The Mystery of the Marriage Song, Exposition · Verse 12
Verſ. 12. And the Daughter of Tyre ſhall be there with a Gift, even the rich among the people ſhall intreat thy favour.
IN theſe words we have a prophecie of the flouriſhing ſtate of the Church, even in this life, which though it was partly fulfilled to the primitive Church, when Conſtantine and other Princes ſubmitted themſelves to the ſcepter of Chriſt, and caſt down their Crowns at his feet) yet this, with other Prophecies of the like nature do yet remaine in a great meaſure to be accompliſhed. And though it wil not be denied, but inward ſpiritual priviledges were ſhadowed forth by external good things in the prophecie of Iſaiah, and other ſcriptures of the Old Teſtament, yet it would be intolerable, (nor can it be done without bringing in needleſs and groundleſs Allegories) to expound all the prophetick ſcriptures which ſpeak of the outward proſperity and flouriſhing condition of the Church in this life ſo as to exclude that which is external, and apply the ſame only to internal and ſpiritual priviledges; eſpecially conſidering what was revealed ſince Chriſts aſcenſion in the Apocalyptical viſions, Rev: 11.15, 17, 18. Rev: 16.6.7, 19. Rev: 17.14, 16.
But of this I ſhal ſpeak further, and more particularly, when I have opened the Text.
By the Daughter of Tyre] we may underſtand the people and Common-wealth of Tyre, which flouriſhed in Solomons time, 2 Chron: 2.3. and under which the Spirit of God here comprehends other flouriſhing Nations and Kingdoms.
Tyre was ſometimes one of the chiefeſt Cities for Traffique in the world,Tyre once a glorious City, as appears Ezek: 17 chap: the crowning City, whoſe Merchants were Princes, and her Traffiquers the honourable ones of the earth, Iſa. 23.8. ſhe heaped up ſilver as the duſt, and fine gold as the mire of the ſtreet, Zach: 9.3.
We finde that many Inhabitants about Tyre and Sidon flock dafter the Miniſtry of Chriſt, Mark 3.8. Mark 9.24. Inſomuch that he upbraids the unbeleeving Jews with the forwardneſs of theſe Mat… 11.20, 21. & afterwards Chriſt had Diſciples in this City. Acts 21.3, 4, 5. according to that prophecie; Behold it ſhal be ſaid that this or that man was born there, Pſalm 87.4, 5, 6.
Theſe were the firſt fruit…, but the full harveſt is to come; when the fulneſs of the Gentiles ſhal be brought in, and God ſhal turn away iniquity from Jacob, then ſhal all Iſrael be ſaved, Romans 11.21, 26, 27. 2 Cor: 3.15, 16.
[The Daughter of Tyre ſhall be there with a gift,] Where ſhal ſhe be? even among the True and ſpiritual Worſhippers of Chriſt, John 4.23.24. who obey him as their Lord, and give him the honour of his Kingly Office and dignity; There ſhall the Daughter of Tyre be with a gift; hence Obſerve
Obſer. 1 That Chriſt will put honour upon his ſincere Worſhippers and ſervants, even in the view of the world.Chriſt will honour is ſincere worſhippers.
God wil honour them that honour him, and they that deſpiſe him ſhal be lightly eſteemed, 1 Sam: 2.30. This was evident in the caſe of Mordecai and Haman. Eſter 8. True riches and honour are with Chriſt, who is the true wiſdom, Prov: 8.18.
Hence we may draw three Corrolaries,
Corrol. 1 Firſt, that the direct way to true honour and renown is to honour and exalt the Lord Jeſus as King of Nations and Saints; which is ſpecially required of us in theſe times. If any man ſerve me (ſaith Chriſt) him will my Father honour, John 12.26. True honour is not attained by ſelf ſeeking, and advancing a perſonal worldly intereſt of our own; it comes not by holding correſpondence and compliance with wicked men, nor by conſulting the rules of Machiavellian carnal policy. Wo to them that ſeek deep to hide their counſel from the Lord; ſurely your turning of things upſide down ſhal be eſteemed but as the potters clay Iſai. 29.19, 20. Wo to them that are drunk with ambition & carnal policy themſelves (for ſo may thoſe words Hab: 2.15, 16. be figuratively taken) and put their bottle to their neighbours that they may alſo intoxicate them with the ſame principles, ſurely ſuch men in the end ſhal have ſhame inſtead of glory.
