Preservation and Redemption hence the work of Creation is sometimes attributed to the Father sometimes to the Son and sometimes to the holy Spirit 1. Sometimes to the Father Heb. 1. 2. 1 Creation Attributed to the Father By whom he also made the Worlds He that is God the Father made the Worlds Eph. 3. 9 the mystery of the Gospel there spoken of that was hid in God who created all things by Jesus Christ here the Creation is attributed to God the Father 2. It is attributed unto the Son Heb. 1. 2 To the Son 10. Thou Lord in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the Earth and the Heavens are the work of thine hands which the Apostle applied to Christ the Son of the Father as is by the scope of the matter clearly discernable Col. 1. 16. For by him i. e. Christ were all things created c. Joh. 1. 3. All things were made by him and without him was not any thing made that was made 3. It 's attributed to the Holy Spirit in 3 To the Holy spirit the work of Creation it 's said Gen. 1. 2. The Spirit of God moved upon the face of the Waters Psal 104. 30. Thou sendest forth thy Spirit and they are created c. Job 26. 13. By his Spirit he hath garnished the Heavens c. and ch 33. 4. The Spirit of God hath made me all which hold forth unity in the Divine Essence from their unity in the Work as we must unavoidably understand unless we lose both Reason and Religion that when the Creation is attributed to God the one infinite glorious Being it includes the whole three Father Son and Spirit it being attributed to each of them apart inrallibly includes the unity of Essence in the three Father Son Spirit these three are one and that the three are included in such Scriptures as these whâ—re one is spoken of Act 14 15 That you should turn from these vanities unâ—o the living God that made Heaven and Earth and the Sea and all things therein ch 17. 24. God that made the world and all things therein c. with multitudes of the like Scriptures which include the whole as one in Essence and Work though three in that unity or else all three could not be said to create the World 2. In Preservation and Redemption God 2 Prâ—vâ—â—l in Preservation Redemption the Father is said to preserve man and beast Psal 36. 6. and all things are said to consist by Jesus Christ Col. 1. 17. God is frequently in Scripture called our Saviour and so is Jesus Christ Tit. 3. 4 6. and the holy Spirit had his operation in this work of Salvation and Redemption by Jesus Christ crucified Heb 9. 14. so that there was and is unity and concurrence in every work which proves them to be one God or God to be one in three Father Son and Spirit 3. The Unity in these three is discovered 3 In their unity in the power of the Gospel in their unity in the power and authority of the Gospel which is to be administred in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy Spirit Mat. 28. 19. unity in power and authority declares unity in Essence and Nature or unavoidably three Divine Beings I shall yet proceed to speak more distinctly A more distinct discovery to this wonderful Mystery and pray the Lord to do it humbly soberly tremblingly and plainly and according to the word of Truth and I trust I shall not vary from the very plain terms and discoveries of God in the Gospel in this matter 1. God the Father is in Scripture said to God is said to be the father 1 as the original cause of all things be the Father and so distinguished as seems plain by the Divine Revelation 1. As he is the original cause of all things as a Father 1 Cor 8. 6. To us there is one God the Father of whom are all things and we in him Rom. 11. 39. For of him and through him and to him are all things c. Eph. 4. 6. One God the Father of all who is above all and through all and in you all And on this account he is the father of the whole Creation as the first effectual cause of all who are therefore said to be his Ofspring Acts 17. 28 29. For we are also 2 as making provision for all his Of-spring forasmuch as we are the Of spring of God 2. He having as a Father brought forth a Creation as his Of-spring he taketh care of all and maketh provision for all as his Of-spring and as a Father Psal 145. 15 16. The Eyes of all wait on thee and thou givest them meat in season thou openest thine hand and satisfiest the desire of every living thing Psal 147 8 9. Who covereth the Heaven with Clouds and giveth to the Beast his food and to the young Ravens that cry Mat. 5 45. He maketh his Sun to rise on the evil and on the good and sendeth Rain on the just and on the unjust hence Christ teacheth us to pray to God as our Father for daily bread 3. He is the Father in relation to his Son 3 He is the Father in relation to Christ his Son our Lord Jesus Luke 1. 35. The holy Spirit shall come upon thee and the power of the highest shall overshadow thee therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God John 1. 14 18. And the Word was made Flesh and dwelt among us and we beheld his Glory as the Glory of the only begotten Son of God full of Grace and Truth v. 18. No man hath seen God at any time i. e. God the Father the only Son which is in the bosom of the Father he hath declared him Rom. 15 6. That you may with one mind and with one mouth glorifie God even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ These with multitudes of Scriptures of like import prove God to be the Father as relative to Jesus Christ his Son 4. And so in him he is the Father relative on the New-Covenant account of all 4 In relation to his Children in him his New Covenant-spirited people i. e. true Believers espoused unto Jesus Christ his Son by Faith Gal. 3. 26. For ye are all the Children of God by Faith in Jesus Christ John 20. 17. Go to my Brethren and say to them I ascend to my Father and your Father c. Rom. 8. 16. 17. and thus he is the Father of the whole family in Heaven and Earth Eph. 3. 14 15. with ch 2. 19. 5. And so in him he is the Father of all 5 He is the Father of all our New Covenant-Mercy our New Covenant-Mercy relating both to Grace and Glory 2 Cor. 1 3. Blessed be God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ the Father of Mercies and God of all Comfort 2 Tit.
ever the Scâ—â—ter of thy Kingdom is a right Sâ—â—pter Thou 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 teousness and hatest Wickedness 〈◊〉 God even thy God hath 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Oyl of Gladnesâ— above thy fellows This is a high and glorious Description of the Son of God yet in his both Natures Man as well as God as he was aâ—â—â—â—ted with the Oyl of Gladness above his fâ—llâ—ws as he was the Son of God Heb. 1. 1. God hath in these last days spokâ—n to â—â— by his Son is it by the Divine Nature onely surely I suppose none will say so but in and by that Person which was and is his Son the Man Christ Jesus that holy thing that was born of the Virgin Luk. 1. 35. and called The Son of God Phil. 2. 6 7 8. It was the same He that was in the form of God and thought it no robbery to be equal with God that was made in the form of a Servant c. Surely it was not the Divine Nature onely that was not subject to death 2. His Name Christ signifieth Anointed 2. His Name Christ imports bâ—â—h Natures there is the Anointing and the Anointed the Divine Nature is the Anointing the Humane Nature is the Anointed And indeed it 's contrary to the Divine Revelation of this Mystery to suppose a Christ or Son of God in one of the Natures onely whether the Divine or Humane Look on the Humane without the Divine so he would not be Anointed or the Divine without the Humane so it is the Anointing not the Anointed It 's a conception that in it self seems to un-Son him and un-Christ him let no man put that asunder which God hath joyned together for as he was Christ the Anointed so was he the Son of God Mat. 16. 16. Thou art the Christ the Son of the living God 3. Otherwise to understand it and to 3. Else he must be a Son diveâ—s manner of ways suppose impossibilities in this because it may seem so to our reason seems to un-God the whole Trinity in whom and with whom all things are possible and all things by him declared we ought to believe It seems to import that Christ is a Son in differing manner of ways either two Sons one by Nature and another by Grace and Personal Union or one manner of Son before time and another manner in time so making things to be various changable and new to God as it is to us and so Christs Humanity must be an addition to the Son of God Whereas the Scripture presents us with one onely Son of the Father God and Man by whom he made the Worlds and by whom it all consists and by whom he will save the World i. e. such as shall be saved 1 John 4. 14. and by whom he will judge the world Acts 17. 31. by whom it was the Fathers great and eternal Design to open and make known the Mystery of himself in his times 1 Tim. 6. 15 16. Even the same that was yesterday and to day and for ever which cannot be true if the Sonship of Christ was not the same to the Father at first as it was at last This seems to un-God him and make him like to man and not eternally the same So that this Truth thus considered seems to contradict that common notion of Christs being the Son of the Father in the Divine Nature onely by an Eternal Generation in the Godhead onely which seems to be an unwarranted expression and that which the Scripture which is the Divine Revelation of all Truth is unacquainted with being rightly understood Permitting the sence of it own language it will appear that all those Scriptures that speak of the begetting of the Son of God intends him as he was the Christ the Son of the Father in the Unity of Natures and not in the Divine Nature onely John 1. 14. It was the Word as made Flesh that was the onely begotten Son of the Father full of Grace and Tâ—uth begotten in the Eternal Counsel and Mind of the Father 1 Pet. 2. 20. and in time according to purpose was wonderfully begotten in the Womb of the Virgin Luk. 1. 31 35. Gal. 4. 4. which must be understood in his whole Person God and Man whole Christ Christ is said in Scripture to be the first-begotten or first-born on a three-fold accoâ—nt Christ the Fiâ—â—t-Begottâ—n fiâ—◠〈◊〉 upâ—â— a three fold accâ—unt 1. He is said to be the First-begotten or First-born of every Creature Col. 1. 15. Rev. 3. 1â— and here he lieth at the bottom of the Creation as all was made by him 2. He is said to be the First-born among many Brethren Rom. 8. 29. and here he is presented to us as lying at the bottom of Election as the rest were elected in him Ephes 1. 4 5. 3. He is said to be the First-begotten of the Dead and so he lieth at the bottom of the Resurrection Rev. 1. 5. 1 Cor. 15. 20 21 22. and to this doth the Apostle apply â—sal 2. 7. Thou aâ—t my Son this Day have I begotten thee Acts 13. 33. But to finish this I shall draw up the result in this short Conclusion â—hat as the Son of God was promised to come forth and did come forth in time so was he considered by and with the Father before time But he was promised to come forth and did come forth God and Man in time Therefore he was so the Son of God before time which hath been fully cleared Yet I adde John 16. 30. 17. 8. Isa 9. 6. or else he was not yesterday and to day the same for ever Further As we are to understand him always to be the Son of God in both Natures so are we to understand him to be the Son of Man in both Natures God-Man as Man-God God and Man in one Person so that the Son of God is the Son of Man and the Son of Man is the Son of God Mat. 9. 6. That ye may know that the Son of Man hath power on â—arâ—h to forgive sins John 3. 13. Hence his Blood is called The Blood of God Acts 20. 28. And that God laid down his life for us 1 John 3. 16. Yet the Divine and Humane Nature remaining distinct and unmixed though in the Unity of Person One Man One Son truly God and truly Man yet Relative Properties and Operations distinct as to the Divine and Humane Nature at least in the time of his Humiliation Thirdly Touching the Divinity of the 3 Touching the Divinity of the holy Spirit Holy Spirit that he is God as I said before he is of God and is God This is evident in the Scriptures He is joyned in with the Father and the Son in the Work of Creation Gen. 1. 2. Job 26. 13. and 33. 4. in the work of Teaching Prophesying Convicting Converting it 's all applied to the holy Spirit John 14. 26. 1 Cor. 12. 7. to 11. John 16. 8. The holy Scriptures declare the holy Spirit
