concluded all vnder sinne that the promise by the faith of Iesus Christ should be giuen to them that beleeue For the explication of this principle we must vnderstand 1. First that the Scriptures make mention of three couenants that God hath made The one generall and terrene with all creatures about their preseruation from the vniuersall deluge of this Genes 9. c. but of this couenant wee haue nothing to doe here The second was the couenant called the couenant of workes this was made with all mankinde in Paradise and stands still in force since the fall as men are in the estate of nature the condition whereof on mans part is in the morall law The third was the agreement made with man by meanes of the mediator this was called from the fall to the dayes of Abraham the promise as being contriued in those words of promise Gen. 3.15 I will also put enmity betweene thee and the woman and betweene thy seed and her seed He shall break thine head and thou shalt bruise his heele c. From Abraham to Moses it was called the couenant Genes 17. c. From Moses to Christ and so still the Testament and as it stands in difference from the couenant of workes it may bee called for all this time the couenant of grace Secondly that in this agreement with God by the mediator the mediator did vndertake for two things 1. To pay all our debts and satisfie Gods Iustice by a price of infinite value Esa. 53.5.6 But hee was wounded for our transgressions he was broken for our iniquities the chastisement of our peace was vpon him and with his stripes we are healed All we like sheep haue gone astray we haue turned euery one to his owne way and the Lord hath laid vpon him the iniquity of vs all Iob 33.24 Then will he haue mercy vpon him and will say deliuer him that he goe not downe into the pit For I haue receiued a reconciliation 1. Tim. 2.6 Who gaue himselfe a ransome for all men to be a testimony in due time 2. To purchase and merit for vs Gods fauour and kingdome by a most absolute and perfect obedience Eph. 1.6 To the praise of the glory of his grace wherewith he hath made vs accepted in his beloued Thirdly wee must vnderstand wherein these new couenants agree and wherein they disagree These couenants agree in these two things First that they both were tendered to vs by God Secondly that they both require a full and perfect righteousnesse as the condition of eternall life They differ 1. In the manner of knowing of them For the law or couenant of works is knowne in some measure by nature Rom. 2.15 Which shew the effect of the law written in their hearts their conscience also bearing witnesse and their thoughts accusing one another or excusing But the Gospell or couenant of grace is not knowne at all by nature It is a mystery Colos. 1. 26. Which is the mystery hid since the world began and from all ages but now is made manifest to his Saints 1. Cor. 2.7 But wee speake the wisdome of God in a mystery euen the hid wisedome which God had determined before the world vnto our glory 2. Tim. 1.10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Sauiour Iesus Christ. 2. In the ministers of both Moses was the minister of the law but Christ of the Gospell Ioh. 1. 17. For the law was giuen by Moses but grace and truth came by Iesus Christ. 3. In the means of attaining to the end common to both the law is a law of workes and requires doing or else will not giue wages but the Gospell is a law of faith requiring beleeuing in him that iustifieth the wicked Rom. 3.21 But now is the righteousnesse of God made manifest without the law hauing witnesse of the Law and of the Prophets Rom. 4.5 But to him that worketh not but beleeueth in him that iustifieth the vngodly his faith is counted for righteousnesse Rom. 10.5 For Moses thus describeth the righteousnesse which is of the law that the man which doth these things shall liue thereby c. Againe the law requires perfect righteousnesse in our owne persons but the Gospell offers the righteousnesse of another to be receiued by faith Rom. 8.3.4 For that that was impossible to the law in as much as it was weake because of the flesh God sending his owne Sonne in the similitude of sinfull flesh and for sinne condemned sinne in the flesh that the righteousnesse of the law might be fulfilled in vs c. Rom. 5.19 For as by one mans disobedience many were made sinners so by the obedience of one shall many also be made righteous Rom. 10.4 For Christ is the end of the Law for righteousnesse vnto euery one that beleeueth The Law requires our debts euery farthing the Gospell publisheth the acquittance of the principall by reason of the satisfaction of the suretie The Law giues heauen as wages for work done the Gospell giues heauen gratis 4. In effects or efficacy the Law requiers good workes but giues no power to do them Deuter 29.4 Yet the Lord hath not giuen you an heart to perceiue and eies to see and eares to heare vnto this day but the Gospell giues the Spirit of God which worketh what he requireth Ier. 31.33 But this shall be the couenant that I will make with the house of Israel After those daies saith the Lord I will put my Law in their inward parts and write it in their hearts and will bee their God and they shall be my people Ezech. 36.27 And I will put my Spirit within you and cause you to walke in my statutes and yee shall keepe my iudgements and do them 2. Cor. 3.9 For if the ministrie of condemnation was glorious much more doth the ministration of righteousnesse exceeds in glory The Law shewes the disease and the Gospell cures it Rom. 7. 6. But now we are deliuered from the Law being dead vnto it wherein we were holden that we should serue in newnesse of spirit and not in the oldnesse of the letter 24. O wretched man that I am who shall deliuer me from the body of this death c. The knowledge of sinne is by the Law but that which heales vs is the tidings of remission in Iesus Christ. 5. In the persons to whom they belong the Law is for the vnrighteous 1. Tim. 1.9 Knowing this that the Law is not giuen vnto a righteous man but vnto the lawlesse and disobedient to the vngodly and to the sinners to the vnholy and to the prophane c. But the Gospell belongs to the poore and penitent Luke 4. 18. The Spirit of the Lord is vpon mee because hee hath anointed mee that I should preach the Gospell to the poore he hath sent me that I should heale the broken heart that I should preach deliuerance to the captiues and recouering of sight to the blind that I should set at liberty them
of Abel c. The third is in which nature he maketh intercession I answer in both For howsoeuer if we cōsider the Diuine nature of Christ Christ is then equall with the Father and the same in essence and so it cānot fitly be said that Christ requesteth any thing of the Father yet if we respect the person of Christ in his diuine nature as it is personally vnited to the humane in the dispensatiō of grace as voluntarily he hath vndertaken for vs so it is no more inconuenient to pray for vs thē it is to take vpon him the forme of a seruant for vs and the office of a Mediatour vnto which belongs this worke of praying The vse of all may be first for confutation of the Papists who do most sacrilegiously dishonor the intercession of Christ by substituting secondary intercessors The office is bestowed onely on the Kings son and they most iniuriously would imploy the kings seruants we know no Master of requests but Iesus Christ nor doth it help thē that they say they haue mediators of intcrcession but not of redēption but only Christ for when they acknowledge and beg not only the prayers but the merits too of the Saints to purge away their sinnes and supply their wants they make them mediators of redemption also Secondly for instruction and so it should teach vs 1. To imitate this part of the Priesthood of Christ both by praying to God for our brethren and for all sorts of men though they bee our enemies 1. Tim. 2.1 and also by making peace and keeping it as much as is possible amongst men Blessed are the peace-makers for this makes them like the Sonne of God Matth. 