and Christians whatsoeuer become of vs in our outward estate This body of Christ is commended for three things ornament vnion and growth and well are all put together for not one can bee without the other especially the first and the third cannot be without the second It is no wonder Christians cannot grow nor be furnished if they bee not knit to Christ they may be neere the body but not of the body There is great difference betweene our best garments and our meanest members the worst member of the body will grow yet the best raiment though it sit neuer so neere will not so is it betweene wicked men professing Christ and the godly that are members of Christ indeed Of these three vnion is of the essence of the body the other two are adiuncts the one needfull to the being the other to the well-being of the Church First therefore of this vnion This vnion is two wayes here set forth 1. That it is in these words knit together 2. How it is in these words by ioynts and bands Knit together The faithfull are knit together 1. with Christ 2. with Christians The priuiledges flovving from our vnion vvith Christ Great is the glory of Christians knit to Christ for from that vnion with him flow many excellent priuiledges such are these 1. The communication of names the body is called sometimes by the name of the head viz. Christ a 1 Cor. 12. and the head by the name of the body viz. Israel b Esay 49. 2. The influence of the vertue of the death and resurrection of Christ c Rom. 6. 3. The inhabitation of the spirit of Christ d Rom. 8. 4. Intercession e 1 Joh. 2.2 5. The communication of the secrets of Christ f 1 Cor. 2.16 6. The testimonie of Iesus g 1 Cor. 1.5 7. Expiation as he is the sacrifice and passeouer offered for vs h 1 Cor. 5.7 8. Consolation in affliction i 2 Cor. 1.5 9. Power against tentations k 2 Cor. 11 9. 10. The anointing or power of office to bee Prophets Kings and Priests vnto God l 2 Cor. 1 2â— 11. Vniuersall grace not in respect of persons that it reacheth to all the members onely but in respect of parts that hee being the fulnesse that filleth all in all things m Eph. 1.27 12. Sympathie all miseries n Heb 2.15 13. The sanctification of all occurrents in life or death o Phil 1.21 14 The resurrection of the body both for matter p Rom. 8.11 and prioritie q 1 Thes 4 16. Lastly the opening of heauen r Heb. 10.24 a lease whereof is granted and sealed and earnest giuen in this life Å¿ Eph. 1.14 Thus of vnion with Christ From their knitting with Christians also arise excellent aduantages and prerogatiues for hereby they haue right to the externall priuiledges of Sion they stand in relation to all Saints they receiue the benefit of the praiers of the whole body and from the knowne Saints they haue the light of example fellowship in the Gospell outward blessings for their sakes assistance in the fight against the world sympathie in afflictions the profit of spirituall mercy counsell consolation admonition c. and lastly a part in their lot By ioynts and bonds The meaning is that Gods seruants are tied together by as neere certaine and sure meanes as any member in the body can bee ioyned to the rest by ioynts and bands Wee are tied to Christ both by his spirit and by faith and hope and holy dâ—sires we are tied to the Church in one spirit in one head in the freedome and vse of his ordinances the word and Sacraments in affection in subordination of callings and in the couenant of grace and in the same lot of inheritance The vses of all follow First if wee bee thus tied to Christ by ioynts and bands then they are to bee reproued that like it so well to be still chained in the bonds of iniquitie and seeke not this holy vnion let them take heede they be not reserued vnto euerlasting bonds But especially the meditation hereof should worke in vs a hatred of fornication and that filthy coupling with an harlot t 1 Cor. 6.15 and we should take heede of offending wounding or wronging the brethren for thereby men sinne against Christ himselfe to whom they are vnited u 1 Co. 8.11.12 and it should separate vs from sinners * 2 Cor. 6.15 and cause vs to striue to shew our selues new creatures x 2 Cor. 5.17 and to seeke those things that are aboue where our head and Sauiour is y Colos 3.1 Here also is great comfort for our vnion with Christ may assure vs that we shall not be destitute of any heauenly gift needfull for this life or the appearing of Christ for present sanctification or future preseruation for God is faithfull who hath called vs to this fellowship with his sonne And seeing we are tied with such ioynts and bands who shall separate vs from the loue of Christ a Rom. 8. Againe are we vnited to Christians and knit together as fellow members then we should be faithfull in the vse of our owne gifts and diligent in our callings for the common good b Rom. 12.6 7 8. to all well-doing to doe it with loue sinceritie and brotherly affection c v. 9 10. yeelding honour to the places and gifts of others d v. 10. with all vprightnesse diligence and respect of Gods glory e v. 11. with hope patience prayer f v. 12. with mercy sympathie and humilitie Thus of vnion ornament followes Furnished The Church is furnished with vnsearchable riches h Eph. 3.9 g v. 13.15.16 with all sorts of spirituall blessings in heauenly things i Eph. 1.3 she is cleansed by the bloud of Christ k Heb. 9.14 Christ is her wisedome righteousnesse and sanctification and redemption l 1 Cor. 1.3 shee is not destitute of any heauenly gift m 2 Cor. 1.6 and this he tooke order for when he ascended on high and led captiuitie captiue n Eph. 4.7 Oh then that the loue of Christ could constraine vs and that the spirit of Christ would inlighten vs to see the riches of our calling and the glorious inheritance of the Saints Thus of ornament growth followeth Increasing with the increase of God Growth is a marueilous glory to Christians The body of Christ groweth 1. In the number of parts or members Wherein the Church groweth men being added daily to the Church 2. In the powerfull vse of the meanes of saluation 3. In grace o 2 Pet. 3. vlt. as knowledge and the like 4. In practise of holy duties q Phil. 1.11 5. In the strength of Christ r Eph. 3.16 Le ts of grovvth p Col. 1.9 10 11. There are many lets of the growth of grace and holinesse in
