Ephes. 5.14 Secondly of the daily baits and methods of sinne be not insnared with the pleasures of sinne which are but for a season but circumcise betimes the soreskins of your hearts Ier. 4.4 Thirdly of procrastination and delaying of time in the businesse of reformation For thy life is vncertaine Matth. 25.13 and euery day addes to the heap of sinne and of wrath Rom. 2.5 Sinne not against thy purposes of amendment lest thou grow more hardened Fourthly of hypocrisie and fained holinesse Esa. 58.2 Iam. 4.8 Fifthly of the perswasion of the merit of your owne works Rom. 10.3 For they being ignorant of the righteousnesse of God and going about to stablish their owne righteousnesse haue not submitted themselues to the righteousnesse of God c. Sixthly of temporary righteousnes Hosh. 6.4 Ephraim what shall I doe vnto thee O Iuda how shall I intreat thee for your goodnes is as a morning cloud and as a morning dew it goeth away Or being weary of well doing Gal. 6.9 Let vs not therefore be weary of well doing for in due season we shall reape if we faint not c. Seuenthly of the precepts of men Mat. 15.9 In vaine they worship me teaching for doctrine mens precepts Ezech. 20.18 But I said vnto their children in the wildernes walk ye not in the ordinances of your fathers neither obserue their manners nor defile your selues with their idols Eighthly of looking after the example and fashion of the world Rom. 12.2 Frame not your selues like vnto this world Ninthly neglect of prayer for the particular furtherance of reformation and grace Lam. 5.21 shall he not giue vs his holy Spirit if we aske him as our Sauiour sheweth in the parable Tenthly let the best of vs take heed of a strange deceit and that is to rest in faire words and attentiue hearing How is it that men that heare many precious counsels comforts reproofes goe away without any reformation and thinke they doe well if they commend the Sermon c. Oh how common is this disease to be awake to heare of the disease or medicine and fall a sleepe before it be applied like those hearers in the Gospell of whom it is said They heard they maruelled and they went their waies Thus much of what we should auoide that the worke of sanctification be not hindred On the other side there be diuers things to be obserued by vs as First wee must looke to the matter to bee done which hath two considerations in it 1. That in generall whatsoeuer things are true honest iust pure louely and of good report that haue vertue and praise in them that we should thinke on those things and study how to glorifie God and enrich our selues by well doing them Phil. 4.8 Eph. 58. c. 2. That we striue to keep our selues free from or speedily mortifie such euils as vsually staine the profession of religion after calling Besides the mortification of grosse euils which the first repentance puts away wee must watch carefully against other sinnes such as are lying rotten communication deceit anger wrath and all bitternesse and cursed speaking Col. 3.8 Ephesians 4.25 Secondly wee must looke to the end of all our actions the end I say both of intention and continuance For 1. Wee must propound the glory of God as the maine ende of all our actions 1. Cor. 10.31 Whether therefore ye eate or drinke or whatsoeuer yee doe doe all to the glory of God Philip. 1.11 2. Wee must so begin reformation and good workes as we be sure also to endeuour with all constancy to hold out to the end Luke 1.75 All the daies of our life in holinesse and righteousnes before him Psalm 106.3 Blessed are they that keepe iudgement and do righteousnesse at all times Thirdly we must looke to the manner of our reformation that it be done with all sinceritie and so we doe 1. If wee turne from all sorts of our transgressions Ezech. 18. 30.31 Therefore I will iudge you O House of Israel euery one according to his waies returne therefore and cause other to turne away from all your transgressions so iniquitie shall not be your destruction Cast away from you all your transgressions whereby ye haue transgressed and make you a new heart and a new spirit for why will ye die O House of Israel 2. If wee labour for a sanctification that is throughout in all parts in soule in body and in spirit that is in our outward man and in our affections and in our iudgements and thoughts Fourthly we must bee exceeding mindfull of the meanes of sanctification and so we must especially thinke of 1. The Word to subiect our selues to the power of it for if we heare our soules shall liue we are sanctified by the truth and God wil haue his Law magnified and the Word is able to build vs vp still further till we come to heauen Isai. 55.4 Iohn 17.19 Isaiah 42.21 Acts 20.32 2. The Sabbath for that is the signe of our sanctification It is a signe to assure that God will not faile vs in his blessings and it is a signe that we are indeed a holy people if we be carefull to keepe the Sabbath It is the market day for our soules and by the right keeping of the Sabbath we shall be the better able to serue God all the weeke after Exod. 31.13 14. Keepe ye my Sabbaths for it is a signe betweene me and you in your generation that ye may know that I the Lord doe sanctifie you Ye shall therefore keepe the Sabbath for it is holy vnto you he that defileth it shall die the death therefore whosoeuer worketh therein the same person shall be euen cut off from among his people Isaiah 56.2 Blessed is the man that doth this and the sonne of man which laieth hold on it he that keepeth the Sabbath and polluteth it not and keepeth his hand from doing any euill c. Thus of the vses for instruction Thirdly these principles may terrifie all men that are vnsanctified that haue not true grace that liue in their sinnes Woe vnto worlds of men because of sinne for thereby they may gather that there is no cure done to their natures that they are not at all iustified before God that they haue no part with Christ and that all they doe is still impure Mat. 7.18 Tit. 1.15 Yea and that the wages of their sinnes will be death and that in the state they are in they cannot bee saued Rom. 6.23 Iohn 3.5 and in the meane time what know they how soone the whirle-wind of the Lord may fall vpon the wicked Ier. 23.19 Behold the tempest of the Lord goeth forth in his wrath and a violent whirle-wind shall fall downe vpon the head of the wicked And for all the things they haue done in the flesh they must come to iudgement and the rather because they haue not taken warning Acts 17.31 Because hee hath appointed a day in the which he will iudge the world in
foundation of our grace now one labor doth both if we make our calling sure wee make our Election sure 2. Pet. 1. 10 and we may be sure our calling is right if we adde vertue to our faith if we can find the gifts of grace in our hearts for this I fay we must study the doctrine of the signes of which before If we find assurance of our Election we should with all thankefulnes acknowledge Gods goodnesse to vs and the riches of his free grace as the Apostle teacheth vs Ephes. 1.3 and 2. Thes. 2.13 But we ought to giue thanks alway to the Lord for you brethren beloued of God because that God hath from the beginning chosen you to saluation through sanctification of the Spirit and the faith of truth and so rest in this happines as our chiefe desire to God should bee still to vouchsafe vs this fauour to blesse vs with the fauour of his chosen Psalm 106.4.5 Remember me O Lord with the fauour of thy people visit me with thy saluation That I may see the felicitie of thy chosen and reioyce in the ioy of thy people and glory with thine inheritance And for euer stand and gase at the maruelous riches of Gods grace that suffered vs not to perish in the condemnation of the world Our Election should work vpon vs a wonderfull care of holinesse of life Are we Elect then how should wee confirme our selues in separation from the world shall wee euer loue the world and the things thereof that heare that God hath chosen vs out of the world Yea why fashion wee our selues vnto this world Rom. 12.2 And fashion not your selues like vnto this world but be yee changed by the renewing of your minde that yee may prooue what is the good will of God and acceptable and perfect Deut. 14.2 For thou art an holy people vnto the Lord thy God and the Lord hath chosen thee to be a pretious people vnto himselfe aboue all the people that are vpon the earth God hath chosen vs and called vs with a holy calling and therefore we should as a people peculiar vnto him be zealous of all good workes and shew forth the vertues of him that called vs and walke before him with all desire to please him that hath thus Elected vs we should euer be ready to choose the Lord to bee our God and to shew it by auouching him and by walking in his waies as these Scriptures plentifully shew Deut. 7.6.7 For thou art an holy people vnto the Lord thy God the Lord thy God hath chosen thee to be a pretious people vnto himselfe aboue al the people that are vpon the earth The Lord doth not set his loue vpon you nor chuse you because yee were more in nūber then any people for ye were the fewest of all people Deut. 26.16.17 This day the Lord thy God hath commanded thee to do these ordinances lawes keepe them therefore and doe them with all thine heart and with all thy soule Thou hast set vp the Lord this day to be thy God and to walke in his waies and to keepe his ordinances and his commandements and his lawes and to hearken to his voice Ephes. 1.4 As he hath chosen vs in him before the foundation of the world that we should be holy and without blame before him in loue 1. Pet. 2.9.16 But ye are a chosen generation a roial Priesthood an holy Nation a peculiar people that ye should shew forth the vertues of him that hath called you out of darknesse into his maruelous light As free and not as hauing the libertie for a cloke of maliciousnes but as the seruants of God Wee should giue our names to God as they that will subscribe and deuote themselues only to the God of Iacob Isaiah 44.1.5 Yet now heare O Iacob my seruant and Israel whom I haue chosen One shall say I am the Lord another shall be called by the name of Iacob and another shall subscribe with his hand vnto the Lord and name himselfe by the name of Israel 4. It should teach vs to imitate God and chuse the godly as the persons wee would most obserue admire loue defend and liue withall Ioh. 15.17 These things command I you that yee loue one another Iohn 17.26 And I haue declared vnto them thy name and will declare it that the loue wherewith thou hast loued me may be in them and I in them c. Yea we should not haue the glorious faith of Christ in respect of persons to despise poore Christians and onely respect great men for God hath chosen the weake things of this world to confound the mighty and the poore hee hath chosen to be made heires of the Kingdome and rich in faith Iames 2.5 1. Cor. 1.27 Yea we should be content as the Apostle saith to suffer all things for the Elects sake seeing they are so deare to God 2. Tim. 2.10 We may know our Election by two sorts of signes First the one respects God Secondly the other respects our selues God declares his eternall choise by diuers markes of it and man proues himself to be Elect of God by diuers tokens of it God shewes whom hee hath chosen from euerlasting three manner of waies 1. By Election in time when God separates a man from the world vnto himselfe and his seruice It is a manifest signe of Election it shewes an eternall choise when God singles a man out from the multitude of carnal and carelesse men and inspires him with an vnchangeable resolution to deuote himselfe to God it is an euident declaration of Gods predestination to glorie God separates a man from the world when he makes him a wearie of wicked and vnprofitable society and takes away from him the taste in earthly things so as the loue of the world is not in him and sanctifies him to his owne vse 2. By the entertainement God giues them in his house and especially by the efficacy of the word and principally by the life of the promises for God makes his word a word of power and the holy Ghost falles vpon their hearts and they at sometimes feele a maruelous assurance in hearing and so much comfort that they can receiue the word though it be with much affliction and reioyce greatly in it and the word transformes them also to a constant desire of practice imitation of the godlines of the Saints 1. Thes. 1.4.5.6 Knowing beloued brethren that ye are Elect of God For our Gospell was not vnto you in word only but also in power and in the holy Ghost and in much assurance And ye became followers of vs and of the Lord and receiued the word in much affliction with ioy of the holy Ghost Psalm 65.4 Blessed is he whom thou chusest and causest to come to thee he shall dwell in thy courts and we shal be satisfied with the pleasures of thine house euen thy holy temple Rom. 9.8.11 That is they which are the children of the flesh
