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Ohel or Beth-shemesh A tabernacle for the sun, or, Irenicum evangelicum : an idea of church-discipline in the theorick and practick parts, which come forth first into the world as bridegroom and bride ... by whom you will have the totum essentiale of a true Gospel-church state according to Christs rules and order left us when he ascended ... : published for the benefit of all gathered churches, more especially in England, Ireland and Scotland / by John Rogers ...

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Title
Ohel or Beth-shemesh A tabernacle for the sun, or, Irenicum evangelicum : an idea of church-discipline in the theorick and practick parts, which come forth first into the world as bridegroom and bride ... by whom you will have the totum essentiale of a true Gospel-church state according to Christs rules and order left us when he ascended ... : published for the benefit of all gathered churches, more especially in England, Ireland and Scotland / by John Rogers ...
Author
Rogers, John, 1627-1665?
Publication
London :: Printed for R.I. and G. and H. Eversden ...,
1653.
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Subject terms
Presbyterian Church -- Controversial literature.
Church of England -- Discipline.
Puritans -- Doctrines.
Fifth Monarchy Men.
Great Britain -- History -- Commonwealth and Protectorate, 1649-1660.
Cite this Item
"Ohel or Beth-shemesh A tabernacle for the sun, or, Irenicum evangelicum : an idea of church-discipline in the theorick and practick parts, which come forth first into the world as bridegroom and bride ... by whom you will have the totum essentiale of a true Gospel-church state according to Christs rules and order left us when he ascended ... : published for the benefit of all gathered churches, more especially in England, Ireland and Scotland / by John Rogers ..." In the digital collection Early English Books Online. https://name.umdl.umich.edu/A57540.0001.001. University of Michigan Library Digital Collections. Accessed May 6, 2024.

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〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Midbar. CHAP. III. That the Churches full deliverance drawes nigh, and is up∣on entrance, at first gradually, her Discipline shall be restored as at first. First proved by parallel from the Wildernesse, wherein she hath been long lost, as to true Discipline and Doctrine.

TO proceed, the Call continues to hast us out of Baby∣lon. It is Historied of Darius's Generall, that when he had Orders from Darius (his King) to revenge the wrongs done him by the Athenians, that he commanded his Servants every day, at every dish of meat they brought in to the Table, to say, Sir, remember the Athenians. Now Christ hath sent to us, and calls upon us every foote, to Re∣member the ruine of Babylon, and the rising of Sion; for Ba∣bylon must fall, and Sion must fill, and grow up apace to perfection-ward; but although this is graduall at first, yet the restauration shall be universall at last.

In the interim, we heare how long, and how lamentably the poore despised Church hath been in the Wildernesse, wo∣fully bewayling; but now followes what hopes we finde of her deliverance; now Mr. Brightman (the brightest man of his age, that I have met with) lends his Light to this Age, out of Revel. 12.14. where we read, the Church was to continue in the Wildernesse for a time, times, and halfe a time; besides the thousand two hundred and threescore dayes, in ver. 6. which is all one with that in Rev. 11.2. of forty and two months, for at thirty dayes to the moneth, it comes to one thousand two hundred and sixty dayes, which if we account from Christ's time, was to begin one thousand sixe hundred

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and ten dayes, (viz. three hundred and fifty, and one thou∣sand two hundred and sixty) and the thirty three yeares that Christ lived, makes it one thousand six hundred forty three, about which time her Deliverance and Freedome came running in, and the Congregationall Churches got upon their feete, and began to looke forth as the morning, Cant. 6.10. though many black Clouds and Mists were cast upon them some ten yeares agoe, to grieve them, and to feare them with the threates of a foule day following, and to render them un∣lovely, and unlikely to hold; so that for my owne part I am possess'd with this opinion, as to the yeare of her Deliverance, beginning (gradually) and as to us, about ten years agoe. But Master Brightmans judgement is, to have it begin one thou∣sand six hundred and fifty, from that also of Dan. 12.7. it shall be for time, times, and halfe a time, with vers. 12. Blessed is he that waiteth, and cometh to one thousand three hundred thirty five dayes, a day being often in Scripture for a yeare, as Numb. 14.34. Ezek. 4.5, 6. and a time he takes for an hundred yeares, and so times for two hundred, and halfe a time for halfe a hun∣dred, or fifty; that is, three hundred and fifty yeares, which with one thousand three hundred makes one thousand six hundred and fifty, in which yeare he fore-told the true Discipline of the Church should begin to be restored unto her primitive face and fairnesse; and how truly he hath fore-told this, let the times we live in testifie for him; for indeed the eminent passages, and evident appearances of Gods presence with us, and power for us, for the liberty and deliverance of true Discipline, will easily allow of his Exposition, as passing au∣thentick and Orthodox. But whereas it may be objected out of Dan. 12.12. thirty five remaine. I answer; 'Tis true indeed, and there is great need of thirty five yeares for warres and troubles against the Lambe and's followers; Christ and's Churches, whose Deliverance, and brightnesse of Disci∣pline is but by little and little, and ariseth gradually, and lives most gloriously in these parts of Europe for thirty and five yeares; and after that followes her full deliverance, and recovery out of the Wildernesse universally in all Nations; but for thirty five yeares she comes only gradually out of the Wil∣nesse,