Do we not know that Pharaoh, Siqon, and other wicked Kings refuſing to let the arn…y of the Iſraelites paſs, grounded their practiſe upon maxims of State-policy, and yet for all that the Lord laid their honour in the duſt? would we therefore arrive at true honour, let us then honour Chriſt as our Lord and King; let us be obedient to his word and Ordinances; let us conform our ſelves to Goſpel rules and precepts; let his deſign be our deſign, and his intereſt our intereſt As Ruth ſaid to Naomi, ſo ſhould we ſay to Chriſt, whither thou goeſt I wil go, and where thou lodgeſt wil lodge; thy people ſhal be my people, and thy God my God, Ru…h: 1.16. Thus we are to follow the Lamb whitherſoever he goes, in foul weather as wel as fair, in rugged waies as wel as plain paths; nor ſhould we ſeek the honour of men, but the honour that cometh from God only.
Corrol. 2 Secondly, ſince this is the way to true honour, thoſe in great places eſpecially ſhould be careful to worſhip the Lord ſincerely, and to let him reign in their hearts, and rule in all their counſels and determinations, elſe truly they wil at one time or other be layed aſide with diſgrace & contempt; The Lord wil pour contempt on the honourable ones of the earth, and wil raiſe up other inſtruments whom he wil honour, and by whom he wil be honoured; when King Saul was not faithful to him and his intereſt, he laid him and his family aſide, and raiſed up the houſe of David: ſo Jehu that forward man, though he had expreſſed much ſeeming zeal againſt idolatry and falſe Worſhip, 2 Kings 10. yet aiming more at the Kingdom then at the glory of God in deſtroying the houſe of Ahab, Ahab, God avenged the bloud of Jezreel upon the houſe of Jehu; whoſe baſe ſelf-ends brought down vengeance upon his poſterity.
He that followeth after righteouſneſs (even when it is departing from a Nation) ſhal finde life and true honour, Prov. 21.21. When Nebuchadnezzar honoured the King of Heaven (who is able to abaſe thoſe that walk in pride, then had he his honour, & his reaſon, & the glory of his Kingdom reſtored unto him, Dan. 4.37. the Lord abaſeth the proud, but exalteth the humble and lowly.
Corrol. 3 Thirdly, as the world caſts dirt on the Saints, ſo the Lord wil put honour upon them, walking as Saints; (for otherwiſe they may bring diſhonour upon themſelves and their profeſſion:) herein the Lord outvies the world; if he wil honour and lift up his ſervants who can pul them down? In their greateſt ſufferings though they appear black to the world, yea and to themſelves too, yet they are comely to God: We approve our ſelves (ſaith the Apoſtle, 2 Cor 6.8.) the Miniſters of God by honour and diſhonour; Though the Saints walk through diſhonour in the account of the world, yet they are honourable in the account of God, Iſai. 43.4. who poureth contempt upon Princes, and ſetteth the poor on high from affliction: the righteous ſhal ſee it and rejoyce, and all iniquity ſhal ſtop her mouth, Pſalm 107.40, 41, 42. Let the Saints therefore be joyful in glory: let the high praiſes of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged ſword in their hand, to execute vengeance upon the Heathen, to binde their Kings in chains, and their Nobles with fetters of iron: This honour have all his Saints, Pſalm 149.5, 6 7, 8, 9. The Daughter of Tyre ſhal be there with a gift.
It followeth [Even the rich among the people ſha… entreat thy favour,] or ſhal ſeek thy face, or earneſtly beſeech thy favour.
This is a further deſcription or amplification of the proſperous ſtate of the Church in this world: The rich or fat ones among the people ſhall make humble and importunate ſuit to the Church, whom the Lord wil make an eternal excellency, the joy of many Generations, Iſai, 60.15. Hence we may Obſerve,
Obſ. 2 That the time will come that the rich, The rich & Noble ones ſhal highly eſteem the Church.and noble, and potent ones of the Nations ſhal highly eſteem the Church of Chriſt and her priviledges, and ſhal deſire communion with her.
