them outwardly by kingdome priesthood and prophesie he gave them also his good Spirit to instruct them and Iesus Christ his Son the Angel of his face or presence saved them yet they both envied Moses and Aaron the holy one of the Lord and often provoked grieved tempted God himself and limited the Holy one of Israel they rebelled vexed his holy Spirit the Spirit of the Lord which had given theÌ„ rest therefore was he turned to be their enimy and fought against them In these last dayes of the Gospell we are also taught how some that have tasted of the heavenly gift were made partakers of the Holy Ghost yet fall so away that they caÌ„not be renewed vnto repeÌ„tance So that even wicked men and reprobates do often receive the gifts of the Spirit whereby they do many great works yet are not benifited hereby vnto salvation for they have not the grace of God to sanctifie those gifts seal theÌ„ vp vnto the day of redemption therfore God taketh his holy Spirit from them and sometyme sendeth his evil spirit in sted thereof to vex them as he did vnto Saul this worthily seing there are of these wretches that do even despite the Spirit of grace 7. But the Saincts elect of God have an other manner coÌ„munion with the Holy Ghost for their help comfort and sanctification in this life and assurance of life eternall For because they are sons God sendeth the Spirit of his son into their harts which crieth Abba Father so they are no more servants but sons and heyrs also of God through Christ who hath obteyned of his Father this Comforter to abide with them for ever even the Spirit of truth whom the world cannot receiv because it seeth him not neyther knoweth him but they know him for hee dwelleth with them shal be in them their bodies are the Temples of the Holy Ghost 8. The communion which the Saincts have with the Spirit is in many particulars and that from the beginning of their dayes vnto the end For Ieremiah was sanctified and Iohn Baptist filled with the Holy Ghost even from their mothers wombs And we all that are born of God have our regeneration and new birth of the Spirit according to his mercy are saved by the washing of the new birth the renewing of the Holy Ghost 9. The word of God which it the immortal seed whereby we are begotten hath alwayes been vttered explayned and vnderstood by means of this Spirit David testifieth of himself that the Spirit of the Lord spake in him his word was in his tongue our saviour Christ and his Apostles doe witnesse also the same concerning him so the things that he spake we must receiv as the sayings of the Holy Ghost The like is to be minded for Isaias Michaias and al other Prophets by whose hands the Lord protested among his people by his spirit for Prophesie as the Apostle saith came not in old time by the wil of man but holy men of God spake as they wer moved by the Holy Ghost the Lord Iehovah his Spirit sent them Yea Christ himself had the Spirit of God put on him that hee might shew judgment to the Gentils and was anoynted with the Spirit that he might preach the Gospel to the poor and vnto the Apostles whom hee had chosen gave he coÌ„mandements through the Holy Ghost who also having received the Spirit which is of God spake the things that were given them of him not in the words which mans wisdome taught but which the holy Ghost did teach them so preached they the Gospel vnto the Saincts by the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven 10. Vnto this Gospel of salvation first preached by the Lord and after coÌ„firmed by them that heard him God bare witnes both with signes and wonders and with divers miracles and gifts of the Holy Ghost For to one as the Apostle sayth was given by the Spirit the word of wisdom to an other the word of knowledge by the same spirit to an other Faith by the same Spirit to an other the gifts of healing by the same Spirit to an other the operations of great works to an other Prophesie to an other discerning of spirits to an other diversities of tongues to an other the interpretatioÌ„s of toÌ„gues and al these things wrought even the self same Spirit distributing to every man severally as he would 11. But these spiritual gifts though they were powred out vpon many yet are they not neyther ever were given vnto al as it is written Are al doers of miracles have al the gifts of healing doe al speak with tongues doe al interpret Agayn to al that have them they ar not seals of the adoption of Sons for if men have prophesie and know al secrets and al knowledge if they have al fayth so that they can remove mountayns and have not Love they ar nothing Yet is this manifestation of the Spirit given to every man to profit withall as the Apostles were Gods witnesses concerning the things which they sayd so was the holy Ghost whom God gave to them that obeyed him the Spirit was one of the three witnesses on earth as the Apostle Iohn sayth 12. As the mysterie of Christ was reveled to his holy Apostles and Prophets by the Spirit they preached the Gospel vnto others by the Holy Ghost sent down froÌ„ heaven as the ordinary permanent officers of the Churches are made Overseers by the Holie Ghost to feed the Church of God so by the hearing of Faith preached do men receive the Spirit which God openly shewed when while Peter yet was speaking the Holy Ghost fel on all them which heard thâ—â— word And as by the work of the Spirit the word is received and beleeved so is the same also obeyed kept and reteyned through the Holy Ghost that dwelleth in us The Sacraments also have by him their effects in vs as it is written by one Spirit are we al baptised into one body whither Iewes or Greeks whither bond or free and have bene aâ—â— made to drink into one Spirit 13. And having thus our new birth caling vnto and stablishing in the faith by the work of the holy Ghost we ar further by him confirmed comforted emboldned assisted in al our spiritual battels against Satan this world and our own corruptioÌ„s For wear streÌ„gthned by Gods Spirit in the inner maÌ„ being armed with the word of God which is the sword of the Spirit we stand fast and though the enimy come like a flood yet the Spirit of the Lord shal chase him away as sayth the Prophet And in rebuking the world he vseth great boldnes convincing them of syn of righteousnes and of judgement so
life also and conversation he shewed all manner holynes without syn or spott For such an high priest it became vs to hav as is holy harmlesse vndefiled and separated from synners And he giveth holines and purity to his church for whose sake he sanctified himself and is therfore worthily intituled the holy one of God even the Holie of holies vnto whom the Seraphim doe sing as he sitteth on the high throne of his glorie within his temple Holy holy holy is the Lord of hosts 3. The Angels are spirits holy by nature so created of God at the first and hauing kept their original are stablished by Gods election through Christ their head in their holy happy estate for ever therfore carie the title of Angels elect and holie Yet even these heavenly spirits being compared with God himself the bottomlesse fountaine of holines ar as impure in his sight hide their faces though through the grace of God by which they ar confirmed they alwayes doe behold his face 4. Holines in men by nature ther is not any for they ar sinners vnclean from the wombe children of wrath and rather to be reputed beasts then men having lost the holines wherin God at first created them as before is shewed But holines is restored againe to men by the Lord as it is written I The Lord sanctify you and againe Now the God of peace sanctify you throughout wherfore he caleth himself the Lord our Holy one 5. This our sanctification is ascribed vnto the Father according to the prayer of Christ Sanctify them with thy truth and in the epistle of â—ude to them that ar caled and sanctified of God the Father It is ascribed to the Son who loved the church and gav himself for it that he might sanctify it and of God is made vnto vs wisdome and justice sanctification redemption Also to the holy Ghost as it is written ye ar washed ye ar sanctified ye ar justified in the name of the Lord Iesus and by the spirit of our God 6. Our sanctification in Christ is two wayes First by imputation of that which himself wrought for vs when by the wil of God we wer sanctified by the offring of his body once and thus are we washed from our sins in his blood and God reconciled vs to himself in the body of his flesh through death to make vs Holy and vnblameable without fault in his sight SecoÌ„dly it is by his own gracious work in vs baptising vs with the holy spirit into his death burial resurrection that our old man being crucified with him the bodie of sin might be destroyed henceforth we should not serv sin but give our members servants vnto righteousnes in holynes and so being freed from sin and made servants vnto God may have our fruit in holines and the end everlasting life Both which wayes of our sanctification vvere shadowed out vnto Israel by blood and by oile 7. For when the body of that church was purged once a year the blood of the syn offring was sprinkled in the inmost holy place of the Sanctuary and vpon the altar without to â—ense and sanctify them from the sin and vncleannes of the sons of Israel When the priests were consecrate the blood of their sacrifice was put vpon their right eares thumbs toes and sprinckled vpon their bodies and garments that so they might be sanctified even as before at the making of the covenant the people had beÌ„ sprinckled with blood The holy Ghost thereby signifiing how by the blood of Christ much more our coÌ„sciences should be purged and therefore caleth it the blood of the testament wherwith we are sanctified 8. The precious oynting oyle made of principall spices and called holie did hallow and sanctifie the Tabernacle and al therin the brazen alter and all his instruments the Laver and his foot the Priests their garments on whom it was sprinckled together with the blood of their consecraion for their sanctification and figured out the graces of the Spirit and oyntment that wee have from him that is holy that Christ and his spirit being in vs the body may be dead because of syn and the Spirit life for righteousnes sake whiles the anoynting that we have received dwelleth in vs Christ as a bundle of myrrh lodgeth betweene our brests Thus are we made an acceptable sacrifice vnto God beeing sanctified by the holy Ghost 9. The outward means which God vseth for our sanctification is his truth or word as it is written Sanctifie them with thy truth thy Word is truth By this word fayth is wrought in vs which fayth purifieth the hart sanctifieth the beleevers and causeth them to sanctify the Lord as vnbeleef maketh men that they sanctify him not and therfore is worthily caled the most holy faith The seals of the covenant do also confirm and help forward our faith and sanctification yea even the chastisements of God vpon vs have this vse end that we might be partakers of his holines And we by prayer obteyn at Gods hand as other blessings so this sanctification both of our selves and of al his creatures to our vse Finally this grace is conveyghed both into our bodies into our spirits even into the whol man throughout so great is the Holy-one of Israel in the mids of vs. CHAPT VII How the word of God was communicated with Adam his children of the Saincts interest in the same Forasmuch as the word of God is the truth wherby we our selves ar sanctified and al his creatures vnto our vse even the immortal seed by which we ar begotten and born anew of Gods own wil that we should be as the first fruits of his creatures and the syncere milk without guile wherby we ar nourished grow in faith let vs take a view of this tresure and tree of life which is better to the Saincts then thowsands of gold and silver sweeter also then honey or the honey comb even sweetnes to the sowl and health to the bones which if a man keep he shal never see death 2. Three wayes ther are wherby God maketh himself knowen vnto meÌ„ The first is by his works for the invisible things of him that is his eternall power and Godhed ar seen by the creation of the world the heavens declare his glorie the firmament sheweth the work of his hands the beasts if they be asked wil teach man the fowles of the heaven wil tel him the earth wil shew him and the fishes of the sea wil declare vnto him for how manifold ar the works of
