and our Vision of him For when we shall see him as he is we shall be like him to the full extent of our susceptibility of his Likeness and the immediate irradiation of his Light and Power shall overshadow us and transform us into the same Image both in soul and body This this I say is the complement of our future happiness the perfection of our eternal glory And this the Apostle clearly testifies concerning our vile bodies that even they shall be made like unto his glorious body Phil. 3 21. Phil. 3.21 From whence we may safely collect that as the Image of Christs body shall possess our bodies so shall the Image of his soul possess our souls and the Image of his spirit our spirits Whereupon it will follow we shall be wholly possessed with his Glory when we shall see him as he is in the Glory of the Father He shall then be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Same in himself respecting his Existence which as I have said will infinitely tend to the advancement of the Saints happiness and then also the Same to his Church respecting his Power though in the exercise and administration of it he be not the Same His Power I say both over us and in us Over us he is now as our Head to guide and govern us so he will be then for his Headship over his Church as his preheminence over the creatures he will not relinquish neither will the Father deprive him of it even when God shall be all in all And this I conceive to be undeniable though it may sound strangely unto some for the Humane nature of Christ being eternally united to the Divine it is not to be imagined that as Man he should be in an equality with the Saints but have a superiority over them and to be the Head of that Triumphant Church unto all Eternity without doing any office that belongs unto that Honour is inconsistent with the dignity and wisdome of the Sonne of God If any should now require an account of the particulars wherein Christ will hereafter do the office and exercise the authority of a head over the Church Triumphant in Heaven I must tell them They are to stay for an answer to their too curious question till in Heaven we come to see him as he is for then and not before shall we know even as we are known 1 Cor. 13.12 1 Cor. 13.12 Nevertheless in the generall this we know for the present Jesus Christ shall then be the head of his Church alone without any Power subordinate unto him as now For saith the Apostle All Rule and all Authority and Power both Celestial and Terrestrial shall then be taken away 1 Cor. 15.24 No humane Ordinance or Government of whatsoever Creation it be shall there be of any use no nor the Angels 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 though now as some conceive they have divers offices assign'd unto them according to the diversity of their names and titles for the discharge of their Ministery to which they are appointed of God 1 Pet 2.13 for those who shall be heirs of Salvation Hebr. 1.14 yet when all the heirs are settled in their Inheritance they shall then be devested of all their Rule Authority and Power Bruno their very Titles of distinction utterly cancelled and disannulled for to the Angels shall not be put in subjection the world to come and the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day Furthermore As a Head he will preserve and uphold all the members of his mysticall Body in their glorious Being for as all things visible and invisible both in Heaven and in Earth were made by him and for him so by him must they consist Col. 1.16.17 Col. 1.16.17 Again As a Head he will keep them in a perfect unity together that they may be one according to the Divine Patterne before them As the Father is in him and he in the Father Joh. 17.21 Joh. 17.21 Lastly As a Head he will shew unto them those glorious Mysteries which for the present are beyond their reach and capacity so as they shall be plain and obvious unto them To which particular Saint Augustine whose judgment in the Interpretation of holy Scripture is worthy of all acceptation beareth his witness whom I find giving the sense of our Saviours words in his Prayer to his Father Joh. 17.26 in this manner Clarificavi illis nomen tuum c. I have Declared unto them thy name that is saith he In this World so far as they are able to receive it And I will Declare it that is saith he In the world to come more perfectly Yea give me leave to add one Meditation more touching this weighty matter which I confess I received long since from a Divine of eminent Note in his writing unto me In Glory saith he The Relation of Head and members between Christ and us shall not cease but shall be rather perfected by the enjoyment of that for which God did appoint it which is the shedding abroad of his love upon those that are made conformable to the Image of his Son Rom. 8.29 For the end and aime which God hath in the decree of Election is to make those whom he did fore-know and predestinate to be conformable to the Image of his Son that he might be the first-born among many Brethren Now when God shall have accomplished this aime and we shall be fully conformable to the Image of his Son then shall we be susceptible of the Love wherewith he loveth his Son as he is Man for the love wherewith he loveth him as God none can partake of but he alone and when by this conformity to his Image we shall be susceptible of this Love then the brother-hood between Christ and us shall not cease or be made void nor shall then his Prerogative of being the first-born among many Brethren be taken from him but it shall rather be most gloriously compleated when not onely the Fathers Love wherewith he loveth the first-born shall be extended to all those that are fully conformable unto his Image but also the Love of the first-born himself shall have its full and glorious Influence upon his younger Brethren By all which it is clear Jesus Christ will be over his Church Triumphant in Heaven as he is now over his Church Militant here on Earth Again As he will be then over us so likewise he will be in us In us he is now by Faith but Faith which gives him entertainment in our hearts and Hope which attends upon him there shall vanish with this Life and expire in their Service as being of no use in Heaven for Faith is of things not seen and therefore ceaseth when vision cometh Hope also if it be seen is not Hope onely Love remaineth to be the constant Bond of an eternal Union betwixt Christ and us and by love it is that he will take Possession of our hearts
LOOK UNTO JESUS OR An Ascent to the HOLY MOUNT TO SEE JESUS CHRIST IN HIS GLORY WHEREBY The Active and contemplative Believer may have the Eyes of his Understanding more inlightned to behold in some measure the Eternity and Immutability of the Lord JESUS CHRIST I. In his Divine Generation II. In his Power over the World III. In his Power over his Church in her twofold estate I. MILITANT II. TRIUMPHANT As the List of CONTENTS which followeth next to the PREFACE doth more particularly declare At the end of the Book is an APPENDIX shewing the certainty of the Calling of the JEVVS Written by EDWARD LANE M. A. Vicar of Sparsholt c. in the County of South alias Hamshire London Printed by Thomas Roycroft for the Authour and are to be sold by Humphrey Tuckey at the Black spread-Eagle in Fleet-street and by William Taylor near the Checquer Gate in Winchester 1663. Imprimatur Liber ut eò magis imprimatur JESUS Decemb. 6. 1663. M. FRANCK S. T. P. Reverend in Christo Patr. Dom. Episc Lond. a Sacris Dom. OPTIMO MAXIMO 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 DEO DOMINO DOMINI DEI Patris Omnipotentis Filio Unigenito omnisque Creaturae 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 hoc est Primo-Parienti Primogenito Necnon Inter Deum Homines Mediatori Unissimo Fidelissimo Catholicae etiam Ecclesiae Militantis Triumphantis Capiti unice colendo Ad cujus Nomen supra omne Nomen flectendum est omne Genu Celestium Terrestium ac Subterraneorum Tractatum hunc de Aeternitate Immutabilitate Nominis sui Praestantissimi 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 susceptum Protractum Peractum EDOVARDUS LANE in domo ejusdem Domini Servorum 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Inutilissimus Cum humili Indignationis ob multas Infirmitates Deprecatione ardenti Benedictionis Supplicatione Meritissimo Consecravit Voto Reverendo in Christo Patri ac Domino Domino GEORGIO Episcopo WINTONIENSI Vigilantissimo Aureae Periscelidis Praesuli Clarissimo Domino suo Dioecesano Summopere Observando Incrementum Gratiae apud JESUM CHRISTUM 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 perinde ac Honoris apud Homines in Translatione sua ad hanc 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Provinciam Bona Fide Toto Corde Precatur EDOVARDUS LANE Annos nunc plus minus 27. Ecclesiae Paroechianae in Villa SPARSHOLT in agro SOUTH Vicarius Quinetiam una cum ABRECH Congratulationis Librum hunc ad Celelebrandum JESU CHRISTI Nomen Honorandum in Saecula Praeparatum eidemque Supremo Nomini Perpetuae Gratitudinis ergo Consecratum Ad Gravem Religiosam ejusdem Reverendi Patris Inspectionem Disquisitionem lubente dicavit Studio JESVS SIT TIBI JESVS A PREFACE To the Pious and Judicious Reader GOOD READER HEre is a Treatise presented to thy view wherein through the guidance of Gods grace and the conduct of his word is attempted an assay to set forth the honour of the great Name of our Lord Jesus Christ and to make his praise glorious A Design doubtless very acceptable to all that are Christians indeed who cannot but rejoyce in any thing that may tend to the Exaltation of our dear Crucified and Glorified Redeemer who is the Rock of Ages the eternal excellency of his Church the joy of all Generations A work it is wherein all the company of Heaven is to be exercised unto all eternity And albeit whatsoever is undertaken by Men or Angels in this kinde will come infinitely short of his Merit yet it is but fit that what any one hath here seen of his glory either in his word or works he be free in the communication thereof Possibly there have been sundry attempts made already of the like nature and such that this may seem to some at first sight to be superfluous However Let not the day of small things be despised by us If some new materials which will endure the searching fire of Gods spirit be here added to the gold and silver which others have before built upon this foundation there can be no just offence taken thereat Sure I am they will not be disallowed by the Master of the house and therefore ought not to be rejected by those that are employed and salaryed by him to be Co-workers with me in the building It was not God knoweth any vain ambition or self-seeking that did first put me the meanest of the Lords Servants upon this work which is indeed Opus Dei the work of God neither is it any such sinister aim that makes me rush upon the censure of the judicious in the enlargement and compleating of it Onely if Jesus Christ may hereby be magnifyed and his Church edifyed I have my desire and it shall be the Crown of my rejoycing I confess notwithstanding there was an occasion offered that did first induce me to this Undertaking and it will not be amiss here to make a short mention of it Thus it was In the heat of the late Schisme it fell to my lot to preach a Sermon in the Cathedral Church at Winton upon the 26 day of December wherein because I said An Dom. 1654 I would not judge those people in the liberty of their Consciences who did observe the Feast of our Saviours Nativity to the Lord though withall I then * Which is here also inserted in its proper place spake severely against the prophane abuse of it I was accounted a superstitious person and a malignant such was the discriminating terme that was then used and reported far and near that I had done more hurt by that one Sermon then other Ministers that were employed in that Lecture could be able to repair again by many Which reproachful slander was so great a trouble unto me though I was then justifyed by Persons of very good quality that were both wise and godly that I was often minded being perswaded by those persons and sundry others that heard of it to publish in print the Sermon that I then preached to the end the World might see how causelesly I was traduced I did nevertheless forbear the said publication not out of fear of the persecutions of those evil dayes for I did my self observe that Anniversary Festivity in my own Parish preaching and administring the Sacrament of the Lords supper when very few durst adventure to do the like But having begun upon this occasion to prepare it for the Press and finding in the pursuance of it my Meditations enlarged to other matter then I at first delivered I slighted the Calumny wherewith I was asperst as not worthy to be so much heeded and breaking through many difficulties and hinderances have by degrees extended that very Sermon to this length which is now before you The greatest part whereof I have for some years kept by me without further additions but of late I must confess I was as the Apostle if I may so say pressed in spirit to finish what had begun and to publish the whole
