Adversaries Surely there is an Aelohim that judgeth in the Earth Psal 58.13 2. From the Attribute or Title Jehovah we may learn 1. That Jehovah is the onely true God for this Attribute signifies one that hath Being of himselfe and that gives Being to every Creature and that can take away their being at his pleasure and therefore it is an incommunicable Attribute for none hath being of himself but he alone 2. There is none that can give being to all other things but he alone 3. None can take away the Being of all other things but he alone But for the better understanding of the large signification of this Attribute see Ains in Psâ—l 83.19 and in Gen 2.4 and in Gen 6.3 and in Gen. 15.2 and in Numb 6.24 and in Levit. 24.16 2. This Attribute may be a sufficient ground of encouragement to such as the Lord is pleased to call forth to do any difficult service as for example when it pleased God to call Moses to go on his Embassage to persecuting Pharoah he was of himselfe unwilling because of his inability of speech But Christ Jesus said unto him in Exod. 4.11 Who hath made the mouth of man or who maketh the dumb or the deaf or the open eyed or the blind have not I Jehovah therefore go now and I will be with thy mouth c. And in like sort Christ shewed himself to be Jehovah when he said unto his Disciples in Luke 21.15 I will give you a mouth and wisdome which all your adversaries shall not be able to gain say or resist and hence we may also gather that that Jehovah which spake unto Moses was the Son of God the Angell of Gods presence and so Christ must be still understood to be called Jehovah from Exod. 3. to the end of Deuteronomy 3. After that Moses had been discharged and by Pharaohs threatning both against him and against Aaron in Exod. 5. then the Lord did still encourage Moses by this Attribute in Exod 6.2 saying unto Moses I am Jehovah as if he had said in more words be not discouraged but go for I will now in vers 8 give a being of performance to that promise which I formerly made to Abraham that I would give unto him the land of Canaan 4. This Artribute is for terrour to all persecutors of Gods people for Christ is Jehovah that gives a being to the performance of all his promises and of all his threatnings he told Moses in Exâ—d 6.6 I am Jehovah I will bring you out from under the burthen of the Egyptians and I will redeem you with a stretched out arme and with great judgments And thereupon he bad Moses say to Pharaoh in Exod. 7.17 Thus saith Jehovah In this thou shalt know that I am Jehovah Behold I smite with the Rod that is in my baâ—d upon the waters which are in the River and they shall be curned into blood And in Exod. 8.1 Thus saith Jehovah Send aâ—ay my people if thou refuse to send them away behold I will smite thy borders with Frogs that thou mayest know as verse 10. that there is none like Jehovah our God And in verse 20. Say to Pharaoh thus saith Jehovâ—h send away my people or else I will send conjoyned swaâ—mes upon thee and upon thy servants and upon thy people And in verse 22. There shall be no such conjoyned swarmes in Gashen that thou mayest know that I am Jehovah And thus after this sort did Jehovah Christ give a being to his threatnings and though Jesus Christ did suffer Iannes and Iambres to resist Moses in the execution of his miracles with their counterfeit miracles for a time yet at last Christ Jesus did not suffer them to courterfeit all the miracles of Moses and thereby he made their madness namely their mad zeale evident 2 Tim. 3 8. 5. This Attribute is for instruction to all Gods people to take speciall notice of the powerfull actings of this Jehovah for his people and against their adversaries for as it is in Exod. 10.1 lehovah said unto Moses Go in unto Pharaoh for I have made his heart heavy and the heart of his servants that I may set these my signes in the midst of them and that thou mayest tell it in the eares of thy son and of thy sons son c that yee may know that I am Iehovah The like arguing is in Psal 78.5.6 c. and the like is in Exod. 6.6 Say unto the sons of Israel I am Iehovah I will bring you out from under the burthens of the Egyptians And in verse 7. I will take you unto me for a people and I will be to you a God and yee shall know that I am Iehovah your God 6. This Attribute is prefixed and affixed to the ten Commandements in Exod. 20.2 for the comfort of them that are in Covenant with God and that keep his Commandements by faith in Christ and for the terror of such as transgresse his Commandemants through the want of faith in Christ for no other obedience is acceptable but that which is mixed with faith 7. This Attribute Iehovah is often pressed upon the people of Israel that were in Covenant with God that they may walk in holinesse as a people in Covenant ought to do as in Levit 18. and in Levit 19. and often elswhere as a band to tye them to yeild all holy obedince to all Gods Lawes both to his Ceremoniall and Iudiciall Lawes as well as to the Decalogue and therefore obedience to all the Ceremoniall Laws is enforced on this ground Because I am Iebovah your God and in Levit. 11.44.45 You shall not make your selves unclean by any câ—eeping thing that moveth upon the earth for I am Iehovah that bringeth you up out of the Land of Egypt to be a God unto you and yee shall be hoâ—y at I am holy And this duty is also urged on the faithfull dispersed Iewes in the new Testament 1 Pet. 1.15.16 3. From the Attribute Elion the most High 1. We may learn not to be daunted with the big looks of such as do oppose us in a good Cause and therefore Melchisedek did most pertinently use this Title of God in his blessing to Abraham He called him the most High namely over his Enemies the foure Kings when he returned with Victory over them Gen. 14.18 And then also Abraham told the King of Sodom in verse 22. That he had lift up his hand unto Iehovah Ael Elion The Lord God most High the Possessor of Heaven and Earth that he would not take any thing that was his 2. The like instruction we may learn from this Attribute in the form plurall Elionin Eccles 5.7 Mr. Bro. reads it thus If the oppression of the poor and robery of Iudgment and Iustice thou do behold in a Country marvell not at the matter for an higher then the high one doth mark and there be high above them namely Elionin the high Trinity as his Marginall Note is 3.
mystical Egypt and mystical Babylon have cursed and do seek still the destruction of our nation especially of the Gospel yet while we keep our covenant they shall never prevail Balaams counsel was more dangerous than his curse for his counsel being followed brought a plague O ye Princes O ye people do ye not know that the sincere Word and the holy seed is the subsistence of your Kingdomes and common-weals towns and families Esay 6.13 Every childe of God is a publique good Minde one thing more how those thor did seem to be of the truth and were brethren touching the outward circumcision yet cursed the servants of Christ that would not walk in their waies traditions devises and abominations Esay 66.5 and in after times they so used the poor blind man John 9. So have the cruel Prelates used the dear servants of the Lord they did curse yet Christ did bless and hath and will pay his enemies home that abuse his ordinances for if any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ anathema maranatha is his heavy Censure 1 Cor. 16.22 Ibidem N. 12. Cast out the servant and her son Without shall be lyars Lyars in judgement as all Papatines be Whosoever transgresseth and abideth nor in the doctrine of Christ hath nor God he that continueth in the doctrine of Christ he hath both the Father and the Son 1 John 2.24 2 John 2.9 Be it that they sometimes confesse the doctrine of Christs person yet both in their doctrine and practise they deny it because they deny him in his offices and administrations for which he became such a person and such a Mediator And oh what lying blasphemies do they utter against the holy records that testifie of the eternal Son the Mediator Popery is a mystery of iniquity N. 13. The word of faith in our own languages In the Law it is written with men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people and yet for all that they will not hear me saith the Lord Wherefore tongues are for a sign not to them that believe but to them that believe not but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not but for them which believe Esay 28.11 1 Cor. 14.21 This looks back to Nimrods rebellion they despised the faith taught by Noah Sem and the rest of the godly fathers before Abraham in their knowen language therefore Christ cut them off from the faith by strange languages When Israel despised the things of the Law of Christ written for their comfort see how he in this would avenge the quarrel of his covenant Deut. 28.49 and fulfilled it Ier. 5.15 2 Chron. 36. If it be then such a deer blessing to have Moses and the Prophets our Lord and his Apostles speak to us in our own language let the saints worship God with hearty praise and thanksgiving so did David Psalm 103.7 and 147. 19. All are abominable idolatrous and false worshippers and unclean infidels that Christ speaks not to in their own language by his blessed Gospel as all the Babylonian builders and their seed to this day and the mystical Babylonian builders It is much to be considered that when the churches departed from the Apostles doctrine Christ confounded the Europian and Asian languages VVhen it was prophesied of the calling of the Gentiles to the faith of the Gospel it is said I will turn to the people a pure language which was fulfilled when Christ sanctified all tongues as it is said We do here them speak in our own languages the wonderfull works of God Acts 2.11 Zeph. 3.9 VVhereas for two thousand years the Gentiles Noahs families called on idols names We little consider the severity of the wrath of Christ in the confusion of tongues what a plague it is and will be to the end of the world most sad is that scripture Jer. 44.26 3 Quest of his covenant and promise God did not first give a seal and then made a Covenant but first made a Covenant and a promise as to our first parents Gen. 3.15 and then taught them of the seal the Sacrifices so to Noah God made a Covenant and then gave him the seal of the Floud and of the Ark so in Gen. 9. first the Covenant and then the Rainbow so to Abraham so each godly parent must seek to know God in Christ in the Covenant and to be in covenant for them and their children And it is to be marked C ham had an outward blessing in the covenant with his father for he was of Noahs houshold Heb. 11 7. and he and his children had continued in the same if he had not and his son mocked and scorned his father for which both of them were excommunicated and Chams house feared not but waxed worse and worse against Christ and his Kingdome and set up a tyranny in Nimrod to give the affront to Sems blessing Again note when the merciful God made a covenant with all flesh man and beast were not young as old comprised in the covenant a sucking chile and a lamb as the parent Gen. 9.9 10 11. Quest 4. Of justification or remission of sins The apostate and adulterous generation in our Lords daies that did adulterate the faith missed stating Circumcision as a part of the Law or Covenant of Works a school distinction of their own neither of Moses nor of the Prophets whereas it was rightly understood a law and seal of faith in Christ and the seal of justification that is by faith Their fac hoc is credere in our Lords interpretation of the Law to believe in him whom the Father had sealed and sent to be the true manna and sacrifice and their perfect justification and freedome as was told them Acts 13.38 39. And as they missed in stating circumcision a Law of works ex opere operato to justification so they did of all the politic of Moses that it did initiate them unto which yet they could not do being too heavy a yoke Acts 15. Now they despising Christ the end and scope of the law of Moses they made their own justification their idol and vanity and so provoked Christ to their rejection confer Deut. 32.21 with Rom. 10.19 That speech is very strong that the Lord Jesus spake Iohn 7. that circumcision was not so much of Moses but observed of the Fathers before Moses was born They should have considered in what sense Abraham received it and used it Rom. 4. Ibidem God did justifie the circumcision so this is clear God did justifie the infants of Israel for else he would not have commanded circumcision to infants this was to comfort all godly parents that although they knew their children were conceived in sin and born in iniquity yet God knew how for his covenant sake not for our sakes to justify that is to free infants from sins guiltiness filthiness and desert and to comfort godly parents of the Gentiles touching their infants the Apostle saith God is not the god of the Iews
They paid Tythes to maintaine holy worships and other charitable uses And so it was in Moses 12. They had Teachers which were Preachers of righteousnesse of the justification that is by faith which of old was called propheseying Noah was a Preacher of this righteousnesse and the godly Peophets did teach others the ways of Christ as it is said Abraham would and so did Iacob c. and so it was under the polity of Moses 13. The Spirit of Christ in the Prophets did strive with the people of their days to turn them from darknesse to light from the power of Satan to God Gen. 6. Neh 9. 14. Although the Prophets were godly yet what ever profection or any earthly or spirituall comfort they had from the Lord all was of grace as it is said Noah sound grace in the eyes of the Lord Gen 6 to be saved by waters and if of grace it is no more of works So Moses saith understand this day it is not for thy righteousnesse that God brought you from Epypt and placed his Tabernacle among you and gave you Chanaan but Gods love and mercy Deut. 9. 15. The corruption of nature taken from Parents is told Gen. 5. that they were but flesh that the thoughts of mans heart were evill from his youth Gen. 6. 8. and so all the apostate Families were un-regenerate Iob is plentifull on this subject Col. 3.5 Rom. 12 1. This sheweth how Abraham taught his Hous hold and Circumcision taught the same and the offering and burning of the rump kidneys and far taught them Mortification 16. In matters of doubt that concerned their particulars they went to holy Prophets to eâ—quire of God as Rebecca did to Eber or her Fatherinlaw Abraham Gen 20. and so it was in Moses if any doubt did arise they asked Moses and he inquired of God for them 17. We are constantly to observe that the same holy Covenant made to our first Parents was continued to some speciall persons for the comfort of the present age and posterity as to Noah Sem Abraham c. 18. As occasion was offered they made vows to God to bind themselves to a watchfull care and to chearfull thankfullnesse and willing obedience and so it was under Moses 19 In all which holy Doctrine and holy profession of it they knew that without faith in the Son of God it was impossible to please God therefore in all their worships they came in faith receiving and resting on Christ in the holy promise and Covenant Gen. 4. Heb. 11. and so Moses taught them in Exed 12. and in Dent. 30. 20. And by this holy faith receiving the Son of God as Mediatour from the Father for their Prophet Sacrificer and King Receiving and accepting the Son of God in all his Offices trusting in him for doctrine government and exâ—iation That speech of John ch 1.12 As many as received him is expounded of them that believe in his name Remember it still for a more clear definition of faith is not revealed and resting on him for Doctrine expiation and government were adopted the sons of God Gen 6. and were made heirs of the Julification that is by faith Heb. 117. and this receiving and believing on the Son of God was accounted of God above any righteousnesse they could do and this is the same holy faith that the Son of God imbreathed in the Prophets and Apostles to teach and write and all Moses taught the same Doctrine Deut. 30. Rom. 10. 21. Want of love to the brethen hypocrisie envy ill Gestures and hanging down conntenance bodily exercise murderous thoughts c. in the woship of God is reproved as in Cain and Christ in all Moses called them to holinesse truth and love c. * See hers how the Prophets expound Moses and teach the people of their generations and the Prophets do so expound him Psalm 50. Esai 1. God seeth not as man seeth the Sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord but the prayer of the righteous is his delight again the Sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord how much more when he bringeth it with an evil mind Proverbs of experience from the first and last counsels Prov. 15. and 21. David saith I will wash mine binds in innocency and so compasse thine a taâ— Psal 26. So Christ faith to us Let men pray every where â—â—fung up puâ—e hands without wrath and doubting 1 Tim. 2. 22. That the holy faith of the holy Son of God might not be violated or adulterated they were to take heed of unequall yoking by ungodly morriages Gen. 6 1 2 3 Christ in Moses speaks mâ—ch to this purpose 23. Upon any great design they sought God by the intercession of Christs Sacrifice as Jacob Gen. 46.1 2 3. And Abraham still shewed the same in building altars so did the faithfull in after times as Psalm 20.3 24. To all the holy Doctrine revealed they had Seals of the Covenant The Sacrifices were Seals of the justification that is by faith and the flood was a Sacrament of saving by waters as Baptismâ— is to us 1 Pet. 3 21. Christ renewing his Covenant to Abraham instituted Circumcision a seal of faith Rom. 4. and so in Moses was the Passeover and the other Sacrifices 25. It was required of all that did call on the name of the Lord to be upright in heart and to walk as before him and to testifie their faith by good works of obedience as Habel Enoch Noah Abraham Job c. the same is taught us 2 Tim. 3 Tit. 3 and Christ in Moses taught all this 26. They had washing or persons and garments that they should hate the garment sported by the flesh or for any defilement of worship c. c Thus for many things we may see The Modern Doctors af the Jews say that all was Tohu till Abraham that in him their glory might begin Mr Br. 1 in Mele. p. 75 76 all was not a Tohu an emptinesse from the apostasie of our first Parents to the death of Terah that apostated to idols but that the Gospel of Christ was revealed to out first Parents and by them taught as is evident to the Fathers and great severity came on despisers neglecting the word of faith both in the flood and in the confusion of tongues And we may well perceive what was their conversation Jesus Christ yesterday and to day and the same holy Doctrine in him shall be for ever Their conversation was acccording to Christs way and charge in his commandements statutes and laws as in all Genesis and Job it is said they walked with God and before God Hence we may see and discern the close life that is scattered in the short sayings of Moses especially for 2083 years to the death of Terah in Gen. 11. and in all Genesis and to the twentieth of Eaodus CHAP. XXVIII Of Divine Tradition I Think it is to some purpose to write a litle about
Who is able to utter the comfort of these Scriptures 4. God in Christ was the Shepherd of Israel and they are called the sheep of his pasture and in all places where he put his name there he fed his flock first at Shiloh 350 years seven Jubilees and after in 〈◊〉 to the end of the Seventy Sevens in both places three times a year most solemnly they did enter the Courts of Iehovah there they ascended his presence with great joy praise and thanksgiving c. The godly did so (a) 2 Chr. 29. and 30 35. and when they did not serve the Lord with gladnesse of heart see what was threatned and performed Deut. 28 47. c. all were exhorted so to do also they had other smaller Sabbatical Convocations in their Synagogues the Tents of the Shepherds where also Christ fed them and where God manifested himself it was called the presence of God and the gate of heaven where alwayes the ladder stood as the godly Shunamite found and many thousand even among the ten Tribes 2 Kings 4. Thus the Common-weal of Israel was the Kingdome of God above 1400 years 5. I will shew some Scriptures where the Saints felt the comfort of the promises when they did meet with Christ in the greater and lesser Assemblies Psalm 65.4 Blessed is the man whom thou choosest and causest to come to thee that he may dwell in thy Courts we shall be satisfied with the goodnesse of thy house of thy holy Temple So Psal 36. Let the godly heart meditate on Psal 42 an 63. and 81. and 84. and 100 c. and in Psal 122. In all their holy assemblies they testified â—heir faith in he incarnation and redemption by the Son of God The twelve Tribes came to bear witnesse by their faith to that holy Testimony of the Son of God in expectation of him the Testimony to be manifested in due time 1 Tim. 2.6 and the twelve Tribes instantly serving God day and night did hope of immortality in the Resurrection of the Son of God the second Adam the Lord from heaven Acts 26.6 7. 1 Pet. 1.2 3 4 5. 6. A little more for the smaller Sabbaticall Assemblies Psalm 111. It is is said I will praise the Lord with my whole heart in the Assembly of the upright and in the congregation The Hebrew word as the learned say signifieth lesser Assembles and in Psalm 74. it is spoken in a mournfull manner that heathens making inrodes into the Land of Israel burnt up all the Synagogues of God in the Land which sheweth the great benefit Gods people found in the exercises there performed Now the new Testament is plentifull for these Sabbaticall Convocations how the dispersed of Israel practised in all nations This hath been plentifully shewed of late in a book entituled A Discourse touching the Jews Synagogues that there is no necessity to insist more upon this Argument SECT II. Now I will speak promiscuously upon what hath been observed with reference to the errours of the concision 1. ALthough the Law of the passe over came foure hundred and thirty yeares after the Promise yet that was not another Covenant but a further exposition and confirmation of the former promises The Concision mistooke the meaning of the Law and regarded not the promises teaching of Christ but thought after the Law was given by Moses to be saved by bodily exercise whereas the Law truly understood was but an expansion or dilatation of the promises 2. And they might have learned the same from their fore-Fathers even the pattern of the holy faith and love that is in Christ Jesus For Abraham when he called upon God he called upon him by an Altar and Sacrifice as it is said Abraham built an Altar and called on the name of Jehovah the †The same holy saith was taught to the Gentiles at the commandment of the everlasting God and not Gentiles worship the same everlasting God as Abraham did Rom. 1. 16.20 everlasting God so Jacob although Joseph had sent for him with all necessary accommidations for the journey to Egypt yet he durst not or rather would not proceed till he had sought God by the intercession of Christ Gen. 46.1 2 3. To teach us what we should doe in all our journies and undertakings so it is said when they sacrificed call upon me in the time of trouble and I will hear thee and thou shalt glorifie me Psal 50 See Psal 20.3 And so Samuel by faith in Christs sacrifice had good report and put to flight the armies of the Aliens And thus also did David and Salomon and all the Prophets and all the faithfull 3. And Malachi by Christs command concludes all the old Testament to Israel to regard the holy Law that he gave in Horeb and to look for no more Prophets till John Elias the Baptist but study the statutes and judgements of the Law and cleave to it that Fathers and Children might be blessed Mal. 4. 4. And thus the Concision should have understood all for Moses wrote not a new Covenant for Abraham received circumcision as a seal of the justification that is by faith and so all Israel should have professed the same in faith as our Lord tells them that circumcision was of the Fathers not so much of Moses Joh. 7.22 5. It is true circumcision did further oblige Abraham to keep the way of the Lord and his charge which was comprehended in commandments statutes and laws and those Lawes c. with many others that Christ ordained Moses wrote as hath been at large before noted 6. And what did this way and charge of the Lord tend unto even surely this repentance towards God and faith in the Son of God our Mediatour and love to the holy Seed Which way and charge was taught ever since the promise Gen. 3.15 even the Breast-plate of wholesome words Faith and Love And all Moses and the Prophets and Apostles doe still bring their Doctrine to these two heads Faith and Love which is in Christ Jesus 7. This is in Habell how he made the like holy uses of the Sacrifices as 1. Pet. 4.1 2. Tit. 2.14 he did bear on his Breast Faith and Love as he was a beleiver so he ceased from sin being purified to be of Christs peculiar people and was zealous of good works as it is said his works were good Habel by all this we see was gathered into Christ the Head Eph 1.10 8. The promise saith to Abraham that in the holy Seed Christ we are blessed what is this blessing but cheifly in spiriturall things in Christ Jesus Eph. 1. Him to be our Peace-Offering Sin-Offering Trespasse-Offering Whole burnt-Offering to be our Washing cleansing hissop c. And in the yeares of Râ—st and Jubilee to be our freedome or justification from the bondage and servitude of sin as deaths death and Satan and to be our fore-goer into the mansions of the Heavenly Paradise Luk. 23 c. c. Now
