A TREATISE OF The New Heavens and New Earth. Proved to be Perpetual and Eternal, in that Visible State of both, in the Restitution, after the destruction of the World by Fire. Whereunto is added, A true State of the Thousand years-time; proving it to be before the second Coming of Christ. As also, the Succinct Order of things from Christ's first Appearing in the Clouds, unto the Eternal State, after the Day of Judgement. By T. M. a Lover of TRUTH. Psal. 119.162. I rejoice at thy word as one that findeth great spoil. Prov. 25.25. As cold waters to a thirsty Soul, so is good news from a far country. Isa. 33.17 Thine eyes shall see the King in his beauty: they shall behold the land that is very far off. London, Printed in the year 1680. A TREATISE OF THE New HEAVENS and EARTH. THE main Subject of this Treatise is the Mystery of New Heavens and Earth, as restored in the State of Eternal Glory. As an Apology for the Impression I must say, The Destruction of this Visible Heaven and Earth by Fire, is a Truth I was bred up in from a Child, from 2 Pet. 3. though I find divers question it. Though it hath been pretended many others have wrote of this Subject, I never yet saw one that Treated mainly, or purposely, or positively on it; and but one that mentions it at all; and that so by the by, and as probable; that he left it in doubt. And moreover, the same Book (and Author) is so erroneous in other points, that I think it unsafe to commend any Reader to it. Which Errors have been sound answered by another; with the harmonious assent of divers able Ministers Except about the Sonship of Christ; wherein I humbly conceive they did not so understand him; though the things they urged against him in it, were also sound. In a Word, if this (my) Discovery of the New and Eternal State of the Earth as well as Heaven, be a Truth, 'tis no light matter: nor any Infirmities in me should make it to be despised; But mend that in your own Search after it, that you conceive desective in mine: I shall be as glad of a further Revelation by another, as I am of this Degree by myself. As to the Second Subject of the Thousand Years; I did not make it my Intention, nor had I writ here of it, Only I was forced to mention and make out the same, as to the Time of it, that I might distinguish it (in the Scripture-Representations) not to be confounded nor contemporary with the main subject Hereof. For which cause also I was forced to present a Specimem of the Order of things from Christ's (First) Appearing in the Clouds, to the Eternal State: which also leads to the Completion of my Design, The New Heavens and Earth, as to be Eternal. Which may be comprised in this Position: That after the Destruction of the Heavens and Earth that now are, by fire: (and after the Day of Judgement) there will be a glorious Renewed State of both; which shall be the Inheritance of the Sons of God, and the glorious Kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ for ever and ever. Arguments to evidence this; I. We are taught to Pray, Thy Kingdom come, thy Will be done in Earth as it is in Heaven, Mat. 6.10. This Prayer is to be performed in all Ages, till the Kingdom come, and the Will of God be done in Earth as it is now in Heaven: And we must Petition nothing but according to the Will of God; and therein he will hear us: See 1 John 5.14, 15. Now the Will of God shall be done in Earth as it is in Heaven, in 2 Respects: 1. In Heaven it is done infallibly; Not the least failing, Mat. 13.41. This proves that the Thousand years' Reign doth not perfectly fulfil this: for a seed of evil-Doers is left in the Kingdom then; who after the 1000 years, make head against the Camp of the Saints, in the Attempt of Gog and Magog, Rev. 20.8, 9 Nor yet will the Saints be then perfectly free from Sin, being before the body's Resurrection; as page. 2. In Heaven, the Will of God is done by all (and only) those that are perfect and glorified; Psal. 103.19, 20, 21. Hebr. 12.23. So shall it be also in the Resurrection, and world to come, Luke 20.35, 36. John 1. last. See Page 4. And consequently, when the Will of God is thus done in Earth; and the Doers of it thus glorified; It follows that they shall remain upon the Earth; That the Earth shall be made glorious as Heaven is: And also abide for ever, from the ensuing Arguments. II. Argument. Christ shall Reign on the Throne of his Father David; for ever, and for ever and ever: Luke 1.32, 33. Isa. 9.7. Jer. 23.5. Hebr. 1.8. Rev. 11.15. To Explain this, consider two things: 1. His Reign now on the right hand of the Throne of the Majesty in the Heavens (Hebr. 8.1. is on his Father's Throne; Rev. 3.21. which Kingdom he is to deliver up at the end, to God again; 1 Cor. 15. 24-28. 2. His Kingdom now in the Churches, is indeed the budding of the Horn of David, Psal. 132.17. (The New Creature is) a kind of first fruits of his Creatures; according to purpose ordained for this New Creation: which, as the Creature itself, so also the Saints having the first fruits of the Spirit, groan— for; Rom. 8.22, 23. And even now, this true Israel is their David's Glory, the riches of the Glory of his Inheritance, Ephes. 