fulfill the measures of their forefathers impieties in persecutions massacres treacheries gunpowder-plot cruell mockings c. ungodly men cannot trample on God but they reach as high as they can against his image both in his Ordinances and his saints and his graces in them this is the highest step they can go as Achab Jerom Joash Jehoiakim fretted against God and they would be revenged by imprisoning and killing his Prophets Christ his Doctrine have been called esteemed â—nathema even from the beginning of all that wil not receive his Doctrine in the love of it so it was accounted of Kain when Christ would not accept his bodily exercise so he saith Visiting the iniquity of the Fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me Exâ—d chapt 20. So they despised his Statutes and did abhor his judgements Levit. 26 15. In 10. Quest and Answ A great Apostasie All flesh had corrupted his way both in religion and conversation Gen. 6. Job 21. and 22. Mat. 24. Iudas Thad 14.15 So Iudah were corrupters Esai 1. Ier. 6. They were but flesh they cared not for regeneration nor the Doctrine of it to serve the Law of God in their minds for the imagination of their heart was only evill continually They mocked the religion of the Second Adam Ion 21. and 22. they desired not to know the waies of Christ In Q. 10. Ungodly marriages The Sons of God the visible Church regarded not Gods distinction of the holy seed so after times found them to be snares and traps treachery profanesse and abomination to the Gospel Common-Weale and Family In Q. 10. Glorious house Glorious for Cities Wealth Musick Pleasures Feasting Strength Arts and vaine deceitfull beauty the flourishing estate of the wicked doth commonly prevaile for apostacy with the open Church or multitude In Q. 10. A confluence When people have not a sincere care to know but set light by the faith of the Son of God the mystery of godlinesse then all ungodlinesse and unrighteousnesse will be seene in mens conversations This is evident through all ages of the holy story and in all Common-Weales Families and persons at this day which either retaine not or cast off the mystery of Faith in a pure conscience no religion teacheth nor worketh in the heart and carriage such strictness of a peaceable and holy life as the paterne of wholesome words faith and love which is in Christ Jesus Deut. 4.5 6 7 8. And verily there can be neither holinesse nor righteousnesse in truth but in them that are renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created them that is of the man Christ Jesus the second Adam the Lord from heaven 1 Cor. 15.47 Esa 11.1 to 9. In Quest 10. Remember After our first Parents were turned to dust the rest of the holy Fathers dyed not long one after the other except Henoch yet they had three witnesses of Christ to the floud that contested against their apostasie Methuselah Lamâ—ch and Noah But Henoch had before spoken of terror to the wicked and godly Lamech of comfort to the faithfull In 11. Quest and Answ Through faith Now faith is the expectation of that which is hoped and a tryer out of things which are not seene for by it the Elders are well reported of by Faith Noah being warned of God of things not seen as yet moved with feare prepared the Arke to the saving of his house by which he condemned the world and was made heir of the justification that is by faith Ebâ— 11. A beleever will be carefull of the salvation of his houshold In Q. 11. Good report Faith in the Son of God is most glorious faith evidencing things not seen made all the Elders honourable in a good report in life and death and after death whose faith we are exhorted to follow a godly man should so walke as all hee doth should evidence to the soule things not seen All Ecclesiastes tendeth to confirm this in us as godly Lamech testified In Q 11. Sons The floud in the faithfull doth shew the benefit of adoption and covenant the faith of God is not without its effect though many did â—all away and the Ordinances were unsavoury to them 2 Cor. 2.16 Our Natures so universally depraved that whilst we are in the flesh unconverted we cannot please God without saith it is impossible we should please God or that God should please us Jus divinum 31. In Q 11. City and country They beleeving on the Son of God had everlasting life and came not into condemnation but passed from death to life Minde it a present possession and immediate passage no judgment intervenning nor torment All the faithfull till the fulness of time had perfect joy in an immortall state of life and glory with God in the Kingdome of Heaven Matt. 8.11 and therefore are termed Them in Heaven Eph. 1.10 and the family of Heaven Chap. 3.15 Away then with the dotages of Lymbo and purgatorie and all other cursed opinions of the heathens and heathnish Kingdome Abyssigena Apoc. 9. Psal 17. and 22. 4 5. Psal 36.8.9 Dan. 7.18 Psal 49.15 and 73.24 Esa 3.10 Pro. 14.32 Job 5.24 In Q. 11. Wherefore they had preservation The fleed was a sacrament to the faithfull of Salvation to which answereth Baptisme 1 Pet. 3. Though these three men Noah Daniel and Job were in it they should deliver but their own soules by their righteousnesse faith the Lord God Ezek. 14.14 confer this to Gen. 6. many observations may be collected see the effectuall saith of Noah which he shewed by his workes beleeving he seared made the Arke and was carefull to save his houshold he prayed for the wicked mocking world he stood in the gap to turne away wrath so Jâ—b prayed for his freinds and God heard him so Daniel Chap. 2.18.23 and was heard so Christ had heard Noah but would no more after the decree came forth for one hundred and twenty yeares so Jeremiah prayed but at last would not be heard hee was forbidden to pray Things come to an extremity when Gods forbids his remembrancers if the whole state will not humble themselves yet let Noah Daniel and Job do it they shall have comfort they shall be sealed to be kept safe When Unbeleevers despisers mockers feasters drinkers and all abominable shall be shut out of the Arke and the heavenly Ierusalem to be in the floud and lake of fire Ezekiel and our Lord citing Noahs story gives to consider of the like generall Apostasie of the Jewes And that the Apostasie of the old world was as generall as the Jewes both in Ezekiels dayes and our Lords In 12. Quest and Answ Corrupters of the faith This phrase is elegantly expressed in Apoc. 11.8 The Papacy was an apostate policy and did depart from and corrupt the saith and so the whole earth was corrupt Therefore God hath and will corrupt that policy as God did corrupt the corrupters Gâ—â— 6. The former be
God hath forbidden it and plagued the transgression in the old and new Testament 2 Cor. 6 and 7.1 Apoc 3.14 See Ezraes sadnesse chap. 9.14 the affinity of Loegria with Gallia hath brought heavy wrath In Q 6. N. 7. Praises and thanksgivings He is thy Praise and he is thy God that hath done for thee thâ—se great and terrible things which thine eyes have seen Deut. 10 For the duty of praise Psal 95. and 96. and 100. and 103 and 108 and for all kinds of blessings spirituall and corporeall and the assured hope of eternall let us delight in this duty of praise and thanksgiving In Q. 6. N. 7. Of each dayes creation All the Hosts of the Heavens and Earth worship him if he give but a watch-word to any of his creatures to any of his hosts they rebell not against his word his word runs very swiftly in them Ps 136. and 91. c see this in all the stories of the word and especially when the saints offer up strong cryes to Jehovah of Hosts a terrour to the seed of the serpent who engage all the armies of Heaven and Earth and seas against them 1 Sam. 7. See much of Ps 18.6 7 8 c. In Q. 6. N. 7. For deliverance Psal 136.23.24 Apoc. 15. and 19. All the plagues of Pharoah shew this His plagues were from Iehovah Eâ—â—him from each dayes creation in Geâ— 1. The thankfull remembrance of Gods mercy to our blessed England is worthy of happy memory Eph. 3.20.21 In 7. Quest and Answ Christ who is Alpha and Omega the first and the last is the first and the last teacher of his own religion and worship Man not precisely cleaving to divine revelation is an idolatrous superstitious and selfe-willed foole although hee will make great shew of wisdome and humility In Q 7. I determined not to know any thing among you save Jesus Christ and him crucified This holy Doctrine is breathed constantly in all the holy scriptures from the beginning Sacrifice was a seal of justification or freedome from guilt of sin and punishment that is by faith Sacrifice was still taught with the Doctrine God made a covenant with man fallen by sacrifice and when they sacrificed they prayed Gen. 12.8 1 Sam. 7.9 