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
THE PATERNE OF WHOLSOâ—â— WORDS Or a collection of such Truths as are of necessity to be belieued â—nto saluation separated oâ—t of â—he body of all Theologie Made euident by infallible anâ— plaine proofes of Scripture And withall The seuerall vses such Principles should be put to are abundantly shevved A Proiect much desired and of singular vse for all sorts of Christians By N. Bifeild Preacher of Gods Word at Isleworth in Middlesex 2. TIM 1.13 Keepe the true paterne of wholesome words whicâ— thou hast heard of me in faith and loueâ— which is Christ Iesus AT LONDON Imprinted by F. K. for Samuel Maâ—â— dwelling in Pauls Church yard at the signe of the Swan 1618. To the most Noble Ladie the Ladie DOROTHIE Countesse of Northumberland And to the highly honoured Ladies her Daughters The Ladie DOROTHIE SYDNEY and the Ladie LVCIE HAY N. BYFEILD Wisheth the abundance of true grace and peace Right Honourable I Haue long since vndertaken as in the course of my Ministerie you haue often heard to extract out of al Theologie conteined in the Scriptures the Principles that is such doctrines which are fundamentall and absolutely necessarie to be knowne of as many as are to be saued This Proiect ought to bee well accepted of all sorts of Christians that wish their owne good partly in respect of the necessitie of the doctrines here collected vnder their seueral heads and partly in respect of the apparant euidence of the proofes of Scripture which are such as make infallible demonstration to the conscience by the expresse light coÌ„teined in them and partly because the Vses which may be made of the seuerall Principles are euery where abundantly shewed And in as much as the Lord hath been pleased to giue some testimonie to my indeuors herein in the publike preaching I am not out of hope but that the printing of those Principles may be profitable to many godly and plaine-hearted Christians that desire in the plainest manner to vnderstand the meaning of their heauenly Fathers will I humbly dedicate this worke vnto your Honours and pray your acceptation and the patronage of it and to giue me leaue in the view of the world to signifie this way both my obseruance of the many noble and excellent vertues which are eminent in each of your Honours as also my vnfained thankefulnesse for the many fauours I haue receiued and for the countenance and incouragement of my Ministery accounting it a singular mercy of God that any labours of mine should find acceptation with persons of so high place and quality or any way be successeful to the prospering of any part of the worke of Gods grace in your hearts Now the God of all consolation fill your Noble breasts with all riches of the true grace that is in Iesus Christ that you may abound in the knowledge of the mysteries of his Kingdome in all iudgement and loue of the truth which is according to godlines and in all those gifts which may be found vnto honor and praise and glory in the reuelation of Iesus Christ. Your Honours in all seruice N. Bifeild Isleworth March 27. 1618. CERTAINE OF THE chiefest things contained throughout the whole Booke Chap. 1. THree things intended in this worke distinctly Page 1.2 Three waies to know a principle p. 6.6 An excellent course for catechising shewed p. 7. Chap. 2. The method of all the principles p. 8.9 Chap. 3. The principles that concerne the Scriptures p. 10.11 c. That the Scriptures are the very word of God proued by sixe testimonies externall as also by the internall testimonie of the spirit p. 11.12.13 That they are perfect p. 13. Six duties vrged from thence p. 14. 15. c. the Papists reproued in foure things p. 19.20 and the carnall Protestant in 4. things p. 21.22 and many godly men in 4. things also p. 22. Chap. 4. Foure principles concerning God p. 24. That there is a God proued by three testimonies internall and by foure testimonies from the world and two testimonies in the Church p. 25.26.27 Ten glories in the nature of God p. 28.29 c. Eight duties arising from the consideration of Gods nature p. 32.33.34 Sixe rules to be obserued in the study of the nature of God p. 35.36 Plaine proofes of the Trinity p. 39. with vses p. 41. that there is but one God proued with vses p. 42.43.44 Chap. 5. Fiue principles concerning the Creation p. 45.46 Sixe duties taught by the Creation p. 48.49 Chap. 6. Seuen principles concerning Gods prouidence p. 52.53 to 58. Eleuen things admirable in Gods prouidence p. 58.59.60 Foure sorts of men reproued p. 62. Eight vses for instruction p. 63.64.65.66.67 Foure waies to shew our patience in aduersity p. 64.65 Comforts from the meditation of Gods prouidence p. 69.70 Chap. 7. Two principles concerning mans estate of innocency p. 71.72 Man made after the image of God many waies p. 72. c. Man was the image of God in respect of his substance and so both of his being and of the manner of his being p. 72.73 Man made the image of God in respect of his gifts 3. waies p. 74. Foure sorts of free-wills p. 75. The speciall fauour of God to man in his creation both in respect of the time when and the place where and the manner how hee made him both in respect of soule and body p. 76.77 The doctrine of mans first happines teacheth diuers duties 1. To God p. 78. 