A Description of the Spiritual Temple

A DESCRIPTION Of the Spirituall TEMPLE.

The spiritual temple of the New Testament, the New Jerusalem which came down from heaven, the Bride prepared for the Lamb, the Lord Jesus the Christ (Revelation 21:2), may not be unfitly compared to the material temple of Jerusalem, in the letter, whose foundation stone was of earth; whose materials were hewn stones, compacted into one edifice or temple: the furniture thereof was an altar, a sacrifice, and a priesthood; who were made after the law of a carnal commandment (Hebrews 7:16), which was typical, and was not to continue for ever; but only to the time of Reformation, and then the glory of it should vanish away. In which material temple, none must come there to worship, but the circumcised Jews and Proselytes; for the uncircumcised and unclean were an abomination, and must not enter in at the gates thereof (Ezekiel 44:6, 7). And for the defects the people of Israel and Judah committed in their worship, so long as they continued in their integrity, the high priest went once every year into the Holy of Holiest, and that not without blood, to offer up for himself, and for the errors of the people (Hebrews 9:7). Yes, and great were the privileges that belonged to the Jewish Church: to them (says Paul) pertained the adoption, and the glory, and the Covenants, and the giving of the Law, and the service of God, and the promises: who are the fathers, and of whom, as concerning the flesh, Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever, Amen (Romans 9:4, 5). But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and a more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not made of this building (Hebrews 9:11), rears up a spiritual structure, or house.

1. Whose foundation was the living stone, who has life in himself, Jesus the Christ (1 Corinthians 3:11). Seeing other foundation no man can lay, save that is laid, Jesus the Christ (1 Peter 2:4). For there is salvation in none other (Acts 4:12).

2. The spiritual materials are such as are born of water and of the Spirit (John 3:5).

Who are they which are born of the Spirit?

Such men and women as through a Gospel ministry are brought to believe, and manifest by their confession, that Jesus who was crucified, dead, and risen, is the Christ, is born of God (1 John 5:1). For no man can say (that is, confess) that Jesus is the Lord, but by the holy Spirit: and being born of water, they are manifested to be lively stones, that have received life from Jesus the Christ, the living stone (1 Peter 2:4), and fit spiritual materials, to be set into the spiritual house (1 Peter 2:5).

3. What is the form of this spiritual house?

Union: They which gladly received the word were baptized, and were added to the Church (and so were compacted into one spiritual house, whereof Jesus the Christ is Lord (Hebrews 3:6): but Christ as a Son over his own house, whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence, and the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end): and these continued steadfastly in the Apostles' doctrine, and fellowship, in breaking of bread, and prayers, &c. (Acts 2:41, 42).

The furniture of this spiritual house of the New Testament, whereof Jesus the Christ is the King, Priest, and Prophet, is a priesthood, sacrifice, and an altar; but all spiritual.

First, the priests, whether they be male or female, they are all one in Christ (Galatians 3:28). Yes, every member of this spiritual house are made kings and priests to God the Father (Revelation 1:6). Yes, and the whole Church united into a body, is a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that they should show forth the virtues of him that has called them out of darkness into his marvellous light: which in times past were not a people, but are now the people of God (1 Peter 2:9, 10).

Secondly, the sacrifices that these priests offer, are all spiritual.

1. The first is prayer, which the Spirit of Christ forms in the heart of a believer, whereby he lays open all his spiritual and temporal wants to God his Father, in the name and mediation of Jesus Christ, through whom he has received a promise to be heard, and to have his request granted (John 16:23, 24).

2. Secondly, praise is a spiritual sacrifice, offered up to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to his name (Hebrews 13:15), which is done by praising God in Psalms, and Hymns, and spiritual songs, which the Spirit of Christ forms in us, to sing, and make melody in our hearts to the Lord (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16).

What is a Psalm?

It is a rehearsal of those special mercies and particular experiences that the Lord has done for a believer, when his soul was brought into great adversity; and when the Lord delivered him, the Spirit of God in the days of his mirth brings into his mind, and causes him with heart and lips to bless the Lord in the Congregation, for his mercies received.

Thus Hannah, that was barren, the Lord made to keep house, and to be the joyful mother of a son, sings her song of praise (1 Samuel 2:[1]): My heart rejoices in the Lord, my horn is exalted in the Lord, my mouth is enlarged over my enemies; because I rejoice in your salvation.

Mary the mother of Jesus sings her Magnificat: My soul does magnify the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior (Luke 1:46, 47).

