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Our Dying Saviors Legacy of Peace · John Higginson

Our Dying Saviors Legacy of Peace, Sermon 2

Revelations II. III.

And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they shall Prophesie a thousand two hundred and threescore dayes, cloathed in Sackcloth.

IN mine ordinary course on the first Epistle of John, Chapter five. We have lately insisted on the Witnesses to this great Truth, That [Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and Saviour of the World.] This is the summe and scope of the six first verses; and then verse 7. There are three that … record in Heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Spirit, and these Three are one; and verse 8. There are Three that bear Witness in Earth, the Spirit, the Water, and the Blood, and these three agree in one; that is, they all agree in this Testimony, that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and Saviour of the World. At this time I shall speak a few words of the Two Witnesses here mentioned in the Text which I have now read unto you, because these also witness to you something. In the close of the last Sermon concerning the Three Witnesses upon Earth, it was one of the Exhortations then but briefly expressed; that we be sure to be found amongst the number of Christs Witnesses here upon the Earth. Now because of the great importance and concernment of this Truth, being so necessary and seasonable for us in these times: I shall therefore insist upon it a little more fully and particularly, from the words of this Text. And for Introduction, it will be sufficient if we observe, that this Chapter (according to the concurrent judgment of the generality of good interpreters) contains a Prophecy of the state of the Church of Christ, witnessing for Christ, and against Anti-christ, during the whole time of the reign of Anti christ. All the time that the holy City is trodden down by Anti-christian Gentiles, the Saints and People of God do bear witness for the Truths and Wayes of Christ, against all Antichristian Errors and Wayes.

I shall briefly shew you something of the meaning of the Text, answering a few Questions: And first,

Quest. 1. Who these Witnesses are?

Answ. First in general; all sincere Christians; all that are Followers of the Lamb; are to be understood as Witnesses of Christ, for look as Rev. 13. 17. also the Followers of the Beast are said to receive his Mark or hit Name, or the number of his name; So in Rev. 14. 1. All the Followers of the Lamb are also said to be marked with his Fathers Name written in their foreheads, in respect of a sincere publick Profession, that they are for Jesus Christ, his Truths and Wayes, and that in opposition to all Anti christian Wayes; but the verse after the Text, tells us more particularly who these Witnesses are▪ these are the Two Olive Trees, und the two Candlesticks standing before the God of the Earth, which is a manifest allusion to Zech. 4. in the third and eleven verses you read of Two Olive Trees, and in verse 24. these two Olive Trees are said to be the Two Anointed Ones, and by the course of the third and 4th Chapter it is evident by the Two Anoynted Ones is meant Joshua and Zerubbabel, the Magistrate and the Minister, both were Anointed to stand before the Lord of the whole earth, as publick instruments under God, for the good of his Church and People in the World. So that the Two Olive Trees are the Godly Magistrate, and the Godly Minister; but then what are the two Candlesticks? mentioned with the two Olive Trees in this Rev. 11. 4. we may observe, in Zech 5. there was but one Candlestick; noting the Jewish Church, which was but one; but in Rev. 1. There is a Vision of seven Candlesticks which are said to be the seven Churches, because the Christian Church is more than one, and at sometimes a multitude of Churches, which yet in Antichristian times are reduced unto a smaller number, as here, but Two Candlesticks, i. e. Two Churches, and Two Witnesses: So that if you put all these together, then by the Two Witnesses we are to understand, a godly. Magistracy and Ministry in Conjunction with the Churches of Christ and all sincere Christians.

Quest. Why are they called Witnesses?

Answ. Because it is their work and buisiness to bear witness to the Truth and ways of Christ in opposition to the ways of Antichrist; this is expressed in the Text by the word [Prophesying] which is a declaring and making known the mind and will of God out of his Word (as will appear by comparing Rev. 19. 10. and 22. 9.) So that this [Prophesying] and this [witness bearing] so as to carry on the Testimony of Christ in the world, against Antichrist, these are all one: and it it the work and buisiness of all the Witnesses of Christ according to their several capacities.

Quest. 3. But why are they called Two Witnesses.

Ans. Because two are but few, and yet enough to bear witness; for God hath ordained, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word shall be established. (as in divers places both of the Old and New Testament) and the meaning is, that altho' at some time Christs Witnesses may be reduced to a small number, yet the Lord Jesus will always preserve a sufficient number to bear witness to his Truth in the darkest times. Sometimes they are but as a Remnant left, but a few names in Sardis, as Rev. 3. 4. yet these shall be enough to bear witness for Christ against Antichrist all the time of the Gentiles, treading under foot the holy City.

Quest. 4. What is meant by this, That they shall Prophesie in Sackcloth? Why in Sackcloth?

Answ. It signifies, the sad afflicted and mournful condition, that the Churches and Witnesses of Christ shall be in at several times, and in several places in the world, during the long time of Antichrists Reign.

When the Jews of old mourned and were afflicted, they put on Sackcloth, the Princes, the Priests, the People in great Calamities, put on Sackcloth (as might be showed in many Scriptures) so the Witnesses here are said to Prophecy in Sackcloth, what doth this mean but the afflicted and mournful condition of the Churches of Christ, and People of God in Antichristian-times.

For is it not a sad thing for the holy City to be trodden under foot by Antichristian Gentiles: Is it not a sad thing that the Heresies, Idolatries, and Superstitions of the Popish Religion should spread and prevail up and down in the world. Again, is it not a mournful thing that the Churches of Christ to be hidden and driven into corners, for the Faithful Ministers and Servants of Christ to be Persecuted, Imprisoned, and killed all the day long, and counted but as Sheep for the Slaughter: Thus it hath been, thus it is, and thus it will be in Antichristian times; sincere Christians shall be in a sorrowful and suffering condition.

Qu. 5. What is meant by this; I will give power to my Witnesses, &c.