2. To our selues p. 79. 3. To other men p. 80. Confutation of Papists about pictures p. 81. Chap. 8. Three principles concerning the fall of man p. 82. Seuen things to shew the greatnesse of Adams sinne p. 84. How it is that godly men beget vngodly children p. 86. Foure generall instructions p. 87.88 Three occasions of apostasie p. 87.88 Fiue degrees of the diuels tentation p. 90. Foure sorts of men in particular warned by the fall p. 91.92 Chap. 9. Foure principles concerning sinne p. 93.94 Fourteene foule blemishes in euery mans nature p. 95.96.97.98.99 Nine vses for information p. 103.104.105 Seuen things charged vpon ciuill honest men p. 106.107 Many vses for instruction with consolations also p. 108.109.110 Chap 10. Seuenteene sorts of punishments inflicted on man for sinne p. 114. to 128. The punishment of the damned in hell amplified by the degrees of it and the place and the continuance of it p. 124.125.126.127 Many vses from p. 128. to 136. Chap. 11. Fiue principles concerning election p. 137.138 Foure instructions p. 139. to 146. Signes of election of two sorts p. 146. to 152. Eight priuiledges of Gods elect p. 152. to 156. Chap. 12. That Christ is God proued 6. waies p. 157.158.159 Why it was needfull hee should bee God p. 159. The vses for humiliation and for instruction in many things and for consolation p. 160. to 164. Chap. 13. 4 Principles coÌ„cerning the humane nature of Christ. p. 164. to 167. Why Christ was incarnate p. 167. Why the second person in Trinitie was
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
our selues The meditation of the passion of Christ should inflame in vs a desire and resolution 1. To acknowledge the maruellous mercies of our Sauiour and to confesse his praises and to adore his name that could bee willing to suffer such things for vs Phil. 2.11 Euery tongue should confesse that Iesus Christ is the Lord vnto the glory of God the Father Esa. 63.1.2.7.8 Who is this that commeth from Edom with red garments from Bozra he is glorious in his apparel and walketh in his great strength c. I will remember the mercies of the Lord and the praises of the Lord according vnto all the Lord hath giuen vs and for the great goodnesse toward the house of Israel which he hath giuen them according to his tender loue and according to his great mercies 2. To mourne affectionately for our sinnes that haue so pierced the Sonne of God as we are taught Zach. 12.12 They are the nailes that pierced and the lance that let out his heart-blood Wouldest thou not bee grieued if thou haddest killed thine owne brother 3. To sinne no more but for euer to bee afraid of crucifying the Sonne of God againe Rom. 6.6 Heb. 10.24 c. But rather to liue to him that died for vs and to deuote both soules and bodies vnto his seruice 2. Cor. 5.15 He died for all that they which liue should not henceforth liue vnto themselues but vnto him which died for them and rose againe 1. Pet. 2.24 Who his owne selfe bare our sinnes in his body on the tree that wee being deliuered from sinne should liue in righteousnesse 4. To loue him with our vtmost affections and with all the sincerity of our hearts accounting them accursed that loue not the Lord Iesus 1. Cor. 16.22 Eph. 6.23 1. Pet. 1.9 Shall the Father loue Christ for his willingnesse to die for his sheepe and shall not we Ioh. 10.17.18 Therefore doth my Father loue me because I lay downe my life c. 5. To come willingly at the time of the assemblies of his Army vnder his colours in holy beauty When we see the banners of Christ crucified displaied we should run with all readinesse professing our homage and willingnesse to liue and die in his seruice the youth of his wombe that is such as are begotten of his loines in the Gospell should for multitude flock to the house of God as thicke as the dew that falles from heauen in the morning so thicke that the concourse of Christians should now be like a very mist of dew Psalm 110.2.3.4 6. Not to be the seruāts of men that is to bee bound to no mans example will lusts humours likings but to be free vnto the seruice of Iesus Christ onely who hath paid for vs so deare a price 1. Cor. 7.23 Yee are bought with a price be not the seruants of men 7. To suffer any thing for his sake that hath suffered so great things for vs so as we could bee willing to forsake father and mother brother and sister house and land and all for his sake and for the Gospell 8. To celebrate the memorie of his death and passion with all reuerence honour and hearty affection this is that we should do in the