THE WORLD that Now is; AND THE WORLD that is to Come: Or the First and Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Wherein several Prophecies not yet fulfilled are Expounded.  
By HAN. KNOLLYS, A Servant of Jesus Christ. Rev. 1.19.  
LONDON, Printed by Tho. Snowden, An. 1681.   

TO THE READER.  
Christian Reader,  
SO needful is the true Knowledge of God and Jesus Christ; so absolutely conducing unto Man's Eternal Wellbeing, John 17.3. as whereby alone true Happiness is to be attained. To that End, in the former Part of this little Treatise is set forth,  
First, What the LORD Jesus Christ hath done and suffered for the Salvation of Sinners.  
Secondly, What HE doth work in them by his holy Spirit and Word, in Order unto their Everlasting Salvation.  
Thirdly, What kind of Worship, Churches, Ministers and Ordinances the LORD Jesus Christ hath instituted and appointed under the Gospel. And in the latter Part of it is briefly and plainly declared, That there is a WORLD to Come; That the LORD Jesus Christ will come personally, visibly, and suddenly; That he will set up his Kingdom, & will Reign, Raise the Dead, and Judge both the Quick and the Dead, 2 Tim. 4.1. At his Appearing, & his Kingdom. It may be some of all sorts of Readers will judge and Censure me for one thing or another, but with me it is a very small thing, that I should be judged by Man's Judgement. I only entreat the Judicious Reader to search the Scriptures, and thereby to prove all things, and hold fast that which is sound. I pretend not to Infallibility; I know but in part; yet I am willing to impart that which I do know, unto others, that are searching after Knowledge and Understanding.  
And I pray that God will fill you that Read what I have written, with the Knowledge of his Will Revealed in his written WORD, That you may prove what is the perfect Will of God. But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such Custom, neither the Churches of God. Nor will I contend with any one otherwise than the Apostle Judas exhorts in the third verse of his Epistle, That we should earnestly contend for the Faith that was once delivered unto the Saints; not by vain Dispute and Janglings, but by sober Assertions, and clear Proofs of Scripture, Isa. 8.20. Show me, friendly Reader, wherein I have erred from the Truth, and it will be as precious Balm, and I shall esteem thee my friend indeed, that will endeavour to convert me from the Error of my Way, if i● be done in a Spirit of Love Nay, if any one shall do it in another frame of spirit, I shall thankfully acknowledge his kindness that will endeavour to Convince me, to Reprove me; (yea, although he should Reproach me) and I would bear it patiently, and humbly acknowledge my mistake. And I will not obstinately hold fast any Error after Conviction, through the Grace of God; for I love the Truth as it is in Jesus (if my heart doth not deceive me) more than myself, or my esteem in the World.  
Thy Souls Friend, Han. Knollys. From my Study in Bartholomew-Lane, August. 3. 1681.   

THE WORLD That now is.  
THE holy Scripture of Truth speaketh of three Worlds; viz. The WORLD that was, 2 Pet. 3.6. The WORLD that now is, called this WORLD; Mat. 12.32. & the WORLD to come, Heb. 2.5. The WORLD that now is, is the Subject of the first Part of this Treatise: And the WORLD to come, shall be the subject of the latter Part thereof. The principal matter of which we intent to treat touching the WORLD that now is, doth concern the first Coming of Christ into this WORLD, when the WORD was made Flesh, and dwelled among us, Joh. 1.14. The chief matter of the latter Part of this Treatise doth concern the Second Coming of Christ in the WORLD to come. Wherein there will be New Heavens, a New Earth, and a New Jerusalem, and all things will be new-created, Rev. 21. 15.  

CHAP. 1. Wherein our general Position is propounded, proved and explained.  

§ 1. The Position propounded.  
THat the Chief WORK of Jesus Christ in his first Coming into the WORLD was to save sinners; to build up his own House, the Church of the Living God; and to institute all Gospel-Ordinances necessary for his Disciples to worship God in Spirit and in Truth.   

§ 2. The Position proved.  
1. That our LORD Jesus Christ came into the WORLD to save sinners, Luk. 5.32. I came not to call the Righteous, but Sinners to Repentance, Matth. 18.11. For the Son of Man is come to save that which was lost. And 1 Tim. 1.15.— Christ Jesus came into the WORLD to save Sinners.  
2. That our LORD Jesus Christ being come in the Flesh, did build up his own House, the Church of God, Heb. 3 -- 6. For this Man [Christ Jesus] was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, in as much as He who builded the House, hath more honour than the House. Moses was faithful in all his House, as a Servant, but Christ as a Son over his own House, the Church of God, 1 Tim. 3.15.  
3. That our Lord Jesus Christ hath instituted all Gospel-Ordinances necessary for his Disciples, to worship God in Spirit and in Truth, 1 Cor. 11.1, 2. Be ye followers of me, even as I am of Christ— And keep the Ordinances as I delivered them unto you, Joh. 4.21, 22, 23, 24.— The true Worshippers shall worship the Father in Spirit and in Truth. God is a Spirit, and they that worship him must worship him in Spirit and in Truth.   

