as the Lord commanded them in order so were accounted righteous and in order according to the Law Exod. 12.48 Lev. 16. Deut. 6.25 1 Chron. 15.12 13. So even so all they that and will prove themselves visible Christians in order since the Resurrection of Christ must walk up in the Doctrine or beginning word of Christ and in all his Ordinances which declare Christ come in the flesh John 1.31 Rom. 6.3 4. 1 Cor. 11.2 Act. 2.41 42. Chap. 3.23 2 Thes 2.15 Thirdly We are to give more heed to the word of Christ so as to keep his Statutes walking in order according to them Heb. 2.1 2 3. 1 Tim. 1.3 Chap. 6.3 4. then the children of Israel were to the Law yet Moses was like to be slaine because he had not circumcised his son Exod. 4.24 25. and Vzza was slaine for touching the Arke 1 Chr. 13.9 10. because they carried it not in due order Ch. 15.12 13. and the Lord sharply reproveth the Jewes for receiving into his house uncircumcised in heart and uncircumcised in flesh Ezek. 44.7 9. So then it is plain that no uncircumcised person was to be received into communion under the Law nor none of the house of Israel could stand before God with acceptance but they that walked up according to the Law and we are to give more diligent heed to Christ then they unto Moses therefore the Church of Christ ought to receive none into communion but such as beleeve and practise all the Principles of the Doctrine of Christ professing from the heart obedience to that forme of Doctrine Rom. 6.17 and they only are to abide in communion that walk up in all the Commandements of the Lord orderly Fourthly the Church of the Tessalonians is commanded in the name of the Lord Jesus to withdraw from every brother that walks disorderly and not after the instructions received of the Apostles 2 Thes 3.6 Now if they were to be cast out of the Church that walk not after the instructions of the Apostles it followeth that they are not to be received into the Church that never came up to the beginning of a Christian man so as to own all the Principles of the Doctrine or beginning word of Christ for that were to build again the things we have destroyed and so to make our selves transgressors Gal. 2.18 Object But there are some in the Nations which holds Infants Baptisme and submit not to the order of the Doctrine of Christ yet are precious in the sight of God and have communion with him therefore may have communion with the Church Answ I grant that some in of the Nation may fear God and have acceptance with him yet it doth not follow that they may be in communion with the Church for the Woman of Samaria had acceptance with God yet had not communion with the Jewes neither did Christ account her to be a child of the old Covenant Mat. 15.26 27 28. and Cornelius prayers heard and yet not received into communion with the Jewes nor with the Church of Christ untill he was Baptised Act. 10.6 47. and under the old Testament it was not enough to profess the circumcision of the heart but they must be circumcised in the flesh also or no communion as it is shewed before and you may see Exod. 4.24 25 26. Ezek. 44.7 Gen 17.14 So even so none but such as profess faith in Christ and are baptised into Christ and so put on Christ so made Disciples according to the Doctrine of Christ John 4 1 2. 1 Cor. 12.13 Gal. 3.27 are to be received into the Church of Christ Further for the proof of this note what the Apostle saith Rom. 16.17 Mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the Doctrine that ye have learned and avoid them And the Apostles serperated the Disciples from all others Act. 19.9 Note also 1 Tim. 6.1 3. Chap. 3.4 5. And we are commanded to seperate and to touch no unclean thing 2 Cor. 6.7 now to bring into the Church believers seed in infancy by baptising them is to know them after the flesh and so to touch an unclean thing and so they that do it are transgressours yea very much crosse the plain way of the new Covenant in changing the Ordinance of Christ to a false Subject 2 Cor. 5.16 17. John 6.45 Isa 24.5 So then it is plain from the old and new Testament that to professe holiness in conversation is not enough so as to admit men into the Church of Christ but there must be also obedience in order to the form of the Doctrine or beginning word of Christ so worshiping God in spirit and in truth according to the new Covenant Rom. 6.17 John 4.24 so they are to be received into the Church of Christ and no otherwise therefore let every man mark well and behold with his eyes and hear with his ears what is said unto him concerning all the Ordinances of the house of the Lord and all the lawes thereof and mark well the entering in of the house with every going forth of the sanctuary Ezek. 44.5 Furthermore mind also that though the Apostles did bear with the Churches in severall things of the Law of Moses because they were once commanded of God and they being conscientious to them not being truly enlightened yet they did not receive into the Church nor bear with them that did not obey Christ in his Ordinances so as to walk up after the new Covenant as it hath been shewed and this further appeareth in many places of Scripture take some for many Phil. 3.17 2 Thes 2.15 Gal. 1.8 9 1 John 2.4 5 6. 2 Pet. 3.2 Object But some men may say I contend more for Baptisme then for other Commandements of Christ Ans To which I say the Lord knowes I do not but I do with a good conscience contend for those Ordinances that men have made void by their tradition of which Baptisme is one for there is one Baptisme Eph. 4.5 which is Believers only for sprinkling of Infants or Baptizing them is not the Ordinance of Christ nor is no more accepted with God then offering a lamb or any thing under the Law that had a blemish Exod. 12.5 Lev. 22.20 25. But for Believers Baptisme it was as much honoured as any Ordinance for Jesus himself being about thirty years of age was Baptized the spirit of God descending like a dove lighting upon him There came a voice from heaven saying this is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased Mat. 3.16 17. Luke 3.23 Father Son and Spirit in a singular sence met at Baptisme and so Christ was in a most excellent way vissibly declared to be the Son of God and so every Believer in a singular sence at his Baptism is visibly declared to be the Child of God Object But some men have said that we are not to practice this Doctrine because the Author to the Hebrewes sayes not laying again these principles but be led forward to
