Israel that the heathen should have nothing to do in their policy as long as their Prerogative did continue and whereas Ezekiel saith wither they be gone he calls to mind all their oppressors as well ashur as Babel and from these heathen they shall be brought into their own Land but when the Iews are called to the faith they will est em of Canaan no better than any other countrey as indeed they ought not 5. Now we will touch a little of Zachariah who utters many consolatory promises and prophesies to the present age of his time and for the times of the Seventy Sevens because they were slack in returning to their * It is a singular observation I think of Bâ—roaldus that Hamans Plot against the Iews in 127 Provinces was a chastisement to them for their slacknesse in returning they loved their outward comforts and settled habitation too much they should have done as 2 Chron. 11.13 16. I hope the Lord will remember poor new England and our posterity as Ier. 2.2 3. brethren that had already returned had â—elt some hardship by some of the former Kings of Persia and were put into many fears by Sanballat and his associates of the Samaritans yet the Lord God promiseth that he would put into their hearts to return to be as one with Iudah 6. I will expresse some Scriptures of Zac. 26 7 Ho ho come soâ—th and flee from the Land of the North saith the Loâ—d for I have sâ—â—ed you abroad as the four winds of the beaven saith the Lord. Deliver thy self O Zion that dwellest with the daughter of Babylon This earnest call of the Lord might well cause Ezra and his company to return and of them many might be of the ten Tribes as well as of Iudah his return was four or five years after for this Prophesie was uttered in the second of Darius Artaxast and Ezra returned in the seventh 7 Zachary 8. sheweth that the returned were somewhat disconsolate because Ierusalem was so scant of inhabitants as Nehemiah 11. read Zac. 8. Therefore God promiseth I will save my people from the East countre and from the West countrey and I will bring them and they shall dwell in the midst of Ierusalem c. in verse 13. it is said And it shall come to passe that as ye were a curse among the heathen O house of Iudah and house of Israel so will I save you and you shall be a blessing fear not we are not to doubt but the Lord brought them of the ten Tribes as well as of Iudah read verses 20.21 8. Zac. 9.13 When I have bent Iudah for me and filled the bow with Epraim and raised up thysons O Zion against thy sons O Javan and made thee as a sword of a mighty man The Lord made Iuhah and Ephraim a bew and arrows against the enemies in the dayes of the Seleuco-Logidae as the Macchabees shew and this sheweth that many of the ten Tribes had returned as well as Judah See Tremellius on Zac. 9. Zach. 10.6 I will strengthen the house of Iudah and I will save the house of Ioseph and will bring them again to place them c. and they of Ephraim shall be as a mighty man I will hisse for them and gather them v. 10 I will bring them again also out of Egypt and Ashur into Gilead and Lebanon c. These speeches and others do shew that Ephraim had returned as well as Judah and were as one stick 10. And the new Testament sheweth that Israel in the Tribes were multiplied great multitudes fol'owed the Lord Jesus where ever he came and he dwelt and taught much in those places where captivity began by the Kings of Ashur there the light of the Gospel first began in the Land of Zabulon and Naphtali Esaias had prophesied it should be so Esai 9 And there are histories and writers that shew how at the holy feasts of the Jews there were hundreds of thousands that assombled which sheweth that many of the ten Tribes had returned and were as one stick joined together in holy worship 11. And this will further be evidence by Zac 11. that they had returned both Iudah and Israel and were as one because the Lord threatned them that he would break the brotherhood of Ephraim and Judah for their departing from the faith and did not regard the Law of the Angel of the Covenant which he by Mases gave at Horeb for he had charged them by the Ministery of Maâ—achi to remember the lively oracles Mal. 4 4. with the Statutes and judgements that were commanded for all Israel for they should have no more Prophets â—ill John-Elias 12. But they followed the wicked doctrine of the three shepherds Sadducisme Pharisailme c. many Jews that despised the holy Covenanâ— became treacherous therefore God brought upon Jerusalem c all Jullea heavy miseries that they destroyed one another before our Lords incarnation and after very many sorrows by civill dissentions and schismes so that then was broken the brotherhood of Judah and Ephraim and thus Zac 11. must be understood of these times and to this effect 13. And further to dilate on the Text. They took Jerusalem from one another by domesticall seditions and they cut down the Cedar-great men spoiling and destroying the great ones among themselves and the great ones did roar like Lions on the meaner sort as they had gotten power over them so their vintage of consblations was taken away not so much literally to be understood but the Temples holy worships were heathenishly and otherwayes corrupted and their exercises in their Synagogues were greatly suspended for as either of their factions prevailed they blessed themselves as though the Lord God favoured them But the Lord took his pity from them and did deliver them every one into the hand of his neighbour and into the hands of their Kings the Seleucidae the Herods and the Romanes whom they also called to their quarrells and yet for all this Canaan was yet the holy Land and Ierusalem was yet the holy city Sion the holy mountain for in all these troubles the Lord had a care of the poor of the flock that waited on him 14. the stories of these things are manifest and that Zach. 11. must not be understood of the times after now our dayes many passages will tedder and confine the times of some mens apprchensions as that Scripture of their under-valuing MESSIAS their King the Lord of glorie at the price of a slave and so applied by the Evangelists upon which followed a further breach of brotherhood and civil dissentions Zac. 11.10 11 12 13 14. horrible distresse and wrath vid. Tremellius and Zach. and Iosephus on the wars of the Jews 15. Zach. 11. may well and must be accommodated to the times somewhat preceding our Lords dayes and some what after but there is not the least shew of intimation of applying the Prophet to the Jews calling now after our times
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
in Sheol or in Hades Answer 1. I have foâ—merly shewed that Nephesh which we translate soul in Psal 16. must be understood of his vitall soul and not of his rationall soul But suppose it were meant of his rationall soul yet it is not to be scoffed at that he should blesse God for not leaving his soul in Hades heaven till his body saw corruption Câ—ristopher Carlile in his Descent shews in page 47 48. That souls in joy have an earnest affection to be united to their dead bodies that so they may both together partake of the same glory and Weams in his Portraiture Pag. 33.34 speaks just to the same effect Objection 3. Some object that many Creeds have left out this Article and thence they conclude that it is but a suppositious Article Answ 1. * Is it not strange that any should be so far blinded as to think that the pen man of the Creed should speak of the crucifying death and buriall of the Lords body and yet should omit to record the immortall state of his holy and precious soul when he sent out his Spirit into the hands of his heavenly Father sâ—eing there were so many Sadduces living in those ancient dayes that denied the immortality of the rationall sou 2. Some reasons may also be rendered why some Creeds might after a while leave it our 1. when the immortall state of the soul was generally believed and not doubted of it might be left out 2. When other tongues could not find a fit word that could attain to the large sense and elegancy of the Greek word Hades then the learned seeing it might be mis understood might in wisdome rather choose to leave it out 3. When the mysterie of iniquity did so increase that Christendome was darkned by the smoke of the Pit as hath been touched from Apoc. 9. and that learning was grown so weak that most did not know whether the soul of man did ascend or descend or whither the godly soul went after death I say when the holy doctrine was so exceedingly darkned aâ— it was in the 10 11 12 13 14 and 15 Centuries and that the Article of descending to hell was so corruptly expounded then also some learned of latter times might leave it our as they did in former times for the former Reason These things I thought necessary to advise the Reader of because not many though some have written of this Subject I thought it my duty therefore to adde these Considerations for the benefit of the godly and studious Reader and I hope that my endeavour will not be in vain in the Lord. CHAP. XXXIII Of the Phrase of Abrahams Bosome THis Phrase The Bosome of Abraham did arise and was made familiar as I suppose by the faithfull Hebrew Rabbins before our Lords dayes upon this Consideration 1. The Covenant of God in Christ was made with Abraham and his Seed that in his Seed all nations should be blessed and thereupon such as desired to be partakers of that blessednesse must be of Abrahams faith and must testifie their desire by receiving Circumcision the Seal of that Covenant and then they were also received into his house or into his Church and so they were as it were nourished in Abrahams Bosome where they were nourished by Gods Ordinances and so Abraham was very hospital to all but especially to them that were of the houshold of his faith he received and