ignorant but euen to him that knoweth it because it is but in part reuealed vnto him 1. Cor. 13. 12. AEnig 133. How is it a duty to search the secrets of God yet his secrets may not be searched without sinne Resolution The word of God is called a mysterie or secret because it is hid from the children of this world and Gods children know it no other waies then by reuelation of the spirit to search this secret is our duty Ioh. 5.39 but it is a sin to search such secrets as God keepeth to himselfe which he would not haue men to know Deut. 29. more briefly thus we may search the secrets of Gods mouth with duty but not the secrets of God without sinne AEnig 134. What is that that kills before it make aliue And how this may be Resolution It is the word of God which kills by the ministerie of the law Rom. 7.8.9 ere it make aliue by the ministerie of the gospell for first it deeply wounds our soules with feare and sorrow in the feeling of sinne and death through the knowledge of the law and afterwards it comforts and heales vs by the feeling of mercies to the forgiuenesse of our sinnes and life eternall thorough the knowledg of Christ. Esay 61.2.3.4 AEnig 135. 136. How may liúely Oracles bee a dead letter How may that which is dead be sharper then a two edged sword Resolution The word of God 1. in it owne nature 2. ly in respect of the Author and 3. ly of the end for which it was giuen is a liuely oracle being from the God of life ordeined to giue life and hauing promises of life yet without the quickning force of Christ and regenerating Spirit it is of no more force to conuert vs then a dead Letter but by the mighty working of God it is sharper c. AEnig 137. How are the Scriptures before the Church yet there was a Church long before there was any Scripture Resolution The Scriptures in regard of the matter which is the word or doctrine of godlinesse it is before the Church as the immortall seede whereof it is begotten but in respect of the forme as it is written in inke and paper and set down in letters sillables and words so the Church was before there was any Scripture for Moses was the first pen-man of Scriptures AEnig 138. If prophesie must cease how doth the word of God endure for euer Resolution The truth of the word in things promised to the faithfull and threatned to vnbeleeuers for their estate in the life to come shall abide euer but the manner of deliuery of the word and teaching knowledge thereof by prophesying tongues writing inke and the paper wherin it is written with the letters and words shall cease and perish AEnig 139. How came Christ to make warre yet he is the prince of peace and his gospell the gospell of peace Resolution It is true that the word offereth peace with God and calleth vnto it also perswadeth peace with man and so resembleth the Author which is a God of peace also worketh peace as an instrument whereas therfore contention schisme and heresie arise vpon the publishing of it this comes accidentally beside the nature of the word thorough the fault of our corrupt hearts which vse to striue for our fancies and lusts against truth and such as bring it rather then to yeeld peceably vnto it Mat 10. Eph 6. AEnig 140. How are sinnefull affections by the law if the law be good and holy Resolution The law is neither cause nor occasion of sinne to speake properly but detecteth and condemneth all sinne and therefore most holy but sinne taketh or snatcheth occasion by the commandement and works all manner of euill lusts in men vnregenerate whose corrupt sinnefull hearts by the prohibitions of the law be irritated and prouoked to sinne thorough their owne fault in running more eagerly vpon an euill that is forbidden them Rom. 7.7.8.14 AEnig 141. How is it that the law promiseth eternall life to workes yet no man can be iustified and saued by the workes of the Law Resolution Because no man fulfills the worke of the Law as they be commanded of God Rom. 8 3. Gal. 3. for no meere man can doe all in perfection and all his life long Therefore no man can be iust by the works of the Law AEnig 142. How is it that the Law being the word of God and of life as well as the Gospell yet we are saued by the Gospell not by the Law Resolution The Gospell promiseth saluation vpon condition of beleeuing it and giueth thorow the holy ghost power to beleeue it whereas the Law promiseth life to workes but giueth no power to do these works Rom 1. 16. Law shewes the disease and cures it not the Gospell heales the wound by applying remedie AEnig 143. What is that that abideth still yet is passed away Resolution The Ceremoniall Law is passed away as touching the ordinances thereof which now haue no force yet their substance and truth being fulfilled in Christ the body of them abideth still AEnig 144. How is it that we can no more beleeue perfectly then we can perfitly do the Law yet we are iustified by the faith of the Gospell and not by the deeds of the Law Resolution The reason is because the Law doth not promise life but to deeds perfectly done whereas life is promised to them in the Gospell as beleeue truly though vnperfectly for it is not written that wee are iustified by perfect faith but by faith for Christ who is the obiect of faith AEnig 145. How may one doe a worke commanded in the law yet sinne in doing it Resolution If hee shall faile in the manner of doing it or in the end not doing it in perfect loue and to Gods glory then there is sinne in doing it though the thing done for the substance of it be commanded If one do a worke commanded and yet do it not out of knowledge but ignorantly then it is sinne AEnig 146. How many one do a worke forbid in the Law yet not sinne in doing it Resolution To kill ones son to take away ones goods be workes forbidden in the generall Law yet Abraham and the Israelites doing these things with warrant of Gods special commandement sinned not in doing them Genes 25. Exod wee are to walke not by particular but by the generall precept Concerning works as eating Shew-bread plucking eares of corne on the Sabboth or healing on the Sabboth these bee against the law of Ceremonies yet in case of necessitie they were done by Dauid Christ and his Apostles without sinne because the law of Ceremonie must giue place to the law of Charitie as it is written I will haue mercy and not sacrifice Hosea 6.6 AEnig 147. How is the Law a yoke that none can beare yet the commandements are not heauy Resolution The
commandements are easie to such as being regenerate are strengthned by the Spirit to walke in them and haue their failings forgiuen them by grace to others they bee heauy and buthensome Also the perfect fulfilling of the Law is to all a yoke intolleâ—able Acts 15.10 AEnig 148. How is faith commanded in the Law it being a part of the Gospell Resolution Faith as it is a worke or action it is commanded in the first Commandement wherein we are charged to beleeue what God speaketh and to trust in him but as faith hath a propertie to apprehend Christ with all his merits it is a part of the Gospell a condition of the couenant of grace and is not of the law Gal. 3.12 Ro. 1.16.17 the Law doth generally command vs to beleeue but speciall faith to beleeue in Christ that is required in the Gospell AEnig 149. How is the Gospell and not the law called the ministry of the spirit which workes in and by the law as well as by the Gospell Resolution The law hath the spirit of feare and bondage ioyned to the ministery therof but the ministry of the Gospell being accompanied with the spirit of regeneration and adoption which bee the most noble and worthie eeffects of the spirit hence is it called the ministry of the spirit by an excellency AEnig 150. How was the law ordeined to life yet the law is the ministry of death Resolution In Gods purpose it was giuen vnto life hauing also promises of life It is turned vnto death accidently because by breaking it we incurre the sentence of death whereof we being conuicted in our consciences wee do see and feele our selfes to bee dead and vnder condemnation Rom. 7. 9. 10. AEnig 151. What mould or stampe is that which leaueth no print nor figure Resolution It is the Gospell the doctrine wherof being applied to the Consciences of vnbeleeuers doth leaue behinde it no print or stampe of sauing grace AEnig 152. What glasse is that which changeth into it selfe such as looke into it and how this may be Resolution It is Christ Iesus reuealed in the preaching of the Gospell to the conscience of elect beleeuers transforming them effectually into his owne Image of true holinesse setting vppon them the stampe of his grace 2. Cor. 3. 18. AEnig 153. 154. What sauor is that that is both sweete and deadly at once and how this may be How can one word at once both harden and soften Resolution The word of the Gospell is a sweete sauor to quicken vnto life the elect sinner in his effectuall calling but it giues a deadly sent to the killing spiritually of them that receiue it not Hardening these in their corruption mollifying and softeining the other as the sunne softeneth waxe hardeneth the clay 2. Cor. 2. 15. one cause may haue diuers yea contrary effects in respect of sundrie obiects AEnig 155. What is that which at one time is both seede and bread and how this may be Resolution It is the doctrine of the Gospell which is as it were seede to beget a new the elect who receiue it into their hearts through faith And afterwards it is as bread and will bee to nourish and strengthen them vp in Christ 1. Pet. 1. 23. and the second Chapter and second verse AEnig 516. How may there be a great famine of bread where there is a plenty of bread Resolution This may happen in a Country where earthly blessings abound the word of God to bee pretious and rare to be found there may bee plenty of corporall bread where is scarcity of spirituall bread AEnig 157. How many two men at one time attentiuely heare one sermon being both alike corrupt yet the one receive the doctrine the other refuse it Resolution Thus the one being ordeined to life eternall is also ordeined to faith the meanes of life And therefore is effectually called the time of this happie vocation being come the other not belonging vnto Christ but appointed vnto wrath is left to his naturall corruption and so refuseth the word Act. 13. 