NOw that there is such a thing as a Christ, I shall not spend much time in proving of; on­ly I shall shew you, that he was [Page] [...] [Page 1] [...] [Page 2] first promised to the Fathers, and afterward expected by their children. But before I doe that, I shall speak a few words, concerning Gods fore-ordaining and purposing, that a Christ the Saviour should be, and that before the world be­gan. Now God in his own wisedom and counsel, knowing what would come to passe, as if it were already done, Rom. 4. 17. He knowing that man would break his commande­ments, and so throw himselfe under eternal destruction, did in his own purpose fore-ordain such a thing as the rise of him that should fall, and that by a Saviour, Eph. 1. 4. According as he hath chosen us in him (mea­ning the Saviour) before the foundation of the world. That is, God seeing that we would transgresse, and break his com­mandement, did before chuse some of those that would fall, and give them to him that [Page 3] should afterward purchase them actually, though in the account of God his blood was shed be­fore the world was, Rev. 13. 8. I say, in the account of God his son was slain; that is, ac­cording to Gods purpose and conclusion, which he purposed in himself before the world was; as it is written, 2 Tim. 1. 9. Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, accor­ding to his own purpose and grace which was given us in Christ before the world began. As also in 1 Pet. 1. 20. where the Apostle speaking of Christ, and the redemption purchased by him for sinners; saith of him, Who verily was fore-ordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last dayes for you who by [...]m doe be­lieve in God that raised him from the dead. God having thus purposed in himselfe that he would save some of them that by transgression had destroyed [Page 4] themselves, did with the ever­lasting son of his love make an agreement, or bargain, that upon such and such terms, he would give him a company of such poor soules as had by transgression fallen from their own innocency and upright­nesse, into those wicked in­ventions that they themselves had sought out, Eccles. 7. 29. The agreement also how this should be, was made before the foundation of the world was laid, Tit. 1. 2. The Apostle, speaking of the promise, or co­venant made between God and the Saviour (for that is his meaning) saith on this wise, In hope of eternal life, which God that cannot lye, promised before the world began. Now this pro­mise, or covenant, was made with none but with the son of God, the Saviour: And it must needs be so, for there was none with God before the world be­gan, but he by whom hee made [Page 5] the world; as in Prov. 8. from v. 22. to v. 31. which was and is the Sonne of his love.

This Covenant, or Bargain, had these conditions in it.

First, that the Saviour should take upon him flesh and blood, the same nature that the sonnes of men were parta­kers of (sinne onely excep­ted) Heb. 2. 14. Heb. 4. 15. And this was the will or agree­ment that God had made with him: And therefore when he speaks of doing the will of God, Heb. 10. 5. he saith, a bo­dy hast thou prepared me (as ac­cording to thy promise, Gen. 3. 15. which I was to take of a woman) and in it I am come to do thy will O God, as it is writ­ten of me in the volume of thy Book, v. 7.

2. The Saviour was to bring everlasting righteousnesse to justifie sinners withal, Dan. 9. 24, 25. The Messias, or Saviour shal bring in everlasting righte­ousnesse [Page 6] and put an end to ini­quity, as it is there written. To make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for ini­quity, and to bring in everla­sting righteousnesse. This, I say, was to be brought into the world by the Saviour, accor­ding to the covenant, or agree­ment, that was between God and Christ before the world began, which God, that cannot lye, promised at that time, Tit. 1. 2. Tit. 1. 2.

3. He was to accomplish th [...] everlasting righteousnesse by spilling his most precious blood, according to the terms of the covenant or bargain; and therefore when God would shew his people what the agree­ment was that he and the Sa­viour had made, even before the Covenant was accomplish­ed and sealed actually. See for this Zach. 9. When these words were spo­ken, the Covenant was not actually sealed; for that was done when the blood of Christ was let out upon the cross. (where he is spea­king of him that should be the Saviour) v. 11. And as for thee [Page 7] also (meaning the Saviour) by the blood of thy Covenant; or as some render it, whose Cove­nant is by blood (which is all to one purpose) I (meaning God) have sent forth the Priso­ners out of the pit wherein there was no water. The meaning is this: As for thee also, seeing the covenant or bargain that was made between me and thee before the world was, is accomplished in my account, as if it were actually and real­ly done; with all the conditi­ons that were agreed upon by me and thee; I have therefore, according to that a­greement that was on my part, sent forth the prisoners, and those that were under the curse of my Law, out of the pit wherein there is no water; see­ing thou also hast compleatly fulfilled in my account what­soever was on thy part to be done, according to our agree­ment. And thus is that place [Page 8] to be understood in John 17. [...] I pray for them, I pray not [...] the world, but for th [...]se th [...] thou hast given me (which I co [...]venanted with thee, for) thi [...] they were, and thou gavest th [...] me (but on such and such co [...]ditions as are before mentio­ned, Zach. 9. And again; Ac [...]cording as he hath chosen us [...] him (that is, in Christ) be [...] the foundation of the world, th [...] we should be holy and To be holy and without blame, is that which God in­tended for us in that glorious Co­venant; and by it alone we are holy and with­out blame before him in love; for we are compleat in him a­lone with whom the Covenant was made, Col. 2. 10. Tit. 1. 2. with [...] blame before him in love. No [...] seeing this was thus conclud [...] upon by those that did [...] well to the soules and [...] of poore sinners; after [...] world was made by them, a [...] after they had said, Let [...] make man after our own im [...] after our likenesse, Gen. 1. [...] And after man, whom Go [...] had made upright, had [...] transgression fallen from th [...] state into which God at [...] placed him, and throw [...] himselfe into a miserable co [...]dition [Page 9] by his transgression then God brings out of his love that which before he and his Son had concluded upon and begins now to make forth that to the world, which he had purposed in himselfe before the world began, Eph. 1 4. 9. 2 Tim. 1. 9. Now the first dis­covery that was made to a lost creature of the love of God, was made to fallen Adam, Gen. 3. 15. where it is faid, I will put enmity between thee and the wo­man, and between thy seed and her seed, which is the Saviour, Gal. 4. 4. it shall break thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. This was the first dis­covery of the love of God to lost man: This was the Gos­pel which was preached to A­dam in his generation; in these words was held forth to them in that generation, that which should be further accom­plished in after generations.

2. Another discovery of the [Page 10] love of God in the Gospel, was held forth to Noah, in that he would have him to prepare an Ark to save himself withal [...] which Ark did type out the Lord that was to come, and be the Saviour of those whom he before had covenanted for with God the Father. And God said to Noah, the end of all flesh is before me. Make thee an Ark of Gopher wood, Gen. 6. 13, 14. And Chap. 7. 1. The Lord said unto Noah, come thou and all thy house into the Ark, for thee have I seen righteous be­fore me in this generation.

3. God breaks out with a further discovery of himself in love to that generation in which Abraham lived, Gen. 12. 3. where he saith, And in thee, (that is, from thee shall Christ come thorow, in whom) shal [...] the families of the earth be bles­sed. This was also a further manifestation of the good will of God to poor lost sinners; [Page 11] and through this discovery of the Gospel, did Abraham see that which made him rejoyce, Ioh. 8. 56.

4. When the time was come that Moses was to be a Prophet to the people of his Generati­on, then God did more glori­ously yet break forth with one type after another; as the blood of Buls, & Lambs, & Goats: Also Sacrifices of divers manners, and of several things, which held forth that Saviour more clearly which God had in his own purpose & decree determi­ned to be sent; for these things (the types) were a shadow of that which was to come, which was the substance, Heb. 9. 9. 10. Heb. 10. 1, 5, 6, 7. Now when these things were thus done, when God had thus sig­nified to the world what he intended to doe in after times, presently all that had faith to believe that God would be as good as his word, began to [Page 12] look for, and to expect that the Lord should accomplish and bring to passe what he had promised, what his hand and counsel had before determined to be done.

Now Abraham begins to look for what God had promised and signified; namely, that he would send a Saviour into the world in his appointed time; which thing being promised, Abraham embraces, being per­swaded of the certainty of it, as in Heb. 11. 13. and this did fill his heart with joy and glad­nesse, as I said before; for he saw it, and was glad, John 8. 56.

2. Jacob also, while he was blessing his Sons concerning things to come, breakes forth with these words, I have wai­ted for thy salvation. He was also put in expectation of sal­vation to come by this Saviour.

3. David was in earnest ex­pectation of this, which was [Page 13] held forth by types and sha­dowes in the law; for as ye [...] the Saviour was▪ not come, w [...]ich made him crie out with a longing after it, O that the salvation of Israel were come out of Sion, Psal. 53. 6. and again O that the salvation of Israell, were come out of Sion, Psal. 147. The thing that David▪ waited for, was not in his time come, though before his time it was promised, which makes him crie out, O that it were come; that it were come out of Sion▪ Where by the way take notice, that the true Salvation and Sa­viour of Israel, was to come out of Sion, that is, out of the Church of God, touching the flesh, as it is written, A Prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren like unto me, Deut. 18. 15, 18. And a­gaine, I have laid help upon one that is mighty, I have exalted one chosen out of the people, Psal. 89. 19. And Rom. 9. 5. Whose [Page 14] are the fathers, of whom as con­cerning the flesh Christ came, wh [...] is over all, God blessed for ever. Christ as concerning the flesh, did come of the fathers.

4. Isaiah did prophesie of this, that God would thus save his people, yea, he breaks forth with these words, But Israel shal be saved with an everlasting Sal­vation, Isa. 45. 17. He also tels them how it shall be accompli­shed in that 53. Chap. Yea, he had such a glorious taste of the reality of it, that he speaks a [...] though it had then been actual­ly done.

5. In the dayes of Jeremie this that God had promised to the fathers, was not yet accom­plished; in cap. 23. 5. he saith, behold the dayes come saith the Lord, that I will (mark, it was not yet done.) but I will (saith God) raise unto David a righte­ous branch, and a King shall reign and prosper. In his dayes Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall [Page 15] dwell safely, And this is his name wherewith he shall be called, The Lord our righteousnesse.

6. He was also to come in Zacharies time, Zach. 3. 8. where he saith, For behold I will bring forth my servant the Branch.

7. He was not come in the time of Malachy neither, though he was indeed at that time neer his comming. For he saith himself, Behold, I will send my Messenger (meaning John the Baptist, Esay 40 v. 3. Luke 1. 76. and he shall prepare the way before me; And the Lord whom ye seek shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the Covenant whom ye delight in. Behold he shall come saith the Lord of Hosts.

8. Old Simeon did also wait for the consolation of Israel a long time, Luke 2. 25. where it is said, And behold there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, the same was a just man and devout, waiting for the [Page 16] consolation of Israel, That is waiting for him that was to be the Saviour; as is cleer if you read with understanding a lit­tle farther. And it was revealed to him by the Spirit, God hath a Christ own▪ di­stinct from all other things whatso­ever that is called Christ, whether they▪ be Spirit or body, or both spirit and body, and this is signifi­ed, where he saith, the Lord Christ. that he should n [...]t see death, before he had fee [...] the * Lords Christ, ver. 26.

And thus have I in briefe shewed you. 1. That there is such a thing as Christ. 2. That this Christ was promised and signified out by many things before he did come. 3. How he was waited for, and expected before the time that God had appointed in the which he should come.

And first, I shall lay down this for a truth; That it is not any [Page 17] Spirit only by, and of it sel [...]e, without it doe take the nature of man, that can be a Saviour of man from eternal ve [...]g [...]nce.

Or thus; That [...] will be a Saviour of man, must in the na­ture of man satis [...]e and appeas [...] the justice and wrath of God▪ and the arguments that I doe bring to [...]rove it by are these.

1. Because, it was man that had offended, and [...]ustice requi­red that man must give the sa­tisfaction: And therefore, when he that should be the Saviour, was come, he tooke upon him the forme of a Servant, and was made in the likeness of men, Phil. 2. 7. And in Heb. 2. 14. Because the children were partakers of flesh and blond he also himself likewise took part of the same: to what end▪ that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death that is the Dwell. And is that all? No, but also that he might deliver them who through feare of death, were all their [Page 18] life time subject to bondage.

The second argument is this, because, if a Spirit only could have made satisfaction for the fin of mankind, and have sub­dued Satan for man; without the nature of man; either there had been weaknesse in God when he made that promise to fallen Adam, That the seed of the woman should break the serpents head: (for there had been no need of, and so no room for that promise) or else God ha­ving made it would have ap­peared unfaithful in not fulfil­ling his promise by redeeming the world without it.

3. If a Spirit only could have made satisfaction, and so have saved man; then Christ needed not to have come into the world, and to have been borne of a woman, Gal. 4. 4. but in that he must come into the world, and must be borne of a woman, it is cleer, that without this he could not have been a [Page 19] Saviour: for he was made of a woman, made under the law, to this end, that he might redeem them that were under the law; Implying, Gal. 3. 13. No subjection to this ( viz. the taking of the nature of Man) no redemption from the curse of the law. But Christ hath delivered from the curse of the law, (all that believe in his name) being in their Nature made a curse for them.

And this is the reason, why the fallen Angels are not reco­vered from their damnable estate, because, he did not take hold of their They that are redeemed must have redemp­tion wrought out for them thorow their na­tures; for except that na­ture that sinned do bring in recovery from the curse that is due to it for its sin, that nature that sin­ned must suffer for its own sin. nature, For he tooke not on him the nature of Angels, but he tooke on him the seed of Abraham, Heb. 2. 16.

Now then, seeing this is the very truth of God, I shall next prove, that Jesus that was born of the virgin, to be the Saviour: And first, I shall prove it by comparing some places of the old and new Testament toge­ther, and by some arguments [Page 20] drawn from the Scriptures.

And first, see Gen. 3. 15. where he is called the seed of the woman, saying, I will put enmity between thee and the wo­man, and between thy seed and her seed; and so was Jesus, Gal. 4. 4. where it is said, God sen [...] forth his son made of a woman, or borne of a woman.

2. This woman must be a virgin, Isa. 7. 14. where it is said, a virgin shall conceive and beare a Sonne and shall call his name Emanuel. And Jesus is he that was the fulfilling of this Scripture, Matth. 1. 22, 23. Now all thus was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the Prophet, saying, Be­h [...]ld a virgin shall conceive, and bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emanuel.

3. The Saviour must be of the Tribe of Judah. And this Ja­cob prophecied of, on his death­bed, saying, Judah, thou art he whom thy brethren shall praise, [Page 21] or honour, Gen. 49. 8 th [...] hand shall be on the [...] of thine enemies, thy fa­thers children shall bow down before th [...]e.

And again Mic. 5. 2. But thou Be [...]hlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come, that is to be ruler in Israel. Jesus [...] of the tribe of Ju­dah, and that will cleerly ap­peare, i [...] you read Mat. 1. Ma [...]the [...] he begins first with A­braham, v. 2. and thence to Judah, v. 3. from Judah to D [...] ­x [...]d, ver. 6. From David to Zorobabel, v 13. then to Jacob the father of Joseph the husband of Mary of whom was borne Jesus, ver. 16.

Now Mary was one of the same house also, and for this con [...]ider, Jesus came from the loynes of David; see Ma [...]. 1. but that he could not doe, if M [...] had not been of the seed [...] [...] vid: For Christ came [...] not from him, for [...] [Page 22] her not till shee had brought forth her first born, Mat. 1. 25. Again▪ the Angel told her that he was the Son of David, saying, And the Lord God will give unto him the throne of his father David, Luke 1. 32.

And againe, The Jews knew this very well, or else they would have been sure to have laid it open before all the world; for they sought by all meanes to disown him. And though they did through the divellishnesse of their unbeliefe disown him, yet could they find no such thing as to question the right of his birth from Mary. If it had been to be done, they would no doubt haue done it; they did not want malice to whet them on; neither did they want meanes so far as might helpe forward their ma­lice, without manifest and ap­parent injury; For they had exact Registers or records of their genealogies, so that, if [Page 23] they had had any colour for it, they would sure have denyed him to have been the Son of Da­vid. There was reasoning con­cerning him when he was with them, Joh. 7. and I do believe, part of it was about the genera­tion of which he came. And this was so commonly knowne, that the blind man that sat by the way side could cry out, Jesus thou Some of David, have mercy on me; thou Sonne of David, have mercy on me, Luke 18. 38, 39. It was so common, that he came from the loines of his Father David according to the flesh, that it was not so much as once questioned. And when Herod demanded ( Mat. 2. 4, 5, 6.) of the chiefe Priests and Scibes of the people where Christ should be borne, they said unto him in Bethlehem of Judea: for thus it is written by the Prophet, And thou Bethlehem in the land of Judea, art not the least among the Prin­ces of Judah, for out of thee shall c [...]me a Governour that shall rule [Page 24] my people Israel: (For out of thee) Mark that; if Mary had not been of Judah, Christ had not come out of Judah. But Christ came out of Judah, therefore Mary is also a daugh­ter of Judah. and this is evi­dent, as saith the Scripture, for our Lord sprang out of Judah, Heb. 7. 14.

Againe, when Christ the Sa­viour was to come into the world, at that time the Scepter was to depart from Judah, ac­cording to the prophesie of Ja­cob. The Scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor a Lawgiver from between, his feet until Shiloh come, Gen. 49. 10.

Now the Scepter was then departed from those that were Jews by nature, and also the lawgiver, and Herod who was a stranger, and not of Judea, was King over them, as Caesars Deputy; and Caesar Augustus imposed lawes on them.

The stuborn Jews also con­fessed the Scepter to be depar­ted [Page 25] when before Pontius Pilate a Romane governour of [...]udea, they cryed out against Christ: We have no King but Caesar, Joh. 19. 15.

Nay further, the Jewes from that day to this have beene without a [...]ing of their owne nation to governe them; they never had the Scepter swayed since by any of themselves, but have been a scattered despised people, and have been as it were liable to all dangers, and for a long time driven out from their countrey, and scattered over all the Nations of the earth, as was prophesied con­cerning them, Je [...]. 24. 9. Zek. 5. 14, 15. And yet these poor souls are so horribly deluded by the devil, that though they see these things come to passe, yet they will not believe. And one rea­son among many, of their being thus deluded, is this, they say that the word Scepter in that 49. of Gen. is not meant of a [Page 26] Kingly Government, but the me [...]ning is (say they) a rod, or persecutions shall not depart from Judah, till Shiloh come, Now they doe most grosly mis­take that place; for though I am not skilled in the Hebrew tongue, yet through grace, I am enlightned into the Scriptures, whereby I find that the mea­ning is not persecutions, no [...] the rod of afflictions, but a Go­vernour or Scepter of the King­dome shall not depart from Judah till Shiloh come. And that this is the meaning of the place, weigh but the very next words of the same verse, and you will find it to be the Scep­ter of a King that is meant: for he addeth nor a Lawgiver from between his feet. Marke it, The Scepter, nor a Lawgiver; the Legislative power depending on the Scepter of the Kingdom shall not depart from Judah un­till Shiloh come. According to that Scripture, written in [Page 27] Isa. 7. 16. For before the Child shall know to refuse the evill and chuse the good, the land which thou abhorrest shall be forsaken of both her Kings: which Scripture hath been fulfilled, from that same time.

But a word to the Jews ex­position of the Scepter to be a rod, or persecutions, saying, that persecutions shall not de­part from Judah till Shiloh come. This cannot be the meaning of the place; for the Jews have had rest oftentimes, and that before Shiloh did come, at one time they had rest fourscore years, Judges 3. 30. againe, And the land had rest from warre, Jo [...]h. 14, 15. And a­gaine, & the Lord gave them rest round about according to all that he sware unto their fathers; and there stood not up a man of all their enemies before them, Jos. 21. 44. Jos. 22. 4. 23. 1. And the land had rest forty years, Jud. 3. 11. There was rest many a time from persecution and [Page 28] from the rod, th [...]ugh it we but for a season, but the Scep­ter, or Kingdome, did no [...] depart from Judah, and a law­giver from between his feet ti [...] Shiloh came.

Againe, to prove that Jesus is the Christ, it is cleer from the hand of God against the Jews for putting him to death: What was the reason why they did put him to death but this, he did say that he was the Christ the Sonne of God? Luke 22. 70. Then said they all, Art thou the Sonne of God? And he said, ye say that I am: that is, Joh. 9. 37. I am he as you say, I am the son of God, Yea the only begotten Son of the Father, and I was with him before the world was. Joh. 17. 5.