The Doctrine of LIFE OR OF MANS REDEMTION BY The Seed of Eve the Seed of Abraham the Seed of David c. as it was taught in severall Periods of Time from Gen. 3.15 till Christ came in the Flesh to fulfill all Typicall Prefigurations of him by his Death WHEREIN ALSO Sundry other Fundamentall Points are discussed and cleared from some common mistakes As Daniels Chronologie of SEVENTY SEVENS which is cleared from the uncertainty which too many Expositors have unadvisedly cast upon it And about the Jewes calling that it must not be understood of any Return to Canaan or of their Restauration to a perspicuous Common wealth any more but of the calling of a Remnant of them to the Faith in the Countries where they live dispersed And with the true nature of our LORDS SUFFERINGS with sundry other such like Points as may be seen in the TABLE Propounded by way of Question and Answer with Annotations thereunto annexed Divided into three Parts By Edward Holyoke of New-England Come and see John 1.46 LONDON Printed by T. R. for Nath. Ekins and are to be sold at his Shop at the Gun in St. Pauls Church-yard 1658. To his Beloved and much Honoured Brother John Bridges of Hackney Esquire and to his dearly Beloved Sister his wife and to their Religious and well deserving Sons Colonel John Bridges Captain Robert Bridges Major William Bridges Matthew Bridges Brook Bridges and Francis Bridges Esquires peace be multipliâ—â—â— BEloved and much honoured Brother though the Lord Jesus to whom all things are made subject hath separated us by the great Deep yet I have you oft in remembrance and cannot forget our alliance and indeered love and acquaintance that hath been between us from our childhood both in the Country and in the City of London You have a great Family and like to have through the Lords blessing a numerous posterity and my desire is to shew that I have some interest in them being also my bone and my flesh as Laban said to Jacob and I suppose you will be well pleased if I endeavour in any thing to further them in the knowledge of the Son of God This I now present unto you and them was done many years ago for the most part as I think you may remember and then I made some marginal notes to attend upon the several answers to the several questions that are propounded in the two first parts some things I have since added concerning the Covenant of God in Christ made with our Fathers in Gen 3.15 and Gen. 9. and Gen 12.1 2 3. and in Gen. 17. This I did because of the errors that get quickning in these times and for the same cause I have affixed divers other weighty and profitable points in the third part of this Treatise I hope the whole will be a means to shew that the Covenant of God in Christ is one and the same in all ages though the outward administration differ and that the Covenant to Israel of old was not onely in the carnal and fleshly promise and covenant but also in the spiritual promise and Covenant even the same that is now made with us in the new Testament of the Lord Jesus Christ the Son of God Dear Brother and Nephews you have known my manner of life studies and endeavours and I blesse the Lord I have had comfortable experience of that course of study which I have followed I mean chiefly of the book called the Consent of Scripture And let me speak as I think If men would use that course of study together with the blessed Scriptures it would settle in us and in our posterity the true knowledge of religion and the certainty of everlasting salvation The whole Scripture and all learning should be contrived unto Christ as Gods servant did in the Consent of Scripture and so Stephen did he drew all the holy story to Christ in Acts 7. and so the Apostle Paul he drew all the Law to Christ as Rom. 10 doth make it evident being conferred with Deut. 30. Some in New England have seen this frame of mine and have desired that it might be made more common by printing and indeed I cannot write so many Copies as to communicate it to you and to that generation except it be by Printing It may be you will marvel I dare be so bold as to Print it in this evil time but indeed I dare not but do it and I believe this labour of mine will talk with many sorts of spirits and I hope that Gods people will judge the best of this my undertaking other things I have if the Lords providence please so to order it that must be made more publick because I have a great desire thereby to provoke others to the diligent study of the blessed Scriptures Dear Brother and much honoured Nephews as Salus populi is the care of Magistracy so the edification of the Churches ought to be the painfull care of godly Teachers and we ought to know that Families are little Churches and Common-weals and the Seminaries of greater Corporations that Parents are intrusted with children and servants it is not a small honour that Christ hath conferred this trust on them and verily if Families be neglected the Churches will fail Let us with all godly industry make this promise good to our selves and posterity in Isa 59.21 As for me this is my Covenant with them saith Jehovah my spirit that is upon thee and my words which I have put in thy mouth shall not depart out of thy mouth nor out of the mouth of thy seed nor out of the mouth of thy seeds seed saith Jehovah from henceforth and for ever and that this promise and covenant may be conferred on you and on your posterities for ever is the affectionate prayer of Your assured and ever loving brother In the surest bonds Ed. Holyoke Some DIRECTIONS TO THE GODLY READER For the Reading of the Holy SCRIPTURES LEt me be bold as having obtained mercy of the Lord to give some advice to godly Families 1. Let children be brought up constantly to read all the five books of Moses knowing it was the Son of God the Angel of his presence the Angel of the covenant that gave Moses the lively Oracles for his Israel Omit not one chapter and that which some think not so usefull read somewhat the more carefully believing the Apostles Doctrine 2 Tim. 3.15 16 17. 2. Read the 12. first Chapters of Gen. often and after every book of Moses read the Epistles to the Romanes and to the Hebrews or one of them sometimes the one sometimes the other because it is said the Scriptures of the Prophets is the faith of the Nations Rom. 1 2 3. and 16.25 26. c. c. 3. Know that Moses is the Text and that the holy history of the Prophets is an Exposition of Moses and when children or any young man though a Scholar is well versed in Moses and the Prophets they will more
and feare of death Oh that selfe conceited and proud iniquity would once stop its mouth for every mouth shall be stopped and all the world shall be subject to the judgement of God Acts 13. and 15. Rom. 4 ult What the Law of works could not do the election hath obtained Rom. 11. VI. Mark that from this first and maine free promise God hath conveyed all comforts of wisdome justification or Freedome Sanctification and Redemption on fallen man and no way else can or ought to be sought after It could never have entred into the heart of man to thinke of this way if God of his rich Grace had not first declared this rich mystery of his will in a free promise how could our first fallen Parents have thought of a Redeemer much lesse of the meanes of obtaining such a Redeemer at the hands of God This mystery was ordained in Gods eternal Council and providence before the foundacion of the world was laid to be revealed upon Adams fall his ways are unsearchable his wisdome mercy power and love is past finding out and doubtlesse our first parents and all their faithfull posterity could but with admiration say the Epitaph not seen nor ear heard neither hath entred into the heart of man the things that God â—ath prepared for them that love him 1 Coâ— 2. Of him and through him and to him are all things To him be glory for ever Amen Esa 43.25 Esa 48.9 10 11. Rom. 11. Jer. 31.33 Jer. 32.39 Ezek. 36.25.26 VII Christ was promised a Redeemer not only from the guilt and punishment of sin but to make us in himselfe Sons of God even new creatures VIII All outward comforts come by promise in Christ severall godly persons of late years have done well in composing Treatises of the promises IX It is to admiration That Jehovah the eternall God should seeke to enter into a covenant of Grace with fallen man with the slaves of the Devill with enemies and with children of wrath that he should enter into a free promise and Covenant with us to be our God and to make us to be his people See his kindnesse to the polluted infant in Ezek. 16. X. All things are made subject to Christ as the heir of all from the first day of Adams fail but Satan doth labour with all sedulity to withdraw mans Blind heart from the understanding of this doctrine and doth labour to suggest fond imaginations of idolatry superstition bodily exercises and Fables c. to corrupt it and by persecution to hinder it yea to abolish it This is a Doctrine of Faith which no naturall man can attain untill his mind and divine illumination be regenerate and made capable to comprehnd this hid mystery of God in Christ All precepts promises and threatnings are ordained to bring fallen man to obey the Son of God as mediator All the victory administrations of Christs Kingdome by the word seals censures c. are for this purpose till the mediatorian Kingdome be redelivered 1 Cor. 15. But all things are cheifly intended for the Elect 1 Cor. 14.32 11. The second not on Gen. 12.13 may be of use here 12. Thus from the first preaching of the Gospell we must observe why Christ is called Alpha and Omega the first and the last not only in causes and effects but also of all divine Revelation in the blessed scriptures all runs on him All the Promises Threatnings Commandements Examples Chastisements c. all drive us to Christ he also is Alpha and Omega in all the praises of the Church he is also the maine matter and marke of the holy Bible All things were created by him and for him and he is before all things and by him all things consist and hee is the head of the body the Church Col 1.18 In 3. Q. The seed of the woman Hence Children should be first taught to read Gen 3. with Luke 3. and Luke 4 together for two principall ends first To know how Jesus our Lord is of the blessed Virgin Mary of Eli and of Adam and Eve naturally and in this respect the Genealogie of men in Luke 3. are the glory of mankind being all Fathers to the Son of God after the flesh 2. The better to compare the sorrowfull combate of Adam being killed on his first day from the life of the soule to death in sin with the glorious combate and victory of our Lord the second Adam driving Satan to flight and the reason why the Son of God should take hold of mans nature is purposely handled by the Apostle in Ebr. 2. Ebr. 3. Ebr. 4. Ebr. 5. Great is the mystery of Godlinesse God manifested in the flesh It is most glorious to consider it and how it hath been diligently taught in every age from Gen. 3.15 and for the better knowing of this mystery the Law of Moses was made the Tabernacle and the frame of the world and well might David and Solomon say with admiration That God would dwell with man on earth also in his apparitions to the Saints before the Flood and to the Patriarchs and Prophets he spake with us marke this corporation speech in Hos 12.4 At Bethel and dwelt among us in his Tabernacle and Ordinances then in the Temple till the captivity then in the second Temple and then at last he became very man making our flesh his Tabernacle and dwelt among us Joh. 1.14 Cor. 6. but his speciall residence in us is in our hearts by Faith These things made singing affections in the Saints of old Ps 40. Ps 100. Ps 135. Ps 147. Ps 149. Ps 149.1 Chr. 16.1 King 8.2 Sam. 7. Joh. 17. Ex. 15. and any that duely consider this cannot but sing praises to the God of our Salvation In Q. 3. Of Adam in the Genealogie When the holy spirit bringeth Genealogies from the first man unto Jesus our Lord it may teach all men that the world was made and had a beginning so Moses Law taught Misgraim that is the Egyptians and others in his time and Ezra the Persians too before Aristotle and such Athean praters 1 Chron. 1.1 see Bro. in Manuscript In Q 4. and Answ He might govern Genesis sheweth how that by the word of Jehovah the Heavens were made all the setled Army of them by the spirit of his mouth and when man fell the word telleth That for the destroying of the workes of the Serpent hee would be made flesh and have a Tabernacle in our nature and so to be a second Adam to govern all things In which point the Patriarks faith is evidenced by the charge of Joseph to carry his bones with theirs unto the Land of Canaan where our Lords Resurrection should be a testimony of a new world see Bro. in Appo 1.108 The government of the world to come for so the Jewish Doctors did stile the dayes of Messiah is that meditorean Kingdome which the holy Prophet so magnifieth to endure through all ages and generations Ps 8. Ps 45. Ps 93. Ps
of faith in a pure conscience and this wee are to do by restipulation of Covenant X. As Abraham was blessed that is justified in beleeving the Gospel preached unto him so shall those that walke in the steps of the faith of our father Abraham who is the Father of us all that is of all such that so beleeve as he did XI The Doctrine of justification by faith in Christ is very ancient being taught Abraham afore Romes foundation was layd or Rhomulus or Rhemus or a Pharisee or Papist were borne XII God will blesse them that blesse this Doctrine of Christ to Abraham And he will curse them that curse and persecute this †Let the Anabaptist consider whether all godly parents ought not to curse their tenets in denying infants to be in the covenant in denying the seale to them doctrine of Christ and his people for it shall be sayd to all such Cast out the Servant and her Son c. Gal. 4. XIII This also may be observed as the families of the sons of Noah were cursed and out off from the Gospell and peace of God by the confusion of tongues at Babylon Christ would turne this to a blessing in tongues understood at Salem creating the fruit of the lips to be peace to the far off and to the the near Jew and Gentile so the Gospell the word of faith in our own Languages is a most deare blessing Accursed be the contrary endeavours of the mysticall Babylon against the Kingdome of Justice and Peace in the Jerusalem that is from heaven XIV Us Gentiles of the posterity of Japheth Zacharias and the blessed Virgin remember the promise with thanksgiving Luc. 1. have great cause to praise and blesse God the father of our Lord Jesus Christ who hath performed this promise and hath blessed us with all spirituall blessings in heavenly things in Christ Moses and the Prophets call upon us for this duty and so our godly predecessors did Psalm 18.67 Rom. 15. Act. 13. AApoc 7 XV. As God doth curse him that obeyeth not this doctrine of Faith so they that teach a diverse or contrary way of justification then by faith in Christ are to be abhorred and accursed of all the Saints Moses the Psalmes Esayas and all the Prophets open this scripture of the Gospel of Christ to Abraham in many particulars this is a gemm to them all not only of the speciall blessings in us and for us but of the particular †The teâ—mes families nations Gemiles Heathens and in the New Testament Grecians tribes are very often to be taken in one sence nations that revolted from Sems blessed God how they should be called again to Sems God All Nations shall blesse him and be blessed in him Psal 73. Esa 11. and 66. Act. 2. QUest 3. Did God add any Sacraments or Seals to the word of his Covenant and promise Answ Besides the sacrifices the eternall God ordained Circumsion QUest 4 What did circumsion teach them Answ I. Jehovah made it a seal of his promise and covenant of blessednesse in Christ to be a God to Abraham and to his seed Therefore it was a seal of Gods Reconciliation Justification and adoption and God did thus keepe his covenant with them Of Gods reconciliation because God all sufficient doth condescend to enter into covenant with sinfull man Of Justification or remission of sins because it is a seale of the justification that is by faith God did justifie the circumcision by faith and all the policy of Israel did or should have professed the same God gave it for that same end Rom. 4. Of Adoption because God selected Abraham and his seed and preferred them above all Nations to be a chosen generation a royall Preist-hood an holy nation a purchased and peculiar people And therefore also God had sayd to Pharaoh Israel is my first borne Exod. 4. and 19. II. It is signified and sealed to them to fathers and their infant children their reconciliation with God by putting off the sinfull body of the flesh in which they were conceived and by consequent the putting on the new man So mortification and sanctification or regeneration is taught Moses and the Prophets ever drew them to the spirituall meaning and to rest in the outward worke and the faithfull did thus keep their covenant with God The Saints made excellent uses of this seal of faith for instruction and consolation of their owne soules as of their posterity as Moses Manoah Jonathan David Esaias c. Exod. 6.12 Deut. 30.6 Judg. 14.3 1 Sam. 14.6 and 17.36 Esa 6. And observe the Apostle Paul what he saith in Rom. 2.29 Col 2.12 III. It sealed to them both to Fathers and their infant children the blessed Estate of the immortality of the soule and the resurrection IV. It was a seale of entrance into the Church and policy of Israel which is called the kingdome of God to distinguish from the Apostate families For all Israel they and their children were by speciall priviledge federally holy Exod. 19.5.6 Deut. 7.8 1 Cor. 7.13 14 Matth 21. V. It was a seal to the deed of gift of the Land of Chanaan the Land of Rest or promise to Abraham and his naturall seed and proselytes And of all outward necessary comforts for this life both of provision and protection VI. It sealed to Abraham that he should be a Father not of the Jewes only but of many nations that when that deed of gift the Prerogative of it was out the Gentiles should be called to the faith fathers and children to be made disciples and so become Abrahams see and the kingdome of God This is so expounded in the Epistle to the Galatians and in Matth. 21.43 and 28.19 Acts 2. and 3. and 11.17 and 15. VII Thus we may see what a Catechism out of the promise and out of the seal of Circumcision the holy Prophet Abraham might teach his houshold as he did and as God testifies he would Now out of all this let this be noted that the promise concerning Christ to Abraham was not onely of temporal blessings to him and his posterity but also of spirituall and that chiefly And Circumcision sealed the same and no other doctrine but what the promise taught Let Rom. 15.8 be throughly studied of us They are vain talkers and deceivers of mindes that teach otherwise QUest 5. Furthermore To Whom did God instruct his Church in expectation of Christ Answ To Judah the fourth son of Jacob in these words Gen. 49.10 A Tribe shall not (a) Or fail to Iudah Shebet a tribe is in Moses 32 times as the learned observe and never a Scepter in him but a Tribe and so Tremellius depart from Judah nor a Lawgiver from between his feet till his Son shall come and to (b) Iehovah the hope of their Fathers that is Christ the hope of Israel Jer. 50 7. Acts 28.20 observe how Iacob left the faith to his posterity on his
snare to them and Christ was a stumbling Stone to them as he was to Kain That which was ordained for their welfare they made their ruin And so if we do no more but outward exercises in a shew of godliness and deny the power thereof and live wickedly as they did Psalm 50. Esay 1. Ieremy 7. The Angel of Gods presence our glorious Lord Iesus Christ will not spare our misdeeds 1 Thess 4 6. c. These false teachers abuse the holy Scriptures as in that of Heb. 8. It is said better promises c. but they must be asked what better promises than Genesis 3 15. Genesis 12.3 Let such know there are not better promisâ—s in old or new Testament and indeed those two promises contain all the doctrine of the Gospel as in part before is shewed They must excogitate the true interpretation by seeking how our Lord and his Apostles convinced the false glosses the Concâ—sion made of Moses Politie for we all must know theirs and ours is the same Covenant as often said onely new for Administration in fulfilling all promises and prophecies Let us confer Exod. 19. 29.45 Lev. 26.15 with Apoc. 21.3.2 Cor. 6.16 Gen. 3.15 with 1 John 1.2 3. and chap. 3. Jos 1. with Heb. 13.5 Rom. 4. with Gen. 15. 17 c. This must be often spoken and meditated for we are dull of hearing Again better promises hath respect to Deut. 30. Psalm 40 and 95. in Deut. 30. Christ promiseth that he will circumcise their heart and the heart of their seed to love him Jehovah their God and to keep his commandments c. This Christ spake to them that they might not be deceived to think that their salvation stood in outward observances as in circumcision c. but in serving God in their spirits in the Gospel of his Son And so this to be understood in all Moses ceremonies The bloud of Oxen and Goats and Rams did not could not purge their conscience from dead works but their conscience would still be to them for all their bodily exercise an ill accusing and condemning conscience Their salvation was established upon better promises and a better hope That Christ by his own most perfect sacrifice and bloud-shedding should be a sweet smelling savour to God for us and procure eternal redemption And while we as strangers converse in this world he would be mortification and sanctification by his word and spirit Mic. 7. John 3. Yet let the godly take heed they neglect not ordinances and outward observances of Christs institution though they be as the bark and shell yet they are such a bark and shell that a Christian cannot have life kept within him without them as a tree will not live without his bark nor the kernel prosper without his shell Publique administrations and family ordinances and secret duties are of that consequence that he that carelessly neglecteth them is in danger of gangrenating errours both in doctrine and manners N. VI. Not of the Jews only but of many Nations Gen. 17.5 It is promised by the Lord Iehovah the performer of his promises For a Father of many nations have I made thee This speech was spoken at that time when God renewed his promise and covenant in Christ with Abraham and added the seal to that covenant teaching thereby that he would not be the God of Israel only but in due time the God of the Gentiles also therefore the Covenant is to the infants of the Gentiles as of the Iewes and all faithful are Abrahams seed and the Israel of God Gal. 3 6.16 and if the covenant be to the infants then the seal none dare deny it but those that care not for the education of their children in godliness and honesty for the hope of the resurrection unto eternal life Abraham durst not deny the seal but with all joy went about it Again consider Mat. 19.13 Mark 10.13 little children are comprehended in the Covenant For of such is the Kingdome of heaven Yea observe further Of such is the Kingdome of God that is of the Church of God as Matth. 21.43 The Kingdome of God shall be taken from you and given to a nation that shall bring forth the fruits thereof So then Israels infants were of the kingdome of God and so are the Gentiles infants Did the Kingdom of God consist of the parents and infants of Israel in the old Testament surely then godly parents and their infants of the Gentiles are in equal honor He that shall hill an infant shall be put to death as justly as if he had killed a parent So the murderous accursed doctrine of Anabaptists that would murder children is as wicked as to kill a godly parent For the Lord God doth justifie and wash infants from their sins in his Covenant and bring them to glory as well as their godly parents And again seriously minde The covenant of God in Christ by circumcision was in full force to the death of our Lord and Saviour Luke 1.59 and Circumcision was a seal of the covenant of grace to the infants of the faithful and infants were in covenant as is evident and now after our Lords death were they not in covenant Did our Lords death disannul the Covenant of his grace in respect of them absit absit It was about six or seven weeks from our Lords death to Peters sermon Acts 2. And the holy Apostle in the conclusion of his Sermon doth exhort his auditors to receive the ordinance of Baptism in the name of Jesus Christ for the Remission of sins and to shew he spake by the same Spirit of God that gave the promises doth affirm that the promise and covenant is as firm to infants as ever it was and therefore saith The promise is made unto you and to your children and to all that are afar off even as many as the Lord our God shal call Acts 2.39 In chap. 3.25 2â— It is said the Jewes were the children of the Prophets and of the Covenant which God made with our Fathers saying to Abraham Even in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed First unto you hath God raised up his son Jesus c. so the Jewes had the first prerogative of the blessing in their kinreds and of the resurrection of Christ and then secondly the Gentiles have the like portion in the blessing and in our Lords resurrection Rom. 2.10 consider for these things Rom. 4.16 17 18 c. to the end of the chapter Quest 5. Answ on Gen. 49.10 And to Him shall the gathering of the people be O give thanks unto Jehovah for he is good for his mercy endureth for ever And say ye Save us O God of our salvation and gather us together and delivâ—r us from the heathen that we may give thanks to thy holy Name and glory in thy praise Blessed be Jehovah the God of Israel for ever and ever and all the people said Amen 1 Chron. 16. Psal
