Early English Books Online

Previous Section Next Section

An animadversion to Mr Richard Clyftons advertisement Who under pretense of answering Chr. Lawnes book, hath published an other mans private letter, with Mr Francis Iohnsons answer therto. Which letter is here justified; the answer therto refuted: and the true causes of the lamentable breach that hath lately fallen out in the English exiled Church at Amsterdam, manifested, by Henry Ainsworth.

About this Item

Title
An animadversion to Mr Richard Clyftons advertisement Who under pretense of answering Chr. Lawnes book, hath published an other mans private letter, with Mr Francis Iohnsons answer therto. Which letter is here justified; the answer therto refuted: and the true causes of the lamentable breach that hath lately fallen out in the English exiled Church at Amsterdam, manifested, by Henry Ainsworth.
Author
Ainsworth, Henry, 1571-1622?
Publication
Imprinted at Amsterdam :: By Giles Thorp,
Ano. Di. 1613.
Rights/Permissions

To the extent possible under law, the Text Creation Partnership has waived all copyright and related or neighboring rights to this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above, according to the terms of the CC0 1.0 Public Domain Dedication (http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/). This waiver does not extend to any page images or other supplementary files associated with this work, which may be protected by copyright or other license restrictions. Please go to http://www.textcreationpartnership.org/ for more information.

Subject terms
Clyfton, Richard, d. 1616.
Johnson, Francis, 1562-1618. -- Advertisement concerning a book lately published by Christopher Lawne and others, against the English exiled Church at Amsterdam.
Link to this Item
http://name.umdl.umich.edu/A10620.0001.001
Cite this Item
"An animadversion to Mr Richard Clyftons advertisement Who under pretense of answering Chr. Lawnes book, hath published an other mans private letter, with Mr Francis Iohnsons answer therto. Which letter is here justified; the answer therto refuted: and the true causes of the lamentable breach that hath lately fallen out in the English exiled Church at Amsterdam, manifested, by Henry Ainsworth." In the digital collection Early English Books Online. https://name.umdl.umich.edu/A10620.0001.001. University of Michigan Library Digital Collections. Accessed June 7, 2025.

Pages

Page 76

Of the Church of Rome.

The Church of Rome being acknowledged by al that fear God, to be the throne of Antichrist, & Mr Iohnson himself having pro∣fessed, a 1.1 that the hierachie and Church-constitution of Antichrist, is the most detestable anarchie of Satan that ever was: yet imitating now M. Gifford, M. Bernard▪ and other professed enemies of the truth, he pleads for that Church after this manner. b 1.2 The Apostle expressly teacheth, that Antichrist should sit in the Temple of God, 2. Thes. 2, 4.▪ And by the Temple understanding the Church of God, it wil folow that Anti∣christ should sit in the Church of God, and is there to be sought and found, and not among Jewes, Turks, Pagans &c. neyther that Antichrist takes away wholly the church of God, and every truth and ordinance of the Lord &c. I answer, truth & errour are closely couched togither in this their plea: for the discerning wherof, we are to consider, first how An∣tichrists church is described in Gods word; secondly what the state of the church of Rome is at this day. The Antichristian synagogue is by the holy Ghost caled a c 1.3 Beast, which signifyeth a d 1.4 kingdom: it is named also a e 1.5 great citie, which noteth the largenes of that po∣litie and kingdom. It cometh up f 1.6 out of the earth, as being of this world, (which Christs kingdom that g 1.7 cōmeth down from heaven is not:) and therfore is caled h 1.8 a man of syn, and a i 1.9 great whore: whose head is k 1.10 Abaddon or Apollyon, the destroyer of others, and himself the son l 1.11 of perdition; and they that follow him, are the children of m 1.12 damnation. This wicked generation warreth n 1.13 against the Lamb Christ, and against the saincts; o 1.14 blasphemeth Gods name & tabernacle and them that dwel in heaven, ••hat is the true Church, whose p 1.15 conversation is heavenly. Yet doo they all this mis∣cheif under shew of Christian religion: & therfore this beast hath horns q 1.16 like the Lamb Christ, this whore is r 1.17 arayed with purple & skarlet, guilded with gold, precious stones and pearles; as if she were the s 1.18 Queen and spowse of Christ: she hath t 1.19 peace offrings & Vovves, as if she were devowt in u 1.20 Gods service: w 1.21 bread and wa∣ters, as ready to refresh the weary sowls. Her doctrines x 1.22 sweet & amiable lye•• spoken in hypocrisie: but yet confirmed with y 1.23 signes and miracles, as if they came from heaven: her power and effica∣cie great, z 1.24 prevayling over the many and the mighty, the Kings & Princes of world, deceiving al nations with her inchantments, and

Page 77

if it were possible, * 1.25 Gods very elect: her continuance and out∣ward prosperitie † 1.26 long: her end “ 1.27 miserable, consumed with the spirit of the Lords mouth, and abolished with the brightnes of his cōming: and for her destruction the ‘* 1.28 heavens shall rejoyce and sing praises to God.

Now for to find the accomplishment of these things, we are directed by the now Romish religion, to a Catholik or Vniversal church, one part wherof lives on earth, an other under the earth, and a third part in heaven. 1. On earth, is the whole multitude of such as are named Christians through the world, united as a ca∣tholik body under one visible head the Pope, who with his 2 horns n 1.29 like the Lamb, pretendeth to be Christs Vicar in the Kingdom & Preisthood; and is professed of his vassals, o 1.30 to be that tri••d pre∣cious corner stone, that sure foundation in Sion, Jsa. 28.16. and it is p 1.31 declared, defined and pronounced, that it is of necessity to salvation, for al men to be subject unto him. Vnder this Captain are three bands of souldiers, q 1.32 the first clergie men, as Bishops, Preists, Deacons, Sub∣deacons and the rest of those shavelings; the second Lay men, as Kings, Pinces, Nobles,, Citizens, and Commons of al sorts and vocations; the third sort is both of the Clergie and Laitie, caled Monks or Regulars. 2. Vnder the earth, or in Purgatorie fyre, are the sowles (they say) of al such r 1.33 as dye with venial synns, whose payns are to be holpen by prayers, and masses, sayd for them by such as are alive on earth. 3. In heaven, are the sowls of men de∣parted in the popish fayth, and delivered from purgatorie: some of which, the Pope s 1.34 canonizeth for Saincts, whom the people on earth are religiously to honour and pray unto, as their mediators with God. This church on earth, † 1.35 cannot err in things which it commandeth men to beleev o•• doo, whither they be expressed in scripture or not: therfore men must t 1.36 beleev in her, and trust her in al things; for the truth of the faith as touching us, relyeth up∣on her u 1.37 authoritie: and she hath power w 1.38 to make lawes which doo bind and constreyn mens consciences.

These things premissed, I come to our Opposites arguments. Their first reason from 2. Thes. 2.4. is unperfectly alledged, for the

Page 78

text there sayth of the man of syn, that he dooth sit as God in the Tē∣ple of God: wherupon their conclusion must be, that Antichrist sit∣teth as God in the church of God. And if they can prove that he is the true God, I wil yeild that his temple is the true temple, & his Church the true church. Otherweise, if he be but an Idol and not God: his Temple church and body, wil prove but an Idol like himself, and his blasphemie is worse then theirs y 1.39 which sayd they were Jewes and were not, but did lye, and were the synagogue of Satan.

