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Væ-Euge-Tuba. Or, The vvo-joy-trumpet,: sounding the third and greatest woe to the Antichristian world, but the first and last joy to the church of the saints upon Christs exaltation over the kingdomes of the world. Unfolded in a sermon before the Honourable House of Commons assembled in Parliament, at their late solemne fast, May 26. 1647. / By G. Hughes Minister of the Gospell in Plymouth. Published by order of the House.

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Title
Væ-Euge-Tuba. Or, The vvo-joy-trumpet,: sounding the third and greatest woe to the Antichristian world, but the first and last joy to the church of the saints upon Christs exaltation over the kingdomes of the world. Unfolded in a sermon before the Honourable House of Commons assembled in Parliament, at their late solemne fast, May 26. 1647. / By G. Hughes Minister of the Gospell in Plymouth. Published by order of the House.
Author
Hughes, George, 1603-1667.
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London :: Printed by E.G. for Iohn Rothwell at the Sunne and Fountaine in Pauls Church-yard,
1647:.
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Sermons, English
Fast-day sermons
Bible. -- N.T.
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http://name.umdl.umich.edu/A86696.0001.001
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"Væ-Euge-Tuba. Or, The vvo-joy-trumpet,: sounding the third and greatest woe to the Antichristian world, but the first and last joy to the church of the saints upon Christs exaltation over the kingdomes of the world. Unfolded in a sermon before the Honourable House of Commons assembled in Parliament, at their late solemne fast, May 26. 1647. / By G. Hughes Minister of the Gospell in Plymouth. Published by order of the House." In the digital collection Early English Books Online 2. https://name.umdl.umich.edu/A86696.0001.001. University of Michigan Library Digital Collections. Accessed June 18, 2024.

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THE WOE-JOY TRUMPET.

Revel. c. 11. v. 15.

And the seventh Angel sounded the Trumpet, and there were great voices in Heaven, saying, The Kingdomes of this world are become the King∣domes of our Lord, and of his Christ, and he shall reigne for ever and ever.

THe Text is the Gospell of reinthroning God in Christ over the Kingdomes of this world after the great apostacy finished: Ti∣dings fit to be published to all States,* 1.1 that they may heare and feare, and ho∣nour the Lord and his Christ, and not perish in the day of his exaltation. All fastings will be as Ahabs humblings untill this be done.

The title of this Trumpet seems crosse to the nature of the event here mentioned. It is stiled the third wo-Trumpet;* 1.2 The event is Christs taking the Kingdoms of this world, and the triumphant song of the Saints celebrating this

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conquest of their Lord with prayses. How can these suit? Very well, if we distinguish the subjects severally concer∣ned in it, which eminently are two.

1. Antichrist with all his creatures and confederates, and all the wicked enemies of the most holy God and his Saints unto these onely it is a Wo-trumpet, and the event is the last and worst of wofull destructions unto them. Two considerations may clearly evince this.

1. It is altogether unheard of in divine revelations, that God should sound woe to his Saints. Indeed tribula∣tions are their way to Heaven, and bitterest afflictions they may suffer in the flesh,* 1.3 but this is a speciall dignation of God to honour them, or love to chastise them unto grea∣ter holinesse; no wo properly so called, which being the effect of Gods greatest indignation,* 1.4 terrifies and grindeth poore soules to powder.

2. The three last VVo-trumpets are directed onely to the inhabiters of the earth,* 1.5 men so called in opposition to the Saints, who are Heavens people; (for by these names of Earth and Heaven are the Antichristian world, and the Church of Christ distinguished by the Spirit.)* 1.6 There∣fore on these onely is allotted that wofull sound of this and the former Trumpets.

2. Christ and his Saints are concerned in the best event of this Trumpet; for in all this time of sounding woes upon these earthly creatures, Christ is possessing the Thrones of the world, Saints are worshipping and prai∣sing God; It is therefore a joy Trumpet unto these. So hath God set the times and states of creatures adverse each to other; The worlds light is the Churches darknesse, and the Saints joy the worlds greatest woe. The title and event then of this Trumpet are thus reconciled.

To make a clearer passage to the text three precogni∣tions will be usefull. 1. Of the time. 2. Of the subject. 3. Of the matter of this Trumpets sound; which I shall touch here but shortly for a generall light.

1. What time the sound of this Trumpet doth concerne

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is not agreed on by interpreters; some make it contem∣porary with the last day, and so call it the last Trump;* 1.7 The chiefe grounds of this I shall take off in another place, onely for present, these reasons evince it cannot relate to that time.

1. This Trumpet sounds onely a change of the King∣domes of this world from Lord to Lord, not the period of them which the last Trump of God will surely sound; at the great day of judgement they shall all expire and be no more.

2.* 1.8 Under this Trumpet sinne shall abound upon the earth, the Nations shall be angry at the exaltation of Christ and his Saints, when power shall be taken out of their hands; but such reliques shall not be when the end of all things is come.

3. This Trumpet doubtlesse foundeth woe upon the earth, and that of no small continuance, which after the last judgement cannot be. These and other considerati∣ons may demonstrate that this cannot be the last Trum∣pet; yet by the events expressed in the successive degrees of them, it may be rightly conjectured that the sound of this seventh Trumpet teacheth something neere to that of the last judgement.

2. Others conceive more rightly that the sound of this Trumpet concerns Heaven upon Earth, that is the state of the Church below; onely the difference is, about the point of time for the beginning of these events spoken of; one pitcheth it upon the utter fall of the Westerne mysticall Babell, and the comming of the Kings of the East, which though it must be under this seventh Trum∣pet, yet is it not so probable to be the first effect of it. It is a faire glosse, that from the taking of the first Kingdom of this world out of the hand of Antichrist, the sound of this Trumpet should be heard; for if this be a Wo-trumpet upon the Romish Babel, it must needs suppose that state to be standing at least in the first sounding of it; And the driving of Antichrist out of the Territories and Thrones

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of the world, hath been and must be contemporaneous with Christs re-entrance upon the ruling of them: So that all the Vials powred out upon the Antichristian state in any of the Kingdomes of this world, seems to con∣temporize with this Trumpet, although indeed severall Scenes be acted, and the finishing the mysterie of God be not untill the last daies of the seventh Trumpet. This state of time then seemeth most sutable, whereof some portions are past, and some, and those most glorious, are yet to come.

2. The subject whom this Trumpet concerns, seemeth to be the Universe sublunary, even all the Kingdomes or States in the world, which have been captivated by that Romish Antichrist; therefore not England, nor the united Kingdomes of Ireland and Scotland excluded.

3. The matter of this sound and great voyces is a Re∣formation-change, of worldly Kingdomes from the power and rule of Antichrist unto the actuall administration of the Lord and his Christ. In the whole paragraph about this Trumpet we have observable,

  • 1. A proposition of the Ministry of this providence, wherein.
    • 1. The Minister is described, The seventh Angell.
    • 2. The ministration, He sounded the Trumpet.
  • 2. A proposition of the effect, which is exprest
    • 1. Generally, There were great voyces in Heaven, saying.
    • 2. Specially, wherein three effects are discovered,
      • 1. Christs inauguration, or the Lords reassuming Kingdomes for his Christ, v. 15.
      • 2. The Saints triumphant song, v. 16, 17.
      • 3. The Nations anger at all this, with the pow∣ring out of the wrath of God to repay them, v. 18, 19.

The first effect is the summe of the Text, to the disco∣very of which, and the certainty thereof in the Trumpets sound, I shall bend the following discourse. The ground

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worke of all shall be layd in two propositions touching this effect.

1 A Reformation-change of worldly Kingdomes to our Lord and his Christ, is a sure revelation from God.

2. The Lord and his Christ shall (King it) or reigne over these reformed Kingdomes for ever and ever.

The full prophesie here given is compleated in these two propositions, and both these will be understood in the opening of three main things carried in them.

1. The true state of the subject of this change.

2. The right meaning of this Reformation-change.

3. The due account of the certainty of this Revelation.

To the first. The subject of this change here spoken of, are the Kingdomes of the world; wherein two notions are considerable; one noting the nature, the other giving the specification of this subject.