1.18. And as it gins in Regeneration, so it grows up in the World in succeeding Ages, till the Kingdoms become Christ's, Revel. 11.15. Dan. 7.27. Revel. 20.4. and to be over all the world for a Thousand years. But after the end of this World by fire (in the first Death and change upon all Creatures:) As his Kingdom (to wit, on David's Throne) had been sown in this World, so it springs up in the World to come, in the New heaven and Earth, wherein shall dwell-righteousness, 2 Pet. 3.13. And in this World to come is the everlasting Kingdom, 2 Pet. 1.11. and the everlasting life, Luk. 18, 30. Revel. 21.1,— 5. the wicked being Judged and cast into the Lake, Rev. 20. end. Now, whereas his Kingdom is said to be for ever; and for ever and ever, and everlasting ●● though those terms in the Old Testament phrase are temporal, and but for a set time; yet, in the New Testament, it respects Eternity; 2 John 2.1 Thess. 4.17. Revel. 1.6. Matth. 19.29 So Luke 1.32.33. 2 Pet. 1.11, etc. Now the present Dispensation of his Kingdom as now upon his Father's Throne in heaven, Revel. 3.21. being at last to be delivered up again to God; 1 Cor. 15.24. and the Son himself be subject, in that respect; And (yet) his Kingdom must be everlasting: Therefore it follows, That it shall be in the New heavens and Earth, Eternally; as unto which he was born (typically and according to the flesh) King of the Jews, Matt. 2.2. of the Seed of David, and as heir apparent, to sit upon his Throne, Luke 1.32.33. And as he is Seed of David in point of Kingly Right, so also the Seed of Abraham, to whom in a special manner the Promises (of Inheritance) were made; Which induces, the III. Argument, Abraham and his Seed are to be heirs of the World, Rom. 4.13. Whereas it is said, These all died in Faith, not having received the Promises, etc. Hebr. 11.13. Acts 7.5. Inever read that Heaven without the Earth is called the World. Only, they are not to Inherit the world that now is; (that is reserved unto fire, 2 Pet. 3.7.) but the world to come, Luke 20.35, 36. in the renewed State, Hebr. 2.5. Wherein they shall reign upon the Earth, Rev 5.10. For before the Resurrection and day of Judgement, there is no time (imaginable) wherein they could be heirs of the world: for they are with the Lord in Glory till then; And After the Resurrection of the Just follows the burning up of this World and the Works thereof, 2 Pet. 3.10. So that No other World remains to the blessed Seed for an Inheritance but that of New heavens and earth; after the end of all things (in this world) Rev. 21.1. 2 Pet. 3.13. iv Argument, We read Hebr. 2 5 of a World to come; wherein Christ is to have all in subjection under him, ver. 8. Ephes. 1.20.21. As to which observe, 1. That That World is allotted to the time at and after the Resurrection, Luke 20.35, 36. (in a State of perfect Glory) called that World. 2. Hebr. 2. Speaks of the Dominion in the World to come, as accrueing to Jesus Christ by reason of his humane Nature; as recovering what was lost in the first Adam; being head over all things to the Church, (both in heaven above and earth beneath, Phil. 2.10.) both in this World, and that to come, Ephes. 1.21, 22. 3. Hebr. 2. Speaks of Man's possession by Creation, Which is the Earth and visible Heaven: Only upon occasion of Man's fall, the Lord from Heaven, acquaints us with That Glory also: Yet notwithstanding the heavenly Glory of Christ, he descends to a state lower than the Angels: put himself into the Case and Place of God's Elect, took the seed of Abraham on him, Hebr. 2.16. and so became heir, (as before) and purchased the possession (that had been sold under the Curse) Ephes. 1.18. Revel. 21.3. 4. Hebr. 2.8. 'Tis said We see not yet all things put under him: But in Heaven he has all in perfect Subjection from the very first: Therefore it must be on Earth. V Argument. Acts 3.21. The Restitution of all things. Which must respect the Visible things of the Creation; Spoken of Rom, 8.19, 20, 21, 22. which the Apostle calls the Glory that was to be reavealed in the Saints; (then alive;) and therefore, not to be till the Resurrection of their bodies; according to vers. 23. waiting for the Adoption; to wit, the Redemption of our bodies; Phil. 3.21. This Restitution will be such as was made under the Law; to wit, A Fifth part added to the principal, Exod. 22.3, 4. Levit. 6.4, 5. So in this, No Sun, Moon or Stars in their Courses (for there is no night there, Rev. 21.23, 25.) and not Temple, ver. 22. But an infinite Glory supplies the place of both. And here I conceive will be the ultimate fulfilling that saying, Cant. 2.17, etc. till— the shadows flee away, etc. Whereas now the Lights of this World, being finite and remote from us, do necessarily cast a Shadow by the Substantial form they shine upon: So is it Light on the one side, but dark on the other: And so in the Absence of the sun, the shadows of the Evening draw upon the Earth: But when the Light shall be omnipresent, there shall be no Shadows any more, No night there, Revel. 