AND it is the female Seed that had the Promise of God, the Serpent's Head to bruise, Gen. 3.15. And by whose Seed it is the Earth and World will be restored from the bondage of Corruption, under which they groan, Rom 8.22. For the Lord of Life came of a Maid or Virgin, without Man, Luke 1. 26, 27, 34, 35. According as it was by the Prophet fore-told, Isa. 7.13.14. Hear ye now, O Hous [...] of David; is it a small thing for you to weary men, but will ye weary my God also? There­fore the Lord himself shall give you a Sign, behold! a Maid or Virgin shall conceive and bea [...] a Son, and shall call his Name I [...]manuel. We are here to take notice, That this Son who is called Imm [...]nuel, was given as a Sign to the House of David, and not to the King that desi­red none. For this Sign was not to be in his Day. And of this Immanuel, the Prophet saith, verse 15. Butter and Honey shall he eat, that he may know how to re­fuse the Evil, and choose the Good. From which Words is a clear Information, that this Son was to be good: And therefore not as the Jews have represented him. And for farther Proof, that this Son here spoken of, was not to be in that King's days, as the Jews imagi­ned; The words of the Prophet make plain from the 16 verse. For before the Ch [...]ld shall know to refuse the E­vil, and chuse the Good, the La [...]d that thou abhorrest shall be forsaken of both her Kings. This seems to be spoken of Assyria, and Babylon, because the Prophet saith, the Land which thou abhorrest. And both Assyria, and Ba­bylon were, conquer'd Kingdoms before this Son was born, and so forsaken of both her Kings, as well as Israel [Page 4]and Judah were forsaken of both their Kings be­fore this Child was born. This is the Son on whom the Government shall be upon bis Shoulder, Isa. 9.6. Who, at his first coming, was laid as a Stone of stumb­ling, and for a Rock of offence to both the Houses of Is­rael, Isa. 8.14, 15, 16, 17. Isa. 28.16, 17. Isa. 49. 7, 8, 9. Isa. 53.2, 3, 4 But Emmanuel, which being interpreted, is God with us, when he comes the second time he will appear in glory. And Immanuel's Land, Isa 8.8. will then be restored. And this Immanuel, is the it, or one Seed, or he that should bruise the Ser pent's Head, and the Earth or World restore again to that perfect state, as at the first Creation. The which he will accomplish at the time of the restitution of all Things, Acts 3.19, 20, 21. For he will return to Sion, and build again the Tabernacle of David, which is fallen, Acts 15.15, 16. And then the Lord will not only re­store, but secure all his People in that perfect state they were in before the Fall: And then the Punish­ment that Sin brought into the World, will be exclu­ded from all God's People, so as then the Husband will not be above the Wife, nor the Wife above the Hus­band; but as they were in the first Creation, before Sin entred into the World. Ne ther now is there any disserence between them in the Lord, Gal 3.28. But them that love him best are best accepted of him. But because Woman was first in the Transgression, Wo­men have been laid under subjection in this time: But the Lord of Life coming by Woman, he who is the Reconciler between God and his Creature, by him the Women will be deliver'd from that Bondage, which some has found intollerable.

And in reference or allusion to this glorious King­dom, the good Women have all along bore great sway. For tho' it was said, that Sarah obeyed Ahraham, yet, as concerning this Kingdom, she commanded: For she said to Abraham, cast out this Bond-woman and her Son, for the Son of this Bond-woman shall not be Heir with my [Page 5]Son, even with Isaac. And the thing was very grievous in Abraham's sight, because of his Son, Gen. 21.10.11. Yet notwithstanding, God said unto him, in all that Sa­rah hath said unto thee, hearken unto her Voice, verse 12. God could have declared to Abraham his Mind and Will as to this thing, without Sarah his Wife shewing her Authority herein. But that this thing was of God, to shew that the Women in the Kingdom which is to come, should be restored to that perfect state Wo­man was in before the Fall.

And likewise the Church or Spouse of Christ, is al­ways compared to a Woman, the which, in time to come, will bear sway above all the Queens, and Con­cubins, and V [...]rgi [...]s with [...]ut number, Cant. 6.8. For that Nation and Kingd [...]m that will not serve thee shall pe­rish, Isa 60.12. Which thee, is Israel in the glorious time: And then it is, that those who afflicted them, shall come bending unto them, and all they that despised thee, shall bow themselves down at the Soles of thy Feet, verse 14. And none can come into the Glory promised, that does not in this time come in as the Seed of Abraham.