he is glorious in Nature That he is three in Persons That he is one in Essence For the first that there is a God is euery where apparant in euery leafe yea almost in euery line of Scripture and therefore I spare quotations it being out of all doubt that the Scripture saith so And against all seeds of Atheisme men may keepe in their minds these other testimonies both inward and outward The inward testimonies that proue there is a God are these The horror of conscience that befalles men after the committing of sinne dreading a supreame Iudge which terrours we see are oftentimes such as are most dreadfull and such as no outward thing can still The testimony of the holy Ghost infallibly satisfying the godly herein The reuelation of God to the harts of his people daily finding him in the vse of his ordinances which presence of God they likewise misse if they sinne presumptuously The externall testimonies are taken from the workes of God either more generally in the world or more specially in the Church The world testifies there is a God In respect of the creation of it this huge frame could not make it selfe and therefore of necessity there must be some being that gaue it being By the motion that is in it For that shewes there is a supreame mouer By the strange Iudgements that fall vpon the wicked somtimes in the very act of sinning and sometimes at the very instant of the wishes of wicked persons In that all nations haue at all times acknowledged a God In the Church God hath proued himselfe to be 1 By apparitions God hath shewed himselfe by certaine formes or signes of his presence thus Adam Noah Abrahā Isaac Iacob Moses c. saw God 2 By the miracles wrought beyond all the course of nature as when he raised dead men diuided the sea made the Sunne goe backward c. Thus of the proofe of the first principle That God is also maruellously glorious in his nature these places shew Psal. 29. all ouer Exod. 33.18 Againe he said I beseech thee shew me thy glory 19. And he answered c. Esa. 6.2.3 And one cried to another and said Holy holy holy is the Lord of hosts the whole world is full of his glory 1. Tim. 6.16 Who onely hath immortality and dwelleth in the light that none can attaine vnto whom neuer man saw neither can see vnto whom bee honour and power euerlasting Amen And how can hee be but exceeding glorious when as he is Incorporeall beyond the perfection of bodily things Ioh. 4. 24. God is a spirit Eternall without any beginning Psal. 90.2 Before the mountaines were made and before thou haddest formed the earth and the world euen from euerlasting to euerlasting thou art our God Infinitely immense and incomprehensible 1. King 8.27 Is it true indeed that God will dwell on the earth Behold the heauens and the heauens of heauens are not able to containe thee how much more vnable is this house that I haue built Ier. 23.24 Doe not I fill heauen and earth saith the Lord Immutable without shadow of change Iam. 1.17 Euery good giuing and euery perfect gift is from aboue and commeth downe from the father of lights with whom is no variablenesse neither shadow by turning Numb 23.19 God is not as man that hee should lie neither as the sonne of man that hee should repent Hath he said and shall he not doe it and hath he spoken and shall he not accomplish it Omnipotent so as nothing is impossible to him Psalm 115.3 But our God is in heauen hee doth whatsoeuer he will Mat. 19.26 And Iesus beheld them and said vnto them with men this is impossible but with God all things are possible Iob 42.2 I know that thou canst doe all things and that there is no thought hidden from thee Omni-scient so as hee knowes all things vniuersally and perfectly Psalm 147.5 Great is our Lord and great is his power his wisdome is infinite Rom. 11.33 O the deepnesse of the riches both of the wisedome and knowledge of God! how vnsearchable are his iudgements and his waies past finding out Hebr. 4.13 Neither is there any creature which is not manifest in his sight but all things are naked and open vnto his eyes with whom we haue to doe Most holy without sinne in himselfe and hating sinne in others Psalm 5.4 For thou art not a God that louest wickednesse neither shall euill dwell with thee Esa. 6.3 And one cried to another and said Holy holy is the Lord of hosts All-sufficient and independant Genes 17.1 The Lord appeared to Abraham and said vnto him I am God all-sufficient walke before me and be thou vpright Exod. 3.14 And God answered Moses I am that I am c. Rom. 11.36 For of him and through him and for him are all things to him be glory for euer Amen Most mercifull Exod. 34.6.7 So the Lord passed before his face and cried The Lord the Lord strong mercifull and gracious c. Reseruing mercy for thousands forgiuing iniquity and transgression and sinne and not making the wicked innocent Psalm 136. the whole Lastly Immortall so as hee can neuer die or cease to bee 1. Tim. 1.17 Now vnto the King euerlasting immortall inuisible vnto God onely wise be honour and glory for euer and euer Amen And all this should teach vs To adore and feare this great and glorious God Rom. 11.33.35.36 O the deepnesse of the riches both of the wisedome and knowledge of God c. To dilate our hearts in a speciall manner in his praises Neuer such a subiect of praise as God His praises should take vp all people by all meanes and at all times while we haue any being Psalm 72.18.19 Blessed bee the Lord God and blessed bee his glorious name for euer and let the whole earth be filled with his glory Amen Amen Psalm 96. vers 1. c. Oh sing vnto the Lord all the earth blesse his name declare his glory from day to day the Lord is great and greatly to be praised giue vnto the Lord the glory due vnto his name Psal. 147.1 Praise ye the Lord for praise is comely Psalm 148. the whole Reuel 5.9 c. With speciall admiration to set our hearts and affections vpon him to loue him with all our soules and all our might Deut. 30.6 And the Lord thy God will circumcise thine heart and the hart of thy seed that thou maist loue the Lord thy God with all thine heart and with all thy soule that thou mayest liue Oh these beauties should make vs wonderfully in loue with God! who onely is worthy to be accounted of a good nature Matth. 19.17 And he said vnto him why callest thou me good there is none good but one euen God c. With all diligence to seeke all good at his hands With all thankfulnesse to acknowledge what good wee receiue from him yea acknowledging all we haue to bee
very horse and mule and much worse Secondly heere is matter of instruction and that first to wicked men that if it be possible they would awake from this heauie sleepe in sinne and learne to liue righteously These Iudgements may warne all men euery where to repent and seeing they are thus vndone by the first Adam to seeke release from this dreadfull misery by the second Adam There is no condemnation to them that are in Christ Iesus and there can bee no accesse to Christ without repentance from dead workes and faith in him Oh how were men sure to be freed by Christ if they were once wearie and heauie laden There is a full propitiation for al sinne in him hee hath borne all that curse of the law onely if any man will be in Christ he must be a new Creature This may instruct the godly and so 1. The weak Christian should labour by all meanes to be established in the faith that as Christ hath freed him from all these miseries as curses so faith may free him from the feare of them and to this end hee should earnestly and constantly pray that God would make him worthy of his calling and fulfill all the good pleasure of his goodnesse and the worke of faith with power 2. Th. 1.11.12 2. All Christians should forcibly compell vpon themselues a carefull practice of 6. duties 1. All ages should admire the exceeding riches of the tender kindnesse and mercy of God and the great loue wherewith hee hath loued vs that hath forgiuen vs so great a debt and freed vs from so vnspeakable confusion Ephes. 2.4.7 2. Wee should often looke vpon Christ that hath borne all the malediction of the law for vs and that both to moue vs to compassion and mourning for our sinnes that so pierced him Zach. 12.10 And also to settle our selues against the feare of any of these miseries seeing Christ hath fully paid our debts and suffered the vttermost in our roomes and further if wee did often set before vs that maruellous passion of our Lord and Sauiour it might rauish our hearts to a greater loue towards him and desire to bee with him to giue him eternall thankes 3. Haue we escaped so much danger which sinne brought vs into Then let vs for euer be warned and goe our wayes and sin no more Let vs watch ouer our selues that we be not bewitched by the deceitfulnes of sinne For heere wee may learne that God can make sinne extreamly bitter vnto vs but especially let vs leaue sinne euen because God hath dealt so graciously with vs. 4. It should teach vs with all compassion to pitie others with whom we conuerse that yet liue in this misery wee should striue with all effectualnesse of perswasion to draw them out of such an estate and vse our vttermost power to pull them out of this fier prouoking them to holinesse and good workes and exhorting and rebuking them with all instance that they may not perish in so great condemnation Heb. 10.25 5. It should teach vs to endure all sorts of afflictions that God shal please to try vs withall and that because they are no way comparable to the punishments we are escaped from and besides God is pleased to cause them to work our good they try and encrease our faith in Christs merits they make vs know our selues more throughly they mollifie and soften our hearts they tame our flesh they scoure our gifts from rust they weane vs from the world and excite the desire after and care to prouide for the world to come 6. It should teach vs with all gladnesse of heart to remember our miseries as waters that are past and establish our selues in a daily solace especially in the expectation of the full and finall deliuerance from all the remnants of distresse in the day of Christ when God shall bee made maruellous in them that beleeue 2. Thes. 1.11 And the more we should lift vp our heads vpon whom the ends of the world are come because the day of that redemption draweth neere Let vs euer say with Dauid Psal. 16.6 The lines are fallen vpon mee in pleasant places yea I haue a faire heritage and The Lord hath drawn vs out of many waters let vs therefore loue the Lord dearly and reioyce alwaies in the Lord Phil. 4.4 CHAP. XI The estate of Grace Ephes. 1.4 As he hath chosen vs in him before the foundation of the world HItherto of the second estate of man The third estate is the estate of Grace which is three waies to bee considered 1. First in respect of the means of the foundation of it 2. Secondly in respect of the subiect of the possession of it which is the Church 3. Thirdly in respect of the degrees of application and manifestation which are two viz. Iustification Sanctification The meanes of foundation is twofold 1. Election in God 2. Redemption in Christ. Concerning Election there are these euident Principles First that there was a choice and Election made by God Eph. 1.4 As he hath chosen vs in him before the foundation of the world Secondly that this choice was before the foundation of the world Ephes. 1.4 as immediately before Rom. 9.11 For ere the children were borne and when they had done neither good nor euill that the purpose of God might remaine according to the Election not by workes but by him that called c. That onely some men are chosen not all men If all were taken how could there be Election c Matth. 20.16 Many are called but few chosen Mat. 22.14 That the cause of our Election is the onely free grace of God not our workes Ephes. 1.5 Who hath predestinated vs to be adopted through Iesus Christ vnto himselfe according to the good pleasure of his will c. Rom. 9.15.18 For he saith vnto Moses I wil haue mercy on him to whom I will shew mercy and will haue compassion on him on whom I will haue compassion Therfore he hath mercy on whom he will and whom he will he hardneth That Gods Election is vnchangeable all the Elect shall bee saued Rom. 8.30 Moreouer whom he predestinated them also he called and whom he called them also he iustified and whom he iustified them also he glorified c. Isaiah 46.10 My Counsell shall stand and I will doe whatsoeuer I will 2. Tim. 2.19 But the foundation of God remaineth sure and hâ—th this seale The Lord knoweth who are his c. Iohn 6.37 All that the Father giueth me shall come to me and him that commeth to mee I cast not away Matth. 25.34 Then shall the King say to them on the right hand Come ye blessed of my Father inherit ye the Kingdome prepared for you from the foundations of the world The consideration of this doctrine of mans Election should teach vs diuers things Euery one of vs should study this doctrine of our Election and labour to make it sure seeing here lieth the
