Some Gospel Truths Opened, Part 6

Some Gospel Truths Opened · Part 6

p. 99His Burial proved.

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

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

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

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

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

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

I shall now briefly touch two or three Scriptures which hold forth the Disciples testimony of his resurrection. And the first is in Acts 10. 40, 41. In which place, the Apostle speaking of the Lord Jesus, saith, …im … raised …y the third day, and shewed him openly, yet not to all the people, but to witnesses chosen before of God, even to us (saith the Apostle:) who did eat and drink w…h him after he was risen from the dead. Again, Acts 4. 10. And Acts 13. 29. 30, 31. The words run thus. (the Apostle speaking of Jesus, saith) And when they had fulfilled all that was written of him, they took him … the tree, and laid him p. 113in a Sepulchre. See 1 Cor. 15. 1, 2, 3, 4. 5, 6, 7. 8.1 Cor 15:11 Cor 15:21 Cor 15:31 Cor 15:41 Cor 15:51 Cor 15:61 Cor 15:71 Cor 15:8But God raised him from the dead, and he was seen many d…yes of them which came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are his witnesses unto the people. And thus far to…ching his resurrection from the dead.

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

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

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

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

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

Answ. For answer, We doe not say, (as I said before) that it is another that ascended, but the very same. That is, the very same Christ, that was with the father from everlasting, did come down from heaven. That same Christ also that came down from heaven did ascend up thither again: only, he descended without a body from heaven, and took flesh and blood upon him from the Virgin. And though he descended without a body, yet (he) the very same Christ, that descended without a body, the same did ascend again with a body, even p. 119that very body that he took of the virgin Mary, Act. 2. 30. 31.Acts 2:30Acts 2:31See Luke 24. from 39 to the 51. verses. Now let me give you a Similitude, for it is warrantable; for both Christ and his Apostles did sometimes use them,Joh 15. ….John 15 to the end,1 Cor. 9. 24. 25.1 Cor 9:241 Cor 9:25 soules might be the be…ter inf…rmed. The similitude is this. Suppose there come into thine house a man that is naked, and without clothing, though he go out of thy house againe well clothed; yet the same man that came in without clothing, is the same man also that go…s out of thy house, though very well clothed. Even so it is in this case. The Lord Jesus came into the wombe of the virgin, … Spirit, Mat. 1…. 18. but he came out of the womb clothed with a body, and went up into heaven again clothed with a body. Compare Luke 24. 39. with Act. 1. 11. and Act. 2. 30, 31.

Now also I shal lay down some few things to be considered, for p. 1201the better clearing of it, 1. Consider, that he did say to his Disciples, that he would go away from them: (Joh. 14. 3. Joh. 16. 7. yea,Mat. 25. 19Matt 25:19 saith he, I go and prepare a place for you) and then I will (after a long time) come again and take you to my selfe, that where I am, that is, whither I am going, there ye may be also. Now I say, If Christ had not gone from his Disciples (for that was his meaning) touching his bodily presence; I say if he had not gone away from them, in respect of his bodily presence, he had said more then he had performed; which is horrible blasphemie once to assert; Which going of his, is his going into heaven. See, 1 Pet. 3. 22.

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

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

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

Fifthly,Eph. 6. 9.Eph 6:9 Know that he is gone in o… heaven because the Scriptures say he is;1 Pet. 3. 22.1 Pet 3:22 which is the very truth of God,Heb. 9. 24.Heb 9:24 spoken by his holy Apostles and Prophets: yea, holy men of God, spake them as they were moved by the holy Ghost.

Sixthly, Consider, If thou sayest that that man is not gone into heaven, then thou must also conclude, that he is still in the grave: and if so, then thou sayest, that the Prophets, Apostles, Angels, Christ, God, and all are lyars, who have testified these things in the Scriptures for glorious truths, Isa. 26. 19. Acts 10.1▪ Pet. 3. 2.1 Pet 3:2 v. 40, 41, 42. and 13. v. 30, 34, 36, 37, 38. Ac…s …. 9, 10, 11.…eb. 9. 24. …ev. 1. 17, 8. …ev. 2. 8. And as the Apostle saith of himselfe, and the rest of the Apostles and ministers of p. 123Jesus Christ, And we are found false witnesses of God, because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ, whom he raised not up, if so …e the dead rise not. But now is Christ risen, and become the first fruits of them that sleep. For as by man came death, by Man came also the resurrection from the dead, 1 Cor. 15. 15, 20, 21.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

So that that heaven into1 Tim. 2. 51 Tim 2:5 which the Man Christ is ascended,Joh. 16. 6, 7.John 16:6John 16:7 is not into his Church on earth;Joh. 14. 1, 2, 3.John 14:1John 14:2John 14:3 but into heaven without above the clouds and the Stars. And this David doth prophe…ie of, Psal. 47. 5. where he saith, p. 129God is gone up with a shout, the Lord with the sound of a Trumpet. Now Christ, as God meerly could not go up, being no lesse in one place then in another; but as God man, or in his humane nature he went up; as will clearly appear, Epes. 4 8, 9, 10. where he speaketh of his trium…h over all the enemies of his people at his resurrection and ascension into heaven above the clouds.