At the firſt preaching of the Goſpel, not many rich, not many noble were called, 1 Cor. 1.27. thoſe that generally adhered to Chriſt and his Apoſtles were the poor contemptible ones of the world, Mat. 11.5, Luke 1….20. James 2.5. But here it is prophecied and promiſed that the rich and honourable among the people ſhal intreat the Churches favour, and bow down before her; And again, all the kinreds of the Nations ſhal worſhip before thee, and they that be fat on the earth ſhal eat and worſhip, Pſalm 22.27, 29.
We meet with many prophecies and promiſes to this purpoſe, which were never yet fully accompliſhed, but ſhal be before Chriſt deliver up the Kingdom to the Father, 1 Cor. 15.24.
'Tis promiſed to the Church, that Kings ſhal be her nurſing Fathers, and Queens her nurſing Mothers; they ſhal bow down to her, and lick up the duſt of her feet, Iſai. 49.23. She ſhal ride on the high places of the earth; the ſons of ſtrangers ſhal build her wals, and Kings ſhal miniſter to her; and the Nations and Kingdoms that wil not ſerve her ſhal periſh, Iſaiah 58.14. Iſaiah 60.1, 3, 5, 10, 11. The ten Kings that gave their power to the Beaſt ſhal be overcome, and ſhal joyne with the Church, and help to deſtroy the beaſt, Rev. 7.14; 16.
Among many other Scriptures that might be alledged for the confirmation of this point,Prophetical ſcriptures concerning the advancement of the Kingdom of Chriſt in the world, I ſhal refer the Reader to Pſalm 2.8. Pſalm 8.6. Pſalm 22.27, 28, 29. Pſalm 86.9. Heb. 2.8, 9. Iſaiah 2.1, 2, 3. Iſaiah 65.14, 17. Iſaiah 66. Jer. 30.3, &c Ezek 28, 24, 25, 26. Ezek. 34.11. Mic: 4.1, 2, 4, 5 Zach: 2.11, 12. Zach, 6.12, 13, 14. Zach: 12, 6, 7, 8. Acts 1, 6, 7. Rom. 11.25, 26, 27, Rev. 21.24, 26.
But let him ſpecially conſider theſe three ſcriptures, (viz.) Dan. 2, from verſe 31 to 45, Dan: 7.4, 18, 27. Rev: 11.15, 17, 18,
Touching that remarkable Viſion mentioned in Daniel, chap. 2. from 31 to 45 Verſe, The glory of Chriſts Kingdom in this world evinced from Daniel 2.41. &c.Relating to the kingdom of the Stone, and the ſpreading there of (which is generally expected at this day as the great truth of this Generation) Though ſome late learned Writers*Mr: Mede, Mr. Hewet, Mr. Parker on Dan: 2, and Dan: 7. have largely treated on this ſubject, and anſwered the objections of the contrary minded: yet being now upon a ſuitable Text, I ſhal take the holdneſs to propound my thoughts concerning the ſame.
And this I ſhal do in giving a brief anſwer to ſeveral Quaeries.
Quae. What is meant by the leggs and toes of iron in this Viſion, Dan. 2.33, &c?1 Quaer: What is meant by the leggs, &c. of iron?
I Anſ.
Firſt Negatively, It cannot be meant (as ſome interpret it) of the Syrian and Egyptian branches, the ſucceſſors of Alexander in the Groecian Monarchy,—For theſe Reaſons;
Anſw. 1 1 Becauſe this Viſion extends it ſelf to the laſt days, Reaſons why it cannot be meant of Alexanders ſucceſſors.verſe 28. but the leggs and feet which are the laſt part of the image, (if applyed to the Seleucidae, and other ſucceſſors of Alexander,) did extire before Chriſts Incarnation; for the Kingdom of Syria was by the Romans reduced to a province 60, and the Egyptian 30 years before the birth of Chriſt; whereas we read here, Dan. 2.44. that in the dayes of theſe Kings (that is) when the two leggs are divided into ten Kingdoms, the God of Heaven wil ſet up a Kingdom, &c.