Yea Habel Gen. 4. Eb 11. consider Ps 20. all of it and Gen. 15. God promised Abraham beleeved and to strenghen his faith sacrifice was added and it is say God made a covenant with Abraham the same day From the time of mans fall beasts were killed for sacrifice and it kindled first with fire from Heaven The tame quiet and mild kinde as Ox Sheep and Goat and birds not devouring as Turtle and Pigeon and other little birds no beasts of prey nor birds of prey but such as feed upon seed are fit for sacrifice These shewed that the second Adam by his combating with Satan through his constant patience and holy obedience unto death should procure our justification or freedome from Satans power Also such manner of sacrifices taught us mortification following Christ and profession of a quiet and harmlesse life For no Tyrants can sacrifice to God but just quiet and patient folke 1 Tim. 2.8 And the keeping of the fire once kindled taught them not to quench the spirit That speech of Apoc. 13. must here be minded Christ was the Lambe slaine from the foundacion of the world slaine in the decree of the blessed Trinity and in the Church by types of the Lords owne appointment In Q 7. The presence of God Holy convocations together with Gods Ordinances was so called in after times called also the Courts of God there is Gods residence there he keeps Court and glorious is it to consider Exod. 20 24. and chap. 29.43.44.2 Cor. 6. For it is sayd There will I meet with thee There we sit at his fâ—et as his disciples to heare his words at the posts of wisdome wee must attend Prov. 9. There is the beauty of holinesse his own commanded worships There is the provision of the heavenly housholder there the blessed shepheard feeds the flock of his fold Oh see the comforts that an holy soule doth there finde Psal 23. and 36. and 40. and 42. and 65. and 84. and 95. and 100. and 132. c. The Saints as Habell have blessed communion with God their exceeding joy there the Saints the Israel of God rejoyce in his Makers the children of Sion rejoyce in their King Jehovah their God is with them the joyful shout of a King is among them There the holy voluntaries the army of Heaven assemble and compass their commander and blessed and holy is the communion that the Saints have there one with another and especially it shineth when there is none unclean and profane of their company Infinite are the uses of application how that we in all things must remember That holinesse becomes his house and presence for ever What preparations longings and attention to meet such a King such a Father such a Bridegroome c. insuch holy Ordinances and before men to shew forth the virtues of him that hath called them that as their King is holy so they to be holy in all manner of conversation Solemn assemblies without mixture of mens in ventions is a deare blessing it is an Eden the very Garden of God Ezek 28. Cant. 4 3. In 8. Quest and Answ Habel Now faith is the expectation of that which is hoped and the tryer our of things which are not seen for by it the Elders were well reported of By faith Habel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice then Kaine by which he obtained witnesse that he was righteous i. e. jâ—stified that is freed from sins guilt and desert God testifying of his offerings and by it he being dead yet speaketh Ebâ— 11.4 So Habels faith did speak to the revolting Hebrewes how and from whom they must expect justification and salvation In 9. Quest and Answ Began the war Where as it is sayd the seed of the serpent shall bruise it sheweth they should be of great power outward glory and temporall felicity as from Kaine through all the holy stories Psal 44. and 73. and 79. Job 12 and 22. Apoc. 13. c. c. In Q 9. The holy seed Habel for love to Christ was the first that was accounted as a sheep for the slaughter that was killed for the word of God and faith testimony of Jesus Christ Hence the Proverb begins to take place The just is an abomination to the wicked Observe hence that the wicked are one corporation from Kain to the end of the world and all the godly from Habel to the end of the of the world are another corporation in Christ And therfore what persecution Kain did to Habel wicked men are now guilty of Psal 66.6 Hos 12.4 Mat. 23.35 for they would have done the same to our Lord to the Prophets as Kain did to Habel if they had then lived And ungodly men have do and will
Floud Gen. 26.5 Answ Sem Arphaxad Selah Heber Peleg and the rest of the godly Fathers and their faithfull posterity to the dayes of Terah and Abraham QUest 5. Was there any that contemned and apostated from the God of Shem and his true religion Answ Yea Cham and Chanaan and Nimrod the grandchild of Cham drew away many of the sons of the open or visible Church to despise Christ in Shem sirnamed Melchisedeck who was ordained over them King and Preist who governed in Justice and peace so that there was a great apostacie of Sems own families Japheths and Chams QUest 6. Shew further how this apostacy went on Answ The outward glory of the false church was so great that some of the Fathers of the holy line as Terah and Abraham fell to the idolatry of Nimrods Kingdome Jos 24. But they being called repented Gen. 11. QUest 7. How did Christ break and bruise the seed of the serpent for their enmity and wickednesse that would not bave him to reigne over them Answ I. With his unspeakable severe judgements for even those families for despising the faith were excommunicated and cut off both Father and child from being of the houshold of God by the confusion * So Judah for despising the faith were plagued by a Nation of a strange tongue Deut. 28 49. so the world by the man of sin 1 Cor. 14. mind seriously Jer 44 26. of tongues and so were No-people and foolish Nations by being estranged from the life justice and peace of God in Christ that they did not hear nor see the light of his truth for two thousand years but followed Divells the Prince of the darkness of this world in endlesse and lawlesse Idolatries and of all the miseries that befell them they in speciall lost the Sabbath which would have kept them in the faith of the creation and redemption And let this sinke into the hearts of all men that all men ever were and will be Atheists or Idolaters that Christ speaks not to in their owne language by his holy law and to this answer ever seriously minde 2 Joh v 9. II. From these dayes the wrath of God was revealed from Heaven against them for their ungodlinesse and unrighteousnesse by wars and commotions and suffered them to walke in their own wayes by giving them up to a regardlesse mind and to the power of grosse darknesse and wilfull ignorance and to their hearts lusts and vile affections c. c. QUest 8. What benefit had the godly in Sems Tents and house by cleaving to the faith of Gods Elect Answ Through faith they obtained good report with God and confessed that they were pilgrims and strangers in this cursed world wherefore God was not ashamed of them to be called their God and accounted that the world was not worthy of them And as he promised builded and prepared so they hoped for an heavenly City and Country And Sems Tents had this glory that all the while that those families were cut off the hidden mystery of godlinesse was carefully kept in his Tents and house and the Hebrew Tongue also as all the old Testament doth witnesse QUest 9. Then the Prerogative of Sems Tents did not alwaies continue Answ No When the God of Shem tooke mans nature of the seed of the woman and gave his life a Ransome not for the Hebrewes or Jewes only but for the Heathens also Then that he might raigne and judge the world in righteousnesse he turned the curse of tongues to preach to and perswade all those families to obey the same faith from which their forefathers had apostated even to the Religion of Shems Tents QUest 10. How and to whom was the Revelation of the mystery of Christ continued to be revealed after the blessing to Sem Answ In the promise to Abraham that Christ should come of him according to the flesh QUest 11. How many yeares are from the floud to the promise made to Abraham Answ Foure hundred twenty seven yeares and so from the promise to our first Parents whom the Serpent murdered unto the promise to Abram given presently upon the death of Terah whose faith the Serpent corrupted to flames of Idolatry are years two thousand eighty three QUest 12. How many Chapters of Genesis are contained in those 2083. yeares Answ The eleven first chapters and also part of the first chapter of 1 Chronicles and also Luke part of chap. 3. Note that all the rest of the holy scriptures doth not containe so many yeares for the writing of them A breife summe of the former