A Reply to a Pretended Christians Plea for the Church of Rome, Part 2

A Reply to a Pretended Christians Plea for the Church of Rome · Part 2

An Answer to the arguments brought for the church of Rome.

MIne opposite pleadeth thus; 1. First, J take an argument from the baptisme had in the churches aforesayd, [the Apostate churches of Christians▪] thus. The Baptisme had in the church of Rome, is the Lords baptisme, the signe and seale of his covenant, the ordinance of God had in that church from the Apostles times (before Antichrist there arose) Rom. 6. 2. 3. and so is true baptisme, which is from heaven and not of men: that one baptisme which perteyneth to the bodie of Christ, Eph. 4. 4. 5. which the Lord hath given to his church, and not man &c. Therfore the church of Rome, is the church of God, and under his covenant &c.

Answ. Here, let it first be observed, whether mine opposite pleadeth against the present estate of that church, as before he pretended. For if they be under Gods covenant, & have it sealed unto them from heaven, by that one true baptisme, then are they in the state of p. 5grace and of salvation: which is the very thing that all Papists at this day doe plead for. Concerning his Argument, I deny, that the baptisme had in all Apostate churches of Christians and particularly in the church of Rome, is the Lords true baptisme, or the signe and seale of his covenant of grace unto them. Here mine opposite referreth me to an other place of his book, for proof of the trueth of their Baptisme: wherto I will make answer anone, in their place. And now that my denyal may not be so bare as is his assertion here: I will insist upon the two scriptures which he citeth▪ and disprove their baptisme.

In Rom. 6. 2. 3. 4. the Apostle sayth; How shall we that are dead to syn, live any longer therin? Know ye not that so many of us as are baptised into Christ Iesus, were baptised into his death? Therfore we are buried with him by baptisme into death; that like as Christ was raised up from the dead, by the glorie of the Father, even so we also should walk …n n…wnes of life. Here first the Apostle speaketh of such as are dead to syn; that is mortified Christians, which live not in syn, neyther **vers. 12.reigneth it in them, but they are ††v. 7.freed (or justified) from syn; and are v. 11.alive unto God. But Antichristians (such as are the professant members of the church of Rome,) are not dead unto, or freed from syn: for they are the subjects of the ††2 Thes. 2. 3.2 Thess 2:3Man of syn, the worshipers of the Beast, for whom is prepared the wine of the wrath of God, Revel. 14. 9. 10. They are of that church, which by my opposites confession a little before) is fallen into most synfull and deep apostasie, & is a notorious …arlot and idolatress, which all the people of God ought to forsake: Wherefore they are rather to be counted dead in synns (as th'Apostle speaketh of the Gentiles, Ephes. 2. 1.) and that they are in deed dead, and not partakers of the first resurrection; is evident by Revel. 20. 4. 5. 6. in that they are the worshipers of the Beast, and murderers of the witnesses of Iesus. Wherfore, the doctrine of Baptisme in Rom. 6. is farr from proving the Antichristians or other heretical and apostate churches, to have the true baptisme of Christ, or seale of his covenant: but his servants they are to whom they obey, even of syn unto death, Rom. 6. 16.

The other scripture is Ephe. 4. 4. 5. There is one body and one spirit, even as ye are called unto one hope of your calling: one Lord, one faith, one baptisme. By which words it appeareth, that such as have the One baptisme, have also one and the same faith, Lord, hope, spirit, and body: which to affirme of the Antichristian church of Rome, and p. 6of all other heretical and Apostate churches that professe Christ, is very impious. And most firme arguments there are from the Apostles words to the cōtrary of that which this man pleadeth for. As, The Romish and other heretical churches have not the one & same faith with the true Churches of Christ; witness, their blasphemous doctrines published by the Council of Trent, and in other books; and the Apostles prophesie, that they are departed from the faith, 1 Tim. 4. 1. &c. therfore they have not the one Baptisme. They have not one and the same Lord Iesus Christ; but have Antichrist the Man of syn, for their Lord: therefore they have not the one baptisme. They have not that one hope, nor that one Spirit, neyther are they one bodie with the true Christian churches: therfore they have not that one baptisme. These things are partly prooved before in the description which I set downe of Antichrists church: they are also acknowledged of all Christian churches, which disclaim the unitie with the Antichristians in their faith, spirit, & bodie. And the scriptures most abundantly disclaime this feighned unitie: as 2 Cor. 6. 12. what concord hath Christ with Belial? meaning, none at all. And Belial is there put for Antichrist and his retinue, as in 2 Sam. 23. 6. & 22. 5. The Apostle sheweth, that the Antichristians have from God, strong delusions, to beleeve lyes unto their damnation, 2 Thes. 2. 11. 12. That they are departed from the faith, doe give heed to …educing spirits, and doctrines of Divils, speaking lyes in hypocrisie, &c. … Tim. 4. 1. 2. That the false teachers (among Christians) privily bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction, 2 Pet. 2. 1. That the Beast (which is the **Dan. 7. 23.Dan 7:23kingdome of Antichrist,) and the false prophet (his ministers) and all that worship him, or take his mark; shalbe tormented in fyre and brimstone for ever and ever, Rev. 20. 10. &c. & 14. 9. 10. And shall we now say, that these miserable creatures, have one Spirit, hope, Lord, faith and baptisme with the saincts and true Churches of Christ? My soule, come not thou into their secret, that so affirme.

The second argument for such churches, is; ††Chr. plea …. 121.If they be not under II.the covenant of God, but divorced from the Lord &c: then is there no salvation for any in those churches.

Answ. I deny the consequence. For then, after Israel was divorced p. 7from the Lord, (as is testified in in Ier. 3. 8.) there was no salvation for any among them: which I know mine opposite himself would not say.

Objection. Why, **Ibidem.out of the covenant of God, there is no salvation.

Answ. I grant it. But though the church be not under the covenant of God, but without it, or divorced from him, yet some parlicular persons in that church, may through Gods grace be in his covenant. For as every true church is in the covenant of God, yet some hypocrites and reprobates are in the same, which perish for ever: so every false church is out of the covenant; yet some truly faithful and elect may be therein, which by the covenant of grace may be saved. Example in Rahab the Canaanitess, the church whereof shee was, had not the covenant of grace in Christ: yet she having heard of Gods works towards Israel, beleeved in God, and was saved; and before she joyned her self to the church of Israel, shee shewed the fruits of true and living faith, wherby shee was justified, & is put in the catalogue of the Saincts, Jos. 2. 1. 9. 10. &c. Heb. 11. 31. 39. Jam. 2. 25. 26. The like is to be thought of the other nations, farr off from God, who by some meanes hearing of his name and trueth, might imbrace the faith unto salvation, though the churches wherof they stood members were false and idolatrous, 1 King. 8. 41. 42. 43. So where mine oppositē **Ibid. p. 128bringeth scriptures to prove, that they which are not in the covenant of God and Christ, cannot be saved: he proveth that which is not denyed: but this he should have proved, if he could; that if a church be false, and not under the covenant; none in that church can by any meanes come unto the faith and covenant of Christ; for this I deny. And his argument if it had been sound, should have been this. If Antichristian churches be not under the covenant of God, but divorced from the Lord; then is there no salvation for any that are under the covenant of that church, and in no other covenant: and so I would have granted his argument; as confirmed by the Holy ghost, that all such are in the state of damnation, 2 Thes. 2. 10. 11. 12. Rev. 14. 9. 10.

Here to help the church of Antichrist into the covenant of Christ, he ††Chr. plea p. 122.bringeth in the profession of the Iesuites of Rhemes, which (as he sayth) …old Rhemes …nno…. on 1 Tim. 2. ….1 Tim 2Christ by nature to be truely both God and man, to be the one eternal Priest and Redeemer, which by his sacrifice and death upon the cross, hath reconciled in to God, and payd his blood, as a f…ll p. 8and sufficient ransome for all our synns, &c. againe to be the singular advocate and patron of mankinde, that by himself alone, and by his owne merit… procureth all grace and merciemercy to mankinde. &c.

I answer, First for the persons that set downe this profession they are by the testimony of God that false prophet, which with the Beast shalbe tormēted for ever & ever, Rev. 20. 10. or at least, they are those uncleane spirits which come out of the mouth of the Beast & of the False prophet, for they are the spirits of Divils, working miracles, which goe forth unto the Kings of the earth, and of the whole world, to gather them to the battel of that great day of God almighty, Rev. 16. 13. 14. And this is apparant by that corrupt Testament and blasphemous notes and interpretations upon it, which they there set forth to the world, in sted of the true Christian and catholik faith. Moreover they are a part of the popish hierarchie which mine opposite after maketh to be the Man of syn, the son of perdition, and the Beast, which hee will not indure to heare that they should be accounted the church, or maried to Christ: yet here he maketh them the preachers of the doctrine of salvation. Secondly for the Profession which they there make, if it were sound and good, yet denying it againe in their works, it nothing availeth them: for of such it is written, They professe that they know God, but in works they deny him, being abominable and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate; Tit. 1. 16. But what shal we say, if they deny the trueth of the doctrine of Christ, not in work onelyonly, but even in word and profession? First then, (to omitt their rayling against Calvin about the Godhead of Christ being of himself, in their Annot. on John 1. sect. 3.) concerning Christs manhood, and the trueth of his humane nature, how ever they acknowledge him to have taken flesh of the virgin; yet beleeve they, (and burne to ashes such as wil not beleeve it,) that the bread in the sacrament is transsubstantiated into the very body of Christ; so they have a Christ made of a wafer cake; a Christ whose whole bodie is in an hundred thousand places and moe at once, even in all places of the world, whersoever Masse is sayd by a Preist: so he must have a fanatical bodie, which can neyther be seen, felt, tasted or by any sense of man perceived as an humane bodie: & this breaden Christ they worship in that their idolatrous sacrament, and doe eat him really & properly with their mouthes. And doe these now beleeve Christs humane nature aright; when as p. 9by the plain scripture we are taught, that the heaven must receive him, until the times of restitution of all things, Act. 3. 21.

As for his office of Mediatorship; wheras they profess him to be the singular Advocate and patron of mankinde; by singular they mean not the onelyonly Advocate or mediator, as the scripture teacheth, … Tim. 2. 5. 1 Joh. 2. 1. but a speciall or chief mediatour: for they have innumerable other advocates and mediators, as the heathēs of old, had one chief God, and many inferiour gods. So the same Rhemists gloss on 1 Tim. 2. telleth us, that though Christ be the onelyonly singular Advocate and patron &c. yet this letteth not but there may be other inferiour mediators, though not in that singular sense: And how they beleeve in their Queen of heaven, let this one song (amongst many other) to the virgin Marie witness, when they sing O regina poli, mater gratissima prosi: Spernere me noli, me commendo tibi soli. i. O queen of heaven &c. J commend me to thee onelyonly.

As for the redemption, the full and sufficient ransome for all our synns, payed by his blood, which they would seem to hold: it is with fraud and injurie to Christs blood, which by their distinction) satisfied for the syn, but not for the punishment; and therefore they have feighned a purgatorie fyre, wherein mens soules doe beare the punishment of their owne venial synns: Concil. Trid-sess. 6. can. 30. Bellarm. de Parg. c. 1. From which also they can redeem themselves by money, given to Antichrists priests that sacrifice for the synns of the living and the dead. And whereas God teacheth us, that we are justified freely by his grace, through the redemption that is in Jesus Christ; Rom. 3. 24. and that we are not justified by the works of the Law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, Gal. 2. 16. the Antichristians teach us a justification by faith and works togither; by Christs merits, Saints and Popes merits, & their owne; and these works by which they beleeve to be saved in part, are very many of them wicked works of their owne devisings, as going on pilgrimage, giving of their goods to mainteyne Antichrists clergie, and idolatrie, and other like works of the Divil. And of their owne idols, as of an Agnus Dei made of waxe, they beleeve and profess, **Ceremon. Rom. l. 1. …. 7. c. De consecrat. agn. Dei.Omne malignum peccatum frangit, ut Christi sanguis, et angit. Jt breaketh all wicked syn, as the blood of Christ doeth. Thus blasphemously they tread Christs blood under their feet.

Finally, the faith which they profess to have in Christ, what is it? Any trust or confidence such as the faithful have in Christ to be p. 10their saviour, as the Apostle teacheth, in Rom. 8. 33. …. 39. & Gal. 2. 20. Hebr. 3 6. Ephe. 3. 12. Nay, this confidence they reject as a presumption; and their faith, (which is without confidence) being but an assent to the trueth of Gods promises; & not a confidence of their justification in particular: is such a faith as the Divils **Iam. 2. 19.Jas 2:19have, who know and assent to the trueth of Gods promises unto mankinde. See Bellarm. de Iustific. l. 1. c. 5. 6. &c. Now if this painted face of the Romish Iezebel, be so fowle and uglie, being compared with the beawtie of Christs true spouse: what may wee think is the faith of that ignorant seduced multitude of Antichristians, who professing Christ in name, looke for salvation by the wicked workes which the Pope hath learned them, and by the works of the Law of God, and beleefe in Christ, and their owne sufferings, confusedly togither; and yet neyther know Christ, nor what true saving faith in him doth meane.

Object. Who dare say but that God by this faith in Christ, saveth some of them, who doe thus beleeve in simplicitie &c.

Answ. And who dare say, but that God, notwithstanding this faith professed by the Iesuites as before, may justly damne them, though they thus beleeve in simplicitie' Seing even in these things which they profess, they corrupt themselves with horrible idolatries, having many false Gods, and false Christs in whom they also trust, and dayly pray unto them, as did the heathens. And, seing this their faith, considered in the best, is no true saving faith; but as themselves say, The faith which truely justifieth, is not that wherby they beleeve that God is merciful unto them; but that wherby they beleeve with the whole hart without any doubting, that Jesus is the Christ, and the son of God. Bellarm. de Iustific. l. 1. c. 8. Such a faith appeareth to have been in the Divils, as it is written And Divils also came out of many, crying out and saying, Thou art Christ, the son of God, Luke 4. 41. But that God giveth some in that church a sounder faith, and saveth them of the riches of his grace; I never denyed or doubted of.

