flattery is it both of dead and living to count their memory blessed who were so crooked and cursed in their courses 3. Judge not of men or causes to be good by the greatnesse of them that own them and follow them When Christ was in the world Joh. 7. 48. the question was Have any of the Rulers or Pharisees believed on him any of your great wise men No I warrant you they know better they are more wise then so v. 49. but this people this poor people giddy people nay cursed people that know not the Law Luke 23. 35. The Rulers derided him and Luke 24. 20. Our chiefe Preists and Rulers delivered him to be condemned to death and to be crucified You must not make the great ones of the earth your example for then you will follow wickednesse 4. Undeceive your selves about the true value of earthly powers The Trappings of power are not so good as we count for because power it selfe may be so soon and grossly abused Grace grace is most desirable which is proper and active to correct these abuses and cannot serve to these wicked inversions 5. Lastly is it any undue inference that seeing Kings have abused their power to call upon those who take their places on them to be circumspect very circumspect what hath been may be again what hath been abused may be abused Mistake me not I am far from bespattering those whom I am bound to honour surely Gods great deliverances and his peoples blood are fresh upon their hearts and will raise up a redoubled consideration in them how to honour God and serve their present generation in the management of publick affairs CHAP. XIII Proceeds to the sixth Pos which shews That abuse of power tends to the breaking of power which is apparent 1. When those in power indulge their lazinesse 2. VVhen they take no account of under-Officers 3. VVhen they rule by will 4. VVhen they look not after excâ—â—ution of good Laws 5. But are unjust And 6. Sinfully conformable to neighbour Princes 7. Vndue enterposal in the things of God And 8. Persecute those who are good Vses GOvernments you heard were apt to change yea to change from good to bad and from bad to worse and that brings in a breach Sin and sorrow are inseparable companions if sin goe before sorrow will follow after To be clothed with power is an honour but to abuse power is a sin and such a sin as will make way for ruine desolation and destruction Hence your sixth Position The sins of Princes whereby they abuse power carry a tendency with them to breake their power All their power is from Christ and all sin is against him and surely he will never maintaine his own power in a way against himselfe As Princes have power over other men so they sin in that power they sin as they are men and they sin as they are men in place as Princes Now their Princely sins are those that break their Princely power as thus 1. Indulging of a lazie spirit tends to break their power They gladly accept of the honour revenues and observance of their places but transferre the care to others Corona curarum nidus A Crown is a nest of cares they love the Crown but will not undertake the care They are too nice and delicate they must not misse their meals their naps their sports no not for a publick good No wonder then if God cause that to passe from them which they so put away from themselves and make that over to others in the honour which they long before made over to them in the worke and service 2. When Princes take no account of their Ministers it tends to break power I know its impossible Princes should performe all their duties in their own person They have much lieth upon themselves and they have more to transferre to others Its a wasting sin to put off what is inherent in themselves and t is no lesse to transferre to others and take no account of them They must have their Ministers that 's granted but their Ministers must be accounted with or else all will fall It keeps them in due awe and order to think they must to an audit give account of their stewardship Places and justice will be bought and sold publick treasures exhausted publick negotiations slighted and what care they when they know they shall be let alone How unworthily may men betray their trust dishonour their Prince and wrong the Nation yea do it boldly when they know they shall goe unexamined and so unpunished Princes devest themselves of their highest power by this neglect and its jusâ— they should fall short of the reverence they expâ—ct in the hearts of those who are under them 3. When will is Law then down goes rule Non debet Princeps dominari sed Ratio The Prince that is the Prince in his will should not beare sway but Reason Government hath no such enemy as self-willednesse never do Princes lose so much of their power as when they exalt their will against Law they think they gain but then they lose most 4. Neglect of looking after the execution of good Laws much infeebles their power Kings should be living laws Reges vivae leges their carriage so regular as to command imitation and their care great to see good laws executed Execution makes good Laws alive and good Laws well executed makes Kings live for their power is advanced in their execution and neglect herein is fatal and ruinous to them 5. Injustice tumbles down Chairs of State Prove 16. 12. The Throne is established by righteousnesse but Mic. 7. 3. It s doing evil with both hands when the Prince asketh and the Judge asketh for a reward When that is acted which we read of 1 Sam. 8. 14. when the oppressed cry and are not eased when might overcomes right it s a woful victory and such an one as they shall have no cause to triumph in for Christ will cause them to vomit up all their sweet morsels and to repent of their unjust dealings 6. Sinful conformity to neighbour Nations doth no good It displeased God and his servant Samuel when the people cryed out Make us a King 1 Sam. 8. 6. and the great argument was they would be like other Nations So verse 6. Give us a King to judge us and verse 5. Make us a King to judge us like all the Nations When we conforme to their pride their fashions their excesse their wantonnesse will not this undermine us 7. Undue interposal in the things of God will pull down the powers of men God hath reserved it for his own wisdome power and holinesse to give the Law of his worship His teare is not to be taught by the precepts of men or made good by their powers The patterne of the Tabernacle and Temple is to be fetched from God alone we are not tyed to waite for mens