So when the Lord had made good to old Zacharias what he had foretold him concerning his son John (Luke 1:13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20), being filled with the Spirit, he breaks forth into his Eucharistia of praise (Luke 1:68): Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed his people.

Yes, and old aged Simeon sings his Nunc dimittis: Lord, let your servant depart in peace; for my eyes have seen your salvation.

Indeed, King David upon his harp warbles out the special mercies and favors, and deliverances God had done for his soul (Psalm 103): Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all within me bless his holy Name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits. Who forgives all your iniquities: who heals all your diseases. Who redeems your life from destruction: who crowns you with loving kindnesses, and tender mercies, &c. Indeed, the Psalmist exhorts the traveller, the sick man, and the mariner, to praise God for their special mercies received (Psalm 107).

Hence (holy Paul says) I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with understanding also. Else, when you shall bless with the spirit, how shall he which occupies the room of the unlearned say, Amen, at your giving of thanks (1 Corinthians 14:15, 16)? So that to sing, bless, and give thanks, in the language of holy Scripture, is all one.

Hence, as spiritual prayer is a sacrifice (Psalm 141:2) offered up to God our Father in the name of Christ, to comfort, solace, and cure a sad and grieved spirit; so spiritual praise is a sacrifice, tendered to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, through Christ (Hebrews 13:16), by a merry and rejoicing spirit, for the special mercies and blessings spiritual, and temporal, that the Lord has bountifully bestowed on him. According to that of the Apostle James, Is any afflicted among you, let him pray? Is any merry among you, let him sing (James 5:13)?

3. Thirdly, sacrifice is a broken and a contrite heart for his sins, and his daily failings he has committed against a crucified Jesus: when God pours upon his people the Spirit of grace and supplication (Zechariah 12:10). The more the Spirit of Christ opens the eyes of their spiritual understanding, to look up by faith upon a Jesus, who for their sins was pierced, the more will their hearts be pierced with godly sorrow for their sins, which brings repentance to salvation, never to be repented of (2 Corinthians 7:10, 11), and to loathe themselves in their own eyes, for all their spiritual and corporeal abominations (Ezekiel 36).

Hence believing David the King, that sorrowed after a godly manner, for all his iniquities, said, The sacrifices of God are a troubled spirit: A broken and contrite heart for sin, O God, you will not despise (Psalm 51:17).

4. Sacrifice is a free, ready, and cheerful contribution to the poor and needy members of Christ (Hebrews 13:16). To do good and distribute forget not, for with such a sacrifice God is well pleased (Philippians 4:18).

5. Sacrifice is an holy life, which the Spirit of Christ forms in us (Romans 12:1). I beseech you brethren upon the mercifulness of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, and acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. You are bought with a price; glorify God therefore in body and spirit, which are God's (1 Corinthians 6:20).

Thirdly, the altar, that sanctifies the person and the sacrifice, and makes them both acceptable to God, is Jesus the Christ. You also as lively stones (that have received life from Jesus the living stone) are built up a spiritual house, and holy priesthood to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God, through Jesus Christ (1 Peter 2:5).

To this spiritual house, or Church of the New Testament, gathered according to the royal commission of King Jesus (Matthew 28:18, 19, 20), as the churches in Judea, in Rome, Corinth, Galatia, Ephesus, &c. were constituted, the promises were made:

First, that God would be a Father to all those that did obey his voice, and come out from among the Jews, Heathens, and Gentiles, and separate from their false ways, and superstitious worship, and touch not the unclean thing, and he will receive you; and you shall be his sons and daughters, says the Lord, the Almighty (2 Corinthians 6:17, 18).

Secondly, for all the defects that these commit against his spiritual worship, they have this promise; the blood of Jesus Christ, his Son, cleanses them from all their sins (1 John 1:7; 1 John 2:1, 2).

Thirdly, so many as have been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus; (that is, into the profession of faith that the Apostles taught, to wit, that men should believe in a crucified, dead, and risen Jesus, whom God has exalted to be Lord and Christ) had the promise of receiving the gifts of the holy Spirit.

How prove you that to this faith and baptism, the gift of the holy Spirit was granted?

