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A35959 Truths victory over error, or, An abridgement of the chief controversies in religion which since the apostles days to this time, have been, and are in agitation, between those of the Orthodox faith, and all adversaries whatsoever, a list of whose names are set down after the epistle to the reader : wherein, by going through all the chapters of The confession of faith, one by one, and propounding out of them, by way of question, all the controverted assertions, and answering by yes, or no, there is a clear confirmation of the truth, and an evident confutation of what tenets and opinions, are maintain'd by the adversaries : a treatise, most useful for all persons, who desire to be instructed in the true Protestant religion, who would shun in these last days, and perillous times, the infection of errors and heresies, and all dangerous tenets and opinions, contrary to the word of God. Dickson, David, 1583?-1663.; Sinclair, George, d. 1696. 1684 (1684) Wing D1412; ESTC R3405 145,943 378

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substance Yes Iohn 1. 1 14. 1 Iohn 5. 20. Heb. 2. 14 16 17. Luke 1. 27 31 35. Well then do not those Hereticks called Marcionits and the Anabaptists err who maintain That Christ is not a true Man but onely the Appearance Shape or Form of a Man Yes Do not likewise the Manicheans err who maintain That the Body of Christ is not of the substance of the Virgin Mary but a heavenly Body brought from Heaven to the Womb of the Virgin Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because Christ is said to be made of a Woman Gal. 4. 4. 2 Because the Word was made Flesh Iohn 1. 4. 3 By an induction of the essential parts of a Man and sinless infirmities which were found in him First He was endued with a rational Soul Iohn 12. 27. Secondly He had a real and substantial Body and denyed he was a Spirit only Luke 24. 39. Thirdly Christ did hunger Mat. 4. 2. Fourthly He was wearied and thirsty Iohn 4. 6. Lastly He was sad he groaned in Spirit and was troubled Iohn 11. 33. and verse 15. He wept None of which sinless perturbations can agree to an Appearance Shape or Form of a Man 4 Because He was made of the seed of David according to the Flesh Rom. 1. 3. and descended of the Iews Rom. 9. 5. 5 Because the promises were made in the seed of Abraham Gen. 12. 3. and Gen. 18. 18. 6 Because He took not on him the nature of Angels but he took on him the seed of Abraham wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren Heb. 2. 16 17. 7 Because otherwise he could not have satisfied in our place the Justice of GOD seing it had been unjust for another Nature to have suffered punishment than that Nature which had offended and sinned Quest. II. ARE there two whole perfect and distinct Natures in Christ the God-head and the Man-hood inseparably joyned together in one person Yes 1 Cor. 8. 6. Eph. 4. 5. Well then do not the Nestorians err who maintain the Union between the Divine and Humane Nature not to be Hypostatical but only by way of Assistence and that as there are two Natures in Christ so there are two Persons one proper to the Divine Nature another proper to the Humane Nature Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because unless Christ-God-Man were but one Person the Merit of his Death would not be of so great value as to redeem the Elect from infinite and eternal punishment seeing hence cometh all the value and worth of his death that the same Person who was God did suffer and die for us 2 Because otherwise Christ had been swallowed up and devoured by the wrath of God against the sins of the Elect which he himself undertook 3 Because Christ if he had not been both God and Man in one Person he could not have been a Mediator for a Mediator must be One 1 Tim. 2. 5. Quest. III. IS the Godhead and Man-hood in Christ united without Conversion Composition or Confusion Yes Luke 1. 35. Col. 2. 9. Rom. 9. 5. 1 Peter 3. 18. 1 Tim. 3. 16. Well then do not those old Hereticks the Eutichians err who maintain that as the Person of Christ is One so his Nature is made One by a composition or Confusion of the two Natures together Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because such a Composition is impossible seing the Divine Nature is most perfect and cannot lose any of its own perfection unless we would affirm the Divine Nature to be mutable and changeable 2 Because that same Christ who according to the Flesh descended of the Iews is over all God blessed for ever Rom. 9. 5. 3 Because this doctrine takes away all means of Mediation for by taking away the distinction between the Natures they take away the Natures themselves and so neither could Christ have suffered in our place because not Man neither could he have given any vertue value or worth to his sufferings because not God Quest. IV. DID Christ endure most grievous torments immediately in his soul Yes Mat. 26. 37 38. Luke 22. 44. Matth. 27. 46. Well then do not the Papists err who maintain that the soul of Christ even from its first creation was never affected with any sadness or sinless perturbation of mind Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because the Scripture testifies that his soul was sad unto death Matth. 26. 37. 2 Because the Apostle Iohn testifies that when Christ saw Mary weeping for her brother Lazarus he groaned in Spirit and was troubled Iohn 11. 33. Iohn 12. 27. 3 Because his soul was exceeding sorrowful even unto death as was cited before Matth. 26. 37. 4 The same thing is proven from Christs desertion whereby the actual fruition and enjoying of Gods favour as to his sense was interrupted and broken in the midst for a time but in no wise altogether taken away which made him cry upon the Cross My God my God why hast thou forsaken Me. Matth. 27. 46. Eph. 5. 2. Quest. V. HAD the Lord Iesus by his perfect obedience and sacrifice of himself which he through the eternal Spirit once offered up unto God fully satisfied the Iustice of his Father Yes Rom. 5. 9. Rom. 3. 25 26. Heb. 9. 14 16. Heb. 10. 14. Well then do not some otherwise Orthodox err who deny Christs Active Obedience to be a part of his satisfaction performed in our place Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because the Active disobedience of the first Adam made us all sinners therefore we must be made Righteous by the Active Obedience of the second Adam Rom. 5. 19. 2 Because Christ not only offered himself to the death for us but for their sakes that is for the Elects sake he sanctified himself that is he gave up himself as a holy sacrifice Iohn 17. 19. 3 Because it behoved Christ to fulfil all righteousness Mat. 3. 15. 4 Because we stood in need not only of the expiation of sin for saving us from eternal death but of the gift of righteousness for obtaining eternal life according to that precept and demand of the Law Do this and thou shalt live And therefore Christ is not only called our Ransom but the end and perfection of the Law to every one that believeth Rom. 10. 4. That is the aim of giving the Law by Moses is that thereby men being brought to the knowledge of their sin should flie for refuge unto Christ and his righteousness as he that hath perfectly fulfilled the Law for us 5 Because the passive obedience of Christ was not in it self meerly and purely passive but his active obedience did challenge the chief and principal part in it Psal. 40. 7. Then said I lo I come in the volume of the book it is written of Me. With these words our Saviour Christ declareth his willing Obedience to accept of undergo and execute the Mediatorship by GOD imposed