5.17 And therefore let all the holy seede the blessed of the Lord sing new songes of praise to God Secondly the consideration of the doctrine of the new birth may serue greatly for reproofe of the fearefull securitie of multitudes of people that are sunke so deepe in rebellion that they cannot consider nor seriouslie minde their owne conuersion They looke not vpwards to behold the angry countenance of God nor to the times past to consider the millions of men that haue perished for want of the new birth nor within them to see the Image of God defaced and the Deuill intrenched in strong holds for tentations and the conscience either awake and then the fire of hell is within them or a sleep and then they are in danger euery moment when it will awake nor doe they consider the time to come or thinke of those last things death iudgement and hell Oh the spirit of fornication that doth inchaunt men that they cannot so much as minde to returne Now if any prophane spirit should aske mee where are any such men as I haue before described to bee new creatures I would answere him they are not to be found in Tauernes Ale-houses Play-houses cock-pits beare-baits or such like but blessed be God there is a remnant a tenth one of a City and two of a Tribe that are such as the Lord doth describe and will be accepted of in Iesus Christ Renued in knowledge Knowledge is a chiefe part of the new grace of a Christian without it the minde cannot be good x Pro. 19.2 it is a singular gift of God to the elect to reueale vnto them the mysteries of the Kingdome y Mat. 13.11 it is the beginning of eternall life on earth z Ioh. 17.3 but wee must vnderstand that this knowledge here meant is neither naturall nor sensuall nor ciuill nor morall nor historicall nor a generall Theologicall knowledge What true knowledge is but a religious sauing knowledge it is a knowledge by which a Christian sees in a mirrour hee stands and wonders it is a knowledge that will transforme a man a 2 Cor. 3.18 it is the experimentall knowledge of the vertue of Christs death and resurrection b Phil. 3.10 it is a knowledge will keepe a man from the euill way c Prouerb 2. it is a knowledge will encounter euery thought and affection d Es 11.8.10 that exalts it selfe against the obedience of Christ it is a knowledge that is first pure then peaceable gentle easie to be intreated full of mercy and good fruites without iudging and without hypocrisie e Iam. 3.17 Rules for attaining of true knovvledge The vse is to teach vs that as we would be assured we are new creatures so we should labour to be possessed of sound knowledge and to this end 1. We must stand vp from the dead and with-draw from wicked society else Christ will neuer giue vs light f Ephes 5.14 2. Wee must consecrate our selues to holy life and seeke the feare of God for that is the beginning of this wisedome g Rom 12.1 Prou. 1. 3. Wee must denie our carnall wisedome and become fooles that we may be wise h 2 Cor. 3.18 4. Wee must walke with the wise i Prou. 13.20 5. We must begge of God a lowly and a humble heart for with the lowly is knowledge k Prou. 11.3 Lastly wee must studie the Scripture and attend vpon daily hearing and reading for they are the onely fountaines of true knowledge and wisedome l 2 Tim. 3.16 Renued The knowledge of the faithfull in this life euen after calling needes to be daily renued For sinne makes a breach both in the heart and minde And Sathan plants daily temptations and obiects against the doctrin of God against which the minde needes new store of prouision out of the word for defence And our affections are wonderfull apt to lose sence and feeling and then there is no other way to recouer sence but by renuing contemplation And besides in asmuch as faith and repentance must be daily renued therefore also must examination of life and meditation of Gods promise and grace be renued also Finally we know but in part and successiuely and therefore ought continually to be growing and adding to the measure of the knowledge receiued Vse This may serue 1. for information For here we may know the necessity of daily teaching since we neede daily to be renued in knowledge 2. For great reproofe of that negligence is euery where to be found in omission of hearing or reading the Scripture or vsing of other priuate helpes for knowledge 3. For instruction for it should teach vs to be constant in the vse of all the helpes God hath commanded or afforded vs. And wee should beare infirmities in others since our owne knowledge is vnperfit And wee should learne to be wise to sobriety and not thinke our selues able to iudge of euery doctrine or worke of God The Lord hath laide a restraint vpon vs and in this life we cannot attaine a full knowledge and therefore we should represse the itching curiositie of our natures thirsting after forbidden knowledge Lastly we should resolue of the neede we haue to be admonished instructed directed or rebuked and therefore reioyce in it if any