The Mystery and Marrow of the Bible

APHORISM I.

THese Terms, Bounds or Limits of time for the New Covenant are hinted both by the Prophet Jeremiah and the Apostle Paul, Reporting the New Covenant, viz. ( ¹ ) The Terminus à Quo, or Term of time, whence it takes its beginning, in these words, Behold the days come saith the LORD, that I will make a NEW-COVENANT, &c. What Daies were here intended? Peculiarly the days of Christ's manifestation in the flesh, when he should dedicate and stablish his New Covenant or Testament in his own blood. Which in fullness of time Christ hath performed. ( ² ) The Terminus ad quem, or Term of time unto which it will be continued, and when it will end: is intimated in those words; ( ^o ) That I will make a New Covenant with —That is, A Covenant that shall still continue New, and never wax old or wear away, as the former did, Heb. 8. 13. And such a Covenant, always remaining new, must needs be continued till the worlds End. As also in those words; — And their Sins and their Iniquities will I remember no more, That is, Though in the Sacrifices of the Old Covenant there was a remembrance again made of Sins every year, those Sacrifices being unable to take away Sin, Heb. 10. 3, 4. Yet by the New Covenants one Sacrifice for Sins forever, even by the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all, Christ shall perfect forever them that are sanctified.—That there shall need no more, expiatory offering for sin, Heb. 10. 10. to 19. So then, This New Covenant bringing in everlasting remission of sins, by the everlasting efficacy and virtue of Christ's one Sacrifice of himself once for all; this New Covenant must needs, for the Substance of it, continue forever; and for the administration of it, endure till the end of the world, without any other succeeding Covenant to antiquate the same.

Let me now a little Explain, and then Confirm this Aphorism.

I. For Explanation hereof, Consider; 1. That, when I fetch the Date or Beginning of the New-Covenant from the Death of Christ, I understand the Death of Jesus Christ, (in the same latitude as I have formerly expressed in defining the Terms and Bounds of the Old Testament, ) As comprizing also his Resurrection, Ascension, Session at the Right hand of God, and his Pouring forth his Spirit on the Feast of Pentecost: All which were within a few days after Christ's Death. So that, at, or near upon Christ's Death, this New-Covenant Commenced and began to be of force: as I have formerly said. 2. That, The beginning of this New-Covenant, or the Terminus à quo, The Term of Time from which this New-Covenant became Authentic and of force, was (as I have formerly noted) either, ( ¹ ) More Incompleat: Partly, From the beginning of John Baptists Ministry, who by his Doctrine and Baptism made way for Christ and his New Testament-Kingdom, as a middle Prophet betwixt those of the Old and of the New Covenant. Partly, From the beginning of Christ's own Ministry, and of his Disciples, who by Doctrine, Miracles, and Baptism (the initiating Token of the New-Covenant ) began to lay a foundation for the New-Covenant -Administration. ( ² ) Or More Compleat; viz. From the Death of Jesus Christ, and from his Actions near thereunto: As in the fore-cited place I have already proved. Or thus more Briefly; The Term of the New-Covenants Beginning, compriseth in it three things, viz. ( ¹ ) The Preparation to it: which was by the Ministry of John the Baptist, of Jesus Christ and of his Disciples. ( ² ) The Dedication or Sanction of it: which was properly by the Death and blood of Jesus Christ, the great New-Covenants-Sacrifice. (3) The Solemn Publication of it, which was on the Solemn Feast-day of Pentecost (fifty days after Christ our Passover was Sacrificed, as the old Covenant was given at Sinai fifty days after the Typical Passover was offered) when the Holy Ghost fell upon the Apostles in shape of fiery cloven tongues, enabling them in all Languages to preach the Doctrine and Mysteries of the New-Covenant to Jews devout men then assembled at Jerusalem out of every Nation under Heaven. Then this New-Covenant (which was to take in all Nations) was solemnly Published unto a very great Assembly gathered together out of all Nations. 3. That, the Terminus ad quem, The Term of time until which this New-Covenant shall continue and remain in force, is the End of this world, and Christ's coming to the General Judgment.

II. For Confirmation of this, These two Terms of the New-Covenants Continuance; viz. ^1. The Term From which it takes its beginning: ^2. The Term to which it shall be still carried on; are to be proved.

I. The Term of Time from which. The New-Covenant Properly took its beginning from the Death of our blessed Lord and Savior JESUS CHRIST, and near thereunto. For,

1. The New-Covenant Administration began, when the Old Covenant Administration ended, and was Abrogated▪ For, the New-Covenant immediately succeeds the Old, and vacates the Old. But the Old Covenant Administration ended and was abrogated at and near upon the Death of Jesus Christ: For, 1. Then, Christ said, It is finished, viz. The Redemption of God's Elect by Christ's Death is finished; and the Old Covenant-Dispensation is finished; All the Typical Sacrifices thereof being fulfilled, vacated and disanulled by the Anti-type of them all the true Sacrifice of Jesus Christ himself offered once for all. There being no more use of shadows, when Christ crucified the Body and Substance of all those Adumbrations was come. 2. Then, The veil of the Temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom. Importing: Partly, The Abrogation of all the Levitical Administrations of the Old Covenant. Holy things should now no longer be under a veil, but be openly manifested to all people by the Un-veiled New-Covenant -Expressure. Partly, Christ's removing the veil of ignorance and infidelity from the hearts of Jews and all others that should believe in him. Partly, Christ's entering by his Death, and opening a way also for us by the veil of his flesh, Rent, into the true Holiest of Holies, Heaven itself. 3. Then, Christ abrogated the Passover, the Token of the Old Covenant, Instituting instead thereof the Lord's Supper, as a Token of the New-Covenant, as the New Testament in his blood. 4. Then, God would no longer have Sacrifice and Offering, in Burnt-Offerings and Sacrifices for sin he could take no pleasure: But in the Body of Christ prepared. He takes away the First ( viz. The Sacrifices of the Old Covenant,) that he may establish the Second, (that is, Christ's Sacrifice of himself, the only propitiatory Sacrifice of the New-Covenant. ) By the which will we are Sanctified, through the offering of the Body of Jesus Christ once for all.

