by ordering and directing the induration or hardnes to a good end 65 Hereupon saith Suidas out of the Ancients God doth administer all things according to his Dispensation his good will and pleasure in that which is Good and by way of Permission onely in that which is Evil. 66 This Permission is not as of one imprudent or simply unwilling or not caring or idly looking on or opening a wide field to the Plots and machinations of men and Satan but it is the Permission of a most just judge and avenger and also a most wise ruler and governour 67 God doth in such manner punish sinnes with sinnes that yet he is not the cause of sinne 68 And seeing that the divine Providence doth not exclude the Second causes neither change their qualitie according to the ordinarie manner Hence â—t is that in respect of the Particular â—auses some things may be said to be â—ortuitous and casuall which yet come under the order of the Vniversall cause 69 Chance and Fortune are the voice and words of Humane ignorance August 5. de Civit. Dei cap. 9. 70 The holy Meditation upon the divine Providence may effect thus much â—n us That we be neither lift up in â—rosperitie nor cast down with despair in adversitie 71 Let vs wholly commit our selves â—nd all that is ours unto his care who hath such a care of every one of us as if he had but one to take care of and such a care of all that he forgets not to take care of every one CHAP. VII Wherein are contained Theologicall Aphorismes concerning Election and Reprobation 1 PRedestination is a certain peculiar act of the divine Providence about the salvation of men 2 By it the reasonable creature is directed to an end which exceedeth in proportion to wit unto eternall life 3 In which sense Predestination is made part of the divine Providence Thom. p. 1. qu. 23. art 1. 2 The doctrine of Predestination is not to be involved or concealed in the cloud of silence seeing that it is in Scripture evolved or revealed by the Holy Ghost 5 But we must handle it soberly reverently and prudently 6 Let us speak not what and as much as the curiositie of mans heart desireth but what and asmuch as the Holy Ghost teacheth 7 Predestination or Election is called The Enrolling Registring or writing of our names into the Book of life 8 But yet this Book of life serveth not to put God in mind of some lest he forget them but it signifies the Predestination of those which shall inherit everlasting life Aug. 20. de Civ Dei cap. 15. 9 As therefore none of those that are elected do perish So of those that have their names written in the Book of life none are ever blotted out 10 But they are Properly and according to the phrase of Scripture said to be written in the Book of life who cleave unto Christ by Faith and Perseverance 11 Election as well as Creation is the immediate action of one and the onely true God alone 12 Which belongeth also to the Sonne of God not onely as he is one with the Father and the Holy Ghost but also as he is appointed to be the Mediatour 13 In which sense we are said to bâ— elected not onely by Christ but also iâ— Christ Ephes 1.4 14 And it is an Action not Emâ—nant but Immanent 15 And it is also Ordinate whencâ— it is that the elect are said to be ordained to eternall Life Act. 13.48 16 The reason and manner of thâ— order is made manifest unto us by thâ— Gospel by which the Mystery of oâ—â— salvation which was kept secret since the world began is now made manifest Rom. 16.26 27. 17 In which sense we are said to bâ— elected according to the Purpose and Foreknowledge of God Ephes 1.11 and 1. Pet. 1.2 18 That Purpose is the counsel and good pleasure of God concerning the salvation of men by faith on Christ 19 Gods Election is merely of his grace not according to any merits of works foreseen 20 The onely cause and foundation of this grace is Christ In him the beloved we are freely beloved Ephes 1.6 21 But inasmuch as Christ profits no man without Faith Therefore the mention of Christ in this businesse doth include the action of Faith 22 In which sense we are said to be elected not onely in Christ but also through Faith 2. Thess 2.13 23 Again Because the end of Faith I do not mean such Faith as is temâ—orarie and endureth but for a time â—ut that which persevereth and continueth unto the end is Eternall Life Therefore when we name Faith we understand Perseverance also 24 The end of Election in respect of our selves is sanctification in the kingdome of Grace and glorification in the kingdome of Glory 25 The end of our Election in respect of God is the glory of God and the clear manifestation of his mercy 26 God willeth and earnestly willeth the life of a sinner but he willeth also his conversion by the word and the Holy Spirit 27 If the sinner refuseth and rejecteth the word and resisteth the Holy Spirit and so is not converted then God willeth the death of the sinner and that most justly 28 These things are not repugnant the one to the other but do manifest unto us the wonderfull temper of Godâ— mercie