will shew vs that mercie to smite vs with rebukes or guide vs in the way After the Image of him that created him How Christ is the Image of God Gods Image is in Christ in the Angels and in man Christ is the Image of God in two respects because he is the eternall sonne begotten of his substance and therefore called the character of his person or substance m Heb. 1.3 The Image of the inuisible God n Col. 1.16 and so he hath most perfitly the nature of the father in him 2. Because he was manifested in the flesh for in Christ made visible by the flesh the perfection and as it were the face of the Father is now seene And therefore our Sauiour saith he that seeth mee hath seene the Father o Ioh. 14.9 for the fulnesse of the godhead which was in the sonne being vnited and as it were imprinted on the flesh bodily p Col. 2.9 he did resemble and as it were expresse his owne and his fathers nature after diuers manners and by diuers workes or actions How the Angels are Gods Image The Angels are Gods Image and therefore called the sonnes of God because they resemble him as they are spirituall and incorporeall and immortall substances And secondly as they are created holy iust and full of all wisedome and diuine perfections in their kinde How man is Gods Image Amongst the visible creatures man onely beares the Image of God And so he doth 1. By creation q Gen. 1.26 2. By regeneration r Ephes 4.24 He was created in it And then falling from God by sinne hee recouers the renuing of
this first his Thankesgiuing vers 4.5.6.7.8 secondly his Prayer verse 9 10.11 In the Thankesgiuing hee shewes for what he gaue thankes which hee referres to two heads 1. their Graces 2. The Meanes by which those Graces were wrought and nourished The Graces are three Faith Loue Hope vers 4.5 Their Faith is amplified by the Obiect your Faith in Iesus Christ and their Loue by the extent of it your Loue to all the Saints and their Hope by the place which is laide vp for you in heauen Verse 5.6 The Meanes of Grace was either principall vers 5.6 or Instrumentall vers 7.8 The principall ordinary outward meanes was the Word which is described and set out six waies 1. by the Ordinance in which it was most effectuall viz. Hearing whereof yee haue heard 2. By the propertie that was most eminent in the working of it viz. Truth by the word of truth 3. By the kinde of word viz. the Gospell which is the Gospell 4. By the prouidence of God in bringing the meanes which is come vnto you 5. By the subiect Persons vpon whom it wrought viz. you and all the world 6. By the efficacy of it it is fruitfull and increaseth which is amplified by the repetition of the persons in whom and the consideration both of the time in those words from the day that you heard c. and also of the adiuuant cause viz. the hearing and the true knowledge of the Grace of God from the day that you heard of it and knew the grace of God in truth Thus of the principall Meanes the ministerie of the Word Verse 7.8 The Instrumentall or the Minister followeth vers 7.8 and he is described 1. by his name Epaphras 2. by the adiunct loue of others to him beloued 3. by his Office a Seruant 4. by his willingnesse to ioyne with others a fellow-seruant 5. by his faithfulnesse in the execution of his Office which is for you a faithfull Minister of Christ and lastly by his delight in his people which he shewes by the good report he chearefully giues of them viz. who also declared vnto vs your loue in the spirit Thus of the Thankesgiuing Verse 9.10.11 Now in the opening or vnfolding of his practise in praying for them first hee affirmes that he did pray for them and then declares it by shewing what he prayed for The affirmation is in the beginning of the ninth Verse and the Declaration in the rest of the words to the end of the eleuenth Verse In the affirmation there are three things first an Intimation of a reason in those words for this cause secondly a consideration of the time since the day we heard of it thirdly the matter affirmed we cease not to pray for you In the Declaration hee instanceth in one thing hee principally prayed about and that was their Knowledge which he sets one first by the Obiect of it the will of God secondly by the Parts of it Wisedome and Vnderstanding thirdly by the End viz. that they might walke worthy c. fourthly by the cause his glorious power and fiftly by the Effects Patience Long-suffering and Ioyfulnesse In setting downe the Obiect hee expresseth also the measure hee desired hee would haue them filled with the knowledge of Gods will and that he addeth in the second part when he saith all Wisedome and vnderstanding The end of all their knowledge hee expresseth more largely verse 10. which in generall is the eminence of holy life which hee expresseth in three seuerall formes of speech viz. 1. to walke worthy of the Lord 2. to walke in all pleasing and 3. to be fruitfull in all good workes vnto the fuller attainment of which hee notes the meanes to be an increase in the knowledge of God Hitherto of the Proaeme The Proposition of Doctrine containeth excellent matter concerning our Redemption where hee proceeds in this order first Verse 12.13.14 hee considers the worke of our Redemption and secondly the person of our Redeemer The worke of our Redemption verse 12.13.14 the person of our Redeemer verse 15. and those that follow to the 23. and all this he expresseth in forme of Thankesgiuing The worke of our Redemption hee describes two waies after hee hath touched the first efficient cause of it viz. God the Father for in the twelfth Verse hee seemes to shew that in respect of Inchoation it is a