the Church is the Kingdom of his dear Son Col. 1.13 The World is as a Field of Blood but the Church is a righteous Nation The World is a Den of Thieves but the Church is God's Family and houshâ—ld Ephes 2.19 The World lies in wickedness 1 John 5.19 but the Church is glorious without spot or wrinkle Ephes 5.27 The World is as a heap of rubbish but the Church is God's peculiar Treasure Psal 135.4 The World is a lump of vanity but the Church is the City of God Psal 87.3 The World is as a common Harlot but the Church is the Spouse of Christ Cant. 5.1 The World is the habitation of Devils Rev. 18.2 The Devil is the God of this World the Prince of the power of the Air the Spirit that now worketh in the Children of disobedience Eph. 2.2 But the Church is the habitation of God a choseâ— Generation a royal Priesthood an holy Nâ—tion a peâ—uliar People 1 Pet. 2.9 By this you may see what the World is and what the Church of God is how vastly they differ the one from the other and how unlike they are the one to the other and have been ever separated the one from the other Be not unequally yoked together with unbelievers for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness and what communion hath light with darkness And what concord hath Christ with belial or what part hath he that believeth with an Infidel and what agreement hath the Temple of God with Idols For ye are the Temple of the living God as God hath said I will dwell in them and walk in them and I will be their God and they shall be my People wherefore come out from among them and be ye separate saith the Lord and touch not the unclean thing and I will receive you and will be a Father unto you and ye shall be my Sons and Daughters saith the Lord Almighty 2 Cor. 6.14 to 18. The Kingdom shall not be left to another People but this People shall dwell alone and shall not be reckoned among the Nations Thirdly It shall not be left to another People to follow their examples Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil Exod. 23.2 you must not follow bad men for company nor good men for applause When the Children of Israel were to enter into the land of Canaan they were not then to enquire after their Gods Take heed to thy self that thou be not snared by following them after that they be destroyed from before thee and that thou enquire not after their Gods saying How did these nations serve their Gods Even so will I do likewise Deut. 12.30 And ye shall destroy all their â—ictures and destroy all their molten Images and quite pluck down all their high places Numb 33.52 Thou shalt not bow down to their Gods nor serve them nor do after their works but thou shalt utterly overthrow them and quite break down their Images Exod. 23.24 But ye shall destroy their altars break their Images and cut down their Groves Exod. 34.13 But thus ye shall deal with them ye shall destroy their altars and break down their images and cut down their groves and burn their graven images with fire Deut. 7.5 Let the reader then well consider these Scriptures and dwell a little on them God will not be worship'd by imitation that is to worship ye know not what God is the author and object of true worship the Jews were not to enquire after other G ds and the Lord commanded them to destroy all their Pictures and to pull down their Images and burn them with fire they were not to keep them in their Houses nor to worship them in any place How vain and silly a thing is it for people to worship Idols and Images the works of mens hands they may make them eyes but they cannot make them see they may make them ears but they cannot make them hear they may make them feet but they cannot make them walk they have been often snares but never helpers they have brought Judgments upon People but never turned away any Men have provoked the Lord with their inventions and never pleased him with their Idols this prov'd a snare to Israel of old and brought upon them Gods heavy Judgments The Lord God is very Jealous of his worship and will not have his glory given to graven Images The Lord hath had a People in all ages and in all times that hath worshiped him according to his own will and commands For all people will walk every one in the name of his God and we will walk in the name of our God for ever and ever Mic. 4.5 The true worshippers shall woâ—ship the Father in Spirit and in truth for the Father seeketh such to worship him John 4.23 For we are the circumcision whâ—ch worship â—od in the Spirit and rejoyce in Christ Jesus and have no confidence in the flesh Phil. 3.3 Fear God and give glory to him for the hour of his Judgment is come and worship him that made Heaven and Earth and the Sea and the fountains of Waters Rev. 14.7 Little Children keep your selves from Idols 1 John 5.21 Thus I have shewed you that the Kingdom shall not be left to another people the Church of God. Thirdly It shall break in pieces and consume all these Kingdoms This destruction is not of mens lives but of mens lusts this destruction is not of mens bodies but of that sin that reigns in their mortal bodies this destruction is not of mens Rights and Properties but of that vanity and enmity that is in their hands and in their minds For if ye live â—fter the flesh ye shall die but if ye through the spirit do mortifie the deeds of the body ye â—hall live Rom. 8.13 Mortifie therefore your members which are upon Earth fornication uncleanness inordinate affection evil concupiscence and covetousness which is Idolatry Col. 3.5 I have already shewed you a draught of the True Church and now I will shew you a Map of the World The whole World lies in wickedness 1 Joh. 5.19 Love not the World neither the things that are in the World if any man love the World the love of the Father is not in him for all that is in the World the lust of the Flesh the lust of the Eyes and the pride of Life is not of the Father but is of the World and the World passeth away and the Lust thereof but he that doth the will of God abideth for ever 1 John 2.15 16 17. First It is a dead World dead in Sins dead in trespasses When the Assyrian Army came up against Jerusalem to destroy the Church of God the Lord sent an Angel that did destroy that great Army one hundred fourscore and five thousand this was done in one night Isa 37.36 and when the inhabitants of Jerusalem arose early in the morning they were all dead Corps what a sight was this to behold Should we see great
Mount Sion Or A Draught of That CHURCH WHICH Shall never be destroyed Together With a Map of That WORLD WHICH Shall be broken to pieces and consumed By William Dyer Author of Christs Famous Titles Believers Golden Chain Out of the eater came forth meat and out of the strong came forth sweetness Judges 14.14 The wise mans eyes are in his head but the fool walketh in darkness Eccles 2.14 Licensed and Entred LONDON Printed for Nath. Crouch at the 〈◊〉 in the Poultry near Cheapside 1689. THE EPISTLE TO THE READER Kind Reader THough there is nothing more common with men than to desire happiness as Balaam did Let me die the death of the righteous and let my last end be like his Numb 23.10 Yet there is nothing that men mind less and endeavour less after and labour less for than true happiness When our Saviour was on the earth some then asked him these two questions The first is in Luke 13.23 Then said one unto him Lord Are there few that be saved This was the first question Now mark well the answer And he said unto them Strive to enter in at the strait gate for many I say unto you will seek to enter in but shall not be able The second is in Luke 18.18 And a certain Ruler asked him saying Good Master What shall I do to inherit eternal life Now to this question our Lord Jesus gave this answer And Jesus said unto him Why callest thou me good none is good save one that is God. Thou knowest the Commandments Do not commit adultery Do not kill Do not steal Do not bear false witness Honour thy Father and thy Mother And he said All these have I kept from my youth up Now when Jesus heard these things he said unto him Yet lackest thou one thing Sell all that thou hast and distribute to the poor and thou shalt have treasure in Heaven and come follow me And when he heard this he was very sorrowful for he was very rich These Answers proceeded out of the mouth of Wisdom He that spake as never man spake said to the first Strive to enter in at the strait gate And to the second he said Keep the Commandments of God do not break them but duly observe them And what he said unto one he saith unto all Mark 13.37 For many I say unto you will seek to enter in but shall not be able This word should strike terrour into the hearts of men and awaken their sleepy Consciences First They that seek when it is too late None shall be able to enter in at the strait gate and narrow way which leadeth unto life without striving and this striving must be before the Master of the house be risen up When once the Master of the house is risen up and hath shut to the door and ye begin to stand without and to knock at the door saying Lord Lord open unto us and he shall answer and say unto you I know you not whence you are then shall ye begin to say We have eaten and drank in thy presence and thou hast taught in our streets But he shall say I tell you I know you not whence ye are depart from me all ye workers of iniquity The reason of this is here very plain they were workers of iniquity and these workers of iniquity did not seek to enter in till it was too late When men live without God in the world without the fear and knowledge of God and have no sence of his love and mercy to them When men wallow in the filth and mire of sin being abominable and disobedient and make light of Christ Jesus and of all the means of grace till sickness overtakes them and