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leaning on her Beloved, but especially in these parts of the earth, where the worke is already begun, and mountaines made plaines, which shall within these thirty five yeares be all levell'd, and laid in the dust before Zerubbabel, who hath (already) laid the foundation of (that worke) the Lords house, which his hands shall (after thirty five yeares) finish, when all the enemies of God and his Gospel, shall by his glori∣ous out-goings, and the brightnesse of his coming, be no∣thing'd into nothing. Thus you have his, and my (poore) judgement offered under correction. But I meet with two more computations of times, which are set for the Churches rising, and Christ's reigning, out of the same Chapter of Dan. 12.11. From the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, there shall be one thousand two hundred and ninety dayes, ver. 12, 13. Blessed is he that waiteth, and cometh to one thousand three hundred thirty five dayes; but goe thou thy way till the end be, for thou shalt rest, and stand in the lot at the end of the dayes. Some compute this from the time of Constantine the Great, the first Christian Emperour, converted to the Faith about the three hundred and twelfth yeare after Christ; now the ten hot Persecutions (by the Dragon) as I told you in the chapter before) were ended, and the Church was now cloathed with enough of outward beauty; riches, greatnesse, and ornaments, were in abun∣dance, which bewitched many from the Truth, and which proved the most irresistible temptations that could be, to cor∣rupt Magistrates, Ministers, People, Ordinances, and all her worship (as I told you in the former Chapter) and to bewil∣dernesse her: then was there a voyce heard out of Heaven, to say, This day is poyson pour'd forth into the Church, and then in∣deed was the daily sacrifice taken away, (as some say) viz. the death of Christ (our only Sacrifice) became voyd, and nei∣ther regarded nor remembred; but the abomination, (viz. Superstition, Idolatry, Will-worship, &c.) that maketh desolate was set up. So we heare how the Church was in the Wildernesse as before, but now after these two notes of the time, viz. 1. Toe taking away the daily Sacrifice, and then 2. The set∣ting up the abomination that maketh desolate; it followes, there

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shall be one thousand two hundred and ninety dayes, i. e. yeares (as we proved before) from Constantines time, to which adde the three hundred and twelve yeares from Christ's time to Constantine's, and then it amounts to one thousand six hun∣dred and two, and in this yeare came King Iames to the Crowne of England. But in vers. 12, 13. the blessednesse of all is to such as waite till one thousand three hundred thirty five dayes, that is, forty five dayes, i. e. yeares, longer then the former number (of one thousand two hundred and ninety) and then it seemes the reckoning reaches to one thousand six hundred forty seven, for the time of the Churches blessednesse to begin more visibly then ever before; for then the abomination (of Popery, Prelacy, Superstition, Idolatry, and Formality) which hath made desolate, and brought the Church into the Wildernesse, is to be unsetled, sorely shaken, and broken downe, that the Kingdome of Christ, which shall never be shaken, may remaine, in Heb. 12.27, 28. that Christ's Church may be delivered, his Discipline restored, and his Kingdome exalted above all the moun∣taines of prey.

The second computation of time (out of the same Scrip∣ture) is taken from Julian the Apostate, in whose dayes the Temple (which he caused to be re-edified at Jerusalem, as all the Learned know) the Seate of the daily Sacrifice was rent up, and tore apeeces, even the earth, place, foundation, and all, by a most terrible Tempest from heaven; for that Julian the most malicious Apostate pretended Christ a false Prophet, and in contradiction to Christ's prediction in Matth. 24.2. hee would have had the Temple built up againe, but God would not suffer it: but now (as God would have it) the Prophecy was more fully fulfill'd hereby, for not one stone was left upon a∣nother, but foundation and all was turn'd, torne, and taken away, and Judaisme rent up by the very rootes. But this made a concave for the Conclave of Rome, that Antichrist might come in with his abomination, which maketh desolate, and this came to passe about Anno three hundred sixty two, and from thence, reckoning the one thousand two hundred and ninety, as in Dan. 12.11. the number comes out the last yeare, and this Deliverance is to begin by 1652.

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for then is Christ to begin his glory, and to reigne in the Temple, viz. his Churches, more eminently then ever be∣fore; and then the Gospel-Discipline is to begin to be restored, & the Abomination to be eradicated root and branch, and then Christ, and him crucified, must be set up for the daily Sa∣crifice. Then is the blessednesse to begin, and gradually to goe on till one thousand three hundred and thirty dayes, i. e. for five and forty yeers longer (say some) these dayes will hold so, five and forty yeers; at the expiration of which (viz. five and forty yeers hence) the Kingdome of Christ shall bee glorious indeed, both by Jew and Gentile, Babylon shall bee fallen, Rome ruined, Rev. 14.8. Sion repaired, and Christs excellent Discipline and Ordinances fully restored, and the Church shall be againe cloathed with the Sun in greater glory then ever; but in the meane time there is a graduall restoration of Discipline, and reparation of Sion (as we said before) but then the New Jerusalem shall be more apparent and glori∣ous, as Rev. chap. 21. chap. 22. In the meane time we must meet with troubles and warres without, yet in spirit we shall exult, and triumph within: which Spirit of Christ in his Saints and Churches, will be the fall of Babylon, and Anti∣christs ruine, who must be destroyed by the brightnesse of Christ's coming i. e. in a spiritual manner, and by spiritual meanes, not by Policies, or Powers, or Armies of men, or Wars, or the like, (though they may be preparatives thereto) Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord. By the Spirit of the Lord it is, that Antichrist must be killed.

I remember Mr. Sterry, (in a Sermon of his before the Parliament Nov. 2. 1649. p. 12.) sayes the like of the fall of Antichrist, and of the Abominations (which we have mentioned) that it is a spirituall and extraordinary manner, miraculously by his Angels, Ministerially by his Saints, that they shall be tormented and put to death, Rev. 14.10. and 19, 19. but yet our troubles will be over as to us (and I thinke shortly too) for An. 1656. (which is now neer us) the Flood came on all the world (and so I think the Fire wil) and when it had lasted forty days (so may the Fire be for forty years) till five and forty years hence (as we said before) then they were dryed up, and Noah

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came forth out of the Arke and planted a vineyard, and eat the fruits therof: and so for certaine, though the Churches may be (as the Arke) for forty yeers yet on the waters, yet then, I say, about forty yeers (or little more) hence, shall Christ come forth; out of his Arke (as I may say) I mean his Churches, and plant him one vineyard of all, and eat the fruits thereof, this will be the day of Christs reigne indeed; and then all shall bee peace, and quiet, and Christ, and his Saints shall be visibly to∣gether, dwelling in the New Jerusalem. I will not meddle with the manner of his Appearance, whether personall, as some affirme, or no, but this I am sure it shall be visible, and I know (with Job) that I shall see my Redeemer with my eyes, and after that, Christs next appearance is with his Saints to judge the world. But for the computation of the times, I have produced divers, and shall leave them to your light and judgement, to leave or take what best likes you; but with∣all, note, how neer they all agree, and are one to another, and the furthest time set for our full happinesse, and for the universal restitution, is but forty five years hence: And let me tell you, that we live on the brinke of these times promised, yea they are upon us, the worke is begun, God is about it, The Church is coming out of the Wildernesse, and Babylon is falling, and Zion is rising and repairing, and Gospel-order, Ordinances, and Discipline (lost in the wildernesse) restoring as at first; al∣though this is at the first but gradually in these Nations, and so will continue till the times are a little higher; for which the Lord fit us, and all his Churches.