faith instituted it 2 Chr. 30 22. mark and consider the Psalm 22. 40. and 110. what was taught in those three great congregations the assemblies of holy beauty Through faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of bloud lest he that destroyed the first born should touch them The 12. of Exodus will afford many meditations And although three moneths after the Passeover they had the Law in two Tables given full of terror to humble man yet by a still and soft voice a pattern of heavenly things were enjoyned as a Tabernacle made with hands the Priesthood of Levi the Breast-plate with VRIM and THVMMIM The Ark of the Covenant the bloud of peace offerings sin-offerings whole burnt-offerings holy incense washings cleansings redemptions attonements remissions the Manna the brazen Serpent and holy garments of ministration and other holy feasts beside the Passeover distinction of times in new Moones years of Rest Jubilees c. enjoyned All which do teach of Christ the truth Who is Jehovah our righteousness Christ is all and in all QUest 5. But were not the moral and ceremonial Laws given to disannul the promises that we should seek righteousness or justication by doing of outward works through our own will and power Answ In no wise For although the Law of the passeover came 430. years after the promise yet it cannot disannul the faith in Christ taught in the promises The same must be said of all the Ceremonies QUest 6. Wherefore then did God give the Law Answ I. Because in those daies both among the apostate families and in Israel when they lived in Egypt all ungodliness and unrighteousness did exceedingly abound Therefore the Law was added because of transgressions that the offence of sin might abound to our feeling and that we might be loathsome to our selves And it must be noted that the Law was not declared to Israel only though chiefly to them but to the mixt multitude that came with Israel from Egypt II. That it might be a School-master to lead unto Christ to seek the justification that is by the faith of Him For Christ was the end drift and scope of the Law for justification to every one that beleeveth Moses politie ever aimed at him for Moses wrote of Christ And the Prophets and History still expound Moses Psalm 40. Esay 53. Daniel 9.24 And our Lord and his Apostles expound Moses and the Prophets III. Although our Lord Jesus Christ abrogated the Ceremonial Law in respect of the actual performance and took away the a curse of the Law to all that believe They were cursed and plagued if they did not observe the ceremonial as well as the moral for both were contained in the book of the Law Deut. 27. ult Mal. 1.14 yet the moral Law was and is still in force to be the rule of a sober righteous and godly life and so taught in all the New Testament And with all we are to note that the Ceremonial is inscructive and the moral is to humble as well as to direct in the wayes of peace and holiness Quest 7. Produce one text more out of Moses which may further open the mystery of Gods will in Christ Answ Deut. 30.11 12 13 14. This commandement which I command thee this day is not hidden from thee neither is it far off It is not in heaven that thou shouldest say who shall go up for us to heaven and bring it to us that we may hear it and do it Neither is it beyond the Sea that thou shouldst say who shall go over the Sea for us and bring it to us that we may hear it and do it But the Word is very nigh unto thee in thy mouth and in thy heart that thou mayest do it Quest 8. What hence in brief do you observe Answ 1. The holy Apostle called this text the word of faith and doth expound it of Christ concerning his incarnation and resurrection Rom. 10.6 7 8 9 10 11. 2. Moses bringeth his whole Law to this summe and so the prophets that Christ the son of God was to come down from heaven and to be man and to suffer many and great afflictions from the Serpent and his seed and being the first from the dead is to give life and light unto the world The wicked ever despised this life and light in Christ accounting this wisdom foolishness 1 Cor. 1.23 2.8 3. This Scripture with some verses preceding and subsequent sets forth to the spiritual man the excellency the glory the brightness the facility the preciousness the stedfastness and the efficacy of the Law of God being a revelation from heaven and a most blessed instrument of God to preserve his people if they cleave unto it to live in his covenant to comfort in affliction to restore the Church decayed cumbred and overwhelmed with errours and for conservation of outward and inward consolation c. But apostasie from it brings all Curses and utter ruine And therefore it is a most rich favour to Jesurun to all the Israel of God that they are glorified with such an inheritance of lively oracles 4. When Moses had wrote of the Creation of the apostasie of our first parents of the curse of all things visible of the incarnation and redemption in the Promises Tabernacles and Sacrifices Of Melchizedeks and Levies Priesthood c. Then saith he this doctrine is not an hid doctrine Moses face did not so shine with brightness as the Law did shine in the hearts of the faithful that looked to Christ the holy seed of the woman the end and scope of the Law It was hid to none but the blinded by Satan We should labour to reduce history and prophecy with the New Testament to Moses QUest 9. Who were followers of the doctrine of Justificacation by faith taught by tradition in (a) the doctrine of the seal of circumcision was believed of the faithful 406 years to Israels coming from Egypt the Promises for two thousand five hundred and thirteen years and now written by Moses Answ All the Patriarks as is said the people of Israel that came out of Egypt and that were in the wilderness and the faithful both Rulers and people in the Books of Josuah Judges Ruth Samuel c. and especially our Lords Fathers from Abraham to David the first fourteen are to be remembred Mat. 1.17 QUest 10. Who were the seed of the Serpent hating bruising cursing and persecuting the Religion and People of Christ his Israel Answ The Egyptians Amalek Moab Ammon Midian and the Canaanites c. QUest 11. Did the Church constantly reverence the religion of the Tabernacle Answ The eternal WORD came unto his own in providences and ordinances but his own received him not for six hundred thousand in the Wilderness at once through an evil heart of unbelief murmured tempted and denyed Christ and despised the Land of Promise and would have gone into Egypt again and many followed the religion of Peor And after in
and all other Prophets and Teachers in all their Synagogues which were very many had Sabbatical convocations and they preached upon Moses And there were divers Universities or Schooles of Prophets at Kiâ—jabjeâ—arim at Bethel at Jericho c. to educate young men for knowledge to teach this most noble and glorious doctrine of faith in the Son of God that should come into the world to make our flesh his Tabernacle Ibid All which do teach of Christ The holy Prophets Psal 50. Esay 53. 55 1 2. c. giving the people true Expositions of the Law shew that Christ is the end of all all priviledges of the Jewes and Gods own ordinances they not discerning or seeking Christ by faith in them were nothing nothing bread but Christ and in outward performances and bodily exercise to be most bountiful most exact accurate and unrebukable is a bestowing cost and pains and not for bread for all is but dung and doggs meat without Christ See how the Apostle urged this to the Jewes from Esay 55.1 2 3. Acts 1â— 38 39. read Mich 6.6 The Law of Moâ—es politie was not given that we should be justified ex opere operato by bodily exercise it was given for signification humiliation and direction that Christ might be our life without him it is a killing letter for so it is weak and â—e are weak But carnall Israel mistook the Law and so believed John 6. Their bodily exercise in eating Manna did not bring them into Canaan for they dyed in the desert And our Lord most heavenly draws all Moses to himself that he was the true Manna and was sent of the Father to be the true bread And there opens all the sacrifices that his flesh and bloud was the true sacrifice of which though now ascended by faith we must feed or dy and never come to the happy resurrection of the heavenly Râ—st And this was and is the heavenly Fathers will in the old and new Testament The spirituality of ordinances was cumbersome to them as to Kain Gen. 4. wherefore Christ in his wrath made them a snare to them and a stumbling block And this was the reason they hated Christ and his Apostles to the death Because Christ doctrine drove man out of himself and so all their labour to be lost for salvation seeking to enter in at the strait Gate and yet were not able Eccles 10.15 yea it is natural alass to us all to rest in outward performances as Kain and not to care for Christ the second Adam and the justification that is by the faith of Him The Ceremonial Law was weak to justifie Rom. 8.3 for it was impossible that the bloud of Oxen Goats washings c. could cleanse the conscience from the guilt and filth The moral could not justifie because we were weak nothing in us was able to do any thing to satisfy the justice of God and because the carnall heart of many being covered with a veil could not discerne Christ the end and intent of the Law yet they knew that they must labour one way or other to have peace with God and their own conscience they would thousands of Rams and thousands of Rivers of oyl and would be exact in outward doings for justification And they durst not touch about the spiritualness of the Law for it is the very pangs of death to understand the Law rightly Râ—m 7. Though sometime it could not be but the conscience was affrighted then they did busie themselves in outward acts of fasting praying almsdeeds washings c. to quier their heart And this was their Divinity and they were cursed by their censors that taught the Law otherwise The Pharisees are the true Fathers of the Popish company and we may very well yield the Papist antiquity because they talk much of antiquity even Esay 1. 58. yea higher Psalm 50. yea Gen. 4. in Kain who was the first that practised this doctrine The Phâ—risees thought Christ came to destroy the Law when he taught his holy doctrine he answered he came not to destroy but to fulfil it by orthodox exposâ—â—ions But they saw how it will go with them if Christs doctrine were received and they would rather kill him so it is now where the word of Christ is truly taught it makes the carnal heart mad and to persecute I did desire to remember these things often because of the cursed corruption of our nature who are so ready yea every mothers child of us to contend our selves without Christ and to rest in bodily exercise The Churcheâ— were warned of this evil springing in the Apostles times 1 Tim. 4â—8 And we have cause to fear that not only Papists but thousands of Protestants are leavened with this leaven of the Pharisees which is but hypocriâ—ie Quest 5. â—uâ— mine not the Moral I use the term Moral as godly Divines do because it is the holy Law of Christ that shall last for ever when the ceremonial was abolished And people must be taught that it is that which is called the form of sound doctrine of faith and love which is in Christ Jesus and we are to understand that the Son of God the Angel of Gods presence who hath the name of God in him who is very often called Ienovah he gave the Law as Mediator between God and man to train up his people in faith and love And all the Law and the Prophets are but expositions of the ten words therefore faith in Christ is taught in the Law as 1 Joh. 3.23 This is his commandment that we should believe in the name of his Son Iesus Christ and love one another as he gave commandement Again it is said when we carry our selves proudly and do not walk charitably one towards another we sin against Christ Rom. 14.1 Cor. 8. All relations in their obedience serve Christ Ephes 5.14 15. 6.5 6. Col. 3.24 1 Tim 6 3. Ibid. seek justification by doing This was the false doctrine of the concision and hath cast them off to this day see how sweetly the Lord Jesus calls them from this error Iohn 6.27 28. c. This is an idolatrous errour of all our hearts to be spiritual to come to God by faith in Christ and in our whole conversation so to be spiritual to come to God by faith in Christ and in our whole conversation so to walk as seeing him that is invisible as Hâ—bel as Mâ—ses and all faithful Oh how hard how impossible such a power of darkness and weakness is upon us O Lord God the way of man is not in himself till thou turn us from darkness to light from the power of Satan to thy self The glorious wisdom of Moses Law which standeth for the Marrâ—w still but not for the outward Sabbath circumcision Tabernacle and other rites of Levi. That Christ from the Law plagued the concision and made the Law held as their Table for the in â—ood 〈◊〉 succour them to be their snare unto death They would not
enter into the rest of Christ where Baptism and the Lords Supper are no burden Mr. Bro. on Lam. 1.14 where Christ is not sought and found in his own ordinances all not the moral but also the ceremonial savours death 2 Cor. 3.7 to 16. what are we then to think of mens precepts voluntary religion and self-willed humbleness Take notice what our Lord taught Mat. 15.3 John 6.27 c. and his Apostle Rom. 10.3 Phil. 3.3 c. Colos 2.23 Quest 6. Num. II. Moses politie ever aimed at Him The Law Morall and Ceremonial was given by Moses but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ grace is two fold the one of Justification from the guilt and curse of the Law the other of sanctification the righteousness of the Law being fulfilled in them that are in Christ Iesus who inables them by his spirit most willingly to walk therein delighting in the Law of God concerning the inner man And Christ was the truth and substance of the Ceremonial Law as all the Epistle to the Hebrews sheweth all was sponsorious of a better hope in him Heb. 7.22 8.6 And this was that the saints so fervently prayed for teaching and understanding the wonderous things of the Law how all was sponsorious of comfort in Christ Psalm 119. And so of this did Ethan sing Psalm 89.1 2 c. Ibid. Quest 6. N. III. The Ceremonial Law That is Gods ceremonial Law no man hath power to institute or sanctifie as of himself any teaching sign or ceremony of person or thing time or place to worship God thereby or to take away that which the Lord hath ordained Moses durst not add or diminish any thing no not any other colour as green which is as pleasant as blew purple and scarlet all colours of blood and susâ—â—ing The pattern was his Direction And therefore was Moses called faithful in Gods house the Church of God the Pillar and ground of truth Will worship is a corruption of all our hearts it likes us better then Gods commandments Amos 4. Mat. 15. Luke 16.15 And we have great confidence in it that it pleaseth God But it brings shame at last to any State and all the Priests of Bethel cannot quench the fire that it will kindle Amos 5. Hos 10.14 15. And let all will-worshippers minde that however they have a shew of wisdom in their will worship yet it makes the people forget their Maker Hos 8.11 12 13 14. 1 Kin. 12.33 Amos 5.21 8.10 And this too evident of later years in the ungodly dealing of the Prelates in their hinderance of sound teaching of the word in most paroches of England Ibid N. III. and the moral is still to humble Doubtless the Moral Law must be taught it is a part of Christs mediatorian kingdom God the Father made Him Lord and Christ to all the Israel of God and obedience is better than sacrifice It is a point of faith to believe that Christ gave the Law Exod. 23.20 21 22. They of old were commanded to hear him and so we under the New Testament must hear the Beloved Son and reverance the Heir Mat. 17.5 Matth. 21.98 It is said Felix called forth Paul to hear him of the faith in Christ and as he was teaching of righteousness temperance and of the judgement to come Felix trembled Acts 24.25 Therefore the Law ought to be taught it belongs to the faith of Christ And godly teachers are to lift up their voice like a Trumpet to make mens hearts shake and tremble for rebellion against the Mediatour and therefore the godly teachers 40.50 and 60. years ago taught the way of the Lord more perfectly then many now do vid. infra the note on Levit. 26.17 chap. 8. Quest 7. Answ Vpon the text of Deut. 30. Moses speaks this of the Law the Apostle of Christ taught in the Law Rom. 10. So Esaias faith In his Law shall the nations hope Esay 42.4 Matthew saith In his Name Mat. 12.21 The Apostle calleth this text the word of faith and the just do live by faith Moses sheweth the Law of Jehovab that is Christ is a law of Love and the Apostle calleth it A law of Faith So then it is a form of Wholesome words of Faith and Love which is in Christ Jesus And how precious sweet dear rich pure is the Law of Christ being a Law of Life in him Deut. 32.47 Therefore Stephen saith that Moses received from the Angel of the Covenant lively Oracles Acts 7.38 And so the Apostles received from him words purer than snow whitter than milk sweeter than honey or the honey comb words of spirit and life to preach unto the dead apostate families John 6.63 So the Sacrifices washings tabernacle the land of promise c. profited nothing were a killing letter having the veil on the heart The words and doctrine that Christ spake to Moses they were spirit and they were life And so David knew and all of faith when he cryed to Christ to be his sprinkling and his hyssop Psalm 51. And so Esaias and Stephen taught them and the Apostle Rom. 10.6 Exod. 20.2 And all expositions of the ten words were a killing letter not looking to that which is within the Veile even the grace and truth of our Lord Jesus Christ Acts 15.11 The Prophets and Apostles unveil Moses face most brightly they have made it as open even as Moses made it when he took off the veil when he went to speak with Christ Read Quest 8. Ans N. II. To be man and to suffer Mark the cause of the Apostle I am accused for the hope of the promise made of God unto our Fathers Psalm 16.10 22.29 40.6 7 8. Acts 26. this was a constant doctrine from the beginning and to be declared from age to age to the end of the world that the Son of God should come down from heaven to be a second Adam and to give himself a sin-offering to death and be raised from the dead 2 Tim. 2.8 and so in this doctrine Christ is our bread and drink Joh. 6.27 28 29 c. The pattern was not yet to come down from heaven to take our nature to be his Tabernacle and his flesh and bloud by sacrifice to be our bread and drink Iohn 1.14 6.54 And till the Son of God came to be and do thus All that Christ revealed to Moses was sponsorius and an introduction of a better hope that is Christ hoped for by all faithfull of the old Testament by whom they and we come unto God Hebr. 11.1 2 3 4. Iohn 14.6 Heb. 8 Ephes 1.10 11 Esay 15 1 2 3. Acts 13. Ibid. N. II. Accounting this wisedome foolishness And the light shineth in the darknesse and the darkness comprehended it not Joh. 1. 〈◊〉 It was ever a stumbling block and foolishness to the wise and prudent of this world to the natural man Iohn 6.52.60.1.1 Cor. 1. 2. And so is was to many while Moses was yet alive
Deut. 31.11 27 28 29. such waited but for an opporeunity of Moses death and Ioshuahs and the godly Elders then they did shew themselves so blessed Paul spake of Wolves and apostasie Acts 20. It is hard for us to deny all of the first Adam and wholly submit to be taught and guided in the doctrine of the second Adam the Lord from heaven Quest 8. Answ N. IV. Of Melebisedecks and Levies sacrifice hood See the Apostles disputation concerning Melchesedeck Heb. 5. 6 7. who was still alive after a sort in discription As the holy Prophet David taught the people of his dayes and what use they should make of the Land of Promise Psalm 95. and of the use and end of the sacrifices and washings c. Psalm 40. 51. So he taught them that Levies Priesthood should have an end for that our glorious Lord Iesus Christ is made a sacrificer for ever ofter the order of Malchesedek and not after Aarons order of the Levitical Priesthood where neither the persons or things that Levi did could justifie the doers or commers thereunto Now the Lord Jesus Christ he was promised and prophecied of in all the old holy volume of the book of God that he was made a Mediator and a Surety a Sponsor of such an Administration that should perfectly save and justifie them that came unto God by him He was of God the Father none else could made a Sponsor a surety All the sacrifices that he commanded our Fathers they did them till the fullness of times did come and then he did send his beloved Son and Servant in whom his soul delights he took unto him true humanity and was a Sponsor a Surety of a better Testament i.e. The Mediatour of the New Testament for their full conâ—olation to comfort them concerning their works and concerning the sorrows of their hands and concerning the earth which God hath cursed He shall do that which all Levites tribe could not ex opere operato Levies Priesthood could not cleanse the conscience from the guilt of our sinful works not procure a blessing on our Labours nor make a new world his Priesthood could not cleanse the conscience from dead works to serve the living God c. And for this cause Christ was a Sponsor of a better covenant And Christ himself faith he will become this Sponsor and Mediatour to answer the will of the Father Lo I come to do thy will O God thy Law and appointment for the redemption of thy people that thou hast given me is in my heart to give my self a Sacrifice of a sweet smelling favour of rest God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself not counting their trespasses unto them For be made him to be a Sin-offering for us who knew no sin that we might be made the righteousness of God in him 2 Cor. 5. Much more might be said but let the people of God study the Scriptures their inheritance God hath a time and a day wherein he will burn up the hay stubble and rotten wood of impertinent applications and interpretations Ibid. N. I V. Is not an bidd doctrine It is not an hidden thing nor a wonder for thee O Israel for this doctrine that the Son of God should come down from heaven to be man hath been taught to thy Fathers from the beginning and that he should be the great High Priest and Sacrifice and that he should raise himself from death to give hope to all faithful of their resurrection Israel should not make doubt of this doctrine Yet it is a Wonder as Ethan sings of it Psalm 89. great is the mystery of Godliness But this hath been ever taught in the Church this doctrine is the faith of Gods elect and the Churches possession Ioh. 1. Levi the Tribe appointed to reach divinity should never have been graven in the bright and pleasant Smaragd if the stories of this Art had been dark â—et had been a fitter stone for darkness The minde of man may have abundant satisfaction and strong confidence concerning the doctrine of the way of life by holy and humble diligent study of the Scriptures And they that will not believe Moses and the Prophets will not believe though one should rise from the dead Quest 9. and Answ Taught by tradition Note the doctrine of faith one and the same whether by Tradition or Writing For those 2513. years the faith of the Gospel was propagated by tradition by great prophets of long life and great authority and sacrifices as seals of the Covenant added for confirmation of doctrine Quest 10 and Answ Midian Although Abraham taught his houshold the faith of Christ as is seen in the book of Ioh yet many of his posterity apostated to that idolatry religion and opinion with which he was corrupted at YR others fell to the false faith religion and opinion of Peor Jos 23. 24. and did seek to curse the true faith of Gods elect and the holy people of that profession Num 23. 24. Midian was of Abraham by Ketâ—rah The world was then full of false opinions and heretical Doctrines as now they could plead for Nachors Teraphim for Peor for Chemosh and Milâ—ham c. but Israel must hearken to the Law and Testimony that Christ gave them so Moses and Iosuah most pathetically a little before their deaths exhorted them to regard the holy Law and not to follow the traditions of their fathers or of the Nations Ios 24. Deut. Quest 11. and Answ And wou'd have gone into Egypt again Like them are our Popish fools that would go into Rome Egypt again for their Fish Flesh pots Leeks Garlick Onions Cucumbers Melons their doctrines of bodily exercise of Images Pilgrimages the dotage of Purgatory c. goodly Cates sure to be compared to the heavenly Manna of Gods word and Gods dwelling in his tabernacle among us We do not consider the glorious presence in Christ in his Ordinances and protection c since he brought us from among them By the Gospel the way of Christ the face of God shineth upon us The Gospel is the object of promise joy and gladness to every honest hearted Christian Let our apostate hearts remember Lots wife in looking back to Rome-Sodome Christ complained Israel would none of me Oh that we could think of these things What one nation on the earth hath been like us for mercies and how ill have we requited the Lord as Israel did so do we Psal 81. Deut. 32. Ibid. Of their forefathers The idolatry of Terah and Abraham continued above 500 years to the death of Iosuah yea long after Iosuah 24. 2.14 Observe how fast idolatry and superstition and will worship sticks in the heart of posterity Although they had the fiery Law expounded by Moses and miracles to confirm them of the truth of that Religion that holy faith of the Son of God Moses taught and possessed Canaan in the obedience of that holy faith and many chastisements for