nourished such not onely with temporall but with spiritual food he taught them the way of God in Christ and instructed them in the true meaning of his Commandements Statutes and Laws all which Abraham observed and kept and he is commended of God therefore in Gen. 26.5 and long before this God said of Abraham I know him that he will command his sons and his house after him that they shall keep the way of the Lord that is the true Religion faith and obedience prescribed for men to walk in as in Gen. 18 19. compared with Acts 18.25 26. Deut. 8.6 and 10 12. and therefore all the faithfull of his house might at their death expect to be made partakers with him of the heavenly City which God had prepared for them and therefore when they died they might still be said to be in Abrahams Bosome for all the faithfull whether they continue alive in this world or depart this life in the faith of Abraham are called Abrahams children and therefore when they die their spirits go to Paradise to Abrahams Bosome In like sort the faithfull being yet abiding here in this valley of tears are said to sit in heavenly places and to eat and drink with Abraham Isaac and Jacob in the Kingdome of God Mat. 8. and in this respect all the godly whether living or dying are called Abrahams children cherished as it were in his Bosome family and Church both militant and triumphant 2. The holy Patriarch Abraham was so highly honoured of God that he is called the father of the faithfull and the heir of the world Rom. 4 12.13 16. so then his house was the Bosome of the Church into which he received all that professed the true faith for almost 2000 years and in this respect the eternall and blessed estate of the faithfull might well be called the Bosome of Abraham 3. That Parable of the rich man in Hades in torments and of Lazarus Soul that was carried by the Angels into Abrahams Bosome in Luke 16.19 c. Was spoken to the unbelieving Jews and Pharisees and Saâ—duces especially to such as were contemners of Abrahams faith and cared not for the dayes of the Son of Man and therefore they were not glad to see his day as their Father Abraham did and was glad but instead thereof they despised and disdained such as were godly Eleazars whose hope and help Christ is and that he will send his Angels at their death to carrie their souls into the happie part of Hades to Abrahams Bosome where note that Lazarus and Eleazar Faithfull factors in far countries for their Masters need not fear to be called home so the great Lord and housholder when the servonts are called to give account of their trading by the Talents they received we know what the Lrd will say to them that can give a good account Maâ— 25. are but one name though differing in Dialect 3. That Parable of the rich man in Hades in torments and of Lazarus Soul that was carried by the Angels into Abrahams Bosome in Luke 16.19 c. Was spoken to the unbelieving Jews and Pharisees and Saâ—duces especially to such as were contemners of Abrahams faith and cared not for the dayes of the Son of Man and therefore they were not glad to see his day as their Father Abraham did and was glad but instead thereof they despised and disdained such as were godly Eleazars whose hope and help Christ is and that he will send his Angels at their death to carrie their souls into the happie part of Hades
to Abrahams Bosome where note that Lazarus and Eleazar Faithfull factors in far countries for their Masters need not fear to be called home so the great Lord and housholder when the servonts are called to give account of their trading by the Talents they received we know what the Lrd will say to them that can give a good account Maâ— 25. are but one name though differing in Dialect 3. That Parable of the rich man in Hades in torments and of Lazarus Soul that was carried by the Angels into Abrahams Bosome in Luke 16.19 c. Was spoken to the unbelieving Jews and Pharisees and Saâ—duces especially to such as were contemners of Abrahams faith and cared not for the dayes of the Son of Man and therefore they were not glad to see his day as their Father Abraham did and was glad but instead thereof they despised and disdained such as were godly Eleazars whose hope and help Christ is and that he will send his Angels at their death to carrie their souls into the happie part of Hades to Abrahams Bosome where note that Lazarus and Eleazar Faithfull factors in far countries for their Masters need not fear to be called home so the great Lord and housholder when the servonts are called to give account of their trading by the Talents they received we know what the Lrd will say to them that can give a good account Maâ— 25. are but one name though differing in Dialect 4. Let me yet give the godly Reader one lift more to the placing of their souls in Abrahams Bosome when they come to die Remember that the Lord God our heavenly Father The Lord God our heavenly Father hath but one Familie part of it is in the heavens and part of it in the earth and when any one of his servants have finished their factorage Phil. 3.20 their Politeuma among that part of the Familie on earth then he sends for them home to the other part of the Familie that is in heaven all the faithfull for the dayes of the old Testament are so called And so the Apostle Paul finishing his course he went to receive his Crown in the Kingdome of the Father So Peter the Apostle 1 Pet. 1 2.3 4. 2 Pet. 1. therefore let us strive for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus that when we think or speak of death or are near to the approaching to it we may be without much disturbance in mind or heart as Abraham Isaac Jacob David c. Delight in the stories of the faithfull that ye may be more transformed This made the Saints to say Why should I fear in the evil day when our iniquities shall compasse us about and trip up our heels unto death for God will redeem us from the power of the grave for he shall receive us to himself to Abrahams Bosome Psal 49. Christ the second Adam the Lord from heaven hath destroyed death and him that had the power of death he hath opened the gates of death and himself hath passed through them to deliver the children of God from the guilt and bondage of sinne and from the fear of death unto which we are subject Christ our life is our justification for he hath freed us from the sting of sinne by his precious death and Sacrifice The Law the strength of sin Gen. 2.17 and 3.19 and although the curse of the Law is the strength of sinne yet he hath fulfilled the Law for us and so became a most perfect Mediatour for us For such an high Sacrificer and Mediatour it became us to have who was holy harmlesse undefiled separate from sinners and made higher than the heavens Again death is but an harbenger to bring us to Christ it is said that death is ours it s our servant for our good Again it is said that Christ is our life and therefore death must needs be our advantage 2 Cor. 3.12 Phil. 1.21 and therefore we should not be troubled at that which is so advantagious to us we cannot live holily righteously and comfortably unlesse we live above the fear of death 1 Cor. 15 34.58 2 Cor. 5 15. to be well instructed in this point is a point of great wisdome Moses prized it at a high rate when he prayed Teach us to number our dayes that we may apply our heartes to wisdome namely to be prepared for death and Salomon doth exhort us saying Remember thy Creatour in the dayes of thy youth before the evil dayes come upon thee Ezech. 12. This wisdome is to be valued above gold and silver and the most precious Jewels of the earth but it is wonderfull how averse our hearts are by nature from the practise of this heavenly wisdome we commonly put off the thought of our death untill the Lord bring upon us bruising miseries and then we begin to think of God and Christ and of death as it is said Destruction and Death say we have heard of the fame of this wisdome with our ears and when men come to the doores of death then is this wisdome of some fame with men then they send for a godly Minister or for a godly neighbour whose person it may be they hated in the time of their health and abhorred his teaching with their godly counsels Death was a terror indeed to Aristotâ—e though a wise and great Philosopher and to all such Job doth call it the King of terrours that speech of Bildad in Job 18. doth import that God is a just God to whom all souls must ascend to have their judgement and so in 2 Cor. 5. knowing the terror of the Lord c This made that most miserable Cardinal to say that he had rather lose his part in Paradise then his part in Paris But let all the godly be still mindful that though they depart from their Families hereon earth yet they shall still continue to be of Gods family they go from brethren and sisters here to brethren and sisters there and above all remember the dying or rather the living words of the Lord Jesus the night before his death Job 13.14 15 16 and 17 chapters Oh the ineffable love and care of our blessed Mediatour for his apostles and for all his faithfull servants to the end of the world CHAP. XXXIV Some Propositions and Expostulations concerning the true nature of Christs Sufferings 1. BEloved Reader we are yet further pressed and orthodox Churches are called up as Troopers against us about the true nature of Christs sufferings we acknowledge that the very remembrance of them is reverend and doth joy us not annoy us I know we shall not fight but treat for they may perceive that we have otthodox Churches with us and as learned Leaders though perhaps not so many That is not much materiall for the book of God must lie between them and us and they and we must search the holy pages that so by them we both may be composed 2. It is to be lamented
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.
