The Seven Golden Candlesticks, Tract
THE SEAVEN GOLDEN CANDLESTICKES OR THE SEAVEN FOLD Eſtate of Gods Church here vponupon Earth, typed out in the ſeauen Churches of ASIA.
IT is not a conceit, but an opinion more then probable, that the ſeuen Churches of Aſia, are Types of the whole Church militant; which opinion, though it be in a ſort onelyonly barely deliuered of ſome, and by ſome others ſo ſet out, as thereby many take occaſion to reiect it, but more out of a ſiniſter reſpect, then of any ſollid ground; yet if they pleaſe to weigh the reaſons, and to conſider well how theſe and the times doe anſwere one another, they will more eaſily yeeld vntounto the Truth.
1. Is it not plainly ſaid, in the end of the whole Propheſie, that Ieſus Chriſt ſent his Angell to teſtifie theſe things vntounto vsus in the Churches, to wit, in thoſe ſeuen Churches of Aſia? for no other are mentioned in the whole Propheſie; ſo as whatſoeuer in the Reuelation was after deliuered, the ſame was repreſented generally in the fore-ſaid Churches before.
2. The number of ſeuen, as in the other places of this Propheſie, repeated thirtie ſeuen times, is a number of perfection; and is put for all of that, whereof the number is giuen, as the ſeuen Starres for all the Angels of the Churches; the ſeuen ſpirits for the ſeuen-fold Graces thereof; ſo the ſeuen Churches, for all the Chriſtian Churches, or rather the ſeuen-fold eſtate of one and the ſame Church of Chriſt. And ſeeing there were more Churches in thoſe parts, we may well thinke that the number of ſeuen was taken for further purpoſe, then to note out only the preſent eſtate of thoſe ſeuen Churches, to which Iohn wrote.
3. Iohn in the end of eueryevery Epiſtle, makes a generall exhortation, ſaying, He that hath an eare, let him heare, what the Spirit ſaith, vntounto the Churches: yet in the beginning of eueryevery Epiſtle, is hee cōmanded onelyonly to write particularly to the Angell thereof, and of ſuch things as touched him, and the eſtate of his Church. Therfore when Iohn concludeth ſo with an exhortation to all the Churches, what elſe doth hee but thereby teach all thoſe Churches, whereof that particular Church is a Type, or, if you will, ſo by one, all the ſeuen, and by them all Chriſtian Churches?
4. In the Epiſtles there bee many things which muſt neceſſarily perſwade to a farther extent, then onelyonly to the preſent eſtate of eueryevery of thoſe particular Churches; as firſt the maruellous order, according to the courſe and eſtate of Chriſts Church, both in the gifts, and graces with decay of them, as alſo in the creeping vp of Antichriſt, and the Churches recouery and growing into a better eſtate euen to the end, as ſhall bee ſhewed in paralleling of theſe Churches and the eſtate of Chriſts Church from time to time. Then ſome things ſpoken of the particular Churches, which cannot poſſible bee taken as onelyonly meant of them. As of the ten dayes tribulation, which Expoſitours interpret of a perſecution longer, then can agree by Storie to hauehave falne vponupon Smyrna in Iohns time, or after. Likewiſe the great honour, which is promiſed to the Angell of the Church of Philadelphia, that the counterfeit Iewes in Smyrna Reuel. 2. 9. ſhould fall downe to him, Reuel. 3. 9. and deliuerance from the tryall which ſhould come vponupon all the World, Reuel. 3. 10. cannot bee vnderſtood ſimply of that Angell. Wee finde not in any Hiſtorie ſuch renowne to that Angell, neither of ſuch perill, and gracious deliuerance; but theſe things are ſpoken with reſpect to the Churches eſtate, as this ſhould be a Type thereof. Againe, who can reade the tearmes vſed, and the perſons named, as Iewes, Synagogue, Balaam, and Ieſabell, with the degrees and proceedings thereof: but thereby will be conceiued ſome other thing intended in thoſe Churches? It is maruelous to ſee how the degrees of euill are ſet out, in the foure firſt Churches; in Epheſus are Sathans Seeds-men, falſe Apoſtles; in Smyrna Sathans Synagogue; in Pergamus Sathans Throne; in Thiatyra the very Iezabel and Depths of Sathan. In the three laſt, no menton of any of theſe, becauſe they doe ſet out the Church deliuered from Sathans Seedes-men, from his Aſſemblies, from his Throne, and from the Ieſabel of Rome, and the Depths of Sathan therein, and doe ſhew the threefold eſtate of the Church come out of Babylon, as in Sardis a weake reformation, in Philadelphia an excellent dignitie of the Church, and then afterwards the Laodicean condition. Who ſo marketh theſe, how can he deeme otherwiſe of theſe Churches, then of the Types of Chriſts Church?
5. Wee may bee mooued further ſo to thinke from the ſituation of theſe Cities, and from the order which the Prophet obſerueth in writing vntounto them, from Epheſus Northward to Smyrna, & yet more North to Pergamus, from this to Thyatira Eaſtward, and ſo more and more to Philadelphia, and then bendeth Southward to Laodicea. Which ſituation pointeth vsus out the declining of the Church to darkneſſe, and then a recouering by little and little light againe, bending Eaſt & Southeaſt, from the North. The Church came from Iudea out of the Eaſt, it went a little Southward, but far Weſt, then into theſe Northerne parts, and ſo Northeaſt, and ſhall circle about till it come to be a Church againe in Iudea, at the Conuerſion of the Iewes; when the fulneſſe of the Gentiles ſhall come in.
6. And laſtly, the anſwerableneſſe of the Type and Antitype will fully giuegive ſatisfaction in this point, which that it may appeare, I will will here parallell them together.
THE FIRST GOLDEN CANDLESTICK.
THE FIRST CHVRCH.