Apostasie to Baal Peor c yet many of their hearts were false So it is with us at this day in our nation although God hath spoken to us by his Son have the blessed Scriptures which have in them a blessed comforting flaming light and brightnes and 70. years and more under Gods gracious husbandry yet how rebellious Oh mourn for the Corruption of our natures and see how the tradition of a false religion from fore-fathers prevailed and prevaileth with many afore the written word Our Teachers must earnestly press the reading of all the holy Scriptures but surely they do but coldly and seldome do it The Serpent and his seed are great enemies to the holy Scriptures and a surer note of a wicked man need not be sought after then the slighting and the scorning of the Scriptures Ibid As of the Canaanites And an Angel of the Lord came up from Gilgal to Bochim and said I have made you to go up out of Egypt and have brought you unto the Land which I sware unto your fathers and I said I will never break my covenant with you And you shall make no league with the inhabitants of the Land you shall throw down their altars but you have not obeyed my voice Why have you done thus Wherefore I also said I will not drive them out from before you but they shall be as thornes in your sides and their Gods their religion shall be a snare unto you And it came to passe when the Angel of the Lord spake all these words unto the Children of Israel that the people lift up their voice and wept And they called the name of that place Bochim and they sacrificed there unto Jehovah Judges 2. observe all that chapter Quest 12. and Answ Joyful presence dwelling among them It is a joyful thing indeed and a glorious priviledge to have the Tabernacle reared that Christ may dwell among us and for us to tread in his Courts Look what any Father Husband or King is to a Kingdome and familie such is Christ to his After Christ had promised many blessings Levit. 26. as the basis of all he saith And I will set my Tabernacle among you and my soul shall not abhorre you and I will walk among you and will be your God and ye shall be my people And look these texts for meditation to see the glory of Christ in his Tabernacle as our Prophet Priest and King Exodus 20.24 25.22 29.42 43 30.6.36 Psalm 2. 1 Sam. 12.12 Psalm 45. 47. 48. 84. 95. 100. 145. 146 c. So when they were to come from Babel this is mentioned as the foundation of all comfort Ezek. 37.26 27. also we must mind what is to be done of us ye shall reverence my sanctuary and keep my sabbaths and never appear before Christ empty Exod. 23.15 Levit. 26.2 Now observe the same glorious mercies are related and applyed to us under the New Testament 2 Cor. 6.16 Apoc. 21.3 and their holy practise in their worships 2 Cor. 7.1.1 Cor. 11. 14. And their Alms-deeds every Lords day in their holy meetings 1 Cor. 16.1 2. as Deut. 16.16 17. Now of the uses of application how many how great how full of comfort and terrour First to instruct God would not have a Church or family in the world but because he would have holy worship Religion is the essence of a Church family or person 2. The world is not continued but for this 3. Great are the priviledges of the Church that Christ is among us by his ministery and ordinances for our Prophet Priest and King 4. What an heinous wickedness it is to interrupt or pull down holy things 5. They are cursed of God that do so Secondly to exhort 1. to study 2. to procure 3. to maintain 4. to be zealous for 5. to esteem above all and to be thankful for 6. to take up with content 7. to relish this glory Psalm 42. 63. 122. 132.8 To lay to heart to mourn for the absence and desolation of holy things Dan. 9. 10.2 3 Lament 1. 2. 3. Thirdly To reprove the wretchedness and deadness concerning these things Acts 18.17 c. Also we must ever observe that Moses Tabernacle was according to the Pattern of that which was in heaven They that enjoyed the peace of God in the earthy tabernacle had the same still in the heavenly as Psalm 15.1 2. And it is said our Lord with his own bloud went through the veil of his flesh into the most holy place the very heavens as the high Sacrificer went with bloud into the holy place made with hands This touched often and needful to be observed in all the Ceremonies of Moses else we shall have a veil over our hearts as Jewes and Papists who see not Christ the end of all these things that were to be abolished Ibid. 12. Quest and Answ Victories By faith they waxed valiant in Battel and turned to flight the Armies of the Alians Their faith saw the dâ—ies of Christ that he would overcome him that had the power of death the Devil the Prince of darkness the old Serpent Therefore by faith they overcame the Serpents seed All true souldiers should be doctors in divinity such will conquer with small loss as Israel under Josuah and the Elders surviving Josuah who delighted in the study of Moses Jos 1. 23.6 And Davids Captains by knowledge of Moses were mighty in Battail Heb. 11.34 Quest 13. and Answ N. I. Analek discomfited Amalek of Esau despised the faith as Esau his Father and became a fierce persecutor of the faith of Christ and his people which was the break-neek of that State Gods curse and the Churches War were never reversed nor appeased to the daies of Haman A warning to persecuting States especially to mystical Edom. The form of the pattent and promise that God gave to Abraham is for comfort to all the Israel of God for ever I will bless them that bless thee and curse them that curse thee as see in Numb 24. and Balaam foretels the like destruction to Kittim as to Amalek The same enmity the same war and the same curse shall follow the Serpents seed in perdition to the end N. II. a partition wall This was the vail and covering on all nations which Christ would abolish Esay 25. Dan. 9.24 c. Ephes 2.15 God hated the apostate families like Devils that he gave by Moses an hedge of Lawes to keep Israel from amity and communion with them And this was one special Law that certain Beasts fowls and fish prohibited to distinguish them in diet from heathen are called unclean So be all without the Gospel in their high learning Ro. 1.21 22. as Socrates Plato Tully Varro Plutarch and the civilest These things were continuall occasions of enmity between an Israelite and an Heathen Ephes 2.15 Hest 3.8 Ibid. N. II. Separated and made Aliens But being blessed in
be more studious and conversant in them than we are Our slightness will hinder much our consolation in sad houres read Ezek. 36 31 c. They must pray and did pray but the blood of the covenant brought them from Babel Zach. 9.11 Then shall ye call upon me and ye shall go and pray unto me and I will hearken unto you 13. And ye shall seek me and finde me when ye shall search for me with all your heart 14. And I will be found of you saith Jehovah and I will turn away your captivity I will gather you from all Nations and from all places whither I havedriven you saith Jehovah and I will bring you again unto the place whence I caused you to be carried away captive Pertinently it may be here remembred that the Son of God by his Spirit in the Prophet Esaias foretold above two hundred years how Cyrus King of Persia should conquer Babel send Judah home from captivity and give letters patents for re-edifying Jerusalem and the Temple Esay 44.24 Thus saith Jehovah thy Redeemer and he that formed thee from the womb I am Jehovah that maketh all things that stretcheth forth the heavens alone that spreadeth abroad the earth by my self 25. That frustrated the tokens of the lyars and maketh diviners madd that turneth wisemen backward and maketh their knowledge foolish 26. That confirmeth the word of his servant and performeth the counsel of his Messengers that saith to Jerusalem Thou shalt be inhabited and to the Cities of Judah ye shall be built and I will raise up the decayed places thereof 27. That saith to the deep be dry and I will dry up thy Rivers 28. That saith of Cyrus (b) Read more of Cyrus in Esay 45.1 2 3 4 13. whom God raised up by a strong hand to conguer Babel to return Israel home and to build the City Jerusalem He is my Shepheard and shall perform all my pleasure even saying to Jerusalem thou shalt be built and to the Temple thy foundation shall be laid This is the prophecy now follows the History 2 Chron 36.22 Now in the year of Cyrus (c) We must consider here that Cyrus Darius Dan 9.1 were fellows in goverment who joined their Forces against Babel as it is prophecied Esay 21. Go up against Babel O Elam besiege Babel O Media And marke here by conferring Dan. 9.25 Cyrus his proclamation is that going forth of the word of commandement of returning the people of building the Temple and city as when Daniel was in humble prayer then Cyrus was drawing his Letters Patents even at the same instant of time and the Angel Gabâ—iel is disparched from heaven with a joyful message to tell Daniel so Let us think of it upon humbling our selves surely some message is comming from heaven King of Persia that the word of Jehovah spoken by the mouth of Jeremiah might be accompliâ—â—ed Jehovah stirred up the Spirit of Cyrus King of Persia that he made a proclamation throughout all his Kingdom and put it also in writing saying 23. Thus saith Cyrus King of Persia all the kingdomes of the earth hath Jehovah the God of Heaven given me and he hath charged me to build him an house in Jerusalem which is in Judah Who is there among you of all his people Jehovah his God be with him and let him go up QUest 2. What Collections do you take notice of in these Scriptures of Moses and the Prophets Answ For brevities sake I will name but few and those main principles out of the doctrine of Christ that Moses spake in Leviticus 1. Let this be observed of all that have their senses exercised in the word of righteousness to confer History with prophecy whether in promises and threatnings We shall see God to be Iehovah in all to be Being and to give being as to all his works so to his words whether they concern persons families Cities Churches or Kingdomes 2. VVhereas it is said that Iehovah spake to the Patriarks and to Moâ—es in all his five Books in most places we must conceive it spoken of the second person of the holy Trinity the Redeemer the Angel of the covenant to whom the heavenly Father hath committed all authority and power as Mediatour yea also this attribute of Jehovah throughout all the old Testament must be so understood some few places excepted wherein the first person or the third is also to be considered Examine this by Psalm 18.49 117. with Romans 15.9 10 11 Psalm 68.18 with Ephes 4.8 Psalm 97.7 with Heb. 1.6.1 Cor. 10 4.9 with Num. 21.6 Esa 6.9 10. with Iohn 12.41 Our Lords most heavenly speeches in the Apostle Johns Gospel will shew us the reason of all cha 5.17 and so forwards 3. Among all the corruptions from the first Adam that is in us note this that we hold Christ his Kingdom and Ordinances anathema this is expressed by Moses there is in us a contrariness to God (a) confer Lev. 26.15 with Zac. 11.8 These tearms abhorring loathing c. of the old Testament is in effect the same of the new the preaching of the Gospel to them savoured death unto death and so it doth in the daies of the New Testament Gods people must be diligent to mark phrases though different in words yet the same in force and value a despising his judgements abhorring loathing and hating him his word statutes and commandments mandements The New Testament speaks the same as the old when it saith the wisdom of the flesh causeth enmity against the Law of God by nature enemies in our minde by evil workers also haters of God fighters against God and such a stubborness is annexed that we are unreconcileable Much may be said of this in the sad effects thereof that men meeting with cross providences when his folly perverts his way his heart frets against Jehovah that is his breath and being and saying he is a hard master and that his waies are not equal yea alas what do the regenerate finde in themselves of murmuring fretting impatience distrust c. But the second Adam dissolves the works of the devil by his spirit in the administration of the Gospel of his Kingdom heals all in the elect Ezek. 36.25 26 27-37 Mich. 7.19 2 Cor. 5 11-15 chap. 10 4 5 6 c. 4. Whereas in Levit. 26. Moses saith from Christ sicknesses diseases sorrowes on the labours of our hands the teeth of wilde beasts pestilence famine sword captivity c. avenge the quarrel of his Covenant we must advisedly understand This is not meant of a covenant of works but the covenant of his Grace the lawes of which they have despised and abhorred and so in Deut. 5. 29 Jer. 34. all of it and many other places there is mention made of the covenant and it is but the renewing or dilating on that as is noted Exod. 24. which they violated For the whole covenant is Jehovah is our God in Christ and that we
vouch him so to be in love unto him and in love to our neighbour as it is said to love the Lord our God with all our heart minde soul and strength c. and our neighbour as our self and this is ratified by the bloud of the covenant Exod. 24. And they not obeying his Gospel-Law is as much as to say we will not have this man to reign over us therefore it is said those mine enemies and Israel were Christs own citizens Luke 19.27 that would not have me the Heir to reign over them bring them hither and slay them before me Luke 19 27. 1 Thess 2.16 4 5 6 7 8. Christ Jesus our Lord as eternal God to Moses and the Prophets and Christ Iesus our Lord as God-man in his New Testament in his own speeches and in his Apostles doctrine doth not differ and when our great Rabboni had reduced the ten commandments into two then he saith on these two commandements hang all the Law and the Prophets and so where it is often said Obey my voice Jer. 7.23 it must be understood of the obedience of faith receiving Christ and believing in him and obeying him John 3.36 which despised The wrath o the Lambe is great wrath Apoc. 1.16 brings the heaviest plagues as those eight and twentieth fold punishments Lev. 26. and thoses curses Deut. 28. Luke 23.28 29 30. and so Exod. 23.20 21. and Matth. 17.5 do explicate on the other in sense and meaning and John 6.27 must be brought to this undurstanding 5. The Law of the Lord is a converting Law it restores the soul that is it is the word of Christ by which and by which onely he doth by his Spirit work in the hearts of men to turn them from darkness to light from the power of Satan to God for it is the power of God to salvation restoring converting regenerating the soul to know believe fear and love Jehovah their God and to love their neighbour And the New Testaments doctrine and commandment is the same 1 John 3.24 4.21 Faith and Love is the Pattern of wholesome words or healing doctrine ever taught from the beginning This is the Vrim and Thummim which Christ puts in the heart of all them that the Father drawes unto him the Apostle alluding to the High Priests Garments phraseth the Brest plate of Faith and Love They that despise Christs Gospel that is his Law Esay 2.3 11.9 42.4 despise the doctrine of regeneration and such cannot mortifie their passions but will bite and devour one another Esay 11. much of it Gal. 5.15 as Cain did Abel See how and why their Story is cited 1 John 3. And by that we may see how easily reducible all that Epistle is to Genesis yea to all Moses and if this Epistle then all the New Testament QUest 3. What other Collections Answ The Scriptures of the Prophets shew 1. That Iehovah of hosts the God of Israel had made Nebucharetzar Monarch of all nations and that the Kingdome of Babel should keep them the State of Iudah in subjection Seavensy years And that Nebuchadnezzar was great by conquest and not by inheritance 2. That the Kings of the Kingdom of Babel for those seventy years should be in number three which are these the first is said to be Nebuchadnezzar the second is his son the third is his sons son Other Scriptures shew their names that Evil-Merodach was the Son and his Sons son was Bel-shazzar 3. We are to note that part of the third year of Jehojakim King of Iudah and more of the fourth is the first year of Nebuchadrezar as Dan. 1.1 and Jer. 25. compared do shew And in this first year of Nebuchadrezar King Jehojakim Daniel Hanariah Azariah Mishael and other Nobles were captived This is the first captivity But the King was sent home again 4 Here it may be convenient to remember that the heathen annalls and chronicles in many things are no true relations because they confound the Stories of Elams Arams Ashurs and Babels Monarchies For now Ashur was no Monarch but was under Babel Ashur had been a great Tree Ezekiah 31. But now Babel was the Tree Daniel 4. And Aram had been a Monarchy afore Ashur and Elam had been a Monarchy afore them all Gen. 14. But it may be Nimrod or Belus was the first hunter after tyrannical Monarchy QUest 4. Did all submit themselves to this Conqueror Nebuchadnezar that God had established and advanced over them Answ Jechonias King of Judah by the advice and counsel of Jeremiah submitted who though captived and many of the people yet they had many comforts following them to Babel 1. They were the basket of good figs whom God would greatly respect Ezekiel Mordecai and many godly went in this captivity 2. Although they were captived and wanted the glorious sanctuary and its publique ordinances yet (a) The bleâ—sed glory of Jehovah from his place in divers removings came to them Read Ezek. 9 10. 11. This might put them in minde of the utter removing of his vineyard from them to the Gentiles as the Lord told them near the ending of the seventy seavens Christ who is the truth of all the shadowes was to them a Sanctuary whom in spirit they worshipped (b) In the captivity Christ recompensed the loss of publique ordinances with most gracious providences Ezek. 11.16 and much of Danâ—el who was then a great favourite and would be as Ioseph and so his three cousins Dan. 3 Hanamah Misacl and Azâ—iab they would be great comforts to the brethren captived Many precious promises are to this company both of protection and return from captivity 3. They and their children should be chief in restoring religion at the return from captivity This company are the second captivity QUest 6. Who resisted Answ The Kings of Eâ—ypt Tyrus and others which brought upon them ruin and desolation Jehojakim returning home purposed rebellion which was to his destruction Zedekiah and his people would not hearken to the word of the Lord and to the perswasions of Jeremiah but believed false prophets and Zedekiah brake his Oath of subjection to the King of Babel and rebelled whom with his subjects God severely plagued by famine pestilence sword and captivity This company are the basket of vile and bad figs and the third captivity QUest 7. What more may be observed Answ Here we are diligently to minde What God did with those staves (c) Mark also the metaphor of cruel plough men Psal 129. rods axes sawes with which he did beat saw and hew his Church withal Each enemy did rage and smite a little while till God who is wounderful in counsel and excellent in working (d) Esay 10.7 c. Deut. 30. 2 3 4. c. Levit. 26.41 Mic 7.9 Psal 119.67.71 Esay 27.9 Hebr. 12.10 performed his not their intent work and purpose Then upon the (e) This duty in sincerity performd ever sped well God speaking peace to his
