himself of his Native glory 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Phil. 2. as to dye an accursed death this contains in it so many wonders that before it was done the Prophet complains very few did believe the report of it and yet not a syllable which concerned our Saviours Humiliation and inglorious estate Is 53.1 as Man but was by him fully accomplished for which exactness and care there is the reason given both by our Saviour and the Evangelist All these things were done that the Scriptures of the Prophets might be fulfilled Mat. 29.54.56 And it is very observable that when our Saviour was nailed to the Cross being then even in the Agony and pangs of Death yet that nothing might be omitted which with the least possibility or plea could be urged as a part of his sufferings and calling then to mind that he had not yet drank the Vinegar and Gall which the Psalmist mentions Psal 69.21 He presently cryed out I thirst and having received that bitter potion from one of the soldiers he said 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 It is finished i. All things which the Scriptures have foretold concerning not only my Death but all the manner and circumstances of my dying they are now to a Title accomplished and then in token of thankfulness that his Father had heard and strengthned him hitherto for this difficult and seeming less noble John 19.28.30 Heb. 5.7 part of his work He bowed his head and contentedly gave up the Ghost from which exactness it is easie to gather that the same truth and faithfulness which our Lord manifested in coming into and going out of the World he doth intend to show by hastening this return and in a litteral fulfilling of those promises which concern his Kingdome and Exaltation and for any to read them by a limited and restrained sense it is neither to deale faithfully with the Scripture of which every Jota and Title must be fulfilled nor honorably with our Lord Christ who certainly hath merited so much by the punctualness as well as the greatness of his sufferings that his inheritance of ruling all Nations should not be abridged or curtailed since he did not when he suffered mince the matter nor ease himself by a distinction but did Totum sesum exsipere Take the whole Chap without shedding a drop or abating the rigour of the smallest circumstance which did but seem to reflect upon him why should we then imagine but those many promises concerning his actual Reign and soveraignty over the world will be made good in the most clear and comprehensive Latitude of Scripture language especially since beside the truth and faithfulness of God which doth engage him to perform it this last doth in a more eminent and signal manner advance the honour of our Saviour then the former which the Father who loves the Son and hath given all th ngs into his hands will not at his request deny him Psal 2.8.9 2. Another Prophecy the fulfiling of which is an Argument that Christ will come and reign upon earth in the same visible manner as is prophecied of him is that concerning the rise and reign of Anti-Christ that Christian Religion which is so directly contrary to mens natural appetites and likewise met with such fierce opposiition from enraged and cruel men should notwithstanding all this prevaile over the world had in it Miracle and strangeness enough but after this Religion was planted and almost an universal obedience was paid unto it that a company of Impostors as they are called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 2 John v 7. should rise up and make use of this very Religion to destroy it's self and wrest it's Doctrine quite contrary to it's true intent and meaning that any should be so impiously daring as to perswade the world which Christ came to enlighten John 12.35.36 that to be Ignorant and Blind i. e. To be willing to be deceived and seduced was the next way to be Christs Disciples and that they were most likely to serve God and to obey his commands best who studyed his word least this is too prodigious and amazing an Impiety that one might have said of it in former ages what the Apostle speaks concerning the Revelation of the Gospel 1 Tim. 4. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 2 Thes 2. Rev. 13. It could never enter into the heart of man to conceive it but yet such gross delusions were exactly foretold 2 Thes 2.1.10 1. Tim. 4.1.2.3.4 2 Pet 2. Revel 13. And we have lived to see them in their most amazing and stupendious particulars literally accomplished since then that Doctrine is taught concerning the forbidding of Marriage and the abstaining from Meats which the Spirit of God hath already called the Doctrine of Divils since there is a lawless man who now actually sits in the Temple or Church of God challenging to himself Divine power and honour since that Beast who kills all that will not worship his Image and receive his mark i. e. Who will not testifie their Communion with him by some visible and outward Act of Conformity is not only Rasen long since but reigning in Rome Rev. 17. the Citty with seven Hills which is adorned with Gold and pretious stones and makes all the Nations of the World drunk with the wine of her Fornication i. e. Which hath a specious glittering and Pompous Religion whereby she doth bewitch the Credulous World and makes his poysonous pills of Idolatry and will-Will-worship securely swallowed In a word since Anti-Christ is come in his full proportion and according to those Lineaments wherein he was before deceived why then should we doubt but our Lord Christ will also come to Reign in the very same manner as is prophecied concerning him can we think that God will be more exact in fulfiling the Prophecies which concern the advancement of his Enemy then in accomplishing those which make for the Ezaltation and Honour of his Son shall the Kingdome of Anti-Christ for thus many hundred of Years be an universal extent that the Scriptures about him might be fulfiled and shall not the kingdome of Christ in order to the accomplishment of the same Scriptures be much more large and comprehensive I cannot see the least pretence of solid Reason why we should so much as once doubt of it for the same Spirit of Truth who said Anti-Christ should come hath foretold likewise that he should be destroyed whom Christ shall abolish by the brightness of his appearance 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 John 7. i. e. by the setting up of his kingdome as they are joyned 2 Tim. 5.1 And in the ruine of that great Impostour erect unto himself upon Earth a durable Throne of Glory then will he put an end to all those Cheats and Divelish Delusions whereby the face of Christianity hath hitherto been disfi ured and according as Zechary here prophecies make the Name of the Lord i. e. his Worship one as the Lord himself is in his Nature
