observe these things 6. God hath made his workes for this end that wee should behold them Isaiah 40.26 and have them in rememberance Psal 111.4 Thus we shall be able to exalt God in our hearts and declare his workes to others so God will be glorified others edified our soules much delighted and a weighty duty discharged and God will recompence us with revealing his loving kindnesse to us Psal 107.43 Of the worke of Creation 1. Who created all things 2. Whereof all things are made 3. The time when they were made 4. For what end all things were made Sect. 1 First who made all things THe maker of all things is God it is his prerogative to create Gen. 1.1 God made heaven and earth Col. 1.16 his workes are visible and invisible 1. Creation is a worke of the whole Trinity 2. All was made by the power of his word 3. In wisedome all was made First creation is a worke of the Trinity as appeares 1. The Father created Ephes 3.9 who created all things by Jesus Christ 2. The Sonne created Colos 1.16 Heb. 1.10 3. The Holy Ghost created Iob. 26.13 Iob. 33.4 Secondly all was made by his word Gods word is either first substantiall or secondly written or thirdly operative Though God made all by his substantiall word yet that is not meant when he saith let there bee this or that for the operative word was in time the substantiall word was eternall Psal 33.9 the word was a willing things to bee not a sounding of syllables so that without toylsomnesse with great facility God created all things he spake the word and it was done 3. In wisdome all was made Prov. 3.19 Jehova sapientia fundavit terram statuit coelos intelligentia Psal 104.24 1. God makes the creatures without sence these are superior as the light the firmament and ornaments of heaven as Sunne Moone and Starres or inferiour as the seas earth trees and plants 2. He makes the sâ—nsitive creatures as beasts fishes and fowles then the reasonable creatures man and woman Some creatures have matter and forme and generation as men some no generation as the heavens and sunne c. some have distinct formes without matter as Angels some are bodies without immortall spirits as beasts some are immortall spirits without bodies as Angels some are immortall spirits and bodies as men Reflections 1. Let me lift up mine eyes A desire of 1. Contemplation and behold who hath made all these things (a) Isai 40.29 and bringeth out their armies by number and calâ—eth them by their names then shall I see his eternall power and god-head by his visible works (b) Rom. 1.20 and let me cast my thoughts on the sea where goe the great ships (c) Ps 104.26 and are creatures innumerable there is the great Leviathan that sports himselfe in the waters which God hath kept in with bankes by his decree (d) Iob 38.11 let me looke on this earth hanging in the aire (e) Job 26.7 the foot-stoole of my Creator (f) Isai 66.1 and then break out to admiration and say 2. AdmiratioÌ„ 2. O Lord how wonderfull are thy works in wisdome hast thou made them all (g) Ps 104.24 when I behold the heavens the workes of thy hands the moone and the starres (h) Psal 8.3 then I thinke thou hast got thee an excellent name and renowne in all the world and for my owne part I give glory to thee and acknowledge none is like to thee none can doe thy workes Psal 86.8 3. Supplication 3. O Lord my Creator enable me to remember thee now in my youth before the evill day doth come (i) Eccl. 12.1 with such a remembrance as to turne to thee (k) Psal 12.27 and doe thou remember me with the favour of thy people (l) Psal 106.4 thy hands have made me and fashioned me oh give me understanding (m) Ps 119.73 and thou which first didst create me doe thou new make me grant that I may be a new creature (n) 2 Cor. 5.17 Create in me a new heart (o) Psal 51.10 and renew me in the spirit of my minde (p) Eph. 4.23 that I may serve thee with gladnesse and cheerefulnesse for thou hast made us and not we our selves (q) Psal 108.2 3. I am thine by creation oh make me thine by redemption and grace 4. GratulatioÌ„ 4. Fill my heart with thy praises that thy noble workes being in my eyes thy high acts may be in my mouth and I may often say thou art worthy to receive honour and glory and power for thou hast created all things (r) Rev. 4.11 let me ever bee resolute to praise thee as for the workes of creation in the generall so for forming my selfe in particular (Å¿) Psa 139.14 thou hast cloathed me with skinne and flesh and united my bones and sinewes (t) Iob 10.11 I praise thee for my being for my well-being O let me praise thee in an everlasting well-being 5. Resignation 5. Thou hast made me and put a living soule within me and set me on the earth to live and breath a short time and then thou wilt bring me to death the house of all the living (u) Iob. 30.23 dust I am and to dust I must returne (w) Gen. 3.15 so thou hast ordeined all must dye (x) Heb. 9.27 because all have sinned (y) Rom. 5.12 grant that all my dayes I may waite till this change come (z) â—ob 14.14 and so become wise to consider my latter end (a) Deu 32.29 wheresoever I die or howsoever grant I may in much assurance commit my soule into thy hands as into the hands of a faithfull Creator (b) 1. Pet 4.19 Sect. 2 Secondly Whereof God made all things HE made all things of nothing to create is to produce something out of nothing to worke without materials Heb. 11.3 the things we see were not made of things which did appeare Reflections I desire 1. Faith 1. Had I beene trained up onely in morall Philosophy I had learned that of nothing comes nothing Indeed it is so in mans worke but in my Bible I learne that of nothing come all things it is so in Gods worke 2. 2. Reverence What cause have I to feare and reverence this great Creator I my selfe once was nothing now have life and being and substance oh cause me to repent and to prize thy favour or else I shall be at last worse then nothing 3. How easie is it for God to helpe his Church 3. Dependance he can worke without materials if he wills the good of his people no adverse power can hinder him 4 In me is nothing that is good 4. Regeneration Lord create in me that may make me acceptable in thy fight which may be to me a pledge of thy love Sect. 3 Thirdly The time when all things were made
our outward contentments faile yet wee will seeke Gods glory and serve him Of the Lord of Hoasts 1. What is meant by Hoasts 2. Why God is called The Lord of Hoasts 3. Which are his Hoasts 4. Questions resolved 5. Applications to edifie Sect. 1 First What is meant by Hoasts THe word is a Military word many Souldiers make an Hoast Sabaoth is an army and the army being well ordered is not onely exercitus an Hoast but also ornatus it is an ornament when the Souldiers keep their ranke there is a comlinesse so then an Hoast is an ordered multitude fit for imployment Sect. 2 Secondly Why God is called The Lord of Hoasts HE is so called because he is the soveraign Lord over all the Creatures are in beautifull order at his command Gen. 2.1 He finished heaven and earth with all their Hoasts and they continue to this day and are his servants Psal 119.91 Sect. 3 Thirdly which are his Hoasts 1. IN generall all creatures God is the great generall and all creatures are his hoasts to execute his will Gen. 2.1 2. In particular Angels are his hoast Gen. 32.2 The Angels met Iacob and he said This is Gods Hoast Psal 103.21 Blesse the Lord all yee his Hoasts 1. Kings 22.19 The Hoasts of heaven stand round about the Lord These are exercituum Caelestium heavenly Souldiers 3. The Sun Moone and Starres are his Hoast Deut. 4.19 Herein Manasses transgressed 2. King 21.3 This is Gods Hoast to serve us we are not to serve them 4. Men are his Hoast Exod. 12.41 The same day departed the armies of the Lord from the Land of Egypt the same day in the body of the day openly for God had said to Moses and Aaron Bring out the sons of Israel according to their armies Numb 33.3 Exod. 6.26 1. Sam. 17.45 Goliah railed against the hoast of the living God 5. The unreasonable creatures are his hoast as Frogs Lice Exod. 8. So Caterpillars and Cankar-wormes Grashoppers c. are his hoast Sect. 4 Fourthly Questions resolved Quest 1 WHich is the chiefe hoast of God Answ The Angels these are his royall hoast one of them in a night slew 185000 men 1. Kings 19.35 Wisedome and strength are for the warre and these soldiers are admirable for wisedome 2. Sam. 14.20 and excellent for strength Psal 103.20 God hath of these two myriades twice ten thousand Psal 68.17 Twice tenne thousand thousands Dan. 7.10 For number they are numberlesse Heb. 12.22 Quest 2 God is said to be the God of peace Heb. 13.20 Rom. 16.20 how is he then the Lord of hoasts Answ He is the God of peace to his Church yet the Lord of hoasts for his Church A Prince may be at peace with his owne subjects yet at warre with his and their enemies Hee is the Lord of Hoasts yet with us Psalme 46.7 Quest 3 Is warre lawfull or no Answ Yea it is lawfull for God directs them concerning warre Deut. 20. and approved a Stratagem of warre Iosuah 8.4 5 6. compared with verse 18. Abraham rescued Lot by warre and the Judges of Israel saved the people often by war God is stiled a man of war Exod. 15.3 Iohn Baptist taught souldiers to cast away their violence not their weapons there are the Lords battells 1. Sam. 18.17 therefore warre is lawfull Quest 4 How came warres first into the world Answ By the fall of Adam corruption came into our hearts and from mens lusts came warres Jam. 4.1 Caine was the first builder of Cities Gen. 4.17 and no doubt the wicked would not onely defend themselves but offend the godly and the godly must labour to defend themselves from Nimrod and his fellow hunters and after the flood the sword was put into the hand of the Magistrate to shed the blood of the murtherer and as he must looke to the Fold within so he must looke to the Wolfe without and as a nursing father preserve his people from forraigne invasion We ghesse thus warres begunne Quest 5 What is required of us as we are Christian Souldiers Answ 1. That we put on the whole armour of God 2. That we prepare to be assaulted 3. That we turne not our backes on Sathan for there is no armour for the backe 4. We should be couragious it is for the Lord and for our salvation that we fight for Quest 6 How must I fight with my enemies Answ With the flesh and the world I must fight flying 2. Tim. 2.22 Flie the lusts of youth 2. Pet. 1.4 flye the corruptions of the world but with Sathan I must fight with resistance James 4.7 1. Pet. 5.8 with both enemies I must fight praying Ephes 6.18 Quest 7 What may I learne from this that a Christian is a soldier Answ 1. That our whole life is a