Secondly, they take it for granted, that by the Temple is meant the church: and so goe on in obscuritie. Wheras the Temple did primarily figure out Christ, Joh. 2.19.21. and in the heavenly Ieru∣salem, (the true church), ther was no other temple seen, but the Lord God almightie and the Lamb (Christ) which are the Temple of it, Rev. 21.22. If in this sense we understand that speech of Paul z 1.40 touching Antichrist, then must we translate the words, (as a 1.41 some ancient Doctors have doon) eis ton Naon, for the Temple, or, as if he himself were the Temple: and so in deed Antichrist taketh upon him the person and office of Christ, (under pretence of his Vicarship,) b 1.42 shewing himself that he is God, proclayming himself to be the c 1.43bryde∣groom of the Church, which is the office of d 1.44 Christ, yea taking a ti∣tle above him, for wheras Christ is caled Pontifex magnus, the e 1.45Great high Preist: the Pope is usually intituled Pontifex maximus the Greatest high-preist; and reason ther is for it, because f 1.46 in the Pope ther is power above all powers, as well of heaven as of earth, as in a publick Council it was spoken of this Beast. Now that these things should be true of the man of syn, otherwise then by lyes spoken in hypocrisie, none of grace, I know, wil affirm.

Secondarily the Temple figured the Church, but first the ca∣tholik or universal church Eph. 2, 21. then every particular church by proportion, 1 Cor. 3, 16, 17. Which of these two, our opposites doo intend, they shew not. If they mean a particular church; it wil not agree with the prophesies of Antichrist, whose Citie or church is so great, as g 1.47peoples, kinreds, tongues & nations, doo dwel in the streets therof. Neyther is that answerable to the Temple in Israel, which was not for one synagogue, but for h 1.48 the whole natiō of the Iewes, and for the i 1.49 Gentiles that came to the faith, through the world. If they mean the catholik or vniversal church, (vvhich indeed Anti∣christ claymeth for his Temple,) then we are to be taught of them,

Page 79

how that whoorish company that k 1.50 worship the Beast and Dragon; can possibly be the true catholik church and spowse of Christ, o∣therweise then by counterfeysance and lying ostentation, even as the Divil himself is an l 1.51 Angel of light.

And the very word Temple, leadeth vs to vnderstand Anti∣christs church to be but a counterfeyt. For what was the Temple or Tabernacle in Israel? Not the Church or congregation of Gods people properly, for they were the m 1.52 worshipers of God in the Tē∣ple: but it was a sacramental sign of Gods dwelling with his peo∣ple, as it is written, n 1.53 they shal make me a sanctuarie, that J may dwell among them. So Solomon built the Temple that God might o 1.54 dwel therin:: and for the times under the gospel, God promised, p 1.55 J wil set my sanctuary among them for ever, & my Tabernacle shalbe with them, & J wilbe their God, & they shalbe my people: and the fulfilling herof is set down Rev. 21, 3. behold the tabernacle of God is with men, and he wil dwel with them, and they shalbe his people. So in Revelat. 11.1. the Tēple is distinguished frō thē that worship therein, which is the people. The Temple then, was an outward sign of Gods presence with his people, and of his inward dwelling in their harts by ‘p 1.56 faith and by his Spirit unto their salvation: so Antichrists Temple is an outward shew of his presence with that seduced people, in whose harts q 1.57 he dwelleth by Popish faith and by his Spirit of error carying them to damnation. But as Antichrist shal not professedly deny the true God or Christ, though in deed and truth r 1.58 he falsly sheweth himself that he is God: so shal he not professedly deny the Temple or church of God, but falsly vaunt his adulterous synagogue to be the same. Gods true temple and tabernacle is in mount Sion, in s 1.59 heaven, wher God sitteth t 1.60 on a throne and dwelleth among his people; wher is the u 1.61 ark of his covenant, and from thence light∣nings, voices, thundrings, earthquake and hayl, come forth against the Antichristians his enemies, and w 1.62 vials of his wrath powred out upon the throne of the beast, and on the men that have his mark. On the contrary, the Beast, which is the kingdom of Antichrist, as∣cendeth from beneath x 1.63 out of the bottomless pit, and y 1.64 blasphe∣meth this heavenly tabernacle, and sitteth z 1.65 in Babylon upon the a 1.66 Dragons throne, and b 1.67 fighteth against the Lamb, and against the Saincts, c 1.68 treading under foot the holy Citie, and d 1.69 casting down the place of Christs sanctuarie. When th'Apostle therfore telleth

Page 80

us, that Antichrist sitteth as God in the Temple of God, it is to be under∣stood first of their invading and destroying of Gods church and people, as the hethens of old e 1.70 dealt with Ierusalē & dwellers therin; secōdly of their own vayn f 1.71ostentatiō, whiles they will have it caled the Christian catholik church, and the Pope the head of the same.

The next point that Antichrist is to be sought there, and not among the Jewes Turks & Pagans; is a fallacie from an insufficient division; for al out of the true Church are not Jewes, or Turks, or Pagans, ther is a fourth to make up the mease, even popish Antichristians, and a∣mong these is the Man of syn to be found, though with a visar on his face, and a sheepskin on his back. In the true Church he hath somtimes been found raunging as a wolf, but not reigning as a God, which in his own Temple he dooth: wher he is acknowled∣ged g 1.72 Our Lord God the Pope, and h Thou art an other God on earth; and i 1.73 To beleev that our Lord God the Pope might not decree as he hath decreed, it were a matter of heresie; and, l 1.74 O thou that takest away the synns of the world, have mercy upon us; with other like intollerable blasphemies.

Thirdly they say, Antichrist takes not away wholly the church of God, and every truth and ordinance of the Lord. I answer, neyther did the Divil take away wholly every truth and ordinance of God from a∣mong the hethens: but they reteyned many rites of Gods worship received from their fathers,k 1.75 as before f 1.76 is noted. Yet in very deed, so much as in them lay, and us stood with the safetie of their deceit∣ful kingdom, the Divil of old, and Antichrist his son of late, have sought wholly to take away the church & truth of God; and to put lyes in the place. But God hath nourished the woman (his church) in the wildernes, from the presence of the Serpent, Rev. 12.14. And for further answer hereof, let us hear what M. Iohnson himself wrote heretofore against M. Iakob, k 1.77 J would know of yow (sayth he) who are so deep a clerk, how Antichrists church and religion should justly be accounted a mysterie of iniquitie, and truly be sayd to speak lyes in hypocrisie, also privily to bring in damnable heresies, and to have a shew of Godlynes, if they did so absolutely and wholly depart from the faith, and not onely from some points therof &c.

