other mercies And most principally that exceeding greatnesse of his power which he wrought in Christ when m Rom. 6. 4. hee raised him from the dead The Image of God which is sundry waies planted in creatures doth euery way set out the glory of God as n Rom. 3. 23. that Image after which man was first created o 2 Cor. 3. 18. that after which man is renewed p 1 Cor. 11. 7. that whereby such as are in authority haue superiority dignity and excellency aboue others and q Heb. 1. 3. that which was set in Christ made man The most bright and perspicuous representation of Gods glory that euer was giuen was Christ the true naturall onely begotten Sonne of God the brightnesse of his glory and the expresse Image of his Person of whom Saint Iohn saith r Ioh. 1. 14. we beheld his glory the glory as of the onely begotten of the Father And Christ of himselfe saith f 14. 9. He that hath seene me hath seene the Father For Christis t 1 Tim. 3. 16. God manifested in the flesh Of all places heauen is the place where Gods glory is most conspicuously séene There the fore-named Sonne of God abideth in his greatest glory and there are other meanes of manifesting the deuine glory so farre as the creature may bee made capable of enduring the brightnesse thereof There it is said that u Act. 7. 55. Stephen saw the glory of God There shall all the Saints be x Iude v. 24. presented before the glory of God y 1 Cor. 13. 12. Now wee see thorow a glasse darkely but there face to face There z Mat. 18. 10. the Angels alwaies behold the face of God And there * 22. 30. wee shall bee as the Angells of God §. 218. How glory is proper to God Q. VVHy is glory by a property with emphasis applied to God thus And the glory 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 A. 1. The Fountaine of all glory is in God That which the Psalmist faith of life may fitly bee applyed to glory with God is the Fountain of glory Psal 36. 9. All excellencies are in God Excellency of Maiesty Excellency of Soueraignty Excellency of Purity Excelleney of Power Excellency of Wisedome Excellency of Truth Excellency of Iustice Excellency of Mercy He hath them all in himselfe thorow himselfe for himselfe and that without measure aboue comprehension euen infinitely Whatsoeuer excellency is in any creature it issueth out of this Fountaine The creature hath all the excellency which in any kinde it hath from this Fountaine by participation and communication All glory therefore is Gods They glory which is in himselfe and the glory which is in any creature is his 2. The brightnesse of Gods glory obscureth all other glory Iob. 25. 5. Behold euen the Moone and it shineth not yea the Starrâ—s are not pure in his sight The glorious Angels are said to haue wings to couer their faces Isa 6. 2. because the brightnes of Gods glory would otherwise dazle them Exod 34. 30. If Aaron and the children of Israel were afraid to come nigh to Moses by reason of the shining of his face how much more may the creature bee afraid to come to God by reason of the incomprehensible shining of his glorious face Where Gods glory shineth in his brightnesse no other glory can any more bee seene then the light of a candle in the middst of cleare and bright Sun-shine As the light of the Sun is to the light of Starres so is the glory of the Creator to the glory of creatures None of the Stars haue light in themselues but receiue all their light from the Sun And so bright is the light of the Sun as when it shineth the Starres are not seene On these grounds there is great and iust cause to say vnto God Thiâ—e is the glory §. 219. Of Mans giuing glory to God and taking glory from God Q. HOw is the creature said to a Psal 29. 1 2. giue glory to God or to b Rom. 1. 23. take it from him A. Not properly but respectiuely namely in respect of the creatures minde and the Creators account For giuing glory to God it is truly said Ioh. 22. 2. Can a man bee profitable to God as he that is wise may be profitable to himselfe If thou be righteouse what giuest thou to him 35. 6 7. or what receiueth he of thine hand But he that doth those things which are pleasing and acceptable to God hath a minde will and desire if it were in his power to giue glory to God and God doth account such a minde will and desire where there is an answerable endeauour as if indeede actually and properly glory were giuen to him This minde to glorifie and praise God is manifested by an acknowledgement of God and of all his excellencies by making them knowne and by an answerable respect and carriage Where we are exhorted to giue glory to God Psal 96. 3 7 9 10. these directions are added Declare his glory among the nations Worship the Lord. Feare before him Say the Lordraigneth c. On the contrary side taking glory from God It is truely said Iob 35. 6. If thou siunest what dâ—st thou against God But the sinner especially the wilfull sinner whose sinnes are committed directly against the deuine Maiesty hath a minde will and desire if it were in his power to rob God of his glory and to take it from him and God doth so account of him as if by him hee were indeede actually and properly depriued of glory To such he saith h Mal. 3. 8. ye haue robâ—ed me In these respects Glory is taken from God when i Psal 14. 1. he is denied to be or k Rom. 1 21. not glorified as God or when l Hos 2. 5 c. that which is due to God is giuen to others or m Ezek. 28. 2. assumed to ones selfe In these and other like respects God is said to bee n 20. 