or Apostles but Pastors and Teachers are to abide Therefore Messengers also for the Lord ascended up on high and gave gifts to men some to be Apostles Prophets Evangelists Pastors and Teachers one gift or office is to continue as long as the other that is plain if you note the Scripture and that is till Christ cometh as hath been shewed before Again if you note the Scriptures you may see that there were more Apostles then the twelve for there was Paul and Barnabas which were set apart by the Church of Antioch and Titus and others that were Messengers of the Churches and the glory of Christ 2 Cor. 8.23 If they were made Messengers only to carry the contribution of the Church how can they be said to be the glory of Christ Let the wise judge they were great Preachers of the Gospel with Paul and Titus was left at Crete to redress the things that remain and to ordain Elders Titus 1.5 Therefore they were not set apart to carry contribution only though they did it upon occasion as Paul did but for the work of the Ministry and Epaphroditus was a Companion in labour and fellow Souldier with Paul and the Messenger of the Church of the Philippians Phil. 2.25 and the Church of Ephesus tryed some which said they were Apostles and found them liars Revel 2.2 Therefore there were many Apostles besides the twelve Again there is very much need if not as much as ever of Messengers to preach the Gospel and to make out truth to the Nations in these last times yea the Gospel is to be preached to every kindred tongue and people in these last times for a witness unto all Nations and then shall the end be Matth. 24.14 Rev. 14.6 Therefore Messengers ought to be continued till Christ come mistake not for I do not mean extraordinary Apostles as the twelve and Paul and Barnabas but such as to perswade men to what is written so to believe and obey the Gospel The way to chuse and set apart Messengers Elders and Deacons it is by electing them out of their own company I mean the Church is to chuse them by a free consent as in part hath been shewed before and by fasting and prayer and laying on of hands on them they are so to be set apart to their several offices Acts 1.23 26. Chap. 6.5 6. Chap. 14.23 where the word Election is left out in the new translation but it is in the old and cannot be denied to be in the Greek the Elders or Pastors work is to feed the Flock of Christ and to take care of the Church and of every Member thereof looking up the Sheep if they go astray labouring in the work of the Ministry giving in meat in due season Matth. 24.45 being unto them that believe an ensample in word in conversation in love in spirit in zeal in faith and in pureness 1 Tim. 4.12 Acts 20.28 Matth. 18.12 Not as though they were Lords over Gods heritage feeding the Flock not by constraint but willingly not for filthy lucre but of a ready mind 1 Pet. 5.2 3. let them be very diligent and faithful men in their places for cursed is he that doth the work of the Lord negligently The Deacons office is to look to the poor and to serve them with all necessaries the Church giving them sufficient to do it Acts 6. for qualifications of all the Officers see the 1 Tim. 3. and Titus 1. The maintenance that the Ministers of the Gospel ought to have is to be freely given them Matth. 10.8 Gal. 6.6 that is all things necessary that they may be enabled to do the work of the Lord and they also ought to endeavour to the uttermost to make the Gospel without charge 1 Cor. 9.18 Acts 20.34 35. Their Maintenance ought not to be by Tythes nor no forced Maintenance First Because the way of Christ is a way of love no duty is available but that which is done in love 1 Cor. 13. Gal. 5.6 Secondly The Priesthood being changed therefore of necessity the Law Hebr. 7.4.10.13 Thirdly The Levites had no lot nor inheritance in the Land of Canaan Deut. 14.27 and their work and labour of body was great about the Sacrifices and taught the people also 2 Chron. 35 11 12 13 14. And therefore the Lord gave them Tythes yet they were to give to the fatherless and stranger and widdow a part of their Tithes Therefore the Ministers of the Gospel being not Levites neither have the Christians a Canaan to divide by lot for they are not twelve Tribes springing from one man neither are the Ministers of the Gospel the hundred part of the Nations neither hath the Lord Jesus given them Tithes Therefore they that take Tithes wrong their own souls in doing that which is unlawful Fourthly They that take Tithes or force it to be paid destroy or make void the Law of Christ which is a Law of love for forced service cannot be in love therefore the Ministers of the Gospel have received a gift to preach and freely received freely give Matth. 10.8 Rom. 12.6 Ephes 4.8 11. And Christians truly knowing their duties will freely give unto them of their goods Gal. 6.6 or set before them that they need Luke 10.7 Fifthly They that take Tithes bring in the service of the Law which is done away 2 Cor. 3.11 and the Levitical Priesthood which is changed Heb. 5.6 12. and so deny Christ come in the flesh and forced maintenance bringeth in compelled service which is abhorred by God and good men therefore Tithes nor any forc'd Maintenance is not the Maintenance of the Ministers of the Gospel neither let any man say that the Magistrate hath power to force men to pay Tithes from that of Christ Matth. 17.27 and from that of Paul that we are to pay custome to whom custome belongs I say that in all civill things we ought so to do and rather then to offend to pay upon a civil account though it be not due as Christ did but when it is required upon a spiritual account as Tythes or any forced maintenance for Ministers we may and ought to refuse to pay and the Magistrate sins against God if he force men to pay it for the Magistrate as a Magistrate hath not nor never had power to judge in spiritual cases Luke 22.25 26. for that is by the Lord given to the Church Mat. 18.17 18. and he as a Member of the Church hath power to judge as every Member hath and no more but more of this in another place Also take notice of that Ordinance of Christ of washing the Saints feet it is commanded by Christ and a blessing promised to them that do it Exod. 13.14 15 16 17. and therefore it ought to be done and it setteth out Christs humility and puts us in mind of the same so declaring that the wayes of Christ are self-denying wayes and this is a self-denying thing and therefore serveth to humble the creature and
eat and drink of it eying Christ as his Body being broken and his Bloud being shed for our sins also take notice that the order of words doth not prove that the Bread must be eaten before the Cup is blessed for Paul speaks of the Cup first 1 Cor. 10.16 and Mark saith that when Christ had blessed the cup he gave it to them and they all drank of it before he noteth that Christ declared what it signified chap. 14.23 24. But it doth not follow in reason that they did drink all of it before he gave them to understand what the Wine being set apart signified so it doth not follow though Christ did blesse the Bread and gave it to his Disciples and bid them eat that they did eat before he blest the Cup but rather the Bread being blessed be blessed the Cup also that they might eat of that Breád and drink of that Cup discerning the Lords Body broken and his Bloud shed for remission of sins 1 Cor. 11.26 28. Moreover it ought to be a Supper with moderation because it is said to be a Supper and a Feast 1 Cor. 5.7 8. Ch. 11.20 and there is nothing in all the Scripture that is said to be a Supper if there be any eating at all that is lesse then an eating to satisfaction with moderation Secondly There is perfect satisfaction in Jesus the Saviour therefore to eat to refreshment is the more lively and full Object But it was not a Supper when Christ set it apart for it was