and brightnes of GOD. Therfore ascribe power vnto our Lord and reioyce in him who is so wunderfull in his holy places where he will deck his people with his owne beauty crown them with the glory of an euerlasting kingly préesthood extolling and prays ing God eternally in the highest according to his woorthynes and thus they taste perpetually of the infallable swéetnes of all flowing goodnes incessantly procéeding from God his owne selfe there making mery in all heauenlynes of mirth and reioysing continually before God by imbracing the excellēt shyne and blessed beames of the moste splendent and glorious brightnes of the omnipotent Father O therfore come hether all good people that you may taste the swéetnes of the Lord for the which lift vp your harts to heauen and so run your race as that you may be receiued in to that heauenly habitation with God and his Saincts And besides touching the heauenly misterie of this our eternall Ierusalem and blessed mansion discending downe from God the vision of the glorie of the Lord appearing to Ezechiell Ezeche 1. and 10. doth in ghostly cōprehension as in a cleare glasse represent the figuratiue misterie therof vnder the semblance of the goodly Cherubins for our holy euerla sting Citie shall euermore appeare full of the glistering of Gods maiestie lightning round about wherby the twelue trybes or vniuersall number of the elect possessing Ierusalem according to a quadrate or equilaterall triplicitie of euery side of the Cittie conteyning thrée gates hauing the names of the trybes in order of heauenly deuision which sides represent the fower goodly beastes vnder the quadrat fourme of this Cittie containing The mysterye of the fower beastes 4. and wheeles which Ezechiell saw as vnder fower faces of beautifull beastes or wheeles the whole congregation of the elect as vnder the face of thrée gates on euerie side makeing the radicall number of twelue trybes or twelue Apostels multiplyed in the vertue of it selfe to a perfect number radicall the harmony of the elect and thus these goodly faces of the fower beastes being each side of the Cittie with his blessed saincts shall shine as burning Cressets geuing a cōtinuall glister as it were a lightning for out of their bodies shall proceed the flaming zeale of praysing and magnifying the God of glorie for euer and thus on the foure sides rounde about the similitude of new Ierusalem shall be as a glassie sea mingled with fire shining with the superexcellent glistering of heauenly beautie like the shining of precious stones carued out without hande by the omnipotencie of God that the twelue tribes or whole congregation of the elect being euermore in the citie that howsoeuer the blessed Lambe and glorious hoste of Saintes mooue vpwarde or downeward to the magnifying of the Maiestie of God or falling vpon their faces at the high glistring of the most incomprehensible brightnesse of God the tabernacle or heauenly Ierusalem doth the same also as an heauenly clothing immoueable from them but still conformed in all godly perfection to euery harmonie of consent of the glorious Saintes that if the holy Saintes doe mooue or goe by the guiding of the spirite or Lambe the blessed Citie or tabernacle goeth also for the spirite of life is in the Citie So that the elect are so clothed with their heauenly habitation that neither can they any way be separated from it nor that from them as a kingdome of glorie in s eparable and immoueable from a glorious bodie And this eternall Citie is framed with foure equilaterall sides like the fourme of the Quier and altar of the Temple of old Ierusalem and that in most true perfection of iust harmonie and absolute proportion hauing to looke vpon euery side mos t excellently cohering and according as if one were in another that when one side of the glorified saintes went forward they went all foure and turned them not about according to the dignitie of true perfection for such is the concording of euery part with the whole and of the whole citie with euery parte that if any part mooued all mooued and that with such a motion as the spirite of life did giue which was in the whole Citie or tabernacle and in euery parte of the tabernacle a like and the selfe s ame So that this motion was euer as the swéete voyce of Gods owne mouth did breath being the perfect motion of Gods holy will accordingly as the children of Israel did neuer mooue foorth in passing the wildernesse but by the mouth of God as the cloudie pillar did mooue or stande still before the tabernacle So in most heauenly maner shall it be in our glorified tabernacle or citie that God shall be our Captaine and King leading vs to fountaines of water of life Ezech. 1. And the streetes and winges of this our Citie are so framed without hande by mightie power that one neuer touch another and yet when they moue they turne them not about but eche goe straight forwarde shewing that it conteineth one onely way and motion of most perfect trueth and perfection with all harmonicall concordance of heauenly agré ement And these goodly beastes doe represent the Godly liuers which are accepted before the goodnesse of God and now the maner of their dwelling within their newe Ierusalē is prefigured by the face of a man and Lion Ezech. 1. appearing on the right side of the squared Citie and the face of an oxe and an Eagle on the left side signifying a consimilar expectation that those godly people which like a lyon haue bene vigilant stout strong and bolde in faith to fight and warre in defence of the Lambe and the face of a man sheweth that those which truely and faithfully by confession teaching and preaching haue set foorth the glorie of the Lambe shall possesse the right side of Ierusalem And tho se which like an oxe to sacrifice haue yeelded them selues to martirdome to death or torments for the Lambes sake and those which like an Eagle haue turned their hearts to God as the Eagle doeth alwayes turne her selfe to the Sonne to beholde it shall posses se the left side of newe heauenly Ierusalem being nowe glorified whose feete shineth like glistering scoured metall full of beautie euermore continuing in one selfe same ioy and glorie And nowe the winges and borders are spredde out most beautifully according to Esay the cordes are so laide abroade as that they can not be better Esay 33. and the ma st set vp of such a fashion that no banner or sayle hangeth thereon Esay 40. As also Esay saith The Lorde sitteth vpon the Circle of the worlde and spreadeth out the heauens as a couering and stretcheth them out as a tent to dwell in For nowe euery parte in the whole and the whole with euery parte doeth euermore agree in the selfe same so knit in vnitie and euerlasting peace in one consent of melodie that for euer one parte and