27. blasphemed To blaspheme according to the notation of the originall word is * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Transfigere nomen Iebouâ— Len. 24 16. to hurt ones fame and in the Law a blasphemer is said to strike thorow the Name of the Lord. Not that any hurt is properly done to God or to his glorious Name but that if it could bee hurt they doe what they can to hurt it or that they hinder the brightnesse of Gods glory from shining forth to others as a man that cannot take away any whit of light from the Sun may notwithstanding by sundry meanes hinder the Sun-shine from others §. 220. Of the duties due to God by reason of his Glorie Q. VVHat duties doth the appropriating of glory to God import A. 1. To a Exod. 20 3. account him the only true God It is his chiefest glory to bee a God yea to bee
answered that King We are not carefull to answer thee our God whom we serue is able to deliuer vs. 10. To praise God Psal 150. 2. Praise him for his mightie acts Vnto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly Eph. 3. 20 21. be glorie c. 11. To hope well of such as are weake Rom. 14. 4. God is able to make them stand 12. To be bountifull to such as need 2. Cor 9. 8. God is able to make all graces abound c. §. 214. Of the comfort arising from Gods power Q. VVHat comfort ariseth from the consideration of Gods power A. Assurance of the accomplishment of Gods promises To strengthen the Prophets faith in the promise which God had made of returning the captiuitie of the Iewes God giueth him this answer Ier. 32. 27. Behold I am the Lord th◠God of all flesh is there anything too hard for me To exemplifie this the holy Ghost putteth vs in mind of Gods power to strengthen our faith in these promises following 1. The alteration of our corrupt nature Mar. 10. 23. c. Though to man it be as easie to make a Camel to go through the eye of a needle as a rich man to enter into heauen yet to God that is not impossible For with God all things are possible 2. The vocation of the Iewes Rom. 11. 23. For God is able to graffe them in againe 3. All needfull grace 2. Cor. 9. 8. God is able to make all grace abound 4. Perseuerance to the end No man shall plucke Christs sheepe out of his hand Ioh. 10. 28 29. For his Father which gaue him them is greater then all 5. Supply of all necessities Phil. 4. 19. God that is able will supply them 6. Assistance in all trouble Vpon this ground that God hath a mightie arme Psal 89. 13 21 22 23. and strong hand assurance is giuen to Dauid of sufficient protection 7. Deliuerance out of all euill Isa 50. 2. For assurance hereof with great emphasis doth the Prophet presse the power of God 8. The resurrection of our bodies Eph. 1. 19 20. For assurance hereof the Apostle doth much amplifie the power of God 9. Eternall glorification Phil. 3. 21. Christ shall change our vile bodie that it maybe fashioned like vnto his glorious bodie according to the working whereby he is able euen to subdue all things to himselfe Hitherto of Gods Kingdome and Power The third property is his Glory set downe in these words AND THE GLORY §. 215. Of Gods glory What it is Q. VVHat is ment by Gods Glorie A. That Excellencie which is in him For the Excellencie of a thing that which causeth it to bee in high esteeme and procureth a name fame and renoune vnto it is the Glory of it The a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 In Cal. grau◠fuit 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 gloriosus fuit Inde nomen 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 grauitas gloria Hebrew word signifieth that which is weighty and of worth The b 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 fama gloria Greeke word signifieth both fame and glory For glory causeth fame In Scripture glory and excellency are put for one and the same thing and that in relation both to creatures and to the Creator as where the Prophet speaking of the glory of the Church saith c Isa 35. 2. the GLORY of Lebanon shall be giuen vnto it the EXCELLENCY of Carmel and Sharon The shall see the GLORY of the Lord and the EXCELLENCY of our God On this ground where the excelency of our God is set forth glory is attributed to him and he is stiled d Act. 7. 2. God of glory e Psal 24 8. King of Glory f Eph. 1. 17. Father of glory And his Name Habitation Throne and Gospell because of the excellency of them are stiled g Neh. 9. 5. a name of glory h Isa 63. 15. an habitation of glory i Ier. 14. 21. a throne of glory k 1 Tim. 1. 11. a Gospell of glory Yea for the same end Glory is also prefixed before the things of God as l Isa 2. 10. Glory of Maiesty m Psal 145. 11. Glory of Kingdome n Ephes 1. 6. Glory of Grace o 2 Thes 1. 9. Glory of Power §. 216. Of the Incomprehensiblenesse of Gods Glorie Q. MAy Gods glory be comprehended by Man A. No. 1 Tim. 6. 16. It is incomprehensible It is a light which no man can approach vnto For as all other properties of God are his very essence so is his glory which is the excellency of all When Moses desired God to shew him his glory Exod. 33. 18 20. the Lord answered Thou canst not see my FACE for there shall no man see MEE and liue By this answer it appeareth that Gods glory is his face and his face is himselfe For these three phrases applied to God glory face me are all put for one and the same thing And that all these are incomprehensible this phrase sheweth Thou canst not see my face Yet God being willing to gratifie him so farre as he was capable shewed him his Backe-parts some glimps of his glory §. 