5 7. and seeing the Saints shall iudge the world they should put in to end the quarrels amongst the brethren if it may be 2. Secondly to liue so as Christ may haue credit by vs in giuing his word for vs. Hath Christ vndertaken for vs to God and shall not we bee carefull to the vttermost of our power to be such as he hath promised for vs we shall be Iohn 17.10.18.19 3. To pray and giue thankes much and so to doe all the good we can seeing it shall all be presented to God by Christ Colos. 1. 22. Reuel 8.3.4 4. To establish our selues in the full assurance of faith seeing all our imperfections are couered in Christs intercession and we may approch to God by this new and liuing way and be sure of heauen also euen to come within the vaile when we die Heb. 10.19 Thirdly for consolation for wee may and ought to bee much refreshed if we consider that by the intercession of Christ 1. The fauour of God is established vpon vs and God is kept quiet from being prouoked against vs God and we are now through him all one Ioh. 17.21 2. The compassion of God is implored in the times of distresse and affliction Zach. 1.16 c. 3. The diuell is restrained he cannot hurt vs either by tempting or accusing our faith shall be kept that it faile not Zach. 3. 3. Rom. 8.34 Luke 22.32 4. Our sinnes which we daily commit are forgiuen vs he being an earnest aduocate to pleade for vs 1. Iohn 2.1.2 5. We shall be protected against the hatred of the world Iohn 17.14.15.16 I haue giuen them thy word and the world hath hated them because they are not of the world as I am not of the world I pray not that thou shouldst take them out of the world but that thou keepe them from euill c. 6. Our prayers and suites shall bee all presented and obtained Reuel 8.4 7. We shall be kept from euill and preserued vnto the end vntill wee be perfected from all sinnes and wants Ioh. 17.11 And now am I no more in the world these are in the world and I come to thee holy Father keepe them in thy name euen them whom thou hast giuen me that they may be one as we are 15. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world but that thou keepe them from euill 23. I in them and thou in mee that they may bee made perfect in one c. 8. We haue assured hope of the glory of heauen and to dwel in the most holy place that is within the vaile Heb. 10.19 Seeing therefore brethren that by the blood of Iesus we may bee bold to enter into the holy place c. Heb. 7.25 Wherefore hee is able also perfectly to saue them that come vnto God by him seeing he euer liueth to make intercession for them c. Ioh. 17.24 Father I will that they which thou hast giuen mee bee with me euen where I am that they may behold my glory which thou hast giuen me for thou louedst mee before the foundation of the world Colos. 3.1 If ye then bee risen with Christ seeke those things which are aboue where Christ sitteth at the right hand of God 9. We shall be laden with al needfull blessings in the meane time Heb. 12.24 10. All this is the more comfortable because hee liueth euer to make request for vs. There is no cessation of this office but at all times we may haue the benefit of it Ioh. 17.20 Heb. 7.25 Wherefore he is able also perfectly to saue them that come vnto God by him seeing hee euer liueth to make intercession for them c. CHAP. XXII Of the Regall office of Christ. HItherto of the priestly office of Christ his regall office followes And heere first I will plainly lay downe the principles and proue them and then for more euidence methodically for explication shew the parts of his office heerein and lastly make vses of all There are seuen things to bee beleeued concerning Christ which belong to his regall office First that he ouercame sinne death the graue and hell and rose againe from the dead and ascended into heauen and sitteth at the right hand of God in maiesty That he is risen from the dead these places are euident to keepe in our memories Rom. 1.4 And declared mightily to be the Sonne of God touching the spirit of sanctification by the resurrection from the dead Rom. 4.25 Who was deliuered to death for our sinnes and is risen againe for our iustification 1. Cor. 15.54 Then shall bee brought to passe the saying that is written Death is swallowed vp into victory Ioh. 20.12 And saw two Angels in white sitting the one at the head the other at the feet where the body of Iesus had laien c. Mark 16.6 But hee said vnto them be not afraid ye seeke Iesus of Nazareth which hath been crucified he is risen he is not here behold the place where they put him c. 14. Finally hee appeared vnto the eleuen as they sate together and reproued them of their vnbeleefe and hardnesse of heart because they beleeued not them which had seene him being risen vp againe 2. Tim. 2.8 Remember that Iesus Christ made of the seed of Dauid was raised
righteousnesse by that man whom he hath appointed c. Obiect But some one may say what tell ye vs of these terrible things we haue no reason to thinke of our selues that we are vnsanctified how can we or you tell who are not sanctified Sol. It is easie to tell in the negatiue who are not sanctified you may know it of wicked men 1. Because they are a sleepe and dead in sinne and haue not not any true feeling of the hatefulnesse of their many sinnes Ephes 2.1 And you hath he quickned that were dead in trespasses and sinnes 2. Because sinne raignes in them it hath an vnlimited power in them Rom. 6.12 Let not sinne reigne therefore in your mortall body that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof 3. Because they sinne by couenant they hire themselues their purpose is with their whole harts to commit and continue in sin they obey as seruants Rom. 6.16 Know ye not that to whomsoeuer yee giue your selues as seruants to obey his seruants ye are to whom ye obey whether it be of sinne vnto death or of obedience vnto righteousnesse 4. Because they are silent from prayer and confession of sinne Psalm 32.23.5 5. Because they haue no sauor of the things of the spirit but altogether sauour fleshly things Rom. 8.5 For they that are after the flesh sauour the things of the flesh but they that are after the spirit the things of the spirit 6. Because they neuer had any marriage affections to Iesus Christ Rom. 7.5 7. Lastly a wicked man finds in himselfe not onely an impotency but an impossibilitie to be subiect to the Law of God Hee resolues that he cannot possibly yeeld to the directions of the word nor will not whereas a godly mind loues the Law desires to obey endeuours it subiects himselfe to it though hee faile many waies Fourthly and lastly the godly may bee comforted in the obseruation of this worke of the spirit of grace that is in Iesus Christ which killes sinne in them and hath made them aliue from the dead Obiect But some weake Christian might say There is much comfort in this doctrine of the healing of their natures saue that the imperfection of their sanctification is a continuall discomfort Solut. Christians may and ought to comfort themselues against the imperfection of their sanctification many waies and so if they looke 1. Vpon the Spirit of God in their hearts and so two things may relieue them first the assistance of the Spirit which will helpe their infirmities Rom. 8. 26. And then if they consider the very fountaine of all good actions and euery good gift to be the same spirit of God they must needes conclude it is some diuine thing which is wrought in them in as much as it flowes from the holy Ghost howsoeuer it be imperfect through the corruption of their hearts 2. Vpon Iesus Christ and so if they behold 1. His intercession and that likewise hath a double comfort in it for first Christ made intercession for vs when hee praied for our sanctification it should much comfort vs to remember that our sanctification was one of the things Christ praied for Iohn 17.19 Secondly Christ in his intercession in heauen couers all the imperfections of the godly and is their aduocate before the Father 1. Iohn 2.2 Rom. 8.34 2. His death and resurrection from whence flowes a vertue continually which is of singular power to make our sinnes still die in vs and quicken vs to newnes of life Rom. 6.4 For this cause did Christ sanctifie himselfe that hee might sanctifie his members by the influence come from him as from their head Iohn 17.17 3. Vpon the hope of perfect holinesse for the time will come when they shall be without spot or wrincle Ephes 5.27 The merit of their perfect holinesse is found in the price paied by Iesus Christ Heb. 10.14 It should much solace them that one day there shall be a perpetuall end of all sinne and infirmities 4. If in the meane time they looke vpon the good nature of God assuring them by his promises 1. That they are vnder Grace and not vnder the Law Rom. 6.14 2. That hee will not deale with vs after our sins Psalm 103. 