men esteeme vs as the dispensers of the secrets of Christ 1. Cor. 4.1.2 And be perswaded by vs 2. Cor. 5.20 3. Thirdly we must here know that we must depend vpon Christ onely for doctrine needful to saluation There is but one Law giuer away with traditions and reuelations of mens owne hearts if an Angell from heauen would teach vs otherwise let him be accursed Gal. 1.8 Iam. 4.12 Will any man teach God Iob 21.22 4. We may here see the horrible estate of such as will be still ignorant and liue in their sinnes hauing the Scriptures and preaching in the name and by the authoritie of Christ. Iohn 1.10 Ioh. 3.19 Christ in these crieth but men regard not Prou. 1.20 c. 5. Wee must take heed that we mistake not and that in two things 1. First about the difference of Christ and all others in teaching 2. About the continuance of this propheticall office Christ teaching in his owne person did excell all other so as wee might truly say who teacheth like him Iob. 36.22 1. For first he taught with more authoritie Matth. 7.29 For hee taught them as one hauing authority and not as the Scribes 2. He teacheth by his spirit not by sound of words onely or by inke and paper 3. He graueth his words not in stone but in the fleshly tables of mens hearts 2. Cor. 3.3 c. And for the continuance of prophecy wee must know that it lasts but for this life for in the other world prophecie shall cease 1. Cor. 13.8 Loue doth neuer fall away though that prophesyings be abolished or the tongues cease or knowledge vanisheth away For instruction and so these principles may teach First all in Generall and so diuers duties 1. First with all carefulnes therefore to heare the voice of Christ Mat. 17.5 Behold there came a voice out of the cloud saying This is my beloued Sonne in whom I am well pleased heare him 2. In all wants to run vnto Christ and pray that he would teach vs Psal. 25.5 Leade mee forth in thy truth and teach me for thou art the God of my saluation In thee doe I trust all the day c. Psalm 143.10 Teach me to doe thy will for thou art my God let thy good Spirit leade mee into the land of righteousnesse 3. But then if wee would euer profit by Christs teaching we must be poore in spirit broken in hart mourne for our sinnes Isaiah 60.1 c. Malach. 3. from the 1. to the 7. And make conscience to leaue all sinne and bee renewed throughout Eph. 4.17 to 23. 4. To loue the house of God where the Son of God exerciseth his prophecying Psalm 84.4.10 Blessed are they that dwell in thine house they will euer praise thee For a day in thy courts is better then a thousand other where I had rather be a doore-keeper in the house of my God then to dwell in the Tabernacles of wickednes Mat. 12.42 We should long for it and call vpon one another Isaiah 2.3 5. To cleaue to the counsels reproofes doctrines and exhortations of Christ in the execution of his office Ioh. 6.68 And to receiue the truth with al ful assurance Heb. 3.6 2. Pet. 1.19 6. Not to be too busie one against another in doubtfull or indifferent things Iam. 4.11.12 There is one Law-giuer which is able to saue and destroy who art thou that iudgest another man Secondly hence Ministers may learne diuers things 1. Not to affect the praise of men for the greatnesse of their gifts or glory of their work They must not be called Rabbi seeing one is their Doctor euen Christ and they haue nothing but what they haue receiued from him Matth. 23.8 But rather learne of Iohn Baptist Iohn 3.30.31 who said He must increase but I must decrease 2. When they discharge their duties not to be affraid of men or to bee ouermuch carefull in their trouble what to speake or doe They should settle this in their hearts for Christ will giue them a mouth and wisdom which all their aduersaries shall not be able to gainsay or resist one haire of their head shall not perish and therefore in patience they should possesse their soules Luke 21.14 to the 20. 3. To be diligent in the execution of their office seeing they must make vp their accounts to Christ whose Embassadours they are and they should speak as the words of Christ and not their owne words Rom. 12.6.7.8 Thirdly here is singular consolation to al the godly from the propheticall office of Christ and that if we consider three things 1. What Christ will teach vs. 2. How he will teach vs. 3. Whom he will teach For the first it may bee an exceeding comfort that God hath giuen vs his Sonne to bee our Prophet for thereby we may bee assured that he will be our counsellor in all estates Isaiah 9.6 Hee will teach vs to profit Isaiah 33.22 And when wee are deiected and broken in heart and mourne for our corruptions hee doth acknowledge it to be a part of his office to apply the Gospell to vs and to proclaime the acceptable yeere of the Lord and to poure vpon vs the oile of gladnesse for the Spirit of heauines For the second Christs teaching is wonderfull comfortable for the Scripture shewes that he will teach vs 1. Freely he will giue vs our teaching hee stands not vpon hire Iohn 17.8 For I haue giuen vnto them the words which thou gauest me c. 2. Powerfully and effectually so as if our harts were dead within vs yet he will reuiue them the dead shall heare his voice Iohn 5.25 3. Familiarly and with great delight as a mother would instruct her childe at home in a chamber Canticles 8.2 4. Fully keeping from vs nothing that may bee needfull for vs hee will teach vs all things Iohn 15.15 Hence forth call I you not seruants for the seruant knoweth not what his Master doth but I haue called you friends for all things that I haue heard of my Father haue I made knowne vnto you Col. 2.3 In whō are hid al the treasures of wisdom and knowledge c. 5. Gloriously and with a maruelous shining light of knowledge that may rauish our harts and much affect vs 2. Cor. 4.6 For God that commanded the light to shine out of darkenesse is he which hath shined in our hearts to giue the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Iesus Christ. 2. Cor. 3.18 But we all behold as in a mirrour the glory of the Lord with open face and are changed into the same image from glory to glory as by the spirit of the Lord. 6. Confidently Hee will so teach vs the truth as hee will bee ready to iustifie it as a neuer failing faithfull and true witnesse Reuel 3.14 And vnto the Angell of the Church of the Laodiceans write These things saith Amen the faithfull and true witnesse the beginning of the creatures of God Isaiah 55.4
learne diuers things First it should teach vs not to mourne immoderatly for the dead since when Christ comes againe he will bring them with him and the earth and seas shall make a true account of their dead in the day of Christ 1. Thes. 4.13.14 Secondly it should teach vs to haue the very body in honor and not to transgresse against it seeing it is redeemed by Christ and shall be raised to immortality at the last day Now men sin against the body 1. When according to the traditions of men and through wil-worship they withhold from the body due sustenance Col. 2.23 2. When men pollute their bodies that should be prepared to immortality with filthinesse such as is whoredome drunkennesse sodomitry and such like abominations 1. Cor. 6.13.14 3. When the bodies of the Saints are not carefully and with meet honour buried or their burying places vnciuilly dis-regarded Thirdly the consideration of this great worke of the resurrection of mens bodies should teach vs to trust God in lesser matters and beleeue his promises though there bee neuer so great vnlikelihood of the accomplishment in respect of outward meanes and appearance Rom. 4.17.18 Fourthly we should especially be careful to get the assurāce that our bodies shall haue a glorious resurrection Act. 24.15 And that we may be so assured 1. Wee must pray God to giue vs his holy spirit as the pledge of it For then if the spirit of Christ be in vs the same spirit that raised Christ will raise vp our naturall bodies at the last day Rom. 8.11 2. Wee must bee sure of the first resurrection that the body be dead in respect of sinne and the soule raised vp to a liuely care of newnesse of life they that haue their part in the first resurrection shall neuer taste of the second death Rom. 6. Reuel 20.6 3. In particular we must bee sure to get faith in Iesus Christ who is the resurrection and the life and in whom whosoeuer beleeueth he shal not die for euer Ioh. 11.25 Fifthly we should resolue to liue like such as beleeue a glorious Resurrection and to this end 1. We should be stedfast and vnmoueable in all conditions of life 1. Cor. 15.58 2. Wee should liue as men deuoted wholy to the seruice of Iesus Christ whose we are both in life and death Rom. 14.7.8 3. We should striue to abound in the worke of the Lord 1. Cor. 15.58 rousing vp our selues to the care of well doing 1. Cor. 15. 