THE WHOLE FAITH OF MAN: Being the Gospel declared in plainness, as it is in JESUS, and the way thereof of old confirmed by divers Signs, Wonders, Miracles, and Gifts of the holy Ghost.  
In thirty six Heads, setting out Man's way & work, from the day of his Conversion to the day of his Dissolution, and what therein is both to be believed and practised.  
The Second Edition much Enlarged.  
By WILL. JEFFERY, who hath for years been a poor Labourer in Christ's Vineyard.  So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants; we have done that which was our duty to do, Luke 17.10. 
London, Printed by G. Dawson, for Francis Smith in Flying-Horse Court in Fleetstreet, near Chancery lane end; and Stephen Dagnal of Alisbury, 1659.   

TO The Christian READER.  
Loving Reader,  
THis work presented to thy view, read I pray with diligence and care, employing thy whole understanding to observe what 〈◊〉 written herein, whether it be according to the Scriptures of truth, and finding it so, lay it up in thy heart, and bring it forth in Conversation and in Worship; and that thou mayest so do, mark well the Scriptures that are brought for the proof of that which is said; and for the right understanding of the Scriptures, note these five things.  
First, who it is that speaketh.  
Secondly, the ground or cause of the Word spoken.  
Thirdly, what is spoken.  
Fourthly, the time when.  
Fifthly, to whom it speaketh.  
And labour to understand Prophecies, whether they be fulfilled or no, and mistake not so as to think that Parables, or Comparisons in Scripture prove nothing, for they do excellently prove things, if rightly understood; for the Parable of the unjust judge, and the Widow, Luk. 18. v. 1. proveth, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; and that in Rev. 16.15. which saith, that Christ will come as a thief; proveth, that Christ will come suddenly, and that day of the Lord shall come upon ungodly men unawares, yea as a snare shall it take them, 2 Thes. 5.23. but it doth not prove that Christ will come unrighteously as a thief, for that cannot be: So Parables and Comparisons in the Scriptures, prove excellently the things for which they are brought, but beware of using them beyond their line; and also note, that a Commandment or Precept, only gives ground to duty, for where no Law is, there is no transgression; mistake not, for the manner of the performance of the duty, is not always in all things laid down in the Commandment; so the primitive examples of the People of God, for the manner of the performance of duty, is very safe, and where there is no example of the People of God in the Scriptures, for the manner as aforesaid, take heed that the duty be done decently, and in order, 1 Cor. 14.40. James 5.14. But stand in awe in the fear of God, and beware that you add not to the Commandment, nor diminish therefrom in the performance of duty, for he that shall presume to speak a word in the name of the Lord, which he hath not commanded him, shall die, Deut. 18.20. Pro. 30.6. Revel. 22.18, 19 Mind also, that according to the Law and the Prophets, and New Testament, are to hear Christ in all things, yea to give more heed to Christ then Israel was to Moses, Heb. 2.1, 2. Chap. 12.25. and to labour to understand what the first Testament is, and who were the children hereof; and what is the new Testament, and who are the children thereof; and let no man that believeth and is added to the Church according to the Scripture, content himself in a child like state, but labour with all diligence, to come to man's stature, being strong in Christ, 1 Epistle of John. 2.13, 14. For in these last days, will come in all deceiveableness of unrighteousness, and so many will fall away; the age groweth ripe, many run to and fro, and knowledge is increased; therefore labour to understand the Mysteries of the Scripture, walk up purely in all that thou knowest; for they shall be revealed and fulfilled in these latter days; yea whosoever thou art, observe more what is declared, it being truth, than the manner of the declaring it; & be not offended at the plainness or poverty of the man that speaketh, he speaking as the Oracles of God; For God hath chosen the foolish things of the world, to confound the wise.  
I have studied brevity for many reasons, therefore heed well what is spoken, and so have thy heart open for truth, but closed up against all error, and try all spirits by the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament, For if they speak not, According to the Law and Testamony, it is because there is no light in them, Isai. 8.20. And so read this Book with a single eye, for it very highly concerns thy eternal life, for, for this end was it written, that men might know the good old way of the Gospel, and walk therein, and so find rest for their souls; and that God might have all the Glory; and this is the sincere desire of him, that is ready to serve thee with all his might in he strength of the Lord, in the work of his Generation.  
William jeffery.   

A TABLE OF The principal Matters spoken to or handled in this Book.  

1. THe Gospel what it is? Page 1  
2. That the Gospel is to be preached to all Men. Page 2  
3. That Christ died for all Men. Page 4  
4. That God through Christ's death in the ministration of the Gospel, sets all men in a way to come to the knowledge of the truth, and be eternally saved. Page 6  
5. How Men in all ages were set in that way. Page 9  
6. What Adam's sin brought upon all the sans of Men. Page 13  
7. How Christ redeemed all Men from the first death, and all the guilt or punishment of Adam's sin. Page 18  
8. That all Infants dying in Infancy, shall be saved. Page 17  
9 The great cause of condemnation, and what it is? Page 21  
10. How Men are given up to blinded eyes, and hardened hearts, and wherefore. Page 30  
11. How Gods Decree takes hold of Men to condemnation. Page 27  
12. God's Decree concerning Election to salvation. Page 32  
13. Why none but Believers are chosen to salvation, and yet foreseen faith not the cause. Page 33  
14. The first Testament, what it is in the strictest sense, and what it is in the largest, and who were the children thereof, and how is it cast out and its children, and the difference between the Law of Faith, and the Law of Works; and a word of the abolishing of the seventh day Sabbath. Page 35  
15. What the second Testament in the strictest fence, and what in the largest; and who are the children thereof, and who the Ministers thereof; and the vast disproportion between the first Testament and the Second. Page 42  
16. What Repentance is, and what Faith is, and the nature thereof. Page 52  
17. That Bilievers only are the Subjects of Baptism, not Infants. Page 54  
18. That Prayer and Laying on of Hands upon all Believers after Baptism, is a Prinsiple of the Doctrine of Christ. Page 60  
19 The Resurrection of the Bodies of just and unjust, proved; and the Christ that died and risen again, and ascended into heaven, shall come again in person. Page 64  
20. What the eternal judgement is, and when it is. Page 70  
21. What the Church of Christ is, and who are to be received into the Church of Christ, and who not; and the bounds of Communion; and that we are to give more heed to Christ then Israel was to Moses. Page 75  
22. That there are Preachers, & Administrators of Ordinances in this our age (and shall be until Christ comes) and who they be. Page 86  
23. The manner and right receiving of the Lords Supper, & that Saints ought to practise it until Christ come. Page 91  
24. What Officers belongs to the Church of Christ and how they are to be chosen, and what there Work is. Page 95  
25. The Maintenance of the Ministers of the Gospel, what it is; and that it is not by Tithes. Page 99  
26. Some things spoken concerning the Washing the Saints feet; also that of Anointing with Oil in the name of the Lord, and Prayer with Fasting. Page 102  
27. The way to deal with them that sin against God and one another, and to cast them out of the Church. Page 103  
28. That the power lieth in the Church to judge Offenders. Page 108  
29. That Magistrates are to be obeyed in all civil things, and are supreme; but they have no more power in the Church than Members. Page 109  
30. That all the way of the Gospel, is a way of love and free grace. Page 112  
31. That men may fall from grace, and that the grace of perseverance is of God; and salvation, eternal life, is the mere gift of God. Page 113  
32. That the whole House of Israel after the flesh, shall be called to believe, and be a glorious people, and the time when. Page 120  
33. What the Whore of Babylon is, and who are her Daughters, and that the Antichrist, or Man of Sin, is not the Whore of Babylon; showed in seven particulars. Page 126  
34. That Christ shall Reign Personally on the earth, most gloriously. Page 161  
35. That until Christ come to Reign, the Saints shall be in a troubled, persecuted Estate; and that there shall be war unto that day; and a word to the Fift Monarchy Men. Page 164  
36. Some of the Signs of Christ's coming. Page 174    

Reader,  
THou wilt find only some literal Faults, which were not worth the while to make an Errata of, therefore thou art desired in a friendly way, to correct such Trivials with thy Pen.   

THE GOSPEL Declared in plainness, as it is in JESUS, And the way thereof of Old confirmed by divers Signs, Wonders, Miracles, and Gifts of the Holy Spirit.  

IN the first place mind what the word Gospel is, or doth hold forth unto us: and you shall find that it signifieth good, or glad-tydings, as appeareth Isai. 52.7. compared with Rom. 10.15. Luke 2.10, 11.  
Now what is contained in this good-tydings is this, (according to the Scriptures) that God was in Christ reconciling the World unto himself, not imputing their Trespasses unto them, 2 Cor. 5.19. and that Christ died for our sins, and was buried, and risen again the Third day, 1 Cor. 15.1, 2, 3, 4. and that in Christ Jesus there is Remission of sins, Luke 24.47. or forgiveness of sins, Acts 13.38. and everlasting Life, 46. this is the Gospel.  
And this Gospel is to be preached to every Creature by the Commandment of the Lord, Mark 16.15. that is to say, to every Man and Woman that have ears to hear so as to understand; not to Infants, for the Lord speaks not unto (though of) them, Deut. 11.2. for they know neither good or evil, Deut. 1.39. which is agreeable to the testimony of the Angel of the Almighty, which brought good-tydings of great joy unto all people, Luke 2.10.  
Furthermore, this Gospel was preached unto all, yea unto them that received it not, (and that in all Ages) Gen. 3.15. 1 Pet. 3.19, 20. 2 Pet. 2.5. Heb. 4.2, 3, 17. Acts 2.5. Coll. 1.23. for Paul saith, it was necessary that the Word of God should be Preached unto them that rejected it; yet there was no less in that word than everlasting life, which they put from them, Acts 13.46. in much envy contradicting and blaspheming, and raising persecution against the Apostles, so that at length, they shook off the dust of their feet against them, ver. 51. And you know that Christ saith, It shall be more toller able for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgement, then for such a people; So then the Gospel was preached to them, that never received it, as well as to them that did receive it; therefore unto all.  
Again the Parables, and comparisons in the Scriptures, proves that this good Tidings of eternal life, as 'tis in Jesus, is to be preached unto all, as it appeareth, Mat. 13. in the parable of the sour; for there you may see it is declared unto all sorts of men, as the seed is sown in all sorts of ground; likewise in Mat. 22. the ●arable bids all, even them also that would not, nor did not come, the bad as well as the good, for to come to the marraige. Also the comparison of the brazen Serpent showeth, as that was lifted up for all, that all that were stung might look on it, andlive, Num. 21.8, 9 So is the Son of man, the Lord Jesus lifted up for all, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have everlasting life, John 3.14, 15.  
Again this is the condemnation of the world, namely, the not receiving the light that is in Jesus, held forth in the Gospel, John 12.46. John 3.19. And how shall they receive it, so as to believe it without a preacher? Rom. 10.14. Therefore it is to be preached unto all.  
Again Christ will judge all men according to the Gospel, Rom. 2.16. Acts 17.31. and he that heareth, and beleiveth, according to the Gospel, shall be saved, and he that will not believe shall be damned, as John witnesseth, that they that refuse to hear the word, so as to receive it, shall be condemned at the last day, by that word which they heard, and rejected, John 12.47.48. wherefore Christ judging all men at the last day by the word of the Gospel, and that according to righteousness, it followeth plainly, that the Gospel must be preached unto all men.  
Well then, seeing the Gospel is to be preached unto all, or this good tidings of peace, which is (as hath been showed) that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them, and offereth everlasting life unto all in and through the death of his Son, it will follow that Christ died for all men, so as to seek to serve all men, Luke 19.10. Mat. 18.11. yea, to set all men and women in the way so as by his death they might have eternal life. I say, it will follow clearly, that Christ died for all men, for else the Gospel will be the tender of a lie, which is blasphemy to affirm. It will (I say) be the tender of a lie, because in the Gospel there is offered to all (as hath been showed) remission of sins, and everlasting life, through a crucified Christ; but if Christ died but for some men, and this glad-tyding of peace in the Gospel be held forth for all men, as it is, then to some of these (all) it will be the tender of a lie; but that cannot be, therefore I conclude that Christ died for all men.  
This further will appear, if you observe well, how that all men every where are commanded to repent, and believe the Gospel, Mark 1.15. Act. 17.30. and that is witnessed in the Gospel to all men, both believers, and Unbelievers, that there is eternal life in Christ, and that they who receive it not, make God a liar, 1 Joh. 5.10, 11, 12.  
Again consider, that God doth bid all earnestly, and doth not mock any (until first they reject him, Prov. 1.25, 27.) nor doth he deal as hypocrites, to bid men to his supper, having before decreed in himself, that they shall never taste thereof, but (I say) unfaignedly, and altogether truly doth the Lord bid and invite all persons to come to the marriage supper, and (saith he) for, All Things are ready: now if Christ died not for all, how could he invite all, even them that never came, saying, all things are ready, when as to them that came not, which are the greatest part of men, to them (I say) the only thing, was not ready; that is to say, a Christ crucified for their sins; and so whereas Christ saith, that all things are ready; this opinion which I contend against, declares, that there is nothing ready, for I am sure that without a crucified Christ there is no salvation for the sons of men; and moveover to conceive that Christ died but for some men, notwithstanding his so often calls, and loving invitations to all men whatsoever, to come unto him that they might be saved, Joh. 1.7. whether in the city, or in the lanes, or about the hedges; to conceive this I say, is to liken the Lord Jesus unto the vilest of men, who (as David saith, Psal. 55.21) have in their mouths words smother than butter, but war in the heart, words softer than oil, yet were as drawn swords.  
Moreover the Scriptures holds forth plainly, that unbelief in the son of God is a great sin, yea, the cause of eternal condemnation, John 3.18. Joh. 8.24. Now if the son of God died not for the unbeliever, who is (saith Christ) condemned already; because he believeth not on him, than the unbeliever is condemned for not believing a lie; but this cannot possibly be the judgement of the righteous God, who condemns men for not receiving, and believing the truth, that they might be saved, 2. Thes. 2.10, 11, 12. Therefore again I conclude, that Christ died for all men.  
Moreover we find Paul (that eminent light of the world) in great heaviness, and continual sorrow of heart, yea and wishing himself accursed from Christ for his brethren the Jews, that were shut up in unbelief, Rom. 9.2.3.32 33. Rom. 11.7, 8, 9, 10. To whom also he acknowledgeth did belong the adoption, and the glory, and the Covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises; now 'tis most plain that the Apostle doth (by acknowledging these so many, and excellent privileges pertaining to the Jews) declare, and clearly preach up, that there was a time when they might have been happy, had they (with others) sought after the righteousness of God by faith; but alas, alas, they obtained it not, wherefore? (because Christ died not for them, saith many) but saith the holy Apostle, because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law, ver. 31.32. And this is charged upon them as their great folly, which indeed had been none at all, had they not (as well as others) been put into a capacity through the grace of a crurified Christ to have believed, and so eternally saved, which thing most asuredly Paul understood touching them, and therefore he abode in great heaviness for them, yea, and wished himself accursed from Christ for them, knowing and believing, that God had sent his son Jesus to bless them, yea so far (mark I pray) as to turn every one of them from their iniquities, Act. 3.26. and indeed to conceive the Apostle to be of a contrary belief, that is to say, that Christ died not for his Brethren, that were shut up in unblief; (such a conception (I say) doth render the wise, and eminent Apostle Paul to be simple, and foolish, both by his great heaviness and continual sorrow of heart; for that which could not possibly be obtained, to wit, the salvation of his Brethren the Jews; and also by his wishing himself accursed from Christ for them that could not possibly ever be blest; but God forbidden that any sober minded man should hold any opinion that should thus render the wisdom of the wise of no effect; but however if men will thus foolishly presume, wisdom is justified of her children, who clearly understands that Christ died for all men; whereupon when they come to understand that men will not come unto him that hath died for them; that they might have life, Joh. 5.40. they understandingly (with holy Paul) grieve, and are of a mournful heart for them, like the Lord himself; Luke 19.41, 42.  
Moreover Peter the Apostle of the Lord, full of the Spirit declareth, That the Lord bought such as bring in damnable Heresies, and so bring upon themselves swift destruction, even damnation that slumbereth not, 2, Pet. 2.1, 2, 3. So then by this also it clearly appears, that Christ died for, or bought all men, since no man questions his dying for such as shall be saved.  
Furthermore, there is before you a cloud of witnesses eminently advancing the truth of this Particular, speaking after this manner; Oh Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the Prophets, and stonest them which were sent unto thee! How often would I have gathered thy Children together, as a Hen gathereth her Chickens under her wings, and ye would not? Mat. 23.37, And when he beheld their City, so great was his love towards them, that he wept over it; Saying, if thou hadst known, even thou at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace; but now they are hid from thine eyes: Luke 19.41, 42. Oh that my people had harkened unto me, and Israel had walked in my ways, so should their time have endured for ever! Psal. 81.13.15. Oh that their were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my Commandments always, that it might be well with them, and their Children for ever? Deut. 5129. Oh Jerusalem, wilt thou not be made clean, when shall it once be? Jeremy. 13.27. How shall I give thee up, Ephraim? How shall I deliver thee, Israel? As I live, saith, the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way, and live; turn ye, turn ye, for why will ye die, oh House of Israel? Ezek. 33.11. And now O inhabitants of Jerusalem, and men of Judah, Judge I pray you betwixt me, and my Vinyard, what could have been done more, to my Vinyard, that I have not done in it? Jsa. 5.3.4. But when he looked that it should bring forth Grapes, it brought forth wild Grapes; As also Israel in the wilderness, Wherefore he was grieved with that generation, and at length, swore in his wrath that they should not enter into his rest, because of Unbelief, Heb. 3.10, 11, 19 Now that the Father, the Son, and the holy Spirit in the Prophets, should utter such deep desires, and large professions for the welfare of a People, with weeping, and great lamentations upon their neglect of that which should have been for their welfare, (Psal. 69.22.) Also confirming his desires by the immutable Oath of himself, and yet notwithstanding know them (even from the first) altogether uncapable of happiness and well-being, and that for want of that grace which himself is the only giver of; That God (I say) whose Attributes of love, and mercy are met together with truth, and righteousness, and kisseth each other, Psal. 85.10. should thus declare himself, is altogether incredible; for if he sent not his Son to die for them, there is no other Name given under heaven, whereby they might be saved, Act. 4.11, 12.  
The sense of these things being much upon my heart, leads me forth yet further to question with you, viz. How the wise God, the Father, could grieve forty years long for a People's unbelief, if there was no Salvation for them to believe in? And how Christ the Son of God could marvel at the People's Unbelief, if he tasted not death for them, whereby they might believe, Mar. 6.6.  
And how the holy Spirit, the gift of God, could strive with men for their good, if Christ, in whom is all good, was not intended for them? The Father, the Son, and the Spirit (according to the Scriptures of truth) in all ages plainly declareth, That he would have all men to be saved, and come to the knowledge of the truth, 1 Tim. 2.4. in order to which he exercised much long-patience, sending his servants, calling upon them, and beseeching them to be reconciled unto himself, 2 Cor. 5.20. And so God preparing all things ready for them, and using a sufficiency of means, whereby they might come and receive it (according to the Parable) that is to say, might believe, and eternally be saved, Joh. 1.7. Jo. 3.17.2 Thes. 2.10. they not coming, they not believing, the God of love in wisdom greiveth for them, and upon good grounds sweareth in wrath, they shall not enter into his rest. Mark well; A mans not doing impossibilities, or not believing on that which is not, is no sober man's wonder, cause of grief, or ground of wrath; Wherefore all these things being considered, together with the many more Scriptures that speak to this purpose, as also many Scriptures bearing plain Testimony, that Christ died for all, 1 Tim. 2.6. Heb. 2.9.2. Cor. 5.15.1. Joh. 2.2. Rom 3.22. And not so much as one Scripture that saith, he died but for some, therefore with wise and holy Peter, I conclude, that the Lord God is not willing that (any) should perish, but that all should come to repentance, 2 Pet. 3.9. and be saved through Christ the Saviour, who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time; Therefore let all men fear how they testify against it.  
Object. If Christ died for all, how is it then that all are not saved?  
Answ. Bear with me I pray you, if I speak somewhat large to this Question, for I know that there is something in the understanding of those that ask this question, as the ground thereof, which is a great hindrance to the understanding of this glorious truth of God's love unto all men; namely, that Adam's sin brought him, and all his posterity into a state of eternal condemnation in Hell: which whosoever beleiveth, cannot easily understand how Christ should die for all men, (say they) if he died for all, to free them from eternal punishment in hell, and Christ die not in vain, then (say they) How can it be but that all must be saved?  
First consider your mistake touching Adam's sin; for 'tis plain, that his sin brought but the first death and the companions thereof, as fear, shame, sickness, eating bread in the sweat of the face, etc. together with the ground cursed for his sake, and not eternal torments in Hell, which saith the Scripture, is the second death, Rev. 20.14. First because the second death, or eternal torment in Hell was neither threatened to come upon him before his fall, Gen. 2.17. neither is it in the least signified in the sentence against him after his fall, Gen. 3.17.18.19. but rather this, Dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return: this death therefore being only spoken of, which is the first death, let no man presume above what is written.  
Secondly, observe the sense of the Apostle Paul, touching this Particular, who saith, That by one man (to wit Adam) sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned, Rom. 5.12. Now in that he saith, that the death which came by Adam passed upon all, it follows with much plainness, that he understood it to be only the first death that entered into the world by Adam's sin, because the second death, or eternal torment in Hell, had not passed upon all, and so he could not mean the second death; for he right well knew, yea and all men do know, it had not passed upon Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, with many others that might be mentioned; no nor never shall. In vain will it be for any to go about to evade the force of this text, by conceiving that it is the desert of eternal death which passed upon all, forasmuch as the Apostle in much plainness saith, That death passed upon all men, not only deserved death, but death itself passed also upon them, as their desert.  
Thirdly, remember, and well consider that it is granted on all hands, that Adam's sin from the beginning, did and now doth bring men down to the dust, or first death; and also well consider, that it is as generally believed, that the second death, or Hell torments, is an eternal fence of misery both upon the soul, and body; or an eternal, horrible, dying, and never being dead: both which being considered, you may easily see, that if God did intent Hell torment to be the portion of Adam's sin, either you must imagine, that God did purpose, and decree, and so accordingly declare to Adam, that if he sinned he should for a time return to the dust, and afterwards be raised up again from the dust, and so cast into Hell torments, which is the second death; which imagination is very strange; and besides it presupposeth a Resurrection without Christ; or else you must imagine, that God intended in his saying to Adam,— Thou shalt die: that his soul should go into hell torment, the second death; and his body to the dust, the first death: which Dagon-like Image shamefully falls before the Ark of truth.  
First, because it renders the coming of Christ, the greatest of God's gifts to mankind, who come not to condemn the world, but that the world through him might be saved, john 3.17. I say, it renders the coming of Christ to be the only cause of a horrible Judgement, without the least mixture of mercy, upon the bodies of those men, whose souls were cast into hell for Adam's sin; that is to say, Christ by his coming raises their bodies from the grave, where they were without the fence of any misery, and casts them (without any cause) into everlasting torments.  
Secondly, the imagination falls upon the account of Paul's words, Rom. 5.12. showing that that death which came by that one man, Adam's sin, passed upon all; wherefore it cannot be meant an eternal death upon the souls of men, for that passed not upon the souls of the holy Fathers, as aforesaid.  
And thus you may see, that neither of these imaginations can stand either according to Scripture, or Reason; and therefore the truth only remains before you, as clearly proved by these considerations, namely, That Adam's sin brought but the first death, as hath been showed, and that men's loving darkness rather than the light, is the cause of a second death; and this may not be rejected, because Christ himself saith, This is the condemnation, john 3.19.  
Fourthly, that Adam's sin brought but the first death as aforesaid, also appeareth from the Apostles words, 1 Cor. 15.21, 22. wherein is plainly held forth, that Christ will bring all men to a resurrection from that death which comes upon all men by the first Adam's sin; wherefore it cannot possibly be the second death which he speaks of as brought by Adam: for than it supposes all men brought to a resurrection from the second death, or Hell torment, and so preaches general salvation, which is folly to conceive: so then, (with the Prophet) I conclude, that the Son shall not die eternally for the iniquity of the Father, But the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him; (that is to say, upon him alone, and not his child, so as to bring it to eternal life) And the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him; (that is upon him alone, and not his child, so as to bring it to eternal death, Ezek. 18.20.  
Well then, by this time 'tis necessary to mind again our Question; namely, That if Christ died for all men, How is it that all are not saved?  