and justice 29 What some produce concerning the hidden will of God contrary to hiâ— will revealed in his word That inasmuch as it is not revealed is not without just cause hidden from the godly 30 Neither doth God in word onelâ— testifie unto us that he earnestly desired the salvation of all men but also iâ— deed and in truth 31 The first Adam was created after the Image of God whereof immoâ—tality was a part 32 All men were in the loins oâ— their first Father Adam Therefore iâ— him they may be all said to have beeâ— created after the Image of God untâ— immortalitie 33 What Christ by his preciouâ— bloudshedding purchased for all thâ— the Holy Ghost in the precious treasurâ— of the word offereth unto all 34 The Gospel is offered unto all in the Gospel the benefits of Christ and in them the grace of God and iâ— that eternall life 35 And thus the love of the Father the satisfaction of the Sonne and the calling of the Holy Ghost are alvvaies â—oyned together 36 That calling in it self and of it self in respect of God which calleth is Universall For it is his good will and pleasure that the Gospel should be preached unto all 37 But it is made Particular by the â—ault of men who by their detestable contempt of the word rob themselves â—nd their posteritie of so great a treasure 38 In which sense such are said to â—udge themselves unworthy of everlastâ—ng Life Acts 13.46 39 If we descend unto particulars we confesse that there are many things â—et obscure which hereafter shall be made manifest unto all in the light of
full is he of Scripture Fathers and Schoolmen Concerning my self I can say no more but this for I know not how to complement I am and ever shall be in all hearty affection Your servant RALPH WINTERTON ¶ To the Translatour of Gerhards Aphorismes DO Let the Antichristian Clergy keep Their Owl-ey'd Laitie pris'ners in the deep And horrid shades of everlasting night Whil'st thy clear beams and more illustrious light Disperse these clouds of Language display The close-drawn Curtains of thy new-born day Shine forth bright Lamp and chase these shades of night Truth seeks no corners Errour baulks the light Ed. Benlowes ¶ To the Reader concerning the Authour and Interpreter of this Book BEhold choice Aphorismes here like rings beset With Pearls lockt up in this rich Cabinet If worth not number doth commend the store Viewing but one me thinks I need no more Yet in this volume many hundreds dwell And every one 's a volume to live well Each leafe's a perfect book each line is such Each part 's enough yet not the whole too much Gerhard his Aphorismes like starres do shine Thou giv'st them lustre let me cal them thine Most bright themselves by thee they shine most bright As if the sun had borrow'd greater light Apollo needs not to renew his fame Who twice is made immortall by thy name Dove William son Fellow of Kings Colledge Upon the Golden Chain of divine Aphorismes AS no such Maladie so no such Balm Like that which can the souls distempers calm What soul is not diseas'd How hard to find A salve to cure diseases of the mind This Winterton hath found Who but he knew That such an herb in Gerhards Herball grew No Empirick no Chymicks daring Heart Who sets poore Nature on the wrack of Art Descri'd such med'cines Sure in this he can Approve himself a true Physician Each Aphorism's an antidote to thee ' Gainst the old Serpents sting the book may be A Garden richly stored in which place Grows the true Hearts-ease and the Herb of grace These now translated are because 't is ghest That plants translated ofttimes thrive the best He then undoubtedly thrice happy is Who being immur'd from men can chuse out this Garden to be his prison Who would disdain Thus to be fetter'd in a Golden Chain Robert Newman Fellow of Kings Colledge MOst men that put forth Books have this main art First for their Credit then their better Mart With Title fair with fine Inscription To deck their work their onely Minion This man forsooth with Antalthea's Horn Doth of his Book the Frontispice adorn This writes A Honycombe A third doth call His works the Pandects as comprising all The Muses here the Reader waiting stand There is an Enchiridion for his hand Such Titles serve to please the Readers eye And strangers do invite the books to buy But yet alas within what do they find Scarce ought that can content or ease the mind The Pandects having all cannot the Will The Enchiridion scarce the Hand doth fill The Hony cloyes The Horn is quickly dry At best The Muses do but sweetly lie Take then into thy hands Gerhard divine Who saving doctrine hath in every line He in his text more truth doth comprehend Then others Titles vainly do pretend In him all Authours are both new and old Fathers and School-men faithfully caroll'd If all these Authours severally do please How then shall he who joyntly hath all these Henry Whiston Fellow of Kings Colledge WHo list to glance a gentle look Upon The Golden Chain this book As in a Crystall first may see The