personall vnion is this of the diuine nature with the humane in one person The mystical vnion is of Christ with the Church in one body The sacramentall vnion is of the body and blood of Christ with bread and wine in one ordinance This vnion is not a vnion of inhabitation as God dwels in the Saints nor of consent only as the faithfull are one in the Father and the Sonne Nor of commixtion as water and wine are one nor of combination as two boords fastened together are one nor of composition when of two things is made some third thing in one But it is I say a personall vnion the humane nature of Christ being assumed into vnion with the person of the Sonne of God From whence ariseth A speciall manner of subsisting in the humane nature of Christ differing from other men For soule and body make a person in other men but not so in Christ. For his soule and body are borne vp and subsist in his diuine nature As the luie or Misseltoe growes without a root of it owne vpon the body of another tree so is it with the humane nature of Christ As soule and body in vs make one man so God and man make one Christ in him A communication of proprieties so as that which is proper to one nature is attributed to the whole person so the Sonne of God was crucified bought the Church with his blood 1. Cor. 2.8 Act. 20.28 The collation of gifts vpon the humane nature after an vnspeakable manner In respect of which the humane nature of Christ doth excell all creatures for wisedome goodnesse holinesse power maiesty and glory in as much as the God-head dwelles in him bodily Col. 2.9 For in him dwelleth all the fulnesse of the God-head bodily and so the second Adam doth farre excell the first It was needfull Christ should be God and man in one nature 1. That so he might reconcile or make God and man one againe 2. That so hee might bee a meet Mediator as being a kin to both parties 3. That he might pacifie God by his death which he could neither feele as God nor ouercome as man 4. That the works of redemption done in the flesh might bee sufficient price for sin by which the infinite God was wronged Here is also consolation in this doctrine for hence ariseth manifest reason of hope of pardon and peace with God and besides out of his fulnesse wee may now all receiue grace and a supply for all our wants Heere wee haue all the treasures of wisdome and grace in Christ-man and hee is now able to be a fountaine of more good to vs then euer the first Adam was of euill CHAP. XVII Of Christ as Mediator HItherto of the principles concerning the person of Christ his office followes The principles cōcerning his office consider it either in the whole or in the parts of it The whole office of Christ is to be a mediator and so the principles that concerne the mediatorship are fiue First that there is but one mediatour betweene God and man euen Iesus Christ 1. Tim. 2.5 For there is one God and one mediator betweene God and man which is the man Christ Iesus Act. 4.12 Neither is there saluation in any other for amongst men there is giuen none other name vnder heauen whereby we must bee saued Luk. 2.11 That is that vnto you is borne this day in the City of Dauid a Sauiour which is Christ the Lord. Because there is none more mercifull Heb. 2.17 Nor more able Heb. 7.25 That the cause of our saluation in his mediation is not merit in man but grace in God and Christ 2. Tim. 1.9 Who hath saued vs and called vs with an holy calling not according to our workes but according to his owne purpose and grace which was giuen to vs through Christ Iesus before the world was Tit. 3.4.5 But when the bountifulnesse and loue of God our Sauiour toward man appeared Not by the workes of righteousnesse which we had done but according to his mercy he saued vs by the washing of the new birth and the renewing of the holy Ghost Ephes. 2.8 For by grace are ye saued through faith and that not of your selues it is the gift of God That this mediation was from the beginning of the world and shall be to the end Hebr. 13.8 Iesus Christ yesterday and to day the same also is for euer 1. Pet. 1.20 Which was ordained before the foundation of the world but was declared in the last times for your sakes Reuel 13.8 Therefore all that dwell vpon the earth shall worship him whose names are not written in the booke of life of the Lambe which was slaine from the beginning of the world For in the knowledge destination and acceptation of God the two natures were accounted as vnited and with him the things done and to be done present and to come are all one For explication of this principle if we aske when the mediator was giuen it must be answered three waies 1. If we respect Gods decree he was giuen before all eternity Ephes. 1.4 As he hath chosen vs in him before the foundation of the world 2. If wee respect the vertue and efficacie of his mediation he was giuen when need was from the beginning of the world Reuel 13.8 Which was slaine from the beginning of the world 3. If we respect his manifestation in the flesh he was giuen in the fulnesse of time 1600. yeeres agoe Galath 4.4 But when the fulnesse of time was come God sent forth his Sonne made of a woman and made vnder the law 1. Tim. 2.6 Who gaue himselfe a ransome for all men to be a testimony in due time 4. That without the mediation of Christ no flesh can bee saued Act. 4.12 Neither is there saluation in any other for among men there is giuen none other name vnder heauen whereby we must bee saued Psalm 143.2 And enter not into iudgement with thy seruant for in thy sight shall none that liueth be iustified Iam. 3.2 For in many things we sinne all 5. That by the mediator a new agreement or contract was made with God Ierem. 31.33 But this shall be the couenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those dayes saith the Lord I will put my law in the inward parts and write it in their hearts and will be their God and they shall bee my people Heb. 8.13 In that he saith a new Testament he hath abrogated the old now that which is disanulled and waxed old is ready to vanish away Rom. 3.23.24 For there is no difference for all haue sinned and are depriued of the glory of God and are iustified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Iesus Galath 3.21.22 Is the Law then against the promise of God God forbid for if there had been a law giuen which could haue giuen life surely righteousnes should haue been by the law But the Scripture hath
concluded all vnder sinne that the promise by the faith of Iesus Christ should be giuen to them that beleeue For the explication of this principle we must vnderstand 1. First that the Scriptures make mention of three couenants that God hath made The one generall and terrene with all creatures about their preseruation from the vniuersall deluge of this Genes 9. c. but of this couenant wee haue nothing to doe here The second was the couenant called the couenant of workes this was made with all mankinde in Paradise and stands still in force since the fall as men are in the estate of nature the condition whereof on mans part is in the morall law The third was the agreement made with man by meanes of the mediator this was called from the fall to the dayes of Abraham the promise as being contriued in those words of promise Gen. 3.15 I will also put enmity betweene thee and the woman and betweene thy seed and her seed He shall break thine head and thou shalt bruise his heele c. From Abraham to Moses it was called the couenant Genes 17. c. From Moses to Christ and so still the Testament and as it stands in difference from the couenant of workes it may bee called for all this time the couenant of grace Secondly that in this agreement with God by the mediator the mediator did vndertake for two things 1. To pay all our debts and satisfie Gods Iustice by a price of infinite value Esa. 53.5.6 But hee was wounded for our transgressions he was broken for our iniquities the chastisement of our peace was vpon him and with his stripes we are healed All we like sheep haue gone astray we haue turned euery one to his owne way and the Lord hath laid vpon him the iniquity of vs all Iob 33.24 Then will he haue mercy vpon him and will say deliuer him that he goe not downe into the pit For I haue receiued a reconciliation 1. Tim. 2.6 Who gaue himselfe a ransome for all men to be a testimony in due time 2. To purchase and merit for vs Gods fauour and kingdome by a most absolute and perfect obedience Eph. 1.6 To the praise of the glory of his grace wherewith he hath made vs accepted in his beloued Thirdly wee must vnderstand wherein these new couenants agree and wherein they disagree These couenants agree in these two things First that they both were tendered to vs by God Secondly that they both require a full and perfect righteousnesse as the condition of eternall life They differ 1. In the manner of knowing of them For the law or couenant of works is knowne in some measure by nature Rom. 2.15 Which shew the effect of the law written in their hearts their conscience also bearing witnesse and their thoughts accusing one another or excusing But the Gospell or couenant of grace is not knowne at all by nature It is a mystery Colos. 1. 26. Which is the mystery hid since the world began and from all ages but now is made manifest to his Saints 1. Cor. 2.7 But wee speake the wisdome of God in a mystery euen the hid wisedome which God had determined before the world vnto our glory 2. Tim. 1.10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Sauiour Iesus Christ. 2. In the ministers of both Moses was the minister of the law but Christ of the Gospell Ioh. 1. 17. For the law was giuen by Moses but grace and truth came by Iesus Christ. 3. In the means of attaining to the end common to both the law is a law of workes and requires doing or else will not giue wages but the Gospell is a law of faith requiring beleeuing in him that iustifieth the wicked Rom. 3.21 But now is the righteousnesse of God made manifest without the law hauing witnesse of the Law and of the Prophets Rom. 4.5 But to him that worketh not but beleeueth in him that iustifieth the vngodly his faith is counted for righteousnesse Rom. 10.5 For Moses thus describeth the righteousnesse which is of the law that the man which doth these things shall liue thereby c. Againe the law requires perfect righteousnesse in our owne persons but the Gospell offers the righteousnesse of another to be receiued by faith Rom. 8.3.4 For that that was impossible to the law in as much as it was weake because of the flesh God sending his owne Sonne in the similitude of sinfull flesh and for sinne condemned sinne in the flesh that the righteousnesse of the law might be fulfilled in vs c. Rom. 5.19 For as by one mans disobedience many were made sinners so by the obedience of one shall many also be made righteous Rom. 10.4 For Christ is the end of the Law for righteousnesse vnto euery one that beleeueth The Law requires our debts euery farthing the Gospell publisheth the acquittance of the principall by reason of the satisfaction of the suretie The Law giues heauen as wages for work done the Gospell giues heauen gratis 4. In effects or efficacy the Law requiers good workes but giues no power to do them Deuter 29.4 Yet the Lord hath not giuen you an heart to perceiue and eies to see and eares to heare vnto this day but the Gospell giues the Spirit of God which worketh what he requireth Ier. 31.33 But this shall be the couenant that I will make with the house of Israel After those daies saith the Lord I will put my Law in their inward parts and write it in their hearts and will bee their God and they shall be my people Ezech. 36.27 And I will put my Spirit within you and cause you to walke in my statutes and yee shall keepe my iudgements and do them 2. Cor. 3.9 For if the ministrie of condemnation was glorious much more doth the ministration of righteousnesse exceeds in glory The Law shewes the disease and the Gospell cures it Rom. 7. 6. But now we are deliuered from the Law being dead vnto it wherein we were holden that we should serue in newnesse of spirit and not in the oldnesse of the letter 24. O wretched man that I am who shall deliuer me from the body of this death c. The knowledge of sinne is by the Law but that which heales vs is the tidings of remission in Iesus Christ. 5. In the persons to whom they belong the Law is for the vnrighteous 1. Tim. 1.9 Knowing this that the Law is not giuen vnto a righteous man but vnto the lawlesse and disobedient to the vngodly and to the sinners to the vnholy and to the prophane c. But the Gospell belongs to the poore and penitent Luke 4. 18. The Spirit of the Lord is vpon mee because hee hath anointed mee that I should preach the Gospell to the poore he hath sent me that I should heale the broken heart that I should preach deliuerance to the captiues and recouering of sight to the blind that I should set at liberty them
