in privaâ—e families IX It is not much materiall whether one aspersion or three be used so it be void of superstition and that it be not performed drop by drop or by the finger but so that the symbol may answer the sprinkling or washing X. The word by which Baptism is to be administred is to be comprehended in Christs institution especially in these words I baptise thee in the name of the Father of the Sonne and of the Holy Ghost XI The Latine tongue in Baptisme and the superstitious consecration or exorcisme of the water are repugnant to the form of Baptism XII The internal form consisteth in the analogy of aspersion and remission of sins as also of regeneration or sanctification In this Baptism answers the legal aspersions by which likewise remission of sin by the blood of Christ was shaddowed Water also as it cleanseth from filthinesse and moistneth the Plants doth adumbrate regeneration whereby we dye to sin and live to righteousness See Rom. 6. v. 1. c. XIII The end of Baptisme besides those which are common to it and the Lords Supper is the sealing of our regeneration and of our reception or ingrafting into the family of God XIV The subject of Baptisme are all that be in the Covenant even the children of those who are reckoned among the number of the Covenanters This rule is grounded 1. on Christs command Matt. 19.14 Suffer little children and forbid them not to come to me they ought not then to be kept off from Baptism whom Christ will have to be brought to him The words used in this place and Luke 18.15 Of little children and infants are emphaticall 2. On the reason alledged by Christ Mat. 19.14 For of such is the kingdome of heaven For if to them the kingdome of heaven and the Covenant of Grace belong the seale of the Covenant must needs appertain to them also but they are capable of this Covenant Gen. 17.7 I will be thy God and of thy seed Act. 2 v. 39. To you and to your children is the promise made 3 On the analogy of circumcision for with this Sacrament Infants were initiated 4. On the example of the Apostles who are saâ—d to baptise whole families Act. 16.15 33. It were a foolish thing to apply that rule 2 Thess 3.10 If any will not work let him not eaâ— to Infants so perversly doe the Anabaptists wrest the places of Scripture to a contrary meaning in which those that are of years are commanded to be taught before they are baptised XV. Infants have both Faith and Reasâ—n although not in the fruit yet in the seed and root though not in the second act yet in the first though not by an outward demonstration of the work yet by the inward virtue of the holy Spirit XVI But concerning the Infants of Infidels the case is otherwise who are not born of Parents even so much as either of them a Believer for they are not to be baptized till they be of discretion and are able to testifie their Faith XVII The Baptisme of Bels is a horrible profanation of the Sacrament and joyned with abominable idolatry XVIII As naturally we are born before we eat so baptisme is before the Lords Supper XIX Baptisme is not to be iterated if the essentials thereof were used Hence it is that our Church ratifies the Baptisme of the Popish Church not as it is abused there but as it is administred in the name of the Holy Trinity XX. Baptism is necessary not absolutely but in respect of â—hrists command neither must we feign such a necessity as permits any other besides the minister to baptise or to cause us think they are excluded out of heaven if they die unbaptised XXI The Baptisme of Christ and of John are in effect the same The Pontificians deny that Iohn's baptisme was instituted by God against these plain testimonies Mat 21.25 Luke 3.2 and 7.30 Joh. 1.33 Neither matters it that Iohn distinguisheth between his baptisme and Christs Mar. 1.8 For there the oppâ—sition is not between baptisme and baptisme but a comparison onely between thâ— office of the Minister in Baptisme and Christ for the Minister giveth the Symbol but Christ the thing signified They say that such as were baptised by Iohn were rebaptised Act. 19.1 c. If they were rebaptised by the Apostle we gather that they were not rightly baptised by some who were imitators of Iohn neither yet can we find out of the text that they were rebaptised for those words v. 5. are not Lukes concerning Paul but Pauâ—'s concerning Iohn and his disciples therefore thâ—s place favoureth neither Papist nor Anabaptists CHAP. XXIV Of the Lords Supper THe Lords Supper is the other Sament of the New Testament in which Christians that are of age receive spiritually Christs body and blood sealed to them in the reception of Bread and Wine according to Christs institution The RULES I. The Lords Supper is called metonymically the Eucharist or Thanksgiving Sinâ—xis or a collection the Lords Table the New Testament and Synecdochically the Breaking of Bread II. It hath the same efficient causes that Baptisme hath III. The outward matter thereof or Signes are Bread and Wine IV The Supper is lame without both Sgnes and to rob the people of the Cup is Sacriledge Matth 26 27. Drink ye all of this 1 Cor. 10.16 The cup of blessing which we blesse is it not the Communion of Christs blood And 11. v. 26. As â—ften as you shall eat this bread and â—rink of this Cup you declare the Lords death V. The inward matter is Christ with all his satisfaction and merit VI. As it is Iewish Superstition to use unleavened Bread so the Popish Penny Wafers are superstitious reliques VII It s outward form consists in Actions and Words VIII The Actions are the breaking of Bread and powring out of Wine the distribution of both signes and the receiving thereof with the hand and mouth IX The word is the whole institution containing the Eucharist the command and the promise but the promise cheifly X. Therefore it is impiety to think that the bread is turned into Christs body only the bare accidents remaining by the low mumbling ef these five words For this is my body and that with one breath and the Priests intention XI The internal forme consisteth in the Analogie of the sign and the thing signified in which by Bread and Wine are signified Christs body and blood as spiritual meat and drink but by the breaking of Bread and powring out of the Wine are represented the breaking of his body or crucifixion and shedding of his blood and lastly by the distributing and receiving of both the applying of Christs death XII The breaking of Bread is not a thing indifferent For Christ made use of this himself and commanded it to be used saying do this which he himself explained adding This is my body which is broken for you From this the Supper is so called by this also
