42. Watch therefore for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come This therefore is the necessary wisdome of all to be as men on their watch never a sleep or mindless but always ready as expecting the Coming of your Lord And then though you understand not all Circumstances before hand you shall be safe 43. But know this that if the master of the house had known in what hour the thief would come he would have watched and would not have suffered his house to be broken up 44. Therefore be ye also ready for in such an hour as you think not the Son of man cometh 43.44 Seeing men will watch against a Thief if they knew when he would come watch you for the preventing of surprize because you know not but it may presently be the time and it must be a continual readiness that must be your safety not onely as to the destruction of Jerusalem but as to every mans particular Judgment For Christ spake for the use of us all to the end and not onely for the few Jews that heard him 45. Who then is a faithful and wise servant whom his lord hath made ruler over his houshold to give them meat in due season 46. Blessed is that servant whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing 45.46 And those that are faithful and wise Teachers and rulers of his Church to give them meet and seasonable instruction as food for their Souls shall be found at their Lords coming Blessed Persons and shall be aboundantly gainers by their labours and their Sufferings 47. Verily I say unto you that he shall make him ruler over all his goods 47. I tell you such Ministers how poor or despised soever now by the world shall be advanced to a far greater dignity than their present Pastoral Office even to a participation under Christ of the Universal Government 48. But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart My Lord delayeth his coming 49. And shall begin to smite his fellow servants and to eat and drink with the drunken 48.49 But if any Assume the Sacred Ministry and shall say in his heart It is long since Christ promised to come and now his coming is either uncertain or will not be in hasle and thereupon shall indulge â—his fleshly Lusts and shall turn a malignant abuser of his fellow Servants and Persecute Silence and Oppress them and give himself up to the pleasure of his Appetite in Feasting and Drunkenness 50. The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him and in an hour that he is not ware of 51. And shall cut him asunder and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites there shall be â—eeping and gnashing of teeth 50. The Lord of that Servant will surprise him in his Sin and Security when he least suspecteth it and will execute that Vengeance on him which is due to such as aggravate their wickedness by Hypocrisie and make him feel that as it is odious so it is dreadful to prophane Holy things and to fight against holiness in the Name of Christ and at once to be a Minister a Worldling a Sensualist and a Persecutor Annotation It is of great moment for the understanding of this Chapter and much of Christs Gospel to know the true meaning of Christs Kingdom and his Coming Tho oft he spake directly of his last coming to Judgment yet ordinarily this seemeth his meaning His Kingdom is that Reign in Heaven on Earth at once which he was to exercise as the Messiah or God Incarnate having Redeemed lost Man The little poor Nation of Israelites were his peculiar People before Upon his Ascension the Gentile World was to be Called and a Catholick Church gathered over the Earth in a more excellent covenant of peculiarity and this Catholick Church is the Kingdom of the Messiah His coming is not his sending his Enemies to destroy Jerusalem nor yet his Visible Appearance in Person till Judgment but his setting up this his Kingdom his coming to Reign that is to Erect this Catholick Church This is plainly expounded in Luke 17.20 21 23. The Pharisees demanded when the Kingdom of God should come He told them The Kingdom of God cometh not with observation or outward shew by personal visible Appearance of the King in Pomp and Splendor with a Court as Monarchs rule nor shall they say Lo here or Lo there No Head King or Court shall be Visible for behold the Kingdom of God is in you or among you It is a Spiritual Reign in Souls and in the Church of which you have already some beginnings 24. For as the Lightning that Lightneth out of one part under the Heaven shineth to the other part under Heaven So shall also the Son of man be in his Day but first he must suffer and be rejected of this Generation c. that is when he hath Suffered and been Rejected he will Rise Ascend and from Heaven send his Spirit and Word to
enlighten the World from East to West and call a Catholick Church amongst the Gentiles and this is his Kingdom and Reign And this Generation shall not pass till this Catholick Church be thus gathered though not perfected What else can be meant by Christs many Parables that the Kingdom of God is like a grain of Mustard Seed A little Leaven hid in Meal A Field sown that after had Tares A Net cast inro the Sea c. When the Catholick Church was made Christs Kingdom came and when his Kingdom came he came as King to Govern it by his Spirit Word and Ministers Matth 21.43 The Kingdom of God that is the Church State of peculiarity shall be taken from you and given to a Nation the Gentile word bringing forth the Fruit thereof But the Perfection of the Kingdom will be at last And as to the Time of his Appearing for Judgment it must specially be observed that he tells them That it was not known either to Angels or to himself And if Christ knew it not as man how presumptuous are they that foretel it And whereas they say It was but the Day and the Hour and not the Year that he knew not I answer That by Day and Hour is meant in general The Time And if Christ knew it not no wonder if he foretold it not to his Disciples but told them It shall be uncertain to you that you may be always ready Therefore though it be false that Grotius saith That Paul thought that the Coming of Christ would be in his days It is true that Paul knew not but that it might be in his Days They might know indeed that it would not be till certain Signes foretold came to pass but after that they were still to expect it as uncertain CHAP. XXV 1. THen shall the kingdom of heaven be likened to ten virgins which took their lamps and went forth to meet the bridegroom 2. And five of them were wise and five were foolish 1. When Christ cometh to Judgment either on the Jews as aforesaid or on any with Death or on all at the last Day the Administration of his Kingly Government towards the Ready and Unready may be illustrated by this similitude of Ten Virgins c. Note The Custome of the Jews was to make very Pompous Feasts at Weddings and many Virgins used to go to the Brides House and thence with hand Lamps to go and attend her to the Wedding 3. They that were foolish took their Lamps and took no oyl with them 4. But the wise took oyl in their vessels with their Lamps 3.4 The Foolish made no preparation but for the present but the Wise provided for the time to come supposing there might be some delay Note The Parable is to stir up all to preparation for Death and Judgment and all the Tryals that are to come and to prove it damning Foolishness after all warnings to delay and be unprepared 5. While the bridegroom tarried they all slumbred and slept 5. Note The Lamp and the Vessel of Oyl signifie Preparation by sudden act and Preparation by a stated habit Wise and Foolish Good and Bad may sleep upon delay and keep not up still the same lively Activity But the Godly have still the holy Nature and Habits 6. And at mid-night there was a cry made Behold the bridgroom cometh Go ye out to meet him 6. And when they are deepest in security or forgetfulness and minding Worldly things they suddenly hear that Christ by Death or Judgment is coming He is just at hand There 's no more delay you must presently come away to Judgment and to be saved if you are his 7. Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps 7. When the Midnight cry cometh and there is no longer stay all men good and bad wise and foolish will be awakened to attempt some sudden preparation The worst almost under the sentence of Death will think what now must I do to be Saved self-love and fear will make them cry for Mercy with some kind of Repentance though they be Unconverted 8. And the foolish said to the wise Give us of your oyl for our lamps are out 8. The unprepared unholy Souls when Death and Judgment comes would fain then be found in the State of holy Believers and would die the death of the righteous and wish for their preparations 9. But the wise answered saying Not so lest there be not enough for us and you but go ye rather to them that sell and buy for your selves 9. These wishes then are vain One man cannot be Saved by another mans Righteousness It must be your own or it will not save you Go therefore and make your own preparation 10. And while they went to buy the bride-groom came and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage and the door was shut 10. Death and Judgment will not stay for the unready They that then are found unsanctified onely under fears and wishes to be saved will be shut out when holy prepared Souls are all let in 11. Afterwards came also the other virgins saying Lord Lord open to us 11. Self-love and fear will make the unholy Cry in vain too late for Mercy 12. But he answered and said Verily I say unto you I know you not 12. But he will not own or open to such seekers but reject them N. Not that true Conversion and Holiness is ever too late But those fears and crys for Mercy which in time might have been good preparations for a true Change may be all lost and come short of it at the last extremity 13. Watch therefore for ye know neither the day nor the hour when the Son of man cometh 13. God hath purposely concealed the time of Christs Coming from the knowledge of all Men that all might be obliged to be in constant watchful readiness yea it is said That Christ himself knew it not as man They that say The Year may be known though not the Day or Hour distort the Text which meaneth by Day and Hour the Time as if he had said You are not sure save by the Signes forementioned not Fulfilled but it may be the next Day or Hour so that the Apostles themselves were uncertain tho they rebuked them that pretended to know that it was at hand before Jerusalem was Destroyed From their days till now God hath kept the Church uncertain but that it might quickly come So that Grotius is mistaken that thinks Paul believed it would be in his days as if he had by a false Motive drawn men to godliness But Paul knew not how soon it might have come Ignorance of it is needful but Error is hurtful of which before 14. For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far countrey who called his own servants and delivered unto them his goods 15. And unto one he gave five talents to another two and to another one to every man according to his several
ability and stairway took his Journey 14.15 Christ passing into the Heavens committeth to his Servants the Word means and mercies of his Grace that they may improve them till he come by Death and Judgment to call them to account Not giving the same degree of means and mercy to all but to some more and to some less 16. Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same and made them other five talents 17. And likewise he that had received two he also gained other two 16.17 They that had the greater means and helps improved them to their own increase of Grace and the good of others and the service and honour of their Lord. 18. But he that had received one went and digged in the earth and hid his lords money 18. Note Tho the least helps should be answerably improved yet the less such as those have who have little more than the Light of Nature excite not men so powerfully to an improvement 19. After a long time the Lord of those servants cometh and reckoneth with them 19. Note Christ here intimateth that hiscoming to reckon with them would not be hasty 20. And lo he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents saying Lord thou deliveredst to me five talents behold I have gained besides them five talents more 20. I have used them to the increase of thy grace in me and to the good of men and to thy Glory 21. His Lord said to him Well done thou good and faithful servant thou hast been faithful over a few things I will make thee ruler over many things enter thou into the joy of thy Lord. 21. His Lord who freely gave him his talents to use yet rewarded his faithful usage of them and praised his fidelity saying I will give thee great things because thou hast well and faithfully used the smaller mercies of this life which I gave thee 22. He also that had received two talents came and said Lord thou deliveredst to me two talents behold I have gained two other talents besides them 23. His Lord said to him Well done thou good and faithful servant thou hast been faithful over a few things I will make the ruler over many things enter thou into the joy of thy Lord. 22 23. N. 1. The reward of Glory given for our diligent improvement of the mercies of this life is consistent with the freeness of the gift 2. God himself will praise the fidelity of his Servants as worthy of praise 3. Great rewards will crown the Faithful for little things here sincerely done 4. It is our Lords own joy that the faithful shall enter partake of 24. Then he which had received the one talent came and said Lord I knew thee that thou art an hard man reaping where thou hast not sown and gathering where thou hast not strewed 25. And I was afraid and went and hid thy talent in the ground Lo there thou hast that is thine 24 25. The fear of thy severity made me think it safest to keep thy Money merely from being lost N. Hard thoughts of God makes men backward to his service which is a work of Love and sinful fear is an enemy to holy diligence and fruitfulness 26. His Lord answered and said to him Thou wicked and slothful servant thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not and gather where I have not strewed 27. Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers and then at my coming I should have received my own with usury 26 27. Note 1. God will take a slothful servant for a wicked servant unprofitableness and omission of duty is damnable unfaithfulness in us that are but Stewards and Servants To do no harm is a praise fit for a stone and not for a man 2. To confess Gods holy Government and yet to be unholy is to be self-condemning Qu. Doth this Text justifie usury Ans It speaketh of that sort of increase made by exchange and trading without reproof and with seeming approbation Gain by Trading and Merchandize is one sort of Usury all Usury is unlawful which is against Justice or Charity And all other is lawful and some that is a work of Charity is to some a duty 28. Take therefore the talent from him and give it to him which hath ten talents 29. For to every one that hath shall be given and he shall have abundance but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath 28 29. He shall be deprived of the mercies of this life who improved them not for a better life when he that so improved them shall have an abundant reward the mercies of this life and that to come 30. And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth 30. N. 1. Omission and unprofitableness is damning sin 2. Hell is called Fire for pain and Darkness for uncomfortableness 31. When the Son of man shall come in his glory and all the holy angels with him then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory 32. And before him shall be gathered all nations and he shall separate them one from another as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats 33. And he shall set the sheep on his right hand and the goats on his left 31 c. The coming of Christ shall be in Glory with all his holy Angels who served him here for the good of his Elect and as Judge he shall sit on his Throne of Glory And all persons and Nations shall be called by him to Judgment and he shall separate them as sheep and goats c. 34. Then shall the King say to them on his right hand Come ye blessed of my Father inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world 34. Then Christ shall pronounce this sentence on the Faithful Come c. N. O comfortable words Come Whither To Christ to God to Heaven ye blessed of my Father sure such shall be blessed indeed inherit not only use the Kingdom in participation with the King of Glory prepared for you by eternal Love and Decree 35. For I was hungry and ye gave me meat I was thirsty and ye gave me drink I was a stranger and ye took me in 36. Naked and ye cloathed me I was sick and ye visited me I was in prison and ye came to me 35 36. N. 1. These works are noted as the effects of Faith and Love without which they would have been but dead works 2. The causal for signifieth not any merit by commutative Justice as giving God any benefit But their moral qualification and fitness to receive the Kingdom freely given but on such conditions that we signifie our thankful acceptance by true devotedness to Christ And thus all are judged that is finally justified or condemned according to their works as judged by the Law of Grace and Faith and not by Moses Law or that of Innocency