1. Kingdoms] note the subject of this Reformation-change,* 1.9in the generall nature of it, and so must import,

1. The bounds of Territories which are given by God, as the continent of all men that live under government in them.

2. The people contained or inhabiting within the com∣passe of such Dominions must needs be entitled here; for not lands but soules, must be thus reformed.

3. The chiefe of those people, Princes, States, and Powers among those persons seem especially to be carried in this notion of Kingdoms;* 1.10 and they not so much considered in themselves, as in respect to government, which they are called of God to exercise towards others; so that go verning and governed as they concurre to make up King∣domes, are here the subject of this reforming change.

2.* 1.11 The specification of these Kingdomes sets them out more fully, they are the Kingdomes of the world; so that what the world signifieth, must give us the speciall nature of the Kingdomes mentioned; and that is used in a three fold acception.

1. As opposed to Heaven the superiour Globe,* 1.12 and so

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it must note Earthy Kingdomes, States, and Polities.

2. As opposed to God, to Christ, to Grace, (as the whole world lieth in wickednesse) so it holds out wicked Kingdomes and States formerly ruled by the wicked one.* 1.13

3. As opposed to particular regions or climates, and so it must signifie the universe, even all the Kingdomes of the earth; there are none excepted in the text. All these acceptions must be admitted here, and being so taken, the present subject cannot be doubted; The sound of this seventh Trumpet then must needs utter things touching the Church in this life, and the Lords resuming power over his enemies here beneath before the last judgement.

To the second. The right stating of this change is not of small moment; for which purpose these particulars must be declared, 1. The terms of it. 2. The nature of it. 3. The time of it. 4. The exercise of it. 5. The stability of it, when once the Lord hath made it.

1. Every change or motion supposeth necessarily two termes; one from whence the change, beginneth, the o∣ther whereunto it is made: In the Text but one of these is named and that the last, the Lord, and his Christ; yet the other must needs be implied out of whose hands and power these must must be taken. First then, the Lords that did King it over these Kingdomes of the world, were the Devil in chiefe,* 1.14 and his vicegerents the two beasts, the Romish Antichrist in speciall, whose state is shadowed by the whore who sate upon many waters, that is, ruled over many people. These onely gave laws to the States and Nations of the world,* 1.15 and required tribute from bodies and soules of men, and would set their marks upon every creature, or kill those that did refuse it. Of whose reign it may be noted.

1.* 1.16 The Devill was the father or authour of it in full.

2.* 1.17 Tyranny over bodies and soules the onely rule of it.

3.* 1.18 Idolatry most odious was the onely tribute to their King.

4.* 1.19 The end of all this government is Hell and perdition;

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into the lake of fire, they and all their vassals are thrown; from these cruell Lords are the Kingdomes taken.

2. The terme unto which this change is made is named in the Text [our Lord, and his Christ] Two words are here absolute, Lord and Christ; and two relatives, Ours and His, all would be understood in their propriety.

1. Lord here is equivalent to Jehovah, and notes God in his primitive acception of Lordship not derived. For indeed, there is a Lord borne, and derived, a mediating Lord, which is the Lord Jesus, stiled afterward the Lords Christ;* 1.20 but here it must note that Lord which said to Davids Lord, sit thou on my right hand, &c. God the Father more punctually, who is absolutely Lord of Lords,* 1.21 and King of Kings, to whom also the mediating Lord must give up his Kingdome, when his worke is done;* 1.22 that God whom the everlasting Gospell holds out to be feared, to be glorifined, to be worshipped.

2. The relative denoting him is Our. If it be inquired who were these correlates to God the King; the answer must be supplied, from those great voyces before which speak these words; The voyces say, Our Lord, and the same afterward utter his prayse, and sing his triumph for taking to him his great power to reigue; now these were the 24 Elders, the usuall representative body of the true Church; so that the true Church of Christ on earth is the correlate unto the Lord, the King, who are bold to stile him our Lord: And it not a vaine addition in this place, where it is prophesied that the Kingdomes of the world are taken into his power, and become his. How the Church is his, by election, by creation, by purchase, by calling, by covenant, and by profession, is not now my purpose to relate, they are known things in the Gospell; but the ground of the Emphaticall use of it here is the thing needfull to declare: Now indeed that appeares to be, that God not simply or abstractively considered in himselfe, but concretely and relatively known with his peculiar ones, reassumes these Kingdomes, and now

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sheweth himselfe thus to reigne; that is, God so known, so believed, so worshipped as among his chosen and true seed; the Kingdomes are become the Lords, as he is our God, dwelling with us, and worshipped by us, not as misconceived by the world For it might be said he ruled in the times of Antichrists reigne, and that the worship∣pers of Antichrist did and doe acknowledge God and Christ; (as some lukewarme advocates will plead for them) but is it God, so known, so believed on, so wor∣shipped, as by the true Church who cals him ours; The Sunne sheweth the contrary; It is a falsified, corrupted, misbelieved God, that Papists boast of. In this concrete sence Moses writes of God triumphing over the Churches enemies,* 1.23 Their rocke is not as our rocke, the enemies themselves being Judges. Did not many of Israels enemies know and confesse the same Rock or God for essence as Israel did? Yea doubtlesse but they turned the glory of the incorrup∣tible God into Images, and base resemblances, and so made him a Rock distinct from Israels by false worship; In which respect Moses sings, God with us, and worshipped by us, is farre above yours, he that hath ruled and de∣stroyed your Gods and you, as your selves can witnesse. O how sweet a thought is this, the Lord, no way but as the Churches Lord, known, and served by them takes pos∣session of the Kingdomes of the world! The Saints can∣not be low, if as theirs onely God be thus exalted.

3. The next term absolute which denotes the Sove∣raigne power to which these Kingdomes are delivered, is Christ;* 1.24 in which notion the person and the unction must be carried.

1. The person here intended is the Sonne of God mani∣fested in the flesh,* 1.25 of whom it is said, Thy Throne, O God, is for ever and ever; so that it is one God in both expressions that takes unto him this power, yet so interpreted, God in the Mediator, God truely, God sweetly, God sutably held out for ruling these Kingdomes, even God and man.

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2. The Ʋnction of this person is that which the name peculiarly holds forth, and with an emphasis in this place; the ground of this name is the annointing which he re∣ceived above his fellows;* 1.26 so it is said, God did annoynt Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with powers, which Unction notes his setting apart, and enabling for the worke of severall Offices, towards the Kingdomes of his possession. These were,

1. Priestly,* 1.27 which was especially to reconcile soules to God; and so these Kingdomes were taken under a recon∣ciling head, which were before commanded to enmity against God.

2. Propheticall,* 1.28 wherein he was to reveale Gods will fully and savingly, and so these Kingdomes were to come under a saving Teacher, who before were seduced by the false Prophet to destruction.

3. Regall,* 1.29 whereby he was to give laws to these regai∣ned Polities, and set his order among them, which before were ruled by the beast to miserable confusion. All these make up that Christ, whose Kingdomes these are made at this time; and the exercise of their offices must be during the Churches imperfection in this life.

4.* 1.30 The relative term specifying this Christ is [His] that is, Jehovahs, the Lords Christ, the Christ of God. It is his Christ, not ours, eminently declaring the Authour of this Unction; this note may perswade not to read Lord and Christ by apposition, as if it were the Lord Christ; but as distinct things united, and terms differently signifying in this place. Never thelesse this relative addition gives ho∣nour unto Christ.

1. Nothing his Authority or Sovelaignty. Now that is Gods, Jehovah owns this Christy that none despise him.

2. Teaching his truth and infallibility in all his admi∣nistrations; so that none may mistrust him.

3. Shewing his irresistability in regard of all the Poten∣tates in the world, that none might contend with him. This relation onely gives warrant unto poore soules to

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rest wholly upon this Annointed, because he is Gods: unlesse he be Gods Christ, he must not be imbraced by creatures; and being his, must not be resisted.

Q. Are there then two heads consorted in the transla∣tion of these Kingdomes, because God and his Christ are coupled?

A. Not so, but one head onely specified in this conjun∣ction; the Lord and his Christ here, is as much as the Lord in his Christ, or by his Christ, taking to him this power over States to make them Christian. God in the Mediator makes not two Lords corrivals, but one graciously disposed to rule Kingdomes unto life;* 1.31 therefore the Judgement, Law, and Rule of the Father and Sonne is punctually said to be one. We have seen the terms of this change.

