most fitly serue Saint Iohn to patterne antichrist an other Antiochus aswell for the like barbarous crueltie against the lightes of the world Phil. 2 15. the starres Dan. 12 3 Hebr. 11 12. and Host of heauen the true Christians Dan. 8 10 c. Reuelat. 8 12. and 12 4. and for the equall power giuen him of God thereunto Dan. 7 21. and 8 12. and 11 36. Reuel 13 7. as also for the semblable meanes of strength to accomplish his tyrannie Dan. 7 7. Reuel 13 1. and 17. ver 37 c. And lastly for the same iudgement and damnation of them both by booke euidence recording all their mischiefs against Gods people to be tormeÌ„ted in the fierie lake for euer Dan. 7 vers 10. 11. Reuel 19 20. and 20 12. was likewise the space that Christ the head of his church Eph. 1 22. indured all indignities euen to the shamefull death of the crosse Phil. 2 8 Hebr. 12 2. Isai 50 6. as the Prince of our saluation consecrated through afflictions because he that sanctifieth they which are sanctified are all of one Hebr. 2. ves 10. 11. And this space is also expressed sometime by halfe a propheticall weeke answerable to Daniels midweeke Dan. 9 27. viz. three daies and an halfe Reuelat. 11 9. sometime by 42 moneths Reuel 13 5. sometime by a time two times and halfe a time Dan. 7 25. and 12 7. Reuel 12 14. All which varieties expresse yet one space of time to signifie rather a certaine measure of afflictions determined in Gods euerlasting purpose to conforme his Church both of the Iewes and Gentiles to the image of his owne sonne Rom. 8 29. 2 Cor. 4 11. 1 Pet. 5 10. then any certaine time of persecution which the church of Christ must indure according to the will of God Rom. 6 6. 2 Cor. 1 5. and 4 10. Heb. 10 36. 1 Pet. 3 17. And immediatly after his baptisme he was visiblie replenished with the holie spirit Mat. 3 16. Luk. 4 1. And presently led by the same spirit into the wildernesse to be tempted of the deuil Mat. 4 1. Heb. 2 18. and 4 15. where he being among wild beastes Mark 1 13. which of old time were wont to frequent the deserts along the riuer Iorden Zechar. 11 3. continued fasting 40. daies in holie meditation before he entred that great worke of his fathers businesse which was inioined him of God in accomplishing the truth of Moses law by sealing vp and fulfilling the vision and Prophet and abolishing the dailie sacrifice oblation of the law Dan. 9. ve 24. 27. through the one oblatioÌ„ of himself Heb. 9 14. 10 14. wherby he cancelled the handwriting of the ceremoniall law which continuallie reuiued testified our sinnes against vs Col. 2 14. and thereby brought in euerlasting righteousnesse for vs all Dan. 9 24. Hebr. 10 14. Moses likewise at the giuing of the law had continued 40. daies fasting in the Lords presence vppon the mount Exod. 34 28. And Elias also at the restoring of the same law was 40. daies miraculouslie sustained without any food 1 King 19. v. 8. 14. which miraculous abstineÌ„ce of Moses Elias and of Christ sheweth the holie perfection of the law in it selfe Rom. 7 12. which was deliuered restored and abolished by one and the same miracle though through the infirmitie of our fleshe Rom. 8 3 it could not yet with all that perfectioÌ„ make vs perfect Heb. 7 19. and 10 1. but Christs one offring of himself hath made perfect for euer them that are sanctified Heb. 10 14. Thus therefore in the end of those 40. daies hauing put the Tempter to flight he came forth and preached the glad tydings of our saluation Mat. 4 17. and 9 35. euen the generall Iubilie of our euerlasting freedome from the captiuitie of Sathan sinne hell and eternall death Leuit 25. vers 9. 10. Luk 4. vers 17. 18 c. And these three orders namely kings high-priests and Prophets were ordeined according to the law by annointing Exod. 40 13. 1. Sam 16 13. 1. King 19 16. to shadow vnto vs the plentifull graces of Gods spirit which was in them by measure Act. 1 5. Eph. 4 7. 1 Ioh. 2. vers 20. 27. and 4 13 but in Christ without measure Psalm 45 7. Luk. 4 18. Ioh. 1 16. and 3 34. and 10 36. Acts. 10 38. as in whom are hid all the treasures of wisedome and knowledge Col. 2 3. because in him dwelleth all the fulnesse of the Godhead reallie Col. 2 9 for it pleased the father that in him should all fulnesse dwel Col. 1 19 and of his fulnesse haue all we receiued and grace vpon grace Ioh. 1 16. Eph. 4 7. Tit. 3 6. Psal 68 19. God hath forbidden all similitudes and likenesse of any Images thing either in heauen in earth or in the sea which lying in his chanell as it were vnderbeareth the earth Psal 24 2 to worship them or him thereby vppon paine of eternall death not onely on the spirituall adulterers themselues that is the breakers of that spirituall wedlocke Ier. 31 32. Ezech. 16 8 but euen to the 3. and 4. generation of their adulterous posteritie Exod. 20 5. Read Hos 2. vers 2. 3. 4. 