In order to the fulfilling of these Prophesies of her full Re∣stauration, we had need to be wise in the worke (the strange worke) that God is at present upon; For the mightiest, the strongest, the highest, the visiblest, and barrennest (or bruitishest) Powers, Policies, Princes, Potentates, or Mo∣narchs on the earth (which are called the Mighty Moun∣tains that must be made plaine) that oppose Christs Reigne, Antichrists ruine, or Sions rising in these latter dayes, God is laying low in the dust, and most pitifully flinging them into the Pit from whence they came at first. This worke is also graduall for these few years▪ God goes forward within

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these European Nations firstly; for these ten Toes of the Image mentioned in Dan. 2.32, 33. or ten Kings (of Europe) that war against the Lamb, with the Beast, Rev. 17. and 19. these that have given up their power to the Beast, must be broken, by him who is more excellent then all these Mountains of prey, Psal. 76.4. This little stone cut without hands, hath begun this worke in England, Scotland, and Ireland, and hath been a bur∣thensome stone to their enemies, and grown'd them to powder: yea this little stone hath fallen upon the late King, and his fa∣mily, and dashed this Toe to fitters, and so hee will all the nine Toes beside, till the Image tumble; so that as yet this worke is graduall, which will also be universall, and filling the whole earth, Job 9.4, 5. Job 28.9. Isa. 10.32. in all Na∣tions ere long, for the Lord hath so ordained it, Dan. 8.19. Dan. 11.27.32. and Isa. 26.11, 12. Hab. 1.11, 12, 13. and Hab. 2, 3. and hath given Christ his Commission for it, Psal. 2.9. Matth. 28.19. Heb. 10.13. 1 Cor. 15.25. Rev. 6.1, 2. till all bee made his footstool, who then can hinder it? or say what dost thou? Job 9.12. Dan. 4.35. Isa. 14.6. Ezek. 38.20. for this end is Christ (that must Reigne) now marching in his might, with his sword girt about his thigh, neither Mountaines, nor Mole-hils that now stand in his way, shall be able to abide the heat of his coming, for he will be greatest, and Reign alone, Psal. 58.12. Rev. 11.17.18, 19. Rev. 19.11, 12, 13, 16, 17. &c. who hath done much in order to this his Designe in these dayes, Ps. 50.2.3. Woe, woe! be then to every one whose heart is lifted up against Christ, or the Churches! for they must be all grownd to powder: And in that day (which is hard by) shall they say to the Rocks and Mountains fall on us, and hide us from the day of the Lamb, Rev. 6.15, 16. Isa. 34.2, 3. and Isa. 64.1, 2, 3. Ezek. 7.7. Psal. 68.1, 2. Psal. 132.8, 9, 13, &c. Wherefore have a care, Sirs, that Ye say not a confederacy with them that say a confederacy, Isa. 8, 9, 10, 12. Psal. 58.9. For the day of the Lord is as an oven to such, who as Briars and thorns are to be prepared for it, Mal. 4.1.2. whilst the very same day is as the Sun of righteousnesse to the Saints. Wherefore feare not, O ye Saints! be not afraid! for your Deliverance is at hand, which as it was foretold by many Prophets, so in especiall

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manner by him who is our onely Prophet, Luke 21.25, 26, 27, 28. and the Signes are already come (in part) for the Mountaines are removing, the Pillars of the earth falling, the powers of the heavens shaking, yea mens hearts failing them for fear; yet lift up your heads (〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉) like a bird that lifts up his beak every time he drinkes sweetnesses, as such who drinke in comforts and refreshings, and soope in solaces and refreshing streams, (Psal. 46.3, 4.) for now your redemption draw∣eth nigh. Now may we see the Son of man coming in the clouds (viz. in many darke, dismall, and cloudy dispensations) which doe hide him from the world, and from the sight of his ene∣mies till hee come upon them as a theef in the Right, or a Noahs flood (ex insperato) unwatched for, and unwelcome to them) to their cost.

But hark!-Hark!-now! The Trumpet of the Jubilee is blow∣ing! and the day of the Saints Deliverance and Discipline is proclaimed! The gates of salvation, shall be opened to every one that hath the word, Isa. 26.1, 2. and is a friend to the Kingdome, Isa. 9.7. Zion is building, Psal. 102.15, 16. and shall be beautiful to all people, Psal. 48.2, 3, 4. Isa. 52.1.7. and the Saints are to be refreshed with full streams, and fat things, Isa. 33.21. Isa. 25.9. and 48.18.

Thus, is the Lord at worke in our dayes (whilst we live in Tabernacles) to build us a Temple, and in order to the Churches happinesse, he hath promised to make the Wildernesse flou∣rish as the Rose, Isa. 35.1, 2, 3. for he will give the glory of Le∣banon (Chap. 5.) and Carmel, and of Sharon (in Chap. 6. & ch. 7.) to his Church (Calvin in loc.) in these latter dayes.

The Scriptures are so full, the Promises so pregnant, the blessings so rich, that are reserved for these latter dayes for us, and our off-spring, that we may even leap for joy, Ps••. 114.4. and with shoutings and songs, come singing to Sion, Isa. 35. ult. and run out of Babylon (which else is falling on our heads) Ah, how big-bellied the Prophesies are, which doe groan for our Deliverances, and for the Churches Discipline as of old, viz. in the Apostles dayes; this does lye to the occulous very obvious, for they are in travel to bring forth in our dayes (the birth will bee visible within very few years, by five or six) the begin∣ning

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is now come, yea the set time to favour Sion is come, Psal. 102.13, 14.