Repent, and be baptized every one of you, in the name of Jesus, for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gifts of the holy Spirit. For the promise (of giving the holy Spirit) is to you, and to your children, (as Joel the Prophet foretold;) I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and daughters shall prophesy; and your old men shall dream dreams; and your young men shall see visions, and also upon the servants, and upon the handmaids, in those days I will pour out my spirit (Joel 2:28, 29). And all that are a far off, even so many as the Lord our God shall call (verse 29), and to the twelve in Asia the promise was made good (Acts 19:5, 6, 7). And when this Spirit is come, he will guide you into all truth; for he shall not speak of himself: but whatever he shall hear, that shall he speak, and he will show them things to come (John 16:13). Yes, to be to the whole Church, as a river that shall make glad the city of God (Psalm 46:4), compared with John 7:37: If any man thirst, let him come to me and drink; verse 38: He that believes on me, as the Scripture has said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living waters. Verse 39: (But this he spoke of the Spirit, that they that believe on him shall receive: for the holy Spirit was not yet given, because that Jesus was not yet glorified.) But when Jesus was by the right hand of his Father exalted, he received of the Father the promise of the holy Spirit; he has shed forth this, which you now see and hear (Acts 2:33).

Fourthly, all things that are lost and accursed to mankind by the fall of the first Adam are restored and sanctified to the use of the believers, in and by the second Adam, Jesus the Christ. All things are yours: whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come, all are yours, and you are Christ's, and Christ is God's (1 Corinthians 3:21, 22, 23). Hence the unbelieving wife is sanctified to the use of the believer: and she being an unbeliever dwelling with the believing husband is sanctified, to bring forth a holy seed to the use of the believer: though the child be born in sin, and by nature the child of wrath, as the most profanest pagans are (Psalms 51:5, Ephesians 2:3), void of understanding, not able to distinguish between good and evil. Yet, Titus 1:15, to the pure, all things are pure. No, the meat and drink and the creature which God has created, are sanctified to his use (1 Timothy 4:3, 4, 5), for every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: for it is sanctified by the Word and Prayer.

What privilege has the unbelieving party, by dwelling and abiding with the believer?

Great is the privilege, if he, or she, will abide; for living under them, where the holy Spirit breathes, and his lips drop as the honeycomb; the sweet precious treasure of the gospel of grace. What do you know, oh you believing husband, whether God will not make you instrumental to save your wife, though an unbeliever? Or what do you know, oh you believing wife, whether God will not make you instrumental to save your husband (1 Corinthians 7:16)? And when he is converted, he will bless God for you (as David did for Abigail, in another case): blessed be the Lord for you, and blessed be your good counsel, for you have been an instrument to convert a soul from the error of his way, and save a soul from death, and hide a multitude of transgressions.

Is it not a greater privilege for an infant to be born of a believer, than to be born of a Jew, a Turk, or a heathen?

Yes; for the children born of believers are brought up in holy instruction, and education from their childhood (as young Timothy was taught in the Scriptures from his youth, by his mother Eunice), seeing it is the charge the holy Spirit has laid upon believing parents (Ephesians 6:4): Fathers provoke not your children to wrath; but bring them up in the nurture and fear of the Lord. Whereas if their parents were Jews, and Turks, and heathens, the parents being without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenant of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world (Ephesians 2:12), their children brought up with them follow after superstitious vanities, and serve dumb idols, as their teachers and fathers led them (1 Corinthians 12:1).

Fifthly, they are people who live under precious promises: and he has promised, that the eye of his providence shall be over them, all their days for good. He bids them not distract themselves with immoderate, carking care: for what they shall eat, or what they shall drink, or yet for their bodies, what they shall put on.

The reasons Christ gives are two.

First, your heavenly Father knows you have need of all these things.

Secondly, but seek you first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you (Matthew 6:33). Now the members of the Church of Christ, gathered according to Christ's institution (Matthew 28:18, 19, 20), are the children of the kingdom; and under the promise, that God, as a Father, will provide for them; therefore they are exhorted to be careful for nothing: but in every thing, by prayer, and supplications, with thanksgiving, let their request be made known to God (Philippians 4:6). Hence the Apostle exhorts the Church of the Hebrews: let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as you have: for he has said, I will never fail you, nor forsake you: so that we may boldly say, the Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do to me (Hebrews 13:5, 6).

Sixthly, they are under the promise of audience, whenever they come to petition in the name of his Son Jesus the Christ, for what they want, be they few or many (Matthew 18:19): I say to you, that if two of you (believers baptized) agree in earth, as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father in Heaven. Verse 20: For where two or three are gathered together in my Name, (that is, by his power, authority, and royal commission, he has promised his presence) there am I in the midst of them; to hear and return them an answer to their request; yes, and to protect and preserve his Church, gathered in every age, to the ends of the world. Thus at the prayer of the Church, that was reproached for holding forth the faith of Jesus, the gift of the holy Spirit was given, to speak the Word of God with boldness (Acts 4:31). At the earnest suit and intercession the Church made to God, Peter the Apostle was released out of his imprisonment, and brought to the house where they were praying (Acts 12).

