BRIEF DIS●●●●●● 〈…〉   printer's device of Richard Field 
Imprinted at London by Richard F●●●●●●elling in the Black Friars, near Lud●●●● MDXCIII   

TO THE CHRISTIAN Reader, grace and peace in Christ jesus.  
WHen it pleased the Lord in a merciful and gentle correction, to lay his fatherly rod of sickness and mortality, in Autumn last, upon this City of London, the schools there both public and private, soon after (as it was requisite) began to breake-up. Whereupon the Teachers were generally at more leisure to follow that course of practice, after the diverse studies of their several professions, which every one affected. Among whom myself purposed likewise to publish somewhat of my private readings (as leisure gave leave) in divinity. Wherein this discourse I entered the rather for the behoof and benefit of my Scholars, to whom (as their young years were able, and capacities apt to conceive) I have used to interpret a portion of the new Testament by the space of an hour every Saboth in the morning before Common prayer: whereby I might the better both train them to * remember 
Eccles. 12, 1.  now their Creator in the days of their youth, and instill into their tender minds the wonderful consonancy & concord of many notable sentences with the word of God, which now and then met them in their weekly lectures of 
* The study of humanity is a dead, dark, and erroneous labour without the knowledge of Divinity, whereby it is quickened, enlightened, & rectified, and so it becometh easy, pleasant, and profitable to the students.  humanity: and withal bring them in disliking of other discord and unseasonable speeches, which commonly in some Poets are without all modesty. But besides these, the learned well know what excellent sayings, most consonant and conspiring with the word of God, are scattered in heathen authors Greeke and Latin, which it were a great fault in the master either lightly to overpass with silence, as unprofitable, or to leave his scholars ignorant of those marvelous lights of Nature, which the Lord had left among the Heathen (to the intent that they should be without 
* Rom. 1, 4.  excuse) even testimonies of his will, according to his written word, uttered by their own mouths, howsoever yet the same were quickly quenched, and utterly turned to mere 
* Ro. 1, 21. Eph. 4, 17.  mataeologie and foolish thoughts, through the vanity of their dark hearts and minds. For albeit they had the Shepherd's Calendar, or Ploughman's alphabet of the world, wherein was written in great capital letters, that every unlearned man among them might plainly read 
* Rom. 1, 19  (〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉) that which may be 
* In steed of this knowledge of god is publicly protested by an ancient Record the ignorance of God, and that in a solemn Altar at Athens, their chief University of learning & wisdom, Act. 17, 23. See the cause why, Rom. 1. v. 21. 24. 28.  known of God, as the Apostle well noteth to the Romans, which might have taught them as much in effect, for the true and distinct knowledge of the godhead, as the Law, and word of God did instruct the jew, Rom. 2, 15. For, by the very sight of the visible heavens over their heads (declaring the glorious excellency of the maker, Psal. 19, 1.) they might evidently see, and certainly discern his 
* Rom. 1, 20.  deity and Godhead: & likewise his 
* 1. Cor. 1, 21.  wisdom, the son of God, 
* Psal. 136, 5. Prou. 3, 19 and 8, 27. etc. Heb. 1, 2.  by whom the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all the creatures in them, the second person in Trinity. And his 
* Rom. 1, 20.  eternal power, the holy Ghost, 
* Genes. 1, 2.  moving and extending over all creatures, 
* Hebr. 1, 3.  sustaining, comforting, and conserving them, the third person also in that divine Trinity. Albeit (I say) they might clearly see that this God, that created heaven and earth, the sea, and all things, that in them are, 
* Act. 14, 15. etc.  left not himself without witness among them, in that he did them good, 
* Matth. 5, 45.  made his sun to arise upon them, and gave them rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling their hearts with food and gladness, 
* Act. 17, 25. etc.  giving to all life and breath, and all things: for in him we live, and move, and have our being, as also certain of their own Poets have said: yet were they so far from David's thoughts, upon the view of these heavens (who in holy meditation confessed thus unto God: 
* Psal. 8, 3. etc.  When I behold thy heavens, even the works of thy fingers, the Moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained, what is man (think I) that thou art mindful of him? & the son of man that thou visitest him? etc.) that contrariwise they 
* Psal. 32, 9  (like the horse and mule, which understand not) 
* Rom. 1, 25.  turned the truth of God unto a lie, and worshipped the creature, forsaking the Creator, which is blessed for ever. And so, while they 
* Rom. 1, 22. & 1. Cor. 1, 22.  professed themselves to be wise, they became stark fools, as the Apostle also witnesseth. These heathen, we have, in this our Discourse, declared who they were, what time they were severed, how long they continued separate from God's people, and by whom, and how they were called, and reconciled to their brethren again. Of them therefore here will I write no more but this: when in the year of the world 3577, Alexander the great had subdued the Medes and Persians, & many other nations, as we have briefly touched in this treatise, the Greek tongue, which though 600 years before that time, it was very famous and flourishing, as may specially appear by Homer's works (for all) the honour both of learning and Nature: yet then chief began to be generally studied in all the world, insomuch that every nation, as they were subject to the Grecians, so they coveted chief to come in favour by speaking their language. But after that the Romans had brought under the Grecians, & were also conquerors of the world, the Latin tongue likewise grew to be common among all nations, which held on till the coming of Christ. Wherefore Pilate (the Lord guiding his wavering mind and pen, both for the matter & manner) was not content to write Christ's Title in 
Luke 23. 38.  Hebrew the jew tongue only, but in Greek and Latin the tongues of the heathen also, that so it might appear (though Pilate thought of no such mystery) that aswell the Gentiles & heathen, as the nation of the jew, were to take notice, & reap benefit of Christ's death and passion. Now the Theme or purport of my writing, I desired such, as might be both most necessary for all sorts, and least handled of any in particular. Which thing in this kind of study, & in these our days (wherein moving and working in us) conceive comfortable hope to our unspeakable joy in the Lord, and therewithal be induced to glorify God, the Father of our Lord jesus Christ, who hath called us out of ignorance, sin and error, into his marvelous light: and translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son. To which kingdom the Lord jesus, who alone hath redeemed us, conduct and bring us, by a true and lively faith in the merits of his death and passion, to whom, with God the Father, and the holy Spirit, be given all honour, dominion, power and glory for ever. From my house in Turnmill street the 4 of November, in the year of the joyful incarnation of Christ our redeemer 1592. and the year of the world 5502.  
F. Clement.   

THE CREATION, TRANSGRESSION AND REDEMPTION OF man..  
In perusing this Treatise, courteous Reader (I pray you) take the Bible, and turn to every place here quoted, which meeteth you in the reading: so shall you reap double profit of your pains, and greatly confirm your conscience in the assurance of the word of God.  