the terrours of death takes hold on them And when they find that all hopes of life and recovery is taken from them that they must die then they will seek and cry unto the Lord and desire others to pray for them But what hath the Lord spoken concerning this sort of seekers these late seekers see Prov. 1.24 Because I have called and ye refused I have stretched out my hand and no man regarded it but ye have set at nought all my counsel and would none of my reproof I also will laugh at your calamity I will mock when your fear cometh when your fear cometh as desolation and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind when distress and anguish cometh upon you then shall they call upon me but I will not answer they shall seek me early but they shall not find me Seeking without striving will not do and this striving must be with the whole heart before that midnight cry comes And at midnight there was a cry made Behold the Bridegroom cometh go ye out to meet him Mat. 25.6 O Reader Seek the Lord while he may be found call ye upon him while he is near He now waits that he may be gracious and stands at the door of thy heart and knocks for entrance Rev. 3.20 O hear his voice and let him into thy soul that it may become an habitation of God through the Spirit Eph. 2.22 Secondly They that seek in a wrong way Esaias also crieth câ—ncerning Israel Though the number of the Children of Israel be as the sand of the Sea a remnant shall be saved Rom. 9 27. See the reason of this in chap. 11.7 What then Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for but the election hath obtained it and the rest were blinded When men walk not in the way of truth and righteousness but in a wrong way that will lead them into the boggs of error and falshood and strong delusions to believe lies till they be swallowed up Thus saith the Lord Stand ye in the ways and see and ask for the old paths Where is the good way and walk therein and ye shall find rest for your souls but they said We will not walk therein Jer. 6.16 When men shall leave the Faith of the Gospel and believe as others would have them believe when men shall give up their Consciences to the government and conduct of others when men shall leave the Scriptures of truth and follow the Inventions of men when men shall leave the pure Worship of God and worship they know not what when men shall leave the good way and walk in crooked ways and in by-paths that turn them aside and 〈◊〉 them into everlasting destruction no wondâ—â— then that this sort of Seekers shall not be â—â—â—e to enter in at the strait gate and narroâ— way which leadeth unto life Some men will not allow themselves so â—â—ch time as to examine matters carefully to â—â—â—k on God and his works and providences his truth and ways or to think of another state or the way that leads to it He that came and preached peace to us hath opened a new and a living way for us for so an entrance shall be ministred unto you abundantly into the everlasting Kingdom of our Lord and
gates that the righteous nation which keepeth the truth may enter in Isa 26.2 But ye are a chosen generation a royal priesthood an holy nation a peculiar people that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light 1 Pet. 2.9 The Church of God is a righteous Nation that keeps the truth a holy Nation that shews forth the praises of God This is a nation out of every nation and a people out of every people and are redeemed from the earth and from amongst men and hast made us unto our God Kings and Priests and we shall reign on the earth Rev. 5.9 10. O what Nation so wise and great as this Nation What so excellent and blessed as this Nation Blessed with all Spiritual Blessings in Christ Jesus Every Believer is a living Stone of the holy City a living Son of the Free-woman a true Member of the heavenly Jerusalem the Mother of all the Saints the Womb that brings them all forth these are called and chosen out of all Nations Then Peter opened his mouth and said Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons But in every nation he that feareth him and worketh righteousness is accepted with him Acts 10.34 35. Thirdly The Church of Christ is called a Common-wealth That at that time â—e were without Christ being aliens from the â—ommon-wealth of Israel and strangers from â—he covenants of promise having no hope and â—ithout God in the world Eph. 2.12 O â—hat a blessed Common-wealth is this â—hey are all Free-men there are no Aliens nor Strangers nor Forreigners â—mongst them God is the Father of this Countrey the Master of this Family the Walls and Bulwarks of this Land For I saith the Lord will be unto her a wall of fire â—ound about and will be the glory in the midst of her Zech. 2.5 Christ Jesus is the Head of this Body the Law-giver to this people the Captain of their Salvation â—he Spirit of God leads them into all truth â—nd fills them with joy in believing and with an increase of Grace and the supplies of the Spirit this Spirit comforts them when they are sad and helps and assists â—hem when they are at the throne of Grace this holy Spirit applies all that to â—hem which Christ hath purchased for â—hem it carries up their desires to God â—nd brings that peace from God that â—asseth all understanding Every Memâ—er of this Common-wealth is a trader â—or Heaven and he drives that Trade which is sure and certain he lays up treasures in Heaven But lay up for your selveâ— treasures in Heaven where neither moth noâ— rust doth corrupt and where thieves do noâ— break through nor steal Mat. 6.20 Richeâ— and honour are with me yea durable richeâ— and righteousness Prov. 8.18 Every Child of God hath a treasure and thaâ— treasure is in a secure place thieves cannot come nigh it nor rust cannot hurt it nor moth cannot destroy it This treasurâ— is in Heaven but while Believers are on Earth they have this treasure in hope anâ— in Faith in Expectation and in the Promise and in Reversion and a full Assurance of all this having the Earnest oâ— the Spirit and of the Inheritance Whâ— hath also sealed us and given the earnest oâ— the Spirit in our hearts 2 Cor. 1.22 Whicâ— is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession unto thâ— praise of his glory Eph 1.14 Thus yoâ— see the Church is a Kingdom a Nation and a Common-wealth Secondly I shall shew you who it waâ— that should set up this Kingdom thâ— God of Heaven the ever living anâ— blessed God. He hath made the Eartâ— by his Power he hath established thâ— World by his Wisdom and hath stretcâ—ed out the Heavens by his Discretioâ— He founded Zion and the poor of his people shall trust in it Isa 14.32 And now breâ—hren I commend you to God and to the Word of his grace which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all â—hem which are sanctified Acts 20.32 And upon this rock I will build my Church and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it Mat. 16.18 This is the Pillar of Truth that God hath set up 1 Tim. 3.15 This is the house that God hath built a spiritual house of lively stones This is that Church which God hath purchased with his own blood Hands did not set it up and hands cannot pull it down That the Reader may know this God of Heaven let him consider and see his Power and Wisdom in his Works His Mercy and Goodness in his Provâ—dences His Love and Grace in his Word First See his Power and Wisdom in his Works God hath laid his Works before us that in them we may see his Eternal Power and Godhead For the â—nvisible things of him from the Creation of â—he World are clearly seen being understood by the things that are made even his Eternal Power and Godhead So that they are withâ—ut excuse Rom. 1.20 This Text shews us plainly four things 1. There are some things of God that are invisible 2. These invisible things of God are clearly seen from the Creation of the World. 3. These invisible things of God are manifest and understood by the things that are made even his Eternal Power and Godhead 4. This leaves men without excuse O how great and glorious is the Power and Wisdom of God! by his power he cleav'd the Earth with Rivers and by his Power he placed the Sands for the bounds of the Sea by a perpetual decree that the Waters cannot pass over by his Power Birds fly and by his Power Fishes swim by his Power Grass and other things of the Earth grow and by his Power the Stars of Heaven move and the Sun runs its race The Heavens declare the glory of God and the Firmament sheweth his handy work Day unto day uttereth speech and night unto night sheweth knowledge Psalm 19.1 2 that glory which is above all expressions and beyond all apprehensions God speaks to the Inhabitants of the Earth by heavenly bodies Day unto day they utter speech and night unto night they shew knowledge Though Nations understand not one anothers Language yet all Nations understand this Language that God speaks to them by the works of his hands these all shine out gloriously they move orderly and continue to all generations they are as glorious now as they were the first moment that they were made and came out of the hand of God this is that which the Lord hath divided unto all Nations under the whole Heaven Deut. 4.19 namely the Sun Moon and Stars not that men should worship them but admire and praise that God that made them and if the Pavement of Heaven be so glorious O what then is that glory which is within Of all ingredients Light is the most excellent this is that makes one Star differ from another in glory O