of the Saints by the Holy Spirit suitable to the Word of Grace the Work in them answering the Word without them as the New Covenant and Law of God written in their Hearts which hath wrought in them Faith Love and the Life of the VVord which are to them sealing Testimonies of the Truth and Divinity of the Word And hence it is that they set their seal to the truth thereof in believing loving and obeying thereof and cleaving to God therein and suffering any Difficulties inflicted by men for the truth thereof adventure their Souls and Eternity upon the truth of God therein and the loss of all in the VVorld rather than lose their share in the Word of Life A high Confirmation of the Divinity thereof VII Finally As the Resultance from the VII Danâ—er of deâ—ying the Scripture â—â— be of God whole To deny the Truth and Divinity of the Scripture is to deny God Himself and Jesus Christ and all Religion to pass a black Sentence on all the VVriters thereof as Lyars and Deceivers and on all the Saints throughout all Generations who have believed obeyed and suffered for adhering to the Truth therein and on all the Effectual Workings of the Holy Spirit in the Hearts of Believers conforming them thereunto so that it 's impossible for any man that hath lived under the Instruction thereof to deny it and not to be an Atheist if not to be guilty of the unpardonable sin for the whole matter the Scripture treats on in the substance thereof is as I said before God and Christ and Holiness the Reducing of Man back again to God through Christ from whom he was gone astray And therefore what can those expect who deny this Holy Divine Word of Truth but all the Judgments and Plagues that are written therein I shall now come to Answer some Objections in relation thereunto Object Though the Scripture was given of Object 1 God and Divine Truth the Word and Will of God to the People of these times in which they were given yet it 's a great Question whether it be so to us and whether we have ought to do with it unless the same Spirit work immediately the same Truth in us we are to hearken to what God speaks in us and not without us c. Answ To this I answer That Truth is Truth still and the Word and Will of God is the same still although its true that God hath made known his Will at various times and various ways under several manifestations yet when one Ministration ended it was by the coming in of another as the substance of the former and openly declared from Heaven by the Son of God with great Power and great Witness and the Word and Ministration of the Son of God is the same till his second coming Maâ— 28. 20. unto which all are bound to take heed unto under peril of Judgment Heb. 2. 23. Act. 3. 22 23. Joh. 12. â—8 and it is the Word and Will of the Lord still whether men believe it and obey it or not whether you have the Spirit to work you to it or not and if you are not taught by the Word and wrought to God in the Word to believe the Gospel it 's an evident sign that you have not the Spirit of Christ but of Errour and Delusion which will fail you in the day of need Obj. Though they were given of God Obj. 2 and Divine Truth yet they may be corrupted by men having been in the hands of men that knew not God but sought it themselves they might corrupt it and so it might either be mixed or lose much of its Purity and Divinity Ans It 's true that it hath passed through the hands of those who wanted not wickedness enough to do it but we have undoubted grounds to believe that the Lord preserved it and kept them from corrupting of it for if they or any other had corrupted it it must have been to serve their own ends but the Scripture that was by them preserved and by them owned to be the Word of God the Scripture of Truth is so far from serving their interest that it leaves them neither Root nor Branch no Word have they from hence to warrant them in any of their ways as a Church of Christ their Dependency lay rather in the Authority of their Church keeping people in Ignorance false Translations coercive Power and the like rather than in corrupting the Scriptures in the original Languages a Divine Hand it was that it should be preserved holy and pure as it is as hath been proved Obj. The Scripture is not all the Word Obj. 3 and Will of God to Men given by Divine Inspiration for there is in it the Words of the Devil and of wicked men the Failings and Miscarriages of the Saints c. Answ When I say it 's the Word or Words of God I intend thereby that the Body and substance thereof is the Divine Mind and Will of God made known to men by the Inspiration of the Holy Spirit by such ways as he pleased and by such persons as he pleased 2. As to the Discoveries of the Words or Works of Satan or wicked men and the Sins and Failings of the Godly I easily grant that it is not the Word of God in the first sence given by Inspiration Yet 2ly As written and recorded by holy men inspired by the Lord those things with many other Historical Relations recorded are true by Divine Testimony that such things were and so are of divine and undoubted Credence whereas all other Histories that are meerly humane can have but a humane and doubtful belief 3. It was written by the Will of God for the use and advantage of his Church and people Rom. 15. 4. Whatsoever was written afore time was written for our Learning c. 1 Cor. 10. 11 12. 1. Let us hence be informed of the greatness Vse 1 of the sin and danger not to believe the Scripture he that believeth not must be damned 2. Of Exhortation 1. to believe the Vse 2 Scripture to be the Word and Will of God to be of Divine Authority and to prize the Word more and to be thankful to God that hath given it to us and given to any the saving understanding thereof and wrought them into a conformity thereunto 2. To live the life of the Scripture the life of Faith and the life of Love the life of Obedience and the life of Holiness it is a holy Word and Holiness becomes all those who profeâ—s to own it what ever Scripture Faith or profession we pretend unto if we live not the life of the Scripture it will Judg us at the last day Joh. 12. 48. 3. To be improving and applying of the Consolations of the Scripture and that it may be so acquaint your selves more therewith Rom. 15. â— 3. Of Consolation to all those who Vse 3 truly believe and obey the Wordâ— as it is the Word the Will
Thirst c. that is called Soul in other Creatures and this lieth and liveth in the whole Body and is the Life and Animation thereof and this I understand is intended by Soul when distinguished from the Spirit In a word to be plain what is in man as to Life and Sence and Motion as in other Creatures that is the Soul what is in man above and beyond other Creatures wherein his Excellency consisteth as Rational that is the Spirit and this is the Spirit in all men 2. When considered in Saints as renewed by Grace 1. Negatively we are not to understand it to be the Spirit of God for we must distinguish between our Spirits and the Spirit of God as the Scripture frequently doth nor 2. Do I understand by Spirit is only intended the renewed Work of Grace or New Man created after God though much of the matter lieth there But affirmatively I understand that by Spirit in the Saints is meant the more rational understanding divine Part in which the New Work is wrought with the Work wrought in it Eph. 4. 23. And be ye renewed in the Spirit of your Minds By Mind is meant the Natural Soul the Spirit of the Mind that in which the Renewed Work is wrought the Image of God must begin to be Reneweâ— where first it principally was and where it was principally defaced which was in the Spirit of the Mind or Soul and this spiritual Work must pass upon the whole Man before our Redemption will be compleated Hence our Bodies must did as well as our sins and sinful Natures that so our Bodies may be changed as well as our Spirits that they may be raised immortal and incorruptible and that before we can attain the Perfection of the New-Covenant-Restauration they must be raised spiritual Bodies Wonderfully blinded are they who pretend themselves perfect or own Personal Perfection in this sinful and mortal Body and but in part renewed Soul or Spirit IV. In what Estate God made Man and 4 In what estate man was made this the Scripture doth help us in We know in what Estate we are by Nature in part by woful experience but what we were in our first Parents the Divine Revelation onely instructs us in which was an Estate of Uprightness free from sin Eccles 7. 29. In the Image of God Gen. 1. 26. And God said Let Vs make Man in Our Image after our Likeness ver 27. So God created Man in His own Image in the Image of God created He him Chap. 5. 1. 9. 6. And doubtless this Image and Likeness to God carried such an Excellency and Glory in it as that we being gone out from it cannot in any case comprehend it any otherwise than as by the Light of the Spirit in and by What is meant by being created in the image of God In â— things the Scripture we may give some guess at it in our Understandings And I shall propose my apprehension herein in these six things 1. In the Purity and Perfection of his Soul or Spirit breathed into him by God his Understanding Memory Will Affections Conscience all perfect concerning both God himself and the whole Creation as far as needed him in his station and might tend to make him comfortable and happy while abiding in that state 2. Without all sin or sinful inclinations any otherwise than as Temptations presented might prevail else he could not be upright and in the Image of God yet subject to Temptation else he had not sinned 3. A Power of Free-will of standing or falling keeping or losing his present happy Estate A power of standing or else he could not be in the Image of God or of falling and that both he and we have found I may in some sense say by woful Experience 4. Rule and Dominion over all the rest of the Terrestrial Creatures as Gods Vicegerent here on Earth as before hath been mentioned Psal 8. 6 7 8. And herein consisteth one special part of his being in the Image of God with his fitness thereunto In the fallen state where for necessity are but petty Kings and Rulers over men in comparison of this Great Lord of the World yet it 's said of them Ye are Gods there being something of Gods Image in Government though exercised by bad men in the fallen state 5. He might be made in the Image of God in the whole Man Body and Spirit for so the words seem to import Let Vs make Man in our Likeness i. e. in the Likeness or Image that God designed to bring forth His Son in who was with God and was God Immanuel God with us and in this as in other things might he be said to be the Figure of Him that was to come 6. I may adde that he was made in the Image of God in the Trinity Father Son and Holy Spirit yet but one God so He made Man Spirit Soul and Body yet but one Man all pure and perfect in the First Creation a Trinity in Unity and a Unity in Trinity in Man this Glorious Terrestrial Creature yet but one Man That as there was a Unity in Trinity in God Three and yet but One so would He make His Creature Man in His own Image that he might the better understand and know his God V. How Man was made God made 5 How Man was made Man in His own Image Male and Female created He them He created Man both Male and Female for by the word Man is intended Mankind i. e. both Man and Woman Whether the Woman was dividedly made the sixth day I suppose cannot be positively determined but that she was made in the Man the sixth day if not dividually is plainly asserted and the taking of the Woman out of the Man was but the separating of the Male from the Female that so they might be the more fit for all their relative concerns in this World and should doubtless teach the Man to love his Wife as his own Flesh and the Woman to love her Husband and to be subject to him as to her Lord and the End of God in the Creation of Man was His own Glory that Man might serve him in enjoyment of all his Works in this World and be to His Praise and Glory CHAP. V. Of the Angels and their Creation 1. THat there are Angels heavenly Spirits 1 That there are Angels the Divine Word doth evidently declare Gen. 16. 7. 24. 7. 19. 1. Psal 8. 5. with multitudes of Scripture to this purpose 2. That they were created and are the 2 That they were created Creatures of God though the Creation of Angels is but little mentioned in the Scripture if at all yet it is evident they were created and that both from Scripture and Reason 1. From Scripture Col. 1. 16. For by Him all things were created that are in Heaven and that are in Earth visible and invisible whether they be Thrones or Dominions or Principalities