thing with God to recompense Tribulation unto them that trouble you but unto you that are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from Heaven with his mighty Angels He that serves Christ and follows the Lamb here shall hereafter be in the same place and partake of the same honour with him Joh. 12.26 And thus our Saviour prayed for them Father whom thou hast given me I will that where I am they also may be with me that they may behold my glory which thou hast given me Joh. 17 24 part of which glory is that the Father 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 by an Eternal Decree hath set or as the Hebrew word signifies Anointed his Son upon his holy hill of Sion And when he returns from Heaven to take possession of that Soveraignty which the Father long since promised him his faithful followers shall enter into his Joy i. e. As our Saviour him self explains that Phrase Luk. 19.17 they shall have command and share the Dominion with him Therefore believers are said to be heirs of God and Co-heirs with Christ Rom. 8.17 and Partners with Christ or Partakers of Christ Heb. 3.14 i. e. as Peter expresseth Partakers of the glory which shall be revealed 1 Pet. 5.1 which glory is as to the beginning of it that which I have already mentioned and our Saviour hath fully declared when he saith that In the regeneration they shall sit with him upon Thrones to rule and judge Mat. 19.28 The sum therefore of this second observation is briefly contained in these three propositions which are all evident and clear in Scripture 1. With Christ all the deceased Saints both Patriarch Prophets Apostles and Martyrs shall be raised up and be brought to the Earth to see and share in the Royalty of his Government Rev. 11.18 2. The Saints at that time living upon Earth both Jews and Gentiles but especially the Jews unto whom the first domion and chief Soveraignty is frequently promised as Isa 49.23 and 7 60.11.12 M ch 4.8 shall injoy all that time the greatest security peace and prosperity immaginable doing all the actions of a mortal life but without either sin or sorrow for they shall be all righteous Isa 60.21 And the Lord will then put his Spirit into them without ever withdrawing it any more Ezek. 39 29. and Sathan shall be chained up and hindred from deceiving during the whole Term of a 1000 years Zech. 13.2 Rev. 20 2 4 6. 3. After this state of things and the 1000 years is expired then follows the Insurrection of Gog and Magog and the final judgement as is expressed Rev. 20.7 And then shall the Saints that remain untill that time be changed and death for ever swallowed up in victory and the Reign of Christ and of his Saints hitherto managed upon earth be translated into and consumated in Heaven that God may be all in all 1 Cor. 15.28 If any ask as Nicodemus did our Saviour when he had discoursed to him concerning the great mistery of Regeneration 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 how can these things be I may reply in our Saviours words art thou a Master or Teacher in Israel and knowest not these things For as the Apostle speaks Heb. 5. handling partly this very Doctrine Whereas ws ought to be teachers for the time considering how long the Light of the Gospel hath shone among us we have still need of Milk sitting down satisfied with the lowest Elements and Beginnings of Christianity such are the Doctrines of Faith in Christ and repentance towards God which the Apostle calls the word of the beginning of Christ Heb. 6.1 But we cannot bear strong meat nor are careful to be carried unto Perfection i. e. unto the height and perfection of our Hope and Holy Profession to the full comprehension belief and avowed owning of which we ought to arrive and leave the solution of all doubts and scruples unto the power of God which is able to the full to effect whatever he hath promised when the Angel had told Mary that the same Person who was the Eternal Son of God should become Man and be conceived in her Womb she asked presently How shall this be But after he had farther revealed that the holy Spirit should come upon her Luke 1. and the power of the most High overshadow her by whose secret and inconceivable acting that great and stupendious mistery should be effected we do not find then that she questioned or doubted any more but in an humble resignation of her seif gave immediately thanks to God Behold saith she the Handmaid of the Lord let it be unto me according to thy word The same should every true believer do in this case for this Temporal glory of Christ and of his Saints is not only promised in every whit as express words but likewise mention is made of the same creating and Almighty power as ingaged to perform it and therefore God speaking of this very state commands his people not to remember former things Isa 43.18 19 Because he was doing a new thing in comparison of which all former acts of power and mercy exepted by God on the behalf of his people should be obscured and darkned as stars are by the brighter glory of the Sun so Isa 65.17 Behold saith God I am creating a new Heaven and a new Earth In which as Peter hath it 2 Pet 3.13 Righteousness is to dwell and which we expect according to his Promise and this is that time of our Saviours and of his Saints Visible Kingdom which will bring a Reformation upon the whole World and when it once doth take place former things shall no more be remembred nor come into mind In that place of Isay the word creating is very remarkable for when the Prophet Jeremy