Gentleness Goodness Meekness Temperance Pardon of Sin Communion with God Joy in the Holy-Ghost c. Now he ought to know all these Things the true from the counterfeit And next unto the Graces of the Spirit and the other excellent and rare Things he deals in there are the Ordinances of the Gospel the Nature and Usefulness of which he ought also to understand and not to be deceived about them lest he take the Traditions of Men for Christ's Institutions IV. A Man who sets up a Trade ought also to know who he is to deal or trade with So ought every Christian and that is God through the Mediator Jesus Christ for without him there is no trading to Heaven 'T is by him we believe in God by him we come to the Father Christ is a Saint's only Correspondent he receives all our Prayers and Duties and makes Returns of Mercies V. A Man who begins a Trade ought to be well instructed and to know every particular Art and Mystery in it Some Trades or Professions are hard to learn they are full of Mystery and very intricate and if they understand them not or are not Crafts-masters therein they will never live comfortably of them as Experience commonly sheweth So every Christian ought to learn the Mystery of Godliness this heavenly Calling is not easily learned there is no Trade that is more mysterious than the Trade or Art of Godliness as we shall fully evince and make appear 1. By plain Texts of Scripture 2. By Arguments and Demonstrations drawn there-from As to the First see these Scriptures 1 Cor. 2.7 But we speak the Wisdom of God in a Mystery even the hidden Wisdom c. Compared with Rom. 16.25 Eph. 1.9 3.3 4. Col. 1.26 1 Tim. 3.16 Without Controversy great is the Mystery of Godliness God manifest in the Flesh c. Godliness is twofold 1. The Doctrinal Part. 2. The Practical Part. A Mystery is a Thing hidden hard to find out that which few understand Godliness a Mystery which lies not open to the Sight and Apprehension of Men. Many Arts used amongst Men are full of Mystery If a Man go into a Chymist's Shop possibly he may see there several Extractions of Minerals but he may not know how he extracted those Spirits nor doth he understand the Nature and Operation of them that is a Mystery There are divers other curious Arts and Devices very hard to learn they are so mysterious but all come short of these heavenly Mysteries The Mysteries of Godliness are exceeding great 1. These Things are hidden Things from the Eyes of Men. See Mat. 11.25 The Gospel is read daily every Man hath the History of it in his House but alas very few understand it 't is a Mystery 't is not known but by such only who feel its Power and blessed Effects and Operations of it upon their Hearts 2. The Gospel and great Things of Christianity and Godliness are the rare Contrivance of God's eternal Wisdom 1 Cor. 8.1 and therefore full of Mystery If any Man thinks he knows any thing he knoweth nothing as he ought to know These things are not easily found out 3. The History of the Gospel and Principles of Christianity and Godliness could not be known without Revelation had not God afforded us the written Word what should we John 20.31 Rom. 16.25 26. or could we have known of these Mysteries What do the Heathen know of them that have not the Holy Scripture Doth the Light within discover the Incarnation Birth Life Death Resurrection Ascension and Intercession of Jesus Christ Doth that teach the Mystery of Faith and Regeneration 'T is true some have affirmed that they should have known all Things the Gospel reveals if they had never had the written Word But how false that is appears to all and they themselves have been silenced by putting one Question to them John 20 30. which is this 'T is said in John 20. Many other Signs did Jesus in the presence of his Disciples which are not written c. Now let them shew us what those other Signs were But alas they can tell us nothing but what the Scripture relates neither had we or they known them but by the Record thereof That which we have the History of and yet cannot understand or make our own unless the Spirit of God opens and explains it to us is a great Mystery But we cannot understand the Mystery of Religion and Godliness without the Spirit 's Teaching and Explanation Ergo c. As the History must be revealed by the written Word so the Mystery must be revealed by the Spirit For what Man knoweth the Things of a Man save the Spirit of a Man 1 Cor. 2.11 which is in him even so the Things of God knoweth no Man but the Spirit of God 4. That which needs or requires several Gradations and Mediums to open and explain it from time to time is a great Mystery But the Gospel or Mystery of Godliness requires such several Gradations and Mediums to open it unto the Children of Men. 1. God under the Law revealed these Things by divers Sacrifices Washings and other Rites whilst Persons remained in their Non-age 2. It requires the Use of divers earthly Similitudes to open and explain it to the Understanding of Men. God is compared to a Father to an Husband-man to a Judg to a Creditor to a Portion to an Housholder c. Christ to a Lamb to Light to an Husband to a Vine to a Shepherd c. The Spirit is compared to the Wind to Oil to Water and Grace to Seed to Gold tried in the Fire c. The Mysteries of Religion and Godliness are so hard to understand in their own Nature that God condescends to open them to us by earthly Things In this God shews what Children we are and how difficult 't is for us to understand these Things And tho they are thus explained yet how little is it that we are able to understand of them Now that which the Children of Men are not able fully to take in or comprehend tho God makes use of the best Mediums he in his Wisdom sees good to make use of is a great Mystery But the Children of Men are able to take in but little of the Mysteries of the Gospel notwithstanding these gracious Mediums God is pleased to make use of Ergo c. 5. That which the Children of Men are not able to take in or receive the knowledg of at once but when God fees necessary to discover by degrees by little and little notwithstanding all those proper and fit Mediums he condescends to make use of is a great Mystery But the Mysteries of the Gospel and Godliness God sees the Children of Men notwithstanding all those Mediums he is pleased to make use of cannot take in or receive at once but that there is need for him to open and discover them by degrees by little and little Ergo 't is
of the Mind Will and Counsel of God as is sufficient by the Blessing of God upon a consciencious reading thereof to acquaint a Man with the Mysteries of Salvation to work in him a true Faith and bring him to live godly righteously and soberly in this present World and to Salvation in the next The Translators generally as they have been Men of Learning so likewise have they been honest and for the most part godly Men and thâ—refore would not for their own Honours sake and much more for Conscience sake abuse the World with any wilful false Versions to lead Souls into Error in a Matter of that importance Or if some shoulâ— have â—een so wicked others as learned and of better Principles would soon have discovered the Imposture Nor if we consider how many Men of different Persuasions have translated the Bible and harmoniously agree in all things of moment is it possible to imagine they should all combine so impertinently as well as wickedly to put a Fallacy on Mankind which everry one that has but bestowed a very few Years in the Study of the Languages can presently detect Object 5. How can we think the whole Bible to be of divine Inspiration when some parts of it contradict others The Divine Spirit cannot be contrary to it self yet is there any thing more opposite than the two Evangelists in reckoning up our Saviour's Genealogy St. Matthâ—w (o) Mat. 1.16 says Jacob begat Joseph the Husband of Mary (p) Luk. 3.23 and St. Luke says Joseph the Son of Eli. Answ The seeming Contradictions of Scripture for they are really no more are an Argument that in the writing of this Book there was no corrupt Design or Confederacy to engage the Opinions of Men and upon a due Scrutiny there will appear in them a deep and unthought of Concord and an unanimous Tendency towards the great End of the Whole 'T is our Inadâ—ertency or shallow Apprehension makes us think the Scripture is at variance with it self In the two Texts cited a natural Father is one thing a legal Father another For you must know that Joseph and Mary were both of one House and Family he descended from David by Solomon she by Nathan but in the Posterity of Zerobabel they were divided into two several Families whereof one was the Royal Race and that Linage Joseph was of which Matthew follows The other Family Luke follows whereof Mary was whom Joseph marries and by that means is called the Son of her Father Eli. So that here is no Contradiction but on the contrary an excellent Discovery of our Saviour's Line drawn down on bâ—th sides whereby it appears that as he was Joseph 's reputed Son so he had a Title to be King of the Jews and as he was born of Mary so likewise on her Side he descended from David as was promised of the Mâ—ssias But for reconciling all such seeming Contradictions see Mr. Streat 's Book entitled The dividing of the Hoof a very useful Piece and worthy Perusal I have but one Argument more to add from a very learned Author and then I shall close up all with the Testimony of the Reverend and Learned Mr. John Calvin 17. The internal Evidence of the Spiâ—it XVII And now it may not be amiss to add one Thing more which I could not pass by i. e. Notwithstanding the great Force and Strength of external Arguments and Motives to evince the Divine Authority of the Holy Scripture yet it is absolutely necessary to the stability and assurance of our Faith in order to eternal Life to have the internal Testimony of the