First, by what hath been said, you may see in what state man was in by his first Transgression, even out of God's favour, and in a state of misery condemned to the first death; But God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son to taste death for every man, Heb. 2.9. Rom. 5.18. and so destroys him that hath the power of death, (that is the devil;) And thus there is purchased (by Christ) a resurrection for all men from the first death, with the gift of God, which is eternal life: (and hence it is, that children dying in Infancy, cannot be condemned at the last day, for of such is the kingdom of God, Mat. 19.14.) But now men (having a being here through Christ) come to rebel against God, and going out of the way, so as there is none righteous, no not one, Rom. 3.12. they become the children of wrath; but such is the love of God, that he follows the creature with mercy, commanding the Gospel to be preached to every creature, which Gospel men not believing, the wrath of God abideth on them, John 3.36. the light of eternal life, and remission of sins in Jesus is held forth, but men loves darkness rather than light; the prize of glory is put into their hands, but they (like fools) have no heart to it; and so, whereas the Objector asketh, how it is that all are not saved, if Christ died for all; the answer is in Christ's words, This is thecondemnation, John 3.19. that light is come into the world, and men love darkness rather than light, because their deeds are evil.  
Thus I judge that the seeming show of the objection vanisheth, and that the truth remaineth in its power, and plainness, namely; That Christ died for all men; and so setteth all men in a way in which they may come to the knowledge of the truth, and be saved; The truth of which will appear, if you shall take a view of the Scriptures, speaking of the Generations from the beginning; as first, in the very day that Adam fell, Christ was promised by God, saying, The seed of the woman shall break the Serpent's head: and it is said of Abel, That by faith he offered a more excellent sacrifice, than Cain, Heb. 11.4. Showing plainly, that Abel was enlightened touching the promised seed, to wit, Christ the true Sacrifice, in whom he believing, his sacrifice became more acceptable than that of Cain: also it is said of Enoch, that by faith he was translated, that he should not see death; and before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God; and not only so, but himself being enlightened touching Christ, we find that he Prophesieth also of the coming of Christ, with his faints to Judgement, Judas 14.  
And so he was a preacher of the Gospel to others, in his, and following Generations. In like manner we find Noah declared to be a preacher of Righteousness, and by Faith preparedan Ark, whereby he Condemned the World, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith, 1 Pet. 3.18, 19, 20. 2 Pet. 2.5. Heb. 11.7. All which shows, that Noah was such an eminent light in his Generation, that the whole world (than in being) was so taught, and instructed by him, (he being a Preacher of Righteousness) as that (they being disobedient thereunto) are said thereby to be condemned. Also we find very clearly, that the Gospel was Preached to Abraham, saying, In thee shall all Nations be blessed, Gal. 3.8. And afterwards unto his seed, (the children of Israel) in the wilderness, as appeareth, Heb. 4.2. Among which people God shown such mighty, and wonderful power in saving, and delivering them, and destroying their enemies, as that thereby he declared to all the World, that he was Israel's God, and approved of their Faith, and Worship; as to instance some of many, The Angel smote of the Camp of the Assyrians, an hundred four score and five thousand, 2 King. 19.35. Also God delivering Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednigo from the fiery Furnace; as also Daniel being delivered from the Lion's den; decrees were made, that Every People, Nation, and language, should tremble and fear before their God, and that his Kingdom shall never have an end, Dan. 3.29.6.26. Moreover the Lord bringing his people out of the captivity of Babylon, stirred up the spirit of Cyrus' King of Persia, to make Proclamation in all the Kingdoms of the earth, that he was to build him (the only true God) a house at Jerusalem, Ezek. 1.1, 2. Besides all such kinds of preaching, there was among them a continual Ministry of the holy Prophets, whose words, (saith Paul) went unto the ends of the world, Rom. 10.18. by which means some of every Nation under heaven were proselyted, devoutly worshipping the true God, Acts 2.5.9, 10, 11. And as God was present with the house of Israel in power and might as aforesaid; so also in giving great and wonderful wisdom, so that the Queen of the South, came from the uttermost parts of the earth, to hear the wisdom of Solomon, Mat. 12.42. yea, and all the Kings of the earth sought his presence, to hear the wisdom that God had put in his heart, 2 Chro. 9.23. By this cloud of witnesses, 'tis manifest, that the Gospel was made known to all people in all Generations down to the Apostles, in whose Generation, Christ commanded the Gospel to be preached to every creature, and saith the Apostle, it was preached to every creature under Heaven, Col. 1.23. And so it is evident, that God set all men, at all times, in a way by the Gospel, that they might come to the knowledge of the truth, and be saved.  
Object. Though it be true, that the Gospel was preached among the Nations, yet we cannot judge that they all had, or that all people now have a sufficiency of means, whereby to believe.  
Answ. That all men had, and have a sufficiency of means so as to believe, and be saved, is evident, and to you will appear if you keep well in your minds the agreement of God's Attributes, so as that they may sweetly meet, and kiss each other in all that you believe; for you know the Scriptures holds forth, That God is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to Repentance; yea, and sweareth by himself, that he desires not the death of the wicked, but rather that he turn, etc. 2 Pet. 3.19. Ezek. 33.11. Now all the means of Repentance, and Faith, and the grace to keep men from perishing, is from God, as you also confess, for him therefore to withhold the means of Salvation from the poor creatures, whereby 'tis altogether impossible for them ever to miss eternally perishing; yet nevertheless to say, that he is long-suffering, and not willing that Any should perish, yea, and to swear that he desires not the death of the wicked; affectionately saying to them, Turn ye, turn ye; for why will ye die? Whenas himself withholds the means, without which they cannot return, and live; I say, for God thus to say, and swear, is altogether incredible, being that which calls in question the Attributes of the Almighty; and indeed is proper only to an unjust, deceitful man, and not to God: so then 'tis plain, that as God desireth the Salvation of men, (and sweareth that he wills not their condemnation) so he affordeth a sufficiency of means in order thereunto.  
Secondly, That there is a sufficiency of means for all, appears, because Christ charges persons not coming to him, so as to believe in him, upon the obstinacy of their wills, and not upon the want of means, as appeareth by these Scriptures, Joh. 5.40. Ye will not come unto me that ye might have life, Mat. 23.37. Oh Jerusalem, How oft would I have gathered thy Children, but ye would not, Joh. 4.48. Except ye see signs, and wonders, ye will not believe.  
Thirdly, It appears also to be so, because those who are said to perish, shall be lest without excuse, or claok for their sin, Rom. 1.20. Joh. 15.22. Which cannot be, in case they always wanted means, or ability to believe, for of all cloaks, or excuses that possibly can be, what is a greater, or safer excuse, than an impossibility to do the thing required? Yea surely, it will be a fair plea before the Just, and Righteous God; but God will judge all men according to their works; therefore no such excuse or piea.  
Fourthly, The Scriptures saith, that Christ marvelled at the unbelief of some, (as hath been showed) and also pronounceth condemnation to the unbeliever, because he believeth not, etc. Which may clearly prove to them, that honour God in all his Attributes, that he allows a sufficiency of means to every man, to do the thing which he requireth: unless it may be safe to conceive, that Christ (the wisdom of God) did marvel at known impossibilities, and also that he will plunge men into hell for ever; for not doing that, which himself only worketh in the creature▪ (as you conceive) but God forbidden such horrible blindness.  
Fifthly, Christ commands men to believe in the Light, while they have the Light, that they may be the children of Light, Joh. 12.36. Now for a man to be exhorted to believe in the Light, that he may be a child of the Light; and he in such darkness as was the Egyptians, and as unable to help himself out of it as they were; would be a most unwise, vain, and deceitful Exhortation; unwise, and vain, it being known he could never believe; deceitful, in pretending that he might be the Child of Light, it being altogether impossible: wherefore still I conclude, that Christ's words are pure, and unfeigned, and so men every way made able through grace to believe, and do the things which they are exhored unto: Christ the Lord (whom we serve) being no hard Master.  
Sixtly, while men are treating about what means God doth allow in order to the doing his will; himself comes in, and pleads, What could I have done More, that I have not done? And yet will any man dare to say, that he had done Nothing in order to their Salvation? as he had not if he never made them able to believe: Oh do not say so, for in so doing, you will grievously sin against God; who allowed such a sufficiency of means, as that (in his wisdom) he looked for that to be done which he commanded; What, did he look for that which could not be? and also enter into judgement with them, laying them waste, and giving them up to blinded eyes, and hardened hearts, Isa. 5.4, 6, 7. Isa. 6.10. as a recompense unto them, Rom. 11.9. From all which I conclude, that Jesus Christ tasted death for every man, and that All men Every Where may repent, as they are commanded by him who is no hard Master; and that All men might believe; as in plain words is written, Joh. 1.7.  
Moreover, as 'tis conceived, that the one part of mankind have not a sufficiency of means to believe, and so perish: so also the other part of mankind have an irresistible means making them to believe, and so they are saved. The latter of which is as inconsistent to truth, as the former, as lively appeareth from Christ's words, Mat. 19.23, 24. saying, That it is easier for a Camel to go through the eye of an Needle, then for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of Heaven. For all cannot but know, that if God be the alone Agent in, and about man's conversion, and his ordinary way be to work irresistibly therein; all (I say) cannot but know that it is Alike easy for him to convert a rich man as a poor man. And besides, if God's ordinary way to convert men be to work irresistibly, how he could appeal to Israel (who according to your sense, knew that this was his way) saying; what could I have done More, which I have not done? Whenas he had not wrought so much as in his ordinary way upon them; I judge no man can give a reasonable account to this. Therefore in brief I conclude, (in opposition to all those that imagine Gods ordinary way to convert men is unresistible) with Stephen, saying, Ye do always resist the holy Spirit, as your fathers did, so do ye, Act. 7.51. and with the words of the Lord, I drew them with the cords of a man, with bonds of love, yet they refused to return, Hosea. 11.4, 5.  
Object. But this which you have said, seems to cross the way of God's Election, and reprobation, from the beginning; whose way is to hate some men before they have done either good, or evil; as is plainly held forth in that of Esau; and so impossible for them ever to believe, and be saved; For he hath mercy on whom he will, and whom he will he hardeneth.  
Answ. For the better understanding of this Point, well consider the principal thing, which Paul treats of in that Chapter, Rom. 9 which is, that the fleshly seed of Abraham, are not the children of promise, or the Elect of God, ver. 7, 8. wherefore (saith the Apostle) though Esau was the child of Abraham according to the flesh, and that upon Isaac's side too, yet God hated him: therefore you Jews that stand so much upon your birth privileges, as being the seed of Abraham after the flesh, by this of Esau you may know, that it will not prove you to be the Elect of God, but you may be hated as Esau was, he being as truly a child of Abraham as you, but for his wickedness, (whether considered as a Person, or as a Nation) God rejected him; I say, for his wickedness as appeareth, Obad. 9.10. For thy violence, (O Esau) against thy brother Jacob, shame shall cover thee, and thou shalt be cut off for ever, Mal. 1.3, 4. Amos 1.11. Heb. 12.16, 17. Esau's wickedness therefore (whether considered a person, or a Nation) I say, with the holy Prophets, was the cause why God hated him; whose wickedness, God that foreknoweth all things, foreknew in Rebecca's time, and thereupon said to her, Esau, or Edom, the elder shall serve the younger; which saying Paul being acquainted with, spoke these words; to wit, That the children being not yet born, neither having done any good, or evil, that the purpose of God, according to Election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth; it was said unto her, as aforesaid, Rom. 9 showing thereby, that God was so mindful, that his purpose according to Election might stand; (which the Jews so mightily opposed) that he signified so long ago as Rebecca's time, before the children were born, or had done either good or evil, that (Esau) the elder, (foreseen to be wicked) should serve (Jacob) the younger, for his violence against him; as (saith the Lord, Obadiah 9.10.) And therefore this Election by grace, (as if the Apostle should say) which I contend for, being as ancient as the Fathers, spoken of by God himself to Rebecca, you may in no wise reject, for I preach no new thing.  
But alas, how is it, that men so stumble at these words spoken by Paul in this ninth Chapter to the Romans, as if God hated Esau before he was born, without respect unto his foreseen wickedness, as the cause thereof? I say, how is it, that you so conceive, and thus imagine vain things? for doth it in the least follow, that God so hated him, because 'tis said (if that might be granted) he hated him before he was born, or had done any evil? surely no: unless it could be found, that God hated him also before he had done evil, without respect to foreseen evil, in which is the main Controversy; and not so much whether God hated Esau before he was born, or had done evil, yea, or nay; but rather what was the cause for which he was hated, to which this Text (in the Romans) doth not at all speak, only speaks of the time, to wit, before the Children were borne, etc. But as touching the cause wherein is our great Controversy, I tell you again, the text speaks not; wherefore it remaineth that you diligently mind other Scriptures, which speaks as to the cause thereof, which plainly tells you, that Esau's violence &c: was the cause, Obad. 9.10. Now although this be spoken of him after he had personally transgressed, yet I question not but that you with me will acknowledge, that all his transgressions was known to God in Rebecba's time, (as also before) which if so, Why may it not be thus? for what is said in this place to the Romans, namely, that God foreseeing Esau, or Edom's wickedness in Rebecca's time, said upon that account, the elder shall serve the younger: yea verily, 'tis plain, that God did speak to her upon the account of foreknowledge, for faith he; Two Nations are in thy womb, Gen. 25.23. which all cannot but know was not otherwise, but as God foresaw two Nations proceeding from the two Children, which only was in Rebecca's womb; and so also God calleth things that are not, as if they were, Rom. 4.17.  
Further, to what you say, touching God having mercy on whom he will, and whom he will he hardeneth.  
I freely grant it, but the Controversy is, whom God hath mercy on, and that is, believing men; and whom it is God hardeneth, and that is, disobedient, unbelieving men; (though they be Abraham's seed, that is after the flesh.) And this I believe was Gods righteous deal in all ages; that is to say, God first manifested his tender loving kindness to them, with much long patience, and gentleness, waiting upon them in the use of means, bidding them to open their mouths wide, & he would fill it; but those that will not hearken, but reject his counsel, So God gives them up to their own hearts lusts, Psal. 81.10, 11, 12. So, that which should have been for their welfare, is become their trap, Psal. 69.22. God blinds their eyes, lays stumbling blocks before them, gives them up to hardness of heart, and Reprobates them for ever, as a recompense to them, for their wilful rebellion; the Only cause thereof, as preacheth this vein of Scriptures, Pro. 1.24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30. Jerem. 6.16, 17, 21. 2 Chron. 36.15, 16. Zech. 7.11, 12, 13. Mat. 13.13. Rom. 1.19, 20, 21, 26. 2 Thes. 2.11, 12.  
These things I lay before you, because the question is, wherefore God hardens men's hearts; and not, whether he doth harden men's hearts, yea, or nay. For I do (and always did grant that; and the cause thereof is as aforesaid; namely, the creatures nelgecting, and putting from them so great salvation, as is freely tendered in Jesus, when as they ought to receive it with love thereunto; For This Cause, (saith the Apostle) God shall send them strong delusions, that they should believe a lie; that so they might be damned, Because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved, 2 Thes. 2.10, 11. according to which all Nations are in the hand of God, as clay in the hand of the Potter, and so at what instant soever, God speaketh unto a people, showing them, through the Gospel, that his pleasure is to build, and plant them, and so make them vessels for honour; if that people do evil in his sight, that they obey not his voice of goodwill towards them, and so Marr themselves, (1 Sam. 6.6.) in the hand of God, he than repenteth of the good wherewith he said he would benefit them, jer. 18.4, 9, 10. so he gives them up to hardness of heart, so they become vessels for dishonour; when as others of the same lump, turning from the evil of their ways, God maketh them vessels for honour, and so of the same lump one vessel for honour, and another for dishonour.  
But if not withstanding you shall yet turn the body of these Scriptures otherways, then behold its face; namely, That God did (before time) hate the greatest part of the world, without respect unto foreseen wickedness as the cause thereof, and that (in time) he gives them up to hardness of heart, (without grace at any time whereby to be saved,) and at the day of Judgement will cast them into everlasting Torments, because of their wickedness and hardness of heart; and yet declare in his Word, (which you say is a word of truth) that he is good to all, and that his tender mercies are over all his works; that he is slow to anger, and of great mercy, Psa. 145.8, 9 Patient, long-suffering, etc. Exod. 34.6, 7. Not willing that Any should perish, 2 Pet. 3.9. swearing by himself, that he desireth not the death of the wicked, Ezek. 33.11. but would have all men saved, and come to the knowledge of the truth, 1 Tim. 24. Forty years long grieving for the iniquity of his people, Heb. 3.17. Bemoaning their undone estate, Psal. 81.13. yea, even weeping for them, Luke 19.41. saying. What could I have done more, (for your good) that I have not done? Isa. 5.4. when as he knew, (according to your Tenent) that himself had shut them up from all possibilities of believing unto Salvation, and that by his own, unresistible Decree, and purpose of Reprobation; Judge ye (friends) in this cause, and judge righteous judgement, and with fear, and trembling, weigh these things.  
To return a little to the objection again; cider further, that though Thave proved that Esau's wickedness, and so the wickedness of all wicked men, was, (and is) the cause for which the Decree of Reprobation took hold of them; yet (mistake not for) I do not say, that 'twas foreseen wickedness in them, that was the moving cause in God to Make the Decree of Reprobation, but rather the unutterable purity, and unwordable holiness dwelling in himself, (which possibly could not admit of any wicked creature in his presence.) This I say moved him to Make the Decree, that all wickedness might be excluded from happiness in his presence.  
So having spoken of Esau, and how he, and all other wicked men are reprobated to Condemnation; it remains that I now speak of Jacob, and how he, and all other righteous men are elected to Salvation.  
First therefore, I believe that God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son to die for the world, whenas there was nothing in the world that did, or could move him thereunto.  
Secondly, the world being gone all out of the way, and coming short of God's glory, God did purpose a gracious purpose of Election in Christ; namely, to choose, or set apart believing men for glory, Psal. 4.3. Eph. 1.4. 2 Thes. 2.13. And so Jacob (with all other believing men) being found in Christ, God's gracious purpose, and decree of Election takes hold of them, being such as are Elected from the foundation of the world to eternal Salvation; but by this (take notice) I do not say, that God foreseeing faith in Jacob, or in any other, was thereby moved to Make that decree of Election, as if the works of righteousness which we have done, first moved him so graciously to purpose, and decree for the good of believing men; I say not so, but rather the mere love, and compassion dwelling in God himself, moved him to purpose, and Elect believers in Christ to Salvation, agreeable to the Apostles words, Ephes. 1.5. Having predestinated us, etc. according to the good pleasure of his will, ver. 9 purposed in himself, and of himself, Rom. 9.11. nothing of worth in man first, or last moving him thereunto; and so our Salvation is of God, that showeth mercy upon them that believe. And whereas this purpose reacheth in the believer in Christ only, 'tis not because God saw such a worth, or moving excellency in the creatures believing, but that he might (in showing mercy unto men) not destroy his attributes, as of honour, and justice, which would have been blemished, had he chosen the unbelieving, sinful man for himself, having before cast man out of his presence for sin: & so though the believer only hath interest in God's purpose of Election, yet the cause of his happiness is the tender love, and compassions of God, dwelling originally in himself.  
Where then is boasting? It is excluded; by what law? by the law of Faith, for as much as Christ, who is the object of faith, is the mere gift of God, who also hath from of old decreed. from the mere grace dwelling in himself, and not from foreseen faith in the creature, to Elect, and choose men unto Salvation, through (not for) the belief of the truth, 2 Thes. 2.13. whose belief also cometh by hearing the Gospel of Christ, which is to be preached to every creature, for the obedience of faith, Rom. 16.26. So then, all being of him, and through him, not unto us, not unto us in the least, but to the Lord alone be glory for ever.  
The next thing which I purpose, is somewhat touching the two Covenants, because I find that some stumble for want of a right understanding the old, and other some for want of a right understanding of the new Covenant, wherefore for the good of each, this I declare, head it well I pray you.  
You I mean that stumble about the Covenants, for have you not read, that Abraham had two Sons, the one by a Bondmaid, the other by a Freewoman: which things (saith Paul) are an allegory, for they are the two Covenants; the one from Mount Sinai, which is Hagar, who (you may remember) did abide with her son Ishmael for a time in Abraham's family; but when Isaac was borne, and Ishmael found mocking at him, he no longer must abide there, Gen. 21.9, 10. but Sarah a Freewoman, and her son Isaac a child of Promise, who indeed had more right to dwell in Abraham's family, than she that was a mere Bondwoman, and her son born after the flesh. Now being told by Paul, that these are the two Covenants, it follows plainly, that as there was a time for Hagar, and Ishmael to abide in Abraham's family, but must be cast out when found mocking at the true promised seed according to the flesh; so there was a time, when the first Covenant, and her children after the flesh, (held forth by Hagar, and Ishmael) had a being in Abraham's family, but at length being found mocking at the new Covenant, and her children after the promise, must be cast out; so the new Covenant remains, and her children (held forth by Sarah, and Isaac) with whom the Bondwoman, and her son shall not be heir.  
But that you may the more clearly understand the casting out of the first Covenant, and her Children; First, mind what the first Covenant is: and that is in a strict sense, the ten Precepts, written upon the Tables of Stone, Exod. 34.28, 29. Deut. 9.9. Heb. 9.1, 2, 3, 4. And in the largest sense the whole law of Moses given to Israel, when they came out of Egypt, Heb. 10.1. Deut. 31.24. Heb. 9.19, 20, 22. And those who were accounted children of this first Covenant, or Testament, were the Children of Abraham after the flesh, descending from Isaac, Gen. 17.9, 10, 11, 12. Jerem. 31.32, Exod. 19.3, 5. Deut. 4.8. Psal. 147.19, 20. Amos 3.1, 2. For they all were borne Heirs of the Land of Canaan, and so were commanded to be circumcised, that the Token of the Covenant might be in the flesh; the truth of which is undeniably held forth by that touching Hagar, and Ishmael, (as hath been said) whom the Apostle saith, signifieth the first Covenant, and her children, Gal. 4.23, 24, 25. Whereupon if Ishmael the son of a Bondwoman, born after the flesh, hold forth the Children of the first Covenant, which gendered to bondage; it must needs follow, that Abraham's seed after the flesh, were the children thereof; therefore (saith the Scripture) cast out the Bondwoman, and her Son, (which saith Paul allegorically is the first Covenant, and her children) who shall not be Heir with the son of the Freewoman; that is to say, the children of the new Covenant; now most sure I am, that if they were not fleshly, (but Spiritual) they should not be cast out, though by this I do not deny, but that many of Abraham's seed after the flesh did become, through believing, everlastingly happy, but not by the law, or first Covenant, the tenor of which is, Do, and thou shalt live, Rom. 10.5. but by the law of faith, Rom. 3.27. which excludeth boasting in birth previledges. So then the first Covenant, was made with the fleshly seed of Abraham, the Priesthood given to a fleshly line, (the seed of Aaron, Exod. 40.14, 15. Ezra 2.62.) the Sacrifices and Ordinances carnal, that is, fleshly, seeming for the purifying of the flesh, Heb. 9.10, 13. that they might stand before God, and not die, and enjoy the good land of Canaan, which God Covenanted to give to them, as they were the fleshly seed of Abraham.  
Now the nature, or tenor of the first (or old) Covenant (as in the hand of Moses) was this; to wit, He that Doth these things shall live by them; (that is, should be blessed with long life, deliverance from all their enemies, with all other temporal blessings in the promised Land, Deut. 28. the nature of which law, Paul setteth in direct opposition to the law of faith, which (saith he) speaketh on this wise; That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt Believe in thy heart, that God raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved, Rom. 10.5, 6, 9 And hence it is, that Israel seeking after righteousness as it were by the works of the law stumbled, and fell, showing plainly, that the righteousness, which takes hold of eternal life, was not attainable by the law, Rom. 9.31, 32. for the law is not of faith, and so 'tis evident, that no flesh shall be justified by it in the sight of God, Gal. 3.11, 12.  
Thus you see the tenor of the Law, as in the hand of Moses, was, Do, and thou shalt live;, and so the Law, or first Covenant in that sense leading to bondage, (answering the Bondwoman) is cast out, with her fleshly children, (answering Ishmael, Abraham's seed after the flesh) and So it comes to pass, that Paul in plain words declareth, that the Law written, and engraven in stones, is done away, and abolished, 2 Cor. 3.7, 11, 13. Also saith the Apostle, he taketh away the first that he may establish the the second, Heb. 10 9  
But mistake not, for by this I do not import as if Christ came to destroy the Law, but rather to fulfil, and establish it: yea and now also the Law, so far as 'tis ministered in by Jesus, is to be observed (by Saints) as a righteous rule, in the doing of which God may have honour; but mind I pray you, the vast difference betwixt doing the law as ministered by Moses, from doing the Law as ministered by Jesus▪ as thus, Do (saith Moses) and thou shalt live: but, Believe (saith Christ) and thou shalt live; and so when the creature comes to believe, and in believing hath life, he then having life, is to do whatsoever Christ teacheth him of the Law, as also all other things which he shall require him to do for the honour of his, and the Father's name, 1 Cor. 10, 31. in the doing of which, Christ saith he shall abide in his love, John 15.10. But if he wax wanton, and come to dishonour the father, and the Son, who hath given him life in believing, in his trespass which he hath trespassed, and in his sin which he hath sinned, in them shall he die.  