or oblige him to give any thing as due And according to the order of Gods justice he can receive no favor from us nor can any creature confer any benefit on him Ps. 16. 2. Iob 22. 2 3. Truely where there is no favour done there can be no Merit for merit presupposeth a benefit accepted 4 Because our works are imperfect as well as to Parts as to Degrees Gal. 5. 17 Is. 64. 7. Deut. 27. 26. A Perfection of parts is when we have a Part of every Grace and are renewed in some measure in every power and faculty of the whole man though we be not come to the just and due measure in any of them A perfection of Degrees consists in the compleat measure of our conformity and our exact correspondence to the Law of God in respect of all whatsoever it requires 5 Because Christ says so likewise ye when ye shal have done all those things which are commanded you say we are unprofitable servants we have done that which was our duty to do Luke 17. 10. 6 Because the Good Works which we do are not ours but it is God that worketh in us both to will and to do 1 Cor. 4. 7. Gal. 5. 22. Phil. 2. 13. 7 Because that heavenly blessedness to be given to the saints is expresly attributed to the mercy and pity of God Plalm 103. 4. Matth. 5. 7. Titus 3. 5. Eph. 4. 6 7 8. 8 Because when the Apostle proclaims death to be the wages of sin he doth not affirm life eternal to be the reward of Good Works but the free and gracious gift of God which we obtain by Christ even in our sanctification whereof the Apostle here Rom. 6. 23. Which free Gift hath for its end eternal life Not that it merits this for then it should not be a gracious gift but because Christ hath merited this for us and shal of free Grace give it to us as the following words through Iesus Christ our Lord shew 9 Because God will have us to buy without money or price Wine Milk Honey that is to receive all things requisite and necessary for our spiritual life for Nothing and eternal life it self Isaiah 55. 1 2 3. 10 Because Christ should not be a perfect Saviour if any thing from us were to be added to the righteousness of his Merit But Christ is a perfect Saviour Eph. 1. 7. Eph. 2. 7 8 9. 1 Iohn 1. 7. Acts 4. 12. 11 Because our best works have such a mixture of corruption and sin in them that they deserve his curse and wrath so far are they from meriting Isa. 64. 6. But we are all saith the Prophet as an unclean thing and all our righteousnesses are like filthy raggs 12 If the works of regenerated men did deserve eternal life then should the whole contrivance of the Gospel be subverted and the same very way of Life layed down which was in the Covenant of works as is clear from 2 Cor. 5. 21. The Gospel is so contrived by the infinite Wisdom and Goodness of God that there is a judicial transferring of our sin as a debt on Christ the Cautioner and a translation of his righteousness and merit to be imputed to us for our justification without the least respect to our works Quest. VII ARE Works done by unregenerate men although for the matter of them they may be things which God commands and of good use both to themselves and others are they I say sinful and cannot please God Yes Hag. 2. 14. Titus 1. 15. Amos 5. 21. 22. Hos. 1. 4. Rom. 9. 16. Titus 3. 5. Well then do not the Papists err who maintain that not only all the works of unregenerate men are not sinful but also that some of their Works do indeed Merit and deserve somewhat from God namely as they speak by Merit of Congruity that is as they are agreeable to the Law of God Yes There is also as they say a Merit of Condignity by which the works of the Regenerate which follow justification deserve eternal life not from the imputation of Christs righteousness but from their own intrinseck worth and proportionableness to the Reward Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because as a good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit neither can a corrupt rotten tree bring forth good fruit Matth. 7. 18. 2 Because all unregenerate men are dead in Trespasses and sin Eph. 2. 1. 3 Because all the works of unregenerate men are done without Faith and so cannot please God Heb. 11. 6. Rom. 14. 23. 4 Because if unregenerate men were able to do Good Works or perform any duty which deserved somewhat from God than would it follow that a man were able to do some good of himself which is contrary to Iohn 15. 5. Phil. 2. 13. 5 Because it is clear from Scripture that before renewing grace all are the children of wrath who of themselves cannot have a good thought nor any active concurrence or putting themselves forth to the utmost for their own Conversion 2 Cor. 3. 5. Therefore no plea for merit by any improvement of mens natural abilities see Rom. 9. 15. CHAP. XVII Of the Perseverance of the SAINTS Question I. CAN they whom GOD hath accepted in his beloved effectually called and sanctified by his Spirit either totally or finally fall away from the state of Grace No. Shall they certainly persevere therein to the end and be eternally saved Yes Phil. 1. 6. 2 Pet. 1. 10. Iohn 10. 28 29. 1 Iohn 3 9. 1 Peter 1. 5. 9. Well then do not the Papists Socinians Arminians and some Ring-leaders among the Quakers err who maintain that the Saints may totally and finally fall away Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because the Saints are built upon the Rock and not upon the Sand therefore when temptations of any kind assault they can never fall nor can the gates of hell prevail against them Matth. 7. 24. Matth. 16. 16 18. 2 Because he that hath begun a good work in the Saints will finish it untill the day of Jesus Christ Phil. 1. 6. 3 Because Paul says nothing can separate us from the love of God Rom. 8. 35 38 39. 4 Because they that fall away have never had true justifying Faith Luke 8. 13 16. 1 Iohn 2. 19. 5 Because it is impossible for the Elect to be seduced Matth. 24. 24. I say impossible not in respect of the will and power of the Elect themselves but in respect of the immutability of Gods Decree concerning them and of his purpose of keeping them powerfully against seduction according to his promises of which he cannot repent see Iohn 10. 28. Rom. 8. 38 39. 1 Peter 1. 5. 6 Because they that believe in the Son of God have life eternal 1 Iohn 5. 13. Iohn 6. 47 54 58. And they have passed from death unto life and shall never thirst nor hunger any more Iohn 6. 35. 7 Because God hath promised in his Covenant that though he chastise his own
