of God as the first Adam was before him Luk. 3. 38. 2 Cor. 4. 4. Gen. 1. 27. And heyr of all things and having the dominion over them as Adam in innocence had Ps. 8. 5. comp with Heb. 2. 6. Psal. 2. 8. which are all resanctified and as I may so say redeemed from their former pollution in him as they were unhallowed by the other see Heb. 1. 2. 1 Coâ—… 10. 25 26. Rom. 8. 19. c. -14. 14. Now he readmitted into Paradise Luk. 23. 43. and to the Tree of life Rev. 2. 7. -3. 21. -22. 14. from which the first was expelled For tho he was and had all these from all eternity yet emptying himself as it were of all former rights in becoming man he thus made a new purchase and acquisition of them that so these his honors might be transferred to his seed as were the first Adams misfortunes Which seed hâ—… now began to propagate and to multiply and replenish the Earth with it He multiplying it not as thâ—… first Adam by carnal pleasure but as a vegetable seed increaseth by dying 't is our Saviors own allusion Jo. 12. 24 23. -3. 14 15. Esai 53. 10 11. And as the spirit in seed upon its burying in the Earth and dying begins first to operate and dilate it's self So did his spirit to the production of a numberless progeny See Jo. 7. 39. For which seed also as well as for himself upon his exaltation he received the promised spirit to be given them for the present Luk. 24. 49. Act. 2. 33. by which the rebelling flesh should be brought again under its dominion And the Crown of Immortality to be received shortly being the two things we lost in the fall of Adam So that look how much the first Adam contributed to our destruction much more hath the second for our Salvation To number up all whose derived blessings upon mankind more particularly we are first to take notice that sin having entred into the world by the first man and after it death this second Parent was forced in the first place to undo the works of the former and to clear the malevolent influence that came from him before he could impart to us his own and remove the punishment the first brought on us before regain the reward he lost us Therefore as the first Adam sinned and we barâ—… part of his iniquity so we sinning the second Adam bore all our iniquities and as we by partaking the first Adams flesh became heirs of his sin so he by partaking ours became if I may so say heir of our sins And that even of the sins of the whole world as not some few but all mankind were sinners and perished in Adam That the restitution might be as large as the fall This man upon the precious Cross offered a price of mans redemption not only sufficient for all the Sons of Adam and yet limited by him to some few i. e. the saved but also actually tendered to God his Father indifferently without exception for them all See 2 Cor. 5. 14 15. where the Apostle argues that all the sons of the first Adam were dead in sin because the second Adam died for them all See Heb. 2. 9. 2 Pet. 2. 1. Rom. 14. 15. 1 Cor. 8. 11. 1 Jo. 2. 2. Rom. 5. 18. 1 Tim. 2. 6. So those that perish Heb. 10. 29. by apostacy could not be said to have troden under foot the Son of God and the blood of the Covenant if no way pertaining to them and so in the Holy Communion if not his body offered also for and to the wicked how could they be guilty of his body and blood 1 Cor. 11. 27. That therefore this blood becomes not effectual and profiting to all in respect of which that phrase for many is used Matt. 26. 28. it is because of the conditions to be performed on every mans part that it may be beneficial unto him See Joh. 3. 16 17. Or also to take the strictest opinion of predestination because the Father hath so pleased to enable only some of the seed of Adam to the performance of such conditions But the Son in all things obedient and subject to his Father chose or picked out none no not his twelve Disciples but took into his diligent protection those whom ever the Father pleased to give him and even amongst the twelve in submission to his Fathers will chose one of them well foreknowing it Jo. 6. 70. to shed his blood See Jo. 17. 6 9 24. Jo. 6. 65. Act. 13. 48. -15. 13. Jo. 10. 26. Matt. 11. 25. Rom. 11. 7. and with a Divine patience tolerated him robbing him of his necessary provisions before he betrayed his sacred person See Jo. 12. 6. Nothing therefore is there on the account of the universality of his pretious sacrifice why every single Son of Adam may not be saved by the plentiful effusion of that all-meritorious stream of his blood which gushed out from so many Fountains made in his body from his head back breast hands feet nay in that Garden-agony thro every pore And those who make themselves uncapable of the benefit thereof make in as much as concerns them the blood of tâ—…e Son of God who loved them and gave himself for them Gal. 2. 20. to be shed so grievous a crime in vain and this by the Apostle is making themselves guilty of his murther Heb. 6. 6. 1 Cor. 11. 27. Thus he by Gods promise becoming the second head of the body of mankind 1 Cor. 11. 3. whereof we by faith are members by suffering and dying for us and in our stead tasting death for every man saith the Apostle Heb. 2. 9. he thus satisfied Gods justice and appeased his wrath toward us as one member in the natural body oft suffers the punishment for the fault of some other Sicut Homo saith Aquinas per aliquod opus quod manu exerceret redimeret se a peccato quod commisisset cum pedibus For by this Communication of head and members Adam brought in condemnation and death and therefore shall not mercy be enlarged as far as justice by the same relation that also they may be removed For as if one member suffers 1 Cor. 12. 26. all the members suffer with it so all the members are counted to suffer what any one doth For all the members of one body being many are one body and so is Christ 1 Cor. 12. 12. and we This is certain the first Adam hath brought no guilt or misery on his members which the second hath not or shall not in due season take away Nay saith the Apostle he hath taken away far more then the first brought to wit all our own personal guilt too For one only sin of the first was enough to undo not only himself but all his posterity and to bring in death but many millions of sins besides that could not hinder the second to procure us notwithstanding them