THE ABRIDGMENT OF CHRISTIAN DIVINITIE So exactly and Methodically compiled that it leads us as it were by the hand To the Reading of the Holy Scriptures Ordering of Common-Places Vnderstanding of Controversies Clearing of some Cases of Conscience By JOHN WOLLEBIUS Doctor of Divinity Ordinary Professor in the University of Basil. Faithfully translated into English and in some obscure places cleared and enlarged By ALEXANDER ROSS The Third Edition To which is adjoyned after the Alphabeticall Table The ANATOMY of the whole Body of DIVINITY Delineated in XIV short Tables for the help of weak memories LONDON Printed by T. Mabb for Ioseph Nevill and are to be sold at his Shop at the signe of the Plough in the New-Buildings in Paules Church-yard 1660. To the Right Honourable THE LORD ROCKINGHAM My Lord I Have been long indebted both to your Lordship your noble Lady and your hopeful Son Mr. Watson for your favours and good will towards me I have therefore adventured not by way of requital but of acknowledgment to present this Theological Epitome to You which is the most exact and compendious of any that hath been yet done by Protestant Writers I may say of this Edition as Philosophers speak of Nature that It is neither deficient in necessaries nor abundant in superfluities What was in the Latin Copy dark I have cleared and what was contracted I have unfolded How needful Epitomies are in all Sciences chiefly in Divinity I need not write if either we consider the shortnesse of our time or the largenesse and multitude of Volumes which have been written of this Subject or the weaknesse of our memories or the fastidiousnesse that is begot in us by reading tedious and voluminous Discourses God who knows what is best for us hath epitomized all Practical Divinity into X Precepts and our Saviour hath reduced those ten into two and all that we can pray for or against into six heads or Petitions The Traveller that desiers to be soon at his journeys end will seek out the most compendious way He is an unwise Traveller that will clog himself with silver if he can epitomize it into Gold surely a weak Stomack wil better retain the smalâ— quantity of an extract than the large draught of a nauseating potion He that with judgment doth contract the vast body of Divinity into an Abridgment doth imitate God who having the first day diffused the light through the whole Hemisphere contracted it and as it were epitomized it the fourth day within the body of the Sun He that will condemn Epitomies condemns himself for man is the epitomie of the World But I must avoid prolixity in commending this Epitomie lest my practise thwart my words My Lord This Book is the Epitomie of Divinity and this Epistle the Epitomie of my true affection and many thanks I owe you and yours on whom I wish the influence of all happinesse which is the hearty desire of Your Lordships Humble Servant ALEXANDER ROSS The Preface of Iohn Wollebius D.D. to the Reader THE blessed Apostle in his second Epistle to Timothy cap. 1 vers 13 writes thus Hold fast the form of good words which thou hast heard of me in faith and love An excellent admonition and worthy to be pressed upon all Christans but chiefly on these who have wholly devoted themselves to the study of Divinity For as it concernes every Christian to be skilled in the chief Chatechistical heads at least that by their help and guide they may with the greater profite heare and read Gods Word so it becomes all Students in Divinity before all things to imprint in their memories the Anatomie of the Body of Theologie that in the Common places in the definitions and Divisions of heavenly doctrine they may be exact and perfect Now in this kind divers eminent men furnished with a far greater measure of Spiritual Vnction than my self have afforded such helps to young Students that he who goes about to adde any thing to these will seem to light a Candle at noon-day or to garnish the Firmament with more Stares Yet notwithstanding whereas it is consistant with the conscience and callings of all Gods servants to advance what they can the publike benefit I being called to be chief Pastor in this place was enjoyned by the Reverend Colledge of Divines to expound the Old Testament which by Gods help and their command I so undertook that besides my Lectures on the Text I proposed to my hearers a short form of wholsom and good words taken out of other mens lucubrations and reduced into this brief Epitome Now although I perceived that many did very wel like my paines and purpose in this kind yet I professe the divulging of this Piece was least in my thoughts Therefore in that at last this Child of which I have been in labour these seven years is now born and brought out to light I earnestly intreat the friendly Reader to impute this not to any itching humour I have of writing but to the often sollicitations of my Friends who have extorted it from me I beseech God that he will be pleased graciously to preserve the remaining companies of Teachers Schollers and that for his mercies sake whereof we have daily fresh testimonies as in many things so in this that we are not all destroyed And as for those who are dispersed that he would graciously recollect and settle them even for his onely begotten Sons sake our Lord Jesus Christ Amen IN SS THEOLOGIAE EPITOMEN A Reverendissimo Clarissimo Viro DD. JOAN WOLLEBIO Antistite Professore dâ—gnissimo bono Publico editam INstituit multos discentes atque docentes Calvinus laudem hanc ut ferat ille Liber Praeter Apostolicas post Christi tempora Chartas Huic peperere Libro secula nulla parem Polanus Methodo illustrat Syntagma celebre Mortuus ut vivens agmina nostra docet Quicquid uterque docet doctâ hie brevitate docebit WOLLEBIUS paucis dicere multae potis Tu qui Pastores Doctores atque Prophetas Largiris coetum pascere perge tuum JOHAN GROSSIUS Basil Pastor Eccles. Leonard Vpon the EPITOME OF CHRISTIAN DIVINITY Publâ—sht for the common benefit by the most reverend and famous Doctor JOHN WOLLEBIUS chief Chair-man and Professor of Divinity CAlvin great Key of th'Scriptures as 't is clear In 's Books instructed many far and near Whose learned Institutions next those known Grand Euangelick truths give place to none Next Calvin did Polanus so Comprize Divinity as 't will live when th' Author dies Both these Wollebius surpassed such Was his great skill in little to speak much Go on the Fathers Oracles thus t' unlock And be the Father of thine own poor Flock Aliud AVrea faelices dedis Compendia in auras Et verâ Mensas instruis Eusebiâ Orthodoxa tuo solidè comprensa libello Doctrina egregiis serviet ingeniis Iehova tibi vitam viresque aeternet usque Te jubeat longa dexteritate frui Sentiat
