the necessitie of it for receiuing Iesus our Sauiour to be our owne and in him to haue and enioy free full and eternall saluation Looke we carefully into the gracious dispensation of our blessednesse and we shall find it both plainly and plentifully taught in the word of grace Life is primarily in the Father from him in the Sonne and that for as many as receiue him The Father hath life in himselfe Ioh. 5.26 and he hath giuen to the Sonne to haue life in himselfe but not onely for himselfe but for all that beleeue on him This is the record 1. Ioh 5.11 that God hath giuen TO VS eternall life and this life is in his Sonne Now if it be giuen to vs we must receiue this life and blessednesse and Christ the giuer to dwel in our hearts by faith Eph. 3.17 By it we haue a neare vnion with his person as members of his body whereof he is Head giuing vs life as feeling and motion are from the head to all the naturall bodie And communion with all his graces to our full blessednesse And that it is the proper act of faith alone to RECEIVE is thus taught The true Light came vnto his owne and his owne receiued him not Ioh. 1.12 but as many as RECEIVED him to them gaue he power to become the sonnes of God euen to them that BELEEVE on his name Paul thus speaketh Gal. 3.14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Christ Iesus that we might RECEIVE the promise of the Spirit THROVGH FAITH In the same sence the word of laying hold on is vsed expressing the nature and act of true faith in this exhortation Fight the good fight of FAITH 1. Tim. 6.12 lay hold of eternall life whereto thou art called Faith is not a disposition to holinesse or a beginning of other vertues which vnited together might be meritorious of life and glorie as some haue greatly mistaken it but it is a receiuing apprehension laying hold on and applying of Christ vnto vs for whom and by whom we are acceptable to God and heires of blessednesse Our iudgement and faith must be grounded on Gods holy word which is most plaine and cleare in this great mysterie It is no where said thy faith hath begun vertues in thee though indeed there is no true vertue but which floweth from faith but it is said by the Lord himselfe Luke 7.50 Thy faith hath saued thee as also 1. Ioh. 5.24 He that beleeueth hath passed from death to life And the holy Apostles in like manner set forth the sweete and comfortable fruites of faith Heb. 10.39 We follow faith to the conseruation of the soule In another place he saith Rom. 3.24 We are iustified freely by his grace through the Redemption that is in Iesus Christ whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his bloud to declare his righteousnes for the remission of sinnes that are past through the forbearance of God to declare at this time his righteousnesse that he might be iust and a iustifier of him which beleeueth in Iesus To this agreeth that in Peter 1. Pet. 1.9 Receiue the end of your faith euen the saluation of your soules Christ Iesus is the obiect of our faith which assureth vs of our adoption iustification and full blessednesse and hath his seate partly in the vnderstanding partly in the heart In the mind and vnderstanding faith is a sure knowledge and apprehension that Iesus Christ the sonne of the Virgine Marie is the eternall Sonne of God the long promised blessed seed the Sauiour of all his chosen And in the heart it is a true and sure perswasion wrought also in vs by Gods spirit a confident application that I haue right to him as giuen to me waiting for all my blessednesse through him relying and casting my selfe wholly vpon him So I put to my seale Ioh. 3.33 that God is true iust and gracious infinitely good that extendeth such mercie to me freely for his beloued Sonnes sake neither dare I do that wrong to God and my selfe as to mistrust and doubt of his gracious promises He that shall beleeue and be baptized Mar. 16.16 shall be saued Ye are of God in Christ Iesus who of God is made vnto vs 1. Cor. 1.30 wisedome and righteousnesse and sanctification and redemption Hauing Christ to be ours in whom the fulnesse of the Godhead dwelleth we haue by him free pardon of all our sinnes and vnrighteousnesse the imputation of Christs righteousnesse to be ours by his free gift redemption through his bloud freedome from the curse and rigor of the Law from guiltinesse bondage and punishment of sinne from condemnation and hell torments By him we haue Reconciliation and Attonement sure sweet and lasting peace with God boldnesse with confidence to come to the throne of grace the spirit of Adoption whereby as deare children of God we call him our Father ioying in his presence desiring to do his will we haue prosperitie and aduersitie sanctified vnto vs to further vs to grow vp to full holinesse we haue peace of conscience sense of Gods loue ioy in the holy Ghost the Spirit of Christ dwelling in vs teaching enlightning guiding vpholding and comforting vs repairing the image of God in vs setting beauty vpon our soules giuing grace to be fruitfull in holy desires and meditations in all good words and workes strength to perseuere in the knowledge loue of the truth and carefull practise of all pietie to fight the Lords battels valiantly prosperously to get Satan trampled vnder our feete to triumph in Christ and finally with him to bee partakers of glorie and eternall blessednesse An obiection and doubt From these words of the Apostle Now abideth faith 1. Cor. 13.13 hope charitie these three but the greatest of these is charitie If charitie be greatest say some how then doth faith iustifie and assure euery beleeuer of his blessednesse Let such be put in mind that although charitie in two respects be greater then faith yet is it not that grace which receiueth iustification and life but the excellencie and greatnesse of it is seene in other things First charitie is greater then faith in continuance of time neuer falling away neuer ceassing but lasting euer more as may appeare in the words going before from 8. verse Faith and hope bring vs to Christ possessing him and with him full blessednesse there will be no more vse for them twaine Like as a man got into his countrey arriued where he will euer abide needeth no more a ship to passe ouer the seas Faith hope end with time Charitie ouer liueth all time When faith and hope ceasse with the world charitie then commeth to a fuller perfection Secondly charitie is greater in fruitfulnesse to do good to Gods people the proper worke of faith being to fetch comfort from Christ and conuey it into our owne soule
euery one whereof deserueth Gods curse and damnation yet if we be truly humbled for them seeke vnto Christ and beleeue Heb. 10.19 We haue boldnesse to enter into the Holiest by the bloud of Iesus and are commanded that we draw not backe vnto perdition Heb. 10.39 but be of them that beleeue to the sauing of the soule For albeit our sinnes are as bonds death as a tormentor hell an eternall prison the diuell as a sergeant to arrest and as a iaylor there to keepe vs because we are indebted ten thousand talents to the great King who will haue the debt payd and we are vtterly vnable yet one comfort Ioh. 8.36 and but one is left vs. If the Sonne make you free ye shall be free indeed Now he hath freed the beleeuing as our High-priest Heb. 7.22 and as our suretie paying our debts to God for vs. Christ hath once suffered for sinnes 1. Pet. 3.18 the iust for the vniust that he might bring vs to God Colos 2.14 Yea hath blotted out the handwriting that was against vs and is a iustifier of him which beleeueth in Iesus Rom. 3.26 And like as Abraham with a strong hand rescued Lot his kinsman Gen. 14.16 when he was vnder the captiuitie of his enemies after the like manner Iesus our King and kinsman Colos 2.15 conquered Satan spoyled principalities and powers and deliuered vs out of his clawes For when the Iudge and the Law are satisfied what hath the Iaylor any more to molest the prisoner Yea such is Christs louing kindnesse to all vnfeined repenting sinners that beleeue with the whole heart seeke to him Tit. 2.14 that He redeemeth them from