21.25. Again, though the Thousand years' Reign admits of a good Degree of this glory of the Restitution: yet the time of the Restitution of all things is expressly reserved to the Revelation of Jesus Christ from heaven, Acts 3.21 and then to be fulfilled: which if he comes not to restore he comes to Destroy; 2 Pet. 3.10. But he will Restore after he hath Destroyed, vers. 13. Revel. 21.1. VI Argument, From John 1. last, Verily. verily, I say unto you, hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the Angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man. Observe that the word is open, (and notes a state of Continuance:) and nor opened; as it was opened to Stephen for a moment; Acts 7.56. And to Peter in a Trance, Chap. 10.11. The words allude to jacob's Dream, Gen. 28. and imports a transcendent union to be between Heaven and Earth; through the riches of the Grace of Christ; and by the Recourses of Angels. By the Manhood of Christ, fallen man is dignified to a fellowship and equality with Angels, Luke 20.35, 36. and shall be also Restored to his created possession, the Earth. — The Angels of God ascending and descending, etc.] This cannot be before, but in the new Heaven and Earth, after their day of Judgement. For first Christ appears; then the Tribes mourn at the sight of him; then the dead are raised, than the living Saints are Changed; then all (of them) caught up to the Lord in the air; then the Earth to be burnt up, etc. then gins the Judgement. Now in any time before the Judgement what Ascending or Descending of the Angels as in a fixed state? for the Dead Saints are raised by a Word, quickly, John 5 28. and the living Saints changed in the ●●inkling of an Eye, 1 Cor● 5.52. And in the Judgement itself, the Angels seem otherwise disposed: as being present Auditor's of Christ's owning and disowning persons; Mark 8.38. Revel. 3.5. and at last bundling the Tures and casting them to the fire, Matth. 13.30, 40, 41, 42. And therefore it must be after the Judgement, that the Angels will so ascend and descend. And this the Lord Jesus proposeth to them as the consummation of the Mystery of Divine Counsel at the end of time: and that the Design of God in particular lay upon this, to restore the Earth, as being indeed great things, John 1.50.51. We ought not, as not too carnally to think hereof, so neither to think the things themselves are carnal. Christ himself put a greater Marvel upon the Resurrection of bodies, John 5 28 than that of Regeneration by Faith, ver. 25. And so John 1. the two last verses. Again, The Gospel (that brings life and immortality to Light, exhibits the Eternal Glory in the nature of man, (in Jesus Christ) as the Saviour and Object of Worship; Whereas the invisible God in the Old Testament was adored; but we do not blame Thomat for saying to Christ my Lord and my God: Neither think it carnal, because the fullness of the Godhead dwells bodily in him; So, the Lord glorifying the Earth, (as the place of his feet, Isai 60.13) it appears to me that it will be accommodate and adapt to humane bodies, though glorified, more than an immaterial visional glory can be (supposed to be.) VII. Argument, To prove the Earth's duration Eternal, as a place of Glory, is, these Scriptures that appear to assign the Sea's place to be the place of Hell, hereafter. Revel. 21.1 Isai. 66.24 compared with Mark 9.43.44.— there was no more Sea; but there was a new Earth.— Isai. 66. They shall go forth and look upon the Carcases of the men; etc. for their Worm shall not die; etc. Which Christ expounds of Hell fire, Mark 9.44, etc. Now the Argument is this, If they shall go forth to look upon them, than they do not come down from Heaven to do it. But being upon the Earth, going forth (so to do) is very proper. Again, Hell is called a Lake; Revel. 20.10, 14, 15. Chap. 21.8. So are some Seas (now) called, Luke 5.1. & 8.22. And though there be many Seas now, and many Islands; yet great Transformations may pass upon the terrestrial globe by its Conflagration, perhaps to the reducing the many Seas into one Tophet; and the whole Earth into one entire Continent; for the Redeemed to walk there, 2 Pet. 3.10, 13. So Revel. 6, 14. When this day of the Lord is presented to us, 'tis said, The heavens departed as a Scroll,— and every Mountain and Island were moved out of their places. Which is called a shaking, Hebr. 12.26, 27. melting, dissolving, burning up, 2 Pet. 3.10, 11. folding up and changing, Hebr. 1.12. But none of these express an Annihilation, but destroying the form and surface, and the works of men on the Earth: In order to its passing into a New State, when he that sitteth upon the Throne saith, behold, I make all things new, Revel. 