and profane Joh. 1.41 4.23 And the Jewes at that time commonly speaking Syriack spake the terme Messias and speaking Greek they uttered the Greek terme Christ so that as oft as we read the Greek terme we must remember the other Terme of the Hebrew or Syriack And all the Orthodox Churches in Christendome hold Messias here to be the Son of God our Redeemer vi Mr. Bro. on Daniell and in Advertisment pag. 33. Upon the verse 27. and halfe that seaven of this last seaven the first part is passed over in silence for a preparation the latter halfe doth Christ bestow in confirming the covenant for the Many beginning at his Baptisme ending at his death 3. Quest and Answ N. 1. As the motions of the Heavens The creation was made to serve the Son of Enosh Psal 8. so the revolution of the year all are his Servants Psal 119. lamed-part No Army is ordered more comely then the times in Gods word Dan. 10.1 And Gods people must learne to know that the times as well as the ceremonies and tipes teach of so they lead unto Christ for the Golden Chaine of times are fastned to famous Pillars as is prefixed to this Book N. 11. This prophecie was given Read Esai 44. 45. with Ezr. 1.1 2. concerning Cyrus his Letters Patents of building the Temple and City and returning the people But Cyâ—us going to war in Scythia was plagued for not leaving better order at home that his Letters Patents were not throughly executed for the good of Gods people and Cambyses Daâ—ius Hystaspis and Xerxes for questioning and damning the Patent felt Gods wrath and their Kingdomes Ezra 4. and 6.11 12 Est 1. trouble in Dan. Hyst court Ibid Sent the Jews home The blood of Gods Covenant in Christ sent them home as from Egypt so from Babel Zach. 9.11 Col. 1 20. the blood of the Covenant is our comfort in any disconsolate condition Ibid. That year with a most remarkable Proclamation over an hundred and twenty Provinces Then the Nations did hear of their demanding and enquiring of the way to Sion upon the hope of the Son of man his coming to shew the Kingdome of heaven to all Nations and to shake even the heaven of Moses policy Jer. 10.4 5. they presented Sion in the dust before glorious Babel and they then ought so to do but not now Psal 102.13 14. So Moses and all the Nobles of all ages Heb. 11.24 25 26 ye that have escaped the sword go away stand not still remember Jehovah a far off and let Jerusalem come into your mind Jer. 51.50 Psl 137.5 6. So all ye that have escaped mysticall Babylon go away stand not still remember Jehovah and let the glory of the heavenly Jerusalem come into your mind be ye separate be at a distance in all holy zeal still come out from among them touch nothing of theirs neither Laws nor their phrase nor apparrell make a covenant as Neh. 10. 2 Cor. 6.18 what if your name be put out as evil remember Isa 66. â— John 9.34 and 16.2 2 Cor. 6.17 No. 3. And seal that is confirm all the viâ—ons and Prophesies that he was the end all aimed at Among many Prophesies that might be related I will name now that of Jer. 31.22 The Lord hath created a new thing in the earth A woman shall compasse a man that is a woman Virgin The holy Spirit of Christ prosecuteth the foundation of Doctrine which he laid down in Moses of the blessed seed of the woman Gen. 3.15 and of Shiloh Gen. 49. that a tribe should not fail to Judah till Shiloh came Now Judah being in Babel and held captive the Prophet doth from the Lord comfort them that although they were in heavy calamities and much disconsolate Jer. 30 31.32 33. chapters yet Judah should return and have a policy to buy and sell and that Jerusalem and Temple should be built and the Cities of Iudah inhabited and that that New thing should be accomplished a woman Virgin shall compasse a man All promises were made in Christ and should be yea and amen in him to the glory of God And this is promised to be as sure as the heavens order that God would not fail of his promise he made to David and Israel although Salomons house and Kingdome were ended yea to all the elect from the beginning in sending Christ Iesus to be born of a Virgin and that in him the Church should have unspeakable consolation This made the people of God to be so refreshed as a man is by sweet sleep Ier. 31 26 But Ieremiah told them not nor any Prophet as yet How long Psal 64.9 that should be for the performance that was reserved for a more fit season when they were to come from Babel then they had the time told them by an angel from heaven which did much heighten their consolation wherein all comfort was promised by that glorious message of the angel concerning the Messias compassed by the woman-Virgin to perform all the promises visions and Prophesies by finishing and ending all sin-offerings and trespasse offerings and make by himself a reconciliation for iniquity and bring in everlasting righteousnesse by his perfect sacrifice once performed so by this Doctrine the godly were preserved and strengthened greatly in their faith and hope of Christs coming in this determined time And seing it is said Christ shall seal Vision and Prophet is taught that he shall restrain apostasie through preaching his glorious Gospel that they fall not away as the Jews did in that most grievous and almost universall revolt in and from the dayes of Antiochus Epiphanes Dan 8 13. and 11 30 31 32. Our Lord Jesus Christ in his coming was the morning star and the SUN of Righteousnesse and his brightnesse did visit us as holy Zâ—chariah saith Luc. 1 7.8 For those times were most deplorable in corrupting all holy Doctrine as it was greatly darkened by these three Shepherds Zac. 11. concerning the holy Trinity the sons incoâ—nation his death and resurrection and concerning justification and all Moses polity as all the Epistle to the Hebrews sheweth But the Lord Jesus and his Apostles from him made all clear again Also this Prophesie of the angel from heaven was wonderfull to the comfort of the people of God under their pressures by Persia Javan whole and Javan parted This Prophesie is marvellous if we consider the times Oh who is sufficient to expresse the things of Gods blessed word Ibid. N. 3. Everlasting righteousnesse The mentioning of everlasting righteousness justification redemption doth shew the Law made nothing perfect but was sponsorious and an introduction to a better hope in Christ for Christ by his own blood entered once through the vail that is his flesh into the holy place into the very heavens to appear now in the fight of God for us and obtained eternall Redemption Heb. 9. For it is not possible that the bloud of Bulls or Goats should take away sinne
Heb. 9. and 10 or give enterance into the heavens but the blood of Christ did Col. 1.20 and in this faith all the faithfull from the beginning of the world died and went to the heavenly City and countrey and inheritance Heb. 11. and Col. 11.12 And all the faithfull evermore knew this our blessed Mediatour to be Jehovah our justifications Jer. 23.6 No. 4. Suffered not for himself but for us Zachariah saith they shall mourn and be in bitternesse when they consider this as they did in Mark 16.10 Acts 14. and 2.37 which is an history to the Prophesie of Zac. 12. And so should we consider and do This Text of Daniel is a fit Meditation for preparation when we come to the Supper of the Lord. N. 6. Therefore the appointed time As in Moses the Law had an expresse day and hour for their sacrifices even from the beginning so it was no lesse needfull to have from God an expresse warrant when sacrifice should be ended specially seeing all the world was bound to regard sacrificing at Jerusalem so long as it was to continue if they hoped for Gods favour And also to know most exactly when the Jews Prerogative did end and the partition-wall should be broken down Ibid. Is not a triviall or an uncertain thing Talk no more so exceeding proudly let not arrogancy come out of your mouth for Jehovah is a God of knowledge and by him actions are weighed and times pre-ordained and determined 1 Sam. 2.3 Acts 17.26 N. 8. Ceremonies broken down Christ shook the things made with hands and settled the polity of his Kingdome in the heavenly Jerusalem Dan. 2. 7. Hag. 2. Apoc. 21. Heb. 12.27 There is the Throne of the Son of David Apoc. 4. 5. 22. 1. Luke 1.31.32 33. Ibid. Perpetuall devastations In the Vision of Ezek. 1. although terror of fierie desolations and captivity for seventy years yet there was a Rainbow in the vision to shew that God in wrath remembreth mercy for there was a return but for the desolations by the Romane Infidels in Daniels and Zachariahs Prophesies and our Lords speaketh Mat. 24. no Rainbow mentioned and consider the phrase of spâ—ing out Levit. 18. 28. Num. 31. ult after the chana anites were spued out the â—ever returned so it hath the Jews who shall never return and to be in such a condition as we are taught now adayes Heare O ye people O all ye Ibid. As with the Flood of Noah The men of the old world resisted the holy Ghost the Flood destroyed them and so the Jews resisted and a flood of miseries hath ever followed upon them to this day Acts 7.51 The Apostle remembreth Noahs and Sodoms story to the Circumcision and so doth Judas Thaddeus v. 14 15. of the judgement of the old world when the Lord came with thousands of his holy ones to plague the old world faith was scant found on the earth so in the overturuning of the Kingdome of Iudah and so at our Lords first coming the Church was in a sad condition of ignorance and heresies by the means of the wicked Shepherds Zac. 11. And before our Lords second coming there will be another apostacy after a Reformation when faith will be scant found on the earth Luke 18. for it is said the ending of the world shall be like the ending of the old world Mat. 24. The times shall exceedingly degenerate into outward shews of bodily exercise and into atheisticall scoffing and security Mat. 25.3 1 Thes 5.1.2 3. 2 Pet. 3. and so it was afore the desolation of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar 2 Chron. 36. And upon that generall defection the Lord Iesus will appear in the clouds with his mighty angels Christ will not come in a glorious time of Reformation but in a time of generall defection No. 10 And we in the Lords Supper do protest c. The Bread and Wine in the Lords Supper is a Seal of ending Moses polity given by the Creatours wisdome and authority The end of Moses Ceremonies could hardly be taught the Jews So God by an angel of light and glory gave them words for that to reckon ever since they came from Babel how for they were year by year to the Redemption by our Lord and to the end of the shadows that must flee away and be cancelled Cant. 2. Col. 2.14 And therefore let all Gods people mark diligently that the ending of Moses Ceremonies required as certain a warrant as their beginning had even for the very last day And so stand the angels words clear in their own simplicity for ending of them And the Authority of the Lords Supper standeth upon that when Bread is given for the bodies of Sacrifices and Wine for their blood All soundly learned and of stayed judgement will refuse all colour of learning that contradicteth In the words of an honest man spoken in like sort as the angel spake to Daniel none would doubt what should be the true meaning The more to blame are we who pervert the words of the living God to make Questions thereupon to set light by the Rock of our salvation as though one thing might be spoken and another thing meant Mr. Broughton Sedeâ— Olam 18. assert 2. upon Dan. 9. Ibid. No. 10. Death once performed the Epistle to the Hebrews by Christs fore-sight was written of purpose to teach this and convince the contrary As Popery is full of Paganisme So it is of Judaisme Quest 4. and Answer The forty nine Thousand Who are thus described in Daniel Michaels people The Saints of them The high Trinity The stars of heaven Dan. 8. The holy people Daniels holy people The Army of heaven Their Religion the truth and the holy Covenant The Temple called the Sanctuary and the holy And chap. 7.25 mark that verse Glorious holy mountain These terms cannot belong to the State of the Jews of these last dayes Heb. 1.1 for these 1580 years for these are proper and peculiar phrases to them of the old Testament when as yet the partition Wall was not broken down and the Gentiles were not as yet brought within the Covenant when not as yet the vessel was let down from heaven Acts 10. therefore onely the Jews State for the time of the Seventy Sevens is the afflicted in Daniel chap. 2 and 7.8 10 and 11 12. by the image and four beasts All these terms are in the Prophesie of Daniel Ibid. Left Babel for Jerusalem the hope of the SON OF MAN who should come with the clouds of heaven and have Kingdome power and glory over all Nations and for ever perswaded them to leave Babel Dan. 7. Ezra 1. Jerusalem the beauty of holinesse ever loved and longed for and laboured for by the Saints Quest 5. and Answ And Jews before the ending of the Seventy Sevens the glorious Prophesies of Isaiah of Amos of Dan. 2 7 and 9. c. c. of the Kingdome of Christ made all the Nation of the Jews to expect it as
8.44 Mat. 3. Christ saith to the unbelievers and hypocrites Ye are of your father the devil Men that hate Christ and his word and his servants their genealogie is from Satan and Cain 1 Iohn 3.12 and the faithfull theirs is from Abraham yea from God and Christ Gal. 3. 7.29 and chapter 4.31 Iohn 1.13 Let all Phil 3. be considered with this note Quest 10. and Answ N. 1. And tormenting sorrows Note some special God gave over into the hands of one another and into the hands of their Kings the Herods and the Cesaâ—s Ioseph Liber 13. chap. 19. c. Then Christ brake both his staves by which they were strengthened he brake the staffe of beauty bereaving them of the duty of his Ordinances and brake also the brother-hood of Judah and Ephraim And much of this came to passe when the tribe of Levi cared not for the sacrifice-hood and would be Kings contrary to Jacobs and Moses will Gen. 49. Deut. 33. Then they and others became Sadduces and killed 50000 Pharisees This is the fruit of hereticall Doctrine and mens Traditions The poore of the flock that waited on Christ and valued him above all observed these things Zac. 11. Ibid. For as they abhorred Christ As their fore-fathers moved Christ to jealousie by revolting to idols so they did by mens traditions and false Doctrine which is as bad as idolatry yea it is idolatry and vanity Deut. 32.21 compare with Rom. 10.19.1 John 5.21 Observe how the Apostle Paul citeth that Text of Moses They despised the eternall Son and his righteousnesse the new and living way Bodily exercise was not the living way and so they despised God the Father 2 John 9 but that brought upon them the day of violent fire and wrath to the utmost as it is said despisers wonder and perish Acts 31.41 Heb. 10.27 1 Thes 2.19 False Teachers and their deceived never prized nor admired Christ and his word read Phil. 3. Quest ibid. N. 2. with utter and finall desolations Your house that is the Temple shall be dosolate while the world standeth Mat. 23. Luc 13. And this came to passe about 40 years after our Lords ascension Not such a desolation and transâ—â—gration as was at Shiloh or at Jerusalem by Babel or as that three years half by Antiochus with restauration but utter desolations as experience for 1500 years The affliction from Egypt had a fore-told limitation so had Babels so that of Antiochus and Israels proper glory was limited Dan. 9.24 But how carnal Israels affliction is not limited and earthly Canaan and Jerusalem shall never have proper and peculiar glory Quest 11. and Answer They shall never be restored Let Ezk. 16.43 to the end of the chapter be well considered both for the captivity to Babel and the utter desolations by Rome as Ezekiel compares Iudahs state with Sodoms unrecoverable so our Lord both to Sodom and to Noahs flood Mat. 24. mark well Num. 33. ult Again note where the Apostle saith Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not have c. by a cosequent he meant Neither would he Temple City and Kingdome which were all figures till the time of setling Christ should be and was the building in which God would delight and therefore these shadows shall never be restored unlesse we say Sacrifice and offering shall Why do we not as Mr. Finch and Mr. Brightman c. make the Jews expect things seen and temporall No no they will rejoice to be of the holy City from heaevn and will never care to make a corporation in the Lowâ— Jerusalem Ibid. Then any countrey or Citie in the World Then they will believe the doctrine of their apostle Peter the Apostle of the circumcision as their Godly forefathers dispersed in Pontus Galatia Cappadocia Asia Bythinis and Chaldea and mind the heavenly inheritance that is uncorruptible and undefiled and that fadeth not and the spiritual Temple 1 Peter 1. 2. and 2 Pet. 1.19 20 21. How sweetly doth the Apostle draw them from their carnal sense of Ezekiels prophesie under the terms of Canaan Citie and Temple So the apostle to the Hebrews draws them to the heavenly Government of Christ in the Jerusalem Celestial And that the Low Jerusalem all that hold of the policy of it now ended by the Son eternal were briars and thornes and near rejection cursing and the destruction of violent fire and wrath to the utmost compare 2 Sam 23.1 to 7. with Hebrews ch 6. 10. As their fore-fathers did so the children as Stephen laies that heavy crimination on them Ibid. The Lamb is the Temple Seeing the Lamb is the Temple and that he destroyed the material Temple and all the politie of it for if the Priest-hood be changed there must be of necessity a change of the Law old things are all passed Then surely it is abominable to have Priests Altars Sacrifices Candles Incense Copes Linnen Ephods Musick Distinction as of Mosaical daies and times as Rests Jubilees new Moones distinction of meats annointings c. in our Ecclesiasticall administrations yea or an Ecclesiastical politie answerable to Levi of a subservient Clergy under one universal high Priest on earth Christ our Statute-Maker hath forbidden all Levitical ceremonial worship Iohn 4. There is no Typical ceremonie left unto us in his New Testament but the two Seals of the covenant of the New Testament and Gods Worshipeâ—s must worship him in Spirit and truth Spirit is opposed to bodily exercise of our carnal hearts Truth is opposed to the shadows rites types and ceremonies by which Christ saith The hour was coming that the Father would refuse to be worshipped And the Son by whom the Father spake taught none such to be repeated much less others by man to be invenced They are tyrannical ecclesiasticks that force ceremonies Col. 2. Before Christs coming the Wisdom of God as the old covenant needed instituted many types and ceremonies but the fulness of time being come two signs seals and memorials Baptism and the Lords Supper were ordained Seeing the Lord God of hosts even the Lamb is the Temple and we all with open face see the shining of the Sun of righteousness all Moses Ceremonies and others of mans invention should be left It is else as if we were still under pupillage and now it is bondage from which Christ hath justified us that is made us free The servants of Christ in these things must not be the servants of men but still contend and fight the good fight for the utter abolishing what he hath abolished and what in his last Will and Testament he never bequeathed nor commanded Gal. 4. Greek Fathers began the Name Priest and high Priest to be fitted to their doctors But in the end the gangrene crept to haâ—m unspeakable that Satan by Turk and Pope ruled the world For the god-Pope the high Priest of the Papacy he made a Mosaical subservient Clergy He made another peculiar holy Citieâ— He made Priests and annointed them
I have endevoured to relieve the studious and godly about that doubt and question concerning why no more Prophets after Malachy to the dayes of MESSIAS the King the holy of holies CHAP. XII Being an Answer to the five things lost in the Second Temple They might have named more then five as you will perceive BEloved Reader It may be worthy of good consideration to say somewhat of those five things that Solomons Temple had which some Modern Rabbins of the Jews complain they wanted in the Temple built by Zorobabel and thus they number them 1. The fire from heaven to consume the Sacrifices on the Altar 2. The sacred Monuments of the Vrim and Thummim that were put into the Breast-plate of the High Priest 3. The Ark of the Covenant wherein were put the two Tables of stone written with the finger of God 4. The Mercy-seat and Cherubim from between which the holy Oracles were given 5. The manifest breathing of the holy Ghost upon the Prophets These were great outward glories of the first Temple But let us consider of them 1. For the fire from Heaven to burn upon the altar It should seem to be so for it is said God testified of his gifts Heb. 11.4 I will transcribe what Mr. Broughton saith of it When Adam first sacrificed fire from heaven kindled it and Habels Sacrifice respected of God is in Octaplo was fired by God that fire was kept until the Flood Then again Noahs sacrifice was kindled from heaven and that fire was kept by Great Sem or Melchizedeck Abraham sacrificing had fire first in record from Heaven And in Moses and Salomon that is expresly told and thence gathered to the former so when the Jews came from Babylon If they had had fire Antiochus would have put it our again taking away the daily sacrifice for 3. year and a half Dan. 8.11 they sacrificed but no direct mention is made of fire yet their private story Salseleth Hakabalah saith they had fire from heaven See Mr. Bro. in Apoc. 190 Now one would think this to be true because so many promises of comfort by Jeremiah and such a godly company returned they might have that glory although there is no mention of it Gods counsels are unsearchable But the Angels message from heaven of the Messias was a great satisfaction to them Malachi saith the second Temple should have this honor that Christ in his doctrine should be refiners fire no purge the corruptions of their Rabbins touching all sacrificing 2. For the Vrim and the Thummin Daniels Prophecy of the Seavensy Seavens hath as glorious Light and Perfection of Doctrine as ever the Vrim shewed which also was brought by an angel of light and glory This prophecy sheweth when Messias that had all light and perfection in him should come and would bring light to us all The Messias when he cometh will tell us all things Job 4. Heb. 1.1 so the Saints of the Most High were exceedingly comforted in him that would reveal and tell us all things better than the oracle of Vrim for he came from the Bosom of the Father to reveal the whole mystery of the Kingdome of Heaven For He should seal vision and Prophesie And so Christ was Vrim and â—hummim in the hearts of the faithful and hath made us Kings and Priests to carry on our Breasts and Hearts 1 Thes 5.8 the Breast-plate of Faith and Love 3. The Ark of the covenant Jer. 3.15 16. mark that text of Jeremiah they should want it yet Christ saith they shal have godly Teachers the Prophet Jeremiah foretold the Ark should be no more they shall say no more the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord neither shall it come to mind neither shall they remember it neither shall they visit it neither shall that be done any more Babel shook these patterns of heavenly things in part and Rome should end all The Seavensy Seavens was a relief to the Saints concerning this Once shaking by Babel it shewed of Messias the King the Most Holy who had the Law of God in him most perfectly that from his fulness we all should receive and grace for grace The Ark was golden within and golden without it was plated with gold upon Sittim Wood so our Lord although he took flesh was golden within and golden without perfect in his inner man without sin and perfect in his conversation the Messias the Holy of Holy And although they had not the golden Pot of Manna yet all faithful of the Jewes did feed upon it for the time of the Seaventy Seavens as all Christians do now feed upon it Apoca. 2.17 Christ took away such things that they might looke to him the true Manna as he shewed them most heavenly John 6. 4. For the Mercy-Seat and Cherubim the Holy Angel Gabriel from Heaven foretold Daniel 9. in the Seavensy Seavens though they lost that outward glory who should be our Mercy-Seat of Reconciliation for all iniquity the Hilasterion of all comfort bringing in everlasting righteousnesse or freedome or justification So the faithful in the Seavensy Seavens did meditate and did hope still in the full accomplishment of it at the end of the Seavensy Seavens So they needed not these outward things And to all the faithfull the Lord God sent holy Angels to be Cherubim visibly to the returned from captivity and to all faithful after invisibly And although they lost Moses and Salomons Candlesticks yet the returned were a golden Candlestick and two Olive branches of Golden oyl which signified a replenishing of the Church with all graces of the Spirit so the Lord God taught them to meditate things spiritual rather than to glory in outward things The holy faith and doctrine of the Seavensy Seavens and walking in the light of it in peace and truth made them a glorious golden Canalestick 5. For the manifest breathing of the Holy Ghost upon the Prophets they wanted not this for one hundred and thirty years after the Return from Babel all the time of the Persian Government The Jewes say Ezra was Malachi and he lived long the Holy Ghost breathed in him and likewise in Haggai and Zachariah Daniels Prophecies with Haggaies Zacharies and Malachies and the study of Moses and the Prophets breathed the holy Ghost in the Saints of the Most High in the after-times who were men of Wisdome and did instruct many and as it said did turn many to righteousnesse all the time of the Seavensy Seavens confer diligently Dan. 8.9 10 11-24 11.28 30 31 32 33 34 35. 12.1.4.10 Zacharias John Baptists Father Simeon to whom the Holy Ghost revealed himself and likewise to Anna a Prophetesse these were under the second Temple and so in the beginning and ending of the Seavensy years the holy Ghost breathed in some special persons So that they did not so much want these outward things because the spiritual were conferred more abundantly the outward Jew looked carnally
