which is the head that is Christ. By whom all the body being coupled and knit together by euery ioynt for the furniture thereof according to the effectual power which is in the measure of euery part receiueth encrease of the body into the edifying of it selfe in loue Thirdly that shee is knit vnto Christ her head by an indissoluble vnion Colos. 1.18 And hee is the head of the body of the Church hee is the beginning and the first horne of the dead that in all things he might haue the preeminence Colos. 2.19 And holdeth not the head whereof all the body furnished and knit together by ioynts and hands encreaseth with the encreasing of God 1. Cor. 12.27 Now ye are the body of Christ and members for your part Ephes. 1.22.23 And hath made all things subiect vnder his feet and hath appointed him ouer all things to be the head to the Church Which is his body euen the fulnesse of him that filleth all in all things So as she is truly bone of his bone and flesh of his flesh Ephes. 5.30 For wee are members of his body of his flesh and of his bones One with Christ not in nature as the Trinity is one nor in person as the two natures in Christ but in spirit Ioh. 4.13 Hereby know we that we dwell in him and he in vs because he hath giuen vs of his spirit For the spirit of the Sonne dwelleth in vs. Fourthly that shee is holy Ephes. 5.27 That he might make it vnto himselfe a glorious Church not hauing spot or wrinkle or any such thing but that it should be holy and without blame c. 1. Pet. 2.9 But ye 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 darknesse into his maruellous light c. Dan. 7.18 And they shall take the kingdome of the Saints of the most high and possesse the kingdome for euer euen for euer and euer And so she is holy 1. By separation from the world in that the godly are consecrated to holy vses they are holy by calling 2. By inchoation of true holinesse in nature and practice Tit. 3.5 Not by the workes of righteousnesse which wee had done but according to his mercy he saued vs by the washing of the new birth and the renuing of the holy Ghost 3. By imputation of Christs holinesse being washed in his blood Heb. 10.10 By the which will we are sanctified euen by the offering of the body of Iesus Christ once made 4. By consummation of all holinesse in the other world Fifthly she is Catholick this is one of the Articles of the Creed the Church is Catholick in three respects 1. In respect of time all the godly being members of this one body though they liue in all the seuerall ages since the beginning of the world 2. In respect of place because all the iust both in heauen and earth are all of this one body Ephes. 1.10 That in the dispensation of the fulnesse of the times hee might gather together in one all things both which are in heauen and which are in earth euen in Christ. And so from all parts of the world is the Church gathered all the particular Churches in the world are but members of this Church vniuersall 3. In respect of persons because it is gathered especially since Christ out of all nations there being no difference put in respect of mens outward condition Reuel 5.9.10 And they sung a new song saying Thou art worthy to take the booke and to open the seales thereof because thou wast killed and hast redeemed vs to God by thy blood out of euery kindred and tongue and people and nation And hast made vs vnto our God Kings and Priests and wee shall raigne on earth Galath 3.28 There is neither Iew nor Grecian there is neither bond nor free there is neither male nor female for yee are all one in Christ Iesus Sixthly that shee is militant that is she is in this life exposed to crosses and afflictions and tentations and oppositions 2. Timoth. 4.7.8 I haue sought a good fight and haue finished my course I haue kept the faith For henceforth is laid vp for me the crowne of righteousnesse which the Lord the righteous Iudge shall giue me at the day and not to mee onely but vnto all them also which loue his appearing Luk. 9.24 For whosoeuer will saue his life shall lose it and whosoeuer shall lose his life for my sake the same shall saue it Act. 14.22 Confirming the disciples hearts and exhorting them to continue in the faith affirming that wee must through many afflictions enter into the kingdome of God c. Reuel 1.9 I Iohn euen your brother and companion in tribulation and in the kingdome and patience of Iesus Christ was in the isle called Patmos for the word of God and for the witnessing of Iesus Christ. Reuel 12.11 But they ouercame him by the blood of the Lambe and by the word of their testimony and they loued not their liues vnto the death c. Ephes. 6.12 For we wrastle not against flesh blood but against principalities against powers against the worldly gouernours the princes of the darknesse of this world c. Now the Lord would haue his Church so exposed to crosses both for his owne sake and for hers and for his enemies sake 1. For his owne sake that he might shew his hatred of sin euen in his owne and the glory also of his power and mercy in their deliuerance as well as his iustice in their afflictions 2. For their sakes that being in the warfare humbled and tamed for their sinnes they might not perish with the world 1. Cor. 11. 31.32 and may be herein like to Christ Rom. 8.27 3. For their enemies sake that they may know that they shall neuer bee spared if God spare not his owne children 1. Pet. 4.17 For the time is come that iudgement must begin at the house of God if it first begin at vs what shall the end be of them which obey not the Gospell of God Seuenthly that she is inuincible Matth. 16.18 And I say also vnto thee that thou art Peter and vpon this rocke I will build my Church and the gates of hell shall not ouercome it Rom. 8.37 Neuerthelesse in all these things we are more then conquerers through him that loued vs. 38. For I am perswaded that neither death nor life nor Angels nor principalities nor powers nor things present nor things to come 39. Nor height nor depth nor any other creature shall be able to separate vs from the loue of God which is in Christ Iesus our Lord. 1. Pet. 5.10 And the God of all grace which hath called vs vnto his eternall glory by Christ Iesus after that yee haue suffered a little make you perfect confirme strengthen and stablish you c. The vses of these principles may be either