is no such thing as Venial sin as it is explained by the Popish-church upon which false Foundation is built this fancy of Purgatory Rom. 6. 23. 2 Because temporal punishments do not extend themselves beyond this life Rom. 8. 18. 2 Cor. 4. 17 18. 1 Peter 5. 10. For in this life onely the Godly receive their evil things as the Wicked receive their good things Luke 16. 25. 3 Because after the fault is pardoned there remains no punishment to be undergone Ezek. 18. 22. Psalm 32. 1 2. Micah 7. 19. Rom. 8. 1 33. 4 Because the Thief upon the Cross that was converted did not suffer afterwards any punishment in Purgatory Luke 23. 43. Neither could his death and confession upon the Cross be accounted a perfect satisfaction as the Adversaries affirm because he did acknowledge he had received the due reward of his deeds Luke 23. 41. He that suffers as a Murderer or as a Thief or as an evi doer his punishment cannot be accounted a satisfaction 1 Peter 4. 15. 5 Because they that die in the Lord rest from all their labours Rev. 14. 13. 6 Because Christs satisfaction for the sins of Believers is most full compleat and perfect and doth not need our imperfect satisfactions whether for the Fault or the Punishment Isaiah 53. chapter Titus 2. 14. 1 Iohn 1 7 Heb 10 14 Col. 1 20 21 22. Neither by our sufferings in Purgatory is Christs satisfaction applyed to us First because our sufferings there cannot be an instrument for applying Christs Merits to us For on GODS part we have the Word Sacraments and the Spirit as means for applying his merits to us On our part we have Faith Was it ever heard of in the Word of GOD that the Lord made use of exquisite torments for applying his Grace To apply Mercy by the executing of Justice Is forgiving debt applyed by exacting the debt Shall pardon be applyed to by the punishing of us Quest. IV. WIll such as are found alive at the last day not die but be changed Yes 1 Thess. 4. 17. 1 Cor. 15. 51 52. Well then do not the Papists err who maintain that such as are found alive at the last day shall die Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because Christ is ordained of GOD to be Judge of Quick and Dead which distinction would be needless if all truely Died Act 10. 42. 2 Because the Apostle says as was cited we shal not all sleep but be changed which place of Scripture is not to be read we shall all therefore sleep as the Papists say putting in the Greek particle oun for ou therefore for not Because this illative particle oun cannot agree sufficiently with the Apostles Preface Behold I shew you a mystery This Mysterie is not death it self but a change in place of death which is a great Mystery indeed 3 As the Resurrection of many of the bodies of the Saints was a preamble of the great Resurrection of our bodies Mat. 27. 52. So the translating of Enoch that he might not see death seems to be a preamble of this change in place of death Heb. 11. 9. Quest. V. SHal the Dead be raised up with the self same bodies and none other although with different qualities which shall be united again to their Souls for ever Yes Iob 19. 26 27. 1 Cor. 15. 42 43 44. Well then do not the Socinians Arminians Anabaptists Photinians and Marcionites err who maintain that the same individual body is not raised up which we carried about with us here and laid down in the dust but another body made of Air or of some matter more subtile than Air altogether void of flesh and blood made a-new by Christ Yes Do not likewise many of the Quakers err who maintain also That the same individual body is not raised again but that there is a change thereof in substance as well as in quality Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because it is evident from Scripture Phil. 3. 21. that there shall be a transforming of those vile bodies at the Resurrection to be fashioned after the glorious body of Christ and so not the forming and making of a new one which is hard to conceive if the same individual body should not be raised and if this change here spoken of be as well in substance as in quality 2 Because the Apostle sayes He that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies and therefore not bodies made of Air by his Spirit that dwelleth in you Rom. 8. 11. 3 The same Apostle sayes For this corruption must put on incorruption and this mortality must put on immortality 1 Cor. 15. 53. 4 Because the Iustice of GOD requires that the same individual bodies shal receive rewards or punishments which have done good or evil while life remained 2 Cor. 5. 10. Rom. 2. 6. Eph. 6. 8. 5 Because the body of Christ who is the efficient cause of our Resurrection 1 Cor. 15. 4 12 13 16. rose again that same individual body Luke 24. 39 40. Quest. VI. SHal the bodies of the unjust by the power of Christ be raised to dishonour Yes Acts 24. 15. Iohn 5. 28. 29. Phil. 3. 21. Well then do not the Socinians err who maintain there shall be no resurrection of the unjust Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because the Apostle sayes We must all appear before the Judgment-seat of Christ that every man may receive the things done in the body 2 Cor. 5. 10. 2 Because the hour cometh in the which all that are in their graves shall hear his voice and shall come forth they that have done good unto the resurrection of life and they that have done evil unto the resurrection of damnation Iohn 5. 28 29. 3 Because the Apostle sayes being accused before Tertullus there shall be a Resurrection of the dead both of the Just and Unjust Acts 24. 15. 4 Because according to the Enochs Prophesy the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his Saints to execute Judgement upon all and to convince all that are ungodly among them Iude verses 14 15. 5 Because many of them that sleep in the dust of the Earth shall awake some to everlasting life and some to shame and everlasting contempt Daniel 12. 2. CHAP. XXXIII Of the Last IUDGEMENT Question SHal the wicked who know not GOD and obey not the Gospel of Iesus Christ be casten into everlasting torments and be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his power Yes Matth. 25. 31 to the end Rom. 9. 22 23. Acts 3. 19. 2 Thes. 1. 7 8 9. Well then do not the Socinians err who defining eternal death to be the extinguishing of the Body and Soul maintain that the wicked are to suffer no torment in hell and that their whole punishment will be to be deprived of Eternity or anihilated that is both Soul and Body turned into NOTHING Yes Do not likewise the Origenists and some Anabaptists err who think that not only the wicked but the Devils themselves after many torments in hell shall be received by GOD into favour and be made blessed and happy Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because the Apostle affirms almost in so many words that which we have asserted 2 Thes. 1. 