5. And Moses exhorting the Israelites as knowing that he should verie shortly after be taken from them chargeth them diligently to attend to the law and commaundements of the Lord and especiallie that they should beware of idolatrie for the Lord saith he spake vnto you out of the mids of the fire and yee heard the voice of the words but saw no similitude saue a voice Take therefore good heed vnto your selues for you saw no image in the day that the Lord spake vnto you in Horeb out of the mids of the fire that yee corrupt not your selues and make you a grauen image or representation of any figure c. Deut 4. vers 12. 15. 16. wherby Moses plainlie sheweth that the Lord of purpose with-held from them all shew of figure and likenesse causing them onlie to heare a voice for none can expresse the image of a voice as saith Esdras 4 Esd 5 37 because they should make no maner image at all no though it were possible for them to imitate the verie image of God himselfe to worship him therby yet were it vnlawfull for them so to doo for God is a spirit and they that worship him must worship him in spirit truth for the father requireth euen such to worship him Iohn 4 23 c. Good works also these marchants most groslie abuse making them blasphemous and derogatorie to the due merits of Christes death and passion in in seeking v Albeit true christians worke not for reward Rom. 4. 4. but of dutie Luke 17 10 yet our God which 〈…〉 eth vs to worke Mat. 20 1 c. of his owne â—â—ere bountie and â—â—â—our Mat. 〈◊〉 14 15. hath 〈…〉 ed to re 〈…〉 our workes Mat. 10. 42. Luke â—â—3
5. He descrieth her coulers to be purple and o The Pope can be content to weare Christes skaâ—let robe because howsoeuer it was put vpon Christ in mockerie it represented a kinglie maiesty Mat 27 28. but yet he will haue it also adorned with golde precious â—â—ones pearles that so it may be the true liuerie of Antichrist Reuel 17 4. skarlet as the Pope himselfe and his Cardinals euen at this day vse to weare Reuel 17 4. And finallie to remoue all doubt of that cruell citie the Angel certifieth Iohn that it is that great citie which ruleth ouer the kings of the earth which then when S. Iohn wrote that Reuellation was Rome Reu. 17 18. And that in it that is within the far wide vsurped power iurisdiction thereof was found the bloud of all the Prophets and Saintes that were slaine vpon the earth Reuel 18 24. No maruell then if the Romanes beginning so cruellie with Christ and ioining with the Iewes to crucifie the Lord of glorie hold on stil in all impious and superstitious rage against the true christians and being absurde and reprobate in doctrine concerning the faith be derided and detested of all good men whom Christs seruants shall at length vanquish most gloriouslie and reward them double according to their workes The spirit of God hath commaunded so and we are sure it will be so and haue good hope to see it so Reuel 18 6. for their great city that is their former large vsurped power ouer manie countries and nations is alreadie diuided into three partes Reuel 16 19 for of that large Romish corporation some nations are become true Christian protestants as England Scotland Germanie Denmarke c. some hold still the Romish religion as Italie Spaine and the countries vnder their tyrannie some are neither as the kingdomes and countries won from Antichrist by the Turke Reuel 9 verse 14. 15. 20. with all other Atheists Sectaries among the two former sorts The Lord hath graciously begun their ruine in diuerse of those tenne kingdomes which sometime wholly bent their power to assist the Beast Reue. 17. verse 12. 13 but now a good part of them forsake and hate the Beast Reu. 17. verse 16. 17. And as we haue heard that those deuillish spirits are gone forth vnto the kings of the earth to gather them in their holy League as they call it to the battell of the great day for their vsuall speech is that they hope for a day but the holy Ghost saith of God almighty so we looke when they shal be gathered as blessed be God we saw a faire beginning in the yeare 1588 when they compassed the p With such glorious tâ—tles it pleaseth the Lord to beautifie the professors of his word as Da. 7 18 8. v. 10. 24. Pâ— 105 15. Tents of the Saints about the beloued Citie Reuel 20 9 at q S. Iohn setting down Arâ—nageddon addeth withall that it is so called in Hebrewe wherby he would haue vs to search the old TestameÌ„t for the true sense meaning of the storie so much also he meant by Abaddon before in which word he expresseth the Prophets therunto alledged paraphrastically the more to stir vp our desire in seeking out the truth Ar-mageddon Reuelat. 