48. Ioh. 10. 26. or thus that is reuealed to one which is hid from another because it pleaseth God AEnig 158. How may a woman pray and prophesie in the assembly without sinne seeing she is forbid to speake in a congregation Resolution She may bee said to pray and prophesie because shee is present at both partaketh in both and giueth her consent so in a sort the action is hers but she is forbid to speake as a publike teacher not as a priuate partaker 1. Cor. 11.5 AEnig 159. How may a raine fall plentifully yet no grasse or stone to be wet with it Resolution It is the doctrine of the word which comes downe vpon the hearts of Gods children as dew or raine to make them fruitfull in good workes Deut. 32. 2. AEnig 160. How may the same sâ—ede fructifie the same day it is sowne yet not fructisie in seauen yeare after Resolution The seede of the word in some bringes foorth fruite presently as in Lidia and Act. 2. 37. in other it lies long in their hearts as seede in the ground ere it fructifie as in the Apostles of Christ who remembred and vnderstood the wordes of their Lord long after they were spoken AEnig 161. How is it there being both an old testament and a new yes the testament is but one Resolution The Testament for the substance which is saluation by Christ And for the condition of it which is faith it is but one yet for the diuers manner of dispensation of it it is called old new as if it were two As it was giuen to the Iewes by Moses in many darke rites and ceremonies which in time were to vanish so it was old but as it is giuen to all Christians by Christ in few and plaine Sacraments to continue without change so it is new AEnig 162. How was Abraham dead long ere Christ was borne yet Abraham did see the day of Christ Resolution It is true that Christ came into the world long after Abrahams death yet Christ and his day were seene of Abraham and other beleeuing Fathers by the eye of faith to which things to come are present And Christ is the same for euer AEnig 163. If the Gospell be only the power of God to saluation how were they saued that liued afore the Gospell Resolution If by the gospell we vnderstand the narration of Christs doings and sufferings set downe by Euangelistes the fathers before Christ might be and were without this yet were saued by the gospell for that they had the promises concerning Christ which be the effect of the gospell and did saue such as beleeued them Gal. 3.8 God preached the Gospell to Abraham Act. 15. 11. AEnig 164. Who is he that is both a father and a nurse at once and how this may be Resolution It is the minister of Christ who is
beleeuing is nothing but a spirituall sight faith being the eye of the soule whereby we see God reconciled to vs by Christ by which sight we walke now not by immediate sight such as Angells and Saints haue in heauen which glorious sight shall dimme or extinguish rather the obscure sight of faith which seeth thorough the Word and Sacraments as spectacles whereas there in heauen we shall see perfitly AEnig 228. Who is that that makes things visible to be invisible and things past and to come to be present And how this may be Resolution It is a true and liuely faith to which God and heauenly glory things invisible doe after a sort become visible being beleeued that they shall as certainly be performed as they are certeinly promised Also in a wonderfull manner both things past as the worlds creation Christs incarnation and passion And things to come as resurrection Iudgment c. are present to faith Heb. 11.1 AEnig 229. How may one at once both haue faith and loose it Resolution A Christian at once may haue the gift or habit of faith and yet loose the feeling and some fruits for a time as in Dauid and Peter who lost confession of Christ with boldnesse cleannesse and ioy of heart yet lost not the grace of faith AEnig 230. How can one see him that is invisible whom neuer man saw Resolution God being an invisible Spirit maketh himselfe seen vnto faithfull ones and visible as it were in his word sacraments works and creatures Heb. 11. 27. AEnig 231. How is it that a beleeuer still hungers and thirsts yet true beleeuers hunger and thirst no more Iohn 6. Resolution True beleeuers because their apprehension and feeling is weake hindred by sinnes and temptations therefore they still thirst and couet increase of their faith to a more full enioying of Christ and his graces wherin because they doe finde all soule contentment and satisfaction euen whatsoeuer belongs to full happinesse therfore they are said to thirst no more for they rest in him onely and seeke not for an other AEnig 232. How may one beleeue before he haue faith Resolution He that out of an heart truly touched for his offences doth desire through the holy ghost to beleeue the forgiuenesse of them such a one though he haue not that faith which is in strong apprehension and act yet he doth beleeue in Gods acceptance who in his children accepteth the desire for the deed Mat. 12.20 Ioh. 7. 37. 38. AEnig 233. Seeing doubting is contrary to faith how can beleeuing and doubting meet both together in one person Resolution Doubting being a fruit of vnbeliefe is contrary to the nature of faith which is a certaine assent vnto the promises yet it may stand with the infirmitie of faith as in Peter Mat. 14. 31. why dost thou doubt ô thou of little faith doubting springs not from faith but from weake faith AEnig 234. If we be certaine of our saluation by faith how are we bid to worke out our saluation with feare and trembling Resolution As a child may reuerence and feare his Father of whose loue he is certeinly perswaded so Gods child thinking vpon his owne weaknesse and the falls of others may feare to offend God by falling to sinne yet may bee certainly perswaded of his owne saluation when he considers the infinite mercy truth and power of God Phil. 2. 12. AEnig 235. If faith be but one how is it written that righteousnesse is reuealed from faith to faith Resolution Faith is but one as touching the kinde author obiect and end yet this one faith hath sundry degrees and measures righteousnesse is then reuealed from one measure of faith to another from a lesser faith to a greater but not from one kinde of faith to another Rom. 1.17 Eph. 4.5 AEnig 236. How one person at the same time may be an enemie to God yet loued of him Resolution One that is an enemie actually by the guilt and corruption of sinne wherin he stickes being vnregenerate may at the same time be and is loued of God in his purpose and election Rom. 7.10 9.13 AEnig 237. How may it be that one should marry a Wife and yet still remain a Virgin Resolution Hee that is maried to a Woman yet is still a Virgin if his faith be kept pure and vnspotted see 189. AEnig 238. How may one be a maa and a chtld at once Resolution One person at the same time may be a man in yeeres and a child in vnderstanding as Nicodemus Iohn 3. AEnig 239. Who was he that was a man the first day he was borne And how this may be Resolution Paul the Apostle in respect of his great knowledg and strength of grace which hee receiued in his new birth was a man not a babe the first day he was borne into the Christian world Acts 9. AEnig 240. Who is he that is twise borne and thrice dead and how this may be Resolution A regenerate man is borne of his mother naturally and the second time he is borne of the Church spiritually Also he is once dead in sinne by corruption from Adam The second time he is dead to sinne by mortification from the death of Christ The third time dead to the world in the disolution of soule and body by the decree of God AEnig 241. Who is he that fiue a childe and how Resolution One that is regenerate and liues till hee be in great yeares is a childe first by age secondly by new birth thirdly in vnderstanding if he continue weake in knowledge long time after he is new borne fourthly in maliciousnesse being harmelesse as a childe fiftly in yeares as it is said once an old man twise a childe AEnig 242. Who is it that hath foure heades and but one heart also two hearts and but one head and how this may be Resolution A religious beleeuing wife hauing but one naturall heart yet beside her naturall head shee hath her husband as domesticall or houshold head her King as politicall or ciuill head And lastly Christ her misticall and spirituall head Also a man that hath but one naturall head may haue two hearts as hipocrites who are double minded or as the godly comming into the worde with a heart of stone and afterward receiuing from grace a heart of flesh Ezek. 11. 19. AEnig 243. If Gods promise be true why are seales added Resolution Seales are added to the promise not simply to confirme the truth thereof which is more stable then heauen and earth but to help the infirmitie of our faith which needes strengthening against doubts and feares of the flesh AEnig 244. What is that which is called that it is not yet is that which it is called Resolution Sacraments be called by the name of things wherof they are sacraments for likenesse sake yet are not the selfe same things really and substantially but mistically and