Holy Spirit upon our Hearts or the effectual Operations thereof for if he does no otherwise work in and upon our Hearts but by the common Communication of spiritual Light unto our Minds enabling us to discern the Evidences that are in the Scripture of its own divine Original we should be often shaken in our Assent and moved from our Stability Therefore considering the great Darkness and Blindness which remains upon the Minds of Men all Things believed having some sort of Obscurity attending them besides the manifold Temptations of Satan who strives to disturb our Peace and weaken our Faith and cause Doubtings Happy are such who can experience the powerful Establishment and Assurance of the Holy-Ghost who gives them a spiritual sense of the Power and Reality of those Things believed whereby their Faith is greatly confirmed This is that which brings us unto the Riches of the full Assurance of Understanding (a) Col 2 2â— 1 Thess 1.5 and on the account of this spiritual Experience is our Perception of spiritual Things so often expressed by Acts of Sense as Tasting Seeing Feeling c. which are the greatest Evidences of the Property of Things natural 'T is the Holy Spirit that assists helps and relieves us against Temptations that may arise in us so that they shall not be prevalent And indeed without this our first prime Assent unto the Divine Authority of the Scriptures will not secure us but the Influence and Assistance of the Spirit in the midst of Dangers so strengthens the sincere Christian that it makes him stand as firm as a Rock who has no skill to defend the Truth by force of Arguments against those subtil and sophistical Artificers who on all occasions strive to insinuate Objections against it from its Obscurity Imperfection Want of Order Difficulties and seeming Contradictions contained therein c. Moreover there are other special and gracious Actings of the Holy-Ghost on the Minds of Believers which belong also to this internal Testimony whereby their Faith is established viz. his anointing and sealing of them his witnessing with them and his being an Earnest in them Wherefore altho no internal Work of the Spirit can be the format Reason of of our Faith or that which it is resolved into yet it is such as without it we can never sincerely believe as we ought nor be established in believing against the Temptations of the Devil and Objections of evil Men. It hath been already declared Dr. Owen saith a Reverend Divine that it is the Authority and Veracity of God revealing themselves in the Scripture and by it that is the formal Reason of our Faith or supernatural Assent unto it as it is the Word of God It remains only that we enquire in the second place into the Way and Means whereby they evidence themselves unto us and the Scriptures thereby to be of God so as that we may undoubtedly and infallibly believe them so to be Now because Faith as we have shewed is an Assent upon Testimony and consequently Divine Faith is an Assent upon Divine Testimony There must be some Testimony or Witness in this Case whereon Faith doth rest and this we say is the Testimony of the Holy-Ghost the Author of the Scriptures And this Work and Testimony of the Spirit may be reduced unto two Heads c. 1. The Impressions
or Characters which are subjectively left in the Scripture and upon it by the Holy-Ghost its Author of all the divine Excellencies or Properties of the Divine Nature are the first Means evidencing that Testimony of the Spirit which our Faith rests upon or they give the first Evidence of its divine Original whereon we do believe it The way whereby we learn the eternal Power and Deity of God from the Works of Creation is no otherwise but by those Marks Tokens and Impressions of his Divine Power VVisdom and Goodness that are upon them for from the consideration of their Subsistence Greatness Order and Use Reason doth necessarily conclude an infinite subsisting Being of whose Power and VVisdom these Things are the manifest Effects These are clearly seen and understood by the Things that are made so that we need no other Arguments to prove that God made the World but it self (b) Psal 104. c. Now there are greater and more evident Impressions of Divine Excellencies left on the written VVord from the infinite VVisdom of the Author of it than any that are communicated unto the VVorks of God in the Creation of the VVorld Hence David comparing the VVorks and VVord of God as to their instructive Efficacy doth prefer the VVord incomparably before them (c) Psal 19.1 to 10. Psal 146.8 9. 19 20. And these do manifest the VVord to our Faith to be his more clearly than the other do the VVorks to be his to our Reason c. God as the immediate Author of the Scriptures hath left in the very Word it self evident Tokens and Impressions of his Wisdom Prescience Omniscience Power Goodness Holiness Truth and other divine infinite Excellencies sufficiently evidenced unto the enlightned Minds of Believers c. This is that whereon we believe the Scriptures to be the Word of God with a Faith divine and supernatural And this Evidence is manifest unto the meanest and most unlearned no less than unto the wisest Philosophers And the truth is if rational Arguments and external Motives were the sole Ground of receiving the Scripture to be the Word of God it could not be but the Learned Men and Philosophers would always have been the forwardest and most ready to admit it and most firmly to adhere unto it because such Arguments do prevail on the Minds of Men according as they are able aright to discern their Force and judg of them But how apparent the contrary is is evident 1 Câ—r 1.26 You see your Calling Brethren Not many wise Men after the Flesh c. 2. The Spirit of God evidenceth the divine Original and Authority of the Scripture by the Power and Authority which he puts forth in it and by it over the Minds and Consciences of Men with its Operation of divine Effects thereon This the Apostle expresly affirms to be the Reason and Cause of Faith 1 Cor. 14.24 25. And thus are the Secrets of his Heart made manifest c. It was not the Force of external Arguments it was not the Testimony of this or that Church nor was it the Use of Miracles that wrought upon them v. 23 24. Wherefore the only Evidence whereon they received the Word and acknowledged it to be of God was that divine Power and Efficacy in themselves He is convinced of all and thus the Secrets of his Heart are made manifest c. He cannot deny but there is a Divine Efficacy in it or accompanying of it And thus the Woman of Samaria was convinced of the Truth of Christ's Words and believed in him i. e. because he told her all things that ever she did (d) Joh. 4.29 1 Joh. 5.10 The Word of God is as all sincere Souls find quick and powerful c. so that he that believeth hath the Witness in himself John 7.16 17. Jesus answered them and said My Doctrine is not mine but his that sent me If any Man will do his Will he shall know of the Doctrine whether it be of God or whether I speak of my self In a word let it be granted that all who are really converted unto God by the Power of the Word have that infallible Evidence and Testimony of its divine original Authority and Power in their own Souls and Consciences that they thereon believe it with Faith divine and supernatural in conjunction with the other Evidences before-mentioned and largely demonstrated as parts of the same divine Testimony and it is all I aim at herein This Testimony tho it is not common unto all nor can it convince another yet is it very forceable to those who experience the Virtue and Efficacy thereof which we having in another place more largely opened we shall conclude this last Argument entreating all to labour after a taste of its divine powerful and Soul-changing Operations and then they will need no further Arguments to prove 't is of God We shall therefore conclude this brief Discourse on this Subject with those excellent Words of a Learned Man upon the some occasion Let this remain and be received as an establish'd Truth That those whom the Spirit hath inwardly taught do solidly acquiesce in the Scripture And that the same is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Self-credible or for its own sake worthy of belief and that it obtains that Certainty which it justly deserves with us by the Testimony of the Spirit For tho its own Majesty does of itself conciliate a Reverence yet then only does it seriously affect us when by the Spirit it is sealed in upon our hearts With whose Truth being enlightned we no longer believe that the Scripture is from God by our own Judgment or that of other Men but most certainly above all humane Judgment we are assured thereof no otherwise than as if there we beheld the very Voice of God by the Ministry of Men flowing from the Mouth of God to us No longer do we then seek for Arguments and probable Proofs whereon our Judgment may rely but subject our Judgment and Understanding thereunto as to a Matter already out of all doubt or debate yet not so as wretched Men are wont to addict their captive Minds to Superstitions but because we find and feel the undoubted Power of God there to breath and flourish To obey which we are drawn and inflamed knowingly and willingly but more livelily and efficaciously than either humane Will or Knowledg could affect us 'T is therefore such a Persuasion as does not require Reasons and yet it does not want them neither such a Knowledg to which the best Reason appears and agrees as being such as therein the Mind can acquiesce more securely and constantly than in any Reasons 'T is in fine such a Sense such a Taste as can proceed from nothing but a Revelation Divine Nor do I speak any thing but what every true Believer can bear witness to from his own Experience save only that Words are too short and unable to express a just Explication of the thing Calv.