any tormented estate Q. 8. The mystery of godlinesse The mystery of Godlinesse was hidden in types and figures from the ages and generations of the Apostate families Eph. 3. Col. 1.26 But in Judah was God known his name was great in Israel in Salem was his Tabernacle and his dwelling place in Sion Psal 76.1.2 He shewed his word unto Jacob and his statutes and Judgments unto Israel he dealt not so with any nation and as for his judgements they had not knowne them therefore they sayd Praise ye J A H. Psalm 147 So that Israel did enjoy the true knowledge of God in Christ and were the houshold of God having the covenants of promise and the seals of the fame and lived and dyed in the constant hope of immortality in glory read diligently Eph. 2.11 12 Act. 26.6.7 And this we must understand concerning the true hidden mystery hid in types and figures among godly families untill Moses and then to the Nations while Israels fleece only was moystened by the dewes that fell on mount Sion but after the ending of the seventy sevens Dan. 9. then the Gospel was openly revealed and made known to all Nations of Noahs families and yet in those dayes yea now in these dayes it is an hid mystery too too manifest experience doth witnesse in kingdoms townes and families 1 Cor. 2. Q 9. The heathens also All those noble prophesies in Moses Prophets and Psalmes of the calling of the Gentiles do comment on the blessing to Sem and the Promise to Abraham The holy Prophets rejoyced in spirit foreseeing the glorious calling of the families to the Faith we should have the like affection to the calling of the Jewes Rom. 11. Q. 9. By sending his disciples The Apostles were sent unto them to open their eyes to turne them from darknesse to light from the power of Satan to God that they might receive forgivenesse of sinnes and inheritance among all them of the old Testament which are sanctified by faith in Christ Act. 26. Eph. 1.11 12 13 14. Annotations How Redemption was taught from the Promise to ABRAHAM till the Law of the Passeover or the coming forth of EGYPT QUest 1. What is the scripture in which the Revelation of the mystery of Christ was made known to Abraham Answ Gen. 12 2. And I will make of thee a great Nation and I will blesse thee and make thy name great and thou shalt be a blessing And I will blesse them that blesse thee and curse him that curseth thee And in thee shall all the families of the Earth be blessed QUest In what doth this scripture teach instruct convince correct and comfort Answ I Of the cursed and most wretched estate of the apostate families and unrecoverable in respect of any ability in themselves God hiding from them by Babells Languages for many generations the glorious mystery of the Gospell of his Son that they became Loammi and Lo-ruchamah that is not Gods people nor pitied and ever enemies to God and his people walking in all courses of unperswadeable disobedience II. It is prophesied by this great and precious promise that the families shall be delivered from the misery of that apostasie by the Son of God who was sent of the Father into the world in fullness of time to be a blessing to make knowne the riches of the glorious mystery of his will to reconcile them to be Gods people and to be under mercy through his gracious Redemption and by the same to reconcile the enmity of Jew and Gentile III. Here it is taught who Christ is touching his person that he being God is also man of the Seed of Abraham Gal. 4.4 Eb. 2.16 Saint Matthew chap. 1. doth shew the history and the promise fullfilled As also how Christ Immanuel doth blesse us saving his people from the guilt punishment and dominion of their sins by his precious death and sacrisice By which hee brake the Serpents head-Plot Gen. 3.15 in his constant patience and obedience at the very same time when the Serpent and his seed put him to an accursed death on the tree as a notorious sinner By this performance Gal. 4 5. Rom. 3 25. this manner of the blessing of Abraham came on the Gentiles Gal. 3.13.14 IV. By faith in the promise we are reconciled justified and adopted and so are no more servants in bondage but heirs in Christ V. Whereas it is sayd in thy seed all families of the Earth are blessed it sheweth there is the same and no other way or means of eternall life and salvation to Jew and Gentile but only and alone the Lord Jesus Christ nor any comfort in this world but as given us by promise and covenant through faith in Christ in the use of the meanes lawfully used Wherefore all other Religions Additaments inventious of men are abominable and all communion with such is no better then the communion with devills VI. We have not forgiveness of sins life and the inheritance of heaven †Act. 3.26 Tit. 3.5 6. Gal. 3.16.17 Abraham had not-wherein to rejoyce as of himselfe he did not prevent God but God prevented him by workes of our doing or will in our choosing but all is of free grace and free promise VII The Lord God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ doth give The Lords Prayer and all the prayers of the Saints belong hither Gal. 4.6 Rom. 8.15 so note here that Gods promises are the foundation of prayer David 2 Sam. 7.27 Dan. 9.2 c. as the effects of his promise his spirit to cry Abba Father and to seal assurance of reconciliation justification and adoption and to be an earnest of that inheritance of the Saints in light and to worke mortification and to begin the life of glory in sanctification This the Lord God doth worke in those only that looke for salvation in Christ as sons by the promise not as servants for workes or images VIII In that the eternall God the Gentiles shall be blessed in Christ it is a speech manifesting * Of eternity all Gods works were known to him as the Apostle James saith Act 15. This is handled Rom 8.9 10 11. chapters the purpose of Gods election and predestination in Christ as the spirituall blessings are handled by the Apostle to proceed out of those eternall fountaines Eph. 1. under the word blessed are comprehended the unsearcheable riches of Christ the second Adam who of God is made unto us the efficient cause of wisdome †Or freedom or forgiveness justification sanctification and redemption IX The precious promises in Christ understood and beleeved transforme or metamorphose a man and make him partake of the divine nature so that they which beleeve in God must as from a new principle in uprightnesse of heart walke in the spirit be alwaies zealous to shew forth good workes and with all due care flee the corruptions that are in the world through lusts This is to keepe the mystery
of Holiest 25. Know then and understand from the outgoing of the word to restore and build Ierusalem unto (b) Ebr. Messiah so v. 26. CHRIST the King shall be seven sevens and sixty and two sevens In the other it shall be restored and builded Street and wall and troublous shall these times be 26. In that after the Sixty and two Sevens CHRIST shall †The sufferings of the Messias allusion often touched in the new Testament Acts 26.23 The angel sealeth Balaams Prophesic concerning Kittim Italy to be the crucifier of Christ Num. 24.24 hereby suffer but not for himself Thereupon the City and Holy Place shall he destroy and the Kings own people in the next generation and their end shall be with a Flood and at the end of the war shall be a finall judgement of utter desolations 27. But he shall confirm the covenant for the * Not for the Iews onely as Luc. 22.20 but for the many as Mat. 26 28. Rom. 5.15.1 Iohn 2 2. many the last Seven and half that seven shall bring to an end Sacrifice Offering Afterward by an Army of unclean lothsome infidels he shall make a desolation even untill utter destruction and finall judgement come flowing on the desolate QUest 3. What speciall Observations are in this Scripture Ans As the motions of the heavens declare the glory of God so the army like ordered times in Gods word is worthy of all admiration all serving Christ This Scripture doth shew the finishing of the golden chain of times of the old Testament in a pleasant Sabbaticall account The Seventy Sevens are from Daniels prayer for freedome from Babel untill the Son eternall the King of glory doth purchase an eternall freedome for all that believe the glorious Gospel 2. This Prophesie was given in the first year of Cyrus and Darius who overthrew Babels Kingdome and sent the Jews home that year with a most comfortable Proclamation of Subsidy over CXX Provinces and with commandement 〈◊〉 building Jerusalem and the Temple which with the wall and the Streets of the City were reedified within the Seven Sevens 3. This Scripture is a glorious revelation from heaven concerning Christ the King the Holy of Holy who by his just peaceable and spirituall government uncontrollable teaching and never ending Priesthood should finish trespasse offering and end sin offering and make reconciliation for iniquity and bring righteousnesse everlasting and seal that is confirm all the visions and Prophesies that he was the end that all aimed at himself being the true Prophet Sacrificer and King altar and Sacrifice so in himself ending all Abrahams Moses and the Temples Ceremonies both persons and things 4. Here is declared whither the benefit of all Christs sufferings tend that he suffered not for himself but for us the just for the unjust he was wounded for our transgressions and broken for our iniquities he gave himself for us an offering and a Sacrifice of a sweet smelling savour to God 5. Gods people for endeavouring to perform any worthy work for the advancement of the Gospel and the common weal must expect troubles and all oposition of slanders reproaches false accusations and whatsoever els the seed of the Serpent can possibly do the books of Ezra and Nehemiah shew this in re-edifying Jerusalem the wall and the Temple 6. Whereas the Angel told Daniel that he was sent to make him skilfull of understanding we must know that Daniel knew all but the time which bringeth a greater clearnesse to all therefore the appointed time the very year day and hour of fulfilling this prophesie is not a triviall or an uncertain thing but is that which the Angel calleth skill of understanding and therefore he doubleth a charge to the Prophet to understand and consider 7. This is remarkable as by the coming from Egypt recorded for the very day the day of the promise to Abraham may be certainly known which was the self same day 430 afore so the day of our Lord death being known which was answerable to the promise and Passeover this Prophesie also of the Seventy Sevens being exactly 490 years afore it may be known to agree in time with it Glorious is the wisdome of God herein to honour his feasts with most heavenly stories that promise and seal truth and figure might mèet together 8. This Oration of the Angel sheweth how long Sems Tents should hold their glory and be accounted holy and that at the end of the Seventy Sevens or 490 years The ending of the Seventy Sevens the time of reformation the heathen should have the Partition wall of ceremonies broken down and the hand writing of Ordinances * Epiâ—es 2.14 15.16 Col. 2.14 blotted out and the old enmity between Jew and Gentile †Isa 11. and 60.17 18. Epâ—â—â—s 2.15 abolished and be brought into equall covenant and that Christ the King would destroy his own Nation and demolish City and Temple with perpetuall devastions as with the Flood of Noah and make a new Jerusalem from heaven because all Nations could not depend on the City in Canaan read Isa 63 23. 