the execution thereof Judgment shall be executed upon the world at and from his first appearing till the Nations be broken and all subjected to him Isa 9. 3 4 5. Zep. 3. 8. Rev. 19. 11. to 21. And he shall judge in righteousness during the thousand years Reign and after it perfect the work So that his Kingdom and Judgment shall be together Judgment being one great part of his Kingly work 2 Tim. 4. 1 Who shall judge the quick and dead at his appearing and his Kingdom 7. Quest At what time may we suppose Quest 7 the Saints shall be raised at his first appearing in the Clouds of Heaven or at the enterance of the thousand years or after the thousand years are finished Ans Very probably at the enterance of Ans the 1000. years and that for these reasons 1. Because it is not likely that they should be raised before the Nations are subdued and the new Heavens and new Earth prepared 2. The Scripture saith that it shall be at the sound of the last Trump which imports that other Trumps had sounded before else it could not properly be called the last Trump and probably it may have relation to the seaven Trumpets mentioned in the Revelation which are all to be sounded at and after Christs appearing in carrying on the work of judgment upon the Nations and when the seventh Angel sounded which is the last Trump There were great voices in Heaven saying the Kingdoms of this world are become the Kingdoms of our Lord 〈◊〉 of his Christ and he shall Reign for ever and ever Rev. 11. 15. and chap. 20. 4. the Resurrection is stated to be at the enterance of the thousand years they lived and Reigned with Christ a thousand years We may groundedly suppose that after Christs appearing in the work he may ascend and descend often we may not imagine that he should be limited on Earth and so his coming at the sound of the last Trump to establish his peaceable Kingdoms to be the first Resurrection and all his appearances and works is included in his second coming and probably there may be Death in the time of this Reigne Isaiah 65. 20. And if so then there must â—e a Resurrection of some of the just as well as of the unjust at the end thereof 8. Quest May we suppose that this Quest Estate shall be Ushered in by the Lord in the hands of the Saints before the coming of Christ from Heaven or not Ans I know no ground from Scripture Answ for such a Conception although it hath been the imaginations of many in these latter days unless the raising of the witnesses spoken of Rev. 11. 11 12. be before the coming of Christ from Heaven then some wonderful work must be accomplished in some part of the world called the tenth part of the City where they Prophâ—cyed and were slaiâ— and must be raised whether any part of that work will be by the Lord time will manifest or whether it shall be before Christ comes from Heaven is to me a great question that I dare not meddle with nor undertake to determine yet I suppose it not a Corporal Slaughter by a Massacre as some imagine to be accomplished three days and an half before our Lord comes from Heaven my reason for it is because I find that Christ will have his Church visible on Earth when he comes though it will admit of great mixture and low in faith and probably under great Afflictions Mat. 25. 1 to 13. Luke 18. 7 8. But otherwise or any further then the raising of the witnesses which I very much question whether it will be before Christs appearing there is no ground to expect such a work as hath been by some supposed and what or when ever it be it will be far from Conquering the World to Christ it must be but the tenth part of the City some Nook or Corner where the witnesses have most eminently Prophecyed called the Street of the great City c. 9. Quest How are we to understand Quest. 9 those Prophecyes that speak so plainly and fully of Conquering and bringing down of the enemies of the Church in the latter days in a warlike way as Isa 9. 4 5. and 41. 15 16. with many other Scriptures to this purpose Ans We are to understand it to be performed Ans at and after the coming of the Lord from Heaven my grounds for it are as followeth 1. As the Prophets do foretell of such things and we are bound to believe the truth thereof and neither Christ nor his Apostles mentions any thing thereof in the new Testament but directs us to look for the coming of Christ and to a patient suffering and waiting for that day the Apostle speaks of the Apostasie but not of deliverance hence I conclude that it must be done at and after his appearing done it must be the new Testament allows no place for it before Christ cometh therefore it must be done at and after his coming 2. The Scripture States the time of the Restauration work spoken of by the Prophets and the conquering and bringing down of the Churches enemies to be at one and the same time where one is stated the other is stated likewise and must be done together for the fall of the enemies will be the Churches deliverance Isa 3. 3 4 5. and 25 26 27. Chapters and 66. 8 to 16. With multitudes of other Scriptures that I could mention and its evident that the Restauration Work shall be at and after Christs coming from Heaven Acts 3. 21. And therefore the bringing down of enemies shall be then 3. Because probably most of the things Prophesied of in the Revelation from chap. 4. may and must be done at and after Christs coming from Heaven my reasons for such a supposition are 1. Because the time of Johns receiving of it is called the Lords day Rev. 1. 10. and very probably do relate to that saying of Christ John 21. 22 23. If I will that he tarry till I come what is that to thee Which might be this coming called the Lords day so called because Christ did in Vision discover all things to John as it shall be done over when he cometh both in bringing down of his enemies and saving his people 2. Because very probably that the opening of the Seals Sounding of the Trumpets and pouring out of the Vials may be all at and after Christs coming from Heaven and if so it must admit of time for the doing thereof and must be the time of perfecting the Restauration work spoken of by the Prophets in bringing down of the World and saving of the Church My Reasons so to suppose are 1. Because the opening of the first Seal chapter 6. 1. 2. seems to be the first appearing of Christ from Heaven I saw and behold a white Horse and he that sate upon him had a Bow and a Crown was given unto him and he went forth Conquering and to Conquer I
by another Name which the Mouth of the Lord shall Name the Lord will take away that Name of Reproach which his people hath had in the world throughout all ages and they shall be known and owned even by their Enemies to be the blessed of the Lord Isa 61. 9. All that see them shall acknowledg that they are the Seed which the Lord hath blessed chap. 60. 14. The Sons also of them that afflicted thee shall come bending unto thee and all they that despised thee shall bow themselves down at the soles of thy feet and they shall call thee the City of the Lord the Zion of the Holy one of Israel 6. In this new Estate their work shall 6 Shall sing new Songs of Praise be to sing new songs of praise to God and to the Lamb Rev. 5. 9. 4. 8. that is it the prophet speaks so much of and exhorts so much unto singing of new songs Psal 96. 1. and 98. 1. it relates especially to this Estate they shall sing such new songs of praise to God and to the Lamb as none can learn but the Redeemed ones suitable to the measure of the new work in them can the Saints now sing new songs or else they were better sing none but then they shall be compleated therein without mixture Reasons from Scripture further to illustrate and confirm this glorious Truth 1. It s the accomplishment of the Eternal Counsel and purpose of God the Prophet speaking of this same work i. e. the Restauration saith Isa 25. 1. Thy Counsels of old are Faithfulness and Truth So likewise Reason Further to confirm this Truth 1. The purpose and counsel of God the Apostle Paul deeply discoursing discovering this Mistery of the Restauration by Jesus Christ in the New Covenant saith Eph. 1. 11. Who worketh all things after the Counsel of his own Will Hence it is that Jesus Christ by whom the Work was to be accomplished was from Everlasting Mic. 5. 2. John 6. 38 40. And the Mercy of God herein is from Everlasting to Everlasting 2. His Eternal Grace and-Love to his 2. His Eternal Grace Love Chosen Ones whom he purposed to this Estate therein to glorifie the Riches of his Grace and to glorifie them with this Glory in this New World Jer. 31. 3. 2 Tim. 1. 9 10. 3. This is the substance and Life of the 3. This is the substance of the New Covenant New Covenant which all true Christians believe and should claim their Interest therein and indeed it is of concernment to all Believers to understand what and wherein Heirship doth consist which is to this New World see the New Covenant Gen. 12. 3. and 22 18. In thy Seed that is in Christ shall all Nations of the Earth be blessed This Promise in the word Blessed includes the Blessedness of this New World to the Heirs thereof So the Apostle applyeth it as hath been before minded Rom. 4. 13 16. Gal. 3. 18 19. 29. in all which it 's evident that the Hiership of Abraham and his Seed that is Believers by vertue of the New Covenant is to this Inheritance which serves to open the Heirship spoken of in all other Scriptures I mean the New Covenant Heirship 4. It was the great Designe of God made 4. It was the designe of God manifest since the Fall manifest ever since the Fall and all things since hath been working in order thereunto Gen. 3. 15. and 12. 3. Psal 37. 11. with Mat. 5. 3. Rev. 5. 10. It was the great Designe of God in sending Christ into the World and of Christ in coming into the World to do that for the World without which this new Work and World could not be accomplished Heb. 11. 40. And in order to the accomplishing hereof he is ascended up where he was before to prepare a place for his People John 14. 2 3. and to prepare a people for that place Heb. 12. 2. 2 Cor. 5. 5. And when he comes again the second time in his Power and Glory it will be in order to the finishing of this Work Mat. 25. 34. Rev. 21. 1. to the Object It 's frequently said in Scripture that the Reward of the Saints is in Heaven That it 's laid up in Heaven for them c. 1 Pet. 1. 4. Ans It is true it is so and that without any Contradiction at all to this present Truth which is so apparantly held forth in Scripture It behoves us so to Understand one Truth as not to lose or destroy another which hath been a great Weakness amongst Christians But let us see a little how both may stand together the Inheritance of the Saints may be said to be in Heaven and to be reserved in Heaven for them 1. As all the good Gifts of God given to the Saints on the Gospel account now in this day of Grace in order to that Glory are said in sence and substance to be in Heaven for our Heavenly Birth must be from thence John 3. 