hee can susteine mans nature without meate as hee did Moses and Christ forty daies and therefore it is a labour vnnecessary not a meanes to compasse what we wish and expect either for schollers to busie themselues about bookes and study and to go to their instructors schooles or for husband men to manure their grounde or for any of vs to spend our life in susteining our life Doe you see vpon what rockes of blindnesse and distraction the Divell doth driue these vnhappy men who hauing neuer learned the grounds of godlines or good artes nor loving the labour toile of learning would notwithstaÌ„ding seeme what they are not desiring to extol theÌ„selues against the knowledge of God not doubting to subiect the eternal wisdom to their vile censures for they shew them selues as wel witles as shameles in alleaging exaÌ„ples either of such as by miracle were coÌ„uerted as Paule or endewed with giftes extaordinarie as the Apostles in the PeÌ„tecost or of many hearing the Gospell not beleeuing or lastly in 〈◊〉 such places of scripture as preâ—ch vnto vs the power and office of the holy Ghost We know God be thanked confesse the God can without helpe eyther of teachers or learners coÌ„verte whom he will and that the end and vse of miracles is this to shew that the order of nature wherin he is powerfull was by him before created and is still by him most freely preserued We know further that the conuertinge of soules is the gifte of God aboue so that looke how much greater and more miraculouse a worke it is to restore man being lost vnto salvation then to create him of nothing so much more impudency madnesse is it rather to attribute our redemption then our creation to the force efficacie of mans wordes This also we know that it pleased God by foolish preaching to saue those that beleeue why it hath so pleased him although he need not make vs accoumpt yet is he content to yeeld vs some reasons ever of this his purpose though he propose not the like reasons to the godly and vngodly To the vngodly he yeeldeth this reasoÌ„ because his iustice in coÌ„demning their malice which resist the word reueald should be more manifest in sight of the whole church their consciences also bearing witnesse But we may also consider other causes which make for our instruction and comforte Wheras the voice of the ministrie and all our conceipt of God is vailed with darkenesse wherin we now behould God and know his pleasure hence he admonisheth vs of the greatenesse of our fal whereby it is come to passe that now we enioy not the presence of God dealing with vs as it were a far of by interpreters stirring vs vp to aspire vnto that heavenly schoole wherein God will be seene of vs face to face and shal be al in al. Besides God in this life will haue the searching meditation and confession of this doctrine touching himselfe and his will not to bee concealed in the mindes of men but to bee openly sounded and celebrated and therefore on his authority he hath bound vs to a necessity of knowing it promising thereby to restore vs to salvation Furthermore being willing to haue vs fellow-labourers in the most excellent of his divine workes wherein could he better shew his loue to vs miserable creatures except in giving his only begotten sonne a ransome for our sinnes wee therefore affirme the reading hearing and knowing of this doctrine to be a necessary instrument of our salvation not in respect of GOD but in regarde of our selues not because GOD coulde not otherwise haue converted vs as the builder cannot builde an house without his tooles but because he would not otherwise doe it True faith is indeede the gift and worke of none but GOD onely yet so that it is wrought in vs by the holy Ghost through the hearing of Gods word Pauls planteth Apollos watereth but God giueth encrease And when Paule tearmeth the gospel preached by him the power of God vnto saluation to as many as beleeue Ephes 4. v. 11. He gaue some to bee Apostles and Prophets and some Evangelists some pastors and teachers for the gathering togeather of the sainctes for the worke of the ministerie for the edification of the bodie of Christ can any more gloriouse worde be spoken concerning the office of teaching let not vs therfore presume to be wiser theÌ„ God let not vs forsake thinges ordinarie to follow thinges extraordinarie neyther let vs so much esteeme the pride and reprobate coniumacie of such as contemne the voice of the Gospell that we lesse regard and reuerence the force and fruit of Gods ordinance in his instrumeÌ„ts of mercie as neither the sloth and peruerse peeuishnes of some schollars being baries to profit and all good proceedings can perswade others that instruction and study are things vnnecessary to the attaining and encrease of learning and vertue but let vs rather with al submission and thankefulnes embrace this sweetest comforte whereby we are assured that our labours please God and are not vndertakeÌ„ by vs in vaine according to those sayings Eccles 11. 1. Cast thy â—read vpon the waters for after long time thou shalt finde it againe 1. Cor. 15. 58. Your labour is not in vaine in the Lorde Mat. 18. 20. Wheresoeuer two or three are gathered togither in my â—ame I am in the middest of theÌ„ Were not these promises wel knowne vnto vs and certaine in themselues in this so great fury of Satan and misery of mankinde our best teachers and most careful furtherers of the publique salvation were in conditioÌ„ most vnhappy could not maintaine this place without great difficulty I truly for mine own part knowing my selfe to be of no reckoning feele my selfe so surprised with sorrowe that for griefe I should nether be able to abide this place nor giue passage to my speech did not I certainely know that eveÌ„ in this coÌ„pany there ar some whose harts receiue and approue true wholsome doctrine are by the holy Spirite inflamed with desire of acknowledging and worshipping God aright are living temples of God such as shall hereafter glorifie him with the Angels in heauen Neither do I so speake this as if I did expect that all men should haue like knowledge of this doctrine and equal giftes of the holy Ghost without difference for Saint Paule willeth vs in the 12. to the Romaines to bee wise according to that measure of faith which God hath given to every man but it is necessary that al which look to be saved should hold the same foundatioÌ„ that is they must know and beleeue what Christ is and what he hath perfourmed for every of vs as it is said by Iohn the 17. cap. 3. v. This is life everlasting to know that thou art the only true god whoÌ„ thou hast sent Iesus Christ Ioh. 3. 36. He that beleeveth in the senne hath eternall life By
one and the same Christ consisteth of both natures is in every place by nature of the godhead and contained in some one place according to the nature of his humanity So that the same Christ was both created without beginning subiect to death and yet immortal the one by nature of the worde as he is God the other by nature of the flesh as the same God is also man Being therefore both the son of God man he hath a beginning was created is compreheÌ„ded in some place by nature of his flesh being otherwise before all beginning vncreated and without limitation of place according to the nature of his godhead He is inferior to the Angels in respect of his flesh but equall to the Father as touching his Deity deade sometimes in his maÌ„hood ever-living in his godhead This is the catholique faith and confession which the Apostles delivered martyrs coâ—firmed and the faithfull to this day hâ—ue retained Wâ—â—rfore impiously as tainted with the pâ—â—enous heresie of Eâ—â—yches you presume to taxe Leo whiles by the different actions of one Lorde Châ—â—st hee proveth the verity of both natures in him so that what he wrought for demonstration of the 〈◊〉 of two natures you pervert as if it were a prooâ—e of two persons OF PREDESTINATION A letter of Vrsinus to his friend briefely conteining a full and learned discourse of predestination with wholsome advise for the weaker sorte to follow HItherto I haue not had leasure to peruse your discourse of predestination Neither haue I now but I steale so much time from other my affaires which I deferre that I may at leÌ„gth satisfie your request which in my opinion is not so necessarie if it would please you to read D. Beza and P. Matyr on this question whervnto I thinke you were before directed by me Hereby also I would giue you to vnderstaÌ„d that hitherto I haue rather wanted abilitie then will to gratifie you Of you let me entreate this courtesie that you do not by disputation trouble others who either will not heare ought besides that which they haue before conceiued or can not readilye vnderstand those thinges whereof they never thought before and haue in their infancie learned false in steede of trew principles foundations