death that is the Devil Argum. 10. Christ out of his love to the Elect the Children of God would partake of the same humane Nature with them that hee might by his death satisfie for them and so abolish the power of the Devil which hee as an exeâ—utioner hath by the Law against all sinners Therefore the reputation of Christ is not to bee diminished because of his sufferings in the flesh Vers. 15. And deliver them who through fear of death were all their life time subject to bondage Argum. 11. Amongst the fruits and ends of Christs death this is one that hee might deliver his from the fear of death both temporal and eternal under which fear all sinners are held all their life long till they see themselves freed from sin and death upon the merit of Christ dying for them Therefore c. Vers. 16. For verily hee took not on him the nature of Angels but hee took on him the seed of Abraham Argum. 12. Christ by assuming the seed of Abraham or humane nature into the unity of his person wherein from eternity hee subsisted heâ— advanced the humane nature in respect to priviledges dignity and honour above the Nature of Angels which hee took not Therefore the reputation of Christ is noâ— to bee lessened because of his sufferings in the flesh Vers. 17. Wherefore in all things it behoved him to bee made like unto his Brethren that hee might bee a merciful High Priest in things pertaining to God to make reconciliation for the sins of the people Argum. 13. Christ ought to bee made like his Brethren the Elect in Nature Properties Affections and all infirmities except sin that his Brethren might bee the more certain and assured of his faithfulness and mercy in the exercise of his Priestly Office and perpetual intercession with God for them Therefore the excellency of Christ ought not to bee diminished because of his sufferings in the flesh Vers. 18. For in that hee himself hath suffered being tempted hee is able to succour them that are tempted Argum. 14. Confirming the former Christ by his suffering afflictions and temptations in the humane Nature was fitted by his experience of sufferings in whom wee may trust to bee able and willing to succour us under the like trials Therefore his reputation is not to bee diminished because of his sufferings in the flesh And thus as in the former Chapter it was demonstrated that Christ is the true Son of God so in this Chapter hee hath demonstrated him to bee the son of man The one true God-man and hath removed the scandal of infirmities and sufferings of Christ in the flesh which all the beleeving Hebrews did dash against CHAP. III. THe excellency of the Prophetical Office and person of Christ being vindicated in the fore-going discourse even under all his sufferings in the flesh Hee exhorts them now to a consideration of this excellency that they may hold fast the profession of the Christian Faith and not apostatize from it to this end producing fifteen Arguments Vers. 1. Wherefore holy Brethren partakers of the heavenly calling consider the Apostle and High Priest of our Profession Christ Iesus The Proposition concerning the holding fast their Profession of the Faith is contained in an Exhortation to a serious consideration of Christ the Apostle and High Priest of our Profession Argum. 1. Yee are sanctified and by Faith made partakers of an effectual calling to heavenly things Therefore you ought to hold fast the Profession of this Faith Apostle Argum. 2. Yee have Jesus Christ the Son of God the Apostle or Teacher of your Faith sent from God and our High Priest who hath expiated our sins by his blood You have him I say the Author of this Profession Therefore it is to bee held fast Vers. 2. Who was faithful to him that appointed him as also Moses was faithful in all his house Argum. 3. Christ in the administration of his Apostleship and Priesthood committed to him is not less faithful than Moses who obtained testimony from God that hee was faithful in all his house Therefore ought yee to hold fast your Christian Profession Because the Hebrews ascribed too much to Moses and could hardly bee drawn away from Mosaical Ceremonies that they might bee brought to Christ Therefore here on set purpose hee compares Christ with Moses Vers. 3. For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses inasmuch as hee who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house Argum. 4. Christ is so much more excellent than Moses and the whole Church also by how much the builder of the house is more excellent than the house it self or any part of it Moses also is but a member of that Church and a part onely of that house Therefore the Profession of your Faith is to bee held fast Vers. 4. For every house is builded by some man but hee that built all things is God Argum. 5. Confirming the former under the same comparison As no house not part of an house is built by it self but by another man so neither the Church nor Moses who is a member of the Church is built by himself but owes his building to some higher Architect But Christ who is proved God is the builder of the Church and of every member of it and also of all things Therefore hee is more excellent than Moses and the Faith and Profession of his Doctrine is to bee held fast Vers. 5. And Moses verily was faithful in all his house as a servant for a testimony of those things which were to bee spoken after 6. But Christ as a Son over his own house whose house are wee if wee hold fast the confidence and the rejoycing of the hope firm unto the end Argum. 6. Moses was faithful as a servant in anothers family to testifie and that indeed darkly which afterwards more fully and openly was to bee spoken of Christ and his dominion But Christ is faithful as Son and Heir who is over his house and speaks from his own authority Therefore Christ is more excellent than Moses and the Profession of his Doctrine is to bee held fast Whose house Argum. 7. If wee firmly hold fast the confidence and hope of eternal life procured for us by Christ and to bee communicated in which hope wee now make our boast wee shall declare our selves to bee his house or his true Church in which the Lord will dwell Therefore the Profession of our Faith is to bee held fast Vers. 7. Wherefore as the Holy Ghost saith Today if yee will hear his voice 8. Harden not your hearts as in the provocation in the day of temptation in the wilderness 9. When your Fathers tempted mee proved mee and saw my works forty years Argum. 8. From Psal. 95.8 9 c. unless you hold fast the Faith of Christ you will disobey the Holy Ghost who in the Scripture forbids you to harden your hearts when you hear the Word of God
yet if men continue in it Vers. 19. The Doctrine of Chap. III. Vers. 1. Wherefore holy Brethren partakers of the heavenly calling consider the Apostle and High Priest of our Profession Christ Iesus 1. After hee had taught them somewhat more of Christ bee exhorteth them of new to consider of him Then 1. As wee get further light of Christ wee are bound to further use-making of our light 2. As further is revealed unto us of Christ so must wee set our minds on work to ponder and weigh what is revealed that the matter may sink deeper in our mind and in our heart 3. Except wee shall consider seriously what is spoken of Christ wee can make no profitable use of the Doctrine For such high mysteries are not soon taken up and the heart is not soon wrought upon so as to receive impression of his Excellency except after due consideration 2. Hee calleth Christ Iesus the High Priest and the Apostle of our Profession The high Priesthood was the highest calling in the Iewish Church The Apostleship the highest calling in the Christian Church Christ is here stiled by both Then Christ hath inclosed in his Office the Perfection and Dignities of the highest Callings both in the Jewish and Christian Church Those Dignities which were divided in men or conjoyned in him in men by way of Ministerial imployment under him in Christ by original Authority above all 3. Hee calleth the Christian Religion our Profession or Confession Then It is the nature of Christian Religion not to be smothered but to be openly brought forth confessed and avowed in word and deed to the glory of Christ who is the Author thereof 4. Hee stileth these Hebrews to whom â—ee writeth Holy Brethren Partakers of the Heavenly Calling Then 1. Christians do not possess their prerogatives without a warrantable title They have a calling thereto 2. The calling is heavenly because God by his Word and Spirit calleth men to the communion of his grace and glory by forsaking of themselves and things earthly and following Christ in an holy conversation all is heavenly here 3. Christians are partakers alike of this vocation that is have alike warrant and obligation to follow him that calleth them albeit all do not alike follow the calling 4. They are Brethren amongst themselves for their adoption albeit some weaker some stronger 5. And holy is this Brotherhood that is spiritual and so superiour to civil or natural or earthly bands whatsoever Vers. 2. Who was faithful to him that appointed Him as also Moses was faithful in all His House 1. Because the Iews did too highly esteem of Moses in appointing of the Legal Service and not so highly of Christ as became in abrogating thereof the Apostle compareth Moses and Christ giving to Moses his due place of a servant and to Christ the place due to the Master Then It is no new thing that people incline so to esteem of good mens authority as to forget to give Christ his own room 2. The way to help this is so to esteem of Gods Servants Fathers or Councils more or fewer as the estimation that men have of them derogate nothing from the estimation due to Christ. 2. In special hee maketh all the points of Moses commendations duly deserved points of Christs commendation 1. Did Moses Office reach it self to all the house of God under the Law and all the service of it so did Christs Office reach to all the Church of God and all the service of it under the Gospel 2. Was Moses appointed to give out what hee delivered So was Christ appointed to institute what hee did institute and abrogate what hee did abrogate 3. Was Moses faithful to him who appointed him in all the matters of Gods House keeping back nothing that hee was directed to reveal So is Christ faithful to the Father who did appoint him in like manner Then like as if any man should have added or pared chopped or changed the Ordinances of Gods House under the Law it had been an imputation either unto God of not sufficient directing his Church or unto Moses and the Prophets of unfaithful discharge of their duty in the Church of the Old Testament So is it alike imputation to God and Christ if any shall add or diminish chop or change the ordinance of Gods Church under the New Testament Vers. 3. For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses inasmuch as hee who hath builded the House hath more honour than the House 1. Having equalled Christ unto Moses bee now preferreth Christ to Moses Then Christ is not rightly esteemed of except hee be preferred as far above all his servants as the Father hath counted him worthy of more glory than his servants 2. Hee preferreth Christ above Moses as the Builder is above the House Then as no stone in the house nor all the house together is comparable in honour with the Builder of the house So the honour and authority of no particular member of the Church not of the whole Catholick Church together is comparable to the honour and authority of Christ. Yea as far as the builder is above the house in honour as far is Christs authority above the Churches authority which is his house Vers. 4. For every house is builded by some man but hee that built all things is God Hee proveth Christ to be the builder of the Church because some builder it must have as every house hath But onely God that buildeth all things is able for this work Therefore Christ who buildeth all things is the builder of it Then 1. Whatsoever imployment a man get of God in edifying of the Church yet in proper speech hee is a part of the building builded by another 2. The honour of building the Church belongeth to God alone properly 3. The building of the Church is a work requiring omnipotency in the builder For to make a Saint of a sinner is as hard as to make a man of the dust of the earth or of nothing Vers. 5. And Moses verily was faithful in all his house as a servant for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after Moses was faithful as a servant Now a servants part is to do and say by direction and not of his own authority Then Hee is the faithfullest servant that doth least in his own authority and most attendeth unto the direction of God beareth testimony to what God hath commanded and teacheth not for Doctrine the Precepts of men Vers. 6. But Christ as a Son over his own house whose house are wee if wee hold fast the confidence and the rejoycing of the hope firm unto the end Moses was faithful as a Servant but Christ as a Son over his own house Then as much difference betwixt Christs authority in the Church and mens how excellent soever as betwixt the authority of the Master and the Servants 2. Christs authority is native over his Church by virtue of his Sonship by
