CHAP. VI
The sence and testimony of the Primitive Church
concerning the Millennium, or future kingdom of Christ: from the times of the Apostles
to the Nicene Council. The second Proposition laid down. When, by what means, and for
what reasons, that doctrine was afterwards neglected or discountenanc'd.
YOU have heard the voice of the Prophets and
Apostles, declaring the future kingdom of Christ.
Next to these, the Primitive Fathers are accounted of
good authority; Let us therefore now enquire into
their Sence concerning this Doctrine, that we may
give satisfaction to all parties; And both those that
are guided by Scripture alone, and those that have a
Veneration for Antiquity, may find proofs suitable to
their inclinations and judgment.
And to make few words of it, we will lay down
this Conclusion, That the Millennial kingdom of Christ
was the general doctrine of the Primitive Church, from
the times of the Apostles to the Nicene Council; inclusively. S. John out-liv'd all the rest of the Apostles,
and towards the latter end of his life,
being banish'd
into the Isle of
Pathmos, he writ his
Apocalypse; wherein he hath given us a more full and distinct account
of the Millennial kingdom of Christ, than any of the
Prophets or Apostles before him.
Papias, Bishop of
Hierapolis, and Martyr; one of S.
John's Auditors, as
Irenceus testifies;
taught the same doctrine after S.
John.
