denyed That power which can disanull â—e greater must needs disanull the â—â—â—er if the death of Christ put an 〈◊〉 to the heavenly Fathers Cereâ—oniall Worship and in prayer and â—aise at or before the Ark or in â—e Temple then it will put an â—nd to all mans devised Worship unlesse you will advance the authority of man above God the Father Col. 2. 20 21 22 23. If Christ by his death hath freed us from the rudiments of the world the Mosaicall Ceremonies why living in the world are wee intangled with ordinances after the doctrine traditions and commandements oâ— men But they are set up for the glory of God Not I but Paul shall answer fom me They have a shew of wisdome iâ— will-worship but it is onely a shew there is no substance in it Wee harden the obstinate Papist in their superstition for they say and that truly Wee received moâ—â— of our formes of prayer and praiâ—â— from them Wee rob the Spirit of his glory who is given to Saints to form prayer and praise in them 1 Cor. 1â— 15 16. Rom 8. 26. Gal. 4. 6. Wee impose a burthen upon 〈◊〉 conscience to be practised which God hath left arbitrary to be used according to our necessities If we be afflicted then pray if wee have tasted how bountifull the Lord hath been to us in blessings then let us praise him Jam. 5. 13. If wee frequent devised formes of Worship in prayer or praise we shall lay a stumbling block before a weak brother and cause him to fall Woe be to them that follow the way of Balaam who taught Balack to cast a stumbling block before the children of Israel Revel 2. 14. Jud. v. 11. Now offences must come but woe unto the men by whom they come It were better for me that a milstone were hanged about my neck and that I were cast into the sea then that I should offend one of these little ones Luk. 17. 1 2. If wee frequent devised formes of Worship in prayer or praise we shall offend our consciences even so many of us as are Saints enlightned to behold the beauty of his spirituall Worship performed or offered in his spirituall house the Congregation of the faithfull united Now if our consciences condemne us God is greater then our consciences and hee will condemne us also 1 Joh. 3. 19. for he knoweth all things Therefore I say to you who blame us for not frequenting devised forms of Worship in prayer and praises as Shadrach Meshach and Abednego did to King Nebuchadnezzar We are not carefull to answer you in this matter Our God whom wee serve is able to deliver us out of your hand But if he will not be it known to you we will not serve your gods nor worship our God in that devised way that men set up Dan. 3. 16 17 18. It one set form of spirituall Worship in prayer and praises had been needfull Christ would have left one But the Prophets Christ the Apostles never prayed nor praised God by any set forme of Worship invented by man but by the powerfull worke of the holy Spirit Rom. 8. 26. Gal. 4. 6. A set forme of Worship prescribed in prayer or praises cannot in prayer expresse the severall necessities of Gods people for the more grace they have the more they see their owne wants and the more sensible they are of their owne infirmities corruptions and sinnes Neither can it in praises expresse the manifold experiences that the Saints daily observe of Gods mercifull dealing with them Therefore a set Forme of prayer or praises to Gods Saints and faithfull ones principled with a spirit of prayer and praise it is altogether unusefull 1 Cor. 14. 15 16. Soli Deo honor gloria FINIS A DESCRIPTION OF THE Spirituall TEMPLE OR THE SPOUSE Prepared for the LAMBE The LORD JESUS Written by FRANCIS CORNWEL a Minister and Servant of Jesus the Christ for the benefit of poore distressed conscences in City and Countrey LONDON Printed by John Dawson 1646. TO THE HONOVRABLE and the true lover of all conscientious Covenantours that stand up for a through Reformation according to the word of our good God in England and Ireland CORNELIUS HOLLAND Esquire a Member of the House of Commons Assembled in Parliament SIR DAvid describeth the godly man by his pleasure and by his paines First the pleasure of the godly man in these words He delighteth in the Law of the Lord. Secondly the paines of the godly man And in that Law he meditateth day and night not only in the day appointed for man to labour in but in the night also appointed for man to rest the reason is because it is his meat and drinke to doe the will of his God Honoured Sir The Word of Christ being the Rule of Englands Reformation the good Lord that writeth his Lawes in his peoples hearts according to his new Covenant of Grace Heb. 8. 10. put it into my minde seriously to consider What Schisme was that I had covenanted against And searching the Scriptures I found it thus written 1. Tim. 6. 3. If any man teach otherwise and consent not to the wholesome words even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ and to the Doctrine which is according to godlinesse Vers 4. He is proud knowing nothing but doting about Questions and strife of words whereof commeth envy strife raylings evill surmisings Vers 5. Perverse disputings of men of corrupt mindes and destitute of the truth supposing that gaine is godlinesse from such withdraw thy self Yea and after a further enquiry to understand aright the things that are controverted amongst us by the good providence of the Almighty I found two Texts of holy Scripture setting forth two sorts of men Diametrally opposing one another as light doth darkenesse truth doth falsehood the one thâ—s written 1 John 5. 1. Whosoever beleeveth that Jesus is the Christ is borne of God And the other thus 1 John 2. 22. Who is a lyar but he that denyeth that Jesus is not the Christ He is Antichrist that denyeth the Father and the Sonne And when I thought to understand the difference it was to hard for me untill I went into the Sanctuary of God where the Father of glory of his good pleasure revealed to me the most unworthyest of all his servants the truth of that which I conceive is the root of all our Controversies and gave me to understand the meaning of the Scriptures 1 John 5. 1. Whosoever beleeveth that Jesus is the Christ viz. the eternall King Prophet Priest of the Church of the new Testament ratified with his bloud whom the Father of glory hath exalted to bee Lord and Christ Acts 2. 36. and head Ephes 2. 20 21 22 23. Is borne of God Seeing no man can say that is confest that Jesus is the Lord but by the holy Spirit 1 Cor. 12. 3. Hence I find it written Joh. 1. 11. Jesus came to his owne but his owne received him not that