And were I not fully perswaded that in this question you would frame your selfe to Christian wisdome and patient for bearance of the weaker sorte I would not answeare one worde to your demaunde The doctrine of predestinatâ—â—â— is not in my iudgment as you wright the most difficult point in all Christianitie if we read holy scripture without preiudice or affectioÌ„ with serious purpose not to reforme God after our phansies but to learne of him and to yeeld all glorie vnto him none to our selues For by these meanes that is now become easie to me which before seemed very difficult whilest I depended on the authoritie of men who neuer vnderstoode themselues nor could resolue me There is no one common place of Divinitie wherof more is wrighten by the prophets and apostles then this verie place of Prouideâ—ce Election and free will in so much thâ—â— I can not but marvell learned Christians 〈◊〉 so doubt thereof Do you as I haue don who for this onely reason that I might gather weigh and conferâ—e whatsoeuer â— conteined as well in sermons as examples of holy scripture to this purpose haue diligently perused the whole bible euen from the begining of Genesis to the end of the Revelation Which after I had don I did partely percâ—iue pâ—rteâ—y detest that skumme of disputation and foggie fume of fallacie and sophâ—strie labouâ—ing but to no purpose to eclipse the gloriouse sunne-shine of this doctrine You may at your better leasure do this in Italie where you shall haue no exercise of religion besides reading the bible priuâ—te prayer Which libertie some verie good â—en heretofore haue wanted who otherwise had neuer ben so entangled But eveâ— be are this in â—inde whereof before I warned you Yf for the present every thinge be not plaine and easie to you be not therfore troubled but by leasure diligently meditate with your selfe callinge vpon God and houlding that foundation which amogst the godly is without coÌ„trouersâ—e remembring alwaies that not your selfe but God is author of your salvation and of all besides whatsoeuer you are haue or dâ—e be it great or little So shall you be sure not to erre with any danger of conscience and salvation although you be not able to conceaue and vnfolde whatsoeuer you desire Knowledge puffeth vp but charitie edifieth First you must put a difference betweene providence predestination aâ— betweene the whole and the part For Providence is the eternal immutable and most excellent counsaile or decree of God whereby all things haue their event teÌ„ding to the glory of the creatour and salvation of the elect Predestination is the eternal purpose of God of beginning and perfiting the salvation of the elect forsaking or vtter casting of the reprobate to eternall punishment Wherefore it containeth Election and Reprobation as partes of it selfe Secondly distinguish betwixte Providence of good â—nd evill of offence for the evill of punishmente hath a reference to good namely to iustice and in that respect is found in God God doeth provide that is in his provideÌ„ce purpose wil perfourme in purposed time order and manner and in this respect he is said to be the cause efficient and author of things These things are not only done according to providence but also by the provideÌ„ce of God As for evill or sin that hee foreseeth from eternity that is hee decreeth or is willing to permit it or not to hinder others from doing it but him selfe iâ— in no wise an agent either in them or by them Wherfore himselfe is not the cause of evill but in iustice excellency and depth of wisedome he suffereth others to be the causes therof So that these things are done according to Gods providence but not by it because God did not decree to doe but to suffer others to doe them now to permitt or suffer is nothing else but not to hinder sinne in any action or not to cause men to be conformable to the law of God and nature And in this sence God doth tolerate or suffer siâ— when he doth not either lighten our minds with his holy spirite knowledge of his will or turne our hearts to make this the principall ende of our actions that we doe the knowne wil of God and by this our obedience honor him Which two things except it please God to worke in vs what ere we doe how good iust and holy so ever it is but sinne and corruption in the sight of God Thirdly make a distinction betweene God his creatures or second causes especially â—n matters concerning the government of the worlde First the creatures are bounde one to further the safety hinder the destructioÌ„ of an
not good Eze. 29. Nebuchadnezer my servant caused his armie to serue a great servitude against Cyrus Ezech. 36. And I will giue you a new hearte put a new spirite in the middest of you and I will take awaie this stonie heart from your flesh Compare the 17 of Sirach Ier. 13. Ezech. 58 I will lead thee about put a bridle in thy mouth bring thee forth At that day shall many thinges come to thy minde thou shalt thinke evill thoughtes shalt say I will goe vp to the land c. Compare this with Esai 10. Dan. 4 Hee worketh according to his will both in the armies of heauen also in the habitations of the earth and there is none can staine his hande or say vnto him whiâ—â— hast thou done this Amos 3. There is no evill in the citie which the Lord hath not done which is spoken of the evill of punishment though often times it fall out by accident that there be also an evill of offence which God suffereth to concur Micah 4. Manie nations are gathered togeather but they know not the thoughtes of the Lord. Mat. 7. A good tree cannot bringe forth evill fruit in the same chapter they which are built vpon a rocke shall not fal Read Melancthons commentarie vpon that place Luc. 10. One sparrow falleth not to the ground Math. 11. I thanke thee father for that thou haste hidden these thinges from the wise Mat. 13. To you it is given to know but vnto others it is not given Mat. 16. every where in the Evangelists That Christ ought to goe to Hierusalem and suffer many things Mat. 18. It is necessary that offences should come Mat 20. Is it not lawfull for me to doe with mine owne what I will Many are called but few bee chosen Mat. 24. All thinges must come to passe And in the same place It is not possible that the elect should â—rre finally Ioh. 6. Whatsoever my father hath given mee shall come vnto me and him that commeth to me I vvil not cast forth And No man can come vnto me except the father draw him And This is the will of my father that of al whatsoever he hath given me I should loose nothing Ioh. 10. Other sheepe also I haue which I must bring vnto my flocke And My sheepe no man taketh out of my hand Ioh. 11. Caiphas wheÌ„ he was high Priest did prophecy Ioh. 12. Therefore they coulde not beleeue because he had blinded their eies Ioh. 13. I knowe them whoÌ„ I haue chosen Ioh. 14. Which spirit the world cannot receiue Ioh. 15. You haue not chosen me but I you Act. 1. The prophecies concerning Iudas ought to haue beene fulfilled Act. 2. Him haue yee taken by the hands of the wicked being delivered by the determinate counsell and foreknowledge of God and haue crucified slaine Act. 3. Through ignorance yee did it but God so fulfilled the things which he had foretolde Act. 4. They came togither to doe whatsoever thy hand and counsell had before decreed to be done Act. 13. They beleeved as manie as were ordained to eternal life Act. 17. He giveth life motion vnto all things And In him we liue mooue and haue our being Rom. 1. God delivered them over to a reprobrate minde Rom 8 All thinges worke for the good of those that loue God Rom. He hath mercie on whom he will and hardeneth whom he will Reade Paâ—â—s whole disputation Rom. 11. Election prevailed the rest are hardned And The graces of God are without repentance 1. Cor. 4. What hast thou that thou hast not received Eph. 1. He hath chosen vs in himselfe before the creatioÌ„ of the world that we mâ—y be 〈◊〉 And Predestinated according to his purpose who doth 〈◊〉 the counsell of his owne will Read the chapter it selfe Phil. 1. It is God which worketh in vs both to will and to perfourme of his meere good will 2. Thes 2. Hâ—e câ—t strong errors amongst them Pervse the plac 2. Tim 2 The foundation of the Lorde standeth sure 1 Ioh. 2. They went out from amongest vs but were not of vs. 1. Ioh. 4. Herein appeareth his loue in that he loved vs first Revel 17. God wil put into their heartes to do his will But I haue alâ—eadged too many places purposing to touch onely a fâ—w for you may of your selfe finde out infinit such lâ—ke places of scriptuâ—e Herevnto may be added certaine arguments which no man shall ever be able to refâ—â—â— Gods omnipotencie suffereth nothing to bâ—e done which he doth not either simply or â—â—son sort will For looke what simplie he will not â—hat by no meanes can be done His infinite wisedome doth not sufferâ—◠〈◊〉 