Jesus said to them A prophet is not without honour but in his own country and among his own kindred and in his own house 4. It is usual for Prophets to be least set by at home where men that see their Natural Original yet see not the Spirit of God in them nor know his operations 5. And he could there do no mighty work save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk and healed them 6. And he marvelled because of their unbelief And he went round about the villages teaching 5. It was not for want of Power in Christ but because they were uncapable receivers Thus Sin goes on from bad to worse Unbelief deprived them of the Miracles that should have cured it 7. And he called to him the twelve and began to send them forth by two and two and gave them power over unclean spirits 7. He assigned not to any one a singular Province but set them by Two's of which no one was Ruler of another 8. And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey save a staff onely no scrip no bread no money in their purse 9. But be shod with sandals and not put on two coats 10. And he said to them In what place soever ye enter into an house there abide till ye depart from that place 8. c. N. This is no binding Example to all Preachers 11. And whosoever shall not receive you nor hear you when ye depart thence shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them verily I say to you It shall be more tollerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of Judgment then for that city 11. N. Rejecting the greatest Mercy and Gospel-light deserveth the greatest punishment in Hell What then will become of Persecutors 12. And they went out and preached that men should repent 12. N. Repentance is as real a part of the Gospel as Faith And repenting of Unbelief as it signifyeth Conversion is Faith it self Alas that so reasonable a duty as Repenting should be so hardly obtained 13. And they cast out many devils and anointed with oyl many that were sick and healed them 13. And when the Miraculous Power ceaseth the ceremony of Anointing ceaseth 14. And king Herod heard of him for his name was spread abroad and he said that John the Baptist was risen from the dead and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him 14. N. Herod believed the Immortality of the Soul else he could not have believed the Resurrection 15. Others said That it is Elias And others said That it is a prophet or as one of the prophets 16. But when Herod heard thereof he said It is John whom I beheaded he is risen from the dead 15.16 His Conscience put him in fear of John 17. For Herod himself had sent forth and laid hold upon John and bound him in prison for Herodias sake his brother Philips wife for he had married her 17. N. He could bear the guilt but not the reproofe But God will make the proudest bear more 18. For John had said to Herod It is not lawful for thee to have thy brothers wife 18. N. He that hath a call to tell Kings of their Sin must do it faithfully 19. Therefore Herodias had a quarrel against him and would have killed him but she could not 19. N. See the bloody mind of a wicked Queâ—â— The cause of Johns Death is but fore-telling a Sinner of his Sin 20. For Herod feared John knowing that he was a just man and an holy and observed him and when he heard him he did many things and heard him gladly 20. His Conscience telling him that John was a Just and Holy man made him reverence him and do many things which John Preached to him and hear him with some pleasure but could not leave his Sin 21. And when a convenient day was come that Herod on his birth-day made a supper to his lords high captains and chief estates of Galilee 22. And when the daughter of the said Herodias came and danced and pleased Herod and them that sate with him the king said unto the damsel Ask of me whatsoever thou wilt and I will give it thee 23. And he sware unto her Whatsoever thou shalt ask of me I will give it thee unto the half of my kingdom 21. c. N. 1. Yet will such wretches lose the Kingdom of Heaven rather than let go a base lust for God so much more liberal are they to their Flesh and fellow-Sinners 24. And she went forth and said unto her mother What shall I ask And she said The head of John the Baptist 25. And she came in straightway with haste unto the king and asked saying I will that thou give me by and by in a charger the head of John the Baptist 24.25 N. Blood and Revenge is by a Lustful Woman preferred before half a Kingdom such are the Enemies of holy men 26. And the king was exceeding sorry yet for his oaths sake and for their sakes which sate with him he would not reject her 26. All unwillingness and sorrow for Sin is not true Repentance but that which is more effectual against Sin than the temptation is for it 27. And immediately the king sent an executioner and commanded his head to be brought and he went and beheaded him in the prison 28. And brought his head in a charger and gave it to the damsel and the damsel gave it to her mother 27.28 This wicked bloody King wanted not an Executioner to do his Will in the most heynons Sin 29. And when his disciples heard of it they came and took up his corps and laid it in a tomb 30. And the Apostles gathered themselves together unto Jesus and told him all things both what they had done and what they had taught 29.30 Of their Doctrine and Miracles 31. And he said unto them Come ye your selves apart into a desert place and rest a while for there were many coming and going and they had no leisure so much as to eat 32. And they departed into a desert place by ship privately 33. And the people saw them departing and many knew him and ran a foot thither out of all cities and out went them and came together unto him 33. N. Fervent desire is very diligent and laborious 34. And Jesus when he came out saw much people and was moved with compassion toward them because they were as sheep not having a shepherd and he began to teach them many things 35. And when the day was now far spent his disciples came to him and said This is a desert place and now the time is far passed 36. Send them away that they may go into the country round about and into the villages and buy themselves bread for they have nothing to eat 37. He answered and said to them give ye them to eat And they say to him Shall we go and buy two hundred penny-worth of bread and give
they brought the colt to Jesus and cast their garments on him and he sat upon â—im 8. And many spread their garments in the way and others cut down branches of the trees and strawed them in the way 9. And they that went before and they that â—ollowed cryed saying Hosanna blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord. 10. Blessed be the kingdom of our father David that cometh in the name of the Lord Hosanna in the highest 7. We receive with all joyful Applause the Messiah â—hat is come from God Blessed be He and blessed be his Kingdom Let the Heavens applaud and bless it 11. And Jesus entred into Jerusalem and â—nto the temple and when he had looked â—ound about upon all things and now the â—ventide was come he went out unto Bethaâ—y with the twelve 12. And on the morrow when they were come from Bethany he was hungry 13. And seeing a figtree afar off having leaves he came if haply he might find any thing thereon and when he came to it he found nothing but leaves for the time of figs was not yet 11. c. N. It s not likely that Christ was ignorant that Figgs hit not that year and that this Tree was fruitless But by this Miracle he shewed The Destruction of Fruitless Jews and Hypocrites 3. It s like he lay out of Door at Bethany as he used to do by night in the Garden where he was taken because he would not burden poor mens Houses with all his followers Else sure he would not have come away hungry 14. And Jesus answered and said unto it No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever And his disciples heard it 14. Note 1. This Phrase of answering to a fig-tree must be expounded by the use of the word in those times when to answer signified but to say 2. The Curse hurteth not the Tree but to instruct Men. 15. And they come to Jerusalem dâ— Jesus went into the temple and began to cast out them that sold and bought in the temple and overthrew the tables of the money-changers and the seats of them that sold doves 16. And would not suffer that any man should carry any vessel through the temple 15. N. He Shewed that he had the authority of a King tho he would