It is not very difficult to any (that discerne the times and seasons) to foretell the futurity of those rich and choisest bles∣sings (both for Church and State (as we say) that are laid up for these very latter dayes, and to foresee (for these years that are to come) the glorious light and liberty of the Saints, which they shall inherit (I mean never to lose more) though they be bought and brought in by the destruction of the first-born of Egypt. And this may be easie, out of the abundance of those Scriptures which tell of these dayes, and relate to these [rule 1] last ages, by comparing what of them are fulfilled, and what of them are not fulfilled together, and then (like the Mathe∣maticall rule of Demonstration, which is made perfect (in aliquo tertio) by bringing them both up, to the things which are now in fulfilling before our eyes, and thereby they will wonderfully well demonstrate by undeniable rules and rea∣sons (out of the Scriptures) what things are to come to passe, and which first, and which are hard by, and upon us to bee performed.

And besides this, my Experience tels mee how to prophesie by the Spirit of the Lord, when the Spirit brings me into a [rule 2] fruitive discovery of the latter dayes, by leading me into the belly of the Prophesies and the Promises which are to come to passe, as if they were already present and come to passe; thus Heb. 11.13. The Saints received the promises afar off, and also when the latter dayes promises (which we expect) have hot and glowing influences upon my heart, that I feele (before∣hand) the heat of them, and of the day that is entring; I say, by both these together (for there is the Word and the Spirit agreeing in one) I am able to foretell, and testifie to the ap∣proach of Christ, and his promises.

Besides, (as appears in the Epistle to the honourable Com∣missioners) by the movings and stirrings of the waters in the [rule 3] bottome of our Well.

And also by comparing of Providences and Prophesies toge∣ther, Gods Works, with Gods Words in these latter dayes, [rule 4] thereby we shall attaine to much light (I say, not infallible)

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to foretell what is to come. All these Rules I fetch out of my own heart, and from mine owne experiences, which meet∣ing together, make me sure, That the times of restitution come tumbling in, and the refreshings for the Saints from the presence of the Lord, Act. 3.19.21. For already things begin to have a new face, forme, and appearance, in order to the Primitive pu∣rity and practice. The Meadows (me thinks) begin to look green, the chirping of birds, and the Turtle-dove is heard in our land, the young Figs that are (but) green, and tender grapes give a good smell, and much sweetnesse, &c. Cant. 2.11, 12. So that I am perswaded, the Winter is over, and gone, though I deny not, but a storme or two, or a stinging tempest, and bluste∣ring blasts may now and then arise, with rage too, for an houre (as I offer proofe for in Ch. 9. lib. 2.) yet the Promise must be minded as concerning Saints, Isa. 51.1, 2, 3, 4. for whose sake, Sion is to be restored, and the Wildernesse to bee like an Eden, or Garden of the Lord, and joy, and gladnesse shall bee found in the midst of them. Exceeding great, and precious Pro∣mises are provided for us to be as cordials in the Wildernesse to comfort us, and to keep us from fainting; and indeed, what wise men will be without some of these in their Ca∣binets to keep up their spirits with, especially against a time of trouble and temptation.

And as (Chrysostome sayes) As no men were able to saile at Sea, were there not havens and harbours to cast Anchor at, in time of a storme; So (saith Smith on the Creed, p. 58.) the Saints condition would be unsupportable indeed, had they not havens and helps in times of tempests. So certainly the tossed Arke, or Ship of the Church does in all ages, as storms arise, put in for harbour at the next Promise, and cast anchor in the next Prophesie, which is nighest accomplishment and performance.

And in these dayes we may see fair land, even the Land of Canaan to cast Anchor at; I say, exceeding rich and precious promises, which flow with milke and honey hard by us, the promised Jerusalem, the rich and excellent Canaan, we are now come nigh unto; The good Lord helpe us to put in well for it (if it be his holy will) and that before a storme arise, and

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hide it from us, or cause us to complaine or comply with a tack-about; wherefore, it will doe well, and be good wisdome, for the Churches (whom it most concerns) to cast in their Plummers, and to fathom the waters, which we are now in & ••n. And O blesse the Lord that we see Land! and are so nigh i••! else we might sit, sorrow, and suspire, as all our Fathers did (in the Prelates dayes) when they were all in the deeps, and in dangers, and had not sight of the Land, as we now see it; but the Lord hath given us to see it, and hath before-hand shewne, us the Churches harbour, which is to be in a rich and blessed soil, and the Lord lets us know this to warm Saints, and to warn sinners; For as (a very vile) Jezabel could not bee content to intend evill to the Prophet Elijah, but shee must before hand horribly thunder and threaten it out, 1 King. 19. much lesse will or can (a very good) God war, before hee warne his enemies; wherefore it is that he thunders it out, and threatens Christs and his Churches unexorable enemies in these dayes with unavoidable destruction. And above all, to raise and refresh our spirits (in spight of Sathan and his Surrogates) he gives us first a sight of this sweet and goodly land which he hath provided for us in these latter dayes, be∣fore he brings us into it to enjoy it, he cannot be content to promise and purpose to do us good (as Mr. Robinson sayes in's Essayes, p. 16.) but he must make it known to's servants before hand. Thus the Lord hath shewn us our harbor in these dayes, viz. in gathered Churches, and hath given us to reckon not from what we have, but from what we hope. For as a man reckons his wealth not so much by his money in his house, as by his money in his bils and bonds; So doe we reckon in our Churches, our priviledges, riches, happinesse, not so much by what we now enjoy (as Gathered Churches, Members, Orders, Or∣dinances, Gifts, Graces, Teachers, Pastors, Prophesies, and fat things) as by what we are to enjoy, which we are sure off, and have in Bils and bonds, i. e. in Scriptures, Prophesies, and speciall Promises which are sealed to us, and witnessed in us, by his Spirit, Eph. 4.30. Joh. 8.18. Joh. 3.32. 1 Joh. 1.5. which are as good to us as ready money, for the day of payment is now near us, and no one of these shall faile, Isa. 34.16. Heb. 10.23. for

