King of Nations and under him it is given to the Saints who must possess the Kingdome Dan. 7.27.18 and therefore it is no wonder that all this time of the Apostacy the Apostates could make nothing Rise from the Nationall Constitution or if they did could not make it Stand up but it hath been like a man when his life is gone from him and the Day of the Lord according to Isa 2.16 hath been upon all their pleasant Pictures Then come to the VVar with Holland and call over the Records which do abundantly manifest how eminently God Wrought and made his Wonders to be known in the Deeps yea both VVind and Sea obeyed him in that Warr. As to the Eminent Hand of God in the Call of that Little Assembly I shall not speak of it in this place having spoken to it in the First Ground but upon the whole I may conclude this Second Ground with these Scriptures Num. 23.23 According to this time it shall be said of Israel and Jacob what hath God wrought compared with Psal 40.5 Psal 78.4 107.8 111.4 also Psal 75.1 that his name is neere his wonderous works declare And though this Generation as Deut. 4.9 have forgot the things that their eyes have seen yet God in much mercy makes these Wonderfull Works as pretious food to a poor Despised Remnant that are witnesing to and waiting for the Resurrection of the Glorious Cause of Christ. Psal 74.14 111.2 3 4. Compared with v. 5. Psal 46.8 Come behold the works of the Lord c Hos 14.9 who so is wise and he shall understand these things c Isay 51.9 10. Awake Awake O Arme of the Lord as in Ancient dayes art not thou it c. The Third Ground which may further manifest that the Work of this Kingdome hath taken place is from the Cause that was Stated and Layed in the Bottom as the Foundation of the Quarrell upon which the great Works have been wrought and Victories obtained and that hath been the Cause of Jesus Christ in opposition to the Kingdome of Antichrist and as the Day so the Light hath increased First against Popery and Prelacy not only against their wicked practices but against the Foundation of their standing as Antichristian and though there was then but little Light in the visible Kingdome of Christ yet there was so much as the Lord saw needfull for that day Secondly in the beginning of the Wars which outwardly to men appeared to be betwixt the King and Parliament but in the Bottom as those who had the Light of that Day may remember was betwixt Christ and Antichrist and many of the people of God took up Armes in Judgment and Conscience upon the account of Christ and went to the help of the Lord against the mighty although it was but a dark Day and a day of small things But by that time we came to the Warr with Scotland there was a good measure of Kingdome Light given down and sprung up though it was not upon all that were engaged in the War but only some few to whom the Lord was pleased to manifest it and through this Light the Cause came more clearly to be stated in publique view and then the ground upon which the late King and his Monarchy was taken off is publickly asserted by the Army who were the most eminent outward Instruments in the Work to be upon the account of Christ as may appeare by a Letter from the Officers of the Army at their march for Scotland directed to the rest of the Army that remained at their Quarters in England and also by their Declaration when they were come to Muscleborough in Scotland This Cause comes yet more clearly to be Stated and Owned in the Breach of the Old Parliament and is laid in the Bottom by those that were Anointed for and had the Light of that day as the Ground upon which they were Broken and also as a farther manifestation of this the Kingdom of Christ being to take place next to the Image Government and that being broken the Little Assembly was called and the Government delivered to them upon the Avowed Account of the Son of God Also in the Stating and Carrying on the War with Holland the Faith and Prayer for the Successe in that War was by those that had the Light upon the account of the Kingdom of Christ these things are evident and may further appear by a Letter from the Officers at Whitehall to Lt. Gen. Fleetwood and the rest of the Officers in Ireland upon the Breach of the Old Parliament and also by Cromwels Speech to the Little Assembly shewing their Call to be upon the account of Christ and also the proceedings of the Assembly and Council and the Committee of Admiralty in the managing of that War with Holland The Letter to Ireland and the Letter before mentioned to those of the Army that remained in England the Muscleborough Declaration and Cromwels Speech are all Printed together in the Book before-mentioned called The Kingdom of Christ or Fifth Kingdom in opposition to the Kingdom of the Beast and is Sold at the Crown in Popes-Head Ally The Grounds upon which the enlightned Part of the Little Assembly did Act and Own their sitting do also clear the Cause to to be stated for Christ against Antichrist The Fourth Ground to clear this Assertion is from the Anointing a Measure whereof hath been given down in for the accomplishing of the Work by which it hath been done And first that there is an Anointing reserved for and promised to this Work of the Fifth Kingdom yea that the Work is to be done by the Anointing though not without the use of Instruments consider Isa 10.27 which speaking of the Latter day Work and of Zions deliverance saith That the yoke shall be broken off because of the Anointing also Isai 28.6 speaking of this VVork saith The Lord shall be for a Spirit of Judgement to them that sit in Judgement and for strength to them that turn the Battel to the Gate Also Haggai 2.5 My Spirit remaineth among you fear ye not though this word in the Letter may relate to the Building of the Temple yet that VVork being Typical to this Glorious VVork of the Latter day this promise of the Spirit doth most properly respect this Latter day VVork So Zech. 4.6 Not by might nor by Power but by my Spirit c. The word upon the forementioned ground may also be applyed to this VVork of the Fifth Kingdom Isai 59.19.21 when the enemy shall come in like a flood the Spirit of the Lord shall put him to flight c. These and several other Scriptures do clear it that this VVork hath the promise of the Spirit in a special manner belonging to it and now that a measure of this Spirit hath been given down for Light wisdom strength and courage in the Work which hath been done amongst us hath been very evident to and owned by