salvation and eternal life Rom. 5. 16. Now since all our benefit by him comes from our ingrafting and incorporation into him that so his sufferings may be accounted for ours the Sacrament or religious Ceremony instituted to convey unto us this first effect of the second Adams dying for us and so freeing us from the condemnation and washing us with his blood from the stains of our former sins is Baptism After which tho the infirmity of concupiscence still remain for the benefits of the second Adam are not fully perfected till this life is ended yet is both the strength thereof much abated and the reatus or guilt thereof totally removed i. e. that none shall be condemned for the solicitations and importunings thereof which will happen till our redemption is compleated so they be by him sor which he is enabled with sufficient grace mastered and supprest Therefore are we said in the Scripture to be baptized into Christ to put on Christ. Gal. 3. 27. Rom. 6. 2. to be in Christ Rom. 8. 1. Phil. 3. 9. by one spirit to be baptized into one body 1 Cor. 12. 13. To be baptized into his death to be co-planted in the likeness of his death and to be buried with him in Baptism Rom. 6. 3 4. c. 1 Pet. 4. 1. by baptism to be saved from death and sin 1 Pet. 3. 20 21. c. and therefore as Baptism is called our death so his death by him is called a Baptism Matt. 20. 23 Luk. 12. 50. What by him was really performed being by us too represented and acted in Baptism For our Savior is supposed see Rom. 6. chap. to represent till his death a son of Adam as we are and one that had took sin upon him tho he had none in him and so to suffer the punishment and dy to it as well as for it that is no more afterward to be charged with it Rom. 6. 10. and then to rise again a new man according to which we true sinners in baptism are supposed to dy with him to sin Rom. 6. 2. no more to live in it and then to be born again of him to begin a new life a life to holiness called also newness of life Rom. 6. 4. life spiritual opposed to the former carnal see Gal. 6. 1. 1 Cor. 2. 15. Rom. 7. 6. according to which we are said to be already risen with Christ. Col. 3. 1. That is from death in sin Baptism signifying 1. both our putting on some think signified by the expression borrowed from the pulling of old clothes and putting on new a Ceremony used at Baptism in the Apostles times and after them in the primitive Church and being ingrafted into Christ so that we have right to his sufferings c. and 2. then by virtue of his death our being cleansed from sin typified by the water washing us and then 3. our putting to death crucifying and putting off the old man Rom. 6. 6. the son of Adam and so dying to sin signified by the ancient manner of immersion of the body under water nothing of it to be seen and 4. then our putting on the new man and Christ our being born again of water and the spirit and being made a new creature represented in the emersion and elevation again out of the water See Col. 2. 12. -3. 10. Jo. 3. 5. As if you stood by those curing waters of Bethesda nâ—…w stirred by an Angel and saw a son of the first Adam consisting all of flesh diving into those waters all polluted with sin and dying in them which thing one man in every ones stead did for us and then springing up a new child out of this old stock the son of the second Adam consisting of spirit Jo. 3. 6. 1 Cor. 6. 17. washed clean and pure to live a new life in obedience 2. After he hath thus Communicated unto us as many as are his members absolution from sin by his dying to it for us and our implantation into his death by baptism the second blessing he derives upon his seed is Righteousness Rom. 5. 15 18. 19. Luk. 1. 72 75. that by this we may attain life eternal as by deliverance from sin we escaped death And this righteousness this second Adam conveighs unto us in two manners As Adam in like manner did sin to his posterity 1. For first as we derived both from the example of Adams disobedience and from the propagation of his flesh a natural soliciter even in mans innocence for its own delights without regard of their lawfulness Gen. 3. 6. but much more after the fall a pronity to evil and by loss of the Spirit inability to good so from the example of Christs obedience and the traduction of his spirit we receive a new ability inclination and pronity to good and aversion from evil See Eph. 2. 10. Tit. 2. 14. Jo. 8. 39 41 44. Rom. Rom. 13. 14. Eph. 4. 23 24. Rom. 11. 16. 2. Again as his posterity for Adams one sin and disobedience was made sinner and judgment and condemnation came upon them who sinned not after the similitude of his transgression for not their but his disobedience and that also one onely disobedience of his Rom. 5. 12. c. to the 20th The branches being holy or unholy as the root is See Rom. 11. 16 28. Heb. 7. 9 10. So the posterity of Christ both when they yeild obedience yet for his obedience and righteousness not theirs is accepted theirs whether devotions or good works at least many of them being by reason of the remains of the old man as yet only crucified in part weak and imperfect but his compleat and exact for which therefore all the imperfections of theirs by faith are pardoned And when they disobey their obedience likewise being not constant their repentance if it be rightly performed i. e. by now dying to their new sin since baptism in pennance and mortifications and commemorating the Lords passion in the Communion Matt. 26. 28. 1 Jo. 2. 1 2. serving to the remission of sin as they died before to their old ones in Baptism and then by living afterward according to the spirit for his sufferings and obedience is also accepted for obedience So that we are made righteous in Christ see Rom. 8. 1. comp Heb. 7. 9. 10. as well as from Christ in our selves by his spirit as also we were sinners in Adam Rom. 5. 12. as well as from Adam in our selves by the flesh derived from Him See Rom. 5. 15 19. Phil. 3. 9. Rom. 8. 1. 2 Cor. 5. 21. 1 Cor. 1. 30. Eph. 1. 4 6. 1 Pet. 2. 5. Eph. 4. 24. Col. 3. 17. 3. Thus Jesus Christ the righteous 1 Joh. 2. 1. derives to all his members righteousness and life spiritual opposed to carnal Next He for this righteousness advanced by God to Immortality Kingdom Glory c. derives upon his seed the reward of Righteousness life eternal opposed to this
