1. PROPOSAL. That it is not possible that we, or any other Nation in the World, can be the CHURCH of CHRIST; But on the contrary, either Antichristianly, or Diabolically in state of Damnation.

FIrst, For the clearing of this dreadful Proposal, be it considered: First, That I understand by Church as all others do, that it is the company of those that are called in; and by Christ, out of the estate of Damnation, into the estate of Salvation; but withall, That this call is not onely given, but also received and yielded up into. So as the Church are those people that yield up themselves into that call of Christ, and no other, else all the World must be the Church of Christ; For as it is said in Scripture, The sound (namely, of the Gospel) is gone out into all Lands.

Secondly; Be it considered, That the Church of Christ is to be looked upon according to that distinction which Christ him­self makes of them, namely, as scattered sheep, and as folded [Page 2]sheep, or gathered into his Fold. The former are such persons in particular, as in all Ages have become the sheep of Christ by the Lamb like Birth, and so are given into the Call of Christ; So becoming, and living as Christ sheep, and members of his Church, but yet as scattered, and not brought into the way, and exercise of the Church of Christ, as he hath instituted in his Gospel: A Church thus stated, is never wholly wanting in the world to Christ; but yet not properly and completely to be called his Church, as being not embodied in order to the way and exercise instituted for his Churches walking in Com­munion. The latter are such persons as being so called, give forth themselves also to be imbodied in a Society unto the ex­ercise of the Church-way and Rule of Christ, so as to have their conversation in Heaven, (as the Scripture terms it) in mutual converse one with another, and towards all, in doing good, flowing forth in love and good works. This is properly called the Church, and their estate even here in Grace, is often called the Kingdom of Heaven.

Now thus the Church properly stated, must be further con­sidered, either as coming short of the glory of God and of Christ, or else as coming up into it sincerely. The former sort are those who rest and stay themselves both in Doctrine, Pra­ctice, and Discipline in a way short of the fruits thereof unto eternal life. The latter are those who by bringing forth much fruit, glorifie God, even the Father, and are truly the Disciples of Christ, Joh. 15.8. Of the former sort there may be many Parties and Professions of people in the world; and some com­ing nearer to the glory of God then others. But these not tru­ly to be accounted Christs sheep or members. Onely the last are his true Church of saved ones; and of them is this Proposal meant.

Thus having cleared the Proposal, I come to the proofe of it, wherein first let the case be considered from what all men professing Christ do acknowledge; namely, 1. That there was a true and pure Church in the time of the Apostles, and a good while after, so long as it abode in the Apostolical Rule & Way: 2. That there was to be a falling away from that Rule and Way of true Christianity, and that to be universally and dam­nably, [Page 3]as the Scriptures declare fully and clearly: 3. That this falling away into the estate of damnation, took beginning even in the Apostles times, as to some persons, which afterward be­came a general Apostasie from the Faith; under which Aposta­sie the Christian World (so called) was to abide 1260 yeares. 4. All Christians holding and believing all the former things, and the Protestant Divines holding the latter, do withall de­clare and maintain, that for about 1100. years before the Re­formation, the Christian World was generally in the Antichri­stian Apostasie; hence then it must needs follow, that there still remains after the Reformation began by Luther, about 160. years of Antichrists Reign, which must of necessity com­prehend all the time since, unto this day. Thus far the truth of the case is born out by all that profess belief in the Scrip­ture Prophesies, especially by all Protestant Divines and Chur­ches.

Secondly, Be it considered from what is further acknowled­ged, namely, That the true Christian, Apostolical, Primitive Church, was and is called the pure Church, for that it abode in the truth and sincerity of the Gospel; in its naked purenesse and spiritual clearnesse, living and walking in the new nature, &c. But in the after-times, and so to this day, the Church fra­med it self into an Artificial Garb and Structure, both in Do­ctrine, and in Worship, Ordinances and Discipline, wherein it boasts it self of its Liberty and Power so to add and change, as to become quite another to what it had been; alledging, That then it was in its Infancy, naked, bare, unpollish'd, stint [...]sh, &c. But now is become adult, of perfect maturity, beauteous, adorned, splen­did, and in far more complete accomplishments. Hence it must needs follow, That if the Church Primitive were truely Christs, and represented by the Woman clothed with the Sun, the naked­nesse and clarity of Truth, Rev. 12. Then the other must be that of Antichrist, and represented by the gorgeous Whore ar­rayed with earthly Pomp and Gallantry, Lyes and Vanity, Rev. 17. & 18. Which if as Babylon the Mother of Horlots, is signified the Romish Church, then all other Churches bred out of her (as all ours are) are no other then her Daughter-Har­lots. If it be objected, That all the Artifices, Additions, and [Page 4]Changes brought into the Church, are but Circumstantial, tending to order and decency, and so alter not the Nature and Essence of the Church. I answer, it is quite otherwise, those Artifices have ut­terly mixed Christianity, even as much as Adams fall ruined all mankind; the case is even the same, as may and will be ma­nifested in season, it being the utmost height of that despoyling of all, and destroying of all Religion, which is spoken of Jude 4. and in many other places of Scripture.

