to know the end and media of Divinity and out of which all the precepts of Divinity are concluded But there is another principle of Divinity which is called principium essendi and that is God principle of Divinity then the written Word of God VI. It is an unquestionable Principle amongst Christians that the holy Scripture is both of a divine original and authority VII It is then a question ill beseeming a Christian to demand whether the Scripture or holy Bible be Gods word or not For as in the Schools there is no disputing with him who denies Principles so we account him unworthy to be heard who will deny this principle of Christian religion VIII Among Christians it is lawfull to ask By what testimony do we know that the Scriptures are by divine inspiration So we ask not for this end to seduce others or to cavil but onely to be instructed IX Now this testimony is twofold the one principal the other ministerial The principal testimony is that of the Holy Spirit outwardly in the Scripture it self inwardly in the minds and hearts of the faithful being illuminate by him speaking and perswading the divinity of the Scriptures But the ministerial testimony is the testimony of the Church Outwardly in the Scriptures themselvs the Holy Ghost when he speaks of the divine original and authority of the Word useth these phrases The word of the Lord. Thus saith the Lord. Jesus said All Scripture is by divine inspiration 2 Tim. 3.16 Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost But inwardly in the hearts of the faithful he perswades the divinity of Scriptures so far forth as he openeth the eyes and illuminates the mind of him that reads the Scriptures with prayer and humility that he makes him see the wonders of God and causeth him to acknowledge the voice of Gods Spirit sounding in the Word The Romanists urge the Churches authority alone which they have in such high esteem that they will have the whole authority of Scriptures to have its dependence from the Church and for this onely cause they will have it to be Gods word because the Church is the witnesse of it But this is not to make the Church a witnesse of the Scriptures divinity but to make her self capable of divinity But we will prove by these ensuing arguments that the testimony of Gods Spirit alone is it which firmly assures us of the Scriptures divinity 1. His testimony concerning the Scriptures is most firm by whose inspiration the Scripture was written For every one knows his own hand best and is best acquainted with his own stile But the Scripture was written by the inspiration of the Holy Ghost 2 Tim. 3.16 2 Pet. 1 20 21. Ergo c. 2. He that together with the Scripture is promised in a most neer conjunction to the faithful his testimony of the Scripture is most firm But the Holy Ghost is promised to the faithful in a most neer conjunction with the Scripture Esa 59.21 My Spirit which is in thee and my words which I have put in thy mouth shall not depart from thy mouth 3. Without whose illumination the wonders of the Scripture are not seen his testimony alone of the Scripture is most firm But without the illumination of the Holy Ghost no man sees the wonders of the Scripture Psal 119.18 Open my eyes that I may see the wonders of thy law Ergo c. 4. Whose office it is to lead us into all truth he it is that witnesseth this truth to wit that the Scripture is Gods word But it is the office of the Holy Ghost to lead us into all truth Joh. 16.13 Ergo c. Now as for the Churches testimony although it is to be received as from Gods minister yet it is false that the Scriptures authority depends on it For what can be more absurd then to make the words of the Master to receive their authority from the Servant or the Fathers letters to receive credit from the Foot-post or the Princes mandates from the Printer or that the Rule should have its dependence upon the thing ruled We know that the oracles of God are committed to the Church and that she is the pillar and ground of truth 1 Tim. 3.15 But as it is foolish to tell us that the candle receives its light from the candlestick that supports it so it is riliculous to ascribe the Scriptures authority to the Church The Churches testimony may be prevalent with those who as yet know not the Scriptures and have not received that sincere milk of the word nor by it are grown up 1 Pet. 2.2 But in those who have tasted the sweetnesse of divine oracles the testimony of Scriptures and of the Holy Ghost is most firm and effectual For as he who tasteth hony himself hath a more sure knowledge of its sweetnesse then he that believeth another speaking and witnessing of it even so he knoweth more assuredly the Scriptures to be Gods word who hath tasted its sweetnesse then he who gives credit to the Church witnessing this sweetnesse The Samaritans at first believed the woman when she spake of Christ but after they heard Christ himself they say to the woman Now we believe not because of thy saying for we have heard him our selves and know that this is indeed the Christ the Saviour of the world Joh. 4.42 Even so he that having begged the assistance of Gods Spirit reads the Scriptures again and again at length saith Now I believe no longer for the Churches testimony that the Scriptures are divine but because I have read them my self and in reading have stamped this Syllogism in my minde 1. That Scripture which every where brings in God himself speaking 2. Which is written by those men who being furnished with the gift of prophesying and miracles from God extraordinarily do with such faithfulness record all things that in rehearsing of sins and infirmities they neither spare themselvs nor friends 3. Which records not onely Truths and all things agreeing with right reason but Divine matters also and such as transcend all reason 4. After a Divine manner and in a wonderful harmony of circumstances in the same things rehearsed by different Writers 5. To the glory of God alone and our Salvation 6. With admirable efficacie both in moving the hearts and corroborating them against most exquisite tortures 7. In the miraculous preservation of it against Diabolical and Tyrannical fury That Scripture I say which thus delivereth these things is doubtless Divine both in its Original and in its Authority But such is the holy Scripture Therefore it is Divine both in its Original and in its Authority That I may then contract the matter in brief the Testimony of the Church is first in respect of the time but that of the holy Ghosts is first in regard of Nature and efficacy We believe the Church but not for the Church but we believe the Holy Ghost for himself The Churches
4.5 To this is opposite too much Right which is commonly called too much Wrong Of the latter sort are Vindicative Justice and Fortitude The former is when offences are curbed with fit punishments that one rather may perish then unity To this is opposite too much Lenity which begets too much liberty in sinning Not only is it a sin to kill but also not to kill when the Law requires it Of this we have an example in Saul 1 Sam. 15. Fortitude is that whereby according to the strength and vigor of a high and unconquered mind we endure difficulties and undertake high matters to Gods glory and our neighbours safety To this Sluggishnesse is opposite or Pusillanimity arising out of fear of dancers or desire of pleasures Temerity also and too much boldnesse To this also belong Duels undertaken for deciding of doubtful rights or upon other light and rash occasions Such Conflicts may be fitly reduced to Self-murther Both these to wit Justice and Fortitude appear either in Peace or in War War is publike hostility which the Magistrate exerciseth with armed power for ends pleasing to God and profitable to the State The RULES I. It is lawfull for Christians to wage war as it was of old for the Jewes The reason is because it is no where prohibited in the New-Testament And that Captain of the Capernaites Mat. 8. and Cornelius the Centurion Act. 10. are reckoned amongst the faithful Neither did John dehort the souldiers from wars but from injustice Luk. 3. II. War is to be managed by the Magistrate not by private authority III. War must not be made but that which is just and necessary IV. It will be just in respect of the matter forme and end if it be made in a just cause for a good end and according to the prescript of Gods word V. It will be necessary if the matter be tried by Councel before it be handled by Arms. VI. When war is undertaken it matters not whether it be managed by strength or policie VII Policie joyned with lying and breaking of covenants is not to be allowed but it may be approved with dissimulation VIII Although the Church is built by the Word not by the Sword yet being built is justly to be defended by the sword against unjust violence CHAP. XI Of Vertues and Works belonging to the Seventh Commandment THus of our duty towards the life of our neighbour In the Seventh Precept is set down how we must preserve our own and neighbours Chastity the summe whereof is that the Heavenly Law-giver would have our own and neighbours chastity preserved inviolable This Precept is negative Thou shalt not commit adultery and Synecdochical also for under the name of Adultery all lust and intemperance is understood Hence ariseth the Affirmative that by endeavouring temperance we preserve our own and others chastity There be two meanes to preserve chastity Temperance and Wedlock the first is enjoyned to all men the other to those who are called to wedlock Temperance is a vertue moderating the affections of our mind in persuing and avoiding bodily pleasures Tit. 2.11 12 13. The grace of God which bringeth salvation to all men hath appeared teaching us to deny ungodlinesse and worldly lusts and that we should live soberly justly and godly in this present world looking for that blessed hope and glorious appearance of the mighty God and of our Saviour Iesus Christ To Temperance is opposed Intemperance and Insensibility whereby honest and lawfull delights are despised also Hypocritical temperance of Monks and Eremites Temperance is both Sobriety and Chastity as also Modesty and Honesty The former vertues have relation to us the latter to our neighbour Sobriety is temperance from superfluous meat and drink We must study to Sobriety 1. Because of Gods command 2. Because of the reasons annexed to it taken from our calling 1 Thess 5.8 But let us who are of the day be sober From the necessity of Prayer and from the end of the world 1 Pet. 4.7 But the end of all things is at hand be ye therefore sober and watch unto prayer Lastly from the snares of Satan 1 Pet. 5.8 Be sober and watch for your adversary the devil walketh as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devoure To Sobriety is opposite Delicatenesse whereby dainties and delicacies are fought for imoderately in meats drinks Gluttony also of Voracity Drunkenes hurtful Abstinence Of daintines Solomon speaks Pro. 23.1 2 3. When thou sittest to eat with a Ruler consider diligently what is before thee and put a knife to thy throat if thou be a man given to appetite be not desirous of his dainties for they are deceitfull meats Gluttony and drunkennesse are to be avoided 1. Because they are prohibited by God Pro. 23.20.31 Luk. 21.34 Rom. 13.13 2. Because the effects thereof are most pernicious for they hinder the meditating on Gods works Isa 5.12 and thinking upon Christs coming Luk. 21.34 Prayers also 1 Pet. 4.7 It stirs up anger and strife Pro. 20.1 29.30 It kindles lust Pro. 23.31 32. It causeth scandal as the example of Noah sheweth Gen. 9. and shuts out of Gods kingdom 1 Cor. 6.10 Gal. 5.21 Hurtful abstinence is when we refrain from meat and drink to the prejudice of our health Neer to Sobrietie is Vigilancie when we abstain from untimely and too much sleep that we may serve God with chearfulnesse and follow the works of our vocations 1 Pet. 5.8 Be sober and watch Now as under the name of Sobriety sometime abstinence from pride and evil affections is meant Rom. 12.3 so oftentimes spiritual vigilancie is understood as an abstinence from the sleep of security to which Peter hath respect in the place above cited To Vigilancie is opposite Sleep and Monkish superstitious Watchings Chastity or Sanctimony so called Rom. 6.19 is temperance from lust We must follow chastity 1. Because God commands it Lev. 19.2 Be ye holy for I the Lord you God am holy 1 Thess 4.3 This is the will of God even your holinesse that ye abstain from fornication 2. Because they that follow it shall see God Mat. 5.8 Heb. 12.14 To Chastity is opposite both Dissembled chastity as is that of them who are tied with the Vow of chastity as also all Impurity as Fornication Adultery Whoredome Incest Rapes Softnesse Sodomy Bestiality c. Although there be degrees of these sins yet all of them exclude from the Kingdom of heaven as is taught plainly 1 Cor. 6.10 c. And how grievously God is offended at these sins let the Flood the fire of Sodom the destruction of the Israelites Num. 23. the miseries of David the ruine of Troy and the like bear witnesse Modesty is temperance from filthy words and lascivious gestures Heb. 12.28 Let us have grace whereby we may acceptably serve God with reverence and godly feare or modesty To this is opposite Filthy communication lascivious and unclean gestures Dances also obscene Pictures and Songs and filthy Sights