Page 30

he is faithfull that hath promised. Wherefore we are resolved to wait, and we will not give over till the day, and set time comes, Ps. 119.49, 50. But as the Souldier that held the ship by his teeth after his hands are cut off; so will we the Pro∣mises till they be performed to us, Gen. 15.14. Josh. 21.42. and therefore with confidence we wait, Hab. 2.3. for they cannot sail us, and we will be bold to say it, that if we be deceived, God hath deceived us: but God cannot deceive us: yet to deale in∣genuously, I deny not but the performance of these Pro∣mises, may be but graduall (as I declared before) at first, and to be clear, I shall produce some of the flowering Promises which are about fulfilling in these blessed dayes, which are (even now) in approach, and under dispensation and dealing out to the Church, that hath been so long, and so lamentably in the Wil∣dernesse; and these we shall prove by parallel: First, from the VVildernesse; And secondly, from the Garden of the Lord. From the VVildernesse.

First, it is an untilled place, where wild nature is most seen most eminently, and evidently (if not wholly) and indeed which Art and Industry hath not ••amed: in Hebr. Midbar is as much as to say, without order, and in such a wildernesse was the Church for many years together, wherein the (supereroga∣tory) bowes, and superfluous branches of that evill root of car∣nall concupiscence and corruption, did spread and sprout out with lawlesse lusts; her bottome of her (then) discipline was so abominably, and abundantly overgrowne, and growne over with thornes and thistles (fit for accursed ground) that a Saint could not walke with safety, so long as they were neither stubbed out, nor cut off: For the brambles of ambition and traditions grew thicke and thronging out at both ends, and abundance of briars and bushes at every step were ready to snatch at, and ensnare a poore Pilgrim-Saint or Professour. Oh the deplorable estate of the poor people of God then! in a place! Nation! Church-state! so filled over, and over, with humane traditions and naturall inventions! with Will-wor∣ships! Creature-institutions! and ordinances of men; with Monkery and Masse, and with a masse of Monkery, and with a world of trumpery and filthy trash! not fit for any,

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but the feet of disdaine, and dogs to trample upon. But the blessed dayes (under promise, and in approach) are, that God will husband his people himselfe, and till them, as Hos. 10, 12. and break up the fallow ground, and Judah shall plow, and Jacob shall break his clods; the brambles and bushes, inventions and traditions shall be rent up by the roots, and what runs up by nature shall no more be suffered to cumber the ground, and the loose branches, and unserviceable bowes shall be lopped off. Id••ls shall be pulled downe, superstition subverted, An∣tichrist turned out of doors with his bag and baggage, and then the Lord will raine righteousnesse upon his people. So in Ezek. 36.34, 35. The desolate land shall be tilled, and shall become like the Garden of Eden, fenced, and inclosed, and inhabited with holy flocks, and they shall know the Lord, and be, as Paul saies, the Lords husbandry, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; the word signifies whatso∣ever appertaines unto a Husbandman: so they are, and are to be viz. Gods arable, Gods vineyard, Gods Garden, &c. i. e. the Lord will be as watchfull, laborious, solicitous, prudent, and pro∣vident day and night of his peoples welfairs, and for his peoples advantages, as an Husbandman is of his arable, vineyard or the like, he will walke about them, overlook them, and keep them day by day from danger and spoyl, and with his own hands, he will dresse them, and prune, and provide, and reap of what he sowes, so that in this sense, the Church shall no more be driven into such a Desart or Wildernesse againe; But▪

Secondly, a Wildernesse is a withered, dry, empty and barren place, which brings forth no fruits, or but sowre at the best: there be no crops of Corne, nor grapes that grow there (of thorns or thistles) a dry desolate place, Zeph. 2.13▪ where the trees are burnt up, and the pastures most pitifully scorched up, and made scarce by the hottest beams. So a loud lamenta∣tion is made in Isa. 64.10. The holy Cities are a wildernesse, Zion is a wildernesse, Jerusalem a wildernesse; and thus hath the Lord laid his complaint against his people for their fruit∣lessenesse formerly; and what could he have said more grie∣vous or sad? But see! O what sweet dayes do enter in, and on us! Gods precious ones shall be abundantly (and now daily)

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more blessed from above, to make us blossoming, bearing, and branching; yea his Saints shall so flourish, in Isa. 35.2. by seeing the glory of the Lord, and the excellency of their God. The Church is barren and fruitlesse, when ignorant and sight∣lesse of that fructifying presence which shall be in the midst of her, (and then, Florens florebit & exaltans exaltabit) so in Isa. 55.12, 13. All the trees of righteousnesse shall clap for joy, and instead of the thorne shall come up the firre-tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the mirtle-tree, (as in chap. 5.) and it shall be to the Lord for a name, and for an everlasting signe that shall not be cut off: Good shall be in the roome of the bad, and sweet of the sowre; Cedars for shrubs, serviceable, and seed-bearing-trees for barren brambles, and uselesse fruitlesse bushes; and then the barren and desolate shall bring forth more children then she which hath an husband, Gal. 4.27.

These Promises are putting out, and springing forth their bud as the Garden, that causeth the things that are sowne to springe forth, even so the Lord our God will cause righteous∣nesse and praise to springe forth before all Nations, and in Zach. 9.17. Corne shall make the young-men cheerefull (and fruitfull to grow) and new wine the Maids; thus shall the wildernesse be like the fruitfull vallies full of Lillies, and of the loveliest Roses of Sharon and Carmel.

