sinnes by free pardon and forgivenesse of them all and whereby also they are accepted as righteous in Gods sight by the merit of Christs righteousnes both of his life death imputed unto them Mat 9.2 Rom 3.25 4.6 7. 2 Pet. 1.1 2. Reconciliation whereby sinners being freed from Gods anger and displeasure justly incurred and provoked by their sinnes they are againe received into his love favour and friendship Matth 3.17 Col 1.21 3. Adoption whereby of the children of disobedâ—ence of wrath and of the Divell which they were in Adam and by their sinnes Ephes 2.2 5.6 Ioh 8.44 they are made the children of God and heires of the Kingdome of heaven Gal 4.4 5.6 Eph 1.4 5 6. P. What degree of salvation doe the faithfull attaine at the end of this life M. It is this First and generally they depart in peace Luke 2.29 for their soules are parted from their bodies in Gods favour they are carried to heaven Luk 16.22 and received thither Acts 7.50 They dye in Christ 1 Thess 4.16 they sleepe in Iesus verse 24 they dye in the Lord Revel 14.13 they dye the death of the righteous Num 23.10 they depart to the Father Iohn 13 1. As soone as they are departed this life their soules are with Christ in Paradise which is Christs Kingdome Luke 23.42.43 even when their bodies are unburied or lye in the grave and therefore this salvation is called the salvation of the soule 1 Pet 1.9 Heb 10.39 for the spirits of just and perfect men are in heaven Hebr 12.25 And well may the faithfull depart in peace when they dye seeing when they lived they were justified by faith and had peace with God Rom. 5.1 Good cause have they if they forget not to consider it not to feare to dye seeing they know that the sting of their death is taken away 1 Cor 15.55 by Christ who through his death hath overcome him that had the power of death that is the Divell Hebr 2.14 and seeing they are perswaded that death shall not separate them from the love of God which is in Christ Iesus Rom 8.38 39. Secondly and more specially 1. The bodies of the faithfull at the end of this life are at rest from their labours paines and diseases and are free from sense of all miseries and vexations Revel 14.13 Isai 56.1 2. 2. Their soules are wholly freed from originall and naturall corruption for the flesh which was therein while they lived is wholly killed destroyed For they are carryed into heaven Luk 16 22. into which no uncleane thing can enter Revel 21 27. 1 Cor 15.50 P. And what degrees of salvation doe the faithfull attaine unto at the end of the world M. It consists of 2 branches whereof the first concernes the body the second belongs to the soule and bodie too P. What happines receives the body at the end of the world M. It is this Of a naturall dead weake corruptible and mortall body which it was when it was alive in the world and lay in the grave it is raised a spiritual living strong incorruptible and immortall body and being raised from death to life it is restored to its former being and shape complexion and proportion yet without any defect or blemish in a most comely manner for it is a glorified body 1 Cor 15.42 to 46. P. Yea but it seemes to naturall reason an impossible thing for a dead body to rise and live againe M. True but Christians know by the light of the holy Scriptures that the dead body shall rise from death to life not by any power in it selfe or by the meanes of any naturall cause but by a supernaturall even the power of God Matth 22.29 Iosh 22.1 Thess 4.16 P. How may I bee drawne better to beleeve the Resurrection from the dead M. By these seaven Reasons 1 The testimony of Christ who sayd that all that are in the graves shall heare Christs voyce and come forth unto the Resurrection Iohn 5 28 29. 2 The promise of it made by God unto the Patriarks Act 26 6 7 8. 3 The faith hope of Gods children who in all ages beleeved it hoped and lookt for it Acts 23 6 24 15. Iohn 11 24. 4 The practise of many Heathen who in hope of the Resurrection washed the dead bodyes of their freinds departed before they buryed them 1 Cor 15 29. Acts 9 36. 5 The proofe and experience of many recorded in the Scriptures who have risen from death to life Mat. 27 52 53. Ioh. 11 35. 6 The appoynting of a day of iudgment at the second comming of Christ Act 17.30 31 32. Ioh 5 28 29. Dan 12.2 7 The Resurrection of Christ himselfe from death to life to be the first fruits of them that sleepe 1 Cor 15 20. 1 Thes 4 14. 