The EXAMINER DEFENDED.
THe Ship of the Commonwealth (like that gallant**The Soveraign, or Commonwealth. Ship now going forth, ſo called) muſt ſhare her weals and woes in common.
As the one, ſo the other hath its dangers of Rocks and Sands,Common Woes Storms and Tempeſts, Want of Proviſions, Sickneſſes and Diſeaſes, treacherous and profeſſed enemies, Fires, Leaks, Mutinies,and &c.
I humbly beg of God, and wiſh to both, their Fair Windes and Weathers, Plentiful proviſions, Unanimity and Peace, Preſervations, Victories, Boon Voyages,Weals. and joyful Anchoring in their deſired Ports and Harbours. Such woes and weals are common to all that ſail in either.
2Now in a Ship there is the whole, and there is each private Cabbin. A private good engageth our deſires for the publike, and raiſeth cares and fears for the due prevention of common evils.
Hence is it,Common Duty. that in a Ship all agree (in their commanding orders, and obeying ſtations) to give and take the Word, to ſtand to the Helm and Compaſs, to the Sails and Tackling, to the Guns and Artillery. This is, this muſt be done in Artificial, and in each Civil Ship and Commonweal.
Hence, not to ſtudy, and not to endeavour the common good, and to exempt our ſelves from the ſenſe of common evil, is a treacherous Baſeneſs, a ſelfiſh Monopoly, a kinde of Tyranny, and tendeth to the deſtruction both of Cabin and Ship, that is, of private and publike ſafety.
I hope it will not therefore be offenſive,Chriſts Interest the Commonweals. that into the great and common treaſury I caſt my mite, and ſay, Chriſts intereſt is the Commonweals. Chriſts intereſt is that Sheat-Anchor, at which this Ship hath rid, and can onely ride in ſafety. All power in heaven and earth is his. If England make peace with him, ally with him, &c. though every duſt of the field were an army, and every drop of the Ocean ſprung up a Navy againſt us; yet our tranquillity ſhould not be ſhortned, our Commonweal, our Parliament, our Peace ſhould flouriſh.
But where is that man whoſe Caſe is not right? Where is the conſcientious Papiſt, or Prelatiſt, or Presbyterian,Every Chriſt but one (the true) calls for the Civil ſword and maintenance. or Independent, that aſſumes not thus; [Chriſts intereſt is mine?] And (in ſome ſenſe) I verily believe they all ſay true; plainly thus. As no Religion in the world can juſtly chalenge the3 drawing of the ſword for its defence; ſo, leaſt of all deſires it that which is, of all, the beſt (and onely true) the Chriſtian.
I know each Sect is apt to plead, Mine intereſt being Christs, the Purſe and Sword of the State is not onely mine, but 'tis Christs due: But,
I alſo maintain, that 'tis not true Civility,Chriſts Intereſt in any Nation, is ſoul-freedom. not true Chriſtianity, that draws the Sword for one or other. Chriſts Intereſt in this Commonweal (or any) is the freedom of the ſouls of the People. I confeſs that all Nations, all Peoples, Kings, Princes, Iudges, &c. ought to kiſs the Son, to be nurſing fathers and mothers to Chriſt Ieſus and his followers. But what a dreadful miſtake is this, that no people muſt live but Christians? That the many millions of millions in our own and other Nations of the world, muſt either at the ſhaking of a ſword fall down before Chriſt, or with the edge of it be cut off for Idolaters, Hereticks, Blaſphemers (or evil ſpeakers) againſt Chriſt and his Religion?
Hath not the God of heaven, the Father of lights, written it with the beams of the noon-day-ſun, that (notwithſtanding pretences) the truth is, That the Parliament of England, and the Religion of England,The Parliament and the Religion of England, have ever followed the Sword of England. hath ever followed the Sword of England? Was not the Parliament and the Religion of England all Popiſh in Henry the ſeventh's days? But in his ſon's, Henry the eighth, the Parliament and Religion divided, and turned half Popiſh, half Proteſtant. In Henry the eighth his three children's days, what turns, what wonders? Was not the Parliament and the Religion all Proteſtant, in that moſt hopeful Edward's ſpring? &c. and as altogether Popiſh, when4 the Sword-fell into the hands of that bloody Mary? And when Gods providence and vengeance wrung the Sword from the paw of that Lioneſs, and reacht it to the hands of that tender Lamb Elizabeth; how hath the Parliament and the Religion of England (ſince her time) carried the face, and hung out the flag of all Proteſtants? &c.
In theſe late Earthquakes and Combuſtions (which the late King begun, by impoſing upon the conſciences of the Scotch Presbyters, in favour of his Prelates) how dreadfully hath a naked Arm from heaven ſnatcht away the Sword from both, and fixt it in a hand more merciful (I hope) to the ſouls of all men, Iews and Gentiles!
Who ſees not this to be the deſigne and the decree of Heaven,Gods preſent deſigne in England. To bring into the light, and to break to pieces the more-then-iron Yokes and Chains upon the ſouls and conſciences of men? Who ſees not, with holy fear and wonder, that this his Decree hath begun to break the arms and necks of all both Popiſh and Proteſtant perſecutore?
What eye ſo weak, but may obſerve how little and how ſeldom it pleaſed the God of heaven to go out with our Armies,The Goings of God in the late Wars. until this intereſt of the Son of God (ſoul-freedom. ) begun to be ſeen and ſerved by our Armies, and that they fought not for one ſect or conſcience, but (as to Religion) againſt tyranny, and perſecution of any conſcience?
Till then, the Balance turned not, and our Armies could hardly be ſaid to proſper: And ever ſince, they never did but proſper; and, I verily believe, ſtill ſhall, and the Commonwealth of England, and the Parliament thereof ſtill flouriſh, till that fatal hour,5 when they ſhall ceaſe to break the yokes, (ſoul-yokes eſpecially) and to let the oppreſſed go free.
One of the greateſt Knots this day in England, concerns the riſing of this Parliament, and the ſitting of the next. I confeſs, Alexander's ſword will cut all Gordian knots, but none but the finger of Chriſt's intereſt will untie them. There was none in heaven, nor earth, nor under the earth, that could open the ſeals; but the Lamb did. The ſame bleſſed Lamb of God, and the intereſt of ſoul-freedom to all men, can,One of the greateſt knots this day in England, untied. and can onely maintain this Commonweal in the freedom and glory of it: for,
Who but ſoul-oppreſſors can be unwilling that mens Conſciences be free to ſee with their own eyes, and themſelves be judges of the path they chuſe, in which they hope to finde eternal life and Bleſſedneſs?
Who but Tyrants and Oppreſſors can be grieved, that the ſouls of men ſhould chuſe whom to hear, what and with whom to pray, whom and how to pay and maintain, according to their Abilities and Conſciences?
Who but ſuch as buy and ſell Chriſt Jeſus, and make a trade and living of Heaven and Hell, can cry out, Great is Diana, for hours and yeers together?
Will not all the people of the Nation ſtand obliged,The onely woy (according to God) of obliging the people of this Nation to the preſent Government and Governours. as one man, to live and die with ſuch Saviours and Deliverers, and to elect and chuſe ſuch Vindicators of their ſpiritual Freedoms?
How will all men be enforced (either from the freedom of their conſciences, or from the freedom of their purſes (which is their due) I ſay, be obliged6 and enforced to ſend ſuch Repreſentatives as have ſtood for, and may maintain the Common Freedoms and Liberties (eſpecially the ſoul-freedoms) of the Commonweal of England?
Againſt many Objections, I briefly oppoſe my Anſwer to theſe two and twenty Questions: onely to one Objection, thus,
Object. That I anſwer with Quections.
Anſw. Firſt, it was frequent with our Founder, Chriſt Jeſus.
Secondly, in juſtice, this Re-examiner cannot refuſe his own coyn.
I confeſs, my Principle of Soul-freedom commands me to applaud and honour this ſearching and propoſing from the holy Scripture: yet ſince the Sun of righteouſneſs is riſen ſo high (as to ſoul-freedom) and darts the beams of his Light upon the very eyes of all that love his Name (eſpecially) I plead for a more gentle cenſure, if in any line or letter I ſpeak too loud to ſuch a moſt unſeaſonable ſleeper.
The ſum of the firſt Queſtion.
Whether the Civil Magiſtrate,Queſt. 1who knows the Doctrine of Salvation, &c. be not bound, as a nurſing father, to provide ſaving food for the people, and to provide that poyſon be kept from them?
Anſw. I anſwer,The prophecie of Kings and Queens nurſing fathers and mothers. and ask, firſt, Whether this Prophecie of Kings and Queens being nurſing fathers and nurſing mothers to the Saints, be not (as many wiſe and godly take it) a peculiar prophecie and promiſe7 to that peculiar and distinct Nation and People of God, the Jews: And whether theſe words (verſ. 22 of that 49 of Iſaiah) I will lift up mine band to the Gentiles, &c. be not a character fixing this Prophecie unto that (yet) beloved people?
And ſo conſequently, Whether all thoſe bloody Perſecutors (Papiſts and Proteſtants) who have uſed to draw this ſhaft out of this Quiver of Scripture, whereby to pierce the tender heart of Chriſt Jeſus; yea and all that give a power to the Civil Magiſtrate in Spirituals from this Scripture, Have not moſt ignorantly profaned this Prophecie, and that to uſurpation over the Temple of God, the Conſciences of Gods own people; and to bloody violence againſt their Bodies, although under a cloak of providing wholeſome food for their children, and prohibiting poyſon? &c.
Secondly, I ask, Whether there be not two ſorts of Nurſes, literal and myſtical;Fathers, Mothers, Nurſes, distinguiſhed. and again of myſtical two ſorts, Civil and Spiritual? as alſo, Whether there be not the ſame diſtinction of Fathers and Mothers, who are diſtinct from Nurſes? &c.
And whether theſe Kings and Queens (in Iſa. 40.) yea and ſuppoſe all other lawful Magiſtrates, muſt needs be underſtood to be ſpiritual Nurſes, ſuch as Paul (who was no King, &c.) profeſſeth himſelf to be, being a Meſſenger of Chriſt Jeſus to the Theſſalonians; and ſpiritual fathers and mothers, ſuch as he profeſs'd he was to the Corinthians and Galatians?
Or, Whether here is not propheſied and promiſed to this People; or rather, whether is there not here propheſied and promiſed to theſe Saints (whether8 literal or ſpiritual Iews) that Kings and Queens ſhall put off their Lion-like and Lion ſs-like nature towards Gods people, and ſhall be (as the Poets uſed to write good Kings ought to be) ſhepherds of the people, &c.
If this be not the true meaning, I aske why is it ſaid,Wonderful honour that Kings and Queens ſhall yeeld to the Sain's. verſe 23, That theſe Kings and Queens, ſhall bow down to theſe Iewes with their Face toward the Earth, and like the duſt of their feet? which poſture and practice ſeems not to imply a diſrobing themſelves of their civil Dignities and Authorities (for that is it by which they ſhew ſuch kindneſs to the Saints) but rather, their high eſteem unto theſe Saints, in heavenly and ſoul matters; and that in ſpiritual reſpects they are ſo far from challenging to be Fathers and Iudges of what is wholeſome food and poyſon, that they bow downe and kiſſe the feet of Chriſt Ieſus in his Saints, far more ſuperiour in ſpirituals then themſelves.
Thirdly,Kings and Queens, and all Magiſtrates eſſentially Civil, and as a Maſter of a Ship, &c. I aske whether the Office of Kings and Queens, &c. be not (in the ſhip of all Commonweals in the world) meerly and eſſentially Civil, juſt as the Office of a Captain, or Maſter of a Ship at Sea, who ought of all his Paſſengers to be honoured and reſpected, paid and rewarded for his ſervice: But as to the Conſciences of the Paſſengers, whether Jews, Turks, Perſians, Pagans, Papiſts, Proteſtants, &c. whom he tranſports from Port to Port upon a civil account of payment and recompence; I ask whether he go not beyond the Sphere of his Activity, if he act by any authoritative reſtraining them from their own Worſhip, or conſtraining them to his? And whether he have any more to do, but a ſhewing9 kindneſs and countenance, according to the quality and temper of his owne Beliefe and Conſcience?
Fourthly, I ask,Idolatrous and Popiſh Magiſtrates as lawful as, &c. Whether all Magiſtrates in the world (of what quality and conſcience ſoever) be not as true and lawful Magiſtrates, as he that is moſt truly Godly and Chriſtian; like as Idolatrous and Pagan Fathers, Husbands, Masters, are as truly ſuch in their Relations, & c? Whether doth not the holy Teſtament of Christ Ieſus acknowledge this? the Lord Ieſus, both by his word and practice, commanding obedience, honour, maintenance, for their Civil relations and work ſake?
Fifthly, Whether Kings and Queens,The People of each Nation the fountain of the Government of it. and other Princes, receive not all their Power and Anthority from the ſeveral and reſpective Peoples who call them and impower them to their ſeveral and reſpective Services? Accordingly, Whether it have not been declared by the Parliament, that the fountain and original of all Authority and Rule, is the People, conſenting and agreeing in their ſeveral Combinations, by themſelves or their Deputies, for their better ſubſiſtence in Peace? &c.Power of judging in Spirituals detected to be but uſurpation in Kings and Queens, &c. And conſequently, Whether have the Nations and People of the world, in their meer natural and national capacities, any one jot of Spiritual and Divine power, with which to betruſt their Magiſtrates and Officers? And if, upon due weighing in the Balance of the Sanctuary, it be found that they have not, Is not this chalenging of Spiritual power to judge and determine what is ſoul-food and ſoul-peyſon, (I mean, in a coercive way binding all ſouls, and the very ſouls of them that ſent them, and who neither did nor could10 commit ſuch Power unto them) Is not this, I ſay, a ſoul-rape, and tyranny, and a meer policy of Satan, deceiving (too often) honeſt and zealous mindes, but moſt commonly acting the ſubtil Ieroboams and Nebuchadnezzars of the world, to erect their State-Calves and Images? &c.
Sixthly, Admit ſome Kings & Queens thus to have been impower'd by God, in ſome juncture of time, either for the Jews ſake,Few Magiſtrates in the world (ſavingly) know Christ Jeſus. or any of his people, upon ſome eſpecial and extraordinary account; yet I ask, What is this to all Kings, and Queens, and Magiſtrates in the world, that it ſhould be their charge, duty, and calling, impoſed upon them from Heaven? when the counſel of God is revealed, that as his flock is a little flock, and that he appointed ſpiritual Paſtors and Shepherds for the feeding of them; ſo his holy purpoſe was to call few wiſe, few noble, few mighty, to the ſaving knowledge of Chriſt Jeſus.
Seventhly, If the counſel of Chriſt Jeſus had been otherwiſe, and that he had committed (as is pleaded) the judging of ſoul-food and poyſon, to the Kings and Queens,Chriſt Jeſus rarely ſends godly Kings, Queens, &c. &c. ſince he wanted not power, (for all power in heaven and earth was his) nor love and faithfulneſs, (for he laid down his life, and poured out his heare-blood for his;) I ask, Why in the firſt three hundred yeers (under the Romane Emperours) nor in the ſecond and third three hundred, (under Emperours and Popes) nor ever ſince, he hath not been pleaſed to furniſh the world with ſuch Shepherds, but rather permitted Wolves, and Lions? &c. notwithſtanding that he is pleaſed ſometimes (after long and ſharp perſecutions, to ſtir up ſome bleſſed inſtruments, as Rocks and Trees, Fathers, Mothers,11 Nurſes, to refreſh, and ſhade, and comfort, and countenance his ſervants.
Eighthly, When it hath pleaſed him graciouſly to call and change, by his Word and Spirit, any of the Wiſe, and Noble, and Mighty of the world; I ask, Whether their Regeneration and New-birth hath made any addition to their Civil Magiſtracie and Authority; and more eſpecially (as Popiſh and Proteſtant Rabbins have taught us) that now the Chriſtian Magiſtrate he muſt judge in ſpiritual matters more then all the Magiſtrates in the world beſide; who though (ſay they) they have equal Authority and Duty, yet they ought to ſuſpend acting in Spirituals (ſaith M. Cotton) until they be rightly informed, that is, upon the point, until they be of his Church and Conſcience? And if ſo,A Magiſtrate is not more or leſs a Magiſtrate, by being a Chriſtian or Antichriſtian. that by this profeſſing Christianity, they receive this addition of Magiſterial power in Spirituals; I ask if it do not clearly follow, that (according to that moſt dangerous and ſeditious doctrine of ſome Papiſts and Proteſtants) ſuch Magiſtrates who change their judgements and way of Worſhip, muſt loſe their Headſhip in Spirituals, and conſequently be found unfit at laſt to govern in Civils alſo?
And will not this doctrine extend to all other Civil Officers, both at Land and Sea; yea, even to all Fathers, Husbands, Maſters; and ſo at laſt confound all Relations, and tear up by the roots all Civility, and all Order, and the world out of the world?
Ninthly, As to the matter of fact, do not all Hiſtories and all experience demonſtrate, that moſt of all thoſe Kings, and Queens, and Princes, and Magiſtrates (Popiſh and Proteſtant) that have pretended12 to this power of judging of ſaving food and poyſon,All Magiſttrates pretending power in ſpirimals, have ever forced down poyſon in ſsead of food. have groſly miſtaken the poyſon of Satans invertions, Superſtitions, Will-worſhips, &c. for that wholeſome and heavenly food pretended; and with bloody hands have forced this poyſon down the throat of thouſands and millions, or elſe forced and fired them out of the world with barbarous perſecutions, if any have been enlightned by Chriſt Ieſus to diſcern this poyſon, and to refuſe it?
Hath not Chriſt Jeſus, in theſe laſt times, declared it, that neither Conſtantine, nor the good Emperors before the Popes roſe, nor Proteſtant Kings, Queens, and Magiſtrates departing from the Pope unto this day, but have been ſtill miſtaken moſt groſly (either in Doctrine or Diſcipline) and that in great quantities (ſometimes) of dangerous poyſon, for ſaving and wholeſome food?
What man,From Conſtantine to the laſt Presbyterian Magiſtrate. but may furniſh himſelf with inſtances, even down to the very Presbyterian Magiſtracy? And whoever ſhall next pretend to judge between this poyſon and food, and put forth a reſtraining or a Conſtraining Sword accordingly, How is it poſſible but they muſt alſO daſh upon thoſe Rocks, whereon the very Tyde of ſuch a practice doth neceſſarily inforce ſo many gallant Sbips miſcarriage? Therefore (laſtly) ſince that typical land of Canaan is aboliſhed, the Partition-wall broken down, and in every nation (not Whole nations) he that feareth God and worketh rirghteouſneſs, is accepted with him, Acts 10. ſince Magistracy is a meerly-Civil Ordinance, and the forms and ſword thereof derived from the People; and all Magiſtrates in the world (ſo derived) are lawful, and none can receive any addition to the power13 of Magiſtracie, by his (ſpirituality or) Chriſtianity; I ask, Whether this doctrine of Kings and Queens judging of ſoul-food and poyſon for all their ſubjects,The doctrine of Kings & queent being nurſing fathers, the Firebrand of the world. &c. hath not been (e! pecially in Popiſh and Proteſtant Nations) the Fire-brand that hath kindled ſo many devouring flames of War? &c. Yea, was not this the very Doctrine that coſt the late King Charles his Crown, and life? who being flattered and bewitched into this dream of a Nurſing father,The Ax that cut off the laſt King's head. and a judge of wholeſome food and poyſon for his people; he forced poyſon for food upon the Scotch nation, and upon that occaſion was perſwaded to maintain his ſtewards and cooks, the Biſhops, by commencing and proſecuting thoſe fatal Wars, which (by a naked hand from heaven) juſtly pluckt up root and branch, both Ceremonles, Biſhops, and King together.