Fourthly they allege Rev. 18.4. Goe out of her my people &c. which words (they say) imply the covenant of God continued among them. I an∣swer, these very words are taken from Jer. 51.45. My people, goe out of the midds of her: where by my people, the Church of Babylon is not

Page 81

meant, but the Israelites, Gods a 1.78 lost sheep scattred there upon the mountains and hills, whom b 1.79 first the King of Ashur had devoured, & lastly Nebuchadnezar King of Babel had broken their bones, having c 1.80bur∣ned Ierusalem and the Temple with fyre, broken down the citie walls, d 1.81 imprisoned their King in Babylon, captived the Princes & people, and caried the e 1.82 vessels of the Lords house into Babylon: so that now Israel was without Temple, without kingdom, without politie or cōmon wealth of their own; (onely the Lord himself was f 1.83 a Sanctuarie or Temple to the faithful there dispersed,) and their holy vessels were caried into the Temple and treasurie g 1.84 of Nebu∣chadnezars God. And these Israelites figuring Gods h 1.85 elect, are caled out of Babylon, which God would utterly i 1.86 destroy & make desolate for ever. And thus from Antichrists church, which is k 1.87 Babylon, Aegypt, & Sodom, are Gods elect caled out: a most evi∣dent proof that she is none of Gods church, (what soever she pre∣tendeth,) any more than the idolatrous hethens, whom she match∣eth in filthines of whordoms, and multitude of abominations. Gods covenant of grace is not therfore with her at al, for she is appointed l 1.88 to damnation: but the elect that obey Gods voice ca∣ling them out of her, them he wil receiv into covenant,m 1.89 he wil be a Father unto them, and they shal be his sonns and daughters; as he hath promised.

Fiftly they add, And so Jsrael is often caled the Lords people, in the time of their Apostasie: 2. King. 9.6. & 13.23. 2. Chron. 30.6.—9. &c· I answer; they prove not the Question: for first the Antichristian church is n 1.90 Babylon, and out of o 1.91 her, that is Babylon, are Gods people caled. Now to prove her Gods church, they flee to Israel: wheras the p 1.92 Gentiles were her true types as q 1.93 elswhere I have ma∣nifested; though al the wickednes & hypocrisie of Apostate Israel, is also found in this Romish Babel.

2. Neyther yet is their argument for Israel good: to say they are caled the Lords people, therfore they are his true church; I deny the consequent. For things are named in scripture sometime as they have been before, though they be not so stil: as r 1.94 Abigail is caled the wife of Nabal, though he were then dead, and she maried to David; s 1.95Solomon was begotten of Vriahs wife, wheras she was then Davids: so Iesus was t 1.96 in the howse of Simon the Leper, so named be∣cause he had been a leper. Thus Israel were caled Gods people, for

Page 82

that he had been their u 1.97 first husband though in their apostasie they were w 1.98 not his people, nor his wife. Secondly they were so caled, in re∣spect of their profession, that they would be so esteemed and na∣med; though in deed they were x 1.99 without the true God. As y 1.100 ô thou that art named the howse of Jaakob &c. but he that was yesterday my people, is ri∣sen up for an enemye. Thirdly they were caled Gods people in res∣pect of their calling again unto him and his covenant afterward, though for the present they were none of his: as z 1.101 In that day, J wil marrie thee (Israel) unto me for ever, a 1.102 J wil even marry thee unto mee in faith, and thou shalt know the Lord: and † 1.103 J wil have pitty on her that was not pittied, and wil say to them which were not my people, thou art my people, and they shal say, thou art my God. And thus the Gentiles were caled Christs sheep, because they should after be brought into his fold, Joh. 10, 16. & God had much people in Corinth a heathenish citie, Act. 18.10. 1. Cor. 12, 2. and the Iewes to this day are Gods people & belo∣ved, not for their present state which is cursed, but for the promise that they shal hereafter be graffed agayn into Christ. Rom. 11, 11, 20.23, 25, 26. & 9.4. with Jsa. 59, 20, 21. Ezek. 34, 23.—30. Hos. 3, 5. As for this false church and state of Israel (which b 1.104compassed the Lord with lyes and with deceyt,) it also may shew vs how to vnderstand that Temple of God forespoken of, wherin Antichrist should sitt as God. For was there any true Temple any where but in Ierusalem? yet when Israel forgat his maker, he c 1.105 builded Temples. These howsoever they pretended d 1.106 the God that brought them out of Aegypt, yet were in deed built for the worship of e 1.107 Divils, to whom they sacrificed, and f 1.108 not to God. Therfore the Lord by names distinguisheth these two churches, caling Samaria g 1.109 Aholah, that is, Her own Taber∣nacle, & Ierusalem Aholibah, that is, My-tabernacle in her: but if Gods tabernacle had been also in Samaria; the difference had not been such. The Idol temples then which Ieroboam and his successors builded, were none of Gods temples, otherweise then by lying pre∣tenses: much less then was h 1.110 Bels temple in Babylon, Gods temple: and if the figure were not his, neyther can the figured thing be his, I mean this spiritual Babylon, the i 1.111 mother of whores, the k 1.112 habitation of Divils. For as Christ surmounteth in grace and holynes, al types & figures that went before of him: so Antichrist surpasseth in wic∣kednes, al the types and figures of him. Therfore the holy Ghost contenteth not himself with one name, but caleth Antichrists

Page 83

church, l 1.113 Babylon, and m 1.114 Sodom, & Aegypt, and where our Lord was crucified, meaning hethenish Rome, by whose policie Christ was kyl∣led, when he was delivered to n 1.115 Pilat the Roman deputie, and to the o 1.116 Gentiles (the Roman p 1.117 souldjers) to be mocked scourged & crucified. So that look what idolatrie, fornication, persecution and wickednes hath been read of among those hethen peoples, the same may be proved upon the synagogue of Antichrist, (though mixed with profession of the name of Christ, the more easily to de∣ceive:) as whensoever any wil bring them to be compared, shal soon be manifested.

6. But they proceed, and plead, that this clause partake not in her synns, Rev. 18, 4. sheweth what we are to leav and renounce, namely their synns, and not whatsoever is had or reteyned by them. I answer, first the text sayth Goe out of her: meaning this whore, this Babylon, that is, this Church: and so from the q 1.118 golden cup in her hand, as wel as frō the filthy potion that is in it; & frō the Beasts counterfeyt r 1.119 Lambs horns, as wel as from his Lions mouth and Bears pawes. We may not in the truest Church in the world s 1.120 partake with their synns: yet is not every true Church that synneth, Babylon. Secondly, she be∣ing in this forlorn estate, she is but a lump of syn, t 1.121 a man of syn, a child of perdition: the u 1.122 Beast is not one person, but the whole w 1.123 kingdom: & M. Iohnson himself hath acknowledged more then once, x 1.124 that the man of syn, is the false Church (& religion) of Antichrist, compared to the body of a man, and consisting of all the parts togither. Now to the defiled and unbeleeving, y 1.125 nothing is pure; their z 1.126 sacrifices are abominable, their prayers are turned a 1.127 to syn. We acknowledg therfore no good or holy thing in Antichrists synagogue, as touch∣ing her use of it. Thirdly we renounce not any good thing, be∣cause that harlot dooth chalenge & abuse it: but we practise Gods ordinances as he hath cōmanded, condemning utterly the profa∣nation of them by Antichrist.

