A HEAVENLY Voice. A Sermon tending to call the people of God from among the Romish Babylonians: Preached at Paul's Cross the 12 of januarie. 1606. By William Symonds. Ephesians. 5.11. Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but even reprove them rather. At London Printed by I. R. for Edmund Weaver, and are to be sold at his shop, at the great North-door of Paul's Church. 1606. The Printer to the Reader. Gentle Reader, this Sermon came to my hands without any Title given to it by the Author. I have therefore, of myself, adventured to take a Title for it out of the first words of the Text, calling it a heavenly Voice. This would I admonish, to stop the mouths of such as happily might cavil or her at it, or the Author for it. Farewell. To the right Honourable and reverend Father in God, Richard Vaughan, Doctor of Divinity, and Lord Bishop of London, my very good Lord. RIght Honourable and reverend. When Moses, upon the top of Pisgah, Deut, 34, 1, & 3, 27. did view the Geography of the promised land, to the East, West, North, and South, with the Plains, Mountains, and Seas; he departed satisfied, because his eye was not dim. josua, 18, 8, 9 And when the land was Topographically to be described, to give unto several men their inheritances, the Suruaiors presented their plots to joshua, the Captain of the Lords host; who, by God's authority, should quiet all questions that might arise by strivers. But when I climbed the Pisgah of the Revelation, where might be taken the perspective of the land, that Christ, with his holy people, shall possess, by the preaching of the Gospel; taking due notice of the dimness of mine eyes, I submitted all my labour to your Lordships true, and perfect sight, and censure. And now, having drawn a plot of one particular place thereof, labouring to put the several tenors, in their divers, yet proper colours, (seeing the importunity of many would not suffer me to secret it) I do humbly return my survey, not only to your Lordship's censure; but also to your most fatherly and Christian patronage. Humbly craving your good Lordship, (seeing all the tenants will never be pleased with my doing) both to defend me from the cavils, and calumniations of the contentious, (of whose fury I have had too much experience:) and also to interpose your honourable authority, that all men may content themselves with their own lots. My skill is small, & therefore I desire the just to reprove me, where my hand, or eye hath failed: but I dare be bold to say, that, in that which I was able to do, I have been faithful. If your Lordship vouchsafe me this honourable favour, to accept, and protect my labours, I shall be much encouraged to take the like pains in the rest: I hope, to the glory of almighty God, the benefit of his Church, & demonstration of my duty unto your good Lordship, whom God evermore preserve unto eternal happiness. janu: 25. 1606. Your Lordship's most humble in all Christian obedience, William Symonds. ❧ A heavenly voice. Revelar: 18.4. And I heard another voice from heaven say, Go out of her my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. Revelar: 18.5. For her sins are come up to heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities. WHen the Lord would prove himself to be GOD, and all that is worshipped besides him to be vanity, he chooseth men to be his judges, and witnesses; and the issue to be, Esay, 41, 23. that he that can show things to come hereafter, should be known to be God. Then doth he refer himself to themselves, Esay, 44, 7. that none is like unto him, that shall call, and shall declare it, and set it in order before him. By this argument he convicteth his enemies, to the time of the Apostles: who were his witnesses, that all things were befallen Christ, which God before had showed by the mouth of all his Prophets. Acts, 3, 18, And by this argument he convicteth all tyrants, Chap, 10, 7, and heretics of the later, & most perilous times, in this book, showing, before hand, Cap. 1.19. to his servants, things present, and to come. And this so perfectly, that Nothing can be added thereto, Cap. 22, 18, 19 neither any thing diminished from the words of this prophecy. In the former part of this Book, was handled the story of the Church, which for her sins, and trial, was, from time to time, trodden underfoot by her manifold enemies, Cap: 2, 5, 10 16, 22, etc. and cap. 3, 3, 19, according as the Lord had threatened, and foreshowed in the second and third Chapters. And this is it which is contained from the beginning to the 15 verse of the 11 chapter. Thence, to the end of that Chapter, is the prophecy of the better estate of the Church, both delivered from the hands of her enemies, destroying them that destroy the earth, and reviving the covenant of Grace, against all oppositions, unto the ruin of Antichrist. In the second part of this Book, beginning at the 12 chap: the Lord doth give the Church a more pregnant demonstration of her enemies, and their proceed against her, that they may be the better known unto her. Cap. 12, 3. They are therefore described by the Dragon, presenting the heathen Roman Empire, the monster compounded of three beasts, Cap. 13.1. (which cannot be tamed by any art of man) that riseth out of the sea: and signifieth the Roman Empire corrupted with the heresy of the Arians: Cap. 13, 14. and the Image of them both, presenting the Antichristian ecclesiastical Monarchy of Rome. There is also showed the manner of their prevailing against her, and how they are overcome, unto the seventh verse of the 20 chapter. Cap. 13, 3, The second beast, is destroyed with the sword of many Nations. The third, namely the ecclesiastical Monarchy, called also Babylon, the Image of the civil Monarchy, is brought to nought by the preaching of the Gospel, and by the judgements of God inflicted upon her for his servants sakes, whom she hath killed. And this is generally declared in the 14.15 and 16 chapters, but more particularly in the 17 & 18 chapters. And because this wicked popish Antichristian beast, required so diligent a description of her person & sins, that the Saints might be delivered from so perilous a temptation; that point is effectually handled in the 17 chapter; insomuch, that the Papists themselves are enforced to acknowledge her to be Rome. In this chapter are showed the means, and manner of her destruction. The means by which her enemies are encouraged to bring her plagues upon her, are two special doctrines of the word of God, prevailing with Prince and people. Princes converted to the Gospel, (figured by a mighty Angel, Cap, 18, 1, 2, 3. that enlighteneth the earth with the glory of the Gospel) do judicially decree, that Popish Babylon shall fall into a damnable estate, for her great sins. Namely, first for troubling of states; secondly, for corruption in doctrine, with which she hath poisoned other Nations; thirdly, for