glory of God al precious ornaments of his Spirit And so greatly doth the King delight in her bewty that the words which were spoken to the first woman Evah how her desire should be vnto her husband are now on the other hand as touching the affection of love applied by the Spowse vnto him whom her sowl loveth I am my welbeloveds and his desire is towards me 28. From all that which is before spoken of the Cōmunion that God hath caled vs vnto with his Son it followeth that whatsoever justice and holines was in Christ manifested in the flesh eyther by nature or by actiō the same is made ours by grace and imputation as on the contrary whatsoever syn vnrighteousnes is in vs by nature or action the same is made his by imputation and by him is healed and taken away that it can not be we now should perish if we hold fast our faith and confidence of rejoycing vnto the end Whatsoever troubles sorrowes or tentations syn onely excepted do befall vs in this life the like have befalle◠vnto him were by him overcome and shal from vs as already they are from him be done away Finally whatsoever freedom liberty Christ as mā in ordinarie estate had on earth cōversing amōg men◠the like hath he given dayly giveth confirmeth vnto Christiās whither we respect the spiritual law of God or the politick lawes of men and civil states For he it is that liveth in vs himself is ours and we are his graffed into his death and resurrection to eternal life he hath given his glory vnto Israel even the glory that the Father gav him hath he given vs that we may be one as the Father and he ar one he in vs and God in him wher he is ther shal we also be to behold his glory though for the present we walk by faith and not by sight and it doth not yet appear what we shal be The cōsideration of which riches of his grace may cause vs to say with the prophet how great is his goodnes how great is his bewtie And we may conclude with the last word of Moses the man of God Blessed art thou o Israel who is like vnto thee o people saved by the Lord the shield of thine help and which is the sword of thy glorie therfore thine enimies shal be in subjectiō to thee thow shalt tread vpon their high places CHAP. XIII Of our Communion with the holy Ghost ALthough the fellowship that we have with the holy Ghost who is one with the Father and the Son may much be discerned by that which is before spoken of God of Christ yet because the scripture speaketh many things of the work of Gods Spirit in vs and particularly of the Cōmunion of the Holy Ghost with vs it wil be for the good and comfort of the Saincts to consider the graces and benefits that do come vnto them by this cōmunion also in particular 2. And this the rather for that the Spirit is the Comforter that other Comforter or Advocate which the Father at Christs request doth give vnto vs for to abide with vs for ever and chear vs in the absence of our Lord Iesus from vs who is gone vnto his Father and ours that we should not be left as orphans on earth destitute of help and comfort amids our many trials and tribulations 3. Very great is the grace admirable the strength and consolation which this Comforter giveth to the Saincts as the example of the Apostles themselves doth confirm who al the while that Christ was with them in this world though he ceased not to teach inform thē to comfort and embolden them to reprove and blame them as there was occasion yet were they weak and faint in faith fearfull of their enimies forgetful of Christs promises without vnderstanding of his mysteries and overcaried many wayes with their own infirmities But when he had sent down vpon them the promise of his Father endued them with power from on high baptising them with the holy Ghost then began they to speak with other tongues as the Spirit gave them vtterance the wonderful works of God shewed great boldnes in preaching the word with great power witnessed the resurrection of the Lord Iesus and many signes and wonders were shewed by their hands and they ceased not to teach and preach Iesus Christ amongst many troubles rejoycing that they were counted worthy to suffer rebuke for his name 4. Neyther vnto them alone was the holy Ghost given though the abundance of his graces was powred most plentifully vpon them but al that in those dayes or before or synce do beleeve in the Lord Iesus Christ ar sealed also with the same spirit of promise furnished in some mesure with the gifts of the same Which grace the Lord himself proclaymed in that last and great day of the Feast of Tabernacles saying He that beleeveth in me as sayth the scripture out of his bel'y shal flow rivers of water of life speaking this of the Spirit which they that beleeved in him should receiv for if any man have not the Spirit of Christ the same is not his 5. As ther is but one God and Father of al and one Lord Jesus Christ so is ther but one and the same Spirit although for the diversities of gifts which that Spirit distributeth among the Saincts the scripture sometime speaketh as of seven Spirits which ar before the throne of God seven being a ful and perfect number and signifying Many and these seven Spirits be the seven hornes seven eyes that is the manifold and absolute power providence of the Lamb Christ Iesus of whom it was prophesied that the Spirit of the Lord should rest vpon him the Spirit of wisdom and Vnderstanding the Spirit of counsel of strength the Spirit of knowledge of the fear of the Lord of whō also it was witnessed God giveth him not the Spirit by mesure 6. The Spirit as he was at first creator of the world with the Father the Son garnished the heavēs so is he stil the finger of God that worketh effectually al his actions creating the creatures renewing the face of the earth And generally as God speaketh vnto men outwardly by the ministery of his word so sendeth he also inwardly motions of his Spirit against which many struggle to their just judgement In the old world Gods spirit strove in man as his word was preached by Noah but they sayd vnto God Depart from vs wherfore they were wrinckled before the time and the flood was powred out vpō their foundation Whē Israel came out of Aegypt the Lord sent before them Moses Aaron Miriam to guyd
let mercy be shewed them yet wil they not learn righteousnes in the land of equities they wil do wickedly and wil not behold the majestie of the Lord. 18. And of these ther ar two sorts some that are called to the knowledge of the truth hav received it with joy yet having no roots beleiv but for a while and in time of tentatiō go away Yea of these ther are that have been once lightened and hav tasted of the heavenly gift and been made partakers of the holy Ghost hav tasted of the good word of God and of the powers of the world to come and yet not with standing fall away and crucify againe to them selves the son of God and make a mock of him and tread him vnder foot and count the blood of the Testament as an vnholy thing wherewith they were sanctified and doe despite the spirit of grace Such it is impossible they should be renewed again vnto repentance neyther remayneth any more sacrifice for their syns but a fearful looking for of judgement and violent fyre which shal devour them And such howsoever they were among the Saints yet wer they not of them for then they would hav continewed with them neyther wer they of Christs sheep for then he would hav given them eternall life and they should never hav perished neyther should any hav plucked them out of his hand he would hav put his fear in their harts that they should not hav departed from him though they had fallen they should not hav been cast off for the Lord would hav put vnder his hand 19. Othersome ther are not caled to the faith but strangers from the covenants of promise whom God suffereth to walk in their owne wayes not shewing thē his word nor his statutes and judgements Or if he cause his gospel to come vnto them yet wil not they come vnto him that they might hav life they hear not his words because they are not of God neyther beleev because they are not Christs sheep al the day long he stretcheth forth his hand to an vnperswadeable and gainsaying people Yea beleeve they cannot because hee hath blynded their eyes and hardned their hart that they should not see with eyes nor vnderstand with hart and be converted and he to heal them the Lord hath covered them with the spirit of slomber 20. And these are for the most part the wise and learned of the world from whom God hideth the secret of his Gospel and worketh a marveilous work in this people even a marveilous work a wonder as sayth the Prophet that the wisedome of the wise men perish for the Lord knoweth that their thoughts be vayn Therefore he maketh their wisdom to perish and casteth away the vnderstanding of the prudent he powreth contempt vpon princes and causeth them to erre in desert places out of the way and maketh the strength of the mighty weak he scattereth the proud in the imagination of their harts and putteth down the mighty frō the thrones the wisedom of this world maketh he foolishnes and by the foolishnes of preaching saveth them that beleeve which also are the foolish weak vile and despised thinges of the world even things that are not which yet he hath chosen to bring to naugh◠the thinges that are that no flesh should reioyce in his presence but as it is written he that reioyceth let him reioyce in the Lord. 21. Thus Christ crucified is to the Iewes a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishnes and onely to them which are called both of Iewes Greeks he is the power of God the wisedom of God in whom they triumph say Loe this is our God we wayted for him and he wil save vs this is the Lord whom we waited for we wil ioy and be glad in his salvation 22. And thus is there a distinction made of the sonnes of Adam some left to perish in their syns the children of wrath as they were by nature who because they are not borne again they cannot see the kingdom of God othersome are bought from the earth and born a new of immortall seed and are not of this world but have their conversation in heaven power given them of Christ to be the sons of God which are born not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the wil of man but of God 23. Between these two sorts of men is great difference both in the affections of God who loveth the one and hateth the other and of Christ who prayeth for one not for another and in their affections againe towards God one towards another For the Saincts love the Lord and have mutuall love among themselves but the wickeds sowl abhorreth him and they hate such as he hath chosen out of the world and are hated again of them with perfect hatred Thus is there warr enmitie betwixt the iust and the wicked the one of them being an abhomination to the other 24. Hence is it that the scripture speaketh so much of the fellowship and communion of the Saincts with God and among themselves and of their separation from the Divil and from his children the wicked men evē in this life whiles yet they live together with them in civil societie breath one commune aier exspecting with patience the full and finall separation which Christ and his Angels will make at the last and great day of doom Of this holy communion here on earth I purpose to intreat as God hath given me to discern by his word His gracious spirit breath vpon my sowl and guyd my pen to set down his truth CHAPT IIII. VVho be the Saints of this Communion THat we may the better discern the Com̄uniō of Saints wherof we treat let vs first consider who the persons be that hav fellowship togither The Head highest in this holy societie is the Lord our God who is not onely Most holy in himself but cōmunicateth his holynes w th vs his creatures doth vouchsafe to hav fellowship with vs even in this life world as it is written If we say that we have communion with him walk in darknes we lye do not the truth but if we walk in the light as he is in the light we hav cōmunion one with an other that is God with vs and we with him and the blood of Iesus Christ his son clenseth vs from all syn For this cause he is often called in the scripture the Sainct or Holy-one of Israel and the King of the Saincts This is to be vnderstood of al three persons in the vnitie of the Godhead the Father the Son and the Holy Spirit of whom it is writtē He is holy Gods accordingly his