9. Observe that the Romanes for killing of Christ are called like the unclean beasts in Leviticus unclean lothsome Infidels and Rome it self of all Cities in the world for that is specially cursed the Apocalips is a full declaration of this 10. Whereas the Angel saith Christ shall confirm the Covenant for the many and shall end Moses ceremonies and by his onely Sacrifice once offered bring in everlasting justification or freedome from sins guiltinesse and desert Popery is to be abhorred and accursed that doth revive Moses ceremonies the handwriting of Ordinances with repetition of Priest Altar and Sacrifice propitiatory And we in the Lords Supper do protest against Jews and Popery that CHRIST ended all by his death once performed through which he is to all the faithfull a most complete and perfect reconciliation for all iniquity QUest 4. Who gave heed to this word of Prophesie spoken by the holy Angel from heaven Answ The Forty nine thousand Ezra that left Babel for Jerusalem with the holy Prophets and Governours Zorobabel Nehemiah Haggai Zâ—hâ—riâ—h â—â—â—alachi and our Lords fathers and kindred fâ—om Zâ—â—bâ—â—leâ— Mat 1. Lukâ— 3. and the Maâ—â—habean martyrs and so many of Israel as had hope of salvation thought of Jeâ—â—â—â—â—â—m in all places 〈◊〉 they were scattered read Jeremiah Chap 51.50 QUest 5. Who also in the new Testament Answ Zacharias and his wife Elizabeth John the Baptist old Simeon and Anna the daughter of Phanuel and many in Israel and Jerusalem that waited for Christ the hope and consolation of Israel and Jews before the full ending of the Seventy Sevens came from all countries to Jerusalem looking for the Kingdome of heaven then to appear as Daniel foretold chap 2. and 7. and 9. And John Elias cried and our Lord and his disciples preached that The Kingdome of heaven was come Mat. 3.2 and 10.7 Luke 19.11 QUest
the Supper of the Lord. QUest 4. Shew first what is considered jointly in these two Answ Both these are memorials signes and seals as strong as the worlds frame to repenting and believing Receivers of whatsoever Gods word hath revealed for their hope and comfort of life temporal spiritual and eternal They by the work of the Spirit represent and seal the whole doctrine of the covenant and promises made to our Fathers and also it must ever be remembred they are reciprocal and for restipulation as the covenant and being added to the covenant more firmly binding strenthning and comforting to faith obedience and thankfulness QUest 5. What do you conceive to be taught us in Baptism Answ Baptism is to teach and seal unto us 1. †1 Mat. 3. Acts 2.38 39 40 41 42.2 Acts 2.38 and 22.16.3 Gal. 3.26 27.4 Rom 6.5 Tit. 53.6 1 Cor. 15.29 Rom 6. Col. 2.12 and 3.3 To all which we must joyn the calling on the name of the Lord with good understanding Acts 22.16 1 Pet. 3.21 Concrning our entrance into the Church and politie of Christs Kingdome and the priviledges of the same to distinguish us from other polities 2. Concerning our justifiation 3. Our adoption 4. New birth or sanctification 5. Mortification 6. The resurrection QUest 6. What do you consider in the Supper of the Lord. Ans This should be written in all hearts that they onely be happy which in the Lords Supper protest the abundance of grace of free forgivenesse for justification to reign by Christ the second Adam 2. The Bread broken and without mixture the wine poured out and without mixture administred in the Primitive sincerity and plainnesse dispensed by a lawfull Pastour and taken with holy judgement and faith our souls feeding upon the eternall Son his incaâ—nation and Redemption is a Seal of mercy of faithfullnesse builded and established in the very heavens to stay us in Christ and in his holy Doctrine The authority of the Speaker promising covenanting and now sealing who made the world by his word must be looked unto 3. As our eyes judge of the frame of the world and our minds to what invisible use all was made subject to the second Adam So our eyes must judge of Bread and Wine and our minds that Christ our onely and most holy and perfect high Sacrificer offered himself a Sacrifice for us 4. When Sacrifice was to end at the Supper of the Lamb Christ Jesus our Lord the Son eternall whom we must hear to seal the end of Sacrificing gave for beasts flesh and blood which figured his Body and Blood Bread and VVine to be in Covenant-speech his body and Blood 5. As all faithfull of the old Testament kept with all Religious observance the Gospel Statutes and testimonies of circumcision the passeover and Jubilee c. to the death of our Lord Jesus Christ at his first coming so shall this precious ordinance yea and all the ordinances that it seals to continne to the judgement of the great day And the Saints must evermore celebrate and observe it with an eye to his second coming This should be a constant Meditation with the people of God (*) Read a little treatise intituled a fruitfull Sermon on Rom. 12. but man by nature of a stubborn disposition to divine revelation will not be charmed though the charmer charm never so wifely Here should be inserted concerning the offices and officers of Christ for the government of his churches and the ministration of the holy things thereof Much hath been written Pro and Con. but questionlesse that church politie that is according to the words and commandements of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ is best and will agree and stand with the polities of Christians yea of heathen common weals And nothing but Popish ambition tyranny coveteousnesse idlenesse doth resist Christs government of which if the territories of Princes were rightly possessed they would glory in it * both for safety of person and State Kings being just †Kings that set light by gody and just government shall find Christs providences to be iron and fire to their common-weals 2 Sam 23.7 and ruling in the fear of God need not fear losse by Christ for that his Kingdome is not of this world VVhat his Kingdome is and who his Subjects are he sheweth Mat. 5. John 18.37 QUest 7. Who believed the most sure word of Prophesie and the Record that God the Father witnessed of the Son Answer The apostles and disciples and many others afore our Lords death the 3000 converted at one Sermon and 2000 and many more added presently after and in succeeding times 144000 Jews and innumerable martyrs and confessours of all Nations and languages as the Acts the Epistles to the Churches and the Apocalips do shew †Now the Kingdome of Christ spokeng of in Daniel c. 2 7 is fully manifested when the image of four mettals and the four beasts became as chaffe before the wind and were consumed by rivers of fire and that the Son of Man was come and had ascended to the Ancient of dâ—â—es then to him was given Kingdome power and glory that all people Nations and tongues should serve him Thus Prophesie and history do sweetly agree QVest 8. Then by this that you have said it doth manifestly appear that all Nations which were of the families of the Sons of Noah had no other faith for salvation taught them but what was taught in Sâ—ms Tents and by the Sons of SEM Answ Most true it is for all that was taught to Eva to Sem to Abraham Isaac Jacob Judah Moses David Salomon Daniel and all the Prophets in the old Testament the same faith and none other as the new Testament sheweth Christ taught his Apostles and disciples who went from Jerusalem Sems tents to the uttermost parts of the earth by our Lords commandement with the gift of tongues to disciple all nations by preaching the word of truth the Gospel concerning the incarnation of the Son of God his sufferings death resurrection from death his ascention and shining glorious appearing at his second coming to judge the world That work they performed by the strength of God who confirmed their Doctrine with signes wonders and divers miracles and gifts of the holy Ghost Then tongues nations and people of all Kingdomes departed from the power of darknesse by faith and obedience to the Kingdome of Christ giving honour and glory for ever to the king eternall holy invisible God onely wise 2. As Christ our salvation came of the Jews so the scriptures of the old and new Tâ—stament which reach the salvation came from them and because the saints from the dayes of the apostles have obtained the same like precious faith as Salem Sems tents had of old the state of the Church is termeâ— a Jâ—rusalem from Heaven and the names of the twelve Tribes upon the twelve Gates of this â—iâ—â—e do shew that all must be of their faith that enter
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
passeover of the Lord your God according to all that is in the book of the Covenant 2 Kings 23. Kings should so speak to their subjects if they have any portion in the Covenant Ibid. With holy judgement and faith We must discern by faith as Habel Heb. 11.4 The Lords body crucified and the bloud of the covenant shed opus operatum is not enough It is the Lords seal of the forgiveness of sins Alaâ—le alass for want of sound reaching in the most of our assemblies Ibid. To stay us in Christ c. Not only for increase of faith concerning our effectual calling justification adoption and redemption and for nourishment and strength to walk in the waies of holyness and righteousness being made comformable to his image renewed in us c. but for supporting us in the daies of trial and affliction which in this seal is represented by the sufferings of our Lord to whom we also must be conformable in sufferings to take up our cross daily As it is the cup of gladness of salvation so it is the cup yea of bloudy sufferings if our heavenly Father will put it into our hands N. 4. which figured his body and bloud The Pope and his corporation corrupted from the plainesse that is in Christ making an Altar Priest and Sacrifice have missed wholly of the truth in Christ By that blasphemous idol of his masse and other inventions they have abolished the remembrance of the death and sacrifice of Christ Jesus our Lord in the holy seal of the covenant Ibid. Bread and wine by Seal of things without life by Bread broken and bloud of the grape by the term Supper the whole tenor of Christianity is meant Apocal. 