antiquitie of errour 2 The broad way leadeth to destruction and many there bee which goe in thereat Math. 7.13 3 Hierome saith They are not the sonnes of the Saints which possesse their places but which doe their workes And succession auaileth not where there is no succession of faith and doctrine neither is succession to be tied vnto one seate vnto one place or vnto one Church for God can raise vp Pastors diuers waies and in diuers places as shal seeme best to himself Moreouer they succeed the Apostles who being lawfully thereunto called doe discharge their dutie in the Church faithfully although not in a continuall succession from the Apostles Besides God is wont when the Church is in a desperate estate to raise vp ministers after an extraordinarie manner And Tertul. lib. de praescriptionibus saith that faith ought not to be tried by the persons but the persons by faith And Ambrose de poenit lib. 1. cap. 1. They haue not Peters inheritance which haue not the faith of Peter 4 Miracles are to be iudged by Doctrine not Doctrine by miracles also there are some to be throwen into hell which haue wrought miracles in Christ name Math. 7.23 5 Also the diuel hath a Church euen frō Cain to the worlds end 6 Neither is vnitie of it selfe a note of the Church except it be ioined with faith and true doctrine a Eph. 4.3 for as there is one Church of God so is there one Babylon of the diuels saith Augustine the godly also may in some points disagree b Act. 11 2 7 The Apostle 2. Thess 2.9 saith that Antichrist shall come by the effectuall working of Sathan and that God will send an effectuall working of errour to those that loue not the truth that they should beleeue lies 8 Doctrine is the onely witnesse of holinsse Euen Sathan can transforme himselfe into an Angell of light and true holinesse floweth from a true faith 2. Cor. 11.14 Act. 15.9 Although an Angell or a Saint come downe from heauen and bring not true Doctrine he is to be reiected Gal. 1.8 And that saying of Christ by their fruits ye shall know them Math 7.20 The fathers will not haue to be vnderstood of manners but of false opinions and false interpretations 9 But the gife of prophecying is not perpetuall in the Church for that place of Ioel cap. 2.18 Doth describe the state of the Church what it should be in the time of the Apostles and of the Primitiue Church onely Act. 2.17.18 And diuels also and false Prophets may foretell some things to come c 1. Sam. 18 19 Deut. 13.2 Num. 33 7 24.3 Ioh. 11.51 10 Temporall felicitie was rather woont to bee contrarie vnto the Church d 2 Tim. 3 12 11 True Doctrine is the cause that there is one holy Apostolicke and Catholicke Church 12 Christ shewed no signe of them but said said expresly My sheepe heare my voyce Iohn 10.27 Doth the Church cease to be a Church by reason of some blemish or fault in doctrine and administration of Sacraments No as long as it keepeth the foundation which is Christ or saluation by Christ and the truth in the chiefe especiall and principall articles of faith a 1. Cor. 3.11 12.13 And the errour which a few in the Church doe hold is not the errour of the whole Church b 1. Cor. 15 12 Is euerie one bound to ioyne himselfe to the assembly of that Church which hath those true notes He is bound to this or that congregation as farre foorth as lieth in him if it be knowne to him if he can to adioine himself therunto and to professe himselfe a member thereof indeed and finally to reuerence the holy communion of it and to loue and frequent the meeting together therof c psa 27.48 42.2.5 84.1 Esai 60.8 Heb. 10.25 35 39 1. Cor. 11 21 22. For such a meeting together is the Schoole of the holy Ghost wherein is taught the word of God which is the phisicke of the soule a cleare glasse wherein appeareth the face of God the Epistle of Almightie God to his Creature wherein he hath declared vnto vs his will The meanes whereby the way of saluation is knowne by which saluation is obtained faith is nourished and kept neyther is it sufficient to haue the Scripture at home and there to read it for when Paule Ephes 4.11 saith He gaue some to be Apostles some Pastors and some teachers c he saith not he left the Scripture that euerie one might read it priuately but hee ordained a ministerie whereby some certaine men might teach others true religion But from other companies of men wherein heresie or manifest idolatrie is publikely receiued and taught and the foundation and principall point of saluation is not maintained namely Iesus Christ a good man ought to separate himselfe as hee would flie from Babylon d Isa 48.20 Ier 51.6 45 Reu. 18.4 1 Ioh. 5.21 Iohn 10.5 1 Because the Apostle 1. Cor. 5.11 Forbiddeth vs to be consorted with fornicatours or idolatours or couetous persons with drunckards or raylers or extortioners so as that we must not so much as eate with them much lesse be partakers of their euill works 2 Because there is no fellowship betweene Christ and Beliall betweene light and darknes 2. Cor. 6.15.16.17 3 Because the promises of God and benefits of Christ doe belong to Gods Church onely chap. 7.1 and therefore without the Church there is no saluation But this is to be vnderstood of the Catholicke Church because that we may obtaine saluation it is necessarie that we be ioyned with Christ but the meaning is not that those which are out of this or that particuler Church cannot be saued For although we liue among Turkes yet are we the members of Christ and of the Catholicke Church if wee haue faith 4 The same is confirmed by the example of the godly fathers who sequestred themselues from the congregation euen of the Idolatrous Israelites ordained congregations peculiar to themselues where they might worship God purelie a Gen 12.7 13 18 26 25. c. 33 20 1 King 3.2 c. 18 24 2. King 4 38 Psa 16.4 Hereupon saith Nazianzen most sweetly 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 I seeke Noahs Arke that I may eschew the wofull destinies Can the Church erre from the truth or fall away there from If the Church be vniuersally and in that sort as we haue before said considered as the inuisible company of the Elect triumphant in heauen and militant on earth the Church triumphant surely without doubt cannot erre because she is vtterly freed from sinne and errour the Church Militant also in the Prophets and Apostles through a singuler priuiledge in doctrine erred not and as long as she cleaueth fast vnto Christ her Sauiour and Teacher by faith and is gouerned by his Spirit and as long as she heareth the Bridegroomes voyce and followeth the written word of God as a Lampe
denying the holy Scriptures to be indited by the holy Ghost and of others reiecting certaine writings of holy Scripture 4 The errour of the Papists which is manifold for they holde that the authoritie and certaintie of Scripture dependeth vpon the determination of the Church that the Scripture is not authenticall but by the authoritie of the Church and that it is not manifest that the Scriptures proceede from God but by the testimonie of the Church which error is most absurd For if truth be subiect to the pleasure and iudgement of men the consciences are made doubtful of their saluation and the same errour is confuted by the testimonie of the Apostle Ephes 2.20 where the Apostle affirmeth that the Church leaneth vpon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets which foundation he cals not the very persons of the Apostles but their doctrine For although the Church should by her iudgement approue the scripture yet doth she not make of that which is vncertaine and doubtfull certaine and authentical but doth by her iudgment subscribe to the truth of God and doth embrace it as proceeding from God Moreouer they account the Apocrypha bookes for Canonicall They prattle that the Scripture is imperfect and obscure that the reading of the Scriptures is hurtful to the Church that it is the matter of contention that matters of controuersie cannot be decided by Scripture alone that it hath a nose of waxe They affirme that power to interprete and giue the sense of Scriptures belongs to the Bishop of Rome They match the writings of Fathers Bishops and Counsels with the Scripture They take away from the common people the writings of their fathers last will and testament and post them ouer to dumbe idols as to lay-mens bookes cleane contrary to the commaundement of Christ Ioh. 5.39 Search the Scriptures Lastly they account the old Latine translation as authenticall The fifth common Place of Creation What is the signification of this word to Create in the Scriptures IT is peculiar because the reason of man knoweth not how any thing should be created of nothing For Dauid Kimchi affirmeth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that this word to create most properly is affirmed for euery thing which is brought from no being to a being as Gen. 1.1 But secundarily and yet properly it signifieth to bring a forme created of nothing to a matter preexisting without alteration a Gen. 1.21.27 Whereupon Damascene saith lib. 2. cap. 5. that God made all things of nothing some things indeed immedidiatly but other some by meanes which is a part of diuine omnipotence Therefore the word to create is attributed to God alone in the Scriptures either in the workes of creation or else by a borrowed speech in things that be of no lesse vertue and power then the very worke of creation b Esa 41.20 Ier. 31.22 Psal 51.12 For this cause these words differ to beget to create to make For to beget is to bring forth something of his owne substance like vnto it selfe according to the essence but to create is to make something of nothing diuerse from the substance of the Creator And this word to make is applied to those things which be made of some matter but yet it is restrained by the circumstance of the text to the propertie of creation c Gen. 1.25.31 Rom. 1.20 What is Creation It is an external and indiuisible worke of Iehouah Elohim alone that is of the Father Sonne and holy Ghost whereby by his word power and commandement alone he hath created all things out of himselfe that is the substance of all things being seuered from his owne Essence to the end that his infinite wisedome goodnesse and power might be made manifest d Act. 17.24 Rom. 1.20 Proue it by some testimonies 1 The very historie of the creation as it is set downe by Moses Gen. 1. is a most ample witnesse of it 2. Psal 33.6 By the word of the Lord were the heauens created and by the spirit of his mouth all the power and hoast of them And in the same Psalme vers 9. He spake and they were made he commanded and they were all created Againe Psal 19.1 The heauens declare the glorie of God and the firmament soundeth foorth or celebrateth the work of his hands Mal. 2.10 Hath not one God created vs Iob. 9.8 Who alone doth stretch out the heauens 1. Cor. 8.6 We haue but one God the Father of whom are all things Why is the creation ascribed in the Creed to the Father alone Not that the Sonne and the holy Ghost shold be excluded from the effect and praise of that worke who in that same worke manifestly not as instruments but as efficients equally and inseparably wrought together a Iob 1 3. Col. 1.16 Gen. 1.1.2 but by way of excellencie that the decree of this worke and first beginning of it might be giuen to the Father because the Father is the fountaine and beginning not temporall but originall of the whole Deitie by whom all things were made Further that there might appeare in the Church some externall difference whereby the Father might be distinguished from the Sonne and the holy Ghost for as Basill saith in his booke intreating of the holy Ghost cap. 16. The Father is the first principall cause of those things that be made the Sonne the instrumentall cause the holy Ghost the perfecting cause What was the mouing or impellent cause of the creation of all things The infinite goodnesse of God ioyned with infinite wisedome which it pleased him to communicate and by communicating to reueale it because a good thing is apt to communicate it selfe And when did God begin to create In the very beginning of all things and in the vety beginning of time that is then when the things which now be began to be For though all things in the world were made in the Sonne b Col. 1.16 yet in this place this word beginning signifieth not the Sonne but some certaine beginning of time as also Ioh. 1.1 But whereof and whence were all things made and produced Of Nothing this word being vnderstood negatiuely that is of no other matter that was before For this word Of in this place signifieth not the materiall cause whereof any thing is made but the order As if a man should say When as there was nothing before after that there was any thing it was made or else it signifieth the habitude or disposition of the materiall cause which is simply denyed How proue you that 1. Because there was nothing from eternitie excepting and besides God himselfe and whatsoeuer there is it is either the Creator or else the creature but things were not created out of the substance of God for then they should be God or gods whâ—ch is very absurd therefore they were made of nothing 2. God is almightie and therefore doth not stand in need of some matter going before For this cause Psal 33.9
necessarie effect of the same for seeing faith is a certaine taste perceiuing and supping downe as it were of that sweetenes which is in God 1. Pet. 2.3 If so be that ye haue tasted how bountifull the Lord is it followeth that the loue of God is an effect which proceedeth of that sweet apprehension and as it were taste of the goodnesse of God 4 Comfort peace of conscience in regard of the remission of sinnes Phil 1.25 Rom. 14.17 gladnesse and spirituall ioy proceeding from the same taste of the fauour of God 1. Pet. 1.8 Beleeuing in Christ ye reioyce with ioy vnspeakable and glorious 5 The sighes of the spirit not to be expressed Rom. 8.26 and that confidence that crieth Abba Father Gal. 4.6 6 Patience in aduersitie yea more a Rom 8.35.38 reioycing in afflictions 7 Contempt of the world 8 A spirituall assurance of the grace and friendshippe of God 9 An affection to our neighbour and that for Gods sake as namely Charitie and loue of our neighbour courtesie bountie gentlenesse and delight in the Saints Psal 16.3 To the Saints that are in the Earth and to the excellent all my delight is in them The actions that proceed from faith are those which break forth out of those inward affections as godlinesse iustice thanksgiuing prayer e Rom 8.15 10.14 confession that is to say a sincere and open f Rom. 10.9 2. Cor. 4.13 profession of Christ which is made with the mind tongue and life peace and concord with all men in the Lord weldoing towards all euen our enemies and so a new obedience for a good tree beareth good fruit g Mat 7.17 Lastly a good conscience a holy care faithfulnesse and diligence in our vocation and calling and a minde h Ro. 12.7.8 Phil. 4.11 rom 11.24 Gal. 2.20 contented with with his owne portion What be the effects and fruits of faith They are manifold For first it ingrafts vs into Christ i Ephs 17. and maketh Christ to dwell in the hearts of the faithfull and that they may be in him and may haue fellowship and communion with him 2 It makes vs the sonnes of God a Gal. 3 26 it obtaines remission of sinnes b Act. 10.43 it iustifyeth vs c Gen. 15.6 Abac. 2.4 Act. 13.39 Rom. 3. 