Object. 2. Of this minde concerning them, J have been a long time; see Answ. to Mr. Jak. p. 13. 47. &c.

Answ. But then and there, this distinction was rightly put, of, some particular men, considered a part from their constitution; that is, from their church estate: now, that church and all other Apostate churches professing Christs name, are generally pleaded for, to be in the state of grace, having the one true baptisme &c. which is to p. 11justifie the open wicked, and count Christs enemies blessed.

Object. 3. Some of them dye Martyrs in defense of the Christian faith, (acknowledging Iesus to be the Christ the son of God.) against Turks, &c.

Answ. If it be in defense of the Christian faith, it is well: but if acknowledging Iesus to be the Christ, they dye also in defense of the Antichristian faith professed by that church, and for the idolatrie of the same, (which is hatefull to the very Turks:) then I say with th'Apostle, they may **1 Cor. 13. 3.1 Cor 13:3give their body to be burned, and it profit them nothing. Neyther doubt I, but some of the Iewes, have dyed and will dye in defense of the God of Israel as they now profess him from Moses and the Prophets; rather then yeeld to the heathens. But the extraordinary merciemercy of God to some in Antichrists church, justifieth no more the estate of that Synagogue of Satan, then his like extraordinary merciemercy to some of the heathens (of whom we shall speak anone) wil justifie the heathens synagogues to be Gods true churches. As for Martyrs, our owne English acts and monuments and other, doe shew that many have given their lives for this, that the church of Rome is not the true church of Christ. Now by mine opposites plea they died not herein for the trueth but for errour: what Martyrs them were they?

Obj. 4. Many Jndians, Pagans, Jewes are by them converted, and brought to the profession of Christian religion, among whom I doubt not, but the Lord hath and saveth his, even by that knowledge and faith of Christ, which by their preaching among them they are brought unto, &c.

Answ. That many of all nations are converted or perverted unto Antichristianitie by the Papists, there is no doubt, for experience sheweth it, and so it is prophesied, that by Babylons sorceries, all nations should be deceived, Reve. 18. 23. So the heathens of Babylon, Cuth, Hamath &c. were converted by a Samaritan Priest, and taught to feare the Lord the God of Israel: that they feared the Lord, and served their own Gods; & also, they feared not the Lord, neyther did they after their statutes or after their ordinances, 2 King. 17. 28. 29. 30. 33. 34. If that misceline rable were Gods true church, so are these popish proselytes: if they were not (as I never heard any affirme they were,) neyther are these. And what have our learned men of England answered to this old popish argument? J deny (sayth D^r. Fulk) that ever the popish church converted any to the true faith. Answer to a counterf. Catholik art. 1. Yea what say the Papists themselves, of this point? Hierom Benzo (in Histor. Indiarum) sayth, that all p. 12the religion the Indians have, is to make the signe of the cross, & to heare a Latine mass, and to perform such like ceremonies. Ioseph a Costa, a Iesuite, in his book De procuranda Judaorum salute, telleth us, ††Lib. 6. c. 3.that the Spanyards have baptised many against their wills. He sayth, ““Lib. 1. ch. 14.they are like the Samaritans, that worshiped God and idols both togither: they make (sayth he) a feighned shew of Christianitie, they serve not God in deed, neyther beleeve they unto righteousnes. And are not these converts now, a goodly plea for mine opposite to alledge, for proof of a true Christian church? But he procedeth,

**Christian▪ plea p. 122.Yea and who can say, but that whersoever the name of Christ is preached and called upon, the Lord saveth some &c. seing that Christ is the way, the trueth, and the life, and whosoever beleeveth in him shall not perish, Ioh. 3. 16. 17. &c.

Answ. Where Christ is truely preached, and beleeved, no Christian wil say, but the Lord saveth some: but where Christ is falsly preached and beleeved in, after Antichrists idolatrous manner, none can truly say, that they are a true Christian Church. As for Gods saving some by the doctrine there preached; it is a thing not for us to dispute of: we are commanded to leave secret things unto God, and to hold us unto things revealed, Deut. 29. 2…. God who brought light out of darknes, can cause the trueth to shine into the harts of his elect, by the corrupt preaching of the Papists▪ and so I doubt not but he doeth. yet is this no justification of the popish church; any more then the true preaching of the gospel, which is unto the reprobates the savour ††2 Cor. 2. 16.2 Cor 2:16of death unto death, is a condemnation of the Christian Church, and true doctrine of the same.

Object. 5. But, **Chr. plea. pag. 122.Out of the Church there is no salvation, which J suppose themselves wil not deny. And (that which is more) the Lords constitutions cease not to be his holy ordinances, though the people that injoy them, should have no benefit therof to salvation.

Answ. Here we have suppositions in sted of proof. His assertion I deny, though he supposed the contrary: for out of the true visible Church (wherof we dispute) there may be salvation. Many that are not of any true Church, yea are persecutors of it, and excommunicates out of it, may repent and beleeve in Christ, even at their last houre, and at their death; and so be saved; though they neyther have time, place, or means to be joyned to any true visible p. 13church on earth. If he speak not of a particular visible church, but of the Vniversal church which is invisible, and comprehendeth all Gods elect: he swerveth from the question, and deceiveth by aequivocation; for we treat of the visible church of Rome, whether it be Christs true church or no. As for the Vniversal church, which is all over the earth, and from the beginning of the world to the end therof, and conteyneth Gods elect onelyonly: out of it in deed there is no salvation. But what is this to the purpose? For so a man might reason thus. In the church there are no reprobates, there is no damnation; for Christ giveth all his sheep eternal life, and they shal never perish, Ioh. 10. 28. But the Popish synagogue, is (by mine oposites plea) the church, even the true church of Christ. Therfore in it there are no reprobates, there is no damnation. Here (I doubt not) mine opposite would distinguish between the Catholik or universall church in the first proposition, and the particular church of Rome, in the second; and so deny the argument: & why would he then himself obtrude upon us, such a deceitfull reason?

The latter part of his speech I grant: but it helpeth him nothing. For the synagogue of Antichrist, is none of Gods constitutions, though every true Christian church is: neyther hath he annexed promise of grace, to his ordinances abused by the man of syn, and his subjects, in that malignant church, but hath threatned the destruction of the deceivers and deceived, 2 Thes. 2. 8. 10. 11. 12.

3. The third **Chr. plea p. 122. 12… ▪reason for the church of Rome consisteth of a division of the world into Christians, Iewes, Turks and Pagans; and of a question, if it be asked, which of these is the Church of God at this day? should we not answer, the Christians: and among the Christians, comprise the churches aforesayd, for the reasons before specified?

Answ. The first part of his answer, I yeild unto, that Christians now are Gods church. The second I deny, namely that Antichristians (such as the Papists be,) & other heretical and apostate churches, are to be comprised in the number; save in name onelyonly, for in deed and trueth they are not. His reasons before specified, I have particularly refuted: & so might here end. But further to explaine the trueth, I answer; that after this general division, we must make an other subdivision, or els we may be deceived. The subdivision is of Christians againe, into true and false, or into Christians and p. 14Antichristians which professe Christ in name & deny him in deed. And this I learne of the holy Ghost, who in the Apostles times divided the Iewes into outward, and inward, Rom. 2. 28. 29. and counted these latter onelyonly Iewes: and such as sayd they were Iewes and were not, but did lye, he calleth them the Synagogue of Satan: Revel. 3. 9. Even so, he prophesied of a Beast (or kingdom) which should have two hornes like the Lamb (Christ, and so be called Christians) but should speak as the Dragon, work wonders, & deceive men that dwell on the earth, &c, Revel. 13. 11. 13. 14. He also foretold of false teachers among Christians, who privily should bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them &c. 2 Pet. 2. 1. If thus we distinguish not between the true Christ and **M…t. 24. 24.false Christs, between true prophets and false prophets, and so between true churches and false: we may reteyn the name of Christ and Christian churches, and be in deed nothing less. And according to mine opposites manner of plea, an other might reason thus, Of synners in the world, some are ††2 Pet. 2. 4. 5.2 Pet 2:42 Pet 2:5Angels, and some are men. If then the question be asked, seing Christ came to save synners, 1 Tim. 1. 15. which of these are redemed and saved by Christ, & are the church of God? should we not answer men; and among men also comprise all peoples upon earth, Iewes, Turks Pagans &c. This is the mould of mine Opposers argument; and as colourably as he pleadeth for Antichrists synagogue to be Christs Church, so others doe plead for universal redemption of all peoples & persons borne into the world; from Ioh. 1. 9. Rom. 5. 18. and other like scriptures.

4 The **Chr. plea, p. 123,fourth reason is from baptisme, a visible signe of Gods visible Church among Christians, as circumcision was among the Iewes &c.

I answer, the baptisme among Antichristians is in deed like their church; Christs in name, but not in deed and trueth. As for that which he annexeth, of our defending and reteyning that visible baptisme received in the church of Rome; it foloweth after to be discussed, when we come to treat of their baptisme. In the mean while, let it be observed, that as Circumcision was a signe of the Church of old; so was sacrificing, both then, and before Circumcision was instituted: and all nations reteyning sacrifice then, as well as Antichrist reteyneth baptisme & the Lords supper now; it wil also folow by like reason, that all nations were then Gods churches; which argumēt shal be prosecuted hereafter. Againe, as the p. 15foolish woman calleth passengers to her sweet stollen waters, and pleasant bread of secresies, Prov. 9. 13. 17. so this foolish **Rev. 17. 18.Rev 17:18woman (the church of Antichrist) by like stales, allureth the simple unto her: which are no sounder proof that she is Christs true spouse, then the true mans purse in the theefs hand, wil prove the theef to be a true and honest man.

5 The 5▪ reason ††Ibidemis from the defection of Iudah and Israel, remayning stil Gods people notwithstanding: therfore also the church of Rome, in like manner.

Answ. Of the first part of this reason, touching the state of the Israelites, we are after to speak in particular: but were it granted, I deny the consequence, it foloweth not, the Antichristian synagogue is so also.

Inst. **Ibid. pag. 123. 124.The consequence (sayth he) is prooved, because these were types of the like state of the Christian churches, recorded for our instruction. 1 Cor. 10. 6.—11. with Rom. 154. & 2 Tim. 3. 16. 17. 2 Pet. 2. 1. Jude v. 5. 11. Rev. 2. 14. 20. & 11. 2. &c.

Answ. I grant that he sayth, for the Christian churches: but for the Antichristian, it is true in part onelyonly. The synns of Iudah and Israel, are found in Rome: so are the synns of Sodome, Aegypt, Babylon, and heathen Rome; which by warrant from God, were types also of this Antichristian Babylon, Rev. 11. 8. and 17. 5. From which I may as truly conclude; Sodome, Aegypt and Babylon of old, were so farr fallen frō God, as they were not his churches or peoples: and they were types of this church of Antichrist, and the things written of them, are for our instruction, Rom. 15. 4. Iude v. 7. 2. Pet. 2. 5. 6. Therfore this Antichristian synagogue, is not Christs true church.

Further I answer, that the types which were in Israel, prove not that the things typed are in the same degree of good or evil, neyther more nor less; as mine opposite would inferr that Antichristians are not now more deep in apostasie then were the Israelites. For types and figures agree in some things, but not in all. Moses, Aaron, David and all other types of Christ were synners: but it were wicked therupon to conclude, that Christ himself was a synner. Moreover Christs Preisthood was figured in Aaron & his sōns: yet did not that Levitical Preisthood fully type out his office, but in part: & a more complete figure of him was in Melchisedek, as th'Apostle sheweth in Heb. 5. and 7. chapters. Accordingly, p. 16it wil follow, that Antichrist is answerable to Israels apostasie in part: and yet a more complete figure of him is to be found in the Gentiles. And as Christ excelleth in holynes all that were types of him: so Antichrist exceedeth in wickednes all the types of him; & therfore hath many sorts of wicked men, to resemble his impietie. Rev. 11. 8. And that his consequence followeth not from the type to the thing typed, that they are both in an equal estate, appeareth further by his own grant (in pag. 126.), where he maketh Antiochus and his captaines &c. a type of the Papacie. Now it is confessed of all, that Antiochus and his companie were Pagans in religion: so by the like reason, the Pope with his captaines and souldjers, must be Pagans also.

6. The 6 reason ††pag. 124.alleaged for them is, that it should be syn for Papists and Apostate Christians, to marie with Pagans, to neglect baptisme, not to sanctifie the Lords day; as it was in Iudah and Israel to marie with the heathen, to neglect circumcision, to profane the Lords day &c. Dan. 11. 32. with 1. Maccab. 1. 16. 45. 51. 55. and with Mal. 2. 11. Ezr. 9. 1. 2. & 10. 10. Neh. 13. 3. 23.—27. Hos. 5. 7. & 7. 8. & 8. 12. Amos 8. 5. with 2 Cor. 6: 14. &c. which should not so be, if they were not the church and people of God, under his covenant, and bound to the observation of his ordinances. For Pagans, and such as perteyn not to the Lords covenant, being not his church and people, are not in their estate bound to these and the like ordinances of the Lord, which he hath given to his church and people. Psal. 147. 19. 20. with Deut. 7. 1.—11.

Answ. This reason is sundry wayes faultie. 1. Of Pagans he sayth, they are not in their estate bound &c: but Papists and apostate Israelites, he would have them bound, yet mentioneth not their estate: wheras if he speak not of them also in their estate, his argument is false and fraudulent.