yet that doth not excuse the neglects and backwardness of Gods People who ought to be valiant for the Truth These things contained in this third Particular being written at large in the books of Ezra Nehemiah Zechariah and Haggai I shal refer you to the reading and comparing of them and shall come in the next place to cite some Prophesies of Scripture which relate to this Fifth Kingdom and do clearly hold forth that there must be such an Apostacy from and Death upon the Work after it hath taken place The First Scripture is Psal 2.1.2.3.4.5.6 The Heathen rage the Kings of the earth set themselves and the Rulers take Councel together against the Lord and against his Anointed saying let us break their bands asunder and cast away their cords from us c. By the Bands and cords I understand the Government and Laws of Christ and the breaking in sunder or casting off its Government and Laws must needs hold forth a Rebellion against and a turning from them after they had taken place in the World and then the Lord doth vex them by setting his King c. and after this as in verse 8.9 Christ must have the Heathen for his inheritance and the uttermost parts of the Earth for his possession and must break them with a Rod of Iron c. The next Scripture is Hab. 3.2 O Lord revive thy Work c. if we consult the Scope of the words they will appear to be a Prayer for or a Prophesie of the Latter day Work and doth clearly hold forth a Death to come upon it after it hath been begun also he saith O Lord remember mercy which shews that the Work and People of God at that time when this Prayer takes place are very low also Psal 94.15 But Judgement shall return unto Righteousness c. This word doth relate to the time of Gods coming forth in the execution of vengeance as the scope of the Psalm doth manifest and to that part of the time when Gods People are low and the enemies high as verse 16. Who will rise up for me against the evil doers c. also verse 20.21 Now Judgement being to be understood of Rule and Government and by its being with Righteousness I understand the Rule and Government to be upon Christs shoulders in whom alone there is true Righteousness and in the possession of the Saints for and under him and by this Rule and Government returning to Christ and his Saints must imply First that it hath already taken place and Secondly that there is a turning or an Apostacy from it There is another Great objection or stumbling block that I find is laid in the Way at this day about the Two VVitnesses mentioned in Rev. 11. which is this Obj. That the VVitnesses are not yet slain and therefore the VVork of the Fifth Kingdom cannot be begun neither hath the Active dispensation taken place but the Saints must be preparing for and in the expectation of sharp sufferings even to Corporal death as the fulfilling of their Staying Answ First If it should be granted that the Slaying of the VVitnesses must be accomplished in this Island yet If there Two following things be considered it will rather confirm the Truth viz. that the Work is begun then prove a Stumbling Block in the way of it And the First thing is what the VVitnesses are and what their Testimony is and The Second what their Slaying is To the first If the Scriptures be weighed the VVitnesses cannot be understood of Two particular Persons as some have supposed because they are to Prophesie a thousand two hundred and threescore Dayes or Years for the Dayes must be Prophetical a Day for a Year according to Num. 14.34 Ezek. 4.6 All must grant that the Latter Number to wit the Three Dayes and a Half mentioned in Rev. 11 9. must be Prophetically understood and no doubt the Former must in that agree with the Latter and if they must Prophesie so long they cannot be Two Persons for no such singular extraordinary Persons have yet been found in the world since Johns Dayes and there is much ground from the Scripture to believe that the Beast which in verse the 7. Slaves the VVitnesses when they have finished the 1260. Dayes or Years hath not so much time to come of his Reign Much more might be spoken Both from the VVar that is made with them and from the Time of their Lying Dead to shew that they cannot be Two Persons neither can they be understood of the Church of the Jewes and the Church of the Gentiles as Two distinct Churches First because ever since Johns Dayes the Church of the Jews as a Church have been cut off and not in a capacity of bearing VVitness for Christ Secondly when they shall be Called they are not to Come in as a distinct Church but both Jew and Gentile being all One in Christ makes but one Gospel Church but they must be understood of the Faithful People of God who through his Spirit are kept alive in a Testimony for Christ against Antichrist during the time of the Beasts Reign That the People of God or such of them as are kept alive by him are his VVitnesses see Isai 43.10 Chap. 44.8 And they are here called two First because two according to Scripture is a competent Number for VVitness and Secondly their Testimony is two fold viz. for the Magistracy and the Ministry of Christ against the Civil and Ecclesiastical Part of Babylon or Antichrist these being the great Truths Witnessed too and contended for by those that have been enlightned and kept alive for Christ and also the Truths which Antichrist hath most struck at and endeavoured ever since his Reign to Race out if possible from the Face of the Earth that so Himself might Reign alone and this agrees with the Two Anointed Ones to wit Joshua and Zerubbabel the High-Priest and the Governour Zech. 4.11 To the Second thing viz. the Slaying It must either be a Spiritual or a Corporal Slaying It cannot be a Corporal Slaying First because they were so Slain in the time of their Prophesie in Sackcloth but this Slaying being distinguished and taking place when they have finished their Testimony appears to be such a Slaying as they did not partake of before 2ly It cannot be a Corporall Slaying because their Dead-Bodies lie in the streets three Dayes and a Half which must be Prophetical Dayes a Day for a Year for the Rejoycing and sending of Gifts to one another cannot be Accomplisht in so many natural Dayes and if it must be Years then the Slaying cannot be Corporal for none may suppose that such Dead Bodies should lie so long in the streets 3dly it cannot be a Corporal Slaying If we consider the Resurrection of them for it is not the natural life or spirit that enters into them but the Spirit of life from God and if it be considered that there is a space of Time in which they are
and great Authority and upon this the Pagan State falls and therein him that did let 2 Thes 2.7 was removed out of the way and so the wicked comes to be revealed or made visible to be the Antichrist Secondly the Beast and the wicked or Man of sin agrees in their Reign or exercise of Power both setting themselves against God appearing with Power Signes and Lying Wonders 2 Thes 2.4.9.10 comp Rev. 13.5 6.13.14 also with Dan. 7.25 Thirdly this Man of Sin is the last Power upon Earth that precedes the coming and Kingdom of Christ whom the Lord shall consume with the Spirit of his mouth and destroy with the brightness of his comming 2 Thes 2.8 By the Spirit of his Mouth I understand the Anointing which being given down thorough the word of the Lord upon the Saints is called the Spirit of his Mouth by which the Antichristian Power is to be consumed and so agrees with the breaking work of the Stone in Dan. 2. and with the Saints taking away and consuming the Power of the little Horn in Dan. 7. and that the Feet of the Image the little Horn and the Beast that comes from the Bottomless Pit are the last part of the Image Government and stands next to Christs Kingdom hath been already cleared Fourthly They agree in their ruine or destruction as to Time Instruments and the Place into which they are Cast this man of sin is called the Son of Perdition which doth not only denote his hellish Rise and Reign but also that he must go into Perdition or Hell the Beast also goeth into Perdition or Hell The man of sin or Little Horn is also given to the burning flame 2 Thes 2.3 Comp. with Rev. 17.8 and Dan. 7.11 That they agree as to time and Instruments hath been already shewed in these and several other particulars which for brevity sake I shall not insist upon Thus the feet and toes of the Image Dan. 2. The Little Horn Dan. 7. The Beast Rev. 17. The Man of sin 2 Theâ— 2. do agree and appear to be one and the same though given under