16 16. For Saint Iohn alluding to Magiddon or Mageddon which was a region in Iudaea towards the mediterrane sea in the tribe of Manasses calleth it Ar-mageddon the mountaine of the slaine and of purpose addeth Ar mountaine to Mageddon because of mount Tabor which being strongly enuironed with other neare mountaines Ier. 46 18 was within the coast of Mageddon wheron Barak and Debora with their armie expecting the comming of Sisera most wonderfully discomfited king Iabin and his complices the maine Reliques of the Canaanites and most despitefull enemies of Gods Church Iudg. 4. verse 6. 12. 15. 5. verse 18. 19. Psal 83. verse 9. 10. In that Mageddon also at the brooke Kishon Elias slue the idolatrous Prophets of Baal 1. King 18 40. The holy Ghost therefore leading vs to that place and victorie would put vs in most certaine hope and expectation of the like and verie rare victories of the idolatrous Papistes the sworne aduersaries of the true Church of Christ And for confirmation of this Truth Debora by the power of the spirit winding in all Gods aduersaries together on an heape concludeth her Epinice or song of her triumph with this acclamation so let all thine enemies perish ô Lord. Amen read Psalm 83. Thus haue we brieflie seene how the Lord God being before all beginning Psal 90 2. from euerlasting hath by his wonderfulâ— workmanship of the world declared his eternall power and Godhead vnto men creating all things for the benefit of maÌ„ and man himselfe to feare and loue the Lord who being created in holie innocencie and made the soueraigne of all earthlie creatures wittingly and wilfullie transgressed the commaundement of his Lord whereby he most iustlie procured eternall death to himselfe and to all his posteritie But the Lord vnspeakably rich in mercie found out a Redeemer euen of the seede of the woman the Man Iesus Christ the righteous the verie son of God who after manie promises of his comming in sundrie ages when the fulnesse of time was come being miraculouslie conceiued by the holie Ghost in the wombe of a virgin became man to suffer for man that death which all man-kind had rightly deserued and so both freeing vs from the punishment of sinne and clearing vs from the guiltinesse thereof hath set vs at peace againe with God and purchased an inheritance immortall and vndefiled and that fadeth not away reserued for vs in heauen and not committed anie more to our owne keeping as it was to Adams for the Lord himselfe sustaineth our lot Psal 16 5. and keepeth vs by his power through faith vnto saluation which is prepared to be shewed in the last time 1. Pet. 1 4. requiring of vs that we should not nowe liue vnto our selues but vnto him that died for vs and rose againe that we likewise should rise to a newnesse of life in holinesse righteousnesse and Christian sobrietie in this present world looking for the blessed q This is the true marke of all the godly and faithful generally both vnder the old Testament the new a secure hope and expectation of the last iudgement in the second comming of Christ Luc. 12 36. 21 28. Phil. 3 20. 1 Th. 1. ver 3. 10. 2 Thes 3 5. Hâ—b 9 28. and 11 3. Iam. 5 8. Re 22 20. hope and appearance of our Sauiour Iesus Christ to euerlasting life Resolue now thy selfe Christian Reader resigne all earthly r ChristiaÌ„s ought by the counsell of the holy Ghost to examine proue them selues whether they be in the faith feele the spirite of Christ working in them 2 Cor. 13 5 for by Christs spirit of adoption which is a witnesse in our hearts that
to our vnspeakeable ioy in the Lord and thervvithall be induced to glorifie God the Father of our Lord Iesus Christ vvho hath called vs out of ignorance sinne and error into his maruellous light and translated vs into the kingdome of his deare Sonne To vvhich kingdome the Lord Iesus vvho alone hath redeemed vs conduct and bring vs by a true and liuely faith in the merites of his death and passion to vvhom vvith God the Father and the holy Spirit be giuen all honour dominion povver and glorie for euer From my house in Turnmill streete the 4 of NoueÌ„ber in the yeare of the ioyfull incarnatioÌ„ of Christ our redeemer 1592 and the yeare of the vvorld 5502. F. Clement THE CREATION TRANSGRESSION AND REDEMPTION OF MAN In perusing this Treatise courteous Reader I pray you take the Bible and turne to euery place here quoted which meeteth you in the reading so shall you reap double profit of your paines and greatly confirme your conscience in the assurance of the word of God GOD the Creator MAN the transgressor Christ being God Man the Redeemer THe Lord God the father the Sonne and the holy Spirit being one and the same god in substance essence and nature yet three distinct persons in the self same diuine nature being also without beginning and from all eternitie at the a Time began at the creation The Angels also were then created as stately witnesses of Gods will for the seruice of the elect Heb. 1. 14. beginning to manifest him selfe by his workes as the Apostle speaketh Rom. 1. vers 19. 