again rather then to joyn with your Brethren in things that are indifferent It was a sweet and Christian resolution of devour Saint Bernard when he saw differences arise that might cause a breach between him and others with whom he had formerly held a brotherly correspondency He wrote unto them in these Words Adharebo vobis etsi nolitis adharebo vobis et si nolim ipse Epi. 252. I will be of you though you be unwilling I will be of you though I be unwilling my self O if there were in you brethren but this meekness of wisdom to bear and forbear and such a zeal for the publick peace which you are bound in Conscience to promote it would surely more adorn your Christian Profession then all your cariering with Spear in Rest against the established Orders of the Church in Polemical argutations If it be so that you have any peculiar priviledge granted unto you from heaven above others to go in untrodden paths by your selves to disavow that order and government under which the Church hath flourished in former times and to dissolve all ancient bonds of unity and Christian society in the publick worshipping of our God as some by their violent Impulses of spirit others by their Enthusiasms have pretended to have let it be produced that we may believe you But as the Apostle puts the question so may we Is Christ divided How is he then the Same 1 Cor. 1.13 Hath he been with his Church ever from the beginning exercising his Power in the establishment of order and government in it without which I say again it could not well have been so long preserved promising also that he will be with it for that end and purpose to the end of the world And hath he given a countermand or a connivence unto some to separate themselves from the said order and government yea to do what lyeth in them utterly to disanul it Verily it must not it cannot be imagined that he who is the Same yesterdâ—y to day and for ever should at all prevaricate or swerve so diametrally from his purpose and practice wherein he hath always manifested himself to be the Same If the consideration of these things will not bring on a composure of our differences and allay the shaâ—pness of contradicting spirits I know not what will And if when men see what the Lord hath done and hear what God the Lord that is God which is the Lord Psal 85.8 viz. Jesus Christ doth speak who doth use to speak peace unto his people and to his Saints to speak it as a Comforter and to speak it as a Counsellour for it hath always been the earnest desire of his soul to see his people live peaceably one with another they will neither acquiesce in his doing nor follow his counsel What shall we judge of them but that they are willing not onely to turn but to run after folly and that they delight in vain janglings which do minister endless debates rather then godly edifying Lastly this will afford strong consolation for all that do live godly in Christ Jesus both in respect of themselves and their posterity First for themselves When we sinde much uncertainty in Creature-Comforts about us This may be our rejoycing and our refuge that Christ will be the Same unto us for ever Though friends may fail though means may fail though health may fail though heart may sail yet Christ will never fail Look what Peter spake but did not perform Christ hath spoken and will surely make good Though all forsake thee yet will not I. Let therefore that sweet and precious Promise be laid up in the heart of every true believer as a cordial to comfort it in all changes and troubles whatsoever that may arise written not onely by the Apostle Heb. 13.5 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Heb. 13.5 but in sundry other places of Scripture for our greater confirmation I will never never never never never leave thee or forsake thee Secondly for posterity We may rejoyce in this that the Lord Jesus Christ will have as tender a care of them as he hath had of us before them because he is the Same for ever He will be the Same to instruct and teach them the Same to defend and protect them the Same to save them from their sins and to bring them to glory Thus argueth the Prophet Psal 102.27 28. Heb. 1.10 Psal 102.27 which the Apostle applieth unto Christ Hebr. 1.10 c Thou art the Same and thy years shall have no end The children of thy servants shall continue under thy protection and provision and their seed shall be established before thee Shortly then Is not this exceeding great comfort to godly parents in all ages That Christ will be a guardian to their children after their decease They shall not be left as we say to the wide world neither shall such parents be like unto him of whom the Psalmist speaketh who should have none to favour his fatherless children But because Christ is the Same for ever he will as he hath done ever take care of his people that are in Covenant with him not onely making his Work appear unto his Servants but his Glory also unto their Children For he remembreth his Covenant for ever the Word which he commanded viz. his Angels to observe in the preservation of his people Ps 105 8. or the blessing which he hath decreed and issued out with such Authority that it shall prevail against all opposition to a thousand generations Leave therefore your fatherless children unto him he will preserve them alive for with him the fatherless shall ever finde mercy CHAP. IV. Sheweth how JESUS CHRIST is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The Same unto his Church in her Triumphant estate unto all Eternity HItherto have we seen Jesus Christ the Same unto his Church yesterday to day and for ever in all the Generations that have been are or shall be in this world while she abideth in her Militant estate which hath given occasion of sundry Instructions that may through the good blessing of God be profitable and seasonable for these last times But what then may some say Will Christ forsake his Church when she is in her triumph and cease to be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Same unto her when he hath finished his whole work and presented all her children before his Father in glory I answer still Jesus Christ will be the Same for ever unto his Church that is to say Not onely in this world but in that also which is to come To this purpose let us briefly consider two things First the full sense and utmost extent of the Apostles words here 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for Ever Secondly how Christ will be the Same unto his Church in the world to come As touching the First We must know that the Original word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which is as much as to say 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Always
in Heaven as he doth by faith here upon Earth 1 Cor. 13.8 Love saith the Apostle never faileth Not the Love of Christ to his Church nor the Churches Love unto Christ even in respect of their relation to each other begun here in this life shal ever suffer the least diminution First I say the love of Christ to his Church as it is his mystical Body shall never be out-dated For amongst us saith the Prophet Malachy Mal. 2.16 He hateth putting away therefore much less will he himself give his Church in Heaven when he hath presented it a glorious Church not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing c. a Bill of Divorce but will ever own her and delight in her as his beloved Spouse having loved her he loveth her unto the end yea and beyond the end to all Eternity And for the Churches love unto Christ in Heaven How can it chose but be more enlarged Partly because she will ever look upon Christ as one that had been when time was her faithful Mediator and with eternal acclamations will applaud him as her Saviour who hath brought her to life and immortality when she was near unto death and everlasting ruine But chiefly because the love of the Father wherewith he loved Christ shall Job 17.26 according to Christs own prayer be in her that is take full possession of her and consequently as it is added in the same place will Christ himself be in us likewise as the blessed result of that infinite love of the Father towards his Elect people For a further opening of this extraordinary point and because it hath not had that regard given unto it as it deserveth it being seldom thought upon I shall here crave leave to write the more freely of it And first let me once more insert the judgement of the aforesaid Divine in his writing unto me concerning this matter whose words I do offer to the consideration of the wise and godly The Saints saith he speaking of their estate in Glory after the resurrection are sealed up to God by his name formerly written in their forehead as it is Rev. 14.1 Rev. 14.1 Nor is the name of the Father onely said to be written upon them but the new name of Christ is also written upon them and the name of the new Jerusalem which cometh down from Heaven as it is Rev. 3.12 And their names once written upon them shall never be blotted out again therefore Christ shall be for ever in them by his name written upon them Rev. 3.12 For by the impression of their names upon them they are fitted to receive eternally the influence of the Fathers and the Sons love And I conceive that when the work of Christs Mediation shall be at an end and that Christ shall give up all those whom he hath brought to glory unto the Father that the Father may be all in all in them That then Christ also as to them shall receive a new name by which he shall be in and over them for ever For Christ as he is the head of the new creature to purchase life eternal to all that are to be brought unto the Father so now since he hath purchased that life he hath gotten a name above every name And when he shall have brought all the redeemed unto the possession of the life prepared for them then shall they become his fulness and by their conjunction to him he shall have a new state of glory as the fruit and effect of his Mediatorial administration shining upon him which I take to be his new name which then also shall be written upon his redeemed for ever And they shall be exalted to sit with him in his Throne as he was exalted and sat with his Father upon his Throne Rev. 3.21 Rev. 3.21 By all which saith the said writer I conceive it is evident that in the state of eternal glory Christ shall be in us as the fountain and head-spring of life eternal unto all mankinde over whom by and in the Fathers love and name which he hath declared unto them and put upon them to remain for ever and to be all in all with them He shall shine in his own everlasting love and new name Thus he Whether or no according to truth judge ye I might in the pursuance of this subject alledge sundry other places of Scriptures that have a tendency hereunto Luk. 1.33 viz. that of Luk. 1.33 Where the Angel Gabriel tells the blessed Virgin that that holy thing that should be born of her should reign over the house of Jacob for ever and of his Kingdome there should be no end Which was also foretold by Daniel the Prophet Dan. 7.14 Where speaking of the Messiah Dan. 7.14 he saith his Dominion is an everlasting Dominion which shall not pass away and his Kingdome that which shall not be destroyed Both which places St. Austin with much vehemency referreth to Christs Kingdome over his Saints in Heaven In securda parte quaestionum ex Nov. Test Tom. 4 Rom. 8.17 Et qui horum testimonium retractandum putat saith he perfidiâ plenus est that is whosoever he be that shall judge their witness viz. of the Angel and Prophet to be of no force is himself full of falshood I might also add what the Apostle saith Rom. 8.17 That the Saints shall be heirs of God and joynt heirs with Christ which clearly implieth that his relation to his Church as the first-born among many brethren and chief heir shall continue for ever And that of Eph. 5.26.27 Where it is said that Jesus Christ gave himself for his Church Eph 5.26.27 c. That he might present it to himself a glorious Church c. Yea and that also of Rev. 19.9 might very well be insisted upon to this purpose where mention is made of the Marriage Supper of the Lamb Rev. 19.9 Coeâ—a eo quod est ultima refectio Rev. 21.23 which signifieth that ultimate rejoycing which the Church shall have with her Lord and Husband in Heaven where the light not onely of God but also of the Lamb shall shine and gloriously encompass about the Bride the Lambs Wise which is the new Jerusalem that is the Church Triumphant for ever But I forbear to prosecute this Point any further let us now summe up the Premises together and when we have answered an Objection that is considerable we shall put a period to this whole matter I say therefore if the Personal Union of both Natures Divine and Humane in Jesus Christ shall never be dissolved which will heighten marvellously the Glory of the Saints in Heaven And the Mystical Union between Christ and his Church shall also uncessantly continue in Heaven to all eternity who is there that is not destitute even of the light of Reason but will infer that Jesus Christ will be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Same to his Church for ever in Glory which