7. They further allege, that the Church of Rome was at the first set in the way of God: since which time she is fallen into great apostasie as Jsrael did: in which estate she hath kept sundry truthes and ordinances of God, as Israel also did. Which causeth a twofold consideration of her estate, 1. in respect of the ordinances of God still reteyned among them, 2. and of the mixture of their own abominations. Jn regard of the one to acknowledge the truth and church of God there; in regard of the other to observ their apostasie, and confusion a∣gainst

Page 84

Antichrist: and for this mixture, to separate from them, and to prac∣tise every ordinance of God, which was and is in that church: leaving onely their corruptions least we fal into Anabaptistrie and other evils. I answer, they doo but roll the first stone, saying the same things; comparing Antichrists church with Israel, wheras the holy Ghost compareth it with the b 1.128 gentiles, even the most vile, the Sodomites, Aegypti∣ans, Babylonians, and hethen Romans, as before I have shewed. In all which nations, there were many truthes & ordināces of God reteyned & abused; which truthes made them no true Church, unless we wil say, al the world was Gods true Church. But I wil fo∣low their particulars. The Church of Rome (they say) was at first set in the way of God: I answer, ther was c 1.129 at Rome such a Church in Pauls time; but the Romish Church now, is a Beast since that time sprung out of d 1.130 the bottomless pit; a Catholik monster, dispersed (as they feign) through earth, heaven, and purgatorie, as before e 1.131 I shewed: such a Church Paul never saw, but by the spirit of prophe∣sie f 1.132 foretold of it. That Church then was g 1.133 Saints, & worshiped God: this Church now is an h 1.134 habitation of Divils, and i 1.135 wor∣shipeth Divils.

Since that time (say they) she is fallen into Apostasie. True, say I, even soon after Pauls time, for then the k 1.136 mysterie of iniqui∣tie did work, and l 1.137 many Antichrists were gone out, whiles the Apostles lived. For which their Apostasie (like Israels) when they would not repent, (as Christ m 1.138 threatned some that were new fal∣len into such synns,) the candlestick (the Church) was removed, the Church of Rome as Paul n 1.139 forewarned, for unbeleef was cut off among others: and for a punishment of their Apostasie, God delivered the East Churches into the hands of Mahomet, and the West Churches into the hands of that false-horned o 1.140 beast Anti∣christ: even as Israel and Iudah of old, for their like synns, were p 1.141 delivered into the hands of the Assyrians and Babylonians. And this Paul prophesied, that ther should be q 1.142 a departing frō the faith, before that Man of syn should be disclosed: and because they recei∣ved not the r 1.143 love of the truth that they might be saved, therfore God would send upon them that Adversarie, with Satans power and strong delusion to beleev lyes, that they might be damned. Thus Mahomet & Antichrist, were Gods 2 plagues, to bring not onely the death of body, but of sowl, upō thē that loved not the truth,

Page 85

but departed frō it. For when the † 1.144 great mountayne (which is the king¦dom of “ 1.145 Babylon, Antichrists monarchie,) burning with the fyre of ambition and strife, was cast into the sea, that is, among * 1.146 peo∣ples and nations: then the living creatures that were in the third part of the sea so corrupted and bloody, dyed: & “ 1.147 lived not agayn for a thowsand yeres, as did the godly which worshiped not the beast. Although therfore we may truely call the state of Maho∣metisme and Antichristianisme, apostasie: yet we are taught of God, to understand such apostasie as was among the hethens, in Sodom, Aegypt and Babylon; and so Rome is caled, not onely figuratively, (as somtimes the Iewes are caled a 1.148 people of Gomorrah, but b 1.149 spiritually, that is in deed and effectually: for the spirit and life (so to speak) of all their abominations, are in her most powrful and apparant. So their comparison with Israel, falleth too short in mesure: though Israel also when they forsook God and his Church, and builded new c 1.150Temples were not Gods true Temple or Church, as before is proved. Their cōsideratiō in respect of Gods ordinances to acknowledge the church of God there: is a speculatiō of their own, not of God. For the stealing & abusing Gods ordināces & mixing thē with their own inventiōs, maketh not a people Gods people or Ch:, any more thē a true mās mony in a theefs purse, maketh the theef an honest mā. If it were so, then the hethens when they sacrificed d 1.151 swine, were to be condemned▪ but when they sacrificed e 1.152 bullocks and sheep, were to be approved as Gods Church, for they kept f 1.153 Gods ordinance asvvel as Rome with their sacrifice of the Mass. When they wor∣shiped idols, they were to be condemned; but when they worship∣ed g 1.154 the true God in their ignorant manner, they were to be justifi∣ed as his people: so when they kept the feasts h 1.155 of new moons, they were to be praised as Gods Church, for it was an ordinance i 1.156 of his: but when they kept their Bacchanalia, to be disclaimed for he∣retiks. And what wil this come unto at the last; but to justify the Divil as he is a creature of God, and transformed into an k 1.157 Angel of light; but to condemn him as he is a black Divil, and Apostate from his original. Their fear least they should fall into Anabapti∣strie, is before defrayed: but as some mariners to avoid Charybdis have falln into Scylla, so these to shun the shelves of Anabaptistrie, have run their ship upon the rocks of Poperie.

8. Their next double consideration, is about the covenant of God made

Page 86

with his people. For oftē, the people on their part break the covenāt when the Lord doth not so on his part; but stil counts them his people, calls thē to re∣pentāce, folowes them somtime with judgmt, somtime with mercie, Lev. 26, 15— 45. Ezek. 16, 59,—62. Jud. 2.1—20. Thus in Jsrael they fel to Jdolatrie & trās∣gressed the covenant on their part, Exo. 32. Jud. 2. & 3. with Ps. 78.56.58. 1. Sam. 7.3, 4. 1 King. 12, 28, 33. & 14.22, 23, 24. with 2. Chron. 12. & 13. & 1. King. 19, 10. Hos. 6.7. & 8, 1. yet the Lord breaks it not on his part, but spareth and destroyeth not, nor presently gives them a byl of divorce, but in his mercy as a loving husband calls them to repentance, sendeth Prophets, calls them stil his people, helps them and casts them not off. Adjoyning also pu∣nishments, both for avenging the quarrel of his covenant, and procuring their conversiō. Exo. 33, & 34. &c. Lev. 26, 14, 15—25—42, 44, 45. Jud. 2, 1, &c. Ps. 78. 1. Kin. 13, & 16. & 18. 2. King. 5, 8, 15, 17. Jer. 51.5. Ezek. 16, 59.60 &c. Hoseas, Amos &c. Jn these two divers respects, Jsrael considered in them∣selves and their idolatrous estate are sayd to be without God, without Preist, without law: to forsake and break the covenant, not to be the Lords wife but an harlot &c. having children of whordoms, and that the Lord is not with Jsrael, or with any of Ephraim, 2. Chrō. 15.3. 1. King. 12, 28.33. & 15, 34. & 16, 13, 26, 31, 33. & 19, 14. Hos. 2, 1,—5. & 5, 3, 4. & 8, 1. & 9, 1. with Psal. 106, 29.39. Ezek. 16. and 23, ch. 2 Chron. 25, 7. But a∣gayn in respect of the Lord and his covenant into which they were received, & which he breaks not on his part, he calls them to repentance, is caled their God, and they the people of the Lord, and their children born to the Lord, and Js∣rael not to have been a widow forsaken of God, but the Lord pittied them, & respected them for his covenant with Abraham, and would not cast them off as yet. And thus Jsrael continued long, respected of the Lord notwithstāding her apostasie, Jud. 2, 1. 1. King. 18.36. 2 King. 9, 6. Hos. 4, 6, 12. & 5.4. & 7.10. & 8, 2. & 9, 1. & 14, 1, 2. Amos 7, 15, with Psal. 89, 30.—34. Eze. 16.20.60. Jer. 51, 5. 2. King. 13, 23. Yet in these times, the Prophets taught the people to plead with their mother, & separate themselves. &c. Hos. 2, 1—5. & 4, 12, 14, 15. Amos 4.4, 5. & 5.4.5. Al these are writtē for our learning, & to be applied to the the churches estate in Apostasie since Christ, Rom. 15, 4. 1. Cor. 10.11. I answer, these things are very obscurely and confusedly by them set down: so that the error is couched in dark∣nes. 1. They shew not how the covenant between God and men stood: 2. there is an aequivocation in this word breaking of the cove∣nant••, which they clear not: thirdly they shuffle togither the estates of Israel when they were one body, & when they were rent in two,