God in wisdomhath he made them al. 3. But because the world by wisdome knew not God in this wisdom of God though it be ynough to make al men without excuse it pleased God of his grace to giv vs his word as a second and more excellent means of knowledge by which word he hath magnified his name above al for it is able to make man wise vnto salvation and he that is of God heareth that his word and if any man love him he wil keep the same the Lord wil lov him againe dwel with him but they that refuse put it away do judge themselves vnworthy of everlasting life and that word shal judge them in the last day for despising of it they shal be destroyed 4. Yet is not the outward ministery of the word sufficient vnlesse we be also taught of God himself who therfore voucheth safe to giv vs a third help evē his own good spirit to instruct vs without which no man can say that Iesus is the Lord. By this his spirit God reveleth vnto vs the deep mysteries of his gospel this Anoynting teacheth vs all things and that worthy thing which is committed to vs we keep through the Holy Ghost that dwelleth in vs. Of whom and our communion with him more is to be spoken in due place 5. The Word of God whereof here we intreat was given to Adam even in his vpright state to be a law for him to lead his life in paradise It was again reveled vnto him after his fall to restore him grace and life which he had lost And not for himselfe alone received he this light but for all his children that were fallen with him into darknes and the shadow of death wherefore he imparted it to them as by the sacrifices of Cain and Abel doth appear Yea God himself spake vnto Cain though he was wicked and without faith and gave him warning of his evil way Likewise in the new world the covenant of God was by his word renewed with all Noahs howshold wherein were Cham and Canaan the vessels of destruction Christ also the sower of that precious seed let some fall on the high way some on stony ground some among thornes from which places no fruit did grow And his disciples were sent to preach the gospell to every creature to al nations vnder heaven By which appeareth the bountie of God that offreth the word of life vnto all even as he causeth his Sun to shine vpon just and vnjust and we are taught that the word of God may not be forbidden to be preached vnto any people be they never so profane or hethenish 6. But al people to whom the words of this life were spoken receyved not life by them for the word profiteth not if it be not mixed with beleef in them that hear it And the God of this world hath blinded the eyes of many vnbeleevers that the light of the glorious gospell of Christ which is the image of God should not shine vnto thē therfore they stumble at the word being vnperswaded to the which thing they were even ordeyned and the ambassadours of Christ to whom he hath committed the word of reconciliation are vnto such the savour of death vnto death They hate the light because they do evil wil not come to it least their deeds should be reproved for wickednes is sweet in their mouth they hide it vnder their tongue they favour it and wil not forsake it therefore abhorr they the light and know not the wayes thereof the morning is vnto them even as the shadow of death so salvation is farr from them for that they seek not the statutes of the Lord. 7. Againe because the word of God is contrary to humane reason and condemneth for foolishnes the wisdome of this world and calleth men out of themselves making all the glorie and grace of the flesh to fade as the flower of grasse and leading vs to Christ alone and him crucified therfore is the preaching of the crosse to them that perish foolishnes they despise al wisdomes counsell and correction and seek after another wisdom prudence of the flesh which is enmitie against God and cannot be subject to his law and her they follow as an oxe that goeth to the slaughter and as a fool to the stocks for correction though her howse is the way vnto the grave which goeth down to the chambers of death and her ghests are in the depth of hel 8. And forasmuch as many afflictions doe accompany the word of Christs patience that on them which receiv it the Sun of tribulation or persecution often ariseth and for it they are hated imprisoned exiled or killed so that a man must forsake himself and take vp his crosse and follow Christ therfore also many men ar offended ashamed of the testimonie of our Lord wil not be partakers of the tribulations of the gospel but choos iniquitie rather then affliction count it pleasure to liv deliciously for a season til ease doe slay the foolish and the prosperity of the fools destroy them 9. For when they thus contemne the word God withdraweth from them this favour and food of their sowles sending a samine in the land that their fayr virgins yong mē perish for thirst having caused the Sun to goe down at noō darkned the earth he letteth them walk in their own ignorance vnto perditiō So Cain for his crueltie contempt being banished from the presence of God we find not the benefit of Gods oracles to be after vouchsafed him or his as was vnto Seths posteritie The like is to be minded in the children of Cham Ismael Esau c. Who after they were removed from Gods church were also deprived of his word and doctrine which he continewed increased vnto the people that of his grace he called and kept to himself as his own 10. For the light of the Gospel and day of Christ was reveled vnto Abram Isaak and Iaakob and to the Israelites their posteritie did God give his law by Moses and continewed the preaching and opening of the same by other prophets and ministers when as the hethens had not this help but lay in darknes héarkning vnto witches soothsayers sorcerers necromancers and other like abominable instruments of Satan which turned to their eternall confusion when as for Israel the Lord their God suffred them not so but out of heaven he made them hear his voyce to instruct them and vpon earth he shewed them his great fyre and they heard his voyce out of the mids of the fyre they had ordinances and lawes most righteous to keep and to doe which was their praise for wisdome and
not to offer their offrings of blood nor make mention of their names with our lips not to frequent their assemblies nor eat of their sacrifices though they cal and invite vs thereto for even the word of God and all other holy things are polluted among them their prayers turned to syn and their sacrifices abomination to the Lord. 8. And not in hart and mynd alone are we to mislike eschew their idolatries other evil actions but to keep our bodies as wel as our spirits pure because Christ hath redeemed both with both we must glorify God We may not therfore swear by their idols nor make any other religious mention of them with our lips We may not kisse them nor bow the knee nor do any other signe of reverence vnto them We may not present our bodies at their holy feasts in their hallowed places nor suffer our mouthes to eat of their delicates much lesse repayr to any such places for the repast or feeding of our sowles We may not eyther at allurement of parents brethren or most dear friends or by the example or entisement of the multitude or by the commandment of the Magistrate do these or any of these evils but following the word of God to separate our selves touch no vnclean thing clense vs from all filthines of the flesh and spirit so grow vp vnto ful holines in the fear of God Finally we may not joyn our selves in mariage with any that are noâ— of the same faith and fellowship with vs in the Gospel of Christ. 9. The causes of this restraynt separation from the wicked are First the will glorie of God who to the end we might be his hath severed vs from other people and vpon this condition hath promised to accept vs marie vs vnto himsef in faith that we should giv our selves alone to him and to his service and not run a whoring after strangers And hath made this our refreyning from communion with the wicked one expresse special part of his covenaÌ„t with vs. Secondly it is for our own good least by familarity with the wicked we should learne their wayes receiv destruction to our sowls as others before vs by and for like cariage hav done Therfore aâ—â— we warned not to wander in their pathes nor let our hart decline to their wayes for they go down to the chambers of death and if we be partakers in their syns we shal receive also of their plagues Thirdly it is for the good of those wicked men themselves if such be the grace of God towards them or for their more certayn just condemnation that seeing vs to separate from them and thinking it strange that we run not with them vnto the same evils hearing our reproofs and witnes against them are eyther drawen to consider their wayes and turn their feet vnto Gods testimonies or els blaspheming persist and are hardned in their evill course vnto judgment Fourthly it is for the overthrow of Satans throne and kingdome which the words and works of the Saincts do beat down dayly discovering his errors and abominatioÌ„s keeping themselves and drawing others from his deceipts and snares whereas by coÌ„municating in those evils they should both honour and advance that enemy and strengthen the wickeds hands that they should not turne from their impietie 10. But though we may have no communion with the wicked in their religion nor any other evil action against either table of Gods Law yet in civill affayres we are taught of God to converse with them in peace As to eat and drink with them buy sell make covenants of peace shew kindnes to them pity their estate love them relieve their wants and receive from them for our relief pray for them labour by all gentle demeanure to convert them from their evil way and do any good we can to their sowles or bodies or any thing that is theirs And if we live in their policies and dominions we ought to be subject to al civil Magistrates high or low and that of conscience pay theÌ„ their tributes customes other like duties for their common wealth to bear their exactions oppressions persecutions patiently without rebellion or resistance and even pray for them that shal so misuse vs that thus as much as in vs lieth we may do good vnto have peace with al men in all things except syn be perfect as our father which is in heaven is perfect CHAP. X. How the Saincts are called out of themselves taught to forsake their owne wayes and works that they may have communion with God in Christ. FOrasmuch as al meÌ„ bear in their bosomes naturall corruptions bred with them in the womb brought vp with them from the cradle wherby they ar al alike children of wrath our separation from other wicked wil litle availe vs vnlesse we be also separated from our selves and learn to renounce the lusts and affections yea even the fayr-seeming works and wisdom of the flesh For what ar we the better for avoiding outward pollution by others if a fretting leprosy cleav to our flesh bones and our own clothes do make vs filthy 2 To draw vs therfore quite out of the miry pit of corruption the Lord hath caled vs from the love and liking of our selves also as being naturally both his enemies and our own teaching vs that our wits are vncapable of his heavenly mysteries our reason enmitie against him his Law our thoughts purposes evil our affectioÌ„s brutish our wisdom foolishnes al our glorious grace as the flour of grasse and that therfore we must be turned and become as litle children even born againe or els we cannot see the kingdom of God 3. In matters of religion we must not do what seemeth good in our own eyes nor choose our own wayes nor forge things out of our own harts nor make to our selves any similitude of things in heaven or earth nor walk in our own counsels for what is man that he should invent services of God or do any thing which the Lord requireth not at his hands The things of God knoweth no man but the spirit of God of him therfore we must learn his fear what he commandeth that onely must we doe we may not put to it nor take ought from it For when Israel set their own thresholds and posts by the Lords they defiled his holy name with their abominations 4. The mysteries of his faith we may not measure by carnall reason or our own shallow vnderstanding but learn with reverence to beleeve all his words knowing that the things which eye hath not seen neyther