contrary hee is condemned In the second verse a reason of this is subjoyned because the judgement of God is just and according to the merit of the deed condemns every sinner both him that judgeth and him that is judged Therefore hee which according to the judgement of God condemns another to death for sin condemns himself doing the like things Vers. 3. And thinkest thou this O man that judgest them which do such things and doest the same that thou shalt escape the judgement of God This Argument in the following part of the Chapter is confirmed removing the four pretended Objections whereby men may evade the force of the Argument Object 1. Hee securely contemns the judgement of God who because God hath hitherto spared him promiseth himself impunity or freedome from punishment when hee judgeth others I am not afraid saith hee of the judgement of God The Apostle refutes this Objection and proves it null by six Reasons Reas. 1. That such an imagination is vain and foolish for Thinkest thou c. which is the same as if hee had said In vain doest thou think to escape the judgement of God Vers. 4. Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and long-suffering not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance Despisest Reas. 2. Such an imagination puts contempt and abuse upon the riches of the bounty forbearance and gentleness of God when any one because God hath spared hitherto goes on in sin and conceives hopes to go unpunished Bounty Reas. 3. That the bounty of God ought to invite and move to repentance not to go on in sin out of hopes to go unpunished Vers. 5. But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thy self wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgement of God Hardness Reas. 4. That such a thought is the hardening of our hearts in sin and a sealing of them up that wee cannot repent Treasure Reas. 5. That hee who securely contemns the judgement of God heaps up unto himself a kinde of treasure of punishments from divine justice to the time of that last and terrible judgement wherein that whole treasure of punishments in the most righteous anger of God shall bee openly poured out upon him Vers. 6. Who will render to every man according to his deeds 7. To them who by patient continuance in well-doing seek for glory and honour and immortality eternal life 8. But unto them that are contentious and do not obey the truth but obey unrighteousness indignation and wrath 9. Tribulation and anguish upon every soul of man that doth evil of the Jew first and also of the Gentile 10. But glory honour and peace to every man that worketh good to the Jew first and also to the Gentile Reas. 6. God will give to every man in the day of Judgement according to his works good or evil his rewards of grace or punishments of his justice To wit eternal life to them that persevere in obedience to the truth hoping for a reward vers 6 7. And besides the signs of wrath in this life eternal death also after this life as it is just for an angry God to inflict upon the adversaries of the truth and the servants of unrighteousness verse 8. Hee confirms this reason in that God will have no respect to any Nation or outward Priviledges in the inflicting of his punishments But the Jews which had the chiefest favours of God should bee first in their punishments and that hee would inflict upon the soul and body of the Heathens or Gentiles their deserved torments verse 9. And to the same manner in his rewards without difference of Nations hee will glorifie i. e. with all gifts that may externally accomplish a man such as Glory and Honour and inwardly which is signified by Peace and will heap upon the pious and honest Jew according to all the priviledges which hee hath vouchsafed to that Nation and will crown the pious and honest Gentile in his place with eternal life verse 10. from whence it follows that hee is deceived who indulges hopes of impunity because God hath hitherto spared him Vers. 11. For there is no respect of persons with God Hee confirms the former reason from the equity of God in that hee is no respecter of persons and hee meets with the second Objection propounded verse 2. against the severe judgement of God against sinners Some might object In the executing of Judgement respect is to bee had as well of the Heathen who lives out of the Church without the knowledge of the Law or the doctrine of God as also of the Jew which is a Disciple of God and an hearer of the Law God forbid that either of them should perish for both seems unjust although they are sinners Hee refutes this Objection and proves it just that every sinner should perish by five Reasons Reas. 1. Because there is no respect of persons with God that hee should exempt from condemnation those that persevere in sin whether Jews or Gentiles for any reason which appertains to the person not the cause And here it is to bee observed that God looks with an equal eye upon the Jew and Gentile out of Christ not in the degrees of punishment but in the guilt of eternal death which all sinners are worthy of although not in the like degree Vers. 12. For as many as have sinned without Law do by nature the things contained in the Law those having not the Law shall be judged by the Law Reas. 2. This confirms and unfolds the other because they that have sinned without the Law scil written Against the Law written upon their hearts by nature even by the same Law within them shall perish without the written Law by the sentence of Justice And whoever have sinned in the Law or in the knowledge of the Law written shall bee condemned even by the sentence of the written Law Vers. 13. For not the hearers of the Law are just before God but the doers of the Law shall be justified Reas. 3. Especially intended against the Jews who according to the rule of Righteousness cannot bee accounted for Righteous before God even they that are hearers of the Law unless they perform perfect obedidience to the Law which because neither Jew nor Gentile can do by consequence neither can they bee exempted from deserved condemnation but on the contrary especially the Jews which are hearers of the Law and do not keep it are most worthy of judgement Vers. 14. For when the Gentiles which have not the Law do by nature the things contained in the Law these having not the Law are a Law unto themselves 15. Which shew the work of the Law written in their hearts their conscience also bearing witness and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another Reas. 4. Especially intended against the Gentiles which though they have not the written Law yet they have a Law within
God Another is That wee seek no further than is revealed touching the Counsels of God but even in things revealed wee bee wise to sobriety because the Counsels of God exceed our capacity and are indeed unsearchable glorifying God in all Vers. 34. For who hath known the mind of the Lord or who hath been his Counsellour Three Reasons hee adds of both those deductions Reason 1. No creature hath pierced into the mind of God none was ever of his Counsel Therefore the Counsels of God are past finding out wee ought not to search after them but admire and magnifie the riches of his Wisdome Vers. 35. Or who hath first given to him and it shall bee recompenced to him again Reason 2. God is in no mans debt or can bee no man merits at his hand no man can come forth and say that hee hath obliged God by any act of goodness in himself Therefore they cannot boast any of the Elect as if God was bound to them by any Law that hee should appoint them unto life neither can any of the Reprobates complain as though hee paid not what hee ought seeing hee is a debter to no man Vers. 36. For of him and through him and to him are all things to whom bee glory for ever Amen Reason 3. Confirming the former All things are of God as the first Author All things are upheld by him as the Preserver All things tend to him as the ultimate end Therefore when it seems good to him to promote his own glory in the rejection of the Jews or calling of the Gentiles in the Election of some and Reprobation of others all honor and glory ought to bee ascribed unto him by all men for ever Amen CHAP. XII WEE have had the first part of the Epistle of the way to Iustification the latter follows concerning the right ordering the life of those that are justified There are three parts of the Chapter In the first hee exhorts to Sanctity in general to ver 3. In the second hee instructs Ministers of the Church particularly concerning the right use of gifts to ver 9. In the third hee gives common precepts concerning Christian virtues Vers. 1. I beseech you therefore brethren by the mercies of God that you present your bodies a living sacrifice holy acceptable unto God which is your reasonable service By an allusion made to the typical manner of sacrificing under the Levitical Law hee most friendly exhorts them to shew forth the fruit of free Justification granted to them by Christ. There are three branches of the Exhortation First That wee would present our bodies to God that is offer and consecrate our selves wholly not onely our souls but bodies also to God as a Sacrifice of thankfulness The reasons of the exhortation are five which also contain the properties of this sacrifice The first reason is contained in a vehement entreaty because the mercies of God before rehearsed to wit Election of his Mercy Redemption of his Mercy Calling of his Mercy and Justification of his Grace and Mercy require of you this gratitude and thankfulness Living Reason 2. Because this is a living Sacrifice wherein nothing is to bee slain but sin and you your selves shall live consecrated unto God and shall bee preserved unto eternal life Holy Reason 3. This Sacrifice is truly holy in the daily offering up whereof Holiness it self consists Acceptable Reason 4. Because this Sacrifice will not bee rejected of God as those many legal shadows offered up by hypocrites but accepted of God Reasonable Reason 5. Because the act