Testimony doth monstrate but not demonstrate it shews the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that the thing is but the Holy Ghosts Testimony shews the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or the cause The swasive power is in the Church but the perswasive in the Spirit onely The Churches Testimony begets an opinion but the Testimony of Scripture begets Science and a firm Faith X. The Canonical Books of Scripture are partly of the Old partly of the New-Testament To the Old belong the five Books of Moses Josuah Judges Ruth these Books are single the Books of Samuel of the Kings of the Chronicles are double The Books of Hester Job Psalms Proverbs Ecclesiastes Canticles the four greater Prophets and the twelve lesser are single Now of the New-Testament are The four Evangelists The Acts of the Apostles The Epistles of Paul To the Romanes one To the Corinthians two To the Galathians Ephesians Philippians and Colossians single To the Thessalonians and Timothy double The Epistles of Peter two of John three of James and Jude single and the Revelation XI But for the Books of Tobiah Judith Wisdom Ecclesiasticus Esdra 3 4. of the Macchabees 1 2 3. of Baruch 1. The Prayer of Manasses The Epistle of Jeremiah The Additions to Daniel and Hester Although they may be read with profit yet they come short of that Authority which is in the Canonical Books for proving Articles of Faith and therefore they are called Apocrypha that is hid or obscure The reasons be these 1. Because they were not written by the Prophets but they have been written for the most part since Malachi the last of the Prophets 2. Because they are not written in the Stile or Phrase of the Prophets or in the Hebrew Tongue 3. Because they are never alledged in the New-Testament 4. Because in reading of them we finde many passages contrary and inconsistent with Canonical Scripture besides many fabulous and repugnant to Faith and Piety XII The Holy Scripture is sufficient to Salvation 2. Tim. 3.16.17 The whole Scripture is by Divine inspiration and is profitable for Doctrine for Reproof for Correction for Instruction in Righteousness that the man of God may be perfect and throughly furnished to every good work XIII Therefore as the constitutions of the Church conducing to the right usage of outward Rites are in their own place to be regarded so no tradition is to be admitted as necessary to salvation except the Scriptures The Romanists do not only fight for Popish Traditions but also equall them nay prefer them to the holy Scripture but we are content to rest in that command of God which forbids to adde to or take away from his word Deut. 4.2 5.32 12.32 Rev. 22.18 XIV The search of holy Scripture is injoyned to all Christians Joh. 5.39 Search the Scriptures Colos 3.16 Let the word of God dwell plentifully among you Neither is that obscurity of holy Scripture which the Pontificians pretend any obstacle to this our assertion for though it be obscure in some places yet in other places it explains it self and delivereth the prime Articles of Religion with great perspicuity XV. Therefore the Translation of the Bible into vulgar Tongues is necessary XVI Yet no translation is authentical but that which agreeth with the Original fountains of the Hebrew and Greek XVII Although the Interpretation of Scripture is committed to the Church yet the onely Supream Judge of this Interpretation is the Holy Ghost speaking in it Esay 59.21 My Spirit which is in thee and my words which I have put in thy mouth shall not depart from thee 2 Pet. 1.20 21. So that you first know this that no prophesie in the Scripture is of any private motion for the prophesie came not of old time by the will of man but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost Therefore sacrilegiously do the Pontificians arrogate to the Church of Rome or to the Pope alone this right of supreme Judge XVIII The sense and meaning of each Scripture is but one yet in the Prophesies of the Old-Testament it is composed of a history and mysterie For example Hos 11.1 In these words When Israel was a child then I loved him and called my sonne out of Egypt The sense is compounded for literally and historically they are to be understood of the delivery of the Israelites out of Egypt but typically and mystically of Christs calling out of Egypt Mat. 2.15 XIX The meanes to find out the true sense of Scripture are Frequent prayers the knowledge of Tongues the looking into the Fountains the consideration of the scope and argument the distinction of proper terms from figurative the logical analysis or noting of the causes the circumstances the passages going before and coming after the comparing of obscure places with cleerer of like with like and of disagreeing places with each other lastly the analogie of faith XX. As God is the proper and prime object so is he also the principal and supreme end of Divinity XXI Whereas then the chief end and the chief good are one and the same thing it is manifest that Christian Divinity onely doth rightly teach us concerning the chief good XXII The subordinate end of Divinity is our salvation which consisteth in the union and fruition of God The parts of Divinity are two The first is of the knowledge of God the second of the worship of God The first containeth faith or the things to be believed the second works or the things to be performed THE FIRST BOOK OF THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD. CHAP. I. Of the Essence of GOD. GOD is a Spirit existent eternally in himself One in Essence Three in Persons Father Sonne and Holy Ghost God is known in himself and in his works In himself he is known absolutely in his Essence relatively in the Persons Gods essence is known * A. R. * The knowledge we have of God here is nominal not real 2. Confused not distinct 3. From his effects à posteriori 4. By way of negation we know what he is not rather then what he is 5. By way of eminencie we know that what perfection is in the creature is more eminently in him 6. By the motions of things we gather there must be a chief mover 7. From the degrees of entity truth and goodnesse in the creatures we collect that there must be one chief entity truth goodnesse c. 8. From the possibilities and contingencies that are in all things we inferre there must be one chief necessary entity by his Names and by his Properties The names of God are either taken from his essence as Jehovah Jah Eheje to which in the New-Testament the name 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Lord doth answer for the most part or from his power as El Elohim or from his Al-sufficiency as Shaddai or from his Excellencie as Helion The RULES or CANONS I. The name Jehovah is Gods chief and most proper Name For it is derived from the
God yet for our better understanding the Will is considered as the cause efficient the Decree as the effect Now whereas this word Will is taken diversly it is divers wayes distinguished by Divines to wit into the will of his good pleasure and the will of the signe into an antecedent and consequent into absolute and conditional into secret and revealed But these are not real distributions of the Divine will but distinctions only of the name For to speak properly there is in God but one only will which is called the will of his good pleasure because out of his most free good pleasure he hath decreed what shall be done It is called also his antecedent will because it had existence before any creature and from eternity with God it was established It is named also * A. R. The Schoolmen take Gods antecedent will in another sense for his velleity and they call it conditional they make his consequent will absolute and which is alwayes fulfilled the other not alwayes absolute because it depends upon Gods good pleasure and not from the things which are done in time Lastly it is called secret because in respect of priority it is known neither to men nor Angels But these things are improperly stiled by the name of Divine will which are comprehended in that ordinary verse Praecipit prohibet promittit consulit implet Commands forbids promiseth consulteth fulfilleth For as the Magistrates commands are called his will so the name of will is attributed to precepts prohibitions promises to effects also and events And this is it which is called the will of the signe because it signifieth what is acceptable to God and what he would have done by us It is also called his consequent will because it follows that eternal antecedent will And 't is a conditional will because Gods precepts prohibitions comminations and promises have the condition of obedience and disobedience annexed Lastly his revealed will because it is daily set forth in Gods word This distinction of the will is duly to be observed lest we should imagine that there are in God either really different or contrary wils III. What things are done against the will of God are not done besides his will For many things may be done against his revealed will which notwithstanding are consistent with his secret will or will of his good pleasure God by his revealed will desired not mans fall but most severely forbid it yet he did will and decree the same by the will of his good pleasure as it was a means for manifestation of his glory IV. Therefore by the decree and will of God good and evil come to passe Good by efficiencie Evil by permission V. Yet the decree or will of God is not the cause of evil or sinne although what God hath decreed necessarily comes to passe For when evil is decreed by Gods will not effecting but permitting it this decree of God is not the cause of evil neither again is the will of God the cause of evil because his decrees are without repentance and unavoidable for they come not to passe by the necessity of coaction but by the necessity of * A. R. Gods will is immutable because his substance is unchangeable and his knowledge unalterable therefore God changeth not his wil though he wils change in the creatures neither can God wil evil because it is not appetible and 't is repugnant to his nature and goodnesse immutability VI. The necessity of Gods decrees takes not away the liberty of the rational creature The reason is because there is no necessity of coaction but of immutability The fall of Adam if we look upon Gods decree came to passe necessarily In the mean while Adam sinned freely being neither commanded nor constrained nor forced or moved by God but rather most severely admonished that he may not sinne VII Nor doth this Necessity take away Contingencie in the second causes For many things are contingent in respect of the second causes which in regard of Gods decree come to passe necessarily VIII No moving or impulsive cause can be given of Gods decree except Gods most free will and good pleasure IX The chief end of Gods decree is his own glory X. Gods decree in it self is one and most simple neither is there priority or posteriority in it XI But in respect of the things which are decreed is so distinguished that in what manner or order they come to passe God is said to decree them that they should thus come to passe These are idle questions Whether God decreed this or that first Whether he first ordained the end or the means For whereas the decree of God in it self is one and a most simple action there is neither priority nor posteriority in it but it is distinguished only in regard of the things which are decreed in which respect we say that God 1. Decreed to create man 2. To bestow his Image upon him but so that it might be lost 3. To permit his fall 4. Of those who were to fall some he decreed to leave to themselves and others he appointed to raise and to save them eternally CHAP. IV. Of Predestination GOD's Decree in respect of the Creatures is either general or special The general Decree is that by which he appointed to declare the glory of his power wisdom and goodness in the creation and conservation of all things The speciall Decree called Predestination is that by which he appointed to manifest the glory of his grace mercy and justice in the Election and Reprobation of the reasonable Creatures The RULES I. Although Predestination in the minde of God be one and a most simple act yet by reason of the weakness of our understanding it is distinguished into that Predestination which decrees the end and that which decrees the means II. He that is predestinate to the end is predestinate also to the means Predestination is either of Angels or of men The Predestination of Angels is that by which God appointed to save eternally some of them in their first happiness and that in Christ their head but to leave others to themselves and to punish them eternally fOr deserting their station voluntarily this for the manifestation of the glory of his grace justice The * A. R. Predestination is a part of Divine Providence differing in this that Providence hath respect to a natural end Predestination to a supernatural man therefore being subject to Providence is also subject to Predestination Predestination of men is that by which God appointed out of the race of mankinde created to his Image but falling into sin voluntarily to save some through Christ eternally but others being left to themselves in their own misery to damn eternally and that for the manifestation of the glory of his mercy and justice The parts then of this Decree are two Election and Reprobation The RULES I. Predestination is a Decree partly absolute partly not II. It is
