how great evil and misery he brought upon himself VI. The happiness of man being yet in his integrity consisted chiefly in the Image of God VII The soul is the principal subject of this Divine Image the body is the secondary so far forth as the operations of the soul do manifest themselves in it VIII The gifts of Gods Image were partly natural partly supernatural IX The natural gifts were the simple and invisible substance of the soul with its faculties the intellect and will X. The supernatural gifts were the clearness of the understanding the liberty and rectitude of the will the conformitie of the appetites and affections the immortality of the whole man and dominion over the inferior creatures XI Such was the clearness of Adam's understanding that he knew all natural things which had a possible existence in the first principles which are of themselves known An excellent proof of this was shewed by Adam when he gave every creature its name according to its nature Gen. 2.20 XII The will was free indifferent to good or evil so that man might have persevered in uprightness if he had pleased he received power if he would but not wiâ—â— and power There is a fourfold liberty of will according to the fourfold state of man In the first man the will was free to good or evil In man lapsed the will is only free to evil In man regenerated or in the state of grace it is free from evil to good by the grace of God but imperfectly In the state of glory iâ— shall be free from eviâ— to good perfectly In thâ— state of innocency he could not sin In the state of misery he cannot but sin In the state of grace sin cannot reign in man In the state of glory he cannot sin at all XIII The inferiour appetites and affections agreed with reason XIV Man even in respect of his body was immortal but not simply as though his body being composed of the elements could not be resolved into its principles but by Divine Covenant not as though it could not die but because it had a possibility not to die XV. Mans dominion over the inferiour creatures was not onely intire in respect of possession but milde also and gentle in respect of use and execution XVI That labour which was injoyned to Adam to keep and dresse Paradise was not toylsome but most pleasant CHAP. IX Of the fall of our first parents the beginning of Mans misery SO much concerning the government of Man in the state of innocency· The government of Man in the state of misery is whereby God in his just Judgement hath subjected Man to divers miseries who of his own accord fell into sin This state of Man consisteth in sin and in the miseries which follow upon sin Sin is a transgression of the Law or whatsoever is repugnant to Gods Law 1 Joh. 3.4 Under the name of Law in this place are understood both things commanded and things prohibited in the beginning proposed to man as also the Law of nature printed in his heart But concerning the restoring and enlarging of the Law after the fall we are to speak in its own place The RULES I. By sin is meant either the subject of transgression with the transgression it selfe in the concrete or the transgression alone in the abstract II. The definition of sin by thought word and deed is too narrow For so it is defined by the Pontificians but as it shall appear afterward this definition belongs nothing to original sin III. God cannot be called the author of sin without blasphemy IV. One and the same thing in a divers consideration may be both sin and the punishment of sin Sin is either primitive or derivative Primitive is the disobedience of our first Parents whereby they transgressed Gods Commandement concerning the Tree of Knowledge of good and evâ—l The RULES I. Neither God nor Gods Decree nor the denial of special Grace nor the permission of sin nor the stirring up of natural motion nor finally the government of that sinne were the causes of Adam and Eves transgression Not God because he most severely prohibited the eating of that fruit Not his Decree because that infers a necessity only of immutability not of coaction neither doth it force any man to sin Not the denyal of speciall Grace by which man should continue in his integrity for God was not bound to give that grace to man which he gave him for he received possibility if he would although not a Will to that possibility Not the permission of sin for he was not bound to hinder it as before pag 58 Not the stirring up of naturall motion because motion of it self is not sin Not the government of his fall because to turn evil into good is rather to be the author of good than of evil II. God did both will and nill the first Sin He nilled it so far forth as it was sin he willed decreed it as it was a means of manifesting his glory mercy and justice III. The Procatertical or external cause was the instinct and perswasion of Satan that subtile Serpent IV. The Proegumene or internal cause was the will of man of it self indifferent to good or evil but by Satans perswasion bent to evil V. There be certain degrees of that sin by which Adam fell from God not at once but by little little viz. 1. Incogitancy and curiosity of Evahs talking with the Serpent her husband being absent 2. Incredulity by which she began by degrees to distrust God and to give assent to Satans lies who called in question Gods good will towards man 3. An inordinate desire to the forbidden fruit and an affectation of divine glory 4. The fact it self 5. The seducing of Adam and an inordinate affectation raised in him also VI. If you consider the parts of this sin you may justly call it the transgression of the whole Law of Nature For man sinned by incredulity diffidence ingratitude idolatry whereby he fell from God and of himself indeavoured to