Thirdly, a Wildernesse hath no ready roade, nor beaten path, nor noted marke, but a man may be soone lost, let him looke on this side, or that side, backward or forward, he knowes not what to doe, nor whither to goe, for he can get no Guide. Now in such a Wildernesse was the Church too, she was at a losse, and hath been above a thousand years, the Saints (poore Soules!) seeking up and downe, hither and thi∣ther, this way or that way, but yet in a Wildernesse; yea, ma∣ny Professors formerly have, as the Lord hath said, Jer. 14.10. They have loved to wander, and they have not refrained their feet, but have walked after the imaginations of their owne hearts, and after the Baalim which their Fathers have taught them. Oh! so! so were we lost most miserably in mens imaginations and de∣vices, and Doctrines, too too much, I say, to this day, for mat∣ter of true Doctrine, and true Discipline. Well, but what wil

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the Lord now doe for her deliverance out of all these false wayes? and Wildernesse-worship? why he will send his Spirit to be her guide into his holy truth, as he hath promised; and he himselfe, Isa. 58.10, 11. Will be her light in obscurity, and her noon-day in darkenesse; and will guide her continually, and satisfie her soule in drought, and make fat her bones, and make her like a watered garden, and springs of water never dry: and in Isa. 30.21▪ the Saints shall beare the word, saying, This is the way, walke in it; and then they will cast away all false wayes, and worships, &c. as a menstruous cloath, saying, get thee hence, as to an excrement, (the word signifies) Now the Father seekes for Spirituall worshippers, to whom he will make out his minde in order to the Doctrine and Discipline of the Gospel, which is hid to them that are lost, and such as are most in the wildernesse least see it, or seeke it; but now the way is disco∣vered to the Saints, who desire (of all others) to walk there∣in. For it is with a naturall man, as it is with every thing else that desires naturally to goe to its owne center or place, but regards not the way; as the stone that falls naturally, regards not which way, and the fire that ascends naturally, ascends any way, and so all men naturally doe; but God hath promi∣sed us his Spirit to lead us, and his Grace to teach us the way wherein we must walke, which is one and the same for all Saints, though others regard it not. But,

Fourthly, a Wildernesse is a most dangerous place, where a man is (almost) every moment like to be made a prey to the widest mouthes of the wildest, mercilesse, and bloudy Beasts, that seeke to satisfie their never-satisfied hungers, with such strangers. In such a condition hath the Church been, ready to be torne a peices (every day) by such unexorable enraged wild Beasts, and bloud-suckers, feeding upon the flesh of the Saints, such as have inhabited in the dennes of Darknesse, and cruelty, (the Villages of Kedar) they are called in Scripture-language barbarous, cruell, mercilesse, Beares, Lions, Tigers, Leo∣pards, Adders, Serpents, and what not, to delineate their dispo∣sitions against Gods people and innocent ones, their feet are swife to shed bloud, and they have hunted after the holy and up∣right ones, and have laine in secret to set upon them, see Psal.

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74.19, 20. O deliver not thy turtle Dove unto the multitude of the wicked, for the darke places of the earth are full of the habitations of cruelty! O let not the oppressed returne with shame, let the poore and needy praise thy name, &c. The Church is this Turtle Dove, in daily danger of being destroyed, whilst she is in the Wildernesse, amongst the multitudes of mercilesse and matchlesse Beasts of prey, whose mercies are cruelties; yea their tenderest gripes are terrible griefes unto the Saints, whilst such say in their hearts, ver. 11. Come, let us destroy them together; the Saints are such harmlesse Doves, weake, poore, timerous, and mourn∣full; but innocent, loyall, chast, and faithfull to Christ their Mate; and poore soules, sadly opprest, and persecu∣ted up and downe, from Country to Country, by an accur∣sed crew of cruell Kites, &c. Birds and Beasts of prey have so hated, and hunted them up and downe, that they durst not appeare openly (till now of late) but lye lamenting in some by-holes and corners from the cruelties and crafts of those Cannibals; but the Promises which are pregnant, and big-bellied for deliverance in these dayes are many, and they are ready to be Midwived for the Churches freedome from this comfortlesse condition, as in Isa. 11.5.6, 7. for first, the loynes of Christ, and his lovely Body the Church, shall be girded a∣bout by a girdle of righteousnesse and faithfulnesse, the Saints are an ingirded, and an inclosed company (as after will appeare:) then the Wolves, Leopards, Lions, Beares, Aspes, Cocka∣trices, &c. (though they be such) they shall have no power to hurt us, but shall be glad to lye as still as a stone, as in Exod. 15.16. So that we shall be safe out of the Wildernesse upon the Mount, Jer. 32.41.44. for the Lord will watch over us with his whole heart and soule, and we may build houses, and buy lands without danger; the Lord will be to us a wall of fire round about us, which the Wildernesse ones will be afraid to come nigh, Zach. 2.5.••. There shall be no more a pricking brier to the house of Israel, nor a grieving thorne of all them that have hated us, Ezek. 28.24.26. with abundance of more proofes; but,

Fifthly, A Wildernesse is a place of greatest want, even of ne∣cessaries: there is no bread, unlesse made of Stones, nor Grapes, unlesse growing on Thistles; no Corne comes up among their

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bushes and brambles; and Esa. 34.11. There be the stones of emptinesse; a man may eate his fingers that is lost in a Wilder∣nesse, unlesse he hath bread about him, (there is much want) and such a Wildernesse hath the Church been in also; where she hath wanted even necessaries for Soules, bread of life, and food convenient for her; for as in Amos 8.11, 12. They did wander from Sea to Sea, from North to East, to and fro, to seeke the Word of the Lord, and yet went without it; often finding (at best) but Cankers, trash and trumpery which grow upon e∣very wilde briar and bramble; so that the very Virgins and young men have fainted for thirst; but blessed be the Lord, who hath laid it out otherwise in these dayes for his Saints. For as the sharp winter makes the Springe sweet, and the darke night the light lovely; so the times past doe help to set forth our happinesse in these times present, wherein we have plenty of Mannah falling downe from the windowes of heaven. How sweet doth Honey relish after Aloes and Gall? O how sweet is health after a sore sicknesse? wealth after poverty? pleasure after paine? and bread enough after infinite want? A great Courtier complaining to the Harbinger, for that he was laid in so homely and filthy a roome, was answered; O Sir, You will take delight in it when you are out of it! and so may we say to thinke of the Dungeon, and bondage, full of darknesse and filthiness, wherein we were barricadoed up in former yeares; and as Darius said of Puddle-water, when he was in great ex∣treamity of thirst, O sweet! so now may we that have been in a Wilderness say of the worst preaching (almost) and Ordinance we meet with, from the Gospel and the Spirit; O sweet! Ah, how did Hagar cry when her bottle was dry, that now she and her childe must dye in the Wildernesse? she wayles wonderfully (poore soule) till she saw a fountaine neare enough; and so did we, till the fountaine (which is now set open,) was found, out of whose fulness flowes streams, which make us glad, Psal. 46.4. and as the glory of God ap∣peared to Israel even when they wanted bread, Exod. 16.7. So (as Ainsworth sayes) is God with us, and hath appeared in the Assemblies of his Saints, when they were in the greatest wildernesse of want, wanting bread for their soules; but