| In the Type. | In the Antitype. | |
| The Church of Epheſus. | The Primitiue Church and Epheſine State. | |
| 1. THis is the first, & as it were chiefe of the other, ſet in the firſt place. | 1. THis is the firſt Church, and therefore called the Primitiue Church, hauing place and prerogatiue aboue the reſt. | |
| 2. This was plā ted by Saint Paul the Apoſtle, Acts 19. and 20. and gathered of Chriſtian Beleeuers frō amonge notorious Heathen Idolaters and wicked men, Acts 19. 28. Eph. 2. 12. and here Timothy was placed to order all things for Doctrine and Diſcipline, 1. Tim. 1. 3. | 2. This was planted by the Apoſtles, and gathered of Iewes and Heathen Idolaters, Gentiles, they being commanded by Chriſt to goe into all the World, to preach the Goſpell, and when they had planted Churches, they did appoint Timothyes, that is, Biſhops and Elders for Doctrine & Diſcipline for wel ordering of the Churches. Mat. 28. Acts 2. & 3. & 8. & 10. 11. &c. Acts 14. 23. | |
| 3. This was planted with much affliction to the Apoſtle and Brethren. 1. Cor. 15. 32. and there were many Aduerſaries, 1. Cor. 16. 9. | 3. This was planted with great and manifolde perſecutions; The Apoſtles were martyred, and the Chriſtian Paſtors and people put to death euerywhere; for the Goſpell of Chriſt had a World of Aduerſaries, during the Reigne of the Heathen Emperours of Rome. Acts 7. 23. Euſeb. l. 2, c. 25. l. 3, c. 15. 29. l. 4. c. 15. Oroſ. l. c. 7. 10. Niceph. l. 2. | |
| 4. This hath Chriſt ſet out vntounto it, as hauing ſeuen ſtarres in his right hand, and walking in the midſt of the ſeuen golden Candleſtickes. | 4. This had Chriſt protecting his faithfull Paſtors with the power of his right hand, and ſhewed himſelfe in it, in an extraordinary manner by his holy Spirit, effectually working by his Word, and making it renowned by Miracles and Wonders, Acts 2. & 3. & 5. & 8. 17. & 14. 10. Rom. 15. 19. Iornand. de temp. & Succeſſ. l. 1. in Reg Rom. ſerie. Theod l. 1. 7. Sleid. de 4. Imp. l. 2. Aug. de Ciuit. Dei, l. 8. c. 15. | |
| 5. The Angell of this Church was | 5. The Angels of this Church, firſt, the Apoſtles, then the Apoſtolicall | |
| at the beginning and ſo continued for a ſpace full of vertue, very laborious, patiently ſuffering and fainted not. | men, and others after them, which were aduanced to authoritie, not by money, but by good report, were full of vertue, painfull Preachers, and many made Expoſitions & Commentaries vponupon the Scriptures, and others publiſhed Apologies and their defence of Chriſtian Religion, and patiently ſuffered for the Truth, as did Pollycarpus, Iuſt. Martyr. Germanicus and infinite others. Tertull. Apolog. c. 39. Iuſt. Apol. 2. Trithemius de Scriptor. Ecclis. Quadratus. Ariſtides. Iust. Martyr. Melito Biſhop of Sardis and others. Euſeb. l. 3. c. 32. l. 4. & 8. 3. | |
| 6. This Church was troubled with falſe Apoſtles and wicked Nicholaitans: but the Angell was zealous, could not beare with them, but vſed boldly his authoritie, and ſhewed | 6. So the Primitiue Church was troubled with many falſe Apoſtles, Heretikes and wicked liuers, and Antichriſts, but the Angels were then zealous and could not beare with them but 1. They fled their familiaritie (as Iohn did out of the Bath from Cerinthus) Titus 3. | |
| his hatred againſt their wicked neſſe. | 2. They communicated not in words (as Irenaeus ſaith, cited by Euſeb.) ſo zealous they were, as Polycarpus his anſwere to Marcion ſheweth. 3. Some wept and lamented that they had receiued Baptiſme of Heretickes. 4. Some confuted them, as Agrippa Caſtor did Baſilides, and Iuſt. Martyr did Marcion. 5. They kept the wicked from the Sacraments, from Prayer, and beeing found obſtinate, cutthem off from the body of the Church, as they had learned by Apoſtolicall precept and practiſe, 1. Cor. 5. 1. Tim. 1. 20. 2. Cor. 11. 12. Euſeb. l. 4. Aug. l. de hereſ. Epiph. de hereſ. Iren. l. 1. & 3. Euſeb. l. 4. 14. 2. Iohn ver. 7. 1. Iohn 2. 18. 22. & 4. 3. Euſeb. l. 7. c. 8. Euſeb. l. 4. c. 7. Trithem. de Scriptor. Ecclis. Iuſt. Mart. Apol. l. 2. Tertul. Apologet. c. 2. Origen. on Matth. tract. 35. & 7. hom. on Ioſ. Socrat. l. 1. c. 17. Cyprian Epiſt. ad Cler. Rom. | |
| 7. This Angel towardes the end, forſooke his firſt LoueLove, ſo as this Church did languiſh and grow remiſſe in Religious duties, and therefore euils could not but grow vp therein. | 7. So this glorious Church, loſt of herloue and zeale, her Angels became more remiſſe in their duties, neglecting Diſcipline, and ſaith Euſeb. through much eaſe, libertie, & ſecuritie, they degenerated from the true rule of Pietie. Biſhops againſt Biſhops, people one againſt another, yea, hypocriſie and malice ſo raged, ſaith he, that perſecution beeing begunne on others, they had no ſenſe nor feeling thereof. Cyprian. Epiſt. l. 4 Ambroſe on 1. Tim. 1. Euſeb. l. 8. c. 1. Fox Acts & Monuments, p. 69. | |
| 8. This is threatned, for the decay of louelove, to hauehave the Candleſtick remoued out of his place | 8. So this Church, for the decay of louelove, and increaſe of euill, felt ſo the LORDS wrath, as if indeed, the LORD had purpoſed to hauehave had his Church no more vponupon Earth. For hee ſendeth vponupon them that raging Tyrant Diocleſian with his companion Maximinianus, to murther thouſands, to burne the Scriptures, and to raze downe | Churches from the very foundations of them. Euſebius lib. 8: cap. 2. 3. |
Though the Lord doth here threaten, yet hee promiſeth a reward of happineſſe.
He then that hath an eare, let him heare what the Spirit ſaith vntounto the Churches.
Thus much for the ſtate of the Primitiue Church, vntounto the dayes of Conſtantine the Great, liuely ſet out in this Church of Epheſus.
CONSIDERATIONS FOR INSTRVCTION AND VSE.
WHerein wee may obſerue theſe things. Firſt, Where God ſo weth the Seed of his Word by his Apoſtles, there Sathan would thirſt in his falſe Apoſtle to ſow Tares. Secondly, That in thoſe Primitiue Times there were excellent Angels, full of good workes, patient and laborious. Thirdly, That the faithfull Angels could not endure or beare with thoſe which were euill, ſo zealous were they for the Lord and his Truth. Fourthly, That Sathans inſtruments will aſſume to themſelues faire Names and Titles. Fiftly, That therefore the Church will try and examine them, and ſo either admit them or reiect them, as ſhee ſhall finde cauſe. Sixtly, That excellent men may decay in their firſt LoueLove. Seuenthly, that euen the decay of louelove may cauſe God to remooue his Candleſticke, except men repent.
THE SECOND GOLDEN CANDLESTICK,
THE SECOND CHVRCH.