blessed 2. For the production of this visible world which was not altogether destitute of form but of perfection separation and beauty which by degrees then it received 3. For sending in of the primitive Light which was neither the Elementary fire nor a bright Cloud nor any other body but a Quality sent into the air by God who is that inaccessible light This created quality of Light was afterward the fourth day placed in the Stars IX The second day the Firmament was created or the Aerial heaven which by its lower part separates the waters above that is the â—louds from the waters beneath that is the Sea X. The third day God 1. separated the inferior waters which as yet covered the earth and gathered them into certain channels that the rest of the earth called dry land might afford a commodious habitation for man and beast 2. He gave to the earth a fructifying power to produce herbs and plants without the hâ—lp of seed or sun XI The fourth day the Stars and great Luminaries wâ—re placed in heaven whose motion proceedeth not from a soul or any assistant intelligence as the Philosophers affirm but from that power which God gave them in the beginning no otherways than the earth by its innate power stands immovable XII There is a threefold use of the Stars 1. To distinguish the day night 2. To note the times seasons of the year 3. To impart their vertue to inferior bodies XIII The fifth day were made the Birds Fishes and creeping things XIV The sixth day after the earthly Creatures were produced and this whole Vniverse as a large house was furnished with all kinde of furniture Man at last was created Of all these Creatures Men Angels are chiefly considered in Divinity because on them God bestowed his Image The RULES 1. Although the whole World be the Looking-glass of Gods power wisdom and bounty yet properly Gods Image is attributed to Angels and Men onely 2. Gods Image doth partly consist in natural gifts to wit in the invisible and simple substance of Angels and Mens souls in their life understanding will and immortality partly in supernatural gifts to wit in their primitive blessednesse in the uprightness of their intellect will in their majesty dominion over the other creatures Angels are intelligent Creatures void of bodies The RULES I Angels are not accidents nor qualities but true substances II Angels are void of bodies and are not subject to destruction III. The bodies in which the Angels appeared were not meer apparitions nor yet united to them hypostatically but were freely assumed to perform some service in IV. Angels are in a place not by way of circumscription but by way of definition V. Angels cannot be together in many places VI Angels truly move from place to place Man is a creature whose body originally was formed of earth but afterwards is propagated of seed by traduction consisting of a reasonable soul infused into him by God immediately Here we disallow not the Philosophers definition by which they call man a reasonable creature but we describe man in the Divinity-School more fitly for our purpose as we have now described him The RULES I. There 's a threefold miraculous production of mans body mentioned in Scripture the first was of the dust of the earth without Father and Mother the second production was out of Adam's rib without a Mother the third was of the blood of the Virgin without a Father II. The soul of man is not propagated of seed by traduction but is immediately created by God and infused into the body Of mans creation Moses writes thus Gen. 2. ver 7. The Lord breathed into his nostrils the breath of life and man became a living soul. In this place three things are mentioned 1. The immediate Creation of the soul for it is call'd the breath of God 2. His breathing for he saith He breathed into his nostrils 3. The personal union of body and soul in these words And he was made a living soul metonymically that is a living sensitive creature But that the souls now are immediately created by God infused into the body is proved by these subsequent Reasons 1. Because otherwayes our souls should have another original than Adam's had for ours must proceed of some pre-excistent matter where as Adam's proceeded of none Neither will that objection hold concerning the dâ—fferent way or reason of generation and creation for nothing is generated of matter but what in the beginning was created of matter 2. Because the soul of Christ was not formed of seed by traduction for he was conceived not by the the help of man but by the operation of the holy Ghost of the blessed Virgins blood 3. Because the Scripture when it speaks of the original of our souls it speaks as of a work of Creation not of nature Iob. 33.4 The spirit of God hath made me and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life Zac. 12.1 The Lord stretcheth out the heavens and layeth the foundation of the earth and formeth the spirit of man within him where it is plain that this is reckoned among the works of Creation 4. Such is mans generation as his dissolution is but mans dissolution is that his body returns to dust and his spirit to God that gave it Eccl. 127. VVhereas then in mans dissolution the spirit returns immediatly to God doubtless it was immediatly formed by him 5 Because the Scripture doth plainly distinguish between the parts of bodies spirits Heb. 12.9.6 Because the soul is indivisible into parts therefore cannot be produced but of nothing 7. Because if it were generated by traduction either it must be generated of a soul or of a body or of a soul and body together but it is not generated of a soul because of that which is incorruptible nothing can be generated not of a body because it is not corporeal not of a body and soul together because so it should be partly corporeal partly incorporeal seeing then it is produced of nothing it must be produced by God alone whose alone property it is to make things of nothing III. These physical Axiomes like begets like and Man begets man remaine true also in this case both because man begets man a person begets a person as also because by the work of the Parents the body is begot as it were the subject of the soul and so is united to the soul which is infused by God and thus the whole man is brought into this World by generation 'T is true that man is the efficient cause of man but not according to all his parts for as he is said to kill a man that kills only his body so man is said to beget man though he begets not the soul. Neither again is man in this respect nobler than other living creatures whereas rather for this very cause mans generation is more excellent in that Gods immediate operation concurs