covering as it were the Divine nature X. In the Court was the Altar of Burnt-offerings overlaid with brasse representing Christs flesh united to the Divinity and withall his strength of suffering any thing for us the Altar also of Incense intimating Christs Intercession for us XI There also was the brazen Laver appointed for washing which signified that we are purged by the blood of Christ that we may offer to God acceptable sacrifices XII In the Holy-place or Court of the Priests was the Table and on it the Shew-bread and the golden Candlestick by which was taught that Christ is to his people meat drink and light to life eternal XIII In the same place were the Vessels of Gold ready for sprinckling and Incense representing both Christs death and Intercession XIV In the Holy of Holies was the golden Censer proper to the High-Priest alone and there was also the Ark of the Covenant XV. The Ark was made of Cedar-wood and covered with Gold which represented both Christs natures XVI The Tables of the Law the Manna and Aarons rod kept within the Ark representing Christ as he teacheth nourisheth and ruleth his People XVII The cover of the Ark called the Propitiatory together with the Cherubims from whence God promised to speak with Moses was the Type of Christ covering our sins defending us by his Angels and expounding to us the word and counsel of his Father The manner of the Levitical service consisted partly in the things that were offered to God partly in holy times The things that were offered to God were sacrifices both Expiatory or of Propitiation Eucharistical or of Thanksgiving The Expiatory sacrifice or Peace-offering was when the faithful witnessed by the killing and offering of living creatures that they in themselves were guilty of death and that they placed their confidence in the blood of Christ as of that immaculate Lamb who was to be offered afterward for the sins of the world The sacrifice of Thanksgiving was offered either for all sins or for some certain sins The sacrifice that was offered for all sinnes was called a Holocaust or burnt-offering for it was performed by burning the whole sacrifice The sacrifice for certain sins called the Sacrifice of Redemption was either for the sinne it self or for the guilt thereof The Sinne-offering was when a sinne was expiated which had been committed out of error or ignorance See Levit. 4.2 3. The sacrifice for the guilt called the Trespas-offering was when a sin was expiated which had been done wittingly yet out of infirmity Lev. 5. 7. The Eucharistical sacrifice or Offering of Thanksgiving was to testifie the gratitude of the offerer These were performed by offering of gifts onely or by offering of living creatures also The sacrifice of gifts called Libatio or Meat-offering was that in which meat drink oyle salt frankincense c. were offered The sacrifice of Living-creatures was performed either by burning the fat of the sacrifice or by killing and eating of the beasts also That was called the Sacrifice of Pacification This the Sacrifice of Praise The holy times were either of dayes or of yeares Of dayes were 1. The morning of each day and the two evenings in which the daily sacrifice was offered 2. The seventh or Sabbath-day which was a type of that sanctification and rest which was to be obtained by Christ 3. The Calends or New-moons or first day of the moneth The times of the yeares were either anniversary or every yeare or else after the expiration of divers years The anniversary Solemnities were either greater or lesser The greater were the Feasts of Easter Pentecost and of Tabernacles The feast of Easter was celebrated the fiftieth day of the first moneth as a remembrance of the peoples delivery from Egypt and as a type of their future delivery by Christ The feast of Pentecost was kept the fifty day after Easter as a memorial of the Law given upon mount Sinai and as a type of that new Law which was to be written in our hearts by the Holy Ghost who was to be sent afterward in a visible form At this feast were offâ—red the first-fruits hence it was called the Feast of the first-fruits The feast of Tabernacles was solemnized the fifteenth day of the seventh moneth as a remembrance of that gracious preservation of the Israelites in the desart in tents and as a type of Christs incarnation Thanks also were given to God at this feast for the fruits and harvest whence it was called the Feast of Collection The lesser solemnities were The feast of Trumpets celebrated the first day of the seventh moneth in which the civil yeare had its begining the feast also of Expiation which fell out upon the tenth day of the same moneth That did represent the sounding of the Gospel this of our atonement to be made by Christ The Solemnities that were kept after divers years were the Sabbathical year and the year of Jubile The Sabbathical year or year of weeks was every seventh year in which there was a cessation from tilling the ground and from demanding of debts The yeare of Jubile was every fiftieth yeare in which all possessions returned to their owners and the Hebrew servants were set free A type of our freedome from Sin and Satan by Christ So much for the Ceremonial Law the Judicial Law was that which belonged to the constituting of the Jewish Commonwealth The RULES I. As the Ceremonial Law had relation to God so the Judicial to our Neighbour II. The Judicial Law binds us in those things that agree with the Moral Law and were of common right III. But what was of private right and commanded for the Jewish Commonwealth in particular doe no more bind us then the Municipal Lawes of other Commonwealths CHAP. XV. Of the Gospel and how it agrees with and differs from the Law HItherto we have seen out of the Law the necessity of Redemption now we are to see the truth thereof in the Gospel The Gospel is the joyful news or the Doctrine of the Son of God being sent into this world that he might assume our nature and might undergo the curse of the Law for us that by his perfect obedience to the same he might obtain life eternall to us The RULES I. The Law and Gospel agree in the chief efficient cause to wit God and in the instrumental namely the written Word but they differ in their outward instrumental causes both because the Law was delivered by Moses and the Gospel by Christ fully and also because the Law is by nature known to man but the Gospel is not except by Gods gratious revelation II. They agree in their common matter because on both sides obedience is required by promises and threatnings but they differ in their particular matter for the Law principally teacheth what we must do and the Gospel what we must believe III. They agree in their common form because on both sides the Looking-glass of perfect obedience is
it were by Seals of the Covenant of Grace A Sacrament is a sacred action instituted by God in which that grace which Christ hath promised to the Covenanters is s aled by visible signes on Gâ—ds part and they are tied on their part to obedience The RULES I. The word Sacrament which of old was used for a military oath or for money deposited in stead of a pledge by those who were in suit of law is not unfitly applyed in the Church to the signes of Grace For by Sacraments as it were by solemne oaths we are bound to observe what is promised in the Covenant and the same are to us pledges of Grace promised in the Covenant II. It is called also a mystery as it signifieth some secret and divine thing proposed in signes and types yet the word Mystery is further extended then the word Sacrament seeing every sacrament is a mystery but all mysteries are not sacraments III. Sacrament sometimes is taken properly for the whole action as it contains both the signe and the thing signified but Synecdochically it is onely taken for the signe IV. According to the first sense it is already defined but in the other sense it is defined a visible signe of an invisible grace V. The principal efficient cause is commonly the whole Trinitie but particularly Christ that Angel of the Covenant VI. The instruments of administration are the Ministers lawfully called VII The instrument by which the Sacraments are effected or by which the signes are consecrated is the Word of Institution consisting chiefly of two parts to wit a precept of the due administration and receiving and a promise of the fruitful efficacie of Sacraments VIII The word of institution doth not change the quantity or substance of the elements but onely their use and that not by any secret vertue inherent in the words themselves as the Papists say but by Gods ordination As a stone by the by the Magistrates appointment is changed into a land-mark the substance and qualities thereof still remaining so as Austin saith the Word being joyned to the Element it becomes a Sacrament the qualitie and substance remaining onely the common use is changed into a sacred IX It is false also which they teach That the Ministers intention is of such absolute necessity that without this there can be no Sacrament For if the Sacrament depend not more on Gods institution then on the Ministers intention wretched consciences will be deprived of all comfort who know not the Ministers thoughts whilst he administers X. They do also foolishly set in opposition the Word Preached and the Word of Institution for these differ not really but in some respect onely seeing a Sermon is but the explication of the Word therefore the Word of Institution belongs to the essence of the Sacraments but the Word Preached to the manner of administration XI The outward and terrene matter of the Sacrament is the visible Signe XII The inward or heavenly matter is the thing signified to wit Christ with all his benefits XIII The external forme consisteth in the lawfull administration and participation of the Sacrament according to Gods command XIV The internal form is in the analogie of the signe and thing signified XV. Therefore the union of the signe and thing signified is not physical or local but habitual as the signe represents the thing signified and while the signe is given by the Minister the faithful receive the thing signified from Christ XVI Yet we deny not the presence of Christ and of his body and blood in the action of the Sacrament for besides that he is present in his Divine person he is not wanting in the presence of his Spirit to his own body and blood not locally but sacramentally There is a threefold presence besides that which is local 1. Symbolical when things are represented to the mind by some signe or symbol as things by words or voices man by his image 2. Spiritual when we represent to our selves by faith some spiritual thing not existent as Abraham represented to himself and saw the day of Christ Joh. 8.56 3. A Virtual when that