not set up a temporal Kingdom 16. Christ now seemed to be more ceremonious than the Pharisees But he was made under the Law and would not abrogate our little till all were fulfilled by him He was to keep it to save men from it 3. He yet teacheth us to Reverence the place of solemn worship for the worship sake 17. And he taught saying unto them Is it not written My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer but ye have made it a den of thieves 17. The Temple was dedicated for Holy worship for Jews and Proselites of all Nations but these use Merchandize here and rob men by deceit Quest May places now be temples dedicated to Holy worship Answ No doubt of it but that the reverence of Gods name and worship not only alloweth but requireth us when we can to separate comely places to Holy worship from common use And why they may not be called Temples I know not 18. And the Scribes and chief priests heard it and sought how they might destroy him for they feared him because all the people were astonished aâ— his doâ—trine 18. Tho one would think Christs zeal for the Temple should have pleased them that crved it up as their Glory and accused Christ and Stephen and Paul for dishonouring it yet because Câ—rist did it as he did by the peoples countenance they feared the wrath of the Romans lest they would take it for Sedition and so they should suffer by it 19. And when even was come he went out of the city 19. Lest they should surprize him in the Night as they did at last 20. And in the morning as they paâ—sed by they saw the fig-tree dried up from the oot 21. And Peter calling to remâ—mbrance saith unto him Master bâ—hold the fig-tree which thou cursed â—t is withered away 22. And Jesus answering saith unto them Have faith in God 23. For verily I say unto you that whosoever shall say unto this mountain Be thou removed and be thou cast into the sea and shall not doubt in his heart but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass he shall have whatsoever he saith 24. Therefore I say unto you What things soever ye desire when ye pray believe that ye recieve them and ye shall have them 23. No difficulty shall hinder you from obtaining what God hath promised and is fit to be done if you firmly trust his Love and promise 25. And when ye stand praying forgive if ye have ought against any that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses 25. And forgiving and Charity is necessary to success as well as Believing Believing supposeth other requisites 26. But if you do not forgive neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive you your trespass 26. Note This sheweth that the promise of granting believers Prayers meaneth caeteris paribus other requisites being answerable 27. And they come again to Jerusalem and as he was walking in the temple there come to him the chief priests and the Scribes and the elders 28. And say to him By what authority dost thou these things and who gave thee this authority to do these things 27. Note They judged truly that they were not to be done without authority But knew not his authority from God 29. And Jesus answered and said to them I will also ask of you one question and answer me and I will tell you by what authority I do these things 30. The baptism of John was it from heaven or of men answer me 30. Note Had they confest John to be of God he would have produced his testimony Had they denyed it they had gainsayed themselves and the peoples voice For the generality of them were baptized by John in hope that their Messiah and his Kingdome and their deliverance were at hand 31. And they reasoned with themselves saying if we shall say From heaven he will say Why then did ye not believe him 32. But if we shall say Of men they feared the people for all men counted John that he was a prophet indeed 33. And they answered and said unto Jesus We cannot tell And Jesus answering saith unto them Neither do I tell you by what authority I do these things 31. N. It was well that they considered what might be said against them which now most Christians do not in their disputes 2. These Persecutors and the Romans had some Charity and consideration in that they were restrained by the fear of the People and did not accuse and fine them as for Routs Ryots and Seditions 3. They that deny necessary premises are not to be disputed with CHAP. XII
Pilate said unto them Why what evil hath he done And they cried out the more exceedingly Crucifie him 15. And so Pilate willing to content the people released Barabbas unto them and delivered Jesus when he had scourged him to be crucified 4. Pilate to please the People and they to please the Priests all please the Devils displease God and undo themselves And yet by all this God is saving the World 16. And the soldiers led him away into the hall called Pretorium and they call together the whole band 17. And they clothed him with purple and platted a crown of thorns and put it about his head 18. And began to salute him Hail King of the Jews 19. And they smote him on the head with a reed and did spit upon him and bowing their knees worshipped him 20. And when they had mocked him they took off the purple from him and put his own clothes on him and led him out to crucifie him 16. As the Priests are the chief contrivers of the Murder the Souldiers are fittest for execution such usually being hardened by blood and wickedness into a destroying inclination the great executioners of the Devil for the ruine of the World Alas mad Sinners little know you whom you scorn and how your sport will end at last Reader see here what sin is And what thou and I have deserved that needed such a Sacrifice 21. And they compelled one Simon a Cyrenian who passed by coming out of the countrey the father of Alexander and Rufus to bear his cross 22. And they bring him unto the place Golgotha which is being interpreted the place of a skull 23. And they gave him to drink wine mingled with myrrh but he received it not 24. And when they had crucified him they parted his garments casting lots upon them whaâ— every man should take 25. And it was the third â—our and they crucified him 26. And the superscription of his accusation was written over The King of the Jews See on Mat. 27. 24. See on Joh. 19.24 26. Meaning that they put him to death for proclaiming his Kingdom though it was a spiritual one 27. And with him they crucified two thieves the one on his right hand and the other on his left 28. And the scripture was fulfilled which saith And he was numbred with the transgressors 27. Note Men imputed sin it self to him God only reputed him a Sacrifice for our sins 29. And they that passed by railed on him wagging their heads and saying Ah thou that destroyest the temple and buildest it in three days 30. Save thy self and come down from the cross 31. Likewise also the chief priests mocking said among themselves with the Scribes He saved others himself he cannot save 32. Let Christ the King of Israel descend now from the cross that we may see and believe and they that were crucified with him reviled him 29. Note All this tells us what sin is And when his servants follow him in sufferings Priests Souldiers and Rabble with insult with scorns 33. And when the sixth hour was come there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour 34. And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice saying Eloi Eloi lama sabachthani which is being interpreted My God my God why hast thou forsaken me 33. Note Christ was forsaken so far as to be left to the power of Satans Servants and deprived of life and to have the sense of Gods Justice against Mans sin And this to shew that we deserved to be forsaken and to keep us from being utterly forsaken But Gods Love and esteem of him was not abated but his suffering was meritorious 35. And some of them that stood by when they heard it said Behold he calleth for Elias 36. And one ran and filled a spunge full of vineger and put it on a reed and gave him to drink saying Let alone let us see whether Elias will come to take take him down 36. In scorn they still insult 37. And Jesus cryed with aloud voice and gave up the Ghost 37. Saying Father into thy hand I commend my Spirit 38. And the vail of the temple rent in twain from the top to the bottom 39. And when the Centurion who stood over against him saw he so cryed and gave up the Ghost he said Truly this man was the Son of God 39. That he dyed not as other men in that case do 40. There were also women looking afar off among whom was Mary Magdalen and Mary the Mother of James the less and of Joses and Salome 41. Who also when he was in Galilee followed