The word [Power] is not in the Original, for though the thing is included as one particular; yet that word Power is to narrow to express the full meaning. The word in the Greek is foreign &c. and I will give to them; i. e. as if he had said;

1. I will give it to them as their duty to bear witness unto me.

2. I will give them Grace to enable them to this Duty.

3. I give them Authority to do their duty, they have their Commission from me and my Word. And

4. I give it them as their great honour and priviledge both to do and to suffer as witnesses for me, thus in Phil. 1. 29. Unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake.

And then.

5. Further implies, that so long as he hath any work for any of His Witnesses, He will maintain, them, accept, them, and succeed them in their witness-bearing unto him, until he calls them away to himself; and then He will raise up others in their stead, until the time appointed that their witnessing in Sack cloth be expired.

Qu. 6. What is meant by the one thousand two hundred and threescore dayes, as the time of the Witnesses Prophecying in Sack cloth?

Ans. By the concurrent judgement of the Divines: these dayes do signify so many Years, a day being put for a year, as might be shewed from such Scriptures as mention the prophetical numbers of time, as Ezek. 4. 6. compared with other places. And these one thousand two hundred and threescore dayes of the Witnesses prophecying in Sack cloth, are the same number with the forty two moneths of the Beast, that is, Antichrists reigning and treading down the holy City, which doth seem to intimate, that when this one thousand two hundred and threescore dayes shall be finished, then Antichrists reign shall expire, and the suffering time of the Church come to an end.

Qu. 7. The seventh and last Question may arise from the former; Some may desire to know (if it were possible) when did this time begin; and shall it end?

Ans. All I say in answer to this question is, as our Saviour Christ said unto his Disciples, Act. 1. 7. It is net for us to know the times or the seasons which the Father hath put in his own power. And the mistakes of such as have given their conjectures in this matter may deter us from being too inquisitive, and too positive therein: Only from the Text and Context, there are two things may safely be concluded:

1. That there is a certain period of time determined by God, and known unto him, when these times shall come to an end. It is a day known to the Lord, Zech. 14. 7. and when the Prophecies are fulfilled, and the times expired, then they will clearly be understood by us, and known to us, but (it may be) not before.

2. That so long as Antichrists reign continues in the World, so long the Witnesses and suffering time of the Church and People of God must and shall continue; and it being very clear the time of Antichrist is not yet expired; it is as clear that the time of the Witnesses, Prophecying in Sack cloth is not yet at an end.

Thus I have shewed you (as briefly as might be) something our Saviours meaning in the words of this Text.

I might propound unto you this Doctrine, and enlarge upon it;

DOCTRINE,

That it is the indispensable duty, and great concernment of all Christians in all places that live in the times before the destruction of Antichrist to be found amongst the number of the the Witnesses of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

But I shall wave the prosecution of such a Doctrine, and shall only re-assume, and reinforce the Exhortation mentioned the last Lecture day.

O Brethren, let us all be moved and warned from the Lord, to look diligently to our selves, that we be found amongst the number of the Witnesses of Jesus Christ.

To set on this Exhortation, I shall set before you,

1. Seven Motives to perswade you And then,

2. Seven Directions to gaid us, how and wherein we are to be Witnesses unto Christ.

In the first place,

1. Consider the excellency and glory of the cause we are called to bear witness unto. It is indeed the cause of our Lord Jesus Christ that he is the only Christ, the only Saviour the great Prophet, the high Priest, the Soverain Lord and King, of his Church; nay that He is the Lord of Lords, and King of Kings, and of all the Kingdoms of the World: that his Gospel hath a right paramount, all rights to be received and subjected unto in every Nation of the World; and that the knee of Magistracy should bow at the Name of Jesus, confessing to the glory of God, that He is Lord of all.

Again, it is the cause of the one true Religion, that all things in all the Churches of Christ throughout the World, both in Doctrine, Worship, Discipline and Manners should be according to the Gospel of Jesus Christ: and this in opposition to the mixtures, inventions and additions of men, especially in opposition to the damnable Heresies and vile Idolatries of the Popish Religion: this is that glorious cause we are called to bear witness to (All the particulars mentioned might be abundantly confirmed from the Scriptures, but that my designed brevity will not permit such enlargement.

2. Consider that all sincere Christians are appointed by our Saviour Christ to be witnesses unto Him; thus in Luke 24. after he had told his Disciples the substance of his Gospel, and commanded them to Preach Repentance and Remission of Sins in his Name unto all Nations, he adds verse 48. Ye are my Witnesses of these things; and in Acts 1. after he had fully instructed them in all things pertaining to the Kingdom of God, he tells them, verse 8. Ye shall be Witnesses unto the utmost parts of the earth; so so that if we be amongst the number of his true Disciples, we must look at our selves appointed by Him, to be Witnesses unto Him.

3. We are not alone, but have a great and honourable multitude of Witnesses gone before us, going along with us, and coming after us: as now,

1. The Three Witnesses in Heaven, the Father, the Word and the Spirit;

And 2. The Three Witnesses on Earth, the Spirit the Water and the Blood, 1 John 5. 7.

And 3: The Man Christ Jesus himself, when he was upon Earth, He witnessed a good Confession before Pilate, 1 Tim. 6. 13. when he professed saying, To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness to the Truth, John. 18. 17. and since he ascended into Heaven, in his Epistles to the seven Churches, Rev. 1. 5. he stiles himself the Faithful and True Witness, and we are to follow him as the Captain of our Salvation.

Again 4 All the Apostles and Christians and Martyrs of Jesus have carried on this work of witness bearing in all the ages before us, and are to be followers of them as they have followed Christ.

And 5. There are in this Age, and at other places of the world, a great multitude of godly Ministers and Christians that an faithfully witnessing and suffering for Christ, and against Antichrist; therefore as the Apostle says, Heb. 12. 1, 2. Being compassed about with such a Cloud of Witnesses, let us run with Patience the Race that is set before … looking unto Jesus for his Example to guide us, and his Grace to enable us that we also may be found amongst the faithful Witnesses in this our age; and since it is the Will of God to appoint us our lot to live in a time when the People of God are generally called unto Witnessing and Suffering Work for Christ, let us not only be willing to it, but rejoice in it that we are counted worthy to be enrolled among such a blessed Company of Witnesses unto Christ.