Reaſ. 2 Secondly, becauſe every mettal in the viſion ſignifies a diſtinct compleat Monarchy from the be ginning to the end; As the Brazen belly and thighs make up the whole Graecian Empire, conſiſting of Alexander with his ſucceſſors, the Seleucidae and others (and thus the Graecian Monarchy is deſcribed, Dan. 8.21, 22) ſo likewiſe the leggs and feet of iron do conſtitute another Empire or Monarchy diſtinct from the former.
Reaſ. 3 Thirdly, becauſe this Beaſt which hath iron leggs is more dreadful and terrible then the former; as iron it bruiſeth all other Kingdoms, and devoureth the whole earth, Dan: 7.7. which cannot be truly applyed to the Syrian and Egyptian branches, who never had that ſtrength and ſucceſs which their Captain Alexander had, Dan: 8, 21, 22.
Anſw: 2 Therefore Affirmatively, by the iron leggs, feet, and toes, we muſt underſtand the Roman Monarchy which was far ſtronger, and more terrible then the three former.
There are two diviſions of this great beaſt.
1 Into two leggs, (viz.) the Eaſtern and Weſtern Empire; which were ſtrong as Iron, and ſubdued the Nations.
2 Into feet and toes, the Eaſtern Empire being poſſeſſed by the great Turk, and the Weſtern Empire being divided into ten ſeveral Kingdoms: Great endeavours have been uſed to unite theſe Ten Kingdoms into one entire body or Monarchy, eſpecially by the Spaniard; but they ſhal remain diſtinct Kingdoms, and ſhal not be mixed no more then Iron can be mixed with clay.Reaſons why the Roman Monarchy muſt needs be ſignified by the iron legs, &c.
That theſe iron leggs, feet, and toes, are the Roman Monarchy, and branches thereof under the Eaſtern and Weſtern Antichriſt, may be proved by theſe Reaſons.
Reaſ. 1 Firſt, becauſe it is repreſented by a diſtinct metal next ſucceeding the brazen belly and thighs, or Graecian Empire; therefore it muſt needs be the fourth, or Roman Monarchy; for we read of no other entire worldly Monarchy that ſucceeded.
Reaſ. 2 Secondly, becauſe this metall is ſtronger then all the other, and breaketh them in pieces, Dan: 2.40. which is true only of the Roman Monarchy: for this beaſt had great Iron teeth of war, ſuch as Scipio, Caeſar, Mark Anthony, Pompey, and nails of braſſe (i.e.) Senators and Magiſtrates to hold faſt what the other had Conquered. The iron leggs and feet are parallel with the iron teeth of the fourth beaſt, Dan. 7.7.
Reaſ: 2 Thirdly, Whereas the ten Kings or Kingdoms are repreſented by the ten toes, this alſo is a character of the Roman Empire, as being divided into ſeveral diſtinct Kingdoms, ſee Rev. 12.3. Rev. 13.1. Rev. 17.12.
Reaſ: 3 Fourthly, This metall muſt be daſhed in peices in the end of time by the kingdom of Chriſt ruling in the Saints; and therefore is applicable to the Roman Empire continuing in the branches thereof to this day.
Quae: 2 Quae: What is meant by the little ſtone?What is meant by the ſtone that ſmote the Image upon his feet of iron and clay, and brake them to pieces?
Anſ. It was not properly Chriſt at his firſt coming,I Anſw: Negat: Not the kingdom of Chriſt at his firſt coming. and his kingdom immediatly following thereupon, (though I ſhal not contend with thoſe godly men who ſay that the foundation of the Fift Monarchy was then laid,) but it cannot properly be applyed to the ſpiritual kingdom of Chriſt at his firſt coming, for theſe three Reaſons.
