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
by one man sinne entred into the world and death by sin and so death went ouer all men for as much as all men haue sinned HItherto of the principles concerning sinne Now concerning the punishment of sin followeth this principle viz. That all men in their naturall estate are extremely miserable in respect of the punishment vnto which they are liable for their sinnes Nahum 1.2.3.6 God is ielous and the Lord reuengeth euen the Lord of anger the Lord will take vengeance on his aduersaries and he reserueth wrath for his enemies The Lord is slow to anger but he is great in power and will not surely cleare the wicked the Lord hath his way in the whirlewind and in the storme and the clouds are the dust of his feete Who can stand before his wrath or who can abide in the fiercenes of his wrath his wrath is poured out like fier the rocks are brokē by him c. Rom. 5.12 Iob 10.17 Thou renewest thy plagues against me and thou increasest thy wrath against me changes and armies of sorrowes are against me Iob. 31.3 Is not destruction to the wicked and strange punishments to the workers of iniquitie 2. Thes. 1.9 Which shall be punished with euerlasting perdition from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his power Ephes. 2.3 Among whom we also had our conuersation in times past in the lusts of our flesh in fulfilling the will of the flesh and of the mind and weare by nature the children of wrath as well as others That this principle may be explicated I will reckon vp the seuerall sorts of punishments which haue been inflicted for mans sinne 1. The losse of Paradise from which we are all exiled so as we liue as banished men while wee are in this world Genes 3.24 Thus hee cast out man and at the East side of the Garden of Eden hee set the Cherubines and the blade of a sword shaken to keep the way of the tree of life 2. The curse of the creatures the creatures are subiect to vanitie and subdued vnto bondage vnder which they groane for mans sinne Rom. 8.20.21 Because the creature is subiect to vanity not of it owne will but by reason of him which hath subdued it vnder hope c. the earth was cursed for our sakes Genes 3.17.18 Cursed is the earth for thy sake in sorrow shalt thou eate of it all the daies of thy life Thornes also and thistles shall it bring forth vnto thee and thou shalt eate the hearbe of the field 3. An impure and painefull birth Genes 3.16 Vnto the woman he said I will greatly increase thy sorrowes and thy conceptions in sorrow shalt thou bring forth children and thy desiers shall be subiect to thy husband and he shall rule ouer thee 4. The displeasure of God and his feareful anger conceiued against vs Iohn 3.36 He that obeieth not the son shall not see life but the wrath of God abideth on him Nah. 3.6 And I will cast filth vpon thee and make thee vilde and will set thee as a gasing stock 5. A priuation of that admirable knowledge of God and the nature of the creatures vnto which we were created so as we are all for horrible ignorance almost like the beasts in comparison of what once we might haue had Prou. 30.2 Surely I am more foolish then any man and haue not the vnderstanding of a man in me and this light is wanting both to the mind and the conscience 6. Bondage to Satan who hath naturally strong holds in euery mans heart and such spirituall possession that hauing men in his snare he leadeth them at his pleasure and worketh effectually both in them and by them Eph. 2.2 Wherein in time past you walked according to the course of this world and after the Prince that ruleth in the aire euen the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience 2. Tim. 2.26 And that they may come to amendment out of the snare of the diuell which are taken of him at his will 2. Cor. 10.5 Casting downe the imaginations and euery high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God c. 7. Spiritual death which comprehendeth in it the losse of communion with God the life of our liues and all the ioyes of his fauour and presence together with the obduratiō of our harts which are become as a stone within vs so as we are altogether insensible of the things that concerne euerlasting happines Eph. 2.1 And you hath he quickned that were dead in trespasses and sinnes Ephes. 4.18 Hauing their cogitation darkned and being strangers from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them because of the hardnesse of their heart Ezech. 