others do inioy Also such as haue the least portion want not and such as haue the greatest haue none ouer plus for all haue perfection Euen as many vessels cast into the sea being vnequall measures yet euery one is filled full AEnig 261. How is there one spirit of bondage another spirit of adoption yet the holy spirit is but one Resolution Bondage and Adoption bee but diners affectes of one spirit workeing diuersly in the law too terrifying in the Gospell too comforting Rom. 8. 15. 2. Cor. 3. AEnig 262. What is that that is both kept and giuen at once Resolution Christ giueth the title of sonnes to the faithfull yet himselfe still keepeth it Also the right of heauen hee so keepes as yet he hath be gift bestowed it vpon his members who in way of thankefulnesse for their sonneship and inheritance doe giue to him againe themselues and all their graces which neuer the lesse they do keepe still AEnig 263. How may the childe of Adam be certaine that he is the childe of God Resolution By their faith and the fruits thereof inward and outward See 258. AEnig 264. If the faithfull bee sonnes and heires how is it that they are persecuted and contemned as Vassals and Outcasts Resolution Through the malice of Sathan wicked men who neither know them nor God their father but hate God in them and them for his sake who permitteth his children to bee abused by the world because it makes for their present triall and for the increase of future glorie 1. Ioh. 3. 1. and 1. Pet. 1. 6. 7. Rom. 8. 18. AEnig 265. Seeing the spirit of feare is contrarie to the spirit of adoption how then can they feare which are once adopted Resolution Adopted children of God feare not now with a seruile feare of punishment only as slaues their Lords or malefactors their Iudge this feare is expelled by faith but they do still feare the displeasing of God with a childe-like reuerence out of a louing affection to God as vnto a father Psal. 13. 4. they feare transgression rather then condemnation AEnig 266. How can they be said to bee reconciled vnto God whom God did alwaies loue Resolution The elect were euer loued of God in his eternall decree and purpose yet being by Adams disobedience imputed and their owne naturall corruption together with the fruites thereof become enemies to God and hee to them sinne hauing made a separation they are actually reconciled being loued indeed when by their faith they doe laie hold on the death of Christ for remission of sinne and haue the image of God restored by the spirit of sanctification Rom. 5.7.8.9 AEnig 267. What is that which at once is both olde and new and how Resolution The soule of an elect man by grace of sanctification is renewed to the likenesse of God in righteousnesse and true holinesse yet still reteineth much oldnesse of corruption new it is then by reigning grace and old it is by remaining sinne Rom. 7. 23.24.25 AEnig 268. How may one at once be both persit and vnpersit Resolution The Saints be perfit by imputation of Christs perfection Also in respect of their sincere delire to please God and of their endeauour toward actuall perfection yet in respect of their manifold wants and sinnes the best men are still vnperfect Phil. 3. 12. 13. AEnig 269. How may one and the selfe same person be all flesh and all spirit at once Resolution The childe of God because hee is sanctified throughout in all parts therefore is all spirit but because his sanctification is not perfit in degree therefore he is also all flesh spirit and flesh grace and corruption being so mixed together in the whole man as wine and water in a cuppe or as light and darkenesse in the aire at the break of the day Rom. 7. 14. 15 16. AEnig 270. Who is he that hath two bodies and two spirits at once yet is but one man and how this may be Resolution A truely sanctified person hath one body of flesh another of death Rom. 7. 24. Also he hath one spirit which is his soule and the holy spirit whereby he is led Rom. 8. 1. AEnig 271. Who is he that at once is both free and bound and how this may be Resolution Euery Saint is free both from the curse and power of sinne the bondes whereof are broken in his new birth yet he is bound still to serue God his Creator and redeemer in newnesse of life Rom. 7. 6. AEnig 272. How may one man at once be both vnder grace and vnder the law and yet hee that is vnder grace is not vnder the law Resolution One man at once may both be vnder grace and vnder the instruction and regiment of the law Yet whosoeuer is vnder grace at the same time he is not vnder the malediction and irritation of the law but is freed from it as it is the strength of sinne and accurseth euery sinne Rom. 6.14 7.4.5 AEnig 273. How may one lawfully kill himselfe Resolution Himselfe in Scripture signifieth the corrupt lasts of our reason and will which may lawfully be killed by mortification Col. 3.5 but himselfe that is his person he must preserue and cherish Eph. 5. AEnigma 274. How may one both loue himselfe and deny himselfe at once Resolution Thus. One may loue his person which is himselfe and deny his euill affections which are as himselfe at one time AEnig 275. How may it be that one should sinne no more while he liues And yet there is no man liuing which senneth not Resolution He may be said to sinne no more who earnestly striueth against his sin to weaken and keepe it vnder and in whom the desire and pronenesse to sinne is corrected by grace such a one by reason of his affection would not sinne and by reason of his strife against sinne he sinneth lesse then he was wont to doe daily casting new mould vpon his sinnes to bury them AEnigma 276. How is it that sinne doth still liue in vs if sinne be dead in vs and we dead in it Resolution It fareth with sinne in a truly sanctified person as it fareth with a souldier that hath taken a deadly blow yet still mooues and stirs or with a sick man who still liues yet hath a deadly vnrecouerable disease likewise sinne in the godly hath by mortification taken a deadly wound and can neuer recouer his former strength yet is still aliue moouing and tempting vs to breake Gods law Rom. 7. 22. AEnig 277. How may one bee raised from death whiles he is aliue From the death of sinne the Elect are raised by Christ euen while they are aliue in the flesh to walke in newnesse of life Rom. 6.4 this is the first resurrection AEnig 278. How may there bee in one man both peace and warre at once Resolution Peace with God warre
by the nature and condition of promises for legall promises may be found in books of the new testament as Ro. 2.7.8.9.10.11.12.13 also Rom. 10. 5. Gal. 3. 10. 12. and contrarily promises Euangelicall of grace may bee found in the books of the old Testament as Psal. 132. 1.2 also Ierem. 32. 31. 32. c. therefore they are to be discerned the one from the other in this sort namely according to the rules following Wheresoeuer promises of temporall or eternall good things are made on condition of works as they be the perfect keeping of the law all such promises are legall which no man can lay claime to except he bring an absolute obedience in no point failing which none since Adam saue the man Christ can do therfore he only hath right to eternall life and to all good things in the strict iustice of the law they which belieue claime by his title conueied to vs by faith in Christ. All promises of the life to come or of this life which be made on condition of belieuing or of repenting and working as repentance and workes though vnperfect be signes markes and fruits of faith and faithfull persons all such promises be Euangelicall whereunto euery beleeuer how weake soeuer be his faith but as a grain or mustard-seed may lay claime and challenge through the grace of God freely promising and giuing them Christ his sonne and all good things with him as godly sorrow bringeth repentance to saluation 2. Cor. 7.10 and Luk. Blessed are they which heare and keep the word and 1. Timoth. 6. Godlinesse hath promises c. Psal 1.1.2.3 and Iohn 3. hee that belieueth shall not be condemned he shall be saued hee shall passe from death to life and the iust by faith shall liue Hab. 2. 4. all those and all of this sort and sute are promises of the Gospell The well obseruing this difference between promises of the Law and Gospell will bring great light both to teachers and hearers and the neglecting of it will trouble and confound both nothing being so dangerous as not to distinguish well betwixt Law and Gospell as M. r Fox and Luther do teach at large Touching such places of scripture where morall duties be commanded and commended they must be vnderstood according to these Rules following set downe by M. Estay in Psal. 119.1 Though no word bee spoken of Christ yet it must be vnderstood that he alone is the full cause of euery part of our saluation Act. 4. 12. All morall duties are then commended in any party when the party that doth them is first in Christ hauing his righteousnesse imputed to him and his sinnes pardoned through the death of Christ. Reason is because all our duties are acceptable to God through Christ 1. Pet. 2. 5. and that without faith in Christ none can please God Heb. 11.6 lastly because our best duties being vnperfect and full of blemishes must bee purged by forgiuenesse of sinnes therefore the good things done by Saul or Iudas or proud Pharisies or other euill men please not God All good workes must haue a pure heart for the beginning and Gods glory for their end that is they must be done of conscience to godward out of obedience to his word and with desire and purpose by such obedience to glorifie him for the bare deed neuer please God Thus Abell thus Abraham Moses Dauid Ezekiah did their works and all the regenerate doe them thus and thus Papists neither do nor can do good works Morall duties when they haue blessednesse promised to the doing of them are not to be considered as causes thereof that is Christ as is said before but as signes which shew to a man that he is faithfull and therefore happy and blessed or as the way which leadeth to blessednesse These duties must not bee vnderstood in the strictnesse and rigor of the morall Law but expounded of a continuall and vnfained desire purpose and indeuour to doe them sorrowing when wee cannot doe them as we ought asking pardon wherein we faile and setting a fresh vpon them striuing alway to prooue better and better This rule would preuent scruples and feares which weak ones haue thorow a sense of their owne wants and failings When the scripture commends any as being perfect or exhorteth any to bee perfect it must bee vnderstood of vprightnesse not of absolutenesse of a perfection in parts striuing to all duties not in measure and degree for it is impossible for any Saint in this world to attaine to a certaine and perfect loue and obedience that is reserued till next life Estay in Psalm 199. this Rule would haue preserued Familists and Papists from conceit of imagined perfection in this life Likewise the Scriptures that affirm of the Saints that they are worthy must either be vnderstood of the worthinesse of the person accepted as worthy for Christ his worthinesse not of the worthinesse of workes or else worthy signifies in such texts no more but meet and fit as Math. 3.8 Luk. 21. 