foretold the Birth of Christ he useth the same expressions Jer. 31.22 Behold the Lord createth a new thing a woman shall compass a Man i. e. In other words a Virgin shall conceive a Son Isa 7.14 which thing when it was done was so new that is so strange and extraordinary that the Prophet Isay who foretold it complains Who hath believed our report Isa 53.1 and yet the exact and punctual fulfilling of that which is far greater and less intelligible will not prevail with us to believe the other but when our Lord shall come he will scarcely as to this particular find Faith upon earth Luke 18.8 So little expectation will there be of his A pearance and of his Kingdom which as they are joined by the Apostle so they will be revealed together 2 Tim. 4.1 And all who deny this may receive this answer which our Saviour gave to the Sadduces who denyed the Resurrection They erre not knowing the Scriptures which have clearly promised such a state nor the power of God which is fully able to effect it Here I might end as having fully and as I think to all unprejudiced persons convincingly proved the Truth of
THE Doctrine OF THE KINGDOM And Personal Reign of CHRIST Asserted and Explained IN An Exposition upon Zach. 14.5.9 By Ed. Bagshaw Printed in the Year 1669. The Preface I Am not Ignorant Christian Reader that the Doctrine of the Personal Reign of Christ with his Saints upon Earth which thou wilt find asserted in the following Treatise is commonly entertained with very great prejudice the Scriptures which in plain terms affirm this and which I have indeavoured to restore unto their true meaning being ordinarily interpreted in a sense quite contrary to their literal import and significancy Which kind of exposition under the notion of being Misterious and Spiritual having held for many Ages and been embraced without any further enquiry by men of the greatest eminence for Holiness and Learning even among those of the Reformed Religion together with the Tragical Disorders occasioned in Germany by such who in words asserted the Reign of Christ but indeed under that pretence indeavoured to set up and establish their own this hath ever since made the True meaning of the Scripture Prophecies in this matter to be suspected either of Novelty or else of some Design to subvert all civil Government which men out of their impatience of subjection being naturally apt to throw off they may be supposed much more easily ready to be incited to it if they shall be brought to think that they do hereby God and his Christ good service in attempting to set up his Kingdom exalting themselves as the Robbers in the Jewish Nation did Dan. 11.14 to establish the Vision In answer to all these exceptions and prejudices which it is not strange that the truth is attended and received with no more then that the Sun doth ordinarily arise in a cloud I have this to say briefly that neither Prescription of time nor authority of Persons nor the Error of unstable Men should so far prepossess and fill our minds as to make us shut them up against the impression and entrance of Divine truth which like the Light shines sometimes more sometimes less according as it receives fainter or more vigorous influences from the Spirit of God its Fountain and it can be nothing at last but a resolved and peremptory Love of Darkness which will deny it admittan e by what imperfect Medium soever it be conveighed The first inquiry therefore by persons sincerely desirous of true knowledge should be to learn whether this state of things which I have undertaken from the Scriptures to demonstrate be indeed Revealed by God or not for then his words in this as well as in other Misteries must be received according to their plainest sense in spight both of our own and others pretendedly rational Contradictions And whoever are impartial and Unbiassed in this enquiry reading the Scriptures in their own Light and evidence and not viewing them thorough the false Perspectives which customary expositions have made for them I believe they will be forced to confess that they are not capable of any other Interpretation but what the Prophets and Godly Jews before the Disciples in and the Primitive Church for above 300 years after our Saviours time did understand them in What that is I have here faithfully and plainly delivered and as to myself I can say with the Apostle I believed therefore I spake so as to others I thought the truth to be of that importance and withal the time of its accomplishment so near that I was easily prevailed with by Publishing this small Treatise to do my duty in stirring up others to a more severe and strict examining and study of the Scriptures then commonly they are accustomed to I have no more to add but to recommend it to the blessing of God who can make shall and contemptible means instrumental for the effecting of the greatest Works 6th M. 6 1669. THE Doctrine of the Kingdom c. Zech. 14. v. 5. And the Lord my God shall come and all the Saints with thee or as it is in the Greek with him v. 9. And the Lord shall be King over all the earth in that day the Lord shall be One and his Name One. IN the beginning of this Chapter there is a Prophecy that Jerusalem after it is Rebuilt and the People of the Jews restored to it as is promised c. 1. 16. and c. 8. 3 4 5. shall by their enemies be besieged and taken v. 1. Presently after which Desolation the Lord himself will come down from Heaven and destroy those Nations v. 3. and 5. Jehovah of the Lord whose coming is here spoken of is no other then the Lord Christ or God Man the second Person in the Godhead who is called The Branch c. 6. 12. 