commands to serve God they may make our services to be more safe in the practice but not more righteous in themselves Gods command is a sufficient warrant and its high presumption for any to interpose therein to corrupt or crosse his service 8. Unjust persecution and prosecution of the good and quiet of the Land cracks authority They are to be terrour to evil doers and then their authority comes forth in the power of it but they must not be terrours to those that doe well nor strengthen the hands of the wicked and sad those whom God would not have sadded This will never stablish any government Christs interest is in his people the best way for Princes to maintaine their interest is to fall in with Christs interest His people are his annointed ones and they must doe them no harme Zach. 12. 3. Jerusalem is a burdensome stone all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces though all the people of the world be gathered together against it 1. See the cause of the great turns that have been among us Former ages cannot parallel our stories you know how God hath set up his Throne for Judgement and called the great and mighty ones to the barre and cut them off And oh that now these who yet remaine would turn their eyes hither and see though it be late first see the true cause that cracked all former greatnesse and be humbled confesse their sins in their desolations and if they cannot see their fins as cross to God let them abhor them as enemies to their own State Oh! that they would accept of this counsel To breake off their sins by righteousnesse and their iniquities by turning to the Lord that so if possible there may be a return of their tranquillity Suffer I beseech you yet once more a word of admonition the Lord make it precious healing balme to you 1. Watch over your hearts in lawful things and with all keeping keep your hearts therein It s lawful surely to eate and drink and for you to eate of the fat and drink of the sweet yea to feast your selves daily But t is not lawful to feed without feare Jude 12. Eccles 10. 16. Wo unto thee oh Land when thy Princes eate in the morning It s lawful to eate but not to eate unseasonably Prov. 31. 4. It s not for Kings O Lemuel it s not for Kings to drink wine or Princes strong drink least they drink and forget the law and pervert the judgement of any of the afflicted it s not for Kings so to drink as their drinking shall make them light and frollick so as to forget the law the afflicted and their cause Math. 11. 8. They that weare soft cloathing 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 wearing them daily are in Kings houses But we read withal Zach. 1. 8. I will punish the Princes of the Kings children and all that are cloathed with strange apparel If the softnesse of their apparel betoken a greater softnesse of their temper it is not their being in Kings houses shall save them from punishment Strange apparel Jun. Indumento alienigenarum apparel in imitation of strangers people of another Nation when they frame themselves into the garbe of a Conquering people whether Egyptian or Babylonian and testifie their spirit by their habit Omnes qui exoticis vestibus levitatem animi prodebant Drufius Such who betrayed the levity of their minds by their phantastical apparel Probabile est saith Calvin Aulicos stulta affectatione mutasse vestes Its likely the Courtiers out of a foolish imitation changed their garments I would our Courtiers were not guilty of new fangled fashions and garish garments paintings and powderings spots of beauty and naked breasts opening their shop-windows as if their modesty were put to saile You may questionlesse sometimes relaxe your minde from your serious and weighty employments and follow your Recreations and Pleasures but take heed of being lovers of pleasure that will make you poor men Prov. 21. 17. and to be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 lovers of pleasures more then lovers of God will render you worse then poor even wicked men beware your pleasures be not your masters for then you will serve diverse lusts as well as pleasures Tit. 3. 3. Malus si regat servus est tot dominorum quot vitiorum One saith If an evil man rule he is servant of so many Masters as he hath vices Look on the pleasures of the flesh as the bane of your spirits and your Courtly pompe to be but so much pageantry When Agrippa Acts 25. 23. is said to come with great pompe it s in the Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 with a great phancy great pompe is no more Worthy is the record of that great and good Courtier Moses Heb. 11. 25. who chose rather to suffer affliction with the people of God then to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season 2. Beware of covetous self-love the canker of publick places Exod. 18. 21. The men there to be chosen Rulers must be hating covetousnesse When Samuel would deter the people from a King 1 Sam. 8. 11 12. He pleads He will take your sons for himselfe for his horsmen to run before his Chariots to care his ground to reap his Harvest it s all His His His wicked Princes pretend publick transactions and necessities when the maine is to fill their own Coffers they spare neither their own children nor strangers bnt exact their Customes from them Math. 17. 25. But exceeding terrible is that of Jeremiah to such Jer. 17. 11. He that getteth riches and not by right shall leave them in the midst of his dayes and at his end shall be a foole 3. Exalt not your selves unduely for that will bring you down Prov. 16. 18. Pride goeth before destruction and an haughty spirit before a full proud speeches gestures carriages should be abhorred by you It s one thing to keep a due distance another thing to be proud It s one thing to maintaine your place and another thing to be haughty It was the fault of good Hezekiah that his heart was lifted up I but it was his great commendation that he humbled himselfe for the pride of his heart Be not wise in your own eyes but give eare to the wisdome of the Ancient and the petitions of the poor 4. Anger and malice misbecome any wise man much more a Prince Irasuror brevis est Anger is a short madnesse and malice is illwill continued and both should be banished from you How famous was Moses for his government and yet the meekest man of all the earth Perit judicium quando res transit in affectum you will lose your judgement when your affections are distempered Eccl. 7. 9. Anger resteth in the bosome of fools and folly should be far from them that govern How ill did Sauls anger become him when he calls Jonathan the son of a perverse rebellious woman 1 Sam.