whereby you offer up this Sacrifice to God is your reasonable or spiritual service pre-figured by that typical worship and so much above that as spiritual things are above carnal and the bodies of Saints to bee preferr'd before the carkasses of brute beasts Vers. 2. And bee not conformed to this world but bee yee transformed by the renewing of your mind that yee may prove what is that good that acceptable and perfect Will of God The second branch of the Exhortation That wee take heed in life and conversation that wee do not make the pleasure and manners of worldly men our Rule to which wee conform our selves This exhortation contains a Reason in it self because men of the world onely savour the honours pleasures and profits of this present world Bee yee transformed The third branch of the Exhortation That wee endeavour the transforming of our carnal mind into that which is spiritual by the daily renewing of our understanding and will Two Reasons hee gives of this Exhortation Discern yee Reason 1. Because the Law of God or his Will revealed in the Word is the Rule to which wee ought to conform 1. Good teaching and leading us to those things which are good and making us good 2. It is acceptable to God who accepts no obedience but what is prescribed in the Word 3. It is perfect comprehending all things which appertain to the worship of God and our salvation Therefore indeavour after renewing your minds Discern yee Reason 2. Because without a renewed mind and spiritual wee cannot discern the proper sense of the divine Will revealed in the Word and knowing it wee cannot approve and approving it wee can have no experimental knowledge how good acceptable to God and perfect it is in it srlf Therefore ought wee to endeavour after renovation of mind The second Part. Vers. 3. For I say through the Grace given unto mee to every man that is among you not to think of himself more highly than hee ought to think but to think soberly according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of Grace The second part of the Chapter follows wherein according to his Apostolical authority which hee calls Grace because granted to him out of ineffable Grace hee charges every one that was among them in any publick office or any excellency of gift that hee would not think of himself above his fellows or above the value of his talent or the measure of his knowledge but that hee would carry himself soberly and moderately in all things towards all The Reasons of this Exhortation are five Reas. 1. God hath distributed to every one not a fulness but a measure of Faith Therefore it is fitting that every one should modestly contain himself within that measure Vers. 4. For as wee have many members in one body and all members have not the same office Reas. 2. As in the natural body divers members are deputed to divers operations So in the Ecclesiastical body of Beleevers or the society of the Officers of the Church divers functions are designed to divers imployments Therefore it is fitting that each contain himself modestly in his office Vers. 5. So wee being many are one body in Christ and every one members one of another Reas. 3. Included in the same similitude as in the natural body many members constitute one body so in the Ecclesiastical body all the faithful in particular all Church-Officers
contention and condemning of each other propounding a rule of due carriage of themselves in such a case to wit that every one of them should labour after solid grounds for the supporting their Faith either for the doing or omitting those things which were controverted touching the Ceremonial Law and thus hee addeth a fourth Argument That they would not condemn one another because in the foresaid case some might do it with a well-grounded perswasion and another upon the like foundation might abstain Therefore it was not fitting that they should condemn one another For the Apostles in the Council at Hierusalem freed the Gentiles from the Law of Moses for the Ceremonial Law was never imposed upon them But the Apostles taking away from the Jews the necessity of Ceremonies for some time left them to a free use till after a season the Gospel shining forth more clearly they might plainly see that their Synagogue was to bee buried wherefore the Gentiles might with a full perswasion lay aside those ceremonies and the Jews observe them at least so long as the favour of God suffered the Temple at Hierusalem to stand whereunto the chief ceremonies were tyed Vers. 6. Hee that regardeth a day regardeth it unto the Lord and hee that regardeth not the day to the Lord hee doth not regard it hee that eateth eateth to the Lord for hee giveth God thanks and hee that eateth not to the Lord hee eateth not and giveth God thanks Argum. 5. Because the Jew observing a day prescribed by the Law of Moses and abstaining from meat forbidden in like manner the Gentile not observing the Law of Moses both of them acted with Thanksgiving to the glory of God The Jew because hee had meat enough not forbidden The Gentile because hee might eat any meat gave thanks Therefore neither to bee condemned by the other Vers. 7. For none of us liveth to himself and no man dieth to himself 8. For whether wee live wee live unto the Lord and whether wee die wee die unto the Lord whether wee live therefore or die wee are the Lords 9. For to this end Christ both died and rose and revived that hee might bee Lord both of the dead and living Hee confirms the end propounded to him that did observe and to him that did not observe the ceremonies and withall adds a sixth Argument They that are not in their own power but anothers nor live to themselves nor die to themselves but only to Christ they are bound to direct their actions and omissions to the glory of Christ as also not to condemn their fellow-servants But wee or none of the Faithful lives or dies to himself nor is at his own dispose ver 7. But wee live and die to Christ to his honor to whom appertains the care over us in life and death ver 8. which hee proves because Christ died and rose again to this end that hee might bee Lord over his Redeemed ones living and dying Therefore it follows that the Faithful ought not to condemn or contemn one another Vers. 10. But why doest thou judge thy Brother or why doest thou set at nought thy Brother for wee shall all stand before the Iudgement Seat of Christ. Argum. 7. The Faithful are Brethren whether Jews or Gentiles Therefore they ought not to judge or contemn one another Wee shall appear Argum. 8. All are to bee judged at the Tribunal of Christ Therefore all ought to take heed that they do not rashly condemn one another Vers. 11. For as it is written As I live saith the Lord every knee shall bow to mee and every tongue shall confess to God That hee confirms by the testimony of Isaias foretelling Chap. 45.23 that Christ shall bee Judge of all and that all shall acknowledge subjection to him as to God Vers. 12. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God 13. Let us not therefore judge one another any more Argum. 9. Drawn from the former Every one is to give an account of himself to Christ ver 12. Therefore every one ought to prepare himself for the Judgement Seat of Christ and not to judge his Brother The second Part. Vers. 13. But judge this rather that no man put a stumbling-block or an occasion to fall in his Brothers way The second part of the Chapter follows wherein after the conclusion of his general Exhortation hee begins a special properly belonging to them that are strong that they abuse not their liberty with offence to the weak vers 13. Vers. 14. I know and am perswaded by the Lord Iesus that there is nothing unclean of it self but him that esteemeth any thing to bee unclean to him it is unclean Hee prevents an Objection Some might say I am perswaded by the Grace of Christ that no meat is impure or prohibited under the Gospel Therefore I may eat any meat indifferently Hee answers by denying the consequence because pure meat is made impure to him that eats after two sorts First if hee that eats thinks it unlawful Vers. 15. But if thy Brother bee grieved with thy meat now walkest thou uncharitably Destroy not him with thy meat for whom Christ died Secondly Meat is impure if any one perswaded of his liberty eat to the offence of his Brother In which case hee proves that hee must not eat with scandal or that hee must take heed that hee abuse not his liberty and that by eleven Arguments Argum. 1. It fights against charity to act in things indifferent to the offence of the weak Therefore wee must not abuse our liberty Destroy Argum. 2. To lay a stumbling block before the weak from the nature of the deed tends to the destruction of a Brother for whom Christ dyed and hee that puts an offence in his Brothers way in a judicial sense destroies his Brother For as much as in him lies hee is the cause of bringing destruction upon him Therefore wee must not abuse our liberty For whom Argum. 3. Hee that eats with offence thereby opposes the merit of Christs death and the intent of it for hee died that the weak might bee saved but hee that eats with offence doth what is in him to destroy him that is weak Therefore wee must not abuse our liberty Vers. 16. Let not then your good bee evil spoken of Argum. 4. Eating with offence causeth the Christian Faith to bee evil spoken of and to bee brought into contempt and that Christian liberty bee evil reported of by those that are weak and without Therefore wee must not abuse our liberty Vers. 17. For the Kingdome of God is not meat and drink but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Ghost Argum. 5. Because as it is 1 Cor. 8.8 meat and drink nothing promote the spiritual Kingdome of Christ but righteousness peace and joy and the other fruits of the Spirit Therefore wee are bound to abstain from meats or things indifferent when there is danger that by an unseasonable use of