5 Chapter it causeth vs not to be ashameth d Rom. 9.32 it giueth vs entrance to God e Eph. 3.12 it regenerateth our vnderstanding and our will and purifieth the f act 15.9 heart I saueth g Luk. 7.50 it obtaineth what it will of God h Mat. 8 13 1 Ioh. 5 14. now it willeth onely that that tendeth to the glorie of God it worketh all things Marke 9.23 All things are possible to them that beleeue It ouercommeth the world and Satan i 1. Ioh. 5.4 It renounceth Satan and his works in heart in word in life and in manners k Eph. 5.11 Finally it relyeth wholly vpon God and is delighted in his workes and commaundements night and day l Psal 1.2 Rom. 4 1â— And yet faith it selfe doth not performe all these things but he whom it apprehends namely Christ Iesus in whom we are able to doe all things that are necessarie vnto saluation Phil. 4.13 VVhat is the end of faith It is two-fold 1 In respect of our selues the saluation of our soules 1. Pet. 1.9 Receiuing the end of your faith euen the saluation of your soules And life eternall m Io. 3.15 16.18.36 20.31 Secondly in respect of God Gods glorie By what experiment is faith tried 1 Inwardly by the subtilties of the flesh and by certaine 〈◊〉 beings rising from thence in the mindes of men by reason of false Doctrines diuelish arts n Rom. 4.20 heresies the o Deut 13.1 contentions of the teachers in the Church treacherie of brethren impunitie of wickednesse p 1. Cor. 11.19 prosperitie of the wicked the q Ier. 12.1 Mal. 2.17 Psal 73.2.3 small number of beleeuers the deformitie and oppression of the Church the falling away of many from the faith tentations the delay of Gods promises the tokens of Gods wrath the scoffes of the mockers which aske where is the promise of his comming 2. Pet. 3.4 which things saith Augustine God permitteth that they which heare and see the same might be tried what faith they beare towards God 2 By the crosse as Gold is tried in the fire for patience vnder the crosse with calling vpon God and looking for deliuerance is as it were a triall of faith whether it be true or no r 〈◊〉 1.7 as we may see in Iob. Å¿ Iob. 23 19. Of this temptation Saint Iames speaketh Chap. 1. vers 12. Blessed is the man that endureth temptation for when he is tried he shall receiue the crowne of life What is the vse of faith There is verie great vse of it in the whole course of our liues for it is that one thing that is necessarie Luke 10.42 and Heb. 11.6 Without faith it is impossible to please God The vse of it therefore is to make vs in prosperitie not to be lifted vp in aduersitie not to cast downe our selues and in death to passe to life Are wee called faithfull of faith chiefely in regard of the working power of faith or passiuely in regard of our sufferance Although faith in the Scripture doe sometimes signifie constancie and truth in words deeds and couenant keeping and then is taken actiuely and in that sense they are also called faithfull which keepe their faith once plighted or doe faithfully performe their dutie as Luke 12.42 Who is a faithfull and wise steward And Luke 16.10 He that is faithfull in a little will also be faithfull in much And also passiuely they are called faithfull men that doe well deserue to be beleeued and so we vse to say a faithfull word and a faithfull man a 2. Tim. 2 â— 11. yet notwithstanding when the matter of Iustification is in hand men are called faithful passiuely who embrace by faith Christ the Sauiour as Ephe. 1.1 The faithfull in Christ Iesus and Act. 10.45 The faithfull which were of the Circumcision What things haue affinitie with faith Hope and Charitie which are also themselues the gift of the holy Ghost 1. Cor. 12. VVhat doe they differ from faith Faith is the knowledge and apprehension of Christ being exhibited after a sort present in the word SacrameÌ„ts hope is an expectation of Christ hereafter to be fully reuealed with all his benefits Or hope is the expectation of those things which faith beleeueth to be truly promised by God so faith beleeueth God to be true hope expecteth that he should alwaies cary himselfe so towards vs. Faith beleeueth that life eternall is giuen vnto vs hope expecteth till it be reuealed faith is the foundation where upon hope resteth hope nourisheth and sustâ—ineth faith and thereupon by reason of this communion and affinitie the
ouer all things authoritie of iudging and euen the decree it selfe Dan. 7.9.10 The auncient of daies did sit and he sat in iudgement and the bookes were opened and Iohn 16.8 When the holy Ghost commeth he will reproue the world of sinne of righteousnesse and of iudgement 2. The vrgent cause in vnbeleeuing men is originall and actuall sinne against the law of god also the contempt of the gospell but in god most vpright iustice being an auenger of iniquitie and a maintainer of pietie according to the eternall decree of god himselfe 3. But as concerning the manner or exercise of the iudgement the Efficient cause and helper of iudgement or the Iudge that shal be is Christ the sonne of God as he is man or the sonne of man For truely euen he shall iudge who was iudged himselfe that the wicked may behold his glorie whose meekenesse they despised Ioh. 5.22 The father iudgeth no man but hath committed all iudgement to the sonne And ver 27. To him he hath giuen power to execute iudgement in that he is the sonne of man Act. 10 42. He commaunded vs to preach vnto the people and to testifie that euen Christ is ordained of God a Iudge of quick and dead And chap. 17 31 God hath appointed a day in the which he will iudge the world in righteousnesse by the man whom he hath appointed Ro. 2 16 There shall be a day wherein God shall iudge the secrets of men by Iesus Christ 2 Tim. 4 1. Iesus Christ shall iudge the quick dead in that his glorious cōming in his kingdom 4. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The Angels shall be ministers who shall be present to serue Christ in the execution of his iudgement for they shall gather before him all people they shall separate the elect from the reprobate they shall carie the elect to meete Christ in the ayre they shall cast of the reprobate with the diuell and his Angels into euerlasting fire a Math. 25.31 Shall then the sonne without the father and the holy spirit be the iudge and execute that iudgment Not simply but after a sort that is according to the argumēts and reasons which in this separate him from the father because the father iudgeth no man namely a part as the Iewes thought but hath committed all iudgemēt to the sonne that is to say that he might iudge and gouerne all things by the sonne Ioh. 5.22 Or because the sonne is wisdome and trueth begotten and proceeding from the father and representing him perfectly and iudgement ought to bee performed in wisdome and trueth therefore is the power of iudgement giuen to the sonne of God by a certain appropriation that as the father worketh all things by the sonne Ioh. 1.3 for as much as he is the cunning of the father saith Augustine lib. 6. de Trinit So likewise doth he iudge all things by the sonne for as much as he is the wisedome and trueth of the father which is signified Dan. 7.9 13 where first it is said that the auncient of daies did sit and after is added that the sonne of man came euen to the ancient of daies who gaue him dominion and honour and a kingdome whereby is giuen vs to vnderstand that the authoritie of iudging is in the father from whome the sonne receiueth power to iudge Therefore is not the father said to iudge in that day for in the iudgement to come the father shall not appeare in visible forme but the sonne shall in the forme of a seruant which truely is not the forme of the father but of the sonne saith Augustine neither is it that forme of the sonne wherein he is equall with the Father but wherein hee is lesse then the father that in iudgement hee may bee cleerely perceiued of the good and bad and may performe those parts which belong to a Iudge Math. 24.30 Doth the povver of iudging accord in Christ as he is man and not as he is God onlie It doth because the father hath giuen him power to execute iudgement in that he is the sonne of man not truely for the condemnation of humane nature for nothing could let all men to be iudges but for the glorious condition which followeth the personall vnion of the diuine and humane nature because in his humane nature he is head of the whole Church a Eph. 1.12 Col. 1 18 God hath subdued all things vnder his feet 1. Cor. 15.27 and because of the entercourse of the Diuinitie to the soule of Christ it is meete for him to knowee and iudge the secrets of all hearts Therefore the iudiciall power accordeth in Christ not onely as he is God together with the father but also according to his humane nature for the agreeablenesse and affinitie betweene men and him moreouer they that are to be iudged shall behold him their iudge Who shall sit in companie vvith Christ the Iudge The Apostles and the rest of the Saints Mat. 19.28 a luk 22.30 I appoint vnto you a Kingdome saith Christ that ye may sit on seates iudging the twelue tribes of Israell And 1. Cor. 6.2 Know yet not that the Saints shall iudge the world that is the route of the vngodly and that we shall iudge the Angels meaning the wicked b Iud. 14 Reue. 20.4 which is said therfore to be 1 In as much as the Saints are the members of Christ the iudge 2 Because God hath ordained to gather all his aduersaries before himselfe and before the assembly of the Church c Ioel. 3.2 3 Because the Apostles shall iudge the world by their doctrine which they haue preached and shall approue the sentence pronounced by Christ and to his iudgement shall all the godly subscribe 4 The godly also shall iudge the wicked by the example of Faith and repentance by which meanes the Apostles faith shall take away all excuse from the Iewes for as Christ saith of the Queene of the South and of the Niniuites Luk 11 31. that they shall rise in iudgement and shall condemne that generation which was not moued at his preaching Who are they which shall be iudged All men without exception as many as haue bin since the creation of the word as it is in the Creede he shal come and iudge the quick namely whom he shall finde remaining on liue at his comming who shall be changed in a moment that is they shall bee translated from a mortall condition to an immortall and all the dead that is which are departed this life before the last day whom he will raise vp from death d Rom. 14.12 2 Cor. 5 10. We must all appear before the iudgement seat of Christ 2 And the Angels which sinned and kept not their first estate but left their own habitation are reserued in euerlasting chaines vnder darknes vnto the iudgement of the great day 2. Pet. 2.4 Iud. 6. 3 The man of sinne himselfe especially that sonne of Perdition Antichrist
Christ himselfe or Metonymically and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in some sort namely that which belongeth to the publishing open declaring and testimonie of Doctrine or because the Propheticall and Apostolicall Doctrine onely whereunto the Prophets and Apostles giue testimonie or both the Olde and New Testament as saith Ambrose is the foundation of the Church Heereupon Gods Citie is said to haue had not one but twelue foundations wherein were written the Names of the Lambes twelue Apostles Reuel 21.14 Heereupon Iames Peter and Iohn seeme to bee Pillers of the Church Galat. 2.9 namely Metaphorically and after a sort because they sustayned the Church and Religion but Iesus himselfe being the corner stone who alone sustâ—ineth the whole building Ephes 2.21.23 A foundation of strength and power in respect whereof the Church is said to be built on Christ God and man which belongeth to the Author foundation and merit of saluation the fountaine and efficacie of doctrine and the Church is founded vpon Christ when he alone is accounted for Wisedome Iustice Sanctification Redemption Life and Eternall glorie of the faithfull For this cause 1. Cor. 3.11 Other foundation can no man lay then that which is laid which is Iesus Christ And Isay 28.16 Christ is called the foundation stone Which is so proper vnto Christ that it communicateth in no participation with any other But in Christs words Thou art Peter and vpon this Rocke will I build my Church the Euanglist who interpreteth them saith not Thou art Petra a Rocke but thou art Petrus Peter neither doth he say vpon thee Peter but vpon this Rocke distinguishing manifestly Peter who is a part of the building from the Rocke whereon the building chiefely doth stay by changing of name person and by different termes Wherefore the Church is built vpon Christ the Rocke not on Peter the Apostle who eftsoone and often erred for the Rocke was Christ 1. Cor. 10.4 which Peter confessed in the name of all the apostles a Mat. 16.16.18 And he gaue the keyes not of fulnesse of power but of knowledge which in verse 19. he promised to al vnder the name of Peter who answered for all to all the Apostles equaltie and without difference b Mat. 18.18 Iohn 20.21 and in the person of them vnto all the ministers of the Church That speech also Feed my sheepe being thrice inioyned vno Peter for his three denials together Iohn 21. vers 17. ordaineth him a Pastor indeed ouer the flocke but not an vniuersall Pastor for it was also said vnto others Teach ye all nations Math. 28. vers 19. and it was spoken alike to all As the Father hath sent me euen so send I you Iohn 20.21 Finally neither was Noe who in the Arke was the head of his sonnes a type of the Bishop of Rome but of Christ c Gen. 7.13 1. Pet. 3.20 like as Baptisme is an Antitype of that deliuerance which befell vnto the Church in the Deluge What are the true and inward properties of the Church 1 Consent of the Doctrine of the Gospell 2 The inhabiting of God by the holy Spirit whereupon 2. Corinth 6.16 the Church is called the Temple of God and they vvho are led by Gods Spirit are called the sonnes of God Rom. 8.14 3 A right Faith Hope and Charitie True Religion according to Gods word Repentance Confession and a true calling vpon the true God all which doe as it were fourme a true Church The Apostles Creed is a token thereof although when the outward and vsuall Ministerie of the word is often for a season interrupted the Church is extraordinarily nourished by God as it were in the wildernes the same God raising vp teachers knowne vnto his small flocke after such a sort as himselfe according to his vnsearchable wisedome knoweth requisite and necessarie a Reue. 12.6 For as there may be a Church and yet lie hid so may there be teachers in a Church albeit not apparent to all What are the manifest tokens of a visible Church whereunto we may safely ioyâ—â— our selues They are two The first and châ—efe note is the pure preaching and professing of Gods word comprehended in the writings of the Prophets Apostles because wheresoeuer the word is truly preached it is not without profit at all b Isai 55.11 Rom. 1.16 2 A lawfull administring of the Sacraments of Baptisme and the Lords Supper according to Christs institution with pure preaching conioyned thereunto as a part thereof if there shall be no iust impediment to the contrarie c Iosu 5.5 Iohn 10.4 5 27. 8.47 Act. 2.42 1 Cor 11.20 23 Mat. 28.19 20 Mark 16.15 Luk. 16.29 Rom 10.14 which notes doe neuerthelesse admit a more and a lesse and doe presuppose a lawfull calling of Pastors d Rom 10.15 Ephe. 4 11. And although holy discipline is also requisite in Gods Church yet if the Church gouernours faile of their dutie it must not presently be denied to be a Church as long as those two fundamentall and essentiall notes of a visible Church are remayning e Mat. 18.17 1 Cor. 5 5 Neyther is it material if other sects chalenge to themselues these notes but we must search diligently whether they doe so truly or falsly Also the preaching of the word is a cause of the Church and therefore by nature is more excellent and more famous then the Church it selfe Whether are 1. Antiquitie 2. Multitude of followers of some one doctrine 3. Succession in some one companie of Bishops chiefly of Rome 4. Miracles 5. Continuance 6. Vnitie and concord 7. Efficacie of doctrine 8. Holines of life in the Authors and Fathers of the religion 9. The gift of prophesy 10. Temporall felicitie 11. The title of Church Apostolicall or that it is one holy Catholicke Apostolicke Church these the notes of a true Church No 1 Because the names without the substance are not of force 2 From names proceed not a true and Apodeicticall but a false demonstration of the matter 3 These Notes are common vnto Turkes and Heretikes also for they may vsurpe these titles by which they may confirme that their rowts are and haue beene the true Churches of God which is absurd 4 Neither haue all those notes begun with the Church 5 Neyther are they perpetuall and proper euerie way nor Essentiall which are alwaies naturally in the thing it selfe being vnchangeable and the causes of that thing whereof they are notes but the most part seperable accidents and these notes themselues ought to bee examined according to the word of God Moreouer 1 The Church which now is ancient in time past was new And Ezech. 20.18.19 VValke ye not in the ordinances of your fathers I am the Lord vvalke in my Statutes And Tertull. Lib. de praescriptionibus Euerie first thing truest And Ignatius 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Christ is to mee the old Church whom not to obey is manifest destruction and Cyprian custome vvithout truth is the