time of Battel from Death and many mortal Wounds Hence God is pleased to call Himself a Shield signifying thereby his sure and safe Protection to his People in Time of Trouble and Temptation Fear not Abraham I am thy Shield VI. Faith hath been of wonderful use to the Saints of God in all Ages it is that which hath preserved them when hard beset in the greatest Danger imaginable I had fainted unless I had believed Psal 27.13 If he at that time had not had Faith to shield him he had been lost All the mighty Men of God saith Ainsworth by the Shield of Faith in God and Christ Ainsworth on Cant. 4.4 p. 32. have done many mighty Works as the Apostle bringeth a Cloud of Wittnesses in to prove Heb. 11. Heb. 11. 2 Chron. 11.10 47. 2 Sam 8.7 Ezek. 27.11 And hence Shields saith he were hanged up in David's Tower for Monuments and Signs of Victory Metaphor Disparity A Shield that Souldiers use in Battel is an Instrument made by Man FAith is a precious Grace or Fruit of the Spirit of God Gal. 5.22 The Fruit of the Spirit is Faith c. II. A Shield is not used by Souldiers in all Countries II. Faith is of use by all spiritual Souldiers in every Nation and it is as much in use now by them who truly believe as ever it was III. A Shield may be broken and utterly lost III. A Saints Faith may receive some detriment but it cannot be utterly broken and lost I have prayed for thee Luk. 22.23 that thy Faith fail not IV. A Shield can only save and defend from temporal Enemies IV. Faith shields and defends the Soul from all the fiery Darts and Assaults of Satan Inferences FRom hence we may infer that Faith is an excellent Grace and not only so but we may perceive the Necessity of it in all our spiritual Conflicts 2. Labour to find out the right use of it in time of Temptation and under all the Assaults of Satan 3. It shews how safe and happy all they are who truly believe or have obtained the Faith of God's Elect and how miserable such be as are without it 4. Labour therefore above all to take the Shield of Faith for tho all other Graces are necessary as the Girdle of Truth the Breastplate of Righteousness c. yet these and all other Graces have their efficacy as they work and are in conjunction with Faith We receive Benefit from them as they receive Power and are influenced from hence so that Faith hath the precedency Faith more precious than Gold 1 Pet. 1.7 That the Trial of your Faith being much more precious than Gold that perisheth tho it be tried with Fire c. THere are divers Acceptations of the Word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Faith 1. Faith or Fidelity or Faithfulness in keeping Promise whether respecting God or Man Shall the Faith of God be made of none effect 2. It is taken for the Doctrine of the Gospel Acts 6.6 Gal. 1.23 Many were obedient to the Faith 3. It is taken for the Dictates of Conscience allowing of things indifferent in themselves Hast thou Faith have it to thy self Rom. 14.22 Acts 26.27 4. Credence or the Belief of the History of the Scriptures King Agrippa Believest thou the Prophets I know thou believest This is called by some Historical or Dogmatical Faith by others the Faith of Credence 5. A certain and stedfast Belief of some strange and wonderful Effects Mark 16.17 1 Cor. 13.2 These Signs shall follow them that believe In my Name they shall cast out Devils c. And tho I have all Faith so that I could remove Mountains and have not Charity I am nothing This is called the Faith of Miracles 6. A naked Knowledg of God joined with an outward and bare Profession of the Gospel Even so Faith if it hath not Works is dead Jam. 2.17 7. It is taken for a strong Belief or Confidence in Prayer chap. 5.15 The Prayer of Faith shall save the Sick 8. It is taken for a holy firm and well-grounded Belief and stedfast Reliance upon the Merits and Righteousness of Jesus Christ for Justification and eternal Life or a going out of our selves fetching all our Hope and Comfort from him and his glorious Undertakings This is that most noble and precious Grace that is wrought in the Soul by the Spirit which is compared to Gold c. Faith is as precious as Gold nay more precious tried Faith is better than tried Gold than Gold tried or refined in the Fire Metaphor Parallel GOld is precious in some Countries upon the consideration of the Scarcity of it there is but little of it to be had and that hard to come by Things are esteemed precious upon this account In those days the Word of the Lord was precious there was no open Vision TRue Faith is precious upon the account of the Scarcity of it Tho there is great talk of it every where it is in all Peoples Mouths yet the right kind is very precious few have so much as one dram of it in their Hearts 't is very hard to obtain II. Gold is very desirable Men that know the worth of it search diligently for it they work in Mines labour hard undergo much difficulty to obtain it II. All understanding Men who are convinced of the Nature and Usefulness of Faith seek for it as for hid Treasure they endeavour to improve all Opportunities for the obtaining of it III. Gold must be tried Many take that for pure Gold that is counterfeit Metal and thereby cheat themselves or are deceived by others III. So Faith must be tried for there is nothing Men are more mistaken or deceived in There is abundance of counterfeit Faith in the World IV. Gold is tried by a Touchstone Men can soon discern if it be naught when they prove it that way IV. Faith must also be tried by the true Touch-stone viz. the Word of God If a Man fear his Faith be not of the right kind let him bring it thither i e. Examine the Nature and Quality of it by the Marks laid down in the holy Scriptures and he will soon discover what Faith he hath V. The best Gold is very precious a most rare and choice thing in respect of its own intrinsecal virtue and from hence it is so much prized and coveted by the Children of Men. It is called precious from the excellent nature and worth of it It is a most Sovereign Cordial V. True Faith is a most precious Grace in respect of its own intrinsecal Vertue and from hence all true Christians esteem so highly of it The Price thereof is above Rubies it is far more precious than Gold that perisheth which will appear by the Induction of the following Particulars 1. In respect of the Names or Appellations given to it in holy Scripture 1. It is called Lively Faith 2. It is called Effectual Faith 1
in Man Job 32.8 and the Inspiration of the Almighty giveth him Vnderstanding III. A Candle is but a small Light in comparison of the Light of the Sun it giveth Light but a little way and discovers things but darkly III. The Spirit of Man is but a small Light in comparison of Christ the Sun of Righteousness and the Light of the glorious Gospel that discovereth those things that the Light of natural Conscience will not 1. The Spirit of Man will discover unto him by the help of the visible Creation Rom. 1.20 that there is a God that made the World but it cannot discover that there is a Redeemer who died to save the World which the Gospel doth 2. The Spirit of Man will discover Man's Duty in Morals to do as he would be done unto but it cannot teach him in all things his Duty towards God viz. his Divine Laws and Institutions and how he ought to be worshipped 3. The Spirit of Man will convince him of some Sins but it will not convince him of Sin because he believeth not in Jesus Christ for this the Spirit of Truth and glorious Gospel only convince Men and Women of 4. The Spirit of Man discovers to him that he must die but it cannot discover to him without the Light of the written Word a Resurrection IV. A Candle is oftentimes put out IV. So is the Light or Candle of the Wicked God in a way of Judgment when Men have abused their Light and Knowledg they have had of Him giveth them up to vile Affections as he did the Gentiles so that they sin without controul Conscience is seared and asleep as it were and reproveth them no more The Candle of the Wicked shall be put out Prov. 24.20 Inferences THis reproves those that say The Light which is in every Man that cometh into the World is God Christ and the Holy Spirit whereas it is evident 't is Man's Spirit and called but the Candle of the Lord and in it self no more than the Light of Man's natural Conscience II. It reproves them also for saying It is sufficient to make known or discover unto Men all things that are necessary to Salvation and that they should have known by the Light within all things which the Holy Scriptures declare of Christ and the Mysteries of the Gospel if the Scriptures had never been written Which is easily detected 1. By considering of that great Darkness that is in those Heathen