13. so named either because he sprung from the stock of Jesse as a Branch doth from the Root of a Tree which is intimated Isa 11.1.10 Jer. 23.5 and so used by our Saviour Rev. 22 16. or else the Hebrew 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 here translated Branch may be rendred as it is by the Greek Interpreters 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 i. e. Morning rise or Day-spring which very word is used by Zechary in his Prophetick Song concerning our Saviour Luke 1.78 with allusion to which Phrase the Apostle saith Heb. 7.14 It is manifest our Lord sprang Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 i. e. Arose as light out of Judah To Christ in both these capacities for he is not only The Branch of Righteousness Jer. 33.15 but also The Sun of Righteousness as he is stiled Mal. 4.2 There is a Throne and supreme Dominion promised both in that 6th of Zechary and more expressly in Dan. 7.13 14. Where he is called The Son of Man which Name as I think principally with reference to that Prophecy of Daniel was by our Saviour all the while he convessed upon Earth most commonly used And that we might not doubt but is the same Person who suffered then that is spoken of to come and to Reign here mention is made v. 4. of his descent upon Mount Olivet which was a place where our Saviour whilst he was upon earth did much converse Upon the Mount of Olives He sate when he foretold the Destruction of Jerusalem and his own coming which was to follow after the Dispersion of the Jews was fully accomplished Mark 13.3 Upon this Mount he began his sufferings feeling here that Anguish and Grief of Spirit which made him sweat drops of blood Luke 22.39 From hence he ascended up to Heaven Acts 1.9.12 and hither according to the Angels promise is he to come down in the same manner v. 11. The fulfilling of which Promise and the Glory which shall follow upon it is in this place of Zechary prophecyed of Two observations are clear in the words First That the Lord Christ will come in Person and take to himself the Monarchy or Soveraign Dominion over the whole earth Secondly That when the Lord Christ comes to reign upon Earth all his Saints shall come with him
One which happiness in this degenerate and forlorn posture of things we cannot hope for untill that kingdome come which we for the most part ignorantly but daily pray for and our Lord from Heaven be put in full possession upon Earth of his promised and dearely purchased Inheritance Heb. 12.2.3 in contemplation and foresight of which he couragiously bore the contradiction of sinners against himself induring the Cross despiseing the shame and is now sate down at the right hand of the throne of God Heb. 10.13 and as the same Authour saith in another place exspect or watch till the time cometh that his Enemies be made the footstool of his feet Thirdly Our Saviour himself never denyed Reason third that he both was and would be a King in that glorious and visible manner which is prophecied of for though while he was upon Earth the Lord Christ acted in a way suitable to that form of a servant which he then took upon him and therefore his kingdome and patience are joyned together Rev. 1.9 Yet when he was urged by the Pharisees he told them that he was the Son of God and that they should see him sitting on the right hand of power Mat. 26.64 And before Pilate he confessed he was a King which he calls a witnessing to the Truth John 18.37 and the Apostle Paul stiles it a good confession 1 Tim. 6.13.14 and though our Saviour then said to Pilate that his kingdome was not of this world so as to be advanced by worldly acts and to be set up by the fighting of his followers v 36. Yet he did not deny that he was to have a visible kingdome in the world but on the contrary doth clearly intiemate it both there and in several other places As 1. When Peter in the name of the rest of the Disciples doth ask our Saviour what reward they should have for leaving all and following him our Saviour replyes Mat. 19 28. opened that besides an hundred fold recompence in this life given as an earnest of somthing better they should be fully recompenced in the regeneration i. e. As the Syriacke translates it in the new world or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in the world to come as it is called Heb. 2.5 This is the new Heaven and new Earth which Isay prophecies of Isa 65.17 and which saith the Apostle Peter we exspect according to his promise 2 Pet. 3.13 and is the same time with that of the sounding of the seventh Trumpet Rev. 11 for then the kingdomes of this world are to become the kingdomes of the Lord and of his Christ v. 15. and then he will give a reward unto his servants the Prophets and to his Saints and to them that fear him both small and great v. 18. this is called Acts. 3. The times of refreshing v 19. and the time of restitution of all things v. 21. i. That time wherein the state of the World shall be renewed and altered and that perfection and beauty put upon it wherewith it was endued at the first Creation as is evidently prophecied Isa 11.6.7.8.9 and 51.3 add 65.25 with Ezeck 36.34.35 And this is the time in which our Saviour promiseth that all his followers shall have a rich and ample requital for all their temporal hardship and losses which time is not the final judgement for none of the forementioned places do speak of that but the time of our Saviours Reign in which he saith that his Disciples shall share with him both there and again Luke 22.29 30. and not only they unto whom that answer was made but all the faithful 2 Tim 2.11.12 and all who overcome i. e. who have the words of Christ and hold them fast unto the end even they have a promise of the same royalty which the Lord Christ hath received from his Father and that is To have power over the Nations and to rule them with a rod of Iron Rev. 2.26.27 Which is celebrated in that Tryumphant Song of the Church thou hast made us unto our God Kings and Pri sts and we shall reign upon earth Rev. 5.10 2. Our Saviour compares himself upon his withdrawing from earth Luk. 19.12 opened unto such a Prince who goes a far Journey to receive a Kingdom and then returns in person to mannage it Luke 19 12. Which comparison is very observable because is was used and spoken by our Sav our at such a time when his hearers thought that the Kingdom of God which from the Prophets they had received such clear discoveries of was just then upon the point of Appearing v. 11. And though by mentioning the delay that would be interposed our Saviour doth check the impatience and eager hast of their desires yet doth he sufficiently manifest that at the time appointed he would come and in person destroy all his Enemies v 27 as we