217. Of the meanes of manifesting Gods Glorie Q. HOw is Gods glory manifested A. By such meanes as it pleaseth him to afford For meanes he hath afforded in all ages to that purpose THese meanes haue beene of seuerall sorts Some extraordinary others ordinary Some more obscure others more bright Extraordinary meanes were such particular representations of Gods glory as at sundry times were shewed to sonnes of men as a Exo. 16. 10. A brightnesse in that cloud wherein God was wont to manifest his presence and that b Ezek. 1. 28 29 Apparition or vision which was shewed to Ezekiel Ordinary meanes were the c Psal 26. 8. Tabernacle and the d 1 Sam. 4. 21 22 Arke Other more cleere and bright meanes are his Word Works and Image Both parts of Gods Word the Law and Gospell doe clearely set out the glory of God The Law the glory of his Iustice the Gospell the glory of his Mercy Glory therefore is attributed to them both The Apostle e 2 Cor. 39. where hee stileth the Law a ministration of condemnation attributeth glory to it But the Gospel which he stileth a ministration of righteousnesse hee affirmeth to exceede in glory This is f 2 Cor. 3. 18. that glasse wherein with open face wee behold the glory of God All Gods works declare his glory As his workes of g Psal 19 1. Rom. 1. 20. Creation and h Psal 97. 6. Preseruation or prouidence But among the works of God they which are more then ordinary workes of wonder as all manner of i Num. 14. 22. Ioh. 2. 11. Miracles k Exod. 15. 11. Extraordinary iudgements on the wicked l Psal 85. 9. Extraordinary deliuerances of his people and
him Ephes 1. 17. This wee may the more confidently pray for Ier. 31. 34. because it is absolutely promised and we ought the more earnestly to desire it because it is the groundworke of all other graces Before the vnderstanding be well enlightned neither can the will be made subiect to God nor the heart set vpon God nor any other power of soule or part of body be seruiceable to him Mat. 6. 22 23. expounded The light of the bodie is the eye that is the vnderstanding in man the little world is as that great light the Sunne in the great world If therefore thine eye be single thy whole bodie shall be full of light If the vnderstanding be well illuminated and do clearely discerne the truth the whole man throughout will be well ordered But if thine eye be euill thy wholebody shall be full of darknesse If the vnderstanding be blind the whole man must needs be out of order The knowledge here desired How God is to be knowne ought to be a particular and distinct vnderstanding of all the things whereby God is made knowne vnto vs as of his Nature Persons Titles and Attributes yea also of his Word whereby all these together with his whole will are plainly reuealed and of his ordinances wherein and whereby he is worshipped and finally of his workes whereby his wisedome power iustice and mercie are euidently made knowne 2. Acknowledgment of God Reu. 4. 11. Yea further we ought to desire that knowing God to be the onely true Iehouah we may acknowledge him to bee worthie of all honour as the celestiall spirits do 2. For our Will 3. Subiection of our will to Gods we desire a thorow and full submission of it to God as to our soueraigne Lord. Hereof we haue a worthy patterne in Eli 1. Sam 3. 18. Dauid and Christ himselfe Hence will follow Patience vnder all crosses 2. Sam. 15. 26. as laid vpon vs by God Math. 26. 39. Contentment in our estate 4. Patience as appointed to vs by God Thankfulnesse for euerie blessing 5. ContentmeÌ„t as bestowed vpon vs by God and other like vertues 6. Thanfulnes which as they haue respect to God do make much to the hallowing of his name 3. For our Mind and Will ioyntly together 7. Faith we desire Faith whereby we giue all due credence to the truth of Gods word and beleeue in him Ioh. 3. 33. This is a great honour done to God for he that receiueth his testimonie hath set to his seale that God is true Vnder this head is comprised affiance in Gods mercie 8. Affiance wherein the glorie of God doth most brightly shine forth Psal 108. 4. for his mercy is great aboue the heauen 9. Confidence Confidence in Gods power Rom. 4. 20. whereby Abraham gaue great glorie to God 10. Trust Trust in Gods prouidence a point much pressed by Christ Math. 6. 25. c. Perswasion of Gods diuine wisedome wherby all things are turned to the glorie of Gods name 11. Perswasion of Gods wisedome and other vertues of the like kind whereby Gods name is also much hallowed 4. For our Heart we desire that it may be wholly set vpon God 12. Loue. and that he may be made the obiect of all our liking affections 13. Ioy. to loue him with all our heart 14. Delight with all our soule 15. Care with all our mind 16. Zeale to ioy in the holy Ghost to delight in his word to care how to please him Math. â—2 37. and to be eaten vp with a zeale of his glorie And on the other side we desire that our disliking affections be set on that which disliketh him Rom. 14. 17. as to hate sinne and obstinate sinners which are hatefull to him Psal 119. 77. to feare his displeasure 1. Cor. 7. 32. to grieue at his offence Joh 2 17. and to tremble at his iudgements Psal 139. 21. 5. For our Speech Psal 119. 120. we desire to mention the name of God as we haue occasion Psal 102. 9 10. with all reuerence yea and to take all occasions of speaking of the glorie of his name 2 Chro. 34. 