Questions and Answers JEhovah our God Jehovah is one the Father the Son and the holy spirit be one coeternall and co-essentiall The Son is called the word by the word the Father made the world and by the spirit beautified the heavens And because the word would become flesh the world was made to serve once Adam the first The Angells that grudged at that fell for ever and deceived Adam and made him dead in sin and brought him to be dayly turning to dust untill hee dyed And for him the whole frame of the creation was pronounced corrupt but after divine Revelation he beleeved that Christ made of a woman made under the Law God being in him to reconcile the world unto himself should give him free forgiveness for justification by faith and renew the inner man in knowledge holinesse and righteousnesse and raise up his body and make a new world by his power Whereby he can subdue all things to himselfe All faithfull travailed in soule to have Christ brought forth to the knowledge of their posterity that all might know that all this world was made obedient to a man at the first which man fell from God his first day and then God opened his counsell that the Son eternall would be made man of a woman to destroy the works of the Angells that fell who all are collectively Satan Satan brought Adam to loose the life of his soule and his body to death and dust and all this world to corruption Christ kindled light in Adams soule and after 930 years heavinesse for sin took it to his joy and will raise up his body and make a new world that all men who will receive the abundance of Grace of free forgivenesse for justification may reigne by Christ and all who will not regard this mercy so clear as the sun they all by Adams fall dead in sin shall be damned for ever with the Devills This is the travell of the christian minde speech of this full of joy is in all the books of the old and new Testament Or thus The summ of the Bible is short how of Gods eternall counsell the world was made for man because the son of God by whom he made the world would be a man to give life to them that rested in this wisdome *** All this dialogue will evidence this or doth desire so to do * The faith of Gods elect in
death bed Let it be for example him shall the gathering of the peoples be QUest 6. What do ye observe out of this text Answ 1. This prophecie and promise doth look back to the promise to Abraham concerning the great mystery of godliness God manifested in the flesh for it is foretold that Christ should also come of Judah II. When other tribes should despise for the faith of Christ be scattered but Judah should hold the faith throw a succession of holy Scribes and Teachers of the Law and them chiefly of the holy line of Christ and his Tribe endure till Christ his Son came III. Whereas it is sayd the peoples shall be gathered to Christ the meaning is they shall be called to the faith and in his Name and Law shall the Nations trust This prophesie is expounded by Esaias Chap 11 10 and 66 19 20 John 11 51 53 c. QUest 7. Who had the knowledge of the Son of God in this state of time revealed and testified by the spirit in these exceeding great and precious promises and the seale of Circumcision Answ Abraham Jsaac Jacob and the twelve Patriarks and many of their Godly posterity in Egypt also Lot Job and others in divers places QUest 8. Who were they that disregarded (a) Heb. 11.26 reproached and despised the doctrine of life in Christ exhibited in these promises and the seal of Circumcision to Abraham and Judah Answ Nachor the brother of Abraham and many of his posterity many of the posterity of Abraham by Keturah the posterity of Lot Ismael (b) As Esau was profane and despised the covenant so his posterity they profanely left the seal of circumcision which was conferred on their Father Zerem 9.26 Esau and their posterities the Canaanites the Egyptians yea all the families that fell away in the revolt of Nimrod QUest 9. Was there not an Apostasie in the Church from the faith of Christ taught to Abraham Isaac Iacob and Iudah Answ A great apostasie for Israel in Egypt forsook the faith of their Godly ancestours and followed the idols and religion of Egypt Read Ezekiel 20. and 23. QUest 10. What was the hope and comfort of the faithfull for these times in cleaving to the faith Answ Through faith they obtained good report with God and confessed that they were pilgrims and strangers on the earth Heb. 11.13 Gen. 27. all of it and strove for the blessing of the heavenly inheritance Wherefore God was not ashamed of them to be called their God and filled their hearts with joy that by faith saw the dayes of Christ and provided for them the eternal recompense of reward in the heavenly City Luk. 20.35 36 37. and Countrey and Kingdom for he accounted them his children and worthy to enjoy that world and the better resurrection QUest 11. How was the wrath of God revealed from heaven against those that did mock curse and despise the faith of Christ and his people Answ VVars and broyls among (a) Gen. 14. four Kings against five Kings of divers countreys Ismael the son of the bondwomen cast out Esau given up to hardness of heart Sodom and Gomorrha burned with fire and brimston II. All apostate families were further separated from Christ and the Church of God from the dayes of Abraham by uncircumcision Gen. 34 14. Ephes 2.11 and in great reproach called uncircumcision of them which are called Circumcision QUest 12. How did Christ pour out his fury and his anger for the apostasie of Israel in Egypt Answ God gave up Israels babes to the sword of Pharaoh and to be drowned in the river Nilus Ezek. 20.7 8. Exod. 1. Annotations upon the Questions and Answers of the fourth CHAPTER IN the first Quest and Answ note The Promise of Christ to Abraham is often renewed to him also it was given to Isaac and Jacob This is the foundation of that speech I am the God of Abraham and the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob this is my memoriall to all generations that is to all of their faith whether Jew or Gentile Exod. 3.15 Gal. 3.6 2. Also observe on Gen. 12.3 it is said And in thee shal all But in Gen. 22. 18 it is sayd And in thy seed shall all so the new Testament useth the same variety of Phrases for in Act. 3.25 it is sayd In thy seed shall alâ— but in Gal. 3.8 In thee shall all yet Saint Paul in chapter 16. expounds it at large and saith To Abraham and his seed were the promises made This is noted that we might confer scriptures that neither Jew nor Gentile might trust in Abraham or any of the saints but in that holy seed the Son of God that took humanity of Abraham 3. In Gen. 1 2.3 And I will blesse The Promises of God in Christ are the foundation of all comfort to the Church whether in his goodnesse to it or severity to the malignant company that curse and do all ill offices to the church Why did God do all that is spoken of in Psal 105. in every verse both to his church and to the children of the wicked one The reason is rendred in verse 42 He remembred his holy promise to Abraham his servant and the effects of that promise did not stand in force for Moses time alone but for one thousand generations as verse 8. and that is the intent of penning this Psalme Mich. chap. 7 remembreth his promise and expoundeth it with terror to the seed of the Serpent but with joy to the Saints for the pardon of sin withholding of anger shewing mercy and compassion and burying of sinns as in the sea and all this accompanied with another grace of subduing our iniquities all these expound the promise a godly soul doth as much desire to have sin subdued as pardoned so justifâ—cation mortification and sanctification are taught in the promise The blessed and beloved Virgin and Z charins do both comment on Micah Luke 1. and the Psalme 106. must be considered as Psal 105. 4. Minde further how this promise is pursued in Levit. 26. and Dan. 9.24 and Act 3. Gal 3 and 4. for the faith of this promise was taught both to the Jewes Acts 3. and to the Gentiles Gal. 3. and indeed all the Bible dilateth on that of Gen. 3.15 Gen. 12.3 and this of Gen. ‑ 12.3 is but an exposition of Gen. 3.15 5. yet further observe that as Jehovah the eternall Lord doth remember the promise to a thousand generations Ps 105.8 so likewise all the Israel of God that are of Abrahams faith are reciprocally to remember it as 1 Chron. 16.15.16 marke it well As God saith The promise is his memoriall so it should be our memoriall and especially we should remember it in the dayes of affliction for then wee most need so to do consider Exod. 3.15 for then Israel was in great affliction and Moses was sent to tell them that God was mindfull of his memoriall Consider Nehemiah 9.