2. The New Covenant most properly then began, when it had its Dedication and Solemn Sanction by Blood and Sacrifice: For both Old and New-Covenant are established by blood and Sacrifice; The Old by Typical Blood and Sacrifices of slain beasts, The New, by the better Blood and Sacrifice of Christ himself. But the New-Covenant had its Solemn Sanction and Establishment only at Christ's Death by the effusion of his blood (called the blood of the New-Covenant ) and by the Sacrifice of himself, Heb. 10. 18, &c.

3. The New-Covenant is Testamentary; Its so a Covenant, that it is also a Testament: Christ's Last Will and New Testament, as after will appear: Christ himself being Testator. Therefore as a man's Last Will and Testament is of no force while the Testator liveth, but begins to be of force as soon as he is dead, so that there can be no Addition to it, Detraction from it, nor Alteration of it: So Christ's Last Will, the New Testament began to be of force as soon as Christ the Testator was dead: His Death hath irrevocably and unalterably established it forever, till the End of the world.

4. Lastly, Jesus Christ Immediately upon his Death, gave Commission to his Apostles to Preach the Gospel of the New-Covenant, and to Administer the Tokens thereof, Baptism and the Lord's Supper to all Nations; Instructed them and gave Commandments to them concerning the Kingdom of God; gave gifts to men, even all sorts of his New-Covenant Officers; and Poured forth the promised Spirit upon his Ministers and Members in most Eminent and Extraordinary Manner: All which being peculiar to the New-Covenant, demonstrate clearly the Commencing and Date of the New-Covenant to be from the Death of Jesus Christ.

This is the Terminus à quo, The Term of time from which the New-Covenant takes its beginning, viz. Most properly from the Death of Jesus Christ.

II. The Term of Time to which. The New-Covenant shall remain and continue of force and full efficacy without Revocation or Repeal till the End of the world. This is the Terminus ad Quem, The Term of time to which this New-Covenant shall be continued. For,

1. The Denominations of this Covenant intimate the Perpetuity of its Nature. The Lord is wont to signify the Natures of Spiritual Mysteries in their very Names. Now this Covenant is styled, 1. The New-Covenant, and New Testament. Why? For this Reason especially among others: Because it is still to continue NEW, and never to wax old or wear away so long as this world shall continue. Nor doth the Holy Scripture anywhere Reveal another Covenant or Testament which shall succeed this New-Covenant to antiquate the same. 2. The Everlasting Covenant or Testament. — Now the God of peace that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the Everlasting Covenant, &c. The Substance of this Covenant shall be, a part-post, Absolutely Everlasting, and shall continue forever in heaven in the world to come: And the Administration of it shall be Respectively Everlasting, and shall endure so long on Earth as this present world shall continue.

2. The Mediator or Surety of this New-Covenant Jesus Christ, is not Mortal or Mutable as was Moses the Typical Mediator of the Old Covenant; but he is everlasting and everliving in his Mediation, or Mediatory office. — Thou art a Priest forever after the order of Melchizedek. — But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable Priesthood.—Her ever liveth to make Intercession for us.—But the word of the Oath, which was since the Law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore. In like sort his Mediatory King-ship is everlasting. — He shall be called the Son of the Highest, and the Lord God shall give unto him the Throne of his father David. And he shall reign over the House of Jacob forever; and of his Kingdom there shall be no end. His Mediatory Kingdom as to the Essence and Substance of it shall be endless and absolutely everlasting: but as to the Manner of Administration thereof by his New-Covenant Ordinances, The word Preached, Sacraments and Censures dispensed, by his effusion of his Spirit, &c. so he shall only reign till he hath put death and all his enemies under his feet, till the end of the world; And then he shall deliver up this his Dispensatory Kingdom to the Father, And there shall be an end thereof at the end of the world as to the present Manner of Administration. Now if Jesus Christ the Mediator of this New-Covenant be Immortal, Immutable and everlasting, and his Mediation according to the present manner of new-Covenant Administrations, shall continue till the end of the world: Consequently this New-Covenant must needs continue forever till the end of the world.

3. The Doctrine and Sacramental Tokens of the New-Covenant are still to be dispensed to all Nations till Christ come, till the End of the world: And whilst the New-Covenant -Doctrine shall be Preached, the New-Covenant Tokens Administred; so long the New-Covenant itself must needs be of force and continue.

4. The New-Covenant-Ministry; Extraordinary, as Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists; and Ordinary, as Pastors and Teachers were given of Christ to his Church, for the perfecting of the Saints, for the work of the Ministry, for the edifying of the Body of Christ: till we all come in the unity of the Faith, and of the Knowledge of the Son of God, unto a Perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. This building up of Christ's Mystical body, Perfecting of Saints, and bringing all the Elect to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, was inchoate by the Extraordinary Ministry, shall be consummate by the Ordinary: but it shall not be fully completed till the worlds End, till when all the Elect shall not be fully called and brought in to Christ. Consequently the New-Covenant -Administration shall last so long, even till the end of the world.

5. Finally, Jesus Christ hath promised to be with his New-Covenant-Ministry ( viz. by his special Presence, Grace, Assistance, Blessing, Protection, &c. always (Gr. all days ) even unto the end of the world, Amen. And therefore, as there must be a constant Succession of his New-Covenant -Ministry, and a constant Administration of the New-Covenant -Ordinances by that Ministry, and a continued Presence of Jesus Christ himself with this his Ministry: So there shall be a like continuance of this New-Covenant itself, till the end of the world.

Inferences. Doth the New-Covenant take place from the Death of Jesus Christ, and remain of force till the end of the world? Then,

I. Hence, The Inchoation, Duration, and Determnation of the New-Covenant, was, is and shall be, of all other most excellent and illustrious.