various Names and Titles and the comparing of them may through the blessing of the Lord help to a very full and clear description of the Antichrist that was to come and take place in the world in the latter day onely this is to be noted that the Spirit in describing Antichrist in the four forementioned places doth sometimes insist chiefly upon the Civil or Beastly Power and sometime doth take in and insist upon both the Civil and Ecclesiastical or false Church part as they are twisted together As in the feet of Iron and Clay and the Man of Sin revealed when he who did let should be taken out of the way but I shall speak more to that in the next particular The next thing I shall lay down and endeavour to clear is That the Antichrist or last part of the Image Government doth consist or is made up of two sorts to wit Civil and Ecclesiasticall both twisted or mixed together the Magisterial or Civil Government being united to and involved in the Ecclesiastical or false Church State This appears First From the Feet and Toes of the Image that are of Iron mixed with Clay Dan. 2.41 by the Iron I understand the Civil State as Verse 33. The Roman Power in its Civil Sate is set forth by Iron Leggs and by Clay I understand the earthy false Church which is set forth by a Beast coming up out of the Earth Rev. 13.11 The Civil Power espousing and joyning in affinity with the Whore she being not of God but brought forth by Man or rather by the Devil in man is called the seed of Men Dan. 2.43 This Espousal or joyning in affinity I understand to be the mingling with the seed of Men and by this mingling the Imperial Power was not strengthned but indeed weakened as Verse 42. The false Church may also upon several other accounts be fitly set forth by Clay as in its Rise Brittleness Foulness and its Nature of cleaving or sticking to other things that comes nigh unto it This may appear Secondly From the revealing of the wicked by removing of him that did let which was as I understand the Roman Emperour out of the way 2 Thes 2.7.8 Him that did let must either be God or the Devil or Man It could not be God because him that did let was to be removed out of the way which would be blasphemy in any to refer to God Secondly It could not be the Devil for he that did let appears to stand in the way to hinder the Devils Kingdom taking place which would be Satan against Satan or a Kingdom divided against it self Mark 3.23.24.26 and if it can be neither God nor Satan then it must be Man and can be referred to no other Man but the Roman Emperour who in the exercise of his Civil or Heathenish Power did for some hundreds of years after Pauls dayes hinder the Mystery of iniquity appearing in the false Church from coming to his desired Throne The Bishops of Rome grew very high and sought long to get the Seat of Civil Judicatory over the State as they had over the Church but they could not obtain the Throne till the Emperour was brought down to their foot and as to his Imperial Power was taken out of the way and when this was effected Antichrist assumed the Throne and so the wicked came to be revealed who though he had the Ecclesiastical Seat before yet was not so revealed to be that wicked mentioned 2 Thes 2.8 till he got the Civil Seat also and this doth further clear that the wicked Antichrist in his Throne must be made up of Civil and Ecclesiastical Power Thirdly This may further appear by the two Beasts mentioned Revel 13. the first comes out of the Sea verse 1. which I understand to be the Civil Roman Power in its last State that riseth by the Rebellions and Sea-like rageing tumults of the people being encouraged and promoted by Sathan in the false Church though not yet mounted upon the Beast By these tumults the Roman Power in its Pagan or Heathenish and first State that was very glorious before comes to be wasted and at last destroyed and so the Power brought under the Beast that comes out of the Sea and the Devil or Dragon being very willing to make a change of the Power from the Pagan State that he might Mount the Whore readily gives his Power Seat and great Authority to this Beast The Second Beast is mentioned in verse the 11. of this 13. Chapter and described as coming up out of the Earth and in verse 12. is said to exercise all the Power of the First Beast to wit the Beast that comes out of the Sea and vers 13.14 doth great Wonders and worketh Miracles before him c. and is called the false Prophet Revel 19.20 This Beast must be understood of the false Church which cometh
great question at this day How shall these things be brought forth by what Instruments and in what way In Answer to this Question First this VVork belongs to God who hath promised to accomplish it As first the destroying the Kingdom of the Beast the beating down of Christs foes before him making them his footstool clothing them with shame and avenging the blood of the Saints upon Antichrist Psal 89.23 Psa 110.1 132.18 Rev. 6.10 Chap. 19.2 Secondly the setting up of the fifth Kingdom also belongs to God Dan. 2.44 Psal 89 27. Secondly Though God be the main Agent in this VVork yet he doth it by Instruments and the Instruments are his Saints whom he will call to and anoint for this VVork and so God is said to do it because it is done by his Spirit in the Saints whom he shall choose That the Saints shall be the Instruments in destroying the Kingdom of the Beast and so in setting up the fifth Kingdom which doth immediatly Succeed Take the place and Fill up the room of the fourth consider the following Scriptures Dan. 2.34 the Stone which is the Saints anointed for and called to the Work as I have before shewed smites the Image on his feet which hath also been shewed to be the Antichristian State and breaks them in pieces So Dan. 7.18 The Saints shall take the Kingdom Now though the Kingdom is given to them by promise and obtained for them by the Power of God yet they are said to take it which must be understood of their being used as Instruments in taking the Power Rule and Government from the Image or that part of it which stands next before Christs Kingdom which must be done by destroying or breaking in pieces that part of the Image which is in being when this Fifth Kingdom comes to take place Dan. 7.26 They that is the Saints whom he wears out verse 25. shall take away his that is the Little Horn vers 8. and 24. which have been already shewed to be the Antichristian State Dominion that is his Power Rule or Government to consume and to destroy it unto the end In Dan. 11.31 The Angel is speaking of the Roman or Fourth Kingdom which took away the dayly sacrifice and vers 32. saith But the people that do know their God shall be strong and do exploits The people that do know their God are the Saints and by their being strong and doing exploits I understand to be the service that the Saints shall do in the destroying this Fourth Kingdom also Num. 24.14 I will advertise thee what this people shall do to thy people in the latter dayes and Isai 14.2 They shall take them captives c. So Isai 41.14.15 Fear not thou worm Jacob to wit the Saints in a low condition I will make thee a new sharp threshing Instrument c. thou shalt thresh that is break in pieces or destroy the mountains to wit the great worldly Powers Isai 2.2 and beat them small and shall make the Hills which also intends the worldly Powers as Chaff c. Isai 52.2 Shake thy self from the dust loose thy self from the bonds of thy neck O captive Daughter of Zion by the bonds of thy