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since I say the Lord hath rained Mannah amongst us, even Angels food, and hath begun to feast us with fatnesse, and fill us with gladnesse; and in these last dayes he hath promised that the Saints shall be swallowed up, over head and eares in the knowledge of God, as deep as the bottome of the Sea under the waters, yea with the knowledge of the glory of God, Habac. 2.14. filled by knowing him, in the Hebr. and then shall Corne make the young men cheerfull, and new wine the maides, Zach. 9.17. for he hath promised to call for the Corne (which growes in no soyle but Heaven) and to increase it, Ezek. 36.29. and the fruits of every tree (of righteousnesse) shall be multiplied, and we shall be no more a reproach for famine a∣mong the Heathen. The Saints shall have bread enough and to spare, and shall be fed with fatnesse and marrow abundant∣ly; yea whilst others are ready to starve, they shall have e∣nough, and eate, Isa. 65.13, 14. yea, whilst others have their tongues cloven to the roofe of their mouthes, they shall drinke full draughts, and rejoyce whilst others shall be ashamed.

Sixthly, in a wildernesse a man must be a companion with wildernesse-Creatures, and companies of Wolves, Beares, Foxes, Serpents, &c. such a comfortlesse condition the Church was in even till now, among the multitude of such as the Beasts of Ephesus, wanting religion, yea and reason; Oh sad condition! when as no difference was put between the cleane and uncleane, but beleevers with unbeleevers, light with darknesse, men with beasts, and brutish ones were unequally yoaked, and are at this day in Parish-Congregations or Chur∣ches (so called) so that whereas formerly God might have said of the Churches that bore his Image, behold, they are as one of us; now the Beasts may say of Parish-Churches and constitutions which belong to the Beast; Behold they are as one of us. For as the Arke (at first) was carried on mens shoulders, but after that (in the corruption of times) it was carried on a Cart, and by Beasts, till they quite over-turned it; even so the Church-Discipline, that (at first) in Primitive times consisted of Saints, and which was bore up by Christ, and carried out by the Apostles, was afterwards corrup∣ted into a Discipline, carried out by the power of the Beast,

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and bore up by Antichrist, consisting of Beasts as well as men, I meane of visible brutish sinners, making the Church a Wildernesse for Wildernesse-Creatures, till they had quite o∣verturned the true Church, (as to appearance) and turned it into a stinking stall and stye. But now let us blesse our God, who hath brought us into the entrance of those blessed dayes promised in Isa. 35.8, 9, 10. An high way shall there be, and a way called the way of holinesse, the uncleane shall not passe over it, no Lion shall be there, nor ravenous beast shall goe up (for it is high) thereon, but the redeemed shall walke there, and the ransomed of the Lord, &c. And the vile and the precious shall be separate, for God is gathering up his jewels, Mal. 3.16, 17, 18. so that a difference shall be put between them that serve him, and them that serve him not, with many other Pro∣phesies to this purpose, which I passe by, having produced sufficient (I hope) to satisfie either the rationally religious, or the religiously rationall ones in this point, and of the Churches Wildernesse-state, and of her recovery, which is com∣ming apace upon us; although this I know, that there be more then many neither religious, nor rationall, that doe de∣plore the falling of Babylon, and men that mourne for Tam∣muz, who say as Agrippina Neroe's Mother did, when she was told by Astrologers that her sonne should be Emperour in∣deed, but he should slay her in the time of his Empire) well saith she, Occidat, modo imperet. So say many of the Beast, and of Babylon, let them reigne though they ruine, for they can∣not abide to heare of their fate. Some old Jades there be, that if they be put out of their shuffling pace they will doe just nothing, neither amble nor trot; so some old Soules there be that are but shufflers in Religion, and their duties very un∣evenly, brokenly, and imperfectly, unsetledly, and superstitiously performed; but take them off of their old pace, and custo∣mary courses, and think to put them into a well-ordered way and Discipline, they cannot endure to be so checked, but will either stand still, and leave off all, or else will goe on, and in againe, in their old wonted way, and confused order, with∣out rule or reason. Such as these are terribly prejudiciall a∣gainst the worke which our God is going on with, and in

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that; I shall shew you a little of their temper, that they may be knowne. As first, these Wildernesse-spirits have their dennes and habitations in the Wildernesse, but Strangers (I meane the Saints) thinke it strange to stay there, though it be but a little, they cannot endure the thoughts of conti∣nuance in such a condition; they take no joy, nor content, nor comfort as long as they are in such a Wildernesse-state, and Wildernesse-ones doe feed and fill themselves with what they finde growing in a Wildernesse, which others cannot doe, nor endure; So, O how greedily doe some men swallow down the Doctrines and devices of men! Ceremonies, and Superstiti∣ons! Traditions, with abundance of such old trumpery and trash, Jer. 14.9, 10. enough to choake us. Further, as for your Wildernesse-ones, they never complaine that they are lost in the Wildernesse, for as long as they are there, they are ne∣ver out of the way, come what will; come this or that, this religion or that, this worship or that, so it be in the Wilder∣nesse, where they may run and range about at liberty, and as they list; whilst the Saints, (alas) are soone sensible that they are not in the way, but that they are out of the way, (Psal. 38.3.5.) they know not where; they call, and cry, and sadly complaine all the day long, and goe about lamen∣ting for deliverance, and every step they take they tread with teares and sighs, Psal. 85.9. and full of cares, (Ephes. 5.15.) with teares and prayers, Hosea 14.8. Psal. 80.3.7.19. Jer. 17.14.16. &c. yea, and the rather, for that they see such com∣pany is not according to their principles, but that there is an apparent and vast difference between them and such wilde Beasts and bruits abroad.