36.26 I will take away the stony heart out of your body and I will giue you a heart of flesh 8. Miserable bodies Our bodies are become miserable both in respect of deformity and in respect of imbecillitie as also in respect of the many paines befalles them both from labour and from diseases of all sorts Genes 3.13 In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread till thou returne to the earth for out of it wast thou taken because thou art dust and to dust shalt thou returne c. Deut. 28.21.22 The Lord shall make the pestilence cleaue vnto thee vntill he hath consumed thee from the land whether thou goest to possesse it The Lord shall smite thee with a consumption and with the feuer and with a burning ague and with seruent heat and with the sword and with blasting and with the mildew and they shall pursue thee vntil thou perish c. 9. Iudgements in our outward estates in temporall things by warres famine fier earthquakes in-undations ignominy pouerty and such like of many sorts Deut. 28.16.17.18 c. Cursed shalt thou be in the towne and cursed also in the field Cursed shall thy basket be and thy dough Cursed shall be the fruit of thy bodie and the fruit of thy land the encrease of thy kine and the flockes of thy sheepe Cursed shalt thou be when thou commest in and cursed also when thou goest out c. 10. The restraining of good things from vs euen blessings of al sorts and that somtimes when they are by the free mercy of God bestowed vpon others Isai. 59.2 But your iniquities haue separated betweene you and your God and your sinnes haue hid his face from you that he will not heare Iob 31.2 for what portion should I haue of God from aboue and what inheritance of the Almightie from on high Act. 17.30 And the time of this ignorance God regarded not Ier. 5.25 Yet your iniquities haue turned away these things and your sinnes haue hindred good things from you c. 11. The cursing of blessings when God blasts the good gifts he bestowed or suffers prosperity to become a snare or trap or ruine vnto man Mal. 2.2 I will curse your blessings Ierem. 12.13 They haue sowne wheat and
very horse and mule and much worse Secondly heere is matter of instruction and that first to wicked men that if it be possible they would awake from this heauie sleepe in sinne and learne to liue righteously These Iudgements may warne all men euery where to repent and seeing they are thus vndone by the first Adam to seeke release from this dreadfull misery by the second Adam There is no condemnation to them that are in Christ Iesus and there can bee no accesse to Christ without repentance from dead workes and faith in him Oh how were men sure to be freed by Christ if they were once wearie and heauie laden There is a full propitiation for al sinne in him hee hath borne all that curse of the law onely if any man will be in Christ he must be a new Creature This may instruct the godly and so 1. The weak Christian should labour by all meanes to be established in the faith that as Christ hath freed him from all these miseries as curses so faith may free him from the feare of them and to this end hee should earnestly and constantly pray that God would make him worthy of his calling and fulfill all the good pleasure of his goodnesse and the worke of faith with power 2. Th. 1.11.12 2. All Christians should forcibly compell vpon themselues a carefull practice of 6. duties 1. All ages should admire the exceeding riches of the tender kindnesse and mercy of God and the great loue wherewith hee hath loued vs that hath forgiuen vs so great a debt and freed vs from so vnspeakable confusion Ephes. 2.4.7 2. Wee should often looke vpon Christ that hath borne all the malediction of the law for vs and that both to moue vs to compassion and mourning for our sinnes that so pierced him Zach. 12.10 And also to settle our selues against the feare of any of these miseries seeing Christ hath fully paid our debts and suffered the vttermost in our roomes and further if wee did often set before vs that maruellous passion of our Lord and Sauiour it might rauish our hearts to a greater loue towards him and desire to bee with him to giue him eternall thankes 3. Haue we escaped so much danger which sinne brought vs into Then let vs for euer be warned and goe our wayes and sin no more Let vs watch ouer our selues that we be not bewitched by the deceitfulnes of sinne For heere wee may learne that God can make sinne extreamly bitter vnto vs but especially let vs leaue sinne euen because God hath dealt so graciously with vs. 4. It should teach vs with all compassion to pitie others with whom we conuerse that yet liue in this misery wee should striue with all effectualnesse of perswasion to draw them out of such an estate and vse our vttermost power to pull them out of this fier prouoking them to holinesse and good workes and exhorting and rebuking them with all instance that they may not perish in so great condemnation Heb. 10.25 5. It should teach vs to endure all sorts of afflictions that God shal please to try vs withall and that because they are no way comparable to the punishments we are escaped from and besides God is pleased to cause them to work our good they try and encrease our faith in Christs merits they make vs know our selues more throughly they mollifie and soften