The ſum of the ſecond Queſtion.
Whether the magiſtrate be not bound to advance the doctrine of Grace,Queſt. 2. and 3.which doth advance the peace and proſperity of a Nation?
Of which nature is the third Queſtion, viz.
Whether a Magiſtrate be not bound to advance that Godlineſs which giveth all good and happineſs to a nation?
I anſwer, and ask, (as before) Whether,Anſw. ſince Civil Magiſtracie is meerly civil, and the power thereof derived from the People, the fountain of it; it will not appear, that the Magiſtrate can no more14 judge authoritatively what is the doctrine of Grace, & what is the doctrine of Godlineſs, no more (I ſay) then the people of each Nation, in its national and natural capacity, can be the primitive and original Iudges thereof, and may therefore rightly delegate ſuch a Spiritual power unto their Officers or Magiſtrates?
Secondly, I ask, Whether the propoſer of theſe Queſtions intendeth not, by the Magiſtrates advancing the doctrine of Grace, and the doctrine of Godlineſs, theſe two things:
- 1. A National profeſſion of the doctrine of Grace, and the doctrine of Godlineſs.
- 2. The advancing of ſuch doctrines by the power of the civil Sword? And if ſo, (as the ſcope of all the Queſtions ſeem to imply) then,
Thirdly, Whether there be any ſuch thing to be found in the laſt Will and Teſtament of Chriſt Ieſus, as a National Church; that is, whether (as the Land of Canaan was a Land holy unto God, ſo) any Nation, as a Nation, may lawfully pretend to be the Spouſe, and Wife, and Body of Chriſt Jeſus, according to his own holy Order and Appointment? Or rather,
Fourthly,The world (and Eng and in a national reſpect) lies in wickedneſs. Whether, ſince the world lieth in wickedneſs, dead in ſins and treſpaſſes, &c. ſince every Nation in the world is a part of it; ſince ſuch as fear God in a nation, are diſtinguiſhed from the Nation, (Act. 10) I ask, Whether this Nation, as a part of the World, lieth not in the ſame eſtate of wickedneſs alſo, more or leſs, and the body of the people eſtranged from the life of grace and godlineſs, notwithſtanding that this body be ſometimes clothed with the name of Chriſtianity, under (ſometimes) a15 Popiſh, and ſometimes a Proteſtant faſhion, as it pleaſeth God to permit the Sword to pretend to and advance its way of doctrine of grace and godlineſs? And whether, beſide the common nature of mankind,Four greatchanges of the Religion of this nation in abous 12 yeers ſpace, in Hen. 8. Edw. 6. Qu Mary, and Qu. Elizabeth. the wonderfull changes of Religion in other Nations, and in none more then in this, and that in the ſame individual perſons, in a few yeers, do not make this undeniably evident and demonſtrate?
For illuſtration, I ask, ſhether the Kings and Queens, Parliaments and princes of all nations, and of this, have not been the Gods of the Nations,Kings & Queens &c. the Gods of people; and Reliegions their pictures in which themſelves are worſhipped. whom they have werſhipped in and by the ſeveral Images and Repreſentations of their mindes and wills, which they have ſet up as ways of Worſhip and Religion to the Nations? Thus Ieroboam pretends the Name of the God of Iſrael; but, upon the point, Ieroboam was their God, and robb'd the true God of his honour, by the golen calves which Ieroboam had ſet up. Thus Nebuchadnezzar pretends honour to his golden Image; but himſelf was really the Deity which all Nations worſhipped, through the golden Image which he had ſet up.
Fifthly, I ask, Whether God people (that is, ſuch as fear God in every nation, Act. 10.) be not the true, and proper, and only Antitype of that typical Nation the Jewes, in that typical land of Canaan, according to 1 Pet. 2. You are a choſen Generation (as Abraham and his off-ſpring in the Type were) a Kingly Prieſthood, and holy Nation? &c.A National Church is Judaiſm. And therefore I aske, Whether, to modellize a Body or Church of Chriſt, with Natural and National bounds and circuits (after the pattern of the typical Land of Canaan) be not to dwell in the old Levitical ſhadowes,12 in the A.B.C. and Horn-book of Judaiſm, and in the denial of Chriſt Ieſus to be yet come?
To this end, I ask, Whether ſome Presbyterians (in forraign parts) come not neerer to the truth of the firſt Chriſtian worſhip, who admit not one of ten or twenty to be of their Churches: And the Independents yet neerer, who admit onely ſuch in their Societies, in whom they hopefully ſee the Spirit of Regeneration and Holineſs?
sixthly, I ask, Whether there hath not been in all Ages of the world, and are at this day, many great and mighty Nations of the World (ſome of ſome hundreds, yea of ſome thouſands of years continuance and flouriſhing) in which the Doctrine of Grace,Flouriſhing States of the World in which Chriſt Ieſus is not heard of, &c. and the Doctrine of Godlineſs hath not been (I am ſure not nationally) advanced? And notwithſtanding that Godlineſs hath promiſes belonging to this life, as well as to the life approaching, and the God of heaven is pleaſed to imprint a Character and Crown of his favour and love upon ſome Perſons and Actions, when his name is greatly engaged (as in Queen Elizabeth her daies againſt the Spaniard, and in our late Wars both againſt EngliſH, Scotch, and Iriſh, yet) whether it be not generally and ordinarily true, that all that will live godly in Chriſt Ieſus, muſt be perſecuted or hunted; and the more Godly, the more perſecuted? and according to the myſtery of the fifth Seal, the Souls under the Altar muſt reſt but until the reſt of their fellow-ſervants are ſlain, &c.
Is it not (upon the matter) a Turkiſh argument,The peate and proſperity of Gods people in this world, is ſpiritual, &c. We have conquered ſo many Nations, Kingdoms, &c. Therefore Mahomes is above Chriſt? And alſo, is it17 nota Popiſh plea, All Nations have bowed down to our Church, who ſits as a Queen; therefore it is the onely true, &c. God hath given the Weſtern Mines of Gold and Silver to the Catholicks, not to the Proteſtants; and to the Spaniards before the Engliſh, (who had the firſt offer; therefore, &c. Since then that National and typical holineſs, with all the annexed outward peace and proſperity, promiſed upon condition, is vaniſhed, and the Lord Ieſus, by his Birth in a ſtable and his Death on a Gallowes, hath taught all his followers to deſpiſe this Worlds Goods and this Worlds Evils; how ſhould his Saints ſtudy the difference between the Tenour of the Old and New Covenant, the Iewiſh and the Chriſtian Canaan, and at laſt finde out that peace and proſperity they ſpeak of, in thoſe ſpiritual pleaſures, Beauties, Honors, Riches, Ioyes, which are even in this preſent life un ſpeakable and full of Glory?
Eightly, Since the Throne is upholden by Mercy,Mercy to the perſecuted, the upholder of States. Prov. 20. and both the holy ſcriptures and Hiſtories tell us how many Thrones of Kings and States, that ſeemed to have been placed among the ſtars, are tumbled downe, &c. I aske if it be not at laſt the wiſdome of this State, to tremble at the ſhipwracks and downfull of our Predeceſſors, and to learne not onely the ſong of judgement and Zeal (as we judge) for the doctrine of grace and godlineſs, but the ſong of mercy alſo to ſuch whoſe Conſciences (whether out of a ſlaviſh or child like awe of God, are (it my be) Antipodes to ours? To ſay nothing of all former examples, are not two moſt wonderful before our eyes and fee•?
Firſt, ſhat was it that within the memory of18 man hath ſo wonderfully (almoſt miraculouſly) raiſed and advanced from the low valleys, that poor fiſher-town of Amſterdam (now one of the gallanteſt of the Lady Cities of the world? I ſay, What was it but Mercy, Mercy which that poor Fiſhertown ſhewed to diſtreſſed and perſecuted conſciences, who fled from Enchuyſin and other perſecuting parts thither?
Secondly,The riſe of this State and Commonweal. What was it (as before) that pluckt up the roots and foundations of ſo many Thrones of late among our ſelves, and lift up and exalted our preſent State and States-men, but mercy to the long-oppreſſed ſouls of men, amongſt whom Chriſt Jeſus (who will not ſuffer a cup of water, given to his, to paſs unpaid for) hath been favoured and relieved? Break off thy ſins by righteouſneſs, and thine iniquitiess by ſhewing mercy to the poor, if it may be a lengthing to thy tranquility: For,
Are not falſe Worſhips, as to God, and Tyranny as to men, the two Generals, under whoſe bloody colours the moſt Sins and Plagues, in all the Nations of the World,Hollands greateſt ſin as to Engand. have ever marched? I queſtion not, but Ambition and Pride, Covetuouſneſs, and Greedtneſs Ingratitude and Unthanfulneſs Exceſs and Drunkenneſs, now lodge in the new-raiſ'd Towers of the aforeſaid Fiſher-Towne. But 'tis that Sin of Sodom, the not ſtrengthning the hand of the poor, the Poor oppreſſed in England, oppreſſed both in their ſpiritual and temporal liberties, and their late notorious ſtrengthning the hand of Oppreſſours, the King and his Cavaliers that ſin (I ſay) if any, will ſtaine the pride of all their riſing Glory.
19But are there not the cries of the oppreſſed aſcending to the heavens againſt us alſo? (to ſay nothing of the many other particulars of Soul-Violence and Oppreſſion, which ſome have reckoned up yet ſtill in England) I ask, if ever ſuch cries went up to Heaven in the late Kings Reigne, or his Fathers,The oppreſſion of Tythes now greater in England then formerly, (I hope) before their downfal. or all the long tyranny of Elizabeth's Biſhops, from ſuch, whoſe either conſciences or neceſſities, cannot permit them to practice that notorious Iudaiſm of Tythes?
The Nonconformers (it's true) were ſued, and caſt, and paid; but they were never ſo torn with the three-tooth'd Hook of Elies SOns, the Treble da mages and oppreſſions.
I as therefore, ſhat Grace, what Godlineſs that is, that teacheth us, after all our our former ſins, and judgements, and deliverances, and vows, to ſtop our Eares from the oppreſſed, their Cries, their Teares, their Conſciences, and to imagine that our Commonweal, our parliament, our Counſel, our Commonweal, our parliament, our Counſel, our Army, our Navy muſt proſper, in our moſt knowne oppreſſings of Him, whoſe is all power in Heaven and Earth, the Son of God Christ Ieſus?
The ſum of the fourth Queſtion.
Whether the Magiſtrate,Queſt. 4he not bound to love God, and to advance his Glory, true worſhip and ſervice, and the good of his people, with all his might?
I ask, Whether (as before) the Magiſtrate being the Civil officer of the People, hath any Might,Anſw. 20Authority, or Power, but what the People commit unto him? And Whether any People will or can betruſt ſuch a Power to the civil magiſtrate, to compel their Souls and conſciences unto his?
Secondly,Spiritual weapons and carnal, compared. Whether the Spirit of God ſpeak not expreſly that the Weapons of Chriſtians are not Sword and Might, but the Spirit? and whether his Spiritual Weapons (2 Cor. 10.) be not ſufficiently and abundantly able and mighty, to bring down every ſtrong hold, and every high thing, and every imagination and thought to the obedience of Ieſus Chriſt? And Whether ever any carnal might ever did or can effect ought in Chriſtianity, but the ſtorming of the Nations into an Antichriſtian Hypocriſie and Compliance?
Thirdly,The woful effect of carnal weapons in Spirituals. Whether this Principle of the Magiſtrates putting forth his carnal might in ſpirituals, hath not conſtantly occaſioned the Magiſtrate (according to the miſtakes of his owne conſcience) to promote Superſtition and Idolatry; And alſo hath rendred the ſtrongeſt ſword to be the meaſure and ſtandard of all Religion in the World; and the Magiſtrates thereof, the Nimrods and mighty Hunters before the Lord?
Fourthly, I ask, Where Chriſt Ieſus (the onely Law-giver to Christians hath appointed in his holy Teſtament,Chriſt Jeſus not forgetful to furniſh his kingdom with ſpiritual weapons. the civil ſwrod the judge and defender of his Religion and Worſhip? And why he hath not furniſhed his civil Magiſtrates of Iuſtice in the World with ſuch hearts and ſpirits, but contrarily hath call'd few of them to the profeſſion of his Name? And whether he hath not ever furniſhed, and doth, and will, his ſpiritual Miniſters and Meſſengers with21 ſpiritual might and power, ſufficiently and abundantly efficacious for the propagating of his holy Name and Truth, and for the confounding of Antichriſt and all Antichriſtians by the breath of his Mouth, that two edged Sword of his Spirit?
Fifthly, Whether Chriſtianity did ever ſo flouriſh,The ſirſt and laſt times of Conſtantine conſidered. as when the people of God in the firſt 300 yers after Chriſt, had no might but that of Chriſts ſpiritual weapons? Ans when it pleaſed God to raiſe up Conſtantine, to give ſome reſt to his people from perſecution; whether Chriſtianity did moſt flouriſh in the firſt time of Conſtantine, when he with his Colleageue Licinius publiſhed the edict of Freedome of Religion to hisſubjects; or in his aftertimes, when he compell'd all the World to Chriſtianity, but (as is confeſt by many) occaſioned the World to put on the bare and empty name of Chriſlian? &c.
Laſtly, I ask, Whether this Principle of the Magiſtrates employing the carnal ſword or Might in ſpirituals,The Carnal ſword an Spirituats, the occaſion of ſo much bloodſhed in former, and in our late Wars. have not in all Hiſtories and Experience been the Firebrand which hath kindled ſuch devouring flames of War about Religion, in all both Popiſh and Proteſtant Countries? And Whether it did not kindle our late Wars, and occaſion all the dreadfull Calamities, between the Biſhops and the Presbyters, which proved fatal to the both? And whether all theſe Experiences are not the voice of God out of the whirlwind, to waken all the Magiſtrates of the World, to keep within the Civil ſphere of Civil Juriſdiction and Deminion?
22The ſum of the fifth Queſtion.
Whether the people be not bound to pray for Magiſtrates,Queſt. 5that under them we may live a peaceable and quiet life in all Godlineſs and Honeſty and whether the Magiſtrate is not bound to do that for which the People pray? &c.
- 1. I ask,Anſw. Whether (as ſome have urged) theſe words godlineſs and honeſty, be rightly tranſlated; but rather, upon a miſtake in the Tranſlation, weakly made the ground for the Magiſtrates being the heeper of godlineſs in the firſt, and honeſty in the ſecond Table?
- 2. I ask,The puring and pre-eminence the firſt Chriſtian times.To whom this direction of praying for Magiſtrates was given? Whether they were not the firſt and pureſt Saints, and thoſe times the moſt glorious, wherein the Saints enjoyed two ſuch helps as no Chriſtians ever ſince did?
Firſt, the preſence of the holy Apoſtles or meſſengers of Chriſt Jeſus amongſt them.
Secondly, the wonderful effuſion of the holy Sourit of God, in thoſe rare and miraculous gifts and operations, (1 Cor. 12.) Now to imagine that thoſe firſt Saints ſhould pray for the Civil ſword to defend (I ſpeak not of their perſons, but) their godlineſs, and ſuppreſs ungodlineſs, &c. doth it not imply this twofold ſtrange and moſt unchriſtian Paradox?
Firſt,Two ſtrange Paraderes. that thoſe Saints muſt imagine thoſe Civil Magiſtrates to have a clearer ſight in diſcerning,23 and an higher Authority in judging of Godlineſs and Chriſtianity then themſelves and the Apoſtles of Chriſt Jeſus, who are call'd expreſly the (Miniſterial) Foundations of the Churches, Fpheſ. 2.
Secondly, That they being thus call'd of God, and indued with the Spirit of God ſo ſavingly, ſo miraculouſly, yet ſhould not be able to live in Godlineſs and the pure profeſſion of Chriſt Jeſus, without the help of a carnal ſword to preſerve them pure, eſtabliſh and reform them, &c.
Thirdly, I ask therefore, Whether the ſcope of the holy Exhortation be not this;The ſcope of 1 Tim. 2. pray for Magiſtrates. That thoſe firſt Believers, and all Believers in the Ages following, ſhould be much in prayer with God, and not onely for themſelves, but for all men, and eſpecially for Magiſtrates the Chiefe of men?
1. That ſuch as were Gods Elect amongſt them might be called.
2. For the peace of the Nation and Cities wherein they lived; and ſo, conſequently, that God would gratiouſly guide the hearts of the Helms-men the Magistrates, that the ſhips of the ſeveral ſtates (wherein the Saints as Paſſengers were imbarqued) might Sail in peace and ſafety, that in the peace thereof they might have peace, (according to the command of God to his people in Babel, Ier. 29.) That ſo the Saints injoying civil peace, and alſo (if it may be the holy pleaſure of God) injoying reſt from perſecution (Act. 9.) might multiply, walking in the fear of God and Chriſtian Edification, whatever the Religions fo the States or the magiſtrates there ſhould be, though Babylonian, Roman, &c.
24fourthy, I ask, Whether the bleſſed Spirit of Life and Regeneration which is in all Gods people, be not abundantly ſufficient to preſerve them in Godlineſs and true Chriſtianity, to preſerve them from falling, and to reform and reſtore them from all their Backſlidings and declenſions? I add, to preſerve them,1 Iohn 3. Rom 6. •Iohn 5. that ſin have no dominion over them; that they ſin not, and watch againſt the touching of Satan; to preſerve them in the uſe of the Word and prayer, and all ſuch paths and meanes, which in Faith they are perſwaded of to be the commands of Chriſt ieſus? The moſt holy and moſt powerful and eternal indwelling of Gods moſt holy Spirit in all Gods Children.All this, and more, the holy Spirit of God works in Gods Children, although there ſhould not be a Magiſtrate in the World, yea although all the World and the whole World oppoſe them; yea although there were no Heaven nor Hell, no Reſurrection, no Iudgement, nor World to come, wherein they ſhould be rewarded or puniſhed, glorifyed or tormented; yea although they ſhould want all Spiritual helps and Teachers (which reſpectively are neceſſary) for they have received an Anointing, which teacheth them, and abident with them, and will abide with them for ever.