All this being considered serves (by the way) first to remove the conscientious scruple risen in some, touching the now remaining of the seventh day sabbath; for while they are wondering how it can be that one of the ten Precepts, should be taken away, and the other nine remain, the truth offers itself in, showing that they all are done away, as ministered in the old Covenant by Moses, 2 Cor. 3.7, 11, 13. though remaining so far, and upon the account, as Christ teacheth them, who is the great, and alone Prophet, that is to be heard in all things whatsoever, He shall say to us.  
Secondly, it serves for sharp reproose to those who would be looked upon zealous for God, in that they contend for the sprinkling of infants: for if the fleshly seed of Abraham, are cast out, and so not admitted as members of the new Testament, or Church of Christ, merely as such; (upon which account John the Baptist, put back the Pharisees from his Baptism, as not fit members for the Church of Christ, upon their plea of having Abraham to their Father, Mat. 3.9.) how lame, weak, frothy, carnal, and confused a thing is it to receive little children into the Church by Baptism, upon the plea, that they are the seed of Believers; What! all the fleshly seed of Abraham the father of the faithful cast out, and yet labour to receive in the fleshly seed of Abraham's children? be ashamed hereof, O ye Priests, for the Lord will not hold them guiltless that makes void his Commandments by their own traditions. But more to this elsewhere, Mat. 15.6. Now to return.  
The sum of all is (as the Apostle saith) the Bondwoman, and her son, that is to say, the first Covenant and its children, is cast out, ever since the death, and resurrection of Christ, so henceforth know we no man after the flesh, 2 Cor. 5.16. because the son of the Bondwoman (Ishmael after the flesh) shall not be heir with (Isaac) the son of the freewoman; that is to say, with the children of the New Covenant or new Testament: wherefore it remaineth in the next place, to consider what the new Covenant is, and who are the children thereof; since they only are heirs according to promise.  
The New Covenant, or New Testament, is in the strictest sense, that which is written in the 31 of Jer. 33, 34. vers. and Heb. 8.10, 11, 12. And in the largest sense, the Gospel, the glad-tydings, way, and ordinances thereof, as 'tis written in the books of the new Testament, whereof Paul was a Minister, 2 Cor. 3.6. Mat. 26.28. Heb. 9.16, 17, 18.  
Now the Children of the New Covenant are penitent, believing, obedient men, and women, such as are born again, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God, John 1.13. New creatures, and these are the children of Abraham after the spirit, and heirs according to promise, John 8.39. Gal. 4.29. 2 Cor. 5.17. And with them, considered such, God makes, or enters into Covenant, giving them his spirit, and so puts his Laws in their minds, and writes them in their hearts: and so he is a God unto them, and they only are his people, Heb. 8.10. And so they need not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother; saying, know the Lord; for all shall know him from the least to the greatest of them, verse 11. But mistake not, though all the children of the New Covenant need not to teach one another, so as to know the Lord, yet they ought to build, up one another, in the knowledge of the Lord, Judas 20. having received gifts from the Lord, they are to teach one another to grow in grace, and in the knowledge of the Lord, exhorting one another, and so much the more as they see the day of Christ approaching; so by using of their gifts, they come to be established, and go on to perfection: Heb. 5.12, 14. and 10.25. 1 Cor. 12. Eph. 4.8, 11, 12.  
Moreover, the Lord will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins, and their iniquities will he remember no more, so that they may have free access to him through Christ, he being sacrificed for them; so that there is no need of a sacrifice as there was under the old Testament, for then there was a continual sacrificing, and so a remembrance of sin every year, and so the comers thereunto could not be made perfect, for it was not possible that the blood of Bulls and Goats should take away sins, Heb. 10.1, 2, 3, 4. But Christ being come, by one offering, he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified; so he takes away the first Covenant, that he might establish the Second, that the children of the second Covenant might stand before God, and die not, having a new and living way which he hath consecrated, or made through the offering of the Body of Jesus Christ once for all; and so they come before the Lord with boldness, yea, enter into the holiest by the Blood of Jesus; and having an High Priest over the house of God, draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having their hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and their body washed in pure water, Heb, 10.9, 10, 19, 20, 21, 22.  
So then the children of the New Covenant have free access to God, worshipping of him in spirit, and in truth acceptably, without any sacrifice, as after the Law, or old Administration, that being abolished and done away, 2 Cor. 3.11, 13. so sin is not remembered, and so they shall be eternally saved, if they hold fast the profession of their faith without wavering to the end; but if they sin wilfully, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins; but a Certain fearful looking for of judgement, and fiery indignation; which shall devour the adversaries; he that despised Moses Law died without mercy, under two or three witnesses, of how much sorer punishment suppose ye shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the son of God, and hath counted the Blood of the Covenant wherewith he was sanctified an unholy thing; and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace, verse 23, 26, 27, 28.  
Furthermore, the Ministers of the new Testament, are not by a fleshly line, as the Priests of the old Testament were; the sons of Aaron born by Generation, Exod. 29.9. Numb. 16.40. But they are made Ministers of the new Covenant merely by gifts given from God, as appeareth, Eph. 4, 8, 11. where the Apostle showeth, that the Lord Jesus ascended up on high, and gave gifts to men; he gave some Apostles and some Prophets, and some Evangelists, some Pastors, and Teachers; for the gathering together of the Saints, for the Work of the Ministry; for the edification of the body of Christ; till we all meet together in the unity of the faith; and knowledge of the son of God, unto a perfect man, and unto the measure of the age of the fullness of Christ, verse.; 12, 13. So than it is clear from hence, that all the Ministers, or Preachers of the new Testament, are to preach or teach by gifts given from God, for they have gifts given for the work of the Ministry, and that in all ages till Christ comes; for all the saints cannot meet together in the unity of the faith, and the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, not until Christ his coming; therefore the whole work of the Ministry is, to be performed by men gifted of God in all ages, and not by men of a fleshly generation, line, or by any humane learned Arts, for that is contrary to the new Covenant, for all her children are taught of the Lord.  
And this will further appear, because (as the Apostle showeth) the world by wisdom knew not God, 1 Cor. 1.21. Nor if all the humane arts in the world did not teach the knowledge of God, it followeth that all humane Arts cannot enable a man to preach, or declare the Gospel, the unsearchable riches that is in Christ; and so Paul though learned, ignorantly persecutes the Church of Christ; but by grace given him, he was made able to preach the unsearchable riches of Christ, Eph. 3.7, 8.  
Again, Jesus rejoiced in Spirit, and gives thanks to his Father, that he had hid the things of the Gospel, or new Covenant, from the wise and prudent, or learned, and revealed them to Babes, Luke 10.21. And Paul saith, The things of God knoweth no man, but the spirit of God, 1 Cor. 2.11. And the Prophet Isaiah saith; That the vision of all is become as a book that is sealed; So that the learned and unlearned cannot read it; Isa. 29.11, 12. From all which it plaineth appeareth, that all Ministers of the new Covenant, are made able for the work of the Ministry, through the spirit, grace and gift of God; for the spiritual man judgeth all things, even the deep things of God, 1 Cor. 2.10, 15. And so God hath not chosen the mighty men, or things of the world, which are highly esteemed among men, but chooseth the poor, foolish, weak, base, despised things, things that are not, to bring to nought things that are; That no flesh should glory in his presence, 1 Cor. 1.27, 28. Luk. 16.15.  
So then mark well and see, the vast disproportion between the Old Covenant and the New, the Old was of works, do and live long, so they doing it, Justification would have been of dept, Rom. 4.4. but the New is, Believe and live eternally, So Justification is by faith, that it might be by grace, Rom. 4.16. The Old Covenant is literal and killeth, because all have broken it, but the new Covenant, is spiritual, and giveth life in Christ through believing, 2 Cor. 3.6. the Old was written in Tables of Stone, the New writeth the law of God in the heart; the sons and daughters of the Old Covenant, were Abraham's seed after the flesh; the sons and daughters of the new Covenant, are the seed of Abraham after the spirit, new borne, new creatures; God according to the Old Covenant, did know and choose the family of Abraham after the flesh, above all the families of the earth, Amos 3.1, 2. Psal. 147.19, 20. but now according to the new Covenant, he knoweth no man after the flesh, 2 Cor. 5, 16. but every man of any Nation, that feareth God, and worketh righteousness is accepted with him, Act. 10.35. whether he be Jew or Gentile. The children of the old Covenant being after the flesh by generation, there was need to teach them to know the Lord; but the Children of the new Covenant, need not to be taught to know the Lord; for they all know the Lord, from the least to the greatest of them, as it hath been showed; The old Covenant, or law, though just, holy, and good, yet weak through the flesh, having no strength to Justify the Children thereof; God finding fault with them, because they had broken the Covenant, there was a place found for the new Covenant, established upon better promises, so through Jesus the High Priest and Mediator of it, the Children thereof are Justified; see Rom. 8.2, 3, 4. Heb. 8.6, 7, 8. The Sacrifices of the old covenant were carnal, fleshly, the blood of Bulls and Goats, and so could not make the comers thereunto perfect; so there was a Remembrance of sin every year, but the sacrifice of the new Covenant, is the Lord from Heaven, the man Christ, his Blood being the blood of the new Covenant, being shed for remission of sins, Math. 26.28. and so perfects for ever them that are sanctified; which are the children of the new Covenant, so that their sin is remembered no more, as it hath been showed before; Heb. 10.12, 14. the High Priest of the old Covenant was after the order of Aaron, by generation after a fleshly line, and so many were made Priests, because they were not suffered to continue by the reason of death, but Jesus the High Priest of the new Covenant, is after the order of Melchizedec, & comes not to it by a fleshly line after the order of Aaron, (as the Priests of the Law did) as touching his Office of the Preist-hood, he is without father or mother, without kindred, and hath neither beginning of days, nor end of life, but remaineth a Prieft for ever after the order of Melchizedec. So he is able also perfectly to save them that come to God by him, (as the children of the new Covenant do) seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them, Heb. 7.3, 6, 11, 13, 14, 16, 21, 24, 25. The Children of the old Covenant had blessings and promises after this manner; That the Lord would set them on high above all the Nations of the earth, blessed in the city, and in the field, blessed in the fruit of the body, flocks of sheep, and herds of , and deliverance from their enemies, and long life in the land of Canaan, withal the riches thereof, Deut. 28. The blessings of the new Covenant, are after this manner; deliverence from the evil of temptation; 1 Cor. 10.13. Led into all truth, so as they experience that comfort, peace and joy that their names are written in the book of life, witnessed by the holy spirit, all things working together for good, no condemnation, for they walk not after the flesh, but after the spirit; the promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come, even eternal life, so as to reign in glory.  
So then, all may see, that they that go about to be justified by the Law, Written upon tables of stone, or the Law of sacrifices, are fallen from grace; for if righteousness be by the Law, than Christ died in vain, Gal. 2.21. and 5.4. But Christ died not in vain, but God is just, and the Justifier of him only that believeth in Jesus, having that faith that worketh by love, Rom. 3.26. for such only are the sons and daughters of the New Covenant.  
Also hence it clearly appeareth, how the Church of Rome is Mystery Babylon the great, the mother of harlots, and abominations of the earth, she became so by bringing in a generational fleshly seed, where Abraham's seed after the flesh is cast out, so she goes a whoring, in bringing in a false carnal seed, instead of a true spiritual seed, she bringeth in children into her Church, by baptising them (as she calleth it) and so the matter of her Church is merely carnal, and her ministry by humane learning, and not by gifts given from Christ, and yet talks of spiritual matter, confounding the Old Covenant with the New, and making the commandments of God of none effect by her many inventions; and so national Churches that sprinkle their infants, bring in a false fleshly seed, and are her daughters, and so she is truly said to be Mystery Babylon, or Confusion, the mother of harlots, so she going a whoring after her own inventions, she hath made all Nations drunk with the wine of the wrath of herfornication, Rev. 2.5. and so according to that in Isa. 24.5. The earth is defiled under the inhabitants thereof, because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant, and therefore she shall be destroyed, Rev. 17.16. And the curse of the Lord God Almighty will devour the earth; Isa. 24.6, 19, 20. wrath shall come upon the Gentile nations to the uttermost, as it did upon the Jews, yea, the Lord will make a full end of the Gentile nations, Jer. 30.11. O that men would lay these things to heart, and hear, and obey the Lord according to the Gospel, walking up orderly according to the new Testament in all things, in sincerity of heart, that they might escape the things that shall come to pass, and to stand in Judgement before the Son of man, Luke 21.36.   

And that ye may be sons and daughters of God according to the New Testament in order, and so stand before the Lord with acceptance, observe well that the first Principle of the doctrine of Christ, is, Repentance from dead works, Heb. 6.1. For the Gospel is to be preached to all, as it hath been showed before, that men may repent of all their dead works; now repentance is a change of the mind, from all that which is evil, to all that which is good; it hath in it a hearty sorrow for sin, and a confession of sin; and therefore John the Baptist preaching Repentance, they came confessing their sins, Math. 3. Repentance is such a thing as changes the man from an evil conversation, to that which is very good; and also from all false whorish ways of Worship, to the pure Worship of God; it hath in it these seven things; As first, it bringeth forth a continual care, as not to commit evil, nor to omit good, yea, a readiness to every good work: secondly, clearing the matter of fact, if it be in wrong done to any man, by a wise just restitution, (if able) Luke 19.8. and by doing so no more, what ever sin it be, confessing it to God with brokenness of heart, turning from it. Thirdly, an inward indignation against all sin. Fourthly, the sear of God, which teacheth a man to departed siom evil and to have a singular respect to all the Commandments of the Lord, so as to do them. Fiftly, a vehement hungering, thirsting desire after Righteousness. Sixtly, a zealous continuing in every good work. Seventhly, a holy revenge, in bringing the body under subjection by fasting, esteeming the Commandments of the Lord more than necessary food, 2 Cor. 7.11. And so it is repentance, or a change of the whole Man from dead works, for the wages of sin is death.  
Furthermore, that men may do works acceptably in the sight of God, the next Principle, or teaching of Christ unseparably joined with Repentance, is, Faith towards God; and that is, to believe that God is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him; and that Christ died for our sins, and that he was buried, and that he risen again the third day, according to the Scriptures; and that the blood of Christ, is, the Blood of the New Testament Shed for the remission of sins; and that there is everlasting life, and a most glorious Kingdom, for all them that believe, and walk according to the Gospel, or New Testament; and so Faith is the substance or ground of things which are hoped for, and the evidence of things not seen, Heb. 11.1, 6.1 Cor. 15.1, 2, 3, 4.1 John 2.4, 6. yea this faith is of a purifying nature; for every one that hath this hope, purifieth himself as christ is pure, Chap. 3.3. Acts 15.9.  
The next Principle of the Doctrine of Christ, is the Doctrine of Baptisms; it is said to be Baptisms, because there is a Baptism of afflictions in a comparative sense, in the which christians are dipped into, so as the waves goes over them, yet are raised out of it by the Lord; it is not every affliction, but some great affliction, and yet this is common to Christians, Mat. 20.22, 23. Luke 12.50. Psal. 42.7. John 16.33.  
There is also Baptism or Dipping in Water, which is the one Baptism in a literal sense, which all Believers ought to practise; I say it is Dipping in Water, because the word in the Greek holds forth a washing by dipping, and not sprinkling, for it cannot be showed in the Lexicons, as the learned confess; and John Baptised in the River of Jordan; Mark 1.5. and Christ when he was Baptised, came up out of the water, of the river of Jordan, Mat. 3.13.16. and Philip and the Eunuch went down both into the water, and he baptised him in the water, Acts 8.38, 39 Baptism in Water holdeth forth in a likeness, a burial with Christ, Rom. 6.3, 4. All which declareth, that Baptism, is Dipping the whole person in Water, and this learned Perkins, freely conffesseth in his Golden Chain.  
Furthermore, penitent Men and Women are the only Subjects of Baptism, and not Infants.  
That such as profess faith as aforesaid are to be Baptised, and not Infants, will appear, because the Lord commands his servants, to Go teach all Nations Baptising them, that learn the Gospel, so as to believe the same; but Infants cannot learn the Gospel by teaching, (for they know neither good nor evil, Deut. 1.39.) Therefore it is not lawful to Baptise them.  
That Christ commands such to be Baptised, as believe through teaching, or preaching, is evident, from Mat. 28.19. in these words. Go and teach all Nations, Baptising them, etc. That is, Them of the Nations that believe, for they might not Baptise unbelieving Jews, nor heathens; therefore Mark saith, being the same with that of Matthew, That Christ commands the Gospel to be preached to every creature, and He that believeth, and is baptised, shall be saved; so than the Gospel is to be preached to all▪ for this end, that all may believe: but all do not, but they that hear so as to believe the Gospel, are to be Baptised and no other are in the Commission, or Commandenent of Christ for baptism it is plain; so then, they that Baptise Infants, do that which they have no Law of Christ for; nay, it is against the Law of Christ, because they cannot believe through preaching, and so they have not faith, for there is but one faith, and that comes by hearing, Ephes. 4.5. Rom. 10.14.17.  
Object. But some say, That Infants are apart of the Nations, and Nations are to be baptised; therefore Infants.  
Answ. So are unbelieving Jews, and Heathens part of the Nations, yet are not to be Baptised; and so it is plain, that Nations are not to be Baptised, as such; but believing men and women, as hath been showed before; therefore not Infants.  
Object. But some men say, That Infants do believe from that Scripture, Mat. 18. in these words. But whosoever shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, etc. From these words, Compared with ver. 2. some conclude that Infants may believe.  
Answ. First note, That them that are newly come to the faith, or be weak in the faith, are called little children, Gal. 4.19.1. John. 2.12. yet are men and women. Again, Christians ought to be humble, and without malice is little children, 1 Cor. 14.20. And this is that which Christ teacheth, when his disciples strove who should be greatest in the kingdom of heaven, as appeareth, Math. 18.1. Compared with Luke 9.46. And therefore he taketh a little child, and showeth them, except they be converted from their ambitious thoughts, and become humble as little children, they shall not enter therein, ver. 2, 3. Also he showeth, that he that humbleth himself as a little child is great in the kingdom of heaven; and whosoever shall receive such a little Child in my name, receiveth me, John 13.20. that is, such a one as humbleth himself as a little child; and whosoever shall offend one of these little ones, which believe in Christ, that is, such a one as is humble, and becomes as a little child, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea; and this is said, ver. 4, 5, 6. and is the sense of the place; Now for any man to understand the place so, as that that little child which Christ set in the midst, or any other, did or do believe, they are much mistaken, for such an exposition of the place would cross many plain places of Scripture, for Infants are not capable of hearing, and faith comes by hearing, Rom. 10.17. neither do they know good nor evil, nor their right hand from their left, as hath been showed before; neither doth the Scripture speak to Infants, Deut. 11.2. though it speak of them; neither can they work, and that faith is dead that worketh not, James. 2.17, 26.  
Now if any question how Infants dying in infancy, can be saved, because they believe not? I say, that if you look back to what is said as touching Adam's sin, you may see that all Infants dying in Infancy shall be saved; for the son shall not die for the Iniquity of the Father, Ezek. 18. and the guilt of Adam's sin shall be taken off from all at the Resurrection.  
But to return, there is no Commandment in all the Scriptures (which are the word of God) for the Baptism of Infants; and where there is no Law, there is no transgression, Rom. 4.15. therefore he that refuseth to baptise Infants, breaks no Law; Therefore no man can justly charge him with sin, for a commandment gives ground to duty; and examples are teaching to show us how duties should be done; also note, that there is no example for infant's Baptism in all the Scripture; (and yet they are able to make us wise unto Salvation, 2 Tim. 3.15.) for the Apostles and servants of the Lord did Baptism such only as did profess faith, and did gladly receive the word of the Gospel, search and see, as the Bereans did, Acts. 17.11.  
Object. But some say, That there is no Command, nor Example for Women receiving the Lord's Supper, yet they are to receive it; so may Infants be Baptised, though no Command nor Example for it.  
Answ. In this objection it is granted, that there is no command, nor example for Infant's Baptism: also note, that believing baptised women are disciples, and are members of the Church of Christ, and so are commanded to break bread, Act. 1.14, 15. Chap. 8.12. Phil. 4.13. Act. 20.7. 1 Cor. 11.24, 25, 28. compare the 1 of Act. 14. with the 2 of Acts. 41, 42. you may see that women did receive the Lord's Supper.  
But if any should say, That Infants are Disciples, and therefore are to be baptised. I answer, That Christ faith, that whosoever beareth not his cross, and followeth not after him, cannot be his disciple, Luke 14.27. but Infants cannot do so, therefore they cannot be his disciples.  
I shall say no more to this Principle of the Doctrine of Christ at this place, because many have wrote very largely upon it, and there is no true consequence to be gathered from all the Scriptures for Infant's Baptism, for it is against Scripture, and crosseth the way of the New Testament, for it brings into the Church a fleshly seed, instead of a Spiritual: and so makes void the command of God as hath been showed before.  
But seeing it is so, that penitent, believing men and women, are only to be Baptised, let all the Churches in the fear of God, take heed that they Baptise no other but such as are truly penitent, believing men and women, that so all the members of the Church of Christ, may be new creatures, living stones taught of God, built upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the Chief corner stone, that all the building may be fitly framed together, growing unto an holy Temple in the Lord, 1 Pet. 2.5. Ephes. 2.20, 21. 2 Cor. 5.17.  
There is also the Baptism of the Spirit, which is a powerful falling down of the spirit, so as to be filled with it, enabling men to do some great work, as in Act. 1.5. compared with Chap. 2.1, 2, 3, 4. But this Baptism of the Spirit is called so comparatively, as Christ is called a door, John 10.7. but there is but one Baptism really, and that is in water, Eph. 4.5.  
The next Principle of the Doctrine of Christ, is Prayer, with Laying on of hands; for the gift of the spirit; so as to abide with us, and to lead us into all truth, and bring all things seasonably to remembrance, and comfort us in all afflictions, John 14.26. Ch. 16.13. note, it is the gift of the spirit, that is to be prayed for, not gifts, but the spirit as a gift, Luke 11.13. Act. 2.38. and so gifts follow, as it pleaseth the holy one of Israel; and so they that practice Laying on of hands, with prayer, show that they do look upon Christ as the only Prophet, to teach them by his spirit according to his word, Act. 3.22, 23.  
Now this of Laying on of Hands, was practised upon all Believers Baptised; for the Church of Samaria, were under it, Act. 8.12, 15, 17. And the Church of Ephesus were under it, Chap. 19.6. and the Church of the Hebrews also, Heb. 6.2. therefore all the Churches, for they all walked in one way and order, Ephes. 4.4, 5, 6. 1 Cor. 4.17.  
Object. But there is no Command for Laying on of Hands; therefore it ought not to be.  
Answ. There is a Command from Christ for it, for the Author to the Hebrews saith, it is a Principle of the Teaching or Doctrine of Christ, and so commanded by Christ, Heb. 6.2.  
Object. But this Laying on of Hands spoken off, Heb. 6. is not that Laying on of Hands which followeth Believers Baptism, or it is doubtful whether it be that or no?  
Answ. First, understand that there was but three sorts of Laying on of Hands, practised by the Apostles, and they are these; Laying on of Hands to recover the Sick; and upon Officers; and upon persons Baptised; Now it cannot be, the Laying on Hands upon the Sick, for men might be sick, and recovered through Laying on of Hands, and sick again, and so recovered again, and again, and so some men might be under this Laying on of Hands many times; but this in Heb. the 6. must not be practised above once, for it is said, Not laying again, the foundation of repentance from dead works, of Faith towards God, of the Doctrine of Baptisms, and Laying on of Hands.  
Furthermore, it cannot be that Laying on of Hands on Officers, for it is said, that they that had laid this Laying on of Hauds spoken off, Heb. 6. had need to be taught the first Principles of the Word of God: but Officers could not be so ignorant, therefore it was not upon Officers.  
Moreover, the same that are exhorted to go on to perfection, had laid this Laying on of Hands, as you may see, if you read diligently the 1, and 2, verses; Now all are exhorted to go on to perfection; therefore all the Church of the Hebrews were under this Laying on of Hands; so than it cannot be, that upon the Sick, nor that upon Officers; for men may go on to perfection, and never be under that Laying on of Hands for the Sick, nor yet that upon Officers; Therefore this Laying on of Hands spoken of, Heb. 6. is that only which followeth Baptism; and to this agreeth the order of words, vers. 2. neither can it be thought on good grounds, that the holy spirit should rank any other Laying on of hands with these Principles, which are the beginning of a Christian man; so than it followeth, that Prayer with Laying on of Hands, upon every Baptised person, is a Principle of the Doctrine, or beginning word of Christ, as hath been showed before.  