neck and the dust I understand the Government and wicked Tyranny that Babylon hath had and exercised over Zion and by shaking and loosing her self must needs be understood to be the breaking off or destroying that Power and Government of Antichrist and this must be done by Zion her self to wit the People of God Cha. 51.16 Jeremiah Cha. 50.45 Speaking of Babylon saith surely the least of the flock shall draw them out by the Flock is meant the People of God Acts 20.28 and by draw them out I understand the rewarding and destroying of Babylon and this Scripture must be applyed to spiritual Babylon because it was not the Saints but the Medes that drew out litteral Babylon as the same Chapter compared with Dan. 5. doth manifest In Micha 4.13 Zion to wit the Lords People is fitted for and called to arise and thresh the Nations Isa 13.3 Mal. 4.2.3 Job 17.8 Zech. 2.7 So Zech. 9.13 Zion must deliver her self and her sons must be raised up against the sons of Greece Rev. 18.4.6 the peculiar People of God are commanded to reward Babylon Rev. 15.6 and 16.1 the Angels with the Viols comes out of the Temple the Vials do contain the seven last plagues or the judgements of God that are to accomplish the destruction of Antichrist and avenging the blood of the Saints the Temple is the Church or the Saints of God 2 Cor. 6.16 and by the Angels I understand those Saints that are chosen and called of God as Ministers or servants employed in that honourable work to execute his judgements these with many other Scriptures do make it very evident that the Saints or people of God must be used by him in this great and glorious work and the Fifth Kingdom taking place and filling up the roome of the Fourth Dan. 2.35 The Stone or Kingdom became a great mountain and filled the whole Earth the like in Dan. 7.27 it will appear from the Scriptures before mentioned that the Saints must be used both in the destroying and building work But I know it is further queried How shall the Saints be used in this work and by what meanes shall they accomplish it In answer to which I shall lay down these particulars First That they which shall be used in the work must be such whom the Lord shall choose and call in to it The Lambs Army are call'd and chosen Rev. 17.14 It is not whom Man will choose but whom the Lord shall choose Samuel would have chosen Eliab but he must not stand because God had refused him and it was David that was Gods chosen 1 Sam. 16.7 This hath been the evil of many in our dayes to presume to put themselves and others upon the Lords VVork Some because they are men of great wit and parts Others because they are men of great estates and high in the World Others because they are tryed Souldiers Men of valour and courage yea and many like Samuel have been crying such up as the Lords annointed and have not first made diligent search whether the Lord had chosen them and this hath proved like Uzzahs touching the Ark they have stumbled fallen and come to nothing Secondly That the Instruments must not only be such as are called and chosen but such as have received the annointing for the work by which annointing they are not only made faithful but do obtain light in and love unto it with wisdom faith and courage for the managing of it This work though done by the Saints must not be by their or the might or power of men but by this annointing Zech. 4.6 Isa 10.27 and Chap. 59.19 Haggai 2.5 Isa 28.6 Being thus called chosen and annointed they shall be used First by faith and prayer with praises as Joshua Gideon and
divers others were in the Typical part of this work and how much more in the Anti-type which doth farr exceed it in spirituality shall the Instruments be so used Psal 2.8 Ask of me and I will give thee c. which must respect Christ as King in his members Heb. 11.30 32 33. Who through faith subdued Kingdomes c. Psal 72.15 and Psal 149.6 Let the high praises of God be in their mouths c. Rev. 6.10 Chap. 8.3.4.5 Secondly by the word of their Testimony which they bear for Christ against Antichrist Rev. 12.11 17. Lastly by Material weapons in a military way Christ being the Captain General and chief leader of this Army Rev. 17. The Lamb shall overcome them and they that are on his side are called chosen and faithful Psal 110.3 In the day of the assembling of thy Army for so some read the words Thy people speaking to Christ shall be willing This Psalm doth in an especial manner relate to the work of the later day Rev. 19.14 The Armies followed Christ which Armies must respect the Saints as being them that are arrayed in fine linnen Vers 8. That the Saints shall be used with material weapons consider First That the War cannot be restrained to that spiritual War mentioned 2 Cor. 10.4 Eph. 6.12 which war required spiritual weapons only but this is an outward visible war as smiting and breaking the visible Image Government taking away the visible Power of the last Beast Dan. 2. and Chapter the 7th and a visible overcoming and breaking the Horns or visible Power of the Ten Kingdoms that received their Power with the Beast which Hornes do begin a visible War with Christ and his Cause as it is owned and carried on by his Saints who are the Members of his Body Rev. 17. Secondly That they shall be used with Material Weapons may appear from Joel 3.10 Beat your Plow-shares into swords and your pruning-hooks into spears let the weak say I am strong In which Scripture I would note three things First That it is a prophecy of the latter day work when Multitudes shall appear in the valley of decision which hath never yet been fulfilled as is most evident if the scope of the Prophesie be consulted Secondly This 10th Verse is spoken to the Saints or people of God the scope of the words leads to the Saints and the 11th verse is a Call to the Heathen for God will gather the Heathen as well as his own people to the valley of decision according to Zeph. 3.8 and this word of encouragement Let the weak say I am strong is not spoken to the enemies of God but is a blessed word for his own people and by it the whole verse appears to be directed to them Lastly the swords and spears are not spiritual but material weapons because they are made of plow-shares and pruning-hooks and are to be used in the Lords great Controversie with the Heathen and the enemies of his Church This Truth may further appear from Psal 149.6 7 8. Let a two-edged sword be in their hands to execute vengeance c. This Psalm must also respect the latter day when the meek shall be beautified with salvation ver 4. and this prophesie hath never been fulfilled since this Psalme was penned but must be fulfilled in the execution of the judgement that is to come upon the World in this latter day This must be a material sword First because the work that the Saints are to do with it is outward visible work viz. to bind Kings and Nobles and to execute the judgment written vers 8.9 2dly This sword is to be in their hands and therefore must be a material sword if it were spiritual it would be in their hearts or in their mouths and included in the joy and praises before spoken of this may further appear from Luke 22.36 He that hath no sword let him sell his garment and buy one That this Sword relates to the latter day must needs be granted because it is spoken in the latter day for the whole day from Christs coming into the flesh to the end of the world is called the latter dayes or time Acts 2.17 Heb. 1.2 1 John 2.18 This latter day or last times must be considered under a