our hearts they tame our flesh they scoure our gifts from rust they weane vs from the world and excite the desire after and care to prouide for the world to come 6. It should teach vs with all gladnesse of heart to remember our miseries as waters that are past and establish our selues in a daily solace especially in the expectation of the full and finall deliuerance from all the remnants of distresse in the day of Christ when God shall bee made maruellous in them that beleeue 2. Thes. 1.11 And the more we should lift vp our heads vpon whom the ends of the world are come because the day of that redemption draweth neere Let vs euer say with Dauid Psal. 16.6 The lines are fallen vpon mee in pleasant places yea I haue a faire heritage and The Lord hath drawn vs out of many waters let vs therefore loue the Lord dearly and reioyce alwaies in the Lord Phil. 4.4 CHAP. XI The estate of Grace Ephes. 1.4 As he hath chosen vs in him before the foundation of the world HItherto of the second estate of man The third estate is the estate of Grace which is three waies to bee considered 1. First in respect of the means of the foundation of it 2. Secondly in respect of the subiect of the possession of it which is the Church 3. Thirdly in respect of the degrees of application and manifestation which are two viz. Iustification Sanctification The meanes of foundation is twofold 1. Election in God 2. Redemption in Christ. Concerning Election there are these euident Principles First that there was a choice and Election made by God Eph. 1.4 As he hath chosen vs in him before the foundation of the world Secondly that this choice was before the foundation of the world Ephes. 1.4 as immediately before Rom. 9.11 For ere the children were borne and when they had done neither good nor euill that the purpose of God might remaine according to the Election not by workes but by him that called c. That onely some men are chosen not all men If all were taken how could there be Election c Matth. 20.16 Many are called but few chosen Mat. 22.14 That the cause of our Election is the onely free grace of God not our workes Ephes. 1.5 Who hath predestinated vs to be adopted through Iesus Christ vnto himselfe according to the good pleasure of his will c. Rom. 9.15.18 For he saith vnto Moses I wil haue mercy on him to whom I will shew mercy and will haue compassion on him on whom I will haue compassion Therfore he hath mercy on whom he will and whom he will he hardneth That Gods Election is vnchangeable all the Elect shall bee saued Rom. 8.30 Moreouer whom he predestinated them also he called and whom he called them also he iustified and whom he iustified them also he glorified c. Isaiah 46.10 My Counsell shall stand and I will doe whatsoeuer I will 2. Tim. 2.19 But the foundation of God remaineth sure and hâ—th this seale The Lord knoweth who are his c. Iohn 6.37 All that the Father giueth me shall come to me and him that commeth to mee I cast not away Matth. 25.34 Then shall the King say to them on the right hand Come ye blessed of my Father inherit ye the Kingdome prepared for you from the foundations of the world The consideration of this doctrine of mans Election should teach vs diuers things Euery one of vs should study this doctrine of our Election and labour to make it sure seeing here lieth the
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
hearts bee sincere with God Esay 56.4.6 the abiect Gentiles are not excluded Esay 49.7 What should I say the whole world is inuited and worlds of people may bee reconciled to God 2. Cor. 5.19 And as this is comfortable at all times so there is comfort to be gathered out of it in speciall distresses as 1. In the case of sinne 2. In the case of affliction 3. In the case of death For the first in the case of sin after calling it is a memorable place 1. Iohn 2.1 My babes these things write I vnto you that ye sinne not and if any man sinne we haue an aduocate with the Father Iesus Christ the righteous For the second in the case of affliction there are many Scriptures that haue recourse to this doctrine for cōfort If the godly bee grieued and oppressed and come vnto God and humble thēselues the Lord wil remember this couenant and heare them as Exod. 2.2.4.5 and Exod. 6. 4.5.6 Leuit. 26.41.42 c. The godly know in all afflictions whom they haue trusted and ought to beleeue that hee will keepe that which by couenant is committed to him 2. Tim. 1. 