GOD the Creator  
MAN the transgressor   Christ being 

God &  
Man   the Redeemer.  
THe Lord God, the father, the Son, and the holy Spirit, being one, and the same god in substance, essence and nature, yet three distinct persons in the self same divine nature: being also without beginning, and from all eternity, at the 
a Time began at the creation. The Angels also were then created, as stately witnesses of Gods will, for the service of the elect. Heb. 1. 14.  beginning to manifest himself by his works (as the Apostle speaketh Rom. 1. vers. 19 20.) in six days created heaven and earth, the sea, and all the creatures in them; and last of all in the 
b Which is out Friday: so to the day of man's creation, being also supposed the day of his transgression, most aptly answereth the day of his redemption, which we commonly call good Friday.  sixth day of the creation, he made man (male and female) after his own image and likeness, 
c The soul of man is a spiritual & divine thing, inspired in man by the breathing of the Almighty, & therefore is immortal, Gen. 2. 7. job. 33. 4. Eccle. 12. 7. which being separate from the body, itself alone: but after the general judgement together likewise with the body immortal, shall either rest in eternal joy, or abide in endless woe, joh. 5. 29.  breathing in their faces the breath of life, whereby they became living souls, Gen. 1. and 2. effectually blessing them, and commanding them to multiply, and to subdue the earth, to rule over the fish of the sea, the fowls of heaven, and the beasts of the field, which came therefore willingly to submit themselves to Adam, who, as their sovereign, gave them several names, as pleased him, Gen. 1, 28. & 2. 19 Psal. 8, 6. etc. And in Eden or Paradise, a garden most goodly and pleasant for waters, and all fruitful trees, the Lord God set Adam and the woman, permitting them free liberty to eat of all the trees in Paradise, save only of one tree, whereof he forbade them to eat, most certainly telling them, that whensoever they should eat thereof, they should die the 
d By Adam sin entered into the world, & death by sin goeth over all men, because all men have sinned, Rom 5 12: for it is appointed unto men, that they shall once die, and then cometh the judgement. Hebr. 9, 27: but they that live till the last day, shall in a moment, in stead of death, be changed from mortal to immortal. 1. Cor. ●5. ver. 52. 53.  death. Gen. 2. 8. etc. and 3. 2. etc. Thus Adam and Eva our first parents being ●reated right perfect, and most innocent, ●ully furnished with all goodly gallantness of body, and heavenly ornaments ●f the mind, bearing all the rule and so●eraigntie in them, both of the earth itself, ●nd of all the creatures therein, Psal. 8, 4. etc.) received all these most excellent and ●nestimable jewels at the Lords hand to ●heir own keep and custody, both for ●hem selves, and for their posterity for evermore: having also free-will and liberty in themselves, either to stand and abide in the perfection of the divine likeness of righteousness, holiness & godly knowledge, wherein they were made, or to fall therefrom at their own will and choice: they through the subtlety of the envious 
e Because Moses had not mentioned the creation of the Angels, nor Satan's fall, which was not before the 6. day, as we see by that survey, Gen. 1. 31. but either on that day, or very shortly after, as Io. 8 44. therefore he speaketh of the subtlety of Satan under the name of a serpent, which for his natural wiliness, was a fit instrument both for Satan to deceive man by, & for Moses to represent unto the rude Israelits, the spiritual craftiness of the Devil.  Serpent the devil, most unthankfully 
f This transgression of Adam was a most grievous sin: for he broke not simply the Lords commandment, but very confidently crediting Satan's lies, which Eve reported unto him, most wickedly grudged at his creator, and conceived an hateful indignation against God, for that he had forbidden him the eating of that fruit, by eating whereof (as he was wickedly persuaded) he should be like unto God, and coequal with his Creator. All this is evidently gathered by Satan's persuasion, that they should be as gods by transgression: & likewise of Gods deriding Adam's proud presumption in thinking by his trespass to become as God himself, Gen. 3. vers. 5. 22. And where S. Paul saith that Adam was not deceived, 1. Tim. 2, 14, he speaketh not that either to excuse, or to extenuate Adam's sin: but only to admonish women of their duly deserved subjection unto their husbands, Gen. 3. 16. because their grandmother Eve, being first deceived herself, through the subtlety of the serpent, 2. Cor. 11, 3, became also Satan's instrument to deceive the man, Gen. 3, 6. Read Eccles. 25, 26.  transgressed the Lords commandment, in eating of the forbidden fruit, more believing the lying serpent, than their gracious Creator, and so wilfully running into the just punishment of eternal death, due to themselves, and to all their posterity for the same, most justly bereft, & deprived for ever both themselves & their offspring, of all these heavenly ornaments and Lordly prerogatives. But our gracious and wonderful loving God most mercifully caused Huand-cry to be made after these woeful wights, to arrouse sinful Adam out of the bushes, whither he had vainly fled to hide himself and after conference with him, as well to let him see himself excuseless, as to convince him of most unkindness, at length 
g To the end that man might always remember & feel this disobedience, the Lord imposed a curse upon the whole course of Nature as touching man's use, Gen. 3, 17: from which the very creature groaneth unto this present to be delivered, Rom 8, 20 etc. which shall be by sire at doomsday as S. Peter writeth 2. Pet. 3, 7.  offereth him this special grace (purposed in himself from everlasting, whereby the Lord both cleared his justice, and showed his mercy,) that the seed of the woman should bruise the serpent's head, Gen. 3, 15. Adam believed this short sentence, and through faith in this promise was saved. In the assurance of this promise were all the fathers and faithful, before Noah's flood saved. The flood came in the year of the world 1656. For notwithstanding the ho●ie exercises which the Lord had enjoined Adam & his offspring to practise by offerings & sacrifices, as types & patterns of that promised seed Christ, the lamb of God, which therefore in purpose of God, in promise to man, and in type of 
h It is very like that the skins of those beasts, which were slain for sacrifice at that instant of the promise of redemption, served to cloth Adam's nakedness, Gen. 3, 21 that as their bodies were burnt in sacrifice to prefigure Adam's deliverance from hell-fire: so their hides likewise might hide his shame, keep his body from cold, and continually put him in mind of the Lords merciful covenant. And thi● meant the Lord in commanding the Israelites to wear that blue guard, as a memorial of his laws, in the borders of their garments, Num. 15 verse 38. 39 but the apparel of christians is the Lord jesus Christ & his ●ertues as faith, righteousness, holiness of life, etc. Rom. 13, 14. Gal. 3; 27. Eph. 4, 24. which in the parable are called the wedding garment, Mat. 22, 11. read Revelat. 3. vers. 4. 18, & 14, 5.  sacrifice was slain from the beginning of the world, Reu. 13, 8. as we plainly see by Adam's sons offerings. Gen. 4. vers. 3. 4. Which were doubtless according to Gods own appointment ●nd accepted only by faith, Hebr. 11, 4. And were also the faithful 
i The first borne in every family, till the ●aw was the sacrificer: but as the law the Levites were appointed thereunto, Exo. 19, 22 & 24, 5. Num. 8. vers. 18. 19 whose offerings (as is very like) were approved by site sent from heaven to consume their sacrifices, compare these quotations, Gen. ●, 4. Leu. 9, 24. 1 King. 18, 38. 1 Chr. 21, 26. 2 Chr. 7, 1 Hebr. 11, 4.  practices of all the ten fathers before the flood, as we may well perceive by this, that the Lord revealed to them what beasts & fowls were clean, & what unclean, Gen. 7, 2. and 8, 20. As likewise after the flood, and before the law, the example of Noah, Genes. 8, 20. Melchi-zedek, Genes. 14, 18. Abraham, Gen. 12, vers. 7. 8. & 13, 18. Isaak Gen. 26, 25. jaacob, Gen. 31, 54. and of job, job, 1, 5. & 42. vers. 8. 9 witnesseth. And notwithstanding also those reverent & stately sagies, the ten 
k Before Noah's flood they lived with bread, salads, roots, fruits, and all increase of the earth etc. Gen. 1. 29. milk, butter, etc. of the flocks or herds, Gene. 4 2. not having commandment to touch the life of any creature for meat: but at the flood the Lord so weakened the state of man's body, in shortening his days, that man stood in need of fish and flesh also to sustain life: for before the flood the eating neither of fish nor of flesh was permitted, Gen. 9, 3.  long-lived fathers before Noah's flood, set down in their order by Moses, Gen. 5, 3. etc. Who were all grave prophets, & preachers to proclaim God's mercies to faithful penitents, and to denounce his judgements against the stubborn sinners of that age: yet they conversing with cain's posterity (whose company by cain's far banishment, the Lord would have had his to avoid, Gen. 4, 14.) were now become most profane and wicked, corrupting the true religion and worship of God, in so much that, at this time of the flood, there was but only Noah, the tenth father of that age, whom the Lord found faithful upon the whole earth, Gen. 6, 9 & 7, 1. And although the Lord had warned them six score years before of that universal deluge and destruction, and that they both heard the continual admonitions, & vehement preachings of these three excellent fathers Methushelah, Lamech, and Noah all the time 
l The flood came the 17. day of the 2. month, Gen. 7. 11. which is our October (as comparing Ex. 12, 2. with 23, 16. you may plainly perceive) and in the month before died Methushelah, 5. years after the death of Lamech. Noah & his 3. sons, Sem, Ham, & japheth, with their 4. wives Gen. 6. vers. 10. 18. were those 8. persons saved from the flood in the Ark, 1. Pet. 3, 20. by whom see how the earth is replenished with inhabitants, Gen. 10. & of the caution in God's decree, 800. years after (counting from the confusion of tongues, Gen. 11, 8.) for the children of Israel to succeed Hams posterity the cursed Canaanites, Deut. 32, 8. Noah. Sem.  almost of that long ●pace of repentance, and also saw Noah's diligence in preparing the Ark, by God's commandment, Genes 6. vers. 13. 14. against that dreadful day: yet so wicked ●nd desperate they were, that they took no notice thereof, though it stood upon ●he destruction both of their bodies and ●oules, for they knew nothing of it (as ●ur Saviour testifieth) till the flood came & swept them all away, Mat. 24, 39 Some ●ew years after the flood, this promise was renewed: for Noah, as a Prophet, told ●ore distinctly of what family this seed ●hould come, saying: Blessed be the Lord God of Sem, Genes. 9, 26. noting thereby too things unto us, both that this blessing should come of the lineage of Sem his ●econd son: and also that the rest of the ●orld (as heathen idolaters) should be ●uered from Sems' family for a time, ●hich came to pass in the tenth generation after at Abraham's calling from VR ●f Chaldea. Moses recordeth Sem's gene●tion to abraham, Gen. 11, 10. etc. Abra●am was borne in the year of the world 2008, and two years after the death of 
Abraham.  Noah, which was 352 years after the flood, when now all the families of the earth, (saving Melchi-zedek, who by all likelihood, was that old Sem, Gen. 11. vers● 10. 11. & 14, 18 etc.) were fallen to idolatry and atheism, even Terah the father of Abraham, Josh. 24. verse. 2. 14. But when Abraham was 70. years old, the Lord 
m By three proofs especially the scriptures commend Abraham's faith unto us: 1. by his willingness in forsaking his father's house, kindred and country, to follow Gods calling he witted not whither, Gen. 12, 1. Act. 7. 3 Gal. 3. verse 6, 17. Hebr. 11, 8. 2. by his assured hope in God's promise to obtain a son, when in reason there was no hope, Rom. 4, 19 etc. 3. by the ready offering up of his son Isaak, in hon he had received the promises, Heb. 11, 17. etc. In him therefore we see a worthy pattern of our faith, Gal. 3, 7.  called him out of VR of the Chaldees, commanding him to forsake his native soil● & country, and to go into a land, that h● would show him, promising most amply to bless him & his. Now more plainly renewing and confirming unto him the promise of that holy seed, that in him all the families of the earth should be blessed, Gen. 12, 1 etc. and 17, 1 etc. Act. 7▪ 2. which S. Paul interpreteth thus: To Abraham and his seed were the promises made: He saith not, to the seeds, as speaking of many: but, And to thy seed, a● of one which is Christ, Galat. 3, 16. And hear at Abraham's calling from among the Idolaters, 
n The jews separation from the Gentiles, when, & how long.  beginneth that hateful jan between the church of God, through ceremonies, and the residue of the world being heathen atheists, as S. Paul spoke sometime of the Ephesians, Eph. 2. vers. 11. 12. which hatred and enmity continued 1864. years, viz. from Abraham's calling from VR of Chaldea, but chiefly from the birth of his son Isaak which was 30. years after through the sign of circumcision, Gen. 21. vers. 4. 5. And much more increased 400. years after, at Moses law, Exod. 33, 16. Levit. 20, 26.) unto the full accomplishment of this holy seed Christ, who abrogating through his flesh the hatred (that is,) the law of ceremonial commandments, which standeth in ordinances, made of 
o The Gentiles were gathered into the sheepfold of the jews, Psa. 47. 3. joh. 10. 16. by Christ the great shepherd of the sheep, Isai, 49, 6. Mat. 28. vers. 18. 19 Heb. 13. 20. that there might be one sheepfold, & one shepherd, & Bishop of our souls, Ezech. 37, 24. 1 Pet. 2, 25.  twain (jew and Gentile) one new man in himself so making peace. Ephes. 2, 14 etc. In regard of which pacification by Christ, the heathen are called the remnant of the brethren, Micah. 5, 3. The brethren. Isa. 66, 20. A sister, Cant 8, 8. Sheep, joh. 10, 16. a remnant of Israel, Rom. 11, 26. fellows with 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  Israel of Christ's mystical body. Eph. 3, 6.  
This promise of the blessed seed the Lord confirmeth also to Isaak Gen. 26, 
Isaak. jacob.  4. likewise to jacob Gen. 28, 14. And after the Lord had now 2509. years (for so long was it from the creation to the law) hel● the faithful in long suspense of this promised Redeemer, it pleased him (upon his miraculously delivering his people out of Egypt, whither, because of Ioseph● 
Law.  preferment, Genes. 45. 8. jacob, by God● commandment, had carried them. Gen▪ 46, 3 etc.) to set down in his writte● law, delivered by Moses, a plain platform at large of the same promise so often before renewed. Which law should be both as a hand-writing unto his people for to show them the grievousness of their transgressions, Col. 2, 14. till the promised see● should come, unto which the promise● were made, Gal. 3, 19 and their weak unableness to attain to the perfect purity of that law, Rom 8, 3 (for it is spiritually but sinful man is carnal, Rom. 7, 14) And also as a child-guide, or tutor to conduc● them to this promised seed Christ, Gal. 3▪ 24. which things were most lively prefigured by the s●dry washings, purifyings offerings and sacrifices, which they wer● bound to observe▪ aswell to witness thei● own uncleanness through Adam's transgression, as to imprint before their eyes ● plain stamp and pattern of Christ's sufferings, who should fulfil that law for them, Mat. 5, 17. Rom. 8, 2 etc. And bearing our sins in his body on the cross, 1 Pet. 2, 24. bring in eternal justice for us all, Dan. 9, 24.  
One consideration hereof will I present for all, when the jew, in the time of the law should, behold the harmless beast, that was to be slain for sacrifice, upon the head, whereof he was to * put his hands, Levit. 1, 4. whereby he protested 
Read 2. Chron. 29. 23.  his own guiltiness of death for his sins, which it (as a figure of Christ) was ready to suffer, the very sight of so woeful a spectacle could not but 
p The right use of the sacrifices of the law.  move even his flinty heart to be inwardly touched with a deep remorse & sorrow for his sins: and, so trembling at God's judgement, force him (if there were any sparkle of grace) to flee by faith to the truth of that fearful figure, which was Christ, this promised redeemer. The same promise is likewise 440. years after the law, renewed to king David, that this blessed 
David.  seed should descend in kingly race from his 
q here-hence it is that in the ne● testament our Lord is so usually called the son of David, concerning which name, for want of knowledge to distinguish of Christ's two natures his Godhead & manhood, our Saviour put the Pharisees to a nonplus, Mat. 22, 41 etc. for they would not acknowledge him to be God, though both the scriptures & his works so testified, joh. 5, 18. & 10, 33. joh. 5, 39 Mat. 11. vers. 3. 4. 5. joh. 5. 36 & 15 24.  loins, 2 Sam. 7, 12 etc. Psa. 132, 11. Isai. 9, 7. The manner of the accomplishment whereof Saint Luke penneth thus: And in the sixth month, the Angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazaret, to a virgin affianced to a man, whose name was joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin's name was Marie. And the Angel went in unto her, and said: Hail, thou, that art freely beloved: the Lord is with thee, blessed art thou among women. And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and thought what manner salutation that should be. Then the Angel said unto her: fear not, Marry: for thou hast found favour with God: for lo, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bear a son, and shalt call his name jesus. He shall be great, and shallbe called the son of the Most-high. And the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David, and he shall reign over the house of jacob for ever, and of his kingdom shallbe no end, Luke. 1, 26 etc. S. Peter thus: Men and brethren, I may boldly speak unto you of the patriarch David etc. seeing he was a Prophet, and knew that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins he would raise up Christ, concerning the flesh, to set him upon his throne, he knowing this before, spoke of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul should not be left in grave, neither his flesh see corruption etc. Act. 2, 29 etc. And S. Paul in this wise: of this man's seed (speaking of king David) hath God, according to his promise, raised up to Israel, the Saviour jesus etc. Act. 13, 23 etc.  
The Prophet David had wonderful revelations of Christ, in so much that he by faith (as well as Abraham. joh. 8, 56) well near a 1000 years before saw Christ crucified, and foretold what speeches he should speak upon the cross, Psal. 22, 1. Mat. 27, 46. Ps. 31, 5. Luke. 23, 46. Also of judas his treason, Psalm. 41, 9 joh. 13, 18. and cursed end, Ps. 109, 8. Act. 1, 16. Likewise how the scoffing scribes, priests, pharisees & elders should mock Christ, Psal. 22, verse 7. 8. Mat. 27, 43. and the savage soldiers deal with him, Psal. 22. vers. 16. 18. and 69, 21. Mat. 27, 48. joh. 19, 34. Luke. 24, 44. He spoke also of his re  