sake and that blessednes cometh on vs which is written Blessed ar they whose iniquities ar forgiven and whose syns ar covered blessed is the man to whom the Lord imputeth not syn Yea God â—as he imputeth not but pardoneth syn so doth he impute justice or righteousnes to vs without works of ours because Christ fulfilled al righteousnes for vs that beleev and we shal be found in him not having our owne justice which is of the Law but that which is through the Faith of Christ even the justice which is of God through Faith To teach vs this the first man whom Moses mentioneth to have beleeved the Lord he presently adorneth with this grace that God imputed that to him for iustice And he being made the Father of al beleevers that is written for vs also vnto whom Beleef shal be imputed for Iustice in like weise Thus are we justified by Faith without the works of the Law yea Faith is come in place of al good works as Christ hath sayd This is the work of God that ye beleev in him whom he hath sent this also is his commandement that we beleev in the name of his Son Iesus Christ whom he that hath hath Life he that hath not the son of God hath not Life but who so trusteth to his own righteousnes and committeth iniquity shal surely die as sayth the prophet Thus live we by faith in Christ and that heavenly oracle is fulfilled The iust shallive by his faith 12. This Life and grace is one condition of that everlasting covenant which our God hath made with vs and sayd I wil be merciful to their vnrighteousnes and wil remember their syns and their iniquities no more And being thus justified by faith we have peace towards God through our Lord Iesus Christ whom he hath given to be our covenant and our light he hideth his face from our syns and wipeth away al our iniquities and sayth deliver them that they goe not down into the pit for I have found a ransom Yea now he seeth no iniquitie in Iaakob nor transgressioÌ„ in Israel the Lord his God is with him and the joyful showt of a king is among them though the syns of Iudah be sought for they shal be no more found for the Lord is merciful to them whom he reserveth he hath washed the filthines of the daughters of Sion their transgressions are put away as aclowd and like a mist their syns ar al cast into the bottom of the sea For this the Saincts doe triumph and say who shal lay any thing to the charge of Gods chosen it is God that justifieth who shal condemn we wil goe forward in the streÌ„gth of the Lord God we wil make mention of thy Iustice even of thyne onely And thus is fulfilled the saying of the prophet The whole seed of Israel shal be Iustified and glory in the Lord. 13. Yet is their also further grace perteyning to life and godlines given vs of God even our Sanctification whervnto he hath caled vs and which we attayn vnto by fayth in Christ. For the grace of God that bringeth salvation vnto al men and hath appeared doth teach vs that we should deny vngodlynes worldly lusts and that we should live soberly and righteously and godly in this present world and not continew still in syn that grace may abound VVe are the people of Gods holynes and he wil be halowed among vs he the Lord doth sanctify vs he powreth clean water vpon vs that we may be clean sprinkled in our harts from an evil conscience and washed in our bodies with pure water he taketh away the stony hart out of our body and giveth vs an hart of flesh he putteth his spirit within vs and causeth vs to walk in his statutes to keep his judgements and doe them that we be polluted no more with our abominations nor any of our transgressions and saith vnto vs ye shal be holy for I the Lord your God am holy And this is an other condition of his gracious covenant with vs as it is written I wil put my lawes in their minde and in their hart I wil write them I wil be their God and they shal be my peaple 14. Of this Sanctification ther be two parts which they that long after Life and to see good dayes must seek 1 to eschew evil 2 to doe good The way to attayn these is by the death burial of the old man the corruption of nature and the resurrection of the new that so being dead vnto syn we may be alive vnto God in Iesus Christ our Lord. The old man or body of syn is the whole man sowl and body as he is born by nature even al flesh al the grace and glory therof which the Spirit of the Lord must blow vpon and cause to fade as the flower of grasse that the man may be born again and made a new creature even born of God To work this wondrous change in vs the Lord giveth two special graces the 1 Fear 2 Love of his name by the one to restreyn vs from evil and by the other to allure vs vnto good 15. The Fear of the Lord as it is the beginning of wisdom so did Davids for fear of the Lord and we being afrayd of his judgements His mercies also are shewed vs to this end as it is written Mercy is with thee that thou mayst be feared This grace God giveth to his Saincts to humble them that they be not high-minded but may walk in reverence before him and their harts be in his fear continually that it may go wel with them and with their children for ever for he that feareth the commandement shal be rewarded By this grace hav his people commuinon with him and feel his goodnes for the eye of the Lord is vpon them that fear him trust in his mercy he delighteth in them he wil fulfil the desire of them and nothing shal be wanting vnto them as he hath promised by his prophet their sowles shal dwel in good their seed shal inherit the land and the secret of the Lord and his covenant shal be revealed vnto them Wherfore vnto man he sayth Behold the Fear of the Lord is wisdome and to depart from evil is vnderstanding the reward of humility and the fear of God is riches and glory Life Vnto this therfore let vs take heed for in it is an assured strength by it we shal come out of al extremities that are either too much or too litle and to fear God and keep his commandements is the whole man this leadeth him vnto Life and being filled therwith he shal continew and not be visited with
have fellowship with the Lord in spirit who having thus decked vs with the garments of bewtie and glorie with mercy and salvation through faith in his name doth then seal vs with that holy spirit of Promise which is the earnest of our inheritance vntil the redemption of the possession purchased the ful redemption of al Saincts vnto the prayse of his glory For as he hath chosen vs in Christ before the foundation of the world that we should be holy and without blame before him in love so having effectually caled justified and sanctified vs of his vnspeakable grace he giveth vs also certainty and assurance of our election that we shal never fal from nor be forsaken of him For the seed wherwith we are born anew is an immortal seed which can never die this seed remayneth in vs to keep vs from syn and if we syn we have an advocate with the Father even Iesus Christ the just who maketh intercession and prayeth for vs that our faith fail not he also giveth vs repentance vnto Life and worketh in vs godly sorow for our misdeeds so we ar renewed by repentance dayly and revived by faith knowing that God hath stablished to himself his people Israel to be his people for ever he is their God his gifts and caling are without repentance he that hath begun his good work in vs wil perform it vnto the day of Iesus Christ for he hath made an everlasting covenant with vs that he wil never turn away from vs to doe vs good and hath put his fear in our harts that we shal never depart from him and hath sayd concerning vs by his prophet My people shal never be ashamed Thus the hope of salvation is for an helmet vpon our heads for that God hath not appointed vs vnto wrath but to obteyn salvation by our Lord Iesus Christ and we rejoyce with joy vnspeakable glorious being perswaded that neyther death nor life nor Angels nor principalities nor powers nor things presēt nor things to come nor height nor depth nor any other creature shal be able to separate vs fiō the love of God which is in Christ Iesus our Lord. 23. Our God it is which thus stablisheth vs in Christ hath anoynted vs and also sealed vs and given vs the earnest of his spirit in our hartes even the spirit of adoption whereby we crie vnto him Abba Father and of vs he sayth This people have I formed for my self they shal shew forth my prayse And being thus furnished with his graces we find feel the sweetnes of that fellowship and communion that we hav with him in Christ Iesus and by his Spirit 24. This communion the scripture setteth down by similitude of walking and dwelling together For God hath promised I will walk among you and I wil be your God ye shal be my people and for his habitation although he filleth heavens and earth the heavens of heavens ar not able to cōteyn him being cōsidered in his infinite majestye yet abaseth he himself to converse with vs that dwel in houses of clay as he sayth by the Prophet I dwel in the high holy place with him also that is of a contrite humble spirit to revive the spirit of the humble and to give life to them that are of a contrite hart Which grace that all the Saincts might take knowledge of the voice is written which was heard out of heaven to say Behold the Tabernacle of God is with men and he will dwel with them and they shal be his people and God himself will bee their God with them This Tabernacle is the bodies and sowles of the Saincts as the Apostle sayth Ye are the Temple of the Living God even as God hath sayd I will dwell in thē walk with them your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost On the other side wee are sayd to walk with God as did Enoch Noah and as the Lord requireth of every man that he humble himself to walk with his God we dwel in his tabernacle for ever our trust is vnder the covering of his wings as the Apostle Iohn sayth He that keepeth his commandements dwelleth in him and he in him 25. This grace is so heavenly and supernatural as it cannot be comprehended by the carnal man nor embraced walked in with comfort by synners hypocrites The naturall man thinketh the dwelling of God is not with flesh the vnbeleeving among the Saincts in day of their distresse do say Is the Lord among vs or no The synners and hypocrites 〈…〉 Sion are afrayd saying who among vs shal dwel with the devouring syre who amōg us shal dwel with the everlasting burnings And indeed the throne of iniquitie hath no fellowship with him but the pure of hart edure as seing him who is invisible they sing The Lord of hosts is with vs the God of Iaakob is our refuge they serve him and see his face his name is on their foreheads they say It is good for vs to draw neer vnto God Lord lift vp the light of thy countenance vpon vs. 26 This conversing of the Saints with God is spiritual and mystical we walk by faith and not by sight faith which is the evidence of things not seen He that is joyned to the Lord is one spirit sayth the Apostle Again Gods walking with vs is strange and vncouth to the world for he bringeth vs into many tribulations his way is in the sea his paths in the great waters and his footsteps ar not knowen he leadeth vs through the wildernes through a desert and wast land and by the shadow of death where fyry serpents are and scorpions and drought without water to humble vs and to prove vs to know what is in our hart that he may doe vs good in the latter end he bringeth vs through the fyre and fineth vs as the silver is fined and trieth vs as gold is tried yet he sayth It is my people we do say The Lord is our God 27. And hence ariseth the comfort of our harts that alwayes we behold God with vs yea feel him within vs and answer Amen by faith to al his promises He sayth Fear not for I am with thee be not afrayd for I am thy God we say again Though I should walk through the vally of the shadow of death I will fear no evill because thou art with me He sayth of every of his Saincts I wil be with him in trouble I wil deliver him and glorify him they testify say I beheld the Lord alwayes before me for he is at my right hand that I should not be shaken gather together on heaps ô ye people and ye