19.9 But the acceptation of the Seal is an open action to distinguish us more then baptism doth from others The King of Locusts and his Locusts are fatal enemies to this seal of the Covenant in their idolatrous Nothing of their Sacrament of the Altar setting forth Christ both unbroken and unbloudy which cannot represent nor seal Christ for reconciliation remission of sins or nourishment As the Ordinance of Christ is blessed and shall be â—â—lessed to the day of his comming so this abominable corruption is cursed and shall be accursed of all that love our Lord Jesus Christ to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ Amen As in the Ordinance of the Passeover the Angel of the Covenant did execute judgements on the Gods of old Egypt so where this Ordinance of the Lords Supper is truly administred the idolatry of the breaden gods of Rome-Egypt are demolished Ibid. To be in Covenant speech his body and bloud a seal of most high matters is most highly to be esteemed But none without Athean madnesse will say The Seal is the King the Kings authority it should have to be as himself but none of wit orgrace would make it the King himself All wise know proper speech and civil The Gospel thrice and St. Paul 1 Cor. 11. tell that Iesus gave bread and wine and that the disciples are and drank what he gave that no miracle was here but the native manner of a Covenant Eye-sight is Gods testimony by creation Law and allowed ever even in the seal of the Covenant which may contain no matter litigious And if the Apostles or Greck Fathers had said the bread and wine were altered from their taste and nature for so much the heathen would have sworn the world never bare wickeder Magicians nor worthier of death by Mases Law which Christ gave as eternal God and came as man to be judged of man how he did perform all so that the native power of reason which he planted in all souls for sense of eye sight taste feeling smelling and hearing of words should judg of him that he performed all justice to plain capacity of all nations and required none to believe further then Logick common to every man would require assent or tell of open Rebellion against the truth Transubstantiation a monstrous term for a monstrous matter Mr. Brou in Apocal. At the figure of the Star * according to the words and commandments Though it be but a mans Testament yet if it be confirmed no man disannulleth or addeth thereto Gal. 3.15 Heb. 9.15 16 17. neither altereth the Legacies nor addeth others nor taketh away nor maketh other Executors or Overseers c. Men must not be Rectifters of Christs Testament which is confirmed by the death and bloud as in his type Exod. 24 Of him the Testatour And the seals bind us all to look to the holy evidences Men may as well pull away the seals as falsifie the plain truth in the writings They bind us to observe whatsoever Christ hath commanded as circumcision did Israel Exod 12. Gal 3 5 the angel of the pit and his pit-bred creatures corrupt the evidences and utterly pull off one of the seals they are great impostors Quest 7. and Answ Martyrs and confessours of all Nations Us heathens were from Noahs dayes Loruchamab and Loammiâ— Deut 32.21 and so the ten Tribes Hos 1 but both in Christ Ruchamah and Ammi so that now many come from the East and West Isa 49. to be blessed with faithfull Abraham and to sit down with him and Isaac and Iacob and all the Prophets in the Kingdome of heaven no sitting there unlesse of Abrahams faith without shall be liars mark the terms of the Covenant I am the God of Abraham the God of Isaac and the God of Iacob This is my memoriall to all generations that is to all of their faith whether Jew or Gentile else they are protested against not to be of Abrahams Gal. 3.7 8. John 8.39.40 41. c. and have been and shall be broken off Rom. 11.17 and cast out Gal. 4.30 At the mark of the †Then to him was given Kingdome power and glory See how our Lord commenteth on Daniel chap. 2. and 7. All power saith he is given to me in heaven and in earth therefore go and disciple all Nations c Mat. 28. Quest 8. and Answ 1. But what was taught in Sems Tents The Scriptures of the Prophets the faith of the Nations Rom. 1.2 and 16.26 The same faith and Covenant although the outward administration did differ How glorious is the Scriptures consent The Saints from the beginning to the ending have one and the same God and Saviour one and the same faith the same hope the same Covenant the same premises Behold how all is administred by one Mediatour from one eternall being who is A. and Ω. confer Gen. 3.15 and 6.18 1 Iohn 1.1 2. c. Exod. 19.5 6. Apoc. 21.3 2 Cor. 6.16 Exod. 29.45 Ios 1.3 Heb. 13.5 Ibid. Who went from Jerusalem Sems tents The faith of Gods elect came to us from Ierusalem Sems tents not from Rome Babylon with babbling language as the Locusts prate see Isa 2 1 2 3 4. Micah 4. Luke 24.47 The heavenly Ierusalem began to be built in the earthly Acts 1.2 And
from Sems Tents and by the Doctrine of Sems sons the Prophets and apostles all Doctrine is to be tried and not by the best Orthodox Churches Ibid. N. 2. The twelve foundations of the Wall The apostle Paul was graven on the Jasper first foundation so he should be the head of the Church not Peter The twelve Jewels had the names of the twelve apostles then where is Peter above the rest his Epistles are pearls and so are Pauls and the other apostles the Spirit of God spake in them and no one could be above another but each stood a foundation on the Rock Christ the eternall Son of God Ephes 2.20 There are stronger proofs or moe arguments to make St. Paul or Saint John head of the Church than any Papalyn can bring for Saint Peter vide Mr. Henry Ainsworth and Mr. Bernard Mr. Ainsworth against Locust Ainsworth Mr. Bernard Khemos against Rome page 130. CHAP. XIV With Questions Answers and Annotations shewing who have the Spirituall blessings of the Covenant and who the Curses QVest 1. and Answ Who were enemies that did rage and imagine vain things against the Christ of God the Rock upon whom the Church is builded despising the Counsel of God against themselves Answ The high Sacrificers the Pharisees Sadduces and Scribes Herod Pontius Pilate and the loathsome Romane infidels the Caesars and their people persecuting this faith first in crucifying the Lord of glory and after persecuting the Church for 300 years and it is remarkable as it is said in the Alpha of the word that the seed of the Serpent should persecute the seed of the woman so it is said in the Omega of the same that the Dragon the old Serpent the Devil and Satan doth persecute the seed of the woman that is Them that keep the Commandements of God and have the testimonie of Jesus Christ QUest 2. How doth the goodnesse of God reward the faith of the Saints in the holy and constant profession of his name Ans By faith they obtained good report with God and God is not ashamed of them to be called their God whence proceedeth sweet peace of conscience and joy in the Holy Ghost who stirs them to and helps them in that most heavenly exercise of prayer whereby they have unspeakable consolation in all their tribulatin for that the Spirit of Christ doth inable them by patience to possesse their souls and work in them and seal unto their hearts an assured and lively hope of things not seen of eternall rest and a Crown of righteousnesse which the Lord will give unto them at that day and to all those that love his bright appearing QUest 3. What severity was executed on those that set themselves and took counsell together against the Lord his anointed the King of Mount Sion Answ The thrice holy the Lord God omnipotent which was which is and which will be sitting as a King on a Throne in the heaven of the Church and administring the government thereof to the end of the world by the Mediation of the Son eternall who being the Lion of the Tribe of Judah (a) The Jews and Romanes despising Christs Kingdome and sacrifice-hood were plagued greatly as Psal 2. 1 10. The seven Seals and four horses did plague the Empire did tear in pieces the Jews his own people spoken of afore and the Romane Empire for he riding as on a white horse of Justice and Power plagued the world by the horses and Arrows of his vengeance (b) Red horse bloudy Warre (c) Black horse Famine * Pale horse Pestilence and through the cry of the innocent blood of Martyrs a grave of destruction following the unclean infidels the Emperours and their people to the ruine of the Empire that all men cryed to the mountains to fall upon them and the hills to cover them and in the world to come endlesse misery and vengeance in the Lake of flaming fire QUest 4. Had the Church rest after 300 years Answ Yea for God raised up Constantinus a good Christian Emperour so that the Church had rest and did wonderfully increase but this peace was quickly interrupted by the tares of ambition schisme and heresies of Ecclesiastical Teachers QUest 5. Did Constantinus continue the Romane Empire Answ No he removed the Seat of his Empire to Constantinople so that Rome in Italy was little set by for many years and often burned by the Goths and Vandals and at last by them brought to an extream ruine Then the sixth head or polity of Rome was made dead QUest 6. Was there not an Apostasie from the faith of the Prophets and Apostles Doctrine after the Empire of Rome was made dead Answer 1. Yea for the Spirit spake evidently that there would be an apostasie or falling away The misterie of iniquity was working in the apostles dayes and quickned secretly still by divers means Doctrines of Devils and worship of Devils with sundry corruptions superstitions and heretical Doctrines were continually springing The Churches left their first love zeal watchfullnesse and diligence and when the Empire the with-holder was dead presently after multitudes of hereticks arose 2 Thes 2.6 which with covetousnesse and ambition of Bishops exceedingy furthered the appearance of King Abaddon and his Locusts out of their bottomlesse Pit 2. For the first second and third Centuries this was generally received of the faithfull Jew and Gentile that God was One in holy Trinity Apot. 7.9 10. and Vnity and salvation was ascribed to God and the Lamb Christs sole mediation And in the Confession of this faith all the Saints the Elders and people cast down their Crowns before Gods Throne and fell down before God and the Lamb with all joyfull acclamations of praise blessing honour glory and power for the mighty Creation and gracious Redemption 3. But after those three Centuries hereticks and false Teachers more corrupted the Doctrine of God and Christ and Saints and angels were glorified as Mediatours and prayed unto c. But the Lord God takes care as Apoc. 7. for his elect both of Jews and Gentiles that they might be kept safe the foundation of God remaineth sure and hath this Seal the Lord knoweth who are his Therefore he takes order for their sealing to be kept from the deceit of the perillous times that hastened and those that are sealed make a most holy solemn and glorious confession of the faith according to the Prophets and apostles Doctrine and by this Confession the sealed servants of God are known in all ages The rest of the seventh Chapter shews the gracious priviledges of the Saints 4. And Christ forewarned the backsliding of the Churches by the seven Trumpets and shewed much mercy for the fourth fifth and sixth Centuries by stirring up the Spirit of some Christian Emperours for summoning Bishops to Councels to represse their ambition contention schisme and heresies of the which the first four generall Councels were the most orthodox 5. Also in those Centuries