specialâ— mercies and particular experienceâ— that the Lord hath done for a beleever when his soule was broughâ— into great adversity and when the Lord delivered him the Spirit oâ— God in the dayes of his mirth bringeth into his mind and causeth him with heart and lips to blesse thâ— Lord in the Congregation for his mercies received Thus Hannah that was barren â—he Lord made to keep house and â—o be the joyfull mother of a sonne â—ingeth her song of praise 1 Sam. 2. â— My heart rejoyceth in the Lord my â—orne is exalted in the Lord my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies because â— rejoyce in thy salvation Mary the mother of Jesus singeth her Magnificat My soule doth magnifie the Lord and my spirit rejoyceth in God my Saviour Luk. 1. 46 47. So when the Lord had made good unto old Zacharias what hee had foretold him concerning his sonne John Luk. 1. 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20. being filled with the Spirit breaketh forth into his Eucharistia of praise Luk. 1. 68. Blessed be the Lord God of Israel for hee hath visited and redeemed his people Yea and old aged Simeon singeth his Nunc dimittis Lord let thy servant depart in peace for mine eyes have seene thy salvation Nay King David upon his harâ— warbles out the speciall mercies and favours and deliverances Goâ— had done for his soule Psal 103 Blesse the Lord O my soule and 〈◊〉 within mee blesse his holy Name Blesâ— the Lord O my soule and forget 〈◊〉 all his benefits Who forgiveth all thiâ—â—â— iniquities who healeth all thy diseases Who redeemeth thy life from destruction who crowneth thee with lovinâ— kindnesses and tender mercies â— Nay the Psalmist exhorteth thâ— Traveller the sicke man and thâ— Mariner to praise God for theiâ— speciall mercies received Psal 107. Hence holy Paul saith I will praâ— with the spirit and I will pray witâ— understanding also I will sing witâ— the spirit and I will sing with underâ—standing also Else when thou shalâ— blesse with the spirit how shall he whicâ— occupieth the roome of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks â— Cor. 14. 15 16. So that to sing blesse and give thanks in the language of holy Scripture is all one Hence as spirituall Prayer is a Sacrifice Psal 141. 2. offered up unto God our Father in the name of Christ to comfort solace and cure a sad and grieved spirit so spirituall praise is a Sacrifice tendered to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ through Christ Heb. 13. 16. by a merry and rejoycing Spirit for the speciall mercies and blessings spirituall and temporall that the Lord hath bountifully bestowed on him According to that of the Apostle Iames Is any afflicted amongst yoâ— let him pray Is any merry amongst you let him sing James 5. 13. 3. Thirdly Sacrifice is a broâ—en and a contrite heart for his sins and his dayly failings he hath committed against a crucified Jesus when God powreth upon his people the Spirit of grace and supplication Zech. 12. 10. The more the Spirit of Christ openeth the eyes of their spirituall understanding to looke up by faith upon a Jesus who for their sinnes was peirced the more will their hearts bee pierced with godly sorrow for their sinnes which bringeth repentance to salvation never to be repented of 2 Cor. 7. 10 11. and to loath themselves in their owne eyes for all their spirituall and corporall abominations Ezek. 36. Hence beleeving David the King that sorrowed after a godly manner for all his iniquities said The sacrifices of God are a troubled spirit A broken and contrite heart for sinne oâ— God thou wilt not despise Psalm 51. 17. 4. Sacrifice is a free ready and cheerefull contribution to the poorâ— and needy members of Christ Hebr. 13. 16. To doe good and distribute forget not for with such a sacrifice God is well pleased Phil. 4. 18. 5. Sacrifice is an holy life which the Spirit of Christ formeth in us Rom. 12. 1. I beseech you brethren upon the mercifulnesse of God that yee present your bodies a living sacrifice holy and acceptable to God which is your reasonable service 1 Cor. 6. 20. Yee are bought with a price glorifie God therefore in body and spirits which are Gods Thirdly The Altar that sanctifieth the person and the Sacrifice and maketh them both acceptable unto God Is Jesus the Christ 1 Pet. 2. 5. Yee also as lively stones that have received life from Jesus the living stone are built up a spirituall house and holy Priest-hood to offer up spirituall sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ To this Spirituall House or Church of the New Testament gathered according to the royall Commission of King Jesus Matth. 28. 18 19 20. as the Churches in Judea in Rome Corinth Galatia Ephesus c. were constituted The Promises were made First that God would bee a Father to all those that did obey his voice and come out from among the Jewes Heathens and Gentiles and separate from their false waies and superstitious worship and touch not the uncleane thing and he will receive you And yee shall be his Sonnes and Daughters saith the Lord the Almighty 2 Corinth 6. 17 18. Secondly for all the defects that these commit against his Spirituall worship they have this promise The bloud of Iesus Christ his Sonne clenseth them from all their sinnes 1 Iohn 1. 7. 1 Iohn 2. 1 2. Thirdly So many as have been bâ—ptized into the name of the Lord Jesus that is into the profession of Faith that the Apostles taught to wit that men should beleeve in a Crucified dead and risen Jesus whom God hath exalted to be Lord and Christ had the promise of receiving the gifts of the holy Spirit How prove you that to this Faith and Baptisme the gift of the holy Spirit was granted Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus for the remission of sinnes and yee shall receive the gâ—fts of the holy Spirit For the promise of giving the holy Spirit is to you and to your children as Joel the Prophet foretold I will powre out my spirit upon all flesh and your Sonnes and Daughters shall prophesie and your old men shall dreame Dreames and your young men shall see Vâ—sions and also upon the servants and upon the handmaides in those daies I will powre out my spirit Joel 2. â—8 â—9 And all that are a farre off even so many as the Lord our God shall call verse 29. and to the twelve in Asia â—he promise was made good Acts 19. 5 6 7. And when this Spirit is come he will guid thee into all truth for he shall not speake of himselfe but whatsoever he shall heare that shall â—ee speake and he will shew them things to come John 16. 13. Yea to be to the whole Church as a River that shall make glad the City of God Psal 46. 4. compared with John 7. 37. If any man thirst let him come