the immoderate riches of her Merchants, who sold both justice, and the souls of men. Both Prince and people that obey the Gospel of the kingdom, shall bring her plagues upon her at once, by embracing, and urging a double doctrine of exhortation; and that is it which is contained in my text. Of this doctrine, first is showed the place from whence it cometh; to wit, the Temple of God, and his Christ, even the sincere profession of the Gospel; which in this book, in a manner, continually is called by the name of Heaven. Here then, all godly men, both Prince and people do join together in those wholesome admonitions of the Lord. So that those of the spirit of S. john, who can well understand the things that are spoken, do hear these heavenly doctrines enforced by them. And this is the meaning of these words; And I heard another voice (from that which Princes decreed for their private benefit) from heaven, say. The matter of the exhortation is double; first to forsake her, even this popish Babylon, and then to pursue her with just revenge. The doctrine, or exhortation to forsake her, hath the proposition, and the arguments to enforce it. The proposition hath the parties admonished, and their duty. Their duty is to fly from this confused and cursed Babylon of popery, in these words, Go out of her. The parties on whom this heavenly voice doth vouchsafe to bestow these holy things, are no deaf Adders, but only such which by God's election do belong to God: and by the covenant which they make, and hold, and by their sufferings, for his sake, are known so to do. And therefore the voice of jesus Christ the Lord, by his servants, doth call them from heaven, My people. The reasons why they should forsake her are two; both drawn from manifest peril. The first is the peril of contagion, and defiling themselves with touching this pitch, in these words; That ye be not partakers of her sins. The second is the peril of vengeance to be inflicted upon her, and all her complices, in these words, and that ye receive not of her plagues. This argument of her plagues is further enforced; & is proved to be heavy and certain; first, by the justice of God, that requireth great sins to be grievously punished. Wherefore, seeing her sins exceed, it is not possible to hope for sparing. The greatness of her sins, is expressed in an usual proverbial speech of the Scripture, when it is said, for her sins are come up to heaven. The second reason to prove her plagues to be certain, is the diligence that GOD now useth, in laying together her faults, that she may receive for every one of them, that which she hath deserved; and that is the purpose of these words; and God hath remembered her iniquities. And thus much of the interpretation of the first doctrine of exhortation to the people of God. It remaineth that we proceed to inform our consciences hereby. Doct. 1 I heard another voice from heaven. Hear we see, that those of the spirit of S. john, Do hear the voice that requireth men to separate themselves from Babylon, and to revenge themselves of her, to come from heaven. By heaven, in this book for the most part, is not understood the place whether our Lord and Saviour is ascended, Acts. 1, 11, but the congregation of the faithful, professing the Gospel of Christ, in his Church, where himself is in the midst. For in the fourth chapter, where S. john doth see a throne set up in heaven, about which are 24 seats, Cap. 4, 2, 4 and 24 elders sitting upon them, in the 5 chapter these Eders do praise Christ, Cap. 5.10. that had made them Kings and Priests unto God, that should reign on the earth. And this is proportionable to the rest of the Scriptures, which do call the Church of Christ, heavenly jerusalem; Ephe, 2, 6, and the kingdom of heaven; and those that are converted thereto, are said to be made to sit together in heavenly places. The meaning is, that those of the spirit of Saint john, do hear this heavenly doctrine of God, generally taught among them that do sincerely profess the Gospel of Christ, Come out of her, etc. Reward her etc. Hereupon it doth follow, that the doctrine of separation from this popish Babylon, and the doctrine of revenge to be inflicted upon her, which is reduced into laws by godly Princes, converted to the Gospel; and which is diligently taught by the Preachers of the word; and is put in execution by good and godly subjects, whether under Magistrates or private men, is to be acknowledged for none other but a voice from heaven. And when it is said to be a voice from heaven, it appeareth that the doctrine is, and aught to be esteemed, as effectual as if God did immediately speak from heaven. So that it is all one, whether God from heaven, doth command Noah to make and enter the Ark, or that an Angel bid Lot get him out of Sodom; or Moses importune the people to get them from the tents of Dathan, and Abiram, or the Prophets Isaiah and jeremy, by their prophecies before hand, do instruct both Prince and people, to teach, and obey this rule, Get out of Babylon; or the godly Princes, and Preachers exhort the people of God, to separate themselves from the Roman popish beast. Every voice, in this kind, is of like weight and authority. We know that it is blasphemed by these undutiful Babylonians to be tyranny in Princes; to be affectation of liberty, and spoil in inferior Magistrates; to be faction, and ignorance, and heresy in Ministers and people. So do we also know, that whatsoever the devil saith in these serpents: yet Saint john and those of his spirit, do acknowledge they hear this voice from heaven, even from jesus Christ; teaching, and instructing the congregation of all faithful people, out of his holy word, in the Church. Hear therefore let all Christian Kings, Counsellors, Bishops, and all Magistrates, remember the general Canon of the Apostle; Heb: 12.25. See that ye despise not him that speaketh: For if they escaped not which refused him that spoke on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven. Moreover, seeing this voice is from heaven, it followeth, that whosoever doth teach, by writing, or preaching; or doth advise, in deliberations, that any other course is to be held, that these popish Babylonians are in some things to be yielded unto, and that some more mild, and gentle proceed towards them would do better; such I say, neither can truly, nor may justly be commended, that this wisdom descendeth from above, but it is from below, Iam: 3.15. and is earthly sensual, and devilish. 2 Cor: 6.14 etc. For they labour to reconcile the things which have no agreement, as righteousness with unrighteousness, light with darkness, Christ and Beliall, the believer with the infidel, the temple of God with idols; and do with Saul desire to spare Agag, whom God requireth to punish. Again, if the voice be from heaven, it shall be established; they that speak otherwise are false Prophets, and they that strive against it, do kick against the prick. Act: 5.38.39. Wherefore as Gamaliel faith, in another case, refrain yourselves from opposing it, lest ye be found fighters against God. Doct: 2 Come out of her my people. Gen. 14.12. joshu: 2 1.8 Iudg: 4.11 17. 