4. Let us also consider of it; that the Churches of Christ and People of God in New England are engaged by the special Providence of God, in this duty of bearing witness unto Christ against Antichrist, and that more than any people in the world that we know of.

For,

1. Our Fathers came into this Wilderness meerly and purely upon this account, viz. for their Testimony to Christ and his Gospel, and against Humane Inventions and additions in the Worship of God.

2. We their Children and Successors are engaged in the same cause, their Witnessing work is now devolved upon us and committed unto us; we that are now living are accountable to God for his Cause and Gospel in our time.

3. We have enjoyed a long time of the liberty and peace of the Gospel above these fifty years, and that more than most other people in the world, we have had liberty to be as good as we would be or as we should be, with many things to help us, and nothing to hinder us to this day.

4. Also there hath been amongst us a higher profession of a practical Reformation in all things relating to Religion then in most other places: insomuch that New-England hath been in this respect as a City set upon a hill which cannot be hid: but hath been observed and eyed by all sorts of friends and enemies, and by the whole Popish Party, and therefore we had need look to our selves that we acquit our selves well, in this perilous hour of the Passion of the Gospel.

5. Let us further consider, that this work of witness bearing to Christ is not an indifferent thing, but absolutely necessary to our Salvation; when God calls a Christian there unto; as Rom. 10. 10. With the heart in an believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth Confession is made unto Salvation; the first of these to believe with the heart is necessary at all times, and the second confession is also necessary at such times and in such cases, when a man is called to confess Christ, and any of his Truths and Wayes in opposition to Antichristian ways; therefore our Saviour Christ hath said, Mat. 10. Whosoever will Confess me before men, him will I confess before my Father which is in Heaven, and and ver. 33. Whosoever will deny me before men, him will I deny before my Father which is in Heaven, the like we find, Mark 8. 88.

6. This is the end why the Lord sends an hour of Temptation upon the world to try the sincerity of those that make profession of the Truth, Rev. 3. 10. for He the great God changeth the times and seasons (according to his good pleasure, for his own holy and secret ends) from a time of peace to a time of trouble, from a time of liberty, to a time of restraint and Persecution for the Gospel sake; and commonly after a time of Profession, there comes a time of Temptation to try all the Professors of the Truth. Such an hour of Temptation is already upon the Churches and People of God in many other parts of the world; and if the Lord see fit … it upon us in New England also, we should not think strange of the fiery Tryal which is to try us as the Apostle speaks, 1 Pet. 4. 12. but look diligently to it, that we approve our selves as true and faithful witnesses unto Jesus Christ and his Truths and Wayes, in opposition to all Antichristian Ways.

7. Last of all consider this, That either you must be amongst the witnesses of Christ, or else be Apostates from Christ, and be the branded Followers of Antichrist. For in the Christian world there are two Heads, Christ and Antichrist: and there are two Parties and sides of men, and whatever men seem to be in times of Peace and Profession, yet when the hour of Temptation is come, and when searching tryals are long and strong, men must of necessity be, and appear to be, on the one side or on the other, either on Christs side or on Antichrists side; for so in this book of Revelations (besides in other Scriptures) these two sorts are mentioned as in opposition one against another, as Rev. 13. 17. the followers of Antichrist either have the mark of the Beast, or his name, or the number of his name and who are those but such as profess the Idolatries, Heresies and Superstitsons of the Popish Religion, and adhere to the Pope as Head of the Church: and this either in whole or in part. On the other side, Rev. 14. 1. The Followers of the Lamb the Lord Jesus, are marked with hss Fathers Name written in their foreheads; to signify their professed cleaving to Christ, onelyonly as the Head of his Church, and his written word as the only Rule of all things that belong to the Christian Religion, and therefore witnessing against all Antichristian ways, in the face of opposition, and in the face of the most threatning danger whatsoever.

Now then, as Moses said unto Israel, Exo: 22. 26. Who is on the Lords side? Who? So when God by his Providential dispensations in searching tryals, says, Who is on Christs Side? Who? Then if you fall off from Christ, his Truths and Ways, you will by degrees fall to and fall in with the Antichristian Party, so as either to bear the mark of the Beast, or his name, or the number of his name; by sinful compliances, contrary to your duty and fidelity to Jesus Christ: Now what Godly Soul cannot but fear and tremble at this, and say, Lord save me from being amongst the number of the Antichristians: Lord Jesus let me be on thy Side, and amongst the number of Sincere Christians that are thy faithful Witnesses, whatever be the issue, and what ever become of me in this world.

Now if the Question be demanded,

Quest. How and wherein should we approve our selves to be the true and faithful Witnesses of our Lord Jesus Christ?

Answ. I Answer in the seven following Directions;

1. Let us look to our selves, that we have that which is essential to the constitution of a Witness of Christ; and that is, by a penitential and obediential Faith to receive the witness of God concerning Christ, and to have that witness in our selves. Thus in 1 Joh. Chap. 5. after the Apostle had enumerated the Witnesses in Heaven, and on Earth to this great Truth (That Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and Saviour of the World) ve. 6, 7, 8. he then applies it, ver. 9. If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater; and then he shews what the witness of God concerning Christ is, ver. 10, 11, 12. That eternal Life is in Christ, and that whosoever believes in him shall have that eternal life. So that when by the effectual work of the Spirit and Word of Faith, we are enabled to receive this Witness of God.

And that,

1. With a firm Assent of our understanding, we believe the Gospel of Christ to be infallably true; resting on the supream Authority, Veracity and Fidelity of God the Witnesser: And also,

2. With a true consent of our Wille, and with the well pleased affections of our hearts we do receive the thing witnessed, that is, we do receive Christ himself, in all his Offices (as our chief good) with application to our selves, unto all the ends and uses for which God gives him.