warrefare 2. Idle and delicate persons are no good Christians 3. We should not be entangled in our affections with earthly contentments 4. He that flyes at scoffes and reproaches will never fight to blood 5. Ignorant persons are untrained and unfit for service 6. We must walke in our places and keepe ranke and order 7. We must labour for unity for united forces are strong 8. We must follow our leader and great Captaine Jesus Christ Sect. 5 Fifthly Applications to edifie 1. THis shewes the Soveraignty and Majesty of the Lord of Hoasts who excels as head over all all Creatures in heaven and earth are subject unto him This Lord of Hoasts differs from all other generalls 1. They command a few he commands all 2. They command onely men and beasts as horses and elephants he commands windes and seas thunder and tempest yea the divels 3. They command a little time he for ever 4. They cannot preserve an hoast made to their hand he makes his hoasts and keepes them 5. They command for him he is independant 6. They often command unjustly he alwaies justly 2. Miserable is the condition of all naturall men which are not reconciled to the Lord of Hoasts hee the soveraigne Lord is against them they may feare he will send one of his hoast to punish them they may feare the fire will destroy them the water drowne them a beast goare them their meate choake them the tile-stone kill them the iron weapon slay them and all creatures warre against them 3. We should admire his wisedome that orders the multitudes of his armies and causes them to keepe their appoynted places and imployes them for their severall uses 4. There shall be deliverance on mount Zyon for the Lord of hoasts is with them they shall not alwaies lie under the oppressor 5. We are to bow and bend our hearts and soules to this high and absolute Lord his infinite greatnesse and soveraignty requires a sutable subjection and submission 6. We should seeke to him who is the Lord of hoasts to goe with the armies into the field that hee will be with them and make them wise in counsaile and valorous for his cause that he would crowne them
MISCELâ—â—â—â—â— PHILO-THEOLOGIâ— OR GOD MAN A Treatise compendiously describing the Nature of God in his Attributes with a lively pourtraiture of his Wisedome in ordering and disposing of the Celestiall and terrestriall Bodies Containing much variety of Matter Theologicall and Philosophicall wherein many secrets in Scripture and in Nature are unbowelled with solid Proofes and apt Applications singular for brevity and perspicuity By HENRY CHURCH Joell 2.28 I will poure out of my Spirit on all flesh Psal 8.1 3 4. O Lord our Lord how excellent is thy Name in all the world wâ—â— hast set thy Glorie above the Heavens c. When I consider the Heavens the Worke of thy Fingers Moone and the Stars c. What is man c. LONDON Printed for JOHN ROTHWELL and are to be 〈◊〉 the Sunne in Pauls Church-yard M.DC.XXXVII TO THE LEARNED READER I Humbly desire your Charitable Construction of my poore endeavours being willing to be convinced and reformed I confesse my impotencie and desire my errours may be purged and all truths allowed TO ALL whomsoever I Confesse my spare time hath beene this way employed in methodicall Meditations the Reason why I so much exercised my penne was because a drowsinesse fell on mee when I did reade and wrighting kept me awake if any be offended I writ not to offend them if any be in the least measure edified for their sakes I have taken this paines and thinke my labour well bestowed HENRY CHURCH Imprimatur THOMAS WEEKES An Advertisement to the Christian Reader concerning the scope of the Booke with some passages of the Life of the Authour TRVE and solid knowledge layes its foundation in God he that will know himselfe and the sublunary Creatures as they are must first see and know him by faith that is invisible The studie of the knowledge of God in his Attributes gives a man a possession of heaven on earth Its life eternall to know thee c. This knowledge is the basis and foundation of that precious Faith the Apostle speakes of They that know thee trust in thee So that before a man can with the wise Builder build on the Rock he must beleeve that God is This godly Man Mr. HENRY CHURCH began here his maine studie was this saving Knowledge and this he did not by starts and fits but daily as his calling did permit him Great was his wisedome and his industrie in the husbanding of his time for as he chose Maries Part so hee was carefull of Martha's a good Christian and a provident Husband Those that knew his Employments many urgent in the world and wondered how he could spare time or find time for these Contemplations I may answer for him he loved much and therefore with Marie was resolved to doe much Hee denied himselfe in his pleasures in his diet and in his sleepe hee bare the yoke of the Lord in his youth I have heard that when hee had libertie to sport himselfe as others his pleasure his delight was in his Closet with the Law of GOD hee prevented the dawning of the day and with DAVID meditated of GOD in the night-watches hee could not intend to be idle hee had learned of his Master CHRIST who went about doing good hee filled-up his vacant houres either with doing or receiving good as if hee had exactly learned that charge of the Lord by Moses These words which I command thee thou shalt * Iunius Whet them or pâ—int thâ—m in mâ—morie rehearse them continually to thy Children and thou 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 up Hee knew not onely for himselfe but for others his light was on a candle-stick not under a bushell hee did not with the Idle Servant hide his Talent but improved it to a good increase Hee was greedy of all advantages to glorifie God if hee was covetous this was his covetousnesse hee coveted the best things He was of a compassionate spirit ready to doe good both to the Soules and Bodies of others Hee lived as lent to himselfe and given to others How sedulous he was to instruct the Ignorant to reclaime the wandring to releeve those that were in want to settle the unstable soule those that knew him can judge He withstood errours hee was an Enemie to errour for hee received the truth in the love of it Hee was a Friend to truth Hee endeavoured to comfort afflicted Consciences for by observing his owne heart and Conference with such he attained a singular dexteritie this way In his Booke you may heare him yet speake that is now dead His Religion lay not in Tongue but in his Heart not in a forme of godlinesse but in power as if he had learned to doe what once Minutius said Non multa loqui sed vivere The scope and end of this good Mans studies I suppose in this Booke was chiefly for himselfe and his Familie that it might like a fruitfull Spring supplie himselfe and them Againe his friends knowing his desire hee had to the publicke good as also the favourable acceptance of his two former Bookes in the hearts of good men viz. The Good mans treasury Divine letters already printed gives us good incouragement to adventure againe on a publicke Censure Reade it through before you judge I hope you shall find it profitable and abounding with much varietie under briefe Heads drawing on the Reader to delight to studie God in his Attributes and to inlarge them in thine owne Meditation as also hee represents God to thee in the glasse of the Creature and among the rest Man the Epitome of all that while thou art poring after curious speculations and secrets of Nature hee endeavours wisely to divert thy thoughts by apt application heaven-ward To satisfie the Iudicious If thou shalt except against any thing consider its a Posthumus issue then I hope you will pardon both the Author and the Printer For Censorious Criticks I care not to satisfie The Blessing of the Almightie be with it Imprimatur THOMAS WEEKES A TABLE OF THE SEVERALL Heads contained in this ensuing Treatise I. OF Saving Knowledge page 1 II. What GOD is p. 6 III. What it is to glorifie God p. 11 IIII. Of Admiration p. 12 V. Of Praising God p. 15 VI. Of Gods Subsistence p. 18 VII Simplenesse p. 20 VIII Eternitie p. 25 IX Omnipotencie p. 32 X. Immutabilitie p. 39 XI Infinitenesse p. 45 XII Omni-science p. 47 XIII Omni-presence p. 51 XIV Perfection p. 56 XV. Invisibilitie p. 62 XVI Wisedome p. 69 XVII Truth p. 77 XVIII Mercie p. 82 XIX Iustice p. 88. XX. Life p. 95 XXI Blessednesse p. 101 XXII Hatred p. 107 XXIII Love p. 112 XXIV Patience p. 122 XXV Will p. 130 XXVI Grace p. 136 XXVII Glorie p. 143 XXVIII Of the Lord of Hosts p. 148 XXIX How God is made an Idoll p. 153 XXX How to conceive of God in Prayer p. 158 XXXI Of the
is invisible The persons No man The time at any time Never man at any time saw God wee cannot see a Spirit but God is a most pure Spirit excelling the Angels First the Angels have many perfections but God hath all perfection Digressio Secondly the Angels receive all from him he hath all from himselfe Thirdly they are finite and limited but God is infinite Thirdly God is Incomprehensible to the minde as well as invisible to the eye no created Nature can comprehend him in his Essence nor his Attributes whatsoever wee conceive it is but in part there is much more we perceive not nor can comprehend In respect of his Eternity Eternity our capacity is like the Sunne which shewes things under it but darkens all about it wee can looke backe to the beginning if wee looke forward wee cannot conceive after time shall bee no more Concerning Gods being before time or after time Revel 10.6 we have but a glimpse a generall notion we can conceive but little our comprehension failes us Who can behold the Sunne in his glorious shining Glory much lesse can we comprehend the glorious Majesty of God who hath beheld it that he may demonstrate it not the Angels for they are faine to cover their their faces Isai 6.2 much lesse we that dwell in houses of clay who have that ignorance and guiltinesse that those glorious Zeraphims are freed from Nor can we comprehend his greatnesse Psal 145.3 Greatnesse no not by all our industry and searching Iob. 11.7 The heaven of heavens cannot conteine him 1 King 8.27 Wee are capable but to see his backe parts in this life Exod. 33.23 so much of God as can be perceived in his word and workes his greatnesse is such that the Nations are as the drop of the Bucket and the Ilands as a little dust Lebanon hath not wood enough for fire nor the beasts enough for a sacrifice for him Isaiah 40.15 16. Also his wisedome is unsearchable Wisedome a deepe we cannot fathom Rom. 11.33 the foolishnesse of God is wiser than men 1. Cor. 1.25 It is onely the Spirit of God that searcheth the deepe things of God 1. Cor. 2.10 and although