3. Except a man be born again above so the Word is he cannot see the Kingdom of Heaven Jerusalem which is above is the Mother of us all and every good and perfect Gift cometh down from the Father of Lights Jam. 1. 17. And doubtless the Glory of that Estate is administred here below by the Word and Spirit 1 Cor. 2. 9 10 12. But the Glory it self is reserved in Heaven till the time appointed and then the Glory shall be administred down from thence as now the Grace and gracious Gifts are 2. We Read in Scripture that New Jerusalem must come down from God out of Heaven and the Tabernacle of God will be with them Rom. 21. 23. So that it may very well stand together that it is in Heaven and yet shall come down into the New Earth No wonder if that State and Glory of the Saints is called Heaven then when in perfection in the New earth and New state of the Church in it's imperfection in this side that Glory because made partakers of some of the Virtues of Grace is called Heaven and the Kingdom of Heaven Mat. 13. 31 32 47. and 25. 1. Rev. 18. 20. 3. It is said in Scripture that the Bodies of the Saints shall be fashioned like unto the Body of our Lord Jesus Phil 3 21. and they shall be like unto the Angels Luke 20 36. and that they shall have Spiritual Bodies 1 Cor. 15. 44. Capable to ascend and descend and so may have the possession of Heaven as well as of the Earth if it will add to their Glory But he will make the place of his Feet glorious Isa 60. 13. and what place that is see Ch. 66. 1. Mat. 10. 35. Act. 7. 49. â—o conclude this Chapter this opens â— Window into that Truth so much by most condemned that is the personal Reign of Christ with his Saints where it 's like to be no doubt but in this New World must have the
double heart is an heart the Lord likes not Jam. 1. 8. A double minded man is unstable in all his waiâ—s and 4. 8. Purifie your hearts ye double minded While the will is thus divided it 's no wonder if the power be wanting Let not such a man think to obtain any thing from the Lord. 2. If they will be in good earnest to turn to the Lord to believe and obey the Gospel to eschew evil and to do good set about the work and do not sit still and complain for want of power but look to the Lord and he will not be wanting to thee he that hath wrought the will will not fail in helping to do if thou set heartily about the work I shall say in this as David said to his Son in another case 1 Chron. 22. 16. Arise and be doing and the Lord will be with thee God never did nor never will damn any man for want of power but for want of will and so mens destruction is of themselves Obj. But Christ saith Joh. 6. 44. No man Objection can come to me except the Father which hath sent me draw him Answ True but first God draws by his Answ Word the Preaching of the Gospel and the wooing invitations thereof is the way by which he draweth sinners to himself these are the cords of his love by which he draweth Hos 11. 4. I drew them with the cords of a man with the bonds of love and I laid meat before them and this kind of drawing hath a natural tendency to effect the work if wilfulness keep not from the Grace presented and invited too 2. If the work hereby be so far effected in thee as a real desire to come to Christ know it is from the drawing of the Lord therefore come to him fall in with him while he is thus drawing thee the Lord calls thee Matt. 11. 28. Come unto me all ye that are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest dispute not the power but an hearty and willing consent to imbrace Christ Jesus as thy Saviour and Lord according to the Gospel and the work is done CHAP. XXVII Of the Church of Christ in the new Covenant THE Church of God under the ministration of the Law or old Covenant was the natural seed of Abraham and so the Nation of the Jews to them was the Oracles and Ordinances given and them did he own for his peculiar people to worship him his people in Covenant and under his discipline and government The Church of God under the ministration of the new Testament since the death and resurrection of the Testator Jesus Christ are or should be the spiritual seed of Abraham that is true Believers both of Jews and Gentiles It 's now no National Church but a people gathered out of the Nations to the profession of Faith in Christ Jesus and obedience to him Gal. 3. 28 29. Act. 10. 34 35. Rom. 3. 29. Rev. 5. 9. But to speak more distinctly of the Church the word Church or Assembly as the Greek word Ekklesia imports is variously applied in the Scripture to any Assembly bad as well as good Acts 19. 32 39 41. The same word is so translated and applied to an Assembly met together for evil But when it intends the Church and assembly of God and of Christ on the new Covenant account that being it we are now about we may consider it according to Scripture on a three-fold considetion 1. It intends a people gathered out of What the constituted Church of Christ is the World by the ministry of the Gospel to the visible profession of Faith in Christ Jesus and obedience to him to Faith and Holiness the Gospel constituted Church of Christ and this is the Church I especially intend to speak of the visible constituted Church of Christ and this is distinguished into several bodies or congregational Assemblies under the regal Government of Christ their Lord yielding professed subiection to Jesus Christ in his Laws and Ordinances as far as they are instructed therein every particular Congregation having the same power from Christ their Head and Lord not one to Lord it over another but to help and assist in love and the Church of Christ is thus gathered into many particular Assemblies by reason of distance of place number of persons that they cannot assemble in one or a few Assemblies but in as many as are necessary for their coming together and comfortable serving of the Lord. That the Church of Christ is or should be gathered thus appeareth Act. 14. 23. 1 Cor. 1. 2. Gal. 1. 2. Rev. 1. 4. All which proves the truth asserted and that they had all of them the Ordinances of Christ administred in each Assembly as appears evidently by the Apostles reproof and direction on this account about matters of Order and Ordinances as relating to particular Churches 1 Cor. 11. and 14. Chapt. Tit. 1. 5. Phil. 1. 1. Rev. 2 and 3 Chapt. And this Church in all its particular Assemblies is gathered out of the World and from the World to the Lord by the Word and Spirit of Christ Matt. 28. 19 20. Mar. 16. 15 16. Act. 2. 41 42 47. and 4. 4. and 13. 48 49. This was the Apostles commission Act. 26. 17 18. Which work was alwaies accomplished in this way without and contrary to the humane power who ordinarily hath opposed this new Covenant work of Christ And what-ever Church it is that takes any other Lord or Law-giver besides Christ in religious things and owns an humane head either in its constitution by humane power or receiving Laws in matters of Faith and Worship is none of Christ's Church but an Harlot a Sinagogue of Satan who say they are Jews when they are not Rev. 2. 9. Committing spiritual fornication with the Kings of the Earth after the manner of the Whore of Babilon Rev. 17. 2. and 18 9. Taking the humane power as Head Lord and Law-giver in Christs concernments making them their strength support and uphold perswading the Magistrate to persecute all that fall not in with them who although Christ hath ordained that his Church should be subject to the humane powers in humane and worldly concerns yet this is that with which few are satisfied being otherwise perswaded by the false Church who delighteth in fornication and loveth to have another Head and Lord than Jesus Christ And the Churches of Christ thus gathered and constituted under Christ their Head Lord and Law-giver have an equal power from him with their distinct offices to carry on all the administrations of his Kingdom that is his Church according to the rules by him prescribed and in these Churches is God to be worshipped in all his appointments in spirit and in truth Joh. 4. 24. 1 Pet. 2. 5. And these visible constituted Churches of the Gospel are or should be all Saints true Believers they do bad service who to maintain their National Churches and all Christendom as called
to be the universal visible Church would perswade us that the visible Church of Christ have in it multitudes of Hypocrites though it 's true that Hypocrites have been and it 's like are and may be in the true Church of Christ yet they have no right and must give an account for their being there Mat. 22. 12. Luk. 26. 27. And surely they do bad work and draw a bad conclusion from the premises that is because Christ's Church may have Hypocrites in it they will pretend a Church for him of openly profane and ungodly Hypocrites But to prove that the visible constituted Churches of Christ are or should be true Believers this appeareth 1. From the way of entrance which is by Faith Repentance and Baptism Matt. 28. 19 20. Mar. 16. 15 16. Act. 2. 39 41. None must enter but in this way to let us to know that none else ought to be there 2. From the provision made for them when they are come in that they may find feeding for their souls according to the promise Joh. 10. 9. That is his holy appointments that lead to him who is the true Bread of Life for their building up in the Faith till they come to Glory Act. 2. 42. Eph. 4. 11 12 13. And truly we cannot rationally nor religiously imagine that he hath given such Gifts and left us such Ordinances to build up a company of profane and godless persons I think they are profane thoughts in those that think it 3. The order he hath left in his Church to exclude Hypocrites when discovered evidently declares that he never intended to have a Church of Hypocrites Matt. 18. 15 16 17. 1 Cor. 5. 7 8 13. 2 Tit. 2. 21. 4. It appeareth by the Titles given to the Church of Christ they are called Saints that is holy ones sanctified in Christ Jesus called to be Saints holy Brethren partakers of the heavenly calling the body of Christ and members in particular a chosen Generation a royal Priesthood an holy Nation c. With many like expressions all which do more than evidently demonstrate that Jesus Christ never intended to have his Church to be a den of Hypocrites and cage of unclean and hateful birds but to be an holy people to shew forth his praise in the World This is the visible Kingdom of Christ in this World though not of the World and those powers on earth that oppose his rule and government by his Laws in his Church are very bad neighbours to him he is content to let them have the outward regality and his subjects on that account to be subject to them and is a good neighbour to them and will do them no wrong but good all their daies if they would but be friendly to him and his for by him it is that Kings Reign but if they will not permit him his right what will be the issue is easy to be discerned Ps 2. 10 11 12. 2. The word Church of Christ does sometimes intend all true Believers in the World whether in or out of particular constituted Churches and this is it which is so commonly called the invisible Church which is indeed in some sense invisible that is none can certainly know the true believers but God alone 2 Tim. 2. 19. The Lord knoweth them that are his and none else no not themselves some of them and at some times yet in some sense the Church thus considered is visible in the world and do visibly own the Lord according to the measure of means and light enjoyed the Church thus considered I take to be intended in these Scriptures Rom. 10. 11 12 13. 1 Cor. 1. 2. Eph. 1. 21 22 23. where the Church is called The body and fulness of Christ Col. 1. 24. and as it is without question that in all ages many of the visible Church in profession have miscarried being none of Christs body truly the Church taking its denomination from the better part though all ought to be such so likewise we are in charity to judge that many may be out of the right constituted visible Church and Churches of Christ that are Members though it s none of their virtue so to be God hath his people in Babylon Rev. 18. 