Then it is, that we come to have the witness in our selves, as ver. 10. He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself. For by this means the whole Soul comes to be fashioned and framed by the Truth and goodness of the Gospel; and Christ comes to be formed in us, to live, and dwell, and reign in our hearts and lives by Faith in him, Gal. 2. 20. Eph. 3. 17. and so we our selves are made witnesses unto Jesus Christ. Therefore we had all need to look diligently to this; for although many may seem to be amongst the number of Christs Witnesses in a time of the peace of the Gospel; yet when Persecution ariseth for the Gospel sake, and when searching trials come, experience hath often proved it already, and may do again, that the number of Professors come to be thinned, and but few in comparison that are found to be faithful witnesses of Christ: the reason is for want of a divine Faith, receiving Christ into the heart upon the witness of God in his Word; for that is it doth essentially constitute and make a man to be a sound Believer, and a sincere witness of Christ, accepted and approved of him: For of such, of all such, and only such he sayes, Act. 1. 8. Ye shall be witnesses unto me; and in the Text, They are my Witnesses, & Rev. 2. 13. Antipas my faithful Martyr.

Direction,

2. Rest not till we find these Properties in our selves whereby the Witnesses of Christ are described in this Book of the Revelation;

As to give instance in some of them,

1. They are called Chosen and Faithful, Rev. 17. 14. let us look to that then, that we be effectually called, that we have sincerely answered the call of God in his Gospel, and do still answer it by a continual exercise of Faith and Repentance; and that we be his chosen ones, having the special Grace of Gods Election, and the choice Graces of the Spirit, that accompany Salvation. And that we be faithful to Jesus Christ and his Gospel, approving our selves so to be in all times and cases of trial.

2. They are such as have and keep the Faith of Jesus, Rev. 13. 10. & 14. 12. so must we keep the Doctrine of Faith uncorrupted, and the grace of Faith alwayes in exercise; and we must keep it to our lives end.

3. They have the Testimony of Jesus, Rev. 19, 12, ult. which implies both the whole testimony that is given of Christ in the word of God in all things relating to him; and the Testimony which Christ himself gave, and for which he suffered, 1 Tim. 6. 13. Joh. 18. 36, 37. So we must have and hold forth, and carry on the same Testimony in our time.

4. They are such as keep the Commandments of God, Rev. 14. 12. & 13. ult. So it must be with us; we must with evangelical sincerity keep the ten Commandments of Gods Law, as the way wherein we are to walk to the kingdom of Heaven; and as the rule of our lives and all our actions, and especially in matters of Religion, Mat. 28. ult. that the only reason why we cannot consent and comply with others in this or that, is, because we see not how they do agree with the commands of God.

5. They are without guile, Rev. 14. 5. In their mouth was found no guile, and they are without fault before the Throne of God To signifie the sincerity of the Witnesses of Christ in opposition to the Hipocrisie of the times wherein they lived; they did not dissemble with God or men, nor counterfeit a Religion, but all their words and actions did convincingly evidence, they were truly and really such as they professed themselves to belike to Nathanael, of whom it is said, Joh. 1. …. Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile, i. e. no prevailing guile: so it should be with us; our great care should be, to be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ, Phil. 1. 10.

6. They are such as have Christ and His Fathers Name written upon their foreheads, Rev 14. 1. as a mark of their avowed profession, signifying to whom they do belong, that they are for Christ and his Gospel in opposition to Antichrist, and all his wayes.

7. They follow the Lamb wheresoever he goes, Rev. 14. 4. which notes their firm adherence to Christ himself and his Gospel whatever be the issue: and that they acknowledge Christ alone to be their Leader and Commander following him, with their eyes and hearts towards him, to teach them by his Doctrine, to guid them by his Example, to enable them by his Grace and Spirit unto all well doing, and well suffering for his Name sake taking their Lot with him for better or worse in this World as he shall dispose of them, looking for their great reward in Heaven with him; and so they persevere to the end of their dayes, as the sincere followers of Christ.

And these are some of the properties by which the Witnesses of Christ are described; and its certain, that you and I must have all these properties, or we shall not be accepted of our Lord Jesus Christ to be Witnesses unto him.

Direction, 3.

The third Direction is concerning the things of Christ, wherein we are to bear witness unto him. We must care for the things of Christ, as Phil. 2. 21. Although Christ now in Heaven be invisible to us, and the blind World do not see his glory; they hear talk of one Jesus, but few believe him to be such a one as he is, yet the Saints of God that see and believe, and are sure that He is the Christ the Son of God and Saviour of the World, and that He is their Lord and Saviour; having no other way now in this World to express our sincere affection to him, we must do it unto all those things of Christ which he hath left below here upon Earth, even whatsoever is owned by him, or doth any way stand in relation to him.

I shall briefly instance in ten Particulars.

We must bear Witness to;

1. The Image of Christ by expressing all the forementioned properties in our whole conversation; shewing that we do indeed bear the Image of Christ in the World, as 1 Cor. 15. 49. that we have Christ formed in us, and that we are anointed with his Spirit, and in our measure like unto him, walking as he walked and purifying our selves as he is pure, 1 Joh. 2. 6. & 3. 3. and so approving our selves to God and men that we are Christians, not in name only, but indeed and in truth.

2. The Name of Christ, that a; God hath given him a name above every name, Phil. 2. 9. So we exalt the name of Christ above the names of all the Kings and Emperors in the World, that he is the Lord of Lords, and King of Kings, and that he hath a Kingdome over the Souls and Consciences of men, and that in all matters of Religion, we must be subject only to the supream authority of him who is head of his Church, and Lord over all, Isai 33. 22. The Lord is our Lawgiver, the Lord is our Judge, he will save us.

3. The Word of Christ, as Col: 3. 16. The word of Christ should dwell in us richly teaching and admonishing our selves and one another, that the written Word of God is the onelyonly Rule of Faith and manners, and the only Judge of controversies, as Joh. 12. 40. therefore cleaving to the words of our Lord Jesus Christ as the words of Eternal Life, we should hold forth the same to all men upon all occasions, Phil. 2. 16.

