Son is from the Father the Holy Ghost is from the Father the Son They differ in manner of working because the Father worketh from himself the Son from the Father the Holy Ghost from both VI. The Trinity of the Persons takes not away the unity of the essence for there are three persons but one God Deut. 6.4 Hearken Israel the Loâ—d our God is one God 1 Cor. 8.4 To have one God the Faâ—heâ— from whom are all thâ—ngs and we in him and one Lord Iesus Châ—ist by whom are all things and we through him Eph. 4.6 There is one God and Father of all 1 Tim. 2.5 There is one God and one Mediator between God and man the man Christ Iesus 1 Joh. 5.7 and these three are one VII Hence the Word God is somtimes taken essentially for the whole Trinity and somtimes hypostatically for one of the persons Act. 20.28 God haâ—h purchased the Church by his own blood Here the Name of God is hypostatically spoken of the Son VIII The unity of the three persons in the Trinity consisteth 1. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 In the identity of substance 2 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 In equality 3. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 In coherence or cohabitation IX The identity of substance is by which the three persons being co-essential or of the same essence do exist For they are not of a like essence nor of an essence unlike nor of a dâ—fferent essence nor of the same specifical essence X Equality is that by which the three Persons of the Deity are equal in essence properties essential actions glory and honour whence the Son and Holy Ghost are no less then the Father God of themselves life of themselves and Iustice of themselves XI Coherence or cohabitation is that by which the persons are most straitly united that the one remains in and with the other Joh. 14.11 Believe me that the Father is in me and I in the Father CHAP. III. Concerning the Works of GOD and the Decrees of GOD in general THus God hath been considered in himself Now he is to be considered in his works which works are either Essential or Personal those are essentials which are common to the whole Trinity but the personal are those which are proper to each person Both these as well essential as personal are either to internal or external objects The internal are they which have no reference to any object without God As understanding by which God understands himself the Generation of the Sonne the Production of the Holy Ghost Gods external work is that which hath reference to some object without the Trinity Such are Predestination Creation and the like which have relation to Creatures as objects without God The RULES I. One and the same external work in a different consideration is both personal and essential So the incarnation of Christ in respect of inchoation or initiation is the essential work of the whole Trinity but in respect of bounds or termâ—nation it is the personal work of the Son alone for though the Father and Holy Ghost are the cause of Christs incarnation yet the Son onely was incarnate Even so although Creation Redemption Sanctification are essential works of the whole Trinity yet in another respect they are called personal For the Father is called Creator because he is the Fountain both of the Trinity and of operation for the Son and Holy Ghost work from the Father The Sonne is called Redeemer because having mans nature he performed the work of Redemption But the Holy Ghost is called the Sanctâ—fier because he is sent from Christ as a Sanctifier and Comforter II. The external Operations are indivisible or common to all the persons This axiome follows upon the former for as the essence is common to all the Persons so are likâ—wise the essential operations II Yet every operation remains one and the same if we consider the essential Original from which it proceeds the Act by which it is effected and the effect it self which is produced Gods operations which have reference to outward objects are either immanent internal or transient external The immanent or internal operations are they which are effected within the essence of God to which sort belong Gods decrees The RULES I. Every operation which hath relation to outward objects is not therefore an external operation For the decrees of God are such kind of operations so far forth as they have reference to the creatures or any thing without God yet they are internal operations in that thâ—y remain wâ—thin Gods very essence II Gods immanent or internal works are not things different from Gods essence For whatsoever is in God is God as we have already shewed out of the simplicity of the Diâ—vine essence and as in God essence and actual being are not different so in him wil and willingnesse are not different really Gods decree is the internal action of the Divine will by which he hath determined from eternity most freely and certainly of those things which in time are to be effected The RULES I This is called his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Determined purpose 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The hand and counsel of God 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The good pleasure of God and Gods eternal providence II. This is called the Will of God oâ— The will of his good pleasure Indeed the Decree is the very will of God yet for our better understanding the Will is considred as the cause efficient the Decree is the effect Now whereas this word Will is taken diversly it is divers wayes distinguished by Divines to wit into the wil of his good pleasure and the will of the sign into an antecedent and consequent into absolute 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 â—alled 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 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 fulfillâ—th For as the Magistrates comâ—ands are called his will so the name of will is attrâ—buted to precepts prohibitions promises to effects also and events And this is it which is called the will of the signe because it signâ—fieth what is acceptable to God and what he would have done by uâ— It is also called his consequent will because it follows that eternal
fall VII But the means of execution are so ordered that albeit God worketh most freely and according to his good pleasure yet neither have the Elect any just cause to brag nor the Reprobate to complain for to those undeserved grace was bestowed and on these deserved punishment is inflicted VIII These are different questions 1. By what right God reprobates man which is his Creature 2. Why did he not choose all but some and reprobate others 3. Why did he choose this man to wit Peter and reprobate that man to wit Judas To the first we answer from the material cause in that Adam as he was to fall was liable to reprobation To the second we answer from the end because God was willing to manifest the Glory of his mercy and justice But to the third from the cause impulsive because so it pleased him To use the Apostles simile If it be demanded why the Potter out of the same lump maks Vessels of such different conditions it is answered from the end because there be different uses of these Vessels in the house If again it be demanded why out of one piece of the lump a Vessel of honour is made and out of the other a Vessel to dishonour it is answered from the cause impulsive bâ—cause it so pleased the Potter IX Christ is to be considered either as God or as God and man the Mediator In the former respect he is with the Father and Holy Ghost the efficient cause of our election but in the latter respect he is the means of execution thereof We are then said to be elected in Christ Eph. 1.4 5. because by him we were to be saved The decree of saving us is called Predestination to the end but the decree of bestowing Christ upon us as our Head is named Predestination to the Means X. Although these words of Predestination Prescience Predetermination are sometime taken for the same yet for understandings sake they may be thus distinguished Predestination signifieth the very purpose of God to save us Prescience that free bounty by which he acknowledgeth us for his own but Predetermination imports Predestination as it hath reference to Christ and the other means of salvation Rom. 8.28 29. But we know that to those who love God all things work together for their good to those I say who are called of his purpose for whom he fore-knew those he predestinated that they might be confoâ—mable to the image of his Sonne c. XI They are altogether foolish who acknowledge Election and deny Reprobation Because the Scripture teacheth that there is Reprobation aswel aâ— Election Esa. 41.9 I have chosen thee and not cast thee away Mal. 1.2 Iacob have I loved and I have hated Esau. Rom. 9.18 He wil have mercy on whom he will whom he will he hardeneth Rom. 11.7 The election hath obtained it and the rest have been hardened 1 Thess. 5.9 God hath not appointed us to wrath but to salvation 2 Tim 2.20 Vessels to honour and to dishonour Jude v. 4. For there are certain men crept in which were before of old ordained to condemnation· XII As Christ is the cause nâ—t of Election but of Salvation so infidelity is the cause not of Reprobation but of Damnation Damnation differs from Reprobation as the means of Execution from the Decree XIII Damnation is not the end of Reprobation but the manifestation of the glory of Gods justice Therefore to say that man was created that he might be damned is to say amiss for damnation is not the end but the means of execution of which mâ—n by his voluntary disobedâ—ence hath made himselfe guilty XIV For undâ—rstandings sake two â—cts are made of Reprobation to wit The denial of undeserved grace which is called Preterition and the ordaining to dâ—serve punishment which is called predamnation XV. In the trial of our election we must proceed analytically or by the way of resolution from the means of Execution to the decree beginning from our Sanctification Thus syllogistically whosoever feels in himself the gift of sanctification by which we die to sin and live to righteousnesse he is justifi'd called or endowed with true faith is elected But by the grace of God I feel this therefore I am justified called and elected XVI But this is a diabolical argument If I am elected there is no need of good works if I be a Reprobate good works are needlesse For first it is not the part of a Christian to say Either I am elected or reprobated but rather to make trial of his faith as the means of election 2 Cor. 13.5.6 Prove your selves whether you are in the faith examine your selves know you not your own selves how that Iesus Christ is in you except you be reprobates But I trust that you shall know that we are not reprobates 2. This syllogism disjoyns things subordinate and conjoyns things in consistent For good works are subordinate and not to be separated from election for they are the means of its execution and of our assurance thereof But to be a reprobate and to do good works are things inconsistent CHAP. V. Of the Creation HItherto of God's internal works His external are these which are without the essence of God and these are two to wit the Creation the Government or Gods actual providence Creation is that by which God produced the world the things therein partly out of nothing and partly out of matter unapt naturally for that production for the manifestation of the glory of his power wisdom and goodness The History of the Creation is â—xtant in Genesis c. 1. 2 The RULES I. Creation is not onley a production of something out of nothing but also out of matter altogether unapt for such production naturally II. The work and honour of Creation belongs to God alone and not to Angels or any other creature III. Creation is a transition from the Possibility to the Act not of the Creator but of the Creature IV. That possibility is not private but negative Because the matter of creation is naturally unapt to that which is created out of it For example there was no aptitude or disposition in dust to mans body which was so artificially and miraculously produced thence V. There was no accession of perfection in God by creating the World neither did he create it that he might be bettered or perfected by it but that his goodnesse might be communicated to the creature VI· Creation is either of the Species with all the Individuals so the Angels Stars Elements were created together Or of the Species with some Individuals only having an innate power of propagation VII A more particular knowledge of the Creatures we leave to Natural Philosophers it shall suffice in this place to handle them according to each Days production VIII The first day of the Creation is famous for three works 1. For the production of Angels with highest Heaven called the Heavens of the