Fifthly, I ask, Whether in the preſent ſtate and juncture of affaires in England,The diviſions of the Clergie now, like that of the Friers in Chaucers tiem. wherein (as Chaucer obſerves of the four great differing Orders of Friers in his time) every Sect, every Order and conſcience pleads the integrity and purity of their way, and the People of God themſelves are ſo divided and differently perſwaded, as of late (in the Scotch wars) to blood and dreadfull ſlaughters (I ſay) I ask, Whether we may pray, without prophaning of the holy Name of God, and the guilt of the breach of the civil25 Peace of the Nation, that God would ſend ſuch Magiſtrates, who ſhould authoritatively judge, whoſe Conſcience, whoſe Worſhip, whoſe Godlineſs is true,What prayers ought to be put up for Magiſtrates? and accordingly maintain that Godlineſs, defend that Faith, advance the Worſhip and ſervice of God, &c. As alſo prohibite by his carnal Sword, all other Conſciences, Worſhips and Godlineſs, as Schiſmatical, heretical, Seditious, Blaſphemous? &c.
How much rather ought we to pray, that it may pleaſethe moſt holy and only wiſe Goe, to vouchſafe ſuch a Spirit of Godlineſs and Wiſdomie to the Rulers of this Commonweal, that the civil Rights may be preſerved and Civilities may flouriſh in Righteouſneſs and Mercy, even in the midſt of ſo much ſpiritual Diviſion and Oppoſition, which are and muſt be greater and greater, in all Nations of the World, when once the Chains and Yoaks of implicite Faith,Soul Yoaks believe as the Church believes, Decrees and Precepts of Men, Tradition of Elders, Cuſtomes, Antiquity, &c. re torn off, and broke from the ſouls and necks of the People, and Inhabitants hereof?
The ſum of the ſixth Queſtion.
Whether Abraban, and Jacob,Queſt. 6and others before the law, were not Magistrates in their Families, and commanded and reformed their Families in matters of Religion, or were meetly fello-Servants, with their Servants, as the Examiner ſaith?
Firſt, I ask, Whether the Queſtionist hath dealt fairly with the Examiner,Anſw. in bringing him in (ſ026 odiouſly) to ſay, that Abrahams and Jacobs Houſholds might command them, as well as Abraham and Jacob might command their Houſhoulds? And Whether or no did the Examiner once mention Abraham and Iacob? It is true, he maintaineth, (and with expreſs words and clear light of holy Scripture well may) that in Religious matters the Magiſtrate and Subject are fellow-Servants: but gave he any colour or appearance of Countenance to Servants to be inobſequious to their Maſters, Children to their Parents, Wives to their Husbands, people to Magiſtrates, in all their civil ſpheres and reſpects?
I ask further,The diſpenſations of the Fathers and magiſtrates of Cods Iſrael, figurative and typical. Is the conſequence fairly gathered, that becauſe Abraham, I ſaack, and Iacob, and thoſe Fathers of Families and Elder Brothers, thoſe Saviours, Judges, Governours, and Kings of the Iſrael and people of God, in thoſe ſigurative times and typical adminiſtrations, commanded and puniſhed, even with a material and carnal ſword in ſpiritual matters; therefore every Maſter of a Family, Husband, Father, Elder brother, Judge, governour, King, Magiſtrate, hath the ſame Authority in ſpiritual matters now? And that therefore, according to Numb. 30. an Husbands or Father may now diſannul and overrule the meerly Religious Vowes and Devotions of their Wives and Daughters? Or rather, ſince the Lord Jeſus the ſubſtance of thoſe ſhadowes is come, Whether ti be not one expreſs end of his coming,Great diviſcons in matters of Conſcience, neceſſary, &c. to ſet a man at variance which his Father, & Mat. 10.) in a family of five perſons, to ſet two againſt three, and three againſt two; that is, in the matter of Religion and Canſcience? And I ask, Whether the wife27 (notwithſtanding in civil converſe ſhe ſubmit with all wife-like ſubmiſſion and affection, yet) as to Religion ought ſhe not to judge of her Husbands Beliefe or Unbelief in God? and may ſhe not joyn with him or ſeparate from him, labouring to be a Saviour to him? How knoweſt thou, O Wife, but that thou mayeſt ſave thy Husband? &c. And ſo conſequently, the ſervant to his Maſter, the Child to his Parent, the ſubject and ſouldier to the higheſt Magiſtrate and Commander? For, Gal. 3. there is neither Iew nor Greek, there is neibond nor free, there is neither male nor female; for yea are all one in Chriſt Ieſus.
Secondly, I ask, Whether it be not the deſigne of God (for the manifeſtation of his owne moſt glorious Brightneſs) to cary on the Myſtery and Glory of Chriſtianity in the meaneſt and loweſt of Earthen Veſſels, according to that of Iames 2. Hath not God choſen the poor of this World, rich in Faith,Gods deſigne of chuſing men of low deeree, not many wiſe, noble nor mighty. and Heires of the Kingdom? Hence, in a moſt ſtupendious condeſcenſion, God manifeſteth himſelf in Fleſh, and that Fleſh muſt be taken from a poor Carpenters wife, and ſhe delivered of her bleſſed fruit in a ſtable amongſt Beaſts: And however he command thouſand thouſands of thoſe moſt bleſſed Inviſible Spirots the Angels, yet, for his viſible attendants and Embaſſadours to the World, were they not (ordinarily) of a low Ranck and condition, even thoſe two Pillars whoſe names have ſo ſounded in all parts (eſpecially at Rome, and London) Peter the Fiſhcrman, and Paul the Tent-maker? Further, I ask, Whether that Rule be not conſtant in the Chriſtian Profeſſion, Not many Wiſe, not many Noble, not many Mighty? And therefore, Whether it be28 not againſt the purpoſe and deſigne of God, and aaginſt his declared will and courſe, that his Servants ſhould expect many Chriſtian great or noble perſons, many Chriſtian wife or learned men, many Chriſtian mighty men either for wealth or valour, many Chriſtian magiſtrates, &c.
Hence though we finde the Saints in Caeſars houſhold (Phil. 4.) yet I ask, How many Caeſars (Maſters of thoſe houſhoulds) do we finde believing in leſus, for three hundred years together? and therefore, ſhether the pooreſt Saint in the Houſhold or Court of theſe Caeſars, were not higher (in Spiritual and Chriſtian reſpects) then thoſe Emper ours of the World themſelves?
Thirdly,A true Chriſtian who. What is it that makes a Chriſtian, but the Spirit of Chriſt in a perſon, manifeſted in the profeſſion of his Name before the World? Mat. 16. Rom 10. And if ſo, I ask, Whether that more of the Grace and knowledge of Chriſt, render not perſons more and more eminent and glorious in Chriſtianity? And conſequently, Whether the pooreſt Subject or Servant, participating of more of the Grace and ſpirit of Chriſt, be not inveſted with more of the Authority and Power of Chriſt Ieſus,What Chriſtions the highneſt. in his affaires and Kingdome, then the higheſt Magrſtrates or Superiours, that are not ſo indowed? According to that Honour of all his Saints, who (eſpecially) bind Kings in chains, &c. And that charge from Heaven, Iames 2.1. My Brethren, have not the Faith of our Lord Ieſus with reſpect of perſons; a Scripture, that being read out in the following words, ſeems, at firſt bluſh, to intrench upon civility and good manners, except it be granted, this in Chriſtianity29 the greateſt reſpect is not given to greatneſs of Place, Birth, Wealth, Autherity, Braverie, &c. but to the greatneſs of Humility and Grace of Chriſt, according to that of the Lord Ieſus (Match. 18.) Whoſoever ſhall humble himſelf as this little child, the ſame is the greateſt in the Kingdom of Heaven.
We read of two mighty Princes profeſſing the name of Chriſt, meeting together in England, Charles the Fifthe Emperour of Germany,Two mighty Princes pretending to glorious Hights in Chriſtianity. and Henry the Eighth of England: Their names then ſoar'd ſo high for Chriſtianity, that they were both in Letters of Gold, ſet upon the very Gates of Guildhal in London, Carolus Defenſor Eccleſiae, Henricus Fidei: yet when Luther, or the pooreſt follower of the truth of Chriſt ieſus witneſſed by Luther, were condemned and perſecuted by that Charles the Fifth, the great defender of the Church; I ask, Who had the greateſt Authority in Chriſts affaires, the great Emperous Charles, or the pooreſt true Chriſtian? Yet the pooreſt witneſs of any truth of Chriſt Jeſus above them.And when that glorious (pretended Defendour of the Faith) Henry the Eighth, with all his Nobles and Biſhops, ſat in perſon with ſo much Glory and Majeſty, Terrour and Authority, in that famous Diſputation, and Condemnation of that faithful witneſs of Chriſt Ieſus Iohn Lambert; I ask, where was in truth the true Autority and power of Chriſt Ieſus, Whether in the ſtately aſſembly of Kings, Nobles and Biſhops, or in the two-edged Sword of the Word and Spirit of God, in the mouth of that one ſingle, and yet moſt faithful witneſs of Chriſt Ieſus?
Nay further, I ask,The Authority of reproving in the name of Chriſt. If that rule of Chriſt Ieſus (Luk. 17.) be not yet in force (If thy Brother ſin againſt thee, reprove him; if he repent, for give him) Conſequently,30 Whether a Magiſtrate (eminent in the grace and knowledge of Chriſt, yet) if a Brother in Chriſt be not to be reproved for ſIn, by his loweſt Groom or handmaid, and that by way of Authority in hte Name of Chriſt Jeſus? Yea and I add, Whether have not ſuch inferiour perſOns Authority from Chriſt upon Repentance, to grant a true pardon to ſuch a magiſtrates penitent Soul, then all the Popes and Prieſts in the World can affoard him? And in caſe of final obſtinacy, contradicting and blaſpheming; I ask, Whether ſuch a poor Believer in Chriſt Jeſus hath not a power and priviledge to ſeparate from ſuch a Magiſtrate (in ſpiritual reſpects) and refuſe to touch Spiritually ſUch a (Spiritually) unclean perſon?
The ſum of the ſeventh Queſtion.
Whether Artaxerxes and the K. of Nineveh,Queſt. 7did well in making their decrees? &c.
I ask,Anſw. Whether theſe two Kings and the Inſtances be not ill coupled, for the one, Artaxerxes (Ezra. 7.) gave free liberty of conſcience to the Iewes;Artaxerxes his decree examined. whereas the King of Nineveh forced all his people to a poſitive Act of Faſting? But more particularly, as to Artaxerxes.
- 1. Was not an Idolatrous King,A Terror of God ſometimes cauſeth dilaters to favour Gods people.a ſtranger from the God of Iſrael, one that held the people of God in ſlavery, one that had no true love to the God of Iſrael nor his people, but onely out of a fear of the wrath of the God of Iſrael, ſhe wed favour to his people, granted them free liberty of their conſcience, to go up to Ieruſalem to worſhip?
- 2. He bountifully incouraged and aſſiſted them.
- 31
- 3. He furniſhed them with a Decree, ſuiting to their National Eſtate, and mixt condition of Church and Comonweal.
But (Secondly) I ask, Did this Artaxerxes compel any of theſe Iewes to his owne Religion (which he believed to be the onely true) the Religion of the Perſians? Or did he compel the Perſians to the worſhip of the God of Iſrael? Or did he compel the Iewes themſelves, or any one man of them, to go up to the worſhip of their owne God at ieruſalem? but verſe 13. Let all which are minded of their owne free will go up, &c. Therefore,
Thirdly, I ask,Artaxerxes his edict freely made for ſoul freedom. What Concluſion can be gathered from thence, but that it ſometime pleaſeth God to affect the hearts of Idolatrous Kings with kindneſs to his people, and forceth them to permit his people the liberty of their conſciences, yea and that with Countenance, Incouragements, and Authority? for which mercy (although the Nations where they live, and the Princes thereof, partake not of ſuch mercies themſelves, yet, ought Gods people to praiſe God, as Ezra doth.
Fourthly, I ask, Whether this Inſtance of Artaxerxes, do not abſolutely condemn the forcing of all the people and conſciences in a Nation to one way of worſhip, whether Popiſh or Proteſtant, or to any particular ſect or way of either of them? And Whether it do not abſolutely make for Soul-Freedom in ſpiritual matters, in that theſe very Iewes were not forced to their own Ieruſalem, but as every one was freely willing? &c.
Secondly As to the proclamation of the King of Nineveh?
32Firſt, I ask, Whether all examples recorded in holy Scriptures, bind our conſciences in our worſhips and communion with God?
In particular,The King of Nineveh his Proclaiming a Faſt, examined. muſt there be a King and Nobles in London to Proclaim a Fast, as we know there was in Nineveh? muſt the Beaſts alſo be kept from Food and Water, as there? muſt Man and Beaſt be covered with Sackcloth, as there? If one part of the Example bind us, why not the other? Or if we ſay that ſuch practices were ceremonial and typical, how will that be proved amongſt the Ninevites, ſt angers to the true God and his Servant Moſes? although probably they might light their Candle from the Example of that national Church of Iſrael, which kept their National Faſts, ordinary and extraordinary, &c. And if example be Rule for Gods Servants, I ask, Whether all Ship-maſters or Magiſtrates, in their reſpective ſtormes and tempeſts, may exhort their Paſſengers, and Sea-men, and People, to ariſe and call upon their ſeveral Gods and Deities, as the Ship-master deales with Ionah in the firſt Chapter?
Secondly,No Warrant in Chriſts Teſtament for a national (muchleſsm forced) worſhip I ask, Whether in the New Testament of Chriſt Jeſus, by which the National Church, and the worſhip of that Church, was aboliſhed, there be any Example or Rule for any ſuch National worſhip, of one ſort or another, for what cauſe ſover?
And although it may be ſaid, Chriſt Jeſus approves the Action; yet I ask, Whether he ſpeakes one Tittle to the Decree of the King and his Nobles, but onely to the Repentance of the People, at the preaching of Ionah? And upon the point, Whether33 the ſcope of the Lord Ieſus, was not to upbraid the hardneſs of our hearts, in not repenting at the threatnings of Gods judgements, as the Ninevites did?
Thirdly, I ask, Whether this example of the King of Nineveh,Many various Conſciences; and more will be, in the Nations. can be a proper and fit example for the imitation of all the Nations in the World, whoſe Conſciences (like the various Meridians and Climates of Nations and places) may wonderfully differ in one and the ſame Commonweal and Kingdom; the Magiſtrates (poſſibly) may be of one Conſcience, and all or the greateſt part of another: And (like as in a Ship) where ſeveral Conſciences of Seamen and Paſſengers happen, how can there be an inforcing of all Conſciences unto one worſhip, without great Violence and Diſtraction, and ſometimes hazard of the whole, in breach of Peace by mutinies? &c.
Fourthly, I ask, Whether the holy Name of God hath not been mightily prophaned, and the holy Eyes of his Jealouſie mightily provoked in this Nation, by the Faſts and Thankſgivings, which the People of this Nation have been forced to obſerve, even againſt their hearts, and ſouls, and conſciences? How did the Parliament at firſt, inforce the People of this Nation to Faſt and Pray, for the defence of Religion, King, Parliament, Lawes, Liberties? And how did the King at the ſame time, command that party of the Nation under his command to Faſt and Pray, for his contrary Forces fighting upon the very ſame Grounds and Cauſes?
How did the Parliament command the People to give Thanks to God for thoſe Victories, for34 which the King commanded the People to give thanks for, as his, got over and againſt the Parliament?
How have thouſands been forced to pray for the Parliament,The wonderful prophaning of the name of God, by the inforced Worſhipe of Prayer and Thankſgiving in this Nation. whoſe hearts and courſes have rather joyned with the King, againſt the Parliament; and thouſands, commanded by the King to pray and faſt for him, whoſe hearts and cauſes have more adhered to the Parliaments cauſe and Intereſt? Yea as to the Presbyterians, whoſe cauſe of violence this was (and therefore, O that their Souls may ſee it as from God, juſt upon them) how have they been forced to ſuch publike Actions of prayer and thankſgivings (and eſpecially, in reference to the Scotch Nation and cauſe) the which their Soules and Conſciences have much abhorred? O the infinite and unſearchable Treaſure of the patience of God, to ſuch Worſhips, ſuch Violences! &c: and therefore,
Laſtly,The duty of the Magiſtrates apprehending Gods Judgements. I ask, Whether the Governour of Ships, artificial at Sea, or myſtical, Commonweales on ſhore, in their ſeveral ſtormes and tempeſts, can do any more rightly and Chriſtianly, by the Teſtament of Chriſt Jeſus, then,
Firſt, Humble themſelves in ſuch waies of Worſhip and with ſuch Societies and Communions, wherein they have fellowſhip with God and one with another, and to ſtand in the Gap by Humiliation, by Righteouſneſs and Mercy? Daniel 4.27. &c.
Secondly, Uſe all poſſible perſwaſions and exhortations, to the ſeveral Paſſengers under their civil care and charge, to turn to God, to pray unto35 him. Thus Peter exhorteth Simon Magus (fearing Gods judgements) to turne unto God by repentance, and then to call upon him; And thus Paul, knowing the Terour of the Lord, 2 Cor. 4. perſwades men to be reconciled to God, &c. implying this to be the way for the prevention both of Temporal and Eternal Iudgements.
Thirdly,The Duty of good Magiſtrates in publike Calamities. Intreat the Prayers and Supplications of ſuch, whom they believe to be the People of God, whoſe Prayers he profeſſeth to be his Delight, and hath promiſed to hear them, while the Prayer of the wicked is an Abomination, and therefore more provokes him.
Thus ſome good Emperours have uſed to deſire the Interceſſions of Gods People, in times of danger and diſtreſs. Yea and Paul himſelf, ſo high in favour with God, and ſo full of the Grace and Spirit of God, yea and ſo ful of the Spirit of prayer (as next to the Lord Ieſus, we read of no man more in the the New Teſtament) yet no man do we read of, that ſo frequently and earneſtly begs the prayers of Gods people.
The eighth Queſtion.
Whether any of the Prophets or Apoſtles,Queſt. 6yea our Saviour himſelf, did ever except againſt the Magiſtrates Authority, for queſtioning them in matters of Religion?
Firſt, I ask,Anſw. Whether the Prophets and Christ Ieſus and his Apoſtles, are here ſo fitly joyned in this36 Witneſs,The diſpenſation of the Prophets before Chriſt. ſince the Prophets before Chriſts coming, were under the diſpenſation of ſhadowes and figures, in that National and typical Church of Iſrael, and onely propheſied of that great High-Prieſt, and King, and Prophet to come, Chriſt Ieſus? The Law and the Prophets were until Iohn (ſaith Chriſt Ieſus) and their actions (as relating to a National Church) cannot be brought as witneſſes with Iohn or Ieſus?
Secondly, I ask, Did not all the Prophets foretel of this moſt abſolute and independent King and Law-giver to his People, the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords, by whom onely God hath ſpoken in theſe laſt times? Chriſt Jeſus the onely King of Iſrael, and that ſpiritually.Heb. 1. Did not the Angel declare to Mary, that he ſhould be the King of Iſrael, and ſhould ſit on the Throne of his Father David, (which yet he never did literally?) Luke 1. Was he not ſaluted by his followers, Thou art the King of Iſrael, Iohn 1. And was it not for this very cauſe, viz [that he was the King of the Iewes,] that he was Arraigned, Condemned, and Executed, and the crime pretended, fixed on his Gibbet, in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin; Ieſus of Nazareth King of the Iews? All which he was, not in any temporal or worldly reſpect (for he diſclaimed and refuſed the offer of a temporal Crown) but in an abſolute ſpiritual conſideration, reſpecting the ſouls and conſciences, the Religions and Worſhips of the children of men.