thinge in the world to be done without his advice and counsâ—ll Whilest he willeth the end which is 〈◊〉 his purpose most excellent he also willeth 〈◊〉 meanes leading to these ends at the least in some respect but not as they are sinnes All thinges in the worlde which are good and positiue haue their being from him and are ruled by his prouidence And therfore al motiues or motions tending to any end as they are motins be ruled and directed by God The counsels of God depend not on the works of creatures but contrarywise the actions motions of creatures depende vpon the counsell of God His foreknowledge even of thinges most mutable is immutable Wherefore it dependeth vpon a cause immutable that is vpon his owne eternal decree All this confirmes a providence vniversall over all things particular As much may be said for Gods eternal and immutable Election There can be no good at al in any thing which God from all eternity hath not decreed to effect or bring to passe Those whom once he loveth he loveth from al eternity and for all eternity we cannot therefore be assured of the present grace of God towarde vs excepte wee bee also assured of his eternall grace and loue vnlesse we wil imagine God to be mutable We must beleeue eternal life Our hope must be certaine Wee must pray for eternall salvation without condition or doubt Christs intercession for the elect is ever sure These amongst a great many others contente me perhaps you Now therfore after al this let vs heare what it is that you obiect First say you this doctrine carrieth men away from Gods revealed will vnto his secret will from the word to impressions or perswasions wroughte by faith before credit or beliefe be given to the word heard What is this If you haue at any time seene this wrighten in our doctrine why doe you not produce or note the places If you thinke it a consequent therevpon why doe you not frame your argumente and drawe your consequence what kind of Logique is this or of whom did you learne it to raile deadly and damnably against innocentes without any shew of proofe but if you caÌ„ neither shew where we haue wrighten it
so great a benefiâ— which God through Christ in this life bestowed on vs namely the certaintie of our saluation purchased for vs by Christ which is the summe and foundation of our comforte and religion For what comforte were it to know that indeed Christ did ones purchase saluation for vs but everie moment it is a thousand waies subiect to be lost we must therefore know that our life is with Christ in God and there as safely kept as is the life of Christ him-selfe reigning in heauen This is a thousand times saide in scripture Read Melancthon vpon the 7. ca. of Mat. in the place aboue cited Read the 5. and 8. chapt to the Rom. I see you doe not put difference betweene securitie of the spirit of the flesh and that you stagger even in the verie grounds of Christianity if in heart you maintaine this tedious opinions If it be so I am verie sorrie for you and doe exhorte you to read the scriptures diligently That also is a meere cavill that we should saie the elect cannot forgoe the holie spirit Nay they often loose manie giâ—es of the same spirit but recouer them againe by repentance For they do not quite revolt from God and become professed enimies of the truth that is they sinne not against the holy Ghost nor so fal that finally they perseuere in their errours against the foundatioÌ„ and in their sinnes against conscience Neyther doth this comforte make men secure because it concerneth them onely which haue a purpose to beware of falling abhor nothing more then offending God there is therefore a manifest contradiction in that diuelish scoffe of the wicked which say If I be elected I wil do what pleaseth me because it shal not hurt me For God will haue vs be sure that we are elected but this we can not do without faith and repentance All thinges worke for the best trew vnto them that loue God There is no condemnation to them which walke according to the spiritâ— These two ioyned togeather exclude securitie stirre vs vp to cheerefulnesse and alacritie to runne our race according to the commaundement make your election certaine On the other side they sleep securely in their sins which dreame that it is in their owne handes to take and lay aside repentance whensoeuer and as often as they list and play with GOD at their pleasure But say you I woulde faine shifte of this triall wherevnto the certainetie of saluation doeth call That is it the Divell woulde haue Those sayings Matthew the two and twentith and tenth Hee vvhich continueth to the ende c Revelations the second and tenth To him that overcommeth I vvill giue a crowne c. Doe not derogate from the certaintie of saluation but are exhortations wherby God vpholdeth vs in that certainetie stirring vp in vs a desire of godlinesse and hatred of sinne The like slaunder it is when you say that vvee teach men to iudge of election a priore or by the cause Eyther malitiously they dissemble our opinion or else they vnderstande neither themselues nor vs. VVee iudge by the effect that is by faith and repentaunce of the cause that is of election But to iudge thus is to iudge a posteriors that is by the effect That wee ought not to determine of any before the ende of his life whether hee shall bee saued or no if you meane it of others you say well if of our selues or of euerie mans ovvne conscience and certainetie in himselfe it is a detestable wicked diuelish and blasphemous sayings overthrowinge the whole foundation and grouÌ„dworke of saluation Hee that taught you this taught you a doctrine of diuels though he were an angell from heauen But I will tell you an other lesson except you be certaine before the end of this life whether you shall be heire of eternall life you shall neuer so be after this life For faith in this veâ—â—e certainetie which is the beginning of eternall life this all must haue in this life vvhich looke for that other life If you haue thought on the nature and definition of hope that it is a sure and certaine expectation of eternall life you should haue found no such thing there My hart doth stand on end to think of your blasphemy I would not for an hundred thousand worlds be so seperated from Christ as to be vncertaine whether I were his or noe These are heathenish blasphemes the verie entrance of hell Wherefore you do well to confirme it with testimonies of the heathen for these thinges refarre wide of the worde of God Why doe you so coâ—rupt the wordes of scripture wresting them from a â—onne like to a seruile feare what mystere what blindnesse is it for a man to boast of vniuersall promises and not to sifte himselfe and trie whether he be of their nomber of whom the promises speak This is in deede to bring in amongst men carnall security and a shadow of faith which in the conflâ—ct driueth vs head-long into desperation I do not thâ—nke Luther Melancthon taught any maÌ„ so to babble and fome out these vniuersall promises But the carrier calles for my letters and I haue to my great paines spent the whole night in wrighting these lines Farewell Let me entreat you to provoke me no more with such disputations Fare-well hartily this 2 of september 1573. OF THE CAVSE OF SINNE Parte of a letter of Vrsinus to his friend concerning the cause of sinne ONe terrible bug-beare they haue of the cause of sinne all the rest is foolish and not worthy the aunswearing But even that also is a childish fallacie of accident For by accident that is through defect fault and error of the will of the Divel or man sin commeth to bee that worke which God by will most iust most agreeable to his nature the Law wil haue done permitting in the mean time the sins of the creature that is not so correcting directing it that it may do iustly togither with God doing iustly or els while he doth not enlighten it with the knowledge of his will or doth not so turne it by his spirit that it may doe that which it doth for obedience sake to the revealed will of God So that God ever doth well both by those that are good and also by those that are evill But the creature doth well togither with God in that goodnes wherein it is created preserved or therevnto againe restored by God The good therfore which it doth is the work of God which himselfe doth will and effect the evill which it doth is froÌ„ it selfe Now this euill is not done but permitted by God whiles he doth not cause the will of the creature to become good and to do good togeather with God doing good For the same worke in respect of diuerse causes is both good euil mutable immutable contingent free as the causes them-selues are diuerse which concuâ—â—e in producing therof Hee which