Christ did manifest it selfe in the state of his Humiliation chiefly by miracles yet this was little in comparison of that glorious manifestation of him in his exaltation In the state of Humiliation he performed his Prophetical office not only mediately by sending Iohn Baptist his Herauld before and by the Apostles whom he called but also immediately to his lost sheep especially of Israel by preaching to them the heavenly Truth with great constancy patience and efficacy both of his doctrine and miracles But his Sacerdotall office he administred in this state making a most full satisfaction and an humble intercession for us The satisfaction of Christ is that whereby he being subject to the Law for us did undergo the curse due to our sins and performed most perfectly obedience to the Law which was required of us and so hath freed us from the curse and hath restored us to life This consisteth in suffering the pains and in perfect justice in that is seen cheifly his passive in this his active obedience I do purposely adde this restriction that we may not think his active and passive obedience so to differ as if the suffering of â—he punishment consisted only in his passive obedience and his perfect justice only in his active for they differ not in time seeing both of them continued from the first moment of his incarnation till his death Nor do they differ in subject because the same obedience in a different respect is both active and passive and consequently Chriâ—â—â— obedience is an active passion and a passive action for as passion is a receiving of the punishment it is called passive obedience but as it is a testimony of his great love it may be called active Neither is the division of obedience into active and passive a division into parts but onely a distinction taken from the end to wit the twofold satisfaction for punishment and for life eternal The curse upon the transgressoâ—s of the Law requires the former Deut. 27.26 The promise of life under the condition of perfect obedience and righteousness requires the latter Lev. 18.5 Therefore we are said Analogicaly by that one and most perfect satisfaction of Christ both to be freed from the punishment because he suffered the punishment for us and to be invested in the right of life eternal because he fulfilled the Law for us The suffering of punishment is whereby he undertook upon himself the punishment due to us and offered himself of his own accord a holy Sacrifice to God for us This consisteth both in the sufferings which went before his great and last Passion but especially in this last agonie The RULES I. No part of Christs Passion must be excluded from his Satisfaction The reason because he did not suffer for himselfe in any thing but all for us II. Therefore those innumerable sufferings which Christ endured until his last journy to Jerusalem are not to be separated from the price of Christs redemption for although the Passion of Christ which went before his last agony might be called a preparative to his death yet it is indeed an integral part of satisfaction As it cannot be denied that the payment of an hundred pounds by him who oweâ—h divers tuns of gold is an integral part of the paymenâ— although iâ—â—e but a smal sum in respect of the whole and principal debt III. Yet the Scripture synecdochically and by way of excellency doth describe his last passion as the price of our redemption and his death or oblation on the altar of the cross as an expiatory sacrifice Of this see the 9. and 10. chapter to the Heb IV. The principal efficient cause of this passion was the holy Trinity the ministring causes were Christs enemies both Iews and Gentiles V. the Person that suffered for us is not the Father nor the Holy Ghost but the Son of God VI. Although God is rightly said to suffer yet the God-head suffered not God suffered in the flesh not with the flesh VII The sufferings of Christ were divers of which there were three ranks to wit some before his death death it self and some after death VIII Of those that went before his death some were internal some external IX The internal were his sadnesse anxieties and tortures proceeding from the fiercenesse of Gods wrath and the conflict he had with that tentation of dereliction which cast him into that bloody sweat and made him cry out My God My God why hast thou forsaken me X. But although he wrestled with the tentation of dereliction yet he fell not into desperation neither did he yield to the tentation but overcame it by a strong confidence in his God The undoubted argument of his victory was this that in his greatest agony he failed not to call God his God XI His external sufferings were the tortures of his body which he endured in a manner in all his members senses for his head was torn with throns and beat with reeds his face was defiled with spittle and bruised with buffeting his ears were wounded with scoffs and railings his eyes were troubled with the mourning of his Mother and his disciples his tongue was scorched with thirst and poisoned with vinegar and gall his body was stript and torn with whipping and the same was fastned to the Crosse his hands and feet being pierced with nailes and was hanged between Thieves his sinews were racked and his side was pierced with a lance XII The Cross was chosen to die on which was no ordinary kinde of death but an accursed one for of old it was made execrable by the mouth of God Cursed is he that hangeth on a Tree Deut. 21.23 XIII In Christs death the Personal Vnion was not dissolved the soule indeed was severed from the body but neither of them from the Personality or Hypostasis of of the sonne of God XIV The sufferings that followed his death were not joyned with any pain yet they wanted not disgrace or ignominie such was his burial and the three dayes lying in the grave XV. His burial was a part of his sufferings whereby Christs body no other ways than the carcasses of other men was cast into the grave XVI His three dayes detention or stay in the grave is the last degree of his Humiliation at which time his soul being translated to Paradise his body was detained under the pains and bands of death as if he had been altogether overcome and swallowed up by it his enemies in the mean while triumphing over him as if he had been quite cut off Acts 2.24 Whom God raised having loosed the sorrows of death XVII When mention is made of Christs descent into hell in the fourth Article of the Creed it is demanded of what part of Christs passion that must be understood That opinion of the Papists concerning Christs local descent into Limbus Patrum or the place of the Fathers and their delivery from thence is fabulous and very ridiculous from which their
different men but also in one and the same man so that sometimes it is weaker sometimes stronger but so that it can never be utterly lost Isa. 42.3 He shall not break the bâ—used 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 until the day of Iesus Christ. Heb. 12 2. looking unto Iesus Christ the Author and finisher of our Faith CHAP. XXX of Iustification 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 rightous and inheritors of life eternal The RULES I. Iustice in Scripture is either of the Cause or of the person Iustice of the cause is when a man otherwise sinfull is said in this or that particular to be innocent and just Iustice 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 Iustification 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 Pontificians 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 Matth. 11.19 wisdome is justified by her children Lu. 7.29 when these things were heard all the people and the Publicans justified God Luk. 10.29 He willing to justifie himself III. The efficient cause of Iustification actively understood is the whole Trinity 2 Cor. 5.19 God was in Christ reconciling the world to himselfe 1. Cor. 6.11 But you are washed but you are sanctified but you are justified in name of the Lord Iesus and by the Spirit of our God IV. The internal moving cause â—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 Iustification 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 upon faith but not the causes of Iustification for they do not precede him that is to be justified but follow him that is justified Although this particle alone in so many letters and syllables is not found in Scripture yet it is expressâ—d 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 joyn'd 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 that we are justified by faith but then they take faith here as a work Now faith in Scripture hath nothing ascribed to it but as it aprehends 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 Christs merits then by faith 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 sins 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 by God called and indowed 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 in 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 than these ensuing places Rom. 4.6 As David calleth that man blessed unto whom God imputeh 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 righteousnes which is of God by faith This is chiefly seen in that antithesis whereby our sins are imputed to Christ and his justice imputed to us 2 Cor. 5 21. He made that he should be sinne for us who knew no sin that we might be made the righteousness of God in him The Papists also think it as absurd that we should be justified by the justice of another as if one would 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 faithfull are to Christ their head Againe 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 sinns and imputation of justice by judging our sins to be none and our righteousnesse to be perfect XV.
them betweene 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 categroy of Relation II In their form For 1. In Iustification Faith as a hand layeth hold upon Christs justice in Sanctification it is considered as the beginning and root of good works 2. In Iustification sin is taken a way onely in respect of the guilt and punishment in Sanctification it is by degrees abolished in respect of its existence 3. In Iustification Christs righteousness is imputed to us in Sanctification a new and inherent justice is infused into us III. In degrees for Iustification 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 finalâ—y 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 Faâ—her who hath given them to me is greater than all nor can any man take them out of my Fathers hand I and my Father aâ—e one Eph. 1.13 14 In whom also after that you believed you were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise which is the earnest of our inheritance untill the redemption of the puâ—chased possâ—ssion unto the praise of his glory III. The mattâ—r which hath the nature of the subject is man truly elected calâ—ed justified and sanctified IV. The forme consisteth partly in the will to persâ—vere partly in the act it self the wiâ—â— is never defecâ—ive in the godly but the act is sometime neâ—re intense sometime more remise 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 faâ—se 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 fiâ—m 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. 42.3 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 Iesus 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 until the day of Iesus Christ. The testimonies which Bellarmine alledgeth to the contrary are either such as speak not of the faithful but of hypocrites as Mat. 24.12 13. Mark 4.15 Luke 8.13 Iohn 15.2 Heb 6. v 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 be believe that is from wholesome doctrine which hypocrites also embrace 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 evill Angels and of our first Parents are nothing to this purpose for they received onely 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 exmples of Saul Simon Magus and Iudas 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 Books of Ecclesiastes As for Peter's fall we will say with Austine 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 strenth 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 a way wâ—ll be made â—o carnal security Ans. This will not follow For thâ—s Doctrine is so farre from occasioning security that it rather drawes us from it 1. Because it is one thing 〈◊〉 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 fal off from grace yet they may fall into most gâ—ievous 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 faithfull 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 Dâ—sciples and ye shâ—ll know the truth and the truth shall make you free v. 36. Therefore if the Sonne make you fâ—ee ye shall be free indeed II.