1 Pet 1.3 For the gathering in of the first ripe fruites doe giue hope to the husbandman of ripening gathering in of the rest afterwards P. Indeed these Reasons cleerely and unanswerably doe prove that the dead shall rise againe and that there shall bee a Resurrection from the dead But you sayd it was a branch of happines unto the faithfull that their bodyes rose from death to life how may this bee prooved M. This also may be sufficiently proved out of the Scripture and that by these 7 reasons also 1 Because it is said that they are counted worthy of the Resurrection Luke 20 35. Therefore the Resurrection is a favour consequently a branch of happinesse unto them 2 Because they are called the children of the Resurrection Luk 20 36. and they are so called as in other respects so in this because they rise Gods children as they lived and dyed are in his favor which is a great happinesse 3. Because they are said to be equall to the Angels when they are raised Luke 20.36 and the Angels are happy for nothing but happinesse can befall them 4. Because the Apostle saith that if the faithfull did not rise they were of all men most miserable 1 Cor 15.19 therefore because they doe rise againe they are happy 5. Because when they are raised from death to life they are called blessed for Christ will call unto them and say Come ye blessed of my Father Matth 25.34 6. The resurrection from the dead is a degree of happinesse because as it hath beene said before the naturalnesse weaknes corruption and morrality of the body is abolished and destroyed and by the resurrection it is made a spirituall strong incorruptible and immortall body yea it is raised a glorified body to be made fit to enter into and enjoy the glory of heaven 1 Cor 15.41.50 7. And lastly the resurrection of the body from death to life is a degree of happines because the assured expectation of it did work in the faithfull both more grace and also more peace and comfort in their consciences Acts 24.15 16. Psal 16.9 1 Thess 4.17 P. Sir I cannot
deny but these reasons doe prove the point most cleerely but one thing there is that I am not as yet resolved of namely I would faine learne how the resurrection from the dead should be a happines to the faithfull more than to the wicked and unfaithfull for all both good and bad arise M. It cannot be denied but all both good and bad just and unjust must arise from death to life Iohn 5.28 Acts 24.15 but though this be true yet there is a great difference in their rising and this difference shewes the happinesse of the one and the unhappinesse of the other P. Wherein I pray you is the difference betwixt the resurrection of the godly and of the wicked M. It appeares specially in three things 1. All arise not the same manner of persons for some rise just and godly as they lived and dyed Luke 14.14 yea they rise Gods children Luke 22.36 but others rise unjust unrighteous and wicked as they lived and dyed Acts 24 15. 2. All arise not by the same meanes for the godly arise by Christs mediation and resurrection as his members 1 Thess 4.14 1 Pet 1.3 4. 2 Cor 4.14 But the wicked arise from death to life onely by Gods power and as his creatures 3. All arise not to the same end for the godly arise to the resurrection of life and eternall blessednesse Ioh 5.29 Matth 25.32.34 To shine as the brightnesse of the firmament and as the starres for ever and ever Dan. 12.2 Whereas the ungodly arise to the resurrection of condemnation Iohn 5.29 and to shame and everlasting contempt Dan 12.2 Some also have thought that there is a fourth difference betweene the resurrection of the just and unjust namely that the dead in Christ shall arise before them that have dyed out of him and for that they alledge a place in S. Paul 1 Thess 4.16 But I answer though it be not a thing improbable that the godly shall arise before the wicked yet doe I not thinke that that place proves it because that place speakes not of an order betwixt the rising of the godly and wicked but of an order betwixt the dead in Christ and the living in Christ at his second comming and that order is that the dead in Christ shall not prevent or goe before unto heaven and happinesse the living or them that shall be alive at Christs second comming P. But I pray you forget not that degree of happinesse whereof both the soules and bodies of the godly partake at the end of the world M. This happinesse hath 6 branches 1. Both soule and body shall bee joyned together even the very same Iob 19.25 26. 2. They shall bee freed from ever dying any more Luke 20.36 3. They shall be perfectly sanctified with that measure of grace whereof a creature can be capable for the fitting of him to enjoy the heavenly glory 1 Cor 15.49 4. Being sanctified they shall be translated and received into the kingdome of heaven Matth 25.34 5. Being translated they shall partake of glory with God and Christ Iohn 17.24 6. Partaking of heavenly glory they shall enjoy it for ever 1 Thes 4.17 P. These indeede are excellent degrees of happinesse the Lord fit us to partake of them but I pray you remember to shew mee the third generall point necessary to be knowne in the doctrine of salvation which was the meanes whereby it is effected and brought to passe in the severall degrees thereof M. I will The means whereby saluation is effected by the grace of God These meanes are certaine