3. That he will spare vs as a man spareth his sonne that serueth him Mal. 3.17 4. That hee will accept of the wil and desire for the deed 2. Cor. 8.12 5. That he is slow to anger and ready to forgiue Psalm 103.8 And mercie pleaseth him Micha 7.18 6. That hee will passe by our infirmities meere frailties and not take notice of them Micha 7.18 CHAP. XXVI Of the Resurrection Ioh. 5.28.29 Maruell not at this for the houre shall come in the which all that are in the graues shall heare his voice And they shall come forth that haue done good vnto the resurrection of life but they that haue done euill vnto the resurrection of condemnation HItherto of the principles that concerne the third estate of man The fourth estate of man is the estate of glory and in this we are to consider the three degrees of it 1. The Resurrection of the the body 2. The last Iudgement 3. The glory of Heauen The principles concerning the resurrection are these First that the bodies of dead men shall rise out of the dust of the earth and their owne soules shall enter into them againe Iob 19.23.26 For I am sure that my Redeemer liueth and hee shall stand the last on the earth And though after my skin wormes destroy this body yet shall I see God in my flesh Esa. 26.19 Thy dead men shall liue euen with my body shall they rise Awake and sing ye that dwell in dust for thy dew is as the dew of hearbes and the earth shall cast out the dead c. Ioh. 5.28 Maruell not at this for the houre shall come in the which all that are in the graues shall heare his voice 1. Cor. 15.16 For if the dead be not raised then is Christ not raised c. in the whole chapter Secondly that the bodies of all men shall be raised Ioh. 5.28 as before Small and great the earth sea fier beasts fowles aire c. shall deliuer vp their dead Reuel 20.12.13 And I saw the dead both great and small stand before God and the bookes were opened and another book was opened which is the booke of life and the dead were iudged of those things which were written in the bookes according to their workes And the sea gaue vp her dead which were in her and death and hell deliuered vp the dead which were in them and they were iudged euery man according to their works Iust and vniust shall rise Act. 24.15 And haue hope toward God that the resurrection of the dead which they themselues looke for also shall bee both of iust and vniust Though the vniust shall not rise in the same manner nor by the same power that is by the vertue of Christs
learne diuers things First it should teach vs not to mourne immoderatly for the dead since when Christ comes againe he will bring them with him and the earth and seas shall make a true account of their dead in the day of Christ 1. Thes. 4.13.14 Secondly it should teach vs to haue the very body in honor and not to transgresse against it seeing it is redeemed by Christ and shall be raised to immortality at the last day Now men sin against the body 1. When according to the traditions of men and through wil-worship they withhold from the body due sustenance Col. 2.23 2. When men pollute their bodies that should be prepared to immortality with filthinesse such as is whoredome drunkennesse sodomitry and such like abominations 1. Cor. 6.13.14 3. When the bodies of the Saints are not carefully and with meet honour buried or their burying places vnciuilly dis-regarded Thirdly the consideration of this great worke of the resurrection of mens bodies should teach vs to trust God in lesser matters and beleeue his promises though there bee neuer so great vnlikelihood of the accomplishment in respect of outward meanes and appearance Rom. 4.17.18 Fourthly we should especially be careful to get the assurāce that our bodies shall haue a glorious resurrection Act. 24.15 And that we may be so assured 1. Wee must pray God to giue vs his holy spirit as the pledge of it For then if the spirit of Christ be in vs the same spirit that raised Christ will raise vp our naturall bodies at the last day Rom. 8.11 2. Wee must bee sure of the first resurrection that the body be dead in respect of sinne and the soule raised vp to a liuely care of newnesse of life they that haue their part in the first resurrection shall neuer taste of the second death Rom. 6. Reuel 20.6 3. In particular we must bee sure to get faith in Iesus Christ who is the resurrection and the life and in whom whosoeuer beleeueth he shal not die for euer Ioh. 11.25 Fifthly we should resolue to liue like such as beleeue a glorious Resurrection and to this end 1. We should be stedfast and vnmoueable in all conditions of life 1. Cor. 15.58 2. Wee should liue as men deuoted wholy to the seruice of Iesus Christ whose we are both in life and death Rom. 14.7.8 3. We should striue to abound in the worke of the Lord 1. Cor. 15.58 rousing vp our selues to the care of well doing 1. Cor. 15. 34. studying to keepe a conscience void of offence toward God and man Acts 24.16 4. Our minds should run on that time and our conuersation should bee in heauen Philip. 3.20 Thus much of the vses for instruction Thirdly the doctrine of the resurrection hath singular comfort in it and Christians are charged to comfort themselues and one another with these things 1. Thes. 4.18 And Dauid did reioyce and was glad at heart for this reason Psalm 16.9 For that is the time of the refreshing of all Christians Acts 3.19 And so the godly haue been wont to comfort themselues against diuers maladies as 1. Against the paines and tortures of the body so did Iob Iob 19.25.26.27 For I am sure that my Redeemer liueth and he shal stand the last on earth And though after my skin wormes destroy this body yet shall I see God in my flesh Whom I my selfe shall see and mine eies shal behold and none other for me though my reines are consumed within me And so did the godly mentioned Heb. 11.35 The women receiued their dead raised to life other also were racked and would not bee deliuered that they might receiue a better resurrection 2. Against the troubles and generall miseries of this life and so Gods people are comforted Dan. 12.1.2 And at that time shall Michael stand vp the great Prince which standeth for the children of thy people and there shall be a time of trouble such as was neuer since there began to be a nation vnto the same time and at that time thy people shall be deliuered euerie one that shall bee found written in the booke And many of them that sleepe in the dust of the earth shall awake some to euerlasting life and some to shame and perpetuall contempt Isaiah 26.19 Thy dead men shall liue euen with my body shall they rise Awake and sing ye that dwell in dust for thy dew is as the dew of hearbs and the earth shal cast out the dead 3. Against death it selfe and so the Apostle triumphs 1. Cor. 15.55.56.57 O Death where is thy sting O graue where is thy victorie The sting of death is sinne and the strength of sinne is the Law But thankes be vnto God which hath giuen vs victorie through our Lord Iesus Christ. Obiect Now if any aske What in the doctrine of the resurrection should comfort vs in those cases Solut. I answere The consideration of the maruelous glory of our bodies in which they should rise should fill vs with sweet refreshings Phil. 3.21 Who shall change our vile bodie that it may be fashioned like vnto his glorious bodie according to the working wherby he is able to subdue al things vnto himselfe For sixe things shal befall our bodies at that day 1. Immortalitie so as they can neuer die againe 1. Cor. 15.42.43.44.53 2. Incorruptiblenesse they shall