her husband should bee spoyled of any of his royall dignities either his Kingly or Propheticall as well as Priestly Offices Shee cannot with harlot Rome bee content with a divided Christ but with the true mother shee must joyn onely with them that will have a whole Christ or no Christ Christ her King and his Commission to bee eternall Mat. 28. 18 19 20. Christ her Prophet whose voyce shee must onely heare as the Father of glory hath given her in charge to doe Mat. 17. 5. Yea and the extent how farre in all things whatsoever hee shall say Act. 3. 22. Knowing the danger followeth her soule shall be cut off from his people Act. 3. 23. reckoned no sheep of his fold Joh. 10. no Spouse of her royall husband Ephes 5. 24. as well as her eternall Priest to make intercession for her Heb 7. 25. because shee knoweth Christ divided becometh no Christ to the divider And this according to the Vulgar Latine is solvere Jesum to dissolve Jesus to receive him onely in part and not in the whole which is the spirit of Antichrist c. Lastly The Christian Church Christs loyall Spouse knoweth that her royall husband is jealous of his glory and will not endure his Worship should be corrupted with the inventions of man therefore shee deserteth the communion of all such as have forsaken Christ the fountaine of living waters and dig to themselves cisternes broken cisternes that will hold no water Hence it is as possible for light and darknesse to agree in one subject and the Temple of God and Iâ—ols as the Church that hath Christ for her head and the Word to bee the rule of her Doctrine and Government And those Congregations that are governed partly by the Word of Christ and partly by their owne T. aditions should have communion together But have Gods Elect in Babylon any power of themselves to returne out of the Land of their spirituall Captivity under Antichrist Nay Untill God enlighten them that are darke and quicken them that are dead and cause them to returne by being obedient to a Gospel Ministery as formerly he brought in our fore-fathers which were Gentiles aswell as wee and strangers from the common-wealth of Israel and Aliants from the covenant of Promise having no hope and without God in the world by opening their blind eyes and turning them from darkenesse to light and from the power of Satan unto God that they might receive the remission of their sinnes and an inheritance amongst them which are sanctified by Faith in Christ Jesus Acts 26. 18. Now as many as shall bee obedient to the voice of the Lord will be unequally yoaked no more with unbeleevers but wil become obedient unto the voice of the holy Spirit and come out from amongst them and be separate and touch no more any of the uncleane thing and then the Lord will make good his promise To be a Father unto you and yee shall be his Sonnes and Daughters Having therefore these Promises dearely beloved Let us clense our selves even so many poore Iaphets as God shall perswade to dwell in the Tents of Shem from all filthynesse both of the flesh and of the spirit perfecting holynesse in the feare of the Lord 2 Cor. 6. 14 17 18. Chap. 7 1. If all Churches come out of Babylon by degrees then you condemn all Churches that are not of your judgement We condemne no Churches that are built upon the tryed stone the precious Corner Stone the sure Foundation Esay 28. 16. Jesus the Christ Seeing other foundation can no man lay save that is layd Jesus Christ 1 Cor. 3. 11. Whom Paul calleth the corner stone Ephes 2. 20. Peter the living stone 1 Pet. 2. 4. Yea the chiefe corner stone elect and precious 1 Pet. 2. 6. For there is salvation in none other Acts 4. 12. 2 And that holdeth the Gospell Faith namely that they beleeve in a crucified dead and risen Jesus through whom they obtaine remission of sinnes whom God hath exalted to be Lord and Christ viz. eternall King Priest and Prophet and head of the body of his Church Ephe. 1. 22 23. which must be preached among all Nations beginning at Jerusalem Luke 24. 46 47 48. And constituted according to the Commission given to the Apostles Math. 28. 19 20. which is left as a rule for the gâ—thering of all Churches to the ends of the World seeing the Word of Christ is eternall The word of the Lord endureth for ever and this is the Word which by the Gospell is preacheâ— unto you 1 Pet. 1. 25. Yea and after their apostasie under the spirituall Babylonish captivity to reforme any errour crept into the Churches of the old and new Testament It was their holy custome to reduce all things to their first Institution Quod primum verum thâ—t which was first is true according to ertullians jâ—dgement For instance so 〈◊〉 David in the miscarriage of the Arke of God 1 Chro. 15. 2. 12. 13. And it was zealous Iosiahs rule whom the Spirit of God so commeâ—deth in Scripture that none was like before him for his Reformation 2 Chrâ— 34 31. The like example tooke Nehemiah after his returne from the Babylonish Captivity Neh. 10. 29. To observe all the Commandements of the Lord and the Statutes which Moses the servant of the Lord gave them to keepe So in reforming of the particular Churches of the New Testament whereof Jesus the Christ is head King and Prophet if ever they be rightly brought out of their Spirituall Babylonish captivity under Antichrist we must reforme all the Innovations as the Lord Jesus himselfe reformed the long-spread errour of Bygamie and Polygamy Non fuit sic ab initio From the beginning it was not so Matth. 19. 7 8. Yea and we must so follow Paul as he followed Christ 1 Cor. 11. 1. in reforming the abuses crept into the Church of Corinth reducing all things to the first Institution With a what I râ—ceived from the Lord that I delivered unto you 1 Cor. 11. 23. We condemne none that are comming out of Babylon that make enquiry after truth as the daughters of Ierusalem did of the Spouse Cant. 5. 9. What is thy beloved more then another beloved oh thou fairest among women What is thy beloved more then others beloveds that thou dost so charge us And truâ—h being râ—vealed to them joyne with us in the practise of truth as the Daughters of Ierusalem did with the Spouse Cant. 6. 1. Whither is thy beloved gone oh thou fairest among women Whither is thy beloved turned aside that we may seeke him with thee The Spouse giveth them a gentle and a loving direction Cant. 6. 2. My beloved is gone into his garden to gather Spicâ—s to feed in the garden and to gather Lillies But wee onely condemâ—e those that deny Jesus the Christ though they owne him their eternall Priest that ever liveth to make intercession to God for them Hebr. 7.