make an idol of himself by contemning Gods Word by Rebellion Homicide Intemperance Theft by laying hand on that which was anothers without the owners consent by assenting to false witnesse Lastly by an ambitious affectation of too high an honour yea of that glory which belongs onely to God whence the definition of this sinne by Intemperance Ambition or Pride is too narrow VII Therefore with the blessed Apostle we rightly call this sin a transgression an offence and disobedience Rom 5.14 18 19. VIII Adam in this business is to be considered not as a private but as a publique person and consequently as the Parent head and root of all mankind IX VVhatsoever therefore he received and lost he received and lost it for himself and posterity As the head contains Reason both for it self and the members as a Gentleman keeps or loses his Copy-hold for himself and posterity so Adam lost that felicity for himself
the end of the Law Rom. 10.4 when it is called a School-master to lead us to Christ Gal. 3.24 and when the Law is said not to be contrary to him who doth the works of the Spirit Gal. 5.22 23. For that righteousness which the Law requires that the Gospel exhibites in Christ to the Believer and albeit we cannot in this life yield full satisfaction to the Law yet the regenerate begin to obey it by the grace of sanctification CHAP. XVI Of the Person of Christ God and Man THe parts of the Gospel concerning Christ our Redeemer are two the first is of his person the other of his Office In respect of the Person the Redeemer is God and man that is Gods eternal Son being incarnate or made man in the fulnesse of time John 1.14 And the word was made flesh and dwelt amongst us Gal. 4 4. But after the fulnesse of time came God sent his Son made of a Woman 1. Tim. 3 16. and without controveâ—sie great is the mystery of godliness God made manifest in the flesh The RULES I. The Incarnation of Christ originally is the work of the whole blessed Trinity but terminatively or in respect of the object it is the work of the Son alone For the son onely assumed mans nature which the father in the Son by the Holy Ghost formed of the substance of the blessed Virgin II The person of Christ is considered either disjunctively as the Word and the eternal Son of God or conjunctively as God and man the first consideration is according to Divinity the latter according to Oeconomie or Gods gracious dispensation III. Likewise the divine nature is considered either in it self and simply or relatively as it is in the Person of the Word by dispensation IV. Althâ—ugh then it be true that Christ-God is become man yet it follows not that therefore the Divinity is incarnate or because the Son is Incarnate that the Father also and Holy Ghost are Incarnate V. The matter out of which the Incarnation was effected is the seed of the Woman or of the blessed Virgin Gen. 3.15 VI. The forme of it consisteth in the Personal Vnion whereby the word was made flesh and Christ remained the same he was and became what he was not VII The end is Gods glory and our salvation VIII Both the truth of God as also our salvation do evince the necessity of Christs incarnation IX The truth of God because in the Old Testament it was uttered by divers Prophesies and was shaddowed by divers types These are the chief Prophesies Gen 3.15 I will put enmity between thee and the Woman and between thy seed and her seed it shall bruise thy head and thou shalt bruise his heel Gen. 22.18 In thy seed all nations shall be blessed Esa. 7.14 Behold a Virgin shall conceive and bring forth a Son and they shall call his name Emanuel Esa. 9.6 7. For unto us a child is borne and unto us a Son is given Jer. 23.5 Behold the dayes shall come in which I will raise to David a righteous branch and a King shall reign and prosper and shall execute judgement and justice on the earth In his dayes â—udah shall be saved and Israel shall dwell safely and this is his name whereby he shall be called The Lord our righteousness But his types were the Tabernacle the Arke of the Covenant and such like of which we have said but chiefly Melchisedeck without father without mother Hebr. 7.3 and that humane shape or form in which he appeared of old frequently to the Fathers X. Our salvation for this cause doth evince and prove the necessity of his Incarnation in that we could not be saved but by such a redeemer who was both God and Man in one Person or God-man XI That he should be God was requisite in respect of both parties on the one side the Majesty of God required it on the other side our wants the greatness of the evil that was to be removed and the good that was to be restored Such is the Majesty of God that no man could interpose himself but he who was one with the Father the very Angels durst not do this because they also stood in need of Christ the Mediator Col. 1.16 17. Because they being compared with God are unclean Ioh. 15.15 and for this cause they cover their faces in Gods presence Isa. 6.2 How much lesse then could any man intercede whereas there is not one just person Rom. 3.10 The evill that was to be taken away was sin and the consequents of sin the wrath of God the power of Satan both temporal and eternal death Now I pray by whose suffering could that infinite Majesty be satisfied which was offended unlesse by his suffering who was also Infinitâ— By whose Intercession could the wrath of God be appeased but by his onely who is that best beloved son of God By whose strength could Satan with the whole power of darknesse be overcome except by his who in power exceeds all the Devils who finally could overcome death except he who had the power over death Heb. 2.15 But the good things that were to be â—estred were perfect