oecumenical Kingdom 2 Sam 7.13 I will establish the throne of his Kingdom for ever Dan. 7.14 whose dominion is an everlasting dominion which shall not pass a way Luk 1.33 of his Kingdom there shall be no end The words of the Father to Christ do not oppose these sayings vntill I make thine enemies c. For the meaning is not that Christ after his last coming shall reign no more but it sheweth this at least that it shall come to pass that he shall subdue all his Enemies For that clause until and the like exclude not the future time but they are affirmatively and negatively spoken of it and oftentimes they signifie the same that alwayes or never for example Gen. 28.15 I will not forsake thee until I have performed that which I spake to thee 2 Sam. 6.23 Michal had no child till the day of her death Matth. 1. 25. He knew her not untill she had brought forth her first begotten Son Matth. 28.20 Behold I am with you till the end of the World nor is this saying against us 1 Cor. 15.24 28. where it is affirmed That Christ will deliver up the Kingdome to his Father then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that God may be al in all For in that place the delivering up of the Kingdome is not a laying down of Christs Regal office but by the Kingdome there is meant as commonly in Scripture the Church he wil then deliver the Kingdom to his Father when he shal present the whol Church to him therefore that subjection shal not abolish Christs Kingdome whereas Christ even as Mediator is subordinate to his father in glory so Christ shal be and shall remain our King that notwithstanding he will with us subject himself to the Father But you will say that already he is subject to the Father That is true indeed but not simply for nâ—w the Head with the Church is subjected yet not all the Church but then together with all the members of the Church and consequently all mystical Christ shall be subjected to the Father That finally God is said to be all in all it is not so to be understood as if he were not at this day all in all or that then he were onely to reign but but this is spoken after the Scripture phrase in which things are oftentimes said to be done when they are declared to be The meaning then is whereas in this World the Kingdom of God is annoyed and obscured by the Enemies thereof these Enemies being at last subdued it will be most apparent that the Kingdome will be Gods and his Christs CHAP. XX. Of the common Vocation to the state of Grace HItherto of Christ the Redeemer who is the efficient cause of the state of Grace Now follows the Vocation to the same This is either common to the elect reprobate or proper only to the elect The common calling is whereby all men are invited to the state of Grace and participation of Christ the Mediator This is also called the election of the whole people wheresoever Deut. 7.6 Thou art a holy people to the Lord thy God he hath chosen thee The RULES I. As election so vocation is either to an office or to salvation the latter is that which is here to be considered There is an example in Saul of Election and Vocation to an office 1 Sam. 10.24 Do you not see whâ—m the Lord hath chosen II. The efficient cause of this vocation is commonly the whole blessed Trinity but particularly Christ the Lord who as in the days of his ministration here on earth did immediately call sinners so he doth now by the means of his ministers Matth. 22.2 3. The kingdome of heaven is like unto a king who made a marriage for his son sent his servants who should call those that were invited to the wedding c. Mark 1.14 15. Iesus came to Galilee preaching the Gospel of God and saying the time is fulfilled and the kingdome of God is at hand Repent and believe the Gospel 2 Cor. 5.20 Therefore we are Ambassadours for Christ c. III. The matter of this vocation are not all men nor the elect onely but any of the race of mankinde That all are not called the whole History of the old Testament witnesseth for God at that time passing by other Nations called the people of Israel but in the time of the New Testament not all noâ— every one is called seeing that many never heard of Christ. And that the elect onely are not called the parable of Christ doth sufficiently witnes in which good and bad are invited many also are said to be called but few chosen Matt. 22 10 14 Now all sorts of men are called of what state condition age c. they be IV. The form of this vocation consisteth partly in the proffer of the benefit of Redemption and partly in the precept of accepting it 2. Cor 5.20 Therefore we are Ambassadors for Christ as though God did beseech you through us we pray in Christ stead that ye be reconciled to God For he hath made him to be sin for us who knew no sin that we might be made the righteousness of God in him V. The end of this is Gods glory and the salvation of the Elect now the glory of Gods mercy is seen in the elect obeying the vocation and the glory of his Iustice in the reprobate disobeying VI. Common vocation is principally for the Elect secondarily for the Reprobate VII Yet both are called seriously and without hypocrisie Of the Elect there is no doubt as for the reprobate although they are not called with any purpose in God to save â—hem yet they are called seriously and salvation is seriously promised to them on condition they will believe neither are they mocked in that they are deprived of the grace of faith but because voluntarily they fell from their originall grace and with a malicious purpose they dispise the means of salvation God notwithstanding may justly claim Faith of them and this right of claim which he hath he doth as justly use as any other creditor that their mouthes may be stoppâ—d and they made inexcusable and Gods justice may be vindicated therefore he doth not call them that he might mock them but that he might declare and make manifest his justice upon them VIII Therefore out of the common vocation we must not presently infer an election both because it is common to the Elect and Reprobate as also because it includes the condition of Faith Although a whole nation is said to be elected yet all in that natâ—on are not elected as the Jewish people are called an elect people and yet many of them were reprobates IX Neither are all therefore elected because they are commanded to believe that they are elected for they are not absolutely commanded to believe that but with trial of their Faith 2 Cor. 13.5 Try your selves whether yoâ— be in the Faith or