secrets of Eternitie Such as in Time should come to passe Decreed by God before Time was Such as transcend the Hearts desire And onely Silence can admire But next doth entertain the fight An Embleme of our wofull plight He that ere long Heav'ns darling was Gods Archetype Mans Looking-Glasse Which being dimm'd Nature no more To its first brightnesse could restore He that enjoy'd so rare a Blisse Made happy with a Paradise Behold him now cast out from thence Disrob'd of milky Innocence Poore naked man naked alas Who onely cloth'd with fig-leaves was But Jesse's Branch our souls arraid And wrapt our sinnes in mercies shade Since when is ceast that fatall strife Of tree of Knowledge and of Life One Book contains them let one breast Reade Know enjoy Eternall rest Thomas Page Fellow of Kings Colledge ¶ The Translatour to the Reader THis book when first I read it pleas'd me well I sought another There was none to sell When others read it they were of my mind They sought as I for what they could not find Had not it been by me interpreted For ought I know it might have perished Was 't not great pity that a book so good By English men should not be understood I challenge nothing but what is mine own Had not one been I never had it known 'T was Mr. Carew that did give it mee I in plain English Reader give it thee He lov'd good books and often turn'd them ore I think no young man of his time had more He liv'd as if he lookt alwayes to die And died to passe to immortalitie I flatter not A dead man I commend Who godly liv'd and made a godly end He 's now with God in blest eternitie But late was one of our Societie He was my friend whilst we did live together And once my friend he is my friend for ever Reader this book was Gerhards Carews Mine Now 't is a common good therefore Thine The Contents of this Book in Verse BEfore Time was here are Divine decrees Fulfill'd in Time and after Promises To be fulfill'd when Time shall cease to be And in its place succeed Eternity Reader Behold the Worlds Nativity And Adam in his happy Infancy He was created at the first Upright His Understanding filled was with Light His Will with God's did hold Conformitie And his Affections kept good Harmonie Yet such he was that he might staâ—d or fall He fell We feel 't In him we perisht all His Understanding Will Affections All Lost what they had at their Originall His Understanding was depriv'd of Sight And Darknesse did succeed in place of Light His Will fell from the first Conformitie And tended altogether to Obliquitie His jarring did Affections disagree And Discord did break off their Harmonie His Body which disease none knew before Let in diseases now at every Pore His Body made Immortall for to be Became now Subject to Mortalitâ—e And thus he was depriv'd of Endlesse joyes And plung'd into Eternall Miseries By Nature such are we which from him come Blind Crooked Froward from our mothers wombe Conceiv'd in sinne Born in iniquitie Acting in Life a Sinfull Tragedie We for our Parts deserve no other due But Death and that of Soul and Body too But God of his mere Mercie promised The Womans Seed should break the Serpeâ—â—s head He gave his Law a Glasse for man to
two wayes either for that which of it self alone is All-sufficient excluding all want or else for that which is but In part profitable and not sufficient of it self without the help of something else It is manifest that the Apostle here speaketh of that which is profitable taken in the first sense 22 By those things which are written we may be taught to beleeve on Christ John 20.31 and be furnished unto all good works 2. Tim. 3.17 And the brethren of the rich glutton by hearing Moses and the Prophets in the Scriptures might have escaped the torments of Hell Luke 16.29 23 Whereupon it follows without forcing that the perfection of the Holy Scripture is such as we assigne unto it For whosoever beleeveth on Christ and is furnished unto all good works and made partaker of eternall life what can he desire more 24 This also is an Argument worthie our consideration That the Apostle S. Paul declared unto the Church of Ephesus all the counsel of God to wit concerning our salvation Acts 20.27 Again the same Apostle said none other things then those which the Prophets and Moses did say should come Acts 26.22 Therefore in Moses and the Prophets is contained all the counsel of God concerning our salvation 25 Now if the Scripture be perfect as indeed it is Away then with Traditions which some would thrust upon us to be received with like affection and to be beleeved with like authoritie as the Scripture 26 For they are full of doubts and sometimes also contradictions being very apt to be corrupted and many wayes subject unto errour 27 The Ecclesiasticall Historie witnesseth that in the time of the Primitive Church under the name of Apostolicall Traditions many falsities were broched and that men of great note have been deceived in former time by the opinion of Traditions 28 Furthermore seeing that the Holy Scripture was by God given unto men to this end to instruct them unto salvation from hence we conclude that The Scripture is perspicuous 29 What Could not God which made both mind and tongue speak plainly and perspicuously Yea certainly he used great care and providence that all men might understand vvhat he spake unto all men Lactant. lib. 6. Div. Institut cap. 21. 