poor and riding upon an Asse CHAP. XIX Of Christs Exaltation THus of the state of his Humiliation the state of his Exaltation is that wherein Christ being raised from the dead was exalted to heaven and being set down at his Fathers right hand was crowned with the highest degree of glory The RULES I. The efficient cause of this Exaltation wa◠〈◊〉 whole Trinity II. But Christ considered according to dispensation is the object thereof III. The exaltation of Christs person was according to both natures IV. According to his humane nature he was exalted by laying aside the infirmities which he assumed by obtaining those gifts which before he wanted For he attained as great a perfection both in his body and soul as the creature was capable of V. He was exalted according to his divine nature not by accession of any dignity to it being considered in it self but by the manifestation of that majesty which before was hid under the form of a Servant VI. Christ attained to this exaltation by his obedience not as it were by merit but as it were by the means or way VII The end hereof was to witnesse that he faithfully performed the office enjoyned him in his humiliation and to manifest his divine power by which he doth powerfully apply his merit to us The parts or degrees of this are three His Resurrection his Ascension to Heaven and his sitting at the Fathers right hand His Resurrection was the first degree of exaltation by which Christ having overcome the power of death was raised the third day in that very flesh which he had laid down that he might live to God for ever The RULES I. Christ was not onely the object but also the efficient cause of his resurrection Rom. 1.4 Being declared with power to be the Son of God according to the Spirit of sanctification by the resurrection from the dead 1 Peâ— 3.18 He died concerning the flesh but was quickned in the Spirit II. The matter of the Resurrection is â—he same body that was crucified but â—ndowed and glorified with new quaâ—ities III. Neither was it so changed as to lose its quantity and three dimensions For otherwise it had been no body not had Christ remained man in his Resurrection IV. The Form consisteth in a new and indivisible union of soul and body V. Although Christs Resurrection was altogether miraculous yet it is false that his body passed through the stone which covered the grave or that it passed through the doore after his Resurrection Matt. 28 2 The Angel of the Lord rolled a way the stone Joh. 20.19 The doors being shut not through the doors that were shut VI The end of his Resurrection besides that general end which was mentioned before is the assurance of our Resurrection both from the death of sin as also from death corporall Rom 6.1 2. c. and 1 Cor. 15.12 c. His ascension into Heaven was the second degree of his Exaltation in which Christ after he had conversed forty days with his Disciples upon Earth ascended into Heaven The RULES I. Christ ascended both according to his divine and humane nature according to his humane as the object according to his divine as the efficient cause II. The form consisteth in Christs real and local translation from this World to the highest Heaven III. Here we need not trouble our selves about penetratâ—on of bodies both because Heaven is not a solid thick or iron body as the Philosophers would have it as also because one body can easily yield to another and the creature to the Creator IV. The doctrine of Christs corporal presence here on Earth doth utterly overthrow that of his ascension V The special end of Christs ascension is to assure us of our threefold ascension the first is of faith and godlinesse in this life the second of our souls in death the third of body and soul in the last day The sitting of Christ at his Fathers right hand is the highest degree of his Exaltation by which being placed in Heaven he is exalted above all power Eph. 1.20.21.22 He hath set him at his right hand in the heavenly places far above all principaâ—ities and powers and might and dominion and every name that is named noâ— in this world onely but in that also which is to come and hath made all things subject under his feet and hath appointed him over aâ—l things to be the head to his Church which is his body and the fulness of him that filleth all in all things The RULES I. To sit at Gods right hand is to have the next power after God After the manner of Kings who use to set them on their right hand to whom they will give the chief honor next to themselves Psal. 45.10 The Queen is at thy right hand 1 King 2.19 When Baâ—â—sheba came to Solomon to speak unto him for Adoniiah the king rose to meet her and bowed himself to her and sat down on his Throne and he caused a seat to be â—et for the kings mother and she sat at his right hand Matt. 20.21 Command that my two Sons may sit the one at thy right hand the other at thy left in thy kingdom II. Christ according to both Natures sits at Gods right hand III. The Humanity was so exalted that yet it was not made equall to the divinity he received glory above all creatures yet not equall to that essential glory which he hath in common with the Father and the Holy Ghost In this highest degree of Exaltation Christ hath not left to do his office He performs his Prophetical office by furnishing his Ministers with gifts of old extraordinarily but now by ordinary meanes propagating his Gospel through all the World with most happy successe Ephes 4.11 Some he gave to be Apostles c. His Priestly Office he exerciseth not in offering himself again or in casting himself with cries and sighs at his Fathers knees but in appearing before his Father for us with the merits of his most full satisfaction and in applying the same effectually to us Psal. 110.4 The Lord hath sworn and will not repent thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedek Heb. 9.24 He hath not entred into the Sanctuary made with hands which are similitudes of the true Sanctuary but is enâ—red into the very Heaven to appear now in the sight of God for us Lastly He useth Kingly office not onely by ruling the Triumphant Church but also by gathering together the Militant Church by preserving protecting and delivering it as also by overthrowing the Enemies thereof Psal. 110 1. The Lord said to my Lord sit thou at my right hand until I make thine Enemies thy foot stool The RULES I. This Kingdom of Christ is not that essential which from eternity he obtained with the Father and Holy Ghost but a personal donative and oecumenical which as our Head and Mediator he had of the Father II. Yet he hath for ever administred this