| In the Type. | In the Antitype. | |
| The Church of Smyrna. | The Smyrnean ſtate of Christs Church. | |
| 1. THIS was the next to Epheſus Northward; and ſo in degree worſe, in reſpect of the wicked in it. For Sathan in Epheſus had but his ſeeds-men, falſe Apoſtles, but heere the Deuill hath a Synagogue. | 1. THIS was the next to the Primitiue Church, from Conſtantine the Great, to Gratian the Emperour, Anno 383. The Primitiue Church was troubled with Seeds-men of Sathan, but here within this ſpace were Aſſemblies and Synods of Deuilliſh Heretickes. Socrat. Scholast. l. 2. c 5. Hiſtor. Tripart. l. 2. cap. 10. Funct. Chronol. Sozem. l. 3. c. 11. | |
| 2. The LORD ſetteth out himſelf, firſt in his Diuinitie, in more hidden termes, and then in his humanity plainly, | 2. For that, at this time his Diuinitie was queſtioned, & denyed of many, but no doubt made of his Humanitie: though one Apollinaris held the Humanitie and Diuinitie one Nature. | |
| & both diſtinctly. | Socrat. Schol. l. 1. Hiſt. Trip. l. 9. c. 3. Baſil. Epiſt. 74. Aug. l. de Haereſ. | |
| 3. The Angell of this Church was laborious, greatly afflicted, and poore. | 3. There were at this time painfull Paſtors, but much afflicted by the fury of the Arians, as may bee ſeene in that one renowned Athanaſius, withſtanding Arius & his Aſſociates, alſo in Macarius, Marcellus, Paulus, and other Biſhops companions with them in the Truth and in affliction, Euſtathius with many Prieſts and Deacons ſent into baniſhment. Ruff. l. 1. Ruff. l. 2. c. 7. Hieron. in Catal. Ammianus l. 15. Baſil. de Trinit. Socrat. li. 1. c. 20. 21. & l. 2. c. 7. 8. 10. 12. & 4. 13. 14 17. Athan. Apol. 2. Athan. Epist. ad vitam ſolitariam agentes. | |
| 4. But this Angell was rich towards God. | 4. So theſe men were endued with great graces, as appeared by their Learning, Zeale and holy Conſtancie, ſo as (taking Athanaſius the Standard-bearer for an inſtance) they became honorable and were highly eſteemed | of, & wanted not entertainment. Socrat. Scho. l. 2. & 18. Hieron. in Chronol. |
| 5. This Angell was blaſphemed by counterfeit Profeſſors, calling thē ſelues Iewes, and were not, but the Synagogue of Sathan. | 5. So theſe Angels were not abuſed by Heathen Tyrants, as formerly, but by hereticall Chriſtians, Arian Biſhops, counterfeiting ſometime to bee of the Orthodox Verity, but were damnable inſtruments of Sathan; of whoſe blaſphemies and ſlanders againſt the true Paſtors, and eſpecially againſt Athanaſius, Euſtathius Biſhop of Antioch, Macarius and others, wee may reade in diuers Authors. Socrat. Scho. l. 1. c. 10. 18. 25. Hist. Magd. cent. 4. c. 9. Socrat. l. 1. c. 20. 21. 23. Atha. Apol. 2. Theod. l. 1. c. 26. & l. 2. c. 8. 9. 10. Sozom. l. 2. c. 25. Hieron. in Catal. Atha. in Epiſt. ad vitam ſolitariam agentes. | |
| 6. This Angel is encouraged, and willed net to feare. | 6. So the Lord encouraged and rayſed vp godly men of an vndaunted Spirit, not fearing troubles to maintayne the truth, as Atha. Alexander of Constan. | Oſius Biſhop of Corduba, Paphnutius, Spiridion, Baſil, and many others cited by Lu. Oſiand. in thoſe troubleſome times vnderunder Arian Emperours, and among furiouſly raging Heretickes. Socrat. l. 1. c. 5. 18. 25. l. 4. 21. Niceph. Atha. in Epiſt. ad ſolitariam vitam agentes. Hiſtor. Magd. cent. 4. Ruffi. l. 1. c. 4. Theod. l. 1. c. 7. in Epit. cent. l. 1. c. 3. cent. 4. |
| 7. This Angel was foretold of impriſonment, and perſecution by the Deuill, but yet the perſecution ſhould not continue long. | 7. This came to paſſe vnderunder Conſtance and Valens, the Arian Emperours led by Satan, to practiſe and to permit to bee practiſed all crueltie againſt the Orthodoxe Fathers, and true Chriſtian Beleeuers: of which wee may reade at large in diuers Authors. But the Lord ſuffered not long this cruell perſecution, nor the Perſecutors to reign long, for this cruel Valens reigned but 13. years, An. 381. Atha. in Ep. advit. ſolit. agentes. & in Apol. ad Conſtan. Sozom. l. 3. 4. 6. Theo. l. 2. & 4. Socrat. l. 2. 38. & 4. 2. 6. 13. 14. 16. | 17. 19. Greg. Nazi. Orat. ad Epiſcop. & ad Arian. & in laudem Baſil. & Hieron. Socrat. l. 4. c. 13. |
| 8. This Angell was exhorted to bee faithfull to the death, and was promiſed to bee rewarded with a Crowne of Life. | 8. So there were many moſt valiant, and faithfully conſtant to the death, as is before ſhewed in Athanaſius and others, and heere I cannot but mention Baſil, and his moſt vndaunted Spirit before the Arian Preſident of Antioch, Valens the Emperour beeing there preſent, by which holy and faithful reſolution they hauehave gotten heere the Crowne of Prayſe, and in Heauen the Crowne of Glory. Socrat. li. 4. c. 21. Sozom. l. 6. 16. Theod. l. 4. c. 19. |
Hee that hath an eare, let him heare what the Spirit faith to the Churches.
He that ouercommeth ſhall not be hurt of the ſecond death.
Thus much of the ſtate of Chriſts Church from Conſtantine to Gratian, ſet out in this Church of Smyrna.
CONSIDERATIONS FOR INSTRVCTION AND VSE.
FIrſt, that when the Church decayeth, Sathans Kingdome increaſeth: In the former Church were onelyonly. Seedsmen of Sathan, but the Church decaying in louelove, here Sathan hath his Synagogue. Secondly, the troubleſome eſtate of his Church is well knowne to Chriſt. Thirdly, That ſuch as be vnderunder affliction and poore in outward eſtate, may yet bee inwardly rich before God. Fourthly, that very Enemies and Blaſphemers of God and his people, the very Synagogue of Sathan would yet bee held and taken for true Worſhippers of God. Fiftly, that God permits ſometime the Deuill and his Inſtruments to vexe his people; but yet both the manner and time is ſet downe by the LORD: And therefore no cauſe to feare.
THE THIRD GOLDEN CANDLESTICK.
THE THIRD CHVRCH.