Christ whom he â—aised not up if the Faith and Bapâ—isme of Iohn be in force at his day â— Cor. 15. 15. Fourthly If the Faith and Bapâ—isme of Iohn be in force under the time of Pauls Ministery Acts 9. 3 â— Then was the preaching of Paul vaine and the faith of all that received his Gospell to wit That Christ dyed for our sinnes according to the Scriptures and rose againe the third day 1 Cor. 15. 3 4. vaine and â—hat they were yet in their sinnes 1 Cor. 15. 16. 17. Neither were the gifts oâ— the Spirit then given For they werâ— not to be shed forth until Christ waâ— risen and ascended up into glorâ— Acts 2. 33. which is blaspemous to imagine or to divulge and declare abroad For these Reasons I conceivâ— there was a nullity of the Faith anâ— Baptisme of John which was to continue but till the death and resur rection of Christ And the twelve in Asia were re-baptized into thâ— Faith of a crucified dead and risen Jesus whom God exalted to bâ— the Christ And Paul layd his hand on them and they received the holâ— Spirit Acts 19. 5. 6. May it not rather bee that with Apollos they were more fully instructed what it was to bee Baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus Nay Because there was as vast a difference according to the distinâ—â—ion I formerly layd downe beâ—weene the Faith and Baptisme of â—ohn and his Disciples before the eath of Christ and the Faith and â—aptisme of Paul and â—he residue of the Apostles after the death and resurrection of Christ As now is â—etwixt the Jewes at this day and â—s that truely beleeve in Jesus the Christ 1 Joh. 5. 1. Whosoever beleeveth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God For the Jewes at this day beâ—eeve as John and his Disciples then taught That they should beleeve on him that should come Acts 19. 4. even in that Messiiah whom they wait â—or And we beleeve as Peter and Paul then taught That Christ indeed is come and crucified dead and risen and exalted to bee the Christ Acts 2. 36 Ephes 1. 20 21 22 23. So that if the Jewish Faith be not a saving Faith at this day Seeing they looke for a Messiah to come when indeed hee is already come and crucified dead risen and ascended to glory So that we wait now for a Saviour from heaven Jesus that shall deliver us from the wrath tâ— come 1 Thess 1. 10. Neither coulâ— the Faith of those twelve Disciples Paul found at Ephesus bee a saving Faith in the time of his Ministery because Christ was come though they were ignorant of it being a that time in Asia and had finished all those things that were written of him in the Law of Moses the Prophets and the Psalmes Luke 24. 44. But as neither the twelve Disciples of Christ could not understand that all things were fulfilled of him untill hee had opened their understandings that they might understand the Scriptures And then they rightly understood the end of his suffering death and resurrection namely That repentance and remission of sinnes should bee preached in his name among all Nations beginning at Ierusalem Luke 24. 45 46 47 c. So neither could these twelve Paul found at Ephesus know it because they had not heard whether there were any holy Spirit yea or nay and so were ignorant of the death and resurrection of Christ untill the Lord was pleased by his good Spirit to open their understanding by the ministery of Paul therefore it is written When they heard it they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Act. 19. 5. Was there any necessity that they should be Re-baptized would not a more perfect instruction have served Nay Because those twelve were departed into Asia after they had received the Faith and Baptisme of John and were ignorant whether there were any holy Spirit yea or nay Acts 19. 2. Because Johns Faith and Baptisme as I have formerly shewed had no promise of giving the gifts of the holy Spirit Mat. 3. 11. If they therefore should continue in the Faith and Baptisme they had received from John they had no promise that waiting they should receive the gift of the holy Spirit But to the Faith and Baptisme that Peter and the residue of the Apostles preached there was a promise of giving the gifts of the holy Spirit Acts 2. 38. And when these twelve which had been baptized by John or his Disciples heard it they submitted them selves and were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus viz. into that profession of Faith Paul preached 1 Cor. 15. 3 4. And when Paul had laid his hands on them the holy Spirit came upon them and they spake with new tongues and prophesied and the men were about twelve Acts 19. 5 6. Such an instance likewise wee have in Samaria Philip preaching the things concerning the Kingdome of God and the name of Jesus Christ and they were baptized both men and women Act. 8. 12. When the Apostles which were at Hierusalem heard it they sent Peter and John unto them And when they were come down they prayed that they might receive the holy Spirit For as yet hee was fallen upon none of them onely they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Then they laid their hands on them and they received the holy Spirit Acts 8. 14 15 16 17. So that by the examination of these texts of holy Scripture it appeareth to me that these twelve that were formerly baptized by Iohn and then afterwards by Paul were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus and then the Lord according to his owne free promise Acts 2. 38. gave them the gifts of his holy Spirit by his ordinance of Imposition of hands that the earth might bee filled with his glory and his Church replenished with gifts meet for the ministery Ephes 4. 11 12. But was Andrew and the other Disciple Iohn baptized Re-baptized by the Disciples of Jesus the Christ Nay Because that Faith which Iohn preached and baptized into and the Faith and Baptisme that Jesus and his Disciples preached before his sufferings death and resurrection was all one in substance and to one peculiar people the Jewish Nation Mat. 3. 2. Iohn preached Repent for the kingdome of heaven is at hand So did Jesus Mat. 4. 17. Repent for the kingdome of heaven is at hand So Christ commanded the twelve As yee goe preach saying The kingdome of heaven is at hand Mat. 10. 7. Likewise the seventy The kingdome of heaven is come nigh unto you Luke 10. 9. Peter and all the Disciples were ignorant of the death and resurrection of Christ untill he was risen from the dead Mar. 9. 31 32. compared with Luk. 24. 6 7 8. They wait for the fulfilling of the promises as well as Iohns Disciples Luke 24. 19 20 21 22. But were the twelve Disciples of Christ and the seventy Luk. 10. that