12. Christ hath commission from God by vertue of this couenant to say to the prisoners go forth and to them that are in darknes shew your selues Esa. 49.9.10 For a small moment God may forsake but with great mercy will hee gather vs In a little wrath he may hide his face but in euerlasting kindnesse will hee haue mercy on vs For this is as the waters of Noah c. The mountaines may depart but his kindnesse and the couenant of his peace shall not depart nor be remoued saith the Lord that hath mercy on vs Esa. 54. from the 7. to 11. For the third in the case of death it is a knowne instance of Iob how he comforted himselfe in his Redeemer in the middest of all his wonderfull distresses that seemed to threaten his death as it were euery moment Iob 19.25 For I know that my redeemer liueth and he shall stand the last on the earth Thus of the vses for consolation The instructions follow and may be cast into two sorts For this doctrine of the new couenant in the mediator may teach vs 1. both what to auoid 2. and what to doe The consideration of these principles should teach vs to shun two things 1. The conceit of merit of our owne workes and all boasting of any worthinesse in our selues For this were to make the promise of none effect and the grace of this new couenant void it were to stand to the old couenant Rom. 4.14 For if they which are of the law be heires faith is made void and the promise is made of none effect Rom. 3.27 Where is then thy reioycing it is excluded by what law of workes nay but by the law of faith Rom. 10.4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousnesse vnto euery one that beleeueth c. 2. The forgetfulnesse of God whatsoeuer befall vs we should not forget God nor deale wickedly in his couenant Psal. 44.17 All this is come vpon vs yet doe we not forget thee neither deale wee falsly concerning thy couenant The duties we should do may be referred to two sorts for either 1. they are such as fit vs for this new couenant 2. or such as we should doe to walke worthy of it If we would haue any comfort by the mediator and this new agreement with God 1. We must turne from our transgressions else wee haue no redeemer Esa. 59.20 And the Redeemer shall come vnto Sion and vnto them that turne from iniquities in Iacob saith the Lord. We must bee new creatures al things in vs must now be new our old things must bee passed and giuen ouer 2. Cor. 5.17.18.19 c. Going and weeping we should goe and aske for the way Ierem. 50.4 Secondly wee must come to Christ being wearie and laden and receiue him and lay hold vpon him by faith This new agreement is chiefly published for the obedience of faith Rom. 16.26 Rom. 3.25 That wee may walke worthy of this couenant we must looke to diuers things First we should inflame our hearts to the loue of the Lord Iesus be ready to acknowledge his wonderfull loue to vs that dedicated this Testament with his blood Heb. 9.16 Esa. 59.16 c. God should bee our portion for euer Psalm 73.26 My flesh faileth and my heart also but God is the strength of my heart and my portion for euer What now should bee our hope our hope should euen be in God Psal. 39.7 And now Lord what waite I for my hope is euen in thee We should for all other things of this life confesse our selues to bee strangers and pilgrims and imbrace onely these new promises of a better happinesse Heb. 11.13 We should neuer be ashamed of the testimony of the Lord nor of this doctrine of the mediator for all the Papists in the world but partake willingly of all the afflictions may befall vs for this glad tidings in the Gospell 2. Tim. 1.8 to the 13. But rather glory in our singular riches which is Christ in vs Colos. 1.27 We should striue to liue like such as are now againe confederates of God and as may become the singular prerogatiues of our new estate This is briefly comprehended in those few words Walke before God and be vpright Genes 17.1 Esa. 59. 17.18.19 Wee should bee in a speciall manner carefull that the salt of the couenant of God bee not lacking Leuit. 2.13 This is the salt of discretion and of mortification Gods confederats should bee a wise and humble people Mark 9.50 If euer wee fall into distresse we must runne to God and vrge him with his couenant and deprecate his displeasure Ier. 14. 21. Doe not abhorre vs for thy names sake cast not downe the throne of thy glory Remember and breake not thy couenant with vs. Wee should for euer cleaue vnto God with full purpose of heart in a perpetuall couenant neuer to be forgotten Ier. 50.5 We should learne of God how to carry our selues in all agreements and couenants with men We should be easie to be reconciled and keepe our promises though made with disaduantage Ministers also may learne from these principles how to diuide the word The Law is to be preached to the vnrighteous and this new couenant of promise in Christ to the penitent and humbled soule 1. Tim. 1.9 Luk. 4.18 The last vse may be for terrour vnto all wicked men that liue in the Church and securely sinne on without regard of reconciliation or seeking the benefits of this new couenant Who can expresse their misery which receiues aggrauation from their neglect of this grace offered these are children of the bond-woman Galath 4.24 Vpon these God will fearfully auenge the quarrell of his couenant Leuit. 26.25 Esa. 24.5 Ier. 34.18 Ezech 20.36.37 Though they cry vnto God he will not know them Hos. 8.1.2.3 Their couenant with