to the earth sometimes to the visible heaven and to this purpose is that which Peter saith of righteousnesse which shall dwell there For it is certain that after this world justice shall dwell no where but in heaven To the first reason they answer that there is no consequence from the Flood to the last Judgment because the Flood brought not with it the end of the world so likewise in the other reason they deny the sequel from man to the world because the world will be no wayes available to man when he is advanced to life eternall for it was made onely for him whilest he was a traveler here Now although in controversies of this nature which overthrow not the articles of Faith it be lawful to suspend oâ—r assent yet without prejudice to other mens judgments the understanding reader may subscribe to the latter opinion for it is one thing to be restored and changed unto a better estate and another thing to wax old like a garment to vanish like smoak to be dissolved to melt to be burned to passe away to be no more as the foâ—mer testimonies affirm So much of the end of the World Life eternal is the highest degree of blessedness in which we shall be made partakers of Christs glory enjoying the sight of God and Heavenly joyes for ever and ever The RULES I. The general efficient cause of life eternal in the whole Trinity but particularly Christ our Lord who by his merit obtained life for us and by his efficacy applies it to us and bestows it upon us Hence he is called the everlasting Father Isa. 9.6 and metonymicaly Life it self Ioh. 14.6 II. Good works are not the meritorious cause of life eternal although life is promised to them as a free reward A reward is promised to good works not as a due debt but as a free gift not that by them we can merit life but that we may be provoked to do them III. That eternal happinesse consisteth in our freedom from all evill in the variety magnitude and eternity of joyes Rev. 21.4 And God will wipe all tears from their eyes and there shall be no more death nor sorrow nor crying nor shall there be any more pain for the first things are past IV. The variety of joys is considered in the glorification of man in the delights of Heavenly mansions in the blessed society of the Saints but chiefly in the union with God V. There shall be a glorification both of body and of soul. VI. In the body shall be 1 Clarity 2. Impassibility 3. Subtilty 4. Agility VII The soul shall be far more perfect than it was in the state of innocency for in it shall be understanding without error light without darkness wisdom without ignorance reoson without obscurity memory without oblivion the will also shall be without perversenesse joy without sorrow pleasure without pain In the state of innocency there was in Man a possibility not to sin in the state of glory there shall be no possibility to sin VIII The beauty of â—eavenly mansions was shaddowed by the type of Solomons Temple and Jerusalem â—sal 84 1 c Rev 21. and 22. IX The communion of Saints which be with joy is expressed by the similitude of a feast Matth 22 2 c. X. Neither shall we have communion only with the â—ngels but we shall be also like the Angels Maâ—th 22.30 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Luk. 20.36 XI There shall be such a communion with God that we shal see him without end love him without tediousnesse and praise him without wearisomnesse XII So great shall be that joy that neither our tongues can expresse it nor our mindes conceive it For in this life neither had the eye seen nor ear heard nor minde conceived that which can equall that glory 1. Cor. 2 9. XIII Neither shall any bounds be set to this hapinesse nor shall we ever fall from it but it shall continue for ever Psal. 16.11 Thou shall shâ—w me the path of life for in thy presence is fulnesse of joy and at thy right hand are pleasures for evermore XIV There shall be degrees of eternal happinesse This is gathered from Daniel cap. 22. v. 3 They that be wise shall shine as the brightnesse of the firmament and they that turn many to righteousness as the Stars for ever and ever Neither is this opinion overthrown by that place of Matth. 13. v. 43. whereas the just in general are said to shine as the Sun for though the glory of the Elect being considered in themselves is likened to the brightnesse of Sun and Stars yet in Daniel c. 12. this is promised to Doctors above other men neither can any other reason be given why there mention is made chiefly of them that instruct others that place 1 Co. 15.39 40 41 is alleadged but to little purpose for proof of this for the simile concerning the diversity of brightnesse in the Stars dâ—th not prove the degrees of future glory but the â—ifference only that is bâ—twixt a mortâ—l anâ— a glorified body as it appeaâ—s by what followes In the mean while we aâ—low not that manner of different glory which the Papists teach to wit diversity of merits For as the gift of Faith and Sanctâ—fication acâ—ording to Gods meer grace is unequally distributed to the Saints so he will according to his gracious pleasure impaâ—t glory but so that no man shal have cause to complain of any want of glory in himself or why he should envie it in another The SECOND BOOK Concerning the WORSHIP of GOD. CHAP. I. Of the Nature of good Works IN the former Book we have spoken of the Knowledge of God now we are to speak of his Worship The true worship of God consisteth in true holiness and righteousness or in the study of good works which good works are performed by the grace of the Holy Spirit out of true Faith according as the Law requires to the glory of God the certainty of our salvation and edification of our neighbour The RULE I. Good works are called Vertues But we take this word vertue in a larger sense than it is taken by Philosophers for here we call vertues holy affections holy thoughts and actions II The same Synecdochically are called by the name of Charity For so Christ saith that the whole Law consisteth in the precept of love towards God and our neighbour whereas love towards God belongs to the first Commandement but love to our neighbour to the second Table III The principal efficient cause of good works is the Holy Ghost in respect of beginning continuation and perfection For it belongs to the same power to begin in us a good work and to perfect it Phil. 1.6 as also to give both to will and to be able or to do cap. 2.31 IV Their instrumental cause is Faith the root of good works Rom. 14 â—3 what is not done of faith is sin V. The matter of good works are the affections and
that God hath separated onely one day of seven for Divine worship 2. In that he goeth before us by his own example The promises are in Isa. 56.2 c. and 58.13 IV. The matter or object of this sanctification is the Sabbath or seventh day in the Iewish Church to which succeeded the first day called in Scripture from Christs resurrection the Lords day from the Lords supper the Day of bread and from the administration of Baptism the day of light anciently V. In the Precept of sanctifying the Sabbath we must distinguish between that which is Ethical or Moral and that which is Typical or Ceremonial It was Ceremonial 1. To sanctifie the seventh day precisely 2. By this means to separate Jews from gentiles But Moral in that one day of seven must be sanctified for Gods service Now the Church hath sanctified the first day by the example of Christ who hath sanctified it by his resurrection and apparition Ioh 20.19 and 26. By the example also of the Apostolical Church Act 20. 7. 1 Cor. 16.2 Rev. 1.10 VI. The form of Sanctifying this day consisteth in omission and action VII Things to be omitted are the works of our outward and temporal callings These are opposite to the works of divine worship in that six dayes we must labour VIII Yet some things are permitted which without great damage cannot be put off till another day Lu. 14.5 Which of you having an oxe or â—n asse fallen into a pit will not take him out on the Sabbath day The Macchabes knew this 1 Mat. 2.41 For having received an overthrow on the Sabbath they resolved to defend themselves against the enemy In such cases of necessity Christs rule must be observed The Sabbath was made for man not man for the Sabbath Mar. 2.27 IX On the Sabbath those works must be done for which that day was appointed to wit to repare to the Church to meditate on Gods word to receive the Sacraments to invite one another by exhortations example to godlinesse to visit the sick to help the poor c. X. The end of this sanctifying of the Sabbath is either natural or spiritual XI The natural end is that men and beasts might rest and be refreshed XIâ— The spiritual end peculiar to the Iews was 1 To shadow out to the Iews that rest which they injoyed in the Land of Canaan after their toylsome labours in Egypt troubles in the desart That by this part of their beggerly rudiments they might be led to Christ the Author of our spiritual rest from sin and the works of the flesh XIII But now the spiritual end of it is 1. that the Congregation may be seen and that the faithful may flock together into the Church as into the Ark of Noah 2 That by meditating on this new birth of the World and on Christ's resurrection we might praise God our Creator and Redeemer 3 That by our rest from labour we might be admonished of our rest from sin 4. That we might more and more aspire and raise ourselves for the enjoyment of that perpetual rest and Sabbath in the life to come Hence ariseth a thâ—ee-fold Sabbath a tipical and ceremonial yet but tempâ—rary onely a spiritual but onely begun here and a heavenly or eternal Xâ—V The Sanctification of the Sabbath belongs to all chiefly to Magistrates Pastors The Magistrate by the example of Nehemiah must take care that the Sabbath be not wantonly abusâ—d Neh. 13.15 c. The same also must so moderate the strict obsâ—rvation of that day when need requires that there be regard had to Charity by the example of the Macchabees 1 Mac. 2.41 and Constantine the Great who in extream necessity permited Husband-men to follow their Country woâ—k XV. The Christian Holy-dayes have affinity with the Sabbath appointed not for Will worship but for a commemoration of Christs benefits so that the conscience be not intangled with the snare of absolute necessity Col. 2.6 Let no man condâ—mn yâ—u in meats and drinks oâ— in respect of a Holy day or of a New Moon or of Sabbaths To this Sanctification of the Sabbath are contrary its neglect and prophanation The Sabbath is either simply neâ—lected when no regard is had of it or in some respect when it is spent meerly by ceasing from our own works and consequently in idleness omitting those works for which the Sabbath was made of which in the nineth Rule or these works are performed but perfunctoriously without any inward and mental devotion which kind of Sabbath is deservedly called hypocritical See Isa. 1. â—3 14. The Sabbath is prophaned 1. When we do the works of our outward calling needlesly as when we make journies or exact debts then c. 2. When we spend the Sabbath in carnal works as in gaming dancing revelling idle talking Stage-playes and such like sins 3. â—n idolatrous works Such a prophanation is a most grievous sin Exod. 31.13.14 Num. 15.35 Neh. 13.16 Ier. 17.27 CHAP. VIII Of Vertues or Works belonging in general to the Commandments of the second Table IN the former Chapters we have spoken of Gods immediate Worship now followes the mediate consisting in the vertues works of the second Table Of which worship we are to speak generally and particularly To the mediate worship and second Table in general belongs Charity and Justice Charity towards men is either of man towards himself or towards his neighbour towards himself is whereby each faithful man next to God loves himself seeking his own temporal and eternal welfare Mat. 7.12 Whatsoever you would that men should do to you do ye the same Eph 5.29 No man ever hated his own flâ—sh but rather cherish thâ—t Phil. 2.12 Work out your own salvaâ—ion with fear and trembling To this is contrary self-hatred and self-love being inordinate We see examples of perverse hatred in them who obstinately rebell against God and run headlong to their own ruine but the sin of self-love is found in them who being too much drunk with love of themselves not only despise their neighbour in respect of themselve but alsâ— love themselves above God Of these Christ speaketh Joh. 12.25 He that loves his life shall lose it On the contrary it is said of the godly Râ—v 12.11 And they loved not their loves unto the death Charity to our neighbour is whereby we love our neighbour as our selves The RULES I The efficient cause of this love is God the Father in the Son through the Holy Ghost Gal. 5.22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love II. The instrumental cause or root is Faith working by love Gal 5 6. III. The matter or subject of it is our neighbour that is every one to whom we owâ— duty or ayde Luke â—0 36 3â— IV But chiefâ—y w◠〈◊〉 love those that are of the houshould of Faith Gal. 6.13 For we are tyed to them both in a natural and spiritual tye Eph. 4 1 2. V. Nor in this case must we exclude our enemies