receiuing of the sacramēt which doth crucifie Christ before our eies and shew vs how he was taken broken giuen slaine for our sakes shall we not do this in remēbrance of him shall we not eate the sweete flesh of this immaculate lambe with the sower hearbes of contrition and griefe for our sinnes and vnworthines shall wee not at this feast put away all leauen out of our dwellings God forbid wee should dare to eat of this bread or drink of this cup vnworthily and so make our selues guilty of the body and blood of Christ rather let vs all examine our selues and so let vs eate in remembrance of him iudging our selues that we be not condemned of the Lord. Thus of the first sort of duties Secondly the meditation of Christs passion should direct vs and stirre vs vp to the care of diuers things in our carriage one towards another and these duties are either Generall to all or speciall to some There are foure generall duties wee should learne from the passion of Christ 1. The first is harmelesnesse seeing Christ our Passeouer is sacrificed for vs wee should keepe the feast with vnleauened bread of sinceritie and truth and put away all leauen out of our dwellings euen all leauen of malice and naughtinesse all vile affections one against another 1. Cor. 5.7.8 2. The second is humilitie the same minde should be in vs that was in Christ Iesus who being equall with God was content for our sakes to make himselfe of no reputation taking vpon him the forme of a seruant we should in lowlinesse of mind each esteeme others better then themselues doing nothing through strife or vaine-glory looking not on our owne things but euery one also on the things of others making our selues equall to them of the lower sort being of one accord of one minde If we would learne any thing of Christ we must learne lowlinesse and meekenesse of him Phil. 2. from the 2. to the 9. Matth. 11.29 3. The third is loue and that in the feruency and constancy of it refusing no paines nor dangers to shew our affection to the brethren wee should walke in loue as Christ loued vs and gaue himselfe a sacrifice of sweet smelling sauour to God for vs Ephes. 5.1.2 Yea our liues should not be deare to vs to declare our loue to the brethren but as Christ laid down his life for vs so ought we to lay downe our liues for the brethren 1. Iohn 3.16 Hereby haue we perceiued loue that he laid downe his life for vs therefore we ought also to lay downe our liues for the brethren 4. The fourth is pitie and that in speciall to such as suffer in soule If there bee any bowels in vs the remembrance of the agonie of Christ in the garden and on the crosse should make vs with more tendernesse of heart pity them that for the griefe and feare of their hearts cry out that God their God hath forsakē them If Christ needed an Angel to comfort him what need haue these of comfort The maruelous feare distresse Christ was in sheweth that these kinds of sufferings of spirit bee the most grieuous distresses Thus in generall In the fifth to the Ephesians this maruelous loue of Christ to the Church shewed in his passion is vsed as a motiue to perswade husbands to loue their wiues and in all deerenesse of affections to cherish them and prouide for them denying themselues that they may profit and content them as Christ did when he gaue himselfe not only to the Church but also for the Church Ephes. 5.25 c. Thus of the duties also to others Thirdly the meditation of these principles about the passion of Christ should excite vs to the practice and care of diuers duties
again from the dead according to my Gospell c. That hee ascended into heauen these places may suffice to proue it Mark 16.19 So after the Lord had spoken vnto them he was receiued into heauen and sat at the right hand of God Luk. 24.51 And it came to passe that as he blessed them he departed from them and was carried vp into heauen Act. 1.9 And when he had spoken these things while they beheld he was taken vp for a cloud tooke him vp out of their sight Ephes. 4.8.9.10 Wherefore hee saith when he ascended vp on high hee led captiuity captiue and gaue gifts vnto men Now in that he ascended what is it but that hee had also descended first into the lowest parts of the earth Hee that descended is euen the same that ascended farre aboue all heauens that he might fill all things That hee sitteth at the right hand of God these places proue Mark 16.19 So after the Lord had spoken vnto them hee was receiued into heauen and sate at the right hand of God Heb. 1.9 Vnto which also of the Angels said he at any time Sit at my right hand till I make thine enemies thy foot-stoole c. Heb. 8.1 Now of the things which wee haue spoken this is the summe that we haue such an high Priest that sitteth at the right hand of the throne of the maiesty in heauen c. Eph. 1.20.21 Which he wrought in Christ when hee raised him from the dead and set him at his right hand in the heauenly places Farre aboue all principalities and power and might and dominion and euery name that is named not in this world onely but also in that that is to come c Colos. 