Thirdly, Be it considered what is yet further acknowledged, that the Scripture fore-speaking of the most accursed Estate of people in the last times, beyond all others before, as no times to have been under such horrid Apostasie and Cursednesse as those, and that all confess that these are those times; do also declare that this condition should be universal, and in that e­state mens hearts to be so shut up, blinded, and hardened, as no working upon them should win them out of it, being given o­ver to so strong delusion, to believe a lye to their utter damnation; such a delusion as to rest in a form of godliness, and utterly to deny and turn away its Po [...]er; such a besottednesse in a carnal self­pleasing Religion, as to lye drunk in it; and abundance of the like dreadful expressions, and fore-speakings of the state of the last times. And withall, that there should be no release and deliverance out of this woful estate, until the brightness of Christ dissolve and break those chains of darknesse, save onely from some palpable enormities towards the end of the Reign of Antichrist; which brightnesse of Christ having not yet appear­ed, needs it must be that Antichrist still abideth in life, power, and all his essentials, even where much of his outward parts have been consumed among the reformed. These things, and many more, discovered at large in Gallicinium, may well startle and affright us. For surely, were there such Churches, and so many precious people, yea and National Churches, as we dream of, these things could not be, nor ever have been uttered by the Word of truth.

Fourthly, Be it considered from the clear and unquestiona­ble evidence of the case it self, which all men must acknowledge, and cannot possibly clude when it be set before them. And herein,

1. Consider wherein consists the true nature and essential proprieties of the true Church, as it stood and abode in the A­postolical and Primitive times, was it not in the new Man, the Lord Jesus Christ in spirit and power formed in their hearts, according to his proper Nature and Office; which Nature is Love; and his Office is to bruise the Serpents head; that is, the Lusts, which are the Kingdom and Power of the Devil in man; and so to restore man unto that estate in the Image of God wherein he was first created, that so living and walking in love, the good works flowing from thene, to be the fruits un­to eternal life; so being in the life of God, and acting God's part and work in the world, to be ever wel-pleasing and accep­table to God, himself so becoming a Temple and Kingdom of God, and of Heaven. Is not this to be truly a Christian? and this course and conversation the way of the Church, and the conversation in heaven? And did not the Primitive Church thus live? thus walk? Was not herein their Church-Way, Church-Rule, and all that denominated them truly Christian? See at their fir [...]t conversion, Act. 2. & 4. how Christ and Chri­stianity manifested it self purely in their out-flowing, self-deny­ing Love; so in all their Life, Conversation, Exercise, & whole Demeanure among the Heathen. Was not the essential Cha­racter of their Religion and Grace, meerly Love, whence flow­ed all Virtue, Goodness, Holiness, &c? So as it became the all­sufficient Note and Character whereby to be known to be the Disciples of Christ, as himself declared, Joh. 13.34. But now bring we our Church, and all Churches now, and of long time called Christian, and see if any such character, note, and evi­dence can be found: So as indeed it is utterly unknown, shut up in a Mysterie, making good that of the Apostle, Eph. 3.19. The love of Christ passeth knowledge. Sure it is, and Gallicinium will make it evident, that both we, and all other Churches (so called) are far from the true Church of Christ, even the pure Church of old, as Hell is from Heaven.

2. Consider wherein consists the true Nature and Essential Proprieties of Antichrist and his Church, into which the Church (so called) did degenerate. Is it not quite opposite to all of Christ and his Church, and that also even in the place and pre­tence [Page 6]of Christ? So that as Christ's Office and Work in the way of his Religion and Ordinances, is to turn mens hearts out of their Lusts, which are the Kingdom of the Devil into the true Love, which is the Kingdom of God: So Antichrists work and office from the Devil, is to turn all that Grace of God into wantonness, to render all Christs Ordinances, and the whole frame of Religion a self-pleasing thing, suiting and sitting the car [...]al mind, which is enmity against God, advancing the World, Flesh, and Devil, in all the things of Christ and of Heaven, the healing the Beasts Head wounded by Christ unto the death, &c. So as wholly the work of Christ became frustrated, and men in the profession of Christianity, and backed and born out thereby, live no otherwise, but indeed rather worse then Hea­then, meer natural men, all in their own lusts and likings: Was not this the way of Antichrist's Church in former times? Whence arose all their Innovations, Traditions, Idolatries, Su­perstitions, and innumerable abuses in Religion, beside the a­bundance of Heresies, Schismes, Controversies, and also of Vice and ungodliness, not known among the Churches of Saints that were of old? Was not hence their Lordly, self-advan­cing, their affecting Honours, Power, Preferments, Riches, and all of the Worlds glory, and that under pretence of Right from Christ himself, (O shameless lying) who plainly declared his Kingdom not to be of this world, but denied himself in all things, and accordingly gave the same charge unto all his, &c. And now turn we our eyes on our selves, and on all other Churches, and see if possible any thing can be found in the way of all, but what is of the essential properties of Anti­christ; and never worse, or the like, to what is abundant in these our dayes; so horridly into Antichristianism is the car­nal Church degenerated.