him and ministred unto him and many other women who came up with him to Jerusalem 42. And now when the even was come because it was the preparation that is the day before the Sabbath 40. Note It is likely that it 's James that 's called the Brother of Christ that is he that is called James the less for Joses and James are called brethren as here so Math. 13.55 But whether Littleness of Statuâ— or Dignity be meant it is uncertain 43. Joseph of Arimathea an honourable Counceller who also waited for the Kingdome of God came and went in boldly unto Pilate and craâ—ed the body of Jesus 44. And Pilate marvelled if he were already dead and calling unto him the Centurion he asked him whether he had bin any while dead 45. And when he knew it of the Centurion he gave the body to Joseph 45. Note He feared lest he should seem dead and be taken down alive till inquiry resolved the doubt 46. And he bought fine linen and took him dâ—â—â— aâ—d wrapped him in the linen and 〈…〉 â—epâ—lchre which was hewen out of a â—ock aâ—d râ—lled a stone unto the door 〈◊〉 the â—â—pulchre 47. And Mary Mâ—gdâ—len and Mary the mother of Joses behâ—â—d where hâ— was laid 46. â—â—â—e Joseph shewed great boldness and faith in owâ—ing Christ so openly when he was dead and so olâ— Niâ—â—demus who joyned with him 2. As Ahahs Court hâ—d one Obadiah so even the Jewish Rulers had a Josâ—ph and a Nicoâ—emus And there were Saints in Nero's house 3. Christs being buried in fine Linnen maketh it not our duty nor a sin to be buried in woollen yea tho it had bin the greatest enemy of Christ that in opposition to him had made the new Law which doth command it The Grave was also sealed and Watcht Christs burâ—â—â— hath in some sort Sanctified the Grave to true believers We maâ— boldly there lay down these bodies as still in his power and care that was buryed for us CHAP. XVI 1. ANd when the saâ—bath was past Mary Magdalene aâ—d Mary the Mother of â—amâ—s and Salome had bought sweet spicâ—s â—hat they might come and anoint him 2. And very early in the morning the first day of the week they came unto the sâ—pulchre at the rising of the sun 3. And they said among themselves Who shall roll us away the stone from the door
Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot being of the number of the twelve 4. And he went his way and communed with the chief priests and captains how he might betray him unto them 3 4. Note There is more of Satan in sin than sinners think He hath access as a Tempter to the Imagination and when his Temptation prevaileth he gets greater possession of the heart 5. And they were glad and covenanted to give him money 5. Note 1. Wicked purposes or desires use to meet with encouragement from wicked men 2. It is a heinous crime when men dare covenant to sin for gain 6. And he promised and sought opportunity to betray him unto them in the absence of the multitude 6. To avoid tumult 7. Then came the day of unleavened bread when the passeover must be killed 8. And he sent Peter and John saying Go and prepare us the passeover that we may eat 9. And they said unto him Where wilt thou that we prepare 10. And he said unto them Behold when ye are entred into the city there shall a man meet you bearing a pitcher of water follow him into the house where he entreth in 11. And ye shall say unto the good man of the house The master saith unto thee Where is the guest-chamber where I shall eat the passeover with my disciples 12. And he shall shew you a large upper room furnished there make ready 13. And they went and found as he had said unto them and they made ready the passeover 7 8 9 10 11 12 13. Note 1. Christ knew what would befal them out of sight 2. Being made under the Law he would keep even that part that typified himself 14. And when the hour was come he sat down and the twelve apostles with him 15. And he said unto them With desire I have desired to eat this passeover with you before I suffer 14. Note Christ earnestly desired the fulfilling of his undertaken work and holy Communion with his Servants 16. For I say unto you I will not any more eat thereof until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God 17. And he took the cup and gave thanks and said Take this and divide it among your selves 18. For I say unto you I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God shall come 16 17 18. Till we meet in Heaven or till I celebrate that Sacrament which is the Christian Passover with you in the holy Assemblies where I will be spiritually present Qu. How comes the Cup twice mentioned Ans The first was part of the Passover But Beza noteth that the 18th and 19th verses are not in the Syrian Translation which is most ancient And in his very old Greek Copy now at Cambridge This do in remembrance of me is left out of the 19th verse and he conjectures some verses are transposed 19. And he took bread and gave thanks and brake it and gave unto them saying This is my body which is given for you this do in remembrance of me 20. Likewise also the cup after supper saying This cup is the new testament in my blood which is shed for you 19 20. See Matth. 26. Note Seeing the Evangelists use not all the very same words it seems not of absolute necessity to use just the same still Yet all the substance must be retained and it 's safest repeating all set together which they recite and as Paul most fully reciteth them 21. But behold the hand of him that betrayeth me is with me on the table 22. And truly the Son of man goeth as it was determined but wo unto that man by whom he is betrayed 23. And they began to enquire among themselves which of them it was that should do this thing 21 22 23. Note How hard was Judas's heart that took not this warning 24. And there was also a strife among them which of them should be accounted the greatest 24. Note This strife was before Matth. 20. But Luke keepeth not to the order of time 25. And he said unto them The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors 26. But ye shall not be so but he that is greatest among you let him be as the younger and he that is chief as he that doth serve 25 26. I am not for parity among all my Disciples You know I have chosen you only to be Apostles But though you be over the Churches you must not be Rulers of one another And that sort of Preeminence which you have must not be like that of the Princes of the World who Rule by the Sword or outward Force and in worldly Pomp or State constraining Subjects to flatter them with high Titles but it must be grounded in an excellency of Grace and Gifts Love Meekness Humility being the most useful and devoted to the good of all as Ruling only the voluntary and therefore by the clearest Reason and greatest Love and most exemplary profitable Lives Strive and spare not for this Preeminence and Disparity 27. For whether is greater he that sitteth at meat or he that serveth Is not he that sitteth at meat but I am among you as he that serveth 27. Would you rule as greater than I what hath my Government of you been but to do you good by Doctrine Love and good Example without force 28. Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations 29. And I appoint unto you a kingdom as my Father hath appointed unto me 28. As a reward for your faithful sticking to me in all my Tryals and Sufferings I appoint c. Note This Promise is three ways expounded 1. The aspiring Clergy say it is I make you Apostles the Chief Rulers of my Church though in persecuting tâ—â—es and yâ—ur Successors shall be Patriarchs Metropolitans Arch-Bishops c. and over top Emperours and Kings 2. Others say that this lower World is but a shadow of the upper and that the Office of Angels and the Titles in Daniel of Mâ—â—â—â— your Prince and so of other Angels sheweth thiâ—â—eâ—e be Kingdoms in the Spiritual World above us answerable to all the Kingdoms on Earth and incomparably more and that therefore Christ saith In my Father's house are many Mansions And that there the twelve Apostles have their Kingdoms at least over the twelve Tribâ—â— as being equal with the Angels 3. But most think that it is only an expression of the eminent Glory of the Apostles after the Resurrection I see not but part of all three Expositions may be included that is you shall be Chief in my Church on Earth and equal with Angels after Death but specially after the Day of Judgment 30. That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel 30. That ye may be feasted by me in Heaven with spiritual everlasting Joys and may be Superiors to the glorified Israelites and in the mean time on