Page 87

4. so also the churches in Apostasie since Christ, they distinguish not, from the kingdom of Antichrist: but confound Sion (when she synneth,) with Babylon.

1. The covenant between God and men, was alwayes conditio∣nal; by the law, if they a 1.158 did his cōmandements, they should live by them; and if they b 1.159 continued not in all things written in the book of the law to doo them, they were cursed. By the gospel, c 1.160 he that beleeveth in the son [of God] hath everlasting life, and he that obeyeth not the son shall not see life, but the wrath of God, abideth on him. And all the figurative covenants that Israel had, were also conditional, d 1.161 blessings pro∣mised to the obedient, and curses to the transgressors.

2. The breaking of the covenant on mans part, is alwayes e 1.162 by syn: in which sense it cannot be sayd that God ever breaketh covenant at any time. But in an other sense by punishing, and putting from him the rebellious people, in just judgment; we may say God f 1.163 break∣eth or disannulleth the covenant. Whensoever a people by syn forsa∣keth God, and refuseth his word caling them to repentance: they cannot have themselves, neyther can other men have concerning them any assurance of their salvation, or that they abide in the co∣venant of his grace. For whosoever abideth in him (as sayth g 1.164 the scripture) he synneth not: whosoever synneth, hath not seen him, neyther known him. Be it h 1.165 man or woman, or familie or tribe, which turn their hart from the Lord, to serve other Gods, though they bless themselves in their harts, saying we shal have peace &c. the Lord wil not be merciful unto them. As for Gods pacience, who presently pu∣nisheth not, but somtime forbeareth long; and inviteth them to repentance: this dooth not assure any that they are under his co∣venant of grace, unless by repentance and faith they turn unto the Lord. The long suffring of God i 1.166 abode in the dayes of Noah, 120. yeres, whiles he preached to the old world which perished in the flood: so his bountifulnes to many other peoples should have led them to repentance, k 1.167 when they after their hardnes and impe∣nitent harts, heaped unto themselves wrath against the day of wrath. And the judgments upon Gods professant people, come often times more speedily, then upon the open infidels. Let us look upon the typical estate of Israel, our l 1.168 ensamples: It was a m 1.169 covenant between God and them, that he would give them the land of Canaan, a figure n 1.170 of the heavenly inheritance: and he

Page 88

led them through the wildernes, to the borders of the coun∣trye, and sayd, o 1.171 Loe the land is before yow, goe up and pos∣sess it: but they p 1.172 were afrayd and would not goe up, through their unbeleef. Then the Lord presently q 1.173 was wroth and swore, that not one of those transgressers should see that good land; yea though they after were sory, r 1.174 and offred themselves to goe up, yet the Lord s 1.175 forbad them, slew some of them by the sword, and t 1.176 turned al the rest back to wander and perish in the wildernes▪ Agayn, it was a condition of the u 1.177 covenant on Gods part, that he would cast out the Amorites, Canaanites &c. from before the Israe∣lites; and on their parts, w 1.178 that they should make no compact with the inhabitants of the land &c. But when they brake with him, and rooted not out the people, but agreed with them x 1.179 for tribute; the Lord also presently brake with them, saying, y 1.180 J sayd J wil never break my covenant with yow &c. but ye have not obeyed my voice, wherfore J say also, J wil not cast them out before you; and agayn because z 1.181 this people hath transgressed my covenant, therfore wil I no more cast out before them any of the nations; and so they were left as a 1.182 a whip on their sides, and thornes in their eyes.

The like may be seen by comparing al other particulars, and those threatings in Levit. 26.15.16. &c. with their histories in the books of the Judges and Kings of Israel: according to that saying of God to Moses, b 1.183 they wil forsake me &c. and J wil forsake them. And as for that which is cited from Levit. 26.45. it was a promise of the Gospel, upon their unfeighned c 1.184 repentance; and perteyneth to the Iewes also at this day, as Paul sheweth us Rom. 11. for this rule is general, d 1.185 he that confesseth and forsaketh his synns, shal have mercie. Although therfore God useth sometime more forbearance of evil men than at other time, and often giveth e 1.186 space to repent: yet if they repent not, they shal assuredly f 1.187 perish, and their boasting of the covenant shal g 1.188 not save them.

3. Touching their application of things to Israel, not putting difference between their state when it was one, and when it was rent asunder: therin also they fayl. Whiles Israel were one, they continued Gods Church: for though they often synned, yet by his word & afflictions he soon brought them to repentance, as is no∣ted, Judg. 2.4, 5. and 3.8, 9.15. and 4.1.2, 3. &c. But when after ma∣ny other synns, ten tribes fel from the Lord, and rent themselves