Now the Jews did put him to death for his thus owning his own, That is, for not denying of his Sonship, but making himself equal with God; there­fore did they put him to death, Joh. 1 [...]. 7.

Now God did, and doth [Page 29] most miserarably plague them to this very day for their cru­cifying of him; But I say, [...] he not been the Christ of God, Gods Son, he would not have laid sin to their charge, for cru­cifying him; but rather have praised them for their zeale, and for taking him out of the way, who did rob God of his honour, in that he made him­selfe equal with God, and was not. He would have praised them for doing the thing that was right, as he did Phinehas the son of Eleaz [...]r, for execu­ting judgement in his time, on the adulterer and adultere [...]le, Numb. 25. 8.

But in that he said he was the Sonne of God, and accoun­ted it no robbery so to call himself, Phil. 2. And seeing that they did put him to death, because he said he was th [...] Son of God, And in that God doth so severely charge them with, and punish them for their sin in [Page 30] putting him to death, for saying that he was the son of God, it is evident that he was and is the sonne of God, and that Saviour that should come into the world. For his blood hath been upon them to this very day for their hurt, according to their desire, Mat. 27. 25.

Againe, Jesus himselfe doth in his day hold forth that he is the Christ, where he saith, the time is fulfilled and the King­dome of heaven is at hand, Mat. 1. 15. What time is this th [...] Jesus speaks of? Surely, [...] that of Daniels Seventy weeks, spoken of in Chap. 9. 24. when he saith Seventy weeks are de­termined upon thy people to finish transgression, and to make an end of sin, and to make re­conciliation or satisfaction, for iniquity, and to bring in ever­lasting righteousness, and to a­noint the most ho [...]y: this time, that here Daniel speakes of, is it that Christ saith hath an end▪ [Page 31] and the argument that he brings to perswade them to be­lieve the Gospel, is this, the Kingdome of God is at hand, (according as was prphesied of it by Daniel) repent, and believe the Gospel. Repent, and be­lieve that this is the Gospel; And that this is the truth of God, Consider, that Daniel had a revelation of these daies from the Angel of God, and also the time in which it should be ac­complished: Namely, Seventy weekes was the determined time of the Messias his com­ming, from the time when the Angel spake these words to Daniel: Seventy weekes, that is about 490 years, if you rec­kon every day in the said twen­ty weekes for a yeare, a day for a yeare: a day for a yeare; for so is the holy Spirits way some­time to reckon dayes, Ezek. 4. 6. and this the Jews were convin­ced of, when Christ saith to them, ye Hypocrites, ye can dis­cerne [Page 32] the face of the skie, but can you not discerne the Signes of the time? Mat. 16. 3. Do you not see that those things that are spoken of as forerunners of my comming, are accompli [...]hed? Do you not see that the Scepter is departed from Judah? Doe you not see the time that Daniel spake of is accompli [...]ed also? There shall no Signe be given you but the sign of the Proph [...]t J [...]nab [...] O ye hypocritical generation, ver. 4.

Another argument to pr [...]ve that Jesus is [...]he Chri [...], is this, By his power, the blind [...]ee, the [...] walke, t [...]e dea heir, the d [...]mbe speak, the dead are raised up, the divels are dis [...]o [...] ­fesled In Es [...] 5 [...]. 4. it is thus pro [...]he [...]ed of him. Beh [...]ld, your God will come with a venge­ance; even God with a reco [...] ­pence, he will [...] and save you. But how shall we know when he is come? Why, th [...]n the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and [Page 33] the eares of the deafe shall be un­stopped, then shall the lame man leape as an hart, and the [...]o [...]gue of the dumbe shall sing, for in the wildernesse shall waters breake forth, and streames in the desart, v [...]r. 5. 6. Now which John would know whether he were the Christ or no, Jesus sends him this very answer, Go and tell John (saith he) what you hear and see, The bl [...]nd receive their sight, and the lame walke, the [...]epers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the Gospel preached unto them, Mat, 1 [...]. 3 4. 5.

Another Argument that doth prove this Jesus to be the Christ is this, namely, he to whom it was revealed that he should see him, though he waited long for him. So soone as ever he did but see that sweet B [...]be that was borne of the Virgin Mary, he cryed out, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace according to thy word: for mine [Page 34] eyes have seene thy Salvation, which thou hast prepared before all people, as it is in Luke 2. 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31. The Pro­phetesse Anna also so soone as shee had seen him, gave thanks to the Lord, and spake of him [...] all those that waited for redem­ption in Israel, ver. 36, 37, 38.

Another Argument is the signe of the Prophet Jonah. He, even Jonah, was three dayes and three nights in the whales belly, Jonah 1. 17. And Jesus makes this very thing an argu­ment to the Jews that he was the true Messias, where he saith, A wicked and adulterous genera­tion seeketh after a signe, that is, they would have me to shew them a signe to prove, that I am the Saviour, & there shall no sign be given to them, but the sign of the prophet Jonah. For as Jonah wa [...] Three dayes: and three nights in the whales belly, so shall the So [...] of Man be three dayes and three nights in the heart of the earth, [Page 35] Mat. 12. 39, 40. And this, the Apostle makes mention of to be accomplished, where he saith, The Jews slew Jesus, and hanged him on a tree, Act. 10. 39. and laid him in a Sepulchre, Mat. 27. But God raised him up the third day, & shewed him openly, Acts 10. 40.

Another Scripture argument to prove that Jesus is the Christ, is this, that there was not one of his bones broken, which thing was foretold and typed out by the paschal Lambe, where he saith, thou shalt not leave any of it until the morning, nor break a bone of him, Exod. 12. 46. Numb. 9. 12. which thing was fulfilled in the Sonne of the Virgin, (though contrary to the customes of this Nation) as it is written, Then came the Souldiers and brake the legs of the first, and of the other that was crucified with him. But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs, Joh. 19. 31, 32. [Page 36] That the Scripture should be ful­filled, a bone of him shall not be broken, ver. 36.

Another Scripture demon­stration is, in that they did ful [...] the saying that was written, They parted my rayment among them, and for my vesture they did cast lots. Psal. 22. 18. But this was also [...]ulfilled in Jesus, as it is written: Then the Souldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every Souldier a part, and also his coat. Now the coat was without seame; They said therefore among themselves, let us not rent it, but let us cast lot [...] whose it shall be; that the Scri­pture might be fulfilled which saith, They parted my rayment among them, and for my vesti [...] they did cas [...] lots, John 19. 23, 24.

Againe, the Scripture saith, they shall look on me whom they have pierced, Zach. 12. 10. But the Souldier thrust a spear into his side, that it might be [Page 37] fulfilled which was written, They shall look on him whom they have pierced, Joh. 19, 34, 35, 36, 37.

Now then, seeing this is the truth of God that Jesus that was borne of the Virgin is the Christ of God; how horribly are those deceived who look on Jesus the son of Mary, A believer hath no law to fulfill for justifica­tion; only believe on what the man Christ Jesus hath done and be saved. to be but a shadow or type, of something that was afterward to be revea­led; whereas the Scriptures most lively hold him forth to be the Christ of God, and not a shadow of a spirit, or of a body afterwards to be revealed, but himselfe was the very sub­stance of all things that did any way type out. Christ to come; and when he was indeed come, then was an end put to the law for righteousness, or justifica­tion to every one that belie­veth; Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth, as it is written, Rom. 10. 4. That is, he was the end of the ceremonial law, and of [Page 38] that commonly called the mo­ral law, the substance of which is laid down, Exod. 20. from the first to the 17 verse, though that law, as handed out by Christ, still remaines of great use to all believers, which they are b [...]und to keepe for sanctification, as Christ saith, Mat. 5. 19. verse, to the end of the Chapter. But Christ Jesus hath obtained e­verlasting righteousness, having fulfilled all the law of God in the body of his flesh wherein he also suffered on the Cross with­out the gates, and doth impute this righteousness to poor man, having accomplished it for him in the body of his flesh, which he took of the Virgin, Gal. 4. 4 God sent forth his son made of a woman That is, borne of the virgin., made under the law, that is, to obey it, and to bear the curse of it, being made a Curse for us, Gal. 3. 13. to redeem them that were under the law, That is to redeem such as were ordained to life eter­nal, [Page 39] from the curse of the law. And this he did by his birth, being made or borne of a wo­man; by his obedience, yea, by his perfect obedience he became the Author of eternal salvation to all them that obey him, Heb. 5. 8, 9. and by his doing and suffering, did compleatly satisfy the law and the justice of God, and bring in that glorious and everlasting salvation, without which we had all eternally been undone, and that without remedy; for without shedding of his blood there was no re­mission. See Heb. 9. 22. and Compare it with Heb. 8. v. 3. where he saith it is of neces­sity that this man hath somwhat also to of­fer, which man was Jesus, ch [...]. 7. 22.

Secondly, seeing Jesus Christ, [...]he son of the virgin Mary, was and is the Christ of God: and that Salvation came in alone by him, for there is salvation in no other, Acts 4. 12. then how are they deceived, that think to obtain salvation by following the Convictions of the Law, which they call Christ (though falsely) when alas, let them fol­low [Page 40] those convictions that do come from the law, and consci­ence set on worke by it, I say, let them follow all the Convi­ctions that may be hinted in upou their Spirits from tha [...] law, they shall never be able to obtaine salvation by their obe­dience to it, Gal. 2. 10. John. 10. 15. Heb. 9. 12 Gal. 3. 10. for by the law is the kuowledge of sin, Rom. 3. 20. And It is not of workes least any man should boast, as those fond Hy­pocrites called Quakers would do. And again, If righteousness comes by the law, then Christ i [...] dead in vaine, Gal. 2. 21. Bu [...] that no man is justified by the workes of the law, it is evident, for the just shall live by faith, Gal. 3. 10. Which living by faith, is to apply the Lord Jesus Christ his benefits, as birth, righteousnesse, death, blood, resurrection, ascension, and intercession, with the glorious benefits of his second comming to me, as mine, being given to [Page 41] me; and for me, and thus much doth the Apostle signi [...]ie, say­ing; The life which I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God, whe loved me, and gave himself for me, Gal. 2. 20.

Againe, Seeing Gods Christ which was with him before the world was, John 17. ver. 5. took upon him flesh and blood from the Virgin Mary, (who was espoused to Joseph the Car­pen [...]er) and in that humane na­ture yielded himself an offering for sin, (for it was the body of his flesh by which sin was pur­ged, Col. 1. 22.) I say, seeing the son of God as he was in a body of flesh, did bring in sal­vation for sinners, and by this meanes, as I said before, we are saved, even by faith in his blood righteousness, resurrecti­on, &c. How are they then deceived who own Christ no otherwise then as he was before the world began, who was then [Page 42] without flesh and blood (for he took that in time of the vir­gin, Gal. 4. 4. Heb. 2. 14.) I say, they are wickedly deluded who own him no otherwise but as he was before the world was: For in their owning of him thus and no otherwise, they do directly deny him to be come in the flesh, and are of that An­tichristian party which John speaks of, Joh. 4. 3. v. Every Spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the [...], is not of God; and this is that sprit of Antichrist, whereof you have heard that it should come, and even now already it is in the world. Now because the enemy doth most notably wrest this Scripture, as they do others, to their own damnation, I shall speak something to it; and therefore, when he saith, every Spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh, is not of God, his meaning is, Every spirit that doth not con­fesse [Page 43] that that Christ that was with the father before the world was, did in the appointed time of the father come into the World, took on him a body from the virgin, and was very man as well as very God, and in that body of flesh did do and suffer whatsoever belonged to the sons of men for the breach of the holy law of God, and impute his glorious righteous­nesse which he fulfilled in that body of his flesh, to the soules that shall believe, [...] what he hath done and is a doing in the same body. And that this is the mind of the Spirit of God, consider, First, he himself saith, handle me and see, for a Spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have, when his disciples had thought he had been but a spirit, Luke 24 39, 40. Now that in this flesh he died for sins, consider secondly that Scripture which saith, Who his own sel [...] (that is the Christ that [Page 44] was born of the Virgin) did bear our sins in his own body on the tree. See Col. 1. 22. in the body of his flesh, saith he, to pre­sent you holy and unblameable, & unreproveable in his sight. Now that he arose again from the dead with the body of flesh wherewith he was crucified, consider, that forenamed Scrip­ture, Luke 24. 39, 40. spoken after his resurrection.

Now that he went away with the same body from them into heaven, consider that it is said, And he led them out as, farre as Bethany, and he lift up his hands & blessed them: & it came to pass while he blessed them, he was carried from them, & carried into heaven, Lu. 24. 50, 51. This is the meaning of those words therefore; Jesus Christ is come into the flesh, that is, Jesus Christ hath come in the flesh that he took of the Virgin, hath brought us who were en­thralled to the law, the divel, and sin, to liberty; and that by [Page 45] his obedience and death. For asmuch then a [...]h children were [...] of flesh and blood (saith the Scripture) he, Christ also himself took part of [...] same; Wherefore? that though death [...] desir [...]y him [...] had the power of [...], that is the devill, and deliver them who through feare of death, were all their time subject to [...] Heb. 3. 14, 15. For he was delivered for our of­fer [...]es, and was raised again for our justification, Rom 4. 25. For he, even that man, through the power of the eternal Spirit, did offer up himself without spot to God; and thereby, o [...] by that offering, obtained eternall re­demption for us, Heb. 9 12, 14. And therefore I say again and again, look to your selves, that you receive no Christ except Gods Christ: for he is like to be deceived that will believe every thing that calls it selfe a Christ. For m [...]y, saith he, shal [Page 46] [...]ome in my name, and shall de­ceiue many, Matth. 24. 5.

ANd first I shall shew you that he is very God, Co-eternal, and also Co-equal with his Father.

2. That by this Son of Ma­ry (which is equal with his Father) the world was made.

3. That he in the fulnesse of time, was made of a woman, [Page 47] made under the Law, [...]al. 4. 4. to re­deem them them that were (or are) under the Law; that is, was borne of a woman: And in our nature (for he made himselfe of no reputation, and took on him the forme of a servant, and was made in the likenesse of men) and in our stead he did fulfill the Law in point of Justification, Rom. 10. 4. and was crucified for our transgre [...]ions, 1 Cor. 1. 23, 24, 25.

4. That very body of the sonne of Mary which was cru­cified, did rise again from the dead, after he had been buried in Josephs Sepulchre; that he in that very body ascended up into heaven; and in that very body shall come again to these ends. 1. First to judge the quick and the dead. 2. To receive his Saints to himselfe. 3. To passe eternal condem­nation on his enemies. These things in brief I shall touch [Page 48] upon, according to the wise­dom given me. And therefore that Christ is very God, I shall first prove by plain texts of Scripture. 2. From the testi­mony of God, Angels, and men, witnessed by the Scrip­tures. 3. By several Argu­ments drawn from Scripture, which will prove the same clearly.

1. Then to prove it by the Scriptures; though indeed the whole Book of Gods holy Scri­pture, testifie these things plain­ly to be most true, yet there be some places more pregnant and pertinent to the thing then others; and therefore I shall mention some of them: As first, minde that in Prov. 8. v. 22, &c. and there you shall finde him spoken of under the name of Wisedome, the same name that is given him in 1 Cor. 1. 24. I say in that place of the Prov. above mentio­ned, you shall find these expres­sions [Page 49] from his own mouth. The Lord possessed me in tho begin­ning of his way before his works of old. I was set up from ever­lasting, from the beginning: or ever the earth was, when there was no depths, I was brought forth; while there was no fountaine abounding with wa­ter. Before the mountains were s [...]tled, before the hills, was I brought forth. While as yet he had not made the Earth, nor the fields, nor the highest pla­ces of the dust of the world. When h [...] prepared the Heavens, I was there; when he set a compasse upon the face of the depth: when he established the clouds above; when he strengthened the foun­taines of the deep: When he gave to the Sea his decree, that the waters should not pass [...]his com­mandement. When he appoint­ed the foundations of the Earth; then was I by him, as one brought up with him: And I was daily his delight, rejoycing in the ha­bitable [Page 50] parts of the Earth, and my delight was with the Sonne of men. Also John 1. 1 2. you have these words spoken of Christ, In the beginning was the word, and the word was with God, and the word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. As also in Heb. 1. 2. the Apostle being about to prove the Sonne of Mary to be very God, saith; He hath in these latter daies spoken to us by his Sonne; which sonne is the sonne of Mary, as in Matth. 3. But (saith the Apostle) Heb. 1. 8. to the Sonne he saith, Thy Throne, O God, is for ever and e­ver, a Scepter of righteousnesse is the Scepter of thy Kingdome. Again, in John 17 5. you have the words of the sonne of Ma­ry for it, saying, And now Fa­ther, glorifie thou me with thine own selfe, with the glory that I had with thee before the world was. Again, he himself saith, before Abraham was, I am: [Page 51] And again, I and my Father are one. And in Phil. 2. 5. the Apostle saith, Let the same mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus; who being in the form of God, thought it [...]o robbery to be equal with God, but made himselfe of no reputation, and took on him the forme of a ser­vant, and was m [...]de in the like­nesse of men. Also Rev. 2. 8. Christ himselfe saith, I am the first and the last, which was dead, but am alive. And thus have I quoted some few Scri­ptures to prove that the Sonne of Mary is the true God.

2. I shall give you the testi­mony of God himselfe touch­ing the truth of this, viz. That Christ, the Sonne of the Vir­gin, is the true God. And first see Zach. 13. 7. and there you shall finde these words, A­wake O Sword against my Shep­herd, and against the Man that is my fellow, saith the Lord of Hosts. In this place the Lord [Page 52] doth call that Man his fellow, which he doth not doe to any meer creature. Again, in Ma [...]. 3. 17. he calls him his beloved sonne, saying, This is my bele­ved Sonne in whom I am well pleased And in the foresaid place of the Hebrews, Cap. 1. the Apostle advancing the Lord Jesus, brings in this question, To which of the Angels said he at any time, thou art my Sonne? Ver. 5. But to the Sonne he s [...]h, ver. 8. Thy Throne, O God, i [...] for ever and ever. And this farre of the testimony that God himselfe hath given of the Son of Mary, Jesus Christ.

3. The Angels do shew that he is God; first, in that they do obey him. 2. in that they worship him.

1. That they obey him, is clear, if we compare Rev. 21. 9. with Rev 22. 6. In the first of these places we finde, that there came one of the Angels of the seven vials, which [Page 53] had the seven last plagues, and talked with John. He came not of himselfe; for in that 22 Cap. ver. 6. he saith, The Lord sent his Angel, to shew un­to his servants the things that must be done. Now, in the 16. verse you may see who this Lord God is: He saith there, I Jesus, have sent mine Angel, to testifie these things in the Churches. Compare Rev. 1. 1. * I am the ro [...]t (as well as) the Ofspring of David, and the bright and morning star. I say this obedience of the An­gels doth testifie that Jesus, which is the Sonne of Mary, is the true and very God; for they do obey God only.

Secondly, The Angels doe shew that the sonne of Mary is the true God, in that they do not onely obey him, but wor­ship him also yea, they are com­manded so to doe, Heb. 1. 6. where it is wri [...]ten, When he bringeth his first bego [...]ten into the world, he (i e) God, saith, And [Page 54] let all the Angels of God worship him, viz. the sonne of Mary. Now the Angels themselves command that we worship none but God, Rev. 22. 8 9. When John fell down to wor­ship the Angel, the Angel said, See thou doe it not, for I am thy fellow-servant; worship God Now, if the Angels should command to worship God, and they themselves should worship him that by nature is no God, they should overthrow them­selves, in comm [...]ding one thing, and doing another, and so lose their own habitations, and be shut up in chaines of darknesse, to be punished with everlasting destruction from God himselfe at the great day. And thus much concerning the testimony of Angels touching Jesus, the Sonne of Mary, the Sonne of God, yea, very an [...] true God Isa. 9. 6.