3. Consider wherein consists the true nature of all those Separations, Purgings, and Reformations that have been made from time to time, both from Rome it self, and of earh party and profession one from another, all being under pretence and boasting of departing from Antichrist, each ever exclaiming on other as Antichristian; and thereby they back all their sepera­tions, divisions, schisms, and whatsoever else they have contri­ved [Page 7]in their own choice wayes. Consider (I say) if those things they separated themselves for, were Antichristian, as being of mens devising, Innovations, Idolatries, Superstitions, &c. yet what are they but as the flesh and outside of Antichrist, his carnal pussing up in fleshly Wisdom? And what is their depar­ture from them, but onely (in the Scripture phrase) the Con­sumption of his flesh and outward parts? But as for what is of his Life, Essence, Power, Vitals, and even all that is the Root and Mysterie of Iniquity, the carnal mind, that they never de­parted from, but stick fixedly still therein, in every profession, holding still the Grace of our God in wantonness, and carnal, self-pleasing, and self-seeking, never the more attaining to the knowledge of Christ and of his Grace, but living still in their own Lusts, making even Religion the very fewel to their lusts, the cherishing of Pride, Wantonness, Malice, Envy, Covetous­ness, and all unrighteousness, as is evident in every Sect and Profession, to the shame and confusion of the most specious professors.

4. Consider wherein consists that glorious pretence of all parties in their boasted of Reformations, as arrogating a con­formity to Christ, and to his pure Church of old. There is no Sect or Party but that makes this their pretence and aim, to state their way in the Primitive purity and perfection: And therefore the most of all parties set aside what are of later O­riginal then Apostolical; wherein although their way is good, if strictly so holden in, yet what have they done, but still in the Spirit of Antichrist, speak lyes in hypocrisie? Laying all of Do­ctrine, Worship, Ordinances, and Discipline, low and base, in a carnal and worldly way, wholly short of the glory of God; even as the Scribes, Pharisees, and Doctors of the Law did of old, whence Christ called all their Doctrine Hypocrisie. So that whereas there is nothing as from Christ, that reach in any thing short of the Kingdom of Heaven; there is scarce any thing to be found now in the Christian way, that reach half the way: Insomuch, as even the best and furthest that ever is gone, or so much as driven at in Religion, and every Ordinance, is but unto legal observance; Sanctification it self being the highest perfection of a Christian in this life; what is it but a [Page 8] conformity to the Law, as the doctrine among us state it? The Evangelical perfection is wholly unknown, and Christ is become lost in all our Christianity. In a word, look we to Doctrine, Discipline, and all the power of Godliness, What is it become? but a kind of civilizing of people; besides a little historical no­tion, and carnal confidence in Christ, which they call Faith. No nearer are we to the true Christian, Apostolical, primitive pattern, then those were to Christ, whom in high indignation he so oft branded with the term of Hypocrites.

5. Consider the convincing evidence hereof from the de­clared consciousness of people, that they are quite wide or short of the way of Christ, and of his Church. For knowing well the universal departure of themselves, and all in general from the heavenly conversation of the Church of old, that there is no such exercise, walking, and fruit of good works in the kingdom of God, as was ever among those Saints of Christ; ever their refuge, and conscience-cozening boasting, is, They have Christ within them and in their devotions, in their meet­ings, in their private exercises, in their withdrawing and sepa­rating from others, and the like. But what is all this, but what Christ sore-told should be, that men should say, Behold he is in the Desart; behold he is in the secret ohambers; doubtless at these and the like he striketh, whereto he adds, Go not after them; believe it not; for as the lightning, &c. intimating there­by, that it is impossible that he can be in such secret shut [...]ing up; he being the Light, and his Church in that Light is as a C [...]tie set on a hill, which cannot be hid. For can love be shut up in the heart, and secret chambers? especially that of Christ, and which is Christ; resembling the love of Parents, and of Lo­vers, not possible to be without abundant manifestation in fruits: In this Love is that glory of God into which we are called by Christ, if we be truly his; and the power thereof in our hearts, is Christ in spirit in us, even that Spirit which tea­cheth all things, enableth to all things, praying, preaching, go­verning, and all whatsoever is the Essence and Life of Christia­nity, which it is not possible for the world to have, so long as it is scoffed at, jeered, and hissed out of the World. And can we be the Church of-Christ then? Yes when he hath Churches [Page 9]in Hell. For where is our state and abiding but in Hell? Seeing we lye [...] in the Hell Dominion of our Lusts, under which we worry, toyle, serve, and are imbondag'd, as much as if Christ never had been. Surely Christs Church is called to a condition above, and beyond all, and not to walk as others in the will of the Flesh. These and abundance more are cleare and ful in Gallicinium, and if required, I shal by Gods assistance clear the case yet further; therefore at present I say no more.