3.1 If yee then bee risen with Christ seek those things which are aboue where Christ sitteth at the right hand of God 2. That Christ who purchased the Church by his blood is appointed of God to be the King and head of the Church and Prince ouer the people of God hauing all power in his owne hands Psalm 2.6 Euen I haue set my King vpon Sion mine holy mountaine Matth. 28.18 And Iesus came and spake vnto them saying All power is giuen vnto mee in heauen and in earth Ioh. 13.3 Iesus knowing that the Father had giuen all things into his hands and that hee was come from God and went to God Colos. 1.18 And he is the head of the body of the Church he is the beginning and the first borne of the dead that in all things hee might haue the preeminence Reuel 19.16 And he hath vpon his garment and vpon his thigh a name written The King of kings and Lord of lords 3. That he is likewise appointed to bee the law-giuer to the Church and the Iudge of the whole world Iam. 4.12 There is one law-giuer which is able to saue and to destroy who art thou that iudgest another man Ioh. 5.22 For the Father iudgeth no man but hath committed all iudgement vnto the Sonne 27. And hath giuen him power also to execute iudgement in that he is the sonne of man Act. 10.42 And he commanded vs to preach vnto the people and to testifie that it is he that is ordained of God a iudge of quicke and dead Act. 17.31 Because hee hath appointed a day in the which he will iudge the world in righteousnesse by that man whom he hath appointed whereof he hath giuen him an assurance vnto all men in that he hath raised him from the dead c. 2. Tim. 4.1 I charge ye therefore before God and before the Lord Iesus Christ which shall iudge the quicke and the dead at his appearing and in his kingdome c. 4. That his gouernment extends to the people of all nations Psalm 2.8 Aske of me and I will giue thee the heathen for thine inheritance and the endes of the earth for thy possession Matth. 28.18 And Iesus came and spake vnto them saying All power is giuen vnto mee in heauen and in earth c. Phil. 2.10.11 That at the name of Iesus should euery knee bow both of things in heauen and things in earth and things vnder the earth And that euery tongue should confesse that Iesus Christ is the Lord vnto the glory of God the Father 5. That his kingdome is not of this world but a spirituall and celestiall kingdome Ioh. 18. 36. Iesus answered my kingdome is not of this world if my kingdome were of this world my seruants would surely fight that I should not be deliuered to the Iewes but now is my kingdome not from hence Rom. 14.17 For the kingdome of God is not meate nor drinke but righteousnesse and peace and ioy in the holy Ghost 6. That hee will bee with his people to the end of the world Matth. 28.20 Teaching them to obserue all things whatsoeuer I haue commanded you and loe I am with you alwaies vntill the end of the world Amen 7. This his kingdome is an euerlasting kingdome Luk. 1. 33. And hee shall raigne ouer the house of Iacob for euer and of his kingdome shall be no end Heb. 12.28 Wherfore seeing we receiue a kingdome which cannot be shaken let vs haue grace wherby we may so serue God that wee may please him with reuerence and feare Dan. 2.44 And in the dayes of these Kings shall the God of heauen set vp a Kingdome which shall neuer be destroyed and this kingdome shall not be giuen to another people but it shall breake and destroy all these kingdomes and it shall stand for euer Dan. 7.14 And he gaue him dominion and honour and a kingdome that all people nations and languages should serue him his dominion is an euerlasting dominion which shall neuer be taken away and his kingdome shall neuer be destroyed c. Against this last principle may bee obiected the words of the Apostle 1 Cor. 15.24 Then shall be the end when hee hath deliuered the kingdome vp to God euen the Father when he hath put downe all rule and all authority and power And therefore after that time it seemes hee shall raigne no more For answere thereunto we must know that Christ shall not then cease to raigne but only cease to raigne after the same manner he doth now That manner of administration which hee now vseth in gathering and preseruing his Church shall then cease there shall be then no need of it Thus of the principles Now for the explication that wee may more distinctly conceiue of this office of Christ as King we must consider of foure things in it 1. The victory ouer the enemies that opposed his title 2 His kingly glory with which he was qualified and prepared for gouernment 3. His taking of possession of the kingdome 4. His administration after he had possession For the first Christ fought for his kingdome and most victoriously ouercame the Diuell sinne death and hell and rescued his subiects from their thraldome 1. Cor. 15.54.55 Colos. 2.15 Heb. 2.14 And this victory