27. for in this respect especially is our tongue 17. Sanctified speech by an excellencie called glorie We desire therefore when in truth Deut. 28. 58. righteousnesse and iudgement it may be done to sweare by his name Psal 45. 1. to call vpon his name to praise his name Psal 57. 8. to declare his name to others and to instruct them therein Ier. 4 2. that so the name of God may be the more hallowed Psal 50. 15 23. yea aboue all to vse our glorie Psal 22. 22. our tongue in maintaining the truth of God 1. Pet. 3. 15. and in making a iust Apologie when question is made thereof 6. For our life and outward actions 18. Holy life we desire that they be holy just Math 5. 16. and blamelesse that men may see our good workes and glorifie our Father which is in heauen Ioh. 15. 8. Herein saith Christ is my Father glorified 2. Cor. 8. 19. that ye beare much fruite and S. Paul noteth workes of mercie to tend to the glorie of the Lord. Q. What graces do we desire for others to the hallowing of Gods Name Like graces desired for others A. All those which we are to desire for our selues that Gods name may be hallowed by others as well as our selues which we are to desire not onely for our children families kindred neighbours country-men or such as we are by outward bands bound vnto but indefinitly for all of all sorts whereof we haue a worthy patterne in the 67. Psalme Thus shall we shew that in this our desire we aime more at Gods glorie which is the maine scope of this Petition then at the good of such as are any way deare vnto vs. Q. What things do we desire that God by his ouer-ruling prouidence would turne to the hallowing of his Name Pray that all things may make to Gods glorie A. Euery thing whatsoeuer as 1. The vertues of his Saints 1. Cor. 8. 1. whereby else they may bee puffed vp 2. The peace and prosperitie of his Saints 2. Chro. 26. 16. whereby else they may be drawne away from God 3. The failings and folly of his Saints Gen. 50. 20. as he did turne the enuie of Iosephs brethren to the accomplishment of his word 4. The troubles and crosses of his Saints Phil. 1. 20. that they sinke not vnder the burthen of them 5. The wicked plots and practises of his enemies Acts 4. 24. c. and of the enemies of his Church 6. All that all creatures do Psal 148. 150. that thus in all places at all times in and by all things the Name of God
Psal 10. 13. 42. 3. Their insultations and cursed exprobrations and that against God himselfe §. 35. Of Gods kingdome what it is and what be the kinds of it Q. VVHich is the second Petition A. Thy kingdome come Q. What is the kingdome of God A. That estate where as a King he ruleth For that is a kingdome where a King raigneth and ruleth Where God therefore raigneth there is his kingdome Q. How doth God raigne as a King A. 1. By his absolute power he raigneth ouer the whole world 2. By his speciall grace he raigneth ouer his Church According to this different manner of Gods raigning is his kingdome distinguished For 1. He hath an vniuersall kingdome Gods vniuersall kingdome Vbique regnat vbique imperat vbique maiestas eius Bern. de verb. Isay Serm. 5. called his kingdome of power because by his absolute and supreme power he ouer-ruleth all creatures whatsoeuer or wheresoeuer they be In regard of this vniuersall soueraignty of God the Scripture saith His kingdome ruleth ouer all For who hath resisted his will And thereupon he saith vnto God Psal 103 19. How terrible art thou in thy workes Through the greatnesse of thy power shall thine enemies submit themselâ—es to thee Rom. 9. 19. 2. He hath a peculiar kingdome Psal 66. 3. called his kingdome of Grace Gods peculiar kingdome his Church whereby he raigneth ouer a select people culled out of the world which voluntarily yeeld obedience vnto him The companie of this people is in one word the Church and it is a societie chosen of God Sanè secundum praedestinationem nunquam Ecclesia electoric penes deum non suit Bern. super Cant. Serm. 78. redeemed by Christ called and sanctified by the holy Ghost which hath bene in all ages of the world some in heauen others on earth spread ouer the face thereof farre and neare in which respects it is stiled the holy Catholicke Church This is properly the kingdome of Christ in and by whom the Father raigneth For it is said that a kingdome was giuen to the Sonne of man Dan. 7. 14. Of whom saith the Father I haue set my King vpon my holy hill of Sion Psal 2. 6. whose people shall be willing in the day of his power Psal 110. 3. Herein lyeth a maine difference betwixt Gods manner of gouernment in his vniuersall and in his peculiar kingdome that the worlds subiection is forced Psal 66. 3. 110 3. but the Churches subiection is free §. 36. Of Gods raigning ouer rebels TOuching that vniuersall kingdome of God ouer all creatures in all places seeing there are many which rebell against God and say Psal 2. 3. Let vs breake his bonds asinder and cast his cords from vs Luke 19. 14. We will not haue him to reigne ouer vs and therupon walke according to the Prince of the â—re Eph. 2. 〈◊〉 the spirit which worketh in the children of disobedience and seeing the diuell is the god of this world a doubt may be made how God can be said to be their King and Gods kingdome thus vniuersally extended ouer the whole world Answ 1. Rebelion of subiects taketh not away the right of a Soueraigne Psal 2. 1 6. Christ therefore notwithstanding the tumult of people is said to be a King 2. None can do any thing at all without his permission Instance the arch-rebell of all Iob 1. 