therein And the names of the Lambs twelve Aposties upon the twelve precious Jewels the same as the High sacrificer ware on his Brest the twelve foundations of the Wall teacheth and convinceth that all must be builded on their most holy doctrine that will be within the corporation of the Holy City The Annotations upon the Questions and Answers of the thirteenth CHAPTER THe first Quest and Answ This is he that was promised Christ the hope of the promise made unto the Fathers Acts 26.6 Heb. 11. all Christ the hope of all the Israel of God Acts 28.20.1 Tim. 1.1 Observe the gloriousness of Christ in all the old revelation of him yet in manner of doctrine they had not perfection to see and feel the word of life 1 John 1. But we know that the Son of God is come and hath given us a minde to know him which is true and we are in him that is true in his Son Jesus Christ This same is very God and eternal life Babes keep your selves from Idols that is from all false doctrine 1 Joh. 5.20 21. Quest 2. N. 9. The Father doth love and honour the Son and hath committed all power into his hand as Gen. 3.15 for humbling himself and laying down his life for his sheep so do the Angels so do all the Saints John 10. Phil. 2. Apoc. 5. Christ is a great King and witnessed concerning it a good confession before Pontius Pilate John 18.37 He is Fore-leader and Commander over the House of Jacob even over all the Israel of God Iew and Gentile Luke 1.32 3â— Gal. 3.7 6.16 Esay 55 Christ will be received as King Prophet and Sacrificer in Sion the heavenly or he will fill all places with dead bodies Psa 2.8.9 110. Deuâ— 18.18 Heb. 3.1 Ephes 1.21 23. Mat. 28. Hebr. 〈◊〉 1. If Angels and Moses must be heard and disobedience was justly recompensed much more the Son eternal must be heard to whom Maseâ— was but a servant Heb. 2.1 2 3. N. 11. This word Him is spoken exclusively â—y divine dispensation he alone passeth all acts from God to man and from man to God 1 〈◊〉 3.23 5.11 12 13 he is the One Mediatour between God and man Hebr. 2.17 18. 1 Tim. 2.5 Observe evâ—lusive speeches although the terms onely and alone be not alwaies expressed for in divine revelation there is not from Gen. 3.15 to the end of the Apocalips the least hint of any other Name under heaven he is the Alpha and the Omega of all the holy and blessed Scriptures so the promise to Abraham is exclusive no blessedness but in Christ the holy seed of all holinesse and so expounded by two Apostles Paul and Peter to the Jewes and Galatians Acts 3. 25. Gal. 3. Ibid. Is no other Head of the Church Christs Supremacy he is Lord of our faith and binder of conscience by his Laws To the Church he is Prophet Sacrificer and King and the same to every particular person for his particular comfort and calling as his person is not divided so neither his offices he is not a sacrificer for any but also he is a prophet to teach and a King to govern he is a Prince and a Saviour to all the Israel of God If Christ is not thus received his Father is not honoured in Kingdomes families and persons For this eleventh observation ponder these Scriptures Ephes 1.22 Jam. 〈◊〉 1â— Ephes 4. 8 11 12 13. Mat. 23.8 Acts 2.36 5.31 Quest 3. What Seals hath Iehovah commonly to call them Seals is the best and aptest term and suiteth even to the capacity of the meanest to be soonest conceived Because in this as the Jewes proverbially say well of the holy Spirits familiarizing with us God speaks according to the language and dealings of the Sons of Adams it is used Rom. 4. as also the true sign or token Gen. 17. Ibid. the Lord of the house None may ordain a Seal but he that hath ordained the writings of the Covenant God only inspired the holy writings and he only can add seals to his covenant in them As none can make a true deed or lease and seal it but the true Landlord in whom the Propriety is Therefore all Popery is to be aâ—â—ursed that addeth writings and Seals The Apostle glorieth only in this What I received of the Lord that have I delivered unto you 1 Cor. 11. Thus he as Moses faithfull in the house of God Heb. 3. Quest 4. and Answ They are reciprocal Ever since the Gospel was taught Gen. 3.15 God made a covenant with the faithfull and their seed as with Adam and Habel understood it thus he walked in good works 1 Iohn 3.12 God renewed the covenant to Noah before and after the Floud and he was godly But the Terms of the covenant in open record is more fully declared in after ages Genesis 17. and there it is shewed there is a restipulation on our part concerning Gods promises commandments threatnings curses admonitions counsels good examples c. we ingage our selves in all when we apply the Seals Our Lord saith Go teach and baptizâ— and teach them to observe all things Mat. 28. So the Tenant binds himself when he subscribes or puts to his seal Quest 5. and answ Baptismis for to teach and seal Baptism is a Seal of ending circumcision and all Abraâ—ams and Moses ceremonies the same may be said of the Lords Supper 〈◊〉 supra much more it bindeth to abhor humane religious traditions and precepts And we should not care to be judged as culpable for the not observing of them Col. 2. A circumcised Israelite was bound to keep the whole Lawâ— and our baptism bindeth us to look only to Gods commandements what he hath commanded us Mat. 28.20 Quest 6. and Answ N. 2. without mixture The Wine not to be mixed with Drakes bloud nor water nor Bread or Wine to be mixed with poyson as the Papal Hostia was when they gave it to the Emperour Henry the seventh next Albertus A fine device of the seed of the Serpent to kill Princes and Nobles that stand in their way Any action feazible and consequent for the Throne of King Abaddon is and must be a Declamation on that Theame of theirs sides non observanda cum â—aereticis O ye Princes and Nobles beware of such Scorpions trust none of them that hate the sincerity of the Gospel lest you finde their doctrine of Transubstantiation too true when they are such cursed Sorcerers that can turn bread into poison pretending to give Christ our life they give death and sacrifice your precious lives upon their Altars They can and will give you a secret sting for they are Scorpions and Sorcerers Also the Bread and Wine neither to be adored nor conjured with crossings or any other fantastical Popish Devilish humane deviceâ— but in all plainess the holy seal of the Covenant to be administred in both kindes according to the primitive institution As King Josias said Keep the
Babel had so ruinated them they could not chuse but have many sad thoughts of discomfort that they should never return So when the Churches saw wrath so full of fierie indignation on the Jews they thought the day of Christ was at hand The Apostle satisfied them and the Prophet Jeremiah comforts them with this speech as yet and the Prophets often reiterate these words which must be marked And in all those prophesies of their return there are many promises of Christ mixed for he is the radix of all comforts to the Church because God will send Christ to destroy Satans work and his seed and to blesse us All promises are made in him to be yea and Amen as that promise to Achaz although he despised it Esai 7. and would not put the safety of his Kingdome on such promises but would seek as his stubborn and unbelieving heart taught him help from Assur but because God had made promise yet to protect Ierusalem the City he had chosen to put his name there therefore he would protect it and because our heavenly Father would send his Son to be immanuel God with us therefore he would yet save Iudah Sion and Ierusalem Ieremiahs Prophecies are of this nature to be understood Esaias before Ieremiah had said by prophecie that although Babel had sorely afflicted the Church Isa 14 1.2 3. notwithstanding the Lord would have mercy on Iacob and would yet choose Israel and set them in their own Land the Land of Iehovah called elsewhere the Holy Land and pleasant Land and so it was to the ending of the Seventy Sevens but then any Land City and Assembly where the Gospel of Christ was and is taught believed and professed was and is as holy as that Land CHAP. XXVI That the Covenant of God in Christ made with Israel in Deuteronom is the very same that God made with Israel in Exodus and Leviticus and so to the end of the 19. chap. of Numbers in answer to them that hold the former to be only a covenant of works and the latter in Deut. to a covenant of grace because it is said in Deut. 21.9 beside the Covenant which he made with them in Horeb. Mr. Ainsworth saith it is the same Covenant but onely renewed to the children And Tremellius speaketh to the same effect we must remember that Malachi in shutting up the old Testament chargeth Israel from Christ to cleave to the Law given by Moses at Horeb Mal 4. as the onely good means to secute them from the Apostasie that would come upon them in the dayes of Antiochus Epiphanes yea it began even in the dayes of Malachi then stout words were spoken that it was in vain to serve God c. Like the apostacy of the old world Dan. 11.14.30 31 32. Job 21. 14 15. and 22.17 Mal. 3.13 14. And the angel foretold of the lawlesse crew of Daniels people that would deal corruptly concerning the holy covenant 2. It was greatly consequent to renew the covenant to the children for now all their fathers were dead of the first numbring and so it was very fit that the children should be taught the fathers holy Religion by way of covenant the better to watch over their hearts before they went over Jordan to possesse Canaan 3. Moses repeats divers passages of Christ in three former chapters of Deuteronomie as a preparation and then most pathetically exhorteth to the obedience of Christ Deut. 4. and prosecutoth the same exhortation in chap. 5. where he repeat Exod. 20. and mark the second and third verse of chap. 5. in these words The word onely must be understood as in Cor. 1.17 Deut. 6.13 10 20. and so the Rabbins of the Jews understood it vid. Mr. Ainsworth Not with our fathers onely made Jehevah this Covenant but with us This doth not onely look to them of the first numbring that died in the wildernesse but to Jacob Isaac and Abraham and so Tremellius it was verily the same covenant for substance that was made with Abraham renewed in the wildernesse and exhibited fully and plainly in Christ but in respect of times and persons it is called a divers form of covenant vid. Heb. 8. So he yea I doubt not but we may go higher even to that promise of God to our first Parents Gen. 3.15 and to Noah Gen. 6. Promise and covenant are often taken promiscuously and it is for our comfort so to understand It is much for our edification and comfort in the holy faith so rounderstand the same promise made to our first Parents concerning Christ for they had sacrifices to seal the covenant of their salvation to him the same was made with Noah Gen 6. and the same with Sâ—m whose God was God blessed for ever Abraham Isaac and Iacob and in that covenant all the visible Church were ingaged before Moses to observe it and it is called the way of Christ and his charge in his commandements statutes and Laws Gen 26.5 These were enjoyned by Christ and by most godly tradition propagated in godly families from father to child untill Christ commanded Moses to put all these Laws and histories of Genesis into writing with sundry other Laws because the Church was now grown into a large common-weal and were to dwell in a Land by themselves as Christs peculiar people I will adde one Text in Leviticus to stablish our hearts in sound Doctrine chap. 25.23 The Land shall not be sold for ever for the Land is mine for ye are strangers and sojournens with me This text shews what all the Polity of Christ by Moses aimed at even faith and love in the Son of God Christ Iesus this text hath irradiant beams over all the holy Doctrine What a worthy exercise might a godly Oratour of a congregation a Scribe taught unto the Kingdome of heaven that hath his wits exercised in the word of righteousnesse make hence to an Auditory 1. You are strangers and sojourners with me How might he amplisie this from other Scriptures 1 Chron. 29. Psal 39. and 119. Heb. 11. by the godly example of the Nobles of all ages 1 Pet. 1. and 2.11 2. From the coherence of matter in the verses preceding and following that those that confesse in heart this Doctrine of Christ that they are but strangers and sojourners in this cursed world they must not oppresse and vex one another in setting and leting in buying and selling but deal justy and mercifully one with another 3. It will afford an heavenly meditation to consider how and why the Lord should say he is a stranger and sojourner in this world surely this Text sheweth how Light Life and immortality was brought to light by the Gospel in Moses and in Leviticus 4 All Deuteronomie is the abridgement of Moses Sermons for one moneth The Apostle Heb. 9. doth dilate much on Exodus and sheweth it was a Covenant of grace in Christ Deuteronomie must be understood to be the same covenant with Exodus
and Leviticus for we must observe that the Son of God the holy Angle of Gods presonce repeateth diverse Laws that were formerly commanded in Exodus and Leviticus the holy Law with the exposition was first delivered in Exodus and Levitecus See Exod 10 21 22 23. and 24. chapters and that holy covenant was made in the bâ—ood of the covenant Exod. 24. as it is said Assemble my Saints together that have made a covanant with me by Sacrifice to walk in his holy Law and as the breach of it is charged on them Ps 50. So it is the same covenant that is made with the children in Deut. for as it is said Moses repeats the Law to them Deut 5 and makes large Expositions upon it and then renews the covenant even the same Covenant in Deut. 29. Note also that the same promises for obedience to the law of the Gospel and the same curses are spoken to the fathers as are repeated to the children Lev. 26. Deut. 28. Yea which must be well observed Numbers 20. Numb 20. to the end of that book and all Deut. is but the history of one year and Aharon died the fortieth year in in the fifth moneth Num. 33. and forwards may and must be called Deutera-nomie a second Law for all is spoken to the people of the second numbring all the Fathers being dead Consider Num. 28.2 also confer Exod. 19. with Deut. 76. and 14.1 and 26. And the covenant that Iosua made with Israel a little before his death is but the renewing of the former and saith Mr. Ainsworth in Deut. 29.1 Here the covenant is renewed between God and the people and it is the same in effect with the covenant made at Horeb Exod. 19. and 24. save that Christ who is the end of the legal covenant is here more clearly recalled and saith he on Exod. 20.2 here he especially intendeth the covenant of grace made with his people whereby they are blessed that have Jehovah for their God Psal 3â— 12 and Tremellius speaketh to the same effect and divers others might be cited to their sence Men man and will speak their pleasures but let us take heed we do not darken Gods counsels by our own words or by his words mis-interpreted CHAP. XXVII Short Collections out of Genesis Job and some part of Exodus shewing that the Gospell of the Son of God Mark 1.1 2 was manifested and taught among the faithfull before Moses wrote the same SECT 1. CHRIST the eternall word the light and life of men inspired holy Prophets in all ages to teach men his way and charge which consisted in Commandments Statutes and Laws from the apostasie of our first Parents to Israels coming from Egypt that is two thousand five hundred and thirteen years all which Laws were to bring men to feare and love Jehovah and to love the holy Seed their Brethren and to give no just occasion of offence to any no not to the seed of the Serpent Gen. 18.25 26.5 And that this holy faith and religion might abide and the fruit of it remaine Christ gave holy Prophets who were of long life and of great authority which were a great helpe to preserve the faith for those years and propagate the same by tradition to posterity till those commandments statutes and lawes were written And because many things before the Floud and after the Floud doe set forth the Law of faith rather by way of narration then by manifest precept though doubtlesse they were commanded even from the beginning I will breifly set down some particulars in which the Son of God reveiled himselfe even before Moses 1. The Holy faith for Doctrine was taught in that great and precious fundamentall promise coucerniâ—g the Son of God his person and office I will â—uâ— enmity between thee and the woman and between thy seed and her sâ—â—d He shall break by head and thou shalt break his heal Gen. 3.15.2 We are to consider that this holy promise or covenant was opened by diverse providences and ordinances which the Saints most religiously observed that so they and their posterity might abide in the Doctrine of Christ and not transgreâ—se from it For they knew they that did not so had no communion with the holy Trinity but they that did abide in it had communion both with the Father and the Son SECT II. 1. TThey had Sacrifices to make profession of this holy faith of the son of God taking humanity of the Seed of the Woman to be the Mediatour and Procuratour of justification sanctification wisdome and redemption by his death and sacrifice and thus sacrifices ever taught of life coming by death Now we are to consider how this way and charge of Châ—ist was made known to Moses in commandments statutes and laws he wrote the very some that was formerly practised by the Saints Christ indeed commanded more laws to Moses because the church of God became into a great common-weal and kingdom Therefore hence observe that all ancient godly tradition is according to the written word 2. Moses is frequent in this They had Altars on which they sacrificed their offerings which made the sacrifices acceptable because it sanctified the offering signifying the in effable Divinity of the Son of God made man to uphold the humanity in that great work of our Redemption 3. So in Moses most sericusly the Sabbath is enjoyned likewise in the Prophets The holy Trinity Father Son and holy Spirit Jebovah Eloim appointed the Sabbath to be a signe between him and his people that in it they might meditate on the mighty Creation and gracious Redemption And it was to sanctify them unto himselfe and to sâ—perate them from all the prophane and so to be a means of holinesse in their persons soul body and spirit The Sabbath was made for man to meditate how the holy Trinity rested in Christs Redemption And the Subbath was kept before it was commanded in Exo. 20. for Moses speaks of it in Ex. 16. as being observed before and teacheth them there further the holy use of it as it was at the first enjoyned Exâ—d 16 23. but Israel in Egypt apostating from the faith and following the Idols of Egypt neglected the Sabbath very great ly as the word Remember in Exo. 20.8 doth argue and we see that where men care not for or do corrupt the holy Doctrine of faith that they either neglect the Christian Sabbath the Lords day or utterly cast it off Eze. 20. And 100 manifest miserable experience in our days of rejecting the fourth Commandment and its Doctrine as Papiâ—ts doe the second Commandment do witnesse Again further note all the Patrarchs entred into the Sabbaticall Rest from Gen. 1. to Moses times God did not rest but in Christ and the Sabbath taught that and the faithfull kept it but the Families most wickedly followd Nimrod Gen. 26.5 and would not be perswaded to embrace the faith of Seâ—â—s Tents which was the charge of
Christ contained in Commandments Statutes and Laws which Abraham observed therefore the Families were cut off from the Sabbath and all the Ordinances of it and then followed abominable and law-lesse idolatries The observation of the Sabbath would have kept them in the faith of the Creation of the World and the faith of Redemption Object But it is not said they kept the Sabbath Answ It is comprehended most certainly in the charge of Christ which was contained in Commandments Gen. 26.5 Statutes and Laws which were extant in Sems and Abrahams dayes We may object as well they kept not Sabbaths for the times of three hundred and fifty years all the time of the Judges and but little mention of it for many years together And it is not recorded that they kept the Sabbatical year of Rest butonly once in Zedekians reign and he a wicked King and it is not recorded they kept any Iubilee yeare But we ought not to doubt but they did keep Sabbaths and the years of Rest and the Jubilees 4. In all their Sacrifices they invocated the holy name of Jehovah the everlasting God Psal 116.17 Psal 20.1.2 3 4. yea all of it Gen. 21.23 This is in commendation of Abrahams faith and in opposition of all the idolatries of the Families Here I think it is meet to observe sometimes offrings are mentioned and no Altar and sometime Altars and no Offring and sometime both are mentioned but not calling on the name of Jehovah and sometime an altar was builded and invocaâ—â—n was performed and no sacrifice is mentioned So in Moses and the Prophets holy convocations are called the presence of God False â—eatheys do as their first evil master did Satan promised our first Parents wâ—eâ—y when himselfe was a Servant of corâ—untion Satan used flattring speeches and fair words and great swelling words of vanity Ye shall be as Gods c. Gen. 3.5 semetime calling on the name of Jehovah is mentioned but no Altarnor Offering But we may be assured that all the faithfull did all three built Altars brought Ostrings and made invocation all this before Moses 5. The place of worship where the Saints assembled is called the presence of God Gen. 4. there he did put the remembrance of his name The Lord God thus shewed great merey to enjoyn such assemblies for our good we should else ay forget our MAKER and Redeemer and by this nercy of Sabbaths and alsemblies enjoyned we have communion with God our exceeding joy in the redemption by Christ Observe diligently Although our first Parents were shut out of Eden Garden or Paradise and from that Tree of life yet the Lord God would have an Eden in another way for the comfort of his chosen ones For where He puts the remembrance of His Name that is an Eden a Garden of God as Israel having Gâ—ds Ordinances among them The Ensigne of his presence was there set up for fourteen hundred yeares And it is called Eden the Garden of God Ezek. 28.13 And there Christ the Tree of life was fed upon by holy O. dinances No marvell that Salomon did sing so much of this Garden out of which he had almost excluded himselfe from the Tree of life but the Icdidia was helped to overcome himselfe and all Satans Instruments We should much think on this what a blessing it is beyond comparison that God should make us his Garden and set up his Tabernacle among us the Church is called the Garden of Eden from the first we are excluded by Adams sin but in this we are Inhabitants by faith in Christ and there Christ doth meet with us to blesse us Exo. 20 21. Exo. 29.43 And so Israel was Gods Garden Cant. 4. and so is the Church gathered from the Gentiles Apoc. 2.7.2 Cor. 6 16.17 And marke how Ezek. 28. and Cant. 4. and Apoc. 2. doe allude to the first stories It is said to us to him that overcometh will I give to eat of the Tree of life which is in the midst ' of the Paradice of God this looketh to the first stories Ever since Adams fall mans corrupted nature is exceeding apt to forsake the faith and to cleave to the false Doctrine of Devils Our first Parents were pild by Satan of Gods Image and of created comforts and shut out of Paradise c. to be sojourners here they and their children as pilgrooms in hope of a better Countrey by Christ 1. Pet. 1.3 4. We are poore grooms pild and pold by Satan and his Seed and so shall be till we come to our Father which is in Heaven 2. Cor. 5.1 2 3 4. 5 6 7 8 9. Here we are pild-grooms and sojourners in this cursed World but live in hope of the Heavenly Paradise through the blessed tydings of the Gospell of Christ who hath brought life and immortality to light by that promise of Gen. 3.15 Israel being made Gods Eden and Garden they had the Tree of life among them so the Church of the Gentiles while they abide golden Gandlesticks and overcome false Doctrines and worldly lusts they doe and shall cate of the Tree of life and shall be nourished by it continually Apoc. 2 21. 22. The meditation of these things are a refreshing but my intent is not now for manifold explications The godly soul by holy study will help to enlarge an hundred fold 6. They had the Law of distinction of Beasts and Fowls of clean and un cleane and might offer in Sacrifice only of the clean Gen. 7. the like Law of distinction is Moses 7. They must not eat bloud that they might have a reverend apprehension of the bloud of Redemption by Christ Gen. 9. the like is in Moses 8. They had diverse kinds of Sacrifices the Meat-offering of Kain but the offering of Habell was of Beasts also they had Burnt-Offerings as in Noah the effect of Noahs sacrifice is termed as our Lord his passion and Drink Offerings Ephes 5. and Oyl Offerings Gen. 35. 9. They had Sacrifices often Job 1. they knew as they asked for dayly Bread so they needed dayly forgivenesse of sins so in Moses they had a dayly Sacrifice this Antiochus put downe for a while Dan. 12. 10. The cheif Father was Preist and * Jacob wrestled for that honour of the birthright most commonly the eldest as in Exo. 24 son was trained up to that function yet for many hundreds of yeares they had a peculiar Preist Sem the Son of Noah sir-named Mechizedek a figure of the Son of God Sem the great and reverend Deut. 28. the great High Pfeist of our profession who was Sacrificer to Iehovah God most high Possessour of Heaven and Earth And he was a directour and strengthner of the godly in holy wayes for five hundred yeares after the Floud to the fiftieth of Isaac Sem was a great stay to the Church of God to uphold the faith so shaken against the revelt of Nimred and the apostate Families Gen. 11. 11.