stronger then he Jo. 12. 31. -16. 11. 1 Jo. 3. 8. Luk. 10. 18 19. Matt. 12. 21. Accordingly since our Saviors coming wee see the Devils former gross religions and delusions except in some out-skirts of the world America and China c. utterly ruined and him abridged most what of all his former inspirations for many of the lying Prophets were possessed and deceived themselves by an evil spirit see Micah 2. 11. 1 King 22. 20. possessions enthusiasms apparitions dictating Oracles by which he being very frequent in these was taken to be the great power of God See Act. 8. 10. 16. 16. comp 17. 1 Sam. 18. 10. 2 King 1. 2. 1 Cor. 12. 10. -14. 29 32. 1 Jo. 4. 1. and sustained by his frequent inanimations of them that gross worship of idols which are since grown contemptible according to the prophecies Zech. 13. 1 2. Esai 46. 1. comp Esa 45. 13 16. Esai 2. 18 20. Hos. 2. 17. So that now he is glad to use more fine and subtle arts for he is not yet utterly to be chained up And the cheif religion abhors idols and worships the true God that made Heaven and Earth but only opposeth the Savior thereof and him too not altogether rejecteth but diminisheth in comparison of the Divels Prophet Mahomet And tho he is not yet quite chained up from seducing the Nations nor tempting also the servants of Christ yet in respect of every one as he is weaker or stronger in grace so by him that sits now at the right hand of God are his temptations moderated and proportioned none suffering above what they are able to repel 1 Cor. 10. 13. And the weaker as they loose the glory of a conquest so have they the security of not being assaulted whereas t is much to be observed that for their greater reward our Savior permits Satan more liberty as it were to try Masteries with those that are stronger even sometimes to visible apparitions as he assaulted first their Lord and there want not examples of this done to many more when eminent in holiness as he did to Holy Job to the Apostles who by this discovered more of Satans wiles and more easily discern'd the spiritual powers that war against Christians and gave readier directions for the fight See Luk. 22. 31. 2 Cor. 12. 7. 2 Cor. 2. 11. Eph. 6. 12 16. Jam. 4. 7. 1 Pet. 5. 8 9. Eph. 4. 27. But when our Redemption is compleated which must not be before our Saviors appearing and his Kingdom 2 Tim. 4. 1. then shall we have by vertue of this our Redeemers ransom and conquest already performed and the full effects of which are already enjoied in his own person all freedom from them that can be imagined First Concerning sin That quite effaced and we Glorious Holy and without blemish not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing but perfectly sanctified and cleansed and so as a pure virgin presented and espoused unto the Son of God Eph. 5. 26 27. 2 Cor. 11. 2. 2. Concerning the law love perfected and we necessitated to good in such a manner that our actions there shall no more be capable of reward or punishment and consequently that there shall be no more place for a law 3. As for death it shall be swallowed up in victory and cast into Hell Rev. 20. 14. 1 Cor. 15. 26. Rev. 22. 2 3. 4. Satan also who now goeth abroad to deceive the Nations shall then be cast into the lake of fire and brimstone and the Accuser of the Saints shall then be judged by them and condemned to those everlasting torments which are prepared for him and his Angels from the beginning Rev. 20. 10. 1 Cor. 6. 3. Matt. 25. 41. CHAP. VI. Jesus Christ the second Adam Author to Man-The life kind of life as the First of Death BY Gods good will and pleasure as Adam the first man from the Earth was made a common person by whose disobedience and fall all dyed So there was to be a second Adam from Heaven 1 Cor. 15. 47. made also a Common person by whose obedience and merits mankind should be repaired and have life 1 Cor. 15. 22. And this was the Son of God of whose supreme dignity and equality with the Father as having the same essence and perfection of nature and consequently the same glory power and all other divine attributes see Phil. 2. 6. Jo. 5. 18 23. -10. 29 30. -17. 5. Rev. 1. 4. -4. 8. comp with Rev. 4. 2. 5. which means the Father and Rev. 1. 8 17. this the Son And 't is not to be passed by that whereas there have been several apparitions of the first and second person of the Trinity they are both described much-what alike see Esai 6. Rev. 1. 13. of the Son Jo. 12. 31. comp Rev. 4. 2. c. of the Father as appears Rev. 5. 7. and Dan. 7. 9. comp 13. according to which attributes no person is before or after another And omnia opera Trinitatis essentialia ad extra i. e. such as have some influence into the creature and where there is no relating of one person to another must needs be indivisa i. e. if of one person of all Because all are but one and the same God yet in respect of acts and agency personal even before the Incarnation whether it be by vertue of eternal generation Ordo sine subordinatione cum una tantum sit essentia divina Missio in divinis non jussionem non imperium sed processionem unius personae ab alia cum novi effectus connotatione significat Bell. Judic de lib. Concordiae So Pater dicitur major filio ratione principii non ratione naturae Notatur enim quaedam authoritas in eo quod pater est principium filii non contra Ita Basilius Nazianz. Hilar. multi veteres c. Bell. de Christo l. 1. c. 6. Cur necesse est si dignitate ordine secundus est filius tertius spiritus natura quoque ipsos secundum tertium esse Basil. see Bell. de Christo l. 2. c. 25. In which sense Qui communicat essentiam naturam communicat potestatem scientiam c. as Aquin. recognitione authoritatis paternae donantis as Hilary or whether it be by the particular economy and dispensation of the Divine wisdom in order to the Creation and the Redemption of the World even before the Incarnation I say as the Father doth nothing without but all by the Son both in the Church and in the world and in these both in the creating and in the ordering and sustaining thereof see Jo. 5. 17 22. Heb. 1. 2 3. Jo. 3. 35. Col. 1. 16 17. Therefore is the Son distinctively from the Father called the Lord because of his immediate Dominion over all things Phil. 2. 11. 1 Cor. 8. 6. Act. 2. 36. 1 Cor. 15. 24. Rom. 1. 7. Eph. 4. 5 6. So the Son every where acknowledgeth all he hath