erre as Aaron did but true prophets to witt inspired by god as they were prophets did not erre How many kinds or sortes of ministery are there of the new Testament Paule Rom. 12.6 7 maketh two to wit Prophecy and ministery vnder the name of prophesie comprehending their office who labour in teaching and exhorting whether it be in speech as pastors or instruction as Doctors b 1 Timo. 5 17 But vnder the name of ministerie he vnderstandeth their office who had another seruice as distribution of almes censure of manners prouision for the poore or other ecclesiasticall offices from which the Apostles exempted them selues c Act. 6.2.3 4. The like distribution he hath Philip. 1.1 Tim. 3.2.8 calling them Bishops whome Rom. 12 6.7 He calleth prophets namely to whome is committed the ministerie of teaching vnderstanding the rest by the name of deacons So Peter 1 pet 4.11 saith if any man speake let him speake as the words of God if any man minister c. So then of them that beare Ecclesiasticall office some are teachers others are ministers How many orders of teachers are there The same Paul Ephes 4.11 Numbreth fiue Apostles Prophets Euangelists Pastors and Doctors Of whome Apostles Prophets and Euangelists had a temporarie and extraordinary calling and therefore are now ceassed but pastors and doctors which are ordinary callings are to continue for euer to the comming of Christ for prophecie and knowledge that is the giftes of teaching prophecying being instituted of God for the collecting of a church and nourishing it in this life are therefore said to be abolished and of no vse 1. Cor. 13.8 because god by himselfe thorough an inward power shall effect that in the life to come which he hath begunne in vs in some sorte by his ministers in this life What were Apostles Peculiarly and by way of excellencie those that were called the first Apostles as also those eleuen elected called out of the world not by men or from men but immediately by Christ liuing yet vpon earth before his manyfestation that as hearalds they might stir vp onely their owne nation and being sent prepare them to harken to Christ a Math. 10.6.7 And in the end after his resurrection being confirmed by him to the same apostleship they might publish the doctrine committed to them through the whole world b Mat 28 19.20 Mark 16.15 Iohn 20.21 But because he commaunded them to stay at Ierusalem till they were indued with vertue from aboue c Act. 1.24 after his ascention in the same place and at the same time to wit on the day of Pentecost they were by the visible gift of the holy Ghost as it were by a solemne inauguration Mathias being ioyned with theÌ„ before the whole people of Israell confirmed in their appostleship and declared to be the apostles of Christ in which respect they are said then to be giuen of Christ from heauen d Act. 2.1 c. Ephes 4.11 By this it appeareth that this solemne sending of the holy Ghost did appertaine to none other but to those twelue destined by so peculiar aboundance of Gods spirit to plant churches through the whole world euen as to them properly and peculiarly the promise was made e Luk. 24.49 Mat. 28 19 20. and as the Apostleship was proper to them f Act. 2.22 To these adde we those two called by Christ after his ascention Matthias by lot g Act. 1.16 and Paul from heauen h Act. 9.3 Gal. 2 1. Al which as builders and founders of the future edifices of the church as it were patriarkes were sent not to teach onely in certaine places but to plant churches through the whole world when also they were called apostles as it were the lords legates who also being inspired by God did deliuer the doctrine of the gospell both by word and in writing so as their doctrine is the canon and rule of all christian religion which must be shewed to the end of the worlde and being indued by Christ with vertue of doeing miracles they confirmed their doctrine by miracles and sealed it by the administration of the sacraments i Math. 28.19 which was principall in them they alone in the infancie of the church by a visible signe of Imposition of hands gaue the holy Ghost and who all and ech of them were all of equall power and dignity ecclesiasticall amongst them selues in a primary principall but yet a spirituall power but not in regarde of the giftes of the spirit for although the same talent was giuen to all yet it was doubled vpon some and tripled vpon others so as one excelled an other in labour and eminencie of grace a 1 Cor. 15 20 This office after they had well discharged together with theÌ„ that apostolicall function ceased not in regard of their doctrine to which the church is perpetually obliged nor in regard of their ministery to preach the gospell and administer the sacraments But in regarde of apostolicall excellency plenary authority for it selfe to be belieued so as he that should resist their doctrine did not resist man but God and that it was not circumscribed within any confines of the world but to be diuulged through the whole earth as also to found and plant churches to conferre the giftes of the holy ghost by Imposition of hands to constitute perpetual functions in the church and in a word to prescribe rules for church gouernment for thus their office was temporarie for that of Christ at this departure Iohn 20.21 as my father sent me so I send you is to be restrained to their apostleship onely they were as we may say successers of the prophets but the prophets were Sovvers the Apostles reapers b Iohn 4.35 c â—ct 11.28 2â— 10 they preached Christ to come these Christ already come Who were called prophets Specially they who about the beginning of the gospel preached and excelled in a singuler gift of reuelation and wisedome by the instinct of Gods spirit and were sometimes able to foretell matters of great moment concerning the Church or such as should be tide some of the faith full whome GOD adioyned to the Apostles though they also were indued with the spirit of prophecie c that by this supernaturall grace of the spirit he might also confirme the Apostles preaching by which grace it pleased him to adorne confirme that then breeding church such a prophet was Agabus and the foure daughters of Philip theuangelist d 1. Cor. 14 29.31 hence to prophecie is to interpret prophecies 1. Cor. 11.4.5 And the spirit of prophets 1 Cor. 14.32 Is for the doctrine which prophets indued with gods spirit do bring notwithstanding in general they were called prophets who had a singuler gift in interpreting scriptures such are now adaies the learned interpreters of scriptures Who are Euangelists 1 Companions fellowe laborers and fellow ministers of the Apostles not chosen by Christ
himselfe that is without mannes ministerie but by the Apostles delected as associates to performe their office in watering their plantings building vpon their foundations perfecting their worke and were in preaching the gospell sometimes in one sometimes in another place as it were subsidiarie and certaine secundarie apostles not in one onely but in many churches and who should haue power and authority to set pastors and orders in particular churches to which they were sent and that till such time as they were recalled by the Apostles a Tit. 1.4 such were Timothy b Act. 16.3 Luke Mark Tichicus c 2. Tim. 4.11 12 Titus d 2. Cor. 8 23. Philip e Act. 21.8 and others whether they were called out of those 70 disciples whome Christ apointed besides the 12. f Luk. 20 12 or from among others 2 In a more strict signification those foure penmen of the holy Ghost whose labour the Lord vsed to publish the Euangelicall historie of Christ and to describe the beginnings of the christian church are called Euangelists of these two Marke Luke were companions of the apostles and Euangelists The other two Mathew and Iohn were Apostles and Euangelists May not other pastors and doctors of the church be called Apostles Prophets and Euangelists No but abusiuely for concerning the appellation of an Apostle Andronicus and Innias are said to be famous among the Apostles that is of note with those ancient Apostles but yet they are not called Apostles g Rō 16 17 besides the name of an Apostle is giuen to Titus his two companions h 2 Cor. 8.23 yet not simply but with addition as they were sent by certaine Churches to collect almes And Epaphroditus is not simplie called an Apostle of Christ but of the Philippians sent by them to relieue Paule i Phil. ◠25 thus that great name was so peculiar simply to those chosen Apostles that Paule saith not without aduise All are not Apostles 2. Cor. 12.29 As for Euangelists to preach is proper indeed to all k 1 Cor. 12. but the appellation of the Euangelists belongeth to none but them whom the Apostles ioyned vnto them as occasion serued in watering those Churches which they had planted and whom they appointed not ouer one Church but ouer Prouinces and that onely for a time But the name of a Prophet is sometime generally giuen to all the interpreters of Gods word as Rom. 12.6 1. Corinth 14.29 sometime it doth distinguish them peculiarly from Doctors as when difference is made betwixt doctrine and Reuelation 1. Corinth 14.16 and also when Doctors are distinguished from Pastors by Doctrine and Exhortation as Rom. 12.7.8 Who are are called Pastors Surely they who may be called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 l. Rom. 12.8 exhorters that is who being lawfully called doe preach Gods word and in preaching doe not simplie explaine it but by teaching admonishing reproouing correcting informing exhorting and comforting doe publikely o 1. Pet 5 2 and priuately apply it to the vse of the Church m Act. 14 13 1. Cor 11 18 1. Tim. 3.16 Tit 1 5.9 and besides doe labour in the administration of the Sacraments conceiuing publicke prayers and are watchfull to take away offences and to gouerne the Church n Rom. 12.7 These by a generall name are called Elders and Deacons p 1 Cor 13 5 Col 1 7 such as are ouer vs. q 1 Thes 5 And Hebr. 13. Guides to conclude the chiefest of them were called Episcopi Bishoppes of a Greeke word which signifies to looke into that nothing be wanting to the people of their Diocesse because it is the dutie of Pastors as it were spies to looke narrowly into the doctrine and manners of the flocke committed vnto them What were Doctors Who onely applied themselues to the faithfull and plaine interpretation of the scriptures and to rule ecclesiasticall scooles to the ende that sincere doctrine might be keept in the Church or they who onely explained the word of God to deliuer true doctrine and confute false Such were Catechizers as Origen in the Church of Alexandria and Clemens and the like Are not Doctors and pastors all one as Augustine thought No because Paule giues them diuers names Ephes 4.11 And Rom. 12.7 he distinguisheth teachers from Exhorters and speech from knowledge it selfe of holy things or he thus distinguisheth Pastors from doctors What degres were substituted vnto these Rather for exercise then for office sake 1. Porters who kept the gates of the Church that they might let in penitentiaries and keepe out wicked men from the Church and such as were excommunicated from the Sacraments 2 Acoluthoi followers attendants and as it were pages of Bishops being witnesses and imitators of all their speaches and withall most readie seruants vnto them 3 Lectores or Readers Ministers of Pastors and Doctors reading so the Scriptures out of some high place that within one yeare all the books of the Bible for the more familier knowledge of the Scripture might be read ouer 4 We read also in very ancient writers of Exorcists who vsing the name of God and hauing the gift of miracles by calling vpon Christ and imposition of hands cast out diuels Act. 19.23 But this office is ceased with the gift of miracles In 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 5 In the Scriptures they are called the Cleargie who are the congregation of the faithfull and flockes of sheepe or the members of the Church a 1 Cor 14.39 because they are the portion and inheritance of the Lord 1. Pet. 5.3 but afterward the antient fathers did translate the name of Cleargie to the Colledge of Ecclesiasticall ministers so as all students were called Cleargie men who are maintained of their parents or the Churches cost to become ministers How do Pastors and doctors differ from Apostles Prophets and Euangelists Nothing at all in respect of the Essentiall parts of the Ministerie which are the sincere preaching of the word the administration of the Sacraments and correction of manners but in respect of thinges peculier to the calling of Apostles they differ much for 1. Cor. 12. the Apostle Paule hauing deuided the ministerie of the word into the word of wisdome and the word of knowledge to Apostles Prophets and Euangelists he doth attribute wisedom to wit that more excellent and without al controuersie greater knowledge of the mysteries of God Act. 11.27.6 21.10 that hath with it the greatest authority and is giuen by the peculier inspiration of the holy Ghost namely by Reuelation and as a for knowledge which is the vnderstanding of the Gospell that is gotten by hearing and reading of the holy Scriptures that is to say by studying and learning that he referres to ordinarie Pastors and Doctors But the personall gifts of the Apostles that is c 1. Cor. 12.9 10. Act 5.5.10 8.20 13.10.11 2. Cor. 10.6 such as were giuen properly to the Apostles alone as 1
may be perswaded and that they may know the Scriptures to be Canonicall neither should we haue beleeued the Scriptures except the Church had proposed them and recommended them vnto vs but that in priuate and internally men may be perswaded in their heartes of their veritie none can effect that but the spirit of God For neither faith is the gift of the Church neither is our faith resolued into the voyce and iudgment of the Church but in the word of God comprised in the canonicall Scriptures Whether hath the Church authoritie and full power to interprete the scriptures No but it hath his power from the holy Ghost speaking publikely and manifestly in the scriptures and also secretly testifying the same in our heartes also in the authoritie of the Scripture so that the sense of the scripture is to be takeÌ„ onely out of the scripture and the holy Ghost and the scripture is to be interpreted by scripture because faith alone doth proceede from the scripture 2 Because they are to be expounded and vnderstood by the same spirit wherewith they are written according to that of Ioh. 2 10. The annointing teacheth you of all things a Isa 50 16. 3 Because the Church hath not equall authoritie with the scripture b Gal. 1.18 4 Because those of Berea are commended for that they did examine Paules doctrine by the scriptures a Act. 17.11 5 Because the Church may erre 6 Because he alone hath the greatest authoritie in expounding the law which made the law so we read Nehem. 