I easily see that the Objection and cavil against this, and the slighting of all that I have said, and the evasion from all, wil be upon mens own devised distinction between the visible and invisible Church, whereby they cozen themselves and all others, into eternal perdition; but the taking away of that is easie to be observed from what is already said, which I leave to be paused upon. I desire to be briefe, onely this first Proposal being the main, and giving light into all the rest, I have been the larger upon it; I shal be briefer in the other. I conceive now the Pro­posal is made clear and good, onely this is to be added, That whereas I have shewed that all Churches (so called) are in the state of damnation Antichristianly; so all others are in the same accursed estate Diabolically. This is the difference; The World in the geneal lyeth and weltereth in the poyson of the old Serpent, Lusts and Sin, and consequently, under the curse in the Wrath of God; thus it is such diabolically. And the Chri­stian part thereof in special, is deluded and driven thereinto by the Spirit of Antichrist, in the pretence and profession of Christianity; carrying their Christ, Religion, Grace, and all in­to the Wil and Wisdom of the Flesh, after they have by their avowing themselves to Christ, declared their defiance against all, professing to be his faithful Soldiers in the Christian War­fare. And this is the most damnable and accursed condition of all other, as the Word of Truth declareth. Tremble then, and be astonished O accursed World, especially what is called Christian; and if ever it were the charge of Christians to work out their salvation with fear and trembling, now more then e­ver need we look about us, with astonishment, horror; and affrightment: For most assuredly all the World, and every per­son therein that ever were, and now are, both may and shal at­tain [Page 10]salvation, and not one be damned, as wel as we; yea and we the last of all, if such a thing a might be; unlesse from this wilful and headlong captivity under Antichrist, we break forth with violence into the Kingdome and glory of the Lord Jesus Christ.

2. PROPOSAL. That it is not possible that all the wit and wisdom of men in the way that they endeavour Reformation in, can make the Estate of the Church better, but rather still worse.

FOR the clearing of this, it is requisite that I shew what that wisdom is, which all endeavouring Reformation walk in the light of, and so doing not possibly able to compass it. The onely discovery of this is from the Oracles of God, where a­mongst many other instances for this purpose, I shall name but one for brevity sake, which is, Rom. 13.14. Put ye on the Lord Je­sus Christ, and make no Provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof. Where we may see a notable distinction between the true Wisdom of God, and the false, and onely seeming Wis­dom of men. It is clear that Christ is called the wisdom of God, and in that respect as he sayes elsewhere, that the true Wisdom is revealed unto Babes, who are thence called the Children of Wis­dom. And this Wisdom springs from the root of self-denial, and is unknown to the World; but so clear and open to the truly Regenerate, as thereby, and therein they are said to know all things, and need no other teachings. It were too long a business at present to open the fulness of this Mystery, so as to be seen and apprehended by this darkned World; It stands clear and ful in Gallicinium, whereto I refer it. Opposite hereunto is inferred in that fore cited place, that wisdom of men, as consisting in making provision for the flesh to fulsil the lusts thereof; and truly in the dark, shutting up in that Kingdom of the Devil, is the state of all the wisdom of men. Hence in the highest exalta­tion of men in their own wisdom, are they compared in Scrip­ture, to the Beasts that perish, void of all true understanding; per­ceiving and savouring onely the provision for their Lusts, as [Page 11]Beasts, and Devils; and most sure it is, that the highest Wisdom of man can ascend no higher then to what is earthly; and hel­lish, and is wholly confined within that sphear, as is at large de­clared in Gallicinium; and till that come forth, let the serious consider it well, and they will find it so.