7 8 9 10. 2 Because Life Eternal and Death Eternal are in Scripture opposed to one another in the same sense Mat. 25. 46. But Life Eternal in Scripture is not taken for being simply Eternal but for being Eternally happy or to be in a blessed Eternal state and condition Psalm 133. 3. Therefore Eternal death must be taken in Scripture not for anihilation or being turned into Nothing but for an Eternal wretched and miserable state and condition 3 Because the Scripture saves but the children of the kingdom shall be casten into utter darkness there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth Matth. 8. 12 13. 4 Because the Scripture affirms expresly that the wicked are tormented in hell Luke 16. 24. Next there are some degrees of torments there but there are no degrees in non esse that is in not to be 5 Because Abraham saves expresly there can no man pass from the place of torment to the place of bless and happiness Luke 16. 26. 6 Because the torments of the wicked are called a Worm that dieth not a fire that cannot be extinguished 7 Because the Scripture sayes that the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever Rev. 14 11. Rev. 19. 3. 8 Because the wicked will be carried into everlasting fire prepared for the Devil and his angels Matth. 25. 46. And the same wicked are to rise again to shame and everlasting contempt Daniel 12. 2. And to suffer the vengeance of Everlasting fire Iude verse 7. And now only is the accepted time and now is the day of Salvation 2 Cor. 6. 2. FINIS * In magnis voluisse satest
therefore there must be such a distinct office by divine institution They must take special care of the Church of GOD 1 Tim. 3. 5. 1 Pet. 5. 2. 3. They are not to neglect the gift which is in them 1 Tim. 4. 14. They are to meditate on these things and to give themselves wholly to them 1 Tim. 4. 15. Acts 6. 2. 4. They are to preach the Word to rebuke to instruct gainsayers 2 Tim. 4. 2. 2 Tim. 2. 25. To administer the Sacraments Matth. 28. 19. 1 Cor. 11. 13. To ordain others for the Ministry by imposition of hands 1 Tim. 4. 14. To watch over the flock as those that must give an account Heb. 13. 17. 5 Because Christ requires peculiar distinct duties in the people in reference to their Ministers therefore the office of the Ministry must be of divine institution They must know and acknowledge those that are over them in the Lord 1 Thes. 5. 12. Highly to esteem them in love for their works sake 1 Thes. 5. 13. To obey them to encourage them Heb. 13. 7. To maintain them Gal. 6. 6. To pray for them 2 Thes. 3. 1. 6 Because GOD hath made peculiar promises to his Ministers as Lo I am with you alway even to the end of the world Matth. 28. 20. The promise of special assistance 2 Cor. 3. 5. 6. Of protection and defence in all aslaults Rev. 1. 20. The promise of the power of the keyes which promise was not limited to the Apostles as Apostles but was given to the Apostles as Ministers of the Gospel as is evident from Mat. 18. 17 18. The promise of special sympathy with them Matth. 10. 40. Luke 10. 16. Iohn 13. 20. 1 Thes. 4. 8. Now would ever the Lord have promised to keep up and maintain that office in his Church which he had not set up and instituted The other thing to be made out is that the office of the Ministry is perpetually necessary 1 Because the ordinances are perpetually necessary by divine institution therefore the office of the Ministry to dispense these ordinances is perpetually necessary by divine institution For if God had only appointed the ordinances to continue in his Church then would preaching and administration of the Sacraments fail because that which is every mans work is usually and effectually no mans work The Lord doth not immediatly administer them himself neither are Angels employed for this work But he hath committed this service to men who are Stewards and dispensers of the mysteries of God It is evident that the preaching of the Word shall continue to the end of the world from Matth. 28. 20. Eph. 4 11 12 13. It is evident of Baptism and the Lords Supper which are conjoyned in the institution of Christ with the Ministery of the Word For to whom he gave commission to preach to them also he gave commission to administer the Sacraments Baptism is an ordinance of the New Testament appointed by God himself For Iohn was sent to baptize God was the Author Iohn was only the Minister This was to continue perpetually as is evident from Christs promise and his precept Matth. 28 20. The ends for which Baptism was ordained are not temporary but moral and so perpetual Do not all Christians now need these means as the Christians during the age of the Apostles Are not Christians to be baptized into his death buried with him by Baptism that like as Christ was raised from the dead by the Glory of the Father even so we also should walk in newness of life It is called by the holy Ghost a saving Ordinance and is unto believers and their seed in the New Testament as the Ark was to Noah and his family in the old World who being in the Ark was saved from perishing in the waters when the rest were drowned so Baptism doth now save us not only or mainly the outward part of it the putting away the filth of the flesh which is yet an Ordinance to further our salvation but when the Spirit of Regeneration effectually concurs so that we find there is a renewing of the holy Ghost and thereby the answer of a good conscience towards God 1 Pet. 3. 21. It is evident that the Sacrament of the Lords Supper is to continue to the end of the world It was not only appointed for Apostles to whom it was first administred but unto all believers both Iews and Gentiles And not only for that age but for all generations succeeding for Believers are commanded to shew forth the Lords death till he come by eating this bread and drinking this cup. Therefore if these ordinances be appointed by God to continue to the end it follows evidently that he hath designed the office of the Ministry to hold up and hold forth his Ordinances to the end of the world 2 Because the promises which Christ hath made to uphold the Ministry are perpetual therefore the office must be perpetual Matth. 28. 20. Go teach and baptize all Nations and lo I am with you to the end of the world This promise cannot be limited to the particular age during the lives of the Apostles because the Holy Ghost useth three expressions to declare the perpetuity of this promise Aion that this promise shall continue so long as the world continues Secondly Synteleia Heos tes synteleias tu Aionos that this promise shall have no end till the world be consummat or brought to a Period Thirdly Pasas tas Hemeras all days and successions of times Not only Meth hymon hemeras hymon not only with you during your own dayes but all the dayes of the Gospel till time shall be no more And this promise was made not to the Apostles as Apostles nor to the Apostles as Believers but to the Apostles as ministers and Stewards of the Mysteries of God 3 Because the Elect require the office of the Ministry perpetually Our Natures are as bad as Iews and Pagans Eph. 2 3. Our judgements full of darkness and ignorance 1 Cor. 2. 