Now followeth David hi [...] testimony among other of th [...] [Page 55] Saints, who witnesse Jesus the Sonne of Mary to be true God; and that you may finde in Psa. 110. 1. where he saith, The Lord said unto my Lord, sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstoole. Also I­saiah in the 9. Chap. verse 6. saith, For unto us a Childe is borne, unto us a Sonne is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulders, and his name shall be called Wonderfull, Councellor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the Throne of David (which is not, nor never was the heart of any believer) and upon his Kingdome to order it, and to esta­blish it with judgment and ju­stice, from henceforth even for e­ver. The zeale of the Lord of Hosts will doe this. Again, see Peters testimony of this sonne of Mary; When Jesus asked his Disciples, Whom say ye [Page 56] that I am? Peter, as the mouth of the rest, said, Thou art Christ, the sonne of the living God, Matth. 16. 16. Also, when Thomas, one of Christs disci­ples, would not be perswaded by the others that they had se [...]n the Lord, except he did also see in his hands the print of the Nailes, and put his fin­gers into the prin [...] of the Nails, and thrust his hand into his side [...] he would not believe. Sai [...]h the sonne of Mary, Reach hither thy singers, and behold my h [...]nds, and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my [...]ide, and be not faithlesse but believing; and then Tho­mas breaks out with a mighty faith, and a glorious testimo­ny for his Master, and saith, My Lord, and m [...] God, John 20. 27, 28. Again, see Pauls testi­mony of him, Rom. 9▪ where, speaking of the s [...]nne of Mary, he saith, That Christ came of th [...] Fathers, who is over all, God [Page 57] blessed for ever, amen. And the Apostle John doth also witness as much, 1 John 5. 20. where speaking of Jesus Christ, he saith on this wise, And we know that the Sonne of God is come, and hath given us an un­derstanding, that we might know him that is true, and we are in him that is true (Who is that? why, saith John) even in his Sonne Jesus Christ. Who is he? Why, This is the true God, and eternal life.

I could here also bring in the testimony of the very De­vils themselves, as Luke 4. 41. Luke 8. 28. where he is by them acknowledged to be the Son of the living God: But it is needlesse so to doe, for we have plainly proved it already.

Now followeth the several Scripture-arguments, which will prove that Jesus the son of Mary is very God.

And First, There is none but he that is the true God, can [Page 58] satisfie the justice of the true God for the breach of his ho­ly Law: But if you compare Isa. 53. 6. with Matth. 3. 17. you shall finde, that Jesus the sonne of Mary did give God a full and compleat satisfacti­on for the breach of his holy Law; therefore Jesus the son of Mary must needs be the great and true God.

Secondly, He that hath pow­er of his own to lay down his life, and hath power of his own to take it up again, mu [...] needs be the true God; but this did Jesus the sonne of Ma­ry the Virgin; therefore h [...] must needs be the true God, Job. 10. 8. Rom, 1. 4.

Thirdly, If all the Quakers and Ran­ters in the world,: were but under the guilt of one sinful thought, it would make them to cry out with Cain my pu­nishment is greater then I can bear, Gen. 4. 13. There was never any able to bear the sins of all the believers in the world, that ever were, now are, or here­after shall be, but the true God But Jesus, the sonne of the Vir­gin Mary, did bear them all, in his own body on the [...] [Page 59] 1 Pet. 2. 24. Isa. 53 6. There­fore Jesus the [...] sonne of Mary must needs be true God as well as man.

Fourthly, There was never any meer man able, by his own power, to overcome the Devil in all his temptations, but he that is also the true God (for Adam in his state of inno­cency was overcome by them, and fell under them:) But Je­sus the sonne of the Virgin did overcome them all by his own power; there ore (see Gen. 3. 15. Isa. 51. 9. Isa. 63. 5. Matth. 4. Luke 4.) he is very God as well as very man.

Fifthly, There was never any that did call himselfe the true God (and was not) which did please God in so doing, But Jesus the sonne of Mary did call himselfe the true God, or account himselfe equal with God (which is all one) yet God was well pleased with him, Mat. 3. 17. Phil. 2, 6, 7. John 8. 29. [Page 60] And therefore Jesus the sonne of Mary must needs be true God as well as man.

Sixthly, There was never any that had all power in hea­ven and in earth, but the true God. Jesus the sonne of the Virgin Mary, who was espous­ed to Joseph, hath all power in Heaven and in Earth in his own hand. Therefore, Matth. 28. 18. he is the true and great God.

Seventhly, There was ne­ver any able to keep poor souls from falling from God, saving he that is that is the true God. Jesus the sonne of Mary did, and doth this, John 10. 27, 28, 29, 30. John 17. 12. There­fore, &c.

Eighthly, Never could any justly call himselfe the first and the last, except the true God, nor truly (as the Lord did say) I am. But these did Jesus the sonne of Mary, Rev. 1. 1. com­pared with v. 17, 18. Rev. 2. 8. [Page 61] and Joh. 8. 58. Therefore Jesus must needs be true God as well as man.

9. Never was there any that could absolutely forgive sinnes but God, Mar. 2. 7 Luke 5. 21. But Jesus the sonne of the Vir­gin Mary, can forgive sinnes, Luk. 5. 10. Mar [...] 2. 5. Therefore Jesus the son of M [...]r [...] must n [...]eds be true God as well as man.

Tenthly, The Scriptures ne­ver call any the true and living God; but he that is the true God. The Scriptures call Je­sus, the sonne of the Virgin the true God, Isa. 9 6. [...] John 5. 20. Therefore he is the true and great God.

11. He that made all things, whether they be visible or invi­sible▪ whether they be Thrones or Dominions, or Principali­ties, or Powers, must needs be the true God But Jesus the son of the Virgin Mary did make all these, Col 1. 14. [...]0 the 18. John 1. to v. 16. Heb. 1, 2, 3. [Page 62] And thereforre he is the true God as well as man.

12. The blood of a meer fi­nite creature could never ob­tain eternal redemption for sin­ners. Rom. 3. 25. But the blood of Jesus, Rom. 5. 9. the sonne of the Virgin Mary, hath obtained eternal redem­ption for sinners, Heb. 9. 12. Eph. 1. 7. Heb. 9. 12, 14. Heb. 10. 19, 20. There­fore the blood of the sonne of the Virgin must needs be the blood of God. And so the A­postle calleth it, saying to the Pastours of the Churches, feed the Church of God, which he hath puchased with his own blood, Acts 20. 28. 1 John 3. 16.

13. Never was there any that could overcome death in his own power, 1. Tim. 1. 10. but the true God▪ Hos. 13. 14. Jesus the sonne of the Virgin Mary did overcome death by himselfe, Heb. 1. 2, Heb. 2. 14 Therefore, &c.

14. He that searcheth the hearts, and knoweth the thoughts of men, must needs be [Page 63] the true God, Jer. 17. 10. But Jesus the sonne of the Virgin doth, Luke 5. 22. Luke 9. 47. John 2. 24, 25. Therefore, &c.

15. He that by his own power commandeth the raging Sea, must needs be the true God, Job 38. 10, 11. Prov. 8. 29. But this did Jesus the sonne of Ma­ry, Mark 4. 39, 41. Luke 8. 24. Therefore, &c.

16. He that is the wisedom, power, and glory of God, must needs be the true God. But Jesus the sonne of the Virgin is all these, as 1 Cor. 1. 23, 24. Heb. 1. 1, 2, 3. Therefore Jesus the son of the Virgin must needs be true God as well as man.

ANd therefore in the f [...] place, see Heb. 1. 1, 2. wh [...] the Apostle is speaking of [...] Sonne of God, which So [...] was borne of the Virgin M [...] according to these Script [...] mentioned before, Matth. 18, to 23. Luke 2. Matth. 3. [...] where God himself saith, T [...] is my beloved fonne, &c. T [...] Sonne of God, saith the Ap [...] ­stle, [Page 64] by whom God hath spo­ken to us, by him also he made the Worlds. And Col. 1. the Apostle speaking of the delive­rance of the Saints, saith, Who hath delivered you front the pow­er of darknesse, and translated you into the Kingdome of his dear Sonne, in whom we have Redem­ption through his blood, even the forgivenesse of sinnes. And is that all? No, but He is (also) the image of the invisible God, ver. 15. The first born of every Creature. And in ver. 16, 17. By him were all things created that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be Thrones, or Domi­nions, or Principalities, or Pow­ers: all things were created by him and for him. And he is be­fore all things, and by him all things consist. Also Heb. 1. 10. it is thus written of this Sonne of God, Christ Jesus the sonne of Mary, And then Lord in the beginning hast laid the foundati­ons [Page 66] of the Earth, and the Hea­vens are the work of thy hands. And again, John 1. and the first nine verses, the Evangelist or Apostle, speaking of the Son, saith, In the beginning was the Word, which Word was the Son, Rev. 19. 12, 13. This Word or Son was with God, and the Word was God. All things were made by him, and with­out him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men; And the light shi­ned in the darknesse, and the darknesse comprehended it not. But in the ninth verse of this first Chapter of Joh. it is writ­ten, That was the true light, which lighteth every one that cometh into the world. Now see­ing the Lord hath brought me thus farre; and because the Quakers by wresting this Scri­pture, do not onely split them­selves upon it, but endeavor also to split others, I shall therefore, [Page 67] before I proceed any further' speak a few words to it; and they are these that follow.

The Apostle in these nine first Verses, or most of them, is speaking of the Divinity, or Godhead of the Sonne of Ma­ry, and shewing that he made the World: Now in this ninth verse he speaketh of Man as he is in his comming into the world, and not as he is a re­generate person. Now every man, as he comes into the world, receives a light from Christ as he is God, which light is the Conscience, that some call Christ, though falsly. This Light, or Conscience, will shew a man that there is a God, and that this God is E­ternal, Rom. 1. 20. This light doth discover this Eternal God, by his works in the world; for saith the Scripture before na­med, The invis [...]ble things of him (meaning God) from the Crea­tion of the world are clearly seen, [Page 68] being understood by the things that are made; even his eternal power and Godhead. This light also will reprove of sinne, or convince of, and make mani­fest sins against the Law of this Eternal God: So, that man, before he is regenerate, is a­ble by that light to know that sins against the Law, are sins against God, as is manifested in the unconverted Pharisees, who, (as Christ told them) had neither the love of God, nor the word of God abiding in them, John 5. 38, 42. yet knew sins against the Law to be sins; for they were offended at a woman for committing a­dultery, which act was forbid­den, Mat. 5. 27, 28. by the Law; and ti [...] said also, they were convicted of sinne by their own consciences, John 8. 7, 8, 9, 10.

Again, the Apostle writing to the Corinthians, and admo­ni [...]hing them to walk or­derly, 1 Cor. 11. 14. turnes [Page 69] them to nature it selfe, saying, Doth not even Nature it self teach you &c. This Light surely is that wherewith Christ as he is God, hath enlightned every man that commeth into the world, which doth convince of sins against the law of God. There­fore, as the Apostle saith, Rom. 1. 20. They are left without ex­cuse. That is, they have their own conscience that doth shew them there is a God; and that this God is to be served and obeyed: and the neglect of this will be sure to damn them, though the obedience to the Law will not save them be­cause they are not able to make a full recompence to God for the sins that are past; neither are they able for the time to come, to yield a fall, con [...]in [...] ­al, and compleat obedience [...]o the law of this Alm [...] [...] finite, and Etern [...]l [...] as many as are of [...] of [...] [Page 70] for it is written, Cursed is eve­ry one that continueth not in all things that are written in the book of the Law to doe them. If works would do it, what need as there of Faith? But it is evident that works will not [...]ve, be­cau [...] there must be [...] in the blo [...]d of Jesus the Son of Mary. But that no man is justified by the works of the law, it is evi­dent: For the just shall live by faith, Gal. 3. 10, 11.

But now, though Christ, as he is God, doth give a light to every one that cometh into the world, which light is the conscience (as they themselves confesse) yet it doth not there­fore follow that this conscience is the spirit of Christ, or the work of grace, wrought in the heart of any man whatsoever; for every one hath conscience, yet every one hath not the spi­rit of Christ: For Jude speaks of a company of men in his days, who had not the spirit of Christ, Jude 19. These be they who separate themselves, (saith he) sensual, having not the spirit. Yea, Heathens, Turks, Jewes, Pagans, Atheists, have [Page 71] that also that doth convince of sinne, and yet are so farre from having the spirit of Christ in them, that it is their great delight to serve their lusts, this world, their sinnes; whereas the Apostle saith plainly, If Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sinne, but the spirit is life for righteousnesse sake. So that those who are alive to their sinnes, Rom. 8. 10 have not the spirit of Christ. Nay, let me tell you, the very Devils themselves, Jude 6. who were thrown from their first state for sinne, 2 Pet. 2. 4. have such a taste of their horrible sins, that when they did but suppose that Jesus was come to put an end to their tyrannical dealing with the world, and to bring them to judgement for their sinnes (to which they know they shall be brought) it made them cry out, Art thou com [...] to torment us be­fore Mat. 8. 26. the time? James doth also signifie thus much to [Page 72] us, where he saith, The Devils also believe, and trem­ble, James 2. 19. Which be­liefe of theirs is not a belie­ving in Christ to save them; for they know he did not take hold on their Nature, Heb. 2. but they do beleeve that Christ will come to their everlasting torment; and the belief of this doth make these proud Spirits to tremble.

Again, Man at his coming into the world hath this con­science given him, which doth convince of sinne, John 1. 9. John 8. 9. yet man as he commeth into the world, hath not the spirit of Christ in him; for that must be received after­ward, by the preaching of the word, which is preached by the Ministers and servants of Jesus Christ. This is Gods u­sual way to communicate of his spirit into the hearts of his Elect; and this is [...] in so many words, where [Page 73] ( Peter preaching to a certaine number, the Scrpture saith, While Peter yet spake these words, the holy Ghost, o [...] holy Spirit, fell on all those that heard the Word, And again, in Galat. 3. verse 2. & 5. compared together, Re­ceived ye the spirit by the works of the Law. (saith the Apostle) or by the hearing of Faith? or the Gospel, which is the word of faith preached by us? Which Spirit, as Christ saith, the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, n [...]ither knoweth him, though his children shall have fellowship with him, to the great comfort of their owne souls, John 14. 16, 17.

But now, this mercilesse but­cherer of men, the Devil, that he might be sure to make the soule fall short of glory, if pos­sible, endeavours to perswade the soule, that its state is good; that it hath the spirit of Christ in it; and for a proofe of the same, saith he, turne thy mind [Page 74] inward, and listen within, and see if there be not that within thee that doth convince of sin: Now the poor soule, finding this to be so, all on haste (if it be willing to professe) through ignorance of the Gospel, Claps in with these motions of in own conscience, which doth command to abstain from this evil, and to practice that good; which if neglected, will ac­cuse and torment for the same neglect of others, ( Rom. 2. 15) both now and hereafter.

Now the soule seeing that there is something within that convinceth of sinne, doth all on a sudden close with that▪ supposing it is the spirit of Christ, and so through this mi­stake is carried away with the teachings and convictions of its owne Conscience (being misinformed by the Devil) un­to the works of the law; un­der which, though it work all its d [...]ys, and labour with might [Page 75] and maine, yet it never will be able to appease the wrath of God, nor get from under the curse of the Law, nor get from under the guilt of one sinful thought the right way, which is to be done by belie­ving what another man hath done by himselfe, Rom. 5. 15. Heb. 1. 2, 3. without us on the crosse, with­out the gates of Jerusalem. See for this, 1 Pet. 2. 24. Heb. 13. 12. The one saith he bare our sins in his own body on the tree; the other saith it was done without the gate.

And thus the poor soule is most horribly carried away headlong, and thrown down violently under the curse of the Law, under which it is held all its dayes, if God of his meer mercy prevent not; and at the end of its life doth fall into the very belly of Hell.

Again, that the Devil might be sure to carry on his design, he now begins to counterfeit [Page 76] the work of grace: Hence he is very subtil, and doth trans­forme himselfe into an Angel of light, 2 Cor. 11. 14. Now he makes the soule beleeve that he is its friend, and that he is a Gospel-Minister; and if the soule will but be led by what shall be made known unto it by the light (or conscience) within, it shall not need to fear, but it shall do well.

Now he counterfeits the new Birth, perswading them that it is wrought by following the light that they brought into the [...]world with them. Now he begins also to make them run through difficulties; and now like Baals Priests, they must lance themselves with knives, &c. Now they must wear no hatbands; now they must live with bread and water; now they must give heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of De­vils, which bids them abstaine from marriage, and commands [Page 77] them to abstain from meates, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving, of them which love and know the truth, as in 1 Tim. 4. 1, 2, 3. Now they must not speak, ex­cept their spirit moves them, (I doe not say the spirit of Christ) though when it moves, they will speak such sad blas­phemies, and vent such horri­ble Doctrines, that it makes me wonder to see the patience of God, in that he doth not com­mand, either the ground to o­pen her mouth, and swallow them up, or else suffer the De­vil to fetch them away alive, to the astonishment of the whole world.

Object. But you will say, Doth not the Scripture say that it is the spirit of Christ that doth make manifest or convince of sin? John 16. 8.

Answ. Yes, it doth so. But for the better understanding of this place, I shall lay downe [Page 78] this; namely, That there are two things spoken of in the Scriptures, which doe manifest sin, or convince of sin.

First, the Law, as saith the Apostle, Rom. 3. 20. Therefore by the deeds of the Law shall no flesh be justified in his sight, viz. Gods sight: For by the Law is the knowledge of sin.

2. The Spirit of Christ doth make manifest, or reprove of sinne, as it is written, John 16. 8. 9. And when he ( the Spirit) is come, he will reprove the world of sinne, of righteousnesse, and of judgement; of sin, because they believe not on me, saith the Son of Mary, which is Christ.

Now, the Law doth some­times by its own power mani­fest sin without the spirit of Christ; Mat. 27. 3, 4, 5. He hanged himselfe immedi­ately af­ter. as in the case of Ju­das who was convinced of the sin of marther, which made made him cry out, I have sin­ned; yet at that time he was so farre from having the spirit [Page 79] of Christ in him, that he was most violently possessed of the Devil, Luke 22. 3, 4.

Again, Sometimes the spi­rit of Christ takes the Law, and doth effectually convince of sin, of righteousnesse, and judg­ment to come.

Quaer. But you will say, How should I know whether I am con­vinced by the Law alone, or that the Law is set home eff [...]ctually by the Spirit of the Lord Jesus upon my Conscience?

Answ. Unto this I answer. First, when the Law doth con­vince by its own power, with­out the help of the spirit of Christ, it doth only convince of sins against the Law; as of swearing, lying, stealing, mur­dering, adultery, covetousness, and the like. I say it doth on­ly make manifest sins against the Law, pronouncing an hor­rible curse Gal. 3. 10 against thee, if thou fulfill it not, and so leaves thee; but it gives thee no strength to [Page 80] fulfill it compleatly, and conti­nually, (which thou must do, if tho [...] wilt be saved thereby) Now thy own strenth being insuffici­ent for these things, having lost it in Adam, thou art a breaker of the Law. Here the Law finds thee in the Sins, and condemns thee for thy sins: but gives thee no power to come wholly out of them: neither doth it shew thee thy right Saviour, to save thee from them For a proo [...] here of take the carri­age of the Pharisees towards our Savi­our, who while they tru­sted in Moses, crucified Jesus, [...] Cor. 2. 8. (which is the son of the Virgin Mary, the Man Christ Jesus) but commands thee upon pai [...] of eternal d [...]mnation to continue in all things that are written in the book of the Law to do them, Gal. 3. 10. And therefore if thou hast been convinced of no other Sins, but wh [...]t are a­gainst the Law, for all thy con­victions and horrour of Consci­ence, thou mayest be but a Na­tural [...]man at the best, and so unde [...] [...]he curse, Gal. 3. 10.

But, Objection perhaps thou wilt say, I am not only convinced of my [Page 81] sins against the law, I have also some power against my sins so that I do in some con­siderable measure, abstain from those things that are forbidden in the Law.

This thou mayest have, and do, as thou thinkest perfectly, as those blinde Pharises called Quakers, do think that they also do, and yet be but a natural man: And therefore I pray consider that place in Rom. 2. 14. the Apostle there speaks on this wise, concerning the Gentiles obedience to the law, For when the Gentiles which have not the law, do by N [...]ture the things con­tained in the law, these having not the law are a law unto them­selves; which shew the work of the Law written in their hearts. Which work of the law, Christ as he is God, hath enlightned every one withall, that cometh into the world, Joh. 1. 19. which as the Quakers say, doth con­vince of Sin, yet of no other [Page 82] than sins against the Law: and therefore must needs be all one light, or law; for the law is light, Prov. 6. 23. and gives the know­ledge of Sin, Rom. 3. 20. And therefore as I said before, so say I now again, If thy convictions are not other then for the sins against the Law, though thy obedience be the strictest that ever was wrought by any man (except the Lord Jesus, the son of Mary) thou art at the best but under the Law, and so conse­quently under the Curse, and under the wrath of God, Gal. 3. 10. Joh. 3. 36. whether thou believest it or not.