the Churches union is shewed 1 Cor. 10.17 We being many are one bread and one body for we are all partakers of that one bread XIII The words This is my body can neither be meant of transubstantiation nor of consubstantiation but the meaning is This to wit the Bread is the Sacrament of my body The Papists interpret the words thus That which is contained under the kind of Bread is my Body The Lutherans thus in with under this is my Body The reason of our interpretation is explained in the former Chapter They say that it is absurd to use tropical phrases which are obscure in Christs will and Legacie But 1. This supposition of theirs is false that tropical phrases are obscure for we use tropes oftentimes to illustrate 2. It is false also that tropes are not used in Wills and Testaments for Iacobs Will shews the contrary Gen â—9 And Moses's Deut. 33. David's 2 Sam. 23. Tobias 4. Matathias 1 Mac. 2.3 If there be no trope in the Lords Supper then let them shew how the Cup can be called the New Testament in his blood without a trope That saying of Austins Advers Adimant Maniâ— cap. 12. is worthy here to be set down The Lord doubted not to say this is my Body when he gave the Signe of his Body XIV It is one thing to say that Christ is present in the Bread and another to maintain his presence in the Supper for Christ is present in his Deity and Spirit he is present also in his body and blood by a Sacramental presence 1. Of the Symbol not that he is present in the Bread but that he is presented by the bread as by a symbol 2. Of Faith whereby we apply Christ with his merits to us 3. Of Vertue and efficacie XV. The proper end of the Supper not to speak of others is to seal our spiritual nutrition or preservation to life eternal by the merit of Christs death and obedience whence depends the union of the faithfull with Christ and with themselves XVI It is an intolerable abuse to take this Sacrament to prove ones innocency in the courts of justice to confirm mens covenants to prosper our purposes and actions c. XVII The Lords Supper must be often times taken As often as you shall eat this bread c. 1 Cor. 11.26 XVIII The Supper differs from Baptism not only in external signes but in its proper end because Baptism is the sign of spiritual Regeneration but the Supper of nutrition also in the object or subject to which for Baptism is given to Infants the Supper to those onely who are of years and have been tryed they differ also in time for Baptism is used but once the Lords Supper often times XIX The Popish Masse is altogether repugnant to the Lords Supper 1. The holy Supper is instituted by Christ the Masse by the Pope 2. the Supper is a Sacrament instituted in memory of Christs sacrifice which was once offered but the Masse among Papists is the sacrifice it self to be offered every day the Ancients indeed called the Lords Supper a sacrifice yet not expiatory for sins but Eucharistical and such as is joyned with prayers and charitable works which are acceptable sacrifices to God 3. Christ did not offer himself in the Supper but on the Crosse but â—hey will have Christ to be offered in their Mass. 4. Christ instituted his Supper for the living but the Masse is celebrated for the dead also 5. In the Holy Supper Christs body was already made by the virtue of the Holy Ghost not of bread but of the Virgins blood In the Masse Christs body is made anew by the Priest uttering his five words and that of bread 6. In the holy Supper there was and remained true Bread and true Wine and it obtained this name even after consecration In the Masse if we will believe it there remain onely the outward species of the Element and the accidents 7. In the Holy Supper they all drank of the câ—p as Christ commanded in the Masse the Lay-people are denied the cup. 8. In the Supper Bread was broken to represent Christs body broken on the Crosse In the private Masse the bigger Hoast is broken into three parts the first is for the triumphant Church the second for the Church in Purgatory the third for the Church here on earth CHAP. XXV Of the Nature of the visible Church HItherto of the outward communion of the Covenant of grace Now follows the external society of the visible Church where by all that be called are accounted for members of the Church For the Church is considered either in it self or in opposition to the false Church the Church is considered in her self in respect of her own nature and outward administration The visible Church then is a visible society of men called to the state of grace by the Word and Sacraments The RULES I. The name of Church and Synagogue is the same with the Hebrew Kahal and Edah but the society of Christians is mâ—re usually called the church II We must carefully here observe the distinction of the word that we may know of what Church we speak III. For whereas it is distinguished into the triumphant and militant that belongs to the doctrine of the state of glory this is for our present consideration IV. The militant Church is divided into the visible and invisible V. The invisible Church is the company of the Elect onely This is called invisible not as if the men that belong to her were not visible as they are mâ—n but that they are not perceived as they are elect for the Lord knows only who are hiâ— 2 Tim. 2.19 VI. This belongs to the doctrine of special vocation for by her proper effects to wit faith charity and such like the elect which are the invisible Church are known VII The visible Church is the company of all that are called in common as well Reprobates as Elect. VIII This word Church visible is ambiguous for properly it is meant of the universal Church dispersed through the whole World more strictly of any particular Church as of France England Holland c. but most strictly of the representative Church or the company of Pastors and Elders IX Her efficient cause in common is the holy Trinity in particular Christ. X. The matter of the Church are they who are called in common and received into the Covenant of grace and Infants that are born in the Church XI Neither unbaptised Infants nor Catechumeni nor excommunicate persons are to be excluded out of the number of the Churches members The two foâ—mer soâ—ts of men belong to the Church by the righâ— of covenant though nâ—t of profession but for the third kinde though they be cast out of some particular Church yet they are not simply ejected out of the catholike though the Papists excommunicate them XII The form of the Church consisteth in a double union the first is of her conjunction with Christ her