actions of God P. What are the actions wrought by God that bring to passe mans salvation M. They are actions that properly belong to the severall Persons of the sacred Trinity namely 1. God the Father 2. God the Sonne and 3. God the Holy Ghost P. What were the actions of God the Father whereby mans salvation was effected M. Twofold 1. In respect of Christ his appointing and sending him into the world to save it Iohn 3.16 and his setting him in the office of his Mediatorship Ioh. 6.28 Matth 3.17 2. And in respect of the faithfull his justifying of them his being reconciled unto them and his adopting of them to be his children and heires of heaven whereof you have heard before in the degrees of salvation P. What were the actions of God the Sonne which hee did to bring to passe our salvation M. They were those whereby hee merited and procured that the Elect should be surely brought into Gods favour againe and safely carried to heaven for he is called the Authour of our salvation Hebr 5.9 and the Captaâ—ne of our salvation Hehr 2.10 And hee is called a Saviour and our Saviour 23 times in the New Testament And these actions of Christ concerned either 1 his conception and birth or 2. his life or 3. his death or 4. his resurrection or 5. ascension or 6. his sitting on Gods right hand P. What was Christs conception and birth and the merit of them to our salvation M. Christs conception and birth was his incarnation whereby he tooke into the unity of his Person being the Sonne of God the man then in framing in the wombe of the Virgin Mary By this being a great abasing to him Phil 2.6 7. Hebr 2.14 he merited and procured that our originall sinne wherein we were conceived and borne of our parents should be pardoned and purged Psal 51.3 P. What were the actions of Christs life whereby hee wrought our salvation M. They were these principally 1. In his life hee was just righteous 1 Pet. 3.18 for hee knew no sinne experimentally 2 Cor. 5.21 But was holy and separate from sinners Hebr 7.26 Hee was Gods righteous servant Isay 53.11 He was made unto us righteousnesse 1 Cor 1.30 That by the imputatioÌ„ of the merit thereof to all true beleevers their imperfect righteousnes might be covered and they therein accepted and presented as faultlesse Iude verse 24 holy and without blame Eph 5.25 Yea that hee might establish them unblameable in holines before God 1 Thess 3 13. 2. In his life Christ made many heavenly prayers to God his Father for his Elect and by them Christ merited that their faith might not faile Luke 22.32 nor they fall from grace but be brought safe to glory in heaven Ioh. 17.11.24 3. In the life of Christ 1. hee endured much poverty Mat 8.20 having not a house to put his head in of his owne though he were Lord of all Acts 10.36 2. Hee was much shamed and disgraced being reviled and rayled upon Mat 27.30 And 3. he was put to much paine being buffeted and scourged Matth 27.26 Ioh 19.1 Matth 26.6 7. But Christ merited and procured for us hereby that by his povertie we might be made rich 2 Cor 8.9 that by his disgrace wee might be honoured with this prerogative of being Gods children Iohn 1.12 that by his stripes we might be healed 1 Pet 2.24 And that all our afflictions might
which it reproves or doe the duties which it commands or be refreshed with the comforts it affords or bee terrified from sinne with the threatnings of it P. What are the severall parts of the word that we must performe duties vnto when they are preached M. They are foure chiesly 1. the commandements of the word 2. the promises 3. the threatnings 4. the good examples of the godly doings and sufferings of godly persons recorded in it P. What are the Commandements of the word M. The commandements of the word The commandements of God are those parts thereof which binde and enjoyn the doing of good actions and which forbid the committing of evill actions in thought word and deede P. And what duties of service to God doe properly concerne the commandements of the word preached M. These three 1. Obedience in doing the good actions commanded and in leaving undone and forbearing to doe the evill actions forbidden Rom. 2.13 Ioh. 13.17 Matth. 