of God Eph. 2.22 It being a Worke of God to build the Church the Sonne and the Holy-Ghost building the Church not instrumentally but efficiently with the Father are therefore equall in Power and Operation with him CHAP. XVIII The raising the Dead is a work of the Father the Sonne and the Holy-Ghost TO restore a lost habite was judged by Phylosophy a thing impossible and if impossibilities might admit of degrees the raising of the Dead was thought more impossible theÌ„ other things But the Pihlosophy of Christians not contradicting but transcending reason hath learned out of the Scripture another Lesson and their faith grounded on Gods word maketh them to believe the resurrection of the Dead And surely there is no impssibility in that which God promiseth He will assuredly effect that which he undertaketh and he will doe all his pleasure Isa 46.10 If he worke who shall let it Isa 43.13 this worke therefore is great is difficult but it is to man not to God He can as easily raise the Body out of something as he did at the first create it out of nothing The Lord challengeth this as his worke I even I am he and there is no God with me I kill and I make alive Deut. 32.39 This Worke is a Worke of one God yet he is distinguished into three Persons which effect this great Worke. First the Father raiseth up the Dead John 5.21 not onely these that are spiritually dead in sinne but also those that are corporally Dead through sinne Secondly the Sonne raiseth up the Dead He promiseth to raise up those that beleeve in him Joh. 6.40 54. Joh. 11.25 He changeth our vile bodies that they may be fashioned according to his glorious working whereby he is able to subdue all things to himselfe Phil. 3.21 yea he raiseth all both Good and Bad they that have done good to the Resurrection of life and they that have done evill to the Resurrection of damnation Joh. 5.28 29. Thirdly the Holy-Ghost raiseth the Dead Rom. 8.11 He quickneth our Mortall bodies by the Spirit that dwelleth in us The Sonne and Holy-Ghost are equall with the Father in Power and Majestie and doe Worke together in these Works which doe concerne the Church of God in generall The fourth Section CHAP. I. The Workes of God which doe concerne the faithfull in particular are the Common and essentiall works of the Father the Sonne and the Holy-Ghost AS the Father the Sonne and the Holy-Ghost doe Co-work in these Actions of theirs which doe concerne the Church in generall so likewise they co-operate in those workes which concerne the faithfull in particular As namely 1. in Election 2. in Redemption delivering us First from sinne Secondly from Satan Thirdly from the wrath to come 3. in Justification First in the remission of sins Secondly in the imputation of the Righteousnesse of Christ 4. in faith 5. in Hope 6. in true saving or sanctified knowledge 7. in our Union and communion with God 8. in Adoption 9. in sanctification both in the beginning progresse of it both by drawing us to himselfe and quickning us as also by giving and multiplying graces in us 10. in his attestation giving Testimony to us we are his 11. in sealing us 12. in giving us Christian libertie 13. in salvation or glorification These are wrought for us and in us by the Father the Sonne and the Holy-Ghost The Scriptures doe manifest Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit to be God equall with the Father by ascribing to them these Workes equally with the Father CHAP. II. Election is a Worke of the Father of the Sonne and of the holy-Holy-Ghost THere is a two fold Election First there is an Election to a Ministeriall Office or funâ—â—ion thus Judas though a Devill was chosen to be an Apostle Joh. 6.70 Secondly there is an Election to life and glory thus Judas though chosen to be an Apostle was not chosen to eternall life Joh. 13.18 I speake not of all I know whom I have chosen The former I have already shewed to be an Essentiall Worke of God I shall endeavour to make manifest the latter to be a Worke common to the Trinitie The foundation of God standeth sure having this seale The Lord knoweth who are his 2 Tim. 2.19 Election is there stilled a foundation First in regard of the immutabilitie and firmenesse of it Secondly because it is the beginning and first principall of our salvation and the meanes thereof it being built thereon The Lord knoweth them that are his He knoweth them not onely in scientia cognitionis sed scientia dignationis Psal 1.6 He knoweth wicked men all their wayes but he will not own them Mat. 7.23 He is ashamed of them Mar. 8.38 but he acknowledgeth and rewardeth the Righteous he passeth by the one but he chooseth the other This Election is a Worke of one God in three Persons First God the Father Electeth Ephes 1.5 He chooseth us in Christ before the foundation of the World All the Sonnes elect are the Fathers Joh. 17.10 His good will and pleasure as it is the ground of other graces Jam. 1.18 Ephes 1.14 Luk. 12.32 so it is of his Election of us likewise Eph. 1.5 11. Secondly God the Sonne Electeth Joh. 15.19 I have chosen you out of the World John 13.18 I know whom I have chosen Joh. 6.64 He knew from the beginning who believed not and in regard of this the faithfull are stiled his elect Mat. 24.31 Mar. 13.27 All the Fathers elect are his likewise Joh. 17.10 his will and good pleasure is the ground of our eternall happynesse Joh. 17.24 I will that they whom thou hast given me be with thee where though he prayeth as our Mediator yet he willeth it as our God equall with the Father Never any humble Supplicant would pray thus I will this or I will that Besides the Booke of life in which the Names of the Elect are written is the booke of the Lambe Rev. 21.27 Thirdly God the Holy-Ghost electeth the eternall Counsell of God is ascribed to him Isai 40.31 who hath directed the Spirit of the Lord or being his Counsellour hath taught him If the Father or the Sonne choose without the Spirit they should direct him in his work but he worketh according to his own will and good pleasure for he divideth his gifts and graces to every man severally as he will 1 Cor. 12.11 Thus Father Sonne and Holy-Ghost doe Co-work in our Election CHAP. III. Redemption is a work of the Father Sonne and Holy-Ghost and that first in not onely keeping but also delivering us from the evill of sinne REdemption is a Work wrought of the whole Trinity as the first cause and therefore Redeemer is a Name usually ascribed to God Isai 44.24 Isai 34.4 Isai 41.14 Isai 48.17 Isai 49.7 Isa 54.58 Jer. 50.43 but more immediately was the Worke wrought by Christ our Goel Job 19.25 our kinsman The neerest kinsman in the Leviticall Law had power to revenge
2 Tim. 3.16 Eph. 3.5 he made this weapon for our use Secondly the Spirit of God directeth us how to use this Weapon and helpeth our infirmities Rom. 8.26 so that through him the weapons of our warfare are mighty to the pulling down of strong holds 2 Cor. 1.9 Thus Father Sonne and Holy-Ghost doe comfort us against the assaults of Satan and deliver us from his power For the Lord Jesus who was our surety Heb. 7.22 gave himselfe a raâ—some for us Mat. 20.28 1 Tim. 2.6 and thereby hath satisfied the justice of God Isa 53.5 2 Cor. 5.21 1 Joh. 2.2 the dâ—bt that we owed is paid by him Isa 53.6 the obligation is cancelled the hand-writing of Ordinances that was against us is blotted out Col. 2.14 the Work of our redemption is thereby finished Joh. 19.30 Gods justice being satisfied we are delivered from Satan Luk. 11.21 22. Heb. 2.14 15. who is but Gods Jaylor Luk. 12.58 and who del vered us into his hand Mat. 18.34 Till his justice was satisfied and the debt that we owed was discharged by Christ which being performed by him we are redeemed out of the hands of all our enemies Luk. 1.71.74 CHAP. V. 3. The Father the Sonne and the Holy-Ghost redeeme us from eternall destruction of body and soule THe Lord is especially our Redeemer in delivering our soules from destruction Psal 103.4 Zachariah blesseth the Lord God of Israel for visiting and redeeming his people Luk. 1.68 which was not onely the Father or the Sonne but the Father the Sonne and the Holy-Ghost as I have shewed First the Father redeemeth us he delivereth us from the power of darknesse and translateth us to the Kingdome of his deare Sonne Col. 1.13 Secondly the Sonne redeemeth us He is the Lambe of God that taketh away the sinnes of the World Joh. 1.29 that burthen of sinne that did lye heavie on us he took and caried for us Isa 53.4 Isa 53.11 12. 1 Pet. 2.24 he is our Goel or kinsman Joh. 19.25 which did the part of a kinsman for us in redeeming us and our heavenly inheritance to us as it was figured Levi. 25.25 and foretold Hos 13.14 he redeemed us by giving himselfe for us Tit. 2.14 Act. 20.28 1 Pet. 1.18 Eph. 5.2 Isa 53.5 6 8 10. Eph. 1.7 Col. 1.14 he hath washed us with his bloud Rev. 1.3 Rev. 5.2 1 Joh. 1.7 Heb. 9.14 he became our surety Heb. 7.22 and gave himsâ—lf a ransome for us Mark 10.45 1 Tim. 2.6 As God he did redeeme us by his power but as man he purchased our redemption by his merits actively fulfilling the Law for us Rom. 5.18 19. Heb. 7.26 2 Cor. 5.21 and passiveâ—y suffâ—ring for us the punishments due to the transgressours of the Law Gal. 3.13 Rom. 3.24 25. who as God and man is the Saviour of his Church Eph. 5.23 and people Mat. 1.21 delivering us from the wrath to come 2 Thes 2.10 Thirdly the holy-Holy-Ghost redeemeth us He is the earnest and seale of our inheritance untill the redemption of the purchâ—sâ—d possession to the praise of his glory Eph. 1.13 14. yea the Spirit promiseth to them that overcome that they shall not be hurt of the second death Rev. 2.11 The Father the Word and the Spirit are equall in glory and power and are one and the same first cause of our Redemptioâ— which was inchoatively the worke of the Trinity Although terminatively it was perfected and consummated by the Sonne of God to whose Person humane Nâ—ture was united Joh. 1.14 So that two whole perfect and distinct Natures the God-head and the Man-hood were joyned together in one Person especially without either Conversion Composition or confusion of either which though he had two Natures yet he is but one Christ God and man the onely Mediatour between God and us 1 Tim. 2.5 and is the next and immediate principle of our Redemption and he as our high Priest once offered up himselfe Heb. 7.27 for our sinnes Heb. 10.12 as a Lambe without blemish and without spot 1 Pet. 1.19 CHAP. VI. Justification is a Worke of the Father and of the Sonne and of the Holy-Ghost and that first in regard of the remission of our sinnes or healing of our soule-sicknesse JUstification hath two parts which as Tilenus observeth differ not essentially but rationally Rom. 4.6 There is first a remission of sinnes or healing of our soules secondly an imputation of the righteousnesse of Jesus Christ First the Lord alone forgiveth sinnes He alone is the Physician that can cure all the maladies of our sin-sick souls he challengeth this as his owne prerogative I even I 〈◊〉 he thaâ— bâ—oâ—teth out thy transgressionâ— for mine owne sake and will not remember thy sinnes Esa 43.25 Sinne is onely committed against God Psal 51.5 Hee onely therefore can remit it And surely when he hath remittâ—d it who can lay any thing to the charge of Gods Elect â—or it is God that justifieth who shall condemne it is Christ that dyed Rom. 8.33 34. The words the Apostle useth are remarkable 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to call into court Satan may wranglingly dispute against thy soul thy conscience may erroneously accuse thee the Law 〈◊〉 produce cancelled Bills against thee but none of these shall hurt thee that hath an interest in Christ who hath satisfied Gods justice for thee And therefore Secondly the Apostle opposeth the death of Christ by way of challenge to whatsoever Sinne Satan Justice or Law can object when he saith not Who shall accuse for we may have accusers enough but Who shall condâ—mn it is Christ that died The Psalmist may well conclude him to be blessed to whom the Lord imputeth no sinne Psal 32.2 If the Scribes and Pharisees had not maliciously erred in the person they had concluded well in the thing None can fo give sinnes but God onely Marke 2.7 Luke 5.21 For if man could do this then he could brâ— g a cleane thing out of an uncleane which none can do Joâ— 14.4 but God onely He alone can heale our back-slidings Hos 14.4 which is nothing else but a forgivenesse of sinnes Marke calleth that a forgiving of sinnes Marke 4.12 which say and Paul do call a healing of them Esay 6.10 Act. 28.25 27. And surely forgivenesse of sins or healing of the soule is a worke of God Esay 44.22 Psal 103.3 2 Chron. 30.20 Psal 147.3 Psal 41.5 wrought by the Father the Son and the Holy-Ghost First the Father forgiveth sins Matth. 6.14 Marke 11.25 If ye forgive men their trespasses your heavenly Father will also forgive you And thus Christ as man prayed to his Father for his Enemies Father forgive them they know not what they do Luke 23.34 Moreover healing the soule is the worke of the Father Esa 6.10 with Mat. 13.15 for he sent Esaiah Esa 48.16 as I have shewed Secondly the Son forgiveth sinnes so he saith to Mary Luke 7.48 Thy sinnes be forgiven thee and so likewise he told the sick of the Palsie Marke 2.