To the second,* 1.32 the nature of this change, I have termed it a Reformation-change, and I conceive properly in that these Kingdomes are said to become our Lords;* 1.33 Now this same word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 to be made notes some change de nove new that was not before; for if they were the Lords be∣fore in the sence here meant, they could not reasonably be said now to be made or become his.

Q. But were not all these Kingdomes the Lords that made them, and set the bounds of them from the first of their being? How then can they be said to be made his now?

A. Surely this question can be satisfied onely by the right stating of the present change, carried in that terme made the Lords. Now this in its use hath a double ac∣ception.

1.* 1.34 Sometimes it notes esse simplex, the simple making or being of a thing which before was not, as in the creation God said, Let their be light, and it was make; In this sence it cannot here be meant, for these Kingdomes were made before of God, and so were his works.

2.* 1.35 Sometimes it notes esse relativum, a relative being, as the wife is said to be made her husbands; she was before in the being of a woman, but not of a wife; so these King∣domes

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were made before the beast and false Prophet did usurpe them, but then onely were they made Antichri∣stian;* 1.36now this making in the Text is the change of that relation of these Kingdomes from that Antichristian u∣surpation and tyranny, unto the government of the Lord and his Christ; so that now they are made the Lords by Reformation, which were his creation before. And this new worke is done by God in Christ, these waies.

1. Quoad resuseeptimem Patentie, by resuming the power into his hand, which he seemed to have layd aside,* 1.37 when he suffered Satan in Antichrist to domineer over these Kingdomes, and rule them unto perdition; so it is said in the Churches song, Thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast raigned; that is, now he did manifest himselfe, that in what those Lords had dealt proudly, he was above them, and his permission was no approbation of them in their tyranicall usurpations.

2. Quoad vindicias juris, by vindicating his right to these Kingdomes, which the Devill in Antichrist had de∣nied, according to his old vaunt, All these are mine, and to whom I will I give them.* 1.38 That horrible practice of the Pope in usurping Crowns, and taking upon him to dis∣pose them at his pleasure, is a full proof of this. Now God at this time breaks out the Lyons teeth, makes the nations angry, and taketh these Kingdomes as a spoyle for Christ,* 1.39to whom at first God had given them. A double right is that which God now vindicates, whereby these Kingdoms are called his. 1. Ius paternitatis, a right of paternity con∣cerning all them, that he had given unto Christ, which were his seed indeed, and whom as he had redeemed,* 1.40 so now he calleth to the participation of life in Christ; This right is peculiar to some onely in these Kingdomes. 2. Jus Dominii, a right of Lordship which is his due, as well over slaves as children; So though he convert not savingly all these states, yet he makes them take his Laws, serve his turne, set up his Ordinances, and worke his will, though in sincerity perhaps they mean not so; Now this

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is reformation in its measure, though it reach not to the truth of conversion; So God moved Cyrus, Nebuchad∣nezzar, Darius, &c.* 1.41 of whom yet it cannot be said they were converted. And such a right is promised to Christ also in the Gospel times, by which he shall use his Iron Rod as well as his Golden Scepter. No hope that all in all Kingdomes should be truely converted, but that all shall be subdued,* 1.42 made slaves, if not friends, not able to resist the power of the Lords, is that which Scriptures speak and we may expect.

3. Quoad ezercitium Dominii, by exercising this power and right over these Kingdomes that are become his; and this Lordship he doth exercise severall waies

1. By a powerfull turning of the hearts of Princes from darknesse to light,* 1.43 causing them to consider the things of God which they had not heard, and so to shut their mouthes from gainsaying Christ, and thrice exalt him in their hearts; of such a reformation-change the Lord seems to speake in that Gospell promise, I will make thy Officers peace, and thy Exactors righteousnesse;* 1.44 when peace shall rule, and righteousnesse exact, then the Kingdom is the Lords.

2 By a powerfull restraint upon others not truly called, chained up by the devill,* 1.45 and binding Kings, Princes, and Nobles as with fetters, that they shall not any longer hin∣der the Lord from taking Thrones and ruling; Thus the Kingdomes of the world universally become the Lords. The King that is not converted shall be restrained. Thus farre appeares the nature of this Reformation-change.

To the third,* 1.46 which is the time of this change, the voyces speak as of the time past, saying, they are or were become the Lords, the time is expressed in this verb also; But now where to state this time is the diffioulty, mens thoughts running divers waies. It hath been determined to be, while time the measure of the creatures in their changes lasteth, but the speciall point of that time is now desired; when those Kingdoms begin to be the Lords. For the discovery whereof, I shall propose some help from these considera∣tions.

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1. This seventh Angell is said to sound the third Wo∣trumpet, which certainly did call for execution of venge∣ance upon the Kingdome of Antichrist, whose Scepter made all the Kingdoms of the earth stoop unto him, who had subscribed to his name, and worshipped him; This was done by breaking the yoke of that Romish Tyran the Pope off from the neck of those States, in which very moment the Lord tooke possession of those Kingdomes, from which by his great power he drove out that strong one, the devil in that man of sin. So that this Trumpet seems to contemporize with all the Vials poured out upon States formerly under Antichrist, dashing in pieces the great A∣bettors, and turning others to be serviceable unto Christ. For however at all times God kept his secret ones within the Territories of Babel, who ceased not in all ages to wit∣nesse to his truth, yet all this while the States and King∣domes worshipped the beast; So then the time of change of Kingdoms must be eminent, and from that instant that any State returned to subjection unto Christs Scepter in the Gospell after the great apostacy, seems to begin the sound of the seventh Trumpet; for then was it woe to that Antichrist and his vassals, but joy to Christ and his Saints. Now no hard thing is it to looke back so farre as to finde out that point of time wherein Thrones began to be pos∣sessed by Christ, and to entertain the Gospell. The Histo∣ries of Germany, Saeveland, Denmark, England, Scotland, &c. may help us to know this time, when our Lord took these States from the Prince of darknesse ruling in that sonne of perdition.

2. This Reformation-change is graduall, and is car∣ried on in severall portions of time, from the turning of the first Kingdom to the finishing of the mystery of God. That the meaning of this Trumpet-sound should be a gra∣duall susception of Gods power to reign, I am perswaded to believe from the course of the events; we see some King∣doms delivered, but not all yet, which are expected to be resumed by Christ from that Roman Apostate; Now as

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God performs his prophecies, so are we to understand his meaning in them; and it is the best help we have rightly to conceive the Prophets speaking of Christ to come, by seeing him come, and fulfilling what was written of him. I take it, the same help is to made use of concerning the prophesies of these times, and those to come, of which the book of the revelations is full. So that, if we see the Lord hath taken Kingdomes of the world from Antichrist, we have the truth of this Trumpet-sound; and if yet more Kingdoms are still under vassallage to him, this sound de∣clares woe unto them abiding in that slavery, but good tidings to Gods hidden ones there, that the Lord will in his time take the prey out of the Dragons mouth, and rule himselfe. And if so, then it must be a graduall change, from the taking of the first Kingdome to the resuming of the last, which we see is partly done in many States, and in greater part yet to be accomplished.

One word yet seems to crosse this interpretation of the time;* 1.47 it is said, In the daies of the voice of the seventh Angel, when he shall begin to sound the Trumpet, even the mystery of God shall be finished, &c. And if in the beginning of his sound all Kingdoms are changed together, and Gods my∣sterie finished, then it cannot be the time mentioned, but it must be wholy to come.

To satisfie this scruple,* 1.48 two expressions here must be opened. 1. The mysterie of God, which notion is of various use; sometimes it notes the secret way of God by mani∣festation of his Sonne in the flesh, &c. to make himselfe communicable to his creatures, so to effect godlinesse in them, and save them;* 1.49 This is the generall use of it, so is it called the mysterie of God, of the Father and of Christ. Sometimes it is of speciall signification, and that two waies:* 1.50 1. It notes this secret good will of God toward all the Gentiles, to bring them into fellowship with himselfe, from the first preaching of the Gospell to them by the Apostles,* 1.51 to the last by any Ministry. 2. It dictates this se∣cret grace of God unto Abrahams seed, the Jewes, for the

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bringing them in after their long abdication, to an in∣grafting into Christ. In this last sence it is surely taken, and yet I think not excluding the other speciall significa∣tion, nor the generall in both, for as much as that is fini∣shed in these.