find he actually is seen to do Rev. 19.11.21 Which is the direct purport of all those Prophecies that I have mentioned 3. When the Apostles Act. 1 6. opened who were now in a great measure enlightned for by our Saviours breathing upon them they had received the Holy Ghost Joh. 20.22 and their mind was opened to understand the Scriptures Luke 24.45 Yet then they asked our Saviour whether he would at that time resto e the Kingdom unto Israel Acts 1.6 where by Kingdom is meant that Dominion and Soveraignty promised to the Israelites in Deut. 33.29 Isa 60 10 11 12. Micah 4 6 7 8. At which time the Lord Christ himself shall be at the Head of his Returning Israelites Isa 52.12 c. 35.8 according to the Hebrews Hos 1.11 Mic. 2.12 13. And our Saviour in his Answer doth not rebuke them for expecting such a Kingd m for the Scriptures which foretell it are clear and must be fulfilled but only he proves the curiosity in that they required after Gods Arcana and desired to know those Times and Seasons i. the particular time of setting up that promised Kingdom which as yet were not revealed but reserved by the Father in his own Power It is for the same Reason that the two Sons of Zebedee Mat. 20.22 are checked who did believe that Christ was to be a King nor are they blamed for that but they discovered a preposterous ambition in desiring to be advanced above their Brethren and utterly mistook both the time and manner of setting up that Kingdom and therefore our Saviour to take them off from their thought which then possessed them of present greatness mentions his sufferings as the way whereby he and consequently all his Followers were to enter into Glory So Luke 24 20 21. When the two Dssciples were disconsolate for the death of Christ bemoaning themselves as if now all their hopes were lost for we say they trusted that it had been he who should have redeemed Israel 1. Who should have asserted our Nation into that liberty and freedom which the Prophets speak of as the effect of
the Doctrine I undertook to deliver but because one Argument commonly urged against it is a supposal that this Doctrine hath little or no influence upon our present Practice but rather tends to unsettle the World which was the Outcry raised against it of old Luke 23 2 5. and Acts 17.6 7. Then to build up any in true Holiness I shall therefore briefly insist upon a few practical inferences wh ch follow hence and so conclude Use 1. First This Doctrine concerning the Kingdom of Christ upon earth serves to inform us what we should continually pray unto God for and make one of our most earnest and importunate Petitions namely this Thy Kingdom come That God in mercy to his People and in zeal for his own Glory would hasten the time of setting up this Kingdom that so the wickedness of the wicked Psal 7.9 and the sufferings of the righteous may come to a full end For when God reigns the wicked shall be destroyed out of â—â—s earth Psal 10.16 comp Ps 104.35 and thus as our Saviour himself speaks in the Parable The Son of Man shall send his Angels and they shall gather all the scandals and such as commit iniquity out of his Kingdom Mat. 13.41 But to bring this to pass it must be the work of Fervent prayer God the Father did not promise to give the Nations for the inheritance of his son but upon the condition of his asking it ask of me saith he and I will give the Nations for thine Inheritance Psal 2 7 8. So when God by the Prophet Ezekiel had promised the people of Israel that he would not only pardon their sins but put his Spirit into them and then give them a lasting and peaceable possession of their Land he adds yet for this I will be inquired of by the House of Israel to do it for them Ezek. 36 37. For Gods Promises though never so absolute in the letter and expression of them yet are so far from excluding Prayer that they are given as Motives to quicken us in it since in them God hath graciously afforded us so many Arguments by which our Faith may be supported and incouraged to plead with him Thus our Saviour having foretold the coming of his Kingdom for of that he speaks Luke 21.31 And given several signs that were to be the Tokens and Fore-runners of its approach he concludes Watch ye therefore and pray always v. 36. For the performance of which duty besides the command obliging to it we have this great incouragement That the more the Hearts of Gods people are drawn out in earnest expectation of-and vehement longing for the Kingdom of Christ they may be assured the nearer it is Thus the Psalmist praying that God would restore his people concludes confidently Psal 112 13 14. Thou wil arise thou wilt have mercy upon Zion for the time to favour her yea the set time of which God had spoken Isa 60.22 I the Lord will hasten it in its time is come Of which peremptory assertion he gives this Reason For thy people take pleasure in her stones and they favour the dust thereof As if he had said the desires of thy people are now more then ordinarily raised up and carried out in hope of a sudden restauration notwithstanding the present visible difficulties which may hinder such an expectation by seeing the Rubbish and Ruines of Sion and therefore I conclude that the time of her deliverance is nigh For this we must take for granted that a Spirit of Prayer which is the Spirit of God in Believers Rom. 8 14.26 27. is never given out but there is a willingness and propensity in the Heart of God at that time to grant the very thing which he is prayed to for Thus the Psalmist Psal 10.17 joyns together Gods preparing the Heart of his People and the inclining of his own ear to hear Thus it was in the Church of the Jews at our Saviours first coming there was then almost a general expectation raised of him Joseph of Arimathea is said to be one of those that waited for the Kingdom of God Mark 15 43. Simeon Anna and many others did look for the consolation and redemption of Israel as the coming of the Messiah is called Luke 2 25 28. And not only they but even the generality of the Jews were then expecting that Christ should come Luke 3.15 And as they expected and believed so it was indeed though the mean appearance which our Saviour then