these tteasures and are adiudged vnto eternal maledictioÌ„ everlasting death For thus saith he in the Gospell He that beleeueth not is coÌ„demned alreadie the wrath of God abideth on him And Paul testifieth If any man hath not the spirit of Christ the saÌ„e is not his which place of the apostle I suppose to be very pertineÌ„t to this preseÌ„t purpose For if the vnfaithfull beloÌ„g not vnto Christ neyther are they of Christ it may souÌ„dly be argued well coÌ„cluded by the logiciaÌ„s rule of Relatiues that Christ with his benefites pertaineth not vnto them and as they are not Christs so neither is Christ theirs For how I pray should Christ pertaine vnto theÌ„ whom one day at the last iudgement he shall pronounce before all the world aliants and strangers from him his benefites and his kingdome of whoÌ„ he shall testifie that he never knew them lastly whom he shall cast as being the cursed workers of iniquitie into hell fire Yea but saie you Christ died for the sinnes of all Therefore he rose againe for the iustification of all The answere herevnto is two-folde either of which is true and sóund First as often as the Gospell extendeth the fruit of Christs merites and benefites vnto all it must be vnderstood as saith Saint Ambrose of the whole number of the faithfull and elect For this is the vsuall and common voice found everie where throughout the whole course of the gospel He which beleeveth shall be saved and commeth not into iudgement He which beleeveth not shall be damned and is iudged already and the wrath of God abideth on him Wherefore the Gospell dispossesseth all vnbeleevers of Christs benefites not onlie by a flat exclusion but also by positiue vertue of that condition of faith and repentaunce by which he promiseth expresly or covertlie his benefits vnto meÌ„ which it appeareth is neuer found in the reprobate that is such as do persist and wil stil persist in their impietie Christ therefore is thus said to be dead for all that is for all the faithfull and elect for whom alone he also praied and in whom alone he findeth the end and fruit of his death But to extende the benefites of Christs death vnto infidels reprobates for whom he neuer praied whom he neuer knewe or tooke for his owne and on whom the wrath of God abideth for ever what els is this but against his expresse commaundement to giue holy thinges vnto dogges and cast pearles before swine This answere may be strongly maintained by the authoritie of holy scripture and testimonies of sound fathers and is much available vnto Christian consolatioÌ„ Howbeit there is an other answere no lesse true wherwith we may satisfie the most contentious wranglers that Christ died for all men absolutely and without exception to wit if you respect the sufficiencie of the merite and the price which he paied It is out of all doubt and controversie that the death of the Son of God is of such weight worth that it may serue to purge and cleanse the sinnes not of one world only but thousands of worlds if at least all mâ—â— would apprehend by faith this salue of sin But the question concerneth the efficacie and participation it selfe of the fruits which we mainely deny to be common to the beleeving and vnbelâ—â—â—ing or to be generally promised or given in the 〈…〉 and we hold it no sound doctrine to 〈…〉 in this respect Christ died alike for all 〈…〉 and reprobate But here some men possessed with an 〈…〉 as if the Church had not other controveâ—â—◠〈◊〉 â—nough spew out on vs their stinking 〈…〉 open mouth taking it grievously that 〈…〉 not those heavenly treasures and iewels equallie to the godly and vngodly to the faithful and vnfaithfull to the elect and reprobate to Christs members and the Divels vassals to the sheepe to the swine They make lowd out cries on vs for denying that Christ died for al. They say this our assertion is tainted with a more odious blasphemy then any of the Saracens Turkes and Pagans and that by it Christian Religion is cleane overthrowne It is not my purpose to encounter with these monsters of men only I must needs touch the slaÌ„der they fasten on vs. For what slaunder is there if this be none When we distinguish the worth of the merue from the efficacie and participating of the benefites and restraine according to Scripture and the iudgement of the soundest Fathers this participation to the whole number of the faithful alone gathered from amongst the Iews Gentiles do we then deny that Christ died for all But that the truth of this controversie may the more appeare and these busie heads if it be possible may by some satisfaction on our part be set at rest let vs in briefe set downe the force of our maine reasons whereon wee ground this our distinction And first the holy Scripture it selfe teacheth vs plainely this kinde of distinction and forceth vs therevnto For you shall finde it in scripture somtimes absolutely spoken that Christ tasted of death for all men that he gaue himselfe a ransome for al men that he is the recoÌ„ciliatioÌ„ for the sins of the whole world Againe you shal read that Christ praied not nor sanctified himselfe that is offered vp himselfe for the world but for the elect which were giuen him That hee laid downe his life for his sheepe that hee gaue his life for the ransome of many that by his knowledge he iustifieth many that hee shed his bloud for many that the world cannot receiue the holy spirit because it seeth him not neither knoweth him and because it hath not the spirite therefore it is not CHRISTS These places carry some shew of contrariety were it not that the former are vnderstood by vs of the sufficiency of satisfaction and the latter of the efficacie and working vertue thereof Furthermore other places occure which seeme to impart vnto the wicked the benefit of redemption as when Peter saith that they denie even the Lord which hath bought them that they were purged from their old sins And Paule also saith that they were sanctified with the blood of the TestameÌ„t al which the Scripture els where enforceth vs to interpret either of the vaine glorying of Hypocrites of their redemption and sanctification or els to vnderstand theÌ„ no otherwise then of the extent and sufficiencie of Christs satisfaction whereas it simply excludeth the vnfaithfull and vnrepentant from the benefit of Redemption and constantly avereth that they are yet held captiues in the snares of Devill that they are overswayed by him and carried headlong to worke wickednes that the wrath of God abide hon them he saith is abideth not it returneth as if it had at any time relinquished them lastly that Christ never knew them much lesse redeemed them Now if I were purposed to
signifie that in scripture we are taught that GOD promiseth or performeth vnto menne either before or since the manifestation of Christ in the flesh and what he requireth againe of them and for what cause 9. Which also the scripture intendeth professing to teach Christ 10. For whatsoeuer is therin deliuered eyther it pertayneth to the trew knowledge of Christs person or his office 11. The differences betweene the doctrine delivered in scripture and the religions of other sectes are these First in the doctrine of the trew church is taught the whole Gospell of Christ but other religions either knowe it not at all or to their owne errours ioyne some part thereof whose vse they neyther know nor conceaue 12. Secondly in the doctrine of the Prophets Apostles is delivered the whole lawe of God that rightely vnderstoode other religions cutt of the cheife points therof namely the trew knowledge and worship of God or the first table of the commaundements and the internall and spirituall obedience of the second table retaininge onelie a parte therof namelie the precepts of Disciplines or externall and civill duties towardes men 13. But though even they also doe boast and glorie of the trew God and his worship yet doe they erre from him for 3 causes First because naturall testimonies are not sufficient to the knowledge of the trew God Secondly because vnto theÌ„ men ioyne many errors of their owne Thirâ—ly because for want of the light of Gods worde they vnderstaÌ„d not even those thinges which in word they truely professe but corrupt them with an evill interpretation 14. Either they commaund onely so much touching affâ—ections and inclinations disagreeing with the secoÌ„d table as may serue to bridle them which is but a parte of this doctrine or they doe accuse and condemne all or els they doe not so much accuse and condemne them as doth the doctrine of the church 15. Other sectes admit approue some things against the externall obedience of the second table God by his iust iudgment giuing them over into a reprobate sense 16 We pronouÌ„ce the doctrine of holy scripture to be true not for the authority of the church but because we know it was delivered vnto vs by God 17 That it is from God we know by testimonie of the holy Ghost in the hearts of the godly by our deliuerance from sinne and death whereof this only religion doth assure vs by the puritie