vaine men would be wise Iob. 11.12 yet hee is but a beast by his owne knowledge Ieremiah 10.14 and we must bee constrained to confesse our darknesse Iob. 37.19 Applications 1. Is God invisible to the eye and incomprehensible to the minde let us then lay by our sence and reason and labour for faith though wee cannot apprehend nor demonstrate what God is yet we are to beleeve that He is Heb. 11.6 Hee that commeth to God must beleeve Note three things 1. Our felicity is to come to God 2. The meanes is by beleeving 3. God is that we must beleeve which we cannot see nor comprehend 2. By this 't is easie to distinguish the Eternall Iehovah from all false Gods being some of them visible all comprehensible those that adore them are more honourable then that they worship those Gods were but titular gods no Creators but created live lesse in being and perishing in conclusion Ier. 10.11 3. No man was ever a perfect Artist in the contemplation of God How little a portion doe they heare of him Iob 26.14 long in studying but little in fruition deepe conceites but poore conclusions Hoc solum scio Arist me nihil scire This onely I doe know that I know nothing 4. Yet are we to be diligent to study the knowledge of God and although we cannot finde him out in his perfection Iob 11.7 yet we must learne to know him to our salvation Iohn 17.3 and to encrease in the knowledge of God Col. 1.10 though wee cannot see his face he reveales his backe-parts to us Exod. 33.23 we are to know him by his workes Rom. 1.20 in his Sonne 2. Cor. 4.6 't is a shame living under the preaching of the Word to be ignorant of God 1. Cor. 15.34 and we are fooles before the Lord Jer. 4.22 Therefore let us cry for wisedome and call for understanding search for it as silver and digge for it as for gold then shall we finde the knowledge of God Prov. 2.3 4 5. Quest What is it to glorifie God Answ To glorifie God is not to add any thing to him to make him glorious but to acknowledge and demonstrate that glory is in him already God glorifies us by putting glory on us adding that unto us wee are destitute of We doe glorifie him by taking notice admiring and praising of him setting forth his glory That is done by Acknowledgement Either To himselfe or to men To himselfe by Admiration Praises To others by Speeches Actions Sufferings First we glorifie God by acknowledgment which is more than knowledge Rom. 1.21 The Wise Heathens that knew God did not acknowledge him nor demonstrate him accordingly they knew God vers 21. but regarded not to acknowledge him vers 28. then to our knowledge of God we must joyne an acknowledgment whereby we shall glorifie him This acknowledgment must be free Mark 1.24 Iudges 1.7 else we differ not from the divels which acknowledge God upon constraint so wicked men may acknowledge God by constraint The truth of this free a knowledgment will appeare by our Admiration and Praises Question Qu. What is Admiration Answer Answ To Admire is to wonder to marvaile Consider 1. The subject is the Admirour 2. The Object admired 3. Then how to attaine admiration of God First the Subject that admires is the reasonable creature for the unreasonable creature is not capable of actuall Admiration the unreasonable creatures may be frighted or amazed as Horses and any other beasts and also Birds and Fishes But Admiration requires Reason Deliberation and Consultation Then 't is plaine Angels and Men onely are the subjects of Admiration Secondly the objects of Admiration are either Supreme or Inferiour the Supreme is God the Inferior are the creatures of God We must not admire Positives nor Comparatives but Superlatives things most excellent things excelling We admire things beyond our capacity when our Reason can stretch it selfe no further As we see little children seeing curious workmanship the poore children are amazed and admire how 't is done they much honour and reverence the Artist that made the worke Thirdly how to attaine Admiration of God Question We must pray for the Spirit of illumination to see excellency in God Ephes 1.17 Answ 1 2. We must be given to divine Meditations as David in the 8. Psalme fals to Meditation then to Admiration So in Psalme 104. his Meditation concludes in Admiration Psal 104.1.24 Oh Lord how wonderfull are thy workes 3. We must learne to silence our Reason wee must admire where we cannot comprehend as Rom. 11.33 Oh the deepnesse of the riches both of the Wisedome and Knowledge of God Quest Wherein is God to be admired Answ 1. In his Essence secondly in his Attributes thirdly in his Workes
1. In his Essence having his being of himselfe absolute independant blessed immutable 2. Also that there are in the Divine Essence a Trinity of Persons Quest How shall I raise my admiration to the highest pitch Answ To meditate of his Wisedome and Knowledge First admire the largenesse of it for hee knows all Prov. 15.11 2. The perfection of his knowledge hee knows the Causes Concomitants Fruits and Effects insides he knows the motions and inclinations of all men of all things Acts 15.18 3. Admire the manner of his Knowledge not by Doctrine Relation Experience but without meanes 4. Admire the celerity and swiftnesse of his Knowledge at once in a moment Hee knowes things past present and to come 5. The certainty of his Knowledge he cannot be deceived he foresees all inconveniences he knowes things and persons as they are no apparitions nor pretences nor fainings nor dissemblings can delude him 6. Admire the Eternity of his Knowledge before all time before there was a World Hee knew himselfe to be most perfectly happy and blessed and knew that he would make a world and knew all that man should act on the stage of this world and as he did purpose so all things must come to passe Acts 4.28 Ephes 1.11 according to his foreknowledge and Decree 7. Admire the Efficacy of the Knowledge and Wisedome of God From his Knowledge he decreed then did worke so the Heavens Earth Seas and all their ornaments were created are preserved the variety of his creatures argues his unsearchable Wisedome and their order uses and ends appâ—inted them calls for our Admiration By this we may see what câ—â—se wee have to admire God and if one of his Attributes doe cause such Admiration what would it worke on us to meditate on the rest as his Power Glory Holinesse Justice Invisibility immutability this requires a large Volume but I intend brevity Quest How may I further admire God Answ I will give one straine more to winde up the heart that is to admire Christ incarnate how hee is the begotten Sonne of God Psal 2.7 1. Admire it in this hee was begotten of the Father yet is not after the Father in time Men beget those that come after them but here 't is not so therefore to bee admired 2. Men beget children which may be divided from them but Christ is so begotten that he is undividuall He and the Father are one John 10.30 3. Men so beget that there is a diminution of their substance and a conveighing of the corrupt Nature But Christ is begotten without diminution of the substance of the Father Acts 4.27 and free from all corruption Hee is the holy Sonne of God 4. Men beget children which are their inferiors but Christ is begotten Equall in Eternity yet equall with the Father Phil. 2.6 1. The Father is eternall Psal 90.2 So is the Sonne eternall Isai 9.6 Glory 2. The Father is glorious Acts 7.2 So the Sonne is glorious Iames 2.1 Power 3. The Father did create Gen. 1.1 So the Sonne created Col. 1.16 4. Angels doe honour the Father Isai 6.3 So Angels doe honour the Sonne Adoration Heb. 1.6 5. A Father begets a Sonne but yet communicates not his whole Essence to him but Christ is begotten yet partakes of the wholâ— Essence of his Father therefore admirable 6. A Father begets one that is another person another thing distinct from himselfe But the Lord Christ is begotten another person yet not another thing he may be distinguished but not divided Thus wee acknowledge God by Admiration Secondly we acknowledge him to himselfe and so doe glorifie him by our praises Psal 50. last verse Here consider 1. Who they be doe praise him 2. How they praise him 3. For what they praise him First who praise him 'T is the Saints praise him Psal 145.10 1. 'T is they have the most cause 2. And the best abilities 3. And the onely acceptance Secondly how they praise him 1. They praise him freely and cheerefully Psal 63.5 2. Vprightly and sincerely Psal 119.7 Hence 't is they praise God with their Soules Ps 103.1 with their Hearts Psal 9.1 3. They praise God frequently on all occasions Ps 71.6 Psal 119.164 4. They praise him constantly Psal 145.2 Hence 't is when they lose their comforts yet God loses not his praises Iob 1.21 Thirdly for what they praise him 1. For his owne Excellency 2. For his glorious workes 3. For his mercies First for his owne excellency 1. He is the soveraigne Lord God over all Rom. 9.5 the ruler of the world Zach. 4.14 Hence it is that Greatnesse and Glory and Power and Victory and Praises is attributed to him who is head over all 1 Chro. 29.11 He is to be praised as the onely potentate 1. Tim. 6.15 He is to be praised that is high and excellent Isai 57.15 He it is is glorious in Holinesse Exod. 15.11 and worthy to receive Honour and Glory and Power and Praise Revel 4.11 Revel 5.13 All his glorious Attributes both Communicable and Incommunicable cals for our frequent praises Secondly he is to be praised for his workes For they demonstrate his eternall Power and God-head Rom. 1.20 Hence it is that he is praised for creating all things Rev. 4.11 His workes both of Creation and Providence do shew his Wisedome Power Goodnesse c. Psal 139.14 Psalme 136. Psalme 194. The workes of God stirred up David to praise God both for the making of himselfe and for the making of other creatures and for the government of the World Thirdly God is to to be praised for his mercies Psalme 100.4 Psalme 136.1 To quicken us to this duty consider 1. The freenesse of his mercies they are bestowed without our deserts his will is the cause of his mercy Rom. 9.18 2. The multitudes of mercies of all sorts temporall spirituall on every faculty of soule and member of our bodies mercies on our names estates families friends those neare and deare to us 3. The constancy of his mercies they are renewed every morning Lament 3.23 Wee are laden daily with benefits Psal 68.19 4. Consider mercies comparatively wee are in health others are sicke we have sight others are blinde we have the Gospell other sit in darknesse c. Thus we see God is glorified by Admiration by Praises Lastly he is glorified by acknowledging him to Men In our Speeches In our Actions In our Sufferings First in our speeches to men 1. By declaring his workes Psal 105.1 2. To instruct our Children that they may praise God Psalme 78 4. 3. To make publicke confession of our sinnes if they have caused publicke scandall Ioshuah 7.19 4. To make publicke confession of Religion being called Psalme 119.46 Read the marginall Note 1 Pet. 3.15 Secondly Wee must glorifie men before God in our Actions 1. By our godly conversation in the generall to do good workes before them to urge them to glorifie God Matthew 5.16 to cause men to say