1. The Inchoation of the New-Covenant was most excellent and illustrious above the Rise and Beginning of all former Covenants. This is evident by the three degrees of its Inchoation: viz. 1. By the Preparation for it, by the Ministry of John the Baptist, and of Jesus Christ himself: Both of them Preaching the Doctrine of the New-Covenant and kingdom of God approaching; and both of them Administring by themselves or their Disciples, the first Federal Token of the New-Cevenant, Baptism with water. And these Preparations were transacted for about the space of three years and an half, till the Death of Christ. Now how great were these two! and How eminent their Preparations for this New-Covenant! John the Baptist was, by Christ's own Testimony, More then a Prophet, and among them that are born of women there arose not a greater then John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater then he. That is, John the Baptist was greater then all the Prophets of the Old Covenant, because he came as a Minister and Messenger to prepare Christ's way before him, pointing out the Messiah the Lamb of God with his finger, and as an Harbinger and Herald of the New-Covenant, So that he is ranked as in a sort betwixt the Old and New-Covenant in his Ministration: But the least Minister of the New-Covenant is greater then John the Baptist. JESUS CHRIST also was the Great Prophet of Prophets, the fountain of all Prophecy under old and New Testament: in comparison of whom all other Prophets were but as Shadows and Ciphers. John 's Administration was lively and powerful, Mat. 3. 1, &c. But CHRIST 's was with Divine Authority and Majesty, to his hearers astonishment, insomuch that his very adversaries that went to apprehend him, Confessed; Never man spake like this man. The Preparations therefore for this New-Covenant by such a Ministry of two such Persons as John the Baptist and Jesus Christ, and that for so long time excels all Preparations for all former Covenant Dispensations. Only the Sinai-Covenant, of all that went before, had a Preparation preceding: But that Preparation was managed only by Moses, and that only for about three days space. That three days Preparation of the people by Moses shown the great Glory of the Old Covenants Dispensation: But this three years Preparation of the People by John the Baptist, and Jesus Christ, evidenced the far greater and more excelling glory of the New-Covenants Administration. 2. By the Sanction, Dedication or Establishment of it, in and by the blood and Death of JESUS CHRIST himself, God-man in one Person, whereupon his Blood is accounted the Blood of God. Divers of the Covenants of Promise fore-going, but chiefly the Old Covenant at Sinai, were established by blood and sacrifices of slain Beasts: But alas how mean and despicable that Blood, those Sacrifices! At best, they were but Types, and Shadows of good things to come in Jesus Christ. But this New Covenant was established by the most precious blood of the most perfect Sacrifice Jesus Christ himself crucified. Never Blood like this Blood: Never Sacrifice like this Sacrifice: Never Covenant-Sanction like this New-Covenant Sanction. 3. By the Solemn Publication of it, by the Apostles Preaching it to people assembled at Jerusalem out of all nations under Heaven on the Solemn Feast of Pentecoste, after the Holy Ghost had been miraculously and abundantly poured forth upon the Apostles. The Sinai-Covenant, or Old Covenant had an Eminent Publication; But this of the New-Covenant did far transcend. For, ( ¹ ) That Publication was in the wilderness; This in Canaan, in Jerusalem itself. ( ² ) That was fifty days after the Typical Passover: This fifty days after the Sacrificing of Jesus Christ the true Passover (3) That was only to one Nation of the Jews newly come out of Egypt: This was to devout men out of all Nations under Heaven, So that it was in a sort published to all Nations of the world at once. ( ⁴ ) That was with Terror: This with Familiar Sweetness. ( ⁵ ) That affrighted the hearts of the hearers even unto aversion and flight from God: This pricked the hearts of the Hearers unto Conversion to God, so that on that day 3000 Souls were added to the Church, Acts 2. 37, 41. Thus the Inchoation of this New-Covenant was most illustrious.

2. The Duration of the New-Covenant is also most excellent and illustrious, surpassing every other Covenant-Expressure. All other Covenant-Administrations have waxen old and worn away: Only this Covenant-Administration remains still fresh and New, and shall not vanish away till the worlds End. This New-Covenant succeeds and supercedes them all: But no other shall succeed or supercede this New-Covenant. Yea, The New-Covenant hath already obtained a longer continuance then any former Covenant-Administration. For, 1. God's Covenant-Administration from Adam till Noah, which was longest of them all, lasted but about 1536 years. 2. From Noah till Abram, about 542 years. 3. From Abram, till the Old Covenant at Mount Sinai, precisely 430 years, Gen. 3. 16, 17. 4. From the Old Covenant at Mount Sinai, till the Death of Jesus Christ, when the New-Covenant Commenced, about 1444 years. 5. But from the Date of the New-Covenant at the Death of CHRIST to this present year, 1656. it already hath continued about 1623 years. And how many years longer it may continue, till the worlds End, Who can tell?

3. The Determination of the New-Covenant-Administration will likewise be transcendently excellent and illustrious. For it shall not Expire and Determine till the worlds End. The world and it shall end together. Now The world shall End; ^1. With Christ's second Coming to Judge the whole world, descending from Heaven, in his own and his Fathers Glory and all the Holy Angels with him; ^2. With a shout of the Lord Christ himself, with the voice of the Arch-Angel and the Trumpet of God; ³ With the Resurrection of the Dead; ^4. With the change of the living, from corruptible to incorruptibility; ^5. With the catching up of all the Elect, both Raysed, and Changed, to meet the Lord in the Air, and to attend upon him, to his dreadful Tribunal; ^6. With Christ's Convention of all, both Elect and Reprobate, as well Angels as Men, before his Judgment Seat, The Elect being set at his right hand, the Reprobate at his left; ^7. With Christ's final doom and sentence upon them all, either to everlasting Punnishment, or to life Eternal, which shall then be executed accordingly; ^8. With the Passing away of the Heavens with a great noise, Melting of the Elements with fervent heat, Conflagration of the earth and works therein with fire, and Dissolution of the whole frame of the present Creation. O therefore what a glorious time, what a dreadful day will that be, when this world shall be dissolved, and when this New-Covenant -Administration shall determine!