Seasons both in Summer and Winter Matth. 24.29 The sea roares and is outragious men are secure now as in the daies of Noah Matth. 24.37 3. Were it that it were further off yet the day of death which is the day of thy particular iudgement is not farre off Ob. But yet sure there will be some kind of warning Sol. No he will come suddenly as the thiefe in the night 1. Thes. 5.2.3 For ye your selues know perfectly that the day of the Lord shal come euē as a thiefe in the night For when they shall say peace and safetie then shall come vpon them sudden destruction as the trauaile vpon a woman with child and they shall not escape Mat. 24.39 And knew nothing till the flood came and tooke them all away so shall also the comming of the Sonne of Man be And the rather should men be affected with the terror of this day and bee thereby perswaded to repentance 1. Because God will be Iudge himselfe Psalm 50.6 and therefore there can be no appeale hee being supreme Iudge 2. Because it is a finall sentence there will be no time of respit or change or reuocation 3. Because they shall be iudged by him whom they haue so much despised and wronged Reuel 1.7.8 Behold he commeth in the cloudes and euerie eie shall see him yea euen they which pierced him through and all kindreds of the earth shall waile before him 4. Because Gods proceedings shall bee all cleared and euerie tongue shall confesse that God hath done nothing but Iustice Rom. 2.5 It is a day of the declaration of the iust iudgement of God and Rom. 14.11 And this iustice will the more appeare 1. By the equitie of Gods dealing they haue had their daies of sinne and therefore reason hee should haue his day of wrath Rom. 2.5 2. By the consideration of his patiēce what a wonderful while hath God deferred this last iudgment 2. Pet. 3.9 The Lord is not slacke concerning his promise as some men count slacknesse but is patient toward vs and would haue no man to perish but would all men to come to repentance Rom. 2.4 Or despisest thou the riches of his bountifulnesse and patience and long suffering not knowing that the bountifulnesse of God leadeth thee to repentance c. 3. God will then discouer a world of offences in euery wicked mā that are not now knowne 4. God will then vnfold the secrets of his Counsell and bring forth exquisite reasons of his proceedings which are now like a great deepe vnto vs Rom. 11.33 O the deepenesse of the riches both of the wisdome and knowledge of God! how vnsearchable are his iudgements and his waies past finding out c. And as this doctrine is terrible in respect of the parts of their miserie and in respect of the taking off of all obiections so is it because the particular sinners are particularly mentioned in Scripture that shall be sure to speede ill at that day for Christ with terror will then iudge 1. The man of sin who shall be sure to be consumed with the breath of his mouth though hee lord it for a time ouer all that is called God 2. Thes. 2.4 2. All that worship the beast and receiue his marke shall bee cast into the lake that burnes with fier and brimstone Reuel 19.20 and 14.9.10 3. All Atheisticall mockers of religion and the comming of Christ 2. Pet. 3.3 4. All false teachers which bring in damnable heresies 2. Pet. 2.1 5. All Apostates that sin willingly after they haue receiued the truth Hebr. 10.26 For if wee sinne willingly after that wee haue receiued the knowledge of the truth there remaineth no more sacrifice for sinnes 27. But a fearfull looking for of iudgement and violent fier which shall deuoure the aduersaries c. 6. All goates that is vnruly Christians that will not be kept within the moūds of Christs gouernment Matth. 25.32 7. All Hypocrites shall then be vnmasked Luk. 12.1.2 Psal. 50.17 Take heede to your selues of the leuen of the Pharisies which is hypocrisie 2. For there is nothing couered that shall not bee reuealed neither hid that shall not be knowne 8. All railers shall receiue the punishment of their vngodly words Psal. 50.19 Iude 15. To giue iudgement against all men and to rebuke all the vngodly among thē of all their wicked deeds which they haue vngodlily committed and of all their cruell speaking which wicked sinners haue spoken against him c. 9. All censorious and masterlike men that iudge other men in what they are guilty themselues Rom. 2.1 Therefore thou art inexcusable O man whosoeuer thou art that iudgest for in that that thou iudgest another thou condemnest thy selfe for thou that iudgest dost the same things 3. And thinkest thou this O thou man that iudgest them which doe such things and doest the same that thou shalt escape the iudgement of God c Iam. 3.1 c. My brethren bee not many masters knowing that we shall receiue the greater condemnation c. 10. All mercilesse and couetous rich men Iam. 5.1 Goe to now ye rich men weepe and howle for your miseries that shal come vpon you 2. Your riches are corrupt and your garments are moth-eaten 3. Your gold and siluer is cankred and the rust of them shall bee a witnesse against you and shall eate your flesh as it were fier ye haue heaped vp treasures for the last dayes 5. Ye haue liued in pleasure on the earth and in wantonnesse yee haue nourished your hearts as in a day of slaughter Matth. 