faith instituted it 2 Chr. 30 22. mark and consider the Psalm 22. 40. and 110. what was taught in those three great congregations the assemblies of holy beauty Through faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of bloud lest he that destroyed the first born should touch them The 12. of Exodus will afford many meditations And although three moneths after the Passeover they had the Law in two Tables given full of terror to humble man yet by a still and soft voice a pattern of heavenly things were enjoyned as a Tabernacle made with hands the Priesthood of Levi the Breast-plate with VRIM and THVMMIM The Ark of the Covenant the bloud of peace offerings sin-offerings whole burnt-offerings holy incense washings cleansings redemptions attonements remissions the Manna the brazen Serpent and holy garments of ministration and other holy feasts beside the Passeover distinction of times in new Moones years of Rest Jubilees c. enjoyned All which do teach of Christ the truth Who is Jehovah our righteousness Christ is all and in all QUest 5. But were not the moral and ceremonial Laws given to disannul the promises that we should seek righteousness or justication by doing of outward works through our own will and power Answ In no wise For although the Law of the passeover came 430. years after the promise yet it cannot disannul the faith in Christ taught in the promises The same must be said of all the Ceremonies QUest 6. Wherefore then did God give the Law Answ I. Because in those daies both among the apostate families and in Israel when they lived in Egypt all ungodliness and unrighteousness did exceedingly abound Therefore the Law was added because of transgressions that the offence of sin might abound to our feeling and that we might be loathsome to our selves And it must be noted that the Law was not declared to Israel only though chiefly to them but to the mixt multitude that came with Israel from Egypt II. That it might be a School-master to lead unto Christ to seek the justification that is by the faith of Him For Christ was the end drift and scope of the Law for justification to every one that beleeveth Moses politie ever aimed at him for Moses wrote of Christ And the Prophets and History still expound Moses Psalm 40. Esay 53. Daniel 9.24 And our Lord and his Apostles expound Moses and the Prophets III. Although our Lord Jesus Christ abrogated the Ceremonial Law in respect of the actual performance and took away the a curse of the Law to all that believe They were cursed and plagued if they did not observe the ceremonial as well as the moral for both were contained in the book of the Law Deut. 27. ult Mal. 1.14 yet the moral Law was and is still in force to be the rule of a sober righteous and godly life and so taught in all the New Testament And with all we are to note that the Ceremonial is inscructive and the moral is to humble as well as to direct in the wayes of peace and holiness Quest 7. Produce one text more out of Moses which may further open the mystery of Gods will in Christ Answ Deut. 30.11 12 13 14. This commandement which I command thee this day is not hidden from thee neither is it far off It is not in heaven that thou shouldest say who shall go up for us to heaven and bring it to us that we may hear it and do it Neither is it beyond the Sea that thou shouldst say who shall go over the Sea for us and bring it to us that we may hear it and do it But the Word is very nigh unto thee in thy mouth and in thy heart that thou mayest do it Quest 8. What hence in brief do you observe Answ 1. The holy Apostle called this text the word of faith and doth expound it of Christ concerning his incarnation and resurrection Rom. 10.6 7 8 9 10 11. 2. Moses bringeth his whole Law to this summe and so the prophets that Christ the son of God was to come down from heaven and to be man and to suffer many and great afflictions from the Serpent and his seed and being the first from the dead is to give life and light unto the world The wicked ever despised this life and light in Christ accounting this wisdom foolishness 1 Cor. 1.23 2.8 3. This Scripture with some verses preceding and subsequent sets forth to the spiritual man the excellency the glory the brightness the facility the preciousness the stedfastness and the efficacy of the Law of God being a revelation from heaven and a most blessed instrument of God to preserve his people if they cleave unto it to live in his covenant to comfort in affliction to restore the Church decayed cumbred and overwhelmed with errours and for conservation of outward and inward consolation c. But apostasie from it brings all Curses and utter ruine And therefore it is a most rich favour to Jesurun to all the Israel of God that they are glorified with such an inheritance of lively oracles 4. When Moses had wrote of the Creation of the apostasie of our first parents of the curse of all things visible of the incarnation and redemption in the Promises Tabernacles and Sacrifices Of Melchizedeks and Levies Priesthood c. Then saith he this doctrine is not an hid doctrine Moses face did not so shine with brightness as the Law did shine in the hearts of the faithful that looked to Christ the holy seed of the woman the end and scope of the Law It was hid to none but the blinded by Satan We should labour to reduce history and prophecy with the New Testament to Moses QUest 9. Who were followers of the doctrine of Justificacation by faith taught by tradition in (a) the doctrine of the seal of circumcision was believed of the faithful 406 years to Israels coming from Egypt the Promises for two thousand five hundred and thirteen years and now written by Moses Answ All the Patriarks as is said the people of Israel that came out of Egypt and that were in the wilderness and the faithful both Rulers and people in the Books of Josuah Judges Ruth Samuel c. and especially our Lords Fathers from Abraham to David the first fourteen are to be remembred Mat. 1.17 QUest 10. Who were the seed of the Serpent hating bruising cursing and persecuting the Religion and People of Christ his Israel Answ The Egyptians Amalek Moab Ammon Midian and the Canaanites c. QUest 11. Did the Church constantly reverence the religion of the Tabernacle Answ The eternal WORD came unto his own in providences and ordinances but his own received him not for six hundred thousand in the Wilderness at once through an evil heart of unbelief murmured tempted and denyed Christ and despised the Land of Promise and would have gone into Egypt again and many followed the religion of Peor And after in
Deut. 31.11 27 28 29. such waited but for an opporeunity of Moses death and Ioshuahs and the godly Elders then they did shew themselves so blessed Paul spake of Wolves and apostasie Acts 20. It is hard for us to deny all of the first Adam and wholly submit to be taught and guided in the doctrine of the second Adam the Lord from heaven Quest 8. Answ N. IV. Of Melebisedecks and Levies sacrifice hood See the Apostles disputation concerning Melchesedeck Heb. 5. 6 7. who was still alive after a sort in discription As the holy Prophet David taught the people of his dayes and what use they should make of the Land of Promise Psalm 95. and of the use and end of the sacrifices and washings c. Psalm 40. 51. So he taught them that Levies Priesthood should have an end for that our glorious Lord Iesus Christ is made a sacrificer for ever ofter the order of Malchesedek and not after Aarons order of the Levitical Priesthood where neither the persons or things that Levi did could justifie the doers or commers thereunto Now the Lord Jesus Christ he was promised and prophecied of in all the old holy volume of the book of God that he was made a Mediator and a Surety a Sponsor of such an Administration that should perfectly save and justifie them that came unto God by him He was of God the Father none else could made a Sponsor a surety All the sacrifices that he commanded our Fathers they did them till the fullness of times did come and then he did send his beloved Son and Servant in whom his soul delights he took unto him true humanity and was a Sponsor a Surety of a better Testament i.e. The Mediatour of the New Testament for their full conâ—olation to comfort them concerning their works and concerning the sorrows of their hands and concerning the earth which God hath cursed He shall do that which all Levites tribe could not ex opere operato Levies Priesthood could not cleanse the conscience from the guilt of our sinful works not procure a blessing on our Labours nor make a new world his Priesthood could not cleanse the conscience from dead works to serve the living God c. And for this cause Christ was a Sponsor of a better covenant And Christ himself faith he will become this Sponsor and Mediatour to answer the will of the Father Lo I come to do thy will O God thy Law and appointment for the redemption of thy people that thou hast given me is in my heart to give my self a Sacrifice of a sweet smelling favour of rest God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself not counting their trespasses unto them For be made him to be a Sin-offering for us who knew no sin that we might be made the righteousness of God in him 2 