the Churches union is shewed 1 Cor. 10.17 We being many are one bread and one body for we are all partakers of that one bread XIII The words This is my body can neither be meant of transubstantiation nor of consubstantiation but the meaning is This to wit the Bread is the Sacrament of my body The Papists interpret the words thus That which is contained under the kind of Bread is my Body The Lutherans thus in with under this is my Body The reason of our interpretation is explained in the former Chapter They say that it is absurd to use tropical phrases which are obscure in Christs will and Legacie But 1. This supposition of theirs is false that tropical phrases are obscure for we use tropes oftentimes to illustrate 2. It is false also that tropes are not used in Wills and Testaments for Iacobs Will shews the contrary Gen â—9 And Moses's Deut. 33. David's 2 Sam. 23. Tobias 4. Matathias 1 Mac. 2.3 If there be no trope in the Lords Supper then let them shew how the Cup can be called the New Testament in his blood without a trope That saying of Austins Advers Adimant Maniâ— cap. 12. is worthy here to be set down The Lord doubted not to say this is my Body when he gave the Signe of his Body XIV It is one thing to say that Christ is present in the Bread and another to maintain his presence in the Supper for Christ is present in his Deity and Spirit he is present also in his body and blood by a Sacramental presence 1. Of the Symbol not that he is present in the Bread but that he is presented by the bread as by a symbol 2. Of Faith whereby we apply Christ with his merits to us 3. Of Vertue and efficacie XV. The proper end of the Supper not to speak of others is to seal our spiritual nutrition or preservation to life eternal by the merit of Christs death and obedience whence depends the union of the faithfull with Christ and with themselves XVI It is an intolerable abuse to take this Sacrament to prove ones innocency in the courts of justice to confirm mens covenants to prosper our purposes and actions c. XVII The Lords Supper must be often times taken As often as you shall eat this bread c. 1 Cor. 11.26 XVIII The Supper differs from Baptism not only in external signes but in its proper end because Baptism is the sign of spiritual Regeneration but the Supper of nutrition also in the object or subject to which for Baptism is given to Infants the Supper to those onely who are of years and have been tryed they differ also in time for Baptism is used but once the Lords Supper often times XIX The Popish Masse is altogether repugnant to the Lords Supper 1. The holy Supper is instituted by Christ the Masse by the Pope 2. the Supper is a Sacrament instituted in memory of Christs sacrifice which was once offered but the Masse among Papists is the sacrifice it self to be offered every day the Ancients indeed called the Lords Supper a sacrifice yet not expiatory for sins but Eucharistical and such as is joyned with prayers and charitable works which are acceptable sacrifices to God 3. Christ did not offer himself in the Supper but on the Crosse but â—hey will have Christ to be offered in their Mass. 4. Christ instituted his Supper for the living but the Masse is celebrated for the dead also 5. In the Holy Supper Christs body was already made by the virtue of the Holy Ghost not of bread but of the Virgins blood In the Masse Christs body is made anew by the Priest uttering his five words and that of bread 6. In the holy Supper there was and remained true Bread and true Wine and it obtained this name even after consecration In the Masse if we will believe it there remain onely the outward species of the Element and the accidents 7. In the Holy Supper they all drank of the câ—p as Christ commanded in the Masse the Lay-people are denied the cup. 8. In the Supper Bread was broken to represent Christs body broken on the Crosse In the private Masse the bigger Hoast is broken into three parts the first is for the triumphant Church the second for the Church in Purgatory the third for the Church here on earth CHAP. XXV Of the Nature of the visible Church HItherto of the outward communion of the Covenant of grace Now follows the external society of the visible Church where by all that be called are accounted for members of the Church For the Church is considered either in it self or in opposition to the false Church the Church is considered in her self in respect of her own nature and outward administration The visible Church then is a visible society of men called to the state of grace by the Word and Sacraments The RULES I. The name of Church and Synagogue is the same with the Hebrew Kahal and Edah but the society of Christians is mâ—re usually called the church II We must carefully here observe the distinction of the word that we may know of what Church we speak III. For whereas it is distinguished into the triumphant and militant