glorious Gospel of Christ Jesus which Paul Preached unto them that a Church was here gathered and set up That their â—aith was spoken of throughout the whole world Rom. 1.8 Oh the depth of the riches both of â—he Wisdom and knowledge of God how unâ—earchable are his Judgments and his ways â—ast finding out Rom. 11.33 Next let us â—ee what God wrought by Pauls ministry â—n the City of Corinth The Apostle Paul having past through â—everal parts in Asia he came to the City â—f Corinth and finding there a poor man â—nd his wife Aquila and Priscilla that â—ad been banished from Italy by Claudius â—or their Religion they came and dwelt â—n the City of Corinth and the Apostle â—aul became their guest being of the same â—ccupation Tent-makers and he conâ—â—nued there a year and six months in which time he did so batter down the Devils Kingdom of Darkness and Blindâ—ess Superstition and Idolatry and â—otwithstanding the great oppositions he â—here met with both from the Jews and â—he Heathens God Almighty did so â—less his labours and crown his Miâ—â—stry with that success that many of the Corinthians believed and were baptized and here also was a glorious Church gathered and set up That in every thing ye are enriched by him in all utterance and in all knowledge even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you so that ye come behind in no gift waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ 1 Cor. 1.5 6 7. and see Acts 18. As God did of old set up a Kingdom in the days of the Pharaohs Kings of Egypt when the Children of Israel went down into Egypt they were but few in number a very small number being but threescore and ten Gen. 46.27 but when they went out of Egypt they were many hundred thousands they went into Egypt weak and feeble but they went out strong and mighty they were poor and needy when they went in but they went out with great substance So in the days of the Gospel the Goâ— of Heaven did then set up a Kingdom iâ— the days of the Herods in the days of thâ— Caesars and this he did in the sight of hiâ— Enemies and in the face of all oppositions The very Enemies themselves did confess in that day that they were not ablâ— to hinder it nor to overthrow it Thâ— Pharisees therefore said among themselveâ— Perceive ye how ye prevail nothing Behold the World is gone after him John 12.19 At the beginning of the Gospel-days this Church of Christ or Kingdom that the God of Heaven did then set up was very little and small And the number of their names together were about an hundred and twenty Acts 1.15 But the Lord did soon increase them And there was added unto them about three thousand Souls Acts 2.41 Next you find they were multitudes And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own but they had all things common Acts 4.32 And the believers were the more added to the Lord multitudes both of men and women Acts 5.14 And thus you see from an hundred and twenty they became thousands and from thousands to multitudes so great a multitude as no man could number of all Nations and Kindreds and People and Tongues By this you may plainly see and understand the way and manner how the God of Heaven â—in the days of these Kings did set up a Kingdom and this he will do to the end of the World. I shall in the next place shew you the Power Strength and Glory of this Kingdom FIrst In that it shall never be destroyâ—â— The Church of God is excellently divided into two parts Militant and Triumphant Militant on the Earth Triumphant in Heaven The Inhabitants of Heaven are of three sorts The blessed Trinity The blessed Angels The blessed Saints First The blessed Trinity For there are three that bear record in Heaven the Father the Word and the Holy Ghost and these three are one 1 John 5.7 This makes our Salvation to be sure our Inheritance to be certain our Gospel to be true our Security to be immortal this is that our Lord Jesus declared to the Jews and testified to them but they understood him not Jesus answered and said unto them Though I bear record of my self yet my record is true for I know whence I came and whither I go but ye cannot tell whence I come and whither I go John 8.14 He thaâ— believeth on the Son of God hath the witnesâ— in himself he that believeth not God hatâ— made him a Liar because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son and this is the record that God hath given to us eternal life and this life is in his Son 1 Joh. 5.10 11. The Gospel is called the everlasting Gospel Rev. 14.6 because it proceeded from God the everlasting Father The Apostles did not receive the Gospel they preached from men but from God it was published and preach'd by Christ Jesus the everlasting Son of God it was applied by the everlasting Spirit of God and the effects of the Gospel will be everlasting The blessed Trinity fills Heaven with light and glory the glory of vision the glory of a full enjoyment of all happiness For as it is written Eye hath not seen nor ear heard neither have entred into the heart of man the things which God hath prepared for them that love him 1 Cor. 2.9 Secondly The blessed Angels of Heaven And I beheld and I heard the voice of many Angels round about the Throne and the number of thâ—m was ten thousand times ten thousand and thousands of thousands saying with a loud voice Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honour glory and blessing Rev. 5.11 12. But ye are come unto Mount Sion and unto the City of the living God the heavenly Jerusalem and to an innumerable company of Angels Heb. 12.22 As these Angels are great in number being innumerable so they are excellent in their natures For verily he took not on him the nature of Angels but he took on him the seed of Abraham Heb. 2.16 They are invisible spirits cloth'd with holiness covered with glory enriched with knowledge arm'd with power fill'd with love adorned with heavenly beauty and shine in heavenly glory Are they not all ministring spirits sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation Heb. 1.14 The Scripture speaks of a threefold Ministry 1. Of the Ministry of the Prophets I have also spoken by the Prophets and I have multiplied Visions and used similitudes by the Ministry of the Prâ—phets Hos 12.10 This Ministry the Children of Israel were under Moses and the Prophets but they did not understand them 2. The Ministry of Angels And they are ministring Spirits sent forth by God Almighty to minister for them who shall be
spiritual blessings That he might present it to himself a glorious Church not having spot nor wrinkle or any such thing but that it should be holy and without blemish Eph. 5.27 Now when I passed by thee and looked upon thee behold thy time was the time of love and I spread my skirt over thee and covered thy nakedness yea I sware unto thee and entred into a covenant with thee saith the Lord God and thou becamest mine then washed I thee with water yea I throughly washed away thy blood from thee and I anointed thee with Oyl I clothed thee also with broidered work and shod thee with badgers skin and I girded thee about with fine linnen and I covered thee with silk I decked thee also with ornaments and I put bracelets upon thine hands and a chain on thy neck And I put a Jewel on thy forehead and ear-rings in thine ears and a beautiful Crown on thy head Thus wast thou decked with Gold and Silver and thy rayment was of fine Linnen and Silk and broidered work thou didst eat fine Flour and Honey and Oyl and thou wast exceeding beautiful and thou didst prosper into a Kingdom and thy renown went forth among the heathen for thy beauty for it was perfect through my comeliness which I had put upon thee saith the Lord God Ezek. 16.8 to 14. 3. The security of this Church the decrees the covenant the word Oath Writings Seals of the Omnipotent and Wise God that cannot Lie that by two immutable things in which it was impossible for God to Lie we might have a strong consolation who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us Heb. 6.18 the Church of God is sometimes as a besieged City Isa 1.8 the Devil and the World besiege it round and the Enemies Joyn together to devour Gods Israel with open mouth There are three ways that an Enemy usually makes use of to take a City that is besieg'd 1. By starving of them that they may have no supplies 2. By undermining them and blowing them up 3. By scaling their Walls that they may come at them to kill them But this City the Church of God the Enemies cannot destroy it by any of these ways 1. They cannot starve the Church He shall dwell on high his place of defence shall be the munitions of Rocks bread shall be given him his water shall be sure Isa 33.16 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus Phil. 4.19 God hath set before his people an open door which no man can shut and this door is continually open night and day Rev. 3.8 all the Devils in Hell and wicked Men on Earth cannot shut it and at this door come in the supplies of Gods Spirit to every Child of God here comes in that Joy that is unspeakable and full of glory Phil. 1.19 that peace which passeth all understanding that love that many waters cannot quench nor floods drown it that light and knowledg that Gold cannot purchase that spiritual strength that makes them conquerers at this door comes in that Kingdom of God which is not meat and drink but righteousness and peace and Joy in the holy Ghost Rom. 14.17 Ho! every one that thirsteth come ye to the Waters and he that hath no Money come ye buy and eat yea come buy Wine and Milk without Money and without Price Isa 55.1 And the Spirit and the Bride say Come and let him that heareth say Come and let him that is athirst come and whosoever will let him take of the water of Life freely Rev. 22.17 By this you may see the Church of God cannot be starv'd so as to be destroyed that way 2. The Enemies cannot destroy the Church of God by undermining it and blowing it up by all their Plots for there have been Plots upon Plots and Conspiracies one after another against the Church of Christ but all in vain because the Church of God is builded upon a Rock And I say also unto thee That thou art Peter and upon this Rock I will build my Church and the Gates of Hell shall not prevail against it Matth. 