§ 3. The Position explained.  
The first part of our general Position to be explained, is, That our LORD Jesus Christ came into the WORLD to save sinners, 1 Tim. 1.15. Now the Method I shall observe in the Explanation of this part of our Position, shall be to show,  
1. What kind of Saviour Christ is.  
2. What Salvation Sinners may have by Jesus Christ. And  
3. How Sinners are saved by Jesus Christ. And of these in order.  
First, What kind of Saviour is Jesus Christ? I answer, 1. The LORD Jesus Christ is an Almighty Saviour. As there is none other, Act. 4.12. so there needs none other Saviour. None can pull a Soul out of Christ's hand, Joh. 10.27 -- 30. Christ is [〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉] God-Man, Emmanuel, God with us, Matth. 1.23. Jehovah our Righteousness, Jer. 23.6. The Mighty God, Isa. 9.6. The Almighty, Rev. 1.8. The true God, and Eternal Life, 1 Joh. 5.20. There is no Saviour, but God, Isa. 43.3, 11. I even I am Jehovah, and beside me there is no Saviour. And Judas v. 25. To the only wise God our Saviour, be Glory, and Majesty, Dominion and Power, both now and ever. Amen. It is absolutely necessary unto Salvation to know and believe, That the LORD Jesus Christ is very God, as well as very Man. So the Virgin Mary believed, when she said, My Spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour, Luk. 1.46, 47. And so did all the holy Apostles and Saints believe and confess, Rom. 9.5. 2 Cor. 5.19. 1 Tim. 2.3. Tit. 1.3. Tit. 2.10. Tit. 3.4. & 1 Joh. 5.20. Who is the true God and eternal Life. They that do not believe, but deny Jesus Christ to be God, do deny the LORD that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift damnation, 2 Pet. 2.1, 2, 3. They undervalue his most precious Blood, Heb. 10.29. compared with Acts 20.28 -- To feed the Church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. And they in effect deny the Alsufficiency of Christ's Satisfaction for the sins of Mankind, whose Nature he took, namely, the Seed of Abraham, Heb. 2.16. [〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is] But he taketh hold of the Seed of Abraham.  
2. The Lord Jesus Christ is a gracious Saviour, Eph. 2.5. By Grace ye are saved. And vers. 8. For by Grace are ye saved. This Free Grace is the kindness and Love of God our Saviour towards sinful sinners, Tit. 3. 3-7. whom he justifies freely by his Grace, Rom. 3.24. & 2 Tim. 1.9. And saveth them with an everlasting Salvation. And also sanctifies them by Faith in him, Acts 26.18. where Faith is put synecdochically for all the Graces of Sanctification, which our LORD Jesus Christ's imparts unto, and implants in the Souls of Justified Believers, 1 Cor. 6.9, 10, 11. Joh. 1.16. And of his Fullness have all we received, and grace for grace, Eph. 4.7. To every one of us is given grace. And James 4.6. He giveth more grace. Such is the unsearchable [and the exceeding Riches of his grace, Eph. 2.7.] Riches of Christ, Eph. 3.8. that he will be gracious to whom he will be gracious, etc. Read Exod. 33.19. & Rom. 9.15.  
3. The Lord Jesus Christ is an Alsufficient Saviour, Heb. 7.25. He is able to save to the utmost, etc. Christ hath made full satisfaction for the sins of all them whom the Father gave him to Redeem, Isa. 53.10. His Soul was made an Offering for Sin; And he gave himself a Ransom for all, 1 Tim. 2.5, 6. There's enough in Christ; there's all in Christ, Col. 1.19. For it pleased the Father, that in him should all Fullness dwell. And in him dwelleth all the Fullness of the Godhead bodily, Col. 2.9. He is a full Christ, and hath an infinite Alsufficency in himself, to supply all the wants of his Saints, 2 Cor. 12.9. My Grace is sufficient for thee, etc.  
Secondly, What Salvation may sinners have by Jesus Christ? I answer, 1. Sinners may be saved from their sins by Jesus Christ, Matth. 1.21. For HE shall save his People from their sins. It is a very great mercy to be saved from our sins. This Salvation is not by any other, Act. 4.12. There are three things in sin, from which Christ saveth sinners, viz. First, the dominion of sin. It was David's prayer, Psal. 19.13. Psalm. 119.133. Let not any iniquity have dominion over me; and Christ's promise, Rom 6.14. Sin shall not have dominion over you; because ye are not under the Law, but under Grace. There is a Reigning power in sin, Rom. 6.12. Let not sin therefore Reign in your mortal body, etc. Also Rom. 5.21. which Christ subdueth, Mich. 7.19. He will subdue our iniquities, and destroyeth, Rom. 6.6. Secondly, The captivating power of sin. This the Apostle sadly experienced, Rom. 7.23, 24. I see another law in my members, warring against the Law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the Law of sin, which is in my members. But yet he blessed God for Jesus Christ, vers. 25. through whom he had deliverance, Rom. 8.2. The Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the Law of Sin and Death. Thirdly, The guilt, curse and condemnation of sin, Jam. 2.10.— And offend in one point, is guilty of all. Gal. 3.18. Cursed is every one, that continueth not in all things which are written in the Book of the Law, to do them. Tit. 3.11— And sinneth being condemned in himself. But there is no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus, Rom. 8.1. for Christ hath Redeemed us from the Curse of the Law, Gal. 3.13. and saved us from the Wrath of God, Rom. 5.9. and 1 Thes. 1.10. And giveth us eternal Life and Salvation.  
Thirdly, How are sinners saved by Jesus Christ? In Answer to this Query, two things in general must be considered, 1. What Jesus Christ hath done for sinners? 2. What he doth in them in order unto their everlasting Salvation?  
First, Jesus Christ hath made full satisfaction unto the Divine Justice of God for all the Transgressions of sinners, Isa. 53.5, 6, 8, 9, 11. He was wounded for our Transgressions, verse. 5. When thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, verse. 10. He shall see the travel of his soul and be satisfied, v. 11. Christ through the eternal Spirit, offered himself to God, Heb. 9.14. & 1 Pet. 2.24. Who his own self bore our sins in his own Body on the Tree. Now once in the End of the WORLD hath he appeared to put away sin, by the sacrifice of himself, Heb. 9.26. And 1 Tim. 2.6. Who gave himself a Ransom for all, to be testified in due time.  
Secondly, Jesus Christ hath purchased and obtained for sinners eternal Redemption, and everlasting Salvation by his own precious Blood, Heb. 9.12.— By his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal Redemption for us: Therefore eternal Life and Glory is called the purchased Possession, Eph. 1.14. and an Inheritance reserved in Heaven for us, 1 Pet. 1. 3-5.  
Thirdly, Jesus Christ hath instituted and ordained the Ministry of the Gospel, Eph. 4.11, 12, 13. and all Gospel-Ordinances for the salvation of sinners, to the Glory of God the Father. And after he was crucified, he risen from the Dead, ascended into Heaven, and is set down on the Right hand of God, where he ever liveth to make Intercession for sinners, that they may be saved, Heb. 7.25. The LORD Jesus Christ having done all these things for the salvation of sinners; he doth by his holy Spirit and Word work all his Works of Grace and Salvation in them. Isa. 26.12. LORD, thou hast wrought all our works in us. And Phil. 2.12, 13. It is God that worketh in you to will and to do according to his good pleasure. Therefore sinners are said to be God's workmanship, Eph. 2.10. Created in Christ Jesus unto good works, etc. that thereby it may yet more plainly appear, that they are his Workmanship.  
The first Work that God doth ordinarily by his holy Spirit and Word upon a sinful sinner in the Ministry and Administration of the Gospel of his Grace, is a work of Conviction, John 8.9. Being convicted in their own conscience. Tit. 1.9. To convince gainsayers, Jam. 2.9. They are convinced of the Law as Transgressor's. And Joh. 16.8, 9 He shall reprove the world of sin. The World, that is to say, those sinners that are without Christ, and without God in the World, Eph. 2.12.  
Now God Reproves the sinner, and sets his sins in order before him, Psal. 50.21. and makes him possess the sins of his youth, Job 13.26. God doth by the Scripture (as in a Glass) give the sinner a sight of his sinful Nature; shows him the sinfulness of his sins, Rom. 7.13. God doth by his Spirit and Word convince the sinner's conscience of his Transgressions against his holy Law, and against the Gospel of his Grace. The holy Spirit, ordinarily, by the Ministry of the Word, convinceth the sinner of his Original corruption; tells him, that every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed; Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin, and sin when it is finished, bringeth forth death, Jam. 1.14, 15. The wages of sin is death, Rom. 6.23. The soul that sins shall die; and also convinceth him of his Actual Transgressions; to wit, his sins of Omission, and his sins of Commission, both in doing that which God hath forbidden in his holy Word, and in not doing that which he hath commanded, or not as he commandeth it to be done. God convinceth the sinner's conscience of his sinning against Light, against Checks of Conscience, and many good Motions of the holy Spirit; and shows him how he hath sinned against the mercies, patience and long-sufferings of God, and how he hath sinned under God's chastisements, corrections and righteous Judgements; and that neither the Word of God, nor his Rod, hath wrought Repentance in him, nor caused him to turn from his sinful courses.  
The sinful sinner being under this great work of Conviction of Conscience, gins to see and apprehend the vileness of his Nature, and the sinfulness of his sins to be such, so many, and so great, that he trembles, and is afraid of Death and Damnation; he gins to have some sense and feeling in his conscience of the wrath of God, and fears he shall die in his sins, and go to Hell, and be damned to eternity.  
Now the terrors of the Almighty are in his conscience; his heart is filled with horror; the sting of sin hath wounded his Spirit; and a wounded Spirit who can bear? Prov. 18.14. and being pricked in the heart, cries out, What shall I do? Acts 2.37. I am a sinful sinner, a vile sinner, a lost undone perishing sinner. Woe's me, that ever I was born! I am a damnable wicked wretch; my heart is deceitful and desperately wicked. Ah my vain thoughts, my vile affections, my evil concupiscence, my sinful lusts! Alas! alas! my idle words and blasphemies, and my ungodly life and sinful conversation! Woe and alas! the deceitfulness of sin hath so hardened my heart, that I cannot Repent; and I have been so accustomed to do evil, that I know not how to Reform and amend my life, and forsake my sins; and if I go on in my former sinful courses, I shall certainly be damned.  
Hereupon the sinful sinner sets upon Reformation; saith to his sinful companions, as David did, Psal. 6.8. Depart from me all ye workers of iniquity: And saith to his Lusts, as Ephraim did to his Idols, Hos. 14.8. What have I to do any more with sinful lusts and pleasures? Now the convinced sinner resolves to leave his sins, that he fears else will damn his soul; and now he gins to perform some holy Duties; he will hear Sermons, and read the holy Scriptures, and good Books, and pray. And it may be the convinced sinner will mourn for his sins, and humble himself, (as Ahab did) and Reform some of his evil courses.  
And by this Reformation, Humiliation, mourning for his sins, and performing some holy duties, the sinner may have some calm, and feel some quiet in his conscience for a season, and begin to hope all will be well with him, until the Reigning power of sin, that hath yet the dominion over him, prevail against him; and he being yet a servant of sin, and free from Righteousness (as the Apostle speaks, Rom. 6. v. 20.) yieldeth willing and ready obedience to his own lusts, that enticeth him to sin, and when his lust hath conceived and brought forth sin, than his conscience accuseth him, and Satan now gins to suggest, that there is no hope of pardon, nor salvation for him; Now his latter end is worse than his beginning; and therefore the Devil tells him, It is in vain for him to pray any more, or to hear any more, or to perform any holy duties.  
And now the convinced sinful sinner judgeth his Soul's state and condition to be worse than ever it was; he hath so many dreadful Temptations, he is so filled with blasphemous Thoughts, that he gins to be a terror to himself, and is tempted to choose strangling rather than life, he is so tormented in his conscience, and so tempted by Satan, and terrified with fears of Hell. He sees now the Law curseth him, Gal. 3.10. and the Gospel judgeth him, 2 Thes. 1.9. And he is made to receive the sentence of Condemnation in himself, & is made to read it in the written Word of God, Joh. 3.18. He that believeth not is condemned already.  
Now God goes on with his work of Conviction, which he had before begun in the sinful sinner's Conscience, and sends his holy Spirit to convince and reprove him of Sin, of Righteousness, and of Judgement, Joh. 16.8, 9, 10. And the Spirit by that Scripture, Joh. 3.18. or some other Scripture to that purpose doth thoroughly convince the sinner, that although his pride, passion, worldliness, uncleanness, profaneness, his lying, stealing, swearing, drinking, whoring, or any one or other of his sins deserves eternal Death, Rom. 6.23. Yet that sin for which the wrath of God abideth on him, and for which he is by the written Word of God condemned already, is his great sin of unbelief, Joh. 3.18.36. and Heb. 3.11, 18. God hath sworn, that those who do not believe, shall not enter into his Rest; that is, into Heaven, Heb. 3.18, 19  
Take notice, Reader, that in Conviction of sin, because we believe not, the holy Spirit doth by the Word convince the Sinner; First, That he is an unbeliever, and hath not obtained the precious Faith of God's Elect, whereby the Soul is united unto Christ, Eph. 4. v 13. adopted the Child of God, Gal. 3.26. justified, and all its sins pardoned, and at peace with God, Rom. 5.1. and now the convinced sinner sees he is without God, without Christ, and without Faith. Secondly, That he must believe, or he cannot be saved, Mar. 16.15, 16. He that believeth not, shall be damned. His praying, mourning, reforming, though they are good in themselves, and are his duty, yet the doing these, or any other; yea all other holy duties, without this precious Faith in Christ, will not, cannot save him; and now the sinner is convinced, that there is an indispensible necessity of his believing in Christ for salvation. Thirdly, That he cannot believe. Faith is not of ourselves, it is not of Works, Eph. 2.8, 9 They err, not knowing the Scriptures, nor the holy Will of God revealed therein; who say, that men may believe, if they will; and they have power in themselves to believe. Ask now the sinner that hath been convinced of sin, by the holy Spirit and Word of God, because he believes not (and is commanded to believe, 1 Joh 3.23.) I say, ask that convinced sinner, if it hath power of himself to believe; or if Faith in Christ be of ourselves, or of our good works, or of holy duties; and he will tell you, No; Nay, Nay, Faith in Christ is not of ourselves; Jesus Christ himself is the Author and Finisher of Faith, Heb. 12.2. It is not of our works; but it is the Faith of the Operation of God, Col. 2.12. It is the exceeding greatness of God's mighty Power, that doth make the soul of a sinful sinner (convinced of sin because he believes not) willing and able to believe in Christ, Eph. 1.19, 20.  
Now saith this convinced Sinner, I know and am persuaded, that whosoever believes in Christ, shall be saved; and I know and am convinced, that I ought to believe in Christ, and it is my sin, that I do not believe in him: Yea, I am also persuaded (upon Scripture grounds) that if I did believe in Christ, I should not perish, but have everlasting Life: But this is my impotency, and here is my misery, I cannot believe in Christ of myself; I know not which way to begin to believe; I could do something materially about the works of the Law, though but weakly and insufficiently; but I can do nothing about obedience of Faith according to the Gospel: It is such a Mystery as I am very ignorant of; Faith is the Gift of God, and unless he give it me, I perish. Now is the sinner convinced of his sin of unbelief, This is God's workmanship upon a sinful sinner's conscience; but this is not the whole work of Conviction; therefore God proceeds in this work, and convinceth the sinner by his Spirit and Word of Righteousness, Joh. 16.10. showing the sinner whilst he goes about to establish his own Righteousness by the works of the Law, and by performing those duties, that the Law requireth, he maketh void (as much as in him lies) the Righteousness of God by Faith in the Gospel, Rom. 10.3.4, 5, 6. and thereby convinceth the sinner,  
1. That all his own Righteousnesses are as menstruous Rags, Isa. 64.6. our most holy duties and performances are polluted and defiled with sin, and God might abhor to accept an Offering at our hand, did not Christ offer up his Incense with our Sacrifices, they could not come up to God, Rev. 8.3, 4 both our prayers and our persons are accepted only and alone in and thorough Jesus Christ.  
2. That Sinners must be covered with the Robe of Christ's Righteousness, and the Garments of his Salvation Isa. 61.10. He is the LORD our Righteousness, Jer. 23.6. And Christ is made of God unto us Wisdom, Righteousness, etc. 1 Cor. 1.30. This Righteousness of Christ, is that skirt, which God casteth over the Sinners Soul (when he lies in his Blood) to cover his nakedness, Ezek. 16.6, 8.  
3. That Christ's Righteousness is the Righteousness of God by Faith, Rom. 3.21, 22. which Righteousness the Apostle Paul did so much prize and desire to be found in, Phil. 3.8, 9 And now the convinced Sinner will say with holy Job, chap. 9 v. 21. If I justify myself, mine own mouth shall condemn me,— though I were perfect, yet would I not know my Soul.  
This is also God's workmanship upon a sinful Sinners Conscience: But yet this is not the whole work of Conviction; for when God hath by his holy Spirit and Word convinced the Sinner of his state of unbelief, and reproved him for sin, because he believes not: And when God hath also convinced him, that his own Righteousness is as filthy Rags, and that he must submit to the Righteousness of God, and take Christ's Righteousness by Faith unto Justification of life: Then God proceeds on in the work of Conviction, and reproves or convinceth the Sinner of Judgement, Joh. 16.11. And this God doth by causing the Sinner to know,  
1. That there is a Day of Judgement, called the Eternal Judgement, Heb. 6.2. and the Judgement of the great DAY of God, Judas vers. 6.  
2. That All shall appear and stand before the Judgement Seat of Christ, Rom. 14.10. & 1 Cor. 5.10. And every one shall then give account of himself unto God, and shall receive a just Reward of all that he hath done in the Flesh, Rom. 2. 5-13. and Rev. 22.12. and Matth. 16.27.  
3. That the Prince of this world is judged, and therefore none of the Children of Disobedience, in whom the God of this World now worketh, shall escape the Righteous Judgement of God, Rom. 2.3, 5, 6. for the Lord Jesus Christ, (who shall judge both the quick and the dead at his Appearing and his Kingdom, 2 Tim. 4.1.) shall come from Heaven with his mighty Angels in flaming fire, taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the Gospel, who shall be punished with everlasting destruction, etc. 2 Thes. 1.7, 8, 9 And the Spirit and Word of God doth witness and testify to the Sinner's Conscience, that he must come to Judgement, as Solomon told the young man, Eccles. 11.9. Know thou, that for all these things, or sins, God will bring thee to Judgement. And now the sinful Sinner is throughly convinced; and this is the first part of God's workmanship upon him, in order unto his Conversion and everlasting Salvation.  
And I desire the Reader to take notice, that the want of a thorough work of Conviction, is the cause of the want of a sound and saving work of Conversion. One Reason why there are so few true Converts in this our Day and Generation, is because the Ministers of the Gospel do not labour in the Word and Doctrine of a thorough Gospel-Conviction. The Reason why so few Hearers do believe in Christ, is because they were never thoroughly convinced of the sin of unbelief. How many Herod-like Hearers are there in and about London? Mark 6.20. How many stonyhearted Hearers follow and flock after the Preachers of the Gospel, who hear the Word with Joy, & believe for a time, Luk. 8.13. But when the time of the Trial of their Faith comes, by sufferings and persecutions, than they fall away, Matth. 13.20, 21. And you have the Reason of their falling away expressed by both the Evangelists, They had no Root in themselves; that is to say, They had not Christ in their Souls to be the Root of their Faith, Col. 2.6, 7. As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him, rooted and built up in him, and established in the Faith. Faith rooted in Christ will stand out all Storms of Temptation and Persecution; it will endure all fiery Trials; but Faith without Christ will fall away. And the Spirit tells us expressly, that some (who made a great and glorious profession of Faith) will departed from the Faith in the latter days, 1 Tim. 4.1. because they have not possession of Christ, and their Faith is not Rooted in him. Do but diligently observe and inquire into this matter, and you shall find, That those Ministers of Christ are most instrumental in converting Souls unto God, who labour most in the Word and Doctrine of Gospel-Conviction of Sinners. Those Ministers that Preach Christ and the Gospel of Freegrace, most convincingly, & labour in the Application of every Doctrine to convince the Conscience of Sinners, that they are in danger of the Wrath of God, and of eternal Death for their sins; especially because they believe not in Christ, exhorting them to Repent of their sin and Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, that they may be pardoned & saved by him: I say, those Ministers have most Converts; those are workers together with God, and their convinced, humbled, converted and sanctified Hearers, have not received the Grace of God in vain, 2 Cor. 6.1.  
Some poor Souls may haply object, or rather query, Is there not a sound work of Conversion, where there hath not been so great a work of Conviction and Humiliation, nor so great horrors, fears, terrors, and so clear and distinct a work of the Spirit's Reproof of Sin, Righteousness and Judgement, as God works upon some Sinners? I answer; Though this be God's workmanship upon some; yea many, if not upon most notorious sinful sinners, yet we may not limit the Holy One of Israel; God is a free Agent: And because I would not break the bruised Reed, nor quench the smoking Flax, I know and acknowledge, That some sinful sinners have lesser terrors, fewer temptations, fears and horrors than others have; and some are longer under the work of Conviction and Bondage than others are, though they have been as great and notorious sinners, as they that were more and longer exercised with fears and terrors. Yea and I know both by Experience and by Scripture, that some sinners, who have had Religious Education under godly Parents or Governors; and have lived (from their youth up) under a godly Soulsaving Ministry, and have thereby been restrained (by the Common Grace of God) from all gross sins, that have not experienced the said terrors and temptations; nor have they had such horrors of Conscience, and fears of Hell. Yet this I know, that they have been thoroughly convinced of their sinful natural state, and of their lost and undone condition, being (and seeing themselves to be) without Christ, and without Grace; and they have been thoroughly convinced that their own Righteousnesses are filthy Rags, and that they must have Christ's Righteousness to justify them, and his Holiness to sanctify them, and his precious Blood to redeem them from their iniquity: But as for Time, whether longer or shorter; and as for Measure, whether greater or lesser, whereby God did this work of Conviction upon them, who can limit God?  
God having wrought a thorough Conviction upon a sinful sinner, the next part and piece of his workmanship upon his Soul, is Spiritual Illumination, in the Saving Knowledge of the LORD Jesus Christ, Eph. 1.17, 18· whereby the Eyes of his Understanding is enlightened, that the sinner may know, that there is hope of pardon and salvation in Christ for him through Faith and Holiness.  
In the work of Spiritual Illumination, God doth by his holy Spirit and Word, discover to him, and enlighten the Eyes of his Understanding first, to see the Divine Beauty, and glorious Excellency of Jesus Christ above all other persons and things in the world. A poor sinful sinner sees no beauty nor comeliness in Christ, why he should desire him, Isa. 53.1, 2, 3. The Daughters of Jerusalem said, What's thy Beloved (Lord Jesus Christ) more than another's Beloved? Cant. 5.9. The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God-neither can he know them, for they are spiritually discerned, 1 Cor. 2.14. until it please God to make an inward discovery thereof by his holy Spirit and Word in the Soul, 1 Cor. 2.9, 10, 11, 12. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit. So 1 Joh. 5.20. We know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding that we may know him, etc. The Psalmist tells the sinner, That Christ is fairer than the Sons of Men, full of Grace is his Lips, Psal. 45.2. The Spouse told the Daughters of Jerusalem, That her Beloved is white and ruddy, the chiefest of ten thousand. He is altogether lovely, Cant. 5. 10-6. And the Apostle counted all things loss and dung for the Excellency of the Knowledge of Christ Jesus his LORD, Phil. 3.7, 8.  
Secondly, God inlightens the Eyes of Sinners Understanding, to see the worth of Christ, in some measure and degree: As poor lost Sinners discern not the Beauty and Excellency of Christ; so they understand not the worth of Christ, until God discover it unto them, and reveal it in them by his holy Spirit and Word, Gal. 1.15, 16. Now God makes known to the Sinner the worth of Christ, by showing him in the Glass of the Gospel.  
1. The unvaluable preciousness of the Blood of Christ, that cleanseth Sinners from all sin and unrighteousness, 1 Joh. 1.8, 9 The precious Blood of Christ purgeth the Consciences of Sinners from dead works, Heb. 9.14. And Christ both justifieth and sanctifieth Sinners by his precious Blood, Rom 5.9. Heb. 13.12. & 1 Cor. 6.11. This speaks forth the worth of Christ.  
2. God shows the Sinner in the Glass of the Gospel, the unsearchable Riches of Jesus Christ, Eph. 3.8. the exceeding Riches of his Grace, Eph. 2.7. And though Christ hath freely, richly, and abundantly given forth of his fullness so much Grace to so many poor Sinners from the day of Adam's transgression, even to this day; yet in this Vision of Christ's Riches, the poor sinful Sinner sees him still as full of Grace and Truth, as the Disciples did, Joh. 1.14.  
3. God shows the Sinner in the Glass of the Gospel, the glorious Liberties of the Spirit of Christ, Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty, 2 Cor. 3.17. And the Saints are commanded to stand fast in the Liberty wherewith Christ hath made them free, Gal. 5.1. called the glorious Liberties of the Sons of God, Rom. 8.21.  
This Gospel-Liberty is not a Liberty to sin; nor may this Liberty be used for an occasion to the flesh, Gal. 5.13. but it is a freedom from sin, Rom. 6.18, 22. in respect of the condemnation due thereunto, Rom. 8.1. There is no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus; and in respect of the dominion thereof, Rom. 6.14. Sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the Law, but under Grace.  
Thirdly, God shows the Convinced Sinner in the Glass of the Gospel, his need of Christ, and acquaints him with an indispensible Necessity of accepting Christ upon Gospel-terms of Freegrace, Without money, and without price, Isa. 55.1, 2, 3. & Rev. 22.17. God doth by his Spirit and Word inform the Sinner, that the Lord Jesus Christ alone is the only Saviour of Sinners, Act. 4.12. Neither is there Salvation in any other. And hereby the poor lost sinful Sinner sees his need of Christ to justify him, and pardon all his sins; also to sanctify him, and save him from his sins, and the wrath of God due unto him for his sins; and to save him with an everlasting salvation.  
God having thoroughly convinced, and savingly enlightened the Sinner, the third and next part of God's workmanship upon his Soul, is the work of Conversion. Sinners are often called upon to turn unto God, and to turn from their sins, Ezek. 14.6, 18, 30, 32.33.11. that they may know it is their duty so to do; and that finding by experience it is not in their power, being fallen in Adam, they should pray to God to turn them from their sins unto himself by his Spirit and Grace, Jer. 31.18, 19 Turn thou me and I shall be turned, etc.  
Conversion is that part of God's workmanship upon a Sinner's Soul, wherein God doth first change the whole Man from the sinful similitude of Adam, into the Image of Jesus Christ, 2 Cor. 3.18. We are changed into his Image, etc. I say, in the work of true Conversion, the whole Man is changed; the heart is made a new heart, Ezek. 36.26. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes. The Man is made a Newman, Eph. 4.23, 24. And that ye put on the Newman, which after God is created in Righteousness and true Holiness. And his Life, a New-Life, Rom. 6.4. Even so we also should walk ill newness of Life.  
Secondly, God doth in the work of Conversion, sanctify the converted person wholly and throughout in Spirit, Soul and Body, 1 Thes. 5.23. The very God of Peace sanctify you wholly, etc. Upon (or at the time of) the Sinner's Conversion God imparts unto him, and implants in him of every Grace, (that is in Christ) a measure, Joh. 1.14.16. And from his fullness have all we received, and grace for grace. Also Eph. 4.7. To every one of us is given grace, according to the measure of the gift of Christ; which grace is called the incorruptible seed of the New-birth, 1 Pet. 1.23. which seed abideth in sanctified Believers, 1 Joh. 3.9. It is implanted, and it is inherent grace, which grows like the grain of Mustardseed, Matth. 13.31, 32. unto which Spiritual Growth every sanctified Believer is exhorted, 2 Pet. 3.18. But grow in grace, etc.  
Thirdly, God doth in the work of Conversion actually and really turn the converted person from darkness to light, from the power of Satan and Sin unto God, Act. 26.18. Before Conversion the Sinner was under the Vassalage of Satan, who had dominion over him, and ruled and worked in him, Eph. 2.2. And he was then the servant of sin, which had also dominion over him, and reigned in him, Rom. 5.21. And though the Sinner was convinced of his sins, and troubled in his mind for his sins; yea, and saw the danger that his Soul was in by reason of his sins (whereupon the Sinner resolved to forsake his sinful courses, and to commit his sins no more) yet until he was truly converted, he had no power nor strength to overcome them, nor could he pray and perform holy duties with delight and comfort, but as a task and work, that was hard and burdensome, Isa. 43.22, 24, 25. Thou hast not called upon me, O Jacob, and thou hast been weary of me, O Israel; But thou hast made me to serve with thy sins; thou hast wearied me with thine iniquities; I, even I am he, that blotteth out thy Transgressions for mine own sake, and I will not remember thy sins. Now that the Sinner is converted, he is by the Spirit and Grace of God called to Repent, and to Turn from his sins to God, with his whole heart, Jer. 31.18, 19, 20. Surely after that I was turned, I repent— I was ashamed, etc.  
Thus we may see, what work God doth upon sinful sinners, in respect whereof they are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus. Let us in the next place consider, what Work God doth upon sanctified Believers, in respect whereof they also are God's workmanship.  
God having called and converted sinful Sinners unto himself by his holy Spirit and Word, form Christ in them, and changed them into the Image of Christ, given them his holy Spirit, and imparted grace unto them, and implanted it in them; and having of his free Grace adopted, and justified them through Faith in Christ, Gal. 3.26. Gal. 2.16. God is pleased out of the exceeding Riches of his free Grace, to go on with his workmanship gradually, until he have made them complete in Christ, Col. 2.10. whom he hath created in Christ Jesus. And in order thereunto, there are divers other works of God, which he doth by his holy Spirit and Word in and upon the Souls of those Converts, in respect whereof they are his workmanship.  
And the first is the work of Faith with Power, 2 Thes. 1.11. called the Faith of the Operation of God, Col. 2.12. wherein God demonstrates what is the exceeding greatness of his Power toward us, who believe, according to the working of his mighty Power, which he wrought in Christ when he raised him from the dead, Eph. 1.19, 20. And this God doth in raising Souls from the death of sin, to the life of Righteousness by Jesus Christ, Eph. 2.5, 6.  
This Faith Jesus Christ is the Author of, and will be the finisher of it, Heb. 12.2. and therefore called the Faith of the Son of God, Gal. 2.20. by which Faith the Soul in its Conversion is united unto Christ, and kept through it by the Power of God unto salvation. Compare Eph. 4.13. with 1 Pet. 1.3, 4, 5. it's called the precious Faith of God's Elect, 3 Pet. 1.1. even the same Spirit of Faith, that Abraham had, and that all the Sons and Daughters of Ahraham have and do receive, 2 Cor. 4.13. This Faith is the Substance of things hoped for, and the Evidence of things not seen, Heb. 11.1.  
This Faith God worketh in us ordinarily, by his holy Spirit and Word in the Ministry, and administrations of the Gospel of his Grace, Rom. 10.8. That is the Word of Faith, which we preach. And verse 17. So then, Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God; By which Faith we receive Jesus Christ our Lord, John 1.12. Adhere and cleave to him with purpose of heart, never to forsake him or deny him, Act. 11.23. but to own him for our Head, Lord and Lawgiver, our King, Priest and Prophet: And trust and rest upon him alone, and on him only for Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification and Redemption, Isa. 26.3. with Isa. 50.10. And by this precious Faith Believers are justified, Rom. 3.28. adopted, Gal. 3.26. and sanctified, Act. 26.18. through our Lord Jesus Christ. But the converted Believer is not yet fully assured that Christ will save him; he is fully persuaded that there is not Salvation in any other; and believing that Christ is able to save to the utmost all that come to God through him. And being drawn to Christ by God the Father, he doth by a lively Act of Faith go to him, and adventure his Soul upon him, resolving, If I perish, I will perish here.  
This Faith is God's workmanship, Eph. 28. By grace are ye saved, through Faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the Gift of God. Faith is not of ourselves, for when the poor lost Soul sees a necessity of believing, and is willing to believe, he experienceth, that it is not in his own power to believe; he cannot believe; Faith is the gift of God: and the Convert lies under doubting, until God give him to believe. Though to believe be our duty, yet it is God's Grace, Gift, and Work, 1 Thes. 1.11. Called the Work of Faith with power, and the Faith of the operation of God, Col. 2.12. As before.  
Another part of God's Workmanship upon Converted Believers is Mortification of Sin; Rom. 6.6. Our Old-man is Crucified with him, that the Body of Sin might be destroyed, this is also our duty, Rom. 8.13. But if ye through the Spirit do mortify the Deeds of the Body (to wit, of sin,) ye shall live. And it is the Effect of true Faith in Christ, Acts 15.9. Having purified, or purged their hearts by Faith. The Spirit of God by Faith works out sin and corruption, both out of the heart, and out of the life gradually, killing and crucifying our Old Man, Gal. 5.24. that the body of sin might be destroyed. That henceforth we should not serve sin, Rom. 6.6. nor fulfil the lusts of our flesh, and of our carnal mind; for to be carnally minded is death.  
This part of God's Workmanship called Mortification, is begun in Evangelical Repentance, and godly sorrow for sin; whereby a sanctified Believer is made to loath, abhor and hate his sins, 2 Cor. 7.9, 10. and by the Grace of God to deny ungodliness, and worldly lusts: And to live soberly, righteously, and godly in this evil world, Tit. 2.11, 12. Now his heart being out of love with sin, the Young Convert doth by the Assistance of the holy Spirit, and Grace of God, labour and endeavour the mortification of every corruption; and the power of the indwelling Spirit in every sanctified Believer opposeth and subdueth the power of indwelling sin, that remains in him after Regeneration, Gal. 5.17. And the Spirit and Grace of God in him gets the Victory, whereby Grace Reigns, Rom. 5.20, 21. And the Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus makes him free from the Law of sin and death, Rom. 8.2.  
Free, first, from the Reigning power of sin, Rom. 6.11, 14. Sin hath not dominion over a sanctified Believer; nor will Christ suffer sin to reign in him, nor suffer him to obey it in the lusts thereof. Secondly, From the captivating power of sin, which Paul so sadly complained of, Rom. 7.23, 24, 25. and was freed from by the power of the indwelling Spirit of Christ, Rom. 8.2. Thirdly, From the Motions of sin in the flesh, Rom. 7.5, 6. So that no lust shall conceive and bring forth sin, Jam. 1.14, 15. And at last Christ will free sanctified Believers from the indwelling presence of sin. Death will make a total and final separation between their sins, and their souls for Eternity.  
Another part of God's Workmanship upon converted Believers in order to their Salvation, is sanctification of heart and life. God hath chosen you to Salvation, through sanctification of the Spirit, 2 Thes. 2.13. And Jesus Christ sanctifieth his People, Heb. 2.11. As the End of our Faith is the salvation of our souls, 1 Pet. 1.9. so the way to Salvation, is Sanctification and Holiness, Isa. 35.8. And without Holiness no Man shall see the LORD to his comfort and salvation, Heb. 12.14. Sanctification consists in the Truth of Grace, in the Growth of Grace, and in the Perfection of Grace. The Truth of Grace produceth the Spiritual Fruit of the Gospel, Col. 1.5, 6.— The Word of the Truth of the Gospel— bringeth forth fruit since the day ye heard it, and knew the Grace of God in Truth. The Growth of Grace hath a threefold gradation; some sanctified Believers grow like little Children in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ, 1 Pet. 2.2, 3. As newborn Babes desire the sincere Milk of the Word, that ye may grow thereby. Those St. John calls little Children, whose sins are forgiven, 1 Joh. 2.12, 13. And St. Paul calls them Babes in Christ, 1 Cor. 3.1. & Heb. 5.13. For he is a Babe; one that is weak in Faith, Rom. 14.1. & 15.1. Though such have but a little grace, yet it is true grace, and doth grow. Grace is of a growing nature, like a grain of Mustardseed, Matth. 13.31. Other sanctified Believers grow like young men; they are strong in Faith, and overcome the wicked One, 1 Joh. 2.13, 14. Their Faith is great, their Love is fervent, and their Patience hath its perfect work, that they may be entire lacking nothing, 1 Thes. 1.3. And some sanctified Believers are compared to Fathers, that is to say, gracious, grave, grown and experienced Christians, 1 Joh. 2.13, 14. Such were some of the Saints in the Church at Thessalonica, 2 Thes. 1.3, 4. Your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all to each other aboundeth. The Perfection of Grace is the state of sanctified Believers in Heaven; there are the spirits (that is the souls) of just men made perfect▪ Heb. 12.23. Sanctified Believers ought to go on to perfection, Heb. 6.1. And they that have received the Promises ought to cleanse themselves from all filthiness of flesh, and filthiness of spirit, perfecting Holiness in the fear of God, 2 Cor. 7.1, 2. And God hath ordained the Ministry of the Gospel for the perfecting of the Saints, Eph. 4.11, 12, 13. Until we all come in the unity of Faith unto a perfect man. And though the Apostle was not perfect (as he confessed) yet he pressed toward the mark, for the prize of the High Calling of God in Christ Jesus, Phil. 3.12, 14. So ought all the Saints to do, until they be translated from Earth to Heaven, and from Grace to Glory, and shall be set down in the Father's house among the Spirits of just men made perfect. Thus Jesus Christ (who came into the WORLD to save sinners) brings them to salvation.  
The next particular in our general Position to be explained is, that Jesus Christ came into this WORLD to build up his own House, the Church of God. As Moses was faithful in the House of God, as a servant, who did all things about the Tabernacle according to the Pattern shown unto him by God in the Mount, Exod. 25.40. Acts 7.44. & Heb. 8.5. So Jesus Christ was faithful unto God, that appointed him, as a Son over his own House, the true Tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not Man, Heb. 3.2, 3, 5, 6. & Heb. 8.2. called The Church of the Living God, 1 Tim. 3.15.  
The LORD Jesus Christ, in order unto the building up his House, the Church of God, did ordain a Gospel-Ministry, Eph. 4.11, 12, 13. He gave some Apostles, and some Prophets, and some Evangelists, and some Pastors and Teachers, etc. And set them in his Church, 1 Cor. 12.28. And God hath set some in the Church, first Apostles, secondarily Prophets, thirdly Teachers, etc.  
The Apostles, as wise Master-builders, did prepare fit Materials for to build the House of God, and to that purpose they having received Commission and Command from the LORD Jesus Christ, Mark 16.15. went out into the WORLD, and Preached the Gospel, beginning at Jerusalem. And when they had made and baptised many Disciples, they planted those Churches that we read of in the holy Scriptures, which were built upon the Foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the Chief Corner Stone, in whom all the building fitly framed together, was builded together an Habitation of God through the Spirit, Eph. 2. 19-22. The Church at Jerusalem was the first of all those Gospel-Churches, Act. 2.47. And the Lord added to the Church daily such as should be saved. Which Church was at its first Constitution a particular Congregation of sanctified Believers baptised with Water in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, Matth. 28.19. and separated from the Synagogues of the unbelieving Jews, to worship God in Spirit and in Truth, Joh. 4.21, 23, 24. according to the sacred Institutions of Christ and his Apostles, even the Ordinances of God delivered unto his Churches of Saints, 1 Cor. 11.1, 2. And although the number of the Disciples were multiplied from one hundred and twenty, Act. 1.15. to three thousand, Act. 2.41. yea to five thousand, Act. 4 4. & Act. 5.14. And Believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women. So that the Apostles had their own distinct Companies, Societies, or Congregations in Jerusalem [Act. 4.13, 19, 23. And Peter and John being let go, they went to their own Company.] Yet they all being of one heart, and of one soul, were but one Church, and are so denominated, Act. 15.4. And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the Church, etc. Act. 15.22. The whole Church. And so were all the particular Congregations in every City denominated and called, viz. The Church of God at Corinth, 1 Cor. 1.2. And so our Lord and Saviour denominated all the Churches of God in Asia, by the particular Cities wherein they were first planted, and assembled to worship God, Rev. 2.1, 8, 12, 18. & Rev. 3.1, 7, 14. Read those verses.  
I entreat the Reader to consider, 1. That our Lord Jesus Christ in building up his own House, the Church of God, ordained and appointed a preceding Ministry, to be workers together with him in building his House, Heb. 3.4. 1 Cor. 3.9, 10, 11. We are labourers together with God— Ye are God's Building, etc. 2. That the Churches of God under the Gospel, are not National, but Political, and Congregational. 3. That a particular visible true Constituted Gospel Church of God doth consist of fit Matter, and due Form. Jesus Christ the Chief Corner Stone, is a lively Stone, and the Materials of the Church ought to be living Stones, 
Mat. 3.16.  1 Pet. 2.4, 5. Sanctified Believers, 1 Cor. 1.2, 6. And Christ himself was Baptised with Water, 
Act. 10.44, 47, 48.  and with the holy Spirit; every one in his Visible Churches of Saints, aught to be Baptised with Water, and with the holy Spirit. 
(a) Joh. 5. v. 5.  2. Those sanctified Believers ought to he fitly framed together, and orderly compacted, joined and built together, an habitation of God through the Spirit, Eph. 2.19, 20, 21, 22. & chap. 4.15, 16. which is the Form of the House of God, the Church of the Living God, 1 Tim. 3. v. 15.  
God commanded his Prophet Ezekiel, chap. 43. v. 10, 11. saying, Thou Son of Man, show the House to the House of Israel 
(b) 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 [ex 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉] in conjugatione hiph. Annunciavit, exposuit, narravit, indicavit. — And let them measure the Pattern— Show them the Form of the House— And writ it in their sight. A wise Master-builder will take care to prepare fit Materials in every respect answerable and suitable unto the House he is about to build; and so ought the Ministers of Christ, who are Co-workers with God in building his House, (which is his Church) to take heed both what, and how they build, 1 Cor. 3. 9-14. Every man's work shall be made manifest, for the Day shall declare it: And the fire shall try every man's work, of what sort it is, etc. Young Converts, new-born-Babes in Christ may be added to the Church of God, Act. 2.41, 47. But they are not fit Materials to be laid next unto the Corner Stone of that Spiritual building I say again, they are not fit for the Foundation-work of God's building; nor are they fit for Pillars in the House of God. Consider what St. Paul, that wise Master-builder, saith of such young Converts, 1 Cor. 3.1, 2, 3. & Heb. 5.12, 13. Read the words. These, and such as these are not fit Matter for the Foundation, nor for Pillars, nor for Beams in the House of God, at the first Beginning, Planting, and Building, or Gathering of a Church of God. But rather Fathers, that is, grave, gracious, holy, wise, and experienced Believers▪ Also some young Men, that is, such Christians that are strong in Faith, and have in some measure overcome the World, the Devil, and their own Corruptions, who are full of the holy Spirit, rich in Grace, and zealous for the House of God, and the Purity of his Worship; I say, a competent number of such Christians, being sound in the Faith, holy in their Life, and fitly qualified with diversity of spiritual gifts, knowledge and grace, are (in my Opinion) most meet to be (by their own mutual free consent and agreement) joined tegether to become a particular Church of Saints by the help of some wise Master-builders, and faithful Ministers of Jesus Christ, 1 Cor. 3, 9-11.  
The Gospel-Form of a particular Church of God consists (as we said) in the fitly framing, compacting and joining those sanctified Believers together into▪ ONE Fellowship, Society and Gospel Brotherhood in a solemn Day of Prayer, with Fasting, wherein some Able Minister of the Gospel, having by Preaching the Word unto them, shown them their Respective Duties in a Church Relation, the Elders and Chief Brethren of some particular Churches of Saints being present, and assisting in the work of the Day (if they may be obtained) may in the Name and Authority of the LORD Jesus Christ (by virtue of this Commission given to him) constitute and make them a particular Visible Church of God; they giving up themselves professedly first to the LORD, and then one to another, mutually and solemnly with one accord engaging themselves to come together in ONE Congregation, and to Assemble themselves together in some one Place every first Day of the week, to worship God publicly in all his holy Ordinances, with their mutual professed Subjection unto the Laws of God's House, and with a Professed Resolution to Continue in the Apostles Doctrine, and in Fellowship, and in Breaking of Bread, and Prayer, through the Help of God. All which being done, the same Minister ought to declare them to be a Church of Saints, and the Ministers and Brethren of other Churches being also present, aught to own and acknowledge them to be a Sister-Church, by giving them the Right hand of Fellowship; and so to commend them by Prayer unto God, and to the Word of his Grace, who is able to build them up, and to give them an Inheritance among all them which are sanctified.  
The Wellbeing of a particular Church of Saints, doth principally consist in three things, viz. Oneness, Order, and Government. That Gospel-Oneness which maketh very much for the Wellbeing of a particular Church, is threefold: First, That there be but ONE Church in one City; 
1 Cor. 14.19, 34.  and that all the Congregations of Saints in that City (called Churches) bear but one Name, to wit, the Church of God in that City, as in the Apostles days, Act. 15.4.22. 1 Cor. 1.2. 
Rev. 2. & 3. chap.  That so there may be no Schism, Divisions, nor sinful Separations from the Church of God; but that the whole Church may be perfectly joined together in ONE, As a City that is compact together, Psal. 122.3. as an House or Building fitly framed together, Ephes. 2.21, 22. and as a Body fitly joined and compacted by every joint of supply, Eph. 4.16.  
Secondly, That this Church be of one Heart, and of one Soul, Act. 4.32. being perfectly joined together in the same Mind, and in the same Judgement, 1 Cor. 1.2, 9, 10. that so they may all with one Mind, and one Mouth, glorify God, even the Father of our LORD Jesus Christ, Rom. 15.6. having the same Love one to another, Phil. 2.1, 2, 3. and the same Care one for another, 1 Cor. 12.25, 26, 27. each one endeavouring to keep the Unity of the Spirit in the Bond of Peace, Eph. 4. 3-6. This Oneness will make the Communion of Saints very comfortable, Col. 2. 2-5. And hereby they will enjoy Fellowship with the Father, Son and Spirit, in all God's holy Gospel-Ordinances, to the Glory of God, and their own Edification.  
Thirdly, That this one Church, and all the Congregations of Saints, that are Members thereof, walk by one and the same Rule of the written Word of God, 
Phil. 3.16  being Ordered and Guided by their Bishops, Pastors, Teachers, Presbyters, or Elders, according to the Royal Laws of God's House (called the perfect Law of Liberty, Jam. 1.25.) submitting themselves unto those Guides, 
Act. 20.28  whom God hath made their Overseers, who watch for their Souls, as they that must give an Account, Heb. 13.7, 17.  