two-fold dispensation the one of Suffering the other of Action In the first the Saints must be bound with chains killed and countted as sheep for the slaughter Rom. 8.36 comp Luke 21.12 16. And in the second the Saints shall bind with chaines and take them captives whose captives they were Isa 14.2 comp Psal 149. In the first the Beast or Little Horn shall wear out the Saints In the second the Saints shall take away his Dominion Dan. 7. In the first the Saints must Suffer in Babylon under yokes and bonds and so be hanging down the head In the second Zion or the Saints must deliver her self and put on her Beautifull Garments and lift up her head and loose her self from the bands of her neck or the Government of Antichrist that is upon her and shake her self from the dust In the first Babylon is exercising Cruelty and Tyranny over the Saints and they are patiently to bear it and if they be smitten on the one cheek they must turn the other and if any man will sue them at the Law and take away their coat which must be whilest the wicked Antichristian Law is in force they must let him have their Cloak also But in the Second the Saints must render to Babylon double Compare these following Scriptures Dan. 7.25 with vers 26. Rev. 13.7 with Chap. 17.14 Isa 52.1.2 Zech. 2.7 Luke 21.28 Matth. 5.39.40 Rev. 18.6 This Scripture Luke 22.36 doth clearly hold forth this two-fold dispensation for it cannot be applyed to the day when Christ and his Apostles were upon the Earth which was a day of suffering wherein they were not to resist as Math. 5.39 with many other Scriptures to this purpose both in the Evangelists and the Epistles and Christ tells them at the same time that two swords were enough vers 38. and therefore could not be the time in which he that had no sword must sell his garment and buy one but holds forth another dispensation in which the Saints must be called to Action for Christ in the setting up of his Kingdom and though the words were spoken to the disciples that were then with Christ in the suffering day yet he delivers it to them as they represented the whole body of Gospel Believers that were or should come over to faith in him to the end of the world and so the Ordinances Rules and Work that the Saints were to observe and do till Christs Second coming are delivered unto and received by the disciples that were with him in that day Christ in the opening the extent of his prayer John 17.20 cleares this and also in his general exhortation Math. 13.37 What I say unto you I say unto all c. and so
leave the wayes of God And neglect the Conversion of sinners and the building up such as are converted And that they are such as are against Magistracy c. But it would be too large to speak to all these things and to shew how in the building of the First and Second Temple and many other things which God did by his Spirit yet conferred that honour upon his Servants to use them as Instruments in his hand though he had no need of them but as in the Creation might do all by the word of his Power He had no need of Moses Joshua Samuel David and many others he could have done his work alone yet it was and is his pleasure to use them And as for the High Charges that are brought against this Truth and the Professors of it I shall not undertake to vindicate and plead for all that go under the name of owners of these things I know there was a Judas amongst the twelve Disciples yea and Peter who was very eminent did miscarry and the best of Saints here do stand by Faith yet this I may say that the Principles teach no such things but 2 Pet. 3. if we look for such things we are from thence instructed to be holy in all manner of conversation But I hope as I have not received these things either with respect to Persons or things but as it might appear to be the mind of the Lord so I would not reject or entertain hard thoughts of any of the Truths of Christ because many of the Professors thereof walk unsuitable to their profession And to what is falsly charged upon the Persons or Principles is no more then hath been upon other truths of Christ and upon his followers in former ages Caleb and Joshua because they were faithful and declared the truth the whole Congregation of professing Israel bade stone them with stones Num. 14. Jeremiah for declaring the truth was not onely reproached by false reports but cast into the Dungeon for his faithfulness by the very Princes of Israel and he received more favour from the Heathens then he did from the Professors as from Ebedmelech the Blackmore and from the King of Babylon Jer. 15.10 chap. 20.10 chap. 38 4.6.7-11.12 Chap. 39.11.12 and to our Lord Christ himself his friends said he was beside himself Mark 3.21 The strict sort of the Jewes did contemn him and his followers and said he was a Samaritane and had a Devil Yea that Sect was every where spoken against Acts 28.22 Paul was charged to be a pestilent fellow and that he Preached that men should do evil that good might come Considering this cloud of witnesses and how much Satan is engaged against the Righteous Cause of Christ and how truth in all ages hath been first branded for error and then opposed and persecuted and the Professors thereof Imprisoned Banished and killed I am through Grace helped with comfort and cheerfulnesse to bear these sore reproaches as a part of Christs and Truths livery and leave it till the day of Decision when the Lord will shew who was for Christ and his Truth and who were the opposers of them And as to that part of the charge that we are against Magistracy the Lord in his own time will clear his despised Remnant of that with other false charges and will make it manifest that through rich Grace we do own Reverence and witness for the true Magistracy which is according to the Word of God in opposition to the false Magistracy of Antichrist and of the Apostacy at this day and if to be for the House and Kingdom of David against wicked Saul as was the House of Judah and divers others 2 Sam. 2.10 cha 3.2 or for David against Absalom as 2 Sam. 15. or for Solomon against Adonijah as was Nathan and others see 1 King 1. or with Ehud against Eglou as Judg. 3.14 or for Joash against Athaliah as was Jehoiada and others see 2 Kin. 11. or to be for the Lord and his Truth against Amaziah when he turned from following the Lord in a word if to be for Christ and his Kingdom against the Devil Antichrist and the Apostacy be to be Vile and to be Transgressors we are such and I desire the Lord may keep us so to the end But if these things be justifiable by Scripture and owned by the Lord let those that reproach us take heed least they become fighters against God The Fourth general head that I propounded to speak to is the Time of this works taking place in the world to wit of the Setting up the fifth and the destroying of the Fourth Kingdom As for the day or year the Lord in wisdom hath reserved to himself and what is written of it in the Scriptures may through our ignorance admit of many doubts and various apprehensions I do Judge it hath been the failing of some whom I have much honoured in the Lord to fix the day and year and I have desired to be alwayes waiting for it but not so fix the time onely in general That this Kingdom of Christ shall be set up in the world before his Personal Coming though it shall not come to its perfect Glory and Beauty till he comes with his glorified Saints The First Argument to clear this is Dan. 2.44 In the dayes of these Kings shall the God of heaven set up