16.18 It s defence shall be the Munitions of Rocks Isa 33.16 If the Church had not been built upon a Rock Pharaoh had destroyed it long ago And he said Come on let us deal wisely with them and they did set over them Task-masters to afflict them with burthens and made them to serve with rigour and they made their lives bitter with hard bondage in Mortar and in Brick and in all manner of service in the field all the service wherein they made them serve was with rigour and the King of Egypt spake to the Hebrew women which were Midwives of which the name of one was Shiphrah and the name of the other Puah And he said When ye do the office of a Midwife to the Hebrew women and see them upon the stools if it be a Son then ye shall kill him but if it be a Daughter then she shall live Exod. 1. See another like unto this in the New Testament And when ye have found him bring me word again that I may come and worship him also And he sent forth and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem and in all the Coasts thereof from two years old and under according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men Matth. 2.8 16. Notwithstanding Pharaoh was so long before Herod yet they were both of one mind and in one spirit and served one Master the Devil against God and his People but what became of them both God's wrath and vengeance took hold on them they perish'd but God's Church was preserv'd because it was built upon a Rock and the Gates of Hell could not prevail against it This Kingdom shall never be destroyed by undermining and blowing it up When thou passest through the waters I will be with thee and through the rivers they shall not overflow thee when thou walkest through the fire thou shalt not be burnt neither shall the flame kindle upon thee Isa 43.2 God invades his Enemies on every side and passeth through them and causeth his Arrows to pass through their hearts and they stick so fast that their Physicians will not be able to pluck them out but that Arm and Bow that shoots at the People of God the Lord God will break that Arm and Bow. No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper and every tongue that shall rise against thee in Judgment thou shalt condemn this is the heritage of the Servants of the Lord and their righteousness is of me saith the Lord Isa 54.17 3. The Enemies of God's Church and People shall never be able to destroy it by getting over the Wall that is about it Every wicked man is a fighter against God an Enemy of Christ Jesus and on the Dragon's side that makes war against the Church but God hath given
Glass mingled with Fire and there she will continue till the fourth Kingdom that of Iron mixt with Clay be broken to pieces and become like Chaff of the Summer threshing-floors and the wind carry them away that no place be found for them Dan. 2.35 Notwithstanding the Spouse of Christ stands on a Sea of Glass mingled with Fire she is not destroyed And I saw as it were a Sea of Glass mingled with Fire and them that had gotten the victory over the Beast and over his Image and over his mark and over the number of his name stand on the Sea of Glass having the Harps of God and they sung the song of Moses the Servant of God and the song of the Lamb saying Great and marvellous are thy works Lord God Almighty just and true are thy ways thou King of Saints Who shall not fear thee O Lord and glorifie thy Name for thou only art holy for all Nations shall come and worship before thee for thy Judgments are made manifest Rev. 15.2 3 4. John the Divine that out-lived all the Apostles he being the last of them as is believed wrote this Book of the Revelations in an excellent stile the matter of it being excellent it was sent to him from Heaven Write the things which thou hast seen and the things which are and the things which shall be hereafter Rev. 1.19 That is from that time to this and from this time to the end of the World of all the things concerning the Church of God in the latter days and in the last days Here we have a sight of the Church often in the fifth chapter of this Book And they sung a new song saying Thou art worthy to take the Book and to open the Seals thereof for thou wast slain and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every Kindred and Tongue and People and Nation v. 9. This is a thanksgiving for their Redemption being redeem'd by the blood of Christ and delivered from wrath to come In the twelfth chapter you have another sight of the Church A Woman clothed with the Sun and the Moon under her feet and upon her head a Crown of twelve Stars v. 1. But against this Woman came the Red Dragon with the power of Hell to devour her Child as soon as it was born The Devil and the World cannot endure the pure Worship of God and the true Religion that is profess'd by God s Children This Woman the true Church of God fled into the Wilderness where she had a place prepared of God but the Dragon followed her and made war with the remnant of her seed which keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ v. 17. that in the generation of the Just in all times the Church is the Mother and the Womb that brings forth Gods faithful people in all ages and though the Dragon in persecuters hath made war against them yet they could never destroy them In the fourteenth Chapter you may see this Church following the lamb wheresoever he goes and were redeem'd from among men and from the Earth and having his fathers name written in their foreheads and in their mouths was found no guile these were Virgin Saints that had not drank of the Whores cup nor been defiled with her abominations You have a sight again of this Church in the fifteenth chapter which I mentioned before And I saw as it were a sea of Glass mingled with fire and them that had gotten the victory over the beast and over his image and over his mark and over the number of his name stand on the sea of Glass having the Harps of God. See then these following things Their place Their posture Their Victory Their thanks-giving 1. Their place as it were on a sea of Glass that is the World and the People that are in it Psal 46.2 3. And four great beasts came out from the Sea divers one from another Dan. 7.3 And I stood upon the sand of the Sea and saw a beast rise up out of the Sea having seven Heads and ten Horns and upon his Horns ten Crowns and upon his Heads the name of Blasphemy Rev. 13.1 This Sea then is the World and in this World you shall have trouble 2. Their posture They stand on the Sea of Glass Glass is that which lets light into a room wherever the Church of God is there is light light springing up light breaking forth light shining out Believers are Children of the day and of the light God hath shin'd into their hearts in the face of Christ Jesus Now the World and the Devil cannot endure this light but blow up the coals and kindle the fire of persecution that they may put out and destroy this light of saving knowledg Beloved think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you as though some strange thing happened unto you 1 Pet. 4.12 This is the sea of Glass mingled with Fire the fire of contention the fire of persecution and the fire of tribulation yet however Gods people stand they stand fast and having done all they stand having their loins girt about with truth and having on the breast-plate of righteousness and their feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace Eph. 6.13 14 15. 3. Their victory over the beast and over his image and over his mark and over the number of his name you see here who they are that get the victory and this victory was got on the Sea of Glass mingled with fire that is in prisons and in dungeons and in great tribulations and in times of great calamities under sore trials Who shall separate us from the love of Christ shall tribulation or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or peril or sword as it is written for thy sake we are killed all the day long we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter nay in all these things we are more than conquerers through him that loved us Rom. 8.35 36 37. who through faith subdued Kingdoms â—rought righteousness obtained promises stopped the mouths of Lions Heb. 11.33 for whatsoever is born of God overcometh the World and this is the victory that overcometh the World even our faith 1 John 5.4 the victory then the Saints get is over the Devil over his temptations over his devices and over all his assaults and wiles For we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities against powers against the rulers of the darkness of this World against spiritual wickedness in high places Eph. 6.12 this victory is over the World the pleasures of the World and the profits of the World and over the frowns of the World. Who is he that overcometh the World but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God 1 John 5.5 this victory is over the beast his ordinances and laws over his image his worship and doctrines over his mark his profession and perswasion over the number of his name