natural they yet live in like manner as from the first Adam they were heirs of death eternal See the parallel between them for life and death 1 Cor. 15. 20. and 45. c. as for sin and righteousness Rom. 5. And this life in its due time is to be communicated to all the members of Christ 1. both because the head and members have all the same spirit i. e. of the Father which therefore if it have raised one must needs also raise the other As we see in the living Creatures and the wheels Ezech. 2. 21. when those went these went and when those stood these stood for the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels Or as we may imagine a man of those large Dimensions that his head were in Heaven and his feet on Earth and such is Christ and the Church Col. 2. 19. and both called by one name of Christ 1 Cor. 12. 12. how easily and instantly such a one by the animal spirits communicated from the Head would move here below which way he pleased his inferior members See Rom. 8. 11. 1 Cor. 6. 14. Therefore those priviledges which the Apostle applies to Christ Heb. 2. 6. the Psalmist saith of man in general Ps. 8. And again 't is argued negatively from us to Christ If no resurrection of us then is not Christ risen neither 1 Cor. 15. 13. If not possible for the spirit to raise our human nature then not his And 2. because the head as Christ is to the Church naturally gives the sense and motion to the members Therefore as 't is said that the head and members are both raised by the same spirit so also that the Head shall raise and quicken the members See Jo. 6. 39. 1 Cor. 15. 45. 2 Cor. 4. 14. I speak of resurrection to life Else the wicked also shall be raised by him by his voice Jo. 5. 21. as their Judge to be thrown into endless torments which is but a Gaol-delivery and an haling them out of prison to execution an act of his power as God not of his merits as a Savior by their having any union to him as the second Adam And the proper Sacrament instituted to conveigh this life unto us by union with Jesus is the Eucharist being the Communion or Communication unto us of all himself first of his body and blood 1 Cor. 10. 16. by which we are made not in a Metaphor but in a Mystery and that a great one members of his body of his flesh and of his bones Eph. 5. 30 32. And 2. not only of his body but of his spirit too 1 Cor. 12. 13. by which soveraign receit and incorporating of him who hath life in himself our bodies also and souls are according to the ancient form of the Church in the administration of these mysteries preserved unto everlasting life a promise by our Savior annexed so often to this mystical partaking of him Jo. 6. 56 57. c. therefore the consecrated elements called Symbola resurrectionis and formerly never neglected especially to be received at the hour of death For 't is to be noted that tho both the Sacraments have all the same effects Remission of sins Matt. 26. 28. comp with Act. 2. 38. Union 1 Cor. 10. 16. comp with Gal. 3. 27 28. all one in Christ Jesus And Joh. 3. 5. comp with 1 Cor. 12. 13. And both Sacraments do intimate obligation to suffering to the receivers see Matt. 20. 22 23. where allusion doubtless is made to the two Sacraments as 1 Cor. 12. 13. Tho our baptism is not with blood as his nor our cup so bitter yet either of them have some more eminently then others Therefore Baptism to which we have more easy access upon repentance Act. 2. 38. and faith of the truth of the Gospel Act. 8. 37. and the promise onely of a new life Matt. 3. 6 8. is more principally the Sacrament of remission of former sins Act. 2. 38. and of our profession of our death to sin and relinquishing the old Adam and now putting on Christ. And then after this cleansing from sins past by baptism the Eucharist to which we are to bring not only faith and repentance but sanctification and holiness therefore such examination required see Matt. 22. 12. see 1 Cor. 11. 28. the end of 27. and 29. comp with 1 Cor. 6. 15. converted shall I then take the members of an â—…arlot and make them the members of Christ 1 Cor. 5. 11. converted No formcators presume to eat c. with the Saints is more specially the Sacrament of our union to Christ and living by him who is the life by the incorporating of his body and blood and spirit into ours 1 Cor. 10. 16 17. By which incorporation we contract such an identity as it were with him that see what he is we are Is he a Son of God so are we His heir So are we Rom. 8. 17. of the Kingdom the Glory to come only all this by and from him that in all things he might have the preeminence and amongst many breâ—…hren be the first born But we must know that as all these effects of our Savior toward us depend on a second generation and being born again of God by the seed of the spirit Jo. 3. 9. 2 Cor. 3. 18. Eph. 2. 22. -3. 16. which giveth life as the flesh from the first Adam soweth corruption see Gal. 6. 8. 2 Cor. 3. 6. Rom. 8. 11. Jo. 4. 14. Eph. 4. 22. and on our thus being made the true children and ofspring of Christ Heb. 2. 13. Esaâ—… 53. 10 11. So that this our second birth is not compleated all at once but this image of Christ by little and little at last is perfectly formed in us See Gal. 4. 19. 2 Cor. 11. 2. 1 Pet. 2. 2. As also all other works of our Savior are not consummate till his second coming and the resurrection Else did we walk by sight and not by faith how should we be transported with joy upon a vision of that infinite glory and nobility the poor Sons of Adam receive from this their second father to whom be all glory for ever And how should we sigh and groan till we were once possessed of it See 2 Cor. 5. 2 4. and Rom. 8. 23. To consider therefore a little the manner and the progress of our regeneration here in this life Our Savior as soon as he had died to sin as a son of Adam and lived again as a Son to God Rom. 6. 10. presently received this spirit by which he begets us promised long before and therefore frequently called the promise from the Father to communicate to his posterity see Luk. 24. 49. Act. 1. 4. -2. 33. Eph. 4. 10. Jo. 7. 39. by which spirit derived from him to us thro whom we receive all things that we receive from God as it was from his Father to him and therefore called also his spirit of Christ
We are all therefore one day to take holy orders to be made Priests and Kings or Priests Melchisedechical Indeed we are already Priests not only some of us in respect of the rest which I have mentioned before who officiate for them in the publick assemblies but even all the people of God in comparison of the rest of the world the Church being a chosen generation out of all the rest an holy Nation a Kingdom of Priests Gods peculiar treasure the Israel of God separated and sanctified for to serve him See Exod. 19. 5 6. Gal. 6. 16. 1 Pet. 2. 5 9. Rev. 1. 6. Every one of whom not only by the Priest in publique assemblies but by themselves also in their hearts may offer sacrifices immediately to God the Father acceptable thro Jesus Christ Heb. 7. 19. and hence are we also called not only Priests by whom but Temples also and that not our souls only but our bodies inhabited by Gods spirit as that Ancient one was by his Glory in whom such sacrifice is offered as our Saviors body also more eminently was stiled a Temple See Jo. 2. 21. 1 Cor. 3. 16. -6. 19. Eph. 2. 22. But this Temple is yet but in building as it were we being here 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and hereafter more perfectly 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Here Tabernacles hereafter Temples see Eph. 2. 