all iniquitie withall doth purifie them to himselfe a peculiar people zealous of good works A second obiection and doubt Iam. 2.21 Was not Abraham our father iustified by workes when he had offered Isaac his sonne vpon the altar Out of these words of S. Iames some gather that to be freed from sin so to obtaine blessednesse for blessed is the man to whom God imputeth none iniquitie is for the merit and worthinesse of good workes To which we answer that not onely the words but the true meaning of them is diligently to be pondred lest we should thinke one Scripture to be contrary to another which cannot be Gather we then the true sense of them from the word it selfe for as no man can see the Sunne that shineth but by the light of the Sunne so neither attaine we to the right vnderstanding of the word but by the other Scriptures as this may clearely be vnfolded by the words of S. Iames going before For he well knowing that many who by their profession were Christians but in their conuersation Libertines and Epicures such as made shew of Religion but denied the power of it speakers of the word of God but not doers of his will euen such as turned the grace of God into wantonnesse laboureth to set before them the danger thereof and how they deceiued themselues either not vnderstanding or not regarding the nature of true faith he maketh it plaine to them that they had no true faith and by this argument that they had not such workes as necessarily proceed from a right faith Reasoning as our Lord Iesus Christ did Iohn 8.39 If ye were Abrahams children ye would do the workes of Abraham but ye go about to kill me that tell you the truth this did not Abraham Assuring them that faith if it haue no workes is dead in it self Iam. 2.20 Wilt thou know O vaine man that faith without workes is dead For as where there is no heate there is no fire so where there is no good fruit there is no true faith But where faith is there workes follow and flow from it as Abraham by a rare and readie obedience in a seruice so contrary to nature and in appearance also to the great promise made vnto him did make it manifest what true trust and stedfastnesse of faith he had in the Lords holy promises By faith Heb. 11.17 Abraham when he was tried offered vp Isaac and he that had receiued the promises offered vp his onely begotten sonne of whom it was said In Isaac shall thy seed be called God gaue testimonie of these fruites of faith when he said Gen. 22.12 Lay not thy hand on the child for now I know thou fearest God seeing thou hast not withheld thy sonne thy onely sonne from me On the other side an hypocriticall and dead faith Mat. 21.19 is like the fig tree with faire leaues but hath no fruite on it or if it haue a fruite all we reade of is compared to the faith of diuels the fruite feare and trembling Thou beleeuest there is one God Iam. 2.19 thou doest well the diuels also beleeue and tremble But true faith hath with it ioy and gladnesse 1. Pet. 1.8 Though ye see him not yet do you beleeue and reioyce with ioy vnspeakable and glorious The manner of speech which the holy Ghost vseth must be carefully obserued if we will not fall into heresies What a dangerous noueltie of speaking is it to say holy works done in faith are satisfactory and meritorious of eternall life whereas the word of God onely saith Heb. 11.4 That they obtaine witnesse of righteousnesse As we reade By faith Abel offered vnto God a more excellent sacrifice â—hen Cain by which he obtained witnesse that he was righteous As faith that is effectuall and fruitfull giueth glorie to God for his goodnesse and true performance of all his holy promises in their appointed time so the works that spring out of it beare witnesse to our selues and others that we are not fruitlesse trees which are neare the curse but planted by the waters side that bring forth fruit in due season whereby God is glorified our hearts comforted and the faithfull praise God for vs. But on the contrary such as haue a bare knowledge assent vnto the truth or presumptuous perswasion not rightly grounded such as beleeue there is a God but beleeue not in God hauing no assurance he is their God their gaines in the end is to be deceiued of their hope and to be put in feare horror and trembling Yea the fearefull and vnbeleeuing shall haue their part in the lake which Reu. 21.8 burneth with fire and brimstone which is the second death If any will yet persist to presse the words of Iames we vrge his words for our assertion who saith Iam. 2.23 The Scripture was fulfilled which saith Abraham beleeued God and it was imputed vnto him for righteousnesse and he was called the friend of God But to reconcile Paul and Iames vnderstand that Iames speaketh how Abraham was iustified declaratiuely but Paul actiuely or effectually which distinction ariseth both from the words handling of the subiect in question If we would compare Genes 15.6 with Genes
the name of his elder brother and in his clothing so we putting on the Lord Iesus Christ Phil. 3.9 may be found in him not hauing our owne righteousnesse which is of the Law but that which is through the faith of Christ and may say with the Church or seede which the Lord hath blessed I will greatly reioyce in the Lord Isa 61.10 my soule shall be ioyfull in my God for he hath clothed me with the garments of saluation he hath couered me with the robe of righteousnesse as a bridegroome decketh himselfe with ornaments and as a bride adorneth her selfe with iewels Now concerning faith we do not teach nor beleeue that we are iustified or saued for our faith or the worthinesse of it but we cleaue to the word and beleeue as therein we are taught namely Gal. 3.11 The iust shall liue by his faith We are iustified by faith haue peace with God Rom. 5.1 Gal. 3.26 We are all the children of God by faith in Christ Iesus To him that worketh not Rom. 4.5 but beleeueth in him that iustifieth the vngodly his faith is COVNTED to him for righteousnesse And that comfortable bill of acquittance Act. 13.38 Be it knowne vnto you men and brethren that through this man is preached vnto you forgiuenesse of sinnes and from all things from which ye could not be iustified by the law of Moses by him euery one that beleeueth is iustified Vnderstand for a fuller clearenesse in this point that like as it is said of Timothie continuing in holinesse and sound doctrine 1. Tim. 4.6 In doing this thou shall saue thy selfe and them that heare thee It is not meant that Timothie or any Minister doth saue otherwise then as instruments Who is Paul 1. Cor. 3.5 or who is Apollos but Ministers by whom ye beleeued So though no other faith iustifieth but that which worketh by loue the same neither iustifying together with loue nor faith hauing his efficacie from loue yet faith which saueth Eph. 2.8 Ye are saued by grace through faith and not of your selues it is the gift of God saueth not as it is a worke or as it worketh by loue but as it receiueth Christ Iohn 1.11 that in him we may be righteous Euen as fire giueth comfort to the frozen and be nummed with cold not by the light thereof but by the heate of it As God giueth his Sonne vnto vs and in him eternall life so giueth he also to euery of his faith to be as a hand to receiue the gift so that they which receiue abundance of grace Rom. 5.17 and of the gift of righteousnesse shal reigne in life by one Iesus Christ It is true that true faith is neuer alone that is it is not fruitlesse barren or idle as that in Hypocrites but it is effectuall or there is a worke of faith 1. Thes 1.3 and labour of loue Yet it alone and no other grace iustifieth as to them that will be wise according to the word it is very manifest Gal. 2.16 Knowing that a man is not iustified by the workes of the Law but by the faith of Iesus Christ euen we haue beleeued in Iesus Christ that we might be iustified by the faith of Christ and not by the works of the Law for by the works of the Law shall no flesh be iustified This needeth no further declaration but is as cleare as that short speech of Christ to the same effect Mar. 5.36 Onely beleeue And that also