14. Our wills stuborn and rebellious and so alienated that we rebel against the light The delusions of Satan are strong The multitude of false Teachers are very numerous so that they are ready to seduce the Elect themselves if it were possible 4 Because the ends for which Christ hath appointed a ministry are perpetually necessary The Elect must be called and gathered for there will be some still in every age to be added to the Church of them that shall be saved There are many sheep which are not yet brought into his fold many who belong to the Election who are not yet effectually called them also will Christ bring in both Iews and Gentiles that there may be one fold as there is one shephers Now God hath revealed no other ordinary way to convert and bring these into his fold but the Ministry of his word for how shall they believe without a Preacher Therefore if there be some Elect continually to be brought into
upon him And Isaiah 53. 7. he offered up himself a sacrifice for sin and by one Oblation he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified Heb. 10. 14. 6 Because whole Christ was given to us with all his benefits otherwise if onely his passive Obedience were imputed to us it would follow that half Christ onely were given to wit Christ suffering but not Christ doing those things which pleased the Father taking away our sin and saving from death onely but not bringing Righteousness But Christ was not given and born for himself but for us that he might bestow himself wholly upon us by doing for us what we could not do and by suffering for us what we could not suffer Do not likewise the Socinians err who maintain That this Orthodox Doctrine namely That Christ did merit Eternal Salvation to the Elect and hath satisfied Divine Iustice for them is erroneous false and absurd Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because the Messiah doth finish the transgression and maketh an end of sins and maketh Reconciliation for iniquity and shal be cut off but not for himself as the Prophet Daniel hath foretold chap. 9. 24 26. 2 Because his own self bare our sins in his own Body upon the tree 1 Peter 2. 24. 3 Because he hath reconciled those to GOD that were sometimes alienated and enemies in their mind by wicked works in the body of his Flesh through death Col. 1. 21 22. 4 Because now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself Heb. 9. 26. 5 Because he hath given his life an 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a pretium redemptionis a price of Redemption for many 6 Because the Prophet Isaiah sayes that it pleased the Lord to bruise him and put him to grief and that he was wounded for our transgressions and that he bare our iniquities chapter 53. 5 10 11. Quest. VI. DID Christ in the work of Mediation act according to both Natures by each Nature doing that which is proper to it self Yes Heb. 9. 4. 1 Peter 3. 18. Well then do not the Papists err who maintain that Christ is a Mediator only according to his humane Nature Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because it was needful for perfecting the work of the Mediator that Christ should overcome death which could not otherwise be done than by his Divine Nature 1 Pet. 3. 18. Where it is said he was put to death in the Flesh but quickned by the Spirit 2 Because there are very many properties of the Mediator which cannot in any wise agree to the humane Nature of Christ as undertaking and promising that he will raise up all at the last day whom the Father has given him Iohn 6. 39. Again he could not lay down his life and take it up again by the alone strength of his humane Nature but all these are works proper to the Mediator as is clear from the tenth chapter of Iohn v. 18. And 3 the application of those good things which he hath merited is the proper work of the Mediator which can only be done by the Divine Nature 4 Because Christ is a Prophet a Priest and a King according to both his Natures A Prophet Matt. 11. 27. No man knoweth the Father save the Son A Priest Rom. 5. 10. Heb. 9. 14. He is a King Luke 1. 32. All which Offices he executes according to both his Natures CHAP. IX Of FREE-WILL Question I. HATH Man by his fall into an estate of sin wholly lost all ability of will to any supernatural good accompanying salvation so as a Natural Man being altogether averse from that Good and dead in sin is not able by his own strength to convert himself or to prepare himself thereunto Yes Rom. 5. 6 Iohn 15. 5. Rom. 3. 10. 12. Iohn 6. 44 65. Well then do not the Pēlagians and Socinians err who maintain that the Natural Man without supernatural and divine grace is able to convert himself to God by his own strength Yes Do not likewise the Semipelagians Papists Arminians and Lutherians err who maintain That fallen Man and corrupted with Original sin is partly able by his own strength the Grace of GOD assisting him to prepare himself and turn himself to GOD Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because the Natural Man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of GOD for they are foolishness unto him neither can he know them because they are Spiritually discerned 1 Cor. 2. 14. Rom. 8. 7 9. 2 Because all that the Natural Man doth is sin and cannot in any wise please GOD because his works are not of Faith nor to the Glory of GOD as the Law requires Rom. 14. 23. Heb. 11. 6. Titus 1. 15. Rom. 3. 10 11 12. Psalm 14. 3. Rom. 8. 8. 3 Because a man hath no good in himself whereby he may be differenced from the most flagitious nor any good thing which he hath not received 1 Cor. 4. 7. 4 Because Conversion Grace and Salvation are not of him that runneth or willeth but of GOD that sheweth mercy and whom he will be hardneth Rom. 9. 15 16 18. Rom. 11. 7 8. Matth. 11. 21 22 25. 5 Because the Conversion of a Natural Man is the quickning of one dead Ephes. 2. 5. Col. 2. 13. It is a Regeneration or bearing again Ioh. 3. 5 6 It is the creating of a new heart Psalm 51. 10. It is the taking away the heart of stone and the giving of a heart of flesh Esek 11. 19. Esek 36. 26. And therefore as God raised Christ from the dead so also he raiseth us from the grave of sin by his own proper power 1 Cor. 6. 14. And 6 because GOD converts and calls men not by works of Righteousness which they have done Titus 3. 4 5 5. but according to his own Purpose and Grace which is given us in Christ Jesus 2 Timoth. 1. 9. Quest. II. DOth a Regenerate Man after his Conversion perfectly and onely will that which is good No. Gal. 5. 17. Rom. 7. 15 18 19 21 23 Well then do not the Puritans I do not mean the old Non-conformists Antinomians Anabaptists and many Quakers err who maintain That all the Saints of GOD are free from every spot and blemish of sin Yes Do not likewise some of the Popish Church and Socinians err who maintain That some Christians that are more advanced may come that length to be without any spot blemish and act of sin Nay that some have really win that length Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because in many things we offend all Iames 3. 2. 2 Because Christ commands us to seek dayly remission of sins Matth. 6. 12. Luke 11. 4. 3 Because there is not one just man upon the Earth who doth not sin 1 Kings 8. 46. Eccles. 7. 20. 4 Because there is a continual war between the Flesh and the Spirit so that they namely the Regenerate are not able