II. Hence, None can certainly define or punctually determine how long the Interval or space of time for the New-Covenants Duration shall be. We know when it began, at Christ's Death: but cannot know when it shall end. For it shall last till the end of the world, and who, besides God alone, can tell when the world shall end? Christ said, — But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no not the Angels in heaven, but my father only. We find that even in the Apostles times, There were some temerarious and bold assertors, upon pretence of the Spirit, Word or Letter as from the Apostle, that affirmed, The day of Christ was at hand: and thereby did shake the minds, and trouble the Spirits of the Thessalonians. But Paul assures them, That day should not come, Except there come a Falling away first, ( viz. a General Apostasy of the greatest part of the Christian world from Faith, Purity of worship, and Obedience towards God, in Jesus Christ.) And that man of sin be revealed, the Son of Perdition: ( viz. the Roman Antichrist.) And after the Apostles days it went for an Oracle among the profane Pagans, that the Christian Religion should last but 365 years; whence some Christians concluded that the world also should then end. This fond conceit Augustine reports, refutes and derides: and time hath discovered the falsehood of it. In the days of Cyprian, the Opinion was, that the world should continue but a while, and the last judgment hastened. In the days of Lactantius Firmianus, which were about 317 years after Christ, it was supposed, that the world should last after that but about 200 years. These and many like groundless guesses and uncertain conjectures we find in Ancient and Modern writers touching the time of the worlds end and day of judgment: But God having kept this under the Seal of his own secret Counsels, It is not for us curiously to inquire into the times and seasons which the father hath put in his own power. Secret things belong to God; things revealed, unto us and to our children, &c. But till this world end, we shall see no end of this New-Covenant.

III. Hence, The New-Covenant is a far better Covenant then the Old, as in other respects, so in regard of the Date, Duration and Determination thereof. This New-Covenant is better then the Old, in other regards: For it is called, A better Covenant; as being stablished upon better Promises; As being more strong, profitable and perfect, then the Old Covenant, which was weak, unprofitable, and made nothing perfect, &c. This New-Covenant also is better in this respect, That it continues forever, from the Death of Christ till the end of the world: forasmuch as Christ Jesus the Surety of this Covenant, was made an everlasting Priest with an Oath, whereof God will never repent; The Lord sware and will not repent, thou art a Priest forever after the order of Melchizedek; By so much was Jesus made a Surety of a better Testament. Christ's New Testament-Priesthood is everlasting and unchangeable: Consequently the New Testament itself is everlasting and unchangeable. The Administration of it shall still last till the end of the world: but the Substance of it shall continue even in heaven for evermore. Therefore this Covenant-administration is far better in regard of its continuance, then any that went before. It began when Jesus Christ, at his first Coming, was judged by the world; and it shall end when Jesus Christ at his second Coming, shall be the judge of all the world.

IV. Hence, Believers under the New-Covenant, are, in regard of the terms and continuance thereof, much more Happy, then the Believers that lived under any former Covenant-Dispensations. For, 1. The Sanction and foundation of this Covenant was in the precious blood of Jesus Christ himself, infinitely beyond all the Typical blood of all former Covenants. And how much happier are they that have the true blood of Christ himself: then they that had only the Typical blood of slain beasts? 2. The Duration of this Covenant is longer then in any other as hath been shown. And duration of mercies enjoyed, still augments the happiness of the enjoyer. 3. The Determination of the New-Covenant shall not be till the world determine. And that determination shall be swallowed up in the Final Consummation of the Happiness of all God's true Covenant-people. Where this New-Covenant shall End: there their New Kingdom shall begin.

V. Hence, How comfortable may this be, both to ourselves and all our Christian Posterity, that both we and they from generation to generation shall still live under the Administration of the New-Covenant. For, this New-Covenant under which we live, shall live and last from Christ's Death till the worlds end. Therefore, 1. We and they shall live under the self-same Covenant, under which the blessed Apostles, the purest Primitive Churches, and the Holy Martyrs of Jesus Christ themselves lived; who are now triumphant in glory. Now what a comfort is it, to be made to sit down with such blessed Society in Christ's New-Covenant Kingdom? 2. We and they shell live under the Highest, Clearest, Fullest, Sweetest and every way the most excellent Covenant-Administration. For all other Administrations give way to this of the New-Covenant: but the New-Covenant Administration gives way to none; shall be last and completest of all. And how comfortable is it, that we and ours shall still be under the Guidance, Blessing, Grace and Influence of the best and completest Covenant?

VI. Hence, In these last times of the world, No Doctrine should be taught, No Worship or Practice should be entertained, No future Events, Occurrents or change of things should be expected, in the Church of God, which are inconsistent with the New-Covenant-Administration. Why? Because this New-Covenant or New-Testament -Administration, is the only Administration of these last times, from Christ's Death till his second Coming: And therefore all Doctrine, Worship, Practice and future Events, in the Church, during this New-Covenant, must be conform and agreeable to this New-Covenant or New Testament, and to the Explanations thereof in the Books of the New-Testament.

1. No other Doctrine should be taught in the Church till the worlds end, but the New-Covenant-Doctrine and Truth, in Christ exhibited. If any teach not according to this Rule: it is because they have no light in them. Such Doctrine as is not Homogeneal to, and founded upon the New-Testament, but repugnant thereunto: is but Wood, Hay, and Stubble, instead of Gold, Silver and precious Stones, and shall be consumed. Hence, The Doctrines of Judaism, Mahumedism, Popery, Pelagianism, Arminianism, Socinianism, Quakerism, &c. are justly to be rejected when ever they shall be obtruded upon the Church, because they are inconsistent with the New-Covenant of Christ, the Rule of all true Christian Doctrine.

2. No other Worship or Practice should be used in the Church till the worlds end, but the New-Covenant Worship and Practice. 1. The New-Covenant Worship, is the Worshipping of the only true God in Jesus Christ in Spirit and Truth in every place according to the Tenour of the New Testament. Therefore it is not lawful to exercise any Jewish, Mahumedan, Antichristian, Popish, Idolatrous, Superstitious, Paganish, or false Worship, in the Church of God: or to Tolerate the same to be done in the Church. 2. The New-Testament Practice required, is, To cast away the works of Darkness, and put on the Armor of Light, To walk honestly as in the day, and as children of the light, putting on the Lord Jesus, &c. To Repent, Believe in Christ exhibited, live by Faith in him, walk in love and all upright Obedience as the workmanship of God, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, &c. To walk as Christ walked; To walk worthy of God, of his Gospel and Kingdom, &c. And in a word, To keep truly the Feast (even all this spiritual Festival time of the New-Testament) with the unleavened bread of Sincerity and Truth, purging out the old leaven of malice and wickedness, (as the Jews typically kept, after their Passover the Feast of unleavened bread,) forasmuch as Christ our Passover is Sacrificed for us.