upon him as it were bonds and constrained him that hee being unmindful of himself did both speak and do those things onely which might promote the Glory of Christ and the good of the Church Vers. 15. And that hee died for all that they which live should not henceforth live to themselves but unto him which died for them and rose again Hee giveth a reason of his love and adds the fourth impellent cause to wit the love of Christ to us Christ saies hee when wee were all dead in respect of our desert and the justice of God alone died in the room of all of us that beleeve in him That wee being delivered from deserved perdition should not serve our selves but Christ our Redeemer why therefore should not I bee faithful in the business of Christ Vers. 16. Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh yea though we have known Christ after the flesh yet now henceforth know wee him no more Hee prevents an Objection to this end that hee might give account why hee checked those glorious Corinthian Doctors not regarding his esteem with the ignorant So that hee might promote the Glory of Christ and the Churches safety Some one might say but it behoved him to regard the dignity of so many worthy Teachers amongst the Corinthians who shined with Eloquence Learning Riches Honours and Nobility of Parentage For some of these were of the Jews and perhaps did boast that they were of the Tribe of Iudah and did arrive to Christs kindred as it is credible from what follows Hee answers three waies drawing every one of his answers as conclusions from vers 12. Answ. 1. That hee doth not look at Riches Honours Parentage Eloquence and the rest neither did hee esteem any man from outward things by which the esteem of men is encreased or diminished with worldlings and those that are carnal Tea Answ. 2. That hee did not judge any more of Christ himself according to his external condition or detract from his estimation by reason of his poverty and ignominy in the world as in times past hee esteemed being in a mistake And therefore hee did not esteem any one more valuable because of his Riches Honours and Parentage c. Vers. 17. Therefore if any man bee in Christ hee is a new Creature old things are passed away behold all things are become new Answ. 3. Shewing the duty of the faithful ingrafted into Christ to bee this that as new Creatures they should labour for the newness of a right judgement and an holy life And that these worldly things should not bee so highly esteemed hee proves from Isa. 65.17 where God promiseth an abolition of old things and that hee will make a new Heaven and a new Earth i. e. all things new under the Kingdome of Christ Whence it follows that those things onely are to bee had in estimation amongst Christians which reach to a new Creature or Regeneration For all things are made new to those that are renewed when they are reconciled to God they have all Creatures as it were reconciled to them and now they use them after a new manner for the Glory of God and their own salvation setting a price upon every thing according as it makes or not makes for the promoting of the Kingdome of God in themselves and others Vers. 18. And all things are of God who hath reconciled us to himself by Iesus Christ and hath given unto us the Ministery of reconciliation The fifth impellent cause to faithfulness in his Ministery is the grace and goodness of God towards him which cause returning to his purpose and looking up to God hee asserts the Author of the New Creature whereof hee had even now spoken and of all graces Because the Grace of God towards him had brought to him a double priviledge to wit reconciliation by Christ and a Ministerial office for the reconciliation of others from hence hee acknowledges a twofold Obligation for his faithfulness in the Ministery Why therefore should not hee approve himself faithful Vers. 19. To wit that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself not imputing their trespasses unto them and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation The sixth impellent cause is the excellency of preaching of which hee propounds a short collection wherein 1 The Father who by reason of sin was removed far from us declares himself to come near unto us in Christ who is the true IMMANUEL God with us 2 The Father reconciled as for his part declares himself to do that in Christ for the Elect world that they beholding their enmities betwixt themselves and God as for their part may come again into favour and bee reconciled with God through Christ. 3 The means is shewn by which men may bee reconciled to God viz. by remission or a not imputing of sins which God most graciously doth offer 4 The instrument of applying the Grace of reconciliation obtained by Christ is shewn viz. the word of reconciliation committed to the Apostles and to the other Ministers In which so excellent and so necessary a Ministery hee could not bee but faithfull when hee set those things before him Vers. 20. Now then wee are Embassadors for Christ as though God did beseech you by us wee pray you in Christs stead bee yee reconciled to God The seventh impellent cause to faithfulness is the excellency of the person which hee represents which cause hee propounds and together with the whole precedent Doctrine hee makes use of by which very thing shewing the endeavour of his faithfulness To this end hee importunes all and diligently urges all with his authority as an Embassadour and also submissively and lovingly as bearing the Image of God that every one would more heartily accept the reconciliation offered of God that the remainders of enmity being taken away which unbelief cherisheth within all may become the same Spirit with God Vers. 21. For hee hath made him to bee sin for us who knew no sin that wee might bee made the righteousness of God in him Lastly That hee may perswade to the obedience of Faith and to the receiving of a fuller measure of reconciliatioâ— hee sheweth that an open and expedient way to reconciliation is because Christ the innocent Mediator and pure from sin by his consent and agreement with the Father in a judicial manner is accounted guilty of our sin yea truly hee was made an Expiatory Sacrifice for our sin expresly for that end that wee believing in Christ may bee made partakers of Christs righteousness judicially by imputation and so may bee made perfectly righteous and as it were by that righteousness which chiefly pleases God through this excellent and divine way of reconcilement which the wisdome of God hath invented and grace hath made ours But hee adds this in him that wee might necessarily understand that wee are engraffed into Christ by Faith by which this righteousness may bee ours because from our conjunction
that hee might better do service to the Corinthians freely ver 8. by name from the Macedonian Philippians lest hee should bee chargeable to the Corinthians Vers. 10. As the truth of Christ is in mee no man shall stop me of this boasting in the Regions of Achaia 11. Wherefore because I love you not God knoweth 12. But what I do that I will do that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion that wherein they glorie they may bee found even as wee Lest hee should seem to repent of what hee had done he determined that he will not afterwards be chargeable to them or will not receive wages which hee confirms with an oath v. 10. And lest they should take it ill as if it was for want of love that he would not receive wages of them hee professes that he had thus determined out of special love to them calling God to Witness concerning the truth of his words ver 11. and that for this end lest the false Apostles should seem to exceed him in his boasting from whom hee would have the occasion of reproaching him so taken away who otherwise would say that Paul preached to the Corinthians for the encreasing his substance Vers. 13. For such are false Apostles deceitful workers transforming themselves into the Apostles of Christ. 14. And no marvel for Satan himself is transformed into an Angel of Light 15. Therefore it is no great thing if his Ministers also bee transformed as the Ministers of Righteousness whose end shall bee according to their works Reason 7. Shewing the necessity of his boasting because the wickedness of his Emulators did compel him to this boasting for they did feign themselves the Apostles of Christ and Workers in the Vineyard of God when in the mean while they only cared for their own business not Gods they preached the Gospel for profits sake and their own honour they feigned themselves Ministers of Christ when they did only personate Stage-players ver 13. neither is it to bee wondered at seeing these deceivers were the Apostles of Satan imitating the Devil who sometimes puts on the form of some celestial Angel that under the pretence of zeal and piety hee might beguile men whose manners his Emulators did follow pretending the glory of Christ when in the mean while they sacrificed all their labour to the belly to their purse to their honour nothing solicitous what became of the Apostles what of the Churches so that they might obtain their desires To whom therefore the Apostle threatens eternal death according to their deserts Vers. 16. I say again let no man think mee a fool if otherwise yet as a fool receive mee that I may boast my self a little 17. That which I speak I speak it not after the Lord but as it were foolishlie in this confidence of boasting Reason 8. Because they should find that it was wisely done that hee was necessitated to this boasting which hee desires them to take notice of but if as yet for the present they could not perceive the just necessity and prudence of his boasting at leastwise hee desires that they would bear with him patiently a little as foolishly boasting until hee could finish his Speech and Apology ver 16. Yeelding only but not affirming that hee foolishly boasted or that it was un-beseeming him to God-ward for otherwise the Apostle with the greatest Wisdome of the Spirit did most justly boast to the glory of God and the benefit of the Church in this whole business Vers. 18. Seeing that many glorie after the flesh I will glorie also Reason 9. Because the false Apostles did falsly glory against him therefore hee contends that it is an equal thing that hee himself should truly boast in his own defence Vers. 19. For yee suffer fools gladlie seeing yee your selves are wise Reason 10. Wise men were wont to bear with those that seemed more foolish as you know by experience Why should yee not therefore suffer mee of necessity to boast although herein I may seem foolish to some amongst you Vers. 20. For yee suffer if a man bring you into bondage if a man devoure you if a man take of you if a man exalt himself if a man smite you on the face Reason 11. Because yee suffer more harsh things as it appears than this foolishness of my glorying For 1 Yee suffer those importunate men who bring you into bondage Such were the false Apostles who exercised their power over them dividing the Church of Corinth into factions and set up themselves Captains and Lords of their Followers amongst the Corinthians as of Souldiers and Servants 2 Yee suffer those which devoure you such were the false Apostles affecting stately banquets and eating up the substance of the Corinthians 3 Yee suffer spoilers such also were the false Apostles who would not indeed take wages but in the mean while they coveted gifts and did collogue and receive them from the Corinthians 4 Yee suffer those that contemn you such were the false Apostles who because of the Stock and Hebrew Nation which they were of and some gifts of the Spirit given to them above the Church of Corinth gathered out of the illiterate and ignoble Gentiles did above measure exalt themselves 5 Yee suffer those that smite you on the face or those that use you reproachfully Why therefore should not yee suffer this may just boasting Vers. 21. I speak as concerning reproach as though we had been weak howbeit wherein soever any is bold I speak foolishlie I am bold also Hee expounds what it is to smite on the face that it is not to bee understood of external violence but in respect of reproach which in some measure hee found amongst the Corinthians from those false teachers when the false Apostles hit the Corinthians in the teeth with the lowness of their minds in that they subjected themselves to Paul an handicrafts man for what else was this but to smite the Corinthians in the face and insult over the holy Apostle The Second Part. Howbeit whereinsoever The second part of the Chapter follows in which the way already being prepared for him to a just glorying and the necessity of it being demonstrated hee compares himself with those glorious Doctors proving himself not inferiour to them in four Characters of his dignity but to bee preferred before upon many accounts Sign 1. Of his dignity propounded in general that hee was inferiour to them in nothing whatsoever they looked upon in their glorying In the mean while hee modestly grants a shew of folly in this his glorying which yet hee wisely prosecutes Vers. 22. Are they Hebrews so am I Are they Israelites so am I The second sign of his dignity more specially laid down that hee is worthy to bee compared to them in the Nobility of his Linage For if hee had sought glory from a Holy Nation hee sprung from that family which had not mixt themselves with the Gentiles hee was an Hebrew from Hebrew