34. studying to keepe a conscience void of offence toward God and man Acts 24.16 4. Our minds should run on that time and our conuersation should bee in heauen Philip. 3.20 Thus much of the vses for instruction Thirdly the doctrine of the resurrection hath singular comfort in it and Christians are charged to comfort themselues and one another with these things 1. Thes. 4.18 And Dauid did reioyce and was glad at heart for this reason Psalm 16.9 For that is the time of the refreshing of all Christians Acts 3.19 And so the godly haue been wont to comfort themselues against diuers maladies as 1. Against the paines and tortures of the body so did Iob Iob 19.25.26.27 For I am sure that my Redeemer liueth and he shal stand the last on earth And though after my skin wormes destroy this body yet shall I see God in my flesh Whom I my selfe shall see and mine eies shal behold and none other for me though my reines are consumed within me And so did the godly mentioned Heb. 11.35 The women receiued their dead raised to life other also were racked and would not bee deliuered that they might receiue a better resurrection 2. Against the troubles and generall miseries of this life and so Gods people are comforted Dan. 12.1.2 And at that time shall Michael stand vp the great Prince which standeth for the children of thy people and there shall be a time of trouble such as was neuer since there began to be a nation vnto the same time and at that time thy people shall be deliuered euerie one that shall bee found written in the booke And many of them that sleepe in the dust of the earth shall awake some to euerlasting life and some to shame and perpetuall contempt Isaiah 26.19 Thy dead men shall liue euen with my body shall they rise Awake and sing ye that dwell in dust for thy dew is as the dew of hearbs and the earth shal cast out the dead 3. Against death it selfe and so the Apostle triumphs 1. Cor. 15.55.56.57 O Death where is thy sting O graue where is thy victorie The sting of death is sinne and the strength of sinne is the Law But thankes be vnto God which hath giuen vs victorie through our Lord Iesus Christ. Obiect Now if any aske What in the doctrine of the resurrection should comfort vs in those cases Solut. I answere The consideration of the maruelous glory of our bodies in which they should rise should fill vs with sweet refreshings Phil. 3.21 Who shall change our vile bodie that it may be fashioned like vnto his glorious bodie according to the working wherby he is able to subdue al things vnto himselfe For sixe things shal befall our bodies at that day 1. Immortalitie so as they can neuer die againe 1. Cor. 15.42.43.44.53 2. Incorruptiblenesse they shall neuer be inclined to putrefaction or any corruption 3. Spiritualnesse our bodies shall bee raised spirituall bodies they shall be like spirits as it were and that in diuers respects 1. Because they shall be possessed fully by the Spirit of God so as they shall be both gouerned by the Spirit and be subiect to the Spirit wholly 2. Because they shal liue as the Angels in heauen do without meate or raiment or any other bodily helpes or sustenance 3. Because they shall be for nimblenesse as it were spirits they shall bee able with incredible swiftnesse to passe into all the parts of the world earth or aire c. for they shall meete Christ in the aire 1. Thessal 4.17 4. Power for of bodies full of weakenesse and subiect to many calamities and distresses and paines they shall bee raised in power that is strong able and impassible 5. Perfection for they shall be freed from deformitie vnhandsomnesse maimes lamenesse c. and become most faire and comely neither infancie nor old age hindring them but shall appeare in full age and beautie 6. Shining and splendor as the Sunne or Starres in the Firmament the bodie being clothed with a celestiall glory and diuine light 1. Cor. 15.40 Dan. 12.3 And they that bee wise shall shine as the brightnesse of the Firmament and they that turne many to righteousnesse shal shine as the Starres for euer and euer Matth. 13 43. Then shall the iust men shine as the Sun in the Kingdome of their Father Hee that hath eares to heare let him heare c. And as we may comfort our selues by the meditation of these distinct
which is not manifest in his sight but all things are naked and open vnto his eyes with whom we haue to doe Psal. 113.6 Who abaseth himselfe to behold things in the heauen and in the earth That God vpholds and gouerns disposeth of the world so as al things continue through him Psal. 119.91 They continue euen to this day by thine ordinances for all are thy seruants Iohn 5.17 But Iesus answered them My Father worketh hitherto and I worke Acts 17.25.28 He giueth to all life and breath and all things For in him we liue and moue and haue our being Psal. 104.14.21.27.28.30 Hee causeth grasse to grow for the cattle and hearb for the vse of man that he may bring forth bread out of the earth The Lions rore after their prey and seeke their meate at God All these waite vpon thee that thou maist giue them food in due season Thou giuest it to them and they gather it thou openest thy hand and they are filled with good things Againe if thou send forth thy spirit they are created and thou renewest the face of the earth That this prouidence of God reacheth to all things euen the smallest things are gouerned vpheld by God Rom. 11.36 For of him and through him and for him are all things To him be glory for euer Amen Matth. 10.29.30 Are not two Sparrowes sold for a farthing and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father Yea and all the haires of your head are numbred Psal. 147.8.9.16.17.18 Which couereth the heauen with clouds and prepareth raine for the earth and maketh the grasse to grow vpon the mountaines Which giueth to beasts their food and to the young rauens that crie He giueth snow like wooll and scattereth the hoare frost like ashes He casteth forth his ice like morsels who can abide the cold thereof He sendeth his word and melteth them he causeth his wind to blow and the waters flow That of al creatures God hath most care and respect of man Prou 8.31 And tooke my solace in the compasse of his earth and my delight is with the children of men Psal. 8.3.4 What is man say I that thou art mindfull of him and the sonne of man that thou visitest him 1. Cor. 9.9.10 For it is written in the Law of Moses Thou shalt not mussel the mouth of the oxe that treadeth out the corne doth God take care for oxen Either saith he it not altogether for our sakes for our sakes no doubt it is written that he which eareth should eare in hope and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope That the good or euill which befalles man is not without Gods prouidence Amos 3.6 Or shall a trumpet be blowne in a Citie and the people be not afraid or shall there be euill in a City and the Lord hath not done it That he doth whatsoeuer pleaseth him in heauen and in earth Psal. 115.3 But our God is in heauen he doth whatsoeuer he will Ionah 1.14 For thou O Lord hast done as it pleased thee Eccles. 3.14 I know that whatsoeuer God shall doe it shall bee for euer to it can no man adde and from it can none diminish For God hath done it that they should feare before him That Gods dominion is euerlasting Psalm 146.10 The Lord shall raigne for euer O Sion thy God endureth from generation to generation praise ye the Lord. The vses are For information this is a glorious subiect to meditate of and if wee search into it distinctly there are many things admirable in Gods gouernment as 1 First the vicegerency of Christ his Son Heb. 1.3 Who being the brightnes of the glory the engraued form of his persō bearing vp al things by his mighty word c. 2 Secondly the splendor of the meanes he vseth euen Kings on earth are his seruants Pro. 21.1 The Kings heart is in the hand of the Lord as the riuers of waters he turneth it whithersoeuer it pleaseth him yea Angels in heauen Oh the admirable glory of the gouernmēt of angels in the world as is shadowed out in Ezech. 1.4 to 15. 3 The variety of meanes he hath and can raise euen all the armies in heauen and earth 4 His working somtimes without meanes Genes 2. 