integritie of the lawe which is founde onely in the church by the prophecies and the fulfilling therof by miracles proper only to the church by the antiquitie of this late vpstarte newnesse of others by the consent and agreement of everie parte in this doctrine and the disagreement in others by the hatred of Satan and all the wicked against this doctrine by the miraculouse preseruation defence therof against the Diuell and the worlde by the punnishmentes inflicted vpon the enemies therof by the constancie of martyrs and confessors who had sure comforte euen in death by their holy life by whom it was deliuered and spread abroade 18. No opinion of God or his will and worship must be receaued which is not set downe in scripture we must so faâ— giue credit to other doctors of the church as they confirme their doctrine out of the prophets and apostles 19. This is not only proued by testimonie of holie scripture whereby we are commaunded in cases of religion to depende on it alone but also by the nature definition of faith and the worship of God both which must needes be grounded on Gods worde also by the perfectioÌ„ of this propheticall apostolicall doctrine and by the diverse callings of Prophets apostles other doctors teachers of the church 3. OF THE CERTAINETIE AND AVTHORITIE OF HOLIE SCRIPTVRE 1. It is certaine that onely this doctrine of religion which is coÌ„teined in the bookes of the prophets apostles is deliuered by God himselfe doth not only nor principally relye vpon the authoritie of the church but most especially vpon the testimonie of God the scripture it selfe 2. The first and principall argument wherby this authoritie of holy scripture is established amoÌ„gst vs is the witnesse of Gods holy spirit in the hearts of the faithfull 3. This witnes as it is peculiar to the godly so it only causeth vs in true faith to embrace the doctrine of the prophets apostles all the rest may be vnderstood even of them which are not regenerate and do indeed conuince or forceablie perswade vs of the truth of this doctrine but except we haue also this witnesse of the spirite they can neuer moue our mindes to embrace and giue credit to them 4. The seconde argument is because this doctrine only sheweth men the causes of evill deliuerrance from sinne death agreeing with the perfect iustice and goodnes of God and also satisfying our consciences 5 The third because only the doctrine of the prophets and Apostles retaineth Gods law entire pure but all other Religions frame vnto theÌ„selues Gods and their worship without any authoritie from God and approue many things contrary to the law naturally knowne vnto vs. 6 The fourth because history and experience doth witnesse that the eveÌ„t hath answered those predictions which haue beene heere and there set downe in scripture 7 The fift is the miracles added to this doctrine 8 The sixt antiquity because this religion vvaâ— the first and hath continued the same from the beginning of the world vntill this day 9 The seventh the consent and agreement of all parts of this doctrine betweene themselues which is not in other religions 10 The eighth is the hatred of Satan and all the wicked against this doctrine 11 The ninth is Gods preservation and defence of this doctrine against all his enemies 12 The tenth the punishment of such enemies as persecute or corrupt this doctrine 13 The eleventh the constancy of Martyrs and confessors Tertullian The bloud of Martyrs is the seed of the church The Martyrs of the church differ from othersâ— in multitude 2 in alacrity cheerefulnesse in vndergoing dangers death it selfe 3 the defenders of wicked doctrine suffer when they are convicted of errors but the godlie are by tyrannicall force carried awaie to punishment 14 The twelfth their holinesse of life by whom it was delivered and spread abroad farre exceeding the vertues of heathen men and such as followed other religions 15 Seeing therefore this only doctrine of religion is true and Divine no opinion can binde our consciences to beliefe or obedience which is not established by testimonies of holy scripture rightly vnderstood but no opinion disagreeing therewithall is to be so much as receiued OF GOD AND THE TRVE KNOWledge of him 1 MAn being destitute of the true knowledge of God is most vnhappy 2 It is no true knowledge of God which agreeeth not with Gods own opening of himselfe nor is ioined with true loue and feare of God 3
God aske all good things of him that wee may know that God taketh especial care of his church that we iudge not rashly of the works counsels of God that we contemne not others because God of his free boūty hath bestowed better giftes vpon vs that in all things wee follow the will and order prescribed vnto vs by God 10 OF SINNE 1 ONly the doctrine of the church sheweth entirely the nature causes and effects of sinne 2 Sinne is whatsoeuer disagreeth with the lawe of God that is any defect or inclination or actiō against the law of God offending God and making the offender guiltie of temporall punishmēt and eternal except remission be granted for our meadiator the sonne of God 3 Every sinne is either actuall or originall 4 Originall sinne is the guilt of all mankinde for the fall of our first parentes and a privation of the knowledge and will of God in our minds and of our inclination to obey God in will and hart with an inclinatiō in both to resist the law of God following the fall of our first parents and derived from them to al posterity so corrupting our whole nature that for this corruption we are all guilty of Gods everlasting wrath and can doe nothing acceptable to God except remission be granted for the sonne of God our mediator renuing of nature by the holy spirit 5 Actuall sinne is every action in minde will or heart or in externall partes and members erring from God or a leaving of those things vndone which the law of God commandeth to be done 6 Every sinne is either raigning or not raigning in vs which some call mortall or veniall 7 Sinne raigning is that against which the sinner doth not resist by the grace of the holy spirit renuing him to eternall life therefore he is endaungered to eternall death except he repent and obteine remission by Christ 8 Sinne not raigning is that against which the sinner doth resist by grace of the holy spirit renuing him vnto eternall life and therefore he is not eudangered to eternal death because he repenteth and obteineth remission by Christ 9 Everie sinne in its own nature is mortal that is deserueth eternal death but it is made venial that is it doth not bring eternall death in the regenerate by reason of grace for Christes sake 10. Everie sinne is either against conscience or not against conscience 11. Sinne against conscience is when hee which knoweth the will of God of set purpose doth against it 12. Sinne not against conscience is that which is cōmitted by one ether not knowing the wil of god or else is acknowledged by the sinner to be a sin and is bewailled yet cānot perfectly be avoided in this life as originall sinne and manie sinnes of ignorance and infirmitie 13. Every sin is either vnpardonable against the holy Ghost or pardonable not against the holy Ghost 14 Sin vnpardonable or against the holy Ghost is an oppugning or casting away of Gods truth of set purpose after the mind by testimony of the holy Ghost is instructed confirmed in the truth which sin they that cōmit are punished by God with blindnes so that they neuer repēt consequently neuer obtaine pardon 15. Sins pardōable or not against the holy Ghost are al other sins wherof some repēt and some doe not 16. Al that are elected by God vnto eternall life are so vpheald by him that they neuer sin against the holy Ghost 17. There doe abide some reliques of sinne in all the regenerate as long as they are in this life first original sinne secondlie manie actual sinnes of ignorance omission and infirmitie which notwithstanding they acknowledge and bewaile resist them and therfore they retaine a good conscience remission of sinnes thirdly some runne oftē times into errors crossing the verie groūds or into sins against conscience for which they loose their good conscience and consolation and gifts of the holy Ghost and should be damned if they did perseuere therein to their liues end they perish not in them because they repent in this life 18. There is a threefold difference wherby sinners regenerate differ from the wicked first a perpetual purpose which God hath to saue them secondely certaine and sure repentance at the last thirdely some beginning of faith cōversiō ever in their sinnes which at some times is greater of more force and so wrastleth against sin that they slip not into errors against the groundes nor into sins against conscience at other times lesser more feeble is for a time ouercome by temptations yet preuaileth so far that they never quite revol◠frō