7.24 and that for conscience sake Genes 39.9 Iam. 2.11 and constantly Rom. 2.7 Gal. 3.10 2. Vsing al good means whereby wee may be furthered in our obedience Psal 119.10.11 3. Refraining all means occasions and opportunities whereby wee may be hindered in our obedience Psal 119.101 P. What are the promises of the word The promises of the word M. Gods promises are those parts of the word wherein God covenants with his people to bestow upon them upon their faith and repentance the things of this life that may be good for them and of the life to come 1 Tim. 4.8 Psal 34.10 P. And what duties doe properly belong to the promises of the word preached M. These foure 1. Faith whereby wee beleeve the truth of them and trust in Gods power goodnesse and faithfulnes for the performance of them 2 Tim. 1.12 2. Hope in God assuredly to looke for the performance of them Psal 119.81 42.5 3. Ioy or rejoycing in the good things promised and hoped for Psal 119.162 4. Patience to waite Gods leisure till we be made partakers of them without limiting God the time or meanes Heb. 10.36 6.12 Rom. 8.25 Psal 130.6 123.2 Isay 28.16 P. What are the threatnings of the word M. Gods threatnings are parts of his word The threatnings of the word wherein God denounceth to bring vpon sinners for their infidelity and impenitency temporall spirituall and eternall judgements P. And what duties of service to God doe properly concerne these threatnings M. These two 1. Trembling and astonishment at the very hearing of them Ier. 36.16.24 2. Feare to sinne against God lest the evills threatned in them doe come vpon vs Revel 18.4 P. What are the examples of the word M. Certaine presidents The examples of the word and particular patternes of the faith obedience and patience of Gods servants and children recorded in the Bible P. And what duties properly concerne these holy examples M. These two 1. An honourable memoriall of them and of their good name seeing God was glorified by them Matth. 28.13 5.16 2. A sincere purpose and endeavor to imitate and follow their patternes in the practise of the like duties Luke 10.37 Heb. 6.12 P. Sir I thanke you for your labours touching my service to God in respect of the first religious exercise and part of Gods publike service I pray you goe on now with the second which is the receiving of the Sacraments and first tell me what the receiving of the Sacraments is M. Receiving the Sacraments Duties in respect of receiving the Sacraments is a part of Gods worship wherein by taking certaine creatures and using certaine actions about them appointed by God and by setting them apart by the word and prayer from common and civill use to a sacred use there is thereby signified and remembred Christ his death and also the benefits and merits thereof are sealed and assured to all true beleevers 1 Cor. 11.28 Rom. 4.11 6.2 3. P. How many be there of these Sacraments that are to be received M. Two 1. Baptisme 2. the Lords Supper P. What duties of obedience and service to God belong to the receiving of these Sacraments M. They be of two sorts 1. Some which be common to the receiving of both the Sacraments Some that bee proper to each of them P. What be the duties that be common to the receiving of both the Sacraments M. These two 1. In respect of our bodies wee must looke vpon the creatures and actions about them appointed by God to be used in the administring of them for the remembring of Christ and for the setting forth of his death and wee must permit the Minister to administer vnto us those creatures and actions to this end and also receive them from him when they are administred to vs by him Act. 8.38 Mark 16.16 Ezra 6.21 2. In respect of our soules 1. wee must meditate on the nature and parts use and end benefit and comfort of the Sacraments 2. We must remember with thankfulnesse the death and blood-shedding of Christ shewed and set forth therein 3. Wee must by faith apply to our selves the merits of Christs bloody death to the washing away of our sinnes and to the nourishing of our souls in the life of grace to the life of glory 1 Cor. 10.16 P. What duties to God are proper to the receiving of the Sacrament of Baptisme M. These two 1. Duties in respect of praying to God Desire and endeavour by prayer and examination to finde in our selves the efficacie and benefit thereof to the cleansing of vs from the power and punishment of our sins Rom. 6.3 4.2 Conscience to doe what wee have professed and to performe what wee have promised when wee were baptized namely to renounce the service of sinne and to continue Gods faithfull servants For hereby we shall manifest to our selves and others that our soules are inwardly and spiritually baptized with Christs blood and Spirit as well as our bodies are outwardly by the water and Minister Ioh. 3.5 1 Pet. 3.20 21. P. And what duties are proper to the receiving of the Sacrament of the Lords Supper M. The duties proper to that Sacrament have beene as you know plainely and largely delivered by me in a Booke called Spirituall exercise to procure a good appetite unto and a good digestion of the Lords Supper to which I referre you for more particular instruction P. Sir I blesse God for these your directions touching the receiving of the Sacraments which is the second religious exercise of Gods publike service I pray you proceede to the third which is Prayer and therein first tell mee what it is M. Praying to God is a part of his publike service wherein we call vpon him and beg of him either the bestowing of good things upon us or the removing of hurtfull things from us Psal 50.15 P. What duties of service concerne prayer to God M. They are of three kindes for they belong either 1. to the matter of