Nations and People that have not the written Word of God concerning Christ and Salvation for tho they have the Light of this Candle viz. the Light of their own natural Consciences yet know nothing of Christ who was born of the Blessed Virgin nor of his Death and Resurrection 2. By considering the absolute Necessity there is of Gospel-Revelation and Ministration to make known to Men those glorious Mysteries according as it is held forth in divers places of Scripture for if Man's chief and only Teacher were within him what need was there for Christ to ordain and send forth his Apostles and Ministers to preach the Gospel to the World and why is Faith said to come by hearing the Word preached 3. They are disproved by this viz. they cannot make known any of those other things which Christ did that were not written III. From hence we may perceive what the Substance is which the Light of Man's Spirit will do it searches all the inward Parts of the Belly i. e. makes known the very Thoughts and Intentions of the Heart unto him and reproves him for not living up to the Light God hath afforded him IV. What Fools are they these things considered who plead for a Candle-Light and chuse rather to be lighted and directed by it when the Sun is risen and shineth clearly blessed be God in our Horizon Conscience a Witness Rom. 9.1 I speak the Truth in Christ I lie not my Conscience bearing me Witness in the Holy-Ghost c. 1 John 3.20 If our Hearts condemn us God is greater and knoweth all things Rom. 2.15 16. Their Conscience in the mean while accusing or else excusing in the Day when God shall judg the Secrets of Men by Jesus Christ according to my Gospel COnscience is in these Scriptures called a Witness We shall 1. Shew what Conscience is 2. Run the Parallel First Conscience is a natural Power with which God hath endued the Soul of Man by Creation for his Comfort if he walk uprightly or for his Torment if he walk in evil Ways We do not imagine that Conscience came not into the World until Adam's Fall for this were to suppose Adam in Paradise to be a Man without Conscience Conscience indeed as an Accuser and Condemner came not in until then for as long as Adam obeyed the Commandments of God there was no cause that Conscience should accuse him but as sooon as he had sinned Conscience flew in his Face Secondly Conscience we 1. say is a natural Power which the Soul of Man hath Mr. Lockier c. Now saith one whether this Power be in the Understanding only or partly in the Understanding partly in the Will I find controverted amongst the Learned some speak of it as a distinct Faculty This Power we speak of I conceive saith he to be a reflect Act of the practick Understanding only transcendently 2. By the Power of the Holy Ghost St. John confirms that it is a reflect Act of the practick Understanding only where speaking of this Power in the Soul he saith And hereby we know that we know him if we kâ—ep his Commandments 1 Joh. 2 3. That is as if you should say We do view our Ways by the Word of God which is an Act only of the Understanding and finding them to be in some measure levell with the holy Rule we have this comfortable Reflection back upon our selves That our Faith is not a Fancy but a Faith that works by Love and also sincere and saving Paul confirms the second That it is a reflect Act of the Understanding transcendently seconded by the Power of the Holy-Ghost My Conscience bearing me Witness in the Holy-Ghost That is My Conscience transcendently sâ—conded and assisted by the Holy-Ghost doth strongly testify to my Soul that I am full of Bowels towards my Kinsmen after the Flesh and could do any thing or suffer any thing for their Good The Order according to which the Holy-Ghost strikes in with Conscience is this The Understanding makes a double Proposition one grounded in the Word of God the other in the Heart of Man as thus He that keepeth the Commandments of God truly loves God but I do keep the Commandments of God This is grounded in the Heart of Man and then draws a Conclusion from both Therefore I do love God truly This Conclusion whilst holy and drawn from Divine Premises to wit the Word of God and true Grace in the Heart the Spirit of God strikes in with the Soul
first it seems to bear no such thing So Mat. 13. Christ expounds that Parable or Allegory for tho Rhetoricians make a difference between Metaphors Similes Parables and Allegories yet in Divinity there is none but that Allegories are more large and continued calling the Seed the Word and the Sower the Son of Man c. This way of expounding such dark Scriptures is both useful and necessary and was often used as edifying by our Lord Jesus to his Disciples Now 't is this we speak of which teacheth how to draw plain Doctrines out of Metaphors Allegories c. and not to draw Allegories out of plain Histories Secondly it may be asked When we are to account a Place of Scripture figurative or allegorick and seek some other meaning than what at first appears Answ 1. When the literal proper meaning looks absurd-like or is empty nothing to Edification as when 't is said Unless ye eat the Flesh of the Son of Man c. This is my Body c. And so those Scriptures that command to pluck out the right Eye and cut off the right Hand take up our Cross c. All which if literally understood were absurd and ridiculous and therefore the mistaking such Scriptures hath occasioned many grievous Errors as that of the Anthropomorphites attributing Members viz. Head Hands Feet c to God and Passions yea Infirmities as Anger Repenting c. because the Scriptures in such places speaking after the manner of Men metaphorically attribute such things to him 2. Those Places of Scripture are to be accounted Metaphorical or Allegorick which reach not the Scope of Edification intended by them if literally understood as when Christ spoke of Sowing Mat. 13. the Disciples thought something more was intended than at first appeared for his Aim could not be to discourse of Husbandry to them 3. When a literal Sence would obtrude some Falsity on the Scripture then such Places are to be taken Allegorically as when Christ said Destroy this Temple and I will build it up again in three Days Which if understood of the Material Temple Christ's Words would not have had their Accomplishment But he spoke figuratively of his Body So when Christ said Except a Man eat my Flesh and drink my Blood he cannot live it cannot be understood literally because many who have obtained Life never did so eat his Flesh c. 4. Any Scripture is to be accounted Figurative or Allegorical when the literal Sence agrees not with other Scriptures and is repugnant to the Analogy of Faith or Rules of good Manners as when we are commanâ—ed to heap Coals of Fire upon the Head of our Enemy now we being required not to avenge our selves it followeth clearly this Scripture is not properly or literally understood 5. When a literal Sence answers not to the present Scope of the Speaker and the Speaker would be thought impertinent if his Words were properly taken then it ought to be expounded in a figurative Sence So Mat. 3.10 when John is pressing Repentance he saith Now is the Ax laid to the Root of the Tree c. And the Parable of Christ Luk. 13.7 If these Places were only properly to be understood they would not enforce Repentance And now Reader had we not had good Encouragement from divers worthy Ministers in this City this as well as the former had never seen the Sun but the readiness of divers Persons upon the coming out of the First to subscribe for this hath midwiv'd it into the World where we expect it will meet with different Entertainment but I hope by this time through the Grace of God I have learned not to be concerned either about the Praise of some on the one hand or Dispraise and Contempt of others on the other hand not doubting but that this or the succeeding Age may receive Advantage by it and many bless God for it And if it bring Glory to God and Profit to his Church I have my chief End and shall be content tho I pass under the Censures of captious Men c. I must confess it is not all of my own compiling I have made use of some help from others partly to expedite the Work and partly for want of some Literature And now Reader that I may not retain thee longer at the Door I shall commit Thee and the Work to the Blessing of the Lord heartily begging an Interest in thy Prayers engaging not to forget thee in this evil and perilous Hour subscribe my self Thy Servant for Jesus's sake BENj KEACH London August 9. 