his agents and instruments This work is hard and difficult but the victory is sure and certain and the reward will be great To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my Throne even as I also overcame and am set down with my Father in his Throne Rev. 3.21 4. Their Thanksgiving They sung a double song the song of Moses and the song of the Lamb a song of Mercy and a song of Judgment They stood on the Sea of Glass mingled with Fire and blest and prais'd the most high God and gave thanks unto him for that Victory they had got over the Beast and over his Image and over his Mark and over the number of his Name and for the many mercies and blessings they had received from God Almighty that their Consciences were not in captivity that their Principles were not in chains and that their Understandings were not in the Precepts of men The Lord doth multiply mercies and magnifie mercies delight in mercies and follows his People with mercies and goodness all their days Who delivered us from so great a death and doth deliver in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us The Father of mercies fills his Children with mercies and their mercies he fills with comforts and for this they bless and praise his holy Name in all the Congregations of the Just And as the mercies of God do always abound towards the righteous so the Judgments of God are made manifest against the wicked When the Church of God went out of Egypt Pharaoh with his Army pursued after them but he could never overtake them and yet the Judgments of God soon overtook Pharaoh and his Army Then sang Moses and the Children of Israel this song unto the Lord and spake saying I will sing unto the Lord for he hath triumphed gloriously the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the Sea The Lord is my strength and song and he is become my salvation He is my God and I will prepare him an habitation my Father's God and I will exalt him The Lord is a man of war the Lord is his name Pharaoh 's Chariots and his Host hath he cast into the Sea his chosen Captains also are drowned in the Red Sea the depths have covered them they sank into the bottom as a stone Thy right hand O Lord is become glorious in power thy right hand O Lord hath dashed in pieces the Enemy And in the greatness of thine excellency thou hast overthrown them that rose up against thee thou sentest forth thy wrath which consumed them as stubble Exod. 15.1 to 7. This was the song of Moses a song of Mercy and a song of Judgment and this is the song of the Lamb Mercy to his Church and Judgment on his Enemies he sends forth his wrath and consumes his Enemies he sends forth his Mercies and saves his People and this is that which fills God's People with joy and gladness and his Enemies with rage and madness For when thy Judgments are in the Earth the Inhabitant's of the World will learn righteousness Isa 26.9 Where God's Mercies do not melt men there his Judgments will teach them or overthrow them where his Love doth not draw men there his Power will break them or destroy them where his Truth doth not conquer men there his Wrath will consume them SEcondly the Kingdom shall not be left to another people For from the top of the Rocks I see him and from the Hills I behold him lo the people shall dwell alone and shall not be reckoned among the nations Numb 23.9 The true Church is the Kingdom that shall not be left to another people The Father will not leave them The Son will not leave them The Holy Spirit will not leave them The good Angels will not leave them First God the Father will not leave them For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole Earth to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect towards him 2 Chron. 16.9 The wicked watcheth the righteous and seeketh to slay him the Lord will not leave him in his hand nor condemn him when he is Judged Psalm 37.32.33 He shall feed his stock like a shepherd he shall gather the lambs with his Arm and carry them in his Bosom and shall gently lead those that are with young Isa 40.11 Can a woman forget her sucking Child that she should not have compassion on the Son of her Womb Yea they may forget yet will I not forget thee Isa 49.15 Let your conversation be without covetousness and be content with such things as ye have for he hath said I will never leave thee nor forsake thee Heb. 13.5 God will not leave his people they are his habitation where he dwells will a man leave his habitation and wander up and down from place to place Every Saint is Gods habitation For thus saith the high and lofty one that inhabiteth eternity whose name is holy I dwell in the high and holy places with him also that is of a contrite and humble Spirit to revive the Spirit of the humble and to revive the Heart of the contrite ones Isa 57.15 In whom you also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit Eph. 2.22 Will a man forsake and leave his own Children to the wide World to poverty and misery and great calamities All true believers are Gods Sons and Daughters Wherefore come out from among them and be ye separate saith the Lord and touch not the unclean thing and I will receive you and I will be a Father unto you and ye shall be my Sons and Daughters saith the Lord Almighty 2 Cor. 6.17 18. Will men leave their Treasures and Jewels to Robbers and Thieves O! what care do they take of these to keep them safe and secure For Treasure men will stretch their Consciences and pawn their very Souls to the Devil and run the adventure of their everlasting damnation To gain Treasure men will go into forrein Countreys and rake the bottom of the Sea to seek for Silver and to search for hidden Treasures God s Children are his Treasures and his Jewels And ye shall be a peculiar Treasure unto me above all people Exod. 19.5 For the Lord hath chosen Jacob for himself and Israel for his peculiar Treasure Psa 135.4 And they shall be mine saith the Lord of Hosts in that day when I make up my Jewels Mal. 3.17 This is such a Treasure as God will never leave to another People There are three things of God always upon his People 1. The Eyes of the Lord The Eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous and his Ears are open unto their cry Psal 34 15. His Eyes run to and fro through the whole Earth and they are never off from his own People he beholds them with delight and rejoyceth over them his Eyes are on them for good watching over them day and night 2.
with Christ Jesus and with the Spirits of Just men made perfect Fourthly The blessed Angels will not leave them 1. The Angels did proclaim the birth of our Saviour And suddenly there was with the Angel a multitude of the Heavenly Host praising God and saying Glory to God in the highest and on Earth peace good will towards men Luke 2.13 14. 2. They do rejoyce at the conversion of sinners I say unto you that likewise Joy shall be in Heaven over one sinner that repenteth more than over ninety and nine Just persons which need no repentance Luke 15.7 3 The Angels of the Lord encamp round about them that fear him and deliver them Psal 34.7 For we are made a spectacle unto the world and to Angels and to men 1 Cor. 4.9 For this cause ought the Woman to have power on her Head because of the Angels 1 Cor. 11.10 4. They are all ministring Spirits Spirits sent forth to minister for them who shall be Heirs of Salvation Heb. 1.14 5. Lazarus died and was carried by the Angels into Abrahams bosom Luke 16.22 The mystery of Angels we shall better understand in the next world than we do in this but this is certain the Church of God receives great benefits by them as I have prov'd before They are Spirits that are invisible They enter into our Houses as the light doth They take up no room nor justle any body aside They see and behold us though we see not them and do us good though we know it not and oftentimes keep evil from us though we do not understand it Heaven is their countrey yet they are often upon the Earth and do know the state and condition of the Church better than we do Then the Angel of the Lord answered and said O Lord of Hosts how long wilt thou not have meâ—cy on Jerusalem and on the Cities of Judah against which thou hast had indignation these threescore and ten years and the Lord answered the Angel that talked with me with good words and comfortable words Zech. 12 13. By this you may see God the Father will not leave his Children Christ Jesus the Son of God will not leave the Members of his Body the Spirit of God will not leave its temple that he dwells in the Angels of God will not leave the charge that is committed to them The Kingdom shall not be left to anâ—â—her â—eople First It shall not be left to another People as the Canâ—anites were left to the Sword of Joshua and to the Sword of the Hebrews that he might destroy them utterly and that they might have no favour but that he might destroy them as the Lord commanded Mâ—ses So Joshua took the whâ—le Land according to all that the Lord had said unto Moses and Joshua gave it for an Inheritance unto Israel according to their divisions by their Tribes and the land did rest from war Joshua 11.20 23. the Church of God shall never be left to another People as the Amalekites were left to the Spears and Swords of Saul and his Army Now go and smite Amalek and utterly destroy all that they have and spare them not but slay both Man and Woman Infant and Suckling Ox and Sheep Camel and Ass 1 Sam. 15.4 The Enemies may fall upon some small parties here and there and rout and destroy some of them as they have done all along but they will never be able to rout and destroy the main body of the Church This they could never do with all their power force and multitudes that they have brought together against the Church of God This they could never do and this they shall never be able to do as I have shewed before the Enemies have done their utmost oftentimes to cut off and destroy the Church of God by wicked ways by cruel laws and by bloody hands For lo thine Enemies make a tumult and they that hate thee have lift up the head they have taken crafty counsel against thy People â—nd consulted against thy hidden ones They have said Come and let us cut them off from being a nation that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance for they have consulted together with one consent they are confederate