Thirdly, I ask, Whether the Lord Ieſus except not expreſly againſt the Magiſtrates in matters of Religion, in that ſo famous Diſtinction between Ceſars right and Gods; give unto Ceſar the things that are Ceſars, and unto God the things that are Gods? 37More particularly and conciſely, I ask,Caeſars due is Gods due, and yet Gods due diſtinct from Caeſars. Whether Ceſars Sword was not Gods Sword? Rom. 13. And Whether by giving unto Ceſar his Submiſſion, Honour, Tribute, &c. was not a giving God his due (in a true ſenſe) by giving this his due to Ceſar? And if ſo, then what ſingular and diſtinct Character is this, which gives unto God his due, diſtinct from Ceſar? And Whether there can be any other Characteriſtical difference imagined, but onely that of matter of conſcience, ſpiritual and Religious, which Ceſar himſelf (as the old Martyrs witneſs of Ieſus, were wont to ſay) had no power over?
Fourthly, As to the Apoſtles, I ask,The Apoſtles were the higheſt and next to Chriſt Ieſus, in matters of the chriſtian name and Worſhip. If the book of the Acts, and the Epiſtles, &c. breathe not forth the moſt abſolute Independency of their Miniſtery and Apoſtleſhip, from the higheſt civil powers in the World?
Tis true, Paul makes an humble Appeal (againſt the Perſecuters of his life) to the higheſt Magiſtrate Ceſar: But as to the matters of Religion and Chriſtianity, was not the Church built upon the Foundation of the Apoſtles and Prophets? (Eph. 2) Were not their Commands, in ſpiritual things, the command of Chriſt Ieſus (1 Cor. 14.) even to the higheſt Kings, and Keyſars? Was not that an Apoſtles voice (in caſe of Religion) Ye are bought with a price, (1 Cor. 7) let no man (conſequently not the higheſt, &c.) judge you in reſpect of meats and drinks, or an holy day? And what can be more expreſs, then ſuch peremptory, not onely refuſalls to obey ungodly and unchriſtian commands (Act. 4.5. ) but even to own the very Courts and Judicatures of the higheſt in the matters of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Christ Ieſus?
38Laſtly, Since the Magiſtrates Authority in queſtioning matter of Religion, may be taken two waies:
Firſt,Twofold queſtioning in Religious matters. For demanding a private reaſon of a Chriſtians Faith or Practice; ſo here it cannot be intended: for there is no queſtion, but that every Servant of Chriſt Ieſus ought to be ready, to give a reaſon to every one, &c. 1 Pet. 4.
Secondly, For Authoritative queſtioning either by inferiour Magiſtrates Executive, or Superiour, Legiſtative: and if Chriſt Ieſus had been ſubjected, and bound to anſwer any Authority queſtioning him, or his Apoſtles, as to matter of his Kingdom or Chriſtian Worſhip,Chriſt Jeſus the he moſt abſolute Monarck. if himſelf and his Apoſtles and followers, had or ſhould owne any Tribunal in Spirituals but his owne, they ſhould have pluckt up the roots of his moſt glorious and moſt abſolute Government and Headſhip. And if ſo, what kinde of Hereſie and Blaſphemy againſt Chriſt Ieſus this is, let the Heaven and the Earth be Judges.
The ſum of the ninth Queſtion.
Whether the Examiner have cauſe to ſay,Queſt. 9that the Believing Magiſtrates giving wholeſome Food, and forbidding of Poyſon, be a ground for a Magistrate to command Poyſon? &c.
Unto which may be added, the ſum of the tenth Queſtion. Queſt. 10
Whether Aſa's Authority from God to39 advance the true Religion, were a ground for Manaſſeh to ſet up Idolatry, and a principle of Perſecution, to kill thoſe that would not worſhip his Idols?
As alſo the ſum of the Eleventh.
Whether Gods Law, puniſhing Blaſphemy unto death,Queſt. 11laid a principle for Jezabel to kill Naboth?
And of the Twelfth.
Whether Paul commanding Parents to bring up their Children in the Nature and Admonition of the Lord,Queſt. 12laies a principle for Children to be brought up in Idolatry?
I ask, Whether the propoſer of the QueſtionsAnſw. do indeed think the Examiner ſo void of Zeal and Reaſon, as to imagine that Corruption and Abuſes,All Gods works and Inſtitutions, and God eimſelf obuſed by man. are ſufficient ground to overthrow a truly-Chriſtian, yea or the leaſt natural or Civil Conſtitution and Appointment? Or rather that he grants all Natural Bodies, both Caeleſtial and Terreſtrial, yea all Divine and Civil Conſtitutions from God or Men, are Gods works, and excellent in their kinde, although by man abuſed to Idolatry, Superſtition, Oppreſſion, Gluttony, Drunkenneſs, Whoredome, Pride, Ambition, Revenge? &c.
40Secondly, I ask, Whether all the Queſtions are not built upon theſe Principles, which are not one-in Diſpute, and not granted, but now at this time of the day, they do moſt ſhamefully beg of Moſes, of Chriſt, of theſe late Times, and mercifull diſcoveries of the true principles, both of Spiritual and Civil Government; I ſay, beg for that which can never more be granted, without horrible Oppreſſion and Tyranny, over the ſouls and bodies of all the ſons of men? viz.
To particularize:Foundations out of courſe. Firſt, That Civil Magiſtracy is not meerly a Civil Thing, in the very nature and eſſential Qualities and beings thereof; but rather ſome Divinum quid, and that Kings and Queens and Magiſtrates are Gods (not onely by way of Alluſion and Conſimilitude, and in a reſpect, but really they are Sacred (or holy) perſons, their Majeſties Sacred, their Crownes Sacred, their Thrones Sacred, and their very Kingdomes and Empires Sacred. The Blaſphemies of the Kings Emperous, &c. Hence that moſt horrid Blaſphemous Character, on the Forehead of the Whore and of the Beaſt, Sacrum Romanum Imperium, that Sacred or holy Roman Empere.
Secondly, That the People and Inhabitants of the Nations of the Earth, are borne Slaves, and Villaines, and are not the Original and Fountain both of their Offices, Officers, and of the Authority committed to them.
Thirdly, That no Magiſtrates in the whole world, are lawful Magiſtrates, but Chriſtian and conſequently none but the Proteſtant; and among them, none but of ſuch a Sect or Conſcience.
Fourthly, That the Land of Canaan (that Land41 of Ceremonies, Types, and Miracles was a Land of patterne and example, for all Lands, all Nations, all Magiſtrates, and that not in matters of Morality, Civility, and Humanity onely (which is not controverted) but even in the matters of Religion, and Spiritual Covenant, of Conſcience in Gods Worſhip, &c. If theſe Queſtions are built upon theſe grounds, I ask, if theſe Roots be found rotten and withered, what can be lookt for on the Branches?
Thirdly, I ask, How can it be avoided, but that one of theſe two Conſequences muſt be granted? Either,
Firſt, If Magiſtrates, as Magiſtrates,The dangerous hanging or ſuſpending Magiſtrates. be keepers of both Tables, then muſt they keep them and interpret them, and determine Controverſies about Religion by thoſe Eyes, and by that Eye-ſight, which they have in Religions and heavenly things (be it Pagan, or Turkiſh, or Popiſh, or Proteſtant.)
Or elſe, ſecondly, they muſt flie to Maſter Cottons refuge of ſuſpending (or hanging up) all the Magiſtrates in the World from acting in Spirituals,The rooting up of all Societies out of the World. if they ſee not the true and onely way of Worſhip; and that for all the daies of their life, except God give them Repentance, and reveal the true and onely way unto them.
And I add, and ask, Whether this Doctrine incline not ſtrongly, to theſe two more (juſtly exploded) dangerous Conſequences?
Firſt, That as no Magiſtrate muſt act in Spirituals, but ſuch as are of the pretended true (which every Sect is prone to plead to be his) and Magiſtrates (many thouſands and ten thouſands, muſt be hanged up as above ſaid) yea and hanged outright,42 for want of thoſe Eſſential and Fundamental Qualifications, which may inable him to diſcharge the principal end of his Office; ſo, neither may the People, which are the Original and Fountain of Goverment, lawfully combine and live in civil Cohabitation, or Societies, but muſt live Barbarians or worſe, ſince that all the People and Nations of the World, in this depraved ſtate of mankinde, are wholly void of heavenly underſtanding, and can no more convey to their Magiſtrates any ſpiritual Authority or Power, then a Dead man can appoint his Officers, &c.
Secondly,Proteſtant Jeſuits. If ſuch Orthodox, ſound and right (Magiſtrates choſen by the People, come to be of another conſcience, perſwaſion and Worſhip (true or or falſe) ought they to be depoſed? &c. and may not that Oxford Author, who put forth that Book, called the Puritan turn'd Jeſuite, and all that hold that principle of Magiſtrates being Cuſtodes utrinſque Tabulae, be forced to ſay, that (in this reſpect) the Biſhops were Jeſuits, the Preſbyterians are Jeſuits, the Inderendants are Jeſuits, and hold that dangerous Doctrine of depoſing haeretical Magiſtrates? &c.
Laſtly,Strange violence to childrens and Parents conſciences. As to the Queſtion from the New Teſtament (Epheſ. 5.4. Fathers, provoke not your children in wrath, but bring them up in the Inſtruction and admonition of the Lord) may not he do this, except he force them to his owne conſcience and Worſhip?
And I ask further, if it followes not, that if the child by ſome providence of God (as ſometimes it falls out) become Superiour and Magiſtrate to the Parent, The child now being Father, muſt force43 his Fathers Conſcience, according to that typical Example of Aſa (puniſhing his Mother Maachah for her Conſcience?) Yea I ask, how could it be avoided, that by this Rule King Edward did well, in forbidding his Siſter Mary the uſe of her Conſcience, when he (though younger) was her Head; and Mary (though a woman, yet now Head of the Church) could not do other, but forbid her Siſter Elizabeth, the uſe of her Proteſtant Prayers and Conſcience alſo? And therefore I ask, Whether it followes not by this Rule, that all Conſcience and Religion in the whole world, be not (except we grant the monſtrous ſuſpenſion of almoſt all the Magiſtrates and Fathers in the world) be not, I ſay, to be meaſured by the accidental turns of Superiority, and the Civil Sword?
The ſum of the thirtenth Queſtion, viz.
Whether ſince Idolatry was puniſhed by the light of Nature (as Job acknowledged,Queſt. 13Job 31.28. ) the Magiſtrate ought not much more to puniſh it in the Goſpel-light? &c.
Anſw. Firſt, I ask, As to that place in Iob,Iob. 31.28. Examined. Whether there be not many various Tranſlations and Interpretations of this Scripture? Doth not the Septuagint, (the Seventy) interpret thoſe words [that were an Iniquity (as we turn it) to be puniſhed by the Iudges] I ſay, the Seventh turn it thus:〈…〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉For this would have been accounted, judged or eſteemed, the greateſt, or a very great iniquity.
44Others, Quae eſt Iniquitas maxima, which is the greateſt, or a very great Iniquity.
Others, Etiam hoc futſſet Iniquitas judicata; For this had been a plain condemned or judged Iniquity.
2. For Interpretation, ſome interpret thoſe words (If I behold the ſun when it ſhined, or the moon walking in brightneſs) to imply Iobs denying of his worſhipping the Sun and Moon, &c. Some Metaphorically, for being puft up with proſperity and ſucceſs, which tempts all men,Gods people moſt apt in proſperity to deny him. and even Gods People themſelves, (as Agur confeſſeth) to ſay unto God when they are full, who is the Lord? and to deny Him who is the Alpha and Omega, the Author and Fountain &c. of all their mercies. And therefore I ask, If it be not probable, that Iob might ſooner be tempted to that ſo pleaſing a ſin of applauding himſelf in the ſhining of the ſun (Heavenly (and right-hand) mercies) and the brightneſs of the Moon (left-hand, and inferiour mercies) then to be inticed to that groſs and ſo palpable an Idolatry, of worſhiping the Sun and moon? &c.
Secondly, Grant that the beholding of the Sun and Moon by Iob, and the ſecret inticement of his Heart, and the kiſſing of his mouth, &c. relates to Idolatry, in the very real and literal Worſhiping of thoſe Creatures; grant that was Iniquity to be puniſhed by the Iudges: As alſo that Iob lived before Moſes, and acknowledged the Juſtice of ſuch puniſhments (all which particulars can be but probably diſputed, pro and con; and therefore is not ſuch a Building and Fabrick, to be laid upon ſo uncertain a Groundſel and Foundation.) But admit all,45 yea and further [that the Goſpel gives more light for the Diſcovery of the ſinfulneſs and guilt•f Idolatry] Yet,The diſpenſations of God, both before and after Moſes. ſince both Moſes and Iob alſo lived under ſuch diſpenſations of National Covenants and Worſhips, and before them of the Family-Covenants and Worſhips, ſuch as Abrahams, Iſaacks, Iaccbs, and the Patriarchs, wherein the Fathers of Families, and the elder brothers (in a figurative Birthright of the firſt born) carried on the figure Chriſt Ieſus to come,The Land of Canaan a none-ſuch, and typical as ſupream Heads and Governours in all cauſes, as well eccleſiaſtical as Civil; ſhall we now then, in the bright light of the Sun of Righteouſneſs, the true King of Iſrael, &c. erect new Lands of Canaan in all the Nations of the World? Will they not be meer Skeletons, Shadowes and Carkaſes, without thoſe living Demonſtrations, and miraculous appearances of God, from firſt to laſt with that wonderful and typical People? Shall we ſtill take the Lord Ieſus by force to make him a temporal King, and a temporal Iudge;Chriſt Jeſus not a temporal King. when he peremptorily refuſeth, and proclaimes that his Kingdome is not of this World? &c.
Will not this be as Iob there ſaith, to deny the God that is above, or (as the Word ſeems to cary it) the God deſcending? who hath aſcended, but firſt deſcended God in Fleſh, and dwelt in Fleſh of the Lord Ieſus Bodily, and eſtabliſhed a ſpiritual Kingdom, in the Conſciences, and Worſhips, and Converſations of Men, &c.
And however the Devil (deſpairing to deſtroy the appearance of God in Fleſh, either in the Perſon of Christs humane body, or in his mystical Body his Saints, by three hundred years perſecution)46 hath taken the advantage, by the ſhining of Peace and Favour to the Saints by Conſtantine, to turn the very World it ſelf Chriſtian, deſigning, under the Masks and Flag of the Chriſtian name, to conceal his Serpentine malice to pure and true Chriſtianity, and to effect that by the Roman Popes, the Foxes, which he could never do by the Roman Lyons, the Emperours.
Yet (I ask) Shall Gods people ſtill inhabit Babilon (or confuſion) and darkly confound all the moſt holy,Gods people commanded to diſobey the civil power in Sptrituals. moſt wiſe, diſtinct appearances of God together? and not rather liſten to the holy Spirit of God, in that abſolute prohibition (Col. 2) Let no man judge you in meats and drinks, &c. that is, upon any Spiritual account and Conſideration, albeit in Civil affaires, we ought to be judged, and ſubmit to every Ordinance (or Creation) of man, for the Lords ſake? 1 Pet. 2.
Thirdly,Two kinder of Idolatry. I ask (as before) Whether the Goſpel-light hath not diſcovered unto us (more clearly at leaſt, then ever the Old Teſtament did) at twofold Idolatry?
Firſt, Religious, which is (in a word) the fearing or Worſhipping of falſe Deities, or Gods, or Godheads, which all the Nations, all the World over, live in.
Secondly, Moral Idolatry, which is Idolatry in the Hearts and Lives of all mankinde, according to that of Paul to the Epheſians: and Covetouſneſs, which is Idolatry, &c.
According to this Diſtinction, how are all the Nations of the World (even that which is called Chriſtian alſo) or'e-ſpread with theſe Idolatries? 47Yea and (in lamentably too great a meaſure) how are Gods owne people reported (at leaſt in the moral ſence) to be Idolatrous? &c. For,
If Coveting of Gold and Silver, Houſe and Lands,The over-ſpreaing of Idolatry in England, and all Nations. be Idolatry, and conſequently, all covetous actions (ſuch as raking, lying, ſtealing, &c.) are acts of Idolatry in a Goſpel-ſenſe: Then conſequently the goings out of the heart in other Sins, Pride, Self-love, Ambition, Whoredom, are Idolatry alſo, and all the Acts attending ſuch motions and deſires, Acts of Idolatry alſo in all the Inhabitants of the World, and then eſpecially and more eminently (or rather odiouſly) in ſuch as profeſs the name of Chriſt Ieſus. Oh what an object of the Iealouſie of the moſt High, is this Idolatrous Ball of the Earth, and even that part above all others, which pretends the name of the Son of God, and which (yet above all others) cries out againſt Idolaters? &c.
Fourthly, As to the Light of Nature, diſcovering Idolatry, I ask,
Firſt, If there be not a wonderful miſtake, a fallacie and ſnare in the term of expreſſion, Light of Nature?
'Tis true, The Nature of Gods Children is Light,Gods people in a glorious ſtate of Light. Epheſ. 5. Ye are light in the Lord; and Phil. 2. They ſhin as Lights: God is a Sun and ſhield unto them; Chriſt Jeſus is a Sun of Righteouſneſs ſhining on them; The holy Scripture is a Light and Lanterne to them; The words of the Prophets, as a Light ſhining in a dark place, until the Day-ſtar Chriſt Ieſus ariſe ſpiritually in their hearts: They have glorious promiſes, that the Light of the Moon ſhall be as the Light of the Sun, and the Light of48 the Sun ſeven times brighter: They expect that time, when they ſhall need no more Candle nor Sun, but the Lord God and the Lamb will be their Light: and knowing that Light is ſown for the Righteous, they expect and ſhall aſſuredly reap the Harveſt of Light to all Eternity. But what is this to corrupt Nature,Light of Nature in ſpiritual things but darkneſs. to dark Nature? You were not onely in darkneſs and children of the night, but darkneſs it ſelf (Epheſ. 5.) And if that which we call Light in men, be Darkneſs (as the Lord Ieſus ſpeaks) how great is that Darkneſs?
But if it be ſaid, that Iob and Paul ſay, that the Light of Nature diſcovers Idolatry; I ask, Whether Iob ſay ſo expreſly, or by any conſequence, which may not rather be counterbalanced another way? Or if Iob ſhould ſay ſo, whether upon an equal diſpenſation? when in thoſe times corporal Judgements, and in Goſpel-times ſpiritual Judgements are proper; as in this very Rom. 1. is abundantly teſtified.
It is true, as Solomon ſaith, The Spirit of a man is the Candle of the Lord, ſearching all the inward parts of the Belly: It is an Excuſer and an Accuſer; a Secretary, a Sergeant, an Adverſary, a Iudge, an Executioner, within the boſome of all mankinde: But yet I ask,What knowledg of God, corrupt Nature may attain unto. how far this Spirit of Man, this Candle of Jehovah hath ſearched, and doth, or poſſibly may ſearch, into all the inward parts of the Belly, or Hearts of man, as touching this great myſtery of true of falſe Deities, and their reſpective Worſhips? And
I ask, Where lies the Harmonie between theſe two Scriptures, this of Rom. 2. When they knew49 God, they glorified him not as God: and that of 1 Cor. 1. The World by Wiſdome knew not God. And
I ask, If natural wiſdome (that Candle or Light remaining in man) be not twofold? Natural light twofold.