30 Ought not that which is to instruct the rude and ignorant and make them wise and learned ought not that I say be perspicuous 31 It is perspicuity which in fit to teach and instruct not obscurity or perplexitie 32 Yet when we say that the Holy Scripture is perspicuous we would not have it so understood as if we meant that whatsoever is contained any where in Scripture were so easie and plain that any man at the first sight may understand it 33 But this is our meaning that The perspicuity of Scripture is such that from thence a man may learn sure and infallible grounds and principles of religion the knowledge whereof is necessary unto every man toward the attainment of everlasting salvation 34 The books of the Prophets and Apostles are the integrall parts of Holy Scripture And that both those are perspicuous it is proved by good testimonies If the parts of Scripture then be perspicuous how can the whole be said to be obscure 35 The Propheticall word in the Old Testament is compared unto a Lamp Light or Lantern Psalme 119.105 And as much is said of the Apostolicall word 2. Pet. 1.19 And again If our Gospel be hid it is hid to them that are lost 2. Cor. 4.3 Whereby it appeareth that if the Scripture be obscure and hid it is so onely by accident But of it self and by its own nature it is perspicuous 36 Seeing therefore it is demonstrated that the Scripture is perfect and perspicuous It follows that It is and ought to be the certain infallible and onely rule and judge of all controversies that are moved about points of Christian religion 37 What David saith concerning the Apostles Psal 19.4 Their line or their rule or direction is gone out through all the earth the same Paul applies to the doctrine of the Apostles Rom. 10.18 Their sound went into all the earth But the Apostles wrote and taught the same things 38 Christ also and his Apostles for determining controversies of faith appealed unto no other Judge went by no other Rule but the Holy Scriptures and they send us also to search the Scriptures And what sheep will not follow Christ his Shepherd and Leader and the Apostles his followers 39 The word of Christ contained in the Holy Scriptures Propheticall and Apostolicall shall judge all men in the last day John 12.48 Rom. 2.16 Rev. 20.12 What hinders then but that it may be unto us in this life a Perfect Rule 40 For if there be any part of celestiall doctrine not contained within the Canonicall books How shall the judgement which shall be passed hereafter according unto them be entire 41 Furthermore seeing that it is not onely permitted but also commanded to all Christians to trie the Spirits 1. John 4.1 to beware of false prophets Matth. 7.15 to prove all things 1. Thess 5.21 and thus it lies upon them to discern between divine truth and humane dreams certainly the rule of truth that is the Holy Scripture belongeth unto all men And therefore The common people ought not to be debarred the reading of the Scripture 42 What the Spirit of God approveth and commendeth let not any man say It is forbidden But the Bereans are commended for this that they examined Pauls sermon by the Rule of the Scriptures Acts 17 1â— The elect strangers scattered throughout Pontus Galatia Cappadocia Asia and Bithynia 1. Pet. 1.1 are commended for attending unto the word of prophesie as unto a light 2. Pet. 1.19 And Coloss 3.16 the diligent study in the Scripture is commended to all Christians 43 And seeing that the common people are altogether ignorant of the Hebrew and Greek tongue wherein the books of the Old and Nevv Testament were written and yet are bound to reade the Scriptures Therefore their pains is to be commended who have translated the Holy Scriptures into the vulgar tongues 44 But yet the Hebrew text onely in the Old Testament and the Greek in the New Testament is Authenticall because they were both written in those tongues 45 Whatsoever floweth not from those fountains hitherto hath not cannot neither must it be accounted Canonicall seeing that it is not inspired by God 46 Therefore that vulgar interpretation which may sooner be said then proved to be Saint Jeromes is without cause exalted to that high throne of authenticall authoritie 47 For there are in it many faults both Graphicall Ellipticall Chronographicall and Dogmaticall faults in writing in leaving out many things in Chronographie and in points of doctrine 48 They have a corrupt judgement that say that the Hebrew text is corrupted 49 Neither do they love pure truth who say that the fountains do not flow pure 50 The end and use of Holy Scripture is