Object. But the end of Laying on of hands was, that the spirit might be given, so, as that some extraordinary gifts might follow, as there did, Acts 19 but we see none now; therefore not to be practised.  
Ans. By the same reason we may refuse Baptism, for the Apostles promises the gift of the spirit to every penitent, believing, baptised person, Acts 2.38, 39 which then did fall down miraculously; but we see it not so now; Therefore no Baptism,  
Again, Mark saith that these signs shall follow them that believe the Gospel; in the name of the Lord Jesus they should cast out devils, & shall speak with new tongues, etc. Mark 16.16, 17, 18. But we see no man do any such thing now; Therefore by the same ground, you may say no man believeth; and then no salvation. Again, the Apostle saith, God hath set in the Church, miracle-workers, 1 Cor. 12.28. By the same rule no miracles, no Church; but mistake not, the Gospel & the Ordinances thereof, and the whole way thereof was at the first confirmed by signs and wonders, and divers miracles and gifts of the holy Ghost, Heb. 2.4. and all Believers are to walk up according to the Gospel, and all the Ordinances, and the whole way thereof, until Christ come, 2 Tim. 2.2. 2 Pet. 3.2. Rev. 2.25. To conclude this point▪ the Spirit of the Lord is promised, so as to be given to all penitent, belieeving, baptised persons, Acts 2.38. Gal. 3.14. and the way and order of the Gospel is, to seek it by Prayer, and Laying on of Hands, Acts 8.15, 17. Chap. 19.6. 2 Tim. 1.6.  
The next Principle of the Doctrine of Christ, is the Resurriction of the dead; which is this, to believe that Christ's very body that was crucified, did rise from the dead the third day, according to the Scriptures, John 20. and that our bodies shall also rise again from the grave, when Christ cometh in person again, according to that, in 1 Thes. 4.16, 17. The Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the Archangel, & with the trump of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first; then we which are alive and remains, shall be caught up together with them, in the cloud, to meet the Lord in the air, and so shall we ever be with the Lord.  
Now it is very plain, that the very body of Christ which was crucified, and buried, did rise again, he and not a spirit like that body, did appear.  
First, Because he commandeth his Disciples to handle him, and see, for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as I have; and so he shown them his hands and his feet, Luke 24 39.40. and so he shown Thomas the place of the nails, bidding him, put his hand into his side; all making it appear, that it was the very body that was nailed to the Cross, and pierced with a spear, that did rise again.  
Secondly, Because he did eat and drink with his Disciples, after he arose from the dead, Acts 10.40, 41. and was showed openly several times, not only to the eleven Apostles, but to five hundred brethren at once, 1 Cor. 15.6.  
So then, seeing Christ's body is risen from the dead, so shall all men's bodies, the just and unjust also, shall be raised from the grave at the last day, Acts 24.25.  
First, I say, that the bodies of the righteous shall rise from the grave according to that in the 26 of Isa. 19 Thy dead men shall live, together with my dead body shall they arise, awake and sing, ye that dwell in the dust, for thy dew is as the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead, yea if the righteous in Christ have hope in this life only, they were of all men most miserable, 1 Cor. 15.19. Because of persecution, and temptation and trials, according to John 16.33. Christ tells the righteous, that in him they shall have peace, but in the world they shall have tribulation.  
Therefore, they shall rise again to receive a reward, Heb. 11.26. or else it were better for them to eat and drink, for to morrow they shall die; yea, it cannot stand with the righteousness of God, that his should suffer affliction, and persecution always here on their bodies, for the testifying of truth, and their bodies never to rise to be freed from misery.  
Secondly, because the Apostle saith, 1 Cor. 15. It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body; and so he saith, That corruptible, must put on incorruption; so I reason, That is it the same body that died, that shall be raised, only it shall be changed into a spiritual body; for there is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body, as the Apostle showeth, but it is that Same that is natural, that shall be made spiritual at the Resurrection; Therefore note what the Apostle saith I pray, and that is this, It is sown a natural body, It is raised a spiritual body; so it is, that every seed according to the comparison, that the Apostle makes of the seed hath his own body, and so the comparison of the seed, doth lively set it forth, for the corn doth not bring forth except it die, that is, be changed, for so the word die, holds it forth; so the natural body cannot be made a spiritual body except it die, or be changed, and so God giveth it another body as it pleaseth him, for he maketh that natural body, a spiritual body, and so it puts on immortality at the resurrection day, and so the same flesh and blood, as it is a corruptible body, cannot inherit the kingdom of God; as the Apostle saith, flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; but that corruptible body of flesh, shall be an incorruptible body of flesh, for it shall be flesh and bones after the Resurrection, for Christ's body was so, after he was risen, Luke 24.39. So than it is the same body that dyeth, that shall be raised, only it shall be made incorruptible, and in all perfection, for this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal, must put on immortality, 1 Cor. 15.53. So it cannot die, nor go down to death any more, and therefore when it riseth from the grave, or the dead, it triumpheth over death and the grave, as it appeareth at large, 1 Cor. 15. from vers. 35. to 57 And to this agreeth very sweetly that in Hosea 13.14. I will ransom them from the power of the grave, I will redeem them from death; O death I will be thy death, O grave, I will be thy destruction; repentance shall be hid from mine eyes; God is not as man that he should repent, he will make good his promise, his name is Jehovah, making good his promises; note also I pray, that in Isa. 25.8. He will swallow up death in victory, and the Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces, and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from all the earth, for the Lord hath spoken it.  
Thirdly regeneration, or the knowledge of God in the highest degree that can be attained on this side the grave, is not where in Scripture called a Resurrection, therefore I conclude, that that is no Resurrection; and that this is good reasoning, it appeareth plainly, Heb. 1.8. and if we note the Scripture, we may see this only is a resurrection, which is the rising from the grave, or from the dead, after the breath is departed, because Job saith, that he shall See God in his flesh, and them very eyes, and no other shall behold him, for him, Job 19.25, 26. Note, that he saith, he shall see God in his flesh, which showeth, that the same flesh shall rise again, and be made incorruptible, yea, immortal, and then shall see Godface to face, yea in his glory, Rev. 22.4.  
Fourthly, that the dead shall rise at the coming of Christ, is shown by many examples we read of in the Scriptures, how the dead were raised, 1 Kings. 17. Elijah raised the widow's Son, and in 2 Kings. 4. Elisha raised the Shunamites child from the dead; and chap. 32.21. Math. 27.52, 53. The graves were opened, and bodies of the Saints which slept arose, and came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city & appeared unto many; note, the bodies of the Saints arose, therefore the bodies of the children of God shall rife from the dead, and so the Lord Jesus raised Lazarus his body from the grave, when he had been dead four days, Jo. 11.39, 44. Act. 9.37, 41. Peter raised Tabytha, so then the dead were raised in the time of the law, and by Christ, and his Apostles to the glory of God; which teacheth us, that it is not a thing incredible that God should raise again the dead, yea, seeing Christ the first fruits is raised, afterward they that are Christ's at his coming, 1 Cor. 15.23.  
Fifthly, Christ proves the resurrection by that which was written by Moses after Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob was dead, that God was a God to them though they were dead, yet God is not a God to the dead, but to the living; for all live unto him; therefore Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob must rise again, Luke 20.37, 38. & so many shall come from the East, West, North, and South, and sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of God, Luk. 13.28, 29. so if the Scriptures be true, the dead must rise, but heaven and earth must pass away, but not one jot or tittle of his word shall not fail, Mat. 5.18. Ch. 24.39. Therefore the resurrection is certain, and a blessed truth.  
Sixtly, that the just and unjust shall rise from the dead, is plain, in that Christ saith, John the 5.28, 29. Marvel not at this, for the hour shall come, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and they shall come forth that have done good unto the resurrection of life, but they that have done evil, unto the resurrectiof condemnation; And Paul makes it the great Article of his faith, when he was accused of the Jews, Act. 24.14. freely confessing unto the Governor, that after the way which they call heresy, so worshipped he the God of his Fathers, believing all things which are witten in the law and the Prophets, and had hope towards God, that the resurrection of the dead, (which they themselves look for also) shall be both of just and unjust; and so I conclude the just man's body shall be raised from the grave, or be changed, and the unjust also.  
The next Principle of the Doctrine of Christ is, the Eternal Judgement, and that is this; That every man shall be judged according to his works done in the flesh, be they good, or evil, Math. 16.27. for the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father, with his Angels, and then shall he give to every man according to his deeds, Mat. 25.31, 32. When the Son of man cometh in his glory, and all the holy Angels with him; then shall he sit upon the Throne of his glory; and before him shall be gathered all Nations, and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd separateth the Sheep from the Goats; For we must all appear before the judgement Seat of Christ, that every man may receive the things which are done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether they be good, or evil.  
So that the Saints must give an account of all that they have done at the day of Judgement, after they are raised from the dead, (or changed being made immortal) For God will bring every work unto judgement, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or evil, Eccl. 12.14. And to this Christ speaks very fully, Mat. 12.26. That of every idle word that men shall speak they shall give account at the day of judgement; For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned; So Paul saith, We shall all appear before the judgement seat of Christ, Rom. 14.10. so that God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to the Gospel, Rom. 2.16. but Saints sins shall not be mentioned so as to condemnation, but shall be blotted out at that good day, that day of refreshing, Act. 3.19. So that through Christ, which is the substance of the Scape-goat, the Saints sins shall be separated from them, and so they shall be presented before the father without spot or wriukle, or any such thing, holy, and without blame, Eph. 5.27. and so Paul saith to the Saints at Rome; That every one of us shall give account of himself to God, Rom. 14.12. and so the discovery of their good and bad works, they being brought to judgement, will exceedingly set out the love, goodness, mercy and compassion of the Lord God, in forgiving the debt or payment for Christ's sake, & his faithfulness, justice, and righteousness in making good his promise, in rewarding them according to their works, for he will not forget their work, and labour of love: This Doctrine doth teach the children of God to walk very circumspectly, redeeming the time, applying their hearts to wisdom, cleansing themselves from all filthiness of flesh, and spirit; prefecting holiness in the fear of God; and to abound in love one towards another, and towards all men; adding to faith virtue, and to virtue knowledge, and to knowledge temperance, and to temperance patience, and to patience godliness, & to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness▪ Charity, or love; For that faith which worketh by love is available to Justification, Gal. 5.6. and the duties done in love only will avail in the day of judgement, 1 Cor. 13. Therefore let us have respect to all the Commandments of the Lord, for in keeping of them in love, there is great reward; yea let us  ourselves with righteousness as with a garment, reaching after that which is before, following hard towards the mark for the price of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus; giving up themselves to watch and pray, that so they may stand complete in all the will of God.  
So then they that die in the Lord, or are found in him at his coming, shall receive eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord, for the gift of God is eternal life, Rom. 6.23. and also eternal death will be the portion of them that obey not the Gospel, Mat. 26.46. 2 Thes 1.8, 9 yea they that are not found written in the book of life, shall be cast into the lake of fire, Rev. 20.15. and this is the eternal judgement, for it is unrevokable, and this shall be when Christ cometh in his own person and not before, that very person that was pierced with a spear, yea, that very person that died and risen again from the dead the third day, which the Apostles did see and handle, yea, he was seen of five hundred brethren at once, and many (if not all) did see him aseend into Heaven, Act. 1.11. Zach. 12.10. Luk▪ 24.39, 40. Jo. 20.27. and so the Apostle Paul positively asserts, from the word of the Lord, that the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, and with a voice of the Archangel, and with the trump of God, and the dead in Christ shall rise first; yea, if you read from the 13 verse of that Chapter to the end, you will see that the same Jesus that died and risen again from the dead, shall descend from Heaven, and all the Saints shall be raised, and they that be alive at his coming shall be changed, and shall be caught up to meet the Lord in the air, and so shall be ever with the Lord; and so shall be made perfect altogether, Heb. 11.40.  
Object. But it is said by some, that it is not the person that shall be judged, and cast into torments, or hell, but sin, or the lust of the flesh, and the tempter, which is Satan, and therefore they bring that in Revel. 20. Death and hell is cast into the lake of fire; not men (say they) but sin.  
Answ. It is unjust men as they do consist of soul, body, and spirit, that shall be judged and cast into the lake of fire, and there shall be tormented for ever and ever, for their sin.  
1. Because soul, body, and spirit may be blamed at the coming of Christ, 1 Thes. 5.23. and they that are then blamed, and set at the left hand of Christ, as goats, are cursed and delivered over to everlasting torments, Math. 25.41, 45, 46.  
2. Because the fearful, and unbelieving, and whoremongers, and Idolaters, and murderers, sorcerers, and all that loveth or maketh a lie, shall have their part in the lake that burneth with fire and brimstone, Rev. 21.8. and Ch. 22.15. it is not the sin, or the lie, but the sinner, and the liar, so it is the man that lusteth and so committeth sin, and repenteth not, he shall be punished for ever, for that is the second death; and so death is cast into the lake of fire, for the second death, or everlasting punishment for sin, is to be in the lake of fire, Rev. 20.14. And for hell, the grave and hell in the Scripture is taken for all one, as it appeareth, ver. 13. So the earth shall be in the lake of fire, or a great part of it, when God causeth the elements to run together again, 2 Pet. 3.10. and the Devil which is the tempter, shall be cast into the lake of fire, where the beast and false prophet, or man of sin, shall be in torments for evermore, Revel. 14.11. and 20.10.  
These Principles or foundations Pieces, or Pillars upon which wisdom builds her house, (Prov. 9.1.) are the Doctrine or commandment of Christ, and are laid down upon Jesus Christ the chief Corner stone, Ephes. 2.20 Heb. 6.2.  
And there is no man or woman that can be judged, or looked upon as a Christian in order according to the Scriptures, nor to be received into communion with the Church, except he believe and practise this Doctrine; mistake me not, there may be some, that walk up to their light, and neglect not to know more, that may be precious in the sight of God; but we are to look to the order of the new Testament, and to walk accordingly, doing all things decently and in order, 1 Cor. 14.40. Therefore no man ought to be received into communion in a Church state, but those that do own and practise all the Principles of the Doctrine of Christ, as aforesaid.  
And that this aught to be so; first consider, that all that began to be Christians, owned all this beginning Doctrine of Christ, Heb. 6.1. and therefore they are called the first Principles of the Word of God, and milk for Babes, Heb. 5.12, 13. or, the word of the beginning of Christ, and so the beginning of a Christian man; and the three thousand which gladly received the word were baptised, Act. 2.41, 42. that is dipped in water; and continued in the Apostles Doctrine, which is the Doctrine of Christ.  
Secondly, As they under the Law of Sacrifices were to walk up in all the Law, which did hold out Christ to come in the flesh, doing all the commandments, as the Lord commanded them in order, so were accounted righteous, and in order according to the Law, Exod. 12.48. Leu. 16. Deut. 6.25. 1 Chron. 15.12, 13. So even so, all they that, and will prove themselves visible Christians in order, since the Resurrection of Christ, must walk up in the Doctrine, or beginning word of Christ, and in all his Ordinances which declare Christ come in the flesh; John 1.31. Rom. 6.3, 4. 1 Cor. 11.2. Act. 2.41, 42. Chap. 3.23. 2 Thes. 2.15.  
Thirdly, We are to give more heed to the word of Christ (so as to keep his Statutes walking in order according to them, Heb. 2.1, 2, 3. 1 Tim. 1.3. Chap. 6.3, 4.) then the children of Israel were to the Law; yet Moses was like to be slain because he had not circumcised his son, Exod. 4.24, 25. and Vzza was slain for touching the Ark, 1 Chr. 13.9, 10. because they carried it not in due order, Ch. 15.12, 13. and the Lord sharply reproveth the Jews, for receiving into his house uncircumcised in heart, and uncircumcised in flesh, Ezek. 44.7, 9 So than it is plain, that no uncircumcised person was to be received into communion under the Law, nor none of the house of Israel could stand before God with acceptance, but they that walked up according to the Law; and we are to give more diligent heed to Christ, than they unto Moses; therefore the Church of Christ ought to receive none into communion, but such as believe and practise all the Principles of the Doctrine of Christ, professing from the heart obedience to that form of Doctrine, Rom. 6.17. and they only are to abide in communion, that walk up in all the Commandments of the Lord orderly.  
Fourthly, the Church of the Tessalonians is commanded in the name of the Lord Jesus, to withdraw from every brother that walks disorderly, and not after the instructions received of the Apostles, 2 Thes. 3.6. Now if they were to be cast out of the Church that walk not after the instructions of the Apostles, it followeth, that they are not to be received into the Church, that never came up to the beginning of a Christian man, so as to own all the Principles of the Doctrine, or beginning word of Christ, for that were to build again the things we have destroyed, and so to make ourselves transgressors, Gal. 2.18.  
Object. But there are some in the Nations which holds Infant's Baptism, and submit not to the order of the Doctrine of Christ, yet are precious in the sight of God, and have communion with him; therefore may have communion with the Church.  
Answ. I grant that some in of the Nation may fear God, and have acceptance with him; yet it doth not follow that they may be in communion with the Church, for the Woman of Samaria had acceptance with God, yet had not communion with the Jews, neither did Christ account her to be a child of the old Covenant, Mat. 15.26, 27, 28. and Cornelius prayers heard, and yet not received into communion with the Jews, nor with the Church of Christ, until he was Baptised, Act. 10.6, 47. and under the old Testament it was not enough to profess the circumcision of the heart, but they must be circumcised in the flesh also, or no communion, as it is showed before, and you may see, Exod. 4.24, 25, 26. Ezek. 44.7. Gen 17.14. So even so, none but such as profess faith in Christ, and are baptised into Christ, and so put on Christ, so made Disciples according to the Doctrine of Christ, John 4, 1, 2. 1 Cor. 12.13. Gal. 3.27. are to be received into the Church of Christ. Further, for the proof of this, note what the Apostle saith, Rom. 16.17. Mark them which cause divisions, and offences, contrary to the Doctrine that ye have learned, and avoid them: And the Apostles serperated the Disciples from all others, Act. 19.9. Note also, 1 Tim. 6.1, 3. Chap. 3.4, 5. And we are commanded to separate, and to touch no unclean thing, 2 Cor. 6.7. now to bring into the Church, believers seed in infancy, by baptising them, is to know them after the flesh, and so to touch an unclean thing; and so they that do it, are transgressors, yea very much cross the plain way of the new Covenant in changing the Ordinance of Christ, to a false Subject, 2 Cor. 5.16, 17. John 6.45. Isa. 24.5. So than it is plain from the old and new Testament, that to profess holiness in conversation, is not enough so as to admit men into the Church of Christ; but there must be also obedience in order to the form of the Doctrine, or beginning word of Christ; so worshipping God, in spirit and in truth, according to the new Covenant, Rom. 6.17. John 4.24. so they are to be received into the Church of Christ, and no otherwise; therefore let every man mark well, and behold with his eyes, and hear with his ears, what is said unto him concerning all the Ordinances of the house of the Lord, and all the laws thereof, and mark well the entering in of the house, with every going forth of the sanctuary, Ezek. 44.5.  
Furthermore mind also; that though the Apostles did bear with the Churches in several things of the Law of Moses, (because they were once commanded of God, and they being conscientious to them, not being truly enlightened) yet they did not receive into the Church, nor bear with them that did not obey Christ in his Ordinances, so as to walk up after the new Covenant, as it hath been showed, and this further appeareth in many places of Scripture, take some for many, Phil. 3.17. 2 Thes. 2.15. Gal. 1.8, 9 1 John 2.4, 5, 6. 2 Pet. 3.2.  
Object. But some men may say, I contend more for Baptism, then for other Commandments of Christ.  
Ans. To which I say, the Lord knows I do not, but I do with a good conscience contend for those Ordinances, that men have made void by their tradition, of which Baptism is one, for there is one Baptism Eph. 4.5. which is Believers only, for sprinkling of Infants, or Baptising them, is not the Ordinance of Christ, nor is no more accepted with God, then offering a lamb, or any thing under the Law that had a blemish, Exod. 12.5. Leu. 22.20, 25. But for Believers Baptism, it was as much honoured as any Ordinance, for Jesus himself being about thirty years of age was Baptised, & the spirit of God descending like a dove, lighting upon him; There came a voice from heaven saying, this is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased, Mat. 3.16, 17. Luke 3.23. Father, Son, and Spirit in a singular sense met at Baptism, and so Christ was in a most excellent way vissibly declared to be the Son of God; and so every Believer in a singular sense at his Baptism, is visibly declared to be the Child of God.  
Object. But some men have said, that we are not to practise this Doctrine because the Author to the Hebrews says, not laying again these principles, but be led forward to perfection; And the Epistles and commandments in the Scriptures, were for that age, and for the people that lived in the Apostles days, for the Epistles were written to several Churches; we being not those Churches, they do not concern us.  
Ans. The Author to the Hebrews exhorts them to their duty, and so all believers, to go on to perfection in the way of Christ, taking up the similitude of a building to make it out; and as in the building of an house there are Foundation, or Principle pieces laid down, and according to the rule of these Foundations, or principle Pieces, the bvilders of a Temporal house go up as fare as the Principles guide them, and then the house is come to perfection, or finished; so even so, in this spiritual house, when we at the first have laid down these Principles, we are to go up to perfection, according to the rule of the Foundation Pieces in the Doctrine of Christ, Jesus Christ being the chief Corner Stone, on which the building fitly framed together, groweth up unto an holy Temple in the Lord, Eph. 2.21. And when we are come as high as these Principles lead us, we are come to perfection; for when we enjoy the Resurrection, and the eternal Judgement, we are then come to perfection; and as in a temporal house, none can finish it, so as to make it perfect, if they do not build according to the rule of the Principles or Foundation Pieces laid down; so also in the spiritual house, if we go not up according to the rule of the Foundations, how can we go up to perfection. And also, in a temporal house, if they leave out any of the Foundation Pieces, they cannot build up to perfection; then how can any in the spiritual building, go up to perfection, if they leave out any of the Principles, for if they do, the house will be in danger to fall. Again, in a temporal building, when they have laid down the foundation of the house, if they build not upon them, but lie still, there can be no perfection, and so it is in the spiritual house also; and that was that which, the Author to the Hebrews blames them for, their neglect in not going forward in the building of the spiritual house, Heb. 5.12. neither would he have them to lay the Foundations again, but to go forward to perfection, as they teach them for to do, for no other foundation can no man lay, then that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ; and whosoever hears his word, and doth the same, builds upon on him, the rock of ages, Mat. 7.24. Chap. 16.18. Psal. 62.2. 1 Cor. 10.4. And also the Scriptures were written for this end, to teach all men their duties in all ages till Christ come, and yet many times, the words thereof spoken to the People in present being, yet concerns all; as that which the Lord says to Eve, that she should bring forth in sorrow, Gen. 3.16. the word is spoken to her only, yet all women bring forth in sorrow.  
Secondly, Christ speaks to his disciples which were then present with him at that time, that when the signs did appear, which he had declared concerning his coming, they should lift up their heads, for their redemption draweth near, Luke 21.28. Now these words though spoken to the present Disciples, are for the comfort of them especially that live a little before the coming of Christ; therefore the Scriptures are for to teach us upon whom the ends of the world are come, yea, even them that live when the last signs of Christ's coming appear, 1 Cor. 10.11.  
Thirdly, Because the Lord Jesus exhorts the saints of Thyatira, to hold fast that burden that he laid upon them until he come, Rev. 2.24, 25. And so Peter wrote his second Epistle, for to warn the saints to give diligent heed to the words of the Prophets, and the commandments of the Lord Jesus, delivered by the Apostle, for saith be, in the last days there shall come scoffers walking after their own lusts; saying, where is the promise of his coming? and he wrote this when his departing was at hand, 2 Pet. 3.2, 3. Chap. 1.14. And Judas bids the saints contend earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints, Judas 3. and John saith, that he that remaineth in him, ought even so to walk as he hath walked, 1 John 2.6. So it is evident, that whosoever is in christ ought to walk after him according to his word in all ages, and that he wrote no new Commandment, and that the old Commandment is the word, which they have heard from the beginning, vers. 7. So that it is evident, that in the Scriptures are all the commandments of God, for all the children of men to walk up in till Christ come in person, who is the bright morning star, Rev. 22.16. for there is no other Gospel then that which hath been preached, Gal. 1.8, 9 So Jesus Christ, yesterday, to day and the same for ever; therefore, be not carried about with divers and strange Doctrines, for it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace, Heb. 13.8, 9 so I say with Paul (who wrote to Timothy a little before his death) that the Scriptures are able, to make a man (wise unto salvation, through faith which is in Christ Jesus, for all Scripture is given by inspiration spiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works, 2 Tim. 3.15, 16, 17.  
