Truths victory over error, or, An abridgement of the chief controversies in religion which since the apostles days to this time, have been, and are in agitation, between those of the Orthodox faith, and all adversaries whatsoever, a list of whose names are set down after the epistle to the reader : wherein, by going through all the chapters of The confession of faith, one by one, and propounding out of them, by way of question, all the controverted assertions, and answering by yes, or no, there is a clear confirmation of the truth, and an evident confutation of what tenets and opinions, are maintain'd by the adversaries : a treatise, most useful for all persons, who desire to be instructed in the true Protestant religion, who would shun in these last days, and perillous times, the infection of errors and heresies, and all dangerous tenets and opinions, contrary to the word of God.

CHAP. XXV. Of the CHURCH.

Question I.

DOTH the Catholick, or Universal Church which is invisible, consist of the whole number of Elect, that have been, are, or shall be gathered into one under Christ, the head thereof?

Yes. Eph. 1. 10, 22, 23. Eph. 5. 23, 27. Col. 1. 18.

Well then, doth not the Popish-Church err, who deny any Catholick invisible Church, consist∣ing of the Elect only, effectually called: who main∣tain, the Catholick Church, to be absolutely visible, and as visible a Society, as the Republick of Venice, or the kingdom of France: and that it consists no less of reprobates, unbelievers, great and manifest sinners, void of all inward and true grace, than of the Elect effectually called?

Yes.

By what reasons are they confuted?

(1) Because, we profess to believe, ac∣cording to the Creed, that there is a Church Universal, namely such a one, as we have now described: but what we believe must be invisible; Heb. 11. 1. (2) Because, the internal form of the Church (namely her effectual calling by the Word and Spirit; 1 Peter 2. 9.) is invisible; 2 Tim. 2. 19. 1 Cor. 2. 11. (3) Because, the glory of the Kings daughter (that is of the Universal Church, as the Adversaries themselves con∣fess) is internal, and therefore hidden and invisible; Psalm 45. 13. (4) Because, the Word tells us, that there is a Church, even the number of those, whom Christ hath loved; for whom he gave himself to the

death; whom he hath sanctified, and washen and cleansed, and redeemed, with his own blood, and whom at last, he will glo∣rifie; Eph. 5. 25, 26, 27. (5) Because, the Scripture tells; that there is a Church, which is the mystical body of Christ (and there∣fore invisible to the eyes) which by a most mystical, and most marvelous union, is conjoyned, and united straitly with him; Eph. 1. 10, 22, 23. (6) Because, the Church Universal, as to its internal forme, is a spi∣ritual house, built of lively stones, in Christ; 1 Peter 2. 5. (7) Because, the members of the Church Universal, considered as to their internal state, and condition, are united, and conjoyned together in one body, by one Spirit, and by one Faith; 1 Cor. 12. 13. Eph. 4. 4, 5. (8) Because, the members of the Church Universal, considered the former way, are the lively members of Christ, which he himself doth cherish with a lively, and quickning nurishment; Eph. 5. 29, 30.

Quest. II.

IS the Visible Church, under the New Testament, Catholick and Universal?

Yes. 1 Cor. 1. 2. and 1 Cor. 12. 12, 13. Psal. 2. 8. Rev. 7. 9. Rom. 15. 9, 10, 11, 12.

Well then, do not the Independents err,

who maintain, there is no Visible Church, under the New Testament, except what may meet in one place, and may perform all their holy services in a private Church?

Yes.

By what reasons are they confuted?

(1) Because, in very many places of the New Testament, the word Church (to wit Visible) is so largely taken, that it cannot be restricted, to any particular Congregational Church; Acts 8. 3. Gal. 1. 13. Acts 2. 47. 1 Cor. 10. 32. Eph. 3. 10. 1 Cor. 12. 28. 1 Tim. 3. 15. (2) Because, it hath been foretold, in many places of the Old Testament, that the Catholick Church shall be Visible; Psalm 22. 22, 23, 25, 27, 28. Psalm 72. 8, 9, 10, 11. Psalm 86. 9. Isaiah 2. 2, 3, 4. Zech. 14. 9. (3) Because, the Donation, or the gift of the kingdom (that is of the Church Universal) made by the Father to the Son, is Universal, and of all the World; Psalm 2. 8. Psalm 72. 8. Isaiah 49. 6. Dan. 7. 14. (4) Because, the Gospel of the Kingdom, is Universal; and according to the stile of the Scripture, work∣eth the visible conversion of the whole world, and therefore the Church visibly converted, and gathered together, is Catho∣lick and Universal; Matth. 26. 13. Mark 14. 9. Col. 1. 16. (5) Because, the Visible Char∣ter,