and wickednes so that it is manifest that the Church of Christ is tyed to no particular place or kingdome but is freely dispersed throughout the whole world wherby it appeareth that the Papists do worke against the streames of Iacob to stop the riuers from the thirstie And now againe the Lord saith Esay 43 44 I will power O Iacob my spirite vpon thy seede and mine increase vpon thy stocke they shall growe together like as the grasse for there shall spring out of them a captaine prince which the Lord shall chalenge to him selfe Iere. 30. Eâ—ay 6. Iere. 33. Es ay 49. who shall open the prison to them that are bound and he is the glad tydings to the poore who shall bring redemption to the captiue and res tore Israel and set vp his honour in Iuda and in Dauids stoole that all nations shall honour him yea kings and princes shall arise and worship this holy one of Ifraell By which the prophets conclude that although we know all the law of Moyses and bee carefull in keeping it yet wee are in prison and bondage to death without we imbrace Christ and preferre him aboue the law and aboue all workes as the onely doore to enter into Gods rest for he doth open the prison wherein we were tyed to damnation by the fetters of Adams corruption who hath the keyes of hell and death according to Esay vnto Sion shal come a redeemer yea the Lord said I will lay a stone in Sion a costly corner stone Esay 59. Esay 28. Zach. Dan. 2. a sure foundation that who so put his trust in hem shall not bee confounded And saith he behold I will hew him out and take away the sinne of the land in one day As saith Daniel there was hewen a stone without handes that smote the image and became a great mountaine which fulfilleth the whole earth so that it is vnpossible to obtaine glorification vnlesse we imbrace this precious stone of Sion neither is it possible for the great Image of the first or laste monarchy of Babylon to withstand or hold back the power of this stone of Sion by whose force the pompe of the Image of Rome shall be broken like an earthen pot that flyeth in many peeces although it please the Lord to suffer that romish beast still to beare a sway among those children which be as Esaw that make light of the birth-right of the eternall kingdome giuen onely by Christes gospell and not by the traditions and fancies of men And therefore that last Image of Babilon must bee shaken a sunder that promiseth other meanes and more waies to winne euerlasting life then onely by this corner stone Wherefore as pure gold is tryed from counterfect by the touch so all ye that feare damnation trye the traditions of that Image of Rome by reading the pure gospell with feare and reuerence to God and with care of your soules health and you shall finde that the gospell which is the true touch of truth will bring thee home againe from the darke dales of Rome to the bright mountaine of Sion of whom the Lord said by Ieremie I will set vp the righteous braunch of Dauid that shall set vp equitie in the earth that Iuda shall be saued Iere. 23. and Israel dwell without feare and they shall call him the Lord our righteous maker for saith the Lord I wil giue you an heardman Iere. 3. after my owne minde which shall feede you with wisedome that Ierusalem shall be called the Lords seate Esay 2. for the law shall come out of Syon and the word of God from Iesalem And therefore we must desire onely to be fed with the wisedome that proceede from this our heauenly heardman imbracing no other word of doctrine but that which he gaue vs from Ierusalem being his pure gospell builded vpon the Apostles and prophets for saith Paule the holy Scripture is able to make the wise to saluation through the faith which is in Christ Iesus Timoth. â— â— And therfore beware least you be spoyled through Philosophy and deceitfull vanitie and through the traditions of men Col. 2. and ordinances after the world and not after Christ for the Lord said by Ieremie I will make a new couenant with the house of Israell that is Iere. 31. I will plant my lawes in their inward parts euen in their hartes and will be their God and from thence forth shall no man teach his brother or neighbour saying know God for they shall all know me from the lowest to the highest according to Ioel Ioel. 2. I will power out my spirite vpon all flesh and your sonnes and daughters shall prophesie your olde men shall dreame dreames and your young men shall see vis ions yea vpon those daies I will powre out my spreit vppon s eruants and Maides Whereby wée may gather that such is the power of the Gospell of Christ and promise of our redemption and saluation that neither the contrary powers of Sathan nor the obstinat malicious or barbarous tyranie of men hath powre to withholde it at the tyme appointed from the people of God for the Lorde hath spoken it that it shall spread ouer the world and that his spyrit shall enter into all fleshe It is against the prophesie of Ioel to hold the Scripture in an vnknow on language So that it is great repugnauce to the ordenaÌ„ce of God to holde back the frute swéet taste of the Gospell from the people by concealing it vnder a cloke of an vnknowen language strange tounge which is a vaile that hydes the face and brightnes of the glory of the Gospell of our saluation from the people that desyre to knowe it sée it and ought to come vnto it as the vayle did hang before Moyses face because the childreÌ„ could not behold the glory of his countenance which God gaue by geuing the law but now we are able through the gift of the spreit of Christ who hath takeÌ„ away the vaile from Moyses giueÌ„ an opeÌ„ fountaine of cléernes to behold the trueth of his gospell of saluatioÌ„ in that it is the Lords bountifull blessing that all flesh should fele the operation of the holy spreit to come to to his waters buy his milke wine witout mony and mony worth which is his gospell that féedeth and nuris heth like milke gladdeth cheareth the hart like wine so that héerby is cléerly condeÌ„ned cast to the ground the traditions of papistrie that lock vp the word of God in an vnknowen language that none can come to Gods holy water without mony or mony worth such is the darnel cockel of their traditioÌ„s as to worrow Chris tes shéep to wrap theÌ„ in blindnes wheÌ„ notwtstanding it ought to be that the gospel should be opened plain manifest and vnclocked that the saying of the prophet may be fulfilled both soÌ„nes daughters maids