Now let us consider, that like as this seed Christ jesus, (being the dayspring from an high to visit us, Luke. 1, 78. and the true light of the world, joh. 8, 12. A light to be revealed to the gentiles (as was 
Numb. 24. 17.  prefigured by the star, Mat. 2, 1 etc.) and the glory of the people of Israel, Luke. 2. 32) is called the Sun of righteousness to arise with health under his wings unto them, that fear the Lord, Malac. 4, 2. Even so, after the manner of the rising of the Sun, we have seen Christ's manifestation unto the world, for the Sun, being ready to arise, first sendeth forth some small glimpse of his brightness, whereunto we may compare the mystery of that aphorism: The seed of the woman shall break the serpent's head, Gen. 3, 15. Then it enlargeth the same brightness with more light, to which Noah's prophecy may be likened: Blessed be the Lord God of Sem, Gen. 9, 26. Afterward ascending higher, and approaching nearer unto us, it putteth forth his glimmering beams of clearer light, whereto we may resemble the plainer promises concerning Christ communicated with those afterages of Abraham, Genes. 12. vers. 2. 3. of Isaak, Gen. 26. vers. 3. 4. of jacob, Gen. 28. 14. of David, 2 Sam. 7, 12 etc. At length it discovereth itself, and appeareth out openly, whereunto Christ's birth and nativity answereth, Mat. 2, 1 etc. and lastly, it mounteth up above the earth, most gloriouflie in lightning, quickening and comforting the earth, & all things thereupon: And to this accordeth Christ's exaltation and lifting up from the earth, whereby himself was glorified, joh. 12, 23. drew all men unto him, vers. 32. & gave them power believing in his name, to be the sons of God, joh. 1, 12. And in this wise the holy Scripture seemeth to manifest unto men, from the beginning of the world, the eternal purpose and decree of God touching Christ our redeemer. As may also appear by those metaphorical speeches drawn from the suns arising often used in the Scriptures, as: Deut. 33, 2. Micah. 5, 2. Mal. 4, 2. wherefore the Apostle calleth Moses law a vail, or covering, 2. Cor. 3, 14 And Saint Peter likeneth the same law and old testament (i. the scriptures written before the coming of Christ) unto a light that shineth in a dark place, 2 Pet. 1, 19 But contrariwise in the same verse, he nameth Christ, or the preaching of Christ crucified (that is the new testament, the day-dawne, and daystar, which (as Zacharie john Baptists father prophesied) should give light to them, that sit in darkness, and in the shadow of death, and guide our feet into the way of peace, Luke. 1, 79. And concerning Christ's dissolving and losing the works of the Devil in man, that thing he effected through his passion, as he was man, 2. Cor. 13, 4. 1 Pet. 3, 18 & 4, 1. & by his resurrection, as he was God, joh. 10, 18. 1 Cor. 6, 14. and 15, 15. The Apostle in a wonderful brevity wrappeth up both these effects saying: jesus Christ was delivered to death for our sins, and 
s As the Action of Isaaks offering (being a figure of Christ's) was 3. days in finishing (for the third day he was, after a sort raised from the dead, Gen. 22, 4. Heb. 11. 19) so the space of Christ's offering himself was three days, from his death to his resurrection. Mat. 16. 21. 1 Cor. 15▪ 4  rose again for our justification, Rom. 4, 25. As also yet more wonderfully he abridgeth the whole sum of christian Religion thus: God is manifested in the flesh, justified in the spirit, seen of Angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, and received up in glory, 1 Tim. 3. 16. Having spoiled the principalities and powers, and made show of them openly, 
Read Mat. 12, 40. & Hos. 6, ●. & 13, 14.  and triumphed over them in his cross, Col. 2, 15. Even destroying through death, him, that had the power of death, that is, the devil, that he might deliver all them which for fear of death, were all their life time subject to bondage, Heb. 2. vers. 14. 15. we read in holy scripture of three special and famous 
t Three notable deliverances of God's church, and all at one time of the year.  deliverances, or redemptions, with their just times and months of the year by most certain cumstances described. 1 Abraham's calling out of Chaldea from idolatry into the land of 
an. mundi ●709.  promise, Gen. 11, 31. & 12, 1. and 15, 13. Exod. 12. vers. 26, 40. 2 Israel's redemption out of Egypt, Exod. 12, 41. Gal. 3. vers. 16. 17. 3 The deliverance of the jews from Babylon by Cyrus' king of Persia, Ezra. 1, 1 etc. 2 Chron. 36, 10. Dan. 9 vers. 2. 21 etc. All which were done at the spring of the year, to shadow and represent unto us this fourth and general redemption of mankind from Satan, sin, hell, death etc. wrought by Christ, what time the paschal lamb (a type of Christ the very lamb of God, that taketh away the sins of the world) was to be killed and eaten, Exo. 12. vers. 6. 8. Mat. 26, 18. For from th● going out of the commandment of Cyrus touching the jews return home again unto the death of Christ, the Ang● Gabriel (whose ministery the Lord vse● in the message of Christ's humanity, a● here to Daniel, to Zacharias, Luke. 1, 19● to the virgin Marie, vers. 26. 27. And (no● doubt) to joseph thrice, Mat. 1, 20. and 2. v● 13. 19) certifieth Daniel, that there shal● be 70 weeks, which (after the prophetical week, a day for a year, as Ezech. 4● 6) contain 490 years. Dan. 9, 24 etc.▪ but Christ was to be killed in the mids o● the last week, Dan. 9, 27. then were ther● just 487 years. And according to th● time of the Angel's appearance to Daniel vers. 21) about the evening sacrifice, which in prayer, and oblation, was from the ninth hour to the twelfth: as likewise at th● ninth hour Christ gave up the ghost Mat. 27. vers. 46. 50.  
The jews dividing the day (from sunrise to sunset) into 12 hours, joh. 11, 9● began their evening prayer at the ninth hour (that is, as we account, at three o● the clock afternoon) Act. 3, 1. which continued three hours, even till the evening sacrifice of the lamb was offered at twi●ght, Exod. 29, 41. what time also Christ's ●odie (the true sacrifice of our sins, Isai. 3, 10. Ephes. 5, 2. 1 Pet. 2, 24.) was taken ●om the cross, Mat. 27. vers. 57, 58.  
No marvel now (the time of Christ's coming so long and so plainly told be●ore, and recorded in daniel's prophecy) 〈◊〉 S. john note this in the jews especially ●s a monstrous (and yet general) unkindness, proceeding of their wilful ignorance of God's merciful visiting them by ●is own 
v Many of the jews of that time waited continually for Christ's coming, as joseph of Arimathea, Luke, 23, 51. father Simeon, An Phanuel, and diverse other, Luk. 2 vers. 25. 36. And in the year that Christ suffered, Caiaphas proph●cied that one should die for the people etc. joh. 11 49. not speaking that from daniel's writings, but God putting the truth in his mouth (as he did in balam's ass, Numbers, 22, 28) he uttered thereby his own malice▪ which he bore in his mind to kill Christ: so the caitiff blasphemed, and prophesied with one voice.  son: that Christ jesus came ●nto his own, and his own received ●im not, joh. 1, 11. our Lord therefore sharply rebuketh those pharisees, and ●adduces, for their gross ignorance of ●he signs and times of his coming a●ong them: telling them that they were ●etter seen in the face of the sky, and ●ore weatherwise to discern fair days ●nd tempests, then skilful to know the ●mes of the Lords visitation, Mat. 16▪ 3. ●his their general ignorance, even at his ●ast farewell to the city, moved him to keep over jerusalem, and through sorrowful sobs, even to wan● words to express his grief for their woeful miseries, saying: O if thou hadst known at the least in this thy day those things, which belong to thy peace! but now are they hid from thine eyes, Luke 19, 42. They had diverse signs to have put them in mind of his coming, as the departure of the 
w Read Dan. 2, 44. After the captivity of Babylon, there were no kings in jewrie, for the state was governed by deputies of the tribe of judah: but that Herod, Mat. 2, 1 etc. being an Arabian by nation, & descended of the stock of the kings of that fourth kingdom, Dan. 2, 40 reigned king in judea (& so the sceptre was translated from the tribe of judah) when Christ was borne.  sceptre from the tribe of judah, Gen. 49, 10. And the sending of Elias the Prophet, Malac 4, 5. not that very Elias himself should rise again to reprove, as Sirachides supposed, Eccles. 48, 4 etc. And as the common opinion of the jews and 
t john Baptist denieth that he is Elias, joh. 1, 21. but his denial is after this sense of the Scribes, for so his questioners meant it. See Herod's fear that 10. Baptist should be risen again, Mat. 14, 2. The jowes had long before this ti●e admitted Pythagoras his Metempsychôsis, as also h●s profane opinion of the good & ill angel attending each one, 2 Machab. 11, 6. Acts. 12, 15.  Scribes was, Mat. 17, 10: but that john Baptist should go before Christ in the spirit and power of Elias, as Gabriel interpreteth Malachis meaning to Zacharias, Luke. 1, 17. & Christ maketh it plain, Mat. 11, 14. This final blindness in Israel Moses by the spirit foresaw, & therefore braced out with this hearty wish of their only happiness: Oh that they were wise, than they would understand this: they would consider their latter end! Deut. 32, 29. with sorrow enough the Prophet doubled this complaint: who is blind, but my servant? or deaf, as my messenger, that I sent? who is blind as the 
x He alludeth to the name jerusalem, which signifieth visible peace: for the Lord had set it in the mids of the nations, as a spectacle in their sight of all peace and prosperity to his people: but the jews breaking the conditions thereof, were yet vainly confident of peace, which thus the prophet reproacheth, Ezech. 5, 5. jer. 7, 4. and our Lord, Luke. 19, 42.  endowed-with-peace? Isai. 42, 19 wherefore our Saviour, as he went to the cross, turning back to those wailing women, which lamenting him, little thought of their own calamities, that should shortly ensue, mercifully forewarneth them: Weep not for me, ye daughters of jerusalem, but weep for yourselves, and for your children: for behold the days will come, when men shall say: Blessed are the barren, and the wombs, that never bore, & the breasts, that never gave suck, Luk. 23. vers. 28. 29. But I am here carried farther than I purposed, yet not so far from my purpose, whereunto I return. S. john saith that this jesus Christ, the just, is our advocate with the father, & the reconciliation for all our sins, 1 john. 2, verse. 1. 2. And that his blood cleanseth us from all sin, 1 john. 1, 7. for (as the Baptist saith) he is the lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world, joh. 1, 29. Neither is their (as S. Pet. witnesseth) salvation in any other: for among men there is given none other name under heaven whereby we must be saved, Acts. 4, 12. To him also give all the Prophet's witness, that through his name, all that believe in him shall receive remission of sins, Act. 10, 4● Therefore the true Christian touching all the work of his salvation, both in heart believeth, & with mouth confesseth with the Psalmist thus: Whom have I in heaven but thee? And I have desired none in the earth with thee Psa. 73, 25. He alone is God all-sufficient, Gen 17, 1. mighty and sufficient to save, Isai. 63, 1. neither is there any other that heareth our words, Isai, 41, 26. and 63. vers. ●. 16. Wherefore David calleth him: O thou that hearest the prayer, Psal. 65. 2. And Isay, setteth down the very fo●me of every Christians faith and confession thus: Only in the Lord touching me (shall he say) is 
y Righteousness, in the original t●ngue is red in th● pl●n●mber, to signify unto us th●● all our right●●●s●esse is of the Lord, & ●hat we should never once open our mouth to justify ourselves, Eze. 10, 63.  all my righteousness & strength, Isai. 45, 24. for Christ jesus (who is all in all, Col. ●, 11. joh. 1, 9 Rom. 9, 16. Eph. 1, 23 Phil. 2, 13) of God is made unto us wisdom, & righteousness, & sanctification, & redemption, that God alone might have all the glory, 1 Cor. 1. vers. 30. 31. Now the means to obtain this righteousness in Christ, is by hearing the word of God (either red: Exod. 24, 7. Deu. ●1, 11. joh. 20, 31. Act. 15, 21. Eph. 3, 4. Col. 4, 16, 1 Thes 5, 27. or Preached: Act. 8, 35 etc. and 16. vers. 14. 32. 1 Cor. 14. vers. 24 25) assuredly to believe all the promises of God in his son our Saviour, 2 Cor. 1 20. 1 joh. 5. vers. 10. 11) applying them to thyself thus, That Christ jesus died for my sins, and rose again for my iustication, Rom 4, 25. And the Apostle saith, if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord jesus, and believe in thy heart that God raised him up from the dead, thou shalt be saved: for with the heart man believeth unto righteousness, and with the mouth man confesseth to salvation, for the scripture saith: whosoever believeth in him stall not be ashamed, ●om. 10, 9 etc. The jarler at Philippi ask Paul and Silas what he should do to be saved, they answered: Believe in the Lord jesus, and thou shalt be saved, Act 16. 20 etc. The Scribe demanding of Christ what he should do to inherit eternal life, is sent to the law, and word of God to mark what he readeth there, Luke. 10, 25.  
But here (by the occasion of our Lord's question, how readest thou?) pause we a little, and advisedly let us consider the force and efficacy of reading the word of God. The reading of God's word, and preaching of the same, are the two only, and ordinary means, whereby (through the working of the spirit) the Lord conveyeth his word into our hearts: both which are expressed by one word in Hebrew Karà, which signifieth to cry, or call: to proclaim, pronounce, or preach: to declare, or read, Exod. 24, 7. Deut. 31, 11 etc. After which the Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 seemeth to be feigned, bearing the same sense of proclaiming, preaching or pronouncing, Isai. 58, 1. Revelat. 5, 2. As likewise S. james taketh preaching and reading the word of God both for one, Act. 15, 21. ●ā. 1. 25. & touching that place: How shall they hear without a preacher? Rom. 10 14. It is principally meant of the first publishing the glad tidings of the Gospel, aswell by Christ himself, Isai. 9, 2. & 41, 27. and 49, 6. and 52, 7 etc. Mat. 9, 35. & 17, 5. Rom. 15, 8. Hebr. 1, 2. and 2, 3. as by his Apostles, first to the jews, Mat. 10. vers. 5. 6: after to the Gentiles in all the world, Mat. 28, 19 Rom. 16, 26. Colos. 1, 23. Confer Isai. 52. vers. 7. 8. 9 10. with Rom. 10. verse. 12. 14. 15: for both the Prophet, and the Apostle speak of uniting Christ's whole church of jews & Gentiles, which could not be called, & conjoined but by preaching the Gospel, as Saint Paul testifieth, Ephes. 2, 11 etc. and it is blasphemy to derogat from that excellent and effectual ordinance of God, the reading of his word, that it should not aswell beget faith in the hearers, if with an honest and good heart they read (or hear it red) & keep the same, Luk. 8, 15, as confirm and increase faith in them, being begotten by the same word, 1 joh. 1, 4: for the word of God in itself is equally heard, whether it be red, Luke. 24, 45, or preached, Act. 16, 14. & equally edifieth, if it be understood, Act. 8, 30, and withal tempered with faith in them that hear it, Hebr. 4, 2. And therefore the Apostle earnestly chargeth the reading his epistles, Col. 4, 16. 1 Thes. 5, 27. 2 Thes. 2, 15. And to that end also was the Gospel written, as Saint john affirmeth, joh. 20, 31. read Ephes. 3. vers. 3, 4: This I writ not to maintain unlearned readers in the church, much less to make them equal to the preachers of the word, for I desire with Saint Paul▪ that they all could preach, 1 Cor. 14, 5. as their place requireth of them, joh. 21, 15. Acts. 20, 28. 1 Cor 12, 28. 1 Tim. 3, 2. 2 Tim. 2, 2. and 4, 2. 1 Pet. 5, 2. yea rather I wish with Moses, that all the Lords people were Prophets, Numb. 11, 29 (for I well know, and willingly confess that the preaching of the word ought to be preferred before the reading of the same, because of our dullness, Isai. 28. vers. 9, 10. Hebr. 5, 11:) but my writing is only to this end, that we should not neglect (as we do) so excellent a benefit, and blessed ordinance of God, as is the reading of his word, being so severely commanded, and highly recommended to his church. Now let us go forward: The holy Scriptures are 
z The authority and power of the holy Scriptures.  able (& therefore sufficient) to make us wise unto salvation, through the faith which is in Christ jesus: for the whole scripture is given by inspiration of God▪ and is profitable to teach and improve, to correct and to instruct in righteousness, that the man of God may be absolute, being made perfect unto all good works, 2 Tim. 3, 15 etc. when our Lord would control any error, he usually objected, Have ye not ●ed? Mat. 12. vers. 3. 5. and 19, 4. and 21, 42. ●nd 22, 31 etc. signifying thereby that the sacred Scriptures ought to be our only direction and guide, & therefore the ho●ie Ghost calleth the word of God a lantern unto our feet, and a light unto our ●aths, Psal. 119, 105. Prou. 6, 23. wherefore Moses exhorting the Israelits to embrace and observe the law & word of God, tell●eth them that it is not only their wisdom and understanding in the sight of all people, but even their life also, and the lengthening of their days in the land: and that all the people of the earth shall be afraid of them therefore▪ Deut. 4▪ 6 and 28, 10. and 32, 47. wherefore the Lord complaineth of the neglect thereof, saying: I have written unto them the great things of my law, but they were counted as a strange thing, Hos. 8, 12.  
But the holy Ghost, by the pen of S. Paul hath set down an invincible 
* S. Paul's general reason for the just trial of true religion.  reason to hold us to the word of God, in all hypocrisy. And he describeth them by th● two most certain tokens in stead of 〈◊〉 that they should command to 
a And yet both these are commanded by the word of God, Gen. 1, 28. and 9 vers. 1. 3. Deut. 12, 20. Therefore this is a special note of antichrist so to oppose himself against God, 1 Tim. 4, 3. And touching our meats, by grace, or thanksgiving, they are sactified, 1 Tim. 4, 4. which thing (besides that our Lord himself usually observed, Mat. 14, 19 etc.) was also commanded in the law. Deut 8, 10, and practised, 1 Sam. 9▪ 13.  abster from diverse meats, and forbidden marriage 'mong their votaries, 1 Tim. 4, 1 etc. A● that they should be lovers of their ow● selves, covetous, boasters, proud, cur● speakers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection truce-breakers, false-accusers, intemper● fierce, despicers of them▪ which are goo● traitors, heady, highminded, lovers 〈◊〉 pleasures more the lovers of God, hau● a show of godliness, but have deni● the power thereof: (and he adviseth Turn away therefore from such, 2 Ti● 3, 2 etc. S. Peter writeth likewise th● they should teach damnable heresies, ●uen denying the Lord, that boug● them, which they do in seeking righteousness by their own works, an● Saints merits: by suborning strange i● tercessours with Christ, or besides Chri● by their Mass, purgatory, etc. by 〈◊〉 which they deny the force and effica● of Christ's death, and the merits of 〈◊〉 passion, making him to die in vain, 〈◊〉 ●ny benefit to them, as S. Paul telleth hose ceremonitarie Galatians▪ Gal. 2, 21. ●nd 5, 2. and that through covetousness 