8 8. he read plainly the law vnto the people and expounding the meaning he made it plaine by the scripture it selfe yet notwithstanding we denie not but that the Church hath power to interpret the scripture and that onely in the Church this gift of interpretation doth remaine but we denie that the interpretation of the scripture is tyed to any certaine seat and succession of men and that the Pope ought to chalenge to himselfe such power ouer the scripture For Moses verily did sit as chiefe Iudge in matters controuersall b Ep. 18.13 26 but he was a Prophet indued with singular wisedome adorned with extraordinarie gifts of God commended by diuine testimonies from God and sent immediatly from God himselfe but the Pope hath no such power And Deut. 17.8 and in the verses following all are commaunded to obey the decree of the chiefe Iudge but with this condition If that be iudge according to the law of God and Mal. 1.7 It is commaunded that the priests lips shall keepe knowledge and that they shall require the law out of his mouth but they haue no promise that they shall alâ—aies doe so for it followeth but you haue declined out of the way haue caused many so to do Neyther doe the keyes of the kingdome of heauen committed to Peter c Mat. 16.19 signify authority of interpreting the scriptures but of preaching the Gospell which was not soly giuen to Peter but also to the rest of the Apostles d Mat. 20.18 Ioh. 20.21 and Mat. 18.17 Christ commandeth the Chuch to be heard but that is the true Church and then onely when she doth commaund those things which Christ doth approoue and commaund so the Scribes and Pharises were to bee heard e Mat. 23 2 so long as sitting in Moses chayre they did follow Moses in his teaching otherwise Christ gaue his disciples a caueat to take heed of the leauen of the Pharises f Mat. 16.6 7 In councils many great things haue beene defined yet notwithstanding wee see it hath beene determined not according to the councill but by the authority of the scriptures Act. 15.6.15 VVhat power hath the Church in traditions or making lawes It is Constitutiue 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 not for that it hath any power to impose lawes vpon the conscience or that they should prescribe what is iust or what is vniust which is not lawful for the Angels to doe a for our onely Master and Lawgiuer is the sonne of God b our spouse c Eph. 5.30 Lord d 1. Cor. 8.6 the interpreter of his fathers will e Ioh 1.18 the head of the Church f Eph. 5.15 and alone Doctor of whom alone absolutely was spoken Gal. 1.8 Iam. 4.11 heare him g Mat. 17.7 who alone hath power and authoritie ouer our consciences who also most fully in his word hath comprised and plainly declared all the counsell of our saluation and the whole summe of true righteousnes and all the parts of the worship of his name vnto which eyther to add or detract were abhominable but because it is lawfull for the Pastors gouernous of the Church in externall and indifferent things to establish or abrogate certaine rules Canons or lawes for the gouernment order decency as also certaine rites for the maintenance of honesty for the better maintaining of a consent in all the members of the Church in this outward worship so farre forth as eyther the necessitie or profit of the Church shall thinke requisite neither are such Canons for the most part vniuersall or perpetuall Col. 2.5 For all things in the Church ought to be done decently and orderly which is the house of God h 1 Cor. 14.40 1 Tim. 3.15 by the example of the Apostles in the first Synode holden at Ierusalem and of Paule k 1 Cor. 11.4.7.34 of these rules the Apostle 2. Thess 2.15 saith Hold the traditions which you haue learned eyther by word or by our Epistle Except we will vnderstand by doctrine deliuered not an other which partly by word and partlie by Epistle was deliuered but the same which both by word as also by Pauls Epistle they were taught l 2 Thess 3.6 But the spirit the teacher of all truth i Act. 15.24 being especially promised to the Apostles m Ioh. 14. 16. taught them no new thing but declared and brought to their memories that which before they had heard and although all the words are not written word for word but onely in substance yet notwithstanding all things necessarie are written Iohn 20.31 Shew some examples of those lawes which were appointed or those traditions which were to be made by the Church or these Ecclesiasticall constitutions deliuered by word of mouth Such as these that the Supper of the Lord must be receiued of those which are fasting that we must pray kneeling and bare-headed that the Sacraments must be administred not basely but with some reuerence and dignitie that in burying the dead and in matrimonie some decorum shall be obserued to appoint daies houres certaine places concent of songs solemne order in praiers and sermons in Prouiding Catechismes and destine them all to misticall actions and other such like which according to their genus or kind that is such a decencie commaunded to vs all are diuine but according to their speciall forme chey are humane and changeable What Cautions
diuinity in questions answers which order of instruction is ancient in the Church as may appeare by the practise of Augustine Iunilius many worthy writers since before them The matter of this booke is very profitable being the sūme substance or a body of Theology For what point of piety may not be learned out of this booke do you desire to know the Doctrine of one God the trinity of persons Christ crucified the holy Ghost and the Scriptures of God Here you haue that doctrine set downe would you be acquainted with the creation of the world the natures either of Angels or mankind or mariage or diuorce Behold in this booke you may see them all Is it the gouernment of the world the doctrine of sin the power of freewil the law the gospel the agreement or disagreement of the old and new Testament which you are willing to learne here is a teacher fit to instruct you Here you haue a Synopsis of Faith repentance iustification sanctification of a Christians works christian liberty of prayer predestination of the Resurrection last iudgement of eternall life eternal death Here you may read of the true Church of the nature of Vowes of the Sacrametns of the old new Testament and the office both of Magistrates subiectes And concerning these questions whatsoeuer is material in Luther Melancton Caluin Peter Martyr Zanchius Hipperius Hemingius Vrsinus and the rest it is here set before you in one viewe How necessary it is for young men especially young noble men to read such bookes the seasoning of their tender years with piety the future good which may come by this to posterity doth easily proue If young Alexander will bee studious of philosophy why shal not young Theodosius be studious in diuinity if he said to his master mallem singulari disciplina quam potentia praestare why should not you say mallemus Christiana disciplina quam potentia praestare But as Alexander was offended with his tutor Aristotle in making cōmon those acroamatical books in which he alone desired to excell so many I feare me will be offended with mee in making this booke familiar to all which many would haue to be reserued for Diuines If any be scandalized at this labour of mine it is an offence taken not giuen I desire with Moses that all people might prophecie and since the Iesuites by their late inuented Catechismes haue made thousandes skilfull in errours why should not we who are Christians labour by institutions to make ten thousands skilfull in the trueth We commend them who bring vs either commodities or drugs or delites or fashions or fruites or trees from forraine countries and shall we discommend them who to the building of our Church do bring from other countries euen the gold of Ophir Now right Honorable hauing finished this booke I am bold to present it to your most Honorable patronage and as that most Reuerend father the late Archbishoppe of Canterburie commended to vs students of our Vniuersitie Caluins Institutions so do I commend vnto you Bucanus Institutions You haue both of you bin two worthy members of our two Vniuersities and the one The Lord of Cranborne is now in and of that famous Colledge of Saint Iohn the Euangelist where I haue bin fellow now neere eighteene yeares If it please your Honors to pardon my boldnesse to peruse diligently mine Epistle and to be as willing to read this excellent booke as Alphonsus did Tully Erasmus did Terence Bishop Iewell did Horace the Lady Iane did Plato and Antoninus the Emperour did read all good bookes I haue all that I desire or expect The God of Heauen so blesse you that whether you trauaile abroad or stay in this Kingdome you may so by your Christian Tutors bee seasoned with pietie in your youth that learning with those young children to sing an Hosanna a Math. 21 9. to Christ in your life you may after this life ended with the blessed Saints sing Halleluiah b Reuel 19.10 to him in the Highest Heauens London Saint Martins in the fieldes March 3. 1606. Your Honours to commaund Robert Hill To the Christian Reader CHristian Reader as the writings of God doe testifie that Antichrist shall be consumed by a breath so the writings of men do also testifie that the same Antichrist shall be weakned by rags The breath which shall consume him is the preaching of the Gospell the rags which shall weaken him are printed papers If he be burned by the one blesse God for good preachers if decaied by the other thanke painfull writers That these two are the meanes which must ruinate Antichrist we may see by the practise of our Antichristian aduersaries For though they haue many who declame against vs yet will they suffer none to preach Iesus Christ and though they haue many to write against vs Read the inhibition of preaching and Printing by Queene Mary in the booke of martyrs yet few will they suffer to read their owne controuersies That they want Christ preached behold their miserie that we haue him preached see our felicitie that their people dare not reade bookes marke the tyrannie of the pope that we haue libertie to read so manie worthie bookes note the goodnes of God and care of our gouernors To this end authoritie permits manie excellent bookes daily to be published and though much reading be a wearinesse to the flesh and manie bookes bring confusion to students yet as the stomacke must be preserued by varietie of meates so the minde must bee cherished with varietie of writers That thou mayest be moued to read old diuinitie in a new fashion I haue published in English this excellent discourse which because it is the quintessence of the best writers of our age I doubt not but it wil be welcom vnto thee If thou lookest for order few bookes more methodicall if for matter few more Iudiciall if for breuitie few more compendious if for plainnes few more perspicuous if for vse few more pretious And if either emulation amongst Stationers hinder not the sale as it doth the sale of many excellent bookes or the delite of vaine bookes do not hinder thee from reading it as it doth many from the best things I doubt not but thou shalt haue cause to say of this worthie man as Salomon saith of a worthie woman many Doctors haue done learnedly but thou surmountest them all Buy this truth but sell it not read this booke but forget it not Thou shall buy much for little cost and read much to thy great gaine Thus I commend thee to the grace of God and my selfe to the grace of thy prayers Thine and the Churches in the Lord. Robert Hill A Table of all the Common Places and their seuerall heads handled in this excellent Booke in which are answered one thousand fiue hundred and seauenty Questions The 1. Place OF God and page 1. The blessed Trinitie page 7.
the Lord doth manifest his power by him h Exo. 18.17 2. Againe he is called water Iohn 3.5 Vnlesse a man be borne a new of water and the spirit he shall not enter into the kingdome of God And 7.18 He that beleeueth in me as saith the Scripture riuers of water of eternall life shall flow out of his belly Now this he spake of the spirit because it cooleth vs it quencheth our spirituall thirst i Ioh. 4.14 it watereth vs being emptie of all the iuice of life and maketh vs fruitfull it washeth away all the filthinesse of our hearts and like water is poured into the beleeuers as it is said I will poure out of my Spirit Ioel 2.28 and Esa 44.3 3. He is called fire as Math. 3.11 He that shall come after me he shall baptise you with the holy Ghost and with fire From the effect because he purgeth out all the drosse inflameth vs to the feare of God to loue and kindnesse both of God and our neighbour and hath other effects like vnto fire 4. He is called Seed 1. Iohn 3.9 He which is borne of God hath his seed in himselfe because by his power as it were by seed the faithfull are renewed and are made new men that being dead to sinne they may liue to God 5. He is called the annointing b 1. Ioh. 2.27 Psal 45.8 and the Oile of gladnesse the speech being borrowed from the custome of annointing which was vsed in time of the law to signifie the fragrant smell and spirituall sweetnesse of the gifts of the spirit What doth the holy Ghost dwell in the hearts of the beleeuers onely by his gifts or also by his Essence Yea euen by his Essence yet not extensiuely or as it were a part of the essence of things as the Manichees and others dreamed but intensiuely so farre forth as he is euery where present as he is God and in the efficacie of his presence Rom. 8.11 The Spirit of him that raised vp Iesus from the dead dwelleth in you And Ioh. 14.23 Christ saith We shall come vnto him and make our abode with him For we may not thinke that he bestowes his gifts so vpon vs that he himselfe should be in another place but he is present with his gifts both to the whole Church and euery particular elect gouerning and quickning them both within and without 1. Câ—â—int 6.19 Your body is the temple of the holy Ghost which is in you And â— Cor. 13.13 The communion of the holy Ghost be with you all What doctrines are contrary to this 1. The heresie of the Pneumatomachoi who denie the holy Ghost who do of set purpose oppose themselues and impugne the holy Ghost of which stamp was Samosatenus who called the holy Ghost the power of God hauing no person and the simple action of God in the hearts of men 2. Macedonius who affirmed the holy Ghost to be not a Lord but a seruant and a Minister and that he was not the Creator but a creature and by the name of Spirit was onely signified those new motions which God stirreth vp in the regenerate abusing that place Psal 51.12 Create a new heart in me O God and renue a right spirit in my bowels Where the name of Spirit is vsed for the created gifts of the Spirit 3. Seruetus who imagined that the holy Ghost was nothing else but the power of God infused into euery creature whereby they moue and liue which Philosophers call Nature 4. The errour of the latter Grecians who denied that the holy Ghost proceedeth from the Sonne 5. The blasphemie of Campanus and certaine other Anabaptists who cried out that the holy Ghost tooke his beginning as soone as Christ was glorified abusing that testimonie Iohn 7.39 As yet the holy Ghost was not giuen because Iesus was not yet glorified Where it is manifest that the Euangelist speaketh not of the person but of those admirable gifts which were powred out vpon the Apostles in the day of Pentecost as also in that saying of the Disciples of Iohn Act. 19.2 Yea we haue not so much as heard whether there be any holy Ghost or not 6. The errour of those who denied him to be adored with one and the same faith and inuocation with the Father and the Sonne The fourth common Place of the holy Scripture What is the holy Scripture called THe Scripture putting one name for another is vsed for the writings of the Prophets and Apostles which the companie of the faithfull doth religiously vse for the instruction in godlinesse And it is called holy because being deliuered of God it containeth holy things necessary vnto eternall life And in the same sense it is called the written word of God and the vnappealable Iudge of all controuersies in religion a Esa 8.20 Luk. 16.29.31 Who is the Author of it God himselfe who did commit his will vnto writing by men called immediatly of himselfe and inspired by the holy Ghost as * As his penmen and publike notaries his seruants at hand 2. Pet. 1.21 For the Prophesie was not at any time brought by the will of man but the holy men of God spake as they were moued by the holy Ghost Hereupon all the Prophets do with one accord repeate this The mouth of the Lord hath spoken it Esa 58.14 These things saith the Lord Ezec. 12.25.28 2. Tim. 3.16 The whole scripture was giuen of God by inspiration 1. Cor. 2.13 Which things we speake not in the words which mans wisedome teacheth but which the holy Ghost teacheth Wherupon depend the adiuncts of the Scripture as the authority the excellency the truth and fulfilling of them which is as necessary as it must needs be that God is true Whence also it comes to passe that the Scripture alone is to be beleeued for it selfe of it selfe is worthy to be beleeued neither is it subiect to the censure addition diminution or alteration of Angels or men a Deut. 12.32 Reu. 22.18 It alone is without all error b Mar. 16.24 and we are bound to beleeue it alone vpon the bare affirmation thereof by it alone all opinions which all men shall reade c Deu. 17.9.10 Esa 8.20 Mal 2.7 Act. 17.2 are to be confirmed and to be decided d Iosu 1.8 Iob. 5.39 Act. 17.11 This alone is perfect and containeth all things necessary vnto life eternall e Psal 19.8 Luke 16.29 Ioh. 15.15 Act. 20.20.27 2. Tim. 3.16 17 Lastly it is firme and constant f 2. Pet. 1.19 How manifold is it Two-fold for it is deuided into the old and new Testament or into the doctrine of the Prophets and Apostles which is contained in the Canonicall bookes Which bookes be called Canonicall All those which being indited by the holy Ghost were either written or allowed by the Prophets and Apostles that these alone might be the rule and direction of faith and good workes by which all other doctrines are to be weighed