| In the Type. | In the Antitype. | ||
| The Church of Pergamus. | The Pergamine ſtate of Chriſts Church. | ||
| 1. THIS was next Smyrna, and the moſt Northward of all theſe three Churches, and ſo fartheſt from the Sun, ſcituate in the coldest part. And whereas Sathan in Epheſus had falſe Apoſtles in Smyrna, a Synagogue, heere bee hath a Throne. | 1. THis ſtate was next after the other, from after Gratian his time more darkened by little and little, and more corrupt then the other, till the Throne of Sathan was erected in Rome, and ſo eueryevery thing became worſe and worſe, till betweene the 11. and 12. hundreth yeare. Plat. in vit. Bonifa. 3. | ||
| 2. This Pergamus was the most famous and headcitie of Aſia, Liuie, Decad. 4. l. 7. Plin. nat. hiſt. l. 5. c. 30. where the | 2. So this Pergamine ſtate was vnderunder the power of Rome, the moſt famous and head-citie of the World, where the Heathen Emperours had ruled till Conſtantine the Great, and which | ||
| ſeate of the Romane iuriſdiction was for thoſe parts, after that the King of Pergamus called Attalus Philometer, had made the people of Rome his Heire, Iornand. de Reg. ſucceſſ. In this Citie and vnderunder the power thereof was the Angell and the Church of Chriſt planted. | as yet was the chiefe Citie of all the Romane power. | ||
| 3. To this Angell Chriſt ſheweth him ſelfe with a ſharpe two-edged ſword, threatning to fight with it againſt the Enemy, verſe 16. | 3. Becauſe he would affoord his Angels, and faithfull Paſtors the ſame in his time, to fight againſt the enemies thereof. | ||
| 4. Heere was the Throne of Sathan ſet vp, ouertopping this Angell and Church. | 4. So Sathan in this ſtate of the Church, erected vp at Rome his Throne, when hee made the Biſhop of Rome Pope, vniuerſall Biſhop, and ſo. That Antichriſt; which Supremacie the Biſhoppe of that Sea euer ſought after, and obtayned at length by Bed. in lib. de temp. Plat. in vita Bonifa 3. Blond. Decad. 1. l. 9. Sleid. de 4. Imper. l. 2. Paulus Warnfridus l. 4. de geſtis Lomb. Phocas. And thus he crept into that Throne. Firſt, by extolling Rome as the head-citie of the Empire, keeping euer on foot the honour thereof. Secondly, by Conſtantines remoouing and building Conſtantinople, and afterwards in Iuſtinus dayes when the Blond. l. 8. Dec. 1. Seid. de 4. Imp. l. 2. Exarch was eſtabliſhed, which Magiſtrate left Rome, and abode moſt at Rauenna, by which elbow-roome at Rome, the Pope crept vp more and | more. Thirdly, by neglecting to come Socrat. l. 2. c. 5. Sleid. de 4. Imp. lib. 2. vid. Exemplar. Leonis PP. ad Theodoſ. 2. & Martianum, Imp. tom. 2. Conciliorum. perſonally vntounto generall Councels from his owne place, not ſtanding vponupon his owne authoritie, as not bound to come, but making excuſes, ſomtimes one thing, ſometimes an other thing, and ſo craftily kept away, and ſent only his Legates with Letters of excuſe; which pride of his either not perceiued or neglected, hee made after-aduantage of. Fourthly, by his wealth which began to bee great from the time of the Biſhop Marcellus, as ſome Polydor. l. 1. de inuent. c. vlt. report. Fiftly, By ſuch Biſhops of the Eaſt Church, as had recourſe to Rome in their troubles, as Socrat. l. 2. c. 8. 11. 13. 14. 18. l. 4. c. 11 17. Euag. l. 3. c. 15. 21. Athanaſius often, Paulus of Cōſtantinople, Aſclepas of Gaza, Marcellus of Ancyra, with others of the Orthodox Faith. So Macedonians Sectaries; all which the Pope entertayned, as thereby ſeeing his place aduanced, and by which he tooke no ſmall aduantage to lift vp himſelfe, and to become great (the Romane Emperour either ignorantly furthering, or wiſely hindering his proud aſpiring ſpirit) taking vponupon him a claime of Superioritie ouer others, alleaging a Sleid. de 3. Imp. l. 2. Canon of the Nicene Councell for his authoritie, but falſly: by all which helpe and meanes he tooke vponupon him, Firſt, Socrat. l. 2. c. 11. 13. to reprehend other Biſhops beyond his iuriſdiction. Secondly, Euag. l. 3. c. 8. to depriue ſome. Thirdly, Sleid. de 4. Imp. l. 2. Niceph. l. 13. c. 34. to excommunicate euen Arcadius the Emperor of Conſtantinople, of | which Act of Pope Innocent, Anno Chriſti 407. Baronius maketh mention in his Annals, and ſo of diuers other Popes excommunicating Emperours, yea, and preſuming farther, he challenged Socrat. l. 7. c. 11. Secular power; and as he got authority, ſo to hold the ſame with ſome ſhew of Antiquity, and as his right, Sleid. de 4. Imp. l. 2. teſtimonies of Greeke and Latine Fathers hauehave bin pretended, Epiſtles forged, Canons fayned, and Councels falſified. For many particulars let the Reader peruſe Maſter Doctor Sutcliffe, his Abridgment or Suruey of Popery, c. 23. & 24. & Doctor Field his fift Booke of the Church, c. 33. 34. 35. 36. And thus was Sathans Throne exalted in this Pergamine ſtate. |
| 5. In this was one Antipas, a Martyr. | 5. In this time, were many Antipaſſes Martyrs, ſuch as were Antipapae againſt the proud Pope | of Rome, who now to vphold his vſurped authoritiy, ſhed the bloud of many holy Saints; of which they that deſire Examples, let them reade Doctor Sutcliffe his fore-named Booke, c. 44. Doctor Vſher. Hist. Explicatio, de Christianae Eccleſie continua Succeſsione, & Fox his. Acts and Monuments. | |
| 6. In this were ſuch as held faſt Chriſts Name, and did not deny the Faith. | 6. In all this time there were ſuch as held out the Truth, ſo as the faith of Chriſt was preſerued by them, euen vntounto our times, as Doctor Vſher in his Booke maintayneth. Morney in his Mystery of Iniquity. | ||
| 7. In this were there ſuch as vpheld Balaams Doctrine, prouoking to Idolatry & corporall vncleanneſſe and the ſinne of the Nicolaitans. | 7. In this ſtate the Balaams Doctrine of Rome was mightily defended, Imagery and Idolatry maintayned, and hither-to vpheld; and for corporall filthines it is needleſſe to cite teſtimonies, fot after that the Popes forbad Marriage to the Clergie, enioyned ſingle life, allowed Concubines and tolerated Stewes, the | World was filled with ſuch filthineſſe, as a Chriſtian abhorreth to name. See proofes in Doctor Sutcliffes fore-named Booke, c. 29. 30. But how contrary Anaſtaſius the Emperour, was to the Popes receiuing Tribute from the Whores, reade Euag. l. 3. c. 39 Pau. Diacon. l. 21. 23. Baron. Annal. Carol. Magd. l. 4. c. 11. Hist. Madg. cent. 8. c. 10. Epist. Adrian. PP. ad Imper. & Imperat. Irenam. Lu. Oſian. Epit. Cent. l. 4. Cent. l. 8. c. 5. Iuels defence of his Apol. 4. part, p. 344. | |
| 8. This Angell & Church is thret ned to hauehave the LORD to come quickly to them, and againſt the Enemies with his two-edged Sword. | 8. So indeed the Lord came ſhortly, after this Throne erected at Rome, vntounto this Pergamine like Church; which ſuffered great affliction with the reſt of the World: But Rome, Italy, and other parts of the Romane Iuriſdiction were plagued with the Sword of the d Gothes, Vandals, Hunnes, and other Barbarians, & after with the e Saracens, and then with the Turkes, the ſcourge | of Chriſtendome; and at length the Lord with the Sword of his mouh, ſet vponupon the Antichriſt of Rome, as in the next ſtate of the Church is cleerly ſhewed. d Eutrop. l. 13. Blond. l. 1. Decad. & l. 2. & 3. Oroſ. l. 7. c. 37. Procopode bello Goth. e Blond. l. 10. |
Hee that hath an care let him eare what the Spirit ſaith to the Churches; for great ſhall be their reward who ouer come, euen to eate of the hidden Manna, to hauehave the White Stone, and a new name written therein.
And thus much for the ſtate of the Church, from Gratian to the yeare 1100. and odde, ſet out by the Church of Porgamus.
CONSIDERATIONS FOR INSTRVCTION AND VSE.
FIrſt, that Sathan will ſtriue for Dominion, hee will hauehave his Throne; neither he nor his are willing to bee vnderlings. Secondly, that where the very Throne of Sathan is, there yet may bee ſome people belonging to the Lord. Thirdly, that the faithfull hold faſt their profeſſion in the midſt of perſecution, and will not deny the Truth. Fourthly, that the Enemies of the Truth are of a murthering diſpoſition, they will ſlay and ſhed the bloud of the Saints. Fiftly, that it is a fault in a Church (though otherwiſe prayſe worthy) to hauehave ſuch in her as openly teach contrary to the Truth, to corrupt the true Worſhip of God, and a Chriſtian Conuerſation. Sixtly, That the Sword of CHRISTS mouth is the weapon to fight againſt falſe Teachers with.