learned saying Read this I pray thee Anâ— hee saith I am not learned Esay 29. 11 12 So that it is not in him that is learned noâ— in him that is unlearned to discover the mystery of iniquity by which Antichrisâ— hath filled the Temple so full of smoak that no man can see how to enter into it untiâ— God enlighten him which caused the Lord Jesus in the dayes of his flesh to break out into an Eucharistia of praise looking on his Disciples I thank thee O Father Lord of heaven and earth that thou hast hid these things from the wise and learned and hast revealed them unto babes Even so O Father because it seemed good in thy sight Mat. 11. 25 26. That the whole glory in discovering of truth to any might be given unto God Thirdly Know gentle Reader who art a searcher after truth in these inquiring times that the Publisher wrote this Treatise to discover that the difference lieth not so much amongst us in point of Baptisme as it is about the Doctrine of the Faith of Jesus the Christ the Sonne of God which whosoever beleeveth and confesseth that Jesus the Christ is the Son of God it is lawfull to baptize him Act. 8. 36 37 38. And to which Faith of Jesus the Christ and Baptisme the promise of receiving the gifts of the holy Spirit is given Act. 2. 38 39. And though for publishing this mystery of Faith which hath been hidden for some Ages and Generations that are past hee suffer reproach and contempt from the hands and tongues of some yet if the will of God be so it is better hee suffer for well-doing then for evill Yet the love that hee beareth to the loyall Covenanters in the Nation constraineth him to doe it rather then his Country-men should ever remaine in blindnesse under the power of Antichrist Thine who is the unworthiest of all the servants of Christ who is content it should be said of his good name that is as a precious oyntment as Luther said of Moses his body Let it die and rot so God may be glorified and Jesus the Christ exalted in all his royall Offices FRAN. CORNWELL A DESCRIPTION Of the Spirituall TEMPLE THe Spirituall Temple of the New Testament the New Jerusalem which came downe from heaven the Bride prepared for the Lambe the Lord Jesus the Christ Revel 21. 2. may not be unfitly compared to the materiall Temple of Jerusalem in the letter whose foundation stone was of earth whose materials were hewen stones compacted into one edifice or Temâ—le the furniture thereof was an Altar a Sacrifice and a Priesthood who were made after the law of a carnall Commandement Heb. 7. 16. which was typicall and was not to continue for ever but onely to the time of Reformation and then the glory of it should vanish away In which materiall Temple none must come thither to worship but the circumcised Jewes and Proselytes for the uncircumcised and unclean were an abomination and must not enter in at the gates thereof Ezek. 44. 6 7. And for the defects the people of Israel and Judah committed in their worship so long as they continued in their integrity the high Priest went once every yeare into the Holy of Holiest and that not without bloud to offer up for himselfe and for the errours of the people Heb. 9. 7. Yea and great were the priviledges that belonged to the Jewish Church To them saith Paul pertained the adoption and the glory and the Covenants and the giving of the Law and the service of God and the promises Who are the fathers and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came who is over all God blessed for ever Amen Rom. 9 4 5. But Christ being come an high Priest of good things to come by a greater and a more perfect Tabernacle not made with hands that is to say not made of this building Heb. 9. 11. reareth up a spirituall structure or house 1. Whose Foundation was the living stone who hath life in himselfe Jesus the Christ 1 Cor. 3. 11. Seeing other foundation no man can lay save that is laid Jesus the Christ 1 Pet. 2. 4. For there is salvation in none other Acts 4. 12. 2. The spirituall Materialls are such as are borne of water and of the Spirit Joh. 3. 5. Who are they which are born of the Spirit Such men and women as through a Gospel Ministry are brought to beleeve and manifest by their confession that Jesus who was crucified dead and risen is the Christ is borne of God 1 Joh. 5. 1. For no man can say that is confesse that Jesus is the Lord but by the holy Spirit and being born of water they are manifested to be lively stones that have received life from Jesus the Christ the living stone 1 Pet. 2. 4. and fit spirituall materialls to be set into the spirituall house 1 Pet. 2. 5. 3. What is the Forme of this spirituall house Union They which gladly received the word were baptized and were added unto the Church and so were compacted into one spirituall house whereof Jesus the Christ is Lord Heb. 3. 6. But Christ as a Sonne over his owne house whose house are we if wee hold fast the confidence and the rejoycing of the hope firme unto the end And these continued stedfastly in the Apostles doctrine and fellowship in breaking of bread and prayers c. Act 2. 41 42. The Furniture of this spirituall â—ouse of the new Testament whereâ—f Jesus the Christ is the King Priest â—nd Prophet is a Priesthood Saâ—rifice and an Altar but all spiriâ—â—all First The Priests whether they â—e Male or Female they are all â—ne in Christ Gal. 3. 28. Yea every â—ember of this spirituall house are â—ade Kings and Priests to God the Faâ—her Revel 1. 6. Yea and the whole Church united into a body is a choâ—â—n Generation a royall Priesthood an â—oly Nation a peculiar People that they â—â—ould shew forth the vertues of him that hath called them out of darknesse into â—is marvellous light Which in times â—ast were not a â—eople but are now the people of God 1 Pet. 2. 9 10. Secondly The Sacrifices that â—â—ese Priests offer are all spiriâ—uall 1. The first is Prayer which the â—pirit of Christ formeth in the heart â—f a beleever whereby hee layeth â—pen all his spirituall and temporall wants unto God his Father in the name and mediation of Jesus Christ through whom hee hath received a promise to bee heard and to have his request granted Joh. 16. 23 24. 2. Secondly Praise is a spirituall sacrifice offered up unto God continually that is the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name Heb. 13. 15. Which is done by praising God in Psalmes and Hymnes and spirituall Songs which the Spirit oâ— Christ formeth in us to sing and make melody in our hearts to thâ— Lord Ephes 5. 19. Col. 3. 16. What is a Psalme It is a rehearsall of those