Cant. 6.4.10.  Gospel-Order is a great Beauty and Ornament to the Church, Col. 2.5. and Order makes very much for the Wellbeing of the Church. And Gospel-Order consisteth in these things; 
Psal. 48.2. & Ezek. 16.12, 14.  First, That the Bishop and Presbyters set in Order the things which are wanting in the Church, Titus 1.5. & 1 Cor. 11.34. Secondly, That all things in the Church be done decently, and in Order, which Christ hath commanded to be done: 
1 Cor. 14.40.  And for which his Apostles and Disciples have given us Example. 
Phil. 3.17  Thirdly, That the Order of the Gospel be carefully observed, and kept in the Administration of God's Sacred Ordinances, in the Admission of Members, in the Ordination of Church-Officers, and in withdrawing from every Brother that walketh Disorderly. God was offended with his Church under the Law, because they sought him not in due Order, 2 Chron. 15.11, 12, 13. 
1 Cor. 14.33.  And God hath committed the Government of his Gospel-Church and Kingdom unto Christ, to Order it, etc. Isa. 9.6, 7. & God is not the Author of Confusion.  
Gospel-Government is ordained and appointed of God for the Wellbeing of his Church: The Church of God cannot have a Wellbeing without Christ's Instituted Gospel-Government. And to that end God the Father hath laid the Government of his Church upon his Son Jesus Christ, Isa. 9.6, 7. To whom he gave all Power in Heaven and Earth, Matth. 28.18. And he hath made Christ Lord of his House, and King of his Church, Heb. 3. 1-6. & Psal. 149.2. The Lord Jesus Christ deligated this his Ecclesiastical Government of the Church unto his holy Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers, called Bishops, Presbyters or Elders, who where allowed of God to be put in Trust with the Gospel, 1 Thes. 2.4. And the Apostles and Evangelists did commit the same unto faithful men, 2 Tim. 2.12. whom they Ordained Bishops, Presbyters or Elders in the Churches of Saints, Titus 1.5, 7. Act. 14.23. which Gospel-Government (as we said before) is not a Coercivepower over men's Consciences; nor is it a Dominion over their Faith; neither is it a Lordship over God's Clergy or Heritage; but it is a Stewardship of the Mysteries of God, 1 Cor. 4.1, 2, 3, 4. Let a Man so account of us, as of the Ministers of Christ, and Stewards of the Mysteries of God. And Titus 1.7. For a Bishop must be blameless, as the Steward of God. Unto this Gospel-Government appertains Church-Censures of Admonition, 2 Thes. 3.15. and Titus 3.10. Suspension (or withdrawing from a Brother or Member, that hath, and doth walk disorderly,) 2 Thes. 3.6. and Excommunication of those Members that live in gross and scandalous sins, 1 Cor. 5.1, 4, 5, 13.    

CHAP. II. Of Gospel-Ministry.  

§ 1.  
THE LORD Jesus Christ is the Chief Minister of God's Sanctuary, and of the true Tabernacle, 
(a) 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Heb. 8.1, 2.  which the Lord pitched, and not Man; He is the Chief Pastor of God's little Flock, 
(b) 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Pastorum Princeps, 1 Pet. 5.4. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, etc.  & the Bishop of our Souls, 
(c) 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, 1 Pet. 2.25. & Heb. 13.20.— 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  Heb. 13.20. The great Shepherd of of the Sheep, who in all things hath the Pre-eminence, 
(d)— 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in omnibus Ipse Primatum tenens.  or Supremacy.   

§ 2.  
HE gave Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers, for the work of the Ministry, Ephes. 4.11, 12, 13. & 1 Cor. 12.28. The Apostles, Prophets & Evangelists, were appointed by Christ to Preach the Gospel to the World, Mark 16.15. and for the Gathering of the Saints, framing, and perfectly joining them together, 
(e) Eph. 4.11, 12, 13. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, etc. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, etc.  The Pastors and Teachers were Set by Christ in the Churches, as fixed Officers, for the Edifying of the Body, until we all meet together in the Unity of Faith, etc.   