Papistical merchants and their warehouse.  with feigned words, they should make merchandise of us, 2 Pet. 2, 1 etc. Saint ●ohn setteth open the pedlarie-packe of ●heir merchandise, by which their wares we may well perceive what merchants Saint Peter▪ meaneth, among which merchandise Saint john reckoneth the souls of men, Revelat. 18, 11 etc. Read the place, for it is notable, and you shall see that the very wares will plainly bewray the merchants unto you. We have seen before that it is sin to make either angel, the virgin Marie, or any other saint our advocate, mediator, or intercessor to God for us, not only because the holy scriptures appoint none such: but for that also that it is Christ's office alone, as himself witnesseth, No man cometh to the father but by me, joh. 14, 6. for there is one God, & one Mediator between God & man. which is the man Christ jesus, 1 Tim. 2, 5. And touching Christ's mediation see a manifest example, Zechar. 1, 12 etc. wherefore the prophet Isai calleth him the angel of God's face, or presence, Isai. 63, 9 Ro● 8, 34. Hebr. 7, 25. for by jesus Christ th● true christians offer the sacrifice of prai● always to God (that is) the fruit of th● lips, which confess his name, Hebr. 13▪ 15. Revel. 8. vers. 3. 4. Let us therefore (following the counsel of the Apostle) g● boldly unto Christ's throne of grace (fo● he is our High-sacrificer, and Mediator▪ Hebr. 3, 1. and 5, 5 etc. and 6, 20) that w● may receive mercy, & find grace to help● in time of need, Heb. 4, 16. The Psalmist▪ the more to encourage us to frequent this throne of grace, exemplifieth unto us, by a comparison of the lesser, how readily we shall speed in our suits at Christ's throne, saying: Moses, Aaron and Samuel called upon the Lord for pardon, & ● he heard them graciously, Psa. 99, 6. How much more than may we be sure to obtain either for ourselves, or for others, by the intercession of Christ the son of God? Rom. 8, 34.  
And here a little to enlarge this matter for our further instruction, let us consider that Christ is our Prophet, our Highpriest, and our King, which three offices of Christ the Apostle plainly describeth, Hebr. 1. namely his prophetical office, vers. 2. his priesthood in these words: who hath by himself purged our sins. And his kingly dignity thus: And sitteth at the right hand of the majesty in the highest places etc. v. 3. & 10, 12. Christ is therefore A great Prophet to interpret the mind & will of God his father unto us, Deu. 18. v. 18. 19 joh. 1, 18. & 6, 45. Act. 3, 22 etc. Ephe. 2, 17. Heb. 1, 2. touching our redemption, & eternal salvation in Christ, purposed with God before the world was made, Ephes. 1, 4. by whose spirit the Prophets in old time spoke Gen. 6, 6. 1 Pet. 1, 11. & 3, 19 2 Pet. 1, 21. An everlasting King to rule us, Isai. 9 v. 6. 7. Ezech. 37. vers. 22. 24. Dan. 2, 24 etc. Hos. 3, 5. Psal. 132, 11 etc. Luk. 1, 32 etc. And an Highpriest to reconcile us unto God his father, Isai. 42, 6. Malac. 3, 1. Col. 1, 20 etc. 1 Tim. 2, 5. Hebr. 7, 24 etc. and 9 vers. 11. 12▪ by offering up his own body in sacrifice upon the altar of the cross to pacify God's wrath for our sins, Hebr. 10▪ 10. 1 Pet. 2, 24. which unspotted, and holy sacrifice of his immaculate body was sufficient in itself to satisfy for all the sins in the world, 2 Cor. 5, 14. 1 Tim. 2, 6. Hebr. 2, 9: but effectual only for the sins of the elect, and believers, john. 〈◊〉 12. which the holy Scripture calleth, The many, Isai 53. verse. 11. 12. Dan. 9, 27. Mat. 26, 28. Hebr. 9, 28. This his priesthood the high priests of the law prefigured, Exod. 28. Hebr. 5 and 7. And Christ hath made all christians, priests unto God, Revel. 1, 6, to offer unto him their bodies, Rom. 12, 1 a contrite heart, Psalm. 51, 17. praise and thanksgiving, Psal. 116, 17. Hebr. 1●, 15. and liberality towards the poor, Phil. 4, 18. Hebr. 13, 16. job. 29, 13. Psa, 16▪ 3. Touching his private life, from his birth till his baptism, the Evangelists writ little, because his human actions in that space little concerned us, saving that his whole life was poor and miserable, Isai 53, 3, that we through his poverty might be made rich, 2 Cor. 8, 9 he increased daily in wisdom, stature, and favour with God and men, and was subject to his parents, and exercised joseph's carpentarie art. Luke. ●. vers. 51. 52. wherefore sometime the jews call him, The Carpenter Mary's son, Mark. 6, 3. which name though they gave him in derision, yet was it more honourable than they imagined: for he was indeed, The great Carpenter of the world, Col. 1, 16. Hebr. 3, 4. The jews knew well that he was utterly unlearned, and so they confess, joh. 7, 15. as also his Disciples were, Acts. 4, 13. whereof Saint Paul yieldeth us this reason, That our faith should not be in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God, 1 Cor. 2, 5. Therefore saith Saint Peter, If any man speak, let him talk as the words of God, 1 Pet. 4, 11. And Christ denieth that his doctrine was his own (as he was man) but of God, john. 7, 16: for indeed he was taught of God, Isai. 50. vers. 4. 5. And therefore was able, when he was but twelve years old, to ask the learned doctors such questions, that all that heard him, were astonished at his understanding and answers, Luke. 2. vers. 46. 47. Of his questions see an example, Mat. 22, 41 etc. At the age of 30▪ years he was baptised, Luk. 3, 23. as at that age also the Levitical priests were fully admitted to execute their office, Num. 4, 47. Christ (as it should seem) was baptised the 15. day of September, in the feast of tabernacles, Leuit. 23, 34: for so are there just those 1260. days, Revelat. 12, 6, from his baptism to the 14. day of March (3. years & an half after) when he suffered his passion, according to the law, Exod. 12, 6. Mat. 26, 20 etc. which time of 3. years and an half (being the space of the cruel persecution of the jews church under Antiochus, Dan. 12, 11. 1 Machab. 1, 57 and 4, 52. 6, 16. and 2 Machab. 11, 33. who as he was the first tyrant, that ever durst attempt to alter the law of God, & religion of the jews, Dan. 8, 11. & 11, 38. 2 Mac. 6, 1 etc. so for his monstrous and beastly rage against the High-saints, the people of God, Dan. 7, 8. he might most fitly serve Saint john to pattern antichrist (an other Antiochus) aswell for the like barbarous cruelty against the lights of the world, Phil. 2, 15. the stars, Dan. 12, 3, Hebr. 11, 12. and Host of heaven, the true Christians, Dan. 8, 10 etc. Revelat. 8, 12. and 12, 4. and for the equal power given him of God thereunto, Dan. 7, 21. and 8, 12. and 11, 36. Revel. 13, 7. as also for the semblable means of strength to accomplish his tyranny, Dan. 7, 7. Revel. 13, 1. and 17. ver. 37 etc. And lastly for the same judgement and damnation of them both, by book evidence, recording all their mischiefs against God's people, to be tormented in the fiery lake for ever, Dan. 7 vers. 10. 11. Revel. 19, 20. and 20, 12. was likewise the space that Christ the head of his church, Eph. 1, 22. endured all indignities, even to the shameful death of the cross, Phil. 2, 8, Hebr. 12, 2. Isai. 50, 6. as the Prince of our salvation consecrated through afflictions, because he that sanctifieth, & they, which are sanctified, are all of one, Hebr. 2. ves. 10. 11. And this space is also expressed sometime by half a prophetical week, answerable to daniel's midweeke, Dan. 9, 27. viz. three days and an half, Revelat. 11, 9 sometime by 42 months, Revel. 13, 5. sometime by a time, two times and half a time▪ Dan. 7, 25. and 12, 7. Revel. 12, 14. All which varieties express yet one space of time, to signify rather a certain measure of afflictions determined in God's everlasting purpose to conform his Church (both of the jews and Gentiles) to the image of his own son, Rom. 8, 29. 2 Cor. 4, 11. 1 Pet. 5, 10. then any certain time of persecution, which the church of Christ must endure according to the will of God, Rom. 6, 6. 2 Cor. 1, 5. and 4, 10. Heb. 10, 36. 1 Pet. 3, 17. And immediately after his baptism he was visibly replenished with the holy spirit, Mat. 3, 16. Luk. 4, 1. And presently led by the same spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil, Mat. 4, 1. Heb. 2, 18. and 4, 15. where he being among wild beasts, Mark. 1, 13. which of old time were wont to frequent the deserts along the river Iorden, Zechar. 11, 3. continued fasting 40. days in holy meditation, before he entered that great work of his father's business, which was enjoined him of God, in accomplishing the truth of Moses law, by sealing up, and fulfilling, the vision and Prophet, and abolishing the daily sacrifice & oblation of the law, Dan. 9 ve. 24. 27. through the one oblation of himself, Heb. 9, 14. & 10, 14. whereby he canceled the handwriting of the ceremonial law, which continually revived & testified our sins against us, Col. 2, 14. and thereby brought in everlasting righteousness for us all, Dan. 9, 24. Hebr. 10, 14. Moses likewise at the giving of the law had continued 40. days fasting in the Lord's presence upon the mount, Exod. 34, 28. And Elias also at the restoring of the same law, was 40. days miraculously sustained without any food, 1 King. 19 v. 8. 14. which miraculous abstinence of Moses, Elias, and of Christ, showeth the holy perfection of the law in itself, Rom. 7, 12. which was delivered, restored, and abolished by one and the same miracle, though, through the infirmity of our flesh, Rom. 8, 3, it could not yet with all that perfection make us perfect, Heb. 7, 19 and 10, 1. but Christ's one offering of himself hath made perfect for ever them, that are sanctified, Heb. 10, 14. Thus therefore in the end of those 40. days, having put the Tempter to flight, he came forth and preached the glad tidings of our salvation, Mat. 4, 17. and 9, 35. even the general jubilee of our everlasting freedom from the captivity of Satan, sin, hell, and eternal death, Levit, 25. vers. 9 10. Luk 4. vers. 17. 18 etc. And these three orders namely, kings, high-priests, and Prophets were ordained according to the law by anointing, Exod. 40, 13. 1. Sam, 16, 13. 1. King 19, 16. to shadow unto us the plentiful graces of God's spirit, which was in them by measure, Act. 1, 5. Eph. 4, 7. 1 joh. 2. vers. 20. 27. and 4, 13: but in Christ without measure, Psalm. 45, 7. Luk. 4, 18. joh. 1, 16. and 3, 34. and 10, 36. Acts. 10, 38. as in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, Col. 2, 3. because in him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead really, Col. 2, 9: for it pleased the father, that in him should all fullness dwell, Col. 1, 19, and of his fullness have all we received, and grace upon grace, joh. 1, 16. Eph. 4, 7. Tit. 3, 6. Psal. 68, 19 God hath forbidden all similitudes and likeness of any 
Images.  thing either in heaven, in earth, or in the sea (which lying in his channel, as it were underbeareth the earth, Psal. 24 2) to worship them, or him thereby, upon pain of eternal death, not only on the spiritual adulterer's themselves (that is, the breakers of that spiritual wedlock, jer. 31, 32. Ezech. 16, 8) but even to the 3. and 4. generation of their adulterous posterity, Exod. 20, 5. Read Hos. 2. vers. 2. 3. 4. 5. And Moses exhorting the Israelites (as knowing that he should very shortly after be taken from them) chargeth them diligently to attend to the law and commandments of the Lord, and especially that they should beware of idolatry: for the Lord (saith he) spoke unto you out of the mids of the fire, and ye heard the voice of the words, but saw no similitude save a voice. Take therefore good heed unto yourselves (for you saw no image in the day that the Lord spoke unto you in Horeb out of the mids of the fire) that ye corrupt not yourselves, and make you a graven image, or representation of any figure, etc. Deut 4. vers. 12. 15. 16. whereby Moses plainly showeth that the Lord of purpose withheld from them all show of figure and likeness, causing them only to hear a voice (for none can express the image of a voice, as saith Esdras, 4 Esd. 5, 37) because they should make no manner image at all: no, though it were possible for them to imitate the very image of God himself to worship him thereby, yet were it unlawful for them so to do: for God is a spirit, and they that worship him, must worship him in spirit & truth, for the father requireth even such to worship him, john 4, 23 etc. Good works also these merchants most grossly abuse making them blasphemous, and derogatory to the due merits of Christ's death and passion, in in seeking 
v Albeit true christians work not for reward, Rom. 4. 4. but of duty, Luke. 17, 10 yet our God which 〈…〉eth us to work, Mat. 20, 1 etc. of his own ●●ere bounty and ●●●our, Mat. 〈◊〉 14 15. hath 〈…〉ed to re〈…〉 our works, Mat. 10. 42. Luke ●●3. Rom. 2, 7. 〈◊〉. 6, 10. not for their worthiness job. 15. vers. 15. 16. and 14. 4. and 9, 3. Psal. 130, 3. Luke. 17, 10: but for his own free promise, Hebr. 10, 23, and grace, Phil. 2, 13. 'tis 3, 5. which he approveth in them, Isai. 43, 25. Micha. 7. vers. 19 20. 2 Cor. 12, 9  merit by them: for the true Christians soul is purified in obeying the truth through the spirit, to love brotherly without feigning, 1 Pet. 1, 22. mortifying the deeds of the body by the same spirit, Roman. 8, 13. for like as by faith he is made the child of God, Gala. 3, 26. even so Christ dwelleth in his heart by faith to enable him to comprehend with all Saints the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that he may be filled with all fullness of God, Ephes. 3, 17 etc. being made partaker of the godly nature, in that he fleeth the corruption which is in the world through lust: joining virtue with his faith, & with virtue, knowledge: and with knowledge temperance etc. 2 Pet. 1, 4 etc. for a christian is able to do all things through the help of Christ, which strengtheneth him, Phil. 4, 13. even to love his enemies, to bless them, that curse him, to do good to them that hate him, to pray for them which hurt him, and so kindly resembling the natural son of ●is heavenly father, Mat. 5, 44 etc. whose workmanship he is created in Christ Ie●us unto good works, which God hath ordained, that he should walk in them, Eph. 2, 10. And not to be weary of well doing, Gal. 6, 9 but (by the grace of God, Heb. 12, 28) to go forward in the work of his salvation, with careful fear & 
c There be two kinds of fear in holy scripture, a filial, or childly fear, proceeding of the reverence of God's majesty, jer. 5, 22. and love of his mercy. Ps. 130, 4. Prou. 28, 14. Isai. 66, 5. jer. 2, 19 Mal. 1, 6 1 joh. 4, 18. And a servile, or slavish fear, proceeding from an evil conscience abhorring and trembling at gods presence, Gen. 3, 8. Deut. 28, 65. 〈◊〉 Prou. 29, 25. Isai. 57, 20. Hab. 2, 4. jam. 2, 19  trembling, Phil. 2, 12. And this is the true making his calling and election sure unto his own heart & soul, as Saint Peter willeth, 2 Pet. 1, 10, which else is undoubtedly sure under the King's broad seal with God, as Saint Paul testifieth, 2 Tim. 2, 19 It is most certain therefore, which the Apostle saith, that we are engrafted by baptism with Christ to the similitude of his death and resurrection, knowing that our old man (that is, the works which by nature we have drawn from sinful Adam) is crucified with Christ, that the course & reign of sin in our mortal bodies might be destroyed, seeing we are dead with Christ, as touching sin (as our dipping in the water of Baptism signifieth) but are risen again to a newness of life unto God in jesus Christ (as our taking up again from the same water presenteth) giving our bodies as instruments and servants of righteousness and holiness of life, Rom. 6, 5 etc. For our Lord jesus hath therefore redeemed us with his most precious blood from that dreadful and damnable state, wherein our father Adam was, when he fled to the trees for a vain covert from the Lords presence in Paradise, that we now being delivered out of the bands of Satan, and the hands of the wicked our enemies spiritual and corporal, might serve him without fear in true holiness, and righteousness all our life long, Luke 1. vers. 74. 75. And not that we should 
d If, when the Lord, who with a word of his mouth made heaven and earth, Ps. 33, 6. shall likewise with his word raise up the dead out of their graves at the last day, joh. 5, 28 none will think that they have any power in that work to quicken themselves: why in our spiritual rising from sin, wherein we were dead, Eph. 2, 1. when he saith unto us, Awake thou that sleepest and stand up from the dead, & Christ shall give thee light, Eph. 5, 14. Should we once dream that we are helpers with God's grace▪ for our sufficiency is of God, 2 Cor. 3, 5. who worketh in us both the will and the deed, even of his good pleasure, Phi. 2, 13. And keepeth us by his power through faith unto salvation. 1 Pet. 1, 5. read Rom. 8, 30. & 9, 16. See S. Paul's conclusion, Rom. 3, 28. where he opposeth faith to the whole law, vers. 21, 12. and 4, 13, etc. Read Phil. 3. vers. 6. 9 and Gallat. 3. vers. 11, 12. john, 17. Tit. 3, 5.  merit any thing of our salvation by our works (as those Merchants teach) and so deny the Lord that bought us; for when we have done all those things, which are commanded us, we are unprofitable servants, and have done but that, which was our duty to do, Luk. 17, 10. for jesus ●hrist alone hath made us his peculiar people, and sheep of his pasture, and not ●e ourselves, Psal. 100, 3. And as all were ●ead in Adam's transgression, so Christ ●ied to redeem all, that they which live, ●hould not henceforth live unto themselves (as they did in ignorance before ●heir calling, Rom. 6, 19 Tit. 3. 3. 1 Pet. 1, 4) but unto him which died for them, ●nd rose again, 2 Cor. 5, 15: who his own ●elfe alone hath trodden the winepress of the bloody fury of all our spiritual enemy's, Satan, sin, hell, death etc. for the ●escue of his church, and redemption of his people, even by the might of his own ●rme, without any helper, Isai. 59, 16, and 63. vers. 3, 5. Heb. 1, 3. and freely bought out our transgressions by his bitter passion, and purchased for us God's everlasting favour again, and that unspeakably more abundant, joh. 10, 10. Rom. 5, 17. and 8, 17, and more sure, 1 Pet. 1. ver. 3. 4. 5. (through the same his obedient sufferings for us, Phil. 2, 8. Hebr. 5, 8) then ever had Adam in his innocent royalty. Good works then serve to many excellent purposes, but chiefly to the glory of God, as our Lord commandeth, Mat. 5, 16. And they so testifying our faith and obedience towards God in the sight of men, do justify us before men, as S. james witnesseth▪ jam. 2. ver. 22. 23. 24.  
Thus have we seen that jesus Chris● 