Reas. I. For to be justified by grace and by merit are repugnant Rom. 3.24 They are justified freely by his grace and v. 28. Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the works of the Law chap. 11.6 If by grace then not of works otherwise grace were not grace 2. So to be justified by Christ and his merits and by works Gal. 2.21 If righteouâ—ness 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 couÌ„ted 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 ver 23. They have all sinned and come short of the glory of God and 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 Catologue of works rehearsed cap. 1 2.3 to the Romans shall finde 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 Buâ— with neither of these arâ— we justified For beâ—fore regeneration 〈◊〉 works are meerly eviâ— and after imperfectâ— good XIX The effects of justification are Peace with God an accesse to him with boldnesse a rejoycing in tribulation and freedom from sin not onely in respect of guilt as the Papists say but in respect of punishment too Otherwise Christ had suffered for us in vain Isa. 53.4 c. Neither do divine chastisements come upon the Elect that they might by them satisfie God 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 Voâ—ation are without repenâ—aâ—â—â— Rom. 11. â—9 XXII It is also one Therefore when the Saints who are justified pray for forgiveness of sins they do not so much respect or consider the act of justification as the fruit certainty and confirmation thereof XXIII Iustification before God is by faith Iustification before men is by works Of this see Iam 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 faâ—th which worketh not by charity but here that faith which is true and lively Others say that man is justified by workâ— not as by the cause but as by the declarers and manifesters of justification CHAP. XXXI Of Sanctification SAnctification followes Justification as the light followes the sun This is that free action of God which sets at liberty the faithful ingrafted 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 renovatino and conversion is either equivalent to vocation and the gift of faith or it signifieth newnesse of life when in the very act man dieth to sin and liveth to righteousness in the first sens it goeth before justification and is the cause thereof in the latter follows it and is the effect thereof it is also named penitence and resipiscence from the effect which words do as much dâ—ffer as the Hebrew terms Nicham and Schubh or the Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 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. 1.4 IV. The internal impulsive cause is Gods free bounty Tit. 3.4.5 But after the kindnesse 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 mâ—n 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 until the comming of our Lord Iesus Christ. X. The form is expressed in two acts in the aversion from evil and conversion to good that is called the mortification of the old man this the vivification of the new man that a crucifying and burying this a resurrection 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 vessel 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
For that religion is onely true which agrees with Gods word for verity and unity are convertible V. Religion should be cared for by all chiefly by Magistrates and Ministers For they are the Churches nursing Fathers by preserving Schools and Churches and by maintaining of Ministers c. VI. The true Religion is most ancient for it began in Paradise VII It is not only external but internal also Rom. 2.28 c For he is not a Iew that is one outwardly neither is that Circumcision which is outward in the flâ—sh but he is a Iew which is one outwardly and Circumcision is that of the heart VIII Religion is to be taught not to be forced IX Religion may be defended by armes but not propagated by arms Examples of pious Kings the Macchbees Emperours as Constantine and Theodosius shew this X. Reformation of things amiss in Religion belong to the prince or Magistrate After the examples of Moses Ioshua David Asa Iehosaphat Hezekiah Iosiah Constantine Theodosius c. XI If a Magistrate proves the Churches enemy and will not be intreated to give way for a Reformation then it liâ—s upon them to reform whom God hath furnished with necessary gifts for that purpose neither in such a case must we stay for consent of Church or Bishops Examples are in Gideon Jehojadah Macchabees Apostles c. Sure if our Predecessors had staied for the Popes consent there had never been a Reformation Contrary to true Religion are Epicurisme and false Religions CHAP. V. Of Vertues and Works belonging in special to the Second Commandment IN true Religion we must consider its parts and time appointed by God The parts are two to wit the form or rite whereby God will be worshipped in his Church and the Sanctification of his Name all the rest of our life The form of his worship is that which he hath prescribed to us in his Word which is handled in the Second Precept the summe whereof is this That God should be worshipped in such manner as he hath prescribed to his Church This appears by the right Analysis of the second Command which is foolishly confounded with the first For as in the first Command is set down who must be worshipped for God so in the second is shewed after what manner he will be worshipped And as in the first internal idolatry is contrary so in the Second external is opposed to this worshâ—p The parts of this Command are two a Prohibition and a Confirmation Of the Prohibition there are two branches the first is of the making the second of the worshipping of Idols Of the making he saith Thou shalâ— not make to thy self any graven image or likeness c. which he illustrates by enumeration of particulars following to wit of any things in Heaven above or in the earth beneath or in the waters under the earth The veneration of idols is declared two-wayes 1 by bowing to them 2. by worshipping of them The Confirmation contains a threatning and a promise both are illustrated from the nature of God from the object In the one he describes himselfe to be a jealous God visiting iniquities c. In the other merciful In the one he denounceth punishment to the third and fourth generation of them that hate him but in the other his mercy of the thousand generation of them that love him It is easie then to see what is the summe of this precept by the proceeding thereof 1. From the particular to the general for Idolatry is forbid with all such rites as are either contrary to or not contained in the Word of God 2. From the negation to the affirmation of the contrary for it is commanded that we worship God in that way which he hath prescribed to us In the rites prescribed to the Church we must observe both the helps and parts thereof The parts are the right use of the Word and Sacraments and Prayer The right use or handling of the Word and Sacraments is when the one is preached the other administred according to Christs institution Prayer is whereby we speak to God in the true and humble contrition of heart of such things as are agreeable to his holy will This consisteth in calling upon God or in giving of thanks The RULES I. The common efficient cause of Prayer is the whole Trinity but in particular the Holy Ghost Whence he is called the spirit of Prayers Zach. 12.10 II. The impulsive cause on Gods part are his command Promise of being heard his majesty his goodnesse his benefits But on our part is our need which is gathered by the consideration of our wants calamities tentation and dangers c. III. The matter of Prayer are things obtained and to be obtained IV. The form or Idea of true and religious Prayer is the Lords Prayer The parts of this are four the Preface the Petâ—tions the Confirmatâ—on and Conclusion The Prâ—face is this Our Faâ—her which art in heaven Set down to this end that ouâ— minds may be disposed 1. To docility for it shews who is to be invoked to wit that God who in Christ is made ouâ— Father by adopting us for his sons 2. To humility because he is not an earthly but an heavenly Father 3. To assure us we shall be heard For he will hear us because he is our Father and can hear us because he is in Heaven 4. To charity because we are taught to say Our Father Of the Petitions there be two ranks the first is of them that concerns Gods glory the first and chief whereof is Hallowed be thy Name to this the two latter is subordinate Thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven The latter rank is of those Petitions which concern our needs as well for this as for the next life For the present belongs the fourth Petition Give us this day our daily bread For the future the two latter And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive them that trespasse against us And lead us not into tentation but deliver us from evil That hath reference to the gift of justification this of Sanctification The Confirmation follows in these words For thine is the Kâ—ngdome the Power the glory for ever and ever By which we are taught 1. That God likes our Prayers because he is our King for his is the Kingdome 2. That he can hear us for his is the Power 3. That he will hear us for his is the glory 4. That his love towards us is unchangable for he is so for ever and ever The conclusion is in the particle Amen by which we witnesse that we have prayed seriously and with confidence to be heard V. The end of prayer is Gods glory and our salvation For this is the Alpha and Omega of Prayer hence the Petitions of the Lords Prayer begin with Gods glory and end in our salvation VI. Great are the effects of prayer not as if there were merit in it
antecedent will And 't is a conditional will because Gods precepts prohibâ—tions con mi. nations and promises have the condition of obedience and disobedience annexed Lastly his revealed will because it 's daily set forth in God's word This distinction of the will is duely to observed left we shâ—uld 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 secâ—et will or will of his good pleasure God by his revealed will desired not mans fall but most severely forbad it yet he did will and decree the same by the will of his good pleasure as it was a meanes for maniâ—estation of his glory IV. Therefore by the decree and will of God good and evil comes to passe good by efficiency Evil by permission V. Yet the decree or will of God is not the cause of evil or sin 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 bâ—t by the necessity of immutability VI. The necessity of Gods decrees takes not away the liberty of the rational creature The reason iâ— because there is no necessity of coâ—ctions but of immuâ—ability The fall of Adam if we look upon Gods decree came to passe necessarily In the mean while Adam sinned freely being neither coâ—manded nor constrained nor foâ—ced or moved by God but rather most severely admonâ—shed that he should not sin VII Nor doth this Necessity take away Contingencie in the second causes For many things are not contingent in respect of the second causes which in regard of Gods decree come to passe necessarily VIâ—I No moving or impulsive cause can be given of Gods decree except Gods most free will and good pleasure XI 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 VVhether he first ordained the end or the means For whereas the decree of God in it self is one a most simple action there is neither priority nor posteriority in it but it is distinguâ—shed 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 fal 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 wisdome and goodness in the creation and conservation of all things The special 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 RULE I. Although Predestination in the mind 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 etenally some of them in their first happiness that in Christ their head but to leave others to themselves and to punish them eternally for deserting their station voluntarily and this for the manifestation of the glory of his grace and justice The 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 absolute in respect of the efficient impulsive Cause which neither is Faith in those which were to be elected nor sin in those which were to be reprobated but Gods most free-will Fore-seen Faith or Holinesse is not the cause of Election for man was not elected becaus he was to believe but therefore he believeth because he was elected Act. 13.28 And they believed so many as were ordained to life eternal Neither are we elected because we were to be holy but that we might be holy and unblamable bâ—fore him through love Eph. 1.4 Neither is foreseen smâ—the cause of Reprobation for so we should be al reprobates but that God according to his most free good pleasure hath done what he did is manifest by that Luk. 12.23 It is your Fathers pleasure to give you a Kingdom and Rom. 9.16 I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy and ver 18. Therefore he will shew mercy on whom he will and whom he wils he hardeneth III. It is not absolute if we consider the matter or object and the means by which he puts this decree in execution VI. For the matter or object of election and reprobation is not man considered absolutely but as he was to fall into sin of his own accord The reasons are most evident because the decrees of manifesting mercy wrath or justice presupposeth sin for there can be no mercy but towards him that is in misery and there can be no justice oâ— just indignation but towards him that is a sinner 2. But because that onely can be reprobated which may be reprobated but man is reprobable or may be reprobated not as by God he was created but as Satan he was defaced V. Sin therefore is not the impulsive cause of Reprobation but aâ— necessary condition of the matter or object for though it be not the cause of reprobation yet it is the cause of reprobability or why man should be reprobated Foâ— Reprobation and repâ—obability diffeâ— as the act and possibâ—lity All men are reprobable or 〈◊〉 liable to Râ—probation for sin but all are not therefore actual Reprobates VI Reprobation then presupposeth 1 The decree of mans Creation Of the donation of Gods Image upon him which Image was to be lost 3. Of the permission of mans
