Sermon of the Fifth Monarchy, Title page – To the reader
A SERMON OF THE Fifth Monarchy.
Proving by Invincible ARGUMENTS, That the Saints ſhall have a Kingdom here on Earth, Which is yet to come, after the Fourth Monarchy is deſtroy'd by the Sword of the Saints, the followers of the LAMB.
Preached by Mr. THO. GOODWIN, on Rev. 5. 9, 10.
By which it will appear, that it is for the ſame Truth (that formerly was ſo much contended for) that ſome of the People of God ſuffer at this day.
Publiſhed for the Truths ſake.
Prov. 24. 21.
—And meddle not with them that are given to change.
Printed at London, for Livewel Chapman, at the Crown in Popes-head-Alley. 1654.
To the Reader.
THe doctrine of the SAINTS REIGN ON EARTH, is matter of great Comfort to the People of God, becauſe of the glory which ſhall be revealed in that day. This Sermon coming to my hands, at ſuch a time as this, wherein the Truths of Chriſts Kingdom (this Reign of the Saints) are SO blaſphemed and ſpoken againſt, even by the quondam-Aſſertors and Profeſſors of them; and, when men are become SCOFFERS; this term FIFTH-MONARCHY-MEN being made a mark of Ignominy and Reproach: I thought it my duty to communicate it to thee (Reader) that the Truth may be vindicated, and the Saints comforted in this evil day.
This Excellent man hath proved this Truth by ſuch undeniable Demonſtrations, that I am perſwaded all the Enemies Chriſt and It hath, are not able to gainſay. To perſwade thee to ponder them, I ſuppoſe I need not: the honour and eſteem the worthy Arthor hath in the hearts of all good men that have either heard or read him, will be a ſuffictent Motive.
OnelyOnly give me leave to point out a few things to thee.
We are told, page 6. That the Saints have an influence in the managing the affairs of the world, by their Prayers. If ſo, let us conſider, what a TOTTERING CONDITION they are in, who have the trayers of the Saints engaged againſt them; yea, though but of a few deſpiſed ones, who are not clothed with the glory and power of this world. I do remember that this good man told us in another *Preached Feb. 5. 1645. on Rev. 15. from ver. 1 to 5.Sermon, That the prayers of a few Saints have a mighty prevalencie to turn the ſtate of affairs in the world: The prayers of the Saints againſt thoſe that oppreſs them, will ſtill bring the vintage (the vintage of Gods wrath on Proteſtants that provoke him) on them. An Angel cries out of the Temple, ſeeing the Name of Chriſt profan'd by thoſe that profeſs Chriſt, and yet are oppoſers of the Saints: God hears their voice, and ſends it for them, and will continue to do it, &c.
Further, we are told in the afore-mentioned page, That though the Saints know not what Chriſt will do next, yet they are guided (as it were) by a ſpirit of Prophecie, to ſeek for thoſe very things which he is about to do. Then how cautious ought we to be, of CENSURING thoſe of Gods people who go beyond us in their prayers and deſires, lest we prove Oppoſers of the Spirit of God in them!
Again, page 6, 7, &c. That the Saints in heaven rule the world, and, by converſe with the Angels, have a knowledge of the great things that are done on earth. When a ſoul is converted, there is joy in heaven; and when Rome is deſtroyed, there will be joy in heaven. Rev. 18. 20. and Rev. 6. 9, 10. The ſouls under the altar, newly ſlain, they cry to God to avenge their blood. Now what may we think the Saints in heaven (who within theſe ten yeers laſt paſt, loſt their lives in the Cauſe of Christ) are EMPLOYED ABOUT at this time, they underſtanding by the Angels what great—are come to paſsion our earth! May we not juſtly fear, they are crying to God, How long, O Lord, holy and true, doſt thou not judge and avenge our blood! &c. Surely things are not now, as if THE GREAT INTEREST OF STATES AND KINGDOMS were minded; the Impriſonment of the Saints ſpeaks another kinde of language. But let us not be diſcouraged: our Lord Jeſus hath foretold theſe things, that ſo we might prepare our ſelves, and when they come to paſs, our hearts may not be troubled. Theſe are ſignes of his coming; and many more he gives us, that he is coming, and will not tarry. Come, Lord Jeſus, come quickly. Even ſo. Amen.
By a ſervant of the Saints, who waits for, and expects the Kingdom and Power of our Lord Jeſus.