for any more seeds to be sowen in it the smell thereof is so acceptably fragrant to every true believer that the scent of all things else in this world how pleasing soever to flesh and bloud is of no value with him but noisome in comparison If we therefore to use the Apostles words or an Angel from Heaven should trample upon this bed or deface the beauty of it by scattering in it any other seeds which of what nature soever they be will prove in effect to be nothing else but the Tares of the Enemy let him be Anathema But to uncover this bed and to shew what a delectable variety there is in the sweet nature of it to the end that those who take pleasure in beholding it may more and more affect it will I hope be adjudged by those that have judgment to discern to be no faulty compliancy at all with new fangled Opinionists who pretending to novel discoveries of truth root up the foundation There is certainly as in Plants many secrets of nature that are yet unknown so in the Scripture much of the minde of God that former Ages hath not been acquainted with which they that come after may understand more perfectly especially in the sense of those Prophecies which are to have their full accomplishment in the last Times Truth is not now barren as one observeth well although she was prodigal in teaching our Ancestours Etiam quicunque fuere mortalium sapientissimi multa scisse dicuntur non omnia she hath a reserve laid up in her Cabinet for her friends and followers at this day and will ever have till she opens all her treasures unto them at the last day I say therefore as countenance is not to be given to those Masters of Novelties and new-Light Mongers of these dayes who frequently and confidently from the light within them vent most damnable Opinions expresly contrary to the Written Word as the Gnosticks of old did whose Disciples they are though they know it not so should encouragement be given to those who taking along with them the Analogy of Faith and the Analysis of those Places of Scripture which they fix their Meditations upon are so happy as to finde out other interpretations thereof then were before known which may occasion more light also to spring up in the Church to the glory of God and advancement of the Gospel To which glorious ends that all whatsoever is here written in this following Treatise may happily tend hath been and shall constantly be the hearty Prayer of the poor unworthy Authour thereof who is Dear Christian Thy Soules friend and The Churches Servant E. L. A POSTSCRIPT TO THE READER THE Method that is here used is I confess according to the ordinary mode plain and homely without those Logical curiosities florid and subtle insinuations or rhetorical transitions and cadencies Wherein the accurate Writers of these Times do abound which things nevertheless in their right use and genuine appearance no man that is wise will at any time condemn but for their sakes whose Conversion from Sin Conviction of Errour and Corroboration in the Faith this Treatise especially aimeth at is this order observed Which as it hath not been found altogether unsuccessful to such ends and purposes so may it now also through Gods blessing be still useful therein being suted for the most part according to their minde and expectation Wherein I do but follow the Apostles Example who became all things to all men that by all means be might gain some Yet if they should chance to meet with some things here Hard to be understood as even Saint Pauls Epistles which required that all things should be done to Edification had in them by the Testimony of Saint Peter things surpassing the capacity of the unlearned it will be easy for them to pass them by and to spend their time and thoughts upon that which they will finde to be within the ken of their apprehension One thing more I must premise with which I shall conclude this Address In regard I have here presumed to render the sense of some places of Scripture otherwise then they have been commonly interpreted least should thereupon be censured for affecting too much a Digression from the grave and profound Judgement of others that are or have been before me it is thought very requisite to add hereunto a Synopsis of the Names of sundry Authours both Antient and Modern that have been as I said before consulted with in the pursuance of this Subject to whom for the most part as it was meet I have with due reverence yielded a ready and willing compliancy in their sense of Scripture and other their Religious and Orthodox Determinations which I hope will suffice not onely to take off the imputation of a Paradoxal Singularity but free me also from a charge of offering violence to Sacred Theology though Philology lead me sometimes into her private Retirements and put me therein upon new Explorations The Names of some Authours mentioned in this Treatise Alstedius Saint Ambrose Amesius Doctor Lancelot Andrews Lord Bishop of Winton Saint Athanasius Saint Augustine Beda Saint Bernard Beza Brentius Bruno Bucanus Calvin Centurists Saint Charles the First of Famous Memory King of Great Britain c. Saint Chrysostome Doctor Collins Saint Cyprian Doctor John Davenant Lord Bishop of Sarum Master Deering Saint Dionysius Areopagita Doctor Downham Master Dyke Epiphanius Eusebius Doctor Featley Master Fox his Martyrol Gerard Bishop Godwin Comarus Saint Gregory H Grotius Doctor Hammond Doctor Harris Ward of Wint. Col. Doctor Joseph Hall Lord Bishop of Norwich Hospinian Saint Jerome Bishop Jewel Irenaeus Junius Doctor John King Lord Bishop of London Doctor Henry King Lord Bishop of Chichester Peter Lombard Ludolphus Luther Peter Martyr Mercer Doctor George Morley Lord Bishop of Winton Doctor Richard Mountague Lord Bishop of Norwich Musculus Nicephorus Origen Paraeus Pelargus Perkins Philo Judaeus Piscator Polanus Doctor John Prideaux Lord Bishop of Worcester Ravanellus Doctor Edward Reinolds Lord Bishop of Norwich Septuagint Socrates Sozomen Tertullian Theodoret Doctor Twisse Master Vines Master Nathaniel Ward Master Thomas Wilson Zanchy c. Things most remarkable contained in this Treatise I. THE Divine Generation of Jesus Christ is in some poor measure declared II. The Restauration of the Creature after the final Judgement proved III. The glorious estate of the Saints in the life to come described in a way and manner that is not commonly thought upon IV. How the Office of Christs Mediatorship was exercised by him and made effectual from the beginning V. How Jesus Christ shall be the Head of his Church Triumphant after he hath delivered up the Kingdome to God the Father VI. The certainty of the Conversion of the Jewes cleared and a demonstration of the fixed time wherein they shall be called gathered from the Holy Scriptures VII The Blasphemy of Socinians discovered VIII Civil Government vindicated IX The folly of Fift Monarchists and Millenaries made
manifest X. Episcopal Government in the Church proved by Scripture to be of Divine Right XI The Liturgy of the Church of England cleared from Superstition XII The Church of Rome justly charged with Novelty XIII A Remedy prescribed to cure the Distempers of our Nation and Times about Order and Church-Government The Contents more particularly and more punctually described THe Apostles intent and scope in the words of the Text viz. Jesus Christ the Same yesterday to day and for ever is rendred page 1. A threefold interpretation given of the Text p. 4. 1. With a respect to the Divine Nature 2. With a reference to the whole Creation 3. With a more especial respect to the Church An Apology for these several interpretations ibid. The first Interpretation Proved by Scripture and the concurrent Testimony of sundry Authours p. 5. Objections answered First taken from Prov. 8.22 c. p. 11. Second taken from Luk. 1.35 p. 13. Third taken from Col. 1.15 ibid. Instructions deducted viz. First Though Christ took upon him our nature yet he continued still to be the Same p. 19 Secondly We must give unto Christ the glory due unto his Name p. 21. 1. In worshipping him with Divine Adoration p. 21. 2. In a zealous appearance for him against his enemies p. 23. Of whom there are two sorts especially in these times that must not be spared viz. Those 1. Who raise up men above their proper sphaere equallizing them with Christ p. 24. 2. Who level the Lord Jesus with poor dust and ashes p. 25. 3. In the ready hearkening to the voyce of his Word p. 28. Corroboratives of this Argument 1. The Father will have Christ to be thus honoured p. 29. 2. Christ himself expects of us the same service ibid. 3. The Eternity of Christ is a clear evidence of his Wisdome and Gravity ibid. 4. A necessity lyes upon us to hearken to this his infallible Wisdome p 30. How else shall we escape the snares of Satan What improvement can we make of our Talents in our masters service p. 31. 5. He hath highly honoured us ibid. Thirdly how God hath been wont to make manifest his sore displeasure against those that have been the professed enemies of the eternal Deity of his beloved Son the Lord Jesus Christ p. 33. A particular Application p. 37. The second Interpretation p. 41. Wherein it is observed how Christ is the Same 1. In the work of Creation 2. In the work of Preservation 3. In the work of Restauration How in the work of Creation p 42. Though Jesus Christ be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 therein yet the Father and the Holy Ghost are not excluded 1. Christ is equal with the Father in that eternal Counsel and Decree from whence all things had their first rise and origination 2. The Same in the execution of that Decree 3. The Same without any Coadjutor 4. The Same without any variableness in the creating of all things Inferences from hence First this may lead us to a further knowledge of Jesus Christ p. 47. When we consider the Heavens p. 48. When we consider the Deep p. 49. When we consider the Earth ibid. When we consider our selves p. 50. We must say O Lord our Lord How excellent is thy Name Secondly we are to let Jesus Christ enjoy peaceably without any repining his absolute Sovereignty over all the earth to dispose of it as seemeth good unto him p. 50. How Jesus Christ is the Same in the work of Preservation and Government of the world p. 52. An Objection answered viz. If this Power belongeth unto Christ to guide and govern the world What need is there at all of any other government p. 54. In answer hereunto three things are largely proved First Government by men is an Ordinance of Divine appointment p. 57. Secondly Government is ordained to be subservient unto Christ p. 62. Thirdly Christ will have this subservient government and order to be continued so long as the world endureth p. 66 The folly of Fift-Monarchy men is made manifest p 70. A conviction of those that look no further then secondary causes p. 71. They who applaud their Fortune in their successes are reproved ibid. They also who consult with Astrologers p. 72. And that run to Witches for their help ibid. That when extraordinary tempests are raised are apt to impute the cause thereof to Conjuring p. 73. Such as murmure at the happy change which the Divine Providence hath brought upon this Nation p. 74. A conviction of sundry others who in effect disclaim Christs Sovereignty over them p. 76. viz. The Covetous The Ambitious The Proud and Vain-glorious The Profane Politician An Instruction to all that fear God not to be dismayed at the appearance and apprehension of death p. 78. Nor at the troubles that come upon the world or that may befall themselves p. 80. A lesson to incline us to a constant dependance upon Divine Providence p. 81. We are nothing without Christ ibid. How Jesus Christ is the Same in the Restauration of all things p. 82. In order hereunto the Apostles words in Rom. 8.19.20.22.23 are at large expounded p. 83. Where is to be seen how 1. The creature is subject to vanity p. 84. It hath lost a great part of its primitive beauty and goodness p. 85. A necessity lyes upon it to serve the enemies of the Creatour ibid It is still declaring the glory of God but man regards it not ibid. It is troubled at the inverting of the order which the Creatour at first established p. 86. It is instrumental in mans sin ibid. 2. The creature waiteth and groaneth to be delivered p. 87. 