2. The scriptures alleaged Psal. 147. & Deut. 7. are by him abused, whiles he restreyneth them to these and the like ordinances, namely, mariage, circumcision, baptisme, and the Sabbath; understanding by the like ordinances, (as I suppose) the Passover and other sacrifices, the Lords supper, &c: whereas the Psalmist speaketh generally of Gods Words, Statutes (or Ordinances) and Judgments, Psal. 147. 19. 20. which three, doe comprehend the moral Law, called the **Exod. 34. 28.Exod 34:28Ten Words, the Ordinances of worship and service, and the Iudicials for punishment of malefactors: all these the Prophet sayth, p. 17were shewed unto Jsrael, and God dealt not so with any nation. Now to conclude from these words, therfore the nations were not bound to observe the ordinances, because God had not shewed them unto them, as he had doen unto Israel (namely by his written Law given at Mount Sinai,) hath no more weight then this, Therfore the nations were not bound to the moral Law, or to the Iudicials; and so synned not in committing idolatrie, murder, whordome, or the like. But this is impious to say, and a false conclusion: therfore his conclusion also touching the ordinances is false, and can not rightly be gathered from this text. The evil of it further appeareth in one of his instances, the Sabbath day: which is one of the ten cōmandements, and instituted from the beginning of the world, Gen. 2. If then the nations were free from syn when they kept not the Sabbath, because they had it not written in the book of the Law or Tables of stone as had Israel: were they not also by the same reason free from syn in not keeping the other commanments?

So for the Lords day now, he maketh the church of Christ onelyonly (and so the Papists and other like whom he accounteth true churches) synners if they keep it not: all others he freeth from syn, as not bound to keep it. Wherupon this paradox followeth, that the further men fall away from Christ, the more free they are from syn. For the church of Rome being fallen to Antichrist the Pope, they are synners in his account, if they keep not the Lords day: but the churches of Corinth, Ephesus and other like which are fallen to Mahomet, they are no synners in his account, though they observe not the Lords day: and why? OnelyOnly because they are fallen so farr, as they are no church of God, nor in his covenant of grace. Thus, the further from Christ the freer from syn; if this doctrine be true.

But I suppose the contrary to be true: and that all peoples how farr soever fallen from Christ, are now bound to keep the Lords day, and other ordinances of Christ; and it is their great syn that they doe not. For Christ sent his Apostles to teach all nations, & to baptise them, and to teach them to observe all things whatsoever he commanded his Apostles, even to the worlds end, Mat. 28. 19, 20. And they went into all the world, preaching and admonishing all men every where to repent, and beleeve the Gospel, & to be baptised, and observe all the ordinances of Christ: and all p. 18that obeyed not, or that have since fallen from their obedience, are guiltie before God, and shalbe condemned, because they beleeve not in Christ, and keep not his commandements. Mark. 16. 15. 16.

If it be sayd that a Turk or Pagan in that their estate of unbeleef may not lawfully be baptised or admitted to the Lords supper, til they repent: this is true; yet can we not therfore say, they are not bound to be baptised, or are free from synin neglecting baptisme: for they are bound to all the doctrines and ordinances of the gospel in order, first to repent and beleeve, then to be baptised, then to receive the Lords supper, and so all the rest. If further it be sayd, that the Papists in their estate of misbeleef and idolatrie; may without repentance and without returning to the true faith, be partakers of baptisme and the Lords supper &c: it is denyed. For if the Iewes (which were the true church though corrupted) might not be received to baptisme without repentance, as the scriptures shew, Mat. 3. 6. 7.—10. Luk 7. 29. 30. Act. 2. 38. then the Antichristians, the members of that church which (by Mr. …ohnsons owne acknowledgment **…hr. plea, …ag. 120.) is fallen into most synfull and deep defection and apostasie, and is a notorious harlot and idolatresse; may much less be baptised, or admitted to the Lords supper unless they repent. And wheras mine opposite pleadeth for their right in the sacraments & other ordinances which they should syn to neglect: it would be knowen where they are bound to receive them, whether in their own church, or in some Christian reformed church. If in their owne; then they are bound to heare Mass, and syn if they be not partakers of it; for that is their idolatrous supper: then doe not the Magistrates well to forbidd them their Masses, and other ecclesiastical exercises, which they are bound by God to frequent, and should syn if they used them not. If they have right unto them in other reformed churches: then is there to be a communion between true Christians and those Antichristians, in one body, at one Table: for (as the Apostle sayth) wee being many are one bread, and one bodie: for we are all partakers of that one bread, 1 Cor. 10. 17. But this were to build a new Babylon, and to make a confused mixture of the members of Christ and of Antichrist, contrary to all the scriptures. 2 Cor. 6. 14. 15. 16. 17 Rev. 21. 27.

The other scripture which he citeth, Deut 7. 1 - 11. helpeth him no more then the former: for there in the 11. verse, the Commandements, p. 19Statutes and Judgments (which imply all Moses law) are expressed: if other nations were freed from all these, then were they freed from all law, and so from all syn; for where there is no Law, there is no transgression, seing Syn is the transgression of the Law: 1. Ioh. 3. 4. And where he instanceth mariage with Pagans, which is there forbidden Deut. 7. 3. and applieth it to Papists now, that they should syn to mary with such, I grant it. But his inference therupon, that therfore they are the true church and in the covenant of grace, I deny. For the Iewes at this day, which professe (after their false manner) the God of Israel, and all things written in the Law and Prophets, should syn if now they maried with such, doing contrary to their express Law, Mal. 2. 11, Yet are not the Iewes now in the covenant of grace, or the church of God.

Againe in Deut. 7. 5. there is commandment to destroy images and like monuments of idolatrie: if this was peculiar to Israel, then other nations synned not, in suffering idols among them undestroyed: wheras the Apostle plainly sheweth their greivous syn in making and using such idols, Rom. 1. 23. and consequently it must needs also be their syn, that they did not forsake, destroy and abolish them.

If any now aske, whether the other nations were then bound to all the ordinances of Israel? I answer, no: for some things were never before commanded, nor unto other then the church of Israel, as the strangers might eat some meates, which the Israelites might not, Deut. 14. 21. Such things having never been forbidden them of God, they might eat without syn, as we may at this day. But this I say of the nations, that all the Lawes, Statutes and judgments which were once commanded them of God; they were bound for ever to keep, til God againe repealed them. As for example all the ten commandements; and such Statutes (or cerimonies) as were taught them of God, as sacrificing, Gen 4. 3. 4. & 8. 20. not to eat flesh with the blood, Gen. 9. 4. and all other the like. And for judgments, to kill murderers, Gen. 9. 6. and so to punish other malefactors. And no Apostasie could ever free them from syn, in neglecting any of Gods lawes once given them. So no Apostasie could free the Israelites from any law of Moses; or the world now, from the Law of Christ. The Iewes that under Antiochus turned, to Paganisme, 1 Maccab. 1. 43. were guiltie they and their seed, for neglecting circumcision, the Passover and all other p. 20ordinances of Moses; and their apostasie (wherby they went out from the covenant of God and his church,) freed them not from syn at all. So the Christians in like manner that have Apostate to Mahometisme, are nevertheless in their synns for neglect of Christs trueth & ordinances; though they be no Christian church, as all of us graunt.

OnelyOnly there is this difference to be put; that such as know the will of God, (as did the Iewes, and many Papists now may, by the scriptures,) and doe it not; shalbe beaten with many stripes; wheras the ignorant peoples, and Popish multitude, shalbe beaten with few, Luke. 12. 47. 48. But to excuse them from syn wholly, is to plead for iniquitie. And for this cause, both David in Ps. 147. and Moses in Deut. 7. urgeth Israel to thankfullnes and obedience above other peoples, in that the Lord had now written his lawes and ordinances unto them, and made them an holy people, when he left other peoples, onelyonly to that doctrine which by word of mouth was delivered them from Noe and his sonns; which if they did forsake (as they had in a great mesure,) they should perish for ever.

7. His seventh & last ””Chr. plea, 124. &c.reason for the church of Rome is taken from 2. Thes. 2. 3. 4. Where it is prophesied that Antichrist should sit in the Temple of God. This argument he handleth at large. But first let it be observed, how all his reasons, hetherto, are shewed to be insufficient▪ and built upon weak grounds, the first being taken from their baptisme, which is adulterate as the church it self: The second, frō an inconvenience falsly presupposed, that none in that church can else be saved: The third, from a question, whether Christians, Iewes, Turks or Pagans, be the church. The 4. is againe from their baptisme. The 5. is from the types of Iudah and Israel in apostasie. The 6. is from a supposed freedome that such as are apostate from the covenant of God, should have from syn, if they neglect the ordinances of the gospel. None of these arguments are taken from the essential things wherof the true church consisteth; none from the matter, to prove them saincts; or forme, to prove them united unto Christ and one to an other, according to the order of his testament; none from the faith, to shew it to be true; or from the worship and service of God; or from the ministerie, to manifest eyther of these to be according to Christ. And now, the last of his reasons is from a figurative phrase the Temple p. 21of God, which may be diversly understood and applied, as himself cannot deny. Let the prudent reader judge, whether these his seven arguments be any thing like those seven pillars, which Wisdome hewed out, when she builded her house, Prov. 9. 1.

Now let us weigh, his seventh reason. The Apostle (sayth he) speaking of Antichrist, in 2 Thes 2. 3. 4. describeth him thus; There shall come an Apostasie (defection or falling away) and the man of syn shalbe revealed, the son of perdition, who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshiped: so that he as God, suteth in the Temple of God, shewing himself that he is God &c. Here the Apostle describing Antichrist▪ speaketh of the Temple of God, where he suteth &c. Now that by the Temple of God in Jsrael, was figured the church of God among Christians, appeareth by these scriptures, 1 Cor. 3. 16. 17. 2 Cor. 6. 16. Ephe. …. 21. Rev. 11. 1. 2. 19. & 14. 15. 17. & 15. 5. 6. 8. & 16. 1. 17. compared with Zach. 6. 12. 13▪ and is acknowledged by the best writers of all ages &c. So then from this scripture J reason as followeth.

Jf the Pope of Rome with his hierarchie be the man of syn (here spoken of) and the son of perdition, who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshiped: then is the church of Rome the Temple of God here spoken of; wherein he suteth as God, shewing himselfe that hee is God.

But the Pope of Rome with his hierarchie, is (by **Animadv p. 76,-106▪their owne grant) the man of syn of whom the Apostle here speaketh &c. Therfore the church of Rome, is the Temple of God also, that here is spoken of.

I answer. This argument I might wholly grant, and not hurt the cause I plead for. For though the church of Rome be the Temple of God, which Paul speaketh of: yet followeth it not, that it is Gods true Temple, or true Church, (which is the point that should be concluded;) seing the scriptures often speak of things as once they were▪ though so they continue not still: as also, they speak of things according to the outward pretense and shew that is made of them; though in deed and trueth they be nothing less. The first is manifest by these and other like instances: Abigail is called the wife of Nabal, 1 Sam. 30. 5. though Nabal was then dead, and his wife maried to David. Simon is still called the Leper, Mat. 26. 6. though he was then clensed of his leprosie. The king of Tyrus an heathen man that lived in Ezekiels dayes, is sayd to have been in Eden the garden of God, to have been upon the holy mountaine of God, and to have walked in the middest of the stones of fyre, Ezek. 28. 13. 14. p. 22meaning that he had been in Gods church, on mount Sion, among the people of God: although not he himself, but Huram his predecessor (many yeres before, in the dayes of David and Solomon) was the man that became a proselyte in Israel, and helped to build the Temple; 2 Chron. 2. 3.—16. even as if a man should speak to the Bishop of Rome at this day, and tell him what he was for a Bishop in th'Apostles dayes, and how now he is degenerate and become the man of syn. The mountaines of Horeb and Tabor, where God once gave his Law and Christ was transfigured; are after still called the mount of God, and the Holy mount, 1 King. 19. …. 2 Pet. 1. 18. because they had been for the time **Exod. 3. 5.Exod 3:5sanctified by the presence of God. And so the Temple in Ierusalem, after the Iewes had crucified Christ, refused the gospel, & were ††Rō. 11. 20.broken off, because of unbeleef; and the sacrificing and ””Ioh. 4. 21.John 4:21worshiping in that place was ended; yet is it until the utter ruine of it by the Romans, called the holy place, Mat. 24. 15. Thus also the Citie become an harlot, is called the faithfull Citie▪ Esai. 1. 21. the wicked that hath forsaken his righteousnes is named arighteous man. Ezek. 18. 26. according to their former and not their present estate. And when these titles are given them, it is not to justifie them at all, but to aggravate their syn. So for the second, that things are called according to the outward appearance and pretext set upon them, though they be in deed false; is evident by these and the like examples; false Gods, which are but idols, are called gods, usually: so one Prophet calleth those the Philistians gods, 1 Chron. 14. 12. which an other calleth their images. 2 Sam. 5. 21. False prophets are called Prophets, 1 King. 22. 6. 22: and Balaam a Soothsayer among the heathens, Jos. 13. 22. is called a Prophet. 2 Pet. 2. 16. The evil spirit whom the witch of End or raised up for Saul, is called in the scripture Samuel, 1 Sam. 28. 11. 12▪ 15. 16. 20. by reason wherof, the Papists **Bellarm. …e Chr. ani…a, l. …. c. 11.contend that it was Samuel in deed, and not the Divil; urging the letter, as mine opposite doth urge against me this phrase of the Temple of God. The idolatrous Temple which Ieroboam made in Israel, in honour of the God which had brought them out of Egypt, is called the house of their God, Am…s 2. 8. yet that it was his true house or temple, I never heard of any that would affirme: though it was the true God whom they worshiped therin; for Baal with his house, was then destroyed out of Israel, 2 King, 1…. 27. 28.