1 King: 19.7 Hear first we see that among the wicked are the children of God. A thing very commonly noted in the Scripture. Lot was in Sodom; Rahab in jericho: jael among the Gentiles: Obadiah, that feared God greatly, and saved an hundredth of the Lords Prophets, was the governor of Ahabs' house: and to be short, there were Saints of Caesar's household, even of Nero, that cruel monster. For good seed, and weed grow up together; and corn and chaff are on the floor together. Exod. 6,9. Yea, we know that in Egypt were many Israelites, that could be contented to live still, with the onions and flesh pots of Egypt, & in Babylon, were many jews, Ezec. 20, 32 that said, We will be like the heathen and families of the countries. Yet were these the redeemed of the Lord, Ezec. 36, 26 and sanctified by him. In this Book, the same is often showed to be the condition not only of many godly Christians, but also of the most glorious Church. For she flieth into the wilderness, being mingled among the Gentiles, and such pretended Christians, as followed the Antichristian Papacy. Out of this, do arise many godly considerations. First, that such as think that it is not possible for Christians to live under the government of unchristian Governors, but that they must lose the name of godly men, and their number must not be called a Church, do exceedingly bewray their ignorance, both of the Scriptures in general, and of this book of the Revelation in particular. The Church of Pergamus, was a Church, reve. 2, 13 and a golden Candlestick, though she dwelled where satins throne was. Yea, that which is more, it had them that maintained the doctrine of Balam, that taught Balack to put a stumbling block, before the children of Israel: and also those that maintained the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes. And the Church, is clothed in the sun, Reue, 12, 1, etc. treadeth the Moon under her feet, and is crowned with twelve stars: a Woman, and a glorious Church, and holy, though she be fled into the wilderness, and mingled among the Antichristian Babylonians, deprived of public assembles, sacraments, & discipline, as doth appear by this speech; Come out of her my people. So that here I cannot but reprove the Brownists, or rather the revived Donatists, which have made a separation from us, and our Church; which they cannot blame as guilty of the sins of Pergamus, or Sardis, or Corinth, which notwithstanding are acknowledged to be churches, themselves being our judges. Much less are we guilty of the sins of Antichrist, among whom were the people of God notwithstanding. Sure their ignorance is much to be lamented, and their dissolving of Christian Communion to be detested, & therefore to be avoided. Secondly, here we learn to answer the Papists, that demand of us where our Church hath been for these thousand years. It was among them, though they were not it, as the children of Israel were in Egypt, 2, Kings, 17 and 24. and Babylon, in Goshen, in Holah, and Habor, and in the Cities of the Medes: and you were translated into their wont places, as were the Assyrians into the cities of Samaria, the seat of the people of God. But they say, that the Israelies were known to be in Goshen, during their servitude in Egypt. The scripture that saith also that the jews in the captivity were in Holah & Habor, & in the cities of the Medes, doth note the place. But as for your Goshen, and Holah, and Habor, they were no where to be seen, by such as were as sharp sighted as the Egyptians or Babylonians. To this I answer, first that it is no marvel, that they see not the godly among them, partly because, like the devil, they think that all is their own, and never consider job, job, 1.8. that is an upright and a just man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil: and partly because of this time, that the question is demanded, Saint john doth say, that the woman the Church, Cap: 12.14. was in the Wilderness, nourished from the face or sight of the serpent; which for subtlety and quick sight (whereof this Dragon taketh his name) may very near be compared to the Papists. But they say, where were their assemblies, their sacraments, and sermons with other services. As if there could be no jews in Babylon, Amoc. 6.10 because according to the prophecy, they durst not remember the name of the Lord; as it doth also appear in the book of Ester, wherein the name of the Lord is not once mentioned. Were Ester, Mordecai, and the people that fasted and prayed no people of God? Mare 7.6. Or are the godly bound to bewray, and betray themselves, by casting holy things to dogs, and pearls before swine, to bring the graces of God in them into contempt; and themselves into manifest peril? Secondly, we answer, that our Church was among them, themselves being our judges. For when they tell us with what difficulty they got the title of supremacy, what masculine opposition they found, when, at Constantinople, and in the second counsel of Nice, they would erect the worship of the Dragon, by the adoration of idols; when they tell us, by what arts, they wrong themselves from the subjection of Princes; when they proclaim bloody, 5 Deer: de haeres: ad abolendum. and blasphemous laws againse such as teach and believe any otherwise; then they teach or believe (for so do they define heretics) when they brag of the many fires, and wars that they consumed them by, and insult of their conquests this way; they also tell us, that such as maintained the doctrine of the Apostles, and such as worshipped the God of their fathers after the way which they call heresy, were among them, persecuted for the same doctrines, that we differ from them in: and therefore, by their own confession, our Church was among them, which in this place is called the people of God. Thirdly, here we learn that such which do live among the Papists, though stained with some of their superstitions may be saved: but always with limitation. First that their sin be of ignorance, & not of presumption: Num. 15.30. for there remaineth no sacrifice for the sins of such. And secondly, that though they be smitten into the place of Dragons, yet must they not forget God, Psal: 44.17.20. nor deal deceitfully with his covenant, etc. Nor hold up their hands to any strange God. Doctor 3 The Lord calleth his people out of Babylon, now at hand to be destroyed, for her sins. For the rule is general, that the judge of all the earth will not slay the righteous with the wicked: as Abraham saith to God. Gen. 18.25. For how inextricable soever the peril seem to be, 2 Pet: 2.9. the Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptation. The