A view of the threats and punishments recorded in the Scriptures, alphabetically composed with some briefe observations upon severall texts / by Zachary Bogan ...

THREATS To False-Prophets, or, False-Teachers, and Seducers.

They are Punished, or Threatned

1 With being Deceived themselves (though they deceive others.) But evill men, and sedu∣cers, shall wax worse, and worse: deceiving, and being deceived, 2 Tim. 3. 13. For, as (in generall) none hurt themselves more, then they who hurt others, most: so none are more deceived, then such deceivers. They are deceived by the Devill, when they doe what they should not; and they are deceived by God, when they suffer what they would not; which they are sure to doe.

2 Impenitencie, and growing worse and worse. Worse in sinne, and worse in misery. But evill men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, 2 Tim. 3, 13. (as you had before)

Evill men] for such are evill in graine, wickedly (or malitiously) wicked, who do not only hold false doctrines themselves, but teach men so. In Matthew ch. 24 we read, that after our Saviour had said to his Dis∣ciples, There shall be false Prophets (vers. 11,) he presently added, And because iniquity

shall abound, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 vers. 12. That grand Deceiver (Antichrist, whose coming is with all deceiveablenesse of un∣righteousnesse, 2 Thess. 2, 10.) is called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, The (or, that) wicked one, (as the devill is called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉;) as if none were so wick∣ed as hee, 2 Thess. 2, 8. Seducers] in the originall, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, that is, jugglers, or witches. The Apostle in his Epistle to the Galatians (ch. 3, 1.) asked them, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; who hath bewitched you? as if he thought it im∣possible for them, unlesse they were be∣witched, having had Jesus Christ so evident∣ly set forth before their eyes (as evidently, as if he had beene crucified among them) yet neverthelesse, to be drawne aside from the truth, and be made to see another Gospell: which indeed was not another gospell (as it is ch. 1, 7.) but onely those juggling fel∣lows, by their delusions (dazling their eyes with witty arguments, and specious preten∣ces) made it seeme so to them, who had but a weake sight. So in the 8 verse of this chap∣ter, he compares them to Jannes and Jam∣bres, who (they say) were two of the chief of the Egyptian witches. It is said of Si∣mon Magus (Acts 8, 9.) that he used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria. you may translate, By using Sorcery he bewitched &c. as if instead of 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉)

it were 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: for so it 〈◊〉〈◊〉 expressed vers. 11. and so it is usuall in the Scripture (both the Old and New Testa∣ment) to joyne the effect to the cause, with the conjunction And, and in the same Syntaxis, were it not so, we could not render 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 bewitched. for the word most usually signifies, putting a man* 1.1 out of his wits, or making him mad: (at least, for a time, as in an extasie) so that you may ren∣der it, By sorcery he sett the Samaritans beside themselves. For although the word seeme to mee to be very well rendred (according to Cicero's translation in admirationem* 1.2 tr••∣ducens, drawing the people into admiration of him, viz. by doing miracles and signes (by his witchcraft) as it is v. 13. (as usually those do, who practise such things:) yet be∣cause it appeares, it was no ordinary admi∣ration to which they were drawne, but an Amazement* 1.3 even to stupifying (and there∣fore Beza translates it obstupefecerat:) and because the word, for the most part, is so used; and because Erasmus, and likewise the Vulgar (in the 11 verse) have so transla∣ted it, (not without Beza's liking) such a translation cannot be much misliked. Had not that people been given up to madnes, it was impossible▪ 1 That they could have been deceived so many of them: To whom