Having given some light for the clearing of this, I come next to prove and make good this second Proposal, and that shall be from these undeniable Arguments. 1. From that which is the inward Root of all that blindness and error that is in the wisdom of man, whence Error is acknowledged to be of its es­sence and propriety in nature; hence it is said, Humanum est er­rare; as if to erre, and to be truly man in statu quo, were termi­ni convertibiles. This arises partly from the nature and estate of mans wisdom whereinto it is falne, in that man is faln into part Beast, part Devil. The wisdome in both is called properly in Scripture, Subtilty, as of the old Serpent, wherein the Devils far exceed both Beasts and Men; and yet are they said to be shut up in darkness, and holden under Chains of darkness, whereas the Heavenly Spirits abiding in the meek subject on to the will of God, are called Angels of Light: VVhat then is this wis­dom which man lives in, but darkness? Sure it is, they were not meer fools and idiots, as the world account such; but the wise of the world, of whom the Apostle said, Ye were sometime darkness. Again, partly this arises from the curse of God, and his damn­ing Sentence upon the wisdom of men, in that he hath shut up the true wisdom from the wise and prudent of the world; and decla­red all the wisdom of the wise to be foolishness. It being his just and dreadful sentence upon the hellish pride of man, in turn­ing from the meek subjection, unto his heavenly wisdom, into that of the flesh; prefouring the Hell-darkness into which the Devil hath brought man, beyond the Heavenly Light, and ac­cordingly like the Devils to be reserved and kept under those chains of darkness, unto the judgement of the great Day. When that light of true Wisdom shall appear, whereby the true Judgement of all things shall be manifested, which now are shut up in the mystery. Thus we see the proofe of this from its inward Root.

2. It is more evidently proved from the outward manifestation thereof in constant experience: 1. As to the general, the wisdom of man standing always in its whole bent to seek after happi­ness, and leaving no wayes untried, no stone unrolled to find, and obtain it; see the event and fruits of all, even nothing but to make themselves and the world more and more miserable. If thou beest wise, (sayes Solomon) thou shalt be wise for thy self; but see the cursed conviction of mans wisdom, in that setting the heart wholly unto self, it reacheth unto, and attaineth no­thing but trouble, turmoyle, vexation, sorrow, woes, crosses, and miseries, what not? Hence justly is the wisdom of the world called foolishness with God, and that God knoweth the thoughts of men that they are vain, yea vanity it self.

2. As to the special and particular Instance, the reformation of Religion, be it considered, that men are and have been suffici­ently conscious and convinced at all times since they departed from the wisdom of God in Christ, that Religion was ever out of its due course, and that something or other was amiss, and necessary to be amended; and withall, that from time to time they set themselves with their utmost endeavour in all study, labour and diligence, what might be to amend, reform, and set all right. And yet what hath been done? what hath been the issue of all their strenuous endeavours, both singly by them­selves, Fathers, Doctors, Grandees, &c. by all their Writing, Preaching, Disciplines, and also jointly in Councils, Synods, Consistories, and the like, but to turn all into more and more confusion, by stating their Decrees, Doctrines, Disciscipline, and all in such wise as exposed them to endless questions, Dis­putes, and Controversies? Yea, what did all tend to, but to the setting up of Antichrist and all his delusions, and working unto damnation, which as the Scripture foretold should come so they did, and all by mens acting in their own wisdom, despising the wisdom of God. Sure it is, that in Christ and his way there is that Light, which whosoever walketh in, cannot stumble, much less fall, as himself expresseth. And as clear it is, That all the Errors, Deceptions, and Evils whatsoever, that came into the Church, were from those that went out from them, that walk­ked in the Light and Wisdom of Christ, into their own, as the [Page 13]Scripture declareth. Most certain it is, that in love is all light, and there need no teaching, no fear of error or evil, as might abundantly be shewed; and in Lusts lye all Error and Wicked­nesse whatsoever. In a word, seeing all the ablest and wisest of men bending themselves to reformation, could never do it, or make any thing better since they fell to act in their own wis­dom, but on the contrary, rendred all stil worse and worse; therefore it cannot be hoped in the least, that ever it can be compassed in that, or the like way. Experience have proved this to be true every age to this present day; whereof most clear evidence is seen in these late yeares, wherein all parties took what Liberty they pleased; and see what striving and endeavors they used, how many wayes have been tryed, how many Reli­gions, Sects, and specious things have been stept into, and all prove no better then the former, but rather stil worse in the acknowledgement of all. And now at present see whereto the wisdom of men driveth, how they can see nothing good but what is provision for their Lusts and likings: A price is put into their hands to get Wisdom, but they have not an heart un­to it. Liberty and Encouragement is given to move accor­ding to Conscience; But see by the continual Addresses and Petitions daily coming from alll parts, that their Wis­dome is set upon no higher pitch, then with the Dogge to return again unto his Vomit, and like the foolish Israe­lites that cryed out for the Leeks and Onyons of Aegypt, when God gave them Bread from Heaven. Thus I con­ceive this PROPOSAL also stands cleare: If more be required, I have enough to say for the fuller convince­ing of all.

3. PROPOSAL. That yet there is a way, and that of old laid down by Christ, to render all Congregations, Parishes, and Societies of People, Churches of Christ, and all as formerly, Churches of Saints, in a blessed condition both here and hereafter.