2. When he shall begin to sound,* 1.52 is the passage that begets the doubt, therefore the right reading of it must be inqui∣red; and surely it is not necessary so to read it, when he shall begin to sound, but vety properly, when he shall sound;* 1.53and so is it read by good Interpreters as one word in the future tence; which if allowable (as there is no doubt) the scruple is gone; for then the sence is, that in the daies of this Angels sounding, not in the beginning, but within the compasse of them, the mystery of God shall be fulfil∣led, which is included in the former state of this time. Or if you read it, when he shall begin to sound, we know that expression doth not alwaies note the entrance of a State, but the continuance of it, as beginning to reigne with our Tongue, is to reigne in the Hebrew. There is yet another rea∣ding of this with the context, which from a conjunction of finishing the mysterie of God with the Angels sound∣ing, seems reasonable; it is thus, The Angell that stood upon the Sea and Earth, swore by him that liveth for ever and ever, that Time shall he no more; that is, the time of the Papall Antichristian Monarchy, and of the former persecu∣ting enemies of the Saints,* 1.54 But in the daies of the voice of the seventh Angel, when he shal sound the Trumpet, and the my sterie of God he finished, then time shall be; that is, the time of Christs triumph, and his Saints prosperity and joy; so that thus this 7th verse is part of the Angels oath concerning the not being and the being of time; though the latter be not expressed in the 7th verse, yet it is an Ellipsis or defect not unusuall in a continued speech, this being so taken. However a sufficient reply is made to the doubt in the former interpretation, if this reading be not allowed This compleating of Gods mysterie is not to be expected in the instant of beginning this sound, but in the daies of

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its duration, the end whereof will accomplish all the will of God concerning his Churches among Jewes and Gentiles here on Earth.

To the fourth particular, which is the exercise of this Reformation after these Kingdomes are become the Lords and his Christs,* 1.55 (He shall reigne, or Ring it:) The Lord in his Christ deems it not enough to be a King, but to act the King in the Dominions which he takes as his own. Its the blurre of creatures to be Kings in place and shew, and yet not to King it, nor be able to act aright; Christ Kings it in truth where he hath the Throne.

Two Queries will be put in:

  • 1.* 1.56 What is his acting as King?
  • 2.* 1.57 How he acts it?

To the first.* 1.58 He acts the Pastor or the good Shepheard in feeding, providing good pasture for the Kingdomes which he rules; such Kings God promised his people when he would doe them good; but above all, this King, to rule them; I will set up shepheards over them which shall feed them, and they shall feare no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall they be lacking, saith the Lord. Behold the daies come, saith the Lord, I will raise unto David a righteous branch, &c. This is the King Christ who shall save his Kingdomes, and make his people dwell safely; He scatters not his flock, nor drive them away, nor hurries them, nor hunts them with dogs, as former Lords did, but acts the good shepheard, and they go in and out by his voyce,* 1.59 and finde pasture.

2.* 1.60 He Acts the Lawgiver, this is the work of a King; so is it promised to be the acclamations of Kingdomes made the Lords, The Lord is our Iudge, the Lord is our Lawgiver, the Lord is our King, he will save us. They acknowledge and he doth it; He gives Laws holy and good, even all the righteous commands of his Father concerning mans way to eternall life; no unrighteous decrees, nor bitter grievan∣ces nor oppressing edicts, but Statutes and Ordinances, by which they may live. Thus he Kings it sweetly.

3.* 1.61 He acts the Iudge in all these Dominions, and divideth

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equally to all according to their wayes: He condemnes the Lie and justifieth the Truth; He commendeth the good and smiteth the evill doer; He judgeth righteous∣ly between the fat and the leave Cattell;* 1.62 hee breaks the oppressor, and saves the innocent ones. Thus hee was acknowledged before, Jehovah is our Judge; and thus it is prophesied of him, He shall execute judgement and justice in the earth. He calleth not light darknesse,* 1.63 nor darknesse light; Hee justifieth not the wicked for re∣ward, neither condemnes the righteous.* 1.64 With righte∣ousnesse shall he judge the poore, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth, &c. Thus hee reignes in his repossessed Kingdomes.

To the second.* 1.65 How hee Acts thus in his regained kingdomes, whether in his own person againe manife∣sted in the flesh, or in and by such persons whom he ma use for this work? I conceive not by his visible, but spi∣rituall presence; this is most likely to be done in such Vice gerents as he shal make choice of: I propose these considerations to be weighed.

1. There is no necessity of understanding this rela∣tive (He) concerning his owne person visibly conside∣red; for God himselfe hath been said to reigne in his Ministring Rulers, and their Kingdomes have been sti∣led Gods, so long as his feare hath been upon them,* 1.66 and his Law ruled in them. So Davids and Solomons king∣dome was the Lords, and hee reigned in them and by them. This hath been the Language of God, to owne the kingdomes of his servants, and their government as directed by him; Nay sometimes to reigne,* 1.67 when his enemies are upon the Throne: why it should not bee here, I finde no forcing reason.

2. If the sound of this Trumpet be already begun, as the truth of the event already past in some degree may perswade; then some Kingdomes are Christs already, and he reignes, though hee be still at the right hand of the Father, by those Rulers whom hee sets up. His are

Page 18

the Kingdomes,* 1.68 because he orders Kings and States by his Lore; and that so still he may doe, without his own visible appearance on earth, is more then probable, be∣cause it is so in sight already.

3. Not one circumscribed Kingdome is said here to be the compasse of his Territories, but all the Kingdomes of the earth to be his; Now if hee should appeare on earth, his visible presence cannot bee in all Kingdomes; His body can be but in a place fit for a body; therfore is it at the right hand of God, and cannot be every where present, as Ubiquitaries senselesly have dreamed: Or if he be eminently present in one Region as a mighty Mo∣narch, by his Deputies ruling all other Provinces; Yet then he must be said to reigne in others. And how much safer it is, to let him alone at Gods right hand, and thence to say hee reignes by his spirit in the King∣domes of the world, I leave unto Christian reason to judge.

4. It seemes to reason a very great derogation from the glory of our Lord in his Christ, to suppose him to leave the right hand of the Majesty on high, to come here and sway an earthly Scepter, whether in one or all Kingdomes of the world: for heaven now is his Throne, and the earth his Foot-stoole; and if he should turne his Foot-stoole to a Throne, it were very strange. However that from Heaven hee shall visibly appeare to judge the quick and dead,* 1.69 though not to dwell here in an earthly state with the Saints, the Scrip∣tures doe affirme. And this account may suffice concer∣ning the manner of his Reigne in the Kingdoms of this world.

To the fifth and and last thing,* 1.70 and last thing about this Reformation-change, which is the stability of it, we are now come, For ever and ever shall this King reigne: The phrase here seemeth synonomous with that Hebrew expression, to generation and generation, and throughout all generations. Sometimes the word is used simply, for

Page 19

ever without repetition, and then frequently notes abso∣lute eternity; but in this kind of doubling many times lesse, onely duration of some ages or an aeviternity as it is called: The Word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 signifieth an Age, or Ge∣neration, among other things, and so here doubled in the plurall to ages of ages, is the continuance of the ages or generations of this world, so that such is the stable duration of this reigne of Christ over these Kingdomes even so long as the ages of these doe continue. Three things are carried in this expression.

1. Progresse in his reigne from age to age, He shall goe forward, prosper and grow in his Government.

2. Immutability of State, so shall he King it, that these Kingdomes shall not change their Lord, nor any more retreat to Antichrist as in the great Aposta∣cie, when once the Lord hath resumed these King∣domes.

3. Eternity of duration, so long as these Kingdomes last, even for that ever and ever, our Lord and his Christ shall reigne, making friends, or keeping under slaves: Then the end of the Mediators Kingdome shall come, and God that was from everlasting shall rule to everla∣sting in whom the hope of all Saints shall be perfected. So farte to the state of this Reformation-change.

The third and last generall to be held out is the certain∣ty of all this Revelation, what that is, that we may have a sure ground for faith to worke upon concerning these matters, which I shall labour by some speciall conside∣rations about the context to make cleare.