Firſt, That which is Common to all mankinde in general; to the people, the loweſt, the vulgar?
Secondly, That which is more Noble and High,The higheſt attainments of the higheſt ſons of nature, in ſpirituals. (in degrees) refined and elevated by finer Animal Spirits, by Education, by Study, by Obſervation, by Experience. And
I ask, Whether theſe higheſt Lights, and greateſt Candles can attaine, by their utmoſt Activity, to a true, and ſaving, and Goſpel-knowledge, even of God himſelfe? And therefore, whether the place of Rom. 1. They knew God, can amount unto more, even in the Princes of natural knowledge, Plato, Seneca, Ariſtotle, &c. but unto a confeſſion of a Deity, a Godhead above us, in us, about us; an Inviſible mighty power, Creating, Ruling, Ordering all things; as alſo, a Conviction of Bleſſedneſs in the favour of this Deity, and of Curſedneſs in Diſunion from it?
But now let's deſcend to Cultus Inſtitutus and Cultus Naturalis, an Inſtituted, and a natural Worſhip. Come to the light of nature worſhipping this Deity: Come to the ſeven precepts of Noah, which ſome, both Jewes, and other ancients, talk of; and then I ask, if it be not a downright Doctrine of Free-will, in depraved nature? No ſpirituat object ſeen with a natural eye.If it be not to run point-blank againſt all the Hiſtories of the Nations, and all preſent Experience of mankind, in all known parts of the World, to attribute ſo much light to50 any of the Eldeſt and Gallanteſt ſons of Nature, as to attain a ſpiritual and ſaving knowledge of God, to attain a love unto God, in all their knowledge; to attain the myſtery of the Father and of the Son, God manifeſted in Fleſh, by whom Creation and Redemption are wrought; to the matter of true worſhip, or to any thing but Splendidum Peccatum, without the Revelation of the Word and Spirit of God, out of his abſolute, free, and peculiar Grace and Mercy in Chriſt Jeſus?
Hence I ask,The monſtrous opinions of the Nations, as to Dieties and their worſhips. If from this Corruption of Nature it have not ſprung, that the wiſeſt Nations, Councels, Parliaments, have run into ſuch monſtrous opinions about the Gods, and the number of them; and ſo many monſtrous and horrible, and ſome ridiculous kindes and waies of worſhip? Thus did the Chaldeans, the Egyptians, the Perſians, the Greeks, the Romans, and all the Generations and Nations of men, unto this day.
It is true, It is charged upon the wiſeſt of the Sons of men, Rom. 1. They glorified not God, as God, that they were not thankful; that they gave the glory of the Creator to the Creature; and that therefore God delivered them up to thoſe moral filthineſſes and defilements.
It is true,Two deep dungeons of moral wickedneſs, into which the conſcience of ſome in worſhipping have tumbled. That becauſe men received not the Truth in the Love of it, God delivered them up to ſtrong Deluſions, to believe lyes. And alſo theſe Spiritual Judgements have proceeded ſo far, that the poor deluded Generations of men, have tumbled down millions of millions, one upon the neck of another, into theſe two deep and doleful Dungeons.
51The firſt,Whoredom and Murder. Of practiſing uncleanneſs and Whoredome, practiſed by ſome Nations, even upon the very account of Religion and Conſcience.
The ſecond, Of Cruelty and Murder, as of Baals Prieſts, cutting and launcing themſelves, and of many Prieſts and Sects, afflicting themſelves in ſome Nations, with many Torments; and above all, that of the abominable and moſt inhumane Sacrificing mankind: In which horrid Worſhip, not onely the Mexicans did abound,The Sacrificing of mankind out of conſcience. in their Sacrificing yearly many thouſands Infants to their bloody Dieties, before the coming of Pizarro amongſt them; but alſo Gods owne people of Iſrael, and none of the very Kings of Iudah (before repentance) fell into this bloody pit, of offering up their Children through the fire to Molech.
I readily acknowledge, that in theſe caſes mentioned,The Civil Sword must cut off all Incivilities, though under Religions pretences masked and covered. and in all other caſes wherein Civility is wronged, in the Bodies or goods of any, the Civil Sword is Gods Sword, as well as mans, for the ſuppreſſing of ſuch Practices and Appearances, yea and the very Principles of them; and for the Incouragement and applauſe of the contrary, Chaſtity, Humanity, &c.
Hence, I honour that noble act of the Emperour of Rome, who cenſured that famous Ovid, for that wanton Book of his De Arte amandi, as a ſparke to immodeſty and uncleanneſs: and doubtleſs it is the the duty of the civil ſword, to cut off the Incivilities of our times; as the monſtrous haire of women, up-the heads of ſome men, &c.
But yet I ask, Whether Paul ſpeak ought, in the firſt of the Romans, of any humane Iudge or Iudgement52 upon the Nations of the World, for their meer Idolatries, thus moſt dreadfully plagued already, by the moſt righteous Iudge of the whole World, in thoſe ſtrong Deluſions and Lyes, and deliveries up to ſo many Luſts and Sins, which alſo run upon the Civil Sword of God and man, for their uncivil and unrighteous practices?
I ask further,All ſeeming incivilities, not to be lookt upon with one eye. Whether or no ſome ſeeming Incivilities, which the Light of Nature more fairly may condemn, and hale before the Civil Tribunal, yet may not be ſuch; and ſo Circumſtantiated with Impreſſions from Heaven, that they ought not ſo ſuddenly and eaſily to be condemned and puniſhed, but, with a more tender and obſervant Eye, be diſtinguiſhed?
For (not to inſtance in any diſputable Acts which the holy Scripture and experience preſents us with) what ſhall be ſaid to that very common and conſtant practise of Circumciſion,The practice of Circumciſion, a ſeeming Incivility. commanded by God himſelf to the Iewes, and now entertained by one of the greateſt Empires of the World, the Turks? may not it be (with faire probability) argued to be againſt the light of Nature? For, Although the Iewes might plead, The Inſtitution of this Ordinance was from Heaven, and the Lord of Nature, That it was done in ſo ſolemn and Religîous a way, that it was not performed with any laſcivious or uncleane obſervations or geſtures, but with Horror, and Pain, and Bloodſhedding, and great Affliction of the outward man (as we ſee in the Shechemites) And laſtly, That it was attended with heavenly and myſtical ſignifications, as a Type and Figure, &. Yet not withſtanding, how was it branded and blackr with the53 Scorned and Jeers of the Nations? inſomuch that the very Sabbath (the ſolemn worſhipping of God one day in ſeven, in a moſt religious acknowledgement of his moſt glorious Creating of this wonderful frame of the World in ſix) was jeered, from this very ſeeming Incivility of Circumciſion: Recutitaque Sabbata, &c. the Circumciſed Sabbaths, &c.
If Abraham had lived now in England (one of the moſt zealous Nations of the World,Abrahams Sacrificing of Iſaak a ſeeming incivility. for inflicting torments on others, and being tormented for Religion and Conſcience) what would our raſh Zealots have done with Abraham, in caſe he had Sacrificed his ſon Iſaac? &c. would they have examined the miraculous conception of the Child a s from Heaven, and the reaſon that that moſt holy and moſt glorious hand, that ſo miraculouſly and ſupernaturally gave him, now call'd againe for him, by a Voice miraculous from Heaven? alſo, would they have obſerved the Man, ſo Holy, and ſo Faithful, his Addreſſes to the Act to Holy, and ſo free from Paſſion, from Deſigne? &c.
Or if the Mother of the Lord Jeſus had brought forth her Son amongſt us,So Maries bringing forth of Christ Ieſus. and (it ſhould have been acknowledged) without the company of her Huſband; Yet who can be ſo impious againſt God, and ſo unchriſtian and blaſphemous againſt Chriſt Jeſus, as to queſtion, but that the moſt Civil, and the ſevereſt Judge, upon due Examination of the whole matter, might rationally and judicionally have pronounced to have found no violence of Civility, no wrong to the Bodies or Goods of any (the proper object and cauſe of all Civil Officers) but contrarily54 a moſt holy and glorious appearance of the living God, and gloriouſly free from ſuch Impurities, with which even the Religion of whole Nations are defiled?
But,The Extreme madneſs of the Religious zeal of men, ſeldome but in extreams. oh the madneſs of the Children of Men (ſaid I?) yea the precious Children of the very God of Heaven! Into what furious Extremes do we leap and run into, without the Light and Lanterne of the holy Spirit and Word of God; not withſtanding our great pretences of ſuch pure Natures light? For how fiery would we be to condemn ſuch a Birth as ſpurious, the Parents and the child unclean (Bring her forth and burn her, as Judah ſaid of Thamar) until we owne the Child (in Religion) ours, the Mothers ours? &c. And therefore againe, how ready to ſheath our ſwords in the bowels of the poor Iew or Gentile, which cannot ſee with our Eyes and ſpectacles, and believe this Child to be the Chriſt, the true Meſſiah?
I profeſs my ſelf unſatisfied, as to the Baptiſme and Dipping now uſed; I abhor the debauchedneſs of thoſe poor deluded high Attainers,The Incivilities of the Ranters. the Mad Folks (as Maſter Pennington well calls them) the Ranters: And I praiſe God, for the height and prudence of the State, to prevent and puniſh the Practices and Doctrines of ſuch Abominations, &c. But, are there but one ſort of (Religious) Mad Folks, Ranters? &c.
What is it but Ranting,Reuters and Ranting, more ſores them one. to call Fire from Heaven (as the gratious Diſciples of Chriſt Ieſus did and may do) becauſe (as they think) men practice Incivilities (againſt the light of Nature) refuſing to entertain the Son of God Chriſt Jeſus?
What is it but Ranting, to forbid the very caſting55 out of Devils (as done by Conjuration, Hereſie Blaſphemy, &c.) becauſe theſe Exorciſts, theſe Caſtters out, they follow not us, our Way, our Church, our Faith; our Worſhip? &c.
Yea what is it but Rantiſme,May Conſciences differing about the blood of Chriſt. to ſling ſtones at the Conſcience of any, perſwaded to finde out the Blood of Chriſt, in the way of dipping into Water; or at the Conſcience of the poor Iew, accounting of that blood as falſe and Counterfeit? or of the Papiſt, perſwaded that the Iewes are wanderers; but that there's need of Maries Milk to her Sons blood? or at the Conſciences of the Turkes, the Perſians, the Pagans, the millions of millions of millions of poor deluded Conſciences, whoſe oppoſitions the meek Lamb of God commandeth gently to be born, and his Servants patiently to wait, if yet it might pleaſe the God of Heaven to give Repentance, and a Reſcue from the ſnares and chaines of Satan and Deſtruction?
Yea, If ever there was Ranting in this World, what is it, but the mad flinging about of Firebrands, Arrows, and Death, (which Solomon ſpeaks of) to fling all the World topſi-turvy, and to Fire the Nations with uncivil and irreligious Heats, Tumults, Plundrings, Raviſhings, Slaughters, about the Hereticks, the Blaſphemers, the Diablo's? &c.
And therefore (laſtly) I ask the Propoſer,The New Teſtament in caſe the Old were not. of theſe Queſtions, Whether in caſe it had pleaſed the Lord to conceal the Old Teſtament from us, or that of the New bound up alone (as it is frequently) ſhould fall into the hands of ſome people in the World; I ask (I ſay) Whether, therein, Chriſt Ieſus hath not left his Followers full, and compleat, and56 abſolute Directions in all Caſes? I ask, then, in what part of his Teſtament, hath he given the leaſt Direction, for the Civil Sword to be drawn in his Quarrel,Chriſt Jeſus no Author of civil force, againſt the higheſt of his oppoſites and Blaſphemers. for the Body of any man to be afflicted for his ſake? and therefore in this caſe proclaims to his zealous Followers (who in this caſe did not know of what Spirits they were) that he came not to deſtroy mens Bodies, no not for the higheſt Oppoſition made againſt him; no not that of calling him Beelzebub, and charging him with Sorcery, and caſting out of Devils by the Devil himſelf.
Yet I ask, Whether in the very Old Teſtament it ſelf, ſuch Perſons, ſuch Nations aw were wholly Idolaters, where puniſhed even by David himſelf; as the Moabites, the Ammonites, &c. when they were ſubdued under him; although in the Land of Canaan (the onely Church in Covenant with God) there were juſt Lawes in force againſt ſuch ſins and practices?
I therefore conclude with this Queſtion, Whe - (notwithſtanding the Propoſers plea, of the qurity of the Goſpel, diſcovering Idolatry more clearly) whether the Goſpel, and Covenant it ſelf, Chriſt Jeſus, have not expreſly lockt up the hands of all that call his Lord and Maſter, ſaying, Let the Tares alone until the Harveſt?
The ſum of the fourteenth Queſtion.
Whether,Queſt. 14ſince Idolatry brings plagues upon the people, the Magiſtrate ought not to deliver the people from thoſe plagues, by removing Idolatry?
57I ask, Firſt,Anſw. ſince Idolatry is twofold (as before) Religious and Moral; And making the Belly a God, or Gold a God, is as real Idolatry, as the making of the ſun a God; and the honouring, and loving, and ſerving them before the true God, is as real Idolatry, as the worſhipping of the ſun, or a Golden Image: As alſo, ſince Chriſt Ieſus commands his people to ſeparate from a Covetous perſon, profeſſing to be a brother in Christ Ieſus, 1 Cor. 5;
With what face then, before the flaming Eyes of Chriſt Ieſus, can we cry out ſo much againſt Idolatry in Worſhipping, and raiſe ſuch Sormes and Tempeſts in the World about Idolatry? &c. When the whole World, and each Nation, and our Selves, lie in the ſecond kind of Idolatry, of many ſorts;The World lies in Idolatry and this Nation, and People. Worſhipping (according to the ſeveral Luſts of the Eye, the Fleſh, and the Pride of Life) ſeveral ſorts of Creatures, before the Creator, God bleſſed for evermore. This kinde of Idolatry eſpecially in Gods people, and eſpecially after ſo much light and experience from God, the Lord abhors as much (having commanded it not to be named among the Saints) yea, and in ſome reſpect, above the groſſeſt Idolatry of all the World beſide. What Antichriſtian Blindneſs and Madneſs is it therefore to cry out, like the Spaniards and Portugals,The greater Idolaters, cry out againſt the leſs. againſt the poor Indians Idolatry; when beſides their owne Images and Superſtitions, they were notorious worſhippers of, and bowed down to the Indians Gold, which, to their aſtoniſhment, the Indians beheld and ſtumbled at?
Secondly, I ask, Doth Idolatry alone, without a ripeneſs in other ſins, bring Plagues and Deſtructions〈…〉58upon Lands and Peoples? Sodome,Were not other fins alleadged the cauſe of Sodoms deſtruction (one of the moſt fearful and moſt famous Deſtructions, ſince the beginning of the World) and among other ſins, that of oppreſſing the poor? and ſoul-oppreſſion is ſtill the higheſt.
Was not Egypt the wonder of the World for Plagues?and Egypt, and though moſt in famous for Idolatry, yet was there not one Sin, which eſpecially unſtoped the Vials of Plagues and Vengeance on them, to wit, their Oppreſſions, indeed their Soul-oppreſſions, on the Iſrael and people of God?
It is true,and Iſrael, Gods people were guilty of Religious Idolatry, 1 Chron. 36. but yet there was a remedy, until they mocked, and deſpiled, and miſuſed the Meſſengers from God, ſent unto them.
Hence,and Jeruſalem, deſtroyed for oppreſſion, and Soul-oppreſſion chiefly. What was the complaint of the Lord Ieſus againſt Ieruſalem, when he wept over it, foreſeeing the Deſtruction of it ſhortly after his death (in which Eleven hundred thouſand Iewes, Men, Women and Children periſhed, and were captivated) What was his great complaint, but this, O Ieruſalem, Ieruſalem, Thou which killest the Prophets, and ſtoneſt them which are ſent unto thee! &c.
And if that ſecond Wo (Rev. 9.) be the Plague of the Turks, upon the Antichriſtian World, beſide their Idolatries, read we not (verſe the laſt) That neither repented they of their. Murders, nor of their Sorceries, nor of their Fornications, nor of their Thefts?
And when we read of the great Whore (commonly interpreted the Church of Reme, the greateſt profeſſed State of Chriſtianity, though moſt Whoriſh, in all abominable worſhips and practices, under the59 pretence of being the moſt chaſt, and onely Spouſe of Chriſt Ieſus) read we not alſo,Oppreſſion and Bloudy Perſecution, one chief cauſe of the downfall of the bloodie Church of Rome. before the tearing of her Fleſh, and burning of her, That ſhe is a Where; drunk with the blood of the Saints, and the Witneſſes of Ieſus? Rev. 17. And when (Re. 18.) three famous cauſes are aſſigned, of her moſt famous downfal, is not this among the reſt, a principal one, that in her is found Bloody Oppreſſions, to wit, (verſe the laſt) the blood of the Prophets and Saints, and of all that were ſlain upon the earth?
Thirdly, I ask, Whether that place of Paul, Rom. 1. ſpeak not there onely of ſpiritual plagues,Spiritual plagues follow abuſe of light. and not of Gods puniſhing ſins with temporal plagues; but of puniſhing ſin with ſin; and implies no more; but that God juſtly puniſheth mankinde, for his abuſe of, and not improving of all his Light, (though but moral, civil, natural) with a ſpirit and conſcience hardned, and delivered up to further alienation from him, into ſeveral degrees and ſorts of ſin and wickedneſs?
What hinders this, but that ſuch as have ſome convictions of a Deity, and yet improve not theſe convictions to the higheſt, but worſhip that Deity corruptly, That ſuch (I ſay) yet ought to be ſuffered to live, and are not to be deſtroyed as Idolaters and Blaſphemers, yea and with meekneſs ought to be inſtructed, if peradventure it may pleaſe God to give them repentance, that they may recover themſelves out of the ſnare of the devil, whereby they are taken captive as his will: Tim. 2.
Yea, I pray leave humbly to ask, without of offence, What if ſome Edw. 3. or Her. 5. ſhould riſe again, and that in a Proteſtant profeſſion, and conquer60 France, as thoſe Kings did; yea, ſuppoſe that France ſhould conquer England, What ſhould the Catholike conqueror do with ſo many thouſand Proteſtant Hereticks, ſo accounted? And what ſhould the Proteſtant conqueror do with ſo many hundred thouſand Popiſh Idolaters in France and Spain, yea ſuppoſe all the world over?
I know what ſome furious Zelots would ſay, on either ſide; I know what Superſtition, what ſelf-intereſt, what intemperate and unbridled Zeal, heath done in former and and preſent times: But I ask, what Chriſt Ieſus would do, what the meek Lamb of God would do, who tells his fiery Diſciples in ſuch caſes, Luke 9. you know not what Spirit you are of; I came not to deſtroy mens lives, but to ſave them.