Now mine opposite hath given us a good rule in this his last p. 23book, when answering the Anabaptists he sayth, **Christi plea pag.The word of God is not the bare letter or outward syllables, but the intendement and meaning of the holy Ghost by whom it was given. Which should carefully be observed by the due consideration of the scriptures, with the circumstances therof, and by the conference of other places of scripture, and the proportion of fayth layd togither. Which whiles the Anabaptists neglict, they look on the scripture partially, and press the letter extreamly, without consideration of the true and right meaning therof. These words of his are true; the more it is to be lamented that he himself would so press the letter against me, and not weigh the meaning of the same, by it self, and other scriptures, and the proportion of fayth layd togither.

In alleaging this text, he layeth downe the words thus, There shal come an apostasie (or falling away): wheras the Apostle sayth, except there come an apostasie (or falling-away) first: which word first, may intimate that the church should fall away from the love of the trueth, before the man of syn should be revealed: and this is apparant by the 10. verse, where the people whom Antichrist seduceth, are sayd to be them that perish; because they received not the love of the trueth, that they might be saved. Or, if the word first (which mine opposite leaveth out,) be understood before Christs coming, then is it meant of the apostasie (or the falling. away,) so called by an excellencie, as exceeding all other. And is not to be referred to Antichrist the head onelyonly, but to Antichristians the bodie also; who after other synns, should fall away with Antichrist, and be damned with him; as in the 11. verse it is sayd, God shall send them strong delusion, that they should beleeve a lye; shat they all might be damned who beleeve not the trueth, but had pleasure in unrighteousnes. So that by the whole scope of this scripture it is evident, the Apostle divideth not the people of the church of Rome, from the Bishop and ministers of the same; as if the people should be Gods true Temple, Christs true Church, under his covenant, and so in the state of grace; when the Bishops and ministers are the Divils Temple, Antichrist, the man of syn, and so in the state of damnation: but maketh both bishops and people, deceivers and deceived, all of them under wrath and condemnation; otherweise then my opposite would perswade. For he pleading thus, The Apostle speaking of Antichrist, describeth him thus. There shal come an apostasie &c: would have men think, that the Bishop and ministers of the church of Rome are the apostasie, and the people not: contrarie to all the scope of this scripture, contrarie also to p. 24Paul, in 1 Tim. 4 1. where he foretelleth of some that should apostate (or depart) from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of Divils; meaning it of the people deceived by false teachers: yea it is contrary also to mine opposites own graunt, who sayd (a litle before) that the church of Rome is fallen into most sinfull and deep defection and apostasie, and so is a notorious harlot and idolatr…ss. Wherefore his distinction here between the apostasie & the church of Rome, making the one Antichrist, the other Gods temple, under his covenant of grace: neyther accordeth with the scriptures, nor with his own assertion.

Next this, where he sayth, that by the Temple of God in Israel, was figured the church of God among Christians: it is graunted. But withall, let it be noted, that himself can not deney, **Chr. plea, p. 58.but the Temple and tabernacle in Israel, was not the church and congregation of Gods people properly, but a sacramental signe of Gods dwelling with them; which I before ††Animadv. …ag. 79confirmed by these scriptures, Exod: 25. 8. 2. Chron. 6. 2. Ezek. 37. 26. 27. Rev. 21. 3. Secondly, he himself affirmeth, that **Chr. plea. …ag. 149.the temple at Ierusalem, did primarily figure out Christ, and secondarily the church, both the catholik or universal, and particular churches likeweise; & particular Christians, and (in several respects) both their bodies, and their soules and consciences. VponUpon which graunts of his, it foloweth, that there is no necessarie consequence of this his proposition, Jf the Pope of Rome with his hierarchie be the man of syn spoken of in 2. Thes. 2. then is the church of Rome, the Temple of God there spoken of: for he understanding by the church, the people, (as in 1. Cor. 3. 16. 17. 2. Cor. 6. 16. Eph. 2 21.) and yet granting that the Temple in Israel, was not the people; all may see the weaknes and insufficiencie of this inference, that because the Pope of Rome sitteth as God in the Temple of God; therfore the people of the church of Rome, are that Temple of God there spoken of; & consequently Gods true church. For why now mayAnimad. …ag. 79. Eph. 3. 17. …2. 22. 1. …or. 3▪ 16. Rev. 13. 4. …. &. 16. … 1. Tim. 4. … 2. Thes. 2. …. 11. 12. …. Thes. 2. 4.Eph 3:17Eph 3:2Eph 3:22Eph 3:1Rev 13:4Rev 13:161 Tim 42 Thess 2 we not as well (if not much better) say that by the Temple of God, is understood the doctrine and profession of Christ the true Temple; or as in my former † book I shewed, thus. As the Temple was an outward signe of Gods presence with his people, and of his inward dwelling in their harts * by saith and by his spirit▪ unto their salvation: so Antichrists temple is an outward shew of his presence with that seduced people, in whose harts † he dwelleth by Popish faith, and by his spirit of errour carying them to damnation. But as Antichrist shal not professedly deny the true God or Christ, though in deed he falsly * sheweth himself that he is▪ God: so shal h… p. 25not professedly deny the Temple or church of God, but falsly vaunt his adulterous synagogue to be the same. VntoUnto this exposition, mine opposite hath given no answer: and it being according to the scriptures, & trueth of the thing in controversie; I leave it to the prudent reader, whether the outward shew and profession of Christ and Christian religion, be not the first thing here intended of th'Apostle by the Temple of God. And this is further confirmed by Rev. 11. 1. Where the Temple, Altar, and Worshipers, are three distinct things; and the people are the worshipers there spoken of, & neyther the Temple, nor the Altar; of which place we shal treat anone.

Then wheras he granteth that the Temple in Ierusalem did primarily figure out Christ: how is it, that he wholly neglecteth the primarie thing figured, and insisteth upon the secondary, the church or people of Rome? Seing it is knowen, how the Pope pretendeth him self to be Christs vicar and deputie on earth, and to be the servant and worshiper of Christ in heaven: and may we think that th'Apostle in warning them of the **2 Thes. 2▪ 7.2 Thess 2:7mysterie of iniquitie, would not imply the chief point of the mysterie, that Antichrist should in pretence sit for Christ and in his sted, as his vicar generall on earth? Thus to sit in the Temple (or for the Temple) of God, may well be understood, that Antichrist should sit for Christ, a pretended friend, but in deed an adverse foe.

Now for that which the Temple secondarily figured, namely the church catholik, and also particular, and so mens consciences: he wavereth in his application. He sayth ††Chr. plea p. 150. 15….this terme [the church of Rome] is taken eyther particularly (which he applieth to the Laterane church in Rome, the Popes parish church:) or more generally, for all other such Christian churches; as are come under the Popes jurisdiction &c. This later I hold to be most proper here: for what needed there such warning to the Thessalonians & other christian churches through the world, if a Bishop of the Lateran parish (a corner in Rome) had exalted himself above God therin onelyonly; and had not usurped also a pretended Christian power over all? And the complement of the prophesie, is an evident exposition of it: for who knoweth not, that the Pope scorneth to be Bishop of the Lateran parish onelyonly▪ it is a jurisdiction over the catholik church throughout the earth, which he chalengeth. And now what proof bringeth mine opposite, that the church of Rome as God constituted it, is taken generally for other Christian churches under the Popes jurisdiction? None at p. 26all: neyther can he bring any jote of Gods word for the same▪ Againe what proof maketh he, that the catholik Romane church wherin the Pope sitteth, is the true church of God? None but this, **pag. 152.J suppose these men themselves being better advised, wil not deny them to be the churches and Temple of God. But he should have shewed (if it had been possible for him) that the Romane church is by divine institution the catholik or universal church: which because I assure my self it can never be doen, I conclude that this Romane catholik church is a fiction of the Popes braine, and a meere idol like himself: and is no otherweise the Temple of God, then the Pope is Christs universal vicar; namely in lying words and vaine ostentation. And so the maine ground for the Temple of God wherin Antichrist sitteth, to be the true church of Christ, is overthrowne.

As for the Popes Laterane parish, I both deny it to be Christs true church; and that it onelyonly is the Temple of God wherin Antichrist should sit. His proof of the former is this. **pag. 150.Jf we understand it of a particular church, (as the Apostle wrote his epistle to the church of the Romans) how shall we soundly deny it eyther to be the Temple of God, or Antichrist to be set therin? Thus have we suppositions and questions, in sted of proofes. To his demand I answer: it is the Temple of God in pretence, not in trueth; even as the Pope is a bishop of Christ in pretence, but in deed is Antichrist the man of syn, as mine opposite granteth. The church that was in Rome in Pauls time, wil no more justifie the Popes synagogue there now; then the Christian ministers which were then in that church, Rom. 12. wil justifie the Antichristian prelates that there reigne at this day. Secondly, the Laterane parish at Rome, is of the Popes faith, religion and worship: there are like priests like people. Now if the Bishop of that parish be Antichrist, the son of perdition, as th'Apostle telleth us, 2 Thes. 2. 3. then his parishoners which have no other faith or religion then he, are also the children of damnation, 2 Thes. 2. 12. and so can not be judged to be Christs true church, and in the state of grace▪ sealed of God with his covenant unto salvation. In the Lateran Church of Rome, where Antichrist is parish priest; the people are grosse idolaters, hereticks, worshipers ††Rev. 9. 20.Rev 9:20of Divils, and of him that sitteth as God in the Temple of God; ascribing unto him that Holyness, divine power and jurisdiction, which he doeth blasphemously challenge; and mine opposite could not shew one man of that parish that differeth at all from the religion of their priest: p. 27how is it then possible that he should be Antichrist, and they true Christians; he under wrath, they under the covenant of grace; he the very Temple of the Divil, and they the true Temple of God? For shal not the same religion and faith which justifieth them, justifieth him also; when it is found in him as well as in them? Wherfore eyther the man of syn himself must be a sainct among those saincts: or they togither with him must be (as the holy Ghost calleth them) an habitation of Divils, Revel. 18. 2. To conclude then, seing there is no true visible church of Gods institution, but a particular congregation; (any other general or catholik visible church of Rome, being but the Popes own wicked fiction;) and seing Antichrists parish church can no more be Christs then Antichrist himself: it can not without injury to the Apostle, and to the proportion of faith, and to other scriptures, and to reason it self, be gathered that the church of Rome is at this day Gods true Temple or Christs true Church. Albeit, for that there was once a true Chrrstian church **Rom. 1.Rom 1in Rome, and these Antichristians now profess to be the successors of the same, and pretend one faith, religion & worship, and reteine some doctrines and ordinances of Christ still, which they synfully profane: they are therfore sayd to be the Temple of God; as before I have shewed.

Moreover there can no church be called the true Temple of God, but in respect of Christ the chief corner stone and foundation of the building: for he is called the living Stone, and his people are living stones, built up a spiritual house in him, and so grow up to an holy Temple in the Lord, 1 Pet. 2. 4. 5 Eph. 2. 20. 21. If therfore Antichrist sitteth in the true Temple of God, he sitteth first in Christ the head, and secondarily in his body and people: but Antichrist is no otherweise in Christ then in a feighned profession of him, whom in deed he denyeth, 1 Joh. 2. 22. therfore he is not in the Temple of God, but in respect of his profession of Christianitie and of the Christian societie in his people, both which are false and deceitfull, after the working of Satan, & in all deceivablenes of unrighteousnes, 2 Thes. 2. 9. 10. Now it followeth, that I defend my former writings against which he excepteth; as for the reproches which he layeth upon my self, and his trifling exceptions against words and phrases, I will omitt as fruitless.

Wheras in scanning the Apostles words, I noted mine opposites omission of Antichrists sitting as God in the Temple of God; p. 28which words as God, doe give light to the true meaning: he excepteth **Chr. plea …g. 142.how he could alleage that one Greek copie wanteth those words▪ so doth the Syriakas Mr. Beza observeth, also the Latine. I answer, if one copie want them, and many, or all other have them; it is no wisdom to leave the many & follow one without apparant reason. For the Syriak he was deceived, for it hath those words plainly, though the copie which Tremellius used wanted them, through the copiers default, as Mr. Iunius sheweth in his notes upon the Syriak version on 2. Thes. 2. 4. As for the Latine, it omitteth sundry other good things in other places, and is no warrant for us to follow.

Obj. The question was not about the manner of Antichrists sitting in the Temple of God, whether he should sit as God therin or no. Therfore I needed not alleadge these words.

Answ. But the question was about th'Apostles meaning in that place; and therfore his words which help to manifest his meaning, should have been alleaged.

Obj. Jt is knowen to be usual in all writers sometimes not to mention, somtimes not to insist at▪ all upon such words as perte…ne not to the matter in hand &c.

Answ. Yet I, though I first used the whole phrase of the Temple of God, am ††Chr. plea …g. 146.taxed for that I doe not after alwayes repeat all the words: But to let pass such things, this speech sitteth as God, perteyneth much to the matter in hand: for if the people (which he wil have to be the Temple of God,) doe so acknowledge and honour the Man of syn for God, as he there sitteth shewing himself that he is God: then may we as well doubt whether they be the people of the true God, as whether the man of syn be the true God. But whatsoever honour & divine power the man of syn challengeth to himself, the …ame doe the people of Rome (the Temple of God) give unto him, in word and deed. So the words are needfull, and perteine to the matter in hand. For by the worshiping of that Beast, the false church is distinguished from the true church, which refuseth to worship him, Rev. 13. 8. 16. 17. & 14. 1. 4. 9. 10. 11. 12. & 20. 4. 2 Thes. 2. 10. 11. 12.