two Witnesses and the mark of the Beast And the decay of the mystery of iniquity QUest 1. Who kept the Testimony of Jesus and the word of God that came from Sems Tents in the times of the rising and height of the Pontificality Answ Many in the times of the rising of it and there were here and there two Witnesses some that followed the true Lamb and that in the height of it prophecyed misliked and cryed out against the proceedings of the mystery of iniquity But this company were not so conspicuous and visibly glorious being for divers Hundreds of years driven as into a Wilderness through a red sea of fire and fagot by the Beast of the Bottomless pit the counterfeit Lamb and the prevailing faction of his six hundred sixty six apostatical number yet at the last the Brethren overcame by the bloud of the Lamb and by the word of their Testimony and they loved not their lives unto the death QUest 2. Then the papacy would not bear with such as contested against it Answ Christs faithful witnesses were caused to mourn in Sackcloath No man might buy or sell that would not Worship the Image of the Beasts imperial State re-erected in the Pontificality Like their forefathers the servants of servants the cursed Canaanice Deut. 2.28 29. and receive the Mark of the Beast in his hand or forehead or the name of the Beast or at least be of the number of his name yea else were most cruelly used as is said throughout their large Common-weal That Whorish Church was and is drunk with the bloud and martyrs of Jesus QUest 3. What do you understand to be the mark of the Beast Answ The Popes Canon-Law telleth that none may live under the Empire but by yielding to the Popes Lawes in his subscribing to his Imperial and Ecclesiasticall Supremacy and oath of fidelity as a mark on the hand and some open token of communion with him and profession of his decrees as a mark in the forehead The saying of the Ave Maria went over all to the poor beggars and reverence to the cross and comming to their most wicked Mass Forbidding and refraining from reading and teaching the holy Scriptures but for licensed and auricular Confession Briefly all differing from their Dracons Lawes were heretiques and mightnot use policy having not the marks of his Politie QUest 4. Did then the Pontificalitie and Papacy as the old Empire porsecute the faith of the Prophets and Apostles doctrine Answ Yea for it is said that the latter Beast like a Lamb with two horns did all that the former Beast did He had the voice and speach of the Dracon Caesars and did maintain the same War against the * For the wars of the dragon Caesars and dragon-Pope◠see former notes Saints and for the same cause and that was the keeping of the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus And this is the very mark of those that have Gods Name in their Foreheads Note as the old Beast-like enemies fought against the faith of Jerusalem Sems Tents and the People of God so Rome-Egypt Rome-Babylon with like cruelty and intestine hatred both in the Caesars and Popes against the same glorious faith of Jerusalem the holy City that came down from heaven Kain began the War the Pontificality and Papacy follow Kains waies The former be stamps of the latter As there is a like revolution of time so there is of other matters of Christs administration QUest 5. But the mystery of Iniquity the spiritual Supremacy did not still continue in that strength and repute in the Christian world as it had in former times Answ The Apostle foretold that the Lord Jesus would consume that wicked that man of sin and his corporation with the Spirit of his mouth and abolish it with the brightnesse of his coming so the fifteenth century the Lamb the King of mount Sion appeared with one hundred and forty four thousand attending on him who caused the Gospel to break out again and the light of it in the holy city increased to our daies that Christ the Sun of Iustice shineth and reigneth in England Scotland France Germany c. Blessed be his glorious name And let the four and twenty Elders and the sour lively Wights and all that fear God both small and great give thanks and sing Hallelujahs with all hearty courage as Apocal. 15. 19. QUest and Ans 6. Shall the Papacy be still decreasing Ans Yea for the preaching of the eternal Gospel falleth Rome-babylon and buildeth Jerusalem This the Sword of Christs mouth hath consumed the Kingdome of the Beast and chiefly through this Abaddon the son of perdition the angel of the bottomless pit and his cursed earthly politie and corporation shall be perishing to the end and is every day going to utter perdition QVest 7. But the Polity of Rome Egypt is strong by power and subtill counsells through the Kings and Princes that give their power to the Beast and through the swarms of innumerable Locusts and all his Worshippers all which are confederate with him and say b So said the Atheists of old Egypt and old Babylon Dan. 3.15 Exod. 5.2 Jer. 50.34 who can warr with the Beast as Apocal. 13.4 Answ Strong is Lord God of Hosts the King of Kings and Lord of Lords that will judge the great Whore and overthrow that habitation of Divels that hold of every foul Spirit that Cage of every uncleane and hatefull Bird. For he fitteth as on a White Cloud with a sicle in his hand and as on a White Horse of truth and might and in righteousnesse doth judge and make Warr. And the godly * The called the chosen the faithful are on the Lambs part Apoc. 17 14. Warriours †All those cry mightily to him that sits on the Cloud to thrust in his sicle and their prayers are heard Apoc. 14.15 Princes †Teachers and †people as on White Horses in his truth and might will follow him †And that we might be assured of Mysticall Babylons destruction Gen 6.11 12 13. 11.8 Jos 10.11 Jud. 4. 5.19 Jer. 25.10 Nah. 3.4.17 Ezek. 17. 28. Deut. 2.27 28. with Apoc. 13.17 Esai 63.3 the holy Spirit alludeth to the stories of the old enemies the old world Sodome Egypt Chanaan Edom Tyrus Niniveh Babel and apostate Jerusalem to the four cursed Kingdomes in Daniel chap. 7. to Gog and Magog Ezek. 38 39. As Gods wrath and vengeance came on them so most surely shall the cursed bloody heathenish apostaticall polity of King Abaddon be trodden in the wine-presse of the wrath of the Lord God omnipotent and perish The seven * The seven Phialls shew how Rome shal as it dealt in the Trumpets as shall be more largely shewed hereafter Phials set forth this how the just God doth pour out plagues on the Throne and Kingdome of the Beast QUest 8. Shall the Gospel of Christ increase in glory
thousand years after it is not rationâ—◠〈…〉 to think most impertinent assertions As if a godly soul or a 〈…〉 under greivous pressures and afflictions at present should 〈…〉 for consolation must the Teacher then tell stories to 〈…〉 that neither they nor theirs for many genera 5. Again these in captivity were godly and faithfull and knew they were chastised for not regarding Gods * The Iews now are perswaded of no such thing although forewarned Heb. 10.25 26 27. covenant in Christ and therefore they did humble themselves and confesse their sins as Levit. 26. foretold and had gracious promises of return to Canaan and of building city and Temple and that the City should be builded on its own heap and that they should have a policy to buy and sell Ier. 32. and the Prophet Ieremiâ—h knew well enough that the godly in the state of Iudah were or would be much cast down in their spirits even as Ieremy himself was concerning their most grievous calamities as Ier. 32. * It was â—n that age of God people that needed this satisfaction and thereupon the Lord God did comfort him and all the godly of those dayes and did revive their hearts in divers passages even as he did by Ezekiel see Jer. 29.30 31 32 33. chapters 6. But the Jews now are not godly but grievous apostates for they hold Christ and his Gospel Kingdome and people anathema they are exceeding hard of heart and blaspheme our Christ look for Christ yet to come not one of 1â—00 is godly of them nor have been for many hundred years 7. A glorious calling of the Jews from Rom. 11. is not denied in all places where they are scattered and will not this be a wonderfull glory to them and us that they in all places where they are shall yield obedience to the Gospel This should suffice for more cannot be proved and when Christ came we Gentiles were received into their sheepfold Iohn 10 Other sheep I have c. but hereafter the contrary Rom. 11.11 To provoke them to follow them that was their glory this ours 8. So certainly this speech of Ezek. 37. was spoken for the present disconsolate age These were not yet cast off All Zac. z. was consolatory to the returned who were vexed by the Samaritans and others Ierusalem being as yet unwalled although the providence of Christ was as a wail of fire for them till it was walled nor cut off from their own people but they onely were as yet Gods people and that made Zachariah say * that the Lord will yet choose Sion and Ierusalem and that yet he would be jealous for Ierusalem and Sion This was to comfort them under many pressures being under the government of the Persians and under such like pressures they should be under Iavan whole and Iavan parted namely in much affliction therefore it was fit and convenient so to comfort them for the Lord doth alwayes speak sitly to his olive and so the Lord did yet choose them even after this for the time of the Seventy Sevens of years in which space of time they should be the peculiar holy people and Ierusalem should continue to be the holy City but after the Seventy Sevens of years were accomplished according to Dan. 9 they had not any peculiar priviledge nor ever shall We mâ—sâ— not regard that strange Doctrine that teacheth otherwise but what tends to that Sion in Hebrews 12. and in Apocalyps 14.1 and to that Jerusalem Hebrews 12. Gal. 4. Apoc. 3 and 21. in too many things we do hinder the conversion of the Jews in Judaizing with them They hope for the building of Ierusalem and daily pray for their return to Canaan and many of us thus Judaize with them in teaching their return thither to bâ— a glorious Church again 9. And whereas the people of God in Jeremiahs and Ezekiels dayes were much dejected in spirit for the sorrows which they felt by Babel the golden head as they had cause went weeping to Babel not clearly discerning Gods counsel yet at the end of the captivity the holy counsels of God were fully opened by Gabriel the holy angels glorious message from heaven to Daniel * This Text of Dan. 9.24 did comfort them for the losse of the Ark Jer. 3. and the shaking of the rest of the Ceremonies and because the Lord foresaw what he would once more do by the Romane polity therefore he gave to Daniel