TO make this to stand clear and good, I shall resolve the whole into these three branches. 1. That such was the estate and condition of the true Church of old, which is cal­led the Primitive and Apostolical. 2. That a clear, full, and all-sufficient way for it was laid down by Christ. 3. That it is an easie and ready thing to bring all Congregations, Pa­rishes and People into the same estate and condition again; and much more easie for us to compasse it now, then in those times of old.

1. For the former of these I have given some light into it already in the first Proposal, and it stands ful and cleare in the Gospel. All happinesse and blessednesse whatsoever that is high, heavenly, and alone the true blessedness consists in these three things, as being the perfect Image of God; 1. Clearnesse and fulnesss of Truth, to live in the light thereof, so as to know all things, and to be guided and walk in the truth infallibly, so as not possibly to be deceived and led into Error. This is truly Angelical, and the true life of God, and in God. 2. Inte­grity of righteousness and holiness, so as no place to be for sin and transgression. To live in perfect obedience to the Wil and Command of God in all things, and never to have so much as an heart and will to offend God or any thing, but to do all the honour and good that they may, both to God and man. And this is as Heavenly and Angelical perfection as the other. 3. Perfection of Blessedness, so to live and abide in full fruition of all joy and contentment, standing free and ful in an exemp­tion from all that is evil, and in the enjoyment of all that is good, fully satisfactorily, so as the heart to desire no more, but to abide ever in an aboundant overflowing. If in these be not the perfect blessedness, let all men judge.

Now most sure it is, that in a most sweet and abundant en­joyment of all these did the Church of old live, while it abode truly Christs Church, and degenerated not to be Antichristian. The former is cleare by many Warrants of Scripture. Surely Christ failed them not of his promise, to give them his spirit which should guide them into all Truth; which St. John testified that every true Christian and Member of the Church had; be­ing that Unction whereby they knew all things; and that so, as that they needed no other Teaching, but as that Annointing taught them. The second is as clear, in that all the true Members of Christ and his Church are said to be born again, and being so born, to be in that condition as never to sin [...] in possibility to sin. And the third is as clear from the Testimonies of the abundant joy, re­joicing, contentment, satisfaction, and flowing measure of all true heavenly good, wherein the Saints and Church of Christ continually lived and poured forth. These things are plenti­fully evident in the Word of the Gospel. See then if the first branch hereof be not fully made good.

2. For the second branch, namely, That a clear, full, and all­sussicient way for it, was laid down by Christ, is as evident also in the Gospel; where we find, 1. That this way is meerly and alone Love; that Love which the world knows not, as the Gospel af­firmeth, wherein is all the Light unto all Truth, so as to need no other Teaching. It is a vain Antichristian boasting out of pride and arrogance, which blindeth the heart, to advance the Learned and Learning, into the place and Office of guiding in case of Religion. Were this Love known, and the power of it set in the heart, it were Light and guidance enough into all things infallibly, as may easily be shewed convincingly unto the hardest heart. Again in Love is all Holiness, Righteousness, Goodness, and not possibly any sin. All sin is from the absence of this Love, as may clearly be evidenced; as in the Lusts is all the blinding of the heart, so also is all the sin and wickedness in man. And lastly, in Love is all happiness, for therein is all contentment, satisfaction, and joy; and no joy, comfort, and contentment comparable thereunto; as on th [...] contrary all sor­row, vexation, and wo is stated in Lust. 2. That this Love is [Page 16]the whole way of Christ. 1. It is the whole sum of his Doctrine, wherein is the fulfilling of the Law; no other Precept or Do­ctrine did Christ hold forth, but Love. 2. It was the course of all his Life, whereby hefulfilled and perfected the [...]aw, it being not possible to be truely kept, til he in that love did it; whence all his life was a going about doing good, as the Scripture wit­nesseth. 3. It is truly himself in spirit and power, whereinto the regenerate are born, and by which they perform such true obedience to the Law, as they neither sin, nor can sin. 3. That in this Love thus brought into the world, and into man's nature, all the truly converted received Christ and his Gospel, and therein also prea­ched Christ, and inwrought him into others, whereby they became Chur­ches of Saints. This was the work of the Ministry, and the work of the Church and Elders, and all the ruling and govern­ing which the Gospel speaks of, namely, to act in Love, and thereby beget many Sons and Daughters unto God, by streng­thening one another, enlightening the ignorant, supporting & cherishing the weak and needy, and reclaiming the obstinate and unruly, rendring all the Church pious to God loving, ust, and all good doing to others; loyal to their Princes and Rulers, & no such people ever as they living in the world; whence Christ said, that the least in this Gospel-Love, is greater then the greatest that lived in the most exactnesse of Legal Obedi­ence.