Act. 4, 12. & 15, 11. 1. Pet. 1, 20. 1▪ joh. 5, 11. Heb. 11, 2. etc.  is the only, and all sufficient means ordained of God, before the foundation of th● world, for the only salvation of the holy patriarchs and Prophets, and of all men even from Adam, in all ages, as well before the coming of Christ in the flesh, as after, to the world's end: so that the saying of the Apostle is clearly verified: jesus Christ yesterday and to day, the same also is for ever, Heb. 13, 8. Hereby likewise we see, that their purgatory is but the 
Purgatory.  Pope's painted fire, and is not in the scriptures, as also no one point of popery is, & therefore all sinful. And for Purgatory, it was devised of the heathen Atheists long before the days of any Pope, within the compass of those 1864 years, wherein we said that Abraham and his posterity were separate from the Gentiles, which space the Apostle calleth the Times-past, wherein God suffered the Gentiles to walk in their own ways, Act. 14, 16. And ●herein, after a sort, the Lord hide him●lfe from them, as Isai speaketh 45, 15, as ●ntrariwise the same Prophet foretold ●at the Lord would discover his holy ●me in the sight of all the Gentiles, that 〈◊〉 the ends of the world might see the sal●ation of God, 52, 10. Of those Heathen (I ●ay) and in that time, a kind of Purgatory ●as invented by their vain Poets and philosopher's (who were the divines of ●he Heathen) as in the writings of Plat● ●nd Virgil it appeareth, from whom these ●orthy merchants (for fail of scripture) ●aue cosoningly gathered the dead coals ●f their Purgatory, & blown up the same ●o vehemently with the boisterous belows ●f their own hot burning breath) that they ●aue made it nothing less, if not much more) terrible, for the time, then hell itself. A devilish devise merely forged of these merchants, whereby (as also by their mass) they made merchandise of men's souls, as▪ Peter and john foretold us. Yet is there a double Purgatory, or purgation of Christians in this life: The one is, whereby we are cleansed from all our sins by the blood of jesus christ, Heb. 1, 3. 1 joh. 1, 7● Revel. 1, 5 which was also signified vnd● the law by that blood offered, Leuit. 17, 11, which see how the Apostle interpreteth 1 Hebr. 10, 1 etc. For almost all things were by the law purged with blood, an● without shedding of blood is no remission, Heb. 9, 22. This our first purgation is figured also by baptism, where our washing in the water (or new birth, Tit. 3. 5) betokeneth our putting on of Christ, Gal. 3, 27. which in the Revelation is called the white raiment▪ Revel. 3, vers. 4. 18, and is named of S. Paul, the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness, Eph 4, 24, which is to mortify the deeds of the body by the spirit, Rom. 8, 13, and to put off the sinful body of the flesh, Col. 2, 11, that is, to crucify our old man, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin, Rom. 6, 6, for they that are Christ's, have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts, Gal. 5, 24. read Col. 3, 5, and Tit. 2, vers. 11. 12 etc. Our other purgation is by the fire of afflictions and persecutions, Dan. 12, 10, which all that will live godly in Christ jesus must endure, Psal. 34, 19 Phil. 1, 29. 〈◊〉 Tim. 4, 10. 2 Tim. 3, 12. 1 Pet. 1, for 6. 7: that the trial of our faith being much more precious than gold, that perisheth (though it be tried by fire) might be sound unto our praise and honour, and glory at the appearing of jesus Christ, whom we have not seen, and yet love him; in whom now though we see him not, yet do we believe and rejoice with joy unspeakable and glorious, receiving the end of our faith, even the salvation of our souls, 1 Pet. 1. ver. 7, 8▪ 9, for if we be without the corrections whereof all the faithful are partakers, then are we bastards and not sons, Hebr. 12, 8. And here we may see that Bildad argued very absurdly against job, in reasoning thus: If thou wert righteous, God would not afflict thee, but he afflicteth thee, therefore art thou unrighteous, job 8. ver. 6. 20. Wherefore job confuteth this absurdity in the next chapter, vers. 21. 22. These afflictions of the faithful were most lively represented by the beasts divided in the midst, in the covenant that God made with Abraham, where the fowls fell upon the carcases, & ● the Lord went between those diuide● pieces of the beasts with a smoking furnace and firebrand, Gen. 15. verse 10. 11. 17. to teach Abraham that his posterity should suffer many and diverse afflictions, to be rend and torn in pieces, & tried with fire & faggot, as the lord there in a word plainly expresseth, verse 13. Exod. 2, 11. Heb. 〈◊〉 verse 36. 37. In the law likewise this was prefigured, where they were commanded in all their oblations to offer salt, Levit 2, 13. which Christ himself thus interpreteth: Every man shall be salted with fire, and every sacrifice shall be salted with salt, Mark 9, 49. This sacrifice is every Christian man's body, which he is bound of duty and service (even by reason Rom. 6, 19) to give up, and offer holy and acceptable unto God, Ro. 12, 1. for to this end our saviour saith to all: If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me, Luke 9, 23. I am loath to be longer in this point, yet since we are come thus far into the field of Christian combats, let us at the least take a survey of the battle: for it may be though we comenow but only to see the host, as David did, 1 Sam. 17. vers. 17. 20. that the Lord will one day call us forth as he did David, to fight against Goliath, verse 49 etc. For howsoever worldly soldiers are discharged either for infirmities, or age: yet none are exempted from this christian warfare, but all (even from children, Mat. 19, 14) that fear God, must prepare themselves to this warfare, which is not against flesh, and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against worldly governors, the princes of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickednesses, which are in the high places, Eph. 6, 12. The weapons of this warfare are the very whole armour of god, Eph. 6, 11 etc. by which Christ our Captain hath already conquered all the power and kingdom of Satan for us, Isai. 59 vers. 16. 17. 18. Wherefore Saint Paul as an Herald about to cry an Alarm in this great host, biddeth us to be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might, Eph. 6, 10. And to watch, stand fast in the faith, to quit us like men, and be strong, 1 Cor. 10, 13. And he showeth the means how we may so do, namely by continuing in one spirit, and in one mind, fight together through the faith of the Gospel, Philip. 1, 27. S. john also (to comfort us) before we have given one stroke, telleth us that we have already gotten the victory, and overcome the wicked one, that is the Devil, 1 joh. 2, 13. This might seem unto us a paradox, but that we cannot forget our grand captain Christ, the head of his body the Church, Col. 1, 18. who hath spoiled the principalities, & powers, and triumphed over them in his cross, Col. 2, 15. and so cast out the prince of this world, joh. 12, 31. & overcome the world, joh. 16, 33. Thus therefore against Satan, and his kingdom, with all our spiritual enemies, being first subdued by Christ, we are set to fight that we might be most sure of the victory, seeing our Captain hath given them their death's wound. Wherefore now if we do but resist the Devil (in a steadfast faith, as S. Peter adviseth, 1 Pet. 5, 9) he will fly from us, as Saint james saith, jam. 4, 7. We see then that Christ our Captain dealeth with us in this christian fight, as Captain joshua did with the chief warriors of Israel in the Lord's battle against ●he Amorits, who causing the 5. Kings of ●he Amorits to be brought out unto him ●orth of the cave at Makkedah, where for ●eare they had hid themselves, said unto ●he chief of the men of war, which went with him: Come near, set your feet upon ●he necks of these kings etc. fear not, ●or be fainthearted, but be strong: for ●hus will the Lord do to all your enemies, ●gainst whom ye fight, Josh. 10. vers 24. ●5. And though we be able to do all ●hings through the help of Christ, which strengtheneth us, Phil. 4, 13. for it is he, ●hat shall tread down our enemies, Psal. 〈◊〉 8, 13. yet whatsoever faileth in us to perform against our spiritual adversaries, that Christ himself most tenderly affects for us, as good Captain Gide●n did touching those kings of Midia, Zebah and Zalmunna, against whom Ie●her his eldest son durst not draw his 〈◊〉, Iud 8, 20. yea we shall walk upon ●he lion and the asp, the young lion and ●he dragon shall we tread under feet, Ps. ●1, 13. for even like as in old time Christ was the Captain and guide unto the Is●raelites to conduct them safely through the great and terrible wilderness in th● borders of Moab, wherein were fier● serpents, & Scorpions, Deut. 8, 15. whic● conduction (as the Prophet noteth) ought never to be forgotten, jere. 2, 6. Even s● Christ hath given us power to tread o● serpents and scorpions, and over all th● power of the enemy, that nothing ma● hurt us, Luk. 10, 16. Isa. 11, 6. & 65, 25. Ho● 2, 18. Notwithstanding them that for Christ's sake we be killed all day long, & counte● as sheep for the slaughter: yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through our Captain, that loveth us Rom. 8. verse. 36. 37. for though we walk● in the flesh, yet we do not war after th● flesh: for the weapons of our warfare an● not carnal, but mighty through God to● cast down holds, casting down the imaginations, and every high thing, tha● is 
c For an example here of see with what violence Satan's power falleth down at the Apostles preachings, Luk. 10, 18. Read act. 24, 26. where Paul a prisoner maketh Felix the precedent to quake.  exalted against the knowledge o● God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the ordinance of Christ, Cor. 10. vers. 3. 4. 5. And our Captain is faithful, which will not suffer us to be ●mpted above that we be able, but will ●uen give the issue with the tentation, ●hat we may be able to bear it, 1 Cor. 10, ●3. Therefore let us not be afraid for any ●errour, 1 Pet. 3, 14. But as our Captain ●esus, that he might sanctify the people ●ith his own blood, suffered without the gate: even so let us go forth out of the ●ampe, to this fight bearing his reproach, Heb. 13. vers. 12. 13. Knowing this, that if we suffer with Christ, we shall also be glorified with him, Rom. 8, 17. & though we know, that this our strife against sin (Hebr. 12, 4) is always in our captains sight, Psal. 33, vers. 18. 19 yet the more to encourage us thereunto he telleth us that he knoweth our tribulations. Revel. 2, 9 for he knoweth whereof we are made, Ps. 103, 14, and is touched with the feeling of our infirmities, because his own self was in all things tempted in like sort, Hebr. 4, 15. therefore he supporteth us, when we faint, and saith to every one of us: My grace is sufficient for thee, 2 Cor. 12, 9 fear none of those things, which thou shalt suffer, but be thou faithful unto the death, & I will give thee the crown of life, Revel. 2, 10. 
Mass.   
Their Mass likewise is most flatly against 
Heb. 2, 17. & 3, 1. & 4, 14 etc. & 5, 5. & 6, 20. & 7. vers. 16. 21. and 8, 1. and 9, 11. and 13, 12.  the word of God: for whereas jesus Christ is our only High-sacrificer to offer and present us blameless in his own merits and righteousness unto God his father, and that by offering up his body on the cross for our sins once for all, Heb. 9, 25 etc. and 10. 10 etc. These merchants have of their own brain devised a strange sacrifice, and priests for the nonce, to offer it in Christ's stead to God, as propitiatory both for the quick and dead, which contumelious blasphemy unto Christ (besides that so they crucify again to themselves the son of God, and make a mock of him, Heb. 6, 6) who seethe not to be wickedly devised of those merchants to make merchandise of God's people for their own filthy lucre?  
And where they say as blasphemously (for all their cozening is blasphemy, Revel. 13. 1) that the jews 
f The jews falsely charged by the Papists.  have falsified and corrupt the old Testament, and therefore that the doctrine thereof is doubtful, they speak most ignorantly and untruly: for we have Christ's word to the contrary, who saith: 
g That place is otherwise taken: but the plain words of the text wash this crime away.  Verily I say unto you, till heaven and earth perish, one jot, or one title of the law shall not scape, Mat. 5, 18. Of all the 
h The pricks which now are used for vowels in reading that tongue, were invented 400. years after by the Massorites.  Hebrew letters of the jews, their jod was the least, which (after the Greek) is called a jot, and (for the littleness) a little: whereby our Lord, to signify the integrity of the old Testament, here warranteth under an oath that not even so little of the law shall fail. Besides, our Saviour rectifying the false interpretations 
Mat. 5, 21 etc. & 15, 4 etc.  of the law by the Scribes & pharisees, never chargeth them of altering any text thereof: yea rather he confirmeth the purity of the law, by sending the people to the diligent reading of Moses and the Prophets, Mat. 23, 1 etc. Luk. 10, 26. & 16, 29. john. 5. 39 And there is no one point of doctrine contained in the new Testament, that is not also confirmed, and approved by the old, Luk, 24, 44. Act. 17. vers. 2. 3. & 26, 22. 1 Cor. 15. vers. 3. 4. And the new Testament is the accomplishing and fulfilling of the old, Mat. 5, 17. Rom. 10, 4. But as these Merchants have most falsely belied the jews for the old testament, so they themselves have very despitefully 
i The Papists blasphemously miscall the holy scriptures, & why.  blasphemed the new testament, and holy scriptures (and all because they tell us how these juggling merchants cozen the world) terming them a nose of wax: a shipman's hose: an ynken gospel: to be of no better authority than Aesopes fables: and most wickedly censuring the holy Ghost, the composer of David's Psalms, with that profane verse: 
Scribimus indocti, doctic po●mat a passim▪  
Whole books of verses commonly,  
Aswell th' unlearnt, as learned write we.   
This is that Torch-blasing-star wormwood, which infecteth the pure waters of God's word with his bitter blasphemies, whereof they die that drink it, Revel. 8, 11. refusing the waters of life, john. 4, 10. Therefore turn away from such, saith the holy ghost, 2 Tim. 3, 5. And, go out of her, my people, that you be not partakers in her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues, Revel. 18, 4.  
And here because we are come to S. john's Revelation, which contemeth a general prophecy of all the afflictions (general and particular) that the Church of Christ shall endure till the last day, and by most evident tokens pointeth at Rome, from whence those evils should issue: let us give the catholics a taste of that their filthy cage, Revel. 18, 2) by viewing the intercourse of God's scourge among the 
Rome.  wicked. The 
k Nimrod, Chans nephew, built Babylon, and Ninive of the Assyrians, by which two countries God's church of the jews endured many times most cruel tyranny, & at length miserable captivity: Israel by the Assyrians, anno mundi. 3264. 2 King. 17, 6. and 122. years after judah by the Babylonians, ibid. 24. 10 etc. Ier 50, 17. wherefore the Lord assureth his church to be especially revenged of these two, Mic. 5, 6.  Babylonians, the most ancient afflicters of the church of God, Gen. 10. verse 8, 10) having a long time tyrannized in the world, at length, by the providence of God, grew to such an head, that they overcame many and mighty nations, jerem. 25 & 27) in so much that they presumed, and prevailed against the Lord's people, leading them away captives, and destroying their city and temple, in revenge whereof, they were vanquished of the Medes and Persians, jere. 50, 28. & 51, 11. Dan. 5, vers. 30. 31. The Macedonians subdued the Medes & Persians, Dan. 7, 6. and 8. vers. 5. 6. 7. 20. 21. The Seleucians, or Asians, suppressed the Macedonians, Dan. 7, 7. The Romans foiled the Seleucians, Dan. 11. vers. 30. 44. Finally, the Romans by little and little through mutual dissension and civil discord having altered and diminished their own state, first begin to persecute Christ in his swadlings & infancy, forcing him to be laid in a manger, Luke 2, 7. Secondly, they most unjustly exacted Tribute of him being the great king's son, and therefore free, Matth. 17, 24 etc. Thirdly, they condemned him to death, Matth. 20, 19 john. 11, 48 & 18, 35. & 19, 15. Act. 4, 27. Revel. 11, 8. And lastly, they 
l This notable destruction and desolation by the Romans, as well for the ancient prophecy so long before, as for some future & strange event, our Lord himself adviseth us every one to consider, Mat. 24, 15.  destroyed the City and Temple, Dan. 9 26. Luke 21, 20, as the Babylonians had done before, and why shall they not have the Babylonians reward, even utter destruction for the same? Read Zech. 14. ve. 1. 2. 3. The holy Ghost calleth this ugly cage and cursed city Rome, for the filthiness thereof, Sodom: and for her cruelty to Christ's Saints, Egypt: and in respect of Pilate the Roman Deputy that delivered Christ to death, joh. 19 vers. 15. 16, he calleth it the place where our Lord was crucified, Reu. 11, 8. And even like as the former Babylon, in the East parts of the world most cruelly afflicted God's people the jews, Isa. 47, 6. jer. 50, 17: so this City in the West S. john calleth Babylon, Reu. 16, 19 & 18, 2 etc. which (by the spirit of prophecy) he saw should no less cruelly persecute the Saints & servants of Christ. And for this similitude of Rome with Babylon, S. john calleth Rome, or rather Antichrist the king of that Antichristian usurpation, 
Isa. 21, 2. jere. 51, 25.  by the Hebrew word abaddon (destroyer, Reu. 9, 11) as the prophets Isay & jeremy had many hundred years before called old Babylon, & the king thereof. And because John wrote to the Greek churches of 
m This was Asia minor, where japhets sons inhabited, among whom S. Paul had long before this time planted the Gospel, Act. 19 vers. r. 10. 26. & 20, 18 etc. And were thus through piety persuaded to dwell in the Tents of Sem. Gen. 9, 29. as likewise for policy they were persuaded 500 years before to dwell, and confederate with Sem against Babylon, Isai. 21, 2. Gen. 10. vers. 2. 22. Antichrists characterie name.  Asia, Re●, 4 he interpreteth the Hebrew in their own tongue, Apollyon (destroyer) as S. Paul likewise calleth him the son of perdition, or destruction, 2 Thes. 2, 3. And S. Peter respecting their whole corporation, nameth them, privy-inbringers of the heresies of destruction, 2. Pet. 2, 1. Wherefore Irenaeus, or some grave father in that age, have wisely (as the holy Ghost advised, Reu. 13, 18) gathered his characterie name of the Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, both which exactly contain that number (〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉) 666, the Beasts name: the former noting Rome, the City, and language of Antichrist; the latter, Italy, his peculiar Church and country. Which City, the Angel telleth john is built upon seven mountains Revel. 17. vers. 9 18. As also Virgil, 
Georg. 2. 1 Trist. El. 4 & 3, 7.  and most plainly Ovid (more than once) doth witness Rome to be:  
Sed, quae de septem totum circumspicit orbem  
Montibus, imperij, Roma, deumque locus.  