which constitutes the Church is Uni∣versal: and therefore since one Charter, con∣stitutes one Politie, or Government, all the Visible particular Churches, which are con∣stitute by that one Catholick Charter, are one Church Universal; Matth. 28. 19. Eph. 3. 6. (6) Because, if there be Officers of a Church Visible Universal, there must be a Church Visible Universal it self: but the first is true, since the Donation of the Mini∣stry, and the giving of it in a gift, is made to the Catholick Church; 1 Cor. 12, 28. Matth. 28. 19. (7) Because, there is a ge∣neral outward call, and a general outward covenant into which all Christians enter out∣wardly, by vertue whereof all of them, are knit, and tyed together; Acts 2. 39. (8) Be∣cause, that same individual System, and Body of external Laws, proceeding from that same Authority, in which all particular Churches are equally concerned, and by which they are ruled, is Universal; 1 Tim. chap. 3. and Titus 3 chap. (9) Because, that external union of brotherhood, which is amongst all the Visible Christians in the world, is Catholick, and Universal; Acts 15. 23. Acts 24. 14. Gal. 5. 14. (10) Be∣cause, the initial Visible seal, admittance, and enrowlment, are things Catholick, and

Oecumenical. For he that takes up his free∣dom in a whole Corporation or Kingdom, is free of the whole, and in every part there∣of, and hath right to all the general privi∣ledges and immunities thereof. There is a Patent for Baptism Go and baptize all Nations. And by vertue of the Priviledges thereof, they that are baptized in any one Church, are accounted visible subjects of Christs Kingdom, in all places of the Christian world. Matth. 28. 19. (11) Because, all Churches are one Body; Rom. 12. 5. (12) Because, Peter writting to the strangers scattered a∣broad throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia calleth them all one Flock; 1 Peter 5. 2. (13) Because, all the Churches of the World are one sheepfold; Iohn 10. 16. (14) Because, the Visible Church is one great house; 2 Tim. 2. 20.

Quest. III.

DOTH the Visible Church consist of all those thorowout the world that profess the Christian Religion, together with their Children?

Yes. 1 Cor. 1. 2. Psalm 2. 8. 1 Cor. 7. 14.

Well then, do not the Donatists, Anabap∣tists, and Puritans of old so truely named, err, who affirm the visible Church to consist of those only, that are pious and holy?

Yes.

Do not likewise the Independents err, who think, none ought to be members of the Visible Church, save those, who in the judgement of men very spiritual, and discerning are esteemed true believers, and saints: who have given sufficient proof of their knowledge in the fundamentals of Religion: who have reported in order, and given a good account of the experimental work of their conversion, and effectual calling; who have shewed their conversation in the world, to have been with∣out the omission of any known duty, or commission of any known fault, and that for a considerable length of time.

Yes.

Do not lastly the Quakers err, who think the only visible Church of GOD on earth, to be them∣selves; and all others not of their profession, and practise, to be unregenerate, and wanting the Spirit?

Yes.

By what reasons are they confuted?

(1) Because, the visible Church, is com∣pared to a Garner, in which there is not only Wheat, but Chaff mixed with it. To a Field, in which Tares, and Darnel are mix∣ed among the good Corn. To a Net, in which both good Fishes, and bad are taken; Matth. 13. chapter. To a great House, wherein are not only vessels of Gold, and

Silver, but of Wood, and of Earth; 2 Tim. 2. 20. (2) Because, Christ will answer some at the last day; who will say to him, Lord, have not we Prophesied in thy name, and in thy name casten out Devils, and have we not eaten and drunken at thy table, I know you not. This evidently shews, that many have been members of the Visible Church, whom Christ will not own at the last day; Matth. 7. 22, 23. (3) From the Parable of the ten Virgins, five whereof were foolish, five wise; Matth. 25. 1. (4) From the Pa∣rable of the Banquet, where one was found at the Table, without a Wedding Garment; Matth. 22. 11. (5) Because, many are of the Visible Church, who are not of the in∣visible Church; 1 Iohn 2. 19. (6) Because the Apostle, calls the Church of Corinth, the Church of Christ, notwithstanding of their gross enormities; 1 Cor. 1. 11. 1 Cor. 3. 3. 1 Cor. 5. 1. 1 Cor. 6. 7. (7) Because, Moses did acknowledge, even those then to be members of the Visible Church, to whom yet he knew, the Lord had not given ears to hear, nor eyes to see, nor a heart to un∣derstand, the great and wonderful miracles which he wrought in their sight; Deut. 29. 10, 11, 12, 13. compared with the verses 2, 3, 4. (8) Because, Iohn the Baptist did admit