't is a good God a good word preached a good Religion professed because they doe see good workes expressed 2. In particular to honour God with our riches Prov. 3.9 to maintaine Gods Worship Exod. 35.22 Also to do good to his ministers 2. King 4.10 that they may be incouraged in the Law of the Lord. 2 Chron. 31.4 to to do good to many poore Ecclesiastes 11.2 that thanks may be rendred by many and God may be praised and glorified 2. Cor. 9.12 13. Thirdly Wee must glorifie God among men by our sufferings 1. In holding on our course 2. Being patient and meeke 3. Praying for our Persecutors 4. Laying downe our lives for the truth thus suffering we shall glorifie God Iohn 21.19 Of Gods Subsistence 1. What Subsistence is 2. That God doth Subsist 3. The manner of his Subsistence 4. Vses to Edification First What Subsistence is AS there is a being so there is a subsistence in that being which subsistence is to be upheld in a well being without decay diminishing or declyning hee that doth so doth honourably subsist There may bee a declining yet body and soule may hang together so the subsistence is weak but he that declines not but holds his owne falls not backe nor decayes that person subsists happily not onely in being but also in a well being 2. God doth subsist independantly immutably without decay or diminution hee is Iehovah and changeth not he is as Holy Powerfull and Wise and Rich and Glorious and every way Perfect and Blessed as ever he was Heb. 1.3 without interruption he depends not on second causes as we doe all creatures subsist by him he beares them up and continues them therefore they subsist Psal 119.91 He himselfe subsisted when there was no wâ—â—ld John 17.5 and can subsist if all were dissolved againe He can put an end to the Creatures and give them subsistence againe so then he subsists of himselfe and all Creatures doe subsist by his will and power and no otherwise 3. The manner of subsisting Time The Father subsists first not in time but in order In the manner of working Manner the Father workes from himselfe the Sonne from the Father the Holy Ghost from them both Proprieties they differ in their Personall proprieties The Father subsists unbegotten the Sonne begotten the Holy Ghost proceeding The Vses are these 1. To shew us the difference of Gods Subsistence and ours He subsists of himselfe we by him He before time we in time He subsists independant we depend on him He subsists without composition and is immutable we are compounded of the foure Elements in regard of our bodies of body and soule in regard of our persons He subsists without meanes we by meanes and his blessing on meanes He is alwaies the same subsisting we must be dissolved buried raised glorified and subsist eternally by him 2. Vse This shewes the happinesse of Gods servants he ever doth subsist to direct them to protect them to enrich them and to reward them Great men on earth doe not subsist alwaies sometimes their wealth decayes sometimes their breath decaies they decaying themselves their followers cannot honourably subsist But it is not so with the Lord he cannot decay in riches nor time he subsists alwaies his yeares faile not Psalme 102.28 3. Vse In our decayes let us have recourse to God he alwaies subsists and beares up the whole World wee need prayer more than shifting and using unlawfull meanes in our decayes God can make us subsist in life Psalme 66.9 and in grace Psalme 41.12 Let us therefore in our decayes have recourse to him that wee may subsist Of the Simplenesse of God THere are properties attributed to God for two causes one to make himselfe the better knowne to us the other to distinguish him from other titular gods and from all other things Simplenesse is one of the incommunicable properties of God 'T is a Theologicall word used for demonstration or distinction Consider 1. What is meant by Simplenesse 2. That God is of a Simple nature 3. Conclusions drawne from it 4. Questions answered 5. Vses for Edification Sect. 1 First What is meant by Simplenesse TO be simple among men is a want of wit capacity A want of discretion Prov. 1.4 To give to the simple sharpnesse of wit Hierom reads it a childe Iunius reads it a foole because both Children and Fooles are simple of such 't is spoken Prov. 9.16 Who so is simple let him come hither These simple ones are both unskilfull and easily perswaded 2. Simple is to be plaine hearted voyde of wicked ploâ—s and devices The Lord preserves the simple ones Psalm 116.6 These are simple concerning evill Rom. 16.19 These are as if they knew not how to deceive this is a commendable simplicity Thus we see that simplenesse is to be voyd of parts or to be voyd of the abuse of those parts of Wit and Knowledge that is bestowed on us 3. Simplenesse is a singlenesse without composition or mixture opposed to that is double or of severall kinds or sorts Water is a Simple but put into it Salt or Wine 't is a Compound because there are more kinds than one To be a Simple wee take it to bee without guile fraud or deceit 2. Sam. 15.11 There were with Absolon men simple in heart or upright in minde Integro animo Sect. 2 Secondly That God is of a simple Nature GOD is of a simple Nature Hee is a pure Essence called I am that I am Exodus 3.14 Light and is without all darknes 1. Ioh. 1.5 There is in God no mixture or composition in the least degree Hee is one God Light without darknesse strong without weaknesse wise without folly pure without the least spot upright without guile c. Sect. 3 Thirdly Conclusions drawne from Gods Simplenesse 1. WE gather hence that there is perfection in him He is simple of himselfe without any addition 2. Being a pure simple Essence hee must needs be invisible Our eyes are not able to behold a Spirit that is created much lesse him that is a most pure Spirit excelling them all in the simplenesse and purity of his Nature 3. He must be eternall and everlasting 't is Compositions doe bring a dissolution God is simple without composition therefore uncreated and uncapable of dissolution 4. Hence wee may gather that God is immutable That which changes is by adding to it or taking from it but God is a simple Eâ—sence so pure and perfect that nothing can be added to him nor taken from him Sect. 4 Fourthly Some Questions answered Quest TO be simple is to bee of singlenesse of one sort How is God so seeing there are three persons in the God-head Answ 1 If there were a Triplicity in the God-head there would be sorts of persons but 't is a Trinity of one intire simple Essence 1. Iohn 5.7 These three are one one in Nature Time Operation distinguished not divided Object 2 You said
alter our mindes to doe the second thing which is 2. To take the opportunity of time Men may have time yet want the opportunity as sicke men and old men but we that have the opportunity of the Gospell and of health and Christian society and other sweete and seasonable opportunities to have communion with God to exercise mercy to further others in godlinesse Oh let us be wise for Eternity and make an holy advantage of the opportunities of Time as much as we can and more than we have done Vse 4 This should forcibly urge us to labour for humility because he that dwels in the Eternity dwels also with the humble Isai 57.15 And that we may be humble indeed and enjoy his presence 1. Let us draw neare to him with our understanding striving for clearer apprehension of him This made Isaiah humbly to cry out wo is me I am undone I am a man of polluted lips Isaiâ—h 6. Iob. 24. and Iob to abhorre himselfe the sight of God made both of them humble 2. In all the good we enjoy of graces or naturall abilities or riches to looke on both ends as well as on the middle we are receivers and must be accomptants and great receipts must have great accompts this well thought on will humble us 3. Keepe a constant confession of sinnes daily and often judge our selves for our sinnes worthy to bee stript of all our excellencies Ezek. 36.31 and to be cut off with infamy 4. Carry about us in our mindes two or three or foure of the grossest sinnes that ever we committed in our lives looke on them with their circumstances it will be a powerfull meanes to humbâ—e us 5. Compare our selves with them which are more sound in judgement soft in heart poore in spirit which are more spirituall in prayer more heavenly in disposition more zealous and diligent and fruitfull in good workes The Cloth that is fine compared with haire-cloth or sack-clotâ— is but course if ye compare it with Cambricke or Lawne Vse 5 Lastly let us direct our course with care and wisedome the most compendious way to Eterâ—ity 1. To encrease as much as we can in saving knowledge for those that God brings to eternall life he illuminates with his Spirit so that those which were dead beginne that life which ends in Eternity or rather concludes and is perfected in Eternity Iohn 17.3 2. Get the faith of Gods elect so to lay hold on Christ and rest upon â—im that by beleeving we may come to eternall life Iohn 3.16 3. By patience to continue in well doing learne patiently to forbeare sinfull pleasures and profits and patiently beare oppositions incombrances and crosses and doe well looking to the rule the manner and our aimes joyne to all constancy then shall we have Glory and honour and Eternall life Rom. 2.7 Of Gods Omnipotency 1. What Omnipotency is 2. God is Omnipotent 3. The witnesses of his Omnipotency 4. Questions answered 5. Applications to edifie Sect. 1 First What Omnipotency is TO be Omnipotent is to have all power to have all might and strength There is Power and Omnipotency Power can doe much but Omnipotency can doe all Power may be suppressed by a greater power Omnipotency is above all and all subject to it Power is communicable Omnipotency is incommunicable To have Omnipotency is to have all power all strength all might all sufficiency to doe what is willed to preserve what is doâ—e to produce out of nothing Omnipotency hath no difficulties no lets or oppositions it workes freely and perfectly without co-workers or materials If that any time it uses any yet 't is most certaine it needs neither So then Omnipotency first it can doe all