20. in sixe dayes created heauen and earth the sea and all the creatures in them and last of all in the b Which is out Friday so to the day of mans creatioÌ„ being also supposed the day of his transgression most aptly answereth the day of his redemptioÌ„ which we commonly call good Friday sixt day of the creation he made man male and female after his owne image and likenesse c The soul of maÌ„ is a spirituall diuine thing inspired in maÌ„ by the breathing of the Almightie therefore is immortall Gen. 2. 7. Iob. 33. 4. Eccle. 12. 7. which being separate froÌ„ the bodie it self alone but after the general iudgemeÌ„t together likewise with the body immortal shal either rest in eternal ioy or abide in endles wo Ioh. 5. 29. breathing in their faces the breath of life whereby they became liuing soules Gen. 1. and 2. effectually blessing them and commanding them to multiply and to subdue the earth to rule ouer the fish of the sea the foules of heauen and the beasts of the field which came therefore willingly to submit them selues to Adam who as their soueraigne gaue them seuerall names as pleased him Gen. 1 28. 2. 19. Psal 8 6. c. And in Eden or Paradise a garden most goodly and pleasant for waters and all fruteful trees the Lord God set Adam and the woman permitting them free libertie to eate of all the trees in Paradise saue onely of one tree whereof he forbad them to eat most certainly telling them that whensoeuer they should eate thereof they should die the d By Adam sinne entred into the world death by sin goeth ouer all men because all men haue sinned Rom 5 12 for it is appointed vnto meÌ„ that they shal once die and then cometh the iudgment Hebr. 9 27 but they that liue til the last day shal in a moment in sted of death be changed from mortall to immortall 1. Cor. â—5 ver 52. 53. death Gen. 2. 8. c. and 3. 2. c. Thus Adam and Eua our first parentes being â—reated right perfect and most innocent â—ully furnished with all goodly gallantâ—esse of bodie and heauenly ornaments â—f the mind bearing all the rule and soâ—eraigntie in theÌ„ both of the earth it self â—nd of all the creatures therein Psal 8 4. c receiued all these most excellent and â—nestimable iewels at the Lords hand to â—heir owne keepe and custodie both for â—hem selues and for their posteritie for euermore hauing also free-will and libertie in them selues either to stand and abide in the perfection of the diuine likenesse of righteousnesse holinesse godly knowledge wherein they were made or to fall therefrom at their owne wil and choise they through the subtiltie of the enuious e Because Moses had not meÌ„tioned the creatioÌ„ of the Angels nor SataÌ„s fal which was not before the 6. day as we see by that suruey Gen. 1. 31. but either on that day or very shortly after as Io. 8 44. therefore he speaketh of the subtiltie of Satan vnder the name of a serpent which for his naturall wilinesse was a fit instrumeÌ„t both for Satan to deceiue man by for Moses to represent vnto the rude Israelits the spirituall craftinesse of the Deuill Serpent the deuil most vnthaÌ„kfully f This transgressioÌ„ of AdaÌ„ was a most grieuous sin for he brake not simply the Lords coÌ„mandement but verie confidently crediting SataÌ„s lies which Eue reported vnto him most wickedly grudged at his creator and conceiued an hatefull indignation against God for that he had forbidden him the eating of that frute by eating whereof as he was wickedly perswaded he should be like vnto God and coequall with his Creator All this is eâ—idently gathered by Satans perswasion that they should be as gods by transgression likewise of Gods deriding Adams proud presumption in thinking by his trespasse to become as God him selfe Gen. 3. vers 5. 22. And where S. Paule saith that Adam was not deceiued 1. Tim. 2 14 he speaketh not that either to excuse or to extenuate Adams sin but onely to admonish women of their dulie deserued subiection vnto their husbands Gen. 3. 16. because their grandmother Eue being first deceiued her selfe through the subtilty of the serpent 2. Cor. 11 3 became also Satans instrument to deceiue the man Gen. 3 6. Reade Eccles 25 26. transgressed the Lords commandement in eating of the forbidden frute more beleeuing the lying serpent then their gracious Creator and so wilfully running into the iust punishment of eternall death due to them selues and to all their posteritie for the same most iustly bereft depriued for euer both them selues their of-spring of all these heauenly ornaments and Lordly prerogatiues But our gratious and wonderfull louing God most mercifully caused Huand-cry to be made after these wofull wights to arrouse sinfull Adam out of the bushes whither he had vainely fled to hide himself and after conference with him as well to let him see him selfe excuselesse as to conuince him of most vnkindnesse at length g To the end that man might alway remember feele this disobedience the Lord imposed a curse vpon the whole course of Nature as touching mans vse Gen. 3 17 froÌ„ which the very creature groneth vnto this present to be deliuered Rom 8 20 c. which shall be by sire at doomesday