a Kingdom first that this Kingdom is the Fifth Kingdom hath been already shewed Secondly by these Kings I understand the Toes of the Image which in Revel 17. are called Horns and explained to be Kings Now it must be granted by all that those Kings do either refer to those Kings mentioned Dan. 7.17 which are as hath been shewed the four Monarchies of the world and are held forth by the several parts of the Image Dan. 2. or to the ten Horns or Kings before mentioned First it cannot be the four Monarchies for then the Fifth Kingdom must take place in the world betwixt the time of Israels going into the 70. years Captivity in Babylon and their return to Jerusalem for the Chaldean Monarchy viz. the Head of Gold which was the first of the four Kings had not its beginning as part of the Image till about the time of their going into the captivity and was taken away or destroyed several years before the return of the captives as may appear Dan. 5. Therefore if it were in the dayes of those Kings it must begin while the Chaldean Monarchy was in being But it is without doubt that the Kingdom of Christ did not begin in that time but either long before or long after Secondly if it should be true as some affirm that this Fifth Kingdom began either at Christs coming in the flesh or at his Resurrection or Ascention or at the pouring out of the Spirit Acts 2. Yet it cannot be the dayes of the four Kings For three of these four were come and gone many years before Christ and it is evident
Election c. those that own Election according to Scripture will grant that it takes place before Calling and yet Calling is here placed before it So Acts 3.19 where the Apostle applies the blotting out of sin to the time of Christs Personal coming when according to other Scriptures the blotting out or forgiveness of sin takes place long before as Ephes 1.7 Col. 2.13 so that this word must respect the perfecting of it In Luke 21.28 you have the like word applied to Redemptions taking place at the coming of Christ the like in Ephes 4.13 though by other Scriptures Redemption hath its beginning long before as Ephes 1.7 Gal. 3.13 and if these things be considered it may appear that either the Kingdom in this place of 2 Tim. 4.1 must respect the perfection of its Glory which shall not be till Christs Personal coming though as hath been shewed it must have its beginning before or if it should respect its first taking place we may not build so much upon the order of the words as to make them clash against yea to exclude the scope of many Scriptures which do clearly hold forth the Kingdoms taking place before the Personal appearing of Christ The Second thing that I shall lay down with respect to the Time of this Kingdoms taking place is That it must begin or take place amongst the Gentile Saints before the Call of the Nation of the Jewes to wit the Natural Seed of Abraham The First Ground of this I gather from the Work Time and Order of the Vials Rev. 16. Six of them are to be poured forth before the Kings of the East which I understand to be the Natural Seed of Abraham have their way prepared The Sixth Vial Rev. 16.12 must be poured out upon the great River Euphrates that the way of the Kings of the East might be prepared By the River Euphrates I understand not the Material River for the ships of Tarshish must bring them over greater Rivers then that and that River cannot block up their way but it is the Power of that people to wit the Turks that have their Scituation about that River By Rivers and waters is elsewhere to be understood of Earthly Powers as in Revel 16.4 compare with vers 6. and Revel 17.15 and also at this day the Turks do possesse the Land of Judea and it must be the breaking of their Power that prepares the way for the Kings of the East Now the Vials doing the same work with the Stone or Kingdom to wit the destroying of Antichrist and they doing the work or most of it before the Call of the Jews the Kingdom must needs take place also before their Call I have not heard of any that denyes that the Kings of the East are to be understood of Abrahams Natural Seed and therefore shall speak no further to this Ground The Second Ground from whence I gather that the Kingdom must take place before the Jews Call is this The Stone or Kingdom smites the Image upon the Feet to wit the Babylonish State and this smiting must be done by those of the People of God that were under Babylons yoke Rev. 18.4.6 Zech. 2.7 They that are under Babylons yoke in this New Testament day are not the Jews but the Gentile Saints therefore the work must first take place amongst them The Kingdom strikes the first stroke upon the Antichristian State Dan. 2.44 The Third Ground of this Assertion is That the Kingdom or Stone must break and make way for the Jewes before their coming in therefore it must take place or be in being before it breaks the way The Gentile Saints must be used as the Instruments in breaking the way for and bringing in the Jewes Isa 49.22 and Chap. 66.20 Object That many of the Scriptures which referr to the Work of the Kingdom do speak to the People of God who are to be used in it under those Names and Titles that properly relate to the natural Seed of Abraham as Jacob Zion Jerusalem Judah and Israel c. Answ That although in the Old Covenant day in which the being one of Abrahams natural Seed did intitle to Church-Membership the visible Church was distinguished by those Names and Titles yet it may not be alwaies restrained or applyed to them in Gospel dayes when their Typical Church State comes to cease and as their Church State was Typical so was the Titles that God gave to them and the names of Jacob Zion and Jerusalem c. do truly and spiritually relate to the Gospel or New Covenant Church in which neither Jew nor Gentile have any right by natural Generation but by Faith in Christ who is all and in all Col. 3.11 and so in him 2 Cor. 1.20 we come to have a right to all the Promises that are held forth to Jacob or Zion c. So Psal 102.13.16 in which Scripture Zion must respect the Gospel Church which the Lord shall build when he appears in his glory It is the Gospel Church that Zech. 2.7 dwells with the Daughter of Babylon Gal. 4.26 Chap. 3.29 Eph. 2.14 which with many other Scriptures doth clearly demonstrate these Titles are most truly to be applyed to the Gospel Church and those that deny this must exclude the Gospel Church from the benefit of the greatest part of the Promises in Scripture and though this may seem to cut off the Jewes from their Priviledges yet it will rather and more truly invest them therein upon a more Noble account when they shall come to embrace the Messias and thus much to this Objection I shall now come to speak of Two Scriptures that are specially insisted upon by those who expect the Work to begin among the Jewes the one in Micha 4.8 Unto thee O Tower of the Flock shall come the first Dominion c. If this should be referred to the Naturall Seed of Abraham it can only respect the two Tribes to wit Judah and Benjamin and all that may be gathered in this matter from it is that the Kingdom shall come to the two Tribes before the Ten which will much agree with other Scriptures but it will not follow from the Scope of the Spirit in the words that the Kingdom shall not take place and be in being among the Gentile Saints before its Dominion comes to the two Tribes because they must have the first Dominion before the other ten Tribes The other Scripture is Zech. 12.7 The Lord shall save the Tents of Judah first that the glory of the House of David and the glory of the Inhabitants of Jerusalem do not magnifie themselves against Judah By Judah or the Tents of Judah I understand the two Tribes and by the glory of the House of David and the Inhabitants of Jerusalem the Ten Tribes For the Glory was to have the Ten Tribes in conjunction with the Two abiding with the House of David but when the Ten Tribes revolted the Kingdom was rent and the Glory of the House of David