passing by chose us Therefore wee are chosen out of grace 2. Hee chose us in Christ as in the head who was first chosen as in the common Parent root and fountain of the elect After whom wee in the consideration of dignity and order and in whom wee as his body members and off-spring are afterwards chosen in the order of nature Therefore our election is free there being no cause of it in us which is to bee sought for in God alone 3. Hee chose us before the foundation of the world that is from eternity before the world was much more before any works of ours were Hee chose us before any matter of the created world was existent much more before any matter of our works or workings could bee existent for hee elected us in order of nature before hee decreed that the world should bee For the decree of the creation of the world was subservient as a means to bring to pass the already decreed salvation of the elect Therefore hee chose us of grace and not for fore-seen works Hee chose us that wee might bee holy 4. Hee did not choose us because wee were holy or because hee fore-saw that wee would bee holy but hee chose us without any consideration of any holiness at all in us nay hee chose us as not having holiness to the end that being chosen wee should bee made holy and should become unblameable in his sight that is that being consecrated to God wee should bee by degrees truly and sincerely sanctified and should at last bee presented fully and perfectly holy in heaven Yea further that being unblameable without spot without wrinkle not onely of sin but also of all misery wee should at length appear together before him blessed and glorious Therefore our election is not from faith fore-seen or works fore-seen but of meer grace which as it is the cause of election so of all holiness and happiness which follows election In love Love or charity is meerly free in which as hee hath chosen us that wee should bee made holy and unblameable so also that in that his love we should perfect this our happiness which love God will then fully put forth when hee shall fully consummate our holiness and happiness And so the charity or love of God is hoth the cause of election and the completing or perfecting of those good things which follow election and by consequence election is not onely of grace but is for the perfect possession of free happiness in the sight of God Vers. 5. Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Iesus Christ to himself according to the good pleasure of his will Arg. 3. Thus God of his grace hath blessed us in time so also of grace hee hath predestinated us to the inheritance of Sons which was to bee obtained by Christ in his own person according to the good pleasure of his will Therefore wee should celebrate his grace The parts of this reason prove the same that the whole reason it self doth Having predestinated us 1. As our election before time was free so is our predestination also before ages unto life eternal and to fit means which should bee effectual to bring us to that end Therefore predestination is free in that it doth not onely assign the end and persons but also appoints the means by which wee must attain that end Unto the adoption of children 2. Here also the Apostle manifests the grace of God Wee are predestinated not because wee are fore-seen as Sons but that being not as yet Sons wee should by Grace attain the Adoption of Sons Now the Adoption of Sons includes these four things 1 An effectual Calling or Faith to imbrace the offered communion with Christ the onely begotten Son 2 A towardliness and good disposition of Sons or the renovation of our nature that wee might love God as our Father 3 The dignity and honour of Sons 4 The Riches or Inheriâ—ance of Sons even to the glorifying of our Bodies Rom. 8.23 Therefore both our Predestination and Adoption is free and not for any work of ours By Christ 3 And this doth make much for the advancement of Grace Wee are predestinated that wee may obtain the Adoption of Children by Iesus Christ who is the first-begotten and onely-begotten Son that by his merit and efficacy wee might obtain all the fore-said degrees of Adoption Therefore our predestination is from meer Grace To himself 4 That Grace might appear he shews the end of Adoption God hath predestinated us that wee should obtain the Adoption of Children by Christ to himself or to his use viz. to the honour of him that predestinateth or of Christ by whom hee communicates to us Grace and the Glory of the Sons of God Therefore our predestination is free for otherwise honour would not accrew to God or Christ by our Adoption According to the good pleasure of his Will 5 Here hee excludes all causes besides God and makes the Grace of God the onely cause For hee predestinated us according to the good pleasure of his Will Therefore onely Gods Grace onely his Will onely his good pleasure is the cause of our predestination and not any work of ours Vers. 6. To the praise of the glory of his Grace wherein hee hath made us accepted in the Beloved Argum. 4. God to that end and purpose that hee might bring praise to his glorious Grace chose and predestinated us to the Adoption of Sons It necessarily follows that God hath elected and predestinated us out of Grace For else hee could never attain that end and consequently ought wee to give praise to Gods Grace and to bless God who hath thus blessed us Of the Glory of Words of this Nature have an Emphasis for 1 This Grace hath glory in it self that is it is every way glorious and most worthy in it self that wee should highly esteem it acknowledge and publish it because who is most great and most good hath vouchsafed to advance us who are most vile and most unworthy unto the dignity of sons the riches of the inheritance of sons To the praise 2 God doth both intend and expect from us the praise of this his glorious Grace that wee should acknowledge the benefit in words and deeds and that by all means possible wee should give praise to this wonderful Grace of God Wherein Argum. 5. In this Grace whereby God hath chosen and predestinated us to holiness and happiness I say in this very Grace hee hath made us welcome and acceptable to himself in his beloved Son Therefore wee should celebrate this Grace of God In which reason hee intimates four things 1 That God did of his Grace intend our salvation in election and predestination and doth actually and in deed begin to put forth and exercise Grace in our effectual Vocation to Faith 2 That Christ not onely as Son but as Mediatour undertaking for us and paying the price of our Redemption for us is beloved
do The Second Part. Vers. 12. Not as though I had already attaianed either were already perfect but I follow after if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Iesus The second part of the Chapter follows wherein the Apostle exhorts them that imitating himself and other faithful Ministers they would make proficiency in holiness to which end hee useth seven Arguments And in this place hee proposeth himself for an example to them by removing an objection Some one might say O blessed Paul who hath renounced all things that hee might know Christ and gain him and who is now made so conformable to Christ that there is nothing wanting to him but the reward of immortality Hee answers that this is not the meaning of his words as if hee should have said I do not speak this as if I had attained the perfection of Holiness or were already perfected but I follow after the prize of perfection Whence Argum. 1. I am not absolute or compleat in happiness but I follow after perfection Therefore yee that are likewise imperfect should do the same thing that I do That I may apprehend Argum. 2. I am apprehended by Christ in effectual vocation to this very end that being converted I may profit in Faith and Holiness until I bee compleated and to this end I follow after this mark that I may apprehend it Therefore you also should do as I do Vers. 13. Brethren I count not my self to have apprehended but this one thing I do forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forth unto those things which are before 14. I press toward the mark for the price of the high calling of God in Christ Iesus 15. Let us therefore as many as bee perfect bee thus minded and if in any thing yee bee otherwise minded God shall reveal even this unto you Argum. 3. Out of a sense of my imperfection in holiness I do not regard or call to mind the progress which I have already made but with as much eagerness as I can I run the race which is set before mee that I may at length attain the prize in the end of this life and the reward of life eternal to which God from above hath called mee in Christ All yee therefore even who are full grown and who have hitherto made or think that yee have made the greatest proficiencies whether with others or your selves do yee think and indeavour the same thing that I do that is having forsaken all carnal confidence glorying in Christs Righteousness alone by virtue of him seek after proficiency in holiness that yee may at length come unto the blessed resurrection And if in any Argum. 4. If yee being seduced by false Apostles think otherwise of Christian perfection I hope God who converted you unto the Faith of the Gospel will also reveal this truth unto you and either will cause that yee may bee of my opinion touching the Righteousness of Christ and his virtue for your encrease in Holiness or else will manifest unto you how dangerous and evil it is for you to take up another opinion different from my Doctrine Therefore you c. Vers 16. Nevertheless whereto wee have already attained let us walk by the same Rule let us mind the same thing Hee limits his hope touching the saving revelation of the truth whereupon hee speaks unto those that are desirous of truth and peace inciting them by a special exhortation to constancy and agreement in that truth wherein they did already agree touching grace and salvation by Christ according to the Rule of Scripture not daring to hope well of any but such as followed that Rule as if hee had said Let us who are lovers of Truth and Peace and who embrace the Scripture as the onely rule of saving Truth persevere in that which by Gods goodness wee have attained unto and walking according to this Rule let us bee of the same mind but let us leave the rest to God and his Discipline which is set down in Scripture Vers. 17. Brethren bee yee followers together of mee and mark them which walk so as yee have us for an ensample Argum. 5. Besides mee you have other servants of God which tread the same way that I do in the matter of doctrine and conversation who teach nothing but Faith in Christ and holiness to bee obtained by him Therefore follow yee those examples Vers. 18. For many walk of whom I have told you often and now tell you even weeping that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ Argum. 6. There are many Teachers false Apostles and false Brethren who are enemies to the Cross of Christ that is who teach that sins may bee expiated and men saved otherwise than by the Cross of Christ alone and who will not profess the truth of Christ where there is any danger of the Cross or of persecution Therefore do yee the more diligently observe and imitate the manner of my doctrine and life and of other such Pastors like mee Told you often Hee confirms this Argument touching their shunning of Impostors who did draw men from the Righteousness and Holiness which is by the Cross of Christ with seven Reasons Reas. 1. Because this is not the first time But I have often formerly fore-warned you of the comming of these vile fellows Weeping Reas. 2. Because now weeping I advise you to beware of them seriously grieving that such men have crept into the Church and are received by some for true Teachers Enemies Reas. 3. Because they are Christs enemies in this very thing that they are enemies to the virtue of Christs sufferings and who will not bear the Cross of Christ for the defence of the Truth Vers. 19. Whose end is destruction whose God is their belly and whose glory is in their shame who mind earthly things Whose end Reas. 4. Because those Impostors shall perish and as many as follow their waies Therefore shun them Belly Reas. 5. Because they are servants and lovers of their own belly that is they care neither for God nor the salvation of men but onely their own gluttony and pleasures Glory Reas. 6. Because that glory which they seek among men by their riches prosperity and carnal prerogatives shall bee their disgrace Earthly things Reas. 7. Because they onely savour earthly things as riches honours friends gluttony pleasures and such like Therefore yee that desire a spiritual and heavenly life must shun them Vers. 20. For our conversation is in Heaven from whence also wee look for the Saviour the Lord Iesus Christ Argum. 7. Our condition is very heavenly who trusting onely in the grace and virtue of Christ strive for proficiency in holiness Wee are true Inhabitants of Heaven and therein wee are conversant in mind and affection where wee shall sometime bee glorified Therefore follow our example But the happiness of true Beleevers is declared in these four things 1 That wee have right unto the heavenly