But now the second thing, Answ. 2. how thou shouldest know, whe­ther the Spirit of Christ doth effectually set home the law up­on thy Conscience, or not; And therefore to speak directly to it; If the Spirit of the Lord Jesus, the Son of God, doth set home the Law effectually; then the same Spirit of Christ shewes [Page 82] thee more sin then the Sinnes against the Law. For first it shews thee, That all thy righte­ousnesse is but as filthy-rags, Isa. 64. 6. Thou seest, all thy pray­ing, meditation, hearing, rea­ding, almes-deeds, fasting, re­formation, and whatsoever else thou hast done, doest, or canst doe being an unbeliever, de­serves at the hands of God his curse, and condemnation, and that for ever: And therefore thou art so far from trusting to it that in some measure thou even loathest it, and art ashamed of it, as being a thing abominable, both in Gods sight, and thine own. Phil. 3. 8. Thou countest thy own performances, when at best, and thine own righteousnesse, a bed too short to stretch thy selfe upon; and a covering 109 nar­row to wrap thy selfe in, Isa. 28. 20.

And these things thou seest not overly, or slightly, and as at a great distance, but realy, and [Page 84] seriously, and the sense of them sticks close unto thee. Second­ly, it shews thee that thou hast no faith in the man Christ Jesus by nature, and that though thou hadst no other sins, yet thou art in a perishing state because o [...] unbelief, according to that 16. of John v. 9. of Sin, because they believe not on me. If therefore thou hast been convinced arigh [...] by the Spirit, thou hast seen that thou hadst no faith in Christ the Sonne of Mary, the Sonne of God, before conver­sion. It shews thee also, that thou canst not believe in thine owne strength, though thou wouldst never so willingly, yea though thou wouldst give all the world (if thou hadst it) to believe, Because, faith is the gift of God, Eph. 2. 8. Phil. 1. 29. thou couldst not. In the next place It will shew thee, that if thou doest not believe in the Man Christ Jesus, And that with the faith of the operation of God, Col. 2. 12. thou wilt surely perish, and that without remedy. Also [Page 85] it shews thee that if thou hast not that righteousnesse, which the Man Christ Jesus accom­plished in his own person for sinners, I say if thou be not clo thed with that, in stead of thine owne, thou art gone for ever and therefore saith Christ, (speaking of the Spirit) when he is come, he shall reprove the world of Sir, and of righteousness too, That is, The Spirit shall convince men and women of the sufficiencie, of that righte­ousness that Christ in his hu­mane nature hath fulfilled: So that they need not run to the law for righteousness; for Christ is the end of the law for righteous­nesse, to every one that believeth, Rom. 10. 4. Again, if the Spi­rit of Jesus set eth home the Law upon thy conscience, thou wilt freely confesse, that al­though the law curseth, & con­demneth thee for thy sins, and gives thee no power either to fulfill it, or to come out of thy [Page 86] sins: yet God is just in giving that law, And the Law is [...]oly, and the Commandment hol, and just, and good, Rom. 7. 12. Last­ly, it also convinceth of Judge­ment to come; He (viz. the Spirit) shall reprove the world of Sin, of Righteousnesse, yea, and of Judgement too. Acts 24. 25. Then doth the soul see, that that very Man, that was borne of the Virgin Mary, crucified upon the crosse without the gates of Jerusalem, shall so come againe; even [...]hat same Jesus, in like manner, Acts 1. 11 as he was seen to go up from his Disci­ples. Yea, they that are thus convinced by the Spirit of Christ, know that God hath appointed a day, in which he will Judge the world in righ­teousnesse by that Man whom he hath ordained, Act. 17. 31 which is the Man Christ Jesus: for it is he that is ordained of God to be the Judge of quicke and dead, Acts 10. 42.

And now, O man, or wo­man, [Page 87] who ever thou art, that art savingly convinced by the Spi­rit of Christ, thou hast such an endless desire after the Lord Je­sus Christ, that thou canst not be satisfied or con [...]ent with any thing below the blood of the sonne of God to purge thy con­science withall; even that blood that was shed without the gates, Heb. 9. 14. Heb. 13. 12. Also thou canst not be at quiet, till thou doest see by true faith, that the righteousnesse of the son of Mary is imputed unto thee, and put upon thee, Rom. 3. 21, 22, 23. Then also thou canst not be at quiet, till thou hast power over thy lusts and cor­ruptions, till thou hast brought them into Subjection to the Lord Jesus Christ. Then thou wilt never think that thou hast enough faith. No, thou wilt be often crying out, Lord, give me more precious faith, John 16. 5, 7. Lord, more faith in thy righteousnesse, 1 Tim. 2. 5. more faith in thy blood and death, [Page 88] more faith in thy resurrection: And Lord, Heb. 7. 24, 25. more faith in this, that thou art now at the right hand of thy Father in thy humane Nat [...]r, making intercession for me a [...]i­serable sinner. And then O poor Soul, if thou comme [...]h but hither, thou wilt never have an itch [...]ng eare after another Gos­pel. Nay, thou wilt say, If a Preshyter, or Anabap [...]st, or In­dependent or Ranter, Gal. 1. 8. or Qu [...] ­ker, or Papist, or Pope, or an Angel from heaven preach anyother Gospel, let him be accu [...]s [...]d, again, and again. And thus have I briefly shewed you, First, how Christ, Rom. 1. 20. as he is God, doth enlighten every man that comes into the world. Secondly, what this light will doe, vi [...] shew them that there is a God by the things that are made; and that this God must be worshipped Thirdly, I have shewed you the difference be­tween that light, and the Spirit of Christ the Saviour. Fourth­ly, [Page 9] I have also shewed you how you should know the one from the other, by their several effects. As first, the first light convinces of sins, but of none other then sins against the Law; neither doth it shew the soul a Saviour, or deliver (for that is the work of the Spirit) from the curse vvherevvith it doth curse it: Joh. 6. 44. But I shevved you, Joh. 16. 24 that vvhen the Spirit of Christ comes, and vvorkes effectually, it doth not only shevv men their sinnes a­gainst the Lavv; but also shevvs them their lost condition, if they believe not in the righte­ousness, blood, death, resurrection, and intercession of Jesus Christ the Son of Mary, the Son of God. And thus much I thought ne­cessary to be spoken at this time, Mat. 3. 17. touching the nature of Conviction. Heb. 1. 9.

Though I have spoken some­thing [Page 90] thing to this thing already, namely, concerning our Lord the Saviour, yet again, in few words, through grace, I shall shew, that he was made, that is, born of a woman, and made under the Law, to redeem them that are under the Law. My meaning is That God is our Sa­viour.

And for this, see Isa. 45, 15. where you have these words; Verily, thou art a God that hidest thy self, O God of Israel, the Sa­viour, and ver. 21. 22, you have these words. Who hath told it from ancient times? have not [...] the Lord? and there is no God besides me: a just God and a Sa­viour, and there is none besides me. Look unto me, and be ye sa­ved all the ends of the earth: Why, who art thou? for I am God, and there is none else. Also in Isa. 54. 5. For thy maker is thine husband, the Lord of hosts is his name: and thy redeemer the holy one of Israel, the God of the [Page 91] whole earth shall he be called▪ read also vers. 6, 7, 8. of that Chap­ter. I could abundantly multi­ply Scriptures to prove this to be a truth, but I shall only m [...]nd you of two or three, and so pass on. The first is in Jude, ver. 25. To the only wise God our Saviour be glory, and Acts 20 28. Joh. 3. 16. But you will say, 1 John 5. 20. How is God a Saviour of Sinners, Object. see­ing his eyes are so pure that he cannot behold iniquity, Habak. 1. 13.?

For answer hereunto. First, Gal. 4. 4. when the fulnesse of time was come wherein the salvation of Sinners should be actually wrought out, God sent forth his Sonne, (which Son is equal with the Father) made of a woman, made under the Law, Joh. 1. 1. (that is, he was subject to the power and curse of the Law) to this end, Joh. 17. 5 to redeeme them that are or were, Joh. 10. 3 under the Law, that is, Gal. 3. 1 [...] 13. to deli­ver us from the Curse of the Law being made a Curse for us.

[Page 92] From whence take notice, that when the salvation of Sin­ners was to be actually wrought out, then God sent forth the everlasting son of his love into the world, cloathed with the humane nature, according to that in Joh. 1. 14. Heb. 2. 14. And 1 Tim. 3, 16. which saith, God was manifested in the flesh, that is, took flesh upon him.

2. This Sonne of God, which is equal with the Father, did in that Flesh, which he took upon him, compleatly fulfill the whole Law: So that the Apostle saith, Christ is the very end of the law for righteousnesse to every one that believes. Rom. 10. 4 This righteousness, which this Christ did accomplish, is called the righteousnesse of God, Rom. 3. 22. This righteousnesse of God, is by the faith of Jesus Christ, unto all, and upon all them that believe: my meaning is, it is imputed to so many as shall by faith lay hold on it. This is [Page 93] also part of the meaning of that speech of the Apostle: Rom. 3. 22 As many as were baptized into Christ, Gal. 3. 27. have put on Ch [...]ist. That is, by faith have put on the righteousnesse of Christ, with the rest of that which Christ hath bestowed upon you, having accomplished it for you. This is also the meaning of the Apostle, Col 2. 9, 10. where he saith, For in him (that is, the sonne of Mary, chap. 1. 13 14.) dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are compleat in him. That is, in his obedience, and righteous­ness. Which also the Apostle himselfe doth so hard presse after, Phil. 3. 6, 7, 8. saying, Doub [...]lesse, I count all things but losse, for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, which Lord was crucified by the Jews, as it is 1 Cor, 2. 8. for whom, that is for Christ, I have suffered the loss of all things (as well the righteousness of the Law, in which I was blame­less, [Page 94] Phil. 3. 6as all other things) and doe count them but dung. that I may win Christ: And be found in him, not having on mine owne righteousness, which is of the Law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith; Rom. 3. 22. which is unto all, and upon all them that believe. That place also in the ninth of Daniel, v. 24, 25. holdeth forth as much, where prophecying of the Mes­sias, he saith▪ that it is he that came to finish transgression, and to make an end of sin, and to make reconciliation for iniqui­ [...]y, and to bring in everlasting righteousness. Now that the righteousnesse of the Sonne of Mary is it, mind the 26. verse; where he saith thus, And after Threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, That is, Christ shall be crucified. But not for himself, That is, not for any sin that he hath committed; for he committed none. Then surely, [Page 95] it must be for the sins of the peo­ple. Joh. 11. 50. as the high Piest said, It is expedient that one man should die for the people, which man was the true Messias, Dan 9 24 Which also is the Son of Mary, Mat. 1. 18, 19▪ 20, 21, 22. And the sonne of God, Mat. 3. 17. And also the true God, 1 Joh. 5. 20. And this Messias, this son of the virgin, this sonne of God, this tree God, did not die for himself, for he had not offended; Neither did he fulfill the Law or finish transgression, and bring in everlasting righ­teousness for himself, for he had not sinned, 1 Pet. 2. 22. there­fore it must of necessity follow, that this righteousness of God, this everlasting righteousnesse, is imputed to all, and upon all them that believe, Rom. 3. 22. 2 Cor. 5. 19. 20, 21.

But Secondly, this Messias, this Son of Mary, this Son of God, this true God, he was put to death for the sins that his chil­dren [Page 96] had cōmitted, according to that saying, Herein perceive we the love of God, in that he laid down his life for us. 1 Joh. 3. 16. Also in Acts 20. the Apostle speaking to the Pastors of the Churches, Acts 20. 28. saith, [...] Zac. 12. 10 Feed the Church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

Now, I would not be mi­staken. I doe not think, or say, that he died in his Divine Na­ture, [...] Pet. 2. 24 but as it is written, He in his owne body on the tree did bear our sins; which tree was the Crosse, Col. 2. 14. And as the Apostle saith again, Who when he had by himself purged our sins, [...] Heb. 1. 3. sate down on the right hand of the Majesty on high. And again, the Apostle speak­ing of this glorious God, saith on this wise, Col 1. (being be­fore speaking of his Godhead) in the 19. [...]ol. 1. 19, [...]o, 21, 22. ver. For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulnesse dwell; and (having made peace by the blood of [Page 97] his crosse) by him to reconci [...] all things to himselfe: By him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. And you who were sometimes aliena­ted, and enemies in your minds by wicked works, yet now hath [...]e reconciled. But how? Why in ver. 22. he tells you, that it is in the body of his flesh, through death, to present you holy and un­blameable, and unreproveable in his sight. That is, Christ, who is the true God, after that he had finished all actual obe­dience on earth, John 19. 22, 30. did in the power and strength of his God­head See Heb. 9. 14. and read that verse with under standing.yield up himselfe to the wrath of his Father, Isa. 63. 3. which was due to poor sinners (and that willingly) according to that saying in 1 Pet. 3. 18. [...]or Christ also hath once suffered for sinners, the just for the unjust: That is, the Son of God for poor sinners; that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened in the [Page 98] spirit. Again, 1 Pet. 4. [...]. For asmuch then as Christ hath suffe­red for us (not for himself) in the flesh, Dan. 9. 26. in his own body (which he took of the Virgin, 1 Pet. 2. 24.) let us arm our selves with the same minde. Rom. 6 10 That is, let us die to sin as he did, that we might live to God as he did, and doth. And thus have I briefly shewed you, [...]. That the Son of Mary is very God. 2. That he made the world. 3. That he is our Sa­viour, Col. 1. 22. and how. 4. That he died for sinners, and how. Namely, not in his divine na­ture, but in his humane, in his own body, and in his own flesh, redeeming, his Church with his own blood, Acts 20. 28. and with his own life, 1 John 3. 16. John 10. 8.

We shall now passe on to some other things (the Lord willing touching his Burial, Resur [...]ction, Ascen [...]on, In­tercession, Second comming, [Page 99] Resurrection of the body, and Eternal Judgement.

And first, I shall prove by several Scriptures that he was buried, and so passe on. First therefore see that place, Matt. 27. v. 57. and so forward. Af­ter that Jesus the Son of God had been crucified a while, he gave up the Ghost; that is, he died; and after he had been a while dead, Joseph of Arima­thea went in to Pilate, and beg­ged the body of Jesus, and Pi­late gave consent thereto. And Joseph took the bod [...] of Jesus, & wrapped it in clean linnen, and laid it ( viz.) the body of Jesus in his own Tomb, and rolled a stone upon the mouth of the Sepulchre, and depart­ed, Matth. 27. 57, 58, 59, 60. Also in Luke 24 51, 52, 53 The Apostle Paul also teacheth so much, 1 Cor. 15. 3, 4. where he [Page 100] saith, For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also re­ceived, how that Christ di [...]d for our sinnes according to the Scrip­tures. And that he was buried. Again, in Acts [...]3 29. the A­postle speaking there of Jesus Christ, saith, And when they had fulfilled all that was written of him, they took him down from the tree, and laid him in a Se­pulchre. And so much touch­ing the burial of Jesus Christ the son of God.

In the next place I am to prove, That that very man, whom the Jewes did crucifie between two theeves, called Jesus Ch [...]ist, did rise againe. That very man, with that they body wherewith he was cruci­fied upon the crosse, did rise again out of the grave in which he was laid. And this I shall prove by Scriptures, by the testimony of Angels, by Christs own words after he was risen, and by the testimo­ny [Page 101] of the Apostles in the Scri­ptures. First therefore cons [...] ­der, Psal. 16. v. 10. where the Prophet speaks on this wise of Christs Resurrection; For thou wilt not leave my soule in hell, nei­ther wilt thou suffer thine holy one to see corruption. Which words the Apostle Peter cites in Acts. 2. from v. 2 [...]. to 32. al­so Isa. 26. 19. in the person of Christ, saith, Thy dead meh shall live, together with my dead body shall they rise. See also John 20. 15, 16. where menti­on is made of his appearing unto Mary Magdalen, and he called her Mary, and she called him Master; which signifies that he was risen, and that she knew him after his resurrecti­on; for he was come out of the grave; see ver. 6, 7, 8. A­gain, another Scripture is that in Luke 24. 1, 2, 3. The Disci­ples of Jesus comming to the Sepulchre, thinking to anoint the body of Jesus, found the [Page 102] stone that was on the mouth of the Sepulchre rolled a­way; and when▪ they wen [...] in, they found not the body of the Lord Jesus; and at this they were troubled and perplexed, v. 4. But as two of them went up to Emmaus, and were talking of what had be­fallen to Jesus, Jesus himselfe drew near, and went with them, v. 15. Another Scripture is that in Mark 16. v. 9. which saith on this wise, Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalen, out of whom he had cast seven devils. Where take notice how the ho­ly Ghost layes it down in these words, Out of whom he had cast seven Devils. To intimate to u [...] the certainty, that it was the same Jesus that was born of the Virgin Mary, who did many miracles, and cured many diseases, who did also cast se­ven Devils out of Mary Magda­len, [Page 103] that did rise again. Yea, saith the holy Ghost, it was the same Jesus that did work such a wonderful miracle on Mary, he appeared to her first, out of whom he had cast seven Devils. And let these Scrip­tures suffice to prove the Resur­rection of the son of God.

Secondly, you shall have the testimony of the holy Angels also by the Scriptures. And first look into Mark 16. 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7. verses, the words are these, And they (viz the Di­sciples) said among themselves, Who shall roll away the stone? They had a good mind to see their Lord, but they could not, as they thought, get away the stone which covered the mouth of the Sepulchre. And when they looked (that is, towards the Sepulchre) they saw the stone rolled away, for it was great; and entring into the Sepulchre, they saw a young man, that is, an Angel, sitting [Page 104] on the right side, cloathed with a long white garment. And they, the disciples, were affrigh­ted. And he said unto them, be not afraid (you have no cause for it) you seek Jesus of Nazareth which was crucified; He is is not here, he is risen, behold the place where they laid him. What Scripture can be plainer spoken then this? Here is an Angel of the Lord ready to satisfie the Disciples of Jesus, that he was risen from the dead. And lest they should think it was not the right Jesus he spoke of, yes, saith he, it is the same Je­sus that you mean; you seek Jesus of Nazareth, do you not? why, he is risen, he is not here. But doe y [...]u speak seriously, and in good earnest? Yea surely, if you will not believe me, behold the place where they laid him. This Scrip­ture, or Testimony, is very clear to our purpose. But a­gain, [Page 105] the next place is in Mat. 28. 3. 4, 5, 6, 7. In the third verse there is an Angel (as be­fore) bearing witnesse of the resurrection of Jesus. His countenance was like light­ning, and his raiment white as snow, and for fear of him the Keepers did shake, and be­came as dead men. And the Angel answered and said unto them ( viz. to the women who came to seek Jesus) Fear you not: but let them that seek to keep the Lord in his grave fear They are they that had need to fear and tremble; for they deny faith of the son of God.if they will; for you have no ground of fear, who seek Jesus who was crucisied; He is not here, for he is risen; he cannot in be body here and risen too: If you will not be­leeve me, come, see where the Lord lay, and go quickly and tell his Disciples that [...]e is ri­sen from the dead, and behold, he goeth before you into Ga­lilee, there shall you see him. But shall we be sure of it? yea, [Page 106] saith the Angel, Loe, it is that have told you. See how plainly this Scripture also doth testifie of Christ his Resurre­ction. Here, saith the Angel, you seek a Saviour, and none will content you but he, even the same that was crucified: Well, you shall have him, but he is not here. Why where is he then? He is risen from the dead. But are you sure it is the same that we look for? yea, it is the same that was crucified, v. 5. But where should we find him? why he goeth before you into Galilee, where he used to be in his life time, before he was crucified: And that you might be sure of it there to find him, know that he is an Angel of God that hath told you, ver. 7. And thus have you in brief the testimony of the Angels of God, to witnesse that Jesus the Son of the Virgin, the Son of God, is risen from the dead.

Object. But you will say, might [Page 107] they not be deceived? Might not their eyes da [...]le, and they might think they did see such a thing, when indeed there was no such matter?