Navy by which they were carryed forth above and beyond their own Spirits in the Work which makes it very evident that the Work hath been done not by the Might or Power of Man but by the Spirit of the Lord though all that were employed in the Work had not the Anointing Not all that were with David in the VVork but Himself and his VVorthies with some others had the Anointing for it All the Men of Issachar had not the Anointing to understand the times but it rested with the Heads of them who had all their Brethren at their Command 1 Chro. 12.32 from these and divers other instances it may appear that the ordinary way of the Lord hath not been to Anoint all but only some of them that have been imployed in his great VVork The Fifth Ground to prove that the Work hath taken place in this Nation may be taken from the many Revolutions and Overturnings that have attended all the pretended Governments and Governours that have been in this Nation since the interruption of the exercise of the Government of Christ in the hands of his People in the Little Assembly before mentioned It is evident that they have been such Revolutions as have not been known in former days though few considers the Cause of it There have none come up upon the Stage to Usurp the Power that haue gone off without a brand upon them of Gods displeasure Now that such things must be when the Day of the Lord or Kingdom of Christ takes place in the World Consider First that word in Isa 2. speaking of the Day in which the Lord alone shall be exalted which must respect the Day of his Kingdom saith in Verse 16. The day of the Lord shall be upon every pleasant picture which I understand to be those pretended Governments which shall be Set up when the great Powers or the Image Government is broken and further in Verse 18. the Idols shall be utterly abolished which as I understand respects the same with Verse 16 It must be granted that many pleasant Pictures and Idols have been set up since the Apostacy in this Nation and it is most evident that the Day of the Lord hath been upon them and like that in Isa 8.9.10 the Apostates have Associated and Guirded themselves and taken Counsel but all hath come to nothing except shame and contempt upon themselves The Spirit speaking Isa 27.9 of the Latter day VVork when the Stones of the Altar must be broken a sunder holds forth that there must be Groves and Images and endeavours used to make them stand up there hath been among us many Groves and Images since the Apostacy but that Word hath been fulfilled that they shall not stand up and though the Apostates have been seeking deep to hide their Councels from the Lord yet the VVisdom and Understanding of their VVisemen hath been hid perished and their turning of things upside down hath been esteemed as the Potters Clay Isa 29.14 15 16. The Throne or Government being given to Christ is become too heavy for the Apostates to bear but they sinke and wither under it It is not unknown how Cromwell and his Family sunk under it they were weaker and weaker from the first day they came to the Throne till it was taken away from them the like of the Reliques of the Old Parliament who though they came in with a high hand yet soon withered and came to nothing but scorn and derision the like of the Army and their pretended Committee of Safety and for these that are now returned and in the Usurpation of the Throne and have the very spirit of the Nation with them I do not doubt however they may carry it with a high hand but they shall shortly melt like wax before the fire and shall be as smoak driven away and made as Ashes under the Soles of the feet of those that Favour and Wait in a true spirit for the Resurrection of Christs Righteous Cause though the Lord may for a time suffer them yea and make them as the Assyrian Rod to execute the Stroke that is comming upon the Professors of this Generation for their Disowning Denying yea and Crucifying the Righteous Cause of their dear King who through the shedding of his Blood for them deserved other things at their hands I shall present one Scripture more to this Fifth Ground to wit Dan. 2.44 The Kingdome shall not be left to other people The words do hold forth Two things First That other people then Saints shall make attempts upon and endeavour to take and keep this Kingdom after it hath taken place in the hands of the Saints Secondly Though other people may endeavour to take and possess it yet it shall not be left to them or they shall not enjoy or possess it as the other Foure Monarchies that went before this Kingdome which were left to other people The Monarchy of the Chaldees was left to the Medes and Persians and their Monarchy to the Graecians and the Graecians to the Romans and the Romans shall be left to the Kingdom of Christ whose Kingdome shall never be destroyed nor left to other people and it is manifest that since this Kingdom hath taken place in the hands of the Saints Other People have endeavoured and made great attempts to Take and Possess it as Cromwell the Army the Reliques of the Old Parliament which God hath at severall times Cast out and it is as cleare that the Kingdom hath not been neither is left to any of them and though the Family of the Stuarts whom God hath poured Contempt upon and Broken have also endeavoured to take the Kingdome and for ought I know may come as neere to Obtaine and Possess it as Cromwell or any of the forementioned Usurpers have done yet let them know that the VVord of the Lord shall stand and the Kingdome shall not be left to Other People then the Saints who by grace are kept for Christ the King and by Faith and Prayer with the VVord of their Testimony are helped to undermine and bring down all the Groves and Images which the Treacherous Dealers have set up The Sixth Ground to prove that the Work of the Fifth Kingdome hath taken place is from the Eminent hand of God that hath been seen in preserving the lives of those which have been kept by Grace from the Apostacy in a Testimony for Christ against those that have turned aside from and betray'd his Righteous Cause It is not unknown that ever since the First day of the Apostacy the Lord hath had a Remnant which he hath kept helped to Favour Cleave to the Pretious though despised Cause of Christ and by them a Publick Witness hath been kept up against the Apostacy and there hath been many Gins and Snares laid and Trappans imployed to take them and Old Acts revived and published by which their Testimony should be adjudged Treason Severall of the Faithfull Remnant having been Taken
