Scripture-prophecies opened which are to be accomplished in these last times, which do attend the second coming of Christ : in several letters written to Christian friends / by E. Avery.

Now I shall answer to some Objections.

First of all it may be objected, How can it be made appear that there is more excellency in the feet and toes of the great Image then in the head of gold?

Unto this I answer, that there is, in divers particulars, as it is held forth in the letter.

As first, There is more excellency in the feet and toes then in the head of gold, because the feet and toes, which were partly of potters clay, and partly of iron, have mixt them∣selves with the seed of men, and so upon this account the seed of men is more precious then the golden wedge of Ophir: for none will deny but that the body of the meanest man in the world is more worth then raiment, and so of gold, and whatsoever we look on as excellent. Now this is clear in the letter. In a spiritual sense the feet and toes of the great I∣mage is more excellent, because they have mixed themselves with the seed of men. Now the seed of men in this nature, is the Saints.

Unto this it may be objected, How can that be? for the Saints are but men as others, as it is spoken of Elias, and Moses, and all the faithful, and so they have their infirmities, as the Scri∣ptures speak.

Unto this I answer, It is true that the Saints are men, and subject to infirmities, none will deny; but the Kings daughter is all glorious within: the Saints do not appear to the world as yet; but when the Witnesses (Rev. 11.) shall ascend in a cloud into heaven, then the enemies shall behold them; and then the Saints shall appear as they are, unto the confusion of their enemies, which shall be very shortly.

Now it may be objected, If it be so as you say, that the seed of men which are mixed in the State, is the Saints, as you call them; yet sure they have done no good: And are they not over∣voted, and accounted as the worst of men, because they will not joyn with the rest of the body, insomuch that they are the means to bring all to confusion; which if they had held together, it would

have been otherwise. It is true, that though the State have mixt themselves with the seed of men, thinking thereby to joyn them∣selves to the Iron, which is the Monarchical power; yet it cannot be so; for iron and clay will not hold together: insomuch that the stone that was cut out of the mountain hath but smote the Image upon his feet, and hath broken them already. Now here may arise a Question, How it can be proved that there can be more in the seed of men then in the head of gold: for if the seed of men be the Saints in a spiritual sense, then the head of gold must needs be un∣derstood to be the Truth: and so I say, How can it be made ap∣pear that there is more excellency in the Saints, who are but men, then in that whereby they are sanctified? for Christ prays the Fa∣ther thot he would sanctifie his by the Word; and the Word, says he, is truth.

Unto this I answer, There is more excellency in the Saints then in the Truth: I will instance in some particulars. Our Saviour in Matthew speaking concerning the doctrine of the Pharisees, who taught that if any did swear by the Tem∣ple, it was nothing; but whosoever sware by the gold of the Temple, offended: ye fools, saith he, for whether is greater, the gold, or the temple which sanctifieth the gold? So by this we see that the Saints are more excellent then the Truth: they are the temples of the living God, the sons and daughters of God Almighty, who do partake of the same nature, union, love and glory as Christ our Saviour, our Head and Elder Brother, Joh. 17. from vers. 21. unto the end. From the Scripture it doth clearly appear that the Saints are more excellent then the Truth it self. But I would not be mistaken: for I do not speak here of Truth as God is said to be Truth; nor dare I speak of it as Christ is called the Word of God, as in Joh. 1. 1. Joh. and Revel. But I speak of Truth as it is held forth by the ministery of man in Babylon, which appeareth most glo∣rious unto to the carnal sense, being held forth by men of learning and parts, which shall fall in the fall of Babylon.

So, my dear friend, I have followed God in making forth that which he is pleased to convey by me as his instrument; to whom I acknowledge all: for here is no flesh to glory in his

presence, for it is none of mine, the Lord knows: And with this I shall close up, desiring the Lord will manifest himself unto you, in discovering those things which are hidden from the world, who, when they think of peace and safety, the day of the Lord comes upon them as a thief in the night. But I may say of you, as the Apostle did of the Thess••lonians, You brethren are not in darknesse, that so that day should come upon you as a thief: you are the children of the day; we are not of the night, nor of darknesse, therefore let us not sleep as do others, but let us watch and be sober: And that must we do, to whom the Lord is pleased to discover himself, in making us to know that which is hidden unto others: we dare not sleep nor be silent, but stand upon our watch-tower, as to wait for further discovery, so to make known that which God hath revealed already. And so here I shall close up, committing you to God, and to the power of his grace, who will manifest him∣self more then ever, in making his to know that now, which hath been hidden from the beginning of the world. And so wishing all happinesse in the Lord, I shall ever remain yours in the greatest engagements.