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
which is the head that is Christ. By whom all the body being coupled and knit together by euery ioynt for the furniture thereof according to the effectual power which is in the measure of euery part receiueth encrease of the body into the edifying of it selfe in loue Thirdly that shee is knit vnto Christ her head by an indissoluble vnion Colos. 1.18 And hee is the head of the body of the Church hee is the beginning and the first horne of the dead that in all things he might haue the preeminence Colos. 2.19 And holdeth not the head whereof all the body furnished and knit together by ioynts and hands encreaseth with the encreasing of God 1. Cor. 12.27 Now ye are the body of Christ and members for your part Ephes. 1.22.23 And hath made all things subiect vnder his feet and hath appointed him ouer all things to be the head to the Church Which is his body euen the fulnesse of him that filleth all in all things So as she is truly bone of his bone and flesh of his flesh Ephes. 5.30 For wee are members of his body of his flesh and of his bones One with Christ not in nature as the Trinity is one nor in person as the two natures in Christ but in spirit Ioh. 4.13 Hereby know we that we dwell in him and he in vs because he hath giuen vs of his spirit For the spirit of the Sonne dwelleth in vs. Fourthly that shee is holy Ephes. 5.27 That he might make it vnto himselfe a glorious Church not hauing spot or wrinkle or any such thing but that it should be holy and without blame c. 1. Pet. 2.9 But ye are a chosen generation a royall priesthood an holy nation a peculiar people that ye should shew forth the vertues of him that hath called you out of darknesse into his maruellous light c. Dan. 7.18 And they shall take the kingdome of the Saints of the most high and possesse the kingdome for euer euen for euer and euer And so she is holy 1. By separation from the world in that the godly are consecrated to holy vses they are holy by calling 2. By inchoation of true holinesse in nature and practice Tit. 3.5 Not by the workes of righteousnesse which wee had done but according to his mercy he saued vs by the washing of the new birth and the renuing of the holy Ghost 3. By imputation of Christs holinesse being washed in his blood Heb. 10.10 By the which will we are sanctified euen by the offering of the body of Iesus Christ once made 4. By consummation of all holinesse in the other world Fifthly she is Catholick this is one of the Articles of the Creed the Church is Catholick in three respects 1. In respect of time all the godly being members of this one body though they liue in all the seuerall ages since the beginning of the world 2. In respect of place because all the iust both in heauen and earth are all of this one body Ephes. 1.10 That in the dispensation of the fulnesse of the times hee might gather together in one all things both which are in heauen and which are in earth euen in Christ. And so from all parts of the world is the Church gathered all the particular Churches in the world are but members of this Church vniuersall 3. In respect of persons because it is gathered especially since Christ out of all nations there being no difference put in respect of mens outward condition Reuel 5.9.10 And they sung a new song saying Thou art worthy to take the booke and to open the seales thereof because thou wast killed and hast redeemed vs to God by thy blood out of euery kindred and tongue and people and nation And hast made vs vnto our God Kings and Priests and wee shall raigne on earth Galath 3.28 There is neither Iew nor Grecian there is neither bond nor free there is neither male nor female for yee are all one in Christ Iesus Sixthly that shee is militant that is she is in this life exposed to crosses and afflictions and tentations and oppositions 2. Timoth. 4.7.8 I haue sought a good fight and haue finished my course I haue kept the faith For henceforth is laid vp for me the crowne of righteousnesse which the Lord the righteous Iudge shall giue me at the day and not to mee onely but vnto all them also which loue his appearing Luk. 9.24 For whosoeuer will saue his life shall lose it and whosoeuer shall lose his life for my sake the same shall saue it Act. 14.22 Confirming the disciples hearts and exhorting them to continue in the faith affirming that wee must through many afflictions enter into the kingdome of God c. Reuel 1.9 I Iohn euen your brother and companion in tribulation and in the kingdome and patience of Iesus Christ was in the isle called Patmos for the word of God and for the witnessing of Iesus Christ. 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. Ephes. 