Cor. 5. Much more might be said but let the people of God study the Scriptures their inheritance God hath a time and a day wherein he will burn up the hay stubble and rotten wood of impertinent applications and interpretations Ibid. N. I V. Is not an bidd doctrine It is not an hidden thing nor a wonder for thee O Israel for this doctrine that the Son of God should come down from heaven to be man hath been taught to thy Fathers from the beginning and that he should be the great High Priest and Sacrifice and that he should raise himself from death to give hope to all faithful of their resurrection Israel should not make doubt of this doctrine Yet it is a Wonder as Ethan sings of it Psalm 89. great is the mystery of Godliness But this hath been ever taught in the Church this doctrine is the faith of Gods elect and the Churches possession Ioh. 1. Levi the Tribe appointed to reach divinity should never have been graven in the bright and pleasant Smaragd if the stories of this Art had been dark â—et had been a fitter stone for darkness The minde of man may have abundant satisfaction and strong confidence concerning the doctrine of the way of life by holy and humble diligent study of the Scriptures And they that will not believe Moses and the Prophets will not believe though one should rise from the dead Quest 9. and Answ Taught by tradition Note the doctrine of faith one and the same whether by Tradition or Writing For those 2513. years the faith of the Gospel was propagated by tradition by great prophets of long life and great authority and sacrifices as seals of the Covenant added for confirmation of doctrine Quest 10 and Answ Midian Although Abraham taught his houshold the faith of Christ as is seen in the book of Ioh yet many of his posterity apostated to that idolatry religion and opinion with which he was corrupted at YR others fell to the false faith religion and opinion of Peor Jos 23. 24. and did seek to curse the true faith of Gods elect and the holy people of that profession Num 23. 24. Midian was of Abraham by Ketâ—rah The world was then full of false opinions and heretical Doctrines as now they could plead for Nachors Teraphim for Peor for Chemosh and Milâ—ham c. but Israel must hearken to the Law and Testimony that Christ gave them so Moses and Iosuah most pathetically a little before their deaths exhorted them to regard the holy Law and not to follow the traditions of their fathers or of the Nations Ios 24. Deut. Quest 11. and Answ And wou'd have gone into Egypt again Like them are our Popish fools that would go into Rome Egypt again for their Fish Flesh pots Leeks Garlick Onions Cucumbers Melons their doctrines of bodily exercise of Images Pilgrimages the dotage of Purgatory c. goodly Cates sure to be compared to the heavenly Manna of Gods word and Gods dwelling in his tabernacle among us We do not consider the glorious presence in Christ in his Ordinances and protection c since he brought us from among them By the Gospel the way of Christ the face of God shineth upon us The Gospel is the object of promise joy and gladness to every honest hearted Christian Let our apostate hearts remember Lots wife in looking back to Rome-Sodome Christ complained Israel would none of me Oh that we could think of these things What one nation on the earth hath been like us for mercies and how ill have we requited the Lord as Israel did so do we Psal 81. Deut. 32. Ibid. Of their forefathers The idolatry of Terah and Abraham continued above 500 years to the death of Iosuah yea long after Iosuah 24. 2.14 Observe how fast idolatry and superstition and will worship sticks in the heart of posterity Although they had the fiery Law expounded by Moses and miracles to confirm them of the truth of that Religion that holy faith of the Son of God Moses taught and possessed Canaan in the obedience of that holy faith and many chastisements for
7.9 10. Hebâ— 11.32 33 34. Psalm 22. 4 5. Psalm 49 It is said the godly shall enter into peace Esay 57.2 Then none of Gods family were in any Popish purgatory or in any popish Lymbecks the cursed heathenish dotages of Virgil and Ovid. The Pit-bread Locusts had Sun and aire much darkned when they knew not whether mans soul ascended or descended and whether the soul goeth to heaven or Gehenna to joy or torment marke diligently Ephes 1.12 13. for these words that we in whom ye c. Quest 3. and Answ The Kingdome of David The revolting from the house of David and the Religion of the Temple these two transgressions were the foundation of all other sins in the Church and State of the ten Tribes Hosea 10.10 They forsook the Tent Tabernacle or Temple of Jehovah and went to their own Tents and Gods and then followed murders slaughters oppressions c. c. Ibid. Jaroboam the man of sin Ephraim broken in judgement willingly walked after the commandment of Jeroboam Because Ephraim made and instituted many Altars to sin Altars shall be to him sin They had enough of their own counsells Psal 81. Ezek. 20.25 Christ will not be found neither do spiritual blessings come to us but in the spirits way the conduits of Christs own Ordinances they only work a transformation Rom. 12.1 2. Ephraim provoked Christ to anger most bitterly 1 Kings 12.28 and chap. 15. Hosea 8.11 2 Cor. 3 3. Gal. 3.5 Hosea 12. Mich. 6. uls Israel the harlot Aholah by breaking Wedlock moved Christ to jealousie and in time corrupted Judah by their counsels and made her Aholibah So Rome is called the great Harlot and the mother of Harlots that corrupted and seduced the Churches by her sorceries and made them harlots Ezek. 16.38 Apo. 17. As Jeroboam so the Pontificalitie is called the man of Sin that made all the world to sin 2 Thess 2. Apo. 17. Now the harlot and foolish woman the ten Tribes babbles loud and disputes smoothly and subtilly against Judah as if Wisdom and Truth were with them Prov. 9.13 14 15 16 17. so doth the woman-Whore of the seven Mountain City plead and write against all reformed Churches that have come out of Babel as the godly in the ten tribes forsook the Communion of the Calves of Dan and Bethel 2 Chron. 11.13 c. Ibid. and to worship his Devils They sacrificed to Devils not to God Deut. 32.17 Christ by Moses prevented the pretensed counsels of idolaters Jeroboam he pleaded he had not forsaken God but that he worshipped God that brought Israel from Egypt But the same spirit that spake by Moses calls his Calves Devils 1 Kings 22.28 2 Chron. 11.15 Quest 4. and answ Jeroboams house did and so Baasaes All that go to her return not again neither take they hold of the waies of life Pro. 2.19 For great toyl they took family after family to maintain the faction of Jeroboams iniquity But God swept them all away as dung till all was gone Prov. 5.9 10. 1 Kings 14.10 They perished in their waies and courses against the Kingdome of Christ as David foretold Psalm 2.12 Quest 5. and Answ Moved him to jealousie They fretted Christ their husband humanitus dictum and brake his heart with their whorish hearts and eyes Ezek. 6.9 and 16. all of it and so the twentieth and three and twentieth chapters Judah the harlot Aholibah she followed idols horses money wealth pride and their lovers she wearied her self with these lyes and vanities Ezek. 23. 24 Jer. 2.18 19 20. false religion and earthly confidence must go together But see sincerity needs none of those poor refuges Psalm 20. read Esay 2.6 7 8 9. 29.13 with chap. 30.1 2 3. and good Kings must not greatly multiply horses nor money nor bring their people back into Egypt Deut. 17. Princes are not wise nor learned that either lead not their people out of Rome-Egypt or that would reduce them thither Rome is called Sodom and Egypt for filthiness and cruelty Apo. 11. Ibid. With their vanities Dreams and Precepts of men a policy of Satan and the lying spirits his Angels to make men forget the Law of Jehovah and his sincere worship when the precepts of men were urged in or for Gods worship the Patrons of these things caused the holy Teachers to be prisoned in secret corners or they were forced to hide themselves in secret corners from the tyranny of such wise understanding prudent prophets and Seers such deep heads that were able to add to Gods word yea that would hide their counsels from Iehovah their breath and being They turned things up and down if one project took not they tryed another if not that then a third So Haman cast Pur not considering Iehovah saw them and that he would dash all in pieces like a potters vessel see the other pranks of these sleepers giddy blinde staggering and wonderful ignorant in the things of Christs Kingdome but expert in cogging and craft to polish and maintain mens precepts These evils came from the apostasie of Israel and from the plots and projects of Omri of him more anon Who would think such men to have been in the state of Judah Ibid. 5. Quest and answ The great High counsel c. Esa 5.19.23 8.18 28.14 29.19 20 21 30.8 9 10 11. 57.3 4. Psal 82. Amos 2.6 12. 5.10 11. Mich. 3.1 2. 7 5. Ezek. 8.11 and 11.2 Then said he unto me Son of man these are the men that devise wicked Counsel in this Citie c. So Christ and his Apostles and disciples were signs and wonders to the State of Israel so it was in after times Acts 13.40 41. and to this day The State of Judah shed much innocent blood in the daies of Manasleh which Christ would not pardon Quest 6. and Answ Testified to them They called for fruits from the husbandmen of the vineyard to the end of the Seavensy Seavens but when they had killed the heir the vineyard was let out to the Gentiles Esay 5. Neh 9.26 Jer. 7.25 Mat. 2â— 33.34 35 c. Ibid. Chariots and Horsemen of Israel The Ordinances of Christ are drawn along by holy prophets He tideth on prosperously with truth meekness and righteousness and terrour Psalm 45 3 4 5. And Christs Chariots and his horsemen were the strength of their State Psalm 20. yet David and the Godly Kings neglected not outward means 2 Sam. 8.4 They that endeavor for to deprive our Land of Godly and able Teachers are as treacherous to our Land as they that would endeavour to set on fire the Navy Royal. They that would not have a godly able teaching Ministery would have our Land to be as the State of the ten tribes 2 Chron. 15.3 Ibid. Samuels and Elias Samuels memory shall be blessed in the Church for ever for advancing holy learning by erecting schools of Prophets a worthy president for all godly Commonwealths They are possessed with