neuer be inclined to putrefaction or any corruption 3. Spiritualnesse our bodies shall bee raised spirituall bodies they shall be like spirits as it were and that in diuers respects 1. Because they shall be possessed fully by the Spirit of God so as they shall be both gouerned by the Spirit and be subiect to the Spirit wholly 2. Because they shal liue as the Angels in heauen do without meate or raiment or any other bodily helpes or sustenance 3. Because they shall be for nimblenesse as it were spirits they shall bee able with incredible swiftnesse to passe into all the parts of the world earth or aire c. for they shall meete Christ in the aire 1. Thessal 4.17 4. Power for of bodies full of weakenesse and subiect to many calamities and distresses and paines they shall bee raised in power that is strong able and impassible 5. Perfection for they shall be freed from deformitie vnhandsomnesse maimes lamenesse c. and become most faire and comely neither infancie nor old age hindring them but shall appeare in full age and beautie 6. Shining and splendor as the Sunne or Starres in the Firmament the bodie being clothed with a celestiall glory and diuine light 1. Cor. 15.40 Dan. 12.3 And they that bee wise shall shine as the brightnesse of the Firmament and they that turne many to righteousnesse shal shine as the Starres for euer and euer Matth. 13 43. Then shall the iust men shine as the Sun in the Kingdome of their Father Hee that hath eares to heare let him heare c. And as we may comfort our selues by the meditation of these distinct
Heauen Thus the Patriarches comforted themselues Heb. 11.13 2. Against the griefe for the death of our friends why doe we sorrow for them that are so happie 3. Against the many afflictions of this life the feare and care of which should bee swallowed with the hope of eternall life as these places shew Rom. 8.18 For I count that the afflictions of this present time are not worthie of the glorie which shall be shewed vnto vs. 2. Cor. 4.17.18 For our light affliction which is but for a moment causeth vnto vs a farre most excellent and an eternall waight of glory while wee looke not on the things which are seene but on the things which are not seene for the things which are seene are temporall but the things which are not seene are eternall 4. Against the feare of death for these principles teach vs to belieue that the dead are blessed Reuelat. 14.13 Then I heard a voice from heauen saying vnto me Write Blessed are the dead which hereafter die in the Lord euen so saith the Spirit for they rest from their labours and their workes follow them And that this death will be quickly swallowed vp of victorious life 1. Cor. 15.16.17 The sting of death is sinne and the strength of sinne is the Law But thanks be to God which hath giuen vs victorie through our Lord Iesus Christ. These comforts will bee the more abundant if wee consider either first the particulars of this glory secondly or the properties of it For the first our glory in heauen may be thus shadowed out It consists of perfection of holinesse and happinesse Our holinesse shall then bee perfect we shall be without spot or wrinkle Ephes. 5.27 Gods people shall then bee all righteous Isaiah 60.21 Thy people also shall be all righteous And this perfection shall be both of Nature and of Action In nature we shall be perfectly holy which may bee considered in respect of the holinesse First of our soules secondly of our bodies thirdly of our soule and bodie together First in our soules there shall bee 1. Exquisite knowledge wee shal then know as we are known when that which is in part is done away we shall no more vnderstand as children but shall haue our minds enlightned aboue the knowledge of Prophets and Apostles in this world for God himselfe shall be our euerlasting light 1. Cor. 13.10.11.12 But when that which is perfect is come then that which is in part shall be abolished When I was a child I spake as a child I vnderstood as a child I thought as a child but when I became a man I put away childishnes or childish things For now we see through a glasse darkely but then shall we see face to face now I know in part but then shall I know euen as I am knowne Isaiah 60.19 Thou shalt haue no more Sunne to shine by day neither shall the brightnes of the Moone shine vnto thee for the Lord shall be thine euerlasting light and thy God thy glory 2. Freedome of will when all the impediments of desire and endeuours shall bee taken off which now as fetters hinder vs in communion with God and as cords hale vs after vanitie where it shall bee also as easie to doe good as to desire it 3. Vnspeakeable charitie our hearts being fild with al those affections that are now any way required in the word of God either toward God or man 1. Cor. 13.8 Loue doth neuer fall away though that prophesying be abolished or the tongues cease or knowledge vanish away What is now the life of our liues more then to loue and to be beloued This earthly loue is but a sparke in comparison Secondly in our bodies there shall be a perfect conformitie of all the members for the seruice of God and the soule they shall bee no more weapons of vnrighteousnesse as they haue been Rom. 6.13 Rom. 6.19 Thirdly in both body and soule there shall be 1. The perfect Vision of the admirable beauties of God which of it selfe is more worth then the possession of the whole world and this Vision of God shall not onely be mentall by contemplation of which 2. Cor. 12.2 but also corporal for so Iob auoucheth Cap. 19.25 For I am sure my Redeemer liueth and he shall stand the last on earth Vers. 26. And though after my skin wormes destroy this bodie yet shall I see God in my flesh Vers. 27. Whom I my selfe shall see and my eies behold and none other for mee though my reines are consumed within me We shall then see him perfectly in the creatures and haue him perfectly in our selues and behold the Trinitie in the glorie of it after a way now vnutterable 2. The perfection of the image of God in both we shall then be as hee is partaking perfectly of the diuine nature 1. Iohn 3.2 2. Pet. 1.4 which is signified by those pure white garments mentioned Reuel 3.4.5 6.11 7.13 19.8 Thus shall we be perfect in nature The perfection of our actions or obedience shall then bee obtained wee shall then serue God loue our brethren without all defect We shall praise God with the Angels to all eternitie for that shall be the maine outward seruice of God for prayer shal thē cease Reuel 4.10.11 Thus of the perfection of holinesse The perfection of happines shal haue in it diuers things The first part of our felicity is acknowledgement in the kingdom of heauen which is a worke of Christ declaring vs in particular to bee elected of God and his children and friends And this is more comfortable because we shall thus bee proclaimed the heires apparant of heauen before God and all his holy Angels Matth. 10.32 Whosoeuer therefore shall confesse mee before men him will I confesse also before my father which is in heauen 2. Glorious liberty reserued for the sonnes of God vnto that day of which Rom. 8.21 And this liberty may be considered two waies viz. 1. From what we shall bee free 2. To what we shall bee free For the first we shall then be free First from the torments and miseries of the damned in hell wee shall haue an eternall discharge from that most fearfull place which is promised vs already in this life Rom. 8.1 Now then there is no condemnation to them that are in Christ Iesus which walke not after the flesh but after the spirit c. Reuel 20.14 And death and Hell were cast into the lake of fier this is the second death c. Secondly from the displeasure of God he will neuer be angry with vs any more there shall be no more curse or Anathema Reuel 22.3 And there shall bee no more curse but the throne of God and of the Lambe shall be in it and his seruants shall serue him Thirdly from sinne and the power to sinne our holinesse shal be better then Adams in Paradise he might sinne but wee shall be confirmed as the Angels of heauen so as we