6.12 For we wrastle not against flesh blood but against principalities against powers against the worldly gouernours the princes of the darknesse of this world c. Now the Lord would haue his Church so exposed to crosses both for his owne sake and for hers and for his enemies sake 1. For his owne sake that he might shew his hatred of sin euen in his owne and the glory also of his power and mercy in their deliuerance as well as his iustice in their afflictions 2. For their sakes that being in the warfare humbled and tamed for their sinnes they might not perish with the world 1. Cor. 11. 31.32 and may be herein like to Christ Rom. 8.27 3. For their enemies sake that they may know that they shall neuer bee spared if God spare not his owne children 1. Pet. 4.17 For the time is come that iudgement must begin at the house of God if it first begin at vs what shall the end be of them which obey not the Gospell of God Seuenthly that she is inuincible Matth. 16.18 And I say also vnto thee that thou art Peter and vpon this rocke I will build my Church and the gates of hell shall not ouercome it Rom. 8.37 Neuerthelesse in all these things we are more then conquerers through him that loued vs. 38. For I am perswaded that neither death nor life nor Angels nor principalities nor powers nor things present nor things to come 39. Nor height nor depth nor any other creature shall be able to separate vs from the loue of God which is in Christ Iesus our Lord. 1. Pet. 5.10 And the God of all grace which hath called vs vnto his eternall glory by Christ Iesus after that yee haue suffered a little make you perfect confirme strengthen and stablish you c. The vses of these principles may be either
he sanctifieth Rom. 8.30 Moreouer whom he predestinate them also hee called and whom hee called them also he iustified and whom he iustified them he also glorified Ezech. 36.26.27 c. A new heart also will I giue you and a new spirit will I put within you and I will take away the stony heart out of your body and I will giue you an heart of flesh And I will put my spirit within you and cause you to walke in my statutes and ye shall keepe my iudgements and doe them c. 2. That to be truly sanctified is to die to sinne and to rise againe to newnesse of life Rom. 6.1.2.3.4 What shall we say then shall we continue in sinne that grace may abound God forbid how shall we that are dead to sinne liue yet therein Know ye not that all wee which haue bin baptized into Iesus Christ haue been baptized into his death We are buried then with him by baptisme into his death that like as Christ was raised vp from the dead by the glory of the Father so we also should walke in newnesse of life c. Or it is to repent beleeue the Gospell Mark 1.15 The time is fulfilled and the kingdome of God is at hand repent and beleeue the Gospell 3. That except wee be borne againe we cannot enter into the kingdome of God Ioh. 3.5 Iesus answered verily verily I say vnto thee except that a man bee borne of water and of the spirit hee cannot enter into the kingdome of God Heb. 12.14 Follow peace with all men and holinesse without the which no man shall see the Lord. 1. Ioh. 1.7 But if we walke in the light as he is in the light wee haue fellowship one with another and the blood of Iesus Christ his Sonne clenseth vs from all sinne 2. Cor. 5.17 Therefore if any man be in Christ let him bee a new creature old things are passed away behold all things are become new Fourthly that sanctification is Gods gift and worke in Iesus Christ we can no more conuert our selues then wee can beget our selues at first wee can no more create our selues new men then wee can create our selues men Act. 5.31 Him hath God lifted vp with his right hand to bee a Prince and a Sauiour to giue repentance to Israel forgiuenes of sins Act. 11.18 When they heard these things they held their peace and glorified God saying then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance vnto life 2. Tim. 2.25 Instructing them with meeknes that are cōtrary minded prouing if God at any time will giue them repentance that they may know the truth 1. Cor. 1.30 But ye are of him in Christ Iesus who of God is made vnto vs wisdome and righteousnes and sanctification and redemption Ezech. 37.28 Thus the heathen shall know that I the Lord doe sanctifie Israel when my sanctuary shall be amongst them for euermore Tit. 3.5 Not by the workes of righteousnesse which wee had done but according to his mercy he saued vs by the washing of the new birth and the renuing of the holy Ghost Fifthly that our sanctification is vnperfect while wee liue in this world 1. Ioh. 1.8 If wee say that wee haue no sinne wee deceiue our selues and the truth is not in vs. Prou. 24.16 For a iust man falleth seuen times and riseth againe but the wicked fall into mischiefe Esa. 64.6 But we haue all been as an vncleane thing and all our righteousnes is as filthy clouts and we do all fade like a leafe and our iniquities like the wind haue taken vs away The vses may be for Information