righteousness adoption into sons the Image of God the gifts of the holy Ghost life eternal and such like but now who could bestow that righteousness on us except he who is justice it self Who is so fit to make us the sons of God as he who is by nature the Son of God Who was so fit to restore in us the image of God as he who is himselfe the Image of the invisible God who can bestow on us the holy Spirit so assuredly as he from whom the spirit proceedeth Who at last can give us life eternal but he who is life it self Iohn 1.4 XII That he might be man the justice of God required which as it leaves not sin unpunished so it punisheth not sin but in that nature which sinned The first branch of this Rule is plain both by the justice and by the truth of God By his justice because God by this doth not onely resist but also punish sin Psal. 5.4 5 6. For thou art not a God that hast pleasure in wickednesse nor shall evil dwell with thee the foolish shall not stand in thy sight thou hatest all workers of iniquity thou shalt destroy them that speak lies the Lord will abhor the blody and deceitful man Now by the truth of God because the threatning which was given before the fall could not be in vain therefore Socinus is idle and foolish who that he might overthrow the merit of Christ feigns such a justice of God which doth not necessarily inflict eternal death or require satisfaction and which in this respect can be content to loose its own right but if sins were to be punished they were surely to be punished in our nature for to man the Law was given and to man death was threatned therefore it lies upon man to suffer the punishment
spitefully wantonly and with an high hand X. Sin against man is committed either against superiours or inferiors or equals being knit by fewer or more bands of blood affinity c. XI From the adjuncts a sin is either such of it self or by accident Such are scandals in things otherwise indifferent see Rom. 14. XII No sin of its own nature is venial or so small as not to merit damnation By this maxime the Popish errour that some sins of themselves are venial is condemned the reason is manifest by the object and the effect for there is no sin which is not conjoyned with the offence of Gods Majesty XIâ—I Yet in respâ—ct of the event to wit Christs merits and Gods favâ—ur all sins are pardonable exâ—ept finâ—l infidelity and the sin against the Holy Ghost Not as though these sins were greater than Grace and Christs merit but because they resist grace and Christs merit and despise both XIV We are to judge of the degrees of othâ—r sins by the circumstances the consideraâ—ion of which doth aggravate or lessen them Thus the sin of a superiour is greater than of an inferiour for sin is so much the more conspicuous by how much the more eminent he is that sinneth The sin of desire is greater than the sin of thought alone A sin committed in word and deed is greater than that which is in thought and desire sin committed with affectation is greater than that which â—s done of incogitaâ—cy the sin of commission is greater than of omission if it be in the same kinde the sin against God is greater than against man that sin is greater whiâ—h is committed against him to whom we are most beholding for favours than against another for example A sin agaâ—nst our Parents is greater if it be in the same kinde than against a brother a scandal against a weâ—k brother â—s greater than against a stronger CHAP. XII Of the Miseries which follow Sin HItherto of sin now of the miseâ—y that follows upon sin This misery is either temporal or eternal both which is either corporal or spiritual The RULES I. God comprehended all mans misery under the name of death Gen 2.17 What day thou shalt eat of it to wit of the fruit of the Tree of knowledge of good and evill thou shalt dye the death II. There be four degrees of this death III. The first degree is death spiritual which is the privation of spiritual life Of this man being destitute he liveth only to sin Rev. 3.1 I know thyworks in that thou art said to live but thou art dead IV. The second degree is the death of affliction which is the privation of original happinesse and the inflicting of all sorts of calamities Exod. 10.17 Pray to the Lord that he would remove this death from me V. The third degree is death corporal which is the privation of this life and the resolution of the body into dust and the reversion of the soul to God Eccles 12.7 He shall returne to dust from whence he came and the soul to God that gave it The soul returns to God either as to a Father or as to a just Judge And although by the bounty of Christ our death is become a passage from this life to that which is eternal yet in this place we consider it as it is in it self VI. The fourth degree is death eternal or the state of the damned which in relation to death corporal is called the second death Rev. 21.8 VII We must imagine nothing of the state of the damned which is not in Scripture VIII This state consisteth in the privation of the chief good and infliction of the greatest evill IX The privation of the chief good is whereby they are for ever excluded from the fellowship of God and of the blessed Mat. 25 41. Go from me ye cursed X. But the chief evil shall be a communion for ever with the Devil and his Angels Matth. 25.41 Into everlasting fire prepared for the Devil c. XI The place appointed for the damned is Hell XII But where Hell is we are not to search or enquire XIII 'T is sufficient that in Scripture it is named Geheâ—na a Fiery Furnace the place of torment a Prison bottomless pit the lake of fiâ—e burning with fiâ—e and brimstone XIV In the paines of the damned we are to consider the multitude greatness and continuance XV. Their multipliâ—ity is known because their torments will be spirituaâ— and corporal XVI The chiefest of the spirituâ—l pains are the worm of conscience never dying and that which follow â—t an extream and inexpressiâ—lâ— sorrow and anguish XVII Thâ— corporal pâ—ins are underâ—tood by the phrasâ— of â—â—quâ—nâ—hâ—â—le fire for in this life thâ—re is no tormâ—nt greater than that of fire Matth. 