these Marchants haue most falslie belied the Iewes for the old testament so they themselues haue verie despitefullie i The Papistes blasphemouslie miscall the holie scriptures why blasphemed the new testament and holie scriptures and all because they tell vs how these iugling marchantes cosen the world terming theÌ„ a nose of waxe a shipmans hose an ynken gospel to be of no better authoritie then Aesopes fables and most wickedlie censuring the holie Ghost the composer of Dauids Psalms with that prophane verse Scribimus indocti doctique poâ—mat a passim Whole bookes of verses commonlie Aswell th' unlearnt as learnt write we This is that Torch-blasing-star wormwood which infecteth the pure waters of Gods word with his bitter blasphemies whereof they die that drinke it Reuel 8 11. refusing the waters of life Iohn 4 10. Therefore turne away from such saith the holie ghost 2 Tim. 3 5. And go out of her my people that you be not partakers in her sinnes and that yee receiue not of her plagues Reuel 18 4. And here because we are come to S. Iohns Reuelation which contemeth a generall prophecie of all the afflictions generall and particular that the Church of Christ shall endure till the last day and by most euideÌ„t tokens pointeth at Rome froÌ„ whence those euils should issue let vs giue the Catholiks a tast of that their filthie cage Reuel 18 2 by viewing the intercourse of Gods scourge among the Rome wicked The k Nimrod ChaÌ„s nephew built Babylon and Ninive of the AssyriaÌ„s by which two countries Gods church of the Iewes indured manie times most cruell tyrannie at length miserable captiuitie Israel by the AssyriaÌ„s anno mundi 3264. 2 King 17 6. and 122. yeares after Iudah by the Babylonians ibid. 24. 10 c. Ier 50 17. wherefore the Lord assureth his church to be especiallie reueÌ„ged of these two Mic. 5 6. Babylonians the most ancient afflicters of the church of God GeÌ„ 10. verse 8 10 hauing a long time tirannized in the world at length by the prouidence of God grew to such an head that they ouercame manie and mightie nations Ierem. 25 27 in so much that they presumed and preuailed against the Lords people leading them away captiues and destroying their citie and temple in reuenge whereof they were vanquished of the Medes and Persians Iere. 50 28. 51 11. Dan. 5 vers 30. 31. The Macedonians subdued the Medes Persians Dan. 7 6. and 8. vers 5. 6. 7. 20. 21. The Seleucians or Asians suppressed the Macedonians Dan. 7 7. The Romanes foiled the Seleucians Dan. 11. vers 30. 44. Finallie the Romanes by litle and litle through mutuall dissention and ciuil discord hauing altered and diminished their owne state first begin to persecute Christ in his swadlings infancie forcing him to be layd in a manger Luke 2 7. Secondly they most vniustly exacted Tribute of him being the great kings sonne and therefore free Matth. 17 24 c. Thirdly they condemned him to death Matth. 20 19. Iohn 11 48 18 35. 19 15. Act. 4 27. Reuel 11 8. And lastly they l This notable destruction and desolatioÌ„ by the Romanes as well for the auncient prophecie so long before as for some future straunge euent our Lord him selfe aduiseth vs euerie one to consider Mat. 24 15. destroyed the Citie and Temple Dan. 9. 26. Luke 21 20 as the Babylonians had done before and why shall they not haue the Babylonians reward eueÌ„ vtter destruction for the same Read Zech. 14. ve 1. 2. 3. The holy Ghost calleth this ougly cage and cursed citie Rome for the filthinesse thereof Sodome and for her crueltie to Christs Saints Egypt and in respect of Pilate the Roman Deputie that deliuered Christ to death Ioh. 19. vers 15. 16 he calleth it the place where our Lord was crucified Reu. 11 8. And euen like as the former BabiloÌ„ in the East parts of the world most cruelly afflicted Gods people the Iewes Isa 47 6. Ier. 50 17 so this Citie in the West S. Iohn calleth Babylon Reu. 16 19. 18 2 c. which by the spirit of prophecie he saw should no lesse cruelly persecute the Saints seruaÌ„ts of Christ And for this similitude of Rome with BabyloÌ„ S. Iohn calleth Rome or rather Antichrist the king of that Antichristian vsurpatioÌ„ Isa 21 2. Iere. 51 25. by the Hebrue word abaddon destroyer Reu. 9 11 as the prophets Isay Ieremy had many hundred years before called old Babylon the king therof And because John wrot to the Greek churches of m This was Asia minor where Iaphets sons inhabited among whom S. Paule had long before this time planted the Gospell Act. 19. vers r. 10. 26. 