Instruction Humiliation and Consolation For the first wee may heere take notice of the wisedome of God in curing the posterity of Adam Wee receiued a double disease from Adam the one was guilt of eternal death the other was corruption of nature By Iustification the first was abolished and by Sanctification the other is healed by degrees For the second we may here learne many things The first is carefully to studie our owne sanctification compell vpon our selues a more constant endeauour of sound reformation To this end I propound two things 1. Certaine motiues which we should haue continually in our minds to stirre vs vp to the care of holines and to get true grace 2. Certaine rules which may exceedingly further vs about our Sanctification The motiues are these amongst many 1. The commandement of God 1. Thes. 4.3 This is the will of God euen your sanctification Ephes. 2.10 For wee are his workmanship created in Christ Iesus vnto good workes which God hath ordained that we should walke in them 2. The conscience of our debt which we owe heerein Rom. 8.12 Therefore brethren we are debters not to the flesh to liue after the flesh being redeemed by Christ. Tit. 2.14 Who gaue himselfe for vs that he might redeeme vs from all iniquity and purge vs to be a peculiar people to him selfe zealous of good workes 3 The consideration of our owne dignity wee are the children of God the temples of the holy Ghost Kings and Priests vnto God Gods owne peculiar people and inheritance 4. The rich promises that belong to godlinesse 1. Tim. 4.8 For bodily exercise profiteth little but godlinesse is profitable vnto all things which hath the promise of the life present and of that that is to come 5. The assuring hereby of our calling and Election 2. Pet. 1.10 Wherefore brethren giue rather diligence to make your calling and election sure for if ye do these things ye shall neuer fall 6. The excellency of good workes they are sacrifices seasoned with the salt of faith kindled with the fier of the holy Ghost offered by the merit of Christ and accepted of God 1. Pet. 2.5 And yee be made a holy Priesthood to offer vp spirituall sacrifices acceptable to God by Iesus Christ. 7. The silencing of the ignorant from speaking euill 1. Pet. 2.15 For so is the will of God that by well doing yee may put to silence the ignorance of the foolish 8. Because else 1. The name of God will bee blasphemed Rom. 2.24 For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you 2. Sam. 12.14 Howbeit because by this deed thou hast caused the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme the child that is borne vnto thee shall surely die c. 2. The spirit of God will be grieued and the workes of the spirit deaded Ephes. 4.30 And grieue not the holy spirit of God by whom ye are sealed vnto the day of redemption 3. The iudgement of God will be prouoked Psalm 89.31.32 The rules we had need to bee put in minde of that concerne Sanctification either shew vs what to take heed of or what to doe That wee be not deceiued in this great worke of true grace we must take heed First of wretchlesnesse and security whereby a man liues so as he is insensible and carelesse of reformation altogether Awake thou that sleepest
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
Heauen Thus the Patriarches comforted themselues Heb. 11.13 2. Against the griefe for the death of our friends why doe we sorrow for them that are so happie 3. Against the many afflictions of this life the feare and care of which should bee swallowed with the hope of eternall life as these places shew Rom. 8.18 For I count that the afflictions of this present time are not worthie of the glorie which shall be shewed vnto vs. 2. Cor. 4.17.18 For our light affliction which is but for a moment causeth vnto vs a farre most excellent and an eternall waight of glory while wee looke not on the things which are seene but on the things which are not seene for the things which are seene are temporall but the things which are not seene are eternall 4. Against the feare of death for these principles teach vs to belieue that the dead are blessed Reuelat. 14.13 Then I heard a voice from heauen saying vnto me Write Blessed are the dead which hereafter die in the Lord euen so saith the Spirit for they rest from their labours and their workes follow them And that this death will be quickly swallowed vp of victorious life 1. Cor. 15.16.17 The sting of death is sinne and the strength of sinne is the Law But thanks be to God which hath giuen vs victorie through our Lord Iesus Christ. These comforts will bee the more abundant if wee consider either first the particulars of this glory secondly or the properties of it For the first our glory in heauen may be thus shadowed out It consists of perfection of holinesse and happinesse Our holinesse shall then bee perfect we shall be without spot or wrinkle Ephes. 