Reaſ. 1 Firſt, becauſe this kingdom of the ſtone is of that nature that it breaks in pieces all other kingdoms, ſo that they being deſtroyed this only ſtands, verſ. 44 but Chriſt did not ſo at his firſt coming;See Mr: Parker on Dan: 2, neither doth his kingdom conſidered meerly as ſpiritual daſh in pieces the powers of the world, but commands paſſive obedience to them though wicked.
Reaſ. 2 Secondly, Tis ſuch a kingdom as ſhal be continued to the Saints of the moſt high (in the number wherof the Jews at their reſtauration are included) without alteration, Dan. 7.18. for, it ſhal not be given to another people; but at the firſt coming of Chriſt the Goſpel of the Kingdom was preached to the Jews, and then taken from them, and brought to the Gentiles, Mat. 22.
Reaſ. 3 Thirdly, It ſuits not the ſcope of the Viſion to interpret it of the ſpiritual kingdom of Chriſt at his firſt coming; for what advancement had it been to Chriſts kingdom to beat down the ſucceſſors of Alexander in the Graecian Empire, ſeeing Chriſts Church ſhal be longer oppreſſed by a far more terrible ſucceeding Beaſt, namely the Empire of Rome both united in one body, and divided into ſeveral branches.
Anſw. 2 Therefore affirmatively, By the little ſtone is meant the Kingdom of the Saints at the fall of Antichriſt.the ſtone that ſmites this Image is the Kingdom of the Saints, which in the glorious adminiſtration thereof ſhal be eſtabliſhed at the fall of Antichriſt, Dan: 2.44, 45. Da: 7.26, 27. Rev. 11.15, 17, 18.
Reaſ. 1 For Firſt, this Kingdom muſt beat down all oppoſite powers and Kingdoms of the world that have adheared to the Beaſt.
Reaſ. 2 Secondly. The Image being broken, the little ſtone becomes a great mountain, and fils the whole earth, Dan. 2.35.
Reaſ. 3 Thirdly, This Kingdom riſeth up about the time that the ſeventh Trumpet ſoundeth, which is the time that Babylon ſhal fall, Rev 11.15, 16, 17. Then and not til then ſhal all Kingdoms be ſubject to it; And therefore it is no other but the Kingdom of the Saints of the moſt high, Jews and Gentiles which ſhal flouriſh in the world at the fal of Antichriſt; Chriſt reigning as King of Saints by diſpenſation from the Father, over all the Kingdoms of this world.
Quae: 3 Quae: Whether the Kingdom of the ſtone be a ſpiritual Kingdom.How and whether the Kingdom of the Stone may be conſidered as a ſpiritual Kingdom?
Anſ: It may be conſidered as a ſpiritual Kingdom in theſe Reſpects following.
Firſt, As this Kingdom is erected and advanced not by carnal wiſdom and policy, and ſuch like weapons of the fleſh;1 Anſw: Affirmat: In three reſpects it may be ſaid to be ſpiritual, but by the wiſdom and power of the Spirit of God, who though he uſe inſtruments, yet he doth all in them and by them, Zach. 4.6. Iſai. 9.5. The ſtone that ſmites the Image is cut out without hands.
Secondly, As this Kingdom is accompanied with a wonderful increaſe of ſpiritua bleſſings, light, love and unity among the Saints.
Thirdly, As the Saints (who are Deputed by God to rule the Nations of the world) do act from the ſpirit of the Lord as their principle, ruling in the fear of the Lord, 2 Sam: 23.3. Thus it may be ſaid to be ſpiritual.
But in other reſpects it is not properly a ſpiritual,2 Anſw: Negat: But in other reſpects it is not properly a ſpiritual, but a temporal Monarchy. but a temporal outward Monarchy; as appeareth by theſe following Conſiderations.
Conſid. 1 Firſt, Chriſt had a ſpiritual Kingdom in and among his Saints before and after his paſſion, when the Church was under the ſharpeſt perſecution, and the Image flouriſhed moſt; this could not with hold the ſpiritual Kingdom of Chriſt; but the Kingdom which Daniel ſpeaks of begins to flouriſh at the time of the battering down of the Image; I might add, that Chriſts ſpiritual Kingdom doth not overthrow, but rather ſet up civil governments.