Object. But there is no walking up in these Ordinances, because we cannot see any so sent of God to preach & work miracles as the Apostles did; & so there is no Adminstrator of Ordinances, for we do not see the signs following spoken of, Mark 16.  
Answ. That the Lord Jesus doth give all power to those that do believe, that he is the Christ, the Son of the living God, and have through grace willing hearts to obey him, to preach and to administer all Ordinances, Mat. 16. John 20.21, 22. Yea they are the Church that do believe he is the King to rule them, and the Priest to make intercession by his blood, speaking better things then that of Abel, and the alone Prophet, to teach them, they hearing him in all things, Mat. 17.5. so as to have fellowship, in breaking of bread, and prayer, Acts 3.22, 23. I say and witness with the Scriptures, that they which believe with all their hearts, that Jesus is the Christ, and have willing hearts to obey as aforesaid, may preach and administer all Ordinances, orderly, and so become a Church, although they do not work Miracles.  
Secondly, The Testament is bound up, and the law sealed among Disciples, Isa. 8.16. therefore the Ordinances also, they that continue in the word of Christ, are his Disciples indeed, and they are the friends of Christ that do whatsoever he commands them, John 1.14, 31. Chap. 15.14. Now if they have not power to do his commands, they cannot continue in his word, and so no Disciples, nor friends; and so being not found in the old way, no rest for their souls: but the Lord God would have all men obey him and have respect to all his Commandments, and the Lord Jesus is the Author of eternal salvation to all them that obey him, Heb. 5.9. Therefore he gives them that do believe, power to walk up in all his Ordinances.  
Thirdly, They that do repent, & believe, & are ready to do all that the Lord commands by his Son (who speaks in these last times to all men) and so hearing the voice of Christ, are his sheep, Act 10.33. John 10. from the 4. to the 17. & so have Christ, which is the substance, in whom all the promises are yea, and amen, 2 Cor. 1.20. therefore the adminstration of Ordinances, and all is theirs, 1 Cor. 3.22. as aforesaid.  
Fourthly, John the dipper did no miracle, yet all that he spoke was true, John 10 41. and therefore the Pharisees and Lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptised of him; so it is plain that it was a very great evil in any to refuse his Baptism, though he wrought no miracle; so even so, they that preach the truth according to the word, are not to be rejected, but received, though they work no miracle, for the Scriptures speaking to us is as much, if not more, as if a voice from heaven spoke to us, as it appears, if you mind what Peter saith, 2 Pet. 1.18, 19 which showeth, that they heard a voice from heaven, declaring Jesus to be the Son of God; and yet that we have a more sure word of the Prophets, to the which we shall do well, if we take heed; yea, we are to mind and keep the commandments of the Apostles of the Lord and Saviour, even unto the last days, when there shall be mockers, which will walk after their lusts, and say, where is the promise of his coming? and so forth, Chap 3.2, 3, 4. From all which it is clear and plain, that the Prophets and Apostles speaking in the Scriptures the commandments of the Lord, are to be abeyed, as if a voice from heaven spoke to us, and if we do not, we sin very greivously, though their be no miracles, for the Apostles writing the commandments of the Lord, it gives us sufficient authority for to administer Ordinances as aforesaid.  
Fifthly, Moses Law being written, they that returned from the captivity of Babylon walked up in it, though there was no miracle, Ezra 2.63. Chap. 3.4. Neh. 8.14. No not any Priest that stood up with Vrim and Thummim, neither had they extraordinary Prophets, for they had not Haggai, nor Zechariah when they began to build the Temple, as it appeareth in the 4 of Ezra, compared with the 5. ver. 1, 2. and Hag. 1.1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. Zech. 1.1. So then the law written by Moses gave full authority, he being but a servant, Muth more Thrists Law being written, he being a Son; and heir of all things, we being heirs with him, as we walk up after the new Covenant, the everlasting Gospel, Rom. 8.17. Gal. 4.30. Rev. 14.6.  
Sixtly, Believers in Christ, holding out the Doctrine of Christ, have all power to preach, and to administer Ordinances, yea, they only are sent of Christ, for John saith, 2 Epistle, 9.10. That he that bringeth not the Doctrine of Christ, ought not be received into the house, as a teacher, sent of God, and that he that abideth not in the Doctrine of Christ, hath not God; and so he directech the elect Lady, and her Children, how they shall know who are sent of God, and they were such as did bring the Doctrine of Christ, and that they which did not, or do not bring the Doctrine of Christ, are not sent of God; so than it is not miracles alone that doth prove men to be sent of God, but the Doctrine they bring proves it, it is not miracles proves it, for Antichrist shall work miracles, 2 Thes. 2.9. Rev. 13.13, 14. Chap. 16.14. So than it followeth, that they which bring the Doctrine of Christ, are sent by Christ, so as to preach, and to administer the Ordinances of Christ, whether they work Miracles or no, they preaching the truth, their Doctrine is to be received; for the Samaritans believed, when the woman of Samaria declared Christ to them, Jo. 4.39. and Jesus upbraided his Disciples for their unbeleif, when they believed not them that declared him risen from the dead, Mark 16.14. And Paul rejoiceth that Christ was preached, though out of envy, Phil. 1.15, 18. And the Scriptures are written, that men might believe, Jo. 20.31. So men believing as it is written, they speak, 2 Cor. 4.13. (For no man lighteth a candle and putteth it under a bushel, but on a candlestick;) so turning men to righteousness, they shall shine as the stars for ever and ever, Dan. 12.3. If any should say, the Scriptures are not the word of the Lord; I say, that I need not to bring arguments to prove it to be the word of the Lord, for the Prophecies that foretell things to come therein, God will bring to pass, so as men may be convinced of the truth of it.  
So having shown you the matter of a Church, and what a Church or congregation of Christ is, as namely, such as walk up in the Doctrine, or Commandments of Christ, in singleness of heart, in fellowship, in breaking of bread, & in prayers, Act. 2.41, 42. And that none ought to have communion in breaking of Bread, but such as own every Principle in the Doctrine of Christ.  
Now the next Ordinance of Christ is Breaking of Bread; Now the manner of Breaking Bread, is first to take Bread, and to bless it in the name of the Lord, and then to break it; and also the Wine in the next place, and bless it also; and then the Congregation are to divide it among them, eating and drinking of it moderately as a Supper at even, or about the even, having communion together, discerning the Lord's body, for the time we are not to bind it down to an hour, but it is to answer as unto a supper, 1 Cor. 11.23, 24, 25, 26.  
Secondly, We are to bless the Wine before we eat the Bread, in my understanding, because the Bread being blessed distinct apart from the Cup, before we eat up the Bread, sets out Christ's Body broken and his Blood shed before our eyes in the sign; but if we eat up the Bread before we bless the Cup, than we eat up the Body of Christ in the sign, before we have the Cup, or Blood in the sign; for it is not the Cup of the new Testament, until it is blessed, for it is sanctified by the word of God, and set apart by Prayer; yea, if we eat up the Bread before we bless the Cup, we divide Christ, in our feeding upon the Bread, before we have the Cup; therefore we ought to bless the Bread, and break it, and then bless the Cup, and then eat and drink of it, eyeing Christ as his Body being broken, and his Blood being shed for our sins; also take notice, that the order of words doth not prove, that the Bread must be eaten, before the Cup is blessed, for Paul speaks of the Cup first, 1 Cor. 10.16. and Mark saith, that when Christ had blessed the cup, he gave it to them, and they all drank of it, before he noteth that Christ declared what it signified, chap. 14.23, 24. But it doth not follow in reason, that they did drink all of it, before he gave them to understand what the Wine (being set apart) signified; so it doth not follow, though Christ did bless the Bread, and gave it to his Disciples, and bid them eat, that they did eat, before he blessed the Cup; but rather the Bread being blessed, be blessed the Cup also, that they might eat of that Breád, and drink of that Cup, discerning the Lord's Body broken, and his Blood shed for remission of sins, 1 Cor. 11.26, 28.  
Moreover, it ought to be a Supper with moderation, because it is said to be a Supper, and a Feast, 1 Cor. 5.7, 8. Ch. 11.20. and there is nothing in all the Scripture, that is said to be a Supper, if there be any eating at all, that is less than an eating to satisfaction with moderation.  
Secondly, There is perfect satisfaction in Jesus the Saviour; therefore to eat to refreshment is the more lively and full.  
Object. But it was not a Supper when Christ set it apart, for it was eaten after the Passover.  
Answ. The Lord took them off from eating the Passover before they had done, for the Scripture saith; As they were eating, he took bread and broke it, and so the Paschal Lamb, and the Bread and Wine together made their Supper, for the two signs, the Paschal Lamb, and the Bread and Wine, one holding out Christ to be slain, the other, Christ as slain meet; Christ the substance being there; but when Christ was slain, the Passover was abolished, no more to be kept; the Ordinance of Bread and Wine, which is called the Lords Supper, only remaineth, and is to be a Supper, as aforesaid; for so it holdeth out the substance Jesus excellently; but let every man eat so much of this Bread, and drink of this Cup, as it may be most helpful unto him, to discern the Lords Body broken, and his Blood shed for his sins, and the benefits that come, and shall come thereby; but let every man take heed in the fear of God, that they do not eat and drink too much, as the Corinthians did, better it would be for to eat, and drink too little.  
Also mind, That there is only Bread and Wine to be eaten at the Lords Supper, and no feast of other food, for that which Christ and his Disciples did eat before the Bread and Wine, was the Passover Lamb, as the Scripture saith, Mat. 26.18, 19 Mar. 14.12, 16. Lu. 22.13, 15. and Paul maketh mention only of Bread and Wine, in the 10. and 11. of the 1 Cor. and for the love feast that some talk of to be kept before they eat the Bread and drink the Wine, there is no such thing written in the Scripture; but there is a feast of charity spoken of, Judas 12. which is that feast that Christ commands, to call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind, let him that is able, do this singular thing, for Christ saith, he shall be blessed; for the poor cannot recompense him, but he shall be recompensed at the Resurrection of the Just.  
Also mind well, That it is Bread and Wine after it is blessed, not changed into the Body and Blood of Christ, as the Papists hold, though it be said, after it is blessed, This is my Body which was broken for you, and my Blood which was shed for remission of sins; it is so said, because in a figure, or shadow, it holdeth forth Christ's Body broken, and his Blood shed for remission of sins; and so the Passover Lamb did hold out the Lords passing over the firstborn of Israel; yet is called the Lords Passover, it putting them in mind of the same, Exod. 12.21, 27. and also the Apostle saith, it is Bread and Wine, after it is blessed, 1 Cor. 11.27, 28. therefore not the real Body and Blood of Christ; So let a man examine himself, whether he discern the Lords Body offered up as a Sacrifice for sin, to make an Atonement for him, and that he be in love and peace with all men; so that in believing he may eat his Flesh, and drink his Blood, so as that there may be a communion in one body, Christ being the Head, and so let him eat of that Bread, and drink of that Cup.  
Moreover, for the better being of the Congregations of Christ, the Lord Christ hath appointed, and given Overseers, and gifted men, and they are first Apostles, or Messengers, and Prophets, and Evangelists, and Pastors, and Teachers, for the Lord Jesus did ascend on high, and gave gifts unto men, for the gathering together of the Saints, for the work of the Ministry, for the edification of the body of Christ, till we all meet together in the unity of the faith, and knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, and unto the measure of the age of the fullness of Christ, Eph. 4.8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13. 1 Cor. 12.28.  
And for the word Apostle, it being Englished is Messenger, for so the word holdeth forth, and so it may be translated, and is so, 2 Cor. 8.23. they are to be chosen by the Congregation out of the Congregation, for so was Mathias chosen, Acts 1.23, 24, 25, 26. And the Spirit commanded the Church of Antioch, with the Prophets, to separate Saul and Barnabas, and send them forth, Acts 13.1, 2, 3. And that was the will, and way of God, for after that in Chap. 14.4, 14. they are both called Apostles and not before; and so the Church are to choose Messengers still, for the gathering the Church, and establishing of the same; so that they are to go forth to preach the Gospel, that all may know God in Christ, and own the truth as it is in Jesus.  
Also it appeareth, that Messengers or Apostles, are to be in the Church till Christ comes, from that in Rev. 18.20. and Ephes. 4.10, 11, 12, 13. That in Rev. the 18. showeth, that there shall be Apostles to rejoice at the overthrow of Babylon, or the Whore, and that will be a little before the coming of Christ; and that in Eph. 4. showeth, that they are for the gathering together of the Saints, for the work of the Ministry, for the edification of the Body of Christ, till we all meet together in the unity of the faith, and knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, and until the measure of the age of the fullness of Christ; Until the coming of Christ in person: Therefore Messengers are to be till Christ come.  
Again, If Pastors and Teachers are to abide in the Church, than Messengers, or Apostles; but Pastors and Teachers are to abide; Therefore Messengers also; for the Lord ascended up on high, and gave gifts to men, some to be Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors, and Teachers; one gift or office is to continue as long as the other, that is plain, if you note the Scripture, and that is till Christ cometh, as hath been showed before.  
Again, if you note the Scriptures you may see, that there were more Apostles than the twelve, for there was Paul and Barnabas, which were set apart by the Church of Antioch, and Titus, and others that were Messengers of the Churches, and the glory of Christ, 2 Cor. 8.23. If they were made Messengers only to carry the contribution of the Church, how can they be said to be the glory of Christ? Let the wise judge; they were great Preachers of the Gospel with Paul, and Titus was left at Crete, to redress the things that remain, and to ordain Elders, Titus 1.5. Therefore they were not set apart to carry contribution only, (though they did it upon occasion as Paul did) but for the work of the Ministry; and Epaphroditus was a Companion in labour, and fellow Soldier with Paul; and the Messenger of the Church of the Philippians, Phil. 2.25. and the Church of Ephesus tried some, which said they were Apostles, and found them liars▪ Revel. 2.2. Therefore there were many Apostles besides the twelve.  
Again, there is very much need (if not as much as ever) of Messengers to preach the Gospel, and to make out truth to the Nations in these last times; yea, the Gospel is to be preached to every kindred, tongue and people; in these last times, for a witness unto all Nations, and then shall the end be, Matth. 24.14. Rev. 14.6. Therefore Messengers ought to be continued till Christ come; mistake not, for I do not mean extraordinary Apostles as the twelve, and Paul and Barnabas, but such as to persuade men to what is written, so to believe and obey the Gospel.  
The way to choose, and set apart Messengers, Elders, and Deacons, it is by electing them out of their own company, I mean the Church is to choose them by a free consent (as in part hath been showed before) and by fasting, and prayer, and laying on of hands on them; they are so to be set apart to their several offices, Acts 1.23, 26. Chap. 6.5, 6. Chap. 14.23. where the word Election is left out in the new translation, but it is in the old, and cannot be denied to be in the Greek, the Elders, or Pastor's work is to feed the Flock of Christ, and to take care of the Church, and of every Member thereof, looking up the Sheep if they go astray, labouring in the work of the Ministry, giving in meat in due season, Matth. 24.45. being unto them that believe an ensample in word, in conversation, in love, in spirit, in zeal, in faith, and in pureness, 1 Tim. 4.12. Acts 20.28. Matth. 18.12. Not as though they were Lords over God's heritage, feeding the Flock, not by constraint, but willingly, not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind, 1 Pet. 5.2, 3. let them be very diligent and faithful men in their places, for cursed is he that doth the work of the Lord negligently.  
The Deacons office is to look to the poor, and to serve them with all necessaries, the Church giving them sufficient to do it, Acts 6. for qualifications of all the Officers; see the 1 Tim. 3. and Titus 1.  
The maintenance that the Ministers of the Gospel ought to have, is to be freely given them, Matth. 10.8. Gal. 6.6. that is, all things necessary, that they may be enabled to do the work of the Lord, and they also ought to endeavour to the uttermost, to make the Gospel without charge, 1 Cor. 9.18. Acts 20.34, 35. Their Maintenance ought not to be by Tithes, nor no forced Maintenance.  
First, Because the way of Christ is a way of love, no duty is available, but that which is done in love, 1 Cor. 13. Gal. 5.6.  
Secondly, The Priesthood being changed, therefore of necessity the Law, Hebr. 7.4.10.13.  
Thirdly, The Levites had no lot nor inheritance in the Land of Canaan, Deut. 14.27. and their work and labour of body was great about the Sacrifices, and taught the people also, 2 Chron. 35, 11, 12, 13, 14. And therefore the Lord gave them Tithes, yet they were to give to the fatherless, and stranger, and widow, a part of their Tithes; Therefore the Ministers of the Gospel being not Levites, neither have the Christians a Canaan to divide by lot, for they are not twelve Tribes springing from one man, neither are the Ministers of the Gospel the hundred part of the Nations, neither hath the Lord Jesus given them Tithes; Therefore they that take Tithes wrong their own souls, in doing that which is unlawful.  
Fourthly, They that take Tithes, or force it to be paid, destroy or make void the Law of Christ, which is a Law of love; for forced service cannot be in love; therefore the Ministers of the Gospel, have received a gift to preach, and freely received, freely give, Matth. 10.8. Rom. 12.6. Ephes. 4.8, 11. And Christians truly knowing their duties, will freely give unto them of their goods, Gal. 6.6. or set before them that they need, Luke 10.7.   

Fifthly, They that take Tithes bring in the service of the Law, which is done away, 2 Cor. 3.11. and the Levitical Priesthood which is changed, Heb. 5.6, 12. and so deny Christ come in the flesh; and forced maintenance, bringeth in compelled service, which is abhorred by God, and good men; therefore Tithes, nor any forced Maintenance, is not the Maintenance of the Ministers of the Gospel, neither let any man say, that the Magistrate hath power to force men to pay Tithes, from that of Christ, Matth. 17.27. and from that of Paul, that we are to pay custom, to whom custom belongs; I say, that in all civil things, we ought so to do, and rather than to offend, to pay upon a civil account, though it be not due as Christ did; but when it is required upon a spiritual account, as Tithes, or any forced maintenance for Ministers, we may and aught to refuse to pay, and the Magistrate sins against God, if he force men to pay it; for the Magistrate, as a Magistrate, hath not, nor never had power to judge in spiritual cases, Luke 22.25, 26. for that is by the Lord given to the Church, Mat. 18.17, 18. and he, as a Member of the Church, hath power to judge, as every Member hath, and no more; but more of this in another place.  
Also, take notice of that Ordinance of Christ, of washing the Saints feet, it is commanded by Christ, and a blessing promised to them that do it, Exod. 13.14, 15, 16, 17. and therefore it ought to be done, and it setteth out Christ's humility, and puts us in mind of the same; so declaring that the ways of Christ are selfdenying ways; and this is a selfdenying thing, and therefore serveth to humble the creature, and to beget familiarity, and love one with another, it being done decently and in order.  
Also, as James saith, Is any among you afflicted, let him pray, is any merry, let him sing, is any sick among you, let him call for the Elders of the Church; and let them pray for him, and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sin it shall be forgiven him; Acknowledge your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed; for the prayer of a righteous man availeth much, if it be fervent, James 5.13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18. Mar. 6.13. You may see there is faith required in the actors in this Ordinance, and agreement, and then the Lord will make good his promise; for he is faithful and cannot deny himself.  
Also Prayer with Fasting is a duty for the whole Church, Isa. 58. Luk. 5.33, 35. Act. 14.23. especially for every Saint in private, entering into the Closet, or some secret place, that he be not seen of men, Mat. 6.5, 6, 16, 17, 18. Let every child of God be often in this duty, 2 Cor. 6.5. he will profit very much thereby, they that neglect this duty, will not stand, or very hardly stand in these last times; the Lord put all his people upon this duty, that we may be able through grace to stand before the Son of Man, Luk. 21.36.  
Also, the way to deal with Members of the Church if they sin against God, is as followeth.  
First, if it be a private trespass, he that trespasseth is to be told of it, as in Mat. 18.15. And if he repent he is to be forgiven, Luk. 17.3. for we ought to be like our heavenly Father, and if he hear not, he that is trespassed against, is to call 〈◊〉 with him, one or two more as in Mat. 〈◊〉 16. But if he hear not, then tell it to the Church, and if he hear the Church, she is also to forgive him, 2 Cor. 2.7. but if he refuse to hear the Church, let him be unto the Church as a Heathen man, and a Publican; Also note, he that sinneth privately is speedily to be brought to the Church; the next Church meeting after he hath sinned if possible.  
First, because we are not to suffer sin upon our brother, but plainly to rebuke him, Levit. 19.17.  
Secondly, because he may not pray, that doth not confess his sin, and be reconciled to his Brother, for if he bring his gift to the Altar, Christ, and remember that his brother hath aught against him, let him not offer it, but first be reconciled to his Brother, Math. 5.23, 24. Heb. 13.10.  
Further I say, he must be brought to the Church the next meeting, for else the Church will have communion with him that lieth in his sin, and he will be in fault, that brings him not orderly to the Church.  
Also they that sin openly, are to be rebuked before all, that others also may fear, 1 Tim. 5.20. And so Paul blamed Peter before all men, Gal. 2.11, 14. And he that is admonished by the Church, and doth not hear the Church, is to be delivered to Satan, and so to withdraw from him; yea, not to have so much company as to eat common food; and so the Apostle exhorts and commandeth the Corinthians, to deliver the Fornicator that had his Father's wife; And if any man that is called a Brother, be a Fornicator, or Covetous, or Idolater, or Railer, or a Drunkard, or an Extortioner, with such a one eat not, 1 Cor. 5.3, 10, 11. And so he commands the Thessalonians, in the name of the Lord Jesus, to withdraw from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the instructions, which they received of him; and if any man obey not their say, that they should note him by letter, and have no Company with him, that he may be ashamed; yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a Brother, 2 Thes. 3.6, 14, 15.  
So it is plain, that they that sin, and will not hear the Church when they are brought before them, so as to confess their sin, and turn from it, yea, to make restitution if they be able, if they hear not, the Church is to deliver to Satan, or to withdraw from him, or them, and then to admonish him two or three times solemnly, and in the fear of God, not counting him as an enemy, but admonishing him as a brother, with all long suffering; and if he than neglect to hear the Church, she is to reject him, and to let him be as a Heathen man, and a Publican; and a man being so rejected, or so cut off, I do not see how he can repent, yea, I am very much persuaded, that he will never repent.  
I say, the Church must admonish two or three times, before she do reject or cut off, because she ought to be like her heavenly father, merciful as he is meriful, and long suffering.  
Again, he that is an Heretic, aught to have the first, and second admonition, before he is rejected; therefore all other aught to have two or three admonitions before any are rejected, or cut off, Titus 3.10.  
Also I say, that the man that is under dealing, being three times wisely, and seriously admonished by the Church, and rejected; I do not see how he can repent: First, because whatsoever the Church binds on earth, shall be bound in heaven, and whatsoever they lose on earth, shall be loosed in heaven; now a man being once alive through believing, and then through sin, become as a heathen and a Publican, or as a dead man, and so bound, how can he live again, except a man twice dead may live again, Judas 12.  
Secondly, No man cutteth a natural member from a natural body, except it be rotten, and so endanger the whole body; even so also, in the spiritual body, the Church is to cut off them that will endanger the whole body, so as to carry them to hell, Mat. 18.8, 9 So a member of a natural body being cut off, cannot be set on again; so when a Church hath rejected, or cut off a member, how can it be received in again.  
Thirdly, If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha, had in execration, yea excommunicate to death, 1 Cor. 16.22. or as some translation reads it, that the meaning of the word may be this, let him be accursed even to the coming of the Lord; that is to say, to his death's day, even for ever; now he that loves not the Lord, is he that keepeth not his commandments, or his say, John 14.15, 23. and he that sinneth, and will not hear the Church, being so often admonished, as the Lord hath appointed in his word, doth not keep the saying of Christ, and so loves not the Lord; therefore is to be rejected or excommunicated unto death, till the Lord come; so according to that in Prov. 29.1. he that being often reproved, hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.  
Also mind well, that the power to judge differences, and to deal with Members, lieth in the Body, the Church, not in the Officers destinct a part from the Church; This will plainly appear.  
First, because the Lord commands, Mat. 18.17. That the offender, and his offence, be brought to the Church, that they may judge it; now the company of Elders are not the Church, 1 Cor. 1.2. Therefore they have not the power apart from the Church.  
Secondly, the Apostle writing to the Church of the Corinthians, commands them when they are gathered together in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, by the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, to deliver the fornicator (that had his father's wife) to Satan, 1 Cor. 5. to the 6. Mark, he doth not command the Elders to do it, but the Congregation, being gathered together to do it; therefore the power lieth not in the Elders alone, but in the Congregation.  