5.27 Gods people shall then bee all righteous Isaiah 60.21 Thy people also shall be all righteous And this perfection shall be both of Nature and of Action In nature we shall be perfectly holy which may bee considered in respect of the holinesse First of our soules secondly of our bodies thirdly of our soule and bodie together First in our soules there shall bee 1. Exquisite knowledge wee shal then know as we are known when that which is in part is done away we shall no more vnderstand as children but shall haue our minds enlightned aboue the knowledge of Prophets and Apostles in this world for God himselfe shall be our euerlasting light 1. Cor. 13.10.11.12 But when that which is perfect is come then that which is in part shall be abolished When I was a child I spake as a child I vnderstood as a child I thought as a child but when I became a man I put away childishnes or childish things For now we see through a glasse darkely but then shall we see face to face now I know in part but then shall I know euen as I am knowne Isaiah 60.19 Thou shalt haue no more Sunne to shine by day neither shall the brightnes of the Moone shine vnto thee for the Lord shall be thine euerlasting light and thy God thy glory 2. Freedome of will when all the impediments of desire and endeuours shall bee taken off which now as fetters hinder vs in communion with God and as cords hale vs after vanitie where it shall bee also as easie to doe good as to desire it 3. Vnspeakeable charitie our hearts being fild with al those affections that are now any way required in the word of God either toward God or man 1. Cor. 13.8 Loue doth neuer fall away though that prophesying be abolished or the tongues cease or knowledge vanish away What is now the life of our liues more then to loue and to be beloued This earthly loue is but a sparke in comparison Secondly in our bodies there shall be a perfect conformitie of all the members for the seruice of God and the soule they shall bee no more weapons of vnrighteousnesse as they haue been Rom. 6.13 Rom. 6.19 Thirdly in both body and soule there shall be 1. The perfect Vision of the admirable beauties of God which of it selfe is more worth then the possession of the whole world and this Vision of God shall not onely be mentall by contemplation of which 2. Cor. 12.2 but also corporal for so Iob auoucheth Cap. 19.25 For I am sure my Redeemer liueth and he shall stand the last on earth Vers. 26. And though after my skin wormes destroy this bodie yet shall I see God in my flesh Vers. 27. Whom I my selfe shall see and my eies behold and none other for mee though my reines are consumed within me We shall then see him perfectly in the creatures and haue him perfectly in our selues and behold the Trinitie in the glorie of it after a way now vnutterable 2. The perfection of the image of God in both we shall then be as hee is partaking perfectly of the diuine nature 1. Iohn 3.2 2. Pet. 1.4 which is signified by those pure white garments mentioned Reuel 3.4.5 6.11 7.13 19.8 Thus shall we be perfect in nature The perfection of our actions or obedience shall then bee obtained wee shall then serue God loue our brethren without all defect We shall praise God with the Angels to all eternitie for that shall be the maine outward seruice of God for prayer shal thē cease Reuel 4.10.11 Thus of the perfection of holinesse The perfection of happines shal haue in it diuers things The first part of our felicity is acknowledgement in the kingdom of heauen which is a worke of Christ declaring vs in particular to bee elected of God and his children and friends And this is more comfortable because we shall thus bee proclaimed the heires apparant of heauen before God and all his holy Angels Matth. 10.32 Whosoeuer therefore shall confesse mee before men him will I confesse also before my father which is in heauen 2. Glorious liberty reserued for the sonnes of God vnto that day of which Rom. 8.21 And this liberty may be considered two waies viz. 1. From what we shall bee free 2. To what we shall bee free For the first we shall then be free First from the torments and miseries of the damned in hell wee shall haue an eternall discharge from that most fearfull place which is promised vs already in this life Rom. 8.1 Now then there is no condemnation to them that are in Christ Iesus which walke not after the flesh but after the spirit c. Reuel 20.14 And death and Hell were cast into the lake of fier this is the second death c. Secondly from the displeasure of God he will neuer be angry with vs any more there shall be no more curse or Anathema Reuel 22.3 And there shall bee no more curse but the throne of God and of the Lambe shall be in it and his seruants shall serue him Thirdly from sinne and the power to sinne our holinesse shal be better then Adams in Paradise he might sinne but wee shall be confirmed as the Angels of heauen so as we
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