Conſid 2 Secondly, It is ſuch a dominion as Gods people the Jews were deprived of, and was taken from them by the Babylonian captivity, &c. God by this Viſion, Dan. 2. intending the comfort of the Jews who had loſt their outward Kingdom and liberty; and ſhewing that after many changes it ſhould return to them again; and therefore it is a temporal Kingdom, and an outward dominion.
Conſid. 3 Thirdly, To interpret it only of a ſpiritual Kingdom would not ſuit Daniels ſcope in interpreting the Kings dream, whoſe thoughts were buſied about the iſſue of his temporal monarchy.
Conſid. 4 Fourthly, If it were only a ſpiritual Kingdom conſiſting in the preaching of the word, &c. why ſhould the ſtone rather ſmite the feet then any other part of the Image? doth not the ſpiritual kingdom of Chriſt ſtrike at the other mettals as wel as this.
Conſid. 5 Fifthly, It is ſuch a kingdom as doth execute temporal judgements by the material ſword upon the kingdom of the beaſt, ſee Iſai. 34.7, 8. Iſai 63.4. Rev. 16.6, 7. Rev. 17.14, 16. Rev. 18 6, 7. Rev. 19.18, 19, 20. In a word, it may be ſaid to be a mixt Kingdom; partly inward and ſpiritual, (and ſo it comes without obſervation, Luke 17.20, 21.) partly external and civil, conſiſting in the purity of Goſpel-Ordinances, and juſtice and equity in civil adminiſtrations.
Quae: 4 Quae: What are the priviledges that relate to the Kingdom of the ſtone?What are thoſe priviledges that ſhall accompany the Kingdom of the ſtone when it hath ſmote the Image, and is advanced?
Anſ: I ſhal but briefly hint them becauſe they are largely ſpoken of by others. We ſhall have more comfort in the enjoyment then in the writing of them.
Firſt, 1 A new Heaven and a new earth,There ſhal be (as it were) a new Heaven, and a new Earth: a new face, luſtre, and glory upon all things, Iſa. 65.17, 18. Iſai. 66.22. 2 Pet: 3.13. Rev. 21.1, 4, 5, 6. old corrupt forms, cuſtoms, and conſtitutions both in the Church and Civil State ſhal paſs away and be aboliſhed. Behold all things ſhall be new.
Secondly, 2 A glorious accompliſhment of prophecies,There ſhal be a glorious accompliſhment of predictions and Prophecies; then ſhall the ſealed Book be opened, Rev: 5.4. Dan: 12.9, 12: The advancing of this kingdom wil be the beſt and cleareſt comentary upon the Apocalyptical Viſions; we ſhall then be able experimentally to ſay, that nothing hath failed of all the good that the Lord hath ſpoken.
Thirdly, 3 An abundant pouring out of the Spirit.a large and abundant pouring out of the Spirit of God, the earth ſhal be filled with the ſpiritual knowledg of Chriſt, as waters cover the ſea; and the light of one day ſhal be as the light of ſeven, Joel 2.28, Iſai. 11: 29. Iſai. 30.26.
Fourthly,4 Purity in Ordinances and worſhip, a wonderful convincing purity, beauty and Majeſty upon the Ordinances and worſhip of Chriſt honour ſhal be given throughout the world to the people and things of God, Rev. 11.1, 2. Iſai. 65.25. Iſa: 60 13. Ezek. 43. Rev 21.24, 25, 26, 27.
Fifthly, a bleſſed ſweet harmony and union among all the Saints, Jews and Gentiles; 5 Ʋnion among the Saintsthe envy of Ephraim ſhal depart; Ephraim ſhal not envy Judah, nor Judah vex Ephraim any more I…ai. 11.13. Zach: 14.9. Zeph. 3.9. This day wil put an end to all thoſe wrangling fleſhly diſputes & quarrels that are among chriſtians, ſome in one way, ſome in another.