see His Spots and Stains and his Obliquitie He gave his Law a Rule for man to be That he thereby might learn Conformitie He gave his Law a Light for man to see The Way to Life and blest Eternitie Do this and live Do this and Life is due But no man â—iving ever could this do No man but one And that he this might do As he was Man so was he God most true God sent his Sonne as he had promised According to the Time determined He was Conceiv'd and Born and Liv'd and Died All without sinne And we are justified He did fulfill the Law which none could do And freed us from the Curse to us most due He by his Life for us hath merited Eternall Life to be inherited And by his Death which he once suffered From Death for ever us delivered But that we may these benefits partake We must Repent and all our Sinne forsaâ—e We must by Faith in Christ â—e Justifiâ—d And by the Holy Spirit Sanctified Now to this end Christ left his Testament The Gospel and a Twofold Sacrament And sent his Spirit for to Sanctifie Those whom hereafter he will Glorifie Heare and obey Christs will and Testament Wash and be clean Receive his Sacrament Obey the inward Calling of the Spirit Be Constant And Eternall Life inherit Reader I have presented to thine eye The Summe of Gerhards whole Divinitie The Contents of each chapter in this Book The First Chapter containeth the Summe of all the rest Chapter Concerning Page 2 The Holy Scripture 1 3 God and his Attributes 14 4 The Person and Office of Christ 26 5 The Creation and the Angels 40 6 The Providence of God 51 7 Election and Reprobation 62 8 The Image of God in Man before his fall 70 9 Originall sinne 81 10 Free-will 94 11 The Law 105 12 The Gospel 116 13 Repentance 135 14 Faith 152 15 Good Works 168 16 The Sacraments 185 17 Baptisme 201 18 The Lords Supper 219 19 The Church 237 20 The Ecclesiasticall Ministerie 251 21 The Civil Magistracie 268 22 Wedlock 280 23 Our latter end or The foure last things 292 CHAP. I. A Description or Representation of the Theologicall places or Heads of Divinitie contained in this book together with their order connexion 1THe onely and proper Principle of Divinitie is the word of God 2 For God came forth from the secret throne of his Majestie and manifested himself unto men in the word 3 At sundrie times and in diverse manners God spake in time past unto â—he fathers by the Prophets In these â—ast dayes he hath spoken unto us by his Sonne and his Apostles Hebr. 1.1 2. 4 That word of God was first preached by the Prophets and Apostles anâ— afterwards the chief and necessariâ— heads of divine revelation were penneâ— by them according to the will of Goâ— Iren. lib. 3. cap. 1. 5 Therefore the undoubted word 〈◊〉 God cannot at this day any where 〈◊〉 found but in the writings of the Prâ—phets and Apostles 6 From this word of God floweâ— Theologie and is busied about it prâ—pounding unto us the oracles of Goâ— Rom. 3.2 7 Now Theologie is as the name 〈◊〉 self importeth A doctrine concerniâ—â— God 8 And by this doctrine men are iâ—structed concerning the essence and wâ—â— of God unto their salvation 9 And this is life eternall To knoâ— the onely true God and Jesus Chrisâ— which came in the flesh John 17.3 10 The doctrine concerning the Eâ—sence of God is absolved in this quâ—stion What God is to wit Jehoâ—â— Elohim One in Essence three in Peâ—sons 11 For God hath so manifested hiâ— self that in the divine Essence beiâ—â— but one and that undivided there aâ— â—hree Persons neither more nor lesse to wit the Father the Sonne and the Holy Ghost 12 The Father is the first Person â—either made nor created nor begotten â—or proceeding 13 The Sonne is the second Person â—ot made nor created but begotten of â—he Father from all eternitie 24 Who in the fulnesse of time took â—pon him our humane nature in which â—nd through which he payed the price â—f our redemption 15 The Holy Ghost is the third perâ—on not made nor created nor begotâ—en but proceeding from the Father â—nd the Sonne from all eternitie 16 We must judge of the Will of God by his decrees made from all eterâ—itie 17 Whereof there are two more prinâ—ipall The decree of Creation and the decree of Reparation or as the Greek words signifie Creation and Recreaâ—ion Formation and Reformation 18 What those decrees were the fulfilling of them in time doth declare 19 For what God doeth and in what manner he doeth in time the same thing and in the same manner he decreed tâ— do from all eternitie 20 The reason of which assertion dâ—pends upon the immutabilitie of Goâ— will 21 Creation made in time is the mâ—nifestation of the decree concerning tâ—â— creation of all things made from aâ— eternitie 22 And it is the production of tâ—â— Angels Men and all other creatures iâ— the six first dayes of the world wrougâ—â— by God the Father through the Sonnâ— in the Holy Ghost to his own glorieâ— 23 A great part of the Angels fâ—â— away from God The rest being coâ—firmed in goodnesse do laud and praiâ—â— God and are ministring Spirits for tâ—â— good of men 24 Our first parents