of our selues for it is the gift of God and commeth not of woorkes Ephe. 2. least any should boa st him self for we are his woormanship created in Christ Iesus vnto good woorks that wee shoulde walke in them so that none can looue Christe in purenes of hart but that of verry force hée will walke in good woorks as thinges that are vnpossible to bée seperated from him that is sanctified with the spirit of adoption and grace for as Christ is the fountaine of all holynes and righteousnes and of all grace and goodnes so it must needes followe that whome Christe hath sanctified with his Spirit that they must of necessitie doo the woorkes of grace and righteousnes so long as they labour and indeuour to be renued and confirmed in the spirit of grace which wée receiuing and takeing of Christe must of force confesse that without it wée haue no power to crucifie our fleshe and to resist sinne and therfore by it wée haue power to mortifie our earthly members and to doo the woorkes of righteousnes whereby it is moste euident and plaine that by the grace giuen by Christe through faith wée may assuredly and boldely perswade our s elues that wee are only iustified and saued Therefore saith Peter Pet. 1.1 blessed be God the father of our Lord Iesus which through his aboundant mercie begat vs againe to a liuely hope by the resurrection of Christe from death to inioy an inheritance immortall and vndefiled reserued in heauen for vs after which the prophets inquired and searched prophesying of the grace that shuld come vnto vs by the spirite of of Christ which testified before of the passions that should come vnto him and the glorie that should follow after for by Christ we are made spirituall and not carnall whose spirite doth certifie our spirite that we are the sonnes of God and heires annexed with him who was ordained before the worlde was made that by him our faith and hope might be in God so that our iustification come not by the deedes of the law but by the faith of Iesus Christ according to Paule Thess â—â— God hath from the beginning chosen you to saluation through sanctifying of the spirite and through the beleeuing of the truth whereunto he called you by the gospell for Christe is the end of the law to iustifie all that beleeue Rom. 8 Gal. 6. walking not after the flesh but after the spirite for what soeuer a man soweth that shall he reape if he sow in the flesh hee shall of the flesh reape corruption but if he sow in the spirite he shall of the spirite reape life euerlasting for they that are Christes Gal. 5. haue crucified the flesh with the appetites and lustes thereof for Christ hath called vs to holynes and not to vncleannes and hath called vs out of bondage into libertie from the curse of the law vnto grace from darknes to light from death to life from the spirite of feare to a liuely hope from a earthly mansion to an heuenly kingdome from transitorie glorie to euerlasting glorification therefore stand grounded and established in faith not moued away from the gospell but stand fa st in the liuely hope to obtaine the glorie that commeth by Christ Rom. 8. being vnfainedly pers waded that there is no damnation to them that are in Christ Iesus walking after the spirite and hauing their conseruation in heauen For Christ our sauiour sitting now in the right hand of God in his maiestie Ephe. 1. was before the world was by whom wee are predestinated heires according to the purpose of him that worketh all things after the purpose of his owne will that through his gospell should be brought life and immortalitie to all that do beleeue in his sonne Iesus Christ the seede of promise to Abraham who now is declared openly whom we looke for to come shortly in the glorie of his Father and all holy Aungels with him in all power and maiestie And that all eies shall see him and they also that pearsed him so that al kindreds of the earth shall mourne when they behold Christ comming in the cloudes Reu. 1. to reward euery man according to his deedes therfore it behoueth vs to watch and pray and to become new creatures thereby making our election sure by holding fast his gospell in a stedfast faith by walking after righteousnes that we may ouercome and be found faithfull at the appearance of Christ comming in glorie that we also may be crowned with glorie ioyfully saying Blessed is the kingdome that commeth in the name of him Mark 11. that is Lord of our Father Dauid Hosanna in the highest Ephe. 1. BLessed be God the Father of our Lorde Iesus Christ which hath blessed vs with all maner of spirituall blessings in heauenly things by Christ according as he had chosen vs before the foundation of the world was laid that we shoulde bee Saintes through loue who ordained vs before through Christ to be heires vnto him selfe according to the good pleasure of his will to the praise of the glorie of his grace wherewith hee hath made vs accepted through the beloued Iesus by whom wee haue redemption through his bloud euen the forgiuenes of sinnes according to the riches of his grace Therefore to him be all honor and glorie world without end Amen THE GLORIOVS and beautifull garland of mans glorification CAP. 2. How man shall bee chaunged at the sounde of the laste troump from mortalitie to immortalitie and from an erthly nature to an euerlasting nature and appeare before the iudgement seat of Chris t to be rewarded according to his deedes eyther with eternall reproufe or els with euerlasting glorification SVch is the eternall ordenance of the Almightie God touching our saluation in his Sonne Iesus Christe that all men ought too knowe that as by a man came death so by a man come the resurrectioÌ„ of the dead for as by Adam all dye so by Christe shall all bee made alyue according to Iohn Iohn 5. The houre shall come in the which all that are in their graues shall heare Christes voice and shall come foorth they that haue done good to the resurrection of lyfe and they that haue done euill to the resurrection of dampnation Esdras 22. as the Lord sayd by the Prophet Those that be dead will I rayse vp againe from their places Daniell 12. bring them out of their graues and they that sleepe in the dust of the earth shall awake some to euerlasting lyfe Acts. 17. some to perpetuall shame and reproufe as it is in the Acts that the Lord hath appointed a day in the which hée will iudge the world according to righteousnes by that man Christe whome hee hath appointed and hath offered faith to all men after that reysed him from death to whome saieth Iohn the Father hath coÌ„mitted all iudgement because that all men should honor the sonne euen as they