4. The Doctrine of Christ, as its called Heb. 6. 1. that is, That all the Doctrines that are contained in the Written Word of God, these are of God, and are the Doctrine of Godliness, teaching us the way of living to God unto Eternal Life; and that all other Doctrines that are different from, or contrary to the Word of God, that these are not of God,

5. The Worship of God in Christ; both the inward Worship of God in Spirit and Truth; and the outward means of Worship the Ordinances of Christ, they must all be appointed by him in his Word; in all matters of Divine Worship we must observe all and only what he hath commanded, Mat. 28. 20. and Deut. 12. last. What thing soever I command you, observe to do it, thou shalt not add thereunto, nor diminish there from, and Isa. 29. 13. and Mark 7. 7. in vain do they worship me, teaching for Doctrines the Commandments of men.

6. The day of Christ; the Lords day, as it is called, Rev. 1. 10. that it is to be observed as the Christian Sabbath, and kept unto God, with the highest strain of inward and outward holiness, according to the fourth Commandment, and that without the addition of any other holy days appointed by men, as the Feast which Jeroboam ordained and devised out of his own heart; 1 Kings 12. 33.

7. The Church and Churches of Christ, that is the Universal Visible Church which is the Kingdom of Christ in the World containing all that profess Christianity: and the Mystical Church of Christ consisting of all and only true believers, and sincere Christians, contained in the Visible Church; as also particular Visible Churches, professing to walk in, and according to the order of the Gospel; over all which Christ alone is to be acknowledged as the Supream Head, Eph 5. 23. He is the Head of the Church, and Saviour of his Body, Eph. 1. 22. He is Head over all things to his Church.

8. The Government and Discipline of Christ in his Church, for the Government of the Church appertains to him, Isa. 9. 6. as Head of his Church, to appoint his own Ordinances, and Officers to manage all the affairs of his Kingdome, and dispensing his Rewards and Punishments according to his Laws, Who is the only Law-giver, Jam. 4. 12

9. The Ministers of Christ, who are under him, and in his stead to dispense his holy things, 1 Cor. 4. 1. they are to be accountted as the Ministers of Christ, and as the Stewards of the Mysteries of God, and as the Lord solemnly charged it upon the people of Israel that they should not forsake the Levites all the days of their lives, Deut. 12. 19. So the Ministers of the Gospel should not be forsaken by the People of God, but owned especially then when they are called forth to answer and suffer for Christ and his Gospel sake, the injuries of men do not break the relation between a Minister and People, nor release them from the relative duties enjoyned by the Word of God, so far as is possible for them to perform the same, Mat. 10. 40. shews that the receiving and owning, or the despising and forsaking them, Christ takes it as done to himself.

10. The People of God and Servants of Christ, for in the forecited place, Mat. 10. last. Our Saviour shews, what is done to any Christian in the name of a Disciple, or because he belongs to Christ, as Mark 9. 41. he takes it as done to himself, also Mat. 25. 34. 42.

Thus you see in these Ten particulars, in what we are to bear witness unto Jesus Christ.

Direction. 4.

Concerning the duty of witness bearing it self, wherein it doth consist, and how it is to be performed by us, viz. in these following five particulars.

1. By our professed subjection to the Gospel of Christ in a practical way, as you read that expression of a professed subjection to the Gospel, 2 Cor. 13. which imports an open, free and publick profession of the true Christian Religion according to the Gospel, in the whole circumference of it, and all things contained therein; Christians must not conceal and keep their Religion to themselves, but make it known to the world, both by their words and actions that they are of the number of the resolved Followers of Christ. Hence as Paul after his conversion joyned himself to the Church at Jerusalem, Acts 9. 26. So all sincere Christians should even in perilous times joyn themselves to the Churches of Christ; and as it was said of those Primitive Christians, Acts 2. 42. they continued stedfastly together in the Apostles Doctrine, and Fellowship, and Breaking of Bread, and Prayers; so there ought to be a stedfast continuance of Christians together in Church-relation, and in observing all the Commandments of Christ in matters of Religion; and this profession ought to be adorned by suitable Conversation such as becomes the Gospel, Phil. 1. 22.

2. By witnessing a good confession; as our Saviour Christ did who is gone before us, and hath led us the way as the true and faithful witness, 1 Tim. 6. 13. how He did that, is shewed, John 18. 37. when he was called to it by Pilate the Roman Governour, he professedly Witnessed that He was a King, and had a Kingdom though not of this world, and said moreover, for this end I was born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth; and further, every one that is of the truth heareth my voice. So that when we are called to it by Authority, if we be the sincere Followers of Christ, we also must own and bear witness to the truths and wayes of Christ, that belong to his heavenly Kingdom, whatever be the issue.

And in this confession of Christ we must remember the Example of John Baptist, John 1. 20. He confessed and denied not, but confessed, &c. that is, he did express himself both negatively and affirmatively without recanting or contradicting the witness that he gave in concerning Christ. So it should be with us in witness bearing to any of the things of Christ. Christians ought to express themselves plainly and fully, so as to be understood, that we are the sincere Followers of Christ, not saying or doing any thing that may revoke or obscure our testimony of Jesus Christ, a faithful witness speaketh constantly, Prov. 21. 28.

3. By our willingness and readiness to suffer for any of the truths and wayes of Christ, as in the Acts of the Apostles, the Christians then were called unto Sufferings which they willingly underwent for the name of Christ So it hath been ever since, although the Lord hath been wont to give some breathing times to his Church in the world, and hath sometimes priviledged some of his people in some places, with a longer enjoyment of the Gospel of Peace, and peace of the Gospel then others; yet in all ages hitherto, ever since the time of our Saviour Christ, it hath not been long before Christians have been called unto Sufferings for the Gospel sake, Rev. 13. 10. Here is the Patience of, and Faith of the Saints; and Rev. 14. 12. Here is the Patience of the Saints, here are they that keep the Commandments of God, and the Faith of Jesus, so that we see that Faith and Patience, keeping the commandments of God, and Patience go together. So that if we are resolved for the one, we must resolve upon the other; and choose patienly to endure any sufferings, rather than deny the Faith of Christ, or break any of the commands of God; those that cannot, or will not suffer for the truths and ways of Christ, they will not be found amongst the number of such as keep the commandments of God, and the Faith of Jesus.