God which were once truely conuerted And therfore sin in the regenerat is either to be termed only not raining or els if errors against the foūdatiō or sins against cōscience may be called raining sins as some tearme thē this raigne of sin must needes be diligently distinguished in those that be regenerated and those that be not as that God is in deed grievously angry even with the regenerate when they sinne yet ever with a purpose of amēding and saving them and that in them all waies remaineth some sparkle of faith and conversion some hatred of sinne which is an enemy there vnto so that they do not simply without any resistance giue over themselues vnto sin delight therein as do the wicked which sinne without any resistance and with all their hearts 19 Every sinne is either a sinne of it selfe and in its owne nature or els by accident 20 Sinnes of themselues or in their owne kinde and nature are all such as are forbidden by the law of God 21 Sinnes by accident are such actions of men not regenerate as are indeede commanded by God yet displease him for many defects and sins cōcurring in the wicked or actions indifferēt which are done with scandal 22 God is the cause of no sinne but the wil of divels and men of their own accord turning themselues from God is the efficient cause of al sinnes the efficient cause of originall sinne in men is the fall of our first parents but originall sin is the precedent cause of all actuall sinnes which followed vpon the first fall 23 The effectes of sinne are punishments temporal and eternal and because God punisheth sins with sinnes therefore sinnes following are effectes of sinnes precedent 24 But although all sinnes deserue eternal damnation yet all sinnes are not equall but as there are degrees of punishments so also there are degrees of sinnes in Gods iudgement 11 OF FREE WILL. 1 FReedome of wil in God reasonable creatures is a faculty of chusing or refusing that which reason perswadeth to be chosen or refused of their owne proper motion without any constraint 2 And that is called free which is indued with that facultie the word arbitrium signifieth the wil it selfe but such a will as followeth or refuseth the iudgement of
hath not the spirit of Christ is none of his VI. For these causes therfore in the mediator Christ is the divine nature which is the secoÌ„d persoÌ„ of the deity is called the word the onely â—begotteÌ„ soÌ„ne of the eternal father one God with the father the holy Ghost coÌ„substaÌ„tial equal to the father in all things h. h. Ioh. 1. In the beginning was the word the word was with God the word was God Rom. 9. 5. Which is God aboue all to be praised for ever Phil. 2. 6. Who being in the forme of God thought it no robbery to be equal to God c. Cor. 2. 9. In him dwelleth all the fulnesse of the Godhead bodilie 1. Tim. 5. 16. God was manifested in the flesh Heb. 1. 8. But vnto the sonne he said thy seat ò God endureth for euer 1. Ioh. 5. 20. And we are in him that is true that is in his soÌ„ne Iesus Christ this same is verie God and eternall life VII There is also in him i an humane nature true whole coÌ„sisting of a soule a body formed by nature of the holy Ghost of the substaÌ„ce of the virgin Mary his mother froÌ„ the very instaÌ„te of coÌ„ceptioÌ„ perfectly saÌ„ctified together with the soule 1. Gen. 3. The seede of the woman Gen. 1â— The seed of Abraham Maâ— 1. the soÌ„ne of Abraham Dauid Rom. 1. Of the seed of David according to the flesh Luc. 1. The fruit of Maries wombe Heb. 2. Partaker of flesh bloud he tooke vnto him the seed of Abraham Mar. 26. My soule is heavie euen to the death VIII But this person of the Deitie alone which is called the word did so asâ—ume vnto it selfe the nature of maÌ„ that both these natures from the time of conception and after do inseparably remaine one person and the masse of the humane nature is carried and supported by the deitie k. k. Ioh. 1. The worde was made flesh Col. 2. In him dwelleth all the fulnesse of the Godhead corporally Heb. 2. He tooke vnto him the seed of AbrahaÌ„ Act. 20. God purchased vnto himselfe the church by his owne bloud IX Neither yet by this vnion is one nature chaÌ„ged into an other but both do still retaine their distinct properties whereby the creating nature is distinguished from the creature l. l. Rom. 1. He was made of the seede of David according to the flesh 1. Pet. 3. Mortified the flesh quickned in the spirit 1. Pet. 4. Hee tooke on him the shape of a slâ—ue X. Hence is it that names signifying the office of Christ are as well truely attributed to both natures severallie as to the whole person but the proprieties agreeing only to one nature cannot be truelie said of the other nature by it selfe but may well be attributed to the whole person by that forme of speech which they cal a communicating of proprieties m. m. Leo ad Flavian cap. 4. See Damasâ—en de fide orthodoxâ— lib. 3. cap. 4. XI Therefore all Christ is everie where although his humane nature since his ascension vntill the daâ—e of the last iudgment be no where but in heaven n. n. Math. 28. 6. He is risen he is not here Mat. 26. 11. Mee yâ—e haue not alwaies with you Ioh. 16. 28. I leaue the world go vnto my father Act. 3. 21. Whom the heavens must containe vntill the time of restoring of all thinges XII And the godlie in what place of heauen of earth so ever they abide are vnited to the humane nature assumed by the son of God as members to their head the same holy spirit dwelling in Christ by vnitie of essence with the word in the godlie by grace o. o. 1. Cor. 12. 13. By one spirit we are all baptised into one body Eph. 4. 4. There is one bodie and one spirit 1. Ioh. 4. 13. By this we know that we abide in him and hee in vs because he hath given vs of his spirit Rom. 8. 11. If the spirit of him who hath raised c dwell in you c. Iren. lib. 3. cap. 19. As of drie meale one lumpe cannot be made nor one bread so neither could we which are many be made one in Christ Iesus without that water which is from heaven A THANKES GIVING AFTER HIS DISPVTATION OVt of question there is no wise man which can chuse but thinke well and honorably of scholastical exercises if he vnderstand the weightie causes for which they are performed namely that the doctrine of God other things whose knowledg the life of man especially needeth may be publiquely taught vnfolded the consent of many good men in the truth may be shewed mainteined true opinioÌ„s may be illustrated confirmed in the minds of learners It is a worthy auncieÌ„t saying recited by Plato Neither gold not diamond so glistereth to the eie as the coÌ„sent betweene good men in opinioÌ„ But much more louely acceptable to the good and vertuous in the quiet conferences of good well meaning men is the vse of that thing wherof this is spoken For therefore doth God preserue schools churches because he would haue the doctrine of himselfe his will to be publiquelie professed And that it is most true that coÌ„ference hath brought forth artes sciences the examples of many men shew who are not destitute of witt but because they haue none to teach them besides themselues they are not only deceaued in many things but also sâ—eldom escape self-pleasing arrogancy other faults which follow neglect of conference For which causes their good intent deserueth coÌ„mendation which endeuour to encourage or grace these meetings with their discourse or presence or paines or authoritie or approbation First therefore wee giue thankes vnto the eternall God our father and his sonne our Lord Iesus Christ for preseruing maintaining schools and other places of entertainement releife and would haue the pure light of the Gospell to shine both in others also in this our societie cherishing and furthering it with the studies of the best arts Also I thanke our Honorable Chancellor other right worshipfull reverend men also the learned maisters and studious young men who haue partely by their advise instructed me partly by their presence graced my exercise declared their good wil towards it I beseech God that he would vouchsafe to encrease and continue vnto all and everie of vs those benefittes which hitherto he hath bestowed on vs to the aduancemeÌ„t of his glorie the saluation of vs and many others besides through IESVS CHRIST our Lord. Amen A THANKS GIVINGE AFTER HIS DEGREE TAKEN THe greatest benefits that God hath bestowed and such as are farre to be prefered before all others of this life are these that he gathereth and reserueth to himselfe an euerlasting Church makinge vs citizens thereof that hee giueth peace to small states vvhich are retiringe and restinge places of the Church that hee hath placed ouer