the end of the Law Rom. 10.4 when it is called a School-master to lead us to Christ Gal. 3.24 and when the Law is said not to be contrary to him who doth the works of the Spirit Gal. 5.22 23. For that righteousness which the Law requires that the Gospel exhibites in Christ to the Believer and albeit we cannot in this life yield full satisfaction to the Law yet the regenerate begin to obey it by the grace of sanctification CHAP. XVI Of the Person of Christ God and Man THe parts of the Gospel concerning Christ our Redeemer are two the first is of his person the other of his Office In respect of the Person the Redeemer is God and man that is Gods eternal Son being incarnate or made man in the fulnesse of time John 1.14 And the word was made flesh and dwelt amongst us Gal. 4 4. But after the fulnesse of time came God sent his Son made of a Woman 1. Tim. 3 16. and without controveâ—sie great is the mystery of godliness God made manifest in the flesh The RULES I. The Incarnation of Christ originally is the work of the whole blessed Trinity but terminatively or in respect of the object it is the work of the Son alone For the son onely assumed mans nature which the father in the Son by the Holy Ghost formed of the substance of the blessed Virgin II The person of Christ is considered either disjunctively as the Word and the eternal Son of God or conjunctively as God and man the first consideration is according to Divinity the latter according to Oeconomie or Gods gracious dispensation III. Likewise the divine nature is considered either in it self and simply or relatively as it is in the Person of the Word by dispensation IV. Althâ—ugh then it be true that Christ-God is become man yet it follows not that therefore the Divinity is incarnate or because the Son is Incarnate that the Father also and Holy Ghost are Incarnate V. The matter out of which the Incarnation was effected is the seed of the Woman or of the blessed Virgin Gen. 3.15 VI. The forme of it consisteth in the Personal Vnion whereby the word was made flesh and Christ remained the same he was and became what he was not VII The end is Gods glory and our salvation VIII Both the truth of God as also our salvation do evince the necessity of Christs incarnation IX The truth of God because in the Old Testament it was uttered by divers Prophesies and was shaddowed by divers types These are the chief Prophesies Gen 3.15 I will put enmity between thee and the Woman and between thy seed and her seed it shall bruise thy head and thou shalt bruise his heel Gen. 22.18 In thy seed all nations shall be blessed Esa. 7.14 Behold a Virgin shall conceive and bring forth a Son and they shall call his name Emanuel Esa. 9.6 7. For unto us a child is borne and unto us a Son is given Jer. 23.5 Behold the dayes shall come in which I will raise to David a righteous branch and a King shall reign and prosper and shall execute judgement and justice on the earth In his dayes â—udah shall be saved and Israel shall dwell safely and this is his name whereby he shall be called The Lord our righteousness But his types were the Tabernacle the Arke of the Covenant and such like of which we have said but chiefly Melchisedeck without father without mother Hebr. 7.3 and that humane shape or form in which he appeared of old frequently to the Fathers X. Our salvation for this cause doth evince and prove the necessity of his Incarnation in that we could not be saved but by such a redeemer who was both God and Man in one Person or God-man XI That he should be God was requisite in respect of both parties on the one side the Majesty of God required it on the other side our wants the greatness of the evil that was to be removed and the good that was to be restored Such is the Majesty of God that no man could interpose himself but he who was one with the Father the very Angels durst not do this because they also stood in need of Christ the Mediator Col. 1.16 17. Because they being compared with God are unclean Ioh. 15.15 and for this cause they cover their faces in Gods presence Isa. 6.2 How much lesse then could any man intercede whereas there is not one just person Rom. 3.10 The evill that was to be taken away was sin and the consequents of sin the wrath of God the power of Satan both temporal and eternal death Now I pray by whose suffering could that infinite Majesty be satisfied which was offended unlesse by his suffering who was also Infinitâ— By whose Intercession could the wrath of God be appeased but by his onely who is that best beloved son of God By whose strength could Satan with the whole power of darknesse be overcome except by his who in power exceeds all the Devils who finally could overcome death except he who had the power over death Heb. 2.15 But the good things that were to be â—estred were perfect righteousness adoption into sons the Image of God the gifts of the holy Ghost life eternal and such like but now who could bestow that righteousness on us except he who is justice it self Who is so fit to make us the sons of God as he who is by nature the Son of God Who was so fit to restore in us the image of God as he who is himselfe the Image of the invisible God who can bestow on us the holy Spirit so assuredly as he from whom the spirit proceedeth Who at last can give us life eternal but he who is life it self Iohn 1.4 XII That he might be man the justice of God required which as it leaves not sin unpunished so it punisheth not sin but in that nature which sinned The first branch of this Rule is plain both by the justice and by the truth of God By his justice because God by this doth not onely resist but also punish sin Psal. 5.4 5 6. For thou art not a God that hast pleasure in wickednesse nor shall evil dwell with thee the foolish shall not stand in thy sight thou hatest all workers of iniquity thou shalt destroy them that speak lies the Lord will abhor the blody and deceitful man Now by the truth of God because the threatning which was given before the fall could not be in vain therefore Socinus is idle and foolish who that he might overthrow the merit of Christ feigns such a justice of God which doth not necessarily inflict eternal death or require satisfaction and which in this respect can be content to loose its own right but if sins were to be punished they were surely to be punished in our nature for to man the Law was given and to man death was threatned therefore it lies upon man to suffer the punishment
who acknowledge his passive obedience only satisfactory and meritorious say that his active obedience makes toward our Redemption and Salvation but only as a necessary help or the cause without which Salvation could not be obtained for say they this active obedience is required for two causes First by the right of Creation Secondly that his Sacrifice might be acceptable to God and that he might be a holy High-Priest But the first branch of this opinion is false for Christ is not in this to be compared with other men for as the Son of God was made man a creature for us not for himself so he was made subject to the law not for himself but for us The later branch confounds his holines or innocency with his obedience or actual justice which differ as much as the habit privation Innocency indeed is necessarily required in Christs Sacrifice but his actual obedience is not onely required in Christ as a Priest but it â—s also a part of his satisfaction and merit for if Adams actual disobedience was the meritoâ—ious cause of damnation why should not the actual obedience of the second Adam be the meritorious cause of salvation except we wâ—ll say that the first Adam was more powerfull to damn us then the second was to save us II. The Fathers command which â—hrist obeyed was special and general special in respect of the end that he should obey not for him self but for us But general in respect of the object for he was subject to the same Law which was prescribed to us in all things which the Law enjoyned us to They who onely make Christ passive obedâ—ence meritorious pretend that it was performed so onely by a special command from the Father that he should dy for us But this were not a special command only but a partial For Christs obedience doth as far extend it self as the Law doth whereas then the Law obligeth us both to the punishment and to obedience he did satisfie both these requisites III. Life eternal is considered either in it self as it is a full participation of celestial joy or in opposition to damnation as it is a freedome from damnation in the former sence the perfect Iustice of Christ is the cause of eternal life but in the latter the suffering of the punishment is the cause of life eternal It is one thing to describe Life eternal privativeâ—y and another thing positively To speak properly there is no other caus of eternal Life but perfect justice according to the Law Do this and live Yet Christs death is called the cause of eternal Life so far as it is a delivery from all evill neither is freedome from damnation and heavenly joys parts of life but onely different relations Hence it is apparent in what sence Christ promiseth that he will give his flesh for the life of the world Ioh. 6.51 Two things here are objected 1. If Christs active obedience is the cause of eternal Life then he suffred in vain 2 If Christ obeyed for us then we need not yeeld obedience But in the first Argument there is no consequence for there is one end which is common to both parts of satisfaction to wit our salvation another proper to each one for the end of his sufferings was our delivery from evil but the end of justice is the procuring of right to eternal life The latter Argument against the merit â—f active obedience is such a one as Socinius frames against the merit of passive obedience if quoth he Christ died in our stead then we need not â—ie But there is no consequence in either there is one death of Christ another of the godly that was joyned with a curse this with a blessing Christ did undergo that as the wages of our sins but we undergo this as a passage from this life to a â—eavâ—nly so there is one obedience of Christ another of man that was perfect justice which he performed in our stead to purchase lâ—fe for us but this is imperfect and is performed to shâ—w our gratitude for our redemption IV. The active Iustice of Christ in the Old Testament was shadowed out by the glorious robes of the High-Priest as a type They who deny the merit of active obedience ask by what type it was shadâ—wed out For if say they it is a part of the Priests office in what thing did the High-Priest type it out But to what purpose was all that glorious attiring of the High-Priest in which he appeared before God if it was not to shadow ouâ— Christs righteousness Hence we read that not onely were the filthy garments of Iosuah taken off from him in signe of our sins removed fâ—om us but that new garments were put upon him and a mitter or crown set upon his head Zach. 3.4 5. So much of Christ satisfaction His Intercession in the state of Humiliation was whereby he offered Supplications and Prayers not without tears and groans to his Father for us The Evangelical storie is full of examples and tels us of whole nighâ—s that Christ spent in prayer but he performed this office chiefly in the time of his Passion Ioh. 17. and Hâ—b 5.7 Who in the dayes of his flesh offered with strong cries and tears supplications and prayers to him who was able to deliver him from death The RULES I. They annihilate Christs Intercessiâ—n who seek other Mediators of Intercession as they call them besides him The Pontâ—ficians distinguish between the Mediator of Redemption and mediators of Intercession and this latter office they ascribe to the departed Saints but it is no lâ—sse sacriledge to ascribe his Inâ—ercession to the secondary Intercessors then to impart his sacrifice to Subordinate Priests and whereas they feâ—gn that the Saints profit us not by their intercession onely but by their merits also their distinction fals to the ground seeing they divide the glory also of Redemption between Christ and the Saints while they feign that by their merits as it were by an auxiliary aid our sins are purged the defect of Christs passion suppliâ—d Hitherto of his Priestly office His Regal office he administred in the state of his his Humiliation in gathering together a Church by his word and Spirit so that in it their appeared no sign of Regal Majesty The RULE I. In vain do the Iews dream of the Messiah's corporal and earthly Kingdome Isa. 42.2 He shall not cry nor lift up nor cause his voice to be heard in the streets Is. 53.2 3 But he shall grow up as a branch and as a root out of a dry ground he hath neither form nor beauty when we shal see him there shal be no form that we should desire him he is despised and rejected of men he is a man full of sorrowes and hath experience of infirmities We hide as it were our faces from him he was despised and we esteemed him not Zac. 9.9 Behoâ—d thy King commeth unto thee he is just and having salvation