64 65. N. What is it that the ignorant Rabble will not say and do against the best of men when men called Sacred and Great encourage them 66. And assoon as it was day the elders of the people and the chief priests and the Scribes came together and led them into their council saying 67. Art thou the Christ tell us And he said unto them If I tell you you will not believe 68. And if I also ask you you will not answer me nor let me go 66 67 68. It 's in vain to discourse with you for you are resolved what to do with me and trust to force and not to Truth 69. Hereafter shall the Son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God 69. I shall shortly be advanced in Heaven as Man to be Lord of all 70. Then said they all Art thou then the Son of God and he said unto them Ye say that I am 71. And they said What need we any further witness for we our selves have heard of his own mouth 70 71. N. Though Christ answered not their other Accusations he would not to save his life by silence seem to fear to own his Nature Dignity and Office else he that laid our Salvation upon our open confessing him in the face of greatest danger should have required more of us than he would do himself Paul saith With the mouth confession is made to Salvation and giveth Timothy Christ's Example who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession Rom. 10 9 10. 1 Tim. 6.13 CHAP. XXIII 1. ANd the whole multitude of them arose and led him unto Pilate 2. And they began to accuse him saying We found this fellow perverting the nation and forbidding to give tribute to Cesar saying That he himself is Christ a King 1 2. N. The last clause which was true gave a colour to the former which was false They thought that Pilate could not believe that he could claim a Kingdom and not be against Caesar's Reign And to this day the Devil's design is to make Princes jealous that Christ's Kingdom is against theirs when as they have all their true power from him No way seemeth so effectual to the Diabolists to get down Christ's Kingdom as to raise jealousie and enmity in Kings against it 3. And Pilate asked him saying Art thou the King of the Jews And he answered him and said Thou â—ayest it 3 I am â—o I will not deny my Office and Dignity But my Kingdom is not of this Worâ—d 4. Then said Pilate to the chief priest and to the people I find no fault in this man 4. Though he call himself a King he raiseth no War or Sedition against Caâ—sar and so the Law will not reach him 5. And they were the more fierce saying He stirreth up the people teaching throughout all Jury beginning from Galilee to this place 5. His Preaching is seditious disaffecting the people to the Government and to the publick Peace 6. When Pilate heard of Galilee he asked whether the man were a Galilean 7. And assoon as he knew that he belonged unto Herods jurisdiction he sent him to Herod who himself was also at Jerusalem at that time 8. And when Herod saw Jesus he was exceeding glad for he was desirous to see him of a long season because he had heard many things of him and he hoped to have seen some miracle done by him 6 7 8. N. When the King of Glory in the form of a Servant was thus tossed in triumph and scorn from Ruler to Ruler it was to shew what we deserved and what we must expect 9. Then he questioned with him in many words but he answered him nothing 9. N. As he was not over sollicitous to refel their Accusations so he would no accuse himself nor give them matter against him out of his own mouth He would not have taken an ex Officio Oath to answer whatever Question they should ask him though they told him not what 10. And the chief priests and Scribes stood and vehemently accused him 10 N. Consecrated men are Satan's Agents with the King against Christ 11. And Herod with his men of war set him at naught and mocked him and arrayed him in a gorgeous robe and sent him again to Pilate 11. N. The King and his Souldiers thought they were far enough above a despised unarmed Prisoner 12. And the same day Pilate and Herod were made friends together for before they were at enmity between themselves 12. N. They can agree in enmity and persecution of the just who cannot agree about their worldly interest 13. And Pilate when he had called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people 14. Said unto them Ye have brought this man unto me as one that perverteth the people and behold I having examined him before you have found no fault in this man touching those things whereof ye accuse him 15. No nor yet Herod for I sent you to him and lo nothing worthy of death is done unto him 16. I will therefore chastise him and release him 17. For of necessity he must release one unto them at the feast 13 14 15 16 17. His accusation of Sedition is not proved to me nor to Herod I will therefore scourge him and so release him 18. And they cryed out all at once saying Away with this man and release unto us Barabbas 18. N. A Murderer or the most deboist seems better than Christ himself to malignant Hypocrites 19. Who for a certain sedition made in the city and for murder was cast in prison 20. Pilate therefore willing to release Jesus spake again to them 21. But they cryed saying Crucify him crucify him 22. And he said unto them the third time Why what evil hath he done I have found no cause of death in him I will therefore chastise him and let him go 19 20 21 22. N. The malignant Jews are worse than the Heathens in persecuting rage 23. And they were instant with loud voices requiring that he might be crucified and the voices of them and of the chief priests prevailed 24. And Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they required 23 24. N. Wicked men dare deny God's importunity mercy but cannot deny temptations from mens importunity and worldly interest 25. And he released unto them him that for sedition and murder was cast into prison whom they had desired but he delivered Jesus to their will 25. N. 1. It is the greatest means of bad mens ruine to let them have their wills 2. God in flesh was not innocent enough in the eyes of wicked men to scape condemnation 26. And as they led him away they laid hold upon one Simon a Cyrenian coming out of the countrey and on him they laid the cross that he might bear it after Jesus 27. And there followed him a great company of people and of women which also bewailed and lamented him 28. But Jesus turning unto them said Daughters of Jerusalem
was imprisoned 25 Then there arose a question between some of Johns disciples and the Jews about purifying 25. N. What the dispute was is uncertain 26. And they came unto John and said to him Rabbi he that was with thee beyond Jordan to whom thou barest Witness Beheld the same baptizeth and all Men come unto him 26. On this occasion they told John how the People flockt to the Baptism of Christ 27 John answered and said A man can receive nothing except it be given him from heaven 28 Ye your selves bear me witness that I said I am not the Christ but that I am sent before him 27. This doth but confirm what I said of him His Power is from Heaven I pretend to none such as his 29 He that hath the bride is the bridegroom but the friend of the bridegroom which standeth and heareth him rejoyceth greatly because of the bridegrooms voice this my joy therefore is fulfilled 29. It is he that is the King and Saviour of the Church I am but his Friend that rejoyce in his Kingdom and Success 30 He must increase but I must decrease 30. His Kingdom and Glory must increase to perfection but my preparatory Ministry will soon end 31 He that cometh from above is above all he that is of the earth is earthly and speaketh of the earth he that cometh from heaven is above all 21. He came from Heaven and therefore is above us all We that are but Men inhabitants of Earth though so far as God inspires us we speak his word yet being of earthly mold speak and do like our selves in a human earthly manner But he that cometh from Heaven doth excel us all 32 And what he hath seen and heard that he testifieth and no man receiveth his testimony 33 He that hath received his testimony hath set to his Seal that God is true 32. Wee tell you what God teacheth us in our several measures but he telleth you that which he hath seen and heard in Heaven And yet the most reject his Testimony but they that truly receive it by Faith do in believing him believe God himself that cannot lie 34. For he vvhom God hath sent speaketh the vvords of God for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him 34. He that is thus sâ—nt from Heaven by God speaketh Gods own Words fully and infallibly as fully known to him and is not like us and other Prophets that have but our limited measures of the spirits for some