and examined so as all men may vnderstand that it is the doctrine of God and true according to the Apostles precept to walke by the same rule or canon Phil. 3.16 that we should walke after the same rule How many bookes are there of the old Testament The auncient Hebrewes to whom as the Apostle plainely writeth were committed Rom. 3.2 the oracles of God and also the Iewes do receiue at this day 24. bookes of the old Testament as canonicall and of vndoubted authoritie which they cal Esrim veorba of the number of 24. bookes How do they deuide those 24. bookes 1. Into foure classes or rankes the first they call Thorah the law or doctrine and to this ranke they assigne the fiue bookes of Moses Genesis Exodus Leuiticus Numbers and Deuteronomie which the Greekes call the Pentateuch Which is the second ranke It is called Nebijm Reschonim that is of the former Prophets and is contained in foure bookes Iosuah Iudges Samuel and the Kings Which is the third It is called Nebijm Acharonim that is of the latter Prophets and containeth foure bookes Esaias Ieremie Ezechiel and the booke of the twelue small Prophets Which is the fourth It is called Sepher Ketubim that is the booke of holy writers and containeth eleuen bookes Chronicles Psalmes Prouerbs of Salomon Iob Ruth Ecclesiastes of Salomon Lamentations of Ieremie Song of songs Ester Daniel Esdras and Nehemias which two last are reckoned for one All these bookes if they be reckoned together make foure and twentie Now that some men reckon only two and twentie that comes to passe thus because they reckon the booke of Ruth with the booke of Iob and the Lamentations of Ieremie with his Prophecie as one booke Are there added to these canonicall bookes any other bookes There are added certaine writings called Apocrypha as if you would say couered secret or hidden because in old time they were not produced publikely in the Church to proue any articles of faith but onely to reforme manners Haue the bookes called Apocrypha equall authoritie with those called Canonicall In no case because they were neither written by Prophets nor Apostles neither are we to beleeue them for themselues neither doth the efficacie force and maiestie of Gods spirit shine in them as it doth in the Canonicall and in them there be some things which are cleane contrary vnto the Canonicall Scriptures Neither were they euer giuen to the Iewes to whom notwithstanding were committed the oracles of God because they are not extant written in the Hebrew tongue And their authorititie was euer doubtful in the Church and it is doubted of the authors of them Into how many parts is the new Testament deuided Into foure parts The first containeth the foure Gospels namely of Matthew Marke Luke and Iohn The second the Actes of the Apostles written by Luke The third the Epistles of the Apostles foureteene of Paul three of Iohn two of Peter of Iames one and one of Iude Iames his brother The fourth the Reuelation of Iohn How do the writings of the Prophets differ from the Apostles Nothing in regard of the doctrine for the same faith and doctrine of manners is taught in them a Iohn 5.46 but in regard of the time For the writings of the Prophets containe prophesies of Christ to come but the Apostles writings containe the history of Christ now exhibited and shew the accomplishment of those prophesies in narrations and applications Whereupon the old Testament may be called the foundation of the new as the new the accomplishment of the old and as the old Testament giues credit to the new euen so the new Testament giues credit to the old And Christ compares the Prophets doctrine to seed time the Apostles to haruest and those things which are obscurely shadowed out in the books of the Prophets are more clearely and abundantly vnfolded in the bookes of the Apostles b Mat. 13.16 1. Cor. 10.11 2. Cor. 3.13.18 Heb. 10.1 After that the new Testament was added to the old was the word of God made more perfect No for when there were no mo but onely the fiue bookes of Moses they were sufficient To these the Prophets were added as interpreters Therefore the old Testament was perfect and sufficient in regard of the sense although not in regard of the wordes And by the adding of the new it was not made more perfect but more plaine c Gen. 3.15 Esa 53. Luk 16 29. Iohn 5.39 1. Cor. 15.3.4 How may it appeare that the writings of the Prophets and the Apostles were indited of God Partly by testimonies partly by reasons And by testimonies partly inward partly outward The internall witnesse is one alone namely of the holy Ghost inwardly speaking to our heart and perswading vs that those writings are inspired of God and sealing them vp in our hearts Eph. 1.13 and 1. Ioh. 2.20.27 Ye haue an oyntment of the Lord and this oyntment teacheth you of all things for whosoeuer are led by the spirit of God can easily discerne his power speaking in the Scriptures as it is said 1. Cor. 2.15 The spirituall man discerneth all things and Esa 53.1 The arme of the Lord is not reuealed to all men So Luk. 8.10 and Mat. 13.11 The mysteries of the kingdome of heauen are not reuealed to all men but to those to whom it is giuen of God And this testimonie properly maketh for our confirmation and this alone doth satisfie vs being knowne of them alone that are conuerted vnto Christ a Ioh. 14.17 which doth euermore agree with the Scripture without which the testimonie of the Church can be of no waight with vs. For as none but God alone is a fit witnesse to testifie of himselfe in his word euen so the word neuer findeth credite in our hearts till such time as it be sealed vp vnto vs by the inward testimonie of the spirit The externall testimonie of the Scriptures that they proceed from God is to be taken from the Iewes themselues who with one consent testifie that those books of the old Testament were inspired by God and therefore do most carefully reade and preserue the same wherupon not without cause Augustine calleth them the Libraries and Stationers of the Christians who haue affoorded vnto vs the reading of the holy bookes the vse whereof they themselues despise Besides those Iewes do testifie that Iesus Christ was famous for his wisedome and vnspeakable miracles and that he was put to death of the people and rose againe the third day Iosephus lib. 18. 4. of the Iewes Antiqu. What reasons haue you to proue that the Scripture came from God 1. The Antiquitie of them For that which is most auncient is most true that is counterfeit which is later 2. The euent and accomplishment of the Prophecies as of the Messias and Sauiour of mankind b Gen 3.15 the foretelling vnto Abraham that his seed should go into Egypt their slauerie in Egypt and their deliuerance which
d Num. 12.6 at the last God stirred vp Moses that he should be the first pen-man of holy Scripture Yea and God himselfe writing the ten Commaundements with his owne finger did as it were consecrate the Scripture e Exod. 31.28 and gaue Moses in charge to write the bookes of the Law f Exod. 24 4. Afterwards he deliuered his word by the Prophets g Luk. 1.70 by Christ God and man h Heb. 1.1 Last of all by the Apostles of Christ both by word and writing i Mat. 28.19 Act. 1.18 Rom. 16.25 Reu. 1.11 but there was nothing deliuered by word of mouth but that which is now extant in writing For although there were moe things spoken and done then are written yet nothing contrarie and these things which are written are sufficient k Joh. 20.31 But wherefore was the word of God committed to writing 1. By reason of the forgetfulnesse of mans mind 2. Because men are so prone to fall into all kinde of impietie whereby the works of God are corrupted 3. Because of mans boldnesse to coyne new kinds of religions 4. Because of the subtiltie of Satan who transformeth himselfe into an Angell of light and deceiueth the minds of men with counterfet reuelations In what tongue was either of the Testaments written The old Testament was written by Moses and the Prophets in the Hebrew tongue because that was the language of the people of God to whom especially it did belong But the new Testament was written by the Euangelists and Apostles in the Greek tongue because that language by reason of the Greeke Empire which went before the Romaine was almost in vse among all nations and was more fit for the spreading of the kingdome of Christ through the whole world And therefore the Hebrew text in the old Testament and not the Greeke and the Greeke text in the new is authenticall and not the Latine or anie other Ought the Scripture to be propounded to all Christians in their owne natiue tongues Questionlesse because Christ him selfe taught in their natiue tongue a Luk. 4.17 and the Apostles taught the Grecians and other nations not in the Hebrew but the Greeke tongue and they taught euery nation in their owne natiue language b Act. 2.11 Is the Scripture manifest or is it obscure It is manifest if you regard the foundation of the doctrine of saluation as the Articles of faith the precepts of the Decalogue hence it is called a Lanterne c Psa 119.105 2. Pet. 1.19 to those whose mind God doth open d Luk. 24.45 but it is obscure to those which be blind and to all that perish whose minds the god of this world hath blinded e Cor. 4.3.4 But it is not alwayes obscure to the elect f Ioh. 16.13 and only in part 1. that they shold not too much relie vpon their owne wit but shold seeke the vnderstanding of it at the hands of God by prayer 2. That they might be stirred vp to a more carefull studie of the same 3. That they might make more account of the ministerie of the word whereby they are taught and therefore stand in need to haue it expounded g Prou. 29.18 by the example of Christ h Luk. 4.17 and of Philip i Act. 8.31.35 What is the Interpretation of holy Scripture It is the vnfolding of the true and naturall sense of the Scripture the application of it vnto the manifest vse of the Church k 1. Cor. 14.4 5.31 which Paule calleth prophecie l Rom. 12.6 Peter 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the resolution of it m 2. Pet. 1.20 For the word of God fondly vnderstood is not the word of God saith Theodoret Whence must we fetch the interpretation of Scriptures Not out of euery priuate mans braine and forestalled opinions n 2. Pet. 1.20 but it is to be taught out of the Text it selfe that is by obseruing those things that go before and follow after and comparing that place with other places of Scripture What must be the rule of interpreting Onely one namely the Analogie of faith o Rom. 12.6 which is nothing else but the constant and perpetuall sense of Scripture expounded in the manifest places of Scripture and agreeable to the Apostles Creed tenne Commandements the Lords prayer and generall sentences and axiomes of euery maine point of Diuinitie What is the vse of holy Scripture 2. Tim. 3.16 The whole Scripture is giuen of God by inspiration and is profitable for doctrine for reprehension for correction for instruction in righteousnesse and for exhortation p Rom. 15.4 o◠consolation q 1. Cor. 14.3 that is for doctrine or confirmation of true opinions for reprehension of errors for correction of manners instruction of life in righteousnesse for comfort in affliction that the man of God may be perfect and furnished for euery good worke What shall we answer to that saying of Augustine I would not beleeue the Gospell vnlesse the authoritie of the Church moued me That Augustine speaketh of himselfe as yet not conuerted vnto the faith Neither is it any maruell that those which are not as yet conuerted are moued with the consent of the Church and the authoritie of men Therefore his meaning is that the Church is as it were an * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 introduction whereby we are prepared to giue credite to the Scripture What things are contrarie to the Scripture 1. The error of the Sadduces which onely receiued the fiue bookes of Moses which caused Christ to confute their deniall of the resurrection out of Moses Mat. 22.31 2. Of certaine Anabaptists who reiected the booke of Iob as a fained tragicall Comedie yea the Song of songs and Ecclesiastes as if the one taught Epicurisme the other were a wantō loue Ballad Yet for Iob we haue his countrie and condition set downe in the beginning and end of his booke which argueth no fiction and besides he is mentioned by Ezechiel cap. 14.14 and Iam. cap. 5.11 and Paul 1. Cor. 3.19 And for Ecclesiastes it rather deterreth from pleasure in that it argues all pleasures of vanitie and iudgeth them fooles who rest vpon them as on the contrarie it maketh felicitie to consist in the feare of God and keeping his commandements cap. 1.2 7.3.8.12.11.9 and the whole twelfth Chapter As for that of the soules immortalitie cap. 3.19 it is meant not that Salomon so thought but that corrupt reason so iudgeth As for the Song of songs if it were meant of Pharaohs daughter or some Sunamite damosell the comparisons cited cap. 4.1.7.2 were monstrous And albeit the name of God is not mentioned in that booke yet find we equiualent and more fit names for that purpose as Brother Friend Spouse Beloued that it might appeare that the mysticall Spouse of Salomon was here described I meane the Church of Christ 3. The heresie of Manicheus Valentinus Marcion and others
dying What then should haue become of man in the conclusion if he had not sinned should he haue euer liued vpon earth No but he should in the end haue remoued into heauen indeed without death which is the dissolution of the soule from the body but yet not without some change such as the Apostle speaketh of 1. Cor. 15.51 shall be in the bodies of the elect who shall be then liuing in the comming of the Lord they shall remoue hence into heauen What things be contrary to this doctrine The errour of the Pelagians who affirmed that man should haue died although he had neuer sinned against those speeches Gen. 2.17 and 3.3 Rom. 5.12 and 1. Cor. 15.21 The twelfth common Place of Mariage What thinke you of Mariage is it a diuine humane or politike constitution IT is diuine 1. because it was instituted by God in Paradise a Gen. 1.27 2.15 betwixt Adam and Eue in their innocencie they then bearing the true image of God 2. Because it was a type of that truly diuine and spirituall mariage which was to be betwixt Christ and his Church b Ephes 5.23 3. Because it was ordained for the propagation of the Church and for the further helping forwards the saluation of man It is also humane or politike or as I may say of humane constitution 1. because it was instituted for the propagation of mankind and ciuill societie vpon earth for in heauen they marry not but are like the Angels of God Mat. 22.30 2. Because for the most part it dependeth vpon the honest constitutions made by man for that purpose How proue you that mariage was instituted by God Gen. 2.18 God said that is in his most wise counsel decreed and ordained it is not good for man to be alone let vs make an helper or companion of his life like vnto him and when he could finde none for Adam before him God brought vpon him a dead sleepe and whilest he was asleepe and so being brought as it were into an extasie voide of griefe and was naturally ignorant what was done took one of his ribs and thereof made woman whom he brought vnto Adam who being led by the spirit of God did prophesie saying This is bone of my bone and flesh of my flesh she shall be called Ischa that is Vira Mannesse because she was taken out of man being as it were alter-ipse a second self For this cause shall man leaue his father and mother and cleaue vnto his wife and they shall be one flesh And after the deluge God confirmed mariage and blessed it saying Increase and multiply b Gen 9.1 At length the Sonne of God himselfe restored it being somewhat decaid c Math. 19.4.5.6 honoring the same both with his presence and miraculous gift d Ioh. 2.11 c. To conclude God not onely instituted mariage but also stirreth vp mutuall loue betweene the bride and the bridegroome and furdereth mariage e Genes 24.14 50 51. Whence it followeth first that mariages are not by chance or depending on mans arbiterment onely but are fatall and gouerned by Gods prouidence Secondly that mariage is a good and a holy thing Thirdly that it is to be vndertaken in the feare of God and inuocation for his direction But are not Moses and Paul contrary one to another where it is said Gen. 2.18 It is not good for man to be alone and 1. Cor. 7.1 g Gen. 2.18 It is good for man not to touch a woman h 1. Cor. 7.1 No for that Paul speaketh first of good which is profitable and not of honestie and he doth not oppose good vnto vice or sinne but vnto inconuenient Secondly because that in Genesis is vnderstood of the species or greatest part of mankind which wold decay if it were not continued and increased by mariage neither can a man liue chastly without mariage but Paul speaketh of certaine indiuidua or persons hauing the gift so as they can liue chastly without mariage for of others he saith It is better to marrie then to burne i 1. Cor. 7.9 But tell me whether Paul speaking of a virgin 1. Cor. 7.38 k 1. Cor. 7.38 and saying He that bestoweth her not in mariage doth better do meane that virginitie deserueth more the fauour of God then mariage He speaketh onely of some outward commodities of the single life for the present necessitie that is imminent persecutions l verse 26. and for that the vnmaried is more expedite and fit to teach to serue the Church to vndergo the dangers of his profession and the duties of piety with a better and freer mind m verse 32.34 and insinuateth more difficulty to be in mariage then in the single life as he speaketh concerning the maried Such shall haue trouble in the flesh n verse 28 and more distraction of thoughts and care for the things of this world o vers 33.34 and therfore that the single life is more profitable vnto him that hath the gift of continencie and lesse subiect to distractions and troubles and in this respect more blessed then mariage p verse 40. Notwithstanding the godly maried may also care for those things which belong vnto the Lord as Abraham Isaac Iacob Zacharias Iohn Baptists father and the like What is contrary to this doctrine concerning the efficient cause of Matrimonie The heresie of Montanus the Tatians Saturnians Manichees Marcionites Priscillianists Encratites who condemned mariage as the doctrine and worke of the diuell Pope Syricius differed not much from this heresie who called matrimonie vncleannesse of the flesh in which no man might please God Vnto all whom that saying of S. Paul is to be opposed 1. Tim. 4. 