25.41 Then shall he say vnto them on the left hand depart from me ye cursed into euerlasting fier which is prepared for the diuell and his angels 42. For I was an hungred and you gaue me no meate I thirsted and ye gaue me no drinke c. Iam. 2.13 For there shall bee iudgement mercilesse to him that sheweth no mercy 11. All whoremongers and adulterers Heb. 13.4 Marriage is honourable among all and the bed vndefiled but whoremongers and adulterers God will iudge c. 12. All drunkards and Epicures Luk. 21.34 Take heede to your selues lest at any time your hearts be oppressed with surfetting and drunkennesse and cares of this life and lest that day come vpon you at vnawares 13. All deceitfull persons with their scant measures and false waights Mich. 6.10.11 Are yet the treasures of wickednesse in the house of the wicked and the scant measure that is abominable Shall I iustifie the wicked ballances and the bagge of deceitfull waights 14. All liars and all that loue lies Reuel 21.8 But the fearfull and vnbeleeuing and the abominable and murtherers and whoremongers and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars shall haue their part in the lake which burneth with fier and brimstone which is the second death Reuel 22.15 For without shall be dogs and enchanters and whoremongers and murtherers and idolaters whosoeuer loueth or maketh lies c. 15. Lastly all that disobey the
foundation of our grace now one labor doth both if we make our calling sure wee make our Election sure 2. Pet. 1. 10 and we may be sure our calling is right if we adde vertue to our faith if we can find the gifts of grace in our hearts for this I fay we must study the doctrine of the signes of which before If we find assurance of our Election we should with all thankefulnes acknowledge Gods goodnesse to vs and the riches of his free grace as the Apostle teacheth vs Ephes. 1.3 and 2. Thes. 2.13 But we ought to giue thanks alway to the Lord for you brethren beloued of God because that God hath from the beginning chosen you to saluation through sanctification of the Spirit and the faith of truth and so rest in this happines as our chiefe desire to God should bee still to vouchsafe vs this fauour to blesse vs with the fauour of his chosen Psalm 106.4.5 Remember me O Lord with the fauour of thy people visit me with thy saluation That I may see the felicitie of thy chosen and reioyce in the ioy of thy people and glory with thine inheritance And for euer stand and gase at the maruelous riches of Gods grace that suffered vs not to perish in the condemnation of the world Our Election should work vpon vs a wonderfull care of holinesse of life Are we Elect then how should wee confirme our selues in separation from the world shall wee euer loue the world and the things thereof that heare that God hath chosen vs out of the world Yea why fashion wee our selues vnto this world Rom. 12.2 And fashion not your selues like vnto this world but be yee changed by the renewing of your minde that yee may prooue what is the good will of God and acceptable and perfect Deut. 14.2 For thou art an holy people vnto the Lord thy God and the Lord hath chosen thee to be a pretious people vnto himselfe aboue all the people that are vpon the earth God hath chosen vs and called vs with a holy calling and therefore we should as a people peculiar vnto him be zealous of all good workes and shew forth the vertues of him that called vs and walke before him with all desire to please him that hath thus Elected vs we should euer be ready to choose the Lord to bee our God and to shew it by auouching him and by walking in his waies as these Scriptures plentifully shew Deut. 7.6.7 For thou art an holy people vnto the Lord thy God the Lord thy God hath chosen thee to be a pretious people vnto himselfe aboue al the people that are vpon the earth The Lord doth not set his loue vpon you nor chuse you because yee were more in nūber then any people for ye were the fewest of all people Deut. 26.16.17 This day the Lord thy God hath commanded thee to do these ordinances lawes keepe them therefore and doe them with all thine heart and with all thy soule Thou hast set vp the Lord this day to be thy God and to walke in his waies and to keepe his ordinances and his commandements and his lawes and to hearken to his voice Ephes. 