making of vs fit and in respect of Consummation it is a causing of vs to enioy an immortall happines in heauen better then that Adam had in Paradise or the Iewes in Canaan And therein hee expresseth first the manner of tenure or title in the word Inheritance secondly the adiunct praise of the company viz. the Saints and thirdly the perfection of it it is in light Now in the end of the thirteenth Verse hee seemes to shew that our Redemption stands of two parts first deliuerance from the power of darkenesse secondly translating into the Kingdome of the Sonne of his loue one of the many excellent priuiledges of which estate is noted in the fourteenth Verse to be remission of sinnes through the bloud of Christ And thus of the worke of our Redemption The person of our Redeemer is described three waies first Verse 15.16.17 in relation to GOD secondly in relation to the whole World thirdly in relation to the Church First in relation to God hee is described in the beginning of the fifteenth Verse and so hee is said to be the Image of the inuisible God Secondly in relation to the whole World fiue things are to bee said of CHRIST first hee is the first begotten of euery Creature in the end of the fifteenth Verse secondly he is the Creator of all things verse 16. Where note the distinctions of Creatures 1. they are distinguished by their place some in Heauen some in Earth 2. they are distinguished by their qualitie some are visible some inuisible 3. the inuisible are againe distinguished by either Titles or Offices some are Thrones some are Principalities c. thirdly all things are for him this is in the end of the sixteenth Verse fourthly he is before all things in the beginning of verse 17. lastly all things in him consist verse 17. the end of it Thus the Redeemer is described in relation to the whole World Verse 18.19.20 Thirdly hee is described as he stands in relation to the Church and so either to the whole Church vers 18.19.20 or to the Church of the Colossians verse 21.22 As he stands in relation to the whole Church hee is said to be the head of the Church in the beginning of the eighteenth Verse and this he proues by shewing that he is a head in three respects First in respect of the dignitie of order towards his Members and so in the state of grace he is their beginning and in the state of glory he is the first begotten of the dead that both among the liuing and the dead he might haue
their heads but shooes also for their feete against the filth of the times and thorny cares of the world and all the difficulties of a daily diligence in their standings k Ephes 6.15 Thus of the third part of the description The fourth followeth The manner of prouidence in planting it amongst them in these words God sends the Word before we seeke it And is come vnto you Where wee may obserue that if the meanes of happinesse finde vs not out to worke vpon vs wee would neuer looke after it if God were not more carefull to send it then we to seeke it it would neuer be had Wee see this by common experience that whole multitudes of people liue without any sense of the want of the Word and did not God by some great prouidence send it them and perswade them to the vse of it it would neuer be had and this comes to passe because men are dead in sinne and sicke of a Lethargie in the very vse of the light of Nature in matters of godlinesse and besides there is an incredible inclination in our Natures to seeke for contentment in things below and to bee pleased with any condition rather then soundly to digest a sense of the necessitie of vsing the meanes for happinesse in better things And lastly this neglect of seeking the Word comes from errours about mens estate while they thinke that they may be in Gods fauour and like enough to be saued without any such adoe Thus of the fourth part The fift thing in the description is the subiect persons to whom the Gospell came viz. the Colossians and all the World Vnto you as it is euen vnto all the World Hence wee may note First the Truth of God in his promises hee promised flourishing Churches of the Gentiles and loe it is effected the Word is gone out into all the World Secondly That the true triall of all Doctrine is by enquiring whether it bee agreeable to that Doctrine wherein the world was ouercome to GOD. Though an Angell from Heauen should preach otherwise A triall of Doctrine yet his Doctrine were to bee detested as accursed l Gal. 1.8 And therefore wee may iustly complaine of the Papists and all popish men that chaine men downe to a necessitie of looking vpon the hundreds of yeeres neere vnto vs and will not beare it that men should seeke ground for their Conscience by ouer-looking all the hundreds of yeeres since Christ and minding onely conformitie to the Doctrine that first founded the Churches of the Gentiles all Doctrines since then though in the purest times are to bee receiued no further then they agree with the Doctrine of Christ and his Apostles Thirdly that men are bound to seeke the word wheresoeuer it may bee heard for if this had not beene so Men must seeke the word whensoeuer it may be had how could all the world receiue the light of the Gospell and further wee may see that the want of Teachers was no warrant to commit the Churches to the care of such as could not teach a necessity lieth in the people to seeke the word where it may be had And therfore those Church-gouernours sinne greeuously that in this light create so many insufficient men and set them ouer the flocks of CHRIST For if want of able men had beene a reason the Apostles should haue seene into this necessity to ease the labour and