the plenteous knowledge of them searching those diuine words and exercising our selues in the morning and euening accounting so much to bee added to our riches as wee get of this excellent knowledge Iohn 5.39 Search the Scriptures for in them you thinke to haue eternall life and they are they which testifie of me Col. 3.16 Let the word of God or Christ dwell in you plenteously in all wisdome teaching and admonishing your owne selues c. Psalm 1.2 But his delight is in the Law of the Lord and in his law doth he meditate day and night Labouring by all meanes to acquaint our children and family with them Deut. 6.7 And thou shalt rehearse them continually vnto thy children and shalt talke of them when thou tariest in thy house and as thou walkest by the way and when thou liest downe and when thou risest vp c. Since they are of God and so perfect wee should rest vpon the directions and comforts we find in them and establish our hearts in all things wee learne out of them Rom. 15.4 For whatsoeuer things are written afore time are written for our learning that wee through patience and comfort of the scriptures might haue hope They are a sure word we may rest vpon them 2. Pet. 1.20 as beleeuing that euery word of God is pure and that God will make them good to such as trust in them Prou. 30.5.6 We should care to reade and heare these Scriptures with al due preparation and attention and high estimation receiuing them as the word of God and not of man 1. Thes. 2.13 labouring to bring cleane hearts and a meeke and teachable spirit to them as being able to saue our soules Iames 1.21.22 with a resolution to doe whatsoeuer God requireth in them We should loue them aboue all treasures accounting them more deare then thousands of gold and siluer and reckoning the sentences learned out of Scriptures as the fairest ornament can decke vs Deut. 11.18.19 Psalm 119.72 We should therefore make them the rule of all our actions and come continually to them to see whether our workes bee wrought in God and shewing the power of the word in the demonstration of the apparant life of it in commanding all our particular actions that men may see the light of the word in the light of our good workes Phil. 2.15 That wee may bee blamelesse and pure and the sonnes of God without rebuke in the midst of a naughty and crooked nation amongst whom you shine as lights in the world Gal. 6.16 And as many as walk according to this rule peace shall be vpon them and mercy vpon the Israel of God Psalm 119.105 Thy word is a lanterne vnto my feete and a light vnto my path Yea we should daily try and search the secrets of our hearts by it as that which only can doe it Heb. 4.12 For the word of God is liuely and mighty in operation and sharper then any two edged sword and entreth through euen vnto the diuiding asunder of the soule and the spirit and of the ioynts and the marrow and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart Wee should therefore in all questions and controuersies let the Scriptures iudge and thinke of no man aboue what is written Gal. 1.7 1. Cor. 4.6 Esay 8.20 Thus much for instruction Secondly these Principles reprooue the Papists and carnall Protestants and the godly too The Papists are heere reproued 1. For making the authority of the Scriptures to depend vpon the testimony of the Church whereas the Church is built vpon the Scriptures Ephes. 2.20 And are built vpon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets Iesus Christ himselfe being the chiefe corner stone 2. For not holding it to bee sufficient without traditions contrary to the expresse word 2. Tim. 3.17 That the man of God may be absolute being made perfect vnto all good works 3. For with-holding the Scriptures from the common people keeping from them the sight of their Fathers wil contrary to the word Iohn 5.39 Search the Scriptures for in them you thinke to haue eternall life and they are they which testifie of me Col. 3.16 Let the word of God dwell in you plenteously in all wisedome c. 4. For iudging controuersies without them contrary to the commandement Esay 8.20 To the Law and to the Testimony If they speake not according to this word it is because there is no light in them The carnal Protestants are here reproued 1. For their miserable neglect of the reading hearing meditation and the care to yeeld obedience to the Scriptures yea for the wretched neglect of the very buying of the Bible for their vse and the vse of their families and for daring to liue without the preaching of the word in times of spirituall famine 2. For their vilde audaciousnesse that dare liue in such sins as they heare threatned in the Scriptures prophanely despising the warning daily giuen them Esay 30.11.12 Ier. 23.9.10 3. For their scorning and deriding of such as honour the word and frequent the hearing of it Esay 57.3.4 But you witches children come hither the seed of the adulterer and of the whore On whō haue you iested Vpon whom haue you gaped and thrust out your tongs Are ye not rebellious children and a false seed 4. For their irreuerence when they come to the house of God to heare Eccles. 5.1 Yea the godly themselues ought to bee humbled by the consideration hereof 1. For their distractions in the hearing reading of the Word 2. For neglecting the counsels and directions giuen out of the Word 3. For not resting vpon it through vnbeliefe 4. For too much aptnes to receiue opinions if they come frō men they account godly though they haue no warrant from the word There be traditions on the right hand as well as on the left Thus much for reproofe Thirdly wee may all try our selues what we are by our respect of the Scriptures If we loue and heare the word we are of God Ioh. 8.47 He that is of God heareth Gods word ye therefore heare them not because ye are not of God Gods people are a people in whose hearts is Gods Law Esay 51.7 Psalm 37.31 Lastly it may be a singular consolation to all such as find the word of God to testifie with thē it matters not what the world saies or thinks of vs if we can find that the word of the Lord is good cōcerning vs our harts may be at rest when God speakes peace by his word and we may be sure we are in the right way when we follow the directions of the word CHAP. IIII. Of God Psalm 72.18.19 HItherto of the principles concerning the fountaine of knowledge the subiect of knowledge is God who must bee considered two waies first In his nature secondly In his works Concerning God considered in his nature there are foure principles That he is that is that there is a God That