Obj. **pag. 143.Of Antichrists sitting, th' Apostle saith, that he sitteth as God: but of the seat where he sitteth, he sayth expresly, in the Temple of God; and sayth not as in the Temple of God, as the answer here would import; which therfore is merely shifting, and full of deceyt.

p. 29Answ. So the Prophet sayth expresly, in the house of their God, Amos. 2. 8. and sayth not as in the house of their God; though he speaketh of an idolatrous temple, which Ieroboam pretended to be Gods: and the Apostle sayth expressly, there be gods many and lords many, 1. Cor. 8. 5. and sayth not as gods, or as lords, when yet he meaneth the false gods and idols of the heathen. And the scripture expressly sayth, the woman saw Samuel; and Saul perceived that it was Samuel, and, then sayd Samuel, &, because of the words of Samuel; 1. Sam. 28. 12. 14. 16. 20. and sayth not, one as or like to Samuel, though it was but the divil in the likenes of Samuel. Paul sayth expressly that Satan is transfigured into an Angel of light 2. Cor. 11. 14. and sayth not a… into an Angel; though in the very next words he sayth, that his ministers are transfigured as the ministers of righteousnes, v. 15. Which terme of transfiguring, is sometime used for a true change, as in Phil. 3. 21. he sayth Christ shal transfigure our vile body, that it may be conformed to his glorious body: yet in the former place he useth the word but for a counterfeyt change. And that the people which worship Antichrist as God, are called the Temple of God, for name, shew and pretence; I have before manifested.

Obj. He doth abuse the scripture &c. as if Pauls words were not plaine to such as will understand, that Antichrist exalteth himself above all that is called god, so that he as God sitteth in the Temple of God; and therfore is not the true God, but the man of syn &c.

Answ. Some may think, by Pauls words, that Antichrist should openly profess himself to be God, and above all Gods: yet the Pope (who is the head of Antichrist) professeth himself to be the servant of the servants of God, & to be but the minister of Christ▪ and Paul teacheth the same, when he calleth his working the mystery (or hidden▪secret) of iniquity; 2 Thes. 2. 7. Even so some may think, by the Temple of God, is meant the true church of God, the people that in Christ are builded-togither for an habitation of God through the Spirit, and that Christ dwelleth in their harts by …aith, Eph. 2. 21. 22. & 3. 17▪ yet the Papists (who are Antichristians) doe beleeve that man of syn, that exalteth himself above all that is called God, to be a most holy man, and Christian bishop, they are of his saith, worship and religion, trusting in his pardons for remission of their synns &c: and therfore are no better Christians then he, but children of perdition with him, and are by Paul in the very same place counted among them that perish, because they received not the love of the truth that they p. 30might be saved, therfore God hath sent them strong delusion, that they should beleeve a lye; that they all might be damned who beleeve not the trueth, but have pleasure in unrighteousnes, 2 Thes 2. 10. 11. 12. Who now, (except they be blinded with affection) can think that Paul calleth such people the Temple of God otherweise then in respect of their profession of Christianitie, and boasting, that they are the onelyonly good Christians, when they are in deed the sworne servants of Antichrist, and synagogue of Satan, as Rev. 3. 9.

Object. Difference is to be put, between the man of syn that sitteth, & between the temple wherin he sitteth: he sitteth as God, yet the temple wherin he sitteth, is the Temple of God.

Answ. There is in deed such a difference as is between the pastor and the flock; (understanding by the Temple of God, the church of Rome at this day:) such a difference as is between the seducer and the seduced, both adjudged to destruction, 2 Thes. 2. 10. 11. 12. Rev. 14. 9. 10. 11. Other differences if men feigne, that the pastors (or hierarchie) are the man of syn, sonns of perdition; and the idolatrous people which be of one faith and religion with them, are men of God, and in his covenant of grace; it is farr from the trueth.

Object. See the like in the cases that fell out at Jerusalem and the Temple there: when Baals idol of indignation was set at the entrie of the house of God, Ezek. 8. 3. 5. and when Antiochus Epiphanes and his officers profaned the sanctuarie and citie of Jerusalem, and set the image of Iupiter Olympius, in the Temple and seat of God, Dan. 11. 31. 36. who would not now put difference between the idols and persons aforesayd on the one hand, and between the Temple and citie of God wherin they were set, and which they polluted, on the other.

Answ. The examples are farr unlike: first Rome, is not Ierusalem but Babylon, Rev. 17. Secondly, the Temple and holy things in Ierusalem being made of senseless stones and matter, they could not be polluted with syn in themselves as the **1 Pet. 2. 5.1 Pet 2:5living stones of Christs house the people now may soon be, and turned into a synagogue of Satan; as the christian churches in the Apostles dayes, are now long since turned to be Turks and Papists. Doth not the Law plainly teach us this; for in the yerely cleansing of the Sanctuarie, it was because of the uncleannesses of the sonns of Jsrael, and because of their trespasses, in all their synns, Levit. 16. 16. and for no uncleannes or syn in it self. Thirdly, the example of Antiochus is fit, but wrong p. 31applied: for he speaketh onelyonly of Antiochus and his officers; wheras both he, his officers and his people (the common souldjers) were they that defiled the sanctuarie of God; as it is sayd in the storie, Antiochus went up against Jsrael & Jerusalem with a great multitude, and entred proudly into the Sanctuary &c. 1 Maccab. 1. 20. 21. So in applying this, he would have the Pope and his officers (the hierarchie) to be the man of syn, as Antiochus and his officers: & the multitude of papists at Rome, he wil not have to be (as in deed they should be counted) answerable to Antiochus soldjers; but they must be the Temple of God, answerable to the Temple of Ierusalem, a most unjust resemblance. For the Temple then was a mere patient, and suffred that abuse at Antiochus hands: so the thing answerable hereto, should be (if he would have made a fit comparison,) the Christians (Gods true Temple,) which suffer for the truthes sake at the Antichristians hands; such as are opposed to the worshipers of the beast, and those that receive his mark, of whom it is written, Here is the patience of the saincts; here are they that keep the cōmandements of God, and the faith of Jesus, Revel. 14. 9.—12. and againe, I saw the soules of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshiped the beast nor his image &c, Rev. 20. 4. And such I never doubted but they were the true Temple of God: but I deny that the church of Rome at this day is such a people or such a Temple: they are the marked soldjers of Antiochus the Pope, and honour him as God in the temple of God (their pretended christian church) with high impietie. Or at least, they are like the Apostate Iewes, which turned to Antiochus religion and became heathens, with worse impietie; 1 Maccab. 1. 13. 14. 15. 43. 52.

Of this sort is his next allegation, ††pag. 14where to make his reader merry, he likeneth me to the old man of Athens, which would compell the Iewes to call their Temple by the name of Iupiter Olympius, because Iupiters image was set up in it; 2 Mac. 6. 1. 2, so I would have the church of Rome called Antichrists church &c. I answer: if the church, the people of Rome were now mere patients, amongst whom Antichrist cometh in by violence, they not consenting unto him any more then Gods temple did to Iupiters image; it should be foolishnes in me to call it Antichrists church. Or, to put the example more fitly; if a Iew had been forced by Antiochus violently to kyss or bow the knee to Iupiters image, when he resisted and testified against it: none could justly call him an idolater, p. 32or one of Iupiters people. But if an other Iew had revolted to Antiochus religion, and beleeved in his Iupiter and honoured him with hart, profession and action; he now might justly be called the servant of Iupiter, or one of his people, (as the Moabites are called the people of Chemosh, Numb. 21. 29.) So the church of Rome now fallen from true Christianity, and beleeving, worshiping, obeying Antichrist, the Popes holynes, are and may justly be called his church: or else Antichrist hath no temple, church or people in the world.

Object. Observe here and throughout his treatise, how still he calleth that the Temple, church and bodie of Antichrist, which Paul expressly and purposely calleth the Temple of God. And so therin note stil his sh…f…s and his errours &c.

Answ. Loe still an urging of the bare letter, as doe the Papists This is my body, to prove their transubstantiation, that there is no bread left but Christs very body, really and properly. I have (I trust) without shifting or errour proved the present church of Rome to be Antichrists temple church and bodie, if the Pope be Antichrist. And seing his **2 Thes. 2. 7.2 Thess 2:7mysterie of iniquitie, is contrary to Christs ††1 Tim. 3. 16.1 Tim 3:16mysterie of godlynes; and Christ hath a mystical temple which is his church and bodie, Eph. 2. 21. & 5. 23. I would gladly know what temple church and body Antichrist hath, if the church of Rome be not the same. Againe, he speaketh too largely, that J stil so call it throughout my treatise; for I have other weise written, though it liked him not, thus. Animadv. ag. 79. 80.Gods true temple and tabernacle is in mount Sion▪ in heaven▪ (Rev. 14. 1. 17.) where God sitteth on a throne, (Rev. 16. 17. & 7. 15.) and dwelleth among his people; where is the Ark of his covenant (Rev. 11. 19.) and from thence, lightnings, voices, thondrings, earthquake and h…yle come forth against th… Antichristians his enemies; and vials of his wrath powred out upon the throne of the beast, (Rev. 16. 1. 2. 10.) and on men that have his mark. On the contrary, the Beast, which is the kingdome of Antichrist, ascendeth from beneath, out of the bottomless pit, (Rev. 17. 8.) and blasphemeth this heavenly tabernacle (Rev. 13. 6.) and sitteth in Babylon (Rev. 16. 19.) upon the Dragons throne (Rev. 13. 2.) and fighteth against the Lamb, and against the saincts, (Rev. 19. 19.) treading under foot the holy citie (Rev. 11. 2.) and casting downe the place of Christs sanctuarie, (Dan. 8. 11.) When th' Apostle therfore telleth us, that Antichrist sitteth as God in the Temple of God, it is to be understood of their invading and destroying of Gods church, and people, as the heathens of old deal… with Jerusalem and dwellers therin, p. 33(Psal. 79. Dan. 8, 11. 13. & 11. 36. Ier. 22. 12. 13. Law. 2. 7. 9.) Secondly of their own vaine ostentation, whiles they wil have it called the Christian catholik church, and the Pope the head of the same. Ezek. 28. 2. 6. Esa. 14. 13. 14. 2 Thes. 2. 9▪ 10▪ Rev. 13. 11. 14. & 17. 4. 2 Cor. 11. 13. 14. 15. Thus I grant, that the Temple which Antichrist invadeth & destroyeth, is Gods true Temple: but that wherin the Beast sitteth as God, which he trimmeth, upholdeth and boasteth of; (as he doeth the church of Rome at this day) is the synagogue of Satan. But he procedeth.

Object. As for the ancient Doctor whom here he citeth, let us hear † Pag. 147.himself speak. His words are these. That which is the Temple of any idolor Divil, the Apostle would not call the Temple of God. Wherupon some will have in this place, not the Prince himself, but after a manner his whole bodie, th… is the multitude of men perteyning unto him, togither with himself under the Prince, understood to be Antichrist. And more rightly also they think it to be sayd in Latine … in the Greek; that he sitteth not in the Temple of God, but for the Temple of God which is the church. As we say he sitteth for a friend, that is as a friend. Augustine de Civic. D…, l. 20. c. 19. Where note how farr differing Augustine is from this man that citeth him, &c.

Answ. There is not so great difference as mine opposite would pretend. First I cited not Augustine for his own judgment, but for others whom he speaketh of, touching the translation of the Text, in the Temple of God, or, for the Temple. Secondly, he setteth down Augustines words maymed both at head and foot. For Augustine beginneth thus: But in what temple of God he shal sit as God, is uncertaine: whether in that ruine of the Temple which was built by King Solomon; or in the church. For that which is the temple of any idol or divil, the Apostle would not call the temple of God: &c. Now the ruine of Solomons temple, cannot at this day be called Gods temple, otherweise then because it was the Temple of God of old; & hath now no more holynes in deed & trueth, thē any other place in the world. And thus I have granted that the church of Rome may be called the church of God, in respect that there was a church there in Pauls time, wheras now it hath no more true holynes, then the synagogue of Satan. So we see how for advantage mine opposite baulked Augustines first words. In the end, he breaketh off in the midst of a period: for Augustine sayth, sitteth for a friend, that is as a friend: or if any other thing is wont to be understood by this kind of speech, p. 34So he defineth not certainly of this place, but leaves it doubtfull: and presently after confesseth his ignorance; For what is this (sayth Augustine) For the mysterie of iniquitie doth already work, onelyonly he who now holdeth let him hold, till he be taken out of the way. J confess my self to be utterly ignorant what he meaneth. Thus we need not strive about Augustines words here: and I grant, that the Apostle would not have called it the Temple of God, unless eyther it were so in deed and trueth, or had been so in times past, or did pretend to be so still. And I think all wil likewise grant, that the holy Ghost would not have called the witches spirit at endor **1 Sam. 28.1 Sam 28Samuel, unless eyther it had been Samuel in deed (as the Papists doe contend;) or some thing in pretence and shew like Samuel. Neyther would the prophet have sayd to the King of Tyrus, ††Ezek. 28. 13.Ezek 28:13Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God, (a proselyte in the church of Israel;) unless eyther himself or some of his predecessors had been there in times past. Neyther would Amos have called the Israelites idol temple ““Amo. 2. 8.the house of their God, unless eyther it were so in deed, or in pretense: which phrase when the Greek translateth according to the letter, the house of their God, and the Chaldee paraphrast (as ancient as the Apostles age) expoundeth the house of their idols, they contradict not one another: seing the same thing may be Gods in shew, and the divils in deed and trueth: for even Satan himself is transformed into an Angel of light; 2 Cor. 11. 14.

Obj. When the Apostle describeth the mysterie of Antichrists iniquitie, would he teach the church that the place of his sitting is the Temple of God, if he meant that it were in deed the synagogue of Satan and the temple of Antichrist? For that Antichrist should sit in the temple of Antichrist and synagogue of Satan, what mysterie is there in it? All the world would easily perceive, that these agreed very well and most fitly togither. But for Antichrist to sit in Gods temple and Christs church, this is in deed a mysterie.