and thousands of thousands of Angels celebrating his praise Rev. 5.11 13. and no marvell for these holy Creatures were made by him and for him Col. 1.16 Thirdly it was the holy-Holy-Ghost likewise for he that is their magnified did speake by and unto Isaiah Isa 6.9 10. Which that it was the Holy Ghost is cleare both by the testimony of Isai Isai 48.16 and Pauls also Act. 28.25 yea to him doe the Angels give glory when he was pleased for the good of the Church to use the Ministery of Ezekiel Ezek. 3.12 13 14. So the Spirit tooke me up and I heard behind me the voyce of a great rushing saying blessed be the glory of the Lord from his place I heard also the noise of the Wings of the living creatures that touched one another and the noise of the wheeles over against them and a noise of a great rushing so the Spirit lifted me up and took me away c. It being the glorious appearance of the Spirit to Ezekiel that in this place is described as one and the same action of him both before and after sheweth who is there glorified with the Father and the Sonne For the honouring and glorifying one is the honouring and glorifying the other also Joh. 5.23 Thus is Father Sonne and Holy-Ghost who are one God though three persons is one and the same Divine prayse celebrated by the glorious Angels And surely if the Sonne and holy-Holy-Ghost had not been God equall with the Father they had not had one and the same praise given by Angels to them with the Father For otherwise Gods glory had been given to another which the jealous Lord God would not endure Isai 48.11 The filching of temporall things by men may be acquitted either with a single or double a foure-fold or seven-fold restitution But the filching and stealing of Gods glory by Angels could never have been answered Oh the Divinenesse of that soule which would stirre up those glorious Angels Psal 103.20 21 22. to doe that worke which they of themselves at all times and in all places readily performe willingly celebrating the praise of the glorious Trinity CHAP. XV. The Temple of Jerusalem was the House of the Father Sonne and Holy-Ghost It was the Honour of the Lord to have a publike place of Worship wherein the Jews offered both spirituall sacrifices of prayer and praise as also corporall sacrifices expiatory and gratulatory of sheep and beasts c. which place of Divine worship was called the House of God Isa 56.7 The Temple of the Lord Psal 65.5 Mat. 21.12 His dwelling place 2 Chr. 36.15 Psal 9.11 Psal 74.2 yea the Jews held forth this as a buckler against all blowes putting a carnall confidence in this spirituall priviledge They thought it Canon proof against all the oppositions of their enemies and supposed though they took liberty to live as they list yet that God would not suffer his Sanctuary to be defiled by the Heathens or trodden under foot of the Gentiles They trusted in lying words saying The Temple of the Lord the Temple of the Lord Jer. 7.3 Thus had they made lyes their refuge and under falshood did they hide themselves But the Lord cared not to live in a House of Stone amongst them who would not have themselves living stones built up to him 1 Pet. 2. He would not dwell in them as in a materiall Temple which refused to have him to dwell in them as in his spirituall Temple Notwithstanding as long as Israel kept Covenant with God God dwelt in this House amongst them and God was honoured and worshiped by them in this place which was the Temple of the Father of the Sonne and of the Holy-Ghost First it was the Temple of God the Father The Lord Jesus calleth it his Fathers House Joh. 2.16 Secondly it was the Temple of God the Son Mal. 3.1 The Lord whom ye seek shall suddenly come to his Temple His was the materiall Temple whose body Joh. 2.19 21. was that holy Temple in whom all the fulnesse of the God-head dwelt bodily Col. 2.9 And in regard of Christs Corporall presence in this the glory of the second Temple was greater then the glory of the former Hag. 2.9 Albeit there was neither in this latter as there was in the former the Ark nor Mercy-seat nor Cherabins nor fire from heaven which consumed the sacrifice nor the Majesty of divine presence called Shekena nor Priest with Urim Thummim nor after Malach any Prophet The holy-Holy-Ghost as the Jews say being gone into Heaven yet in regard the Lord of glory preached there in his own Person the glory of this Temple was greater then the glory of Solomons Besides the Lord Jesus purging this Temple and driving out the usurpers thereof manifested himself to be the Lord not onely of this place but of the World who not onely taught with Authority but also acted with such divine power as none durst resist him Mar. 11.15 16 17 18. Thirdly is was the Temple of God the Holy-Ghost who gave these divine Oracles Levit. 16.2 with Heb. 9.6 7 8. He appointed the Legall services therein This the Apostle taketh as granted Heb. 9.7 8. For after he had specified the particulars and the Laws ordained by God for the manner and use of them he addeth by way of interpretation The Holy-Ghost this signifying c. And without doubt his was the materiall Temple of stone who hath spirituall living Temples consecrated to him and by him 1 Cor. 6.19 1 Car. 3.16 who being God dwelleth in us as in his Temple None but God alone ought to have any Temple consecrated to his service Seeing that Father Sonne and holy-Holy-Ghost have one and the same Temple consecrated to the service of them they are therefore co-equall in power and glory being one and the same God which was worshiped in this House and whom Isaiah saw in a Vision sitting on his Throne as I have formerly shewed and his Traine filled the Temple Isai 6.1 And because the Lord more delighteth to dwell in Temples made with his own hands then he did in Temples made with mens hands Let us indeavour that we may be as lively stones built up a spirituale House to him 1 Pet. 2.5 That the Lord of glory may dwell in us as in his Temple CHAP. XVI Legall Sacrifices were offered to the Father to the Sonne and to the Holy-Ghost GOd commanded in his Law that Sacrifices should be offered to him oâ—ely Exod. 22.20 He that sacrificed to any other was to be destroyed Deu. 13.13 14 15. Yet sacrifices was offered First to the Father Heb. 10.5 6 7 8 9. Sacrifice and offering thou wouldst not have but a body thou hast prepared me Of this Legall worship our Saviour speaketh Joh. 4.21 Ye shall neither in this Mountaine nor at Jerusalem worship the Father Secondly to the Sonne Although first as he is the Mediator of the New Covenant God and man his bloud and Sacrifice was typified in the bloud
have waited for him who also did swallow up death in victorie Isa 25.8 which was the Lord Jesus 1 Cor. 15. in whom that Prophesie was fulfilled John Baptist is to prepare the way of Jehovah Isa 40.3 which was the way of the Lord Christ Mark 1.2 3 4. Luk. 1.76 It was the Lord Jesus who was valued at thirtie pieces of silver Mat. 27.9 whom Zacharie calleth Jehovah Zach. 11.13 I will save them by the Lord their God Hos 1.7 A Prophesie fulfilled in Christ who is the Lord our righteousnesse Jer. 23.6 Six times Zach. 12. is he called Jehovah which that it was Christ of whom the Prophet speaketh is cleare Zach. 12.10 They shall loâ—ke upon me whom they have pierced which John a faithfull eye-witnesse sheweth it was fulfilled in Christ Joh. 19.34 35. and as a true interpreter affirmeth that this Prophesie was spoken of him Joh. 19.37 He it was that appeared to the Patriarchs and Saints in the Old Testament Act. 7.30 32. who was then oft called Jehovah Exod. 3. Gen. 18. Judg. 6. Exod. 13.22 who is likewise stiled an Angel of the Lord Exod. 14.19 who oft tooke the name of an Angel but never the nature of an Angel Heb. 2.16 he being no created Angel Heb. 1.13 but the uncreated Angel of the Covenant Mal. 3.1 The Mediator betweene God and us Zach. 2.10 11. Jehovah promiseth to dwell among us which was the Word who was made flesh and dwelt among us Joh. 1.14 who is our God and we are his people Thirdly the Holy-Ghost is Jehovah Ezekiel calleth him Jehovah Ezek. 2.4 Ezek. 11.5 which he before called the Spirit Ezek. 2.2 Ezek. 11.1 5. It was the Holy-Ghost who gave orders for the Tabernacle so the Apostle sheweth Heb. 9.8 whom Moses calleth Jehovah Lev. 19.2 Exod. 25.1 The Holy-Ghost spake by the Prophets 2 Pet. 1.21 1 Pet. 1.11 whom usually they stile Jehovah Jer. 47.2 Jer. 51.1 Jer. 33.12 Yea Isaiah calleth him Jehovah Isa 6.3 5. whom Paul expressely calleth the Holy-Ghost Act. 28.25 Yea the Prophets in the New Testament say Thus saith the Holy-Ghost Act. 21.11 And the Holy-Ghost said Act. 13.1 2. And the Holy-Ghost testifieth Act. 20.21 Whereas the Prophets in the Old which spake by the same Spirit say Thus saith the Lord. Thus doth the Scriptures affirme the Father to be the true God Jehovah the Sonne to be the true God Jehovah the Holy-Ghost to be the true God Jehovah because whatsoever Name Attribute Worke or Honour is by the Scriptures ascribed to the Father is in the like manner given to the Sonne and to the Holy-Ghost as is exemplified in the Name Jehovah Not as if there were three Jehovahs differing in nature essence or substance for the Lord thy God is one Lord Deut. 6.4 and I am the Lord saith he and there is none else Isa 45.5 but because there is but one essence of Father Sonne and Holy-Ghost which yet are distinct from each other by their mutuall relations or personall properties CHAP. IV. Lord of Hosts is a Name common to the Father to the Sonne and to the Holy-Ghost JEhovah Sebaoth Lord of Hosts or Elohe Sebaoth God of Hosts is a Name proper to God Isa 51.15 Jer. 51.19 Jer. 10.16 Jer. 32.18 He hath Armies in Heaven in Earth and in all places by which he fighteth against his and the Churches enemies and he it is that ordereth and guideth all the Hosts in the world The whole battaile in a just and well-managed Warre is the Lords 1 Sam. 17.47 He is the great Commander of all creatures he hath souldiers under him of all sorts he can make Wormes to be his great Armie Joel 2.25 and by them can he render vengeance to his enemies and reward them that hate him Acts 12.23 Herods pampered Carkas is made a Stable for Wormes to live in his body is food for them to feed on as the word in the Syriack importeth yea Frogs Flies and Lice are under his command Exod. 8. He that giveth them their being sets them their stint they cannot hurt an Israelite or spare an Egyptian Yea from the lowest of all earthly to the highest of all heavenly creatures they are all under his command and fulfill his word Psal 148.2 3 10. Psal 103.20 21 22. And yet such is his Power that he need not muster his Forces nor gather his Armies together it is sufficient if he doe but arise his enemies shall be scattered if his Power doe but appeare they that haâ—â— him shall flee Psal 68.1 This Name is never given to any creature in the Scripture but to God the Father Sonne and holy-Holy-Ghost First the Father He is the Lord of Hosts Zach. 2.9 Zach. 2.11 Ye shall know the Lord of Hosts hath sent me The Prophet speaketh of Christ who was sent by the Lord of Hosts his Father Secondly the Sonne He is the Lord of Hosts Zach. 2.8 Thus saith the Lord of Hosts after the glory hath he sent me to the Nations that spoyled you Loe the Sonne who is sent by the Father is stiled likewise the Lord of Hosts for the Prophet mentioneth one Lord of Hosts sending another Lord of Hosts sent Isaiah likewise calleth Christ the Lord of Hosts Isa 8.13 14. Sanctifie the Lord of Hosts himselfe let him be your feare and let him be your dread and he shall be for a sanctuarie but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock â—f offence to both the Houses of Israel That Christ was the Lord of Hosts who is also stiled a stumbling-block is confirmed by two un-erring Interpreters namely by Peter 1 Pet. 2.6 and Paul Rom. 9.32 33. He it was whom Hosea first calleth an Angel Hos 12.4 and in the next Verse stileth him The Lord God of Hosts Hos 12.5 The Chariots of God are twentie thousand even thousands of Angels Psal 68.17 18. That this was Christ who was the Lord of this great Host the Apostle maketh cleare Eph. 4.8 in citing the very next words and applying them to Christ Thirdly the Holy-Ghost He is the Lord of Hosts Zach. 1.3 Say thou to them Thus saith the Lord of Hosts Turne ye to me saith the Lord of Hosts and I will turne to you saith the Lord of Hosts Where you must admit the Holy-Ghost who spake by the Prophets Act. 1.16 2 Pet. 1.21 Neh. 9.30 Mar. 12.36 to be He that is stiled the Lord of Hosts in the first place unlesse you will admit a Tautologie by ascribing to one and the same Person three times commanding of or speaking to Israel when as he speaketh onely twice to them Yea the Prophet Isaiah compareth the Spirit of the Lord to a Warlike King who setteth up his Standard against the enemies of his Church Isa 59.19 When the enemie shall come in like a floud the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a Standard against him Yet that Father Sonne and holy-Holy-Ghost are one Lord of Hosts the Prophet Isaiah maketh plaine Isa 6.1 3 5. when he was sent by him
Isa 6.9 First that this was the Father if any denie Isaias manifesteth it Isa 48.16 Secondly that it was the Sonne whose glory he saw when he sent him John averreth John 12.40 41. Thirdly that it was the holy-Holy-Ghost who sent him Isaiah affirmeth Isa 48.16 and Paul putteth it out of doubt Act. 28.25 Thus one God distinguished into three Persons Father Sonne and holy-Holy-Ghost hath one and the same glory and is one and the same Lord of Hosts in nature substance and essence though they are distinct from each other by their mutuall relations to each other the Father begetting the Sonne the Sonne being begotten of the Father and the Holy-Ghost proceeding from the Father and the Sonne CHAP. V. Jah is a Name of God ascribed to the Father Sonne and Holy-Ghost JAh is a Name of God of the same signification and derivation with Jehovah it is not oft used in the Scriptures unlesse it be in Psalmes or Songs of Thanksgiving Sometime this Name is redoubled as Isa 38.11 I shall not see the Lord the Lord in the land of the living Sometime it is joyned to Jehovah as Isa 12.2 Isa 25.4 and sometimes with Elohim as Psal 68.19 Oft times it is joyned to Hallelu and so it is used in the beginning and ending of the five last Psalmes It should be the first and last our highest and chiefest end to glorifie Father Sonne and Holy-Ghost Jah is not a proper Name of Christ incarnate as some imagine who say That Christ in his incarnation was Deus contractus when all the fullnesse of the God-head dwelt bodily in him Col. 2.9 as they say Jah is contracted of Jehovah for this Name is given First to the Father together with the Sonne and Holy-Ghost Exod. 15.2 The Lord is my strength and song Israel did acknowledge Jah to be their deliverer who delivered Israel out of Egypt and destroyed his and their enemies which I shall shew to be the workes of Father Sonne and Holy-Ghost Psal 35.3 4. Jah is praysed who made a Covenant with his people which was not onely the Father but also the Sonne and Holy-Ghost as I purpose to manifest Secondly the Sonne hath this Name ascribed to him Psal 68.4 which Psalme the Apostle by citing the eighteenth Verse sheweth belongeth to Christ And Psal 118.14 18 19. The Lord or Jah is my strength and the Lord hath chastened me sore and prayse the Lord which was Christ as out of the twentie and second Verse of that Psalme by being compared with 1 Pet. 2.4 Act. 4.11 Math. 21.42 Mar. 12.10 doth easily appeare Thirdly to the Holy-Ghost Psal 68.18 Thou receivest gifts from men for the rebellious also that the Lord or Jah God might dwell amongst them Or if you reade it according to the Apostles interpretation Ephes 4.8 gave gifts unto men It is both wayes a Prophesie of Christ who received the promise of the Holy-Ghost from his Father Act. 2.33 and did give him to his Church who also dwelleth in the faithfull Rom. 8.9 2 Tim. 1.14 Rom. 8.11 1 Cor. 3.16 Jam. 4.5 1 Cor. 6.19 1 Pet. 4.14 Oh that as prayse is in precept Psal 146.1 last Psal 147.1 last Psal 148. Psal 149. Psal 150. Psal 135. joyned to this word that it might be so likewise in our practise at the leastwise let it be our endevours to performe it Give prayse to Father Sonne and Holy-Ghost Prayse the Lord in his Name Jah CHAP. VI. Ehejeh or I am or I will be is a Name of God ascribed to Father Sonne and Holy-Ghost EHejeh is a Name of God of the same signification and derivation with Jehovah it noteth unto us the eternitie and immutabilitie of God both in himselfe and in his Promises a Name which God is pleased to stile himselfe by Exod. 3.14 I am To this Name Christ alluding stileth himselfe I am Joh. 8.58 Joh. 8.28 Joh. 8.24 Joh. 13.19 Joh. 4.26 I shall shew not onely the Father but also the Sonne and the Holy-Ghost to be Ehejeh when as I treat of the worke of God in bringing Israel out of Egypt as he promised Exod. 3. who are one God of one essence and substance The Word being the Fathers owne Rom. 8.3 proper Rom. 3.32 begotten Heb. 5.5 Heb. 1.5 his onely begotten Son◠Joh. 3.16 18. Joh. 1.18 1 Joh. 4.9 And therefore of the same essence with him that begat him Neither is the Spirit differing in nature from the Father and the Sonne from whom he proceedeth and in whom they are no more then the spirit of man differeth in nature and essence from a man in whom he is 1 Cor. 2.11 CHAP. VII El is a Name of God ascribed to the Father to the Sonne and to the Holy-Ghost EL is a Name of God in regard of his Power which he hath in himselfe and which he giveth to all creatures This Name is ascribed First to the Father Thus Christ in the dayes of his flesh offering up prayers and supplications Heb. 5.7 to his Father stileth him El Mat. 27.46 Mar. 15.34 Eli Eli c. My God my God why hast thou forsaken me Secondly to the Sonne He is El Gibbor Isa 9.6 The mightie God a Name not communicable to a creature His name is Emmanuel Isa 7.14 Mat. 1.23 A Virgin shall conceive and beare a Sonne and shall call his Name Emmanuel And therefore he was borne of a woman after the manner of men that it might be manifested he was truly man And yet not borne of mans seed that he might be knowne to be not onely man but God also as his Name importeth Thirdly to the Holy-Ghost He hath said which hath heard the words of God which saw the vision of she Almightie falling into a traunce but having his eyes open Num. 24.4 He whose words Balaam heard was the Spirit of God Num. 24.2 He spake by him and in him and yet in the fourth and sixteenth Verses it was the words of El which he heard Father Sonne and Holy-Ghost having one and the same Name properly and definitively given to them in Scripture are one in Nature also CHAP. VIII Elohim or Eloah is a Name ascribed to the Father Sonne and Holy-Ghost ELohim is a Name of God attributed to him in regard of his Power and Almightinesse It is commonly used plurally and is oft joyned with Jehovah which is alwayes used singularly the one noting the unitie of the essence the other the pluralitie of Persons of this one God This Name the Lord challengeth and demandeth 〈◊〉 there any God beside me Isa 44.8 David acknowledgeth no God besides the Lord 1 Chron. 17.10 2 Sam. 7.22 Yet this excludeth neither of the three Persons of the blessed Trinitie from being God First the Father hath this Name Eloah given to him Psal 40.8 I delight to doe thy will O my God The Lord Jesus as man delighted to doe God his Fathers will both by active obedience in fulfilling the Law and by passive obedience in suffering and dying for our sinnes which