3. No future Events or Occurrents in or to the Church of God, are to be expected till the worlds end, but what are according to the Prophecies, Predictions, Revelations and Nature of the New Testament, continuing in force till the worlds End. Hence, I. The Jewish expectation of the Messiah to be hereafter revealed in the Flesh, being utterly inconsistent with the New-Covenant established by Christ's Death and blood already revealed: is altogether unwarrantable. Christ Jesus came in fullness of time to his own people the Jews, and they received him not. Christ was incarnate and cut off precisely at the time prefixed by Daniel 's Prophecy. Therefore the Jews rejecting Christ; rejected, or at least understood not, Daniel 's weeks. And whatsoever Christ shall rise up hereafter under the New Testament stablished by the blood of the only true Christ, must needs be a false Christ and an Antichrist. II. The Chiliasts or Millenaries Expectation of Christ's Personal Reign on earth in his Human Nature and present Glory, with all his Martyrs and many Saints, for a thousand years together, from the year one thousand six hundred and seventeen, or one thousand six hundred and fifty, or one thousand six hundred ninety four, or at farthest one thousand six hundred ninety five, &c. being inconsistent with the Doctrine, Prophecies and Nature of the New-Testament; (as divers Authors, especially these here mentioned in the Margin have already manifested) is wholly groundless. For what solid foundation can we have for this thousand years personal Reign of Christ on earth with his Martyrs and and Saints, (which is counted the fifth Monarchy ) during this Term of the New Testament or New-Covenant, but from the New-Testament itself?

Thus I have shown, what the Terms or Limits of time proper and peculiar to the New Testament are: viz. From the Death of Jesus Christ till the very end of the world. Next I shall show, That this Interval or Space of time during which the New-Covenant or New-Testament-Administration remains of force, is the most remarkable Revolution of Time of all other allotted to any Covenant-Administration foregoing.

APHORISM II.

FOR, This Interval or space of time during which the New-Covenant Continues, From Christ's death till the worlds end, over and beyond all other, 1. Hath most Eminent Terms and Bounds for its Beginning and Ending. 2. Hath already had the largest prolongation. 3. Doth comprize in its Circuit or Compass the most Admirable Events and Occurrents by Divine Dispensation, in and to the Church of God. 4. Approacheth most near, as in Contiguity of time, so in excellency of Covenant-Administration, and the Churches condition under it, even unto the supreme coelestial Perfection of the Church Triumphant in Glory.

I. This New-Covenant-Time hath most Eminent Terms and Bounds for its Beginning and Ending No foregoing Covenant ever had such Terms, such a Beginning, such an Ending.

1. This New-Covenant Began from the Death of Jesus Christ, and had its Sanction in his Blood: as hath been manifested. Now, how eminent was this Death and Blood of Christ, and that, in Solemnity, Dignity, Efficacy! I. In Solemnity. Great was the Solemnity of the Death of Sacrifices, when God made Covenant with Abram. Greater was the Solemnity of killing Sacrifices and sprinkling their blood, at the Dedication of the Old Covenant at Mount Sinai: as I have at large explained in opening that Covenant. But Greatest of all was the Solemnity of Christ's Death and Blood-shed, at the Sanction and establishment of the New-Covenant: who did hang upon the cursed Cross, at least six hours together, dying. For, 1. Then, Christ miraculously converted one of the Thieves that were crucified with him, assuring him; This day shalt thou be with me in Paradise. One, that none might despair: but one, that none might presume. 2. Then, There was an unusual and preternatural Darkness •… ver all the earth from the sixth, till the ninth hour. From our mid-day, till about our three of the clock afternoon. The Sun itself puts on Sables and as it were mourns, to see his maker so shamefully abused. At this darkness Dionysius was so astonished, that he said; Either the God of Nature suffers, or the whole fabric of the world will be dissolved. 3. Then, Christ with a loud cry yielded up the Ghost, to the Centurions conviction, Mark 15. 37, 39. 4. Then, the veil of the Temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom, Math. 27. 51. Denoting, Christ's opening a way into the Holiest of all, heaven itself for us by his flesh Rent; and Christ's accomplishing and abrogating the Types and Ceremonies by his Death. 5. Then, The Earth did Quake. 6. Then, The Rocks did Rend. 7. Then, The Graves were opened. To show, That Jesus Christ had the Keys of the Grave and Death, And many bodies of Saints which slept arose, and came out of the Graves after his Resurrection, and went into the Holy City and appeared unto many. These were Trophies of Christ's miraculous Resurrection. Thus, both Jews and Gentiles; both Godly and Wicked; both the Living and the Dead: both Heaven and Earth, were shaken, moved and as it were passionately affected, yea astonished: when JESUS CHRIST died. What Solemnity of Death and Sacrificing, was ever like this of Christ's Dying and Sacrificing of himself for the establishment of his New-Covenant! II. In Dignity. The Sacrifices by whose Death and blood former Covenants were established, were only brute beasts or fowls, &c. and therefore, as themselves, so their death and blood, were but very mean and despicable: But this Sacrifice of Jesus Christ himself, by whose Death and Blood the New-Covenant was dedicated and confirmed, was the supreme Sacrifice of the Son of God. Christ is God as well as man: Therefore the infinite dignity of his person, made his Sacrifice and blood of infinite worth and value, so that it is accounted God's own blood. In this regard, if all the fowls of the air, and all the beasts of the field, had been put into one Sacrifice, and the blood of them all put together: All this would have been as nothing to this incomparable Sacrifice and blood of Christ. Yea if all the men on earth from Adam, till the judgment day, and all the Angels in Heaven, should suffer Death forever: yet this is as nothing to Christ's suffering of Death for a time: Christ's person being the infinite God, and they but finite Creatures; now betwixt God and the Creature▪ betwixt finite and infinite theres no proportion. III. In Efficacy. The Death and blood of Jesus Christ incomparably excels the Death and blood of all other Sacrifices whatsoever in all kinds of virtue and degrees of efficacy. The Ceremonial Commandment was disanulled because it was weak, unprofitable, and made nothing perfect: but the bringing in of a better hope did, by which we draw nigh to God. The Ceremonial Washings, Purifications, Blood, Sacrifices, &c. could not make the 〈◊〉 thereunto Perfect; could not purge the Conscience of the worshippers from Sin; Did only Sanctify to the Purifying of the flesh; Did renew a remembrance of sins every year; Did but make way into the Typical Holiest of all on earth: But the Death and blood of Jesus Christ contrariwise was very efficacious. For, 1. Hereby God was most abundantly satisfied and well-pleased: having no delight at all in any Levitical Sacrifices in comparison of this Sacrifice. 2. Hereby, He hath obtained for us eternal Redemption. 3. Hereby, he hath wrought the Atonement, having reconciled us to God, though enemies, by his own Death. 4. Hereby, we are justified, our Consciences purged from dead works to serve the living God, and we being sanctified are forever perfected, So that our sins shall be remembered to us no more, nor shall there need anymore offering for sin. 5. Hereby, he mortifies and subdues our sins and corruptions daily, Our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For, he that is dead is freed from sin. 6. Hereby, Christ subdued Death, and him that had the power of Death, that is the Devil, having spoiled Principalities and Powers, and triumphed over them openly upon the Cross. 7. Hereby, Christ entered, not into the Holy places made with hands, which were figures of the tr •… e, But into Heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us, As our ever-living Intercessor and Advocate: As also to make way for us, even a new and living way which he hath consecrated for us through the veil, that is to say, his flesh, into the Holiest of all, Heaven itself, there to serve and glorify God triumphantly forever. Heres saving efficacy indeed in the blood and death of Christ, whereby the New-Covenant was established. Never Covenant besides, had such a Sanction, such an Inchoation.