secondly it can have no let thirdly 't is above all fourthly 't is incommunicable fifthly it worketh freely Sect. 2 Secondly God is Omnipotent 1. HE is able to doe whatsoever he will Psal 115.3 and more than he will Math. 3.9 2. Nothing can resist him his power being supreme Iob 9.4 Who hath beene fierce against him * G. B. or hardned his minde against him †Trem. or struggled with him ‖ Hier. and prospered 3. His power is above all the Angels which excell in strength Psal 103.20 They are at his command Psal 104.4 and are subject to him 1. Pet. 3.22 The devils apprehend this power of God Doe tremble Iames 2.19 Men have their power given them from him Iohn 19.11 Rom. 13.1 For other creatures He saith to the deepe be dry Isai 44.27 He commands the Earth and it opens her mouth Numb 16.30 31 c. 4. His Omnipotency is incommunicable the creature may doe much by permission or commission but Gods power is his strength and honour He is the strong God * Trem. Gen. 33. last vers Or the most strong God †Hier. the mighty God ‖ G. B. His strength being his glory hee will not give it to another Isai 42.8 Therefore is incommunicable 5. He being Omnipotent workes freely without compulsion without assistants without materials ‖ Without compulsion His owne Will was the cause that he made all things Rev. 4.11 ‖ Without Assistants He alone spread out the Heavens Iob 9.8 And alone stretched out the Earth by himselfe Isai 44.24 ‖ Without materials Hee formed all things out of nothing Heb. 11.3 6. He workes perfectly Deut. 32.4 Perfect is the worke of the Lord. So that Hee made the Heavens and the Earth there is the worke and finished them with all their Hoasts there is the perfection Gen. 2.1 Called All their Ornaments in the Prayer of Manasses Thirdly The witnesses of Gods Omnipotency Sect. 3 1. WE have his owne Testimony Gen. 17.1 I am God Almighty 2. Testimony of Angels Revel 4.8 Holy holy holy Lord God Almighty thus they cry 3. The Testimony of men Iob 25.2 Power and feare is with him 1. Chron. 29.11 Thine O Lord is greatnesse and power 4. The frame of Heaven and Earth Rom. 1.20 The Creation doth witnesse his eternall power Sect. 4 Fourthly Questions answered Quest 1 1. IF God have all power then how can the creature have any if the creature have any how then hath God all Answ â—od hath all power of himselfe the Creature hath power from him by participation The Fountaine hath all the water and the streames receive from the Fountaine Thâ— Sun is the fountaine of light yet communicates of that light to the Moone and Starres Quest 2 How can God doe all when 't is said He cannot lye Titus 1.2 He cannot deny himselfe 2. Tim. 2.13 Answ That is because he is Omnipotent If hee could deny himselfe or not be he were impotent and weake The Sunne cannot as it is be darke God is unchangeable powerfull Almighty alwayes the same and cannot cease to be nor can he doe unlike himselfe hee cannot doe any thing that derogates †God cannot disable himselfe from his glory because he is Omnipotent Quest 3 Why was God
perfect in the superlative degree to the utmost to whom can be no addition hee is so compleatly perfect in his Essence Attributes and all his Workes 1. In his Essence having a perfect blessed absolute and independant being richly gloriously joyfully immutably 2. His Attributes which demonstrate him are all perfect He is perfectly eternall without beginning or end perfectly Almighty working without materials perfectly wise knowing all secrets perfectly mercifull in forgiving fully giving freely liberally aboundantly c. 3. Perfect in his workes Perfection is to accomplish and finish so is he perfect He finisht the worke of Creation Gen. 2.1 Hee then beheld his worke as compleate and * Willet on Gen. 2.1 page 15. Ainsworth perfect He finisht that is he perfected Ainsworth on Genesis So Moses saith Perfect is the work of the Lord Deut. 32.4 That is without blame or blemish Sect. 3 Thirdly Questions and Answers Quest 1 WHy did God make the World having all perfection in himselfe before Answ 1. To manifest his glory to the Creatures We onely acknowledge that that is in him which we cannot adde to him 2. For his Wills sake all was created It was his pleasure that is answer sufficient Rev. 4.11 Quest 2 How is Christ perfect seeing many of his mysticall body are not yet gathered to him and many are unborne Answ 1. He hath a Divine perfection being God 2. He is perfect in his Humane Nature in glory 3. He is perfect relatively as hee is a Head having perfect Wisedome Glory and Holinesse so that of his fulnesse we receive our measure Iohn 1.16 from him which hath not the Spirit of measure Iohn 3.24 4. Hee is perfect in his body in regard of Decree growth certainty and the accomplishment dayly drawes on 'T is decreed growing dayly and increasing certaine as good as done God calls things that are not as though they were c. Quest 3 How are Gods workes all perfect when some are borne blinde or lame or naturall fooles Answ 1. God in the beginning made all his workes good and perfect 2. All imperfections in Nature are from sinne and punishments 3. There may be a perfect worke in the wombe yet some secondary cause may hinder perfection in the birth 4. Wee are to conclude that the workes of God are perfect though we cannot finde out a Reason of his doings He is not to accompt to us Concerning defects of understanding in naturall fooles 1. The Creator may give wisedome and deprive of knowledge as he pleases and measure to every one after his owne Will 2. It is just that we should be all borne fooles having lost our wisedome by Adams fall 3. The Parents may be punishe with foolish children for divers Causes 1. Having over-eagerly desired children they may have a childe but a foole 2. For neglect of God and his service and the heaping up of wealth as the chiefe good they may be punisht with a foole for the Heire 3. Some children are fooles to teach us wisedome that as we mislike their naturall folly so we should detest our owne spirituall folly and to teach us thankfulnesse by seeing his Iudgement on others and well to use our Wit and Reason which he hath given us and exercise our mercy as to helpe them that are defective Quest 4 Are not the regenerate perfect in this life Answ No for grace and peace must be multiplied to them Gods grace towards them and his peâ—ce in them is capable of augmentation †Grace in their apprehension and they are to â—â—â—rease more and more 1. Thes 4 1. And the best had need to grow in grace 2. Pet. 3.18 Quest 5 Why then is perfeâ—â—ion named in the Scripture Mat. 5.48 Philip. 3 15. Heb. 6.1 Answ 1. Precepts shew not what we are but what wee should be 2. These precepts should put us in minde of our originall perfection and humble us God calls for what he gave us but we have lost it 3. These precepts are for excitation to stirre us up to be better and to presse forward Quest 6 May we not strive to be like God in perfection Mat. 5.48 We are bid to be perfect as God is Answ We are to be like him in resemblance not equality There is as he is in equality that which is impossible there is as he is in resemblance so the drop resembles the vaste Ocean Quest 7 What is the Christians perfection Answ 1. To bewayle his imperfection from the heart 2. There is perfection of parts and perfection of degrees A childe hath perfection of parts a man or * In his body growth 3. His perfection is in desire and endeavour a man may aime at the Sunne though his Arrow ascend but forty Ells upwards 4. He is perfect comparatively as Noah was a perfect man in his generation Gen. 6.9 5. He is perfect in Gods account being justified and Christs perfection imputed Quest 8 Who are the most perfect men on earth Answ Those that come the nearest to the rule of perfection such are they 1. Which have sound experimentall knowledge 2. That with most freedome of Spirit and the least distractions doe performe holy duties 3. That are most conversant with God in their inner man and are most heavenly minded 4. That are most patient and ready to forgive an acknowledgment of a wrong yea Iames 1.4 without acknowledgment and pray for persecutors and are sorry when evill befalls their particular enemies and are ready to helpe them 5. That are most in charity doing the workes of their callings with love to others that are least censorious because of the largenesse and soundnesse of their charity Object 2 We must not call evill good Isai 5. Answ Then we must not cal their rashnes wisdome nor their prejudice zeale nor are they to be justified that speake so much of othâ—â— errors that they are in danger to forget their owne their perfection is more devotion in the closet lesse talke at the table the want of perfections in the world begets great imperfections in them and they are delivered without a midwife it were good if they did herein miscarry Quest 9 Are not those most perfect that are united to Christ Answ They are and doe draw vertue from him whereby they shine in the aforesaid Iustification and in other vertues to the example of others Quest 10 What course may wee take to draw nearer to perfection Answ 1. We must set before us the best patterne 2. Keepe close to the rule of the word 3. Minde our particular duties in our places as souldiers in the army keepe ranke and letters in the line are of an evennesse 4. Forget thats behinde endeavour to goe forward against corruptions temptations persecutions 5. Use the holy meanes with holy preparations and affections 6. To doe all good better than before with more heedfulnesse reverence and better aimes 7. Examined daily the temper of the heart and be ever weeding that garden 8. The