children for their faults yet he will never take away his mercy and loving kindness from them Psalm 89. 30 31 32 33 34. Ier. 32. 38 39 40. 8 Because that Golden chain that Paul speaks of cannot be broken Rom. 8. 30. Whom he did predestinate them also he called c. 9 Because Christs says this is the Fathers will which hath sent me that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing Iohn 6. 39. 10 Because we are keeped by the power of God through Faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time 1 Peter 1. 5. 11 Because he hath prayed for us that our Faith fail not Luke 22. 32. Iohn 17. 20. Quest. II. CAN Believers by reason of their sins and failings incurr GODS displeasure and grieve his holy Spirit come to be deprived of some measure of their Graces and Comforts have their hearts hardned and their consciences wounded hurt and scandalize others and bring temporal judgements upon themselves Yes Isaiah 64. 5 7 9. Ephes. 4. 30. Psal 51. 8 10 12. Rev. 2. 4. Cant. 5. 2 3 4 6. Isa 63. 17. Psalm 37. 3 4. 2 Sam. 12. 14. Psal. 89 31 32. Mark 16. 14. 1 Cor. 11. 32. Well then do not the Antinomians err who maintain That the sins of the Regenerate do not displease GOD and cannot grieve his holy Spirit and that Believers are not chastised in any wise for their sins Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because the Prophet says thou art wroth for we have sinned Isai. 64. 5. 2 Because it is said that the thing which David had done namely his Murder and his Adultery displeased the Lord 2 Sam. 11. 27. 3 Because the Scripture testifies that the sins of Believers grieve his holy Spirit Eph. 4. 30. 4 Because the Saints by reason of their sins are deprived of some measure of grace and consolation Psalm 51. 8 9. Rev. 2. 4 5. 5 Because the Lord hath inflicted temporal punishments upon Believers for their faults Psalm 89. 31 32. 2 Sam. 12 11. and 24 15. 1 Cor. 11. 30. CHAP. XVIII Of assurance of Grace and Salvation Question I. MAY they who truely believe in the Lord Iesus and love him in sincerity and endeavour to walk in all good conscience before him May they I say be certainly assured in this life that they are in the state of Grace and being enabled by the Spirit to know the things which are freely given them of GOD may they without extraordinary revelation attain thereunto Yes 1 Iohn 2. 3. 1 Iohn 3. 14 18 19 21 24. 1 Iohn 5. 13. 1 Cor. 2. 12. Heb. 6. 11 12. Ephes. 3. 17 18. Well then do not the Papists err who maintain that no man can be sure namly sure by divine Faith of Gods peculiar favour towards himself without extraordinary revelation Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because the Apostle commands us saying Brethren give all diligence to make your calling and election sure for if you do these things ye shall never fall for so an entrance shall be ministred unto you aboundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ 2 Peter 1 10. 11. Heb. 6. 11. 2 Because the Apostle commands the Corinthians to examine themselves whether they be in the Faith 2 Cor. 13. 5. 3 Because the Scripture proposes and setteth forth sure Marks and Tokens by which a Believer may be infallibly assured that he is one of the number of Christs sheep Iohn 10. 4 5 27 28. And that he is one of Christs Disciples Iohn 13. 35. Nay it is the scope of the whole first Epistle of Iohn to propose such sure Marks to Believers whereby they may know that they have life eternal 1 Iohn 5. 13. 4 Because the true Believer may be perswaded that neither death nor life nor any other thing can separate him from the love of Christ Rom. 8. 38. 39. Where the Apostle not only speaketh of himself but of them to whom he writes 5 Because Believers have received the Spirit of Adoption whereby they cry Abba Father and he himself witnesseth with their Spirit that they are the children of God Rom. 8. 15. 16. 6 Because Believers have received not the Spirit of the World but the Spirit which is of God that they might know the things that are freely given to them of God 1 Cor. 2. 12. Quest. II. IS this certainty a bare conjectural and probable perswasion grounded upon a fallible hope No. But is it an infallible assurance of Faith Yes Heb. 6. 11. 19. Heb. 6. 17 18. Well then do not the Papists and Arminians err who maintain that the assurance of salvation is only conjectural or at the most only probable which hath for its foundation a failling and fadeing Faith Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because assurance is from the testimony of the Holy Spirit witnessing with our Spirits that we are the Children of God Rom. 8. 16. 2 Because this assurance is founded upon the promises of God who cannot lie Isai. 54. 10. Iohn 3. 36. 3 Because Believers are sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise which is the earnest of their inheritance but he that receiveth the earnest not only hath right to the possession but knows assuredly that he hath that right and shall be put in the actual possession thereof Eph. 1. 13 14. 4 Because God willing more aboundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel confirmed it by an oath that by two immutable things in which it was impossible to God to lie we might have a strong consolation Heb. 6. 17 18. Quest. III. IS the infallible assurance of Faith founded upon the divine truth of the promises of Salvation and upon the inward evidence of those Graces unto which these promises are made Yes Heb. 6. 17 18. 2 Peter 1. 4 5. 1 Iohn 2 3 and 1 Iohn 3. 14. 2 Cor. 1. 12. Well then do not the Antinomians err who maintain that none ought or can gather any comfort or assurance of Salvation from his own works of holiness but that a Believer ought to lean and rest upon the alone testimony of the Spirit without any Marks or Signs from which testimony he may say they be fully assured of the remission of his sins and of his own salvation Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 From the example of the Saints who gathered their comfort from the fruits of Faith and works of holiness as David did Psalm 119. 6. And as Paul did 2 Cor. 1. 12. 2 From the reckoning up of Marks which are held out in Scripture by which Believers may be known from unbelievers as mutual love Iohn 13. 35. Observing and keeping his Commandments 1 Iohn 2. 3. Doing of righteousness 1 Iohn 3. 14. And loving the Brethren 3 Because unless Faith be proven by Marks true Faith cannot be discerned from presumption neither can assurance rightly founded be discerned from a delusion of Satan 1