that glorious revelation that they should expect the MESSIAS the holy of holy to confirm the Covenant for the many by his death Dan. 9.24 That they need not mourn nor lament for destroying Salomons Progeny and Kingdome because the holy angel had told them of the MESSIAS their King greater than Salomon who was also of the house of David for it is said he shall be great and shall be called the Son of the most high and the Lord God shall give unto 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 Luc. 1.32 33. and hence we learn that Christs spirituall kingdome shall never be ended nor overthrown nor his heavenly progeny extinct who are Princes and Priests in all the earth Psal 145.16 and the Metropolis of his kingdome is the heavenly Sion and Jerusalem builded by the Gospel over all the four quarters of the world and this city 1500 mile square compassed about with a wall of precious truth invincible that no power of the enemie can scale it or make any breach in it and the foundations of the wall are twelve compounded of twelve precious Jewels The holy Doctrine of the Lambs twelve apostles that there can be no Satanicall pioneers to make any mynes to blow it up no if they be as deep in their counsels as Garnet and Faux of that hellish crue and the Temple within this holy city is so glorious that it secretly affrights all opposers more than that in the times of Psal 48. For the Lord God of hosts even the LAMB is the Temple who is also the Rock of defence of his Church 10. Now though all this be our glory under the new Testament yet the Doctrine of many is contrarie for in effect they teach the Jews to lament and mourn for earthly Canaan and for the low Ierusalem and Temple Teachers may as well follow their Thalmudicall fables as this doctrine and so they do in part for they look for a pompous Kingdome in Canaan and continue against Gods oath the line of Salomon Ier. 22. These things will be touched again as the argument calls for it 11. The Prophesie of Amos chap. 9. is expounded in Acts 15. by the holy Councel and it will confine all our expositions that we make upon Esaias Ezekiel and Zacharias for such a calling of the Jews as I have shewed The last of Amos expounded by the Apostles themselves I take it is a key to open
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
for despising this our holy faith by which most heavy plague all the Families of the earth are in the bondage of Divels following atheâ—sme and abominable and lawlesse idolatries and it was this our God that brought up Israel out of the Land of Egypt and destroyed Pharaoh and his people with great plagues for despising this our holy Lord God and his people And your fore Fathers knew this and sent for Balaam the Inchanter to curse us in the Wildernesse and it was our God that saved our Fathers from Balaam and the King of Moab and as for the other King of Moah by whom our Nation was afflicted it was for falling to the idols of the Nations 5. I must warne you of a great errour whereas you say your Chemosh conquered the Emims for your Ancestors no such matter it was our mercifull God that destroyed those Giants and gave you their Land this our mighty Lord God did because your Father Lot loved our Father Abraham and did follow his faith and holy Religion and he did blesse our Father Abraham and God blessed him for this cause our God gave AR unto the Children of Lot for a possession And this you may read in our holy stories Deut. 2.9 And your God is a false God an idol but our Jehovah is the Eternall Lord God who made the Heavens and the Earth and a jealous God and will be very angry with us if I should grant in his Land any more Temples to be builded then his own And you cannot be ignorant of this nor your own kindred that our Eternall God is not such as your false Gods even all our Enemies being Judges and you have heard of these things by our Preists and Prophets and all my Court still have told you these things Therefore my Dear thou art much mistaken in all thy speaches and thou hast been instructed in an evill manner I have as you have heard spoken to you in an easy and milde frame of Language to persade thee therefore be advised by me if ever thou hope of comfort in the World to come Doe as your Father Lot did and doe as Ruth your faithfull and godly Countrey-woman did forget thy kindred and thy Fathers House and serve the Lord our God with a good heart Queen Although the King had thus brayed her as wheat with a pestill in a Morter yet her folly departed not from her But having this denyall tears fell from her eyes which bedewed her cheekes having her Handkercher in her hand with snubs of umphs and imphs fell at the Kings feet and further said Oh and it please my gracious Lord the King it is but to build a Chappell for me and my maids and some of my retainers which cannot fancy this worship of Israel I will promise your Majesty that not one of Israel shall come into our holy places King This may not be done it will be a snare unto my subjects to set up the abomination of Chemosh in Jehovahs Land I may not doe it Queen Oh why doth my gracious Lord call our Religion the abomination of Chemosh I assure your Majesty by the faith of a woman that there shall be dore-keepers that none of Israel shall come to have communion with us in our worships It is for my self and retinue and some of mine own Nation as they have occasion to come and see me in their visits King I may not I may not doe it I pray thee talk no more of this matter Queen Ymph umph tears And thus shee is dismissed and departs the presence of the King But yet another time assaults the King and sends an honorable personage her Brother before hand a notable insinuating crafty instrument who on a time came to Salomons Court and having seen and heard an excellent consort of musick of Instruments of all sorts as also the voices of singing men and singing woemen which he admired and praised and extolled the King as if all had been of his invention Kings and Princes when they came to Salomon would bring their Phisitians and their learned men with them and they would gather into writing much of Salomons speach of naturall philosophy c. also he magnified the King for his excellent endowments in contriving his plots for buildings and his wisdome in naturall philosophy and his rare gift in song and his wonderfull instinct to speake of the natures viâ—tures and effects of Trees Shrubs and Herbs of fowls beasts fishes and creeping things c. And that all Princes of the Earth that come to visit your Majesty and bring their Physicians with them will carry notes and writings home with them that shall stand all ages and people in great stead for ever And as for your Religion in worshipping Jehovah in his holy Temple he is the great God and above all Gods and all your performances are glorious But yet other Nations have much joy content and comfort every Nation in serving their own Gods For they cannot be perswaded to embrace your devotions as too strickt and rigid you may not add any thing to what your God commands nor take away any thing he forbids But we may add any thing as just occasion calls for and sometimes take away what was not so fitting which things are rational to all Nations for what is it but may be amended Yea I have heard of your Preists Prophets and learned men that there will be a great alteration in your Religion after some certaine time that all this service that you doe shall be ended as if it had never been for they doe say there shall be another manner of Kingdome Preists and Temple and Sacrifices and Worships These things considered is it not an hard thing to peâ—swade your bordering Princes to embrace your Religion which shall have such a great change among your selves and therefore they may well think it is more rational to hold their own then to be of yours seeing your own selves say it shall be changâ—d and therefore they suppose their worships shall continne as long as yours for if we go to Kittim Kedar Chaldea Ashur Ammon Egypt c. what Gods they have they ever had they change not and they think greater glory honor wealth prosperity and victories should not befall them if they should embrace your God for they all know that Israel hath had heavy pressures of famine wars and pestilence under your God yea of late years in the reign of the noble and royall King David your Father and it is not likely that such mighty Nations wise and politick should be all deceived in their worships and yours onely good and perfect And so these causes it is that those honorable woemen that your royall Majesty hath taken into so near society to your selfe and into your most honorable Court cannot be drawn to your Religion and among the rest my most honored and noble Sister your sacred Majesties consort to whom you have manifested much love and respect
for them for their calling to the Gospel All the Hebrew stories of the old Testament go upon the Families of Noahs Sons and Nephewes and on the latter off-springs of Terah It is very necessary for us to mark how the Prophets expresse these families by their wars or by their merchandize or by their calling to the Gospel Esa 11. 66. Ezâ—k 27. 38. c. All these wicked families despising the Tents of Sem a King of Iustice and Peace were cast off by the confusion of Tongues 2000. yea and were Lo-ruchama and Lo ammi not pitied and no people that is nor Gods Church nor people and did no more hear the Gospel till the true King of Iustice and Peace turned that curse of Tongues to a blessing and to gather his Elect from among them Acts 2. Then all those families were blessed in Christ as it was foretold to Abraham Gen. 12.3 Terâ—â— Gen. 11.26 27. Haren Lot Moab-Ruth Of him all the Kings of Judah from Rehoboham Ammon Of him all the Kings of Judah from Rehoboham Milcha Sarai Nahâ—r of Milcha and Reumah Uz Kemuel Hazo Iidlaph Tebah Tahash Buz of him Elibu Chesed Pildath Bethuel Laban Sons Lea Rachal Rebecca Sons Lea Rachal Gaham Maachah Abraham Of Sarah Isaac Esau vide his Geneologie Gen. 36. Jacob of him the twelve Patriarks Of Hagar Ishmael of him twelve Dukedomes in the Land of Chush They drove Chush further into the South Of Keturah Zimran Sheba Dedan Ashurim Letushim Leummim Iokshan Medan Midian Epha Epher Abidah Henoch Eldaah Ishbak Shuach of him Baldad Gen. 12.3 The Apostle opens the blessings in the Epistles to Rome Corinth Galatia Ephesus Philippi Colosse c. then us Gentiles were Ruchamah pitied and a people Ammi All these Families were scattered East West North and South by the confusion of Tongues for many Generations and followed Divels the Prince of the darknesse of this world but being blessed in Christ by the blessing of Tongues to be of Abrahams faith they came from East West North and South to sit down with Abraham Isaac and Jacob in the Kingdome of Heaven Matth. 