many thousands into the communion of the Visible Church, without making a narrow search of their true grace, and conversion; Matth. 3. (9) Because, the Apostles did instantly, and without the delay of one day, baptise all those that professed the Christian Religion; Acts 2. 38, 41. Acts 8. 12. Iohn 3. 26. (10) Because, the preaching of the Gospel, is appointed by God, as an ordina∣ry mean, no less for the Conversion of men, and women, than for the advancement of those in grace that are converted; Prov. 9▪ 3, 4. 2 Cor. 5. 18, 19. 20, 2 Tim. 2. 24, 25 (11) Because, we are forbidden by the A∣postle, to judge the spiritual state and con∣dition of our neighbour; Rom. 14. 4. (12) Because, Christ did acknowledge Iudas the Theif, and Traitor, as a member of his Visible Church, whom yet he foresaw to be the son of perdition; Matth. 26. 23. (13) Because, Christ had a visible church on earth many hundered of years before ever there were such cattle as Quakers in the World. Unless they will alledge that the primitive Christians and all the Saints, since the Apostles dayes, have been their Predecessors, and claime kin to them, as the Samaritans did to Iacob, who were truely descended of the heathen; who were brought thither out of Assyria, as

the Quakers are descended from the Enthusi∣asts in Germany, about 160 years since, as Nicolas Strokins, Iohn Matthias, and Iohn of Leyden, notorious Hereticks, blasphemers, and bloody Murderers.

But how quite different, the Quakers are to the primitive christians, and holy men of God then, and since, will evidently ap∣pear hence, that they did not contemn these two great ordinances of the Gospel instituted by Christ, to wit, Baptism and the Lords Supper. They had Bishops and Deacons to govern, and instruct them, who were or∣dained to their functions by prayer and im∣position of hands, whom they did not re∣vile, with the ugly names of dumb dogs, and hirelings. These primitive christians, had not in their assemblies Women-preachers as the Quakers have, which is down right contrary to Pauls injunctions; 1 Cor. 14. 35. Neither were silent meetings ever heard of among the primitive christians. Nor did they ever out of contempt call churches, places appointed for the publick worship of God, Steeple-houses, but resorted to them for performing their devotions, and service to God, as did our blessed Saviour, and his Apostles; Iohn 18. 20. Luke 4. 16. Acts 3. 1. Acts 13. 5.

Do not likewise the Papists and Lutherians err, who will have none members of the visible Church that are unbaptized?

Yes.

Do not lastly the Anabaptists err, who will have no infants members of the visible church?

Yes.

By what reasons are they confuted?

(1) Because, that God commanded in∣fants, and little ones, should stand before him; should enter into covenant with him; Deut. 29. 10, 11. (2) Because, infants are called the people of God, no less than men and women come to age; Deut. 29. 11, 12, 13. (3) Because, the promise of Grace be∣longs to children as well as to the parents; Acts 2. 39. (4) If children be not members of the visible church, they must be mem∣bers of the visible kingdom of the devil, for there can be no midst; Eph. 2. 12, 13. And so there shall be no difference between the children of Believers, and the children of Turks and Pagans. (5) Because, infants un∣der the Old Testament, had right unto the Co∣venant of Grace; Gen. 17. 7, 12. And children of Believers under the New Testament have lost no right to that covenant of Grace, which children under the Old Testament had; seeing the covenant of Grace, now under

the Gospel, is not more strickly, and sparingly administred, than long since under the law; Heb. 8. 6. Rom. 11. 12. (6) Because, infants are commanded to joyn themselves to Gods ordinances; Ioel 2. 16. (7) Because, if Christ, while an infant, was head of the visible church; then infants may be his members. But the first is true, from Isaiah 9. 6. Therefore the second must be true also. (8) Because, they whom the false Apostles would have to be circumcised, after the manner of Moses (and therefore infants) were called Disciples; Acts 15. 10.