3. When this Deliverance shall be p. 89. viz. When the Son◠of God that is the Angels are manifested ibid. Which manifestation shall be both active and passive p. 90. Active four several ways They shall break open the chambers of Death 90 They shall manifest the Saints from the wicked ibid. They shall manifest the judgement pronounced ibid. They shall be employed in the manifestation of the Son of man p. 91. Passive two ways In respect of their Nature p. 92. In respect of their Number ibid. 4. The manner of their deliverance p. 93. An Objection out of 2 Pet. 3.10 concerning the dissolution of all things by fire answered p. 95. Fift monarchists and Millenaries reproved p. 103. See the excellencie of our Creation p. 105. A light to guide us in the first resurrection p. 106. A light to shew unto us somewhat of the glory of the second p. 107. Wherein may be seen 1. How the new heaven that shall be is resembled unto Canaan p. 109. 2. How the new earth that shall be is also so resembled p. 112. The third Interpretation viz. Jesus Christ is the Same yesterday to day and for ever with a more especial respect unto his Church p. 116. First of yesterday that is p. 117. All the time of the old Testament A Doctrine here-hence derived viz. The
time of the Old Testament with all the legal Ordinances attending upon it is a day that is set and expired being yesterday and therefore not to be brought into our account neither are we to walk in the light of it p. 118. Proved by sundry instances ibid. Whereupon followeth The conviction of those who in this day will grope after the obscure light of yesterday these are First the Jews p. 121. Secondly they that seek to be justified by the works of the law p. 126. Thirdly the Papists p. 128. Fourthly they that now-a-days pretend to Oracles and wait for Miracles p. 129. Where is to be seen What we are to judge of the pretended Visions and Revelations of these times ibid. And what Miracles are now to be regarded in the time of the Gospel p. 132. A second Doctrine propounded viz. Jesus Christ was the Saviour of his Church in the time of the Old Testament even as nâ—w in the time of the New p. 134. Proved ibid. A Question resolved How Christ could be a Saviour before he was in a capacity to suffer death by taking our nature upon him for the expiation of sin p. 135. Jesus Christ was a Prophet from the beginning p. 136. Jesus Christ was a King from the beginning p. 138. Jesus Christ was a Priest from the beginning p. 149. A difference observed in respect of the dispensation and manifestation of Christ to the Fathers and us p. 155. Examples of sundry of the Fathers believing in Christ Adam Abraham Job Daniel c. p. 156. Moses's intercourse with Jesus Christ upon the Mount p. 159. Whereupon followeth 1. An exhortation to the Jews to look unto Jesus p. 164. 2. A warning to take heed of despising the ages before us p 166. 3. Our religion proved to be the onely true Religion p. 169. 4. The Limbus Patrum of the Church of Rome proved to be an absurd forgery p. 170. 5. To hold that the object of the faith of the Patriarchs of old was not Jesus Christ is a gross errour p. 175. 6. And as gross is it to maintain that we are not now justified by the Object but by the Act of Faith p. 176. Of the second course or computation of time viz. To day Wherein first this Doctrine is propounded viz. The time of the Gospel is a time of light p. 180. It is a true light p. 181. It is a great light ibid. It is a marvellous light ibid. It is an invincible light p. 182. Whereupon follow The duties of those who are the children of this day 1. To rejoyce and be glad in it p. 184. An Objection But this day is a day of trouble of rebuke and blasphemy p. 186. Answered ibid. 2. To let the light of this day shine in upon their souls p. 188. A Question put viz. What is this light p. 189. Answered 1. It is the light of Life ibid. 2. It is the light of the glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ p. 190. 3. It is the light of the knowledge of the glory of God ibid. 3. To walk in this light p. 191. A two-fold walk 1. Walk in the Commandments of the Lord ibid. Motives hereunto 1. It is the great design of Almighty God this day to save his people from their sins p. 192. 2. We are to walk worthy of our calling p. 194. 3. Consider the length of our way p. 195. 4. This day will have an end p. 196. 2. Walk in the Ordinances of the Lord p. 199. Let then the world be awakened that lyeth asleep in the darkness of sin and ignorance p. 202. Let the Ignorant be roused p. 202. Let the profance be alarum'd p. 203. A Question put viz. How cometh it to passe that wo and misery falls so inevitably upon profane people this day p. 207. Answered 1. The sin of such persons is found out by the light of this day ibid. 2. Their sin doth finde out them p. 208. Application p. 209. Another Doctrine propounded viz. Jesus Christ is the Same to his Church now in the time of the Gospel which he was before under the Law p. 212. Proved by Scripture p. 213. An Objection But we see there is a change to day from what was yesterday in the form of Divine worship How then can Jesus Christ be the Same p. 215. Answered ibid. Inferences thereupon First the Imputations of Novelty upon those Churches which adhere to this foundation charged on them by the Church of Rome cannot be just p. 217. The said Imputations justly retoried upon the Romish Church ibid. Secondly an Exhortation to let the same minde be in us which was in Christ Jesus that is to be the Same in things pertaining to God p. 220. An Application hereof to us of this nation with a free and plain discovery of our late inconstancy p. 222. An Objection Shall we then be the Same which we have been in profaneness and superstition p. 227. Answer God forbid ibid. 1. The bad Old Cause did not preserve us from either p. 228. 2. The League and Covenant though contrived to strengthen the said Cause yet as it was illegal in it self so was it treacherously carried on p. 229. It is objected But is there not a return to Superstition when the Lyturgie Ceremonies and Episcopacy are restored p. 233. It is answered ibid. Where 1. The Lyturgie and Ceremonies are vindicated p. 234. Particularly 1. Our bowing at the name of Jesus p. 235. 2. Our bowing at our entrance into and departure from the Congregation p. 236. 3. Our Lyturgie and Ceremonies are acknowledged to be a will-worship which is plainly manifested to be in some respects lawful p. 238. But that they are extracted from Romish Missals is a slanderous untruth p. 242. 2. Episcopacy is clearly proved by the Scripture to be of Divine Right Sensu Primario p. 248. An Exhortation to the Jews p. 262. Matter of rejoycing to the Gentiles p. 268. An Application hereof to our own Nation p. 270. A serious Expostulation with Anabaptists ibid. Of the third course or computation of Time viz. For ever p. 273. A Doctrine propounded In the midst of the various changes and chances that may come upon the Church to the end of the world Jesus Christ will be unto it still the Same Ibid. Proved by Scripture p 274. Inferences from hence 1. Assurance may be had of the Churches perpetuity p. 275. 2. A remedy to cure the sad distempers of our Church about Order and Church-Government p. 276. 3. An Exhortation and Christian Advice given to those who pretend they cannot for conscience sake submit to Church-Government by Bishops p. 277. 4. Comfort to all who live goldy in Christ Jesus both in respect of themselves and their posterity p. 281. Another Doctrine propounded viz. Jesus Christ will be the Same unto his Church in her Triumphant and Glorious estate in heaven unto all Eternity p. 282. Wherein first The full sense is given of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 p. 283. Secondly how
as he is But I hope I may without offence give in my poor Judgment as I have done concerning this Scripture considering it is not inconsistent at all with the scope of the Holy Ghost therein and being guided hereto by some certain Probabilities First They are Angels we know and a great multitude of them who did at the Birth of Jesus Christ proclaim Peace to the Creature as well as Good-will towards men the Creature therefore may be in expectation of the manifestation of the Angels that this Promise or Salutation given by them might be made good and perfected Secondly It is not without some reason that the Holy Ghost doth use the different terms of Sons and Children in this Scripture viz. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Sons in the 19 Verse and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Children in the 29 Verse especially considering that that which is predicated of each carrieth with it also a great difference too for the manifestation of the Sons of God answers the expectation of the Creature But the Deliverance of the Creature is not there to be terminated but only by the liberty of the Children of God Now there seemeth to me to be some probability that the varying of the terms should imply also in this place a varying of persons viz. The first to be understood of the Angels of God and the latter of the Saints the latter word also being comprehensive of the first and not the first in a true propriety of speech of the latter considering withall what hath been before said that the Creature must have the Angels employed in working their Deliverance but not the Saints Sons being also fitter then Children in the bringing to pass so great a Work as delivering the Creature out of Bondage is like to be More might be added but this shall suffice for the third Observation from this Scripture viz. The time of satisfying the Creatures expectation that is at the manifestation of the Sons of God Fourthly That which is next offered to our View is the manner of the Deliverance of the Creature or to what it shall be reduced at the expiration of its Bondage it shall be delivered into the Glorious Liberty of the Children of God For it is but subjected saith the Apostle 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in hope or under hope of a happy change to a better Estate and though this hope deferred maketh the poor Creature to faint yet the patient abiding thereof shall not perish for ever For hope maketh not ashamed especially when it is fixed upon such a sure Foundation Rom. 5.5 as Gods Eternal Purpose which cannot be disanulled A Deliverance therefore shall undoubtedly arise unto the Creature even as there shall be to the Children of God for as in this corrupt estate wherein they are involved for the present by the first Adam they are both together fellow-sufferers so shall they together in their several Capacities be set at liberty and have their Pristine Excellencies restored yea much more enlarged unto them by Jesus Christ the second Adam who being the Alpha and Omega the Beginning and the End of the Creation the same yesterday Rev. 21.5 6. to day and for ever is of power sufficient to make all things new It is indeed upon the Childrens account that the Creature shall be Interessed in that glorious Deliverance for as the Apostle speaks in another case Doth God take care for Oxen So may we say doth God so respect the Creature that is the frame of Nature that he will vouchsafe for its own sake to beautifie it when it is deformed Or doth he altogether for our sakes that are his Children For our sakes no doubt shall this glorious Work be accomplished that even the Creature it self also may in a free and liberal manner which is earnestly desired by it be subservient unto his Glory And thus we finde the Preposition here 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which is translated into is taken by some as carrying the force of another viz. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is Propter which signifieth for so reading the word thus The Creature shall be delivered from the Bondage of Corruption for the Glorious Liberty of the Children of God that is That the Childrens Liberty might by their service be the more Glorious For as God made the Creature in the beginning for Man and because of him subjected it likewise unto Vanity that so it might not even in the daies of Vanity be superiour to him for whom it was created So will he deliver it again for Man's sake that is for the Accumulation and Illustration of his childrens Glory Though I confess upon the Creature also it self as it is said before shall be conferred a Glory which shall be in the proportion of its Nature a sutable Advancement unto it as the glory of the children shall be unto them And this I conceive in short to be the sense of the Apostle as to this Particular whereby we may see clearly that there shall be a Restauration of the Creature that is as saith S. Peter 2 Pet. 3.13 Now Heavens and a new Earth wherein dwelleth Righteousness Which words of new Heavens and new Earth as they are used in a certain place by the Prophet Isaiah being spiritually understood Es 65.17 are I confess appliable to the state of the Church in the times of the Gospel under the Kingdom of Christ when it should be so renewed that it should seem to be as 't were a new World old things being done away 2 Cor. 5.17 Types and shadows removed yea the whole Service of the former Tabernacle abolished and all things made new 2 Cor. 5.17 So that in this sense this Prophecy is already fulfilled Nevertheless though the words of the Prophet may be so taken yet we are not to confine the Spirit of God thereunto especially when he hath declared his meaning elsewhere to be of a larger extent as he hath done in this very particular for the Apostle S. Peter in the forecited place Commenting upon the Prophet speaks of the new Heavens and the new Earth as not so much to be seen in this World as in that which is to come his whole Scope in the said Chapter tending thereunto Let then the spiritual sense be acknowledged by us yet that hinders not but that the other sense viz. That there shall really be new Heavens and a new Earth at the last Day may be acknowledged also even as Glory is said to be begun here in those Graces that are shed abroad by the Holy Ghost in the hearts of the Elect which shall notwithstanding shine forth in its full Splendour in the Kingdom of Glory Objection I hear what is objected unto this viz. That in the Day of the Lord 2 Pet. 3.10 The Heavens being on fire shall be dissolved and pass away with a great noise and the Elements shall melt with fervent heat the Earth also and the works that are therein shall
have attained to that Eternal Glory even as good Fathers are wont for the honour of their Children to put some Ornaments upon their Servants Piscator also upon the same place writeth thus Rom. 8. Coelum Terra inn vabuntur quum Patâ—fiet Gloria filiorum Dei Heaven and Earth shall then be renewed when the Glory of Gods Children shall appear Ravanellus likewise a late Writer in his Bibliothecâ Sacrâ saith Etiam Terra quoad substantiam erit Eterna Yea the Earth in respect of its substance shall be Eternal Lastly To name no more Brentius Hom. 53. in Luc. thus argueth Num Coelum Terra transibunt ita ut nihil eorum omnino maneat Minime omnium non transibunt omnino sed mutabuntur abjicient vestimentum corruptionis induent novam vestem incorruptionis Futura quidem Coeli ac Terrae mutatio non autem in totum abolitio Shall Heaven and Earth so pass away that nothing of them shall remain No verily they shall not altogether pass away but they shall be changed they shall cast of the Garment of Corruption and put on a new Robe of Incorruption There shall indeed be a change of Heaven and Earth but not a total Abolition I have not here mentioned any of our own Writers who notwithstanding many of them Grave Learned and Reverend Divines whose Works praise them in the Gates do unanimously Assert the same Doctrine And thus we see the concurrent Judgment of Writers both old and new inclining this way viz. That it is the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 only as the Apostle's word is in another place 1 Cor. 7.31 and which some construe to this very purpose The Figure the Habit the Form and Fashion of the World that shall hereafter pass away not the Substance Nature and Essence of it for that shall be purified and perpetuated in Glory to all Eternity And though the Scripture speaks of a Conflagration Dissolution and Preterition which they who are of a contrary judgment in this Point do much insist upon yet since they speak no where of an utter Abolition or Annihilation we may with safety abide by what we have declared But here take this Caution it behoves us in these matters to be wise according to so briety and in all humble mod esty to content our selves with this general discovery of the renovation and restauration of the World for we see the Apostle speaks of it in the general term of the Creature meaning the frame and sabrick of the World as hath been said consisting of Celestial and Elementary Regions Now if we should enter too curiously to search what Creatures else of the World shall be restored what place shall contain them what actions they shall have what properties they shall be endued with wherein they shall be serviceable and useful to the Glorified Saints c. If we should I say launch out to venturously into this Deep we shall not have the Cynosure of the word to guide us and so shall certainly fall upon the flats of our own foolish Imaginations or run desperately upon the Rocks of most dangerous errours such as Cerinthus and the Chiliasts have done It is enough for us that we have this general discovery made of the Minde of God herein viz. That the Creature shall be restored and delivered from the bondage of corruption into or for the glorious liberty of the Children of God and that a reparation shall be made by Jesus Christ of that which sin hath so much defaced and disordered And now to conclude Doth not all this evidently speak out that Christ will not fail in the exercise of his power over the World But as he began to manifest it in the Creation and to continue it in the preservation so he will perfect it in the restauration of all things declaring himself thereby mightily to be the Son of God Yesterday to Day and the same for ever But before we dismiss this Point Let us as we have done with the former bring in some few Corolaries to wait upon it for it is not fit that a doctrine of so noble a sublimity should be without Attendants that may some way be useful for the Church of God The first then that appears comes with a rule or a rod to rectify an old errour newly revived For if this truth be admitted as it must unless wee will shut out the Lord Jesus Christ from a most eminent part of his Glory that is then an Errour to be exploded and repented of which is very confidently maintained by many in these times concerning that outward Glory made up of a temporal peace safety and happiness with an affluence of all good things which they have imagined the Saints shall here in this life be Partakers of before the end of the World grounding their opinion upon such Places of Scripture which make mention of this restauration that we have insisted upon But if this Restauration shall not be till after the general Judgment as hath been made to appear I hope such Persons who have been of that erroneous perswasion will finde cause hereafter to be of another Minde I will not deny but that upon the downfal of that Man of Sin the Church may shine forth in a more beauteous lustre in respect of spiritual Glory before the end commeth then now at this present can be discerned in her but whatsoever that may prove it shall certainly be attended with much trouble from the World and from the Divel for the promises that are made to the Church while she is Militant Mor. 10 30 2 Tim 3.12 are accompanied with this Proviso viz. That she must look for Persecution And therefore to look for a Kingdom of Saints here which shall continue a thousand years free from troubles is so Vain a thing that methinks without a strong delusion of Satan it should not enter into the hearts of any that pretend to be acquainted with the Counsels of God in his Word It is not meet that the Spouse should finde her way through Ease and Pleasure when her Lord is gone before through much Labour and Sorrow The Disciple is not to be above his Master nor the Servant to be above his Lord It is enough for the Disciple that he be as his Master and for the Servant that he hee as his Lord If the Master of the House was rejected and despised by men yea made a Man of Sorrows while he was here upon earth Es 53.3 how much more should the same Lot befal those of his household It will assuredly be the Glory of the Church while she is in her warfare to be still in the feild fighting the Lords battels and to resemble the Captain of her Salvation who went through Water and Bloud and was made perfect by sufferings For him Luk. 24.26 2 Tim. 2.12 Mat. 30.23 He ought as he said of himself to suffer and so to enter into his Glory And surely the Church must follow
manner declare his consent unto that Judgment Thou saith he hast driven me this day from the face of the earth But how could that be Gen. 4.14 But how could that be seeing it is after said of him that he went and dwelt in the Land of Nod and there he built him a City Gen. 4.16 where he became the prime Leader or Patriarch of an Antichristian Church in that Generation a cast-away-company of forlorn Miscreants both he and they giving themselves up to all sensuality Bishop Mountague Dr. Light-foot Jude v. 11 so to sweeten their misery and banishment as their corrupt fancy might suggest unto them which as one saith probably is that way of Cain mentioned by the Apostle S. Jude He was not therefore quite taken off from the earth but from that part of the earth where he had joyn'd with his Parents in the solemn and pure Worship of God as appears in the words following where he saith And from thy presence shall I be hid which clearly implieth that he was excommunicated by Christ out of his Church where the Lord is wont to manifest his Gracious presence among his people in his holy Ordinances After this the Church in process of time having degenerated from her purity by a corrupt Commistion with the accursed Progeny of Cain thereby contracting to it self the Guilt of all that prodigious Villany that was then acted in the world The Lord Jesus Christ as became a vigilant and faithful Governour over his Charge strove and travelled by his Spirit in the Ministry of his Servants to reclaim his people from the errour of their way 1 Pet 3.19 calling upon them to separate themselves from that wicked Generation but finding them to be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Immorigeri a people that would not be perswaded into Order when he had waited 120 years while the Ark was preparing he did at length like a righteous King and Judge execute his judgment by bringing in the â—loud upon the World of the ungodly 2 Pet. 2.5 so cutting off at one blow the whole Posterity of Cain together with a sort of treacherous Rebels that would not be ruled nor reclaimed by him But I shall not insist upon many Instances that might here be inserted to this purpose Ex. 23.20 take only one more That Angel which God promised he would send to the Israelites to keep them in their way and to bring them into the Land of Canaan was undoubtedly no other then Christ himself For as