Apostles with power from on high sent them to teach al nations to observ al things whatsoever he had commauned them and he had made known to them al things that he had heard of his Father and they faithfully performed their charge keeping nothing back but shewing meÌ„ al the counsel of God for Christ spake in them so that now we have the mind of Christ and the word is neer vs even in our mouth and in our hart neyther may we admitt of any other doctriÌ„e though it should be taught by Angels from heaven but that which we have we must hold fast til he come And Christ it is that hath alwayes reveled Gods wil vnto the world synce the begiÌ„ning He it was that preached in Spirit to those that were disobedient in the dayes of Noe he sent Esaiaâ— to preach vnto Israel and furnished him with giftes graces for that work and stil he sendeth his messengers dayly for the gathering together of the Saincts the work of the ministery and edification of his body til the worlds end they are his glorie Finally the heavenly Spirits ar also his messengers for this end and purpose when he seeth meet so to imploy them as it is written I Iesus have sent my Angel to testify vnto you these things in the churches Thus opening vnto vs by al means the secrets of his Gospel our souls ar comforted for he bringeth vs into his wine celler and Love is his â—anner over vs. 6 To assure the world that he was both the wisdome and power of God he confirmed his doctrine â—y signes and wonders doing such works as no other man did even as his words were such as never man spake his enimies being judges He gave also of this power to such as beleeved in his name and wer his witnesses himself working with them confirming the word with signes that followed 7. Vnto this outward administration Christ annexeth his inward grace by divine power making even the Dead to heare his voice and live for he hath the words of eternal life he openeth the harts and causeth attention he openeth the mindes and causeth men to vnderstand the scriptures he giveth them also a mouth and wisdome which al their adversaries are not able to speak against nor resist 8. Now all this life and grace doth Christ coÌ„municate with the Saincts being their Head they his members For first the Ministers of the word how great gifts or authority soever they have they al are ours and we Christs and Christ Gods we are to trye their doctrine by the scriptures for they have not dominion over our faith but are helpers of our joy and in declaration of the truth are to approve themselves to every mans conscience in the sight of God Secondly the Word it self even al the scriptures are given vnto vs and written for our learning and comfort this not onely to know for our selves but to teach exhort and edifie one another Therefore is the word sayd to be graffed in vs and what by it we do beleeve we also may boldly speak and freely practise even all that Christ hath coÌ„manded that as he is a faithful and true witnes so we also that are the Lords witnesses with him his chosen servant as sayth the Prophet may bear a good testimonie vnto the truth having his word dwelling in vs plenteously in all wisdome may thereby our selves vnderstand righteousnes judgement and equitie and every good path and be preserved from the evil way and vnto others may impart the honey and milk of Gods graces that are vnder our tongue and having the high-acts of God in our mouth and the two-edged sword of his word in our hands may execute vengeance on the hethen corrections among the people binding their kings in chaines and their nobles with fetters of yron this honour is to al his Saincts who holding forth the word of life do shine as lights in the world Christ illuminating them with his glory continually and making his Church by his Prophesie the vallie of Vision as of old it was named 9. Touching his Priesthood and our communion therewith two things ar to be considered First What of his grace in his own person he hath wrought and worketh for vs to weet the things perteyning to God as the Apostle speaketh which are the Offring of a sacrifice to make reconciliation for our syns and Intercession which as our Advocate he maketh with the Father for vs. Secondly what by his mighty power he graciously worketh in vs and applieth vnto vs whiles he maketh vs also Priests vnto God his Father and communicateth with vs his obedience death burial resurrection ascension so causing the Blessing of God to come vpon vs as he is that seed in whom al families of the earth shal be blessed and giving vs comfort and peace Vnder these two heads are all thinges comprehended that perteyn to our Iustification Sanctification in the sight of God 10. These three things of Reconciliation Intercession and Blessing the Priests of Moses law in shadow figure of him performed of old for Israel The first whiles at the brazen altar they offred Burnt offrings and For-syn made attonement obteyned forgivnes at the hands of God for the synners but chiefly when the high-prest sanctified the Most holie place with blood of the Sacrifice made an attonement for the children of Israel for al their syns once a yere The secoÌ„d whiles at the golden altar he burned sweet incense every morning and evening and once a yere also made recoÌ„ciliatioÌ„ vpon the hornes therof with the blood of yâ— Syn-offring entred with in the veil putting incense on the fyre in the ceÌ„ser before the Lord that the clowd of the incense covered the Mercy-seat The third when having finished his ministerie the Sacrificer lifted vp his haÌ„d towards the people and Blessed them as he was separated of God to blesse in his name for ever and to put his name vpon the childreÌ„ of Israel that he might blesse them as he had promised 11. The truth of these three are fully performed by the Apostle and Highpriest of our profession Christ Iesus For that he might reconcile vs vnto God because it was vnpossible that the blood of buls and goats should take away syns neyther would his Father accept other sacrifice or offring then the body which he had ordeyned his Son therefore through the eternal Spirit he offred himself without spot vnto God and gave his sowle for the ransom of many bare our syns in his body on the tree and by his own blood entred in once vnto the holy place not the holy places made with hands but
into very heaven and obteyned eternal redemption So the Lord took away the iniquitie of his land in one day as he had promised for the ransom was most precious even of infinite value effect seeing by the vnion of the God head with the manhood in this our High-priests person it was the blood of God himself as the scripture speaketh wherewith we are purchased Thus Christ hath reconciled vs that were enimies vnto God by his death and hath put away syn by the sacrifice of himself for he was the ‡ Lamb of God that taketh away the syn of the world and the prophesie of Abraham was fulfilled God wil provide him a Lamb for a burnt offring my son 12. Touching Christs Intercession as he prayed for his church when he was on earth and his Father heard him alwayes so now being ascended and set at the right hand of God he stil maketh request for vs being therefore entred into very heaven to appear now in the sight of God for vs. Whose prayer as it is pure and perfect so prevaileth it with God and is of vnspeakable efficacie to make vs to be accepted For the Father loveth the Son and accepteth him better then he did his servant Iob when he prayed for the trespassers This is that Angel the Angel or messenger of the covenant that hath a golden censer much odours which he offreth with the prayers of all Saincts vpon the golden altar that is before the throne the smoke of which odours with the prayers of the Saincts goeth vp before God out of the Angels hand and vnto his requests which hee maketh for his afflicted people the Lord answereth good and comfortable words Thus our high sacrificer having the names of the whole Israel of God as it were graven vpon two precious stones and embossed in gold beareth vs vpon his two shoulders for a remembrance and presenteth vs pure holy just before the Lord. 13. The things towards vs which ar his Blessing and the fruits that folow he graciously communicateth as a merciful faithful high priest touched with the feeling of our infirmites being raysed vp vnto vs of God and sent to Blesse vs in turning every one of vs from our iniquities And as at the end of his ministery vpon earth he lifted vp his hands and blessed his disciples and then was taken from them into heaven so continewing stil a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedek who met Abrahā blessed him he stil blesseth the children of Abraham giving and applying the promises of the Gospel vnto the harts and consciences of his people even the favour protection of God the light of his countenance and his peace So the blessing of Abraham cometh on vs through Christ Iesus who is that promised seed in whom al nations ar blessed and whom God hath set to be Blessings for ever Thus Christ by Sacrifice hath merited by Intercession obteyneth and by Blessing bestoweth and distributeth vnto vs the love graces of God his Father even all things perteyning to life and godlines that we being partakers of his peace may again blesse God even the Father of our Lord Iesus Christ which hath blessed vs with all spirituall blessings in heavenly thinges in Christ as the Apostle sayth 14. The cōmunion of this Blessing is more particularly to be discerned in that honour of Priesthood which is given to al Christians the seales of Gods grace and love towards vs in Christ. For he hath made vs Priests vnto God even his Father and we as lively stones are made a spiritual howse a holy priesthood to offer vp spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God by Iesus Christ. For first applying him vnto our selves by Faith his suffrings death burial are ours his righteousnes resurrection and glorious victory over syn Satan Death and Hel ours so that we by the blood of Iesus may be bold to enter into the holy place though the Levitical Priests might not enter into the shadow thereof at al times by the new living way which hee hath prepared for vs through the veyl that is his flesh even boldly may we goe vnto the throne of grace that we may receiv mercy and finde grace to help in tyme of need Presenting vnto God his Father and ours this Lamb that was slayne for our syns who is our surety and our sacrifice by whose stripes wee are healed by whose death we are restored to life by whose body once offred we are sanctified vpon whose head wee have layd the burden of our syns and by whose curse we are made the heyres of blessing and of all the riches of Gods grace 15. We also giv vp our own bodies a living sacrifice holy acceptable vnto God which is our reasonable serving of God so the heavenly Ierusalem is filled with the Flocks of men as the earthly once was with Flocks of holinesses or sacrifices external Our spirits being contrite our harts humbled and broken for our syns ar the sacrifices of God also which he wil not despise By Christ we offer the sacrifice of Praise alwayes to God that is the fruit or calves of our lips which confesse his name and magnify him with thanksgiving this also pleaseth the Lord better then oxe or heiffer that beareth hornes that parteth the hoof Our almes and offrings for relief of the poor especially the ministers of the Gospel of Christ are an odour that smelleth sweet a sacrifice acceptable pleasant to God Finally if we be powred out as a drink offring vpon the sacrifice service of the faith of Christs church do resist vnto blood striving against syn we have cause to rejoyce for precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his Saincts the ‡ soules of such rest vnder the altar til the Lord holy and true doe avenge their blood on thē that dwel on the earth 16. This honour of Priesthood which no man can take to himself nor any other thing except it be given him frō heavē Christ giveth vnto vs of his rich grace by his word spirit For as by the preaching of the Gospel he is dayly described in our sight and among vs crucified so we by the ministerie of the Gospel are made an acceptable offring vnto the Lord being sāctified by the Holy Ghost His word is a sharp two edged sword and divideth a sunder the sowl and the spirit the joynts and the marow by it we are taught to mortify our members which are on earth his spirit is as fyre where with we being baptised doe also mortifie the deeds of the bodie that we may live give our selves vp vnto God for a living sacrifice The afflictions