§ 3.  
Those Pastors and Teachers are called Elders, 1 Pet. 5.1. Elder is a name of Office in the Church of God: Elders are indeed fixed Officers for Rule and Government, who are to be counted worthy of double Honour, 1 Tim. 5.17. They are also called Bishops, Phil. 1.1. And the Elders of the Church of Ephesus, Act. 20.17. were called Bishops, Act. 20.28. 
(f) Act. 20.17, 28.— 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉— 28. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  over which the holy Spirit hath made you Overseers, or Bishops. The Office of a Pastor, Bishop, and Presbyter, or Elder in the Church of God, is to take the Charge, Oversight, and Care of those Souls which the Lord Jesus Christ hath committed to them, to feed the Flock of God; to watch for their Souls, 
(g) Act. 20.28. Heb. 13.17 1 Tim. 5.17. 1 Tim. 3.15. Isa. 33.22.  to Rule, Guide and Govern them (by virtue, of their Commission, and Authority received from Christ, Mat. 28.18, 19, 20. & Titus 2.15.) according to the Laws, Constitutions and Ordinances of the Gospel.   

§ 4.  
The Office of Episcopacy and Presbytery, or Eldership in the Church of God, is Divine and Sacred, but not Lordly, 1 Pet. 5.1, 2, 3. 
(h)— 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉— 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, prospicientes, neque ut dominantes Cleris, etc.  neither overruling the Clergy: No Bishop, Pastor, or Presbyter, is [〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉] the Master of the House of God, which is the Church of the Living God, but [〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉] a Steward (or Dispenser) of the Mysteries of God, 1 Cor. 4.1, 2. The Apostles, Bishops, Pastors and Teachers, were Fellow-Elders, 1 Pet. 5.1. The Elders which are among you I exhort, who am a Fellow-Elder: 
(i) 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, etc.  But they were not all of equal Dignity and Authority.   

§ 5  
It doth appear, (at least I think so, and indeed it is my Opinion) that there was (even from the Beginning of the Gospel of the Grace of God) a Priority and Pre-eminence among the Ministers of Christ, approved of God; yea, and appointed by himself in the Church, 
(k) 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, etc.  1 Cor. 12.28, 29. And God hath set some in the Church, first Apostles, secondarily Prophets, thirdly Teachers, after that miracles, than gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of Tongues. Are all Apostles? are all Prophets? are all Teachers? are all workers of miracles? Christ gave Priority, and Pre-eminence unto his Apostles above the Ordinary Prophets and Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers, and all other Ministers, Eph. 4.11. 
(l) 2 Cor. 2.9. & 11.28. 2 Thes. 3.6.  The Evangelists Timothy and Titus (called Bishops in the subscriptions of St. Paul's Epistles to them, both in our English Bibles, and in the Greek Testament) had Authority and Pre-eminence above other Pastors, Teachers and Elders in the Ephesian Church, and in Crete, 1 Tim. 1.3. As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other Doctrine. Titus 1.5, 10, 11, 13. and 2.15. and 3.10, 11. For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain Elders in every City, as I had appointed thee. For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, especially they of the Circumcision; whose mouths must be stopped; who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake. This witness is true; wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the Faith. These things speak and exhort, and rebuke with all Authority. Let no man despise thee. A man that is an Heretic, after the first and second Admonition, reject; Knowing, that he that is such, is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.   

§ 6.  
And the consonant Testimonies of the Ancients, with the general consent of Modern Divines, and Protestant Writers of good esteem and approbation do assent and acknowledge, That Timothy and Titus were not only Evangelists, but Bishops set and fixed by some of the Apostles to Oversee, Order, and Govern Churches, Ordain Bishops and Presbyters, and to exercise Authority over them, according to the Laws, Canons and Constitutions of Christ and his Apostles given unto them. Walo, 
(m) Walo, alias Salmas. lib. de Episc. pag 229. Titum Cretae Insulae praefecit Paulus, qui non singulari in aliqua Civitate Episcopus fuit, sed totam illam Provinciam ad tempus procuraret, etc.  called Salmasius, who professedly pleaded for the Identity of Bishops and Presbyters, confessed concerning the Ancients that chrysostom, Epiphanius, Theophylact, Theodoret, and other Greek Commentators have collected out of the words of St. Paul, That Titus was verily the Bishop of Crete. 
(n) Hierom. de Eccles. script. Ephesiorum Episcop. à Paulo ordinatus, etc.  Hierom hath recorded both Timothy and Titus Bishops, the one of Ephesus, and the other of Crete, to whom 
(o) Ambros. in Praefat. ad Timoth. c. 3. hunc creatum Episcopum, etc.  Ambrose, Primasius and 
(*) Gregor. Pap. de Curate. Past. part. 2. c. 11. Prima● in Trin.  Gregory the Great, do consent; so do Reverend Beza, 
(p) Beza, de Minist. gra. cap. 22. Habuit jam tum Presbyterium suum aliquem 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Presbyterum, etiam Presbyterorum manente communi appellatione.  Learned Scultetus, Luther, Master Moulin, Tossanus, Zuinglius, Calvin, Dr. Gerard, Dr. Reynolds, and several others assert and acknowledge, That the Presbytery had their Presbyter (or Precedent) over them, in the Apostolical Age, when the community of Names of Presbyters and Bishops remained among them. Such were Timothy and Titus, whom the Apostles ordained Bishops, 1 Tim. 4.14. & 2 Tim. 1.6. & Titus 1.5. Scultetus in Titum, cap. 8. p. 10. At Paulus Ephesi, & in Creta aliquandiu docuerat, ideo Titum & Timotheum in Creta jubet manere, non utique ut Evangelistas, sed Ecclesiae Gubernatores, etc. Luther. tom. 1. fol. 309. conclus. 13. Probo quamlibet civitatem habere debere Episcopum proprium jure divino, quod ex Paulo ad Titum ostendo dicente, v. 5, 7. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, As I have ordained thee, Calvinus in Titum, 1.5: Discimus (saith he) ex hoc loco non eam fuisse aequalitatem inter Ministros, quia unus aliquis Authoritate praeesset.   

§ 7.  
Jesus Christ commanded his Servant John the Apostle, to write a Book, and send it to the seven Churches in Asia, Rev. 1.11. He directed his seven several Epistles to the seven several Angels of the seven Churches beginning thus, Unto the Angel of the Church of Ephesus, and so the rest, Chap. 2.1.8.12.18. and Chap. 3, 1, 7, 14. And those seven Epistles were by those seven Angels to be communicated to all the Asian Churches, and every one was called upon (in that Epiphonema, at the End of every several Epistle) He that hath an Ear, let him hear, etc. Rev. 2.7, 11, 17, 29. & chap. 3.6, 13, 22. that is, to hearken, attend, and observe what the Lord Jesus Christ by his Spirit saith utno the Churches, not to this or that particular Church only, Rev. 2.1, 7. nor to these seven Churches exclusively, but unto all the Churches of Saints in all other Countries, Cities and Places in all the future Ages of the World. Dr. Scultetus saith, 
(a) Scult. observat. in Titum. Doctissimi quique interpretes per septem Ecclesiarum Angelos interpretantur septem Ecclesiarum Episcopos; neque enim aliter possunt, vim nisi facere Textui velint.  All the most Learned Interpreters by Angels expound the Bishops of the Churches, nor can it be otherwise interpreted without Violence to the Text. As punctually and pertinently speaks Marlorat, 
(b) Marlorat. in Apoc. 1.12. Quamvis quaedam tam in Clero, quàm in Populo corrigenda essent, non tamen Populum, sed Clerum aggreditur: nec quemlibet de Clero, nominatim Principem Cleri, utique Episcopum.  Some things (saith he) were to be corrected, as well in the People, as in the Clergy; yet, doth not Saint John write unto the People, nor yet to the Clergy, but to the Chief of them, which is the Bishop. Dr. Reynolds in his Conference with Hart. cap. 2. divisio 3. saith, Although in the Church of Ephesus, there were sundry Elders and Pastors to guide it; yet among these sundry Pastors was there one Chief, whom our Saviour calleth the Angel of that Church, Apoc. 2.1. And the said Doctor telling us of that very Time, when St. Paul assembled the Elders of Ephesus at Miletum, Act. 20. 17, 28. chap. 8. distinct. 3. saith, One was chosen as Chief— called Bishop.   

§ 9  
Smectym. etc. assert, that the word Angel, Rev. 2.1, etc. doth signify only the Presbytery, or the College of Elders, Pastors, and not the Church. 
(a) Smectym. Vindication, pag. 146, 148.  And they draw argument from the Epistle of Christ, to the Church in Thyatira, Rev. 2.18.20, 24. Upon which place Beza thus paraphrased, Unto you, that is (saith he) unto the Angel as Precedent; and unto the rest (of the Elders, viz. the College of Presbyters) in Thyatira: And as many as have not this Doctrine, that is have not received this Doctrine of Jezebel. But why would Christ have the Angel or Chief Bishop of the Church of Thyatira blamed for suffering false Teachers in that Church to Teach and Seduce his Servants, if he was not their Precedent, or Superintendent, who had Priority, Preeminency and Authority above other Pastors, Teachers, Presbyters, or Elders (called Bishops) in that Church? 
(b) Beza in Apoc. 2.1. Angelus 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, quem oportet admoneri, & per eum Collegas, totamque adeo Ecclesiam. Gualther. Hom. 9 in Apoc. 2.8. Angelo, id est, Episcopo Smyrnensi atque toti Ecclesiae, constat ex Historiis Polycarpum fuisse hunc Angelum.  Consult Beza, Gualther, especially Ignatius that holy Martyr, (who is said to live in the days of the Apostles, who writ an Epistle to the Ephesians, wherein he hath plainly and fully distinguished between Bishops and Presbyters, and towards the end of that Epistle he doth exhort them to obey both the Bishop and the Presbytery with an undivided mind. 
(b) IgnaEpist. ad Ephes. p. 17-29. etc. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Ibid. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.    

§ 10.  
Polycarpus was Bishop of Smyrna, when St. John wrote that Epistle, Revel. 2.8. Unto the Angel of the Church of the Smyrnians, saith Irenaeus. And who can better inform us than they that lived in the days of the Apostles. Polycarpus (saith Irenaeus) 
(c) Iren. advers. Haeres. l. 3. c. 3. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, etc.  was not only taught by the Apostles, and conversed with many that had seen Christ; but also was by the Apostles Constituted in Asia Bishop of the Church, which is in Smyrna; Whom we ourselves also did see in our younger Age; for he continued long: And being very aged, he most gloriously and nobly suffering Martyrdom, departed this Life. To this let me add the Testimony, which those Brethren of the Church of Smyrna, who were present at the Martyrdom of their Bishop Polycarpus gave him, 
(d) Smyrnens. Eccles. epist. de Martyrio Policarpi. Euseb. lib. 4. hist. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. 15. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Vide Euseb. l. 2. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. & lib. 4. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  as Eusebius, l. 4. Hist. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 15. He was (said his Brethren) the most admirable Man in our Times, an Apostolical and Prophetical Doctor, and Bishop of the whole Church in Smyrna. Famous and certain is the Testimony of Hegesippus, in his History of the Church, as Eusebius noteth to the same purpose. The next and last I shall cite, is the Testimony of Clement, whom St. Paul mentioneth among other his fellow Labourours, Phil. 4.3.   

§ 11.  
Clement is said by the Ancients, to have written an Epistle to the Church and Saints at Corinth, which Epistle hath the Attestation of Irenaeus, who calls it [〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉] a most substantial Epistle to the Corinthians, and of Photius, that styles it [〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉] an eloquent (or a worthy spoken) Epistle. It is also highly commended by Origin, Cyril, Justin Martyr, St. Jerom, and other godly and learned men. Which Epistle Mr. Patrick Young saith, is extant in the King's Library at Oxford. His words in that his Epistle are these, 
(a) 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, etc. Clem. Epist. ad Corinth. pag. 57 D. Patrieii Junii.  Our Apostles knew (saith he) by our Lord Jesus Christ, that there will be Contention about the Name of Episcopacy; And therefore for this very same cause, having received perfect knowledge, thy appointed the foresaid Degrees, and gave thereupon a Designed Order, and List of Offices, etc.— And it would be no small sin in us (saith he) if we should refuse or reject them, who have sacredly, and without Reproof, undergone the Offices of Episcopacy, etc. The Magd. Cent. 1, 2, 3. do make mention of such Bishops in the Churches of God: And all Ecclesiastical Historians (that I have Read) do testify the Priority and Pre-eminence of Bishops.   

§ 12.  
I would not be misunderstood, therefore I will take liberty to tell the Reader, That this Priority, Presidence, and Pre-eminence of any one Bishop above other Bishops, Pastors, Teachers, Presbyters, or Elders, and Ministers of Christ, is not any Lordly Prelacy, with coercive Power over the Conscience, or Dominion over the Faith of God's Clergy: For the holy Apostles did approve themselves to every Man's Conscience in the sight of God, 2 Cor. 4.1, 2. not having Dominion over their Faith, 2 Cor. 1.24. Neither as being Lords over God's Clergy, or Heritage, 1 Pet. 5.1, 2, 3. But I mean and intent any one of the Bishops, Pastors, Teachers, Presbyters, or Elders, who are, or shall by the Consent, Approbation and Choice of the rest be appointed, ordained, and set over them as Chief Bishop or Presbyter of the Church in any City and Villages adjacent, who for Order sake in Gospel-Government, hath Priority, Pre-eminence, and Authority above the rest of the Presbyters or Bishops of the same Church, not alone, nor without them, but when Convened with them, to Act, Rule, Guide, Order and Govern with their Consent, Suffrage and Assistance, according to the Laws of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Constitutions and Commandments, the Practice and Example of his holy Apostles, Act. 15.2, 6, 19, 22. Nor should the Ministers of Christ strive which of them should be greatest, Luk. 22.24, 25, 26. Neither ought any of them to Love (and Affect) to have Pre-eminence among them, as Diotrephes did 3. Epist. of John v. 9 
(a) 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. 1 Tim. 3.1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. Titus 1.7, 8, 9 2 Tim. 4.1, 2, 3, 4, 5.  But a Bishop must be blameless, an Ensample to the Flock, vigilant, patiented, apt to teach, not covetous, not greedy of filthy lucre, and one that Ruleth well his own House, that he may take Care of the Church of God; holding fast the faithful Word, etc.    