that are bruised c. The vses may be First for consolation vnto all the godly and this comfort in their Mediatour and the new couenant in him may be the more distinctly formed in vs if we consider 1. The priuiledges and benefits wee reape by this new couenant 2. The properties of the couenant 3. The persons to whom it may belong For the first by meanes of the Mediatour in this new couenant we receiue many admirable prerogatiues and blessings as 1. The abrogation of the old couenant Heb. 8.13 In that hee saith a new Testament he hath abrogated the old now that which is disanulled and waxed old is ready to vanish away So as now we are not vnder the Law but vnder Grace Rom. 6.14 For sinne shall not haue dominion ouer you for ye are not vnder the Law but vnder grace c. 2. Communion of Saints from all parts of the world men of all Nations comming in vpon this new agreement Isaiah 49.6.11 And he said it is a small thing that thou shouldest be my seruant to raise vp the Tribes of Iacob and to restore the desolations of Israel I will also giue thee for a light of the Gentiles that thou maist bee my saluation vnto the ends of the world Matth. 8.11 But I say vnto you that many shall come from the East and West and shall sit downe with Abraham Isaack and Iacob in the Kingdome of heauen c. 3. Reconciliation with God and the pardon of all sins 2. Cor. 5.19 For God was in Christ and reconciled the world to himselfe not imputing their sinnes vnto them Ier. 31.33.34 But this shall bee the couenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those daies saith the Lord I will be their God and they shall be my people And I will forgiue their iniquitie and will remember their sins no more Heb. 9.15 And for this cause is he the Mediator of the new Testament that through death which was for the redemption of the transgressions that were in the former Testament c. The mediatour paying all our debts 4. A righteousnesse answerable to that of the Law wrought for vs and imputed to vs Rom. 8.4 That the righteousnesse of the Law might be fulfilled in vs which walke not after the flesh but after the Spirit 5. The inhabitation of the Spirit of God taking possession of vs vnto Gods vse for euer Isai. 59.21 And I will make this my couenant with them saith the Lord my Spirit that is vpon thee and my words which I haue put in thy mouth shall not depart out of thy mouth nor out of the mouth of thy seede saith the Lord euen from henceforth for euer 6. The Law of God put into our hearts from the least to the greatest Ier. 31.33 But this shall be the couenant that I wil make with the house of Israel After those daies saith the Lord I will put my Law in their inward parts write it in their hearts c. 7. A couenant with all creatures who must be at peace with vs and seruiceable to vs Hosea 2.18.21.22 And in that day will I make a couenant for them with the wilde beasts and with the foules of the heauen and with that that creepeth vpon the earth and I will breake the bow and the sword and the battell out of the earth and I will make them to sleepe safely And in that day I will heare saith the Lord I will euen heare the heauens and they shall heare the earth And the earth shall heare the corne and the wine and the oile and they shall heare Israel 8. Gods sanctuary in the midst of vs and his presence with vs for euer Ezech. 37.26.27.28 Moreouer I will make a couenant with them of peace it shall be an euerlasting couenant with them and will set my sanctuarie amongst them for euermore My tabernacle also shall bee with them yea I will be their God and they shall be my people 9. The promise of an eternall inheritance Heb. 9.15 And for this cause is he the Mediatour of the new Testament that through death which was for the redemption of the transgressions that were in the former Testament they which were called might receiue the promise of eternall inheritance c. The second part of the consolation may be raised from the consideration of the properties of the couenant which are That it is free and God stands not vpon desert in vs Isai. 55.1.2.4 He euery one that thirsteth come yee to the waters and yee that haue no siluer come buy and eate come I say buy wine and milk without siluer and without mony Wherefore doe you lay out siluer and not for bread and your labour without being satisfied hearken diligently vnto me and eate that which is good and let your soule delight in fatnesse Behold I gaue him for a witnesse to the people for a Prince and a Master vnto the people c. That it is vnchangeable and eternall Isaiah 54.10 For the mountaines shall remoue and the hilles shall fall downe but my mercy shall not depart from thee neither shall the couenant of my peace fall away saith the Lord that hath compassion on thee And we may the rather be assured of this if we consider 1. The nature of God Mercy pleaseth him and he is so desirous of reconciliation that hee beseecheth men to be reconciled 2. Cor. 5.19.20 Hosea 2.19 2. The propitiation in Christ God hath proclaimed it from heauen that in him hee is well pleased and fully pacified Mat. 3.17 c. And Christ is giuen for a couenant of the people Isai. 49.8 3. That there is an act for it in the counsell of God from euerlasting 1. Cor. 2.7 4. That God hath sworne to keepe this couenant Heb. 6.18 and 7.19.20.21.22 Isai. 42.6.7 5. That it is confirmed by the death of the restator Heb. 9.16 Matth. 26.27 6. Because he euer liueth to make request for vs at the right hand of God and is able perfectly to saue those that come vnto him Heb. 7.25 13.8 7. Because the Law cannot disanull it Gal. 3.17 8. That we haue sacraments to confirme it and seale to it and if wee can bee perswaded that the Flood shall come no more when we see the Rainbow how much more should the glorious sacraments of the new Couenant settle vs in the assurance of the vnchangeablenesse of Gods good will towards vs 9. That the couenant is kept not only in the word which cannot be blotted but also wee haue the keeping of it in our owne hearts Rom. 10.4.5 10. That God is now long since knowne to the Church by the name of Iehouah which notes both his constancy and al sufficiencie Exod. 6.3 This is comfortable if we consider the persons that may be capable of the priuiledges of this new Couenant God stands not vpon desert Esay 55.1 the stranger and the Eunuches may be as well accepted here as the sonnes and daughters if their
death and hell shall be dissolued Esa. 28.15.18 For they are all vnder the curse Galath 3.10 Yea if the Lord proceed to take his staffe euen beauty cut it asunder and dissolue euen his publike couenant he hath made with the nations oh how then beyond all hope of cure would bee their miserable condition or if he doe not doe that yet if he remoue their candlesticke by taking the meanes from them how will these people whole congregations that forget God be turned into hell and all the multitudes of them CHAP. XVIII Of the Propheticall office of Christ. HItherto concerning the principles that looke vpon the office of Christ in the whole The principles that concerne the parts of his office follow First there are three sorts or parts of the offices of Christ. 1. His Propheticall office 2. His Priestly office 3. His regall office This diuision may be proued two waies By the degrees of mans misery there are three degrees of mans misery 1. Ignorance of the euill into which he is plunged and of the good he wants 2. Ataxy or disorder in all parts of his heart and life 3. Guiltinesse arising hereby Now in the offices of Christ is a threefold remedy 1. His prophesie heales ignorance 2. His kingdome takes away disorder 3. His priesthood abolisheth guiltinesse By the parts of the typicall annointing in the old Testament For by oyle there was a threefold inauguration 1. of Prophets 2. of Priests 3. of Kings which shadowed out by externall oyle the anointing of Christ. First of the Propheticall office of Christ where 1. What it is 2. The parts of it 3. The maner of executing of it 1. The prophesie or propheticall offices of Christ is that worke of his by which hee instructs his Church concerning the will of God especially his secret counsell about redeeming mankind 2. The parts are two First the externall promulgation of doctrine Secondly the internal illumination of the heart or the making of doctrine effectuall by the spirit renewing and inclining the mind and will of man The externall promulgation of doctrine hath three things in it 1. The preaching of the Gospell or the doctrine concerning Gods grace or redemption in Christ Esa. 61.1 2. The interpretation of the law according to the minde of the law-giuer Matth. 5.17 c. 3. Prediction of things to come The manner of execution of this office was 1. Mediately by Patriarches and Prophets in the old Testament and by Apostles and ministers of the Gospell in the new Testament 2. Immediatly and that either by his diuine nature or by both natures By his diuine nature he instructed the Patriarches and Prophets in the old testament by visions Oracles and dreames By both natures by word of mouth in the new Testament hee himself taught amongst men 1. Pet. 3.19 and 1. Ioh. 1.5 The principles concerning the Propheticall office of Christ are 1. That in Christ are all the treasures of wisdome and knowledge Colos. 2.3 In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdome and knowledge 2. That it is Christ onely that reueales the truth out of the bosome of his Father Mat. 11.27 All things are giuen vnto mee of my Father and no man knoweth the Sonne but the Father neither knoweth any man the Father but the Sonne and he to whom the Son will reueale him Ioh. 1.18 No man hath seene God at any time the onely begotten Sonne which is in the bosome of the Father he hath reuealed him Ioh. 6.68 Then Simon Peter answered him Master to whom shall we goe thou hast the words of eternall life 3. That Christ hath himselfe taught doctrine amongst men Hebr. 1.2 In these last dayes he hath spoken vnto vs by his Sonne Esa. 61.1 The spirit of the Lord God is vpon me therefore hath the Lord annointed me hee hath sent me to preach good tidings vnto the poor to bind vp the broken-hearted to preach liberty to the captiues and to them that are bound the opening of the prison c. 4. That he hath reuealed the whole counsell of God Ioh. 15.15 For all things that I haue heard of my Father haue I made knowne vnto you Ioh. 17.8 For I haue giuen vnto them the words which thou gauest me and they haue receiued them and haue knowne surely that I came out from thee c. Deut. 18.18 I will raise them vp a Prophet from among their brethren like vnto thee and will put my words into his mouth and hee shall speake vnto them al that I shall command him 5. That the Ministery in the Church is by authoritie from Christ Matth. 23.34 Wherefore behold I send vnto you Prophets and Wisemen and Scribes Ephes. 4.11 He therefore gaue some to bee Apostles and some Prophets and some Euangelists and some Pastors and Teachers c. 2. Cor. 5.20 Now then are wee Embassadours for Christ as though God did beseech yee through vs wee pray you in Christs stead that yee bee reconciled to God c. 6. That the whole efficacy of doctrine either recorded in scriptures or thence taught vnto mē depends vpon Christ 2. Pet. 1.20.21 So that ye first know his that no prophesie in the Scripture is of any priuat motion For the prophesie came not in old time by the wit of man but holy men of God spake as they were moued by the holy Ghost 1. Cor. 3.6 I haue planted Apollos watred but God gaue the increase 7. That the Prophesie of Christ belongs generally vnto all Nations Isaiah 49.6 And he said it is a small thing that thou shouldst be my seruant to raise vp the tribes of Iacob to restore the desolations of Israel I will also giue thee for a light of the Gentiles that thou maiest be my saluation vnto the ende of the world though especially Christ was sent vnto the lost sheep of Israel Mat. 15.24 But he answered and said I am not sent but vnto the lost sheepe of Israel Zach. 9.10 He shall speake peace vnto the heathen and his dominion shall bee from sea vnto sea and from the riuer vnto the end of the Land These principles may serue For information and that in diuers things 1. First we may hereby vnderstand the reason why Christ is called the messenger the Angel of the Couenant the Word Wisdome the Minister of Circumcision Pastor Doctor Arch-bishop the Apostle of our profession c. namely because of his Prophetship and Ministery in reuealing Gods will to the Church 2. We may here take notice of the dignity of the Ministry we al serue vnder Christ and haue our commissions signed and sealed by him Christ himselfe was a Minister of Circumcision Rom. 15.8 And anointed to preach the Gospell Isai. 61.1 And he worketh mighty things by the seruice of men and that the calling might bee the more honourable he would not write Scripture himselfe nor continue his preaching but left both to his seruants so the head did dictate and the members did write it Wherefore let