1. Tim. 4.1.2.3.4 Of the matter of Mariage Of how many and of what manner of persons ought Mariage to consist Of two onely one man and one woman for so saith the Lord Two shal be one flesh a Gen. 1.27 2.24 Mat. 19.5 and so many suffice for procreation of offspring But whenas the maried couples giue themselues mutually one to another they are both the second causes efficient and they also the matter of mariage What is contrary to this Polygamie not of hauing many wiues successiuely when one succeedeth another but of enioying more then one at one and the same time Gen. 4.19 which corruptiō of lawful mariage begun in Lamech of Cains race and was afterwards permitted vnto the Fathers not for wantonnesse but for increase of an holy seed both for that politick customes were at that time as also that God might thereby manifest his promise of an innumerable seede to spring of a few But Christ condemned it afterwards Mat. 19.8 5.32 saying It was not so from the beginning and declaring that who so putteth away his wife and taketh another committeth adulterie For that God being about to giue Adam a wife tooke not two or more but one ribbe out of
guiltie of Gods anger and eternall death vntil pardon be granted and except the benefit of Christ help a Ioh. 1.29 and besides these it comprehendeth those workes which the corruption of our nature bringeth forth in vs which the Scripture calleth The workes of the flesh b Gal. 5.19 By what names is this sinne called in the Scriptures The sinne that dwelleth in a man because it remaineth continually in the flesh vntill death but in them who are not regenerate it raigneth in the regenerate it only dwelleth and not raigneth c Rom. 7.17.20 Malum adiacens The sinne which easilie cleaueth to vs and compasseth vs round about occupying all our strength e Heb 12.1 The sense and vnderstanding of the flesh f Rom. 8.6 Also it is absolutely and simply called Sinne g Rom 7 8. Because it is the source and fountaine of all sinnes The bodie of sinne h Rom. 6.6 because in it are gathered together all sins which breake forth when occasion is giuen The Lawe of the â—â—mbers i. because all the members of soule and bodie i Rom. 13.4 that is all the parts powers of man obey it as a Law Flesh k Gen. 6 3. concupiscence c. to which is opposed the Spirit which signifyeth the grace of regeneration l Gal. 16.17 The heart of man m Gen 8 21 Also old Adam n Rom 6 6. How doth Originall sinne differ from actuall sinne As the tree differeth from the fruite or the roote from the branches Originall sinne is like a tree and a roote out of which euill fruites and boughes do spring namely actuall sins not only outward but also inward Out of the heart proceede euill thoughts saith Christ Mat. 15.19 Gal. 5.19 In that place are recited the workes and fruites of the flesh that is of originall sinne Moreouer in actuall sinne the matter of the sinne remaineth not for when a man hath either committed adulterie or spoken blaspheamie those actions straight cease to be when the thing is done notwithstanding the offence to God and the guilt remaine still But in originall sin the matter therof passeth not away for wee finde in experience that the corruption of nature sticketh by vs seeing still we run into sinne and are vntoward to heauenly things both in body and soule What is the end or wage of Originall sin Eternall damnation together with all the mischiefes incident to this life a Gen 2 17 3 19 What is the effect thereof It deceiueth it worketh all concupiscence it killeth b Rom. 5 12 17 What vse is there of this Doctrine concerning Originall sinne A threefold vse 1. That wee may acknowledge our vncleannesse and that laying away all arrogancie wee may betake our selues and flie to Christ our Sauiour 2. That in what manner we vnderstand that the vnrighteousnesse of Adam is imputed to vs in the same maner we may beeleeue that wee by the righteousnesse of Christ are accounted truly and perfectly iust before GOD as the Apostle teacheth Rom. 5.15 3. That because our birth and generation was and is full of vice wee may know we haue neede of a regeneration according to that Ioh. 3.5 Except a man be borne againe he cannot enter into the kingdome of Heauen How is this Doctrine opposed By sundry errors 1. Of the Pelagians who denie that Originall sinne is deriued by propagation to posteritie but say it is conueyed only by imitation and example They also affirme that death is the condition of mans nature although Adam had not fallen Also that Adams sinne hurt no man but himselfe onely Also they say that infants when they are borne doe not bring with them a prauitie of nature resisting the law of God contrarie to Pauls assertion Rom. 5 12. 2. By the Monkes who denie that Originall sinne is a sin worthy of death but either a guiltinesse onely of another mans faults or onely a fewell and matter to feede sinne contrarie to Pauls speach Ephes 2.3 where he saith VVe are the children of wrath Also they determine that it is onely in the bodie in the senses and inferiour faculties but not in the minde and will Also that by Baptisme not only the guilte but the euill and prauitie of concupiscence is taken away that concupiscence is not a sinne but a natuall appetite or desire that it is onely in the sensual appetite giuen vnto man that by striuing with it he may more more be sharpened to follow vertue and may binde God to himselfe by his greater desert Also they say that infants damned for Original sin only haue not poena sensus no punishment of feeling in their bodies but only poena damni or punishment by losse of the sight and enioying of God although it be credible that those are more gently to bee punished in whom originall sinne hath not yet broke forth into workes Also that Marie the mother of our Lord was conceiued borne without originall sin which iudgment also they hold of Iohn Baptist therefore that Christ died not for Marie and Iohn Baptist because he died for originall sinne onely which they wanted yet Mary reioyced in God her Sauiour and Iohn confesseth that he is not worthie to beare the shoes of Christ 3 Of those who say the corruption onely of nature is imputed to vs not the guilt also of Adam and contrarily of those who say the guilt and not the corruption is to be vnderstood by the name of originall sinne 4 Of those Papists who hold that onely actuall sinnes are forbidden by the law and that therefore a man may satisfie the Lawe 5 Of the adherents of Flauius Illiricus who teach that it is not an accident but the verie nature of man and the substance thereof corrupted contrarie to that saying of Paule Rom. 7.21 Sinne is present with me 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and contrarie to those testimonies which teach that God is author of mans nature euen since his fall and also against those places whereby wee learne that Christ tooke our humane nature and substance and redeemed man but not sinne 6 Of the Philosophers who call that only sinne which resisteth reason whereas reason it selfe can doe nothing but erre vntill it be enlightened by the light of God 7 Of the Libertines who define and restraine sin to be only that wherein a man thinketh himselfe to sinne 8 The blasphemie of the Manichees who say that sinnes proceed of God ⧠The sixteenth Place of Actuall sinne VVhat is actuall sinne IT is a fruit of Originall sinne when the lawe of God is actually violated to wit euery action affection speech or omission disaagreeing with Gods will whereby a man becomes guiltie anew and is guiltie of Gods anger and eternall death Of which Iames speaketh 1.15 Concupiscence after it hath conceiued bringeth forth sinne and sinne finished bringeth forth death whereby Concupiscence he vnderstandeth the roote that is Originall sinne by sinne finished
in contraries for as by one mans disobedience many were made sinners so by the obedience of Christ many are made righteous Rom. 5.19 5. By the effect because from iustification by faith alone ariseth peace with God that is to say securitie and tranquillitie of conscience or that ioy which commeth from a conscience excusing and acquiting vs from sinne and death peace toward God confidence and hope of the glorie of god that is of life eternall f Rom. 1.5 8 35. Tit. 3 7. 1. Ioh. 3.21 6. Because the glorie both of the exceeding iustice and mercie of God cannot stand safe and fyrme nor the merit of Christ remaine whole and sound vnlesse wee bee iustifyed onely by faith in Christ Iesus and not by workes or if we should bee iustifyed partly by faith and partly by works g Rom. 3.19.25.26.27 What is the end of our Iustification The fyrst and chiefe end in respect of God is his glorie Eph. 1.6 To the praise of the glorie of his grace and to the praise of his glorie namely that the praise thereof might not bee giuen to any man but might redound wholy and absolutely to god alone so that hee alone might bee acknowledged to bee iust and mercifull to be the iustifyer of him which is of the faith of Iesus Ro. 3.26 In which place there is mention made of a double or twofolde glorie of GOD the one which proceedeth from his iustice that hee might bee iust the second that which proceedeth from his mercie And iustifying him which is of the faith of Iesus For from the alone benefit of Iustification ariseth the manifestation of that admirable temperament of the iustice and mercie of God and from thence Gods glorie both of his iustice towarde his sonne in punishing of sinne who spared not his owne sonne being made sinne for vs and likewise of his mercie toward vs imputing vnto vs that beleeue in Christ though we be wicked and vnrighteous by nature our faith for righteousnesse 2. The declaration of his goodnesse 1. Pet. 2.9 That ye should shew forth the vertues of him that hath called you out of darknesse into his maruellous light The next end in respect of vs is that wee being made righteous by imputation might be accepted of God and iust that is might bee set free from the guilt excelling through the gift of Christs righteousnesse Furthermore that the righteousnesse of the Law might bee fulfilled in vs and that wee might enioy the fruite of righteousnesse which is life eternall Rom. 8.7 Tit. 3.7 That being iustified wee might bee made heires of euerlasting life Lastly that wee our selues might bee bettered and made righteous Gal. 2.17 If then while wee seeke to bee made righteous by Christ we our selues are found sinners is Christ therefore the minister of sinne God forbid For to this end are we iustified by faith through Christ that the old man being abolished by the power and efficacie of Christ crucified Christ might liue in vs and that wee should by our studie and labour endeauour to bring forth good workes shewe our selues thankfull to god for so great a benefit And therefore it is that the Apostle Paule almost in all his Epistles deriueth the Doctrine of sanctifycation or good workes from the Doctrine of faith or iustifycation as the cause from the effect or the necessarie consequent from the antecedent What are the adiuncts of Iustification If you respect the actions of God therein election and effectuall vocation doe goe before it a Rom. 8 31 but if ye respect man surelie not workes foreseene neither merits of congruitie or condignity For saith Augustine good workes doe follow a man alreadie iustified and doe not goe before a man that is to bee iustified as good fruites are not before a good tree but sinnes and wickednesse and the workes of the flesh b Ro. 3 23 4.5 The workes accompanying or following it are peace of conscience or tranquillitie and quiet of minde and conscience Rom. 5.1 Being iustified by faith wee haue peace toward God through our Lord Iesus Christ Moreouer the adopting of vs to bee sonnes of God our sanctification or newnesse of life the fruites wherof are described Gal. 5.22 For they that are made partakers of Christ through faith they doe with him receiue the holie Ghost the author of all holinesse from whence it is that these two benefits are indeede distinguished one from another but yet so linked together by an vnseparable bond that they can neuer bee plucked asunder and the latter is the testimony of the former both in the soule of the faithfull man himselfe and to other men also What is the effect of Iustification Free entrance and accesse to God c Rom. 5 2. our glorification d Ro 6.22.23.20 which is begun in this life and perfected in the life to come Is our Iustification perfected in this life In Iustification as wee are iudged and accounted righteous by God so wee are adiudged vnto life eternall So that in respect of Gods decree and of the sentence it selfe of life eternall pronounced by God the Iudge also in respect of righteousnes which the heauenly Iudge imputeth vnto vs our Iustification is alreadie perfected in this life sauing that in the life to come this imputed righteousnes is to be reuealed and made more manifest and to be more neerely applyed and appropriated vnto vs. But yet our whole iustification is perfected in this life in which a man may be said to bee fully and perfectly iustified Wee are the sonnes of God therefore iustâ—fied but it doth not yet appeare what we shall be 1. Iohn 3.2 But if you respect the execution of Gods decree and looke vnto the life and glorie which is adiudged vnto vs and which is to cleaue and stick vnto vs because that in this life is not perfected in vs our iustification therefore may bee accounted also imperfect in this life Can the benefis of iustification perish by reason of our sinnes No by no meanes for the purpose of god cannot bee depriued of his end And 1. Ioh. 3.9 Whosoeuer is borne of GOD sinneth not that is not vnto death because his seede that is the holy Ghost abideth in him Besides the gifts and callings of God are without repentance Rom. 11.29 When is the vse and necessitie of the Doctrine of iustification felt and perceiued 1. In the serious examination of the conscience when a man presenteth himselfe as guiltie not before an earthly but the heauenly Iudge for then being carefull and pensiue for his deliuerance he doth willingly prostrate and make himselfe of no reputation hauing first considered the great maiestie and iustice of God before which nothing is accepted vnlesse it be euery way perfect and absolute a Esa. 4 5 2. In the imperfection of his owne righteousnes Iob 4.7 18. Behold they that serue him are not faithfull and hee hath found iniquitie in his Angels how much more in