2. This New-Covenant-Administration shall not end till the end of the world, which will be at the Judgment of the great day, the General Assize of the world. And that shall be a Day of Daies, a most famous day indeed, as I have already intimated in eight particulars in the First Aphorism. Never Covenant-Administration had such an Ending, such a Determination. It began with Christ's Humiliation: but it shall end with Christ's Exaltation. It began with Christ's being judged by the world: but it shall end with Christ's general judging of the world. It began when Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many: but it shall end, when unto them that look for him, he shall appear the second time without Sin unto Salvation.

Thus this New-Covenant -Time hath most eminent Terms and Bounds for its Beginning and Ending, beyond all other Covenants.

II. This New-Covenant-Time hath already had (as hath been shown) the largest Prolongation. And how far further it may yet be extended till the worlds End; who knows, but he alone, that knows, and hath determined, when the world shall End?

III. This New-Covenant-time doth comprise within its Circuit and Compass the most admirable Events and Occurrents by divine Dispensation in and to the Church of God. During the Time of former Covenants many rare Events appeared even under every Covenant-Dispensation, as hath been manifested: But the admirable and excellent Events under this New-Covenant far transcend them all, From Christ's Death till the worlds End. Shall I briefly point out some particulars? Under and during the New-Covenant-Administration these among other Occurrents Come to pass. viz.

1. The Resurrection of Jesus Christ on the third day from the Dead by his Divine power, as the First fruits of them that slept: showing himself alive after his Passion, to many witnesses, but especially to his Apostles, by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the Kingdom of God. Many bodies of the Saints also which slept arose, coming out of their graves after his Resurrection, and appearing unto many in the Holy City, were the First-fruits, Experiments and Trophies of Christ's Resurrection.

2. The Ascension of Jesus Christ up into heaven forty days after his Resurrection from Mount Olivet in the sight of his Apostles. For, while they beheld he was taken up, and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they were steadfastly looking after him, two Angels said to them; ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into Heaven? This same Jesus which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into Heaven.

3. Christ's sitting down on the right hand of the Throne of the Majesty in the Heavens. For, God by his mighty power having raised him from the dead, set him at his own right hand in heavenly places, far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come. And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the Head over all things to the Church, which is his body, the fullness of him that filleth all in all.

4. Christ's Effusion or shedding forth most plenteously and Miraculously fifty days after his Death, on the Feast of Pentecost, the Promised Holy Ghost, received of the Father, upon the Apostles, in the shape of cloven tongues like as of fire, sitting upon each of them; So that they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other Tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. Whereupon the Jews then at Jerusalem that had come from every Nation under Heaven, were all amazed, hearing them speak every man in his own language wherein they were born the wonderful works of God.

5. The Solemn Publication of the Doctrine of the New Covenant in the blood and Death of Jesus Christ, by the Apostles, to devout Jews out of Every Nation under Heaven, met together by special Providence at Jerusalem, on the Feast of Pentecost. Peter in his Sermon, Preaching Jesus of Nazareth's Life, Death, Resurrection, Exaltation on God's right hand, Receiving from the Father, and shedding forth the promise of the Holy-Ghost; assures them that God had made that same Jesus, whom they had crucified, both Lord and Christ: and therefore exhorts them to repent and be baptized, because the Promise, or Covenant, was to them and to their children, as also to the Gentiles afar off, as many as the Lord our God shall call, and consequently to their children.

6. The wonderful Conversion of 3000▪ Souls, at the first Preaching and publication of the Doctrine of the New Covenant in Christ crucified, as also of many thousands more afterwards by the Disciples Preaching and Miracles: which Converts, professing their Faith in Jesus Christ, were visibly implanted into his mystical body the Church by Baptism, the Initiating token of the New-Covenant.

7. The admirable and exemplary Piety, Unity, and Community of Goods (because of the present pressing necessities of many believers) amongst the Primitive Christians.

8. Christ's Giving of Gifts to men, as the rich Fruits of his Ascension; viz. His bestowing upon his Church all his New Testament-Officers for the Guiding of his Church; Extraordinary, Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists: Ordinary, Pastors and Teachers and Governments. And for Ministring to the Necessities of poor and distressed Church-Members: Deacons; called also Helps.

9. The Celestial vision of Steven the Proto-martyr, one of the first Deacons, full of the Holy-Ghost; who, when the Jews were now ready to stone him to Death for his most zealous Seraphical Sermon, looking up steadfastly into Heaven, Saw the Glory of God, and JESUS standing on the right hand of God. And said Behold, I see the Heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. This blessed vision supported him against that shower of stones by which he fell on sleep.