11. 2. 5. of all Satan in the case of Iob. Instance also the many plots and practises of the wicked which in all ages by an ouer-ruling hand of God haue bene disappointed and made void 3. God can 2. King 19. 28. when and as it pleaseth him restraine them as he restrained Senacherib yea and beate them downe and vtterly destroy them Exod. 14. 28. as he destroyed Pharaoh and his whole hoste 4. Satan to whom the fore-named rebels are subiect is but Gods executioner 1. King 22. 2â— he is one of the number of Gods seruants though of his guiltie and reprobate seruants Satan vnus de numero seruor 〈◊〉 est licet reorum iam atque reproborum Chrys hom 20. in Mat. 6. So as euen in that power which Satan hath ouer them God sheweth himselfe to be their King Q. Is this vniuersall kingdome of God here ment A. No further then that God would order it to the good of his peculiar kingdome which is here principally intended §. 37. Of the kingdome of Grace and Glorie Q. HOw may the peculiar kingdome of God be considered A. 1. In the beginning and progresse of it 2. In the consummation and perfection of it In the former respect it consisteth of a mixture of euill persons with good ones Kingdome of Grace and of euill qualities in those good persons with good ones Math. 13. 24. 47. in regard of which mixtures it is resembled to a field wherein grow tares with wheate and to a draw-net which gathereth of all sorts Mar. 4. 26. and to corne which ariseth with straw and chaffe as well as with sound and solid graine In the latter respect it consisteth onely of such as are euery way perfectly good Kingdome of glorie and therefore said to shine as the Sunne Math. 13. 41 43. which hath no darknesse Reu. 21. 27. nor any speck or spot in it In the former respect especially it is called a kingdome of Grace and that 1. In opposition to those who neuer were Why the kingdome of grace is so called nor euer shall be of it and therefore are obiects of Gods seuere iustice and reuenging power Ier. 10. 25. but in it grace raigneth 2. For distinction from those who are translated out of it into heauen Rom. 5. 21. For by reason of the many temptations and imperfections whereunto the Saints on earth are subiect thy stand in need of much more grace then the Saints in heauen who are iust and perfect Heb. 12. 23. In the latter respect it is called a kingdome of Glory Why the kingdome of glorie is so called and that by reason of the Place where it is and of the Persons which are of it 1. The Place where it is is the most glorious place of all the world euen the highest heauens 2. The Persons both King and Subiects thereof are decked with vnspeakable glorie The King doth there manifest his glorie more then any where else as brightly as can possibly by the creature be discerned The Subiects there partake of as much glorie as they are capable of and that in soule and body so as they are all glorious within and without §. 38. Of the difference betwixt the kingdome of â—â—Grace Glorie THis kingdome of Grace and of Glorie is but one and the same kingdome distinguished into two parts which differ in sixe circumstances 1. In Time The kingdome of Grace is now present while here we liue The kingdome of Glorie is to come 2. In
to the highest heauen of all where the forenamed Angels and Saints are who in all things by a most free and willing choice do perfectly fulfill the will of God Q. How can they whom we see not to be a patterne for vs A. By the word we may know what is done by them For God hath thereby manifested how they do his will §. 65. Of the manner of following a perfect patterne Q. HOw can we do Gods will as they do it seeing they in all points do it most perfectly and it is impossible for vs to attaine to such a perfection A. 1. In such a manner as they do may we also do Gods will though not in so compleate a measure A candle giueth light in an house euen as the Sunne doth in the world in such a manner not in so great measure There may be in qualitie and likenesse a comparison betwixt things that are in quantitie and measure very vnequall In this respect they who haue hope in Christ are said to purifie themselues euen as he is pure 2. All the Saints euen on earth haue the beginning of that heauenly perfection wrought in them 1. Ioh. 3. 3. which beginning the Apostle stileth The first fruites of the Spirit Rom. 8. 23. Now we may be confident of this very thing Phil. 1. 6. that he who hath begun a good worke in vs will performe it vntill the day of Iesus Christ 1. Cor. 1. 8. that we may be blamelesse in that day 3. Our desire and endeauour may and must be beyond our abilitie Phil. 3. 13. as shall be proued by and by §. 66. Of the matter of Patience which the inhabitants of heauen haue Q. HOw can there be a sufficient patterne where there is no triall of Patience as in heauen there is none For the Angels and Saints in heauen are not subiect to any crosses that should trie their patience A. This patterne is especially for actiue obedience 2. Those heauenly Spirits do many things which they would not but for the will of God When it is the will of God the Angels do willingly descend from heauen to earth Gen. 28. 12. sometimes to bring glad tidings to the Church Reu. 14. 6 19. and sometimes to execute vengeance on sinners Yea the soules of the Saints which haue bene taken out of their bodies carried into Abrahams bosome that place of ioy and blisse haue bene contented at the will of God to leaue their glorie m Mat. 27. 