Sixtly, Peace ſhal be in our borders,6 Peaceable and religious adminiſtrations, the people ſhal beat their ſwords into Plowſhares, &c. Nation ſhal not riſe up againſt Nation, neither ſhal they learn war any more; Juſtice alſo ſhal be impartially adminiſtred; the Church ſhal be the habitation of Juſtice, the mountain of holineſs, ſee Iſai. 1….9. Iſai. 2.4. Iſai. 54, 14. Iſai. 60.18, 19, &c: Jer. 31.23. Iſai. 61.11.
Seventhly, to ſhut up all, there ſhal be a glorious return of prayers to the Saints; whileſt they call, 7 Rich returns of prayer.God wil anſwer; and whileſt they are yet ſpeaking he will …ear, Iſai. 65.24.
Quae: What may we think of the Diſputes and contendings that are at this day about the Fifth Monarchy?V Quae: How to judg of the diſputes touching the fifth Monarchy,
Anſw: Truly it is to be feared that there is much va…ity and corruption in the managing of theſe Diſ…tes by both parties.
Anſ: 1 1 Thoſe that repreſent the opinion of the Fifth Monarchy as an odd frantick notion, tending to judaiſme …d popery, and deſtructive to all order and government; & therefore would have them perſecuted that …ld it.
2 Thoſe chriſtians whoſe ſpirits, time, and pens are …holly taken up with the opinion of the Fifth Mo…chy, neglecting in the mean time other ſubſtantial …etious truths, ſuch as Juſtification, union, ſelf-…rching, the life of Faith, &c. which ſpecially concern the peace and comfort of their ſouls, and their walking with God in their places; and rigidly impoſing upon others what they themſelves conceive touching the time and place of the killing of the Witneſſes, the perſonal reign of Chriſt, and the very monethmonth or year when, and the inſtruments, wayes, and means whereby the fifth Monarchy ſhal be introduced, and erected. Who is it that giveth light in things controverſal? who is it that renteth the vail which is upon the hearts of men to this day? The wrath of man worketh not the Righteouſneſs of God James 1.20. be that beleeveth maketh not haſte, Iſai. 28.16, Every thing is beautiful in that ſeaſon that God brings it forth. The Lord ſeems to delay the performance of his promiſes, in expoſing his people to ſufferings, that ſo he may diſcover who are the lofty and unſound, and who are the truly humble and righteous. An ambitious murmuring unbeleeving ſpirit is odious to the Lord. The Viſion is yet for an appointed time; but at the end it ſhall ſpeak, and not lie; Though it tarry, wait for it, becauſe it wil ſurely come, it will not tarry: Behold his ſoul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the juſt ſhal live by faith, Hab. 2.3, 4. Let us (dear chriſtians) exerciſe faith, hope, and patience, and pray inceſſantly til the Lord batter down the remainders of the image, and come with glory into his Temple, Hab: 2.3, 4. James 1.4. Heb. 10.36 Rev. 1.9. Rev: 2.9. Rev. 3, 10.11.
Secondly, we may wel hope (notwithſtanding the apoſtacy and raſhneſs of many) that there are a competent number of humble watchful Saints ſcattered up and down in the Nations at this day who wait for the deliverance of Sion, and who have a mighty ſpirit of faith and prayer in order thereunto, keeping their garments pure and unſpotted in this hour of temptation, which is both on the right hand and on the left.
Thirdly, though we are not to limit the holy one of Iſrael, Pſalm 78.41. In whoſe hands the times and ſeaſons are, Acts 1.7. yet we may wel conclude that the time for the flouriſhing of Chriſts kingdom drawn near, if we compare the world and works of Gods The ſeveral accounts of godly men who have made it their deſign to ſearch into the prophecies of the ſcripture; The hopes of the Saints under various adminiſtrations, and the general expectation of a great change which is at this day among Jews, Turks, Papiſts, &c. (ſome upon one account, and ſome upon another) as is obſerved by Travailers and learned men, with other ſymptomes and prognoſticks of the approach of this Fifth kingdom; Theſe things being duly conſidered, we cannot but hope that the day of the Lord is near, even at the doors; and who knows whether this generation ſhal paſs away before the Lord appear? Luke 21.30, 31, 32.