that belongs to the doctrine of the state of glory this is for our present consideration IV. The militant Church is divided into the visible and invisible V. The invisible Church is the company of the Elect onely This is called invisible not as if the men that belong to her were not visible as they are mâ—n but that they are not perceived as they are elect for the Lord knows only who are hiâ— 2 Tim. 2.19 VI. This belongs to the doctrine of special vocation for by her proper effects to wit faith charity and such like the elect which are the invisible Church are known VII The visible Church is the company of all that are called in common as well Reprobates as Elect. VIII This word Church visible is ambiguous for properly it is meant of the universal Church dispersed through the whole World more strictly of any particular Church as of France England Holland c. but most strictly of the representative Church or the company of Pastors and Elders IX Her efficient cause in common is the holy Trinity in particular Christ. X. The matter of the Church are they who are called in common and received into the Covenant of grace and Infants that are born in the Church XI Neither unbaptised Infants nor Catechumeni nor excommunicate persons are to be excluded out of the number of the Churches members The two foâ—mer soâ—ts of men belong to the Church by the righâ— of covenant though nâ—t of profession but for the third kinde though they be cast out of some particular Church yet they are not simply ejected out of the catholike though the Papists excommunicate them XII The form of the Church consisteth in a double union the first is of her conjunction with Christ her Head the other of her members among
themselves XIII The first union is in this that in the Church not onely Christ as the head is eminent but also as the head he communicates his gifts and vertue to the members Ephes 1.22 And he hath appointed him over all thinges to his Church which is his body and the fullfilling of him who filleth all in all and cap. 5.23 For the man is the head of the woman even as Christ is the head of his Church and giveth salvation to his body c. Col 1 18. And he is the head of the Church which is his body XIV They make a monster of the Church who set up any other universal head thereof besides Christ. For as she is not headlesse so is she not many headed for of one body there is but one head except it be a monster neither must therefore the Church because visible have a visible head one earth for properly the Elect onely are members of the Church therefore though she be visible in respect of outward administration yet she is invisible in respect of the Elect and of their union with Christ. XV. The other union of the members or of particular Churches among themselves consisteth in the unity of profession faith and charity Ephes 4 4 5 6. There is one body and one spirit even aâ— you are called into one hope of your vocation there is one Lord one Faith one Baptism one God and Father of all c. XVI The principal end of the Church is Gods glory the proximate our salvation XVII Of the adjuncts we must observe her Titles and Notes XVIII For her titles she is called One Catholike and Holy XIX Christs Church is one in respect of the form now explained XX. She is Catholike in respect of the union of time place and persons The Church Catholike hath a treble signification 1. A very general one to wit of the whole society of men and Angels 2. A more particular of the company of all elect men 3. Most special of all of the visible militant Church XXI She is Catholike in respect of time because she hath not utterly failed since the begining of the world but still there hath been some visible Church As the light of the Moon decreaseth though her substance never wasteth even so although the light of the Church is sometimes clearer sometimes obscurer yet she remains the same still and visible too not to Hogs eyes but to the godly XXII In respect of place and persons she is Catholike because she is not tyed to place and persons Mat. 24.14 15. This Gospel shall be preached through all the world Acts 10.34 35. Of a truth I perceive that God is no accepter of persons but in every Nation he that feareth him and worketh righteousness is accepted with him XXIII The Church is holy in common because of her calling and covenant but particularly in respect of the Elect who are holy in Christ by an imputed righteousness begun in them Concerning the holiness of vocation God saith to Moses Deut. 7.6 Thou art a holy people to the Lord thy God Of imputed and begun holiness Paul 1 Cor. 6.11 But you are washed but you are justified in the name of the Lord Iesus by the Spirit of our God XXIV The inherent holinesse of the Church in this life is imperfect except in respect of Christ who by his perfection covers her imperfection and in the hope of future perfection Ephes. 