the Christ 1 Johâ— 2 22. and crucifieth Christ in hiâ— members as the Church of the New Testament in the Apostolicall times was gathered out of thâ— Nationall Church of the Jewes that was of old once a true state untill they crucified Jesus the Christ in his humane nature whom God raised from the dead and exalted him to be Lord and Christ Act. 2. 36. iâ— God shall by his Gospel-Ministery wound and prick their hearts for their sinne of crucifying Christ in his members that confesse the faith â—f Jesus the Christ 1 Joh. 5. 1. as â—ee did once the Jewes that crucifiâ—d the Christ their Messias in his â—wne person Acts 2. 37. so that â—â—ey trembling cry out Men and â—â—ethren what shall we doe Must not the Reply bee that â—oyce that the holy Spirit spake by â—e mouth of Peter Repent and be â—aptized every one 〈◊〉 you in the name of Jesus for the remission of sinnes â—nd yee shall receive the gift of the hoâ— Spirit For the promise is to you and 〈◊〉 your children and to them that are â—farre off even so many as the Lord 〈◊〉 God shall call And with many other words hee said and must not â—ee doe so likewise seeing whatâ—oever things â—ere written afore-time were written for our learning Rom. 15. â— Save your selves from this untoâ—ard generation Seeing the same wrath is fallen on them as was on â—he Jewes for killing the Lord Jesus â—nd their owne Prophets 1 Thes 2. 14 15 16. seeing they crucifie Christ in his members that contend for the faith of Jesus the Chrisâ— as Paul did Act. 9. Now so many as shall gladly receive this word and be baptized shall be saved from wrath as Noah and his family were saved in the Ark from perishing by water seeing it is written by thâ— like figure Baptisme saveth 1 Pet. 3â— 20 21. The Reason is first Because thâ— time of our ignorance God hath winkeâ— at but now seeing light is come and truth is revealed the Lord Jesus commandeth us every where to reâ—pent c. Acts 2. 38. Else our conâ—demnation will be heavie Joh. 3 19 20. This is tâ—e condemnation lighâ— is come and men love darknesse morâ— then light because their deeds are evill c. Secondly Because we have with Paul and the Jaylor in the time oâ— our ignorance beaten and perseâ—cuted Jesus the Christ in his memâ—bers that contend for the faith 1 Joh. 5. 1. and wee though within our selves we ought to doe something contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth as Paul did in the time of his ignorance Act. 26. 9. If God shall by his good Spirit convince us of the evills that wee have done so as that we trembling cry Men and brethren what shall we doe Must not the reply be Repent c. Act. 2. 38. Else shall they not be disobedient to the voyce of the Spirit that speaketh seeing Paul and the Jaylor arose and were baptized Acts 9. 18. 16. 33. Thirdly Because there is no promises of salvation to be found in the Antichristian states that deny Jesus the Christ 1 Joh. 2. 22. The Reasons are First Because all the promise of God are made over to them onely that beleeve in Jesus the Christ 2 Cor 1. 20. Hee that beleeveth in the Sonne of God hath life and he that beleeveth not in the Sonne of God hath not life but the wrath of God abideth on him John 3. 36. Secondly Till we did beleeve in Jesus Christ we were in respect of any visible calling without Christ being Aliants from the Common-wealth of Israel and strangers from the Covenant of Promise having no hope and without God in the world But once beleevers in Christ Yee who were sometime afarre off are made nigh by his bloud and through him have accesse by one Spirit unto the Father And are no more strangers and forraigners but fellow-citizens with the Saints and of Gods houshold c. Ephes 2. 12 13. 18 19 20 21 22. Thirdly Because they in denying the Sonnes authority to bee the King and Prophet of his Church in all his outward administrations in admitting members into his spirituall kingdome Math. 28. 19. 20. though they own him their Priest that ever liveth to make reconciliation to God for them Hebr. 7. 25. They deny the Father that sanctified the Sonne and sent him into the world and raised him from the dead and exalted him to be the Lord and Christ Act. 2. 36. Ephes 1. 20 21 22. Fourthly Because the Antichristian state deny the Sonne 1 Iohn 2. 22 23. Whom the Father of glory commandeth us to heare Math. 17. 5. Yea and the Apostle Peterciting the Testimony of Moses saith Truely Moses said to the Fathers The Lord your God will raise up a Prophet from the midst of your bretheren like unto me him shall yee heare in all things whatsoever he shall say and the danger followeth It shall come to passe that every soule which refuseth to heare the voice of that Prophet that soule shall be cut off from his people Acts 3 22 23. The Reasons are these First If Jesus the Christ bee not our Prophet to teach us hee will not be our King to protect us Math. 28. 10. Teach them saith Christ to observe all things that I command you And loe I am alwaies with you to the end of the world Secondly If Christ be no Prophet to teach us his heavenly Fathers revealed will he wil be no Priest to intercede for us Ioh. 17. 20. I pray not for these alone but for all them that shall beleeve in me through their word Now it is not their word that they speake but what they have received from Christ to speake Seeing it is written 2 Iohn 9. Whosoever transgresseth and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ hath not God but he that abideth in the doctrine of Christ hath both the Father and the Sonne Verse 10. If there come any unto you and bring not this doctrin receive him not to house neither bid him God speed Verse 11. For hee that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evill deeds Thirdly If Christ bee no Prophet to teach us Hee will bee no Judge to acquit us Iohn 12. 48. Hee which rejecteth mee and rece iveth not my words hath one that judgeth him the words that I have spoken the same shall judge us in the last day And then like the wise Merchant let us cast up our accouut what it will profit us If by denying to heare the voice of our Prophet Jesus we gaine the world and in the meane season loose our precious soules Knowing the Sonne of man shortly will come to judge the world And then they which be ashamed of him and his words in this sinnefull and adulterous generation of them will the Sonne of man be ashamed when he cometh in the glory of his Father with all his holy Angels Marke 8. 38. Fourthly If we joyne with them that deny Jesus the