Adam anâ— Eve in like manner at the instigatioâ— of Satan transgressed the law of Goâ— which was written in their hearts aâ—â— proclaimed by the mouth of God 25 So then by this fall of theirs tâ— image of God was quite defaced in theâ— and their nature was corrupted witâ— sinne 26 Whereupon their posteritie alsâ— were and are to this day born starâ— naked of originall righteousnesse and in miserable manner corrupted with sinne 27 Through the contagion whereof â—â—l the powers and faculties in the soul â—f man are so infected that there is â—â—ttle or no light of Reason left and â—â—arce any power at all in the will even â—bout externall things 28 God who is omniscient could not â—ut know that our first parents would â—all and therefore of his infinite merâ—ie he made a decree concerning the Reparation or Redemption of man â—rom all eternitie 29 What that decree was the fulâ—illing of the same in like manner doth â—eclare He sent in time his Sonne to be â—ur Redeemer and Mediatour Thereâ—ore he decreed to send him from all â—ternitie 30 God by his word offereth the benefits of a Mediatour unto all and applieth them unto those that beleeve Therefore from all eternitie he decreed to offer them unto all by the word and to apply them unto those that beleeve 31 This decree in Scripture is called Predestination of which we must not judge but à posteriori that is by the manifestation thereof 32 For the fulfilling of the decree concerning the Reparation of man God hath appointed the Word and the Sacraments 33 The Word is reduced to two chief heads the Law and the Gospel
34 The Law is the doctrine of works Therefore it manifesteth unto us the corruption of our nature it terrifieth us and prescribeth unto us the rule of well-doing 35 The Gospel is the doctrine of faith which pointeth at Christ our Mediatour who hath made satisfaction for our sinnes and raiseth up the conscience of man 36 The practice of the Law and the Gospel consisteth in true Repentance 37 Whereunto there is required Contrition to be wrought in us by the Law and Faith by the Gospel 38 Faith apprehendeth the Righteousnesse of Christ offered in the word of the Gospel by which man after Contrition wrought in him by the void of the Law is justified before God and beginneth to be renewed by the receiving of the Holy Ghost 39 For by faith our hearts are purified Acts 15.9 40 Therefore the fruits of true Repentance are good works 41 For Faith worketh by Love Gal. 5.6 And Christ giveth unto us not onely his righteousnesse but also his Holy Spirit which beginneth to renew our nature and bridle in us the concupiscences of the flesh 42 Of Good works there are three ranks some have respect unto God some unto Our selves and others unto our Neighbours 43 For the Summe of Pietie and Christian Religion is this That we live soberly righteously and godly in this present world Tit. 2.12 44 The Sacraments are the Seals of the word appointed for the confirming and strengthening of our Faith And they are the Visible word 45 Such in the Old Testament were Circumcision and the Paschal Lambe and such in the New Testament are Baptisme and the Lords Supper 46 By the Audible Visible word God gathereth together his Church here on earth 47 Whereof there are three Hierarchies ranks or orders The Ecclesiasticall Politicall and Oeconomicall 48 Of the Ecclesiasticall Hierarchie the Pope of Rome makes himself Monarch and Head 49 But inasmuch as he setteth himself against Christ he makes himself Antichrist 50 The Ministerie of the word or the Ecclesiasticall Hierarchie is ordained at this day by a mediate vocation 51 The Politicall Hierarchie comprehendeth Magistrates both inferiour and superiour 52 Unto the Oeconomicall Hierarchie belongeth Matrimonie which is as I may so call it a certain Seminarie or Nurserie of the Church 53 God in this life puts his Church under the Crosse and that for many weightie and urgent reasons 54 But at length he will glorifie it in the life to come being delivered and freed from all enemies from all evils perils and dangers 55 Death and the Last Judgement without going through any Purgatorie is to the godly and those that beleeve the entrance into everlasting life 56 But the ungodly and unbeleevers shall at length be cast into everlasting fire CHAP. II. Wherein are contained Theologicall Aphorismes concerning the Holy Scripture 1 THe onely Principle of Theologie is The WORD of God contained in Holy Scripture 2 By the name of Holy Scripture properly and strictly taken we understand the books of the Old and New Testament which undoubtedly are Propheticall and Apostolicall 3 Which also are called Canonicall because they are a full and perfect Canon or Rule of the knowledge of God and his worship 4 Such in the Old Testament are Genesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomie Joshua Judges Ruth two books of Samuel two of the Kings two of the Chronicles Ezra Nehemiah Esther Job the Psalmes the Proverbs Ecclesiastes the Song of Solomon Isaiah