Thirdly, The Lord Christ saith, that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles, exercise Lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them, but it shall not be so among you, but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your servant, and whosoever will be chief of you, shall be servant of all, Mark 10.42, 43, 44. And therefore the Elders who are the chief servants, are not to exercise Lordship over their Brethrens, therefore not to rule without the Body, the Church, for if they should rule without the Body, it would be like that evil that Solomon spoke of, Eccl. 10.7. Servants upon horses, and Princes walking as servants upon the earth; and so indeed it hath been, and is where the Pope, and Lord Bishops, and Presbytery hath the power, they make the members of their National, Generational way, slaves to serve with great burdens, and many of them are very ignorant.  
But although it be so, that the power lieth in every particular Body, the Church, to govern according to the word of Christ, yet understand that with consent the Elders, and Messengers are to rule in love, and are to be obeyed, by every particular member, they exhorting and commanding duty, and declaring the sense of the Church, according to the word of Christ, Heb. 13.7, 17. and also, the Body, the Church, may command the Elders, or Pastors, and Messengers, to look to their Ministry, which they have received in the Lord, that they fulfil it, Col. 4.17. And also note, it is good and safe for a particular Church, in things of high concernment, to call for, or desire help from sister Churches, and so Messengers who are to take care of all Churches, in an especial manner, are to go in such cases, Act. 15.  
Quest. Hath not the Magistrates power in the Church, to set apart her Officers, and to punish Offenders as he seethe good, yea, with death if he please.  
Answ. No, for Christ hath not said any where that he should so do, now if Christ have not said it, nor it be not in the Law and Testament, as it is not, it may not be, Isa. 8.20. Heb. 1.5. Nay, for the Magistrate to set apart Officers in the Church, crosseth the Law of Christ, which is, that the Church, by a free choice, should set them apart as it hath been showed before.  
Again, Magistrates may not punish offenders, as in point of conscience, for Christ commands the contrary, Mat. 13.30, 38. For there he saith, that the children of the kingdom, and the children of the wicked one, shall both grow together in the field of the world, till the end; yea, the Jews that blaspeme against Christ, are to be suffered, for they are beloved of God, for their father's sake, though they be enemies to the Gospel, Rom. 11.28. and when the fullness of the Gentiles is come in, all Israel shall be saved, as it is written, ver. 25, 26. So then the Jews be to have liberty, that is plain, therefore all aught to have liberty of conscience, that's as plain.  
So then the Magistrate hath not any power in the Church, more than any other member, but the power lieth in the whole Church, to cast out offenders, as hath been showed; but in all civil affairs, as all sins against the second Table, yea in all things that be civil, that helongs to the Commonwealth, the Magistrate is supreme, and the whole Church is to obey him, and honour him, as the supreme in every civil thing, for the Lords sake, 1 Pet. 2.13, 14, 15. paying custom to whom custom belongeth, and tribute as he, or they hath and doth appoint, Mat. 22.21. Rom. 13. from for 1. to 10. Yea, let them not dispute who is Chief Magistrate, no not by any means, by war, but rather submit to the chief Magistrate in being, in every Nation.  
So then from all this that hath been said, it doth appear and that very clearly, yea most excellently from the Scriptures of truth, that God is a God of love and mercy, and is long suffering, and the riches of his goodness, and bounty doth abound most freely, and graciously, towards all men, and would have none perish, but would have all come to the knowledge of the truth, and be saved: and that the way of Christ is a way of love, in that he laid down his life for all men, yea though they were and are enemies, he tenders the word of the Gospel, even glad tidings of peace, beseeching by himself, and by his servants, (though they do abuse them) to be reconciled to God; O how meek, and lowly in heart was the Lord Jesus? how doth his love, and goodness appear, in that he being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with him, made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant; and was made in the likeness of man, and being found in the fashion of a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the Cross; And so the Lord of life and Glory, by whom all things were created, beseecheth the creature, to be reconciled to God, and so to obey him in love, and walk up in the way of the Gospel, which is a way of love; for the love of God being spread abroad in the heart, men having from the God of love received gifts, the love of Christ constraineth to preach the Gospel, and to feed the flock of Christ, and to seek up them that go astray; and the Saints in love minister and communicate unto them what they want, and so Ministers are chosen in love, and their Doctrine is heard in love, and received in love, and the poor relieved in love, and them that sin are dealt with in love, and their meetings of the Church, and feasts are in love, and their Communion in Breaking of Bread is in love, & so all duty is to be done (without murmur, and dispute) in love, & so Faith in Christ is available working by love; & so the children of God receive the kingdom as a reward in love, given by the God of love; so all the way of Christ is a way of love, & his word is the Doctrine of love; So let all the Saints conclude with the Spouse, his mouth is most sweet, yea, he is altogether lovely, Cant. 5.16. And so this way of love, which is the good old way of the Gospel, was of old at first confirmed by signs, and wonders, and with divers miracles and gifts of the holy Ghost, according to his own will, Heb. 2.4. Therefore let every man in the fear of God walk therein, and they shall find rest for their Souls, Jer. 6.16. Yea, let every member of the Church of Christ, put on the whole Armour of God, having their loins girt about with truth, and their feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace; and praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance, Eph. 5.13, 14.15, 16, 17, 18. O that every one would lay it to heart, and with fear and trembling, work out their Salvation; for in these last days, will be perilous times, 2 Tim. 3.1. and many that have tasted of the good word of God, and been enlightened, so as to believe the truth, will fall away from grace; yea, from the true faith, so as that eternal death will be their portion; yea, some have fallen from the faith, therefore it is no new thing.  
First, the warnings in Scripture proves this, exhorting men to take heed that they do not fall away from the grace of God, Heb. 12.15. and these warnings and exhortations are given to such as have received the truth, so as to believe, as it appeareth, Heb. 2.1. 1 Cor 10. from 6. to 12. Heb. 3.12. reads it thus, Take heed Brethren, lest at any time there be in any of you, an evil heart, and unfaithful, to departed away from the living God, Heb. 4.1. 2 Pet. 1.5. Chap. 3.1, 2, 3. Judas 3. Rev. 3.2, 3. All these are warnings given in Scripture, and very many more might be brought, which exhort men to take heed that they do not departed from the truth, which would be in vain, 2 Cor. 6.1. if men could not fall away, therefore they may, 1 Thes. 3.5.  
Secondly, Threaten, if any do fall away prove this, Rev. 2.21, 22, 23. Hebr. 10.26. reads it thus, If we sin willingly, after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more Sacrifice for sin: and chap. 6.4, 5, 6. is very full to this purpose, 2 Pet. 2.20, 21. For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world, through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them then the beginning; for it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, then after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them, Rev. 3.3. Ezek. 18.26. you may read also, which plainly proves this point.  
Thirdly, This appears by examples in Scriptrue of some that did fall away from the truth; yea, from the true faith, as Judas, Matth. 26.25. Acts 1.17, 18. and Demas, 2 Tim. 4.10. and Balaam who spoke excellent things by the help of the Spirit of God, as the other Prophets of the Lord, Numb. 24. Judas 11, 12. and some making shipwreck of faith and a good conscience, 1 Tim. 1.19. and Hymeneus and Phyletus, who concerning the truth have erred, saying, the resurrection is passed already, and overthrow the faith of some, 2 Tim. 2.17, 18.  
Fourthly, The Scripture speaking prophetically, faith expressly, That in the latter times some shall departed from the Faith, 1 Tim. 4.1. and 2 Tim 4.3, 4. and 2 Thes. 2.10. 2 Pet. 2.1. Jud. 14, 15, 16. All these Scriptures do foretell of some, yea, many in the latter times shall fall away, so as to departed from the faith, and give heed to Doctrines of Devils, and shall privily bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them; and many more places might be brought for this purpose.  
Fifthly, The Metaphors, and Proverbs in Scripture proves this also, as Prov. 26.11. Mat. 5.13. Mark 9.49, 50. and Mat. 12.43, 44. and 2 Pet. 2.20, 21. that in Peter showeth, that they which have been freed of their vomit, and have been washed, yet turned as a Dog to it again, as a Dog to the vomit again, and the Sow to the wallowing in the mire.  
Sixthly, if this were not so, no man could sin against the Spirit, nor none could be Reprobates, for the sin against the Spirit, is a sin of knowledge, and against the conscience, they do that which they are convinced they ought not to do, as it appeareth, Mark 3.22, to 31. compared with John 7.20, 28. And also no man can be a Reprobate, except he have known the truth, or sinned willingly against that he knoweth, as it appears, Rom. 1.28. 2 Cor. 13.5. 2 Tim. 3.8.  
Object. But it is but a seeming faith they fall from as the Scripture saith, Luk. 8.18. That shall be taken from him, which he seemeth to have.  
Answ. That if it be but a seeming faith, than they do well in falling from it, but Paul saith to Timothy, 1 Tim. 1.19. That some did make Shipwreck of Faith, and a good conscience; and he exhorteth Timothy, to abide in that faith, which others have made Shipwreck of; And for that in Luke 8. the sense of it is, that they that do enjoy the light, or talon, that is given them, so as to hear the truth, and seem to make a good use of it, but do it not, I say, God will take away that Talon, or light, because he seems to improve it, but doth it not; that this is so, it will appear if you compare Luk. 8.16, 17, 18. with Mat. 13.12. and Chap. 25. from vers. 24. to 30.  
Object. But Paul saith, that he is persuaded, That neither Death, nor Life, nor Angels, nor things present, nor things to come, nor any things could separate him from the love of God; also, he demands, Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's Elect? for God Justifieth, Rom. 8.  
Answ. Paul as he is a believer is persuaded, that nothing shall be able to separate him from the love of God, which is in Christ, and so are all true believers persuaded; but if they depart from the faith, nay if they do not go on adding to their faith virtue, and knowledge, etc. as it is 2 Pet. 1.5, 6, 7. they lose that persuasion, as Paul acknowledgeth, that he himself might become a castaway, if he kept not his body under subjection, 1 Cor. 9.29. It is true none can lay any thing to the charge of God's Elect, for God doth and will justify; but there is no man or woman Elected, but in and through believing, 2 Thes. 2.13. as it hath been showed, and will appear if you mind the Scriptures, for the Apostle tells the Ephesians, that they were Elected, yet the Lord Jesus saith to them, Rev. 25. that if they do not their first works, he would remove their candlestick; and John exhorts the Elect Lady, and her children, to look to themselves, that they lose not those things they have gained, but that they receive a full reward, 2 John 8. And so he that continues in the faith to the end, he shall be saved; for the just shall live by faith, Heb. 10.38. But if any draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.  
Object. But it is impossible to deceive the very Elect, therefore men cannot fall from the true faith, Mat. 24.24.  
Answ. Christ speaks of such, as make their calling and election sure, by adding to their faith virtue, and to virtue knowledge, and to knowledge temperance, and to temperance patience, etc. abounding in the bringing forth of fruit, giving all diligence to continue therein, according to 2 Pet. 1.5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11. they that do so shall never fall, for the Lord God will give grace, and deliver them from the evil of temptation, making a way to escape, that they may be able to bear it; and so there is no condemnation to them that walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit; and so none can lay any thing to those that so through Grace persevere to the end, God justifieth them, who can condemn them? yea, an entrance shall be ministered unto them abundantly into the everlasting Kingdom of our Lord, Psal. 84.11. 1 Cor. 10.13. Rom. 8. But,  
Further observe, that such as have believed the Truth, and do run well, are called, The elect of God, 1 John 1.8. and are written for Heaven, in the Book of Life (which is the New Testament) if they go on, adding as aforesaid; but if they turn again to folly, and so turn from the holy Commandment, and so come to be dead, yea, twice dead, their names are blotted out of the Book of Life, Gal. 5.7. Exod. 32.33. Rev. 3.5. chap. 22.19. and this will be fulfilled upon many in these last days; for Christ saith, That false Christ's, and false Prophets shall arise, and deceive many, Matth. 24.5, 11. Now if they were not in the way to life, they could not be deceived, for they cannot be deceived and led out of the way, which were never in it; so than this is the way of the new Covenant, they that through grace walk up after it, are written for life, and them that do not abide in the truth of it, are written for death, for the Lord will be with men, while they be with him, but if they forsake him, he will forsake them, 2 Chron. 15.2. John 15.2, 10. So men are elected in Christ through believing the truth, but they that depart from the faith depart from their election, and choice, for God hath chosen the godly man for himself, not persons simply, but godly persons, and decreed to save them that so make use of his Grace, so as to hold fast their confidence to the end, Hebr. 3.6. and no other.  
Object. But the gifts and calling of God are without repentance, Rom. 11.29.  
Answ. It is true, For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life, John 3.16. And while we were yet sinners Christ died for us, Rom. 5.8. So that God gave his Son freely for the world, and so he calls men freely to believe, that Christ died for them, and giveth time and space to all to hear, and repent, and this he doth, whether men believe, and repent, or no; so it is Christ's death that makes the peace with God, but it is made out by Faith, Rom. 4.16. And so eternal life is the gift of God, through Jesus Christ our Lord, for in and through Christ's death, comes forth the glad tidings of Peace, and so by him are all things, 1 Cor. 8.6. for in him we live, and move, and have our being, and by Christ's death we are saved alive, and are made able to believe; so that justification is not of works, but merely of grace; yet understand, that Scripture in Rom. 11.29, speaks of the house of Israel, how that the Lord God hath decreed to call the Jews, and the whole House of Israel, and make them one Nation, and a glorious People, and of this he will not repent.  
But for the clearing up of this, understand, that when the fullness of the Gentiles is come in, than the Deliverer shall come to Zion, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob, Isai. 59.20. Rom. 11.26. Christ the Redeemer shall come, and gather the outcast of Israel, and the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth, Isai. 11.12. And make the two Nations, of Israel, one Nation, neither shall they be divided into two Kingdoms any more at all, Ezek. 37.22. And perform the good thing to Israel, even the new Covenant, according to that in Jer. 31. Behold the days come, saith the Lord, that I will make a new Covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah, not according to the Covenant that I made with their Fathers, when I took them by the hand, to bring them out of the Land of Egypt, (which my Covenant they broke, although I was an Husband unto them) saith the Lord: But this shall be the Covenant, that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my Law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts, and will be their God, and they shall be my people; and they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, know the Lord, for all shall know me, from the least of them to the greatest of them, saith the Lord; for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more. And so a Nation, even all them that remain of Israel, shall be born at once, and so all Israel shall be saved, Isai. 66.8, 9, 10. Rom. 11.26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32.  
Object. But if any should say, That these Scriptures were made good unto Israel, when they returned from the Captivity of Babylon.  
Answ. That cannot be, because both the Houses of Israel returned not at that time, and so could not be made one Nation; but when these Promises are made good, the two Nations are made one, and shall abide so forever, and shall be moved no more at all out of their own Land, Jer. 31.40. Consider well the 37. of Ezekiel, especially from the 16. verse, to the end.  
Also it cannot be, that these Scriptures can be fulfilled in the conversion of the Gentiles, they being so made Jews, for these Promises are made to the House of Israel, and the House of Judah, and the converted Gentiles are not called the House of Israel, and the House of Judah, in no place of Scripture.  
Thirdly, These things that are here promised to Israel, and Judah, cannot be made good to the Gentiles, because the fullness of the Gentiles is to be come in, when these things shall be made good to Israel, Rom. 11.25. There the Apostle showeth, that he would not have us ignorant of this Mystery, (lest we should be wise in our own conceits) that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles be come in, and so all Israel shall be saved, as it is written.  
Fourthly, These Scriptures in the 11 of Isa. 11. to the end, and chap. 59.20, 21. chap. 66.8, 9, 10. and Jer. 31. and Ezek. 37. and the Covenant in this place spoken of, doth belong to the house of Israel, and the house of Judah, and that will plainly appear, if you note well those Scriptures mentioned, for Paul showeth us in the 11. of the Romans; All Israel shall be saved, as it is written, There shall come out of Zion the Delieverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob; for this is my Covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins. So the Apostle speaking of the 59 of Isai. the .20. applying it only to the house of Israel, and that the Covenant of the Lord is to them; so as to take away their sins; yea it is plain, that he speaks of the house of Israel after the flesh, because he saith, as concerning the Gospel they are Enemies for your sakes, but as touching the Election, they are beloved for the father's sake; so you may see as concerning the Gospel, they are Enemies, but as touching the Election they are beloved for the Father's sakes; that is, for Abraham, Isaac and Jacob sakes, for the Lords Covenant is with them, and so they are chosen, yea he speaks of them which should come of them, which then were concluded in unbelief, ver. 32. which was the Jews; therefore he speaks not of the Converted Gentiles, but of the house of Israel according to the flesh, for the gifts and callings of God are without repentance, vers. 33. So I say, the Lord God hath determined to call Israel, and of this he will never repent.  
Again, this doth further appear, that God will call again Israel after the flesh, and teach them according to the new Covenant, so they shall know him and worship him in spirit and in truth; for Zechariah saith, Thus saith the Lord of Hosts, it shall yet come to pass, that there shall come people, and the Inhabitants of many Cities; and the Inhabitants of one City, shall go to another; saying, let us go speedly to pray before the Lord, and to seek the Lord of Hosts, I will go also; Yea many People, and strong Nations, shall come to seek the Lord of Hosts, in Jerusalem, and to pray before the Lord; Thus saith the Lord of Hosts, in those days, it shall come to pass, that ten men shall take hold out of all Languages of the Nations; even shall take hold of the the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, we will go with you, for we have heard that God is with you, Zech. 8.20, 21, 22, 23. And Micah faith, in the last days it shall come to pass, that the mountain of the house of the Lord shall be established in the top of the mountains, and it shall be exalted above the hills, and people shall flow unto it. And many Nations shall come and say, come and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, and to the house of the God of Jacob, and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths; for the Law shall go forth of Zion, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem, Chap. 4.1, 2. But now men say, that these Scriptures were fulfilled when Judah retured from Babylon, for the Jews after their return from Babylon never enjoyed such things unto this day; (search and see) and these Scriptures say, that they shall be fulfilled in the last days; and the Scriptures do not call them the last days that were before Christ came in the flesh; therefore not fulfilled; but before the house of Israel shall be called so as to believe the Gospel, as it hath been showed, the Gospel of the king doom must be preached in all the world, for a witness unto all Nations, Mat. 24.14. according to Revel. 14.6. And I saw another Angel fly in the midst of Heaven, having the everlasting Gospel to preach unto them, that dwell on the earth; and to every Nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people; And this must be a little before, and in the time of the fall of the Whore of Babylon, and the rising of the man of sin, the Antichrist, as appeareth in vers. the 8, 9 And to this agreeth, Mark 13.10. The Gospel must first be preached among all Nations; compared with Mat. 24.14. and then the end shall be; So the Gospel a little before the end shall be preached in the pure way thereof to all Nations; so the fullness of the Gentiles shall come in: But it doth and will so come to pass, that now in this last of the last days, the Gospel that is and shall be preached in the pure way thereof, and the Whore of Babylon falling, that the spirit of Antichrist doth and will more and more appear, and the Antichrist, the Man of Sin will come forth, whose coming is after the working of Satan, with all power, and signs, and lying wonders, 2. Thes. 2. for the Antichrist or Man of Sin, is not the Whore of Babylon; and for the right understanding of this truth, mark well these seven Particulars.  
1. First, Who is this great Whore of Babylon, and where her chief seat hath been, and is?  
2. Secondly, Her fall and the means, how and by whom?  
3. Thirdly, What is the spirit of Antichrist, and who hath that spirit?  
4. Fourthly, That the Antichrist will be a single person.  
5. Fifthly, The manner of his rising, and when?  
6. Sixthly, Some of the great things he will do.  
7. Lastly, His fall, when, and by whom?  
Of these things in order:  
But first I freely confess▪ That many honest men, fearing God in those latter times, have been mistaken in saying, that the Romish Whore of Babylon is the Antichrist that the Scripture speaks of; but men may see in this latter part of the last time, with a diligent and serious search of the Scriptures, through grace, that the great Whore of Babylon is not the Antichrist; And it being so, that God having shown it me through the Scriptures, I being not accounted of in the world, knowing that God doth great things by them that are not esteemed among men, that no flesh should glory, etc. And considering, that this which I do in this work may be seasonable, and for much profit to the People of God, and for the praise and glory of God; I shall show in brief, that the Whore is not the Antichrist: And for the clearing up of this truth.  
First, you may see who this great Whore of Babylon is, by noting her chief seat where it is, and that is at Rome, for John saith, Rev. 17. That the great Whore of Babylon, which sitteth upon many Waters, is that City which reigneth over the Kings of the earth; now Rome only was the chief City, and reigned over the Kings of the earth, when John wrote the Revelation; for when Christ was born, Augustus Cesar taxed all the world, Luke 2.1, 2, 3. And when Paul appeals to Cesar, they send him to Rome, Acts 25.11. Chap. 27.1. and 28.16. So it is plain by these Scriptures and many more, that when John wrote the Revelation, that Rome reigned over the kings of the earth; therefore the chief seat of this Woman the great Whore, the Mother of Whoredoms, is the City of Rome: so than the Pope and his Cardinals, Bishops, with the rest of the Clergy, (as they call themselves) and all Ministers that have Ordination from them immediately, or by succession, which stand in a Nationall way, is the Whore that sits upon many Waters; which is People, and Multitudes, and Nations, and tongues, Rev. 17.15.  
Secondly, The Church of Rome, and all Nationall standing, is truly said to be Whorish, because she bringeth in members, and accounteth them of the Body or Church of Christ by Generation, and so maketh her Church Nationall; whereas the Church of Christ is by Regeneration, or new birth, Titus 3.5. And so not National nor Dependant, but particular, or Independent.  
Thirdly, This appeareth fully, that the Church of Rome is a Mother of Harlots, and all National Churches that spring from her, are Whorish, and so are her daughters because she baptiseth or springleth upon a fleshly account, and so accounteth of her Members in a fleshly way by generation, and so brings in Infants in a lineal way, bringing in the old covenant in a confused manner, and so receiveth false seed, and so knoweth her members, and her children in a fleshly way, contrary to the express way of Christ, as Paul showeth, Rom. 9.8. saith he, They which are the children of the flesh are not the children of God, but the children of the promise are counted for the seed. And 2 Cor. 5.15, 16, 17. he showeth, that since the death of Christ, Henceforth know we no man after the flesh, yea though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more; therefore if any man be in Christ he is a new creature; old things are passed away, behold all things are become new.  
Fourthly, The Church of Rome, the Lord Bishops, and Presbyters which spring from her, for they hold their Ordination which they had of her, and their Infant-Baptisme which the Church of Rome administered to them, and so show themselves to be Whorish; they have forsaken the Lord Jesus Christ, (the Head) and his ways, and have gone a whoring after their own inventions, as Israel did, Psal. 106.39. For the Lord Jesus ascended up on high, and gave gifts to men; and so sends forth a Ministry by gifts, for the gathering together of the Saints, for the work of the ministry, and for edification of the body of Christ, till we all meet together in the unity of the faith, and the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, etc. Ephes. 4.8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13. But this Harlot contrariwise brings up her Ministry to humane learning, in sending them to the Universities, and there they learn Philosophy from Aristotle, a Heathen Author; and such like, and for them that are gifted by the Lord, if they preach, she forbids them. But on the contrary, note also, that the Ministers of Christ ministering by gift, Rom. 12.6, 7. being qualified according to this, 1 Tim. 3. and Titus 1. and approved by the Congregation of the Lord, they are Chosen by them, and Ordained, and so made Bishops, or Elders, Acts 1.21. to the end, chap. 6.3. and 14.23. But this Harlot makes her Ministers, or rather Lords, without the consent of her Parishes, and forceth them in upon them whether they will or no, and so her Maintetenance is by Tithes forced from men, bringing in the old Priesthood; yea, in the time of the Law they did not imprison men, if they did not pay their Tithes that we find, and yet she doth; and so this Romish Harlot hath made all Nations drunk with the wine of her fornication; her Children are children of fornication, according to the flesh by generation, a carnal seed consisting of Parishes, many of which consist of Swearers, Liars, Drunkards, Whoremongers, and such like; and a humane carnal ministry forced upon the people, and forced maintenance, and also her poor is maintained by force, and forcing men to worship with her, or else Fines, imprisonment, Banishment, or Death must be their portion; and also she hath changed the Ordinances, and the manner of administering them, and the subject, and so her way is not the way of love, and so not the way of Christ, and yet she saith in her heart and word, I am, and there is none else, I sit being a Queen, and am no Widow, and shall see no sorrow; and so let every one weigh well what is said, that the Saints at Rome were once famous, Rom. 1.8. but in time they departed from their espoused Christ the Lord, and so came to change the Ordinances; and yet she pretends to be the Spouse of Christ, having a show of all the Ordinances, or the names of them, for Believers baptism, she hath Infants sprinkling, and for Laying on of Hands, she hath Confirmation, or Bishoping, but the Presbyters have left this out, and in this they are nearer Antichrist than the Lord Bishops; and for Breaking of Bread, or the Lord's Supper, that is in part ministered unto the People, or Parish, and so to the wrong subject, being not penitent, nor baptised persons; and instead of the true Call to her Ministry, she hath a humane way as hath been showed, which is not mentioned in Scripture; and so Tithes and forced Maintenance, instead of that which is by free gift; and instead of singing with the Spirit, and with the understanding also, 1 Cor. 14.15. she hath singing in Rhyme, in a carnal formal way, many together without understanding, the Psalms being collected into English meeter, by Tho. Sternhold, John Hopkins, and others; and so she hath a glorious show, and a golden cup, and through the Pope's supremacy, and the Peter-pences, and prayer to Saints, and doctrine of Purgatory, and such like trumpery, the Clergy is very rich, proud and covetous; and thus all may see the way of the Whore is National, Generational, Fleshly, Carnal, Humane, after men's traditions; thus she goeth a whoring after her own inventions; and so you have a brief discovery of the Whore of Babylon, which is the Mother of National Churches, her Daughters, and abominations of the earth, and is drunken with the blood of the Saints, and with the blood of the Martyrs of Jesus, Rev. 17.5, 6. & that is & will be the cause of her fall, and that brings me to the second thing, even the fall of this Whore of Babylon, & the manner how and by whom; and for the clearing up of this;  
First, consider that this Woman sits upon a scarlet coloured Beast, full of the names of blasphemy, which had seven heads and ten horns, Rev. 17.3. Now note, that five of them heads, or kings were fallen, when John wrote the Revelation, and the sixth was then in being, vers. 9, 10. Now this Woman the Harlot, was to sit upon the sixth head, and hath so done a long time, and so the beast that had seven Heads carrieth her & beareth her up, forth Magistrates have supported her all along; understand also, that the fixed Head of the Beast hath reigned ever since the writing of the Revelation, but now is partly strong and partly broken; & that the sixth Head is not fallen, is plain if you note well, for the seventh Head when he cometh, he must continue a short space; now that head of the Roman Monarthy which is in being, hath continued long, even from before the birth of Christ; for Rome was governed by Emperors before the birth of Christ, Lnke 2.1. and the imperial power standeth yet, though it be translated into Germany; therefore the Imperial Head cannot be the seventh Head, because that hath continued long; and that the seventh Head continueth but a short space, note, Rev. 17.10. Five are fallen, and one is, and another is not yet come, and when he cometh, he must continue a short space; Also mark well, that the power of the Pope and his Clergy, cannot be the seventh Head, for they have continued long.  