eaten after the Passover Answ The Lord took them off from eating the Passover before they had done for the Scripture saith As they were eating he took bread and brake it and so the Paschal Lamb and the Bread and Wine together made their Supper for the two signes the Paschal Lamb and the Bread and Wine one holding out Christ to be slain the other Christ as slain meet Christ the substance being there but when Christ was slain the Passover was abolished no more to be kept the Ordinance of Bread and Wine which is called the Lords Supper only remaineth and is to be a Supper as aforesaid for so it holdeth out the substance Jesus excellently but let every man eat so much of this Bread and drink of this Cup as it may be most helpful unto him to discern the Lords Body broken and his Bloud shed for his sins and the benefits that come and shall come thereby but let every man take heed in the fear of God that they do not eat and drink too much as the Corinthians did better it would be for to eat and drink too little Also mind That there is only Bread and Wine to be eaten at the Lords Supper and no feast of other food for that which Christ and his Disciples did eat before the Bread and Wine was the Passover Lamb as the Scripture saith Mat. 26.18 19. Mar. 14.12 16. Lu. 22.13 15. and Paul maketh mention only of Bread and Wine in the 10. and 11. of the 1 Cor. and for the love feast that some talk of to be kept before they eat the Bread and drink the Wine there is no such thing written in the Scripture but there is a feast of charity spoken of Jude 12. which is that feast that Christ commands to call the poor the maimed the lame the blind let him that is able do this singular thing for Christ saith he shall be blessed for the poor cannot recompence him but he shall be recompenced at the Resurrection of the Just Also mind well That it is Bread and Wine after it is blessed not changed into the Body and Bloud of Christ as the Papists hold though it be said after it is blessed This is my Body which was broken for you and my Bloud which was shed for remission of sins it is so said because in a figure or shaddow it holdeth forth Christs Body broken and his Bloud shed for remission of sins and so the Passover Lamb did hold out the Lords passing over the first-born of Israel yet is called the Lords Passover it putting them in mind of the same Exod. 12.21 27. and also the Apostle saith it is Bread and Wine after it is blessed 1 Cor. 11.27 28. therefore not the reall Body and Blood of Christ So let a man examine himself whether he discern the Lords Body offered up as a Sacrifice for sin to make an Attonement for him and that he be in love and peace with all men so that in believing he may eat his Flesh and drink his Bloud so as that there may be a communion in one body Christ being the Head and so let him eat of that Bread and drink of that Cup. Moreover for the better being of the Congregations of Christ the Lord Christ hath appointed and given Overseers and gifted men and they are first Apostles or Messengers and Prophets and Evangelists and Pastors and Teachers for the Lord Jesus did ascend on high and gave gifts unto men for the gathering together of the Saints for the work of the Ministry for the edification of the body of Christ till we all meet together in the unity of the faith and knowledge of the Son of God unto a perfect man and unto the measure of the age of the fulness of Christ Eph. 4.8 9 10 11 12 13. 1 Cor. 12.28 And for the word Apostle it being Englished is Messenger for so the word holdeth forth and so it may be translated and is so 2 Cor. 8.23 they are to be chosen by the Congregation out of the Congregation for so was Matthias chosen Acts 1.23 24 25 26. And the Spirit commanded the Church of Antioch with the Prophets to separate Saul and Barnabas and send them forth Acts 13.1 2 3. And that was the will and way of God for after that in Chap. 14.4 14. they are both called Apostles and not before and so the Church are to choose Messengers still for the gathering the Church and establishing of the same so that they are to go forth to preach the Gospel that all may know God in Christ and own the truth as it is in Jesus Also it appeareth that Messengers or Apostles are to be in the Church till Christ comes from that in Rev. 18.20 and Ephes 4.10 11 12 13. That in Rev. the 18. sheweth that there shall be Apostles to rejoyce at the overthrow of Babylon or the Whore and that will be a little before the coming of Christ and that in Eph. 4. sheweth that they are for the gathering together of the Saints for the work of the Ministry for the edification of the Body of Christ till we all meet together in the unity of the faith and knowledge of the Son of God unto a perfect man and untill the measure of the age of the fulness of Christ Until the coming of Christ in person Therefore Messengers are to be till Christ come Again If Pastors and Teachers are to abide in the Church then Messengers
their first works he would remove their candlestick and John exhorts the Elect Lady and her children to look to themselves that they lose not those things they have gained but that they receive a full reward 2 John 8. And so he that continues in the faith to the end he shall be saved for the just shall live by faith Heb. 10.38 But if any draw back my soul shall have no pleasure in him Object But it is impossible to deceive the very Elect therefore men cannot fall from the true faith Mat. 24.24 Answ Christ speaks of such as make their calling and election sure by adding to their faith vertue and to vertue knowledge and to knowledge temperance and to temperance patience c. abounding in the bringing forth of fruit giving all diligence to continue therein according to 2 Pet. 1.5 6 7 8 9 10 11. they that do so shall never fall for the Lord God will give grace and deliver them from the evil of temptation making a way to escape that they may be able to bear it and so there is no condemnation to them that walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit and so none can lay any thing to those that so through Grace persevere to the end God justifieth them who can condemn them yea an entrance shall be ministred unto them abundantly into the everlasting Kingdome of our Lord Psal 84.11 1 Cor. 10.13 Rom. 8. But Further observe that such as have believed the Truth and do run well are called The elect of God 1 John 1.8 and are written for Heaven in the Book of Life which is the New Testament if they go on adding as aforesaid but if they turn again to folly and so turn from the holy Commandement and so come to be dead yea twice dead their names are blotted out of the Book of Life Gal. 5.7 Exod. 32.33 Rev. 3.5 chap. 22.19 and this will be fulfilled upon many in these last dayes for Christ saith That false Christs and false Prophets shall arise and deceive many Matth. 24.5 11. Now if they were not in the way to life they could not be deceived for they cannot be deceived and led out of the way which were never in it so then this is the way of the new Covenant they that through grace walk up after it are written for life and them that do not abide in the truth of it are written for death for the Lord will be with men while they be with him but if they forsake him he will forsake them 2 Chron. 