care of the Churches but it is a more greeuous sinne to admit ordaine and place them and yet see many worthy and able men wholly want places Fourthly All the world cannot signifie euery particular man in the world wee might heere note the vanity of their argument that would proue vniuersall grace because Christ died for all men for in this place here is not onely the world but all the world and yet here cannot in any reasonable sence be meant all the singular men and women in the world for there were many thousands of particular persons to whom the Gospell came not and therefore by all the world as heere so in that question may bee vnderstood all the Elect world or if the world vniuersally then it is true in respect of offer or not excepting out of any of any Nation or by all the world is ment men of all sorts and conditions in the world Fitftly The swiftnes and power of the Gospell Wee might heere note the incredible power and swiftnesse of the Gospell that could ouercome and that in so short a time and the rather if that wee consider that the Magistrates generally drew the sword against it and there were not wanting Ministers to oppugne it euen false teachers of all sorts and besides the people had beene so long time settled in their false Religion and lastly if wee looke vpon the meanenesse or the fewnesse of those that were Gods Embassadours to the Gentiles Thus of the fift part of the description The last thing by which the word of GOD is described 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is the efficacy of it and here the Apostle sheweth first what it doth It bringeth fruit and It encreaseth for so it is added in some Copies secondly vpon whom as euen in you thirdly when it began to bee so viz. from the day that you heard c. fourthly what made it worke so viz. the hearing and true knowledge of the grace of God And is fruitfull Concerning fruitfulnesse required as an effect of the word I consider foure things First the Reasons to mooue vs to fruitfulnesse Secondly the sort of Fruits wee should beare Thirdly the meanes to make vs fruitfull Lastly the Vses For the first there are many things might mooue vs to make conscience of glorifying God in our places by bearing the fruit of the Gospell euen expressing the power of it in our liues First it is a speciall glory to GOD and to our adoption and calling l Iohn 15.8 Secondly it is a testimony that we are indeede Christs Disciples m John 15.8 Thirdly the practizing of those things which are within the compasse of Gods promises such as are all the fruits of righteousnesse is the very ground-worke of true prosperity n Psal 1.3 Fourthly To this end did God by election before time and speciall vocation in the Gospell choose vs and call and single vs out of the world o Ioh. 15.16 Fiftly It procures vnto vs an vnstained and inoffensiue glory euen vntill the day of Christ p Phil. 1.11 Sixtly If a man endeauour to bring foorth fruit and to walke as becomes the Gospell hee is sure to speede when hee hath any suit to God q Joh. 15.16 Seuenthly against such there is no law r Gal. 5.23 Eigthly it shall bee to vs according to our fruit ſ Ier. 17.8 Ninthly The fruits of righteousnesse are better treasures for a Christian then all riches t Ier. 17.10 Tenthly If wee bee not fruitfull wee shall bee
day giue in fuller euidence it is certaine that after the resurrection it shall be almost infinitely extended by the power of God to expresse this last testimony both in the good and in the euill The booke of life is Gods sacred and eternall record of all those persons that were fore ordained into life of all ages and nations The booke of remembrance will exactly expresse without all failing or mistaking all the inclinations thoughts affections words and deeds with all circumstances or occasions and whatsoeuer else may illustrate either the goodnesse of good men or the transgression of the wicked What the sentence vvill containe For the third The sentence will bee vpon either the godly or the wicked The sentence vpon the godly will containe first the opening of Gods eternall counsell and his vnsearchable loue wherein he hath resolued and begunne to declare his will to blesse euery one of the Elect q Matt. 25.34 Secondly a manifestation of all the righteousnes desired thought vpon spoken or done by the godly r 2 Cor. 5.10 and that with such feruency of affection in Christ that he will see and remember nothing but goodnesse in good men Å¿ Matt 5.34 to 41. Thirdly a finall and generall absoluing and redeeming of them from the guilt and power of all sinne from the beginning of the world t 1 Cor. 1.30 in Adam or themselues So as there shall neuer be either sinne in them or accusation of sinne against them Fourthly ordination to glory by appointing euery one of them to inherit the kingdome prepared for them before the foundation of the world Contrariwise the sentence of the wicked shall containe first a declaration of Gods eternall and iust hatred of them u Matt. 25.41 Secondly a full manifestation and ripping vp before all men and Angels of all their sinnes both of nature and action both against God or men or their owne bodies and soules secret and open of what kinde soeuer x Rom. 2.15 Thirdly a most terrible denunciation of Gods eternall curse and horrible ordination to those eternall torments prepared for them 2 Cor. 5.10 together with the deuill and his Angels Hitherto of the iudgement it selfe The consequents of the iudgement follow and they are fiue first the firing of the world that is the dissolution of the world by a wonderfull fire that shall inclose all so as the world shall not