1682. A TABLE OF The Heads of those Metaphors Similes borrowed Terms Types Figures and other chief Things insisted upon in this Book THe Divine Authority of the Holy Scripture asserted and vindicated Page j to xvj The Fifth HEAD of Metaphors Similes c. GRace compared to Salt Page 1 Truth compared to a Girdle Page 3 Righteousness a Breast-plate Page 9 Faith a Shield Page 13 Faith more precious than Gold Page 15 Hope an Helmet Page 22 Hope an Anchor Page 25 Love compared to Death and the Grave and to Flames of Fire Page 30 31 Love compared to Wine Page 32 Baptism a Burial Page 35 The Lord's Supper Page 38 Christ our Passeover Page 45 The Sixth HEAD c. concerning Angels and the Soul of Man Angels Watchers Page 50 Angels Morning-Stars Page 52 Angels Sons of God Page 53 Angels God's Host Page 55 Angels compared to the Face of a Man a Lion an Ox and an Eagle Page 57 Angels compared to the Wind and Flames of Fire Page 61 Angels called Horses red white speckled c. Page 63 64 Soul of Man compared to a Ship Page 64 Spirit of Man a Candle Page 67 Conscience a Witness Page 69 The Seventh HEAD c. concerning God's Church CHurch a City Page 76 to 85 Church compared to the Moon Page 86 Church the Temple of God or the Anti-type of Solomon's Temple Page 87 Church the Anti-type of the Second Temple Page 89 Church called an Olive-Tree Page 91 Church compared to an Inn Page 92 Church a Vine Page 93 Church compared to a Dove Page 94 Church compared to the Body natural Page 97 Church a Vineyard Page 99 Church called a Virgin Page 102 Church a Wife Page 103 Church compared to a Bush on fire Page 106 Church compared to a Mother Page 109 Church a Garden Page 112 Church a Lilly among Thorns Page 115 Church compared to a Merchant-Ship Page 118 Church a Golden Candlestick Page 120 Church called a Flock of Sheep Page 121 Church compared to an House Page 123 Church a Family Page 128 The Eighth HEAD c. concerning 1. Men in general 2. Good Men 3. Wicked Men. MAn compared to Earth Page 133 Man compared to a Worm Page 135 Man compared to a Flower Page 138 Concerning the Saints or Good Men. Saints called Babes Page 140 Saints Children Page 142 Saints Heirs Page 145 Saints Eagles Page 146 Saints Souldiers Page 148 to 161 Saints Runners
proceed from one and the same Ground viz. a wicked Pretence that the Scriptures tho divine Truths and the Word of God yet do not contain all God's Will but that there are these other unwritten Verities handed down one says from Moses and the other says from St Peter c. by Word of Mouth Since therefore the Bible hath thus wonderfully surmounted all Difficulties and Oppositions for so many Generations and in so many Dangers and against so many Endeavours to root it out of the World we may according to that Maxim in Philosophy Eadem est Causa procreans conservans The procreating and conserving Cause of Things is one and the same conclude That the same God is the Author of it who hath thus by his special Providence preserved it and faithfully promised and cannot Lie that Heaven and Earth shall pass away but one Iota or Tittle of his Word shall not pass away X. The Scriptures did not only Survive but have Triumph'd over 10. The Success of the Scriptures in converting the World all the Oppositions of the Devil and the World That Success wherewith the Gospel was attended even in its Infancy the mighty and marvellous prevailings of it where-ever it came notwithstanding the many and great Disadvantages it was to encounter are a strong and irresistible Argument that it was from Heaven That a Doctrine directly opposite to the whole corrupt Interest of Human Nature and to the Wisdom and VVill of Man (p) 1 Cor. 1.21 Rom. 8.7 carried on and published by but a few and those to outward appearance weak ignorant and simple Persons Illiterate Fishermen Tent-makers c. without any Force of Arms or Temporal Support but on the contrary against both VVind and Tide the Cruelties of raging Powers and Affronts of vaunting Wisdom A Doctrine against which the whole World Jews and Gentiles perfectly concurr'd those hating it as a Stumbling-block and these counting it Foolishness that such an improbable and unpleasing such a friendless unwelcome slighted opposed Doctrine by such Instruments and under such Circumstances should make its way in the World and subject so many Nations to the Obedience of the Cross and make those who to Day persecuted it to Morrow ready to lay down their Lives in Defence and Justification of it evidently shews it to be owned by Omnipotency and not to be of Human Extract XI But besides these outward and more visible Trophies of the Sacred Scriptures 11. Their inward Efficacy how marvellous is their Empire Efficacy and Power within upon the Hearts and Consciences of Men 't is this that Converts the Soul Enlightens the Eye (q) Psal 19.7 Discovers Sin (r) Rom. 7.7 Convinces Gainsayers (Å¿) 2 Tim 3.16 Killeth and Terrifieth (t) 2 Cor. 3.6 Rejoiceth the Heart (u) Psal 19.8 Psal 119.103 Quickneth (x) Psal 119.50 Comforteth (y) Rom 15.4 Manifesteth the Thoughts (z) 1 Cot. 14.52 Overthrows false Religions Casteth down Strong-holds and subverts the whole Kingdom of Satan What Consolations at some Times What Terrors at others do proceed from this Sacred Book How are the poor Souls of Men by it mightily refresh'd Their weak Hearts wonderfully strengthned Their dead Spirits raised and made to live again Those that sate in Darkness and the Shadow of Death are Enlightned Many that were in Chains and Fetters of Fears and Terrors of Soul are delivered and set at Liberty Is it reasonable to conceive that a Tree that bears such wonderful Fruit was planted by any other Hand than that of God Who can speak Words that shall restrain and repel all the Powers of Darkness when falling in to make Havock and Desolation in the Souls of Men That shall be able to give Laws to the Terrors of Death nay Eternal Death when they have taken hold of the Consciences of Sinners Are not all these Wonders perform'd by the holy Scriptures And do they not often on the other side breath Thunder and Lightnings throw down the Mighty from their Seats and destroy the Thrones of the Proud and Confident Do they not turn the Security of many into Trembling and Horrour and make their Consciences to burn as if the Fire of Hell had already taken hold of them These Things are evident from the Experience of Thousands that have felt and undergone such powerful Effects of the Word Nay I verily believe there are few that have read the Scriptures with attention and seriousness but can more or less witness the same And whence should such Mighty Operations proceed but because the Almighty Author has endued them with such Vertue through the Spirit whereby they become the Power of God unto Salvation 12. The Testimony of the Church and Martyrs XII Add to all these Arguments the Testimony of the Church and her Holy Martyrs who have sealed this Truth with their Blood By the Church we do not mean the Pope whom the Papists call the Church Virtual nor his Cardinals Bishops c. met in General Council whom they call the Church Representative But the whole Company of Believers in all Ages who have professed the true Faith The Pen-Men of the Scriptures good pious honest holy Men delivered it out as the Word of the Lord and ever since there have been Thousands and Hundreds of Thousands that have believed and testiâ—ied the same down from Age to Age in a continual uninterrupted Succession The Church of the Jews to whom were committed the Oracles of God (a) Rom. 8.3 professed the Doctrine and received the Books of the Old Testament and testified of them that they were Divine and in great Misery they have constantly confessed the same when as by the only denying thereof they might have been partakers both of Liberty and Rule And remarkable it is both that notwithstanding the High Priests and others of that Nation persecuted the Prophets while they lived yet received their Writings as Prophetical and Divine as also that since the Spirit of Blindness and Obstinacy is come upon Israel and notwithstanding their great hatred to the Chriâ—tian Religion the Holy Scripture of the Old Testament is kept pure and uncorrupt amongâ—t them even in those places which do evidently confirm the Truth of the Christian Religion as Isa 53.3 And as for the Christian Church it hath with great Constancy and sweet Consent received and acknowledged the Books of the Old and New Testament for the Universal Church which from the beginning thereof until these times professed the Christian Religion to be Divine did and doth also profess that these Books are of God And the several Primitive Churches which first received the Books of the Old Testament and the Gospels the Epistles written from the Apostles to them their Pastors or some they knew did receive them as the Oracles of God and delivered them afterwards under the same Title to their Successors and other Churches And all the Pastors and Doctors who being furnished with Skill both in