Christ I Iohn 2. 22. and will be partakers of their sinnes wee shall bee partakers of their plagues Revel 18. 4. And for our unbeliefe in persisting to persecute them that contend for the faith of Jesus the Christ Math. 16 16 17 18. The wrath of God abideth on them 1 Thess 2. 14 15 16. Fiftly There is no promise to any people that deny the Faith and Baptisme of Jesus the Christ that they waiting shall receive the gifts of the Spirit But rather that they shall be given up of God to strong delusions to beleeve a lye 2 Thess 2. 10. Because they received not the love of the truth that they might bee saved Verse 11. For this cause God shall give them up to strong delusions to beleeve a lye Verse 12. That all might bee damned that beleeve not the truth but have pleasure to continue in unrighteous practises 2 Thess 2 10 11 12. But there is a promise to all poore enquiring soules that in the time of their ignorance and unbeliefe have denyed Jesus the Christ their eternall King and Prophet aswell as Priest and now by the Spirit of God being convicted that they are lyars and Antichristian that deny the Father and the Son 1 Iohn 2. 22. And being pricked at the heart now trembling cry out Men and brethren what shall we doe The Spirit of Christ in the inspired Scripture saith Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Iesus for the remission of sins and yee shall receive the gifts of the holy Spirit Acts 2. 38. We have an instance of twelve Disciples found at Ephesus baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus and and Paul laid his hands on them and they spake with new tongues and Prophesied as Ioel the Prophet foretold Ioel 2. 28. I will powre out of my Spirit upon all flesh c. But were those Disciples Paul found at Ephesus that had beene baptized by Iohn the Paptist rebaptized by Paul In answering this objection I conceive First there was a vast difference betweene Faith and Baptisme Iohn preached before the suffering death and resurrection of Christ And the Faith and Baptisine Christ commanded his Disciples to preach after his Resurrection Luke 24. 46 47. Secondly Iohn the Baptist preached the Baptisme of repentance saying that they should beleeve on him that was to come after him Acts 19. 3 4. Whom Christ himselfe declareth to his Apostles being come in the flesh that he must goe up to Ierusalem fall into the hands of sinners bee killed and the third day rise againe but thâ— Disciples understood it not though it were declared to them and they were afraid to aske him Mark 9. 31 32. Much more John understood not that Christ should dye and rise againe from the dead First because it was not revealed to him though John sent two of his Disciples to demand of him Whether it were he that should come or shall we looke for another Christ answereth Goe tell John the blind see he deafe heare the dead are raised and the poore the Gospell is preached and lessed is he that is not offended in me Math. 11 2 3 4 5 6. Secondly Christ saith of John This was that Elias that was to come â—hat should prepare the way before him Mal. 3. 1. Thirdly Hee was the greatest Prophet borne amongst women for he saw him come in the flesh and said to two Disciples Behold that Lamb â—f God which taketh away the sinnes of he world John 1. 29. Yet hee that is he least member in the kingdom of heaven is greater then John because after the death and resurrection of Christ they could preach and declare that great mystâ—ry of godtinesse 1 Tim. 3. 16. that Iohn the Baptistnever knew But the Apostles after the resurrection of Christ he having opened their understanding that they might understand the Scriptures said unto them That it behoveth Christ to suffer and rise againe the third day that repentance and remission of sinnes should bee preached in his name amongst all Nations beginning at Ierusalem and yee are witnesses of these things Luke 24. 46 47 48. Again Iohn the Baptists baptisme was the Baptisme of water onely but had no promise of the holy Spirit annexed as himselfe confesseth Math. 3. 11. I indeed baptize you with water to repentance But he that commeth after mee is mightier then I he shall Baptize you with the holy Spirit and with fire Secondly The holy Spirit waâ— not to bee given in his full measure untill Christ was glorified Iohn 7. 39 compared with Acts 2. 33. But to the Faith and Baptisme the Apostles preached after the death and resurrection and ascention of Christ into glory there was a promise of giving the gifts of the holy Spirit Acts 2. 38. Repent and bâ— Baptized every one of you in the namâ— of Iesus for the remission of sinnes and yee shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit as the Prophet Ioel foretold Ioel 2. 28. and the twelve at Ephesus received Acts 19. 6. I affirme that the twelve at Eâ—hesus that had beene Baptized by Iohn or his Disciples Ministry were re-baptized by Paul or them that were with him in the time of his Ministery for these ensuing Reasons First In respect of the different dispensations The Faith and Baptisme that these twelve had received from Iohn or his Disciples Ministerie though it was a saving Faith all the dayes of Iohn and his Disciples Ministry yet it was not a saving Faith after the death and resurrection and ascention of Christ into glory in the time of Pauls Ministery For Iohn and his Disciples preached the Baptisme of Repentance saying that they should beleeve on him that was to come after him that was in Jesus Christ that was to bee crucified But Paul and Timetheus preached that Jesus indeed is come and crucified dead and risen through whom all that beleeve shall have remission of sinnes Acts 13. 