THE FOVRTH GOLDEN CANDLESTICK,
THE FOVRTH CHVRCH.
| In the Type. | In the Antitype. | |
| The Church of Thyatira. | The Thyatirean ſtate of the Church. | |
| 1. THis is next to Pergamus, ſituate from it Eaſt-ward, and ſo turning towardes the Sunne. | 1. THis ſtate is next the former, and becommeth better then it was, beginning from after the 1100. and odde yeares, when the Lord rayſed vp the Waldenſes vntounto Luthers time, 1516. | |
| 2. To this, Chriſt ſheweth himſelfe to bee the Sonne of God, with eyes of flaming fire, and feet of Braſſe. | 2. Becauſe in this ſtate of the Church he ſhewed himſelfe to be ſo, and for that hee would giuegive light of vnderſtanding to many, and expel the groſſe darkneſſe from them, and tread down powerfully his enemies, & make his ſeruants to abide durable like Braſſe in the furnace of afflictions, againſt the Ieſabel of Rome. | |
| 3. This is commended largely for vertues, and to be better at the laſt, then at the firſt, contrary to Epheſus. | 3. Such God raiſed vp in this ſpace of time worthy praiſe, whō he qualified with many Graces, Charity, Seruice, Faith, Patience, and Works worthy amendment of life, as may bee ſeene in thoſe Waldenſes and Albigenſes, who ſpred the Truth into all parts of Europe, ſo many of all ſorts embraced the ſame, and ſtood conſtantly in the Truth, and were readie to dye for it againſt the Pope, and his tyrannicall power, purſuing them with fire and ſword: but when the Lord rayſed vp Iohn Wickliffe, and after him Iohn Huſſe, and Ierome of Prage, the Church of Chriſt became much more excellent, and daily better and better: the Lords hand at this time helping by the Art of printing, found out by a Germane, in Anno 1440. Acts & Monu. of the Hiſtory of the Wald. p. 209. Doctor Vſher lib. de Eccleſ. Chriſt. Succeſ. c. 8. 9. 10. Of the Martyrs then ſee Fox his | Acts & Mon. p. 387. Funct. Chron. p. 159. 160. Bucholtz. Chronol. Nauclerus Catal. test. veritatis. Sleid. de 4. Imp. l. 3. p. 346. Polydo. Virg. l. 2. c. 7. de inuentione rerum. |
| 4. Heere was the woman Ieſabel ſeducing the people to Idolatry, & corporall vncleannes. | 4. Heere was the Romane Church now become a Ieſabel, abuſing Kings to take her part, ſetting vp Baals Prieſts and Prophets: but putting to death the Prophets of God, murthering the Saints of God, but vpholding as before Idolatry, and allowing fleſhly vncleanneſſe as is ſhewed in the Pergamine ſtate, & for this ſee Sixtus quartus his allowance of Sodometry; but for the ſpirituall Adultery of this Whoriſh Church, eueryevery ſtocke and ſtone, their madde running on pilgrimage to this hee, that ſhe-ſaint, proclaimeth the ſhame thereof to the World. La. Oſiand. Epit. Centur. l. 3. c. 4. cent. 15. Agrip. de vanit. Scient. c. 64. de leonina. Weſellus Gron. de indulg. Papalibus, cited by Morn. | in propoſ. 64. of his Myſt. of Iniquity. |
| 5. This was threatned to bee caſt into a Bed, her Fauourites & Louers into great afflistion, and to kill her children with death. | 5. And indeed this Harlot at this time fell ſick of a Conſumption, of which euer ſince ſhee hath languiſhed; vponupon Kings and Princes her Louers, the Lord brought great afflictions, ſometime through the factions of the Popes, ſometime by their taking vponupon them to take Kingdomes from one, and to giuegive them to another, other-while by Kings and Princes falling out one with another among themſelues, neither was it a light tribulation that fell vponupon the Kings and Princes ſubiect to the Pope, whē at his command they muſt arme themſelues either one againſt another, if he pleaſed to hold any for Heretickes, or did excommunicate any or held any to bee diſobedtent to his luſts; or ioyne all againſt the Saracens to regain Ieruſalem (whilſt the Pope played the falſe-hearted Wretch at | home) which coſt the liues of aboue ten Millions of people, the children of that Iezabel of Rome; And after theſe the LORD brought the Turkiſh fury vponupon thoſe Antichriſtian Kingdomes. Morn. in his Myſtery of Iniquity, ſheweth theſe things at large. Acts & Mon. 183. 603 p. & 675. Synodus ſub In. 3. PP. Anno 1204. apud Lateranum pro recuperanda Hieruſ. Chron. Chronicorum. Plat. in vita Inno. 3. |
| 6. In this Church there were ſuch as knew not the depths of Sathan, to whom (if they hold faſt what they hauehave receiued) a promiſe was made that they ſhould bee rewarded. | 6 In this Church there hauehave bin and yet are vnderunder that Antichriſt, and wicked Ieſabel, ſuch as know not that Myſtery of Iniquity, the depths of that Romiſh doctrine, to whom there is hope of mercy and victory in the end, if they hold faſt the Truth which God hath reuealed vntounto them. | |
| 7. There is rule and power promiſed heere vntounto ſuch as ſhall preuayle & euercome. | 7. Heere it began to come to paſſe; for the true Church long hidden, beganne powerfully to preuayle, of which the LORD gaue ſtrong perſwaſions to many, | who ſo confidently deliuered their mindes of the decay of the honour of this Ieſabel of Rome, and how the Word of God, and the true Church of Chriſt ſhould flouriſh, as that their ſpeeches were held as Propheticall. See Morney his Myſtery of Iniquity, in the Oppoſition after the 64. Propoſition, who mentioneth Sauanarola, Weſſellus, Ioh. Oſterid. Paulus Scripto. Ioh. Keiſerb Andr. Proles, Ioh, Hilton, which laſt foretold plainly the yeare of Luthers beginning to preach. Morn. his Myſt. of Iniquity. Acts & Mon. p. 768. 769. & 580. |
Hee that hath an eare, let him heare what the Spirit ſaith to the Churches.
And thus much for the ſtate of the Church, from yeares aboue 1100. vntounto Luthers beginning to preach, 1516. ſet out in the Church of Thyatira.
CONSIDERATIONS FOR INSTRVCTION AND VSE.
FIrſt, that now in this time the depth of Sathans policies began to bee vſed. Secondly, that maugre his malice and miſchiefe the true Church getteth ſtrength. Thirdly, that when God purpoſeth to better the eſtate of his Church, hee will qualifie his Seruants with better gifts to further his purpoſe. Fourthly, that in a ſound Reformation, the Church is not the beſt at the firſt, but groweth better and better, ſo as the laſt workes thereof are more then the firſt. Fiftly, that the tolleration of a Ieſabel, falſe Doctrine and falſe worſhip, is a foule fault in the true Church. Sixtly, that the end of Sathans Inſtruments is to ſeduce the godly, and to bring them to commit wickedneſſe. Seuenthly, that though God giuegive the wicked ſpace to repent, yet will they be nothing the better for it. Eighthly, that not only the chiefe Authours of euill, but ſuch as conſent to them are lyable to the ſame iudgement, except they repent. Ninthly, that neither Ieſabel with her Abettors, nor yet the depths of Satan can hinder the Churches increaſe in wel-doing, when God wil aide her with his Grace. Tenthly, that there may be many, where the falſe Church is which may bee ignorant of the depth of that ſinfull ſtate. Eleuenthly, that the Truth, which we receiue muſt be held faſt vntounto the end.