which is distant in place is present in power and efficacie as the Sun These three wayes of Presence meet in the Sacrament for the body and blood of Christ are present to us 1. Symbolically as they are represented by an external signe 2. Spiritually as we apply by faith to our selves Christs body and blood with his merits 3. Virtually as we perceive the fruit thereof by faith in our hearts The first degree of Sacramental presence belongs also to the infidels the second and third to the faithful only Therefore although Christs body by local presence is far distant from the symbole as heaven is from earth yet there is a sacramental presence Presence is not opposed to distance but to absence XVII Neither are therefore Sacraments emptie signes because the symbole and thing signified are not locally united for there remain notwithstanding 1. The signes signifying 2. Exhibiting 3. Applying 4. Sealing We must carefully observe these four sorts of signes against those who cry out that we have nothing in the Sacraments but empty signes Signes then are either significant only as a painted image signifyeth a man or exhibiting also as a scepter keys and such like which being exhibited regall power is also conferred and leave to enter the house or they are besides applying signes as that promise of God to preserve the 144000. this the Angel applieth to each one by setting a mark on his forehead Rev. 7.3 Or lastly they are confirming and sealing signs as earnests seals and such like Now these four degrees meet in Sacraments for 1. The outward symbols do signifie and represent Christs body and blood 2. Together with the signe the thing signified is exhibited yet not in the signe but in the Sacramental action the Minister exhibiting the signe and Christ the thing signified 3. The thing signified generally promised to the faithful in the Gospel by the exhibition of the sign is applied to every one of the faithful 4. The same promise is confirmed by the Sacrament whence they are not only called signes but seals also Rom. 4.11 XVIII From the union and relation of the thing signified with the signe there ariseth a sacramental phrase or speech in which the thing signified is predicated of the signe In this manner of speech is expressed what these outward signs signifie rather then what they are in themselves or of their own nature Gen. 17.9 Circumcision by a sacramental phrase is called the Covenant but v. 11. properly the Signe of the Covenant Exo. 12.11 The Lamb is called the Passeover which place is vindicated from our Adversaries exceptions by the like sayings Luc. 22.1 The day of unleavened bread came in which the Passeover was to be killed ver 8. Go and prepare the Passeover for us that we may eat ver 11. There is an Inne where I must eat the Passeover with
my Disciples and v. 12. There prepare the Passeover v. 15. I have desired to eat this Passeover with you To the purpose serve all those places in which Expiation is attributed to sacrifices and Purificatâ—on to water and washings also in which the name Jehovah is given to the Ark or to Jerusalem Psal 47.6 Ezek. 48.35 Like testimonies are in the New-Testament Mat. 26.26 27 28. While they were eating Jesus took bread and when he had blessed brake it and gave it to his disciples saying Take eat this is my body likewise taking the cup and having given thanks he gave to them saying Drink yee all of this for this is the blood of the New Testament c. See the like places in Mark Luke and 1 Cor. 11. so 1 Cor. 10.4 And the rock was Christ Ephes 5.26 That he might sanctifie his Church having purged her with the washing of water Col. 2. v. 12. Being buried with him in Baptisme Hebr. 9.13 For if the blood of buls and of goats and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh Yea the very same is seen in other speeches besides sacramental as Gen. 41.37 The seven cows are seven years that is types and figures of seven years Rev. 17.9 The seven heads are seven hils and v. 12. The ten horns are ten Kings XIX This kinde of speaking is called a Sacramental Metonymie of the thing signified for the signe Now it is not material whether the trope be in the attribute or in the copula or coupling of the words for though the trope may be in the attribute yet the cause or ground of the trope is in the copula The material cause of a simple enunciation consisteth in the subject and attribute but the copula being affirmed or denyed makes up the formal part by which it becomes true or false proper or figurative for as often as things of different natures are affirmed or joyned by the copula that speech is false or tropical the seal therefore of the trope is in the predicat but the cause thereof in the copula Whereas then the copula is in this enuntiation This is my Body conjoyns things of different natures to wit bread and Christs body necessarily the speech must be false but to say so were blasphemy or else tropical Therefore the interpretation of such speeches is plain bread is the body of Christ that is a Sacrament of his body Circumcision is Gods covenant that is a signe or sacrament thereof seven Kine are seven years that is figures of seven years so we are said to be cleansed with waters sacramentally because baptisme or washing is the sacrament of cleansing so sacramentally the sacrifices of the Old Testament are said to expiate because they were types of expiation by Christ XX. The end of the Sacraments is the sealing of the Covenant of Grace XXI The effects of the Sacraments are not justification or sanctification as if it were by the work wrought but the confirmation and sealing of both benefits This is plain by the example of Abraham who before he was circumcised was justified Rom. 4.11 Therefore the Pontificians falsely affirm that the Sacraments conferre remission of sins and such like benefits by their own inward vertue out of the work wrought These places then of Scripture in which such things are spoken of the Sacraments are to be expounded by a sacramental metonymie as is said XXII Sacraments are common to all that are in the Covenant in respect of the signes but proper to to the Elect in respect of the thing signified XXIII Sacraments are necessary to salvation not simply and absolutely as if they were the prime causes thereof but hypothetically as they are ordinary means of salvation to be used as Christ hath commanded Hence saith Bernard Not the want but the contempt damneth XXIV The Word and Sacraments agree in substance for what the testament promiseth the seal confirmeth but they differ 1. In that the word is received by the eare the Sacraments perceived by the eye so that the Sacrament is a visible word 2. Because the word of the Gospel is generall but by the Sacrament the promises of the Gospel are applied to every believer 3. Because by the Word faith is ordinarily begot and confirmed by the Sacraments Sacraments are of the Old Testament or of the New Of the Old Testament there were two principal and ordinary to wit Circumcision and the Passeover Of these we have handled in the doctrine of the Ceremonial Law Of the New Testament there are two Baptisme and the Lords Supper The RULES I. The Sacraments of the Old and New Testament agree in the thing signified in respect of substance to wit Christ with his benefits which is the kernel of all the Sacraments Heb. 13.8 Jesus Christ yesterday and to day is the same and for ever Rev. 13.8 The Lamb slain from the begining of the world to wit sacramentally in the Sacrifices and Passeover II. Baptisme doth answer Circumcision analogically so doth the Lords Supper the Passeover For as Circumcision was the Sacrament of initiation or of ingraffing into the Covenant of regeneration or spiritual circumcision so is Baptisme And as the Passeover was the Sacrament of spiritual food even so is the Lords Supper Hence the holy Supper succeeded the celebration of the last Passeover III. The difference between the Sacraments of the Old and New Testamenâ— consisteth in this 1. In external signes 2. In the manner of signifying for there was signified that Christ was to be exhibited 3. In number For besides Circumcision and the Passeover they had also other Sacraments We have none besides Baptisme and the Lords Supper 4. In amplitude for the New-Covenant doth not extend it self to one and the same people 5. In continuance for those continued only till Christs first coming but these remain to the end of the world 6. In clearnesse IV. The difference then which the Pontificians feign is false That the Sacraments of the Old Testament were types of the Sacraments of the New Testament 2. That the Sacraments of the Old Testament did only shadow out justifying grace but that ours have really in themselves the body of spiritual good things As for the first difference it is one thing to be a type of Christ another thing to be types of the Sacraments in the New-Testament That Circumcision and the Passeover were types of Christ is said but that they were types of our Sacraments I deny for it were most absurd to think that they were instituted only to represent ours The other difference also is false for both in those Sacraments and in these Christ with his benefits are the matter and marrow But the difference between the Sacraments of the Old and New Testament is rather this that they were shadows of spiritual good things whereof Christ was the body Col. 2.17 V. Neither will it follow that therefore the Sacraments of the New-Testament are not better then
Extraordinary is when necessity requiring a Councel is gathered A Councel is a Meeting enjoyned by the Civil Magistrate or the common consent of the Church in which men endowed with the gifts of the Spirit and lawfully chosen for this purpose undertake the Churches cause and out of Gods word define it And this is either oecumenical and universal or else particular Particular is National or Provincial The RULES I. A Councel must be called by the Magistrate if he be Faithful If he be an Infidel either it is to be procured by Petition or if he be an open enemy to the Councel it must be held by the Churches common consent necessity so requiring it II. The Persons which should be present at the Councel are the Civil and Ecclesiastical Presidents so many Scribes and fit men chosen for this purpose Neither are private men to be altogether excluded who may be present at the handling of Doctrinal points but not in matters of Scandal which charity ought to cover III. The matter which is to be handled in the Councel or Synod are Church-businesses which are of weight and worthy of serious consideration IV. The form of the Councel consisteth in a religious and orderly disquisition of the truth V. It will be religious if after fervent prayers to God all things be tryed by Scripture as by an infallible rule VI. It will be orderly if every man be mindfull of his duty VII It is the part of the Civil President to gather the Councel to protect it being gathered to prohibit all violence and disorder to cause proclaim the Decrees lawfully made and to curb the refractory VIII The Ecclesiastick President is to propose the Question to moderate the Disputation by the advice of his Assistants to ask their Opinion and by Notaries to record the Decrees IX The rest of the Delegates are to propose their opinion calmly and roundly or to assent to him that spake before if his opinion was right X. The presidencie that the Pope claimes over Councels is far from this form who neither consulteth with Scripture nor asketh the opinion of his Assistants but obtrudes his Dictates to be confirmed by the Councel XI The form of the Councel of Jerusalem was far otherwise in which every man might lawfully utter his opinion Paul and Barnabas had as much freedom to speak as Peter and after their opinions had been canvassed to and fro James at length concludes Act. 15. v. 6.19 XII The end of Councels is peace and truth in the Church XIII As far as Councels agree with Scripture so great is their authority neither are they more exempted from erring then the Church her self What credit we are to give to Popish Councels may be seen both by the opposition of Councels one to another as likewise by their impious Decrees The Councels of Constance and Basil subjected the Pope to the Synod but that of Trent on the contrary extols the Pope above all Councels The second Councel of Nice impiously thrusts out the second Commandment and that of Constance sacrilegiously robs the people of the Cup in the Lords Supper CHAP. XXVII Of the False Church THus in two Chapters we have considered