And as concerning this Kingdom, also Rebeckah, af­ter Esau had sold to Jacob his Brith-right, and so he by Purchase became the First-born, Jacob then by obey­ing the Voice of his Mother, obtained the Blessing, Gen. 27.8 28, 29. Unto which is annexed the pro­mised Glory. The which is to be made good in time to come, when the promised Land will be their own so as they shall move no more. 2 Sam. 7.10. When they, according to Promise, receive it for an everlasting Inheritance. Gen. 17.8. And then it is, Ja­phet shall dwell in the Tents of Shem, Gen. 9.27. For the true Believer is to come in with them. And then it is they shall be all taught of God, Jer. 31.31, 32, 33, 34. And then it is of which the Lord said, Isa. 59.21: My Spirit that is upon thee, and my words which I have put into thy Mouth, shall not depart out of thy Mouth, nor out of the Mouth of thy seed, nor out of the Mouth of thy [Page 6]seeds seed, saith the Lord from henceforth and forever.

And Mi [...]iam the Prophetess, when Israel was gotten from under the Egyptian Bondage, and thro' the Red Sea, she took a Timbrel in her hand, and all the Women went out after her, with timbrels and with dances, Exod. 15.20. in token of Victory. According to which, it will be in time to come, Jer. 31.10, 11, 12, 13.

And when Sisera, the chief Captain of the King of Ca­naan, was with his host to be destroyed, whose Land was given to Israel for an Inheritance; at the time of this great Conquest, Deborah the Prophetess govern'd Israel. And then it was that Jael the Wife of Heb [...]r the Kenite, killed Sisera, for Deborah, had before told Bar [...]ck that was to be the Leader of the Army, that the Ʋic­tory should not be to his Honnour, for the Lord should sell Siscra, into the Hand of a Woman, the which did not make Barak refus'd to do the thing, that was reqired of him, and made known to him by Deborah, and then did the hand of the Children of Israel prosper, and prevailed against Jabin King of Canaan, until they had destroyed them. And of Sise­ra's mighty host, with nine hundred Chariots of I [...]on, there was not one man left, Judg. 4.4, 9.16 21, 24. Hereby is repre­sented Israel's Victory in time to come. And likewise we are to take notice, That the Goverment and Victory was not given to Woman, until Israel, by their often transgressing, did evil in the sight of the Lord; for which he sold them into the Hand of the King of Canaan, verse 2. And the Lord wrought their de [...]iverance, and his destruction, in the time the Wo­man had the Government; so likewise when the Lord and his raised Saints, and Spouse doth Rule, then Is­raels Enemies will be subdu'd, Isa. 60.14.

But whreas it is said, Isa. 3.12. As for my People, Children are their Oppressors, and Women rule over them. Here God by the Prophet must have his reference to those Wo­men that usurpt Authority over the Men, and were not of his setting up. For God set up no Woman [Page 7]Ruler in Israel to judge the People, but Deborah. Judges 4.4. Of whom the Scripture doth not say, she did any thing amiss. The like of which is not in Scripture, to be found of any King. But in this place God speaks of those women that set up themselves in Authority: Such as Jezabel, who sttirred up Ahab to work wickedness, I Kings 21.25. And she said to Ahab, I will give thee the Vine­yard of Naboth the Iezreelite, vers. 7. And by her wicked contrivances, she did accomplish it. And also Athaliah the Daughter of Ahab, 2 Chron. 21.6. drew King Je­horam to walk in the ways of Ahab. And likewise her Son Ahaziah walked in the ways of Ahab; for his Mother was his Counseller to do wickedly. Chap. 22.3. And after her Son was Slain by Jehu, She then arose, and destroy­ed the Seed Royal of the house of J [...]dah. verse. 10. And set up herself to reign by Usurpation and Murder. And when such Idolatrous women rule, there can be no good Goverment expected.