10. Saul's miraculous Conversion, as he was in his Circuit and Career of Persecution, making havoc of the Church of God, by Christ's own appearing to him from Heaven, by a sudden light above the light of the Sun striking him down to the ground, and making him three days blind, and by his speaking to him from his Throne of Heavenly Glory. Christ gave him an extraordinary call: whom he had intended for an Extraordinary work of the Ministry among the Gentiles; Wherein he labored more abundantly then all the Apostles. So that (as Augustine notes well) He was sent to the Gentiles, of a Thief, a Shepherd; and of a wolf, a sheep, &c.

11. The Lord's rejection of the Jews upon their Contempt of Jesus Christ and his Gospel; and his Conversion of the Gentiles, of the world: which is one great branch of the Great mystery of godliness, 1 Tim. 3. 16. Yea, Paul, the Teacher of the Gentiles, highly magnifies this mystery of Christ, which is other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed by his holy Apostles and Prophets by the Spirit; That the Gentiles should be fellow heirs and of the same Body, and Partakers of his promise in Christ, by the Gospel, &c. calls it; The mystery which from the beginning of the world, hath been hid in God, Eph. 3. 1. to 13. Now the Man-child, Christ mystical, began to be born in the Roman world, Revel. 12. 2, 5.

12. The utter Destruction of Jerusalem (so highly commended in Scripture.) by the Roman armies, about forty years after Christ's Passion, for the Jews horid contempt of Jesus Christ and his Gospel, according to our Savior's severe Minatory prediction. When he was come near, he beheld the City, and wept over it, Saying; If thou hadst known, even thou at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes. For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a Trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side, and shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another, because thou knowest not the time of thy visitation. The Lord had affixed his worship to the Temple at Jerusalem: having put his name there; and had ordained that there the manifestation of the Messiah, and his Death should be accomplished, for Reconciling man to God. Which done, and the son of God being returned into Heaven, according to the prophecies, at last that most large and famous City (as the Centuriators note) was by the dreadful judgment of God levelled with the ground, and the whole Jewish nation dissipated: That it might be evident to all posterity; ^1. The Messiah was exhibited; ^2. The Mosaical state of Religion ceased; ^3. The Church of God from among the Gentiles was called; ^4. Nor should any sin be more severely punished by God, then the Contempt of his Son and Gospel.

13. The more Pure and Regular state of the Primitive Church and of Religion therein, for the first 300. years after the Death of Christ, represented by the Measuring of the Temple of God, the Altar, and the Worshippers therein. In this time everything was more exactly according to Sanctuary Measure, and Scripture-Rule. But yet the Church, during this time, was grieveously afflicted, especially with ten cruel Persecutions of the Heathenish Roman Emperors, then under the Dominion of the Dragon the Devil, who endeavored to devour the Man-child, Christ mystical, asson as heshould be born & brought forth into the Roman world. This the Churhes more Pure state: but persecuted under Heathenish Tyranny.

14. The more impure irregular state of the Successive Church and of Religion therein, for 42 months, or 1260 days of years, after the first three hundred years, revealed under the type of the Court without the Temple left unmeasured, for so long time trodden underfoot and profaned by the Gentiles, and those profanations so long also lamented by the Two Witnesses prophesying in Sackcloth till the seventh Trumpet, under which the mystery of God should be finished. During all which time the Church was in her Wilderness condition: Though freed from Heathenish tyranny, yet afresh exercised with Antichristian cruelty; The Ten-horned and Two horned beast instigated by the Dragon, persecuting her under pretences of Christianity. Untill the beast should kill the two witnesses who should lie dead three days and an half, and then Revive immediately before the sounding of the seventh and last Trumpet: and then the Tenth part of the City should fall, (that is, Rome which then was but the tenth part to what it was formerly,) even in the same hour wherein the two witnesses revived. During this state of the Church the Two witnesses ( viz. a small but sufficient number of witnesses to the Truth of Christ, both Ministers and other Christians,) shall Carry on and finish their Testimony, Be Slain and Revive again.

15. The Lord's wonderful Preserving and Reserving to himself a certain select number of 144000. his true Church, his virgin-company, in their Purity of Doctrine, worship, &c. and spirituality of Condition: notwithstanding the impurity of these idolatrous, and cruelty of these persecuting times, so sadly lamented by the two witnesses in sackcloth.

16. Christ's deliverance of his Church at last out of all these doleful distresses and calamities, by destroying all her Enemies with seven vials of the wrath of God and other judgments poured forth upon them, for their persecuting Cruelties. Especially these grand Enemies, I. The great whore of Babylon, viz. Rome, Rev. ch. 17. and 18. II. The beast and the false Prophet with him, Rev. 19. viz. The Roman Empire and the Papacy. III. The Dragon himself, that old Serpent the Devil and Satan, with his Gog and Magog, Rev. 20. 1. to the end.

17. The First Resurrection, during the Lord's carrying on of the Dragons Destruction, viz. The corporal Resurrection of two sorts of Christ's peculiar favorites, His Martyrs, and Pure-worshippers; To reign with Ghrist a thousand years, whilst the Dragon is under the Chain and judgment of Christ. But understand not here Christ's personal reign on Earth: as I have formerly intimated in Aphorism I.

18. The Churches Happy Condition, after her full deliverance from all these her Enemies, and their Destruction: In the New Heavens, New Earth, New Jerusalem coming down from God out of Heaven, and the New Condition of all the Citizens inhabiting that New Jerusalem.

19. The calling of the Jews and re-implanting them by Faith in their own Olive-tree, the Church, when once the fullness of the Gentiles is come in, that all the elect Israel may be saved. Their Fall and diminution was the riches of us Gentiles: How much more their fullness?—Their Casting away, was the reconciling of the world: what then shall their receiving be, but life from the dead?—We have obtained Mercy, through their unbelief: That through our Mercy, they also may obtain Mercy.

20. The Finishing of the Mystery of God, at the sounding of the seventh Trumpet, the Kingdoms of this world becoming our Lord's and his Christ's, and he shall reign forever and ever. And his whole Church, in all her elect members, shall be completed: when we shall all come in the unity of the Faith, and of the Knowledge of the Son of God unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.