5 His working against means sometimes Psalm 105.12 to 16. The Sunne must stand still Fier must not burne the Sea must not drowne c. 6 The extent of his gouernment what a worke to order all things 7 The preseruation of all the sorts of things euen by the word of God By succession perpetuating his creation and supporting all things prouiding daily for them 8 The destruction he makes amongst the creatures Psa. 104.29 By deluge fier sword pestilence tumbling downe Monarchies c Psal. 68.1 9 The ordering of the disorders of the world turning sinne to good as an Apothecary doth poyson and directing euill instruments wicked men to punish the wicked or to correct the godly To see how God lookes one way and they another Nabuchadnezzar intends to satisfie his owne pride reuenge ambition couetousnesse yet God guides it to another vse euen to correct his people which hee sheweth by burning his rod Esa. 10.5.6 Esa. 14.5.6 and 29. and God directs the euill actions of the wicked to a good end so of the Iewes in killing Christ c. 10 But especially his admirable disposing of all things notwithstanding the infinite multitude of all things in the world which is shadowed in the wheeles Ezech 1.15 c. 11 All this to be done without labour or vexation say therfore as Psalm 104.1.24 My soule praise thou the Lord O Lord my God thou art exceeding great thou art clothed with glory and honour O Lord how manifold are thy workes in wisedome hast thou made them all the earth is full of thy riches Psalm 106.2 Who can expresse the noble acts of the Lord or shew forth all his praise 47. Saue vs O Lord our God and gather vs from among the heathen that wee may praise thy holy name and glory in thy praise c. Psal. 107.8 Let them therefore confesse before the Lord his louing kindnesse and his wonderfull works before the sonnes of men 22. And let them offer sacrifice of praise and declare his works with reioycing Psalm 113.2.3.4.5 all the Psalme The second vse is for reproofe and confutation 1 Of such Atheists as say God doth not see or not regard Psal. 94.7 c. Yet they say the Lord shall not see neither will the God of Iacob regard it 2 Of such as acknowledge chance or fortune 3 Of the discontentment that is in man with their condition Dauid calles himselfe a beast for this Psal. 73.22 So foolish was I and ignorant I was a beast before thee an excellent Psalme cleane through 4 Of the security of wicked mē If God gouerne woe to them Psalm 139.7.8 Whither shall they goe from thy spirit or
is the mystery of godlinesse which is God is manifested in the flesh iustified in the spirit c. 1. Ioh. 5.20 But we know that the Sonne of God is come and hath giuen vs a mind to know him which is true and we are in him that is true that is in his son Iesus Christ this same is very God and eternall life 2. By the diuine proprieties giuē vnto him as Eternity Ioh. 1.1 Ioh. 17.5 Omnipotency Ioh. 3.31 Phil. 4.13 Sauiour King of Kings and the like 3. By diuine workes done by him as Creation Coloss. 1.16 Forgiuenesse of sinnes Matth. 9.6 Working of miracles Ioh. 10.25 4. By the diuine honour due vnto him as Adoration Psalm 72.11 Heb. 1.8 and beleeuing in him 5. By the conquest the Gospel hath made in the world 1. Tim. 3.16 and that not by any carnall power Zach. 4.6 6. By the patient suffering of his Saints Reuel 12.11 But they ouercame him by the blood of the Lambe and by the word of their testimony and they loued not their liues vnto the death c. But why was it needfull hee should be God For two causes chiefly 1. The one was the greatnes of our euill which no creature could take off vs viz. 1. the grieuousnesse of our sinnes 2. The immense intolerable waight of Gods anger 3. The Empire of death 4. The tyranny of the diuell 2. The other was the greatnes of our good which none but God could restore viz. 1. An obedience to iustifie many 2. The image of God 1. Cor. 1.30 Colos. 3.10 If our Sauiour be the sonne of God yea God himselfe that holds it no robbery to be equall with God Then it may first serue for humiliation and so 1. To the world In which this glorious light hath risen and yet their darknesse comprehended it not Ioh. 1.5.10 To the very godly because they are not so affected as may become this maruellous glory of the Sonne of God it should much abase vs that we haue not thoughts and affections to take that notice wee should of this Sonne of righteousnesse so gloriously in the Gospell shining amongst vs we doe not receiue him conceiue of him as this doctrine teacheth vs how often hath he come amongst his owne and his owne receiued him not Ioh. 1.11 For instruction and so it should worke in vs 1. Illumination to see the greatnesse of the mistery of godlines that tels vs of God manifested in the flesh 1. Tim. 3.16 Our eyes should in this point receiue sight and clearing This doctrine should shine in our hearts as the Sunne in the firmament wee should neuer rest informing our selues heerein and praying for discerning till after much neglect and vnbeleefe past we could say with Thomas My Lord and my God Matth. 16.16 Ioh. 20.28 This is the rocke vpon which the Church is built 2. The estimation of his sufferings for vs this blood of the new Testament was the blood of God Act. 20.28 3. The celebratiō of his praises is God ouer all then let him be blessed for euermore Rom. 9.5 Of whom are the fathers and of whom concerning the flesh Christ came who is God ouer all blessed for euer Amen 4. The adoration of his person when God brings forth his onely begotten Sonne let all the Angels of heauen worship him Heb. 1.4 5. Faith this should make vs beleeue in him and relie vpon the sufficiency of the redemption in him yea we should neuer rest till we know him and that we are in him For this is eternall life Ioh. 1.7 The same came for a witnesse to beare witnesse of the light that all men through him might beleeue 1. Ioh. 5.20 But we know that the Sonne of God is come and hath giuen vs a mind to know him which is true and wee are in him that is true that is in the Sonne Iesus Christ the same is very God and eternall life The consideration of the diuinity of Christ should wonderfully comfort vs so it is vsed in diuers Scriptures For if he be God thē he is ful of grace to supply our wants Ioh. 1.14.16 He is infinite in righteousnes to iustifie vs Ierem. 23.6 The gouernment being on his sholders he will euer bee knowne to bee wonderfull as a Counsellor to direct vs as a mighty God to defend vs as an euerlasting father to loue vs and pity vs and spare vs and beare with our infirmities as a Prince of peace to preserue vs in our reconciliation with God and to fill vs with peace that passeth all vnderstanding and that we may not doubt of perseuerance the Prophet assures vs that of the encrease of his gouernment and peace there shall be no end for he will order vs and establish vs henceforth and for euer CHAP. XIII Of Christs humanity HItherto of the diuine nature of Christ There are foure principles concerning the humane nature of Christ the one concernes the matter the other three concerne the manner 1. The first that the Sonne of God was incarnate did assume the true nature of man and was a very man amongst vs Ioh. 1.1 In the beginning was the word and the word was with God and that word was God 14. And the word was made flesh and dwelt among vs and we saw the glory thereof as the glory of the only begotten Sonne of the Father full of grace and truth Hebr. 2.14 For as much then as the children were partakers of flesh and blood he also himselfe likewise tooke part with them 16. For hee in no sort tooke the Angels but hee tooke the seed of Abraham 2. That hee was not conceiued as other men but by the holy Ghost Luk. 1.35 And the Angell answered and said vnto her the holy Ghost shall come vpon thee and the power of the most high shall ouershadow thee therefore also that holy thing which shall bee borne of thee shall be called the Son of God Mat. 1.20 Feare not to take Mary for thy wife for that which is conceiued in her is of the holy Ghost 3. That hee was borne of a Virgin Esa. 7.14 Therefore the Lord himselfe will giue you a signe behold the Virgin shall conceiue and beare a Sonne and she shall call his name Emmanuel Matth. 1.18 Now the birth of Iesus Christ was thus when as his mother Mary was betrothed to Ioseph before they came together she was found with child of the holy Ghost Genes 3.15 I will also put enmity betweene thee and the woman and betweene thy seed and her seed hee shall breake thine head and thou shalt bruise his heele 4. That his humane nature did subsist in the diuine nature and so both made but one person Colos. 2.9 For in him dwelleth all the fulnesse of the God-head bodily Luk. 1.35 And the Angel answered and said vnto her The holy Ghost shall come vpon thee and the power of the most high shal ouershadow thee therefore also that holy thing which shall be borne of thee