Answ. Well, because it is so difficult a matter, to be perswa­ded of the truth of this thing, that Christ is raised againe out of the grave, that very man, with that very body; though these things that have been already spoken, might be enough (through grace) to satisfie, yet because of the unbelief of some, we shall turne to some more of those infallible proofs that are spoken of in Acts 1. 3. to prove the point yet more cleer. And therefore First of all, do but see how the Lord doth deale with an unbelieving Disciple, John 20, v. 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28. You shall see in the 23. ver. Christ after his resurrection, is talking with his Disciples, but Thomas was not with them. But when the Disciples saw him againe, [Page 108] they said to him, We have seen the Lord, ver. 25. but Thomas would not believe them. Ano­ther time Jesus comes to his disciples again, and then Thomas was with them▪ then so soon as the [...]ord had said, Peace be unto you, he turned himselfe to Thomas, and said to him. Tho­mas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands, and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side, and be not faithless but be­lieving, v. 27. As▪ much as if the Lord should have said, O how doth the Lord con­descend! to the end he might streng­then the faith of one that is weak. Come Thomas, thou hast doub­ted of the truch of my resur­rection very much; Thou saiest that thou wilt not believe, ex­cept thou doe feel with thy fin­gers the print of the nailes, and doe thrust thy hand into my side. Come Thomas, reach hi­ther thy finger, and behold my hands, and see if there were not the nayls driven through them; And reach hither thy hands and thrust them into my side, [Page 109] and feele if I have not the very hole in it still, that was made with the Speare that the Soul­dier did thrust into it, and be not so full of unbelief, but be­lieve that my resurrection is a glorious truth.

Another in fallible proofe, is that in Luke 24. from the 36. to the end of the 44. verse. In v. 36 it is said that the Lord, (even while they were talking) stood in the midst of them, and said, Peace be unto you: But they were so far from being at peace, that they were terrified, and sup­p [...]sed that they had [...]eet a Spirit. And Jesus said to them, Why are ye troubled, and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? what, doe you thinke that I am a spirit? Do you think your eyes dazle? behold my hands and my feet. Look well upon me, and see my hands, and the holes in them; and likewise my feet, and the holes in them, and know that it is I my self, and not a spirit, [Page 110] as you suppose, Know, that it is I my self, and not an ther. Doth your heart faile you? then take hold of me with your hands, yea, handle me and see, for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. And when he had spoken these things, he shewed them his hand [...] and his feet: As if he had said, Come my Disciples, take special no­tice of me; do not be daunted, nor affrighted, but consider that it is I my selfe. Well, they could n [...]t beli [...]ve as yet, but wondered that such a thing as this should be: And while they were thus wondering he did give them another infallible 3 proof; And he said unto them, have you here any meat? v 41. As if the Lord had said, Come my Disciples, I see that you are very full of unbelief, if you have here any meat, you shall see me eat before you all. And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honey combe, [Page 111] and he did eat before them. A­gaine, v. 42. the Lord strives with another infallible proofe against their doubting, saying, My Disciples, doe you not re­member 4 what discourse you Mark 8. 31 Mark 14. 21. and I had before I was crucifi­ed, how that I told you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the Law of Moses, and in the Prophets con­cerning me? Another infallible proof was, that appearance of 5 his▪ at the Sea of Tiberias, where he came to them on the shore, and called them, and provided for them a dinner, and wrought a notable miracle while he was there with them at that time, Namely, John 21. read that whole chapter. Act. 10. 4. the catching of 153. great fishes, and yet their net brake not. Which as it was a great miracle, so it did also shew his power and authority over his creatures. Besides his eating and drinking with his Disciples after his resurrection; And also his preaching to them, [Page 112] Acts 1. 3. This is not the lead, viz. that he was with his Disci­ples on earth 40 daies, which was almost six weeks, speaking to them the things concerning his kingdome: which was a mighty confirmation of their faith in his resurrection.

I shall now briefly touch two or three Scriptures which hold forth the Disciples testimony of his resurrection. And the first is in Acts 10. 40, 41. In which place, the Apostle speaking of the Lord Jesus, saith, [...]im [...] raised [...]y the third day, and shewed him openly, yet not to all the people, but to witnesses chosen before of God, even to us (saith the Apostle:) who did eat and drink w [...]h him after he was risen from the dead. Again, Acts 4. 10. And Acts 13. 29. 30, 31. The words run thus. (the Apostle speaking of Jesus, saith) And when they had fulfilled all that was written of him, they took him [...] the tree, and laid him [Page 113] in a Sepulchre. See 1 Cor. 15. 1, 2, 3, 4. 5, 6, 7. 8. But God raised him from the dead, and he was seen many d [...]yes of them which came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are his witnesses unto the people. And thus far to [...]ching his resurrection from the dead.

In the next place, I am to prove that this very man, Christ Jesus, the Son of the Virgin, in his very body, the same body that was crucified is above the clouds▪ and the heavens. And though this is made light of by those men called Quakers, and other in [...]idels of this genera­tion: Yet I am sure that it will prove true to their cost who re [...]ect it as erroneous and vain. But to prove it, First I shall prove that he is ascended. Secondly, that he is ascended above the clo [...]ds, and the hea­ven. For the first, that he is as [...]e [...]d [...]d, see Ephes. 4. 8. 9, 10. Whereore (saith the Apostle) when he ascended up on high, he [Page 114] led captivitie captive, and gaue g [...]fts unto men. Now that he as­cended, what is it but that he descended first into the lower parts of the earth? he that descen­ded is the same that also ascen­ded (againe) up, far above all heavens.

Againe, Joh. 20. 17. read Joh. 20. 17. where Christ after his resur­rection from the dead, saith to Mary Magdalene, Touch me not: for I am not yet ascended to my Father: That is, I have not yet ascended with this my body wherewith I was crucified on the cross. But go to my brethren, and [...]ell them (meaning his Dis­ciples) that I doe asc [...]nd to my father and your father, to my God and your God.

Object. But in that place ( may some say) Ephes. 4. 10. he that descended, is said to be the same that ascended: Now there was no humane nature with God in heaven before the world was; Therefore if he be but the same [Page 115] that was with the father from all eternity, then the humanity of the Son of Mary is not ascended into heaven.

Answ. First, for answer, It is cleer from Joh. 1. 1. that the word, Tit. 1. 2. or Son of God, as he was a Spirit, was with the Father before the world was. But now, in the fulness of time, that is, when that time that the Fa­ther and he had concluded on, was come, Gal. 4. 4. God sent forth his sonne (which was with him before the world was Joh. 7. 5.) made of a woman, that is born of a woman. And he took on him the form of a servant, and was made in the likenesse of men, Phil. 2. 6, 7 Now as he was borne of a woman, as he was in the likeness of men, [...]o he ascended to the right hand of his Father, in our nature And for this, I pray turne to Act. 1. Acts 1. 10, 11. and there you shall find, that he is the same that was born of the Virgin, that very [Page 116] man that was crucified; if you compare v. 3 with v. 9, 10, 11. you will find it so to be. Now in the v. 9. after he had spoken many things, while they beheld, that is, while his disciples looked on him, he was taken up, that is, he was taken up from them into heaven, as in v. 11. and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they looked up stedfastly towards heaven, as he went up (which heaven, was not within them; if it had, they needed not to have looked toward the clouds and the heaven without them) behold two men stood by them, not in them, in white apparrel, which also said (that is, the two men, or Angels which stood by them said) Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? Here again, they did not look within them, but stood gazing or looking after the Lord Jesus, the son of Mary, who was carried away from [Page 117] them in a cloud, v. 9. But why (say the Angels) do you stand gazing so much into heaven: your Master will come againe after a certain time. See Mat. 25, 19. Ma [...]. 13 34 Acts 1. 3. For▪ This same Jesus, Namely, which was crucified▪ which rose again▪ and ha [...]h been with you these 40 dayes, which also you see go into heaven, shall so come, (namely in a cloud) as ye have seen him go into heaven. But shall be not lose his body be­fore he come again? No say the Angels, h [...] shall so come, that is, as ye have seen him go; in like manner, that is with the same body. Or else I am sure he cannot come in the same manner if he lose his body be­fore he comes again; for he went thither with that body. But th [...]t same Jesus that was cruci­fied, is he that went, or ascended up into heaven. If you com­pare Luke 2 [...]. v. 39▪ 40, 41, 42, 43. with the 50. and 5 [...]. verses of the same Chap. you may cleerly [Page 118] find it so to be. And therefore if he come againe in like man­ner, he must come againe with the same body wherewith he was crucified.

Object. But you will say, The Scripture saith, he that descended is the same that ascended, which to me (say you) implies, none but the spirits ascending.

Answ. For answer, We doe not say, (as I said before) that it is another that ascended, but the very same. That is, the very same Christ, that was with the father from everlasting, did come down from heaven. That same Christ also that came down from heaven did ascend up thither again: only, he de­scended without a body from heaven, and took flesh and blood upon him from the Virgin. And though he descended with­out a body, yet (he) the very same Christ, that descended without a body, the same did ascend again with a body, even [Page 119] that very body that he took of the virgin Mary, Act. 2. 30. 31. See Luke 24. from 39 to the 51. verses. Now let me give you a Similitude, for it is warrantable; for both Christ and his Apostles did sometimes use them, Joh 15. [...]. to the end, 1 Cor. 9. 24. 25. soules might be the be [...]ter in­f [...]rmed. The similitude is this. Suppose there come into thine house a man that is naked, and without clothing, though he go out of thy house againe well clothed; yet the same man that came in without clothing, is the same man also that go [...]s out of thy house, though very well clo­thed. Even so it is in this case. The Lord Jesus came into the wombe of the virgin, [...] Spirit, Mat. 1 [...]. 18. but he came out of the womb clothed with a body, and went up into heaven again clothed with a body. Compare Luke 24. 39. with Act. 1. 11. and Act. 2. 30, 31.

Now also I shal lay down some few things to be considered, for [Page 120] 1 the better clearing of it, 1. Con­sider, that he did say to his Dis­ciples, that he would go away from them: ( Joh. 14. 3. Joh. 16. 7. yea, Mat. 25. 19 saith he, I go and prepare a place for you) and then I will (after a long time) come again and take you to my selfe, that where I am, that is, whither I am going, there ye may be also. Now I say, If Christ had not gone from his Disciples (for that was his meaning) touching his bodily presence; I say if he had not gone away from them, in respect of his bodily presence, he had said more then he had performed; which is horrible blasphemie once to assert; Which going of his, is his going into heaven. See, 1 Pet. 3. 22.

Secondly, consider, that there 2 it was that he was to receive the promise of the father, Luke 24. 49. 50, 51. which promise was the shedding forth in an abundant manner the blessed Holy Ghost. And for this see [Page 121] Act. 2. 33. Therefore being by the right hand of God (which is in heaven) exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the holy Ghost, he hath sh [...]d f [...]rth this which ye now see and hear [...]. For David is not ascen­ded into the heavens, but he saith himselfe, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy foot­stoole. Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly ( for tis very t [...]ue) that God hath made that same Jesus whom you have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

Thirdly, Consider, that if he were on earth, he could not be a 3 Priest, Heb. 8. 4. Now the man Christ Jesus is a glorious Priest, Heb. 7. 24. in the heavens, Heb. 9. 24. And therefore he is able to save to the uttermost, all that come to God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. (That man v. 25.)

Fourthly, If he be not gone 4 into heaven, both his own, and [Page 122] his Apostles doctrine is false, yea, the witnesse of the Angels also, 1 Pet. 3. 22. Act. 1. 9, 10, 11. which to think were damnable infidelitie in any man.

Fifthly, Eph. 6. 9. Know that he is gone in o [...] heaven because the Scriptures say he is; 1 Pet. 3. 22. which is the very truth of God, Heb. 9. 24. spoken by his holy Apostles and Pro­phets: yea, holy men of God, spake them as they were moved by the holy Ghost.

Sixthly, Consider, If thou sayest that that man is not gone into heaven, then thou must also conclude, that he is still in the grave: and if so, then thou sayest, that the Prophets, Apo­stles, Angels, Christ, God, and all are lyars, who have testified these things in the Scriptures for glorious truths, Isa. 26. 19. Acts 10. 1▪ Pet. 3. 2. v. 40, 41, 42. and 13. v. 30, 34, 36, 37, 38. Ac [...]s [...]. 9, 10, 11. [...]eb. 9. 24. [...]ev. 1. 17, 8. [...]ev. 2. 8. And as the Apostle saith of himselfe, and the rest of the Apostles and ministers of [Page 123] Jesus Christ, And we are found false witnesses of God, because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ, whom he raised not up, if so [...]e the dead rise not. But now is Christ risen, and be­come the first fruits of them that sleep. For as by man came death, by Man came also the resurrection from the dead, 1 Cor. 15. 15, 20, 21.

Secondly, The Scripture speaking of highest implies a lower. now I am to prove that he is above the clouds and the heavens, my meaning is, he is above the lowest heavens: for there are 3 as appears in 2 Cor. 12. 1, 2, 3, 4. I knew a man in Christ (saith Paul there) caught up into the third heaven: now,

Heaven in Scripture, is taken sometimes metaphorically, and sometimes properly. First, me­taphorically it is taken for the Church and people of God; as in Rev. 12. 12. Secondly, proper­ly, it is taken for the material heaven, where the Sun, Moon, and Stars are placed; as in [Page 124] Genesis 1. v 8, 14, 15, 16, com­pared together; above which heaven. Jesus the Son of Mary is ascended.

Therefore I pray you consi­der with me a little: John 14. 2, 3. and first, that when he went into this Joh. 16. 7. heaven into which he is gone, Acts 1. 9, 10, 11. he went AWAY from his Disciples, as it is written, If I go not away, the comforter will not come; so that he did not go into a heaven within them in his person, and humane nature. If so, he must needs go into that heaven without above the clouds and the Stars, Gen. 1. 8, 5, 16.

2. Consider, he was caught away in a cloud, yea and was caught upwards from them, as it is Acts 1. 9, 10, 11. and car­ried away into heaven, yea, and his disciples stood gazing or looking up after him into heaven, which heaven must needs be that above the clouds. 1. If you consider the posture of [Page 125] the Disciples, they looked up­wards after the cloud that did take him away. 2. Consider the manner of his going, it was in a cloud. 3. He was received out of their sight. 4. And so received up into heaven; which heaven must needs be above the clouds, Job 22. 12, 13, 14. where God is in his special presence. But fur­ther,

3. Consider, that those be­lievers that are alive at this day in the body, are absent from the Lord, 2 Cor. 5. 6. but now, if the man Christ were ascended into that heaven within them▪ he would neither be absent from them, nor they from him; but in that he is absent from them touching his bodily presence, and they from him touching the same▪ it is evi­dent that that heaven into which he is ascended, must needs be without above the clouds.

4 Consider, that that hea­ven [Page 126] into which the man Christ is ascended, must contain him till the time of restitution of All things, as in Acts 3. 21. into which heaven he hath been ascended above sixteen hundred years by computa­tion. And I am sure there is not a Saint that doth live in this world half so long, before he fall asleep, and be gathered to his fathers; so that that hea­ven into▪ which he is? scended, is not within, but must needs be that above the clouds. But,

5. Consider, that he that ascended from his Disciples, was a man, with flesh and bones, not a spirit only; for handle me, and s [...]e, (saith he) for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have, Luke 24. 39, 50, 51. verses. Now let the Ad­versaries shew by the Scriptures that there is any place in them called heaven, that is able to contain a man of some four or five foot long, the space of [Page 127] fifteen or sixteen hundred years; besides that, therefore, it must needs be that heaven without which is above the clouds and Stars.

6. Consider, That heaven into which the Lord Jesus that man is ascended, must not con­tain him alwa [...]es for, saith the Apostle, 1 Thes. 4. 16. The Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an Archangel. So that there is another descending from that heaven into which he is ascended; and his descen­ding from that heaven is to this end, namely, to take his people to himself, as it is v. 17. so that it is clear, that it is not any heaven within thee, into which the Man Christ that was born of the Virgin Mary is ascended, but it must needs be that heaven without which is above the clouds. 1. If thou consider, that the place into which he is ascended, even the [Page 128] heaven into which he is entred, Heb. 12. 22. is the same place where all the the deceased Saints are in their Spirits: Therefore saith Paul, I desire to depart, and to be with Christ which is better. Now Paul did not in this place, P [...]il, 1. 23. mean the enjoying of Christ only in the spirit; for that he enjoyed in a great measure when he spake these words; but he speaks of a dying, and a being with Christ after this life is ended; as is clear if you compare the 20, 21, 22, 23, 24. 25, and 26, verse, toge­ther, being absent from him while he was here in the b [...]dy, 2 Cor. 5. 6. for whilst at hom [...] in the body, we are absent from the Lord.

So that that heaven into 1 Tim. 2. 5 which the Man Christ is ascen­ded, Joh. 16. 6, 7. is not into his Church on earth; Joh. 14. 1, 2, 3. but into heaven without above the clouds and the Stars. And this David doth prophe [...]ie of, Psal. 47. 5. where he saith, [Page 129] God is gone up with a shout, the Lord with the sound of a Trumpet. Now Christ, as God meerly could not go up, being no lesse in one place then in another; but as God man, or in his humane nature he went up; as will clearly appear, Epes. 4 8, 9, 10. where he speaketh of his trium [...]h over all the enemies of his people at his resurre­ction and ascension into heaven above the clouds.

8. When Christ doth descend from that heaven into which he is now ascended, his Saints and he will meet one another, just in the air, according to the Scripture, 1 Thes. 4. 16, 17. for (saith he) the Lord 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, (that is, they shall come out of their graves) and then we which shall be saved alive (at that day) and remain, shall be caught up [Page 130] together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

Pray mark here a little, and see what heaven the man Christ is ascended into, and see if it be not the heaven without, above the Sun, Moon, and Stars.

When Christ and his Saints do meet the second time toge­ther, the one ascends and the other descends; the one is caught up in the clouds to­wards heaven, the other de­scends from heaven towards the earth, and they must needs meet one another just in the air, Phil. 3. 20. that is, between the heaven and the earth. So then, 1 Thes 1. 10. the one coming from heaven, and the other from the earth, and their meeting being in the air, which is between heaven and earth, is an undeniable demon­stration, that that heaven into which the man Christ is ascen­ded, [Page 131] must needs be that heaven without above the Sun, Moon and Stars And thus much touching the Son of Mary, his ascending up into the heaven without above the clouds, Acts 1. 9, 10, 11. Acts 3. 21, & 1 Pet. 3 22

In the next place,

Now I shall prove the inter­cession of the man Christ Jesus, to be in the heaven that I have been speaking of; though some have mocked at it and others have called it jugling, whose names here I shall not m [...]ntion; only I shall admonish them that they doe not blaspheme the truth and Sonne of God in his intercession

I shall quote some of the Scri­ptures that hold out this truth, and so passe on,

And first of all, see Psal. 16. 4. where David prophesying of the intercession of Christ, saith, their sorrowes shall be multiplyed, that husten after another God, [Page 132] ( speaking of the wicked) their drink offerings of blood will I not offer, nor take up their names into my lips. Now, compare this with Heb. 8. 4. where he saith, If he were on earth, he should not be a Priest. And Heb. 9. 24. For Christ is not entred into the holy places made with hands ( meaning the temple which Solomon built) which are figures of the true: but into hea­ven it selfe, now to appear in the presence of God for us. Wherefore he is able to save to the uttermost, them that come to God by him: seeing he ever lives to make inter­cession for them, Heb. 7. 25

But you will say, is there a man made mention of here? Yes; for the Scripture saith, Ther is one God, and one Media­tour between God and men, 1 Tim. 2. 5. the Man Christ Jesus. And in that 8. to the Heb. made mention of before; where the Apostle is speaking of Christs priestly office, as he is in the heavens, [Page 133] compared with other Priests that are on earth; he saith v. 3. for every high Priest is ordained to offer gifts and Sacrifices; wherefore (speaking of Christ) it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer: For if he were on earth he should not be a Priest, seeing there are Priests that offer according to the Law, (which law was the law of Moses, Chap. 9. from 19. to 23. where also he is speaking of the Priesthood of the Priests under the law, and their offe­ring of the blood of Bulls and [...]oats, ( verse 12. compared with verse 19, 20, 21.) And of the Lord Jesus the high Priest of Saints, and of his blood ( verse 14. compared with verse 24.) Now as men under the Law did offer up the blood of B [...]lls and Goats, so the man Christ Jesus did offer up his own blood to his father; and this you may clearly see, if you compare Heb. 9. 14. where he [Page 134] saith, How much more shall the blood of Christ who through the eternal spirit offered himselfe without spot to God; purge your consciences from dead works to serve the living God, with Heb, 10. 12. where he s [...]i [...]h, But [...] man (meaning the s [...]n of the Virgin (Cha [...] 2. 14. compared with Mat. 1. 21. a [...]ter he had offered one sacrifice f [...]r s [...]ns for ever, sate down at the right hard of God. Again. Heb. 7 the [...] I mentioned before, you shall find his intercession plainly held forth, if you read verse 22. and so on, where the Scripture saith, By so much was Jesus made the surety of a better testament. And truly they were many Priests (meaning the Priests under the Law) because they were not [...] to continue by reas [...]n of death, P [...]v. [...]. 8. (That is, P [...]v. 17. [...]8. the high Priests under the Law could not live ever in this world, because it was appointed to all men once to die.) But when he speaks of [Page 135] Christ Jesus, he saith on this wise, But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an un­changeable Priesthood; where­fore he (this man) is able to save to the uttermost them that come to God by him, seeing he (this man) ever liveth to make inter­cession for them. And thus in brief have I proved through the assistance of the Lord, the in­tercession of the son of Mary, which is also the son of God. And this concerning Christs Priestly office, might serve also for a proof of his being in the heaven without above the Stars. But all men may see (unlesse they be blind) that these are the truths of our Lord Jesus Christ, and of God his father; and that those men that oppose them (as the Quakers do) are very violently possessed of the Divel, and beside themselves; and have neither the truth of God, non his spirit in them, 2 Joh. vers. 9, 10, Joh. 5. 38. 42.