5.25 26 27. Christ hath loved his Church and hath given himself for her that he might sanctâ—fy and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word that he might present her to himself a glorious Church not having spot or wrinckle or any such thing but that she might be holy and without blemish XXV Therefore the Church is not free from all error as the Papists say for although the Catholike Church doth not so erre in the fundamentals of Faith as to fall off utterly yet she is not quite exempted from errour seeing there is no member of her perfect in thâ—s life as for a particular Church she may both erre and becom a harlot Hence the Church of Rome which in the Apostles time was like the woman cloathed with the Sun having a Crown on her head and the Moon under her feet is so degenerated that she is likened to the whore sitting upon the Beast Rev. 12.1 and 17.3 c. XXVI The notes of the visible Church are the pure Preaching of the word and lawfull administration of the Sacraments We spake above of the Notes of the invisible Church that they depend from the works of Vocation for the notes of the Elect specially called andi of the visible Church are the same But here these notes are onely considered by which the Church is undubtedly made visible now it appears that these are the note of the Church out of these testimonies Matth 28 19 20. Go and teach all Nations baptzing them in the Name of the Father of the Son and of the Holy Ghost teaching them to observe all things which I have commanded you Act. 2.24 And they continued stedfastly in the Apostles doctrine and fellowship and in breaking of bread and in prayers Some adjoyn Ecclesiastical discipline but this is contained under the two former for this discipline is required of both XXVII These notes belong to all Churches alike so far as concerneth the fundamentals of Religion but in respect of accidentals they are in some Churches more in some lesse XXVIII Therefore we are not presently to doubt of the truth of any particular Church because of every error or abuse For there is so much purity expected as not to erre in any one article or in the administration of the Sacraments so that there be not a falling off from the hinge of salvation to wit from the two Tables of the Law and Faith in Christ 1 Cor. 3.11 12 For no man can lay any other foundation besides that is laid which is Iesus Christ Now if any build upon this foundation gold silver precious stones wood hay stubble every mans work shall be made manifest for the day shall declare it because it shall be revealed by fire and the fire shall try every mans work of what sort it is if any mans work abide which he hath built thereupon he shall receive a reward if any mans work shall be burned he shall suffer losse but he himself shall be saved yet so as by fire XXIX Of the fifteen Notes of the Church rehearsed by Bellarmine some are true and agree with ours from which not withstanding the Church of Rome is afar off but others are ether strangers to the visible Church or they are the Notes rather of the false than of the true Church or they are not convertible with the Church for they neither belong to her alone nor alwayes 1. His first Note is the name Church and Christians But the imposing of names is a matter rather of
fact than of right therefore an argument taken from the name is of no force without the thing answer to the name Rev. 3.1 Thou art said to live but thou art dead 2. Antiquity but this belongs not to the Church alone nor alwayes Not alone because the world the Heaven the Elements have antiquity yet are not the Church Not always because the Church hath not been alwayes ancient there was a time when she was new true antiquity is the first principle of things which as it is first so it is most true therefore in general the Churches antiquity is to be reckoned from Paradise in particular the Apostolical Church from the preaching of Christ and his Apostles But the Church of Rome as it is at this day arose long after the Apostles times 3. A constant duration without interruption This indeed is the property of the visible Catholike Church but depending on Gods promises it doth more appear to Faith than to sense and as that is not true antiquity which depends not from the first principle so there can be no duration which hath not its original from the same 4. Amplitude multitude of Believers this belongs not alwayes to the Church as we may see in that Church that was in the time of our first Parents Noah Abraham c. Yea this note is not naturall to the Church for there is still the greater number amongst the wicked Mat. 7.13 Enâ—er in at the narrow gate Luke 12 32 Fear not little flock 5 The successions of Bishops But this also neither is the Churches Note alone nor alwayes Not alwayes for as it was not in the beginning of the Church so it will cease towards the end not alone for in the false Church there is found a succession of Bishops whence we must look rather on the succession of Doctrine than of persons and the persons are to be judged by their Doctrine not this by the persons They have not Peter 's inheritance who have not Peter 's Faith saith Ambrose 6. An agreement in Doctrine with the ancient Church This indeed is a true Note but it is the same with ours to wit the purity of the Word and Sacraments as it was in the time of the Apostolical Church from which the Roman hath fallen 7. The union of the members with their head the Pope and among themselves The first limb of this Note belongs to the false and Apostatical not to the Apostolical Church that Church is she that worships the Beast Rev. 13.12 The latter cannot be attributed to the Church alone for there is union also among Devils Mat. 12.8 The 8. is holinesse of Doctrine which is the same with the sixth The ninth is efficacie of Doctrine this also answers the sixth our Notes too but it agrees no wayes to the Roman Church 10. Holiness of life in the first Authors and Planters of Religion Now this Holiness is either inward or outward if inward 't is not a mark of the visible Church He is a true Iew that is so in secret Rom. 2.29 God knoweth who are his 2 Tim. 2.19 If outward it is false for Satan can transforme himself into an Angell of light 2 Cor. 11.14 Therefore the Church is to be judged by her Doctrine not by the life of her Doctors Mat. 23.3 Whatsoever they hid you observe that observe and do but do you not after their works 11. The glory of Miracles 12. The light of Prophesy But the gifts of