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

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

When Christ and his Saints do meet the second time together, the one ascends and the other descends; the one is caught up in the clouds towards heaven, the other descends from heaven towards the earth, and they must needs meet one another just in the air,Phil. 3. 20.Phil 3:20 that is, between the heaven and the earth. So then,1 Thes 1. 10.1 Thess 1:10 the one coming from heaven, and the other from the earth, and their meeting being in the air, which is between heaven and earth, is an undeniable demonstration, that that heaven into which the man Christ is ascended, p. 131must needs be that heaven without above the Sun, Moon and Stars And thus much touching the Son of Mary, his ascending up into the heaven without above the clouds, Acts 1. 9, 10, 11. Acts 3. 21, & 1 Pet. 3 22

In the next place,

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

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

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

But you will say, is there a man made mention of here? Yes; for the Scripture saith, Ther is one God, and one Mediatour between God and men, 1 Tim. 2. 5.1 Tim 2:5the Man Christ Jesus. And in that 8. to the Heb. made mention of before; where the Apostle is speaking of Christs priestly office, as he is in the heavens, p. 133compared with other Priests that are on earth; he saith v. 3. for every high Priest is ordained to offer gifts and Sacrifices; wherefore (speaking of Christ) it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer: For if he were on earth he should not be a Priest, seeing there are Priests that offer according to the Law, (which law was the law of Moses, Chap. 9. from 19. to 23. where also he is speaking of the Priesthood of the Priests under the law, and their offering of the blood of Bulls and …oats, (verse 12. compared with verse 19, 20, 21.) And of the Lord Jesus the high Priest of Saints, and of his blood (verse 14. compared with verse 24.) Now as men under the Law did offer up the blood of B…lls and Goats, so the man Christ Jesus did offer up his own blood to his father; and this you may clearly see, if you compare Heb. 9. 14. where he p. 134saith, How much more shall the blood of Christ who through the eternal spirit offered himselfe without spot to God; purge your consciences from dead works to serve the living God, with Heb, 10. 12. where he s…i…h, But … man (meaning the s…n of the Virgin (Cha… 2. 14. compared with Mat. 1. 21. a…ter he had offered one sacrifice f…r s…ns for ever, sate down at the right hard of God. Again. Heb. 7 the … I mentioned before, you shall find his intercession plainly held forth, if you read verse 22. and so on, where the Scripture saith, By so much was Jesus made the surety of a better testament. And truly they were many Priests (meaning the Priests under the Law) because they were not … to continue by reas…n of death, P…v. …. 8.(That is,P…v. 17. …8. the high Priests under the Law could not live ever in this world, because it was appointed to all men once to die.) But when he speaks of p. 135Christ Jesus, he saith on this wise, But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable Priesthood; wherefore he (this man) is able to save to the uttermost them that come to God by him, seeing he (this man) ever liveth to make intercession for them. And thus in brief have I proved through the assistance of the Lord, the intercession of the son of Mary, which is also the son of God. And this concerning Christs Priestly office, might serve also for a proof of his being in the heaven without above the Stars. But all men may see (unlesse they be blind) that these are the truths of our Lord Jesus Christ, and of God his father; and that those men that oppose them (as the Quakers do) are very violently possessed of the Divel, and beside themselves; and have neither the truth of God, non his spirit in them, 2 Joh. vers. 9, 10, Joh. 5. 38. 42.

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

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

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

Thirdly, What shall be done a… his coming.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9. Before Christs second comming,… Pet. 3 3. there shall come scoffers into the world, walking after their own lusts, and if ever this Scripture was fulfilled; it is fulfilled on these men called Quakers: 1 Thes. 1. 10.1 Thess 1:10For they are the men,P…l. 3. 20. that at this day make a mocke at Christs second comming, which shall be from heaven without; and therefore saith the holy Ghost, these Mockers shall be such as shall say, where is the promise of his comming? for since the fathers fell a sleep, all things continue as they were See 2 Pet. 3. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. and there you shall see their mocking and the reason of it. Read, and the Lord give thee understanding. But because I would not have thee think that I speake at randome, in this thing. Know for certain, that I my self have heard them blaspheme; yea with a grinning p. 145countenance, at the doctrine of that mans second comming from heaven above the stars, who was borne of the Virgin Mary. Yea they have told me to my face, that I have used conjuration, and witchcraft, because what I preached was according to the Scriptures. I was also told to my face, that I preached up an Idoll, because I said, that the Son of Mary was in heaven, with the same body that was crucified on the Cross; And many other things have they blasphemously vented against the Lord of life and glory, and his precious Gospel. The Lord reward them according as their work shall be.