[Page 136] And now through the assi­stance of the Lord, I shall come to the last that I promised, and that is to prove, That this very man Christ, will come to judge the quick and the dead.

And first, I shall prove the truth it self, viz. that that man shall come again to judge the world, quick, and dead.

Secondly, I shal shew you that his coming will be very shortly.

Thirdly, What shall be done a [...] his coming.

Fourthly, Who shall stand when he shall come, and who not. For the first,

That that man that was [...]orn of the Virgin Mary, shall come again to judge the quick and the dead, read 2 Tim. 4. 1. l (saith Paul) charge thee there­fore before God (speaking to him, even to Timothy, and so to all believers) and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appea­ring [Page 137] and Kingdom. Now if you would know who this Lord Jesus is, look into Acts 10. 38. and you shall see it was Jesus of Nazareth; would you know who that was? read Mat. 2 toward the end, and you shall see it was the son of Mary the Virgin, who was espoused to Joseph the Carpenter. But read Acts 10. v. 38, 39, 40. 41, 42. you shall find these words, God annointed Jesus of Nazareth with the holy Ghost and with power, who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the Divel; for God was with him: And we are wit­nesses of all things that he did, both in Jerusalem, and in the land of the Jews; whom they sl [...]w, and hanged on a tree, even Jesus of Nazareth; him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly, not to all the people, but unto witnesses, chosen before of God; even to us who did [...] and drink with him, after [Page 138] he rose from the dead. And he commanded us to preach unto the people, (that is, God comman­ded us) and to testifie (that is, to be bold in our preaching) that it is he (namely, Jesus of Nazareth, whom the Jews did thus crucifie) which was ordai­ned of God to be judge of quick and dead. This is he also that is spoken of in Acts 17. 30, 31. The times of this ignorance God winked at (meaning mens being without the Gospel) but now commandeth all men every where to repent, because he hath appointed a day (which day, is the day of judgement, Mat. 12. 36.) in the which he will judge the world in righteousness, by that man (namely, Jesus of Naza­reth) whom he hath ordained, (compare this with that in Acts 10. 38, 39, 40, 41, 42. whereof he hath given assurance to all men, (that is, hath given a sure sign unto all men) in that he hath raised him (that is, in [Page 139] that he hath raised Jesus of Nazareth) from the dead. This also is Christs own meaning, Mat. 24. where speaking of his second coming, he styleth him­self the son of man, saying, And then shall appear the sign of the son of man, and so shall the coming of the son of man be, v. 27. So shall also the coming of the son of man be, v. 37. So shall also the coming of the son of man be, v. 39. Where by the way it is obser­vable to see how the Lord of life and glory, doth in this Chapter, where he speaketh of his second coming, for the most part style himself the son of man. Surely he doth it to this end, because he would not have his humanity and the do­ctrine thereof, to be rased out from under heaven; For he knew, that in the last daies, there would come mockers walking, after their own lusts, and saying, where is the pro­mise [Page 140] of his coming, 2 Pet. 3. 3. I could multiply Scriptures to prove this doctrine of his se­cond coming, as Heb. 9. v. last 2 Pet. 3. 2 Thes. 1. 6, 7, 8. Luke 21. Mat. 24. Mat. 25. Rev. 22. 7, 12. and the last, 2 Cor. 5. 10. Rom. 14. 10. Acts 24. 25. But,

Secondly, I will shew you that his coming will be shortly. It is true, no man can tel neither the day nor the hour, yet so far as the Scriptures will give us light into the neernest of his coming, so far we may go. And therefore I shall shew that his coming draws nigh by those signs that he himself said should be forerunners of his coming. And if you read Mat. 24. you shall see many signs of his coming spoken of.

First, there is a falling away from the faith spoken of. And that hath been fulfilled and is fulfilling every day.

2. Wars and rumors of wars [...]s another sign that his coming [Page 141] doth draw nigh even at the doors

3 The love of many waxing cold, is another signe that it is nigh, even the comming of Christ: And how cold is the love of many at this day? They that were hot two or three year agoe▪ are now grown lukewarm and cold. They are cold in love to the Lords appearing: they are cold in the profession of the Gospel. They are cold in love to the Saints, they are cold in the worship of God; Yea, very cold, which is a nota­ble Demonstration that the comming of the Lord draweth nigh.

4. The Stars falling from heaven; (That is profe [...]ors fal­ling from the faith which once they professed) is another signe that the comming of the Lord is at hand: And how many professors doe you see now a dayes, fall from the doctrine of God, and his Son Jesus Christ, [Page 134] [...] [Page 135] [...] [Page 136] [...] [Page 137] [...] [Page 138] [...] [Page 139] [...] [Page 140] [...] [Page 141] [...] [Page 142] as though there were no such thing as a world to come, and no such thing as a Lord Jesus Christ, and his second coming.

5. Many poore souls will go on in their profession with lampes without oyle, Mat. 25. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. 6, 7. just before his second comming. And the Lord knowes that most of the professors of this generation, These thinges I doe but hint in, though I could in­large up­on them Luke 18 8. are such kind of professors, yea, very foolish professors, which is another sure signe, that the comming of the Lord drawes nigh.

6. When the time of Christs second comming is at hand, there will be but a very little lay 1 Jo. 3. 3. to thy heart, and com­pare thy condition with it, & thou wilt find this a glorious truth. faith in the world. And the Lord knowes, that there be many, who are now as high as Lucifer, that at that day for want to faith will be thrown down to the sides of the pit: even into the very belly of Hell.

7. Another signe of Christs second comming, is the carnall [Page 143] mindednesse of the most of the world; and the very carriages of almost all men now living do discover this truth to be at this day fulfilled, and know that when they shall say peace and safety, then sudden destruction comes, and they shall not escape, 1 Thes. 5. 1, 2, 3, 4.

8. Before Christs second com­ming, Mat. 24. 24. there shal come many fals Christs, Mar. 13. 22. and false Prophets, and shall shew great signes, and wonders, to seduce if it were possible the Elect. And is not this more cleerly fulfilled in our daies then ever it was, especially among those men called Qua­kers, who being as persons, whose consciences are seared with an hot iron, and they be­ing sealed up unto destruction, do some of them call themselves Christ, and shew great signes, (as their Quaking) and such a legall holiness, as makes the simple admire them, and won­der after them, which shewes [Page 144] the comming of Christ to be very nigh.

9. Before Christs second comming, [...] Pet. 3 3. there shall come scof­fers into the world, walking after their own lusts, and if ever this Scripture was fulfilled; it is fulfilled on these men called Quakers: 1 Thes. 1. 10. For they are the men, P [...]l. 3. 20. that at this day make a mocke at Christs second comming, which shall be from heaven without; and therefore saith the holy Ghost, these Mockers shall be such as shall say, where is the promise of his comming? for since the fathers fell a sleep, all things continue as they were See 2 Pet. 3. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. and there you shall see their moc­king and the reason of it. Read, and the Lord give thee understanding. But because I would not have thee think that I speake at randome, in this thing. Know for certain, that I my self have heard them blas­pheme; yea with a grinning [Page 145] countenance, at the doctrine of that mans second comming from heaven above the stars, who was borne of the Virgin Mary. Yea they have told me to my face, that I have used con­juration, and witchcraft, be­cause what I preached was according to the Scriptures. I was also told to my face, that I preached up an Idoll, because I said, that the Son of Mary was in heaven, with the same body that was crucified on the Cross; And many other things have they blasphemously vented a­gainst the Lord of life and glo­ry, and his precious Gospel. The Lord reward them according as their work shall be.

I could have hinted in many other things which Christ and his Apostles have shewed to be signes of his comming But I shall commend the holy Scri­ptures unto thee, which are able to make the man of God perfect in all things, 2 Tim. 3. 16. 17. through faith in the Lord Jesus.

[Page 146] Now you have also the man­ner of his comming how i [...] shall be, most notably laid down in the Scriptures. I shall [...] in a few things touching it; as first, He will come when there is but very few looking for his comming. When they shall s [...]y peace and safety, then sudden destruction commeth, 1 Thes. 5. 1. 2, 3, which sudden destruction will be at his second commin [...], for that is it which the Apostle spake of in those three verses, Then will all the world be caught at such an unexpected time that it will come upon them, even as a snare commeth upon those creatures that are caught in it. As it is written, Luke 21. 35. For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole ear [...]h. Which is all on a sudden, before they are aware.

2. He commeth with all his saints and Angels. Then will the Lord descend from that [Page 147] heaven into which he now as­cended, as it is written in 1 Thes. 4. 16. Then will be come and all his Saints with him, as Jude saith in his Epistle, v. 5. Then shall Abell, and Enoch, Noah and Abraham, David and Job, Peter and Paul: together with all the Saints which have been, now are, or hereafter shall be, and they shall sit on the throne with the Lord Jesus Christ, as in Mat. 19. 28. Before whom shall all the Nations of the world be gathered, as it is written, Joel 3. 12. Let the hea­then be wakene [...]. (or raised out of their graves, Dan. 12. 2) and come down to the valley of Jehoshaphat; for there will I sit to judge all the heathen round about. Which never was yet accomplished, though it shall certainly be, in in Gods time: to the astonish­ment, & everlasting damnation of all those that shall continue mocking, or sinning against God and his Christ.

[Page 148] 3. He shall come in flaming fire, (when he doth come again: he will come in such a manner, as will make all that shall be found in their sins rather seeke to creepe under a mountaine, then to meet the Lord of Glory, Rev. 6. 15,) (As Esay saith, For behold the Lord will come with fire, and with his Charets like a whirlwind: to render his anger with fury, and his rebukes with flames of fire, Esay 66. 15. To execute judgement upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them, of all their ungodly deeds which they have commit­ted, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him. Jude 15. as I shall shew farther by and by.

And ther [...]fore in the next place, I shall shew you, what shall be done when he is come.

First, When Christ is come the second time, they that are in their graves shall arise, and come forth of their graves (as I [Page 149] said before) in which they have laine according to that in Job. 5. 28. Where Christ saith, Marvell not at this, for the houre is comming in the which all that are in the graves shall heare his voice, and shall come forth: they that have done good unto the re­surrection of life; and they that have done evill unto the resurre­ction of damnation. You will say, Are these graves spoken of here, the graves that are made in the earth? yea, that they are, and for a further proof of the same, look into Dan. 12. 2 Daniel there speaking of the same thing, saith, And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall arise, or awake, some to everlasting life, and some to everlasting contempt, or dam­nation.

I shall not stand here to di­spute any distinctions of the resurrections, only prove that the dead shall arise; and that is a clear truth from the Scrip­tures, [Page 150] Acts 10. 42. Rev. 20 11 12, 13, 14. and 1 Thes. 4. 16. 1 Cor. 15. 52. the dead shall be raised.

2. He shall call all men and women to an account for all their close sinful thoughts, words, and actions; then will the secrets of all hearts be made manifest. Then shall all thy adulterous, and theevish, and covetous, idolatrous, and blas­phemous thoughts be laid open, according to that saying, Their consciences also bearing them witness, and their thoughts the mean time, or while, accusing, or else excusing one another, Rom. 2. 15. But when? why, in the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, ver. 16. see also 1 Cor. 4. 5. There­fore judge nothing before the time; what time is that? why, when the Lord comes; what will he do? He will bring to light the hidden things of dark­nes [...], that is, all those cunning, [Page 151] close, hidden wickednesses, that thou in thy life time hast com­mitted; yea, he will make ma­nifest the counsels of the heart; that is, the most hidden and secret things that are contrived and plotted by the sons of men; Then shal all the midnight whoremongers be laid open with all their sins; Then thou (it may be) who hast commit­ted such sins as thou wouldst not have thy Neighbour, thy father, thy wife, thy husband, or any one else know of for thousands, then thou shalt have them all laid open, even upon the house tops, Luke 12. 1, 2, 3. Then thou that hatest Gods children, his waies, his word, his spirit; then thou that makest a mock at Jesus of Na­zareth, his second coming, then thou that livest in open pro­phaness or secret hypocrisie, then I say, will be such a time of reckoning for you, as never was since the world began, then [Page 152] you that shall die in your si [...]s, will cry to the mountains, fall on us, and cover us from the face of him that sits on the Throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb (which Lamb is the man Christ Jesus, Joh. 1. 19.) And ah, my friends! if the very looks of God be so terri­ble, what will his blows be, think you? Then if all thy idle words shall be accounted for, as it is written, But I say unto you, that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give an account thereof in the day of judgement, Mat. 12. 36. and also all thy filthy actions shall be then regarded in such sort, as thou shalt receive a just re­compence for them. And know, saith the Scripture that for all these things Though sinners will be unwilling to come to judge­ment, yet this will be their misery, God will bring them: God will bring thee into judgement, Eccles. 11. 9. Then

Thou that are an unbelie­ver shalt be sure to fall under the judgement for all thy sins. Mal. 4. 1, 2. [Page 153] first, thou must give account; Secondly, thou must fall in the judgement. Oh my friends, there are hot daies acoming for all those that are found out of the Lord Jesus: Behold, saith Malachi, the daies come that shall burn as an oven, and all the proud, yea, all that do wickedly shall be as stubble; and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the Lord of hoasts; and it shall leave them neither root nor branch. The day of judge­ment will burn like an oven, and all that have not the righ­teousness of Christ upon them shall be as stubble. Ah friends put a red hot oven, and stubble together, and what work will the [...]e be? even the one will burn and destroy the other.

3. When Christ doth come the second time, another end of his coming will be to purge out all things that offend in his Kingdom, Mat. 13. 41, 42. Then shall the son of man send [Page 154] forth his Angels and they shall ga­ther out of his Kingdom all things that offend, and them that doe iniquity, and shall cast them into a furnace of fire; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. There are many things that doe offend in his Kingdom now: namely, the lukewarm pro­fessor, he doth offend first the Lord, secondly, his people. But then thou lukewarm offen­ding professor shalt offend the Church of God no more. Se­condly, the loose professors do also offend God, Christ and his Church. First, he scandals the Gospel by his loose walking, and naughty carriages. Se­condly, he doth make the world blaspheme the name of God by the same. Thirdly, he grieves the hearts of Gods people, Phil. 3. 18. But know that thou also shalt be taken away from offending any more, God, Christ, and his Saints; and thou shalt have weeping [Page 155] and gnashing of teeth for thy thus offending, Mat. 18. 6. 7.

4 Another end of Christs second coming is to cut of all the ignorant persons that are in the world. There is a ge­neration of poor souls that do think to be excused for their ignorance: Alas saith one, Men see­king to get en­courage­ment from their ig­norance, doe more harden them­selves in sin, and [...]are in greater danger of eternal damna­tion. I am a poor ignorant man, or woman, and therefore I hope that the Lord will have mercy upon me: We cannot, say o­thers, do as such and such, and will the Lord condemn us? And thus poor souls, as they are in the broad way to destructi­on least they should misse of the way to hell; do swallow down by clusters, that which will poyson them body and soul for ever, and ever.

But you will say, What, will not the Lord have mercy on ignorant soules? Ans. Not on those who live and die in their ignorance. He himselfe hath [Page 156] said, Esay 27. 11. Because it is a people of no understanding, therefore he that made them will not have mercy on them, and he that formed them will shew them no favour. Again, Paul also in that 2 Thes. 1. 8. saith, that when Jesus Christ shall come to judge the world, This 27 of Isaiah and the 11 verse is a notable con­futation of the ignorants hypocri­ticall hope, where he saith, He that made them will have no me [...]cy on them, and he that formed them will shew them no favour. he doth come to take vengeance on all them that know not God, and that obey not the Gospell of our Lord Jesus Christ.

But ye will say, who are those ignorant persons, that shall find no favour at that day? or how doth the ignorance disco­ver it selfe?

I shall only mention three or four sorts of men, and leave thee to the Scriptures, which if thou read them diligently, will further lay them open before thee.

And first, the prophane scof­fer, who makes a mocke at the truths of God, and so goes on in his sins, for this see in 2 Pet. 3.

[Page 157] 3. which the Apostle attributes to their ignorance ver. 5. And therefore he likens them to bruit beasts, Chap. 2. 10. and 12. verses, who walke after the flesh, in the lusts of uncleanness, & speak evil of the things they understand not, and shall utter­ly perish in their corruption; who because they understand not the Scriptures, nor the power of God in them, speake evil of the truths therein con­tained, and think the Lord like unto themselves, Psal. 50.

Secondly, the formal profes­sor, who hath onely a notion of the Gospell, and some see­ming holiness, but wants Gos­pel faith: Such are called foo­lish virgins, Mat 25. 2, 3. to whom Christ will say in that day, Verily, I know you not. Adde hereto, those that think it enough to confess Christ with their mouthes, and profess that they know God, but deny him in their works; such notwith­standing [Page 158] all their profession, shall, if they so continue, perish eternally, being abominable, disobedient, and to every good work reprobate, or void of judgement, that is ignorant, Tit. 1. v. 16.

3. The legal righteous man or woman, though they walke blameless as touching the righ­teousnesse that is in the law: For they being ignorant of Gods righteousness, go about to establish their own righteous­ness, as reading, hearing Ser­mons, prayers, publique or pri­vate, peaceableness with their Neighbours, Fasting, Almes, good works as they count them, just dealings, abstinence from the grosser pollutions of the world, stricter obedience to the commandments of the first and second table; all which with many other things may be com­prehended in their own righte­ousnesse, and it is grounded on their ignorance, and goes on [Page 159] in rebellion; and such ignorant persons shall in that day perish, not submitting through ignoranco to the righteousness of God, Rom. 10. 3. compared with Luke 19. 27. where Christ saith that when he shall come the second time, he will command those his enemies, who submitted not themselves to him, who is called the righteousness of God, Esay 46. 13. or would not have him to reign over them, to be slaine before his face.

4. Those whose hearts are set upon the world, and follow the alluring perswasions of it; the Lord calls such fools, Luke 12. 20 and Pro. 7. 7. who go after it ( v [...]z the world, held forth by a similitude of a woman with the attire of an harlot) as an oxe to the slaughter, or a Foole to the correction of the stocks, till a dart strike thorow his liver, as a bird hasteth to the snare, and knoweth not that it is for his life: and knows not, [Page 160] marke, it is through ignorance, ver. 23.

A fift end of Christs com­ming, is, that his righteous ones might shine as the Sun in the glory, or Kingdom of their Father, Mat. 13. 43. there are many things that do hinder the People of God from shining forth as the Sun now. As first, they have a body of death which makes them fetch many a groane in their journey to Canaan, Rom. 7. 24. 2 Cor. 5. 2. They meet with many a sad temptation, which also makes them in heaviness many a time, 1 Pet, 1. 6. They have also many other things that doe hinder their shining now; but then the body of death shall be left off. My meaning is, that sin shall be no more in the na­tures of Gods people then: Their bodies that are now so vile, shall then be made like unto the glorious body of the son of God, who shall change our vile bodie, [Page 161] that it may be like unto his glori­ous body, according to the working whereby he is, able to subdue all things unto himself, Phil. 3. ver. 21.