speaketh 2 Pet. 2.7 to be God doe peculiarly give to the Father stiling him in opposition to the Sonne and holy-Holy-Ghost the great God when as they are of one Power Majestie Glory and Essence with him First the Father is stiled the great God by Daniel Dan. 9.4 who prayed to the Lord the Father of our Lord as the sonne of Syrach speaketh Ecclus 51.14 who beseecheth God to heare him for the Lords sake Dan. 9.17 Secondly the Sonne is stiled the great God by Paul Tit. 2.13 looking for that blessed hope and the glorious appearing of the great God and Saviour Jesus Christ First the Lord Christ is that blessed hope He is the hope of Israel Act. 28.20 and also him in whom the Gentiles trust Rom. 15.12 Secondly 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as Zanch. Piscat Beza shew is wholly and alone attributed to Jesus Christ in the New Testament Thirdly if by great God should be understood God the Father and Saviour onely have relation to Jesus Christ then there should be a double Article in the Greeke to distinguish them but here is onely one single Article which pointeth out one onely subject even the Lord Jesus to whom these belong Wherefore if Jesus Christ were not God by Nature but onely by Office as some blasphemously affirme he had not beene a great God Thirdly the Holy-Ghost is stiled a great God so saith the Psalmist The Lord is a great God Psal 95.3 That this was the Holy-Ghost the Apostle sheweth by citing that following part of the Psalme as spoken of him Heb. 3.7 He is the great God whom he introduceth speaking which was the Holy-Ghost But if this Verse be not spoken Personally of him but essentially of God yet this Title is due to him as he is one with the Father and the Sonne and even so in that and other places where the Name of God is taken essentially it is to be referred to him together with the Father and the Sonne CHAP. XVIII Great King is a Name of the Father and of the Sonne and of the Holy-Ghost Great King is a Title properly ascribed to the Lord who is the blessed and onely Potentate the King of Kings and Lord of Lords 1 Tim. 6.15 and is God alone of all the Kingdomes of the Earth 2 Kin. 19.15 Isai 37.16 God challengeth this title Mal. 1.14 I am a great King saith the Lord of Hosts yet this onely great King who is God alone of all Kingdomes is First the Father he is a great King Mat. 5. and hath a great Kingdome Mat. 26.29 Secondly the Sonne he is King of Kings and Lord of Lords Rev. 17.14 It is his Name Rev. 19.16 He is the King of Israel Joh. 12.15 Zac. 9.9 Psal 45.5 11 13 15. who hath an eternall Throne a Scepter an Anoynting a Kingdome Heb. 1.7 8. who reigneth as a Conquerour in regard of his Victories over Sinne Death Hell Antichrist and all his enemies It being the honour of earthly Kings to rule over their Subjects with a golden Scepter to shew their riches But it is the honour of the Lord Jesus to rule over his enemies with a Rod of iron Rev. 2.27 Psal 2.9 to manifest his power and strength Thirdly the Holy-Ghost is a great King Psal 95.3 with Heb. 5.7 as I shewed afore who appointeth his inferiour Officers in the Church Act. 13.2 Act. 20.28 and who maketh Lawes for his people Act. 15.28 Yea Father Sonne and Holy-Ghost are one King Rev. 11.17 John treating both of the Lord and of Christ doth adde speaking as of one He shall reigne They have one Throne which is confirmed unto us by the mouth of two Evangelicall Prophets the Prophet Isaiah in the Old Testament and the Evangelist John in the New First Isaiah saw the Lord of Hosts sitting on a Throne Isa 6.1 whom in the fifth verse he stileth a King which did send Isaiah to the people of the Jewes which was not onely the Father which did send Isaiah but the Sonne also Isa 48.16 and so John affirmeth Ioh. 12. 40 41. These things said Isaias when he saw Christs glory and spake of him yet the Holy-Ghost also sent and spake by him Isa 48.16 and Paul witnesseth it Act. 28.25 Well spake the Holy-Ghost by Isaiah the Prophet Secondly John describeth Gods Throne Rev. 4. Rev. 5. where is not onely God the Father but also the Sonne our Redeemer who is stiled a Lambe who is said to be in the midst of the Throne Rev. 5.6 even equall with the Father And the Lambe being there the Holy-Ghost also must be there For the Holy-Ghost called the seven Spirits is the seven Eyes of the Lambe Rev. 5.6 which is in the midst of the Throne with the Father and whose Throne it is with the Father Rev. 22.1 3. CHAP. XIX The God of Israel was the Father the Sonne and the Holy-Ghost THe God of Israel is a Name which the Lord is oft pleased to assume to himselfe Isai 45.3 and is so called of his Church and people Act. 13.17 He is so called in two respects First in regard of his love towards them they being his peculiar enclosure taken out of the Commons of the world Deut. 7.6 Secondly in respect of his service which he expecteth from them and they willingly give to him God will reigne over the wicked in spight of all their oppositions Psal 99.1 But he ruleth over the faithfull in his Church more especially that willingly offer themselves Judg. 5.9 This title distinguisheth the true God from false the Lord Jehovah from Idols and Devils This Name in holy Scripture is ascribed to First the Father he is the God of Israel Act. 3.12 13. Ye men of Israel the God of Abraham the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob the God of our Fathers hath glorified his Sonne Jesus The Father of Christ was the God of the Fathers of the Israelites the God of Israel Secondly the Sonne he is the God of Israel So the Angel intimateth to Zachary Many of the Children of Israel shall John turn to the Lord their God And he shall goe before him in the Spirit and power of Elias Luke 1. 16 17. whom did John goe before but Christ whom the Angel calleth the Lord God of Israel Mal. 3.1 Mar. 1.2 Luke 1.76 Luke 7.27 who was also the King of Israel Joh 12.13 The Prophet Zephany maketh them equivalent one to the other Zeph. 3.15 And Ananias an Israelite acknowledgeth to Paul the Lord God of our Fathers hath chosen thee That this was the Lord Jesus Ananias affirmeth Act 9.17 The Lord even Jesus that appeared unto thee in the way hath sent me unto thee and Paul giveth thanks to Christ for choosing him 1 Tim. 1.12 Yea the Lord Christ that appeared to Moses and is called an Angel Act. 7.30 34. who was the Angel of the Covenant Mal. 3. stileth himselfe the God of Abraham the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob Exod. 3.6 He it was that sent his Angel to
his pleasure So true is that of Tertullian Testimonium Divinitatis est veritas divinationis The Lord onely to whom all things are present knoweth these things that are future in respect of us and doth reveale them to us when the knowledge of them is for our good and so First the Father doth reveale and keep secret future things according to his holy will and Divine pleasure And therefore our Saviour checking the curiositie of the Disciples demanding the time of his restoring the Kingdome to Israel saith Act. 1.7 It is not for you to know the times and seasons which the Father hath put in his owne power Secondly the Sonne revealeth future things Mar. 13.23 he fore-told his Disciples all things he fore-shewed the destruction of the Citie and Temple of Jerusalem and the manner of it fortie yeares before it was accomplished Mat. 24.25 Luk. 19. the Lord Jesus who is the Lambe in the midst of the Throne can alone open the Book with seven seales Rev. 5. which can manifest what shall be to the end of the World and can reveale it to his Church He knew all the answers and passages that men should give to his Disciples and they should meet withall when he sent them Mat. 21.2 3 Mar. 14.13 14. Luk. 22.10 11 12 13. he saw what should happen to himselfe Joh. 18.4 who should betray him Joh. 13. Joh. 6.64 the houre of his death Joh. 2. Joh. 19.28 30. yea for this end he telleth it to them as he saith Joh. 13.19 that ye may know that I am a Name peculiar to God Exod. 3.14 he testified what was fore-told in the Revelations Rev. 22.16 Prophesies which many of them were not accomplished a thousand years after as God he knew all things although as man he was ignorant of the day and houre of judgement Mar. 13.32 Thirdly the Holy-Ghost revealeth future things The things that David spake before of were spoken by the Holy-Ghost Act. 1.16 he fore-told the generall famine Act. 11.28 as also the binding of Paul and the place where it must be done although Paul was many hundred miles distant from that place and much disswaded from going thither Act. 21.11 Act. 20.23 he it was that revealed to Simeon that he should not see death till he had seen the Lord Christ Luke 2.27 he fore-sheweth the departure from the faith in the latter dayes 1 Tim. 4.1 he testified before the sufferings of Christ 1 Pet. 1.11 in the Old Testament he told the Jewes and divers other Nations what should happen to them Nehem. 9.30 2 Pet. 1.21 and in the New did shew all things to the Apostles what should come Joh. 16.13 Thus Father Sonne and Holy-Ghost First doe know the thoughts and hearts of men Secondly doe know all the wayes and works of men and of all creatures Thirdly doe know all things that are to come and are one Omniscient Lord God equall in essence and Omnisciencie Therefore as the eye of the Lord is on us so likewise let the eye of our soules be ever fixed on him for our comfort and for our direction And let us pray that he would guide us with his eye Psalm 32.8 his eye directeth men when no eye beholdeth them his eye oft terrifieth them when no eye seeth them his eye comforteth them when no eye looketh on them and his eye counselleth them when no other eye is nigh them CHAP. VII The knowledge of the Father Sonne and Holy-Ghost is incomprehensible and unsearchable GOD is incomprehensible comprehending all things not being comprehended himselfe Well might Zophar demand Canst thou by searching find out God canst thou find out the Almightie to perfection it is as high as heaven what canst thou doe it is deeper then hell what canst thou know the measure thereof is longer then the earth and broader then the Sea Job 11.7 8 9. he sheweth the infinitenesse of Gods knowledge to be every way past finding out Yea the Apostle that could sound as deepe as any man yet findeth this bottomelesse depth to be infinitely beyond his reach and therefore breaketh out into an admiration Oh the depth of the riches both of the wisedome and of the knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgements and his wayes past finding out Rom. 11.33 Job is driven to acknowledge his ignorance and to confesse his errour that he uttered things that he understood not things too wonderfull for him Job 42.3 and David doth tell us that the Lords greatnesse is unsearchable Psal 145.3 and his knowledge too wonderfull for him Psal 139.6 his Majestie is infinitely transcending our knowledge for we are rather knowne of God then doe truly know God Gal. 4.9 First the knowledge of the Father is unsearchable Agur putteth this as an unanswerable question to all unbeleevers Prov. 30.4 What is his Name if thou canst tell there being nothing but the nature and essence of God but may be comprehended and explained by some Name No man knoweth the Father but the Sonne and them to whom the Sonne will reveale him which excludeth not the Holy Spirit of God for he searcheth out the deep things of God 1 Cor. 2.10 but creatures onely Mat. 11.27 Luk. 10.23 Joh. 1.18 yet the Disciples of the Lord and all true Beleevers see him and know him Joh. 14.7 Joh. 6.46 Joh. 14.9 Secondly the knowledge of the Sonne is unsearchable Agur likewise putteth this as an unanswerable question to all unbeleevers Prov. 30.4 What is his Sonnes Name if thou canst tell he hath a Name which no man knoweth but himself Rev. 19.12 and those which have this knowledge revealed of the Father Mat. 16.17 None knoweth the Sonne but the Father Luke 10.23 Mat. 11.27 whose love is described to his Church to be passing all knowledge Ephes 3.18 19. who is yet according to that measure of grace given them of God both seen and known of them Joh. 14.9 Joh. 10.14 and who are to grow in the knowledge of him as they grow in grace 2 Pet. 3.18 Thirdly the knowledge of the Holy-Ghost is unsearchable he is unknown to the men of this world who are out of Christ Joh. 14.17 but he revealeth himselfe to his Church 1 Cor. 2.12 who both see him and know him John 14.17 and God by him 1 Cor. 2.12 Thus Father Sonne and Holy-Ghost is one incomprehensible Lord God whose incomprehensible Majestie can be no otherwaies knowne of us but as in his Divine pleasure he hath manifested himself in his Word Oh that men would therefore submit their reason to the Scripture and beleeve these Divine truths of the incomprehensible God which are discovered to them by the Word although the things which are there laid down are not onely beyond their apprehensions but seemingly contrary to their corrupted reasons then would not men wilfully oppose truth which they are willingly ignorant of but would amongst other truths see Father Sonne and holy-Holy-Ghost to be equall in the Incomprehensibilitie of their Majestie and glorie CHAP. VIII The
is immutably true in regard of his gifts and graces In the Father of Lights there is no variablenesse nor shadow of change Jam. 1.17 Where if you take the word Father either essentially or personally this Truth standeth firme That the Father is immutably true in regard of his gifts and graces Secondly the Sonne is immutably true in regard of his gifts and graces Rev. 3.7 Jesus Christ the same yesterday and to day and for ever Heb. 13.8 He is the true and faithfull witnesse Rev. 3.14 Thirdly the Holy-Ghost is immutably true He is the Spirit of Truth Joh. 14.17 Joh. 15.26 who will guide us into all truth Joh. 16.13 The word which the Holy-Ghost speaketh must needs be fulfilled Act. 1.16 The Father the Word and the Spirit therefore are one true God who is true in himselfe and immutably true in all his Promises to his Church and people CHAP. XIV The Father the Sonne and the Holy-Ghost are one living God LIfe is essentially proper to God Deut. 32.40 He onely hath immortalitie 1 Tim. 6.16 He hath his life and essence of himselfe and is therefore stiled him thaâ— liveth for ever Dan. 4.34 The Creatures have their being from him who is their Creator their preserver Act. 17.28 In him they live and move and have their being The Lord is the Saviour of all men 1 Tim. 4.10 preserving their corporall life and delivering their bodies from danger and also preserving the Spirituall life of his Saints to his heavenly Kingdome 2 Tim. 4.18 and delivereth not onely their bodies but also their soules from spirituall death and eternall destruction And surely the Father the Sonne and the Holy-Ghost have life First the Father hath life Joh. 5.26 he is the living God Mat. 16.16 Joh. 6.69 Secondly the Sonne hath life in himselfe Joh. 5.26 Life indeed was given to him as he was a Mediatour of his Church but in him is life Joh. 1.4 and that of himselfe as God and therefore Christ who is Jehovah so Isaiah calleth him sweareth as he liveth Isa 45.25 with Rom. 14.10.11 Job acknowledgeth that his Redeemer liveth Joh. 19.25 yea he is the living God for the faithfull are the Church of the living God 1 Tim. 3.15 but the Church is Christs Cant. 2.16 Cant. 6.3 Ephes 5.27 He is life Joh. 14.6 and our life Col. 3.4 Thirdly the Holy-Ghost hath life in himselfe he is the incorruptible Spirit Wisd 12.1 he is the living God for the faithfull who are said to be the temples of the Holy-Ghost 1 Cor. 6.19 are said to be Temples of the living God 2 Cor. 6.16 Because the Holy-Ghost who is the living God dwelleth in them as in his Temple The Spirit is life Rom. 8.10 First he is the life of the soule regenerating it Secondly he is the life of the body quickning it and raising it up Rom. 8.11 Thus the Father the Sonne and the Holy-Ghost is Jer. 10.10 the living God Hu Elohim Caiim which we cannot expresse in English there being one word singular and another plurall joyned with Elohim a