For thou art great and dost wondrous things thou art God alone c. Loue him alone or aboue all He knoweth them that loue him and shew it by seruing him only Deut. 6.4.5 The Lord our God is Lord onely And thou shalt loue the Lord thy God with all thine heart and with al thy soule and with al thy might c. Mark 12.29.30 as before It should repent vs that euer wee relied vpon any other but him learning hereafter for euer to relie vpon him in our desperatest extremities as these places shew Deut. 32.37.38.39 Isay 37.16 1. Sam 2.2.3 We should therefore keepe the vnity of the spirit in the bond of peace as is vrged Ephes. 4.3.6 c. We should therefore vse but one Mediator to him 1. Tim. 2.5 For there is one God and one Mediatour betweene God and Man Which is the Man Christ Iesus c. Lastly how happy are his people they are most sure to prosper and grow as from the consideration of this principle is shewed Isai. 44.6.7.8 with coherence Hetherto of the nature of God the workes of God follow His workes are either of Creation or Prouidence CHAP. V. Of the Creation Reuel 4.11 Thou art worthy O Lord to receiue glory and honour and power for thou hast created all things and for thy wils sake they are and haue been created THere are fiue principles concerning the Creation That the World had a beginning was not eternall Gen. 1.1 In the beginning God created the heauen and the earth c. Prou. 8.24 c. When there were no depths was I begotten when there were no fountaines abounding with water c. Ephes. 1.4 As hee hath chosen vs in him before the foundation of the world c. That this world and al things therein was made by God Acts 17.24 God that made the world and all things that are therein c. Iohn 1.3 All things were made by it and without it was made nothing that was made Gens 1.1 Psalm 33.6 By the word of the Lord were the heauens made and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth Isaiah 40.28 Knowest thou not or hast thou not heard that the euerlasting God the Lord hath created the ends of the earth c. Colos. 1.16 For by him were all things created which are in heauen and which are in earth things visible and inuisible c. That all was made of nothing Rom. 4.17 Before God whom he beleeued who quickneth the dead and calleth those things which bee not as though they were Heb. 11.3 Through faith wee vnderstand that the world was ordained by the word of God so that the things which we see are not made of things which did appeare That God made all things by his word onely He spake and it was created He said let it bee and it was so Genes 1. Heb. 11.3 Psal. 33.6.9 all recited before That all things in their Creation were made good Gen. 1.31 and 2.1 And God saw all that hee had made and loe it was very good c. The vse may be For Information The glorie of the Lord shall endure for euer He shall reioyce in his workes Psalm 104.31 For Instruction and so the Scripture teacheth vs by the creation 1. To feare him and stand in awe of him euen all the inhabitants of the earth who are the work of his hands Psal. 33.6.7.8 2. To study the knowledge of these workes of his to remember them contemplate of them and praise his workmanship and admire his glory that doth great things and vnsearchable yea maruelous things without number c Iob 9.10.11 shall we not sing vnto the Lord all our life and praise our God while we liue c Psal. 104 33. seeing The heauens declare the glory of God and the firmament sheweth the worke of his hands Psal. 19.1 and the inuisible things of him that is his eternall power and God-head are seene by the creation of the World being considered in his workes c Rom. 1.20 Let vs remember that God gaue a Sabbath of purpose to remember the glory of God in the creation 3. To obserue the distinct glory of euery person admire that Sonne by whom God made the worlds Heb. 1.3 Col. 1.16 and that Spirit that sitting vpon that Chaos first hatched it Genes 1.2 4. To acknowledge Gods soueraigntie let him take whom he will away who can say what doest thou Iob 9.13 God will not withdraw his anger and the most mighty helpes stoope vnder him 5. Vpon all occasions and in all distresses to seeke vnto him for helpe assistance and succour Psalm 124.8 Psalm 134.3 yea beleeuing in him though we see no hope in respect of outward meanes Rom 4.17 Heb. 11.3 Isaiah 37.16 And as this is true of affliction and outward distresses so is it true of all spirituall distresses about the meanes or matter of holinesse for God himselfe vseth the word create in both to shew vs that it is lawfull for that reason to rest vpon him Isaiah 57.19 I create the fruit of the lips to be peace c. Psalm 51.10 Create in me a cleane heart c. so it is applied to good works Ephes. 1.10 and to our protection in generall Esay 4.4 and 5. To shew that if it were as difficult as to make heauen and earth at the first yet God will doe it 6. To teach vs compassion to the creatures we should loue the worke of his hands and not bee cruell to them or voide of pitie These principles also may serue for reproofe of wicked men For not fearing God and not trembling before him as Ierem. 5.22.23 Feare ye not me saith the Lord will ye not be afraid at my presence which haue placed the sand for the bounds of the sea by the spirituall decree a perpetuall that it cannot passe it c. For not regarding his works Isaiah 1.12 And the harpe and viol and timbrel and pipe and wine are in their feasts but they regard not the worke of the Lord neither consider the worke of his hands For hardning themselues in their sinnes notwithstanding Gods threatnings Iob 4.13 with vers 15.16.21 And lastly for consolation to all that put their trust in him Psal. 116.5.6 He can dispose of all since the earth is the Lords and all that is therein Oh what is man that God should bee mindefull of him and giue him such pre-eminence ouer the workes of his hands Psalme 8.4.5.6.7.8 Prouerbs 8.31 Thus of the Creation CHAP. VI. Of Gods Prouidence Rom. 11.36 For of him and through him and for him are all things To him be glory for euer Amen THe principles concerning Gods prouidence are That God still knowes and takes continual notice of all things Prou. 15.3 The eies of the Lord in euery place behold the euill and the good Zach. 4.10 These seuen are the eies of the Lord which goe through the whole world Heb. 4.13 Neither is there any creature