13.42 Rev. 20.15 XVIII The greatness of the paines is understood by weeping and gnashing of teeth For these be symptomes of the greatest pain and torture Mat. 22.13 XIX But this misery is eternal whereby no deliverance is to be expected by the reprobate Luke 16.26 Between us and you there is a great gulf that they who would come to you from hence cannot nor from thence come hither Rev. 14. ver 11. The smoke of their torment shall ascend for ever and ever XX. Those fopperies of the Papists which they have borrowed out of the heathen Poets concerning the place of Infants in hell and of the Fathers and of the Purgatory are savourless and not worth the refuting CHAP. XIII Of the Moral Law HItherto of the state of Innocency and Misery now follows the state of Grace and Glory The Doctrine of the state of grace hath two parts the one is concerning a redeemer the efficient cause of this state the other concerning our calling to this state The Redeemer is known by the Law and by the Gospel By the Law we know the necessity by the Gospel the verity of our Redemption The Law is that Doctrine whereby God manifesteth what he will have performed by us under the commination of death eternal and promise of eternal life that by apprehending the inability which is in our selves of satisfying the Law we may be driven to seek help in Christ. The RULES I. The Law of God given by Moses differs not really but in some respect from the Law of nature planted in Adam the remainders of which are as yet to be found among the Gentiles Rom. 2.14.15 The Gentiles which have not the Law doe by nature the things contained in the Law these having not a Law are a Law to themselves which shew the work of the Law written in their hearts II. No man except Christ hath or can fulfill the Law perfectly III. But we are all guilty of the breach and violation of this Law Rom. 3.23 All have sinned and come short of the glory of God IV. We are then doubly miserable both in that we come short of the promise of life eternal and
offerer These were performed by offering of gifts onely or by offering of living creatures also The sacrifice of gifts called Libatio or Meat-offering was that in which meat drink oile salt frankincense c. were offered The sacrifice of Living-creatures was performed either by burning the fat of the sacrifice or by killing and eating of the beasts also That was called the Sacrifice of Pacification This the sacrifice of Praise The holy-times were either of dayes or of years Of dayes were 1. The morning of each day and the two evenings in which the daily sacrifice was offered 2. The seventh or Sabbath-day which was a type of that sanctification and rest which was to be obtained by Christ. 3. The Calends or New-moons or first day of the moneth The times of the year were either anniversary or every year or else after the expiration of divers years The anniversary Solemnities were either greater or lesser The greater were the feasts of Easter of Pentecost and of Tabernacles The feast of Easter was celebrated the fifteenth day of the first Moneth as a remembrance of the peoples delivery from Egypt and as a type of future deliverance by Christ. The feast of Pentecost was kept the fiftieth day after Easter as a memorial of the Law given upon mount Sinai and as a type of that new Law which was to be written in our hearts by the holy Ghost who was to be sent afterward in a visible forme At this feast were offered the first-fruits hence it was called the feast of the first-fruits The feast of Tabernacles was solemnized the fifteenth day of the seventh moneth as a remembrance of that gracious preservation of the Israelites in the desart in tents and as a type of Christs incarnation Thanks also were given to God at this feast for the fruits and harvest whence it was called the feast of Collection The lesser solemnities were the feast of Trumpets celebrated the first day of the seventh moneth in which the civil year had its beginning the feast also of expiation which fell out upon the tenth day of the same moneth That did represent the sounding of the Gospel this of our atonement to be made by Christ The Solemnities that were kept after divers years were the Sabbathical year and the year of Jubile The Sabbathical year or year of weeks was every seventh year wherein there was a cessation from tilling the ground from demanding of debts The year of Jubile was every fiftieth year in which all possessions return to their owners the Hebrew servants were set free A type of our freedome from sin and Satan by Christ. So much for the ceremonial Law the judicial Law was that which belong'd to the constituting of the Jewish Common-wealth The RULES I. As the Ceremonial Law had relation to God so the Iudicial to our Neighbour II The Iudicial Law binds us in those things that agree with the Moral Law and were of common right III. But what was of private right and commanded for the Iewish Common-wealth in particular do no more bind us than the Municipal Laws of other Common-wealths CHAP. XV. Of the Gospel and how it agrees with and differs from the Law HItherto we have seen out of the Law the necessity of Redemption now we are to see the truth thereof in the Gospel The Gospel is the joyfull news or Doctrine of the Son of God being sent into this World that he might assume our nature