that Gods servants ar ful of power by the Spirit of the Lord and of judgement and of strength to declare vnto the people their traÌ„gression and their syn an example wherof we may see in Saul who being full of the Holy Ghost set his eyes vpon Elymas the sorcerer and sayd O ful of al subtilty al mischief child of the Divil enimy of all righteousnes wilt thou not ceâ—se to pervert the straight wayes of the Lord Now therefore behold the hand of the Lord is vpon thee thou shalt be blind and not see the Sun for a season And this courage the Sainctes have even before Princes and potentates of 〈◊〉 earth 〈◊〉 â—ay be 〈◊〉 in Zechâ—â—â—ah son of Iehojada who being cloâ—â—ed with the Spirit and rebuking the transgressions of the people was therefore stoned with stones at the comandement of the king For the Hâ—ly Ghost teacheth them in that â—owr what they ought to say wherefore they are to take no thought how or what to answer but resting vpon the ayd of Gods Spirit do boldly say â— wil speak of thy testimonies Lord before kings and wil not be ashamed 14 But in the Saincts themselves the Spirit is most mighty in operation for the subduing and sanctifying of their affections and confirmation of their sowles and spirits in the love favour of God For whereas before time some of them were fornicators idolaters theves covetous extortioners or given to other like vices they 〈◊〉 washed they a 〈◊〉 they ar â—ustified in the name of the Lord Iesus and by the Spirit of God And wheras while they were fleshly having not the Spiriâ— they walked after the flesh and favouâ—ed the things tâ—â—â— of could not â—lease God but were subject vnto death now hee that raysed vp Christ from the Dead doth also quicken their mortal bodies because that his Spirit dwelleth in them and so is fulfilled that which in figure God sayd of old vnto Israel Ye shal know that I am the Lord when I have opened your graves ô my people and brought you vp out of your sepulchres and shal put my Spirit in you ye shal live Who then living in the Spirit do also walk in the Spirit and by it do mortify the deeds of the body not fulfilling the lusts of the flesh which they have crucified but bringing forth the fruits of the Spirit which are love joy peace long suffring gentlenes goodnes faith meeknes teÌ„perance for when the Spirit is powred vpon them from above then the wildernes becometh a fruitful feild aâ— sayth the Prophet 15. And God which hath promiseâ— to powr water vpon the thirstie â— stoods vpon the drie ground tâ— powr his Spirit vpon the seed â— his Church and his blessing vpoâ— their buds wil not onely give the Holy Ghost to them that desiâ— him but also continew his gifts â— graces for the assurance of theâ— harts so that they shall not labouâ— in vayn nor bring forth in fear because they are the seed of the blessed of the Lord their buds with them The love of God is shed abroad in their harts by the Holy Ghost which is giveÌ„ vnto them and by him are they sealed vnto the day of redemption the same Spirit beareth witnesse with their spirits that they are the Sonnes of God and hereby they know that they dwel in God and he in them because he hath given them of his Spirit which is as a pawn or earnest in their harts whereby they do not onely behold the glory of the Lord with open face but are changed into the same image from glory to glory as by the Spirit of the Lord. And this Spirit which they have received is not the Spirit of bondage to fear again as at the giving of the Law and looking vpon Moses face but is the Spirit of adoption-of-children whereby they cry Abba Father even the Spirit of his Son Christ which God hath sent into their harts because they also are sons and the blessing of AbrahaÌ„ is come vpoÌ„ them through Christ Iesus So Gods good Spirit leadeth them vnto the Lanâ— of righteousnes and this is a parâ— of his covenant with them thaâ— his Spirit which is upon them anâ— his words which hee hath put iâ— their mouth shal not depart out â— the mouth of them or their seâ—â— or their seeds seed for ever Neithâ— wil he hide his face any more froâ— theÌ„ because he hath powred out his spirit upoÌ„ the hense of Israel as he hatâ— promised by his Prophet From aâ— which proceedeth vnto the Sainâ— vnspeakable peace comfort joy which they find and feel both â— the receiving of the word as the Apostle sayth ye received the worâ— in much affliction with joy of the holy Ghost in the obedience theâ— vnto in the kingdoÌ„ of God which is righteousnes and peace and joy in the holy Ghost 16. Amongst other benefits which the Spirit affordeth this is one special that it helpeth the Saincts infirmities in prayer who â—ls know not what to pray as they â—ught but the Spirit it self maketh request for them with sighs which cannot be expressed the request which he maketh is according to â—he wil of God who sercheth the â—arts and knoweth what the meaning of the Spirit is 17. But that the Saincts be not deceaved and led astray from the truth by any motion suggestion vision revelation or other means whatsoever as from the Spirit of the Lord our Saviour hath given vs a rule to discern the work of his Spirit from the delusion of Satan which is this that his Spirit speaketh not of himself but whatsoever he heareth he speaketh that he glorifieth Christ for he receiveth of Christs al things that the Father hath at Christs and sheweth it vnto Christians Therfore is he the Spirit of truth and leadeth into altruth because he teacheth nothing but according to the word of God which word is truth And by that word must al spirits be tried by it may be discerned the Spirit of truth from the Spirit of error and Iosua though he were ful of the Spirit oâ— wisdome yet was charged of God to attend vnto the book of the Law for his direction to obserâ—â— and doe according to al that was written therin 18. Finally the Spirit of God hath generally in all things wrought much and mightily in and by the Saincts With this was Bezaleel filled in wisdome and in vnderstanding in knowledg in al workmanship to find out curious works for the Lords Tabernacle with this were the seventy Ancients furnished for the goverment of Israel prophesied With the wisdom of this Spirit was Iosua full after that Moses had put his hands vpon him given him of his glory when he ordeyned him to be his successor in
the kingdome And what should I speak of al the Iudges as of Othoniel of Gedeon of â—ephte of Samson vpon whom the Spirit of the Lord came clothed them strengthned them and prospered vpon them whereby they went boldly vnto great battels overcame their enimies and â—ent the wilde beasts that roared vpon them The Prophets also Apostles were caried and guyded by the Spirit in their wayes words and works taught whom for to goe to and from whom to refreyn and had great intelligence of things for to come and in every citie the Holy Ghost witnessed such thinges as Gods wisdom saw good to revele So that the help which the Spirit ministreth to the Saincts is infinite and incomprehensible and they may saye to the Lord with the Prophet whishal I goe from thy Spirit for loe the wisdom of God powreth out her Spirit vnto them maketh them vnderstand her words this Oyntment they have from him that is holy do know al things through the power of the Holy Ghost they abound in hope by the comfort of the Holy Ghost they and the Churches of them are multiplied and by him the offring vp of the Gentils by the ministery of the Gospel is sanctified and whatsoever good thing is done among Gods people is not by an Army nor strength but by the Spirit of the Lord of hosts without which no man can say that Iesus is the Lord. 19. Thus ar the Saincts of God advanced to honour dignitie above al peoples on the earth being themselves the Temple of God having his Spirit dwelling in them injoying a most holy and happy coÌ„munion with the Father and with his son Iesus Christ and with the Holy Ghost the grace and peace and comfort whereof passeth al vnderstanding and can no way be sufficiently expressed by the tongue or pen of man And this holy coÌ„munion with his people God shewed of old by his prophet in these gracious words I am with you sayth the Lord of hosts with the Word by whom I covenanted with you when you came out of Aegypt and my Spirit remayning among you Fear you not Al thy works prayse thee ô Lord thy Saincts blesse thee Psal. 145. 10. CHAP. XIIII How the foresâ—yd communion and peace between God and his Sainsts is somtimes interrupted by their syns what vnrest trouble they then feel in themselves and how their ancient peace is renewed Bâ—cause ther is no man just in the earth that doeth good and sinneth not and whiles men dwel in these howses of clay they be compassed about with their own infirmities tempted of their own concupiscences and besett with Divils that alwayes lie in wayt to entrap and devour it falleth out that the Saincts of God ar not only assaulted but ofteÌ„times foyled by their enemies and do fal into snares and loathsome trespasses wherby God is dishonoured the Divil delighted their own harts wounded and distressed 2. For our knowledge in this life is but in part so that through error ignoraÌ„ce we oft do amisse neyther can any man vnderstand or discerne those errors Our affections lusts are not fully subdued but do yet warr in our members the flesh lusteth against the spirit and these lusts fight against the sowle ar as a law in our members rebelling against the law of our mind and captivating vs to the law of syn which is in our members Our strength is infirme and though we would do good yet find we no means to performe it Our enemy Satan is both subtile and strong and seeketh dayly to circumvent vs often prevaileth through our weaknes and vnheedines that in many things we syn al no man can say I hav purified my hart I am clean from my syn 3. Sometime the pleasures of the flesh do bewitch and drawe vs into greevous offences drunkennes adultery fornication murder and idolatrie it self sometime the blessings of God vpon vs do make vs prowd our harts are lifted vp we commit vainglorious actions forgetting our selves and God that begate vs even forsaking the Rock of our salvatioÌ„ sometime our affections are so stirred that we fal into intemperance both in word work not onely against men but even God himself somtime feares doubts dangers threatnings and afflictions do daunt and discourage vs making the hart to faint the tongue to deny and forswear the truth the hands to work impietie our faith to quaile that we forsake Christ and flee away Yea Gods children have in error and blind zele persecuted the truth and professors thereof even killed Christ himself crucified the Lord of Glorie as the example of Saul sondrie other elect Israelites doth manifest These and many like greevous syns do the Saincts sometimes fall into through their infirmities God withdrawing his hand leaving them to themselves besides their ignorances defaults which multiplie dayly so as they surmount in number the hayres of their heads And many times such meÌ„ lie sleeping in their syns long forgetting themselves in their voluptuous delights til God awakeneth them of his grace least they should sleep the death and perish for ever 4. He awakeneth vs somtime by the sound of his word knocking at the door of our harts and by his Spirit wherewith he striveth in vs somtime by corrections punishments for our misdeedes inflicted vpon our bodies sometime by striking our consciences with dread dismay and terrour for our syns and withdrawing the cheerful light of his countenance from vs so as we feel not the joy of his spirit neyther have peace in our selves but the comfortable coÌ„munioÌ„ betweeÌ„ his Majestie vs seemeth quite to be disanulled brokeÌ„ 5. For he withdraweth his face and favour from vs kindleth his anger against vs couÌ„teth vs as his enemies the horror of his wrath is as fyre sent from above into our bones the curse written in the law is powred vpon vs and is as the arrowes of the Almightie the venim wherof drinketh vp our spirit He setteth our iniquities before him self our secret syns in the light of his countenance he setteth them also in our own sight and our syn is before vs continually with his hand he bindeth the yoke of our transgressions with them being wrapped layd vpon our neck he maketh our strength to fayl bitter things doth he write against vs make vs to inherit the iniquities of our youth so as ther is nothing found in our flesh because of his anger neither is ther rest in our bones because of our sin our wounds stink and ar corrupt our reynes ar ful of burning our hart is as waxe it melteth in the mids of our bowels our bones are parched like an