21 22. But these we shall be made yet much more hereafter 1. After the day of judgment For then shall every place become a Sanctum Sanctorum and every one a Priest See Rev. 21. 22 23. where the new Jerusalem that after the final judgment Rev. 20. 12. comes down from heaven where perhaps as God expresseth elsewhere earthly by heavenly things so here heavenly by earthly hath no Temple at all in it For that which indeed makes a Temple whereever it resides the glory of God and of the Lamb being now spread all over it irradiating and illuminating it throughout in which respect there is said to be neither Sunshine nor Night there it is all of it nothing but a Temple vers 3. or God being the Temple vers 22. all over it See the same thing prophecyed Esai 4. 3 5. that every one should be â—…alled holy and every house and assembly in Sion have the same glory upon it cloud by day and fire by night that was on the Tabernacle And in this Sanctum Sanctorum Gods Servants shall see his face without a cloud of Incense betwixt and stand before his glory with his name Holiness unto the Lord in their foreheads Rev. 22. 4. and there they shall serve him vers 3. See Esai 61. 6. -66. 21. night and day in his Temple Rev. 7. 15. before the Throne of Glory in singing eternal glories and praises to him for there shall be no more confession where no sin nor praier where no more want not infirmity nor affliction the nations being healed by the tree of life Rev. 22. 2. no 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 any curse or excommunication of any Rev. 22. 3. there And secondly As then Priests and Servants to God the Creator so are they also Kings or Lords over the Creation sit down on thrones with Christ and Rev. 3. 21. and reign for ever and ever 22. 5. reign on the earth 5. 10. over the Nations 2. 26 27. Judge Angels Judge the 12 Tribes be rulers over Cities Luk. 19. 17. see Matt. 25. 21. -24. 47. Luk. 16. 10. which expressions so far as they have reference to Christs kingdom after the final day of judgment and not to that prosperous condition of the Church which is promised before it are metaphors expressing the unintelligible things of the next by the more acquainted things of this world which cannot be no more then those Ezek. 43. c. c. speaking of the same things litterally fulfilled 2. Priests also after Death before the great judgment day in the better part of us the soul the estate of which tho it was Gods pleasure that it should not be fully revealed to us yet we may not neglect to take notice of that which is so It seems plain then 1. That tho there is no formal judgment or sentence passed upon any man at the day of Death or final reward appointed or any convention or appearance of the soul before the eternal Judge for why then have not other spirits that are void of bodies as yet received that judgment see 1 Cor. 6. 3. And tho the soul as well as the body attain not as not extensively so neither intensively its full beatitude reward and crown nor vision and communication of God and glory nor a full satisfying of its desires Ps. 16. 15. or punishment pain and torment until the general day of judgment and retribution which is true not only of men 2 Pet. 2. 9. but devils more great and more Ancient offenders then men 〈◊〉 6. as may be gathered from both our Saviors and the Apostles frequent expressions commanding us to depend and cast our hope on the expectation of the coming of Christ in glory at the last day and deferring the receit of our salvation of the reward and of the crown of glory c. till that time See Luk. 14. 14. 2 Tim. 4. 8. -1. 12 16 18. 1 Pet. 1. 5 13. 2 Pet. 3. 11 12. Act. 3. 19 20 21. Luk. 21. 27 28. Phil. 2. 16. -3. 11. 1 Cor. 1. 7 8. -15. 19 32. 2 Cor. 5. 1. c. 2 Thess. 1. 6 7. Heb. 9. 27 29. Rev. 22. 7 12. Col. 3. 3. comp 4. 1 Jo. 3. 2. 2 Pet. 2. 9. Jo. 14. 3. By which it appears that there is a place not to be entered before Christs second coming prepared by his Ascension but before this were many souls in Paradise And this applied not only to the body but the spirit 1 Cor. 5. 5. From the petition and expectation of these souls Rev. 6. 9 10 11. From the just punishments of other spirits much worse and that stay for no bodies yet defer'd till that day See Jude 6. Matt. 8. 19. -25. 42. 2 Pet. 2. 4. Luk. 8. 31. comp Eph. 2. 2. Some at least it seems dwelling in the Air and not yet cast into the Abysse and likewise in this interval between death and judgment tho 't is most probable that some souls attain not so much bliss and glory and priviledg as some others See Rev. 20. 4. comp 5. -14. 4. Nor perhaps so much security I mean not in respect of damnation but in respect of that severe tryal which shall be at that dreadful day and of the measure of their salvation bliss and reward For since some sins shall come into judgment and scrutiny at that day which shall not amount to the condemnation of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 by which our Savior expresseth hell here Matt. 5. 22. as frequently elsewhere See vers 29. Matt. 25. 33. see Matt. 5. 22. comp Matt. 12. 36. And since of those
who shall be saved in that day yet this salvation shall be much more difficultly attained by some then others 1 Cor. 3. 15. It cannot be imagined that the state of all the souls of those who rest in peace are alike blissful in the interval between death and judgment or equally comforted of some of whom such a severe examen is afterwards to be passed It cannot be that such a difference of the salvandi being to be in judgment there should be none before it nor the same soul so much in bliss at one time as some other see Rev. 20. 4. -14. 1. -7. 4 9 14 15. comp Rev. 6. 10 11. Yet it seems plain I say that the soul in general severed from the body doth afterwards of it self subsist That it is still intelligent and hath use of its faculties That it because other spirits are is capable 〈◊〉 â—…wing things corporeal That it certain of salvation passeth at least those of the more perfect carried thither by Angels Luk. 16. 22. comp Matt. 24. 31. Luk. 16. 9. comp Luk. 12. 20. into a place of rest consolation inchoative bliss or certain of its damnation of imprisonment and inchoated pain till the resurrection of the body Secondly That the souls of the faithful since his resurrection are gathered to Christ and do tho not all in the same proximity and degrees of consolations then see and behold him and the blessed Angels See 2 Cor. 5. 7. comp with 6. 8. for if St. Paul desires this change because here we walk by faith not by sight therefore we walk there by sight not by faith See 1 Cor. 13. 