and might undergo the curse of the Law for us that by his perfect obedience to the same he might obtain life eternal to us The RULES I. The Law and Gospel agree in the chief efficient cause to wit God and in the instrumental namely the written Word but they differ in their outward instrumental causes both because the Law was delivered by Moses and the Gosâ—el by Châ—ist fully and also because the Law is by nature known to man but the Gospel is not except by Gods gracious revelation II. They agree in their common matter because on both sides obedience is required by promises and threatnings but they differ in their particular matter for the Law principally teacheth what we must do and the Gospel what we must believe III. They agree in their common forme because on both sides the Looking-glass of perfect obedience is exhibited but they differ in their proper forme for the Law teacheth what is that righteousness which is perfect and most pleasing to God but the Gospel sheweth where or in whom we are to finde that perfect righteousness the Law requires it of us the Gospel shews where it is to be found namely in Christ. IV. They agree in their principal end to wit in Gods glory and in the next subordinate end to it namely our salvation which on either side is seen but they differ in their particular ends for the Law was given to that end that it might drive us to seek Christ but the Gospel that it might exhibite Christ. V. They agree in their common object namely in man lapsed but they differ in their proper object for the proper object of the Law is man as he is to be terrified and humbled but of the Gospel man as he is terrified and humbled VI. They agree in their common adjuncts to wit holiness goodness and perfection which both Law and Gospel have being considered in themselves but they differ in this that by accident and by reason of our weakness the Law without the Gospel is insufficient to save us VII It is apparent by this comparing of the Law and Gospel after what manner these two are proposed in Scripture as subordinate and opposite the one to the other VIII They are opposite in respect of man as he is regenerate or irregenerate but they are subordinate in the regenerate man They are proposed by the Apostle as opposites Rom. 6.14 You are not saith he under the Law but under grace Here he points out the state of man before and after regeneration The unbeliever is said to be under the Law 1. Because he is under the curse of the Law 2. Because he is under the rigour of the Law by which it requires perfect righteousness and obedience 3. Because he takes occasion to sin from the Law according to that Nitimur in vetitum semper cupimusque negata We alwayes incline to forbidden things and desire that which is denied us see Rom. 7.8 But the believer is said to be under grace 1. Because he is free from the curse of the Law 2. Because he is delivered from the rigour of the Law and that exaction of perfect righteousness to wit that which Christ hath performed 3. Because he is delivered from the dominion of sin so that he takes not any longer from the Law occasion to sin but begins to yield obedience to the Law by the operation of the Holy Ghost that he might give witnesse of his thankefullness But they are set out as subordinate when Christ is said to be
To Temperance is opposite intemperance insensibility whereby honest and lawful delights are despised also Hypocritical temperance is of Monks and Eremites Temperance is both Sobriety and Chastity as also Modesty and honesty The former vertues have relation to us the later to our neighbour Sobriety is temperance from superfluous meat and drink We must study to Sobriety 1. Because of Gods command 2. Because of the reason annexed to it taken from our calling 1 Thess. 5.8 But let us who are of the day be sober From the necessity of Prayer and from the end of the World 1 Pet. 4.7 But the end of all things is at hand be yet therefore sober and watch unto prayer Lastly from the snares of Satan 1 Pet. 5.8 Be sober and watch for your adversary the Devil walketh as a roaring Lion seeking whom he may devour To Sobriety is opposite Delicatenesse whereby dainties and delicacies are sought for immoderately in meat and drink Gluttony also or Voracity Drunkenesse and hurtful Abstinence Of dainties Solomon speakes Prov. 23.1 2.3 When thou sittest to eat with a Ruler consider diligently what is before thee and put a knife to thy throat if thou be a man given to appitite be not desirous of his dainties for they are deceitful meats Gluttony and drunkenesse are to be avoided 1. Because they are prohibited by God Prov. 23.20.31 Luk. 21.34 Rome 13.13 2. Because the effects thereof are most pernicious for they hinder the meditating on Gods works Isa. 5.19 and thinking upon Christs coming Lu. 21 34. Prayers also 1 Pet. 4.7 It stirs up anger and strife Prov. 21.1 and 29.30 It kindles lust Prov. 23.31 32. It causeth scandal as the examples of Noah sheweth Ge. 9. and shut out of Gods kingdom 1 Cor. 6.10 Gal. 5.21 Hurtfull abstinence is when we refrain from meat and drink to the prejudice of our health Neer to Sobriety is Vigilancie when we abstain from untimely and too much sleep that we mae serve God with chearfulnesse and follow the works of our vocations 1 Pet. 5.8 Be sober and watch Now as under the name of Sobriety sonetime abstinence from pride and evil affections is meant Rom. 12 3. so oft times spiritual vigilancie is understood as an abstinence from the sleep of security to which Peter hath respect in the place above cited To Vigilancie is opposite Sleepiness and Monkish superstitious Watchings Chastity or Sanctimony so called Rom. 6.19 is temperance from lust We must follow chastity 1. Because God commands it Lev. 19.2 Be ye holy for I the Lord your God am holy 1. Thess. 