An impartial examination and refutation of the erroneous tenents of Thomas Moor in his dangerous writings intituled Clavis Aurea &c. wherein he is not ashamed to insinuate his being the Elias mentioned in Malachi, denies an Hell, or future punishment, and boldly asserts the inevitable salvation of all men.

Sixthly; That Elijah, prophesied by Malachi, is yet to come; and that T. M. (though in some places seemingly modest and cautious) is that very person.

That the Elias or Harbinger foretold by Isaiah, * 1.1 agrees with this of Malachi, and was, at least, partly fulfill'd by the Coming and Ministry of John Baptist, is past all contradiction; since no less than Christ himself plainly decides it in the affirmative—; * 1.2 This is that Elias which was to come (having before spoken of John): and afterwards—Elias is come already—. But whether there may not be a second Coming of Elias to forewarn and prepare the stupid World for Christ's se∣cond Coming (because Malachi describes a very terrible day succe∣daneous to Elijah's coming, * 1.3 wherein the wicked should be consum∣ed,) I dare not determine; having never pretended to Criticism, much less Infallibility, in what is left obscure. But supposing a cer∣tainty of that (which very learned men have thought probable) I think I may very safely conclude that T. M. cannot be the person; and that for several Reasons.

First; Because it must be supposed that the Testimony of this emi∣nent Prophet (viz. Elijah or Elias) will be consonant to, or at least consistent with Malachi's Prophecy, which hath a special respect to, and seems as it were calculated for the time of his manifestation. Now Malachi speaks of a remarkable decision between the righteous and the wicked, and of their several rewards as different as their Prin∣ciples—; that Christ the Messenger of the Covenant should come suddenly to his Temple, and that the former should then be owned and valued by him as his Jewels—; * 1.4 that all Nations should call them blessed—; * 1.5 that the Sun of Righteousness should arise unto them with healing under his wings—: But the latter, i. e. the wicked, should be trodden down as Ashes under their feet, and consumed like Stubble in that day which should burn as an Oven—; * 1.6 and then it follows, that Elijah the Prophet shall be sent before this great and dreadful day of the Lord.— * 1.7 But T. M. ranks the wicked and the righteous together, as to their future reward, thereby contradicting the scope of Malachi, and consequently cannot be the Prophet intended by him.

Secondly, Because, when Scripture Prophecies have a double ac∣complishment, there is usually some Harmony or Proportion be∣tween

the several times, as also, the scope, nature and manner of their respective consummation. Thus there are many Prophecies that directly, or as it were, specifically refer to the return of the two Tribes and half from their seventy Years Captivity, and the re∣building of the Temple; which also, tho' more remotely, point at the flourishing State of Christ's Kingdom, when he shall (as Ma∣lachi saith) come to his Temple, i. e. collective Body of his Saints. Now this twofold accomplishment doth thus far harmonize; in the former there was an eminent Reformation, a careful perusing the Records of the Law, and a reestablishing the purity of Gods worship, under the happy conduct of Ezra, Nehemiah, &c. And in the latter there will be a perfection of Holiness, beyond all present Compa∣risons. Likewise, if a double accomplishment be assign'd to this Prophecy of Elijah's coming, viz. John the forerunner of Christ in his Incarnation, and some other eminent Messenger to precede his second glorious Coming; John's Ministry we know strictly enjoyn∣ed Repentance as essential to Salvation, branding those he judged most refractory for a generation of Vipers, and so closely laid the Ax to the Root, that he denounces Destruction to all that did not bring forth good Fruit—; * 1.8 nor may we suppose that a second Elias will be more remiss, or not enjoyn Repentance and Faith, as essen∣tial Qualifications to meet Christ at his next coming. But T. M. suggesting a certainty of Salvation to all that live and die in Impeni∣tency and Unbelief, seems of all Men that ever yet appear'd upon the Stage of this World, the most unqualified to be that Prophet.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Isa. 40. 3, 4
• * 1.2

  Mat. 11. 7, 8. to the 15 v. ch. 17. v. 12.
• * 1.3

  Mal. 4. 1, 2. 3, 5. Rev. 14. 6.
• * 1.4

  Mal. 3. 1, 2, 3, 4, 16, 17, 18. ver. 12th.
• * 1.5

  ch. 4. v. 2.
• * 1.6

  ch. 4. v. 1, 3.
• * 1.7

  verse 5.
• * 1.8

  Mal 3. 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 10,