manifested himself in kept the greatest part of them from believing in him What the Church of God did at our Saviours first we should think it our duty to do in reference to his Second coming namely Be expecting and hastning it as Peters expression is 2 Pet. 3.12 i. e. By heads lifted up 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 be looking intently for it and by arms stretched out in Prayer be earnestly requesting it For if the Virgins slumber it is no wonder if the Bridegroom tarries And if his people do not desire him to hasten how can we expect but our Lord will delay his coming This therefore we should with all manner of religious importunity incessanly beg for and offer a kind of Holy violence to God giving him do rest as the expression is Isa 62.1 6 7 Till he doth establish his word and send us our Promised Lord and King from Heaven that we may be Kings and Priests with him and share in all his Royal Glories Use 2. Secondly we may learn from hence as to pray so to wait with patience for our Lords coming For he hath onely withdrawn his residence from earth for a time till all things be made fit for his return and then he will not delay when a few changes more are past he will come from Heaven and by bringing in everlasting righteousness the effect of which is stability and peace he will put a full end to all future Mutation We should therefore as our Saviour advised his Apostles Luk. 21.19 In patience possess our souls that is as James speaks Let patience have its perfect work in us Jam. 1.4 that we may be perfect and intire wanting nothing or in nothing a little patience and for a little time will not serve our turn for Christian patience hath no bound to it but is to be terminated only in the coming of Christ 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 therefore the exhortation runs Be ye patient Brethren unto the com ng of our Lord Jam. 5.7 8. This grace is requisite in all the actions which we do as Christians in Heaâ—ing to retain the Seed and to br ng forth answerable Fruit which is brought forth with patience Luke 8.15 In Praying that we be not dicouraged and for want of a present answer be tempted to give it over Luke 18 1. In sufferings that we faint not but resolutely hold out our Race Heb. 12.1 And therefore the Gospel which so much enjoyns and requires it is called the Word
of Christs patience Rev. 3.10 But in nothing is patience more necessary then in watching for our Lords appearance and therefore with the work of Faith and labour of Love is joyned the patience of the Hope of our Lord Jesus Christ 1 Thes 1.3 i. e. the patient waiting for and expecting him from Heaven as it is explained v. 10. So 2 Thes 3.5 the Apostle prays that God would direct their hearts unto the Love of God patience of Christ where patience as also the Greek word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 from the Hebrew 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifies Patient expectation for what faith believes and prayer solicites that patience waits for Rom. 8 24 25 Of which saith the Apostle to the believing Hebrews ye have need Hab. 10.36 For because our Lord not delays in the sense we usually take delay 2 Pet. 3 9. but forbears his coming till the proper time of it which is not yet fully come because that all things that are to preceed it are not yet accomplished therefore we had need be armed with patience or else our hast and impatience may undo us As that wicked servant who relaxed his watch and fell to fleshly pleasures lost thereby all the benefit of his former vigilance so will it also fare with us unless by patient perseverance in well doing we seek for Glory Honour and Immortality Rom 2.8 like rubbish by Fire and a new Theatre or Throne of Glory erected for men of another Nature and spirit to converse in How greatly then should we rejoyce to drink of our Lords Cup and to taste of the same sufferings since for ought we know the Death and Martyrdom of a few more may compleat the number and bring our Lord from Heaven to avenge their quarrel and then our Tears will be rewarded by having them forever wiped away and each drop of blood that hath been shed in this illustrious cause will add a Glory and a Wreath unto our Crown Then shall we in the Prophets words cry out and say Lo this is our God we have waited for him and he have saved us This is the Lord we have waited for him we will be glad and rejoyce in his Salvation Isa 25.9 In which place this very Time and Reign is spoken of Lastly we should learn from hence to make a diligent inquiry into Use 3. our Saintsship for since when our Lord come none but his Saints shall come with him we ought to make a careful search whither we be indeed Saints or not least in that day of Tryal which will be revealed with fire we be found deceivers of our selves and so be put to shame by him at his Appearance 1 John 2 28 Many Professors like the foolish Virgins and those who boasted of their prophecying in the Name of Christ Mat. 7.21.23 will be found mistaken and instead of partaking of the Resurrection of the Righteous to whom alone the reward is promised Luke 14.14 will be raized up to shame and everlasting contempt Dan. 12.1 with Isa 66 24 beholding the glory of others who formerly were much inferiour to themsel es but see themselves excluded which will increase their misery Luke 13.28 29. and occasion that inward anguish which is expressed by Weeping and Gnashing of Teeth Ps 112.10 Thus the Psalmist speaking of the happiness of the righteous The wicked saith he shall see it and be grieved he shall gnash his Teeth and melt away The coming of Christ though it be a time of Refreshing as it is called Acts 3 19. to his distressed and persecuted Servant yet to others it will be very terrible which makes the Prophet inquire who can abide the day of his coming or who can stand when he apprars Mal. 3.4 For he will come as fire to chaff to burn the wicked out of the earth Mal. 4.1 And therefore we had need ask whether we can like Gold indure his refining and continue unscorched in the midst of such everlasting burning Isa 33.14 Christ comes from Heaven to take vengeance on his enemies 2 Pet. 3.7 Jude v. 