36. Col. 1.12 Reu. 3. 4. for they are worthy Thus there will be no footing for Papists merit in these texts of scripture Perkins in Reu. 3. In the doctrine of iustification of elect sinners before God where the Scripture mentioneth Christ onely without faith there vnderstand it alwaies with reference to faith see Gal. 3. 8. and contrariwise where faith is mentioned withouten Christ it hath respect to him as the obiect Rom. 3. 28. 30. Reason is because there is a necessary mutuall relation betwixt faith the instrument and Christ the obiect and matter of our righteousnesse Christ iustifying such onely as haue faith to beleeue in him and faith looking directly and only to the promise concerning Christ. The ignorance of this Rule bred that absurd and vn-gospellike error of actuall iustification by Christ without the help of faith The books of the new Testament speake of the passion of the Lord Iesus by a Synecdoche that is putting a part for the whole the visible sufferings for the invisible Thus vnder his suffering of death be comprehended all the sufferings of his life also his whole suffering spirituall and bodily is comprehended somtime vnder the offring of his flesh or body as 1. Pet. 1. 24. Heb. 10.10 1. Pet. 4.1 sometime vnder sprinkling or shedding his bloud Math. 26.28 1. Pet. 1.2 somtime vnder his stripes Esay 53.5 and that all both the inward paines of soule properly felt for sin and outward smart of the body went together for the full and whole sacrifice for sinne is very clere by Heb. 9 28. where it is written that by the offering of himselfe hee put away sin that is his whole manhood was the sacrifice propitiatorie for sinne also the story of his sufferings which mentioneth his soules sorrow ere euer his body was medled withall makes it most manifest Math. 6.38.39
wherein and the nature whereby was finite yet deserued infinite glory because it receiued infinite worthines from the Godhead to which his manhood was personally vnited AEnig 97. What sonne is he that is heire while his Father liueth and how Resolution Though properly hee bee an heire which by succession entreth on the inheritance of his dead Father yet both Christ and all belieuers are heires while their Father doth liue because he cannot die being the euerlasting God and freely communicateth his inheritance to them without any wrong to himselfe AEnig 98. How can Christ receiue ought of his Fathers gift himselfe being author of euery good gift Resolution Himselfe as God is giuer of all but as mediator hee doth receiue much from his Father Mat 28. 18. Eph. 1. 22. God hath giuen him ouer all things to be the head of the Church AEnig 99. How can one be both Priest Sanctuary Sacrifice and Altar Resolution Christ Iesus as a man was both sacrifice and Sanctuary Hebr 2.8 as God he was the Altar Mat 23.19 as God and man hee was the high priest Heb. 9.14 AEnigma 100. How may eternall life bee borne and dye Resolution Christ being true God was that eternall life Iohn 1. 2. which was borne and did die in the nature of man assumed as it is written the Lord of glory was crucified 1. Cor 2.8 also God with his bloud purchased his Church Act. 20. 28. in which speeches that which is proper to the manhood is attributed to the Godhead for the vnitie of the person though he was borne and died in his manly nature yet the person that died was God the life eternall vnderstand this soberly and wisely it is a true and wholesome doctrine AEnig 101. How did Christ die willingly yet die necessarily for he must die Resolution In respect of his owne election Christ died voluntarily for hee laide downe his life of himsele no man could take it away from him Iohn 10. 18. Yet hee died necessarily to fulfill the iust purpose of his Father and the true prophesies of the word which had decreed and foretold his death Luke 24.25 Christ then died because he would die yet he must die because God so ordained AEnig 102. How can a body bee seuered by death from the soule and yet both remaine still vnited together Resolution Christ his body and soule were pulled asunder one from the other in his death yet euen then both of them were still vnited to the person of the sonne of God for the hypostaticall or personall vnion of the two natures in Christ is vnseparable and euerlasting or else he could not bee an eternall high Priest if there were interruption of this vnion but for a moment AEnig 103. How may one at once both ouercome and be conquered Resolution Christ when he yeelded to death and went into the graue was for a time as one conquered according to the infirmity of his flesh yet euen then his diuine power triumphed ouer sinne death and graue which was manifested at his resurrection from the dead Col. 2. Also the Saints being conquered by violence of persecutors yet ouercame by patience AEnig 104. How may a Lambe ouercome a Lyon Resolution That Lambe of God Christ Iesus by the merit of his voluntary death tooke all the Elect as a prey out of the iawes of Satan that roaring Lion Heb. 2. 14. Hee destroied through death him that had power of death euen the Deuill AEnig 105. What stone is that that is both the rising and falling of many and how this may be Resolution That stone is Christ who to them that by faith stay on him is a precious Stone euerlasting lie to support and saue them yet to the disobedient he is a stone of offence and an occasion of their ruine and fall because thorow vnbeleefe they refuse him being offered 1. Pet. 2.6.7 AEnig 106. Who is that that giues that life it hath to others yet is selfe hath not that life it giueth Resolution That flesh or humane nature of Christ hath that life by participation from the Godhead the fountaine of life And giues the same to all beleeuers his members yet the life which it giues it hath not in it selfe originally for the flesh profiteth nothing it is the spirit that is the Godhead which quickneth Iohn 6.63 AEnig 107. How is death the cause of life How can death be the death of death Resolution The death of Christ by worthines deriued from his diuinitie it is the meritorious cause of life eternall which we had forfeited by sinne Iohn 1. 6. I will giue my flesh for the life of the world This same death of Iesus is the death that is the destruction of death hauing spoiled it of all power to hurt vs Hos. 13.14 O death I will bee thy death and thy destruction O graue AEnig 109. How may one person at once be most blessed and yet be made a curse Resolution Christ in himselfe as hee was perfectly righteous so hee was most blessed the fountaine of blessednesse Luk. 1. Yet as hee sustained the person of offendors hee became a curse which was signified by his manner of death being on the tree Gal. 3.13 AEnig 110. How can temporal paines deliuer from eternall paines Resolution Temporary paines through the dignity of the Sufferer bee equiualent or answereable to eternall paines that the eternall sonne of God should suffer for a while what more then if all Angels and men had suffered for euer by how much hee is higher then they hauing obteined a more excellent name Heb. 9. 1. AEnig 111. How is Christ daily crucified yet could die but once Resolution It is most certaine that Christ could be but once really and actually crucified could but once die yet after four sortes he is continually crucified first in a mistery the Lords supper being a coÌ„â—emoration or remembrance of Christs Sacrifice vpon the crosse Secondly in the preaching of the death of Christ so liuelily as if he were crucified before our eyes Thirdly in the heartes of the faithfull their faith being as it were the aulter on which hee daily suffereth his passion being still present to euery beleeuing soule Lastly in the mouth of wicked Apostates who blaspheme him Heb. 6. AEnig 112. How was Christ slaine in the last times and yet was the lambe slaine from the beginning of the world Resolution He was actually slaine in Ierusalem at the time appointed which was in the last daies But if wee respect the promise of his sacrifice or the vertue therof cowardes beleeuers hee was slaine from mans restoring which was neere the beginning of the world And before all worlds in his Fathers councell and ordinance AEnig 113. What person is that which being not meere God was yet both in heauen in hell and in earth at once and how Resolution It was Christ God and man whose soule in his agonie went
into the paines of hell When he wrestled with diuine wrath in the garden and vpon the crosse at which time his manhood was on earth and his godhead in heauen Math. 26. AEnig 114. Who is he that loued his enemy more then himselfe and how this may be Resolution It was Christ by dying and by being made a curse for such as were his enemies Rom. 5. 8. AEnig 115. Who is he that being dead and buried did not corrupt and putrifie Resolution Christ his body being buried in the graue was there preserued extraordinarily from all corruption Psal. 16. 10. AEnig 116. How is it written of Christ that God did beget him in the day of his resurrection yet was he begotten of his father before all worlds Resolution Christ was begotten of his Father by an euerlasting generation but being declared mightily to be the sonne of God when he raised himselfe from the dead Rom. 1. 5. thence he is said to haue begotten him on the day of his resurrection at what time his godhead was so fully manifested to the Church Act. 13. 33. as if he had then been begotten AEnig 117. How can absolution come out of condemnation glorie out of shame liberty out of bondes Resolution Iesus being vniustly bound reproched and condemned suffered obediently the same hence arose the merit of our liberty glory and absolution AEnig 118. How can the death of Christ profit vs more then his life yet had hee not risen and liued his death had done vs no good Resolution It is more to reconcile an enemie then to keepe in fauor a person reconciled The former we gaine by Christs death beleued in the latter he doth for vs being raised and aliue Rom. 5.9.10 AEnig 119. Who is he that did not forsake earth when hee went vp to heauen nor forsake heauen when he came into the earth and how this may be Resolution When the man Christ ascended into heauen the godhead forsooke not earth fulfilling all places and when he first became man and dwelt in the earth his godhead then did not forsake heauen AEnig 120. How can the heauens conteine him whom the heauen of heauens cannot conteine Resolution The heauens containe him locally as man because of his naturall dimensions whom the heauen of heauens cannot containe as God because of his immensity AEnig 121. 