4. and his Church on this account hath he had in the world throughout all ages Eph. 3. 21. although for a long while but little of visibleness according to Gospel rule did appear and that is it I understand is intended Rev. 11. 1 2. Where the Worshippers are measured rather by the spiritualness of their invisible Worshipping then by the rule of their Ordinances Order and publick bearing up the name of Christ in this matter being troden under foot of the Gentiles that is of the Babylonish and Antichristian world and this is it I take to be the Universal and in some sort visible Church of Christ in the World the body of which all true believers are Members 3. The word Church sometimes intends all the elect of God and this is the invisible Church as to man and this is evident from the Scriptures Eph. 5. 25. Christ loved the Church before it was visible and gave himself for it So Heb. 12. 22. we read of the Vniversal Church of the first born c. the Church in this sense includes all the Elect but it is the bounden duty of all true believers to get themselves into the visible Profession of Christ and bearing up his Name in the World according to the rules by him prescribed and the highest and best light they have or may attain therefrom in this matter and to be under the government of Christ in some particular constituted Church of his CHAP. XXVIII Of the Ordinances Officers and Administrations in the Visible Constituted Church of Christ OUr Lord Christ Jesus hath left instituted Laws and Ordinances for his visible Church and Kingdom that his people by their submission to him therein might shew their subjection to his Regal Authority as to their Lord and King As there is no King but hath his Laws by which he rules so Christ our Lord and King hath his Laws by which he rules in his Church which is his Kingdom and a government distinct from all humane and worldly governments and admitteth not of any mixture of humane inventions or ordinances of men nor of any humane power to inforce to the obedience thereof Mat. 15. 9. Isa 29. 13 14. Psal 110. 3. Acts 2. 41. His subjects must â—e Volunteers voluntarily subscribing to his government they are a willing people in the day of his power being wrought thereto by his word and Spirit he is so far from foreseeing that he accepts none but those who serve him willingly Christ will have his Subjects like those 2 Cor. 8 3. Willing of themselves that is without humane constraint and ver 12. If there be first a willing mind it is accepted according to what a man hath and not according to what he hath not and this is a truth
in all cases of Christs service in first listing themselves under him ver 5. They first gave themselves to the Lord c. this is acceptable when souls give themselves to the Lord to be saved and ruled by him Rom. 6. 17. and 2. in their continuance with him it must be willing John 6. 67 68. God hath in all his Administrations throughout all ages had his instituted Ordinances by which his people his Church was distinguished from others and in the observation of which they did visibly own God in the World and the truth is that the institutions of God in matters of Worship have been the Badge of distinction between his Church and the world throughout all ages and the cause of all the woe and misery that hath come on mankind and on the people of God hath been for the transgression of instituted Ordinances Adams transgression of an instituted Ordinance brought in death and misery in all mankind and all the Plagues and miseries brought on Israel of old was for transgression of the instituted Ordinances of God in the matters of his worship See 2 King 17. 7. to 20. all the misery and wrath complained of in the Lamentations of Jeremy was the effect of this very sin the Transgression of the Laws of God in the matters of his Worship in his Instituted Ordinances Levit. 1. 18. The Lord is righteous for I have rebelled against his Commandments and ver 16. Woe unto us we have sinned c. And for this will be the great controversie of God with the pretended Christian world in the latter days Isa 24. 1. to 6. The Lord Christ having appeared in the latter end of the world to put away sin by the offering of himself he being the substance of all former institutions they leading to him Col. 2. 17. Heb. 10. 1. and so he is become the great Lord and Lawgiver of his Church God speaking to us by him Heb. 1. 1. 2. Whom we are to hear i. e. to obey in all things Acts 3. 22. 23. all his Ordinances and Laws are indespensably necessary for his Subjects to obey him in so far as they know his will and ignorance will not altogether excuse in this matter therefore it behoves all to be dilligently inquiring that so they be not willingly ignorant The Laws Ordinances and Institutions of Christ for his Church his Kingdom to serve and worship him in are as followeth 1. Baptism after believing repenting 1. Is Baptism and turning to the Lord is the first duty required Mat. 16. 15 16. Acts 2. 38. 41. and is the imitating Ordinance into the visible Church and kingdom of Jesus Christ and is the duty of all true Believers and there is no other way or door of enterance declared by Christ but by Faith and Baptism Not by natural generation or birth as some imagine that is done away as being of the old Covenant where the natural seed were accounted for the seed Gen. 17. 7. ver 14. but in the New Covenant the spiritual seed that is believers are accounted the seed and subjects of Christs Kingdome and are to live under his laws Gal. 3. 26 28. nor by entring into Covenant as some others imagine which is after their own devising mistaking and misapplying the Scriptures as that 2 Cor. 8. 5. They gave themselves to the Lord and unto us by the will of God Hence some and that too men of parts and learning gather That they first gave themselves to the Lord by believing and accepting the Gospel and after to us that â—s to the Church by some Covenant which is a clear and palpable mistake its true in the first sentence that is they gave themselves to the Lord may be included their giving themselves to the Church by Faith and Baptisme for those who give up themselves to be the Lords Subâ—ects in his Church do give themselves to the Lord and to us by the Will of God that is they gave themselves to the ministry of the Saints in their necessities and that beyond what the Apostles hope was considering their great affliction and deep poverty that this is the true meaning of that Scripture is so plain that he that runs may read it so that I know no other way of enterance into the Church and visible Kingdom of Christ but by Faith and Baptism Neither understand I well what they mean that call Baptism a Covenant and talk so much of a Baptismal Covenant it s a language the Scripture knows not neither know I any other Covenant then the Gospel new Covenant of Grace which on our part is a willing consenting from believing the truth of the Gospel to be saved by Jesus Christ and to be ruled by him as Lord and King which faith and consent is to be confessed in order to Baptism by which the believer visibly gives up himself to the Lord as to be saved so to be ruled by him What other things are held forth in Baptism its meet for Christians to be instructed in as the washing away of sin Acts 22. 16. that is the pardon and purging away of sin by the blood of Christ not the washing of the filth of the flesh but the answer of a good conscience toward God 1 Pet. 3. 21. Yet the washing of the flesh is a figure of that within and a Conformity to Christ in his Death and Burial thereby signifying our Death to sin and our natural death likewise to confirm our Faith in the truth of the Resurrection Rom. 6. 3 4 5 6. 1 Cor. 15. 29. and why Baptism and the Supper of the Lord which is the second instituted Ordinance that I shall mention should be so frequently called Seals as they are by some I know not because the Scripture knows no such things some calls themselves to Seal Gods love to the soul and the believers interest therein As to this its true the love of God and Christ is abundantly held forth therein and the believer exercising faith may and I hope do meet with refreshing and sealing consolations therein and so he doth in other of the instituted Ordinances of Christ i. e. the Word and Doctrine of the Gospel but without the exercise of Faith he profits by neither Heb. 4. 2. Others say they are Gods Seals to confirm his truth in his Covenant to us and that God never sets Seal to the truth of any mans interest that we must look to our selves whether we have the faith to which the Covenant is made God seals to that he will not fail in performing of the Covenant on his part which have something of truth in it i. e. it behoves us to look that our faith is right and God will not fail in performance of his Covenant of life but its true likewise that God hath and doth set seal to the truth of his peoples faith in the Covenant of his Grace else they can have no seal but their own which must needs prove invalid in the day of
need if Gods seal and theirs concur not in the matter Rom. 8. 16. The spirit it self beareth witness with or to our spirit that we are the Children of God the spirit of Christ is the alone sealing evidence to the hearts of Christians and that by his word and work in them Eph. 1. 13 14. 2 Cor. 1. 22. this is such a Sealing evidence to the hearts of Christians as that who so have it not is none of his Rom. 8. 9. and to call any of his Ordinances Seals is besides all Scripture rule as for the truth of God in his Covenant I think we cannot have more confirming Seals then his Word and Oath two immutable things in which it is impossible for God to lye Heb. 6. 17 18. and the gift of his son from Heaven for Salvation of Sinners that believe and obey him What greater and surer seals these I know not of the truth of God and his Spirit working and effecting Faith in and by those Sealing evidences of his love to men is the Sealing Earnest of our inheritance The Supper of the Lord is an instituted 2. The Supper of the Lord. Ordinance of Jesus Christ to be practised by the Church till his second coming 1 Cor. 11. 26. a like Figure as Baptism very significant and of special use in the Church of Christ if Faith be rightly exercised therein and serves especially to keep in remembrance the Death and Sufferings of our Lord Jesus and the benefits we receive thereby the great love of God and Christ to men being therein discovered 1 Cor. 11. 26. and the great sin in those that partake thereof is in not discerning the Lords body that is the breaking of the Lords body and the shedding of the Lords blood for our sins and the greatness of the Lords love therein 1 Cor. 11. 29. it being an Ordinance that presenteth Jesus Christ Crucified with all his benefits to the eye that the eye may affect the heart for all good comes to the heart by the ear and by the eye the Doctrine of the Gospel comes to the heart by the ear in hearing and by the eye in seeing and reading this Ordinance is for the eye that the heart may be affected and for the taste and stomach that the sense of hunger and feeding may be of spiritual use to learn the soul to feed on Christ who is the bread of Life in which we may observe the Wisdome of God to make use of our senses for our spiritual good Gal. 3. 1. This holy Ordinance is for the holy people of God the Church his holy Nation who alone by true Faith are interested in this Crucified Jesus who ever eats and drinks thereof without interest therein eats and drinks damnation to themselves What sad and bad work then do they make that will bring in all make up a Church of multitudes of Hypocrites to damn them as if the design of God and Christ in the Gospel had been to get in multitudes into the Church on purpose to damn them such will have a sorry account in the great day who thus pervert the Lords end in his Death and corrupt and defile his Church and holy Ordinances 3. Ordinance and Institution of Christ 3. Preaching in his Church is the Preaching of the Gospel for Building up of the Church in their most Holy Faith as all the Ordinances of Christ are There is a two fold Administration of the Doctrine of the Gospel the first for conversion and gathering into the Church Mat. 28. 