Miracles and Prophesy were extraordinary given to confiâ—m the Gospel which are now vanished since the Gospel hath been propagated wherefore the Apostles makes no promises of other miracles and prophesy But they rather make this â—ragging of miracles and prophesy a â—oâ—e of the Antichrist on Church 2 Thes. 2 9 Rev. 13 13. And Châ—ist himself saith that He will not know such Mat. 7.12 13. The thirteenth Noâ—e is the confession of adversaries as Heathens Iews c. But the authority of such testimonies is as great as the adversaries themselves are by whose accession nothing is added and by their want nothing is diminished 14. The fourteenth is the unhappy and of those who have opposed the Church 15. The fifteenth is the happiness of them who have defended her But this Note is so uncertain that it deserveth not the name of a Note For â—f such man knoweth not either â—ove or hatred Ec. 9.3 Yea it is rather a Note of the false Church for it is certain that for the most part the Churches condition in this life is wretched and sad Joh. 16 20. Verily verily I say unto you ye shall weep and lament but the world shall rejoyce CHAP. XXVI of the outward Administration of the Church HItherto of the nature of the Church now follows its Administration which is either ordinary or extraordinary the ordinary is publike or private the pblike is ecclesiastical or poblitique the eccelesiastical is that which handleth spiritual things This is either proper to publike persons in the Church or common to the whole Congregation The proper is that which is executed by any Minister of the church according to his calling The Ministers are they to whom God hath committed the charge of his flock The RULES I. No man can have the charge of a Church but he that is lawfully called II. No man is to be forced to undertake the Ministery III. Ministers are not to be debarred from Marriage 1. Cor. 9.5 Have not we power to leadâ— about a Sister a wife as well as the rest of the Apostles and brethren of the Lord and Câ—phas 1 Tim. 3.2 A Bishop must be without reproâ—f the Husband of one wife and v. â— One that ruleth well his owne house having his children in subjection with all gravity Ministers are either ordinary or extraordinary They were extraordinary whom God raised upon extraordinary occasions either to establish a New government in the Church or else to repair the old government when it was decayed Such were the Prophets in the Old Testament But in the New Iohn Baptist Christ the Apostles Prophets that is such as were furnished with gifts of interpreting Scripture Evangelists that were the companions of the Apostles and supplied their rooms in their absence Pastors to rule and teach the Church and Doctors for the Schools Eph. 4.11 The RULES I. The marks of extraordinary Ministers were extraordinary gifts II. Such were the gifts of Prophesie Tongues and Miracles III. These extraordinary gifts continued so long as it pleased God and the Churches necessity required them which being taken away the ordinary Ministry succeeded Ordinary Ministers are they who be furnished with ordinary gifts and â—n ordinary calling And these are Pastors and Doctors Presbyters and Deacons The Pastors are they who are set over a particular flock to teach them to administer the Sacrament to them and to watch over them The RULES I. The name of Bishop belongs to all Pastors 1 Tim. 3.1 II. Although this custome prevailed in
Bible to the Originals his Ministers perform their Divâ—ne Service in Latin and in Latine they write all their Bulls c. He sets a mark generally on their foreheads right hands in that they are forced by open profession the symbol whereof is the fore-head and by their actions which are figured out by the righâ— hand to witnesse that they belong to the Râ—man Latine Church But particularly he sets a mark upon his followers when in Baptisme he signes them with the Cross and in Confirmation when he puts Chrisme on their foreheads and when in Ordination of Ministers he anoints their head and fingers 9. Concerning their idolatry and wickedness read the History of the Popes for to rehearse more is not now our purpose 10. He was revealed about the year 600. For after that Constantine the Emperour translated his seat to Byzantium Sylvester took possession of the Palace since which time the insolency of the Popes did so increase that aboâ—t the year 595. a most bitter contention arose between Gregory the Great and Iohn of Constantinople concerning the Supremacie At length Boniface the 3 obtained of the Emperour Phocas a Parricide and Tyrant that the Romish Church might be the head of all the rest and that he should be stiled Universal Bishop 11. As for his destruction the event now shews how much his power is impaired by the preaching of the Word and how many Kings have fall'n off from him Other passages we must expect with patience V. The King of the Locusts the swarmes of which were raised out of the bottomless pit is a figure of Antichrist and of his Clergy Monks c Rev. 9. v. â— 3 11. VI. The two Beasts Rev. 13 are figures â—f one and the same Antichrist The first with seven heads ascending out of the Sea c. very fierce paints him out as he is in very truth The latter like a Lamb doth shadow him as he seems to be by his impostures VII The Dragon Beast and False Prophet for the same is signified by these names sending out three impure Spirits like Frogs called the Spirits of Devils shewing signes and stirring up the whole world to battel Rev. 16.13 14. The event doth so clearly shew us of what this was the figure that he who sees it not is blinde VIII The Beast c. 17 v. â— c. notes out the Seat of Antichrist but the Whore that sits on the