Behold I gaue him for a Witnesse to the people for a Prince and a Master vnto the people c. 7. Inwardly as well as outwardly to this end hee hath giuen vs the anointing euen his spirit in our hearts to teach vs all things 1. Iohn 2.27 But the anointing which ye receiued of him dwelleth in you and ye need not that any man teach you but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things and it is true and is not lying and as it taught you ye shall abide in him 8. Compassionately with singular tendernesse fitting himself to euery ones nature and ability Iohn 10.11 I am the good shepheard the good shepheard giueth his life for his sheepe Ezech. 34.23 And I will set vp a shepheard ouer them and hee shall feede them euen my seruant Dauid he shall feede them and hee shall bee their shepheard c. Isaiah 40.11 He shall feede his flocke like a shepheard he shall gather the lambes with his arme and carry them in his bosome and shall guide them with young c. For the third It is exceeding comfortable that he will teach al that come vnto him euen al that are giuen to him of God all the godly of what sex condition or nation soeuer They shal be al taught of God from the least to the greatest A b c daries as well as they of higher formes Isaiah 54.13 And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord and much peace shall be to thy children Ier. 31.34 And they shall teach no more euerie man his neighbour and euery man his brother saying know the Lord for they shall all know me from the least of them vnto the greatest of them saith the Lord. And therefore let vs obserue these things and acknowledge this goodnesse and receiue his testimony for thereby we seale that God is true Iohn 3.33 Hee that hath receiued his testimony hath sealed that God is true c. Thus much of his propheticall office CHAP. XIX Of the Priestly office of Christ. THe Priestly office of Christ follows which is that part of his function whereby he maketh satisfaction vnto God for men This office in the execution of it hath in it three things or there be three things Christ must doe as the Priest of the Church 1. He must obey the Law of God perfectly 2. Hee must make expiation for our sinnes by sacrificing to God 3. He must make intercession for vs. First of the principles that concerne his obedience there are foure things wee are bound to beleeue concerning the obedience of Christ 1. First that he was without sin in his nature Ioh. 8.46 Which of you can rebuke me of sinne 2. Cor. 5.21 For he hath made him to be sinne for vs which knew no sinne 1. Pet. 1.19 But with the precious blood of Christ as of a Lambe vndefiled and without spot 1. Pet. 2.22.23 Who did no sin neither was there guile found in his mouth c. Heb. 4.15 For we haue not an high Priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities but was in all things tempted in like sort yet without sinne c. 2. Secondly that he fulfilled the whole law of God perfectly in all his actions Hence called the holy one and the holy Child Iesus Act. 2.27 Because thou wilt not leaue my soule in hell neither wilt suffer thine holy one to see corruption Act. 13.35 Act. 3.14 But ye denied the holy one and the iust Act. 4.27 For doubtlesse against thine holy Sonne Iesus whom thou hast annointed c. 30. So that thou stretch forth thine hand that healing and signes and wonders may bee done by the name of thine holy Sonne Iesus 1. Ioh. 2.20 But yee haue an oyntment from him that is holy and ye haue knowne all things Thirdly that hee fulfilled the law not onely for himselfe but for vs for our sakes Rom. 8.3.4 For that that was impossible to the law in as much as it was weak because of the flesh God sending his owne Sonne in the similitude of sinfull flesh and for sinne condemned sinne in the flesh c. That the righteousnesse of the law might be fulfilled in vs which walke not after the flesh but after the spirit Rom. 10.4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousnes vnto euery one that beleeueth Rom. 5.18 Likewise then as by the offence of one the fault came on all men to condemnation so by the iustifying of one the benefit abounded toward all men to the iustification of life That this righteousnesse of his is an euerlasting righteousnes that is such a righteousnesse as serues for the Elect of all ages and such a righteousnesse as cannot be lost Dan. 9.24 Seuenty weekes are determined vpon thy people and vpon thine holy City to finish the wickednesse and to seale vp the sinnes and to reconcile the iniquity and to bring in euerlasting righteousnesse The vses may be For consolation for hereby all the faithfull may be assured that though they bee very vnrighteous in themselues yet they are made the righteousnesse of God in him Ierem. 23.6 In his dayes Iuda shall be saued and Israel shall dwell safely and this is the name whereby they shall call him The Lord our righteousnesse 2. Cor. 5.21 For he hath made him to be sinne for vs which knew no sinne that we should be made the righteousnesse of God in him Hee is the end of the law to euery one that beleeueth wee haue as certaine iustification to life by his obedience as euer we were subiect to death by Adams disobedience Rom. 5.19 For as by one mans disobedience many were made sinners so by the obedience of one shall many also be made righteous And if his righteousnesse bee ours how rich are we and how ought our hearts to bee established in his well doing c. Secondly for instruction and so it should worke in vs two things 1. First an establishment of faith in our reconciliation and a willing yeelding of our selues to acknowledge this free gift of God in his Sonne 2. Cor. 5.21 Rom. 10.4 2. Secondly an imitation of his maruellous holinesse a striuing to expresse his vertues that we may be holy as he is holy for he communicates the benefit of his obedience onely to such as liue iustly and walke not after the flesh but after the spirit Rom. 8.4 That the righteousnes of the law might bee fulfilled in vs which walke not after the flesh but after the spirit 1. Pet. 2.9 But yee are a chosen generation a royall priesthood an holy nation a peculiar people that ye should shew forth the vertues of him that hath called you out of darknes into his maruellous light c. Matth. 11.29 Take my yoke on you and learne of mee that I am meeke and lowly in heart and yee shall finde rest vnto your soules c. 2. Cor. 5.17 Therefore if any man be in Christ let him be a new creature c. Thirdly for
earth much more shall we not escape if wee turne away from him that speaketh from heauen c. 10. To seeke those things that are aboue where he sitteth at the right hand of God and to haue our conuersation in heauen since as subiects of his kingdome wee are freemen of the new Ierusalem the Metropolis of his kingdome Philip. 3.20 But our conuersation is in heauen from whence also we looke for the Sauiour euen the Lord Iesus Christ. Col. 3.1 If ye then be risen with Christ seeke those things which are aboue where Christ sitteth at the right hand of God c. 11. To dwell securely as acknowledging wee haue secure protection in his seruice and not to be afraid of any feare Ier. 23. 5.6 Behold the daies come saith the Lord that I will raise vnto Dauid a righteous branch and a King shall raigne and prosper and shall execute iudgement and iustice in the earth In his daies Iuda shall be saued and Israel shall dwell safely and this is the name whereby they shall call him The Lord our righteousnes c. 12. To carry our selues as the seruants of the King His subiects should differ in their manners from all other nations and his seruāts should order themselues so as may become his honour And thus wee should alwaies resist to our power the kingdom of darkenesse and set our selues to ouercome the world and as conquerours to denie our selues in the affection to the profits and pleasures c. of the world and liue out of the feare of the disgrace of the world knowing it is honor enough to be such a Kings seruants and out of feare euen of death it selfe as knowing our deliuerance by the victory which our Sauiour had ouer death and the assurance that he will come againe and make our vile bodies like to his glorious body And as this may teach men in general so there be diuers things to bee vrged from hence vpon particular persons as First Kings Iudges and Rulers of the people should take notice of this and do their homage and bring their presents to this King of al Kings Psalm 68.29 and seeing they are but his Vicegerents they should bee learned in the Lawes of his kingdome and get wisdome to carry themselues so as may become those that represent his person not daring to oppose the gouernment of Christ or to set themselues to oppresse his subiects Psalm 2.10.11 Secondly Ministers should especially stirre vp themselues to mind this great worke of separating men from the world to the kingdome of Christ. Thirdly priuat Christians must take heed of iudging one another for all iudgement is committed to the Sonne and hee is the onely supreme Iudge and Lawgiuer and therefore the Apostle Iames inferres wee ought not to iudge our brethren Fourthly such as haue parted with their friends by death must not sorrow for them that are gone as men without hope seeing the kingdom of God is come vpon them and they are with the Lord and their dead bodies shall Christ bring with him in his comming therefore they should not shame the gouernment of Christ by the ignorance heereof but comfort themselues with these things 1. Thes. 4.13 Secondly this may serue for wonderful consolation to the godly and that two waies 1. The children of Zion may reioyce in their King Psal. 149. 2. Let Israel reioyce in him that made him and let the children of Zion reioyce in their King If they consider their wonderfull happinesse in being subiect to such a King as 1. Was chosen and appointed by God himselfe immediately Psalm 2.6.7.8 Euen I haue set my King vpon Zion mine holy mountaine 2. Was qualified with gifts aboue all his fellowes euen aboue all the men on earth or Angels in heauen Psalm 45.2 3. Is independant his subiects are not charged with supporting or defending him but he defends and maintains them Isaiah 9.7 4. Is alwaies present with his subiects Matth. 28.20 And loe I am with you alway vntill the end of the world Amen 5. Is head of all principalities and powers and hath all honour and power giuen him in heauen and earth rules ouer all nations people and languages Col. 2.9 Dan. 7.13 14.27 6. Cannot die but liues for euer 2. They ought exceedingly to reioyce if they consider the priuiledges they haue in being subiects in the Kingdome of Christ for thereby 1. They haue the fauor and presence of God with them his couenant of peace and his sanctuary with them Ezech. 37.26.27 2. They haue great dignitie they are made Kings themselues a roiall Nation they are Princes of the people euen all the people of the God of Abraham Reuel 1.6 1. Peter 2.9 3. They haue roiall entertainement and are daily feasted of their King daily banquets in the Word and Sacraments Christ supping with them Reuel 3. yea giuing his owne body for meate and his own blood for drink Isa. 25.6 4. They dwell safely and find shelter and succour in all distresses Isaiah 25.4 Ezech. 34.25 Michael the great Prince standeth for the children of the people Dan. 12.1 5. Their King is exalted to the supremest honour and therefore is able to preserue them wonderfully and promised before hee was exalted that he would prouide them a place Iohn 14.2 CHAP. XXIII Of the Church Ephes. 1.22 And hath made all things subiect vnder his feet and hath appointed him ouer all things to be the head to the Church c. HItherto of the meanes of grace the subiect of grace followes and that is the Church The Church is the whole multitude of men elected to eternall life by God in Christ. Concerning the Church there are these Principles First that it is a companie of men separate from the world gathered by the voice of Christ the Scripture still makes a difference between the world and the Church and the word signifieth such as are gathered together by the voice of Gods Criers Iohn 17.9 I pray for them I pray not for the world but for them which thou hast giuen me for they are thine Vers. 14. I haue giuen them thy Word and the world hath hated them because they are not of the world as I am not of the world c. Secondly that she is one Eph. 4.4 There is one body and one spirit euen as ye are called in one hope of your saluation Cant. 6.8 But my Doue is alone and my vndefiled shee is the onely daughter of her mother and shee is deare to her that bare her c. Gal. 3.28 There is neither Iew nor Grecian there is neither bond nor free there is neither male nor femal for ye are all one in Iesus Christ. And the Church is one as in many other respects so because all the godly are mistically vnited in one body Rom. 12.5 So we being many are one body in Christ and euery one one anothers members Ephes. 4.15.16 But let vs follow the truth in loue and in all things grow vp into him