20 18 c And were thus through pietie perswaded to dwel in the Tents of Sem. Gen. 9 29. as likewise for pollicie they were perswaded 500 years before to dwell and confederate with Sem against Babylon Isai 21 2. Gen. 10. vers 2. 22. Antichrists characterie name Asia Reâ— 4 he interpreteth the hebrue in their own tong Apollyon destroyer as S. Paule likewise calleth him the son of perdition or destruction 2 Thes 2 3. And S. Peter respecting their whole corporation nameth them priuy-inbringers of the heresies of destruction 2. Pet. 2 1. Wherefore Irenaeus or some graue father in that age haue wisely as the holy Ghost aduised Reu. 13 18 gathered his characterie name of the Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 both which exactly containe that number 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 666 the Beastes name the former noting Rome the Citie and language of Antichrist the latter Italie his peculiar Church and countreye VVhich Citie the Angell telleth Iohn is built vpon seuen mountaines Reuel 17. vers 9. 18. As also Virgil Georg. 2. 1 Trist El. 4 3 7. and most plainly Ouid more then once doth witnesse Rome to be Sed quae de septem totum circumspicit orbem Montibus imperij Roma deumque locus My home is Rome imperiall the place of gods no doubt Which from seuen mountains doth behold the whole world round about This Romish Babylon papall corporation S. Iohn calleth not a Virgin as yet the Prophet Isai named old Babylon Isai 47 1 but an abhominable whorish woman who for her filthie n Because Antichrist must sit in the teÌ„ple of God i. presume authoritie ouer matters of Christian faith religion 2 Thes 2 4 And haue a shew of godlines 2 Tim. 3 5. the holie spirit to helpe our infirmities speaking euideÌ„tly as S. Paul testifieth 1 Tim. 4 1. which S. Iohn calleth spirituallie Reuel 11 8 layeth out in open plaine termes the name Mysterie written in the forehead of Antichrist calling it Great Babylon the mother of whoredomes and abominations of the earth Re. 17. 5 fornications and whoredomes far more impure then Babylon was far vnfit for so puer a name Reuel 17. vers 3.
we are the childrē of god 1 Ioh. 5 10. Rom 8. ve 9. 15. Eph. 1 13 we delight in the law of God take no pleasure in sin Heb. 11. 25. but are grieued with sin 2. Pet. 2 8. and say with S. Paul I do not the good thing which I would but the euil which I would not Rom. 8 19. And euery one whose heart and conscience can truly thus perswade him is vndoubtedly the elected child of God Where contrarily the reprobate delite in sin because they are of the world Ioh. 8 23. therfore loue the world Ioh. 15 19. the things of the world as the lust of the flesh the lust of the eyes and pride of life 1 Ioh. 2. v. 15. 16. And shal receiue the wages of vnrighteousnesse as they which count it pleasure to liue delitiously for a season 2 Pet. 2 13. affections Col. 3 2. and consult no longer with flesh and blood but enter into counsell with thine owne soule for the apprehending of this eternall life which life for the maruellous excellencie thereof being that hid treasure that precious pearle Matth. 13. verse 44. 46 can not be sufficiently expressed by all the glory of the world The holy Ghost chusing out the most precious things that nature can affoord to describe vnto vs the heauenly Ierusalem our euerlasting citie saith thus The citie was pure gold like cleare glasse the foundations of the wall thereof were garnished with all maner of precious stones the gates of perle the streets of pure gold c. It needeth neither Sunne nor Moone to shine in it for the glorie of God did light it The people which are saued shal walk in the light of it the kings of the earth shall bring their glorie and honour vnto it Reu. 21 18 c. O how excellent things are spoken of thee thou citie of God Psa 87 2. The eye hath not seene nor the eare heard neither came into mans heart the glorious things which God hath prepared for them that loue him 1. Cor. 2 9. These maruellous things as Saint Peter saith the Angels desired to prie into 1 Pet. 1 12. For indeede the Angels receiued first knowledge of Gods eternal wisdome and purpose in Christ concerning these things by the Church Ephs 3 10. And euery creature with feruent desire wayteth when the sonnes of God shall be reuealed Rom. 8 19 shine as the sunne in the kingdome of their father Mat. 13 43. For although we be now the sonnes of God by faith in Christ Iesus Gal. 3 26 yet doth it not now appeare what we shal be 1 Ioh. 3 2. because that through Christian mortification 2 Cor. 4. verse 10. 11. and 5 15. wee are in this world as dead and our life is hid with Christ in God but when Christ which is our life shall appeare then shall we also appeare with him in glorie Col. 3 3 c. For the Lord Iesus Christ shall chaunge our vile bodie that it may be fashioned like vnto his glorious bodie Phil. 3 21. and then we shall see him as he is 1 Ioh. 3 2. Moses vpō mount Horeb sawe but some glimse of the shadowed maiestie of God for else no man hath seene God in his essentiall glorie at anie time Ioh. 1 18 and the skin of his face so shone withall that neither the Israelites nor Aaron him selfe were able to looke vpon him vntil he had put a visour ouer his face Exod. 34 29 c. Elias also vpon the same mount at Gods visible presence couered his face with his mantell 1 King 19. verse 8. 