Beast the Church of Antichrist I have somewhat largely handled these things because its needfull not onely to know Christ but Antichrist also and these passages conduce not a little for the understanding of the Apocalypse CHAP. XXVIII Of Vocation in special SO much of Vocation as it is common to Elect and Reprobates now the Special follows which belongs onely to the elect And it is that vocation whereby God calls the Elect as yet in themselves miserable and corrupted outwardly by the Word of the Gospel but inwardly by illuminating the minde and changing the heart to be partakers of the grace of Salvation The RULES I. In Scripture this is called A new Creation Regeneration a Drawing Divine Teaching and Resurrection II. In the Schools it is called Actual Election Effectual Calling and Internal Calling It may be called Actual Election because by this God puts in execution the decree of Election For whom he predestinated them he called Rom. 8.30 So Joh. 15.19 I have chosen you out of the world It is called Effectual Calling in respect of the calling of reprobates which by their own fault is made ineffectual to salvation It is called also Internal because the calling of reprobates is either outward only by the word or if they be any way inwardly illuminated or moved it is but a temporary change III. The principal efficient cause of vocation is God the impulsive is his free mercy the instrumental the Ministery of the Word 2 Tim. 1.9 Wâ—o hath saved us and called us with an holy calling not according to our works but according to his own purpose and grace which was given us in Christ Iesus bâ—fore the world began 2 Thes. 2.14 who hath called you by our Gospel c. IV The matter or object of vocation is man elected but in himself as yet miserable natural carnal sinful estranged from the life of God yea dead in sin Eph. 2.1 And you together hath he quickned when you were dead in sins and trespasses Col. 2.13 And you that were dead in your sins hath he quickned Tit. 3.3 For we our selves also were somtimes foolish disobedient deceived serving diverse lusts and pleasures living in malice and envy hatefull and hating one another V. Therefore the Semipelagians erre when they give to man a preparation or a propension to hearken to his vocation The reason is plain by what we have said for how can a dead man raise himself No more can man further his own vocation VI. Yet man is not like a stock when he is called for he is the fit subject of vocation seeing he is not a Lion nor a Dog but a rational creature yet his reason helps him nothing to his vocation till it be enlightened VII 'T is absurd to extend this grace of vocation to all men whereas common vocation of which already happeneth not to all men as the whole story of the Old Testament teacheth For not the Gentiles but Jews were called VIII The forme consisteth in the gracious change of mans mind and heart whereby not onely is the mind illuminated but our stony hearts also are made fleshy and framed to obedience This appears sufficiently out of what is said especially out of Ezech. 36. IX Therefore the Arminian Novelists falsly teach that the understanding is endowed with knowledge that the affections are irresistibly excited but that its left in the freedome of the will to believe or not to believe That the power to believe is given by irresistible grace but not the act This errour is plainly overthrown by that which God pronounces concerning the change of the heart Ezech. 36.26 So Christ witnesseth that not onely the Elect do hear and learn of God but all that have been taught come to him Ioh. 6.45 X. The grace of Vocation is plainly irresistible not if you look upon our corrupted nature which is harder than a stone but in respect of the Holy Ghost by whom the Elect are so drawn that they follow inevitably XI This drawing is no wayes violent nor doth it resist the natural liberty of the will which of its own nature being corrupted and bent to evil only when the holy Spirit toucheth it presently and freely it follows This drawing is like that of the Shepheard when with a green Branch he draws the sheep after him which follows not violently but spontaneously although this be not altogether alike because the sheep is allured by its natural inclination but man by that propension which the Holy Ghost hath put in him God indeed calls
must not say so of 〈◊〉 Iews I grant also that the Fathers believed the Iews shall follow Antichrist because he saith that if another come in his own name him they will receive but it will not therefore follow that they shall never have their eyes opened to discern the falshood of Antichrist and that they shall never follow Christ. Neither doth Saint Paul contradict himseâ—f who having proved the conversion of the Iews saith 1 Thes. 2.16 That wrath is come upon them to the end For he speaks there onâ—ly of those perverse Iews who lived in his time they having crucified Christ peâ—â—â—cuted his followers therefore final destructio◠〈…〉 â—pon them under Titus or else 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifieth utterly as we translate it and so exâ—reaâ—e or utter destruction came upon them And whereas it is said Hos. 1.6 That God will have mercy no more upon the house of Israel but will utterly take them away this was spoken of â—he ten tribes captivity from which they were not deliverd as the House of Iudah was ver 7. But what is this to the final convâ—â—sion of the Iews As for those imprecations of David against them Psal. 69. v 23.24.25 they have relation onely to their temporal punishments and outwâ—rd afflictons and not to a final or endless obstinacy To conclude the Apostle proves out of Isa. 59.20 That all Israel shall be saved because there shall come to Sion or as the LXX translate it out of Sion the deliverer and shall turn away ungodliness from Iacob Rom. 11.26 This Prophesie hath not been yet accomplished therefore it is to be fulfilled in the end of the world when the deliverer shall turn away ungodliness from the whole Nation of the Iews a Iob. 19.25 26. Dan. 12.2 Hos. 13.14 Matth. 