21.1.— 5. Object. But if the Sea shall be Hell hereafter, then there is no Hell now. Answer. Hell is called a Prison, 1 Pet. 3.19. But being they are spirits only that as yet are therein, It's a question whether any spacious place be needful thereunto. Whether they reside now in the deep, or in the air, I leave it: Only the Damned spirits are in Chains of Darkness, Judas 6. VIII. Argument. To prove the Immortality and Eternity of this New State; is to consider, That nothing but sin brings Destruction. And God will free this New State from both the Cause and Effects of Sin; and also secure it from both, for the future. 1. Satan, that was the Occasion of the first Sin in the World, is before this judged to the Lake,— Rev. 20.10, 14. 2. And there shall be no more Curse, Revel. 21.3. So that the first Wound by Man's fall is perfectly cured; and the Effect thereof is no other than a perfect Restitution. 3. Jesus Christ the Lord from Heaven, that (was to) come down thence to help the sinking Earth, when it sailed in its head, Man; in the manifold Wisdom of God did not only make peace for man by the blood of his Cross; but also (as Angels also had fallen from Heaven:) Reconciled all things in one (in himself) both things in heaven and things, in catth; Col. 1.20. Enes. 1.10. as hereafter will be manifest. Yea, the Creature itself (to wit the irrational) shall be delivered into the glorious liberty of the Children of God, Rom. 8.21. So that I say, Man and the Creation of God have a Restorer Colos. 1.20, but 'tis only thee Elect that shall come to this time; (the wicked being judged to hell before) See the next IX. Argument, from Ephes. 1.14.— Until the Redemption of the purchased Possession,— Here it may be Q●aeried, How Heaven (if that were the Possession spoken of) can or ●eed be redeemed then? It was never under the Curse; though the Earth is, and the Creatures subjected in hope to the bondage of Corruption, until their deliverance at the manifestation of the Sins of God, ver. 19, 20, 21. And therefore the Redemption of the Possession— appears to be by way of Deliverance and Restoration, as the Resurrection of the Saints Bodies from the dust of Death, is called, ver. 23. the Adoption, the Redemption of their Body. Christ purchased the Eternal Inheritance; and he is the Heir of all things, Hebr. 1.2. and the Saints joint heirs with him, Rom. 8.17, 18, etc. And what Inheritance, see Rom. 4.13. and page 3. X. Argument. That as neither the Soul nor Body of man hath lost any Essential part by the Fall; but only depravity and misery in both; so no essential powers of Heaven or Earth are lost by the Fall; Still the Course of Nature is Lord in the Universe, in the Vegetation of Plants, Courses of the Luminaries, procreation of Animals, bounds of the Seas, Tides, etc. Only evil qualities; a curse instead of a Blessing. And now the promise, There shall be no more curse, Revel. 22.3. will turn the thorn and brier into pleasant plants; as the tenor of these Promises in Isai. 55.13. Chap. 41.18, 19 (See page 7.) Though they have also a spiritual fulfilling in the New Creature, even now, yet when the Creation itself (as a general good) shall be brought forth, that will be the absolute and ultimate fulfilling; Or else, what is the meaning of the Restitution of all things, before spoken to? p. 3, 4. XI. Argument, To prove the literal and eterral fulfilling the New Heavens and Earth, is that utter inconsistency of any other sense (to be put upon the words in 2 Pet. 3.13. & Rev. 21.1. For 2. Pet. 3.13; Nevertheless we according to his promise look for New Heavens and a New Earth, wherein dwelleth Righteousness: this evidently refers to that Destruction of this present World by Fire, that he was treating of ver. 10. But the day of the Lord will come as a Thief in the night; in which the Heavens shall pass away with a great neise, and the Elements shall melt with fervent heat, the Earth also and the works that are therein shall be burnt up. Now if this be a literal, visible Destruction, and the Apostle comforts himself with a New state upon the loss of the Old, as ver. 13. Then, what more apparent, than that the New shall both be after the Old, and as visible as the Old had been, in the same way and sense? And if it be a Visible, material New State, than it shall not be (only) fulfilled in a Mystical way, in Church and State, in this Life. Besides, after the Old World is destroyed, there will be no Church or State in being, to receive such a fulfilling. And then for Revel. 21.1. it also evidently refers to Revel. 20.11. where the visible Earth and Heaven fled away at Christ's Appearing to Judgement; and Chap. 11.1 Asserts a new Creation of both, in the room thereof; And therefore why not taken as visibly as the former? OBJECTIONS against the Literal and Eternal fulfilling of the New Heavens and Earth; Answered. 1st. Object. 