13. And of all other Moses was once so hardie that he desired the Lord to shew him his very diuine maiestie but that request obtained would haue cost him his life and in mercie therefore it was denied him Exod. 33 18 c. But what speake we of mans disabilitie in this behalfe Neither the Angels them selues are able to behold the Lord in his full maiestie nor men to endure euen the sight of an angel as we see prefigured by the face and feeet-couering in Isayes vision Isa 6 2. Seeing then after this life we shall alway haue the fruition of this excellent and heauenly glorie which now neither men nor Angels can sustaine not vpon an earthly mountaine in a material Tabernacle with Peter Mat. 17 4 but in Heauen in that precious and heauenly Ierusalem Heb. 12 22. with God the Father the Sonne and the holy Spirit that most blessed and glorious Trinitie in whose presence is the fulnesse of ioy and at whose right hand there are pleasures for euermore Psal 16 11. together with all the goodly companie of Angels Zech. 3 7. Heb. 12 22. and holy Saintes Mat. 8 11. seeing I say we looke for new heauens and a new earth according to his promise wherein dwelleth righteousnes 2. Pet. 3 13. and for such a kingdome Luk. 12 32. for he is faithfull that hath promised Hebr. 10 23. what manner persons ought we to be in holy conuersation and godlinesse looking for and hasting vnto the cōming of the great day of our Lord and Sauiour Iesus Christ to iudgement giuing diligence that we may be found in him in peace without spot and blameles 2. Pet. 3 11 c. And in the meane time let Moses shewe vs the shortnes of this life Psal 90 10. And that couetous foole in S. Luke teach vs that the incerteinty therof is more daungerous then the shortnes Luk. 12 20. let vs vse this world as though we vsed it not 1. Cor. 7 31 for the fashion thereof is as chaungable as our garment Psal 102 26. Let the holy ghost perswade vs to carie our selues without couetousnes and to be content with those thinges Reade Mat. 6 25 c. and Psal 37. which we haue for he hath said I will not faile thee neither forsake thee so that we may boldly say The Lord is my helper neither will I feare what man can do vnto me Heb. 13. verse 5. 6. And for our continuall assured hope of the glorious life to come let vs reioyce in the Lord alway Philip. 4 4. Let vs cast away euery thing that presseth downe and the sinne that hangeth so fast on let vs runne with pacience the race that is set before vs looking vnto Iesus the author finisher of our faith who for the ioy that was set before him endured the crosse despised shame and is set at the right hand of the throne of God Hebr. 12. verse 1. 2. This Iesus being the fore-runner for vs is entred into heauen Hebr. 6 20. and gone to prepare a place for vs Ioh. 14 2. where we haue alreadie an interest by Christ our head as hauing our conuersation with him in heauen from whence we looke for the sauiour euen our Lord Iesus Christ Phil. 3 20. Who shall then separate vs frō the loue of Christ shal tribulation or anguish or persecution or famine or nakednesse or perill
c. are in all the iust ministers of Gods word alway shal be Mat. 18. verse 17. 18. 1 Cor. 5 4 c. 2 Cor. 2. verse 7. 15. and 10 4. 1. Tim. 5. verse 20. 24. Iud. vers 22. 23. Yea though their priuiledge were good as we see it counterfet and common yet must it either be personal or locall or mixt of both If it be personal it perished with Peter if locall what place shall euer be of so great priuiledge prerogatiues as was mount Sion Ierusalem what special couenants Sions prerogatiues what excellent promises had she God hath layd his foundations among the holy mountaines the Lord loued the gates of Sion aboue all the habitations of Iacob Of Sion it shall be said many are borne in her and the Most-high shall stablish her c. Psal 87 1 c. For the Lord hath chosen Sion and loued to dwell in it saying This is my rest for euer here will I dwell for I haue a delight therein c. Psal 132 13 c. And the Iewes were not a litle proud hereof Ier. 7 3 c. but Gods promises to Ierusalem were conditionall if thy sonnes keepe my couenant c. Psa 132 12. for else it should be serued as Shilo was Ierem. 7 14. Ierusalem should be counted as Sodome Ezech. 16. verse 48. 53. Reade 2 King 23 27. and Sion for their sake should be plowed as a field and Ierusalem become as heaps Micah 3 12. And touching local worship our Sauiour hath taught vs in his communication to the woman of Samaria that the true worshippers of God should looke for none Ioh. 4. verse 20. 