many people should provoke one another to go vp to the mountayn and howse of God wher he would teach them his wayes and they would walk in his pathes because the law was to go forth of Sion the word of the Lord from Jerusalem Wherefore Christ often visited the Temple and synagogues as did also his disciples to shew how he regarded the assemblies of his people in which he vttered so many gracious words and wrought so many great miracles And after that he had gathered a new people to himself they also vsually met togither for the food of Gods word and other holy things in the churches or assemblies where Christ had given gifts vnto men in the persons of his officers for the gathering togither of the Saincts edification of his body Then the nations walked in the light of Ierusalem there the Lord gathered his sheep into their folds wher they might grow and encrease set vp shepheards over theÌ„ which should feed them he fed them in good pasture they lay in a good fold he brought them to their rest reduced that which was driven away bound vp that which was broken and strengthned the weak by the doctrines of his gospel There God is very terrible in the mysterie of the Saincts whiles by the fyre of his spirit he causeth on earth in his heaveÌ„ly teÌ„ple lightnings and Voices and thundrings and earthquake and much hayl For the words that his wise men there speak given by him the One pastor are like goâ—ds to excite and stir vp our dul nature that being pricked in our harts we may be drawn to repentance like a fyre to devour the adversaries like a two edged sword to execute vengeance like a â—aÌ„mer to break the stone like mighty weapons of war to cast down bulwarks and whereby the wise goeth vp into the citie of the mighty and casteth down the strength of the confidence thereof Again there are vttered the words of life which quiâ—ken the hearers and bring theÌ„ oâ— of the graves of syn the words oâ— reconciliation which make peacâ— between God and the conscience are as flagons of wine and comfortable apples to refresh the siâ— sowl even the words of salvation and of eternal life These Chrisâ— putteth in the mouthes of his ministers and by the oyl of his spirit causeth the seven lamps of the golden candlestick of his law to give light continually in his tabernacle With these waters he moystneth the garden of his church and the several roots and brnches of the same wherevpon such as are planted in the Lord howse do flouâ—ish in his courts stil bring forth fruit their leaf fadeth not neyther doth their fruit fayl because their waters run out of the sanctuarie 7. A third reason of the Saincts gathering togither is that they might the better resist the coÌ„mune adversaryes For ther is warr continual between the serpents seed and the church and they band themselves togither to beseâ—t the â—ents of the Saincts and the beloved city Against that kingdome of darknes God gathereth and setteth a coÌ„trary kingdome a band of Christian soldjers or heavenly warriours the host of the Lord who standing fighting togither vnder the banner of his gospel by the conduct of his Spirit and Christ their captaine are an help strength and comfort one to another These come willingly at the time of assembling Christs armye in holy bewty among them ar guids and leaders the overseers of the Churches as the charrets horsmen of Israel they ar al furnished with the armour of God having his word for asword his faith for a shield his salvation for a helmet vpon their heads These weapons of their warfare ar mighty through God and here are more shields targets theÌ„ hung on Davids towr the trumpets of the Lord do sound an alarme against the enemies and in their conflicts the people of God do help one another as need requireth wherby they ar emboldned and comforted among themselves ar terrible to their foes as an army with banners and having fought togither the good fight of faith do get the victory over the Dragon and his Angels by the blood of the Lamb through many afflictions so at last doe triumph in glorie 8. A fourth cause and benifit of this societie is the mutual ayd strengthning and consolation one of another in al other ChristiaÌ„ duties both publick private For as the several members of a mans body ar serviceable to the whol and each to other so ar the Saincts among themselves having every one their mesure of faith their diversity of gifts and graces from God that what is wanting in one may be supplied by an other And as the eye cannot say to the hand nor the head to the feet I have no need of yow so cannot the least member in the church of Christ be refused as vnnecessarie but may be beneficial to the greatest For as yton sharpneth yron so doth man sharpen the face of his friend And hence doe arise the mutual exhorting and building vp one of another in the faith labouring together vnto the truth admonishing the vnruly comforting the feble minded bearing with the weak considering one another to provoke vnto love and good works rebuking for syn trespasse confessing of faults one to another praying one for an other bearing one anothers burden rejoycing with them that rejoyce weeping with them that are in trouble communicating to the afflictions and distributing to the necessities one of an other visiting them in sicknes mourning labouring together in prayer for theÌ„ with many other offices of like nature for the refreshing of soul bodie al which ar found and felt in this holy communion and body wherin if one member suffer al suffer with it if one be had in honour al rejoyce with it so neer a conjunctioÌ„ doth Gods spirit work in the hartes of the faithfull which maketh them to look not every man on his own things but every man also on the things of others 9. For these and the like reasons hath the communion aud societie of the Church bene alwayes praysed sought for loved and estemed For as God though he love his people and hath al his saincts in his hand yet loveth the gates of Sion above al the habitations of Iakob so his people likewise hav loved the habitation of his howse desired this one thing of the Lord that they might dwel in the same al dayes of their life to behold the Lords bewty and to inquire in his temple esteming a day in his courts better theÌ„ a thousand other where lamenting their lot when they were exiled therfroÌ„ powring out
are wicked from among them 4. Vnto this covenant ar al that make profession of faith and obedience to be admitted without respect of persons for in Christ Iesus ther is no difference of Iew or Gentile of rich or poor of bond or free of male or female for all are one and alike redemed by his blood wherby he hath confirmed the covenant for the many and he hath powred out his spirit vpon al flesh vpon sons daughters vpon old and yong vpon servants and mayds And togither with themselves their infants also ar recived by virtue of Gods promise vnto Abraham which promise by Christ is confirmed vnto vs with al the benefits privileges of the same Which infants though they want discretion to perceiv the favour of God for the present yet want they not sanctification but ar holy if but one parent beleev in Christ this through the mighty work of Gods spirit who sanctifieth his from the womb and by this grace doth comfort the parents in that he is both God of them and of their seed and after the children also hav their faith confirmed by knowing that they wer cast vpon him from the womb and he was their God from their mothers belly 5. And as the number of beleevers groweth so ought they to gather togither and we accept into our fellowship al that gladly receiv the word even such as be weak in faith must we receiv bearing their infirmities after Christs example who would not break the bruised reed nor quēch the smoking weke but nourish it rather by the oil and breath of his spirit that it might burn bright And if notorious infamous synners repent and beleev the Gospel they may not be repelled for Christ came to cal and save such neither are they to be refused as impure whō he hath washed and clensed by his blood and received to the glory of his father Which grace of his David did fore shadow vnto whom there gathered al men that were in trouble all men that were in debt and all those that were vexed in minde he was their Prince Also when God converteth the child and not the father the servant and not the maister the wife and not the husband the subiect not the magistrate such as he caleth must come to his church we also must admit knowing that Christ hath sayd he cameto set variance betwixt parents and children so that a mans enemies should be they of his own howshold Yet is not their entrance into the faith and church of God any discharge of them from their duty and obedience towards their former governours but let every man as sayth the Apostle abide in the same vocation wherein hee was caled The beleeving wife may not forsake her vnbeleeving husband nor the servant his maister and every sowl must be subject to the higher powers even to every humane creature for the Lords sake As Christs kingdome is not of this world so neyther doth it destroy or abolish the policies of the same but mainteyn them rather whiles it teacheth all men to do their duty and subject themselves even for conscience sake 6. Again as no earthly power can compel a man vnto this estate of grace for no man cometh vnto Christ except the Father drawe him faith is the gift of God not of men he addeth to his church such as he wil save so neither can any creature hinder this good work but when Christ draweth vs we wil run after him when he effectually caleth vs we will leav father and friends and all to follow him And as our gathering togither is in his name so must we defend it by his authoritie answering as did the Apostles to thē that blame vs we ought rather to obey God then men 7. But forasmuch as the Saincts are dispersed over al the face of the earth in several cities countries God requireth not that they should al go to one place for that could not stand with civil policie neither were possible for them to perform Therefore albeit whiles the seat of his church was in the litle land of Iewrie he cōmanded al the men to appear togither before him at Ierusalem thrise every year yet when al nations were admitted into his covenant adopted to be Abrahams seed the Israel of God he gathered them togither by his Apostles in severall cities where they dwelt and so established many congregations in one countrie as the seven churches in the lesser Asia the churches of Galatia of Syria Cilicia and sundry other mētioned in scripture do witnesse even in Iudea were moe churches planted as the Apostle Paul noteth 8. And God which caled the people vnto his faith furnished them also with divers gifts of his spirit wisdome and knowledge prophesie tongues and many other graces wherewith he adorned the spowse bride of his beloved son that by them they might serve him and help comfort and edify one an other in their most holy faith He appointed also that some which for their gifts and conversation were found fit should have the care and oversight of that congregation where they were set to watch for their sowles and to feed and rule them with the word of God These for their gravitie ar caled Elders for the charge cōmitted to them Bishops or Overseers for the message whereon they are sent the Angels of the churches and for the effect of their administration they are named Saviours by the doctrine of the Gospel saving those that hear them Yet are not these Lords over Gods heritage but the administers of his graces and blessings among them and ensamples to the flock not having dominion over their faith but helpers of their joy 9 By the seed of the Word in the mouthes of these ministers and the other mēbers of of the church ar children begotten multiplied dayly that Ierusalē enlargeth the place of her tents and they spread out the curtaines of her habitatiōs For she increaseth on the right hād on the left vntil this host of our David become great like the host of God his seed as the army of heaven that cannot be numbred By the same word as by milk and wine ar the people nourished vp vnto life eternal their covenant with God one with another ar the two staves Be wtie Bands which Christ the good sheepheard hath taken to feed and rule his flock His covenant with them is Beautie or Pleasance for by it he giveth thē knowledge which is pleasant to their sowl as is also himself and his waies By this covenāt he cōfirmeth his spirit vpō thē his words in the mouth of thē their seed which