Fourthly,The Land of Canaan a figurative Land, it and the people attended with miracles. As to that particular cafe of the Land of Canaan, I ask, whether that Land and Nation, the people of it, whom the Land ſpued out, and the people of Iſrael, whom the Land recieved, were not all of them typical and figurative, and attended with extracrdinary, ſupernatural, and miraculouus Conſiderations? Further, may we not as well expect, to paſs over to Ireland, France, or Holland, on dry land (as Iſrael from Egypt toward Canaan-land) and to tumble down City Wals and Caſtles, with the ſound of Rams-hornes, &c. at to think of a material or literal Antitype or parallel, now in theſe Goſpel-daies?
Hath not the irreconcileable Diſproportion and Diſſimilitude, between that Land of Canaan, and all others, been alleadged by ſome, againſt the moſt conſcientious and able in this Controverſie, Maſter Cotton, and that without any reply of his, or any61 man elſe, as unto that great Argument, of the difference between the Land of Canaan, and all other Lands that are, or ever have been, or ſhall be?
And ſince the Propoſer of this Queſtion is pleaſed to mention Lev. 20. I ask, Is not this the Ground, even of Iſraels ceremonial and typical holineſs, touching their not eating of Swines Fleſh,Iſrael a Nation ſeparated from all Lands to God. and all unclean Beaſts and Fowl? verſe 25. I am Iehovah you God, who have ſeparated you from other people: and verſe 25. Therefore I have ſeparated theſe unclean Beaſts and Fowle from you, as unclean: and verſe 26. You ſhall be holy unto me, for I Iehovah am holy, and have ſevered you from other People, that you ſhould be mine.
Did not all theſe unclean Beaſts and Birds, ſignifie men in Goſpel-times, from whom we ought not to ſeparate in civil converſe, as the Iews did, Act. 10. for then we muſt go out of the World, 1 Cor. 5. but in ſpiritual communion and Worſhipping of God, 1 Cor. 6. Come out from among them, and be ye ſeparated, and touch no unclean thing, and I Will recieve you, and be a Father unto you, &c. The Iſrael and people of God, the onely type of Gods Iſrael in Canaan.
Doth not Maſter Cotton himſelf acknowledge, that this puniſhing of the Idolater, in the Land of Canaan was typical, and that the Antitype is onely the Church of Chriſt, which ought not to purge out Idolaters: which Church (whether Congregational, as Maſter Cotton holds) or National, as others; Yet I ask, what weapons hath either the one or the other, as Chriſts Church, or Wiſe, but Spiritual? &c. what can be then the Reſult from this, Lev. 20. but that the Iſrael and people of God, who are (Nazarites, or) ſeparated unto him, from62 all the people of the World, ought to touch no uncleanneſs; and not onely to ſeparate from Religious Idolatry,All Gods people are ſeparated unto himſelf. but even to ſeparate from, and abhor that Moral Idolatry, Covetouſneſs, and to hold no Spiritual Society with that man, being calld a Saint or Brother, who covets this Worlds goods? which thing, is not to be once named, among the Saints, Epheſ. 5.
But fifthly, I ask, What is this to all the Nations of the World, who, as Nations, are all parts of the World, and lie (faith Iohn) in wickedneſs, in Idolatries and Superſtitions, rolling and changing as Waves of the Sea, in reſtleſs Luſts, and Paſſions of all ſorts? &c.
Did not God wink at the Nations, Act. 17. and is he not ſtill pleaſed to wink at thoſe numberleſs Nations of the World, unto whom the ſound of a Saviour reacheth not? The State of all the numberleſs numbers of the Sons of men, without Chriſt in the world.How wonderful are the Dominions of the Grand Seigniour (the Turkiſh Emperour) and the mighty Empire of the Perſians, the great Mogul, the Chinois, the Tartars, and the many millions of millions of the Sons and Daughters of Men, who in all Ages and Nations paſs on in outward Peace, Proſperity and Glory, amongſt ſome of whom, God may call ſome to fear him, and love the Lord Ieſus?
But for any of theſe whole Nations to be become Chriſtians,A National Church a fiction, and not found in Chriſts Testament. that is, to be anointed with Chriſts Spirits; I ask, Whether ſuch a thing be found in Chriſts Teſtament, or be in experience true, of the Body of this, or any other Nation?
Sixthly, Whatever be the pretence and miſt, which Satan caſteth, I ask (with a famous obſerver63 once Lord Chancellour of England) Whether all Violence in Religion, be not for ſome ſiniſter cauſe and Intereſt? Jehu pretends and boaſts, Come, ſee my zeal for the God of Iſrael, &c. He acted gloriouſly,Magistrates act zealouſly for an Interest. with wonderful Activity, Impartiality, and (ſeeming) Piety; And yet I will viſit the blood of Jehu, ſaith the Lord (Hoſ. 1.) for, he took not heed with all his Heart, &c. For, having got the Throne of Jeroboam, to maintain that Throne and Crown, he goes on in the ſins of Jeroboam, and kept up ſtill the worſhip of the Calves, which Jeroboam had ſet up.
What a wonderful noyſe an ſound have thoſe three Greek names, Idolatry, Hereſie, Blaſphemy,The World ſcar'd by ſtrange names. made in the world, to the ſcaring and affrightment of poor people, in both Popiſh and Proteſtant Countries? But let the Zeal of the moſt Zealous outcries be examined in plain Engliſh, and let the Zealous (even ſuch as make profeſſion of the moſt reformed National Miniſteries, in the moſt Reformed Churches) I ſay, lot the moſt Zealous impartially Examine; and it ſhall be found, that the Bottome and Root of the matter, is a plain Merchandizing with the word of God, and as it, was in Rome, and is (Omnia Roma, cum precis, &c) a very Sale of Law and Goſpel, Moſes and Chriſt, Heaven and Hell, God himſelf, and the Soules of men.
I truely honour the many excellent Perſons,Ministers pretend zealouſly but for an Intereſt. and the excellent Abilities, both humane and Divine, of many, that have profeſt, and do, the Nations Miniſtery or Service.
I confeſs, there is a due of Temporals, to ſuch as Miniſter Spirituals; but withall I ask, What is it64 but a Trade and Living, but a Merchandiſing for gain, when men profeſs they cannot, without ſo much or ſo much, preach Chriſt Jeſus?
Surely the Apoſtacia hath been moſt wonderful and dreadful. The maintenance of Chriſts true Miniſters.None can ſay but that the Lord Jeſus did ſend out ſuch Preachers of his Truth, as did truſt him, and Lacked nothing; who did as freely give, as freely they had received; who did labour ſpiritually, and, upon defect of ſupplies (through the poverty or coldneſs of the Saints) did labour with their own hands: and other courſe for his Meſſengers (in moſt infinite wiſdom) took he none, nor will his true Miniſters and Prophets deſire he ſhould: and whatever other Prudential Images and Inventions are ſet up, will he diſclaim and judge, when he appears in flaming fire, &c.
What ſhould be ſo free in the world,What more free, and yet what more bought and ſold then light? as divine and heavenly light? and yet what is ſo frequently and ſo dearly ſold, as that Light? (I ſpeak as to the external preaching of many holy Truths.)
I ſhall deſire to be corrected, if Ierre in the Piety or Charity of the Queſtion; and ask, If any man can poſſibly, by rules of Chriſt Jeſus, profeſs a Miniſtenance to him and his? Yea, although he have ſo much Civility, as not to make a Bargain, for ſo much or ſo much; yet if there be an implicite Expectation or Dependance, upon ſuch a Service or Miniſtery, for a Salary, maintenance, &c. I ask, (Whatever the Perſon,Mercenary light his Gifts, Experiences, Light be) whether is Calling and Standing be not as truely Mercenary and Unchriſtian, as his that ſtands at the Corners of the Streets in dark Nights, with65 ready lights and linkes, offering to go with any call (preſuming on a pay) and therefor his word is to every likely paſſenger, Will you have a light Sir?
Laſtly, I ask, Whether (as the Lord Jeſus ſpeaks of falſe Prophets) we any not diſcern falſe Doctrines,Bloody fruits of a (pretended) holy Root. Tenents, and Opinions, by the horrible fruits, which this bitter Root hath brought forth, to the ſlaughter of ſo many thouſands, and ten thouſand times then thouſand of mankinde, Religiouſly and Zealouſly (as it pretended) hunting one another, as wild Beaſts, Monſters, Idolaters, Hereticks Blaſphemers? &c.
Yea, And which may cauſe a Soul, truly in love with Chriſt Ieſus, to tremble; this above all other, hath been that bloody Knife, that hath ſo many thouſand and then thouſand times ſtab'd the Lord Ieſus to the Heart, in the bloody hunting of ſo many his Servants and Followers, as the greateſt Hereticks, Blaſphemers, &c. both in this and other Nations.
The ſum of the fifteenth Queſtion.
Whether the Examiner hath not ſet himſelf to confute Paul,Queſt. 15ſaying it is not eaſie to finde, that the Heathen ſhould not make a Graven Image; nor any marvel, that they ſhould by the forme of ſome Creature, repreſent him, &c. Whereas Paul proves, that the Eternal power and Godhead, are ſo manifeſt, that they are without excuſe,66 who knowing God, do not glorifie him as God, &c. but change the glory of God into an Image? &c.
Firſt,Andſw. I ask, Whether the Propoſer of theſe Queſtions expreſſeth not very little of that Chriſtian Moderation,The Examiner unchriſtianly dealt with. and Equity, and Equanimity of Spirit, which a Follower of Chriſt Jeſus pretends to, in ſetting the words (which bear a better ſence) yea and the Heart of the Examiner upon the Rack, by infinuating little leſs, then that he hath ſet himſelf to contradict and fight againſt God himſelf, and his moſt holy Spirit in Paul, his Servant and Penman? Whereas a more ſober and Dove-like Chriſtian Eye will read no more, but a faithful and Chriſtian plea, for moderate and Chriſtian thoughts, to all the Nations and Generations of the World; who although by the hightned power of Reaſon, they may poſſibly attaine to (as above hath been diſcourſed, by the light of Nature) many Convictions and Confeſſions of a Godhead;The Natural eſtute of all and the very best of mankind. Yet is it not ſo facile and eaſie for them (having ſo many thouſand clogs and chaines, of barbarous Ignorance, and Education, and Luſts hanging on them) to ſoare ſo high, with the wings of meer Natural corrupted Reaſon, as to to finde the true God, and the true Way of glorifying God acceptably in Chriſt Ieſus. Yea I ask, Whether this is poſſible to be attained unto (as aboveſaid?) But rather that this place of Paul, Rom. 1. implies, that the wiſeſt and moſt induſtrious of the Sons of Men, will be found guilty of groſs Negligence and undervaluing of God, and of being inſlaved by many corrupt Luſts, Examples, Cuſtomes,67 Fear of men, Tradition of Fathers, and of not improving that Power of Reaſon, and underſtanding in themſelves ſo far, and ſo high, as they ought and might alſo do?
Secondly, I ask, If it be eaſie for the Nations of the World to eſcape and miſs theſe Rocks of Idolatry,All the Nations of the World, wandring in Idolatry and ſuperſtition. Superſtition, Will-worſhip, &c. how comes it to paſs, that all the Generations of mankinde, from the firſt Creation and Fall of Man to this day (the Phoenicians, the Chaldeans, the Egyptians, the Perſians, the Grecians, the Romans, and the many millions of millions of wiſe and underſtanding men, not onely the Pagans, but the Turks, the Iewes, the Papiſts, and carnal Proteſtant, ſhould ſo ſtupendiouſly and conſtantly wander from the glorifying of God, as God, but by invented Images, and Repreſentations of Superſtition, Will-worſhip, darken his Glory? &c.
Thirdly, If it be ſo eaſie to eſcape Idolatry, Superſtition: Will-worſhip, &c. How is it that the holy Spirit record, how eaſily, how wonderfully,Gods owne people and choiceſt Servants hardly kept from Superſtition and Will-worſhip, &c. and fearfully, Gods owne people (Aaron the Leader, and all Iſrael with him) ſlipt into the Idolatry of the Golden Calf? yea and afterwards, the whole ten Tribes of twelve (Gods owne people) apoſtate to the Calves (againe) of Jeroboam?
How is it, that not onely the Godly Kings of Iudah, neglected the demoliſhing of the high places, and the reforming of what was notoriouſly Superſtitious, and that not onely Solomon built houſes for the gods of his Wives, but even David, and thirty thouſand of Iſrael with him, brings up the Arke of God (the ſigne of Gods preſence) with wonderfull Solemnities ſhootings and rejoycings,68 until they met with Perez-Uzzah, the Breach of Uzzah, the ſignal of Gods diſpleaſure?
How is it, that not onely many ſhall ſeek to enter, and ſhall not be able;Chriſt Ieſus not eaſily found of, not onely pretenders, but Cordial Intenders. and Iſrael obtained not that which they ſought for, as it is written, Rom. 2. But even the tender Love, and Dove, and undefiled of Chriſt Ieſus (Cant. 5.) riſing up to open to her Beloved, ſhe findes him agrieved at her unkindneſs, and gone; ſhe ſought him, but ſhe found him not; ſhe called him, but he gave no anſwer?
Fourthly,The diviſions of Reuben, yea even of Iudah. How is it, that not onely God ſendeth Antichriſtians ſtrong Deluſions, which ſo hold their Understanding, Conſcience, Iudgement, and Affections, that they really belive Lyes, notorious and great Lyes; but even at this Day among our ſelves, the Conſciences of Gods children and people (in whom the bleſſed fear and love of God hath ſhined) how are they (I ſay) divided each from other, not onely Ephraim againſt Manaſſeh, and Manaſſeh againſt Ephraim, and both againſt Iudah, but even Iudah againſt Iudah, Inſomuch that Gods people at this day have not onely occaſioned that reproachfull terme of Sectaries; becauſe of their ſeparation from the National Churches, gathering themſelves into ſeparate Congregations, but even from their Sects and Diviſions among themſelves? And I ask, whether this ſhall not be, and muſt continue, until the bleſſed time of one Heart, and one Spirit, and one Lip, which God will vouchſafe to all his people?
Fifthly, Since every Way, Manner or Form of Worſhip, of Church, of Miniſtery, of Prayer, of Baptiſme, &c. (that onely excepted which the Lord Ieſus appointed) is an Invention, an Image, a molten69 or carved Image; And conſequently,Gods people full of Images, how much more the Nations. the many ſtrange waies, and kindes, and formes of Proteſtant Churches, National, Provincial, Dioceſan, Parochial, Preſbyterian, Independent, Separated, Half-ſeparated, Baptized one way, a ſecond, a third way (as to their various Formes and Conſtitutions) are but Images and Pictures, and none but one of them (if any of them be yet) according to the firſt pattern; And ſince Gods own people, have had a great ſhare and hand in ſuch framings, &c. both in England, Scotland, France, Low-Countries, &c. I ask, If it be not much more eaſie for the poor Nations of the World, who ſit in darkneſs (as of old) to erect Images of Gold and Silver, Wood, Stone, &c. and of late, Waies and Manners of Worſhip (though more ſubtle and myſterious, yet) as real Images, as thoſe of the groſſeſt Compoſition?
Laſtly, I ask, If there be not a deep and heaven-deſigne,Gods deſigne to ſuffer the Nations, and his own people, to wander and feel the want of his holy Spirit, in the uſe of all means. of the moſt holy and onely wiſe God, thus to ſuffer the world and his people alſo, to divide and ſcatter, and diſſipate themſelves; Thus to cauſe the holy Scriptures, amongſt both Papiſts and Proteſtants (the pretended Rule of Life and Light unto all their waies and Conſciences) to be ſo Pen'd, ſo Written, ſo tranſlated, that as it was ſaid of Ieſus Chriſt, he was given for a ſtumbling Block, and Rock of offence, as well as for a Rock and Foundation to his people: So, may it not alſo be ſaid of the holy Scripture, and the texts and writings thereof, from whence ſo many, and ſo wonderfully different perſwaſions and Conſciences are riſen?
In particular, I ask, If it have not been wonderfully eaſie, from the ſeeming light of Nature and70 Scripture too, to ſlide into the many wandrings and Labyrinths of conſciences now extant, which though but Threds and Strawes, yet do hold the conſcience as with Chaines of Adamant, until the holy and bleſſed Spirit of God diſcover and diſſolve? &c.
If there be any Bowells (therefore) of pity in us, toward poor ſinners, like our ſelves; If any ſence of the mercies and pitie of Chriſt Ieſus to our ſelves, How ſhould we compaſſionate the Captivated and (ſometimes) the ſtriving and relucting ſouls of thouſands, about theſe and the like Opinions?
How many thouſands and ten thouſands of Gods ancient Friends and Acquaintance,The Iewes Conſcientious plea from Scripture. the Iewes, will ſay unto us, How can that Ieſus whom you pretend, be the true Meſſiah, the anointed of God, he whom all the Prophets told of, whom all the Fathers lookt for? How did he deliver us from the Roman yoakes? how hath he redeemed us, theſe 1600 years ſince, from all our Enemies, in the Lands of our Diſperſions and Scatterings?
How many thouſand Papiſts will tell us, that Ieſus the Son of Mary, he is the bleſſed Meſſiah that was to come? and why ſhould we not believe him, that plainly ſaid, This is my Body? Is he not able to make good his word, in a real and corporal preſence? Did he not ſay to Peter, thou art Peter, and upon this Rock will I build my Church; To thee will I give the Keys of the kingdom of heaven?
How many thouſand will tell us, that the great and wonderful myſtery of the holy Trinity is beyond their underſtanding and reach; and they cannot believe and die for that which paſſeth their comprehenſion;71 as alſo, that the knots of holy Scripture (beſides thoſe of Reaſon) are very great and wonderful?
How many thouſands are perſwaded that the ſeveral Orders in the government of Chriſts Houſe and Kingdom,The ſeveral conſcientious pleas of the more knowing and most godly perſons in England. are not manifeſted in vain unto us, in the Word of God, & in particular, the order of Biſhops?
Nor are there thouſands and then thouſands wanting, who will (triumphantly) ask us, What that laying on the hands of the Presbytery was?
How many Conſciences will ask how we can dare to ſay, that Chriſt Jeſus died not for all, when ſo many Scriptures ſpeak of the propitiation for the ſins of the whole world?
And why (ſay they) ſhall the power of Nature be ſo ſlighted, when Chriſt Jeſus tells us, that he would, but Jeruſalem would not?
And how is that doctrine (ſay they) ſo infallible, of the impoſsibility of a final breach between Chriſt Jeſus and Believers; when ſo many Caveats, Warnings, Items, are given us nor to fall; and ſo many dreadful examples (eſpecially in theſe times) of the departure of ſo many from Chriſt Jeſus, to the world with Demas and Judas, to honour and preferment with Diotrephes, to luſts, and pleaſures, and many abominations, with the ſtony ground?
How many are aſſaulted by Satan, to queſtion the Godhead of the Son of God, and of the Holy Spirit, and of the truth of the holy Scriptures; Whether there are no more holy Scriptures but theſe; and whether the Tranſlations and infallible, and which are to be reſted or relied on?