to have done according to 2 Tim. 3 4 5. but have had fellowship with the unfruitfull Works of Darkness and not reproved them contrary to Eph. 5.11 and bâ— all these Scriptures those Churches that have so Turned aside wi h the Apostacy have greatly Sinned against the Lord and as a further A dition to there Evills severall of the Elders and Leading Persons of the Baptized Congregations in London have set forth a Very Evil D claration bearing Date the 12th of the 10th Moneth 1659. which as appeares bâ— the Title compared with the â—ostscript they would have it be understood to comprehend the Ju gment of the Generality of the Baptized People and although many Things in that Declaration is Manifestly contradictory both to the Judgment and Practise of not only the Generality of the Baptized People but even of Severall of â—hose whose Hands are to it and the Evills of these Persons made Obvious to the World yet the Churches to whom they Relate have not Dealt with them but rather Justified them in those Evills by which they become Partakers with them in those Sins and now those Churches being Guilty of the Evils before mentioned it is the Duty of the Lords Faithfull Remnant whose eyes are open to see these Evils after all due meanes that according to Rule hath been Used for their Recovery to Withdraw their Communion and Seperate from those Churches according to 2 Thes 3.6.14 Withdraw from every Brother that Walks Disorderly It is not the Church or the Greater Number of Persons in that Church if they Walk Disorderly that will exempt them from the Censure due to the Sin When the Church of Israel turned aside from the Lord Jeremiah though a Single Person Seperates from them and Sets alone chap. 15. 17. and the Lord doth so far approve of that Action of his as that in Verse 19. he saith Let them return to thee but return not thou unto them Also in Exod. 32.26 When Israel had sinned and turned aside from the Lord in the Matter of the Molton Calf Moses stood in the Gate of the Camp and said Who is on the Lords side let him come unto me In the forementioned place of 2 Tim. 3.4.5 Timothy though a single person is commanded to turn away from the Evil Doers and no doubt if a Whole Church come under the Guilt of those Evils there mentioned Timothy is not to abide with them because they are a Church there being no such Limitation in the Command but from such he must turn away I have formerly thought that a Particular Member might not Separate from a Church till thorough sin their Candlestick was taken away but after waiting upon the Lord much searching the Scriptures and through many Tryalls bearing my Burden I have seen that according to Rule as there is a difference betwixt the VVithdrawing from and the Cutting off of a Member so there is a difference betwixt the Withdrawing from the Unchurching of a Church and as a Church may Withdraw from a Brother without Cutting him off or Counting him as a Heathen or a Publican but still to admonish him as a Brother 2 Thes 3.15 so a Brother for Sin committed by a Church may withdraw from them and yet not count them as Heathens and Publicans and though VVithdrawing be an Authoritative Act as is alleadged yet the Authority doth not of necessity rest with the Greater Number but with Truth and where Truth is there is the Authority of Christ Math. 16.18 Christ doth not Build his Church upon the Number but upon the Truth which was with Peter when he said Thou art Christ the Son of the Living God I know it is objected That in several of the Seven Churches in Asia mentioned Rev. 2. and 3. Chapters though there was a great turning aside yet there were some kept faithful even in those Places where the Churches were turned aside and we do not find that they were commanded to Separate The Answer to this is Twofold First That though in Sardis and Thyatyra which are as I think the only Churches that can be instanced in this Matter there were some kept Faithful even in those Places it will not follow that because they were in Sardis and Thyatira which were the Places in which those Churches were and these Faithful Ones were written to by John that therefore they were in Communion with those that had turned aside from the Lord. And Secondly Though we do not find they are expresly commanded to Withdraw if they were in Communion by the Epistles that were written to them yet it was sufficient that there were such Rules laid down in the Scripture which Rules they ought to look to for there were several Churches that were written to by the Apostles and no mention made in the Epistles either of Baptism Breaking of Bread and several other Ordinances but it will not therefore follow that those Ordinances ought not strictly to be observed by them according to other Scriptures The Last thing that I shall present to those that are Waiting for the Resurrection of the Cause is to be giving up Themselves and their All to the Service of Christ the King accounting it a very great mercy if he shall Accept of and Imbarque them with all their Concernments in the Bottom with that Dear Cause that so they may be Waiting at his Foot till he shall Arise up to the prey and blow the Trumpet giving them the Word of Command to gird on their Swords and Follow him in the Revival of his Work and the further Execution of the Judgements written in which Day they shall undoubtedly Reap the blessed Fruit of all their Labour Service and Tryals that they either have or may yet further undergo for him In due season we shall reap if we faint not Gal. 6.9 They that sow in Tears shall reap in Joy Psal 126.5 Thine eyes shall see the King in his Beauty Isai 33.17 Let the Children of Zion be joyful in their King Psal 149.2 Let them shout for joy and be glad that favour my Righteteous Cause Psal 35.27 And it shall be said in that day Lo this our God we have waited for him we will be glad and rejoyce in his salvation Isai 25.9 And thus I have according to the Measure of Light received Presented unto Thee with the rest of my Friends in Communion with thee that are Waiting for the Coming of Zions King my Understanding in these Matters of the Fifth Kingdom and I desire but so much favour from you as Paul obtained from the Bereans and when you have seriously Weighed the several Things contained in this Epistle in the Ballance of the Sanctuary wherein I may appear to be in the Dark or Mistaken about these Great Matters be Earnest with the Lord for me that my Mistakes may be rectified and my Judgement rightly Informed for I desire I may not through Errour serve the Design of Satan But that I may by the Spirit of the Lord be led into all Truth and so serve my Dear Lord Jesus Christ who Loved me a Vild Wretch and shed his Precious Blood for me and if you receive any Benefit by these Things let Christ my King bear the Glory according to Isai 22.24 Zech. 6.13 And now I shall Commit you with these Things to the Blessing of the Lord and Close with that Word in 2 Tim. 2.7 Consider what I say and the Lord give thee understanding in all Things I remain through grace thy Bâ—other and Servant in the Kingdom and Patience of Christ N. S. POSTSCRIPT SEveral Friends having Knowledge of this Epistle and earnestly desiring Copies of it more then could well be Transcribed I have for them and Others of my Friends both in City and Countrey Caused several of them to be Printed But considering my own Weakness and the many Books that have been Published about these Matters I have not been willing to Publish this to the World but only to present it to such of my Acquaintance that Love the Lord Jesus in sincerity some of them being far Remote in the Countrys that I cannot as yet visit them and Others in such Churches where by Reason of my Judgment and Testimony in these Matters of the Fifth Kingdom I am debarred of my Liberty of Preaching to them and the Lord make this Service so far as it shall really appear to be for his Glory and their Good Acceptable and Successful to them The END