CHAP. III.  
THE Third Work that our Lord Jesus Christ came into this World to do, was to institute those Gospel-Ordinances, in which his Churches of Saints must worship God in Spirit, and in Truth. When the Church is Assembled on the first Day of the week, in some convenient place to worship God, Christ hath appointed, that first of all Prayers, Supplications, and Thanksgivings be made, 1 Tim. 2.1, 2, 3. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour. Men having their Heads uncovered, and Women having their Faces vailed or covered, 1 Cor. 11.4, 5, 7, 10, 13. reverently kneeling, Psal. 95.6. & Acts 21.5. or decently standing, Luk. 18.11, 13. They ought not to sit in Prayer-time, unless some weakness of body, or some bodily infirmity doth constrain them. This part of the Worship of God ought to be administered by one of the Elders of that Church, who ought to pray in the Spirit, and to pray with the understanding also, 1 Cor. 14.15. To pray with the Spirit, implies two things:  
First, That the Minister have a spiritual Gift to pray, Zech. 12.10.  
Secondly, That he have the Spirits Assistance in praying, Rom. 8.26. To pray with the understanding, is to pray with such words as all the Congregation doth hear and understand, that they may say Amen, 1 Cor. 4.16.  
After Prayer, the Teacher ought to Read the Written Word of God distinctly, and give the sense thereof by Expounding and Interpreting the words of that Scripture, that so the People may understand, and be instructed or taught to know the Will and Mind of God therein revealed for their Learning and Edification, as they did, Neh. 8.4, 5, 6, 7, 8. And as Christ himself, and his Apostles also did, Luk. 4.16, 17, 21, 22. & Act. 28.23. Reading the holy Scripture, is an Ordinance of God, unto which Christ hath promised a Gospel-Blessing, Rev. 1.3. & Col. 4.16.  
And then the Pastor ought to Preach the Gospel, and to exhort the People to Repent, and Believe the Gospel; to be holy, and to walk in all the Commandments and Ordinances of the Lord blamelessly; Labouring in the Word and Doctrine to Convert Sinners, to Edify Believers, to Convince Gainsayers, and to Comfort, Strengthen and Establish them that Believe in Christ. Also let the Prophets speak two or three, and let the rest judge, 1 Cor. 14.29, 31. & Rom. 12.6, 7, 8. Having then Gifts differing, according to the Grace that is given unto us: Whether Prophecy, let us Prophesy according to the Analogy of Faith: Or Ministry, let us wait on our Ministering; Or he that Teacheth, on Teaching; Or he that Exhorteth, on Exhortation; And he that Ruleth, with diligence. The Apostles so Preached, that many believed, Act. 14.1. And it pleased God by the Foolishness of Preaching to save them that believe, 1 Cor. 1.21.  
Our LORD Jesus Christ did command his Ministers also to Baptise them that do believe in him, with Water, in the Name of the Father, Son, and holy Spirit, Mat. 28.19, 20. & Mark 16.15, 16. & Joh. 1.33. Our Lord himself was Baptised by John in the River Jordan, Mat. 3.13. Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be Baptised of him. Ver. 16. And Jesus, when he was Baptised, went up straightway out of the Water. [〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, ut immergeretur, ver. 13. and ver. 16. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, & immersus Jesus,] Mark 1.5, 9 And were all Dipped of him in the River Jordan, confessing their sins. We read, that both Men and Women were Baptised (when they Believed) Acts 8.12. (But we read not in the holy Scripture of Truth, that any Infants were Baptised.) They that had received the holy Spirit, were commanded to be Baptised with Water, in the Name of the LORD, Acts 10.47, 48. Those Men and Women are fit Subjects of Baptism, that have received the Spirit of Christ; do Believe in Christ; Confess their sins; and Repent, Acts 2. 37-41. The Manner of the Administration of this Gospel-Ordinance of Baptism, was thus practised in the Days of Christ, and of his Apostles, to wit, The Person Baptising, and the Persons Baptised, went into the Water, Acts 8.38, 39 And they went down both into the Water, both Philip and the Eunuch; and he Baptised him: That is, Philip Dipped the Eunuch under the Water; and then they came out of the Water, v. 39 The Spirit of God hath inspired the Apostles in writing the holy Scriptures to use one Greek word [viz. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉] for Dipping; 
Joh. 1.25, 26, 33. Heb. 9.19, 21.  and another, [viz. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉] for Sprinkling. So that if to Dip in Water, be to Baptise, to Sprinkle with Water is to Rantize. And the Manner of Baptising in Water is represented in the holy Scripture by Burying in Water, and raising up out of the Water, Col. 2.12. & Rom. 6.4. whereby is also figured forth the Believer's Fellowship with Jesus Christ in his Death and Resurrection. Col. 2.12.  
Jesus Christ also before his Death did Institute his own Supper, Matth. 26.26, 27, 28. & 1 Cor. 11.23, 24, 25. and commanded his Disciples to do so, and to do so often in Remembrance of him, 1 Cor. 11.25, 26. and as a Memorial of his Death, until he come again, ver. 26. In Administering this Sacred Ordinance of the Lord's Supper, according to the Example of Christ and his Disciples, these particular things ought to be observed;  
1. The Time; The Lord's Supper ought to be Administered ordinarily on the Lord's Day, that is, the first Day of the week, Acts 20.7. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, etc. On the only Day of Sabbaths, (It is an Hebraism.) And upon the first Day of the week, the Disciples came together to break bread, etc. And the time of the day was at Evening; then Christ administered his Supper, Mark 14.17, 22.  
2. The Minister ought to take the Bread, and consecrate it by the Word and Prayer, with Thanksgiving; and after the Bread is so consecrated, he ought to break it in pieces, and give it unto the Communicants, expressing the words of Jesus Christ, saying, Take, eat, This is my Body. And after the Communicants have eaten the Bread, the Minister ought to take the Cup with Wine in it, and in like manner consecrate it by Prayer and Thanksgiving, and then give it all the Communicants, expressing the words of Christ, saying, Drink ye all of this, for this is my blood of the New Testament, which is shed for you, and for many, for the Remission of sins, Luk, 22.20. & Matth. 26.27, 28. And the Minister also having received with them; 3. They all aught to praise God together in singing an Hymn, as Christ and his Disciples did, Matth. 26.30. Mark 14.26.  
Singing is also a Gospel-Ordinance, which ought to be performed by the Church as a part of God's Public Worship, Isa. 52.8. With the Voice together shall they sing. The Matter that we are to sing is the Word of God, namely, the Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs contained in the holy Scriptures, the Written Word of God, Col. 3.16. Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all Wisdom, etc. The Manner of Singing Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs, is to Sing in Meeter and Measure, with audible Voice, as our English manner is.  
The Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs in the Book of Psalms, were Sung in Meeter and Measure, [As they that understand the Hebrew Tongue know well.]  
The End of Singing is to make Melody in your heart to the Lord, Eph. 5.19. Singing with a tuneable Voice, makes Melody in our Ears, and stirs up our pure Minds to rejoice in the Lord; but Singing with Grace in our Hearts, doth make melody to the Lord. Though the Voice of the Church (espoused to Christ) was sweet and pleasant unto him, in the Song of Songs, Cant. 2.14. yet the Spirit acting Grace, (viz. Faith, Love, and Joy) in the Hearts of the Saints, is much more sweet, wellpleasing, and acceptable unto God, than their Voice in Singing Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs to the Lord, Col. 3.16. Singing with Grace in your hearts to the Lord.  
Query. Did not some of the Saints in the Church at Corinth, Sing other Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs, which they themselves indicted, and sang alone by the Spirit with Grace in their hearts to the Lord?  
Answer. I think some Members of that Church did compose a Psalm upon occasion, 1 Cor. 14.26. And it is my Opinion, That a Minister or Member of the Church (if he hath received a Gift of the Spirit to Sing) may Sing in the Church to Edification, 1 Cor. 14, 15. yea and aught so to do, 1 Pet. 4.10, 11. But this I say,  
First, That those Hymns, and Spiritual Songs, which Ministers, or Members of the Church do indict and Sing, are not Psalms; and we are commanded to instruct and exhort one another in Psalms, and to Sing Psalms, as well as Hymns and Spiritual Songs, Eph. 5.19. & Col. 3.16. And I know that the word Psalms is interpreted David's Psalms, the Book of Psalms, and the Psalms of David, Asaph, etc. Search those Scriptures, Acts 1.20. Acts 13.33, 35. Luk. 20.42.24.44.  
Secondly, That those Ministers and Members of the Church cannot affirm, will not assert, that their Hymns, or Spiritual Songs, are materially the Inspiration of the holy Spirit, as the Book of Psalms were; they may Sing with the Spirit, and with understanding, unto Edification; but the Psalms of David, and of Asaph; and the Song of Songs, which is solomon's; and the Hymns of Jesus Christ and his Apostles, must have the Pre-eminence.  
Thirdly, Although I have also, through the riches of Free Grace, received the holy Spirit, and have learned in some measure, what it is to pray in the Spirit, and to pray with understanding: Also to Sing in the Spirit, and and to Sing with Understanding; yet I rather choose to Sing in the Church those Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs, which are contained in the holy Scripture, than any of my own inditing; for these Reasons, because,  
First, Although I should be assisted by the holy Spirit of God, to indite an Hymn, or a Spiritual Song, and Sing it in the Church with Grace in my heart, and so make melody to the Lord, and edify the Church; yet some matter thereof may be doubtful to some persons that hear me Sing it; if that matter be Prophetical, or Mysterious, and they understand it not; or if there should be any words or sentences therein expressed, which are not sound words, [For I pretend not to Sing by the Spirit, otherwise than to pray by the Spirit, to wit, as the Spirit helpeth mine Infirmities,] which I may be subject to, and so through my Infirmity, may err, or utter some unsound words.  
Secondly, When I Sing a Psalm, Hymn, or Spiritual Song, which is written in the holy Scripture of Truth, none but an Atheist, or an Atheistical Spirit will object against the Matter of it; for those Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs, were given by Inspiration of God, and Revelation of the holy Spirit; and I do only translate them into English Meeter and Measure, out of the Hebrew Text, that the Church may Sing them together, with their Voice making Melody to the Lord, by Singing praises to the Lord with Grace in their hearts.  
Thirdly, The Church cannot practise the Lord's Command given by the Apostle to those two Churches, and all other Churches of Saints, though they Sing Hymns, and Spiritual Songs, unless they also Sing Psalms; which are by the same holy Spirit that inspired David to indite them expounded and interpreted, The Book of Psalms; and The Psalms of David, etc. as hath been proved by those Scriptures aforecited, which the Reader is humbly desired to search.   

CHAP. IU.  
Lastly, THE Lord Jesus Christ having finished the work for which he came into this WORLD, being to leave the WORLD, and return to Heaven, whence he came, Eph. 4.9.10. did at the Request of his Disciples, Matth. 24.3, 4. foretell them the Signs of his Second Coming, and of the End of this WORLD. The Ending Time of this WORLD, and the Second Coming of Christ, have some evident Signs set upon them. And God hath caused those Signs to be Recorded and Written in the holy Scripture of Truth; First, To strengthen the Faith of his People, that they might upon Scripture ground believe that this World shall have an End, and that the LORD Jesus Christ will come again from Heaven in Power and great Glory; And Secondly, To leave all Unbelievers without excuse.  
One Sign of the Ending Time of this World, is the last and greatest Apostasy of Professors, and the Laodicean Lukewarmness of Ministers and Members in the Churches of Christ.  
The first & great Apostasy, which the Apostle foretold, was a departing from the Faith of the Gospel, which Christ and his Apostles had preached, and which the Churches, their Ministers and Members had embraced and professed, 1 Tim. 4.1, 3. Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall departed from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of Devils: Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. Which Apostasy happened in the fourth Century, (as Ecclesiastical Historians tell us) when the Church at Rome, and other Churches, their Bishops, Presbyters and Members departed from the Faith, and fell away from the sound Doctrine, pure Worship, and true Discipline of the Gospel. And then the Apocalyptical Beast, the Pope, and the great Whore, Mystery Babylon the Great, that Mother of Harlots, and the false Prophets, those Roman croaking Frogs did begin to Rise, who afterwards greatly increased in the ten European Kingdoms. See my Book entitled Mystery-Babylon unvailed, Printed 1679.  
But the last and greatest Apostasy noted in the holy Scripture of Truth, is both in Faith and Manners, by Men of corrupt Minds, and carnal Principles, having the Form of Godliness, but denying the Power thereof, 2 Tim. 3.1, 2, 3, 4, 5. This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to Parents, unthankful, unholy, without natura laffection, Truce-breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God, having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. The particle 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, v. 1. This, likewise, or besides, directs us to look back to the former Epistle, ch. 4. v. 1, 2, 3. , to wit, the Time of the first Apostasy; In the latter days, v. 1. But here the Apostle speaks of the Time of the Last Apostasy, v. 1. That in the last days, etc. The great Inquiry now will be, What Days the Apostle meant here? I answer, My Opinion hereof is, That by the Last Days here, we are to understand those three Prophetical Days and an half of the 1260 Days that Christ's two Witnesses shall prophesy in sackcloth, Rev. 11.3, 7-12. And I will give power unto my two Witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days clothed in sackcloth. And when they shall have finished their Testimony, the Beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless Pit, shall make War against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them: And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great City, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified. And they of the people and kindreds, and tongues, and nations, shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves. And they that dwell upon the Earth, shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another, because these two Prophets tormented them that dwelled on the Earth. And after three days and an half, the Spirit of Life from God entered into them: And they stood upon their feet, and great fear fell upon them which saw them. Read my Exposition of the Eleventh chapter of the Revelation, published 1679. These Days of slaying the Witnesses (are those last Days) and will be perilous Times: For  
1. The Roman Beast will make war against the Witnesses, and overcome them, and kill them, Rev. 11.7.  
2. They will be perilous, hard difficult, dangerous, grievous, and troublesome Times, or Days, because the Rights, Liberties and Freedoms of the People will be infringed, and taken from them; and such temptations and snares will be laid, whereby men's Liberties, Lives and Estates shall be in great hazard and danger, Mat. 24.21. & Luk. 21.22, 26, 27.  
3. These last Days will be so full of amazing Distractions, Disturbances, and Tribulations, that wise men shall be at their Wit's end, not knowing what to do, nor what course to take for their own safety: And many eminent Professors of Religion will fall off from their former Principles and Practice, and be drawn aside to follow the pernicious ways of ungodly men, and so fall in with the sins of those last Days here mentioned, 2 Tim. 3.1, 2, 3, 4. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, Lovers of their own selves. Self-love is the Root of Apostasy, both Political and Ecclesiastical. When men of Name began to love themselves more than their most solemn Oaths, Vows, and Covenants, more than Truth and Righteousness, more than the good Laws of the Nation, and the just Liberties and Rights of the People, than began the last and greatest Political Apostasy. And when men of Eminency for Religion, began to love themselves more than the Ways and Worship of God, more than the Churches and Saints of God, more than Jesus Christ the only begotten Son of God, then began the Ecclesiastical Apostasy of those last Days: This is one Sign that Christ gave his Disciples of the Ending Time of this world, Matth. 24.3, 4, 12. And as he sat upon the Mount of Olives, the Disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us when shall these things be, and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world. And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, Covetous, Danaeus in Loc. saith, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 hic à Paulo dicitur, qui sive aurum, sive argentum, sive agros— sive quaslibet alias opes ardenter expetit & vitiose. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is often rendered studium pecuniae, the desire of money. And the love of money, saith the Apostle, 1 Tim. 6.10. is the root of all evil, which whilst some have coveted after, they have erred from the faith, etc. How much of the spirit of the world, and of the things of this world is crept into the hearts of many Professors, and Church-Members in these last Days, who consider not the Testimony of the Apostle against them, 1 Joh. 2.15. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. Covetousness is Idolatry, Col. 3.5. Another Character of those Apostates of the last Days is Pride, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, Proud; so are those covetous self-loving Professors, and Church-Members in these evil Days, witness the Periwigs and Petticoats of London Professors, and Sermon hearers in this City. Doth not even Nature itself teach you, that if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him, 1 Cor. 11.14. Yea it is a shame indeed for men professing Godliness to wear such long Periwigs of women's hair, as some men do. What an abomination is it unto the Lord, to see an hoary Head covered with long hair, (that hath been cut off from a Whore's Head) when he is praying to God, and worshipping the Allseeing God, Heb. 4.13. All things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. And doth not the holy Scripture teach Women professing godliness, when they come to pray and worship Gods, to adorn themselves in modest Apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety, not with broidered hair— or costly Array, 1 Tim. 2.8, 9, 10, 11, 12. & 1 Pet. 3.3, 4, 5, 6. And more especially in days of Humiliation and Tribulation (even at such a time as this, which is indeed a perilous time. Read Exod. 33.4, 5, 6, 7. & Isa. 3. 16-24. Another Character of those Apostates of the last Days, is Truce-breakers, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, Covenant-breakers; such as do break their Oaths, Vows, Promises, Engagements. Oh how guilty have some Courtiers, Counsellors, Soldiers, Mariners, Citizens, Professors, and Church-Members been of those heinous sins! Read the Army-Remonstrance 1648. and that Book entitled, A Looking-glass for the ARMY; in which Book you may find collected the Vows, Promises and Covenants, that those Sword-bearing Professors made, and several of them broke: To say nothing of the Scots and English Covenants so solemnly taken in their Parish-Churches. Many Professors have broken God's Covenant, as Israel did, Jer. 31.23. Which my Covenant they broke. Another Character of the Apostates of the last Days, is False-accusers, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, Calumniators, Devils incarnate; such are those false witnesses, that rise up against men; and do falsely accuse them, Psal. 35.11. And when may false witnesses do not agree in their Testimony, which men suborned, at last comes other false witnesses, and then the Sentence of Death is given, and afterwards executed. Thus they dealt with the Lord of Life, and put him to death, Matth. 26.59, 60. and with Stephen, Act. 6.11, 12, 13. and stoned him to death. Another Character of the Apostates of the last Days, is this, Lovers of Pleasures more than Lovers of God. Who more than rich Professors for fine Clothes, sumptuous Houses, delicate Fare, costly Furniture, and Court-fashions, wherein they have exceeded since the Burning of the City; besides other vain Pleasures wherein they have delighted themselves more than in the ways of God and Godliness? Amos 6.1. Woe to them that are secure in Zion. Ver. 3. Ye that put far away the evil day. V 4. That lie upon Beds of Ivory. V 5. That chant to the sound of the Viol. V. 6. That drink Wine in Bowls— But they are not grieved for the Affliction of Joseph. The last Character of these Apostates in the last Days, which is a sign of the Ending-Time of this Evil WORLD, is this, viz. Having a Form of Godliness, but denying the Power thereof. To have a Form of Godliness, is to hold on in Religious duties, and Gospel-Ordinances, as Praying in their Families, often hearing Sermons, attending days of public Fasting and of Thanksgiving; also frequent Assembling themselves with the separated Congregations of Saints, and therein partake of all Gospel-Administrations; such are Sinners in Zion, and Hypocrites, (like them, Isa. 33.14.) yet are lovers of themselves, and lovers of Pleasures more than God, Christ, Godliness, and the poor afflicted Children of God: Proud-Professors, Covetous Church-Members, Covenant-breakers, and false-accusers, denying the Power of Godliness: For, though these Apostates profess they know God, yet in works they deny him, Tit. 1.16. Read Isa. 1.11, 12, 13, 14, 15. & Isa. 6.2, 3, 4. I am not against the True Form of Godliness, that is to say, Church-Fellowship, and Gospel Order, and the Worship of God in Spirit and in Truth, according to the Constitutions of Jesus Christ and his Apostles: But I thus speak and write to open and expound the words of this Prophecy.  
Another Sign of the Ending-Time of this world, is the abounding of Iniquity among the profane persons of the world, Mat. 24.3, 12. Tell us what shall be the sign of thy Coming, and of the End of the world; And Jesus answered and said unto them— Iniquity shall abound. The Apostle also tells us, 1 Joh. 5.19. The whole world lieth in wickedness. Ungodliness was the destruction of the Old World, Gen. 6.5, 6, 7. And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the Earth. V 5. And the Lord said, I will destroy Man— from the face of the Earth. V 7. The destruction of the Old World was by the Flood, but the desolation of the world that now is shall be by Fire. 2 Pet. 3.6, 7. The Earth also, and the works that are therein shall be burnt up. By Iniquity we are to understand those Immoralities, and abominable wickednesses that are committed, and practised by ungodly men, who declare their sins as Sodom, and boast of their abominations. Now Reader, consider how doth Iniquity abound, to wit, Adultery, that hath gotten a Whore's forehead, which is not ashamed of that abomination: Also profane and false-swearing, which is an abomination to the Lord, who hateth profane and false Oaths: And Drunkenness, which so unmans men, and so effeminates them, that they are thereby fit for nothing but sinfulness, wantonness, lasciviousness, and all manner of wickedness. Likewise oppression, violence, robbery, injustice, bribery, and all sorts of unrighteousness. Lastly, Persecution, Imprisonment, and Banishment for Preaching the Lord Jesus Christ, and Practising the Ordinances of the Gospel. Do not these, Iniquities abound in our days? I think that the Inhabitants of this Nation do abound in these Iniquities, much more than in former Ages.  
Another Sign of the Ending-Time of this World, is that great Tribulation, which our blessed Saviour spoke of, Mat. 24.21, 29, 30. This is that hour of Temptation, which Christ said shall come upon all the world, Rev. 3.10, 11. This day of Tribulation will be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a Nation, even to that same time, Dan. 12. 14. Shut up the words, and seal the Book even to the Time of the End. The Tribulation of the People of God, will be the War that the Roman Beast will make against Christ's two Prophetical Witnesses, wherein he shall overcome them, and kill them, Rev. 11.7. See my Exposition of that Chapter and Verse, Printed 1679. And the Tribulation of the Roman Beast, the great Whore, and the false Prophet will be the seven Vials of the last Plagues of God Almighty, which shall be poured forth upon Mystery Babylon the great, Rev. 16.17, 18, 19, 20, 21. And the seventh Angel poured out his Vial into the Air, and there came a great voice out of the Temple of Heaven from the Throne, saying, It is done. And there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings: And there was a great Earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the Earth, so mighty an Earthquake, and so great. And the great City was divided into three parts, and the Cities of the Nations fell, and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the Cup of the Wine of the fierceness of his wrath. And every Island fled away, and the Mountains were not found. And there fell upon men a great Hail out of Heaven, every stone about the weight of a talon, and men blasphemed God because of the Plague of the Hail; for the Plague thereof was exceeding great. And immediately after the Tribulation of these days, they shall see the Son of Man coming in the Clouds of Heaven with power and great glory, Matth. 24. v. 29, 30. Then will Christ take unto him his great Power and Reign; he will create New Heavens, and a New Earth, wherein dwells Righteousness, Isa. 65.17. & 66.22. 2 Pet. 3.13. & Rev. 21. 2-5. And he that sat upon the Throne said, Behold I make all things New. Now this New Creation is the WORLD to come.   