heads are foure whereof the first concernes God the second your selfe the third other men and the fourth hath respect unto salvation it selfe P. Which bee those reasons that concern God and which may perswade me to seeke to bee saved M. They are three That Christians must seeke to be saued and why The first is taken from Gods commandement that biddes Christians to seeke the Kingdome of God and his righteousnesse yea to seeke it first that is before above al worldly things Matth 6.33 To strive to enter in at the strait gate Luke 13.24 To labour for the meate that endures to eternall life Iohn 6.27 and to labour to enter into that rest Hebr 4.11 The second reason is drawne from Gods promise Why Christians must seeke to be saued which is 1. in generall that they which seeke shall finde Matth 7.7 2. in speciall that they which seeke the Lord shall finde him Ier 29.13 3. and in particular that they which seeke Gods Kingdome it will be their Fathers pleasure to give it unto them Luke 12.31 32. The third argument is taken from Gods dealing with sinners in his seeking that they might be saved For 1. God the Father expostulates with sinners why they will dye and not be saved Ezck 33.11 yea he intreates by his Ministers that they would bee reconciled to God 2 Cor. 5.20 2. Iesus Christ came to seek and save lost sinners Luk 19.10 yea hee invites them to come unto him that is to beleeve in him that they may be eased and saved Matth 11.28 Ioh 6.35 And 3. the Holy Ghost strives with them by exhortations Gen 6.3 and testifies to them that is forewarnes and chargeth theÌ„ by threatnings that they would bee converted to the end they may be saved Nehem. 9.30 1 Thess 4.6 Now there is no reason that God should seeke to us to be saved and not we to him P. What is the reason that concernes our selves that may move us to seeke to be saved M. It is this wee must seeke to be saved because wee neede to seeke it and we neede to seeke for salvation partly because we are by nature ignorant of the way thereunto 1 Cor 1.22 23. 2.14 and the Divell seekes to keepe us in this ignorance 2 Cor 4.4 partly because salvation will not be obtained without diligent seeking for the violent take it by force Matth 11.12 and partly also because if we doe neglect to seeke salvation we sinne fearefully and cannot escape condemnation Hebr 2.4 Iohn 3.19 P. What is the reason to perswade me to seeke for salvation that is taken from other men M. It is this First Gods Ministers doe seeke us that we might be saved 2 Cor 12.14 for they beseech us to bee reconciled to God 2 Cor 5.20 they exhort us to save our selves from the wicked generation of this world Acts 2.40 yea their hearts desire and prayer to God for us is that we might bee saved Rom 10.1 And there is no reason that Ministers should bee more carefull of our salvation than wee of our owne Secondly the Church of God in all ages hath afforded many memorable examples of holy people that have sought for salvation and found it Acts 2.37 16.30 Hebr. 11.6 P. What is the fourth and last reason taken from some consideration concerning salvation it selfe M. It is this You ought to seeke for salvation because it is worth your seeking for it is called by way of excellency so great salvation Hebr 2.4 the salvation of God Acts 23.28 yea salvation with eternall glory 2 Tim 2.10 P. These indeed are good arguments to prove both that I must seeke it and why I must but when must I seeke it M. Though I say you must seeke to bee saved when you dye I doe not meane you must seeke when you dye but that you must seeke to bee saved while you live You must seeke God while hee may be found Isay 55.5 and God will be found in this life for now is the day of salvation now is the accepted time 2 Cor 6.3 for now the means of grace are afforded unto us in the use of Gods ordinances appointed for that end Dives was carryed to hell when he dyed and out of it there is no redemption Luke 16.23.26 The foolish virgins wanting oyle in their lampes when the bridegroome came were shut out of the bride-chamber though then they desired to get oyle Math. 25.12 P. But I pray you good Sir how and by what meanes may I seeke for salvation M. Even in the same manner How Christians must seeke to be saued and by the same meanes that I taught you to seeke to serve God namely by seeking 1. to know the chiefe points of the doctrine of salvation 2. to affect and desire it 3. to get and obtaine salvation P. I pray you then Sir in the first place tell me what are the chiefe poynts of the doctrine of salvation that are to be knowne M. They are three To know the chiefe points of salvation for we must knowe beleeue 1. What it is to bee saved and this wee may knowe for God hath ordayned meanes to giue vs knowledge of salvation Luk. 1.77 And to shew us the