particular revelation and use 35. The Father loveth the Son and hath given all things into his hand 35. The Love of the Father to the Son is transcendent and he hath delivered lapsed Man and all this World into his hand or power as Redeemer Lord and Administrator of all 36. He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life but the vvrath of God abideth on him 36. He that believeth Christ to be the Son of God and Saviour of the World and with Trust giveth up himself to be taught ruled and saved by him hath a right to everlasting Life by the Covenant of Grace and the beginning of it by the Holy Ghost in him and shall shortly have the full possession But he that by Unbelief rejecteth Christ and his offered Grace shall not see this blessed Life but the wrath of God for his unpardoned Sin and aggravated Guilt abideth on him CHAP. IV. VVHen therefore the Lord knovv hovv the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more Disciples than John 2. Though Jesus himself baptized not but his Disciples 3. He left Judea and departed again into Galilee 1. They knowing that which he knew would exasperate them to avoid Persecution he removed to Galilee till his time came 4. And he must needs go through Samaria 5. Then cometh he to a City of Samaria which is called Sychar neer to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his Son Joseph 6. Now Jacobs well was there Jesus therefore being wearied with his Journey sat thus on the Well and it was about the sixth hour 4 5.6 N. Christ travelled all on foot and had a Body wearied with Travel the sixth hour was noon 7. There cometh a Woman of Samaria to draw Water Jesus saith unto her give me to drink 8. For his Disciples were gone away unto the City to buy meat 9. Then saith the Woman of Samaria unto him how is it that thou beinq a Jew askest drink of me vvhich am a Woman of Samaria For the Jevvs have no dealings vvith the Samaritans 7 c. N. Christ was not so much for separation as the other Jewâ— 10. Jesus ansvvered and said unto her if thou knevvest the gift of God and vvho it is that saith to thee give me to drink thou vvouldest have asked of him and he vvould have given thee living Water 10. N. It was usual to call a running spring living water Christ meant more but she understood him not 11. The Woman saith unto him Sir thou hast nothing to dravv vvith and the Well is deep From vvhence then hast thou that living Water 12. Art thou greater than our Father Jacob vvho gave us the Well and drank thereof himself and his Children and his Cattle 11. N. They made their Honour of Jacob the pretence for not going to Jerusalem he being before Solomon's Temple 13. Jesus ansvvered and said unto her vvhosoever drinketh of this Water shall thirst again 14. But vvhosoever drinketh of the Water that I shall give him shall never thirst But the Water that I shall give him shall be in him a vvell of Water springing up into everlasting life 13. That which I call water is the Spirit of Grace which will give men everlasting satisfaction and joy and leave them no fleshly or unsatisfyed desires 15. The Woman saith unto him Sir give me this Water that I thirst not neither come hither to dravv 15. The ignorant mistaking Gods Grace to be what it is not may ask it so for carnal ends 16. Jesus saith unto her go call thy Husband and come hither 17. The Woman ansvvered and said I have no Husband Jesus said unto her Thou hast vvell said I have no Husband 18. For thou hast had five Husbands and he vvhom thou novv hast is not thy Husband In that saidst thou truly 16. It was not delusoâ—y Equivocation that Christ calls well saying but meant only that Truth not commonly known it 's like 19. The Woman saith unto him Sir I perceive that thou art a Prophet 20. Our Fathers vvorshipped in this Mountain and ye say that in Jerusalem is the place vvhere Men ought to vvorship 19 20. I perceive by thy knowing secrets that thou art a Prophet tell me then whether you Jews or we that follow our eldest Fathers be in the right about the Place of Worship N. This is the use of ignorant carnal people to start some Controversie about Circumstantials or Ceremonies
was not seen by the new World nor his End by the Old nor his Death mentioned But this is a presumption Had it been good for us to know more of him God would have told us more 4. Now consider how great this man was unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils 4. When Abraham from whom the Levitical Priesthood and the peculiar Seed sprung gave him the Tenths of all the Spoils it tells us how great a man Melchisedec was 5. And verily they that are of the sons of Levi who receive the office of the priesthood have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law that is of their brethren though they come out of the loins of Abraham 5. The Law allowed Aaron and the other Priests to take Tythes of their Brethren that sprung from Abraham 6. But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of Abraham and blessed him that had the promises 7. And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better 6 7. But Melchisedec received Tythes of Abraham who was none of his people and blessed him who had from God the promise of a peculiar Off-spring Which is a certain sign that he was greater than Abraham And so is Christ greater than the Jewish Priests 8. And here men that die receive tithes but there he receiveth them of whom it is witnessed that he liveth 9. And as I may so say Levi also who receiveth tithes payed tithes in Abraham 10. For he was yet in the loins of his father when Melchisedec met him 8 9 10. And here it is Mortal Men that take Tythes but Melchisedec is mentioned as if he had not dyed And Levi who receiveth Tythes paid them then being in Abraham's Loyns 11. If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood for under it the people received the law what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec and not be called after the order of Aaron 11. This proveth that the Levitical Priesthood and consequently the Law was not perfect nor gave perfection else what need had there been of another more excellent Royal Priesthood which was promised 12. For the priesthood being changed there is made of necessity a change also of the law 11 12 And if there must be a more excellent Priesthood than the Legal there must needs be some other more excellent Laws appointing them their work For the old Priesthood had their work prescribed them by the Law of Moses Note That they who deny Christ to be a Law-giver deny his Royal Priesthood and deny him to be Christ 13. For he of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe of which no man gave attendance at the altar 14. For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Judah of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood 13 14. And the translating the Priesthood to Judah the ruling Tribe of which Christ was proveth the Change of the Law 15. And it is yet far more evident for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest 16. Who is made not after the law of a carnal commandment but after the power of an endless life 15 16. And it is yet more evident that there must be a higher Priesthood than Aaron's because he must be made as Melchisedec not by Lineal Succession according to the Law of Moses but with reference to a state of Immortality as to its Rise and End 17. For he testifieth Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec 18. For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof 17 18 And this express testimony of another sort of Priesthood sheweth that the Law which they were to execute was to cease as weak insufficient and unprofitable Note Quest Is not the Gospel-Priesthood then in Conformity to Christ to be Kingly and above all Kings under Christ the King or Kings and Priests to be the same Answ 1. Let them here on Earth follow Christ in his Humiliation who said My Kingdom is not of this World and then when they come to him in Heaven they shall reign as Kings 2. Our uncertain Collections are not so sure a way to know Christ's Will as his own words who hath plainly forbidden Secular Dominion to his Ministers and given them a far other Description and Canon 3. But by the use of the Church-Keys they have the Government of Church-Communion which as it hath a nearer relation to the heavenly Kingdom is therein nobler than Secular Power 19. For the law made nothing perfect but the bringing in of a better hope did by the which we draw nigh unto God 19. For the Law of Moses did all as an imperfect thing which was not of it self to make Man or his Service perfect or his Hopes and Comforts but to