hee accomplished and proclaimed in his resurrection from the dead For the second the Regall glory of Christ consisted in two things the first was the glorification of his humane nature And the second was his triumph ouer his enemies The glorificatiō of his humane nature contained 1. the deposition of all the infirmities accompanying our nature which hee vndertooke for our sakes so as now hee ceased to hunger or thirst or bee weary or feele any paine or griefe nor could he suffer any more or die 2. The perfecting of his humane nature with all the degrees of celestiall gifts and endowments could possibly befall a created nature both in body and mind His very body was glorified surpassing the Sunne in the firmament for splendor and brightnesse Now for the triumph of Christ he acted it two waies 1. In those frequent manifestations after his resurrection for the 40. dayes hee was pleased to abide on earth 2. In that most glorious ascension riding in the chariot of triumph vp into heauen leading with him captiuity captiue The third thing is his taking possession of his kingdome and this he did when he sat downe at the right hand of the Maiesty of God and was exalted aboue all that is named and had power ouer all things giuen him of his Father The fourth thing is his administration of the kingdome of which hee is now possest and this hath in it foure things 1. The calling and gathering together both of Iewes and Gentiles belonging to the election of God Rom. 8.30 Ephes. 4.11 12. Esa. 11.11.12 2. The prescribing of lawes as the onely law-giuer of the Church and this he doth when hee propoundeth vnto his subiects the rules both of beleeuing and liuing by the word and ministry of the same adding thereunto the work of the Spirit writing his lawes vpon their hearts Iam. 4.12 Ier. 31.33 2. Cor. 3. 17.18 3. The donation of gifts inabling men to the Kingdome of God Ephes. 4.8 Philip. 1.29 4. The execution of Iustice and so he doth iustice 1. Amongst his owne subiects and so he doth them Iustice 1. In iustifying them from their sins in acquitting them and pronouncing them absolued from all the sentences of Gods iustice giuen out against them 2. By distributing rewards among them both in spirituall and temporall things 3. By keeping them in their bonds and preseruing them in the feare of God and a iust course of life 2. Against his enemies whom he either restraines or subdues hee restraines them by setting them their bounds which they may not passe by infatuating their counsels and by being a wall of brasse about his owne He subdues them either by conuerting them and so making them come in and doe him homage or else by confounding them which he begins partly by outward iudgements partly by induration as deliuering them vp to a reprobate sense and accomplishing it in their miserable ends casting them into vtter darkenesse This administration of his kingdome he executes partly in this life and partly in the world to come the one is his kingdom of grace the other of glory what is but begun here is fully made compleate in that other world The Vses of the Regall office of Christ follow And those are partly for Instruction partly for Consolation First for Instruction and wee should learne 1. To ascribe all glory and dominion to him for euer wee should so admire the greatnesse and maiesty of our King as our hearts should bee most affectionately moued to his continuall praises Let the people praise thee O God yea let all the people praise thee O sing praises to our God sing praises sing praises with vnderstanding Psal. 47.6.7 Reuel 1.5 Reuel 5.12.13.14 Saying with a loud voice Worthie is the Lambe that was killed to receiue power and riches and wisdome and strength and honour and glory and praise And all the creatures which are in heauen and on the earth and vnder the earth and in the sea and all that are in them heard I saying Praise and honour and glory and power be vnto him that sitteth vpon the throne and vnto the Lambe for euermore c. And to this end wee should learne 2. To pray that God would giue vs the spirit of wisdome and reuelation that the eies of our vnderstanding may bee enlightned to discerne the working of his mighty power which hee wrought in Christ when he raised him from the dead and set him at his owne right hand in heauenly places farre aboue all principalities and powers and euery name that is named not onely in this world but also in that which is to come hath put all things vnder his feete and made him head ouer all things belonging to the Church Ephes. 1.17 to the end And with all we should stirre vp our selues 3. To pray daily that his kingdome may come that the people that yet are in darkenesse may be conuerted and that his glory may shine more and more in those that haue submitted themselues to his Scepter and to this end that the ordinances of his kingdome especially the preaching of the Gospell may run with power and mightily conquer and enlarge the bounds of his kingdome and that all opposite kingdomes may be subuerted as is that of Anti-Christ especially that his kingdome of glory may be hastened vpon vs. And for our owne parts wee should euery one be ready 4. To send our Lamb to the Ruler of the earth Isai. 16.1 to tender our homage and offer our seruice testifie our aleageance with all humilitie and thankefulnesse vnto this King of Kings the Lord our mighty Redeemer and throughout the course of our liues 5. To bow at the name of Iesus and to feare him that is a great King aboue all gods and hath a name aboue all names to confesse his soueraigntie and submit to his gouernment and to tremble before him and to thinke of him with all reuerence Phil. 2.9.10 11. Psalm 2.10.11 6. And to come willingly at all the times of the publike assembly of his armies in holy beauty we should all flock to the colours of the King and neuer giue ouer the care of assembling our selues in the courts of our God but with al gladnesse go vp to the house of the Lord the courts of the King the place of his holy presence where he sits in his throne amongst vs Ps. 110.3 7. To seeke to Christ in al our necessities seeing hee is so exalted that now he is able to help vs in all times of need according to the riches of his glory 8. To be tender and zealous for the glory and honor of Christ shall not our hearts rise at the dishonour of our King 9. To obserue whatsoeuer he commands in nothing refusing him that speaketh from heauen Mat. 28.20 Teaching them to obserue all things whatsoeuer I haue commanded you c. Heb. 12.25 See that ye despise not him that speaketh for if they escaped not which refused him that spake on
is impossible to please God Heb. 11.6 Wee should neuer rest till wee could say it is the Lord our righteousnesse Ier. 23.6 We are vndone if we haue not such a faith as will iustifie vs. Quest. Tell vs distinctly what wee must doe about beleeuing which being done wee may bee sure we are iustified Solut. First thou must beleeue that Iesus of Nazareth is the promised Messias and the very Son of God Matth. 