thirtieth common place Of the last Iudgement VVhat is signified in the Scriptures by the word Iudgement 1 COmmonly to iudge is to deeme to thinke and iudgement is taken for the opinion or meaning of the minde 2 It may be knowne what it is by the contrarie thereof for to iudge and to saue are contrary as therefore to saue is to free one from destruction and to giue life so 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to iudge is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to condemne to destroy to giue cause of condēnation In which sense it is vsed Ioh. 3.17 God sent not his sonne into the vvorld that he should iudge the vvorld that is that he should cōdemne or rather be the cause of condemnation but that the vvorld might bee saued through him Whereupon iudgement is vsed for the cause of condemnation vers 19. This is the condemnation that that light came into the world and men loued darknesse rather then that light And for 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 condemnation Ioh. 5 24. He that beleeueth in me hath life eternall and shall not come into condemnation 3 To iudge is to rule and gouerne as Iud. 3.10 and in other chapters where iudgement is taken for Rule and for the minde of the iudge and for equitie or for that which is iust and right a luk 11.42 And the iudge for the Magistrate b Exod. 2 14 all through And first surely when iudgement is attribured to God it is taken for the ful Rule vniuersal gouernment and administration wherewith the whole world standeth sure is preserued and gouerned c Ioh. 5 22 27 30 Gen. 18.25 2. For the gouernment and well ordered state of the Church whereby the father manifesteth the Gospell through the sonne maintaineth the ministerie bestoweth the holy Ghost quickeneth the deade by the word euen from the beginning to this day prepareth a kingdome for the sonne that is the Church Mat. 12 18 Behold my seruant whome I haue chosen I will put my spirit on him and he shall shew iudgement to the Gentiles 3. For Gods vengeance and punishment on sin sinners d 1 Pet 4 17 4. For Gods preceps or commandements e Psal 19.9 119 13 30 throughout 5 To iudge doth signifie to reprehend others faultes by the example of ones owne vertue f Math 12 27 41 42. c 19.28 Luk. 22 30. The Apostles shall iudge the twelue tribes of Israell that is the Apostles faith and Doctrine shal take all excuse away from the Israelites So Ro. 2.27 6. To iudge doth properly belong to the Iudge when he giueth sentence whereby either he condemneth or iustifieth one that is he doth indeede condemne by pronouncing him guiltie of the fault and by adiudging him to punishment but he doth iustifie when he freeth any one from the crime and punishments due to the crime And in this sense iudgement is the Lords cēsure freeing the elect and pronouncing them heires of eternall life but cōdemning the reprobate How manifold is the Lords iudgement Twofold Particular or Antecedent temporall and hidden which is either of many or of euery one in the time of euery ones life or death for that the Lord either in this life doth defend those that are his according to his promise The gates of hel shal not ouercome it Mat. 16.18 or chastiseth them when they erre with warr famine pestilence or with some other kinde of punishments that they may not be condemned with this world g 1. Cor 11 32 Whereupon 1. Pet. 4.10 Iudgement beginneth at the house of God or finally receiueth their soules into heauen and on the contrarie keepeth downe the wicked and punisheth their sinnes diuerse waies and at length deliuereth their soules to Sathan to be tormented h Luk. 16 22 29 2 Vniuersall extreame manifest finall absolute eternall is that which shall be in the last day when the bodies are raised vp of which we must principally heere entreat By what arguments is it declared that the iudgement shall be vniuersall and extreame 1. Because iudgment and Resurrection are so necessarily ioyned the one to the other and it cannot bee that God can iudge of all men which are deade vnlesse hee raise them from the deade nor can resurrection be assigned to any other end then that God might iudge all men might separate the sheepe from the goats the corne from the chaffe the godly from the vngodly a Mat. 25 13 2. It is declared by a remarkable principle in nature which teaeth that God i◠iust and therefore it must needes be well with the good and euill with the wicked for euer which because in this life it cannot be for that there are so many wicked men and Atheists who commit all kinde of wickednesse whom neuerthelesse God doth not take vengeance on in this life againe for that there are godly men and some that worshippe God sincerly who liue a most troublesome life so farre is God from rewarding them in this life b necessarie is it that there should bee a certaine and vnfallible iudgement remaining afterward wherein the wicked might be punished and the good may receiue the reward of piety Cor 15 19 3. Bur farre more certainly is it shewed by testimonies of holie Scripture Psal 9.8 The Lord hath prepared his throne for iudgement and shall iudge the world in righteousnesse and 50.1 The God of Gods hath spoken and called the earth from the rising of vp the sun vnto the going downe thereof our God shall come and shall not keepe silence that he may iudge all men Isa 66.15 Behold the Lord shall come in fire Mat. 25.31 and so following all the whole act of iudgement is described Luk. 8.17 There is not any thing hid that shall not be euident Ioh. 12 48. The word that I haue spoken shall iudge him in the last day Rom. 2 16. God shall iudge the secrets 1 Cor. 3 13. Euery mans worke shall bee made manifest Heb. 9 27. It is appointed vnto men that they shal once dy after that commeth the Iudgemēt Iud. 14 15 ver Enoch the seauenth from Adam prophecyed of such saying Behold the Lord commeth with thowsands of his Saints to giue iudgement against all men to rebuke all the vngodly among them of all their wicked deedes Therefore must their needes bee a Iudgement 4. We confesse in the Apostles Creede that Christ shall come to iudge the quick and the dead What is the last iudgement It is the act of Iudgement whereby Christ in the last day shall presently after the resurrection of the deade pronounce sentence vpon all men with great maiestie and glorie separating the elect from the reprobate and adiudging them to eternall life but the reprobate to vnquenchable fire What are the efficient causes of the iudgement to come 1. The eternall God Father Sonne and holy Ghost inseparably for as much as there belongeth to the iudiciall power dominion
remnant of the Elect. And the holy Ghost foretold of a generall Apostacie from the faith b 2. The. 2.3 1. Tim. 4 1 and Reuel 13.3.7 the whole earth followed the beast and wondred and power was giuen him ouer euerie kinred nation and all the inhabitants of the earth saith Iohn worshipped him All saith he whose names were not written in the booke of life that is all sauing the Elect. Where then was the Church Tertullian in his booke de poeniten saith that the Church may bee in one or two Wherefore if in those desperate times of the Church there were but one or two faithfull seruants of God it sufficeth that it may be called a Church Therefore it is not our part to determine at what certaine time the Church began to fall away but to labour rather by what meanes it may be freed from this calamitie What are the causes of a Church The principal cause is God the Father who hath chosen a church and at length calleth and gathereth it vnto himselfe Ephe. 1.4 Iohn 1.13 The faithfull are not borne of bloud nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man but of God And 6.44 No man commeth to me except the father draw him a Exod. 13.21 Mat 18.18 The second or helping cause is the sonne of God himselfe Iohn 14.6 No man commeth to the father but by mee who also hath purchased a Church with his owne blood Act. 20.28 The fellow labourers are the preachers of the word the Prophets and Apostles and their true successours who are therfore called builders b Ro 15 20 1. Pet. 2.7 and maister builders c 1 Cor 3.10 but in respect of the ministerie onely The outward instrumentall cause is the preaching of the word whereby God gathereth himselfe a Church The inward and verie efficient cause is the holy Spirit The formall cause is the syncere profession both of faith and of true Doctrine likewise The Materiall cause whereof are men chosen out of the whole world according to the commaundement of Christ Goe into all the vvorld Preach yee the Gospell to euerie Creature Marke 16.15 16. Are not the blessed Angels likewise a Materiall part of the true Church They are surely and so are the soules of the blessed and that the most beautifullest part d Psal 103 20. Hebr. 1.6.7 12.23 The Apostle acknowledgeth a companie of innumerable Angels and an assemblie and congregation or Church of the spirits or soules And Christ also as he is man is head and Lord of euerie creature and so of the Angels also e Col. 1.17.18 But we speake of the Church insomuch as God hath purchased it by his bloud and doth gather it together by his word but God redeemed not the blessed Angels who neuer fell as neither did he take their nature on him Hebr. 2.16 Neither doth he call them to the cōmunion of this Church by the ministery of his word but onely established them in their first blessed beginning Therfore we affirme that the Church is to be reckoned of men onely according to the promise of the father made to the sonne Psa 2.8 Hath the Church an head Seeing the Church is a bodie not naturall or mathematicall but mysticall a 1 Cor. 10 17. 12.12 Col. 1.18 it must needs haue a head of whom it may be gouerned nourished and cherished and of whom it may depend for euerie liuing bodie hath it head to which it is subiected by the Creator himselfe and from whom it draweth life The Church therfore hath her head not many heads but one onely for it is not 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 headlesse nor 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a beast of many heads succeeding one another by deaths preuention because it must haue died as often as it should be depriued of it head by death and must haue reuiued as often as it got any new head which were altogether monstrous but it hath one onely head to wit Christ who is the head of his Church as the man is of the woman b Eph. 5 27 1 23. 1 By perfection because he is the only true God and verie man that in all things he may haue the preheminence Col. 1.18 2.10 2 By office Because Christ onely is King Prophet and High Priest who hath rule dominion and excellencie ouer the Church as the head hath ouer the bodie c Reue. 1.6 3 By efficacie because he onely inspireth vigour sense motion spirituall life and all goodnesse into his members d Ioh 6 5 7 15 1 2 and he onely being fastened to the bodie by the bond of the spirit giueth to the whole Church his reedifying coniunction ioyning or fastening together and communion of the members betweene God and themselues e 1. Ioh 1 3 Ioh 17.22 Eph 4 12 he alone is neuer absent but euer present with his Church by his spirit f Mat 28 20 and he onely giueth life to the bodie g Eph 5 24 and neuer dieth Death shall haue power ouer him no more Rom. 6.9 So that hee needeth no head by deputation as one Bride receiueth not two heads nor two Bride-groomes 4 By Decree because he alone is the shepheard of one sheepfold h Ioh. 10.16 and the chiefe shepheard as Peter himselfe affirmeth 1. Pet. 5.4 Neither is the condition of any of the Pastors of the Christian Church equall to that of the high Priest long agoe vnder the Lawe for that one high Priest was a true type of Christ a Psal 101.4 Heb. 7.17 7.9.11 but none of the Pastors of the christian Church is a type of Christ Besides hee had charge but ouer one small quarter and but ouer one Temple and ouer one people by the ordinance of God but none can haue charge ouer the whole world through which the Church is dispersed for this were to desire to include the world in one Citie saith Hierome Therefore is not the Pope the Ministeriall head of the Catholicke Church because it cannot be prooued by any testimony of Scripture and seeing Christs kingdome is not of this world he hath no need of a Vice-Roy or Vicar and the Ecclesiasticall ministerie which consisteth in the administration of the Gospell and Sacraments cannot be performed through the whole world by 〈◊〉 any one man But concerning Constantines Donation made to Pope Syluester that voyce which Syluester heard from heauen This day is poyson entered into the Church doth sufficiently testifie what we must thinke of it Finally he that calleth himselfe the Vniuersall Bishop Lib. 4. Epist 76 is the most true forerunner of Antichrist as witnesseth Gregorius Magnus who was himselfe Bishoppe of Rome Hath the Church any foundation Seeing it is a Spirituall house b 1. pet 2 5 it hath a foundation which is twofolde 1 Ministeriall in respect whereof the Church is said To bee built vpon the foundation of the Prophets and Apostles to witt euen on
by a Metaphor thanksgiuing or celebration of the name of God b Psal 50.14 is called a vowe VVhat is a vowe It is an holie religious promise wittingly and willingly made to God to doe or leaue vndone something which is manifest to be acceptable to and allowable of him In which definition a promise hath the place of the generall holie and religious of distinction wittingly and willinglie made belong to difference the former of which excludeth rash vowes the latter constrayned made to God declareth the end to whome Lastly to doe or leaue vndone something which is acceptable and allowable to God noteth out the matter of vowes Of how manie sortes is a vow Doubled Generall which is tearmed both common and necessarie and speciall which may be called particular personall and willingly taken in hand Generall is that which christians make in Baptisme where renouncing Satan and all his workes they doe vowe themselues to Gods seruice that they may obay his holy commaundements but not follow the crooked desires of their owne flesh Hence 1. Pet. 3.21 He calleth baptisme the stipulation of a good conscience toward God by the resurrection of Iesus Christ And Math. 28.19 The Apostles are commaunded to baptise in the name of the Father of the sonne and of the holy Ghost Teaching them to obserue whatsoeuer I haue commaunded you saith Christ And Rom. 6.17.18 beeing made free from sinne ye are made seruants to God being deliuered vnto the forme of the Apostles doctrine And Ephes 5.26.27 it is said that Christ doth sanctifie and clense the church by the washing of water in the word that he may make it glorious vnto himselfe without spot or wrincle Which common vowe is confirmed by the catechisme and taking of the holie Supper For the more pure church had this custome that children that is to say they which were bapised in their infancie after that they were instructed in the catechisme should be publiquelie brought forth before the bishops the church there should be asked questions concerning the articles of the faith and with their owne voice should confirme the vowe made in their name in Baptisme Whereupon that catechisticall action consisting 1. of examination 2. of confirmation of the vowe made in Baptisme 3. Of the Bishops prayers and imposition of handes began in parte to be called confirmation Therefore the godly are alwaies bound to this vowe wherefore they ought alwaies to be mindefull of it that they may keepe that which in Baptisme they sufficiently vowed and afterward openly professed namely faith and good conscience also note that they shall haue busines inough who all their life long take heed to this vowe A priuate or speciall vow is that which any man moued by peculiar reason doth of his owne accord promise to God For although we owe vnto God all that is ours without any obligation by vowes yet notwithstanding it may be profitable to vowe to stirre vp our selues to testifie to others our faith and the excellencie of God Neither doe we cast vpon our selues a new snare which Paul 1. Cor. 7 35. saith he will not doe but rather a new incitation to render those things which we did owe vnto God before Such was the vowe of thanksgiuing of the patriarch Iacob a Gen 28.20 31 13 such was the vowe of the Nazarites b Numb 6.2 And. 1. Sam. 2.11 Anna the mother of Samuell by a vow bequeathed her sonne to the seruice of God This speciall vowe is againe twofolde lawfull or godly rash or vnlawfull 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a lawfull vowe is that which is concerning lawfull things to a good end of persons in their owne libertie An vnlawfull vowe is that which is taken in hand concerning vnlawful things to an ill end of persons also not in their owne libertie such as theirs was which would kill Paul c Act. 23.14 But that the one may be rightlie distâ—nguished from the other these foure things are to be considered 1. Who he is to whome the vowe is made 2. Who we are which doe vowe 3. What that is which we vowe 4. with what minde and to what end it is lawfull for vs to vowe Who is he to whome the vow is made God alone to whome we owe all our selues and all ours and who is the alone searcher of the heart and hath authority to punish them which are guiltie of a vowe broken a Deut. 12.17.23.21 Psa 50.14 and that a vowe is a kinde of religious inuocation and confession which is due to God alone And he often cryeth out that he is worshipped in vaine with mens precepts Math. 15.9 And walke in my ordinances saith he not according to the precepts of men Leuit. 