Luke 8.50 Feare not beleeue onely and she shall be made whole And this doctrine maintaineth Christs honour and extolleth his bountie who giueth to the thirstie of the fountaine of the water of life freely Reu. 21.6 And it giueth to the broken in heart and sorrowfull soule much and sound comfort in greatest conflicts and terrors of conscience and when for sinne Satan would draw vs to despaire Let vs then cheare vp our hearts refresh our fainting spirits with the holy harmonie of the Apostles all of thē so sweetly sounding out this learning of our blessednesse by faith in Iesus Christ Saint Iude thus exhorteth Iude 21. Build vp your selues on your most holy faith looking for the mercy of our Lord Iesus Christ vnto eternall life Iames requireth we aske in faith Iam. 1.6 nothing wauering Iohn assureth vs that it is the commandement 1. Ioh. 3.23 that we should beleeue on the name of his Sonne Iesus Christ Paul setteth downe very briefly the summe of the Gospell Beleeue in the Lord Iesus Christ Act. 16.31 and thou shalt be saued Peter in a great assembly taught Act. 15.9 that God put no difference betweene them and vs after that by faith he had purged their hearts Why tempt ye God to lay a yoke on the disciples necks which neither our fathers nor we are able to beare but we beleeue through the grace of our Lord Iesus Christ to be saued euen as they do Yea To him giue all the Prophets witnesse Act. 10.43 that through his Name whosoeuer beleeueth in him shall receiue remission of sinnes A fourth obiection If good works do not answer the righteousnesse of Gods Law nor iustifie nor satisfie nor merite before God it may seeme they are vile in your eyes or at least you make small account of them and you set a doore wide open to carnall liberty and all licentiousnesse of liuing O be it farre from all that professe Christianitie so to thinke or speake for good workes are a maine part of that worship of God which he commandeth and will call vs to account for they are the end of our Election assurances of our Calling companions of our Iustification the practise of Sanctification forerunners of Glorification the effects of grace the life of Religion the beauty of Christianitie witnesses of faith nurses of hope fruites of loue euidences of thankfulnesse our sacrifice to God our acceptance with men the difference betweene Saints and reprobates the truth of repentance a turning from dead workes preseruatiues from scandals a lasting debt and dutie they adde honour to our profession peace to our consciences further our reckning they are seales of saluation the way to the kingdome follow vs to Gods tribunall they are our walking in the waies of God and our blamelesse conuersation without which we are as fruitlesse trees fitted for the fire and hypocrites that without all helpe shall be cast into hell for as the word of truth teacheth Heb. 12.14 Without holinesse no man shall see the Lord. Take knowledge then and be minded that we beleeue and teach both a necessitie of good works and sundry excellent vses of them A necessitie of good works we do beleeue First because of Gods commandement Psal 119.4 Thou hast commanded that we should keepe thy precepts diligently Leu. 19.2 Be ye holy for I am holy This is the will of God 1. Thes 4.3 euen your
THE BLESSEDNES OF MARIE the Mother of IESVS LVKE 1.28.45.48 Blessed art thou among women Blessed is she that beleeued All generations shall call me blessed ANCHORA SPEI LONDON Printed by RICHARD FIELD dwelling in Great Woodstreete 1618. TO THE RIGHT VVORSHIPFVLL AND WORTHY LADIE Ladie DOROTHY ZOVCH the vertuous wife of Sir EDWARD ZOVCH Knight at Oking IOHN SHAW desireth increase of all true comfort here and hereafter euerlasting blessednesse THe Scripture of truth wherein the mysteries of Religion are treasured vp hath three amongst others not a litle more eminent most worthie of our daylie and holiest meditations They are by some called Bernardus in Vigilia Natalis The wonders of wonders are in themselues most admirable and surpassing comfortable for vse manifested by the Highest Ioh. Heid feldius for the sure blessednesse of all Gods children without which all men had perished eternally Not to speake of the blessed Trinitie the greatest of all mysteries the three here meant are three Vnions or Couplings in one of things in themselues most different The first is the Vnion of the Godhead to Manhood in the person of Iesus Christ whereby he is God and man Immanuel God with vs. The second is the Coupling of Motherhood and Virginitie in one woman the blessed Marie whereby her Sonne is called The Sonne of man The third is the begetting of Sauing-faith in the soule of sinfull man whereby a sonne of Adam becometh a childe of God an heire of saluation The first and third of these mysteries are ioyntlie declared by Paul in these words Great is the mysterie of godlinesse 1. Tim. 3.16 God was manifested in the flesh Beleeued on in the world The second was foretold by the Prophet Isaiah Isa 7.14 Behold a Virgine shall conceiue and beare a Sonne These are comfortable secrets which none fruitfully know but the Lords heritage that are taught by his Spirit These manifest how God is neare vnto vs and dwelleth with vs and in vs as in his holy Tabernacle These are the appointed means of our saluation and blessednes These mysteries so high and holy must be sought into by humble and earnest prayer with much reuerence of heart by reading hearing and intentiue meditation we must beleeue them and reioyce greatly in the sound and lasting consolation they bring vnto vs. When man by his sinne was wofully fallen from God and the blessednesse wherein he was set and by his Apostasie had cast himselfe and his posteritie into the state of damnation then euen then did God manifest his vnspeakeable loue in restoring him againe into the fauour of his Creator and to the hope of a greater blisse then that which he had lost It was agreeable to the Lords holynesse for manifesting his mercy and iustice that as man made the fault so man should make the amends But man alone could not do it the Creator onely could repaire the creature God therefore becometh man that so he might throughly do it And he was manifested in the flesh not for a small time as he appeared to the Patriarches but the second Person in Trinitie Iohn 1.14 The WORD euen the only begotten of the Father was made flesh and dwelt among vs full of grace and truth That man might be made partaker of the diuine nature enioy eternall peace with God The Captaine of our saluation tooke not on him the nature of Angels Heb. 2.16 but he to tooke on him the seed of Abraham in all things it behoued him to be made like his brethren that he might be a mercifull and faithfull High-priest in things pertaining to God to make Reconciliation for the sinnes of the people This is the first high glorious and comfortable mysterie The second craueth of vs like holy admiration and firme faith Will God dwell in a Tabernacle in a Temple or as Salomon saith 1. King 8.27 Wil God indeed dwell on the earth will he that made the heauens take flesh of the wombe of a Virgine haue her indeed to be his mother and yet she continue a pure and vndefiled maide Yes assuredly it is a wonder without all example and a miraculous worke of him Psal 146.4 that alone worketh wonders Motherhood and virginitie meete in Marie the most blessed of women in her alone And hath correspondencie to that admirable Creation in the beginning where Eue the mother of all liuing was miraculously made out of the side of man alone so of the wombe of a woman alone was borne the holy Messiah euen Iesus Christ our Lord for the fulfilling of the Couenant of grace which God made with man The womans seede shall bruise the serpents head Gen. 3.15 This is the second secret and high mysterie of Christian Religion The third wonder is that faith and mans soule so meet that man who is a sinfull sonne of Adam by faith becometh a child of God according as it is written Gal. 3.26 Ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Iesus Here we may take vp Dauids words and say Psal 144.3 