word of the plurall number ipse Dii viventes Hu or He there is the unitie Elohim Caiim living Gods there is the pluralitie of Persons life being essentially proper to the Father to the Sonne and to the holy-Holy-Ghost who though three persons yet are but one living God CHAP. XV. The Father the Sonne and the holy-Holy-Ghost are glorious GLorie as also Life Wisedome Truth Goodnesse Holynesse c. are the essence of God These in creatures are accidents and qualities but in the Creatour in whom there are no accidents but whatsoever is in him is his essence these therefore are his essence Moses desireth to see Gods glory Exod. 33.18 the Lord answering telleth him Exod. 33.20 Thou canst not see my face for there shall no man see me and live intimating that his face or essence or glorie are all one and so it is in all other of his Attributes Glorie belongeth onely to God to whom we are to ascribe it as most due yea onely due Math. 6.13 1 Tim. 1.17 There is in God both a Personall and an essentiall glorie First there is in God a Personall glorie as First the Fathers glorie is to beget the Sonne Joh. 17.5 Secondly the Sonnes glorie is to be begotten of the Father Joh. 1.14 and to be equall with him Phil. 2.6 Thirdly the holy-Holy-Ghosts glorie is to proceed from both and to be equall with both Secondly there is in God an essentiall glorie which is not appropriated to any Person of the Deitie but is common to all three Persons and thus glorie is taken two wayes First improperly for that worship and honour which the Church of God ascribe to him both by praying to him and praysing of him which is the same with our gloryfying of God and of this God speaketh Isai 42.7 I will not give my glorie to another but of this hereafter Secondly more properly for that excellent Nature that is in God who is glorious in himselfe and also glorious in his gifts and graces which he giveth to his Church this is essentially proper to the Father to the Sonne and to the holy-Holy-Ghost First the Father hath glorie in himselfe and giveth glorie to his Church he prepareth a kingdome for the faithfull Mat. 25.34 and it is his good pleasure to give it them Luke 12.32 he is the Father of glorie Eph. 1.17 Secondly the Sonne hath glorie in himselfe Joh. 2.11 Mat. 19.28 Joh. 12.41 Jude verse 24. and he giveth glorie to the faithfull Joh. 17.22 Joh. 14.2 and he is the Lord of glorie 1 Cor. 2.8 Thirdly the holy-Holy-Ghost hath glorie in himselfe who both prepareth glorie for the faithfull and also prepareth the faithfull for glorie and is the Spirit of glorie 1 Pet. 4.14 The Father the Sonne and the holy-Holy-Ghost are one glorious Lord God who hath glorie essentially proper to him and doth give grace and glorie to the faithfull Psal 84.11 who is stiled First the God of glorie Act. 7.2 in regard of that glorie which he hath in himselfe and of himselfe Secondly the King of glorie Psal 24. in regard of that glorie he giveth to his Church CHAP. XVI The Father the Sonne and the Holy-Ghost are blessed BLessednesse is an essentiall propertie of God who hath blessednesse in himselfe and of himselfe being free from all evill of all sorts whatsoever and aboundeth with all kind of Good he perfectly knoweth and certainely enjoyeth his owne blessednesse he to and for himselfe is sufficient and needeth no helpe of any Psal 16.2 Job 22.3 Job 35.6 7. Rom. 11.35 Psal 50.7 8.9 10.11 12. God is debtor to none men and Angels owe all that they have unto him He is the blessed God 1 Tim. 1.16 2 Tim. 6.15 First the Father is blessed for evermore 2 Cor. 11.31 so the high Priest acknowledged him Marke 14.61 Secondly the Sonne is blessed for ever Rom. 9.5 the children of the Jewes so acknowledged him Mar. 11.9 10. yea saith the Psalmist
the Nations shall call him blessed Psal 72.17 so Paul Tit. 2.13 Thirdly the holy-Holy-Ghost is blessed Blessed be the glorie of the Lord from his place or as the Originall will beare it the blessed glorie of the Lord c. Ezek. 3.12 I know that some referre this place to Christ as spoken more peculiar of him others to Father Sonne and holy-Holy-Ghost but I rather think that acclamation to be given especially to the holy-Holy-Ghost the Spirit of glorie 1 Pet. 4.14 whose Divine work on the Prophet is twice mentioned almost in the same words both immediately before and immediately after this acclamation Ezek. 3.12 13 14. Then the Spirit tooke me up and I heard behind me a voyce of a great rushing saying Blessed be the glorie of the Lord from his place I heard also the noise of the wings of the living creatures that touched one another and the noise of the wheeles over-against them and a noise of a great rushing so the Spirit lifted me up Thus Father Sonne and Holy-Ghost are one and the same blessed Lord God though the Sonne hath his personalitie from the Father that begetteth him Heb. 1.5 and the Holy-Ghost hath his from the Father and the Sonne from whom he proceedeth Joh. 14.26 Joh. 15.26 yet the Sonne and Holy-Ghost are God of themselves and have their blessednesse as being of one essence substance and nature with the Father of themselves even as the Father hath who are mutually in each other Prov. 8.30 the Father in the Sonne and the Sonne in the Father Joh. 14.11 Joh. 10.38 and the Father and the Sonne are in the Spirit Zach. 7.12 and the Spirit in them 1 Cor. 2.11 even as the Spirit of of man is in man being most absolutely happy in action and contemplation To whom let us give praise and say with the Psalmist Blessed be the Lord God the God of Israel who onely doth wondrous things and blessed be his glorious Name for ever and let the whole earth be filled with his glory Amen and Amen Psal 72.18 19. The third Booke The Workes of GOD are equally wrought by FATHER SONNE and holy-HOLY-GHOST The first Section CHAP. I. The Scriptures manifest the Sonne and the holy-Holy-Ghost to be God equall with the Father by ascribing to them equally with the Father such Workes as are proper to God HE that worketh such Workes as God alone worketh is God equall with the Father in Power and Glory The Sonne and holy-Holy-Ghost worke such Workes as God alone worketh Therefore the Sonne and the holy-Holy-Ghost are God equall with the Father in Power and Glory The Workes of God are of two kinds First there is Opus ad intra vel personale the Personall Workes of God which are begun by and terminated in some Person of the Deitie as the generation of the Sonne by the Father and the procession of the Holy-Ghost from the Father and the Sonne these are simply personall Workes whereby the Persons are distinguished from each other These some call Workes of Relation Secondly there is Opus ad extra vel essentiale Essentiall Workes of God and they are such as are common Workes of the Father the Sonne and the Holy-Ghost and are terminated in the Creature where it is the Scriptures use to attribute these common Workes sometimes to one Person and sometimes to another whereby they hold forth unto us the Unitie both of Nature and of Working which is in the Trinitie of Persons These Essentiall Workes are undivided according to that knowne Axiome Opera Trinitatis ad extra sunt indivisa None of them doth ought for us without all My Father worketh hitherto saith Christ and I worke Joh. 5.17 where as Châ—ysostome observeth He saith not My Father worketh and I subminister to him but he using the same word of the Father and of himselfe saith My Father worketh and I worke whatsoever things the Father doth the Sonne doth likewise Joh. 5.19 and so the Holy-Ghost who speaketh not of himselfe but whatsoever he shall heare that shall he speake Joh. 16.13 14. Hence every Person Worketh of himselfe according to that causall power which he exerciseth where there is not any preheminence nor difference in dignitie but an unitie and identitie of one and the same cause they having one Essence there is therefore one operation That therefore which the Father doth the Sonne doth and what the Father and the Sonne doe the Holy-Ghost likewise doth as I shall shew in these Outward Common and Essentiall actions Yet as there is a distinct order of subsisting so they have a distinct manner of working and they being three Persons they work in three distinct manners The Holy-Ghost proceeding from the Father and the Sonne usually worketh from them both He shall receive of mine saith Christ and shew it unto you all things that the Father hath are mine Joh. 16.14 15. The Sonne having his personalitie from the Father usually worketh from the Father The Sonne doth nothing of himselfe but what he seeth the Father doe Joh. 5.17 Thus each Person Worketh according to the manner of his subsisting which manifesteth a diversitie of Persons but no difference or inequalitie of power For they Worke not as Instruments one to another but as Co-workers tanquam principium a principio as one Principle from another in regard of their Persons but as one and the same Principle in regard of their Essence where the Sonne in regard of his Essence he is God of himselfe and worketh of himselfe and so doth the Holy Ghost likewise But as the Sonne is begotten of the Father so he worketh from the Father These words 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 by and in which are oft-times found in Scripture to expresse the Personall working of the Sonne and Holy-Ghost yet are not so used as if the Sonne and the Holy-Ghost were subordinate Instruments to the Father but as one and the same efficient cause For these Prepositions you shall finde indifferently prefixed to the Works of the Father and of the Sonne and of the Holy Ghost First 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or by is used in respect of First the Father Gal. 1.1 Paul an Apostle not of men nor by men but by Jesus Christ and God the Father Eph. 1.1 Paul an Apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God Col. 1.1 2 Tim. 1.1 yea the Father no Instrument of choosing Paul to be an Apostle but an efficient cause Jude saith Jude 1. we are sanctified by God the Father yet he is not the Instrument but the cause of our Sanctification And Christ is said to be raised up by God the Father Rom. 6.4 and God is faithfull by whom ye are called to the fellowship of his Sonne 1 Cor. 1.9 yet the Father is no Instrument but a cause of Christs Resurrection and of our Vocation Secondly the Sonne Joh. 1.3 Heb. 1.2 Col. 1.16 Eph. 3.9 Gal. 1.1 Thirdly the Holy-Ghost Act. 11.28 1 Cor. 12.3 yet in none of these places is it
Isai 40.13 for he worketh all things after the Councell of his owne will Eph. 1.11 yet the Scripture treating of God as the Creator and maker of all things speaketh not onely in this place but in divers other places plurally as Eccles 12.1 Remember thy Creators Heb. and Psal 49.2 Let Israel rejoy e in his Makers Heb. Isai 54.5 thy Makers are thy Husbands yea Eloah which is seldome used singularly yet Job 35.10 it is so used and a word of the plurall number is joyned with it Nonâ— saith where is God my Makers God there is the Unitie my Makers there is the Trinitie And surely the Sonne and the Holy-Ghost if they did not with the Father make the World they were subject to that imprecation which Jeremie teacheth the captived Jewes and delivereth it in the Caldean Language although the whole Book beside is written in Hâ—â—rew that the Jewes might answer the Caldeans in their owne Language when they tempted them to worship God that madâ— not the Heavens Jer. 10.11 Th s shall ye say to them The Gods which made not the Heâ—vens and the earth shall perish from the earth and from under these heavens Woe therefore unto them that strive with their Maker Isai 45.9 who count that their glorie which is their shame Phil. 3.19 namely that they can contend with their Maker and fight against the Deitie of the Sonne and of the Holy-Ghost who together with the Father did make them These are they which deny the Lord that bought them 2 Pet. 2.1 These bring on themselves swift destruction CHAP. III. The Workes of Providence on the dry Land are wrought by the Father the Sonne and the holy-Holy-Ghost PRovidence is a work of God whereby he preserveth and governeth all his Creatures ordering them and all their actions to his owne glory It requiring the same power to preserve as it did to create He who is the Creator of all he is the Owner of all Psal 50.11 12. Psal 24.1 he that is the great House-keeper of heaven and earth he provideth for all Psal 104.28 they wait on him for food Psal 145.15 16. he giveth them their meate in due season he openeth his hand and satisfieth the desire of every living thing he is the preservrr of men as Jâ—b stileth him Job 7.20 and the Saviour of all as Paul sheweth 1 Tim. 4.10 as Job therefore speaketh Aske now the Beasts and they shall teach thee and the Fowles of the aire and they shall tell thee or speake to the earth and it shall shew thee or to the Fishes of the Sea and they shall declare unto thee who knoweth not in all these the hand of the Lord hath wrought this Job 12.7 8 9. where in all the long controversie between Job and his three friends the Name Jehovah is used onely there even when Job speaketh of the Lords giving life and being to all Creatures and of his preserving his life and being which he hath given them where though this Jehovah who alone provideth for all is one yet there are three Persons which doe distinctly work according to their personall order in all the works of providence both First on the dry Land as also Secondly on the broade Sea First Gods providence is seene in the Workes on the dry Land and that in regard of all the three Persons First the Father provideth for us He knoweth what things we have need of Mat. 6.32 he feedeth the Ravens â—loatheth the Lillies and careth for man Mat. 6.26 Luk. 12.24 c. and giveth good things to them that â—â—ke Mat. 7.11 and still worketh in regard of his providence Joh. 5.17 preserving men from danger Secondly the Sonne he provideth for us He upholdeth all things by the Word of his power Heb. 1.34 by him all things were created and doe consist Col. 1.16 17. he doth for us whatsoever we shall aske Joh. 14.17 he worketh alwayes in regard of his providence Joh. 5.17 19. proâ—ecting us Mat. 23.34 and preserving us from danger Rev 3.10 Jude vers 1. Thirdly the Holy-Ghost he provideth for us he prospered Zerubbabels bulding Zac. 4.6 7 8. he governed the Apostles in their journies he sent Philip to the Eunuch to preach Christ to him at that time when he was reading of Christ in the Prophet Isaias Act 8 29 33 35. he directed Paul to preach the Gospell in some Countries and suffered him not to preach in others Act. 16.6 7. Simeon to whom the Holy-Ghost revealed he should not dye till he had seene the Lord Chist was directed by the Holy-Ghost to goe then into the Temple when Christ was there Luk. 2.27 he governeth the faithfull Rom. 8.14 and suffereth them not to live after the flesh but after his direction and guiding and he worketh alwais in regard of his providence both in renewing of the Creatures Psal 104.30 by producing a new generation of them as also in preserving men from danger Psal 143. the good Spirit of the Lord leadeth us Providence is the undevided worke of the Father the Sonne and the Holy-Ghost and is equally competent to all the Persons in the holy Trinitie and is not to be attributed principally to one Person and lesse principally to another there being the same and equall Power Wisedome Will and Operation of all as Christ himselfe witnesseth My Father worketh hitherto and I worke Joh. 5.17 whence you may easily collect the Father and the Sonne are Coessentiall and Cowarkers and that in works of Providence not onely on the Land but also as I shall shew on the Sea CHAP. IV. Ruling the Sea is a Worke of the Father and of the Sonne and of the Holy-Ghost GOds providence is seene in every thing the Lord is wonderfull in all his works Psa 98.1 Psa 39.14 but especially is his overruling providence in the great Waters and he is wondrously wonderfull in the Sea Psal 107.24 25. both in the first making of it causing the Waters to gather on heapes Gen. 1.9 He shutteth it up with doores and barres Job 38. He layeth up the deep as in a treasure-house Psal 33.7 he giveth stayes and bounds to it causing the small sand to bound that which if he command shall breake down Rocks and Mountaines Job 38.10.11 he for the drowning of the world can open the Fountaines of the great deep Gen. 6. making the Waters to overflow the earth as in the first Creation and he can with a violent Wind keep back the Sea and make it dry Land Exod. 14. that Israel may passe through Psal 78. Psal 106. It is the Lord alone that ruleth the Sea and stilleth the noise and Waves thereof Psal 65.7 he bindeth up the Sea in swadling-hands Job 38.9 God swadleth the Sea as easily as the Midwife doth the young Infant Now this Worke is not a Work of one Person alone but of all three First the Father bindeth the Waters as in a garment Prov. 30.4 with the Clouds above and the Sands beneath compassing them in Secondly the