way of it Act 16.17.2 The severall degrees by which salvation is attayned which is not all at once 3. The meanes whereby it is effected and brought to passe in these severall degrees P. Sir I thinke I knowe already the first poynt which is what it is to be saved namely it is to bee freed from hell and damnation M. It is some thing which you say but that is not all For to bee saved is not onely to bee freed from all eternall curssednesse which is to escape the damnation of hell Math. 23 33. to be delivered from the wrath to come 1 Thes 5.10 to haue your soule saved from death eternall Iam 5.20 and to be kept that yee perish not nor be condemned Iohn 3 16 17. But to bee saved is to partake of all eternall blessednesse in another life and world which is to obtaine eternall glory 2. Tim 2 10 to inherit the kingdome of God Math 25 34 to enter into our Masters joy Math 25.34 to bee ever with the Lord Christ 1 Thess 4.17 Phâ—l 1 23 namely to behold and partake of his glory Iohn 17.24 P. I perceive now my failing and it must needs be so as you say touching the nature of salvation but I pray you also proceed to the second general point of the doctrine of salvation to shew me what are the degrees by which it is attained M. They are three The degrees of saluation 1. In this life Luke 19.9 2. At the end of this life Acts 7.59 3. At the end of the world Hebr 9.28 P. What degree of salvation is attained unto in this life M. It hath three branches 1. Iustification wherby the faithfull are fully acquitted and discharged from the guilt and punishment of all their
be sanctified and seasoned to our reformation and consolation in Christ P. What was Christs action at his death whereby he merited our salvation M. He willingly laâ—d downe his life when by his divine power hee might have held it and none could have taken it from him Iohn 10.17 1 Iohn 3.16 Hereby Christ offered up himselfe a propitiatory sacrifice to God his Father for the ransome of mankind Gal 4.5 Heb 10.6 7 8 and hereby hee redeemed the Elect from the second death which is damnation and from the tyranny of the Divell Hebr 2.14 Iam 5.20 Acts 26.18 P. What was Christs resurrection and the merit of it for our salvation M. Christs resurrection was the freeing of himselfe from the power of death under which hee was held in the grave some part of three dayes and the uniting againe of his soule which was in heaven to his body which lay in the grave Christ merited hereby that the faithfull should rise againe from death to life as members of his mysticall body and be begotten to a lively hope of their owne resurrection by the power of his 1 Cor 15.19 20. 1 Pet 1.3 1 Thess 4.14 P. What was Christs Ascension and what did he merit thereby tending to our salvation M. Christs Ascension was his leaving to live any longer on the earth as man and his entring into heaven both in soule and body there to continue till the end of the world Acts 1.9 10 11. Hebr 4.14 By Christs Ascension into heaven he tooke possession of it for the faithfull that at the end of their lives he might receive their soules thither Acts 7.59 and at the end of the world he might receive into it both their soules and bodies Iohn 14.2 Heb 6.20 P. What was Christs sitting on the right hand of God the Father in heaven and what did hee merit thereby for our salvation M. Christs sitting on the right hand of the Father in heaven is his partaking as man of heavenly glory farre above all creatures Hebr. 1.3 The merit thereof is his Intercession for us Hebr. 7.24 25 for in heaven hee continually appeares in Gods presence for us Heb 9.24 to present all his merits unto God his Father for our benefit that God beholding the worth of them hee might continually apply the vertue and benefit of them to the conversion and salvation of his Elect successively to the worlds end P. Now you have shewed mec what were the act on s of God the Father and God the Sonne which they wrought for the effecting of mans salvation I pray you also tell mee what were the actions of the Holy Ghost for that end M. They were of two kindes The actions of the holy Spirit for effecting mans saluation 1. Such as he wrought in Christ that was to be the Saviour of the world and 2. such as hee wrought in them that are to bee saved by him P. What were the actions wrought in Iesus Christ by the Holy Ghost for the bringing to passe of mans salvation M. They were three 1. the sanctifying of the seede of the woman for the framing of his body thereof as hee was man Luke 1.35 2. The declaring of him to be the Saviour of the world by descending upon him like a dove Matth 3.16 Iohn 3.33 3. The filling of him with the gifts and graces of the Spirit above measure Iohn 3.34 and above his fellowes Hebr 1.9 P. What are the actions of the Holy Spirit which he workes in them that are to bee saved for the effecting thereof M. They are two 1. Regeneration or bringing