38 39. 1 Cor. 15. 3 4. Secondly Because this Faith that they had received from Iohn or his Disciples in the time of Pauls Ministery would not save them Because they denyed the Resurrection of Christ from the dead Looking onely for him to come and to be crucified and were ignorant that he was crucified dead and risen And then according to the doctrine of the Holy Spirit by the mouth of Paul 1 Cor. 15. 14. If Christ be not risen our Faith is vaine and our Preaching is vaine Thirdly If the Faith and Bapâ—isme of Iohn that declared that there was a Jesus to come to bee Crucified and the Faith and Baptimse of Paul that declareth that Christ dyed for our sins according to the Scriptures and rose againe the third day according to the Scripture 1 Cor. 15. 3 4. Be all one for substance as some of the Learned amongst us affirme then are wee found false witnesses of God because wee have testified of God that he hath raised up his Sonne Iesus
pure Reformation agreeable to the word of our good God and have preserved our estates and liberties from an Arbitrary Government shall they dye which have wrought such a deliverance in the Land they shall not dye we will bleed our selves before an haire shall fall from their heads if either wee with our persons prayers counsells states or swords can prevent it And hath the Lord given such a blessing to our endeavours that God hath made the righteous of the Land next to the Lord a wall of defence to the Parliament shall it ever therefore enter into the heart of loyall and tender-hearted Covenantors to have such hard thoughts that the Parliament will ever consent to burden us any longer with unjust Penall Statutes who have thought nothing too deare for them but have jeopardized lives and livelyhods for their preservations Especially they being sensible what a burden such penall Lawes have been to tender Consciences and what an hinderance they are for propagating truth Sixtly All the faithfull in the Parliament know but in part and the more they tast of the honey of Gods eternall truth the more their eyes are enlightened to see they have not as yet attained to a full Reformation And if now they should build but upon the least hay and stubble they should not onely suffer losse but lay a foundation of a new rent in the Ages and generations to come yea and looke what unjust Penall Statutes they impose now may perhaps fall as heavy upon their Posterity as sometime did upon that famous Lord Cobham that gave his consent to the Statute of Lolordi and afterward was put to death for a Lolord Seventhly The Lord hath added such a blessing to the pious endeavours of the Parliament that they have discovered many things to be â—ruth that the Learned Prelates in former times adjudged to be Heresies As the parity of the Ministery Superstitious formes of devised Worship called Divine Superstitious Festivals formerly esteemed holy Feasts now taken away that men may follow their honest labour six daies and Sanctifiâ— a Seventh as a day of holy reâ—â— to the Lord being now the first day of every weeke as the holy Scripture hath left us a rule of practise to observe and doe Act 20. 7. And hee which hath beguâ— this great and happy Worke of Reformation by this Parliament we are confident will never leave them untill hee hath made them instruments either to perfect it or aâ— least to give to all his faithfull Daniels libertie of Conscience to worship the Lord in Spirit and truth according to his will revealed against whom they can object nothing unlesse it bee in the matteâ— that concerne the spirituall worship of their God Seeing theâ— have learned to give Caesar his due Tribute Custome Feare Honour Yea and lay downe their lives ratheâ— then just and lawfull Magistrate should not be maintained among us and obeyed in all their just Legall and Civill commandements Knownig they carry not the Sword for nought but for the punishment of them that doe evill and for the praise and defence of them that doe well Lastly the wrondrous power of the Spirit of grace in enlightning darke mindes with the knowledge of his Truth and scattering the knowledge of it all the Kingdome over in Cities Countreyes and Campe and causing men of singular parts of learning to bring their gifts toward the building up of Zion and powring out of his Spirit as Ioel the Prophet foretold Ioel 2. 28. upon all sorts of people both young and old rich and poore which is to mee a plaine demonstration that the Lord will never leave us untill he hath made his new Jerusalem the praise of the whole earth and prepared the Spouse the Lambes wife Yea and advanced Jesus the Christ once againe upon the Throne to be the Head King Priest and Prophet of his Church according to the ancient Prophesie of David Psal 2. 6. Yet have I set my King upon my holy hill of Zion Gloria soli Deo FINIS 1 Cor. 14 27 Ephes 4. 24 1 Cor. 1. 30 Psal 16. 3. Psal 15. Cant 4 16. Joh. 3. 5. Tit. 3. 3. Col. 1. 13. 1 Pet. 2. 9. Heb 15. 1. Rom 9 11. Act. 13. 39. Heb. â— 14. Act 26. 1â— Eccl. 36. 25. 26. Gal. â— 15 1◠〈…〉 Mat 22. 21 Rome 13. 7. â— Pet. 2. 14 Quest 1. Reas 1. Reas 2. Object Answ 1. Quest 2. 〈◊〉 Answ Object 1. Answ 1. Answ 2. Object Answ 1. Answ 2. Answ 3. Object 2. Answ Object 3. Answ 1. Answ 2. Answ 3. Reas 1. Reas 2. Object Answ Object 4. Answ Object 5. Answ Answ 2. Quest 3. Quest 1. Quest 2. Reas 1. Reas 2. Quest 2. Reason 1. Reas 2. Reas 3. Reas 4. Reason 5. Object 1. Answ Object 2. Answ Object 3. Answ Object 4. Answ Reas 1. Object Answ Object Answ Psal 1. 2. Quest Answ Quest Answ Psal 141. 3. Quest Answ Quest Answ A Quest Answ Quest Answ 1 Tim. 3. 15. Mat. 6. 25. Reas 1. Object Answ Quest Answ Quest Answ Quest Answ Quest Answ Object Answ 1. Quest Answ Reas 1. Reas 3. Object Answ Object Answ Answ 2. Reas 1. Reas 2. Reas 3. Reas 4 〈◊〉 〈…〉 Object 2. Answ Object 3. Answ Object 4. Answ Reas 7. Reas 8. Reas 9. Reas 10. Quest Answ Reas 2. Reas 5. Reas 6. Reas 7.