22.31 c. and 27.52 Ioh. 5.28 29 Phil. 3.21 1 Thess 4. and other such like places b The example of those that were raised by the ministery of Elijah 1 King 17 22. Elisha 2 King 4.34 2 King 13.21 by Christ also Matth. 9.25 and c. 27.52.53 Luk. 7.14 Ioh. 11.11 and by the Apostles Act. 9.40 and 20.10 c The type of Aarons Rod budding Num. 17. of the Iews returning from Babylon Ezek. 37. but chiefly of Henoch and Elias Gen. 5 and 2 King 2. d Reasons are drawn from the Covenant of God which is not broken by death Matth 22.30 from the promises of life eternal from the Sacraments which are sâ—ales thereof which 1 Cor. 15. are set down at large But the chief reason is drawn from Christ who is not onely the type and example of our resurection but the beginning also thereof for from the life of the Head we undoubtedly gather the life of the mystical body * A. R. By these Books are meant partly Gods omniscience partly mens conscience God to whom all things are naked and open needs not books to help his memory as men do yet we read that he hath two books the one is called the book of life the other of knowledge Of the former there are four kindes the first is of Predestination to life eternal and in this book some are so written that they cannor be blotted out others are written but in appearance and hope for when they live for a while in the fear of God they hope their names are recorded in Heaven but when by their wickedness they fall from this hope then they may be said to be blotted out of this Book this is the Book of life eternal 2. The Book of life â—emporary which is nothing else but the condition and estate of this life out of this Book did Moses David and Paul wâ—sh themselves to be blotted 3. The Scripture is the book of Life as containing those precepts and means by which we may obtain Life eternall The 4. Book of Life is our conscience informing us of all the good and bad actions of our former life This Book is opened sometimes in this life but shall be fully laid open to us in the last day The other Book we read of is of knowledge which is threefold 1 The Book of Gods generall knowledge whâ—reby he takes notice of all men whether they be good or bad â—f this every man may say with David Psal 139 16. In thy Book are all my members written 2 The Book of Gods particular knowledge of this Psal. 1. The Lord knoweth the ways of the righteous and 2 Tim. 2. The Lord knoweth who are his this is the knowledge of approbation in this Book they are not wâ—itten to whom Chrâ—st will say in the last day Depart from me c. I know you not of this David speaketh Psal. 69 28. Let them be blotted out of the Book of the living and not be written with the righteous The third book of knowledge is that wherein the actions of wicked men are recorded and which shall be laid open to them Dan. 7.10 The Judgment was set and the Books opened We may say then that God hath two books which like Ezekiels scroll are written within and without in the inside are the names of the Saints who persevere to the end On the outside are the names of the wicked who fall from grace who begin in the spirit but end in the flesh Of these books see Exo. 32.32 Psâ— 69.28 c. Phil. â— 3 Rev. 3 5. â—7 â— â—0 15. 21.27 * A. R. The heavens shall not be purged with fire because they are not capable of an elementary impression 2. Because they are not subject to the vanity motion and corruption of inferiour bodies 3. Theâ—r innovation shall onely be in their rest and cessaâ—ion from motion 4. The Heavens that shall be purged by fire are the aerial onely 5. The fire shall purge no more than what the water did purge in the Flood of Noah * A.R. Religion is to be taught not to be forced The reasons are 1. Because Faith cometh by hearing saith the Apostle But the acts of hearing reading meditating praying by which Religion is both begot and nourished are voluntary 2. The proper seat of Religion is the will but the will cannot be forced 3. In propogating of Religion we must imitate God in our conversion who useth not to force us but gently to perswade incline and move us 4. No force or violence hath any continuance neither hath forced Religion 5. Religion is the free gift of God which as it is freely given so it must be freely received without constraint 6. As â—e is not to be esteemed an Heretike or an Idolater that is forced thereto neither is he Religious that is compelled to imbrace it 7 Christ and his Apostles never used any force in propagating of Religion not the Sword but the Word was the instrument used to propagate Christianity 8. Christ is so far from using violence that he will rather suffer the tares to grow with the good corn than pluck them by force 9. We find that violence is rather a hinderer