122 Who is he that is himselfe God and yet doth sit on the right hand of God And how this may be What one name is that that is aboue all names and how this may be Resolution Christ according to diuine nature is true God who being made true man and in his time dying rising and ascending sitting now as mediator at the right hand of God full of power and maiestie Heb. 1. 3. In which his exaltation to glorie blisse and dominion hee hath receiued a name aboue all names being become more excellent then all creatures which are all put vnder him Eph. 1. as subiect to him AEnig 123. What is that that being absent from vs is more present with vs then when it was present with vs Resolution It is our mediator Christ who being absent from his Church as touching his manhood which he hath taken vp into heauen yet by the presence comforts and operation of his spirit he is more effectually present with his Church then when hee liued here in earth with it AEnig 124. What is that that commeth to the Church at that time when the Church already had it Resolution The Church had the holy Ghost as touching ordinary giftes and working while Christ liued but after that he ascended the same spirit came to the Church by extraordinarie and visible graces and operations Ioh. 7.39 Acts 2.2.3 AEnig 125. How may we pray to one who himselfe did pray to another Resolution We may pray to Christ as he is God equall with his Father also as hee is Mediator who yet himselfe as man and as a creature did pray to his Father in the daies of his infirmitie Heb. 5. AEnig 126. How can the Faithfull be saued seeing they still doe sinne euen after the forgiuenesse of sinne Resolution By the intercession of Christ whose death hauing once reconciled vs the merit of it as an Intercessor 〈◊〉 commeth betweene Gods iustice and our sinnes of frailty to keep vs in fauour by obtayning pardon of our daily infirmities vpon repentance 2. Iohn chap. 2. 3. AEnig 127. How is it that Christ doth dispose of the kingdomes of this world and ruleth ouer the men which be in the world and yet his kingdom is not of this world Resolution His kingdom as he is God is vniuersall ouer all the kingdomes of the earth to giue and take away Dan. 2.21 but as Mediator his kingdome is spirituall peculiarly ouer mens consciences in things which belong to heauen being managed and gouerned in all simplicitie without all outward force and pompe Ioh 18. 36. 2. Corin. 10. 3. 4 5. AEnig 128. How is it written of Christ that of his kingdom there is no end yet he must deliuer vp the kingdom vnto his Father at the resurrection Resolution Christ his kingdome is eternall without end as touching the effects and fruits thereof which are I. the glorious maiestie of his owne person II. the euerlasting saluation of the elect and thirdly the destruction of all his enemies but as touching the manner of his reigning such as now is vsed by execution of his prophetship in the administration of his word and Sacraments 2. of his priesthood by his Sacrifice and Intercession 3. of his royall power by the keies committed to his Church it shall cease that God himselfe immediately may bee all in all 1. Cor. 15. 14. AEnig 129. How can Christ be that Word which is God and yet that word be not the word of God Resolution Christ is the vncreated substantiall word whereby Gods minde for the saluation of his chosen is declared to vs as our minde is declared by our words this Word is God Ioh. 1.1 there is another inspired created worde which serues for euer as a rule of faith and manners to the Church and this is called the word of God not God the Word AEnig 130. 131. What weaknesse is that that is stronger then all strength What foolishnesse is that that is wiser then all wisdom Resolution The weaknesse of Gods ordinance in preaching his word and the foolishnesse therof as the wicked worldlings iudge and speake of it being the wisdome and power of God to make the elect beleeue vnto saluation is farre stronger and much wiser then all the wisdome and strength of this world which cannot effect so much as the conversion of one sinner 1. Cor. 1.25 AEnig 132. What is that which being knowne is still a secret to them that know it and how this may be Resolution The word of the Gospell is still a secret not onely to the
with his lusts Rom. 5.1 7.22 as the wicked haue peace and league with their sins but warre with God at one time AEnig 279. How may one at once both worke and fight Resolution The true Christian doth at once both performe the worke of his calling and fight against the hinderances whereby the world sinne and Satan would withdraw him from his worke or discourage him in it as Israelites in building Ierusalem AEnig 280. How may hee say who shall free mee from sinne who is already freed from the law 〈…〉 Resolution One who is in part freed from the tyrannie of sinne may desire and long to be perfectly freed Rom 7.24 AEnig 281. How may one repent before he haue repentance Resolution The child of God hath a sound purpose and desire to repent which with God is accepted for repentance before he hath the power and grace of repentance so he repents in will ere he hath actuall repentance wrought in him AEnig 282. How may one haue repentance without repentance Resolution When one hath true repentance wrought in him whereof he neuer need to repent him because it springs out of a godly sorrow for sinnes and tends to saluation then hath hee repentance without repentance 2. Cor. 7.10 for he neuer repenteth him that he hath repented AEnig 283. How may one confesse and leaue his sin yet not repent Resolution If his confession be hypocriticall from stinge of conscience or perforce and not out of displeasure of heart for sinne and hope of forgiuenesse thorough Christ and that he leaue his sin touching the act because he lacks occasion or strength to do it not in affection because he hates it such confession and leauing sinne argueth no sound repentance AEnig 284. How may the children of the kingdome be cast out and harlots enter in and be saued Resolution Such as be children of the kingdom by outward couenant and profession onely as proud Iewes were being without faith and repentance shall be cast out and refused when beleeuing penitent harlots shall be receiued vnto saluation AEnig 285. How can there be in this life a righteous person who needs no repentance Resolution If we speake absolutely there cannot be any such righteous person but there is if we speake comparatiuely for one who hath already repented departing from his sinnes and hauing made good proceedings in a righteous course of life hauing done many good works hath not such neede of repentance as one that goeth still astray being dead in sinnes and trespasses or that is newly turned Also one that thinks himselfe to bee righteous without fault in his owne opinion needs no repentance AEnig 286. Seeing repentance is a grace hidden in the heart how can the Angels who know not our hearts ioy at the conversion of sinners Resolution Angells by outward signes and effects doe obserue and know the inward conversion of our hearts and do ioy therin because it turnes to the honour of God to the increase of Gods kingdome which they greatly loue Also they delight in the good of all elect persons who together with them make vp one glorious Church in heauen Luk. 15. AEnig 287. How may one liue in a grosse sinne till death and yet be saued and another doing so shall not be saued Resolution If it be his secret sinne which he doth not know and marke to be a sin such as the polygamie of the Fathers and fornication amongst the Corinthians and vsury in England were thought to be he that repented not of such sinnes particularly may be saued so hee doe repent generally whereas another liuing in such a sinne against the light of his conscience cannot be saued without a speciall repentance for it Luk. 13.3 AEnig 288. What is that without which we cannot be saued yet is no cause of our saluation Resolution It is good works which be no cause of our saluation and yet the elect which are of yeeres if they haue space and time to do them cannot be saued without them for they are the way to the kingdom though they be not the cause of reigning AEnig 289. To what purpose is it to do good works yet wee are neither iustified nor saued by them Resolution God works though they cannot merit our saluation being both vnperfect and spotfull yet are we bound to do them to obey the commandement of God to glorifie the doctrine and name of God to edifie our brethren to witnesse and assure our owne faith and election and finally to stop the mouthes of the wicked Also to aedifie the weake AEnig 290. How can our good workes please God seeing they haue in them such wants and spots as God hateth Resolution As good works come from our faith and be fruits of Gods spirit so they please God by the intercession of Christ couering the defects and stains of our workes by the mantle of his death and righteousnesse AEnig 291. If heauen be freely giuen for the merit of Christ how is it then the reward of good works Resolution Though heauenly happinesse bee freely giuen as the purchase of Christs passion yet because it is giuen in the end of our life after the workes done as a recompence vseth to be giuen to labourers in the end of the day hence it is in Scripture called a Reward not of debt as due to our worke but of free fauour the better to encourage vs to our worke Matth. 5. AEnig 292. How is it that no man did euer see the Father and yet he that seeth Christ doth see the Father Resolution No man did euer see the Father immediately because the brightnesse of his Maiestie cannot bee endured by any mortall creature but God being in himselfe invisible became after a sort visible in Christ whose doctrine life and miracles be as it were an image or looking glasse wherein to behold the diuine truth power bounty mercy and goodnesse AEnig 293. If in heauen we shall see God as he is and know him as we are knowne how is it written that then our knowledge shall cease Resolution In heauen our knowledge shall bee perfect and immediate by the vision of God himselfe and therefore such meanes as wee haue heere of getting knowledge shall cease no books no ministerie no doctrine c. AEnig 294. How is it eternall life to know God and Christ and yet many shall perish which know God and Christ Resolution It is the beginning of eternall life to know God and Christ by the speciall knowledge of faith begetting in vs affiance and loue in God therfore such as know God and Christ and yet do perish it is because their knowledg is generall and empty of confidence and loue AEnig 295. How may it be that one shall not see that which he doth see Resolution That which one doth see spiritually it may be he shall make no vse of it to himselfe and then hee were as good not