16.16 1. Iohn 4.15 Whosoeuer confesseth that Iesus is the Sonne of God in him dwelleth God and he is in God Secondly thou must rest vpon the passion and obedience of Iesus Christ as the onely sufficient meanes of thy happinesse receiuing the promises that declare thy liberty so to doe Rom. 4.23 24. Rom. 5.17 Thirdly thou must in thy praiers present Christ to God and make it knowne as a couenant of thy heart that thou doest relie vpon him onely and so giue glory to God against the feare of the Law sinne death and hell Fourthly thou must resolue to rest in this course and neuer to depart from thy confidence herein thus the iust must liue by their faith Thus of the third vse Fourthly we should bee stirred vp to shew forth daily the vse and power and truth of our iustification by the effects of it which we should striue to stirre vp in vs as namely wee should shew that we are iustified 1. By confirming our consciences in peace and tranquillitie 2. By going boldly to God and the throne of his grace as knowing in how much grace we stand with God 3. By comforting our selues in the hope of glory as knowing that we are heires of the world 4. By glorying in tribulation being neuer ashamed of our faith and hope Rom. 5.1.2.3.4.5 c. 5. The doctrine of our free iustification should teach vs to carie our selues with all compassion and meekenes toward other men that yet liue in their sins for we were such as they once till the grace of God appeared without any desert of ours Titus 3.1.2.3.4.5 c. Put them in remembrance that they be subiect to the principalities and powers and that they bee obedient and readie to euery good worke That they speake euill of no man that they be no fighters but soft shewing all meekenesse vnto all men For we our selues were in times past vnwise disobedient deceiued seruing the lusts and diuers pleasures liuing in maliciousnesse and enuie hatefull and hating one another c. 6. We should bee carefull of good workes to free the glorious doctrine of liberty from the aspersions of euill men and to shew our thankfulnesse to God and the truth of our faith Rom. 3.31 Doe we then make the law of none effect through faith God forbid yea we establish the law Iam. 2. the latter part of the Chapter Tit. 3.7.8 That we being iustified by his grace should bee made heires according to the hope of eternall life This is a true saying and these things I will thou shouldest affirme that they which haue beleeued in God might be carefull to shew forth good workes c. 7. This should make vs for euer to iudge of mens worth by their faith and to say Oh he or she is blessed that beleeued and to account highly of poore Christians that are rich in faith 8. For euer while we liue we should glory not in our selues but in the Lord acknowledging whatsoeuer we are we are by the grace of God 1. Cor. 1.31 That according as it is written He that reioyceth let him reioyce in the Lord c. Rom. 3.27 Where is then the reiâ—ycing It is excluded by what law of workes Nay but by the law of faith c. Secondlâ— this doctrine should worke in vs much consolation euen life from the dead Iustification is called iustification of life Rom. 5.18 It should quicken vs aboue many other doctrines and the rather if we consider 1. That in Christ there is a daily propitiation for all our sins Rom. 3.25 1. Ioh. 2.2 Hee will see our filthy garments taken off vs and clothe vs with change of raiment Zach. 3.3.4 2. That the very blessing of Abraham comes vpon vs we are heires of the world as well as hee Galath 3.9 They which bee of faith are blessed with faithfull Abraham Rom. 4.11.12 3. That though this be clogged with a condition of beleeuing yet wee are not excepted but may lawfully rest vpoÌ„ Christ yea wee are commanded to beleeue 1. Ioh. 3.23 This is then his commandement that wee beleeue in the name of his Sonne Iesus Christ c. Yea God doth beseech vs to be reconciled 2. Cor. 5.20 Now then are wee Embassadours for Christ as though God did beseech you through vs wee pray you in Christs stead that ye be reconciled to God c. 4. That this beleeuing in Christ makes vs accounted as righteous as euer Adam was or we could haue been if wee had kept the morall law and God is as well pleased with vs our faith is accounted for righteousnesse and in stead of it Rom. 4.5 But to him that worketh not but beleeueth in him that iustifieth the vngodly his faith is counted for righteousnesse 5. That we may from hence gather also assurance of raigning with God in another world as the Apostle shewes Rom. 5.9 10.11 Much more then being now iustified by his blood we shall bee saued from wrath through him For if when we were enemies wee were reconciled to God by the death of his Sonne much more being reconciled wee shall bee saued by his life 17. For if by the offence of one death raigned through one much more shall they which receiue the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousnes raign in life through one that is Iesus Christ. Rom. 8.30 Whom he iustified them also he glorified c. 6. Lastly that nothing shall separate vs from this loue of God no accusation shall bee receiued against vs Rom. 8.33.34 35. Thirdly this may serue for great reproofe 1. First for the neglect of faith in many oh who hath bewitched thee that thou shouldest not beleeue why will yee still bee shut vp and liue vnder the curse Galath 3.1 O foolish Galathians who hath bewitched you 10. As many as are vnder the workes of the law are vnder the curse c. 23. Before faith came wee were kept vnder the law shut vp c. 2. Of the most of vs for leaning still too much to our owne workes we can hardly tell how in our either glorying or grieuing to quit our selues from the infection of pleading merit of workes 3. Of many deare seruants of God for their slothfulnesse and miserable neglect of the assurance of faith resting still in their weaknesse of faith and not striuing to be fully perswaded CHAP. XXV Of Sanctification 1. Thes. 4.4 For this is the will of God euen your sanctification HItherto of Iustification Sanctification followes Concerning Sanctification there are these principles 1. That whom God iustifieth
vngodly among them Rom. 14.9 For Christ therefore died and rose againe and reuiued that he might bee Lord both of the dead and the quicke c. 2. Cor. 5.10 For we must all appeare before the iudgement seate of Iesus Christ c. Ro. 14.10 We shall all appeare before the iudgmeÌ„t seat of Iesus Christ. Psalm 9.8 For hee shall iudge the world Obiect All men are beleeuers or vnbeleeuers now the beleeuers shall not come vnto iudgement as appeares Ioh. 5.24 Verily verily I say vnto you he that heareth my word and beleeueth in him that sent me hath euerlasting life and shall not come into condemnation but hath passed from death vnto life And the vnbeleeuer is condemned already Ioh. 3.18 He that beleeueth not is condemned already Solution The beleeuer shall not come into the iudgement of condemnation and the vnbeleeuer is condemned already in effect and substance 1. In the counsell of God 2. In the word of God 3. In his owne conscience but yet the manifestation and finishing of this iudgement remaines vnto the last day Fourthly all the secret things of mens natures or workes shall be brought to light Luk. 8.17 For nothing is secret that shall not be euident neither any thing hid that shall not be knowne and come to light 1. Cor. 4.5 Therefore iudge nothing before the time vntill the Lord come who will lighten things that are hid in darknesse and make the counsels of the heart manifest Rom. 2.16 At that day God shall iudge the secrets of men by Iesus Christ. And therefore called a day of reuelation or declaration Rom. 2.5 Fifthly it shall bee at the last day but the precise day and houre is not knowne to any men or Angels the proofe for the like principle concerning the resurrection serues for this place Mat. 24.36 Sixthly the iudgement shall be most iust and righteous and all shall confesse it Rom. 14.10 But why dost thou iudge thy brother or why dost thou despise thy brother for we shall all appeare bofore the iudgement seat of Christ. 2. Tim. 4.8 For henceforth is laid vp for me the crowne of righteousnesse which the Lord the righteous iudge shall giue me at that day and not to me onely but vnto all them also which loue his appearing c. Rom. 2.5 But thou after thine hardnesse hart that canot repent heapest vnto thy selfe wrath against the day of wrath and of the declaration of the iust iudgement of God Psalm 9.8 For he shall iudge the world with righteousnesse and shall iudge the people with equitie Seuenthly the iudgement shall bee according to mens workes 2. Cor. 5.10 Euery man shall receiue the things which are done in his body according to that he hath done whether it be good or euill c. Rom. 2.6 Who will reward euery man according to his workes Obiect Wee are iustified by faith alone without workes Solution 1. Workes are inquired after in the last iudgement as the signes of faith and vnbeleefe Sol. 2. We are iustified by faith onely but shall bee iudged by faith and workes both together For that iudgement doth not serue to make men iust that are vniust but only to manifest them to be so indeed which were so in this life being truly iustified The consideration whereof should serue for diuers vses and first for instruction and so it should teach vs First in generall speedily to repent vs of our sinnes and it should stirre vs to all possible care of holy life and to the loue of all well doing by which our reckoning might then bee furthered Act. 17.31 2. Pet. 3.11 Seeing therfore that all these things must bee dissolued what manner persons ought ye to be in holy conuersation and godlinesse 14. Wherfore beloued seeing you look for such things be diligent that yee may bee found of him in peace without spot and blamelesse Philip. 