his adoration 123 126. his knowledg how manifold 123 c his perfections what 126 his generation twofold 128. his nativity 127 c. fruit thereof 130 his exinanition 135 c Christs office in his humiliation ib. 156 and in his exaltation 163. his office of mediatorship 130 c in what nature he was mediator 131 c. how manifold 133 c. our mediator ib. his works of MediatioÌ„ 117. his active and passive obedience 136 c. the necessity of both ib and 151 c his active how shadowed 154. his passive how the cause of life eternal 153 his passion 138 c. each part thereof satisfactory ib. how atributed to Christ and how manifold 145 if he despaired on the cross 140 his death what ib. c. if he died for all 149 his sepulture or burial 142. his 3. days detention in the grave ib. his descent to hell ib. c. his intercession 155. his exaltation 157 his resurrection 159 c. what body he had after his resurection 157 c. his ascension with its fruits 160 c. whether yet on earth 161 how present in the Supper 178 c 200 his return or 2d coming its signs 282. Christs kingdom how to be delivered up to the Father 164 c. Christs justice vide J. Works vide W. Church what 203 c. her form and head 205 how one catholique holy 207 c. her marks or notes 209. if she can erre ibid. her administration 197 c and 214. c her offiâ—â— concerning controveâ—sies of Religion 221. c. false Church what and what sorts 231 c. Church goods 217 c Clemencie 391 Complaints in afflâ—ctions 329 Concupiscence originaâ— 77 425. actual ib. to be resisted ibid c. Confession of the truth 357 364 c. Confidenâ—e for the foâ—m of faith 253 c. for the effâ—ct of faith and good works 32â— idolatrous confidence ib. Conscience 320 Consecration true and superstitiouâ— 357 c. Constancie 321 Contempt of superiors 383 Contentation vide self-sufficiency Covenants of works and the seals thereof 67 c. Covenant of grace 169 c how the new and old dâ—ffer 172. the seals of both 18â— c Covetousnâ—sse 414 Councels â—ow to be convened 228. c. councels Papistical 313 c. Courtesie 421 Craft 320 Creationâ— 46. c. Cruelty 375 and 391 Curiosity 418 DAmnation if the end of repâ—obation 45 the pains and state of the damned 87â— c. Death of man fourfold 86 c. Decalogue its parts rules of interpreting it 92 c. Deceit when lawful 393 Gods decree what 33. its causes objects if one or many 37 Denial of the truth 365 Desperation 325 Destâ—uction of the world 301 Diffidence or distrust in God 324 c. Diligence 387 Disobedience to superiors 384 Dissembling when lawful 319. when unlawful 365 The Praecognita of Divinity 1 If malicious desertâ—on may cause divorce 405 Doubleâ— mindednesse 489 Doubting of Gods goodness and power 324 c. Drunkennesse 395 ELection for calling to an office 166. for spiritual calling 243 c. for Gods decree what it is 38. its causes and marks ib. the Elect if they may become reprobate 2â—â— Envy 376 c Of two Evils what is to be chosen 319. FAith for a part of Gods worship 32â— for constancy in words and deeds 419. of miracles historicall temporary 251. c. Saving faith what ibid and whence 252 c its quality and degrees 253 c. how it justifieth 259 implicite faith what 254 presumption of faith 324 Fall of Adam 73 Fasting what 339 c. and how to be kept 340 c. Fear of God 326. servile and filial fear ibid. Feasts 106 c. Flattery 418 c. Folly 318 Fortitude 491 c. Freewill 69 c. 77 82 Friendship true and counteâ—feit 378. c. Frugality v. Parsimony GEntlenesse 420 our Glorification 307 God his names essence and properties 14 15 16 c. Gospel what and how it differs from the Law 108. c. Gratitude towards God 327 c. towards our superiors 384 c. Gravity 419 c. HAppinesse vide Beatitude Hardning vide Induration Hatred of God 326 Hatred of our neighbour 374 Hell where 88 an Heretick who 233. Honesty 397 Hope 325 Humanity 375 Hypocrisie 320 422 IDlenesse 415 Idolatry what how manifod 344 and 346 An Idol what how it differs from an image or picture 344 c. Images of Christ and of the Saints idols 347 also the painting of the Trinity 348 vid. Worship Image of God what 50 c of what gifts it consisteth 69 c. what of it remains since the fall 79. c. Impatience 329 Impatience of correction 384 Imprecations 363 c Imprudence 320 Inconstancy 321 Indulgence too much 391 Induration how ascribâ—d to God 59 c. 327 Industry 414 c. Infants baptisme and faith 194 c. Infidelity 324 Ingratitude towards God 3â—8 toward our superiors 385 Inhumanity 375 Injurâ—es how lawfully repelled 388 c. Insensibility 394 Integrity 320 Intemperance 394 Intercessors of the Papists 155 Christs intercessioÌ„ v. C. Irreverence to Superiors 383 Last judgment with its circumstances and signes 295 Justice how used in Scripture 267 Christs Justice 150. who manifod ib. c. Justice towards our neighbour what and how manifold 380 409 Justice coÌ„mutative how to be exercised 330 386 409 of Superiours to Inferiours 386. Vindicative Justice 39â— To justifie in Script what 256. The causes-and parts of Justification 257 c. The Keyes and power thereof what 223 c. how it differs from the power of the Magistrate 226. Knowledg of God 323 LAbour before the fall 71 Law what 90. why renewed since the fall 91 c. if it be Corrected by Christ 92 how it differs from the Gospel 109 c. ceremonial 97. political 107 c. Levites office 100 Liberality 413 Liberty essential to the will 55 Christian Liberty 279 Liberty of speech 421 Life eternal 305 c. First light 49 Limbus Patrum and of infants 89 Lots 364 Love ordered and disordered 426 c. Evil lusts 425 c. Luxury in food 395 Lying if any be lawful 416 c. MAgistrate how to be obeyed 22â— Magistrates nursing fathers to the Church ibid Magnificence 413 Malevolence 376 c. Mans creation 50. his fourfold estate 67. Man what 52 how immortal before his fal 71. what he is before his calling 245 Mary Mother of God remained a Virgin 129 Marriage what 397 c. how and between whom it is to be contracted 398 399 c how to be dissolved 405. Masse vid. Sacrifice Mercy 377 The conditions of Merit 317 Merit of congruity and conâ—ignity 315. Mildnesse 390. Ministers of the Church 214 and their calling 218 c. their duty to conceal secrets 226. Our Misery how manifold 71 c Moderation 39â— Modesty 397. Multiplicity of Gods vide P. Murther 326 c. Self-Murther ib. Nazarites 100.