Secondly, the Whore cannot be any of the Heads of the Beast, because she sits upon, and is carried by the Beast that hath seven Heads, and ten Horns, so she causeth the Beast to serve her, and maketh the Beasts and the Kings of the earth slaves to her, to do her will; so than the sixth Head of the Roman power is not fallen, though it be in part, and the seventh Head is now arising, which will take away the sixth, and doth, will, and must give some liberty to preach the Gospel, and to administer the Ordinances in the old way thereof; and so the Lord God will bring things to pass; for not one jot or tittle of his word shall fail; and so in the rising and reign of the seventh Head, and the ten Horns, the Angel shall fly in the midst of Heaven, having the everlasting Gospel, to preach to them that dwell on the earth, and to every Nation, and kindred, and tongue and people; saying with a loud voice, fear God, and give glory to him, for the hour of his judgement is come, and worship him that made heaven and earth, the Sea, and the fountains of waters, Rev. 14.6, 7. So the Gospel and the way thereof being preached, the Nations will be enlightened, and so God will put it into the hearts of the ten Horns, or Kings, to hate the Whore, and shall make her desolate and naked and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire. Rev. 17.12, 16. So through the preaching of the Gospel in the pure way thereof, the great Whore of Babylon falleth, and so the hour of her judgement is come; and to this agreeth that in Rev. 14.6, 7, 8. which showeth, that after the Gospel is preached to the Nations, then shall follow another Angel saying, it is fallen, it is fallen, Babylon the great City, for she made all Nations to drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, ver. 8. Much more might be spoken to this, but let this suffice as touching what the Whore is, and her fall, the manner how, and by whom?  
In the next place, note diligently what the spirit of Antichrist is, and who have that spirit; now John in his first Epistle, Chap. 4. And ver. 3. doth declare what the spirit of Antichrist is; namely, every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God; and this is that spirit of Antichrist, whereof you have heard that he should come, and even now already is in the world. Also understand, that John did not intent the heathen that never did believe, nor the unbelieving Jews, which never did acknowledge Christ come in the flesh; but those have the spirit of Antichrist, that went out from the Church of Christ, Chap. 2.18, 19 John showeth them that it is the last time, and as you have heard, that Antichrist shall come, even now are there many Antichrists, whereby we know that it is the last time; They went out From us, etc. So that the spirit of Antichrist, is that spirit that is found in them that have been enlightened, and have known the truth, and go out from the Church of Christ, and in a mystery deny Christ come in the flesh, and so Paul speaketh of the Antichrist, or Man of Sin, 2 Thes. 2.7. saith, The Mystery of iniquity, doth already work etc. and Peter speaking to the Saints, saith (in his 2 Epistle. 2.1.) there shall be false teachers among you, who Privily, shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that Bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction; So the spirit of Antichrist denies Christ come in the flesh secretly, and they that have this spirit, say, Christ is come in their flesh, and so say the light within them is Chuist; when at the best it is but the light of nature, and in many the spirit of error; their light being become darkness, being delivered up to strong delusion, to believe lies, thinking they have Christ in them, when it is a spirit of error, and so pervert the sense of the Scriptures, declaring the Anointing, and the Anointed to be all one, teaching up the spirit of Christ, apart from the Body of Christ, to be the Christ, or rather the spirit of error in them, to be the Christ come in their flesh; & so in a very deceivable secret way, deny Christcome in the flesh, in saying, he is the Christ that is within them, which is an evil spirit, so applying the Scriptures that speak of the spirit of Christ dwelling in men, to be that evil spirit in them; so declaring that spirit of error in them apart from the body, or flesh of Christ, to be the Christ, & so deny Christ come in the flesh; but note well, what the Scriptures of truth saith, they declare that Jesus Christ was slain, Act. 2.22, 23. Chap. 3.15. Chap. 4.10. in Chap. 5.30. Peter who was full of the holy Ghost, saith, the God of our fathers hath Raised up Jesus, whom ye flew, and hanged on a tree; & Paul saith to the Corinthians, 1 Cor. 15.3, 4. First of all, I delivered unto you, that which I received, how that Christ died for our sins, according to the Scriptures, and that he was Bursed, & that he Arose the third day according to the Scriptures; So it is plain, that the spirit apart from the body or flesh of Christ, is not the Christ; & therefore again note, what Paul saith, 1 Tim. 2.5. There is one God, & one meditatour, between God & man, which is the Man Christ Jesus; and Heb. 10.10. sheweth, that the Hebrews were sanctified by the offering of the body of Jesus Christ, ver. 19.20. Seeing therefore brethren, that by the Blood of Jesus, we may be bold to enter into the holiest; by the new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us through the vail, that is, his Flesh. So that Jesus, that was Baptised of John in the River Jordan, was anointed with the oil of gladness above his fellows, Mat. 3.13, 16. Psal. 45.7. So Jesus the Saviour is the anointed of God, for he gave him not his Spirit by measure. John. 3.34. and so the spirit of the Lord did rest and abide upon the Man Christ Jesus, Isa. 11.2. John 1.32. So then the spirit of God, or of Christ, apart from the Body of Christ, is not the Christ.  
Therefore most abominable is that which men say, that that which is in them is Christ, when it is a spirit of error, and so men may see how through this Mystery of iniquity, men come to say they are Christ; for consider, if the spirit in some man be the Christ, what hindereth him to say he is Christ; and therefore some one presumes to say he is Christ; Let no man mistake me, for I say that the spirit of God doth dwell in the Saints, & that Christ doth dwell in their hearts by faith; but note, that faith is the substance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things not seen, Heb. 11.1. So the just live by faith, and look for the Son of God from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivereth us from the wrath to come. But to return, so as to show yet further, who hath the spirit of Antichrist, & they are such as race out the Ordinances of Christ, which came in being when Christ came in the flesh, which plainly declare Christ come in the flesh, dead, and risen again, as baptism of Water, and Breaking of Bread, which doth declare the Lord's death till he come, 1 Cor. 11.26. Rom. 6.34. Col. 2.12. Now there are a sort of men which say, to know or acknowledge Christ in the practice of those Ordinances, is formal and sleshly. low, and carnal, and so reject the counsel of God, and will not be Baptised; and so not walking up in the Ordinances that did come in being, when Christ came in the flesh, and do so excellently declare him come in the flesh, and are to continue until Christ come from heaven, and change our vile bodies, and make them like his most glorious body, Phil. 3.20, 21. I say, those that do slight and reject those Ordinances, and say, they are formal, and will not practise them, have the spirit of Antichrist, & do deny Christ come in the flesh; because they will not practise those Ordinances that declare Christ come in the flesh; yea, more fully than the Whore, for she hath a show, and so a remembrance of the Ordinances; though she have changed the subject, & the manner as aforesaid; but These root out the very being of them (as much as in them lieth) and so deny Christ come in the flesh, & so are discovered to have the spirit of Antichrist. Also those that have been en, lightened, and have believed the Resurrection of the body, and also the eternal Judgement, and then come to question it, and deny it, and say the Judgement day is come, have the spirit of Antichrist, for Christ being put to death in the flesh, and rising again from the dead, so bringeth in the Resurrection of the Bodies of all men, & then cometh in the eternal Judgement, according to that in Act. 17.30, 31. He hath appointed a day in the which he will judge the world in righteousness, by that Man whom he hath appointed, whereof he hath given assurance to all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead; so as by man came death, by man came also the Resurrection of the dead; For as in Adam all die, so in Christ shall all be made alive, but every man in his own order; the first fruits is Christ's, afterward they that are of Christ, at his coming, 1 Cor. 15.21, 22, 23. So Christ being come in the flesh, the Man Christ, Saviour, died and risen again, and so comes in the Resurrection, and no otherwise; therefore they that have been enlightened in the Resurrection, & the eternal Judgement, and come to say they are in the Resurrection, or that it is passed already, and so deny the Resurrection of the body, deny Christ come in the flesh, and so have the spirit of Antichrist; and therefore John writing to the Saints, warning them that they take beed of the Antichristian spirit, that they be not deceived, exhorteth them thus; Let that therefore abide in you, which you have heard from the beginning; if that which you have heard from the beginning shall remain in you; yea also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father, 1 John 2.24. read also for this purpose the whole Chapt. Now that which they heard from the beginning, was the beginning word of Christ, (according to that of Paul, 1 Cor. 15.3, 4. which he delivered first of all to the Corinthians, That Christ Died for our sins, according to the Scriptures, etc.) and the first Principles of the word of God, which is the Principles of the Doctrine of Christ, to wit, Repentance from dead works, and of Faith towards God, the Doctrine of Baptisms, and of Laying on of Hands, and of the Resurrection of the dead, and of eternal Judgement, Heb. 5.12. Chap 6.1, 2. Now these Principles of the teachings of Christ, came in being, by and through Christ, being manifest in flesh, his death and Resurrection, as hath been showed before; therefore, whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the Doctrine of Christ, hath not God, for he denies Christ come in the flesh, and so he hath the spirit of Antichrist, 2 John 6.7, 8, 9, 10, 11. and so there was many that had the spirit of Antichrist in the Apostle John's time, and so many Antichrists, they are said to be Antichrists, because they have the spirit of the Man of Sin, the Antichrist, 1 John 2.18. Chap. 4.2, 3. But the Antichrist, the Man of Sin, shall be possessed will the Spirit of the Devil, above his fellows, and so is said to be, The Antichrist, The Man of Sin; And so having in part declared what is the Spirit of Antichrist, and who hath that Spirit, I come now to the fourth thing which is,  
That Antichrist will be a single person.  
And for the proof of this; first consider how the Antichrist is set out in Scripture, in the singular number, not in the plural; as the Man of Sin▪ 2 Thes. 2.3. not men, and Isa. 14.16. Is this the Man that made the earth to tremble, and did shake the Kingdoms, the Son of the morning, and Son of perdition? not sons; the vile Person, not Persons, Dan. 11.21. Isa. 24.12. there fell a great Star from Heaven, not Stars.  
Object. This in Isa. 14. was fulfilled in Nabuchadnezzar King of Babel of Chaldee.  
Answ. That cannot be, for after this power, that is there spoken of is fallen, the whole world is at rest, and is quiet, they sing for joy; yea, the Furr-trees rejoice at thee, and the Cedars of Lebanon, saying; since thou art laid down, no feller is come up against us, verse. 7.8. Now the world did not enjoy such a rest as is there spoken of, so as that no Feller came up against the People of God no more; for since the time of Nabuchadnezzar, and that Monarchies fall, there hath come up many fellers, or destroyers of the Jews, and the believing Gentiles, as is clear, that Antiochus and the Romans against the Jews, and the Whore of Babylon against the Christians; and again the Apostle in 2 Thes. 2. takes up the same words in substance, and applies them to the man of sin, which is the Antichrist; therefore that in Isa. cannot be fulfilled in Nabuchadnezzar; (for this compare Isa. 14.13, 14. with 2 Thes. 2, 4.) though he might be a type of Antichrist.  
Secondly, it appears that the Antichrist will be but one man (though many have his spirit, and so many Antichrists) because it will suit best with his way of delusion, for he will pretend he is the very Christ, and will cause fire to come down from Heaven on earth in the sight of men, Rev. 13.13. and so he will endeavour to imitate Christ in all things, for as the Lord Christ shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty Angels in flaming fire, taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that Obey not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: so the Antichrist, will make fire come down from heaven in the sight of men, he will endeavour to make all the Scriptures that speak of Christ's coming, and of his reign to meet upon him; So his coming will be after the working of Satan, with all power, and signs, and lying wonders, and with all deceiveableness of unrighteousness in them that perish, because they receive not the love of the truth, that they might be saved, 2 Thes. 2.9, 10. So, as there is the Man Christ Jesus, the Son of the living God, which came in his Father's name, Mat. 16.16. John 5.4, 3. without sin, 1 Pet. 2.22. So there will be the Man of Sin, the Antichrist, which will come in his own name, and profess to be the Christ, but will be directly an enemy against Christ and his People.  
And so I come to the fifth thing; which is, the manner of Antichrists rising, and by what means; for the clearing up of this; First, consider that the Gospel, and the way thereof, is to be purely preached, and the Ordinances rightly administered, and so the Angel is to fly in the midst of Heaven, having the everlasting Gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and People, Rev. 14.6. And so the Gospel being preached to the Nations, and the Ordinances Administered in the good old way, according to the Scriptures, men come to be enlightened, as many are in these nations where the Kingly power is fallen, that did support the Whore, and would not give liberty of conscience; so I say, as the Gospel comes to be ministered, in the old way thereof, men come to be enlightened, the power of the Whore falleth, and men slighting, and rejecting the truth, and also many of them that do receive and obey the truth, fall and departed from the faith, and so receiving not the love of the truth that they might be saved; for this cause God doth, and will send them strong delusions, that they should believe a lie, 2 Thes. 2.10, 11. And so are given up to the Spirit of Antichrist; and so the Apostle Paul showeth, that the day of Christ's coming shall not come except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition, 2 Thes. 1.7, 8. Chap. 2.3. and so the Spirit speaking expressly, that in the latter times some shall departed from the faith, giving heed to seducing Spirits, and Doctrine of Devils, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their conscience seared with an hot Iron; forbidding to marry, etc. as in 1 Tim. 4.1, 2, 3. And the Apostle Peter writing to the Saints in his second Epistle, Chap. 2.1, 2. showeth, that there shall be false teachers among you, who shall privily bring in damnable Heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction; and many shall follow their pernicious wicked ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of; and Chap. 3.3, 4. he saith, that there should be scoffers, walking after their own lusts, saying, where is the promise of his coming, etc. and so men transgressing and abiding not in the Doctrine of Christ, fall from the faith of the Gospel; and so the spirit of God departs from them, and an evil spirit is sent unto them, which is the spirit of Antichrist, so out from them that thus fall away, and go out from the Church, 1 John 2.19. and so separate themselves, sensual, having not the spirit, as Judas hath it, vers. 19 and also from them that have been enlightened, and have neglected to walk up in truth, and so reject the counsel of God, as the Lawyers and Pharisees did, Luke 7.30. so I say, from them that so fall away, and neglect to hear and obey the Gospel, from them ariseth the Antichrist, or man of sin.  
Again, the sixth Head of the Roman Monarchy, which is the imperial, or Kingly power, hath always, and doth by the guidance of the Pope and the National Ministry (which rides upon the Beast as hath been showed) persecute men for their Consciences, and so hath let and hindered the Gospel from being preached, and the Ordinances from being rightly administered, and so the light of truth was exceedingly kept back, and but few received it, and them that did receive it, she persecuted, some she put to death, others she banished, or caused to fly into strange Countries, and into howling wildernesses, others imprisoned, and fined, and so she cometh to be drunken with the blood of the Saints, and with the blood of the Martyrs of Jesus, and so the Gospel could not be declared in the pure way thereof, to every Nation, kindred, tongue, and people, Rev. 14.6. And so also, if any did arise that had the spirit of Antichrist, she took him off also, and so she plucked up much wheat, and tares also, contrary to that of Mat. 13.29, 30. Let both grow together until Harvest, etc. So the sixth Head of the Roman Monarchy being rid upon, & guided by the Whore, did let the Gospel from being preached, and the Antichrist from rising; and so I think that the fixth Head did hinder the coming in of the man of Sin in the Apostles days, for the Emperor's being heathens then, persecuted the Saints, and so that sixth Head supporting, and carrying the Whore also, so as that it did let, and will let, until it be taken out of the way, 2 Thes. 2.6, 7. but now the sixth Head being in part taken away; and the seventh Head arising, he giving some liberty of conscience, the Gospel is preached, and truth appears, and many receive the knowledge of it, and obey it, and many fall away from it, and so the spirit of Antichrist ariseth, and so the seventh Head of the Roman Beast shall take away the sixth Head, and shall continue a short space, Rev. 17.10. and so the ten Horns also shall arise in one hour with the beast that was, and is not, even he is the Eighth, and is of the Seventh, vers. 11, 12. and so is the little Horn that Daniel speaks of, Dan. 7.11, 24, 25. and the last power, or Beast, the Antichrist, the Man of Sin, and so the seventh Head and ten Horns, or Kings giving liberty, the servants of God sends forth the truth as it is in Jesus, ministering in the Gospel glad tidings of the Kingdom to the Nations, men come to know the truth, and so are enlightened with it, and so many may come to shine as Stars, and yet fall away as the Antichrist, or man of sin, himself will be some notable man shining as a Star for a time, yet afterward falling from the truth, according to that in Rev. 8.10, 11. The third Angel sounded and there fell a great Star from Heaven, burning as it were a lamp, and it fell upon the third part of the rivers, and upon the fountains of waters, and the name of the Star is called Wormwood; and the third part of the waters became Wormwood, and many men died of the waters, because they were made bitter. So the man of Sin falls from the truth, or true Church, as a great Star from Heaven, burning like a Lamp, through Satan's transforming himself as into an Angel of light, and so falls upon the rivers, and fountains of waters, so that he maketh them bitter: so the sweet promises of the Gospel; and the way of Christ, in which men shall be made partakers of the waters of life, and so made glad in the City of God, are so made bitter like Wormwood, changing the taste of them, so that many men die of those waters, according to that of Judas 12. Twice dead plucked up by the roots; and thus he causeth men to fall, so that the third part of the Sun is smitten, and the third part of the Moon, and the third part of the Stars, so as the third part of them is darkened, and the day shone not for a third part of it, nor the night likewise, Rev. 8.12. The Sun is hear compared to the Church, because the Church or Saints through Christ are said to be the light of the world, Mat. 5.14. and so Jacob who is called Israel, according to joseph's dream, is compared to the Sun, Gen. 37.9, 10. The Moon I take to be the world, or the Whore, the false Church, which hath her light from the true Church, as the Moon hath her light from the Sun, the Stars are the eminent teachers in the Churches, Rev. 1.20. and this in the eight chapter before spoken of, is an allegory, because the waters are said to become Wormwood, and yet men drink of them, which cannot be, if they were made Wormwood; therefore it is Allegorical, that the word of the Gospel in the ministration of the Prophets is compared to water, look Ezek. 34.18, 19 Isa. 55.1. Rev. 22.17. So then a many of the Church will fall from the faith, and the Stars, the Elders, or chief teachers also, and many of the World, or false Church that shall be enlightened, and will not obey, shall be darkened, and so shall lose that light they have, and so shall be given up to gross darkness, and so after a great falling away from the truth; So the man of Sin, the Antichrist is revealed, and getteth the power and rule by flatteries, after the working of Satan, with all power, and signs, and lying wonders, and with all deceiveableness of unrighteousness; and So opposeth & exalteth himself above all that is called God, or is worshipped; so that He as God, sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God, Dan. 11.21. 2 Thes. 2.3, 4, 9, 10. And so I come to the sixth Particular, which is,  
Some of the great things that the man of Sin willdo, with his false Prophet.  
Which in the first place take what Daniel saith of him, setting him out by a little Horn, Chap. 7.8, 11, 24, 25. he saith, That he shall subdue three Kings, and he shall speak Great words against the most high, and shall wear out the Saints of the most high, and think to change times and laws; and they shall be given into his hand, until a time, and times, and the deviding of times; And so he shall reign in full power three years and a half, for time is taken for one year, times, for two years, and half a time, for half a year, as in Dan. 4.25. some translation reads, for seven times, seven years, and so the woman Clothed with the Sun, that flies from him into the wilderness, and is there three years and a half, Rev. 12.1, 14. so he shall persecute the Saints of the most high, ver. 11, 17. and the false prophet causeh the first beast whose deadly wound was healed, to be worshipped, and he doth great wonders, so that he maketh fire to come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men; & deceiveth them that dwell on the earth, by means of those miracles, which he shall have power to do in the sight of the beast; saying, to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, & did live; & had power to give life, or breath to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast, should be killed; and he causeth all both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to give a mark in their right hands, or in their foreheads, and that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name, Rev. 13.11, to 18. So the Beast that hath a wound with a sword, that is, the seventh Head is slain to death, yet he having another which is of the seventh, and is the eighth, and so liveth; and so it is the Beast that was, and is not, and yet is, and so the false Prophet shall by miracles, cause the world to worship the Beast, the man of sin, the Antichrist, as God, sitting in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God, 2 Thes. 2.4. and cause as many as will not worship the beast or his image, to be killed; and so the fallen Star before mentioned, which is the Beast, the Antichrist, ascendeth out of the bottomless pit, the key of the bottomless pit being given him, he openeth the bottomless pit, and then ariseth a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a furnace, and the Sun, and the air, will be darkened, by reason of the smoke of the Pit, Rev. 11.7. Chap. 9.1, 2. and near the end of his reign, when the sixth Vial is poured, or pouring out, then shall come three unclean spirits like frogs out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the Beast, and out of the mouth of the false Prophet; for they are the spirits of Devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the Kings of the earth, and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty; and he gathered them together to a place, called in the Hebrew tongue, Armageddon, Rev. 16.12, 13, 14, 16. which is into the Land of Canaan, according to Joel 3.9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14. Multitudes, multtudes in the valley of decision; and so I come to the seventh particular; which is.   

The fall of the Beast or Man of Sin, and when, and by whom.  