53. and to returne againe into their bodies euen as n Ioh. 6. 38. Ioh. 11. 44. Christ came downe from heauen not to do his owne will but the will of him that sent him and as his soule o Luke 23. 43. after it had bene in Paradise p 24 5 6. returned into his body in earth Now heauen Paradise and Abrahams bosome is a place of such glorie and so conspicuously doth the brightnesse of Gods glorie there shine forth as the coelestiall spirits would neuer be willing to depart out of it but to do the will of their Lord. 3. There is a compassion in them for the afflictions of the Church in earth For the Saints in earth and in heauen are fellow members of one and the same bodie in which respect there cannot but be some sympathie and fellow-feeling of their fellow-members afflictions euen as q Mat 25. 42. c. there is in the head of that bodie Iesus Christ The maine reason why the r Reu. 6. 10. soules of the Martyrs departed desire vengeance on the enemies of the Church is for those Saints sake who were liuing and so subiect to their tyrannie and crueltie It is said that there is ioy in the presence of the Angels of God Luke 15. 10. ouer one sinner that repenteth Why not then compassion also ouer the Church that is afflicted 4. The Saints in heauen through patience inherit the promises Heb 6. 12. For through many afflictions men enter into the kingdome of God and therein we are exhorted to be followers of them Acts 14 22. Sancti similes nobis â—â—â—cre passibiles ipsi peregrinationis huius exilij dâ—ploraucre molestias c. Bâ—â—â— infest oâ—â— Sanct Serm. 1. 5. With patience they expect the resurrection of their bodies and perfect consummation of that glorie which is ordained for the whole bodie of Christ and all the members thereof When it was tould the soules of the forenamed Martyrs deceased that they should rest vntill their brethren should be fulfilled they were silent and patient they replied not againe Thus then wee see that in heauen there is a patterne of patience Reu. 6. 11. §. 67. Of well doing good Q. VVHat learne we from this direction as it is in heauen added to the Petition A. Good things are to be done after a right manner So much is noted in the summe of the Morall Law as a Mat. 22. 37 39 In sacrificijs quae Abel Cain primiobtulerunt non munera eorum deus sed corda intue batur vt ille placeret in munere qui placebat in corde Cypr. de Orat. Dom. §. 18. Christ hath set it downe The good things enioyned are to loue God and our neighbour The manner of louing God is to do it with all the heart c. The manner of louing our neighbour is to loue him as our selfe If the Scriptures be obseruantly read we shall find them as copious in prescribing the right manner as in pressing the maine matter of any duâ—ie and in declaring Gods approbation of the one more then of the other Take for example the first worke of pietie recorded to be done after mans fall In the sacrifices which Abel and Caine first offered God did not behold the offering but the heart that he might please God in his offering that pleaseth him in his heart The offering declared the worke the heart the manner of doing it For b 1. Pet. 2. 15. Gods will is manifested in the manner as well as in the matter Yea if a good thing be euilly done God will say c Isa 1. 12. who required this at your hands For a good thing is d Isa 66. 3. cleane peruerted and made euill by an euill manner of doing it It is therefore very requisite that we e 1. Cor. 11. 28. examine good things euen by the manner of doing them and not thinke it sufficient that the thing we do is for the matter and substance of it lawfull and warrantable As many if not many more transgressions are committed by failing in the manner of doing good things as by doing things which are simply euill §. 68. Of propounding a perfect patterne before vs. Q. VVHat are we taught by the kind of patterne set before vs A. The patterne which we follow must be perfect such a patterne is the example of those that are in heauen f Heb. 12. 23. They are spirits
good 2. Cor. 4. 6. For as at first he brought light out of darknesse so euer since by his Almightie power vnsearchable wisedome and perfect puritie hath he brought good out of euill Good to himselfe by making the glorie of his iustice in punishing of his pittie in succouring of his power in supporting of his faithfulnesse in deliuering of his wisedome in catching the subtill in their owne craftinesse and disappointing their plots and practises and of other his properties to shine forth the brighter Good also to his Saints as Ioseph said to his brethren Ye thought euill against me Gen 50. 20. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 but God meant or disposed it vnto good Thus though the temptation be euill yet God is good euen in leading into temptation §. 177. Of mans disabilitie to resist temptation Q. WHat doctrines doth praying vnto God not to leade vs into temptation teach vs Frustra rogantes deum dicimus ne nos inducas in tentalionem si hoc in nostra posi tum sit potestate Aug. Epist 89. A. 1. Man is not able of himselfe to stand against temptations If he were what cause of feare had he to bee lead into temptation The Prophet well knew this who said a Ier. 10 23. O Lord I know that the way of man is not in himselfeâ—it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps and the Apostle who said b 2. Cor. 3. 