Seventhly, lastly, there is no society that has such privileges, as this spiritual house, which is constituted according to the Magna Charta of the gospel (Matthew 28:18, 19, 20; Mark 16:15, 16), though while they are in the world, they are for the faith of Jesus the Christ killed all the day long either in their good names, by reproach and slander; or in their estates, by the mighty Nimrods of these oppressing days, they are exposed to plunder and spoiling, which they are to take patiently (Hebrews 10:32); or in their liberties to be imprisoned, for contending for the faith of Jesus the Christ (1 John 5:1), once given to the saints, or forbidden to preach any more in his name, as the Apostle Peter was (Acts 4:18); or to have their lives taken violently from them, as James the Apostle was by the tyrant Herod (Acts 12:2, 3), and accounted but as sheep for the slaughter, (regarded no more by the wolves in sheep's clothing, than the bloody butcher regards the life of his sheep;) yet the poorest member among them is rich in faith, and heir of the kingdom which God has promised to them that love him (James 2:5). Yes, and the whole body of believers, walking in that faith and order Christ has prescribed, with perseverance in the faith to the end, shall be more than conquerors, through him that loved them (Romans 8:36).

Yes, next to the Paradise of glory, there is no society like to this spiritual corporation of saints, where the Lord will dwell in the midst of them, and give them light: hence was the beloved Apostle's Utinam, Oh that you had fellowship with us (1 John 1:3).

Why was it such a privilege?

Truly, our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ: so that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and saints, make up but one society, or family, where God will dwell, to comfort and solace them: the good angels their guard, to protect and save them (as they did once the Prophet Elisha from the troop of the Aramites (2 Kings 6:17)), seeing they pitch their tents round about them that fear him (Psalms 34:7), and are sent forth to be ministering spirits, to minister to them that are heirs of salvation (Hebrews 1:14). And when they die, they resign their spirits to God that gave them, as the Proto-Martyr Stephen did, Lord Jesus receive my spirit (Acts 7:59), to remain in the mansion prepared for the spirits of just men departed. So that happy are the people that are in such a case; yes, blessed are those churches that have the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ for their God.

What is the Antichristian faith?

It is to deny that Jesus (whom they confess died to take away the sins of the world) is the Christ.

How prove you that?

1 John 2:22: Who is a liar (namely, born of the evil one, who is a liar, and the father of lies, and abode not in the truth (John 8:44)) but he that denies that Jesus is the Christ (namely, the eternal King, Prophet, Priest of his Church, bought with his own blood)? He is Antichrist (an enemy and an adversary to Jesus the Christ) that denies the Father and the Son. For he that denies the Son's authority, to be the eternal King and Prophet of the Church of the New Testament, to the end of the world, according to the royal commission he received from the Father of glory, when he raised him from the dead (Matthew 28:18, 19, 20, compared with Mark 16:15, 16), as well as his eternal Priest, that ever lives to make intercession to God for him (Hebrews 7:25), he denies the Father that sanctified the Son, and sent him into the world (John 10:36), and raised him from the dead, and exalted him to be Lord and Christ (Acts 2:36; Ephesians 1:20, 21, 22, 23).

What congregations deny that Jesus is the Christ?

Even all such as build their house upon the hay and stubble of man's inventions, and not upon the precious stone, Jesus the Christ, in whom only salvation is found (Acts 4:12).

Of which sort of builders are these:

The first sort are those that build their house upon the person of Peter, and so successively upon the Pope. These the Spirit of God discovers to be foolish builders, because there is no salvation in Peter, nor Pope: the Apostle Peter himself being the judge to decide the controversy (Acts 4:11). Peter speaking of Jesus the Christ, says, This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Ver. 12. Neither is there salvation in any other; for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

The second sort are those that build their house upon the office of Peter, and so successively on the officers: so that if the officers united into a body in council err, the whole church that receives their faith, from their edicts and decrees, err also. Now, that councils may err, and have erred, in things appertaining to God, appears in the 21. Article of the Church of England, by law established; as appears. Adoration of images was established in the second General Council of Nice. The Popish clergy were advanced above all earthly princes, by the Council of Lateran. And priests prohibited to marry, which is honourable among all men (Hebrews 13:4), by the said council. The late Trident Council erred in many things grossly; as in exalting the traditions of men to be of equal authority with the word of God; Trident. Sess. 4. Decret. Together with the invocation of creatures. Or any other council, that should decree, that grace comes by generation; or, believers should beget believers: or, Christians beget Christians: then the whole church that build their faith upon such corrupt councils may err also.