1.10 That ye may discerne things that differ one from another that yee may bee pure and without offence vntill the day of Christ. Tit. 2.12.13 And teacheth vs that wee should denie vngodlinesse and worldly lusts and that we should liue sâ—berly and â—ighteously and godly in this present world Looking for the blessed hope and appearing of the glory of the mighty God and of our Sauiour Iesus Christ. Secondly in particular it should teach vs 1. Not to doate vpon earthly things seeing they must all bee consumed in that day in the fier 2. To bee patient vnder all wrongs seeing wee are assured there shal be vengeance rendred at that day 2. Thes. 1.5.6.7 Iam. 5.6.7 Phil. 4.5 Thirdly to take heed of rashnesse in iudging other men and men offend in censuring 1. When they inflict censures and meddle ouer busily or curiously with them that bee without 1. Cor. 5.12 For what haue I to do to iudge them which are without 2. When men speake euill of that which is good and call good euill Esa. 5.20 Woe vnto them that speake good of euill and euill of good which put darknes for light and light for darknes that put bitter for sweet sweet for sowre 3. WheÌ„ men iudge of things doubtfull as the hiddeÌ„ things of the heart the secret things of darknes 1. Cor. 4.5 Therefore iudge nothing before the time vntill the Lord come who wil lighteÌ„ things that are hid in darknes and make the couÌ„sels of the hart manifest And censure things in the worst sense 4. When men vncharitably censure others about things indifferent Rom. 14.3.4 Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not and let not him which eateth not iudge him that eateth for God hath receiued him 4. Who art thou that condemnest another mans seruant he standeth or falleth to his owne master yea he shall be established for God is able to make him stand c. 13. Let vs not therefore iudge one another any more but vse your iudgement rather in this that no man put an occasion to fall or a stumbling blocke before his brother 5. When men commit what they condemne Rom. 2.1.2 Therefore thou art inexcusable O man whosoeuer thou art that iudgest for in that thou iudgest another thou condemnest thy selfe for thou that iudgest dost the same things But we know that the iudgement of God is according to truth against them which commit such things Or being guilty of greater faults condemne others for lesser Mat. 7.1.2.3 Iudge not that ye bee not iudged And why seest thou the mote that is in thy brothers eye and perceiuest not the beame that is in thine owne eye c. 6. When men make a fault worse then it is Fourthly it should strike a feare into our hearts concerning God and his dreadfull Maiesty and Iustice and make vs afraid to offend him and seeke by all meanes to glorifie him whatsoeuer become of vs and the world Reuel 14.7 Saying with a loud voice feare God and giue glory to him for the houre of his iudgement is come and worship him that made heauen and earth
Gospell 2. Thes. 1.8 In flaming fier rendring vengeance vnto them that doe not know God and which obey not vnto the Gospell of our Lord Iesus Christ. And thus for terrour Lastly the doctrine of the last iudgement should be exceeding comfortable to al the godly and that in many respects First if they shall consider who shall be their Iudge euen he that is their brother husband aduocate head and redeemer hee that was iudged for their sakes and therefore they neede to feare no hard sentence from him Secondly if they consider the present assurance of hope For first hath not Christ giuen them many promises that it shal goe well with them at that day 2. Hath not Christ iustified them already and absolued thē from all their sinnes Rom. 3.24.25 3. Haue they not receiued the earnest of the spirit and the seale of the Sacraments 2. Cor. 1.21.22 2. Cor. 5.5 4. Haue they not iudged themselues and therefore are they not free from condemnation with the world 1. Cor. 11.31.32 5. They haue been iudged already the afflictions of this life will be accounted sufficient vnto them 1. Pet. 4.17 They may trust their soules to God and that God that hath begun his good worke in them will performe it till the day of Christ Philip. 1.5.6 1. Cor. 1.8 Thirdly if they consider the benefits they shall attaine vnto at that day for Christ will bee made maruellous in all them that beleeue 2. Thes. 1.10 They shall haue honour and praise their innocency shall be cleared and their miseries and sinnes ended And when Christ shall appeare then shall we also appeare with him in glory Colos. 3.4 Fourthly if they consider the circumstances of the Iudgment as 1. The neernesse of the time should make them hold vp their heads Matth. 24.22.33 Philip. 4.5 Let your patient mind be knowne vnto all men the Lord is at hand Iam. 5.8 Be ye also patient therfore and settle your hearts for the comming of the Lord draweth neere 2. The greatnesse of the assembly before whom they shall bee so much graced by Christ they shall be honoured before all men and Angels 3. The condition of the sentence it shall be a finall sentence neuer to bee reuoked but acknowledged to all eternity 4. And besides they shall haue this fauour that nothing shall bee remembred but goodnesse in good men their sinnes shall not bee mentioned vnto them Matth. 25. CHAP. XXVIII Of the glory of heauen 1. Cor. 2.9 But as it is written The things which eye hath not seene neither eare hath heard neither came into mans heart are which God hath prepared for them that loue him HItherto of the principles that concerne the resurrection the last iudgement The principles that concerne the glory of heauen follow There are foure principles concerning the glory of heauen The first concernes the greatnesse of it It is vnspeakable and in respect of vs heere on earth incomprehensible 1. Cor. 2.9 as in the beginning 1. Ioh. 3.2 Dearly beloued now are we the sonnes of God but yet it doth not appeare what we shall bee and we know that when we shall appeare we shall be like him for wee shall see him as he is Colos. 3.3.4 For yee are dead and your life is hid with Christ in God When Christ which is our life shall appeare then shall wee also appeare with him in glory 2. Cor. 12.4 How that hee was taken vp into Paradise and heard words which cannot bee spoken which are not possible for man to vtter Reuel 2.17 Let him that hath an eare heare what the spirit saith vnto the Churches to him that ouercommeth will I giue to eate of the manna that is hid and will giue him a white stone and in the stone a new name written which no man knoweth sauing he that receiueth it Psal. 16.11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life in thy presence is the fulnesse of ioy and at thy right hand there are pleasures for euermore Psalm 31.19 How great is thy goodnesse which thou hast laid vp for them that feare thee and done to them that trust in thee euen before the sonnes of men The second concernes the continuance of it and so it is eternall and therefore is this life called eternall life and immortality Matthew 25. vers 46. And these shall goe into euerlasting paine and the righteous into life eternall 2. Timoth. 