by one man sinne entred into the world and death by sin and so death went ouer all men for as much as all men haue sinned HItherto of the principles concerning sinne Now concerning the punishment of sin followeth this principle viz. That all men in their naturall estate are extremely miserable in respect of the punishment vnto which they are liable for their sinnes Nahum 1.2.3.6 God is ielous and the Lord reuengeth euen the Lord of anger the Lord will take vengeance on his aduersaries and he reserueth wrath for his enemies The Lord is slow to anger but he is great in power and will not surely cleare the wicked the Lord hath his way in the whirlewind and in the storme and the clouds are the dust of his feete Who can stand before his wrath or who can abide in the fiercenes of his wrath his wrath is poured out like fier the rocks are brokē by him c. Rom. 5.12 Iob 10.17 Thou renewest thy plagues against me and thou increasest thy wrath against me changes and armies of sorrowes are against me Iob. 31.3 Is not destruction to the wicked and strange punishments to the workers of iniquitie 2. Thes. 1.9 Which shall be punished with euerlasting perdition from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his power Ephes. 2.3 Among whom we also had our conuersation in times past in the lusts of our flesh in fulfilling the will of the flesh and of the mind and weare by nature the children of wrath as well as others That this principle may be explicated I will reckon vp the seuerall sorts of punishments which haue been inflicted for mans sinne 1. The losse of Paradise from which we are all exiled so as we liue as banished men while wee are in this world Genes 3.24 Thus hee cast out man and at the East side of the Garden of Eden hee set the Cherubines and the blade of a sword shaken to keep the way of the tree of life 2. The curse of the creatures the creatures are subiect to vanitie and subdued vnto bondage vnder which they groane for mans sinne Rom. 8.20.21 Because the creature is subiect to vanity not of it owne will but by reason of him which hath subdued it vnder hope c. the earth was cursed for our sakes Genes 3.17.18 Cursed is the earth for thy sake in sorrow shalt thou eate of it all the daies of thy life Thornes also and thistles shall it bring forth vnto thee and thou shalt eate the hearbe of the field 3. An impure and painefull birth Genes 3.16 Vnto the woman he said I will greatly increase thy sorrowes and thy conceptions in sorrow shalt thou bring forth children and thy desiers shall be subiect to thy husband and he shall rule ouer thee 4. The displeasure of God and his feareful anger conceiued against vs Iohn 3.36 He that obeieth not the son shall not see life but the wrath of God abideth on him Nah. 3.6 And I will cast filth vpon thee and make thee vilde and will set thee as a gasing stock 5. A priuation of that admirable knowledge of God and the nature of the creatures vnto which we were created so as we are all for horrible ignorance almost like the beasts in comparison of what once we might haue had Prou. 30.2 Surely I am more foolish then any man and haue not the vnderstanding of a man in me and this light is wanting both to the mind and the conscience 6. Bondage to Satan who hath naturally strong holds in euery mans heart and such spirituall possession that hauing men in his snare he leadeth them at his pleasure and worketh effectually both in them and by them Eph. 2.2 Wherein in time past you walked according to the course of this world and after the Prince that ruleth in the aire euen the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience 2. Tim. 2.26 And that they may come to amendment out of the snare of the diuell which are taken of him at his will 2. Cor. 10.5 Casting downe the imaginations and euery high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God c. 7. Spiritual death which comprehendeth in it the losse of communion with God the life of our liues and all the ioyes of his fauour and presence together with the obduratiō of our harts which are become as a stone within vs so as we are altogether insensible of the things that concerne euerlasting happines Eph. 2.1 And you hath he quickned that were dead in trespasses and sinnes Ephes. 4.18 Hauing their cogitation darkned and being strangers from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them because of the hardnesse of their heart Ezech. 36.26 I will take away the stony heart out of your body and I will giue you a heart of flesh 8. Miserable bodies Our bodies are become miserable both in respect of deformity and in respect of imbecillitie as also in respect of the many paines befalles them both from labour and from diseases of all sorts Genes 3.13 In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread till thou returne to the earth for out of it wast thou taken because thou art dust and to dust shalt thou returne c. Deut. 28.21.22 The Lord shall make the pestilence cleaue vnto thee vntill he hath consumed thee from the land whether thou goest to possesse it The Lord shall smite thee with a consumption and with the feuer and with a burning ague and with seruent heat and with the sword and with blasting and with the mildew and they shall pursue thee vntil thou perish c. 9. Iudgements in our outward estates in temporall things by warres famine fier earthquakes in-undations ignominy pouerty and such like of many sorts Deut. 28.16.17.18 c. Cursed shalt thou be in the towne and cursed also in the field Cursed shall thy basket be and thy dough Cursed shall be the fruit of thy bodie and the fruit of thy land the encrease of thy kine and the flockes of thy sheepe Cursed shalt thou be when thou commest in and cursed also when thou goest out c. 10. The restraining of good things from vs euen blessings of al sorts and that somtimes when they are by the free mercy of God bestowed vpon others Isai. 59.2 But your iniquities haue separated betweene you and your God and your sinnes haue hid his face from you that he will not heare Iob 31.2 for what portion should I haue of God from aboue and what inheritance of the Almightie from on high Act. 17.30 And the time of this ignorance God regarded not Ier. 5.25 Yet your iniquities haue turned away these things and your sinnes haue hindred good things from you c. 11. The cursing of blessings when God blasts the good gifts he bestowed or suffers prosperity to become a snare or trap or ruine vnto man Mal. 2.2 I will curse your blessings Ierem. 12.13 They haue sowne wheat and
very horse and mule and much worse Secondly heere is matter of instruction and that first to wicked men that if it be possible they would awake from this heauie sleepe in sinne and learne to liue righteously These Iudgements may warne all men euery where to repent and seeing they are thus vndone by the first Adam to seeke release from this dreadfull misery by the second Adam There is no condemnation to them that are in Christ Iesus and there can bee no accesse to Christ without repentance from dead workes and faith in him Oh how were men sure to be freed by Christ if they were once wearie and heauie laden There is a full propitiation for al sinne in him hee hath borne all that curse of the law onely if any man will be in Christ he must be a new Creature This may instruct the godly and so 1. The weak Christian should labour by all meanes to be established in the faith that as Christ hath freed him from all these miseries as curses so faith may free him from the feare of them and to this end hee should earnestly and constantly pray that God would make him worthy of his calling and fulfill all the good pleasure of his goodnesse and the worke of faith with power 2. Th. 1.11.12 2. All Christians should forcibly compell vpon themselues a carefull practice of 6. duties 1. All ages should admire the exceeding riches of the tender kindnesse and mercy of God and the great loue wherewith hee hath loued vs that hath forgiuen vs so great a debt and freed vs from so vnspeakable confusion Ephes. 