lo st 〈◊〉 â—ight the starres of heauen did fall and the 〈◊〉 â—oor the your spirits â—ring but your 〈◊〉 men and come â—oorth you Astrologers and cast your figures looke to the houses of heauens toâ—â—ther the detriments and degrées of the planets and starres what are you now confounded then beholde saith the Prophet the Lord will destroy the tokeÌ„s of witches and make the southsayers go wrong Esay 44. make the cunning of the wise foolishnes bring the councell of the Magitioners to nought for sayeth the Lord I will destroy the wisdome of their wife and the vnderstanding of their lerned shall perish so that now ye fall to the ground quaking to se the signe of the sonne of man appearing to se the day of fire that is come to trye euery mans woork whereat O how yee lament and cry but what for your spirits and familiars which made you to bee counted cunning men whiche promised you dreames and shewed you vi sions which serued your pleasure to vex men and to bewitche with O beholde sayeth Christ many shall say vnto me in that day Lord Lord Math 7. haue we not in thy name prophisied and in thy name haue cast out deuils in thy name haue done many myracles but sayeth the Lord I will knoweledge to them that I neuer knew theÌ„ depart from me ye workers of iniquitie And now yée Idolaters false woorshpers and Apocrites sée how you doe nothing but wé epe what for your pictures your cerimonies your offerings your golden Ladies your wooden saincts for wante of your masses to eas e you or of bulles frome Roome to pardon preserue you this day beholde saieth Esay they are the strawe and you are the fire you shall burne and neuer be quenched Esay 33. yea all that you haue thus conceiued is stubble strawe and your spirit shal be the fire that it shall consume you and shal be burnt like lime thornes for now confouÌ„ded shal be all woork maisters of errors and shal be turned to fire and smoke and shall burne for euer with that great beast and false prophet which shal be cast into a ponde of burning brimstone Esay 45. Esay 65. Therfore let s uddain fearfulnes run through you to consider the terror and vengeance of this heauie and ferefull day of bitter wrath and indignation and who shall be able to indure it wherfore away with all vanities and so runne your race of lyfe that you may finde mercy at the great day of the Lord so that cleanse your consciences from sinne filthines and buy the milke of heauenly nurishment the wine of heauenly gladnes hope and the garments of righteousnes that you may be filled and clothed with all godly lyfe and conuersation that you may be bolde and and not affeard at the appearing of the Lord in the dreadfull day of iudgement Moreouer yée enuious men reuenger théefe murtherer blasphemer lyar quariler and deceiuer why dooest thou now shake for feare that wunt to be so lusty a thretner so feirce and stout a reuenger against thy poore neighbour or enemie Deut. 32. what art thou become a lump of feare and is the day come that hath shaken a sunder thy ioynts and hart stringes that thou so wretchedly doost wéepe Rom. 12. or why wéepest thou because thou canst haue no more thy mynde to hurt and sting thy neighbour and enemie and so backbyte him alas wretch the direfull day is come that the Lord sayeth vengeaunce is mine and I will reuenge yea the time is come the hée will spend all his arrowes vpon thee and will reward thy enuious reuenging hart euen into thy bosome except thou hast imbraced repentance in time for beholde God sayeth the fire is kindled in his wrath and shall burne vnto the bottome of hel Zache 5. for the flying booke of cursse which was entred into the houses of theues swearers murtherers lyers reuengers quarrellers and malicious sinners is brought foorth that they may bée iudged and thereby consumed being adiudged to be s ectered with chaines of fire and led through the gates of hel to be brent in the pit of burning brimstoÌ„e for euer Wherfore awake quickly out of your s lumbring â—eâ— of sin turne vnto the Lord your God for he is gracioê° and mercifull and redy to pardon wickednes so that you â—â—cuse your hartâ— become 〈◊〉 creatures in holines and purenes working out your saluation with earnest deuotion for consider the dreadefull voyce which the watchemen soundeth of the day of the Lord saying that it shall come as a snare to all them that sit on the face of the earth wherby ye ought to take heede to your selues lest your hearts be ouercome with surfetting and drunkennes with lusâ—es and cares of the worlde and so haue your heartes as it were giued to sinne Therefore repent for the kingdom of God is at hande Matth. 13. which as the Apostle saith is like to a net cast into the sea that gathereth of all kinde of fishes which when it is full men do draw to land and sit and gather the good into vessels and cast the bad away and so shal it be at the end of the world the sonne of maÌ„ shal send foorth his angels and they shall seuer the good from the bad and gather out of his kingdome all that offende and doeth iniquitie and shall cast them into a furnace of fire there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth and then shal the iust man shine as bright as the Sonne in the kingdome of the Father wherein ye are warned carefully to watch and abide in Christ least you be founde cursed children forsaking the right way for which cause arme your selues with goodnesse of life Matth. 2. â— that when he shall s ende his angels with great voyce of trumpet to gather together his chosen from the foure windes and from the one ende of the worlde to the other you may be found profitable seruaÌ„ts and well doing Peter 2.3 For it is written that the heauens shall perish with fire and the elements consume with hearte and the earth burne with all that is therein And seeing that all these things shall thus vndoubtedly perish what maner of persons ought we to be in conuersation godlinesse in righteousnesse and holinesse looking for the comming of that day in which the whole worlde shal be vtterly burnt vp and consumed no doubt seeing that such thinges are most assuredly to be looked for we ought to be diligent so to liue as to be founde true children of the light sprinkled in our heartes with the blood of Christ Heb. 10. from an euill conscience knowing that euery 〈◊〉 that bringeth not foorth good fruite shall be â—ewen downe and cas t into the fire Matth. 7. for Chri st saith That not all that say to me Lorde Lorde shall enter into the kingdome of heauen but hee that