18.3 Whereupon this rule is to be receiued that it is lawfull to vowe nothing at all vnlesse the conscience doth first determine out of gods word if it pleaseth god to whome the vowe is made and therefore vnlesse it proceede from faith Rom. 14.23 it is sinne Who and what are we which do vowe Men but iustified by faith for otherwise if we be enemies vnto god our gifts or vowes shall not be acceptable to him also free Therefore Num. 30.4.6.7 Children vnder gouernment of Parents a wife her husband being aliue a seruant not yet set at libertie if they had vowed their vowes might be broken Therefore Anna but by the consent of her husband or by a peculiar inspiration from god could not haue beene able to vowe that Samuell all his life time should serue in the tabernacle of the Lorde From whence we are admonished that a vowe is to be fitted according to our abilitie that is to that which God hath graunted to vs must be suteable to our calling Wherefore the vowe of those forty murtherers who bound themselues with an oth saying that they would eat no meate vntill they had slaine Paul not onely was rash but wicked because they would make subiect to their power the life and death of a man b Act. 23 12 So of Iephte vowing that he would offer to god for a burnt offering whatsoeuer should come first out of the house he vndertooke a c Iud. 11.30 Leuit. 27.4 rash vowe or proceeding from ignorance of the lawe concerning the redemption of a vowe What thing is it which we ought to vowe Heere we must obserue 1. that it be not onely possible and in our power for it should be a vaine and foolish thinge to vowe those things which are not in our abilitie such as that of the Iewes concerning the taking awaie of Paules life which was not in their power such a vowe also is of them who vowe chastetie when it is not a thing giuen vnto them But if it be also lawfull and allowable of God according to the rule of the scriptures or the word of God which alwaies is agreeable to the scripture For it is a detestable hainous thing to promise vowe
it by the application of them made to euery one For the legall Sabbath which was so called because of the rest besides that it was ordayned that that day should be imployed in the worshippe God that is in holy prayers preaching Sacrifices charitable collections for the poore to nourish the peoples faith a Luk 4.16 12 and that the Israelites should not wearie theÌ„selues or those that belonged to them with continual labor b Exod. 22. and to the ende they might continually remember the workes of God in the Creation c Gen. 2.1.12 of their deliuerance out of the bondage of Aegypt and redemption by Christ It was further a signe and testimonie of sanctification which did signifie that the Lord aboue doth sanctifie his by his Spirit Exod. 31.13 27. The Sabbath shall be a signe betweene mee and you that ye may know that it is I the Lord that sanctifie you Which thing also Paule sheweth to be done by Christ hee that sanctifieth and they that are sanctified are all of one Hebr. 2.11 As also of the spirituall and euerlasting Sabbath wherein wee must rest from euerie seruile worke that is from sinnes and our owne will and suffer God to worke his owne workes in vs and to reioyce in God thorow Christ It was also a shadowe of the heauenly Sabbath that is of eternall rest in God which we shall obtaine thorow faith when being deliuered from the flesh and the trouble thereof we shall rest in God when there shall bee Sabbath after Sabbath and Sabbath without any night Esay 66.23 The Arke of the Couenant did teach 1. Christ the Authour of the Couenant betweene God and the Elect. 2 It was a visible testimonie of the presence of God Exo. 25.10 22. I wil saith the lord vnto Moses Declare my self vnto the there and will talke with thee from the couer of the mercie seate betweene the two Cherubins which is aboue the Arke of the testimonie what things soeuer I will commaund thee to shewe vnto the children of Israell Whereupon also by the Figure Metonymie vsuall to types and Sacraments it is called the King of glorie d psal 47.5.7 And Iehouah as when the Arke remooued Moses said e Psal 68.1 2 2.13.1 8 Arise O Lord and let thine enemies be scattered and let all that hate thee flie away from thy presence And when it stood still hee said Returne O Lord vnto the tenne thousand thousands of Israell Numb 10.35 3 It was a type of Christ in whom are conteined all the treasures of wisedome and knowledge Surely the wood Cettim or Cedar which is not subiect to rotting out of which flowed a cleare and most odoriferous liquour which because it preserueth dead bodies from putrifying is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 quickening that which is dead it did represent the vertue and merit of the bloud of Christ Now these are the thinges that were ioyned to the Arke and partly put into it 1 The golden pot hauing Manna in it did shadow out Christ who is the bread of life f Exod. 16.33 Ioh. 6.35 Heb. 9.4 2 Aarons rod which had budded was a type of the Priesthood of Iesus Christ whose priestly scepter whereas it had beene as it were withered in the world after his death resurrection it began to flourish to fructifie and to bring foorth the sweete fruits of the holy Gospell among the Gentiles g Numb 17 8 3 The Tables of the Couenant wherein was ingrauen by the finger of God the tenne Commaundements c Deut. 10.5 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which did signifie Christ the fulfilling of the law 4 The Golden board or couer which was aboue which was called the propitiatory of the Graecians the couer of the mercie seat it did signifie Christ the mediatour who is the propitiation for our sinnes and that couer whereby wee are couered against the anger and horrible iudgement of God k Rom 3.24 Ioh. 2 2 Exod 25.32 5 The Promise annexed signified that God would thence as out of his throne speake his Oracles and that there Christ would heare vs who is indeed the throne seat of God and the word of the father by whom he speaketh to vs and for whose sake he heareth vs As it is written Whatsoeuer ye shall aske the father in my name he will giue it you Iohn 15.16 And the two Cherubins seatâ—d vpon the couer of the Arke ioyning their wings together and with face to face looking toward the Arke it selfe did declare the consent of the Prophets and Apostles in doctrine and the stouping downe that is the earnest desire of the blessed Angels to know the whole mysterie of saluation a 1 Pet. 1.12 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The exhibiting also whereof euen presently so soone as Christ was borne they declared to the Church 6 Also the Arke of the couenant was a type of the company of the Elect which is fed with the heauenly Manna is gouerned with the Scepter of that Priest according to the royall order of Melchisedech it hath the law of God ingrauen in the tables of their hearts and is the keeper of the bookes of the prophecies and of the Apostles And as the Gold mingled with Brasse did resemble the hypocrites so the pure and perfect tried Golde wherewith the Arke was covered on euerie side did represent the faithfull who are tried in the fyre of afflictions b 1 Pet. 1â—7 And those men which are indeed like vnto Gold are worthily preferred before such as be like vnto lead and are profane men 7. The barres and staues did signifie the Ministers Doctors and schoolemen which doe performe their message for Christes sake Moreouer the washings did signifie that the sins of them that beleeue should be washed away in the bloud of Christ and that they are daily washed and purified by the holy Ghost c Leu. 14.8 7 Now the third was Chanaan a certaine pawne and pledge of the promise of Christ and the heauenly inheritance So 1. The sacrificing of Isaac d Gen. 22.10 did signifie the offering vp of Christ 2. The blessing of Ephraim and Manasses made by laying Iacobs armes and hands crosse vpon them did signifie the vnlike condition of their posterity e Gen. 48.14 3. The brasen Serpent f Numb 2.8 Ioh. 3.14.15 the trueth as touching the lifting vp of the banner of Christ crucified 4. The wood cast into the bitter waters whereby they were made sweet g Exod. 18.25 signified the branch of the stock of Isaie comforting all those which bee wearie and heauie loaden 5. The going about or compassing of Iericho seauen daies by the Israelites h Ios 6.5 that the strongholds of this world shall bee cast downe by the sound of the trumpets of the Gospell whereof the Prophet speaketh Psal 19.5 their sound is gone forth into the whole world i 2 Cor. 10.4 6. The cleansing of Naaman by washing himselfe
beleeuer righteousnes or the washing away of his sins obtained by Christ his bloud to testify his adoption into the couenant of grace his engrafting into Christ the regeneration renuing of his nature or repentance vnto amendmēt by the grace of the holy ghost procured vnto him by the same bloud his communion or fellowship with Christ in all his goodnes and heauenly inheritance ioynt free denization among the citizens of the visible Church of the kingdom of heauen to be held of them in the number of the children of God to enioy the same priuiledges which they do To witnes also that being in like maner baptised he promiseth himselfe to be willing to be reckoned among the people of God to defie Sathan sin the world the flesh al false sects promiseth professeth that he wil liue to Christ to the glory of God Or thus baptisme is a sacrament or seale of the righteousnes of faith that is of our entrance or beginning of our incorporation with Christ of the forgiuenes of our sins of the gift of the holy ghost of regeneration whereby we are seale◠vnto Christ incorporated buried with Christ that we die vnto sin by the power of the death of Christ that we rise againe to newnesse of life by the vertue of his resurrection a Rom. 6.3 4.5 1 Pet. 3.22 that we are bound to the true worship of God alone to innocency of life and vnity of the Church wheof it is called the stipulation of a good conscience b that is a mutuall obligation of God of man baptised of God witnessing that he receiueth the person baptised into grace and of the person baptised couenanting with God that he will duly worship and loue him wherof it commeth that none are admitted to the holy supper of the Lord but such as are first baptised because he must first be admitted into the church before he be nourished in the same c Mat. 28.19 Act. 2.41 Ioh. 4.1.2 Mat. 3.11 Ioh 3.5 7 Gal 3 27 1 Cor 6 11 10.2 Tit 3.5 Eph 5.26 How many fold is Baptismes Baptisme in specie or kind is one One Lord one faith one baptisme But seeing in baptisme not the water external actiō is to be considered only but also the inward operation of God in this respect Baptisme is twofold External which is also called the baptisme of water wherwith the minister of the word doth baptise and Internal which is also of the spirit wherby Christ only doth clense our hearts by his blood and giueth his holy spirit and yet the one is not to be separated from the other For the externall is a testimony of the internall that is the Baptisme of water is a pledg of spirituall baptisme and of inward washing and clensing which is done by the blood and spirit of Christ And therefore Christ is said 1. Iohn 5.6 to come in water in the spirit in blood VVho is the author or instituent cause of Baptisme God the father the sonne and the holie ghost 1. by the ministery of Iohn Baptist for it is certaine that Iohn was called of God and sent to baptise and preach repentance amongst the Iewes and therefore Christ saith the baptisme of Iohn was by a metonymie from heauen d Luk. 3.2.3 Ioh. 1.38 that is of God and not of men 2 Further Christ by his owne example confirmed baptisme when he suffered himselfe to be baptised of Iohn e Mat. 21.25 Mat. 3.15 And the whole trinity with most plaine and euident testimonie allowed the same in the baptisme of Christ 3 Besides Christ before his passion sent his disciples to baptise a Ioh. 4.1.2 againe after his resurrection he instructed the same his disciples their successors how to teach and baptise among all nations by this commandement Go thorough the world preach the gospell to euerie creature baptizing them in the name of the father and of the sonne and of the holy ghost Mat. 28.19 whereby it appeareth how greate the dignitie of Baptisme is with what reuerence it should be vsed What is the efficient cause The primarie and true efficient cause is Christ himselfe for he indeede it is who baptiseth vs properly truly into himselfe into his death and resurrection Ephes 5.18 It is Christ that clenseth his church with the washing of water in his word The secundary and instrumentall causes are the ministers for so saith Iohn I baptise you with water b Mat. 3 11 Christ commanded them saying baptise c Mat. 28.19 VVhether may ministers be truly said to baptise that is to clense from sinn and to regenerate No doubt they may for Christ did not restraine his commandement to the washing of water but in general termes said baptise them and Iohn 20.23 they are said to remit sins to beget againe or regenerat 1 Cor. 4.15 I haue begotten you againe in Christ by the Gospell And 1. Cor. 3.6 the Apostle saith that he ministred vnto them the spirit not the Letter but yet sacramentally that is so farre forth as he hath administred those sacraments by which as by instruments Christ himselfe doth wash and regenerate Whose office is it properly to administer Baptisme Theirs to whom the Ministerie of the word is commttted for to whom Christ said Preach the Gospell to them also hee said Baptise And Ephes 5.26 the Apostle conioyneth the washing of water with the word of the Gospell So Iohn Baptist and the Disciples of Christ Baptised who also preached the Gospell Whether may many Ministers baptise any one together They may not for none is said perfectly to baptise but hee who vseth these words saying I baptise thee and therefore that he may speake truly the same men must also administer water VVherin differ the Baptisme of Iohn Baptist and of Christ or his Apostles or those Ministers that followed them Not in the Author in substance in doctrine in signe or ceremonie neither yet in effect or signification For the same sacrament is instituted of God and the same forgiuenesse of sinnes and grace of the holy Ghost is signified offered and sealed whether it bee Iohn that administer or the Apostles or the suceeding Ministers a Luk. 1.3 2.3 The onely difference is touching the verie circumstance and maner of the manifesting of Christ for the same baptisme ia called Iohns because he baptised first and Christs because baptisme hath respect vnto him Again Iohn baptised into him which came immediatly after him that is into Christ who should shortly suffer rise again b Act. 19. ◠But the Apostles after thē all Minsters now baptise into Christ that hath suffered and is risen againe VVhy doth Iohn say then Mat. 3.11 I baptise you with water and attributeth onely vnto Christ that he baptiseth with the holy Ghost and and fire Not that he denieth that forgiuenes of sins is giuen by his ministerie and the holy Ghost also for