poor and riding upon an Asse CHAP. XIX Of Christs Exaltation THus of the state of his Humiliation the state of his Exaltation is that wherein Christ being raised from the dead was exalted to heaven and being set down at his Fathers right hand was crowned with the highest degree of glory The RULES I. The efficient cause of this Exaltation wa◠〈◊〉 whole Trinity II. But Christ considered according to dispensation is the object thereof III. The exaltation of Christs person was according to both natures IV. According to his humane nature he was exalted by laying aside the infirmities which he assumed by obtaining those gifts which before he wanted For he attained as great a perfection both in his body and soul as the creature was capable of V. He was exalted according to his divine nature not by accession of any dignity to it being considered in it self but by the manifestation of that majesty which before was hid under the form of a Servant VI. Christ attained to this exaltation by his obedience not as it were by merit but as it were by the means or way VII The end hereof was to witnesse that he faithfully performed the office enjoyned him in his humiliation and to manifest his divine power by which he doth powerfully apply his merit to us The parts or degrees of this are three His Resurrection his Ascension to Heaven and his sitting at the Fathers right hand His Resurrection was the first degree of exaltation by which Christ having overcome the power of death was raised the third day in that very flesh which he had laid down that he might live to God for ever The RULES I. Christ was not onely the object but also the efficient cause of his resurrection Rom. 1.4 Being declared with power to be the Son of God according to the Spirit of sanctification by the resurrection from the dead 1 Peâ— 3.18 He died concerning the flesh but was quickned in the Spirit II. The matter of the Resurrection is â—he same body that was crucified but â—ndowed and glorified with new quaâ—ities III. Neither was it so changed as to lose its quantity and three dimensions For otherwise it had been no body not had Christ remained man in his Resurrection IV. The Form consisteth in a new and indivisible union of soul and body V. Although Christs Resurrection was altogether miraculous yet it is false that his body passed through the stone which covered the grave or that it passed through the doore after his Resurrection Matt. 28 2 The Angel of the Lord rolled a way the stone Joh. 20.19 The doors being shut not through the doors that were shut VI The end of his Resurrection besides that general end which was mentioned before is the assurance of our Resurrection both from the death of sin as also from death corporall Rom 6.1 2. c. and 1 Cor. 15.12 c. His ascension into Heaven was the second degree of his Exaltation in which Christ after he had conversed forty days with his Disciples upon Earth ascended into Heaven The RULES I. Christ ascended both according to his divine and humane nature according to his humane as the object according to his divine as the efficient cause II. The form consisteth in Christs real and local translation from this World to the highest Heaven III. Here we need not trouble our selves about penetratâ—on of bodies both because Heaven is not a solid thick or iron body as the Philosophers would have it as also because one body can easily yield to another and the creature to the Creator IV. The doctrine of Christs corporal presence here on Earth doth utterly overthrow that of his ascension V The special end of Christs ascension is to assure us of our threefold ascension the first is of faith and godlinesse in this life the second of our souls in death the third of body and soul in the last day The sitting of Christ at his Fathers right hand is the highest degree of his Exaltation by which being placed in Heaven he is exalted above all power Eph. 1.20.21.22 He hath set him at his right hand in the heavenly places far above all principaâ—ities and powers and might and dominion and every name that is named noâ— in this world onely but in that also which is to come and hath made all things subject under his feet and hath appointed him over aâ—l things to be the head to his Church which is his body and the fulness of him that filleth all in all things The RULES I. To sit at Gods right hand is to have the next power after God After the manner of Kings who use to set them on their right hand to whom they will give the chief honor next to themselves Psal. 45.10 The Queen is at thy right hand 1 King 2.19 When Baâ—â—sheba came to Solomon to speak unto him for Adoniiah the king rose to meet her and bowed himself to her and sat down on his Throne and he caused a seat to be â—et for the kings mother and she sat at his right hand Matt. 20.21 Command that my two Sons may sit the one at thy right hand the other at thy left in thy kingdom II. Christ according to both Natures sits at Gods right hand III. The Humanity was so exalted that yet it was not made equall to the divinity he received glory above all creatures yet not equall to that essential glory which he hath in common with the Father and the Holy Ghost In this highest degree of Exaltation Christ hath not left to do his office He performs his Prophetical office by furnishing his Ministers with gifts of old extraordinarily but now by ordinary meanes propagating his Gospel through all the World with most happy successe Ephes 4.11 Some he gave to be Apostles c. His Priestly Office he exerciseth not in offering himself again or in casting himself with cries and sighs at his Fathers knees but in appearing before his Father for us with the merits of his most full satisfaction and in applying the same effectually to us Psal. 110.4 The Lord hath sworn and will not repent thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedek Heb. 9.24 He hath not entred into the Sanctuary made with hands which are similitudes of the true Sanctuary but is enâ—red into the very Heaven to appear now in the sight of God for us Lastly He useth Kingly office not onely by ruling the Triumphant Church but also by gathering together the Militant Church by preserving protecting and delivering it as also by overthrowing the Enemies thereof Psal. 110 1. The Lord said to my Lord sit thou at my right hand until I make thine Enemies thy foot stool The RULES I. This Kingdom of Christ is not that essential which from eternity he obtained with the Father and Holy Ghost but a personal donative and oecumenical which as our Head and Mediator he had of the Father II. Yet he hath for ever administred this
not prove your selves know yee not your own selves how that Iesus Christ is in you except yee be reprobates but I trust that yee shall know that we are not reprobates CHAP. XXI Of the Covenant of Grace THe fruit and benefit of Vocation is the outward communion both of the covenant of Grace as also of the Church The external communion of the Covenant of Grace is whereby they who are called are accounted to be in the covenant and Gods people yet analogically as some are truly Gods people some onely in outward profession In the Covenant of grace we must consider both the offering of it and the confirming or sealing of it the offering of the Covenant of Grace is that whereby God promiseth to the elect to be their Father in Christ if they performe filial obedience The RULES I. By the name of Covenant we understand not that general which God made with all creatures nor the covenant of works made with our first parents but that which after the fall God of his meer mercy hath made with us II. Therefore the covenant of Grace is called a Testament or â—isposition becausâ— by this God hath appointed to his sons an heavenly inheritance to be obtained by the mediation of his own Sons death Hâ—b 8.10 Therefore this is the Covenant that I will make c. and Chap. 9.15 16. And for this cause he is the Mediâ—tor of the New Testament that through death which was for the redemption of â—he transgressions that were in the formâ—r Testament they whiâ—h wâ—re called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance for where a Testament is there must needs be the death of him that made the Testament III. The efficient cause of this is câ—mmonly the Holy Trinity but particularly â—hrist God and man that Angel of the covenant Mal. 3.1 Behoâ—d I will send my Angel to wit John Baptist who shall prepare the way before me and the Lord whom you shall seek shall suddenly come to his Temple even the Angel of the Covenant whom you desire IV. The matter of the Covenant of Grace are the things conditioned on both sides to wit of God and man God promiseth that he will be our God in Christ man promiseth the obedience of Faith and life V. The former consisteth in a mutual obligation but so that they are Relatives of an unequal nature for the promise and obligation on Gods part is free but on mans part it is a due debt VI. The end of the Covenant is the same that is of the general vocation Gods glory and the salvation of the Elect. VII The subject or object of this proffered Covenant are all that be called but properly the Elect onely This Covâ—nant is proffered to all that are called but the the Elect onely enjoy the Promises of the Covenant VIII Out of the adjuncts we are to consider the administration of the Covenant of Grace IX The administration in respect of time is distinguished into the old and new league or testament X. The old Testament is the Covenant of Grace administred in the time wherein Christ was to be exhibited XI The form of this Administration was threefold 1. from Adam to Abraham 2 from Abraham to Moses 3. from Moses to Christ. XII Between the first and last form of administration this difference is 1. That that was made by words of promise which were very short and yet long enough but this hath not onely a promise but an expresse condition of Obedience also 2. That had onely the ceremony of Sacrifices but this also of Circumcision 3. That was proposed to all mankinde but this was tied only to Abraham's posterity XIII Between the administration of the form in the third and two former this is the difference that the third is more perfect and truly testamentary because inlarged not onely with the Passeover but also with many other types of Christ's death XIV The New Testament is the covenant of Grace which is administred Christ being exhibited XV. The New and Old Testament agree in substance for in both Christ is the same Testator in both is the same Promise of Grace in Christ in both is required the same obedience of faith and life XVI They are deceived then who make Parallel distinctions of the Old and New Testament of the Covenant of Works and of Grace of the Law and Gospel for in both the Testament or Covenant is the Covenant of Grace in both the Law and Gospel are urged XVII But the administration of the Old and New Testament differ first in time because the Old Testament was exhibited before Christ but the New is administered Christ being now exhibited that was to continue onely till Christ this for ever 2 In place or amplitude for that was proffered to the people of Israel onely this extends it selfe through all the world 3. In clearnesse because the free promises of Christ are more clearly preached in the New Testament and confirmed the shadows of Types and Ceremonies being abolished 4 In facility because the administration in the Old Testament was more laborious than in the New 5. In sweetnesse for in the Old Testament the perfect obedience of the Law is oftener urged yet not excluding the promises of the Gospel yet to that end that they might be compelled to seek Christ by that rigorous exaction of obedience as it were by a School-master but in the new Testament the promises of the Gospel are more frequent yet not excluding the Law which drives us to new obedience to be performed by the grace of Regeneration XVIII Hence then it is manifest in what sense the new Covenant is opposed to the old in Jeremiah Jer. 31.31 32. Behold the days come saith the Lord in which I will make a new Covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah not according to the Covenant which I made with â—heir Fathers when I took c. and v. 33. But this shall be the Covenant c I will put my law in their inward parts and write is in their hearts v. 34. And they shall teach no more every one his neighbour c. they shal know me from the least to the greatest In these words regard is had to the third and fifth difference to this when mention is made of the law written in Tables of stone and afterwards to be written in their hearts but to that when he promiseth a clearer knowledge CHAP. XXII Of the Seals or Sacraments of the Covenant of Grace in general HAving spoken of the Covenant proffered to us now follows the Confirmation thereof by Sacraments as 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 sealed by visible signes on Gods part and they are tyed 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
the Churches union is shewed 1 Cor. 10.17 We being many are one bread and one body for we are all partakers of that one bread XIII The words This is my body can neither be meant of transubstantiation nor of consubstantiation but the meaning is This to wit the Bread is the Sacrament of my body The Papists interpret the words thus That which is contained under the kind of Bread is my Body The Lutherans thus in with under this is my Body The reason of our interpretation is explained in the former Chapter They say that it is absurd to use tropical phrases which are obscure in Christs will and Legacie But 1. This supposition of theirs is false that tropical phrases are obscure for we use tropes oftentimes to illustrate 2. It is false also that tropes are not used in Wills and Testaments for Iacobs Will shews the contrary Gen â—9 And Moses's Deut. 33. David's 2 Sam. 23. Tobias 4. Matathias 1 Mac. 2.3 If there be no trope in the Lords Supper then let them shew how the Cup can be called the New Testament in his blood without a trope That saying of Austins Advers Adimant Maniâ— cap. 12. is worthy here to be set down The Lord doubted not to say this is my Body when he gave the Signe of his Body XIV It is one thing to say that Christ is present in the Bread and another to maintain his presence in the Supper for Christ is present in his Deity and Spirit he is present also in his body and blood by a Sacramental presence 1. Of the Symbol not that he is present in the Bread but that he is presented by the bread as by a symbol 2. Of Faith whereby we apply Christ with his merits to us 3. Of Vertue and efficacie XV. The proper end of the Supper not to speak of others is to seal our spiritual nutrition or preservation to life eternal by the merit of Christs death and obedience whence depends the union of the faithfull with Christ and with themselves XVI It is an intolerable abuse to take this Sacrament to prove ones innocency in the courts of justice to confirm mens covenants to prosper our purposes and actions c. XVII The Lords Supper must be often times taken As often as you shall eat this bread c. 1 Cor. 11.26 XVIII The Supper differs from Baptism not only in external signes but in its proper end because Baptism is the sign of spiritual Regeneration but the Supper of nutrition also in the object or subject to which for Baptism is given to Infants the Supper to those onely who are of years