5. Wee are not sufficient of our selues to thinke any thing of our selues If man cannot direct his steps nor of himselfe thinke any thing can he withstand all tempters keepe himselfe from all temptations This disabilitie is come vpon vs by sinne which hath depriued vs of all that spirituall strength which God at our first creation gaue vs. How man came to be disabled For c Eccl. 7. 31. God made man righteous euen d Gen. 1. 27. after his owne image by vertue whereof man had power to remaine stedfast in that estate and to withstand all Tempters so as not to be ouer-come with any temptation onely that power was left to his owne power and free will which he abusing voluntarily yealded to the temptation of Satan and depriued himselfe of all spirituall strength and life and now by nature is e Ephe. 2. 1. dead in sinne no way able to resist any temptation further then God doth giue him grace and strength so to do Therefore he saith not without me ye can do little but nothing Non ait sine mâ— parum sed nihil potestis facere Aug in Iob. tract 81. Hereby the vanitie of such as are presumptuous in their owne strength wherein f Mat 26. 35. Peter failed too much and of such as arrogantly boast of any thing that is in man is discouered g Rom. 11. 18. S. Paul fore warneth Christians to take heed hereof The follie of presumption and very emphatically thus enforceth this point h 1. Cor. 4. 7. what hast thou that thou diddest not receiue Now if thou diddest receiue it why doest thou glorie as if thou hadst not receiued it Hereby also we are taught both Humiliation for this naturall impotencie which man hath brought vpon himselfe Matter of humiliation and Abnegation of all goodnesse Quandorogamus ne in tentationem venianius admonemur infirmitatis nostrae Cypr. de orat Do. §. 19. and confidence in our selues If i Reu. 5. 4. Iohn saw cause to weepe for mans disability to search into the Records of Gods counsell how much more cause haue we to weepe and to be humbled euen in dust ashes for our naturall impotencie to withstand temptations which are so dangerous to our soule and in denial of our selues to say Rom. 7. 18. I know that in me dwelleth no good thing §. 178. Of Gods ouer-ruling power in Temptations Q. VVHat other doctrine maybe gathered from this deprecation directed to God A. God hath an ouer-ruling hand in all temptations Potens est dominus qui abstulit peccatum vestiâ—â— delicta vestra donauiâ— tueri custodire vos aduersum diaboli aduersantis insidias Aug. de verb. Dom. c. 28. The Lord who hath taken away your sinne and pardoned your offences can preserue and keepe you from the wiles of your aduersarie the diuell He can either keepe vs safe from all or he can giue vs ouer into the power of euery one Otherwise there would not be such cause of flying to him in time of temptation as in this Petition is implyed But true is that of Saint Peter The Lord knoweth how to deliuer the godly out of temptations and this of Saint Paul God is faithfull who will not suffer you to be tempted aboue that you are able 2. Pet. 2. 9. As the supreme soueraigntie and absolute power which God hath ouer all creatures doth euidently proue the point For who hath resisted his will 1. Cor. 10. 13. If he say to a Tempter go he goeth or come Gods power ouer tempters he commeth or do this he doth it so the care which he taketh of his Church to prouide for it Rom. 9. 19. to protect it to keepe it safe from all dangers Mat. 8. 9. and to bring it to rest and glorie in heauen doth shew the reason why he retaineth an ouer-ruling hand in all temptations Gods care ouer his Church Though in wisedome he suffer tempters to assault his children yet he will order the assault so as it shall not preuaile against them no nor turne to their damage but rather to their aduantage for the effecting whereof he holds the raines in his owne hands to let them loose or hold them in as hee seeth cause 2. King 19. 28. That which God said to Semacherib I will put my hooke in thy nose and my bridle in thy lips he doth to all the tempters of his Church This care of God ouer his Church the Psalmist doth thus excellently set forth in these words Psal 105. 14 15 He suffered no man to do them wrong yea he reprooued Kings for their sakes saying Touch not mine annointed and do my Prophets no harme Learne we hereby in all temptations Trust in God feare him more then tempters and in all straits whereunto thereby we are brought to looke vnto God as Iehosaphat did 2. Chro. 20. 12. when by reason of the multitude of his mightie enemies he knew not what to do Qui deo se committit diabolum non timet Aug. loc citat and to feare God more then them which tempt vs for on this ground we may with confidence say The Lord is my helper I will not feare what any Tempter can do For there may be sure and safe defence from all those euils which Satan doth plot and practise against vs Heb. 13. 6. if God deliuer vs. A cunctis aduersis quae contra nos molitur ini micus potest