1. From the Author of this Revelation, it is our Lord himselfe in his Christ; so it is said in the entrance of this Book, The Revelation of Jesus Christ which God gave unto him to shew unto his servants.* 1.71 Now God cannot deceive, nor be deceived; if he be the Author, Infallibility is upon the word. There is one name men∣tion'd in the doxologie of the Church upon this Re∣velation peculiar unto God, which must satisfie rea∣sonable

Page 20

creatures concerning the truth of this event, if spoken by God,* 1.72 It is He that is, and Hee that was, and He that is to come. It is He that can alwayes say, I am. If hee had not been from eternity, if he bee not now, or if he should not be to eternity, just cause there might bee of mistrusting his Revelation; but if hee was to make all things that have been, and if he bee to make things that are, and if hee shall bee to make all things to come in his owne time, there can bee no ground of suspecting him. Thus the Church looketh on him and is comforted. Indeed were hee of yester∣day, and must hee cease againe, his Revelation could not over-value the Delphick Oracle; but this is his strong reason to be believed as God, He was, and is, and is to come.

2. The meanes of revealing this is not despicable, it was by an Angel:* 1.73 whether so in Nature, as a ministring Spirit sent out for comforting Gods chosen in this mat∣ter as I rather conceive;* 1.74 or so onely in Office, and then a Man, a speciall Messenger, or Minister expressed in this vision, as it may be; Yet it is Gods owne meanes of his owne sending to declare, and therefore none of a doubtfull call, that hee should bee suspected; by John it is com to us, and he had it from Christ this whole vision.

3. The clearnesse of the Revelation adds more strength to its certainty;* 1.75 It comes not like a whispering, or muttering of seducing spirits out of the earth, but soun∣ded with a Trumpet from heaven;* 1.76 and Gods Trumpet giveth surely a distinct sound, that wee may understand his minde in it, and sute our selves to his will. So it did in declaring wrath and warre against sinners,* 1.77 that they might beleeve and tremble, and returne; So also in re∣vealing his grace in Christ towards his people: the Trumpet sounds it, that poore soules might heare and beleeve, and be comforted. A trumpet-Revelation then from God needs not to be suspected: A loud, eminent,

Page 21

distinct discovery doth God make of these visions, that as they are sure in themselves, so they might bee surely knowne and received by his Church.

4. The sweet gratulations and doxology of the Church recorded in the context,* 1.78 must conclude the certainty of the event: It is incredible that God would give a vision of praise to mock himselfe withall, and that hee should receive blessing for that which is not, nor was sure ever to be: The certainty of praise argueth undenyably the certainty of this gracious event.

5. The experience of so many Kingdoms and States al∣ready delivered from the yoke of Antichrist, and retur∣ned from that great Apostasie to entertain the true Go∣spell of Gods Son, may perswade, that the residue of the promise to be performed is as sure as that part already accomplished in these 100 yeares past, which wee see with our eyes. Experience therefore should strengthen faith, and breed an assured hope in Gods people of the Lords more glorious appearing, to take more Kingdoms of the world into his power; that they may mightily strive to it, and patiently wait for it. This hope shall not make us ashamed. Thus the doctrine is opened, and con∣firmed: The Use followes.

1. To inform us in some truths depending;* 1.79 their Coro∣laries doe issue from the sound of this Trumpet opened unto us.

1. If Kingdoms of the world shall have such a Refor∣mation-change, as to be taken from Antichrist, & subdued to our Lord and his Christ, then it must follow,* 1.80 Kingdoms may be, and are the Subjects of Reformation, though not the adequat subjects of true Conversion. The understand∣ing of the true state of Reformation, as well as the visible state of Kingdomes, which already are become the Lords, will sufficiently cleare this inference.

1. Reformation is a terme not freequently used by our Translators, I remember it but twice,* 1.81 and in two different acceptions.

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1. As respecting the matter or object about which Reformation is; And in this sense mainely is the word translated from the Apostles expression to be under∣stood, as the consideration of the context will make cleare.* 1.82 The spirit there labours to convince the He∣brews, that by the Messiah Gods mind was, the whole Jewish Tabernacle must be throwne downe, that is, their Church frame in all externall Ordinances; He de∣scribes the Tabernacle with the adjoyned ordiances and services, which, saith he, were imposed, untill the time of Reformation.* 1.83 Of what? Surely not of hearts, but of that Church frame and ordinances, which were but figures for that time present, putting those which were true, spiritual & heavenly in their places. The word here rendred reformation signifieth A thorough-right∣ing of all things in the Church in order to eternall life. This Christ did, by removing things shaken of God, that is, all shadow-workes formerly in the Church, in Priest-hood,* 1.84 Sacrifice, and other services, all ineffectu∣all to life, and by establishing things unshaken, the true image-works of heaven,* 1.85 lively drawne, Priest-hood, Sa∣crifice, services, &c. by which men might certainly be brought to God, and live. This perrectification of Christs then is of meanes tending to heaven, that men might see the right line directing unto God, in the right use of which they may be saved: It is a Reformation for hearts indeed but not of hearts; for this reformati∣on may truely be in a Kingdome, and is where the true Priest-hood of Christ, Sacrifice, and spirituall services, are set up and maintained; though hearts for the most part may not be savingly converted to God by them. The point of time in the Text evidences this to be an or∣dinance-reformation, not an heart one;* 1.86 for it was a single speciall time, even the space of laying this Church-frame by Christ in his Apostles, and no longer, the whole worke of this reformation was dispatched then, but the time of heart-reformation is in all ages; therefore those

Page 23

times are not that, nor this worke that. Kingdomes then are reformed after Christ, when his true ordinances are established and submitted unto, and false Antichristian constitutions are driven out, though few hearts in truth may be changed to God by them.

2. Reformation in our use respects the person or sub∣ject in whom the power of God may be manifest for changing the man according to his mind revealed in former ordinances, thus we read it used by our Transla∣tors If ye will not be reformed by these things, &c. In the letter it is read,* 1.87 If ye will not be chastised to me by these things, &c. That is, if by these meanes, your hearts be not turned to me; So that, here the reformation of the man must be intended, And that wee know may be two wayes: 1. In truth, when Christ is formed truely on the Soule. 2. In shew, when the outward man con∣formes to these constitutions of God. Kingdomes may be so reformed as to yeeld outward obedience to the Scepter of Christ, though few hearts have the true Image of God imprinted on them: And thus in∣deed doe Kingdomes become the Lords, when they ab∣horre the lyes of Antichrist, and cleave to the truth of Christ, though but in outward deportment.

2. Kingdomes of the world are said to bee the Lords, but indeed they neither have beene, nor are,* 1.88 nor shall be all by true conversion, yet they must be by Re∣formation; No Kingdome that ever was called the Lords on earth had all Saints in it, nor ever shall, if Christ have prophesied truely, That the last day shall find men, as the Flood found the world in Noahs daies;* 1.89yet surely shall Kingdomes be the Lords, and that must be by Reformation as declared, not by true saving con∣version; And to say, that such a Kingdome of Christ England is, I suppose is consonant to the voyce of this Trumpet.

2. If Kingdomes must be our Lords, that is, Chiefe States, Kingly and Ruling Powers, this teacheth us,

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States and worldly Powers Christ will make use of to set up his glory,* 1.90 they are not utterly inconsistent with his spi∣rituall designes. Antichrist indeed had them, and made use of them for his owne purpose, but therefore Christ will not utterly refuse them.* 1.91 God himselfe was the Au∣thor of these orders of men, thereby purposing to make one helpfull to another for reaching his owne glory; And Satan in this as other things was Gods Ape to make use of them, but his enemy, to corrupt Princes and great men of the earth to increase his owne King∣dome; therefore perswaded he them to give their pow∣er to the Antichristian Beast,* 1.92 and to make poore sub∣jects by their Tyrannicall persecutions to doe so too, that they might be damned together. But now in the restitution of all things the Lord Christ re-possesseth these Principalities againe, as a needfull order of men, instituted by God, though corrupted by Satan, and makes use of them for his high and spirituall ends to fi∣nish his worke upon the earth.