2.4.7 2. Wee should often looke vpon Christ that hath borne all the malediction of the law for vs and that both to moue vs to compassion and mourning for our sinnes that so pierced him Zach. 12.10 And also to settle our selues against the feare of any of these miseries seeing Christ hath fully paid our debts and suffered the vttermost in our roomes and further if wee did often set before vs that maruellous passion of our Lord and Sauiour it might rauish our hearts to a greater loue towards him and desire to bee with him to giue him eternall thankes 3. Haue we escaped so much danger which sinne brought vs into Then let vs for euer be warned and goe our wayes and sin no more Let vs watch ouer our selues that we be not bewitched by the deceitfulnes of sinne For heere wee may learne that God can make sinne extreamly bitter vnto vs but especially let vs leaue sinne euen because God hath dealt so graciously with vs. 4. It should teach vs with all compassion to pitie others with whom we conuerse that yet liue in this misery wee should striue with all effectualnesse of perswasion to draw them out of such an estate and vse our vttermost power to pull them out of this fier prouoking them to holinesse and good workes and exhorting and rebuking them with all instance that they may not perish in so great condemnation Heb. 10.25 5. It should teach vs to endure all sorts of afflictions that God shal please to try vs withall and that because they are no way comparable to the punishments we are escaped from and besides God is pleased to cause them to work our good they try and encrease our faith in Christs merits they make vs know our selues more throughly they mollifie and soften our hearts they tame our flesh they scoure our gifts from rust they weane vs from the world and excite the desire after and care to prouide for the world to come 6. It should teach vs with all gladnesse of heart to remember our miseries as waters that are past and establish our selues in a daily solace especially in the expectation of the full and finall deliuerance from all the remnants of distresse in the day of Christ when God shall bee made maruellous in them that beleeue 2. Thes. 1.11 And the more we should lift vp our heads vpon whom the ends of the world are come because the day of that redemption draweth neere Let vs euer say with Dauid Psal. 16.6 The lines are fallen vpon mee in pleasant places yea I haue a faire heritage and The Lord hath drawn vs out of many waters let vs therefore loue the Lord dearly and reioyce alwaies in the Lord Phil. 4.4 CHAP. XI The estate of Grace Ephes. 1.4 As he hath chosen vs in him before the foundation of the world HItherto of the second estate of man The third estate is the estate of Grace which is three waies to bee considered 1. First in respect of the means of the foundation of it 2. Secondly in respect of the subiect of the possession of it which is the Church 3. Thirdly in respect of the degrees of application and manifestation which are two viz. Iustification Sanctification The meanes of foundation is twofold 1. Election in God 2. Redemption in Christ. Concerning Election there are these euident Principles First that there was a choice and Election made by God Eph. 1.4 As he hath chosen vs in him before the foundation of the world Secondly that this choice was before the foundation of the world Ephes. 1.4 as immediately before Rom. 9.11 For ere the children were borne and when they had done neither good nor euill that the purpose of God might remaine according to the Election not by workes but by him that called c. That onely some men are chosen not all men If all were taken how could there be Election c Matth. 20.16 Many are called but few chosen Mat. 22.14 That the cause of our Election is the onely free grace of God not our workes Ephes. 1.5 Who hath predestinated vs to be adopted through Iesus Christ vnto himselfe according to the good pleasure of his will c. Rom. 9.15.18 For he saith vnto Moses I wil haue mercy on him to whom I will shew mercy and will haue compassion on him on whom I will haue compassion Therfore he hath mercy on whom he will and whom he will he hardneth That Gods Election is vnchangeable all the Elect shall bee saued Rom. 8.30 Moreouer whom he predestinated them also he called and whom he called them also he iustified and whom he iustified them also he glorified c. Isaiah 46.10 My Counsell shall stand and I will doe whatsoeuer I will 2. Tim. 2.19 But the foundation of God remaineth sure and hâ—th this seale The Lord knoweth who are his c. Iohn 6.37 All that the Father giueth me shall come to me and him that commeth to mee I cast not away Matth. 25.34 Then shall the King say to them on the right hand Come ye blessed of my Father inherit ye the Kingdome prepared for you from the foundations of the world The consideration of this doctrine of mans Election should teach vs diuers things Euery one of vs should study this doctrine of our Election and labour to make it sure seeing here lieth the
was a King also able to feed and nourish the most mighty on earth as the King of Salem did Abraham 2. The second was the efficacy of his Priesthood noted in two admirable benefits flowing from his obedience and passion viz. Righteousnesse and Peace Righteousnesse for hee is the Lord our righteousnesse Peace in that hee fully pacified Gods anger for our sinnes as our attonement and so he was indeed that King of Zedech that is of righteousnesse and of Salem that is of peace 3. The third was the eternity of his Priesthood hee is a Priest for euer he dieth not as did the sonnes of Leui nor doth the efficacy of his Priesthood euer cease The holy Ghost of purpose concealeth the mention of the birth and death of Melchisedeck that so hee might bee the fuller type of Christ who had no father as man nor mother as God and of his dayes there is no end which last thing is the speciall consolation for which I alleaged this type There is no time wherein we can want the benefit of Christs sacrifice if we haue accesse to God and the throne of his grace and the rather because God hath sworne and will not repent Psalm 110.4 Thus in generall In particular there are many excellent comforts may bee raised from the passion of Christ for First hence wee may gather a matchlesse testimony and vndoubted of the infinite loue of God to man in that hee spared not his owne Sonne but gaue him to the death for vs Ioh. 3.16 For God so loued the world that hee hath giuen his onely begotten Sonne that whosoeuer beleeueth in him should not perish but haue euerlasting life c. 1. Ioh. 4.9 In this appeared the loue of God toward vs because God sent his only begotten Sonne into the world that wee might liue through him c. Which may likewise assure vs that there is nothing can be good for vs but hee will certainly giue it vs also Rom. 8.32 Who spared not his owne Sonne but gaue him for vs all to death how shall hee not with him giue vs all things also 2. Secondly shall wee euer doubt our freedome from condemnation that know from hence what a price was paid for discharge of our debts by such a surety How can we be so vildly infected with vnbeleefe as to feare arresting or imprisonmēt or vndoing when all is in Christ so fully and exquisitely satisfied to the very vttermost farthing How could the surety haue euer escaped such iustice in God such malice in men and diuels the sargeants and iaylors if he had not most abundantly payed all could bee demanded 3. Thirdly what an encouragement may this bee to beleeue what Christ saith to vs was not he a faithfull witnesse teacher that sealed his doctrine with his blood great therefore is the infallibility of the Gospell that truth which is according to godlinesse and to bee receiued with all full assurance without wauering or feare Reuel 1.5 4. Fourthly shall not his example comfort vs in all trials especially when we suffer the extreamest things can befall vs in this life what are those to the sufferings of Christ and with what compassion will he receiue vs in affliction that was so afflicted himselfe Esa. 63.1 9. c. And in particular it may ease in paines and in death it selfe to remember the dolours of Christ especially considering that from thence flowes a vertue to helpe vs in all our pangs and distresses in life and death 5. Lastly there are many particular comforts may bee gathered from the manner of his sufferings and diuers particularities in them as 1. He suffered in Ierusalem so both fulfilled the types of the old Testament for there was Isaac offered vp and there the sacrifices were slaine and also signified vnto vs that he had obtained for vs the vision of eternall peace which the name Ierusalem importeth 2. Secondly he suffered the first part of his chiefe passion in a garden to comfort vs in the abolishing of the first sin which was committed in a garden and imputed to Christ. 