WE have seen Christ on the Throne and the World under his feet and what he works as being Lord paramount of the earth Let us now raise our thoughts and hearts unto a farther consideration and behold the Turns of the World from Christ as King of Saints and that your thoughts may be more collected I shall represent you in this Chap. with twelve Sections Sect. I. Jesus Christ is King of Saints as well as King of the World God the Father glories in this that he hath set him his King upon his holy hill Psal 2. 6. Let the Kings set against him and seek to break his cords all their power and malice cannot in the least unsetle him Psal 110. 4. He sweares and will not repent God the Father is fully satisfied in the great glory put on Christ so as he will never have a recoyling thought concerning it It s the blessed burden of the Song of Moses and the Lamb Rev. 15. 3. Just and true are thy ways oh thou King of Saints And let wise and holy Daniel tell you what work this makes Dan. 2. 44. His Kingdome shall break in pieces and consume all these Kingdomes and it shall be for ever Sect. II. Jesus Christ hath this high honour of being King of Saints upon his sufferings The 22. Psalm is a Psalm of Christ and his sufferings as appears from v. 1. to 22. The meek shall eate and be satisfied and the Kingdoms of the Nations shall worship yea the fat ones upon earth v. 25. shall eate and worship and the ground you have v. 28. The Kingdome is the Lords and he is Governour among the Nations Phil. 2. 7 8 9. He made himselfe of no reputation though he were in the forme of God yet he took on him the forme of a servant thus he humbled himselfe but God highly exalted him and upon this follows a Name above every Name the bowing of every knee to him and the confession of every tongue That he is Lord. It is a proper honour due unto him from these his sufferings that is such an honour as had not accrewed to him if he had not suffered Jesus Christ had experience of many Turnes in his sufferings Now his glory shall correspond with his sufferings and not be in one straine or streame but in diverse Turnes and alterations Sect. III. Jesus Christ puts forth His power he hath as King of the Nations for his people to whom he is King of Saints 1 Chron. 16. 20 21. When they went from Nation to Nation from one Kingdome to another People He suffered no man to do them wrong yea he reproved Kings for their sakes He must be King of the World that he may be their King that in their wanderings he might help them and if Kings oppose them he as King of Kings will reprove them Rev. 12. 16. The earth helps the woman The world helps the Church Christ makes the Goths and Vandales break the Arrian faction by which the Dragon sought to carry away the Church Isa 43. 14. Thus saith the Lord your Redeemer For your sakes I have sent to Babylon and have brought down all their Nobles Jehovah considered as the Redeemer and holy One of Israel puts forth his power as he is King of Nations and makes it subservient to that power he hath as he is the Redeemer of his people He sends to Babylon and brings down all their Nobles there he appears King of Kings but it s for their sakes for Israels sake there he appears the holy One and their Redeemer the Redeemer of his holy ones Sect. IV. Jesus Christ shall have more visible glory in this world then ever hitherto he hath had the glory of this relation of being King of Saints His Subjects appeare in this world as Saints they here shine as lights in a dark world and the world hates them because they are Saints holy ones because by their holinesse they convince and condemn the world and do they appeare for Christ and will not Christ appeare for them They appeare for him visibly upon earth before men and Christ will take to himselfe his great power and Dan. 7. 22. Time shall come when the Saints shall possesse the Kingdome He had a government over Israel so as he had not over other Nations and the Nations knew it Exod. 14. 25. Let us flee say the Egyptians from the face of Israel for the Lord fighteth for them Deut. 32. 31. Their Rock is not as our Rock even our enemies themselves being judges And surely Christ shall again appeare to have the government of Saints and Saints shall know it more and their enemies too when he shall be revealed from heaven to take vengeance on them that know not God and 2 Thes 1. 10. shall come to be glorified in his Saints and admired in all them that believe Thus Rev. 15. when Christ sends his last plagues in which are filled up the the wrath of God on his Churches enemies then is Christ honoured v. 3. as King of Saints Sect. V. Bitternesse doth and shall mingle with all Governments among all Nations that so Christs Government may be rendred sweet Look on Governments by single Persons or by Councils in Kingdomes or in Common-wealths look on this or that form of Government whatsoever it be you will finde so much weaknesse and wickednesse so much corruption self-seeking and undue exaltation of themselves breaking forth as that men will be weary of it To maintaine their pride you will finde men apt to oppresse to maintaine their oppression you will finde them dextrous either to straine or new coyne Laws and so far from removing heavy burdens that they will lay more on Observe observe narrowly and you will meet with such undue biassings in them that rule to their friends kindred relations and interests that due deserving worth cannot mount to preferment Look on the right or left hand you will finde no helper oh how wellcome will Christ be in such a conjunction of affairs When he was to be borne into the world he stay'd till men had made void his Law till the Pharisees by their glosses and traditions had made the word of God of no effect and when he shall come to take the Kingdome to himselfe is shall be when men have corrupted and so inbittered all rule and government Israel must be under hard Task-masters that make them serve with rigour before Moses and Aaron can be hearkned unto Rev. 17. 13 14. The ten Hornes that is the ten Kings of Europe give their power and strength to the Beast and make war with the Lamb that is the condition of Governours before Christ come But the Lamb shall come and overcome them for he is King of Kings and Lord of Lords and they that are with him as called and chosen and faithful Sect. VI. Christ pours out on his people a mighty spirit of prayer which he in his government as King
Σεισμος Μεγας OR HEAVEN EARTH SHAKEN A Treatise shewing how Kings Princes and their Governments are turned and changed By Jesus Christ as King of Kings and King of Saints Hagg. 2. 6. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Thus saith the Lord of Hosts Yet once it is a little while and I will shake the Heavens and the Earth and the Sea and the dry Land And I will shake all Nations By JOHN DAVIS M. A. sometime Lecturer at Christ Church in LONDON and now Pastour of a Congregation in Dover LONDON Printed by T. C. for Nathaniel Brooke at the Angel in Cornhill 1655. The Epistle of the Author to the Reader Christian Reader ALl men in the world are naturally acted by a principle either of Love or Feare and there is something in the ensuing Treatise to meet with both Men are greedily addicted to Novelty new fashions and opinions new straines and modes new matters and methods yea Pamphlets of news are taking and I feare me too much The Title tells you of a Great Earthquake or Heaven and Earth shaken which denotes the great and suddain turne and change of things Now while things are turning and changing they appeare new to us they have not the same face now they had before And surely men are more obliged to converse with News in things then News in Books Men compile your News-books but God makes News in things If what is here presented were forreigne and such as did not relate to you you might justly passe it by and pitch on that which is of more concernment to you But let me tell you there is no Turne or Change mentioned here but that which relates to you and wherein you are concerned and have been Actors one way or other for good or evil either provoking by your sins or interceding by your prayers and therefore me thinks you should love to read your selves over and the new things that you have made Turnes and Changes especially in great bodies of Kingdoms and Common-wealthes are great Turnes turnes of great and publick interest but not alwayes prosperous and so makes way for your feare The greatest States-men have studiously avoided as much as they could all Innovations knowing the trouble and danger that follows thereon lest while they designe the common good dregs should be stirred up in the spirits of people that they could not easily settle and allay again I heartily wish you the increase of a godly feare that amidst all the Turnes and Changes which you read of you may yet more and more experience that blessed turne and change of heart from darknesse to light from things below to things above from creatures to Christ and then all these Turnes shall not onely not hurt you but do you much good The Method I have observed and studied hath been to informe you as plainely and to apply that information as closly as I could I have laid things down by way of Propositions and those Propositions such as might make way for and give light to one another the foregoing to the following Propositions and all of them put together might acquaint you with that which was intended in this worke That you might the better take in and retaine things in your minde I have in every Chapter perfixed the several Propositions therein opened and most of them are all should have been in a differing letter from the body of the Book The XXI Chapter makes mention of twelve Sections which I confesse I intended for the heads of twelve several Chapters with such application as are in the other parts of the Book but I was afraid of being tedious I know uot how that which is here done will suite with the spirits of the godly-wise to whom I desire to approve my selfe in this businesse And if I might receive any incouragement from them it might easily draw forth my thoughts which I have had of the Turnes of Councils and Armies of Laws and Trading of Continents and Islands The great turnes at Sea as well as upon the Land of affairs concerning the Church as well as the State But I shall adde no more now but this petition That the God of all wisdome would wise us to know the Times and our duties in them and help us to serve our generation and to do the worke of the day in the day To live by faith and by faith and patience to possesse our soules until the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in whom I am Your truely affectionate Brother to serve you in his Gospel IOHN DAVIS Errata PAge 20. l. 2. for eight r. seventh Page 43. for three r. third Page 75. for underpowers r. undercowers To the Reader REader this is a bookish-age and whereas Learning was heretofore graced by judicious Schollars it is now much vilified by illiterate scriblers What Scaliger said of France omnibus scribendi datur libertas paucis facultas All men may write but few are able to write is verified here in England All have liberty to write but few ability Hence it is that so many leane pamphlets and peices come forth daily treating of Inferiour and inconsiderate things This Author acquaints you with the great Shakings the great Alterations which God and Christ do make in Heaven and Earth upon performance of divine Promises He treats of the use and ministration of Angels therein he sheweth that all power is Christs that the Princes of the earth have all their power from him he informes of what use Government and Governours are how subject to change what 's the evil of abusing power what 's the cause of Civil Wars and Fatal Turnes He tells you how severely the Lord Christ will deale with the Potentates of the earth whose power is erected against him and his which are things of an high nature and well handled Though Galen said of Moses workes Multa dicit nil probat and Augustine of Manichaeus dixit abiit he gave no reason of what he said yet it is far otherwise with this Author who judiciously and solidly makes good what he hath asserted The Matter Method and Composition are waters from his own Cistern and hony from his own Hive He hath not larded his book alieno adipe with the fat of other men The work speakes for it selfe being elaborate well compacted and weighty through words of truth and doubtlesse will finde acceptance amongst those who have their senses exercis'd to discern of such things It s most true which Erasmus saith Nihil morosius hominum judiciis nothing is more peevish then the judgements of men what one magnifies another vilifies and what is vilified by one is magnified by another yet it is some comfort that mens judgements are like their pallats what suites not with one doth with another and where the wine is good few will distaste it Reader buy and try if thou be pleasured or profited the Author hath his aime if neither he will not be provoked knowing Nunquam tam bene agitur
opportunes your confederates to become your enemies Vse 1. See how little help there is in men 2. See what wickednesse is incident to Nations as well as persons 3. Take hence one argument more against your Civil War 4. Learn it s a curious work to manage affairs in Civil Wars 5. Admire Gods providences towards us who hath busied our Neighbour Nations CHAP. XVIII OPens that unkind and unjust dealings of neighbour Nations produce forreign Wars as thus 1. The pride and lust of ruling men cause these hard dealings 2. Those who are great would be great alone 3. These great leaders obtain many followers 4. They conclude they have a fit season for their rage 5. A people under present pressures are exceding sensible 6. They resolve if they recover to do to others as others thought to have done unto them Vse 1. To see the spreading of sin that it reacheth Nations as well as persons 2. Nations as well as persons are liable to trouble upon trouble 3. God is appealed unto in War 4. To admire again Gods goodness to us CHAP. XIX SHews that Jesus Christ will deale in severity with the Kings of the Earth because 1. Kings are in covenant with their people and break their Covenants 2. In this dealing Christ appears no respecter of persons 3. In this dealing Christ makes his wisdom out-shine King-craft 4. Christ is to overcome Satan in his territories Vse 1. Reade the sinfulness of Kings in Christs severity 2. See the impartial and unspotted holiness of Jesus Christ 3. See what to expect and to what to refer our present providences CHAP. XX. COncludes with shewing how the twelve Positions formerly handled instruct us in our present Turns and Changes CHAP. XXI SHews the great Turns on Nations arising from the consideration of Christ as King of Saints set forth in twelve Sections 1. Jesus Christ is King of Saints as well as King of the World 2. Christ hath his high honour upon his sufferings 3. Christ puts forth the power he hath as King of Nations for his people to whom he is King of Saints 4. Jesus Christ shall have more visible glory in this World 5. Bitternesse