6. Another end of Christs coming shall be to take an ac­count of his children, how they have laid out their talents, that he hath committed to their trust, Mat. 25. 19. Rom. 14 12. 2 Cor. 5. 10.

7. Another end of his coming, is, to set up his Kingdom, which will be glorious indeed at his appearing, 2 Tim. 3. 1. Rom. 8. 19, 20, 21. I do but touch these things, because I would hasten towards a conclusion; many other things might have been spoken to, but at this time I shal forbear.

But you will say, Who shall stand when he appears? why, I told you before, that the un­godly shall not stand in the judgement, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous, [Page 162] Psa. 1. 5. let him be close or prophane, as I told you even now, all shall be laid open; all shall be made manifest, all shall come into judgement.

Ah poor soul! it is not then thy brave words will save thee; it is not thine eloquent tongue that will then do thee any good; if thou be without the wedding garment, thou wilt be speechlesse, as in Mat. 22. 12. But thou that art a conver­ted person shalt stand in the judgement; thou that are born again shalt enter into the King­dom, and none else, Joh: 3. 5. Rev. 21. 27.

But how shall I know that I am born again? Answ. Why, if thou art born again, then thou knowest that thou wast not born a Christian at first, Eph. 2. 1, 2, 3. you hath the quickened who were dead in tres­passes and sins.

2. Thou knowest that once thou hadst no faith in the Lord [Page 163] Jesus; and wert convinced of sin because thou didst not be­lieve in the son of Mary, Jol. 6. 9.

3. Thou seest all true joy through the blood and righte­ousness of the son of Mary. 1 Cor. 15. 57. Rom. 7. 24. 25.

4. Art thou born again? then thou canst not be quiet till thou seest God smile, and lift up the light of his countenance upon thee, 2 Cor 4. [...] Psa. 4. 6. and that through the face of the son of Mary, the son of God.

5. Thou knowest that God hath given thee thy faith, Phil. 1. 29. Eph. 2. 8.

6. Art thou born again? then thou knowest that the doctrine of the son of M [...]ry the Virgin, is a right doctrine, 2 Joh 9.

7. Then also thou lookest for the personal appearing of the son of Mary from heaven in the clou [...]ls, Rev. 1. 7. the second time Heb. 9 28

These things, though plain, [Page 164] yet if the Lord set them home upon thy conscience, may be profitable both to thee and me. Therefore let us examine the matter a little. And first,

Thou thinkest that thou art a Christian; thou shouldst be sorry else; well, but when did God shew thee that thou wert no Christian? when didst thou see that? and in the light of the spirit of Christ see that thou wert under the wrath of God because of original sin? Nay, dost thou know what o­riginal sin means? Is it not the least in thy thoughts? and dost thou not rejoyce in secret that thou art the same that thou ever wert? [...]. 5. 12 If so. then know for certain that the wrath of God to this very day abideth on thee, Joh. 3. 36. And if so, then thou art one of those that will fall in the judgement, ex­cept thou art born again, and made a new creature, 2 Cor. 5. 17.

[Page 165] But secondly, thou thinkest that thou hast been born again, ('tis well if thou hast) but least thou shouldst deceive thy poor soul, I pray thee consider, when did the spirit of the Lord Jesus shew thee that thou hadst no faith in thee by nature? and when did the spirit of Christ convince thee of sin, because thou didst not believe in him? It may be thou hast been con­vinced of sins against the Law, by the Law, and thy own con­science, as the Pharisees were, Joh. 8. 9. and Rom. 3. 20. I, but when didst thou see thy self a lost creature for want of faith in the son of Mary? if not, thou hast not yet been savingly convinced by the spirit of Christ; for that when it con­vinceth effectually of sin, it convinceth of unbeliefe; though thou hast been never so much convinced of sins against the Law, if thou hast not seen thy self under the power and do­minion, [Page 166] guilt and punishment of [...]in because thou didst not be­lieve in Christ, thou hast not yet been savingly convinced; for thats one work of the spirit to convince of sin, because they believe not on me; saith Jesus, the Son of Mary, who was espoused to Joseph the Carpen­ter; But on the contrary, dost thou not say in thy heart, thou never hadst thy faith to seek, but hast alway believed with as good a faith as any one alive; If so, then know for certain that thou hast no faith of the operation of God in thee, ac­cording to Gods ordinary working; and if so, then know that if the Son of man should come to judge the world at this moment of time, that thou with all thy faith (thou thinkest thou hast) wouldst fall in the judgement, 2 Thes. 2. 12.

3. Art thou born again? then thou seest that thy great sin was want of faith in the Son [Page 167] of Mary. Then thou seest that it is he that was sent of God to die for the sins of the world, J [...]h. [...]. 19 Jo. 3. 16, 17, 18, 19. Act 13 38, 39. and that thou art compleat in him, without any works of the Law, Rom. 4. 4. the [...] thou rejoycest in Christ Jesus and puttest no confidence in the flesh, Phil. 3. 3. yet thou rejoycest in the flesh and blood of the son of Mary, knowing that his flesh is meat indeed, and his blood is drink indeed, Joh. 6. 55. out of which thou wouldst very willingly make thy life all thy daies; out of his birth, obedience, death, resurrection, ascension, and glorious intercession now at the right hand of his father, Heb. 7. 24, 25. but if thou art wavering in these things, know, that thou art but a babe at the best, and for ought thou knowest, God maycut thee off in thy unbelief and cast thee into utter darkness, where there shall [Page 168] be weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth.

4. Art thou born again? then thou seest all true peace and joy comes through the blood of the son of Mary, and his righteous­nesse, as in Rom. 7. 24. & 1 Cor. 15. 57. there are many poor souls that are taken with rap­tures of joy, and false conceited consolation, Joh. 16 20. which doth come from the Divel, and their own deceitful hearts; but their joy shall be turned into mourning and sorrow of heart, Luke 6. 24, 25. but thou that art a Christian indeed, and not in word onely, rejoycest in Christ Jesus the son of Ma [...]y; yea, though now you see him not, yet believing, you rejoyce with joy unspeakable and full of glory, 1 Pet. 1. 8. And these two things are the fruits of thy faith, and of thy joy.

1. The Lord Jesus Christ is very precious unto thee, 1 Pet. 2. ver. 7. 2. Thou dost purifie [Page 169] thine heart by this faith, and the power of the spirit of Christ, which thou hast received into thy soul, Rom. 8. 13. Acts 15. 9. and 1 Joh. 3. 3. but if thy guilt of sin goes off, and con­victions go off any other way then by the blood and righte­ousness of the man Christ Jesus, thy guilt goes off not right, but wrong, and thy latter end will be a very bitter end, without faith and repentance; for it is his blood through which all true peace comes, Col. 1. 20. and there is no other name under heaven given among men, whereby we should be saved, but by the Lord Jesus of Nazareth, Acts 4. ver. 10, 11, 12. compared to­gether.

5. Art thou borne againe? Then thou canst not be quiet, till thou doest see God lift up the light of his Countenance upon thee, yea, thou hast such a desire after the light of Gods [Page 170] countenance, that all the glory, riches, honour, pleasure, profits &c. of this world will not satisfie, till thou doest see God to be a reconciled father to thee in the Lord Jesus Christ; as it is Psal. 4. 6. Joh. 14. 8. Ps. 35. 3. then thou wilt not be quiet till thou doest hear from the son of Mary, which is the Lord of glo­ry, 1 Cor, 2. 8. such a voice as this, Son be of good cheer, thy sins are forgiven thee; and 2 Cor. 12 9. My grace is sufficient for thee. But if thou canst content thy selfe with any thing below this, thou wilt, when all comes to all, be found but a rotten-hearted professor, who wilt have thy portion among the slothfull ones, who will fall in the judgement of the son of Man, when he comes in flaming fire with his mighty Angels, 2 Thes. 1. 8.

6. Art thou borne againe? Then thou knowest that God hath given thee thy faith that thou hast in his son: then thou [Page 171] art able to say through grace, there was a time in which I had no faith, there was a time in which I could not believe in the son of God for eternal life. But G [...]d, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved me, even when I was dead in sins and unbelief, (which is the greatest) hath quickned me together with Christ: by grace I am saved, Eph. 2. 4, 5. through faith v. 8.

7. Art thou borne againe? Then thou knowest that the doctrine of the Son of God, the son of Mary is a right doctrine, which is this.

First, that the Son of God which was with his Father be­fore the world was ( Joh. 1. 1. John 17. 5.) came into the world in the fulnesse of time, and was made in the likenesse of Men, Phil. 2. 7. being made of a woman or virgin, made under the Law, to redeem them that were under the Law, Gal. 4. 4. And that was done in this [Page 172] wise. What the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, that is through our flesh, God sending his own Son in the likenesse of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh, that is condemned him in the flesh for the sins of poor sinners; For this, compare Rom. 8. 3. and 2 Cor. 5. 21. with Gal. 3. 13. and it will appeare clearly to be the truth of God: Also, that this Son of God, which is the true God, as well as the Son of Mary, did bear our sins in his own body on the tree, 1 Pet. 2. 24. and did spill his own blood, which is also the blood of God, Acts 20. 28. that he died, and was laid in Josephs Sepulchre, Joh. 19. 38, 39, 40, 41. and rose again the third day, Acts 10. 40. that very man, Luk. 24. v. 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44. and ascended up into heaven in a cloud, Acts 1. 9, 10. and 11. and there ever lives to make in­tercession for us, that very man [Page 173] Heb. 7. 24, 25. Heb. 8. 3 Heb. 10. 12.

And in the last place, If thou art a Christian, then thou loo­kest for that very Jesus againe, whom the Jewes did crucifie, John 19. whom God raised again as it is, 1 Thes. 1. 10. I say thou lookest, thou waitest, thou hastenest after the comming of this Lord Jesus, which doth de­liver thee from the wrath to come, 2 Pet. 3. 10, 11, 12. Heb. 9. 26, [...]7, 28. 1 Thes. 1. 10. Yea, thou knowest, that this very man shall so come, in like man­ner, as his disciples did see him go into heaven, which was a ver [...] man, Luke 24. 30. compa­red with ver. 50. 51. of the same chapter. Yea, in a cloud he went away from his disciples, and in the clouds he shall come again, Rev. 1. 7. to judge all that are in their graves, Joh. 5. 28, 29. Dan. 12. 2. and shall receive all that looke for, and love his second comming, to [Page 174] himself, Heb. 9. 27. 28. And they shall be for ever with him, 1 Thes. 4. 16. 17. But the wic­ked shall be cast into eternal damnation, Mat. 25. 46. These things I say, if thou be a Chri­stian indeed, thou believest, and ownest, and the faith of them doth purifie thy heart, 1 Joh. 3. 3. and wean thee from this world, and the things thereof; and if it is not from this principle, that is, if thy obedience do not flow from this faith, which is the faith of Gods elect, as I have proved at large, thy obe­dience, thy zeal, thy self-denial, thy holiness, righteousness, yea, all that thou canst doe, is but sin in the sight of the great God of heaven and earth. Heb. 11. 6. For all true sanctification comes through the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Rom. 14. 23. by the operation of the Spirit of God, 1 Cor. 6. 11. But ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified, in the Name of our Lord Jesus, and [Page 175] by the Spirit of our God: And in Cant. 1. 3. Thy Name is as an o [...]niment poured forth, therefore doe the virgins love thee.

Well then, seeing this is a truth of so great concernment, I beseech you, seeke to be throughly rooted into it by faith. And that thou maiest so be, examine thy heart; yea, beg of God to help thee to examine it, and to throw out all that fancy that thou takest in stead of faith; Also throw away all thy own wisedome, yea, thy own righteousnesse also, and conie to God in the Name of the Son of Mary, which is the Son of God, and beg faith of him, true faith, the faith of the operation of God; such a faith as he gives to his own elect, which will shew thee cleerly of these things; so that tho [...]r shalt not deceive thy selfe with a fancy of them▪ and the advan­tages will be many.

1. It will comfort thy heart [Page 176] against persecutions, tempta­tions, and cross providences, as also James saith to his persecu­ted brethren; Be patient my brethren, saith be, stablish your hearts, for the comming of the Lord drawes nigh. James 5. 8.

2: It will through grace wean thy heart and affections abundantly from this world, and the things therein: Who is he that overcomes, the world (saith John) but [...]e that believes that Jesus is the Son of God? 1 Joh. 5. 5. who is he also that purifies his heart, but he that looketh for the second comeing of Christ from heaven (as in 1 John 3. 3. compared with 2 Pet. 3. 10, 11.) to judge the world?

3. Hereby thou wilt be able to Judge of all doctrines what­soever, though they come never so nigh the truth, yet if they be not indeed the very truth, thou wilt find them and their doctrine lyars, Rev. 2. 2. and [Page 177] 1 Cor. 2. 15.

4. If thou beest throughly set down in this doctrine, even in the faith of this doctrine which I have held forth unto thee, thou wilt not be taken with any other doctrine whatsoever. What is the reason I pray you, that there are so many giddy­headed professors in these daies that do stagger to and fro like a company of drunkards, but this, They were never se led in the doctrine of the Father, and the Son? They were never enabled to believe that that child that was born of the virgin Mary, was the mighty God, Is. 9 6. No, saith Christ, he that is built upon this rock (meaning the faith of him­selfe, which is to believe that the Son of Mary is the Christ of God, Mat. 16. 16.) the gates of hell shall not prevaile against him, v. 18.

5. The faith of this doctrine, will make thee labour in the work of God in the world. [Page 178] Oh, how it will liven thy heart in the work of the Lord; espe­cially, if thou livest in the faith of thy interest in Christ, it will make thee labour to be found watching when thy Lord shall returne from the wedding; that when he doth come, thou maiest open to him immediately. Luke 12. 35. 36.

Now seeing the comming of the Lord Jesus Christ is so nigh, even at the doors, what doth this speak to all sorts of people (under heaven) but this? first, to see whither they have oyl in their lamps or not; that is, to search, and see, whither the spirit of the man Christ Jesus be in them or no; for he that hath not the spirit of Christ in him, is none of Ch [...]ists, Rom 89▪ Thou that hast not the spirit of Christ in thee, why, at that day (let thy profession be what it will) he wi [...]l say to thee, depart, I know you not, Mat. 25. and if so, then thy latter end [Page 179] will be worse then thy be­ginning, as in 2 Pet. 2. 20.

2. Then what will become of all the prophane, ignorant, scoffers, self-righteous, proud, bastard-professors in the world? If the children of God shall scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? 1 Pet. 4▪ 18.

3. Then what will become of all those that creep into the society of God people with­out a wedding garment on? why, it will be said unto them, Friends, how came you hither? take them, and bind them hand and foot, and cast them into utter darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of t [...]eth, Mat. 22 11, 12, 13.

4. Then what will become of all those that mock at the second coming of the Man Christ, as do the Ranters, Qua­kere, Drunkards, and the like? why read their doom in Mat. 24. 50, 51. The Lord of that, [Page 180] of these servants, shall come in a day when they look not for him, and in an hour that they are not aware of, and shall cut them asunder & appoint them their portion with hypocrites, and there shall be weeping and gnashin of teeth.

5. Then what doth this speak to the Lords own people? sure­ly this, that they should be in a watchful posture, Mark 13. 37.

Watch therefore over your own hearts, least they should be overcharged with surfeiting and drunkeness, and the cares [...]f this life, and so that day come upon you unawares; for as a snare shall it come upon all the dwelle [...]s upon the face of the earth, as it is in Luke 21. 34, 35, 36.

2. Watch over the Devils temptations. Oh, have a care in the first place, least by any meanes as the Serpent beguiled Eie, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity [Page 181] that is in Christ: And the rather, because at this day he is very busie with his doctrines, and his ministers; trying all waies, if by any means he might de­ceive you with fair speeches, and inticing carriages; with a fair shew in the flesh, yet denying the Lord, and refusing to be justified by the blood of Jesus the son of Mary, the son of God: Watch I say over the Divel, touching doctrines, for he labours as much this way as any way, for he knows if he can but get you to lay a rotten foundation he is sure of you, live as godly in your conceit as you will, and therefore, it is worth your observation, in that 24 of M [...]. when Christ is speaking of the signs of his coming, he breaks forth with a warning word to his Disciples, to be­ware of false teachers, ver. 4. the very first words that he an­swers to a question that his Disciples put to him, is this, [Page 182] Take heed that no man deceive you. Again, ver. 11. And many false Prophets shall arise, and shall deceive many. And in ver. 24. he saith again, for there shall come, or arise, false Christs and false Prophets, and shall shew signs and wonders, in somuch that if it were p [...]ssible they should deceive the very elect.

3. Take heed that he doth not deceive you in point of worship, that he make you not slight any of the ordinances of God; for if he do, he will quickly make way for another temptation.

4. Take heed that you also have not your lamps to trim when the bridegroom comes; if you have, you many parad­venture be ashamed and blush, before him at his coming, 1 Jo. 2 last ver. Therefore content not your selves with a profession of Christ, and no more, for the divel may deceive, yea doth deceive a professing people [Page 183] many time. And if he will deceive a professing genera­tion, he must come in this manner; first, under the name Christ; secondly, with a fair shew in the flesh of outward holinesse, Gal. 6. 12. Thirdly, he must come with good words and fair speeches, Rom. 16. 18. Now though he come to drun­kards, swearers, whoremon­gers, theives, liars, murderers, and covetous persons, in his black colours; yet if he will come to deceive a profe [...]sing 2 Cor. 11. 14. party, he must appear like an Angel of light. And the reason why souls are deceived by him in these his appearances, is, because they are not able to distinguish betwixt the Law and the Gospel, the conviction [...] of conscience by the Law only, and convictions by the spirit; but do (though they professe the Lord Jesus) give eare to every wind of doctrine, and being unstable, as Peter saith, [Page 184] do fall into the temptations of the Divel, in wres [...]ing the Scripture to their own destru­ction, 2. Pet. 3. 16.

In a word, you that have not yet laid hold on the Lord Jesus Christ, for eternal life, lay hold upon him, upon his righteousnesse, blood, resur­rection, ascension, intercession, and wait for his second coming to judge the world in righte­ousness, Acts 17. 31. And you that have laid hold. I say to you, lay faster hold on your Lord Jesus, Who so hath [...]ares to hear, let him hear, Matth. 13. 43.

Now, that thou mayst the more clearly understand my faith in the doctrine of Gods dear son, I have thought good to hold forth again the doctrine in the former Treatise by way of Question and Answer, as followeth.

Qu. Seeing there are many [...] Christs gone out into the [Page 185] world, according as was prophe­sied of in former times (Mat. 24. 5, 23.) by the Lord himself; And seeing (if we be saved) we must be saved by a Christ; for he that misses of him (saith the Scriptures) cannot be saved, be­cause there is no way to come to the father but by him, as it is written Joh. 14. 6. Acts 4. 12. How therefore, is the knowledge of the true Christ to be attained unto, that we may be saved by him?

Answ. Indeed to know Christ, (Gods Christ) is as the Scripture saith, the one thing necessary, Luke 10. 42. without which all other things will avail nothing; And therefore I shall according to the Scrip­tures, first, tell you what Gods Christ is, and secondly, how the knowledge of him is attai­ned unto. And therefore, first, Gods Ch [...]ist is true God, and true man. That he is true God, is manifest by that Scrip­ture [Page 186] in Isaiah 9 6 where it is said, to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the govern­ment shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counsellour, the mighty God, the everlasting Father the Prince of peace, also 1 Joh. 5. 20. And we are in him, that is true, ( saith the Apostle) even in his son Jesus Christ, this is true God, and eternal life, see Heb. 1. 8. Joh. 1. 12. Rom. 9. 5. Joh. 20. 28.

But Secondly, that he is [...] Man, see again Isa. 9. 6. where it is said, Vnto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and compare it with Mat. 1. 21. where it is said, And she shalt bring forth a Son, and thou shall call his name Jesus, for he shall save his people from their sins, see John. 1. 14. And the word was made flesh. 1. Tim. 3. 16. God was manifested in the flesh. These two Scriptures are expounded by Heb. 2. 14. where it is said, [Page 187] Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise tooke part of the same, that is, of flesh and blood, see Rom. 8. 3. and com­pare it with Luke 24. 39. where Christ saith, Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I my selfe; handle me and see, for a spirit hath not flesh and bones as ye see [...]e have. And he doth often call himself by the name of the Son of Man (Mat. 24. Mat. 16. 13.) to signifie that he is very man, as well as very God.