'Tis expressly sard of this State, Isai 65.17. etc. they shall live long, and build Houses, plant Vineyards, etc. which plainly belongs to this Life; Luke 20.35, 36. Andse Revel. 21.24, 26. and Chap. 22.2. Expressions that must be fulfilled while the Regenerate converse with the Unregenerate; that is, before the day of Judgement. Answ. 1. It is usual in the Old Testament, to set out Spiritual Glories by carnal things, and it may be questioned whether such Expressions in Isai. 65.17, etc. may not be so taken. 2.— But admit they be taken literally: then indeed it is granted, that they do belong to the Life that now is. 3. I do assert, that the same Scripture prophecies may possibly, (nay commonly) have divers times and ways of Fulfilling; and yet one ultimate fulfilling in a most eminent manner: As those (before) Isa. 41.19 Isa. 55.13.— And I will plant in the wilderness the Cedar, etc.— In stead of the Thorn shall come up the Firr-tree, etc. Which are blessed Prornises of Gospel Grace, now in the midst of Babylon's Captivity: And so those of the Amity among the wild Beasts, Isa. 11.6. etc. Isa. 65.25. which in Gospel times may hold forth blessed Grace, given to brutish fierce men, that (when the Saints find favour in the Eyes of the Lord) are made sweetly to live in peace together: and yet all short of the literal and principal fulfilling, as the glean are of the Harvest; when the poor-Earth shall spring up in the Glory of blessing; and the Beasts iustead of terror (to be not only peaceable, but) to become Rays of their Creator's Glory and Majesty; in the Restitution of all things; (as before.) So, in a word, I take the New Heavens and Earth in Isa. 65. etc. to be in a civil and Ecclesiastical Sense; and to be fulfilled in a figurative sense, in this ●ife. But the New Heavens and Earth, in 2. Pet. 3.13, and Rev. 21.1. to be (also) properly and literally fulfilled; and that after the Old Heavens and Earth is destroyed by Fire (as before;) when there will be no place left for any other fulfilling. So Christ's last Appearing will Metaphorically be fulfilled before the 7th Seal, Rev. 6.14. And to this, that Prophecies have divers and succinct fulfilings, let me add that I understand that of the first Resurrection, Rev. 20.5.6. which though a reality in itself, yet there (to be) in expression figurative, and in allusion to the Resurrecton of the just; (before that if the unjust;) Acts 24.15 For the Resurrection to the 1000 years is not the bodily Resurrection; because the 1000 years is before Christ's coming to raise the Saints. But as at the Resurreation of the just at the last day, the Saints, and none but they shall be raised first, So in Revel. 20.4. None but the faithful then living, shall be spiritually Revived to reign with Christ (spiritually) a Thousand years and the rest of the Dead lived not again till afterwards, v. 5. And this first Resurrection was so discriminating that ●n such the second death had no Power, ver. 6. And so I take the Reign itself in the 1000 years, [though its said Christ reigned with them yet not in person, but in spiritual Glory; and (I conceive] in a way of Prediction of that absolute Persection of his Dominion that would soon succeed after the 1000 years, upon the Destruction and Judgement of this World. And because the Opening this matter of the 1000 Years will be a Portal to all that shall succeed, and clear up the Demonstration thereof, I shall briefly lay down some Demonstrations that do Evince this for a Truth, that the 1000 years' Reign of the Saints with Christ will be before, and (so) without, his personal presence on the Earth. 1. Demonstration, The Thousand years is set forth in Scripture (and so generally understood) to be a time of Peace plenty liberty and rejoicing of the whole Earth: But when Christ comes in Person, it produces a universal Destruction, and Astonishment to the World; Revel. 6.15.— every bondman and every freeman crying to the Rocks, etc. so Rev. 1.7. Matth. 24.30. 2. Demonstration. When Christ comes all the dead Saiuts are raised, and the living saints changed; and all (together) caught up to meet the Lord in the Air; and so to be for ever with the Lord, 1 Thess. 4.17, 18. So that from that time they could no more converse with the unconverted of this World, as the Thousand years requires: See Luke 20 35, 36. 3. ‛ Demonstration. When Christ comes, he comes in flaming fire, taking Vengeance on them that know not God, etc. 2 Thess. 1.7, 8. Judas 14, 15. And then also the world and the works that are therein shall be burnt up; 2 Pet. 3.10. Now all these persons and things being destroyed at that day, if this were at the beginning of the Thousand years, where were the reign (for a 1000 years after) of the Saints over the World, in converse with the unregenerate. Therefore Christ's Coming is after the 1000 years. 4. Demonstration. Upon Christ's coming and raising the Saints, etc. then follows the Day of Judgement, 2 Tim. 4.1. Which is clearly set down (in the order of things) to follow the thousand years, Revel. 