is mingled with all Governments that Christ may be sweet 6. Christ pours out on his people a mighty spirit of prayer which he in his Government as King of Saints returns full answer to 7. Jesus Christ shall have a willing people in the day of his power 8. Some of the Kings of the Earth shall be among this willing people 9. Christ having great work to do stirs up the spirit of Princes and people 10. The great work of the latter days shall be to exalt holinesse and righteousnesse 11. Saints shall have notable Conquest over their enemies 12. These things shall be by degrees CHAP. XXII COntains the Vses of that Doctrine that Christ is King of Saints 1. Vse of inviting Instruction discovering 1. Christs excellency 2. The properties of his Kingdom 3. The glory of his Saints 1. Christ his excellency in four things 1. His right and Title which is the justest being 1. By Election 2. By Donation 3. By Birth 4. By purchase 5. By Conquest 2. His Qualifications are greatest 3. His Administrations are the highest 4. His Communications are the largest 2 The Properties of his Kingdom being 1. Spiritual 2. Vniversal 3. Eternal 4. Bringing in perfect peace 3. The glory or excellency of his Saints for 1. They shall be more Saints 2. They shall live safely 3. their enemies shall be ruined 2. Vse of Exhortation 1. to know him 2. to fear him â— to trust in him 4. to embrace him with love 5. to be like to him 6. to glorifie him 7. to be obedient to his laws where you have 1. the six Laws of Nature with Gospel-light 1. Peace is to be sought 2. Stand to your Covenants 3. You must be thankful 4. Serve one another 5. Be merciful and forgive 6. Reproach not one another 2. You have many Gospel strains set out to highthen your obedience THe Appendix shews Astrological Predictions to be frivilous and impious where these five things are granted 1. that the Stars have a powerful ruling excellency 2. that by their light heat and motion they work great alterations in the Aire 3. that having this power over the Aire they do diverâ—â—y affect compound bodies 4. Scripture speaks plainely that they are for times and seasons 5. that there may be some present Predictions about weather and such things But two things are denyed 1. that Stars have any power over the Reason or Will of man to necessitate or inforce them 2. that Astrologers can rightly pretend to foretell such things as depend on mans will or are any way contingent and this appears by seven Arguments 1. Such Predictions are derogatory to Gods prerogative of fore-knowing 2. Such predictions are crosse to the word of God 3. We reason from the Nature of the Stars 4. We reason from the Nature of Art 5. We argue from that part of Astrology that is about weather 6. these Predictions are derogatory to the excellency of Man 7. VVe reason from the Nature of contingent things Object But many things they foretell come to passe Sol. 1. Not so many as they brag of 2. Not from any causing virtue in the Stars 3. Blind men sometime hit the white so may Astrologers 4. their coming to passe is a strong argument against them 5. It may come to passe in a way of judicial vengeance Vse 1. to the professors of the Mathematicks 2. to their Disciples dehorting them from Figure-casting Σεισμος Μεγας OR Heaven and Earth shaken CHAP. I. The Introduction shewing the occasion and scope of the insuing Treatise THe works of the Lord are great sayeth the Psalmist sought out of all them that have pleasure therein When God is working we must eye him and when his works be great we must be searching them out and not soon weary but taking pleasure both in the works and search Gods works to us of this Nation have been honourable and glorious as it is verse 3. and his righteousnesse enduring for ever No marvel then if they be taking with the minde and hearts of his people who entertaine them with the highest esteeme and most joyful admiration verse 4. He hath made his wonderful workes to be remembred the Lord is gracious and full of compassion I appeale unto your consciences that read whether the grace and full compassion of God have not made his works wonderful among us Now God will not have his works written in the sand he makes his works wonderful and his wonderful works to be remembred and surely his people cannot forget them they are ingraven on their hearts and they cannot but remember them v. â— He giveth meat to them that fear him He is ever mindful of his Covenant Consider v. 5. the malice and rage of adversaries and we cannot but reckon it among the wonderful works
yet if you weigh things in a Sanctuary Ballance you will finde such actings and workings as faith can rise up unto although sense cannot And when God will worke more of his great works by them then he will highthen our faith to apprehend them more Doth Christ in these great turnes use the ministration of Angels then surely he himselfe is far above them the Lord is above the servant and he to whom the administration is is above them that minister above them then he is and above them in these turnes for Heb. 1. 2. He is said to make the worlds 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 secula the several ages of the world Mr. Dixon in his Commentary on the place saith he calletâ— it the worlds for the variety of times and ages and fleeces of the creatures one succeeding another You wrong Jesus Christ if you converse not with him in all these inferiour motions he is the primum mobile the first mover and other things move after him The whole first Chapter to the Hebrews sets forth the excellency of Christ far above that of Angels which here I shall give you a briefe account of Take notice How he gives the full due to Angels the full due of their glory It s granted they are the sonnes of God as Adâ—m is said to be Luke 3. 38. in that they had their immediate being from him and accordinly sang unto him and shâ—uted for joy Job 38. 7. They have an excellent name which implyes an excellent nature Names are put to expresse the natures of things and excellent names to excellent things among which Angels are to be rankâ—d Thâ—y are His Angels of him and for him and therefore excellent They are spirits having a simple uncâ—mpounded being and therefore an excellent being They are as flames of fire of lightning that speedily execute his will ministring spirits as v. 14. But now Jesus Christ hath by inheritance obtained a far more excellent name then they they are made very good but he is made far better He is so a Son as they are not a Son by way of eminency he is a Son and first bâ—gotten which they are not He is appointed heir of all things which the Angels are not but even they are part of his possession given to be his servants He is the brightnesse of the Fathers glory so are not Angels Angels hold forth much of God but they are not the Character of his Person as Christ is They are used in the government of this world but he upholds all things by the word of his power Truth it is they do much service and do it cheerfully and vigorously but they can never do that service that Christ doth He by himselfe purged our sin which is a worke too great for them he takes his place where they cannot they may stand about the Throne and waite the pleasure of God but he sits down at the right hand of his glory He is God and they are but â—â—eatures and owe him for their being v. 7. as do the Heaven and Earth v. 10. In regard of his humane nature He hath the oyl of gladnesse above his fellows and so loves righteousnesse and hates iniquity more then Angels He hath a Throne and that for ever and