1. By putting into their hearts to ruine that great Ene∣my of grace, the mysticall Babilon, the Mother of Harlots, and of all abominations, as well as all spirituall and car∣nall wickednesse.* 1.93 So it is written, The Kings shall hate the whore, and make her desolate and naked, and eate her flesh and burne her with fire, For God hath put it into their hearts to fulfill his will, &c.

2. By making them shields of the earth, a defence unto his ordinances and people,* 1.94 and nursing Fathers and Mothers to his Saints, that under them and by them godlinesse may be perfected in his Churches. If these Scepters be our Lords, doubtlesse they are so, not as Lords, but as Servants ministring for him, which he would not owne, were they not appointed of God, and so needfull to helpe on his worke among men.

But Christs worke is heart-worke,* 1.95 what can Princes doe to ward that?

For answer,* 1.96 let it be considered; 1. All Christs work

Page 25

is not heart-worke, much of it is upon the outward man by restraint and otherwise, in this the power of the word may be instrumentall, being made the Lords 2. Gods outward ordinances were intended to make way to mens spirits, his Rod, as well as his Word;* 1.97 the Preacher hath no more selfe-power, nor ordinance-pow∣er, than the Prince, God makes the Word effectuall, and so he hath done the Sword upon a Manasseh-spirit. 3. The Rod for the fooles back is Gods ordinance,* 1.98 as well as the Word to the obedient eare: who so deny∣eth either, sinneth against that light of nature,* 1.99 whereby the Gentiles were condemned.

But Christ did not make use of them,* 1.100 nor his Apo∣stles, at the laying of the foundation of the Gospell; the Kingdomes of the world were then against him: how should they be helpefull now?

I returne thus: 1.* 1.101 Our Lord made use of them before that time, and owned these Kings and Kingdomes by whom his name was exalted,* 1.102 and no where hath be since rejected his owne ordinance. 2. At that time of Christs comming in the flesh, God by his Prophets had fore-told the state of, enmitie, which the great Roman Monarchy and all the Kingdomes of the earth with him should expresse against his Some, therefore no mar∣vell, he made no use of them at that time, for it was one time given to the Devill to rule in them,* 1.103 and to pro∣voke them to crucifie the Lord of glory, which Gods, counsell determined to be done; but with more righteous and gracious thoughts than they intended. 3. That was not the time wherein God had appointed to take to himselfe his great power and to raigne; but now the time is come that he hath taken Kingdomes to rule in and by them, and make his lawes their lawes. 4. In that, very time of Christ and his Apostles, would I but require this, ought not the Casers and Nero himselfe to have advanced the Lord and his Christ, and have used their power to bring their subjects in obedi∣ence

Page 26

to him, and to have ruled by his truth? Shall not God laugh them to scome, and they perish in his wrath because they did not? I believe they will have no ad∣vocate for them. If so, then let Christians argue de jure, what Rulers ought to have done then; not de facte, what they did; and if it were the Magistrates dutie then to rule men to God in Christ, it is no lesse now; And sinfull practice is no good president against Divine right.

3. If this Trumpet sound the greatest Woe upon all Kingdomes under the Devill and Antichrist, and the greatest Joy to the Kingdomes under God and Christ, this is rightly inferred,* 1.104 The best Crisis or judgement of Kingdome? Weale or Woe, it by the Lord that swayeth o∣ver them. If Satan, if Antichrist, if wicked Lords, cur∣sed is that State; If God, if Christ, if holy Princes and Governours, blessed is that Kingdome. O the wicked∣nesse of Machiavillian O the folly of humane policy! Germany hath its interest, and Spaine, and France, and England theirs, one in alies, another in treasures, ano∣ther in hearts of Subjects, &c. And suppose all these kept at any time, or possible to be kept, have they secu∣red any Kingdome, or can they, that it shall not perish at the breath of Gods mouth? How hath God befo••∣led the counsells of the wisest Politicians in all ages, and yet are we seeking for Kingdomes safetie and glory within the creatures Spheare? To have one Lord in Christ our King, were a prospering and securing wise∣dome beyond all under the Saline. Did ever a King∣dome keeping its Imerost in God perish? Obedience to the Lord and his Christ in all his discoveries, is the la∣ving-interest of any Common-Wealth;* 1.105 O blessed are the people whose God is the Lord! What though Mo∣narchs of the Earth write themselves Brothers of the Sunue and of the Moone, fellow of the Starres, yet heare what the most high saith, O Lucifer, sonne of the morning, how art thou cut downe? And, though thou set

Page 27

thy nest among the Starres, thence will I bring thee down. What can a mount to the Starres helpe poore creatures, when the breath of the Lord bloweth them downe a∣gaine? One true interest in out Lord and his Christ, would prosper and perpetuate a Kingdome, and honour Princes above the Satrres; of such would the most high say, Yee are Gods and Sounes of the must high:* 1.106 of such Kingdomes no end should be but of perfection. Let us then judge of our Wealth by how much we are the Lords, and of our Woe by so much as we are not his, or refuse him. These are the Corolaties.

2.* 1.107 If this Trumpet sound forth joy onely to the holy people, and the Kingdomes that are our Lords, and so farre indeed as they are the Lords, the wofull sound of it must concerne the Kingdomes which are not his, and all Polities so far as they are not Christs; so that, well may a lamentation be taken up by them and for them; Is there not cause, when Christ owne's not State, nor States him? It's true, that in the execution of all the dreadfull Woes upon the Romish Babel, when the Kings and Merchants of the earth are bemoaning her desola∣tions, Saints are called to rejoyce over her;* 1.108 Rejoyce over her thou Heaven, and ye Holy Apostles and Pro∣phets, for God hath avenged you on her: But when Im∣manuels Land shall in any part break. Christs yoke, resist their Lord, provoke him to displeasure, and themselves to wasting, who can refraine from teares? It calls a dead Grand-mother out of her grave to weepe,* 1.109 Ra∣chel was heard weeping in Jeremiahs time and would not be comforted: Why? For her children once own∣ed by God had sinned, and were not. Jadah was Im∣manuels Land, and upon like grounds England may; if this State will not suffer the Lord to King it over them,* 1.110 as they once refosed, an Assyrian Lord, a dreadfull Op∣pressor the Rod of Gods anger, may have commission to passe thorow, and goe over, and stretch his wings to the breadth of our Land; This will be grievous, when

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the iron Scepter of wicked Tyrants shall teach us how sweet the Government of Christ was, which wee have despised.

Symptoms of this wofull sound are the graduall de∣clinations of a people or State from the Lords Rule. That the people have gone a Whoring from God, by spirituall and corporall uncleannesse, and the little cause of Englands rejoycing in it,* 1.111 ye have heard sufficiently declared in the morning for our humiliation. I confesse, I hould have wondred at such severe prophesying a∣gainst this kind of filthinesse, what the reason of it might be, but that I see so many characters of uncleane hearts visible on their bodies, and have beene certainly informed of most abominable Incests in severall parts of the Kingdome and especially in the Countie of Kent not farre remote,* 1.112 where the sonne hath married his Fa∣thers wife, and as is beleeved, she was with child by him, while his father lived. These are evills intolerable in the sates of morall Pagans, much more inconsistent with that Kingdome where the Lord rules. Will ye be pleased this day to be humbled for these abominati∣ons, and put out the power which Christ hath given you to cleanse the Land from these and such like abomi∣nations▪ We shall then hope our Lord will not refuse to owne us; but otherwise, that he should deale with the Land as with an whorish woman,* 1.113 slit her nose, and strip her naked, and spit in her face, and give her to death, is all that can be expected. No more of this ge∣nerall State, my labour is saved by the mornings worke, I should rather crave leave to discharge the dutie of a faithfull Minister of Christ unto you, being now called, I look upon you as a State and chiefe Power of Christ in this Kingdome; so far as you the Lord, and he rules in you, so much cause have his people to rejoyce; and so farre as any defection appeares from that Law∣giver, so much VVoe is pronounced upon you, and up∣on the Land. The saddest Omen is when in Head and

Page 29

Rulers Christ Kings it not. I am not come with Cri∣minations upon out Truely VVorthies, the searcher of hearts knowes, I desire nothing but true Honour from God upon you, and that must bee by his ruling in you, and your ruling by and for him: Onely de∣viations from this proclaime woe; and it will be faith∣fulnesse to let you heare the generall voices of the Land about you, to vindicate your Honour where it is cause∣lesely stained, and to be humbled for any defection from Christ in the state appearing.