rent in pieces â—â—me in a consuming 〈◊〉 Now the truth hereof iâ— so 〈◊〉 â—laine that there need no great circumstance to prooue with many witnesses out of the holy scriptures any so ignorant as to doubt hereof although saith Micheas Micheas 1. the rebellious people hope that it shall not be so ill Peter 2.3 saith Peter in the latter dayes shall come mockers that will say â—â—â—h where is the promise of his comming But now that you may behold as in a looking glasse the glorious coÌ„ming of Christ as from a farre yet use wtin the compasse of our hearts Iohn 11. as Christ saide to Martha If thou beléeuest thou shalt sée the glorie of God I wil place therefore your soule in the spirit of heauenly meditation fixing your féete in the path of righteousnes and standing immoueable at the â—indow of Gods promises beholding in the glaâ—â—eâ— of tâ—neth with the stedfast eies of faith Iesus the King of glorie comming in a wonderfull glorious and magnificall progresse from heauen to visite the kingdomes and Lordshippes of the earth and the inhabiters thereof with power of mercie and iudgement touching the which the messengers of this glad tidings haue flowâ—â— thorowe the middest of heauen and gone through all the worlde with the ioyfull sounde of trumpet signifying the ioy of redemption to be come and the day of glorie to beâ—â—ie at hand the kingdome of euerlasting rest to draw néere therefore lift vp your heades Matth. 16. and be ready to the reward of your kingdome make haste to meete the king of glorie comming in the glorie of his Father with al his holy angels set 〈◊〉 his glorious throne of all maiestie there shining in his euerlasting clearnes glittering in his eternall brightnesse appearing in his preciousnes excéeding in his righteousnes exalted in his highnes magnified in his worthines sanctified in his holines triumphing in his gloriousnes when the puisance strength power of his omnipotent maiestie shall lighten into all the secrete places of world and his voice imperial shall pearce thorow the vnspeakable borders of all places to raise froÌ„ death to life all humane creatures that euer had being wheresoeuer and to gather them together before his eternall excellencie where all thinges in heauen and earth shall stand before his presence and all knees shall bowe and all tongues 〈◊〉 knowledge to the glorie of God Rom. 14. and then shall take perfourmed that Christ sayd to the high priests that were offended at him when hee was come in his â—owle humanitie saying Matth. 26. You shall see the Sonne of man sitting on the right handâ— of power and comming in the cloudes of the skie whereof the two Angels testified to the Disciples at the ascension of our Sauiour Christ Actes 1. saying Yeâ— men of Galilee why stande yee gasing vp into heauen This saâ—â—e Iesus which is taken vp from you into heauen is returned to the Father whence he came as he hath tolde you before and shall sâ—â—â—â—e againe euen as you haue s eene him god into heauen and that according to Matthewe accompanied with all the godly Angels Matth. 25. Iude. and saith â—â—och with thousandes of blessed Saintes with him and according 〈◊〉 Iohn In a white cloude sitting in his feare of dominion and dignitie Reuel 14. and in his glorious throne of wonderfull gâ—â—â—nes se which is according to Daniel as the 〈◊〉 flame Daniel 7. and his wheeles as the burning fire there went out froÌ„ him a fierie streame as glorious sparkes of eternall heauenlinesse like glisterings of perpetuall beames of 〈◊〉 proceeding froÌ„ the glory of his Godhead and 〈◊〉 out 〈◊〉 him and yet euer in him shewing the 〈◊〉 treasure of his grace and goodnesse â—he â—â—â—d â—â—prehensible 〈◊〉 out of his right cleare Maiestie the infinite and vnsearcheable vertues and giftes of glorie which issues eternally from his deuine Godhead and â—â—nipotent power And thus hee shall appeare most maruellous and all eyes sée him and all nations gathered before him Daniel 7. as saith Daniel A thousand times a thousand serued him a thous and times ten thousande stoode before him And theerfore Blessed be the kingdome that commeth in the Name of him that iâ— Lorde of our Father Dauid Marke 11. Hos anna Praising him in his holines praising him in the â—â—rmament of his power praising him in his 〈◊〉 Actes praising him according to his excellent greatnesse For nowe is the full time wheÌ„ the mysterie of the will of the Father shall bee opened in his Sonne Iesus Christ comming in the glorie of the father when shall be opened the endlesse clearenesse of diuinitie the incomprehensible â—â—â—â—our of Gods Maiestie the glorious riches of euerlasting glorie the incomparable profoundnesse of Gods wis edome the flowing fountaines of Gods goodnesse the shining light of all trueth the glorious kingdome wherto wée are called and the tresures of rewardes to men with glorie and dishonour and then the brightnes and sight of all things shal be apparent and all things past shall be as one thing present according to Mathew there is nothing so close that shall not be opened nothing so hyd that shall not be knowen Math. 1â— such s halbe the omnipotent potentiall and in comprhenssble clearnes of God that before him all that were in power in spirit in act in thought in intent in heauen in earth or in hell from the beginning shall there shew it selfe present apparent cleare and manifest by the endlesse brightnes of God that all the nature of sathan and the power of hell shal be made manifest for euer and the nature of man as it was and now is and shal be in glorie or dishonour shall be expressed for euer and all the great woorkes of GOD and beautie of Angells Cherubins and Seraphins shall there be knowen for euer and all the goodly mansions of God shall then be reuealed mo ste euident and the eternall shyne of Gods maiestie shall then bee vniuersall transparent for sayeth Paul Ephe. 1. The whole misterie of the will of the Father shall then be declared according to the purpose of his owne will therefore moste blessed shall you be that shal be found watching and waiting for his comming looking vp to heauen with pure eyes of faith and lyfting vp cleane hands of righteousnes well washed at the fountaine of penance that you may be found at his appearaÌ„ce to laude glory and honour pertaking with the treasures of the heauenly misterie of the will of the father ordained in Christe Iesus who béeing the Author of our glorie whereunto hee hath called vs by his Gospell by shedding of his owne moste precious blood to bring vs to GOD and to make vs heires of his kingdoÌ„e Did not omit the least godly meanes of all to drawe vs and quicken vs by his spirit diligently and with all our indeuours to seek after his kingdome And