Sonne quieteth the Sea as a man would quiet an unrulie Child by commanding it to be silent Mar. 4.39 or as one would tame an unruly Beast by putting a bridle into its mouth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 be thou with a bridled mouth so the word signifieth thus Christ putteth a bridle into the mouth of the Sea that it can rage no more where you may see effects both of his Humane as also of his Divine Nature First of his Humane Nature in sleeping in the Ship Secondly of his Divine Nature rebuking the wind and the Sea and they obey â—im Thirdly the holy-Holy-Ghost measureth the waters in the hollow of his hand Isa 40.12 even as a man would measure a spoone-full of water That this is the holy-Holy-Ghost the words following shew Who hath directed the Spirit of the Lord Isa 40.13 The Father the Sonne and the holy-Holy-Ghost therefore are equall in â—ower Majestie and Glory and worke together on the Land and on the Sea who are one God and rule all things by his providence according to his owne will Dan. 4.35 CHAP. V. Illumination is a worke of the Father of the Sonne and of the Holy-Ghost ILlumination is a worke of God who worketh not onely saving graces in the hearts of his Elect but also common graces in the hearts of good and bad who distributeth these his gifts according to his owne will Heb. 2.4 He worketh all his pleasure Isa 46.10 What his soule desireth that he doth Job 23.13 in all places acting whatsoever he will Psal 135. Dan. 4.33 Yea the Lord doth not onely what he will without resistance Psal 115.3 Rom. 9.19 but he maketh his owne will in all workes of his divine dispensation the rule of his actions which is proper to God alone And thus First the Father giveth gifts to all secondly enlighteneth all with common illuminating gifts Jam. 1.17 thirdly working all according to his owne will and pleasure Mat. 11.26 Luk. 10.21 Eph. 1.11 Secondly the Sonne giveth gifts to men freely Eph. 4.10 Joh. 15.5 secondly He enlighteneth all with common illuminating gifts Joh. 1.9 thirdly He worketh all things according to his owne will Luk. 5.13 Joh. 17.24 Joh. 5.21 Joh. 10.28 Eph. 4.7 Thirdly the Holy-Ghost giveth gifts to men freely 1 Cor. 12.8 9 10 11. secondly He enlighteneth all with common gifts and graces as he did Bezaliel and others Exod. 31.3 4 5. Exod. 28.3 4. Exod. 35.31 It is a worke of the Spirit of God to have skill to worke in gold and in silver yea it is his worke that Saul can prophesie and governe Israel 1 Sam. 10.6 1 Sam. 11.6 thirdly He giveth his gifts to men as he pleaseth dividing them to all severally as he will 1 Cor. 12.11 There being one and the same Will in the Father and the Sonne and the Holy-Ghost the same Power are the same God in essence what therefore the one willeth the other willeth it is one and the same God which worketh all in all 1 Cor. 12.6 and dealeth to every man his measure of gifts Rom. 12.5 CHAP. VI. To judge and punish the World is a Worke of the Father of the Sonne and of the Holy-Ghost TO Judge the World and to punish those that offend the Supreame Majestie is the Worke of God who is the Judge of all the World Gen. 8.25 There is but one Law-giver and Judge Jam. 4.12 So Tremelius and the Vulgar reade it He judgeth particular men on the earth and he it is which at the generall Judgement which is called Gods day 2 Pet. 3.12 judgeth the quick and the dead Neither is there any that can deliver out of his hand Deut. 32.39 and if he worke who shall let it Isa 43.13 Where First the Father judgeth the World and punisheth wicked men therein Amos 4.10 I overthrew some of you as God overthrew Sodome and Gomorrah Patrem hic loqui de filio dicere Euseb lib. 5. de Demonstra Evan. cap. 23. It is the Father who speaketh of his punishing Israel with sin-revenging judgements even as the Sonne punished Sodome and Gomorrah For although the Father is said to judge no man Joh. 5.22 we must not thinke as Calvin observeth that the Father sits idle and doth nothing For he worketh hitherto Joh. 5.17 But this is spoken ex Hypothesi He doth not simply deny the Fathers judging the earth but speaketh according to them to whom he directed his speech He denieth the World to be so governed of the Father as the Jewes thought which did separate the Sonne from the Father whereas the Father as he made the World by his Sonne Eph. 3.9 so he judgeth likewise the world by his Sonne Act. 17.31 Secondly the Sonne judgeth the World and punisheth wicked men therein Psal 72.4 He threatned to cast Jezabel into a bed and those that commit fornication with her into great tribulation Rev. 2.23 He rebuketh and chasteneth those that he loveth Rev. 3.19 He breaketh his Enemies with a rod of Iron and dasheth them in pieces like a Potters Vessell Psal 2.9 when he is angry they perish from the way Psal 2.12 He it was that raigned fire and brimstone from heaven on Sodome and Gomorrah Gen. 19.24 The Lord rained from the Lord fire and brimstone out of heaven where Jehovah a Name of Gods Essence is there used Personally for the Father and the Sonne Yea God the Father speaking of this act twice relateth it in the same manner as Moses doth I overthrew some of you 〈◊〉 God overthrew Sodome and Gomorrah Amos 3.10 Againe as God overthrew Sodome and Gomorrah and the neighbour Cities saith the Lord. Jer. 50.14 Loe God the Father relating and God the Sonne acting the destruction of these Cities Moreover in the Creed we acknowledge Christ to be the Iudge of the quick and of the dead whith the Scripture likewise cleareth For the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mightie Angels in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God 2 Thes 1.7 8. and Paul speaking of this Judgement-Seat Rom. 14.10 calleth it the Tribunall Seat of Christ before whom we must appeare to give an account yet in the 12. verse he saith we must give an account to God the Lord Jesus being God as well as man and 2 Cor. 5.10 speaking of the Judgement-Seat of Christ and the terror thereof calleth it the terror of the Lord vers 12. calling Christ God and Lord in these places who as he is the Sonne of Man he hath this Worke committed to him Joh. 5.27 but he being the second Person of the Trinitie and God equall in power and glory with the Father so he hath this power of himselfe as the Father hath Thirdly the Holy-Chost judgeth the World and punisheth the wicked therein The Spirit of the Lord gathereth the uncleane Creatures together to punish the enemies of the Church Isai 34.16 He that is a Comforter to the Elect is a Reprover and Convincer to the World Joh. 16.8 They that resist the
Holy-Ghost doe it by gain-saying his Word not by frustrating his Worke for he convinceth the World either to conversion or confusion He punished Ananias by Peter Act. 5.5 and Elymas by Paul who is then expressely said to be full of the Holy-Ghost Act. 13.9 10. He casteth these Sinners that doe despite unto him Heb. 10.29 into eternall punishment He that blaspemeth the Holy-Ghost shall never be forgiven in this world nor in the world to come Mat. 12.32 33. Mar. 3.29 Surely there is not the like said of the Father or of the Sonne yea our Saviour saith the contrary of sinnes committed against himselfe not as if the holy-Holy-Ghost were greater then the Father or the Sonne but onely equall with them in Majestie and in glorie This Sinne is not onely against his Person but against his operation and working It being a sinne against the light of illumination which he terminatively worketh in them A sinne against the Father is remitted by the blood of the Sonne which washeth away all sinne 1 Joh. 1.7 and a sinne against the Sonne is done away by the worke of the Spirit who applyeth the Merrits of Christ to every penetent Soule by faith purifying their hearts Act. 15.9 but if the sinne be against the Holy-Ghost and against his Workes by falling away from his graces Heb. 6.4 5. by grieving this holy Spirit Eph. 4.30 and by maliciously opposing and blasphemously doing despite to the Spirit of grace Heb. 10.29 All hope of obtaining pardon is quite cut off for there is no fourth Person to cure this Apostatizing relapse and the Worke cannot be wrought backward for the Spirit proceedeth from the Father and the Sonne in regard of his Personalitie worketh also from them both who also begin that Worke which he terminateth which he perfecteth in us Now the Spirit worketh neither by the Father nor by the Sonne as the Sonne is God though he worketh by him as I shall have occasion to shew as he is the Sonne of man wherefore where the Spirit applyeth not the blood of Christ there is no remission of sinnes for there is neither faith nor repentance wrought in that mans heart by the Spirit of God who terminateth and perfecteth those graces which also the Father and the Sonne worketh with him in the hearts of every true beleever This sinne therefore is also against the Father and the Sonne and not onely against the Holy-Ghost but because it is more immediately against his worke therefore it is said to be against the Holy-Ghost who together with the Father and the Sonne punisheth this Apostasie by giving up such a wretch to his owne hearts lust and by delivering him up to a reprobaâ—e sense Thus Father Sonne and Holy-Ghost are coworkers in this Worke namely in judging the earth and in punishing the World which the Lord doth manifest when he was about to cast Adam and Eve out of Paradice for God saith the man is become like one of us Gen. 3.22 which cannot be spoken where there is but one Person againe in the destruction of Babel and confusion of Languages the Lord saith Gen. 11.7 Câ—me ye and let us goe downe and let us confound their Laâ—guages where the Father speaketh to the Sonne and to the Holy-Ghost Besides confusion of Languages is no worke of the Creature but a Worke proper to God alone which is spoken in the plurall Number Let us goe downe and let us confound them and yet to shew the unitie it is Jehovah who is one did scatter and confound them Gen. 11.8 9. Moses relating that action in the singular Number which God himselfe speaketh of plurally it being the worke of one God in three Persons to effect this Worke Moreover the Psalmists phrase is remarkeable Psal 58.11 Jesh Elohim Shophedim est dii judicantes word for word one word singular and another plurall is joyned with Elohim a word of the plurall number intimating the unitie of that one God in Essence and Trinitie of Persons that judge the earth Oh that men would sing Halelujah and give praise to â—od for his worke And surely the first time that Halâ—lujah is used in the Old Testament is Psal 104. last whâ—re consuming of sinners is mentioned as in the New Testament it is first used in Rev. 19. where the destruction of Antichrist that man of sinne is foretold Thus you may see the Father the Sonne and the Holy-Ghost is that one God that effecteth these Workes which extend Generally to all The second Section CHAP. I. The Workes of God which doe concerne the Lord Jesus the Head of the Church were wrought by the Father the Sonne and the Holy-Ghost AS the Father the Sonne and the Holy-Ghost did effect these common Workes which extend generally to all so also they effect these speciall Works which reach onely to the Church of God which are of two sorts for First they are such Workes which God alone worketh in regard either of Christ the Head of the Church Or Secondly of the Church which is the Bodie of Christ First these Workes which are wrought in regard of Christ the Head of the Church as namely First Christs Incarnation Secondly his Attestation Thirdly his Vocation Fourthly his miraculous Opperations Fifthly his Death and Passion for the sinnes of the World Sixtly his Resurrection Seventhly his Assention were wrought by the Father the Sonne and the Holy-Ghost The Scriptures doe manifest the Sonne and the Holy-Ghost to be God equall with the Father by ascribing to them these Workes equall with the Father CHAP. II. Incarnation of the Word was a Worke of the Father of the Sonne and of the Holy-Ghost THe Incarnation of the Word is a Worke of God it is inchoative an Essentiall Worke of God common to the whole Trinitie though terminative it is terminated perfected and consummated in the Sonne of God whose Personall Worke it was to be made flesh Joh. 1.14 and to have two Natures Divine and Humane united in one Person who as he was the Sonne of God was eternally begotten of his Father but as he was the Sonne of man he was borne of a Woman in the fulnesse of time Gal. 4.4 To us a Childe is borne Isai 9.6 and therefore man to us a Sonne is given of God and so he is God The efficient cause of Christs Incarnation is the whole Trinitie God sent him Joh. 3.34 He raised up this great Prophet Deut. 18.15.18 the Lord pitched this Tabernacle and not man Heb. 8.2 First the Father prepareth a Body for him Heb. 10.5 He sent his Sonne made of a Woman Gal. 4.4 Mat. 10.40 After all his Servants he sent unto them his Sonne saying they will reverence my Sonne Mat. 21.37 Mar. 12.6 Luk. 20.13 and our Saviour telleth us he that honoureth not the Sonne honoureth not the Father that sent him Joh. 7.23 Secondly the Sone which as God made all things Joh. 1.3 made also his owne Body for he emptyed himselfe and tooke on him the forme of a servant
Phil. 2.7 He tooke not on him the Nature of Angels but tooke on him the forme of Abraham Heb. 2.15 Here are two Natures in Christ First the Nature emptying himselfe and assuming Secondly the Nature taken and assumed He tooke not on him the Nature of Angels he was no created Spirit as they are but he tooke on him the Seed of Abraham and therefore surely he was before he tooke this Nature of man on him and so he testifieth of himselfe Joh. 8.58 He tooke part of our flesh and blood Heb. 2.14 He made himselfe partaker of that which was ours that we might more easily take part of that which was his Thirdly the Holy-â—host formed his body This the Evangelist affirmeth Mat. 1.18 so the Angel foretold to Mary Luk. 1.35 and likewise telleth Joseph Mat. 1.20 and we acknowledge in the Creed that he was conceived by the holy-Holy-Ghost Thus the Father the Sonne and the holy-Holy-Ghost equall in Power and glory are one and the same efficient Cause of Christs Incarnation which was terminated in the second Person they wrought the Mantle of his Humanitie which he put on who continuing that he was is made that he was not And indeed fit it was that he by whom man was creaâ—ed should restore as it were recreate man Joh. 1.3.4 Col. 1.16 Thus was the Maker of the earth made man on the earth He that was the brightnesse of Glory tooke upon him the vilenesse of our Nature The Lord Jesus who was in the fo me of God and equall with God tooke on him the forme of a servant Phil. 2.6 7. and made little lower then some of his owne Creatures Heb. 2.7 He that was infinitely more excellent from all Eternitie then Angels made himselfe a little while inferiour to Angels that he might make us like unto Angels Mat. 22. Oh that we had the tongue of Men and Angels to sing forh his praise who thus humbled himselfe that he might exalt us that he to whom the Angels minister Mat. 4. and doe worship Heb. 1.6 for our sakes should as it were leave the Mansions of heaven and take up his first Lodging in a Stall and be crouded in a Manger and swadled in a few ragges such was the riches of his grace towards us that though he were rich yet for our sakes he became poore that we through his povertie might be rich 2 Cor. 8.9 CHAP. III. The Attestation or the Witnesse hearing of the Messiah was the Worke of the Father the Sonne and the Holy-Ghost THe attestation of the Word that he was the Messiah of the World was a Worke of God Fit it was the Sonne of God should receive testimony from God he received not testimony from men Joh. 5.31 God bare witnesse that he was the Saviour of the World Angels and holy men bare witnesse of him secondarily as Gods Messengers to us but God is that witnesse on which our faith must depend Gal 1.8 If we receive the witnesse of men the witnesse of God is greater this is the witnesse of God which he hath testified of his Sonne Joh. 5.9 And surely the Father the Sonne and the Holy-Ghost bare witnesse to us of the Messiah First the Father bare witnesse of him So the Lord Christ assureth us Joh. 5.37 The Father which hath sent me hath borne witnesse of me Joh. 8.18 He testified of him at his Baptisme Mat. 3.17 and at his transfiguratioâ— Mat. 17.5 Secondly the Sonne indeed as man had no power to beare witnesse of himselfe Joh. 5.13 yet as God he testified of himselfe Joh. 8.18 and did justifie his own testification Joh. 8.16 17 18. who together with his Father witnessed that he was the Messiah Joh. 4.26 Joh. 5.17 Joh. 10.25 and that God was his Father and he his Sonne Joh. 5. Joh. 6. Joh. 10. yea the Lord Jesus telleth the Jewes Except ye beleeve that I am ye shall dye in your sinnes where the Lord stileth himselfe I am a Name peculiar to God Exod. 3.14 and telleth the Jewes they must beleeve it unlesse they will dye eternally Let these that fight against the Divinitie of the Lord that bought them seriously weigh this and other places where he stileth himselfe thus who say that Christ never professed himselfe to be God or tooke any Name of God on him Thirdly the Holy-Ghost bare witnesse of Christ so he telleth his Disciples He shall testifie of me Joh. 15.26 He shall receive of mine and shall shew it unto you Joh. 16.14 and the Apostles shew the Jewes that the Holy-Ghost did beare witnesse of Christ Act. 5.32 who bare witnesse of him at his Baptisme by descending on Christ Mat. 3.16 Luk 3.22 Joh. 1.33 and after Christs ascention by dessending on the Apostles and Disciples of Christ Act. 2. Act. 8. Act. 10. Act. 19. There are three that beare record in Heaven the Father the Word and the Holy-Ghost and these three are one 1 Joh. 5.7 not onely one Witnesse but one God which Text of Scripture because it is a notable Pilate to steere the Ship of the Church in sayling between the Rocks of Arrianisme denâ—ing Unitie and of Sabellianisme opposing the Trinitie the â—nemies of the truth have therefore endeavoured to destroy it rasing this Text and others out of the Scriptures Thus the Arrians did corrupt this too and other Texts even as Jerome complaineth who notwithstanding citeth this place against thâ—m so doth Fulgentius and Epiphonius yea Cipryan in Lib. de unitate Eccles who lived before Arrius rehearseth it and Athanasius cited it against Arrius in the Nicene Councell as Junius observeth and it is to be found in the most Ancient Copies both Greek and Latine and is so sutable to the matter the Apostle treateth of and so fitly answering the eight and ninth Verses of the same Chapter and so consonant to the word that there is no reason to thinke this an addition to the Canon of the Scriptures CHAP. IV. The Vocation of Christ to the Office of a Mediator was a Worke of the Father the Sonne and the Holy-Ghost THe Vocation of Christ to his Mediator-ship and the sending of him to preach was a Worke of God alone The Lord Jesus being to offer himselfe a Sacrifice for the sinnes of the World wherein he was both Priest and Sacrifice glorified not himselfe to be made an High Priest Heb. 5.3 as man he tooke not this Office on him for no man taketh this Honour on him but he that was called of God as was Aaron Heb. 5.4 as he was the Sonne of Man he was called of God an High Priest Heb. 5.10 but as God being one with the Father and the Holy-Ghost so he voluntarily undertooke this Office the efficient Cause of this Act was the whole Trinitie First the Father sent him to preach our Saviour speaking to the Jewes saith My Doctrine is not mine but his that sent me Joh. 7.16 He made him an high Priest who said Thou art my Sonne to day have I begotten thee