they all gave heed from the least to the grea∣test verse 10. 2 That they could have been deceived so long a time; Of long time he had bewitched them v. 11. 3 That they could have been deceived in so grosse a manner, as to be∣leive that this man was the great power of God: for so he* 1.4 called himselfe, and so they also esteemed of him, saying, This man is the great power of God, verse 10. (In their owne wordes confessing him to be a man.) Beza upon the word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 (former∣ly mentioned) sayes, id est, ita sibi conciliâ∣rat suis praestigiis, ut coeco quodam furore a∣mentes, toti essent illi addicti, that is, he had so wonne them over to him by his jugling tricks, that in a blind fury, like so many mad men, they were wholy addicted to him. There hath been very often experience of the like mad∣nesse in many countries; and there is still. For Seducers & falseteachers, although they deliver never so strange, and absurd opini∣ons, yet you shal have the people, who were but even now of another mind, presently runne after them, & hang upon them, even to the hazarding of their lives and for∣tunes, in such a manner, that you would thinke they were bewitched; even as bad as when a man is bewitched to love a deformed woman, whom formerly he loathed, by the strength of a potion which she hath given

him, It is said of the whore of Babylon, that all Nations were deceived, (to commit for∣nication with her) by her sorceries, Rev: 18, 23. And that she hath in her hand a Golden cup; (as if she bewitched them by such a potion,) chap 17. 4.

The Apostle could not have had a bet∣ter word for these men, then 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, jugglers; for such kind of fellowes they doe notably resemble, both in couzening and cheating men of the truth, as they doe of their mo∣nies; & in being as good at slight of tongue, as jugglers are at slight of hand. But they may not think to carry the matter so, for they are threatned.

3 With Discovery of their errours. But they shall proceed no further, for their folly shall bee manifest unto all men. 2 Tim: 3. 9. Folly] in the Originall, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, want, (or corruptnes) of judgment; as it is verse 8, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, (which we render, men of corrupt minds) whereby they become 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 (as it is in the same place) not so much re∣pro bates, as repro bants concerning the faith: such as have 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, a pallat. or judg∣ment out of tast, that will not 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Rom: 1. 28. i. e. relish and approve of the truth, or savour the things of God. Matt. 16. 23. Ezekiel told the false Prophets in his time, that the foundati∣tion

of the wall, which they had built and dau∣bed wih untempered morter, should be disco∣vered, Ezek: 13. 14. And the pillows, which the false Prophetesses sewed under mens armes, torne of, verse 20.

4 A Curse. Though wee or an Angel from Heaven preach othewise unto yon (〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉) then wee have preached, let him be accursed, Gal: 1. 8. And againe verse. 9. As wee said before, so say I now againe; if any man preach any o∣ther Gospel unto you, then that ye have recei∣ved, let him he accursed. in the first verse it was 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, in the next 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: as if he had said, whosoever tells you any thing, or preaches to you any point of Doctrine different from mine, let him be Anathema; but especially, if he teach you, as an Evangelist, some new Doctrine, altogether different; if he goe about to Gos∣pel you, or principall you clean another way.

5 Shame* 1.5; (when their vizard is taken off, and every one sees their falshood) And it shall come to passe in that day, that the Prophets shall be ashamed every one of his visiō, when he hath prophecied: neither shall they wear a rough garment, to deceive. But he shall say, I am no Prophet, I am a husband-man; for man taught me to keep cattell frō my youth. Zach: 13. 4, 5.

6 Death. It was the punishment ap∣pointed

appointed by the Law. But the Prophet, which shall presume to speake a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speake; or, that shall speak in the name of other God's, even that man shall die, Deut: 18, 20.

Shall presume to speake] in the Hebrew it is 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 shall be so proud as to speake: and so vers. 22. where we render presumptuously, in the Hebrew it is 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 i. e in pride. what greater pride, or arrogance, then for a man, either to take upon him the person of a King, and to be an Embassadour when he hath no commission; or, if he have a com∣mission to be an Embassadour, to goe be∣yond his commission, and speake what he pleases on his owne head?

It was the punishment threatned by Isaiah, Therefore the Lord will cutt off from Israel head and taile, branch and root in one day; The ancient and honourable, he is the head: and the Prophet that teacheth lies, he is the taile, Isa. 9. 14, 15.

It is the punishment prophecied by Za∣chary (to be executed by their owne pa∣rents) And it shall come to passe, that when any shall yet prophecie, then his father and mother, that begat him, shall say unto him; Thou shalt not live: for thou speakest lies i•• the name of the Lord: and his Father and Mo∣ther that begat him, shall thrust him thorow

when he prophecieth: chap. 13. 3.