appeare till it be renewed againe and come out of that fire as out of a fornace for as the Apostle Peter saith The heauens being on fire shall passe away and be dissolued with a noise and the elements shall melt with heat and the earth with the works thereof shall be burnt vp y 2 Pet. 3.10.12 And there shall be then new heauens and new earth that is as it were a new refined And the Apostle Iohn saith the heauens and the earth shall flie away from the face of him that sitteth on the throne z Reuel 20.11 21.1 The second consequent shall be the chasing of the wicked to hell execution being speedily and fearefully done vpon them with all horror and haste by the Angells Rom. 8.19 to 23. The third shall be the libertie of the creatures I meane the rest of the creatures besides men and Angels But because this is a point somewhat obscure I will Quest 1 endeauour in a few words to resolue a doubt or two Que. First how are the creatures now in bondage that they shall need then any liberty Ans Answ They are in bondage in diuers respects The creatures in bondage in seuen respects For first they are fraile and corruptible and so in bondage to corruption Secondly they are subiect to confusions and inconstancy as may appeare by the almost infinit mutations in the ayre earth seas fire Thirdly they are now forced to serue wicked men The sunne shines vpon the vniust as well as the iust The heauen makes fruitfull with her shewers and influence the field of the wicked as well as the iust The earth is driuen to feed and to receiue into her bosome the vngodly as well as the godly and this is a bondage Fourthly the visible creatures are Gods greate booke to proclaime the inuisible things of God now they stand alwaies ready and reading too and men will not learne by them And so these good masters lose all their labour and this is a bondage to bee tied to teach such as will not learne Fiftly the creature is made not only the instrument but many times the subiect of mans punishment for his sinnes As the earth is made iron and the heauens brasse for mans sake and this is a great bondage Sixtly the creature intends immortalitie which while it failes of in the dying or expiring of the particulars of euery sort it would supply for the preseruation at least of the kindes by a perenniall substitution of new particulars in euery kinde and yet loseth all this labour because all things must be dissolued and must be restored by another way knowne to God and not now to nature But especially the creatures may be said to be in bondage because since the fall the more illustrious instincts and vigors of the most of the creatures are darkned decaied dulled and distempered in them Oh but might some one say Ob. how can this bondage be ascribed vnto the heauens Sol. Sol. The heauens are not so perfect but they may admit enlargement of their excellencie Besides they serue now promiscuously to the vse of bad as well as good neither are the very heauens without their feeblenesse and the manifest effects of fainting old age And therefore by a prosopopoeia they may be said to groane together with the rest of the creatures vnder the common burden and vanitie vnto which they are subdued It is obserued that since the dayes of Ptolomy the Sunne runnes neerer the earth by 9976. Germane miles and therefore the heauens haue not kept their first perfection Ob. Ob. But how can this vanitie or bondage bee in any sense ascribed to the Angels Sol. Sol. There is no necessitie to include the Angels in the number of the groaning creatures and yet it will bee easie to shew that they sustaine a kinde of bondage for they are now made to serue earthly things men haue their Angels to attend on them And it is thought they haue a kinde of regencie or presidencie either ouer nations or in mouing the orbes of heauen Besides they are put to inflict punishments on wicked men as on Sodome Further they performe seruice sometimes not attaining their owne ends And lastly comparatiuely at least their felicitie in the creation was not so absolute as it shall be in Christ for if his comming adde not vnto them a more excellent condition of nature yet out of all question it addes a fuller measure both of knowledge and ioy Qu. 2. But what shall the creatures haue in the
consider the priuiledges of Gods chosen euen those great fauours he shewes them when he beginnes once to discouer his euerlasting choise of them the Lord doth euer after auouch them for his peculiar people to make them high in praise and in honour b Deut. 26.15 16. The men of their strife shall surely perish and come to nothing c Esa 41.8.11 12. The Lord will helpe them and comfort them in all strife he will be a wall of fire round about them and the glory in the middest of them the Lord will owne them as his portion that hee hath taken to himselfe out of the whole earth d Zach. 1.5.12 He will vse them as his friends hee will heare their praiers and communicate his secrets vnto them e Ioh. 15.19 But who can count their priuiledges no tongue of men or Angels are able to doe it which since it is so we should take vnto vs continually the words of the Psalmist and say euery one of vs Remember me ô Lord with the fauour of thy people and visite mee with thy saluation that I may see the felicitie of thy chosen and reioyce in the ioy of thy people and glory with thine inheritance f Psa 106.4.5 Especially wee should labour to make our calling and election sure g 2 Pet. 1.10 for then we shall be safe in as much as thereby an entrance is ministred vnto vs into the kingdome of Iesus Christ Now if any shall aske who they are that may be sure of their