Pelargus noteth upon that place it could not be Moses according to Caictan's conceit for he did not lead the people into the Land of Promise neither could it be Joshuah for he did not keep the Israelites in the way nor punish their transgressions neither could it be a created Angel for the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and Adjuncts there specified are not applicable to any such they do only Quadrare i. e. Aptly sute with Jesus Christ Yea the Apostle S. Paul doth testifie so much 1 Cor. 10.9 1 Cor. 10. where it is plainly said of Christ That the Israelites tempted him in the Wilderness Now concerning this Angel God forewarned the people in these words Beware of him and obey his voice provoke him not for he will not pardon your transgressions That is he will surely execute his judgment upon you if you rebel against him 1 Cor. 10.9 10. as he did one while by Serpents another while by the Destroyer viz. the destroying Angel Num. 14.37 For saith he Exod. 23.21 My Name is in him that is He is the Lord Jehovah as I am of the same Essence Power Majesty and Authority as one well interprets the place which agreeth with that of the Apostle Col. 2.9 In him dwelleth the fulness of the Godhead bodily that is not in Clouds and Ceremonies Col. 2.9 as between the Cherubims but essentially personally So that Orthodox and sound Divine Davenant and therefore it deeply concerned them to stand in awe of him And now to conclude this Point wherein possibly I may be charged with over-much Prolixity but that the advancement of the Honour of Jesus Christ will I hope be a sufficient excuse and plea for me among those that take pleasure in the promoting thereof It is I believe very clear and evident by what hath been here said That the Lord Jesus was the King of his Church Yesterday as well as to Day And therefore when the people of Israel did out of a proud affectation to be like other Nations desire a King to be set over them the Lord saith 1 Sam. 8.7 1 Sam. 8.7 that they had rejected him from being their King that is even Christ the Lord as not contenting themselves with that Church-state wherein by his Spiritual Government over them they were made a people happy and glorious above all other Nations in the world whom preposterously they would now all on a sudden without any direction from God seek to imitate In the next place we are to take into consideration the Priestly Office of Christ for even in this also we shall finde him to be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Jesus Christ a Priest Yesterday the same yesterday i. a Priest to his Church from the beginning In the pursuance of this Point we shall fix our discourse principally upon two places of Scripture which will I believe make it evident and manifest unto all And first very remarkable is that which the Prophet David speaks of Christ in the 110 Psalm Ps 110.4 Thou art a Priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek In which words we may take notice of two things first the continuance of Christ's Priesthood Secondly the order of it For the continuance it is an eternal Priesthood to last for ever which word for ever comprehendeth in it the whole time and age of the Church from the beginning Or if it be limited to time to come it is to be understood with a reference unto Christ's first entrance upon his Mediatorial Office which was then when the new Covenant passed between God and Christ in the behalf of poor man immediately after the violation of the first as hath been said before And this possibly may be the reason why the Apostle speaking very frequently of Christ's eternal Priesthood Heb. 6 7 Chapters still renders this word for ever in the Singular Number 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Heb 7.28 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Significat tum supra legem quam post legem ut Metaphysicâ—â— c. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Saepe ponitur pro 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 because Christ's Priestly Office was not to take in that time wherein our first Parents stood in the state of Innocency but only that seculum which was to ensue even unto the end of the world If it be objected that Christ was made Priest since the Law because the Apostle saith Heb. 7.28 That the Word of the Oath which was since the
was saith Bishop Reynolds to be a middle Person to stand and minister between God and Man in their behalf to be impartial and faithful towards the Justice and Truth of God and not to be over-ruled by his love to Men to injure him and to be compassionate and merciful towards the errours of men and not to be over-ruled by his Zeal to God's Justice to give over the care and service of them And such an high Priest was Christ zealous of his Fathers Righteousness and Glory for he was set forth to declare the Righteousness of God Rom. 3.25 And he did Glorifie him on earth by finishing the things which he had given him to do Rom 3.25 John 17.4 compassionate also towards the errours and miseries of his Church for he was appointed to expiate and to remove them out of the way Col. 2.14 Now since Christ was ordained thus for the good of men Col. 2.14 can it be imagined that he had a care only of that sort of men that came after him into the World and none at all of those that had been before Was Abraham the Friend of God and David the man after Gods own heart of no reckoning with him If so let that accursed Opinion of the ancient Gnosticks the first-born of the Devil have a Licence to pass without controll that no man was saved all went to Hell unto the 15 year of Tiberius Caesar wherein it was from Heaven revealed concerning Christ This is my beloved Son hear him Or was there some other Mediatour before Jesus Christ took upon him our Nature who did execute that Office for 4000 years and then resign'd it up to the Son of God leaving the residue to be done by him in a time which happily may not be half so long Or were all those that lived in that long Tract of time shut up in Limbo when they died from whence they could not be delivered till Christ himself came among them These and such other Carcinomata as Bishop Mountague calls them are rather for Cauteries then curing Salves to work upon we may perhaps meet with some of them hereafter undoubtedly the Lord Jesus Christ was alwaies The man who was is and shall be the Mediatour between God and Man Lastly The high Priest was to offer Gifâ—s and Sacrifices for Sins that so Divine Justice might be satisfied which had been by sin violated Hence it was that as the Apostle saith Heb. 9.22 Almost all things were by the Law purged with bloud Heb. 9.12 and without shedding of bloud is no remission Death was to attend upon Justice as her Executioner but if Justice pass a Sentence at any time and execution follow not upon it Justice vanisheth into nothing and is become a meer Ludibrium for Execution is the very life of Justice Death therefore since he is let into the World by mans sin must do its office that so Justice may live Accordingly did the Priests who were ordained to see that a due satisfaction should be made to Divine Justice and to make an Atonement for the people never come before the Lord without bloud But first they slew the Sacrifice upon the Altar and then took of the bloud Lev. 16.11 15. and brought it before the Mercy-seat within the Veil to testifie the death of the Sacrifice whereupon Sin was expiated and Justice fully satisfied Thus did the Priests under the Law and thus also did Christ without whom all whatsoever they did had been to no purpose their sacrificing of a Lamb had been of no more account with God then the cutting off of a Dogs Neck and there offering an Oblation no better then the offering of Swines bloud Christ therefore I say once for all offered up a Sacrifice which was himself the virtue whereof was alwaies operative to make those former Sacrifices effectual to those ends and purposes before-mentioned and after that by his own bloud he entred into the Holy Place Heb 9 12.10 12. So then Christ it was that was still represented as a slain man in all those Sacrifices of old for a sentence of Death lying upon him through the determinate Counsel and fore knowledge of God made him in all those Ages before Act. 2 23. as good as dead in which regard he is called The Lamb slain from the beginning of the world Rev. 13.8 And because Justice would have Death for satisfaction else must the whole World have immediately fallen under her displeasure therefore in all likely hood the very first thing that died in the World was Christ in a Figure and consequently a Sacrifice from the beginning He was a Sacrifice ready even for Cain to make use of for his good if he had had Faith to apply it as appeareth by the words which the Lord speaks unto him If thou doest not well sin lieth at the door That is Gen. 4.7 a Sacrifice for sin for so the offering for sin is in Scripture frequently called which Interpretation because it may carry with it a sound of novelty Dr. John Harris Harden of Winchester Col. I shall take leave by the way to tell such that as I finde it owned by a late learned and reverend Divine so upon the examining of the grounds whereupon this Interpretation is built it will I doubt not appear to be very probable First God cometh not to deject Cain lower then he was but to raise him up from his dejection as is manifest both by his deigning to give him an Oracle from Heaven and also by the words wherewith he beginneth his speech unto him Why art thou wrath and why is thy Countenance fallen Secondly If the words Sin lieth at the door intend a sudden judgment to seize upon him what coherence can there be between these and the words following which are spoken concerning Abel viz. And thy brothers desire shall be subject unto thee For to read the place thus If thou doest not well thou shalt certainly be punished and thy brothers desire shall be subject unto thee This if there be any coherence at all were to threaten poor Abel more or at least as much as Cain Thirdly The Original word Chateath it is the aforesaid Authours observation as it signifieth Sin so also doth it the Sacrifice for Sin as Hos 4.8 2 Cor. 5.21 Hos 4 8. 2 Cor. 5.21 do witness And it was the custom according to which Moses speaketh as being best acquainted therewith to lay the Sacrifice at the Sanctuary door Vt populum dirigeret ad mediatorem saith Calvin to teach the people to serve God in Christ who is the true Sanctuary This sense therefore upon these Considerations may seem to be very agreeable with the scope of the Holy Ghost in that place so that a Sacrifice was ready for Cain at that time and what Sacrifice was that but Christ the Lamb then slain who alone taketh away the sin of the World and besides it seemeth to be a sacrifice distinct