Lord what is man that thou takest knowledge of him or the sonne of man that thou makest account of him The difficultie of sound beleeuing in the Messiah the Sauiour of his elect and the wonderfull mercy of God in that rare grace will better appeare if we call to minde how that euen in Paradise man beleeued not God when he said Gen. 2.17 Thou shalt die the death and did beleeue the diuel Gen. 3.4 Ye shall not surely die Now that man is fallen from integrity and captiued in Originall and Actuall sin to beleeue a promise of eternall life that God will make him an heire of heauen for Iesus sake is aboue all humane learning sense and reason And this hope and confidence is onely in that litle flocke where Gods Spirit doth powerfully worke it How few beleeue Isaiah complaineth Isa 53.1 Who hath beleeued our report and to whom is the arme of the Lord reuealed How great a work of God faith is Paul witnesseth Who beleeue according to the working of his mighty power Ephes 1.19 which he wrought in Christ when he raised him from the dead Certainlie as there was a darknesse in all Egypt that might be felt Exod. 10.22 but all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings Euen so all the chosen Israel of God now haue Christ the light of the world dwelling in their hearts by faith But the whole world of Hypocrites and vnbeleeuers loue darknesse and abide in it for euermore Hereupon it followeth that Iewes Turkes Pagans Vnbeleeuers and Hypocrites who haue no communion by faith with the Sonne of God manifested in the flesh abide vnder the curse and wrath of the Almighty But the chosen litle flocke to whom the mysteries of Christs kingdome are known who soundly and with all their heart beleeue in Iesus Christ the Son of God conceiued by the holy Ghost
the booke of Iudges vsed a parable to declare his mind more plainly saying The trees went forth on a time to annoint a king ouer them so forth So we desire without offence to vse a Dialogue or disputation to see if this mysterie so profound may be better vnderstood or leaue a deeper impression of so holy learning Whē Adam and in him all his posteritie by disobedience had sinned against God before he should receiue the doome of his iust damnation sundrie stood vp to pleade IVSTICE tooke the first place and with much vehemencie alledged that the righteousnesse of God required that vnlesse there were a ful satisfaction made by man for mans transgression man must necessarily die and that eternally for his sinne and that God could not be iust if any of his debts should passe vnsatisfied Infinite Iustice is wronged therefore must man endure infinite torments The most holy and iust God hath spoken Gen. 2 17. In the day thou eatest of the tree of the knowledge of good and euill thou shalt die the death Againe he hath said Deut. 27.26 Cursed is euery one that continueth not in all things which are written in the booke of the Law to do them Yea and againe The soule that sinneth shall die Ezek. 18.5 TRVTH likewise stood vp and said My sentence must needs be to second make good all that Iustice hath spoken for what God saith is true all his words are as the faithfull witnesses in heauen and He will be knowne by executing of iudgement Psal 9.16 Be ye well assured Num. 23.19 God is not as man that he should lie hath he said and shall he not do it and hath he spoken and shall he not accomplish it MERCIE then put forth her voice Giue me place also to stand for and to witnesse what is noted in the Scripture of truth For though I may in no part derogate from Iustice or Truth whose greatnesse I know and reuerence yet know ye also that Mercie will lose neither her right or preheminence but will take first place of you both for it is allotted by the word vnto me It is first said Gracious and then Righteous is the Lord. Psal 25.8 Yea let it be engrauen in pillars of marble and written with letters of gold and in the hearts of all the holy ones Psal 145.8 The Lord is gracious and mercifull slow to anger and of great mercie Yea I will auouch it confidently that where there is one title of Gods Iustice He maketh not the wicked innocent there are seauen titles of his Mercie Iehouah Iehouah Exod. 34.6 strong mercifull and gracious slow to anger abounding in goodnesse and truth reseruing mercie for thousands forgiuing iniquitie and transgression and sinne If Iustice say man shall die Mercie saith he shall liue Eze. 16.6 PEACE then very mildly tooke part with Mercie and said Sister Truth I blame thee not for speaking on Iustice side for we haue learned that God is true in his threatnings none will herein gainsay thee but speake vnpartially as I well know thou wilt when it cometh to thy turne to speake againe is not God also as true in his holy Couenants and all his sweete promises But without more vrging thee I will speake for vs both and in the words of the holy Ghost As I haue sworne Isa 54.9 that the waters of Noah should no more go ouer the earth so haue I sworne that I would not be wroth with thee nor rebuke thee for the mountaines shall depart and the hils shall be remooued but my kindnesse shall not depart from thee neither shall the Couenant of my peace be remooued saith the Lord that hath mercie on thee If rigor of Iustice should take such place that man for his Sinne should eternally perish then Mercie and Peace should be quite banished out of the earth But I know assuredly That he will speake peace vnto his people Psal 85.8 and to his Saints The Lord will blesse his people with peace Yea vnto man Isa 9.6 for man is giuen the Prince of peace WISDOME then as best able to decide this controuersie tooke place and said All of you haue spoken well and as beseemeth you for God will make his Name glorious in manifesting before men and Angels the holinesse of his Iustice Truth Mercie and Peace Mercie must be shewed otherwise man cannot be saued and yet God will not shew Mercie to violate or wrong his Iustice There is a way found out by him whose name is Wonderfull and Counseller Isa 9.6 how to please you all and to giue you full contentment and to saue men from deserued damnation There is a law made by the most High the Iust and Mercifull God wherein it is thus enacted If thy brother be impouerished Leuit. 23.47 and sell himselfe to a stranger by thee after he is sold he may be bought out ONE OF HIS BRETHREN may buy him out any of the KINRED of his flesh among his familie may REDEEME him According to the equity of this law some second Adam that is a Brother must make the Redemption and Attonement who can pay all the forfets and debts of man who can die and yet ouercome death die and be no debter to death but meerely of loue lay downe his life to saue other from dying who can perfectly fulfill the whole Law and purchase the Creators fauour and an eternall inheritance For God by his Commandemēt requiring of man sound full and perfect obedience without a perfect and complete obedience will not make man righteous and threatning a curse setting downe the penaltie will admit of no satisfaction but by the suffering of that curse denounced by God himselfe Now such a suretie and man of worth that can thus suffer and thus do where shall he be found Here Adam and all his sonnes were silent deiected and heartlesse for no such could be found on earth man could do nothing to worke his recouerie no more then a dead man can raise vp himselfe out of his graue Ephes 2.1 being dead in trespasses and sinnes so that Desperation was readie to arrest Adam and to take him from Gods gracious presence for euer but the SONNE OF GOD came in due time to helpe at neede and to saue that which was lost and he graciously spake I will take flesh of the wombe of a Virgine I will become man rather then man shall perish whom I created after mine owne image He fell not altogether of himselfe but by temtation of another another that is more mighty shall raise him vp and restore him fully into the fauour of his Creator And this shall be accomplished as Wisedome hath made it plaine vnto you altogether according as it is written of me in the volume of Gods booke Isa 53.5 The iniquitie of all shall be laid on me and I will make reconciliation I will be wounded for mans transgression