And it was Idolatrous women that drew King Solo­mon to Worship false Gods 1 Kings 11.4. For he should not have taken of the Heathen women to wife, untill they had been brought to the worship of the true God; but he let his heart go out to Idolatrous women, and took to him seven hundred Wives, princesses, and three hundred Con­cubins. Now in that he said, One Man among a Thou­sand have I found, but a Woman among all those have I not found. Eccle 7 28. And no wonder, that among those Thousand he found not one good one. And that he spake of them Women by whom he was intangled, is farther Evident from his words in the 26. verse. For he saith, I find more bitter than Death. the Woman whose Heart is Snares and Nets, and her hands as bands, &c. The which he had found by wofull experience, And we of­ten read and find the good to be drawn away by the bad, but rarely that the bad are drawn by the good. Now without doubt King Solomon kept company with the best of Men, tho' not with the best of Women; and there­fore no wonder to find a good Man amongst a Thousand. [Page]But as King Solomon declares against evil Women; So he doth as highly extoll the Vertuous and good Wo­men. Pro. 12.4. Chap. 11.16.

And it was a Woman, Rahab by Name, that received and Hid the Spies, that was sent to view Jericho. Josh. 2. 1. And she believed in the God of Israel because of the great Signs and Wond [...]rs that had been done. And therefore She covenanted with the Men which she had hid, for the Sav­ing of her self, her Househould, and Relations. By which means they were preserved. And she believing in the God of Israel, She was afterwards taken to wife into that Line of which the Messias came. Mat. 1.5.6. Who when his Enemies are made his Footstool, he will take to him­self his own great Power, and Reign. Rev. 11.15, 17.

And Ruth, for the Love She had to her Mother-in Law, and Israels God: She forsook her Country, her Kindred, and her Fathers House: And resolved to cleave with her Mother to the true God. For which she was taken to wife into that Line of which the Messiah came Ruth 1.16. Chap. 4.13.

And after the Reign of many wicked Kings in Judah, who had set up false Gods, and worsh [...]ped them; and the Law of the Lord was cast aside by them. But when Hilkiah the Priest found the book of the Law of the Lord, he sent it to the Good King Josiah; who when he heard the Words of the Law, and the threatned Punishments which God had pronounced against those Sins which his Predecessors had committed in that Place, He rent his cloaths. And at the time of this good King, and good high Priest; Huldah the wife of Shallum, was Prophetess, and the good and humble King did not disdain to enquire of the Word of the Lord by Her; and the humility of the good High Priest was such, that he went unto her, 2 Chron. 34.14, 19, 22. to understand the mind of the Lord, tho he was the high Priest of Gods setting up. And with the high Priest was the Ephod, with the Breast-plate, in which was the Ʋrim and Thummim, Exod. 28.28, 30. And the High [Page 9]Priest might have said, I will rather enquire of the Lord by the Ephod, by which the Lord doth answer the High Priest. 1 [...]am. 23.9, 10, 11, 12, than go to a woman to know the mind of the Lord. But his humility was such as to desire the knowledg of the Word of the Lord; let the Lord declare his Mind by whom he pleases. And now, tho' there is no Prophets nor Prophetesses as was for­merly, yet by whomsoever God makes the Scriptures to agree, it is visibly evident the Lord must be assisting therein; seeing no Mortal of themselves could do it; Since by men they have been set at an unreconcileable difference. The beast desiring to charge Times and Laws; and it was given into his Hands untill a time, and times, and the dividing of time, Dan. 7.25. By which we have lost the right Sentiments of the Word, and of the World to come; By which means the Scrip­tures are made to contradict themselves: So as thereby the Sheep of Christ Eat that which others have trodden, and Drink that which others have souled with their Feet, Ezek. 34.19. But by whomsoever the Lord shall make the Scriptures to agree, whether by Man or Woman; Man is bound to acknowledg it, and to own the whole Truth, without they will for the sake of by-ends be found in wilful Rebellion against God, and thereby draw the threatned Judgments upon them­selves; which otherwise they might escape: And man by the Apostasy having laid the World in darkness, therefore God accordingly brings forth the whole Truth another way.