a time of clearer Light coming which when the shadows were removed and that old Tabernacle taken down should make the way plainer to those that should walk in that Light for the Word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 doth certainly signifie this kind of manifestation by Light as we may see in sundry places of Scripture and not such an Apertio portarum an opening of the gates of Heaven as these Popish Phantasticks vainly imagine who do hereby onely manifest their gross Ignorance in that whereas the Apostle saith the way to Heaven was not manifest in regard of knowledge They will against all sense and reason maintain that the way to Heaven was not open in regard of Entry as if the way could not be open to enter because it was not manifesty known Upon which account as one well observeth they may shut out our Christian Infants at this day who do not onely not manifestly but not at all know the way to Heaven and if the way to Heaven be open to them for entry although it be shut in regard of knowledge how much more was it open to the faithful under the Law who as to sufficiency knew the way to Heaven although not so manifesty as we do As for that which hath been Objected out of our Common Liturgy viz. When thou hadst overcome the sharpness of Death thou didst open the Kingdom of Heaven to all Believers I answer they are much mistaken who render the sense of the said words in that manner to the derogation of Christ's merit for if they be interpreted aright they do rather advance the honour of the Lord Jesus in that way and kinde that we have here insisted upon And as Athanasius used them who was the Authour of them then in the least degree detract from it the genuine meaning of them as we use them being this Jesus Christ after his death did open the Kingdome of Heaven to all Believers viz. to the Gentiles as well as to the Jews whereas before it was open onely unto the Jews Lastly Where as it is said by some that though the Fathers were not shut up in Limbo as the Papists fondly dream but immediately after Death were carried up into Heaven yet they were not admitted to that Vbi that place of Glory wherein they have been ever since our Saviour's Ascension I Answer till such time as we can see some constat for this in Scripture we must take leave to declare our Judgment against it rather because the Holy Scripture is so clear that Jesus Christ was the same Yesterday which he is to day we may admire that the least scruple should arise in the thoughts of any that the power of his Resurrection could not put forth the same Virtue to the Saints of old so as to make them Quoad statum separationis as perfectly happy as it doth unto those that have and shall come after We are not to be regulated by the Opinions of Men in this matter whether Antient or Modern though in some other points that are not of so great concernment we may happily afford a willing compliancy In this case we will call no man Father upon Earth for one is our Father which is in Heaven To the Law therefore and to the Testimony whosoever speaks not according to this Word in Order to Christ's Glory and the Salvation of his Church it is because there is no Light in them And now when I was even about to leave this point so to proceed unto that which followeth I have met with a spoke in my way upon which I must stop a little being well assured notwithstanding that my Text will bear down all Opposition that may be raised against it There have been we know in these late times certain strange Opinions scattered about such as have been of pernicious consequence to Religion And if amongst the rest I meet with any which strike at the Honour of our Lord Jesus Christ which our present Text ascribeth unto him I hope I may take liberty to bear Witness against them of how great Name soever the Authours thereof may be that have maintained them I shall forbear to nominate any Persons but doe heartily wish they would seriously consider with themselves how they may for the Church's sake retract that which they have of this Nature so unadvisedly written It hath been maintained and published by one Authour especially of great and eminent Note That the Object of the faith of the Patriarchs and Fathers of old was not Jesus Christ the Mediatour but God alone that is God the Father And that such efficacy as the expiatory sacrifices of the Law had was not so much in reference to the sacrifice to be made of Christ as extrinsecal and affixed by the Divine ordinance and institution of Almighty God Yea that the very Heathen did in those times without Christ even by the light of Nature attain unto such a Knowledge of God as was enough for their everlasting Salvation That these Cockatrice Eggs were hatched by Hereticks of old is well known The Church was much pestred with these Pelagian vermine in former times But that after they have been crushed with the hammer of Divine truth in the hands of Holy Antients and Servants of Christ of late that they should I say be now brought to Light again perking up with such boldness as they do and that among us in this Church who have been taught by terrible things in righteousness to set up and adore the Lord Jesus Christ in his Throne It is and will be surely too great a provocation of God's jealousie against us Having therefore mett with such Assertions as these so destructive to the Piety of the times and so diametrically contrary to the Doctrine that hath been insisted upon being derogatory to the Merits of the Lord Jesus making them useless to the World before the time of his coming I conceive a necessity is laid upon me to protest against them It hath been the great design of Satan at all times to bring the world to be as little beholding to Christ as may be and to that purpose hath he bewitched men with strong delusions one while suggesting to their minds prejudicate opinions concerning the ways of Christ that they are greivous unprofitable and unreasonable ways another while infusing into them Principles of self-sufficiency that so long as they have materials enough of their own to finish their building what need they go to seek in another's Quarry sometimes perswading them that the Saints in Heaven must be his Coadjutours in office to obtain grace for his people here and to help them in time of need again making them believe that after this Life is ended their souls must lie down in Purgatory for a time before they can be carried up into Heaven And why is all this and much more attempted by this grand Adversary the Devil but because as I said he would draw men to have as little dependance upon Christ
uncharitably condemn the Churches order for doing the very same thing in publick to the same good ends and purposes amongst many other as if their private Incurvations were more warrantable from the word of God then our publick Genu-flexions Certainly as publick prayers are more acceptable unto God then private so publick reverence in the place and time of Gods Worship and Service will better become us and more adorn our Christian Profession then any thing can of that kinde in private whatsoever It is usual amongst us for men in token of reverence to be uncovered when they enter into the Congregation and it is generally look'd upon as a bold impiety if any should be so voyd of shame as to presume to do otherwise Judge then whether it be not as lawful to bend the knee or bow the body as to uncover the head in such a time and place since those gestures are more solemnly reverential then this and the more reverence we use that is sutable to the quality of the service we are about the more comely doubtless is it in the sight of God and man Our blessed Saviour would have his Disciples when they entred into an house to salute it And if the Sonne of Peace were there to let their peace at their departure rest upon it How much more then when we enter into and depart from the house of God for such are our Churches notwithstanding the malicious prating of profane scoffers as well as the Synagogues of old were amongst the Jews should we shew the affection of our hearts towards it by the gesture of our bodies Especially when we know that it is the Tabernacle of Meeting between God and his people Shall our God then the God of love and peace be there and we not aware of it And shall his people there assemble together in obedience to his Command To adore his goodness To praise his name To hear his word To receive his blessing To testifie their faith To pour out their requests To joyn together in a holy communion as becometh members of one and the same mystical body And should not we be ready as those that are obliged to the same obedience at our Entrance among them and Departure from them to give testimony by the bowing of our bodies of the bending of our souls to the same service and of our cordial rejoycing at our fellowship with them therein Nay more Are the glorious Angels there present as the holy Scriture once and again hinteth unto us they are desiring to look into our manner of the publick service of our God and willing to be our guardians in it And should not we from first to last so demean our selves therein with a respect unto their presence that they may rejoyce to behold their God and our God worshipped on earth as he is in heaven according to our capacities with reverence and godly fear Surely If these things were considered aright as they ought to be they that have hitherto been so stiff in their prejudices against the holy Church for requiring these externall Genu-flexions would be more flexible then they have been They would not say It sufficeth that our hearts are right towards God though we do not shew it and because God requireth truth in the inward parts Therefore it is enough that we do with our souls love the assemblies of Gods people and delight in the Law of our God in the inward man thereby thinking to palliate their want of reverence which is due to God and his Church But the wisdome of the Wise checks them for this their folly telling them that open rebuke is better then secret love This by the way in the vindication of the Order of our Church concerning these two particular Ceremonies Let us now proceed more generally as we began in answer to the before-mentioned Objection Secondly Admit that it was Will-worship which brought on those Ceremonies and Liturgy at first and hath now restored them yet it wil not follow that they therefore are superstitious For what is that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that Will-worship which the Apostle makes mention of Col. 2.23 Col. 2.23 And which these Objectours so much insist upon Great out-cryes indeed have been made against it But what if in the end it do appear that there is not a mark of dislike set upon it by the Holy Ghost but rather an approbation given unto it Let the place be consulted and we shall finde that the Apostle there joyns Will-worship with humility and beating down or mortifying of the Body both which are required in those that will be Disciples of Jesus Christ 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 not sparing If Will-worship therefore be to be condemned how comes it to be ranked with those things that are so good and commendable Again the Traditions that the Apostle speaks of are said in respect of Will-worship that is pretended to be in them to have a shew or pretext of wisdom that is of true spiritual wisdom otherwise what advantage would the shew be unto them And can any thing be said to have a shew or shine of such wisdom in Will-worship if all kinde of Will-worship be in it self sinful Hypocrites make a shew of Holiness and false Prophets will make a shew of Truth Zach. 13.4 putting on a rough garment to deceive so to make a shew of wisdom in Will-worship implies clearly that Will-worship is a thing good and acceptable unto God Else what shall we judge of the free will offerings among the Jewes which were not required by any particular Law but were left to every mans liberty and so were spontaneous not necessary And what else was the Celebration of Purim The fast of the fourth moneth kept for a memorial of the taking of Jerusalem by the Chaldeans the ninth day of that moneth Or the fast of the fifth moneth for the burning of the Temple the tenth day of that moneth Zach. 8.19 Or the fast of the seventh moneth for the death of Gedaliah upon which followed the utter dispersion of the remainder of the Jews into Egypt c. Or the fast of the tenth moneth for the seige laid before Jerusalem in the tenth day 2 Reg. 25.1 Moreover what were the abstinences and austerities of the Rechabites which are so commended by God Jer. 35. and yet were over and above the proportion that was required in the Law What the feast of dedication or restitution of the Jewes Temple and Religion which Antiochus had corrupted Mac. 4.59 instituted by Judas Maccabeus and his brethren and yet observed by Christ himself Joh. 10. All these and many more of the like nâ—â—â—â— which the Scripture makes mention of reckoned up by Docâ—â—â— Hammond in his Annotations on the Epistle to the Colossians whom I acknowledge to be the Authour of this Exposition what were they but Will-worship being supra statutum which some vainly conceive to be all one with Superstition not under any positive