our conceits capacities and inventions T is the Court of the glorious God compared to a City whose gates are pearles whose walls precious stones the streets gold the inhabitants are Kings there is the glory of Gods presence all is light and day and no darknesse nor night 't is the kingdome of glory there are Crownes of glory laid up for vessels of mercy prepared for glory 3. Of the glory of the visible heavens the heavens have the preheminence and are the most excellent the waters excell the earth the aire excells the water and the heavens for largenesse clearenesse purâ—nesse excell all under them and have this honor to declare the glory of God Psal 19.1 4. The ornaments of heaven are glorious the sunne is glorious in magnitude brightnesse swiftnesse efficacy and operation enlightning and heating the aire exhaling the waters quickning the earth and making fruitfull the earth with trees herbes and plants c. The Moone hath her glory though it be borrowed and her excellency appeares in the darke when we most need her light in the Canticles her fairenesse is commended 1. Cor. 15. and shee is one of the glorious workes of God The Starres have glory differing one from another and adorne the heavens with their bespangled brightnesse like a curious embroydered Canopy glorious to our eyes The Earth hath the glory of stability riches and variety among all that are taken out of it man is a glorious peece of workmanship whose foundation 〈…〉 the dust young mens glory is their strength and the glory of the aged is the gray-head Princes have their glory and great men according to their dignity but among men none have the glory and honor like to the regenerate man he is honorable by faith Iohn 1.12 and is glorious within they are changed from glory to glory 2. Cor. 3. they have a glorious head Iames 2.1 a glorious guard Heb. 1. last vers glorious food Gods ordinances glorious apparell Christs righteousnesse they are called the glory Isai 4.5 the spirit of glory rests on them 1. Pet. 4. they are heires of glory The Sea hath his glory for largenesse and terriblenesse and strength carrying the mighty ships there sports the great Leviathan and there are fishes innumerable The sea hath his proud waves of great height and quantity yet is honorable for this that it keeps within his bounds at the Creators command Sect. 3 Thirdly Of the glory of the Creator HIs glory is essential he is clothed with Majesty and glory Ps 104.1 so glorious is the Lord that the very angels cover their faces before him The Father is called the God of glory Acts 7.1 if the whole Trinity be there meant the Father is not excluded Christ is called our glorious Lord Iesus Christ Iames 2.1 The holy Ghost is called the spirit of glory 1. Pet. 4.14 all the gâ—ory in the creatures is but as a drop compared with the Ocean he had glory before there was a world Ioh. 17.5 and all creatures can adde nothing to his glory for it is not capable of addition he doth manifest his glory to the creatures and we give him glory by taking notice of his excellency and râ—ndering praises and acknowledging that is in him already Sect. 4 Fourthly Questions resolved Quest 1 WHerein doe men most usually glory Answ In wisedome strength riches Ier. 9.23 Quest Why doe men glory in their wisedome Answ 1. Their wisedome and knowledge puffes them up 1. Cor. 8.1 cognitio inflat knowledge makes them swolne and filled with winde they looke on their bulke and bignesse and doe forget they want the substance of faith and love 2. They thinke by their wisedome to doe great matters to suppresse those they would not have rise Exodus 1.10 3. When they effect their enterprises and get into favour or prevaile against those they hate that they applaud their wits like those that sacrifice to their nets Habbak 1.16 Quest 3 Why doe men glory in their strength Answ 1. Because they compare themselves with those are weake and feeble 2. They overmaster others and command them and glory in that strength and power which subdued them 3. They thinke to prevent and withstand those which dare oppose them Quest 4 Why doe men glory in their riches Answ 1. Because of the supposed good they thinke riches can procure them as friends places of preferments costly buildings dainty fare many attendants and servitors and to become as the great men of the earth 2. Because of the supposed evill they thinke riches will free them from Prov. 11.11 therefore t is said riches in their imagination is as a strong City and a high wall to shelter them 3. They have thoughts of the perpetuity of their riches to their posterity Psalm 49. contriving to assure them to their childrens children 4. Because they see others sue to them stand with cap and knee before them runne and goe at their becke affraid to displease them these causes make them glory in riches Quest 5 What is it to glory in God Answ T is to have an inward joy manifested by outward expressions Psal 33.21 so the word signifies Laetatur and Psalm 34.2 my soule shall glory in the Lord 1. Cor. 1.31 That he that glorieth may glory in the Lord we must not arrogate to our selves but all to God he is wisedome to our understanding righteousnesse to justifie us sanctification to renew us and redemption to our bodies and soules 1. God is our wisedome to teach us knowledge and give us light 2. Cor. 4.6 2. God is our strength Psal 59.17 3. God is our riches and our portion Psalm 119.57 therefore we should glory in him Quest 6 What is vaine glory Answ It is when a man seekes his owne glory as the end hee aimes at Iohn 7.18 He that speaketh of himselfe seeketh his owne glory Prov. 25.27 To seeke diligently * Pervestigari our owne glory is no glory glory and honour may bee enjoyed but we must not seeke it earnestly from men then it is vaine if wee seeke it then it must be in the second place moderately orderly else it is vaine a fruit of the flesh and it is sought from vaine men it is most uncertaine and gives no sound satisfaction being vaine Quest 7 What is the right way to seeke glory Answ 1. To abase our selves then we shall be exalted and honoured 1. Pet. 5.6 2. To grow stronger in faith Iohn 1.12 3. To practise good workes Matth. 5.16 Acts 10.4 Quest 8 What kinde of workes doe glorifie God Answ 1. To repent and turne from sinne Revel 16.9 2. To give to the poore Prov. 3.9 3. To sanctifie the Sabbath Isaiah 58.13 4. To praise the Lord. Psalme â—o last verse Quest 9 How may we know wee doe seeke the glory of God Answ 1. Though our selves be commended wee are displeased if we see not honour redound to the Lord. 2. We are content to lose that God may gaine honor 3. Though
in the enemy Iudges 5.8 Iudges 10.14 15. 3. In the life to come they are shut out of heaven 1. Cor. 6.9 4. To prevent idolatry we should shunne their society and converse with them onely by constraint and necessity not to choose them for lodgers in our houses but wee are to abhorre them as vessels in whom is no pleasure and to manifest our detestation as wee have power in our hands Deut. the 13.6 7 8 9 10 c. 5. Te endeavour to give God a spirituall and sincere worship by these meanes idolatry will be prevented Quest 5 How shall I give God a spirituall worship and service Answ 1. Prepare to come before him Psal 26.6 2. From the helpe of Gods spirit to worship him 3. From the inward affections spiritually 4. Lively fervently cheerefully Spirit and life is required in the service of the living and true God The contrary is 1. To come carelesly without reverence 2. To performe spirituall duties only from a naturall carnall heart 3. To give only an externall worship 4. To performe the duty with deadnesse coldnesse and lumpishnesse How to conceive of God when we pray 1. What it is to conceive 2. How we must not conceive of God 3. How we may rightly conceive of him 4. Questions resolved 5. Applications to edifie Sect. 1 First What it is to conceive THe word signifies a gathering things together to conceive is to apprehend conceptions they have copulations By the way we may observe unlesse Gods spirit doe joyne with our spirit our conceptions will prove but abortives or monsters The foundation of the right conceiving of God must be by a better spirit then our owne and by better light then nature affoordes us To conceive is to apprehend to roule in our minds and to conclude to understand in some measure to know Sect. 2 Secondly How we must not conceive of God 1. VVE must not conceive him out of the Trinity of persons as the Turkes doe 2. We must not conceive of him after any bodily shape as the Anthropomorphits did 3. Nor conceive of him shut up in the Circle of heaven as some kinde of Atheists doe 4. Nor a God all made of mercy as some ignorant persons doe 5. Nor all of Iustice as some despairing persons doe 6. Nor as a God regardes not what is done here below as some doe that deny his providence Ezek. 8. 7. Nor as a forgetfull God Psal 10.8 8. Nor must we conceive of a multitude of Gods as some heathen did 9. Nor of a superiority or inferiority in the Trinity in respect of essence or time 10. Nor must we conceive of God as of a thing we can comprehend in the scantling of our thoughts or imaginations Sect. 3 Thirdly How we may aright conceive of God 1. VVE must indeavour to conceiue of him as an infinite essence in Trinity of persons 2. We must conceive of him in his attributes as absolute incomprehensible eternall immutable invisible omnipresent c. 3. We must conceive of him as a God that will become unto through a mediatour in himselfe he is a consuming fire Heb. 12. last through Christ we have acceptance Heb. 13.15 4. We must conceive of him as good gracious loving mercifull a God hearing prayers Psal 65.2 delighting in prayers Prov. 15.8 Sect. 4 Fourthly Questions resolved Quest 1 HOw can we conceive of him who is invisible Answ We conceive of our owne soules that they are and have being yet we see them not we conceive not of God in his perfection yet a little portion we know of him and see him as Moses Heb. 11. Quest 2 How can we conceive of him who is incomprehensible Answ We conceive him to be as hee hath revealed himselfe we conceive of him with admiration adoration subjection divine reverence c. Quest 3 God hath appeared to the eyes of men in some * May we not conceive of him in some shape shapes and representations Ezek. 1. Dan. 7 He appeared to the capacity of his servants yet forbids adoration to any shape Deut. 4. Quest 4 Christ saith the Father is greater than hee and Saint Paul saith God is Christs head is there not superiority in the Trinity Answ It is spoken in regard of Christs humanity else hee and the father are one Quest 5 Did the Fathers in the old Law know there was a Trinity Answ They did Isaiah writes of Trinity Isaiah 61.1 and David Psal 33.6 The learned Rabbins speake of it Quest 6 What false gods have men conceived of to worship and serve Answ Some have worshipped and made gods of the hoast of heaven 2. Kings 21.3 The Persians worshipped the Sunne the Syrians worshipped Ashtaroth the Philistims Dagon the Moabites Chemosh the Amonites Moloch the Egyptians a Calfe the Babilonians an Idol named Bell the Athenians Appollo Carthage worshiped Iuno the Ephesians Diana the Moores the governours of their Countrey the Papists the Virgine Mary the Indians it is said doe worship the divell all men doe worship something Quest 7 How comes there such a mistake in the world Answ 1. Man naturally is in darknesse and stumbles at stocks and stones 2. Man naturally is foolish and beguiled with pictures and bables and Images 3. Man naturally is sensuall and desires first to see then to worship Sect. 5 Fifthly Applications to edifie 1. THis shewes it is hard to conceive aright of God when we doe pray 2. There must of necessity be some competent measure of knowledge in a true Worshipper 3. Let us alwayes minde Christ our blessed mediator when we come to pray 4. We should come with all reverence we can unto the Lord and labour in our prayers to conceive of him as he hath revealed himselfe 5. So let us conceive of God that we move towards him and desire after him Prayer is a compound of heavenly graces if ever we apprehend Gods favour in an especâ—all manner if ever we have rapture of Spirit joy the light of Gods countenance or strong assurance it is in prayer Of the workes of God Sixe reasons why we should meditate on the workes of God 1. BEcause his workes doe shew forth his power Rom. 1.20 and his glory Psalme 19.1 By steppes we ascend from the creature to the Creator and so gaine knowledge of him 2. It is a duty to search out the workes of God and cheerefulnesse is required in the duty Psalme 111.2 3. Because Gods children should differ from wicked men who regard not the workes of the Lord. Isai 5.12 4. There is danger of ruine and destruction if men regard not Gods workes Psal 28.5 6. 5. Examples goe before us of the godly that have meditated of Gods majesty and of Gods workes as in the booke of Iob at large and David Psal 145.5 This is a true signe and mark of a wise man Psal 92. there it is negatively set down an unwise man wil not consider and 't is affirmatively set downe Psal 107.43 who is wise he will