the Church in her self Now of the False Church which is opposite to her and her enemy The Churches enemies are either open or secret These are called in Rev. 20.8 Gog and Magog that is covered and uncovered Her open foes are Heathens Jewes and Mahumetans The Heathens are they who feign paint and worship false and fictitious Gods The Jews deny the Trinity and the coming of the Messiah and interpret carnally what is spoken of Christs kingdom in the Prophets spiritually The Mahumetans preferre their Mahumet to Christ and their Alcoran to the Scriptures which Alcoran that Impostor compiled by the help of a Nestorian Monk and an Arrian out of the sink of Gentilisme Judaisme Mahumetisme Arrianisme and other heresies The hid or counterfeit enemies are either false Christs or Antichrists False Christs are they who brag themselves to be Christ As Simon Magus Barcochab Moses Cretensis David Georgius and such like Antichrists are commonly all Heretiques but particularly and by way of excellencie that great Antichrist 1 Joh. 2.18 Little children now is the last time and at ye have heard that Antichrist would come even now many Antichrists are begun 1. c. 4. v. 3. Whatsoever spirit doth not confesse that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh he is not of God but this is that spirit of Antichrist of whom you have heard that he was to come and that he is now in the world Heretiques are they who maintain stubbornly against the plain light of truth any doctrine which overthrowes directly or by necessary consequence the fundamentals of Christian faith The RULES I. Not every Error makes an Heretick For either there is an error against the foundation as that of the Arrians and Marcionites of whom they denied the divinity of Christ these his humanity Or about the foundation so the Papists erre while they teach Transubstantiation which overthrows the truth of Christs humanity Or besides the foundation such errors are by Paul compared to hay wood c. 1 Cor. 3.12 II. An Heretick is made 1. by an errour in or about the foundation 2. by conviction 3. by contumacie III. Not every Schismatick is an Heretick He is a Schismatick who without hurting the foundation of Faith departs from some Ceremony of the Church out of ambition The great Antichrist is he who under the name of Christs Vicar persecutes him The RULES I. The name Antichrist belongs not to one person alone but to a whole state or order of men as it were in the same kingdom succeeding each other Even as the word of High-Priest He is not then opposite to Christ as one person is to another in respect of substance but he is opposite to him in respect of quality or office II. The Papists will have Antichrist to be one particular man a Jew of the Tribe of Dan the Jews Messiah and the restorer of their Religion who shall reign at Jerusalem three years and a half shall fight with Henoch and Eliah shall offer to ascend to Heaven from Mount Olivet but shall be destroyed by Christ III. But we out of Scripture describe Antichrist thus 1. That he is a man at one time one but in succession of time an order of men in the same state succeeding each other 2. Raised by Satan 3. A Christian in name onely 4. In very deed Christs enemie 5. Sitting in the Temple of God as God 6. Reigning in that great City which ruleth over the Kings of the earth 7. Seducing the Inhabitants of the earth with lying wonders 8. Setting a mark on his followers 9. Full of idolatry ambition avarice cruelty and impurity 10. Revealed in the last times 11. He shall be destroyed by the breath of Christs mouth and shall be overthrown by his own lovers and utterly abolished at Christs glorious coming If
it shall live II. In the Schools it is called Actual Election Effectual Calling and Internal Calling It may be called actual Election because by this God puts in execution the decree of Election For whom he predestinated them he called Rom. 8.30 So Joh. 15.19 I have chosen you out of the world It is called effectual Calling in respect of the calling of reprobates which by their own fault is made ineffectual to salvation It is called also internal because the calling of reprobates is either outward onely by the Word or if they be any way inwardly illuminated or moved 't is but a temporary change III. The principal efficient cause of vocation is God the impulsive is his free mercy the instrumental the Ministery of the Word Who hath saved us and called us with an holy calling not according to our works but according to his own purpose and grace which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began 2 Tim. 1.9 Who hath called you by our Gospel 2 Thes 2.14 IV. The matter or object of vocation is man elected but in himself as yet miserable natural carnal sinful estranged from the life of God yea dead in sin Eph. 2.1 And you together hath he quickened when you were dead in sins and trespasses Col. 2.13 And you that were dead in your sins hath he quickened Tit. 3.3 For we our selves also were sometimes foolish disobedient deceived serving divers lusts and pleasures living in malice and envy hateful and hating one another V. Therefore the Semipelagians erre when they give to man a preparation or a propension to hearken to his vocation The reason is plain by what we have said for how can a dead man raise himself no more can man further his own vocation VI. Yet man is not like a stock when he is called for he is the fit subject of vocation seeing he is not a Lion or Dog but a rational creature yet his reason helps him nothing to his vocation till it be enlightened VII T is absurd to extend this grace of vocation to all men where as common vocation of which already happeneth not to all men as the whole story of the Old Testament teacheth for not the Gentiles but Jews were called VIII The form consisteth in the gracious change of mans minde and heart whereby not onely is the minde illuminated but our stony hearts also are made fleshly and framed to obedience This appears sufficiently out of what is said especially out of Ezech. 36. IX Therefore the Arminian Novelists falsly teach that the understanding is endowed with knowledge and that the affections are irresistibly excited but it s left in the freedom of the Will to believe or not to believe that the power to believe is given by irresistible grace but not the act This errour is plainly overthrown by that which God pronounceth concerning the change of the heart Ezech. 36.26 so Christ witnesseth that not onely the Elect are taught of God but all that have been taught come to him Joh. 5.44 X. The grace of Vocation is plainly irresistible not if you look upon our corrupted nature which is harder then a stone but in respect of the Holy Ghost by whom the Elect are so drawn that they follow inevitably XI This drawing is no wayes violent nor doth it resist the natural liberty of the will which of its own nature being corrupted and bent to evil onely when the holy Spirit toucheth it presently and freely it follows This drawing is like that of the Shepheard when with a green branch he draws the sheep after him which follows not violently but spontaneously although this be not altogether alike because the sheep is allured by its natural inclination but man by that propension which the Holy Ghost hath put in him God indeed cals outwardly but withal he illuminates the minde inwardly that man might know the excellency of his vocation so God moves the heart that it might obey XII The Novelists also falsly teach that sufficient grace is given to all men but not the act it self of accepting and using that grace This opinion overthrows it self for if the grace of believing is not given in respect of the act then grace is not sufficient seeing no man is saved but he that believes we confesse indeed that common vocation is sufficient to make the Reprobates excuselesse but not to save them hence God speaketh Isa 5.4 What can I doe more to my Vineyard c. XIII * A. R. The Pelagians absurdly teach that by grace is meant our natural abilities This is true if we take grace in that strict sense as it is used in Scripture for the grace of vocation justification or salvation by Christ which is no part effect or property of nature but altogether different from nature for by nature we are the sons of wrath saith the Apostle But by grace we are saved saith the same Apostle by grace I am what I am saith he not I but the grace of God with me without me saith Christ you can doe nothing What have we which we have not received Of our selves we cannot think a good thought saith Saint Paul Here nature and grace are distinct yet in a large extent grace may be called natural and nature may be called grace the first is plain because whatsoever perfects nature may be called natural and such is grace 2. Whatsoever is in nature as in its subject is natural but so is grace for nature is the subject of grace 3. Whatsoever we bring into the world with our nature is called natural Thus sin is natural and hereditary diseases are natural because we bring them with us so Adams original justice is called natural and so are all angelical perfections because they were created with them so the sanctification of those in Scripture who were sanctified from the wombe may be called natural Again nature may be called grace for whatsover is not of due debt is of grace such is nature and all natural powers and actions for it is of grace that we live and move and have our being in God who is the prime and universal cause without whose influence the second and subordinate causes cannot worke and therefore even for the actions and faculties of nature as eating drinking sleep life health c. we are bound to give thanks and to beg their continuance and preservation to which duty we are not tyed if these be of debt and not of grace But saving grace is distinguished from nature as the garment from the body the one may be lost without the other and so when the Fathers speak of Adams original justice they say he lost his garment and was stripp'd naked The Pelagians absurdly teach that by the grace of Vocation we are to understand our natural abilities For the Scripture never thus useth the word Grace but means either that grace which makes us acceptable or that grace which is freely given Eph. 1.5 To the praise of the glory of
his grace wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved Rom. 12.6 Having divers gifts according to the grace which is given to us XIV The end of Vocation is Gods glory and the salvation of the Elect. XV. The time of calling is not tied to Baptisme for God cals some before some in and some after Baptisme So Abraham before circumcision was called and justified Rom. 4. XVI Out of these we may see what is the difference between general and special Vocation that is oftentimes outward onely this is inward though sometimes it be internal in Reprobates yet the light of salvation which it affords to the minde is but weak and the joy with which it affects the heart is but momentary but this irradiates the mind with a ful light and seasoneth the heart not with a bare rellish but with a true sense of spiritual gifts and fils it with true and constant joy that may be lost but the gifts and graces of this can never be lost Of general Vocation see Matt. 13.20 But he that receives the seed into stony places the same is he that heareth the word and anon with joy receiveth it yet hath he no root in himself but dureth for a while Heb. 6.4 5 6. It is impossible for those who were once enlightened have tasted of the heavenly gifts and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the world to come if they shal fall away to renew them again to repentance But of special Vocation Paul Rom. 11.29 For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance CHAP. XXIX Of Saving Faith The effects of special Vocation are immediate or mediate the immediate effect is saving Faith which is the gift of Vocation whereby he that is elected applieth to himself the free Promises of Christ in the Gospel and resteth in them The RULES I. This word Faith in Scripture hath five significations for either it is taken metonymically for wholsome doctrine and this is the Faith which not by which we believe a or for historical Faith b or temporary c or for the Faith of miracles d or for saving Faith e a 1 Tim. 1.19 Holding faith and a good conscience which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwrack b Jam. 2.19 Thou believest there is one God thou doest well the Devils also believe and tremble This faith then which consisteth in a bare assent is