Answ. The mysterie of iniquitie began in the true church, but continued not therein alwayes: for when it was discerned, the church eyther cast it out, or soon degenerated into a synagogue of Satan, if it accepted Antichrist for God, as the Church of Rome doth at this day. Which I further manifest thus, 1. The Apostle sayth, As ye have heard that Antichrist shal come, even now are there many Antichrists, &c. They went out from us, but they were not of us: for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us, but (they went out) that they might be made manifest, that they were not all of us. p. 35Who is a lyer, but he that denyeth that Jesus is the Christ? he is Antichrist, that denyeth the Father and the Son. Whosoever denyeth the Son, the same hath not the Father: 1. Joh. 2. 18. 19. 22. 23. This scripture teacheth us first that all hereticks departing from the faith of Christ, are generally Antichrists, though they reteyn the name of Christians still, as did the hereticks in th'Apostles time. 2. That such are gone out from the church, and are in deed none of it, though they pretend to be the true church, as all hereticks have doen. 3. That both teachers and people departed from the faith and church of Christ, are comprehended under the name of Antichrists, and not the Bishops onelyonly. 4. That whosoever is Antichrist (especially the great Antichrist) he denyeth the Son (Christ) and consequently God the Father. Now let us apply these things to the Bishop and hierarchie of Rome, whome mine opposite granteth to be the great Antichrist. If the Pope and his hierarchie be Antichrist, then are they none of the Apostolik church, but gone out of the same: but they are Antichrist (by my opposites owne confession:) Therfore they are none of th'Apostolik church.

The Pope and his hierarchie are both in and of the church of Rome, the heads, teachers and principall members of it, of the same faith, religion and worship: but they are not in or of the Apostolik christian church, as before is proved: therfore the church of Rome is not an apostolik Christian church.

If the church of Rome denyeth both the Father and the Son: then is it Antichrist (as the Apostle sayth) and so no true Christian church. But the church of Rome denyeth both the Father and the Son: therfore it is no true Christian church.

If the Pope & his hierarchie deny both the Father and the Son, then the church of Rome also denyeth them; for they beleeve as the Pope and hierarchie beleeveth, have one and the same religion with their preists. But the Pope and his hierarchie deny both the Father and the Son, otherweise they are not the Antichrist, (as mine opposite sayth they are:) therefore the Church of Rome also denyeth both the Father and the Son. Now seing it is thus, how is it possible that it should cōtinue the true Church of Christ, otherweise then by lying pretext and ostentation? And this is the mysterie of inquitie, if men could comprehend it that the Bishops and people of Rome, being at first Christs true church, departed by degrees from the faith & worship of God; til they came joyntly p. 36to beleeve lyes, and to worship creatures, idols and divils (Rev. …. 30.) and became a Beast (or Antichristian kingdome) yet with two hornes like the Lamb Christ (Rev. 13.) & **Rev. 13. 6.Rev 13:6blaspheming Gods Tabernacle & them that dwel in heaven, (that is the true church,) they pretend themselves to be the onelyonly true church of Christ, and that all other are hereticks; they pretend succession even from th Apostles dayes, without change of religion, and so they sit in the temple of God, or for the Temple, as if they & none but they were the Temple and church of God; the Pope being the head of this sinfull corporation, of this Beast or kingdome; and exalting himself above God & Christ, whiles yet he calleth himself Christs vicar, and the Servant of the servants of God; and by strong delusion keepeth his people in beleef of lyes, that togither with him they all might be damned, who beleeve not the trueth but have pleasure in unrighteousnes; as the Apostle sayth, 2. Thes. 2. 12.

Now where he objecteth, what mysterie is there in it, that Antichrist should sit in the temple of Antichrist? I answer, it is a great mysterie, in that it is doen by him and his, under the name and shew of Christianitie; and as the Apostle sayth, after the working of Satan, with all power and signes and lying wonders, and with all deceivablenes of unrighteousnes, 2. Thes. 9. 10. And where he further sayth, but for Antichrist to sit in Christs church, this is in deed a mysterie; I answer, it is in deed a contrarietie and impossibilitie (not a mysterie:) for no man can serve two masters, Mat. 6. 24. of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage, 2. Pet. 2. 19. to whom men yeild themselves servants to obey, his servants they are to whom they obey, Rom. 6. 16. Now the church of Rome, yeilding unto and obeying Antichrist, cannot be the servants of Christ, if th' Apostles doctrine be true. And after mine opposites manner of reasoning, an other▪ man might say, seing Christianitie is the mystirie of godlines, 1. Tim. 3. 16. as Antichristianitie is the mysterie of iniquitie, 2. Thes. 2. 7. Christ must sit in the Temple of Satan, as Antichrist sitteth in the temple of God: for for Christ to sit in the Temple & church of Christ, what mysterie is there in it? but for Christ to sit in Satans temple, and Antichrists church, this is in deed a mysterie. Were not this (think we) good reasoning, to put darknes for light, and light for darknes; Christ into Antichrists place, and Antichrist into Christs; for to finde out a mysterie? But they that have their eyes opened to read the mysterie that is not onelyonly in the Pope, but on p. 37††Rev. 17. … ▪Rev 17the forehead of the whore of Babylon his church, will soon espie this fraud: though others are bewitched with her painted face. For as Satan can transforme himself into an Angel of light, and his ministers can be transformed as the ministers of righteousnes 2 Cor. 11. 14. 15. is it such a marvel, that he should transforme his temple and church, into the Temple of God, and church of Christ: and yet as he is a Divil stil, notwithstanding his transformation; so his Temple cō tinueth stil the Temple of the Divil, and church of Antichrist, how ever they are disguised with other names and habits. And to help a litle to the discerning of both these opposite mysteries of pietie and impietie: wee are to know, that Christs Kingdome beginneth in the kingdome of Satan, and is perfected in the Kingdome of God; and Antichrists kingdome beginneth in the kingdome of God, and is perfected in the kingdome of Satan. For, the god of this world having blinded the eyes of infidels, who are dead in synns, and walk **Eph. …. 1. 2▪according to the prince of the power of the aier: Christ by his Ministers sent into the world, and by his word of trueth, the gospel, causeth light to arise unto them, openeth their eyes, and turneth them ††Act. 26. 18.Acts 26:18from darknes to light, and from the power of Satan vntounto God, that they may receive forgivenes of synns, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in him: and thus God delivereth them from the power of darknes, and translateth them **Col. 1. 13.Col 1:13into the kingdome of his beloved son. Then cometh Satan by Antichrists, which are his ministers, ††Gal. 2. 4.Gal 2:4privily crept into the church, and by the word of ““2 Thes. 2. 11.2 Thess 2:11lying, (which is Antichrists gospel) he darkneth the mindes of them that have not received ‘*‘*vers. 10.the love of the trueth, and turneth them back againe from God, and by *‘*‘2 Pet. 2. … ▪2 Pet 2damnable heresies privily brought in draweth them even to deny the Lord that bought them, and so bring upon themselves swift destruction. Then doe ““1 Job. 2. 19.Job 2:19they goe out from the church, & blaspheme ††2 Pet 2. 2.2 Pet 2:2the way of trueth, and togither with the Beast, doe ‘†‘†Rev. 19. 19.Rev 19:19warr against Christ: whom yet in name and pretense they would seem to honour and serve, so accomplishing the mysterie of their iniquitie, unto assured damnation, if they turne not againe unto God.

This thing not being observed, how Christ beginneth in the world, and draweth men out of it into his church; and Antichrist beginneth in the church, & draweth men out of it into the world againe, (as the Dragons taile, draweth the starrs of heaven, & …fteth them to the earth, Rev. 12. 4.) mine opposite thought it absurditie p. 38and contradiction in me, for writing thus; **Animad. pag. 80.When th Apostle therfore telleth us, that Antichrist sitteth as God in the Temple of God, it is to be vnderstood first of their invading and destroying of Gods church and people, as the heathens of old ††Psalm. 79. Dan. 8. 11. 13. & 11. …6. Ier. 52. …2. 13. Lam. …. 7. 9.Ps 79Dan 8:11Dan 8:13Dan 11:6Jer 52:2Jer 52:13dealt with Jerusalem and dwellers therin: secondly of their owne vayne ostentation, whiles they will have it called the Christian catholik church, and th: Pope the head of the same. VponUpon this, he thus inveigheth:

““Chr. plea pag. 159.What have we here? Doth himself now by the Temple of God vnderstand Gods church and people: yea such as was answerable to Ierusalem, and the dwellers therin of old? why then hath he so eagerly oppugned us hereabout? &c.

Answ. I oppugne the present church of Rome, which Antichrist destroyeth not, but buildeth and adorneth as an alluring harlot: the Christian church which was in Rome of old, that hath he invaded and destroyed long since; for they then were **Rom. 1.Rom 1Saints, such as he hateth: these now are worshipers of him and of idols & ††Rev. 9. 20. & 18. 2.Rev 9:20Rev 18:2Divils; and are an habitation of Divils. So there is as much difference between the church of Rome now, and the church then: as between the Bishop of Rome now, & the Bishops then: they were Christs ministers, this now is Antichrist, as mine opposite himself confesseth. And what cause hath he to insult, as if he had got the victorie? Let wise men judge. But he proceedeth.

Obj. Where can he shew in the scriptures, that sitting is put for invading or destroying &c. Otherwhere stil he teatheth that by sitting is meant abiding, continuing, dwelling, &c.

What if I cannot prove that sitting is put for invading or destroying: Answ.if I prove my assertion by other words of the text, shall it not suffice? The words Eiston Naon, into the Temple, may imply by a **M…talepsisfigure, his invading: and the person that invadeth being an enemy, a theef, a wolf, implyeth his destroying; for our Saviour sayth, The theef cometh not but for to steale, and to kill, and to destroy. 1 Joh. 10. 10. The scripture often wanteth words, easy to be understood: so here Paul sayth of Antichrist, that he (having entred) into the Temple of God, sitteth as God. And if they regard not my exposition, they shall have his on whom they so much rely, Mr. Iunius I mean, who so explaineth it, saying, The testimonie of signe is this, that Invading the temple of God, he shal sit as God. Jun. Animad vers. in Bellarm. Controv. 3. l. 3. c. 14. not. 18. But what if I confirme it by the word sitting, which he thought so unlikely? In Esai. 14. 13. the Prophet upbraideth the p. 39king of Babylon thus, Thou hast sayd in thine hart, J wil ascend into heaven &c. J wil sit also in the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the North; meaning, mount Sion where Gods temple was. But this is meant of Nebuchadnezars invading of Ierusalem to spoile the same, as the historie sheweth, 2 King. 25. and in him, Antichrists tyrannie against the church was lively figured. As for sitting to mean continuing, though it doth so often times, yet not alwayes; Christ sate upon the mount of Olives, Mat. 24. 3. the disciples sate in the house, Act. 2. 2. yet dwelt they not, or continued long there. And when the Babylonian invaded mount Sion to sit there, he continued not there, but having spoiled the citie, burned the Temple, and captived the people, he returned into Babylon, 2 King. 25. so Antichrist spoiling Christian churches returneth to his **Revel. 17Rev 17whore of Babylon, his proper habitation, which he wickedly boasteth to be the Sion, Temple and church of God.

Wheras mine opposite expounded the Temple of God to be the church, and shewed not whether he meant a church particular, or general and catholik; I sayd for a particular church, it wil not agree with the prophesies of Antichrist, whose citie or church is so great, as peoples, kinreds, tongues & nations, doe dwell in the streets therof, Rev. 11. 8. 9. He gainsayeth me thus:

††Chr. ple▪ p. 152.First, Still he calls that Antichrists church, which th' Apostle calleth the Temple of God.

Answ. It is his own interpretation, that the Temple meaneth the church; and that he that sitteth in it is Antichrist; and sitting he wil have to be continuing: and why may not I call that church wherin Antichrist sitteth continually as God, Antichrists church; yea though it were indeed Gods church as he supposeth. Seing the citie wherin Christ did but dwell, was called his owne citie, Mat. 9. 1. And that which God sayth, in my house, and in my kingdom, 1 Chron. 17. 14. an other Prophet relateth it, thine house and thy kingdome, speaking to David the governour, 2 Sam. 7. 16. Or to shew a fitter similitude, as the holy Ghost calleth the Moabites the people of Chemosh, Numb. …1. 29. because they worshiped Chemosh for their God; so the church of Rome which worshipeth Antichrist, is fitly called Antichrists church.

Object. How will he prove that the Beasts citie Rev 11. 8. is the temple of God, 2 Thes. 24.

Ans. It is himself that expoundeth the Templ▪ to be the church▪ p. 40and in special the Lateran church in Rome, where the Pope is parish priest. I shew by Rev. 11. 8. that the Popes parish is a larger citie or church then eyther that Lateran parish or Rome it self, even over many nations; and so can not be a particular church such as Christ instituted; but a new catholik church which the Pope hath devised, and would have it accounted the Temple and church of God. Here mine opposite, laboureth to finde a difference between the Beasts citie and his church: but all in vaine. For thus he reasoneth.

1. ††Chr. plea pag. 152.This citie in Rev. 11. 8. is spiritually called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified. But the church is here called the Temple of God, or the Court without the Temple, or the holy Citie.

Answ. First then he granteth that the same church may be called both a temple & a citie: so the diverse name helpeth him nothing. Secondly, it is true that Antichrists church is called Sodom and Egypt which was an whole countrie: let men now judge how fitly mine opposite hath confined Antichrists church within the Laterane parish, a corner in Rome. Shall we rather beleeve him, or the Holy Ghost? Thirdly that is called the Holy citie, Rev. 11. 2. which the Gentiles (the church of Antichrist) tread under foot, as destroyed and wast: wheras the church of Antichrist is a great citie called Babylon, sumptuously builded, garnished, and by him mainteyned, Rev. 17. and that is the church of Rome at this day, as all know: and of the present church of Rome is now our controversie.