Page 89

from the Kingdome of David, and Preisthood of Levi, both which were sacramental types a 1.189 of Christ and his Church; when they left the other testimonies of Gods presence, the Temple and Altar at Sion, where God had sayd he would b 1.190 dwel for ever; and builded them new c 1.191 Temples and Altars to syn, forgetting their maker; when they set up Calves and d 1.192 Divils to worship God by; then presently e 1.193 God sent his Prophet to them with a denunciation of judgment, which being done, he was to avoid them as Hethens & Publicans; f 1.194 not eating or drinking in the city: which because he did (though drawn in by the lye of another Prophet,) the Lord g 1.195 slew him with a Lion. And all that feared God, h 1.196 both Preists & people, left the country and went to Iudah: and the rest wer stil i 1.197 caled upon by the Prophets to forsake them, as not being Gods k 1.198 wife, that is, his Church: and their estate shewed to be l 1.199 with∣out the true God, and without Preist, and without law: and they were unto God m 1.200 as the Aethiopians. Now wheras our Opposites allege, God did not presently cast them off; it is true, in respect of caling them to repentance, and of their dwelling in the land, or, as the scripture saith, n 1.201 of putting out the name of Jsrael from under heaven: for his covenant was to punish them o 1.202 by degrees, & at last if they repented not, to scatter them among the Hethens, til their p 1.203 un∣circumcised harts should be humbled, and they rewed their former syn; and then would he q 1.204 remember his first covenant, & so re∣ceiv them agayn to grace in Christ. And as for not casting them presently out of the land, the Lord dealt with them, as he had be∣fore dealt with the Hethen Canaanits which were spared therin for a time, because their wickednes was not yet full, Gen. 15.16. If this pa∣tience towards them, wil not prove them a true Church; no more wil Gods like patience towards apostate Israel. And how they in their impenitent estate, r 1.205 hardning their necks dayly more & more, could be sayd to be the true Church of God, (though they cō∣passed s 1.206 him with lyes,) and in the covenant of his grace unto sal∣vation; I leave for them to judge that are wise in hart. As for these mens double respects, they are not al of them syncere. They would have it said in respect of the Israelites, (and not of the Lord) that they were without God, without Preist, without law, none of his wife, ha∣ving children of whordoms, and the Lord is not with Jsrael &c. & agayn in respect of the Lord (and not of themselves) that he is caled their

Page 90

God, and they his people, and their children borne to him, and Israel not to have been a widow forsaken &c. I answer, whatsoever was syn, was wholly their own, and whatsoever was grace, was wholly Gods: & this is true in the best Churches in the world. But whatsoever was a reproof and punishment for their syn, respected both Gods jus∣tice, and their demerit: and whatsoever acceptation of grace was in them, respected both Gods mercy in Christ, and their a 1.207 faith. If therfore they were in any sence a true Church at that time actually, it must needs be by mutual referēce to the covenāt on both parts, God offring, they b 1.208 taking his grace offred; through his holy Spirit working in them: otherwise it is a mere fiction in religion, to make difference where none is. Now let them shew that they ac∣cepted the grace of God, caling them to repentance: we shew the contrary by the Lords own testimonie, who for their unbeleef and stubborn disobedience c 1.209 did put them out of his sight in wrath. And if men accept not the grace of God: his caling upon them to repent, makes them no more his Church, then the Hethens d 1.210 unto whom he doth the like.

Agayn, it is not sound to say that in respect of themselves onely, it was spoken by the Prophet e 1.211 the Lord is not with Israel, with any of the children of Aephraim. For he there dissuadeth Amaziah from ha∣ving the army of Israel to help him: his reason is, the Lord is not with Jsrael: this most directly respecteth the Lord and his f 1.212 withdraw∣ing of his presence from that people. Even as Moses sayd, g 1.213 Got not up [to warr] for the Lord is not among you: did not the event shew (when they h 1.214 fled before their enemies) that is was meant in res∣pect of Gods presence and help now withdrawn from them? Also when it is sayd in other scriptures i 1.215 the Lord was with the Iudge: and k 1.216 the Lord is with me, I wil not feare: and l 1.217 I am with yow al dayes, & ma∣ny the like: who ever would dreame that these things could be spoken in respect of the men onely, and not of God and Christ? Fi¦nally the Prophets speech to the Iewes, m 1.218 the Lord is with yow, while yow be with him, but if yee forsake him, he wil forsake yow, doth evince manifestly, that it is an evil glosse, when the text sayth the Lord is not with Israel, to turn it by respects, as if nothing were meant but Is∣rael is not with the Lord. So in the other speech n 1.219 Israel hath been with∣out the true God; the words folowing o 1.220 but had he turned to the Lord God of Israel; and sought him, he would have been found of them; these ma∣nifest,

Page 91

that it was in respect of Gods forsaking them also, and not onely of their forsaking him.

No better (if it be not worse) is their citing of Hos. 2.2. she is not my wife, that this respected Israel in themselves: be it so, but what foloweth? † 1.221 neyther am J her husband: and if the former branch res∣pected Israel, then this respecteth the Lord, especially seing he tes∣tified by Ieremie, * 1.222 J cast her away, and gave her a byll of divorcement: unless they wil say this also was not spoken in respect of the Lord. They doo not wel therfore to cite one branch of the text, and concele an other, deceiving the reader. How and in what sense God cal∣led them his people, I have shevved “ 1.223 before: their former state, their present pretense to be the Lords, and the future mercie that they should and yet shal receiv, might wel and did occasion such spee∣ches: but in deed and truth it was as God sayd to them † 1.224 you are not my people, therfore wil not J be yours. And as for God remembring his covenant, it is true even to this day, for they are * 1.225 beloved for their fathers sakes, and shal agayn have the benefit of their first “ 1.226 cove∣nant, and so may stil becaled Gods people, as the Prophets foretelling their return, doo ‘† 1.227 intitle them: yet I hope our opposites wil not hereupon conclude, that the Iewes now (whiles they continue un∣repentant) are Gods true visible church. That of Jsrael and Judah being no widow, Jer. 51.5. is a prophesie of their return out of Baby∣lon, and restoring of their common wealth, as the whole argument there manifesteth. They should repent and seek the Lord ‘* 1.228 with tears, and renew the covenant on their part, and God ‘؛ 1.229 vvould forgive them al their synns. This therfore is not spoken in respect of God onely, but of them also turning by repentance to the Lord in their affliction, and the Lord turning to them; as the first per∣formance of this prophesie shevveth, Nehem. 9.1.2.—32.—38. Moreover, it proveth not that Israel vvas alvvayes before, Gods vvife or Church; for it is playn to the contrary, Hos. 2.2. and she vvas divorced, Ier. 3, 8. & dead in syn, Hos. 13.1. but now vvas to be fulfilled in such as returned, that vvhich vvas prophesied, on Israels part, † 1.230 J wil goe and return to my first husband; and on Gods part, * 1.231 J wil marry the unto me in faith.

Their applying of these things to our times, is not in all points aright. For though in this, Antichrists synagogue and Israels doo agree, that neyther be Gods true Church: yet the perfect type of

Page 92

Rome, as God describeth it, is * 1.232 Babylon: and vve should not be vviser then God. And if they cannot prove Babylon then to be Gods church, which was not more deep in syn thē now Antichrist is, and which citie had † 1.233 promise and * 1.234 performance of mercie in Christ at the end: they shal never prove this synagogue of Satan to be Gods true Church, which hath no promise of recovery or mer∣cie, but ‘† 1.235 prophesies and threatnings of assured destruction.