1.4 As he hath chosen vs in him before the foundation of the world that we should be holy and without blame before him in loue 1. Pet. 2.9.16 But ye are a chosen generation a roial 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 maruelous light As free and not as hauing the libertie for a cloke of maliciousnes but as the seruants of God Wee should giue our names to God as they that will subscribe and deuote themselues only to the God of Iacob Isaiah 44.1.5 Yet now heare O Iacob my seruant and Israel whom I haue chosen One shall say I am the Lord another shall be called by the name of Iacob and another shall subscribe with his hand vnto the Lord and name himselfe by the name of Israel 4. It should teach vs to imitate God and chuse the godly as the persons wee would most obserue admire loue defend and liue withall Ioh. 15.17 These things command I you that yee loue one another Iohn 17.26 And I haue declared vnto them thy name and will declare it that the loue wherewith thou hast loued me may be in them and I in them c. Yea we should not haue the glorious faith of Christ in respect of persons to despise poore Christians and onely respect great men for God hath chosen the weake things of this world to confound the mighty and the poore hee hath chosen to be made heires of the Kingdome and rich in faith Iames 2.5 1. Cor. 1.27 Yea we should be content as the Apostle saith to suffer all things for the Elects sake seeing they are so deare to God 2. Tim. 2.10 We may know our Election by two sorts of signes First the one respects God Secondly the other respects our selues God declares his eternall choise by diuers markes of it and man proues himself to be Elect of God by diuers tokens of it God shewes whom hee hath chosen from euerlasting three manner of waies 1. By Election in time when God separates a man from the world vnto himselfe and his seruice It is a manifest signe of Election it shewes an eternall choise when God singles a man out from the multitude of carnal and carelesse men and inspires him with an vnchangeable resolution to deuote himselfe to God it is an euident declaration of Gods predestination to glorie God separates a man from the world when he makes him a wearie of wicked and vnprofitable society and takes away from him the taste in earthly things so as the loue of the world is not in him and sanctifies him to his owne vse 2. By the entertainement God giues them in his house and especially by the efficacy of the word and principally by the life of the promises for God makes his word a word of power and the holy Ghost falles vpon their hearts and they at sometimes feele a maruelous assurance in hearing and so much comfort that they can receiue the word though it be with much affliction and reioyce greatly in it and the word transformes them also to a constant desire of practice imitation of the godlines of the Saints 1. Thes. 1.4.5.6 Knowing beloued brethren that ye are Elect of God For our Gospell was not vnto you in word only but also in power and in the holy Ghost and in much assurance And ye became followers of vs and of the Lord and receiued the word in much affliction with ioy of the holy Ghost Psalm 65.4 Blessed is he whom thou chusest and causest to come to thee he shall dwell in thy courts and we shal be satisfied with the pleasures of thine house euen thy holy temple Rom. 9.8.11 That is they which are the children of the flesh
are not the children of God but the children of promise are counted for the seed 3. By the sanctification of their afflictions euen by the many experiences of Gods loue in afflictions as when God comforts their hearts in the midst of distresse when they come to him making their mone and when he turnes the crosse to a blessing to them making them more humble by it exercising their gifts purging out their sinne c. and at the length giuing gracious deliuerances causing all to worke together for the best so as they themselues being Iudges they can say it was good for me that I was afflicted Rom. 8.28.29 Also we know that all things worke together for the best to them that loue God euen to them that are called of his purpose c. Psalm 119. in many places Now as God manifests his owne choie by these and such like signes so the godly make sure their owne election by diuers markes of it as generally by the sanctification of the Spirit and beliefe of the truth 2. Thes. 2.13 But we ought to giue thanks alway to God for you brethren beloued of the Lord because that God hath from the beginning chosen you to saluation through sanctification of the Spirit and the faith of truth so in particular 1. By the vertues of Christ which more or lesse in some measure shine in them such as are humilitie piety knowledge temperance and contempt of the world patience in aduersitie and other excellent sauing graces in them 2. Pet. 1.5.6.7.10 1. Pet. 2.9 By their fruits you may know them Ioh. 15.16 2. Secondly by the affections of godlinesse that are in them aboue al others Ephes. 