19. Mar. 16. 15 16. Acts 2. 37 38. and 26. 16 17 18. The 2. for building up of the Church in the holy Faith after Conversion and Gathering Mat. 28. 20. Acts 2. 41 42. this being the end of Gods giving gifts to men Eph. 4. 11 12 13. They are bad Ministers who turn the World into the Church without repentance and Faith and so build up a multitude of Hypocrites and prophane persons instead of the Body of Christ neither Jesus Christ nor deceived poor Sinners will thank them for it in the end 4. Ordinance of Christ in his Church 4. Prophecie is Prophecy much spoken of in Scripture though I fear I may say its almost lost out of the Church but of this I shall speak more distinctly when I come to speak of the Officers in the Church though I take not this of Prophesie to be performed as an Office by an Officer as such but by a gift 5. Ordinance is Prayer although its 5. Prayer true this is not for the Church alone but is the duty and property of all believers as such Col. 4. 2. 1 Thes 5. 17. yet it is a Church Ordinance Acts 2. 42. Where Doctrine breaking bread and Prayers are set together as the great and common Ordinances of the Church in which they had fellowship together in 1 Tim. 2. 1. Ephes 6. 18. Jude verse 20. which in the Church as all other of Christs Ordinances are is to be performed by men and not by women 1 Tim. 2. 8. See more about this of Prayer Chap. 22. 6. Praising God or singing Praises to 6 Praising him is an Ordinance of Christ in his Church as well as the duty of all Saints at all times See 1 Cor. 14 15 16. where both Prayer and Singing are mentioned as it ought to be performed in the Church Col. 3. 16. the manner is exprest to be such as in Prayer one to speak to the Praise of God so that the rest may joyn in with him to say Amen as in Prayer for all to sing in Meeter together is that for which there is no rule that I know in Law or Gospel In the Old Testament Singers were appointed to that service 1 Chron. 9. 33. Ezr. 2. 65. Neh. 5. 67. and did perform it by turn answering each other 1 Sam. 18. 6 7. Exod. 15. 20 21 But I judge that Old Testament Singing is ended as to the manner thereof and I am sure there is no rule in the New for that which now by most is practised Gospel Singing should be new Songs by a new People sutable to the new Covenant Psal 96. 1. and 98. 1. such Songs as none can learn but the Redeemed ones Rev. 14. 3. no marvail if such as are for Forms of Worship in Prayer and Praise be for a Formal people void of the Spirit and strangers to Spiritual Worship And as this is an Ordinance so it is a gift in the Church of Christ as Prayer is and is so to be performed a hearty giving thanks for mercies received so as that the rest may say Amen that is joyn in praysing which is exprest in saying Amen as in Prayer they are greatly mistaken who think that there is no Singing but in Meeter and with a Singing Tone 7. Ordinance of Christ in the Church is 7. Discipline Church Discipline Order and Government and the Administring Church censures according as occasion and need calls for it
and herein is the Royal and Regal Authority of Christ in an especial manner kept up in his House his Church his Kingdom which consists in the execution of his Laws upon Transgressors in all cases according to the fact reproof admonition withdrawing 2 Thes 3. 6. rejecting if there be no other remedy nor means can prevail and this is that which makes much for the honour of Christ and good of his Church to preserve from sin recover faln sinners and to preserve the Church pure from defilements of this the Scripture is full and clear 1 Cor. 5. 7 8 13. 2 Tim. 2. 21. Heb. 12. 15 16. Mat. 18. 15 16 17. 2. Of the Officers in the Church of 2. Of the Officers in the Church of Christ Christ take we the Church of the New Testament since the death and Resurrection of the Testator to be but one Church state as the Church of the Old Covenant was from Circumcision untill the Death of Christ Then 1. Jesus Christ is the great Officer in of his Church the Angel Messenger Bishop Shepherd Prophet Apostle Lord Law giver and King of his Church whose lawful subjects believers are but he being ascended up on high to do work there for his Church in order to its spiritual and eternal wellfare hath left in his room and stead Gifts and Officers for the good of his Church which are as enumerated in the Scripture Apostles Prophets Evangelists Pastors and Teachers and all for the good of the Church Eph. 4. 11. 12. 1. Apostles men immediately called 1. Apostles inspired and sent for the first publishing of the Gospel and first planting of the Gospel Church being endued with power for such a work to give laws and directions from Jesus Christ for his Churches direction in Faith and practice till his second coming but such Apostles we now have none but they were and are our Apostles we being of the same Gospel Church Though according to the common sense of the word Apostle that is sent so we have or might or should have Apostles in the Church it signifying a messenger or one sent as I shall more fully declare in its place 2. Prophets now this of Prophets I 2. Prophets take not to be a distinct ordained Office as Pastor and Teacher but a gift in the Church and so an Ordinance of Christ for the Churches Edification not extraordinary any more then the other Ministry that we account to stand as the Ordinary Ministry in the Church probably the Prophets in the Primitive times might have more and greater gifts then any now but that Nulls not the gift nor use thereof in the Church no more then that because the Pastors and Teachers then had greater spiritual gifts then any now have Therefore we should have no Pastors nor Teachers now and so no Church and so no Religion those who work Prophets out of the Church might by the same reason and rule work out all and themselves too that by Prophets were intended ordinary Prophets for the edification of the Church what ever gifts they then had will appear if we consider 1. It was a gift to be obtained by industry and endeavour extraordinary prophesie was an immediate gift 1 Cor. 12. 31. and 14 39. 2. It was a Gift for the common good and Edification of the Church most of profit viz. of the Gifts singly Administred without Office in the Church therefore not to be lost or expulced out of the Church 3. Yet it was in some sense inferlour to that of Preaching by Office because he that is called to Office is not only a Prophet but more then a Prophet and this will appear if we consider 1. That all the Prophets work was to speak by way of Edification Exhortation and Consolation but the Elders or Officers work and duty was and is to Exhort Reprove Rebuke with all authority 2 Tim. 4. 2. Titus 2. 15. which none out of Office might authoritatively doe 2. The Doctrine of the Prophets must be judged and tryed as supposing they might speak amiss and fail but the Officers are supposed to have attained to such a degree of knowledge in the School of Christ as that there is no such rule prescribed for them 1 Cor. 14. 29 30 31. not that Officers or Elders are without all limitation in this matter but under the Churches judgment 3. Prophesie was such an Ordinance in the Church of Christ as that the Church it self might be too apt to despise it by reason of its meanness as is implyed 1 Thes 5. 19. 20. Quench not the spirit despise not Prophecyings it seems they were all for Preaching but despise Prophecyings as it is too much at this day 4. The Prophets might through weakness bring forth something that was not good or true yet not to be despised v. 21. Prove all things hold fast that which is good Which implyeth that there might drop some things from the Prophets that might not be good yet it should not be despised nor they discouraged but that which was good imbraced and that which was bad left and the Prophets instructed therein for their amendment All which proves that the Prophets were ordinary gifted persons in the Church for Edification after its first gathering till Officers were chosen and the Officers was to be chosen out of the Prophets that is to say the best gifted and quallified among them and this answereth the order 1. Apostles Secondarily Prophets c. and this was the rule observed Acts 13. 1 2. And out of these Prophets and Teachers must Barnabas and Saul be taken for more publick work and service and if this rule were observed in the Churches it would be a way according to the Lord's Order to raise up gifts in the Church fitted for Office as occasion calls for it for this of Prophecy is a constant order in the Churches to be continued Prophets and an official Ministry may and should be together in the Church so would not the Church be without persons gifted and fitted for office as need requireth The next out of the Prophets are Evangelists 3. Evangelists Gospel cryers or Gospel preachers or Apostles that is ordinary Apostles this is an office of great use in the Church though almost left out and lost as if it were extraordinary and only for the primitive times the reason thereof rendred because there are no such Gifts now nor Apostles to call them to the work or direct them in it A wonderful weak way of reasoning by the same rule we may reason out all offices and officers out of the Church yea and reason out Church and all for want of Apostles and Gifts and here lieth the great reason of the seekers loss want of Gifts and gifted persons as the Apostles to administer Gospel Ordinances and this is next of kin to it for the same reason that works out Evangelist will if followed work out all 1. That there were such called and authorized
Officers and Ministers belonging to the Church not extraordinary as the first Apostles but ordinary not infallibly inspired but such as received all their rules relating to their work from the Apostles as the Pastors and Elders did both in their ministerial work and in conversation 1 Tit. 2 3 Chap. and Chap. 4. 11 to 16. and Chap. 5. throughout and 6. 11 12 13. 2 Tit. 2. 14 15 16 22 to 26. So the Epistle to Titus proves the same with many others that might be mentioned 2. There is the same use and need of such a Ministry to preach the Gospel to the World for conversion and gathering and to take care for the establishing of the Churches and Officers therein which as it is Gods order in his Churches so would it be a mercy and a blessing to the Churches and much loss hath befaln the Church in the neglect hereof such a ministry if spirited for the work would be of general advantage to the Churches of Christ 3. That their call unto it was ordinary that is in the primitive times by the Apostles and Churches for there was no extraordinary Ministers but such as was immediately called as the Apostles were and all Officers in the Church besides Apostles were and are ordinary and to continue That they were so called to it is clear Timothy was called to this office by the laying on of the hands of the Presbytery 1 Tit. 4. 14. And these sort of Ministers were called sometimes Evangelists i. e. Gospel Preachers or Cryers 2 Tit. 4. 5. Act. 21. 8. Sometimes Apostles 2 Coâ— 8. 23. The Apostles of the Churches and the Glory of Christ Phil. 2. 25. The Apostle calls Epaphroditus his brother and companion c. and your Apostle that is the Churches Apostle by all which it appears that this official Ministry was ordinary and should be in the Church still and the Church suffereth much in the loss thereof for Gods Ordinances are not in vain and out of the Prophets in the Church should this and other Ministers be chosen according to the order stated First Apostles then Prophets and then Evangelists and Pastors and Teachers Eph. 4. 