the bond of perfection amongst those as bee vnperfit Resolution Because it fastneth men one to another and linketh all duties together as things are knit together with a band whereby men become the stronger against euils enemies yet themselues still vnperfit because they lacke fulnesse of Grace and Charity AEnig 334. How is selfe-loue a fault yet we are commanded to loue our neighbours as our selues Resolution Selfe loue is a fault if wee loue our owne corrupt reason and will or if we loue our person with an ill grounded loue but it is a vertue for a man to loue himselfe that is his body and his soule with a right ruled loue and thus we are commanded to loue our neighbour AEnig 335. What thing is that which is both ours and not ours and how this may be Resolution Our worldly substance and our spirituall graces are ours in respect of propriety and not ours in respect of vse For wee are bound to communicate vnto others as wee are able or as they haue neede Act. 11.29 30. AEnig 336. What is that which makes things proper to be common and cannot make things common to be proper and how this may be Resolution It is true Christian charity which makes such giftes wherof we our selues are the proprietaries to bee common in vse for the weale of other whereas on the contrary Christ with his merits the word and Sacraments which bee common to all it cannot make proper to any AEnig 337. How may one with charitie curse others seeing we are commanded to blesse and pray for our enemies Resolution The Prophet Dauid out of the spirit of prophesie denounced curses and execrations to the publicke desperate enemies of the Church without the breach of charity which it were not lawfull to doe vnto our priuate enemies Resolution 1 The faithfull in their greatest wants are heires of the world 2 Also in Christ they possesse all things 3 Also in coueting nothing AEnig 358. What is that that increaseth by spending and wasteth by keeping Resolution A mans blessings spirituall and worldly doe increase by giuing them forth according to our abilitie and calling but they waste and wither away being hid in the ground as a talent in a napkin for as to him who hath it shall be giuen so from him that hath not shall be taken that he hath AEnig 359. How are we forbid to lust yet wee can neither liue nor liue well without lust Resolution It is carnall lust either originall or actual with consent or without which we are forbid when we lust some euill condemned of God but it is naturall lust after things necessarie for life and spirituall lust after good things of the life to come without which we cannot liue or liue well AEnig 360. What sorrow is that that is the high way to ioy Resolution Godly sorrow alwaies ends in ioy who so truly mourneth for his sinnes as offences of a good God or for the iniquities and afflictions of others they so sow in teares as they shall reape in ioy AEnig 361. How is grace the mother of good works and yet good works be contrary to grace Rom. 11.5.6 Resolution It is the merit of good works or the doctrine of deseruing by them and placing trust on them which cannot stand with the doctrine of grace for if saluation or election be of grace it is not of works yet one cannot do a good worke but thorough the aide of grace AEnig 362. How is death the wages of euill workes yet eternall life is not the wages of good workes Resolution Euill workes are our owne and bee perfect and so merit death as a stipend by the iustice of the law which accurseth euery sinne but our good workes are from God not our owne and be due to him as a debt also being vnperfect needing pardon therefore cannot merit Rom. 6.25 Rom. 8.18 AEnig 36.3 What is that that at once is both dead and immortall and how this may be Resolution It is the soule of an vnregenerate man immortall by nature and Gods decree but dead in sins and trespasses Ephes. 2. 1. AEnig 364. How can another be flesh of ones flesh And yet this one not flesh of his flesh Resolution Christ the Sonne of God tooke the flesh and nature which is common to all men yet many men haue no communion with Christ hee is flesh of their flesh but they be not flesh of his flesh hee one with them by communion of nature and they not one with him by communion of grace AEnig 365. How may one haue body and soule yet be all flesh and body Resolution A man vnregenerate in respect of his qualities is all flesh and corrupt in hauing a masse and body of sinne before his new birth yet as touching his substance hee consists of body and soule AEnig 366. What creatures bee they which being dead are yet sauage and wilde Resolution Vnregenerate persons are likened vnto wilde sauage beasts for fiercenes of nature and their soules being dead through sinne they walke after the wildnesse of their naturall disposition and so being dead are still wilde yea therfore wilde because dead spiritually AEnig 367. How may a branch be in the Vine yet be fruitlesse and perish Resolution Christ is the Vine all Christians be as branches whereas some bee truely grafted into Christ by a liuely faith and these bring forth good fruit others be in him onely by profession or in the account of the Church or sacramentally as hauing receiued the pledges of vnion with Christ tasting also some of his sweetnesse these remaine barren and fruitlesse Ioh. 15.2 AEnig 368. How may a thing reuiue and liue again which was neuer dead Resolution It is sinne in a naturall man which being stirred and irritated by the Law duely considered and vnderstood is thence said to reviue Rom. 7.9 wheras before it was not dead in truth but counterfetly because it doth not disquiet the conscience as a sleeping dog that stirs not AEnig 369. How may one that is already dead be said to dye while he liues Resolution When he comes to feele himselfe to bee dead and earnestly thinkes of his owne damnation reuealed vnto him by the law though he liue in his body yet he hath a sense and taste of eternall death in his soule it faâ—ing with him as with a condemned malefactor who dieth while he liues Rom. 7.10 AEnig 370. How may one be washed sanctified eat Christ And yet not be saued Resolution One may be washed sacramentally sanctified generally eat Christ in a misterie the signe of Christ for likenes called Christ himselfe receiue the common gifts of the Spirit as to pray to preach c. yet be an hypocrite as Saul Iudas Simon Magus c. AEnig 371. How may one be a great lyer in speaking the truth Resolution An hypocrite speaking truth in his profession yet
written that he came not to iudge the world Resolution Christ his comming in infirmitie it was to bee iudged and condemned for sinne that he might purchase redemption by the price of himselfe but his second comming in glory will bee to iudge the world by rendring euery man according to his workes AEnig 410. 411. If Christ bee the onely iudge of the world how is it written that the Saintes shall iudge the world How may it bee that the Saints shall iudge the Angels Resolutions Christ shall iudge the world that is the inhabitants angels and men as his fathers lieutenant by his commission and authoritie gathering all before him inquiring into them pronouncing a righteous vnreuocable sentence which presently and mightily shall bee executed thus Christ alone shall iudge the Saints shall iudge as his assistants giuing consent and approbation to his sentence 1. Cor. 6. 2. 3. thus also shall they bee iudged euen of Diuels who are Angels of the bottomlesse pit AEnig 412. How is it that the vngodly shall not stand in iudgement and God will not enter into iudgement with the righteous yet both quicke dead shall stand before him that sitteth on the white throne to bee iudged Resolution The righteous shall not come into iudgement of condemnation nor the wicked into iudgement of absoluâ—ion but all shall come to the iudgement of inquisition and examination Rom. 14. 2. Cor. 5. 10. AEnig 413 What is that that burneth and consumeth not is changed and perisheth and yet abideth still and how Resolution The Bush which Moises saw Exod. 3. also the heauens elements and earth shall bee burned at last day yet their substance not consumed to nothing but purified in that fire like mettall refined in a furnace that they may abide in an immortall and glorious estate being for our sinne in bondage to corruption Rom. 8. 21. AEnig 414. What country is that wherein is all day and no night and how Resolution It is the country which we looke for in heauen where shall be an euerlasting most glorious light without any the least darkeâ—esse AEnig 415. What country is that wherein is all night and no day and how Resolution It is the region of hell where shall be a perpetuall darknes without any light AEnig 416. 