My home is Rome imperial, the place of gods no doubt:  
Which from seven mountains doth behold the whole world round about.   
This Romish Babylon, & papal corporation S. john calleth not a Virgin (as yet the Prophet Isai named old Babylon, Isai. 47, 1) but an abominable whorish woman, who, for her filthy 
n Because Antichrist must sit in the temple of God, (i. presume authority over matters of Christian faith & religion, 2 Thes. 2, 4) And have a show of godliness, 2 Tim. 3, 5. the holy spirit, to help our infirmities, speaking evidently (as S. Paul testifieth, 1 Tim. 4, 1. which S. john calleth spiritually, Revel. 11, 8) layeth out in open & plain terms the name, Mystery, written in the forehead of Antichrist, calling it Great Babylon, the mother of whoredoms and abominations of the earth. Re. 17. 5  fornications and whoredoms, far more impure than Babylon, was far unfit for so puer a name. Revel. 17. vers. 3. 5. He describeth her colors to be purple and 
o The Pope can be content to wear Christ's scarlet rob, because (howsoever it was put upon Christ in mockery) it represented a kingly majesty, Mat 27, 28. but yet he will have it also adorned with gold, precious ●●ones, & pearls, that so it may be the true livery of Antichrist. Revel. 17, 4.  scarlet, as the Pope himself, and his Cardinals even at this day use to wear, Revel. 17, 4. And finally, to remove all doubt of that cruel city, the Angel certifieth john that it is that great city which ruleth over the kings of the earth, which then, when S. john wrote that Revellation, was Rome, Reu. 17, 18. And that in it (that is, within the far & wide usurped power & jurisdiction thereof) was found the blood of all the Prophets and Saints, that were slain upon the earth, Revel. 18, 24. No marvel then, if the Romans, beginning so cruelly with Christ, and joining with the jews to crucify the Lord of glory, hold on still in all impious and superstitious rage against the true christians: and, being absurd and reprobate in doctrine concerning the faith, be derided, and detested of all good men, whom Christ's servants shall at length vanquish most gloriously, and reward them double according to their works. The spirit of God hath commanded so, and we are sure it will be so, and have good hope to see it so Revel. 18, 6. for their great city (that is, their former large usurped power over many countries and nations) is already divided into three parts, Revel. 16, 19: for of that large Romish corporation some nations are become true Christian protestants, as, England, Scotland, Germany, Denmark etc. some hold still the Romish religion, as: Italy, Spain, and the countries under their tyranny; some are neither, as the kingdoms and countries won from Antichrist by the Turk, Revel. 9, verse 14. 15. 20. with all other Atheists & Sectaries among the two former sorts. The Lord hath graciously begun their ruin in diverse of those ten kingdoms, which sometime wholly bend their power to assist the Beast, reve. 17. verse 12. 13: but now a good part of them forsake and hate the Beast, Reu. 17. verse 16. 17. And, as we have heard that those devilish spirits are gone forth unto the kings of the earth to gather them (in their holy League, as they call it) to the battle of the great day (for their usual speech is, that they hope for a day, but the holy Ghost saith) of God almighty: so we look when they shall be gathered (as blessed be God, we saw a fair beginning in the year 1588., when they compassed the 
p With such glorious titles it pleaseth the Lord to beautify the professors of his word as Da. 7, 18 & 8. v. 10. 24. & P●. 105, 15.  Tents of the Saints about, & the beloved City, Revel. 20, 9) at 
q S. john setting down Ar●nageddon, addeth withal, that it is so called in Hebrew, whereby he would have us to search the old Testament for the true sense & meaning of the story: & so much also he meant by Abaddon before, in which word he expresseth the Prophets thereunto alleged, paraphrastically, the more to stir up our desire in seeking out the truth.  Ar-mageddon, Revelat. 16, 16. For Saint john alluding to Magiddon, or Mageddon, which was a region in judaea towards the mediterrane sea in the tribe of Manasses, calleth it Ar-mageddon (the mountain of the slain) and of purpose addeth Ar (mountain) to Mageddon, because of mount Tabor, which being strongly environed with other near mountains, jer. 46, 18, was within the coast of Mageddon, whereon Barak and Deborah, with their army, expecting the coming of Sisera, most wonderfully discomfited king jabin, and his complices, the main Relics of the Canaanites, and most despiteful enemies of God's Church, judg. 4. verse 6. 12. 15. & 5. verse 18. 19 Psal. 83. verse 9 10.  
In that Mageddon also at the brook Kishon Elias slew the idolatrous Prophets of Baal, 1. King. 18, 40. The holy Ghost therefore, leading us to that place and victory, would put us in most certain hope and expectation of the like, and very rare victories of the idolatrous Papists, the sworn adversaries of the true Church of Christ. And, for confirmation of this Truth, Deborah, by the power of the spirit, winding in all God's adversaries together on an heap, concludeth her Epinice or song of her triumph with this acclamation: so let all thine enemies perish, o Lord. Amen. read Psalm. 83.  
Thus have we briefly seen how the Lord God, being before all beginning, & 
Psal. 90, 2.  from everlasting hath by his wonderful workmanship of the world, declared his eternal power and Godhead unto men, creating all things for the benefit of man, and man himself to fear and love the Lord: who, being created in holy innocency, and made the sovereign of all earthly creatures, wittingly, and wilfully transgressed the commandment of his Lord, whereby he most justly procured eternal death to himself, and to all his posterity. But the Lord unspeakably rich in mercy, found out a Redeemer, even of the seed of the woman, the Man jesus Christ the righteous, the very son of God, who, after many promises of his coming in sundry ages, when the fullness of time was come, being miraculously conceived by the holy Ghost, in the womb of a virgin, became man, to suffer for man▪ that death, which all mankind had rightly deserved, and so both freeing us from the punishment of sin, and clearing us from the guiltiness thereof, hath set us at peace again with God, and purchased an inheritance immortal and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved for us in heaven, and not committed any more to our own keeping (as it was to Adam's) for the Lord himself sustaineth our lot, Psal. 16, 5. and keepeth us by his power through faith unto salvation, which is prepared to be showed in the last time, 1. Pet. 1, 4. requiring of us that we should not now live unto ourselves, but unto him, that died for us, and rose again, that we likewise should rise to a newness of life in holiness, righteousness and Christian sobriety in this present world, looking for the blessed 
q This is the true mark of all the godly and faithful generally, both under the old Testament & the new, a secure hope and expectation of the last judgement in the second coming of Christ, Luc. 12, 36. & 21, 28. Phil. 3, 20. 1 Th. 1. ver. 3. 10. 2 Thes. 3, 5. H●b. 9, 28. and 11, 3. jam. 5, 8. Re, 22, 20.  hope, and appearance of our Saviour jesus Christ, to everlasting life.  
Resolve now thyself, Christian Reader, resign all earthly 
r Christian's ought by the counsel of the holy Ghost, to examine & prove themselves whether they be in the faith, & feel the spirit of Christ working in them, 2 Cor. 13, 5: for by Christ's spirit of adoption (which is a witness in our hearts that we are the children of god 1 joh. 5, 10. Rom, 8. ve. 9 15. Eph. 1, 13) we delight in the law of God, & take no pleasure in sin, Heb. 11. 25. but are grieved with sin, 2. Pet. 2, 8. and say with S. Paul: I do not the good thing, which I would but the evil, which I would not, Rom. 8, 19 And every one, whose heart and conscience can truly thus persuade him, is undoubtedly the elected child of God. Where contrarily, the reprobate delight in sin, because they are of the world, joh. 8, 23. & therefore love the world, joh. 15, 19 & the things of the world, as the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and pride of life. 1 joh. 2. v. 15. 16. And shall receive the wages of unrighteousness, as they which count it pleasure to live deliciously for a season, 2 Pet. 2, 13.  affections, Col. 3, 2. and consult no longer with flesh and blood, but enter into counsel with thine own soul for the apprehending of this eternal life: which life, for the marvelous excellency thereof (being that hid treasure, that precious pearl, Matth. 13. verse 44. 46) can not be sufficiently expressed by all the glory of the world. The holy Ghost choosing out the most precious things that nature can afford, to describe unto us the heavenly jerusalem, our everlasting city, saith thus: The city was pure gold, like clear glass, the foundations of the wall thereof were garnished with all manner of precious stones, the gates of pearl, the streets of pure gold etc. It needeth neither Sun, nor Moon to shine in it, for the glory of God did light it. The people which are saved shall walk in the light of it, & the kings of the earth shall bring their glory and honour unto it, Reu. 21, 18 etc. O how excellent things are spoken of thee, thou city of God, Psa. 87, 2. The eye hath not seen, nor the ear heard, neither came into man's heart the glorious things, which God hath prepared for them that love him, 1. Cor. 2, 9 These marvelous things (as Saint Peter saith) the Angels desired to pry into, 1 Pet. 1, 12. For, indeed, the Angels received first knowledge of God's eternal wisdom and purpose in Christ, concerning these things, by the Church, Ephs. 3, 10. And every creature with fervent desire waiteth when the sons of God shall be revealed, Rom. 8, 19, & shine as the sun, in the kingdom of their father. Mat. 13, 43. For although we be now the sons of God by faith in Christ jesus, Gal. 3, 26: yet doth it not now appear what we shall be, 1 joh. 3, 2. because that through Christian mortification, 2 Cor. 4. verse 10. 11. and 5, 15. we are in this world as dead, and our life is hid with Christ in God: but when Christ, which is our life, shall appear, then shall we also appear with him in glory, Col. 3, 3 etc. For the Lord jesus Christ shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, Phil. 3, 21. and then we shall see him as he is, 1 joh. 3, 2. Moses upon mount Horeb saw but some glimpse of the shadowed majesty of God (for else no man hath seen God in his essential glory at any time, joh. 1, 18) and the skin of his face so shone withal, that neither the Israelites, nor Aaron himself, were able to look upon him, until he had put a viso over his face, Exod. 34, 29 etc. Elias also upon the same mount, at God's visible presence, covered his face with his mantel, 1 King. 19 verse 8. 13. And of all other Moses was once so hardy, that he desired the Lord to show him his very divine majesty, but that request obtained would have cost him his life, and in mercy therefore it was denied him, Exod. 33, 18 etc. But what speak we of man's disability in this behalf? Neither the Angels themselves are able to behold the Lord in his full majesty, nor men to endure even the sight of an angel, as we see prefigured by the face and feeet-covering in isay's vision, Isa. 6, 2. Seeing then, after this life, we shall always have the fruition of this excellent and heavenly glory, which now neither men, nor Angels can sustain, not upon an earthly mountain in a material Tabernacle with Peter, Mat. 17, 4: but in Heaven, in that precious and heavenly jerusalem, Heb. 12, 22. with God the Father, the Son, and the holy Spirit, that most blessed and glorious Trinity, in whose presence is the fullness of joy, and at whose right hand there are pleasures for evermore, Psal. 16, 11. together with all the goodly company of Angels, Zech. 3, 7. Heb. 12, 22. and holy Saints, Mat. 8, 11. seeing (I say) we look for new heavens and a new earth, according to his promise, wherein dwelleth righteousness, 2. Pet. 3, 13. and for such a kingdom, Luk. 12, 32. for he is faithful that hath promised, Hebr. 10, 23. what manner persons ought we to be in holy conversation and godliness, looking for, and hasting unto the coming of the great day of our Lord and Saviour jesus Christ to judgement, giving diligence that we may be found in him in peace without spot and blameless? 2. Pet. 3, 11 etc. And in the mean time, let Moses show us the shortness of this life, Psal. 90, 10. And that covetous fool in S. Luke▪ teach us that the incerteinty thereof is more dangerous than the shortness, Luk. 12, 20. let us use this world as though we used it not, 1. Cor. 7, 31, for the fashion thereof is as changeable as our garment, Psal. 102, 26. Let the holy ghost persuade us to carry ourselves without covetousness, and to be content with those things, 
Read Mat. 6, 25 etc. and Psal. 37.  which we have: for he hath said, I will not fail thee, neither forsake thee, so that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, neither will I fear what man can do unto me, Heb. 13. verse 5. 6. And for our continual & assured hope of the glorious life to come, let us rejoice in the Lord always, Philip. 4, 4. Let us cast away every thing that presseth down, and the sin, that hangeth so fast on: let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto jesus the author & finisher of our faith, who for the joy, that was set before him, endured the cross, despised shame, and is set at the right hand of the throne of God, Hebr. 12. verse 1. 2. This jesus, being the forerunner for us, is entered into heaven, Hebr. 6, 20. and gone to prepare a place for us, joh. 14, 2. where we have already an interest by Christ our head, as having our conversation with him in heaven, from whence we look for the saviour, even our Lord jesus Christ, Phil. 3, 20. Who shall then separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or anguish, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? much less (I hope) shall the love of the world, wife, children, friends, honour, etc. remove us from this our eternal glory: persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor Angels, nor things present, nor things to come, nor any creature shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ jesus our Lord, Rom▪ 8, 35 etc.  
To conclude, courteous Reader, if thou be'st affected to the Romish religion (as haply thou mightest through the deceivable show of these merchants counterfeit godliness) I charge thee before God, and his elect Angels, that thou dearly tender the salvation of thy soul, which Christ hath purchased with his own blood, and that thou settle and ground the certainty of thy salvation upon the written word of God (and not on the uncertain Traditions of those crafty merchants) with full assurance of faith firmly stayed in God's promises through hope, as the sure anchor of the soul: for so the Scriptures plentifully teach, Psal. 56, 11. Ro, 8, 38 etc. Col. 2, 2. Heb. 6, 19 and 1●. verse 22. 23.  
The word of God is the only rule of a Christians life, Psal. 119, 9 There will nothing else stead us at the last day, when we must all appear before the tribunal seat of Christ, 2 Cor. 5, 10) but Gods own word & promise. He will allow of nothing, but that which himself hath commanded, Deut. 12, 32. for all other things (be they never so glorious in the sight of men) the Lord will answer, Who required this at your hands, Isa. 1, 12. jer. 7. vers. 22. 23. Seek therefore in the Bible, & book of the Lord, & read Isa. 34, 16: for, Blessed is he that readeth, & they that hear the word of God, and keep it, Luke 11, 28. Reu. 1, 3. You know whither Abraham sent the richman's brethren: namely to 
r Albeit the Law of Moses, and the Prophets were read every sabbath day in the jews synagogues, yet did they not understand them, act. 13, 27. & that because they did not believe them, joh. 5, 46. which their unbelief see how S. Paul saith was foreshadowed by Moses vail, 2. Co. 3. 13 etc. read Heb. 4, 2.  read Moses & the Prophets, that so they might be warned to avoid hell flames, Luke 16, 27 etc. Our Lord told those pharisees, that in vain they worshipped God, teaching for doctrines, men's precepts, Mat. 15, 9 He told those Sadduces also that they were deceived, because they knew not the scriptures, Mat. 22, 29. Remember Saint Paul's warning, Let no man deceive you with vain words: for through such things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience, be not therefore companions with them, Ephes. 5, 6 etc. And that fierce wrath of god, in punishing the neglect of his word, the Apostle declareth to be, in sending to the disobedient strong 
s Saint john, as it were in a map, purtrayeth the very picture of this foolish world made stark mad by the strength of this delusion. and he showeth it us (as he might well do) for the great wonders of Antichrist: for can there be any greater wonder, then that the inhabitants of the earth should so generally be 〈◊〉 deceived? Reu. 13 vers. 8. 12. 13. 14.  delusion to believe lies, 2 Thes. 2. vers. 10. 11. as we see in our obstinate Romish Catholics, whose consciences are so cauterized (as the holy Ghost foretold, 1 Tim. 4. 2) that neither fear of God, obedience to their Prince, love of their country, persuasion of friends regard of posterity, nor care of their own souls, can either dissuade them from their damnable opinions, or yet reclaim them from their devilish attempts, But of this their incredible obstinacy our Saviour hath forewarned us, saying: that the time should come, that whosoever killeth his Disciples & professors of his word, will think that he doth God service, joh. 16, 2. Saint john would seem to yield a reason of this their unreasonable obstinacy: they (saith he, speaking of Antichristian teachers) are of the world, therefore speak years, yet the holy Scriptures affirm neither the one nor the other: but rather infer the contrary, Rom. 15, 20 etc. Gal. 2. verse 1. 2. 8. 9 2 Tim. 4, 16. Yes (say they) in that salutation (The church which is at Babylon saluteth you, 1 Pet. 5. 13) S. Peter put Babylon for Rome. Yea what will they not allow, so that they might prove that S. Peter was at Rome? But briefly, for the disproof of their Charter, our Lord having asked his disciples whom they thought him to be, Mat. 16, 15. Peter (as he was ever very forward in speech) answereth in the name of the rest: Thou art the Christ, the son of the living God. Wherefore our Saviour approving Peter's answer & confession, being built upon the head corner stone jesus Christ, Act. 4, 11. 1 Cor. 3, 11, and alluding to his name Peter, which signifieth a stone or rock, saith to Peter, and in him to the rest; for as Peter answered for all (for they all believed and confessed the same, joh. 6, 69) so all were answered again in Peter: Thou art Peter, & upon this rock (meaning, like a wise builder, a sure foundation of a spiritual building, Mat. 7, 24. 1 Cor. 10. 4. & not, as those foolish daubers, Ezech. 13, 10 etc. upon the flitting sands, Mat, 7, 26) will I build my Church, against which no strength of Satan shall prevail. By the keys is meant authority and power, Isa. 22, 22. Reu. 3, 7. And here mark well the words of their pretenced charter: Christ saith, I will give unto thee the keys etc. he saith not, I do give: for notwithstanding this true confession of Peter, Peter's 
y Peter was then as unfit to receive the keys, as he was unable at Christ's passion to follow Christ in sufferings, which thing yet afterward he must do. joh. 13, 36. and 21, 19 2 Pet. 1, 14.  unfitness then to receive the keys was such, that within four verses after in the same Chapter, Christ's very next words to Peter are these: Get thee behind me Satan: Thou art an offence unto me, because thou understandest not the things that are of God, but the things that are of men, Mat. 16, 23. And Peter only of all the Apostles, a good space after this, denied with an oath, & that at the instance of a silly girl, that ever he had any acquaintance with Christ, Mat. 26, 74. we see therefore that though they will have here their Charter engrossed, yet was it then neither delivered, nor under seal: but both were done after Christ's resurrection, & at the time of sealing & delivering, Christ delivered these keys of binding & losing sins, aswell to all the other Disciples, as to S. Peter, joh. 20. vers. 22. 23. As likewise they have ever been in the church of God Jude ver. 14. 2 Pet. 2, 7. jer. 1, 10. And 
z There are then no keys for the pope, but that one key of the bottomless pit. Reu. 9, 1 etc.  are in all the just ministers of God's word, & always shallbe, Mat. 18. verse 17. 18. 1 Cor. 5, 4 etc. 2 Cor. 2. verse 7. 15. and 10, 4. 1. Tim. 5. verse 20. 24. jud. vers. 22. 23. Yea, though their privilege were good (as we see it counterfeit and common) yet must it either be personal, or local, or mixed of both. If it be personal, it perished with Peter: if local, what place shall ever be of so great privilege & prerogatives, as was mount Zion, jerusalem? what special covenants? 
Zions' prerogatives.  what excellent promises had she? God hath laid his foundations among the holy mountains: the Lord loved the gates of Zion above all the habitations of jacob. Of Zion it shall be said, many are borne in her, and the Most-high shall 'stablish her etc. Psal. 87, 1 etc. For the Lord hath chosen Zion, and loved to dwell in it, saying: This is my rest for ever, here will I dwell, for I have a delight therein, etc. Psal. 132, 13 etc. And the jews were not a little proud hereof, jer. 7, 3 etc. but God's promises to jerusalem were conditional: if thy sons keep my covenant etc. Psa. 132, 12. for else it should be served as Shilo was, jerem. 7, 14. jerusalem should be counted as Sodom, Ezech. 16. verse 48. 53. 
Read 2 King. 23, 27.  and Zion for their sake, should be ploughed as a field, and jerusalem become as heaps, Micah 3, 12. And touching local worship, our Saviour hath taught us in his communication to the woman of Samaria, that the true worshippers of God should look for none, joh. 4. verse 20. 21. 23. for men may, and must, pray in every place, listing up pure hands without wrath and 
* Mat. 21. verse 21 22. james 1, 6.  doubting, 1 Tim. 2, 8. 1 Cor. 1, 2. To come then to their Church, how is their church the Church of Christ, seeing they reject the word of God, as they do? Our Saviour reasoneth thus against the jews: He that is of God, heareth Gods words, ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God, joh. 8, 47. If all men be bound to allow this reason (as upon pain of damnation they are) how is the Church of 
a This is meant of their visible & out ward Church, for else there are among them many (no doubt) who fearing God and embracing his word, abhor the Beast, & detest his religion, as were in that corrupt time of Ahab, 1 king. 19 ver. 10. 18. Rom. 11 ver. 3. 4. And good Obadia, a chief officer in Ahabs' Court, 1 king. 18, 〈◊〉 and in S. Paul's time, they of Nero's household at Rome, Phil. 4, 22.  Rome a member of the Church of God, sith it refuseth to hear his word? as we see by practice in their 
a Recusants are to be compelled to come & hear the word of God, Lu. 14, 23. by these examples, Josh. 24 23 etc. 2 Chro. 34, 33. Ezra 7, 26. Ne. 10. ve. 1. 28 etc. And by these warrants, Exod. 22, 20. Nom. 9, 13. Deut. 13, 12 etc. & 17, 2 etc. Isa 8, 20. Zec. 13, 2 etc. for like as by their refusing to hear God's word, they show themselves not to be of God, as our Lord testifieth joh. 8, 47: even so, through the same refusal, their prayer and divine service is abominable in God's sight, as the holy Ghost witnesseth, Prou. 28, 9 And even to worship the living God otherwise then he prescribeth in his word, is all one thing unto him, as to serve Idols, and strange gods only, as we may see, Exod. 32. ve. 1. 4 etc. and 1 king. 12, 28. and 2 king. 17. verse 28. 29. 32 etc. where those calfeworshippers, in show of the Calf, pretended the worship of the true God, as plainly appeareth by Aaron's Holiday to the Lord, Exod. 32, 5. and by jeroboams crafty tendering the people's far journeys to worship God at jerusalem 1 king. 12, 28. Also in Ezech. 43. verse 7. 8. and Zephan. 1, 5. they mingled their image-worship with God's service. And therefore Act. 7. verse 43. 44. God's Tabernacle is called the Tabernacle of Moloch, because the jews in the wilderness worshipped God with Moloch, the Idol of the Ammonites, Levit. 20, 2 etc. Amos 5, 25. for what agreement hath the Temple of God with Idols? 2 Cor. 6, 16. And because our Recusants are Idolaters, and Image-seruers, and therefore can spiritually neither see, nor understand, as the holy Ghost testifieth, Isa. 44, 18. Psalm. 115, 8. 2 Thes. 2, 10 etc. they are the more to be constrained, and pitied by compulsion, 2 Tim. 2. verse 25. 26. Jude verse 23.  Recusants, & in other open contempts. Which thing doubtless they do, because the word is not marked with the mark, name and image of their Beast, and, the number, and print of his name, Revel. 13. verse 16. 17. and 14, 11. which is, to be read in Latin: to carry the private exposition of their Church: to be mingled with the wormwoodish and bitter waters of their Church-traditions etc. Reu. 8, 10 etc. And because also that they take their Church to be above God's word: for the holy Scriptures lie under the check (forsooth) of their Church. But the word of God shall judge them in the last day, joh. 12, 48. dare they then control their judge? Exo. 22, 28. Again, how may their Church over rule the holy Scriptures, sith it is God's word that must either approve it the Church of Christ, or convince it the synagogue of Satan? joh. 7, 17. Rom. 6, 17. 1 Io. 4, 1. 2 Ioh, verse 10. And we have seen, in the beginning of this Treatise, that the time was, and that since man's Creation, when there was no Church at all. viz. when Adam and Eve, being Satan's bondslaves, were hid in the bushes: and till they heard the word of the promise of redemption, they were no members of God's Church. But by faith only in that word of God, they were regenerate into the Church of Christ, as Saint Peter speaketh, 1 Pet. 1, 23 Therefore the doctrine of the Catholics is most absurd to teach that the Church, being begotten by the immortal seed of God's word, may after dare (like a malapert imp) to control, or infringe the authority of that word, and to presume to over rule it. But we silly souls cannot see that their 
b The Papists pretend Christ's promise for this spirit, joh. 14, 26 but our Lord promiseth, that the holy Ghost should suggest only that, which himself had taught (read the place) now Christ and his Apostles taught nothing but out of the law and the Prophets, Luk. 24, 44. Act. 26 22. Therefore their spirit teaching otherwise, is a cozening counterfeit.  privi-prompt-spirit instructeth their Church of higher, and more excellent things, than the holy Scriptures avouch: among which (I trow) are these: That their Pope cannot err: That the Virgin Marie, and Saints departed this life, must be prayed unto: That images (not Idols) must be worshipped, That a Catholic is not bound to keep faith, & truce with an heretic (for so it pleaseth them to call the professors of God's word) etc. which absurd assertions, & all other their private doctrines taught under the title of that spirit, by the authority of their church, they hold and maintain with no better reason, or more sure ground, than the jews do the Traditions of their 
c Cabal is the I●wes mystical doctrine, delivered from one to another by tradition, which (as they affirm) was not committed to writing, as was God's Law: but delivered by Moses to their forefathers by word of mouth.  Cabal, or Mahomet the ceremonies of his 
d Alcoran is a book containing the law, & religion of Mahomet, with out the knowledge whereof the Turks teach that men are but children in understanding concerning religion.  Alcoran. And as it were hard for man to deem which of these three abominations have sent more millions of souls to hell-fire: so were it as uneath to say, which of the three be more hateful in God's sight, were it not that the Pope hath greater light to his heavier judgement at the last day. And when our Papists, maintaining these, and more gross opinions, and crossing the word of God, be the true members of Christ's Church: then shall those jews be the children of Abraham, who yet bore no resemblance of Abraham's faith, and therefore our Lord told them, that they were of their father the Devil, joh. 8. verse 39 44. Wherefore we will end with this fearful Caveat to them all, 
A Caveat to the Catholics.  That the state of a resolute and perfect Papist, not repenting his religion, but dying so infected and possessed with the poison of Papistry, is undoubtedly a ruled case in the holy Scriptures, and standeth damnable by their censure, as these, and such like places of the new Testament give manifest evidence, 2 Thes. 2, 3 etc. 1 Tim 4, 1 etc. 2 Tim. 3, 1 etc. 2 Pet. 2, 1 etc. Reu. 13, 8. & 14. verse 9 10. & 15, 2. & 20. verse 4. 5. Seeing then their case is so perilous, let us hear once again the triple testimony of God's spirit thus mercifully 
Ephes. 5, 7.  forewarning us: Be not therefore companions with them. Turn away therefore 
2 Tim. 3, 5.  from such. And, by a voice from heaven: Go out of her, my people, that ye be not 
Revel. 18, 4.  partakers in her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.  
Amen. He that hath ears to hear let him hear, Pro. 20, 12. Ezech. 12, 2. Mat. 11, 15.   