3. For the third Branch, namely, That it is an easie and rea­dy thing, to bring all Congregations, Parishes, and People, into the same Estate and Condition again, even to be Churches of Saints, yea and much more easie for us to compass it now, then in those times of old. How easily this is made good, be it considered, 1. That the same means thereunto still remains, with us; No one of Christs Ordinances and means of Grace is lost and perished; what Christ planted is stil in being in the Church, though planted a­gain by man in a false ground, all being plucked up out of Christ the love, and planted in Antichrist, in mans carnal lusts; but yet stil they remain; it is but to remove the Plants again, and all is done. 2. That there is the same way to effect all as formerly; For stil there remain such Societies, Congregations, and Pa­rishes [Page 17]of people meeting, and professing Christ, in the exercise of the Ordinances of Christ unto Salvation, as are in nearest resemblance to the Churches of old, that were called Churches of Saints. Herein is every where a Ministry and People easie to be ordered in the way of being Elders and Youngers, to accom­plish all the blessed effects to make pure Churthes of Saints. Would but Ministers themselves learn and know Christ, and accordingly preach him to others: And then the Elders, or bet­ter Proficients in Grace that have gotten truly into the know­ledge of Christ, do their part to inwork also Christ into others, and so back the work of the Ministry. Were but Christ so in the hearts of some in every Parish, as they could say, with St. Paul, The love of Christ constrein us; all the work unto Saint­ship must necessarily follow. 3. That there is the same power to effect all by spiritnal efficacy of Christ in, and with his own Ordi­nance, as well as ever was of old, is clear both by Scripture, where we have Christs promise to be with his unto the end of the World, and also by our own acknowledgement, all of us resting upon that Power of Christ to carry us unto Salvation through the use of the means; and therefore (questionless) it is as efficaci­ous for all other spiritual and heavenly purposes and effects to­wards others. Lastly, that it is more easie for us now to compass it, then it was of old, is clear, for that we are backed into all things by a Christian Magistracy and Authority, which then was wanting, yea might and main opposing. Clearly is seen a­bundance of advantage unto us, more then was unto them, on­ly that may be said of us which is in the Proverbs, Wherefore is there a price put into the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing he hath not an heart unto it.

Too true it is, Christ is wholly unknown, It may be said both of Princes and people what was said of Elies sons, They are sont of Belial, they know not the Lord, nor his Son Jesus Christ: But be sure the time is at hand, when if not we, yet a wiser gene­ration shall have an heart to get wisdom by the price put into their hand. Christ shall rule all Nations with a Rod of Iron; namely, in and by the power of the true Heavenly, self-denying Love, the Fountain of all goodness in the hearts of all, even as now the [Page 18]Devil and Antichrist do in, and by the all-commanding power of the Hell-reigning Lusts in the hearts of every one unto all exorbitances and excess in sinfulness and wo. All these things are abundantly set forth and cleared in Gallicinium, and much more also. The Lord prosper both this and that also, to his own heavenly glory.

4. PROPOSAL. That to bring this about, and settle it in the world, there must be an utter plucking up of all that is now in esteem and de­sire in the world, and of all that have such in the world, for many hundreds of years, and all things to become new.

FOR the clearing of this, because it may seem to contra­dict what was even now said, namely, That the Church-Ordinances and means of Grace are stil remaining among us, and therefore if all must be plucked up, then also what Christ hath planted; be it considered, 1. That though Christs Plants be remaining still, yet there are more also added thereto; some surrepti­tiously crept in by the devises of private spirits in all the Sects and Heresies that have been broached, and so received by ma­ny for truths. Others there are that are professedly maintain­ed by a pretended Authority of the Church, which is meerly a proud and arrogant pretence and presumption. The Church of Christ hear his voice alone, and no other. It is no other but the self exalting Whore upon the Beast, that claims a Right and Power to change or introduce any thing of the way of Christ, yea though under pretence of indifferencies, as that Whore hold them forth. These all are to be plucked up, for that Christ hath not planted them, as I have expressed before in my Address unto the Parliament.

2. That though Christs Plants be still remaining, yet they have been all transplanted, and set in a fa [...]se ground. Most sure it is, and a most dreadful thing it is to consider, that there is not one point or subject in all Divinity, not one Ordinance of Christ, not one Grace or Duty, not any thing in all Christianity, but [Page 19]hath been plucked up from the root and ground of all, the Lord Jesus Christ, and transplanted all into Antichrist in the King­dom of the Devil, the Lusts and abominations of Hell. The Scripture declares the Church of Christ to be built upon the Pro­phets and Apostles, Jesus Christ himself being the chief Corner stone; but that Building is removed to a far different Foundation, up­on Philosophers, and the Wisdom of man, so as the true Foun­dation is utterly lost, and Jesus Christ as the Corner-stone is more re [...]ected of our Builders, then ever it was by the Jewish Builders; so as what that Corner-stone is is as utterly unknown to the Prelates and Grandees of the Christian Church, as it is to the very Heathens & Infidels, yea and far more. Gallicinium renders this ful & clear in every head and subject of Divinity, contained in all Didactical Theology; making it evident how g [...]opingly, e­ven in the darkness of Hell, all the Heads and Cuides of the Church that would be themselves the Corner-stones and Guiders of others, have constantly walked, ever since the Church play­ed the Whore, and became Antichristian, even for above 1200. years, verifying that of Christ, If the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch; giving up themselves and all that fol­low them, into that delusion which St. Paul speaks of, to believe a lye that they might be damned.