the Law whether it be saith the Text unto death or to banishment or to confiscation of goods or to imprisonment Chap. 7. 23 25 28. 9 Because we ought to pray for Kings and all in Authority that under them we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all Godliness and in Honesty which end cannot be attained unless the Civil Magistrat bridle and ty up Hereticks 1 Tim. 2. 12. These words in all Godliness concerns Religion or the first Table of the Moral Law as the following word honesty or civility hath a respect to the commands of the second Table and the duties which we owe to our neighbour and to one another For true Magistrates are keepers and defenders of both Tables of the ten Commandments 10 Because the toleration of Hereticks as we may read of the Anabaptists in Germany Thomas Muntzer Iohn of Leidden and their followers first by railling against the Ministry as the Quakers do and raging against Magistracy brought both Church and State into confusion put the country into burning flames wherein themselves at length were consumed to Ashes CHAP. XXI Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath day Question I. DOTH the Light of Nature shew that there is a GOD who hath Lordship and Soveraignty over all Yes Rom. 1. 20. Acts 17. 24. Psalm 119 68. Ier. 10. 7. Psalm 31. 23. Well then do not the Socinians err who maintain that there is no knowledge of God implanted naturally in the minds of men Yes Do not secondly the Vaninians and many of the Cartesians err who under the pretext of maintaining a God-head have in effect taught men to deny there is a God Yes Do not thirdly some Bee-headed Men err who dispute against the Beeing of a God-head because they cannot find a Demonstration for it called Dihoti Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen being understood by the things which are made even his eternal power and Godhead so that they are without excuse Rom. 1. 20. 2 Because the Psalmist saith the heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament sheweth his handy work That is they give us matter and occasion to speak and discourse of his Omnipotency Wisdom and Goodness Psalm 19 1 2 3. 3 Because the knowledge of the Law of Nature is naturally implanted in the minds of all men Rom. 2. 14. Therefore some knowledge of the law-giver must be implanted in the minds of all men 4 Because in the most wick ed and ungodly there are terrors and tortures of conscience wherewith nil they will they they are haunted and possessed whence it is evident that in the minds of all men there is some lively knowledge of God 5 Because men had rather worship a stock or a stone than they should think there were no God Acts 17. 23. 6 What a brave order and comliness shines forth with so much wisdom and power in the government and preservation of things above and below that no man can be in doubt but there must be a God who rules and preserves all those things 7 Because nothing can be the cause of it self because then it should be both the Cause and the Effect both before and after it self therefore all things have their beginning from one first and supream Cause which is God 8 Because the existence of a God-head may be evinced from the foretelling of things to come Isaiah 41. 23. And as Cicero says si est divinatio sunt Dii if there be a foretelling there must be also a God that foretelleth 9 From the assaults and suggestions of Satan we find there is a devil may we not then certainly conclude that there is a God The Devil labours by all means to extinguish the light of the Gospel to lead men on in ignorance error and prophanness and to turn them out of the path of holiness Now why should Satan thus warr against God his word and his Saints Why should he seek Gods dishonour and mans destruction if there were not a God a Law and an everlasting life 10 Because the mind of man is not satisfied with the knowledge of all things nor the will of man with the enjoyment of all things in this world but still they seek and thirst earnestly after some higher good There is therefore a soveraign Truth and Chief Good which being perfectly known and enjoyed will give contentment and satisfaction to the Soul In vain should the Powers and Faculties of the Soul be capable of happiness or of the Chief Good if there were not a Chief Good to be possessed and enjoyed 11 From the wonders and miracles which have been wrought visible and apparent works extraordinarly wrought not only above the ordinary course of Nature but simply above the power of Nature These effects do convince that there is an infinite power which is above and over-ruleth all things For every principal and primary cause is more excellent than the effects thereof 12 From the beeing of man the curious workmanship of his body in the womb which is wrought most artificially namely with sinews veins arteries muscels and other parts of the body even as an Embroiderer sitteth and joyneth many parcels stuff and dyed work of various colours very artificially and curiously together untill there cometh forth some goodly Pourtraiture or other dainty workmanship Psal. 139. 15. Iob 10. 10. But especially from the beeing of a mans soul which is immaterial invisible rational immortal and which cannot be ● traduce from the power of the matter as the sensitive souls of Bruits neither doth depend on the body in many of its operations These and all the works which our eye doth see or the mind doth apprehend do prove that there is a God who hath given a Beeing to them and continueth them therein 13 Because seeing God is the the first cause there cannot be any thing Prior to him by which as a cause his existence can be Demonstrated Quest. II. IS the acceptable way of worshipping the true GOD instituted by himself and so limited to his own revealed Will that he may not be worshipped according to the imaginations and devices of men or the suggestions of Satan under any visible representation or any other way not prescribed in the holy Scripture Yes Deut. 12. 32. Matth. 15. 9. Acts 17. 25. Col. 2. 23. Exod. 20. 4 5 6. Well then do not the Papists err who teach that the Images of Christ and the Trinity ought to be worshipped and that not improperly but even properly and Per se with that same sort of worship wherewith Christ and the blessed Trinity are adored Yes Do not likewise the Greeks err who maintain that the painted Images of God may be adored but not the engraven or carved images of God Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because it is expresly against the second command Exod. 20. 4 5. 2 Because God is infinite unmeasurable incomprehensible