Quest. IV.

IS there any ordinary possibility of Salvation out of the Visible Church?

No. Acts 2. 47.

Well then, do not the Enthusiasts, Quakers, and Libertines err, who affirm, that any man, may be a true christian, and be saved, though he live within no Visible Church?

Yes.

By what reasons are they confuted?

(1) Because, the Lord IEHOVAH, in his visible Church (ordinarly) commands the blessing, even life for evermore; Psalm 133. 3. (2) Because, the visible church, is the mother of all Believers; Gal. 4. 26. By

Ierusalem which is above, I understand the true Christian Church, which seeketh its salvation; not by the first covenant of the law, namely by the works of the law, but by the second of the Gospel; namely by the merits of Christ, embraced by a true Faith, which hath its orginal from heaven, by the powerful cal∣ling of the Holy Ghost. (3) Because, they that are without the visible church, are with∣out Christ; Eph. 2. 12. (4) Why are men and women joyned to the visible church but that they may be saved? Acts 2. 47.

(5) Because, they that are without the visible church, are destitute, of the ordinary means of life and salvation; Psalm 147. 19. 20.

Quest. V.

HATH Christ given to this Ca∣tholick-church-visible, the Mi∣nistry, Oracles, and Ordinances of God, for the gathering, and perfecting of the Saints in this life, to the end of the World?

Yes.

Shall there be alwayes a church on earth, to worship God according to his will?

Yes. 1 cor. 12. 28. Eph. 4. 11, 12, 13. Mat. 28. 19, 20. Matth. 16. 18. Psalm 72. 17. Psalm 102. 28. Isai. 59. 21.

Well then, do not the Socinians, Anabap∣tists; and Libertines err, who affirm that the

visible Church may fail, and perish out of the world?

Yes.

Do not likewise the Scepticks commonly called Seekers err, who affirm, that the whole universal church, which hath been upon the earth: and all religious worship, all external and outward preaching of the Word, all administration of Sacra∣ments, and the use of all other religious things have perished a little after the Apostles times, and are not to this day restored, until Christ from Heaven, shall send new Apostles with an extraordinary com∣mission, for restoring, and raising up again the visible church?

And that in the mean time, no man hath right or power, to dispense the Word, or administer the Sacraments, or perform any Ecclesiastical duty: and that they who are now called the preachers of the Gospel are not so?

Yes.

By what reasons are they confuted?

(1) Because, the Lord hath promised, that his church shall endure, so long as the ordinances of heaven shall continue; Isaiah 66. 22. (2) Because, Christ hath promised that the Gates of Hell shal not prevail against his church; Matth. 16. 18. (3) Because, there is no end to be put to the kingdom of Christ; Luke 1. 33. And therefore no end

to his church; Isaiah 9. 7. (4) Because▪ glory will be to him, in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all Ages, world without end Amen; Eph. 3. 21. (5) Because, Christ who hath given power to his Ministers, to teach his church, and to administer the Sa∣craments, hath promised to be with them to the end of the World; Matth. 28. 19, 20. (6) Because, the Lord hath promised to preserve a people to himself, to the end of the world which he shall rule, and govern, by his Word and Spirit; Isaiah 59. 20, 21. Isaiah. 9. 6, 7. (7) Because, the Lord hath chosen Zion: he hath desired it for his ha∣bitation, where he will rest, and dwell for ever; Psalm 132. 13. 14. (8) Because, Christ hath given some to be Pastors, and Teachers for the perfecting of the Saints, till we all come into the unity of the Faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God; Eph. 4. 11. And he hath appointed a Ministry to continue even after the Apostles dayes, as is evident from 1 Tim. 3 chapter. From Titus first chapter, where the Apostle sets down the or∣dinary qualifications of Ministers, and the Rules for calling them to the Ministry. (9) Because, there is a general Rule set down, for the government, and discipline, of Christs church: which discipline and order,

is to continue in it, to the end of the world; Matth. 1 18. (10) Because, the Lord commands, that we forsake not the assemb∣ling of our selves together: and hath pro∣mised to bless after a special manner, any that are gathered together in his name, any where, but our assembling for hearing the word of God, is done in the name of Christ; Heb. 10. 25. Matth. 18. 20. Matth. 28. 20. (11) Because, the death of Christ, in the last supper, is to be shewed till he come; 1 Cor. 11. 26. (12) Because, by the Word (even preached Rom. 10. 17.) we are born again; 1 Peter 1. 23. Iames 1. 18. By Bap∣tism we are ingrafted into Christ; Rom. 6. 3, 4. Gal. 3. 27. In the Lords Supper, we have communion with Christ; 1 Cor. 10. 16. See more to this purpose; chap. 21. Que∣stion eight.