CHAP. V Of Separation.  

§ 1.  
GOD did separate his Ancient People the Jews from all other People in the World, to be his peculiar People, to worship him according to his Institutions and Commandments, Levit. 20.24, 26. And God hath commanded the Believing Gentiles to be separated from Idolaters, and Unbelievers, or Infidels, and to have no Communion or Fellowship with them in any false Worship, 2 Cor. 6. 14-18.   

§ 2.  
But though Believers may be, and aught to abide separated from the Worship and Worshippers of Idols in their Temples, 
(a) 2 Cor. 6.16, 17.  and from the Worship of the Unbelieving Jews in their Synagogues; 
(b) Act. 19.8, 9  And also from the Worship and Worshippers of the Beast, or his Image, 
(c) Rev. 14.9, 10. & 20.4.  and from the Assemblies of all false Worshippers, and from all false Worship; yet sanctified Believers ought not to separate themselves from the true Churches of God, and of his Saints, that Worship him in Spirit and in Truth, and walk in the Faith and Order of the Gospel, according to the Rule of the written Word of God, so far as they have attained.   

§ 3.  
The most pure Churches of Saints on Earth, are subject to mixture; some false Brethren may creep into a Church of Christ unawares, 
(d) Gal. 2.4.  and some false Teachers too, 
(e) 2 Tim. 3.1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8.  Men of corrupt minds, and corrupt manners also. 
(f) 2 Cor. 2.17.  And there may be some Errors in Doctrine, and some Evils in Conversation among them; as there was among some of the Churches of Christ in Asia, in the Apostles time, 
(g) Rev. 2.14, 15, 20, 24.  But yet Believers ought not to separate themselves from those Churches of Saints, whereof they are Members for those Errors in Doctrine, or Evils in Conversation, until they have first, faithfully and orderly born their testimony against them; secondly, until they have humbly entreated the Church, and the Ministers thereof, to Reform those things that are amiss among them; and thirdly, until the Church, and the Ministers thereof, do utterly Refuse to Reform those Errors in Doctrine, and those Evils in Conversation among them.   

§ 4.  
The Ministers and Members of the Churches of God ought to imitate Christ in this matter, and to follow his steps. Our LORD Jesus Christ did see many things amiss in some of the Churches in Asia, viz. unsound Doctrines, and corrupt Manners; to wit, the Doctrine and Deeds of the Nicolaitans, which Christ hated, etc. But notwithstanding Christ did not presently forsake those Churches, nor did he command any of the Ministers, or Members thereof to separate themselves from them; neither did Christ blame any Believers that were sound in their Judgements, and holy in their Conversations for holding Communion with those Churches. But Jesus Christ did, first, bear his Testimony against those Errors in Doctrine, and Corruptions in Conversation. Secondly, Christ called upon the Church and Angel to Repent, and Reform what was amiss. And Thirdly, Christ gave them space to Repent, and waited for their Amendment, before he did forsake them. Read the second and third chapters of the Revelation: And therefore I conclude, That none of the Ministers nor Members of any true Church of God ought to separate themselves from the Church; nor ought they to forsake the Assembling of themselves with the Church, nor absent themselves from any part of the true Worship of God, nor turn their back of any Gospel-Ordinance of Christ in the Church, because of Offence against any Member or Minister in the Church: But they ought to bear, and have patience, and to wait upon Christ and his Church, until such Offenders be orderly proceeded against, and those offences be reform or removed by the Laws of God's House: Or else until the Candlestick be removed out of its place, for suffering those Errors in Doctrine, or Corruptions in Manners and Conversation; and for adding impenitency unto such impiety & iniquity suffered and indulged in the Church by the Ministers therein, and by the Members thereof, to the dishonour of God, the scandal of the Gospel, and the great offence and grief of the godly, who have walked orderly, and have not defiled their Garments, but have watched and kept themselves unspotted of the world, and uncorrupted with those Evils in the Church; which would not be healed, and therefore aught to be forsaken and separated from, by the faithful Ministers of Christ, and all the holy People of God. Seeing then that the Ending Time of this evil world will be so perilous, and a Day of so great Tribulation, I do entreat both unconverted Sinners, and sanctified Believers, to suffer a word of Exhortation. I do therefore exhort unconverted Sinners, upon whom the End of this WORLD is coming by Death, or Dissolution, That you would come to Christ, Believe in Jesus Christ, and Repent of your sins.  
First, I exhort you to come to Christ; for there is not salvation in any other, Acts 4.12. If you will not come to Christ whilst you live, you will certainly go to Hell when you die, Psal. 9.17.  
Some poor sinner haply will say, Alas! I am a vile sinful sinner; I am unworthy, may I presume to come unto Christ? Yes, Jesus Christ who came into the world to save the chiefest of sinners, doth invite all, that will, to come unto him, Isa. 55.1, 2, 3. & Rev. 22. v. 17. But if I do come unto Christ, will he not refuse me, and reject me, and cast me off? No! Joh. 6.37. Him that cometh unto me, I will in no wise cast out. Some poor lost sinner may haply say, Indeed I see a great need of Christ to justify me, and to sanctify me, and to save me; but I know not how to come to Christ; I cannot come to Christ; what shall I do? I answer, It is true, no man can come to Christ, except the Father draw him, John 6.44. but God the Father doth draw sinners unto Christ with his Cords of Love, Jer. 31.3. Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting Love; therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee. Though thou canst not come to Christ, yet know, that the Lord Jesus Christ can, and will come to thee, and teach thee to go to him, as he did Ephraim, Hos. 11.3, 4. The danger is not in thy own Inability, that thou canst not come to Christ, accept of Christ, and take Christ upon Gospel-terms of Free Grace: but thy souls danger lieth in thy own unwillingness, Thou wilt not come to Christ; this Jesus Christ complained of, John 5.40. But ye will not come to me, that ye might have life. Ah! woe's me, saith the poor lost sinner; If I were so deeply humbled for my sins; if I had a soft, broken, penitent heart; if I could get victory over my corruptions, than I should be willing to come to Christ for pardon, and for salvation; but these things hinder me, and discourageth me from coming to Christ; I am ashamed to come; I am afraid to come; I confess I am unwilling to come; yet know, God and Christ is willing that thou shouldest come, Mat. 11.28. And ere long, the Day of God's Power will come upon thee; and then thou wilt be willing, Psal. 110.3. Thy People shall be willing in the Day of thy Power.  
Secondly, I exhort you to believe in Christ. When the Jailor asked Paul and Silas, and said, Sirs, What must I do to be saved? They said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, Acts 16.30, 31. This is that glad Tidings of the Gospel, which Christ hath commanded and commissioned his Ministers to Preach unto every creature, Mark 16.15, 16. He that believes shall be saved, but he that believes not shall be damned. There is an absolute necessity of believing in Jesus Christ unto salvation; for without faith it is impossible to please God, Heb. 11.6. Alas! saith a poor sinner, I cannot Believe, I know not how to Believe; what shall I do to Believe? I answer, Faith is not of ourselves, it is not of works, but it is the Gift of God, Eph. 2.8, 9, 10. The Faith of the Operation of God, Col. 2.12. It is the exceeding greatness of his mighty power, Eph. 1.19, 20. The same Almighty Power of God, that raised Jesus Christ from the dead, must raise the soul of a sinner from the death of sin, unto the life of Righteousness. The soul being dead in trespasses and sins, must be quickened together with Christ, and raised together with Christ, Eph. 2.5, 6.  
Thirdly, I exhort you to Repent of your sins. Repentance is also the Gift of God, Act. 11.18. Then hath God also to the Gentiles, granted Repentance unto life. Evangelical Repentance is a godly sorrow for sin, or a sorrowing for sin after a godly manner, 2 Cor. 7.9, 10. For godly sorrow worketh Repentance to salvation, etc. which Gospel-Repentance consists of confession of sins to God, contrition, and mourning for sins before God, and turning from sins unto God with our whole heart, and with our whole man, in Spirit, Soul and Body.  
And I do exhort sanctified Believers, to prepare themselves to leave this world, and to enjoy the world to come. Noah did prepare himself, all the time he was building the Ark, by being a just and perfect man, and walking with God, Gen. 6.9. for the Ending Time of this world draws near: And the End of our natural life is to us the End of this World: And that we may be prepared, we ought to die daily to sin, to self, and to this evil world; And we must live to God, live God in Christ Jesus, Titus 2.11, 12, 13, 14. For the Grace of God that bringeth salvation, hath appeared to all men, teaching us, that denying ungodliness, and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God, and our Saviour Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.     

THE WORLD to Come.  

CHAP. I. Wherein the General Position is propounded, proved, & explained.  

1. The Position propounded.  
THere is a World to come, wherein will be the New Heavens, a New Earth, and the New Jerusalem; also the Kingdom of Christ and his Saints; the Resurrection of the Dead, and the Eternal Judgement; which World to come will begin, when the LORD Jesus Christ shall come again from Heaven.   

2. The Position proved.  
The holy Scripture of Truth doth Testify, 1. That there is a WORLD to come; Matth. 12.32.— But whosoever speaketh against the holy Spirit, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this World, neither in the World to come. Eph. 1.20, 21.— Not only in this world, but also in that which is to come. And Heb. 2.5.— For unto the Angels hath he not put in subjection that WORLD, even that to come. 2. That then the LORD Jesus Christ will come again from Heaven, Phil. 3.20. For our conversation is in Heaven, from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ. Heb. 9.28.— And to them that look for him shall he appear the Second Time, etc. 1 Thes. 3.13.— At the coming of our LORD Jesus Christ with all his Saints. 3. That then there will be the New Heavens, and a New Earth, and the New Jerusalem; yea, and all things new, Isa. 65.17. I create New Heavens, and a New Earth. 2. Pet. 3.13. We according to his promise look for New Heavens, and a New Earth, etc. Rev. 21.1, 2. And I saw a New Heaven, and a New Earth; And I John saw the holy City, the New Jerusalem coming down from God out of Heaven, etc. And Heb. 12.22, 23, 24.— The heavenly Jerusalem. 4. That the LORD Jesus Christ and his Saints shall have a Kingdom, and shall Reign on Earth. Dan. 7.13, 14. & 27. And there was given to him a Kingdom. Zech. 14.9. And the LORD shall be King of all the Earth. Dan. 7.27. And the Kingdom, and Dominion, and the greatness of the Kingdom under the whole Heaven shall be given to the People of the Saints of the most High, etc. Rev. 5. 9, 10. And thou hast made us unto our God Kings and Priests, and we shall Reign on Earth. Also Rev. 11.15. & 20.4. And they lived and Reigned with Christ a thousand years. 5. That then there shall be a Resurrection from the Dead, 1 Thes. 4.16. And the dead in Christ shall rise first. Rev. 20.5, 6. And the Rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. 1 Cor. 15.21, 22, 23-51, 52. And the dead shall be raised incorruptible, etc. 6. That then shall be the last and Eternal Judgement, Rom. 14.10. and 2 Cor. 5.10. For we must all appear before the Judgement Seat of Christ. And Act. 17.31. Rom. 2.16. and 2 Tim. 4.1. Who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing, and his Kingdom. 1 Pet. 4.5. Ready to judge the quick and the dead. Eccles. 12.14. God shall bring every work into judgement, with every secret thing, etc. Rom. 2.16. and Matth. 12.36. called the Eternal Judgement, Heb. 6.2.  
So then without all controversy, or any modest contradiction, we have the Testimony of Christ, his Apostles and Prophets recorded in the holy Scripture of Truth, for the full confirmation of our general Position.   