from him Iam. 1.17 Euery good giuing and euery perfect gift is from aboue and commeth downe from the father of lights c. What are wee that so great a God should set his heart vpon vs to shew vs mercy Seeing hee is a spirit and so transcendently glorious and knowes all things we should resolue to serue him with all possible affection putting on all the beauties of the best holinesse we can get when we come into his presence Ioh. 4.24 God is a spirit and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and truth Let vs for euer hate sinne and striue for all possible imitation of his holinesse Psal. 36.10 Extend thy louing kindnesse to them that know thee and thy righteousnesse vnto them that are vpright of hart 1. Pet. 1.15.16 But as he which hath called you is holy so be you holy in all manner of conuersation Because it is written Be you holy for I am holy c. 1. Ioh. 5.18.19 We know that whosoeuer is borne of God sinneth not but he that is begotten of God keepeth himselfe and the wicked toucheth him not c. Iob 42.6 Therefore I abhorre my selfe and repent in dust and ashes Finally wee should striue to get and encrease in the true knowledge of our glorious God wee should study his glory but then wee must be warned when we go about this study to looke to diuers things 1. We must repent vs of our sinnes for this knowledge requires a cleane heart 2. Wee must bring an humble and teachable mind Psalm 25.9 Them that bee meeke will hee guide in iudgement and teach the humble his way 3. Let the Word bee thy guide looke for him in the Word Thou must captiuate thy Reason and aduance thy faith 4. Thou must goe to the Sonne to reueale the Father pray Christ to shew thee the Father Ioh. 1.18 No man hath seene God at any time the onely begotten Sonne which is in the bosome of the Father hee hath declared him c. 5. Pray for the spirit of reuelation to forme this in thee and resolue to get thy heart established in the knowledge of God by many prayers 6. Obserue him in his Image in his children get affection to them and liue much with them 1. Ioh. 4.8.12.16 Hee that loueth not knoweth not God for God is loue No man hath seene God at any time if wee loue one another God dwelleth in vs and his loue is perfect in vs c. Thus much for Instruction Here is also much matter of humiliatioÌ„ for those vile Atheisticall thoughts and base conceits which are in mens minds coÌ„cerning God and for the daily neglect of Gods presence forgetting him dayes without number and for daring to sinne in his sight but especially for want of those burning desires after God and that surpassing loue of his glorious nature Thirdly here is singular Consolation vnto all those that are assured they are in fauour with God Why doe not our hearts say Wee haue none in heauen but God and doe desire none in earth with him Psalm 7.3.23 seeing he is so all-sufficient able to doe vs so much good and our plentifull reward Genes 17.1 and knowes our wayes Psal. 1.6 and entertaines his people with so much grace Psalm 36.7.8 and the rather because he will neuer change and loue thee with an eternall loue Iam. 1.17 2. Tim. 2.13 Numb 23.19 This should be the life of our liues it is very eternall life to know him to be ours in Christ. Ioh. 17.3 Ierem. 9.24 Thus of the second principle The third Principle is that there be thre persons in the Trinity which may be proued two waies That there is more then one person Gen. 1.26 Furthermore God said Let vs make man in our owne Image according to our likenesse c. That there are three in number Mat. 3.16.17 And loe the heauens were opened vnto him and Iohn saw the spirit of God descending like a Doue and lighting vpon him And loe a voice came from heauen saying This is my beloued Son in whom I am well pleased c. Matth. 28.19 Goe therefore and teach all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Sonne and the holy Ghost 2. Cor. 13.13 The grace of our Lord Iesus Christ and the loue of God and the communion of the holy Ghost be with you all Amen Ioh. 14.16.17.28 And I will pray the Father and hee shall giue you another Comforter that he may abide with you for euer c. Ioh. 15.26 But when the Comforter shall come whom I will send vnto you from the Father c. 1. Ioh. 5.7 For there are three which beare record in heauen the Father the Word and the holy Ghost and these three are one c. These three were called in the old Testament the Lord the Angell of the Lord and the Spirit of God and in the new the Father the Sonne and the holy Ghost The vse should be To teach vs to conceiue of God with all possible adoration of his glorious condition who hath in the manner of his nature what is beyond the reach of men or Angels thou must beleeue that this is so though reason cannot tell â—hee how it is let it suffice thee to know that it is Thou shalt know more how it is both when they knowledge is more growne on earth and when thou commest to thy perfect age in heauen When thou commest to worship God make conscience of it that thou rob not any of the persons of their glory But know that there are three persons not one person onely Learne thou in thy course of life from the word and works of God to giue to each person his glory as it is written of him or done by him This may be an vnspeakeable comfort to thee if thou consider what the blessed Trinity is to thee thy holinesse and happines was conceiued decreed framed purchased renewed and shall be for euer testified by â—â—ree in heauen 1. Iohn 5.7 For there are three which beare record c. Gen. 1.26 as before Thus of the third principle That there is but one God is proued in these places Deu. 6.4 Heare O Israel the Lord our God is Lord only c. Esay 44.6.8 Thus saith the Lord the King of Israel and his Redeemer the Lord of Hosts I am the first and I am the last and without me is there no God You are my witnesses whether there be a God beside me c. Mark 12.29 Heare Israel the Lord our God is the only Lord c. Ephes. 4.5.6 1. Cor. 8.4 We know that an idoll is nothing in the world and that there is none other God but one c. The vses are these Adore him whom al creatures are bound to serue and acknowledge who hath no partners in his supreame Soueraignty Psal. 86.9.10 All nations whom thou hast made shall come and worship before thee O Lord and shall glorifie thy name