the subiect of grace viz. the Church the degrees of grace in this life are two First Iustification Secondly Sanctification Concerning Iustification there are these principles First that al men haue sinned and the whole world is guilty before God naturally and in themselues Rom. 3.19.23 Now wee know that whatsoeuer the Law saith it saith to them which are vnder the Law that euery mouth may be stopped and all the world be culpable before God For there is no difference for all haue sinned and are depriued of the glory of God Gal. 3.22 But the Scripture hath concluded all vnder sinne that the promise by the faith of Iesus Christ should bee giuen to them that beleeue Secondly that by mens owne workes no flesh can be iustified Rom. 3.20 Therefore by the workes of the Law shall no flesh be iustified in his sight for by the Law commeth the knowledge of sinne Titus 3.5 Not by the workes of righteousnesse which wee had done but according to his mercy hee saued vs by the washing of the new birth and the renewing of the holy Ghost Gal. 3.11 And that no man is iustified by the Law in the sight of God it is euident for the iust shall liue by faith Phil. 3.9 And might be found in him that is not hauing mine own righteousnesse which is of the Law but that which is through the faith of Christ euen the righteousnesse which is of God through faith Iustified I say before God for by workes wee may bee iustified before men of which iustification the Apostle Iames speakes in his second Chapter c. Thirdly that the righteousnesse which maketh vs iust is in Iesus Christ being made ours by imputation 2. Cor. 5.21 For he hath made him to bee sinne for vs which knew no sinne that we should be made the righteousnesse of God in him 1. Cor. ◠30 But ye are of him in Christ Iesus who of God is made vnto vs wisedome and righteousnes and sanctification and redemption Rom. 5.18.19 Likewise then as by the offence of one the fault came on all men to condemnation so by the iustifying of one the benefit abounded toward all men to the iustification of life For as by one mans disobedience many were made sinners so by the obedience of one shall many also bee made righteous Phil. 3.9 And might be found in him that is not hauing mine owne righteousnesse which is of the Law but that which is through the faith of Christ euen the righteousnes which is of God through faith Ier. 23.6 In his daies Iuda shall be saued and Israel shall dwell safely and this is the name whereby they shall call him The Lord our righteousnesse Rom. 4.7 Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiuen and whose sinnes are couered c. 4. That this righteousnesse is made ours onely by faith and so we are iustified onely by faith as it apprehends and laies hold vpon and relies on the righteousnes of Christ Rom. 3.28 Therfore we conclude that a man is iustified by faith without the workes of the Law Gal. 2.16 Know that a man is not iustified by the works of the Law but by the faith of Iesus Christ euen we I say haue beleeued in Iesus Christ that we might be iustified by the faith of Christ and not by the workes of the Law because that by the works of the Law no flesh shall be iustified Rom. 1.26.17 For I am not ashamed of the Gospell of Christ for it is the power of God vnto saluation to euery one that beleeueth to the Iew first and also to the Grecian For by it the righteousnesse of God is reuealed from faith to faith as it is written The iust shall liue by faith Heb. 11.6 But without faith it is vnpossible to please God 5. That this faith is the gift of God Ioh. 6.29 Iesus answered and said vnto them This is the worke of God that yee beleeue in him whom he hath sent Rom. 12.3 For I say through the grace that is giuen vnto me to euery one that is among you that no man presume to vnderstand aboue that which is meet to vnderstand but that he vnderstand according to sobrietie as God hath delt to euerie man the measure of faith Phil. 1.29 For vnto you it is giuen for Christ that not onely yee should beleeue in him but also suffer for his sake Ephesians 2.8 For by grace are yee saued through faith and that not of your selues it is the gift of God Hebrewes 12.2 Looking vnto Iesus the author and finisher of our faith c. Sixthly that all men haue not faith Isaiah 53.1 Who will belieue our report and to whom is the arme of the Lord reuealed 2. Thess. 3.2 For all men haue not faith And therefore this faith is called the faith of Gods Elect Titus 1.1 Paul a seruant of God and an Apostle of Iesus Christ according to the faith of Gods Elect Seuenthly that there is but one kind of faith by which all the elect of God are iustified Ephes 4.5 There is one Lord one Faith one Baptisme c. Eighthly that being iustified by faith wee haue peace with God and forgiuenesse of all our sins Rom. 3.25 Whom God hath set forth to bee a reconciliation through faith in his blood to declare his righteousnesse by the forgiuenesse of sinnes that are passed through the patience of God c. Rom. 5.1 Then being iustified by faith we haue peace toward God through our Lord Iesus Christ. The consideration of these principles should worke in vs First a speciall care of diuers duties as 1. The detestation of that doctrine that teacheth men to rest vpon the merits of their owne works contrary to these expresse Scriptures Rom. 3.20 Therefore by the works of the Law shall no flesh be iustified in his sight for by the Law commeth the knowledge of sin Gal. 3.10 For as many as are of the workes of the Law are vnder the curse for it is written Cursed is euery man that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the Law to doe them Ephes. 2.8.9 For by grace are ye saued through faith and that not of your selues it is the gift of God Not of workes least any man should boast himselfe Titus 3.5 Not by the works of righteousnesse which we had done but according to his mercy he saued vs. All which we should carrie in our minds 2. The inflāmation of the loue of Christ in vs and the admiration of the riches of Gods grace Rom. 5.6.7.8 For Christ when we were yet of no strength at his time died for the vngodly Doubtlesse one will scarce die for a righteous man but yet for a good man it may be that one dare die But God setteth out his loue toward vs seeing that while we were yet sinners Christ died for vs. 3. An especiall care aboue al things to beleeue accounting all things but dung in comparison of the knowledge of Christ herein Without this faith it
glories in our bodies then so it may adde vnto our comfort and the establishment of it if we consider three things more to wit first the certaintie of all this that it shall come Secondly the shortnesse of the time thither Thirdly the condition of the body till then For the first wee should not doubt of it because we are borne againe to this hope wee are children of the resurrection now and so called Luke 20.36 And besides Christ hath a charge to loose nothing no not of the bodies of the Saints Ioh. 6.39 And this is the Fathers will which hath sent me that of all which he hath giuen mee I should loose nothing but should raise it vp againe at the last day And he came to this end to dissolue the workes of the diuell which is sinne and death by sin 1. Iohn 3.8 Christ also is the first fruit of the dead 1. Cor. 15.20 And further we haue felt of the power of Christ in raising our soules alreadie he that by his word made all things can by the same voice bring backe our bodies againe Ob. That the bodies resolued to dust and ashes should rise is against cōmon sense and reason Solut. It is aboue reason but not against it Can men of ashes make glasse and cannot God of dust make againe the body Ob. But the bodies dead are often mingled with the bodies of beasts or other creatures Sol. The Goldsmith by his art can seuer mettals and extract one mettall out of another and cannot God distinguish these dusts c Ob. Flesh and blood cannot come into the Kingdome of heauen 1. Cor. 15.50 Sol. By flesh and blood is not meant the body simply but as it is clothed with sin and infirmity which shall be done away in the resurrection Ob. The condition of man and beast is one Eccles. 3.19 For the condition of the children of men and the condition of beasts are euen as one condition vnto them As the one dieth so dieth the other for they haue all one breath and there is no excellencie of man aboue the beast for all is vanitie Sol. First they are like in dying not in the estate after death Secondly it may be said those words are the obiection of the Epicure not the opinion of Salomon 〈◊〉 second it may adde to our comfort that the Lord is at hand Phil. 4.5 and that it is but a little season thither to Reuel 6.11 〈◊〉 third the present condition of our bodies euen in the graue should comfort vs for 1. The couenant of God is of force euen with them as they lie in the dust of the earth Mat. 22. 31.32 2. The vnion with Christ holds still Col. 1.18 3. They are not dead but a sleepe in Iesus 1. Thes. 4.13 〈◊〉 fourth wo vnto wicked men euen because of the resurrection they shal sleep for a while in their bodies but when they wake they must be had away to execution They that haue done euill shall rise vnto shame and contempt and condemnation their bodies shall rise in dishonor deformitie passible tormented with eternall and vnutterable tortures liuing in darkenesse without light liuing I say for euer onely to feele the paines of eternal dying shut vp in prison and denied the comfort of the meanest creatures it were well for them if they did neuer rise Reuel 20.14.15 Dan. 12.2 Iohn 5.29 CHAP. XXVII Of the last Iudgement 2. Cor. 5.10 For wee must all appeare before the iudgement seate of Christ that euery man may receiue the things which are done in his bodie according to that he hath done whether it be good or euill HItherto of the Resurrection the last Iudgment followes The Principles concerning the last iudgement are these First that there shall bee a generall iudgement Iude 14.15 And Enoch also the seuenth from Adam prophesied of such saying Behold the Lord commeth with thousand of Saints To giue iudgement against all men and to rebuke all the vngodly among them of all their wicked deedes which they haue vngodlily committed and of all their cruell speakings which wicked sinners haue spoken against him Psalm 9.8 For he shall iudge the world in righteousnesse and shall iudge the people with equitie Psalm 50.1 The God of Gods euen the Lord hath spoken and called the earth from the rising vp of the Sunne vnto the going downe thereof c. Heb. 9.27 And as it is appointed vnto men that they shal once die and after that commeth the iudgement Dan. 7.9.10 I beheld till the thrones were set vp and the Ancient of daies did sit whose garment was white as snow and the haire of his head like the pure wooll his throne was like the fierie flame and his wheeles as burning fier A fierie streame issued and came forth from before him thousand thousands ministred vnto him and ten thousand thousands stood before him the Iudgement was set and the bookes opened Secondly that Christ shall be the Iudge and that in the humane nature Act. 10.42 And hee commanded vs to preach vnto the people and to testifie that it is he that is ordained of God a Iudge of quicke and dead Acts 17.13 Because he hath appointed a day in the which hee will iudge the world in righteousnesse by that man whom he hath appointed whereof he hath giuen an assurance to al men in that he raised him from the dead 2. Tim. 4.1 I charge thee therfore before God and before the Lord Iesus Christ which shall iudge the quicke and dead at his appearing and in his Kingdome Iohn 5.22 For the Father iudgeth no man but hath committed all iudgement vnto the Sonne Ob. The Apostles shall iudge the twelue Tribes Matth. 19.28 Sol. 1. The Apostles iudge the twelue Tribes by their faith and doctrine the example whereof shall take away all excuse from the Israelites 2. They shall be as Iustices of Peace on the Bench and consent to Christs iudgement Ob. The Saints shall iudge the world 1. Cor. 6.2 Sol. As assessors with Christ bearing witnesse to it approouing it and assenting to it as the Apostles before 2. As they are members of Christ the Iudge 3. As their example shall bee alleaged to condemne the wicked Ob. But the Father and holy Ghost iudge too Sol. The Father doth iudge by the Sonne as by his representatiue Wisdome Iohn 5.22 For the Father iudgeth no man but hath committed all iudgement vnto the Sonne Dan. 7.13.14 As I beheld in visions by night behold one like the Sonne of Man came in the clouds of heauen and approched vnto the Ancient of daies and they brought him before him 14. And he gaue him dominion and honour and a Kingdome that all people nations c. Or thus the authority of iudging is common to the three persons but the execution onely proper to the Sonne Thirdly all men shall be iudged at that day iust and vniust quicke and dead small great Iude 15. To giue iudgement against all men and to rebuke all the
Seasons both in Summer and Winter Matth. 24.29 The sea roares and is outragious men are secure now as in the daies of Noah Matth. 24.37 3. Were it that it were further off yet the day of death which is the day of thy particular iudgement is not farre off Ob. But yet sure there will be some kind of warning Sol. No he will come suddenly as the thiefe in the night 1. Thes. 5.2.3 For ye your selues know perfectly that the day of the Lord shal come euē as a thiefe in the night For when they shall say peace and safetie then shall come vpon them sudden destruction as the trauaile vpon a woman with child and they shall not escape Mat. 24.39 And knew nothing till the flood came and tooke them all away so shall also the comming of the Sonne of Man be And the rather should men be affected with the terror of this day and bee thereby perswaded to repentance 1. Because God will be Iudge himselfe Psalm 50.6 and therefore there can be no appeale hee being supreme Iudge 2. Because it is a finall sentence there will be no time of respit or change or reuocation 3. Because they shall be iudged by him whom they haue so much despised and wronged Reuel 1.7.8 Behold he commeth in the cloudes and euerie eie shall see him yea euen they which pierced him through and all kindreds of the earth shall waile before him 4. Because Gods proceedings shall bee all cleared and euerie tongue shall confesse that God hath done nothing but Iustice Rom. 2.5 It is a day of the declaration of the iust iudgement of God and Rom. 14.11 And this iustice will the more appeare 1. By the equitie of Gods dealing they haue had their daies of sinne and therefore reason hee should haue his day of wrath Rom. 2.5 2. By the consideration of his patiēce what a wonderful while hath God deferred this last iudgment 2. Pet. 3.9 The Lord is not slacke concerning his promise as some men count slacknesse but is patient toward vs and would haue no man to perish but would all men to come to repentance Rom. 2.4 Or despisest thou the riches of his bountifulnesse and patience and long suffering not knowing that the bountifulnesse of God leadeth thee to repentance c. 3. God will then discouer a world of offences in euery wicked mā that are not now knowne 4. God will then vnfold the secrets of his Counsell and bring forth exquisite reasons of his proceedings which are now like a great deepe vnto vs Rom. 11.33 O the deepenesse of the riches both of the wisdome and knowledge of God! how vnsearchable are his iudgements and his waies past finding out c. And as this doctrine is terrible in respect of the parts of their miserie and in respect of the taking off of all obiections so is it because the particular sinners are particularly mentioned in Scripture that shall be sure to speede ill at that day for Christ with terror will then iudge 1. The man of sin who shall be sure to be consumed with the breath of his mouth though hee lord it for a time ouer all that is called God 2. Thes. 2.4 2. All that worship the beast and receiue his marke shall bee cast into the lake that burnes with fier and brimstone Reuel 19.20 and 14.9.10 3. All Atheisticall mockers of religion and the comming of Christ 2. Pet. 3.3 4. All false teachers which bring in damnable heresies 2. Pet. 2.1 5. All Apostates that sin willingly after they haue receiued the truth Hebr. 10.26 For if wee sinne willingly after that wee haue receiued the knowledge of the truth there remaineth no more sacrifice for sinnes 27. But a fearfull looking for of iudgement and violent fier which shall deuoure the aduersaries c. 6. All goates that is vnruly Christians that will not be kept within the moūds of Christs gouernment Matth. 