and have been tryed they differ also in time for Baptism is used but once the Lords Supper often times XIX The Popish Masse is altogether repugnant to the Lords Supper 1. The holy Supper is instituted by Christ the Masse by the Pope 2. the Supper is a Sacrament instituted in memory of Christs sacrifice which was once offered but the Masse among Papists is the sacrifice it self to be offered every day the Ancients indeed called the Lords Supper a sacrifice yet not expiatory for sins but Eucharistical and such as is joyned with prayers and charitable works which are acceptable sacrifices to God 3. Christ did not offer himself in the Supper but on the Crosse but â—hey will have Christ to be offered in their Mass. 4. Christ instituted his Supper for the living but the Masse is celebrated for the dead also 5. In the Holy Supper Christs body was already made by the virtue of the Holy Ghost not of bread but of the Virgins blood In the Masse Christs body is made anew by the Priest uttering his five words and that of bread 6. In the holy Supper there was and remained true Bread and true Wine and it obtained this name even after consecration In the Masse if we will believe it there remain onely the outward species of the Element and the accidents 7. In the Holy Supper they all drank of the câ—p as Christ commanded in the Masse the Lay-people are denied the cup. 8. In the Supper Bread was broken to represent Christs body broken on the Crosse In the private Masse the bigger Hoast is broken into three parts the first is for the triumphant Church the second for the Church in Purgatory the third for the Church here on earth CHAP. XXV Of the Nature of the visible Church HItherto of the outward communion of the Covenant of grace Now follows the external society of the visible Church where by all that be called are accounted for members of the Church For the Church is considered either in it self or in opposition to the false Church the Church is considered in her self in respect of her own nature and outward administration The visible Church then is a visible society of men called to the state of grace by the Word and Sacraments The RULES I. The name of Church and Synagogue is the same with the Hebrew Kahal and Edah but the society of Christians is mâ—re usually called the church II We must carefully here observe the distinction of the word that we may know of what Church we speak III. For whereas it is distinguished into the triumphant and militant that belongs to the doctrine of the state of glory this is for our present consideration IV. The militant Church is divided into the visible and invisible V. The invisible Church is the company of the Elect onely This is called invisible not as if the men that belong to her were not visible as they are mâ—n but that they are not perceived as they are elect for the Lord knows only who are hiâ— 2 Tim. 2.19 VI. This belongs to the doctrine of special vocation for by her proper effects to wit faith charity and such like the elect which are the invisible Church are known VII The visible Church is the company of all that are called in common as well Reprobates as Elect. VIII This word Church visible is ambiguous for properly it is meant of the universal Church dispersed through the whole World more strictly of any particular Church as of France England Holland c. but most strictly of the representative Church or the company of Pastors and Elders IX Her efficient cause in common is the holy Trinity in particular Christ. X. The matter of the Church are they who are called in common and received into the Covenant of grace and Infants that are born in the Church XI Neither unbaptised Infants nor Catechumeni nor excommunicate persons are to be excluded out of the number of the Churches members The two foâ—mer soâ—ts of men belong to the Church by the righâ— of covenant though nâ—t of profession but for the third kinde though they be cast out of some particular Church yet they are not simply ejected out of the catholike though the Papists excommunicate them XII The form of the Church consisteth in a double union the first is of her conjunction with Christ her
Bible to the Originals his Ministers perform their Divâ—ne Service in Latin and in Latine they write all their Bulls c. He sets a mark generally on their foreheads right hands in that they are forced by open profession the symbol whereof is the fore-head and by their actions which are figured out by the righâ— hand to witnesse that they belong to the Râ—man Latine Church But particularly he sets a mark upon his followers when in Baptisme he signes them with the Cross and in Confirmation when he puts Chrisme on their foreheads and when in Ordination of Ministers he anoints their head and fingers 9. Concerning their idolatry and wickedness read the History of the Popes for to rehearse more is not now our purpose 10. He was revealed about the year 600. For after that Constantine the Emperour translated his seat to Byzantium Sylvester took possession of the Palace since which time the insolency of the Popes did so increase that aboâ—t the year 595. a most bitter contention arose between Gregory the Great and Iohn of Constantinople concerning the Supremacie At length Boniface the 3 obtained of the Emperour Phocas a Parricide and Tyrant that the Romish Church might be the head of all the rest and that he should be stiled Universal Bishop 11. As for his destruction the event now shews how much his power is impaired by the preaching of the Word and how many Kings have fall'n off from him Other passages we must expect with patience V. The King of the Locusts the swarmes of which were raised out of the bottomless pit is a figure of Antichrist and of his Clergy Monks c Rev. 9. v. â— 3 11. VI. The two Beasts Rev. 13 are figures â—f one and the same Antichrist The first with seven heads ascending out of the Sea c. very fierce paints him out as he is in very truth The latter like a Lamb doth shadow him as he seems to be by his impostures VII The Dragon Beast and False Prophet for the same is signified by these names sending out three impure Spirits like Frogs called the Spirits of Devils shewing signes and stirring up the whole world to battel Rev. 16.13 14. The event doth so clearly shew us of what this was the figure that he who sees it not is blinde VIII The Beast c. 17 v. â— c. notes out the Seat of Antichrist but the Whore that sits on the Beast the Church of Antichrist I have somewhat largely handled these things because its needfull not onely to know Christ but Antichrist also and these passages conduce not a little for the understanding of the Apocalypse CHAP. XXVIII Of Vocation in special SO much of Vocation as it is common to Elect and Reprobates now the Special follows which belongs onely to the elect And it is that vocation whereby God calls the Elect as yet in themselves miserable and corrupted outwardly by the Word of the Gospel but inwardly by illuminating the minde and changing the heart to be partakers of the grace of Salvation The RULES I. In Scripture this is called A new Creation Regeneration a Drawing Divine Teaching and Resurrection 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 only by the word or if they be any way inwardly illuminated or moved it 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 2 Tim. 1.9 Wâ—o 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 Iesus bâ—fore the world began 2 Thes. 2.14 who hath called you by our Gospel c. 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 quickned when you were dead in sins and trespasses Col. 2.13 And you that were dead in your sins hath he quickned Tit. 3.3 For we our selves also were somtimes foolish disobedient deceived serving diverse lusts and pleasures living in malice and envy hatefull 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 nor a 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 whereas 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 forme consisteth in the gracious change of mans mind and heart whereby not onely is the mind illuminated but our stony hearts also are made fleshy 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 that the affections are irresistibly excited but that its left in the freedome 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 pronounces concerning the change of the heart Ezech. 36.26 So Christ witnesseth that not onely the Elect do hear and learn of God but all that have been taught come to him Ioh. 6.45 X. The grace of Vocation is plainly irresistible not if you look upon our corrupted nature which is harder than 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 only 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 calls
for the worâ— wrought the force is in Gods promise rather than in the prayer VII The Object to which prayer is directed is the whole Trinity yet so that 〈◊〉 the persons conjunctly or either of them sâ—â—verally is called upon That the Father is to be called upon is not doubted The Son is called upon by Sâ—epher Act 7.59 yea all the Angels worship him Heb 1.6 The Holy Ghost is called upon with the Father and Son by Iohn Rev. 1. â— 5. And that Angelicâ— hymne Holy holy hoâ—â— c. Isa. 6.3 c. applied to the Son 〈◊〉 12.41 and to the hoâ—ly Ghost Act. 28 2â— 26 c. VIII The object for which we pray 〈◊〉 the living not the dead and such as sin 〈◊〉 not to death For God will not be intreated for those who sin unto death 1 Ioh. 5 16. For the dead we must not pray because they are either damnâ—â— or blessed if damneâ— our pâ—ayers are fruâ—â—les if blessed needlesâ— IX The object against which we pray are Gods open Enemies We ought not presently to pray for their eternal destruction but we are to besâ—ech God that with his mighty hand he would humble and convert them otherwise eternally to plague them if they wil not be converted The imprecations of the Prophets are not to be imitated by us rashly for it is hard to discerne those who sin to death and those of whom we have good hope X. Prayers should be joyned with an humble confession of our sins with a true and firme confidence and a constant purpose of repentance XI External gestures decently used avail much both to excite and to testifie the devotion of our souls So much of the parts of that form whereby God wil be worshipped of us the outward helps follow whereof are Fastings and Vows Fasting is an abstinence from meat and drink undertaken for a time that the lasciviousness of the flesh may be subdued and God with the greater fervency may be called upon The RULES I Fasting is either forced or voluntary That is the poor mans for want of meat this of them who want not meat The voluntary Fast is either Natural Civil or Ecclesiastical Natural is that which is undertaken for healths sake the Civil is that which is enjoyned by the Magistrate in some publique affairs Ecclesiastical is that we define II. Ecclesiastical fasting is private or publique III. Private is that which one injoyns to himself or his family for some private causes Examples are Iob 1.5 2 Sam. 3.35 and 12.16 Nehem. 1.4 IV. Publique is that which is commanded by the Magistrate or the Church for some publique causes especially when calamities are at hand Examples 2 Chron. 20. Hest. 4. V. In a true Fast the manner and end are to be considered VI. For the manner true fasting â— Consisteth not in choice of meats but in abstinence from all meats 2. Not in external abstinence from meat but in abstinence from sin Isa. 58.6 c. Joel 2 12. VII There ought to be no other end of Fasting but onely to give our selves more earnestly to prayer and divine worship to beat down the lasciviousnesse of the flesh to witnesse our humility before God and our repentance before our neighbour VIII Fasting is not tied to certaine times as in the Old Testament but ought to be undertaken freely upon urgent causes and necessity So much for Fasting A Vow is a promise made in a holy manner to God of things lawful to witnesse our readinesse to serve God The RULES I. A Vow in this place signifieth a religious promise not prayers or desires II. A Vow is either general or particular That is of things commanded and is required of all men such is the Vow ef Baptisme this is of things lawful and is undertaken for some private cause that is a part of divine Worship this is only a help thereto III. A particular Vow is considered in its efficient matter form and end IV. For the efficient they are excluded from making a vow who want as yet the use of judgment and reason 2. Who are not Masters of themselves but are either subject to Parents or Husband Numb 6. V. The matter of a Vow is a thing lawful and in our power VI. The form consisteth in the deliberation of the minde in purpose of the will and in the promise either internal or external also VII The end is to testifie thankfulnesse of minde or to exercise some private discipline A Vow of the first kind is when one that hath escaped a sicknesse or danger doth consecrate to God somthing by Vow as a token of his gratitude A Vow of the latter sort is when one by Vow abstains from something in it self lawful yet dangerous to hâ—m as Wine c. VIII The subject to whom we ought to Vow is God onely IX A Vow before it is made is arbitrary but being lawfully made it is to be kept Psal. 76.12 Vow and pay unto the Lord your God Hitherto of the true manner of worshiping God to which are contrary the intermission of it and fals worship And this is threefold in respect of the object for either it is not commanded by God or else it is expresly prohibited by him or being commanded is directed to some other end The manner of worshipping of God not commanded is called Wil-worship to wit a worship devised by man's brain Paul opposeth this kinde of worshipping God to Christian Liberty Col 2.20.21 22 23. Therefore if you be dead with Christ you are freed fâ—om the ruâ—diments of this world Why as though living in the World are you subject to ordinances touch not taste not handle not which all are to perish with using after the commandments and doctrines of men which things have indeed a shâ—w of wisdome in wil-worshâ—p and humiliâ—y and nâ—glecting of the body not in any honour to the satisfying of the flâ—sh Such are those ceremonies-brought in by Popeâ—y in Baptisme c and their five Sacraments by them devised canonical hours beads and the Latine tongue in Prayer Fasts placed rather in choise of meats than in abstâ—nence chiefly Leâ— fast the Vows also of poverty Monkish obedience and Religious continency The Vow of poverty is impious for whereas man by Gods command should eat his bâ—ead in the sweat of his face by such voluntary poverty this command is sleighted No better is the Vow of obedience for by it man who is redeemed by the precious blood of Christ is made a slave to money and is drawn off from his lawful calling As for the Vow of Continency it is rash for it is a rare gift and by thâ—s Vow many under pretence of chastity are intangled in the snaâ—es of Satan The manner of Religious worship forbid by Gods Word is idolatry and worship of Saints Idolatry is whereby an Idol is made kept and religiously worshipped There be two kindes of Idolatry one is when that which is not God is accounted and worshipped for God