8.11 Luke 14.29 The Posterities of these families shewed the corruption of nature received from parents manifesting it by their Idolatries and hatred against Israel one after another first by Chams house then Sems then Iaphets And unlesse the Lord Jesus Christ had sent to seek them they would never have enquired after him Acts 26.18 Ieremiah and David prayd against these families Psal 79. Ier. 10. Ioktans posterity dwelt in places further remote from Chanaan for seeing they had so many godly Ancestors whom they despised and cared not for the blessing to Sem but followed apostate Nimrod who built Babel which brought a Babylonian confusion over all the world even a scattering from Sems Tents and in this unexpressable Judgment but godly meditated Ioktans Sons were cast furthest off from the means of salvation This should make us have no society in Religion for phrase nor Apparell nor Court with mysticall Babylon the Issue will be scattering The Kings of the Images and Beassts in Dam 2 7 and see Mr. Bro. Preface I. Babel Nebuchadnezar Evil-Morâ—dach Belshazzar When the Golden Head Babel was made dust then the glorious prophesie of the 70 Seavens was brought from Heaven by an Angel Dan 9.24 c. II. Madaâ— and Paâ—as that is the Mâ—des and Persians Darius and Cyrus that sent the Iewes from Captivity Artaaxeâ—xes he hindred the Temple Ezra 4.23 Assuerus Heathen call him Darius Hyâ—taspis the Husband of Esther He hindred the Temple and sought to havâ— slain the Jewes Xerxes the Son of Darius Hystaspis spoken of onely in Dan 11. Darius-Artaxerxes a good King he built the Temple he as the Jewes think was the Son of â—â—ther by Darius Hystaspis he had two names Ezr. 6.14 it should be translated Darius which is artaxerxes so Mr. Bulling in an Epistle to one of his Decads Beroaldus and many good Authors Darius Nâ—thu These three are passed over in Nehemiah Artaxerxes These three are passed over in Nehemiah Ochus These three are passed over in Nehemiah Darius the Peâ—â—an Neb 12. whom Alexander over-came III. The Grecians whole Alexander and his posterity and the whole power of Greâ—ia IV. The Grecians parted the Kings of the North and South South North. Ptol. Lagides Dan 11.5 Seleucus Nicator Amiochus Soter Dan 11.5 Ptol. Philadelphus Dan 11.6 Antiochus Thens Seleuchus Callinicus Dan 11.6 Ptol. Eucrgetes Daâ— 11.7 Antiochus the Great Dan 11.10 Ptol. Philapator Daâ— 11.11 Selencus Philopator Dan 11.20 Ptol. Epiphanes Dan 11.18 Antiochus Epiphanes Dan 11.21 All these Kings were hard iron Legs against the Saints the other Kings after partly Iron and partly Clay the Jewes now had some strength to resist as Zach 9.13 14 15. and 10.6 7. Ptol. Philometor Ptol. Luâ—hurus Ptol. Anlaetes Cleâ—patra Antiochus Eupator Demetrius Soter son to Philip. Demeâ—â—ius Nicator his son Antiochus brother to Nicator Antiochus Gryphus Selencus his son Antiochus Cyzizenus Antiochus his son Antiochus Asiaticus I have not written Antio Sater and Selen Callinicus of the Posterity of them of the North they were not Horns of trouble to the Jewes After all these the Romans ruled CHAP. XXXIX The holy Chronicle sundry wayes expressed and every way agreeing to the same number of years being from the first promise in Gen. 3.15 till our Lords death 3960 years SEe Bro. in Texts of Scripture From the first promise of Christ to restore life upon death brought in by the Serpent to the promise of Christ made to Abraham up on the death of Terah who was the first of our Lords Fathers that the Serpent drew to idolatry are years 2083. The said time of 2083 years is secorded by the particular years of the Fathers in Gen. 5. and Gen. 11. Â From the second promise made to Abraham at the death of Terah Gen. 12. to the Lamb or to the Law of the Passcover Ex. 12 which typifyed Christ the Lamb of God are years 430. From the Lamb to the Temples Foundation 1 Kings 6. A type of the true Temple are years 480. From the foundation of the Temple to the burning of it Ez. 4. or rather to the captivity upon that are years 427. Thence to the end of the Captivity in Babel when Cyruâ— made a Decree of re-edifying the City and Temple 2 Chron. 36. are years full 50. Thence untill the Temple of our Lords body arose the third day are years 490. The whole Summe is 3960. Observe that in this page it is said from the foundation of the Temple to the burning of it is 4227 years but in chap. 44 it is said from the sin of Israel to the burning of the Temple is 390 years which is reckoned from Ezekiel 4. now to this 390. adde the 37 of Salomons Reign and then it is 427. for the foundation of the Temple was laid in the fourth year of Salomon 2. In the said 44. chapter you will find the
saw no Angell CHAP. XLVI That the point of Chronology was a cheife part of the Angells Message to Daniell for Daniell knew all before the Chronology 1. HE knbw that Salem Daniel saith Seavens Seavens ore exactly â—â—â—â—uâ—ted for thy people and for thy holy City Sems Tents and people should not alwayes have peculiar glory and that one day the postericy of Japheth should be perswaded to embrace the faith of Sems Tents he knew that all Families that apostated Gen. 11. should be blessed in CHRIST Gen. 12 and that he would also confirme firme the Covenant of his grace for them The blessednesse promised and the confirming the Covenant are all one 2. He knew as well as Esaias that the Temple and holy place should not alwayes be regarded as Stephea cites Esaias and Daniet Act. 6. 7. Esai â—6 1. Dan. 9 26.27 that the holy place Christ would destroy 3. He knew that Esaias had said from Moneth to Moneth and from Sabbathto Sabbath all flesh shall come to worship before me saith the Eternal Esai 66.23 This sheweth an utter abrogation of Moses seeing all Nations cannot come every week to Jerusalâ—m Mr. Br. in the latter end of Ecclesiastes 4. He knew the Preist hood of Levi should be changed from Psal 110. And he knew if the Preist hood be changed of necessity there must be a change of the Law and therefore the Law of all manner of Sacrifices of Beasts and Birds c. should be abolished this he knew from Psal 40. And all faithfull as Habel thus expected and beleived and by that their faith they were made heires of the justification that is by faith And Daniel sheweth the same that Messias should by his once offering of himselfe make reconciliation for iniquity and bring an everlasting justification and so seal and confirme all the visions and premises and prophesres that himselfe was the end an scope that all aimed at 5. He knew from Esaias that Cyrus should send the Jewes home from Captivity and build City and Temple read Esai 44 45 46. Jer. 30.18 But in what time after the returne from Captivity Esaias told not But the holy Angel did shew the time that within the Seaven Seavens from Daniels prayers and the returne of the forty nine thousand Jerusalem should be builded Street and Wall 6. He knew that HE the holy seed of the Woman of Abraham of David c. should destroy Satans works that by the Seed of the Serpent his foot sole should be bruised that he should be slaine not for himselfe but for us 7. He knew that Esaias had prophecied of the acceptable yearâ— of the Lord in the Jubilee in which should be preached good tidings unto the meek to bind up the broken hearted to proclaime liberty to the Captives and the opening of the prison to them that are bound c. Now Daniel told of the last Jubilee when all should be performed Levit. 25. seeing all the promises of God in Christ are yea and amen we are bound to marke the Jubilees beginning and ending and to joyne the last to our LORDS death for indeed they doe so most exactly fall out When the Angel had told the Prophet Daniel of the Seavensy Seavens Then the godly Teachers before the holy Incarnation could say the Majesty of God dwelling in our Tabernacle will be Redemption freedome i. e. justification and Finisher of Sabbaths to Israel in a Iubilee this speach is worthy of golden Letters This they might easily account For they knew how many Jubilees had been past and how many would be the last yeare of the Seavensy Seavens The last Jubilee falls out with the last yeare of the Seavensy Seavens Simeon the just knew this and he waâ—ted for the Mâ—ssâ—as the consolation of Israel and it was reveiled unto him that he should not see death till he had seen the MESSIAS of the Lord. Luk. 2. All this glorious meditation of the Jubilees and this last Jubilee Master P. defaceth utinam bec illi ne imputetur Num. 33 56. Deut. 28.66 Esai 66. Pâ—â—l 95. Ezâ—k 16. 8. He knew from Moses and the Prophets that Christ the King would destroy his own people as with a Floud of Noe that they should be shaken out of their own Land and that that Land should not be their Rest nor an holy Land nor holy Mountaine no more then any place under heaven after the ending of the Seavensy Seavens the Jewes shall be converted they will beleive that City and Temple shal never be restored and then they will not much regard the Land Now the holy Lord God sent his Angell from heaven to tell the time of the accomplishment of all these they are un-utterable wonderfull things and glorious mercies that from the beginning of Daniels prayer this exactly accounted time should begin Mr. Bro◠〈◊〉 Daniel and end at the shewing of CHRIST to be the most holy Redeemer in declaring the power of God in his passion and resurrection as is foretold in Dan. 9. Because the passion marveilously shewed Christ to be the most Holy when he sanctifyed himselfe Ioh. 17.17 and the Centurion said doubtlesse he was the Son of God and his resurrection shewed that he was indeed the Son of Gon. I will add a little to the eighth Section above If the Jews had known the words of the Prophets they would not have stoned Stephen for saying Jesus of Nazaret should destroy the City and the holy Place Great error hath herein been committed by not marking the force of Noes words pursued by Moses by Gabriell by the Lord and by their full Event and by the glorious erecting of the Church tearmed the Jerusalem from Heaven insted of it Iulian the Apostate to satisfy our Lords words indeavoured to repaire Jerusalem but he felt the wrath of Christ for it So in after ages * Anno 1100. 1200. the Pontificality stirred the Princes of the West to war for Low Jerusalem but Christ plagued Christendome to this day for that vanity Yea at this day people study not nor beleive the words of the Prophets but as the Jewes are susperstitious so are many the superstition of the Jewes is in part expressed by a godly Teacher And it seems their vanity pleaseth us to write so of them as we doe Christians now a-dayes are so foolish and erroneous as thinking of going to Jerusalem I could name some But it is better for them to alter their opinions and if I might give them counsell to doe as it is reported Jewes doe about their dead bones let them give order to some Feoffee to have care of their dead bones and when they have a sufficient Cargosie to fraight some Vessell to Joppa and to consigne them to some Reverend Mussel-man that he by Waggons may transport them to Jerusalem to be interred Ah let Teachers consider whether they have not been an occasion to people to stumble at the Law in teaching and writing about