I could have hinted in many other things which Christ and his Apostles have shewed to be signes of his comming But I shall commend the holy Scriptures unto thee, which are able to make the man of God perfect in all things,2 Tim. 3. 16. 17.2 Tim 3:162 Tim 3:17 through faith in the Lord Jesus.

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

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

p. 1483. He shall come in flaming fire, (when he doth come again: he will come in such a manner, as will make all that shall be found in their sins rather seeke to creepe under a mountaine, then to meet the Lord of Glory, Rev. 6. 15,) (As Esay saith, For behold the Lord will come with fire, and with his Charets like a whirlwind: to render his anger with fury, and his rebukes with flames of fire, Esay 66. 15. To execute judgement upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them, of all their ungodly deeds which they have committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him. Jude 15. as I shall shew farther by and by.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

p. 1573. which the Apostle attributes to their ignorance ver. 5. And therefore he likens them to bruit beasts, Chap. 2. 10. and 12. verses, who walke after the flesh, in the lusts of uncleanness, & speak evil of the things they understand not, and shall utterly perish in their corruption; who because they understand not the Scriptures, nor the power of God in them, speake evil of the truths therein contained, and think the Lord like unto themselves, Psal. 50.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

5. Art thou borne againe? Then thou canst not be quiet, till thou doest see God lift up the light of his Countenance upon thee, yea, thou hast such a desire after the light of Gods p. 170countenance, that all the glory, riches, honour, pleasure, profits &c. of this world will not satisfie, till thou doest see God to be a reconciled father to thee in the Lord Jesus Christ; as it is Psal. 4. 6. Joh. 14. 8. Ps. 35. 3. then thou wilt not be quiet till thou doest hear from the son of Mary, which is the Lord of glory, 1 Cor, 2. 8. such a voice as this, Son be of good cheer, thy sins are forgiven thee; and**2 Cor. 12 9.2 Cor 12:9 My grace is sufficient for thee. But if thou canst content thy selfe with any thing below this, thou wilt, when all comes to all, be found but a rotten-hearted professor, who wilt have thy portion among the slothfull ones, who will fall in the judgement of the son of Man, when he comes in flaming fire with his mighty Angels, 2 Thes. 1. 8.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3. Hereby thou wilt be able to Judge of all doctrines whatsoever, though they come never so nigh the truth, yet if they be not indeed the very truth, thou wilt find them and their doctrine lyars, Rev. 2. 2. and p. 1771 Cor. 2. 15.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

4. Take heed that you also have not your lamps to trim when the bridegroom comes; if you have, you many paradventure be ashamed and blush, before him at his coming, 1 Jo. 2 last ver. Therefore content not your selves with a profession of Christ, and no more, for the divel may deceive, yea doth deceive a professing people p. 183many time. And if he will deceive a professing generation, he must come in this manner; first, under the name Christ; secondly, with a fair shew in the flesh of outward holinesse, Gal. 6. 12. Thirdly, he must come with good words and fair speeches, Rom. 16. 18. Now though he come to drunkards, swearers, whoremongers, theives, liars, murderers, and covetous persons, in his black colours; yet if he will come to deceive a profe…sing2 Cor. 11. 14.2 Cor 11:14 party, he must appear like an Angel of light. And the reason why souls are deceived by him in these his appearances, is, because they are not able to distinguish betwixt the Law and the Gospel, the conviction… of conscience by the Law only, and convictions by the spirit; but do (though they professe the Lord Jesus) give eare to every wind of doctrine, and being unstable, as Peter saith, p. 184do fall into the temptations of the Divel, in wres…ing the Scripture to their own destruction, 2. Pet. 3. 16.

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

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

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

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

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

Q…. But why was he true God and true man?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Q. What is this faith that p. 192doth thus justifie the sinner?

Ans. It is a giftbbEph. 2. 8Eph 2:8, fruitccGal. 5. 22.Gal 5:22, on workdd2 Thes. …. 21. of the Spirit of God, whereby a soul is enabled, under a sight of its sins, and wretched estate, to lay hold on the birth, righteousnesse, blood, death, resurrection, ascension and intercession of the Lord Jesus Christ, and by the assistance of the Spirit, whereby it is wrought, to apply all the vertue, life and merit, of what hath been done and suffered, or is a doing by the same Lord Jesus Christ, to its own selfe in particular, Gal. 2. 20. Rom. 7. 24. 25. as if it selfe had really done all that the Lord Jesus Christ hath done,: I doe not say, …hat the soul doth any thing for justification, but it doth know, that whatsoever Jesus Christ hath done in point of justification, is given to, and bestowed upon it, Rom. 3. 22. and God finding the soul in him, that is in Christ, doth justifie p. 193it from all things, from which it could not be justified by the law of Moses, Acts 13. 38, 39.

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

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

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

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

Q. What doth he there?

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

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

A. Why do you doubt of it?

Q. Doe you believe it?

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

Qu. And can you prove it by the Scriptures?

Answ. Yes.

Q. How?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Farewel.