which is not manifest in his sight but all things are naked and open vnto his eyes with whom we haue to doe Psal. 113.6 Who abaseth himselfe to behold things in the heauen and in the earth That God vpholds and gouerns disposeth of the world so as al things continue through him Psal. 119.91 They continue euen to this day by thine ordinances for all are thy seruants Iohn 5.17 But Iesus answered them My Father worketh hitherto and I worke Acts 17.25.28 He giueth to all life and breath and all things For in him we liue and moue and haue our being Psal. 104.14.21.27.28.30 Hee causeth grasse to grow for the cattle and hearb for the vse of man that he may bring forth bread out of the earth The Lions rore after their prey and seeke their meate at God All these waite vpon thee that thou maist giue them food in due season Thou giuest it to them and they gather it thou openest thy hand and they are filled with good things Againe if thou send forth thy spirit they are created and thou renewest the face of the earth That this prouidence of God reacheth to all things euen the smallest things are gouerned vpheld by God Rom. 11.36 For of him and through him and for him are all things To him be glory for euer Amen Matth. 10.29.30 Are not two Sparrowes sold for a farthing and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father Yea and all the haires of your head are numbred Psal. 147.8.9.16.17.18 Which couereth the heauen with clouds and prepareth raine for the earth and maketh the grasse to grow vpon the mountaines Which giueth to beasts their food and to the young rauens that crie He giueth snow like wooll and scattereth the hoare frost like ashes He casteth forth his ice like morsels who can abide the cold thereof He sendeth his word and melteth them he causeth his wind to blow and the waters flow That of al creatures God hath most care and respect of man Prou 8.31 And tooke my solace in the compasse of his earth and my delight is with the children of men Psal. 8.3.4 What is man say I that thou art mindfull of him and the sonne of man that thou visitest him 1. Cor. 9.9.10 For it is written in the Law of Moses Thou shalt not mussel the mouth of the oxe that treadeth out the corne doth God take care for oxen Either saith he it not altogether for our sakes for our sakes no doubt it is written that he which eareth should eare in hope and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope That the good or euill which befalles man is not without Gods prouidence Amos 3.6 Or shall a trumpet be blowne in a Citie and the people be not afraid or shall there be euill in a City and the Lord hath not done it That he doth whatsoeuer pleaseth him in heauen and in earth Psal. 115.3 But our God is in heauen he doth whatsoeuer he will Ionah 1.14 For thou O Lord hast done as it pleased thee Eccles. 3.14 I know that whatsoeuer God shall doe it shall bee for euer to it can no man adde and from it can none diminish For God hath done it that they should feare before him That Gods dominion is euerlasting Psalm 146.10 The Lord shall raigne for euer O Sion thy God endureth from generation to generation praise ye the Lord. The vses are For information this is a glorious subiect to meditate of and if wee search into it distinctly there are many things admirable in Gods gouernment as 1 First the vicegerency of Christ his Son Heb. 1.3 Who being the brightnes of the glory the engraued form of his persō bearing vp al things by his mighty word c. 2 Secondly the splendor of the meanes he vseth euen Kings on earth are his seruants Pro. 21.1 The Kings heart is in the hand of the Lord as the riuers of waters he turneth it whithersoeuer it pleaseth him yea Angels in heauen Oh the admirable glory of the gouernmēt of angels in the world as is shadowed out in Ezech. 1.4 to 15. 3 The variety of meanes he hath and can raise euen all the armies in heauen and earth 4 His working somtimes without meanes Genes 2. 5 His working against means sometimes Psalm 105.12 to 16. The Sunne must stand still Fier must not burne the Sea must not drowne c. 6 The extent of his gouernment what a worke to order all things 7 The preseruation of all the sorts of things euen by the word of God By succession perpetuating his creation and supporting all things prouiding daily for them 8 The destruction he makes amongst the creatures Psa. 104.29 By deluge fier sword pestilence tumbling downe Monarchies c Psal. 68.1 9 The ordering of the disorders of the world turning sinne to good as an Apothecary doth poyson and directing euill instruments wicked men to punish the wicked or to correct the godly To see how God lookes one way and they another Nabuchadnezzar intends to satisfie his owne pride reuenge ambition couetousnesse yet God guides it to another vse euen to correct his people which hee sheweth by burning his rod Esa. 10.5.6 Esa. 14.5.6 and 29. and God directs the euill actions of the wicked to a good end so of the Iewes in killing Christ c. 10 But especially his admirable disposing of all things notwithstanding the infinite multitude of all things in the world which is shadowed in the wheeles Ezech 1.15 c. 11 All this to be done without labour or vexation say therfore as Psalm 104.1.24 My soule praise thou the Lord O Lord my God thou art exceeding great thou art clothed with glory and honour O Lord how manifold are thy workes in wisedome hast thou made them all the earth is full of thy riches Psalm 106.2 Who can expresse the noble acts of the Lord or shew forth all his praise 47. Saue vs O Lord our God and gather vs from among the heathen that wee may praise thy holy name and glory in thy praise c. Psal. 107.8 Let them therefore confesse before the Lord his louing kindnesse and his wonderfull works before the sonnes of men 22. And let them offer sacrifice of praise and declare his works with reioycing Psalm 113.2.3.4.5 all the Psalme The second vse is for reproofe and confutation 1 Of such Atheists as say God doth not see or not regard Psal. 94.7 c. Yet they say the Lord shall not see neither will the God of Iacob regard it 2 Of such as acknowledge chance or fortune 3 Of the discontentment that is in man with their condition Dauid calles himselfe a beast for this Psal. 73.22 So foolish was I and ignorant I was a beast before thee an excellent Psalme cleane through 4 Of the security of wicked mē If God gouerne woe to them Psalm 139.7.8 Whither shall they goe from thy spirit or