determined to be done Act. 4.27 28. Secondly the Sonne gave himselfe for us Tit. 2.14 He gave himselfe for us to redeeme us from all iniquitie Gal. 1.4 He gave himselfe for his Church that he might sanctifie it and clense it Mat. 20.28 1 Tim. 2.6 He gave his life a raâ—some for many Heb 9.14 He offered up himselfe Col. 2.20 He loved me saith Paul and gave himselfe for me Joh. 10.17.18 He laid down his life of himselfe Thirdly through the Holy-Ghost this Worke was done Heb. 19.14 Christ through the Eternall Spirit offered himselfe He sent him to doe this Worke Luk. 4.18 19. This Worke though it was consummated perfected and terminated by the Sonne of God when his soule did make an offering for Sinne Isai 53.10 So the Translators render it in the Margent it being terminatively wrought by Christ yet inchoactively it was the Worke of the whole Trinitie and so Isa 53.10 The Lord shall make his soule an offering for sinne And thus the Translators render it in the Text the Originall will beare either neither of them is contrary to the Analogie of faith for Christ suffered and dyed for the sinnes of the World by the common decree of the Father the Sonne the Holy-Ghost which was their essensiall and common Worke Act. 2.23 He was delivered by the determinate Counsell and fore-knowledge of God whom the Jewes tooke and by wicked hands crucified and did slay It being a worke of love to Man in God but a Worke of malice to Christ in the Jewes CHAP. VII The raising of Christs Body from death was a Worke of the Father and of the Sonne and of the Holy-Ghost THe Resurrection of Christ or raising up of his Body was a Worke of God Act. 3.15 Rom. 10.9 Act. 10.40 Act. 2.32 Rom. 4.24 Act. 4.10 It required a Divine power to effect this Where the Lord Jesus may be considered either First essentially as he is one Essence with the Father and the Holy-Ghost so he raiseth and is not raised Secondly Personally and that First as he is the Sonne of Man and so he is raised Mat. 17.22 23. Luk. 9.22 and raiseth not Secondly as he is the second Person in the Trinitie which was made flesh Joh. 1.14 and thus he is raised Luk. 9.21 and did rise againe Luk. 18.33 yea did raise up himselfe Joh. 2.19 The resurrection of Christ from the dead is attributed to the whole Christ and yet is was actively wrought according to his Divinitie and passively according to his Humanitie This Doctrine was mightily explauded by Philosophy who thought Paul to be a Babler and setter forth of strange Gods because he preached Christs Resurrection Acts 17. but Christians doe know by the Word First the Father raiseth him Gal. 1.1 1 Thes 1. last Rom. 6.4 Rom. 8.11 Act. 13.33 Secondly the Sonne raiseth himselfe Joh. 2.19 1 Pet. 3.16 2 Cor. 13.4 1 Cor. 15.12 Joh 10 17 18. I have power to lay down my life and I have power to take it up where he seemeth to compare his life to a garment that he can take up and lay down at his pleasure It was not possible that Death should hold him by force Thirdly the Holy-Ghost raiseth him Rom. 1.4 The Father therefore raiseth the Sonne by the Sonne and the Sonne raiseth himselfe by the Spirit of Sanctification whereby he is declared to be the Sonne of God where therefore the Scripture ascribeth the raising of Christ from the dead to the Father it excludeth not the power of the Sonne and Holy-Ghost but sheweth the Identitie or samenesse of Will Power Operation in them Where if Christ had not dyed we could not have lived and if he had not risen againe we had slept for ever but loe the Dragon is vanquished and the Lamb is victorious the Lord of life grapling with Death foiled him in his owne Territories He brake all the Prisons of death and unfettered all his fellowes If when Christ was borne old Simeon was willing to dye Luk. 2.27 how willingly ought we to dye that know Christ is risen from the dead and become the first fruites of them that sleepe 1 Cor. 15.20 Seeing that the first fruites differ onely in maturity from the time of the Harvest Let an Infidell sorrow immoderately for his friend that is dead as for a man without hope and let an unbeleever bewaile the misery of his dying soule but we have not so learned Christ Eph. 4.20 Christ who is the Key of our resurrection hath raised himselfe and opened a way for us to follow Heb. 10.20 CHAP. VIII The lifting up of Christs body into Heaven or his ascention was the Worke of Father Sonne and holy-Holy-Ghost THe Ascention of Christ or the lifting up his body into Heaven is a worke of God None but the Lord did receive him into glory 1 Tim. 4 16. and did set him at his owne right hand in heavenly places First it was a Worke of the Father not onely to raise him from the dead but by lifting up his body to to set him at his owne right hand Eph. 1.20 Secondly it was a worke of the Sonne to ascend into Heaven so the Psalmist foresheweth Psal 68.18 and the Apostle affirme Eph. 4.8 1 Pet. 3.22 and Christ himselfe witnesseth Joh. 20.17 Joh. 3.13 Joh. 16.15 As man he was taken up into heaven Mar. 16.19 Act. 1.9.11 and was set at Gods right hand which posture of his imployeth First resting from his labours Secondly raigning as a King Thirdly judging as a Judge but as he was also God so he lifted up his owne body Psal 68.18 He assended by his owne power He that did at the first make Joh. 1.3 and doth still support all things by his power Heb. 1.13 did likewise exalt himselfe and ascend above all things by the power of himselfe who used a cloud rather to magnifie his Divinitie Psal 104.3 in his riding theteon Psal 68 4. and commanding it then for any assistance he received from it He supporteth the cloud the cloud of itselfe could not support him Thirdly it was a Worke of the Holy-Ghost He led Christ into the Wildernesse Mar. 1.12 Mat. 4.1 Luk. 4.1 He translated the bodies of the faithfull from place to place 1 King 18.12 Act. 8.39 He who formed Christs body in the Virgins Wombe Mat. 1.18 20. Luk. 1.33 who raised up his body out of the grave Rom. 1.4 did also exalâ— his body into heaven who was exalted by the right hâ—nd of God Act. 2.33 Now the Spirit of God is called the Finger of God Luk. 11.20 with Mat. 12.28 The Hand of God Act. 11.21 Ezek. 8.1 Ezek. 1.3 Ezek. 3.14 yea Peter Act. 2.33 doth distinguish this right hand of God from the Father and therefore it cannot be taken personally for him where if it be used Essentially the Holy-Ghost is necessarily included but if Personally the Holy-Ghost is then there described to be him by whom Christ was exalted Father Sonne and Holy-Ghost doe co-operate as they are three
of Egypt was a worke of the Father of the Sonne and of the Holy-Ghost THe deliverance of Israel from Pharaoh and the bringing them out of Egypt was a worke of God Psal 136.11 the Lord challengeth it as his worke to Israel and requireth obedience therefore from Israel Exâ—d 20.2 3. â—â—al 81.10 yea the Lord alone did lead them and there was no strange god with him Deut. 32.12 Yet this was an essentiall and common worke of the Father the Word and the Spirit First the Father brought them out of Egypt So he saith H s 11.1 Out of Egypt have I called my Sonne Which was typically true of Israel who is stiled Gods fi st-borne Exod. 4.22 but prophetically fulfilled in Christ Mat. 2.15 who was the onely begotten of the Father Joh. 1.14 18. Joh. 3.16 18. Secondly the Sonne â—rought Israel out of Egypt whom they tempted in the Wildernesse 1 Cor. 10.4 9. and were destroyed of the dâ—stroyer He was Ehejeh I am Exod. 3.14 that sent Moses to deliver Israel To which Name the Lord Jesus doth oft allude in the New Testament Joh. 8.24 Joh. 8.28 Joh. 8.58 Joh. 13.19 Joh. 4.26 He was the Angel that was sent to keepe Israel in the way and to bring them into Canaan Exod. 23.20 and was no created Angel but the Angel of the Covenant God blâ—ssed for ever For first Israel was to obey his voyâ—â— secondly â—e had power to punish or pardon sinne thirâ—ly Gods Name waâ— in him Thirdly the holy Spirit brought Israel out of Egypt he led them Isa 63.14 and he was grieved by them with their rebellions in the way that he led them Act. 7.51 Heb. 3.7 8 9 10. Isa 63.10 Yea you have the Prophet Isaiah mentioning all three Persons in treating of this worke of Israels deliverance from Egypt Isa 63.9 10 11 12 13 14. First the Father by a Synechdoche called Jehovah Secondly the Word stiled the Angel of his presence who usually in Scripture hath the name of an Angel attributed to him but never tooke the nature of an Angel on him Heb. 2.16 Thirdly the Holy-Ghost who is called the Spirit who effected this worke Yea 2 Sam. 7.23 Halecu Elohim both the Noune and the Verbe are Plurall The Gods went to redeeme a people and yet it is added to himselfe in the Singular where the pluralitie of Persons and the Unitie of the Essence is evidently demonstrated it being one and the same Divine Power in Father Sonne and Holy-Ghost that wrought this glorious deliverance for his Church and people who as God himselfe speaking to Israel saith Exod. 20.2 Deut. 5.6 I am the Lord thy Gods word for word in the Originall which brought thee out of the Land of Egypt What pluralitie is there which he intimateth but onely that which Christ expresseth when he saith Mâ—t. 28.19 In the Name of the Father and of the Sonne and of the Holy-Ghost CHAP. IV. The sending of Angels on extraordinarie Messages to the Faithfull was a worke of the Father and of the Sonne and of the Holy-Ghost THe sending of Angels as his Messengers is a worke â—o God The Lord who is the God of his Church and the Father of the Faithfull for the benefit of his Church and the good of his Faithfull ones hath dispatched these Embassadours from Heaven to Earth and hath sent both Angels which are his heavenly Ministers Heb. 1.14 and Ministers which are his earthly Angels Rev. 2.1 12.18 Rev. 3.1 7 14. to fulfill his Will and to deliver his Messages to men And surely the Lord who is the God and maker of Angels hath alone absolute Power of himselfe to send them and they doe his pleasure Psal 103.21 They hearken to the voyce of his woâ—d Psal 103.20 This is an essentiall and common worke of God For First the Father maketh his Angels spirits and his Ministers a flame of fire Heb. 1.7 Yea Christ telleth Peter That at his prayer his Father would have given him more then twelve Legions of Angels Mat. 26.53 More then fourescore thousand heavenly souldiers are readie armed at Châ—ists prayer as man but at his command as God For Secondly the Sonne hath twentie thousand even thousands of Angels That this was Christ is cleare for it was he that ascended on high and that led captivitie captive Psal 68.17 18. which Paul an un-erring interpreter Eph. 4.8 9 10. sheweth to be the Lord Jesus Moreover he sendeth his Angels to gather his elect Mat. 24.31 Mat. 13.41 Mar. 13.27 2 Thess 1.7 And he sent his Angel to John Rev. 22.6 17. to shew him things to come Thirdly the holy-Holy-Ghost sendeth Angels to the Faithfull The Angel which appeared to Cornelâ—us Act. 10.2 3. the holy-Holy-Ghost sent Act. 10.19 20. He sent the men by direction of that Angel to Peter Act. 10.22 Thus it is the worke of the Father the Sonne and the holy-Holy-Ghost who are equall in Power and Glory to send Angels to the Church in any extraordinarie Message CHAP. V. The sending of Prophets to the Church was a worke of the Father and of the Sonne and of the Holy-Ghost THe Lord of the Harvest alone sendeth Labourers into his Harvest Mat. 9.38 The Vinitor provideth Labourers for his Vineyard Mat. 20. God alone appointeth Ministers in his Church Prov. 9.3 No man is to take this honour on him but he that is called thereunto of God Heb. 9.4 How oft did God complaine of false Prophets in the Old Testament and false Teachers in the New that they did run and God sent them not Jer. 23. Mat. 7.21 22 23. The Church is Gods Enclosure taken out of the Commons of the World none but he may appoint Pastours to feed his Flock therein It was therefore a worke of God to send Prophets under the Law Which thing the Prophets did usually manifest in their Writings Jer. 1.1 2. Ezek. 1.3 Hos 1.1 Joel 1.1 Jon. 1.1 Mic. 1.1 And therefore the Prophets were called men of God 1 King 13. 2 King 1. 2 King 4. 2 King 6. because they were called of God and manifested the Lords will to his people This worke of God of sending Prophets was essentiall and common to the Father to the Sonne and to the Holy-Ghost First the Father sent the Prophets He who afterward sent his Sonne did first send Prophets to the Jewes Mat. 21.34 35 36 37. Luk. 20.10 11 12. Mar. 12.2 3 4 5 6. Heb. 1.1 Secondly the Sonne sent the Prophets Mat. 23.34 Luk. 11.49 The wisedome of God which was Christ Prov. 8. said I will send them Prophets who is also called the Lord God of the Propâ—ets Rev. 22.6 compared with Rev. 22.17 Thirdly the Holy-Ghost sent the Prophets Ezek. 11.1.4 he sent Ezekel and bid him prophesie Numb 24.2 The Spirit of Gâ—d came upon Baloâ—m when he prophesied The Holy-Ghost spake by David Act. 1.16.2 Sam. 23.2 And Agabus signified by the Spirit of a great dearth Act. 11.28 and certifieth the Church in the name of the Holy-Ghost that Paul should
be bound at Jerusalem by the Jewes Act. 21.11 Yea it was one action of the Father the Word and the Spirit who is one God in essence to send Esaiah Esa 6.1 The Father sent him Esa 48.16 The Lord God and his Spirit sent me when the Father and the Son are called by the Lord God Secondly The Sonne sent him John 12.40.41 Where he repeateth that particular message and sheweth that Esaias saw the glory of the Lord Jesus and spake of him Thirdly The holy-Holy-Ghost sent him whose glory Esaias saw Esa 6. when he citeth this same errand which Esay was sent on Act. 21.25 26. Esay 6 10 11. and Esaias witnesseth Esay 48.16 I know some Divines interprete â—his Prophesie Esa 48.16 of the Father and the Holy-Ghost sending Christ where First That interpretation doth also prove the equality of the Holy-Ghost with the Father Secondly It doth no way crosse this for many things spoken of by the Prophets were fulfilled in the Prophet as in a type of Christ and in Christ as in the Anti-type of the Prophets as he that readeth the Psalmes of David and other Prophesies of the Old Testament may easily perceive Thirdly The other places namely Ioh. 12.40.41 and Act. 28.25 doe sufficiently shew that the Sonne and the Holy-Ghost did send Isaiah which that the Father sent also I thinke none doubteth CHAP. VI. The sending of the Apostles was a worke of the Father and of the Sonne and of the Holy-Ghost GOD as he sent Prophets under the Law so did send Ministers under the Gospel both extraordinarie Messengers as Apostles as also ordinarie Ministers as Pastours and Teachers Apostles were sent of God And therefore Matthias being to be chosen an Apostle they pray unto God to shew unto them whether he had chosen Matthias or Joseph Act. 1.24 And Paul telleth us expressely 1 Cor. 12.28 That God setteth Apostles in the Church Where the Name of God is taken not personally but essentially for the Father the Sonne and the Holy-Ghost the sending of Apostles being a worke common to them First the Father sent Apostles So he sent Paul who was an Apostle of God the Father Gal. 1.1 Gal. 1.16 by his wâ—ll 2 Cor. 1.1 and commandement Secondly the Sonne sent Apostles Joh. 4.38 Joh. 20.21 So he sent the Twelve Mat. 10.16 Mat. 28.19 as also Paul Act. 26.16 Act. 22.21 who was an Apostle of Jesus Christ 1 Cor. 1.17 Gal. 1.1 Act. 9.15 and sent by his commandement 1 Tim. 1.1 and therefore he giveth thankes to him 1 Tim. 1.12 Thirdly the Holy-Ghost sent Apostles He it was that gave commandement to the Apostles Act. 1.2 He sent Philip to the Eunuch Act. 8.29 He sent Peter to Cornelius Act. 10.19 20. Act. 11.12 He sent forth Barnabas and Paul Act. 13.4 who were separated at his commandement Act. 13.2 Thus Father Sonne and Holy-Ghost three Persons but one God sent Paul the Apostle to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ CHAP. VII The Father the Sonne and the Holy-Ghost did limit the bounds of the Apostles Commissions appointing them where they should preach the Gospel AS the Apostles had their Commissions from God to preach so they had their prohibitions from him where they must not preach To set Bounds and Limits to the Apostles who had generally the care of all Churches 2 Cor. 11.28 was a worke peculiar to God It was He alone that gave them their Commissions and could alone limit those Commissions he had given them This was an essentiall worke of God common to all three Persons First the Father from whom Christ as man received his Commission sendeth this great Doctor of the Church in his owne Person to the lost sheepe of the house of Israel onely Mat. 15.24 Rom. 15.8 To him the Apostle Paul prayed to have his way directed to Thessalonica 1 Thess 3.11 Secondly the Sonne prohibiteth the Apostles in his first Commission that he gave them from going to the Gentiles or to the Samaritans Mat. 10.5 And to him the Apostle prayed to direct his way to Thessalonica 1 Thess 3.11 Thirdly the Holy-Ghost forbids Paul and Timothie to preach in Asia Act. 16.6 or in Bithynia Act. 16.7 And Paul is bound in the Spirit to preach in Jeruselem which witnesseth in every Citie that bonds and afflictions wait for him Act. 20.22 23. And Philip is caught away from the Eunuch by the Spirit that the Eunuch seeth him no more Act. 8.39 There ir therefore one and the same Divine Will and Power of the Sonne and of the Holy-Ghost with the Father which gave Commissions to the Apostles to preach and limited their Commissions that though they must preach in some places 1 Cor. 9.16 yet they might not preach in others CHAP. VIII The Father the Sonne and the Holy-Ghost spake in and by the Prophets and Apostles THe Prophets and the Apostles were but the voyce God was the speaker he did speake by the mouthes not of some onely but also all the Prophets since the World began Luk. 1.7 all Scripture both of Prophets and Apostles is of divine Inspiration 2 Tim. 3.16 yea the Lord himselfe testifieth Hos 12.10 I have spoken by the Prophets and I have multiplyed Visions and used similitudes by the Ministery of the Prophets and because the Lord is the speaker in the Scriptures the Scriptures therefore are called the Word of God This is an Essentiall and common Worke of the Father of the Sonne and of the Holy-Ghost to speake by the Apostles and Prophets First the Father spake by the Apostles and Prophets Heb. 1.1 Secondly the Sonne spake by the Apostles and Prophets It was the Word of Christ that Paul spake Col. 3.16 Phil. 1.27 and it was the Lord Christ that spake in Paul 2 Cor 13.3 he did speake by John in his Prophesies Rev. 1.11 12 13 14. he speaketh in the Word Heb. 12.25 and he did speake by the Prophets Zac. 2.8 9 10 11. c. Hos 12.4 Thirdly the Holy-Ghost spake in the Apostles and Prophets he spake in John who was both an Apostle and a Prophet when he wrote to the seven Churches in Asia Rev. 2.7 11 17 29. he was in Joseph Gen. 41.38 and spake in and by the Prophets Num. 24.2 Mich. 2.8 Nehem. 