12. comp with 10. and Heb. 12. 23. So Calvin who spake very warily in this point Animae piorum militiae labore defunctae in beatam quietem concedunt ubi cum felici laetitia fruitionem promissâ—… gloriae expectant and again Christus illis praesens est eas recipit in paradisum ut consolationem percipiant c. Reproborum vero animâ—… the furthest removed from God and light cruciatus quales meritae sunt patiuntur vinctae catenis ut etiam diaboli Jude 6. tenentur donec ad supplicium cui addictae sunt trabantur It is plain I say from these texts well considered Matt. 10. 28. Job 1. 8. 2 Cor. 12. 2 4. Heb. 12. 23. Act. 7. 59. Luk. 23. 43 46. 1 Pet. 3. 19. Phil. 1. 23. 2 Cor. 5. 1 2 3. comp 6. and 8. Luk. 16. 22. 〈◊〉 20. Rev. 19. 22. comp 20. 12. In some of which tho some things are said of the person yet they must needs be understood only of the soul Animus cujusque est quisque And indeed it were unreasonable to deny to the soul in its state of separation that converse with God those favors revelations c. from him which we must grant to it in an extasy wherein the body lies as it were dead and unserviceable unto it which St. Paul experienced in his raptures 2 Cor. 12. 2. and to the Prophets in their dreams These things granted to see a little further whether any thing can be discovered concerning the imployments c. of the souls of the Blessed that are with Christ. First we find the Court of Heaven as now it is since our Saviors Ascension described by the Apostle Heb. 12. 22. c. to consist of God Christ Angels a Church or general assembly of the first-born and spirits of just men made perfect called by him in other places the Family in Heaven Eph 3. 15. Thâ—… Jerusalem above our Mother-City Gal. 4. 26. Heb. 12. 22. In respect of which we are said to have our 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in heaven Phil. 3. 20. And perhaps that text Eph. 2. 〈◊〉 where we are said to be set down with Christ may be meant of that part of the Church which now resides in Heaven Again in all St. Johns visisions we find besides all the usual appearances of the old Testament first the representation of a Church or Ecclesiastical Senate now in heaven described before Heb. 12. 22. and these there praising God for the Creation Rev. 4. 10 11. then the Lamb Rev. 5. 8. for his mercy to the Church and for his judgment upon its enemies for all the works of God are one of these two for the reward they had received Redemption of the whole Church out of every nation and people amongst which still this comes in that they were made Priests and Kings as we find it every where frequent see Rev. 1. 6. -7. 15. -20. 6. and for that they should receive reigning upon earth i. e. in the new Jerusalem descending from Heaven Rev. 21. 2. after the execution of Gods judgments upon their the Churches enemies See Rev. 5. 9 10. -11. 16 17 18. which praise in the 4. and 11. chap. the 24. Presbyters singly perform and tho in the 5th the Cherubims joyn with them 't is in the worshiping not in the song as drawn in that form for else the Angels every where glorify God as fellow Servants Rev. 19. 10. -22. 9. for his mercies to the Church 2dly Besides this Senate we find mention of souls first of the primitive Martyrs those slain for the witness of Jesus appearing under the Altar where sacrifices were slain and the blood which is the life or soul Lev. 17. 14. poured out at foot thereof and here crying out How long before the time of vengeance Rev. 6. 10. not that they thirst after Revenge but their reward yet this thirst void of impatience which it seems was not to be bestowed till the accomplishment of the rest of their Brethren yet under persecution and the destruction of their enemies see Rev. 20. chap. as Gods reward and punishments have their solemn and set times and are not of men single but of many together thus it is in the first resurrection Rev. 20. 4 5. after destruction of the Beast c. Rev. 19. 20. those sooner and later martyred crowned at once and thus in the second Resurrection Rev. 20. 12. At the destruction of Satan and death those long and lately dead raised at once Meanwhile there are given them white Robes and rest Rev. 6. 11. white robes implying both the righteousness innocency holiness of these Saints which they bring with them from the Earth see Rev. 19. 8. -7. 4. -3. 4. and the glory and light and beauty which is given to this innocency from God after this upon their number accomplished and judgment ready to be executed upon those who killed them See Rev. 8. 7. c. we find these souls clothed with white robes and palms in their hands standing before the Throne c. and praising God and admitted to serve him in his Temple and to follow the Lamb c. Rev. 7. 9 15. c. Next we find the souls of those who living in latter times had gotten the victory over the Beast first with patience resting and their good works i. e. their white linnen following them
Rev. 14. 12 13. then their number likewise being accomplished and now judgment going forth against the Beast c. standing likewise upon the sea of glass before the Throne with Harps as the service of the Temple was celebrated with Musick 1 Chron. 25. 1. Harps of God as 1 Thess. 4. 16. and singing Moses's triumphal song over the Egyptians see Rev. 15. 2 3. -4. 6. To these two may be added those primitiae of Israel who first upon earth upon going forth of judgment were sealed to be preserved Rev. 7. 3. and then are found Rev. 14. 3. praising God on Mount Sion Lastly afte judgment executed and finisht as well upon the Beast false prophet c. Rev. 19. 20. as upon the persecutors of the primitive Martyrs Rev. 8. 7. c. We find the promised reward given to the souls both of those who were beheaded for the witness of Jesus Rev. 6. 10. and those after who had not worshipped the Beast Rev. 15. 2. both joined Rev. 20. 4. in the first resurrection being then made Priests of God and of Christ. Rev. 20. 6. When also Christ himself is said in a more special manner to be admitted to and possessed of his Kindom i. e. after his enemies destroyed in respect of his members See Rev. 19. 6. -11. 17. -15. 4. Dan. 7. 13 14 17. And is yet again to be advanced higher in it after the day of judgment and death destroyed For that giving up the kingdom to the Father 1 Cor. 15. 24. and God being all in all vers 28. is not an annulling except for the manner of it only but perfecting of our Saviors kingdom And all this is done before the last general resurrection of bodies set down Rev. 20. 