the chastisement of his peace shall light vpon me Dan 9.24 To finish transgressions and to make an end of sinnes I will make my soule an offering and be cut off from the land of the liuing I will make my graue with the wicked Isa 53.10 and yet see my seede and prolong my daies and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in my hands I will make intercession for transgressors Dan. 9.24 and bring in euerlasting righteousnesse This will I do Psal 40.8 for the Law of God is in my heart The eternall Father being euer well pleased in his Sonne agreed yea before determined that this soueraigne Remedie should be propounded before he pronounced the sentence of iudgment Yea he plighted the Couenant of grace betweene him and man in few words but containing in them the fulnesse of true comfort and blessednesse The womans seede shall bruise the serpents head Gen. 3.15 Thus was the great controuersie decided and the disceptation ended Mercy and truth met together Psal 85.10 righteousnesse and peace kissed each other Iustice was satisfied Peace and Truth well pleased Mercie triumphed Sin was abolished Death destroyed Hel vanquished Satan troden vnder foote Man eternally saued Heauen opened Angels ioyfully sung Glorie be to God in the highest Luk. 2.14 and on earth peace goodwill towards men O that mans heart were rightly affected to reioyce vnspeakably praise God vncessantly for this glorious harmonie where the wisdome power mercie iustice and truth of God meete in one to worke mans reconciliation to God and his eternall blessednesse Psal 107.8 O that the redeemed of the Lord would praise the Lord for his goodnesse and for his wonderfull workes to the children of men O what an incomprehensible loue is it that the Sonne of God Phil. 2.6 who being in the forme of God thought it no robberie to be equall with God yet made himselfe of no reputation and tooke vpon him the forme of a seruant and was made in the likenesse of man being found in fashion as a man he humbled himselfe and became obedient vnto death euen the death of the crosse Thus the blessed Immanuel that as Iacobs ladder Gen. 28.12 ioyned heauen and earth together must be equall to God to satisfie Gods iustice and procure his loue to vs he must be in the forme of a seruant a man a brother a kinsman Touched with the feeling of our infirmities yet without sinne In which holy mysterie Iob was well instructed when so confidently he reposed all his comfort in his kinsman Iob 19.25 in his Redeemer I know that my Redeemer the word is Goali my kinsman liueth and he shall stand at the latter day vpon the earth though after my skin wormes destroy this bodie yet in my flesh shall I see God Without this kinsman of our flesh and mighty holy Redeemer there is no coming to God but as Ioseph said Except your brother be with you Gen. 43.5 ye shall not see my face So high is Gods maiestie and so low is mans wretched estate that to make an vnion and attonement betweene vs we stood in neede of such a Mediator as must be both the Sonne of God and of the seed of Abraham The Physitions tell vs how the soule of man from heauen and the body from earth Bright in Melanch 9 are by the spirit of life brought to liue together in a maruellous concord and vnitie The soule is meerely diuine the body meerely a lumpe of earth but that which maketh either to affect other be as handfasted and comfortably to dwell together is the spirit though not so excellent as the soule yet cometh it from the diuine influence of life and not of it selfe earthy So the golden clasp whereby God will be ioyned to man dwell with him Ioh. 1.14 and in him is the Word incarnate equall to the Father and the holy Ghost touching his Godhead but inferior to them touching his manhood By him we haue accesse vnto God with boldnesse by him we haue right to the eternall inheritance by him we haue comfort in our strangest and strongest temptations It is written for our comfort that He is not ashamed to call vs brethren Heb. 2.11 saying I will declare thy Name among my brethren Ioseph highly aduanced in Egypt Gen. 47.11 did not onely preserue all his brethren from perishing in that great famine but procured also for thē and that with the Kings good liking that although as shepheards they were abhorred of the Egyptians yet they possessed Rameses in Gosen euen the best of the kingdome So our tender hearted Ioseph Christ Iesus our most louing brother flesh of our flesh hath reconciled vs to God and so preuailed for vs Luk. 12.32 That it is our Fathers good pleasure to giue vs the kingdome Let euery true Christian then be comforted with this free full and lasting loue of God towards vs in Christ and returne the sacrifice of daily true and heartie thanksgiuing and say Blesse the Lord O my soule Psal 103.2 and forget not all his benefits who forgiueth all thine iniquities and healeth all thy diseases who redeemeth thy life from destruction and crowneth thee with louing kindnesse and tender mercies Blessed is she that beleeued THE SECOND DEGREE of the blessednesse of the blessed Virgine Marie is set downe in these words Blessed is she that beleeued Luk. 1.45 for those things shall be performed which were told her of the Lord. Blessed Marie beleeued in the Messiah and Sauiour promised as all the holy ones of that age did and in greater measure and daily shewed forth the fruits thereof Christ dwelt in her heart by faith before he was conceiued in her wombe She beleeued moreouer that He should be the blessed fruit of her wombe that the holy promised seede should be her seede that the Sauiour of all the elect should be both her Sonne and her Sauiour Her faith was holy sound and strong when passing ouer all earthly thoughts that might haue moued to doubtfulnesse she rested firmly and faithfully on the Lords word and promise with sure assent and much certainty saying Be it vnto me according to thy word Luke 1.38 Whereas Zacharias a man that walked in the ordinances of God without reproofe hearing the promise from an Angell that his aged wife should beare a sonne doubted through some vnbeleefe Luke 1.20 and therefore was made dumbe for a time till Gods promise was fulfilled Is it not a rare excellent and glorious faith to beleeue that which neuer any before did beleeue to haue sure confidence setled perswasion without wauering and to seale that God is true when the promise made seemeth contrary to all sense reason and experience Looke we on the faith of Abraham so often extolled in the Scriptures and consider if her faith was not as great stedfast holy and excellent as his if not more admirable in that a
woman beleeueth the Angell once assuring the promise which he a man was often told and that by the Lord himselfe It is said of Abraham Rom 4.18 That against hope he beleeued in hope that he might become the father of many nations according to that was spoken So shall thy seede be and being not weake in faith he considered not his body now dead when hee was about an hundred yeares old neither yet the deadnesse of Saraes wombe he staggered not at the promise of God through vnbeleefe but was strong in faith giuing glorie to God being fully perswaded that what he had promised he was able to performe and therefore was it imputed to him for righteousnesse So holy Marie knowing her selfe to be a Virgine and by that ordinarie course of nature she could not bring forth a child yet minding there was a sure promise made by the God of truth recorded by a holy Prophet beleeued by all the Israel of God Behold a Virgine shall conceiue and beare a Isa 7.14 sonne and shall call his name Immanuel And seeing now the God of her fathers had spoken to her by his holy Angell Gabriel Luk. 1.30 Thou hast found fauour with God and behold thou shalt conceiue in thy wombe and bring forth a sonne and shalt call his name Iesus She firmly beleeuing that with God nothing is impossible that all the promises of God are most sure she strong and stedfast in her most holy faith gaue glory to God being fully