9.30 Num. 11.29 Heb. 3.7 with Heb. 4.7 2 Pet. 1.21 Act. 28.25 Act. 1.16 and he spake in and by the Apostles Mat. 10.20 Mar. 13.11 he taught them what to say Luk. 12.12 and so inspired Stephen that his enemies were not able to resist his wisedome Act. 6.10 he revealed the Mysteries of Christ to the Apostles and Prophets Eph. 3.5 who was not onely in them but also on them Luk. 2.29 Luk. 4.18 Yea you have the Word and Spirit speaking in David from the Father 2 Sam. 23.2 3. It being the Essentiall Worke of one God in three Persons to speake by David and by all the Prophets and Apostles CHAP. IX The Father the Word and the Spirit did strengthen the Apostles and Prophets in their callings AS
Luke 5.20 Matth. 9.6 And this he did to manifest his power Marke 2.10 That they might know the Son of man had power on earth to forgive sinnes Where the Lord Jesus manifested his divine power in healing corporally the sicknesse of the body and curing spiritually the infirmities of the soule He caused the filthy Garments to be taken away from the holy Priest and he said Behold I have caused thine iniquities to passe from thee and I will clothe thee with change of raiment Zach. 3.4 he tooke away his sin and clothed him with his righteousnesse And surely this is an unquestionable truth in the Apostles judgement and therefore he saith Col. 3.13 As Christ forgave you so also do ye This healing of the soul is a worke of Christ Joh 12.40 Luke 4.18 He as God healeth by the power of his Deity but as man by the merit of his passion Esa 53.5 his blood being a Soveraigne balme to cure our sin-wounded soule yea Esa 43.25 I even I am he that blot out thy transgressions for mine owne sake He it is that forgiveth who was made to serve with our sinnes which was Christ who took on him the formâ— of a servant Philippians 2.6 Secondly he who forgiveth forgiveth sins for his owne sake but our sinnes are forgiven in â—hrist it is his blood wâ—sheth them away 1 John 1.7 Rev. 1.5 Heb. 9.14 Acts 20.28 Eph. 5.2 Thirdly the Holy-Ghost forgâ—veth sins Heb. 10.15.17 The Holy Ghost that made a Covenant with Israel as I have shewed promiseth them to forgive their sins The Holy-Ghost also commanded legall sacrifices Heb. 9.8 whereby attonement was made for sinne yea because the Holy-Ghost doth apply and distribute remission of sins whiâ—h is obtained by the blood of Christ Therefore when as our Saviour entrusteth his Disciples with the keyes of the Kingdome of Heaven ministerially to binde or loose he first saith Receive the Holy-Ghost John 20.22 manifesting thereby that it was the Holy-Ghost who did remit sins by them It is the Spirit who promiseth to give to them that overcome a white stone Rev. 2.17 The Holy-Ghost alludeth to the custome of the Gentiles to whom he wrote which used these stones in judicature If the Judge gave a white stone it was a token of absolution but if it were a black stone it was a signe of condemnation The Spirit promiseth to give absolution or pardon of sin or freedome from condemnation to them that overcome Moreover healing of the soule is a worke of the holy-Holy-Ghost so Paul manifesteth Acts 28.25 27. And I should heale them saith the holy-Holy-Ghost there The Father the Son and Holy Ghost are equall in Power Majesty and Glory and do co-worke in forgiving of sins and healing of the soule of the believer CHAP. VII 2. The Father the Sonne and the Holy-Ghost do co-worke in imputing of Christs Righteousnesse ANd as not imputing our sinnes is a worke of God 2 Cor. 5.19 so the imputation of Christs righteousnesse to the believer is his worke likewise Though we have not a righteousnesse of our owne yet the Lord giveth us a righteousnesse of his own Rom. 10.3 which is answerable to his justice and what man or Angell is able to resist it He justifieth who shall condemn Rom. 8.33 It is one God that justifieth the circumcised Jew by faith and the uncircumcised Gentile through faith Rom. 3.30 Yet this one God is distinguished into three persons who do co-operate in this great work of justifying man through faith by the imputative righteousnesse of Christ which word imputed though divided by Papists yet is eight times used by the Apostle in one chapter Rom. 4.6 8 10 11 22 23 24. First The Father justifieth us not onely by pardoning of sin but by imputing of Christs righteousnesse which the Apostle calleth the righteousnesse of God Rom. 10 3. And that first because it is it which God imputeth for righteousnesse to us secondly because it is that which God accounteth for righteousnesse in us thirdly because it is that righteousnesse which Jâ—sus Christ who is God over all blâ—ssed for ever Rom. 9.5 hath wrought for us Thus the Father who raised Christ from the dead Gal. 1.1 1 Thes 1.10 imputeth this righteousnesse to us Rom. 4.24 Secondly the Sonne justifieth us By his knowledge saith Esay shall he justifie many Esa 53.11 He it is that maketh a reconciliation for sinne and bringeth in everlasting righteousnesse Dan. 9.24 But more cleerly doth the Apostle shew this truth 1 Cor. 6.11 Ye are justified in the Name of the Lord Jesus This righteousnesse of ours by faith Peter calleth the righteousnesse of God and of our Saviour Jesus Christ 2 Pet. 1.1 Not as if the Apostle spake of two distinct persons there being but one Article in the Originall and therefore there cannot be two distinct persons described thereby Yea our Lord Jesus promiseth to them that overcome to clothe them in white raiment Rev. 3.5 Thirdly The Holy Ghost justifieth us Ye are justified in the Name of the Lord Jesus and the Spirit of our God 1 Cor. 6.11 Thus the Father the Son and the Holy-Ghost who are one God are also one and the same efficient cause of our justification both in forgiving of sinnes and in imputing the righteousnesse of Christ through faith which is the instrument of our justification and is also the worke of God John 6.29 CHAP. VIII Faith is the worke of the Father the Son and the Holy-Ghost FAith is the instrument by which we are justified that is the hand by which we lay hold on the Lord Jesus and his righteousnesse and apply it also to our soules Yet faith is a Gift of God Eph. 2.8 It is his worke to purifie our hearts by faith Acts 15.9 Yea it is a worke of God wherein he exercised the same exceeding greatnesse of â—is power in effecting it that he used in raising Christ from the dead Eph. 1.19 20. It being as great a worke to worke faith in the heart of an unbeleever who is spiritually dead as it was to raise Christ from the grave when as he was corporally dead This being also an essentiall worke of God common to the Father Sonne and Holy-Ghost undividably to effect First the Father worketh faith in us the Apostle prayeth to him for it Eph. 6.23 Secondly the Sonne worketh faith in us the Apostle prayeth to him for it Eph. 6.23 and the Disciples of him the increase thereof Luke 17.5 And so likewise doth the father of the Lunatick Mark 9.24 By him do we believe in God 1 Pet. 1.21 Thirdly The Holy-Ghost worketh faith in us Cor. 12.9 It is a fruit of the Spirit Gal. 5.22 And we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousnesse by faith Gal. 5.5 Thus the mighty worke of faith is wrought in us by God who is distinguished into Father Sonne and Holy-Ghost which do unseparably undividably and unconfusedly worke this grace in our hearts in their personall order making us to believe and
that God dwelleth in him and he through Christ in him And there is no wonder that the Lord bestoweth this and all other mercies on his soule when as it pleaseth him to adopt him to himselfe to be his sonne which also is a worke of God CHAP. XII Adoption is a worke of the Father of the Sonne and of the holy-Holy-Ghost ADoption is a work proper to God He alone adopteth children to himselfe who both can and will and also doth make them Heires of God even joynt Heires with Christ in Glory Rom. 8.17 Which grace of adoption is the undivided worke of one God in three Persons who as he is our Father so we are his children by adoption who of his owne will begat us Jam. 1.18 we being begotten by counsell and not by nature â—or so the Lord Jesus is the onely begotten Son of the Father â—oh 3.16 18. Joh. 1.14 18. 1 Joh. 4.9 the Father being his proper Father Joh. 5.18 and he his proper Sonne Rom. 8.32 First the Father adopteth us He hath predestinated us to the adoption of children by Christ Eph. 1.5 It is our everlasting happinesse that we are so neerly admitted into the presence of God that his onely Sonne standeth betwixt us and him and that the Lord Jesus calleth us his brethren Heb. 2.11 by the Fathers choice of us in him Secondly the Sonne adopteth us As many as received him he gave power to become the Sonnes of God even to them as believe in his name John 1.12 Thirdly The Holy-Ghost adopteth us and therefore he is called the Spirit of Adoption Rom. 8.15 He it is that maketh us children of God Rom. 8.14 As many as are led by the Spirit nf God they are the Sonnes of God The Spirit leading us as a Father leadeth his childe Adoption therefore is a worke of the Father of the Sonne and of the Holy-Ghost being stiled our Father as in the Lords Prayer where the name Father is not taken personally but essentially namely for one God distinguished into three persons And surely the Sonne and the Holy-Ghost have this Name Father ascribed to them in Scripture as I have shewed and they are with the first Person a Father to us not onely in regard of Adoption but also in regard of Regeneration or Sanctification as I shall shew CHAP. XIII Sanctification is a worke of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy-Ghost SAnctification which in Scripture is sometimes called Regeneration Renovation Conversion Repentance New Life New obedience c. is the Worke of God Joh. 1.13 If to create man be in the power of God alone then surely to re-create him is in his power onely For the former is called the worke of Gods fingers Psal 8. but the latter is ascribed to the strength of hiâ— armes Luke 1. And surely none is able to repaire the depravations of nature but the God of nature He it is that taketh from us our hearts of stone and giveth unto us an heart of flesh Ezek. 11.19 Ezek. 36 26. The Lord challengeth it as his worke I am the Lord that sanctifie you Levit. 20.8 Paul prayeth to God to effect this grace throughly in the Thessalonians 1 Thâ—ss 5.23 He giveth men repentance 2 Tim. 2.25 He quickneth those thae are dead in trespasses and in sinnes Eph. 2.1 5. He bringeth to the birth and he bringeth forth Esa 66.9 He saith to them which lye weltring in the blood of their naturall unclâ—annesse Live Ez k. 16. Secondly they that are sanctified are the children of God Joh. 1.12 13. borne of the Spirit John 3.5 and borne of God 1 Joh. 3.9 Although the Scripture usually ascribeth sanctification to the Holy-Ghost who doth peculiarly terminate this worke yet it is not to excludâ— the Father and the Sonne from it First the Father sanctifieth us Joh. 17.17 The Lord Jesus prayeth to his Father to sanctifie his Disciples noâ— onely to the office of an Apostleship but to a fuller me sure of grace as 1 Thess 5.23 The Father begetteâ—h us agâ—ine to a lively hope 1 Pet 1.3 He maketh us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the Saints in light Col. 1.12 which is done by sanctification For without holiâ—esse no man shall see God Heb. 12.14 The Lord will have none to dwell with him in happinesse which will not h ve him to dwell with them in holinesse Yea Jude â—leerly manifesteth Jude 1. that we are sanctsfied by God the Father Secondly The Sonne sanctifieth us If he wash not us we have no part in him Joh. 13.8 we are sanctified in him 1 Cor. 6.11 1 Cor. 1.2 He sanctifieth and cleanseth his Church Eph. 5.26 Mal. 3.2 He is to them as a refiners fire to try them and not as a consuming fire to dâ—stroy them He purifieth to himself a peculiar people zealous of good workes Tit. 2.14 they being a peculiar people to him must yeeld peculiar obedience to him He presenteth us holy and blamelesse Col. 1.22 He that sanctifieth saith the Apostle Heb. 2.11 and they that are sanctified are all of one for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren The Lord Jesus sanctifieth us two wayes First as God equall with the Father so he sanctifieth by the power of his Deity even by faith in him Acts 26.18 Secondly as he is God and man our Redeemer so he sanctifieth us by the merits of his humanity Heb. 9.9 10 14. Heb. 10.10 washing us with his blood 1 Joh. 1.7 Rev. 1.5 Thirdly the Holy-Ghost sanctifieth us 1 Peter 1.2 2 Thess 2.13 1 Cor. 6.11 Rom. 15.16 For which cause all the graces in us are called the fruits of the Spirit Eph. 5.9 Gal. 5.22 we are borne againe of the Spirit John 3.6 8. For as Christ the head was conceived by the Holy Ghost Matth 1.18 so the mysticall Body of Christ is regenerated and borne againe of the Spirit Joh. 3.5 and renewed of the Holy-Ghost Tit. 3.5 We are changed into the Image of the Lord by the Spirit of the Lord 2 Cor. 3.18 who is the Spirit of holinesse Rom. 1.4 who is holy in himselfe and also worketh holinesse in us gradually cleansing us from all impurity Things are purified two wayes from naturall corruptions first by fire secondly by water And thus in the Leviticall Law things legally uncleane were lâ—gally purified Num. 21.33 And surely the Holy-Ghost in regard of his cleansing us from spirituall corruptions is usually compared to these two Elements first to fire as Mark. 9.49 Matth. 3.11 Secondly to water as Eze. 36.25 with 27. 1 Cor. 6.11 Esa 44.3 Joel 2.28 Sanctification is thetefore an essentiall worke of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy-Ghost which is signified to us in our Baptisme being baptized in the Name of the Father and of the Sonne and of the Holy-Ghost Mat. 28.19 We are washed therefore and cleansed from sinne by the joynt yet undivided worke of the three persons of one Essence who are not divided in working