417. How may one liue being vnder and in an eternall death How may one bee in hell that neuer came in hell Resolution The life of the wicked in hell shall be a dying life and a liuing death one may be in the hell of conseâ—ence who neuer shall come in the hell of the damned AEnig 418. What reasonable creature is that which had a body and neuer had soule Resolution The Angels are reasonable creatures who assume bodies by Gods dispensation when they were sent on messages to men they aâ—â—â—â—red as men but whence those bodies came or whereinto they were dissolued it is vnreuealeable therfore vncertaine AEnig 419. What people bee they whose life it is at once both happy and miserable bitter and sweete Resolution They be true Christians Gods faithfull children who be happie and liue sweetely vnder the hope reioycing of eternall glory but because they are most troubled with sinne assalted by Satan hated and persecuted by the world therefore their life is miserable and full of bitternesse AEnig 420. What soule us that which neuer was mixed with body Resolution God is the soule of the world which is susteined and gouerned by his secret prouidence as a body is quickned and ruled by the soule 2 Also Faith is the Soule of our soule whereby it liueth to God 3 Finally Christ is the Soule of the legall Ceremonies whereof the truth and substance was in Christ. AEnig 421. What grace is that which once had is neuer last yet is vtterly taken away Resolution A liuely faith is gone and vtterly taken away when wee die and inioy the things beleeued yet in this life it is neuer lost being once had by vertue of Christs prayer Ioh. 17. and by Gods couenant which is euerlasting Ier. 32. AEnig 420. What gift is that whereby we liue to God yet it selfe shall dye when we liue Resolution We liue now by faith in the Sonne of God Rom. 1. 17. Gal. 2. last but when we shall liue by sighâ— in heauen then shall be no vse of faith AEnig 421. What rich man is he who made a great supper without meate Resolution It is Christ Iesus when he cometh to suppe with a faithfull soule without earthly delicates AEnig 422. What fire is that which being once kindled is neuer quenched and how this should be Resolution The fire of contention between the seede of the Serpent and the seede of the woman will neuer be extinct The fire of Gods vengeance in hell will burne for euer so long as God indureth AEnig 423. Seeing all liuing creatures heere in earth be corruptible how is there a worme that shall neuer dye Resolution It is that worme mentioned in the Gospel euen horror of conscience for sinne which shall gnaw the soule euerlastingly euen as wood is eaten by the worme AEnig 424. How are we forbid to fashion our selues to this world yet without sinne we may fashion our selues to the world Resolution We are forbid to fashion our selues to the world of the wicked by imitating their vngodly customes and waies but to follow the world of beleeuers by liuing after their good example this is a duty AEnig 425. How we may haue two mindes and but one soule Resolution A regenerate man hauing but one soule yet in the state of corruption had his minde wholy depraued which by grace is wholy renewed but not perfectly whence it is that still hee hath both a good minde and an euill AEnig 426. How may they waite for adoption which be already adopted and how this may be Resolution The adopted children of God which be already sonnes and haue the spirit of adoption yet they doe want the full fruition of the heauenly inheritance being heare cloyed and clogged with sinnes and miseries which they doe both earnestly and certainly waite for AEnig 427. Whether dumbe and deafe may be saued seeing faith is by hearing and onely beleeuers are saued Resolution Infants idiots dumbe and deafe which be the children of faithfull parents they be within the couenant and haue the seale thereof therefore charitie will hope well of their saluation Secondly though they lacke the ordinary meanes of engendring faith to wit hearing of the word preached yet seeing this commeth to passe without their owne default by defect of yeeres or senses therefore God who is not tyed to the meanes necessarily may without them and doth inspire faith into so many of them as be elect the Spirit bloweth where he liste if the Rauens call vpon God what letteth but Christian Infants may in their kind and degree yea the Scripture doth attribute
Rule Examp. 4 4 Rule Reason 5 5 Rule Examp. Reason 6 6 Rule Examp. 7 7 Rule Examp. Reason 8 8 Rule Examp. Reason 9 9 Rule Examp. Reason 11 11 Rule Examp. 12 12 Rule Examp. Reason 13 13 Rule Examp. Reason 14 14 Rule Examp. 15 15 Rule Examp. Reason 16 16 Rule Examp. Reason 17 17 Rule Examp. Reason 18 18 Rule Examp. Reason 19 19 Rule Examp. Reason 20 20 Rule Examp. Reason 21 21 Rule Examp. Reason 22 22 Rule exam 23 23 Rule Examp. 24 24 Rule Examp. 25 25 Rule Examp. Reason 26 26 Rule Examp. 27 27 Rule Examp. 28 28 Rule Examp. 29 29 Rule Examp. 30 30 Rule Examp. 31 31 Rule Examp. Reason 32 32 Rule Examp. Reason 33 33 Rule Examp. Reason 34 34 Rule Reason 35 35 Rule 36 36 Rule Reason 37 37 Rule Reason 38 38 Rule Examp. Reason 39 39 Rule Reason 40 40 Rule Examp. Reason 41 41 Rule Reason Examp. 42 42 Rule Reason 43 43 Rule Examp. Reason 44 44 Rule Examp. 45 45 Rule Examp. 46 46 Reason Reason 47 47 Rule Reason 48 48 Rule Examp. Reason 49 49 Rule 50 50 Rule Examp. 51 51 Rule Examp. 52 52 Rule Examp. Reason 53 53 Examp. Examp. 54 54 Rule Examp. Reason 55 55 Rule Examp. 56 56 Rule Reason Examp. 57 57 Rule Examp. Reason 58 58 Rule Examp. Reason 59 59 Rule 60 60 Rule Examp. 61 61 Rule Examp. Reason 62 62 Rule Examp. 63 63 Rule Reason 64 64 Rule 65 65 Rule Examp. Examp. 66 66 Rule Reason 67 67 Rule 68 68 Rule Reason 69 69 Rule Examp. Reason 70 70 Rule Reason 71 71 Rule Examp. Reason 72 72 Rule 73 73 Rule 74 74 Rule Reason 75 75 Rule Examp. Reason 76 76 Rule Examp. 77 77 Rule Reason Examp. 78 78 Rule Examp. Reason 79 79 Rule Examp. 80 80 Rule Examp. Reason 81 81 Rule Reason Examp. 82 82 Rule Examp. Reason 83 83 Rule Reason Examp. 84 84 Rule Reason 85 85 Rule Reason Examp. 86 86 Rule Examp. 87 87 Rule Reason 88 88 Rule Examp. Reason 89 89 Rule Examp. Reason 90 90 Rule Reason 91 91 Rule Examp. 92 92 Rule Reason Examp. 93 93 Rule Examp. 94 94 Rule Reason Examp. 95 95 Rule Reason Examp. 96 96 Rule Examp. 97 97 Rule Examp. Reason 98 98 Rule Examp. Reason 99 99 Rule Examp. 100 100 Rule Reason Examp. 101 101 Rule Reason Examp. 102 102 Rule Reason 103 103 Rule Examp. 104 104 Rule Reason Examp. 105 105 Rule 106 106 Rule 107 107 Rule Examp. 108 108 Rule Reason Examp. 109 109 Rule Examp. 110 110 Rule Examp. 111 111 Rule Reason Examp. 112 112 Rule Reason 113 113 Rule Examp. Reason 114 114 Rule Examp. 115 115 Rule Reason 116 116 Rule Reason Examp. 117 117 Rule 118 118 Rule Examp. * * Therefore idlely doe Papists seeke to gather their Purgatory from hence 119 119 Rule Examp. Reason 120 120 Rule Examp. 121 121 Rule Examp. Reason 122 122 Rule Examp. 123 123 Rule 124 124 Rule Examp. Reason 125 125 Rule Examp. 126 126 Rule Reason Examp. 127 127 Rule as Rom. 11.9.10 Examp. Reason 128 128 Rule Reason 129 129 Rule Examp. 130 130 Rule 131 131 Rule 132 132 Rule Examp. 133 133 Rule Examp. 134 134 Rule Examp. Reason 135 135 Rule Reason Examp. 136 136 Rule Examp. 137 137 Rule Examp. 138 138 Rule Examp. 139 139 Rule Reason Examp. 140 140 Rule Examp. 141 141 Rule Examp. 142 142 Rule Reason Examp. 143 143 Rule 144 144 Rule Examp. Note 145 145 Rule 146 146 Rule Reason 147 147 Rule Reason Examp. 148 148 Rule 149 149 Rule 150 150 Rule Reason 151 151 Rule 152 152 Rule Examp. Reason 153 153 Rule Examp. Reason 154 154 Rule Examp. 155 155 Rule Reason 156 156 Rule Reason 157 157 Rule Examp. 158 158 Rule Reason Examp. 159 159 Rule 160 160 Rule Reason Examp. 161 161 Rule Examp. 162 162 Rule Examp. 163 163 Rule Reason Examp. 164 164 Rule 165 165 Rule Examp. 166 166 Rule Examp. 167 167 Rule Examp. 168 168 Rule 169 169 Rule 170 170 Rule Examp 171 171 Rule 172 172 Rule Examp. 173 173 Rule 174 174 Rule Examp. 175 175 Rule Examp. 176 176 Rule Examp. Note 177 177 Rule Examp. 178 178 Rule Examp. 179 179 Rule Examp. 180 180 Rule Examp. 181 181 Rule Examp. 182 182 Rule Examp. 183 183 Rule Examp. 184 184 Rule Examp. 185 185 Rule 186 186 Rule Examp. 187 187 Rule Reason Examp. 188 188 Rule Examp. 189 189 Rule Examp. 190 190 Rule 291 291 Rule Examp. 292 292 Rule 293 293 Rule GOD. Pro. 8. 14. 1. Sam. 2.2 Eph. 1.11 A Spirit Vnchangeable Act. 17.28 Most Glorious 1. Ioh. 1.5 Tim. 6.16 Impassible Gen. 6.6 Of infinite knowledge A most single Essence Incomprehensible Act. 7. 1. King 8â— A most perfect Self-being Omnipotent or Almighty A twofold power in God or one power diuersly considered Most holy Searcher of all Hearts Most free Psal. 33. Most True and Faithfull Most Iust. 2. Cor. 5. Rom. 4.3 4. Most mercifull Iudge of the world Eternal An vncreated Spirit No Author of sin An infinite perfection Most terrible to the wicked Vnitie of Godhead and Trinitie of persons Coessentiall Coeternall Coequall Christ the only begotten Sonne Coequall with his Father Distinction of persons The names of the persons put essentially Creation of the world out of nothing By the word and commandement of God Contrary to the ordinarie course of Nature Creation of Angels Within the six daies Man created after the likeneâ— of God Made perfect euery way All men alike by Creation All men created in Adam With libertie of will Adam sinned voluntarily He was seduced by the Tempter The effects of Adams Fall Sinne. Eternall Death All the miseries of this life and naturall death Originall sinne Adams fall ocasion of mans restoring to a farre greater happines Adams pride Sinne originally from Adam rather then from Eaue Their eyes opened Of the propagation of Sinne into the Soule How the Soule becomes sinfull Infants be Sinners and how Originall sinne forbidden in the whole law Sinne and Death whence they came Sin a most hurtfull thing A most filthie thing To whom sinne and Death proue hurtfull Gods decree of predestination Most Iust. Most Free Most Holy Disposing all things to good Endes Decree of Election Rom. 6.23 How death is Decreed of God Decree of Election is not of euery one Reprobation Gods will but one It hath diuers considerations It is most iust Prouidence Iust and wise Not tied to Meanes but free Two faults about the Meanes Prouidence in all Things Ouerruleth the successe of mens actions 1 1 Prouidence euen in Death 2 2 In Martyrdome 3 3 In Hell 4 4 In sinnes 5 5 In Sacrament 6 6 In Afflictions 7 7 In Temptations 8 8 In Harts 9 9 In Diuels 10 10 In the Blessings of this life 11