Tradition in reference to the last mentioned short Oâ—seâ—vations 1. Although the Church was taught by Tradition for 2513 years From the creation to Israels coming from Egypt is 2513 years yet the written word was no other Doctrine thâ—n was formerly taught by Tradition for all Genesis and much of Exodus was first delivered by Tradition till Moses wrote Genesis 2. The Eplstles to the Romans and Galatians open Gen. 12. 15. So John 1. and 1 John 3.8 open Gen. 3.15 So the Apostles Doctrine and writings are answerable to Gods Doctrine by Tradition for those 2513 years Ezek. 28. 3. That which Moses received by Tradition since Adam or by inspiration or both till he was 80 years old was no other than Christ gave him on Mount Sinâ—i which he wrote when he was shepherd to Israel 40 years So it is said by faith Abel offered by faith Araham when he was tried offered Isaac and by faith Moses kept the Paâ—leover and this holy faith hath commendation for all the godly of the old Testament Heb. 11. And the same faith we of Japhets house are exhorted to follow that Christ may be to our consolation to day as he was to them yesterday 4. And for that 2513 years wherein Religion was taught by Tradition Gods providence so ordered the affairs of his Church that while the families that hoped in Christ were few there were as is noted rate prophets long-lived and of great authority who although the Gospel was not written for ought we know till Moses times were most able to strengthen the faithfull of their times 5. The men that continued the Gospel by infallible Tradition from the creation to the giving of the Law are the first ten Fathers afore the flood Nine of them living together were a noble consistory to uphold the faith so shaken by the Apostasie of their own children and the wicked families of Cain 6. Then after the flood there were nine Fathers also of the holy line that lived together worthy Pillars against Niâ—rods revoâ—t these nine were Noah Sem Arphaxad Selah Eber Peleg Regu Serug Naho and so Sem Arphaxad Selaâ— Eber might and did instruct Abraham Sem Selah Eber and Abraham might and did teach Isaac Abraham Isaac and Eber taught Jacob Isaac and Jacob the twelve Patriarchs who left many godly that lived to Moses Moses Parents were godly Heb. 11. There was but 64 years between Josephs death and Moses birth 7. More briefly thus Adam taught the Gospel to Mathuselah and godly Lamech they two to Noah and Sem Sem taught Isaac Abraham and Isaac taught Jacob and Isaac and Jacob the twelve Patriarchs and they in Egypt held Religion sound while they lived and Joseph lived after Jacobs death 50 years and Levi 70 years after and there was 42 years between Levies death and Moses birth 8. The wisdome of God is admirable in the long life of the few families of the old holy men to preserve the faith by Tradition that Sem who lived with godly Lamech and Machuselah who saw Adam taught the Gospel to Isaac These four men Adam Lamech Sem Isaac could reckon years above 2000 but when mens ages were divers times shortened and at lâ—st brought to 70 years Psal 90. and when the Church of God consisted of many families and that the purity of Religion was forgotten and neglected after the death of the said Patriarchs of the most in Egypt for Israel in Egypt fell to the idols and Religion of Egypt then God commanded Moses in the wildernesse to write the word of faith and ever after it was the Standard and Cannon of faith and manners as all the Prophets after and our Lord Jesus Christ and the Apostles kept themselves to the written word and to this all the Israel of God is enjoined To the Law and to the Testimony saith Esaias Starch the Sâ—â—iptuâ—es saith the Lord Jesus Let the word of Christ dwell richly in you in all wisdome saith the Apostle of the Gentiles c. c This word of Christ is the holy Scripture and it teacheth us wisdome to salvation 2 Tim. 3. we are exhorted to give heed to the old Prophesie 2. Pet. 1. and thrice blessed are they that with an honest and good heart so do 9. All the Patriarchs were Bishops for their families 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 using all care to teach theirs from their Fathers speech what Sem i. e. Melchizedeck learned of Mathuselah taught of Adam of the holy Trinity and how our Lord should come of Judah the King of glory the eternall the framer of the world of that poor shepherd to be man to have his Tabernacle in us to look through the windows within our wall and also how Christ by death should vanquish him that had the power of death they did know that he should come down from heaven and did feed upon his flesh and blood comforted in sorrow by this hope they would not misse to catechise their sons in this point as Joseph gave 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to feed his brethren Gen. 47 12. so all godly gave 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to feed their families souls In one word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 never used afore but in Josephs story with the Septuagint Our Lord his gracious tongue calleth us to the Patriarchs story Luke 12.42 compared with Gen. 47.12 to look to the Kingdome of heaven not to the earth which God hath cursed so Mr. Br. in Lords Fam. Luke 12 42. 10. Observe a little more concerning Tradition in those 26. Collections above that we should consider that the Spirit of Christ in the holy Prophets by Tradition and in the Law written by Moses is like it self one and the same Doctrine and all for the glorifying of Christ as it is said The spirit of Prophesie is the Testimonie of Jesus He is the mark of all Apoc. 19. Let us consider briefly for the new Testament therein also God took the same course though not for so long a time by Tradition I conceive it is a good instruction for us to strengthen us against the false Positions of Romane Catholicks concerning their unwritten verities for we shall easily perceive God to be without shadow of change whether by Tradition or writing 1. The Birth Life and Death the Doctrine and Miracles of our Lord Jesus Christ were by Tradition till the four Evangelists had written them but when written then it was the rule of our faith John 20.30 31. 2. The teaching of the Corinâ—hians the Institution of the Supper of the Lord was a Tradition 1 Cor. 11. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 3. The Doctrine of the Resurrection of the dead to them was by Tradition 1 Cor. 15. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the 1 Cor. 15. was the same Doctrine he taught them 4. The Apostles teaching of the Man of sin that Son of Perdition was a Tradition to the Thessalonians 2 Thes 2.5 15. 5. Painfullnesse and diligence in a mans calling was a Tradition 2
the concision mistook all and turned all to be their own idoll and vanity in their bodily exercise to be so justified from sins guildnesse and filthinesse 9 Questionlesse Moses polity was a Covenant of grace in Christ and not a bare covenant of works For all the ceremonies were implicite promises all sponsorious of a better hope in Christ and because they despised to beleive this God was a consuming fire to them though they were never so exact in bodily exercise Ebr. 12. examine well how the Apostle speaks the same speach to the Hebrewes as Moses did to them of his time Deut. 4.24 10. And whereas Saint Paul saith that the Law of the Passeover came four hundred thirty yeares after the promise Gen 12.2 3. He doth not speak it as his judgment that it was a new covenant or all the Laws following it to be a covenant of works but reasoneth against the false Apostles taking up their phrase a Law of Works for he knew and hath witnessed that Christ delivered to Moses the Law of faith Rom. 10. conferred with Deus 30. 11. And whereas the Apostle saith Rom. 10.5 For Moses describeth the justification that is by the Law that the man that doth these things shall live by them This speach he citeth as it may be supposed from the allegations of false teachers * There is a Law for the ransome of the Soul by half a Shekel of Silver and so this was a tradition even in the Apostles dayes The Jews dispersed sent Silver to the Temple for their Redemption but the Apostle calls it a vain tradition of their Abothenu not looking to Christ the end of all read Exod. 30. 12 13.1 Pet. 1. so did Papists in carrying the Hâ—st to sick mens houses c. that so interpreted all Moses to be of the outward letter to build their comfort on themselves by bodily exercise And in this doing they must not misle in any eternall point no or in ceremonials commanded because of the course Deut. 27.26 And suppose they could have fulfilled all externals yet they could not have eternall life as the reward thereof it is not any exteriors only that procures life eternall And in deed to all externalls was too heavy an Yoke as the councill sheweth Act. 15. 12 It is true the holy Apostle useth tho phrase as abovesaid Law of Works in diverse places I have often thought that the Apostle in reasoning and disputing with false Teachers useth their phrase not that Christ in Moses commanded a Law of works to attain eternall life ex opere opeâ—ato the * In those days Apostacy from the saith was great and Christ â—ame to revaine this deâ—ection Dan. 9. Teachers before our Lords incarnation invented this phrase to rupting all holy Doctrine a Law of wâ—rks as a Schooleterme of their own against the true intent of the Spirit of Christ They by their false interpretations and expositions made all Moses a Law of works to themselves Christ in Moses did not make it so for they are reproved for stumbling at Christ the drift aime and scope of the Law though they might be unrebukeable in exteriours 13. But one would think that speech in Leviticus 18.5 truly understood according to Christs intent was part of the Law of faith for that Text is pâ—osecuted in Nâ—h 9 29. but not as a Law of works for we may suppose that the godly did not in the day of their humiliation confesse their sins and the sins of their fathers for not doing the Law of works but for the disobedience * According to Exod. 23.20.21 22. and it is true also they despised Christ in not doing but casting off all the exteriors Christ commanded and when they did so they much lesse cared for internals Exod. 30.12 13. of faith to the Son of God our Mediatour that gave to Moses the lively Oracles of faith and Ezekiel ch 20.11 handles this Text of Leviticus to the like effect and that speech of Levit. 18. is among the Gospel Statutes and judgements 14. In one sense it might be truly called a Law of works as thus if an Israelite had touched any unclean thing he might not come to the Tabernacle in his legal uncleannesse that he died not by some sudden stroak as Nadab and Abâ—hu and so the Priests mast wash also that they died not c. c. These externals they might do though they cared not for heart-worship in the faith and Love which is in Christ Jesus and so have their bodily life continued but life eternal is only promised to them that look to Christ by faith as he was typified by Moses rites and so bodily exercise by doing the outward works of the Law did profit a little for a bodily life and for an outward justification in their persons in respect of liberty to come into the Sanctuary but not for eternal iustification in Gods fight 15. And in such exteriors the Apostle was exact but all his Justification by bodily exercise of the Law which he was mistaken in were most vile to him when he knew Christ as he saith Phil. 3 7 8 9. But the things which were vantage unto me the same I counted losse for Christs sake yea doubtlesse I think all things but losse for the excellent knowledge sake of Christ Jesus my Lord for whom I have counted all things losse and do judgâ— alâ— things to be vile that I may win Christ and might be found in him not having mine own justification which is of the Law but that which is through the faith of Christ the justification which is of God the Father through saith in Christ So 2 Cor. 5.19.2 16. And therefore if Levi. 18. be understood as some would yet then God was a consuming fire to all though exact in externalls that despised Christ resting in the most exact bodily exercise then what life was that in Levit. 18â— 17. Whereas it is said Heb. 12. Ye are not come to the fiâ—rie mountain but are come to Mount-Sion c. If they of the Concision had seen the Son of God according to the Prophets Mark 1.1 as Mediatour it had been no fiâ—rie mountain to them to destroy them but if they saw him not in his Law he would be a consuming fire and persecuting Saul would have found him to be so for all his Law justifications but he was received to mercy being in his unbelief of the Son of God 18. Mount Sion and Ierusalem in Canaan was a city of bondage an Hagar and a fierie mountain after the ending of the Seventy Sevens Dan. 9. they not giving diligent heed to the holy Angel Gabâ—iels message but perversely swerved from it But Ierusalem was not a city of bondage in Davids and in Salomons times but it was an holy City and a faithfull Town yea it was so for the most part to be accounted till the ending of the Seventy Sevens but not any longer they doing cleaving to and resting in Salems
ceremonies which could not procure justification Acts 13.38 39 and 2 Cor. 3.3 must be understood to this effect The Letter killeth but the spirituall discerning Christ gave life the Letter onely was the ministration of death all were lively oracles in Christ as â—â—â—ephen witnessed and lost his life in that cause and that was the great controversie after the ending of the Seventy Sevens 19. Israel after the flesh and proselited Jews boasted in and trusted to exterior glories and so do at this day as Gods writing in the two Tables the Tabernaclâ— and Temple furnished with all dignity of matter and form and all their appendâ—nces doubtlesse the outward glory was great in these things of the Priesthood of Levi but when outward things were onely * See Exod 30. 12.1 Pet. 1.18 noted above prized esteemed and trusted in and that their hearts were so vailed that their worships terminated in the outward action then God left all in small regard and shook them all by Babel and abolished them by Rome and so all that outward glory was done away that Christ might be known to be the building in which God delighted to dwell and to take up his rest for ever Psal 132. Christ was the sacrifice in which God was well pleased Christ was far more glorious than all by Moses yea he was all in all and the glory of all But we must not think that the ministration that Christ ordained by Moses was simply the ministration of death and condemnation Is not the ministration of the Gospel under the new Testament the ministration of death and condemnation Doth it not savour death unto death to some as it savours life unto life to others So surely the Doctrine of life in Christ by Moses is the same after Moses had set down the sum of all the holy Doctrine of his Gospel Law Deut. 13.11.12 13 14. then saith he from Christ See I have set before thee this day life and good death and evill in that I command thee this day to love Iâ—â—â—vâ—h thy God to walk in his wayes c Deut. 30.15 16 c and in versâ— 19. it is said I call heaven and â—arth to record this day against you that I have set before you life and death blessing and cursing therefore chuse life that both thou and thy seed may live that thou mayest love Iehovah thy God that thou mayest ober his voice and that thou maist cleave unto him so he is thy life c. What is said more in the New Testament if any man love not Jehovah the Lord Iesus CHRIST let him be anathema 1 Co 16.22 c. and consider these Scriptures as relative to Moses John 3.35 36. and the speech of the son of consolation Acts 11. 23. Acts 28. with Isa 6. c. c. c. Therefore that speech 2 Cor. 3 is to batter down the errour of the concision who mis-understood mis-interpreted and so mis-believed the whole tenour of the Doctrine of Christ by Moses turning all his Doctrine of faith to be terminated in bodily exercise Our brethren would be exhorted to study the holy Scripture the errors of these times are impetuous but they shall not prevail long although they be driven on by the principalities and spirituall wickednesses of the powers of darknesse in all hellish fury And therefore again let us know the ministration of Christ by Moses was the Ministration of Justification to the Faithfull of the old Testament and the Gospel is not the Ministration of Justification to unbelievers and hypocrites in the new Testament but we are to consider the controversies of those dayes were marvellous that the Polity Christ gave by Moses should be abulished and the Apostles teaching of this was the chief cause of all their troubles and sufferings Gal. 6. Stephen so found CHAP. XXX Shewing further that Israel under Moses law was under a Covenant of grace 1. IN generall it is said You have I chosen above all people though all the earth be mine Take this speech how you will and still it was Grace 2 They were all redeemed or bought from Egypt by the blood of the Passeover Take this how we will it was grace in respect of the Apostate families so us redeemed from Satan and Satan dragon Caesars and from Satan-Dragon Popes It is true many despised the Lord that redeemed or bought them and so did we under the new Testament and still do wretches that we are 2 Pet. 2 1. Heb. 10.29 how ready for Apostasie 1 Tim. 4. c. But yet this Covenant of grace was not without effect to eternall life to many and the argument of the Apostle holds good in all generations Rom. 9 10 11. As Christ promised I am the God of Abraham and the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob and it is his memoriall to all generations to all of their faith whether Jew or Gentile 3. So by this if we mark well the processe of the holy story we may understand that the sons of Adam never were nor are plagued for not doing a Covenant of works but for despising Christ his Gospel and Kingdome That unexpressible plague of the confusion of tongues 2000 years came not but for despising Christ and his Kingdome and the Jews are cast off for this and to this day Turks and Papists are destroyed for the same and the ungodly and unrighteous in the Reformed Churches 4. They were under a Covenant of grace as much as any Reformed Church under the new Testament for all we may fear are not elect among the Churches finis operis did intend them all it did not exclude any from being under the covenant of grace to outward apprehension though finis operantis was for the elect as Moses speech Dâ—ut 29. ult would argue and so it is in all Reformed Churches No Nation but Israel were the houshold of faith and had the covenant of promise and enjoyed God and Christ Rom. 3 and 9. Ephes 2. and 3. therefore they were under a covenant of grace if they had not been in that state not one of them should have been saved and if they had been under a covenant of works for salvation they needed not to have been a Kingdome of Priests mark that speech in Epb. 1. We which first trusted in Christ that is we of Israel under the old Testament this is a most evident proof that they were under a covenant of grace 5. Examine well Exod. 19.4 Christ saith to Israel I have brought you to my self as the fathers had appointed him as Exod. 23 21.22 He saith the same Doctrine to us in the new Testament All things are delivered to me of my Father Mat. 11. and so it is shewed Christ made a covenant with them to be their God and to bring them to the Father to reveal the Father to them The Apostle prayeth that we may attain to comprehend the heighth depth length and breadth of the love of Christ and of his
from heaven to comfort him and it is most evident that Christ was not forsaken for the holy Angel did not come from heaven to the Lord Jesus without a commission from the heavenly Father to whom the humanity prayed and therefore in the closure of his meritorious sufferings his heart rejoyced and his tongue was glad and being full of faith and comfort he said Father into thy hands I commend my spirit and then he sent out his Spirit from his Body 10. Again if some shall say the wrath of God as some understand wrath killed Christ We should be well advised what passeth the doore of our lips for Christ our holy Mediatour said I have power to lay down my life Jâ—â— 10.17.18 and have power to take it again This commission or commandement have I received from my Father also he said As the Father knoweth me so know I the Father and lay down my life for the sheep therefore doth my Father love me because I lay down my life that I may take it again Joh 15. As the Father hath loved me so have I loved you continue ye in my love If ye keep my commandements ye shall abide in my love even as I have kept my Fathers commandements and abide in his love John 16. Ye shall be scattered every man to his own and shall leave me alone and yet I am not alone because the Father is with me These Scriptures and others are prevalent to make one think and believe that he was not under the wrath and curse of God in any respect or consideration as some understand wrath not for one minute of an hour for surely the Son of God our Lord Jesus Christ was a most willing Mediatour and Redeemer for us to God our Father he gave himself a voluntary and free will offering to our heavenly Father for us and therefore no force did separate his soul from his body but he did that act by his own power as the formality of his Sacrifice 11. Many Ministers have some expressions about our Lords Sufferings which many godly and learned Divines have testified are not warrantable for what are we dust and ashes to speak of God and our Redeemer and Mediatour words not comely but we all should consider that aâ— Moses spake nothing of his own mind nor Christ in the flesh nor his Apostles from him but what he taught to Moses and the Prophets So we should all speak from his holy Scriptures sound Doctrines wholesome Doctrines plain and pregnant speech sound and uncondemnable 12. The assertion that our Lord suffered hell-torments in this life in his soul or body appeareth not true by any Scripture True modesty would look to Scripture phrases in handling our Redemption The ill translation of the Article and the bad interpretation of it but especially the mistaking of the Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 hath filled the Church of Christ with much trouble and the smoke of the Pit which hath troubled many mens eyes hath also been a great occasion thereof but now the smoke is much vanished blessed be God 13. Beloved Reader we desire to reverence his word by whom the world was made his word is of sufficient authority with us and to that we through the strength of Christ will cleave as to our life therein is these words And the Bread that I will give is my flâ—sh namely that I will give in sacrifice for the life of the world Joh 6. And this is at large expounded Heb. 9 But Christ being come an high Priest of good things to come by a greater and more perfect Tabernacle not made with hands I mean not of this building neither by the blood of goats nor calves but by his own blood he entered once into the holy place having obtained eternall redemption for us And it is also sald that without shedding blood is no remission and this is further amplified How much more shall the blood of Christ who through the eternal spirit offered himself without spot to God purge your consciences from dead works to serve the living God And for this cause he is the Mediatour of the new Testament that by the means of death this is not the second death for the Redemption of the transgressions that were under the first Testament they which were called might receive the promise of the eternall inheritance Chap. 10. By the which will we are sanctified through the offering the body of IESUS Christ once for al He. 10. And so he doth most sweetly and confortably speak in verse 19. 20 21. and in deed all that Epistle doth open Ioh. 6. most heavenly 14 Againe if Orthodox Churches yea the most Orthodox are so infallible that our faith must be resolved in part into their commentaries expositions c. how cometh it to passe that some do differ in Church discipline from so many reformed Churches both from Geneva Zurick Scotland Low Countries c. that they neither scotize it with the Scot nor Genevate it with the zealous Towne of Geneva they fall it may be under reproof in not agreeing with but discording the judgement and practise of the best and reformed and Othodox Churches in discipline And they had need to shew very good reasons of their so dissenting or they are to blame or else some may say came the word of God out from them or came it unto them only yea and may not others say so too of the best Orthodox Churches came the word of God out from or came it unto them only that men must be judged by them But the Holy Ghost hath charged us in his cause be not the Servants of men 1. Cor. 7. 15. The Pontificians said that our fore Fathers had the word of God from them and therefore they did by Egyptian Bondage tye our Ancestors to their Doctrines and Councils and at last to the Pontifician chaire and caused all Christs Witnesses to mourne in Sack-cloah that would not obey their constitutions But the Lord our God hath delivered us from that house of cruell bondage of mysticall Egypt And Christ saith his Magistrates must not bring his people back againe to Egypt Deut. 17. 16. We are of Japhets posterity And it is said God perswade Japheth to dwell in the Tents of Sem. So that we must know Japheth our Father and his faithfull posterity had their faith from Sems Tents and not from the Tent of the seaven Mountaine City of King Abaddons Kingdome And this holy faith was taught to Japheths posterity by the Sons of Sem the Prophets and Apostles The Apostles and Disciples taught this faith from the Scriptures of the Prophets at the commandment of the everlasting God to the Romans Corinthians and Galatheans Ephesians Philippians Colossians Thessalonians and the other Churches of Asia round about from Ierusalem to Illiricum and also to Dalmatia Croatia and doubtlesse to Spaine Rom. 15. And also to great Brittany as ancient Histories and as Master Speeds chronicle declareth Therefore it