before I never used flattering words amongst you of which thing I call you to witness Nor Sign 6. I never did any thing for the sake of covetousness under the cloak of piety as the false Apostles were wont of which thing hee calls God to witness Vers. 6. Not of men sought wee glory neither of you nor yet of others when wee might have been burdensome as the Apostles of Christ. Neither Sign 7. I was so far from ambition and also covetousness that I never required the honour due to mee or an honourable stipend either of you or of others when as an Apostle of Christ I could have lawfully been burdensome unto you Vers. 7. But wee were gentle among you even as a Nurse cherisheth her children Sign 8. Whilst I was conversant amongst you I did carry my self gently as one of you yea as one equal to the lowest of you laying aside all haughtiness morosity and imperiousness and all respect either to the Nobility of my Kindred or the excellency of my office and gifts vouchsafed to mee and all other priviledges the consideration whereof uses to bee accounted of in civil conversation Vers. 8. So being affectionately desirous of you wee were willing to have imparted unto you not the Gospel of God onely but also our own souls because yee were dear unto us Sign 9. As a mother cherisheth her children warmeth them with her breath nourisheth them with her milk and if shee could is ready to communicate her soul to them So I affectionately taking care of all the concernments of the Church with the greatest satisfaction together with the preaching of the Gospel I was willing to impart unto you as it were my soul because of my vehement love towards you Vers. 9. For yee remember Brethren our laâ—our and travel for labouring night and day because wee would not bee chargeable unto any of you wee preached unto you the Gospel of God Sign 10. Explaining and confirming the former the whole time which remains to mee from the preaching the Gospel I did bestow labouring with my hands lest any one of you bee burthened by allowing mee maintenance as an Apostle Vers. 10. Yee are witnesses and God also how holily and justly and unblameably wee behaved our selves among you that beleeve Sign 11. I carried my self amongst you in all things justly holily and unblameably whereof I call you to witness as to external things and I call God to witness of my more inward sincere love to you in all things Vers. 11. As you know how wee exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you as a Father doth his children Sig. 12. As yee may remember I did exhort and comfort privately every one of you no otherwise than as a Father is wont to exhort and comfort his children Vers. 12. That yee would walk worthy of God who hath called you unto his Kingdome and Glory Sig. 13. I left nothing undone that might shew greatest faithfulness and diligence that yee might lead an holy life and that yee might please God in all things who hath called you by his grace to a participation of his Kingdome and celestial Glory These are the Signes of Pauls celestial Ambassage and of his Apostolical Office faithfully administred by him amongst the Thessalonians The Second Part of the Chapter Vers. 13. For this cause also thank wee God without ceasing because when yee received the Word of God which yee heard of us yee received it not as the word of men but as it is in truth the Word of God which effectually worketh also in you that beleeve The Second part of the Chapter in which are contained manifest Signes of the Divine grace towards the Thessalonians in their conversion which afterwards hee publishes with Thanksgiving and confirms them against the scandal of the Cross and persecution which they suffered from the enemies of the Gospel which were of the same Tribe The Signes of the Divine grace towards the Thessalonians in their conversion are three Sign 1. That you have attentively heard sayes hee the word of the Gospel preached by mee not as the word of man but as the word of God and yee have received it with a true faith Which also Sign 2. That the word of God received by faith efficaciously works in you and testifies it self to bee Divine by its efficacy no less in you than it hath manifested it self in other beleevers Vers. 14. For yee brethren became followers of the Churches of God which in Iudea are in Christ Iesus for yee also have suffered like things of your own Country-men even as they have of the Iews Sign 3. Confirming what was said before That hitherto yee have been constant in bearing persecutions from your friends kinsfolks those of the same Tribe for the Gospels sake and have shewn your selves like to the Christian Churches in Iudea who did constantly suffer persecutions from the other unbeleeving Jews of whom some are spiteful to you Vers. 15. Who both killed the Lord Iesus and their own Prophets and have persecuted us and they please not God and are contrary to all men That hee may remove the scandal of persecution whereby the Christian Churches were vexed by the unbeleeving Jews who called themselves the people of God hee takes off the vizard from those perverse enemies of the Gospel setting out their sins with a most severe accusation whereof there are seven branches 1 The unbeleeving Jews killed Christ himself 2 They have not spared their own Prophets being their Country-men 3 They persecute us Apostles which say that the Thessalonians should receive consolation from the fellowship of the sufferings of Christ and the sufferings of his servants 4 They are adversaries unto God and then they think that they please God most when they persecute his servants 5 That as publick enemies of man-kinde they hinder as much as they can the common salvation of men Vers. 16. Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might bee saved to fill up their sins alway For the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost 6 They are enemies to the Gentiles to their utmost forbidding the Apostles to preach the Gospel of salvation to the Gentiles lest they should bee saved so far as it lyes in them 7 By doing these and many other things they daily more and more fill up the measure of their sins Having recited their faults hee annexes the judgement and wrath of God which now had come upon them even to the utmost The Third Part of the Chapter Vers. 17. But wee brethren being taken from you for a short time in presence not in heart endeavoured the more abundantly to see your face with great desire The third part of the Chapter wherein lest they should think that they were neglected by the Apostle in their afflictions because hee did not come to them in the midst of such afflictions hee confirms his love and affection towards them in six Arguments Arg. 1. My absence from you
presence of God whilst others fiercely strive amongst themselves only because they are ashamed to bee overcome or to bee accounted unlearned Lastly imploying himself in preaching not in mincing of words whilest the substance is neglected but in a prudent dividing and distribution of their plain meaning and applying them to the advantage of the hearers in faith and obedience to the truth Vers. 16. But shun prophane and vain bablings for they will increase unto more ungodliness Branch 3. That hee decline the lofty and sophistical manner of speech new unusual and prophane phrases Hee subjoyns three Reasons of this Branch Prophane Reas. 1. Because as those insolent speeches proceed from the prophaneness and impiety of the mind so they foster and increase ungodliness in others Vers. 17. And their word will eat as doth a canker of whom is Hymeneus and Philetus R. 2. Because the manner of teaching and the Doctrine of Sophisters will eat up the Church as a Gangrene consumes the body which as Physicians teach unless it bee very suddenly cured it invades the contiguous parts seizes upon the very bones and till the man is extinct it proceeds without ceasing Vers. 18. Who concerning the truth have erred saying That the Resurrection is past already and overthrow the Faith of some R. 3. Because experience hath demonstrated this evil in the persons of two Hereticks whom he names to their disgrace that they may be avoided as Rocks Who onely acknowledge an Allegorical Resurrection erring from the Doctrine of Truth overthrow the Faith of some and while they insinuated their perverse opinion into others gave occasion to some not well setled in the Faith to renounce the profession of the Christian Religion Vers. 19. Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure having this seal the Lord knoweth them that are his and let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity Admonition 3. Of holding fast the Doctrine of perseverance of true Beleevers although the Faith of some was overthrown which admonition is propounded by way of consolation and confirmation of Faith against the scandal of Apostates especially of the famous Doctors whose levity and perfidiousness ought indeed to stir up all to watchfulness but it ought not in any wise to weaken the assurance of Faith in the Saints The Doctrine to bee maintained by Timothy in this Although the Faith of some bee overthrown yet the building of the salvation of the Elect or true Beleevers abides firm or The perseverance of the Saints is certain This hee proves by six Arguments Sure Argum. 1. By way of comparison from a building The building of the Faith and salvation of the Elect hath a sure foundation laid by God which stands unmoveable and this it is The free Election of God the constancy and stability whereof hee compares to a foundation laid upon a Rock Therefore the perseverance of the Saints is certain Seal Argum. 2. By way of comparison from a Seal to this sense The salvation of the Elect is kept in the secret custody of God as with a signet so that though it appear not to the world who they are that are elected yet it is certain that they were not of us or the number of true Beleevers who went out from us that truly beleeved or revolted from our society Therefore the perseverance of the Saints is certain Knows Argum. 