4.3 This is the will of God even your holinesse that ye abstain from fornication 2. Because they that follow it shall see God Matth 5.8 Heb. 12.14 To Chastity is opposite both Dissembled chastity as is that of them who are tyed with the vow of chastity as also all impurity as Fornication Adultery Whoredome Incest Rapes softnesse â—odomy Beastiality c Although there be degrees aâ— these sins yet all of them exclude from the Kingdome of Heaven as is taught plainly 1 Cor. 9 â—0 c. how grievously God is offended at these sins let the Flood the fire of Sodom the destruction of the Israelites Num. 23. the miseries of David the â—uine of Troy the like bear witnesse Modesty is temperance from filthy words and lascivious gestures Heb 12.28 〈◊〉 us have grace whereby we may acceptabâ—y serve God with reverence godly fear or modesty To this is opposite Filthy communication lascivious and unclean gestures Dances also obscene Pictures and Songs and filthy sights Prov 6.12 13 Anaughty person a wicked man walketh with a froward mouth he wâ—nketh with his eys he speaketh with his feet he teaches with his fingers v. 25. Lust not after her beauty in thine heaâ—t niether let her take thee with her eye lids so by means of a whorish woman man is brought to a piece of bread c Eph 5.4 Neither fiâ—thines noâ— foolâ—sh talking nor jâ—sting which arâ— nor convenient Honesty is temperance from filthy or lascivious trimming and cloathing of the body Exod. 20.26 Neither shalt thou go up by steps unto mine Altar that thy nakedness be noâ— discovered thereon 1 Tim 2.9 Let womâ—n adorn themselves with modest apparel wâ—th shâ—mefaâ—ednesse and sobâ—â—eâ—y So much of the former means of preserving Chastity the laâ—er is Wedlock Wedlock is an indissoluble conâ—unction of one man with one woman by lawful consent instituted for Gods glory the good of the parties so conjoyned The RULES I. Marrige is not onely grounded on the Law of Nature and of Nations but also on the Law of God for it was instituted and commanded by God and was by Christ vindicated from abuses and corruptions Gen. 1.28 2.22 Matth 19.8 c. II. Neither is it made rashly or without Gods particular providence Prov. 19.14 Avereuous woman is from the Lord. III. The proximate efficient cause is lawfull consent IV. This consent is both of the parents and of the parties to be married V. In respect of time the consent of parents should go before for the preservation of filial reverence Exod. 22.17 If the Father refuse to give her Deut. 7.3 Thou shalt not give thy Son to any of their daughters neither shalt thou take any of their daughters for thy son Jer. 29.6 Take you wives for your sons and give your daughters to husbands By the events we finde that marriages made without consent of Parents prove oft-times unhappy VI But in Law the consent of the parties to be married is of greatest force The reason is because if there be not a cojugal consent there would be no love nor mutual-benevolence and consequently no marriage Therefore as it belongs to filial reverence to require the Parents consent in the first place so it is the part of fatherly love not to debarre tyrannically their children from honest matches nor to force them being unwilling to mary Therefore the marriage is not nullified because the Parents do not consent to it unlesse the parties to be married be under yeares or some other weighty causes do hinder But if Parents have not sufficient causes either of hindring or forcing the marriage yet their consent must not therefore be sleighted but Magistrates Ministers and Friends shall do well to put Parents in mind of their duty that at least they may give their consent VII As consent should be free from coaction so should it be also from fraud Divers frauds are used in making of matches which either concern the Person so Iacob was cozened by taking Leah instead of Rachel or the chastity of either as if a man should ignoraÌ„tly marry her that had lost her maidenhead or their estates as if one should be made believe that his Bride were rich or nobly descended The first kinde of fraud dissolves the marriage for Iacob might have repudiated Leah because there was no consent given before As for the second kind it is Moses his
verdict Deut. 22. that suâ—h a woman should be held for an adulteresse and stoned to death but our usual custom is that if the man had carnal commere with the woman he is to retain her But the third kinde of fraud doth not dissolve the marriage VIII If there be an absolute consent given it is called a contract in the present but if with condition of Parents consent dowry c. it is call'd a contract for the future The first kind of consent is the true beginning of the present marriage the later makes not marriage except the condition required be kept or else when impatient of staying for the accomplishing of it there be carnal commerce IX The matter of wedlock are the parties to be married in whom we are 1. To consider their Number 2 Their Age 3. Their neernesse in blood c. 4. Their Religion X. As for the Number Marriage is of one Male and one Female hence Bygamie and Polygamie are condemned The reasons are 1 Because bygamie polygamie are repugnant to the 1. institâ—tion whereby God joyned to one Adam but one Woman not two nor more Ge. 2 2. Because it is repugnant to the restrauratioÌ„ of the Law given by God in the beginning Man shaâ—l cleave to his wife they two shall be one which restauration was done by Christ Mat. â—9 5. And they that were two are made one flâ—sh 3 Because a wicked man was the inventâ—r of bygamy polygamie for the first that had two wâ—ves was Lamech 〈◊〉 4 4. Because true peace polygamie cannot consist as Iacobs example shâ—wâ—th Gen. 30. Elkanahs 1 Saâ— Now albeit God at first tolerated Concubinate Bygamie yet he did not therfore approve it for the contrary appears by Christs words above ciâ—ed that place in Le. 18.18 aâ— Iunius â—â—aÌ„st resit planly foâ—biâ—s poligamy XI Convenient age is required for procreation sake for Oeconomical prudence for the honour of such a holy institution XII By what degrees of neernesse marriage is hindred See Levit. 