12. Now this first Resurrection is either to be restrained to the Martyrs under the two great persecutions storied the first Rev. 6. chap. the 2d Rev. 13. chap. as first fruits and those who are come out of great tribulation Rev. 7. 14. -14. 4. and to some others perhaps of extraordinary sanctity whose other zealous service for God hath equalled the Martyrs sufferings who shall have some extraordinary priviledge beyond the rest either in a proper former resurrection of their bodies upon the destruction of the Beast as the general resurrection follows that of Satan Which will not seem so great a Paradox after one hath well considered that such a resurrection of bodies not of a few but many old Testament Saints hath already been accomplished namely at our Saviors resurrection see Matt. 27. 52 53. who accompanied him ascending as the first fruits of the Resurrection of the rest by the same Christ to come Nor will it be a stranger thing then for some before others to enjoy in their bodies celestial bliss then now it is that Enoch and Elias do so Or in a Metaphorical one of the soul Martyres fruuntur ut loquuntur veteres praerogativa resurrectionis sunt jam nunc 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 sicut alii futuri sunt post universalem resurrectionem Grotius Annot. Cassand Art 21. which as it is capable of the expression of a resurrection to grace Jo. 5. 25. Col. 3. 1. according to that of the Schools Mors animae separatio à Deo So perhaps it may be said to have one and as it were a new life when it is advanced to a far greater glory according as Hereticks that held no other resurrection applied this term only to it 2 Tim. 2. 18. 1 Cor. 15. 12. whilst the souls of the wicked that still lie in prison till the great day are said not to live again till the day of judgment and then to be condemned to a second death See Matt. 10. 28. and the souls of other faithful only to be at rest See 1 Cor. 5. 5. Or if the first resurrection be thus understood namely of souls to greater glory then may it be applied not only to the Martyrs who are named by St. John living in times of persecution 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 only but to the spirits of all the Saints that are deceased before our Saviors 1000 years reign Especially if we consider first that St. John names such infinite numbers of them of all nations c. Rev. 7. 9. 2. The marriage of the Lamb which likely excludes no Saints mentioned at this time Rev. 19. 9. 3. The same reward of reigning security of not being hurt by the second death c. Rev. 2. 11 26 27. promised not only to the Martyrs but all repenting and doing good works tho I allow them to the first in a far higher measure Rev. 2. and 3. chap. 4. Because he no where makes mention of other Saints not having the same priviledges but of other dead Where his saying that blessed and holy are they that have part in the first resurrection for on such the second death hath no power seems to imply that the second death should have power over all the formerly deceased that had not part in it See Rev. 2. 11. And thus much of our being admitted first in soul then also in body by Christ to the same honor with him of Priesthood and vision and attendance on God in the holyest of all Blessed be such love to sinners for evermore For what joy do we imagine would an Israelite have had to have been introduced within the veil and to have beheld the glory between the Cherubims which yet the High Priest might then see only thro a cloud of incense How passionately did enamoured Moses beg for one sight of Gods face which only the Gospel admits us to and was suffered only to see his back and Elias on the Mount of God after 40 daies fast admitted only to hear his voice But we all by this High Priest are advanced in due time even to see face to face 1 Cor. 13. 12. And this it is that holy David inflam'd and melted with Divine love every where so much longs and sighs for to dwell in Gods house for ever to behold his beauty in his Temple i. e. to live for ever in his presence for as a Prince makes the Court so Gods presence makes a Temple See Ps. 23. 6. -84. 1. c. How amiable My soul thirsteth Blessed are they that dwell A day in thy Courts Ps. 42. 1. c. As the Hart panteth And so his chief praier to God not to turn away his face to cause his face to shine to lift up the light of his countenance upon him never to be enjoyed but in his holy place into which this our great High Priest first conducted him The greatness of which Divine bliss of his and of all Saints we may measure but how infinitely doth the other exceed it by the joy we should take in the possession of some earthly thing with which we are desperately in love and by the mourning we make for the loss i. e. in the absence of it when despaired So the soul as soon as it hath once cast its
by which his 2 Effected by him §. 15. The Eucharist iucorporating us into his life The Sacrament of Union §. 16. All tâ—…ese Benefits depend on our being made his 〈◊〉 §. 17. Which we are by the derivation to us of his nature â—… His Spirit §. 18. Given to us upon Faith and Repentance §. 19 Our new birth at our Baptism Not 〈◊〉 perfected §. 20. By this spirit the image of Christ first formed in the soul. It s mighty working in the soul oâ—… the like graces to those in Christ. His 〈◊〉 in the soul not 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 this life Umbra in lege Imago in Evangelio veritas in coelo S. Ambros. §. 21. 2 Shall be also in the body hereafter Wâ—…en we shaâ—…l more propâ—…y be the 〈◊〉 of God It s mighty working in the body of the like glory to that in Christ. §. 21. Before the resurrection as we so our Head not compleat §. 22. The diverse relations of Christ to us as second Adam Father Children Husband Wife Root Branches Foundation building Elder younger brethren Configuration as wrought by â—…im so to be advanced likewise by us §. 1. The Holy God not admitting to his service the approach of sinners But of some chosen and consecrated persons in their behalf Some ministring at a greater distance tâ—…e Levite Some nearer The 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 line only §. 2. And nearer yet the High Priest His Office §. g. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of Priesi 〈◊〉 imperfect decaying and except typically 〈◊〉 §. 4 This Order Expired Jesus Christ the true High Priest 〈◊〉 li 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 nature 2 In the 〈◊〉 thereof Called to this office and anointed by God Of the order of Melchisedeck i. e. Regal and Eternal §. 5. This Holy Priest offering the sacrifice a sin-offering §. 