election Who may be sure they are elect I answere First with the Apostle Paul They that receiue the Gospell in power and much assurance with ioy in the holy Ghost though it should bee with much affliction h 1 Thes 5.6 And with the Apostle Peter such as to whom God hath giuen precious promises and such as flie the corruptions of the world through lust that ioyne vertue with their faith and knowledge and temperance patience godlinesse and brotherly kindnesse and loue i 2 Pet. 1.4.5.6.7.10 Lastly if wee be comforted in our election we should then labour to inflame our hearts out of the sense of this euerlasting goodnesse of God euen to set vp the Lord and to feare him and walke in his waies and particularly by the Apostles direction to be very carefull of these holy graces that follow Thus of the first Motiue Holie They are holy diuers waies For they are holy 1. in the head Hovv many vvaies the elect are holy 2. In their lawes 3. In their Sacraments in respect of which they are sacramentally holy 4. By imputation 5. By hope k Gal. 5.6 of that consummate holinesse in heauen 6. In their calling so they are Saints by calling l 2 Cor. 1.1 7. As they are Temples of the holy Ghost But the holinesse of sanctification is here meant and so they are holy by inchoation Holinesse is essentiall to a childe of God Gods elect are holy this is euery where proued in Scripture m Deut. 7.6 Isa 4.4 I will not stand vpon it only for instruction let vs from hence obserue That if euer we would haue comfort of our election we must labour to be holy and that both in body and in spirit n 2 Cor. 7.1 Eph. 5.3 Quest we see they are here ioyned and we must not separate them But may some one say seeing no man is without his thousands of sinnes and infirmities what must wee doe that we may haue comfort that we are holy in Gods account Answ 4. Signes of a holy man being so many waies faultie in our natures and actions For answere hereunto wee must know that there be foure things which if a man do attaine vnto though he hath otherwise many infirmities yet he is holy in Gods account yea in the holinesse of sanctification The first is this if a man can so farre forth subdue his corruptions that sinne raignes not in him so long as it is in him but as a rebell it doth not frustrate his comfort in his sanctification 2. If a mans praiers desires and indeauors be to respect all Gods commandements as well as one Iustice as well as Piety holy times as well as holy things inward obedience as well as outward secret obedience as well as open auoyding lesser sinnes as well as greater 3. If a man be sincere in the vse of the meanes that make a man holy preparing his heart to seeke God in them esteeme them as his appointed food mourning for want of successe desired endeauouring to profit by euery ordinance of God and that at all times as well as sometimes at home as well as at Church Lastly if a man can finde comfort in the pardon of his sinnes he needs not doubt of his acceptation to be holy Fiue properties of Gods loue Beloued In this word is lodged the third Motiue which is taken from Gods loue as if the Apostle would affirme that if Christians did seriously consider what it is to be loued of God they would finde full incouragement to all grace and dutie now this may be better opened if wee consider but the properties of Gods loue wherein it wonderfully excels As first if God loue thee it is with a free loue o Hos 14.5 he stands not vpon thy desert or worthinesse Againe he loues first hee loues before he be loued he loued vs when wee hated him he chose vs when we did not chuse him 3. Gods loue is wonderfull tender which will appeare if wee consider that he is not onely gracious but mercifull slow to anger of much kindnesse and repenteth him of the euill q Ioel. 2.13 4. Gods loue is naturall not forced and therefore he is said to quiet himselfe in his loue r Zeph. 3.17 and himselfe loueth mercy ſ Mich. 7.18 Lastly his loue is an euerlasting loue t Ier. 31.3 where hee loueth he loueth to the end u Ioh. 13.1 Vses And therefore we should labour to know the loue of God to our selues euen to be particularly assured that we are Gods beloued or else this could not be a motiue to holinesse as here it is And besides the meditation of Gods loue to vs should incourage vs against all crosses for God will giue his beloued rest * Psal 127.2 They shall be blessed and it shall be well with them They shall be deliuered for he will helpe with his right hand x Psal 60.5 But especially it should hearten vs against the scornes of the world and the hate of wicked men if God loue vs it mattereth not greatly who hate vs And in speciall the meditation of this loue of God should teach vs to tyre our selues with these worthy graces as so many ornaments for thus should the beloued of God be decked And doth the Lord loue vs and shall not we striue to shew our loue to him againe Euen by louing his word glory children