Now Moses did prophesy to the Time of this King­dom that is yet to come. For he prophesied of the Vine, whose Grapes are Gall, and Clusters Bitter. For which their Foot shall Slide in due time, from the greatness and Grandeur they are in, when the Lord doth Wh [...]t his Glittering Sword, and his hand take hold of Judgment. And then it is the Lord will restore his People, and cause the Nations to rejoyce with them, Deu. 32.32, 35, 41, 42, 43. This Song gives an account of [Page 10] Israel's being brought into the Land of Canaan; their waxing fat, and kicking therein: their being cast out of their Land, their being moved to Jealousy, and pro­voked to Anger by a foolish Nation. They were moved to Jealousy, because the Heathen were brought in to be the Vine of the Earth at the Messiahs first coming; and they were provoked to Anger by a foolish Nation; for the Romans took their Country, and de­stroyed their Cities and Temple. And the Romans were term'd a foolish Nation because, when they had embraced the Faith, they soon let go the Truth.

Now Moses prophesied of this time, and of the day of Judgment; but Hannah was she that first prophesied what should be done in the Kingdom or World that is to come. That God will raise the Poor out of the Du [...]t, and lift up the Begger from the Dunghill; to set them among Princes, and to make them inherit the Throne of his Glory, 1 Sam. 2.8. according as in Psal. 113.4, 5, 6, 7 8. And though the Lord be high, yet hath he respect unto the Lowly, but the Proud he knoweth affar off, Psal. 138, 6. And before destruction, the Heart of Man is Haughty, and before Honour, is Humi­lity, Pro. 18.12.

And in this time it was, the Women Midwives that saved all the Male Children of the Hebrews alive, when Pharaoh, through Self-interest, Pride, and Cruelty, ordered them to be destroyed. For which the Lord rewarded the Midwives, Exod. 2.15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22. And it was Pharaohs Daughter, who brought up Moses as her Son, And he was the Type of the true Messiah. And for Pharaohs Wickedness and Cruel­ty, God hardened him in Unbelief of his Power, so as he followed Israel into the Red Sea, in which he and his Host were overthrown, Exod. 14.28.

And when Christ came into the World to suffer, he did not only come of a Woman, but the knowledg of his coming, first came amongst the Women. For the blessed Virgin went and acquainted her Cozin Elizabeth [Page 11]with the Glad tidings; who upon the hearing of the Sound of her Salutation, was filled with the Holy Ghost, Luke 1.41. We are here likewise to take notice, that Women were first said to be filled with the Holy Ghost. And the Blessed Virgin said, He that is mighty, bath done to me great things, and holy is his Name. For behold from hence forth, all Generations should call her blessed, Luke. 1.48, 49

And it was Anna the Prophetess published in the Temple Christ's first coming, to all them that looked for Redemption in Jerusalem, Luke 2.38.

And it likewise was a Woman that anointed Christ's head with the precious Ointment, at which some mur­mured, the Ointment being of such Value Mark 14.3, 5.

And it was a Woman that washed the Lords Feet with her Tears, and wiped them with the Hair of her Head, and anointed them with Ointment, Luke 7.38.

And it was Women that did Minister to Christ of their Substance, Luke. 8.2.

And a Woman of the Gentiles, a Samaritan, the Lord Christ declared himself to, and she made him known to the Men of Samaria; and brought them to Christ, John 4.26, 28, 29, 30, 39, 40, 41, 42.

And at the time of Christ's Sufferings, the Daughters of Jerusalem wept for him, Luke, 23.28. But the Sons of Jerusalem, cryed, Crucifie him, Crucifie him, Verse 21. And Herod with his Men of War, sit him at nought, and mocked him. Verse 11.

But the Women that followed Christ, stood be­holding him all the time of his Crucifixion, Mark. 15.40 41. Luke. 23.49. When all his Disciples forsook him and fled. Matt. 26.56.

And it was the Women that was first at the Sepul­chre, where the Body of the Lord, was laid, early in the Morning, when it was yet Dark, John 20.1. Matt. 28.1. And So by their Love and Diligence, they got the first [Page 12]sight of the Lord after he arose, And the Lord sent them to be the first publishers of the Resurrection to his Disciples. Matt. 28.10.

And it was the Women of Macedonia, who first embraced the Faith in that Place. For a Vision appeared to Paul in the Night: There stood a Man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, come over into Macedo­nia and help us. Acts 16 9. Which accordingly he did. And he, and they that accompanied him thither, were in that City abiding certain Days, Verse 12. In which time it doth evidently appear, they had gotten to them­selves Hearers. For it is said in the 13. Verse. On the Sabbath Day we went out of the City by a River side, where Prayer was wont to be made. A place chosen Sutable to their purpose: that those that embraced the Faith, might there be Baptized. And we are to take Notice, that it was the Women that met there; For St. Paul saith, We Sat down, and spake unto the Women which resorted thither. But the Men of the City rose up a­gainst them, And the Magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them, and when they had laid many Stripes upon them, they cast them into Prison, Charging the Jaylor to keep them safely. Verse 22, 23. At which time the Jaylor and all his were convicted, and baptized. Verse 30 31, 33. And Lidia was a Succourer of them, both before and after their imprisonment, Verse 15, 40.

And it was the men that pretended to be knowing in the Scriptures, that withstood the Apostles Doctrine and stir'd up the devout and Honourable Women, and the chief Men of the City, Acts 13 50. against St. Paul for declaring the Truth. And of the Greeks it is said, That the Honnourable Women Believed, Acts. 17.12. where by it is signifiyed that there was not many honourable Men that did there believe, because there is no mention made of them.

And that God, who for Abrabaws Love and Obedi­ence to him, became his exceeding great reward: So that for Abrahams sake, all the great Blessings promised [Page 13]are to come upon him and his Seed in time to come, Gen, 12.2, 3. Chap. 15. 1. Chap. 22.15, 16, 17, 18. So the Lord will not let the Love of the Women pass unre­garded by him. Who hath promised, that those that Love him, should be Beloved of him, Pro. 8.17. John. 14.21.

And the Messiah being the seed of the Woman, so as Women with the Tribe of Judah may say, 2 Sam 19.42. The King, the Lord Christ, is near of Kin to us, therefore let us prepare, and wait and pray for his return, that we may be found ready for the Bridegroom of our Souls. When, as for them that will not prepare, of his Supper they shall not have any share, Luke 14.24. For of such, the Lord saith, They shall not tast of his Supper.

And of Woman came the chief Corner stone: And by Man has been lost the right knowledg both of Christ's Kingdom and Throne. Therefore God saw good, that from his Word, Woman should conceive aright how to bring the true knowledg of both again to light. And as Zerubabel laid the Foundaaion Stone, so his hands finished it, Zech. 4.7.9 And accordingly Zerubbabel truth to Woman doth Joyn 1 Esd. 4.13. be­cause she was to bring to light, that truth which Man had declin'd.

And that God that caused a Woman, Anna by Name, to declare in the Temple the Coming of Christ to all them that looked for Redemption in Jerusalem, Luke 2.38. When the Scribes and Pharisees understod it not. There­fore no wonder that God should now again bring to light the truth of that Doctrine, which Man did first Slight.

Now whereas St. Paul saith, 1. Cor. 14.34. Let your Women keep Silence in the Church, for it is not permitted un­to them to speak, Verse 35. And if they will learn any thing, Let them ask their Husbands at home. These words of St. Paul could have no general reference. For many of the Women did embrace the Faith before their [Page 14]Husbands. As those of Macedonia did. So as had they been to ask their Husbands at home; it had been the ready way to have turned them to have been Insidels again. But St Paul wrot this to the Church of Co­rinth, where without doubt, he found the Men more in­dustrious to understand the Truth: and that the Wo­men might be too troublesome to them, by asking them too many impertinent Questions, in the Church or pub­lick Meetings. Therefore he saith, Let your Women keep Silence in the Church, for it is not permitted unto them to speak, but to ask their Husbands at home.

And whereas St. Paul saith, 1 Tim. 2.12. I suffer not a Woman to teach. Thereby shewing he spake this from himself. And if it is to be taken as here exprest, the which I cannot so understand him, because then he con­tradicts himself: and also it not being agreeable to the rest of the Scriptures, therefore of no force. And he desires the Churches to be Followers of him, even as he is of Christ, 1 Cor. 11 1. But the Churches are to follow none, but as they follow Christ. But Christ gave no such Command as this of St. Paul, but left other Exam­ples, as I have before cited. And in St Pauls time one Man had Four Daughters, Virgins, which did Prophe­sie, Acts 21.9. And were they not to speak in the Church, which then were in the Believers Houses: to whom were they then to declare their Prophesies to? And the Women were to instruct and teach their Chil­dren, and Neighbours and acquaintance in the Truth, And St. Paul saith, The Elder Women should teach the Younger Women, Titus 2.3, 4.5. And their Hus­bands too, no doubt, if they were Ignorant in the Faith.

And Timothy knew the Holy Scriptures from a Child, being taught by his Mother and Grand-Mother, 2 Tim. 1. 5. Chap. 3.15. And Aquila, and Priscilla took the learned Apollo to their House, Who is said to be Mighty in the Scriptures; him they took and instructed in the way of God more perfectly, Acts 18.24, 26. And St. Paul saith, Priscilla and Aquila were his helpers in [Page 15]Christ Jesus Rom. 16.3. And in that Priscilla is put foremost it doth signifie she was the better instructer of the two. And likewise the same Apostle wrote to his Yoke-fellow to help those Women which labored with him in the Gospel, Phil 4.3. Whereby it doth plainly appear they were to instruct and teach the People, tho' not in the great publick assemblies or Synagogues, as the men were, neither were they sent, but to them that had before em­braced the Faith; that they might further instruct them therein. For if they had been sent to others, they might thereby have been Slandered, and so brought a Scandal upon Religion. Thus we see, by laying the Writings of St. Paul together, we may understand his meaning, which, if we take them, not considering how they were spoken, then they are plain Contradictions as we here see.

Now one Woman being first in the Transgression, was the cause that God laid Women under Sub­jection in this time, and Pain in Childbearing. And hath given the Men the ruling Power in Church and State, and in their own Families: Now that Judg that hath been so severe on the Womans side, is near at the door to call Men to an account how they have ruled in Church and State, and in their own Families, and what good example they have shewed, Therefore it is best for them to consider, and order their Conversation a right, be­fore it is too late, that they may not be reckoned as part of that Vine that will be trod without the City, when the Lord comes. Rev. 19 15. Chap. 14.18, 19, 20.

Eve was beguiled thro the Serpents Subtilty, 2 Cor. 11.3. And did not willingly betray her Husband, for She gave him of the Fruit, before she had found the evil effects thereof, But Men who were intrusted with the word for themselves and their Posterities, and they by their chang­ing Times and Laws, Dan. 7.25. and Eating the good Postures, and in treading down the residue of the Postures, and fouling the deep waters, Eze. 34.18, 19, 20. And hid­ing the Talent, Matt. 25.18. of the Word, which was [Page 16]left to mankind to improve their time thereby, the which man by his turning things upside down Isa 29.16. [...] the World in Darkness, and made Merchandize of the Souls of the People, Rev. 18.13. For which God hath declared,That the Prophets, the rulers, the S [...]ers hath he covered, and the vision of all is become, as a book that is Sealed, Isa. 29.10, 11. And the Apostle saith, God hath chosen the weak things of the World, to confound the things which are Mighty. 1 Cor. 1.27. Isa. 44.25. From which it is plain, that the whole truth of Gods word was not to be brought to light on that side by which it was first lost. And for those that will not read nor consider because they will not understand, it is wilfull Ignorance, and willfull ignorance is like to willfull Rebellion, and that man that will persist to set up his Wisdom aboue Gods word, shall certainly fall thereby, for none is to add unto it nor diminish from it, De [...]. 4.2. Rev. 22.16. Num. 12.8. and all that would not be Sharers of Gods Wrath, should declare the whole truth, when God again brings the true meaning of his Word to Light. But how ready is Man in Religion to differ with one a­nother for trifles, because Interest lies at the bottom. But when all Men are found in Mistakes, as to the great part of their Fundamentals, then the Generality of all Parties, is willing to Smother it, by reason they think it not to sute with their interest; but what advan­tageth it for a Man to gain the whole World, and lose his own Soul, Matt. 16 26. But it is want of a belief in the truth, which makes many so regardless, and unwill­ing to deny themselves the Injoyments of this World, for the hopes of that of a better. And others think­ing to put off all, to, A Lord have mercy on them at the last. Whereby multitudes will find themselves misera­bly deceived. Therefore let every thinking Soul, break off their Sins by Working righteousness; and such as are Rich shew mercy to the Poor, 1 Tim, 6.17, 18, 19. And Labour to attain to the true knowledg, and Love of God; And the Pati­ent waiting for of Christ, knowing that our Labour will not be in vain in the Lord, 1 Cor. 15.58.