14.15 as well as to be glorified in his Saints and admired in them that beleive 2 Thes 1.7.10 And therefore we have the Great and Rich men of the Earth calling out to the Rocks to fall upon them and to the Hills to cover them Rev. 6.16.17 because truth of Holiness and nothing else will be of any avail at that day which should make us very serious in examining our selves about it Among many other signs which may be given of our Saints-ship I shall content my self with mentioning only two because they do in an especial manner relate to the matter in hand Sign 1. First What love have we for the Appearance of Christ and how are we affected with the thoughts and hopes of his coming Abraham rejoyced in Hope to see that day and when he saw it by an eye of Faith he was glad John 8.56 The same disposition should be in all Believers who are the Children of Abraham and so much the rather because now Christ is to appear without sin i. e. in his full Beauty for lustre of Majesty without any Cloud of imputed sin to eclipse and to hide his Comeliness as formerly there was Is 53.2 and this he will do for salvation unto them who expect him Heb. 9.28 This the Apostle Paul makes a certain sign of the Corinthians conversion to the Faith that they did expect the Revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ 1 Cor. 1.7 for he cannot be a true Disciple of Christ a child of the Bride-chamber who doth not inwardly grieve and mourn for the absence of the Bridegroom Mat 9.15 which Mourning must necessarily be accompanied with earnest longing to see one of his dayes Luke 17.22 And therefore the Apostle speaking of the great work that was wrought by the spirit of God upon the Thessalonians he makes the summe and height of it to be this They were turned from Idols to serve the living and the true God and to wait for his Son from Heaven 1 Thes 1.10 And again in his Epistle to Timothy he saith The Crown of Righteousness was laid up not for himself alone Comp. Tit. 2.13 Jam. 1.12 but for all those that loved our Lords appearance 2 Tim. 4.8 So that to have a love for Christ and a longing earnestness that his Name may be glorified and his Kingdom set up in the Earth it is an undoubted sign of the truth of Faith and that the spirit of Christ hath taken possession of us For the Spirit and Bride say come and every one that heareth or readeth let him say Come Yea O come Lord Jesus come quickly Rev. 22.17 20. Secondly What care have we to walk worthy of Christ This is Sign 2. that which the Apostle very often earnestly presseth We testifie saith he that you walk worthy of God who hath called you unto his Kingdom and Glory 1 Thes 2.12 and having said 2 Thes 2.14
That they were called to the obtaining of the Glory of our Lord Jesus Christ he adds therefore stand fast Ver. 15. We are not onely to be holy as the Lord is holy as Peter exhorts 1 Pet. 1.15.16 but we are to have this end in it that when Christ appears we may have confidence 1 Joh. 2.28 So also the Apostle Peter Expecting saith he these things i. e. New Heaven and a new Earth wherein Righteousness and the Practicers of it is to dwell give diligence to be found spotless and blameless by him 2 Pet. 3.13 which likewise upon the same grounds is the exhortation of the Apostle Paul 1 Thes 5.23 There are Four things which these Expectants should have an especial care to purifie and to separate themselves from 1. Fleshly Lusts 2. Worldly Cares 3. False Worships 4. Servile Fears 1. First from Fleshly Lusts What they are I need not mention For as the Apostle observes The works of the Flesh are manifest Gal. 5.19.20 which whoever do indulge and allow themselves in they cannot inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God V. 21. Eph. 5.5 The New Jerusalem which comes down fram Heaven and is nothing else but the Kingdom of Christ and of his Saints upon Earth is a place of so great Purity that no unclean thing shall enter into it Rev 21.27 Dogs and Swine all Voluptuous and hurtfull Beasts like them they are without the Gates of that City Rev. 22.15 A Christian is said to be already raised with Christ Col. 2.12 and as to the Truth of our Graces we are to look upon our selves as Citizens and Inhabitants not of Earth but of Heaven Phil. 3 20. and so to live like those that are acted by an Heavenly Spirit which daily prompts us to look after a better hope then any thing this present Flesh affords To sow unto i. e. to gratifie which is onely to take a great deal of pains that we may Reap Corruption Gal. 6.8 the same Spirit which hereafter shall Raise and Glorifie our Mortal Bodies must now Sanctifie them Romt 8.11 or else we shall die v. 13. i. e. we shall Rise only to have our Portion in the Lake of Fire which is the second Death where all the Abominable and Unbelievers are Rev. 21.8 Secondly From Worldly Cares we are commanded in an especial manner to beware that our hearts be not burdned with the cares of this life Rev. 21.34 For by such the day of the Lords coming can neither be Foreseen nor desired both their Heart and Eyes being already filled and possessed with another Object When we cry out as Peter did It is good for us to be here we shall never care to come down from the Mount which we here reared up and fancied to our selves As in the time of publick Judgements it is our Duty not to seek after great things for our selves Jer. 45.5 so when we are assured that Christ at his Appearance and Kingdom will destroy this present frame of things and cause all the beauty of it to perish for any ambitiously to affect and pursue a present fading Greatness and Glory it argues plainly that their Faith is but small and that they have little or no expectation of something better Who rightly apprehend and frequently reflect upon the inevitable shakings and Convulsions which the Kingdoms and Glory of this World are subject to will never rest satisfied till they have secured unto themselves a place in that Kingdom which cannot be shaken Heb 12.28 Believers with Abraham David and the Patriarchs of old are but Pilgrims and Strangers here 1 Pet. 2.11 and therefore they are daily to be looking for and up to that heavenly City which is the New Jerusalem let