Jeremiah Lamentations Ezechiel Daniel Hosea Joel Amos Obadiah Jonah Micah Nahum Habakkuk Zephaniah Haggai Zachariah Malachi 5 The rest of the books of the Old Testament are called by S. Jerome Apocrypha because they were neither wrote by the Prophets nor received by the Jews for Canonicall 6 Again they want the testimonie of Christ and his Apostles 7 Moreover by the most approved Councels and Fathers they are reckoned without the Canon 8 And besides there is to be found in many of them places either expresly repugnant to the Canonicall Scripture or else peccant against the truth of Historie and Chronologie or else Contradictorie one to the other 9 In the New Testament those are called Canonicall which at all times and by all the Churches have been received without doubting for Apostolicall truly and certainly so called 10 Such are The Gospel according to S. Matthew Mark Luke and John the Acts of the Apostles the Epistle of S. Paul to the Romanes two to the Corinthians one to the Galatians one to the Ephesians one to the Philippians one to the Colossians two to the Thessalonians two to Timothie one to Titus one to Philemon the First of Peter and the First of John 11 The rest have not been heretofore received by all with such a common consent as the former in which respect they are called by some Apocrypha 12 Such are the Epistle to the Hebrews the Epistle of James the Second of Peter the Second and Third of John the Epistle of Jude and the Revelation of John 13 But forasmuch as most of the ancients do not so much doubt of their Primarie authour which is the Holy Ghost as of their Secundarie authours therefore for their Authoritie I willingly suffer them to be equall with the Canonicall neither will I contend with any man about this matter 14 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God 2. Tim. 3.16 And holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost 2. Pet. 1.21 Neither spake they onely but they wrote also 15 The same word of God which with a lively voice was preached and preserved unwritten for along time in the Old Testament and likewise in the New Testament but not so long The same word I say was afterwards by the will of God written and became Scripture Iren. lib. 3. cap. 1. 16 Therefore between the word of God preached and the word written we make no reall difference 17 For it is but an Accident unto the word of God either to be preached or to be written 18 But although the Prophets and Apostles moved by the Holy Ghost have not written their whole sermons yet they have made such a choice of what they wrote that it is sufficient for the salvation of those that beleeve August tract 49. in Joan. 19 And therefore we say that the Holy Scripture is perfect and containeth in it all things necessarie for those that strive for the prize of eternall life which is set before them both for the instructing of them in the faith and the informing them in life 20 That it is perfect it is proved by evident testimonie 2. Tim. 3.16 and 17. where it is said that the Holy Scripture is profitable for doctrine for reproof for correction for instruction in righteousnesse That the man of God may be perfect throughly furnished unto all good works And therefore also the Holy Scriptures are able to make us wise unto salvation 2. Tim. 3.15 21 Seeing therefore that which is Profitable in relation to Indigencie and want is taken
Spirit Amen CHAP. XIV Wherein are contained Theologicall Aphorismes concerning Faith Whereby we are justified before God 1 FAith is not onely a knowledge and Assent but also a Sure Confidence 2 That it is a Knowledge it is manifestly shewed by these appellations whereby it is denoted unto us in Scripture of Science Wisdome Vnderstanding Light c. 3 Neither can Sure Confidence of heart be carried to an Object not known to the Understanding 4 Away then with that Implicite Faith by which we are freed from this labour to cry the Spirits whether they be of God or no. 1. John 4.1 And to beware of false Prophets Matth. 7.15 5 Away with that fiction and new invention That Faith is better defined by Ignorance then by Knowledge 6 For though Faith be not a Knowledge drawn from principles of reason and built upon them yet it is the light of Knowledge arising from the revelation of God by the Gospel In this light do we see light Psalm 36.9 7 Manifest it is that Faith is an assent and approbation For it is not sufficient to know what God hath revealed but we must also give assent and approbation to what God hath revealed 8 That Faith is a Sure Confidence it is manifestly shewed by these appellations whereby it is denoted unto us in Scripture viz. Substance Hebr. 11.1 Assurance Hebr. 10.22 Confidence Ephes 3.12 Boldnesse Heb. 16. and in many other places 9 The same also is declared by the Practicall Descriptions of Faith The Faith of Abraham is thus described That he against hope beleeved in hope Rom. 4.18 That he was not weak in Faith 19. That he staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief but was strong in Faith giving glory unto God 20. That he was fully perswaded that what he had promised he was also able to perform 21. 