Quest. VI.

HAth the Catholick church been sometimes more, sometimes less Visible?

Yes. Rom. 11. 3, 4. Rev. 12. 6, 14.

Well then, do not the Papists err, who affirm, that the church hath been, is, and shall be most gloriously Visible to all the whole world far and nigh?

Yes.

By what reasons are they confuted?

(1) Because, the church of GOD, in the Prophet Elijahs time was brought to that pass, that he thought none remained but himself; 1 Kings 19. 10. Rom. 11. 2, 3, 4. (2) Because, for a long time Israel was with∣out the true GOD, and without a teaching Priest, and without the Law; 2 Chron. 15. 3. (3) Because, the Lord often complains, that his church and people have forsaken him, have not known him: that the faithful city hath become a harlot, that scarce a man could be found to do justice, and follow truth; all which is inconsistent with that glorious condition of the visible church, which the Papists dream of; Isaiah 1. 3, 4. Ierm. 2. 29. Ierm. 5. 1. (4) Because, in the time of the ten Persecutions, the visible church was much obscured, and darkned. And after these storms were over, arose the Arians, who did much trouble the church of Christ, as is clear from History. (5) Be∣cause, two wings were given to the Woman, that is to the Church of GOD, two wings (I say) of a great Eagle, that she might flie into the wilderness, to hid her self; Rev. 12. 14. (6) Because, the Apostle Paul did foretel that general defection, and aposta∣sy of the visible church mentioned; 2 Thes.

2, 3. (7) Because, Christ hath foretold, that before his second coming, he shall scarce find Faith on the Earth; Luke 18. 8.

(8) Because, the church of GOD is al∣wayes lyable to trouble, and persecution while it sojourneth in this world. But troubles and persecutions do much obscure the brightness, and splendour of a visible church; Luke 21. 17. Iohn 16. 2. Psalm 129. 1, 2, 3.

Quest. VII.

ARE the purest churches under heaven subject both to mixture and error?

Yes. 1 Cor. 13. 12. Rev. 2. and 3. chapter Rev. 18. 2. Rom. 11. 18, 19, 20, 21, 22.

Well then, do not the Papists err, who affirm, that the church cannot err, neither in matters ab∣solutely necessary, neither in other things, which it proposes to be done and believed by us?

Yes.

By what reasons are they confuted?

(1) Because, the visible church, under the Old Testament, oftentimes made defection to Idolatry; Exod. 32. 8. Iudges 3. 7. (2) Because, as long as we are here, we know but in part; and therefore we are subject, and lyable to mistakes; 1 Cor. 13. 9, 12. (3) Because, the seven churches of Asia to which

Iohn did writ, are accused of mixture, and errors; Rev. 2. 4, 5. (4) Because, while Christ was on earth, the Disciples dreamed of a worldly kingdom▪ and for a time, even after his resurrection they did believe it; Acts 1. 6. (5) Because, before the day of Christ be at hand, there shall be a falling away of the visible church, from the true Orthodox Faith to Antichristianism, which in great part is already come to pass, and more than is to come between this time and his second coming: 2 Thes. 2. 3. Rev. 13. 3. (6) Because, one of the chief differences between the Church Militant, and the Church Triumphant is this, that the one can err, but not the other; 1 Cor. 13. 9, 10, 12. (7) Because, Christ hath foretold, that there shall arise false Christs and false Prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders, in so much, if it were possible they shall deceive the very Elect; Matth. 24. 24. (8) Because, when the Son of man cometh, he shall scarce find Faith on the earth; Luke 18. 8. (9) Because, the converted Iews erred, in being zealous for the Law; thinking that the Ce∣remonial Law, ought yet to be observed, not understanding that the same was abolish∣ed by Christ; Acts 21. 20. So did the Ga∣latians err, in admitting circumcision; Gal.

1, 6. And the Corinthians, in their abuse of the Lords Supper; 1 Cor. 11. 18.

Quest. VIII.

IS there no other head of the Visible Church, but the Lord Iesus Christ?