against thee Psal 83.2 3 4 5. This they have done often and this they will do by tumults by crafty counsel and by a confederacy Why do the Heathen rage and the People imagine a vain thing the Kings of the Earth set themselves and the rulers take counsel together against the Lord and against his anointed saying Let us break their bands asunder and cast away their cords from us He that sitteth in the Heavens shall laugh the Lord shall have them in derision then shall he speak unto thâ—m in his wrath and vex them in his sore displeasure Yet have I set my King upon my holy hill of Sion Psal 2.1 to 6. When men have done all they can and done their worst yet God will set his Son upon his holy hill of Sion and all the Enemies that are in the world will not be able to hinder it men speak great words and it comes to nothing God speaks and his word stands the Church of God is like a rock by the Sea side the Waves beat violently against the rock but they break not the rock but themselves The Enemies of Gods Church have made many assaults and like the Waves of the Sea have beat violently against it and upon it but they break not the Church but themselves to pieces The Church of God is like the Sea what it loseth in one place it gains in another When the Enemies are destroying God's faithfull Servants in one place then the God of Heaven is increasing and gathering of theâ— in another place by calling and conveâ—ting of hundreds and thousands turning them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to himself convincing their consciences enlightning their minds opening their understandings purifying their hearts by Faith and blessing them with spiritual blessings causing them to stand up to be faithful Witnesses and to bear faithful Testimonies in their day as others had done before them for God and his Truth By this it appears very plain that the Kingdom shall not be left to another People Secondly It shall not be left to another People The people shall dwell alone and shall not be reckoned among the Nations This people shall not mingle themselves with other people Numb 23.9 They shall not cleave one to another the World is one thing but the Church of God is another thing the World is a common Field but the Church is a well watered Garden Isa 51.3 The Garden of the Lord Isa 58.11 The World is as a Wilderness a barren Desart but the Church is a Vineyard which the Lord hath planted Psal 80.15 The World is a destroying Mountain Jer. 51.25 but the Church is God's Holy Hill Psal 2.6 The World is a Kingdom of darkness Eph. 5.11 but
provokes the Lord and the Eyes of his glory and this is that that hath made the Eyes of the people of God to run down with tears Rivers of Waters run down mine Eyes because they keep not thy Law Psal 119.136 Oh! that my head were Waters and mine Eyes a fountain of Tears that I might weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of my People Jer. 9.1 And the Lord said unto him Go through the midst of the City through the midst of Jerusalem and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof Ezek. 9.4 And when he was come near he beheld the City and wept over it saying If thou hadst known even thou at least in this thy day the things which belong unto thy Peace but now they are hid from thine Eyes Lu. 19.41 42. For many walk of whom I have told you often and now tell you even weeping that they are the Enemies of the Cross of Christ whose end if destruction whose God is their Belly and whose Glory is their shame who mind Earthly things Phil. 3.18 19. Behold and see O persecuting World the love and pity that is in the Hearts of Gods Children towards you They sigh and mourn for your abominations they weep and tears run down like water from their Eyes for your sins and wickedness you persecute them and yet they pray for you you hate and despise them yet they pity you and seek and endeavour to save you You can commit sin with both hands but you do not sigh and mourn you can treasure up wrath against your selves but you cannot turn it away you can pull down Judgments upon you but you cannot remove them Thirdly What do you expect that are the Saints of God from this World but Evil For I know your manifold transgressions and your mighty sins they afflict the Just they take a bribe and turn aside the poor in the gate from their right Amos 5.12 Who hate the good and love the evil who pluck off their skin from off them and their flesh from off their bâ—nes who also eat the flesh of my people and slay their skin from off them and they break their bones and chop them in pieces as for the â—ot and as the flesh within the Cauldron Mic. 3.2 3. if you look into the 11th of the Hebrews that little book of Martyrs there you will see what the sufferings of Gods Children were of old and if you read the Acts of the Apostles that will shew you how cruel the world was then to the Church of God and has it been kinder since The Saints and Martyrs have not found it so Confirming the Souls of the disciples and exhorting them to continue in the faith and that we must through much tribulation enter into the Kingdom of God Acts 14.22 A Leopard cannot change his spots and a Lion cannot change his nature no more can a wicked man cease from evil he hates the image of God wherever he sees it Let no good man expect good from the World it did hate Christ Jesus and it now hates all his members In the World ye shall have tribulation but be of good cheer I have overcome the World Joh. 16.33 The World hath been always storming the Church of God and is always preparing to make new assaults expect therefore nothing from an evil World but evil pray therefore that you may be kept from the evil of the World. Fourthly It is a carnal World. For to be Carnally minded is Death but to be Spiritually minded is Life and Peace Here the Apostle shews the difference between a carnal man and a spiritual man A carnal man is dead he hath no spiritual life in him but a spiritual man hath both life and peace that life which is eternal John 10.28 and that peace which passeth all understanding A carnal mans life is in himself but a spiritual mans life is in Christ Jesus A carnal man receiv'd his life from God by Creation but a spiritual man receiv'd his life from Christ Jesus by grace A carnal mans mind is Earthly that is his sin but a spiritual mans mind is Heavenly that is his Joy. A carnal mans mind cannot be subject to the Law of God but the spiritual man with his mind serves the law of God Rom. 7.25 A carnal mans mind is full of enmity against God a spiritual mans mind is full of love to God. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God for it is not subject to the law of God neither indeed can be Rom. 8.7 Enemies may be reconcil'd but Enmity never will be reconcil'd This enmity that is in the Hearts and minds of men against God is very great and it shews it self many ways 1. They hate God Rom. 1.30 Because of his holiness his purity his truth his laws and therefore God calls them his Enemies Rule thou in the midst of thine Enemies Psal 110.2 Yea the fire of thine Enemies shall devour them Isaiah 26.11 But these mine Enemies which would not that I should reign over them bring hither and slay them before me Luke 19.27 And you that were sometime alienated and Enemies in your minds by wicked works Col. 1.21 Every carnal man in the World is an open and a profess'd Enemy against God by wicked works the works of the Devil the works of the Flesh that are manifest which are these Adultery Fornication Vncleanness Lasciviousness Idolatry Witch-craft Hatred Variance Emulations Wrath Strife Seditions Heresies Envyings Murthers Drunkenness Revellings and such like Gal. 5.19 20 21. These are the works of the flesh wicked works enemies in your minds by wicked works 2. They hate the ways and worship of God. The naturâ—l man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God for they are foolishness unto him neither can he know them because they are spiritually discerned 1 Cor. 2.14 The carnal World did never like the worship of God Gods worship is too holy and pure for carnal men it is too spiritual and strict for them they love the way that is broad where the most go Mat. 7.13 though every step they take in it be to Hell and Damnation Carnal people do make a profession but what profession is it they profess that they know God but in works they deny him being abominable and disobedient and unto every good work reprobate They profess but they do not practice They hear but they do not do they learn but they never come to the knowledg of the Truth they confess their sins but they forsake them not They acknowledg their iniquities and yet continue workers of inquity When once the master of the house is risen up and hath shut to the door and ye begin to stand without and to knock at the door saying Lord Loâ—d open unto us and he shall answer and say unto you I know you not whence you are then shall ye begin to