11. This is the method of God's Order in the Church 1 Cor. 12. 28. Where Evangelists in the term are left out but very probably included in that of Teachers that including all the official Ministry besides the first Apostles Paul and Barnabas who were not inferior Apostles yet in as much as their call was not from the mouth of Christ in the manner as the rest was they musâ— for order sake be taken out from among the Prophets and sent to the work in the ordinary orderly way of the Gospel Acâ— 13. 1 2 3. 2. Out of the Prophets are Pastors and Teachers to be chosen by the Church and ordained and although there be various Titles given in Scripture to these Officers as Pastors Teachers Elders Bishops c. It imports not variety of Offices but the fulness of the work every Title being significant Pastor to feed Teacher to instruct Elder to rule Bishop to oversee it 's possible that all may be in one man but in as much as these gifts may be more eminent some in one and some in another sutably should they be exercised That those Titles hold not forth any distinction in Office or variety of Offices or any superiority in Office one above another in way of authority though in distinction by gift doth appear Tit. 1. 5 6 7. Where the Apostle first calls them Elders ver 5. For this cause left I thee in Creet that thou mightest ordain Elders c. and after ver 7. Bishops for a Bishop must be blameless c. By which it appears that Bishops and Elders are one and the same Office 1 Tit. 3. The Apostle sums up all the Ministry of the Church on this account under the Name of Bishop and Chap. 5. 17. under the Name of Elders by which it appears that Bishops and Elders was one and the same Office only Elders distinguished by ruling and teaching which distinguisheth not the Office but the exercise therein sutable to the gift both in teaching and ruling the like distinction we have Rom. 12. 7 8. distinguished by the Gift more than by the Office Elders may have a gift to teach well and rule well too others may have a gift to rule well and teach but little or teach well and little gift to rule and sutable should they be exercised in the Church Phil. 1. 1. These sorts of Officers are all included in that of Bishops and 1 Pet. 5. 1. They are all included in Elders who were Pastors to feed the flock ver 2. Acts 20. 17. Paul calleth the Elders of the Church of Ephesus to him and ver 28. Calleth the same Elders Bishops Overseers and Peter calleth himself an Elder and a Witness of the sufferings of Christ 1 Pet. 5. 1. So that if any will suppose a superiority in Office among those varieties of Titles there is least ground of all for that of Bishop for Peter himself saith that he was an Elder but he no where calls himself a Bishop and Ordination was performed by the Presbytery not Episcopacy 1 Tit. 4. 14. and Hebr. 13. 7 17. They are summed all under that of rule and guides and these Officers are to carry on the administrations of the Church in an orderly way though the power of all is committed to the Church Matt. 28. 20. Yet the Church are to choose out such persons as God hath gifted and qualified for the Work that although the gift be from the Lord yet the authority of administring must be from the Church electing and Ordination of the Presbytery by Fasting and Prayer and imposition of hands Act. 13. 3. 1 Tit. 4. 14. Act. 6. 3 6. Who were the first Officers ordained in the Church and were ordained Elders though their work was to take care of the poor yet they were ordained Elders 1. All Offices was in the Apostles next to Jesus Christ they were Apostles Evangelists Elders Deacons did all and were all as is evident in this first Church and all other Officers and Offices came from them as necessity called for it and the first Office and Officers ordained in the Church were those Act. 6. and were ordained Elders though then especially to take care of the poor which the Apostles did before and Elders still may do if the work be not too much for them that they were ordained Elders is apparent 1. In that we read of no Officers in that Church but Apostles and Elders Act. 15. 6. ver 22. The whole are summed up in three distinctions i. e. Apostles and Elders and the whole Church ver 23. Apostles Elders and Brethren and Chap. 11. 30. The contribution was sent to the Elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul and without all controversy it was sent to them that had the care of that matter and here they are called Elders I mind this the
accountableness of Churches must necessarily render them 1. The more lyable to sin and miscarry because not accountable And 2. In case of sin and miscarriage are left miserable that is without any means of recovery to repentance which is ridiculous and perverse for any to imagine that Christ should be more careful of particular Members then of particular Churches 4. Without this accountableness of Churches and power of dealing with a transgressing sinning Church for Reformation it must necessarily import a necessity for the whole to have Fellowship with a sinning Church in their sin that principle that leaves sinners without any help from their sins and so leaves them to perish without hope or help and leaves the whole under the gift of their sins and miscarriages by holding fellowship with them in that Estate is to be abhorred of all Christians and Churches of Christ Obj. These are weighty reasons for accountableness Obj. of Churches and appeals in case of sin on any account make Administrations of sensures or wickedness in conversation justified or false Doctrine maintained but in as much as plain Scripture rule is that which binds conscience and justifieth practice some may startle from this for want of plain Scripture rule to warrant in this case or at least make a plea to justifie them in their noâ— accountableness therefore Precept or President would be of use to clear and confirm us in this matter Answ 1. In cases left doubtful and dark Answ in Scripture we must and it s a common received principle resolv'd by Scripture Reason and Scripture Reason is a sufficient rule as that without this Churches must suffer sin in each other without any means of help which is contrary to Lev. 19. 17. 2. Without this there is a necessity for all Churches to have fellowship with an erroneous Church in their sins contrary to Eph. 5. 11. and so justly draw the guilt of sin upon themselves Ezek. 3. 18. Acts 18. 6. and 20. 26. 3. Without this Churches are left in worse case then Members without the means of help and recovery in case of sin Christs Ordinances proves of advantage sometimes to keep from sin sometimes to recover out of sin when insnared therewith therefore those who oppose this accountableness of the Churches are therein no friends unto them nor to Jesus Christ 4. Without this wronged persons in matters of censure could have no redress but must lye under their oppressions without remedy which is that which some have asserted that if a Church cast out its best Members unjustly that there is no help a horrid principle to be hushed out of all Christian Society which would render the Church and Government of Christ more obnoxious and dangerous then any humane Government which in many cases admitteth of appeals on supposition of Male Administrations and uncomfortable for any serious souls to come into the Church who probably some time or other may fall under a Diotrephes without all hope or help But I shall yet propound some further weighty Scripture grounds for confirmation of this practice 1. The many Scriptures that gives us very much light in this matter Acts 15. 2 3. in the case of the difference at Antioch about Circumcision the Church appealed to the Apostles and Elders at Jerusalem with the whole Church as appears ver 1. 2. with ver 23. The Apostles Elders and Brethren which was the whole Church so in the case of the Incestuous person 1 Cor. 5. 1. the Apostle determines the matter and they follow his advice See chap. 7. 1. c. about the matter of Marriage and putting away of the unbeliever about which they had written to him he resolves the case and that not altogether in way of power without the Church as is evident 2 Cor. 1. 24. Not that we have dominion over your faith but are helpers of your joy So he determines the case of the disorderly Members 2 Thes 3. 6. 1 Joh. ver 9 10. in the case of Diotrephes evil Administration of censures casting out such as he should not Wherefore saith the Apostle I come I will remember his deeds which he doth c. Now what in ordinary cases the Apostles did formerly the Ministers and Churches may and ought to do now in like cases it being patterns for all times as occasion requires in the Administrations of the Church and for the preservation of the peace and purity of the whole Mat. 28. 20. Teaching them that is the Church Baptised Believers with their Ministry to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you So that the Churches have as full power from Christ for preservation of the whole in their Loyalty to him in Purity and in Peace as the Apostles had which is a full and warrantable authority in this matter As an illustration of this matter remarkable to this purpose is that of the two Tribes and half building an Altar Josh 22. 10. which was an act in appearance contrary to the Law of God and so a matter of fact to be inquired into Exod. 20. 24. with Lev. 17. 18. Deut. 12. 5 6. and the rest of the Tribes sent Pheneas and ten Princes with him to inquire after the matter and to lay as they judged sin to their charge and those Tribes owned their brethren in the matter and gave them a good account to their satisfaction ver 22. those Tribes had no Lordship given them over each other yet was it their duty to look to each other that the Law of God was not transgressed and to execute the Law in such cases The like we read about the abuse of the Levites Wise Judg. 19. 20. chap. on his complaint they all as one man joyn in the matter to avenge the sin by all which it appeareth that the Church of God throughut all ages hath had this power to rebuke sin and maintain truth in dealing with either persons or assemblies in case of sin according to the rule of the present ministration under which they lived and without repentance to withdraw Communion from them and in their obstinacy in an evill way to reject 2. This likewise comes under that general rule Phil. 4. 8 9. it is just and honest and lovely makes for Purity and Peace for the Churches to be subject one to another as it behoves Members in this case 1 Pet. 5. 5. So that then it follows 1. That Church which refuseth to be accountable of any of their actions to their neighbour Churches being desired on complaint of miscarriages on this ground that they have no power to inquire after any of their matters and that they are accountable to none but God do hereby make a breach upon the Law of relation and exclude all Churches from their fellowship and so stand by themselves alone 2. That such a Church is no more fit for the Communion of Churches then a Member in a particular Church that will not live under the Law of the Relation and will be accountable to