1. Its lamentable with a stat••, when foolish, chil∣dish, wicked, and ungodly Steeres-men sit at the Helm to sway it. As wise a King and States-man as the gene∣rations of men knew, by the wisedome of God gave these dictates, Woe to thee ô Land,* 1.114 when thy King is a child, and thy Princes eate in the morning. Blessed art thou, O Land, when thy King is the Son of Nobles, and thy Princes eat in due season, for strength and not for drunkennesse. See the Woe and Weale of States. Happy Land whose King is innobled by God, and Princes made gracious, and taught by him even to the use of meate and drinke: there our Lord hath the Kingdome and his Christ. But woe to that State, where a King, a childe, a foole shall reigne, an enemy to the Lord; and Princes lustfull, gluttonous, drunken, and lascivious, such as must have a breakfast every morning in sinne, shall steere by their Counsailes, Christ is no Law-gi∣ver there. This is woefull,* 1.115 The people must mourns when the wicked beareth rule. They say there are such among you, if I may speak in usuall termes, Impious, childish, cock-pit Counsellors: If so, such are bad Trustees for Lawes, Liberties, and Religion; A Ro∣man or Spartan-State would provide against some of those, and not hazzard Kingdomes in the hands of fooles; much more should that State which is Christi∣an. I know yee are not Electors, but the Scumme of People lend such unto you, and will spoyle all your boi∣lings

Page 30

unlesse you take it off. It is a voice of feare a∣mong them that love you and pray for you in the West and other parts, that such as could not overcome you by the Sword, labour to doe it by Votes, even by sen∣ding such as will Vote God from among you. Ever Honoured Worthies, see if it bee so, let the sight of one root of bitternesse among you humble you; And now shew forth Christ ruling in you: Methinks its possible for a Christian Parliament by a Law to purge & prevent such profane Paganish leaven, and to honour Christs Kingdome so much, as to make grosse sinne uncapable of a Membership among you. Surely, if that be allowed, our Lord rules not, and this is woe∣full.

2. It's lamentable with a Kingdomes, where the fa∣ces of the poore are grinded,* 1.116 and the cause of the Fa∣therlesse, Winddow and Friendlesse, slighted and not heard. The Lord in his Christ gives better Lawes, and will require them,* 1.117 Judge for the Fatherlesse, plead for the VVidow. God doth this himselfe, therefore will have his Vice-gerents doe like to him. It is a fame, that yee are profuse in giving to the full sonle, while the hungry and friendlesse, which have spent and been spoyled of all for the cause of God in your hands, are some of them ready to perish for bread. See after this, our Lord will not doe so: let not this (Ho∣noured and beloved) be mistaken; neither I nor any ho∣nest heart can grutch the due rewards of noble-deser∣ving spirits in these times. My heart is towards the Governours that offered themselves willingly to the worke of God; my thoughts (I am perswaded) are the same with all those worthy souls, who desire to con∣curre with God. Let the hungry bee fed, and naked cloathed, and fatherlesse sustained, and widow comfor∣ted and well deserving men not unrewarded. Other∣wise there will abide a woe.

3. It's lamentable with a Kingdome, where judge∣ment

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by Bribery or otherwise becomes vendible, and justice is bought and sold. So Jeremiah thought, so Micah preached, The head judge for reward, &c.* 1.118 therefore shall Zion be plowed as a field. Our Lord takes no reward in Judgement, neither must the Stewards that act for him; such as doe he curseth. The voice of people is, there is such a fault among you. I confesse it is incredible to mee, that such a Judge as a Parliament, consisting of so many heads can bee the subject of such corruption, and I am confident the body is free in judging: But it is replyed, though the judgement at last come free, yet motions many times cost men deare. I cannot charge it upon any, and I wish that they who complaine, would testifie to the faces of the guilty at your owne Barre. I am confident the just hands a∣mong you would be against such a man, to thrust him out of your Assembly. But yet renowned Patriots, look into this matter; And to confute the world, every one of you that desire to act for God in your admini∣strations, take the just complaints of the poor and oppressed, communicate to your body, and prosecute righteous causes freely as your owne. This will be a Character of the Lord upon the Throne. The neglect will prove a deviation from Christ, and breed so much woe.

4. It's lamentable for that State, where Justice is delayed. Our Lord ownes not this; His command is to the house of David,* 1.119 execute judgement in the morning; now that will passe away quickly, therefore justice must speedily be done. It is a tryed truth in a∣ges, A just sentence delayed hath more oppressed, then an unrighteous dispatch could have done. They that hang about your doores, and such as have waited long for sentence, enemies and friends say, it is thus with you. I know great affaires and difficult have been and are upon your hands that may hinder quick dispatches, and great Bodies can move but slowly, and it may

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answer much for you. But (yee Rulers of God) bee active, seek no delayes, Judge while it is morning; If yee doe not, so farre yee deny the government of the Lord, and this will be lad.

5. It's lamentable for a Kingdome to have perfidious and Covenant-breaking guides: Our Lord is not so, nor inveed may his deputies bee so. Hee is a God kee∣ping-Covenant, faithfull and true;* 1.120 and hee leaves the charge upon all his to doe so: Yet it is Printed to the world, That yee are all perjur'd persons, and Covenant-breakers: I like not reproaching of Rulers, Paul ac∣knowledged it Gods Words, Thou shalt not speak evill of the Ruler of thy people,* 1.121 He that doth shall suffer from the Lord: yet yee Christian Senators, it concernes you nearely to be humbled for all slips of infirmity about the Covenant of your God (from which what flesh can keep free?) and vindicate your selves from grosser evills by a true justification, or else in all the Countries it may get a common faith. Weare the girdle which Christ weares,* 1.122 Righteousnesse is the girdle of his loynes, and faithfulnesse the girdle of his reines; Let it be yours too, and yee shall prosper, but unfaithfull and treache∣rous Rulers, woe to them and their Kingdome, God will ease himselfe of such adverlaries, and avenge him of such enemies. This is wofull.

6. It's lamentable with a State, to be remisse and care∣lesse of Gods affaires in reforming his House, and set∣ling his Ordinances, and giving up the Kingdome to our Lord and his will revealed, yet to be active and mind∣full about their owne matters. The Lord made the re∣turning State of the Jewes smart for this; and he points at the matter:* 1.123 It is time for your to dwell in your sieled Houses, and thu house lye waste? Consider, this is the reason, yee sow much and bring in little, &c. A woe was upon them, for they did not minde to exalt the Lord above themselves. And the advise to remove it is to fall about the worke.* 1.124 Gods Reformation worke

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was the end of his calling you together, that your affairs might thrive in the prosperity of his; for sute Gods matters going well make the Kingdome glorious, this doth not make that. Let not God lost the glory of the small beginnings visible toward that work: But is this laid to heart, and is it contended for as your glory? It is said by some, that yee will never reforme up to Gods Word, though yee bee ingaged by Covenant to doe so. I dare not believe this, I pray for the strengthning of your hands to this work, and wait working in my place, if I might there give helpe, and at last receive more from you, for the purging of Congregation, and kee∣ping the holy things of God from being defiled. Yet great Remoraes keek back the Fabrick, Carnall and Spi∣rituall wickednesses, though not tolerated by a Law, yet connived at, or not reproved as God would have them, Doctrines against the eternall Son-ship of the Mediator published, and assertions against the 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, the selfe-credibility of Scripture maintained; the very prime er∣rour that brought in the great Apostacy. Our Lord and his Christ hate such things as these; no Lawes of his Kingdome tolerate contradictions to his owne be∣ing; his prime Ministers would not vouchsafe a God-speed to such as those: Yet the world knowes,* 1.125 with what ardency the toleration of those and other Here∣sies as bad are striven for. A timely Item may be given, An admission of Doctrine devilish and destroying the saving revelation of God in his Sonne, is an emission of Christ, and so the losse of him. I would not be severer then God would have me against any that pretend Con∣science in matters circumstantiall, and that divide not from the head; therefore can I not cry, That nothing must be tolerated in lesser differences; but this Christ saith, That the woman Jezabel must not bee suffered,* 1.126 (who could not vent worse lies) under lesse paine then the losse of God and his Christ, and the ruine of Churches: And I must say, that the Toleration of all things must

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be a destructive principle to the State or Church where∣ever it be allowed. Experience hath shewed us no lesse in Kingdomes and Churches called by Gods Name. These are only suggested, which need a larger Treatise to State fully. ye Servants of Christ, take heed of yeel∣ding to these pretences of Conscience, the Devill, and not Christ hath his throne there; And no stronger hold for him than Conscience if he once take it. Christ will not suffer him to shelter here, therefore ye may not, so much as in you lyeth; if ye doe, the Lords Trumpet sounds Woe upon you.