Churches of the old Testament, had here of plentiful experience, when we read that Noah was delivered from the flood; Let from the burning of Sodom: and divers others from divers other great dangers. The Churches also of the new Testament, have found the hand of God nothing shortened. For besides the manifold deliverances of the godly in the Acts of the Apostles, it is reported, that when jerusalem was to be destroyed, because she knew not the day of her visitation; the godly were forewarned by a voice from heaven, Euseb: 3.5. to get them from jerusalem to Pella, a City beyond Iorden, there to save themselves. The same mercy doth the Lord show to his people. For purposing to bring a final destruction upon that Rome, Cap. 11, 8, which crucified our Lord jesus, and after become that Antichristian Babylon, which is drunken with the blood of Saints, Cap. 17, 6, and Martyrs of jesus, he first, by a heavenly voice, calleth his people out of her. By this merciful providence are risen all the protestant Churches; and the same mercy will the Lord continue, till he hath drawn all his people from among them; and till he bring upon this Babylon, her last and greatest plagues. Hereby we know, that such as fall unto them, are gathered together like Baal's priests, that none of them be wanting when God will have them consumed; & they that are gained from them, Luke, 3, 7 are escaped from the vengeance to come. Doct. 4 The people of God must come out from her. What is here meant by Babylon, from whence the people of God must come, there is no great doubt; for both the Papists and we do agree, Ributa in 14 reve. no: 27. etc. that it signifieth Rome under Antichrist, which doth revive the sins of the heathen Emperors: But the difference between us, is, when she is to be called Babylon. The circumstances of the text, which do convict Rome to be the place, will also teach us when she is Babylon. She must of force be then Babylon, when she is guilty of the faults for which this Babylon is said to fall. Supra. verse 2, 2, 3. Her first sin is, that All Natitions have drunken of the Wine of the wrath of her fornications. That is, that all Nations have been afflicted, with wars, treasons, cruelties, and divers other calamities, because they would not submit themselves to to her abominable pride, idolatry, and other spiritual fornications. Secondly, when the Kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, corrupting themselves, and their kingdoms with filthy superstitions, and wicked inventions, which they have fetched from her. Thirdly, when the Merchants of the earth are waxed rich, of the abundance of her pleasures, getting much money by selling justice, and the souls of men. Now because Rome hath been guilty of these three impieties, for the most part, these thousand years (as the many lamentable examples do make demonstration, but especially in these later days, before and in the age in which we live,) we do confidently, and demonstrably conclude, that Rome, for these thousand years past, hath been; and especially in the time in which we live now is, the Babylon from whence the people of GOD is to come. The rule is general, that all godly men, aught, at all times, to separate themselves from the wicked. For thus saith Saint Paul, 2, Cor, 6, 17 Come out from amongst them, and separate yourselves, (saith the Lord) and touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you. But as the dangers have been the greater, so have the warnings been more importunate. Wherefore, seeing Babylon, for her many cruelties & corruptions, was worthy to be destroyed, Prophet's Isaiah and jeremy, Psal, 137, 8, prepared many parables, for those that came after, in due time, to draw the people of GOD from thence, the plaee of the greatest danger. The same words which these Prophets used, to draw the posterity of jacob from that first Babylon, doth S. john here use, to withdraw the people of God from this second Babylon, more dangerous than ever was that first. Hereupon it followeth, that what were the sins, and cruelties of that first Babylon, the same are justly imputed to this second Babylon: What peril the jews there were in, the same are the people of God in here; & what equity, by reason of the condition of the people, or iniquity of the oppressors, induced the Israelites to departed from Babylon, the same is to prevail with Christians, to departed from this Antichristian Babylon of Rome. It was a cursed misery for the children of Israel in the captivity, to be spoken unto in a strange language, and with a stammering tongue: Esay, 28, 11 But in this Babylon, the whole religion is in a strange tongue. Wherefore, seeing strange tongues are a sign to them that believe not, 1. Cor. 14.22. it is a sign, that they whom God hath delivered over to these, which speak these strange tongues, are in the condemnation of Infidels. The people of God among the Babylonians, jerem. 50, 6, were lost sheep: But here, they that follow this Beast, are in the case of reprobates, Whose names are not written in the book of life of that Lamb. reve. 13, 8, In the first Babylon, the shepherds of God's people caused them to go astray: jerem, 50, 6 but here, their shepherds like the Scribes and pharisees, compass sea and land to make one of their profession, Mat. 23, 15. and when he is made, he is made two fold more the child of hell, than themselves: bringing them to meditate, and commit treasons, and to be hanged when they have done. All that found the people of God in Babylon, devoured them: jerem. 50, 7. and their enemies said, We offend not, because they have sinned against the Lord: But here, as many as are known, or suspected, to differ from them, are devoured, body, 5 Deer. de haeresibus. and soul, and goods, and name, & friends. And here, I cannot but let them that are seduced know, that now, they suffer many of them to discourse of Religion, at their tables, and in markets, and other meetings; whom, if they catch so doing, where they have power in their hands, or shall find so doing in their native Country, when they shall have prevailed, such discoursers must to the pot, and suffer as heretics, notwithstanding now they speak then fair for a purpose, and for a while. Wherefore, flee from the mids of Babel, and departed out of the Land of these popish Chaldeans, jere. 50, 8, Esay, 52, 2, 3, 11. and be ye as the he goats before the flock. Lose the bands from thy neck, o thou captive daughter. They that rule over the people of God, make them to howl. Depart, depart ye, go out from thence, & touch no unclean thing, go out of her, and be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the Lord. Come cleave unto the Lord, Jere, 50.5, in a perpetual covenant, that shall never be forgotten. It shall not be with you, as it was with the children of Israel, that came out of Egypt upon a sudden. For ye shall not go out with