1.5 1. Ioh. 3.14 They approue themselues to be elect by loue that is by their great affections to God to the word of God and his ordinances and by their brotherly kindnesse to the godly and this loue is the more euident marke when it lasts euen in affliction when no distresses makes vs abate of our affection to God or good things or good men Rom. 8.28 3. By their Priesthood Gods elect are a kingdome of Priests they offer God daily sacrifice they haue the spirit of prayer they daily mortifie the beast their sinnes vpon the Altar of Christ crucified So then by their praying and their mortification Gods elect may bee euidently knowne 1. Pet. 2.9.10 4. Fourthly they are vsually knowne by the opposition of the world If they were of the world the world would spare and loue his owne but because they are chosen out of the world therefore the world hates them and pursues them with reproches and indignations of all sorts Ioh. 15.18.19 If the world hate you you know that it hated mee before you If ye were of the world the world would loue his owne but because ye are not of the world but I haue chosen you out of the world therefore the world hateth you 5. Lastly this doctrine of Election should fill the hearts of all the godly with vnspeakable reioycing Euerlasting ioy should be vpon their heads and sorrow and mourning should fly away and the rather if they consider the maruellous priuiledges of their Election and the wonderfull happinesse vnto which they are chosen of God For if by the former signes thou know thy selfe to be one of Gods Elect. 1. First thou art sure of thy saluation and the glory of heauen when thou diest 2. Thessal 2.13.14 Whereunto hee called you by the Gospell to obtaine the glory of our Lord Iesus Christ. 2. The loue of God to thee is vnchangeable God will neuer cast off the people whom he hath chosen Rom. 11.2 God hath not cast away his people whom hee knew before 3. Thou art sure of gratious entertainment in Gods house and sweete communion with God whilest thou liuest Psal. 65.4 Blessed is he whom thou chusest and causest to come to thee he shall dwell in thy courts and we shall bee satisfied with the pleasures of thine house euen of thine holy Temple Esa. 65.13.14 Therefore thus saith the Lord God behold my seruants shall eate and ye shall bee hungry behold my seruants shall drink and ye shall bee thirsty behold my seruants shall reioyce and ye shall be ashamed Behold my seruants shall sing for ioy of heart and ye shall cry for sorrow of heart and shall howle for vexation of mind 4. Thou shalt be sure of protection against all aduersaries that dare or can rise vp against thee Esa. 41.10.11.12.13 Feare thou not for I am with thee bee not afraid for I am thy God I will strengthen thee and helpe thee and will sustaine thee with the right hand of my iustice Behold all they that prouoke thee shall bee ashamed and confounded they shall bee as nothing and they that striue with thee shall perish 5. Fifthly all thy afflictions shall be sweetned vnto thee and work together for the best Rom. 8.28 Also we know that all things worke together for the best vnto them that loue God euen to them that are called of his purpose 6. In all thy suites to God thou art sure of audience and compassionate respect howsoeuer thou bee neglected in the world Ioh. 15.16 Yee haue not chosen mee but I haue chosen you and ordained you that yee goe and bring forth fruit and that your fruit remaine that whatsoeuer ye shal aske of the Father in my name hee may giue it you 7. Christ will graciously communicate to thee the secrets of God and the mysteries of the kingdome vsing thee therein as a most deare and carefull friend Ioh. 15.16 as before 8. Lastly all complaints brought vnto God against thee are sure to be non-suted and cast out so as nothing can bee laid to thy charge nothing can condemne thee in as much as Christ hath paid all thy debts and sitteth at the right hand of God to make request for thee Rom. 8.33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of Gods chosen It is God that iustifieth c. CHAP. XII Of Christ. Act. 4.12 Neither is there saluation in any other for among men there is giuen none other name vnder heauen whereby we must be saued HItherto of Election The second fundamentall meanes of grace is Christ concerning whom the principles respect either 1. His Person 2. His office The principles concerning his person looke either 1. Vpon his diuine nature 2. or vpon his humane The principle that concernes his diuine nature is this That Iesus Christ is very God and that he is God may be proued 1. First by testimony of Scripture Esa. 9.6 For vnto vs a child is borne and vnto vs a sonne is giuen and he shall call his name wonderfull Counsellor the mighty God Ioh. 1.1 In the beginning was the word and the word was with God and that word was God 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 1. Tim. 3.16 And without controuersie great