1.10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Sauiour Iesus Christ who hath abolished death and hath brought life and immortality vnto light through the Gospell 1. Pet. 1.4 To an inheritance immortall and vndefiled and that fadeth not away reserued in heauen for you c. 2. Cor. 5.1 For wee know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle be destroyed we haue a building giuen of God that is an house not made with hands but eternall in the heauens The third concernes the cause of it Heauen is the gift of God and proceeds onely from his free grace and not for any merit in vs Luk. 12.32 Feare not little flocke for it is your Fathers pleasure to giue you a kingdome Titus 3.4 But when the bountifulnesse and loue of God our Sauiour toward man appeared not for our righteousnesse but according to his mercy he saued vs c. Ioh. 3.16 For God so loued the world that he hath giuen his onely begotten Sonne that whosoeuer beleeueth in him should not perish but haue euerlasting life Rom. 6.23 For the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternall life through Iesus Christ our Lord c. 1. Pet. 1. all the chapter The fourth concernes the persons that shall enioy it the elect of God onely obtaine this glory 1. Cor. 15.50 c. This say I brethren that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdome of God neither doth corruption inherit incorruption Reuel 21.27 And there shall enter into it none vncleane thing neither whatsoeuer worketh abomination or lies but they which are written in the Lambes booke of life 1. Cor. 6.9 Know ye not that the vnrighteous shall not inherit the kingdome of God be not deceiued Neither fornicators nor Idolaters nor adulterers nor wantons nor buggeres c. Rom. 2.7 That is to them which by continuance in well doing seeke glory and honour and immortality eternall life 10. But to euery man that doth good shall be glory and honour and peace to the Iew first and also to the Grecian The vses follow and are either for instruction or for consolation First for instruction and then the doctrine of the glory of heauen should worke diuers impressions vpon our hearts 1. We should with all earnestnesse importune God to enable vs to behold by the effectualnesse of contemplation the greatnesse of that felicity is prouided for vs in heauen wee are naturally extreamly vnable for the contemplation of it wee should beseech God by his spirit to force open our eyes and make vs able to stand and gaze with admiration at
the glory to come Ephes. 1.18.19 Rom. 5.2.3 2. Our hearts should be fiered with an ardency of desire and endeauour to praise the glorious and free grace of God which hath without our deserts appointed vs vnto such glory wee can neuer walke worthy of heauen till wee be fitted to a daily and affectionate praise of Gods loue to vs therin All ages should stand and wonder at such rich grace and tender kindnesse of God in Iesus Christ Ephes. 1.6 Ephes. 2.7 Thirdly it should raise vp in vs a wonderfull estimation of the godly who are therfore the onely excellent Ones because as princes of God they are borne heires to so great a Kingdome No meanesse of their outward condition should abate of our reuerence to them that are so rich in faith and heires of such glorie c. Psalm 6.3 Iames 2.5 And seeing we must liue with them for euer we should choose them as the most happie companions of our liues here and receiue them as Christ receiued vs to glorie Rom. 15.7 1. Ioh. 4.7.17 c. And liue in all peace with them Ephes. 4.23 And for this reason husbands should make much of their godly wiues as heires with them of the same grace of God 1. Peter 3.8 And Masters should vse with all respect their religious seruants knowing that of the Lord their verie seruants shall receiue the reward of inheritance Colos. 3.23.24 Fourthly it should exceedingly raise the price of godlines and make vs with all heartie affection deuote our selues to weldoing seeing there is such an vnualuable gaine ariseth vnto such as with patience and painefulnesse continew in doing good wee should be abundant in the worke of the Lord if for no reason yet because of the great reward in heauen 1. Cor. 15.58 Rom. 2.7.10 Fifthly it should make vs to take off our affections from the World with disdaine and indignation at our selues for being so foolish as to settle our hearts on things below And since necessitie enioynes vs to vse the world this religious hope should make vs vse it as if wee vsed it not expressing all sobrietie and temperance and contempt of those transitory things and setting our hearts there where those matchlesse treasures are What profit is it to win all this World if our soules bee shut out of Heauen and what losse can it be if wee loose this World and find our right vnto the World to come This doctrine should make vs feelingly know and professe our selues to bee strangers and pilgrims here to desire to be no other then such as long to be absent from hence that we may bee present with the Lord in this glorie 1. Cor. 7.31 Col. 3.1.2 1. Pet. 1.13 Matth. 6.19.20 Matth 16.25.26 Heb. 11.13 2. Cor. 5.6 Sixthly we should be especially carefull to be all that that is required vnto eternall life And so in generall we must be sure wee bee borne againe else Christ is peremptory wee cannot enter into the Kingdome of heauen Ioh. 3.5 Heauen is an inheritance and therefore we must first be sonnes That glory must penetrate into our hearts by the beames of it so as we be changed from glorie to glorie 2. Corint 3.18 Wee must enter into the first degree of eternall life and that is in this life we must beare the image of Christ. And in particular we must distinctly looke to these things 1. We must be carefull to be prouided of the meanes to teach vs the way to heauen we must labour for the meat that endureth to eternall life Iohn 6.27 As knowing that the preaching of the Gospell is the power of God to saluation Rom. 1.16 Rom. 10.14 2. We must seriously studie the mysteries of this Kingdome and keep our selues close to profitable things which may edifie vs Matth. 13.11 Titus 3.8.9 3. We must purge our selues as he is pure we must seriously and soundly imploy our selues in the duties of mortification of our corruptions 1. Iohn 3.3 And euerie man thaâ— hath this hope in him purgeth himselfe as he is pure c. 4. We must be sure that the tempter deceiue vs not in our faith for that is our euidence for those things which are not seene and that makes them as it were present Heb. 11.1 Now faith is the ground of things which are hoped for and the euidence of things which are not seene 1. Thes. 3.5 Euen for this cause when I could no longer forbeare I sent him that I might know of your faith lest the tempter had tempted you in any sort and that our labour had been in vaine 1 Pet. 1.7 That the triall of your faith being much more precious then gold that perisheth though it be tried with fier might be found vnto your praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Iesus Christ. 2. Cor. 13.5 Proue your selues whether you are in the faith examine your selues know yee not your owne selues how that Iesus Christ is in you except you be reprobates For by faith Christ liues in vs Gal. 2.20 5. We must be sure wee bee not ashamed of Christ in this World and that we doe not denie him here on earth but contrariwise Matth. 10.32 Whosoeuer therefore shall confesse mee before men him will I confesse also before my Father which is in heauen Vers. 33. But whosoeuer shall deny me before men him will I also denie before my Father which is in heauen 6. Wee must get the earnest of this inheritance which is the spirit of promise for that will stablish vs Ephes. 1.14 2. Cor. 1.22.23 For when God giues glorie in heauen then the spirit of glorie rests vpon men in this life 1. Pet. 4.14 And the spirit is our earnest either by anointing vs with sauing grace for they assure vs as infallibly of this kingdom as the oile poured on the Kings did assure them of their Kingdome or by refreshing and satisfying our hearts in hearing the promises or receiuing the Sacraments or answering our prayers But in all this we must remember these things 1. To do this worke first first seeke the Kingdom of God Mat. 6.33 deferre not the time to the last gaspe 2. To doe it constantly Let him that is righteous be righteous still Reuel 22. 3. Praying in the holy Ghost and keeping our selues in the loue of God Iude 20.21 4. To doe it violently Heauen shoul suffer violence Matth. 11.12 5. To doe it humbly renouncing all our owne merits and ascribing all to the free grace of God and the merits of Iesus Christ Rom. 6.23 Ephes. 2.8.9 For heauen is an inheritance and therefore comes by fauour not by purchase and besides we are adopted children too and not naturall 6. Hauing finished al things to stand fast and hope perfectly for the grace of God to bee brought vnto vs at the reuelation of Iesus Christ 1. Pet. 1.13 Secondly these principles may serue for singular consolation and so 1. Against the instabilitie of this present life while wee looke vpon our abiding Citie in