haste, nor departed by flying away: Esay, 52, 32, but the Lord will go before you, and the God of Israel will gather you together. Esay, 28, 17, The Lord thy God will teach thee to profit, and lead thee by the way that thou shouldest go. He will teach you the fear of the Lord, and instruct you by his holy word, to escape the most unprofitable doctrines of superstitions, and treasons, which directly tend to the destruction of body and soul, and are only enforced upon you, by fables, and lies; even by lying prophecies of alterations, and hopes, which shall never be accomplished. Zac. 14, 12, For this shall be the plague wherewith the Lord will smite all people, that have fought against jerusalem, even the profession of the Gospel of jesus Christ, Heb: 12.22. their flesh shall consume away, though they stand upon their feet, and their eyes shall consume in their holes, Hosca: 12.1. and their tongue shall consume in their mouth. They are fed with the wind, and follow after the east wind, they increase daily lies, & destruction. But if ye will embrace the Gospel, john. 17.17. Reue: 7.17. the word of truth, the Lamb which is in the mids of the throne shall govern you, even the godly and Christian King shall lead you to the Scriptures the fountain of living waters, and God shall wipe all tears from your eyes. Moreover, when it is said by a voice from heaven; come out of her my people, it is the office of as many as belong to heaven: be he King, or Bishop, or Minister, or Magistrate, by enticing, as God did the Israelites from Egypt, by thrusting out, as the Angels did Lot from Sodom; by importuning, as Moses did the people from the tents of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram: or by pulling them out of the fire, Iud: 23. Zach: 3.2. as God did jehoshuah, to call to them that belong to God, to come out from this Babylon of popery, which is horrible for sin, and to be made horrible by destruction. And so much the rather, because the enemy is proud. They insult to see the slackness of the Ministry, that are nothing so diligent to save, as they are to destroy; they insult for the general coldness, if not Apostasy, that is in the gentlemen, and their inclination to them wards; they insult that the commissions against them, do find so many failings; they insult for discord, their ancient helper; they insult that though the face of the law be against them, yet the edge is turned from them. Wherefore let them see, that every heavenly voice, of this Land doth cry, come out of her my people, Act. 2.4. and save yourselves from this froward generation. And here I might have passed to another point, were it not for the Brownistes, that abuse this place to maintain their wilful sin, Heb. 10.25.26. in forsaking the fellowship that we have among ourselves. Let them consider, whether, the circumstances of this text, and the like, where Babylon is mentioned in this book, or the Prophets, whence Saint john doth borrow his speech, may truly agree to our Church, which maintaineth so many contradictions unto Antichristian Babylon. Nay, if it may be proved, that we have departed from as many corruptions, in doctrine and policy, as did conclude Rome to be Babylon; and have embraced as many doctrines, as did the children of Israel that came out of Babylon; either must they find us another Babylon among the jews, departed from the captivity; or else their separation is an Apostasy and no departure from Babylon. Popish Babylon, like the first Babylon, was built by such, whereof one did not understand another's speech; Gen: 11.7. Beda Eccles. hist: Lib: 1. cap: 15.27. Act: 2.11. Amos. 6.10. Cap: 13.6. but with us, as in the times of the Apostles, all men do hear in their own tongues the wonderful things of God. Among the Babylonians, it was not lawful for the children of God to remember the name of the Lord; but we teach all men to reverence the sanctuary of the Lord, and them that worship therein according to the Gospel. In Babylon, Dani: 3.2.3. Reue: 13.15 the people of God were under a foreign Tyrant, & were constrained to worship the image of the beast, under pain of death; but we are delivered from that captivity, and now the Lord is our God, Ezech: 34.24. and his servant David (a Prince of our own Nation) is our King; as the Lord did promise. Who seethe not then, that we are the people of God, come out of Babylon; & therefore they that are departed from us, have erred in their hearts, because they have not known the ways of God, and do blaspheme when they call us Babylon. But my purpose is to urge that only, which directly Saint john would have us pursue. Doct. 5 That ye be not partakers of her sins. Here first is to be marked, that such as will not departed from them, shall be infected by them: Ecclus. 13,1 as it is said, He that toucheth pitch, shall be defiled therewith. The rule is general, sin is infectious, and this not only with unrighteousness, but also with impiety. Prou, 22.25 Make no friendship with an angry man, etc. lest thou learn his ways, saith Solomon. But in matters of Religion, a man is exceeding weak, and the temptation mighty; so that a man soon learneth these wicked ways. Therefore did the Lord, so often, by Moses, & so earnestly, by joshua forewarn the jews to make no compact with the Nations, Exod, 23, 33 and 34, 15 Deu, 7, 2, etc. josua, 23, 13 and inhabitants of the Land, lest they should be unto them a snare, to cause them to serve other Gods. And as it was foretold, so fell it out, as it is in the Psalm. They were mingled among the heathen, Psal. 106, 35 & learned their works. But more perilous is this time of Antichrist: 2, Tim. 3, 1 2, Thes. 2, 11 because in it, the Lord doth send strong delusion, so that if it were possible, the elect should be deceived. Mat, 22, 24 Reue, 13.8, No marvel the, if all those whose names are not written in the book of life, do follow the beast. And to justify the truth hereof, we daily see many lose fellows, practising, & undutiful wits, that meditate upon an alteration, to be daily seduced by the Popish priests, which swarm in the Land. Insomuch that it is to be supposed, not only by the wit of man, but also by the Word of God, that except some speedy voice come from heaven, to command the people to come out from her: and that the Lord send some mighty North wind, to take away these Popish frogs, which are the spirits of devils, these traitorous jesuits and Priests, Cap. 16, 13, and violently to cast them into the sea, without all question, Exod: 10.19 many subjects will partake in the traitorous sins, of this Babylonian tyranny. Their sin is, That as many as will not worship the beast, the Pope, must be killed. For this doctrine, Reue, 13, 15 the spirit of the beast doth continually enforce by all means, what ever other pretence he make. Doct. 6 Besides, when it is said, Lest ye be partakers of her sins, here it is further showed, that