10 The Faith of the Woman which was troubled with the issue of bloud which Christ so commendeth is thus described That she said within her self If I may but touch his garment I shall be whole Matth. 9.21 11 The Faith of the Canaanitish Woman the greatnesse whereof Christ proclaimeth is thus described That she fought and struggled within her self against the tentation about the deferring of help the particularitie of the promises and her own unworthinesse Matth. 15.22 23 c. 12 So Faith receiveth Christ John 1.12 It is the Spirituall food of the Soul John 4.14 John 6.35 Revel 21.6 It is the Seal of Divine promises John 3.33 It is the beholding of Christ hanging on the crosse Joh. 3.15 These things certainly cannot be attributed to a bare knowledge 13 Adde hither that they are Opposites under the same next Genus Unto Faith there is opposed not onely Ignorance and Darknesse of understanding but also Little Faith and Fear Matth. 8.26 Wavering or Doubting Matth. 14 31. Fear Luke 8.25 Staggering through unbelief Rom. 4.20 14 The Adequate Object of Faith in respect of Knowledge and Assent is the Word of God contained in the Propheticall and Apostolicall Scripture 15 Whatsoever is without the Sphear or compasse of this Object cannot be a foundation or ground of Faith 16 Therefore farre be it from us to beleeve or to be perswaded that traditions are to be received of us vvith the like affection and pietie as the written Word of God 17 Neither can humane reason be the measure and rule of Faith but it is to be conformed according to the prescript of the Word For every thought is to be brought into captivitie to the obedience of Christ. 2. Cor. 10.5 18 The Adequate Object of Faith in respect of Confidence is Christ the Mediatour and Redeemer or which is all one The promise of the Gospel concerning the satisfaction and merit of Christ 19 But yet we deny not but that Faith also doth apprehend the promises concerning other Spirituall and Corporall goods Yet in this respect it doth not justifie 20 For it is necessarie that first it rely on Christ and seek reconciliation in him and by him before it can apply unto it self the other promises of God 21 For in Christ alone are all the promises of God Yea and Amen 2. Cor. 1.20 22 But Faith doth justifie inasmuch as it apprehendeth the Merit of Christ offered unto it in the word of the Gospel 23 Those things which in Scripture are set before us to be beleeved are indeed of diuers kinds But yet Christ as concerning his Office of Mediatourship is the Scope and end of all Scripture as in the volume of the Book is written of him Psal 40.7 24 So also Faith doth in such manner assent unto the whole Word of God that chiefly it hath respect unto the promise of grace propounded in the Gospel 25 Now if Faith be a Sure Confidence relying on the merit of Christ It follows That a man which doth truly beleeve on Christ may and ought certainly resolve that for Christ his sake his sinnes are forgiven him that God is mercifull unto him and that he shall be made an heir of everlasting life 26 And this the firmnesse of Gods promises the certainty of his oath the truth of the Holy Spirit witnessing and sealing the infallibilitie of Gods promise concerning the hearing of our prayers and the propertie of true Faith do evidently prove 27 Hither may we adde very fitly that most excellent place of Saint Bernard Serm. 3. de fragm sept miser Where he saith thus I consider three things in which all my hope consisteth to wit Gods Love in my adoption the Truth of his promise and his Power of Performance Therefore let my foolish cogitation murmur as long as it list saying Who art thou and What is that glory or By what merits dost thou hope to attain it For I can answer with sure Confidence I know on whom I have beleeved and I am certain that in his Love he adopted me that he is true in his promise and that he is able to perform it This is the Threefold cord which is not easily broken which God letteth down from heaven unto us into this prison which I pray God we may apprehend and firmly hold that it may raise us up and draw us unto the fight of the great God of glory 28 This true and saving Faith is the free Gift of God Ephes 2.8 Phil. 1.29 The Operation of God Colos 2.12 Whose Authour and Finisher is Christ Hebr. 12.2 29 Therefore Faith is not the merit of works foregoing but the foundation of works following 30 Neither doth God immediately work it in our hearts but the Holy Ghost by the Word of the Gospel as by an heavenly light doth kindle the light of Faith in our hearts which by naâ—â—re are altogether dark Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God Rom. 10.17 31 Unto the Word there are also added the Sacraments which serve for means to beget and nourish Faith in us 32 Therefore to look for heavenly raptures without and beside the Word of God