makes a separation betweene light and darknes sometimes they meet but alwayes do strive to separate so should the sonnes of light separate from Infidels and Idolaters true Professours ought to be Separatists not to separate from publicke assemblies in the reformed Churches but from the corrupt society of those who walke in darknes 3. God is the most excellent transcendent light First other light was made but he is uncreate 2. This light gives way to darknes God is not capable of any Eclips 3. This light is common to all but God is enioyed of a peculiar people 4. This light discovers outward things but God discovers inward secret things 4. Christians should walk as the children of the light with the children of light For them First as children of the Light 1. Take heed of sleeping in security sleeping is for the darke and for the night 2. Take heed of stumbling in grosse sinnes and errors because we have received light sleeping and stumbling are for the darke 3. As the children of the light we should first labour to distinguish betweene good and euill truth and falshood because we have the light Secondly to be chearefull and comfortable t is the light breeds comfort 3. To be diligent and industrious when the light comes men awake and stir and are actiue 4. Let our light shine before others let us not be like those which carry it in a darke-lanthorne our light should direct others and heate them and discover the truth to them and reioyce them and quicken them Secondly we should walke with the children of light 1. With them to seperate from Idolaters Hereticks and prophane men 2. Joyne with the children of the light delight in them and seeke their good alwaies say of them as Ruth to Naomy Thy God shall be my God where thou dyest I will dye 3. Walke in their way though they be few though they be despised desire to share with them here and hereafter Thirdly we should walke for the children of the light 1. If we have any authority or power let it be exercised for their good 2. If we have any gifts of learning knowledge or memory or courage or prayer use all for their edification and encouragement direction safety and comfort 3. As we are able let us hinder all accusations against them and remove all false imputations laid upon them 4. Let us so order our lives and carriage towards all that they may not be disgraced because of us or upbraided by our faults 5. If we have wealth let us releeve and succour them and refresh them in an especiall manner because they be children of light 6. We should be of like affection towards them in all their troubles to be troubled for them in all their comforts to rejoyce with them humbling our selves for their miseries praising God for their prosperity then are we for them indeed 7. If we be called we should suffer for them there are sufferings of expiation so Christ onely suffered his sufferings are satisfactory and are meritorious to take away sinne our sufferings are for confirmation of the truth and for the good of the Church for the people of God we must endure not onely words but blowes yea death it selfe that our example may confirme the truth and manifect the power of religion and holy love So much of the light Of the Moone Of the Moone consider these five things 1. Of her brightnesse 2. Her borrowed light 3. Her blemishes 4. Her mutation 5. Her gubernation Sect. 1 First of the brightnesse of the Moone FOr brightnesse shee is called light Gen. 1.16 and is said to be faire Cant. 6.9 and is often mentioned with the Sunne Gen. 37.19 Deut. 4.19 2. King 23.5 and is said to walk◠〈◊〉 her brightnesse Iob 31.26 This brightnesse may be considered foure waies 1. It is an inferior brightnesse 2. It is a brightnesse usefull and seasonable 3. It discovers onely grosse things 4. The nearer the Sunne the darker to the earth First it is an inferiour brightnesse The Sunne is the greater the Moone is the lesser light Gen. 1.16 Cant. 6.9 Five considerations from this inferiority First there are degrees of light so there are degrees of Grace at first conversion we are as the morning-light partly darke and partly light Prov. 4. thus we are light as the morning then we proceed to bee faire as the moone Cant. 6.9 Thus wee goe from strength to strength Psal 84.8 by degrees we are strengthened in faith Rom. 4.20 and doe grow in grace 2. Pet. 3.18 daily encreasing more and more 2. Pet. 3.18 At last wee come from grace to glory to the spirits of just men made perfect Heb. 12.24 then shall wee shine as the Sunne in the kingdome of our father Matth. 13.43 Secondly inferiority is not an annihilation the Moone is a light though inferiour to the Sunne I must not censure my selfe to be no Christian because I am of an inferiour ranke a man may be a free-man yet not an Alderman a Souldier yet no Captaine the foote is of the body though not so honourable as the hand I desire to be thankfull for the gifts bestowed on me and to be contented with my owne condition and with modesty to looke on them excell me in striving against envy and discouragement Thirdly inferiors doe make their superiors to appeare more honourable the light of the Sun is the more glorious being compared with the moone The people compared with Saul made his tallenesse and height to appeare more obvious The spies were as grashoppers before the sonnes of Anaak my littlenesse doth honour my superiours greatnesse my government of my family honors the Kings government of whole Realmes my teaching of my family honors my preacher that teaches a whole congregation Thus honoring my superiours in judgement and practice they will shine on me with protection and doctrine and my littlenesse makes their greatnesse appeare and I give them honour for conscience sake Fourthly Inferiour things are not to be despised the Moone though an inferiour light is not despised but of men desired some are little ones but must not be despised Matth. 18. men may have inferiour gifts yet honest hearts I must love them for their sincerity and not despise them for their inferiority Benaiah was honorable though he attained not to the first three 2. Sam. 23.23 I desire to honour all Christians and not to despise the least of them and so to reverence great ones which doe beare Gods Image that I may not despise little ones as though they had none of his Image Fifthly there is variety in Gods workes inferiour and superiour argues variety and variety argues wisedome There is variety of parts in my selfe there is variety of faculties and members in me In heaven earth and seas there is variety to fill me with delight to raise me to meditation to teach me to admire and say O Lord how wonderfull are thy workes in wisedome haste thou made them all 2. The
brightnesse of the Moone is usefull and seasonable Things are beautifull in their season water to the thirsty and the Moone in the night I may learne from the Moone to be usefull seasonably and to take the opportunities offered me to doe good in them to give and forgive to beare and forbeare to speake and to bee silent seasonably makes me like a tree planted by the rivers of water that bringes forth his fruit in due season Thirdly the Moone discovers onely grosse things The estate of nature is as the Moone-light the estate of grace is as the Sunne-light of wicked men it may be said Nescierunt neque intellexerunt they know not Psalme 82.5 nor understand but of the godly we may say Blessed are your eyes for you see Mat. 13.16 The Moone light discovers houses trees and beasts The light of the Sun discovers in his beames the smallest moates 3. Considerations from hence 1. I must labour to get out of a naturall condition and I must pray for that blessed spirit of God which doth convince that seeing my misery I may rellish the mercy of God O how sweet is mercy to a selfe condemning broken hearted sinner 2. By this I know God hath given me a better light then my owne which I have by nature I once thought that if I abstained from grosse sinnes made knowne to me as blasphemy murther adultery theft c. it was a great matter but being farther convinced I see idle thoughts and idle words to be offensive evills I see that omissions of good duties is dangerous and am troubled not onely for my ill disposition but for my indisposition want of zeale for God want of sorrow for other mens sinnes not shunning the occasions of sinne it disquiets me since the Sunne of righteousnesse hath appeared on my horizon 3. Those which cannot see trees nor houses nor mountaines have not so much as Moone light sometimes it is so darke in the aire that men cannot see their hand held up before them Some men want the light of grace and of nature and reason these men are darknesse Ephes 5.8 and walke in darknesse Ioh. 8.12 and their wages is in Tenebras exteriores it utter darkenesse from the estate of darknesse the worke of darknesse and the wages of darknesse O Lord deliver my soule Fourthly the nearer the Moone is to the Sunne it is darker to the earth The Moone being nearer the Sunne is the brighter above but darker beneath So the nearer my soule is to God the more it is bright upward and of a heavenly disposition God shining on mee my glory is reall though invisible to others my light and life being with God men may looke on me as one not to bee