the people of GOD must not communicate with the sins of this Antichristian Babylon. The rule is general, that the godly must not partake with any sinners, as the Apostle saith, Ephe, 5, 1● Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness. And again, Come out from among them, 2, Cor, 6, 17 and touch no unclean thing. And again, Jude, 23, Hate the garment that is spotted with the flesh. To this purpose did Christ admonish his Disciples, not to partake with the wicked Clergy of his time, saying; Take heed of the leaven of the Pharasies, and Saducees, Mat, 16, 12, meaning their evil doctrine, & Wolvish conditions. And Saint Paul requireth to hold an Angel, or Apostle, Gala. 1, 8, 9, or any other man, accursed, that bringeth in any other doctrine, than was at first received. What marvel is it then, if Saint john, in so perilous and damnable a time as this, when the holy City is become an harlot, yea, a Tyrant, and head of the Gentiles, proud Babylon, Rome, a City drunken with the blood of the Saints, if (I say) he forbidden all people to partake in her barbarous, blasphemous, and covetous sins, directly contrary to the salvation of body and soul. It seemeth a heavy, and grievous thing, to departed from the consent of so many Nations, and ages; and to be esteemed schismatical: But when the commandment of God, doth require us, not to join hand in hand with the wicked to evil, but to come out from Babylon, the commandment doth minister unto us a just Apology before men, and 'stablish the conscience before God, to be innocent, and defensible, in this separation. What are the sins of this popish Babylon, is partly to be gathered out of Daniel, Isaiah, jeremiah, Ezechiell, and other scriptures, where mention is made of Babylon. For when Rome is here called Babylon, we have this liberty, to impute the cruelties, & other sius of the former Babylon, to this. In this book more especially, are mentioned these sins, Reu, 9.20, 21. Idolatry, murder, sorcery, fornication, theft, and these are further explained in other places of this book. In the tenth chapter her sin is, when Princes have roared as Lions, Cap. 10, 3, 4. to keep the possession of the people and soil, to cry them down with thundering execrations, and excommunications. Cap. 11, 7, In the 11, to make war with the witnesses of jesus, when they have finished their testimony. In the thirteen it is said, Cap. 13, 6, 7 that having got power to speak, and do, what her lift, she abuseth her authority to blaspheme, and to make war with the Saints; even to kill all that are not of her faction. verse 15. All of her sins may be reduced to these twoheades; The profanation of the worship of God, and the barbarous overthrow of all charitable communion among men. When therefore we are commanded not to partake with her sins, we are forbidden to defile the fear of God with any of her abominations; or to dissolve Christian Communion with any of her cruelties; and oppressions. A man may partake in sins, either by joining in the action, or by favouring them that do it. Wherefore, Rom. 1. vit. we are here required, neither to join with her, in any of her sins, nor to favour them that do. We have many in our Country that partake manifestly with this Romish Babylon, in her fornications and superstitions; as doth appear by the many ratles, idols, beads, and such other trumpery, that are found continually among them. Yea, we have many that have been willing to minister the cup of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, to Prince and people; as appeareth by the many treasons, which are attempted: and the correspondence of multitudes with the traitors. Yea, that which is more, there are found in England, (I had almost said in London) schools to train up gentlemen's children, in this impious, & rebellious religion, where the Governors disclaim his sacred Majesty, King james, to be their King, and profess themselves the Pope's subjects. But the holy Ghost here speaketh to them all, Be not partakers with her sins. Others happily there may be, every way as pestilent, who publicly seem to favour the Gospel, but covertly, and underhand, favour, and much further this ungodly, and pestilent religion, playing fast and lose with the state. How perilous this kind of persons is, may be seen in the story of Constantine the great. In his time, certain supposed Arian converts, abusing the singular lenity, and credulity of the Emperor, insinuated themselves into the favour of the Prince, Socr. 1, 10, 18, etc. wrought themselves into offices, and employments in the common wealth; they openly seemed to maintain the faith of the Nicaene Creed; but keeping their old corruption, in their hearts, by all means they could, collaterally, with slanders and injustice, through the sides of godly men, wounded the holy and innocent cause. I fear among the justices of the Land, etc. may be be found very many such, every way as prejudicial to the Gospel. Blessed be his mouth that said, he would remove them, and put better in their rooms; and blessed be his hand that doth it. In the mean space, this heavenly voice doth speak to such, Partake not with her sins. And herein it is required we be the more circumspect; because her sins are so subtle, that they enter in, and possess many a man, which doth seem to himself, and to others, to hold this filthy Babylon in singular abomination. But it followeth in the next place. Doct. 7 And that ye receive not of her plagues. For such as will continue in a place to be destroyed, must fcele the smart of the same destruction. Lot's wife being delivered from Sodom, in compassion, would look back towards her old neighbours, and was turned into a pillar of salt. Remember Lot's Wife, Luke 17.32 saith Christ. As her sins are many and foul, so are her plagues very many and heavy. For the better discovering of her sins, she is called the Image of the beast, which was wounded with the sword, Cap. 13, 14, and did live, as having as many sins, as were found in the Empire, whether corrupted by the Arians, or in the hands of the heathen Tyrants. Her plagues therefore are as many, as are the plagues of the enemies of the Gospel, mentioned in this Book. In the sixth chapter, the contempt of the Word of God by the heathen, reve. 6, 8, is punished with sword, mortality, famine, & beasts: kinds of plagues which have much afflicted this popish beast. Wherefore we must know, that when the Land, or City is punished with wars, or murders, with famine or pestilence, or other mortality, it is for the sin of such as partake in the Antichristian sins, of the contempt of the Word of God. For instance, this City, When upon the death of the late Queen, worthy of eternal memory, it became to give entertainment, and rest, to such which plotted treasons, and drifted the rooting out of the Gospel, did lately feel the scourge of pestilence, the Pale horse: since have