Doe not other States,* 1.127 as some of the united Provin∣ces, tolerate all these heresies, and protect them, and yet they prosper? Who more?

I desire not to deale with other Srates,* 1.128 unlesse I might doe them good, I am now onely called to our owne, yet others being made exemplary, a word in sobernesse and truth may not offend. I suggest onely these thoughts.

1. Can any man say, that prosperitie is a sign peculiar unto Truth? Then let Rome come in and speake more than any for outward prosperitie.* 1.129 No man can know the love or hatred of God by all that is before him.

2. Are not spirituall wickednesses as odious to God as carnall?* 1.130 And are not these Heresies such which God condemnes as workes of the flesh inconsistent with the Kingdome of his Christ?

3. Hath God made an end yet of visiting Nations for the sinnes of them? When God hath done judging were a better time to urge this example than now. I pray God the evill day may not overtake those States; The good Lord cause the Cup of trembling to passe by them, and purge their iniquities peaceably. But I am pressed in spirit to say,* 1.131 God hath not spared such State-Polities, which have sought their own rise by the ruine of God and his Truth. Witnesse Jeroboam the sonne of Nebat, who made Israel to sinne: And he bids sinne, that doth not hinder it when he can. I feare their sor∣rowes

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may begin in the day of their confederacy with Spaine. But Gods Truth, my beloved, and not mans example must be the rule, strive up to the perfection of God. If none of these lyes must be in Heaven, it is mans dutie not to allow them on earth. If Heresies yet must be, let us mourne for what we cannot helpe; It is a mi∣serable necessitie when not allowed; it will be rejoy∣cing in iniquitie, either for Stute or Church wilfully to tolerate; And then beware, the third and worst of woes which this Trumpet sounds.

3. Lastly, The sound of this Trumpet,* 1.132 and the voy∣ces thence arising, as they speake exaltation unto our Lord and his Christ, so no lesse dutie and counsell to the States and Powers of the world.

1. To such as are in vassalry to the Devill and Anti∣christ, that are still raging and in conspiracy against the Lord and his Christ; The Psalmists counsell is seaso∣nable for them,* 1.133 Be wise O ye Kings, be instructed ye Judges of the Earth; Serve the Lord with feare, and rejoyce with trembling; Kisse the Sone; To love and honour, and worship the Lord in his Christ, is better than to be raging and combining against his Annointed. 1. God will laugh at their plots, and have them in deri∣sion. 2. Our Lord in his Sonne will reign, doe what they can against it. 3. The desolating woes shall fall upon all Kingdomes that doe oppose, He will breake them in pieces with a Rod of Iron, and dash them in pieces like a Potters Vessell. It is firmely written in the Re∣cords of God,* 1.134 The Nation and Kingdome that will not serve him shall perish, ye those Nations shall be utterly wa∣sted. O that this Trumpet might sound in the eares of those Kings and Kingdomes that yet give their power to the Romish Beast!

2. To those States whom our Lord and his Christ hath rescued out of that slavery, and made them his owne Dominions, among whom our own may be num∣bred, Thus the voyces say:

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1. Blesse the Lord in the beauties of holinesse, re∣joyce in the great worke that he hath done, that he hath taken to him his great power, and hath reigned; States, Ministers, People, give thankes to the Lord God Al∣mightie, which was, and is, and is to come, that he hath taken poore England, and the Kingdomes United, in a∣ny measure from the hand of Antichrist, and put his Name on them; O bow downe and worship, so the 24 Elders, the Church representative, do at the Trum∣pets sound for the exaltation of Christ.

But why are not the foure Beasts,* 1.135 being the Ministe∣riall Emblems, joyned here in these gratulations, as in other places? It a silence observed by some, and won∣dred at,* 1.136 seeing before and afterward they are expresse∣ly named as leaders in the Churches triumphant Songs.

It is conceived by some,* 1.137 that at this time of Christs first taking Kingdomes from the Beast, the Ministry for the generall should be so bad and earthy, luke-warme and worldy, as that they had no heart to blesse the Lord for such Reformation. And sure it may note such a time, and experience, in the Reformation thus farre manifests, that many to one have bin repining at it. Yet let nott his be cast as a reproach to those few that are found faith∣full, (as too much it is, and under the name of an un∣faithfull Ministry, the faithfullest are despised) for the true labouring Ministry of Christ, are found leading the Church againe in their last Triumphant Songs over An∣tichrists ruines.* 1.138 Let us be humbled for former failings, and renew the first love, and labour mightily for our Lord and his Christ, let him alone then to plead the cause of his faithfull servants, he will make their name shine forth as the Sunne in brightnesse out of the darkest cloud.

2. Give up your selves & kingdom (Honord Senators) more and more to the name, Law, and Government of our Lord and his Christ. As the Lord takes not all King∣doms

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up at once, So neither any Kingdom to the High∣est of Reformation at one time, because he hath set them here in a growing State; there were no roome for growth in perfection. Experience hath taught us this will of God; O let us work with God more to be his, by giving up our names to him, by owning his Law, and honouring his Government by obedience.* 1.139 This is to kisse the Sonne eminently and abundantly, and we shall not be despised for it.

3. Yee VVorthies of this State in whom Christ reigns, act from him and to him, feed his people in the Land in his Pastures, hold out unto them his Lawes, judge e∣qually and impartially in his matters; justifie the righ∣teous, condemne the wicked, maintain saving Truths, and damne those lyes that lead unto destruction. Shew your selves to bee deputed Gods indeed: Be, as hee is, simple, impassible, independent upon creatures; and act as he acts, freely, powerfully, wisely, impartially, and constantly in the way of righteousnesse, so shall ye be truely the Sonnes of the most High, and the Lord shall be seen gloriously to reigne in you. The righteous and holy people will be obedient to you, and blesse God for you: and the mouth of wickednesse shall bee stopt for ever. These incouragements may quicken and streng∣then your hands. And then an end.

1. The Lord is gone out before you, and hath begun to owne England, matching it out of the Dragons Paw, and Antichrists power, and for 89 yeares hath been our Law-giver. Observe his presence and workings and be strengthned.

2. The time is now for bringing in more Kingdomes from Satan to God, from Antichrist to Christ; what else make all the shakings in all the Kingdomes of the world at this time. Study this time of God, and worke with Providence, now you have a season to helpe up Gods holy mountaine, where no hurting nor destruction shall be.

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3. This worke of the Lord and his Christ shall not go backward any more in the whole. The great Apostasie is past, and now Kingdomes must be given to God, and Reformation by degrees shall be finished, oppositions of wicked shall bee but strong gales of winde to drive it home the sooner: Gods Word is sure, Babel shall fall and never rise, and Zion shall be raised and never fall.

4. The Lord Christ shall reigne for eve and ever, He hath overcome and sat down in his Fathers Throne; He shall now trample upon his enemies, and make them his Foot-stoole, but he shall put the Crowne upon the heads of his Saints. Let you hearts then be comforted and your hands strengthned, ye men of God, to the Refor∣mation-work at this day; Make England more the Lords then ever, by the power he hath given you: so ye, and the people of this Land by experience will make the Churches confession good,* 1.140 O Lord our God, other Lords besides thee have had dominion over us, but by thee onely will we make mention of they Name. Your cry will bee, Lord reigne thou over us, no King but Christ for us, no People but the Saints. Now the Lord of all Lords, the King eternall through his Christ give you the spirit of Wisdome, Truth, Unity, and Zeale to work mighti∣ly for our God, and finish his Will in these King∣domes, that unto him in all the Churches of the Saints may be given praise and glory everlasting. AMEN.

FINIS.

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Notes

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