The third sort are all those that build their house upon another man's faith, and not basing or laying the foundation aright, on the gospel faith; to wit, to believe in a crucified, dead, and risen Jesus, whom God has exalted to be the Christ. If they err in the object of their faith, Jesus the Christ, though they own him to be Jesus their eternal Priest, to make intercession to God for them; yet if they deny him their eternal King and Prophet, in all his outward institutions, in admitting of members into his spiritual kingdom, they build but on a sandy foundation, and not on the sure rock Jesus the Christ.

These congregations, when the storm of God's indignation blows upon them, it will fail them, because they were so foolish as to build upon the sand (Matthew 7:26), and not upon the immoveable rock Jesus the Christ; seeing other foundations no man can lay, save that is laid, Jesus the Christ (1 Corinthians 3:11). Paul calls him, The corner stone (Ephesians 2:20). Peter, The living stone (1 Peter 2:4). Yes, The chief corner stone, elect and precious: he that believes on him shall not be confounded (1 Peter 2:6). To you that believe in Jesus the Christ, he is precious (1 Peter 2:7).

Now, the true spouse of Christ can have no communion with such as deny Jesus the Christ their only rock, in whom salvation only is found (Acts 4:12).

First, because she is a loyal spouse, that has no head, no husband, no Lord, no law-giver, in things appertaining to the conscience, but royal King Jesus: nor will admit any other pretended spouse to have fellowship with her, that is partly governed by the word of Christ, and partly with the chaff and straw of their own traditions, in God's spiritual worship, or in admitting of members into his spiritual house: knowing, that in so doing she should be found to be a monster, that has two heads; or else like to that proud harlot Rome, that has a divided heart, that goes a whoring after two husbands; Christ, and Antichrist.

Secondly, this loyal spouse her love toward her husband the Lord Jesus the Christ, is tender and compassionate love; she cannot endure to hear her husband should be spoiled of any of his royal dignities, either his kingly or prophetical, as well as priestly offices. She cannot with harlot Rome be content with a divided Christ; but with the true mother she must join only with them that will have a whole Christ, or no Christ. Christ her King, and his commission to be eternal (Matthew 28:18, 19, 20). Christ her Prophet, whose voice she must only hear; as the Father of glory has given her in charge to do (Matthew 17:5). Yes, and the extent how far, in all things, whatever he shall say (Acts 3:22). Knowing, the danger follows, her soul shall be cut off from his people (Acts 3:23), reckoned no sheep of his fold (John 10), no spouse of her royal husband (Ephesians 5:24), as well as her eternal Priest, to make intercession for her (Hebrews 7:25), because she knows, Christ divided, becomes no Christ to the divider: and this, according to the Vulgar Latin, is solvere Jesum, to dissolve Jesus, to receive him only in part, and not in the whole; which is the spirit of Antichrist, &c.

Lastly, the Christian Church, Christ's loyal spouse, knows that her royal husband is jealous of his glory, and will not endure his worship should be corrupted with the inventions of man; therefore she deserts the communion of all such as have forsaken Christ, the fountain of living waters, and dig to themselves cisterns, broken cisterns, that will hold no water. Hence it is as possible for light and darkness to agree in one subject, and the Temple of God, and idols: as the Church that has Christ for her head, and the Word to be the rule of her doctrine, and government. And those congregations that are governed, partly by the Word of Christ, and partly by their own traditions, should have communion together.

But have God's elect in Babylon any power of themselves to return out of the land of their spiritual captivity under Antichrist.

No: until God enlighten them, that are dark; and quicken them that are dead, and cause them to return, by being obedient to a Gospel ministry: as formerly he brought in our forefathers, which were Gentiles as well as we, and strangers from the commonwealth of Israel, and aliens from the covenant of Promise, having no hope, and without God in the world, by opening their blind eyes: and turning them from darkness to light; and from the power of Satan, to God; that they might receive the remission of their sins, and an inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith in Christ Jesus (Acts 26:18). Now as many as shall be obedient to the voice of the Lord, will be unequally yoked no more with unbelievers, but will become obedient to the voice of the holy Spirit, and come out from among them, and be separate; and touch no more any of the unclean thing; and then the Lord will make good his promise: to be a Father to you, and you shall be his sons and daughters. Having therefore these promises (dearly beloved) let us cleanse ourselves (even so many poor Japhets, as God shall persuade to dwell in the tents of Shem;) from all filthiness, both of the flesh, and of the spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of the Lord (2 Corinthians 6:14, 17, 18; chapter 7:1).