its honour enough for Angels to waite about it Many are the enemies of this Throne and Kingdome but God will make them his footstoole Thus you see Angels are but Ministers although glorious Ministers Christ is more glorious then they Let me adde one word more to exhort you 1. To draw your eyes to behold these glorious workes It s a curious study to search into Gods providences he imprints much of himselfe upon them and that by his choice servants his Angels 2. Let no discouragement seize upon you as to the Times Measures Methods Instruments of these things God hath his own houshold servants which he can and will imploy at his pleasure 3. And shall not this afford some elevation of your hearts in love to God when he doth on your behalfe imploy his best attendance 4. Lastly let it mightily provoke all the servants of God his precious Worthies to come forth and goe on in the service of these latter times It s no worse businesse you are called forth unto then Christ puts his Angels about Oh! then let not your hands hang down nor your knees be feeble Study what worke is put into your hands and do it with all your might Are you called to counsel or to act at home or abroad by Sea or by Land Oh! lift up your heads and rejoyce that God hath counted you worthy to be under-powers in these transactions value it as your happinesse to have been in his hand Let not the thoughts of danger or difficulty discourage you you are about Angels worke and you should have Angels spirits you have their help and you shall have a reward not inferiour to their condition I should now according to the opening of the words as we have spoken of the inhabitants of heaven and their shaking so proceed to shew the shaking of the Inhabitants of that part of the earth that is called a Continent as also the shaking of the inhabitants of the Sea and the inhabitants of Islands but these things I shall not handle now but hasten to what I intend in this Book CHAP. VII Opens the shake of Kings and Princes because 1. They make the great turns in the Earth 2. They pretend exemption from mans power 3. Dealing with them is a compendious way of dealing with the Nations 4. Being decked with worldly glory they seem to be Christs match Vses of Instruction and Exhortation HEaven as you heard Cháp 3 denotes by a Metaphor the highest things Thus when the Prophet Moses speaks of the high walls of a City Dâ—ut 1. 28. He tells them of a City walled up to heaven It is the language of the Prophets to compare a Kingdome to a World and what is highest in a Kingdome to what is highest in the World Satan is called 2 Cor. 4. 4. The god of this World and when he was in the highest of his â—ffâ—ctual working in the children of disobedience when he wrought so in them that they exalted him as a God by worshipping of him when he had his heathenish Priests Altars Sacrifices Feast-dayes in the time of the Emperours as Jehovah God had his among his people Israel then is Satan said to be in Heaven because in so great hight in the World Rev. 12. 7 8. The Dragon is said to be in heaven in regard that he was exalted and observed as a God But when his Tempels Idols and Altars were demolished he is there and then said to be cast out of heaven The heathenish Kings and Princes that were most forward and shining in this hellish heaven are called Stars Isa 61. 15 16. When God brings Israel out
shaking of these tall Cedars is one of the greatest works in the world that which notably holds forth Jesus Christ I shall therefore indeavour to open the shaking of these earthly powers both from the consideration 〈…〉 Jesus Christ and that both 1. As King of the World 2. As King os Saints Secondly of these great persons and that both in regard of 1. Themselves 2. Their Relations All which we shall cast into several positions to be handled in the chapters following The consideration of Christ as King of the World gives you a very faire account of the turnes in these latter Ages which that you may the better understand we shall lead you on by twelve several Positions all of them contributing some thing to the right and religious understanding of these turnes Now the first Position is this All power is given to Christ in Heaven and Earth Math. 28. 18. Dan. 2. 44. The God of Heaven sets up Christs Kingdom and the Kingdome shall not be left to other people but it shall break in pieces and consume all those Kingdomes and it shall stand for ever Christs power it so resides in him that it cannot be translated It s a conquering power for it breakes in peices and it enjoyes the fruit of such conquests for it stands for ever This we shall open in five passages 1. That all power is in Christ it is in him as in the proper seat of it He is the first fountaine of all power and all the power in all the creatures flowes from him their power is but a drop of his Ocean the highest and best kinde of power dwells in him He is the first borne of every creature His power is extensive to all creatures and times all creatures are either in heaven or in earth and his power reacheth both Col. 1. 16. By him were all things created that were in Heaven and Earth visible and invisible whether they be Thrones or Dominions or Principalities or Powers And Jer. 10. 7. Who would not feare thee Oh King of Nations Psal 22. 28. The kingdome is the Lords and he is Governour among the Nations All earthly powers have their periods their rise and fall their beginning and ending but it s not so with Christs power for Heb. 1. 8. It s spoken to him Thy throne oh God is for ever and ever 2. All power was Christ his due upon the taking of our nature So much is wrapped up upon the assumption of our flesh that thereupon all created power was to be under him Suppose man had not fallen nor Christ suffered yet if he take our nature to himselfe upon this all power in all creatures must be under him Heb. 2. 6. When he bringeth in the First begotten into the world he saith and let all the Angels of God worship him Observe he is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the First borne Christ as taking our nature had a being in the counsel of God and was before any creature was and by that priority and firstnesse of being he hath a preeminence above all creatures whatsoever Col. 1. 18. In all things he must have the pereeminence The first begotten under the Law had a priviledge above all his brethren he had the rule and the double portion So hath Christ he hath the rule of all creatures he guides them to their end and indeed they are all his portion given unto him as the First begotten Againe observe the text mentions God the Fathers bringing Christ into the world which was when at his exhibition in the flesh he manifested it to the world that he was his onely begotten Son And observe lastly that upon this taking of our flesh the Angels which are the highest ranke of creatures are subject to him nay with the highest subjection namely that of adoration now if Angels the highest of creatures surely all other creatures much more 3. That though this power were his due yet it is rightly said to be given to him in that its a power falls on him as in our nature not considered onely as second person Now being thus in our nature the Father is greater then he Joh. 14. 28. I goe unto my Father for my Father is greater then I and he is in that regard lesse then the Father The Father gives all to Christ and Christ returnes all to the Father Dare est dominium transferre John 3. 