common to the Elect and Reprobate c Mat. 13.20 He that receiveth the seed into stony places the same is he that heareth the Word and anon with joy receiveth it yet hath he not root c. d Matt. 17.20 If you had faith but as a grain of mustard-seed you would say to this mountain remove hence to yonder place and it would remove This hath been given for a certain time even to Reprobates as we see by Judas who had this gift of miracles with the rest of the Apostles Mat. 10.8 e Saving faith which is proper to the Elect is that which we defined II. The principal efficient cause of this is God the impulsive is that saving grace by which we are elected and called Act. 13.48 And they believed so many as were ordained to life eternal Rom. 11.7 The Election hath obtained but the rest are blinded III. Faith then is a free gift both in that we have not deserved it and because it is infused into us by the Holy Ghost This is against Socinus who cals faith a free gift not because the Holy Ghost hath infused it but because no man hath deserved it but that faith is the gift or God is plain Phil. 1.29 For to you it is given in the behalf of Christ not onely to believe on him but also to suffer for him IV. The instrumental cause by which Faith is given to us is ordinarily the Word of God in those that are of years Rom. 10.17 Faith commeth by hearing and hearing by the Word of God V. Therefore the bare preaching of the Gospel is not the cause of Faith but as it is joyned with the power of Gods Spirit Act. 16.14 The Lord opened the heart of Lydia that she attended to the things that were spoken of Paul VI. The matter or object is commonly Gods Word but properly the free Promises grounded on Christ The Pontificians deny this latter part against plain Scripture Rom. 3.22 The righteousnesse of God by the faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all that believe v. 25. Whom Christ hath set forth to be a Propitiation through faith in his blood c. 10.9 If thou doest confesse with thy mouth the Lord Jesus and believest in thy heart that God raised him from the dead thou shalt be saved VII The form of Faith for our better understanding is divided into three parts Knowledge Assent and Confidence Knowledge is the understanding of things necessary to salvation Assent is by which we firmly believe those things to be true which are delivered in Gods word Confidence is that whereby every faithful man applies the promises of the Word to himself VIII There is knowledge and assent both in saving and in historical faith but confidence is only in saving faith Confidence is called by the Apostle 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 perswasion and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 much assurance Eph. 3.12 1 Thess 1.5 By the name then of Confidence is understood either the apprehension and application of Christ with his benefits or the quietnesse of conscience In the former sense it is the form of faith in the latter the effect IX Implicite faith then which is the belief of the Church of Rome with a blind assent is no faith Faith cannot be without knowledge 1. Because it cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God Rom. 10.17 2. Because that is wisdome by which God is known Isa 53.11 Jer. 31.34 Joh. 6.69 17.3 1 Cor. 1.21 X. Nor is that better then a meer historical faith which is not joyned with firm confidence The Papists teach that faith is only in the understanding but not in the will and heart but the Scripture plainly teacheth the contrary Rom. 20.23 with the heart we believe unto righteousnesse XI Yet we teach not such a firm confidence as is no wayes tossed with doubtings but such a one as doth not finally yield to doubtings XII As for the effects or most proper acts of faith S. Paul rightly tels us that Faith is the subsistence of things hoped for and the evidence or demonstration of things not seen Heb. 11.1 It is indeed the property of faith to make future and not existent things present So Abraham is said to see Christs day Joh. 8.56 XIII The subject of faith are the elect and called Of Infants faith we spake in the doctrine of Baptisme XIV There are degrees of Faith not only in different men but also in one and the same man so that it is sometimes weaker sometimes stronger but so
that it can never be utterly lost Isa 42.3 He shall not break the bruised reed nor quench the smoaking flax Phil. 1.6 I am perswaded that he who hath begun a good work in you will perfect it untill the day of Jesus Christ Heb. 12.2 Looking unto Jesus Christ the author and finisher of our faith CHAP. XXX Of Justification THe mediate effects of Vocation proceeding from faith are Justification Sanctification Assurance of salvation and Christian liberty Justification is Gods free action whereby the Elect through the most full satisfaction of Christ are absolved from their sins and are declared righteous and inheritors of life eternal The RULES I. Justice in Scripture is either of the Cause or of the Person Justice of the cause is when a man otherwise sinfull is said in this or that particular to be innocent and just Justice of the person is either begun or it is perfected This is called Legal as it is required by the Law and Evangelical as it is shewed in Christ by the Gospel Begun justice is that which the Holy Ghost begins in the faithful in this life and perfects it in the other The perfect righteousnesse of Christ then is the gift of Justification but that which is begun is the gift of Sanctification II. To justifie in this place is not to punish nor to infuse inherent righteousnesse as the Ponti teians will have it but in the sense it is taken in the Courts of Justice it is to absolve from sin and to pronounce one just Prov. 17.15 To justifie the wicked and to condemn the just both are abomination to the Lord. Isa 5.23 Which justifie the wicked and take away the righteousnesse of the righteous Mat. 11.19 Wisdome is justified by her children Luc. 7.29 When these things were heard all the people and the Publicans justified God Luc. 10.29 He willing to justifie himself III. The efficient cause of Justification actively understood is the whole Trinity 2 Cor. 5.19 God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself 1 Cor. 6.11 But you are washed but you are sanctified but you are justified in the name of the Lord Iesus and by the Spirit of our God IV. The internal moving cause is meer grace or Gods free favour That this is a free favour and not an infused grace will appear by these testimonies Rom. 3.24 For they are justified freely by his grace Ephes 2.8 You are saved by grace through faith and that not of your selves it is the gift of God Tit. 3.4 5. But after the goodnesse and love of God our Saviour appeared towards man not by the works which we had done 〈◊〉 but by his mercy he hath saved us V. The external moving cause is Christ God and man Christ as the Son of God is the efficient cause of justification in common with the Father and Holy Ghost but as he is God-man and our Mediator he is the outward moving cause because by his merit he hath procured this gift for us VI. The instrumental cause of this is the word of the Gospel For it is the power of God to every believer Rom. 1.16 VII If we take Justification passively in reference to man who is justified it hath no other cause but faith the instrumental VIII This phrase We are justified by faith is metonymical and equivalent to this We are justified by Christs merits apprehended by faith IX Faith only is said to justifie in respect of works which are effects following faith but not the causes of justification for they do not precede him that is to be justified but follow him that is justified Although this particle alone is not found in Scripture yet it is expressed by like phrases Such are Without works freely by grace Rom. 3.24 27 28. But by faith Eph. 2.8 Gal. 2.16 Though then faith be not alone but is joyned with works yet it justifieth alone As the Sun is not in heaven alone yet he alone makes day X. Faith doth not justifie as if it were a work or by its own dignity but as it is an instrument apprehending Christ The Papists grant tha◠we are justified by faith but then they take faith here as ◠work Now faith in Scripture hath nothing ascribed to it but as it apprehends as a Gold-ring bears a high price for the Jewel in it And hence it appears how finely those places of Scripture do agree in which we are said to be justified now by grace then by faith then by Christs merits for we are justified through Gods grace for Christs merits apprehended by faith XI The matter of justification taken actively is Christs whole satisfaction whereby he suffered the punishment due to our sinnes and yielded perfect obedience to the Law We have shewed above cap. 18. that Christs satisfaction is placed both in his suffering and in his actual obedience XII The matter of this taken passively is man miserable in himself but elected in God called and endowed with faith Though then vocation naturally is before faith and faith before justification yet in time there is no difference For as soon as man is effectually called he is endowed with faith and justified by faith XIII The form of it actively understood is the imputation of Christs whole satisfaction whereby it is made all ours as if we had performed it our selves That justice which is imputed to the believer is in Christ by inhesion in us by imputation Our adversaries deny that in Scripture there is any mention of this imputation But what can be cleerer then these ensuing places Rom. 4.6 As David calleth that man blessed unto whom God imputeth righteousnesse without works Phil. 3.8 9. I account all things dung that I may gain Christ and may be found in him not having my own righteousnesse which is of the Law but that which is by the faith of Christ that is the righteousnesse which is of God by faith This is chiefly seen in that an tithesis whereby our sinnes are imputed to Christ and his justice imputed to us 2 Cor. 5.21 He made that he should be sin for us who knew no sin that we might be made the righteousnesse of God in him The Papists also think it as absurd that we should be justified by the justice of another as if one should be called learned for the learning that is in another But these examples are not like for one man is not so united to another as the faithful are to Christ their head Again they will not have Christs justice imputed to them and yet they stick not to say that the merits of dead men and the justice of Monks are imputed to them XIV Yet for understandings sake the form of justification is expressed by two acts by remission of sins and imputation of justice by judging our sins to be none and our righteousnesse to be perfect XV. And although these two benefits be the same in subject and time yet they are indeed distinct For they differ 1. In definition
Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the works of the law c. 11.6 If by grace then not of works otherwise grace were not grace 2. So to be justified by Christ and his merit and by works Gal. 2.21 If righteousnesse is of the Law then Christ died in vain 3. By faith and by works Rom. 3.28 We conclude then that we are justified by faith without works 4. To be justified by imputed justice and by works Rom. 4.4 5. To him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace but of debt But to him that worketh not but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly his faith is counted for righteousnesse II. If by justification all matter of bragging is excluded that God only may be glorified then we are not justified by works Rom. 3.19 That every mouth may be stopped and all the world may become guilty before God v. 23. They have all sinned and come short of the glory of God v. 27. Where is boasting then It is excluded By what law of works nay but by the law of faith The Pontificians here say that in these places are meant only ceremonial works But he who will observe that catalogue of works rehearsed c. 1 2 3. ad Rom. shall find that not only ceremonial but moral works also are meant III. If we be justified by works then they are either such as go before or follow after regeneration But with neither of these are we justified for before regeneration our works are meerly evil and after imperfectly good XIX The effects of Justification are Peace with God an accesse to him with boldnesse a rejoycing in tribulation and freedome from sin not only in respect of guilt as the Papists say but in respect of punishment too Otherwise Christ had suffered for us in vain Isa 53. Neither are the Elect chastised by God that they might satisfie but that they might be proved and bettered XX. Imputed righteousnesse is perfect and equal in all believers The imperfection of our faith is no hinderance for as the same Jewel is touched by the firm and infirm hand so is the same Justice of Christ obtained by the strong and weak believer XXI The same is never to be lost For the gifts of Vocation are without repentance Rom. 11.29 XXII It is also one Therefore when the Saints who are justified pray for forgivenesse of sins they do not so much respect or consider the act of justification as the fruit certainty and confirmation thereof XXIII Justification before God if by faith Justification before men is by works Of this see Jam. 2.24 You see then that man is justified by works and not by faith alone Which saying is not contrary to that of Rom. 3.28 We conclude then that man is justified by faith without works For there is meant that justification which is before men but here that which is before God there is understood historical faith which worketh not by charity but here that faith which is true and lively Others say that man is justified by works not as by the cause but as by the declarers and manifesters of justification CHAP. XXXI Of Sanctification SAnctification follows Justification as the light follows the sun This is that free action of God which sets at liberty the faithful ingraffed into Christ and justified by the Spirit more and more from their native corruption and renews them to his image that they may be fitted by good works to glorifie God The RULES I. To sanctifie in this place is not to separate from profane use or to dedicate to holy uses but habitually to make holy In the former signification we are bid to sanctifie the Sabbath II. It is called regeneration renovation conversion penance repentance and glorification Yet these words are ambiguous for the word regeneration renovation conversion is either equivalent to vocation and the gift of faith or it signifieth newness of life when in the very act man dieth to sin and liveth to righteousness in the first sense it goeth before justification and is the cause thereof in the latter it follows it and is the effect thereof it is also named penitence and resipiscence from the effect which words do as much differ as the Hebrew terms Nicham and Schubh or the Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for that is of the minde this of the heart that wicked men may also have this onely the godly Albeit this difference doth not still hold It is called glorification by way of inchoation or beginning as it is a forerunner of future glorification III. The efficient cause of this is in general the whole Trinity particularly and in respect of the terminus the Holy Ghost for this end sent by Christ Hence he is called the Spirit of Sanctification Rom. 14. IV. The internal impulsive cause is Gods free bounty Tit. 3.4 5. But after the kindness and love of God our Saviour appeared toward man not by works of righteousness which we had done but according to his mercy he hath saved us by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost V. The external impulsive cause is Christ with his merit and efficacie Ephes 5.25 Christ loved his church and gave himself for it that he might sanctifie it VI. The external instrumental cause is the doctrine of the Law and Gospel but the internal is Faith the root of good works VII To these we may adde extraordinary means whereby God casteth down the proud and raiseth the humble such are afflictions miracles terrours c. VIII In the first regeneration or vocation man is meerly passive but in sanctification when he is endowed with saving faith he is the chief agent of his own actions yet not without the special grace and motion of the Holy Ghost IX The matter of sanctification is the whole man with his intellect will and affections 1 Thes 5.23 Now the very God of peace sanctifie you throughout and I pray God your whole spirit soule and body be preserved blamelesse untill the comming of our Lord Jesus Christ X. The form is expressed in two acts in the aversion from evil and conversion to good a that is called the mortification of the old man this the vivification of the new man b that a crucifying and burying this a resurrection c a Psal 34.15 Isa 55.7 b Eph. 2.1 Col. 3.9 10. c Rom. 6.2 c. Gal. 2.20 XI The end of this is Gods glory our salvation and certainty thereof for there is no signe of election more evident 2 Tim. 2.21 If a man therefore purge himself from these he shall be a vessell unto honour sanctified 1 Joh. 3.3 And who hath this hope in him purifieth himself even as he is pure XII Sanctification in this life is not perfect hence the works of the Saints are imperfect for they feel a combate in them between the flesh and spirit so long as they live Rom. 7.19.23 24. Gal. 5.17 XIII
Sanctification differs from Justification I. In their genus for the justice of that is in the predicament of Quality but the justice of this in the category of Relation II. In their form For 1. In Justification Faith as a hand layeth hold upon Christs justice in Sanctification it is considered as the beginning and root of good works 2. In Justification sin is taken away onely in respect of the guilt and punishment in Sanctification it is by degrees abolished in respect of its existence 3. In Justification Christs righteousness is imputed to us in Sanctification a new and inherent justice is infused into us III. In degrees for Justification is one individual perfect act equally contingent to all but Sanctification is a successive act by degrees tending to perfection and according to the variety of the gifts of the Spirit shining in some more in some less CHAP. XXXII Of the Perseverance of the Saints SO much of Justification and Sanctification Now follows the Perseverance of the Saints and Christian Liberty The perseverance of the Saints is the gift of God whereby the Elect being justified and sanctified are so confirmed by the grace of Christ through the Holy Ghost that they can never utterly fall from it The RULES I. By the word of perseverance we do not here understand that whereby the Elect cannot fall into most grievous sins whereby their Faith cannot be weakned whereby they cannot for a time lose the effectual presence of Gods Spirit but that whereby they cannot totally and finally fall off from Faith and the grace of God II. The efficient cause of this is God the Father Son and Holy Ghost Joh. 10.27 28 29. My sheep hear my voice and I know them and they follow me and I give to them life eternal neither shall they perish for ever nor shall any man take them out of my hand my Father who hath given them to me is greater then all nor can any man take them out of my Fathers hand I and my Father are one Eph. 1.13 14. In whom also after that you beleeved ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise which is the earnest of our inheritance untill the redemption of the purchased possession unto the praise of his glory III. The matter which hath the nature of the subject is man truly elected called justified and sanctified IV. The form consisteth partly in the will to persevere partly in the act it self the will is never defective in the godly but the act is sometime more intense sometime more remiss V. Though then Faith may be lost in respect of the second act yet in respect of the habit or first act by which it apprehends Christ it is never lost VI. The end of this gift is the assurance of our salvation and a true and firm comfort VII Out of all this we conclude that the Elect who are called justified and sanctified are assured of their salvation Besides the Scripture testimonies cited above 1. The certainty of our Election confirms this for the elect cannot perish or become reprobate Mat. 24.24 There will arise false prophets and false Christs and will shew great signs and wonders so that they shall seduce if it be possible the very elect 2 Tim. 2.19 Yet the foundation of God standeth firm having this seal the Lord knoweth who are his 2. The certainty of Vocation Rom. 11.29 For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance 3. The certainty of Faith Isa 42.1 He will not break the bruised reed nor quench the smoaking flax 4. The certainty of Justification by which there is no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus Rom. 8.1 5. The certainty of Sanctification Phil. 1.6 Being perswaded that he who hath begun a good work in you will perfect it untill the day of Jesus Christ The testimonies which Bellarmine alledgeth to the contrary are either such as speak not of the faithful but of hypocrites as Mark 4. ver 12.13 c. Luk. 8.13 Joh. 15.2 Heb. 6. ver 4.5.6 and 10.26 2 Pet. 2.21.22 Or else of a falling off not from the Faith by which we believe but which we believe that is from wholsome doctrine which hypocrites also believe for a time as 1 Tim. 1.19 and 4.1 and 1 Tim. 6.19 Or they are to be understood of those that are truly faithful but conditionally as Ezek. 18.26 When a righteous man turneth away c. and 1 Cor. 9.27 Gal. 5.4 The examples of evil Angels and of our first Parents are nothing to this purpose for they received only possibility if they would be willing but not will and possibility too but there is another reason of the regenerate who by the grace of the Spirit both will and can persevere Likewise the examples of Saul Simon Magus and Judas are impertinent for they were reprobates David and Solomon fell indeed grievously but they lost not totally their Faith as the repentance of both witness Psal 51. and the Book of Ecclesiastes As for Peters fall we will say with Austin Profession failed in his mouth but not faith in his heart There be two Arguments of our Adversaries chiefly to be considered 1. It is temerity say they to boast of the certainty of Faith whereas our salvation should be wrought out with fear and trembling Phil. 2.12 Answ The Elect are no wayes to be accused of temerity because they ascribe not to their own strength the certainty of salvation by which they may a thousand times fall off without Gods grace but they are kept by the power of God 1 Pet. 1.5 therefore fear and trembling are not opposed to firm confidence in God but to carnal presumption 2. They say that all admonitions will be in vain and so away will be made to carnal security Answ This will not follow for this Doctrine is so far from occasioning security that it rather drawes us from it 1. Because it is one thing to stand and another thing to seem to stand 1 Cor. 10.12 2. Because no man can promise to himself the certainty of salvation except he try his Faith by his Sanctification 3. Because although the Saints do not utterly fall off from grace yet they may fall into most grievous sins in offending God and their neighbour and may bring upon themselves divers calamities CHAP. XXXIII Of Christian Liberty CHristian Liberty is a spiritual manumission or freedome whereby the faithful are delivered from that slavery to which they were bound before their conversion that they may freely and cheerfully obey God The RULES I. The efficient cause of this liberty in general is the whole Trinity but in particular Christ our Lord. Joh. 8.31 32. If you abide in my word you shall be my disciples and ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free and v. 36. Therefore if the Son make you free ye shall be free indeed II. The instrumental cause of this is Faith III. The matter or subject are faithful men IV. The matter about