Head the other of her members among themselves XIII The first union is in this that in the Church not onely Christ as the head is eminent but also as the head he communicates his gifts and vertue to the members Ephes 1.22 And he hath appointed him over all thinges to his Church which is his body and the fullfilling of him who filleth all in all and cap. 5.23 For the man is the head of the woman even as Christ is the head of his Church and giveth salvation to his body c. Col 1 18. And he is the head of the Church which is his body XIV They make a monster of the Church who set up any other universal head thereof besides Christ. For as she is not headlesse so is she not many headed for of one body there is but one head except it be a monster neither must therefore the Church because visible have a visible head one earth for properly the Elect onely are members of the Church therefore though she be visible in respect of outward administration yet she is invisible in respect of the Elect and of their union with Christ. XV. The other union of the members or of particular Churches among themselves consisteth in the unity of profession faith and charity Ephes 4 4 5 6. There is one body and one spirit even aâ— you are called into one hope of your vocation there is one Lord one Faith one Baptism one God and Father of all c. XVI The principal end of the Church is Gods glory the proximate our salvation XVII Of the adjuncts we must observe her Titles and Notes XVIII For her titles she is called One Catholike and Holy XIX Christs Church is one in respect of the form now explained XX. She is Catholike in respect of the union of time place and persons The Church Catholike hath a treble signification 1. A very general one to wit of the whole society of men and Angels 2. A more particular of the company of all elect men 3. Most special of all of the visible militant Church XXI She is Catholike in respect of time because she hath not utterly failed since the begining of the world but still there hath been some visible Church As the light of the Moon decreaseth though her substance never wasteth even so although the light of the Church is sometimes clearer sometimes obscurer yet she remains the same still and visible too not to Hogs eyes but to the godly XXII In respect of place and persons she is Catholike because she is not tyed to place and persons Mat. 24.14 15. This Gospel shall be preached through all the world Acts 10.34 35. Of a truth I perceive that God is no accepter of persons but in every Nation he that feareth him and worketh righteousness is accepted with him XXIII The Church is holy in common because of her calling and covenant but particularly in respect of the Elect who are holy in Christ by an imputed righteousness begun in them Concerning the holiness of vocation God saith to Moses Deut. 7.6 Thou art a holy people to the Lord thy God Of imputed and begun holiness Paul 1 Cor. 6.11 But you are washed but you are justified in the name of the Lord Iesus by the Spirit of our God XXIV The inherent holinesse of the Church in this life is imperfect except in respect of Christ who by his perfection covers her imperfection and in the hope of future perfection Ephes. 5.25 26 27. Christ hath loved his Church and hath given himself for her that he might sanctâ—fy and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word that he might present her to himself a glorious Church not having spot or wrinckle or any such thing but that she might be holy and without blemish XXV Therefore the Church is not free from all error as the Papists say for although the Catholike Church doth not so erre in the fundamentals of Faith as to fall off utterly yet she is not quite exempted from errour seeing there is no member of her perfect in thâ—s life as for a particular Church she may both erre and becom a harlot Hence the Church of Rome which in the Apostles time was like the woman cloathed with the Sun having a Crown on her head and the Moon under her feet is so degenerated that she is likened to the whore sitting upon the Beast Rev. 12.1 and 17.3 c. XXVI The notes of the visible Church are the pure Preaching of the word and lawfull administration of the Sacraments We spake above of the Notes of the invisible Church that they depend from the works of Vocation for the notes of the Elect specially called andi of the visible Church are the same But here these notes are onely considered by which the Church is undubtedly made visible now it appears that these are the note of the Church out of these testimonies Matth 28 19 20. Go and teach all Nations baptzing them in the Name of the Father of the Son and of the Holy Ghost teaching them to observe all things which I have commanded you Act. 2.24 And they continued stedfastly in the Apostles doctrine and fellowship and in breaking of bread and in prayers Some adjoyn Ecclesiastical discipline but this is contained under the two former for this discipline is required of both XXVII These notes belong to all Churches alike so far as concerneth the fundamentals of Religion but in respect of accidentals they are in some Churches more in some lesse XXVIII Therefore we are not presently to doubt of the truth of any particular Church because of every error or abuse For there is so much purity expected as not to erre in any one article or in the administration of the Sacraments so that there be not a falling off from the hinge of salvation to wit from the two Tables of the Law and Faith in Christ 1 Cor. 3.11 12 For no man can lay any other foundation besides that is laid which is Iesus Christ Now if any build upon this foundation gold silver precious stones wood hay stubble every mans work shall be made manifest for the day shall declare it because it shall be revealed by fire and the fire shall try every mans work of what sort it is if any mans work abide which he hath built thereupon he shall receive a reward if any mans work shall be burned he shall suffer losse but he himself shall be saved yet so as by fire XXIX Of the fifteen Notes of the Church rehearsed by Bellarmine some are true and agree with ours from which not withstanding the Church of Rome is afar off but others are ether strangers to the visible Church or they are the Notes rather of the false than of the true Church or they are not convertible with the Church for they neither belong to her alone nor alwayes 1. His first Note is the name Church and Christians But the imposing of names is a matter rather of