and shame unto them I might here enter into a large discourse upon this point and open a great door and effectual for the conviction of sundry enemies of Jesus Christ who by their Opinions and practices do in effect deny him to be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Same for ever But I forbear for the present being willing to draw towards a Conclusion Some short inferences notwithstanding we shall derive from hence that may be of use unto us And first we may here be ascertained concerning the perpetuity of the Church to the end of the World For because Christ will be the Same for ever the Church must continue to be for ever also As the Apostle speaks of the Man and the Woman Neither is the Man without the Woman nor the Woman without the Man in the Lord 1 Cor. 11.11 So may we say of Christ and his Church neither can the Church be without Christ nor Christ as Mediatour be without the Church Relatorum uno posito ponitur alterum nec est relatio nisi inter ea quae sunt actu Objection They are like Hippocrates Twins If one liveth the other cannot dy If one dy the other cannot live what therefore Christ promised to his Disciples Joh. 14.19 He will surely make good unto his Church to the end Because I live yee shall live also But do we not see the Church in a consumptive estate groaning and panting under a most heavy cross melting her self into tears yea ready even to give up the Ghost We may be deceived when we think it is at a low ebb it may be at that very instant in a most flourishing Condition What it loseth in outward prosperity it may gain in spiritual growth We must not bound our conceits of the Church and Kingdom of Christ according to the models of the Kingdoms of this World For though this machina munai this great engine frame and structure may decrease and diminish in its strength and beauty as the opinion of some is by reason of the clashings and shakings that happen among the parts thereof till that which is now 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a specious and spacious ornament be made a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a confused lump again Yet nevertheless so long as Jesus Christ will for ever be the Same the persecutions and troubles that the Churches lie under yea the differences and contentions that arise amongst themselves shall contrary to their nature tend to their advantage And as poison when it is corrected by the skill of the Physician works more effectually for the health of a sick patient then a wholesome herb so certainly shall the Church grow better by her troubles then if she had been all this while settled in a most peaceable estate Though the Church be afflicted and the enemies thereof may seem to prosper Aus 2. yet let us nor conclude rashly thereupon that Christ hath forsaken her and that she shall unavoidably perish Let David lead you a little into the Sanctuary Ps 73.17.18 then you 'll finde slippery places are set for these prosperous enemies And their feet shall slide in due time But the Church is built upon a rock Deut. 32.35 the rock of Ages and when all the foundations of the earth are out of course we shall find the foundation of the Lord will stand sure because JESUS CHRIST abideth for ever Secondly As we have assurance given us here of the perpetuity of the Catholick Church notwithstanding all her divisions within her and her persecutions from without so we may finde a remedy close-ed up in the rich Cabinet of this Text which will be sufficient if well applied to cure the distempers of our particular Churches Those distempers I say which have been and still are occasioned by our quarrelling about setting up Jesus Christ in his Throne and the establishment of his Kingdom amongst us according to his own rule and order For the healing whereof and to perswade to a Brotherly composure therein What can be more prevalent then this viz. Jesus Christ is the Same for ever We all pretend to look unto JESUS and it is indeed our duty to eye him in all the dispensations of his power and providence towards his Church that we may not vary from that course and order wherein he hath always trained up his people nor be led aside by new-fangled devices either of our own or others But let us consider If he be Semper idem alwayes the Same How is it that we are thus divided about him What Shall the rule and Canon of our Union be constant and perpetual and shall we be still to seek for a way of uniting Let dissenting Brethren but lay aside Animosities and prejudices wherewith they have so easily been beset and follow the track and foot-sleps of the Lord Jesus and we shall quickly see an end of all our differences 2 Sam. 20 18. They were wont to say in old time said that Mother in Israel They shall surely ask counsel at Abel and so they ended the matter Now also according to the word of the Holy Ghost in Scripture Let us stand in the wayes and see and ask for the old pathes where is the good way The way wherein the Lord himself hath walked and let us walk therein and we shall finde rest for our souls Wee shall see Salvation is neer unto us yea neerer then we are aware and that Glory doth dwell in our Land The voice of the Oracle which would guide us into the good way speakes in this manner Jesus Christ is the Same yesterday to day and for ever Which in effect tells us our foundation is sure and stedfast and our corner-stone as it hath hitherto brought on the building into an excellent frame on the one side in the Ages that are past so it would also do the like on the other in these our dayes and the Ages that are to come if there were but such a conformity held with it as there hath been in former times True it is the Word written is an infallible rule for the guiding of us in matters of Faith from which we are not to digress It is so likewise in all things else that concern the Worship of God and the publick good of the Church so far as it doth lead and direct us therein but unless we will say that Christ hath deserted his Church ever since he gave a being unto it we must avow his continued course and practice in the ordering of it which I hope none will say is contrary to what he hath written to be a warrant also of our Subjection thereto What then is that good way Not surely the way of Division and Separation which tendeth to Confusion for God is not the Authour thereof neither will he allow of it in any of the Churches of the Saints but of Unity and Order that all such as make profession of the Gospel may be of one accord and
Schismatical Covenant p. 229 The Creation the Worke of Christ p 42 The Creatures willing subjection unto Christ p. 53 Of the observation of Christmas p. 198 The Creatures misery under Man p. 65 The excellency of our Creation p. 105 None but the New Creature shall be the Inhabitant of the New Creation p. 107 Against curiosity in searching into those things of God that are beyond our reach p. 19 D. Daniel's seventy weekes interpreted p. 305 The day of the Gospel is a terrible day to all impenitent sinners p. 203 A description of Christs encountring with death p. 78 The Divine Service of the Church of England free from Superstition p. 234 E. The consideration of the Earth may lead us to an admiration of the Glory of God p 49 The great Engagement that lieth upon England above other Churches of the Gentiles to give praise unto God p. 270 Episcopacy proved to be of Divine Right p. 248 Eternity expressed by termes appropriated unto Time p. 6 The force of Example is great to induce likeness of manners p. 2 Examples of Gods Judgements which have fallen upon the enemies of the eternal Deity of Christ p 34 F. Fanatick people make themselves equal with Jesus Christ p. 24 A conviction of those that hold that the object of the faith of the Fathers of old was not Jesus Christ p. 175 To hold that not the object but the act of faith justifieth is a gross errour p. 176 Faith of believers how fixed before the comming of Châ—ist p. 156 A faithful saying uttered in a Sermon at his Majesties Coronation p. 256 How the Father is said to work by the Son p. 43 Of that fire which the Scripture speakes of whereby the Earth shall be burnt up at the last p. 96 To ascribe unto fortune good or ill success is a great sin p. 71 G. The divine generation of the Son of God is a permanent and everlasting generation p. 10 Gentiles instructed p. 268 Gentiles obliged to give praise unto God p. 269 Of the fulness of the Gentiles p. 338 The glory of the life to come described p. 107 How God ruled over man before the floud p. 64 Civil Government is no encroachment upon Christs natural or donative power p 55 Authoritative power or government over men shall be continued to the end of the World p. 66 Government is an ordinance of divine appointment proved both by the written and unwritten Word of God that is by Scripture and nature p 57 The good that ariseth by Government unto mankinde p. 65 H. The several forms of the Heathens enquiring after future events p. 72 That the Heathen did without Christ by the light of nature attain to such a knowledge of God as was enough for their everlasting salvation is a great errour p. 175 The impudent connivence that was given to Hereticks in the time of the late Schism p 37 To consider the Heavens a meanâ— to work in the hearts of men an awful reverence towards the Lord Jesus Christ p 48 The Hypostatical Vnion of two Natures in Christ Divine and humane shall never be dissolved nor the Mystical Vnion between Christ and his Church p. 285 I. Look unto Jesus from the beginning to the end p. 295 Of bowing at the name of Jesus p. 235 The errour of the Jews in following the light of yesterday p. 121 An exhortation to the Jews p. 164 Another exhortation to the Jews p. 262 The calling of the Jews proved p. 299 Of the Jews insurrection under Aelius Adrianus p. 321 The Jews wâ—ful blindness and hardness of heart described p. 335 The Jews continuanâ—e in the World when other great and mighty Nations are utterly extinct p. Ignorance in this day-light of the Gâ—spel condemned p. 202 Of the joy that Christians ought to take in their enjoyment of the Gâ—spel p 184 Julian the Apostate his blasphemy and death p. 34 No justification by the workes of the Law p. 126 K. Government by Kings proved to be the best Government p. 60 King Charles the First commended by those that were his Adversaries p. 248 A saying of his against drunkenness in a Speech at Oxford p. 187 King Charles the Second his zealous forwardness in establishing Religion p. 231 L. The woful effects of pretended liberty of conscience p. 38 New lights not to be regarded p. 188 Of the invincible nature of light p. 182 Of Limbus Patrum p. 170 The Liturgy of the Church of England not taken out of the Romish Missal p 242 The agreement of our Liturgy with the Forms of Primitive Devotion clearly demonstrated p. 244 M. Millenaries and Fift Monarchists refuted p. 103. Miracles not to be expected under the Gospel p. 132 Fift Monarchists may see their errour p. 70 No murmuring ought to be at Divine Providence in disposing the Earth and all that is therein p. 50 Murmurers reproved p. 74 How mutable the children of men are in their workes p. 45 The Mystical Vnion between Christ and his Church shall never cease p. 286 N. The humane nature exalted above the nature of Angels p 32 Gods remarkable judgment on Nestorius p 35 O. The Oracles of the Heathen ceased at the birth of our Saviour p. 266 Oracles from Heaven not to be now under the Gospel p. 129 Order among the Creatures p. 58 P. The errour of the Papists in following the light of yesterday p. 128 The vanity of the Papists in looking unto Jesus in a Picture p. 296 Christian Parents comforted concerning their Posterity p. 281 Prophane Politicians enemies to Christs Sovereignty p. 77 The prophane alarum'd p. 203 Proud persons enemies to Christs Sovereignty p. 77 Poland polluted with Socinianism p. 39 Q. Quakers enemies to Jesus Christ p. 39 Quarrelling against the restoring of lawful Government in this Nation condemned p. 74 R. Our Religion maintained to be the onely true Religion p. 169 An approved remedy to heal the woful distempers and divisions of this Church and Kingdome p. 276 The Creatures future restauration p. 93 Christs Righteousness imputed to us for Justification p. 177 Of the first Resurrection p. 106 The Romish Church guilty of Novelty p. 217 S. Samosatenian Hereticks confuted p. 12 Satan hath no power in the Aire but by permission p. 73 Sectarists justly charged with Superstition p. 231 Consider the wonders of God in the Sea p. 49 Sin of the ungodly is found out by the light of this day p. 207 Sin by the light of this day findeth out the sinner p. 208 Smectymnuus detected p. 253 The cursed blaspemy of Socinians abhorred p. 26 That the Souls of the Patriarchs did not before Christs Ascension ascend into that place of bliss whither the souls of the Saints now ascend is proved an errour p. 174 Of the Suns Eclipse at our Saviours Death p. 266 Of Superstition p. 233 T. The time of the Gospel is a time of light p. 180 A Story of Theodosius p. 30 The godly preserved in the time of trouble p. 80 Of