15.2 John 15.2 10. So men are elected in Christ through believing the truth but they that depart from the faith depart from their election and choice for God hath chosen the godly man for himself not persons simply but godly persons and decreed to save them that so make use of his Grace so as to hold fast their confidence to the end Hebr. 3.6 and no other Object But the gifts and calling of God are without repentance Rom. 11.29 Answ It is true For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life John 3.16 And while we were yet sinners Christ died for us Rom. 5.8 So that God gave his Son freely for the world and so he cals men freely to believe that Christ died for them and gives time and space to all to hear and repent and this he doth whether men believe and repent or no so it is Christs death that makes the peace with God but it is made out by Faith Rom. 4.16 And so eternal life is the gift of God through Jesus Christ our Lord for in and through Christs death comes forth the glad tydings of Peace and so by him are all things 1 Cor. 8.6 for in him we live and move and have our being and by Christs death we are saved alive and are made able to believe so that justification is not of works but meerly of grace yet understand that Scripture in Rom. 11.29 speaks of the house of Israel how that the Lord God hath decreed to call the Jews and the whole House of Israel and make them one Nation and a glorious People and of this he will not repent But for the clearing up of this understand that when the fulness of the Gentiles is come in then the Deliverer shall come to Sion and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob Isai 59.20 Rom. 11.26 Christ the Redeemer shall come and gather the out-cast of Israel and the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth Isai 11.12 And make the two Nations of Israel one Nation neither shall they be divided into two Kingdomes any more at all Ezek. 37.22 And perform the good thing to Israel even the new Covenant according to that in Jer. 31. Behold the dayes come saith the Lord that I will make a new Covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah not according to the Covenant that I made with their Fathers when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the Land of Egypt which my Covenant they brake although I was an Husband unto them saith the Lord But this shall be the Covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those dayes saith the Lord I will put my Law in their inward parts and write it in their hearts and will be their God and they shall be my people and they shall not teach every man his neighbor and every man his brother saying know the Lord for all shall know me from the least of them to the greatest of them saith the Lord for I will forgive their iniquity and I will remember their sin no more And so a Nation even all them that remain of Israel shall be born at once and so all Israel shall be saved Isai 66.8 9 10. Rom. 11.26 27 28 29 30 31 32. Object But if any should say That these Scriptures were made good unto Israel when they returned from the Captivity of Babylon Answ That cannot be because both the Houses of Israel returned not at that time and so could not be made one Nation but when these Promises are made good the two Nations are made one and shall abide so forever and shall be moved no more at all out of their own Land Jer. 31.40 Consider well the 37. of Ezekiel especially from the 16. verse to the end Also it cannot be that these Scriptures can be fulfilled in the conversion of the Gentiles they being so made Jews for these Promises are made to the House of Israel and the House of Judah and the converted Gentiles are not called the House of Israel and the House of Judah in no place of Scripture Thirdly These things that are here promised to Israel and Judah cannot be made good to the Gentiles because the fulness of the Gentiles is to be come in when these things shall be made good to Israel Rom. 11.25
There the Apostle sheweth that he would not have us ignorant of this Mystery least we should be wise in our own conceits that blindnesse in part is happened to Israel until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in and so all Israel shall be saved as it is written Fourthly These Scriptures in the 11 of Isa 11. to the end and chap. 59.20 21. chap. 66.8 9 10. and Jer. 31. and Ezek. 37. and the Covenant in this place spoken of doth belong to the house of Israel and the house of Judah and that will plainly appear if you note well those Scriptures mentioned for Paul sheweth us in the 11. of the Romans All Israel shall be saved as it is written There shall come out of Sion the Delieverer and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob for this is my Covenant unto them when I shall take away their sins So the Apostle speaking of the 59 of Isai the .20 applying it only to the house of Israel and that the Covenant of the Lord is to them so as to take away their sins yea it is plain that he speaks of the house of Israel after the flesh because he saith as concerning the Gospel they are Enemies for your sakes but as touching the Election they are beloved for the fathers sake so you may see as concerning the Gospel they are Enemies but as touching the Election they are beloved for the Fathers sakes that is for Abraham Isaac and Jacob sakes for the Lords Covenant is with them and so they are chosen yea he speaks of them which should come of them which then were concluded in unbelief ver 32. which was the Jewes therefore he speaks not of the Converted Gentiles but of the house of Israel according to the flesh for the gifts and callings of God are without repentance vers 33. So I say the Lord God hath determined to call Israel and of this he will never repent Again this doth further appear that God will call again Israel after the flesh and teach them according to the new Covenant so they shall know him and worship him in spirit and in truth for Zechariah saith Thus saith the Lord of Hosts it shall yet come to pass that there shall come people and the Inhabitants of many Cityes and the Inhabitants of one City shall go to another saying let us go speedly to pray before the Lord and to seek the Lord of Hosts I will go also Yea many People and strong Nations shall come to seek the Lord of Hosts in Jerusalem and to pray before the Lord Thus saith the Lord of Hosts in those dayes it shall come to pass that ten men shall take hold out of all Languages of the Nations even shall take hold of the the skirt of him that is a Jew saying we will go with you for we have heard that God is with you Zech. 8.20 21 22 23. And Micah faith in the last days it shall come to pass that the mountaine of the house of the Lord shall be established in the top of the mountains and it shall be exalted above the hills and people shall flow unto it And many Nations shall come and say come and let us go up to the mountaine of the Lord and to the house of the God of Jacob and he will teach us of his wayes and we will walk in his paths for the Law shall