and not to mee onely but vnto all them also that loue his appearing Reuel 21.24 And the people which are saued shall walke in the light of it and the Kings of the earth shall bring their glory and honour vnto it Which as it imports a perfection of splendor in euery Saint so it doth not dissolue the degrees or orders of glory euery man shall bee aduanced in his owne lot Dan. 12.13 But goe thou thy way till the end be for thou shalt rest and stand vp in thy lot at the end of the dayes 1. Cor. 15.40 There are also heauenly bodies and earthly bodies but the glory of the heauenly is one and the glory of the earthly is another Patriarches Prophets Euangelists Martyrs shall not want their eminency in heauen The fourth is dominion and rule ouer all creatures that which we lost in Adam shall be perfectly restored in heauen after the last iudgement Reuel 2.26 For hee that ouercommeth and keepeth my words vnto the end to him will I giue power ouer nations The fifth is possession of all the pleasures which are at Gods right hand vnutterable ioyes riuers of pleasures This is that which in a sparing language is called the time of refreshing Act. 3.19 Amend your liues therefore and turne that your sinnes may be put away when the time of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord. Psalm 16.11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life in thy presence is the fulnesse of ioy and at thy right hand there are pleasures for euermore For if the ioy of the godly in this life be called 1. Pet. 1.17 A ioy vnspeakable and glorious And if the Lord giue them drink out of the riuer of thy pleasures in this world as Psal. 36.8.9 How much more shall it exceed all language in heauen called the masters ioy The felicities which I haue here mentioned are for the most part common both to soule and body Now there is a peculiar felicity in heauen belonging to the bodies of men which consists in that maruellous transfiguration of them to a condition in respect of qualities farre aboue what they are or can be in this world Our bodies in generall shall be made like the glorious body of Christ though on earth they are but vile Philip. 3.21 Who shall change our vile body that it may be fashioned like vnto his glorious body according to the working wherby hee is able euen to subdue all things vnto himselfe They shall enioy eternall health but of the glory of the body I haue entreated before in the vse of the doctrine of the Resurrection Thus of the parts of this glory The Adiuncts of it follow And so there bee foure things in the consideration of the glory to come should much affect vs. First that it is a glory vnspeakable that is it is so great that no language on earth can describe it For though we mention those foresaid parts of it yet our narrow hearts and mouthes are infinitely straitned in comparison of the full glory of man in these things 1 Cor. 2.9 But as it is written The things which eye hath not seene neither eare hath heard neither came into mans heart are which God hath prepared for them that loue him c. Secondly that it is certaine and we cannot be disappointed of it else it were vncomfortable to heare of so much felicitie and holinesse and yet not bee sure to possesse it The certaintie of it that God will bestow such glory may appeare diuers waies 1. There is an act or ordinance for it in Gods eternall Counsell 2. Tim. 2.19 But the foundation of God remaineth sure and hath this seale The Lord knoweth who are his and Let euery one that calleth on the name of Christ depart from iniquitie Ephes. 1.4 As he hath chosen vs in him before the foundation of the world that wee should bee holy and without blame before him in loue Rom. 8.30 Moreouer whom he predestinate them also he called and whom he called them also he iustified and whom hee iustified them he also glorified Matth. 25.34 Come ye blessed of my Father inherit ye the Kingdome prepared for you from the foundations of the world 2. Christ purchased it with his blood Ephes. 1.14 3. Christ hath made intercession when he was on earth vnto his Father that hee might haue his redeemed Ones to be where he is Iohn 17.11 And now am I no more in the world but these are in the world and I come to thee holy Father keepe them in thy name Vers. 24. Father I will that they which thou hast giuen mee bee with me euen where I am that they may behold my glory which thou hast giuen me for thou louedst me before the foundation of the world 4. God hath made vs many promises and giuen vs not onely his word but his oth to assure it vnto vs Heb. 6.17 So God willing more abundantly to shew vnto the heires of promise the stablenesse of his Counsell bound himselfe by an oath Vers. 18. That by two immutable things wherein it is impossible that God should lie we might haue strong consolation which haue our refuge to hold fast the hope that is set before vs c. 5. He hath sealed to it not only in the Sacrament but by his spirit which will bee our witnesse and is our earnest Ephes. 1.13 Wherein also after that yee beleeued you were sealed with the holy Spirit of promise Vers. 14. Which is the earnest of our inheritance vntill the redemption of the possession purchased vnto the praise of his glory 6. He hath begun eternall life in vs already 7. Christ is gone into heauen of purpose to prouide a place ready for vs Ioh. 14.3 And though I goe to prepare a place for you I will come againe and receiue you vnto my selfe that where I am there may ye be also Heb. 10.19 Seeing therefore bretheren that by the blood of Iesus we may be bold to enter into the holy place Vers. 20. By the new and liuing way which he hath prepared for vs through the vale which is his flesh Thus of the certaintie of it The third thing is the eternitie of it all this glory were the lesse if it were thought it would euer end but it shall neuer end for 1. Nothing of it shall be lost or decay 2. There shall bee no death there for death and hell are cast into the lake of fier 3. There shall be no old age or withering condition in men that possesse it it withers not 1. Pet. 1.4 To an inheritance immortall and vndefiled and that fadeth not away reserued in heauen for you 4. God being all in all there shal be no wearinesse no fulnesse of affections or satietie no loathing Diuines are wont to shadow out eternity by the similitude of a little bird drinking vp a drop of water out of the sea if euery ten thousand yeeres the bird should come drink vp but one drop yet the sea might bee dry at length but yet this lasting of the sea is nothing in comparison to the lasting of the glory of heauen Fourthly and vnto these may bee added the proximity of it the day of the Lord is at hand It were some lessening of our happines if it were a long time to it FINIS ERRATA Pag. 4. lin 22. for Praises reade Oracles p. 51. l. 4. r. by a perpetuall decree p. 74. l. 16. put out a. p. 107. l. 17. r. vp for vpon p. 108. l. 16. for Sould r Should p. 407. l. 4 r. wrinckle p. 434. l. 17.21 and p. 435. l. 8 put out Sol and r. Secondly Thirdly Fourthly p. 486. l. 11. put out all the Chapter p. 499. l. 11. r. or secondly 3 Things intended in this Treatise The benefit of attending to this course The warrant of this course Question Answere Principles may bee knowne three waies The diuision of Principles according to their chiefe heads Two principles about the Scriptures The Scripturs are the very word of God proued by testimonies externall and internall Iohn 1.7 Prou. 30.6 Reuel 22.18 The vses 1. For instruction 2 For reproofe 1 Of the Papists in 4. things 2 Of Carnall Protestants 3 Of the godly 3 For triall 4 For consolation 4 Principles concerning God That there is a God is proued first by testimonies internall 2 By testimonies externall and so either in the world or in the Church 10 Glories in the nature of God The vses 1 For instruction If wee would study the glorious nature of God we must obserue 6. rules For humiliation For consolation Proofes for the Trinity Vses of the doctrine of the Trinity That there is but one God proued The vses 5 Principles concerning the Creation Vses 1 For information 6 Vses for instruction Vses for reproofe 7 Principles concerning Gods prouidence The vses 1 For information 11 Things admirable in Gods prouidence Vses for reproofe 8 Vses for instruction Vse for consolation Man was after the Image of God three waies The vses The speciall fauour of God to man in his Creation Duties 1 To God 2 To our selues 3 To other men 3 Principles concerning the fall of man 7 Things to shew the greatnesse of Adams sinne Obiect Answ. 3 Occasions of Apostasie 5 Degrees of the diuels tentation 4 Principles concerning sinne 14 Foule blemishes in euery mans nature 9 Vses for information 7 Things make ciuill honest men miserable 17. sorts of punishments inflicted on man for his sinne Eph. 5.14 1. Cor. 15. Act. 17.31 Rom. 5. â—2 c. andâ— 1 Mat. 11.29 1. Ioh. 2.1 Gal. 3.13 2. Cor. 5.17 Psa. 22.24 Question Answere Question Answere Question Answere Quest. Answ. Obiect Solution Obiect Solution Obiection Solution Iam. 2.5 What these things meane is vnknowne Rise first in soule