lead him towards a better Revelation which bringing a fuller notice of Pardon and Grace Life and Immortality advanâ—eth us nearer to God and giveth us more bold and comfortable Access to him in order to our heavenly Fruition 20 21. And in as much as not without an oath he was made priest For those priests were made without an oath but this with an oath by him that said unto him The Lord sware and will not repent Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec 20 21. And this Change God sweareth to which was not done by Aaron's Priesthood which sheweth its Certainty and Immutability 22. By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament 22. Note 1. The word here translated Testament signifieth God's Statute-Law proposed to us for our Covenant-Consent and Obedience and promising us Grace and Glory and signifieth the same thing as the Law of Grace And not a meer absolute Promise without Precepts Condition or Penalty 2. The word translated Surety signifieth an interceding Administrator and Mediator giving Man Assurance of the Will of God as Moses did in delivering the Law and consenting to receive God's Terms and Promises in the nature of Man and to perform his own part and undertaking for the gathering and glorifying his Church thereby But not that he undertook that all that he mediated for should do all that is their duty 23. And they truly were many priests because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death 24 But this man because he continueth ever hath an unchangeable priesthood 23 24. And so the Levitical Priesthood was in many successively because they were mortal But Christ living for ever is only one and the same and there is no other Note Therefore Christ hath no mortal Vicar to be an universal High Priest 25. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them 25. And this is the great Comfort of Believers that he is able to save us in all
came in power 2. The Popes were most Martyrs and Sufferers till Constantines time and long after professed subjection to Emperours yea even to Arrians and to Usurpers And Alexandria and Constantinople used as much force as they It was 606 years before Phocas called Boniface the 3. the Universal Bishop by which he never meant the Universal Emperour or Civil Governour No nor Universal Ecclesiastical any further than the Empire It was long after this that the claim of deposing Kings as Excommunicate was set on foot by Gregory the seventh and long after that before it was determined in the Lateran Council Most Christian Kingdoms opposed it all along William the Conquerour and William Rufus and others in England Philip and others in France where it is denyed to this day and much in Spain The German Emperours Henry the fourth and fifth and Frederick and Otho long fought against it and some of them took Rome made and unmade Popes and used them as their Subjects The Princes of Italy themselves were from age to age almost always in War against the Popes The Eastern Emperours before mastered them till Pipin and the two Charles ' used the Papacy to usurp the Empire and after were Masters of the Pope themselves The very Citizens and Laity of Rome from age to age strove with them for the chief Power in Rome it self and oft overtopt them till they got Foreign Princes to help them To this day they claim not Imperial Power over other Princes save indirectly as nullifying the Title of the Excommunicate falsely pretending that they may excommunicate them and that Christians may then reject them as no Kings Is all this an Universal Empire and was Rome the Whore for 700 years or not It is supposed that Idolatry and Persecution make her the Whore and her Civil Power the Beast Transubstantiation is the grossest part of the first and that is a Novelty A few odd men wrote for it a little sooner but their Church owned it not by Law till the fourth Lateran Council under Inno. the 3. almost twelve hundred years after Christ And excess of Veneration to Saints and Angels most Churches on Earth owned and still own the Greek Armenian Abassine c. Our Divines have proved Purgatory and almost all their abuses of that tendency to be Novelties see Moulin de novit Papism Blondel de Eccles Rivets defence of du Pleslis c. Now here we are divided 1. Some say Rome was the Whore ever since 300 And so all or near all the Church of Christ in the Empire was the Beast or Whore or both except the few poor men in Piedmont and Languedock for I am of the opinion that they kept their Simplicity and Integrity ever since Dioclesians Persecution and then all the Glory of the bâ—st Ages of the Church is darkned into shame and the triumph for its deliverance from Pagan Captiâ—â—â—y turned to our confusion I have fully in my History of Councils described the mischiefs of Clergy-Ambition but never thought that such mens faults so overthrew all Christs Church in the Empire as to make it Antichristian A Holy Humble Ministry upheld it while some ambitious carnal Prelates troubled it As even a Heathen Am. Marcellinus witnesseth speaking of Damasus's case If Christ had no Church visible so many hundred years then he was no Christ or King of a visible Church which is a sad conclusion for opposers of Antichrist Doth he say worse against Christ himself 2. Others say that Rome began to be Babylon the 606 under Boniface the 3. and Phocas on the grounds before confuted 3. Others begin it under Boniface the Eighth 4. Others begin it with Hildebrands Usurpation over Princes between 1000. and 1100 years after Christ 5. Others begin it with Innocent the third who in the Lateran Council generally first owned that Usurpation and Transubstantiation and Bloody Persecution for it which before were owned but by little factious Parties 6. Others labour to prove that that Council made no Decrees and so that it was not setled then Now if Rome for 606 years or for 1000 or for 1100 years was not Babylon then Pagan Rome was not then nor Christian Rome and no man knoweth when it began to be so And then almost all our most confident late Expositions are quite overthrown But doubtless John was told of a Babylon a Whore a Beast which was much ealier than this The six or seven species of Pagan Government were not the Heads of a Christian Papal Beast that was to rise 1000 or 600 years after Christ See Bishop Barlows Pref. to his Brutum fulmen of their Novelty With these Reasons this sort of Expositors add the answer to the contrary objections And to the first they say that the Rising of the Beast out of the Sea doth but tell the order of the Vision to John and not that the Beast was not yet in being and it may mean Domitian or Dioclesian not yet come To the second they say the Objecters beg the Question 3. And so of the third 4. To the fourth they say that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifieth not continuance but operation to which some Copies joyn 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 he maketh War And they say that neither here nor cap. 11. of the Witnesses Preaching is meant a thousand two hundred and sixty years but Days as expressed even three years and a half 5. To the fifth they say it had the ten Crowned Heads which is the same States which were Crowned Horns when they became militant and cruel 6. They say that the Pagan Empire as the Beast commanding Idolatry was not to be obeyed 7. They say Pagan Rome is called Mystical not Literal Babylon and their Mysteries of Worship also were Idolatry 8 They say that it is not Antichrist sitting in the Temple but the Beast blaspheming it that this Text mentioneth 9. They say that Pagan Rome as such is totally desolate and for ever but the Papal is not 10. The faithful came away from Babylon's Idolatry and Sin before her Fall and were called on to avoid her most carefully just when she was falling lest just then the falling Babylon fall on them But Papal Rome being not yet fallen were no Christians these 1300 years under the reasons of that Call 11. They say Pagan Rome sold Slaveâ— and bought them and sold Souls to Idolatry worse than Popery 12. They say that the unmarried Heathens may be guilty of Fornication yea and of Adultery by reason of God's right to them And the Fornication here is but Idolatry and it 's sad to conclude that Heathen Rome was so Idolatrous 13. Lastly They say that their Senate and all the Learned Patrons of Paganism and Reproachers of Christianity better answer the Character of the second Beast and false Prophet than either the Popâ— as pleading for himself or his Agents pleading for his Civil Power I should next have told you the difficulties that pose me about the other Questions but