whither shal they flie from thy presence If they ascend into heauen thou art there if they lie downe in hell thou art there Iob 9.4.5 Hee is wise in heart and mighty in strength who hath been fierce against him and hath prospered Hee remoueth the mountaines and they feele not when hee ouerthroweth them in his wrath Psalm 107.42 The righteous shall see it and reioyce and all iniquity shall stop her mouth Psal. 146.9 The Lord keepeth the strangers hee relieueth the fatherlesse and widow but hee ouerthroweth the way of the wicked Thirdly the doctrine of Gods prouidence should teach vs diuers duties 1 Take not thought what thou shalt eate c. thou art at Gods finding Matth. 6.31 Therefore take no thought saying what shall we drinke or wherewith shall wee bee clothed c. cast thy care vpon God for he careth for thee 1. Pet. 5.7 Cast all your care vpon him for he careth for you Psal. 55.22 Cast thy burthen vpon the Lord and hee shall nourish thee he will not suffer the righteous to fall for euer Say with Abraham God will prouide Heb. 13.5 Let your conuersation be without couetousnesse and bee content with those things that ye haue for he hath said hee will not faile thee neither forsake thee c. Be patient in aduersity and shew it 1. By restraining griefe and sorrow in thy selfe Psalm 39.9 I should haue been dumb and not haue opened my mouth because thou didst it 1. Sam. 3.18 So Samuel told him euery whit and hid nothing from him Then he said It is the Lord let him doe what seemeth him good Prou. 3.11.12 My sonne refuse not the chastening of the Lord neither be grieued with his correctiō Affliction comes not out of the dust 2 By not vsing ill meanes By not fearing the rage of any creature Luk. 12.4.5.6.7 c. And I say vnto you my friends be not afraid of them that kill the body and after that are not able to doe any more c. Matth. 10.28.29.30 Are not two sparrowes sold for a farthing and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your father c. 1. Pet. 4.19 Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit their soules to him in well doing as vnto a faithfull Creator 4. By seeking to God though we see no meanes for hee hath a thousand wayes we know not of Seeke all good things at his hands hee hath the disposing of all Acknowledge all good things from him as Psalm 147 all ouer Serue him in all meanes and sacrifice not to thine owne nets Habak 1.16 Therefore they sacrifice vnto their net and burne incense vnto their yarne because by them their portion is fat and their meate plenteous Trust not in thine owne proiects nor in the meanes Ier. 10.23 O Lord I know that the way of man is not in himselfe neither is it in man to walke and to direct his steps Deut. 8.3 Therefore hee humbled thee and made thee hungry and fed thee with man which thou knewest not neither did thy fathers know it that hee might teach thee that man liueth not by bread onely but by euery word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord doth a man liue Psalm 127.1.2 Except the Lord build the house they labour in vaine that build it except the Lord keepe the City the keeper watcheth in vaine It is in vaine for you to rise early and to lie downe late and eate the bread of sorrow but hee will surely giue rest to his beloued But commit thy way to God and trust vpon him Psalm 37.4 And delight thy selfe in the Lord and he shall giue thee thy hearts desire Pray God to direct the works of thine hands Psalm 90.17 And let the beauty of the Lord our God be vpon vs and direct thou the workes of our hands vpon vs euen direct the worke of our hands If God gouerne do good and be alwaies assured as Psal 58.11 And men shall say verily there is fruit for the righteous doubtlesse there is a God that iudgeth in the earth Obserue Gods workes keepe a Catalogue of experiments Psalm 107.43 Who is wise that hee may obserue these things for they shall vnderstand the louing kindnesse of the Lord. And make knowne his deeds talke of his wondrous workes Remēber the maruellous workes he hath done Psal. 106 1.2-5 Praise ye the Lord because he is good for his mercy endureth for euer who cā expresse the noble acts of the Lord or shew forth all his praise c. Shall wee not for euer bee afraid of him that so mightily and daily gouerneth c. Eccles. 3.11.14 Hee hath made euery thing beautifull in his time also hee hath set the world in their heart yet cannot man finde out the worke that God hath wrought from the beginning euen to the end I know that whatsoeuer God shall doe it shall be for euer To it can no man adde and from it can no man diminish For God hath done it that they should feare before him c. The fourth vse is for consolation to the godly our bones and haires are numbred Psal. 34.20 He keepeth all his bones not one of them is broken Luk. 12.6.7 Yea all the haires of your head are numbred feare not therefore you are of more value then sparrowes c. He knowes our way Psal. 1.6 For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous Our teares are in his bottle Psalm 56.8 Thou hast counted my wandrings put my teares into thy bottle are they not in thy Register He will not leaue vs nor forsake vs Heb. 13.5 Let your conuersation bee without couetousnesse and bee content with those things that you haue For hee hath said I will not leaue thee nor forsake thee No good things will he withhold Psalm 84.11 For the Lord God is the Sun and shield vnto vs the Lord will giue grace and glory and no good thing will he withhold from them that walke vprightly Esa. 48.15.16 Can a woman forget her child and not haue compassion on the sonne of her wombe though they should forget yet will I not forget thee Behold I haue grauen thee vpon the palme of mine hands thy walles are euer in my sight Hee that beleeueth shall not be ashamed Thus of the prouidence of God in generall as it concernes man in speciall it lookes first vpon the estate of Innocency CHAP. VII Of Mans first estate viz. of Innocency Eccles. 7.31 Onely loe this haue I found that God hath made man righteous but they haue sought many inuentions THere are two principles concerning mans first estate God made man at the first after his owne image Gen. 1.26 Furthermore God said Let vs make man in our owne image according to our likenesse and let them rule ouer the fish of the sea c. 1. Cor. 11.7 For a man ought not to couer his head for as much as he is the image of God c. Colos. 3.10 And
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
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