If all Churches come out of Babylon by degrees; then you condemn all Churches that are not of your judgement?

We condemn no Churches that are built upon the tried stone: the precious corner stone; the sure foundation (Isaiah 28:16), Jesus the Christ. Seeing other foundation can no man lay, save that is laid Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 3:11), whom Paul calls the corner stone (Ephesians 2:20), Peter, the living stone (1 Peter 2:4), yes, the chief corner stone, elect and precious (1 Peter 2:6). For there is salvation in none other (Acts 4:12).

And that holds the Gospel faith: namely, that they believe in a crucified, dead, and risen Jesus (through whom they obtain remission of sins) whom God has exalted to be Lord, and Christ, namely eternal King, Priest, and Prophet, and head of the body of his Church (Ephesians 1:22, 23), which must be preached among all nations; beginning at Jerusalem (Luke 24:46, 47, 48), and constituted according to the commission given to the Apostles (Matthew 28:19, 20), which is left as a rule for the gathering of all Churches, to the ends of the world; seeing the Word of Christ is eternal. The Word of the Lord endures for ever; and this is the Word, which by the Gospel is preached to you (1 Peter 1:25). Yes, and after their apostasy, under the spiritual Babylonish captivity, to reform any error crept into the Churches of the old and new Testament: it was their holy custom, to reduce all things to their first institution: Quod primum verum, that which was first is true, according to Tertullian's judgement. For instance, so did David in the miscarriage of the Ark of God (1 Chronicles 15:2, 12, 13). And it was zealous Josiah's rule (whom the Spirit of God so commends in Scripture, that none was like before him for his Reformation) (2 Chronicles 34:31). The like example took Nehemiah after his return from the Babylonish captivity (Nehemiah 10:29), to observe all the commandments of the Lord, and the statutes which Moses the servant of the Lord gave them to keep. So in reforming of the particular Churches of the New Testament, whereof Jesus the Christ is head, King, and Prophet (if ever they be rightly brought out of their spiritual Babylonish captivity under Antichrist) we must reform all the innovations, as the Lord Jesus himself reformed the long-spread error of bigamy and polygamy. Non fuit sic ab initio, from the beginning it was not so (Matthew 19:7, 8). Yes, and we must so follow Paul (as he followed Christ, 1 Corinthians 11:1) in reforming the abuses crept into the Church of Corinth, reducing all things to the first institution: with a what I received from the Lord, that I delivered to you (1 Corinthians 11:23).

We condemne none that are comming out of Babylon, that make enquiry after truth as the daughters of Jerusalem did of the Spouse (Canticles 5:9): "What is your beloved more then another beloved; oh you fairest among women? What is your beloved more then others beloveds, that you do so charge us?" And truth being revealed to them, joyne with us in the practise of truth, (as the Daughters of Jerusalem did with the Spouse (Canticles 6:1): "Whither is your beloved gone, oh you fairest among women? Whither is your beloved turned aside that we may seeke him with you?") The Spouse giveth them a gentle, and a loving direction (Canticles 6:2): "My beloved is gone into his garden, to gather Spices: to feed in the garden, and to gather Lillies."

But we onely condemne those that deny Jesus the Christ (though they owne him their eternall Priest, that ever liveth, to make intercession to God for them (Hebrews 7:25)), yet they deny him their King and Prophet in all his outward administrations, in admitting of members into his Spiritual Kingdom; stablished according to Christ's eternall Commission (Matthew 28:18, 19, 20), and are built upon wood, hay, and stubble (1 Corinthians 3:12). Now though these pretend to come out of Babylon, yet they persecute, scoffe, and deride all poore weake enquiring soules, for seeking after the pure wayes of that spiritual Worship, that Jesus the Christ has appointed, and established in all the Churches of the Saints, gathered according to the Primitive pattern (Acts 2:41, 42, 43), as the watchman did the Spouse (Canticles 5:7).