your fathers did so do ye Acts 7.51 Now that which makes men do this be these six things 1. Worldly Interest 2. Self-conceit 3. A blind Subjection to others 4. Pride of Heart 5. Satan's Policy 6. Education These make men have an implacable hatred to all that is good When men are governed by these they imploy their rage and fury against the faithful With the greater part of Mankind these are so powerful that nothing but the mighty power of God is able to overcome them and to rescue men from their force It will require a measure of the extraordinary graces of Gods Spirit to be poured out And this is that good work which the Lord works in the Souls of men by his holy Spirit He works in them his own Image his own holy Will Power and Strength Knowledge and Understanding a love to God and a delight in him He makes them new Creatures and leads them into the paths of truth and righteousness This is a victory and this victory overcometh the world even our faith 1 Joh. 5.4 And when he is come he will reprove the world of sin of righteousness of judgment Of sin because they believe not on me Of righteousness because I go to my father and ye see me no more Of judgment because the Prince of this world is judged I have yet many things to say unto you but ye cannot bear them now Howbeit when he the spirit of truth is come he will guide you into all truth for he shall not speak of himself but whatsoever he shall hear that shall he speak and he will shew you things to come John 16.8 to 13. 3. The Saint is the Seeker Ask and it shall be given you seek and ye shall find knock and it shall be opened unto you Mat. 7.7 And shall not God avenge his own elect which cry day and night unto him though he bear long with them Luke 18.7 There is a three-fold cry that enters into the ears of the God of Sabbaoth The cry of Blood Rev. 6.10 The cry of Prayer Isa 19.20 The cry of Sin James 5.4 This is that cry which taketh peace from the Earth This is that which turns the World upside down This is that which brings the great Earthquake that makes the Cities of the Nations to fall This is that which breaks the Arm and the Bow of the wicked and turns their counsels into foolishness This is that which makes distress of Nations with perplexity the Sea and the Waves roaring mens hearts failing them for fear and for looking after those things which are coming upon the Earth for the poâ—â—rs of Heaven shall be shaken What wonderful things have been done by Prayeâ— and if tâ—â—re â—e but a Spirit of Prayer â—â—pt up in Gods people the abomination of desolation will not be able to stand before them Mat. 24.15 Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain and it rained not upon the Earth by the space of three years and six months and he prayed again and the heaven gave rain and the earth brought forth her fruit James 5.17 18. 3. The Church of God shall consume the Kingdoms of the world by the Word of truth And I saw and behold a white horse and he that sate on him had a bow and a Crown was given unto him and he went forth conquering and to conquer Rev. 6.2 This Conqueror is the Lamb the Lord Jesus Christ and this Conquest he makes by the Sword. But what Sword is it not a carnal Sword but by the Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God Eph. 6.17 And out of his mouth goeth a sharp Sword that with it he should smite the nations Rev. 19.15 For the Word of God is quick and powerful and sharper than a two edged Sword piercing even to the dividing asunder of Soul and Spirit and of the Joynts and Marrow and is a discerner of the thoughts and the intents of the heart Heb. 4.12 When the Blessed Jesus came in the form of a Servant he spake from Heaven the Word of truth Whose voice then shook the earth but now he hath promised saying Yet once more I shake not the earth only but also heaven and this word yet once more signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken as of things that are made that those things which cannot be shaken may remain Heb. 12.26 The Word of truth is that which shakes the Devils Kingdom and Antichrist's Kingdom it shakes mens Foundations and their strong Holds their Refuges and Confidences And when the Lord lifts up his Name and makes his holy Arm bare his Power known by the Word of Truth and brings in his grace into the Souls of men and works in them by his Spirit his own Will his own Nature his Righteousness and holy Fear this is that which cannot be shaken and this is that which breaks in pieces and consumes hard and stony Hearts blind and dark minds carnal and fleshly Wisdom fierce and Lion-like Spirits This changeth mens Natures into a Lamb-like Spirit as the Prophet speaketh The Wolf also shall dwell with the Lamb and the Leopard shall lye down with the Kid and the Calf and the young Lion and the Fatling together and a little Child shall lead them And the Cow and the Bear shall feed their young ones shall lye down together and the Lion shall eat Straw like the Oxe And the suckling Child shall play on the hole of the Asp and the weaned Child shall put his hand on the Cockatrice den they shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain for the Earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the Waters cover the Sea Isa 11.6 7 8 9. When sin shall be done away and iniquity shall be finished when the Tribes of the Earth shall be rent from the power of darkness and the everlasting Gospel shall be preach'd to all nations under Heaven then none shall hurt and destroy in all thy holy mountain Let no man deceive you by any means for that day shall not come except there come a falling away first and that man of sin be revealed the son of perdition who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped so that he as God sitteth in the Temple of God shewing himself that he is God. Remember ye not that when I was yet with you I told you these things And now ye know what with-holdeth that he might be revealed in his time For the Mystery of Iniquity doth already work only he who now letteth will lett until he be taken out of the way And then shall that wicked be revealed whom the Lord shall consume with the Spirit of his Mouth and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming 2 Thes 2.3 to 8. The Apostle Paul having the Spirit of God did in that Spirit tell these Thessalonians what should come
and a Crown was given unto him and he went forth Conquering and to Conquer This was the Preaching of the Everlasting Gospel Christ Jesus in the Ministry of the Word conquering and overcoming rebellious Sinners working in them by his Word and Spirit Life and Light Love and Grace Holiness and Truth and filling them with all Spiritual Blessings and being changed into the same Image from Glory to Glory even as by the Spirit of the Lord The Preaching of this Gospel did then raise a great Tumult and made the World to Arm and put them into a great Rage and men were filled with Enmity and Prejudice against the Truth then they consulted and took counsel together how they might destroy Gods Faithful Servants which keep the Commandments of God and the Testimony of Jesus Christ and the Persecutors in that day did slay and destroy many thousands of Gods dear Children And when he had opened the fifth Seal I saw under the Altar the Souls of them that were slain for the Word of God and for the Testimony which they held And they cryed with a loud voice saying How long O Lord holy and true dost thou not judge and avenge our Blood on them that dwell on the Earth verse 9 10. Then the Lord punish'd the Inhabitants of the Earth by many heavy and sore Judgments War and Pestilence and Famine and Death as appears by the opening of the other Seals Thus it was then and so it hath been ever since Now all the things that Providence hath brought forth at any time hath not overthrown the Faith of the Gospel nor swallowed up the true Church neither hath it destroyed Gods truth from amongst men neither hath it thrown down that Spiritual worship which God hath set up but all the things that Providence hath brought forth at any time have all workt together for the good of Gods people Whatever things have happened have â—â—ln out to the furtherance of the Gospel and to the increase of the Faithful The Mouth of the Lord hath spoken it Say ye to the righteâ—us 〈◊〉 it shall be well with them for they shall eat tâ—e fruit of their doings Wo to the wicked it shâ—ll be ill with them for the reward of his hands shâ—ll be given him Isa 3.10.11 Let the Reader consider well these three things 1. That Providence is a seal'd Book 2. That the Lord Jesus opens the Seals of this Book 3. That whatever things Providence shall bring forth in the World shall not hurt the Church but help it shall not destroy the Church but pâ—eâ—erve it shall not lay the Church waste but shall increase it and exalt it above the â—ills The thinâ—s that Providence brings forth may be known and understood by two things First The Voice of Providence Secondly The Signs of Providence First By the Voice of Providence There are it may be so many â—inâ—s of Voices in the World and â—ore of tâ—em are w thouâ— signifi ation 2 Cor. 14.10 Whose Voice tâ—en shook the Earth but now he hath promised saying Yet once more I shake not the Earth only but also Heaven And this word yet once more signifyeth the removing of those things that are shâ—â—en as of things that are made that those things which cannot be shaken may remain Hebrews 12.26 27. Secondly By the signs of Providence O ye Hypocrites ye can discern the Face of the Sky but ye cannot discern the Signs of the Times A Wicked and Adulterous Generation seeketh after a Sign and there shall no Sign be given unto it but the Sign of the Prophet Jonas And he left them and departed Mat. 16.3 4. By this you see Providence hath a Voice and a Sign the Voice of the Times and the Signs of the Times And both these shew Knowledge and give Understanding to Men that duly mind and observe them Every Providence is not a Trumpet but the mighty Things which Providence sometimes brings forth are as a Trumpet the sound thereof goes unto the ends of the Earth Whatsoever things Providence brings forth they shall work together for the good of the Church For the Eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole Earth to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose Heart is perfect towards him 2 Chron. 