No.

Can the Pope of Rome, in any sense be the head thereof?

No. Col. 1. 18. Eph. 1. 22.

Well then, doth not the Popish-Church err, who maintains, that not only Christ, is the univer∣sal head of the Church, but that there is another visible head under him, who (say they) is the Pope of Rome, Christs Vicar, or Deputy under him?

Yes.

By what reasons are they confuted?

(1) Because, as not many husbands, but one only, is head of the wife, so Christ only is head of the Church; Eph. 5. 23. (2) Because, the Church is espoused to one only namely to Christ; 1 Cor. 11. 3. (3) Be∣cause, the Church is the body of Christ only; Eph. 1. 22, 23. (4) Because, among all the Ecclesiastick orders instituted, and appointed by Christ, we do not read of such a creature, as an Universal Vicar▪ of Christ; Eph. 4. 11. (5) Because, the Church is one body only

(unless it be a monster) but one body, can∣not have two heads; Rom. 12. 4, 5. (6) Because, Christ only, can inspire, or breath in vigour, sense, motion, and spiritual life into his members; Eph. 5. 29, 30. Iohn 6. 48, 50, 51. Iohn 15. 1, 2. (7) Because, there must not be Lordship, and soveraignty a∣mong them, that are under Christ their head and Lord; Luke 22. 25. 1 Peter 5. 2, 3.

(8) If the Pope be not so much as a Bishop of a particular Church, he cannot be univer∣sal Bishop. The first is true, because he doth not perform the office of a Bishop, which is set down; 1 Tim. 3, 2, Titus 1, 7. 8, 9.

Do not likewise the Erastians, and others as Arminians err, who make the Supream Magi∣strate head of the Church?

Yes.

By what reasons are they confuted?

(1) Because, the Protestant Religion, as it is contained in the Harmony of Confessions, especially in the Confession of Faith, record∣ed in the first Parliament of King Iames the sixth, laitly ratified, and confirmed, doth not acknowledge any Supream Head, or Governor in the Church, neither Angel, Man, Pope, Prince, nor Potentate, save the Lord Christ, from whom alone, all subordinate power

and authority is derived, to the officers, of his own Church. (2) Because, if the Su∣pream Magistrate be a church officer he must derive his power from Christ, and must be a Spiritual, and Ecclesiastick head and Governour, and not a civil only. And if such then Christ hath devolved his own place and office upon him, which is without Scripture proof. (3) Because, if the Su∣pream Magistrate be head of the church, he must have a right to this Title, either by humane Law, or by a divine warrant. Laws of a Nation, cannot make him head of the church, because such laws cannot make him an Ecclesiastick, and Spiritual officer. There is no divine warrant, or commission from Christ, as is clear from Matth. 18. 17. From the Epistles to Timothy, and Titus. From Ephes. 4. 11. Rom. 12. 7, 8. And from 1 Cor. 11. 28.

Quest. IX.

IS the Pope that Antichrist, that Man of sin, and Son of perdition, that exalteth himself in the church of God against Christ, and all that is called God?

Yes. 2 Thes. 2. 3, 4, 8, 9 Rev. 13. 6. Matt. 23. 8, 9, 10.

Though this be denyed by the church of Rome, yet the true discription of Antichrist agrees to him.

(1) Because, he is not one single man, but an order, and race of men, succeeding to one another, in that same state, and office, which you will see, by comparing; 1 Iohn 4. 3. 2 Thes. 2. 7, 8. together. (2) His coming, is after the manner of Satan; 2 Thes. 2. 9. (3) As to his name, he calls himself a Christian, but in very truth an Adversary to Christ: and by consequence, one that denys Jesus to be the Christ; Rev. 17. 14. Rev. 19. 19. 2 Thes. 2 8. 1 Iohn 2. 23. (4) he sitteth in the Temple of GOD, as GOD; 2 Thes. 2. 4. (5) He ruleth in the great city, and exercises dominion over the Kings of the earth. 6) He deceiveth them, that dwell on the earth, with lying wonders, and miracles; 2 Thes. 2. 9. Rev. 13: 14, 15: (7) He causeth all sorts of Persons to receive his mark, on their right hand, or on their fore∣head; Rev: 13: 16, 17: (8) To him agrees, what Paul sayes: and now ye know what with-holdeth (namely the Roman Emperour) that he might be revealed in his time; 2 Thes: 2: 6, 7: