15. For, (1.) The temporal, outward peace of the world, if any such thing be here intended, is not the principal part, matter, or sub- ject of the promise, but only an accessory unto it. The chief part of it, which concerns the spiritual worship of God, is evidently and openly fulfilled. That which is temporal, for the times and seasons of it, is left unto the sovereign will and wisdom of God for its accom- plishment. Neither is it necessary that it should be fulfilled amongst all nations at once, but only amongst them who. at any time or in any place effectually receive the laws of God from the Messiah. Whatever, then, of outward peace is really intended in this pro-
438 JEWS’ OBJECTIONS AGAINST [EXERC. XVIII
mise, as it hath in part already received its accomplishment, as we shall show, so the whole shall be fulfilled in the time and way of God’s appointment. (2.) That the words are not to be understood absolutely, according to the strict exigence of the letter, is evident from that complement of the prediction in that of Micah, “ Every one shall sit under his own vine and fig-tree,” there being many, not only persons but great nations in the world, that have neither the one nor the other. (3.) The Jews themselves do not expect such peace upon the coming of their Messiah. War great and ter- rible with Gog and Magog they look for, which also the Scripture mentions; and that with Armillus is their own faith or fancy: only, it may be, they would have nobody to wage war with but themselves. For whereas they tell us that all nations shall come with their con- troversies to be ended by the Messiah at Jerusalem, and by that means prevent war among them, I suppose they will not do so until they are subdued, and those nations broken in pieces which will not serve them ; which, whatever expedition they fancy to themselves, may take up at least half the reign of their Messiah, if he should live an hundred years, about which they differ; yea, plainly and openly great wars and desolations of the enemies of the children of God are fore- told under the Messiah, Isa. lxiii. 1-6, etc. (4.) I shall not much insist on that universal peace which God gave unto all the known nations of the world at the coming of Christ in the reign of Augustus, though it looks more like an accomplishment of this prophecy than what the Jews imagine therein; but because it was only coincident with, by the providence of God, and not an effect of, his coming, I shall pass it by only as a diagnostic of the season wherein the Prince of Peace was to be born, and was so accordingly. But I say, (5.) That Christ at his coming wrought perfect peace between God and man, slaying the enmity and difference which, by reason of sin, was between them. This alone absolutely and properly is peace; with- out this all other outward quiet and prosperity is ruinous and de- structive. And where this is, no wars or tumults can hinder but that the persons enjoying it shall be preserved in perfect peace; and this, if the Jews did believe, they would have experience of. (6.) He hath algo wrought true spiritual peace and love between all that sincerely believe in him, all his elect; which although it frees them not from outward troubles, persecutions, oppressions, and afflictions in the earth, and that from some also that may make profession of his name (for Judah may be in the siege against Jerusalem, Zech. xii. 2), yet having peace with God and among themselves, they enjoy the promise unto the full satisfaction of their souls. And this peace of the elect with God and among themselves is that which singly and principally is intended in this prediction, though set out under terms and expressions of the things wherein
SECT. 16.] CHRISTIAN RELIGION ANSWERED. 439
outward peace in this world doth consist. (7.) The Lord Christ, by his doctrine, hath not only proclaimed and offered peace with God unto all nations, but also given precepts of peace and self- denial, directing and guiding all the sons of men, were they at- tended unto and received, to live in peace among themselves, whereas the Jews of old had express command for war, and destroying of the nations among whom they were to inhabit; which gives a great foundation unto the promises of peace in the days of the Messiah. (8.) Let it be supposed that it is general outward peace, pros- perity, and tranquillity, that are here promised unto the world, yet then,—[1.] The precise time of its accomplishment is not here limited or determined. If it be effected during the kingdom and reign of the Messiah in the world, the word is established and the prophecy verified. [2.] Our Lord Jesus Christ and his apostles have foretold, that after his law and doctrine should be received in the world, there should a great defection and apostasy from the power and purity of it ensue, which should be attended with great persecutions, troubles, afflictions, wars, and tumults; but after they are all removed, and all his adversaries subdued, he will give peace and rest unto his churches and people all the world over: and herein, and in that sea- son, which now approacheth, lies the accomplishment of all the pro- mises concerning the glorious and peaceable estate of the church in this world. Take, then, this prophecy in what sense soever it may be literally expounded, and there is nothing in it that gives the least countenance unto the Judaical pretence from the words.