go forth of Sion and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem Chap. 4.1 2. But now men say that these Scriptures were fulfilled when Judah retured from Babylon for the Jewes after their return from Babylon never enjoyed such things unto this day search and see and these Scriptures say that they shall be fulfilled in the last dayes and the Scriptures do not call them the last dayes that were before Christ came in the flesh therefore not fulfilled but before the house of Israel shall be called so as to believe the Gospel as it hath been shewed the Gospel of the king dome must be preached in all the world for a witness unto all Nations Mat. 24.14 according to Revel 14.6 And I saw another Angel flie in the middest of Heaven having the everlasting Gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth and to every Nation and kindred and tongue and people And this must be a little before and in the time of the fall of the Whore of Babylon and the rising of the man of sin the Antichrist as appeareth in vers the 8 9. And to this agreeth Mark 13.10 The Gospel must first be preached among all Nations compared with Mat. 24.14 and then the end shall be So the Gospel a little before the end shall be preached in the pure way thereof to all Nations so the fulness of the Gentiles shall come in But it doth and will so come to pass that now in this last of the last dayes the Gospel that is and shall be preached in the pure way thereof and the Whore of Babylon falling that the spirit of Antichrist doth and will more and more appear and the Antichrist the Man of Sin will come forth whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signes and lying wonders 2. Thes 2. for the Antichrist or Man of Sin is not the Whore of Babylon and for the right understanding of this truth mark well these seven Particulars 1. First Who is this great Whore of Babylon and where her chief seat hath been and is 2. Secondly Her fall and the means how and by whom 3. Thirdly What is the spirit of Antichrist and who hath that spirit 4. Fourthly That the Antichrist will be a single person 5. Fifthly The manner of his rising and when 6. Sixthly Some of the great things he will doe 7. Lastly His fall when and by whom Of these things in order But first I freely confess That many honest men fearing God in those latter times have been mistaken in saying that the Romish Whore of Babylon is the Antichrist that the Scripture speaks of but men may see in this latter part of the last time with a diligent and serious search of the Scriptures through grace that the great Whore of Babylon is not the Antichrist And it being so that God having shewed it me through the Scriptures I being not accounted of in the world knowing that God doth great things by them that are not esteemed among men that no flesh should glory c. And considering that this which I do in this work may be seasonable and for much profit to the People of God and for the praise and glory of God I shall shew in brief that the Whore is not the Antichrist And for the clearing up of this truth First you may see who this great Whore of Babylon is by noting her chief seat where it is and that is at Rome for John saith Rev. 17. That the great Whore of Babylon which sitteth upon many Waters is that City which reigneth over the Kings of the earth
of a furnace and the Sun and the air will be darkned by reason of the smoak of the Pit Rev. 11.7 Chap. 9.1 2. and neer the end of his raign when the sixt Vial is poured or pouring out then shall come three unclean spirits like frogs out of the mouth of the dragon and out of the mouth of the Beast and out of the mouth of the false Prophet for they are the spirits of Devils working miracles which go forth unto the Kings of the earth and of the whole world to gather them to the battel of that great day of God Almighty and he gathered them together to a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon Rev. 16.12 13 14 16. which is into the Land of Canaan according to Joel 3.9 10 11 12 13 14. Multitudes multtudes in the valley of decision and so I come to the seventh particular which is The fall of the Beast or Man of Sin and when and by whom Now Paul saith that the Lord will consume him with the spirit of his mouth and shall destroy him with the brightness of his coming 2 Thes 2.8 So when the enemy shall come in as a flood the spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him Isa 59.19 and so when the Lord himself shall descend from Heaven with ten thousand of his Saints to execute Judgment upon all and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds and of their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him Jude 15. Then the Sun and the Moon shall be be darkened and the Stars shall withdraw their shining the Lord also shall roar out of Sion and utter his voyce from Jerusalem and the heavens and the earth shall Shake but the Lord will be the hope of his people and the strength of the Children of Israel Joel 3.15 16. And in that day will the Lord make Jerusalem a burthensome stone for all People all that burthen themselves with it shall be cut in peices though all the people of the Earth be gathered against it Zech. 12.1 2 3 4. Then the Lora Jesus that Died and Rose again himself shall descend from Heaven with a shont and with the voyce of the Arch-angel and with the trump of God and the dead in Christ shall rise first Then we which are alive and remaine shall be caught up together with them in the Cloudes to meet the Lord in the ayre and so shall we ever be with the Lord 1 Thes 4.14 15 16 17. And so as Zechary hath it The Lord my God shall come and all the saints with him Chap. 14.5 And then the ten horns which received power as Kings in one hour with the Beast the Man of Sin These have one mind and shall give their Power and Strength unto the Beast These shall make war with the Lamb and the Lamb shall overcome them For he is Lord of Lords and King of Kings and they that are with him are called and chosen and faithful and so according to Rev. 19. The Lord Jesus the King of Kings and Lord of Lords with his Armies which were in Heaven following him upon white Horses cloathed in fine Linnen white and clean descends from heaven against the Beast the Man of sin And the Kings of the earth and their Armies gathered together to make warr against him that sate on the Horse the Man Christ and against his Armies and the Beast was taken and with him the false Prophet that wrought miracles before him with which he deceived them that had received the marke of the Beast and them that worshiped his image These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sate upon the Horse Which sword proceeded out of his mouth and all fowls were filled with their flesh So the Beast the Antichrist the Man of Sin and the false Prophet which did work miracles before him shall be taken alive and cast into a lake of fire burning with brimstone and so Tophet is ordained of old yea for the King it is prepared he hath made it deep and large the pile thereof is fire and much wood the breath of the Lord like a stream of brimstone doth kindle it Isai 30.33 And so as men are threatned