the onely true God b Isa 42. 8. This glory will he not giue to another It is therefore to be reserued entirely to him 2. To aduance him aboue all c Psal 113. 4. The Lord is high aboue all nations and his glory aboue the heauens accordingly hee must be aduanced 3. To acknowledge his * 1 Tim. 6. 16. infinite perfection and that in all his attributes Herein his glory consisteth Such phrases as these d Psal 147. 5. His wisedome is infinite e Isa 40. 18. There is no searching thereof f Ephes 1. 19. The exceeding greatnesse of his power g Psal 108. 4. His mercy is great aboue the heauens and his truth reacheth vnto the cloudes h 36. 6. His righteousnesse is like the mountaines his iudgements a great deepe Such phrases as these imply an infinite perfection in Gods properties 4. To admire his excellency Glory and excellency is the onely true cause of admiration i Psal 8. 1. The consideration of Gods surpassing glory did euen rauish Dauids heart with an holy admiration thereof 5. To adore his Maiesty Adoration is properly due to Glory Maiesty and Excellency When the k Ezek 1. 29. Prophet saw the appearance of the glory of God Reu. 4. 10 11. hee fell downe vpon his face Psal 86. 9. which was the proper gesture of adoration 6. To l 1 Chro. 29. 11 12. ascribe the glory of all glory to him If there be any glory in vs glory of dignity glory of wealth glory of strength glory of any vertue m Psal 115. 1. we ought to ascribe it to him who is the Fountaine of all glory from whom we haue all the glory which we haue and not to our selues 7. n Iob. 5. 44. To seeke the glory which commeth from God alone euen that glory which warranteth approueth and giueth For glory being Gods God being the Fountaine of all true glory that which commeth not from him is but a shew and shadow of true glory 8. To abase and cast downe our selues at the glorious presence of God as o Isa 6. 5. Isaiah did Thus is Gods glory magnified 9. To iustifie God and condemne our selues in his proceedings against vs that God may be glorified So did p Dan. 9. 7. Daniel in the name of all his people This was it which q Iosh 7. 19. Iosuah intended when he said to Achan Giue glory to the Lord and make confession to him 10. To praise God in all things r Psal 50. 23. Who so offereth praise glorifieth God The nine Lepers that being healed of Christ went away without giuing thanks are said ſ Luk. 17. 18. not to returne to giue glory to God 11. To t 1 Cor. 10. 31. doe all things to the glory of God Gods glory ought to be the Marke whereat we aime in euery thing that wee doe 12. To cause others to glorifie God For this end Christ chargeth vs to u Mat. 5. 16. let our light shine before men §. 221. Of the waies whereby others are brought to glorifie God Q. HOw may others be brought to glorifie God A. 1. By declaring the glory and excellency of God Thus may others come to knowledge of God and so to glorifie him The a Psal 66. 2 4. Psalmist hauing exhorted to set forth the glory of Gods Name and to make his name glorious addeth as an effect thereof All the earth shall sing to thy Name 2. By b Psal 29. 1 2. inciting and prouoking men to glorifie God This was Dauid very diligent to doe For it putteth a kinde of life into men and quickneth them vp the more to doe a duty 3. By c 2 Thes 3. 1. furthering the Word of God and causing it to haue a free passage The Word is a powerfull meanes to make men glorifie God 4. By d 1 Pet. 2. 9. shewing forth the vertue of God in vs. e Mat. 9. 8. Christ by this meanes drew on multitudes to glorifie God 5. By f Phil. 2. 15. shining as lights in darknesse Thus g 1 Pet. 2. 12. they which speake euill of vs may be this light be brought to glorifie God 6. By conuerting sinners When the Gentiles so heard the Word as thereby faith was wrought in them h Act. 13. 48. they glorified God On this ground i Psal 51. 13. Dauid voweth to teach sinners Gods waies 7. By our owne repentance When the beleeuing Iewes heard that God had granted repentance to the Gentiles k Act. 11. 18. they glorified God 8. By manifest euidences of entire repentance l Gal. 1. 23 24. They which heard that Paul preached the faith that once he destroyed a cleare demonstration of his sound conuersion glorified God 9. By workes of mercy m 2 Cor. 9. 12 13 15. Saint Paul was hereby stirred vp to giue thankes to God And saith of such workes that they are abundant by many thanksgiuings to God and that many glorifie God for liberall contribution vnto them 10. By fruits of righteousnesse Of these it is expressely said n Phil. 1. 11. they are to the glory and praise of God Men are made o Isa 61. 3. trees of righteousnesse the planting of the Lord that hee might bee glorified 11. By all manner of p Mat. 5. 16. good workes They that see them will glorifie God 12. By the measure of grace answerable to the meanes q Ioh. 15 8. Herein is my Father glorified if ye beare much fruit saith Christ of such as were trained vp vnder his powerfull ministry 13. By suffering for the truth of God For r 1 Pet. 4. 16. God on their part who suffer is glorified §. 222. Of those who are to set forth Gods Glorie Q. VVHo are bound to set forth the glory of God A. 1. a Psal 103. 20. Angels in heauen They haue best ability to doe it 2. b Psal 147. 12. Members of the Church They on earth haue the best meanes to doe it Such are comprised vnder these titles Ierusalem and Sion who are oft incited to glorifie God 3. c Mal. 2. 1 2. Psal 135. 19 20. Ministers of the Word Their proper and peculiar calling it is to glorifie God and to teach others so to doe 4. d Psal 29. 1. Magistrates They beare Gods Image and on earth are Gods 5. e Psal 148. 11 12 All sorts of people Young men Maidens old men children and others For all haue iust cause so to doe 6. f Psal 150. 6. All liuing creatures Their life is of God 7. g Psal 148. 8 9. Sencelesse creatures also as Fire haile snow vapours c. Their being is of God To conclude h Psal 145. 9 10. Gods tender mercies are ouer all his workes Therefore all his workes should praise him §. 223. Of the chiefest enemies of Gods glory Q. VVHo among men are greatest enemies of Gods glory