corruptible things as Silver and Gold which perish FAith is a divine and precious Grace or a supernatural thing 't is from above wrought in the Soul by the Operation of the Spirit of God and therefore incorruptible an heavenly Principle or Seed that shall never fail till we receive the end of our Faith the Salvation of our Souls II. Tried Gold may make a Man renowned and great on Earth and adorn the Body or Habitation where he dwells but it avails not the Soul any thing it will not enrich or make honourable or beautify that c. II. Faith true Faith Faith tried in the Fire makes Believing Men and Women renowned in Grace and Godliness and adorns the Soul Church and People where it is None shine forth in that Beauty and Splendor as those do who have much Faith III. Tried Gold may be utterly lost a Man may have much of it to day and none to morrow Thieves may rob him of it c. III. True Faith cannot be utterly lost A Man may lose somewhat of the Strength of it he may decay in this Grace as well as in others but he can never lose the Habit the Seed or Truth of Faith it self I have prayed for thee Luk. 22.31 32. that thy Faith fail not Inferences FIrst Information How greatly are some mistaken about this precious and most noble Grace For we may infer from hence 1. That true Faith is not a simple or bare believing there is a God the Devils have this kind of Faith they also believe and tremble 2. That it is not a meer or bare believing the Truth of the holy Scriptures The Jews believed the Scriptures and thought by them to have eternal Life and yet were Enemies to Jesus Christ 3. That it is not a bare believing Christ died for Sinners most ungodly People in England believe that 4. That cannot be a true Faith which Swearers Drunkards Whoremongers and all other ungodly and prophane Persons have 5. That a Man may leave all gross Sins and assent to many Truths of the Gospel and yet have no true Faith 6. Nay that a Man may be baptized take upon him the Profession of the Gospel and suffer many things and yet not have one dram of saving Faith as appears by the foolish Virgins Judas and Simon the Sorcerer and many others 7. Nay a Man may seem to hear the Word with Joy and yet have no true Faith A temporary Faith is not the Faith of God's Elect or that Faith that is more precious than Gold c. Quest How may a Man know true Faith from that which is common and meer counterfeit Answ 1. There is in that Person who savingly believes in Christ a true Knowledg of God and of Jesus Christ the true Saviour it takes hold on the right Object Dost thou believe on the Son of God Joh. 9.24 9.35 Rom. 10.14 Who is he Lord c. How shall they believe on him of whom they have not heard 2. There must be a true Knowledg of and a free and full Assent and Consent to the Truth of that which is contained in the Holy Scriptures concerning God Christ and Salvation and all other essential Principles of true Religion It is not enough to believe as the Church believes as some ignorantly teach and affirm 3. He that hath obtained true Faith hath had his Understanding enlightned to see what his State and Condition was by Nature Acts 2.37 2 Cor. 7. he hath been under Humiliation for Sin 4. He seeth also that all his own Righteousness will avail him nothing in point of Justification and Acceptation with God Without Christ his Prayers Tears Reading Hearing and Alms-deeds will not save him To trust to any of these he sees is the way to make Faith void Rom. 3.8 Rom. 10.2 3. The Jews built upon this Foundation and thereby missed of Salvation 5. There is in that Soul where true Faith is wrought or where the Seed of it is sowed a desire after Christ not simply after his Merits but also after Union and intimate Acquaintance with him Yea doubtless I account all things but Loss Phil. 3.8 for the Excellency of the Knowledg of Jesus Christ my Lord for whom I have suffered the Loss of all things and do account them but Dung that I may win Christ c. A true enlightned Soul looks first to Christ's Person as being affected with his Beauty and Sweetness of his Love and then to the Goods and Riches he possesseth As a Woman newly married looks first to her Husband and then to the Inheritance or else is little better than an Harlot 6. But did I say a Desire after Christ Be not mistaken to think that every Desire after him is a Sign of true Faith 1. It is a fervent Desire such desire him more than all the World That Soul pants after him and Union with him Psal 75.25 more than after Heaven and Glory It greatly endears Christ to the Soul He is the chiefest of Ten Thousand 2. 'T is such a Desire as in a hungry Man nothing will satisfy him but Bread so nothing will satisfy a true Believer but Christ the Bread of Life 7. If a Man hath true Faith he knoweth the Time when he was without it he knoweth he was once blind and without God and Christ I will not say he knows the very Instant when God wrought it in his Soul but he can say with the Man whose Eyes Christ opened Whereas I was blind I now see Jon. 9.25 8. And not only so but he knows the Way and Means by which he obtained it viz. either by Hearing or Reading or Meditating on the Word of God either in the free Tender of Christ to Sinners in general or to dejected burthened and heavy-laden Sinners in particular 9. Faith is usually obtained of God in a constant and laborious seeking and crying to him for it What Pains hath it cost you Sirs Precious Faith is not easily obtained to What Conflicts have you found within Satan ever makes strong Resistance there is nothing he strives to obstruct or hinder more 10. What Love to God hath thy Faith wrought in thee True Faith works by Love Mary believed and loved much 11. Hath thy Faith purified thy Heart Hast thou seen its horrid Filth and Pollution and dost thou long after Purity not only to have thy Sins pardoned but also purged away and the Power and Dominion thereof destroyed 12. What Alteration in the Course of thy Life hath Faith wrought Faith made Jordan go back There is a Turning the whole Man to God a glorious Change in every Faculty in Heart and also in Life Half my Goods saith Zacheus Luk. 19.8 Act. 19.19 I give to the Poor And in the Acts 't is said Those that used unlawful Arts burned their Books If any Man be in Christ he is a new Creature 13. Faith leads the Soul to receive Christ in all his Offices not only as
live in newness of Life amongst the Saints in the Kingdom of God II. When one is buried he ought to be covered all over with Earth else 't is no Burial II. When one is baptized he ought to be covered all over with Water or else 't is no Baptism Which fully appears 1. From the Nature of Burial 2. From the proper and Metaphorical Significations of the Word as is largely opened 3. From Scripture-Practice which always was by Dipping as all the Learned that are impartial acknowledg 4. From the constant Practice of Antiquity who retained the right Form until Clinical Baptism viz. such who deferred their Baptism till their sick Bed came to be used about Cyprian's time in the third Century These Clinici so called because 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 baptized in their Bed were such as delayed their Baptism until their Death-Beds because they believed it would take away all Sin and that there was no Pardon if they sinned after receiving it yet not daring to go out of the World without this great Badge of Christianity deferr'd it till they thought they were in danger of Death And since they could not without peril of Life be dipp'd Sprinkling was invented to serve the turn For a like Reason as was said before they changed the Mode of Administration with respect to Infants when their Baptism was introduced out of regard to their tender Constitutions especially in cold Countries Seasons This was the Original of Sprinkling and sprung purely from the abuse of Baptism and the Want of the right Subject as by Divine Aid shall be demonstrated in a particular Sheet impartially and from undoubted Authority One may with as much reason be said to be buried when Clay or Earth is thrown upon his Head only as to be baptized when Water is poured upon his Head or Face And if the one be no Burying 't is as certain the other is no Baptism And he that affirms that Sprinkling may represent or symbolically express the Death Burial and Resurrection of Christ does at the same time speak without colour of Truth Word of Sence and against all the Reason in the World As breaking of the Sacramental Bread visibly betokens that Christ's Body was broke and as the pouring forth of the Sacramental Wine represents the gushing