Obj. 2. This great citie is that where our Lord was crucified, Rev. 11. 8. Now all know that he was crucified in and vnderunder the jurisdiction of the citie, not of the church of Rome. For he was condemned by Pontius Pilate &c.

Answ. The thing he aimeth at, is that the citie mentioned in Rev, 11. 8. is a civil politie, as when Rome killed Christ; and not an ecclesiastical politie or church. But he laboureth in the winde: for the citie is such as is the Beast or kingdome: the Beast is a spiritual politie most synful, for it commeth out of the bottomles pit, Rev. 11. 7. that is from the Divil; wheras all Civil polities are from God, though they be heathens, Rom. 13. 1. 2. Secondly he should have knowen, that the same Citie which was a civil politie in Christs time, & killed him: is now subordinate to an ecclesiastical politie, church, or Papacie; and stil crucifieth Christ in his members.

p. 41Obj. 3. This citie is that which was the Dragons throne, and by him given to the Beast, Revel. 13. 2. But this was the citie, not the church of Rome. Neyther J think wil these men themselves say, that the church was the Dragons throne, or was by the Dragon given to the beast.

Answ. The citie or politie which the Dragon gave to the Beast, was civil, but is now subjected to, or become ecclesiastical: for the citie of Rome is now by profession Christen, which of old was heathen: and by professed Christians (namely the Pope & his church) are those witnesses of God killed, Rev. 11. 7. 8. so their corpses lye unburied in the streets of the beasts citie, that is of Antichrists church or politie, which reacheth over many nations.

Obj. 4. This citie also is the throne of the Beast, and Babylon the great citie spoken of Rev. 16. 10. 19. & 17. & 18. chapt. which is to be understood of the citie of Rome and dominion therof.

Answ. It is granted that this citie is Babylon, and Rome, and the dominion therof: but it is a spiritual politie or church: for who hath dominion now of Rome, but the Pope or Bishop there, the pretended vicar of Christ; and who but he hath killed those Martyrs, within his Diocese or Bishoprick, which reacheth over many kingdoms?

Obj. 5. This citie is the woman that sitteth on seven-mountains, Reve. 17. 9. 18. And the citie, not the church of Rome, is built on 7. mountaines.

Answ. Yes, the same heathen citie which was first set on seven hills; is now a pretended Christian citie, sitting still on her 7 hills: and being a Christian in name, hath killed Christ in his members, by her Popes power ecclesiastical, who hath his seat in her, but his Dragons pawes reach into farr countries. This citie, the woman on 7. hills, is shee that hath made the inhabiters of the earth drunk with the wine of her …ornication, Rev. 17. 1. 2. &c. and who but the church of Rome hath doen this?

Obj. 6. This citie hath 7. kings or kindes of government &c. by Kings, Consuls, Dictators, Decemvirs & Tribunes (ceased before Johns time) Emperours▪ (when Iohn lived) and Popes (not then come:) But how should this be found in the church of Rome, which was not before Johns tyme; and therfore could not have 5. Kings or kindes of government then fallen.

Answ. Ill doe they thrive, that kick against the pricks. Here himself confesseth the Popes goverment to be one of the seven: now the Popes goverment or papacie, is an ecclesiastical monarchie; by it were the witnesses of Christ slayn, as before I shewed. p. 42As for seven goverments to be found in the church of Rome, that is in the papacie, is absurd; for it is to seek 7. kindes of goverment in one. But six are gone and the seventh remayneth by the Pope. That citie or politie which once was heathen, now Christian in name (Antichristian in deed;) which the Pope menageth: is the malignant church that killeth Gods witnesses, amongst peoples, kinreds, tongues and nations, Rev. 11. 8. 9. Therfore it can not be restreyned to one particular congregation.

Obj. 7. This citie is that which reigned over the kings of the earth in Johns time, Rev. 17. 8. And that not the church but the citie of Rome so reigned when John wrote, all doe acknowledge.

Answ. But, that the citie the church of Rome now reigneth by the Pope the head of that church, all doe acknowledge. And the killing of those witnesses Rev. 11. was not in Iohns time, but after, when the citie or politie of Rome was become Christian in name and title. To say, it was not so in Iohns time, therfore it is not so now; is dallying, rather then sound reasoning.

Obj. 8. Finally, the Lord himself putteth difference between this citie Babylon, and his people therin, Rev. 18. 4. as of old, in Babylon of Chalde…. Ier. 50. &c.

Answ. This is true; but what can he inferr thereupon? It was not Gods people in Babylon, that killed those witnesses, Rev. 11. but it was Babylon that killed those witnesses, Gods people therin. Because Gods people killed not those witnesses, but the Beast in his catholik citie or church: therfore (thinks he) that citie of the beast, is not his church; a fayre conclusion.

Obj. ††Chr. plea ag. 154.Note here, that by the great citie, is meant not onelyonly the citie it self, but the whole jurisdiction, authority and dominion therof, how farr soever extended.

Answ. It is a good note, and worth the marking: for the great citie being the church of Rome, as before is proved; it followeth, that the extents of that church, reach further then the materiall walls of Rome, even to all nations that are of the Popes religion: and therfore to bound it within the Lateran parish of Rome, is to restreyn that which God sheweth to be more large. It were a happy day, if the Popes unruly power, were limited within the Lateran parish, and his jurisdiction reached no further. But he must have a larger scope to range in yet a while: and weak warriers are they against him, that plead for his whorish church of p. 43Rome, that it is the true church of Christ, and under his covenant of grace. It is the thing that the Pope would most gladly have proved: and I am well assured, Babylon wil not fall, til it be otherweise battered.

Obj. ††Chr. plea pag. 154.Where yet observe further, that the church of Rome, being fallen into deep apostasie, and having the man of syn sitting ther in as God, who hath that citie for his throne: the things that are spoken of this citie, are also applied to the apostate estate of that church of Rome, and the other churches that are under the jurisdiction of the prelacie of that Sea, whersoever, and of whatsoever people, kinred, tongue or nation they be: &c. But shall wee therfore conclude, that by the Temple of God, 2 Thes. 2. 4. may not be understood the church of God?

Answ. How glorious is the trueth, that forceth those to yeild, that fight against it. His former reasons (that by the Citie in Rev. …1. 8. the church was not meant,) he now frustrateth himself. But still he cleaveth to his first plea, The temple of God 1 Thes. 2. is the church of God. I may answer hereto, as God by Ieremy did to the Iewes, Trust not in lying words, saying, The temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord are these: Ier. 7. 4. Our dispute is, in what sense Paul calleth it the Temple of God; whether as the true temple builded by Solomon, or as the false temple builded in Samaria by the Apostate Israelites, which the Prophet calleth the house of their God, Amos 2. 8. as the Apostle calleth this the Temple of God. Now faine he would have this Romish temple of apostate Papists, to be the true temple of God; and that they notwithstanding their deep apostasie, are Gods true church, under his covenant: which I deny, and have before disproved; and Paul in the very same place, counteth them among those that perish, for beleeving lyes, & which shalbe damned for not beleeving the trueth, 2 Thes. 2. 10. 11. 12. and Christ teacheth, that being worshipers of the beast, their names are not written in the book of l…fe. Rev. 13. 8. & 17. 8. but they shalbe tormented in fyre and brimstone for ever, Revel. 14. 9. 10. 11. and that the whorish church Babylon the great, the mother of harlots and abominations of the earth, which is drunken with the blood of the Saincts and of the martyrs of Jesus shalbe destroyed for ever, Rev. 17. 5. 6. & 18. 21. And who now, that have not their right eye blinded, wil not rather say, it is the Samaritans Temple, then Solomons; though in pretence and colour, the Temple of God. And seing every true church now, is a particular congregation in one place; but the church of Rome is a p. 44new found catholik church, spred over many nations under one head & Bishop the Pope: it can not possibly be Christs true church, having neyther the constitution, faith, worship, ministerie, order or ordinances of Christ; but of his enemie Antichrist.

Wheras I formerly wrote, **Animadv. …g. 78.Neyther is that (if they meane a particular church) answerable to the Temple in Israel, which was not for one synagogue, but for ††Deut. 16. 16.Deut 16:16the whole nation of the Iewes, and for the ‘*‘*1 King. 8. …. 4…. Ioh. …. 20. Act. 8. 27.1 Kgs 8Acts 8:27Gentiles that came to the faith, through the world. To this he sayth;

*‘*‘Chr. plea …g. 155.How greatly forgets he himself, and how presently, seing but a line before he sayd, the Temple figured not onelyonly the catholik or universal church, Ephe. 2. 21. but also every particular church by proportion, 1 Corint. 3. 16. 17. And may we not then apply it to that wherof it was a figure? &c.

Answ. No: for mine opposite granteth that the Temple was primarily a figure Christ: but so to apply it in this place, 2 Thes. 2. himself thinketh not fit. I deny not, but some where it may and ought to be so applyed: but considering that the Temple of God wherin Antichrist now sitteth is a catholik church spred over many nations, (as was prophesied Rev. 11. 8. 9.) I think the applying of Pauls words in 2 Thes. 2. to a particular church, is neyther fitting to the type, nor to the prophesie, nor to the accomplishment of it which we see at this day. The priests in Israel figured Christ chiefly, secondarily Christians, Rev. 1. 6. But to apply those things which Paul speaketh of the Priests in Heb. 10. 11. 12. to us Christians, were not onelyonly unfitting, but heretical.

Obj. **Pag. 156.The Candlesticks and Lamps were set in the Temple of God: and the church of Rome was a golden Candlestick, as well as the rest of the primitive churches; and this man himself sayth definitely ††Animadv. pag. 103.the true churches were many of them apostate when John wrote; whom yet notwithstanding Christ acknowledgeth to be Rev. 1. 11. 2. 20. & …. 1.Rev 1:11Rev 1:2Rev 1:20Rev 1:1golden candlesticks. In any of which, of Antichrist had sit, as in the church of Rome, I suppose this man would not deny, but his sitting then should have been in the Temple of God: whether it were considered as a particular candlestick it self, or a branch of the great & general candlestick &c.

Answ. 1. If the Candlesticks were churches in the Temple the church: then the Temple in such respect is the catholick church, for one particular church is not in an other. 2. I grant that the church of Rome was a golden candlestick in th'Apostles time: and I think mine opposite would not deny but then also the Bishop of Rome, was a **Rev. 1. 20.Rev 1:20starr in Christs right hand. But now the Bishop p. 45is a starr fallen from heaven, and acknowledged to be Antichrist: why then may not the church be fallen with him, (as Paul forewarned, Rom. 11. 22.) and the candlestick removed from it, as wel as from Ephesus, Rev. 2. 5. except Rome have a privilege above all other cities, because it crucified Christ. 3. I grant also that the true churches apostate in Rev. 2. & 3. were still golden candlesticks, though some of them rustie: but I would have it likewise graunted me, that there were other churches but copper candlesticks, though they pretended to be golden; namely such Antichristian haeretical synagogues, as of whom it might be sayd, They went out from us, but they were not of us, 1. Joh. 2. 18. 19. And if those petty Antichrists were no golden candlesticks; much less can the great Antichrist with his synagogue, be a golden candlestick; for he farr exceedeth them in idolatrie, heresie and impietie. That Antichrist could sit in any true church then, as he sitteth now in the church of Rome, namely as God, and so to be beleeved with his lyes, worshiped, and obeyed; I utterly deny: for that church that so doeth, departeth from Christ the foundation, and denyeth both the Father and the Son, 1 Ioh. 2. 22. 23. and whether it be a particular church, or a more general, it skilleth not: universalitie in worshiping the Beast, causeth but universalitie of damnation, Rev. 13. 16. 17. & 14▪ 9. 10. 11.

Obj. Wheras he would be taught how that whorish company that worship the Beast and Dragon, can be the true catholik church and spouse of Christ: though that which J noted before be sufficient for the point in hand; yet let him first remember, how but a litle before he told us, the catholik church of the now Romish religion, as themselves describe it, hath one part therof on earth, an other under the earth, & a third part in heaven: and now here he speaketh onelyonly of such as are on earth, and those also such as worship the Dragon and beast, Rev. 13. 4. wheras the catholik church in deed conteyneth all churches & people of God from the beginning of the world &c.

Answ. By this then it appeareth, that the church of Rome lyeth apparantly, when she calleth her self the catholik church: and therfore is not the true church or Temple of God. But I would be taught in deed, how that whorish company here on earth which worship the Beast, can be the true church eyther universall or particular.

Here first he asketh whither I think there was no other churches of p. 46Christians catholik or particular wherin Antichrist sate since th'apostasie of the man of syn, but such as worshiped the Dragon and the beast? And who then were the Tabernacle and those that dwelt in heaven, whom the beast blasphemed, and the saintes with whom he made warr 42. monethes, Rev. 13. 5. 6. 7. and of what church they were &c.

Answ. He seemeth to use the word sit in two senses; 1. for oppressing, blaspheming, killing the Saincts that resisted Antichrist; and 2. for quiet governing and having in subjection the wicked that beleeve and obey him: with such aequivocations his writings are too full. Such churches or persons as resisted the beast, and whom he blasphemed and killed: they were of God; and of them there is no question. But the other sort given over of God to beleeve lyes, and to worship the man of syn as God, like as he sheweth him self that he is God; they are not the true church of God, catholik or particular: and of such is the present church of Rome, now i… question. As for the Saincts that dwell in heaven, whom Antichrist blasphemeth: they are where he is no… ▪ in the true church out of which he is gone, both he and his; and therfore doth he persecute them. The scripture by him cite…, Rev. 13. 6. yieldeth a strong argument against his purpose, thus. The true Tabernacle, church and heavenly people, are blasphemed and warred against by Antichrist. The church of Rome now, is not blasphemed and warred against by Antichrist, but blessed commended & mainteyned. Therfore the church of Rome now, is not the true tabernacle, church or heavenly people.