proceedeth a sharpe two edged sword shewing that all power Maiestie imperiall and iudgement was giuen him of his father according to that of the Reuel out of his mouth went a sharpe sword that with it he should smite the heathen which was his word which according to Paul is sharper then a two edged sworde being quicke and mightie in operation Heb. 4. entreth thorowe to the deuiding of the soule and spirit and of the ioynts and the marow and iudgeth the thoughtes and intentes of the heart and the Raine bowe about his head shewing the vndoubted signe of his true couenaÌ„t and promise in all things to be perfourmed according as hee had promised touching saluation euen as the Rainbow was a true signe and witnes of Gods iust worde neuer to destroy the world by water againe And his face did shine as the sunne in his strength and hath the keyes of hell and death shewing the shining light of the incomprehensible brightnes of his glorious maiestie and his triumphant power ouer all his enemies and ouer al powers of hel and death hauing the keyes of the kingdome euen the keyes of Dauid which openeth no man shutteth which shutteth and no man openeth and thus to the Prophetes and Apostles Chri st did shewe a consembable vision of his glorious maiestie and glorious mirrour of comming againe at the latter day therein expressing the selfe same Symbolicall glorie to be to vs if we be founde worthy at his appearance to be heyres of his Kingdome thorough righteous life according as the Angell shewed the vision of Christ vpon mount Sion howe there stoode before him a great people that coulde not be nombred Esdras 4.2 praysing the Lorde with songes and thankesgiuing and he in the middest of them being of an high stâ—â—â—eâ— most goodly most glorious and most excellent aboue them all appearing alwayes higher and higher more glorious and glorious in the incomprehensible shining and vnmeasurarable riches of all brightnesse clearenesse beautie gifâ—es treasures and noblenesse and in the infinite and endelesse power might and omnipotencie of his diuine Maiestie and Godheade setting crownes vpon their heades there crowning them with the golden Diademes of eternall glorie and palmes of euerlasting ioye for that they had truely walked in his wayes and knowledged 〈◊〉 â—efectâ— faith his holy Name euen to the death Therefore seeing by Christ we haue there arrest of our saluation and the promise to be made partakers of his godly nature and the power by his Gospel to be made the sonnes of God let vs vse all diligence towarde good life to make our calling to mount Sion to be to our ioy that when we there appeare before our eternall king of glorie we maye be fouÌ„d to be of that holy multitude that Christ with his heauenly and vnspeakeable sweete hand may set the vnspeakeable crowne of glorie vpon our heades for which cause let vs now stirre vp our hearts with the quicke eye of faith and behold him as if he were present whom shortly we shall sée with our outward and inward eyes face to face in his Godhead and glorious humanitie as before he was séene in his lowlinesse of his humane nature And then we shal behold him in his excellencie and in all marueilousnesse being exalted and aduanced in the high glory of his Father and beautified with all the euerlasting ornaments of wisedome beautie goodnes and glorie And then O how ioyfully shall we sée him how intyrely shall we loue him howe with burning flames of excéeding desire shall we couet him and what wonderfull zeale affection shall we haue to imbrace him so most amiable a god and sauiour when we shall thus looke vpon him how in steade of his crowne of thornes he is extolled to the endles mirror of Maiestie triumphing in all the great shining dignitie of God and in the Royall power ouer all powers King of kings to whome all kings and powers shall yeeld vp their glorie power ashamed of so mightie maiestie and in s teade of a Reede he hath nowe the bright euerlasting Scepter of the kingdome and the omnipotent and eternall sentence of iudgement and in steade of rebukes and reproches he is magnifies with all goodly and glorious names of God with all the wordes voyces and songs of praise laud honour and glorie for euer and in stead of his crosse nayles he is exalted in the wonderful bright and glorious shining throne and seate of power and domination and in steade of his simple garments and rent clothes and purple gowne with which they clothed and mocked him hee is nowe arayed with the euerlasting heauenly Robes of glorie and honour of Iustice and Kingly dignitie for euer And where his enemies did boast ouer him and mocked him nowe he hath reigned till his enemies be made his footestoole and hath triumphed ouer death the last enemie Oseas 13. that the saying of the Prophet may be fulfilled O death I will be thy death O hel I wil be thy sting And thus our Sauiour Christ hath perfourmed the euerlasting tryumphe ouer all his enemies they nowe bowing their knees attributing all honour glorie vnto him and with moste dreadfull feare falling flat an their faces before his shining face and high power And because he yeelded him selfe to death he hath nowe the victorie ouer death and hell for euermore And in this sorte he commeth in the most magnifical glorie of his Father prepared to the marriage of newe Ierusalem which commeth downe also from heauen from God garnis hed with the reines of the righteousnesse of Saintes prepared as a bride mos t beautifull and glorious fitte and conuenient for a precious and glorious husbande and worthie to receiue and welcome all the excellent guestes that are called to this marriage where the ioye of the godlye shall be made perfect and complete receiuing the marriage gifte the palmes of immortalitie and honour and the garland of euerlasting glorification Wherefore to consider of this our heauenly hope and ioyfull expectation of blessednesse let vs be faithfull vnto death and ouercome and Chri st hath promised to giue vs this crowne of life at his comming Thess 1.4 which shall be with Imperiall might and greatnesse according to Paul with a shout and the voyce of the Archangel and troumpe of God that the heauens and earth and all powers shall quake withall and according to Iohn Hee shall come downe from the high heauens clothed with a cleare white splendent cloude and the Raine bowe vpon his head the signe of Iustice promise mercie and iudgement and his face as it were the sunne and his feete as it were pillars of fire glistering in the most endlesse purenesse of the glorie of his father like shining fire Thes s 1.4 most incomparable And then lift vp your heads to sée his superexcellent gloriousnesse when you shall immediately be changed to immortalitie and méete him in the ayre Actes 1. when he