35. The Father loveth the Sonne and hath given all things into his hand giving is a transferring out of love and the Fathers love is so great he cannot give him lesse then all v. 34. He give the spirit to him but not by measure Joh. 10. 39. God the Father gives all his elect chosen ones to Christ and he gives him worke to do for them Joh. 17. 4. I have finished the worke which thou gavest me to doe Joh. 5. 26 27. He hath given to the Sonne to have life in himselfe v. 27. and he hath given him authority to execute judgement also because he is the Son of Man In regard of all creatures He hath power given him over all flesh Joh. 17. 2. The Government is laid upon his shoulders and he rules among the Nations Dan. 4. 21. 4. Jesus Christ hath had but little glory of all his power Joh. 1. 11. He came to his own and his own received him not How many are there in the world that never heard of Jesus Christ how many that are professed enemies against him and among all that beare his Name how few live indeed by him How many thousands are there in the Synagogue of Antichrist that although they beare his Name being called Christians and make profession of him yet in workes deny him Look upon the great ones of the Earth who have that power of his derived unto them that others have not yet how great strangers are they unto him Nay looke among those who pretend to Reformation and to be adversaries to all superstitions yet how little do they take notice of his power put forth in the World or give him the praise of it 5. Christ will exalt himself in such great various turnes on Kings as shall extort acknowledgement from their consciences that he is above them and make them confesse This is the hand of Christ upon us whose Vassals we are Our Crownes and Scepters are more his then ours He He is the Lords Annointed All powers of earth are immediately and fully given to him and not to us We poor worms struggle for this earth but heaven and earth and all power are his and we are but his underlings Isa 10. 12. I will punish the fruit of the stout heart of the King of Assyria and the glory of his high looks Let us conclude this with the confession of Nebuchadnezzer Dan. 4. I Nebuchadnezzar extol the King of heaven all whose words are truth and his wayes judgement and those that walke in pride he is able to abase
person and a Parliament We in our dayes have seen much in this therefore I shall adde n o more 3. People change in their Mindes Manners and Conditions In all government there must be some to be ruled as well as some to rule and if either change it hath a great influence in the government The people are the body to be governed and you know its mobile vulgus an unsetled changeable body How oft do they commend and cry up some for government and by and by deny them now none so worthy so desirable anon none so unfit as they Now they fall down and adore their wisdome valour and successe and afterward rise up against them and would if they could trample on them 1 Kings 12. 1. All Israel come to Sechem to make Rehoboam King but a little after v. 16. they say What portion have we in David neither have we inheritance in the son of Iesse To your tents oh Israel now see to thine own house David And as they change in their minds so in their manners and condition they grow worse and worse in gluttony drunkennesse in pride malice uncleannesse and revenge yea they may grow poorer more idle and so more needy 4. Change of Governour Governments and People produceth the change of Laws Governours look on the â—egislative power as their highest and therefore to hold out their place they make Acts and repeale them they vote and unvote again ratifie and null Ordinances and that sometime upon grounds of reason The safety of the people is and ought to be the Supreame Law Now when people do thus change it may be necessary to change the Laws that so their safety may be provided for 5. Nations change in their Leagues and Trade They are in with one Nation and out with another and sometime in and out with the same Nation David he was friends with Nahash the King of the children of Ammon but when Nahash was dead 2 Sam. 10. Hanun the son of Nahash and David fall out Rev. 18. 3. There was a time when the Merchants waxed rich but v. 11. the Merchants of thâ— earth shall weepe and mourne over her for no man buyeth their merchandise any more Trading is sometime sick yea dead and men complaine they have nothing to do another time it grows quick and they have great returns 6. Jesus Christ the King of Nations he by his great judgements of Sword Famine Plague of Pestilence makes great changes Governments are apt enough to change of themselves but how much more when Christ comes to deale with them Ezek. 14. 13. God breakes the staffe of bread and so cuts off man and beast from it or else v. 17. He brings a Sword upon the Land or sends the Pestilence v. 19. and pours out fury upon the Land in blood to cut off from it man and beast What woful alterations are there and have there been in Germany by these means Cities laid waste and become ruinous heaps by a prevailing enemy how many Families swept away with the plague and the living scarce able to bury the dead 1. If Governments surely lesse bodies such as are Towns Villages Families are not freed from such changes how many Families have we seen up and down rise and fall yea many great houses desolate and contemptible ones exalted Oh that we were wise to make our Families little Churches our dwellings habitations of righteousnesse and receptacles of poor distressed ones it may be the Lord might lengthen out our tranquillity build us up and not destroy us 2. Learne hence the vanity of the creature and of all conditions here beneath why should we set our hearts on that that is not or may soon prove otherwise then now it is Isa 2. 22. Cease oh cease from man whâ—se breath is in his nostrils for wherein is he to be accounted of It is better to trust in the Lord then to put any confidence in man It is better to trust in the Lord then to put any confidence in Princes Let me now adde a word of Exhortation 1. To those who have the Government upon their shoulders to look after true wisdome and righteousnesse as their establishment that which goes to make up pride and lust will surely moulder that which is wicked and oppressive will downe with a vengeance Equity and sincerity are the best poyze and ballast for your tumbling frames your mountains are but weake and your foundations unsetled Psal 73. 18. Surely thou didst set them in slippery places thou castest them down to destruction Is it not best for you to draw nigh to God the unchangeable One to cry to him to lift up your souls in secret to draw down that stability from heaven which cannot be found upon earth 2. How little and low should you be in your own eyes think not your mountaine so strong that you can never be moved when as your government carryes that in the frame and make of it that is apt to change you or your people their condition or your condition may soon alter your confederates may prove enemies and your trading passe to others you stand now but how soon may you fall others may fall and rise but if you fall how hardly will your rising be Men of low condition cannot fall much but dangerous is their state that are in high place Facilis descensus descent is easie but its hard to get up again 3. It may exhort us all To have our treasures and hearts in Heaven Sursum Corda Arise arise for this is not your rest How readily should you take leave of that that is going from you and you cannot stay it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Col. 3. 2. Set your affections on things that are above and not on things on the earth is the Apostles counsel and if you will be following and seeking he tells us what it should be 1 Cor. 14. 1. follow after Charity and desire spirtual gifts that ye may edifie one another 4. Cast off those thoughts and passions as unreasonable that storme and quarrel at these alterations It s your wisdome contentedly to submit to that which your bustling cannot remedy We read of one who when it was told him that his childe was dead answered Scio me genuisse â—ortalem I know I begat a mortal When suddain and great alterations present cease to wonder what is rivetted in the nature and composition of things will not out sparks will up and stones will down and so will Kingdomes 5. Lastly let us all in the feare of God contend that since governments are apt to change and alterations will be Oh! contend that they may be for the better How desirable are the conversions of a State and Nation from Pride to Humility from Vanity to Gravity from Ungodlinesse to Holinesse from Oppression to Releiving the poor I those would be happy Changes indeed and such as would conduce to our prosperity