4. We must also be companions with those that suffer for Christs sake, as the Apostle John professed himself to be, Rev. 1. 9. I John am your brother and companion in Tribulation, and in the Kingdom and Patience of Jesus Christ; and the Apostle in the Hebrews, chap. 10. 33. acknowledged that they were not only Sufferers themselves, being made a gazing stock by reproaches and afflictions, but they were companions of those that were so used for the Gospel sake. It is true indeed, that all serious christians at all times should remember that of David, Psal. 119. 63. I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy Precepts; tho' in ordinary conversation a christian may have to do with those that are not such, yet the men of our choice and delight should be only such as fear the Lord: and then especially when any such are called forth to witness and suffer for Christ and his Gospel sake, it is our duty to own them and their cause, to stand by them and be with them, to appear for them, yea, and to suffer with them, and for them, as we are called to it; the Apostle Paul complained, 2 Tim. 4. 16. that at his first answer no man stood with him, but all men forsook him; and this was at Rome where there was such a famous Church of Christians at that time; but this implies, it was their duty not to have forsaken him in the cause of Christ; and it was their Sin that they did not, therefore he prays God that it might not be laid to their charge: Where we may also observe in Pauls example, if any or all men should forsake us, and no man stand with us, we must be willing to stand alone, and suffer alone in a cause of Christ, being contented with this that the Lord stands with us, as he did with Paul, ver. 17, 18. not withstanding the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear, and I was delivered out of the mouth of the Lyon; and the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly Kingdom to whom be glory for Ever and for Ever AMEN.

5. In all that we say, or do or suffer in witness-bearing to Christ, be sure to keep close to the Word of God: hold forth that and hold fast that as containing the matter and ground of our Testimony: Thus the Primitive Witnesses and Martys of Jesus are described and commanded, Rev. 1. 9. John was in the Isle of Patmos for the Word of God, and for the Testimony of Jesus Christ, Rev. 3. 8. Thou hast kept my Word, and hast not denied … Name, and Rev. 6. 9. I saw under the Altar the Souls of them that were stain for the Word of God, and for the Testimony which they held, and Rev. 12. 11. They Overcame by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their Testimony, and they loved not their loves to the death; they lost their lives, but kept the Word of God, they lived and died upon that, and so should we, and if we be sincere Christians, it cannot but be so.

And this may be a great relief to the Spirits of Christians, who are not acquainted with, or not skilled in the controversies of Religion, or have not the ability of disputing for the Truth against Errors; or not knowing before hand in what particulars we may be called to give our Testimony about: it is sufficient if we keep to the written Word of God; because all things pertaining to the true Christian Religion, are contained therein, and Authorized thereby; if any thing be required or imposed that is different form or contrary to the Word of God, we ought not to accept of it, nor submit to it, but renounce it, and bear witness against it; as contrary to the Will and command of our Lord Jesus Christ the Head and King of his Church: It is enough for a Christian to say, this or that is not agreeable to the written Word of God, therefore I cannot, I dare not, I will not consent or yield thereunto, whatever I suffer, or whatever become of me in this world; this hath been the Spirit and Plea of the Confessors and Martyrs of Jesus Christ in all the ages before us, and must be ours, if indeed we would be found and accepted amongst the Witnesses of Jesus Christ.

Diriction 5.

The next Direction is, concerning the duty of Christians in relation to the civil Government and Magistracy we live under.

The Rule is this, in changeable times keep close to the unchangeable Rules of Gods Word, which guide us in the way of our duty, towards any Magistracy which God by his Providence sets over us: it is true indeed, if the Lord hath priviledged his people with such a Magistracy as he hath made to be Nursing Fathers to the Church of God and the true Christian Religion; there is no question of it, but we should highly prize it, and bless God for it, as an invaluable mercy, and use all means that are lawful for the continuance of such a blessing to our selves, and our posterity after us; but if it be the will of the great God (who changes the times and seasons, who removes Kings and sets up Kings, and gives the Kingdoms of the Earth to whomsoever he will, Dan. 2. 21. ver. 77.) I say if it be his pleasure, for his own holy and secret ends to bring upon us, such a change of the civil Government, that those that are in place of Authority, are not so friendly and fatherly affected to the Church of Christ, and the concernments of Religion as formerly; who are we that we should reply against God, and say, why hast thou done this? Is not he the Potter and we the clay? Shall we receive good from the hand of God and not evil? Job. 2. 10. ought we not to submit our selves to God, and be content to be at his dispose? James 4. 7, 10.

And then should we not also remember those unchangeable rules of direction in the Word of God concerning our duty to such Magistracy as God by his Providence hath set over us, and are not these three duties very plain in the Scripture?

1. Prayer for them, 1 Tim. 2 23. For Kings, and all that are in Authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty, fer this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour

2. Subjection to their Authority?

And,

3. Obedience to their Laws and Commands, Thes. 2. are joyned together in many Scriptures, as Rom. 13. 1. Let every soul be subject unto the Higher Powers; for there is no power but of God, the powers that be are ordained of God, whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the Ordinance of God, &c. and ver. 5. You must needs be subject not only for wrath but also for Conscience sake, 1. Pet: 2. 13 14. Submit your selves to every Ordinance of man for the Lords sake, whether it be the King as Supream, or unto Governours sent by him &c. and ver. 15. for so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to Silence the ignorance of foolish men, and ver. 17. Fear God and Honour the the King, Tit. 3. 1. put them in mind to be subject to Principalities and Powers to obey Magistrates, &c.

Now then, do not these Commands of God belong to us as well as Christians in former ages? and is it not a part of our Christianity and Obedience to Christ himself to observe these commands of his as well as any other?

Quest. If the Question be propounded, What is that obedience which God commands us to yield unto Magistrates?