them into the state of grace 2. Preservation or keeping them therein P. Sir I have heard much of Regeneration but I doe not well understand it I pray you therefore cause mee to understand better what it is M. Regeneration is an action of the holy Spirit The Regeneration of the holy Spirit whereby Christians are begotten again borne againe and renewed or made new againe 1 Pet 1.3 Iohn 3.5 Tit. 3.5 P. Wherein doth the holy Spirit regenerate Christians M. Not in making new the substance of their soules nor in enduing their soules with new parts powers and faculties But Regeneration consists in healing and recovering rectifying and amending purging and sanctifying with a new supply of grace the former parts powers and faculties that were wholly depraved and corrupted with sinne through Adams disobedience Ecclefiast 7.29 P. To what end doth the holy Spirit regenerate Christians by his grace M. For a twofold end in respect of themselves P. Which is the first M. To enable them to serve God sincerely and acceptably in this world Hebr 12.28 in newnesse of spirit Rom 7.6 and in newnesse of life Rom 6.4 For they are created anew in Christ Iesus unto good workes which God had before ordained that they should walke in Eph 2.10 This they could not doe as they were begotten of their parents for so they were begotten in sinne Psal 51.5 and borne of and after the flesh Iohn 3.3 Gal. 4.29 which cannot please God Rom 8.8 And therefore to the end they may bee fitly disposed and effectually enabled to doe the holy duties of Gods service they must be made new men and women for the image of God which through Adams sinne was defaced in them as touching right knowing willing and doing Gods will must againe be renewed in them Col 3.10 Eph. 4.24 P. What is the second end why the holy Spirit doth regenerate Christians M. It is to order them and to set them in the way to heaven which is to make them meete partakers of that inheritance Col 1.12 For without holinesse no man shall see the Lord Hebr. 12.14 Into the new Ierusalem of heaven shall in no wise enter any uncleane thing Revel 21.27 And flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdome of God 1 Cor. 15.50 Now they can not goe to heaven as they are begotten of their naturall parents for so they are the children of disobedience Eph. 5.6 the children of wrath Eph 2.3 and the children of the Divell Iohn 8.44 And therefore to the end they may be made capable of salvation they must by the holy Spirit bee turned from darkenesse to light and from the power of Satan unto God that they may receive an inheritance with them that are sanctified Acts 26.18 19. For holinesse is the way to happinesse and grace unto glory P. But by what meanes doth the holy Spirit regenerate Christians and make them new M. By the incorruptible seede of the word of truth Iam 1.18 which is the word of God 1. Pet. 1.23 which is the Gospell 1 Cor. 4.15 1 Pet. 1.23 which is the Preaching of Iesus Christ Rom. 16.25 and of salvation Act. 13.26 In whom they are begotten againe 1 Pet. 1.3 and created anew Eph. 2.10 And therefore you ought carefully to attend upon this ordinance which is the power of God to salvation to them that beleeve Rom. 1.16 P. I pray you Sir What
51. Isai 63.10 not to quench or grieve it 1 Thess 5.19 Eph. 4.30 but to be led thereby and to walke after the direction and guidance thereof for such are sealed to the day of Redemption Eph 4.30 They are Gods children Rom. 8.14 and unto such there is no condemnation for they are in Christ Iesus Rom. 8.1 and in them the righteousnes of the Law is fulfilled Rom. 8.4 namely sincerely in Gods favorable acceptation P. What actions that concerne our neighbour must Christians doe to assure them of salvation M. Loving him which is manifested chiefely in giving Heb. 13 16. and 9 10. and forgiving Eph 4.32 is exercised toward all men but specially toward the houshold of faith and all sincere Christians Gal. 6 10. For these loving affections and actions accompany salvation Heb 6 9. and they which are exercised therein with diligence unto the end doe attaine the full assurance of hope Heb 6.11 Hereby Christians that love in deed and in truth doe know that they are translated from death to life 1 Iohn 3.14 and that they are of the truth and shall assure their heartes before God 1 Ioh. 3.19 and unto such God wil one day say Come yee blessed of my Father receive the kingdome prepared from the beginning of the world because when I was hungry yee fed mee when I was naked yee clothed me and when I was sicke and in prison ye visited me in my members Math. 25.34.35.36 P. What actions bee they that concerne our selves the doing whereof will assure us of salvation M. They are these Nyne chiefely P. Which is the first M. Daily repenting of our daily sinnes with purpose and practise of amendment and crying God mercy in Christ For such godly sorrow for sinne causing amendment is unto salvation 2 Cor. 7 10. Such departing from iniquitie is a seale unto them that the Lord knoweth they are his belong unto him 2 Tim 2 19 and such purging of themselves from sinne is an assurance unto them that they are vessels of honour 2. 