25.32 7. All Hypocrites shall then be vnmasked Luk. 12.1.2 Psal. 50.17 Take heede to your selues of the leuen of the Pharisies which is hypocrisie 2. For there is nothing couered that shall not bee reuealed neither hid that shall not be knowne 8. All railers shall receiue the punishment of their vngodly words Psal. 50.19 Iude 15. To giue iudgement against all men and to rebuke all the vngodly among thē of all their wicked deeds which they haue vngodlily committed and of all their cruell speaking which wicked sinners haue spoken against him c. 9. All censorious and masterlike men that iudge other men in what they are guilty themselues Rom. 2.1 Therefore thou art inexcusable O man whosoeuer thou art that iudgest for in that that thou iudgest another thou condemnest thy selfe for thou that iudgest dost the same things 3. And thinkest thou this O thou man that iudgest them which doe such things and doest the same that thou shalt escape the iudgement of God c Iam. 3.1 c. My brethren bee not many masters knowing that we shall receiue the greater condemnation c. 10. All mercilesse and couetous rich men Iam. 5.1 Goe to now ye rich men weepe and howle for your miseries that shal come vpon you 2. Your riches are corrupt and your garments are moth-eaten 3. Your gold and siluer is cankred and the rust of them shall bee a witnesse against you and shall eate your flesh as it were fier ye haue heaped vp treasures for the last dayes 5. Ye haue liued in pleasure on the earth and in wantonnesse yee haue nourished your hearts as in a day of slaughter Matth. 25.41 Then shall he say vnto them on the left hand depart from me ye cursed into euerlasting fier which is prepared for the diuell and his angels 42. For I was an hungred and you gaue me no meate I thirsted and ye gaue me no drinke c. Iam. 2.13 For there shall bee iudgement mercilesse to him that sheweth no mercy 11. All whoremongers and adulterers Heb. 13.4 Marriage is honourable among all and the bed vndefiled but whoremongers and adulterers God will iudge c. 12. All drunkards and Epicures Luk. 21.34 Take heede to your selues lest at any time your hearts be oppressed with surfetting and drunkennesse and cares of this life and lest that day come vpon you at vnawares 13. All deceitfull persons with their scant measures and false waights Mich. 6.10.11 Are yet the treasures of wickednesse in the house of the wicked and the scant measure that is abominable Shall I iustifie the wicked ballances and the bagge of deceitfull waights 14. All liars and all that loue lies Reuel 21.8 But the fearfull and vnbeleeuing and the abominable and murtherers and whoremongers and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars shall haue their part in the lake which burneth with fier and brimstone which is the second death Reuel 22.15 For without shall be dogs and enchanters and whoremongers and murtherers and idolaters whosoeuer loueth or maketh lies c. 15. Lastly all that disobey the
Heauen Thus the Patriarches comforted themselues Heb. 11.13 2. Against the griefe for the death of our friends why doe we sorrow for them that are so happie 3. Against the many afflictions of this life the feare and care of which should bee swallowed with the hope of eternall life as these places shew Rom. 8.18 For I count that the afflictions of this present time are not worthie of the glorie which shall be shewed vnto vs. 2. Cor. 4.17.18 For our light affliction which is but for a moment causeth vnto vs a farre most excellent and an eternall waight of glory while wee looke not on the things which are seene but on the things which are not seene for the things which are seene are temporall but the things which are not seene are eternall 4. Against the feare of death for these principles teach vs to belieue that the dead are blessed Reuelat. 14.13 Then I heard a voice from heauen saying vnto me Write Blessed are the dead which hereafter die in the Lord euen so saith the Spirit for they rest from their labours and their workes follow them And that this death will be quickly swallowed vp of victorious life 1. Cor. 15.16.17 The sting of death is sinne and the strength of sinne is the Law But thanks be to God which hath giuen vs victorie through our Lord Iesus Christ. These comforts will bee the more abundant if wee consider either first the particulars of this glory secondly or the properties of it For the first our glory in heauen may be thus shadowed out It consists of perfection of holinesse and happinesse Our holinesse shall then bee perfect we shall be without spot or wrinkle Ephes. 5.27 Gods people shall then bee all righteous Isaiah 60.21 Thy people also shall be all righteous And this perfection shall be both of Nature and of Action In nature we shall be perfectly holy which may bee considered in respect of the holinesse First of our soules secondly of our bodies thirdly of our soule and bodie together First in our soules there shall bee 1. Exquisite knowledge wee shal then know as we are known when that which is in part is done away we shall no more vnderstand as children but shall haue our minds enlightned aboue the knowledge of Prophets and Apostles in this world for God himselfe shall be our euerlasting light 1. Cor. 13.10.11.12 But when that which is perfect is come then that which is in part shall be abolished When I was a child I spake as a child I vnderstood as a child I thought as a child but when I became a man I put away childishnes or childish things For now we see through a glasse darkely but then shall we see face to face now I know in part but then shall I know euen as I am knowne Isaiah 60.19 Thou shalt haue no more Sunne to shine by day neither shall the brightnes of the Moone shine vnto thee for the Lord shall be thine euerlasting light and thy God thy glory 2. Freedome of will when all the impediments of desire and endeuours shall bee taken off which now as fetters hinder vs in communion with God and as cords hale vs after vanitie where it shall bee also as easie to doe good as to desire it 3. Vnspeakeable charitie our hearts being fild with al those affections that are now any way required in the word of God either toward God or man 1. Cor. 13.8 Loue doth neuer fall away though that prophesying be abolished or the tongues cease or knowledge vanish away What is now the life of our liues more then to loue and to be beloued This earthly loue is but a sparke in comparison Secondly in our bodies there shall be a perfect conformitie of all the members for the seruice of God and the soule they shall bee no more weapons of vnrighteousnesse as they haue been Rom. 6.13 Rom. 6.19 Thirdly in both body and soule there shall be 1. The perfect Vision of the admirable beauties of God which of it selfe is more worth then the possession of the whole world and this Vision of God shall not onely be mentall by contemplation of which 2. Cor. 12.2 but also corporal for so Iob auoucheth Cap. 19.25 For I am sure my Redeemer liueth and he shall stand the last on earth Vers. 26. And though after my skin wormes destroy this bodie yet shall I see God in my flesh Vers. 27. Whom I my selfe shall see and my eies behold and none other for mee though my reines are consumed within me We shall then see him perfectly in the creatures and haue him perfectly in our selues and behold the Trinitie in the glorie of it after a way now vnutterable 2. The perfection of the image of God in both we shall then be as hee is partaking perfectly of the diuine nature 1. Iohn 3.2 2. Pet. 1.4 which is signified by those pure white garments mentioned Reuel 3.4.5 6.11 7.13 19.8 Thus shall we be perfect in nature The perfection of our actions or obedience shall then bee obtained wee shall then serue God loue our brethren without all defect We shall praise God with the Angels to all eternitie for that shall be the maine outward seruice of God for prayer shal thē cease Reuel 4.10.11 Thus of the perfection of holinesse The perfection of happines shal haue in it diuers things The first part of our felicity is acknowledgement in the kingdom of heauen which is a worke of Christ declaring vs in particular to bee elected of God and his children and friends And this is more comfortable because we shall thus bee proclaimed the heires apparant of heauen before God and all his holy Angels Matth. 10.32 Whosoeuer therefore shall confesse mee before men him will I confesse also before my father which is in heauen 2. Glorious liberty reserued for the sonnes of God vnto that day of which Rom. 8.21 And this liberty may be considered two waies viz. 1. From what we shall bee free 2. To what we shall bee free For the first we shall then be free First from the torments and miseries of the damned in hell wee shall haue an eternall discharge from that most fearfull place which is promised vs already in this life Rom. 8.1 Now then there is no condemnation to them that are in Christ Iesus which walke not after the flesh but after the spirit c. Reuel 20.14 And death and Hell were cast into the lake of fier this is the second death c. Secondly from the displeasure of God he will neuer be angry with vs any more there shall be no more curse or Anathema Reuel 22.3 And there shall bee no more curse but the throne of God and of the Lambe shall be in it and his seruants shall serue him Thirdly from sinne and the power to sinne our holinesse shal be better then Adams in Paradise he might sinne but wee shall be confirmed as the Angels of heauen so as we
and not to mee onely but vnto all them also that loue his appearing Reuel 21.24 And the people which are saued shall walke in the light of it and the Kings of the earth shall bring their glory and honour vnto it Which as it imports a perfection of splendor in euery Saint so it doth not dissolue the degrees or orders of glory euery man shall bee aduanced in his owne lot Dan. 12.13 But goe thou thy way till the end be for thou shalt rest and stand vp in thy lot at the end of the dayes 1. Cor. 15.40 There are also heauenly bodies and earthly bodies but the glory of the heauenly is one and the glory of the earthly is another Patriarches Prophets Euangelists Martyrs shall not want their eminency in heauen The fourth is dominion and rule ouer all creatures that which we lost in Adam shall be perfectly restored in heauen after the last iudgement Reuel 2.26 For hee that ouercommeth and keepeth my words vnto the end to him will I giue power ouer nations The fifth is possession of all the pleasures which are at Gods right hand vnutterable ioyes riuers of pleasures This is that which in a sparing language is called the time of refreshing Act. 3.19 Amend your liues therefore and turne that your sinnes may be put away when the time of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord. Psalm 16.11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life in thy presence is the fulnesse of ioy and at thy right hand there are pleasures for euermore For if the ioy of the godly in this life be called 1. Pet. 1.17 A ioy vnspeakable and glorious And if the Lord giue them drink out of the riuer of thy pleasures in this world as Psal. 36.8.9 How much more shall it exceed all language in heauen called the masters ioy The felicities which I haue here mentioned are for the most part common both to soule and body Now there is a peculiar felicity in heauen belonging to the bodies of men which consists in that maruellous transfiguration of them to a condition in respect of qualities farre aboue what they are or can be in this world Our bodies in generall shall be made like the glorious body of Christ though on earth they are but vile Philip. 