11 In Redemption which exceedeth creation In it mercy and Iustice met together The redeemer is but one Christ. Conceiued by the holy ghost He is without sinne doth subsist in the Godhead both God and man Communication of properties Humiliation in his Birth Two wills in Christ answering his two natures Christ his manhood promised Christ like Melchisedech Christ made sinne by impuâ—â—tion Rom. 8.8 Christ abased in the world His obedience of infinite value Christ heire of the world Our Mediatour our Priest That which is proper to one nature is attributed to the other Christs sacrifice voluntary else it had not been satisfactory Hypostaticall personall vnion is vnseperable The victory of Christ ouer death 2 2 Ouer Satan Christ the corner stone How the manhood of Christ hath eternall life in it Doubble the fruits of Christs death Christ made a curse Hath freed vs from â—uerlasting torment Eph. 1. Phil. 2. Christ his sacrifice but once The vertue of Christs death looke backeward His agonie or soule suffering His loue His buriall Resurrection His life after his resurrection His ascention His locall abode in heauen His sitting on Gods right hand Ieuites of his assention Ioh. 16.7 Sending of the holy Ghost Mediator Intercession His kingdome spirituall Eternall Word of God inspired Mighty in opâ—ration Full of wisdom A mistery Our duty to search the word Indicia Dei 2 2 Indicia oris Dei Effects of the word It is effectuall by the Spirit The antiquitie of the word before the Church The word is Eternall It is a word of peace The word of the Lord is holy Nitimur in vetituÌ„ It iustifieth not How the Law differeth from the Gospel The Ceremoniall Law fulfilled in Christ. The condition of the Law and the Gospel What things are required of him that shall doe the Law Generall Law yeelds to a Speciall Law of Ceremonie yeelded to the Law of Mercy To whom the Law is easie and how Ioh. 5.3 To whom impossible How Faith is commanded in the Law What spirit goes with the law How law is the ministry of death The gospell vnprofitable to the reprobate Profitable to the elect only Diuers effects of the Gospell according to the subiect According to the degrees Famine of the word Gods counsell gouerns the effect of preaching Math. 11. Women may be no publique Teachers Gospell fructuall like raine When the word fructifieth Testament or Couenant of pâ—ace is but one Fathers beleeuing in Christ to come The gospell preached to them Office of the Ministers How ministers be sauiours and what is their worke Maintenance of Ministers Prophets preached Christ. They be Christs friends Iohn Baptist Middle betweene two testaments Apostles Seruants Friends to Christ. They conquered the world to Christ. How Pastors succeede Apostles A good Pastor a good builder Bad Ministers which teach well and liue ill Wolues Hirelings False Prophets Antichrist True Church It is but one Sundryl waies considered It is Christs body She is a Virgine Spouse to Christ. Hos. 2 Fruitfull in begotting children Likenesse betweene Christ and his Church The church a kingdom a body c Faithfull Ministers the Fathers and children of the Church The likenes between Christ and his Church The censure of the Church In excommunication both vnlawfull And lawfull The dignitie of a Christian. Christians equall The church hath a spirituall regiment True Church is vniuersall False Church Vrbs septicollis Reu. 18.2 The benefit of publike assemblies The elect children of Gods house The called children of God Their coniunction with Christ Christs affection vnto them Spirituall mariage betweene them and Christ. How they are in heauen They be new Creatures 1 1 Kings 2 2 Prophets 3 3 Priests They be still vnperfect More excellent then the Angels Most free Separate from the world by effectuall calling Effectuall calling is a new creation A twofold calling What persons for the most part called Faith in Christ is the entrance to eternall life Faith the eye of the soule or spirituall sight Office of Faith with the force thereof Faith once had neuer lost Nature of faith It resteth on Christ onely Least measure of faith No Faith without doubting What fear is ioyned with faith Degrees of Faith How loued before faith Faithfull man a Virgin Vnperfect in knowledge In some more perfect Regeneration Regenerate are children many waies The vse of Sacraments They be misticall signes Against transubstantiation Baptisme how it saueth How it washeth the soule How it forgiueth sinne Lords supper How eaten How Christ becommeth our foode Spiritually 1. Cor. 13. 12. Math. 26. 26. 27. 1. Cor. 11. 24. Against corporall eating Iustification by faith It is but once Christs iustice ours by imputation Rom. 4. throughout Ro. 10. 4. No man righteous in Gods sight How works do iustifie Adoption by Grace Certainty of our adoption Sonnes of God bee heires Inheritance of heauen hath perfection with differences in degrees Adoption an effect of the spirit The dutie of adopted sonnes Certainty of adoptist Adopted ones why afflicted Free from slauish feare Reconciliation Sanctification It is vnperfect It is a totall change But not absolute The end of sanctification Free from the law Mortification Deniall of a mans selfe Buriall of sinne Mortified in part Resurrection to newnesse of life Spirituall Combat is Continuall It is irkesome Least degree of repentance Repentance a great blessing of God How true repentance distinguished from false Repentance giuen to great sins All men need repentance but not all alike Repentance is the ioy of Angels Generall Repentance sufficient for secret sinnes Good works necessary to saluation They serue to many good purposes How they please God Heauen a free reward of good works God is to be known by Christ. Our knowledge not perfect heere Sauing knowledg is effectual and special Practike knowledg is best knowledge Knowledge without practise is fearefull Knowledge ioyned with godlinesse Knowledge with sobrietie Knowledge groweth by right vse Knowledge abused an occasion of sinne Who bee truly wise Hope How it differs from faith Hope aboue hope How saued by hope Hope ashameth not Our loue of God springs from his loue to vs. Loue lesser then faith being an effect of faith Loue mixt with child-like reuerence For loue of Christs all so be forsaken How earthly things to be loued vnder Christ. Parents lesse to bee loued then Christ. Idolatry to loue ought more then Christ. True feare of God Gods children reioyce with feare Humble prayer It is alwaies heard A speedie Messenger It must come from a feeling of our spirituall beggery There is inward mentall prayer Vocall praier By praier the poore profit the Rich. Patience Relieues our miseries Humility Springes from feeling of our vilenesse The humble are exalted Praiers of the humble accepted Sabboth holy True zeale A broken heart better then Sacrifice Our neighbour to bee loued for Gods sake Brotherly loue the bonde of perfection The loue of a mans selfe is the paterne of a mans loue to others Loue makes all things common for vse It cannot make things common to be proper It loues priuate enemies Maketh rich Good things increase by vse Some lusts be good Godly sorrow a path way to ioy Grace the mother of good works Euill works merit hell Vnregenerate men Haue no fellowship with Christ. Wholy poluted Of a brutish disposition Seem to be in Christ. In their ignorance of the Law sin is dead In the right knowledge of the Law themselues doe dye How far they may go and yet perish The hypocrite is a great lyer Sinne turneth men into beasts Securitie Contrary Apparance of some righteousnesse in some wicked men Scorning the height of sinne Sinne in many is still and quiet Sinne of oppression dangerous Vnbeleife the greatest sinne Outward Idolatry how many waies Sinners be slaues Enuy a Diabolicall vice A wicked tongue How farre ignorâ—nce is a sinne An euill heart mars cheife workes Wicked men sinne freely yet cannot chuse but sinne Idle knowledge Deniall of God Men must hinder sin in others else they sinne What is strife is wicked An euill man can doe no good work Actions to be iudged of by the end and minde Sinning against conscience Rom. 14. Wicked praiers be sinnes Losse of soule the greatest losse Vsury committed without sinne Lending being a worke of mercy must be free as Christ commandeth Luk. 6. Euill worship is no impeachment to religious worship Vocation of the Gentils Bodies immortall Death the gate of heauen hell All men must die Death the last enemy must be destroyed Some onely changed Certainety of resurrection By the power of Christ. Of men women Spirituall bodies after their resurrection Last iudgment Christ the Iudge How Saints shall iudge All iudged yet with differences The world but altered in qualitie not aboleshed Heauen Hell Hell of conscience Angels assumed bodies for a time True Christians most blessed God is the Soule of the world Liâ—ely faith â—â—aseth at our death No vse of it in heauen Christ entertained by a faithfull soule Hell fire vnquenchable Torment of the damned We must not follow the wicked Our minde renued in part The full fruit of Adoption enioyed in Heauen Dumbe deafe how saued Elect found of God before they seeke him Vncleannes Originall sinne in Infants Man wise but by participation of Christs wisdom How men-giue glory to God How Paul built on no other mans foundation How one man must please another Gospell how preached to all the world All saued how to be vnderstood Numbring our daies Mortification A Child and a Seruant both at once The ladder to heauen is Christ. Vpon who the Angels ascend and descend The Heauens wherfore made The Spirit it is that teacheth vs how to pray The wicked how said to know God The spirit how it praieth for vs. Christ how called a Seruant Rom. 9.1 Swearing how forbidden How a thing may be said to be prolonged yet done in due time How Christ is said to be the sonne of Dauid The raising of Christs body an argument of his godhead How all men are liers The works of the law iustifie not and why Of Faith and works Of patience Of iustification and condemnation Wee were bought with a price Baptisme of infants Dying to sinne