for 1. Instruction 2. Consolation 1. For instruction and so the sound consideration heereof may serue First to stirre vs vp to pray that God would open our eyes to see the glory of his power and grace in the calling of his Church out of the world and the most happy supremacie of Christ ouer the Church and our owne felicity if we be members of the Church Ephes. 1.17 c. Secondly to inflame in vs the care to make our calling and election sure that so we may be infallibly assured that we are members of the true Church If any aske for some plaine signe by which briefly the heart of man may establish it selfe in this point I answere that to be assured that we are true members of the Church and body of Christ we must carefully try our selues by such signes as these For they are members of the Church 1. That are called out of the world by the voice of the crier and separated by the power of the word 2. That relie vpon Christs merits for righteousnesse and saluation 3. That cleaue vnto such as feare God with vnchangeable affections as the onely people of the world 4. That are reformed from their old euill conuersation to the constant endeauours of a holy life Thirdly if we finde our selues to be of the Church wee should striue for exceeding thankfulnes to God that hath called vs out of darknesse to this maruellous light and saued vs from the common condemnatiō of the world 1. Pet. 2.9 Fourthly we should labour by holinesse of life to exceed all the Papists or Pagans of the world that men might see by our piety that God hath done more for vs then for any such as they our workes should speake for vs that we are of the true Church and not by our sinful liues dishonour God as our Father or the Church as our mother Ephes. 1. 4. Ephes. 2.8 Christ comes into his garden to see how his plants grow Cant. 6.10 I went downe to the garden of nuts to see the fruits of the valley to see if the vine budded and if the pomegranets flourished Fifthly wee should know no man after the flesh nor reckon of men by their meanes in the world but by their relation to Christ or the Church 2. Cor. 5.16 Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh yea though wee haue knowne Christ after the flesh yet now henceforth know we him no more Sixthly wee should therefore auoid the society of the wicked and not forsake the fellowship of the godly 2. Cor. 6.15 What concord hath Christ with Belial or what part hath the beleeuer with the infidell c. Ephes. 5.7 Be not therefore companions with them 11. And haue no fellowship with the vnfruitfull workes of darknesse but euen reproue them rather 2. Thes. 3.14 If any man obey not our saying note him by a letter and haue no company with him that he may be ashamed Heb. 10.25 Not forsaking the fellowship that wee haue among our selues as the manner of some is but let vs exhort one another and that so much more because ye see the day draweth neere Seuenthly wee should therefore carrie our selues one towards another as fellow-seruants in the same family and fellow-citizens in the same City with all meeknesse patience vnity and loue Ephes. 4.2.3 With all humblenesse of mind and meeknesse with long suffering supporting one another through loue endeauouring to keepe the vnity of the spirit in the bond of peace c. Willingly imploying our gifts for the good of the Church Rom. 12.6.7.8 Eightly seeing wee are in a continuall warfare wee should stand vpon our guard quitting vs like men and bee strong putting on all the armour of God Ephes. 6.10 Ninthly wee should for euer learne to thinke and speake reuerently of the Church of God seeing it is the house of God the family of Christ the ground and pillar of the truth that Gods people are Gods hidden ones Ephes. 3.15 1. Tim. 3.15 Psalm 83.3 And in particular both Ministers and Magistrates that are deputed to the gouernment of the Church vnder Christ shuld be carefull to doe their duties with all care Ministers are charged in these Scriptures Ioh. 21.15.16 1. Pet. 5.2 1. Cor. 12.28 1. Tim. 3.15 as before And Magistrates must remember that God hath giuen them to bee nursing fathers to the Church Esa. 60.10.11 2. Chro. 34.33 and 35.3 c. And here is matter of singular consolation for all the true members of the true Church if they consider First the loue of Christ toward them Hee affecting them as a Spouse or Wife 2. Corint 11.2 Reuel 19.7 Secondly the fellowship they haue with Christ 1. Cor. 1.9 God is faithfull by whom ye are called into the fellowship of his Sonne Iesus Christ our Lord c. Thirdly the care of Christ for their sanctification Eph. 5.25.26 Christ loued the Church and gaue himselfe for it that he might sanctifie it and clense it by the washing of water through the word Fourthly the roiall furniture with the which from Christ they are clad being not destitute of any heauenly gifts 1. Cor. 1.7 So yee are not destitute of any gift waiting for the appearing of our Lord Iesus Christ. Ephes. 1.3 Blessed be God euen the Father of our Lord Iesus Christ which hath blessed vs with all spirituall blessing in heauenly things in Christ. Col. 2.19 All the body furnished and knit together by ioynts bands increaseth with the increasing of God Fifthly their safetie in al their warfarings and their conquest and deliuerance out of all their troubles and their assurance of full happinesse in the end Rom. 8.37 Neuerthelesse in all these things wee are more then conquerours through him that loued vs Vers. 38. For I am perswaded that neither life nor death c. Vers. 39. Shall be able to separate vs from the loue of God which is in Christ Iesus our Lord. Col. 1.18 And he is the Head of the body of the Church he is the beginning and the first borne of the dead that in all things hee might haue the preeminence 1. Pet. 5.10 The God of all grace which hath called vs vnto his eternall glory by Christ Iesus after that ye haue suffered a little will make you perfect confirme strengthen and stablish you c. And all this should comfort the more 1. If we remember what wee were and are in our selues The Church is black Cantic 1.4 And the daughter of Pharaoh Psal. 45. and Christ found her out first in her blood Ezech. 16.6 2. If we consider that there is no accepting of persons but the Eunuches and the strangers may be admitted into the Church as well as the children of the Kingdome Isaiah 56.3 Let not the son of the stranger which is ioyned to the Lord speake and say the Lord hath surely separate me from his people neither let the Eunuch say Behold I am a dry tree c. CHAP. XXIV Of Iustification HItherto of