18. XIII This is either Consanguinity or Affinity that is of them who come from the same common stock this is either of the Wife with the Husband or of the Husband with the Wives kindred Properly there is no affinity between the kindred of the Husband and Wife XIV In these we must observe the degrees and line the degree is the distance frâ—m the stock or common Parent the line is the series order of the degrees either among the ascendents and descendents and this is called the right line or among the collaterals and this is called the transverse line and it is named either equall or unequall The degrees and line are chiefly considered in Consanguinity but in Affinity by way of analogy for in what degree one is neer in blood to his Wife in the same is she in affinity to the Husband XV. The degrees of marriage are not to be judged by the Canon law because the Pope advancing himself above every power adds degrees not prohibited to those which God hath prohibited and for mâ—ny dispenseth with those degrees which God hath prohibited expressely but out of Lev. 18. and Deut. 27. XVI In the streight line of ascendents and descendents there is a perpetual hinderance of marriage Hence if Adam were alive he could not marry any other but Eve nor she to any other Husband besides Adam XVII In the equal collateral line by divine right the Brother Sister in Consanguinity are debarred from marriage the Husband also and Sister of his deceased Wife or the Wife and Brother of the deceased Husband The law of God doth not disallow the marriages of Cosin-German by the Fathers and Mother side but the Canon Law doth and so do the Statutes of other Common-wealths as that of Basil. The reason of this is that with the greater reverence we might abstain from the degrees prohibited by God XVIII In the unequal collateral line they cannot marry who are in stead of Parents who are collaterally joyned to the stock or their Superiours Therefore the Nephew cannot marry with either Aunts nor the Neece with either Vncles As for Affinity mariage with the Wives Sister or with the Husbands Brother is forbid by the Law of nature in others affinity doth not extend it self so largely the Husband should abstain from the Wives kinswoman but not the Husbands kinsman from the Wives kindred on the contrary Therefor two Brothers may marry with two Sisters the Father the Son with the mother the Daughter but not the Father with the Daughter or Son with the Mother for so the order of nature should be perverted Son-in law also may marry with Daughters in-law but the Father and Son cannot marry two Sisters for one of them should be Mother-in-law to the other XIX Regard must be had of Religion that marriages be not made between those of different Religions It is one thing to speak of a marriage already made and of that which is to be made of the former the Apostle speaks 1 Cor. 7.3 but the other is most severely prohibited Exod. 34.12 and. 16 c. Deut. 7.3 where a reason is added taken from the danger of seducing to which Pauls saying agrees 2 Cor. 6.14 Be ye not unequally yoked with the wicked Sad examples we have of the events of such mariages of the first World Gen. 6â— of Solomon 1 King 11. of Ahab 1 King 21.15 of Iehosaphat who married Ahabs Daughter to his Son Ioram who was seduced by her 2 King 8. Of Valence the Emperor who by his Wife was seduced and drawn to Arianisme XX. The form of marriage consists in the mutual benevolence of the married couple under which word we understand mutual love help comfort and such like See 1 Cor. 7.3 4 5. Ephes. 5 22 c. 1 Tim. 2 8. 1 Pet. 3.1 5. c. XXI Although the rite of publique consecration is not expressely commanded by God yet it is religiously observed among Christians XXII The cheif end of marriage is Gods glory the subordinate is natural or adventitious natural is that for which marriage was at first instituted to wit for procreation of Children and for mutual help the adventitious is that now since our nature is corrupted it may be a help to preserve chastity and modesty XXIII The precept of marriage is not simply necessary nor doth it tye all men but binds them only who out of marriage cannot live chastly and therefore in a manner seem to be made for marriage Mat. 19 â—1 All 〈◊〉 take this saying but c. XXIV Therefore as marriage is honorable so it becomes all orders among men Impâ—ously then do the Papists for bid the Priest to marry That it is honourable in it self is plain by the Apostles saying Hâ—b 13.4 marriage is honourable in all by the divine instâ—tution of it in the state of innocency Gen. 2. by the defending of it from abuses Mat. 19. by Christ honouring