we been threatened with the shaking of the great sword of him that sitteth on the red horse. Cap. 6, 4. And if we repent not, by our more zealous embracing of the Word of GOD, which sitteth upon the white horse, Verse, 2, and by coming out from among the popish enemies thereof, we may fear the experience of Famine, that sitteth on the black horse. In other places of this book, the plagues of this Babylon are woeful, by the incursion of fierce strangers; by the continual wars with unreconcilable & mortal enemies; by the severity of godly Kings; & by the reproof of the preachers of the Gospel. Cap. 9 & 10 and 11. Cap. 16. In other places, are mentioned the plagues of sores, of bloodshed by sea & land, of unseasonable and distempered airs, of darkening her kingdom, etc. When these things also come upon the places where the gospel is professed, we must know, that it is because of the sins of such, as partake in the sins of the Babylontan King Abaddon, the great Antichrist. I know the brags, & lies of that Sect; They persuade their damned Proselytes, that in former times, before the days of Queen Elizabeth, (whose memory be always blessed) the times were peaceable, plentiful, holy, and of one mind with them. Howbeit, their own Writers do make demonstration, that all the world beside, cannot afford us so many barbarous tragedies, unspeakeaable dissensions, horrible impieties, lamentable desolations, and terrible judgements from above. Insomuch, that the earth, for giving power to this Babylonian beast, hath from time to time been smitten with all manner of plagues. Cap. 11, 6, Then to deliver ourselves from so many calamities, come out of her my people, and receive not of her plagues, saith this heavenly voice. Many have thought it an excellent policy, to prevent the evils that may come by barbarous heretics, to come as near unto them as they can. 2, Reg. 16, 2 Chro, 28, So is it said of Ahaz, King of judah, that he made an altar according to the fashion of that of the Aramites of Damascus, drew near to the religion of the King of Ashur, made peace with him, and gave him large rewards. But all helped not. For when he called to him for aid, he did not strengthen him, but afflicted him. Neither found the jews any better success, with drawing near to the religion of the Canaanites. For than did the Philistims, and other Gentiles, Read the book of the judges. tyrannize over them most extremely. Thanks be to God, we be utterly departed, from this popish Babylon, in deed. Yet some very small supposed appearances, that they think we partake with them in, have caused them to be exceeding confident in their own religion, as it were, by our testimony; They detest our differences from them, and have presumed, that by one practice or other, of wit or force, we might easily be reduced again, full and whole to their subjection. Yea, they have been hereby much exasperated; but nothing reconciled, notwithstanding their hypocrisies. By this, it may appear how perilous it is, as much as in the least seeming to partake with her sins. But if once all the Princes professing the Gospel, being clean departed from her, did join together, in that great Hallelu-iah, which David prayeth for, Psal: 67.5. when he saith, let all the people praise thee O God, ye let all the people praise thee: then should they find the blessing that followeth; then shall the earth bring forth her increase, and God, even our own God, shall give us his blessing. For so do the godly sing Hallelu-iah, because God hath condemned the great Whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication. Cap: 19.2. Now the better to forewarn us of her plagues, he showeth that they must needs be great. Doct. 8 For her sins are come up to heaven. There is no sin so small, which doth not come up to heaven, unto the sight of God; every tear is put in his bottle, and all these things are written in his book. How be it, the Scripture is not wont to use this kind of phrase, but whereas sins do so exceed, that their punishment cannot be deferred. So the cry of the sins of Sodom are said to come up to God, that is, to be exceeding grievous. Gen: 18. 20.21. 2 Chro: 28.9. The sins of Israel, for which he was captived, were such, that their rage is said to reach up to heaven; that is, to be excessive; not only in the sight of God, but also in the sight of men. When fins seem small, by reason of the gross ignorance that is in the world, it is one thing; but when, by the abundance of knowledge, they appear as they be, the case is otherwise; as Saint Paul saith, Act: 17.30. the time of this ignorance God regarded not: but now he admonisheth all men, every where, to repent. So, while the days were dark, the gross smnes of the Antichristian Babylonians seemed very small; nay the world did think them holy, and righteous. But now, that the marvelous light of the Gospel doth shine; her sins, which have gotten a wonderful inctease, are manifestly discerned to be heaped up to heaven. Besides her sins of cruelty, whereby she justifieth her elder Sister, the first Babylon: both the law and the Gospel, do prove her sins to be heaped up to heaven. The L'ord, in the law, doth severely condemn the having of many Gods; but there never was Nation under the sun, that could be compared to this Antichristian Babylon, for multitude of Gods. The Lord did always abhor such kinds of worship, as himself had not prescribed, which yet for the most part consisted in many frivolous observances; but these have not only defiled the worship of God with abominable inventions; but also have translated the true, and spiritual worship of God to creatures; nay to idols; Petrus de Natale nay to figments, as witnesseth their fable of Saint George. It is a sin that God will not hold guiltless to take his name in vain. But these, do not only abuse the name of God; but also God himself; not only to vanity, but also to the committing of the greatest abominations; as to curse Kings, and to stir up rebellion against them, by their Bulls. In the primitive Church, Plim: lib: 10. example: 97. Eus: 3.30. the Christians did assemble themselves in the morning, praising Christ their God; and bound themselves with the sacrament, not to commit adultery, not to murder, not to be perfidious, or traitorous; but these abuse the Sacrament, which they call their God, & their maker, to unspeakable evils. For Pope Victor the 2. was poisoned in his Chalice, by his Deacon, Genebrard. Chron. Paral. ursp. and Henry the 7. the Emperor, was poisoned by a Dominican hypocrite, in the Sacrament. But now, they use the Sacrament to convey the devil into men, before somewhat honest. For they do bind men by their Sacrament, to murder Princes, nobles, yea, the whole Parliaments, & the whole Church of God. And their subject, like judas Iscariot, who upon receiving of the sop was overruled by the devil to betray his Master, do resolve