We condemne onely those that sinne through a wilfull contempt; because the evill of their halfe-way Reformation is discovered by them, whom God has raised up to declare his truth in an evill day. Now, when these sorts of men shall bee so farre from repenting of all the evill that they have done to the servants of the Lord Jesus, in this kind, that they still persevere in persecuting them for the truth they deliver, (as the Jewes did of old the Lord Jesus, and their own Prophets, as it is written (1 Thessalonians 2:14): "For you, brethren, became followers of the Churches of God, which in Judea are in Christ Jesus; for you have also suffered like things of your owne countrymen, even as they of the Jewes: Verse 15. Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their owne Prophets, and have persecuted us, and they please not God, and are contrary to all men; Verse 16. Forbidding us to preach to the Gentiles, that they may be saved, that they may fill up the measure of their owne iniquity, that the wrath of God may come upon them to the uttermost.") Upon these sorts of men, not we, but the Lord Jesus has set this dreadfull doome, "This is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men love darknesse rather then light, because their deeds are evill. For every one that does evill, hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, least his deeds should bee discovered" (John 3:19, 20).

Not we, but the good Spirit of our God condemneth all those that linger after false and Antichristian wayes: When Babylon's down-fall is pronounced (Revelation 14:8): "Babylon is fallen, it is fallen, that great City; because shee made all nations drunk with the wine of her fornications. Verse 9. After that followed a third Angel, that cryed with a loud voyce saying, if any man (be hee high or low, rich or poore, noble or ignoble, bond or free, male or female) worship the Beast (that Antichrist of Rome, that exalteth himselfe above all that is called God, or worshipped) or his Image, (that is, his Government, that receive their power and jurisdiction from, in, or under him) or his mark, (namely his Canons, Constitutions, Edicts, or Decrees) into their hands, (namely to fight, or write in the defence of them) or into their foreheads, (to plead or preach for them) mark their doome, The same not that doe it ignorantly through unbeliefe, that are mislead by their Teachers; but they which sinne against knowledge, obstinately to defend their Antichristian practices, shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation, and they shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy Angels, and in the presence of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the Beast and his image, and receive the mark of his name" (Revelation 14:10, 11). The good Lord of his great mercy grant to all those that belong to his election (that linger after false and Antichristian wayes and practices) repenting hearts, to forsake their sinnes, that none of that evill threatned fall upon them. Among which marks of the Beast, Is not the decree of Pope Innocentius the third? (Decret. Gregor. lib. 3. tit. 42. cap. 3.) as Doctor Willet in his Synopsis Papismi de baptismo infantium citeth: That whereas Circumcision (by the commandement of God) was conferred upon the infants as well as the elder sort; so Baptisme also, which succeedeth in the roome thereof, and is more generall to men and women, must be conferred to both. By which Decree, the Nations in name and title have been christianized, (though in the power they have denyed it) and have killed many a precious Saint, under the brand of Hereticks, for opposing it: whereby, the inhabitants of the earth have beene made drunk with the wine of her fornication (Revelation 17:2).

But the Spirit of God describeth the true Church, after Babylon's down-fall (Revelation 14:12): "Here is the patience of Saints: here are they which keep the commandements of God, and the faith of Jesus." And is it not a commandement of God, that all Churches should be gathered according to the Commission of King Jesus (Matthew 28:18, 19, 20; Mark 16:15, 16)?

We onely condemne those Churches (that persecute Christ in his members, from city to city, (as Saul did (Acts 26:9, 10)) for keeping the commandements of God, and the faith of Jesus (Matthew 16:16; 1 John 5:1)) as no true Churches of Christ; but rather Synagogues of Satan: for, no hurtful thing shall be in the holy mountaine (Isaiah 65:25): "The wolfe and the lamb shall fold together; and the lion shall eat straw like an oxe; and the dust shall the serpent eat: They shall not destroy in all my holy mountaine, says the Lord." As likewise (Isaiah 11:6, 7, 8, 9).

If the Churches that men now contend for (coming out of Babylon by degrees) should crucifie Christ in his members, for contending for the faith of Jesus the Christ, once given to the Saints (Matthew 6:16, 17, 18), yes, reproach, whip, crop, and persecute them, for holding the Commission of their royal Master Jesus the Christ (Matthew 28:18, 19, 20), that Antichrist by his Decretals, and Popish Councils, has defaced, (as of late the Arch-Prelate of England did some worthies, that stood for a Reformation according to the light God discovered to them) then they in such an estate were no true Churches of Christ; but congregations that are hardened, and speak evil of the way before the multitude, and are to be separated from (Acts 19:9).