hope as it is a verâ—ue we have spokâ—n before 1 Cor. â—3 7 Love suffereth all things believeth all things hopeth all things c. Phil. 1 7. To this is opposite disordered hope when we place more trust in our selves and neighbours than is fit Jeâ— 17.5 Cursed is he that putteth his trust in man Ordered fear is whereby we walk carefully neither trusting too much our selves or others Prov. 14 8. The wisdome of the 〈◊〉 to understand his way To this is opposite disordered fear whereby man fears himself and others too much Mat 10.28 Fear not them that can kill 〈◊〉 body c. Ordered anger is whereby we are offended or displeased with our selves or others upon â—ust cause yet moderately and with hope of amending Ephes. 4.26 Be angry but sin not To this is opposite inordinate anger whereby we are incensed upon light causes or more than is fit or when we intend private revenge Jam 1.20 For the wrath of man worketh nâ—t the righteousnesse of God So much of the ordering of concupiscence Wrestling against tentations and the assaults of an evil conscience is whereby a Christian man denies an evil conscience crucifying his flesh with the lusts thereof and against the assaults of the flesh the devill and the world watcheth and stoutly fighteth There are many reasons that induce us to wrestle stoutly 1. Because the Scripture forbids evil desires lusts Prov. 6.25 1 Cor. 10.6 Gal. 5.16 â—6 Col. 3.5 1 Thes 4 â— 2 Because he that is given to lustâ— loves nor God 1 Ioh 2 15 16. 3 Bâ—cause lusts in regenerate men aâ—e hatefull 2 Gal. 5.16 17. 4. Because they stir up the wrath of God Col. 3. v. 5 6. 5. Because the Apostle furnâ—sheth us with the whole armour of God against them Eph 6 Invisible lusts are oveâ—come by us saith Austin 6. Because the fiâ—e of lusts is most huâ—tfull and breaks out into most sad events Scâ—ipture is full of examples there was never yet any sin committed which did not spring â—â—om evil lust To this is opposite carnal security whereby man flatters his own flesh whereby he willingly entertaineth lusts whereby he gives himself to idleness and sloth which is the devils cushion whereby he omits holy exercises whereby he burdens his soul with intemperance covetousness and such like vices There are three deâ—rees of our wrestling against lusts to wit against suggestion delight and assent To understand these degrees that of Iames helps c. 1.14 c. Every man is tempted when he is drawn away of his own lust and enâ—iced then when lust hath conceived it bringeth forth sin and sin when it is finâ—shed bâ—ingeth forth dâ—ath We must then first resist suggestions thoughts which are either ascending from the fewel of concupâ—scence or descending beâ—ng suggested elswhere the fiâ—st are not without sin the latter are not sins being cast in by Satan if so â—e we let them passe and entertain them not But if we cannot avoid the first degree let uâ— shun the second lest we come to cherish evil thoughts with delight But we must chiefly beware of the third degree that we give not our assent For the more we obey the sinne of concupiscence the more it increaseth Which that we may more and more avoid wâ— beseech God the Father in his Sonne through the holy Ghost to which one God in Trinity he praise honour and glory for ever and ever Amen FINIS * A. R. Divinity is more speculative than practical because it principally handles divine things and in the second place humane actions But as it is a practical science it is the most noble of all practical sciâ—nces because the end of it is beatitude to which the ends of all other sciences are ordained Divinity also may be called wisdom or sapientia because it considers the chiefest of all Causes not only as He is known by his effâ—cts but as He is known in himself also * A. R. He means that which is called principium cognoscendi which is the first instrument by which we come to know the end and media of Divinity and out of which all the precepts of Divinitâ— are concluded But there is another principle of Divinity which is called principium effendi that is God * 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 nâ—gation we know what he is not rather than what he is 5. By way of eminenciâ— we know that what perfection is in the creature is more eminently in him 6. By the motions of things we gaâ—her 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 goodnessâ— c 〈◊〉 From the possibilities and contingencies that are in all things we inferre there must be one cheif necesssary entity * A. R. There is no composition in God neither Physical nor Logical nor Metaphysical because in him there is no priority nor posteriority as in composition where the compositum is posterior to the parts compounding 2. In composition there is act and possibility but God is all act 3. In composition the parts differ from the compositum but in God there is no difference 4. There is no composition in the form but God is a most simple form 5. Whatsoever is compounded hath a cause of that composition but in God there is no cause * A. R. Whereas to understand is to comprehend the thing understood God doth not properly understand that is comprehend himself for so he should be less than himself but he understands himself negatively that is he is not ignorant of himself * A. R. There is in God a twofold power the one absolute the other ordinary by that he can do all that may be done by this he can do onely those things which his justice and will commands to be done * A. R. Though this name Person be common to all the three yet it is not predicated as genus or species because the Persons of the Trinity differ not numeâ—ically much lesse essentially as they must of which genus and species are predicated * A. R. The number numbring may be understood essentially God or the Soul or an Angel for so Plato calls the soul a number or number numbring may be taken accidentally for those discreet quantities which we call numbers as two three four and in this sense the Trinity is not the number 〈◊〉 because this is an accident * A. R. The Son is from the Father not as an effâ—ct from the cause for that were to infer a priority 2. A dependency 3. A diversity of substances in the Trinity but he is from the Father as the understanding is from the soul the River from the spring or the thing proceeding from its original a Act. 2.23 b Act. 4.28 c Eph. 1.9 Nâ—w this is called his Eternal
providâ—nce that it may be distinguished from Actual providence which is nothing else but the execution of Gods decrees * A. R. The School men take Gods antecedent will in another sense for his velleâ—ty and they call it conditional they make his conâ—equent will absolute and which is alwayes fulfilled the other not alwayes * A. R. Gods will is immutable because his substance is unchangeable and his knowledge unalterable therefore God changeth not his wâ—ll though he wils change in the creatures neither can God will evil because it is not appetible and 't is repugnant to his nature and goodnesse * 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 * A. R. Predestination is a part of Providence so is Reprobation For as God by his Providence hath ordained some to life eternal so by that same providence he was to suffer some to fall away from that happinesse * A. R. Christ is the efficient cause of Electiâ—n as he is God equal with the Father He is the meritorious cause as he became our Mediator As head of the Church he is also the cause of Election Joh. 13.18 I know whom I have chosen and â—oh 15.16 I have chosen you In respect of his â—ctive and passive obedience he is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the outward moving cause And if he be the cause of salvation he must needs be the cause of election on which salvation depends Causa causae est causa causati But beeause we are said to be elected in him as he bâ—came our Surety he is called the medium or mean of election rather than the cause As he is God we are elected by him as Mediator in him As God he is the principal â—fficient as Mediator the secondary or mean of election * A. R. The reason is because an infinite power is required to produce things out of nothing 2 Because enâ—ity or being 〈◊〉 an universal effect and therefore must be produced by an universal cause which only is God who created that is gave simply being to the creature * A. R. If the Angels were corporeal the world were imperfect because there would be wanting incorporeal creatures 2 God made men and Angels to his own image which consisteth not only in will understanding but also in immateriality and immortality * A. R. The soul could not be produced out of any preexistent matter neither corporeal because it is not a body nor incorporal because spirits and incorporeal substances admit no change or transmutation * A. R. For he could not be God if he did not order things to their end but this is Providence 2. He were not God if he were not good but this is seen as well in the ordering as in the creating of the world 3. He were not God if he were not prudent but Providence is the chief part of prudence * A. R. The world were not perfect if all things weâ—e necessary nothing contingent therefore God would have contingencies to depend from conâ—ingent causes and necessities from causes necessary therefore what falls out necessarily is because God hath so disposed it * A. R. There is in the evil Angels a twofold knowledge the one is by nature which they have not lost at all for their nature being simple admits no diminution therefore that knowledge which in thâ—m depends from their nature as their other natural faculties do were not lost nor diminished Hence they knew how to produce Frogs in Egypt and do the other wonders that Moses did onely they could not produce the Lice not as if they were ignorant of the occult seeds and causes of such production for the knowledge of the Lice was not more difficult than that of the Froges but because they were hindred by the power of God Their other knowledge is by grace that is either speculative or practical the former is not totally lost but much diminished for of Gods secrets they know very little But the practick knowledge which is joyned with the love of God detestation of evil is totally lost in them for such knowledge cannot consist with obstinate malâ—ce yet as they naturally know God so they naturally love him as an Entity but not morally as he is the Fountain of all happiness of which they know themselves to be eternally deprived * A. R. When it is said here that in the state of misery man cannot but sin is not meant that man is forced to sin for he is free from compulsion both in the state of sin and of grace but he is not free from necessity for freedome and necessity may be together in the same will so it shall be in heaven when we shall necessarily yet freely will that only which is good as the Angels do and even here the will is necessitated when it is determinated by the last act or practical judgement of reason why then may not grace in our conversion necessitate as well as reason determinate but man by his voluntary fall hath brought the necessity of sinning on himself So that with Saint Paul we do the evil which we would not do in that we have lost by the abuse of our free-will both our selves and our free-will * A. R. The direct cause of sin was mans owne will the indirect cause was Satan by perswasion and suggestion For no externall thing can necessarily move the will but the last end onely Satan may internally work upon the phantasie by representing forms to it and upon the appetite by moving it to passion by means of the spirits and heart but he cannot work upon the understanding and will a Rom. 6.6 b Rom. 7.13 c Rom. 7.17 d Rom. 7.23 e Rom. 6.6 f John 3.6 Gal. 5.17 a A. R. When it is said here that supernatural gifts were utterly lost is meant that Faith was utterly lost and Faith is the chief of all supernatural gifts now that Faith was utterly lost in our first Parents is plain because they gave credit to the Serpent therefore they believed not that God was either true or omnipotent they thought to hide themselves from him therefore they believed not his omnipresence and in a manner Adam accused God for giving him the woman that made him sin and in this he lost the faith of Gods goodnesse and justice yet though man lost his Faith he did not utterly lose all other spiritual gifâ—s for he did not utterly lose the knowledg of God nor did his posterity for that is learned by the things that are made Rom. 1.20 nor did he utterly lose the fear of God for Adam confesseth Gen 3. that when be heard the voice of God he was afraid which Fear though servile yet it is a supernatural gift but of an inferiour rank b When it is said here that there is no spiritual knowledge in us this must