his heavie indignation when he for bad his prophets to pray for the people 4. Concerning the word of God and our fellowship in the same we hav before seeÌ„ how God bestowed it specially vpon his own people as a testimonie of his grace towards them though also in a general favour he communicateth it with the whol world Now the saincts whose peculiar right inheritaÌ„ce it is must be careful to vse it as a coÌ„mune blessing every one in himself and al of them with and for one an other both privatly and publickly Privatly to read speak of the same vnto their families neighbours coÌ„tinually-rehersing or wheâ—ting the words of God vpoÌ„ vnto their children talking of them when they are in the howse and as they walk by the way when they lie down and when they rise vp that so meÌ„ may learn know the scriptures from their childhood by them be made wise vnto salvation through the faith which is in Christ Iesus And that al Christians may by this means be able to exhort edify one an other in the knowledge faith of God may hav their speech gracious alwayes powdred with salâ— may discern truth froÌ„ error whiles by serching the scripture as did the men of Berea they see whither the things taught them be so And this was foretold to be a special part of Gods covenaÌ„t with his people that his words which he hath put in their mouth shal noâ— depart out of their mouth nor on of the mouth of their seed nor out of the mouth of their seeds seed froÌ„ henceforth even for ever 5. But in the Assemblies of the Saincts the light of this grace shineth more clearly for in theÌ„ hav the scriptures beeÌ„ read and preached of old every sabbath day there all men hav not onely libertie but ar exhorted to desire that they may prophesie that is speak vnto the church to edifying to exhortation and to comfort which is therfore to be coveted rather then other spiritual gifts because it teÌ„deth both to the building vp of the brethren and conversion of the vnbeleevers and glorie of God therby Al therfore that hav received this gift may in seemlines and order vse and manifest it for the profit of the whol every member being careful that it be done according to the proportion of faith when any speak that it be as the words of God And although a woman in regard of her sex may not speak or teach in the church yet with other wemen and in her private familie she openeth her mouth in wisdome the doctrine of grace is in her tongue So Marie the prophetesse was guid to the women of Israel in their songs of thaÌ„ksgiving so Priscilla at home helped to expound the way of God more perfectly to learned Apollos and was togither with other women acknowledged of the Apostle Paul to be one of his fellowhelpers in Christ Iesus And the Lord both in those dayes and before had furnished sundry holy women with the gift of prophesie as he promised also by his servant Ioel to teach that his graces are given vnto all as he seeth good to bestow them though there is a difference between the extraordinary gift of prophesie giveÌ„ but vnto few the ordinarie prophesie or exposisioÌ„ of scripture which is coÌ„mune w th many 6. Above al other the Officers given of Christ for the work of the ministerie the Overseers of the churches are to studie and labour in the word and doctrine to feed the flocks that depend vpon them to shew them the good and right way to build vp the bodie of Christ to divide the word aright to speak it faithfully to keep nothing back eyther through negligence fear or flatterie but to shew them the whol counsel of God teach theÌ„ al the statutes which the Lord hath commanded not keeping back a word These watch for their peoples sowles as they that shal giv accounts and necessity is layd vpoÌ„ them therfore woe vnto theÌ„ if they preach not the Gospel These must hav care both of strong and weak of sheep and lambs to feed with strong meat or with milk as their flock hath need is capable VpoÌ„ these the charge lieth to dresse the lamps of Gods law from evening to morning that they may alway burne in the Tabernacle of the congregation to giv to the how shold their portion of meat in season and to communicate this heavenly Manna with al the Israel of God that ther may be an equalitie as it is written he that gathered much had nothing over he that gathered litle had no lack 7. And togither with the words of Gods eternal covenant these also dispense the sâ—als of the same by which the communion of the Saincts is more illustrated confirmed For by baptisme which is one we al are made one in Christ Iesus And as our fathers were 〈◊〉 baptised vnto Moses in the clowd in the sea so now vnder Christ by one Spirit we al are baptised into one body whither we be Iewes or Greeks bond or free Neyther can any man forbid water from those which hav received the holy Ghost and faith it is the coÌ„mune symbol and pledge of our salvatioÌ„ like circumcision the seal of our righteousnes by fayth even the seal of Gods covenant to vs to our seed The Supper also of our Lord is to be distributed to all the Saincts that can examine themselves discern his body therein by faith and is an other seal as of our vnion with Christ whose flesh we eat and drink his blood so of our vniting togither in his faith For we sayth the Apostle that are many are one bread one bodie because we al are partakers of one bread Therefore must we come togither for this coÌ„munion and tary one for another that as brethren we may eat and drink and rejoyce togither before the Lord which he that refuseth or neglecteth is worthy to be rooted out from amongst his people 8. As the Saincts have al a right interest in the covenant of God seales of the same wherein they have and hold coÌ„munion togither so have and doe they also in al other Christian spiritual duties publick or private For all the actions of the Church being but a practise and performance of Gods Law as the members have their portion in the general so have they also in the particulars ech one according to his place caling and measure of grace given him from Christ the head In the primitive church established by Moses when publick actions were to be performed the whol congregation was assembled as about the making of the Tabernacle
church of Ierusalem not to do the like nor partake in her sisters evils but when they became both after one sort the Lords hart forsook them both alike and because Ierusalem walked in her sisters way therfore God gave the others cup into her hand the cup of destruction and desolation For the Lord being exceeding wroth with Israel and having put them out of his sight that none was left but the tribe of Iudah onely yet Iudah not keeping the coÌ„mandements of the Lord their God but walking after the fashion of Israel which they vsed the Lord did therfore cast off al the seed of Israel afflicted them and delivered them into the hands of spoylers vntil he had cast them out of his sight It behooveth al therfore to mind wel their communion both with their own and other churches and to nourish peace but in holynes to keep coÌ„munion but in light not in darknes for we must all appear before the judgmeÌ„t seat of Christ where everie one of vs shall give account of himself vnto God and every man bear his own burtheÌ„ As we have sown in this flesh so shal we reap the sowl that hath sinned shall die Noah Daniel and Iob shal deliver neyther son nor daughter but their own sowles by their righteousnes And whosoever overcometh shall inherit all things and shal not be hurt of the second death Sow to your selves in righteousnes reap after the measure of mercie Hos. 10. 12. The conclusion SEeing theÌ„ we hav received such grace from God so many as beleev in the name of his son Christ as that we are raised vp from the graves of syn wherin we al lay naturally the children of wrath ar caled with a holy caling from the servitude of Satan and syn and al coÌ„munion with the wickednes of this world to serv the Lord in freedome of spirit and newnes of life according to his word are conjoyned in a holy societie with himself after a wonderful incomprehensible manner apprehended by fayth and one with another in the fellowship of the Gospel being through his mercie made a chosen generation a kingly priesthood washed froÌ„ al our syns in the blood of Christ and reigning with him on earth by mortifying subduing our earthly members and seing we hav in this estate al the promises of life blessing and salvation the presence and protection of him our God the guard and assistance of his holy Angels whatsoever thing is good for our help joy and comfort whiles we live on earth What remayneth theÌ„ but that we purge our selves from al filthines of the flesh and spirit so grow vp vnto ful holines in the fear of God making streight steps vnto our seet ruÌ„ning with patience the race that is set before vs fighting the good fight of faith and of afflictions resisting syn both in our selves and others nourishing mutual love and peace making an end of our salvation in fear trembling That after we hav ended this warfare in the flesh and hav so fought as we win the victory and none other get our crown when our sowles shal flit out of these earthly tabernacles our bodies may sleep and rest in their beds til our chaÌ„ge come our sowles not sent to the spirits in prison but received among the spirits of just and perfect men we may so rest from our labours and wayt for the ful redemption of our bodies at that day when our Lord Iesus shal shew himself from heaven with his mighty Angels in flaming syre to render vengeance vnto them that know not God nor obey the Gospel of our Lord Christ punishing them with everlasting perdition froÌ„ his presence from the glory of his power and to be glorified in his saincts and made marveilous in al them that beleev which al shal be wher himself is see the blessed face of God there enjoy that heavenly communioÌ„ in the great assembly of al Saincts with everlasting joy vpon the 〈…〉 heads wher sorow and mourning shal be forgotten and al happines pleasures possessed for evermore For desire of that day the spirit the Bride say Come And let him that heareth say Come The faithful and true witnesse sayth Surely 〈…〉 quickly Amen Even so come Lord Iesus He that is a Sainct let him be sanctified stil Rev. 22. 11. Of the three sorts of meÌ„ al diversly affected in things concerning God Men are eyther OPEN WICKED HYPOCRITES SAINCTS â—icentious and profane livers professed enimies of the law of the Lord. Iob. 21. 14. 15. outwardly religious but inwardly wicked hating Gods law and the true righteousnes Isa. 29. 13. Mic. 3 11 that rightly beleev obey Gods word with their vtmost power the friends of the Lord. Psal. 119. 3 5 10. 11 c. These are born but after the flesh therfore savour they onely the things of the flesh aÌ„d remayn as they ar by nature Children of wrath Ioh. 3. 6. 1 Cor. 2. 14. â—â—h 2. 3. These seem to be renewed born again of ye Spirit they are inlightned and boast of heavenly grace yet continew they stil in their old naturall corruption vnwashed from their filthines Heb 6. 4. Isa 65. 5. Ioh. 8. 41. 42. Pro. 30. 12. These are born a new not of blood nor of the wil of the flesh or of man but of God therefore they savour the things of God and mind heavenly things being children of Wisdome Iohn 1. 13. 3. 3â— Luk. 7. 35. These ar neither chosen of God nor called being neyther of the church nor in the saine Psa. 11. 5 Rev. 22. 15. 1 Cor. 5. 82. These are caled but not chosen ar in the church for a a while but not of it Math. 22. 14. 1 Iohn 2. 19. These are called and chosen of God ar both in of the Church and so continew Ephes. 1. 4. c. Iob. 17. 9. In these syn dayly increaseth inwardly aÌ„d outwardly til righteousnes in them be vtterly extinct Psal. 36. 1. 2. 3. 4. In these righteousnes increaseth outwardly but sin liveth inwardly and aboundeth Isa. 1. 11. c. Ier. 3. 4. 5. In these syn dyeth and righteousnes revâ—â—eth dayly both inwardly and outwardly 〈◊〉 6. 2. â— 4. c. To these the Law if it be sent cometh in tables of stone for such is the nature of their harts but they receiv it not the tables ar broken before they come at them for these dance as it were about the goldeÌ„ calf of their own impietie Iâ—â—â—w not what is becom of Moses they break and violate all Exod. 32. Yet vnto such the law is given mid lieth vpon them as a â—urse and condeÌ„nation 1 Tim. â— 9. Deut. 27. 15-26 To these God giveth the stony tables and they receiv them but Moses face so shineth that they can not look vpoÌ„ him vnlesse heveil