16.9 Thirdly From the people of God. They are all labourers together with God and workers together with him for the good of the Church 1 Cor. 3.9 By Faith by Prayer by Hope by Holy Desires and by all Good Endeavours that they may further the Churches Peace and Happiness and enlarge her Borders and for this end God hath given Gifts unto Men. But unto every one of us is given Grace according to the measure of the Gift of Christ Wherefore he saith when he ascended up on high he led Captivity Captive and gave Gifts unto Men. Now that he ascended what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the Earth He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all Heavens that he might fill all things And he gave some Apostles and some Prophets and some Evangelists and some Pastors and Teachers for the perfecting of the Saints for the work of the Ministry for the edifying of the Body of Christ till we all come in the unity of the Faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God unto a perfect Man unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ Eph. 4.7 to 13. Whether Paul or Apollo or Cephas or the World or Life or Death or things Present or things to Come all are yours and ye are Christs and Christ is Gods 1 Cor. 3.22 23. By this it appears that the Gifts and Parts and Abilities that Ministers have are given to them of God! not to gain filthy Lucre but to gain Souls that they might gather them unto Christ Jesus They are Builders but not to Build up themselves in worldly Wealth but to Build up the Church of God to perfect the Saints they have Talents given them but for what end For the work of the Ministry for the edifying the Body of Christ and for this end God gives grace unto men Unto me who am less than the least of all Saints is this grace given that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ Eph. 3.8 Christs Ministers have heavenly Treasures in them that they may make many rich Preaching to others the unsearchable riches of Christ and in this way will Christ Jesus be with his Church to the end of the World raising up faithful Witnesses in all Ages and filling them with his holy Spirit that rich Anointing which is from above that they may be able Ministers not only of the Letter but of the Spirit and this supply the Church will always have to the end of the World every Saint that is on the Earth is in Arms upon Duty and Exercise for the good of the Church every Saint is a Soldier
under Christ Jesus the Captain of our Salvation fighting under him against the Devil and the World against Sin and Lust against Principalities and Powers against the Rulers of the darkness of this World Eph. 6.12 Every Saint is a petitioner and a wrestler with God by prayer and supplication for the peace and happiness of the Church Every Saint is a labourer and a worker together with God that Gods glory may be advanced and his holy name lifted up in the Earth that his ways may be made known to all Nations and his saving health to all people that the work of God may go on and prosper in these Nations which the Lord hath begun and hath been carrying on these many years that Babylon may become a desolation and the hissing and loathing of all Nations and the Zion of God may become the joy and praise of the whole Earth and this is the Faith and Hope and Desires of all Gods people Fourthly From the Enemies of God Surely there is no enchantment against Jacob neither is there any divination against Israel according to this time it shall be said of Jacob and of Israel what hath God wrought Numb 23.23 The Pharisees therefore said among themselves Perceive ye how ye prevail nothing behold the world is gone after him John 12.19 And now I say unto you Refrain from these men and let them alone for if this counsel or this work be of men it will come to nought but if it be of God ye cannot overthrow it lest haply ye be found even to fight against God Acts 5.38 39. We have here a Cloud of Witnesses the Testimonies of good men that the True Church shall stand for ever and here are also the sayings of bad men and it is agreed on all hands That the Church of Christ cannot be destroyed but it shall stand for ever Can men pull out the Rocks that are in the Sea with their Teeth Can men blow away the Mountains of the Earth with their Breath Can men reach up to Heaven with their Hands Can men dry up the great and wide Sea where Ships go from Nation to Nation Can men draw a Curtain before the Sun that it shall not shine on the Earth Can men Seal up the Wind that it shall not blow where it listeth Alas this will be soon granted by all that men the greatest of men cannot do any of these things surely then men cannot â—estroy the Church of God for the Lord God is a Wall of Fire round about it For I sâ—ith the Lord will be unto her a wall of fire round about anâ— will be the glory in the midst of her Zech. 2.5 One of the seven Angels shewed St John two things which made him wonder with great admiration And he carried me away in the Spirit into the Wildernâ—ss And I saw a Woman sit uâ—on a Scâ—rlet coloured Beast full of Names and Blasphemy having sâ—ven Heads and ten Horns And the Woman was arayed in Purple and Scarlet colour and decked with Gold and precious Stones and Pearls having a Golden Cup in her Hand full of Abominations and filtâ—iness of her Fornication And upon her Forehead was a Name written Mystery Babylon the Great the Mother of Harlots and Abominations of the Earth And I saw the Woman drunken with the Blood of the Saints and with the Blood of the Martyrs of Jesus And when I saw her I wondered with great admiration Rev. 17.3 to 6. But where did John see this sight In the Wilderness And have not many Thousands of Gods faithful Servants seen the same sight in the Wilderness which John saw since that time and are still liâ—e to see until the Mystery of God be finished and the Mystery of Iniquity be removed In the Second place There came one of the sâ—vâ—n Angels which had the seven Vials full of the seven last Plagues and talked with me saying Come hither I will shâ—w thee the Bride the Lambs Wife And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high Mountain and shewed me that great City the Holy Jerusalem descending out of Heavâ—n from God having the glory of God And her light was like unto a Stone most precious even like a Jasper Stone clear as Crystal and had a Wall great and high and had twelve Gates and at the Gates twelve Angels and names writtâ—n thereon which are the Names of the twelve Tribes of the Children of Israel On the East three Gates on the North three Gates on the South thrâ—e Gates on the West three Gates And the Wall of the City had twelve Foundations and in them the Names of the twelve Apostles of the Lamb. And he that talkeâ— with me had a Golden Reed to mâ—asure the Ci y and the Gates thereof and the Walls thereof And the City lyeth four-square and tâ—e length is as large as the br dth And he measured the City with the Reed twelve Thousand Furlongs The length the br dâ—h and the heighth of it are equal And he measured the Wâ—ll thereof an hundred and forty and four Cubits accordiâ—g to the measure of a man that is of the Angel. And the building of the Wall of it was of Jasper and the City was pure Gold like unto clear Glass And the Foundations of the Wall of the City were garnished with all manner of precious Stones The first Foundation was Jasper the second Saphir the third a Chalcedony the fourth an Emâ—rald the fifth a Sardonix the sixth Sardius the seventh Chrysolite the eighth Beryl the ninth a Topaz the tenth a Chrisoprasus the eleventh a Jacâ—nct the twelfth an Amethyst And the twelve Gates were twelve Pearls every several Gate was of one Pearl and the Street of the City was pure Gold as it were transparent Glass And I saw no Temple therein for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the Temple of it Rev. 21.9 to 22. As the first sight which St. Joâ—n saw here was dreadful and terrible that made him wonder with great admiration to see a Woman drunk with Blood the Blood of Saints and Martyrs of Jesus And after this he saw another sight the Bride the Lambs Wife that great City the Hâ—l Jerusalem descending out of Heaven from God! having the glory of God! and the City lyeth four square Now 〈◊〉 was a glorious and a delightful thing to behold â—â—ere is want of words and want in words to express the glory of it There is a vast difference between good and evil light and darkness the works of the Flesh and the fruits of the Spirit the table of the Lord and the table of Devils the Temple of the Holy Ghost and the Synagogue of Satan between the Mystery of God and the Mystery of Iniquity Babylon and Zion the True Church and the Mother of Harlots The True Church may be known by its Purity by its Poverty by its Sufferings by it s not Conforming to this World by its Patience under sore and great Tryals by its keeping the Commandments of God and having the Testimony of Jesus Christ and his Fathers Name written in their Foreheads by the Victory it obtaineth over all Enemies And they overcame him by the Blood of the Lamb and by the Word of their Testimony and they loved not their lives unto the death Rev. 12.11 And upon this Rock I will build my Church and the Gates of Hell shall not prevail against it Mat. 16.18 Every Son and Daughter of this Church is a living Member and a fruitful Member and a holy Member and an enlightned Member a growing Member a sympathizing Member a praying Membâ—r a useful Member and a sanctified Member But we are bound to give thanks to God alway for you Brethren beloved of the Lord because God hath from the beginning chosen you to Salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the Truth 2 Thes 2.13 There is one Body and one Spirit even as ye are called in one hope of your Calling One Lord one Faith one Baptism one God and Father of all who is above all and through all and in you all But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ Eph. 4.4 5 6 7. Now he that hath an Ear let him hear FINIS