none but God a principle that makes persons not meet to live among men much less in the Society of the Churches of Christ 3. That on the grounds stated it is the duty of the Churches in case of complaint of scandal in Doctrine Discipline or Manners of any particular Church in the same fellowship to make dilligent and speedy inquiry into the matter that they may thereby shew their love to and zeal for the Glory of God the purity and peace of his Church the good of the offenders and preservation of themselves from the guilt of others sins 4. That if any Church come under a report or complaint of miscarriage and scandall in Doctrine Manners or unjust censures and refuse to give an account thereof being tenderly desired or to clear up the matter in a just way that is the supposed Offenders and offended with their witnesses to be heard before the Neighbour Churches or their Ministers and Members appointed for that service the Churches ought to withdraw their fellowship from such a Church to preserve themselves pure from their sin whatever is a just ground for one Church to exclude a Member is a just ground for a Church to be excluded in like case and this is a just ground to exclude a Member 1. Report and complaint of scandalous sin 2. It being inquired after a positive refusal to give an account especially before the witnesses that accuse 3. A denying the power of the Church to make inquiry and to deal in the matter c. If such a person be fit for fellowship in a particular Church then such a Church may be fit for the Fellowship of Churches Mat. 18. 17. So that in a word its evident that it s not only the Churches sin that refuseth to be accountable to her Neighbour Sister Churches but that the Churches do sin in neglecting or delaying to call such a Church to account which is under complaints reports and jealousies of sin in any case in not performing their duty to God or men nor can they acquit themselves before the Lord untill they have impartially done their duty in this matter that it is a duty and to be done in Christs authority is clear and full from Col. 3. 17. or else they must leave Christs authority or leave the work wholly undone which is contrary to the true sense and reason of the Scripture as hath been before proved or do it in their own will and authority CHAP. XXIX Sheweth that the Estate of the Church in this World is an Afflicted Estate NOtwithstanding God hath called his people in the New Covenant of his Grace to glory and vertue and that he hath made them nigh to himself his own children by Grace and Adoption and interested them in Glory yet in this world in their following and serving him they must expect to meet with Afflictions and Tribulations for his Name and Sake the truth hereof appeareth 1. from Scripture 2. from Experience 1. From Scripture nothing is more fully and clearly stated then this Joh. 16. 3. 3. Mat. 16. 24. this must be the portion of every one man and woman that will follow Christ they must expect to meet with Tribulations to meet with shame and reproach in the world with loss of friends relations and life it self when called to it Mat. 10. 37 38 39. this truth the Apostles confirmed in their doctrine after Christ Acts 14. 22. That we must through much Tribulation enter into the Kingdom of God 2 Tim. 3. 12. That all that will live Godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution men may live Godly according to the customs and wills of men in the times and places where they live without persecution but if any will live godly in Christ Jesus that is according to his laws and his will they must expect to meet with persecution 2. This the Primitive Church and all ages ever since hath and doth by experience witness I need not mention particular Scriptures or History or Experience in this matter it being so obvious and clear that he that runs may read Act. 20. 23. 1 Cor. 9. to 13. 2 Cor. 11. 23. to 28. 2 Thes 1. 4. Rev. 2. 9 10. History and Experience proves the same the wonderful persecutions wrongs and deaths the Saints have met withall in all ages abundantly confirms the truth The reasons hereof are 1. Relating to the men of the world from whence the persecution always cometh and that 1. From their ignorance that is the foundation cause men are ignorant of God and his truth Strangers to the life of God through the ignorance that is in them hence flows all the mischief ordinarily that is in the world Joh. 16. 3. And these things will they doe unto you because they have not known the Father nor me 1 Cor. 2. 8. Had they knâ—wn they would not have Crucified the Lord of Glory Hence Christ prayeth for his Persecutors Luke 23. 34. Father foâ—gâ—ve them for they know not what they doe and the Apostle confesseth that while he was a Persecutor he did it ignorantly in unbelief 1 Tim. 1. 13. Let us learn to pitty poor Persecutors and pray for them according to the command of our Lord and example of himself and his servant Stephen Acts 7. 60. for they are blind and they know not what they doe 2. As flowing from their ignorance is their Pride of Heart who think their own ways and wills best and so hate the will of Christ and persecute his people for walking therein they will have their own imaginations to be the truth and nothing else and this pride flows from ignorance for all pride flows from ignorance for if men knew God and themselves it would not be possible for them to be proud but to abase themselves and submit to him and would be willing that he should rule and that his people should serve him Psal 10. 2. The wicked in his pride doth persecute the poor c. ver 4. The wicked through the pride of his countenance will not seek after God c. Isa 10. 12 13. so that ignorance and pride goeth together and both bringeth forth Persecution Psal 140. 5. The proud hath hid a snare for me and Cords they have spread a Net by the way-side they have set grins for me And note it s the proud that hath done it 3. As flowing from both enmity and mallice the old enmity still remaining and working in the Serpents seed Gen. 3. 15. Mat. 23. 33. saith Christ â—e Serpents ye Generation of Vipers how can ye escape the damnation of hell From hence it is they love violence Psal 11. 5. Him that loveth violence his Soul hateth and that not only the Anti-Christian Heathens but the Anti-christian and false Church walketh in the same steps Rev. 1â— 6. And I saw the woman that is the Babylonish false Church drunken with the blood of Saints and with the blood of the Martyrs of Jesus Christ c. chap. 18. 24. and in
her was found the blood of Prophets and Saints and all that were slaâ—n upon the earth And of this the Prophet Micah Prophecyeth that Persecution should be in the hand of the false Church in the latter days Mic. 7. 10. Then she that is mâ—ne enemy shall see it and shame shall cover her O ye dreadful state of pretended Church Persecutors it s a higher degree of wickedness in them then in the Heathens who deny Christ and greater will be their Judgment 4. Because God hath called them out of the world and made them to dâ—sser therefore do the world hate them Joh. 15. 19. 1 Pet. 4. 4. because they dare not run to the same excess of Riot in matters of Worship and Conversation therefore doth the world hate them â— Reasons relating to the people of God and 1. they cannot well be without it they need Afflictions and may not be without it though like little children they like it not 1 Pet. 1. 6. Though now for a season if need be ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations the Lords people hath need of manifold temptations of much tribulation Quest. What is the need that Christians Quest have of Tribulations Ans 1. There is need because of sin ordinarily Answ God afflicts his people for sin Lam. 3. 39. Man suffereth for his sin it is to make his people partakers of his holiness Heb. 12. 10. The fruit of all is to take away the sin Isa 27. 9. O that â—in that doth so easily beset the Saints is the cause of the miseries and afflictions that doth so ordinarily and often attend them Psal 89. 30 31 32. 1 Cor. 1â— 30 31 32. Quest. What sins are they for which God Quest doth ordinarily afflict his people Answ 1. All sin and therefore none of Answ us all can plead guiltless or charge God justly we must say as Jam. 3. 2. In many things we offend all but especially and particularly it may be 1. For the sin of Covetousness as I minded chap. 22. with other sins I there minded which hinders the prevalency of Prayer which are the causes oâ— Gods afflicting his people but in this place I shall speak more full Isa 57. 17. For the iniquity of his covetousness was I wrath with him and smote him c. God is wrath with and smites his people for Covetousness and worldly mindedness when they set their hearts on the world more then upon him or more then they should he will correct them this was his complaint of his people Jer. 6. 13. That from the least of them even to the greatest every one of them is given to covetousness therefore it is not in vain that our Lord warns us Luke 12. 15. Take heed and bewaâ—e of Covetousness and the Apostle Eph. 5. 3. But Fornication and all uncleanness â—â— covetousness let it not be so much as named among you as becometh Saints Quest Is there any such thing as Covetousness in the World or especially among Christians and in the Church Answ Surely if the Scriptures be true there is and I fear that experience too much proves the truth hereof in this I shall note three things 1. What it is and wherein it consists 1. In the lusting after and coveting that which is none of ours Exod. 20. 17. Thou shalt not Covet thy neighbours house c. Rom. 7. 7. I had nâ—t known lust except the Law had said thou shalt not Covet Matthew 5. 27 28. Quest Is it not lawfull for me to Covet oâ— desire what another hath if I need it provided I am willing to buy it and pay its worth for it Answ Nay unless the party be willing Answ to sell it 1 King 1. 21. 1 2 3. in the case of Ahab coveting Naboths Vineyard who offered to give him a better for it or its worth in mony The effect of that covetousness may be read in letters of blood and should be a warning to covetous persons who desire that which is none of theirs 2. An unlawful getting any worldly thing or any unlawful gain Jer. 17. 11. As the Partridge sitteth on eggs and hatcheth them not so he that getteth riches and not by right shall leave them in the midest of his daies and at the end shall be a fool Quest When may Riches be said to be Quest unlawfully gotten Answ 1. When it is stoln Theft is the Answ highest degree of Covetousness and unlawful gain in act on any account Exod. 20 15. Thou shalt not steal Eph. 4. 28. Let him that stole steal no more c. Prov. 9. 17. Sâ—oln waters are sweeâ— c. Therefore God makes a Law to punish this sort of covetousness in its own kind Exod. 22. 1 2 3 4. 2. When it is gotten by fraud lying couzening and cheating then it 's covetously and wickedly gotten Mic 6. 10 11 12. Lev. 6. 1 2 3. and 19. 11 13. 1 Thes 4. 6. Commending that which is bad for good and discommending that which is good and say it is bad see it both in Amos 8. 5 6. Prov. 20. 14. 3. When it 's gotten by oppression of the poor grinding and hard dealing when it is gotten out of the bowels of the poor when they give not sufficient for their labour or defraud them of their due and right or keep it from them for their own advantage to the prejudice and wrong of the poor Isa 3. 14. Amos 4. 1. and 5. 11. Jam. 5. 4. Deut. 24. 14 15. 4. When it is gotten in the over eager pursuit of a lawful calling when the design is to get the riches of the World Ps 127. 2. 1 Tit. 6. 10. Prov. 20. 21. and 23. 4. and 28. 20. When men rob their bellies of what is meet and rob their eyes of sleep and their families of that rest peace and good they might and should enjoy and rob God of his time and their souls of good and all to fill their purses to grow great and rich in this World it 's an high degree of covetousness and a great sin and shame for any Christians to be sound in this practice 3. An unlawful keeping when men have it and the Lord calls for it which is especially for his Ministers and for his poor 1. For his Ministers and that as just and due debt for their serving the Lord and his Church that they may live comfortably with their Brethren in the work and service see 1 Cor. 9. 7 14. Gal. 6. 6. 1 Tit. 5. 17 18. 2. His poor Gal. 6. 10. Mat. 26. 11. 1 Tiâ— 6. 17 18. 1 Joh. 3. 17 18. And that willingly and chearfully for both Christs Ministers and his poor are with the Church in his stead though on a differing account one for service and the other for trial and look how the Church deals with them here so would they deal with Christ were he present and so he taketh it and so will he account with men at the last day 2. The greatness of the sin