forth of his Blood so the Sacramental Dipping in Water viz. Baptism represents his Death and Burial and the coming from under the Water his Resurrection 1 Cor. 15.2 3 4 c. III. Burial precedes the Resurrection or raising of the dead Body to a State of Immortality III. The Immersion of the Party baptized precedes his Emersion or coming out of the Water which symbolizes or answers to two things 1. The Resurâ—ection of Christ 2. Our rising again to Newness of Life Buried with him in Baptism wherein ye are also risen with him c. as in the Text. Inferences FRom the whole we may rationally conclude That the Administration of this great Ordinance by Sprinkling which comports not with the Literal nor Metaphorical Signification of the Word nor those great Mysteries represented by it viz. the Death Burial and Resurrection of Christ is disorderly and should be rectified 2. It is a Motive to excite us to admire and reverence the great Grace and Goodness of Christ who hath given us such a visible Symbol of his Death Burial and Resurrection not only to confirm our Faith but also to prevent our being deceived by any seducing Spirits 3. It is not to be wondred at that such as deny the Man Christ Jesus but preach up the Light within to be a Saviour should reject these two great Ordinances stated in the Scripture viz. Baptism and the Lord's Supper because such as deny the Substance are necessitated to deny the Sign Persons of this Judgment may be easily confuted For when ever the Term Baptism is mentioned and God or Christ represented as the Agent it must be understood of the Baptism of the Spirit in the Sence before spoken of When ever Baptism is mentioned as the Act of any Apostle or Minister of the Gospel it denotes Water-Baptism because these have neither Power nor Commission to baptize with the Spirit and with Fire And when ever the Baptism of Blood and Suffering is mentioned it must be understood of Persecutors or ungodly Men who murther destroy or afflict the Godly for neither God without Blasphemy nor good Men without a wrong application of the Term may be said to baptize that way So that when we meet with the Act of Baptism as the Act of a good Man we must of necessity understand it of Water-Baptism in the same Method and Mode of Administration as was practised by the Apostles and Primitive Christians and that being a positive Institution with respect to the Subject and Manner of Administration is not to be deviated from upon any pretence whatsoever unless we will suppose the Laws of the Almighty to be in the Power of Man so as that he may dispense at pleasure with them which is not to be done without sufficient Authority from God himself which is no where to be found 4. If the Laws of the great unerring Sovereign of all things are to be observed without variation unless it be by his express Direction then we are to conform exactly to his Order in this part of the Evangelical Law and to practise it no otherwise than he has prescribed because it was once so delivered to the Saints 5. We would caution all that would approach to this sacred Evangelical Ordinance unless they be dead to Sin that is such as truly and really hate Wickedness and the empty Vanities of the World and unless they have a prospect of and long to have an Interest in that never-fading Inheritance promised by our dear Lord Jesus to his Children not to prophane this blessed Institution Because if they want the due Qualifications of serious and converted Souls viz. Faith Repentance and good Lives they are hereby entitled not real Members of Christ but Hypocrites and incur as great a Hazard as such do who eat and drink unworthily of the Lord's Supper The Lord's Supper 1 Cor. 11.23 For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you That the Lord Jesus the same Night in which he was betrayed took Bread Verse 24. And when he had given thanks he brake it and said Take eat this is my Body which is broken for you This do in remembrance of me THe Papists affirm That after the Words which they call the Words of Consecration spoken by the Mass-Priest the Bread is changed into the real Body of Jesus Christ and many of the blessed Martyrs in Queen Mary's Days were burned to Ashes for denying this Transubstantiation Which absurd and monstrous Conceit of theirs hath been learnedly confuted by many ancient and modern Writers so that it may be thought needless to add any thing here upon that account yet that we may make our way
I dwell for I have desired it And as for sanctified Ones they are not only Dwellers in it but the very Materials of it so that it can never be without them It being also founded upon a Rock cannot fall Mat. 16 1â— The Gates of Hell shall not prevail against it IV. Other Houses are liable to be destroyed either by Fire or razed by an Enemy so that one Stone may not be left upon another IV. But the House of God hath stood ever since it was erected notwithstanding the many Plots and Designs of Satan and his Instruments by one means or other if possible to have destroyed it so as that there might not have appeared so much as the Dust or Stones no nor so much as any Sign left in any Part or among any People in the World whether there had been such a Building or no. But blessed for ever be Jehovah that it may yet be said Walk about Zion Psal 48.12 13 14. and go round about her tell the Towers thereof mark well her Bulwarks consider her Palaces that ye may tell it to the Generation following For this God is our God for ever and ever He will be our Guide even unto Death Inferences THis calleth aloud upon all the Members of God's House to strive more and more not only to be a meet Habitation for God but to beautify and adorn this House by their holy and heavenly Conversations Holiness becometh thy House O Lord for ever 2. Let all take heed how they defile or deface this House either by plucking out a Stone or a Pin or touching a Hair of the Head of any that are of this Building 3. Let all God's People examine what their Zeal is for God's House or whether they do truly prize the very Dust and Stones thereof The Church compared to a Family or Houshold Amos 3.2 You have I known above all the Families of the Earth 1 Tim. 3.15 The House of God which is the Church of the Living God Gal. 6.16 As we have Opportunity let us do good unto all Men but especially to the Houshold of Faith Eph. 2.19 Now therefore ye are no more Strangers and Foreigners but Fellow-Citizens with the Saints and of the Houshold of God A HOUSE in the holy Scripture is sometimes put for the Family or Houshhold and sometimes for the Structure or Building it self In both these respects the Holy-Ghost runs the Parallel in respect of the Church Metaphor Parallel 1 Tim. 2.20 IN a great House are not Vessels of of Gold and of Silver only but of Wood and of Earth some to Honour and some to Dishonour SO in the Church of God there is a Mixture of Good and Bad Sheep and Goats sincere Christians and Hypocrites like as in a Eield there is a Mixture of Wheat and Tares and in a Floor of Grain there is Chaff as well as Corn tho when any appear unsound drossy and ungodly she turneth them out When the Family of Christ consisted but of twelve Men there was a Judas amongst them II. In a great Family there are Persons of different Ages of different Strength of different Relations to the Master of the Family and of different Employments II. So in the Church of God there are little Children young Men 2 Joh. 2.12 14. Heb. 5.11 12 13 14. and Fathers there are weak and stronger Christians some that stand in need of Milk some that are fit for strong Meat some that need to be led and carried in Arms some that are Teachers and Rulers and others that are taught and ruled III. The Master chief Head or Governor of a Family provides and takes care of all that belong to him 1 Tim. 3.8 hence the Apostle saith He that provides not for his Family is worse than an Infidel and hath denied the Faith III. So God the great and good Master of this heavenly Family doth and will provide for all and every Soul that belongs to him Mat. 6.25 to 30. Take no thought for your Life what ye shall eat or what ye shall drink nor yet for your Body what ye shall put on Why take ye thought for Raiment Consider the Lillies of the Field how they grow they toil not neither do they spin Therefore if God so cloath the Grass of the Field which is to day and to morrow is cast into the Oven shall he not much more cloath you O ye of little Faith The young Lions do lack and suffer Hunger but they that fear the Lord Psal 84.11 shall want no good thing He will give Grace and Glory and no good thing will he with-hold from them that walk uprightly My God shall supply all your Wants