Ans. It is obedience not in sinful but in lawful things, in things not contrary to the Word of God: for in all matters of Religion, We must obey God rather than man, Act. 4. 19. Whether it be right in the sight of God, to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. And Acts 5. 29. We ought to obey God rather than men. If God command us one thing in his Word, and the Magistrate command another thing, that is not consistent with our duty to God; there is no question of it, but we must obey God rather than men, and to chuse rather to suffer, than to sin as the primitive Christians did; as we read both in the acts of the Apostles, and in the history of the Church in all ages ever since: And as the three Worthies, Dan. 2. they chose rather to be cast into the fiery Furnace than to obey the Kings Command in Worshipping his Golden Image, And Daniel Chap. 6. chose rather to be cast into the Lions Den, than to omit Prayer to the true and living God, and to pray to a man instead of God blessed for ever: These great and good Examples of passive Obedience to Authority, when they could not yield active obedience to unlawful Commands) are left upon Record for our imitation; that in any case, or matter of Religion we must obey the commands of God, and not the commands of men, rather chusing to suffer from men, then sin against God: But that which we are to consider of is, that the Lord now seems by his providential dispensations to be recalling his people every where to the good old Principal of the godly Non-conformists in the former ages; namely to yield subjection and obedience (either active or passive) to Magistrates, and that, for the Lords sake, that we may shew our selves to be the sincere Disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath commanded, saying, Render unto Cesar the things that are Cesars, and unto God the things that are Gods. Which is the more to be noted, because in our Saviour Christs time, and in the time of the Apostles and primitive Christians, there were no other Cesars or Kings than such as Tiberius Claudius and Nero: and no other Governours sent by them into the Roman Provinces, than such as Pilate, Festus, Foelix and Gallio; and yet then did our Saviour Christ, and his Apostles give the forementioned commands concerning the duty of Subjection and Obedience to Magistrates, and that for the Lords sake.

That it might appear that the Kingdom of Christ in his Church, is not of this world (though in this world) and that it may consist with any kind of civil Government, and Governours in the world; the being and well-being of the Church and true Religion depends not upon men, but upon him who is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords who did preserve his Church for three hundred years in the time of the ten Persecutions, under Heathen Magistrates; and hath preserved it ever since under such Magistrates as for the most part gave up their power to the Antichrist at Rome, for many hundred years, &c.

Object. But are there not many Promises and Prophesies that Kings shall be Nursing Fathers to the Church, Isa. 49. 23, & vers. 7. Kings and Princes shall worship the Holy One of Israel; and that Kings shall come to the brightness of the Churches rising, Isa. 60. 3; & verse 10. There Kings shall Minister unto thee, & verse 16. Thou shalt suck the breasts of Kings, & Rev. 21. 4. The Kings of the Earth shall bring their glory into the New Jerusalem, and that the Kingdoms of the World shall become the Kingdoms of the Lord and of his Christ, Rev. 11. 15.

Answ. All this is true; but we must know that not the Prophesies but the Precepts of Scripture are the Rule of our Actions.

The Prophesies do shew what the Lord himself will do and bring about in his own time, by wayes and means known unto him, but unknown to us, but they are the Precepts of Scripture that shew unto us what is our duty of Subjection and Obedience to Magistracy (as God's Ordinance) in that manner shewed before, Let us do what the Lord shews to be our duty in his Word, and let the Lord in the wayes of his Providence, do with us, with his Church and with the whole world as it pleaseth him. All Christians in these times must be brought unto that frame of Spirit that David was brought unto, in that great change of afflicting Providence that came upon him, 2 Sam. 15. 25, 26. If I shall find favour in the sight of God, He will bring me again and shew me his Ark and his Habitation; but if he thus say, I have no delight in thee; behold here am I, let him do to me as seemeth good unto him. So if we shall find favour in the sight of God, he will either continue to us, or give to us, or restore to us such a Magistracy as shall be Nursing Fathers to his Church and Religion, but if he have no delight in us in that respect, let him do to us as seemeth good to him.

Direct. 6. The sixth Direction is, concerning the whole manner of our Christian Behaviour as Witnesses of Christ, and that in seven particulars:

We should behave our selves.

1. Wisely, This was the first counsel our Saviour gave his Disciples when he told them, that he sent them forth as Sheep among Wolves, therefore (says he) Be wise as Serpents, Mat. 10. 16. i. e. be wise to prevent and avoid such dangers as you lawfully may; therefore in the next words he adds, beware of men; the Apostle adviseth Christians to walk in wisdom towards those that are without, Col; 4. 5. and Eph. 5. 15. walk circumspectly, not as fools but wise, neither on the one side by sinful compliances to be ensnared, nor on the other side by inconsiderate rashness to provoke and exasperate the enemies of the Truth, but by the exercise of godly wisdom, to discern when God calls us to the duty of witnessing or suffering for his sake in any case: Hence its added in that Eph. 5. 17. Be ye not unwise; but understanding what the will of the Lord is, Prov. 14 8. The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way. Those … the excellency of the wisdom which is from above, by comparing the Word and Providence, and all the Circumstances of a case to find out, and conclude this is Gods Will, and Gods Way, and my duty, and that now; to speak or do, or suffer … that for the Name of Christ, this godly wisdom will greatly adorn the profession of Christianity in the eyes of all men, as when David behaved himself wisely, those that were good, loved him, and those that were bad feared him; and in 1 Sam. 18. 15. When Saul saw that David behaved himself wisely, he was afraid of him; we should earnestly beg this wisdom from the Lord who hath promised to give it unto them that ask him, James 1. 5.