Hananiah, for prophecying to the cap∣tive Jewes, their returne from Babylon with∣in two yeares, was threatned by Jeremie to die within a year after, & dyed accordingly Jer: 28. 16, 17. There is abundance of an∣ger to be read in the expressions, which the Prophet used, when he threatned him: The Lord (saies he) hath not sent thee, but thou ma∣kest this people to trust in a lie. Therefore thus saith the Lord, Behold I will cast thee off from the face of the earth verse 16. I will cast thee] in the originall it is 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 I will Send thee; as we say, I will send thee going with a witnesse. as if he had said, For going, when thou wast not sent, thou shalt be sent, when thou woudst not goe. I have elsewhere observed, that it was usuall with the Prophets in their threats, to make use of such words, where∣with they had expressed the sinne, which they threatned; even as it was usuall with God in punishments, to make them have a resemblance, with the nature of the sinnes which he punished.

Shemaiah prophecying in the same man∣ner, both he, and his whole family were threatned to be cut off chap. 29. 32.

Ahab, and Zedekiah prophecying in the same manner (and disswading the Jewes from obedience to the King of Babylon)

were by Nebuchadnezzar rosted to death: c. 29. 22. And after their death, it became an usuall curse among the people, whom they had thus indeavoured to deceive: The Lord make thee like Zedekiah and like Ahab, whom the King of Babylon rosted in the fire, verse 22.

When the Councell of the Jewes would have put the Apostels to death as being false Prophets, Gamaliel advised them to forbeare; as reckoning, that if they were such indeed, they would be sure to perish, though they should doe nothing to them▪ he produced also his examples for it; as first, Theudas;* 1.6 who was slaine (saies he) and all that obeyed him were scattered, and brought to nought, Acts 5. 36. Secondly, Judas of Galilee, he also perished; (sayes he) and all, even as many as obeyed him, were di∣spersed, Acts 5. 37. This Judas was other∣wise called Judas the Gaulonite, and those that adhered to him, Gaulonites, or Galileans. Some of his sect were slaine by Pilate, as they were sacrificing for themselves; be∣cause they forbad sacrificing for the safety of the Romane Empire; and therfore it is said: He mixed their blood with their Sacrifi∣ces Luke 13. 1. The first beginning of this sect, was at the time when Cyrenius was sent from Augustus for raising of a taxe in

Syria and Judea: For Judas then disswaded the people from paying it, telling them, they were tributary to none but God.* 1.7

You have read of the death of 450. pro∣phets of Baal at one time 1 King. 18. And you may read of the miserable end of Ar∣rius, and divers other such Hereticks.

6 Speedy destruction (if not damnation, for so the English translations renders the word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.) Whose judgment now of along time lingreth not, and their damnation slum∣breth not 2 Pet: 2. 3. Lingreth not] not, as if time could goe away faster; or that time, when their judgment should be executed, come any sooner: but to shew, that the long suffering of God, which had waited a great while, and not pronouncd judgment till he saw they would not repent, resolved now to tarry no longer. God may be said to hasten a thing in 'its time (or although it have an appointed time) Ezek: 60. 22: be∣cause he doth not deferre it, although men fear, or hope that he wil. Lingreth not Hence forward their judgment lingreth not, or, is not idle.* 1.8 It is not at a stand, either in going or growing; but grows greater, and greater, according as they treasure up wrath against the day of wrath. By their Destructive courses which they take, or their Doctrines* 1.9 which they teach, if they doe not upon others, they

certainly bring upon themselves swift destru∣ction verse 1. I say destructive courses; for so I think 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 may well be rendered in the verse following; though it signifies destructions, and we render it, pernicious waies. In the Spanish edition (saith Beza) and in six manuscripts, 'tis 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, & the vulgar translate it luxurias; we may english it lascivious courses. now as Beza saith, that this reading agrees well with the de∣scription which followes in this chapter of lascivious Nicolaitans, so doe I say, it agrees very well with the practise of most of your false teachers of these times, both in this and other countries; most of them walking after the flesh in the lust of uncleannesse, verse 10.