Againe, the Wildernesse-ones will agree well enough a∣mong themselves, although they (all) set upon a poore Soule, a bewildernessed stranger, and will not agree with him, unlesse to ruine him. But lastly, this marke never misses, that the Wilderness-creatures are best content with darkness, and doe most heartily affect, and welcome the night of dark∣ness, for then are they in their element, then they appeare most, and meet oftenest, and prog, and pry, and run, and rant about most busily for their prey, &c. as the text sayes; They love

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darknesse, because their deeds are evill, Joh. 3.19. they hate light, and hide themselves from it; no wonder then they cannot abide the Gospel, and that the approaches of Christ perplex them, and the appearances of Christ torment them, who cry out, as Matth. 8. Why comest thou to torment us before the time? These hate the true Sonne, and all light that shines im∣mediately from him (unlesse it be the Moon, the light of nature, the Candle of the Lord) they will not allow of that light (the Sun) of the Lord, wherein he appears most excellently and eminent∣ly; nay the very Ordinances (that are most speciall, and refined) they are offended at, and under the notion of new light, they loudly exclaime against true light, and Ordinances, and explode all Gospel-doctrine and Discipline, the way and worship of Christ (as precisenesse, novelty, and what not?) for indeed they cannot endure an element so neare them wherein the Sunne moves, or whence he shines, whilst the Saints (who have sat, sobb'd and suspir'd their hearts out (almost) in the former dayes of darknesse, whilst they were in the wildernesse, and durst not stirre for fear of stumbling in the darke) they are glad at the heart the Sunne is up, and that that light which hath been long sowne for the righteous, they are now about to reap off.

But as to the vulgar people, the Apostle sayes for mee, in Gal. 3.1. O foolish people! who hath bewitched you from the truth? 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, what Basilisk hath look'd upon you? what hath cast a mist before your eyes, as if ye were bewitched? what makes you so grossely mistake? as to call good evill, and evill good? light darknesse, and darknesse light? Antichrist for Christ, and Christ for Antichrist? what makes yee thinke you see what you see not? and take the flames of fire, (even of Hell) for the beams of the Sunne (even as your heaven?) and the true beams of the Sun, (the Ordinances, Doctrine, and Discipline of Christ) as flames of fire (your torment and hell.)

O miserable wretches! what Sorceries and Witchcrafts hath the Devill used thus to delude you? who hath bewitched you, that you yet love the Wildernesse? Darknesse? Barrennesse? and Bruitishnesse? to be without Gospel-government, or Order? Many are so in love with the Beast, that no other company

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can content them? And as Xerzes was so zealously affect∣ed to the Plane-tree, that he would needs adorne it with most precious Jewels, so are they with Babylon, that they give up all their Crowns, and Comforts, and Credit, and Riches, and Liberties, and all to adorne Babel. But are yet yee so foolish saith the Text, vers. 3. or mad? or wild wildernesse-headed? (〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉) have yee lost your wits? are yee so senselesse, to runne ruine-ward? to keep in Babylon? to wait for the plagues of Babylon, or to tarry in the wildernesse till the Sunne ap∣peares, and the Hunter pursues you into inevitable destiny? distraction, and destruction? The Lord give yee light in the love of his holy truth, to see at last, what belongs to your peace; but, blessed shal be God (and that for ever) who hath called his Saints with an holy calling, to separate from such wildernesse-creatures (as distinct from them &c.) and not to be reckoned among them, Numb. 23.9. and that they may become a curious Garden for the beloved to live in.

Wherefore to conclude, the Spirit and the Bride saith Come, and whosoever will, let him come! Oh obey the call of Christ, and come running, and rowling, Bowl-like, well by∣assed for Christ into his Churches (his Gardens inclosed) though it may be, yee may meet with many rubs and lets in the way: Neither let it be selfe-love that swayes you; for as there is a difference betwixt a childe and a horse in follow∣ing of a man, the childe follows his father for love, but the horse for hay, lay downe the hay or oats, and the horse stayes, but the childe goes (sayes Mr. Harris) So indeed is the Saints following of Christ into his Churches, and Hypocrites very different, for the Saints follow, and obey him for love, but Hypocrites for the loaves.

Wherefore, Take heed to thy foot when thou enterest in, and yet be incouraged all that can be into these Gardens, to get out of the wildernesse, and desolate place, and that without delay, con∣sidering the dayes we live in (for as Dr. Williams sayes in Elijahs-wish, page 2.) It is reported of the Birds of Norway that they flye faster then the Fowles of any other Country, and that by an instinct which they have, whereby they know the dayes of that Climate to be very short, and not above

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three houres long, and therefore they hasten with double flight and wings; So let it be reported of us in this Common-wealth, that we of all other Nations in the World doe discerne the times and seasons, and to finde this day do be shortened for the Elects sake: And that now (as it is high time) wee make haste into the Lords house, and with double-winged faith and affections we enter into his Gardens. O let us not delay the time! Hag. 1.4. or delude our selves! but above all other, let us make haste! Many there bee who cry like nimble-tongued Tapsters, Anon, Anon, Sir; but (modò & modò non habet modum) make haste then! I have read that after the Grecians had won the City of Sardis, that Darius, or Zerzes (who were Kings of Persia) gave a charge that every day at Dinner one should speake aloud, and remember him that Sardis was taken and captivated, he intending not to be quiet till he had reco∣vered it: So should we every day remember the Church in the the wildernesse, resolving never to be quiet day nor night, with God, nor men, till she be recovered, and restored into the Gar∣den of the Lord.

Notes

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