They proceed further to a double regard of apostate Churches, in cō∣parison with other peoples; as Jsrael compared with the Philistims &c, is cal∣ed and counted Gods people, having the onely true God for their God: 2 King. 5, 8.15.17. & 9, 6. but being compared with Judah, is an harlot and not Gods wife. Hos. 2.2.5. & 4.15. &c. So the church of Rome in apostasie, com∣pared with Iewes, Turks & Pagans, ought to be counted Christians, and the Temple of God, the Church of God brought to the faith of Christ, 2 Thes. 2.4. with Ezek. 43, 7, 8. Zach. 6, 12, 13. Eph. 2, 11. — 13, 19, 21. 2. Cor. 6, 16. Rev. 11.19. but agayn cōmpared with the ancient church of Rome, & such as now are faithful churches, she is to be esteemed the great whore, beleeving & speaking lyes in hypocrisie &c, Rev. 17.1.5. 1. Tim. 4, 1, 2, 3. 2 Thes. 2, 3, 10, 12. And thus in a double consideration, it may be sayd of Rome in one respect, ther is a true Church there, and in an other respect ther is a false church there.

I answer; first to the double regard of Israel; if they mean that one∣ly in respect of Iudah, and not also of God, Israel was caled none of Gods wife; it is untrue, and before by me disproved. If they mean, that not onely in respect of God, but of Iudah also, Israel was an harlot, and not Gods wife, it is true, and maketh so much the more against their estate, but nothing at al, (no not in shew) for it. And how Iudah respected Israel, (besides al former testimonies of the Prophets alleged,) their continual warrs both with word and sword do manifest, as when after a’ 1.236 reproof of their faling from God, they kylled b 1.237 five hundred thousand chosen men of Israel at one battel: besides their continual combates after, excepting some few Kings which made amitie with them, for which they were reproved: as the Prophet sayd to K. Iehoshaphat for joyning with the King of Israel against the Aramites, c 1.238 wouldest thou help the wicked, and love thē that hate the Lord? therfore for this thing, wrath from the Lord is upon thee. But had the Israelites been their brethren in the faith, and cove∣nant of Christ, Iudah had d 1.239 synned greatly in so destroying them.

Page 93

And how the Iewes afterward also esteemed of their faith and god∣lynes, their Rabbines testimonies in the Talmud sheweth, where they say of the ten tribes, a 1.240 Aein lahem chelek leolam haba: that is, they have no part in the world to come, in life eternal; and that the Lord did put them from upon their land in this world, and wil send them into an o∣ther land in the world to come. Did they now (may we think) esteem them within the holy covenant, and to have true circumcision, b 1.241 the seal of the righteousness which is by faith? As for comparison with the Philistims and other hethens, it is true they were caled the people of the Lord; because they never renounced their God in name and professedly: but pretended the contrary. Yet seeing they did but compass the Lord with † 1.242 lyes and deceyt: this their vayn profession did nought avayl them, with God or his Saincts. And so at this day, the Iewes professing the God of Israel, and praying to him, & reading his lavv and prophets dayly in their synagogues, may be caled Gods people in cōparison of pagans vvhich knovv not God or his scriptures at al: but vvorship the Sun and Moon, and some of them the Divil, by open profession. Yet none I think vvil say, that the Ievves novv being vvthout Christ, are actually in the cove∣nant of grace. Agayn, the Turks that profess a 1.243 One immutable, living, true, most wise & high God; and doo acknovvledge Christ b 1.244 to be sent of God with his gospel, and call him c 1.245 Ruchella, that is the Breath (or Spi∣rit) of God: these men in comparison of Julian the Apostata, and o∣ther like vvretches, and Atheists, may be caled the people of God, and Christians: though in deed, they be farr from being eyther.

Secondly for their double regard of the Church of Rome, I say as before of Israel, that in comparison vvith Turks and paynims, they may be caled Christians, but are in deed false Christians, such as in name and shevv pretend to be Christs; but are Antichrists & vvor∣ship e 1.246 the Dragon, and the Beast, and him that f 1.247 fitteth as God in the Temple of God; so to them the scripture may be applied, g 1.248 they say they are h 1.249 Christians and are not, but doo lye, and are the synagogue of Satan: and if this vvill help them, let them make the most of it. It is sufficient for the matter in hand, if in respect of Christ and his covenant, and in comparison vvith Christs true Churches, that sy∣nagogue be condemned, as the i 1.250 great whore, the beast that k 1.251 came up from, and shal again goe down into the bottomless pit. vertheless (but that comparisons are odious) it might easily be pro∣ved,

Page 94

that though Antichrists Church pretend to be Christs, & so in name is better than Turks and Pagans: yet in deed, those mis∣creants are in some things to be justified, in comparison of them. For Iewes and Turks, are not so gross as to worship g 1.252 the Queen of heaven, and Images of Wood and of stone, as h 1.253 doo the Antichri∣stians.

The Iewes are not so vayn as to pray to Abraham and the Pro∣phets, though they be in deed saynts in heaven: wheras the popish Church prayeth dayly a 1.254 to S. Nicolas, S. Martin, S. Sylvester. S. Benedict, S. Dommik, S. Antonie, and all other their own canonized and deified Saincts, of whom they know not but many may be Di∣vils in hel. And Bp. Bale observeth, that b 1.255 they have doon as their old predecessors the idolatrous preists did by the ancient Romās, they have set us up a sort of lecherous Gods to be worshiped in our temples, to be our advocats, and to help us in our needs. Yea the Hethens would marvel (as Tullie c 1.256 tel∣leth us) that any should be so mad, as to beleeve that that thing which he eateth is his God: yet Antichristians beleev that they eat their God and maker, when they eat their blasphemous Sacrament of the al∣tar, which before they eat, they d 1.257 worship with divine honour. At Canterburie e 1.258 were kept the clowts that Thomas Becket did occupy to wipe of his sweat and to blow his nose on: which were kissed as holy relicks, and thought to be wholsome for sick folks. Was ther ever, may we think, more foolish idolatry, among any paynims? Wherfore they are in many respects worse than the very Hethens: and it is true which a lear∣ned man f 1.259 hath sayd, that their Church is like their Transubstantiatiō, accidents without the true and proper subject.

Their allegation of 2 Thes. 2.4. that the Man of syn should sit as God in the Temple of God, is before answered; and is but the misun∣derstanding of a phrase, that if they would contend, they might as wel prove, the Divil which appeared to the Witch of Endor, was Samuel; because the scripture phrase sayth that Samuel sayd to Saul &c. 1 Sam. 28 14.15 &c. Neyther is Ezek. 43.7.8. fitly joyned with 2 Thes. 2. they should set the type from Bels Temple in Baby∣lon, where g 1.260 the vessels of Gods true Temple were holden captive: or from the Samaritans Temple h 1.261 builded by Sanballat on moūt Garizim, whither the Apostate and wicked Iewes used to flee. And wheras they cite Zach. 6-12.13. it is direct against them, for it sheweth not that the Branch (Christ) should build the Temple of the