saying Ye men and brethren girde you with the girdle of Gods veritie for through his abuÌ„dant mercie he hath begotten you again Peter 1.1 not with golde siluer but with the precious blood of his owne deare Sonne Iesus Chris t as of a Lambe vndefiled and without spot that ye should enioy an inheritance immortal and glorious prepared in heauen for you Therefore trust perfectly to the grace that is brought by Iesus Christ walking after the spirit abstaining froÌ„ fleshly lustes and fighting against the workes of darkenesse that your conuersation may be holy in the grace of Christ whereto hee hath called you through faith to saluation thus she neuer ceaseth making such godly perswasions to allure men to winne the glorie of Christes kingdome 2. True Religion And then preasing forwarde to come to the seconde staire after the veritie of the trueth receiued there stoode another beautifull Ladie arayed with all the shining garments that the first ladie conteined in her treasure house of trueth Reuel 12. for she was clothes with the brightnesse of the Sonne the cleare worde of God and the moone vnder her feete the righteous life of the true congregation and Church of Christ was her foote-stoole and the glorie of twelue starres ouer her head the doctryne of the Apostles and the righteousnes of their lyfe was her glorie wherewith shée decked and that came vp to her vpon this staire for shée was the nurcing mother of Christes little Children her name was true Religion Iohn 6. whome the righteous branch of Dauid did holde faste by the hand and lynked her with a chaine of golde of vnseperable loue vnto the first virgin her sister called the light of the Gospell that whosoeuer came to imbrace the first Lady with true sincere loue mu st also by the golden chaine of feruent loue come vp higher vnto this swéet virgin of true Religion Heb. â— to imbrace her giftes of grace hope and peace to professe stedfastly the true profession of Christe with all humblenes reuerence and obediynce vnto God then these being not all the stayres that confirmed a verteous man in the way to euerlasting life 4. Godlynes and perfect Righteousnes These Ladies pointed him to looke vp to the third golden stayre and there was a trym méek virgin very demure and humble euen as white and as méek as a dooue being rayed clothed with pure goodly raines of silke the garments of righteousnes down to the ground and she stood vppon the corner stone of Sion and shée was rich and had no end of her treasures Reue. 22. Pet. 1.1 she was fast linked with the golden chaine of vnseperable looue to the other two virgins her sisters that who so came vp to them she for her goodly raines and treasures sake stirred them vp with feruent spirit to come vp higher to s tandde with her and walke vpon the corner stone of Sion wher she by name being true godlines did set vp righteousnes in the ballance and filled all commers to her with the frute therof for she was as the shining light her beautie as the burning lamp did giue them the rich garments of righteousnes which the two first Ladies had made ready for them to weare which notwithstanding without this virgins asistance did shew in them naked and bare for shée being by name true and pure Godlynes did deck all men that had receiued the light of the Gospel and the profession of true Religion with the garments of health and precious armour of God Ephe. 6. putting vppon them the breast plate of righteous nes the sandalles of peace the shéeld of faith the helmet of saluation the bond of looue swoorde of the spirit saying Now walke yee as Children of the light Thess 1.5 and Children of the day for they that are Christes haue crucified the flesh with the appetites and lusts therof Gal. 5. and so walke in the spirit and doe the frutes therof and be not weary of well dooing but tread down the lustes of the fleshe which woorketh contrarie to the spirit to kéepe you back from this golden staire vnto whiche you are come wherin shine as lights in the world Iohn 1 5. holding fast the word of life and then aske any thing at Gods hand according to his will and he heareth your petitions Phil. 2. thus she reioyced all commers with the aboundant swéetnes of heauenly conuersation 4. Constancie perseuerance in righteousnes to the end And now preasting vp to the mark appointed the high calling in Christe these Virgins appointed a righteous man to go vp to the fourth golden stayr wher was a pure modest and méek Virgin clothed with a garment dipt in blood setting her feet very fast vpon the precious corner stone of Sion being lynked with the vnseperable and inuincible golden chaine of perfect loue stedfastnes of faith Reue. 19 impugnable patience vnto the other thrée Ladies her Sisters and her name was called Constancie perseuerance in the trouth vnto the end And then you might see many come running feircely out of the house of Esaw Pet. 1 1. Iames. 1.4 to make sharpe battels and ass aultes against this virgin shooting many arrowes of persecutions afflictions temptations and tribulations to beate her of that golden stair and to kill her and there you might see that shée was sore wounded that her garments were blooddie for the Lambs sake â—â—pe 3. Rom 8. Heb. 12. Cor. 2.1.52 and shée did holde fast the treuth and her faith did coÌ„tinue vnshaken of all the darts of persecutions and shée had a great Adamant in her hand and vppon it was written the wordes which the Lamb of glorie spake to Iohn from heauen to draw thereby all them that were come by grace in Christe to the other thrée stayres to come vp to her Reue. 23 to walke with constant faith and patience vpon the glaciall sea of perseruerance to the end and then shée sayd to them that were belowe come vp hether boldely and feare none of those thinges which you shall suffer for beholde the holy one of Israell that set vppon Dauids stoole byddeth you be of good cheare for I am with you saieth hée to the end of the world and hée saieth vnto Iohn Feare not I am the first and the last Reu. 1. and am aliue and was dead and beholde I am a liue for euermore and haue the keyes of hell and death Holde therfore fast the patience of my woordes to the end and thou shalt be safe Reu. 2. for whosoeuer ouercommeth and is faithfull to mée vnto death I wil giue him a crowne of lyfe and will make him a glorious piller in the Temple of my God Reu. 3. and shall sit for euer with me in my seat in new Ierusalem and thus this goodlie Ladie did comfort all commers with such heauenly consoation of Christes owne wordes who is faithfull