2 Tim 2.21 and vessels of honour are vessells of mercy prepared unto glory Rom 9.23 P. Which is the second M. Giving and consecrating our selves to the service of God with an upright heart 1 Chron 28.9 For such prove what is that good that acceptable and perfect will of God Rom 12.1 that is they understand thereby that it is Gods will and purpose to save them and no marvell seeing Gods servants have the fruit of their service in holinesse here and the end eternall life hereafter Rom 6.19.22 P. Which is the third M. Mortifying the old man that is subduing and weakening the power of our corrupt nature by the word prayer and fasting and by denying to our selves the occasions and opportunities of sinne specially of those sinnes to which wee are most inclined by nature or custome Col 3.5 For such shall live in heaven Rom 8.13 such may with rejoycing looke for that blessed hope and the glorious appearing of that great God and of our Saviour Iesus Christ Tit 2.12.13 And no marvell seeing such are Christs and members of him Gal 5.24 P. Which is the fourth M. Strengthening the new man or the inner man by the word prayer and Sacraments 2 Cor 4.16 1 Pet 2.2 And thereby growing in the number measure of their Christian vertues and graces for thereby they shall make their calling and election sure and an entrance shall bee ministred unto them abundantly into the everlasting Kingdome of our Lord and Saviour Iesus Christ 2 Pet 5. to 12. And such shall bee able to comprehend with all Saints what is the breadth and length and depth and height of the love of God toward them in Iesus Christ Eph 3.16.18 Yea God will establish their hearts unblameable in holinesse before God even the Father at the comming of our Lord Iesus Christ with all Saints 2 Thess 3.12 13. P. Which is the fifth M. Moderating our desires to the pleasures profits and honours of this world 1 Cor 7.29 30 31 and setting our affections upon holy and heavenly things Col 3.1 For such have their conversation in heaven and that their end is salvation Phil 3.19 20 Yea it is a signe that such as be thus sober 1 Thess 5.5.8 and are not besotted and drunke with the things of this life they have not their portion in this life as the wicked have Psal 17.14 but that God hath appointed them to obtaine salvation by our Lord Iesus Christ 1 Thess 5.8 9. P. Which is the sixth M. Professing Christianity the Gospell and godlinesse before men zealously and sincerely discreetly devoutly Rom 14.11 For Christ will confesse and acknowledge such before the Angels of God Luke 12.8 such lay hold on eternall life 1 Tim 6.12 Yea such confesse unto salvation and shall bee saved Rom 10.9 10. P. Which is the seventh M. Getting and keeping a good conscience being in all things desirous and endeavorous to please God Hebr 13.18 Acts 23.1 For such may draw neere unto God with full assurance of faith Hebr 10.22 such have hope toward God of a ioyfull resurrection to eternall life Acts 24.15 16 and may have considence toward God and assure their hearts before him 1 Iohn 3.19 21. P. Which is the eighth M. Striving and endeavoring to persevere in right beleeving well doing and patient suffering 1 Cor 15.1 Gal 5.1 Hebr 4. 10.22 For such shall be saved Matth 10.22 shall have the crowne of life Rev 2.11 When Christ shall appeare they shall have confidence and not be ashamed before him at his comming 1 Iohn 2.28 And they may assure themselves that there is laid up for them a crowne of righteousnes which the righteous Iudge will give unto them at that day 2 Tim 4.8 P. Which is the last action whereby Christians may assure themselves of salvation M. The proving and trying approving and warranting of our Christian vertues and graces 2 Cor. 13.5 For by the proofe of them namely works of faith labour of loue and patience of hope by these effectes S. Paule knew that the Thessalonians were elected of God and that consequently they should be saved 1 Thes 1.3 and what he knew of thē by this meanes they might also know of themselves by the same P. How may wee try and prove our graces so as to approve of them for good M. On this manner 1 Our faith or beleefe of the Gospell is good when in our judgement we do not joyne the workes of the Law with faith in Christ for salvation but stand fast in this beleefe Gal 5.2 1 Cor 15.1 2. Acts 15.5 to 24. 2. Our repentance is good when wee are sorry for sinne not onely as it is dangerous to our soules but as it offends God by breaking his Law Psal 51.4 and when being rooted in the heart it shewes it selfe in the actions of the life by leaving former sinne and amending our lives 1 Sam 7.3 Matth 3.8 Acts 26.18 3. Our