A TABLE SHOWING THE PRINCIPAL THINGS contained in this Treatise, wherein the figures declare the page, and where you find a letter after any figure, there in the marginal note under the same letter is handled the matter you seek for.  

A  
Aaron's holiday. 84. a  
Abaddon. 63. and 66. q  
Abraham borne. 7. Called from Vr, anno mundi 2079. 19 saw the days of Christ, 13. by three proofs his faith is specially commended. 8. m. In him all the families of the earth are blessed. 8. The Lord's covenant with him. 51. and 52.  
Adam created the sixth day of the week. 2. that day also being our Friday, is supposed the day of his transgression and redemption. 2. b.  
Adam's perfection and royalty in his innocency. 2. his transgression a most heinous sin. 3. f. huy-and-cry after Adam. 4. his examination. ibid. his faith in the promised seed Christ. 4. his exercises of faith. 5 his robes. 5. h. his sons sacrifices. 5  
spiritual Adultery. 42  
Mahomet's Alcoran. 86  
Angels created when, and wherefore. 1. a. their desire to see the glory of the elect. 71  
The Angels not able to behold Gods full majesty. 72  
Antiehrist sitteth in the temple of God. 64. n. his power. 79. x. his livery. 64. o. his wonders. 77. s. Two special notes of him. 32.  
Apollyon. 63  
Bildad's Argument against job. 51  
Ar-mageddon. 66  
Asia minor. 63. m.  
the Authority of the Scriptures. 28. which the Papists blasphemously miscall, and why. 60   