3. The Position explained.  
In explaining our general Position, I shall begin with the first branch thereof already proved; viz. That there is a WORLD to come, wherein will be the New Heavens, and a New Earth, and the New Jerusalem. By the World to come, we are to understand, that which the Apostle calls That inhabited WORLD, [even] that to come, Heb. 2.5. 
* 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  The Apostle Peter tells us, that the old world being overflowed with water, perished; & the world that now is, (even this present evil world) is reserved unto fire against the day of Judgement, etc. 2. Pet. 3.6▪ 7. But there will come another world after the world that now is, called the WORLD to come, in contradistinction unto this world, Eph. 1.21. This world is distinguished from that world by Christ himself, Luk. 20.34, 35, 36, 37. The WORLD to come, will be a New Creation; then Christ will make all things new, Rev. 21.5. He will create New Heavens, and a New Earth, and a New Jerusalem, Isa. 65.17. When St. John had seen [in his Vision] the New Heaven, and a New Earth, Rev. 21.1, 2. He saw the New Jerusalem coming down from God out of Heaven; and vers. 5. He that sat upon the Throne said, Behold, I make all things new. This New-Creation will bear some Resemblance unto the first Creation, in respect of Matter, Manner, Parts and End thereof.  
The Matter out of which the Lord Jesus Christ will create the WORLD to come, whereof we treat, is a mere Chaos, viz. the Confusion and Desolation of this present evil world. All things will be in a confused and desolate Condition; towards the End of this world will be perilous Times, 2 Tim. 3.1. In the last days perilous Times shall come. And great Tribulations, such as never was, Mat. 24.21. yea and most wicked Abomination; the whole world lying in wickedness, 1 John 5.19. and behold then (even then) will the Lord Jesus Christ appear, Matth. 24.29, 30. And HE will come, and restore all things. For than will be the Times of the Restitution of all things, Act. 3.21. and then will Christ Restore our Judges as at the first, Isa. 1.26, 27. HE will make our Oppressor's Peace, and our Exactors Righteousness. Isa. 60.17. Then the Wolf and the Lamb shall feed together,— They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy Mountain, saith the Lord, Isa. 65.25.  
The Manner of the New-Creation will be in an Instant, as the first Creation was; God spoke the word, and it was done; He commanded, and they were created, Psal. 148.5. God said, Let there be Light, and there was Light, Gen. 1.3. & Isa. 66.8. Who hath heard such a thing? Who hath seen such things? Shall the Earth be made to bring forth in one day? (They are created now, and not from the Beginning, Isa. 48.6, 7.) Or shall a Nation be born at once? far as soon as Zion traveled, she brought forth her children. And so will the whole New-Creation; there will be a Restitution of all things, and all things will be on a sudden made new, Rev. 21.5.  
The Parts of the New-Creation in the World to come, are, first, the New-Heavens, and the New-Earth, wherein dwelleth Righteousness, 2 Pet. 3.13. whereby we are to understand, that New-State, and Frame of Government here on Earth, which the Lord Jesus Christ, the King of Kings, and King of Nations, will constitute, and command his Saints to execute in all his Dominions and Kingdoms, under the whole Heaven, Dan. 7.13, 14, 27. & Isa. 9.6, 7. Secondly, The New- Jerusalem, that heavenly Jerusalem, Heb. 12.22, 23, 24. called the General Assembly, and the Church of the first born, written in Heaven, etc. whereby we are to understand that glorious State of the Church of God on Earth, which will be in that day, when God will glorify the House of his Glory, Isa. 60.1, 2, 7, 13, 19, 20. which Christ shall present unto himself a glorious Church, not having spot, or wrinkle, nor any such thing, Eph. 5.27. but holy and without blemish; called the Lamb's Wife, Rev. 21.9, 10, 11. prepared as a Bride adorned for her Husband, v. 2. In this holy City the heavenly New- Jerusalem, shall the pure Worship of God be celebrated, and his Sacred Ordinances shall be administered according to his Divine Institutions; and his Spiritual Gifts shall again be given unto his Saints for the Glory of his holy Name, and for the Conversion of the Nations, that shall be saved, Isa. 60.1, 2, 3, 4, 5. The Gentiles shall come to thy Light;— The Abundance of the Sea shall be converted unto thee. And Rev. 21.10, 23, 24. And the Nations of them which are saved, shall walk in the light of it, etc. Thirdly, The Renewed Creatures, whose earnest Expectation waiteth for the Manifestation of the Sons of God, Rom. 8.— 23. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the Adoption, to wit, the Redemption of our body.  
The End of the New-Creation in the World to come, is, first, To make all things very good, as God did in the first Creation, Gen. 1.31. And God saw every thing that he had made, and behold it was very good. So the Lord Jesus Christ will create all things new, and make every thing very good, in the world to come: Wherein will be the Times of the Restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy Prophets, since the world began, Act. 3.19, 20, 21. Secondly, To glorify himself, and to make his Church glorious, Isa. 28.5. & 62.3. In that Day shall the LORD of Hosts be for a Crown of Glory, and for a Diadem of Beauty unto the Residue of his People. Thou shalt also be a Crown of Glory in the hand of the LORD, and a Royal Diadem in the hand of thy God. Isa. 60.1, 2, 3, 7, 9, 13, 19, 22. I the LORD will hasten it in his Time.  
The second Branch of our general Position, which hath also been proved, is this, That the LORD Jesus Christ shall appear the Second Time; which is now to be explained. The Second Coming of Christ from Heaven, is often asserted by the Prophets and Apostles, and confirmed by the Testimony of Christ himself. Rev. 22.7. I come quickly, ver. 12. Behold I come quickly. And ver. 26. Surely I come quickly, Amen, Even so, Come LORD Jesus. Zech. 14.5. And the Lord my God shall come, and all the Saints with thee. Also 1 Thes. 3.13.— At the coming of our LORD Jesus Christ, with all his Saints. These Scriptures, and those also before mentioned for proof of this Branch of our Position, viz. Phil. 3.20. & Heb. 9.28. do testify, That our LORD Jesus Christ will certainly, suddenly, and visibly appear the Second Time, and come from Heaven upon the Earth in his own Person. This Job believed, and therefore did he speak, Job 19.25. For I know that my Redeemer Liveth: And be shall stand [〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉] in the last of Time or Day upon the Earth. Read ver. 26, 27. Heb. 10.37. Yet a litlte while and HE that shall come, will come, and will not tarry. Act. 1.11. This self same Jesus, which is taken up from you into Heaven, shall so come in like manner, as ye have seen him go into Heaven. As Christ ascended into Heaven in his own Person; so he shall lihewise descend from Heaven in his own Person, Matth. 24.27. As the Lightning cometh out of the East, and shineth unto the West, so shall also the Coming of the SON of Man be, so visible, Rev. 1.7. Behold he cometh with Clouds, and every Eye shall see him. And 1 Thes. 4.13, 14,— 18. The LORD himself shall descend from Heaven, etc. To them that look for him, he shall appear the Second Time without sin unto Salvation.  
Now the principal things to be explained in this Branch or part of our general Position, are three, viz. 1. The Manner; 2. The Time; 3. The Ends of Christ's Coming.  
First, Touching the Manner of Christ's Second Personal Coming from Heaven, it is testified, Matth. 16.27. That the SON of Man shall come in the Glory of his Father. The Glory of the Father is the highest and most heavenly Glory, called the Excellent Glory, 2 Pet. 1.16, 17, 18.— When we made known unto you the Power and Coming of our LORD Jesus Christ— For he received from God the Father, honour and glory— from the Excellent Glory; which was but a glimpse of that Excellent Glory of the Father, which Christ shall come in, Attended with all his holy Angels, and glorified Saints from Heaven, and met in the Air by all the changed Saints then living on Earth. Judas v. 14. Behold, the LORD cometh with Ten Thousand of his Saints; and ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands of Angels, saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb (that was slain) to receive power, and honour, and glory, Rev. 5.11, 12. and 2 Thes. 1. 7-10. When the LORD Jesus Christ shall be Revealed from Heaven with his mighty Angels At the Coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his Saints, 1 Thes. 3.16. & 1 Thes. 4.17, 18. Then we which are alive and remain (unto the Coming of the Lord, ver. 5.) shall be caught up together with them in the Clouds, to meet the Lord in the Air, and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Read Luk. 21.17. Mark 13.16. & Matth. 24.30.  
Secondly, Touching the Time of Christ's Second Personal Coming from Heaven. Though of that Day, and that Hour (when Christ shall come) knoweth no man, no not the Angels of Heaven, nor the Son of Man, but the Father only, Mark 13.26, 32. Yet there are some signs of Christ's Second Coming recorded in the Scripture of Truth, whereby we may know, that it is near, even at the door. The Disciples of Christ asked him, What shall be the sign of his Coming? Matth. 24.3. to whom Christ gave this for a sign; ver. 37, 38, 39 But as the Days of No were, so shall also the Coming of the Son of Man be. And Luk. 17.28, 29, 30. Likewise also as it was in the Days of Lot, even thus shall it be in the Day, when the Son of Man is revealed.  
It will be so with the Men of this World, as it was with the Men of the Old World, which God destroyed with Water. Then the wicked ones of that Generation, were very ungodly, Gen. 6.5. And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the Earth, etc. And Christ told his Disciples, Matth. 24.12. That Iniquity shall abound, a little before his Second Coming, vers. 30. And it will be so with the Men and Women of these Cities, as it was with those Citizens of Sodom and Gomorrah, whose Cities were burned.  
Another sign of Christ's Second Coming, is a great Apostasy both in the Doctrine and Worship of the Gospel. This sign of Christ's Second Coming, the Apostle Paul foretold, 2 Thes. 2.1, 2, 3. Now we beseech you Brethren, by the Coming of our LORD Jesus Christ,— Let not man deceive you; for that DAY shall not come, except there come a falling away first: An Apostasy first from the Doctrine of the Gospel, especially, Faith and Love, 1 Tim. 4.1, 2, 3. Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter days some shall departed from the Faith, etc. And Christ saith, Matth. 24.3, 12. The Love of many shall wax cold before his Second Coming from Heaven, vers. 30. Some Teachers make the Law of the Ten Commandments a Doctrine of Faith in Christ, affirming that those ten words are a Covenant of Grace. Other Preachers make the Gospel of the Grace of God a Doctrine and Covenant of works, teaching Justification by works, and Salvation by works, holding , and falling away. And many there are, of whom the Apostle Peter prophesied, 2 Pet. 2.1, 2. False Teachers, who privily shall bring in damnable Heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, etc. And 2 Pet. 3.3, 4. That there shall come in the last Days, Scoffers, walking after their own lusts, and saying, Where is the Promise of his Coming, & c? Insomuch that our Saviour said, Luke 18.8. When the Son of Man cometh, shall he find Fa●th on Earth? And many Professors will fall from their first Love, as the Ephesians did, Rev. 2.4. The Faith and Love of the Primitive Saints in the Churches of Christ continued and increased, 2 Thes. 1.1, 2, 3. Your Faith groweth exceedingly, and the Love of every one of you all towards each other aboundeth: But in these last Days many depart from the Faith, and many cool in their Spiritual Affections to Christ; there are great decays of Grace, and many flourishing Professors experience great withering, fading, and decaying in their spiritual gifts and graces; their backslidings are increased.  
As the Apostasy in Doctrine, so in Worship, is a sign of the Last Days, and of the Second Coming of Christ: The Apostle Paul foretold thereof, 1 Thes. 2.3, 4. & 2 Tim. 3.1, 5. This know also, that in the Last Days— Men shall be Lovers of their own selves, etc. more than Lovers of God, having a form of Godliness, but denying the power thereof. In those last Days, even a little before the Second Coming of Christ, the Laodicean Churches will be lukewarm, neither cold nor hot; formal, not fervent in spirit serving the Lord, Rev. 3.15, 16. And then the National Churches will be Papal, Superstitious, and Will-worshippers. Col. 2.16, 18-22, 23. Which things have indeed a show of Wisdom in Will-worship, etc. Then Mystery Babylon will say, I sit a Queen, etc. Revel. 18.7, 8. Therefore shall her Plagues come in one day, to wit, the seven Vials of the last Plagues, for in them is filled up the wrath of God, Rev. 15.1, 7. And then our Lord Jesus Christ will come in power and great glory, and shall utterly destroy Antichrist, 2 Thes. 2.8. Whom the Lord shall— destroy with the brightness of his Coming.  
When those Virgin-Professors, who have highly pretended to be upon their watch waiting for the Coming of the Bridegroom Christ Jesus, shall grow secure, careless, invigilant, and all slumber and sleep; it is a Sign that the Second Coming of Christ is near. Matth. 25.5, 6. While the Bridegroom (Jesus Christ) tarried, they all slumbered and slept: And at midnight there was a Cry made, Behold the Bridegroom cometh. And ver. 10— The Bridegroom came, called the Son of Man, ver. 13. See my exposition upon the Parable of the ten Virgins; printed Anno 1667. David prophesied Psal. 145.10.11.12.13. that the latter DAY Saints shall bless the LORD, Saying, They shall speak of the Glory of thy Kingdom, and talk of thy Power, To make known to the Sons of Men— the glorious Majesty of his Kingdom But when the wise Virgins begin to be Sinfully silent, and dare not bear their Testimony boldly and publicly for Christ against Antichrist; when they cease to teach, and preach the Doctrine of Christ's Second Coming, and of the glorious Majesty of his Davidical Kingdom: then they begin to grow carnal, worldly, careless, and secure, formal and lukewarm. But there will then come a Midnight Dispensation that will awaken all virgin Professors, and then Christ will come.  
Another Sign of Christ's Second Coming from Heaven is that great Tribulation, which our Saviour foretold his Disciples would be immediately before his Second Coming, and Appearance, Matth. 24.21, 29, 30. For than shall be great Tribulation— And immediately after the Tribulation of those days— they shall see the Son of Man Coming in the Clouds of Heaven, etc. This great Tribulation will cause Distress of Nations with great perplexities, men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming upon the Earth, Luk. 21.25, 26, 27. Read Dan. 12.1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 13, etc. This great Tribulation will be such as never was since the world began, Mat. 24.21. WOE, WOE, WOE, to the Inhabitants of the Earth, Rev. 8.13. and of the Sea, Rev, 12.12. And the People of God (especially his two Prophetical Witnesses, to wit, the separated Churches, and their faithful Ministers) shall not be exempted from the Tribulation of those Days; for they shall suffer Persecution, 2 Tim. 3.1, 12. This know also, that in the Last days perilous Times shall come. Yea and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus, shall suffer Persecution. And when the two Prophetical Witnesses of Christ shall have finished their Testimony (that is to say, have Preached the Gospel of the Kingdom of Christ, King of Nations, Jer. 7.10. and Matth. 24.14.) The Beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless Pit, shall make War against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them, Rev. 11.7. See my Exposition of the 11th chapter of the Revelation, where I have proved, That before the Second WOE be past, Rev. 11.14. The Papal-Beast shall ascend, that is, Rise and Reign; and He shall overcome, that is, the Papists will prevail against the Protestants, and will kill the Two Witnesses, that is, they will persecute the separated Churches of Saints, and their Ministers; scatter their Assemblies, disperse their Congregations, break their Meeting-places, imprison some, banish others, and condemn some to Death, and will burn them, kill and slay them. And the Second WOE being past, the Third WOE will come quickly, Rev. 11.14. to wit, the Seven Vials of the Last Plagues of God Almighty shall then be poured out upon the Papal-Antichristian Beast, the great Whore, and the false Prophet, whose Name is Mystery-Babylon, Rev. 17.5. See my Book entitled Mystical-Babylon unvailed.  
Thirdly, Touching the Ends of Christ's Second Coming, to wit, what Christ will do, when he comes again from Heaven. First, When Christ cometh from Heaven with his holy Angels, HE will send them to gather together his Elect from one end of Heaven to the other, Matth. 24.30, 31. Then shall the dispersed of Judah be gathered, and the Outcasts of Israel with them, as was foretold, Isa. 11.12, 16. And HE shall set up an Ensign for the Nations, and shall assemble the Outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four Corners of the Earth. In that DAY God will pour upon the House of David, and upon the Inhabitants of Jerusalem, the Spirit of Grace, and Supplication; and they shall look upon Christ whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, Zech. 12.10. and Rev. 1.7. Behold he cometh with Clouds, and every Eye shall see him; and they also that pierced him. Then shall come to pass that wonderful work of the Jews Conversion prophesied, Isa. 66.6, 8. Who hath heard such a thing? Who hath seen such things? Shall the Earth be made to bring forth in one day? Shall a Nation be born at once? And so all Israel shall be saved (as it is written) The Redeemer shall come to Zion, Isa. 59.20. And shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob, Rom. 11.26, 27. For this is my Covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins. And all the Tribes of Judah and Israel being gathered, they shall all be Reunited into one Nation; which the Prophet Ezekiel shown them by the parable of two sticks made one stick in his hand, Ezek. 37. 15-22. And I will make them one Nation; And one King shall be King to them, Vers. 24. And they shall have one Shepherd. Vers. 27. My Tabernacle also shall be with them: Yea, I will be their God, and they shall be my People. Vers. 28. My Sanctuary shall be in the midst of them for evermore. Then shall also the fullness of the Gentiles be converted unto them, Isa. 6.1, 2, 3, 5. And the Gentiles shall come to thy Light, and the Abundance of the Sea shall be converted unto thee. Rom. 11.25. Until the fullness of the Gentiles be come in. And the Nations of them which are saved, shall walk in the Light of it; and the Kings of the Earth do bring their glory and honour into it, Rev. 21.24. This will be a glorious day, and a glorious work; and then will the LORD be for a Crown of Glory, and for a Diadem of beauty unto the Residue of his People, Isa. 28.5, 6. Then shall they be also a Crown of Glory in the hand of the LORD, and a Royal Diadem in the hand of their God, Isa. 62.3. And this is One End of our Saviour's Second Coming from Heaven, Isa. 49.6. To gather his People together unto himself. Psal. 50.5. Gather my Saints together unto me, Matth. 24.27, 28.  
Secondly, Another End of Christ's Coming from Heaven, and another Work that he will do, when he comes again, is this, viz. He will put down all Rule, all Authority, and all Power, that are his Enemies, who would not have him to Reign, Luk. 19.27. For he must Reign until he hath put all his Enemies under his feet, 1 Cor. 15.24, 25. as was prophesied, Psa. 110.1. and Luk. 20.42, 43. The External Enemies of Christ are principally three.  
First, Ezekiel's Gog and Magog, who are prophesied of, Ezek. 38. & 39 chapters. Thus saith the Lord, I am against thee, O Gog; c. 38. v. 2, 3, 8, 11, 16. And thou shalt come up against my People Israel: It shall be in the latter days. And vers. 23. Thus will I magnify myself, and sanctify myself, etc. chap. 39.1, 8-13, 21, 25, 29.  
Secondly, Mystery Babylon, and the Kings of the Earth, who have given their Power and Strength unto the Beast, Rev. 19.19, 20, 21.  
Thirdly, John's Mystical Gog and Magog, and all their multitude, Rev. 20.8, 9 Who will compass the Camp of the Saints about, and the Beloved City: And fire will come down from God out of Heaven, and devour them.  
Thirdly, Another End of Christ's Coming from Heaven, and another Work that he will do when he comes again, is this, viz. He will set up his Davidical Kingdom on Earth, Dan. 2.44. And in the days of those Kings, shall the God of Heaven set up a Kingdom that shall never be destroyed, Luk. 1.31, 32, 33. And the Lord shall give unto him, the Throne of his Father David. And Isa. 9.6, 7.  
The next particular in our general Position is touching the Kingdom of Christ, and his Saints. The holy Scriptures of Truth do in several places plainly affirm, That the Kingdoms of this World shall become the Kingdom of Christ, and his Saints, Dan. 7.13, 14, 27. Vers. 14. And there was given him Dominion, Glory, and a Kingdom— His Dominion is an everlasting Dominion, which shall not pass away. And his Kingdom that, which shall not be destroyed. Vers. 27. And the Kingdom and Dominion, and the greatness of the Kingdom, under the whole Heaven shall be given to the People (even to) the Saints of the most High. And Rev. 11.15.— The Kingdoms of this World are become the Kingdom of our LORD, and of his Christ, etc. By the Kingdoms of this World, we may understand universally, All the Kingdoms in the whole world; for Christ shall be King of all the Earth, Zech. 14.9. In that Day shall there be one Lord, and his Name one: Particularly, the Kingdom of David, to wit, Judah and Israel, Luk. 1.31, 32, 33. And the LORD God shall give unto him the Throne of his Father David: And of his Kingdom there shall be no end, Isa. 9.6, 7. Micah 4.8. And thou O Tower of the Flock, the strong hold of the Daughter of Zion, unto thee shall it come; Even the first Dominion, the Kingdom shall come to the Daughter of Jerusalem. And vers. 7. All those Prophecies shall be fulfilled, Dan. 2.37— 43, 44. When the Stone hath broken all those Kingdoms in pieces, vers. 34, 35, 45. (which Stone is Christ, Luk. 20, 17, 18. and his Jerusalem, Zech. 12.3. compared with Matth. 21.44. and Jerem. 51. 19-24. And with thee will I destroy Kingdoms.) Then that Stone will become a great Mountain, and fill the whole Earth, Dan. 2.35. that is to say, Christ will be King of all the Earth, Zech. 14.9. And th● Kingdom of Christ will be enlarged;  
1. By the extraordinary Conversion of Sinners, both Jews and Gentiles, Isa. 60.3, 5, 8, 10-15. and Rom. 11 25, 26, 27.  
2. By the pouring out of the Spirit upon all Flesh, Joel 2.28. Isa. 44.3, 4, 5. whereby the Earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the Lord, as the Waters cover the Sea, Joel 2.29. and Hab. 2.14. Then the Nations shall know, That the LORD Jesus Christ is King of Nations, Jer. 10.7. The King of Kings, and the only Potentate, 1 Tim. 6.15. And HE shall put down all Rule, and all Authority and Power, 1 Cor. 15.24, 25. For he must Reign till he hath put all Enemies under his feet. And the Saints shall know, That the Kingdom of Christ is not of this World, Joh. 18.36. that is to say, Christ's Kingdom is not of a worldly Constitution, but it is a spiritual and Heavenly Kingdom, 2 Tim. 4.18. and called the Kingdom of Heaven, Mat. 25.1, 2. though it will be a glorious Kingdom, Psal. 145.10, 11, 12, 13. yet it is not that Kingdom of Glory, where Jesus Christ, his holy Angels, and the Spirits of Just men made perfect now are; for there are no foolish Virgins in that Kingdom of Heaven. See more of this matter in my Exposition of the Parable of the Kingdom of Heaven Printed anno Dom. 1674. And also in the third Part of my Apocalyptical Mysteries Printed Anno 1667. likewise in my Exposition of the 11th Chapter of the Revelation, Printed Anno 1679. This Kingdom of our LORD Jesus Christ, will begin in the Days of these Kings, Dan. 2.44. that is to say, the ten Kings of the fourth Kingdom the Roman Monarchy. Then the Dominion shall be given unto the Saints, Dan. 7.27. And the Saints of the most High shall take the Kingdom, and possess the Kingdom for ever and ever, Dan. 7.18.22. And they shall Reign on Earth, Rev. 5.9, 10. Then the Saints shall be rarely qualified and spirited for Government; for They shall be all Righteous, Isa. 60.1, 2, 3, 20, 21. They shall do no iniquity, Zeph. 3.13. And They shall be without fault before the Throne of God, Rev. 14.5. They shall be endued with courage, clad with Zeal, and girded with strength to bind Kings in Chains, and Nobles in fetters of Iron, and execute upon them the Judgement written, (Luk. 19.27.) This Honour have all his Saints, Psal. 149.1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 9 and Zech. 12.5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and Isa 60.12. For the Nation and Kingdom that will not serve thee, shall perish; yea those Nations shall be utterly wasted. And when the Kingdom of our LORD Jesus Christ is established on Earth, and all the Kingdoms of this world are become his; the thousand years of the Reign of Christ and his Saints being ended, (Rev. 20.4, 5, 6, 7.) then Christ will Raise the Dead, and he will judge the Quick and the Dead; which being done, HE will deliver up the Kingdom to God, even the Father; that God may be all in all, 1 Cor. 15. 24-28.  
The next particular in our general Position to be explained, is the Resurrection of the Body, at the Second Coming of Jesus Christ: compare 1 Cor. 15.20, 22, 23. with 1 Thes. 4.16. The Lord himself shall descend from Heaven— And the Dead in Christ shall Rise first. The Dead Bodies of the Saints shall then be Raised from the Dead, that shall yet remain in their Graves: They that sleep in Jesus will God raise up; them will Jesus Christ awaken with the Trump of God, 1 Thes. 4.14. The Resurrection of the Dead hath this Order, and is described by the Apostle in this manner, to wit, Christ first, 1 Cor. 15.22, 23, 24. afterwards they that are Christ's at his Coming. But the rest of the Dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished, Rev. 20.5, 6. This is the first Resurrection. Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first Resurrection. They shall Reign with Christ a thousand years, and that on Earth, Rev. 5.9, 10. These Kings and Priests are the Children of the Resurrection, Luk. 20.35, 36. being the Children of God. Whose vile Bodies shall be changed and fashioned like unto Christ's glorious Body. The Saints raised Bodies will be perfect, no defect, no deformity, but spiritual, and glorious, 1 Cor. 15.42, 43, 44. So is the Resurrection of the Dead; It is sown a natural Body, it is raised a spiritual Body. It is sown in dishonour, it is raised in glory. After the Saints deceased are raised, and have lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years, shall be the general Resurrection, Rev. 20.12, 13. And I saw the Dead small and great stand before God.  
The last particular in our general Position, to be explained, is the Eternal Judgement. So it is called, Heb. 6.2. There are several days of Judgement, as that of the Old World, and that of Sodom and Gomorrah, etc. but the Eternal Judgement is that last Sentence which our LORD Jesus Christ shall pronounce upon, and unto the Righteous, and the Wicked, Matth. 25.34. and 41. Come ye blessed of my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. And vers. 41. Depart from me ye Cursed, into everlasting Fire, prepared for the Devil and his Angels. And ver. 46. These shall go away into everlasting punishment; but the Righteous into eternal Life, which is the Execution of God's Eternal Judgement.    