THE FIFT GOLDEN CANDLESTICK.
THE FIFT CHVRCH.
| In the Type. | In the Antitype. | |
| The Church of Sardis. | The Sardine ſtate of Chriſts Church, the first of the Reformed Churches. | |
| 1. THis was next after Thyatyra ſtill Eaſt ward, farther from the North. | 1. THis was the next after the Thyatirian ſtate, at the end whereof this beganne more cleerely to breake out by the light of Truth, about the yeare 1516. when Luther began to preach, and continued to the yeare, 1558. | |
| 2. In this is no mention, as in the former, of Balaam, Nicolaitans, thron of Sathan, or Ieſabel. | 2. Becauſe now the Church was come out of Romiſh Babylon; for neither Balaam that falſe Prophet of Rome, nor the filthy Nicolaitans of that Seate, nor that Ieſabel the Church of Rome, had any thing to doe with this Church of Chriſt, which the Lord by Luther and other famous | men brought out from that Spirituall bondage, as before hee did the Children of Iſrael out of Egypt, by Moſes and Aaron, with a ſtrong hand, and out-ſtretched arme. Sleid. Comment. Fox his Acts & Mon. p. 767 768. &c. |
| 3. In this Chriſt ſetteth out himſelfe by the ſeuen Stars, and ſeuen Spirits of God. | 3. For that now hee would rayſe vp many learned Miniſters of the Goſpell, who as Starres ſhould ſhine and giuegive light to ſuch as ſhould ſit in darkneſſe, and to whome hee would giuegive plentifully the Graces of his Spirit to ſet forth his Truth: as he did to Luther, Zuinglius, Melancthon, Oecolampadius, Bucer, and to many bright Starres of his Truth in Wittenberge, in Heluetia, and other places. Sleid. Comment. Lu. Oſiand. Cent. 16. Fox his Acts & Monuments, p. 773. | |
| 4. This had a name to bee aliue, but was dead: | 4. This comming from vnderunder Antichriſt, had a name to be aliue, and to bee a Reformed | |
| Smyrna had not ſo good a name as ſhee deſerued, but this a much better then ſhe is worthy of. | Church in Luthers dayes, but ſhe became as dead, being farre from that life of Grace, which ſhould hauehave beene in her, and from that liuely reformation, which the Lord required at her hands. For howſoeuer the Lutheran Churches acquite themſelues of the Pope, and were no more the children of that Ieſabel of Rome; yet retayned they ſuch corruptions and errors, and at this day ſo vphold them, as their ſtate is rather dying, then liuing, except they returne. See the Booke of Concord, and the Augustane Confeſsion. | |
| 5. The workes of this were imperfect. | 5. So was and is this of the Lutherans reformation, as may appeare by the difference betweene them and other Reformed Churches, in that which is commonly called Lutheraniſme, the points whereof may bee gathered out of their Bookes, of the body of Diuinity, their Auguſtane Confeſsion, and Diſputations | againſt vsus, by which may appeare their imperfect workes, vnworthy a Church Reformed, and that bleſſed Inſtrument Luther, that Lucifer and bright Starre of Light, who did ſhine well in the dawning of the day, before the Sun-ſhine of Truth aroſe, and ſpred out his beames to his after followers, for them to ſee more cleerly, if they would not hauehave winked and ſhut their eyes, againſt the Light ſhining vponupon them. See Reneccius his Panoplia. Brentius, Iac. Andraeas, Seluec. & Chemniſius. Lu. Oſiand. Epit. Cent. l. 3. cent. 16. c. 30. |
| 6. This is threatned for the defects and the Lord ſaith, that hee will come ſuddēly vponupon them. | 6. And indeed ſo did the Lord come vponupon theſe. Hee ſent a new, and ſtrange kind of ſickneſſe, called the Sweating Sickneſſe, which in a ſhort ſpace with an incredible ſwiftneſſe paſſed through almoſt all the parts of Germanie: they were alſo greatly troubled with Warres, as may bee ſeene in that which is called | the Smalcaldicke Warre, made by the Emperour through the Popes inſtigation: Saxonie receiued moreouer great loſſe by Fires, and alſo by horrible Tempeſts of Thunder and Lightning, and thus came the LORD vponupon them. Sleid. Comm. Funct. Chron. Bucholc. Chron. Lu. Oſiand. Epit. Cent. l. 2. & l. 3. c. 2. |
| 7. In this Church were ſome few, which had not defiled their garmēts. | 7. In this imperfect ſtate begun by the Lutherās, there were ſome which acquit themſelues more cleerely, from the Errours and Superſtitions of Antichriſt, who ſet forth a Confeſſion more agreeing in all things to the truth, then that Auguſtane Confeſsion: theſe were called by the Lutherans Sacramentaries, and Zuinglians, and afterwards Caluiniſts, for oppoſing their Conſubſtantiation, and other their Errours. Sleid. Comment. Lu. Oſiand. Epit. Cent. 16. | |
| 8. Theſe in this Church were moſt | 3: So theſe few then hath the Lord giuen honour vntounto, and | |
| approued of Chriſt, accounting them worthy to walke with him in white. | approoued as worthy of his fauourable acceptance and grace, for ſoundneſſe of Truth, and that by the conſent of many Churches agreeing therein. See the Harmonie of Confeſsions. | |
| 9. In this is promiſed to them that ouercome, the reward of Victory. | 9. Now this was very needfull for thoſe times, for that many were put vntounto the tryall; not a few ſuffered baniſhment and impriſonment, for not conſenting to the Booke of Interim, ſet out by the Emperours Authority, to whom many through feare yeelded, as thoſe of Wittemberge and Lipſia, who for the meane which they ſought to hold, as appeareth by the forme of Religion which they publiſhed, were called Adiaphoriſts, and Intermiſtickes. Perſecution was raiſed here in England by Queene Mary, by whom many were put to death for the Goſpell of Chriſt; out of Bohemia were baniſhed aboue two hundred Miniſters of the Goſpell, and in France was a | grieuous Perſecution raiſed againſt thoſe which were called Waldenſes: But for all this they ſhrunke not from the Truth, therefore the Lord will cloath them with the white garmēt; he will not blot out their names out of the Booke of Life, but will confeſſe them before his Father, and his holy Angels. Sleid. Com. Lu. Oſiand. Epit. l. 2. cent. 16. c. 70. 71. 72. 73. Lu. Oſian. l. 3. cent. 16. c. 20. |
Hee that hath an eare let him eare what the Spirit ſaith to the Churches.
And thus much for the ſtate of the Church from the yeare 1516. to 1558. ſet out in the Church of Sardis.
CONSIDERATIONS FOR INSTRVCTION AND VSE.