3. Those are known unto God who in a special manner are his or belong to him as his peculiar ones hee knows them and their names and number and embraceth them with his special favour that hee will not suffer them to bee pulled from him To know them as his own is to acquiesce in them by his special love as his peculiar ones Therefore the perseverance of the Saints is certain Seal Argum. 4. As another seal God hath given this Precept to bee read of all men which hee makes effectual in all his Elect Let every one that names the name of Christ depart from iniquity i. e. Let him hold fast the Faith with the profession of Iesus Christ let him also depart from the waies of sin by repentance and holiness of life Therefore the Saints those whom God hath sealed for his own as it were with this Seal and in whom hee works effectual obedience to this Precept they shall not perish in their Apostacy but persevere and end their lives in the Faith and Obedience of Christ. Vers. 20. But in a great house there are not onely Vessels of Gold and of Silver but also of Wood and of Earth and some to Honour and some to Dishonour Argum. 5. As in a well-furnished and great house there are some vessels more precious for decent uses some baser vessels for dishonourable uses so in the Church some are reprobate who onely lye in their filthiness by whom the Church is corrupted they shall depart from the Church by Apostacy Some are elected and sanctified of God who shall persevere in the Faith and Obedience of Christ to the glory of God and their own commendation Therefore the perseverance of the Saints is certain Vers. 21. If a man therefore purge himself from these hee shall bee a vessel unto honour sanctified and meet for the Masters use and prepared unto every good work Argum. 6. It is not onely certain that the Elect shall persevere but it is also to bee affirmed that they may bee assured of their election and perseverance For if any one by the Grace of God shall endeavour to purge himself from the manners of Hypocrites and the defilements of sinners with which the vessels designed to shame are filled hee shall openly manifest to himself and others that hee is of the number of those precious vessels prepared to sanctification and glory Therefore the perseverance of the Saints is certain Vers. 22. Flee also youthful lusts but follow Righteousness Faith Charity Peace with them that call on the Lord with a pure heart Admonition 4. To moderation of mind and to avoid all youthly affections and whatsoever may stir up contentions or provoke the minds of others There are three branches of the Admonition 1 That hee avoid all youthful lusts or affections not onely pleasures but also headiness contention pride desire of vain-glory and the like evil affections which young men use to bee infected with who have taken upon them the office of teaching or disputing Follow 2 That on the other side hee follow 1 Righteousness which offends none 2 Faith which without disputation receives chearfully the mysteries revealed from God 3 Charity which is not envious not puffed up is not ambitious seeks not her own but even those things which conduce to the good of others 4 Peace with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart i. e. with the true worshipers of God Vers. 23. But foolish and unlearned questions avoid knowing that they do gender strifes 3 That hee shun Questions by which no man comes to true wisdome and Christian edification The
an one Christ is i. e. how excellent hee is in the offices of his Apostleship or of his Prophetical and Priestly office wherein hee humbled himself and suffered Argum. 1. From Psal. 8.5 to this purpose The man Christ is highly accounted of with God and other men are subjected because of him if the Majesty of God and the Magnificence of his works bee compared with the meanness of humane nature or if it bee considered how great God is and how eminent his other works and how mean and low man is Therefore the excellency of Christ as man ought not to bee lessened with us because of the infirmities and sufferings of the humane nature which hee took Vers. 7. Thou madest him a little lower than the Angels thou crownedst him with glory and honour and didst set him ruler over the works of thy hands Argum. 2. From Psal. 8.6 Although Christ in the time of his humiliation was made lower than the Angels in respect to his sufferings in the flesh yet that humiliation was not perpetual but for a short time and onely in part in respect to the humane nature that suffered Because the price of Redemption being paid hee was raised from the dead exalted to the right hand of God and crowned with glory and honour declared Lord and King over all the works of God Therefore wee ought not to detract from him because of his sufferings in the flesh Vers. 8. Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet For in that hee put all in subjection under him hee left nothing that is not put under him But now wee see not yet all things put under him 9. But wee see Iesus who was made a little lower than the Angels for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honour that hee by the Grace of God should taste death for every man Argum. 3. From Psal. 8.7 Christ is the Lord of Angels even as hee is man For God hath put all the works of his hands without exception in subjection to him and so amongst the rest Angels Therefore c. But now Argum. 4. Propounded by way of Solution to an Objection Although yet wee see not all things subjected unto Christ in respect to his members which are daily opposed by very many enemies Yet wee see not with the eyes of Faith onely but even the light of reason by many tokens and are convinced by the multitude of miracles Christ after his humiliation below the condition of Angels now crowned with glory and honour in his own person in Heaven and sitting at the right hand of his Father till all his enemies bee made his foot-stool and thus wee see the victory of Christ begun Therefore wee must not detract any thing from the excellency of Christ because of his sufferings either in his own person or in his members A little Argum. 5. From the fore-telling of his humiliation Psal. 8.6 From the decree of God and to the fulfilling the Prophecies of Christ it behoved him to bee humbled and suffer death and to this end in a sort to bee made lower than the Angels that hee might suffer death Therefore c. Taste Argum. 6. Not unadvisedly or compelled by necessity did Christ suffer but freely or out of the gracious good will of God towards us hee tasted death for a short time not for himself but for all us his Sons that hee might bring us to salvation as it is expounded in the following verse Therefore his estimation is not to bee lessened because of his sufferings in his assumed flesh Vers. 10. For it became him for whom are all things and by whom are all things in bringing many Sons unto Glory to make the Captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings Argum. 7. It was agreeable to the Glory of God who is the Author and End of all things seeing that his justice mercy wisdome power and the rest of his Attributes might bee manifested chiefly by the sufferings of Christ that hee might consecrate inaugurate consummate and every waies make him meet to bee Captain of our salvation the more conveniently by afflictions to bring many Sons his Elect to life and glory not by his Doctrine onely nor onely by the example of his life but also by the merit of his death undergone for the redeeming of them Therefore his excellency ought not to bee abated because of his sufferings in the flesh Vers. 11. For both hee that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one For which cause hee is not ashamed to call them Brethren Argum. 8. The Redeemer and the Redeemed Hee that sanctifies and they that are sanctified not onely by the decree of God and the predictions of Scripture but also from Justice it self are of one and the same Nature of the same Natural lump derived from the same Adam For the Justice and Wisdome of God required that in the humane Nature which had sinned sin should bee punished And therefore required that the Redeemer of men should bee truly man Therefore the reputation of Christ the Son of God because of his assuming the infirmities of humane Nature is not to bee diminished For which Argum. 9. Confirming the former The Messias would bee incarnate that wee might bee his Brethren and that hee might shew forth himself a Brother unto us And although hee is the Son of God yet hee is not ashamed to call the Redeemed or Elect his Brethren Therefore the reputation of Christ is not to bee lessened because of his sufferings in humane flesh but rather ought wee to boast in his relation to us and to glorifie him so much the more because of his sufferings for us Verâ— 12. Saying I will declare thy name unto my Brethren in the midst of the Church will I sing praise unto thee This Argument hee proves by three Testimonies of Scripture The first is taken from Psal. 22.22 wherein Christ undertakes to pay the price of our Redemption and promiseth to preach the Righteousness purchased by his Obedience to his Brethren the Elect or the Church of the faithful in whose Congregations hee is present by his Spirit even after his ascension stirring up joy and thanksgiving in the hearts of the faithful by the preaching of Righteousness Vers. 13. And again I will put my trust in him and again Behold I and the children which God hath given mee The second Testimony is taken from Psal. 18.3 whence Christ is proved to bee man because put in the number of the Covenanters depending upon God by Faith Again Testimony the third From Isa. 8.18 where Christ is brought in by the Prophet associating himself with Children as his Brethren whom God had chosen and given to him to bee redeemed and saved whom hee presents with himself to the Father to bee glorified Vers. 14. Forasmuch then as the Children are partakers of flesh and blood hee also himself took part of the same that through death hee might destroy him that had the power of