3.21 Who shall change our vile body that it may be fashioned like vnto his glorious body according to the working wherby hee is able euen to subdue all things vnto himselfe They shall enioy eternall health but of the glory of the body I haue entreated before in the vse of the doctrine of the Resurrection Thus of the parts of this glory The Adiuncts of it follow And so there bee foure things in the consideration of the glory to come should much affect vs. First that it is a glory vnspeakable that is it is so great that no language on earth can describe it For though we mention those foresaid parts of it yet our narrow hearts and mouthes are infinitely straitned in comparison of the full glory of man in these things 1 Cor. 2.9 But as it is written The things which eye hath not seene neither eare hath heard neither came into mans heart are which God hath prepared for them that loue him c. Secondly that it is certaine and we cannot be disappointed of it else it were vncomfortable to heare of so much felicitie and holinesse and yet not bee sure to possesse it The certaintie of it that God will bestow such glory may appeare diuers waies 1. There is an act or ordinance for it in Gods eternall Counsell 2. Tim. 2.19 But the foundation of God remaineth sure and hath this seale The Lord knoweth who are his and Let euery one that calleth on the name of Christ depart from iniquitie Ephes. 1.4 As he hath chosen vs in him before the foundation of the world that wee should bee holy and without blame before him in loue Rom. 8.30 Moreouer whom he predestinate them also he called and whom he called them also he iustified and whom hee iustified them he also glorified Matth. 25.34 Come ye blessed of my Father inherit ye the Kingdome prepared for you from the foundations of the world 2. Christ purchased it with his blood Ephes. 1.14 3. Christ hath made intercession when he was on earth vnto his Father that hee might haue his redeemed Ones to be where he is Iohn 17.11 And now am I no more in the world but these are in the world and I come to thee holy Father keepe them in thy name Vers. 24. Father I will that they which thou hast giuen mee bee with me euen where I am that they may behold my glory which thou hast giuen me for thou louedst me before the foundation of the world 4. God hath made vs many promises and giuen vs not onely his word but his oth to assure it vnto vs Heb. 6.17 So God willing more abundantly to shew vnto the heires of promise the stablenesse of his Counsell bound himselfe by an oath Vers. 18. That by two immutable things wherein it is impossible that God should lie we might haue strong consolation which haue our refuge to hold fast the hope that is set before vs c. 5. He hath sealed to it not only in the Sacrament but by his spirit which will bee our witnesse and is our earnest Ephes. 1.13 Wherein also after that yee beleeued you were sealed with the holy Spirit of promise Vers. 14. Which is the earnest of our inheritance vntill the redemption of the possession purchased vnto the praise of his glory 6. He hath begun eternall life in vs already 7. Christ is gone into heauen of purpose to prouide a place ready for vs Ioh. 14.3 And though I goe to prepare a place for you I will come againe and receiue you vnto my selfe that where I am there may ye be also Heb. 10.19 Seeing therefore bretheren that by the blood of Iesus we may be bold to enter into the holy place Vers. 20. By the new and liuing way which he hath prepared for vs through the vale which is his flesh Thus of the certaintie of it The third thing is the eternitie of it all this glory were the lesse if it were thought it would euer end but it shall neuer end for 1. Nothing of it shall be lost or decay 2. There shall bee no death there for death and hell are cast into the lake of fier 3. There shall be no old age or withering condition in men that possesse it it withers not 1. Pet. 1.4 To an inheritance immortall and vndefiled and that fadeth not away reserued in heauen for you 4. God being all in all there shal be no wearinesse no fulnesse of affections or satietie no loathing Diuines are wont to shadow out eternity by the similitude of a little bird drinking vp a drop of water out of the sea if euery ten thousand yeeres the bird should come drink vp but one drop yet the sea might bee dry at length but yet this lasting of the sea is nothing in comparison to the lasting of the glory of heauen Fourthly and vnto these may bee added the proximity of it the day of the Lord is at hand It were some lessening of our happines if it were a long time to it FINIS ERRATA Pag. 4. lin 22. for Praises reade Oracles p. 51. l. 4. r. by a perpetuall decree p. 74. l. 16. put out a. p. 107. l. 17. r. vp for vpon p. 108. l. 16. for Sould r Should p. 407. l. 4 r. wrinckle p. 434. l. 17.21 and p. 435. l. 8 put out Sol and r. Secondly Thirdly Fourthly p. 486. l. 11. put out all the Chapter p. 499. l. 11. r. or secondly 3 Things intended in this Treatise The benefit of attending to this course The warrant of this course Question Answere Principles may bee knowne three waies The diuision of Principles according to their chiefe heads Two principles about the Scriptures The Scripturs are the very word of God proued by testimonies externall and internall Iohn 1.7 Prou. 30.6 Reuel 22.18 The vses 1. For instruction 2 For reproofe 1 Of the Papists in 4. things 2 Of Carnall Protestants 3 Of the godly 3 For triall 4 For consolation 4 Principles concerning God That there is a God is proued first by testimonies internall 2 By testimonies externall and so either in the world or in the Church 10 Glories in the nature of God The vses 1 For instruction If wee would study the glorious nature of God we must obserue 6. rules For humiliation For consolation Proofes for the Trinity Vses of the doctrine of the Trinity That there is but one God proued The vses 5 Principles concerning the Creation Vses 1 For information 6 Vses for instruction Vses for reproofe 7 Principles concerning Gods prouidence The vses 1 For information 11 Things admirable in Gods prouidence Vses for reproofe 8 Vses for instruction Vse for consolation Man was after the Image of God three waies The vses The speciall fauour of God to man in his Creation Duties 1 To God 2 To our selues 3 To other men 3 Principles concerning the fall of man 7 Things to shew the greatnesse of Adams sinne Obiect Answ. 3 Occasions of Apostasie 5 Degrees of the diuels tentation 4 Principles concerning sinne 14 Foule blemishes in euery mans nature 9 Vses for information 7 Things make ciuill honest men miserable 17. sorts of punishments inflicted on man for his sinne Eph. 5.14 1. Cor. 15. Act. 17.31 Rom. 5. â—2 c. andâ— 1 Mat. 11.29 1. Ioh. 2.1 Gal. 3.13 2. Cor. 5.17 Psa. 22.24 Question Answere Question Answere Question Answere Quest. Answ. Obiect Solution Obiect Solution Obiection Solution Iam. 2.5 What these things meane is vnknowne Rise first in soule
vngodly among them Rom. 14.9 For Christ therefore died and rose againe and reuiued that he might bee Lord both of the dead and the quicke c. 2. Cor. 5.10 For we must all appeare before the iudgement seate of Iesus Christ c. Ro. 14.10 We shall all appeare before the iudgmeÌ„t seat of Iesus Christ. Psalm 9.8 For hee shall iudge the world Obiect All men are beleeuers or vnbeleeuers now the beleeuers shall not come vnto iudgement as appeares Ioh. 5.24 Verily verily I say vnto you he that heareth my word and beleeueth in him that sent me hath euerlasting life and shall not come into condemnation but hath passed from death vnto life And the vnbeleeuer is condemned already Ioh. 3.18 He that beleeueth not is condemned already Solution The beleeuer shall not come into the iudgement of condemnation and the vnbeleeuer is condemned already in effect and substance 1. In the counsell of God 2. In the word of God 3. In his owne conscience but yet the manifestation and finishing of this iudgement remaines vnto the last day Fourthly all the secret things of mens natures or workes shall be brought to light Luk. 8.17 For nothing is secret that shall not be euident neither any thing hid that shall not be knowne and come to light 1. Cor. 4.5 Therefore iudge nothing before the time vntill the Lord come who will lighten things that are hid in darknesse and make the counsels of the heart manifest Rom. 2.16 At that day God shall iudge the secrets of men by Iesus Christ. And therefore called a day of reuelation or declaration Rom. 2.5 Fifthly it shall bee at the last day but the precise day and houre is not knowne to any men or Angels the proofe for the like principle concerning the resurrection serues for this place Mat. 24.36 Sixthly the iudgement shall be most iust and righteous and all shall confesse it Rom. 14.10 But why dost thou iudge thy brother or why dost thou despise thy brother for we shall all appeare bofore the iudgement seat of Christ. 2. Tim. 4.8 For henceforth is laid vp for me the crowne of righteousnesse which the Lord the righteous iudge shall giue me at that day and not to me onely but vnto all them also which loue his appearing c. Rom. 2.5 But thou after thine hardnesse hart that canot repent heapest vnto thy selfe wrath against the day of wrath and of the declaration of the iust iudgement of God Psalm 9.8 For he shall iudge the world with righteousnesse and shall iudge the people with equitie Seuenthly the iudgement shall bee according to mens workes 2. Cor. 5.10 Euery man shall receiue the things which are done in his body according to that he hath done whether it be good or euill c. Rom. 2.6 Who will reward euery man according to his workes Obiect Wee are iustified by faith alone without workes Solution 1. Workes are inquired after in the last iudgement as the signes of faith and vnbeleefe Sol. 2. We are iustified by faith onely but shall bee iudged by faith and workes both together For that iudgement doth not serue to make men iust that are vniust but only to manifest them to be so indeed which were so in this life being truly iustified The consideration whereof should serue for diuers vses and first for instruction and so it should teach vs First in generall speedily to repent vs of our sinnes and it should stirre vs to all possible care of holy life and to the loue of all well doing by which our reckoning might then bee furthered Act. 17.31 2. Pet. 3.11 Seeing therfore that all these things must bee dissolued what manner persons ought ye to be in holy conuersation and godlinesse 14. Wherfore beloued seeing you look for such things be diligent that yee may bee found of him in peace without spot and blamelesse Philip. 1.10 That ye may discerne things that differ one from another that yee may bee pure and without offence vntill the day of Christ. Tit. 2.12.13 And teacheth vs that wee should denie vngodlinesse and worldly lusts and that we should liue sâ—berly and â—ighteously and godly in this present world Looking for the blessed hope and appearing of the glory of the mighty God and of our Sauiour Iesus Christ. Secondly in particular it should teach vs 1. Not to doate vpon earthly things seeing they must all bee consumed in that day in the fier 2. To bee patient vnder all wrongs seeing wee are assured there shal be vengeance rendred at that day 2. Thes. 1.5.6.7 Iam. 5.6.7 Phil. 4.5 Thirdly to take heed of rashnesse in iudging other men and men offend in censuring 1. When they inflict censures and meddle ouer busily or curiously with them that bee without 1. Cor. 5.12 For what haue I to do to iudge them which are without 2. When men speake euill of that which is good and call good euill Esa. 5.20 Woe vnto them that speake good of euill and euill of good which put darknes for light and light for darknes that put bitter for sweet sweet for sowre 3. WheÌ„ men iudge of things doubtfull as the hiddeÌ„ things of the heart the secret things of darknes 1. Cor. 4.5 Therefore iudge nothing before the time vntill the Lord come who wil lighteÌ„ things that are hid in darknes and make the couÌ„sels of the hart manifest And censure things in the worst sense 4. When men vncharitably censure others about things indifferent Rom. 14.3.4 Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not and let not him which eateth not iudge him that eateth for God hath receiued him 4. Who art thou that condemnest another mans seruant he standeth or falleth to his owne master yea he shall be established for God is able to make him stand c. 13. Let vs not therefore iudge one another any more but vse your iudgement rather in this that no man put an occasion to fall or a stumbling blocke before his brother 5. When men commit what they condemne Rom. 2.1.2 Therefore thou art inexcusable O man whosoeuer thou art that iudgest for in that thou iudgest another thou condemnest thy selfe for thou that iudgest dost the same things But we know that the iudgement of God is according to truth against them which commit such things Or being guilty of greater faults condemne others for lesser Mat. 7.1.2.3 Iudge not that ye bee not iudged And why seest thou the mote that is in thy brothers eye and perceiuest not the beame that is in thine owne eye c. 6. When men make a fault worse then it is Fourthly it should strike a feare into our hearts concerning God and his dreadfull Maiesty and Iustice and make vs afraid to offend him and seeke by all meanes to glorifie him whatsoeuer become of vs and the world Reuel 14.7 Saying with a loud voice feare God and giue glory to him for the houre of his iudgement is come and worship him that made heauen and earth