desired without forme or beauty so they looked on my Saviour Isai 53.2 to some he was vailed yet to some hee was revealed So it is with Christians the world sees their infirmities and afflictions but there is a bright side they see not Exod. 25.5 there is a curious Arke though covered with Badgers skinnes the world sees the blacke side but not the best side they cannot see invisible things till they have obtained faith Let me bee light to God though darke to the world when God shines on me then am I bright upward and then I resemble his light as the drop doth the Ocean The Moone more remote from the Sunne is bright downeward so the lesse portion of grace and the more remote from God the more welcome to the world It is my Lord Esau though prophane and Agrippa and Bernice are seene with great Pompe Absolom and his foote-men Belshazzar and his Captaines and Concubines Herod and his royall aparrell have terrene glory yet these are remote from the Sunne of righteousnesse Oh that I could neglect that splendor is had with a neglect of communion with God Let mee never bee so shining toward the earth that I may bee darke towards heaven Let me not flatter for favour nor feare contempt but let me draw neare to God that he drawing neare to me the raies of his light shining on me shal make me both honourable and satisfied Sect. 2 Secondly of the Moones borrowed light 1. THe light of the Moone is received 2. The light of the Moone is communicated 3. The Sunne lending his light hath not the lesse First it is a received light She hath light in her but it is not of her the streams that came into Paradise had not their spring in Paradise the graces the Church hath are all received 1. Cor. 4.7 Applications 1. Let me humbly acknowledge I am a receiver from God and deeply ponder this great receipts must have great accompts he that hath two talents must accompt for two he that receives five must answer for five a day will come when I shall be called to give account of my stewardshippe Luke 16.2 2. I must beware of pride I am but a receiver and must be called to a reckoning Pride growes from this we looke on the middle and neglect both ends men enjoy some present excellency which breedes pride as Iron doth the rust Remember thy originall remember thy accompt thou swolne dust and ashes I came naked into the world without a ragge of cloathes or dramme of grace shortly I must descend into the grave and carry nothing with me and must stand at the barre to answer how I have imployed my gifts my wit my wealth my time my strength and abilities all I have is but lent me why should I bee proud of that the Lord betrusts me withall Let me labour to use it well and learne to be humble Secondly the light of the Moone is communicated She receives light and we pertake of it the Moone receives not light onely for her selfe wee receive not our talents to hide in a napkin we must disperse and sow abroad of our wealth Psal 112.9 Heb. 13.16 and be as good stewards of Gods manifold graces to the edification of others 1. Pet. 4.10 Let the little I have bee well employed let my gifts edifie encourage and comfort others alwayes endeavouring to be distributive and communicatiue Thirdly the Sunne lending his light hath not the lesse Nor hath God the lesse for giving largely to others he gives aboundantly yet is not the poorer the wise Virgins could not spare oyle for others but God hath sufâ—iciency for himselfe for others for all Lord if thou give me wisedome it diminishes not thy owne open the treasures of thy blessings and let the fountaine of thy goodnesse over-flow and runne into my soule so shalt thou pleasure me a poore creature and not disparage thy selfe my blessed Creator Sect. 3 Thirdly of the Moones blacknesse and blemishes 1. THe blemishes are reall 2. The blemishes are apparant 3. They are continued and remaining First the blemishes are reall not feigned or imaginary so are the blemishes of my soule true and reall blemishes I am really guilty and polluted and neede a reall satisfaction by Christ
Soule and body from God and Glorie is eternall death Secondly how the Soule can be said to dye It dyeth not in respect of existence and being but relatively in respect of Gods Grace and favour as the body being dead there is eares and eyes and handes and feete but without life so it is a carkasse till life be put into it being voide of motion so the Soule hath understanding memorie will and affections yet is dead by Nature having no spirituall motion hence t is said Men are dead in trespasses and sinnes Ephes 2.1 Let the dead burie their dead Matth. 8.22 This thy brother was dead Luke 15.31 She that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth 1 Tim. 5.6 Thirdly the cause of death is sinne there was an immortall lively estate in mans innocencie Death was threatned as a punishment and was accomplished when man had sinned Adam stood or fell for himselfe and his Posteritie as Levie paid Tithes in Abraham Heb. 7.9 So we sinned in Adam being in his loines so death went over all men in asmuch as all men have sinned Romans 5.12 Fourthly the signes and markes of death 1. Where a dead body is there in time is rottennesse so t is with the dead soule Psalme 53.3 All are corrupted that is loathsome and stinking Ainsworth 2. Where death is there is insensiblenesse So the Soules dead in sinne are past feeling Ephes 4.19 They are so sensles they feele nothing though the foundations of the earth be remooved Psal 82.5 They in greatest danger be as the drunkard asleepe on the top of the mâ—st Pro. 23.34 3. Where men are dead they feede not present to them the daintiest dish they taste not of it so men that are dead in sinne feede not on Christ the heavenly Manna nor on the word the foode of their Soules if wisedome make her feast and prepare her dainties the living are her guestes the dead in sinne heare not her invitations not come to her house nor eate with her at her table Of Gods Image on the Soule resolving First what an Image is 2. What the Image of GOD is 3. How Adam was made after Gods Image 4. Whether this Image still doth remaine 5. In whom t is repaired First what an Image is It is not onely a resemblance for the Sunne resembles God in light and brightnesse but yet the Sunne is not an Image of GOD an Image is a likenesse forme shape and similitude Gen. 1.26 Let us make man in our Image Exodus 20.4 Thou shalt not make any graven Image nor the likenesse The Image is substantiall so Adam begate Seth in his likenesse Gen. 5.3 So Christ is the substantiall Image of his Father Coloss 1.15 Heb. 1.3 Or an Image is artificiall Matth. 22.20 Whose Image is this saith Christ. By Art Images are molten graven carved painted or an Image is spiritually taken Ephesians 4.24 This Image is Holinesse and Righteousnesse Secondly what the Image of GOD is No corporall likenesse is Gods Image for he is a Spirit of infinite perfection the Image of God is Knowledge Goodnesse Soveraigntie Righteousnesse Immortalitie Blessednesse c. Thirdly how Adam was made after Gods Image 1. He was made Good Gen. 1 3. Simply good without mixture of evill 2. He was made in Knowledge Col. 3.10 He knew God and the Creatures after an excellent manner and gave the Creatures sutable names Gen. 2.19 3. He was created Holy Ephes 4.24 free from all sinne set apart for God So fourthly He was made Righteous Eccles 7.3 being conformable to the will of his Creatour fit to conceave a right of things in his mind fit to will righteousnesse to remember righteousnesse to love righteousnesse to speake righteousnesse and to doe it 5. He was made Glorious having these admirable endowments shining in his Soule and his body without infirmitie or deformitie strong nimble active healthie 6. He was Immortall heate and cold moisture and drought were as I take it perfectly compounded fire and water aire and earth so curiously mixed and so tempered by the Lord of the Artistes that man was not in this estate capable of sicknesse sorrow paine or death 7. He was Lord over Gods works and bare the Image of God in superioritie Psalme 8. Thus was man every way happy resembling the blessed God the favour of his Lord shined upon him the Creatures submitted to him the Aire did not distemper him the Lyon fawned on him like the dog he had no lusts nor passions within him he was ioyfull and wise and rich filled with contentment and satisfaction he most lively resembled and was the very Image of his Creatour Fourthly whether this Image of God doth still remaine in us Man being in honour he stood not in that condition but is like the beastes that perish insteed of goodnesse Now we are evill Matth. 7.11 Insteed of knowledge wee are Ignorant 1 Cor. 2.14 Wee were created holy in Adam but now are uncleane Iob 14.4 Insteed of righteousnesse wee have found out many Inventions contrarie to righteousnesse Eccles 7.31 Insteed of glorie we have shame which makes us cover the nakednesse of our bodies with garments and the nakednesse of our soules with excuses diminutions distinctions imputations to others Insteed of Immortalitie we have death attends on us and is sure of us although we be Lords over the Creatures sometimes they rebell 1 Kings 13.24 In steed of being happie now we are accursed in our Natures with sinfull dispositions Rom. 7.23 And accursed in our labours the Earth sometimes denyes fruits to releeve us and brings forth bryers and thornes to greeve us Micha 6.15 Gen. 3.18 Fifthly In whom is the Image of God repaired Onely in the Regenerate they so learne CHRIST that they are renewed in the spirit of their mindes Ephes 4.23 GOD shines in their hearts 2 Cor. 4.6 And turnes them from darknesse to light Act. 26.18 In the Gospell they so behold Gods glorie so as they are changed into Gods Image 2 Cor. 3.18 They put off the old man which is corrupt and put on the new man which maketh them like their first Creation in holinesse and righteousnesse Ephes 4 24. These new Creatures are after the Image of God by resemblance and are in this his Image 1. He is a God of knowledge 1 Sam. 2.3 And these are an understanding people being fed with knowledge Ier. 3.15 the Image of God is repaired in knowledge Colos 3.10 2. God is an holy God Leviticus 11.44 The Regenerate are a holy people 1 Pet. 2.9 3. God is a mercifull God Exodus 34.6 And these are mercifull like him Colloss 3.12 4. God is righteous Psalme 92.15 And these are a righteous people Psalme 11.6 5. God keepes his Covenants Daniel 9.4 And these people keepe their Covenants Psal 15.4 6. God cannot abide iniquitie Habakkuk 1.13 And these people hate evill Psalme 97.10 Adam had Gods Image in his body and soule the Image of God was in his Nature and if he had not