number of 518. which is thus cleared It was from the coming out of Egypt to the foundation of the Temple 48â— years which was laid in the fourth year of Salomon to which adde 37 years for the rest of Salomons Reign and the year wherein the Ten Tribes made their Division from Judah and so you have 518 years and this way doth also still maintain the generall summe of 3960 years CHAP. XL. Another expression of the holy Chronicle which the former Dialogue hath followed FRom the first Promise of Christ to destroy Satans works unto the Flood the first generall manifestation of wrath and judgement upon the seed of the Serpent for despising the Promise are years 1656. From the Plood to the promise made to Abraham of restoring blessednesse in Christ to the Apostate families in Gen. 10.11 are years 427. From the Promise to Abraham to the glorious and mighty Redemption of Israel from Egypt and the giving of the Law of the Passeover Gal. 3 are yeas 430. From the coming from Egypt to the Foundation of the Temple a figure that the Son of God would make not the nature of angels but the Seed of Abraham his Temple are years 480. Thence to the burning of the Temple That Israel should not glory too much in outward Ceremonies and therefore God did shake them by Babel are year 427 Thence to the overthrow of Babels Monarcy by Cyrus and Darius and sending the Jews home from Captivity are years full 50. Thence to he death of the MASSIAS and ending of all Moses ceremonies which is that once more that Christ said he would shake them to settle that which should remain untill his second most glorious appearance is 490. The whole summe is 3960. These seven Pillars may well be resembled to those seven that wisdome hewed out Prov. 9.1 which hath the golden chain of times fastened to them upon which hang the glorious Curtains of needle-work the embroidered prophesies and stories of the eternall wisdome In which there is a Table spread and furnished with all varieties of grace to feed the soul in Christ who is the cluster of Redemption and ought to find a lodging betwixt all faithfull breasts CHAP. XLI A third expression of the holy Chronicle IT is glorious to meditate how the Sun in all his journies did constant service to the SON Eternal in a marvellous distinction of times and most harmonious manner in which is seen how his Mediatorian Kingdome was exercised mall ages in mercy to the godly and in severity to the wicked opposers From the miraculous creation to the miraculous over flowing the world by waters are years 1656. From that inundation to the death of Terah who was first of the Fathers of the holy Line that corrupted the true sacrifice to flames of idolatry are years 427. From the death of Terah and the promise to Abraham made presently upon his death to the ending of Israels peregrination in the Land of â—am 430. Thence MOSES was to Israel a Shepherd in the wildernesse years 40. From Mâ—â—es death to the conquest and Partittion of the Land of â—anaan by Jesus a type of JESUS Christ the Son of God that hath procured for the people of God the true Rest Jos 14.20 are years 7. Thence by seven Jubilees the time of the Arks abode in the Tribe of Ephraim at Shiâ—oh at the ending of which Jubilees the Ark was captived but Christ gave them it again then was the Transmigratirn of the Ark to the Tribe of Judah those seven Jubilees are years 350 Thence by Seventy Sevens to the first captivity by Babel Then Christ did to Jerusalem in part as he did to Shi Ioh Jer. 2. 490 By Iudahs captivity and subjection to Babel then the Land of Israel kept Sabbath seventy years as Moses foretold Levit. 26. 70. Lastly by the most comfortable Prophecy and Promise of Reconciliation by the death of CHRIST at the end of Seventy Sevens of years Dan. 9 24. 490. The whole Summe 3960. 7 Iubilees are 350. 70 Sevens are 490. 10 Sevens are 70. 70 Sevens are 490 Â Â 1400. 28 Iubilees or 1400 years from the conquest of the Seed of the Serpent by Ioshua to the victory of our Lord Iesus CHRIST over sinne death and the grave and over him that had the power of death the Devil CHAP. XLII Of the Geometricall Frame of the processe of Times THE Stones in Salomons Temple were not more curiously fitted for the building then the times of the holy Scriptures are from Moses death neither is any army more orderly composed then the times revolution by the infinite providence of CHIST Seaven yeares of conquest and partition of Chanaan Seaven Jubilees the Tabernacle of Moses and the Ark of the Covevenant at Shile for Ephraim glory Seaven Seavensies began with the Transmigration of the Arke of the Covenant for Judahs glory Psal 78. Seaven Tenns for Captivity to feel Ieremies Lamentations And then againe the former measure of Seaven Seavensies to find comfort in servitude which none but the poor in spirit and mourning will ever find Vid Mr. Br. in Advert 72. CHAP. XLIII Further Considerations of these 28 Jubilees that the godly student may delight in the holy Book of God THE plainnesse of Gods dealing still calleth us to mind of a first Sabbath by a like account of Sevens which also is usuall through the Scriptures and especially from Moses times And that cannot be denied Now that the whole record of the Sunnes service for twenty eight Jubilees unto the Sunnes service prophesied Dan. 9.24 c. which was spoken by an Angel to make us shine in Justice and that it may shine in plainnesse diligently ponder and observe 1. Moses in Levitions chap. 25. telleth that the Jubilee shall be an holy year and the old Hebrew Doctors thereupon in the Zohaâ— as learned say write thus In the Iubile year Shecinetha that is the Majesty of God having his Tabernacle with us will be Freedome Redemption and Sabbatisme to Israel by the Angel Gabriels years the last Iubilee that ever the Jews had in their Land shall fall out at our Lords death in which year the Majesty shewed it self upon the Mountain to Peter Iames and Iohn with Moses and Elias and became to us freedome i. e. justification and redemption and finisher of Mosaicall Sebbaths consider the proceeding of times herein 2. Seven years were spent before Israel had conquered and parted the Land Before the Partition the Iubilees could not begin and by Moses words the next year after was to be the first of fifty for the Iubilee Thence unto our Lords death are 28. Iubilees exactly year 1400. 3. In that we have a long time broken the whole frame of both Testaments by suffering heathen Olympick toyes to call us from the wisdome which Gabriels healthy and heavenly message had and offereth to us we must confesse that God hath been angry with us justly in giving over the world unto blindnesse whereas that Prophecy
state of time that the holy spirit did testifie in the Prophets for the coming of Mesas and his sufferings and glory that should follow in his Resurrection ascension and sending gifts to convert the Nations 1 Pet. 1.11 by his death to confirm the promises made to the faithfull and to be the truth of all the types which were all sponsorious of a better hope but of the time of his second coming there was not that need to know For it is said But of the times and seasons brethren ye have no need that I write unto you for your selves know perfectly that the day of the Lord shall come as a thief in the night 1 Thes 5. 3. Of the Chronologie of the New Testament the spirit of Christ hath not disposed an orderly processe of times neither historically nor prophetically from his death There is no time cast in the Apocalyps For God would not begin to accompt the times after the death of Christ but he must have gone through with it else it had been a fault in art but that he would not because of the end of the world he would conceal that no man nor angel knoweth it the Son in respect of his humanity is said not to know the time who yet giveth the Apocalyps to Iohn but nothing is unknown to his Godhead who is the first and the last The thousand years are spoken of for the loosing of Satan Apoc. 20. but the history is not cast by course of time the thousand years begin we may best suppose from the writing of the Apocalyps 4. But behold the wisdome of God To teach us in whom we have rest that most graciously ordered times most exactly till the death of Christ in a most pleasant Sabbatick * accompt tres-remarkable from JESUS the son of Nun to our IESUS that saveth us from our sins Thus he did that the whole Nation of the Jews should not misse but by willfull and despitefull swarving to receive him the true Messias Heb. 2. 1. 6. and 10. to leave all the ceremonies and to look to him the end and scope of all and this time was it often noted and needfull often to be noted wherein the Gentiles should begin to be brought to Sâ—ms Tents and thence to learn salvation 5. When all this was done there needed no times to teach us ceremonially of Christ to come for his government and offices are perpetuall and shall never be abolished as Levies Priesthood till he re deliver up the Mediatorian Kingdome to the Father and till that time we all should joyfully look in watching when the Bridecrome will come 6. The Gencalogie and Chronologie served to the promised Lands glory The non-continuance of genealogies after the apostles times shall be to-ched else to the people of Israels glory to the Tabernacles glory to Ierusalems glory to the Temples glory and to Salomons Kingdomes glory for the glory of all these ended when the Chronologie and Genealogie ended for all the time of the old Testament they had that heavenly and glorious use 2. Blessed be the name of the Lord God for ever and ever for wisdome and strength are his and he it is that hath altered times places and persons to the glory of the unchangeable Priesthood and never ending Kingdome of his dear Son our Lord Iesus Christ to whom be glory and praise everlasting Amen CHAP. L. Being a Caveat to beware of such Satanicall spirits that prattle about the expectation of new Apostles and new Revelations 1. AS is said for the Chronologie and Genealogie of the the old Testament that the infallible use of them did cease after the new Testament was written so we may say for the other holy Doctrine of Christ that we need not to regard the vanity of wretched men in expectation of new Apostles and new Revelations but studiously to cleave to what is left and ordained to us in the holy writings of the Prophets Evangelists and Apostles 2. As our Lord and Saviour said He that will not hear and believe Moses and the Prophets will neither hear nor believe if one should rise from the dead so truly we may say he that will not hear and believe the holy Evangelists and the holy Apostles writings who wrote of the doctrine life death and resurrection of Christ is as far from holy faith as ever any Sadducie was for Christ is risen from the dead and after his Resurrection gave commandement what his Apostles should preach unto the Nations and we see what it was they taught by the four Evangelists by the book of the Acts by their Epistles and by the Son of God in his Apocalyps 3. And that we might not be deceived by the ungodly 1 Cor. 4s to look for new Apostles mark what the apostle Paul saith plainly that himself and Earnabas and other Apostles then living were the last apostles 4. Wherefore the apostles seeing the Churches began to be troubled with false apostles and with grievous and gangrenating errours and herefies and foretold of worse and more perillous times that men would not endure sound and wholesome doctrine but having sore ears should after their own lusts get them an heap of Teachers and should turn their ears from the truth and should be given unto fables therefore they gave warning as is seen in all their writings and have thus charged us from Christ That we be mindfull of the words which were spoken before by the holy Prophets and of the commandement of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour 2 Pet. 3.2 and Iudas Thaddeus saith thus in his Epistle But beloved remember the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ And the Apostle John saith He that knoweth God heareth us he that is not of God beareth nos us hereby know we the spirit of truth and the spirit of errour 1 John 4. 5. The faithfull obeyed this charge and commandement for many years after the apostles for the apostles had said what they had taught to the faithfull then living should be communicated to other faithfull for the instruction of others for above an 100 years after their dayes we have not writings of the Ancients they kept themselves to the holy Scriptures of the Prophets and apostles 6. And when the Ancients of the Primitive Churches began to write much about the second Century and after it is manifest they adhered to the holy Scriptures and commended them much to the people and some of the Ancients did so admire and advance the holy Scriptures that they adored the sufficiency of them for Doctrine of faith and manners 7. This is most clear for it is said the faithfull martyrs for 300 years suffered for the Word of God and the Testimony of Jesus Apoc. 6.9 and so the two witnesses suffered under the Beast of the Pit King Abaddon For the keeping of the commandemâ—nts of God and the saith of JESVS Apoc. 14.12 sofar off they were
from expecting new apostles and new revelations but hearkened to the apostles directions Col. 2.18 19 c. 8. Doubtlesse divine revelation in the Prophets and Apostles writings is a mercy beyond comparison no tongue is able to expresse the goodnesse of God in this his grace to the Church so the Saints ever have thought Psal 103.7 and 147.2 Tim. 3.15 16 17. 9. And let us beware of Satanicall spirits that prattle about the expectation of new apostles Apoc. 22.18 19. and new revelations for else we shall fall into the curse of the Lord Iesus who wrote his Apocalyps to the Churches where his appostles had laid the foundation of the holy faith and all Churches then and now we are admonished to hearken to that which Christ the Lord spake to the Churches All the apostles as it is thought but Iohn were departed this life when the Apocalyps was written 10. And let such take heed of illuminations new light as they speak yea to take heed of lying wonders of visible lights and sights and strange audible voices Iannes and Iambres heardened Pharaohs heart by such Satanical delusions And under the new Testament Satan and his instruments do and will do so to deceive Men and women so bewitched are hardened in pride stubbornnesse and curiosity c. that the holy Scriptures are but of mean estimation with such and prayer and praising of God and the seals of the covenant and an able and faithfull ministery yea godly magistracy these inestimable mercies are of no repute with them and Family exercises are deserted of them as things of bondage but the godly soul ever hath and shall find that the cleaving to the Prophets and apostles writings will be a most sure foundation for truth of Doctrine and for a godly righteous and temperate life and of joyfull hope when our eyes are closed in the dust 11. Without question those that expect new apostles and new revelations Satan hath new Revelations for even our first Parents because they stuck not fast to the revelation of Gods will but hearkned to new revelations from that counterfeit angel of light Satan they were deceived and still Satan doth labour to bewitch mens minds with corrupt and bad opinions and with vile courses of life 2 Tim. 3. I. 109. being not content with the Scriptures of the Prophets and apostles which are not scaled but made known to us by Messias coming who hath in them told us all things needfull to be known Therefore it is said concerning this very thing He that is unjust let him he unjust still and be that is filthy let him be filthy still and he that is righteous let him be righteous still and he that is holy let him be holy still 12. I will conclude this to the godly Reader with that of the apostle Peter Ye therefore beloved seeing ye know these things before beware lest ye also being led away with the errour of the wicked fall from your own stedfastnesse but grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Iesus Christ to him be glory both now and ever Amen CHAP. LI. The Exposition of the times mentioned in in the Apocalyps 1. THere is mention made in chap. 11. of 42. moneths and 1260. dayes those shew the rage and cruel persecution of the Beast of the Pit against the two witnesses 2. In chap. 12. There it is told 1260 dayes and of a time times and half a time which are spoken of the Dragons cruelty in the Caesars 3. In chap. 13. There is also mention made of 41 moneths which is to be understood both of the Tyranny of the Caesars the sixth head that was wounded to death and of the Tyranny of the Beast like a Lamb that healed the wounded head of the Government of the Empire 4. By these times so variously expressed in divers chapters Beroald and M. Broughton ancient and later Expositours shew that by them is meant the quality of State not length of years namely that the Church should be afflicted with the afflictions of Christ who was persecuted three years and half by the seed of the old Serpent 5. The like analogie is from Isa 49. and 61. Luk. 4. and 2 Cor. 6. As by the acceptable year of the Lord is meant the Iubilee year in which Messias Christ our Lord was given for a covenant and laid down his life for our justification redemption and ending all Moses ceremonies But now all time of the Gospel to the end of the world is the accepted time and the day of salvation and the acceptable year of the Lord. The like force is in 1 Cor. 5. That all in the Church must keep the feast of Christ our Passeover who was sacrificed for us with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth to the end of all Ordinances that is till the Son of man come to deliver up the Mediatorian Kingdome 1 Cor. 11.26 The time of Tyranny under the Caesars was three hundred years yet by Metonomia meaning the argument of persecution from our Lords time it is called three years and half the matter sheweth twice in chap. 11. and twice in chap. 12. and once in chap. 13. that proper time cannot be meant and the same is to be understood of the persecution of the Beast of the Pit They who think to get any certainty from these numbers deceive themselves and their Readers The allusion is most heavenly calling Christ still unto mind Our Lord preached 42 moneths or 3 years and an half or dayes 1260 or a time two times and an half so that these numbers in the Apocalyps mean no certain time but the manners from a like time is meant The persecuting Pharisees and Sadduces were revived and continued by the Caesars and Popes The Caesars Persecution as is noted lasted 300 years and the persecution of the false Lamb lasteth yet and will till the Lord cast him and his deceived into the Lake of fire and brimstone 7. The seven Seals the seven Trumpets and the seven phials are not distinguished in time in the Apocalyps none of these are or properly can be referred to any exact time 8. I will add a little more in briefe of the times of the New Testament which will give some light to all that may read the Histories of the Church Mr. Patrick Symson of the History of the Church will much help the Reader The ten Persecutions lasted three hundred yeares by the Infidell Roman Emperours the sixth head of the Roman Beast from Nero to Constantine that time was an age of violence Thence to Phocas who murthered his Master the Emperour Manritius who confirmed the Papacy to Boniface the Third about the year six hundred and six and then Mahomet rose about that time or somewhat after This time of three hundred yeares was an age of fraudulence by Hereticks Arius Pelagius Donatus Marcion Nestorius c. they were confronted by Fathers Athanasius Hillary Basil Nazianzen Clâ—ysostome Augustine