3. Thirdly he was betrayed taken bound and forsaken and all for vs hee was betrayed to expiate our treason in Adam he was taken to restore vs captiues hee was bound that wee might be loosed he was forsaken of all euen of his owne best disciples to let vs know that hee alone did performe the worke of satisfaction and redemption for vs Esa. 63.3 4. Fourthly he was araigned condemned both by Iewes and Gentiles in the consisiory of the Priests and at the tribunall of Pilat therby to notifie both to Iews and Gentiles that he was giuen to sacrifice for sins of both to signifie that he was the true Messias or Shiloh because now the scepter was departed frō Iuda Gen. 49.10 5. His silence to the most accusations shewes 1. that he was a greater person then hee that iudged him 2. Secondly that he fulfilled the Scriptures that said he opened not his mouth Esa. 53.7 3. That hee suffered for our euill words but especially it assures vs that he suffered them as our surety in that he did endure the imputation of such monstrous crimes and yet held his peace 6. He was whipped and crowned with thornes he was whipped to deliuer vs from both spirituall corporall and eternall scourges that was due vnto vs. The crowne of thornes may signifie 1. That hee expiated our ambition in Adam 2. That he might merit for vs an eternall crowne 3. That he would gather a kingly people out of the most thorny and hurtfull nations which as a crowne should compasse God about in seruing and honouring him 4. That he had borne our thorny cares and therfore we should cast all our care vpon him 7. He was clothed with a purple garment and a reed in his hand which both signified that he was a King though they did it in scorne His purple garment shewes that hee was that great Warrior which was forespoken of when they said Who is this that comes from Edom with red garments c. Isaiah 63.1 to 7. The reed was two waies comfortable for first it shewed that this was hee that should breake the Serpents head for a reed is the most mortall thing to a Serpent as the learned record and therewith they were vsed to kill them and besides by a reed as by a pen he did blot out the hand-writing in the debt-booke that was against vs. 8. He suffered in Golgotha a place of dead mens bones in which the most notorious offenders did suffer their punishment that so hee might raise vp the Banner of Iustification euen in the very place of contamination and damnation 9. Hee was vnclothed and made naked to satisfie for the sin of our first parents who were spoiled of the garment of innocency and to deliuer vs from sin and mortality of which the garments of skinne giuen to our parents were a monument and perhaps to shew how we should enter
is impossible to please God Heb. 11.6 Wee should neuer rest till wee could say it is the Lord our righteousnesse Ier. 23.6 We are vndone if we haue not such a faith as will iustifie vs. Quest. Tell vs distinctly what wee must doe about beleeuing which being done wee may bee sure we are iustified Solut. First thou must beleeue that Iesus of Nazareth is the promised Messias and the very Son of God Matth. 16.16 1. Iohn 4.15 Whosoeuer confesseth that Iesus is the Sonne of God in him dwelleth God and he is in God Secondly thou must rest vpon the passion and obedience of Iesus Christ as the onely sufficient meanes of thy happinesse receiuing the promises that declare thy liberty so to doe Rom. 4.23 24. Rom. 5.17 Thirdly thou must in thy praiers present Christ to God and make it knowne as a couenant of thy heart that thou doest relie vpon him onely and so giue glory to God against the feare of the Law sinne death and hell Fourthly thou must resolue to rest in this course and neuer to depart from thy confidence herein thus the iust must liue by their faith Thus of the third vse Fourthly we should bee stirred vp to shew forth daily the vse and power and truth of our iustification by the effects of it which we should striue to stirre vp in vs as namely wee should shew that we are iustified 1. By confirming our consciences in peace and tranquillitie 2. By going boldly to God and the throne of his grace as knowing in how much grace we stand with God 3. By comforting our selues in the hope of glory as knowing that we are heires of the world 4. By glorying in tribulation being neuer ashamed of our faith and hope Rom. 5.1.2.3.4.5 c. 5. The doctrine of our free iustification should teach vs to carie our selues with all compassion and meekenes toward other men that yet liue in their sins for we were such as they once till the grace of God appeared without any desert of ours Titus 3.1.2.3.4.5 c. Put them in remembrance that they be subiect to the principalities and powers and that they bee obedient and readie to euery good worke That they speake euill of no man that they be no fighters but soft shewing all meekenesse vnto all men For we our selues were in times past vnwise disobedient deceiued seruing the lusts and diuers pleasures liuing in maliciousnesse and enuie hatefull and hating one another c. 6. We should bee carefull of good workes to free the glorious doctrine of liberty from the aspersions of euill men and to shew our thankfulnesse to God and the truth of our faith Rom. 3.31 Doe we then make the law of none effect through faith God forbid yea we establish the law Iam. 2. the latter part of the Chapter Tit. 3.7.8 That we being iustified by his grace should bee made heires according to the hope of eternall life This is a true saying and these things I will thou shouldest affirme that they which haue beleeued in God might be carefull to shew forth good workes c. 7. This should make vs for euer to iudge of mens worth by their faith and to say Oh he or she is blessed that beleeued and to account highly of poore Christians that are rich in faith 8. For euer while we liue we should glory not in our selues but in the Lord acknowledging whatsoeuer we are we are by the grace of God 1. Cor. 1.31 That according as it is written He that reioyceth let him reioyce in the Lord c. Rom. 3.27 Where is then the reiâ—ycing It is excluded by what law of workes Nay but by the law of faith c. Secondlâ— this doctrine should worke in vs much consolation euen life from the dead Iustification is called iustification of life Rom. 5.18 It should quicken vs aboue many other doctrines and the rather if we consider 1. That in Christ there is a daily propitiation for all our sins Rom. 3.25 1. Ioh. 2.2 Hee will see our filthy garments taken off vs and clothe vs with change of raiment Zach. 3.3.4 2. That the very blessing of Abraham comes vpon vs we are heires of the world as well as hee Galath 3.9 They which bee of faith are blessed with faithfull Abraham Rom. 4.11.12 3. That though this be clogged with a condition of beleeuing yet wee are not excepted but may lawfully rest vpoÌ„ Christ yea wee are commanded to beleeue 1. Ioh. 3.23 This is then his commandement that wee beleeue in the name of his Sonne Iesus Christ c. Yea God doth beseech vs to be reconciled 2. Cor. 5.20 Now then are wee Embassadours for Christ as though God did beseech you through vs wee pray you in Christs stead that ye be reconciled to God c. 4. That this beleeuing in Christ makes vs accounted as righteous as euer Adam was or we could haue been if wee had kept the morall law and God is as well pleased with vs our faith is accounted for righteousnesse and in stead of it Rom. 4.5 But to him that worketh not but beleeueth in him that iustifieth the vngodly his faith is counted for righteousnesse 5. That we may from hence gather also assurance of raigning with God in another world as the Apostle shewes Rom. 