Now Paul saith, that the Lord will consume him with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy him with the brightness of his coming, 2 Thes. 2.8. So when the enemy shall come in as a flood, the spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him, Isa. 59.19. and so when the Lord himself shall descend from Heaven, with ten thousand of his Saints, to execute Judgement upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them, of all their ungodly deeds, and of their hard speeches, which ungodly sinners have spoken against him, Judas 15. Then the Sun and the Moon shall be be darkened, and the Stars shall withdraw their shining; the Lord also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall Shake; but the Lord will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the Children of Israel,; Joel 3.15, 16. And in that day will the Lord make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all People, all that burden themselves with it, shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the Earth be gathered against it, Zech. 12.1, 2, 3, 4. Then the Lora Jesus, (that Died and Rose again,) himself shall descend from Heaven with a shont, and with the voice of the Archangel; and with the trump of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first; Then we which are alive and remain, 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, 1 Thes. 4.14, 15, 16, 17. And so as Zechary hath it, The Lord my God shall come, and all the saints with him, Chap. 14.5. And then the ten horns which received power as Kings in one hour with the Beast, the Man of Sin, These have one mind and shall give their Power and Strength unto the Beast, These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them; For he is Lord of Lords, and King of Kings, and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful, and so according to Rev. 19 The Lord Jesus, the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords, with his Armies which were in Heaven, following him upon white Horses, clothed in fine Linen, white and clean, descends from heaven against the Beast, the Man of sin; And the Kings of the earth, and their Armies gathered together, to make war against him that sat on the Horse, the Man Christ, and against his Armies; and the Beast was taken, and with him the false Prophet, that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received, the mark of the Beast, and them that worshipped his image; These both were cast alive into a lake of fire, burning with brimstone; And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the Horse; Which sword proceeded out of his mouth; and all fowls were filled with their flesh; So the Beast, the Antichrist, the Man of Sin, and the false Prophet, which did work miracles before him shall be taken alive, and cast into a lake of fire, burning with brimstone; and so Tophet is ordained of old, yea, for the King it is prepared, he hath made it deep and large, the pile thereof is fire and much wood, the breath of the Lord like a stream of brimstone doth kindle it, Isai. 30.33. And so, as men are threatened, in Rev. 14.9, 10. That if they worship the Beast, or his image, and receive his mark in their foreheads, or in their hands; The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture, into the cup of his indignation, and he shall be tormented with sire and brimstone, in the presence of the holy Angels, and in the presence of the Lamb; So it shall come to pass when the Lord Jesus shall appear; and therefore take the 11 verse. And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever, and they have no rest day nor night who worship the Beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name; For this purpose read Isai. 14.18.19. and Chap. 66.24. Ezek. 38.22, 23. Thus the Lord will magnify himself, and sanctify himself, and he will be known in the eyes of many Nations, and they shall know that he is the Lord; And then in that day shall his servants say. This is the Lord, we have waited for Him, we will be Glad in his Salvation, Isai. 25.9.  
So then we may see, that the Whore is not the Antichrist, that the Scripture speaks of, for the Whore is set out in Scripture thus, as a Woman, a false Church, as a Queen, The Mother of Harlots, and ahominations of the earth; The Antichrist is set out thus; A Man of Sin, The man that did shake kingdoms, The Son of the Morning, The Son of Perdition.  
Secondly, the sixth Head of the Roman Beast carrieth the Harlot, but the Antichrist, the Man of Sin is the eighth and last Beast, as hath been showed.  
Thirdly, The Whore confesseth Christ to be come in the flesh, and hath a show, and a remembrance of his Ordinances, though she have changed the subject and manner; but the Antichrist denies Christ come into the flesh, and his Ordinances that declare him come in the flesh, as it hath been showed.  
Fourthly, The Woman, the Harlot, and her members that do worship according to her Traditions, and inventions, have space given them to repent, and many do repent; but they that do worship the Beast, the Antichrist, or receive his mark in their right hand, or in their forehead, they cannot repent; they must drink of the wrath of God, etc. as it is Rev. 14.9, 10. and in Chap. 16.11. They repent not of their deeds; note, that the first vial is poured out upon the earth, and the men that had the mark of the Beast, and worshipped his Image, are plagued; therefore none of the vials are poured out until the Antichrist reigneth, vers. 1, 2.  
Fifthly, The ten Horns hate the Whore, and destroy her, and make her desolate, Rev. 17.16. But the Antichrist is taken alive, when the Lord cometh, and punished with everlasting deflruction from the presence of the Lord, in a lake of fire, 2. Thes. 1.9. and Rev. 19.20.  
And so to draw to a conclusion, I do desire all men to take heed to the Scriptures of the Prophets and Apostles, for they are able to make men wise unto Salvation; and if men speak not according to the Law and Testament, it is because they have no light in them. Isa. 8.20. O give heed to the most sure word of the Prophets, as unto a light shining in a dark place. until the day of Christ dawn, and the day Star arise in your hearts; noting diligently all things that are spoken of, that must come to pass, for when the signs concerning Christ's coming are come to pass, the day of Christ's personal appearing will dawn.  
Secondly, is there such a spirit of delusion among men, wherein is a mystery of iniquity? Then let all take heed, that they seek the Lord while he may be found, and to kiss the Son lest he be angry; and ye perish in the way; O do not neglect to read, and search the Scriptures, and walk up in that you do know, be not deceived, God will not be mocked; what a man soweth that he shall reap, for he that soweth to the flesh, shall of the flesh reap corruption, but he that soweth to the Spirit, shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting, Gal. 6.7, 8.  
Thirdly, is it so, that God doth, and will give up men to a Spirit of delusion▪ that they should believe a lie, that they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness? Then he exhorted from hence, to forsake all unrighteous ways in conversation, and all whorish inventions of men in point of Worship; for if Moses Law be abolished, which was given to him by the Lord, let no man think that he shall be excused if he worship according to men's inventions.  
Fourthly, let all the Saints consider, and lay to heart what hath been spoken, and search the Scriptures, that they may be informed what is to come to pass, and so according to Christ's exhortation, in Luke 21.36. Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the son of man.  
Moreover when the Lord thus overthrows Antichrist and his Armies, and the Kings of the earth, as it hath been showed before, and more plenteously appeareth in Scripture; When the whirl wind of the Lord goeth forth with fury, a cutting whirlwind, it shall remain with pain upon the head of the wicked; the fierce anger of the Lord shall not return, until he have performed the intents of his heart; At the same time, saith the Lord, will I be the God of all the families of Israel, and they shall be my people: For God hath loved them with an everlasting love, therefore with loving kindness he will draw them, Jer. 30.23, 24. Chap. 31.1, 2, 3. And it shall come to pass in that day, that the great Trumpet shall be blown, and they shall come that are ready to perish in the land of Assyria; and the outcasts in the land of Egypt, and shall worship the Lord in the holy mount at Jernsalem, Is. 27.13. So when the Enemies shall come in like a flood, great enemies being gathered by the beast, the Antichrist, according to Rev. 16.13, 14. being m●● according to Joel 3.9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14. the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him; then even then, the redeemer shall come to Zion and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, saith the Lord, Isa. 59.19, 20. compared with, Rom. 11, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32. Then at that day, the Lord himself which was dead and arose again, and is alive for evermore, Rev. 1.18. shall descend from Heaven with a shout, with the voice of the Archangel, and with the trump of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first, 1 Thes. 4.14, 15, 16. compared with Isa 27.13. and so as Zach. saith, The Lord my God shall come and all the Saints with thee, and his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem, Chap. 14.4, 5. then the Lord Jesus Christ the Lord of Hosts, and Lord of Lords, and King of Kings, shall reign personally upon the earth in mount Zion, and in Jerusalem, and before his ancients the house of Israel gloriously, Isa. 24.23. Rev. 17.14. Chap. 19.13, 14, 15, 16.  
And for the further proof and clearing up of this truth, That the Lord Christ shall reign personally on the earth, more than a thousand years, and all the Saints with him, from Adam to his coming, which died in the faith, and are found in the faith at his coming, are to reign with him upon earth; First, consider and mark well what the Scripture saith in the letter of it, for the proof of the same, the Prophet Jer. saith, Behold the days come saith the Lord, that I will raise unto David a righteous branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and execute Judgement and justice in the earth; In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely; and this is his name, the Lord our Righteousness, Chap. 23.5, 6. Ask of me and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession, Psal. 2.8. In his days shall the righteous flourish, and abundance of peace shall be so long as the Moon endureth; He shall have dominion also from Sea to Sea, and from the river unto the end of the earth; Yea all Kings shall fall down before him, all nations shall serve him, Pfal. 72.7, 8, 9, 10, 11. verse 17. His name shall endure for ever, his name shall be continued as long as the Sun; and men shall be blessed in him: All nations shall call him blessed; and the Lord shall be King over all the earth; in that day shall there be one Lord, and his name one, Zach. 14.9. 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; whose Kingdom is an everlasting Kingdom; and all nations or dominions, shall serve and obey him; and Rev. 5.9, 10. saith, Thou hast made us unto our God Kings & Priests, & we shall reign on the earth, Chap. 11.15. And the seventh Angel sounded, and there were great voices in heaven; saying, the Kingdoms of this world, are become the Kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever, Rev. 20. showeth at large, That the Saints shall reign with Christ a thousand years; which cannot be understood but to be on the earth.  
So then the letter of the Scripture speaks much, that the Lord Christ shall descend from heaven, 1 Thes. 4.16. Acts. 1.11. and his feet shall stand upon mount Olives, which is before Jerusalem, Zach. 14.4. and that he shall reign on the earth with his Saints; And that it may not appear a strange thing, observe well how the Scriptures were taken in the letter, that spoke of Christ to come in the flesh, and his sufferings; as, A virgin shall conceive and bear a son, Isa. 7.14. Christ the King of Jerusalem, and Lord of Lords, and King of Kings, riding upon an Ass, and upon a colt the foal of an Ass, Zach. 9.9. Mat. 21.5. of their giving him vinegar to drink, Psal. 69.21. Mat. 27.48. again the selling of Christ the Lord of life and glory, for thirty pieces of silver, Zach. 11.12.13. Mat. 27.9. Much more might be said, to show that strange things were foretell by the Prophecies in the Scripture, concerning the coming of Christ in the flesh, and his suffering, and rising from the dead, plainly declared in the letter; yea, men hardly believed them until they were fulfilled. So then the Scriptures speaking plainly also of the Lord Christ descending from heaven to the earth, and to reign on the earth with his Saints, (as it hath been showed before) why should it be thought to be uncredible.  
Again there is a stream of Scriptures that declareth, that the Saints shall suffer persecution, and be in tribulation until the coming of Christ, John 16.33. 2 Tim. 3.12. Luke 14.2, 27. Acts. 14.22. Yea, the nearer the coming of Christ, the greater trouble to the Saints, 2 Tim. 3.1, 2, 13▪ Dan. 7.25. Luke 18.7, 8. Rev. 7.14. Also the Scriptures declare plenteously, that the Saints shall reign on the earth, and flourish exceedingly, and that a long time, Psal. 72.7. Isai. 65.21, 22, 23. Daniel 7.27. Psal. 149. Mat. 5.5. Rev. 2.26, 27. Chap. 5.10. Chap. 11.15.  
Now observe it well, how can this stand or consist, that the Saints must from Christ coming in the flesh, to his coming to Judgement suffer persecution and tribulation, and yet must have a long time to reign and flourish, seeing reigning over the earth and flourishing, is inconsistent, for men cannot be at one time in a persecuted, troubled, afflicted condition, and in a reigning, flourishing state; therefore I say, that Christ must reign on the earth, and appoint his people a kingdom, Luke 22.29, 30. and so they shall reign with him on the earth.  
Again there is a stream of Scriptures, that declareth, that there should be wars, and rumours of wars in the last days, Mat. 24.6, 7. Mark 13.7, 8. Dan. 2.40. Chap. 8. Chap. 11. Rev. 13. Chap. 17. Yea, the fourth Monarchy, which is the Roman power, which did begin to reign before Christ, came in the flesh, and hath reigned in the sixth Head, and will reign in the seventh and eighth, which is of the seventh of that Roman power, until Christ come as hath been showed before; hath all a long brought in wars, and doth and will to the coming of Christ; for the Scriptures show, that this fourth power, will break in pieces and subdue all, and stamp the residue with the feet of it, Dan. 2.40. Chap. 7.7. So there hath been no long peace, but division, and wars, and is and will be more and more, until the coming of Christ, Dan. 2.42, 43. Chap. 7.24, 25. Joel 3.9, 10. Exek 38. Chap. 39 Revel. 16.14. Chap. 19.17, 18, 19 So then, by the Scripture it appeareth from the coming of Christ in the flesh, to the coming of Christ from heaven, to judge the quick and the dead; there hath, and will be war; and to this Histories agree also, that there hath not been no long peace in the world, since the Jews captivity in Babylon, but very much war.  
But the Scripture showeth plenteously also, that there shall be a long peace in the whole world; Psal. 72.7, 8. in his days, shall the righteous flourish, and abundance of peace, so long as the Moon endureth, Zach. 9.10. Isai. 14.7. The whole world is at rest, and is quiet, they break forth into singing, Mich. 4.3, 4. And he shall judge among many people, and rebuke strong Nations after off, and they shall beat there swords into ploughshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; Nation shall not lift up a sword against Nation, neither shall they learn War any More: But they shall sit every man under his vine, and under his figtree, and none shall make them afraid; for the mouth of the Lord of hosts hath spoken it, Isa. 2.4. So then there hath been and will be war until Christ comes, & yet there must be a long time of peace, and this peace never was, nor cannot be until Christ comes; (as the Scriptures of truth witness) and then if the earth be utterly destroyed, as some say, than that peace cannot be; But I say with the Prophet, that that peace must be, and it cannot be until Christ comes; therefore Christ will reign with all his Saints on the earth personally, and then he will make war to cease unto the ends of the earth, he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear asunder, he burneth the Chariot in the fire; saying, Be still and know that Lam God, I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth, Psal. 46.9, 10.  
Again the whole house of Israel after the flesh, shall be called, as it hath been showed before, which cannot be until the fullness of the Gentiles be come in, and the appearing of Christ; and this will appear evidently if you well observe, what Isa. saith, 59.20, 21. compared with Rom. 11.25, 26, 27. for the Apostle showeth, when the fullness of the Gentiles is come in; then the deliverer shall come to Zion, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob; For this is my Covenant unto them, when I shall take away there sins; And that you may see the Apostle speaks of the whole house of Israel, that remains on the earth when the fullness of the Gentiles is come in; note well, the 25. verse, and so to the 33. And also what hath been said before, concerning this thing. So then the whole house of Israel shall be called to a glorious state here on earth, when the fullness of the Gentiles is come in; and then the deliverer the Lord Jesus Christ, shall come to Zion, & then shall they look upon him whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him as one mourneth for his only Son, Zach. 12.10. So then, from all this, (and much more might be said) it clearlly followeth, that the Lord shall reign personaly on the earth, and so the Lord God shall give him the Throne of his Father David, and he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever, and of his kingdom there shall be no end, Luke 1.33.33.  
Now in the next place, take notice further of some of the excellent things that the Lord will do in that day for the house of Israel; In that day shall the branch of the Lord be beautiful, and the fruit of the earth shall be excellent, and comely, for them that are escaped of Israel. And it shall come to pass, that he that is left in Zion, and he that remaineth in Jerusalem, shall be called holy, even every one that is written among the living in Jerusalem; When the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, & shall have purged the blood of Jerusalem from the midst thereof, by the spirit of Judgement, and by the spirit of burning, Isai. 4.2, 3, 4.  
Then shall health be restored unto Israel, and their wounds healed, saith the Lord, because they called thee an outcast; saying, this is Zion whom no man seeketh after; Thus saith the Lord, behold I will bring again the captivity of jacob's tents, and have mercy on his dwelling place, and the City shall be builded upon her own heap, and the palace shall remain after the manner thereof: And out of them shall proceed thanksgiving, and the voice of them that make merry; and I will multiply them, and they shall not be few, I will also glorify them, and they shall not be small, Jer. 30.17, 18, 19  
Again at this time, will the Lord make them one Nation in the land upon the mountains of Israel, and one King shall be a King to them all, and they shall be no more two Nations, neither shall they be divided into two kingdoms any more at all; Neither shall they defile themselves any more with their Idols, nor with their detestable things, nor with any of their transgressions; but I will save them out of all their dwelling places, wherein they have sinned, and will cleanse them; so shall they be my people, and I will be their God, Ezekiel 37.22, 23.  
Again, Wait yea upon me saith the Lord, until the day that I rise up to gather the Nations; that I may Assemble the kingdoms to pour upon them mine Indignation, even all my fierce anger; for all the earth shall be devoured with the fire of my jealousy: For then will I turn to the people a pure Language, that they may all call upon the name of the Lord, to serve him with one consent; At this time I will bring you again, even in this time that I gather you; for I will make you a name and a praise among all people of the earth, when I turn back your captivity before your eyes, saith the Lord, Zeph. 3.8, 9, 10.  
Again, Look upon Zion the City of our solemnities, thine eye shall see Jerusalem a quiet habitation, a Tabernacle that shall not be taken down, not one of the stakes thereof shall ever be removed, neither shall any of the cords be broken: And the Inhabitants shall not say, I am sick, the people that dwell therein shall be forgiven there iniquity; Isa. 33.20, 24.  
Again, Hear the word of the Lord, O ye Nations, and declare it in the Isle's afare of, and say, he that scattered Israel, will gather him, and keep him as a shepherd doth his stock; For the Lord hath redeemed Jacob and ransomed him from the hand of him that was stronger than he: Therefore they shall come and sing in the height of Zion, and shall flow together to the goodness of the Lord; for Wheat, and for Wine, and for Oil, and for the young of the flock, and of the heard; and their souls shall be as a watered Garden, and they shall not sorrow any more at all, Jer. 31.10, 11, 12. Yea, in that day shall that song be sung by the house of Israel that is in the 12. of Isai; Yea they shall cry out and shout for joy, for great is the holy one of Israel, in the midst of them, verse the 6. Zeph. 3.15. They shall not see evil any more; then that in the 35. of Isai. shall be made good, and that in Isai. 60. and many other places which speak very clearly to these things; search and see, for Paul would not have us Ignorant of this mystery, Rom. 11.25.  
Moreover be not mistaken though it be so, that the fullness of the Gentiles under this dispensation shall come in before Christ come in person, and many shall be given up to blindness, and be destroyed at his appearing, (as it hath been showed before) yet them that are left of the Nations, shall fall in with the people of Israel, and say; Come let us go up to the mountains of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob, and he will teach us of his ways; and we will walk in his paths; For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem, Isai. 2.2, 3. Micah. 4.1, 2, 3. Yea, many people and strong Nations shall come to seek the Lord of hosts in Jerusalem, and to pray before the Lord; Thus saith the Lord of hosts, in those days it shall come to pass, that ten men shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, we will go with you; for we have heard that God is with you, Zach. 8.22, 23. yea Zach. saith, that when the Lord cometh and all the Saints with him, even than the Lord shall be King over. all the earth, in that day shall there be one Lord, and his name one; and than it shall come to pass that every one that is left of all the Nations which came against Jerusalem, shall even go up from year to year, to worship the King the Lord of hosts, and to keep the feast of Tabernacles, Chap. 14.9, 14. and this as I understand was signified under the Law, when the males came up to Jerusalem to keep there feast, so the Nations shall come up from one new Moon to another, and from year to year, to worship before the Lord, Isai. 66.23. for then the Gentiles shall be Converted to the house of Israel, Isai. 60.5. For the house of Israel that are brought back and are called when Christ come, shall then be chief among the Nations, according to this Scripture, Isai. 19.24, 25. In that day shall Israel be the third, with Egypt, and with Assyria, even a blessing in the midst of the land; whom the Lord of Host shall bless saying, blessed be Egypt my people, and Assyria the work of my hands, & Israel mine Inheritance; so in that day, the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the Sea, Isa. 11.9.  
So in that day when Christ reigns gloriously on the earth, there will be first all them that died in the faith, & are found in the faith at his coming, made immortal, and shall reign with Christ over the whole earth, Dan. 7.27. enjoying perfection in knowledge and purity, 1 Cor. 13.10, 11, 12. Ephes. 5.27. and be made free from all manner of imperfections, yea as David saith, They shall be abundantly satisfied with the Fatness of thy house, and thou shalt make them drink of the River of thy pleasures, Psal. 36.8. So they shall be completely happy enjoying fullness of joy, for ever and ever.  
Secondly, the house of Israel that is called when Christ appeareth (as hath been showed) shall be under them, and governed and judged by them, Obad. 21. Mat. 19.28. Luke 22.28, 29, 30.  
Thirdly, The nations that know the Lord shall be inferior to the house of Israel, serving them in that day, Isa. 60.12, 14.  
Fourthly, That there will be some of the nations in that day, that will not come to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, and upon them shall come great judgements, Zach. 14.17, 18. Jer. 31.30. Isa. 65.20. So there will be in the kingdom of Christ (at least some of the time that he reigns on the earth, before he delivers up the Kingdom to the father) four sorts of people, but the Saints that come with Christ, shall reign most gloriously over them all.  
So then, things being so, let's look back to what hath been said concerning Christ coming to reign; namely, that the Saints must be in a troubled, persecuted, afflicted estate, until Christ comes, and the nearer his coming, the more persecution, and tribulations, Luke 18.7, 8. This serves to inform the fifth Monarchy men, that the Saints shall not have dominion of the earth, neither shall the fifth Monarchy be, until Christ comes, for the fourth Monarchy, or Beast in his Heads and horns, reigns until Christ comes, and presecutes the Saints, Dan. 7.25, 26. as hath been showed.  
Secondly, if there will be war and rumours of wars, and overturning of powers until Christ comes; that should teach the Saints, not to deceive themselves so as to conclude, they shall enjoy long rest and peace here on earth, before Christ comes, and so to seek great things for themselves; I say with the Prophet, Jer. Seek them not, for that the Lord hath built, he will break down, and that which he hath planted, will he pluck up, Chap. 45.4, 5. For the nations must drink Jeremy's cup, them that are wicked to the sword, saith the Lord, Chap. 25. from the 15. to the 34.  
Thirdly, This should teach us to buy the truth and not to sell it, and so to seek the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, in the first place, and to give all diligence to make our calling and election sure; redeeming the time, that we be not found among those foolish Virgins that let their lamps go out; but of those wise, that stand with their Loins girded about with truth, and their lights burning, as men that wait for their Lord when he shall return to the wedding; Mat. 25. Luke 12.35, 36, 37.  
Furthermore take notice of some signs that go before Christ's coming; First, observe that the Gospel being preached as it is now, (and shall be more fully hereafter) and many falling away from the truth, and the spirit of Antichrist appearing, this is a sign of Christ's coming, 2 Thes. 2.3.1 John 2.18.  
Secondly, If we see and hear of wars and rumours of wars, and false Prophets, and false Christ's appearing, and many run to and fro, and knowledge increase, and the great Whore of Babylon fallen, these things coming to pass are evident signs that the time of Christ's coming is near, Mat. 24.5, 11. Dan. 12.4. Rev. 14.6, 7, 8.  
Thirdly, When we shall see false Prophets, and false Christ's, saying; lo hear is Christ, or lo there; working miracles, and the Antichrist or man of sin arising or appearing; then may we certainly conclude the coming of Christ to be at hand; yea if we see the Whore of Babylon fallen, and the man of sin arising, we may certainly conclude, that before that generation shall go down to dust, the Lord will appear, Mat. 24.23, 24.2 Thes. 2.9. Rev. 14.9. Luk. 21.32.  
Fourthly, When there shall be famines and pestalence, and earthquakes in divers places, and the Jews return into their own land, and the Antichrist (or man of sin) plant his tabernacle in the holy mount, Dan. 11.45. Mat. 24.7.  
Fifthly, When the Man of Sin and the false Prophet shall set up an Image, and give the mark of the beast, and cause fire to come down from heaven in the sight of men, Rev. 13.13, 14, 15, 16. and the sixth vial poured out, and that false ministry of the beast go forth, and gather the nations to the battle of the great day, according to Chap. 16.12, 13, 14. Joel 3.9, 10, 11. and the Sun and Moon darkened, and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the Sea and waves roaring in an extraordinary manner, Isa. 13.10. joel 3.15: Luke 21.25, 26: When these changes begin to come to pass, especially the four last, then let us lift up our heads with joy, for our redemption draweth nigh, verse 28. And when the last appeareth, know that the Kingdom of God is near, even at the very doors, Mat. 24▪ 33. Now from all these things, let every one be persuaded to walk up in all the commandments, and Ordinances of the Lord, improving all grace, so as to serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear; yea let all the children of God, work out their salvation with fear and trembling; O let us give heed to the word of the Prophets, as a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day of Christ dawn, and the day Star arise in our hearts▪ that is, until Christ who is the bright morning Star he by his spirit; we giving heed to the word of the Prophet will cause us to understand the secrets of the Lord; yea the signs of his coming, as men that walk in the night know the day is near, when they see the day Star arising; so the Lord will give us the morning Star, that we may know in an excellent measure the time of his coming, 2 Pet. ●. 19. Rev. 22: 16. Chap. 2: 28 Psal. 25: 14.  
But let no man be deceived, so as to account of the coming or receiving of the spirit in the most excellent manner, to be the coming of Christ; for the Corinth's came behind in no gifts, yet waited for the coming of the Lord Jesus, 1 Cor: 1.7: And the Apostle John showeth, that there are but three sorts of Christians, the little ones; young men, and old men, in Christ; and old aught to wait and did wait for the coming of Christ, 1 john 2: 28: Chap. 3: 2. and then they and we shall be like him, Phil. 3: 31: O let all these things be laid to heart, and let all the children of God receive council of the Lord Jesus, so as to watch and pray always, that we may be accounted worthy, to escape all these things, that shall come to pass, and to stand before him acceptably, Luke 21.36.    
FINIS.