upon such murders; as the like is not to be found in the stories of the most infamous tyrants. And so their sins are come up to heaven. As for the second table, they teach not only children to dishonour their parents, & wives to despise their husbands; but also subjects to rebel against their lawful Princes. Yea, they thrust out the lawful heirs, & ufurpe the kingdoms & Empire. They arrogate unto themselves power to plant and depose whom they list. Dist. 40. Si papa. in Glosla Deponendus si minus ut: lis. Fasc. Tem. in Zach. 1. The cause is counted sufficient to depose a Prince, if he be less for their profit, and the cause is sufficient to place whom they list, if he be more for their profit. They murder, and that in such horrible manner, that they justify the most abominable persecutors; withes be their endeavour to blow up the Parliament house, & to fire cities, Read the massacre in Paris, anno. 1572. to pave streets with dead carcases, and to stain great rivers with the blood of the slain. They can give you a reason, why stews of both kinds be profitable in a common wealth. They teach it for good divinity, for those of their faction, to rob the goods of the Protestants, which I take to be the cause that so many Papists be thieves. And I think the popish thieves, if they were demanded by the judge, would not let to clear their consciences by their religion. They condemn the memory of all godly men, & so are the falsest witnesses that ever trod upon the earth. Generally, there is nothing so contrary to wholesome doctrine, which among them is not good divinity, if it may any way serve to advance their greatness. Yea, they have turned that gracious rule, 1, Tim, 6, 5, 6. Godliness is great gain, into Gain is great godliness. And as they deal with the Law, so do they with the covenant of Grace. For they have clean left off to give knowledge of salvation to the people, by the remission of their sins, Luke. 1, 77 78. through the tender mercy of our God, in the blood of jesus Christ: and souls are bought & sold at a base price, of silver, & gold, & corruptible things; 1, Pet, 8, 18, contrary to the words of S. Peter. Yea, for a small price, Guicciar. lib 13. an. 1520 & sometimes are set upon a game at tables, as a writer of their own doth acknowledge. And while they thus make vile the blood of Christ, it may justly be said, that her sins are gone up to heaven: and so being great, are near unto destruction. A second reason to prove her plagues to be at hand, doth follow. Doct. 9 God hath remembered her iniquities. It is true, that in God is neither forgetfulness, nor recalling to memory. For all things are always present, Heb, 4, 13 and naked, and bare unto him, with whom we have to do. But the Scripture speaketh of God after the manner of men, for our better understanding. Namely, that as men, when they purpose to right or revenge the wrongs that are done them, do call every partieuler to memory, the better to further their determination; so God, when he purposeth to relieve his servants, or punish his enemies, is said to Remember his covenant, and to remember their sins. So when the Lord doth intend to punish, Hosea, 8, 13 and 9, 9 the Prophet saith, The Lord will remember their iniquities, & visit their sins. Wherefore, when here it is said, that God hath remembered her imquities, it must be supplied, and will visit her sins. As men have their means to remember things forgotten, so God, by such means, doth let it appear he remembreth such things, as men suppose he hath forgotten. Men use to remember their wrongs, when they behold the things in which they are wronged; so doth God remember the cruelties of the Egyptians, Exod, 2.23 and 3, 9 when he beholdeth the burdens of his servants, the children of Israel. Again, men call to mind, when they have remembrancers; such unto God, are his Prophets, & Ministers of his word & Sacraments. For thus saith the Widow of Zarephtah to Elias, when her son was dead, 1, Kings, 17, 18, What have I to do with thee thou man of God, art thou come to call my sins to remembrance, and to flay my son? But especially, men recall things to memory, when the persons that do the wrong, do renew their old manner of mischief. So doth God, when the wicked return to their vomit, and so abuse the patience of God, by provoking him by the same sins, which they seemed to have broken off. Such are the sins of the Romish Babylon here spoken of, Ribera in Apoc. cap. 14, and 18. as the papists themselves confess. For they say, when Rome shallbe guilty of the sins of the heathen emperors, & persecutors which were before in her cruel days, Then shall God remember her miquities present & past. And indeed such are God's proceed. For he threateneth the man, that leaving his sm became righteous, that if he forsaketh his righteousness, he shall die for his transgression & sin. uz. Ezec. 18, 24 first and last. Now let every man that hath any brains in his head, to judge, or conscience in his bosom to acknowledge things as they be, consider, and speak, if he can find any idolatry so sinful, or cruelty so barbarous among the greatest heathen Emperors, or among the most beastly and bloody Arians, which may not be justified, being compared with the spiritual fornications of this Babylonian synagogue of Antichrist, & with her continual drunkenness with the blood of the Saints. Wherefore, seeing the blood & ashes, of million of innocent Martyrs; & the indignities & treasons offered to so many godly princes, doth cry for vengeance; seeing the faithful preaching, & profession of the gospel, doth call for the assistance, & testimony of the judgements of God; & lastly, seeing that her exceeding rage, & violent madness, in committing the sins of her abominable impieties, formerly condemned, doth repeat her sins past, how can we think, but God hath remembered her iniquities. And, thanks be unto almighty God, we see, at this time, the high court of Parliament, now, by the grace of God to be assembled, so effectually put in mind of her sins, that if now, they do not awaken, it is to be supposed, that nothing will awaken them, till it be too late. But we hope, and earnestly pray unto almighty God to see such laws concluded, as well for the matter, as for the faithful manner of their execution, both in this parliament, and also in the assemblies of other Princes abroad, that may prove, that God hath so remembered her iniquities; & may make their hearts to quake that partake in her sins, because they shall see no remedy, but to receive of her plagues. The same Lord, which was wont to confirm the word of his servants, Esay, 44, 26, & perform the counsel of his Messengers, bring this heavenly voice to so happy an effect, even for jesus Christ his sake, who sitteth at the right hand of his Father, till all his enemies be made his footstool. And let all true Christians say Amen Amen. Hallelu-jah. FINIS.