B  
Babylon built. 61. k. cruelly captiveth and afflicteth God's Church the jews. 62. their deliverance from thence. 19  
the Babylonians destroy Gods Temple, and their reward therefore. 61. so do the Romans. 62  
Rome is Babylon. 62. and 80.  
a fair beginning of Babylon's foil. 66  
Caiaphas speaketh like balam's ass. 21. u.  
Barak. 67  
Baptism representeth our mortification. 45  
the Beasts characterie name. 63  
Christ among wild Beasts. 40  
Christ's Body taken from the cross. 21  
the glorious exchange of our Bodies. 71   

C  
The Iewes Cabal. 86  
Caiaphas prophesieth and blasphemeth with one voice. 21. u.  
Abraham ●alled out of Chaldea. 8. and 19  
Catholics obstinate, and why. 77. their filthy cage Rome. 61. their charter. 79. a fearful caveat to them. 87.  
the whole course of nature Cursed. 4. g. natures desire. 71  
Christ the blessed seed. 5. his nativity. 14. his baptism. 37. his private life. 36▪ his two natures. 11. q. how we obtain his righteousness▪ 24. his scarlet rob. 64. o. he is our king, high priest and Prophet. 34. he only heareth our prayers. 24. the year of his passion foretold. 20. his ascension. 14. his second coming. 69. q. his manifestation to the world, like to the appearance of the suns arising. 16  
Christ crucified from the beginning of the world. 5. visibly replenished with the holy Ghost. 40. he is the only perfection of Christians. 24. and 40 etc.  
Christian's apparel. 5. h. why they should rejoice. 74. their assured hope of eternal life. ibid. their inheritance not in their own keeping. 69. as was adam's. 3. how they should examine themselves▪ 69. r.  
three notable deliverances of God's Church, and all at one time of the year. 19  
why the present Church of Rome is no church of Christ. 83   

D  
The Day by the jews account. 20  
a Day for a year. 20  
Babylon's great Day. 66  
how David saw Christ crucified. 13  
Death's entrance and power by sin. 2. d  
all Dead in Adam. 2. d. and 47  
Deboras song. 67  
Devilish spirits. 66  
Antichristian Doctrine carnal. 78   

E  
Eating of flesh & fish when first permitted. 6. k  
God's Church delivered from Egypt. 19  
Rome called Egypt, and why. 62  
Elias slayeth Baal's Prophets. 67  
the jews general Error, that Elias should come again. 22  
our spiritual Enemies. 47. conquered by Christ. 15. r. 53. and 54.  
the time of the jews evening prayer and oblation. 20. and 21   

F  
Moses bright Face. 71. and 72  
by Faith in Christ were all the patriarchs saved. 4  
the ten Fathers before the flood. 6  
two kinds of Fear. 45. c  
the First borne were sacrificers before the law. 5 ●  
Flesh permitted to be eaten. 6. k  
Noah's Flood what year, 5. month & day, 7. k   

G  
gabriel's ministery in the message of Christ's humanity. 20  
the Gentiles gathered into the sheepfold of the jews. 9 o  
Gideon. 55  
God alloweth nothing but what himself commandeth. 76  
the true mark of the Godly in all ages. 69. q.  
Goliath. 53  
Good and ill angel. 22. t  
Good works, and their right use. 44. and 47  
Grace and thanksgiving at meat used under the Law. 32. a  
the Great city. 65   

H  
Only Christ Heareth our prayers. 24  
Heathen who they were. 7. l. and 9 gathered into the sheepfold of the jews. 9 o. their profane opinions received of the jews. 22. t. their Divines. 49  
a description of the Heavenly jerusalem. 70   

I  
jabin king of Canaan. 67  
jacob. 6. his prophecy of Christ's birth. 22  
japheth persuaded to dwell in the tents of Sem. 63. m  
Idolatry. 42. and 79  
Idol and Image differ not. 79. ●  
jeroboams crafty policy. 84. a  
heavenly jerusalem. 70  
jerusalem a spectacle of peace in the midst of the nations. 23. x  
the jews separation from the Gentiles when, and how long. 8. 9 and 48  
some jews waited for Christ's coming. 21. u  
the jews received the profane opinions of the heathen. 22. t  
the jews captived by the Babylonians when. 61 k.  
their charter examined, 80. and 81. when it was sealed. 81. their prompt-spirit. 85. b a heavy caveat to them. 87  
Paradise. 2  
the jews vain confidence of peace. 23. x  
S. Peter never at Rome. 79. x. and 80. his tabernacle. 72. he unfit for the keys. 81. y. Christ calleth him Satan. ibid.  
pharisees set nonplus. 11. q  
S. john's Picture of this world. 77. s.  
Pilate the Roman Deputy. 62  
Rome the Place where our Lord was crucified. ibid.  
Poets and Philosophers divines of the heathen. 49  
Popery a late upstart. 30. no point thereof in Scripture. 48  
the Pope in Christ's scarlet rob. 64. o. they say he cannot err. 86. his keys. 82. z. he is Antichrist. 63. and 78. he sitteth in the temple of God. 64. n. he is the cozener of the cozener of the world. 60. & 79. w. he made ill choice of Peter. 79. x  
Preaching. 26. the efficacy thereof. 56. e.  
Pricks Hebrew vowels when invented. 59 h.  
all Gods promises ratified in Christ the promised seed. 15  
Prophecies of Antichrist, and notes of him. 31. and 32.  
Caiaphas' prophesieth of Christ's death. 21. u  
Purgatory Papistical. 48. and 49  
a double Purgatory of Christians in this life 49. and 50. etc.   

R  
Reading gods word of what efficacy. 26. & 27  
the just trial of true Religion. 29  
Recusants are to be compelled to hear God's word. 84. a  
why Christ Redeemed us. 46  
Rhemish Catholics. 77  
how we attain Christ's Righteousness. 24. and 25.  
our Rising again to a newness of life represented in Baptism. 45. and 46  
Rome. 61. it is called Babylon, Sodom, Egypt, the place where our Lord was crucified, and why. 62. it is also called an ugly cage 62. and the great city divided into three parts. 65. built upon seven mountains. 63 and 64.  
how the Romans dealt with Christ. 62   

S  
the Sacrifice of Christ's body sufficient for all: but effectual only for the elect. 35. & 36  
what Sacrifices meant. 5. h. and 11. how they were approved. 5. i. their right use. 11  
the Sacrifices of Christians. 36. and 52  
our Salvation only in Christ. 23. and 24  
a Similitude of our unableness in ourselves to help God's graces in the work of our Salvation. 46. d  
to kill God's Saints thought God's service. 77  
why Moses describeth Satan under the name of a serpent. 3. e  
Satan unloosed. 31  
The Sceptre departed from judah. 22  
the seed of the woman shall bruise the serpent's head. 4. what it meaneth. 15. & 18. the promise of that seed renewed in diverse ages. 7. 9 & 11. the law a platform of that promised seed. 10  
Sem's generation. 7. and 14  
the holy Scriptures. 28. ignorance therein breedeth error. 76. they are our guide. 29. they are blasphemed by the papists. 60. they are sufficient to salvation. 28. the jews falsely charged to corrupt them. 58  
the power of sin.. 2. d  
Zion's prerogatives. 82  
Sisera. 67  
Adam clothed in beasts skins. 5. h  
the Soul of man, divine and immortal. 2. c  
Spiritual adultery. 42   

T  
Peter Tabernacle. 72  
Gods Temple and city destroyed, first by the Babylonians, 61. after by the Romans. 62 which Christ adviseth us to consider. 62. l  
the Tents of the Saints. 66  
the whole doctrine of the new Testament contained in the old. 59  
Time when it began. 1. a  
Adam's Transgression a most heinous sin. 3. f  
we must all appear before Christ's tribunal. 76  
the holy Trinity. 1. and 73  
Types of the promised seed. 5   

V  
Vain words, & the punishment thereof. 76. 77.  
Vain worshipping of god by doctrines of men. 76  
the Virgin Marie no mediatresse. 30. & 33   

W  
Our spiritual warfare. 53  
the Weapons wherewith Christ overcame Satan. 15. r. & 53. which all Christians are commanded to put on. 15. r. they are not carnal. 56  
the Wedding garment. 5. h  
Why Christ Wept over jerusalem. 21  
the Wicked in the old world took no notice of the floods coming. 7  
Gods Word is our life. 29. and the only ru● thereof. 76. it shall be our judge. 84. wh● Recusants refuse to her it. 84. Paule● reason to hold us thereto only. 29. and 30▪ what dare control it. 84▪  
Works. 44. and their right use. 46. and 47  
to Work the work of God. 78. t  
calfe-Worship. 84. a    

Faults escaped in the printing.  
Page 2. of the Epistle, lin. 19 for unseasonable read unseasoned. pag. 5. in the note i, for as the law. r. at the law. p. 15. l. 26. compoundeth. r. expoundeth. p. 16. l. 6. the r. that. p. 19 in the margin. 2709. r. 2079. p. 30. l. 14. childred. r. children. p. 39 l. 7. for the full point before was. wrire the later brace of the parenthesis begun p. 38. l. 8. p. 56. l. 25. ordinance. r. obedience. p. 59 l. 7. little. r. tittle.  
FINIS.