Having thus propounded my thoughts in anſwer to theſe V Quaeries touching the Kingdom of Chriſt, I ſhal now briefly lay down ſome Grounds of the former Doctrine, namely, That the Rich, Grounds of the Doctrine (viz:) that the Rich and Noble, &c. ſhal honour the Church.Noble, &c ſhal highly honour and eſteem the Church.
Ground 1 Firſt, it ſhal be ſo in regard of Gods truth and ſaithfulneſs, who wil perform what he hath promiſed and prophecied: Thus he did before the coming of Chriſt; and thus he will alſo do with the Prophecies which relate to the times ſince the coming of Chriſt, they muſt and ſhal be fulfilled.
Ground 2 Secondly, Becauſe the Lord wil anſwer the voice and cry of the prayers, hopes, and bloodſhed of his Saints and Martyrs, There is a ſeed ſown by the Spirit of God in the Saints through many Generations which ſhall ſpring up in due time (it may be many years) after they be laid in the duſt: The Lord wil in anſwer to the voice of the prayers & blood of his people (which cry mightily to him) ſhake and turn the Nations upſide down, and make the Kings and rulers thereof bow before his people: not only the ſins of the wicked, but alſo the prayers of the Saints make way for great changes and revolutions in the world, ſec Iſai. 45.11. Rev: 5.8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13. Rev: 8.3, 4, 5:
Ground 3 Thirdly, becauſe Chriſt himſelf will be the laſt actor upon the ſtage of this world: the Antichriſtian powers having played their parts i… perſecuting the Church muſt now give Chriſt leave to play his part; nay, wil they, nil they, they ſhal be turned off the ſtage and the Lord in ſpight of them all wil play his part in raiſing and comforting his afflicted Church, and make the great and Noble ones bow before her, and caſt down their Crowns at her feet, Iſai. 54.10, 11.
Ʋſe. 1 Let the people of God therefore poſſeſs their ſouls in patience, Luke 21.19. The time is coming that the rich among the people ſhal entreat their favour: As yet we ſee not all things put under the feet of Chriſt, Heb: 2.8. But rather the people of God in moſt Nations are trampled upon by wicked men; but all things ſhal be put under the feet of Chriſt and the Saints; he that hath promiſed to come wil come, and wil not tarry, Heb. 10.37. Iſai. 60.22. Let us not anticipate the Lord, his time is the beſt; a haſty raſh heart is not fit for the work of God; ſuch a heart being for the moſt part ful of unbelief, ſlaviſh fear, and carnal conſidence; the Iſraelites could not enter into reſt becauſe of unbelief.
Ʋſe. 2 Secondly, ſhal the Daughter of Tyre and the rich among the people bow down before Chriſt and his Church; be wiſe then ye Kings and Rulers, be inſtructed ye Judges of the earth, ſerve the Lord with fear, and rejoyce with trembling; kiſs the ſon leſt he be angry, Pſalm 2.10, 11 Now that the Lord is viſiting the Nations and powers round about you, It will be ſafeſt for you to proſtrate your ſelves at his feet, and to take up your Crowns, powers and Dignities upon the account of the great intereſt of Chriſt, and to rule for his honour, and in ſubordination to him as King and Mediatour he wil make the Princes of the world know that he ruleth in the midſt of them, and is above them all.
Ʋſe. 3 Laſtly, This may be for our in our agement; though at preſent as to outward appearance there is but little probability that the rich and Noble ones of the Nations ſhal intreat the Churches favour: conſidering how many vaſt countryes and deminions in the world, as America, China, Tartaria, with their Kings and Nobles, lie in groſs ignorance and darkneſs, we are ready to ſay, how is it poſſible that theſe things ſhould come to paſs? can the Lord bring water out of the Rock? can he prepare a Table in the Wilderneſs? wil he ſend his Goſpel into all theſe Nations to ſubdue them? Beloved, let us not preſcribe God a way to bring his Word to paſs, let us not limit the holy one of Iſrael; he can in a moment deſtroy in this mountain the face of the Covering caſt over all pe… …k, and the vail that is ſpread over all Nations, Iſaiah …, 7.
And ſo much for the 12 Verſe.