Of the Principal Matters and Words ADam and Eves fall 58 Adam in his fall not a private person 61 Adjuration what and how we are to obey it 281 Adjuration of Devils ibid. Adoration of idols of the hoast of the Crosse of Reliques of holy Angels and dead men 270 c. Adoration of Saints 272 c. Adultery what the cause of divorce 312 Affections how manifold 336 Agnus Dei idolatry 272 Alms 324 Angels when created 39. what 42. in what bodies they appeared ibid. the head of good Angels their felicity order and office 50 51. if their adoration be lawful 272 The apostacy of evil Angels 52. their sin ibid. their Prince ibid. their remaining qualities 53 Anger 304 Antichrist what and who 185 his ruine how a signe of the last judgement 186 c. Appetite ordered or disordered 336 Arke of the Covenant 83 Assurance vide Salvation Astorgie or want of natural affection 300 Atheisme 250 Avarice vide Covetousnes BAptisme what 152. how it differs from the Lords Supper 160. if to be administred by a private man 153. if in Baptisme one or three sprinklings be required 154. if children are to be baptised 155. how Baptisme is necessary 156. if the Baptisme of Christ and John be the same ibid. Bargains how to be made 320 Beatitude its degrees 240 Beneficence 324 Benevolence 300 Boldnesse vide Fortitude Foolish Bragging 332 Bread in the Eucharist what 157 c. Busie bodies 301 CAlling how manifold 133 Calling common to elect and reprobate 134 Calling proper to the elect 192. how it differs from the common 197 Calumnies 329. impatience in bearing Calumnies 333 Censuring 332 Charity towards God 252. towards our neighbour 289 Chastity 309. how preserved 307 Christ eternal God 19 20 c. his incarnation 90 94. how the first born 103. his conception 94. the union of two natures in Christ 96. communication of properties 97. the excellency of Christs humane nature 99. if equal to the divine nature 130. his adoration 99. his knowledg how manifold ibid. his perfections what 101. his generation twofold 102. his nativity 101. fruit thereof 104. his exinanition 108. Christs office in his humiliation ib. 124. and in his exaltation 130. his office of mediatorship 104. in what nature he was mediator 105. how manifold 106. our mediator ib. works of mediation 94. his active and passive obedience 109. the necessity of both ib. 120. his active how shadowed 123. his passive how the cause of life eternal 122 his passion 110. each part thereof satisfactory ib. how attributed to Christ and how manifold 115. if he despaired on the cross 111. his death what 112. if he died for all 119. his sepulture 113 114 c. his three dayes detention in the grave 113. his descent to hell 114. his intercession 124. his exaltation 125. his resurrection 127 c. what body he had after his resurrection 126 127. his ascension with its fruits 127. c. whether yet on earth 129. how present in the Supper 143 160. his return or second coming its signs 220 c. Christs kingdome how to be delivered up to the Father 131. Christs justice vide I. works vide W. Church what 162. her forme and head 163. how one holy catholique 164 165. her marks or notes 166. if she can erre ibid. her administration 158 170. her office concerning controversies of Religion 175. false Church what and what sorts 183 184. Church goods 172 Clemencie 304 Complaints in affliction 254 Concupiscence original 335 actual 336. to beresisted 339 Confessiō of the truth 276 282 Confidence for the forme of faith 200. for the effect of faith and good works 251 idolatrous confidence ibid. Conscience 248 Consecration true and superstitious 276 277 Constancie 248 Contempt of superiors 297 Contentation v. self-sufficiency Covenant of works the seals thereof 55 Covenant of grace 136 c. how the new and old differ 138. the seales of both 146 Covetousnesse 325 Councels how to be convened 180. Councels Papistical 243 Courtesie 331. Craft 247 Creation 39. Cruelty 291 305 Curiosity 328 DAmnatiō if the end of reprobatiō 37. the pains state of the damned 70 Death of man fourfold 69 Decalogue its parts and rules of interpreting it 75 Deceit when lawful 306 Gods decree what 28. its causes objects if one or many 31 Denial of the truth 282 Desperation 251 c. Destruction of the world 234 Diffidence or distrust in God 251. Diligence 301 Disobedience to superiors 299 Dissembling when lawful 247 when unlawful 282 The Praecognita of Divinity I If malicious desertiō may cause divorce 317 Double-mindednesse 329 Doubtings of Gods goodnesse and power 250 251 Drunkennesse 308 ELection for calling to an office 133. for spiritual calling 192. for Gods decree what it is 31. its causes and marks ib. the Elect if they may become reprobate 216 Envy 292. Of two Evils what is to be chosen 247 FAith for a part of Gods worship 250. for constancie in words and deeds 329. of miracles temporary historical 198 Saving faith what ibid. and whence 199 its quality and degrees ib. how it justifieth 204 implicite faith what 200 presumption of faith 250 Fall of Adam 59 Fasting what 262. and how to be kept 263 Fear of God 252. servile and filial fear ibid. Feasts 85. Flattery 328 Folly 246. Fortitude 305 Free-will 57 62 Friendship true counterfeit 294. Frugality v. Parsimony GEntlenesse 331 our Glorification 239 God his names essence and properties 12 13 14 Gospel what and how it differs from the Law 87 Gratitude towards God 253 towards our superiors 299 Gravity 330 HAppinesse v. Beatitude Hardning v. Induration Hatred of God 252 Hatred of our neighbour 290 Hell where 71. Heretick who 184. Honesty 310. Hope 251 Humanity 291. Hypocrisie 248 IDlenesse 326 Idolatry what and how manifold 266 268 An idol what how it differs from an image or picture 266 Images of Christ and of the Saints idols 268. also the painting of the Trinity 269 vid. Worship Image of God what 41. of what gifts it consisteth 56 what of it remains since the fall 64 Impatience 254 Impatience of correction 299 Imprecations 281 Imprudence 247 Inconstancie 249 Indulgence too much 304 Induration how ascribed to God 49 253 Industry 325 Infants baptisme and faith 155 Infidelity 250 Ingratitude towards God 253 towards our superiors 300 Inhumanity 291 Injuries how lawfully repelled 302 Insensibility 308 Integrity 248 Intemperance 308 Intercessors of the Papists 124 Christs intercession vid. C. Irreverence to superiors 297 Last Judgement with its circumstances and signes 230 Justice how used in Scripture 210 Christs justice 119. how manifold 120 Justice towards our neighbour what and how manifold 295 320. Justice commutative how to be exercised 295 300 320. of superiors to inferiors 300. Vindicative justice 305 To justifie in Script what 202 The causes and parts of Justification ibid. 203 The Keyes and power thereof what 176 c. how it differs from the power of
the Magistrate 179 Knowledge of God 250 LAbour before the fall 58 Law what 72. why renewed since the fall 74 if it be corrected by Christ ibid. how it differs from the Gospel 87. ceremonial 78 political 86 c. Levites office 80 Liberality 324 Liberty essential to the will 45 Christian liberty 218 Liberty of speech 332 Life eternal 238 First Light 40 Limbus Patrum of infants 72 Lots 282 Love ordered and disordered 336 337 Evil Lusts 335 Luxury in food 308 Lying if any be lawful 327 MAgistrate how to be obeyed 180 Magistrates nursing fathers to the Church 179 Magnificence 324 Malevolence 292 Mans creation 41. his foursold estate ibid. Man what 42 how immortal before his fal 58. what he is before his calling 193 Mary Mother of God remained a Virgin 103 Marriage what how and between whom it is to be contracted how to be dissolved 310 311 Masse vid. Sacrifice Mercy 293 The conditions of Merit 245 Merit of congruity and condignity 244 Mildnesse 304 Ministers of the Church 170 and their calling 173. their duty to conceal secrets 179 Our Misery how manifold 58 Moderation 305 Modesty 310 Multiplicity of Gods vide P. Murther 303. Self-murther ib. Nazarites 81 OAths what and how manifold 277 c. of whom how to be performed why to be kept ibid. 279. being offered their refusal ibid. Obstinacie in evil 249 Opinion of wisdome 246 PArsimony 325 Patience 254 Pawns vide Pledges Persidiousnesse 330 Perjury 280 Perseverance of the Saints 214 Perseverance in sin 253 Persons of the Deity what 18. their trinity unity 24 25. how Person and Subsistence differ 18 19. Person of Christ how considered 90 Pledges to be taken or restored 323 Polythelsme or multiplicity of gods 250 Pratling 330 Self-praise 332 Prayer what 260. its parts ib. its impulsive causes ibid. the Lords prayer a perfect form ibid. for whom and against whom we must pray 262 External gesture in prayer ib. Predestination what 32 33 whether absolute ibid. the means of its execution 34 Priests of the old Law 80 The High-Priests ornaments ibid. Popish Priests 118 Prescience and Predetermination how different 35 Profusion 325 Promptitude in Gods service 248 Propitiatory 83 Providence of God eternal 28. How it differs from Fate ibid. 47. His actual Providence 46. How it useth sinne 47 Prudence 246 REdemptions necessity by the Law Verity by the Gospel 72. Redeemer who 95 Why God and Man 92 93 Regeneration diversly taken 211 Rejoycing in evil 293 True Religion what 255. It 's Antiquity 256. If to be defended by Armes 257. The word Religion diversly taken 255. Reformation of Religion 257. If the Reformers were lawfully called 174 c. Reliques vide Idols and Worship Repentance 253 Good Report 333 Reprobation and its causes 36 Resurrection of the dead 227. Desire of Revenge 304 Reverence to Superiours 297 Rusticity 331 Sabbath its Sanctification 284. It 's Profanation 287 Sacraments before the fal â—5 Sacraments of the New-Testament clearer then of the Old 147 c. Five Popish Sacraments 149. Sacramental phrases 144 c. Sacraments how differing from the Word 146 c. Sacraments of the Old and New-Testament their difference 148. Union of the signe and thing in Sacraments 142. Signes in the Sacraments of foure sorts 143 Sacrifices of the Old-Testament what and how many 83 c. The Masse contrary to Christs Sacrifice 118 160 c. Assurance of Salvation 215 216 Sanctification what 211. The causes of Sanctification 212 Sanctification of Gods name 275 276 Scripture or Word of God unwritten and written 3. Scriptures Divinity 4. It 's Authority 5. It 's perfection 8. Translation 9. Meaning and sence 9 10 Scurrility 331 Cornal security 252 Silence 330 Sedulity vide Diligence Simplicity fained ibid. Sinne what whence how manifold 58 59. First Sin 60. Sin original 62. Sin actual 67. Sin against the Holy Ghost 68 Sincerity 328 Sloth 301 Sobriety 308 Soul of man its original 42 its immortality faculties 45 Stars their creation and use 41 Spiritual Stupidity 275 Self-sufficiciencie 324 Superstition 274 the Lords Supper 157. It s difference from Baptism 160 the Cup to be given to the people 158. Tropes in the words of the holy Supper 145 159. THe Tabernacle and its parts 81 c. Temperance 307 Testament old and new vide Covenant Theft what and how manifold 319 320 Holy times 84 85 c. Tree of Knowledge what 56 Truth 327 Tyranny 301 VIgilancie 309 Watchings superstitious ibid. Unmercifulnesse 293 Voracity 308 A Vow what and how manifold 264 Usury lawfull and unlawfull 322 323 War how lawful 306 Watching vid. Vigilancie Wisdome 246 False witnesse 327 c. Word of God vid. Scripture Works of God how manifold 26 27 Good works what 241. if they justifie 209 if performed by the irregenerate 64. 244. how necessary to salvation 245. Christs works of mediation 93 c. 104. Works of supererogation 242 243. the World its end 234 the true Worship of God 258 ready Worship 248 Worship of idols 270 Adoration of the Host 271 Worshiping of Reliques 272 vide Idolatry Will-worship 265 ZEal for the glory of God 275 THE ANATOMIE OF THE BODY OF DIVINITIE DIVINITIE speaks of GOD As he is to be known In himself in regard of his Essence by His Names Properties Incommunicable such are his Simplicity Infinity Communicable in analogical effects such are his Life Will. Power Of the three Persons Differing in Order Properties Manner of operation Agreeing In the same e Essence In the same Equality In the same Vnion or Cohabitation In their works which are First Essential Personal Secondly Inward Outward Immanent see B. Transient see B. As he is to be worshipped see A. B. Immanent His Decree Of all things called His eternal Providence Of reasonable creatures Angels Men. called Predestination consisting of Election Reprobation Transient The Creation in six dayes Actual Providence General by which all things are governed Good by effecting of them Evil by Permitting Determining Directing Special governing Angels God Evil. Man in the state Partly Of Innocencie where The Covenant of Works Sacraments the Tree of Life of Knowledge of God and Evil. Of Misery which is of offence or sin The first derived from the first Original Actual of Infirmity Malice Of Punishment which is either Temporal or Eternal Partly see C. C. Partly Of Grace in Redemption the necessity of which is known by the Law Moral Ceremonial Politick The truth by the Gospel concerning Christs Person which from eternity the Son of God In time Incarnate by his Conception in the power of the Holy Ghost of the blood of the Virgin By his Nativity By his Office Prophetical Sacerdotal Regal By his State of Humiliation Exaltation In Vocation to the Redeemer which is common to Elect and Reprobate to the outward communion of the Covenant or Testament of Grace which in substance from the first preaching in Paradise is the same In Administration different to wit the