20.11. to the end. See pag. 9, 10. So that Christ's coming (to Judgement) cannot be but after the 1000 years. 5. Demonstration. Ps. 110.1. Act. 3.21 Christ is to remain at God's right hand, till his Enemy's be made his footstool: But after the thousand years' Gog and Magog assault the Saints, Revel. 20.8.9. therefore he came not a thousand years before, while that Enemy was unsubdued. 6. Demonstration. Neither is God his last Enemy, but Death is so called, 1. Cor. 15, 26. Therefore Christ's coming is not till he comes to swallow up Death in Victory. (ver. 54.) in the Resurrection of the Saints. See above. 4. Answer to the Objection (that Rev. 21.24, 26. and Ch. 22.2. relate to a Temporal (fulfilling in this World.) 'Tis granted; but yet conceived, that the ultimate import of the Vision of New Jerusalem is finally reduceable to the Eternal State, and that on Earth; but as was asserted before, Prophecies have divers fulfilings; so to that mystical sense of New Heavens and Earth in (the purity etc. of) Church and State, must those Verses in the Objection be reterted: as inte●●exed ●n general, as to a glorious state of the Saints, but properly belonging to the time of the Thousand years. For the Saints Interest is called the beloved City then, Chap. 20.9. And in this Eternal state called the great City, Cap. 21.10, etc. But still upon Earth; to which she came down from Heaven, ver. 2. and we read not of her ever going up again. Thus in these deep mysteries it pleases the Revealer of them to lay them down in words and methods hard to be understood. 2. Pet. 3.16. And no wonder if the Prophets themselves were to seek, what and what manner of times the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify; 1. Pet. 1.10, 11. 1. Cor. 13.9. II. Object. The Eternal Inheritance is said to be in Heaven, etc. Colos. 1.5. Luke 12.33. 2. Cor 5.1. Answ. 1. 'Tis true, that Glory is preparing now in Heaven. Joh. 14.2, 3. 2. Yet will come down from Heaven at the last, Rev. 21.2; 11 And to be brought to the Saints from thence, 1. Pet. 1.13. Rom. 8.21. both they and the whole Creation groan, for the time when they shall receive the Adoption, (that is) the Redemption of their Body, from the Grave and the bondage of Corruption, etc. ver. 21, 22, 23. 3. Yet it is true, That Christ and his Saints will be no Foreigners to Heaven also: For Christ was the Lord from Heaven (at first,) and since, made way into the holiest by his own Blood, wherewith he sprinkled the Mercy Seat: and that power whereby his Elect shall be caught up into the Air to meet him at his coming, can also take them higher into the third Heavens: (But these things Eye hath not seen, nor Ear heard, etc.) But in 2. Pet. 3.13. 'Tis the New Heavens as well as the New Earth, that is there proposed as the Object of Faith and Hope; wherein shall dwell Righteousness. An APPENDIX touching the Resurrection of the Just and Unjust, Acts 24.15. and the Judgement of both: In Answer to this Question, How it is said the Saints must all stand before the Judgement seat of Christ, Rom. 14.10. and give an account (every one of himself) to God, ver. 12, and receive according to their Deeds; 2 Cor. 5.10. Coloss. 3.24.25. and yet it is said, That they themselves shall sit upon Thrones judging the World, & c? Mat. 19.28. 2 cor. 6.2, 3. Answer. (Consider the sixth and seventh Particulars following, but) Take a Series of particulars (according to measure) of things to be from Christ's appearing, unto the Eternal state— 1. The Appearing of Christ in the Clouds of Heaven, Matth. 24.30. Revel. 1.7. 2. The Consternation of the wicked (great and small) at the seeing of h n. Rev 6.14, 15, 16, 17. Matth. 24.30. 3. The Voice of Christ Raising the Saints out of their Graves, John 5.28. 1 Cor. 15.23. this is (the first Resurrection; the Resurrection of the Just, Luke 14.14. the Living Saints to be changed, 1 Thess. 4.17. 4. Christ sending his Angels to Gather them (being raised) as Matth. 24.31. 1 Thess. 4.16, 17. and (the living Saints being changed) they are all (together) caught up to meet the Lord in the air, ver. 17. 5. The burning up of the World and its works; and destroying the ungodly, then found alive, 2 Pet. 3.10. ver. 7. The Righteous being Caught up before; as Noah and Lot were taken out of the places to be destroyed, Luke 17.27, 29. 6. Then the Lord Jesus will Sat upon the Throne of Judgement, to judge his people; as Psal. 50. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. that were raised to the Resurrection of Life, Act 24.15. Jo. 5.29. all the unjust continuing in their Graves till th●s Judgement is over: for they shall not stand in this Judgement, nor sinners in the Congregation of the righteous, Psalm 1.5. But here Christ will take an Account of his Servants. And at this time it is, the saints shall all stand before his Judgement seat, and give their account; and receive according. But whatever blame may be laid on any in this Judgement, their sins will all be blotted out then, Acts 3.19. Rom. 8.1. Mal. 3.1, 2, 3, 5, 17. Mercy will here rejoice against judgement; Judas 21. 