resurrection Dan. 12.2 And many of them that sleepe in the dust of the earth shall awake some to euerlasting life and some to shame and perpetuall contempt Quest. It may bee obiected that Daniel saith many shall rise not all Answ. Hee may speake so because wee shall not all die but those that are aliue at Christs comming shall bee changed in stead of death and resurrection 1. Thes. 4.15 For this say we vnto you by the word of the Lord that we which liue and are remaining in the comming of the Lord shall not preuent them which sleepe c. 1. Cor. 15.53 Thirdly that the same bodies which men carry about with them in this world shall rise againe Iob 19.26.27 And though after my skin wormes destroy this body yet shall I see God in my flesh Whom I my selfe shall see and mine eyes shall behold and none other for me though my raines are consumed within me Psalm 34.20 He keepeth all his bones not one of them is broken This very corruptible must put on incorruption 1. Cor. 15. 53. For this corruptible must put on incorruption and this mortall must put on immortality c. The reasons are 1. because euery man shall receiue in his body what hee hath done either good or euill 2. Cor. 5.10 For wee must all appeare before the iudgement seat of Christ that euery man may receiue the things which are done in his body according to that he hath done whether good or euill 2. Because else it were absurd that any other body should bee crowned but that which suffered or punished but that which sinned Fourthly that this resurrection shall bee at the ende of the world euen the last day of the world Ioh. 6.44 No man can come to me except the Father which hath sent me draw him and I will raise him vp at the last day And therefore we must distinguish betweene particular resurrections and the generall or vniuersall Particular resurrections haue been past in some cases miraculously as at the time of Christs death but the principle speakes of the vniuersall resurrection The vses may be for Information Instruction Consolation Terrour First for information and so we should striue to informe our selues in three things 1. The certainty of it that it shall surely be 2. The manner of it since it must needs be 3. The glory of the life in Christ that can effect this For the first we may find many waies to affect our harts with a full assurance that our dead bodies shall rise againe many things tend hereunto some probable some infallible some shew it that it may bee others that it shall be That it is not impossible other workes in nature shew as first the Phoenix a bird in Arabia of which it is written that waxing old with the stickes of Frankincense and Cassia with which shee filled her nest shee makes a fier and being put in the fier and burned to ashes by and by after the dew of heauen lights vpon her she comes forth aliue Secondly we know that many little birds which for the winter-time lie out of the way in deepe marshes or such like places yet in spring time come out aliue againe Thirdly we see that trees and plants in winter loose all their ornaments and being dead to see to yet reuiue againe Fourthly thus doth the seed also which the husband-man throwes into the ground 1. Cor. 15.36 O foole that which thou sowest is not quickened except it die Fifthly and lastly night and day sleepe and waking shewes vs thus much the day dies into the night and yet reuiues to the world with all his glory Yea in man himselfe there is grounds of singular probability For First his deliuerances from dangers and distresses are as it were lesser resurrections and the terme is giuen to it The houses in which the Iewes were captiues were as so many graues and their returne as a rising from the dead Ezech. 37.12 2. Cor. 1.10 Secondly he hath had an experience of the first resurrection in his soule already and how can he doubt the rising of his body Rom. 6. Ioh. 5.25.28 Reu. 20.6 Thirdly diuers particular men haue appeared raised from the dead as Lazarus Ioh. 13.43 the Saints that appeared out of the graues after Christs death Mat. 27.52.53 Fourthly God shewed this in a vision to Ezechiel when he saw a field full of dry bones receiuing at Gods commandement flesh and nerues and life Ezech. 37. But wee haue more then probabilities we haue certaine arguments for it as First the word of God assuring it 1. Thes. 4.15 as was proued before to whom all things are possible Luk. 1.37 For with God shall nothing bee vnpossible Luk. 18.27 The things which are vnpossible with men are possible with God Rom. 4.21 Secondly the Sonne of God vndertaking to effect it Iohn 6. 39. And this is the Fathers will which hath sent me that of all which he hath giuen me I should loose nothing but should raise it vp againe at the last day c. Thirdly the resurrection of Christ to assure it who rose as our surety 1. Thes. 4.14 Fourthly the Sacrament of Baptizme sealeth both the resurrection of soule and body Fifthly and lastly the Apostle proues at large the necessity of the resurrection by many arguments shewing in effect that all religion is ouerturned if the resurrection bee not beleeued 1. Cor. 15.12 Thus that it shall be How it shall be followes The manner of the resurrection will be thus First when the last day of the world is come Christ on a sudden in the same visible forme he went to heauen will come in the clouds with his Angels and thousands of the soules of his Saints Iude 14. 1. Thes. 4.15 Secondly the trumpet of God shall then sound the voice of the Arch-angell shall then bee heard Christ shall command exhort and call vpon the dead to rise and come away to iudgement 1. Thes. 4.16.17 so as the very dead shall heare this shout and voice of Christ Ioh. 5.29 Matth. 24.31 Thirdly immediately the spirit of Christ will bring the soules of all the godly and they shall enter into their bodies and then they that haue slept in the dust of the earth shall bee raised to life Fourthly the bodies of the wicked shall then bee raised also by the power of God by a way vnknowne Fifthly men that shal then be aliue shal haue a chāge on a sudden in stead of death and resurrection 1. Cor. 15. 1. Thes. 4.15 16. Sixthly the Angels shall then gather the Elect and chase in the reprobates from the foure winds of heauen and present them before Christ Matth. 24.31 Thus of the manner Thirdly this may informe vs concerning the glorious life of the Sonne of God who doth not onely liue himselfe but giues life to millions of men by his spirit Ioh. 5.21 and raised dead bodies so miraculously Thus of the vses for information From the doctrine of the resurrection wee should
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