CHAP. II.  
OUR general Position being proved and explained, it ought to be improved and fitly applied to the Inhabitants of this World, and more especially unto the Men and Women of this Generation, whether they be unconverted Sinners, or sanctified Believers. The unconverted Sinners of this World, and of this Generation, are either Sinners in Zion, Isa. 33.14. that is to say, sinful Professors, who seem to be Religious (whose Religion will prove in vain, Jam. 1.26.) and who have a form of godliness, but deny the power thereof, 2 Tim. 3. 15. Those are foolish Virgins, that having gotten their Lamps lighted, wait (a while) for the Coming of the Bridegroom; but while the Bridegroom tarries, they slumber and sleep till their Lamp-light go out, Matth. 25. 1-13. See my Exposition on that Parable Printed Anno 1674 Or else, those that that are sinfully profane, which make no Profession of Godliness, called ungodly Sinners Judas v. 15. unrighteous, 1 Cor. 6.9. and wicked persons, Psal. 9.17. O ye unconverted Professors! Consider, I beseech you, there is a world to come, and Christ will come, and then every one shall give account of himself to God, Rom. 14.10, 11. What account will you give to God for your formality, lukewarmness, hypocrisy, and unprofitableness under the Means of Grace, you sinful Professors, that have refused the offer of Christ, and despised the goodness of God, which should lead you to Repentance; you that have sinned against Gospel-light, and knowledge, quenched the Spirit, resisted the Spirit, and grieved the holy Spirit, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Zidon, than for you in the Day of Judgement, except you repent, and believe in Christ. And you unconverted ungodly wicked sinners, what account will you give to Christ in the World to come, for all your unrighteousness, and all the wickedness that you have done, and still do in this World. Read Judas verse 15. It will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah, in the Day of Judgement, than for you, Judas verse 7. which Cities are set forth for an Example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.  
O ye unconverted Sinners, both Professors and Profane! will you now accept of, and receive a word in season of spiritual Counsel? then I will instruct you how you that are miserable may become happy; and you that are in a damnable state, may get into the state of salvation, before Christ come from Heaven to judge the quick and the dead, and before you die: That you may obtain eternal Life, and Glory; my counsel to you is, as followeth.  
1. Consider, you are dead in sins and trespasses, and you are without Christ, Ephes. 2.1.5, 12. you have no saving sanctifying Grace; you are not holy; and if you die in this your sinful state and condition, you will be damned to eternity, Psal. 9.17. The wicked shall be turned into Hell.  
2. Consider your need of Jesus Christ: There is not salvation in any other, Act. 4.12. no Christ, no Salvation: He is that One thing necessary; without him you can do nothing, Joh. 15.5. to please God, or to glorify God, Heb. 11.6. Without Faith in Christ, it is impossible to please God: Without being and abiding in Christ, you cannot bring forth fruit, nor do any thing, whereby God is glorified, Joh. 15. 5-8. You stand in need of Christ to justify you, to sanctify you, and to save you from Sin, and from Hell.  
3. Consider, God offers Jesus Christ to poor, lost, miserable sinners, Rev. 3.17, 18. yea to the chief of sinners, 1 Tim. 1. 12-15. upon Gospel-terms of Free Grace, Isa. 55. 1-7. without exception of person, and without respect of price, Revel. 22.17. The Spirit and the Bride saith come, and let him that heareth say come, and let him that is athirst come, and whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely; that is to say, Any one, every one that is willing may come to Christ, and receive Christ, and have Christ freely; for HE is the free Gift of God to Sinners, who are without Christ in the World, Joh. 3.16. Be but willing to take Christ, and the work is done. Christ complained of them that would not come to him, that they might have life, Joh. 5.39, 40.  
When you have seriously considered those three particulars, than I counsel you poor, lost, perishing Sinners, first, suffer the LORD Jesus Christ to come by his Spirit and Word into your hearts, and set up the Kingdom of his Grace in your souls; that where Sin hath abounded, Grace may much more abound; and where Sin hath Reigned unto Death, there Grace might Reign through Righteousness unto eternal Life by Jesus Christ our LORD, Rom. 5.20, 21. Do not resist the Holy Spirit, as they did, Zech. 7.7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13. and their Children after them, Act. 7.51.  
Secondly, Open your hearts to Christ, when he knocks at the Door of your Souls, and calls you to come to him, to receive him, and let him come into your hearts, and dwell in your hearts by his holy Spirit, and sanctifying Grace, Rev. 3.20. Behold I stand at the Door and knock, if any man hear my voice, and will open the Door, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. If the Sinner be willing to open the door of his heart, Christ will come in by his holy Spirit, and HE will communicate of his Grace to his Soul.  
Thirdly, Let the LORD Jesus Christ have the Throne, and be exalted above ALL in your Souls, Isa. 2.17. And the LORD alone shall be exalted in that Day. Let your own Imaginations be cast down, and every high thing that exalteth it Self against the knowledge of God, that every Thought may be brought into Captivity to the Obedience of Christ. Be willing to resign your whole Man, Spirit, Soul and Body, unto the Government of Christ, as LORD and King, to Reign and Rule, Guide and Govern you by his holy Spirit, and Written Word.  
Not that you can do those things of yourselves; I have told you, without Christ you can do nothing, Joh. 15.5. But it is your duty to do them, and it is the Free Grace of God, to work in you to will and to do, according to his good pleasure, Phil. 2.12, 13. that he so working in you, you may work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.  
I would through the Divine Assistance of the Spirit and Grace of God, make some Application of this our general Position unto the Churches of Saints, for their edification.  
First, I most humbly beseech all the Churches of Saints, to receive this Doctrine of Christ's Second Personal Coming from Heaven, And to believe,  
1. That when HE comes, he will glorify the House of his Glory, Isa. 60.1, 2, 7. and will make Zion an eternal Excellency, vers. 14.15, 22. God will build up Zion, and then he shall appear in his Glory, Psal. 102.13, 16. Then shall Zion be the Perfection of Beauty, Psal. 50.2. Out of which God shall shine. In that DAY God shall be his Churches everlasting Light and Glory, Isa. 60.19. & Rev. 21.23. Then shall Christ and his Church be each others Crown and Glory, Isa. 28.5. In that DAY shall the LORD of Hosts be for a Crown of Glory, and for a Diadem of Beauty unto the Residue of his People, Isa. 62.3. Thou shalt also be a Crown of Glory in the hand of the LORD, and a Royal Diadem in the hand of thy God. Read Zech. 9.16. and Isa. 60.13.  
2. That when Christ comes, He will Restore all his holy Ordinances unto their Primitive Power and Purity; yea unto an higher and greater degree of Excellency, than in the Apostles Days. God will not only give his Churches of Saints Pastors according to his own heart, which shall feed them with knowledge and understanding, Jer. 3.14, 15. but HE will also pour out his Spirit upon Sons and Daughters; and upon the Servants, and upon the Handmaids also God will pour out his Spirit, Joel 2.28, 31, 32. Before the great and terrible DAY of the LORD come. The LORD will vouchsafe unto his Churches such Anointing of his holy Spirit, as the Apostle John witnesseth and recorded, 1 Joh. 2.20, 27. But ye have an Unction from the holy ONE, and ye know all things, etc. Read v. 27. and Joh. 6.45. & Isa. 54.13. & Jer. 31.34 It is written in the Prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. And not only be instructed and led by the holy eternal Spirit into the sound and saving Knowledge of all the Truths in God's written Word, as the Truth is in Jesus; but they shall see with their Eyes those things fulfilled, which they have read and heard out of the written Word of God, Matth. 24.33, 34, 35. That Gospel Ordinance of Praising God, will then be with greater spiritualness, and with more heavenly mindedness performed, in the General Assembly and Church of the first Born, where all the Sons of God shall sing together, even all the Saints and Angels shall celebrate the high Praises of God together. Read Rev. 5.11, 12, 13. Rev. 11.15, 16, 17. Rev. 14.1, 2, 3. Rev. 15.2, 3, 4. Rev. 19.1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 The whole Worship of God shall then be performed by the true Worshippers in Spirit and in Truth, according to Christ's Word, John 4.23, 24. for God will then give all his People one Heart, and one Way, Jer. 32.38, 39, 40. to worship him with one Consent, Zeph. 3.9, 14, 16, 17, 18. In that day shall there be ONE LORD, and his Name ONE, Zech. 14.9. A Restitution of all things, Acts 3.21.  
3. That when Christ comes, his glorious personal and spiritual Presence with his Church, Heb. 12.21, 23, 24. & Rev. 22.2, 3. will occasion a Confluence of all Comforts, Isa. 51.3, 12. and 66.13. and Zech. 1.13, 17. Then Zion shall be adorned with spiritual and glorious Beauty, Isa. 52.1, 9, 10. and compassed about with peace and safety. God will be as a Wall of Fire round about Zion, Zech. 2.5, 10. Sing and rejoice, O Daughter of Zion; for Lo, I come, and I will dwell in the midst of thee, saith the LORD. Read Ezek. 34.23, 24, 25, 28, 29, 30, 31. No Canaanite in the Land of Israel, nor none that shall hurt or destroy in all God's holy Mountains, Zech. 2.4. Jerusalem shall be inhabited as Towns without walls; for God's salvation shall be her walls and bulwarks, Isa. 26.1, 2, 3. Then the State of the Church of God will bear some proportional Resemblance to the Kingdom of Heaven, for it will then be a sinless state, Isa. 60.1, 21. Zeph. 3.13. and Rev. 14.1, 5. and a sorrowless state, Rev. 21.1, 2, 3, 4, 5. and a timeless state, Rev. 10.6. Time shall be no more. For the thousand years' time of the Church's Glory being finished, (and all the time of Satan and his Instruments ended, who are the Abusers of Time) Time shall pass into Eternity of Glory, and Beatifical Vision, and eternal Life.  
Secondly, I would also humbly entreat my Reverend Brethren, to declare to the Ministers of Christ, Churches of Saints, what is noted in the holy Scripture of Truth, concerning the WORLD to come, the New Heavens and a New Earth, and the New Jerusalem. Also the Second Personal Coming of our LORD Jesus Christ from Heaven. You are commissioned and commanded to declare unto the people the whole counsel of God, revealed in his written Word and this Gospel of the Kingdom and Coming of Christ must be preached in all the Inhabited World towards the latter End thereof, Matth. 24.14. as a Witness unto all Nations, and then shall the End come: This is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, the Generation Truth, which ought to be Preached and Testified by the Ministers and Churches of Christ in these latter days, though they be killed for bearing this Testimony, Rev. 11.3, 4, 7. Be faithful to Death, and Christ will give you a Crown of Life, Rev. 2.10. and 12.11.  
Lastly, A word of Consolation to those that do believe, pray and wait for the world to come, and the Spiritual Glory thereof.  
1. In general; for then the Ransomed of the LORD shall return and come to Zion with Songs, and everlasting Joy, etc. Isa. 35.10. Then shall be the confluence of all spiritual Comforts to the Church and People of God, Isa. 60.1, 2, 3, 7, 13, 19-22. The LORD shall be thy everlasting Light, and thy God thy Glory, verse. 19 All the promises of Grace and Glory shall then be performed, which are in Christ Yea, and in Christ Amen, to the praise and glory of God, 2 Cor. 1.20. And then all Prophecies relating to the Churches Spiritual Glory, shall be fulfilled, Act. 3. 19-21. which God hath spoken by the mouth of his holy Prophets. Then will be a superabundant pouring out of the Spirit, Joel 2.28. And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh, and your Sons and your Daughters shall prophesy; your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions. And God will graciously prevent the Prayers of his Saints, Isa. 65.17, 24. It shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and whilst they are yet speaking, I will hear. All the Sons & Daughters of God will then be of one Heart, and of one Mind, Jer. 32.39, 40. Then all sanctified Believers will come in the Unity of the Spirit to a perfect Man, Eph. 4.13. And in that Day there shall be ONE LORD, and his Name One in all the Earth, Zech. 14.9. & Zeph. 3.9. And They shall serve the LORD with one consent. And then Honour, Dignity and Renown shall be given to the Church of God, to Religion, to Religious persons, and to all holy things, Zech. 9.16. The Church shall then be as the Stones of a Crown lifted up. Those Living Stones, in that spiritual Building, will then be a Crown of Glory, & a Royal Diadem in the hand of the LORD, Isa. 62.1, 2.3. &. 28.5.  
2. In particular, 1. To the seed of Abraham; the Jews, They shall be called, gathered, united into one Nation, and the Davidical Kingdom of Jesus Christ shall be given to them, Micah 4.8. which they shall take and possess for ever and ever, Dan. 7.14.18, 27, 28. They shall be all holy, Isa. 60. and so all Israel shall be saved, Rom. 11.26, 27. 2. To the Offspring of Japhet, the Gentiles, whom God shall persuade to dwell in the Tents of Shem: Even all the Nations of them that are saved, who shall then walk in the Light of the New Jerusalem, Rev. 21.24. and shall also enjoy the spiritual Glory and Blessings of the WORLD to come, whereof we speak.  
A word of Counsel to Virgin Professors in this Generation;  
1. Take heed you do not fall asleep whilst the Bridegroom tarryeth, (or rather only seems to delay his coming) as they did, Matth. 25.5, 6. They all slumbered and slept, until a midnight Dispensation, a Cry did awaken them out of their carnal security, when being at ease in Zion, they became formal, lukewarm, and worldly, minding earthly things more than heavenly, and seeking their own things more than the things of Christ.  
2. Prepare yourselves for that time of Tribulation, which shall come before Christ come, Matth. 24.21, 29, 30. It's called an hour of Temptation, which shall come upon all the World to try them that dwell upon the Earth, Rev. 3. It will come upon the Jews, Dan. 12.1, 2, 3. and upon the Gentiles, Rev. 11.7. but more especially upon the Inhabiters of the Earth, Rev. 8.13. & 12.12. & Rev. 19.19, 20. viz. upon the Beast, and the false Prophet, and upon the Kings of the Earth, and their Armies. Prepare for that midnight Dispensation of Darkness, Distress and Temptation, which is coming upon Nations, Cities and Churches to try them.  
3. Consider what manner of persons you ought to be in all holy conversation and godliness, that look and wait for the Glory of Christ, his Church and Saints in the world to come, 2 Pet. 3.11, 13, 14.  
Lastly, A word of Instruction to the King, the Nobles, the Judges, and all the Magistrates in this Island, and in this City: The Kingly Prophet David gave the Instruction I intent, Psal. 2. wherein by the Spirit of Prophecy he foretold,  
1. That the Kings of the Earth will set themselves, and the Rulers take counsel together against the LORD, and against his Anointed, vers. 2, 3.  
2. That God speaks to them in his wrath, and vexes them in his hot displeasure, vers. 5.  
3. That the LORD Jesus Christ will break them with a Rod of Iron, and dash them in pieces like a Potter's Vessel.  
4. That God will set his King (namely King Jesus) opon his holy Hill of Zion, vers. 6, 7.  
5. That God will give the LORD Jesus Christ the Heathen for his Inheritance, and the utmost part of the Earth for his Possession, and his Dominion shall be from Sea to Sea, even unto the Ends of the Earth, vers. 8. And then the holy Prophet exhorts those Kings and Judges, to be wise, and to be instructed, vers. 10, 11, 12. Be wise now therefore O ye Kings; be instructed ye Judges of the Earth; Kiss the Son lest he be angry, and ye perish. This phrase of kissing the Son implies,  
1. A Declaration or Testimony of Love and Peace between Christ and them, Cant. 1.2. Christ who is the Prince of the Kings of the Earth, Rev. 1.5. is the Prince of Peace, Isa. 9.6. and it concerns all Kings to be at Peace with Jesus Christ. And the LORD Jesus Christ is the Judge of the quick and dead, and he sits among the Judges (called Gods) of the Earth, and they also must stand before the Judgement Seat of Christ; therefore it concerns all Judges to kiss the Son, that is, to make their Peace with Christ.  
2. To kiss the Son implies, to worship Jesus Christ. And if God commanded the holy Angels to worship him, Heb. 1.6. then Kings and Judges are not exempted from worshipping Jesus Christ, Phil. 2.9, 11. Every knee shall bow to him, and confess that he is LORD: Because God hath exalted Christ above all, and given him a name above every name, etc. Eph. 1.20, 21. and set him far above all Principalities and Powers in this World, etc.  
3. By kissing the Son is intended the submitting to his Dominion and Government, Isa. 9.6, 7. God the Father hath laid the Government of Saints upon Christ; for he is King of Saints, Rev. 15.3. and the Government of Zion (his Church) upon Christ; for he is King of Zion, Psal. 149.1, 2. and the Government of the Nations upon Christ; for he is King of Nations, Jer. 10.7, 10. By him Kings Reign, and Princes decree Judgement: He puts down one, and sets up another. Jesus Christ is King of Kings, and Judge of Judges; therefore be wise O Kings, and be instructed ye Judges of the Land.  
Now I will conclude with a word of Exhortation to the Magistrates and Inhabitants of this City, Consider God hath visited this City with the Pestilence, and with a Fire, and yet the Inhabitants thereof have not returned to the LORD. Now God threatens a Famine of Bread, if He shut up Heaven, that it Rain not; and a Famine of the Word, if He suffer the Papists to prevail; O Repent and Amend! Administer Justice and Righteousness; Plead the Cause of the Widow and Fatherless; Relieve the Oppressed, and Acquit the Innocent. Let the Grace of God that bringeth Salvation, teach you Citizens of London, to deny all ungodliness, and worldly Lusts, and to live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present evil world, that in the world to come you may have Life everlasting. Amen.   
FINIS.