2 Tim. 1.16, 18. as in the judgement of the unjust (following) there shall be judgement without mercy, Jam. 2.13. In this Judgement of the just gracious souls will shine wondrously, 1 Pet. 1.7. Rom. 2.7. 1 Thes. 2.19, 20. 1 Cor. 4.5. But where fault is found with any of their works, etc. there will be no Purgatory, by being punished (for a time) from the Lord's presence; For they must thenceforth be for ever with the Lord, 1 Thess. 4.18. Tho some may suffer loss, 1 Cor. 3.15. (trouble, 2 Pet. 3.14. shame, 1 John 2.28; grief, Hebr. 13.17.) yet (as in this time, much more then) the saints judging themselves, shall not be judged of the Lord, (as 1 Cor. 11.31.) to condemnation, Rom. 8.1. After the saints are thus Judged by the Lord Jesus, and therein Refined, etc. Mal. 3.2, 3, 4, 5. 1 Cor. 3.15, then, as Malac. 3.5. he will be a swift Witness to judge the wicked, etc. and in order thereunto 7. He will raise the unjust: and all that are Raised now, not having part in the first Resurrection of the just; will fall under the second Death: This being the Resurrection of Damnation, Joh. 5.29. And now in this Judgement it is, that the saints are to sit on thrones, and judge the world, and Angels; having given their own accounts before, upon their first Resurrection and Judgement. It appears Matth. 19.28. the Twelve Apostles shall judge the 12 Tribes: and also that the saints in all ages judge their respective Persecutors, 1 Cor. 6.2, 3. See Rev. 2.26, 27. Then will be fulfilled that Prophecy of Balaam, Num. 24 17.18— I shall behold him but not night: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, etc. and shall smite the Corners of Moab; (destroy the World and the Wicked by fire:) and destroy (or unwall, as Mr. jessey rendered it from the Hebr.) all the children of Seth; who was the godly Progenitor in Abel's room: so that his Children comprise all the saints, and refers to the first bodily Resurrection and change that shall pass upon them. Ver. 18. And Edom shall be a Possession, etc. and Israel shall dovaliantly: While they are judging their Enemies, and Talents unimproved took from the Condemned, and given to their Noble Judges, that did improve their own. 8. After the end of this (part of the) Judgement also, than the saints, leaving their Judgment-seats: (as Christ himself will soon after Deliver up the Kingdom to God the Father) then (it appears to be,) he will set the Saints, the Sheep on his right hand, and the Goats on the left; and pronounce the final Sentences severally upon them; as Math. 25.31, 32, 33, etc. 9 And now all being subdued unto him, he will Deliver up the Kingdom to God,— that put all things under him; That God may be all in all, 1 Cor. 15.24.28. 10. Finally, Rev. 21.5. He that sat upon the Thrones said, Behold I make all things new: (to wit) a new Heaven and a new Earth, for the first were passed away, vers. 1.) And (as it was said of the Earth of old, he Created it not in vain, he form it to be inhabited, Isa. 45.18. so) being now thus New Created it is not to be destroyed; but made a glorious City of Habitation; and the place of that Kingdom which is not of this World: (That is as to his Personal presence) in that absolute Glory of Perfection, that will be worthy his Divine Majesty; Who now dwells in that Light that is unapproachable, 1 Tim. 6.16. One OBJECTION from these 2 last particulars, viz. If God will be all in all, upon Christ's delivering up the Kingdom, Then Christ hath not (more a) Kingdom forever. Answ. This is a mistake of 1 Cor. 15.24.28. which must be understood of the Kingdom (as now it is) with respect to the present Dispensation: and to confirm this, Let me Declare a Mystery; Which is this; upon Man's Fall the Enemies of God increasing, Christ as Mediator (who was with Moses and the Church of old, Heb. 11.26. 1 Cor. 10.4.) was set up and ruled invisibly over all the World: but when he was by his Resurrection declared to be the Son of God with Power and all Power then given him, Math. 28.18 When he Ascended and God set him at his own right hand in the Heavenly places, Ephes. 1.20. It was upon this Account, till he makes his Enemies his Footstool. So that its clear, the whole Reign of Christ now upon his Father's Throne. Rev. 3.21.) from his first being sat down thereon (till he comes from Heaven,) is a Subduing Kingdom (Only a 1000 years' Triumph, and then the Enemies break forth again:) And that by God himself in Honour of his Son; Which Honour doubtless is not to be less when all is actually and completely subdued to him; for that were to lose the end of God in making his Foes his Footstool; Only as he owned here on Earth My Father is greater than I, John 14.28. So, all being subdued to him, and he being Man as well as God, must still continue, (under that consideration,) his inferiority to the Father, who is the head of Christ. 