But if they be meek, and gentle, peaceable, and willing to be instructed, inquiring after truth, it being discovered by the true Spouse (whom God has enlightened to direct them,) we contemne not those daughters; but rejoice in their fellowship, tender them as lambs of Christ, that have a longing desire to be added to that sheepfold, whereof Jesus is the true shepherd; though as yet ignorant of the way of truth in many things. But as for the neutral party, that are neither hot nor cold, but lukewarm, God will spue them out of his mouth (Revelation 3:15, 16).

Whether the Church of Christ is not now to be recovered out of an Antichristian estate, that denies that Jesus is the Christ (1 John 2:22), and crucifies Christ in his members; as the Church of the New Testament in the Apostolical times, was gathered out of the National Church of the Jews (that was of old once a true state until they crucified Jesus the Christ in his human nature; whom God raised from the dead, and exalted him to be Lord and Christ, Acts 2:36), if God shall by his Gospel-Ministry wound and prick their hearts for their sin of crucifying Christ in his members, that confess the faith of Jesus the Christ (1 John 5:1), (as he did once the Jews that crucified the Christ, their Messias, in his own person, Acts 2:37,) so that they trembling cry out, Men and brethren, what shall we do?

Must not the reply be that voice that the holy Spirit spoke by the mouth of Peter, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus for the remission of sins: and you shall receive the gift of the holy Spirit. For the promise is to you, and to your children, and to them that are far off, even so many as the Lord God shall call. And with many other words he said, (and must not we do so likewise? seeing whatever things were written afore-time, were written for our learning, Romans 15:4.) Save your selves from this toward generation. Seeing the same wrath is fallen on them (as was on the Jews, for killing the Lord Jesus and their own Prophets, 1 Thessalonians 2:14, 15, 16,) seeing they crucifie Christ in his members, that contend for the faith of Jesus the Christ (as Paul did, Acts 9). Now so many as shall gladly receive this word and be baptized, shall be saved from wrath; as Noah and his family were saved in the Ark, from perishing by water; seeing it is written, by the like figure Baptisme saveth (1 Peter 3:20, 21).

The reason is, first, because the time of our ignorance God has winked at; but now (seeing light is come and truth is revealed) the Lord Jesus commands us every where to repent, &c. (Acts 2:38). Else our condemnation will be heavy (John 3:19, 20). This is the condemnation, light is come, and men love darkness more than light, because their deeds are evil, &c.

Secondly, because we have with Paul and the Jailor, in the time of our ignorance, beaten and persecuted Jesus the Christ in his members, that contend for the faith (1 John 5:1), and we thought within ourselves we ought to do something contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth (as Paul did in the time of his ignorance, Acts 26:9). If God shall by his good Spirit convince us of the evils that we have done, so as that we trembling cry, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Must not the reply be, Repent? &c. (Acts 2:38). Else, shall they not be disobedient to the voice of the Spirit that speaks? seeing Paul and the Jailor arose and were baptized (Acts 9:18 & 16:33).

Thirdly, because there is no promises of salvation to be found in the Antichristian states, that deny Jesus the Christ (1 John 2:22). The reasons are,

First, because all the promises of God are made over to them only that believe in Jesus the Christ (2 Corinthians 1:20). He that believes in the Son of God has life, and he that believes not in the Son of God, has not life; but the wrath of God abides on him (John 3:36).

Secondly, till we did believe in Jesus Christ, we were (in respect of any visible calling) without Christ; being aliens from the Commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the Covenant of Promise; having no hope, and without God in the world. But once believers in Christ, you who were sometime far off, are made nigh by his blood, and through him have access by one Spirit to the Father. And are no more strangers and foreigners: but fellow-citizens with the Saints, and of God's household, &c. (Ephesians 2:12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22).

Thirdly, because they in denying the Son's authority to be the King and Prophet of his Church in all his outward administrations, in admitting members into his spiritual kingdom (Matthew 28:19, 20), though they own him their Priest, that ever lives to make reconciliation to God for them (Hebrews 7:25), they deny the Father, that sanctified the Son, and sent him into the world, and raised him from the dead, and exalted him to be the Lord and Christ (Acts 2:36; Ephesians 1:20, 21, 22).

Fourthly, because the Antichristian state denies the Son (1 John 2:22, 23), whom the Father of glory commands us to hear (Matthew 17:5). Yes, and the Apostle Peter citing the testimony of Moses, says, Truely Moses said to the Fathers, The Lord your God will raise up a Prophet from the midst of your brethren, like to me; him shall you hear in all things whatever he shall say: and the danger follows. It shall come to pass, that every soul which refuses to hear the voice of that Prophet, that soul shall be cut off from his people (Acts 3:22, 23).