glad it was rid of such a Tyrant and Apostate He poureth contempt upon Princes 10. His son Achaziah knew all this yet he feared not God but walked in the way that is the Religion and manneâ—s of apostate Israel 2 Kin. 8.27 11. His idolatrous mother was his Counsellour and because there were not States-men wise enough in Judah the counsâ—llours of Jeroboam man of sin his Religion must be sent for and so the secrets and mysteries of State in Iudah must be discovered Ah poore Iudah how sick and intangled was thy State â— Châ—on 22 3 4. can such with well to and procure the weal of Mount Sion Psal 122. Apoâ— 14.1 12. As the two fathers so the two bâ—ethren joyned in league for Achaziah joined with Iehoram King of Israel in battel against Hâ—zael of Aram who held still Ramoth-Gilead so Achaziah being not onely a very wicked man but as bad a States-man wasted also the strength of Iudah 13. Achaziah going to visit Joram being sick was slain by Jehu as he was of the house of Achab by the mother so he perished with it 2 Chr. 22.6 7. Complices in tyranny and idolatry complices in punishment Hosh 5 5. 14. Many idolatrous Princes and 40 young Gentlemen and Courtiers of the kindred of Achaziah going down from Iudah to comple-mentit with the children of the King and Queen of Israel there Iehu found them and slew them These apostate Princes of the faction of Ierobâ—am man of sin his Religion and it may be pensioners too that put their hands to kill the good Princes God met with them by Iebu 2 Chron. 22. Let this teach Courtiers the eye of Christ is in Kings Courts 15. Athaliah the wife of Iehoram daughter of Achab and it may be of Iezabel being Queen Regent six years in Iudah seeing her son Achaziah was slain by Iebu she seiseth like a cruell tyrant on the children of her son Achaziah and slew all but a yong infant of a year old O sick Iudah sick sick sick 2 Chron. 22 Isa 1.5 6 7. 16. She being Regent governed in an idolatrous and turbulent manner to the hearts grief of the honest Subjects for she being King cut off idolatry was banished the Gospel was restored and the Land was quiet 2 Châ—on 23.21 Christ poureth contempt upon Princes 17. The sons of Athaliah that wicked woman for the time of those six years had broken up the house of the Lord and had committed abominable and idolatrous sacriledge It should seem she had sons whom she tendred by some other man 2 Chron. 24.7 These evils and others yea and others which are not written Deut. 28 61 followed good Jehosaphats bad affinity with Achabs wicked house 18. Mark through all the holy story what pollution of blood from that Ammonean and Achabean breed ran in all the Royall descents to the Captivity That you be not mistaken you must observe that there were two Kings of Iudah and Israel reigning at one time of the same name Iehoram Also two Kings both called Achaziah and near of the same time Ioram and Iehoram are all one name and so in King Iehoash of Iudah and King Iehoash of Israel The Table of genealogie prefixed will help your observation Other State-affairs in the stories of other Kings reigns beginning with King Azariah alias Vzziah and so forwards compared with the prophets will afford many meditations I think it not amisse to touch a little from the story of Salomon for this matter of affinity In policy he might make affinity with Pharaoh a great Potentate to strengthen himself being a King of peace by this course he thought to maintain it for him and his successours but it proved otherwise Although Pharaohs daughter might prove a proselite and forget the Religion of her own people and her fathers house and cleave to the truth of Christ as it is thought she did to be a figure of the Gentiles calling to the true Salomon It might be a great mercy to her to be of the true Church and of the houshold of God But very like it it was done of Pharaoh but as a snare to work their own interests against Israel No trust to be had in idolatrous people for so of this affinity came no good to the Church of God 1. There was no succession of this proselyte-daughter 2. The State of Egypt maintained a Faction and fostered Traytors and enemies to Salomon and the State of all Israel as Ieâ—oboam that lifted up his hand against the King and Hadad the Edomite 1 Kin. 11. So Egypt nourished two factions in Salomons life-time against him 3. And Shishak King of Egypt might well be the brother of that daughter who five years after Salomons death invaded Iudah and warred against Rehoboam that apostate fool Eccl. 2.19 2 Chron. 12.13 and 13.17 Marriages do not alwayes unite houses and kingdomes as in the Seleuco-Pagidae Dan. 2 43. and 11. So France and Spain knock one against the other 16 36 Rome is called Egypt and it hath nourished traditours and proditours against Christian Princes of the Reformation This should make all Christian Reformed States to be very watchfull and diligent concerning any treaty with Abaddons Kingdome for he in allusion is compared with Ieroboam called the Man of sinne 2 Thes 2. and Romes polity is called Egypt in a mysterie Quest 9. and Ans and the nations sometimes they gadded and treated with Assur but that framed not sometime with Egypt that also failed Ier. 2.16 17 18. False worship taketh heart from a State This folly madnesse and sillinesse other Prophets reprove in Ephraim Esay 29. Hos 5. and 7. The whorish State her feet cannot abide in her house therefore she did wander Pâ—ov 7.11.12 Hos 9 2 Ezek. 16.33 c. and chap. 23.14.15 c. God plagued them by their lovers They pleased themselves in the children and manners of strangers Isa 2.6 wise States-men of old were carefull of this Iob 15 19. and the godly returned from Babel Ezra 4. Hezekiah was to blame Isa 39. Our nation changed their glory and loved Kâ—ttims Religion therefore God plagued and did trouble them with Italian Monsters Ier. 2.25 Deut. 28.43.44 Hos 7.9 It is to admonish 1 Cor. 10.11 and to make States wise and learned Psal 2. read Ezek. 16. and 23. for their Babylonian lovers and compare things for Rome is called Egypt and Babylon in a mysterie Vide Mr. Cade Instit Lib 1 pag. 128. and the Appendix Also insinuations for corruption of manners will make the sweet yoke of Christ burdensome and will work further change of our way as things go on uncomfortably at this time anno 1636. Ibid. Yea astonishing sorrows The Lamentations of Ieremiah and Psa 80 and 89 c. c. compared with the history shew astonishing sorrows with the causes and this was one chief cause for the sins of her Prophets and the iniquity of her Priests that shed the blood of the just They they the chief cause of
keys of Christs authority well then light of truth he taught to the opening of the kingdome of heaven and to glorifie Christ but apostating with the keys of the Dragon and his own authoritie he let out of the pit a smoak of heresies to corrupt the earth and to darken Sun and air Christ the Sun of Justice and his Mediation and the Scriptures by which light cometh to our eyes So in all this he is not a Star of Heaven nor a Messenger of the Congregation of God but Apolluon a King of Pit-darknesse 4. In that the Holy Spirit gives the King of Locusts the appellation of Apolluon it was to teach the sealed of God that all his Politie his Lawes crossing common reason his mass his idolitry his (c) Especially on Gen. 3.15 translating she for he false translating of Scripture his false litigious rules of faith his false miracles lying signes and wonders (d) Mr. Calvin and others write of their Reliques forged reliques his reviving of Aarons office and ceremonies (e) As eloquent and learned Viretus in his Christian disputations hath shewed so also a book of the three conformities and heathenish customes and fables c. c. that all tendeth to eternal destruction so he is another Apollo a Devil of Delphos destroying all such as spake at his mouth QUest 4. How are his Locusts described Answ 1. Out of the smoke of the Pit the Popes Clergy ariseth They be Locusts for their Great swarms and idle bellies bred from the pit fruges consumere nati to