utter praise Psal 119.171 In both places there is a Metaphor as some think from a Fountaine that continually bubleth up water or as others from a full stomack and they translate it eructare to belch up Eructation proccedeth from fulnesse of stomack first David spake not of himselfe but out of fulnesse of the Spirit secondly Gods blessings lay heavy on Davids stomack he could not be at ease till he had vented himselfe by thanksgiving This was a holy surfet as Luther calleth it in David who desired to praise God with heart and tongue This Praise Honour Blessing and Glory is due to God from men and Angels It is that which God will not give to another Isa 42.8 First it is due to God alone from men The Lord alone is thus to be exalted Isai 2.11 we must make mention of his Righteousnesse even of his onely Psal 71.16 we must even as we have received so baptize and as we baptize even so beleeve and as we beleeve so pray and as we pray so give thanks We baptize in the Name of the Father and of the Sonne and of the holy-Holy-Ghost Mat. 28 19. we beleeve in the Father and in the Sonne and in the holy-Holy-Ghost as it is briefly set down in the Apostles Creed we pray for blessings from the Father from the Sonne and from the holy-Holy-Ghost 2 Cor. 13.14 Rev. 1.4 5. 1 Thes 3.11 12 13. and we must ascribe glory to the Facher to the Sonne and to the holy-Holy-Ghost For Blessing Praise and Glory is to be rendred First to the Father Thus Paul by his example teacheth us it is our duty to blesse God the Father 2 Cor. 1.3 Ephes 1.3 Gal. 1.5 And Peter likewise 1 Pet. 1.3 and James maketh it not onely his own but others practise also Jam. 3.9 And surely we ought to render praise to him who worketh all things to the praise of his glory Eph. 1.6 Secondly to the Sonne The Psalmist prophesieth that daily should he be praised Psal 72.15 and all Nations shall call him blessed Psal 72.17 John rendreth praise and dominion to him Rev. 1.6 and Peter ascribeth glory to him for ever 2 Pet. 3.18 and Jude likewise Glory and Majesty Dominion and Power now and ever Jude 25. The Apostle Paul giveth thanks to him for enabling him to the Ministery 1 Tim. 1.12 The Ephesians doe magnifie his Name Act. 19.17 yea not onely the faithfull in the Church militant but also the Saints in the Church triumphant acknowledge the Lambe to be worthy to receive Praise Honour Glory and Blessing Rev. 5.12 13. Thirdly to the Holy-Ghost Zachery blesseth the Lord God of Israel Luk. 1.68 That this was the Holy-Ghost whom he praiseth with the Father and the Sonne is evident out of the 70. vâ—rse For it is he whom he blesseth that spake by the mouth of all the Prophets which was the blessed and glorious Spirit 2 Pet. 1.21 1 Pet. 1.11 Eph. 3.5 Ezek. 11.1 4 5. 2 Sam. 23. 2. Mar. 12.36 He is our Creator with the Father and the Sonne and therefore with them God blessed for ever Rom. 1.25 he is the Spirit of Glory 1 Pet. 4.14 He worketh those graces in us which are forerunners of our Glory and we ought to doe and speake that which will tend to his glory And surely the ascribing blessing to him is not to be doubted of whenas wâ— heare truth it selfe averring that the speaking against the holy-Holy-Ghost even the blaspheming of him to be unpardonable Mat. 12.32 Luk. 12.10 That Doxology glory be to the Father and to the Sonne and to the holy-Holy-Ghost c. was used in the Church long before Arrius time and urged by Faebadius against the Arians lib. cont Arrian If saith he there be that inequality which the Arrians affirme then doe we every day blaspheme God when we acknowledge these things common to the Father and the Sonne The Arrians being pinched with this argument hereupon altered the forme and gave glory to the Father by the Sonne and in the Spirit which had not the Arrians given it a sinister construction and made it an especiall marke of recognizance even this forme also had not been the voyce of Errour and Schisme but of sound Doctrine and sincere Religion And therefore Basil no friend to the Doctrine of Arrius yet useth this very forme sometime but it was to the offence of some weak Christians who did therefore traduce him and against whom he did largely apologize excusing this his act to his friends yet justifying it against his enemies Oh that we could enjoy the happy Vision of the glorious Deity that we might in the society and unity of the glorified Saints and holy Angels sing praises for ever to the glorious Trinity and rejoyce in our Makers so it is in the Originall Psal 149.2 Oh the blessed estate of the Saints and the glorious condition of the believer which is not to be expressed by him even when he is glorified Let us therefore pray that whiles we live on earth we may glorifie the Lords Name willingly readily cheerefully even as the Angels doe in heaven for this is likewise their worke CHAP. XIV Angels doe sing praises to the Father to the Sonne and to the Holy-Ghost IT is not onely the Work of Men on Earth but it is the whole imployment of the Angels in Heaven to sing forth Gods praises and to doe that which may glorifie his Name At the Creation of the World by the Father Sonne and Holy-Ghost these Sonnes of God shouted for joy Job 38.7 At the birth of our Saviour no lesse then a whole Hoast of these heavenly souldiers are praysing and glorifying the Lord Luk 2.14 And surely if we had the tongues not onely of Men but also of Angels we could not raise this note high enough to the glory of our Redeemer yea it is the constant worke of the glorified Saints and Holy Angels to sing forth the prayses of God day and night Rev. 4. Rev. 5. Rev. 6. Rev. 7. Rev. 19. Yea the Seraphins cry one to another holy holy holy is the Lord of Hosts the whole earth is full of his glory Isai 6.2 3. That this was the Father the Sonne and the Holy-Ghost who is there praised by the Angels is manifest First it was the Father For he whose praise is there exalted did send Isaias the Prophet verse 9. which was the Lord God and his Spirit Isai 4.48 16. the Father together with the Sonne and the Holy Spirit Secondly it was the Sonne also For he whose praise is there celebrated Isai saw his glory Isai 6.1 Now that this was the Lord Jesus whose glory Isaiah saw we have a witnesse beyond all exceptions even the Evangelist John testifying it Job 12.41 And surely Jesus Christ God and Man is joyned with God in the same Doxology Rev. 5. who is there called a Lambe being so typifyed in the legall Rites and so manifested to John in his heavenly Vision He hath ten thousand times ten thousand
and Sacrifice of the Law Heb. 9. Heb. 10. which in themselves were shadowes of things to come but the body of Christ Col. 2.17 without this one oblation offered by Christ all other were imperfect unsatisfactory Heb. 10.1 for the sins of mankind had so kindled the fiery wrath of God that the Bloud of Buls or of Goats or of Sheep could no longer quench it but it would have broken out into an open flame if so be that the Sonne of God had not come and extinguished it with his own bloud It being not possible that the bloud of Buls or of Goats should take away sinnes Heb. 10.4 But Christ by one offering hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified Heb. 10.12 14. Heb. 9.28 And thus he was a sacrifice for sinne yet secondly as he was the second Person of the Trinity God blessed for ever Rom. 9.5 He was equall with the Father Zac. 13.7 Phil. 2.6 and he was together with the Father sacrificed to Jaacob was commanded to goe to Bethel and build an Altar there unto God that appeared unto him Gen. 35.1 7. And Jaacob powred on the Altar he built a drink-offering and oyle Gen. 35.9 14. That this was Christ Hoseah sheweth Hos 12.4 5. when he called him an Angel yet his Name was the Lord of Hoasts The Sonne in Scripture being usually so stiled who was an Angel in Name but not in Nature Heb. 1.5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14. Heb. 2.16 He was that Angel which spake to Moses on the Mount Act. 7.38 and and commanded the Sacrifices offered to himself Thirdly to the Holy-Ghost The Attonement was made to him together with the Father and the Son who did appeare in the Cloud upon the Mercy-seat Lev. 19.2 with Heb. 9.7 8. where the Apostle doth expresly say interpreting these Leviticall Rites that it was the holy-Holy-Ghost that signified this thereby Seeing therefore the Father the Sonne and the holy-Holy-Ghost had one and the same honour done to them by Sacrifice in the Temple you may see that their service is one their worship one their honour one their glory one who are one and the same God in Essence Substance and Nature though they be three Persons subsistences or Relations in which they differ from one another CHAP. XVII The Father the Sonne and the holy-Holy-Ghost are to be glorified in our lives and conversations IT is the duty of the faithfull to make Gods glory the highest and ultimate end of all their Actions and that they live so that they may glorifie God here and that God may glorifie them hereafter God electeth us for this end Eph. 1.4 5 6. He createth us for this end Isa 43 7. Pro. 16.4 He redeemeth us for this end 1 Cor. 6.20 H justifieth us for this end Rom. 3.23 He sanctifieth us for this end Mat. 5.16 He afflicteth us for this end 1 Pet. 4.16 And giveth us for this end temporall deliverance here Ps 50.15 and eternall salvation hereafter For God is glorified in his Saints 2 Thes 1.10 that has Saints may be glorified in him 2 Thes 1.12 Man being a Creature for him to propose either his own self for his end or any other end but that which God hath proposed to him namely Gods glory would be a robbing of God of his right and an usurping of his glory First the Father is to be glorified Mat. 5.16 Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorifie your Father which is in Heaven The light of grace that is in thee must so shine forth from thee that other men may have the light of grace communicated to them to see how to glorifie God thereby And Paul would have us with one mind and with one mouth glorifie God even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ Rom. 15.6 Secondly the Sonne is to be glorified Christ was glorified in his Apostles Joh. 17.10 They were to his praise and instruments of his glory It was Pauls end in living To me to live is Christ saith he Phil. 1.22 23. and Christ shall be magnified in my body whether by life or death Phi. 1.20 yea Peter exhorteth 1 Pet. 3.15 to sanctifie or glorifie the Lord God in your hearts and thereupoÌ„ addeth that they may be ashamd that accuse your good conversation in Christ 1 Pet. 3.16 by having a good conversation we glorifie Christ which is truly God 1 John 5.20 Thirdly the holy-Holy-Ghost is to be glorified this the Apostle Peter supposeth the faithfull will doe And therefore he concludeth them happy that suffer for the Name of Christ 1 Pet. 4.14 For the spirit of glory and of God resteth on you on their part he is evill spoken of but on your part he is glorified and surely the custome of the Primitive Church before the Counsell of Nice was to worship and glorifie the holy spirit So Justin in 2. Apolog pro Christian ad M. Antonium Pium 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 we worship and adore the Propheticall spirit honouring him in word and deed Thus we are to endeavour both by word and deed to glorifie the Father the Sonne and the Holy-Ghost And surely the glorifying of one Person is the glorifying of all The Leper who fell Christs feet and gave thanks to him is said to glorifie God Luk. 17.15 16. glorifying thereby not onely the Sonne but also the Father and the Holy-Ghost yea Peter sheweth you that the suffering patiently for the Name of Christ is the glorifying of the Father 1 Pet. 4.11 16. and of the Sonne 1 Pet. 3.15 16. 1 Pet. 16. and of the Holy-Ghost 1 Pet. 4.14 16. The honouring one is the honouring of the other 1 Joh. 2.23 Joh. 5.23 whereas contrarywise he that by Apostacy or Antichristianisme dishonoureth one dishonoureth the other likewise 1 Joh. 2.23 Joh. 5.23 Take heed therefore of Satans spetious delusions who would have thee honour the Father by denying the Sonne He that denyeth the Sonne the same hath not the Father 1 Joh. 2.23 but is an Antichrist 1 Joh. 2.22 he is Antichrist that denyeth the Father and the Sonne Jews Turks Arrians and other Hereticks may affirme they worship him that was the true God who was the Creator of the World but he is the Father of Christ and him they deny wherefore they deny also the Father he being not a Father if he have not a Sonne and he hath no other Sonne properly but Christ Let us indeavour in the whole course of our lives to give the Lord the honour due to his Name Let us therefore in heart and voyce give glory to the Father to the Sonne and to the Holy-Ghost and let us conclude with the Psalmist in stirring up oâ—â—â—â— to this duty saying Let every thing that hath breathâ— praise the Lord praise ye the Lord Psal 150. last FINIS Imprimator Edm. Calamy
my Lord Mat. 21.44 Mar. 11.36 Luk. 20.42 Act. 2.32 doe ascribe this Name Lord to the Father and to the Sonne Secondly the Sonne is Lord. He was so proclaimed by Angelicall Heralds By Gabriel an Angel of the Lord before his incarnation Luk. 1.17 By another Angel to the Shepheards at his birth Luk. 2.11 where there is no lesse then a whole Chore of this heavenly Host ascribe glory to God and sing an heavenly Hymne to his Majestie He is likewise acknowledged so by Zacharie Luk. 1.76 by Elizabeth Luk. 1.43 by John Baptist Joh. 1.23 Luk. 3.4 and that from a testimonie of the Prophet Isaiah which did prophetically proclaime him Jehovah Isa 40.3 By Peter he is stiled Lord of all Act. 10.36 But why doe I instance in more Seeing that the holy Writers of the New Testament doe five hundred times at the least as some more punctually have observed ascribe this Name to Christ Thirdly the Holy-Ghost is Lord 2 Cor. 3.17 Now the Lord is that Spirit and where the Spirit of the Lord is there is libertie There the Holy-Ghost is stiled Lord and the Spirit of the Lord. He is Lord of the same essence with the Father and the Sonne and yet the Spirit of the Lord as he proceedeth from them both And the next Verse may be read The Spirit of the Lord or the Lord the Spirit which divers reading the new Translation according to the Originall noteth in the Margent Againe the Apostle in his prayer as I shall more fully shew hereafter directed to the Holy-Ghost stileth him Lord 1 Thess 3.12 2 Thess 3.5 Mathew likewise affirmeth that to be spoken of the Lord by the Prophets Mat. 1.22 which Peter affirmeth to be spoken of thâ— Holy-Ghost by the Prophets 2 Pet. 1.21 Although therefore the Apostle saith there is but one Lord 1 Cor. 8.6 Eph. 4.5 and Jude calleth him the onely Lord Jude 4. yet neither the Apostle Paul nor the Apostle Jude excludeth the Father and the holy-Holy-Ghost from being Lord but they include them in the same Unitie of the Essence being equall in Power Majestie and Glorie and are all the onely Lord though they be distinguished in their Persons yet the Unitie and the Essence of their divine Nature and Power is not divided CHAP. XIII Father is a Name of God common to all three Persons though usually ascribed to the first FAther is a Nanie we properly ascribe to the Lord first in regard of his Creation of Men and Angels Luk. 3. last Job 38.7 secondly in regard of his gubernation of the World Mat. 6.32 thirdly in regard of his Regeneration of his Church and People Isa 64.8 Deut. 32.6 who is the cause of the being of all Creatures and the well-being of his Church though analogically and improperly it is given to these who are under God the instruments of our being Eph. 6.2 4. Col. 3.21 yet not properly are they to be esteemed Fathers as God is Mat. 23.9 who is our heavenly Father Mat. 6.9 Mat. 5.48 where the word Father is not to be restrained to the first Person as it is when either all three Persons are expressed as Eph. 2.18 Mat. 28.19 1 Joh. 5.7 Gal. 4.6 or when the first Person is conferred with the second Gal. 1.3 2 Cor. 1.3 Col. 1.3 but it is to be understood essentially of the Father the Word and the Spirit Yea the Name Father is not onely essentially communicated to all three Persons but also Personally ascribed in respect of us either to First the first Person who is not onely the Father of Christ but also in him our Father Joh. 20.17 I ascend saith Christ to my Father and your Father to my God and your God which diminisheth not much lesse doth it take away Christs Divinitie but sheweth the order that is in the three Persons The Father who is first in order and not in time is usually called by Divines Fons Divinitatis Operationis the Fountaine of Divinitie and Operations yet their Divine Oeconomie doth not shew any inequalitie in Persons but their order in working And againe Joh. 17.1 These things spake Jesus and lift up his eyes to heaven and said Father the houre is came c. God is Christs Father after a more excellent manner then he is called our Father He is his Sonne or the Fathers Sonne of himselfe Rom. 8.3 his owne Sonne or proper Sonne Rom. 8.32 his onely begotten Sonne Joh. 1.14 18. Joh. 3.16 18. as I have shewed And Indeed Christ is an onely begotten Sonne first according to hâ—s Divine Personalitie he was begotten of his Father onely secondly in regard of his humane nature he was his mothers onely begotten he came from her onely thirdly in regard of both he was an onely Sonne he having no Brother fourthly because all that the Father hath is his Joh. 16.15 But we are in and through him Children by Creation Regeneration and Adoption He is a Sonne by nature we by counsell Jam. 1.18 Joh. 1.13 And surely were there no other argument to prove the equality of nature of the Father and of the Sonne this were sufficient to prove it because he is the Fathers proper Sonne the Sonne of his owne selfe his begotten Sonne his onely begotten Sonne For he that is God cannot properly beget any other but him that is God Secondly the second Person who although a Sonne eternally begotten of his Father and so not a Father in respect of God yet to us he is an everlasting Father Isa 9.6 and we are his children by adoption and regeneration Heb. 2.13 Joh. 1 12. who may say haply with the Apostle complaining of his former wretchednesse we were as men borne out of duo time 1 Cor. 15.8 Thirdly The Holy-Ghost is our Father He together with the Father and the Sonne createth regenerateth and adopteth We are by regeneration begotten of God 1 Joh. 5.18 And borne of the Spirit John 3.6 8. we are his Children Psal 34.10 and are taught of God John 6.45 And therefore the Lord Jesus being to send the Holy-Ghost who should teach them all things John 14.26 saith he will not leave them Orphans John 14.16 Plainely shewing the Holy-Ghost should be their Father Yea so the Holy-Ghost promiseth 2 Cor. 6.16 18. I will be a Father to you and ye shall be my Sonnes and Daughters That he which maketh this promise to us is the holy Spirit appeareth out of the former verses For we are to him that maketh this promise to us Temples and he it is that dwelleth in us Now it is manifest we are Temples of the Holy-Ghost 1 Cor. 6.19 and he dwelleth in us 1 Cor. 3.16 Though these be three subsistences or Persons yee they be one in essence substance or nature and to us one Father Mal. 2.10 O Lord thou art our Father saith the Church of God Isa 63.17 That this was spoken of all the three Persons is manifest out of the fore-going verses 1. There was the Father who led them and put