5.9 10.11 Much more then being now iustified by his blood we shall bee saued from wrath through him For if when we were enemies wee were reconciled to God by the death of his Sonne much more being reconciled wee shall bee saued by his life 17. For if by the offence of one death raigned through one much more shall they which receiue the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousnes raign in life through one that is Iesus Christ. Rom. 8.30 Whom he iustified them also he glorified c. 6. Lastly that nothing shall separate vs from this loue of God no accusation shall bee receiued against vs Rom. 8.33.34 35. Thirdly this may serue for great reproofe 1. First for the neglect of faith in many oh who hath bewitched thee that thou shouldest not beleeue why will yee still bee shut vp and liue vnder the curse Galath 3.1 O foolish Galathians who hath bewitched you 10. As many as are vnder the workes of the law are vnder the curse c. 23. Before faith came wee were kept vnder the law shut vp c. 2. Of the most of vs for leaning still too much to our owne workes we can hardly tell how in our either glorying or grieuing to quit our selues from the infection of pleading merit of workes 3. Of many deare seruants of God for their slothfulnesse and miserable neglect of the assurance of faith resting still in their weaknesse of faith and not striuing to be fully perswaded CHAP. XXV Of Sanctification 1. Thes. 4.4 For this is the will of God euen your sanctification HItherto of Iustification Sanctification followes Concerning Sanctification there are these principles 1. That whom God iustifieth
he sanctifieth Rom. 8.30 Moreouer whom he predestinate them also hee called and whom hee called them also he iustified and whom he iustified them he also glorified Ezech. 36.26.27 c. A new heart also will I giue you and a new spirit will I put within you and I will take away the stony heart out of your body and I will giue you an heart of flesh And I will put my spirit within you and cause you to walke in my statutes and ye shall keepe my iudgements and doe them c. 2. That to be truly sanctified is to die to sinne and to rise againe to newnesse of life Rom. 6.1.2.3.4 What shall we say then shall we continue in sinne that grace may abound God forbid how shall we that are dead to sinne liue yet therein Know ye not that all wee which haue bin baptized into Iesus Christ haue been baptized into his death We are buried then with him by baptisme into his death that like as Christ was raised vp from the dead by the glory of the Father so we also should walke in newnesse of life c. Or it is to repent beleeue the Gospell Mark 1.15 The time is fulfilled and the kingdome of God is at hand repent and beleeue the Gospell 3. That except wee be borne againe we cannot enter into the kingdome of God Ioh. 3.5 Iesus answered verily verily I say vnto thee except that a man bee borne of water and of the spirit hee cannot enter into the kingdome of God Heb. 12.14 Follow peace with all men and holinesse without the which no man shall see the Lord. 1. Ioh. 1.7 But if we walke in the light as he is in the light wee haue fellowship one with another and the blood of Iesus Christ his Sonne clenseth vs from all sinne 2. Cor. 5.17 Therefore if any man be in Christ let him bee a new creature old things are passed away behold all things are become new Fourthly that sanctification is Gods gift and worke in Iesus Christ we can no more conuert our selues then wee can beget our selues at first wee can no more create our selues new men then wee can create our selues men Act. 5.31 Him hath God lifted vp with his right hand to bee a Prince and a Sauiour to giue repentance to Israel forgiuenes of sins Act. 11.18 When they heard these things they held their peace and glorified God saying then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance vnto life 2. Tim. 2.25 Instructing them with meeknes that are cōtrary minded prouing if God at any time will giue them repentance that they may know the truth 1. Cor. 1.30 But ye are of him in Christ Iesus who of God is made vnto vs wisdome and righteousnes and sanctification and redemption Ezech. 37.28 Thus the heathen shall know that I the Lord doe sanctifie Israel when my sanctuary shall be amongst them for euermore Tit. 3.5 Not by the workes of righteousnesse which wee had done but according to his mercy he saued vs by the washing of the new birth and the renuing of the holy Ghost Fifthly that our sanctification is vnperfect while wee liue in this world 1. Ioh. 1.8 If wee say that wee haue no sinne wee deceiue our selues and the truth is not in vs. Prou. 24.16 For a iust man falleth seuen times and riseth againe but the wicked fall into mischiefe Esa. 64.6 But we haue all been as an vncleane thing and all our righteousnes is as filthy clouts and we do all fade like a leafe and our iniquities like the wind haue taken vs away The vses may be for Information Instruction Humiliation and Consolation For the first wee may heere take notice of the wisedome of God in curing the posterity of Adam Wee receiued a double disease from Adam the one was guilt of eternal death the other was corruption of nature By Iustification the first was abolished and by Sanctification the other is healed by degrees For the second we may here learne many things The first is carefully to studie our owne sanctification compell vpon our selues a more constant endeauour of sound reformation To this end I propound two things 1. Certaine motiues which we should haue continually in our minds to stirre vs vp to the care of holines and to get true grace 2. Certaine rules which may exceedingly further vs about our Sanctification The motiues are these amongst many 1. The commandement of God 1. Thes. 4.3 This is the will of God euen your sanctification Ephes. 2.10 For wee are his workmanship created in Christ Iesus vnto good workes which God hath ordained that we should walke in them 2. The conscience of our debt which we owe heerein Rom. 8.12 Therefore brethren we are debters not to the flesh to liue after the flesh being redeemed by Christ. Tit. 2.14 Who gaue himselfe for vs that he might redeeme vs from all iniquity and purge vs to be a peculiar people to him selfe zealous of good workes 3 The consideration of our owne dignity wee are the children of God the temples of the holy Ghost Kings and Priests vnto God Gods owne peculiar people and inheritance 4. The rich promises that belong to godlinesse 1. Tim. 4.8 For bodily exercise profiteth little but godlinesse is profitable vnto all things which hath the promise of the life present and of that that is to come 5. The assuring hereby of our calling and Election 2. Pet. 1.10 Wherefore brethren giue rather diligence to make your calling and election sure for if ye do these things ye shall neuer fall 6. The excellency of good workes they are sacrifices seasoned with the salt of faith kindled with the fier of the holy Ghost offered by the merit of Christ and accepted of God 1. Pet. 2.5 And yee be made a holy Priesthood to offer vp spirituall sacrifices acceptable to God by Iesus Christ. 7. The silencing of the ignorant from speaking euill 1. Pet. 2.15 For so is the will of God that by well doing yee may put to silence the ignorance of the foolish 8. Because else 1. The name of God will bee blasphemed Rom. 2.24 For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you 2. Sam. 12.14 Howbeit because by this deed thou hast caused the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme the child that is borne vnto thee shall surely die c. 2. The spirit of God will be grieued and the workes of the spirit deaded Ephes. 4.30 And grieue not the holy spirit of God by whom ye are sealed vnto the day of redemption 3. The iudgement of God will be prouoked Psalm 89.31.32 The rules we had need to bee put in minde of that concerne Sanctification either shew vs what to take heed of or what to doe That wee be not deceiued in this great worke of true grace we must take heed First of wretchlesnesse and security whereby a man liues so as he is insensible and carelesse of reformation altogether Awake thou that sleepest