Reas. I. For to be justified by grace and by merit are repugnant Rom. 3.24 They are justified freely by his grace and v. 28. Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the works of the Law chap. 11.6 If by grace then not of works otherwise grace were not grace 2. So to be justified by Christ and his merits and by works Gal. 2.21 If righteouâ—ness is of the Law then Christ died in vain 3. By faith and by works Rom 3.28 We conclude then that we are justified by faith without works 4 To be justified by imputed justice and by works Rom. 4.4 5 To him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace but of debt But to him that worketh not but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly his faith is couÌ„ted for righteousnesse II. If by justification all matter of bragging is excluded that God only may be glorified then we are not justified by works Rom. 3.19 That every mouth may be stopped and all the world may become guilty before God ver 23. They have all sinned and come short of the glory of God and v. 27. Where is boasting then It is excluded By what law of works nay but by the law of faith The Pontificians here say that in these places are meant only ceremonial works But he who will observe that Catologue of works rehearsed cap. 1 2.3 to the Romans shall finde that not only ceremonial but moral works also are meant III. If we be justified by works then they are either such as go before or follow after regeneration Buâ— with neither of these arâ— we justified For beâ—fore regeneration 〈◊〉 works are meerly eviâ— and after imperfectâ— good XIX The effects of justification are Peace with God an accesse to him with boldnesse a rejoycing in tribulation and freedom from sin not onely in respect of guilt as the Papists say but in respect of punishment too Otherwise Christ had suffered for us in vain Isa. 53.4 c. Neither do divine chastisements come upon the Elect that they might by them satisfie God but that they might be proved and bettered XX. Imputed righteousnesse is perfect and equal in all believers The imperfection of our faith is no hinderance for as the same Jewel is touched by the firm and infirm hand so is the same Justice of Christ obtained by the strong and weak believer XXI The same is never to be lost For the gifts of Voâ—ation are without repenâ—aâ—â—â— Rom. 11. â—9 XXII It is also one Therefore when the Saints who are justified pray for forgiveness of sins they do not so much respect or consider the act of justification as the fruit certainty and confirmation thereof XXIII Iustification before God is by faith Iustification before men is by works Of this see Iam 2.24 you see then that man is justified by works and not by faith alone Which saying is not contrary to that of Rom. 3.28 we conclude then that man is justified by faith without works For there is meant that justification which is before men but here that which is before God there is understood historical faâ—th which worketh not by charity but here that faith which is true and lively Others say that man is justified by workâ— not as by the cause but as by the declarers and manifesters of justification CHAP. XXXI Of Sanctification SAnctification followes Justification as the light followes the sun This is that free action of God which sets at liberty the faithful ingrafted into Christ and justified by the Spirit more and more from their native corruption and renews them to his image that they may be fitted by good works to glorifie God The RULES I To sanctifie in this place is not to separate from profane use or to dedicate to holy uses but habitually to make holy In the former signification we are bid to sanctifie the Sabbath II. It is called regeneration renovation conversion penance repentance and glorification Yet these words are ambiguous for the word regeneration renovatino and conversion is either equivalent to vocation and the gift of faith or it signifieth newnesse of life when in the very act man dieth to sin and liveth to righteousness in the first sens it goeth before justification and is the cause thereof in the latter follows it and is the effect thereof it is also named penitence and resipiscence from the effect which words do as much dâ—ffer as the Hebrew terms Nicham and Schubh or the Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for that is of the minde this of the heart that wicked men may also have this onely the godly albeit this difference doth not still hold It is called glorification by way of inchoation or beginning as it is a forerunner of future glorification III. The efficient cause of this is in general the whole Trinity particularly and in respect of the terminus the Holy Ghost for this end sent by Christ. Hence he is called the Spirit of Sanctification Rom. 1.4 IV. The internal impulsive cause is Gods free bounty Tit. 3.4.5 But after the kindnesse and love of God our Saviour appeared toward man not by works of righteousness which we had done but according to his mercy he hath saved us by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost V. The external impulsive cause is Christ with his merit and efficacie Ephes. 5.25 Christ loved his Church and gave himself for it that he might sanctifie it VI. The external instrumental cause is the doctrine of the Law and Gospel but the internal is Faith the root of good works VII To these we may adde extraordinary means whereby God casteth down the proud and raiseth the humble such are afflictions miracles terrours c. VIII In the first regeneration or vocation mâ—n is meerly passive but in sanctification when he is endowed with saving faith he is the chief agent of his own actions yet not without the special grace and motion of the Holy Ghost IX The matter of sanctification is the whole man with his intellect will and affections 1 Thes. 5.23 Now the very God of peace sanctifie you throughout and I pray God your whole spirit soule and body be preserved blamelesse until the comming of our Lord Iesus Christ. X. The form is expressed in two acts in the aversion from evil and conversion to good that is called the mortification of the old man this the vivification of the new man that a crucifying and burying this a resurrection XI The end of this is Gods Glory our salvation and certainty thereof for there is no signe of election more evident 2. Tim 2.21 If a man therefore purge himself from these he shall be a vessel unto honour sanctified 1. Joh. 3 3. And who hath this hope in him purifieth himself even as he is pure XII Sanctification in this life is not perfect hence the works of the Saints are imperfect for they feel a combate in