1 Cor. 11.3. by becoming Subject, that God may be all in all; Which is very confistent with his retaining the Glory of his Everlasting Kingdom among the Sanctified Sons of Men. Enemies being subdued, there needs no further subbduing power, or the subduing Kingdom. Thus God brings Good out of Evil: Israel sinned in desiring a King, but David and other Kings were Biessings to them, and Types of this Eternal King: For the Restitution, as pag. 3.) will be augmentative by the Experience of fallen man restored, and by the Glory of the Lord from Heaven, 1 Cor. 15.44.47.48. And so the Eternal Glory is expressly called a Kingdom; What did man in innocency know what Kingdom meant? etc. But all things according to the purpose of God, (before time,) Ephes. 1.11. The Conclusion. 1. THat no unsanctified Spirits may trouble themselves herewith, Psal. 50.16. unless they truly resolve to turn God. 2. And that none that do belong to God would be discouraged, if after refreshing hereby, they should find Deadness and Darkness in these things; which is no strange thing, nor the Truth ever the worse, the Author is not quite ignorant of his Devices, 2 Car, 2.11. and lest such should faint under such Trials, let them consider Colos. 3.3.4. 1 Joh. 3.2. 3. If the World (so renewed) shall be the Saints, Let them take the Council of Joseph to Jacob, Gen. 46.20. Also regard not your Stuff, for the good of all the Land of Egypt is yours, Be content (in the Faith of this) with Food and Raiment 1 Tim. 6.8. Tho like Abraham you have not yet one Foot of Inheritance in the Land of Promise; Act. 7.5. Tho Strangers now, yet we should look upon the Earth with comfort, as our proper Possession, hereafter to be Redeemed, Eph. 1.14. Rom. 8.20. 4. Lay up a good Foundation against this time to come, 1 Tim 6.19. i e. by doing good to others, See Math. 25.34.35. Luk. 14.14. Ephes. 6.8. The Reward (though not for the good Deed, yet) will be proportionable to the works of Virtue and Charity; see 2 Cor. 9.6. Ten Talents improved redounds to Ten Cities; Five Talents to five Cities, Luk. 19.17.19. (Except what great grace in any will multiply their little, as Mark 12.42, 43. God is a free Agent, and also Just;) I say there will be Dominion in the World to come: Ease what means the Crowns promised 2 Tim. 4.8. 1 Cor. 9.25. and a Kingdom, Luk. 22.29. And if every Saint shall Reign in Glory, much more the King of Saints; notwithstanding his delivering up the Kingdom to God, and becoming Subject, etc. which therefore must be understood of his delivering up his Commission to him that had put all things under him; That the Humane Nature of Christ, as becometh the Creature, (all the great Works of the Mediator being finishee,) may acquiess in acknowledging the Superiority of the Divine being; Yet shining Gloricusly through God in the Glory of the Mediatorship (accomplished;) in the Love and Glory of the Saints, and in all peace and absolute perfection in the Glory of being King in and amongst them, and they in him. 5. I would have none Oppose themselves in this Doctrine of the New World, to think that Heaven is excluded, see pag. 9 Heaven will be more appropriate to Man by Christ, than it could have been by the first Man Adam, 1 Cor. 15.47.50. But as Heaven is superadded, so the Earth shall be Restored: and therefore the New Heavens and New Earth are very consistent. A Confirmation of the Earth's Eternal Duration in the State of Eternal Glory. 1. THE Body of Man is made of the Dust of the Ground, yet made Immortal by putting on Immortality, 1 Cor. 15.54. So may the Earth be Eternised by Christ for the Glory and Good of Man. 2. He that will restore it from under the Curse, can perpetuate that restored State, Rev. 22.3. 3. God that made it of nothing, can much more uphold it forever, being made. 4. Though the Earth be a material gross body, yet the Foundations of it are unsearchable and Divine, Job. 38.6. yea it hangs upon nothing chap. 26.7. the principle of Nature is confounded here, by that adequate poise of this Terrene Globe▪ so that (by Divine Artifice) it is said to be so laid on the Foundations as not to be removed forever, Psal. 104.5. And I refer it to consideration, whether these be not the Foundations in Heb. 11.10. at least by way of Allusion, When all Humane works will turn over to the Foundations in the day of the Lord, 2 Pet. 3.10. But the World to come (after that) is for the Children of the Resurrection, Luke 20.35, 36. 5. And whereas some say the Earth will be turned into its first Chaos, and be a place of Torment; yet how would that suit the Notion of a Lake, (as Hell is called,) pag. 5. Besides, this very Tenet grants the thing; For if it be a place of Torment forever, than it shall abide forever, and that same Divine power that might uphold it as a place of Fire and ●o●●ent, can much more preserve it in its Verdure and Glory, as a place of Divine Presence, Happiness and Glory to the Heirs of Glory. FINIS.