perswaded that what he had promised he was able to performe made this sweete answer Luk. 1.38 Behold the handmaide of the Lord be it vnto me according to thy word It followeth then that as Abraham the Father of the faithfull was accounted righteous by beleeuing so likewise the faith of holy Marie was imputed to her for righteousnesse and so consequently for blessednesse as it is said Blessed is she that beleeued If any hard of beleefe take exception and say Maries blessednesse is auouched onely by a woman let such remember that Elizabeth that said it was both an holy woman a Prophetisse and the word of God speaketh euidently of her Luke 1.41 Elizabeth was filled with the holy Ghost Moreouer if any say we hold it for good that sound true and particular beleeuing the promises of saluation giueth assurance of full blessednesse but is Maries faith such in beleeuing she should beare a sonne yet remaine a Virgine still We desire such not to seuer things so nearely ioyned together her faith of hauing a sonne and her faith in her sonne who also is the Sonne of God blessed for euer For it is euident by the word that she both beleeued her own saluation by him the Messiah as Abraham did as also with a fuller light of knowledge that the hope of Israel should be her sonne By the one she hath a prerogatiue to be blessed aboue all women by the other a preeminencie amongst all the Lords holy ones By comparing Scriptures together we shall see very clearly that we ought not so to restraine the meaning of those words Blessed is she that beleeued We reade in Genesis Gen. 15.5 The word of the Lord came to Abraham againe One shall come out of thine owne bowels he shall be thy heire looke now vp to heauen and tell the starres if thou be able to number them and he said So shall thy seede be and Abraham beleeued the Lord and he accounted that to him for righteousnesse It is not to be gathered hence that Abraham was accounted righteous in beleeuing he should haue a wonderfull great posteritie like the number of the starres for multitude but he formerly beleeued this promise of the Almightie Gen. 12.3 In thee shall all the families of the earth be blessed Now the latter promise Gen. 15. containeth in it the former Genes 12. and hath ouer and aboue it a promise of the boundlesse enlargement of the Church which should be blessed with him by the promised seed euen by him who is called Shilo Gen. 49.10 Isa 7.14 Dan. 9.26 Immanuel and Messiah So the holy Virgine Marie euen before the Angell came to her soundly beleeued in the promised Messiah and that he should be the sonne of a Virgine as the Prophet Isaias had foretold but after that Gabriel the Lords messenger had reuealed more to her she beleeued that she was that Virgine to whom this dignitie and prerogatiue was freely giuen to be the mother of the most holy Immanuel So hauing the common faith of blessednesse with Abraham this peculiar faith aboue Abraham for he saw Christ afarre off but she felt him in her wombe first saw him manifested in the flesh heard his gracious words enioyed him as her sonne and Sauiour we may hold it as a manifest truth that she was before all in true and holy faith in the Sonne of the euerliuing God hauing testimonie of her faith and blessednesse from the whole Church of God as is prophecied All generations shall call her blessed Luk. 1.48 and from the sound and worthie fruits of sauing faith which are mentioned in the word It is among the praises of Abrahams faith by Christs owne mouth Ioh 8.56 Your father Abraham reioyced to see my day and he saw it and was glad Marie did not onely reioyce in God her Sauiour Luk. 1.47 but also magnified the Lord that is with heart and voice praised and extolled the greatnesse and goodnesse of God to her and the whole Church From her faith flowed the glorifying of God ioy and gladnesse to her owne soule and a comfortable reuiuing of the hearts of all the godly by witnessing in her sweete song the fulfilling of Gods promises for helping vp his seruant Israel Luke 1.54 We conclude then that the Virgine Marie was a gracious woman freely and fully beloued of God a Maide and a Mother a faithfull Israelite a primarie Christian an holy prophetisse a daughter of God by adoption a Mother of the Sonne of God by speciall fauor blessed in bearing Christ blessed in beleeuing in Christ blessed by him on earth blessed with him in heauen for euermore The first vse and fruite Which wee must reape by knowing and beleeuing that Marie was blessed in beleeuing is that we be taught and strengthened by her example to seeke all our blessednesse out of our selues in Iesus Christ as he is the Head of his body the Church Eph. 5.23 and by him as he is our holy Redeemer and Reconciler Rom. 3.24 And that this gift is giuen of God and receiued of vs by faith onely For that faith and no other grace giueth vs right vnto Eph. 2.8 and maketh vs owners of this blessednesse which is in Christ the proper act of this faith being to receiue Christ and apply him to vs in particular So that we must be soundly instructed and vnmoueably setled in this high holy doctrine of the excellency of faith and
shall alwaies behold God in his glorie and be satisfied with his likenesse Psal 17.15 yea conformed vnto him and partakers of a ful and endlesse glorie It is the bounty and kindnesse of the Highest to all his chosen little ones Tit. 3.7 That we should be iustified by his grace and be made heires according to the hope of eternall life Rom. 8.15 that we be annexed heires with Christ Psal 16.11 and possesse the pleasures at Gods right hand for euermore Now let it be carefully obserued and well remembred that while we so highly commend the sauing-faith that ascribeth glorie to God and bringeth such comfort to mans soule we arrogate nothing to our selues as if it were in our owne power to beleeue but we acknowledge it meerely to be the free gift of God as we are taught Heb. 12.2 That Iesus is the author and finisher of our faith We may not say that it is attained by mans skill and industrie but that it is a peculiar gift to Gods elect as the holy word teacheth vs Phil. 1.29 To you it is giuen to beleeue in his Name It is a work of God neither common nor small Ye beleeue according to his mightie power Eph. 1.19 And when God by the ministerie of his word and power of his Spirit hath wrought it in vs yet through our infirmitie it is weake imperfect such as standeth in need of daily increasing and confirming so as that the Apostles of Christ prayed Luk. 17.5 Lord increase our faith Euen where faith is in truth and sound it is but as a beggers hand to receiue a Kings bounty or if you would haue a gayer similitude to expresse it it is like the firie chariot that caried Eliah vp to heauen or like a gold ring that hath a pearle or rubie set into it the worth of the ring not being from the gold but from the precious pearle in it Excellencie of faith is in apprehending and applying to vs the most precious Obiect of it that is Christ Iesus and in him eternall life which the word doth plainly say is the gift of God Rom. 6.23 giuen onely to beleeuers yet not for the worthinesse of their persons or faith but meerly of Gods loue and free fauour as inheritances befall to men for whom they are prepared 2. Sam. 9.7 As lame Mephiboseth was set continually at the kings table not for any worth in him being also a deformed cripple but onely for Ionathans sake so we find acceptance with God but altogether because he hath loued vs in his beloued So that both the blessing Ephes 1.6 to be made capable of it is his most free gift We see that Kings suffer their Nobles to enioy much honor and great prerogatiues yet they will suffer no fauourite to weare their crowne So the Lord out of his infinite and most rich grace bequeatheth to vs in his holy Testament the legacie of eternall life and putteth faith into our hearts to seale the assurance thereof vnto vs yet the honor for the exceeding gift he reserueth to himselfe Isa 45.25 and will giue it none other We are all equally vnder the curse but when God calleth outwardly by his word and inwardly