in Rev. 14.9 10. That if they worship the Beast or his image and receive his mark in their foreheads or in their hands The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation and he shall be tormented with sire and brimstone in the presence of the holy Angels and in the presence of the Lamb So it shall come to pass when the Lord Jesus shall appear and therefore take the 11 verse And the smoak of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever and they have no rest day nor night who worship the Beast and his image and whosoever receiveth the marke of his name For this purpose read Isai 14.18.19 and Chap. 66.24 Ezek. 38.22 23. Thus the Lord will magnifie himself and sanctifie himself and he will be known in the eyes of many Nations and they shall know that he is the Lord And then in that day shall his servants say This is the Lord we have waited for Him we will be Glad in his Salvation Isai 25.9 So then we may see that the Whore is not the Antichrist that the Scripture speaks of for the Whore is set out in Scripture thus as a Woman a false Church as a Queen The Mother of Harlots and ahominations of the earth The Antichrist is set out thus A Man of Sin The man that did shake kingdomes The Son of the Morning The Son of Perdition Secondly the sixth Head of the Roman Beast carrieth the Harlot but the Antichrist the Man of Sin is the eighth and last Beast as hath been shewed Thirdly The Whore confesseth Christ to be come in the flesh and hath a shew and a remembrance of his Ordinances though she have changed the subject and manner but the Antichrist denies Christ come into the flesh and his Ordinances that declare him come in the flesh as it hath been shewed Fourthly The Woman the Harlot and her members that do worship according to her Traditions and inventions have space given them to repent and many do repent but they that do worship the Beast the Antichrist or receive his mark in their right hand or in their fore-head they cannot repent they must drink of the wrath of God c. as it is Rev. 14.9 10. and in Chap. 16.11 They repented not of their deeds note that the first vial is poured out upon the earth and the men that had the mark of the Beast and worshipped his Image are plagued therefore none of the vials are poured out until the Antichrist raigneth vers 1 2. Fifthly The ten Horns hate the Whore and destroy her and make her desolate
Rev. 17.16 But the Antichrist is taken alive when the Lord cometh and punished with everlasting deflruction from the presence of the Lord in a lake of fire 2. Thes 1.9 and Rev. 19.20 And so to draw to a conclusion I do desire all men to take heed to the Scriptures of the Prophets and Apostles for they are able to make men wise unto Salvation and if men speak not according to the Law and Testament it is because they have no light in them Isa 8.20 O give heed to the most sure word of the Prophets as unto a light shining in a dark place until the day of Christ dawn and the day Star arise in your hearts noting diligently all things that are spoken of that must come to pass for when the signs concerning Christs coming are come to pass the day of Christs personal appearing will dawn Secondly is there such a spirit of delusion among men wherein is a mystery of iniquity Then let all take heed that they seek the Lord while he may be found and to kiss the Son lest he be angry and ye perish in the way O do not neglect to read and search the Scriptures and walk up in that you do know be not deceived God will not be mocked what a man soweth that he shall reap for he that soweth to the flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting Gal. 6.7 8. Thirdly is it so that God doth and will give up men to a Spirit of delusion that they should believe a lye that they all might be damned who believed not the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness Then he exhorted from hence to forsake all unrighteous wayes in conversation and all whorish inventions of men in point of Worship for if Moses Law be abolished which was given to him by the Lord let no man think that he shall be excused if he worship according to mens inventions Fourthly let all the Saints consider and lay to heart what hath been spoken and search the Scriptures that they may be informed what is to come to pass and so according to Christs exhortation in Luke 21.36 Watch ye therefore and pray alwayes that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass and to stand before the son of man Moreover when the Lord thus overthrows Antichrist and his Armies and the Kings of the earth as it hath been shewed before and more plentiously appeareth in Scripture When the whirle wind of the Lord goeth forth with fury a cutting whirle-wind it shall remain with pain upon the head of the wicked the fearce anger of the Lord shall not return until he have performed the intents of his heart At the same time saith the Lord will I be the God of all the families of Israel and they shall be my people For God hath loved them with an everlasting love therefore with loving kindness he will draw them Jer. 30.23 24. Chap. 31.1 2 3. And it shall come to pass in that day that the great Trumpet shall be blown and they shall come that are ready to perish in the land of Assyria and the out-casts in the land of Egypt and shall worship the Lord in the holy mount at Jernsalem Is 27.13 So when the Enemies shall come in like a flood great enemies being gathered by the beast the Antichrist according to Rev. 16.13 14. being mâ—â— according to Joel 3.9 10 11 12 13 14. the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him then even then the redeemer shall come to Sion and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob saith the Lord Isa 59.19 20. compared with Rom. 11 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32. Then at that day the Lord himself which was dead and arose again and is alive for evermore Rev. 1.18 shall descend from Heaven with a shout with the voyce of the Archangel and with the trump of God and the dead in Christ shall rise first 1 Thes 4.14 15 16. compared with Isa 27.13 and so as Zach. saith The Lord my God shall come and all the Saints with thee and his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives which is before Jerusalem Chap. 14.4 5. then the Lord Jesus Christ the Lord of Hosts and Lord of Lords and King of Kings shall raign personally upon the earth in mount Sion and in Jerusalem and before his antients the house of Israel gloriously Isa 24.23 Rev. 17.14 Chap. 19.13 14 15 16. And for the further proof and clearing up of this truth That the Lord Christ shall raign personally on the earth more then a thousand years and all the Saints with him from Adam to his coming which dyed in the faith and are found in the faith at his coming are to raign with him upon earth First consider and mark well what the Scripture saith in the letter of it for the proof of the same the Prophet Jer. saith Behold the dayes come saith the Lord that I will raise unto David a righteous branch and a King shall raign and prosper and execute Judgment and justice in the earth In his dayes Judah shall be saved and Israel shall dwell safely