some have openly contradicted others CAAP. XXXII Of the State of Men after Death and of the Resurrection of the Dead Question I. ARE the Souls of the Righteous being made perfect in holiness received into the highest Heavens where they behold the Face of GOD in Light and Glory Yes Acts 3. 21. Ephes. 4. 10. Well then do not the Greeks Arminians Anabaptists and Papists err who maintain that the Souls of the Righteous are not presently after death admitted to enjoy happiness which consists in seeing of GOD but are put into some Mansion though it be not a Heavenly one yet a place above Hell where they enjoy even until the Resurrection some Heavenly Delight and Recreation without seeing of GOD Yes Do not likewise the Socinians err who affirm That the Souls of the Righteous after death until the Resurrection are extinguished and put out to speak so Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because the Souls of the Righteous after Death are with Christ in Heaven and enjoy that blessed Vision Phil. 1. 23. Acts 3. 21. Ephes. 4. 10. 2 Because the Spirits of Iust Men after Death return to GOD and are received by GOD Eccles. 12. 7. Acts 7. 59. Note that Solomon onely speaketh of the people of GOD. Yet some understand it of the Souls both of Believers and unbelievers which are both sentenced by GOD as supream Iudge immediately when a man dieth every man to his place the Souls of Believers to Heaven of unbelievers to hell 3 Because the Saints departed together with the Angels are said to sing perpetually Praises and Thanksgiving before His Throne Rev. 4. 6 9 10 11. Rev. 5. 8 9 10. Rev. 7. 9 10. 4 Because Christ promised that the Thief should be with him in Paradise that same very day he died Luke 23. 43. Paul also calls it the third Heaven 2 cor 12. 2. 4. 5 Because the Spirits of just men are said to be made perfect in holiness and glory and placed in the Heavenly Ierusalem with the Angels Heb. 12. 22. 23. 6 Because the Apostle sayes that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved we have a building of GOD an house not made with hands eternal in the heavens 2 Cor. 5. 1 2. 7 Because the same Apostle sayes therefore we are alwayes confident knowing that whilst we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord 2 Cor. 5. 6 8. 8 Because the souls of the righteous after death are comforted and carried into Abrahams bosom Luke 16. 22. 25. Quest. II. ARE the souls of the wicked cast into hell where they remain in torments and utter darkness reserved to the judgement of the great day Yes Luke 16. 23 24. Acts 1. 25. Iude 6 7. verses 1 Peter 3. 19. Well then do not the Greeks and others err who maintain that the souls of the wicked are not adjudged to hells torments till after the resurrection Yes Do not likewise the Socinians err who maintain that the souls of the wicked shall never be tormented in hell Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because the particular judgement of every single man follows immediately his departure out of this life Heb. 9 27. 2 Because the soul of the rich Glutton after it departed from his body was tormented in the flames of Hell Luke 16. 22. 23. 3 Because the souls of wicked men departed go to their own place that is to hell Acts 1. 25. 4 Because the souls of wicked men are no less punished in hell than the Apostate Angels Iude verses 6 7. 5 Because the Spirits of those who in the time of Noah were disobedient are said to be in prison 1 Peter 3. 19. This prison is Hell Matth. 5. 26 27. Quest. III. DOTH the Scripture acknowledge any other place than heaven and hell for souls departed from their bodies No. Well then do not the Papists err who besides these two places have devised other four First a place called Limbus patrum in which the Faithful who died before Christs passion have been shut up as in a dark prison under ground and being without torment and for the time wanting happiness have been keeped closs there until Christs Resurrection and ascension into heaven Secondly a place called Limbus infantum in which Infants which die without Baptism suffer the eternal punishment not of Sense but of Loss The third is a most pleasant Meadow in which as in a Royal prison the Souls that are in it want happiness yet suffer no punishment of Sense except what ariseth from the delay of happiness but only of Loss This place seems to be the Elisian Fields taken out of the sixth book of Virgils Aeneiods The fourth place is called Purgatory which is a middle place between heaven and hell in which are the Saints who have departed from this life without making satisfaction by temporal punishments for their venial sins yet have gone thither for the guilt of their punishment the fault whereof is pardoned in this life that when they have satisfied and are well purged from every spot and blemish they may be admitted to that blessed Vision in seeing GOD for ever Do not I say the Papists err who besides heaven and hell maintain other four places for souls departed Yes By what reasons do you confute Limbus patrum 1 Because the Souls of the Faithful that departed before Christs passion were made Inhabitants of the same Heavenly Ierusalem with the Angels Heb. 12. 22 23. 2 Because the Spirits and Souls of the Faithful that died before Christ suffered returned to GOD who gave them Eccl. 3. 21. 3 Because the vertue of Christs sacrifice did no less extend it self to Believers under the Old Testament than to Believers under the New Rev. 13. 8. 4 From the example of Enoch and of Moses and Elias which two before the passion of Christ were seen upon the mount with him Gen. 5. 24. 2 Kings 2. 11. Luke 9. 30 31. Heb. 11. 5. By what reasons confute you Limbus Infantum 1 Because the Covenant belongs to the Children of Believers though not baptised in which Covenant glory and life eternal are promised Acts 2 39. 2 Because Christ said that the Kingdom of Heaven belonged to little children though not baptised Matth. 19. 14. 3 Because the Infants of the Israelites dying before the eight day were not shut up in Limbus Infantum as the Adversaries themselves confess But the Nature and Essence of Baptism under the New Testament and the Nature and Essence of Circumcision under the Old are the same Col. 2. 11 12. 4 All the Arguments which are brought against the absolute necessity of Baptism do clearly overturn this fiction of Limbus Infantum Thirdly There is no such place as a most pleasant meadow in which as in a Senatorian prison the Souls that are in it want Felicity yet suffer no punishment of Sense This was made evident in the First Question Lastly there is no such place as Purgatory 1 Because there