dispenseth himselfe by the way of a promise Gen. 9. 13. Gen. 17. 4. Reas 1. This holds out God as a Father Reas 2. Exalts the honour of Christ the Son Reas 3. Honour God in the person of he spirit Joel 2. 28. Reas 4. Makes for the advantage of Gods people 2 Cor. 7. 1. Reas 5. confounds the men of the world Reas 6. greatens our estate Use 1. of Instruction Great turnes have great wants That God then withers the arme of flesh Psal 76. 5. Gods wayes are in the deep Use 2. To search the promises Dan. 2. 28. Moti 1. This renders you children of wisdome Mot. 2. Preserves against sin Mot. 3. Advanceth your faith and love Mot. 4. Conquers difficulties Mot. 5. Makes us watchful and dutiful Mot. 6. Promotes the praise of God Doct. Christ workes alterations in the natural bodies of heaven earth Christ gives a being to all creatures Maintains what he hath given They are at his beck They sometime step aside from their ordinary course Chirst guides those steppings These turnes have the nature of signes Signes Rememorative Demonstrative Prognostical Practical Reas 1. Christ begins to take his power Reas 2. Speakes to all the world Reas 3. Creatures are not in that estate he intends Rom. 8. 22. The creatures groaning opened Gen. 1. 26. Reas 4. Christ draws out spiritual actings Use 1. See Christs excellency It s vain to oppose Christ It s easie to believe promises of this life shall be performed Use 2. of Exhortation 1. Consider Christ in all the creatures Fear before Christ Expect great things Rom. 4. Praise Christ Angels called Heavens Job 15. 15. How Angels are changed Heaven shaken when Christ takes our nature At Christs birth At Gospel preaching 1 Pet. 1. 12. Angels changed when God reveals new things to them Omnis locutio Dei ad angelos est illumiâ—atio When they have new imployment Doct. Angels minister in these Turnes For 1. Christ is head of Angels Math. 26. 43. Dan. 7. 10. Angels are to serve Christ in â— members Heb. 1. 14. Psal 91. 11. In destruction of enemies Angels are to have honour of their service Angels are in the vision and so in the execution Angels have kingdome worke They shall be coâ—joyn'd with Saints hereafter and so Now. Christ being upon his greatest worke useth his best servants Christ must have his Angels as well as Satan hath his Object Sol. 1. Use of Instruction Use 1. Christ is far above Angels Heb. 1. opened V. 4. V. 6. V. 4. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 V. 2. V. 6. V. 2. V. 3. V. 8. 7. and 10. V. 8. V. 13. Use of Exhortation 1. To behold these works 2 Not to be discouraged 3. Rise in love 4. Come forth to be fellow servants with these Angels 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Heaven meanes hâ—gh things Rev. 12. 7 8. Isa 61. 15 16. Isa 65. 17 18. Isa 34. 4. Doctr. Christ shakes Kings and Princes Reas 1. Kings make great turnes Isa 14 12. 13. Reas 2. They seeme exempt from mans power Reas 3. Dealing with them is a way to deale with Nations Reas 4. Kings seeme to be Christs match Use 1. 1. There is a meanesse in their majesty 2. Management of particular places must be reckoned for 3. Christ will surely account with meaner men 4. We may appeale to Christ 5. Judgements on Kings have characters of Christ on them Rev. 6. 2 3 4 5. V. 2. V. 3. 4. V. 5. 6. V. 7. 8. V. 9. V. 12. Rev. 8. 2. Rev. 16. 1. Use 1. of Exhortation To meditate on Christ and his shaking 2. Give Christ the honour due to him Pos 1. All power is given to Christ 1. All power is in Christ 2. His due upon the taking of our nature 3. All power is rightly said to be given Christ 4. Christ hath had little glory of all his power 5. Christ will exalt himselfe so as Kings shal confesse his power Dan. 4. 37. Use of Instruction See Gods love to Christ 2. The Father is fully satisfied that all is in him 3. The pleasure of the Lord shall prosper Use 2. Exhort 1. To invite to love Christ 2. To be at his disposal 3. Let wicked ones tremble 4. Let the Earth be glad Psal 97. 1. Pos 2. Kings reigne by Christ Prov. 8 16. For 1. They are or are not by him 2. Christ blesseth or blasteth in goverment 3. Kings cannot put forth their power without him 4. Continuation and succession is from him Bad Kings as well as good reigne by Christ Good men may be bad Kings 2. The badnesse of Kings is not from Christ 3. Yet he suffers them to be 4. Christ is righteous in thus suffering them Hos 13. 11. 5. Christ â—s gracious as well as righteous 6. Christ reigns more in those who are good then in those who are bad Use 1. For Instruction Christ stamps a majesty on them 2. To rise against them is to rise against Christ Rom. 13. 2. 3. Ascribe the good of government to Christ 4 A ground of patience under bad Rulers 5. Christ is more glorious then all Kings Use 1. of Exhortation Psal 2. 10. 1. To be wise 2. To be instructed 3. To feare 4. To serve 1 Pet. 2. 14. Prov. 20. 26. 5. To rejoyce with trembling 6. To kisse the Son Pos 3. Government is for the Worlds good 1 Pet. 2. 13. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 1. It keeps the world in order Persons so kept enjoy propriety 3. Government promotes increase 4. Protects our peace 1 Tim. 2. 2. 5. When God fits some and makes others consenting 6. This is for the good of all ranks of men 7. In their whole lives 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 1 Tim. 2. 2. 8. Honour due to governours Use 1. for Instruct 1. God is a faithful Creator 2. Governours need wâ—ldome and publick spirits Use 2. Exhort 1 To esteeme them highly 2. Make honourable mention of them Gen. 42. 10. 3. To speak to God for them 1 Tim. 2. 1 2. 4. To submit to every ordinance of man 5. To serve in person purse Pos 4. Government is apt to change 1. Governours change 2. Forms of government change 3. People change 4. Laws change 5. Leagues and Trade change 6. Christ changes them by his judgements on them Use of Instruction 1. Surely lesse bodies will change 2. See the creatures vanity Psal 118. 8 9. Use 2. of Exhort 1. To governours to look after true wisdome and righteousnesse 2. To be little in their own eyes 3. To have our Treasures in Heaven 4. Cast off quarrelling passions at these Turns 5. Contend that the change may be for the better Pos 5. Kings abuse their Power Gen. 10 10. 1. They serve themselvs more then others 2. They turn their power to the hurt of others 3. The Powers were against Christ in his person 4. They have been enemies to Christ his people 5. They give up their power to the beast Use of Instruction 1. See