To exemplifie this but in one thing of many thousands more, lest I be thought to say more then can be proved; Be it observed how Antichristianly the most main and heavenly Doctrine of Regeneration is stated by our learned Grandees; For whereas the Scripture states it in such a perfection in Christ, as in a condition above sin; so that he that is so born, sins not, neither can sin; they state it onely in a condition, not to be committers of sin; & there give such a meaning to committing of sin, as is much like the sense that they give of the sin against the Holy Ghost, even such as few in the world come under the guilt of; and so most damnably de­lude people to their utter perdition, while they secure them upon a conceited Regeneration by their Infant-Baptism, or per­haps some restraint of enormious open, gross crimes, and so run headlong into Hell in the driving of their Lusts, wherein is the whole power of the Devil unto eternal damnation. Thus [Page 20]stating Regeneration in Antichrist, it become no better then damnable delusion; whereas stated by, and in Christ, it is the very power and arm of God unto salvation, the very building on Christ, the Corner-stone, whereby to become Temples of God eternally in heaven. These things are Mysteries to the self-wise World, shut out from their eyes, and so are all the saving things of Christ. See we how hypocritical­ly base the self wise Prelacy have stated that high power and priviledge given by Christ to his Church, above all that Autho­rity and powers in the World, even to bind their Kings in Chains, and their Nobles with Links of Iron; which being heavenly and spi­ritual, and so of efficacy beyond all fleshly power, they plucking it out as it was rooted in Christ, & planting it in Antichrist, in an Antichristian Carnal, Earthly Spirit, that can perceive & savour nothing of what is heavenly; have sixed and rooted it in an af­fectation of Earthly Dominion and Greatness, with such a be­sotted baseness, as rather then fail, seeing they can reach to no higher eminence in worldly state (the worlds Princes not en­during more to be allowed them) lay hold even of the Fag-end, the very Tayle of the civil Power, skipping up, and on the hang­ing on the Rump of the Beast, rather then on no part above at all, and so they may reign some way in earthly power, dote upon such base preheminences, as were they the least in their right wits, they would utterly abhor; and all this by transplan­ting the Church-power out of Christ, into Antichrist. The like is a­bout matters of Divine Worship, to state them in Forms, Liturgies, Ceremonies, and Gallantry, & specious things in the eyes of the Carnal, which did they know the least of Christ and his Spirit, they would extremely abominate. But I need not insist on these things here, they are at ful displayed in Gallicinium; and the World, though back'd with all the Power of Hel, shal never be able to gain-say them. Thus already some discovery is made how of necessity these plantings in Antichrist must be plucked up, ere there can be planting again in Christ; God and Belial, Christ and Antichrist cannot stand together.

And whereas I said, All things must become new; it is not as if a new Light were pretended unto, or new things to be brought [Page 21]in, but even as in Christ formerly all things were said to be made new, that is, restored a new unto the primaeval integrity, as God first made man: So likewise in this case all the devices and delusions of Antichrist, now becoming old and rotten, to be a­bolished, and the truths, and this way of Christ, renewed and restored.

Be it known therefore, that as this must be, so it shal be, and God is about this great work, to overturn, overturn, overturn, the Diadem is reserved for him to whom it belongeth, even the Lord Christ, who must reign in his time, and all Worlds whatsoever cannot hinder him when that season comes. Behold the stone cut out of the Mountains without hands, which is to smite Ba­bylons Image, and overthrow all the Hel-Dominion on the Earth, is now in the cutting out, and ere long the blow wil be given. All the structures and devices of the wisdome of man shal have their fall, & return to their first nothing. The Earth­quake hath long been, wherein the 7000. Names of men (that is the inventions, devices, and structures of men in Religion, whereby they have manifested themselves, and made known the foolishness of their wisdom) are to be slain, and then the remnant afffrighted shall give glory to the God of Heaven: and so the Kingdoms of this World shall become the Kingdoms of the Lord, and of his Christ, and he shall reign for ever and ever. God hath so determined the times and seasons unto all; say, and do all the wits and pow­ers of the world what they can: There is but an hour for the power of darkness to prevail, and then comes the power of the Light eternally, to rule all Nations with a Rod of Iron: And thus having spoken nothing but the words of Christ, and of his hea­venly spirit, I may further apply thereto that saying of Christ, The words which I have said unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.