Obj. Jerusalem came to be a **Ezek. 16. 2. 35. &c. & 23. 2.-43. &c.Ezek 16:2Ezek 16:35h…l…t, old in adulteries, and the Jewes to be a ††Esa. 1. 4. 5. &c.Isa 1:4Isa 1:5synfull nation laden with iniquitie &c. ““Esa. 57. 3. 4. 5.Isa 57:3Isa 57:4Isa 57:5sonns of the sorceress, the seed of …he adulterer and the wh…re; a *‘*‘Esa. 65. 2. 3. &c.Isa 65:2Isa 65:3rebellious people &c ““2 Chron. 36. 14. &c.2 Chr 36:14transgressing after all the abominations of the heathens and polluting the house of the Lord, &c. yet they were stil notwithstanding the citie, people and temple of the Lord. Esai. 1. 3. & 3. 12. with Ier. 50. 28. & 51. 11 35. 36. 45. 50. 51.

Answ. One findeth a dead and stinking carkess of a man; and to prove it a living man he sayth, Such an one was so and so diseased, he had the burn…ng ague, the palsie, dropsie, the gangrene & the plague: yet was he a living man, therfore this is likewise. Such is the mould of mine opposites argument. For the Papists the worshipers of the Beast are sayd of God to be dead men, Rev. 20. 4. …. not partakers of the first resurrection; that is, **Eph. 2. 1.Eph 2:1dead in syn, not revived by Christ: now to prove them alive, examples of other p. 47persons and peoples of Israel are alleaged; who because they were great synners, but not dead in syn, therfore these dead men under Antichrist, must be living also. He hath been answered, that the Iewes whiles they continued Gods Church though greatly corrupted, are not fit resemblances of Antichrists church which the holy Ghost calleth no where Iudea, but Babylon, Rev. 17.

Wheras I sayd, ††Animadv pag. 79.The very word Temple (speaking of that wherin Antichrist sitteth as God,) leadeth us to understand Antichrists church to be but a counterfeit: shewing this reason, that the Temple in Israel was not the church or people properly, but a sacramentall signe of Gods dwelling with his people, 2 Chron. 6. 2. and of his inward dwelling in their harts by faith, Eph. 3. 17. & 2. 22. so Antichrists temple is an outward shew of his presence with that seduced people, in whose harts he dwelleth by popish faith, and by his spirit of error carying them to damnation: &c. Rev. 13. 4. 14. & 16. 14. 1 Tim. 4. 1. 2 Thes. 2. 10. 11. He answereth,

**Chr. plea pag. 158.Then when th'Apostle sayth to the church of Corinth, ye are the Temple of God, 1 Cor. 3 16. his meaning should be according to this glose, ye are a counterfeit church. And when Christ sayd, Destroy this Temple, Joh. …. 19. speaking of his bodie; the word Temple should lead us to understand Christs body to be but a counterfeyt.

Would any man of good understanding and affection have made such inferences upon my words? Doth not the very word God, when it is spoken of Baal, and of images made with mens hands, lead us to understand them to be but counterfeyt gods: or would any adversary, if I had so spoken of Baal and the word God which is applied unto him by the Prophet, 1 King. 18. 27. have wrested my reason against the true God? But sundry such abuses I beare, and forbeare to reply unto; because my opposite cannot now heare his reproof: and to other men it would be fruitless.

Hetherto of th'Apostles phrase, the Temple of God. Now touching the Man of syn there also spoken of, mine opposer in the second proposition of his argument fore-set downe, sayth. But the Pope of Rome with his hierarchie, is (by ††Animadv p. 76.-106▪their own graunt) the man of syn, of whom the Apostle here speaketh. Other proof of this position he giveth none, but sayth I grant it; which in his understanding I have not granted. For he so divideth the Pope and hierarchie, (which are **Con…ll▪ Trident. sess▪ 23. can. 6.Bishops, Priests, and Deacons,) from the church of Rome, as he maketh the one, Antichrist and Man of syn: the other Christians, p. 48and men of grace; which how it can be, when both parties are of one and the same faith, worship, religion it passeth my slender capacitie. For if the Bishops priests and deacons have one faith & religion with the people, as it is knowen they have; and the people have the true Christian faith and religion, though corrupted, yet so as they are still under the covenant of grace, and sealed of God therin by baptisme: how should not the same faith give life to the priests or hierarchie, as it doeth to the people? And then, though the hierarchie be Antichrist, the Man of syn, the son of perdition, who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshiped, 2 Thes. 2. 3. yet they shall also be true Christians, men of God, and children of salvation.

Now to prove it to be my graunt, he sendeth his reader to 30. pages of my book at once; that if he myss it in one, he may suppose it is in an other, for not one man of many, wil read over so many leaves, for such a purpose onelyonly. Well, howsoever I wil not make nice to call the Pope and his hierarchie, the Man of syn; yea or the Pope alone, the man of syn, because he is the head of that sinfull corporation, and the highest exalted for almightynes & holynes: yet doe I not exclude the people from this body, and give it to the Pope and hierarchie onelyonly, as mine opposite would intimate. Nay the reader shall finde there the contrary, most expressly: for in pag. 76. I wrote thus. The Antichristian synagogue, is by the holy Ghost called a Beast, Rev. 13. 11. which signifieth a kingdome, Dan. 7. 23. it is named also a great citie, Rev. 11. 8. which noteth the largenes of that politie and kingdom. Jt cometh up out of the earth, Rev. 13. 11. as being of this world, (which Christs kingdom, that cometh down from heaven Rev. 21. 2. is not:) and therfore it is called a Man of syn, 2 Thes. 2. 3. and a great whore, Rev. 17. 1. whose head is Abaddon or a Apollyon, Rev. 9. 11. the destroyer of others, and himself the son of perdition, 2 Thes. 2. 3. and they that folow him, are the children of damnation, 2 Thes. 2. 12. Againe in pag. 83. I doe not onelyonly shew mine, but mine opposers owne judgment heretofore saying; She (speaking of the church of Rome) being in this forlorne estate, she is but a lump of syn, a man of syn, 2 Thes 2. 3. a child of perdition. The Beast is not one person, but a kingdom, Rev. 13. 11. Dan. 7. 23. and Mr. Iohnson himself hath acknowledged more then once, that the man of syn, is the false church (and religion) of Antichrist, compared to the body of a man, and consisting of all the partes togither. Treat▪ of the Minist. against Mr. Hilders. p. 7. Apolog. p. 109.

p. 49How faithfully now myne opposite hath dealt with me, to make it seem my graunt that the Pope and hierarchie apart from the church of Rome, is the Man of syn, all may see. As for his own former confession, he passeth it over, without approving or disproving what himself hath written.

This point is of weight, to give light to our controversie, for if the whole church, Pope, priests and people, be altogither a man of syn, & son of perdition; then can not any of sound judgment, think they are a true Christian church, or under the covenant of Gods grace.

To shew this therfore; first, the scriptures sundry times speaketh of a whole state or company, both governours and people, as of one person, man, woman, or child: as in Hos 1. 4. 6. 9. the three children Iezreel, Lo-ruhamah, and Lo-ammi, signified the three estates of the congregation of Israel, then shortly to follow. So in Rev. 12. 1. a woman signifieth the church of Christ; in Rev. 17. an other woman signifieth, the church of Antichrist; even as in Prov. 9. 1. 13. the same churches are set forth like two women, Wisdom, and the Foolish woman. In Rev. 12. 5. the Man child which the woman brought forth, meaneth a company of valiant Christians; as further appeareth by comparing Esai. 66. 7. 8. where the Woman that travelleth, is called Sion; and the man child in vers. 7. are called Sions children in vers. 8. Secondly, as Christ and Antichrist have their several churches, so these ech of them are called a man: as in Ephes. 2. 15. Christ is there sayd to make in himself, of twaine (that is, of two peoples, Iewes and Gentiles) one new man: where the whole church togither with Christ their head, is called a new man. Accordingly, Antichrist the Pope, togither with his whole church, is called the man of syn. And as in the new man the true Christian church, Christ the head hath in all things the preheminence: so in the man of syn, the Antichristian church, the Pope (Christs pretended vicar) hath in all things the preeminence, exalted for power & pretended holynes. As the new man the Christian church, is to be esteemed in the state of salvation, though some secret hypocrites and reprobates closely creep in among them here on earth: so the man of syn the Antichristian church, is to be estemed in the state of ††2 Thes. 2. 10. 12.2 Thess 2:102 Thess 2:12damnation, though some of Gods elect and hidden ones are in the same, Rev. 18. 4. And this man of syn the Pope and his church, sitteth in the Temple of God, the profession of Christ (whom the Temple p. 50chiefly figured) and of Christian religion and worship, (even as this beast or kingdome hath two hornes like the Lamb Christ, Rev. 13. 11.) that so under the shew of Christianitie, after the effectual working of Satan, with all power and signes and lying wonders (2 Thes. 2. 9. Rev. 13. 13. 14.) he may deceive them that dwell on the earth, and draw them into the lake of fyre. Thus much of the Man of syn sitting in the Temple of God. 2 Thes. 2.

Other scriptures he **Chr. plea 125. 126.alleageth to confirme his cause, as Manasses defiling Gods house, 2 King. 21. the Chaldeans defiling the Temple, Psalm. 79. the king of Babylons sitting on the mount of the congregation, Esai. 14. The prophets visions of the Temple polluted, Ezek 8. And the prophesie of Antiochus, Dan. 11. In all which places, I acknowledge the true Temple of God, to be understood. But his error in applying this to his purpose, I have before manifested. For that Temple was not the people, but an outward ordinance of God set among his people: wheras in his understanding the Temple of God, wherin Antichrist sitteth is the people. 2. That Temple was not infected with syn, but the syn rested in the persons that worshiped in it, or came into it; as I shewed before, from Levit. 16. 16. Wheras the church of Rome is so infected with Antichrists syn, as mine opposite confesseth it to be ††Chr. plea …ag. 120.in most synfull and deep apostasie, and so to be a notorious harlot and idolatress which all the people of God ought to forsake. 3. That temple merely suffred that misusage at the hands of synners, Iewes and Gentiles: even as Christ, the true Temple in his humanitie, & true Christians his members have suffred, at the hands of the Romans, of old heathens and now Antichristians. But to make that temple a type of this malignant church, which togither with her head the Pope, persecuteth Christ and his saincts, and worshipeth creatures, idols and **Rev. 9. 20.Rev 9:20Divils; is altogither amyss. For so we might conclude thus: As the Temple of God though it were defiled with the apostasie & idolatrie of the Iewes and of the Gentiles, with how great abomination soever; yet continued Gods holy Temple still; and could not by any impietie become the Temple of Antichrist or of Satan: so the church of Rome, though it should be defiled with apostasie idolatrie prophanenesse atheisme eyther of Antichrist or of Iewes Turks or Pagans; if it should beleeve and receive the religion of Maomet or of Iulian the Apostata; yet should it continue the true church and people of God, and under his covenant of grace. p. 51Behold what favour the church of Rome hath found above all churches under heaven: that if she receive Iudaisme or Paganisme, if she worship the Beast; the Dragon, or Divil himself by open profession, yet the abideth the church of God: for if Antiochus who set up Iupiter Olympius image in the Temple, had set up also the professed worship of the Divil; yet the Temple should have been Gods holy temple notwithstanding; and so by proportion the church of Rome must be, if this comparison of mine opposites be true. By such doctrine, the whole gospel of Christ is overthrowne. For faith and sanctimonie of life, are the summe of all the gospell: and both of them are destroyed. For though Rome be apostate and departed from the faith, as Paul foretold, 1 Tim. 4. 1. though she beleeve in a wafer cake, and worship it for her God and maker: though she beleeve to have forgivenes of synns, by the abominable massing sacrifice of her priests, by the pardons and indulgences of her popes, and to merit salvation in heaven, by wicked works which she doeth, being taught by the Man of syn: though she have many thousands of new Gods and new Christs, even so many as there be Angels and saincts in heaven, and moe too: though she be as filthy in life as Sodom, as idolatrous & malignant against Gods people as were Egypt and Babylon, (unto which the holy Ghost hath compared her, Rev 11. 8. & 14. 8.) yet so long as she wil say to Christ, but as the Divil sayd, Thou art Christ the son of God, Luke 4. 41. that is, so long as she reteyneth the profession of Christianitie; she is the Temple of God, the church of Christ, and under the covenant of salvation.

But he that justifieth the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, Prov. 16. 15. and woe unto them that say concerning evil, it is good, Esa. 5. 20. Can not men put difference between Gods ordinances given unto a people, & the people: themselves that injoy, use or abuse those ordinances? The Temple was an ordinance given unto Israel, as were the altars and sacrifices therin: so God gave unto all the world by Noe, commandements for altars and sacrifices, Gen. 8. 20. unto Abraham he commanded circumcision, unto Christians baptisme, the Supper of Christ &c. All Gods ordinances continue in themselves holy, (till God doe abrogate them,) though men that abuse them, fall to be most unholy, and without God in the world. So the sacrifices of sheep and Oxen were in themselves Gods holy ordinances, howsoever abused by the Iewes in Ierusalem, p. 52by the Israelites in Samaria, and by the heathens in their severall lands: so circumcision, though profaned by the Sichemites Gen. 34. so baptisme and the Lords supper, though turned by Antichrist into abominable idols; remayned and doe remaine in themselves Gods holy ordinances, though men have abused them to their damnation: so the Sun moon and starrs continued Gods good creatures, though men made idols of them to themselves. To reason therfore from the creatures and ordinances, unto men which abuse them; and to gather because the creature or ordinance abideth good in it self, therfore the person that abuseth it, abideth good also: or to wrest a type, as mine opposite doeth, from a creature or ordinance of old, to a most synfull people now, and make them alike holy; is an high abuse of Gods ordinances, and a taking of his name in vaine.