OAths what 358 how manifold ib c. of whom and how to be performed why to be kept 359 c. being offered their refusal 391. Obstinacie in evil 321. Opinion of wisdome 318. PArsimony 414. Patience 328. Pawns vide Pledges Peâ—fidiousnesse 420. Perjury 361 c. Perseverance of the Saints 274 Perseverance in sin 327 Persons of the Deity what 21 their trinity and unity 28 29 c. how Person and Subsistence differ 21 c. person of Christ how considered 1â—3 Pledges to be taken or restored 412 c. Polytheisme or multiplicity of gods 3â—3 Pratling 420. Self-praise 422. Prayer what 336. its parts ib. its impulsive causes ib the Lords prayer a perfect form ib c. for whom against whom we must pray 338. c. Externall gesture in prayer 339. Predestination what 38 39 c. whether absolute ib. the means of its execution 41. Priest of the old Law 99. The High-Priests ornaments ib c. Popish Priests 148. Presciâ—nce and Predetermination how different 43. Profusenesse 414. Promptitude in Gods service 321. Propitiatory 103 Providence of God eternal 33. actual 56 c. How it differs from Fate 57. How it useth sin 58 Prudence 318 c. REdemptions necessiâ—y by the Law Verity by the Gospel 90 Redeemer who 1â—9 Why God and Man 115 116 c. Regeneration diversly taken 270 Rejoycing in evill 377 True Religion what 329. c. Its Antiquity 331. If to be defended by Armes 333. The word Religion diversly taken 330. Reformation of Religion 333. If the Reformers were lawfully called 219 c Reliques vide Idols Worship Repentance 327 Good Report 423 Reprobation and its causes 43 c. Resurrection of the dead 291. c. Desire of Revenge 391 Reverence to Superiours 382 Rusticity 421 SAbbath its Sanctification 367. It s Profanation 371. Sacraments before the fall 68 Sacraments of the New Testament clerer than of the Old 185. c. Fâ—ve Popish Sacraments 187. Sacramental phrases 180 c. Sacraments how differing from the word 183 c. Sacraments of the Old and New Testament their difference 185 c. Union of the sign and thing in Sacraments 178. Signes in the Sacraments of four sorts 179 c. Sacrifices of the old Testament what and how many 103 c. The Masse contrary to Christs Sacrifice 148 231 c. Assurance of Salvation 274 276 c. Sanctification what 269 The causes of Sanctification 270. Sanctification of Gods name 355 Scripture or Word of God unwritten and written 3 c. Scriptures Divinity 5. It 's Authority ib. It 's Perfection 10. Translation 11. Meaning and sence 12 Scurrility 421 Carnal Security 326 Sedulity vide Diligence Self-sufficiency 413 Silence 420 Simplicity fained 419 Sinne what whence how manifold 72 c First Sin 74. Sin origâ—nal 77 〈◊〉 actual 23 Sâ—n against the Holy Ghost 84 Sincerity 417 Sloth 387 Sobriety 395 Soul of man its original 52. its immortality and faculties 55 Stars their creation and use 49 c. Spiritual Stupidity 356 Superstition 354 The Lords Supper 197 its difference from Baptism 201. The Cup to be given to the people 198. Tropes in the words of the holy Supper 182 200. THe Tabernacle Its parts 101 c. Temperance 394 Testament old and new vide Covenant Theft what and how manâ—fold 407 c Holy Times 105. c. Tree of Knowledge what 68 Truth 416 Tyranny 386 c. VIgilancie 396 c VVatchings superstitious ib. Unmercifulness 377 Voracity 395 A Vow what and how manifold 341 c. Usury lawful unlawful 411 c. WAr how lawful 392. c. VVatching vid. Vigilancie Wisdome 317 c False witnesse 416 c Word of God vide Scripture VVorks of God how manifold 3â— Good works what 312 if they justifie 265 c if performed by the irregenerate 79 and 315 how necessary to salvation 316. Christs works of mediation 117 126 130 c. works of supererogation 313 c. The World its end 301 The true worship of God 334 Ready Worship 321 Worship of â—dols 349 c. Adoration of the Host 351 Worshiping of Reliques 352. vide Idolatry VVill-worship 343 ZEal for the glory of God 256. The Anatomy of the Body of Divinity Divided into XIV TABLES TAB I. DIVINITY speaks of God as he is to be 1. Known Book I. 1. In himself in regard of 1. His Essence Chap. 1. p. 14. by his 1 Names p. 15. 2. Properties p. 16. 1. Incommunicable p. 17. Such are his 1. Simplicity 2. Infinity 2. Communicable in analogicall effects p. 18. As his 1. Life 2 Will. 3 Power 2. The Persons Chap. 2 p. 21. their 1. Number 1. Father 2. Son 3. Holy Ghost p. 22 23 proved 1. In General p. 23. 24. 2. Particularly proving the deity of the 1. Son p. 25 26. 2. Holy Ghost p. 26 27. 2. Difference p. 28. in respect of their 1. order 2. properties 3. manner of operation 3. Agreement p. 29. in the same 1 Essence 2. Equality Vnion or Cohabitation 2. In his works cap. 3. p. 30. which are 1. Essentiall Both referred to objects 2. Personall Both referred to objects 1. Inward 2. Outward p. 32. which are 1. Immanent Whereto belongs Gods Decrees p. 32 considered 1. Absolutely p. 33. 2. In reference to the Creatures 2. Transient of boâ—h See Tab II. 2. Worshipped Book 2. See the IX and following Table TAB II. The outward works of God are 1. Immanent his decree cap. 4. p. 38. 1. Of all things called his eternal providence 2 Of reasonable creatures 1 Angels 2 Men called Predestination p. 38. consisting of 1. Election p 39. 2. Râ—probation ibid. 2. Transient 1 The Creation in six dayes c. 5. p. 46. Chiefâ— 1. Angels p. 51. 2. Men. p. 52. 2. Actual Providence c. 6. p. 56. 1. General by which all things are preserved and governed 1. Good by effecting them p. 57. 2. Evil p. 58. by 1. Permitting 2. Directing 3. Determining them 2. Special which doth chiefly appear in The government of 1. Angels c. 7. p. 61 1. Good p. 62. 2. Evil. p. 63. 2. Men. See Tab. III. TAB III. Gods special Providence in governing man is considerable in respect of a fourfold estate of 1. Innocencie c. 8. p. 67. where 1. The Covenant of Works p. 68. confirmed by a double Sacrament the tree of 1. Life 2. Knowledge of good and evil 2. Mans happie condition in respect of his 1. Soul p. 69. 2. Bodie p. 71 3. Dominion over the inferior Creatures ibid. 2. Miserie which is in respect of 1. Offence or sin c. 9.10.11 Either 1. The disobedience of our fiâ—st Parents c 9. p 73 2. Derived from the fiâ—st which is 1. Original c. 10. p. 77. Whereof Free-will p. 82. 2. Actual c. 11. p 83. Where of the dâ—verse kinds of Actual Sin ibid. 2. Punâ—shment or those other miseries which follow sin c 12. p. 86. which is either 1. Temporal 2. Eternal And both either 1. Corporal 2. Spiritual