Page 95

Lord, and then leav it for the man of syn to be worshiped there as God; but that Christ himself should also a 1.262 cary the glorie, and sit and rule upon his throne, and be a Preist upon it; and this we see accomplished in the Christian Church warring against the Beast: for b 1.263 out of the true temple, and from Gods throne there, doe come plagues upon the Beasts throne, and upon al his worshipers; and God continew∣eth stil in c 1.264 his temple, which the beast d 1.265 blasphemeth. And of this temple speaketh Paul in Eph. 2, 11. where the true God dwelleth by his spirit, verse 12. So 2 Cor. 6, 16. confirmeth this, saying; what a∣greement hath the temple of God with idols? but these would make agre∣ment, which wil have the e 1.266 Adversarie f 1.267 the idol shepheard, there to sit, where also he is worshipped as God. And in the words next be∣fore, what concord hath Christ with Belial? 2 Cor. 6, 15. by Belial, we may understand Satan or his eldest son Antichrist, the Hebrue word be∣ing taking from 2. Sam. 23.6. where Belial, the company of wicked ones is opposed to Davids howse, the father and type of Christ: & Sibylla prophesying of Antichrist g 1.268 calleth him Belial, (in the Greek termination Belias). Now that which Paul dooth most vehemently deny, these would affirm, in making such concord, that where Be∣lial sitteth as God, and is so worshipped; there Christ also sitteth & blesseth him and his worshipers, with the one true baptisme, seal∣ing up unto them the forgivenes of synns, and life eternal. For so we have heard it pleaded, that the baptisme which the Antichristi∣ans have and use in Rome, is the true, the one baptisme spoken of Eph. 4, 5. How fitly may we put Mr Iohnson here, in mind of his h 1.269 own words cited from a Commenter on Dan. 11.34.35. of the wily whelps that seek how to agree Belial with Christ, Jdols and the true worship in spirit; thrusting the Pope and Christ both togither into one poke.

Wheras they end their divers respects, with a true church there, and a false Church there: they conclude not the question, but closely turn it away. They should prove her, that is the whore, to be Christs true spowse and Church; if so they could. For, there ther may be a true Church, though she be none of it: even as God had * 1.270 his people in Babylon, and there he was a * 1.271 Sanctuarie or Temple unto them: but the Babylonians were not the men: neyther was Bels temple, the Lords. But it may be they mean her self, by there: for pre∣sently they prove it “ 1.272 as Paul sayd of one and the same womā, she is dead & alive in divers respects, 1. Tim. 5, 6. A fit cōparison: for Paul meaneth that

Page 96

she was alive in this natural life, but dead as touching spiritual life in God: and this is very true in Antichrists synagogue: for a 1.273 she li∣veth in pleasure, and sayth in hart, J sit being a Queen &c. but as touch∣ing life with God, she is b 1.274 dead, and appointed to c 1.275 damnation. We acknowledge therfore with them, that things are often in the scriptures spoken in divers respects, without observing wherof, men shal err infinitely: but it is evil for men to make other respects then God maketh; the scriptures may easily be misapplied; as a litle af∣ter, they bring us the respect of Abraham unrighteous in himselfe, but righteous by faith, Rom. 4.3.5. I hope they wil not apply this to that son of perdition, in 2 Thes. 2. for that were a most wicked com∣parisō. Yet thus they have shuffled togither many scriptures (wher∣by the simple may be deceived,) for to shew things diversly spokē, which none doubteth off: but how soundly they have proved An∣tichrists Church to be Christs, let the judicious Reader give setēce. And let al that feare God mind, whither such doctrines wil not beat the path for al licenciousnes. For although the scripture sayth, d 1.276 he that committeth syn is of the Divil: and, we know that whosoever is borne of God synneth not; but he that is begotten of God, keepeth him self, and that wicked one toucheth him not: notwithstāding, men may be as pro∣phane as Esau, as filthy in life as Sodom, as idolatrous and synful as the Aegyptians and Babylonians, and yet if they wil but cal thē∣selves Christians, and be outwardly baptised, they may be blamed in words, and separated from by men: but yet justified as Gods true Church, they and their seed in his covenant of grace, & sea∣led with baptisme, which is to remission of synns: and what need they care for more? Who wil feare his estate, or amend his life, for the doctrine of such men, as pul down with the left hand, & build up with the right? Is not this rather to e 1.277 strengthen the hands of the wicked, that he should not return from his wickednes, by promising him life? Moreover this acknowledging al that profess Christ and are bapti∣sed, to be true Churches having the true baptisme of God: wil ne∣cessarily draw unto a general communion with al such societies, wher men think actually no evil is committed, as may fal out oftē in the sermons of Friers, Iesuits, and other false Prophets; for with true visible Churches and members of Christ, who may not com∣municate, so it be not in euil? And thus Christians may come to that vanity & cōfusiō vvhich was among the Hethens, of whom an

Page 97

ancient Doctor a 1.278 noteth, that though they had infinite and con∣trary opinions about the Gods and their religion: yet al of them kept communion togither in their Temples and sacrifices.

Wheras Mr. Ioh. b 1.279 referreth us to his first writings, in answer to M. Iacob, pag. 7. & 13. and 47. as having then written somwhat tending this way, which now he pleads for: the Reader may see (by comparing them) how farr they differ. There, touching England, c 1.280 he distinguisheth between their Church estate, in respect wherof he is perswaded they cannot be judged true Christians, and the personal estate of some considered apart from their Church constitution, that they may wel be thought in regard of Gods election to be heyrs of salva∣tion, and in that respect true Christians: so in pag. 13. & 47. touching the Church of Rome, and some Gods elect in it. Although in pag. 146 he is perswaded, whosoever lives & dyes a Papist and member of that Church of Antichrist, in the knowledge, profession, and maintenance of that religion in the parts therof, can not of us be esteemed to live and dye in the e∣state of salvation. Now what is that to his presēt plea, for the Church & baptisme of Rome, but rather the contrary. And for us, we ne∣ver disputed with any touching Gods elect, which we leave unto himself who onely d 1.281 knovveth those that are his. We deny not but ther may be of the elect in al false Churches: even as Satan hath his reprobates in the true Churches. I hold it presumption for any to limit God, by how smal means, or mesure of faith and knovv∣ledge he vvil save a man. Who dares deny but God had many elect among the Hethens, after he had separated Israel from them? Yea God expresly sayd, vven he made Israel his peculiar people, that yet e 1.282 al the earth was his, vvhich are the vvords of the covenant f 1.283 gene∣rally. Wherfore vve leave Gods secret counsels to himself as g 1.284 he vvilleth us; and doe consider onely the visible state of Churches, by the rules of Gods Lavv and promises. Finally in that very book vvhich he mentioneth, hovv sharply h 1.285 doth M. Iohns. inveigh a∣gainst his opposers, and against M. Hooker (that pleaded for the Church of Rome because of some truthes there reteyned;) & saith, that what by the Prelats and their Proctours on the one hand, and the Pha∣ris••ical dawbing reformists on the other, all may justly fear, least the end of that Church wilbe to look back not onely in part, but even wholly to the Ro∣mish Egipt and Sodom, and to wollow agayn in the same myre, from which they would seem al this time to have been washed. When the Prelats and

Page 68

Reformists shal see what the same man now writeth himself, for that Romish Egypt: what wil they say, but that even he also is come to dawb with them for company; and fear a further fall.

Notes

Do you have questions about this content? Need to report a problem? Please contact us.