FIrſt, that ſuch as bee come from vnderunder Antichriſt, may yet bee in a dying condition. Secondly, that there may bee a name of life by profeſſion, when ſuch parties may bee dead in practice. Thirdly, that where there is no care to ſtrengthen that which is good, it will dye, and euill grow vp in the roome thereof. Fourthly, That God alloweth not of the workes which are not perfect before him. Fiftly, that to amend and to be reformed, is to call our ſelues backe to the Truthes receiued. Sixtly, that God will ſurely puniſh his, if they will not otherwiſe be reformed. Seuenthly, that ſome are kept pure and vndefiled when others be ſtayned with vncleanneſſe. Eighthly, that the better part are euer the feweſt. Ninthly, that God in mercy holds them worthy of reward, which will not pollute themſelues with others in ſin. Tenthly, that the better men be, though neuer ſo few, the more accepted be they with God.
THE SIXT GOLDEN CANDLESTICK.
THE SIXT CHVRCH.
| In the Type. | In the Antitype. | |
| The Church of Philadelphia. | The Philadelphian ſtate of Chriſts Church, being the ſecond of the Reformed Churches, beginning from the Reigne of Elizabeth, our late Queene of happy memory, in the yeare 1558. at which time we may begin this ſixt ſtate of Christs Church, for that the Popes power began now more to bee diminiſhed then euer before, and to be caſt into ſuch a conſumption, that hitherto he languiſheth thereof in all theſe parts of Chriſtendome; God adding the Wiſdome and Zeale of our learned Souereigne, by his Pen to pierce thorow the heart of his vſurped Supremacie. The period of this not yet come, the yeare, as in all the former ſtates of the Church, cannot bee ſet downe. | |
| 1. To this Christ ſetteth out himſelf to be holy and true, to hauehave the Key of Dauid, to open and | 1. BEcauſe now Chriſt at this time would chiefly exalt Piety, exalt his Truth, and ſhew that as he is King, and as power belongeth to him; ſo would hee | |
| none to ſhut, and to ſhut, and none to open. | now exerciſe the ſame, that the Church might know, that hee hath taken to him his great power, and hath reigned. And indeed in what age ſince the Apoſtles time, hath true Pietie and the Truth beene more liuely ſet forth? I ſay, true Pietie and holineſſe, not that fained and counterfeit Sanctitie ſo much extolled when that Romane Beaſt did beare rule ouer all. How hath the Goſpell ſhined foorth to vsus the wayes of darkeneſſe? moſt powerfully hath the Lord ſhewed himſelfe by his faithfull Seruants, and great fruit hauehave they reaped of their labours; Bleſſed be his Name. cap. 11. 17. | |
| 2: Heere the LORD openeth a doore, and none ſhutteth. | 2. For now the Goſpell hath gotten free paſſage, which the Enemies by their Tridentine Councell, by their Ieſuiticall, or rather Iebuſiticall Sect, by their Seminarie Prieſts, by their Conſpiracies, Trecheries, Treaſon, & rayſing of Rebellion in England, | and Ireland; by their murthering of Princes, by their bloudy Perſecutions in France, and moſt cruell Maſſacre, by their Spaniſh Inuaſion, by their Helliſh Gunpowder-plot hauehave not beene able to hinder: ſo wide hath the Lord opened the hearts of men to receiue the Truth, as no plot, nor police of that man of ſinne hitherto hath beene able to ſhut them againſt the Truth: as it is well knowne to vsus all at this day. William of Naſſ. Prince of Orenge. Hen. 4. K. of France, & his Predeceſſors before. |
| 3. This is commended for keeping Chriſts Word, and for not denying his Name, hauing but a little ſtrength. | 3. Little was the ſtrength of the Reformed Churches in this ſtate, for not a few yeares, in reſpect of the power of Princes, true vnion of hearts (Diuiſion being great betweene Lutherans and others) and Wiſedome of policie, in compariſon of the Papiſts, who were ſtrongly vnited, Pope, Kings, and Princes combining in league together, and vſing | all ſubtile wayes, and forcible meanes to ouerthrow the Profeſſours of the Goſpell, who yet keepe the Word of God, and did not deny the Doctrine and Worſhip of Ieſus Chriſt, to bee brought backe againe to Popery. French Hiſtor. Mer. Gallobelg. Lu. Oſiand. cent. 16. |
| 4. Chriſt to make his Lona knowne, promiſeth to this, that the counterfeit Iewes and Synagogue of Satan ſhall come & worſhip at his Angels feet; ſo much is now the differēce of this from the Pergamine Angell, who did dwell where Satans thron was. | 4. This Philadelphian ſtate of the Church through the louelove of Chriſt, euen of merciemercy and not of any merit ſhall become moſt honourable. The Lord will ſubdue all her Enemies, thoſe counterfeite Catholiques (who did reigne in the Pergamine ſtate: & who, as Iewes, bragge that they are the only people of God) and will cauſe them to ſubmit themſelues humbly vntounto the true Miniſtery of his Seruants; which wee are to expect how contrarie ſoeuer it ſeemeth to mans reaſon, and earneſtly let vsus pray for the ſame. | |
| 5. To this is | 5. There remayneth for | |
| made a promiſe of deliuerance, in the time of temptation, which is fore-told to come ouer all the World. | Chriſt his Church in this Philadelphian ſtate, a time of tryall yet to came, our ſinnes deſerue it, & this ſo vniuerſall a peace, ſo abuſed by carnal ſecurity may make vsus looke for troubles: what this temptation is, and when it ſhall be, is not ſo certainly to be defined, except it bee that in cap. 16. 18. but be it what it may bee, let it come whenſoeuer God ſhall ſent it, the Church hath a promiſe of deliuerance, and ſhall eſcape the perill of it. | |
| 6. To this Chriſt promiſeth to come quickly, and exhorteth it to hold faſt, that no man take away the Crown of reward. | 6. Becauſe (as may ſeeme by theſe words) the Church in this her laſt time of tryall, ſhall bee greatly aſſaulted, and in danger to periſh through the power and force of that temptation, therefore as the Lord promiſeth deliuerance, ſo hee promiſeth not to deferre it off, but will quickly ſet her free. | |
| 7. The Conquerer here is promiſed to bee made a | 7. All this fore-ſheweth after the deliuerance from this Temptation ſore-ſpoken of, that faithfull | |
| Pillar in the Temple: ſo as hee ſhall goe no more out, and there ſhall be written vponupon him the Name of God, and of the Citie new Ieruſalem, & Christ his Name. | Chriſtians and true Church of Chriſt ſhall be in a ſtable and vnmoueable ſtate, Pope & Turke the Beaſt and Dragon, open and ſecret Enemies being deſtroyed, & theſe heauenly Conquerours, ſhall bee accounted the true Church of God, that new Ieruſalem, ſuch as God the Father & Ieſus Chriſt will claime for his owne, as if his name were writvpon them. C. 19. & 20. & C. 21. 2 |
He that hath an eare let him heare what the Spirit ſaith to the Churches.
And thus much for this beautifull and louely Philadelphian ſtate of the Church, from Anno 1558. to the time determined, ſet out in this Church of Philadelphia. In this eſtate are we in theſe dayes.
CONSIDERATIONS FOR INSTRVCTION AND VSE.