21. 23. for men may and must pray in euery place listing vp pure hands without wrath and * Mat. 21. verse 21 22. Iames 1 6. doubting 1 Tim. 2 8. 1 Cor. 1 2. To come then to their Church how is their church the Church of Christ seeing they reiect the word of God as they do Our Sauiour reasoneth thus against the Iewes He that is of God heareth Gods wordes ye therefore heare them not because ye are not of God Ioh. 8 47. If all men be bound to allow this reason as vpon pain of damnation they are howe is the Church of a This is meant of their visible out ward Church for else there are among them many no doubt who fearing God and embracing his word abhorre the Beast detest his religiō as were in that corrupt time of Ahab 1 king 19 ver 10. 18. Rom. 11 ver 3. 4. And good Obadia a chiefe officer in Ahabs Court 1 king 18 〈◊〉 and in S. Paules time they of Neros houshold at Rome Phil. 4 22. Rome a member of the Church of God sith it refuseth to heare his woord as wee see by practise in their a Recusants are to bee compelled to come heare the word of God Lu. 14 23. by these examples Iosh 24 23 c. 2 Chro. 34 33. Ezra 7 26. Ne. 10. ve 1. 28 c. And by these warrants Exod. 22 20. Nom. 9 13. Deut. 13 12 c. 17 2 c. Isa 8 20. Zec. 13 2 c. for like as by their refusing to heare Gods word they shew them selues not to be of God as our Lord testifieth Ioh. 8 47 euē so through the same refusall their prayer and diuine seruice is abhominable in Gods sight as the holy Ghost witnesseth Prou. 28 9. And euen to worship the liuing God otherwise then he prescribeth in his word is all one thing vnto him as to serue Idoles and strange gods onely as we may see Exod. 32. ve 1. 4 c. and 1 king 12 28. and 2 king 17. verse 28. 29. 32 c. where those calfeworshippers in shew of the Calfe pretended the worship of the true God as plainly appeareth by Aarons Holy-day to the Lord Exod. 32 5. and by Ieroboams craftie tendering the peoples farre iourneyes to worship God at Ierusalem 1 king 12 28. Also in Ezech. 43. verse 7. 8. and Zephan 1 5. they mingled their image-worship with Gods seruice And therefore Act. 7. verse 43. 44. Gods Tabernacle is called the Tabernacle of Moloch because the Iewes in the wildernesse worshipped God with Moloch the Idoll of the Ammonites Leuit. 20 2 c. Amos 5 25. for what agreement hath the Temple of God with Idoles 2 Cor. 6 16. And because our Recusants are Idolaters and Image-seruers and therefore can spiritually neither see nor vnderstand as the holy Ghost testifieth Isa 44 18. Psalm 115 8. 2 Thes 2 10 c. they are the more to be constrained and pitied by compulsion 2 Tim. 2. verse 25. 26. Iude verse 23. Recusants in other open contempts Which thing doubtlesse they do because the word is not marked with the marke name and image of their Beast and the number and print of his name Reuel 13. verse 16. 17. and 14 11. which is to be read in Latin to carrie the priuate exposition of their Church to be mingled with the wormwoodish and bitter waters of their Church-traditions c. Reu. 8 10 c. And because also that they take their Church to be aboue Gods word for the holie Scriptures lie vnder the checke forsooth of their Church But the word of God shall iudge them in the last day Ioh. 12 48. dare they then controll their iudge Exo. 22 28. Againe how may their Church ouer rule the holy Scripturs sith it is Gods word that must either approue it the Church of Christ or conuince it the synagogue of Satan Ioh. 7 17. Rom. 6 17. 1 Io. 4 1. 2 Ioh verse 10. And we haue seene in the beginning of this Treatise that the time was and that since mans Creation when there was no Church at all viz. whē Adam and Eue being Satans bondslaues were hid in the bushes and til they heard the word of the promise of redemption they were no members of Gods Church But by faith onely in that word of God they were regenerate into the Church of Christ as Saint Peter speaketh 1 Pet. 1 23 Therefore the doctrine of the Catholikes is most absurd to teach that the Church being begotten by the immortall seed of Gods word may after dare like a malapert impe to controll or infringe the authoritie of that word and to presume to ouer rule it But we sillie soules cannot see that their b The Papists pretend Christs promise for this spirit Ioh. 14 26 but our Lord promiseth that the holy Ghost should suggest onely that which himself had taught reade the place now Christ and his Apostles taught nothing but out of the law and the Prophets Luk. 24 44. Act. 26 22. Therfore their spirit teaching otherwise is a cosoning counterfet priui-prōpt-spirit instructeth their Church of higher and more excellent things then the holy Scriptures auouch among which I trowe are these That their Pope cannot erre That the Virgine Marie and Saints departed this