shall say Come ye blessed of my Father inherite the kingdome prepared for you from the beginning of the worlde But vnto the vngodly he shall say Depart from me ye cursed into euerlasting fire which is prepared for the Diuell and his Angels And nowe seeing it is so betweene the righteous and the vngodly it behooueth euery man to set his affection vpon righteousnesse and so seeke the Lorde in the singlenesse of heart knowing that he is full gratious and mercifull to all that put their trust in him but to the wicked he is a consuming fire and therefore prease forwarde with all diligence to get vp to the golden stayres of victorie that you may receiue at the appearing of Christ the ende of your faith euen the saluation of your soules and so be translated into Christes kingdome of glorie where you shall dwell accompanied with the blessed Saintes in all heauenly ioyes euerlastingly Moreouer this godly virgin called the light of the Gospell pronounced the sweete sentence of Christ Matth. 11. s aying Come vnto me all yee that are laden and I will refresh you for if you desire to be Christes sheepe Iohn 10. you will heare my voyce And therefore all ye Incommers into this worlde both litle laddes and prettie virgines Come hither and I will shewe you two great houses and buildinges of much admiration which you must knowe because they that walk in the narrow way which leadeth to euerlasting life or that go the brode way vnto distructioÌ„ do walk by one of these houses Math. 7 betwéen which there is great discord contrarietie and disagréement that no man can liue in this worlde but that he is in continuall battel by reason of these two hous es which were neuer fréendes since the beginning And beholde do you not sée vpon the right hand a goodly hil very plesant and beautifull to looke vppon that is mount Sion Esay â— a most faire place and the ioy of the whole earth where GOD is well knowen in her Pallaces and honoured in her Temples as a sure refuge therfore come one and walke about Sion and goe round about her and tell the Towers therof Psalme 48. mark wel her bulwarkes and consider the riches and treasures with in her for there hath God chosen an heritage for vs euen the woorship of Iacob The HABITATION of Iacobs house of Righteousnes and frutes of the Spirit containing the narrow way to saluation CHRIST is the Dore. Light of the Gospel Treuth Veritie Grace Peace Loue. Ioy. True professi Knowledge godly desire spiritual thrist good will godly sorrow Repentance Diligence comfort consolation satisfactiâ—n Godlynes Goodnes holynes Righteousnes Vertue Temperance Faithfulnes Humblenes Meeknes Gentlenes good woorkes kyndnes Constancie Perseuerance feruent loue liuely hope Pacience Perfectnes instant praers long suffering forbearing forgiuing blessing charitie mercie Thankfullnes Graciousnes Tendernes Purenes good thought rendriÌ„g good ferill verteous mind Faith Victorie Q. All those that are borne into the world that wil purchase heauen must enter into Iacobs house and walke according to those vertues and frutes of the Spirit which that house conteines euermore resisting and fighting against the house of Esau which is an aduersary and leadeth to distruction whose great and huge house standeth on the contrary hill vppon mount Seir Gen. 36. and hath many wyde gates and open windowes to go in at and is full of vnrighteousnes sinne and wickednes that hée that walketh in this house and is a fréend héerto is an enemy to God and goeth the way to perdition Abdy 1. Esaus house the frutes of the flesh and olde ADAM The brode way Flesh World Deuil Sin wickednes Lust worldly loue Vanities mischeif malice il-thought il-deeds adulterie fornication hatred variance disobedience ambiâ—ion arrogancie sloth flatterie Ipocrisie Idolatrie Ielosie wrath sorcerie witch-craft murther theft disceit treason strife vsury couetousnes extortion vnpurenes drunkennes fleshlines vncleannes Idlenes wantonnes frowardnes vnkindnes sturdines feircenes cruelnes rashnes slacknes heresies erors sects sedition filthie talke brawlings rebukes grudgings mockings iestings floutings peruerse proude high-minded vnnaturall concupisence vnbeleef vnconstant ignorance vngodlines backbiting blaspheming swearing bosting vncharitable impenitent obstinate il-mindes inuentions frutes of darknes And now whosoeuer walketh in Esaus house according to his frutes is in the broade way to distruction So that hée which walketh according to Iacobs house is spiritually minded which is life and peace Rom. 8 and hée that followeth the frutes of Esau is fleshly mynded and that is death Therfore if you will liue with Christe crucifie the woorkes of Esau by wrestling against fleshe and blood worldly vanities and spirituall wickednes that you may ouercome the world and inioy the crowne of victory Then after that the light of the Gospell had thus shewed the difference betwéen the righteous and vngodly and had declared the waies of Iacob and the wayes of Esau and what is the end of him that soweth spiritually and of him that soweth fleshly then did that pure Virgin Constancie and perseuerance to the end say that the bare knowledge héereof was not sufficient but that it was required at all mens hands to holde fast the treuth and not be remooved away from the Gospell Ieames â— and s o to be doers and not only hearers wheruppon shée pronounced a swéet exhortation to all people that desire to come to the supper of the blessed Lamb. saying O yee humble Sheepe of god follow your Leader goe on with your guyde beholde it is your LORD and Sauiour Christ who is the sweet Sauiour of lyfe vnto lyfe the Author and finisher of your saluatioÌ„ be willing to follow him and walke in his pathes and you shall finde all the grices steppes and staires wherby to clime vp to vs in heauenly Ierusalem Therfore stretch and prease forward to obteine the mark appointed the rewarde of the high calling of god in Christe which to obteine you must striue to ouercome in this worlde many great battels wilde beastes strange locustes which will come vpon you but faint not for beholde he sitteth in heauen holdeth the garlands of glorie in his hand to deck you with the Diadems of glorificatioÌ„ if you stand stedfast for that cause abyde all sorrowes and persecutions with boldenes of faith and immoueable patience sé eing it prepare such an excéeding and eternall weighte of glorie for you But what O yée men you séeme to be perfect in the profession of the Gospell Cor. 1.10 then beware you that séme to stand that you fall not for beholde the great day of tribulation is yonder comming what are you now affraid does t thou shrink doest thou goe backward from the profession of the pure Gospell of Christe feare not saith Christe him that killeth the body but feare him that destroyeth soule and body into hell fire yea holde fast sayeth hée the patience of my name Math. 10. and thou shalt haue a crowne