by his Spirit giuing to vs faith to beleeue in Christ our righteousnesse our hearts are much comforted and we greatly reioyce in the Lord. He that spared not his owne Sonne Rom. 8.32 but deliuered him vp for vs all how shall he not with him also freely giue vs all things Who shall lay any thing to the charge of Gods elect It is God that iustifieth who is he that condemneth it is Christ that died yea rather that is risen againe who is euen at the right hand of God who also maketh intercession for vs. If the Sonne of God obey the Law for vs die for vs make intercession for vs why should we doubt of blessednes by him seeing he casteth off none but such as cast him off through their vnbeleefe Heb. 3.18 To them that beleeued not he sware they should not enter into his rest Dare man commit his life that is so precious vnto him to a ship made by the skill of man in it to passe ouer the wide stormie seas and shall we not boldly commend the whole safegard of our soules and bodies to the Sonne of the euerliuing God that laid downe his life for the sauing of vs Dare Benhadad put his life into the hands of his enemy vpon this ground that he had heard that the Kings of Israel were mercifull 1. Kin. 20.31 and shall not we that are professed Christians and desire to be accounted for the children of the Highest confidently fully and ioyfully resigne our selues to Iesus Christ to claime the mercifull promises made vnto sinners especially seeing he is at peace with vs is our peacemaker and taught vs that he came to saue sinners 1 Tim. 1.15 Gal. 3.26 and that he hath made vs the children of God by faith in Christ Iesus Ioh. 6.47 with a Verily verily I say vnto you he that beleeueth on me hath euerlasting life Among all the seuen nations of the Cananites that for their abhominations were destroyed the Gibeonites onely were wise and escaped deserued destruction Ios 9.13 for they sought and obtained peace with the Israelites and yet had nothing to pleade for themselues why they should be spared but put themselues vpon their mercie pretending that they came from a very far countrie shewing their old garments old shoes old bottels mouldie bread So of all the people on the face of the earth they onely will be found wise and happy that distrusting their owne works done before grace as altogether sinfull and those done after grace receiued as very faulty for not right vsing of them wholly despaire in themselues relie vpon trust to and cast themselues fully on the rich mercy of God and the holy merits of Iesus Christ and firmly beleeue that it is a true saying 1. Tim. 1.13 and worthie of all men to be beleeued that Iesus Christ came to saue sinners As Ionas was willingly cast into the sea Ionas 1.12 to stay the raging of it that all in the ship with him might not perish and they vpon his suffering enioyed a calme and desired safetie so Christ Iesus to appease the wrath curse that would haue fallen on vs suffered and gaue himselfe for vs Ephes 5.2 an offering to God for a sweete smelling sauour by it Gods iustice is satisfied his wrath appeased and all beleeuers reconciled As he that was guiltie of manslaughter though he could make no satisfaction for the bloud he had shed yet if he sought to the appointed citie of refuge by Gods mercifull dispensation and pardon he was set free Num. 35.28 but it was at the death of the High-priest So we that can pleade nothing for our selues being guiltie of many and great sins
who in their owne sense were miserable when their wiues and children and all that they had were caried a way captiues and yet behold after carefull vsing of good and discreete meanes 1. Sam. 30.3.19 recouered all that the Amalekites had taken away So though for a moment we are deiected and seeme to be forlorne yet God in his time Psal 63.5 which is alwaies simply best giueth a recouery with comfort and reioycing in the Lord. Noahs arke may be much tossed rocked and shaken but drowned it cannot be so the faith of the Saints is assaulted weakened and battered but neuer finally and wholly ouercome 2. Cor. 4.8 We are troubled on euery side yet not distressed perplexed but not in despaire persecuted but not forsaken cast downe but not destroyed The bush burned and consumed not Exod. 3.2 for God was in the middest of it To draw to an end that the called chosen and faithfull may haue sincere rest tranquillitie comfort of mind and conscience a true and vndoubted assurance of eternall blessednesse by Iesus Christ God that is the giuer of the gift giueth also witnesse thereof Rom. 8.16 Gods Spirit beareth witnesse with our spirit that we are the children of God 1. Ioh. 3.24 And as Iohn saith who most clearely and often teacheth this infallible certainty Hereby we know he abideth in vs 4.13.5.13 euen by the Spirit which he hath giuen vs. Now the fruits of our spirit renewed by his Spirit though they are not all in all beleeuers in like measure and at all times yet are they of such power as giue vs comfort and discerne vs from the vngodly and wicked they are to vs pledges of Gods loue and as the gate of heauen as namely a searching out of our sinnes and defections a groning vnder the burthen of them an hatred and abhorring of them a striuing against them a labour and watchfulnesse to preuent sinnes and timely to cut off the occasions of them a mourning for the sinnes of the land an hungring after righteousnesse true loue to God and his children and the word of his grace patient hope waiting on God knowing that he will blesse both prosperitie and aduersitie vnto vs a desire aboue all things to please God vprightnesse of heart without hypocrisie and endeuour to keepe a good conscience to walke in our calling faithfully and chearefully boldnesse with God in humble prayer thankfulnesse for all his goodnesse to vs these and the like do assure vs that we are borne of God As for our certainty to perseuere in grace the foundation of it is not on the earth for so it would fall but on the Lords faithfulnesse He now hath the keeping of vs and of our blisse it is not in our hands as it was in Adams who quickly lost it He will confirme you to the end 1. Cor. 1.8 that ye may be blamelesse in the day of our Lord Iesus Christ God is faithfull by whom ye are called vnto the fellowship of his Sonne Iesus Christ our Lord. Yea he hath made a sure Couenant so to renew vs Iere. 32.40 that He will put his feare into our hearts that we may neuer depart from him Maruellous is the light that God hath put into mans eye whereby he seeth the earth about him and the heauens aboue him without paine in a moment but more admirable is the sight of faith which can see before the world God electing vs to saluation in his Sonne our head in the world redeeming vs by his Sonne our Mediator after the world glorifying vs with his Sonne our King in the heauens for euermore The loue of God which is our life is ancient free sweete constant great vnspeakable incomprehensible and eternall God hath giuen his Sonne to be our Sauiour his Spirit to be our Comforter Isa 60.19 and he will be our glorie eternally Let all the Lords redeemed say and that continually with deuout and religious hearts My soule doth magnifie the Lord and my spirit reioyceth in God my Sauiour Blessing and glorie Reu. 7.12 and wisedome and thanksgiuing and honour and power and might be vnto our God for euer and euer Amen The comfort of a Christian by assurance of Gods loue to him MY peace of heart my happinesse My sweetest ioy is this Ephe. 1.4 That God me lou'd ere world was made And purpos'd me to blisse Iohn 13.1 This sure decree for lasting life This bountie great and free Ephe. 1.5 Iohn 6.39 Rom. 5.12.17 He hath fulfild in Christ his Sonne Whom he hath giuen for me Our fall in Adam fearefull was We left a cursed race Yet Christ our King the Lord of life Act. 15.11 Iohn 5.25 Hath sau'd vs by his grace A powerfull voice his Gospell hath To raise vp dead in sinne 2. Thes 2.14 Act. 11.17 Whom he doth call effectually Are strongly brought to him I call'd I come I runne with ioy I haste Lord vnto thee Mar. 10.49 As Bartimeus boldly went When Christ said