consume the fruits of other mens labours Millions of Monks and Friars c. void of all actions for Political use are fitly compared to Locusts 2. They be as Scorpions having stings in their Tayls shewing they be false Prophets by close-poisoning and terrifying doctrine to sting and vex inthral and torment the hearts and minds of men 3. They are for the Wars which they are their king cause and make and for strengthning and defending their own authority and doctrine as horses (f) This is too manifest ever since the Bishop of Rome got the Supremacy by the Murderer Phocas ready for battel with wings of Chariots with Breast-plates of iron Also they have teeth of Lions to devour all and to hold fast that which by fraud our violence they have once gotten 4. They would seem to have no secular power yet their dealings shew they wear Crowns like Gold as hating Gods ordinance of Magistracy How have they and Abaddon their king contested against Princes how have they given the affront to the greatest Potentates c. c. 5. For private State in pretence they are said to have faces of men for cloyster keeping and womanly-life and for many of women-sex in their orders they are said to have hair like women This denoteth also their counterfeit modesty and simplicity and alluring inticements by good words and fair speeches deceiving as Balaamites the hearts of the simple to spiritual fornication 6. They are three unclean spirits like frogs spirits of Devils that come out of the mouth of the Dracon and out of the mouth of the Beast and out of the mouth of the false Prophet from whom they have commission to creep into kings Courts to teach and persâ—ade by false miracles and froggy slimy unclean doctrines of devils to ignoble and dangerous attempts cruel and tyranical projects c. But their croaking hath not that event for their purpose under the Phials as under the Trumpets These notes all agree most fitly to the Roman Catholicks QUest 5. How furthermore hath the holy Spirit described Rome in its abominations Answ By the arms that God hath set out the Empire and Pontificality first by the great red Dracon and his tail by the body of the Dracon is meant the Empire under the Caesars by the tail is meant the false Prophet that deceived the world with false doctrine QUest 6. How secondly Answ The Empire is described by one Beast coming out of the Sea who hath seven heads and ten horns yea also in this Beast is comprized the Pontificality being the Reviver of the wounded Head This beast hath his arms from che four Beasts in Daniel chap. 7. For Rome having subdued all those Countries that those Beasts ruled and being like them for idolatry and cruelty in afflicting the holy City descending from heaven is a monster compounded of all four Being a Beast of seven heads and ten horns mouthed like a Lion footed like a Bear and spotted like a Leopard QUest 7. How thirdly Answ By the Beast that arose out of the Earth having two horns like a Lamb which meaneth the false Prophet the Angel of the Pit the usurping Vicar of Christ which is the Pontificality or the Corporation of Popes QUest 8. What is meant by the seaven Heads of the spotted Beast Answ Two things First the seven Hills on which the City of Rome was builded Secondly the seven Kings or Polities or kindes of government that were and should be of that City QUest 9. How many governments had been when the Apostle wrote Answ Five had been one then was and another should come after QUest 10. What Head was it that then was Answ The Caesars ruling the Empire This description of a City that then reigned when the Apostle wrote over the Kings of the Earth by seven Hills and seven changes of Government agreeth with no City in the World but Rome QUest 11. How long did that Head live which was alive when the Apostle wrote Answ About three hundred years and then godly Constantinus made it dead as is said removing the Constantinople QUest 12. What Government did come after the Caesars the fixt Head was wounded to death Answ The Pontificality that is the Government of the Roman State by Popes This is meant by the Beast with two Hornes like a Lamb who revived the wounded Head of the Empire and made it to live So the double power of the Pontificalitie is a Seavensh and after a sort an eighth Head or Politie QUest 13. What is meant by the ten horns of the Spotted Beast Answ The Kingdomes that committed fornication with the great Whore and that gave their power to uphold the kingdom of the Beast that revived the Empire QUest 14. How further is Romes Policy under the Empire and the Corporation of the Papacy described Answ By mystical allusions to Countries and Cities to Sodome for filthiness of life pride excesse idleness and oppression to Babylon and Egypt for false Religion bondage and cruelty And observe it is said plainly That our Lord was crucified in the great City or large Common-weal which Spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt And Apolluon the King of the Pit the King of Locusts and his Locusts did cruelly murder the faithful Witnesses of Christ that they found in that their policy QUest 15. How doth the Apostle to the Thessalonians set forth unto us the Beast with two Hornes like a Lamb
before Luther the answer is easie where was it not and they themselves knew and saw where it was well enough They did not murther men that were invisible And it doth not alter the Casâ— in respect of truth that Christs witnesses were mean weak and few Christ was among them 1 Cor. 14.11 12 13.2 Cor. 4.8 9 10 11. and 13.4 vid. Mr. Cade lib. 2. page 181. c. What unreasonable prating do the Locusts use the foolish woman is clamorous Prov. 9. that we must shew a visible glorious company prosessing the Gospel in all ages when the Spirit forewarned of perillous times and of apostasie from the faith and evermore they that spake or did any thing to question Popish Doctrines or their usurped power were killed c. Question 2. and Answer No man might buy or sell Apoclyps 11. and 12. and 13. and 14. chapters set forth their cruelties the just is an abomination to the wicked contra a Proverbof experience from the first and last Counsells It is more dangerous to speak against and withstand their decrees and decretalls than the commandements of God a speech of the good and noble Lord Cobbam is worthy of place loe good people loe for the breaking of Gods Law and his great commandements they never yet cursed me but for their â—â—wn Laws and traditions most cruelly do they handle me and other men Thus that good Noble man spake to the people with a loud voice of those bloudy stinging Scorpions the Bishop of Canterbury and other Locusts Babylonian Lucifers that exalted themselves against the Kingdome of Christ and the Laws of the Land Acts and Monuments 731. of the last Edition Whores that break wedlock are cruell Ezek. 16. and 23. Sicut Patres vestrietiam vâ—s Acts 7.51 How are mens inventions yet pressed in these dayes of the Gospel 1636. But for Gods Commandements how slighted Experience the Saints of God both godly ministers and people have of this continually Ibid. worship the image of the beasts imperiall State The imperiall State of the Pontificality was a glorious image that all the world wondered and worshipped but John and all gracious know that that State is a Beast and is going into the lake of fire Quest 3. and Answ In subscribing c. All had must have communion with the Beast in one manner or other Gods marked hated the Beasts mark and the Beasts marked hated Gods mark Ibid. Revecâ—â—nce to the Crosse So do the Bishops in their Canons that in the sign of the Crosse in Baptisme the child is dedicated thereby to him that died on the Grosse Can. 30. And many of our people that will not be Papists yet are very superstitious and defend themselves by the Crosse in Baptisme Mat. 18.7 Luc. 17.1 That is a sad speech which Christ saith Cursed is he that maketh the blind to go out of their way and let all the people say Amen Deut. 27. Ibid. Of the 3. Quest and Answ Forbidding and refraining from reading and teaching the holy Scriptures It is great wickednesse that any should forbid any of the simplest to read the holy Bible or any godly learned requested by a company not to expound it as in the Primitive Churches this order for every man able and faithfull to utter his gift continued to the time of Theodoret yea long after Theod. upon 1 Cor. 14. See what the Spirit faith by the Apostle Peter 1 Pet. 4.10.2 Tim. 2.2 But Gregory the ninth a Pope of Rome prohibited that no Lay-man should preach of whatsoever degree he was Quest 4. and Answ He had the voice and speech Laws be the Speech of a polity so that many have fitly compared the new Religion of the Pontificality with old Romes because it is so stuffed with old heathenish Customes after the Theologie rather the Popologie of Virgil and Ovid c. Adde hereunto the Popes decretalls over-ruling States are wicked commonly and the more they be being urged by men unlawfull Ibid. Keeping of the commandements of God and the faith of Jesus Blessed is he that watcheth against cunning craftinesse and deceit that he may keep his garment close to him Apoc. 16.15 Christ hath made us Kings and Priests and then we must bear holinesse in cur hearts and