2. Innocently; according to the counsel of our Saviour, Mat. 10. 16. when he had said in the first place, be wise as Serpents, he adds in the second place, be innocent as Doves; and as the Apostle expresses it in Phil. 2. 15. that you may be blameless, and harmless, as the Sons of God without rebuke in the midst of a crooked Generation, amongst whom ye shine as lights in the world, holding forth the word of life, being hurtful to none but doing good to all, as they have ability and opportunity; Christians should carry it with a dove-like simplicity, giving no offence nor occasion for any to speak evil of us or the ways and truths of Christ, which we profess; ever keeping in the ways of well-doing, and looking diligently to it, that we never suffer as evil-doers, as the Apostle gives a special direction concerning that, 1 Pet. 4. 15, 16, Let none of you suffer as an evil-doer, but if any suffer as a Christian, let him glorifie God in that behalf. Now to suffer as a Christian, is when the cause of our suffering is meerly for Christs sake, for righteousness sake, for any of the ways and truths of Christ contained in his Gospel, and because we keep the Commandments of God, and dare not sin against him, this will be honourable to Christ, when we carry it so as Paul did, as to be able to say as he did, Acts 25. 8. Neither against the Law, nor against the Temple, nor against Cesar have I offended any thing: and as chap. 24. 14. but this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call Heresie, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law & the Prophets. So likewise it is said of Daniel, chap. 6. 3. there was an excellent Spirit found in him, that his adversaries tho' they sought occasion against him, yet they could find no error nor fault in him in the matter of the Kingdom, ver. 4. therefore ver. 5. They concluded that they should find no occasion against him, except it was concerning the law of his God. Now this is for the imitation of all Christians in these times, to be so innocent in all other respects, that the Adversaries may have nothing against us but what concerns our duty to God and Jesus Christ, for which we may and ought to suffer comfortably, and upon a clear account for the Gospel sake, and nothing else.

3. In humility Paul did, Acts 20. 19. Serving the Lord in all humility, in many tears and temptations, and so in lowliness of mind, we should walk humbly towards God, and be cloathed with humility amongst men, without any shew of pride, ostentation or vain glory: the same mind should be in us that was in Christ Jesus, Phil. 2. 5, 8. He humbled himself, and was obedient unto death for our sakes that he might redeem and save us; even so we also should humble our selves and be obedient unto the death for his sake, that we may testify our love, service, and thankfulness unto him.

4. In sincerity and Truth; whatever we say or do, or suffer, let it be in simplicity and godly sincerity, as Paul said of himself, 2 Cor. 1. 12. not with respect to any by or base ends, not out of stomack or stoutness of Spirit, but out of true love to Christ, and zeal for God, for the glory of his Name, the credit of his cause, the honour of his truth, the propagation of his Gospel, the encouragement of his friends, and conviction of his Enemies when our Spirits are fixed upon such high and holy ends, and our hearts moved out of meer love to Jesus Christ, this will prove us to be the sincere followers of Christ, when we can truly say with Paul, 2 Cor. 2. last. as of Sincerity and as of God, and in the sight of God, so we speak and do and suffer in Christ, and for his sake.

3. With holy boldness and Christian confidence, for when a man knows that he hath a good God, a good cause, and a good conscience, why should he be ashamed? or of whom should he be afraid? fear and shame are great impediments to the Confession of Christ, these made Peter deny his Master, and Nicodemus to come to Christ by night; but when they had got more strength of grace, they were more couragious in the cause of Christ, as we see in the fourth of the Acts ver 8, &c. Then Peter filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye Rulers of the People, and Elders of Israel, be it known unto you, and to all the people of Israel, that by the Name of Jesus Christ crucified, we have done this Miracle, and there is no other name given under heaven, whereby we must be saved.

Now in verse thirteen it is said when the Council saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived they were ignorant and unlearned, they marvelled and took knowledge of them that they had been with Jesus.

Thus when Christs Witnesses do confess him, his truths and ways with undaunted and invincible courage, and with an holy magnanimity of Spirit, not fearing the faces of men, nor the worst they can do, this is greatly for the honour of God, for the encouragement of the godly, and terror to their adversaries; as in the case of the three Worthies that professed their Faith in God before King Nebuchadnezzar, and their resolution not to bow to his Golden Image for fear of his fiery furnace, Dad. 3. Therefore Christians should pray much for this holy Courage, as Paul did, and desired also the prayers of others in his behalf, that he might bear witness unto Christ, that Christ might be magnified in him, either in life or death, Phil. 1. 19, 20. and all the Apostles joyn in the same prayer, Acts 4. 29. Now Lord behold their threatnings, and grant unto thy Servants that with all boldness they may speak thy word.

6. With meekness and fear; we should give a reason of our hope, or an account of our Faith with meekness and fear, 1 Pet. 3. 15. ult. with meekness, without animosity passion or bitterness of Spirit in us; for the wrath of man as it worketh not, so it witnesseth not the righteousness of God, James 1. 20. it doth not any thing, either advantage the cause, or adorn the profession of Christianity, which meekness of Spirit doth: and then also with fear, i. e. with a holy fear of God, shewing that our fear of offending God, and our care of pleasing God is all that we aim at; and also with reverence to men, giving all due honour and respect to any that we have to do withal: making it appear to all men that we both fear God and regard man.

7. Lastly, With Constancy and Perseverance to the end, till we have finished our Testimony, as its said of the Witnesses, I have kept the Faith, 2 Tim. 4. 5. So should it be with us: We should remember how we have heard and received, and hold fast; and then speak, and do, and suffer all according to the Word of God, even to the end; For so our Saviour hath said, Mat. 24. 13. He that endureth to the end shall be saved And Rev. 2. 10. Be thou faithful to the death; and I will give thee the Crown of life.

Direction 7.

Last of all, In the practical observation of all the former Directions, we should take in all the encouragements and comforts which our Saviour Christ hath given to his faithful Witnesses, as they are contained, either in his last and dying words, in the 14, 15, 16, 17, Chapters of John, or in this Book of the Revelation, or in any other gracious promises of his Gospel; I say, we should take them all as belonging to our selves, for our consolation, both in life and death; as also in relation to our eternal blessedness in another World: I refer you to your Bibles to find out these encouragements. Consider what hath been said, and the Lord give unto you and me such understanding to apply all to our selves, that we may be found amongst the number of the true and faithful Witnesses of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, to whom be Glory for ever, Amen.