Come to me Act. 11.18 Repentance thou doest giue to life The seale of thy sure loue Mat. 21.32 By it I stand in state of grace As new-borne from aboue When Law doth giue me sight of sinne Rom. 7.7 1. Chro. 34.27 My soule doth melt and rent My troubled sp'rite and broken heart Doth grieue and much lament Iob 33.27 Ier. 31.19 Psal 32.5 1. Tim. 1.13 I am asham'd of all my faults To God I them confesse I iudge my selfe a wickedwretch And of my selfe helplesse When sinne and Satan bid despaire Gods voice speakes to mine eare Beleeue in Christ his grace is great Act. 16.31 Shake off mistrustfull feare He mercie shewes to humbled men Heart-wounded he doth cure Luk. 4.18 Luke 1.53 He fils the fainting soule with ioy Their comfort he makes sure He great he good he slow to wrath Exod. 34.6 He kindnesse shewes to all He casts-off none that seeke to him Iohn 6.37 Yea he doth sinners call All ye that wearie are of sinne Whom it doth lode and quell Come ye to me I will you ease Mat. 11.28 My peace with you shall dwell These gracious words of Christ my Lord Cant. 5.2 Ier. 31.3 These comforts strongly pierce This Gospell moues my heart to bleed My sobs for sinne increase Psal 51.4 That I my God my Father deare With sinnes should so prouoke Gen. 39.9 And hauing found such mercy rare Should so cast off his yoke Iere. 9.1 A floud of teares I do desire To weepe both night and day Ephe. 4.30 Thaâ— I haue grieu'd the spirit of grace And turn'd his face away In stead thereof some holy flames Are kindl'd from aboue Luke 7.47 And many sinnes to me forgiuen My God I do much loue My selfe my seruice ioyfully Psal 119.106 A fresh to him I vow With setl'd heart to tread the path That he doth best allow Gen. 5.22 My
22.19 and Iames 2.18 Abraham was approued for righteous when he beleeued Gods promise euen before Isaac was borne so it is as plaine as can be spoken Gen. 15.6 He beleeued in the Lord and he accounted it to him for righteousnesse But Saint Iames sheweth how he declared it and made it manifest in worke and deed by a rare obedience to God When he offered Isaac his sonne vppon the altar Iam. 2.21 His faith so rested on Gods promise that although Isaac were killed and burnt to ashes Yet God was able to raise him vp Heb. 11.19 euen from the dead from whence also he receiued him in a figure All that are taught of God know that faith worketh by loue Gal. 5.6 that it cannot be idle or fruitlesse Eph. 2.10 God hauing created vs anew vnto good workes which he hath ordained that we should walke in Though they go not before iustification yet do they follow it where the Lord forgiueth sinne he also giueth a power to resist sinne to hate and shun it with a sound desire to practise such holinesse as through Christ is pleasing to God Though some ignorant people say We are iustified for our good workes yet the holy Ghost saith otherwise namely that We are iustified freely by his grace Ephes 1.7 through the Redemption that is in Christ Iesus Euen that grace wherein he hath made vs accepted in his Beloued in whom we haue redemption through his bloud the forgiuenesse of sinnes according to the riches of his grace Euen that grace which is Gods eternall free bounty and loue to vs in electing calling adopting and iustifying vs in Christ who is the Lord our righteousnesse Ier. 23.6 not that infused grace which is but as a drop and fruit of the other consisting in the renouation of the new man which being but in part for they that haue greatest measure Rom. 7.16 do what they would not and leaue vndone what they would do is not able to stand before the Tribunall seate of iustice which exacteth entire absolute obedience Deut. 27.26 accursing euery one that confirmeth not all the words of the Law to do them Which moued Dauid to powre out this desire of his soule Psal 143.2 Enter not into iudgement with thy seruant for in thy sight shall none that liueth be iustified And Paul who as touching the righteousnes which is by the Law was vnrebukeable yet counted all things losse Phil. 3.8 and did iudge them as dung that he might win Christ and might be found in him that is not hauing his owne righteousnesse which is of the Law but that which is through the faith of Christ euen the righteousnesse which is of God through faith A third obiection and doubt It is said of the godly professors in Sardis that had not defiled themselues Reu. 3.4 that they shall walke with me in white for they are worthie there is then say some a worthinesse in our faith or works or both together by which we merit our blessednesse That we may not mistake this place seeing no prophesie of the Scripture is of any priuate interpretation 2. Pet. 1.20 conferre it with Luke 20.35 They that shall be accounted worthy to obtaine that world and the resurrection from the dead and that in 2. Thessal 1.5 That ye may be accounted worthy of the kingdome of God for which ye suffer And we shall perceiue that these are worthy by acceptation in mercy worthy by the righteousnesse of Christ imputed not by holinesse inherent the reward of going clothed in white or to haue a kingly dignity and much beauty set on them is not a merit or a reward for the desert of their works but of the meere grace and mercie of God for the merits of Christ for whom we and our works wrought by his Spirit find acceptance and fauour the Law teaching that the reward is of mercie Exod. 20.6 And the Gospell telling vs That the sufferings of this present time are not worthy of the glorie which shall be shewed vnto vs. Rom. 8.18 The crowne of life is of Gods promise not of our deseruing Iam. 1.12 as it is said Blessed is the man that endureth temptation for when he is tried he shall receiue the crowne of life which the Lord promised to them that loue him The things which some call merits very vnfitly and not according to the phrase of the Scriptures are the nurses of our hope the prouocations of loue the signes of our election the forerunners of our future happinesse the way of the kingdome not the cause why we reigne It is Iesus Christ the holy Lambe of whom it is properly spoken Reu. 4.11.5.12 Thou art worthy O Lord to receiue glorie and honour and power and Worthy is the Lambe that was slaine to receiue power and riches and wisedome and strength and honour and glorie and blessing He alone purchased his Church with his owne bloud Our robes are made white in the bloud of the Lambe Our persons Reu. 7.14 our seruice our works haue acceptance with God onely for Iesus sake as it is said Eph. 1.6 He made vs accepted in his Beloued and our spirituall sacrifice is acceptable to God by Iesus Christ 1. Pet. 2.5 As no mans free gift can bind him to giue more but he that receiues more is the more bound to him that giues it therefore hence it followeth that by the good deeds which God hath enabled vs to do he is not bound by the debt of his iustice to giue vs more that he should be vniust if he gaue it not but we rather are bound to him And if he giue any reward to our well-doings this is not that he is a debtor to the works but of his owne liberalitie How vnfitly are good works said to be meritorious seeing they are not ours originally but Gods Phil. 2.13 he working both the will and the deed and that of his owne good pleasure But as they are ours they are debts due to God by his holy Law binding vs to do them and more Iam. 3.2 they are imperfect For in many things we offend all they are faulty not done alwaies with sinceritie fulnesse of desire or not with whole strength zeale and continuance as the Lord requireth yea they are vnequall to the recōpence When ye shall haue done all those things which are commanded you Luk. 17.10 say We are vnprofitable seruants we haue done that which was our dutie to do Let not our hearts be lifted vp in conceit of the worthinesse of our doings Habac. 2.4 as is vsuall in all Hypocrites but desire we that as they that looke through greene glasse thinke all they see greene the Lord will looke vpon vs in the face of his Annointed and accept vs as righteous in him who is our righteousnesse Gen. 27.24 That as Iacob got a blessing which was not due to him in