and this is his name the Lord our Righteousness Chap. 23.5 6. Ask of me and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession Psal 2.8 In his dayes shall the righteous flowrish and abundance of peace shall be so long as the Moon endureth He shall have dominion also from Sea to Sea and from the river unto the end of the earth Yea all Kings shall fall down before him all nations shall serve him Pfal 72.7 8 9 10 11. verse 17. His name shall endure for ever his name shall be continued as long as the Sun and men shall be blessed in him All nations shall call him blessed and the Lord shall be King over all the earth in that day shall there be one Lord and his name one Zach. 14.9 Dan. 7.27 And the Kingdome and dominion and the greatness of the Kingdome under the whole heaven shall be given to the people of the Saints of the most high whose Kingdome is an everlasting Kingdome and all nations or dominions shall serve and obey him and Rev. 5.9 10. saith Thou hast made us unto our God Kings Priests we shall raign on the earth Chap. 11.15 And the seventh Angel sounded and there were great voyces in heaven saying the Kingdomes of this world are become the Kingdomes of our Lord and of his Christ and he shall raign for ever and ever Rev. 20. sheweth at large That the Saints shall raign with Christ a thousand years which cannot be understood but to be on the earth So then the letter of the Scripture speaks much that the Lord Christ shall descend from heaven 1 Thes 4.16 Acts. 1.11 and his feet shall stand upon mount
Olives which is before Jerusalem Zach. 14.4 and that he shall raign on the earth with his Saints And that it may not appear a strange thing observe well how the Scriptures were taken in the letter that spake of Christ to come in the flesh and his sufferings as A virgin shall conceive and bear a son Isa 7.14 Christ the King of Jerusalem and Lord of Lords and King of Kings riding upon an Ass and upon a coult the foal of an Ass Zach. 9.9 Mat. 21.5 of their giving him vineger to drink Psal 69.21 Mat. 27.48 again the selling of Christ the Lord of life and glory for thirty pieces of silver Zach. 11.12.13 Mat. 27.9 Much more might be said to shew that strange things were fore-told by the Prophesies in the Scripture concerning the coming of Christ in the flesh and his suffering and rising from the dead plainly declared in the letter yea men hardly believed them until they were fulfilled So then the Scriptures speaking plainly also of the Lord Christ descending from heaven to the earth and to raign on the earth with his Saints as it hath been shewed before why should it be thought to be uncredible Again there is a stream of Scriptures that declareth that the Saints shall suffer persecution and be in tribulation until the coming of Christ John 16.33 2 Tim. 3.12 Luke 14.2 27. Acts. 14.22 Yea the neerer the coming of Christ the greater trouble to the Saints 2 Tim. 3.1 2 13 Dan. 7.25 Luke 18.7 8. Rev. 7.14 Also the Scriptures declare plentiously that the Saints shall raign on the earth and flourish exceedingly and that a long time Psal 72.7 Isai 65.21 22 23. Daniel 7.27 Psal 149. Mat. 5.5 Rev. 2.26 27. Chap. 5.10 Chap. 11.15 Now observe it well how can this stand or consist that the Saints must from Christ coming in the flesh to his coming to Judgment suffer persecution and tribulation and yet must have a long time to raign and flourish seeing reigning over the earth and flourishing is inconsistant for men cannot be at one time in a persecuted troubled afflicted condition and in a raigning flourishing state therefore I say that Christ must reign on the earth and appoint his people a kingdome Luke 22.29 30. and so they shall reign with him on the earth Again there is a stream of Scriptures that declareth that there should be warrs and rumors of warrs in the last dayes Mat. 24.6 7. Mark 13.7 8. Dan. 2.40 Chap. 8. Chap. 11. Rev. 13. Chap. 17. Yea the fourth Monarchy which is the Roman power which did begin to raign before Christ came in the flesh and hath raigned in the sixth Head and will raign in the seventh and eighth which is of the seventh of that Roman power untill Christ come as hath been shewed before hath all a long brought in warrs and doth and will to the coming of Christ for the Scriptures shew that this fourth power will break in peeces and subdue all and stamp the residue with the feet of it Dan. 2.40 Chap. 7.7 So there hath been no long peace but devision and warrs and is and will be more and more untill the coming of Christ Dan. 2.42 43. Chap. 7.24 25. Joel 3.9 10. Exek 38. Chap. 39. Revel 16.14 Chap. 19.17 18 19. So then by the Scripture it appeareth from the coming of Christ in the flesh to the coming of Christ from heaven to judge the quick and the dead there hath and will be warr and to this Histories agree also that there hath not been no long peace in the world since the Jewes captivity in Babylon but very much warr But the Scripture sheweth plentiously also that there shall be a long peace in the whole world Psal 72.7 8. in his dayes shall the righteous flourish and abundance of peace so long as the Moon endureth Zach. 9.10 Isai 14.7 The whole world is at rest and is quiet they break forth into singing Mich. 4.3 4. And he shall judge among many people and rebuke strong Nations after off and they shall beat there swords into plow-shares and their spears into pruning hooks Nation shall not lift up a sword against Nation neither shall they learne Warr any More But they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig-tree and none shall make them afraid for the mouth of the Lord of hosts hath spoken it Isa 2.4 So then there hath been and will be warr untill Christ comes yet there must be a long time of peace and this peace never was nor cannot be untill Christ comes as the Scriptures of truth witnesse and then if the earth be utterly destroyed as some say then that peace cannot be But I say with the Prophet that that peace must be and it cannot be untill Christ comes therefore Christ will raign with all his Saints on the earth personally and then he will make warr to cease unto the ends of the earth he breaketh the bow and cutteth the spear asunder he burneth the Chariot in the fire saying Be still and know that Lam God I will be exalted among the heathen I will be exalted in the earth Psal 46.9 10. Again the whole house of Israel after the flesh shall be called as it hath been shewed before which cannot be untill the fulness of the Gentiles be come in and the appearing of Christ and this will appear evidently if you well observe what Isa saith 59.20 21. compared with Rom. 11.25 26 27. for the Apostle sheweth when the fulness of the Gentiles is come in then the deliverer shall come to Sion and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob For this is my Covenant unto them when I shall take away there sins And that you may see the Apostle speaks of the whole house of Israel that remains on the earth when the fulness of the Gentiles is come in note well the 25. verse and so to the 33. And also what hath been said before concerning this thing So then the whole house of Israel shall be called to a glorious state here on earth when the fulness of the Gentiles is come in and then the deliverer the Lord Jesus Christ shall come to Sion then shall they look upon him whom they have pierced and they shall mourn for him as one mourneth for his onely Son Zach. 12.10 So then from all this and much more might be said it clearlly followeth that the Lord shall reign personaly on the earth and so the Lord God shall give him the Throne of his Father David and he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever and of his kingdome there shall be no end Luke 1.33.33 Now in the next place take notice further of some of the excellent things that the Lord will do in that day for the house of Israel In that day shall the branch of the Lord be beautiful and the fruit of the earth shall be excellent and comely for them that are escaped of Israel And it shall come to pass that