them gouernours seruing him in true religion cherishinge the church and all good learning that hee vpholdeth schooles and giveth vnto them fit teachers and inflameth the mindes of some men with desire of learning the truth and delivering it to posteritie but especiallie that he sendeth amongst vs the light of the gospell clensing refining it from idols freeing vs from Antichristian darkenes ordaining strength out of the mouthes of infantes and sucklings at whose voice alone the very gates of hell though terrible in themselues do tremble fall to everlasting ruine It is out of question that al these benefits doe not happen vnto vs by chance or maÌ„s wisedome but are given and continued to vs by the singular providence and bountie of God as may appeare partly by their greatnes and excellencie and partly by this that amongst so greate furies of the worlde and the devill and so great weakenes infirmitie of theÌ„selues they coulde not otherwise be retained First therefore wee giue eternall thankes vnto almightie GOD for vouchsafing to bestow vpon vs so great benefits Secondly we giue them also their due commendations who by their godlinesse and vertue desire to preserue these benefites to mankinde VVherefore with all reverence and duetie wee thanke the most mightye Prince Elector our gracious Lorde for encouraging and gracing this schoole and all good artes with exceeding loue and curtesie Also vvee thanke all other the noble and vertuous gentlemen especiallie our worthy Chancellour Lastlie wee thanke the Right worshipfull and learned Doctors and Maisters our reverende and very good Patrons and all the rest of the learned and honest sorte who gracing this my publique proceeding with their presence haue witâ—essed their good will towards vs and our studies and would haue our calling commended to God in their publique praiers And I hartely beseech GOD that he woulde vouchsafe the encrease continuance of these his great benefits which he hath bestowed vpon vâ— and woulde graunte vs all grace to vse them to his glory and the good of his Church through IESVS CHRIST our Lord Amen XIV OF MANS CONVERSION I. NO man shall ever enioye eternall happinesse in the life to come which doeth not repent in this life and turne awaie from his sinnes vnto God II. True repentaunce or conversion is a change or renuing of man wrought by the holy GHOST whereby man vppon tiue acknowledgement of GOD and his will revealed in the Lawe and the Gospell and his owne corruption doth seriouslye feare GODS anger and iudgemente against sinne and is sorie that by his sinnes he hath heretofore and doth still offend God and yet obeying the commaÌ„dement of faith in Christ and amendment of life resteth secure vpon the mercy of God and his promise of grace by confidence in our mediator Christ through whom because he is perswaded that God is pleased he submitteth himselfe vnto him as a sonne to a loving father and for this his receiving him into favor studieth to shew himselfe thankefull vnto God for ever Eph. 4. 21. If so bee yee have heard him haue beene taught by him as the truth is in Iesus That is that yee cast of concerning the conversation in times past the olde man which is corrupt through deceiueable lustes And be renued in the spirite of your minde and put on the newe man vvhich after God is created in righteousnesse and true holinesse Tit. 3. 5. Hee saved vs by the vvashing of the nevve birth and the renuing of the holie Ghost Rom. 7. 18. I knowe that in mee that is in my flesh there dwelleth no goodnesse c. to the ende of the chapter Isay 5. 16. vvash and be cleane III. This repentaunce consisteth of tvvo partes which the scripture calleth mortifying of the old man and quickning or raising againe of the new man Romanes 6. 6. Our olde man is crucified with him Galathians the seconde and nineteenth By the lawe I am deade to the lawe that I may liue to GOD I am crucified with Christ c. Coloss 3. 12. Buried with him through baptisme in vvhom yee are also raised vp together through the faith of the operation of God c. Coloss 3. 5. Mortifie therefore your earthly members c. IV. The olde man or vnrenued is he which is ignorant or doubtfull of God and is subiect and yeeldeth to evill desires But the newe or renued man is he which knowing GOD aright serveth him in true righteousnesse and holynesse Ephes 4. 24. V. The mortifying of the olde man is vpoÌ„ knowledge of our owne corruption Gods anger lying heavy on vs therefore to feare and sorrow for our offences to God and therefore heartilie to hate and avoide all sinne VI. But the quickning of the new man is vpon knowledge of Gods mercie towardes vs in Christ to reioice and quiet our selues in God and to haue a fervent desire to obey God in all his commandements Rom. 7. 22. I am delighted with the lawe of God in my inwarde man VII This renuing in infantes which are sanctified by the spirite of GOD is onelie a beginning that is a receauing of new qualities and inclinations and therefore may more fitlie bee called regeneration or newe birth then repentaunce But in men of riper yeares it concerneth motions and good actions in the minde will and hearte Luke the first and fifteenth Hee shall bee filled with the holy Ghost from his mothers womb Mat. 19. To such belongeth the kingdome of heauen VIII Nether yet is it perfited in those of riper yeares before the end of this life therfore they which are conuerted haue in them part of the new and part as yet of the olde man vntill such time as together with the life they lay aside all the oldnes or corruption of nature Roman 7. 23. I see another law in my members 1. Ioh 1. 10. If we say we haue nâ— sinne we lie or deceaue our selues IX Therfore the whole life of the godly is and must be a certaine continuall repentance and conuersion wherin they must strongly persist and proceede fighting against the flesh and the diuel vnto the end of their life 1. Cor. 9. 24. So runne that yee may abtaine Phil. 3. 13. Brethren I couÌ„t not my selfe that I haue attained to it Revel 22. 11. He which is holy let him be more holy X The victorie in this combate is not doubtfull For in them in whome trew conversioÌ„ is once begon although sometimes they fal greeuously by humaine infirmitie and the reliques of the olde man or sinne which in this life they beare about them it is neuer so extinguished but that they againe struggle vp from their fall are at length saued Math. 7. 24 They that are built on the rocke do not fall Phil. 1. 6. He which hath begon in you a good worke will finish it 1. Ioh. 2. 19. If they had ben of vs they had remained with vs. 1. Ioh. 3.
remembrance of God for so his name doth signifie in Hebrew is taken from vs now there remaineth to vs only the remembrance of so excellent a maÌ„ What then shal we do That Iah that strong God who remembring his servant Zacharie advanced him to so high a top of faith godlinesse and learning Christ that prophet and our only king is very present with vs both by his external maiestie also by coÌ„municating vnto vs the holy Ghost Let vs repaire to this teacher advise with this master and follow this guide let vs in confidence of his grace and assistance constantly goe through with those studies and duties wherevnto wee are câ—lled Let not the impiety of heretiques boast it selfe nor the adversaries heart swell and waxe insolent or prowde because the rodde of him that chastised them is broken for there shall sooner come a viper out of the roote of the serpent the fruit therof shal soner become a flying dragon as Esaie in times past did prophecie then we shall bee forsaken of our God exposed to the raging violence of the furious or foolish dreames of the mad sorte of men vvherewith alasse the church often times is to much afflicted Omnipotent eternall God mercifull father of onr Lord Iesus Christ vvhose good vvill and pleasure it hath ben to informe youth vvith the wholsome doctrine both of that thy servant and also of others vvhom thou hast appointed to gouerne this schoole and to seale everie of our mindes with the spirite of thy promise and truth now froÌ„ our hearts wee acknowledge that by takinge froÌ„ amongst vs this thy seruant thou art not alittle offended with vs and that worthily Wee confesse it ô God! and accuse condemne our selues and our sinnes for which it pleased thee both the last yeare to send thy sword of pestilence amoÌ„gst vs and also this last followinge to extinguish that bright-shininge light which thou hast placed in the emineÌ„t candle-sticke of this famous schoole Wee beseech thee ô GOD and father of mercies not to suffer thy wrath to proceede any farther against this poore floocke neither call vs our sinnes to accoumpt least thy wrath kindle more against vs and so we perish from this waie But rather because here thou hast placed thy standard and hast giuen thy worde and promise that they shal be blessed which retire themselues vnto thee gouerne vs ô Lorde by thy spirite that we may kisse thy beloued sonne and looke for all saluation from him Destroy the plottes purposes of Satan preserue thy people giue vnto this church this schoole and this whole countrie good faithfull pastors Doctors ministers Defend those whom thou hast giuen and blesse them aboudantly with all manner of blessinges keepe the commons students in iust dutie holines charitie peaceablenesse Lastly we humblie beseech thee as beinge our omnipotent and gratious Father to finish perfit in vs al things which shall anie way perteine to the glory of thy holy name the coÌ„mon edifying of this people our owne soules health in Christ Iesus our Lord who liueth and rayneth with thee in the vnitie of the spirit one God eternall for ever and ever Amen He slept sweetlie in Christ at Neâ—stade the sixt day of March as six of the clocke in the evening in the yeare of our Lord 1583. after hee had leued 48. years 6 moneths 22 howers was buried the 8. of March in the quiet of the Church FINIS Faultes escaped Pag. liu `93 15. never neither 95 marg evill offence evil of offence 98. 