another World in effect of that which was of old changing the holding and nature and use of all things to his Subjectâ— For a man ere hee come in to Christ is Gods enemy and to him all things in the World are enemies the Host and Souldiers of his dreadful Judge But after a man is made Christs Subject they turn all to bee his Friends and his Fathers servants working altogether for his good That is another and a new World indeed 2. It is called the World to come because albeit this change began with the work of Grace before Christ came yet it was nothing in comparison of the World iâ— come under the Messias And that which is now under the Gospel is little or nothing in comparison of that glorious change of the nature and use of all things unto Christs Subjects which is to bee revealed at his last coming Then whatsoever thing wee have hitherto found to our good since wee knew Christ it is but little to what shall bee our World is but to come 1 Cor. 15.19 3. The World is put in subjection to Christ that hee may dispose of it at his pleasure Then Christ is twice Soveraign Lord of the World once as Creator again as Mediator in his Manhead to make all the creatures in heaven and earth serve nill they will they to farther the work of full Redemption which hee hath undertaken 4. Hee excludeth the Angels from this honour Then In Christs Kingdom the Angels are in subjection to Christ for the good of his Subjects no less than sheep and oxen as the Psalm saith and not to bee adored with him as Soveraigns over us Vers. 6. But one in a certain place testified saying What is man that thou art mindful of him Or the Son of man that thou visitest him 7. Thou madest him a little lower than the Angels Thou crownedst him with glory and honour and didst set him over the works of thine hands 1. Being to prove by Scripture his purpose hee citeth neither Book nor Chapter but the words which are of the eighth Psalm and fourth Verse Then The Apostle will have the Church so well acquainted with text of Scripture that at the hearing of the words they might know where it is written though neither book nor verse were cited 2. The Prophet looking on man even on Christs manhead wherein hee was humbled hee wondereth to see mans nature so highly dignified above all creatures Then 1. The baseness of mans natural being compared with other more glorious creatures maketh Gods love to us above all other creatures so much the more wonderful 2. Christs Humiliation and Exaltation were both foreseen and revealed by the Prophets Vers. 8. Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet For in that hee put all in subjection under him hee left nothing that is not put under him But now wee see not yet all things put under him 1. Hee proveth that Angels are in subjection to Christ because the text of the Psalm saith All is put in subjection and so neither Angels nor other creatures are excepted Then 1. For understanding of the meaning of Scripture it is necessary to consider not only what it saith expresly but also what it saiâ—h by consequence of sound reason 2. And whatsoever is rightly deduced by evidence of sound reason of the words of Scripture is the meaning of the Scripture as if it were spoken expresly 2. Hâ—e saith There is nothing left that is not put under Christ. Then Not good Angels only but all Spirits and all that they can do also are subject to Christ and hee can make them nill they will they contribute to the furtherance of his own purpose for the good of his Subjects and hurt of his foes 3. Because Christs enemies are still troubling his Kingdome hee moveth a doubt saying Wee see not yet all things put under him Then 1. The troubles of Christs subjects hinder the natural mind to perceive the Glory of Christs advancement 2. Carnal reason the Proctor of mis-belief will admit no more of divine truth than it is capable of by sense Vers. 9. But wee see Iesus who was made a little lower than the Angels for the suffering of death crowned with Glory and Honour that hee by the Grace of God should taste death for every man 1. Hee answereth the doubt saying Wee see Jesus crowned with glory and honour and so a course taken for putting all that oppose him farther and farther under him Then 1. The subjection of all things to Christs Throne cannot bee seen but in the exaltation of his person 2. When wee see his person exalted to such high dignity in heaven it is easie to see him put all under that riseth up against him 3. That which may bee taken up of Christ partly by his word and doctrine partly by his miraculous works and extraordinary gifts of the Spirit powred out upon the Primitive Church partly by his ordinary and powerful working upon the souls of his own since that time unto this day humbling and comforting changing and reforming mens hearts and lives I say these evidences of his Power do make a spiritual eye in a manner to see Jesus the worker of these works crowned with glory and honour 2. Hee meeteth another doubt arising from the abasement of Christ in his sufferings and death to which hee answereth in the words of the Psalm first that it was fore-told in that same Psalm that hee was to bee made for a little lower than the Angels to wit by suffering of death Then 1. The Cross of Christ is a ready stumbling block for a carnal mind else what needed the removing of the scandal 2. It is true indeed Christ in his humiliation was abased under the Angels and emptied 3. This abasement was but a little and for a short time 4. It was fore-told in the Psalm that speaketh of his Exaltation 5. If wee look to the Scripture fore-telling wee shall not stumble at Christs Humiliation 3. Hee giveth a farther answer by shewing the end of Christs Suffering to bee for our cause in the favour of God to us That hee should by the Grace of God taste Death for every one of us Then 1. Christs suffering was not for his own deserving but for ours and therefore should bee glorious in our eyes 2. Every Believer and Elect Soul hath interest in that death of his and so every man bound to love him and magnifie him for it and to apply the fruit of it to himself 3. This death was but a tasting of death because hee continued but a short time under it for his short suffering was so precious that hee could not bee holden by the Sorrows of Death but Death for a little was sufficient and therefore should diminish no mans estimation of him 4. It was by the Grace of God that his Death for a short should stand for our Eternal and therefore gracious and glorious should these his sufferings bee
of the New Testament is with an oath and so cannot be changed Then To make a Priest in the Gospel who is not consecrated by an oath to abide for evermore in the office but may be changed and another come in in his place is contrary to the institution of the Evangelical Priesthood The next difference hee maketh this The Law admitteth men in the plural number a plurality of Priests but the Gospel admitteth no plurality of Priests but the Son onely to be Priest Melchisedec's order in the type hath no Priest but one in it without a Suffragane or substituted Priest Therefore Christ the true Melchisedec is alone in his Priesthood without partner or Deputy or Suffragane Then To make plurality of Priests in the Gospel is to alter the order of Melchesedes sworn with an oath and to renounce the March set betwixt the Law and the Gospel 3. The third Difference The Law maketh men Priests but the Evangelical Oath maketh the Son of God Priest for the Gospel Then To make a man Priest now is to mar the Son of Gods priviledge to whom the priviledge onely belongeth 4. The fourth Difference The Law maketh such Priests as have infirmity that is sinful men who cannot make the Sacrifice which they offer effectual to pacifie nor the blessing which they pronounce to come nor the instruction which they give forcible to open the eyes But the Evangelical Oath maketh the Son who is able to save to the uttermost all that come to God through him Then To make a sinful and weak man a Priest now is to weaken the Priesthood of the Gospel and make it like the Law 5. The fift Difference The Law maketh men Priests which have infirmities over whom death had power that they could not be consecrated but for their short life time But the Evangelical Oath maketh the Son whom the sorrows of death could not hold and hath consecrated him for evermore Then As long as Christs Consecration lasteth none must meddle with his office 6. The last Difference The Law instituting Priests was not Gods last will but might suffer addition But the Evangelical Oath is since the Law and Gods last and unchangeable Will Therefore To adde unto it and bring in as many Priests now as did serve in the Temple of old is to provoke God to adde as many plagues as are written in Gods Book upon themselves and their Priests also The Summe of Chap. VIII THis is the Sum of all that I have spoken We have no Priest now but Christ who is equal in glory to his Father in Heaven vers 1. The offerer of his own body signified by the Tabernacle vers 2. For every Priest must offer something Therefore so must Christ vers 3. But the typical Sacrifice hee could not offer by the Law albeit hee were on earth vers 4. Because hee is not of the Tribe of Levi whose proper office was to meddle with the shadows Therefore hee must be the offerer of the Substance that is of his own Body signified by the shadows vers 5. And so now hee hath taken the office over the Levites head and hath an office more excellent than they and is Mediatour of a better Covenant than the Covenant which was in their time vers 6. For if that Covenant had been perfect another had been needless vers 7. But another Covenant was needful and God promised to make a new one vers 8. A better Covenant than that old which the people brake vers 9. For in this Covenant God undertaketh to make us keep our part of it vers 10.11 And to pardon where wee fail vers 12. Now when God promised a New Covenant hee declared the other to be old and to be abolished when the new came vers 13. The Doctrine of Chap. VIII Vers. 1. Now of the things which wee have spoken this is the Summe Wee have such an High Priest who is set on the right hand of the Throne of the Majesty in the Heavens 1. THe Apostle accommodating himself to help the capacity and memory of the Hebrews and urging the special point of his discourse is worthy of imitation 2. In saying Wee have such an High Priest who is set down on the right hand c. Hee setteth forth the glory of Christs person that hee may commend his Priesthood Then 1. The glory of Christs office is not seen till the glory of his person be seen 2. The glory of his person is not seen till his glorious Soveraignty and Government of the world be seen 3. Yea the glory of Christ is not rightly seen till his equality with the Father in glory be seen and acknowledged 3. In saying that Christ as High-Priest is set down on the right hand of the Throne hee giveth us to understand That Christ as in his Divine Nature hee is undivided from the Father in Glory and Dominion So in his humane Nature hee is exalted to the fellowship of Divine Glory with the Father Because of the union of the humane Nature with the Divine in one person of the Mediatour The two natures still remaining distinguished but not divided nor separated the one from the other 4. Hee noteth the place of this Glory to be in the Heavens wherein hee preferreth Christ above the Levitical Priests for their Priesthood is onely exercised on Earth But Christs in Heaven And therefore when wee will employ our High-Priest wee have no earthly City to seek him in but in the Heaven the onely place and palace of his residence Vers. 2. A Minister of the Sanctuary and of the true Tabernacle which the Lord pitched and not man 1. For all this glory yet Christ is still called here a Minister to shew us That his high honour hindreth him not to do his office for our good 2. Hee is called A Minister of the Sanctuary or of the holy things for the word will agree with both and both tend to one purpose for the holy things were all tyed to the Sanctuary and hee that was Minister of the Sanctuary was Minister of the holy things also and that in name of the Saints Now the Sanctuary or the holy things which here is spoken of is the thing signified by the Sanctuary and by the holy things And so taking all the significations of the word together we are taught That Christ in his glory is not idle but as a faithful Agent in the heavenly Sanctuary taking the care of all the holy things which his Saints and people are commanded to present procuring and giving forth all holy and spiritual things from Heaven to his Saints which their estate requireth 3. He is called a Minister of the true Tabernacle which God pitched and not man That is the Ministers of his own Body miraculously formed by God not after the ordinary manner of other men signified and represented by the Typical Tabernacle Then the Tabernacle and Temple under the Law was but the shadow and Christs Body was the true Tabernacle