he that is left in Sion and he that remaineth in Jerusalem shall be called holy even every one that is written among the living in Jerusalem When the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Sion shall have purged the blood of Jerusalem from the midst thereof by the spirit of Judgment and by the spirit of burning Isai 4.2 3 4. Then shall health be restored unto Israel and their wounds healed saith the Lord because they called thee an out-cast saying this is Sion whom no man seeketh after Thus saith the Lord behold I will bring again the captivity of Jacobs tents and have mercy on his dwelling place and the City shall be builded upon her own heap and the palace shall remain after the manner thereof And out of them shall proceed thanksgiving and the voyce of them that make merry and I will multiply them and they shall not be few I will also glorifie them and they shall not be small Jer. 30.17 18 19. Again at this time will the Lord make them one Nation in the land upon the mountains of Israel and one King shall be a King to them all and they shall be no more two Nations neither shall they be devided into two kingdoms any more at all Neither shall they defile themselves any more with their Idols nor with their detestable things nor with any of their transgressions but I will save them out of all their dwelling places wherein they have sinned and will cleanse them so shall they be my people and I will be their God Ezekiel 37.22 23. Again Wait yea upon me saith the Lord untill the day that I rise up to gather the Nations that I may Assemble the kingdoms to pour upon them mine Indignation even all my fierce anger for all the earth shall be devoured with the fire of my jealousie For then will I turn to the people a pure Language that they may all call upon the name of the Lord to serve him with one consent At this time I will bring you again even in this time that I gather you for I will make you a name and a praise among all people of the earth when I turn back your captivity before your eyes saith the Lord Zeph. 3.8 9 10. Again Look upon Zion the City of our solemnities thine eye shall see Jerusalem a quiet habitation a Tabernacle that shall not be taken down not one of the stakes thereof shall ever be removed neither shall any of the cords be broken And the Inhabitants shall not say I am sick the people that dwell therein shall be forgiven there iniquity Isa 33.20 24. Again Hear the word of the Lord O ye Nations and declare it in the Isles afare of and say he that scattered Israel will gather him and keep him as a sheepheard doth his stock For the Lord hath redeemed Jacob and ransomed him from the hand of him that was stronger then he Therefore they shall come and sing in the hight of Zion and shall flow together to the goodness of the Lord for Wheat and for Wine and for Oyle and for the young of the flock and of the heard and their souls shall be as a watered Garden and they shall not sorrow any more at all Jer. 31.10 11 12. Yea in that day shall that song be sung by the house of Israel that is in the 12. of Isai Yea they shall cry out and shout for joy for great is the holy one of Israel in the midst of them verse the 6. Zeph. 3.15 They shall not see evil any more then that in the 35. of Isai shall be made good and that in Isai 60. and many other places which speak very clearly to these things search and see for Paul would not have us Ignorant of this mystery Rom. 11.25 Moreover be not mistaken though it be so that the fulness of the Gentiles under this dispensation shall come in before Christ come in person and many shall be given up to blindness and be destroyed at his appearing as it hath been shewed before yet them that are left of the Nations shall fall in with the people of Israel and say Come let us go up to the mountains of the Lord to the house of the God of Jacob and he will teach us of his wayes and we will walk in his pathes For out of Sion shall go forth the law and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem Isai 2.2 3. Micah 4.1 2 3. Yea many people and strong Nations shall come to seek the Lord of hosts in Jerusalem and to pray before the Lord Thus saith the Lord of hosts in those dayes it shall come to pass that ten men shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew saying we will go with you for we have heard that God is with you Zach. 8.22 23. yea Zach. saith that when the Lord cometh and all the Saints with him even then the Lord shall be King over all the earth in that day shall there be one Lord and his name one and then it shall come to pass that every one that is left of all the Nations which came against Jerusalem shall even go up from year to year to worship the King the Lord of hosts and to keep the feast of Tabernacles Chap. 14.9 14. and this as I understand was signified under the Law when the males came up to Jerusalem to keep there feast so the Nations shall come up from one new Moon to another and from year to year to worship before the Lord Isai 66.23 for then the Gentiles shall be Converted to the house of Israel Isai 60.5 For the house of Israel that are brought back and are called when Christ come shall then be chief among the Nations according to this Scripture Isai 19.24 25. In that day shall Israel be the third with Egypt and with Assyria even a blessing in the midst of the land whom the Lord of Host shall bless saying blessed be Egypt my people and Assyria the work of my hands Israel mine Inheritance so in that day the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the Sea Isa 11.9 So in that day when Christ raigns gloriously on the earth there will be first all them that dyed in the faith are found in the faith at his coming made immortal and shall raign with Christ over the whole earth Dan. 7.27 injoying perfection in knowledge and purity 1 Cor. 13.10 11 12. Ephes 5.27 and be made free from all manner of imperfections yea as David saith They shall be abundantly satisfied with the Fatness of thy house and thou shalt make them drink of the River of thy pleasures Psal 36.8 So they shall be compleatly happy injoying fulness of joy for ever and ever Secondly the house of Israel that is called when Christ appeareth as hath been shewed shall be under them and governed and judged by them Obad. 21. Mat. 19.28 Luke 22.28 29 30.