down from Heaven whose Maker and Builder is God Heb. 11.16 Thirdly From False Worships who follow the Lamb must have his and his Fathers name upon their Foreheads and keep themselves undefiled with VVomen Rev. 14.1 4 5 i. e. They must openly own the true Worship of God and carefully avoid all Idolatrous Mixtures shunning all manner of Communion with false and Adulterous Churches from which who so keep themselves they are the Virgins mentioned in the Revelation And this is to be their State during the whole time of the Reign of Antichrist in opposion to whom because they hold the Commands of God and the Testimony of Jesus they are called Witnesses Rev. 11. Since we are Redeemed by Christ we must take heed in every respect but especially in this wherein his Fathers honour is so much concerned how we be found the Servants of Men 1 Cor. 7.23 When the sixth Vial is poured out which I take to be the time when the Jews who are called the Kings from the East shall have their way prepared for them over Euphrates to return into their own Land at which time Christ himself shall appear at the Head of them Mic. 2.12.13 Then is there this voice as it were from heaven Behold I come as a Thief blessed is he that watcheth and who keepeth his Garments that he doth not walk naked Rev. 16.17 By Garments there is meant the righteousness of Christ for justification and that way of holiness for sanctification which Christ hath revealed he will be served and obeyed in Which whosoever shall not at that time be found walking in but worships God according to his own or other mens devices his works as the Prophet threatned the hypocritical and ceremonial Jews shall not prove a covering to him but both they and all the lies which are found out to support them shall be swept a way the fire wherein that day shall be revealed will burn up all the Dross and stubble wherewith vain men think they adorn but indeed only disfigure or rather defile Gods worship Whatever Paint may be put upon Men Inventions it will upon an impartial search be found almost as little a sin not to serve God at all as to serve him in any other way then be himself hath commanded For the one indeed is bare faced impiety but the other is thus far like unto it in that it presumes to teach God wisdom and so Judas like betrays Gods honour while it pretends to kiss him Lastly from Servile Fears there is nothing more unworthy of a Christian then to be afraid of men since this tends to the dishonor of Christ as if he were not a great King and able to save all his subjects This charge he laid upon his Disciples when he sent them to preach be not afraid of them which can only kill the body Mat. 10 28. and afterwards when he encouraged the Church of Smyrna fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer the Divil shall cast some of you in prison that you may be tempted be thou faithful unto death and I will give thee a Crown of Life Rev. 2.10 This promise we do evidently disbelieve if we give way so far to our Fear as to be kept from open confessing and therefore the fearful and unbelieving are joyned together as those that are to have their part in the same lake of fire Rev. 21.8 When the Apostle presseth Timothy to be earnest in stirring up that gift which God had bestowed upon him 2 Tim. 1.6 he useth this Argument For God hath not given us the Spirit of Fear but of Power v. 7. And thence he proceeds to exhort him be not therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord v. 8. but suffer affliction with the Gospel according to the power of God all those distinctions and evasions which men have devised to shift off the Cross will be found at last to be only the hiding places that fear hath provided to shelter it self in and what the Apostle affirmed concerning the ceremonie pressed and contended for in his time may be asserted concerning all that those who compelled others to them did it only that they might not be persecuted by the cross of Christ Gal. 6.12 But since the Cross doth prepare the way for the Crown let us not fear but rather pray as the Apostles did when they were silenced by their Rulers Now Lord behold their threats and give unto thy servants with all boldness to speak thy word Acts 14.29 Courage becomes a Christian so much that without it he cannot be one but will upon every tryal expose his Lords Honour and Power to contempt and censure The Reader is intreated to correct these following ERRATAS PAge 1. Line 25. is read it is P. 2. L. 31. acknowledge r. acknowledged P. 5. L. 19. Ocadiah r. Obadiah P. 6. L. 6 Wrestling r. wresting ib. L. 28. minute r. minute ib. L. 30. their r. these ib. L. 33. considerate r. considerable P. 7. L. 2. much difficult r. much more difficult ib. L. 18. the reason r. this reason ib. L. 23. or plea r. of p ea ib. L. 31. seeming r. seemingly ib. L. 37. r. his return ib. L. 39 r in a limited P. 8. L. 4. Sesum r. Telum ib. Chap. r. Cup. ib. L. 30. too r. so P. 9. L. 3. rasen r. risen ib. L. 7. his r. her ib. L 10. deceived r. described ib. L. 16. an Universal r. of such an Universal ib. L. 37. exspect or watch r. expects or waits P. 10. L. 10. Acts r. Arts ib. L. 20 r. intimate P. 11. L. 26. hebrews r. hebrew text ib. l. 29 proves the curiosity r. reproved their curiosity 1. L. required r. inquired P. 12. L. 23. it duration r. it 's duration P. 13. l. 30. merrily contemned r meerly to be contemned ib. L. 32. Mistery r. Majesty ib. L. 33. ond r. and ib. l. 39 the canse r. the curse P. 14. L. 30. an Orthodox r are Orthodox ib. L. 34. r. fifty years ib. L. 37. r. there shall be that ib. L. 39. r. We do also ib. L. 40. r. upon Earth P. 15. L. 2. dele which also the Apostle calls our Mother that is above 16. L. 7. that heathens r. the heathen P. 16. L. 12. proceeded r. proceeded so far P. 17. L. 24. Beast or Church P. 39. L. 49 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 r. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 P. 23. L. 33. exepted r. exerted P. 27. L. 27. like Rubbish by fire r. When Gods Jewels are made up and that Summe sealed then shall this perishing frame of things which now have the holy seed for its hidden support be consumed like Rubbish by fire FINIS