Swift destruction] 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, or de∣struction in a short time, as it is chap. 1. 14. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, which signifies word for word, the leaving of my Ta∣bernale is swift. But we translate it, shortly I must put off this my Tabernacle.

Bring upon themselves swift destruction] any hurt that men bring upon themselves must needs be swift, because they doe not use the meanes to prevent it.

In Ezek. 13. 14, it is said to those false Pro∣phets, that daubed up a wall of security for the Jewes, (bearing them in hand, that they

should be safe enough from their enemies, whatever God had threatned to the contra∣ry) So will I break down the wall that ye have dawbed of untempered morter, and bring it downe to the ground, so that the foundation thereof shall be discovered, and it shall fall, and ye shall bee consumed in the midst thereof; and ye shall know that I am the Lord. So that they shall die suddenly, as with the fall of a wall: or if they died not when the wall fell, they should not live long after. In the ninth verse they are thus threatned; And my hand shall bee upon the Prophets that see vanity, and divine lies: They shall not be in the assembly of my people, neither shall they be written in the writing of the house of Israel, neither shall they enter into the Land of Israel, and ye shall know that I am the Lord God. For whether by being written in the writing of the house of Israel, be meant, being written by God a∣fore, among those that should returne a∣gaine to Canaan out of Babylon (as God seemes to have had a booke of those who should enter into it, in the time of Moses Exod 32. 32.) or whether it be meant of be∣ing written afterward by men, among those who did return again out of Babylon (as you may see an account taken by Ezra: Ez: 8. & as there was an account taken by Moses, when they came out of Egypt Num: 2.) or

whether somewhat more then so, be meant in those words, I know not: but it is cleare by the words following (which it may be are but an interpretation of thē), that those Prophets, who bare the people in hand, there would be no captivity, should suffer most by it, and never returne into the Land of Israel.

If there had been nothing threatned in Scriptures against such men, yet you may guesse their end and punishment to be bad e∣nough, by the names which they have gi∣ven them in the Scriptures: as of Theeves and Robbers Joh: 10. 8. (for of such Austin, and Chrysostome thinke those words to be spoken.) Nay, of Wolves, Matt. 7. 15, and Foxes, Cant: 2. 15. These names they very well deserve, in regard of their manner of hunting after soules (as those creatures doe af∣ter sheep) to make a prey of them; for this speech is used concerning the False Prophe∣tesses * 1.10 in Ezekiel, chap 13. 18. Now we know how such beasts are used, if they are taken; and therefore many of these are sure to be destroyed, because they are sure to be taken. Saint Peter saith, they are as naturall bruit beasts, made to be taken and destroied 2 Pet: 2. 12. It is but talio, like for like, that they should be so punished; because they de∣stroy others. for if he, who takes away the

life of the body, be punished in the same man∣ner; why not also he, who takes away the life of the Soule? In like manner, we might guesse by the name that is given to their doctrine, being called a Gangrene, 2 Tim: 2. 17. Now where a Gangrene is, that part of the body must be cut off; and so Paul wished they were, who with false doctrine had troubled the Galatians, chap. 5. 12.

Notes

• * 1.1

  De statu mentis de∣jicere.
• * 1.2

  For so the passive 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, is used for to admire, vers. 13. of that Chap∣ter, and elsewhere.
• * 1.3

  In my Country we ••••ll them maz••d, who are out of their wits.
• * 1.4

  Dicebat se subli∣missimam esse virtu∣tem hoc est eum qui sit su∣per omnia pater Ire∣naeus.
• * 1.5

  In Isaiah c. 45. 16. where we translate, They shall goe to cō∣fusion to∣gether that are makers of Idols. The Latine translation renders, fa∣bricatores errorum, makers of errours. our Hebrew is 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• * 1.6

  There were two of the name. see Beza.
• * 1.7

  Joseph. l. 7. de bello, c. 28.
• * 1.8

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 in the Genev: translation was long agoe not afarre o••••.
• * 1.9

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 v. 1.
• * 1.10

  Some think they were men, so called be∣cause of their effe∣minatenes.