6. After this entring into the Sâ—…nctum Sanctorum Without which his office had been imperfect and ineffectual §. 7. He entring thro the heavens to the true sanctuary The vail of the other being now rent and it made common 1 The description of this Sanctuary §. 8. 2 Of his person entring §. 9 〈◊〉 in the sacrifice And sprinkling the blood before the Lord. §. 10. Making Intercession 1 In presenting his own prayers to the Father for us §. 11. 2 In presenting also our praiers and oblations to the Father The sacrifices and oblations of Christians §. 12. §. 13. 3 In procuring our admission to deliver them our selves unto the 〈◊〉 §. 14. The benefits of his intercession Procuring us the Holy Spirit from the Father And all blessings spiritual and temporal Himseâ—…f imâ—… conâ—… them 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 §. 15. As High Priest intercessor answering to Aaron So by his royal Priesthood Captain of Gods people answering to Moses 2 To Joshua And the forerunner into the place of rest 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 §. 16. The substitutes of this Priest in his own necessary absence here on earth 1 To present his sacrifice 2 To make intercession for the people §. 17. This honor of Priesthood from Him to be communicated to all his Brethren In some sort alâ—… they officiating in it here on earth But shall more compleatly after tâ—…e day of judgment Being 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 as He. And serving God for â—…ver 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Temple 2 Priests also in some sense in the soul after Death §. 18 A glympse of the after-death condition of the souls of the Blessed §. 19 This High Priests at the last day return out of the Sanctuary and reappearance to the people §. 1. Before our Saviors incarnation God the 〈◊〉 by him created sustained governed the whole world And more specialâ—…y the Church §. 2. Our Saviors descent from his eternal throne for mans sake §. 3 A kingdom promisâ—…d to man at â—…first §. 4. Our Savior became man and by obedience and sufferings gained it And so by him all Adams postevity that follow him §. 5. The power and extent of Christs kingdom â—… Over Angels Good Eâ—… 2 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 3 Souls â—…odies 4 〈◊〉 to 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 5 Sins to remit to retain them 6Over living over dead The last Judge 1 Of men brought back to life 2 And also Angels The good and the bad â—…ter of 〈◊〉 and â—…ments 7 〈◊〉 all the Creaâ—…ures A new world to be made by Him As men have seen some pieces of it by him repaired §. 6. The manner of exercising this his Regal powâ—…r §. 7. Which is by certain degrees advancing §. 8. 1 In respect of subduing his Enemies 1 Antichrist 2 Satan 3 Death 2 In respect of enlarging his dominion 1 To the Jew in part 2 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 3 To the Jew Apostatized §. 9. At last perâ—… 〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 § 10. The three Ascents of his throne §. 11. The whole work 〈◊〉 all his members câ—…mpleated â—…mies conquered resigning up his ingdom to the Father §. 12. §. 1. The Old world had not only the types but the benefits of the promises Had the presence and conduct of the sâ—…n of God â—…nd the presence and assistance of the Holy Spirit §. 2. The Government of the old world by the Son §. 3 All judgments and vengeance §. 4. Executed by the second person of the Trinity 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 §. 5. Of an 〈◊〉 having 〈◊〉 Attributes §. 6. Some old Testament apparitions must be granted to be of the second person From these granted others in reason cannot be denyed As those to Abraham To Noah To Jacob c. That to Moses on Mount Sinai on the 〈◊〉 In the Wilderness In the Temple c. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 Him 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 §. 7. The descent of the Hoâ—…y Ghost under the old Testament Some sprinklings then of all its gifts It s 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in some 〈◊〉 men And specially on the sons of the Prophets § 8. The 2 Covenants from the tâ—…e Two generations alwaies One of works the other of faith §. 9. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Seth the first Father of the Holy Race Enos Enoch 〈◊〉 §. 9. Of tâ—…e covenant of Grace made or rather renewed with him 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 type of Baâ—… Of the Eucharist §. 11. Shem The Lord called the God of Shem. §. 11. Abraham Of the Covenant of Grace renewed with and the Gospel preached to him And of the Sacraments belonging to it David The same Covenanâ—… renewed to him The Prophets Of Gods frequent renewing of the covenant of grace to his people by them §. 12 And by extraordinary Teachers constantly reforming the Church at certain times when much declining 〈◊〉 his true worship and least deserving it As by Enoch Noah Abraham § 13. Moses Samuel and David Zerubbabel and Joshuah His own Son §. 14 God for â—…ver preservinâ—… the 〈◊〉 not 〈◊〉 to its 〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 own 〈◊〉 purpose and pleâ—…sure §. 15. The eminent promulgatioâ—… of the Covenant of Grace 430 â—…ears seniour to that of the law The Gospel preached to the same people when the law was The law to the children of faith coâ—…sistent with subservient to and no way annâ—…lled by the Covenant of Grace or the Gospel §. 16. Tho to the children of works a killing letter Yet 〈◊〉 to drive them made sensible of their inability forward into tâ—…e Covenant of Grace §. 17. The two ministrations of the law by Moses and the spirit by Christ how and how not opposed The Ancients had a waies the same way of salvation as the latter times §. 18. §. 19. The same justification and sanctification The same obedience tâ—…en required and performed §. 20. The Parallel precepts under tâ—…e law to those under the Gospel §. 21. The same sufferings and mortifications c. required and undergone Consider the old Testament mortifications Temporal afflictions of the godly Of single persons godâ—…y Of nations godly 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Under the new Testament temporal prosperity in some sense to the godly § 22. 3 The same rewards eternal then promised Punishments eternal threatned The common belief of all nations concerning these Of the Ancient 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a resurrection of the body The scriptures of the old Testament Concerning a resurrection Concerning eternal bliss after it of the faithful Eternal punishment of the wicked Paena damni Paena sâ—…nsus §. 2â—… Conclusioâ—…