c. Phil 4.19 Casting all your Care upon him for he careth for you c. IV. A Family is also under the Government of him who is the chief Head and Ruler thereof IV. So is the Church under the Government of Christ and every Member is subject to that Authority Order and Rule which he hath left therein V. The Master of a Family defends his Family to the uttermost of his Power against all Enemies V. So doth the blessed God defend and preserve his Church whose Power is infinite So will the Lord of Hosts defend Jerusalem defending Zech. 9.15 also he will deliver VI. Every Person in a Family is privy to all such things as are publickly done in the House many of which ought to be concealed and not divulged to others It is a Reproach to a Person of an honourable Family to make known any thing that is done in the House which ought by all means to be kept secret VI. So each Member of the Church is privy to all such things as are done publickly therein and many things done therein do so particularly relate to the Family that it is an evil thing and justly to be reproved for any Member to divulge or make such private Matters known to others The Church of God in this respect as well as in some others should be as a Spring shut up Cant. 4.12 as a Fountain sealed c. VII It is a great Honour to a Family when it is well governed It was this very thing that the Queen of Sheba was so much taken with when she came to see Solomon 2 Kings 10.1 2 3 4 5. It is said When she saw his Wisdom and the House which he had built and the Meat of his Table and the Sitting of his Servants and the Order of his Ministers and their Apparel and his drinking Vessels and his Burnt-Offerings that he offered in the House of the Lord she was astonished c. In a Family the Governor ought to know his Place and all the rest to be in subjection or else great Confusion and Disorder will break forth Hence a Bishop ought to be one that rules well his own House having his Children in subjection with all Gravity What is more lovely in a Family than
intercedente 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 by a redeeming Price viz. the Blood of Christ Rom. 3.24 The Redemption in the Type and the Introduction into the Land of Canaan is made by Moses and Joshua as by the Ministers of God Heb. 3.5 In the Antitype our Redemption and Salvation is wrought by Christ as per 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 by the principal Author or Cause of Salvation Act. 3.15 4.12 Heb. 5.9 So Moses when he is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Mediator Gal. 3.19 may be term'd a Type of the Mediatorial Office of Christ with respect to the Thing it self although there be an eminent Disparity in the Manner Moses is called a Mediator because of his Office of Interpreting and Teaching Exod. 19.3 Deut. 5.5 But Christ is not only a Mediator in that respect but for the great Blessing and Benefit of his Satisfaction 1 Tim. 2.5 6. c. Canon IV. There must be a fit Application of the Type to the Antitype THis Application besides other Things if it be infer'd comprehends this also that there may be a Comparison made betwixt the Type and the Antitype as far as the Scripture and the Analogy of Faith will bear it Here Bellarmine faulters egregiously lib. 1. de Missa cap. 9. where going about to prove that there is a true Sacrifice offer'd in their Mass he wrests the Type in the Old Testament Gen. 14. in the History of Melchizedek For whereas this is a Figure of Christ in a peculiar respect Psal 110.4 Heb. 7.17 and that he truly sacrificed Bread and Wine Gen. 14.18 he concludes it necessary that Christ also sacrifice Bread and Wine c. But besides this that Articles of Faith are not to be proved by Typical Accommodations if not in the Scriptures as this is not but by certain and illustrious Evidences of Scriptures which Bellarmine * Lib. 3. de V. D. cap. 30. himself grants We will encounter this Papistical Quibble and affirm that this Application of the Type to the Antitype is not only in the least little consonant to Scripture For the Parallel is quite otherwise proposed Heb. 7. but quite contrary to it and a Disparagement to if not a justling out the only Sacrifice of Christ and his everlasting Priesthood Canon V. When there are many partial Types of one and the same Thing then we are te judge not from one Antitype but of all jointly taken THE Reason of this Canon depends upon the foregoing Canons For in as much as the Things of the New Testament are prefigured in the Old 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 at sundry Times and in divers Manners Heb. 1.1 Therefore if a right Judgment of the Thing prefigured ought to be made by Types we must not examine or meditate upon one Type singly but many of them together Here Socinus and his Followers err when he parallels the Redemption and Mediation of Moses with that purchas'd and done by Christ. But besides that Moses is here a Type of Christ only with respect to the Thing ratione rei but not ratione modi with respect to the Manner as we said Can. 3. For we may alledge that we bring our Judgment according to the Canon concerning our Redemption by Christ and his Mediatorial Office not from that single Type of Moses but from others join'd with it For the Manner of our Redemption which consists in the appeasing of divine Wrath and Satisfaction for our Sins was more proximately and immediatly though not fully adumbrated by the Sacrifical Types chiefly the Scape-Goat Lev. 16.21 The Redheifer Numb 19.2 Nevertheless you are to note here that the grand Foundation of our Belief in this Point is not built upon Types but upon clear Scripture Texts that unfold the Mystery of our Redemption Canon VI. In expounding the Types of the Old Testament we are to examin accurately whether the Shadow or the Truth represented by a Shadow be proposed That is whether the Prophets prophesy of Christ under the Umbrage or Shadow of Types or in express Terms viz. speaking of our Saviour in a literal Sense THE Reason depends upon that Custome of Prophetical Speech yea of God himself speaking by the Prophets by which they are wont to make a sudden Transition from the Type to the Antitype from a corporeal to a spiritual Thing and when the Speech is of another Thing to turn themselves to Christ the Kernel as it were of the Scripture and prophesy of him not under the Shadow of Types but in express Terms As for Instance it is said Psal 2.7 Thou art my Son this Day have I begotten thee Calvin in his Commentary upon this Psalm says that it is to be understood Literally of David but Typically of Christ. So the Place Micha 5.2 But thou Bethlehem Ephrata c. out of thee shall come forth unto me a Ruler or Captain this the same Calvin expounds not literally of Christ but of some Politick Governour as a Type of Christ When yet these and all Texts of the same Purport are to be understood of Christ literally which the Coherence and Scope of the Text does clearly prove c. Canon VII The Wicked as such are by no means to be made Types of Christ c. THE Adultery of David and what is related of the two Harlots and the Incest of Amnon and Thamar were accommodated by certain Writers to Christ as Azorius the Jesuit †Lib. 8 cap. 2. Instit Moral and Cornelius a Lapide * In praesat Fent Can. 40. But these are impious and groundless Conceits as the most of the Learned affirm Gretzer the Jesuite lib. 1. de Cruce cap. 6. affirms that the Oak in which Absolom did hang by the Hair of the Head is a Figure or Type of the Cross of Christ and that Absolom prefigured Christ This Man is certainly a very daring and Non-sensical Type-maker to make such an impious Typical Explication For Absolom received just Punishment for his Rebellion against his Father c. It cannot be denied but that the Punishments of some Malefactors are accommodated to Christ as an Antitype Gal. 3.13 Christ hath redeemed us from the Curse of the Law being made a Curse for us for it is written Cursed is every one that hangeth on a Tree In which Words he gives not obscurely the Typical Sense of Deut. 21.23 which is with respect to the Fact it self or the civil Punishment or with respect of the Cause or ceremonial Reason added Respectu 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 sive rationis additae Ceremonialis In the said Place of Deuteronomy the Body of the Person hanged is commanded to be taken down and buried for this Reason because he that is hanged is accursed of God For otherwise neither according to the Law of Nature nor according to the Civil Law neither of himself is he that is hanged accursed or execrable to God Doubtless therefore by this Ceremonial or Levitical Aetiology viz. a rendring a Reason in respect of