Q [...]. But why was he true God and true man?

Answ. He was true man, be­cause man had offended, and Justice required that man should suffer and make satisfa­ction, and so it is written 1 Cor. 1 5. 21. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. And again, All we like sheep have gone astray, and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquities of us all. And [Page 188] in 1 Pet. 2. 24. where that 53. of Esay is mentioned, he saith, Who his own selfe bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we being dead to sins should live unto righteousnesse, by whose stripes we are healed. And againe, God did prepare this body, the hu­mane nature of Christ, that it should be a sacrifice for sins, wherefore he saith, Sacrifices and offerings (that is such as were offered by the Law of Moses) thou wouldest not have; but a body hast thou prepared me, Heb. 10. 5. In this body which God had prepared for him, which he tooke of the virgin, Gal. 4. 4. in this he did beare all the sins of all his elect, 1 Pet. 2. 24.

And he must needs be true God, because, it was an infinite God that was transgressed a­gainst, and Justice required an infinite satisfaction, and there­fore he must be infinite that must give this satisfaction, o [...] [Page 189] else justice could not be satisfied and so it written, where the Apostle is telling the Pastors of the Church of Ephesus, by what they were redeemed, he tells them, that God did purchase them with his own blood, Acts 20 28 see 1 Joh 3. 16. where he saith, herein perceive we the love of God in that He laid down his life for us. Not in his divine but in his humane nature; for as I said before Gods Christ was of both natures, Esay 9. 6. R [...]m. 9. 5. 1 J [...]h. 5. 20. Joh. 1. 1. 14. True God and true man, and the divine nature did ina­ble him to undergoe in his hu­mane nature, all that sin, curse, and wrath that was laid upon him for us; and to overcome, and obtain eternal redemption for us, Heb. 9. 24.

3. Q [...]. How did this Christ bring in redemption for man?

Ans. Why first, Man brake the law of God; but this man did fulfill it again, and became [Page 190] the end of it for righteousnesse to every one that believeth, Rom. 10. 4.

2. Man was foiled and over­come by the devil; but this man Christ did overcome him a­gain, Rom. 5. 12 Luke 4. Heb. 2. 14. 15. and that for us.

3. Man did lose the glory of God: but this Man hath obtai­ned it again.

4. Man by sin lost eternal salvation: But this man by his own blood hath obtained it again for him, Heb. 9. 12.

5. Man by sin brought death into the world: But Jesus Christ that Man hath destroyed it a­gain, Heb. 2. 14. compared with Hos. 13 14. and brought in life and immortality, 2 Tim. 1. 10. Rom. 5. 15.

Q. But how are we justified by this Mans obedience?

Ans. All our iniquities were laid upon him, Isa. 53. 6, 8, 11, 12. And his righteousnesse is bestowed on us, if we believe, as [Page 191] it is written, even the righteous­nesse of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all, and upon all them that believe. And this is it which Paul so much sought after, when he saith, yea doubt­less, and I count all things losse, [...] do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, and be found in him, not having mine own righte­ousnesse, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness of God by faith, Phil. 3. v. 8, 9.

Q. How doe men come by this righteousnesse and everlasting life?

Ans. By faith men lay hold upon it, and apply it to their own souls in particular, Gal. 2. 20. For it is by faith they are justifyed, as also faith the Scri­pture, Rom. 5. 1. That is faith laies hold on and applies, that which this Christ of God hath done, and is a doing, and owns it as his own.

Q. What is this faith that [Page 192] doth thus justifie the sinner?

Ans. It is a gift Eph. 2. 8, fruit Gal. 5. 22., on work 2 Thes. [...]. 21. of the Spirit of God, whereby a soul is enabled, un­der a sight of its sins, and wret­ched estate, to lay hold on the birth, righteousnesse, blood, death, resurrection, ascension and intercession of the Lord Jesus Christ, and by the assi­stance of the Spirit, whereby it is wrought, to apply all the vertue, life and merit, of what hath been done and suffered, or is a doing by the same Lord Jesus Christ, to its own selfe in particular, Gal. 2. 20. Rom. 7. 24. 25. as if it selfe had really done all that the Lord Jesus Christ hath done,: I doe not say, [...]hat the soul doth any thing for justification, but it doth know, that whatsoever Jesus Christ hath done in point of justification, is given to, and bestowed upon it, Rom. 3. 22. and God finding the soul in him, that is in Christ, doth ju­stifie [Page 193] it from all things, from which it could not be justified by the law of Moses, Acts 13. 38, 39.

Q. Well, but is there no way to come to the father of mercies but by this man that was borne of the virgin? is there no way to come to God but by the faith of Him?

Ans. No, there is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved, Acts 4. 12. And Jesus himselfe, that was borne of the virgin Mary said, I am the Way, the truth, and the life: No man com­meth to the father, but by me, Joh, 14. 6.

Q. And where is this man, that was borne of the virgin, that we may come to the father by him?

A. He ascended away from his Disciples in a cloud, into heaven, as we may read Act. 1. 9, 10, 11.

Q. What doth he there?

Ans. He ever lives to make intercession for all that come unto God by him, Heb. 7. 25. That [Page 194] is, they that shall come out of themselves to him, and venture their▪ soules on what he did and suffered when he was on earth, & is doing now in heaven; shall certainly be saved: For he ever lives to save them, that doe thus come to the father by him. And it is, because, he spilt his blood for all that shall by the faith of Gods elect lay hold upon him: and thus it is written where he saith, we are justified freely by his grace, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. Mark it, whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation, through faith in his blood; to declare his righteous­nesse; that is, to declare Gods righteousnesse, for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; to declare I say at this time his righteous­ness, that he might be just, and the justifier of him that believeth (or layeth hold) on Jesus, Rom. 3. 24, 25, 36.

Q. But did this man rise again [Page 195] from the dead, that very man, with that very body wherwith he was crucified? for you do seem as I conceive to hold forth so much by these your expressi [...]ns.

A. Why do you doubt of it?

Q. Doe you believe it?

Ans. Yes, by the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, for he hath enabled me so to doe.

Qu. And can you prove it by the Scriptures?

Answ. Yes.

Q. How?

Answ. First, from that Scri­pture in Luke 24. 37, 38, 39, 40. where Christ himselfe after [...]he was crucified appeared to his Disciples, (who having seen him) supposed they had seen a Spirit. But he said, Why are ye troubled, and why doe thoughts arise in your hearts? behold my hand and my feet, that it is I my selfe, and doe not think you see a spirit; han­dle me, and see, for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me [Page 196] have. This he spake after he was crucified, Luke 23. 33. and buried, v. 53. and rose againe from the dead, chap. 24. 6, 7. Many other Scriptures could I give for the proof hereof, as Acts 10. 39, 40, 41, 42. And Acts 13. 28, 29, 30, 31. 1 Thess. 1. 10. only read Acts 2. 29, 30, 31. where the Apostle proveth the same, bringing in the words of the Prophet David for a testimony thereof, saying, He being a Prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loynes according to the flesh he would raise up Christ to sit on his Throne (saith) he seeing this be­fore, spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. Mark it, his flesh did see no corruption, v. 31. But if he had not risen againe, his flesh had seen corruption. But he rose again from the dead, that very man, that very body; [Page 197] for his flesh did see no corrup­tion!

Q. Why did he rise againe from the dead with that very body?

Answ. 1. Because it was not possible he should be holden of death. 2. Because in his hu­mane nature he suffered for sin; Act. 2. 24. and if he had not recove­red himselfe from that very curse, even from under death, and all other things that lay on him, which he had through the sins of his children subje­cted himselfe unto, he had not overcome sin, hell; death, the law, and the devil; but had been overcome by them; and if so, then had not redemption been obtained for sinners; for it was at his resurrection from the dead, that God said unto him, Thou art my sonne, this day have I begotten thee: (As saith the Apostle) And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise made unto the Fa­thers, [Page 198] God had fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again: as it is written in the second Psal. Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten th [...]e, Acts 13 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35. And it is this, name­ly the resurrection of that man from the dead, that doth give us ground of hope; as in 1 Pet. 1. & 3. where he saith, He hath begotten us again to a lively hope, by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from [...] dead.

3. Because God intends to redeem the bodies of his Saints out of their graves in which they have lien many a yeare, John 5. 28, 29. Rom. 8. 23. 1 Cor. 15. 52. and to possesse them with his own glory; and when this comes to passe, then shall that Scripture be fulfilled, that saith, He shall change our vi [...] body, that it may be fashioned like to his glorious body, accor­ding to the working (of his mighty power) whereby he is a­ble [Page 599] to subdue all things to himself. Phil. 3. 21. And he hath given us assurance thereof, in that he hath raised up Jesus our Lord again from the dead, Acts 17. 31.

Q. But doe you think that these our bodies that we doe carry about with us in this world, after that they are dead and buried, and rotten, shall rise again out of those graves into which they are laid; when the Scripture saith, flesh and blood shall not inherit the Kingdome of God?

Answ. Flesh in Scripture is taken more wayes then one; 1 Cor. 25. 50. as first, it is taken for the workes of the law; where the Apostle saith, Received ye the spirit by the workes of the Law, or by the hearing of faith? Are ye so foolish, having begun in the spi­rit, are ye made perfect by the flesh? By flesh here, he meanes the Law; as is clear, if you [Page 200] compare Gal. 3. v. 2. & 3. with v. 10, 11. 12. Again sometimes flesh is taken for sinnes, Rom. 8. 1. 5. And sometimes is is taken for the bodies of the Saints,* as subject to distempers, to pain, sicknesse, corruptions, to death, by reason of sinne, * 2 Cor. 4. 11. 2 Cor. 7. 5. Now the Apo­stle in that place, where he saith flesh and blood shall not inherit the Kingdome of Heaven, or of God, his meaning is, sinful flesh and blood, or the sin, with any imperfection that is in the bo­dies of the Saints, shall not in­herit the Kingdome; and that you shall find to be the mind of the holy Ghost, if you read with understanding the latter end of the same verse, where he saith, Neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. That is, sin, or any imperfection of the body, shall not inherit eternal life; for saith he in ver. 53. This corruptible must put on in­corruption, and this mortal must [Page 201] put on immortality. Mark here I pray you, though he saith flesh and blood shall not inherit the Kingdom of God, yet he saith this corruptible must put on in­corrution: For the Trump shall blow, and the dead shall be rai­sed (as Christ saith, they that are in the graves shall hear his voi [...]e, John 5. 28. and shall come forth of their graves incorruptible, 1 Cor. 15. 52. and shall all appeare before the judgement-seat of Christ, 2 Cor. 5. 10. Rev. 12. 1 [...]. 13. See also that Scripture Phil. 3. 20. 21 where the Apostle saith, He waited for Christ the Saviour from Heaven. And what shall he doe when he comes? Why, He shall change our vile body. Mark it, it must be our vile bo­dy that must be changed. But if it be changed, then how can it be the same? Not the same in respect of sinne, or bodi­ly infirmities, but the very same in respect of substance: [Page 202] For, saith he, it is our vile bo­dy that must be changed, And it, the very same, it shall be fashioned like to his glorious body. And if you ask, how is it possi­ble that this should be done? he answers, according to the wor­king whereby he is able to subdue all things unto himself, Phil. 3. 21.

Q. But do you think this is cer­tain? methinks the Scriptures semingly hold forth so much, yet I cannot believe it, for it is con­trary to all reason.

A. Truly the Scriptures do not only hold forth so much seemingly, but they do most really, and plainly hold out these things, to all those that have received the spirit of the Lord Jesus Christ. For it is it, and it alone, that can reveal these things. For no man knows the things of God, but the spirit of God, 1 Cor. 2. 11. Now if thou wouldst know these things, thou must first receive the spirit [Page 203] of the son of God, without which, thou canst not know so much as one of the fundamen­tal truths of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Q. But there are those in our du [...]es, who reject this doctrine that you lay down, concerning the Lord Jesus Christ, as you lay it down, and they are for a Christ within, for a cross within, for a resurrection, and intercession within; and they do not hold as you do, a Christ without, and a resurrection of Christ without, and intercession of Christ with u [...]; I, and they have very much Scripture for that which they say too: And therefore what should such as we do, that stand totte­ring and shaking in these distra­cted and dangerous times? for our poor souls are in very much doubt what way to take.

Ans. Therefore, I will speak a few words to you by way of discovery of the falsity of such opinions; and a word of di­rection [Page 204] how you should under­stand the truth. First, there­fore, he that cries up a Christ within, in opposition to a Christ without, that man, in­stead of having the spirit of Christ in him, is possessed with a spirit of delusion; for where the spirit of Christ is in truth, that spirit causeth the soul to look to the Christ that was born of the Virgin, for all justification; as it is written, Howbeit, when he, the spirit of truth is come, he shall lead you into all truth; for he shall not speak of himself, but what soever he shall hear, that shall he speak, and he will shew you things to come, mark the next verse he (saith the son of the Virgin) shall take of mine and shall shew unto you, Joh. 16. 13, 14. he shall take of mine; what is that? why surely it is, he shall take of my Godhead, my humanity, my birth, my righteousness, my blood, my death, my resurre­ction, [Page 205] my ascen [...]ion, and in­tercession, my Kingly, Priestly, and prophetical offices, and shall shew you the life, merit, and value of them. And this was it which was revealed to Paul by the holy spirit, here spoken of, 1 Cor. 15. 1, 2. to the 8. Moreover brethren, saith he, I de­clare unto you the Gospel which I [...]p eached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand. By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unlesse ye have believed in vain. But what is this doctrine? why, I deli­vered to you first of all, that which I also receive [...]. What was that? why, How that Christ died for our sins according to the Scrip­tures. And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, (there is his death and resurre­ction preached) And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve; after that he was seen of [Page 206] above five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greatest part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. After that he was seen of James, then of all the Apostle. And last of all he was seen of me (saith Paul) as of one born out of due time. This is it I say, that the spirit of truth doth hold forth to poor sinners, a Christ crucified without the gates of Jerusalem, Luke 23. 32, 33. buried in Joseph [...] se [...]ulcher, v. 53. risen again the third day, Luke, 24 6. ascended away from his Disciples in a cloud into heaven, as in Act. 1. 9, 10, 11. And there ever liveth, that very man, with that very body, to make intercession for all that receive him, Heb. 7. 24, 25. This is I say the doctrine of the spirit of truth, whatsoever is the spirit of errour. Col. 1 27.

Q. But do not the Scriptures make mention of a Christ within? 2 Cor. 13 5.

A. Yes, And he that hath not [Page 207] the spirit of Christ is none of his, Rom. 8. 9. But he that hath it, is led out of himself by it; and as I said before, it shews the soul, what the blessed son of the Virgin Mary hath done and suffered, and is a doing for it. Therefore hereby know we the spirit of truth from the spirit of errour. Every spirit that doth confesse that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh, is of God; That is, that spirit that doth confess that Jesus Christ took flesh upon him, and in that flesh did bear our sins, 1 Pet. 2. 24. Col. 1. 20, 21, 22. 1 Pet. 3. 18. 1 Pet. 4. 1. and after he was taken down from the cross, and laid in a sepulcher, rose again from the dead; that very man, with that very body, where­with he was crucified: That spirit that doth believe and confess this is of God, and is the blessed spirit of Christ, whereof h [...] spake, when he was yet with his Disciples touching [Page 208] his bodily presence: for he (saith the Son of Mary) shall glorifie me, for he shall take of Mine and shew it to you, Joh. 16. 13, 14.

I have answered this already in my Epistle to the first trea­tise. Therefore believe not e­very spirit, but try the spirits whether they be of God, for many false spirits and prophets are gone out into the world, therefore have a care how thou receivest the voice that speaks to thee, but try whether they are according to the truth of Gods word as it is written, To the law, and to the testimony, if it be not according to this word, it is be­cause there is no light in them, Isa. 8. 20.

Therefore try a little, Doe they flight Gods Christ which is the Son of the virgin, that spirit is of the Devil, 1 Cor. 12. 3.

2. Doe they say that that blood of his which was shed without the gates of Jerusalem doth not wash away sin, yea all [Page 209] sin from him that believes? that is a spirit of Antichrist, 1 Joh. 1. 7.

3. Doe they say, that that man that was crucified without the gates of Jerusalem, is not risen again (with that verybody wherwith he was crucified out of the Sepulchre) Luk. 24. 38, 39. That is a Spirit of Antichrist.

4. Do they say that that very man that was crucified with that very body, is not now in the presence of his father, absent from his people touching his bodily presence, though present in spirit? I say who ever they be, that say he is not there, they are of the Divel: for the proof of this see Acts 5. 30. and 31. and compare it with Heb. 7. 24. 25. The God of our fathers (saith the Apostle) raised up Jesus. But what Jesus? Whom ye slew (saith he to the Jews. Him, the very same whom ye slew) hath God exalted with his right hand to be a prince and a Saviour, to give re­pentance unto Israel and forgive­ness of sins.

[Page 210] And indeed, here is my life, namely the birth of this man, the righteousnesse of this man, the blood of this man, the death and resurrection of this man; the ascension intercession of this man for me, and the second comming of this man to judge the world in righteousness, Acts 17. 31. I say here is my life, if I see this by faith without me, through the operation of the spirit within me; I am safe, I am at peace, I am comforted, I am encouraged, and I know that my comfort, peace, and encourage­ment is true, and given me from heaven, by the father of Mercies, through the Son of the virgin Mary, Mat. 1. 21. who is the way to the father of Mercies, Joh. 14. 6. who is able to save to the ut­ [...]rmost, all that come to the fa­ther by him, Heb. 7. 25. Because he, that very man; with that ve­ry body wherwith he was cruci­fied is ascended into heaven, Acts 1, 9, 10. 11. and there, ever [Page 211] lives to make intercession for them that come to God by him. This is the rock, sinner, upon which if thou be built, the gates of Hell, nor Ranter, Quaker, sin, law, death, no nor the Divel himself, shall ever be able to pre­vail against thee, Mat. 16. 16, 17. 18. And here I leave thee to the wisdome of the great God, who if he hath chosen thee in his Son, and brought thee to him; and hath made thee by faith to lay hold on him, thou needst not fear the divel with his siftings, snares, wiles, and fiery darts, wherewith he doth destroy thousands; but mayest with the Apostle (if thou live in the po­wer and life of the love of God towards thee) cry out, I am per­swaded, that neither death, nor life, nor Angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature shall be able to separate thee from the love of God which is in Christ Je­sus [Page 112] our Lord, Rom. 8. 38, 39. And now Reader, if thou be a true Christian I am sure, that these be the things that appearto be the glorious substantial truths to thy soul, and thou doest not care for that comfort that doth not make this Man, the Son of the virgin precious to thy soul, 1 Pet. 2. 7. for thou knowest, that it is he, that hath deliver'd thee from the wrath to come, 1 Thes. 1. 10. B [...]t as for you that are disobe­dient, except you mend your manners, you will stumble and fall backwards, and be broken, and snared and taken, Isa. 28. 13. and wonder and perish because you believe not. Act. 17. 21

A few words more, and so I shall have done, and they are words of counsel to thee; Have a care thou receive not every Christ that is profered to thee, though it may appear very ex­cellen [...] to thy foolish heart: For under the name Christ, are men deceived, as it is written, many [Page 213] shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ, and shal deceive many. Mat. 24. 5. But have a care that thou receive that Christ, that was borne without thee, fulfilled the Law in his humane nature without thee; spilt his blood without thee, is risen againe and as­cended without thee, and maketh intercession without thee: And that he, that very man that was borne of the Virgin, will come againe in the clouds without thee; And this truth must thou receive by that Spirit that he hath promised to send and give to them that aske him: And that shall dwell in thy heart, and shall shew thee what the Son of Mary the virgin the Son of Man, the Son of God, the true God hath in his body done for thy soule, Joh. 16. 13, 14. And if thou receive him in truth, then though thou doe not boast, nor brag of thy holiness, as those painted hy­pocrites called Quakers do: yet thou wilt do more worke for God in one hour, then they, even all of them, can do in all then life time.

Take my counsel, and the Lord Jesus Christ have mercy upon thy soul and body.

Farewel.