Oh how merciful, how pitiful are the bowels of72 the Lamb of God, to poor wandring ſinners? And how ſierce, how cruel are the thoughts of his Corrival Antichrist, who makes it ſo caſie to be born againe, to have Gods Spirit, to the Orthodox, to be truely Zealous againſt Idolaters, Blaſphemers, Hereticks? &c.
The ſum of the ſixteenth Queſtion.
Whether Idolaters may not be puniſhed,Queſt. 16becauſe the Magiſtrate doth not know the heart of the Idolaters; and whether this oppoſeth not the word of God by Moſes, and the puniſhment of the worſhippers of the Calfe, and Baal, and the Prophets of Baal?
Unto which may be added the ſeventeenth Queſtion, viz:
VVhether Idolaters may not be convinced by Acts,Queſt. 17as well as a Murtherer, and thereby the heart of the Idolater is diſcovered? for the Murtherer is diſcovered guilty, becauſe of Malice in his heart.
As alſo the eighteenth.
VVhether of two ſins,Queſt. 18that which is diſcerned ought not to be puniſhed; becauſe the other is not puniſhed, for want of diſcerning?
Firſt,Anſw. Not to reſpect what hath been ſaid, as73 to the Diſtinction of Idolatry, as to the nature of civil Magiſtracie and its power, the different diſpenſations of God, divers times, and divers waies, and at laſt by his Son; To the Fathers in familes, to Moſes and the Prophets in the typical Land of Ganaan, and at laſt all the world over, by his moſt glorious and dear Son, God bleſſed for ever!
I ask, firſt, Whether the Examiner can be fairly charged, to bring it in as a reaſon, that Idolatry ſhould not be puniſhed, becauſe the Magiſtrate doth not know the heart of the Idolater? The Spaniards ſacrificing millions of mtn to that grand Ido! of the world, the Indian goldAnd will all that the Examiner ſpeaks there of the heart, be fairly caſt up and amount to more, then the forementioned diſtinction of Religious and moral Idolatry, and that opened by that ſo famous inſtance of the Spaniards, in the Weſt-Indies, who cryed out againſt the poor Indians, Idolaters, Idolaters, Heathens, worſhippers of the Sun; and yet themſelves did moſt notoriouſly bow down to the Golden God, the Indians Gold (as all Europes Nations, and England more or leſs) and in a ſordid and bloody devotion, did ſacrifice to that Golden Images, ſo many thouſands, yea millions of the Inhabitants? It is incredible how many millions of mankind were there deſtroyed (as their own Cardinal — wrote to the Emperour Charles the fifth) as Idolaters, Blaſphemers, &c. But it is very credible and eaſie to believe, what ſtumbling blocks, ſuch their Covetouſneſs and Cruelties were, to the poor Indians, inſomuch that they abhorr'd to hear the Spaniſh Prieſts to talk of Heaven, whither the Spaniards were ſaid to go; whoſe Covetouſneſs and Cruelties they thought would never ſend them to a place of Bleſedneſs.
74Secondly, I ask, Whether thoſe Examples of puniſhing the Worſhippers of the Calfe, and of Baal, and of Baals Prieſts, are preſidential and binding unto all the Nations of the World? And whether the Paralleling of all Times, to that ceremonial Time,The new piecing up of the vaile of the temple. and all places to that typical and ceremonial place, be not indeed (upon the point) a new piecing up of the vaile of the Temple, which the right hand of the God of Heaven hath rent, and a preferring of Moſes the Servant, before the Lerd Feſus the Son, yea and (conſequently) a denying of the Lord Ieſus, the great Meſſiah, to be yet come?
Thirdly, I ask, If theſe Examples be now preſidential,The Biſhops root and branch, and all faiſe Miniſters ought to be put to death. Whether if there were ſuch Civil Magiſtrates Monarchs of the world as formerly (yea and however) whether it be not the duty of all the Magiſtrates in the World, to deſtroy (even beyond all compare and Imagination) the greateſt part, if not almoſt all the Inhabitants of the whole World, for ſome falſe Worſhip, Idolatry, and one Golden Calf or another?
Yea I ask, Whether by this rule, the State of England,, then favouring the Nonconformitant and Presbyterian, ought not onely to have aboliſhed Epiſcopacy (branch and root) but alſo to have ſlain the Biſhops by the ſword? And by this rule, whether all falſe and Antichriſtian Miniſters, whether Biſhops, Prieſts, Monks, Friers, Parſons, Vicars, Curates, Deanes, Doctors, Chaplains, &c. yea and all ſeveral Prieſts in the World, ought not without mercy to be put to death?
Yea, I ask, If this State of England ſhould reſent75 the Presbytery of England, Scotland, &c. as falſe:Presbyterian and Independent Miniſters put to death. And if another Power or Parliament ſhould revolve, in the conſtant turning of the Wheeles of Providence) and ſhould condemn the Independent Miniſters, to be as falſe as Presbyters; Where will this bloody Iſſue ſtop? What Heaps upon Heaps? How would (by this Doctrine) not onely this hopeful Commonweal, but alſo the whole world, be turned to Shambles, and Akeldama's, Fields of blood? for muſt we not ſlay the worſhippers of Calves as Baal, as Moſes and Elias did?
Fourthly, As to the inſtance of Murther, I ask, If there be not three apparent differences between civil crimes againſt the State, and thoſe of ſpiritual nature againſt God, his worſhip? &c.
Firſt, There are no generations of men, nor never were in the world, but by the dark light of nature, have condemned theſe four ſins, viz. Murther,Four ſins which all mankinde have agreed to condemn not ſo about Religion. Adultery, Theſt, Lying, as inconſiſtent to the converſe of man with man: But all the Generations and Nations of men, have moſt conſtantly differed, and varied into many thouſand differences about the true God, and his waies of worſhip, &c.
Secondly, Thoſe four ſorts of Sinners, Murtherers, Adulterers, Thieves and Lyers, are eaſily convinced and aſhamed (Ier. 6.) they cannot but confeſs themſelves ſinners, and juſtly puniſhed, &c. But Idolaters all the world over are ready to cry out (houres, and yeares,Civil tranſgreſſions more diſcernable them, Spirituals. and ages together) Great is our Diana. And however (Tit. 3.) an Heretick or obſtinate, withdrawn from Chriſts admonition, hath ſome checkings and convincings in his owne conſcience; yet both Papiſts, and Turkes, and Iews, and76 Pagans that are ſerious, have trampled over Poſts and Priſons, Torments and Deaths, to keep their Conſciences.
Thirdly,Without Civil Order, no Civility; without ſpiritual, no Chriſtianity. Without ſome Order of Civiltie (more or leſs) ſome civil Officers of Iuſtice to puniſh thoſe four ſins (eſpecially) it is impoſſible that men can live (as men, and not as Beaſts or worſe) together, &c. But notwithſtanding ſeveral Religions in one Nation, in one Shire, yea in one Family; if men be either truly Chriſtian, like unto Chriſt. Feſus, whom they pretend to follow, or but truly Civil, and walk but by the rules of Humanity and Civility; Families, Townes, Cities, and Commonweals (in the midſt of Spiritual Differences) may flouriſh.
Fourthly,Spiritual plagues the ſoreſt. I ask, As to the puniſhing of the Idolatry, and all other tranſgreſſions of Spiritual account, Are, the wounds and deaths of the two edged ſword, proceeding from the mouth of Chriſt Feſus, little, and of no eſtimation with us? Are Levi's impartiall ſlayings of Brethren, Siſters, Fathers, Mothers, &c. (Deut. 33.) Is the delivering up of the Nations of the world (Rom. 1.) to ſuch unnatural and monſtrous Luſts, And the Chaines of ſtrong Lyes and Deluſions upon all the Antichriſtian World, no dread nor terrour with us? Ephraim is joyned to Idols, let him alone (eſpecially now in more ſpiritual and Goſpel-times) is far more dreadfull and horrible ten thouſand ſold, then cutting off for murther, &c.
And I end this Queſtion,A fourth plague added to the three of Davids choice. with this Quere: If it had pleaſed the moſt holy and onely wiſe, to have added one Judgement more to Davids choice of the three ſore plagues, Sword, Famine, and Peſtilence; I ſay77 If he had been pleaſed to add a fourth, to wit, a giving up to the leaſt of ſins, the leaſt hiding of his holy Countenance, &c. would not David, yea our ſelves (if our Hearts be after Gods and Davids) chuſe ten thouſand times all the firſt three, then the leaſt Spiritual ſtroke of Blindneſs, Hardneſs from the ſear of God? Iſa. 63.
The nineteenth Queſtion.
Whether Aſa did well in bringing the the people into Covenant,Queſt. 19ſince as the Exminer ſaith, he might thereby have made many turn Hypocrites, whereas the people ſwore with all their heart? &c. And although Hypocriſie do follow, yet this flows from the Corruption of the hypocrite, and not from the holineſs of the command.
I have before, and it is elſe where diſcovered,Anſw. the figurative Nature of this Land of Canaan, that people miraculouſly caſt out, and the ſeed of Abrabraham and Iſrael miraculouſly brought in; their Kings & Judges immediately deſigned and ſtirred up by God, as the Saviours, and types of the great Saviour to come: theſe were anointed, as alſo were their Prophets and Prieſts, in figure of that great King, Prophet, and Prieſt, Chriſt Feſus: All which, with all thoſe figurative Ceremonies and miraculous goings of God with that people, is acknowledged by ſo many of Gods people, and by Maſter Cotton in78 this Controverſie; and that the people of God in the New Teſtament is the onely Antitype; as alſo that there is no Footſtep nor Colour, in the New Teſtament of Chriſt Feſus, for a National Church or Covenant: And therefore,
I ask, Firſt, Whether this be not an overthrowing of the whole deſigne of God concerning Chriſt Ieſus, and a denying of him yet to be come; and to have fulfilled the National and Ceremonial figures? But ſince we ſay he is come,Chriſt Feſus his Teſtament enough for Chriſtians, although we had never heard of Moſes. and hath brought the diſcovery of his Fathers diſpleaſure, otherwiſe diſpenſed then was in former times, to the Fathers and the Prophets; Is not his Teſtament compleat, and the Revelation of his Fathers minde full in all matters, as to his Servants and Followers, although we had never heard of Meſes, and although it ſhould have pleaſed God to have concealed the whole Old Teſtament from us?
I Further ask,The difference between Iſrael and other Nations. Whether Aſa did compel any Nation that had not been ſo miraculouſly bought and brought by God as Iſrael was, into Covenant with him? And may indeed a King now, if he conquer all Nations, compel and force them all to ſwear to ſerve his God, to make a Covenant and Contract with him, and this under pain of death, as Aſa did? Did or might Aſa, or any of the Kings of Iſrael or Iudah, ſo compel other Nations, which they did or might have conquered, and that under pain of death?
Is not Chriſt Ieſus the truly and onely King of Iſrael? And is not his ſword, his two-edged ſword, and his mighty weapons, ſpiritual (2 Cor. 10.) entering into the very Hears, and Spirit, and Conſcience, and thoughts of the Heart?
79Secondly, I ask, If this poor Nation of England and Scotland, &c. have not heard the voice of the God of heaven out of the whirlwind (as in Iob) declaring himſelf in thundring language, and dialects of Blood, Diſtractions, and Deſtructions, about this National League and Covenant? The wonderful Character of Gods jealouſie upon the Scoriſh National Covenant.Were ever two Nations ſo ſolemnly, and with ſuch ſeeming glorious Holineſs, united, to make this Iſland an holy Land, and to purge out, as out of an holy Land and Aire (as Canan was) all Idolatry, Schiſme, and Hereticks? And were there ever more evident Characters of the Iealouſie and diſpleaſure of the moſt High, written upon ſuch Covenants, ſuch Conjunctions?
Or was there ever (almoſt) ſuch a miraculous Deciſion of the controverſie, between the Covenanters themſelves, about the Interpretations of it?
And hath not the moſt holy and inviſible God made bare his holy Arme, and written it in National letters of blood, that he that runs may read it, That this National Covenanting, and National Churching, and National compelling, and National conforming (as to the Soules and Conſciences of men, and as to the worſhip of the God of heaven) is but Levitical and Ceremonial, but Moſaical and Iewiſh, but Unchriſtian and deſtructive to the New Teſtament of Chriſt, to the freedome of the ſoul and conſcience, to the gratious free breathings of the moſt holy Spirit of God, perſwading and ſpiritually compelling, the Spirits and Souls of men, to knit the onely true Lovers Knot and Covenant, that Death and Hell, and all the powers of Earth and Hell, Men and Devils, ſhall never be able to untie?
Thirdly, It was no guilt of Hypocriſie in Aſa, to80 compel that whole Nation, which, according to thoſe figurative times and old Covenant, were miraculouſly brought and kept in Covenant with God;The Hypocriſie of Nationall Covenants. upon which the Examiner doth not fix the leaſt charge of Hypocriſie: but now he may (and all men may) ask, why other whole Nations, and all Natitions ſhould be forced (like Cattel) by thouſands and ten thouſands, Cities, Nations, &c. to a Religion, and Covenant, and Worſhip, which their Forefathers knew not, which their Souls owne not, and their Conſciences ſecretly diſclaim as falſe? &c. Doth not this, as Iſaiah tels us, fill a Nation with Hypocriſie? And hath not this Doctrine filled this Nation (if ever any) with wonderful Hipocriſies, as the Civil Sword and power of compulſion hath fallen by Gods moſt holy providence, into the hands of Pagan, or Popiſh, or Protestant, or Presbyterian, or Independent, (if perſe cuting) Conſciences?
I ask further, Is there not a two fold Hypocriſie, Firſt,A tu of old Hypocriſie amongſt Pro〈7 letters〉. that which is more hidden and ſecret, ſuch as Achitophels with David, and Fudas with Chriſt Ieſus, Thieves and Traytors in the Boſome, &c. Yet outwardly true, faithful, holy, Cordial? &c.
Secondly, That which is more open, evident and plauſible, ſuch as that of the ten Tribes, profeſſing the name of the God of Iſrael, and yet with-all, the Worſhip of the Calves; and Ieroboams Feaſts and Prieſts, and other his Inventions; and moreover, living without the life of the true God of Iſrael.
In the late Wars, ſome that profeſſed to ſide with the Parliament, voted in the Houſe, ſat in Committees; yea fought for the Parliament, Lawes,81 and Liherties, &c. yet lay they like Traitours in the Boſome, as after was diſcovered. Others fought for the Parliament, Lawes and Liberties, and yet joyn'd openly with the King, fought under his Colours, and pretended onely the name of that (to wit, holineſs and the Love of God) which they hated more then Sin, and Hell, and Damning.
Or as in our Streets dayly, we finde two ſorts of Beggers, one ſpeaks ſuch wants,Antichriſtian hypocriſie illſtrated. ſo predicates Chriſt Ieſus, ſo prayes for you, that many are taken & moved to real pity and compaſſion, and yet deceived. A ſecond ſort, profeſs the Trade of Begging, they keep open thoſe Sores, which they will not have heal'd; they ſteal or get Children to beg with, they abhor to labour, and make a Trade of Hypocriſie: Tis true, that they crie up the name of Chriſt Ieſus too, and pray for you; but if you put not into their mouth, how ſoon fall they from bleſſing to curſing! &c.
Of this ſecond ſort,The pretended Chriſtian Nations found Antichriſtian. are not the Chriſtian Nations (ſo call'd) made up and conſtituted, whether Eaſt or Weſt, Greek or Latine, the Popiſh or Proteſtant Churches, who like the ten Tribes, and (many of them) like the ſtrange Nations, brought in after the Captivity by Salmanaſſer, 2 King. 17. They feared the God of Iſrael and ſerved him, and their owne Gods too; and the Spirit of God concludes of them, that they ſerved their owne Gods, and ſerved not the true God at all?
Is not this apparently the ſtate of thouſands and ten thouſands and millions of (named) Chriſtians, profeſſing Chriſt in Word, Tit. 1. but in works denying of him, overſpread with the Abominations of Religious and moral Idolatries, ſpiritual and corporal82 Murthers, Whoredomes, Oppreſſions, Drunkenneſs, &c. either as the great Whore (probably the Whore of Rome) actually drunk with the blood of the Saints and Prophets of Ieſus, or elſe thirſting after the day of their bloody fils? &c.
Fourthly,Religious Raviſhments and horrid Abominations. I ask, Whether as to force the Conſciences of the Unwilling is a Soul-Rape, ſo to force the (Ignorant, prophane, and unregenerate) Nations, into a pretended holy fellowſhip and Communion with God, be not ten thouſand fold more unholy and unrighteous, then to force into the Beds of any Men of Honour, ugly and deformed ſtrangers, yea enemies, yea and impudent Whores and Strumpets? Would the Propoſer ſtile their commands holy, juſt, good, did the matter concerne but his owne Bed? as who can but know the matter in queſtion ſo neerly concernes the Lord, being communion, which (Cant. 1.) is no other then the myſtical and ſpiritual Bed of the Lord Ieſus?
Did ever God or Man command to do well,The methods of Friendſhip with God and men. before a ceaſing from Evil? Doth God or man ever ſtrike up Covenants of Love, Leagues of Amisy, yea or admit a treaty, before Repentance and Satisfaction for former Injuries, before the Removeall of Force, the laying down of Armes, and the acknowledging the Power and State of ſuch with whom they treat? If theſe be waies of civility, rightecuſneſs, order, prudence, what commands ſhall they be call'd, what holineſs and goodneſs ſhall be found in them, which carry written (like the Whores forehead, Rev. 18.) Myſteries, Babylon, Hypocriſies, Diſſimulations? &c.
Therefore (laſtly) I ask, how much infinitely ſweeter are Gods Methods, delighting onely in a83 willing people? how ſweet are the paths of the Lamb of God Chriſt Jeſus, whoſe true Meſſengers are Maidens (Pro. 9.) who with Virgin-Chaſtity and Modeſty, invite poor ſinners to the heavenly Feaſt and Banquet? And becauſe three are not onely Rivers of pleaſures at the right hand of God, but Rivers of Fire and Brimſtone for the obſtinate, they knowing theſe Terrours of God, perſwade, and pull, and compel poor ſinners as Brands from the everlaſting Burnings, &c.
The ſum of the twentieth Queſtion.
Whether thoſe portions of Scripture,Queſt. 20that contain principles neceſſary to Salvation, deſerve to be call'd and deſpiſed by the name of Forms; and whether the Examiner think fit upon the title of formes, to deſpiſe the Principles of the Doctrine of Chriſt Ieſus, Heb. 6. 2. Whether if the Examiner were ready to ſtarve, or ſick neer Death, he would refuſe Bread or Phyſick, becauſe they came in Formes?
1. I ask,Anſw. Whether the Propoſer of theſe Queſtions have fairly collected from any words of the Examiner in the quoted ninth Section, that the Examiner doth call any Principle, neceſſary to Salvation, or deſpiſe them under the name of Formes; or doth deſpiſe thoſe Principles of the Doctrine of Chriſt, Heb. 6. under the title of Formes? or whether he do84 ſimply, or without all due conſideration, contend againſt the Title, or the ſubſtance of a Forme?