forcheads And let the just hold on his way and let the clean in hands increase in courage Job 17.9 Apoc. 21.11 Truth is better than our lives or States be independent and God will be with the good for whosoever saith the Lord shall be ashamed of me and of my words among this adulterous and sinfull generation that is that doth adulterate the faith by hereticall Doctrines and mens Precepts and traditions of him shall the Son of man be ashamed also when he shall come in his own glory and the Fathers and the holy angels Mak 8. Luc. 9. Here note how the Corporation of the seed of the Serpent esteemeth Christ and his servants and the holy Doctrine anathema And contrarily the Corporation of the holy seed esteem the Serpent and his seed and their commadements and inventions anathema maranatha This hath been the deadly feud and enmity and war from the beginning ever since Kain flew Habel This is the fire sword and division that Christ hath sent on the earth Gen. 3.15 Mat. 10. Luc. 12. This must be constantly observed for Kingdomes towns and families and persons Qu. 5. and Answ The King of mount Sion appeared with 144000. Observe the allusion in the term Mount Sion which sheweth all that follow the Lamb under the new Testament harp the same song of holy faith as the faithfull of Mount Sion of old Apoc. 14. answerable to this the Apostle sweetly protesteth Acts 26.6 7. and all the Epistle to the Hebrews sheweth this most evidently Likewise any part of the old Testament cited or paraphrased or any way expressed by our Lord and his apostles proveth that cursed Popery should be accursed that objecteth novelty to our most holy faith and this well considered will strengthen the godly Student against the Anabaptist and Antinomian c. In Apocal. chap. 7. there were 144000. that the first Beast warred against and in chap. 14. the same number that held the faith of the Patriarchs and Apostles The second Beast warres against them The tenth Century Satan was let loose to deceive and then the Churches were in a dead State from a Church-life but now the Churches begin to recover life to live again is as it were a Resurrection as the Jews in the return from Babel Ezek. 37. Apoc. 20. Ibid. And all that fear God both small and great gave thinks None but one made gracious as Iohn can see the holy Ierusalem and sing praise Ezek. 43.11 Worldly look to worldly pomp and every man as he bears a person Christian will praise the Lord God for his salvations from the idolatry heresie strange language and tyranny of the man of sinne of Rome-Egypt Psal 98.1 2 3. Psal 114. Oh the searfull judgement of
Let the godly Christian Student diligently read the Scriptures We erre not knowing the Scriptures and then Josephus and Macchabees and other authors and with all observe the times the families or Nations and the places of their habitations and for the times of the new Testament mark allusions as hath and will be touched but so far as Propriety will reach for times and persons that must be still adhered unto CHAP. XXI Of the Jewes calling the 12 13 14. Chapters of Zachary that it cannot be applyed to the Jewes calling yet to come as many Ministers do too unadvisedly teach WEE are to consider many passages in Dan. 7 8 9 10 11 12. Chapters 1. That all the time of the Holy Angel Gabriels message of the Seventy Sevens the Jewes were called the holy people Michaels people Daniels people their Religion is called the truth Sion and the Temple is called the holy Mountaine Jerusalem the holy City and the only place of holy worship in the World Joh. 4. And the Son of God is called MICHAEL the great Prince before his blessed Incarnation and that he had over them a speciall regard during the date and lease of their prerogative of the Seventy Sevens 2. Therefore we are diligently to observe Zach. 12. that although those troubles were among them yet still Jerusalem was the holy City and that God had respect to them because the holy faith of the Gospell was among them and also among the Godly dispersed Jewes and the same holy faith was maintained by the many godly that exhorted one another but the most of them were of the meaner sort called the poor of the flock and for their sakes Jerusalem was a burdensome Stone to all the ungodly whither the Heathens or the lawlesse Apostates of Daniels people Dan. 11. And sometimes the better part that had some life of Religion were their Leaders and did governe them and they were as a Torch of fire in a sheafe to burne and devour the Enemies and Jerusalem was defended and as yet adhuc permaneat did abide in her own place and so it was to abide untill the ending of the Sâ—venty Sevens Zach. 12.6 3. And whereas Zachariah saith in Chap. 12.6 Jerusalaima adhuc permaneant Jerusalem is there and I think in all other places in the old Testament in the plurall teaching them celestial meditations as Psal 15.1 And that although the Saints of them the high Trinity should yet inhabite the Low-Jerusalem in much affliction they should notwithstanding account themselves but strangers Levit 25.23 and should rather look to the Jerusalem that is above the sight of true peace the Heavenly City as Abraham Jsaac and Iacob did to the Heavenly Countrey Eby 11. 4. This speach that Ierusalem should yet abide and be inhabited is consolatory both for the present State of the Church against the plottings of Sanballat c. and for that Daniel had shewed that Iavan in the fourth Beast should bring great affliction of trampling Daniels holy people and taking away the dayly sacrifice and altering the times of the the holy Feasts and the Law And that Antiochus should distresse the holy Mountaine Ierusalem and the Temple c. notwithstanding all these troubles Jerusalem should yet abide an holy City They were not yet to be cut off from their Olive Tree And Gods dealing for his people was a burdensome Stone and a Torch of fire to all the Hornes of the fourth Beast and all the Enemies to the ending of the Seventy Sevens 5 And Zach. 12. saith God would raise up noble worthies for them so God gave them sometimes valiant men to be for their comfort as the worthies of old in the reign of David Valiant in acting and suffering for the truthes sake that was only among them The Jewes were then the holy people and Ieâ—usalem the holy City and Sion the holy Mountaine though b So Babel going about to dash Ierusalems hope is bent to set his Throne above the highest in destroying his Temple but Gods vengeance was a burthen some stone to make the golden Head dust Esai 14. Jer. 50. Dan. 2. Antiâ—chus had greatly polluted the Temple And the godly the poor of the flock did observe these things and still did inhabite Ierusalem or still did so desire though driven into Mountaines and Dens and Caves of the Earth looking for the Kingdome of Heaven to appeare now drawing on towards the ending of the Seventy Sevens And for their sakes as is said God destroyed all Enemies that came against the holy City Ierusalem whither the Heathens or the Law-lesse Jewes that profaned the holy covenant Dan. 11. 6. And we must not slightly passe over this Epithet Ierusalem the Holy City It is so called at the beginning and ending of the Seventy Sevens likewise so called at the begining of our Lords Preaching and at his Resurrection Mat 4 27 marke it was so at that very time they had crucified MESSIAS their King the Lord of glory but after our Savidurs aâ—eension that title was never bestowed upon it For then the date of their prerogative was out and the Gentiles brought into equall Covenant But for the whole time of the Seventy Sevens as the Angel from Heaven had declared while the preferment of the circumcised Jew was in honour Christ had a speciall eye to them and the Low Jerusalem As when it was destroyed by the Chaldean the Lord bade his dispersed people to remember it in all Countries Ier. 51.50 and so Daniel did and 49000. though in the dust Psal 102. But after our Saviours ascention and sending the Spirit furnishing his holy Disciples with gifts to be Master-builders for the erecting the New Jerusalem there is not any word of intimation in all the Evanglists Acts Epistles or Apocalyps nay nor in any Prophet of the old Testament that they should remember the Low Ierusalem c. But more of this hereafter 7. Ierusalem the sight of peace the faithfull held and looked to hold in possession till our Lords dayes Esai 66. Psal 110. 95. would instruct them so to beleive as they did Observe well 1. King 11.13.32.36 2. King 21.4 Ier. 51.50 Dan. 9. Psal 102. And we must consider that although the Kings of North and South afflicted Israel and Ierusalem Dan. 11. and had a great hand in bruising the holy people yet Christ plagued those Kings and Kingdomes And although the Jewes in the times of the Macchabees were mutinous and became wicked and Law-lesse and brought much trouble to their own Brethren as also did the Remainders of the Selâ—ucidae the Herods and the Romans yet among all these Enemies of the faith Christ caused from his firy Throne Dan. 7. that Rivers of fire ran among them God had ever a speciall eye of regard to them for his promise sake Zach. 2.8 1. King 11.32 He shall have one Tribe for my Servant Davids sake and for Jerusalem the City which I have chosen out of all the