k Ps 119.171 Quest Quest 2. But how may we know whether the word doe dwell plenteously in vs Answ Answ It may be tried and discouered seuen wayes 1. By our growth in true humilitie and meeknesse l Psal 15.9 2. By the confirmation of the testimonie of Iesus in our hearts m 1 Cor. 1.5.4 3. By the measure of our growth in the loue of God and his people yea and thus we may trie our declining in the vigor of knowledge for knowledge had in abundance may be blasted and grow singularly dull and feeble for as our affections to the meanes and to Gods children is so is the vigor of our knowledge hee must not say he knowes God that hates his brother yea and so will it serue for triall to euery one in the degrees of ascending or declination euen in Gods children 4. By the desires and secret muses of our hearts for then we grow in knowledge and haue store of it when we can say as Dauid doth I haue remembred thy name n Ps 119.35 O Lord in the night and as the Church saith The desires of our soules is to thy name and to the remembrance of thee and our spirits within vs seeke after thee o Esay 26.9 5. By our confidence in it a man that hath gotten a great deale of wealth money or lands enlargeth his heart to a great confidence in it So a Christian hath gotten a great deale of sauing knowledge when he is able to make it his portion in all estates whatsoeuer befals him p Ps 119.57 it shewes men haue but a little of the word in them when euery crosse can dissolue their rest and confidence 6. By our measure of libertie from the power and bondage of speciall corruptions q Ioh. 8.31.32 7. By our abilitie in admonishing they are full of goodnesse and knowledge that are able to admonish r Rom. 15.14 Richly 4. In that the word must dwell in vs richly it may serue 1. for reproofe and that two wayes First of mens worldlinesse that thinke any other riches would serue the turne but to be rich in God they neuer desire it but all in vaine as the Parable shewes Luk. 12. Secondly of mens hypocrisie they say they are rich when they are not Reu. 3.18 Secondly for instruction therefore let heauen suffer violence a Christian should be no more a weary of his paines in seeking this riches of the word then carnall men are of their worldly profits yea we should pray God so to quicken vs that wee may keepe his testimonies as wee would keepe treasure Å¿ Psal 119 11.88.72 Lastly in that he addes in all wisdome it should teach vs first to pray to God with Dauid that he would teach vs good iudgement and knowledge t Psal 119.66 and secondly to make conscience as to get vnderstanding of the word so to vse wisdome and discretion both in the bettering of our knowledge and in practise the same Scripture that bindes vs to a plentifull vse of the word bindes vnto a wise vse of it Thus of the second thing viz. the entertainment we must giue to the word The end or vse the word should be put to followes Teaching and admonishing your selues or one another viz. your fellow members and partakers with you of the same promises and hope These words may be referred either to the generall exhortation before or to the particular charge concerning Psalmes or Hymnes afterwards I principally consider them as referred to the generall exhortation before and so I note that though there be many good effects of the word or many vses it should be put to yet teaching about things not knowne and admonishing about things knowne and not practised are chiefe Ob. Ob. It seemes this place fauours the opinion of such as hold that Christian neighbours met together vpon the Lords day or at other times when there is no publike exercise may labour to edifie themselues by instructing one another out of the word priuately Ans It is not vnlawfull so to doe and this place doth approue of it Sol. so as they keepe themselues within their bounds viz. that the matter taught be not against pietie the true peace of Sion and that the manner be plaine and familiar as familie instruction should be by keeping a foot publike doctrine by conference propounding of doubts or instructing of the ignorant out of such places as they doe vndoubtedly vnderstand Concerning teaching we must know that God doth teach by his spirit u Neh 9.20 by his rod * Esay 26.9 and by his word so here but that which wee are here to note is that the word is to be vsed by euery Christian euen for instruction this is the end why the Law was giuen x Exod. 24.12 a wise man hauing gotten knowledge into his head must by his lips spreade it abroad y Prou. 15.7 Qu. But whom must wee teach Ans Principally our selues so as wee consider our owne wayes to turne our feet into Gods testimonies z Psa 119.59 yet also wee are to teach one another when we spie our brethren to be ignorant so should not only Ministers doe but masters of families and euery Christian in conuersing with others Admonishing Man is admonished 1. By the rebukes of the Law a Iam 2.9 2. By the example of Scripture b 1 Cor. 10.11 3. By the spirit of God c Esay 30.21 4. By the conscience in wicked men many times 5. Men are rebuked by their owne words d Iob 15.6 6. By the words of other men especially as admonition is grounded on the words of God So here Concerning admonition I propound foure things 1. Who may admonish Who may admonish 2. Who are to be admonished 3. How 4. The vses Quest 1. Who may admonish Ans Ministers may e 2 Tim. 4 12. parents may f Ephes 6.4 yea men ought not to reiect the admonitions of their wiues g Gen. 21.12 nay which is more they may not despise the iudgement of their seruants h Iob 31.13 Quest 2. Who are to be admonished Ans I consider it 1. Negatiuely Not 1. They that sinne against the holy Ghost Who are to admonish 2. Hereticall men after once or twice warning Tit. 3.10 3. Not stubborne wilfull scornfull prophane persons Not dogges and swine Matth. 7. Not the scorner Prou. 9 8. 4. If it be about wrongs and abuses offered to vs either by hypocriticall friends or open enemies it is a godly mans part at some times and in some places to be deafe and dumbe as if they vnderstood not or as men in whose mouthes are no reproofe Psal 38.14 2. Affirmatiuely in generall euery man Act. 20.31 In particular I instance onely in some sorts of men we must admonish vnruly professors i 1 Thess 5.14 besides ordinary wicked men that appeare not to be scorners not onely may but