For can it be ſuppoſed,Of outward Forms of worſhip. that the Examiner ſhould plead ſo much for the Light of the holy Scripture and the holy Spirit of God, and yet to want that light of Reaſon, as not to know that form a dat eſſe; and (although there are very intricate Diſputes de formie internis & externis, and whence the forms of creatures are produced) to imagine that any thing in the world ſhould have a being (much leſs the best and perfectest, ſpiritual and heavenly things) and be formleſs? or that there ſhould be ſo much viſible Acknowledgements, ſervice or Worſhip of God left in the world, as of the Word and Prayer, (which the Examiner is known to approve and practiſe) without ſome form and order, without which it muſt prove a Chaos, a Babel and confuſion?
Beſides,Several ſorts of Forms pretending all to be Chriſts are not theſe his very words excepted againſt, [Do yet make ſo much of outward Forms, as to force men to bow down to them?]
In which, doth there not fairly ſeem to be couched this double Aſſertion,
Firſt, That there are many ſorts of outward forms, Forms of Confeſsions, Forms of Prayers, Formes of Churches, Formes of Diſcipline, Formes of Worſhip, &c.
Secondly, That every Sect and Sort are wofully apt to force one another to bow down unto their owne moſt excellent waies and manners, of which they ſeverally and reſpectively are ſo and ſo perſwaded: And is not this moſt wofully and lamentably true, in all Nations, in all Religions, in all Sects of all ſorts, now extant among85 our ſelves, and upon all the Face of the whole Earth?
Secondly, I ask,Of doctr•••neceſſary〈◊〉•••vation. If the Propoſer walk not upon a moſt dangerous Bridge, whiles he diſputes of Principles neceſſary to Salvation? And indeed, whether both Papiſt and Proteſtant are not both in the woods, while they force whole Nations to believe many Doctrines neceſſary to Salvation, and yet wind up all in one, viz. to believe as the Church believes? For if they prove but obedient Sons to the doctrine of their Mother the Church (although they wholly want the Life and Spirit of God their (pretended) Father, yet how have ſuch Children been ten thouſand times more accepted, then ſuch who cannot ſee nor live, but by their owne Eyes and Faith, and deſire to taſte, to examine and try all things, and to hold faſt that onely which they are perſwaded comes from God?
Againe,Fundamentals of Religon. notwithſtanding ſeveral numbers of Fundamentals, which others both Papiſts and Proteſtants are pleaſed to aſſert: Yet I ask, what we think of the ſhort word of the Lord Ieſus, Mark 16. 16. He that Believeth and is Baptized, ſhall be ſaved? yea whether upon the point, the firſt of theſe two be not abſolutely neceſſary; becauſe he pincheth onely upon not Believing as Damnable; He that believeth not, ſhall be damned?
And howſoever ſome grant that as to the viſible profeſſion of the Chriſtian Religion,It is danger•••to ſay, with how little faith God will ſave. a diſtinct knowledge of Chriſt Jeſus is neceſſary, Yet we know what is extant abroad of a poſſibility of Salvation, without an expreſs and diſtinct knowledge of the name of Chriſt, according to that of Heb. 1. He that86 comes to God, muſt believe that God is, and that he is a Rewarder of them that diligently ſeek him. And I ask, Whether (although it be a duty to work out Salvation with fear and trembling, and to grow in the Grace and Knowledge of the Lord Ieſus) yet is it not very preſumptuous and dangerous to ſet a Neplus infra, a ſtint and bound of ſo much Knowledge, and ſo much grace of Chriſt (as to the degrees of it) without which there is no Salvation.
I ask,Two of the Principles Heb. 6. of great controverſie. once more, from that Heb. 6. VVhether (although I queſtion not but that both the Propoſer and Examiner believe four of theſe Principles, viz. Repentance, Faith, the Reſurrection and Iudgement, yet) whether the Propoſer be able to diſſolve the doubts of thouſands, as to thoſe other two, the Doctrine of Baptiſmes, and the Laying on of hands; concerning which, the more Conſcientious and tender the People of God are, about the true worſhip of God and Chriſt Jeſus, the more they finde their loſs, about the holy waies and means of it?
Thirdly, I ask, What have been moſt of all the Forms, and Preſcripts of Doctrine and worſhip (ſince the great Apoſtacie and falling away) but meer Formes and Pictures, without the power and life of Godlineſs? In which reſpect, may I not ſay in the Language of Iames, As the Body without the Spirit, and Faith without works is dead; So, what have been the ſeveral National Models, Platforms, Frames and Forms,The meer Formalities of State-Forms of worſhip. of the Eccleſiaſtical Governments (which the Fathers have built, and the Children have broke) either in the Eaſt or Weſtern Churches, even to the laſt, and Youngeſt, and Faireſt of the Pictures, but Pictures drawn to the Life, and yet but liveleſs Pictures and Proforma?
87I moſt humbly and thankfully acknowledge the Heavenly diſcoveries of many Truths of Ieſus, wrapt up confuſedly even in Babylon it ſelfe and the people of the God of heaven with them; from whence he hath, and will gloriouſly redeem them both: I acknowledge the ſeveral bleſſed degrees,Gods light and Gods people wrapt up in the National Reformations. and increaſings of Light, wrapt up in ſeveral Clouds of Reformations (ſo call'd) in our owne and other Nations: I am far from imagining that people ſhould hold nothing, do nothing, &c. for I unfeignedly deſire (as the Scripture ſpeaks) in a Scriptureſence, that all men might be ſaved; That every Man were a Noble Man, an ingenious Berean, Examining by the Scriptures, and holding faſt to the Death, what he believes he hath received from the Father of Lights.
And yet, better ſit ſtill, then ſtill riſe and fall: Have all the Spirit, the Calling, the Gifts, the Life and the preſence of God with them; as thoſe firſt Meſſengers the Apoſtles, whoſe Succeſſours Men yet pretend to be?
Were it not better for us to acknowledge,The danger of our own Inventions in heavenly matters. how poor, how naked, how blind, how miſerable we are, and to liſten to the holy Counſel of Chriſt Jeſus, &c. to buy of him, that bleſſed Gold and Eye-ſalve, that white Rayment and fine Linnen, that we may truely ſee, and be truely rich, and be truely glorious and beautiful; then boaſting of our Knowledge, and Abundance, and want of nothing; we prove ſo grievous to the ſtomach of Chriſt Jeſus, that he vomit us with loathing out of his mouth?
Laſtly, I ask, In caſe we had for unqueſtionable Fundamentals, a Creed compoſed by the twelve Apoſtles88 of the Lamb: That a Synod of heavenly Angels aſſembled and concluded of Fundamentals, of Forms of Worſhip,External force in Spirituals can onely pierce the outſide. Ordinations, Miniſteries, Maintenance, &c. (and all without the reach of a Curſe, for another Goſpel, Gal. 1.) Yet I ask, what rule can be produced from the Teſtament of Chriſt Ieſus, that theſe Forms, theſe Preſcripts muſt be impoſed, and beaten into (not the Braines and Hearts of men, which is impoſſible) but into the outſides and knees of men, with Swords and Staves, that (as Chriſt Jeſus ſaid of the Samaritans) they might worſhip they know not what? What reaſon of Chriſtianity, or Civility, that the Talmud of the Iewes, the Alcaron of the Turks, and the Canons of all ſorts of Popes muſt not be queſtioned? What Scripture or Reaſon ſhall force a man to be a Scholar to a Teacher, and force him to pay for his Teaching; To truſt his Ship with a Pilot, and to pay him for his Piloting; to truſt himſelf with a Guide, and to pay him for his Conduct, when he believes that Teacher, that Pilot, are dangerouſly ignorant, that Guide is blind? &c.The myſtery and and tyranny of perſecuting Teachers. Yea further, from whom he muſt receive all upon Truſt, and not dare (in the very place and time of Teaching) to propoſe his Doubt, his Queſtion, his Objection, or deſire Explanation?
And I add, What Chriſtianity is that, which commands that no Churches be gathered, no Miniſters choſen, no Doctrine preached, but what the civil Sword ſhall ſay is true and Orthodox? Nay no Magiſtrate himſelf choſen, nor any Civil Officer, except he be of our Church, our Way and Conſcience, as ſome ſay is the Myſtery and Tyranny of New-Englands practice?
89The two and twentieth Queſtion.
If God was to be bleſſed for putting it into the Heart of a Heathen Magiſtrate to make Lawes for Religion (Iſa. 7.27.) Whether he comes not neer to a curſe,Queſt. 22that would take out of the heart of a Chriſtian Magiſtrate the advancement of true Religion, and perſwade him to give a Toleraration to the chieſe Enemies of Religion, Idolatry and Hereſie?
Sure the Propoſer highly eſteems this Example of Erra 7. for,Anſw. not content to mention it in the ſeventh Queſtion, he attempts to win it by Force and Storming (indeed in a very ſtormy Language) in this laſt Queſtion.
To many Branches of the ſame hath been ſpoken: As to the nature of Civil Magiſtracie, eſſentially Civil all the world over: As to the power of the Magiſtrates or Officers deſigned unto them by the people, as but their Deputies, either Legiſlative or Executive: As to the perfection of Civil Magiſtracie in its ſelf and in its kind, not capable of Diminution or Addition, by the Magiſtrates change of Religion, to or from Chriſtianity or any other Religion in the world: As to Artaxerxes his fact,Artaxerxes his favour to the Iewes. not being moved out of any heart to the true Religion; for neither did he, or his people, forſake their owne; but out of a Conquering Terrour of God, he ſhews, juſt mercy to his captives and people; he feares90 wrath to himſelf and his Sons from that God, whoſe love and acquaintance he cared not for. But I ſhall add (with Chriſts help) theſe few Queries.
Firſt, Whether this Suppoſition of making Laws to advance Religion, and eſpecially in a National way, doth not overthrow and Evacuate one great end of the comming of the Lord Jeſus, which was to fulfil all thoſe former ſhadowes of Temple, Altar, Prieſts, Sacrifice, &c. to tear the veil, to break downe the partition Wall, and with the two edged Sword of his Spirit, (his Word) to conquer poor ſinners in a way of love? National holineſs and ſhadows, &c. aboliſhed by Chriſt Ieſus the body and ſubſtance.For if Ezra's pattern of carrying Lawes and Authority from this King, to force men to keep the Law of God, in this Iewiſh Religion, Iewiſh Nation, be a preſident for all Nations, where is the aboliſhing of the holy Nation, holy Cities, holy Temples, Altars, Prieſts? &c. Or ought we not (if Chriſt Ieſus be not come) to have the Officers commanded by the King to be Tole free, verſe 24. the Prieſts, the Levites, the Singers, the Porters, the Nethinims, or Miniſters of the houſe of God?
If it be ſaid, The Morality of ſuch a Law remaineth, I ask, Whether according to Heb. 7. there being a neceſſity of the change of the Prieſthood, there is not a neceſſity of the change of the Law alſo, of that Law of Shadows, the holy Land, holy Temples, holy Prieſts, holy Swords? &c.
I further ask, If that people of God (the figure of Gods Iſrael in after-Ages to ariſe, in all Nations of the world) if they had not been Captivated, but had been in their owne Land, and not reſtrained by force; whether they ought not to have builded the Altar and Temple, without the Kings command,91 yea and againſt it? Yea it is expreſly ſaid, chap. 4.Gods people in Spirituals know no Caeſar but himſelf, and dear Son. they were made to ceaſe the building by power and Force; yet they went on, chap. 5. to build again, at the inſtigation of Haggai and Zachary, notwithſtanding the prohibition of the King, yet lying in force againſt them.
And laſtly I ask, If theſe things were not Examples (〈…〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. 1 Cor. 10.) or Types, figuring out the freedomes of Gods people, who if not hindred by actual Force and Power, ought onely to regard (in Spirituals) the Scepter, and Sword, and Crown of the Lord Ieſus Chriſt?
Secondly, I ask, What Lawes this Artaxerxes made for the advancement of Religion? Is not the firſt of abſolute Freedome and Toleration to theſe poor captive Iewes? Was there any Babylonian or Perſian command to go up to Ieruſalem, any commanded to pay, or to offer a peny toward this Expedition? Yea were not the Iewes themſelves abſolutely free, whether to go up to Ieruſalem, or ſtay in Babel; whether to offer to this work one peny, or not, as appeares both by the Decrees of Cyrus, in the firſt Chapter; of Darius, in the ſixth; and of Artaxerxes, in the ſeventh? Secondly, he decreed bountitiful Aſſiſtance out of his owne Treaſury, toward the building of the Temple, the Sacrifices, &c.
Thirdly, a Decree againſt any that ſhould oppoſe, or hinder the building of this Houſe; and therefore (accordingly) whoſoever would not do the Law of God, and of the King, judgement muſt be executed ſpeedily, &c. And chap. 6.11. whoſoever ſhould alter Darius his decree, Timber ſhould be pull'd downe from his houſe, and being ſet up, he muſt be92 hanged thereon, and his houſe made a dunghil.
If any ſhall ſay, The command of God and the King here mentioned, was a command and Law in Spirituals, &c.
I ask, What Law was the Law of Artaxerxes the King?The Law of Artaxerxes, was an abſolute Law of Toleration of the Iews Conſcience, vaſtly differing from, and oppoſite to his. was it of commanding the Iewes to his Worſhip and Conſcience, in an Uniformity of Worſhip to the Nation wherein they were captive? Yea, was it a commanding of the Iewes to their owne Religion, or onely (on his part) a Law of Toleration and Freedome to practiſe their owne Religion, Conſcience, and Worſhip, and that with favourable Incouragement from himſelf?
For (as before) if the force were removed, although Artaxerxes ſhould have given them no Countenance nor Incouragement; Yet I ask, whether as Iewes (Gods people and ſubjects) they ought not of themſelves to have departed from Babylor, and from all parts of the World, and to have aſcended to Ieruſalem (as the Iews literally dream) to their holy City, and there have built the Temple, and preſented their Sacrifices? &c.
Further,The literal and Spiritual Iew. I ask, As Artaxerxes made not one Law either how or when the Iewes ſhould pray, or faſt, &c. but left them free to their owne Conſcience, to go up, or not to go up to Ieruſalem; ſo when theſe Kings did makes Lawes in Spirituals (as concerning prayer) whether Daniel did not well, in refuſing to ceaſe praying, or by ſhutting of his window to give appearance of obedience, though to the extream ruine of life? &c.
And conſequently. Whether as the Iewes refuſed to be ſubject to any Judicature but Gods alone revealed93 by Moſes; So whether Chriſtian Iſrael and Iews ought to acknowledge any Tribunal but Gods?
Thirdly, I ask, Whether the plain Engliſh of not tolerating the Idolater and Heretick, hath not been in all Ages ſince Chriſt Ieſus, the not tolerating indeed of Chriſt Ieſus, God manifeſted in fleſh, and both in his owne Perſon, and in his Followers, the hunting or perſecuting of him out of the world?
Was there ever any of the Prophets eſteemed ſo great an Heretick from the Iewiſh Religion,Chriſt Ieſus accounted and hanged as the greateſt Blaſphemer and Heretick that was. as Chriſt Ieſus was? was there ever ſuch a Blaſphemer of God (as the High Prieſt eſteemed him) as the bleſſed Son of God; God himſelf; Chriſt Ieſus? And doth not the many Books of Martyrs, in our owne and other Languages ſet forth, that under this Hood and Vizard, the Devil hath caſt the Saints into Priſon, Rev. 2. He hath watched to devour the Man-child, Rev. 12. and hunted the Woman the Spouſe of Christ Jeſus, and her ſeed: And the great Whore pretending that ſhe drinks the blood of Hereticks, &c. hath been drunk with the blood of the Saints, and Witneſſes of Ieſus? Rev. 17.
Hence will not Reaſon ſuſpect a Murtherous ſnare in the Law pretended againſt Thieves, Robbers,True grounds of ſuſpition, in Spirituals. Whores, &c. and yet moſt commonly falling upon none but honeſt and faithful, chaſt, and modeſt Perſons?
Are not theſe Engines worthily to be queſtioned, which pretending to take none but Birds of prey, and Wolves, &c. and yet ordinarily catch nothing but harmeleſs Doves, the Sheep and Lambs? &c.
If it be ſaid, Idolatry, Hereſie, &c. are the chiefeſt Enemies in Religion, &c.
94I ask, Firſt, If thoſe very famous Religions, which have pretended themſelves the trueſt in the World, have not been found the greateſt Idols? &c.
Secondly,Chriſt Ieſus his Spiritual proviſion, againſt Spiritual Adverſaries. Grant them to be the greateſt Enemies, yet ſince Enemies are of two ſorts, Spiritual and Corporal, I ask, Whether as Corporal weapon are proper againſt Corporal, ſo whether Spiritual weapons are not only proper againſt (meerly) Spiritual Adverſaries?
Thirdly, Could Christ Ieſus ſo forget himſelfe, as not to take ſufficient order for Spiritual weapons againſt all his Spiritual enemies? In a Battel or Fight, by Sea or Land, how apt are men to charge Generals and Commanders, if Ammunition be wanting, &c. Yea in that caſe, how juſtly may men complain (as in 88) that Powder was ſaid to be wanting in our own Ships, at our owne doores? And ſhall i•be imagined that the Laſt Will and Teſtament of the Son of God, his whole Life, his 40 daies after his Reſurrection, and thoſe Gifts, which upon his Triumph in Heaven he ſent upon men, ſhould leave his Army, his Family, his Kingdome, his Wife, unprovided, &c. ſo that in the very day of the Battel, they muſt be forced to the Forge of the Philiſtims to borrow Swords, Halberts, Guns, Pikes, Priſons, Halters, againſt Idolaters, Hereticks? &c.
Fourthly, I may end and ask, in the Propoſers owne words (whether he be not neer a Curſe, that would change the two-edged Sword of Gods Spirit, the word of God, for a Sword of ſteel, in the hand of Civil Officers; and the Arme of the eternal Spirit of God, for an arme of Fleſh? &c.
95And if bleſſed are Chriſts peace-makers,Chriſts Curſings and Bleſſings. and Chriſts perſecuted (Matth. 5.) how neer to a curſe doth he come, that brings not Buckets to quench, but Bellowes to kindle the Fire of Gods Jealouſie againſt State Inventions; the Fires of perſecutions and hunting of Chriſts Saints, the Fires of devouring Wars amongſt the Nations, for their reſpective Religions and Conſciences? How neer to a curſe doth he come, who under a Cloak of Chriſtian Magiſtrate, True Religion, Zeal againſt Idolaters, Hereticks, &c. ſhall conceal a Dagger (which yet, I hope this Propoſer knowingly doth not) ſtabbing at the heart of God, his Chriſt, his Spirit, his Saints, his pure Worſhip, yea and at the Heart of all Civil peace and Civil Magiſtracie, and Civility it ſelf throughout the whole World?
And therefore laſtly, I ask, Whether theſe two Examining Worthies ſhall not be wrapt up in the everlaſting Armes of Bleſſedneſs it ſelf, while they improve their Talents uprightly, and impartially, in the further Examination of this Fire of Zeal in queſtion? Yea and whether not onely theſe two honourable Senatours, but the moſt renowned Senate of the world (the Parliament it ſelf) ſhall not be truly crowned with the Lawrells of true Nobility, as the Bereans were, while they Candidly and Impartially Examine whether theſe things are ſo or no?