not be taken subjectively but causatively for there is knowledge in us because the soul is the subject of knowledge but this knowledge or performance of spiritual things is not of us or from us for of our selves we cannot think a good thought Again when it iâ— said here that the principle of this knowledge is not in us the meaning is that the priâ—e or chief principle is not in us for that is grace yet the secondary or subordinate principle of knowâ—edge is in us that is the minde Lastly it is said here that this principle is not in us either in act or in possibility we must not conceive that here is meant possibility passive for there is in us a power to receive spirituall knowledg when it is infused or else 〈…〉 stones but here is meant an active possibility for we are noâ— agents but patients in the fâ—â—st act of our conversion so that there is no power not possibility in us to illuminate our own minds or to rectâ—fie our own wil. a Mat. 5 22. b Mat. 13.42 c Luk. 16.28 d 1 Pet 3.19 e Rev 9.1 f Rev. 20.15 g Rev. 21.8 a Esa 66 â—4 b Rom 2.9 * A. R. Therefore all men are bound to obey the moral Law not because it was given by Moses for so the Iews were onely tied to it but as it is the Law of nature * A. R. It is said here that Ignorance is attributed to Christ This cannot be meant properly for it was not fit there should be ignorance in him who came to cure our ignorance And if ignorance be the want of that knowledge which ought to be in us it must needs be sin in whomsoever it is There is a difference between these two phrases not to know and to be ignorant for ignorance is the privation of knowledge which is a habit that was not in him in whom were hid all the treasures of wisdome and knowledge And so Peter Joh. 21. and all the Disciples Ioh. 16. confesse that Christ knew all things But not to know signifieth the suspension of the act of knowledge onely which can be no privation in him that hath the habit To wink is not to be blind for he that winks hath the habit of sight which a blind man wants Again to know in Scripture is sometime to make known as Gen. 22. Now I know that thou fearest me that is I have made it known So not to know is not to make known by the rule of contraries So Christ knew not the last day that is he made it not known or he did not know that day to reveal it So when Christ is said to increase in knowledge is not meant that he was ignorant but that he attained to the knowledge which he had before after another manner than he did before that is experimentaly now habitually before * A. R. The Nativity is of the nature as of the Terminus but of the Person as of the Subject for the Person is begot and so is the Nature this terminative that subjective * A. R. Christs passions were truly satisfactory if 1. We consider the greatness of his love 2. The greatness and multitude of his sufferings 3. The dignity of his Person 4. The holiness of his life * A R. In Christs death the Personal Union was not dissolved This is true and the reason is because the gifts of God are without repentance now the Hypostatical Vnion is the greateâ—t of his gifts which could not be lâ—st without sin and sin could not be in him who came to save sinners its true Christ seems to grant a dereliction when he saith My God my God why hast thou forsaken me But these words do not shew any dâ—reliction or dissolution of the personal union in death for Christ spake them whilst he was alive they onely shew that Christ was left to tread the wine-presse alone and yet he was not alone for the Father is with me saith he Christ was alone and forsaken in respect of Deliverance but not alone nor forsaken in respect of the divine presence and assistance without which he could not have performed that great work of our redemption In that the Father left him in the hands of his enemies and did not deliver him he might be said to forsake him But it may be objected that Christs soul was the medium of the union between the Divinity and Christ body This medium being gone how could the extremes cohere I answer in this union the soul was the medium of congruity not of necessity for the Divinity was united to Christs body in the Virgins womb before the soule was infused or else he could not have been conceiv'd by the Holy Ghost So might the Divinity be united still to the body after the soul was separated The soul indeed being a spirit was a fit medium to unite the Deity to the body but not absolutely necessary * A. R. Christ was subject to the Law that he might free us from the curse of the Law 2. That he might take away from the Iews occasion of calumniating 3. To shew he was the end of the Law 4. That by his example he might invite us to keep the Law * A. R. It is said here that Christ obtained his exaltation by his obedience not by the way of merit It is true that Christ as God cannot merit Nor 2. did he merit the grace of union as man for that was infinitely more than man oâ— Angels could merit Nor 3. did he merit by the act of freewill in his conception that plenitude of grace and knowledge which was infused into him Nor 4. did he merit any thing which was not due to him in respect of the Personal union Yet we may not deâ—y but that he merited whatsoever honour was conferred on him before his death and likewise his exaltation after his resurrection for so the Apostle sheweth that because Christ humbled himself and became obedient to the death of the crosse therefore God exalted him Phil. 2.9 10 11. He shall drink of the brook in the way therefore shall he lift up his head Ps. 107. Therefore S. Austin in Joh tract 104 cals Christs humility the merit of his glory and his glory the reward of his humility This glory then was Christs due both in respect of the personal union and also in respect of merit for why may not a thing â—e due in a double respect a Matth. 3.11 I baptise you with water b Matth. 21.25 The baptisme of Iohn that is all his ministry both of doctrine and baptisme whence was it and Act. 18.25 Appollo knew only the baptisme of Iohn c Act. 1.5 ye shall be baptised with the Holy Ghost Matth. 20.22 d Can ye be baptised with the Baptism whâ—rewith I am baptised * A. R. The outward matter of Baptism is water I will here adde the reasons why water is used in Baptism 1. Because the dipping in water represents Christs death burial