FIrſt, that this is the time of opening the doore that men may come into the true Church Secondly, That none now ſhall euer bee able to ſhut againe this doore, Proteſtance ſhall proſper. Thirdly, that a little ſtrength with obedience to the Word ſhall bee ſufficient for the Churches ſafety. Fourthly, that the falſe Church, by the power of Chriſt, though this to man ſeeme incredible, ſhall be made ſubiect to the true Church. Fiftly, that ſhortly Chriſt will make the Enemies know his louelove, to his owne people. Sixtly, that great tryals and temptations ſhall come vponupon the World, of which, it may bee, wee hauehave now the beginnings, but the Lord will keepe his Church. God Almighty prepare and ſtrengthen vsus, in his merciemercy to ſubdue our enemies, O Lord, ſaue thy people, ſhew thy power in the confuſion of thine & our malicious Aduerſaries, that we may for euer ſing prayſes to thy Name, euen ſo be it, O Lord, of thy goodneſſe, euen ſo be it. Amen.
THE SEVFNTH GOLDEN CANDLESTICK.
THE SEVENTH CHVRCH.
| In the Type. | In the Antitype. | |
| The Church of LAODICEA, the laſt of the ſeuen. | The Laodicean ſtate of Chriſt his Church, and the laſt till Chriſt come to iudgment, which ſtate followeth vponupon that height of excellencie and glory, which in the Philadelphian ſtate it attayneth vntounto. | |
| 1. HEERE Chriſt calleth himſelfe the Amen, the faithfull and true Witneſſe, the beginning of the Creation of God. | 1. BEcauſe now the LORD bringeth his Church to the laſt ſtate, euen to the Amen therof hereupon Earth, in which when all things are fulfilled, which Chriſt Ieſus, as a true and faithfull Witneſſe of his Fathers will, hath foretold by himſelfe, and by his Spirit in the Prophets and Apoſtles; then ſhall he fully declare himſelfe the Authour of the heauenly Creation, and of that glory of his Saints, which they ſhall enioy with him in | appearing at the laſt Day. Reuelat. 21. |
| 2. This became luke-warme, being neyther hote nor cold, | 2. After the great peace which the Church ſhall hauehave vponupon her ſo high aduancement in her former ſtate, all her Enemies being brought downe, and vtterly deſtroyed, ſhe ſhall decay in zeale, & become luke-warme, not hot, as ſeruently bent vntounto Godlineſſe; neither cold, as without any affection of Religion at all, but too careleſly remiſſe in the duties of Pietie, contenting herſelfe with a peaceable enioying of the Lords ordinances after an outward forme of Godlineſſe in abundance and plentie of all things: by which it will come to paſſe in time, that Charitie ſhall wax cold, and Faith, that is, the ſincere ſtudie of godlineſſe, ſhall ſcarcely bee found vponupon Earth, when Chriſt ſhall ſhew himſelfe at his ſecond Comming. Reuel. 19 & 20. Luke 18. 8. | |
| 3. The LORD | 3. So will the Lord loath and | |
| threateneth to ſpew this out of his mouth. | abhorre the luke-warme ſtate of this Church, and caſt out the ſame for euer, in his appointed time. | |
| 4. This is taxed for glorying and for too high a conceit of her happineſſe, being in a very wretched and miſerable caſe. | 4. THIS giueth vsus to know, that ſuch ſhall bee the outward and flouriſhing eſtate, and plentifull bleſſings, eueryevery way in that reſpect, of this Church, as through the delight and full contentment thereof, they ſhall bee too ignorant of their ſpirituall eſtate with God, and not know how far they ſhall be from the power of godlineſſe. | |
| 5. This is rebuked and chaſlened, and is graciouſly aduiſed to vſe the meanes for reformation. | 5. Which ſheweth, that the Lord in his mercy will not bee wanting in all good meanes offered to ſeeke their reformation by word and deed, if ſo bee they will turne from luke-warmenes, and become zealous and ſo amend: and if they will heare him and receiue him, ſuch ſhall taſte of his ſpirituall comforts, and bee made moſt ioyfull in the | heauenly taſte thereof. |
| 6. To him that here ouercommeth is granted a Kingly ſeat with Chriſt in Heauen. | 6. There muſt bee in ſome a ſpirituall conflict, who ſhall ſtriue happily againſt the common current of luke-warmnes, and againſt the death of drowſie ſecurity, from which by ſtriuing they ſhall acquit themſelues, & ſo graciouſly preuayling, at Chriſt his comming to reward eueryevery one according to his works, ſhall theſe Conquerours receiue glory and honour with him in the higheſt Heauens for euer. |
Hee that hath an eare, let him heare what the Spirit ſaith to the Churches.
And thus much for this luke-warme ſtate of the Church, the laſt and fearefull condition thereof before the comming of Christ vntounto Iudgement, which is not yet come vponupon vsus, though wee bee luke-warme enough.
CONSIDERATIONS FOR INSTRVCTION AND VSE.
FIrſt, that as now men doe, ſo hereafter they will abuſe the great peace and proſperity of the Church to grow thereby ſecure. Secondly, that to bee luke-warme is the worſt diſeaſe of the Church; and that eſtate which will make the Lord to ſpew them out of his mouth. Thirdly, that full contentment of earthly things maketh men highly conceited of themſelues, and to bee ignorant of their ſpirituall eſtate before God. Fourthly, that men may be wretched, miſerable, poore, blinde, and naked, and yet bee highly conceited of their well being, and that they bee in a very happy condition. Of ſuch conceited perſons I wiſh this age were not full.
The Concluſion.
THus wee ſee apparently how the ſeuen Churches of Aſia, are liuely repreſentations of the ſeuen fold eſtate of the Church of Chriſt vntounto the end of the World; not Types of this or that one particular Church; as ſome doe dreame, but are Types of the eſtate of the whole Church, yet ſo as there will bee a mixture, ſome thus, and ſome ſo in particular Churches, as we ſee a difference in theſe ſeuen Churches themſelues. The times of the Epheſine, Smyrnean, Pergamine, Thyatirean, and Sardine are paſt, this is now the Philadelphian ſtate, in which the Goſpell hath gotten free paſſage and muſt get; for Chriſt hath opened, and none can ſhut, howſoeuer the Aduerſary may attempt to hinder and endeuour to ouerthrow the Profeſſours of the Goſpell: yet ſhall theſe our Enemies be ouercome, and bee made at laſt to ſubmit vntounto vsus; ſure it is that great tryalls ſhall be, and whether this preſent diſtraction of all the face of Chriſtendome, be the houre of temptation to try them that dwell vponupon the Earth, it is to me vncertayne; but certaine it is, that the Church God will preſerue, and make her renowned, and this will he doe ſhortly; for the Enemie is vnderunder the Vials of Gods wrath, as it is apparant in Chap. 16. and what did this Meſſenger from Heauen, the mighty Comet foreſhew? but theſe Warres, and good ſucceſſe thereby to the Church. For the Comets now for the yeares ſince Luthers time hauehave euer, with troubles, yet foretold good proſperity to the Goſpell. The date of the increaſe of Romes glory was out long ſince, and now is the time of the Churches increaſe daily till the ruine of Rome; which as it is fore-told in this Propheſie of Saint Iohn, ſo ſhall it come to paſſe, & in all probable coniectures, is very neere at hand. This may we vndoubtedly look for. The deuiſes of that man of ſin, the Machauilian policy of the Viperous generatiō of Ieſuits, nor all the power of Papiſts ſhall preuent it, for the Word of the LORD hath ſpoken it, and Heauen and Earth ſhall periſh, before one Iota of the Truth ſhall fayle. Herein let vsus incourage our ſelues, againſt the crowing of our Aduerſaries, who ſee not deſtruction before them, as in this Propheſie of S. Iohn is plainly foreſhewed.