21. The dreadful Signs of Christ's coming to Judgment, and of the End of the world, viz. I. More Mediately, 1. The Darkning of the Sun. 2. The not shining of the Moon. 3. The falling of the stars from Heaven. 4. The shaking of the Powers of Heaven; the strong firmament itself, which at last shall vanish like a scroul, &c. 5. The Sea and the waves roaring. 6. And upon the earth distress of Nations, with perplexity, Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the Earth. II. More Immediately, The Sign of the son of man in Heaven shall appear. What Sign, that day will discover. After this Sign this immediate Harbinger of the great Judge, The Son of man himself shall be seen coming in the clouds of Heaven with power and great glory.

These admirable and unparalleled Occurrents shall come to pass during this New-Covenant's administration. The like are not to be found in any or all the foregoing Covenants.

IV. Finally, This Revolution or Period of the New Covenant's continuance, approacheth nearest, as in Contiguity of time, so in exellency of Covenant Administration, and of the Churches Condition under it, unto the supreme Celestial Perfection of the Church Triumphant in Glory.

1. In contiguity of time, This New Covenant Season approacheth nearest to the Heavenly Perfection of the Triumphant Church in glory. For, at the End of the World, when this New Covenant -Administration shall cease, The complete Perfection of the whole Church in Glory both of Soul and Body shall begin: So that this shall immediately succeed that.

2. In excellency of Covenant-Administration, This of the New Covenant comes nearest to celestial Perfection. For, This Covenant (as hereafter in the General Inferences will appear) far excels all that went before, In ^1. Clarity, ^2. Spirituality, 3. Spiritual Liberty, 4. Compleatness, 5. Extensiveness, ^6. Efficatiousness, 7. Comfortableness, ^8. Durableness, and 9. Gloriousness: And all these are celestial ingredients, which (among others) do eminently make up the Heavenly happiness and Perfection of the Triumphant Church in Paradise.

3. In excellency of the Churches Condition under this New Covenant Dispensation, it comes nearest to Heavenly Perfection. For, God in his Covenant-Expressures still proceeded from the more Imperfect, to the more Perfect, till he at last had brought his Church to this New Conenant the Highest and Perfectest federal expressure in this world. And in all this, he had special respect to his Churches Capacity and Condition; which, under the three first Covenants, was only Domestical, A Family-Church; under the Old Covenant at Sinai, &c. was only National, A National Church only of the Jewish Nation; but under this New Covenant became Oecumenical, an Universal Church throughout all the Nations of the world. The Church of God in her Family-state under the first three Covenants, was but in her Infancy: In her National-state, was but in her youth; in both but in her Minority, like an heir under age, under Tutors and Governors: But in her Oecumenical state, she is come to Maturity and fullness of age under this New Covenant. In her Non-age she Received a Spirit of bondage: In her Fullage a Spirit of Adoption whereby we cry Abba Father. Now this ripe-age, this full age of the Church under the New Covenant, evidently approacheth nearest to her Compleatest fullness and perfection which she shall have in Glory. The Apostle, not obscurely, signifies thus much to the New Testament-Church, saying; For ye are not come unto the Mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest, and the sound of a Trumpet, and the voice of words, which words they that heard, entreated that the word should not be spoken to them anymore, &c.— But ye are come unto Mount Zion; and unto the City of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem: and to an innumerable company of Angels; To the General Assembly and Church of the First-born, which are written in Heaven; and to God the judge of all; and to the Spirits of just men made perfect; and to JESUS the Mediator of the New-Covenant; And to the blood of Sprinkling that speaketh better things then that of Abel. So that the Churches Condition under this New Covenant not only far transcends her former Condition under the Old Covenant, and conscquently under all former Covenants, in Liberty, Spirituality, &c. But also becomes very celestial, she having Communion with such Persons and Things as are most celestial.

Inferences.

1. Hence, Behold the wisdom and goodness of God in his Covenant-Dispensations. Every Covenant-Discovery of the Covenants of Faith from first to last, rising up to an higher degree of excellency and perfection; but this New Covenant being most perfect and far excelling them all. The Lord hath reserved his good wine until now: his admirable New Covenant till these latter days, till our days. Oh, how great goodness hath God kept in store for his people in this last age of the world: that Christ promised in all former ages, should be performed only in this, and all those admirable Occurrents should ensue upon his Performance! The Saints of old obtained a good report through Faith, but received not the Promise, ( viz. especially, not Christ promised; Christ was not exhibited in flesh unto them, as unto us;) God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.

2. Hence, All God's people that live under and in these New-Covenant times, should set their hearts exceedingly upon this New-Covenant-Administration, highly to admire and esteem it, judiciously and seriously to consider it. Forasmuch, as of all other Covenants it is most admirable and considerable; not only in regard of the Nature, Matter, Form, and End thereof (as after will in due place appear:) but also in regard of the Revolution or Space of time during which it doth continue, as hath been now explained. The Magnalia Dei, Mysteria Christi, Miraculosa Evangelii, & Gloriosa Ecclesiae, That is, The Great things of God, The Mysteries of Christ, The Miraculous effects of the Gospel, and the Glorious Events prepared for the Church; have been, are, and hereafter shall be most eminently transacted and brought to pass in these times of the New-Covenant. This New-Covenant -time therefore is unto the Church, an extraordinary time: Before it, there never was since the foundation of the world, such a time. Have deep and fixed thoughts upon it; Pry diligently into the bowels and heavenly Secrets of it. Suck oil and honey out of this Rock. Be transformed as it were, into the beauteous image of it. It is the livelyest Portraiture of Christ: It is the sweetest breathing of the Spirit: It is the Top-turret of the Gospel: It is the richest Treasury of Better Promises: It is the very Center of choicest Privileges: It is the last and best Discovery of Spiritual Ordinances: It is the very Suburbs of Heaven: and it conducts the Church immediately to the Glorious Presence of Jesus Christ, and celestial Gates of Glory.

CHAP. II. Of the Names and General Nature of the NEW-COVENANT.

H Aving thus disclosed the Terms and Bounds of the New-Covenants Administration; when it Began, and when it shall End. Next consider we, 1. The Names given in Scripture to this Covenant-Expressure. 2. The General Nature of it. The Names will not a little conduce to descry the Nature of it: and the General Nature of it laid open, will afford much light unto all the Particular Mysteries in it. I offer both in these two succinct Aphorisms ensuing, with all possible brevity.