1 owne immutable owne nature immutable 98. marg in respect of in respect of their causes wheron they depend 105. 17. staine restraine 110. 2. that by but by 113. 27 anie of any 126. 3. my hart my haire 16. 12. mystery misery 132 1. A PREFACE A PART 201. 8. Tunigeus Tubingens 204. 21. When When he saith 205. 4. sonne of Christ person of Christ 206. 19. that God what God 219. 24. immutable immutably 222. 14. this divine his divine 233. 13. from from God 242. 3. him which him to be finne for vs which 254. 4. mixed not mixed 265. 7 which by instinct which is wrought by c. 268. 1 or not the or not to the. 274. 21. not eate therfore not eate thereof 293. 24. visible invisible Apoc. 16. 13 Opus operatum Opus operaÌ„tis Bellarmine a calling disputant Bellarmines satyâ—â—â—all prefâ—â—e to his 2. Tome of of Sacraments examined and 〈◊〉 Of the word Sacrâ—â—ment Instit lib. 4. cap. 14. Of the nature and force of a SacrameÌ„t Defence of Luthers opinion 〈◊〉 as Sacraments confirmâ— faith Ideo 〈◊〉 differeÌ„renâ—â—â— generâ—â—am ab vnà specie quia c. Lib. 4 â— 1. How farre miracles SacrameÌ„ts agree in their vse Eâ—sâ—â—â—ta II That the 〈…〉 a writâ— a Sacrament a 〈◊〉 is not absurd 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Tract 80. 〈…〉 c. 15. contra 〈…〉 19. cap. â—6 III Baptisme of children doth not diâ—prooue the streÌ„gthning of our faith by saments * For they also are christened amongst Papâ—stes August li. 4. ca 4. de Bap. Lomb. lib. 4. dist 4. ca. 7. Bellarmines sophistical dilemma for Anabaptists recorted Fallacia est à secundum quid cùm sic colligit Est etiâ—Ì„ paralogismus non causae Act. 12. 38. Epist 75. ad Dard. Rom. 2. 26. Mar. 16. 16. 1. Cor. 11. 28. Gen. 7. 11. Rom. 4. 11. Exo. 12. 13. 1. Cor. 5. 7. Mat. 28. 28. Act. 22. 16. Tit. 3. 5. 1. Pet. 3. 21. 1. Cor. 11. 25. * Forma◠〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 esse Basil lib. 3. contra Eunon Tertull. li. de poenit August de cat rud cap. 18. Of 〈…〉 〈…〉 Cauill Eph 1. 4. Rom 8. 30. Rom. 11. 16 Cor. 7. 14. Act. 3. 25 Eph 1. 4. Rom. 8. 30. Rom. 11. 16. Cor. 7. 14. Act. 3. 2â— Psal 51. 5. psa 71. 4. 5. Gen. 6. Rom. 3. 35. Cor. 11. 20. Es 66. 3. Act. 5. 21. Art 2. Antidot Concil Sess 7. in Can. 7. Rom. 3. 3. Two sorts of slounderous wrightings among Diuines Homil. 17. 〈◊〉 Genes 〈…〉 〈…〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈…〉 Per Deun Domini 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 De exhort 〈◊〉 ad Fortunarum Thess 19. 60. 65. 66. 68. 94. 112. 182. 187. 214 735. 75◠〈…〉 Lib. germ pag 94. 98. 99. 106. 10â— c. Schmidlin and Osiander condeÌ„ned by this Apostata for putting out of controversie that with God there is a certein number of theÌ„ which shall be saved Protocol Mompelg 503. The erroneous doctrine of the Pelagians oh 3. 36. Epes 1. 3. Rom. 8. 30. Rom. 9. 11. 12. 13. 18. Rom. 11. 7. 2 Thest 3. 2 Phil. 1. 29. Act. 13. 48. 2. Tim. 2. 19. Ioh. 10. 28. Luc. 22. 32. Mat. 24. 24. Mat. 11. 25. 26. Act. 13. 48. Homil. 30. in Act. Ordinem sequi 1 Thess 5. 9. Mat. 21. The kingdome of Christ Catechising is necessary 1 For Gods commaundement True patterne of wholesome wordes What a catechisme is
ioyned with faith of miracles as also faith of miracles hath euer historicall or temporarie faith ioyned with it but not alwaies iustifying faith 13. Faith even in the most godly sorte of men is imperfect in this life and feeble yet whosoever feeleth in his hearte a serious purpose to beleeue and wrastling with doubt he may must surely perswade himselfe that hee hath trewe faith 14. Trewfaith once kindled in the hearte though in some sorte it often faint and be obscured yet it is neuer wholy extinguished 15. But after this life it is changed into a more full and certaine knowledge of God heauenly thinges namely a present feellinge and experience of happinesse with God which knowledge the scripture nameth a knowledge by seeinge face to face 16. Faith which is only historicall causeth desparation and heauinesse of Gods iudgment though accidentally 17 Temporarie faith causeth a certaine ioy but not pacifying our consciences because not proceeding of a true cause and worketh in vs confession and some shew of good workes but only for a time 18 Faith of miracles obtaineth those miracles whereof it is from God 19 Wee obtaine righteousnes before God and participation of Christ and all his benefits onely by that faith which applyeth to euerie particular man the promises of grace 20 True conversion and beginning of new obedience according to al the commandements as it cannot goe before this faith so it cannot but accompanie it OF THE OFFICE AND PERSON OF Christ the onely Mediator Disputed by D. Zach. Vrsine in the Vniversitie of Heidelberge for his degree of Doctorship an 1562. The Proeme WHereas God hath not only appointed in his church a ministerie of his word and coÌ„maÌ„ded approved this vocatioÌ„ to the office of teaching which is practised in the church but also hath coÌ„meÌ„ded this most high daÌ„gerous functioÌ„ of all others that are performed by men to those which haue both the knowledge of heauenlie doctrine and also indifferent abilitie to deliuer the same and by innocencie of life giue vnto the hearers examples of that which they teach and doth by the mouth of S. Paule pronounce them guiltie of others offence which place or consent to them that place in this order men vnfit that is such as by life or evill doctrine giue offence to the church 2 Tim. 5. Lay not thy handes rashly one anie be not partaker of others offences these things I say being so it is without doubt necessary that such as in churches or schooles shall vndertake parte of this labour of teaching bee first heard by such as can iudg of the truth of doctrine and willinglie submit themselues to the triall censure of men I therefore although in coÌ„fidence of mine owne worthinesse I may so little presume to present my selfe to this publique view of learned men and young students that I bring neither learning nor experience nor iudgment nor anie thing at all to plead in my behalfe for the patient presence and attention of the learned besides great trembling and earnest entreatie of Gods assistance and your fauour yet seeing they who haue ben some times coÌ„uersant in scholes should not draw back from triall and seeing it is a part of ingenuity faithful dealing not to conceale eueÌ„ a mans owne weaknes I haue thought it fit both for discharg of my duty my further learning not peremptorily to withstand their commaund whose pleasure it is that I should come into this place But because the custome and purpose of these disputations is to determine vpon some principal pointes of Christianity I haue determined at this time to repeate discusse that argument of scripture which is touching the office and person of one onlie mediatour betweene God and man eveÌ„ Christ Iesus our Lord both because it compriseth a short grounde and summe of Christianity as also because ever our forreine and hom-bread contentions do most concerne this point I purpose therefore after my manner to recite as breifely and plainly as I can the sence and meaning of some propositions togeather which reasons and testimonies taken out of holy scripture 1. Position After man by sin was separated from God the most absolute and perfect a iustice of God would not suffer him to be reconciled vnto God except some b very man borne of that mankind which had sinned yet himselfe free c from al spot of sin had endured sufficient punishment for mans sins and perfourmed the full obedience of Gods law a. Gen. 2. 17. In the daie that thou eatest therof thou shalt die the death Deut. 27. 26. Cursed be he that coÌ„tinueth not in all the wordes of this lawe to doe them Mat. 5. 26. Thou shalt not come out thence till thou hast paide the vtmost farthinge Rom. 8 3. God sending his own sonne coÌ„deÌ„ned sinne in the flesh that we c. b. Rom. 5. 12. 15. As by one man sin entered into the worlde c. Cor. 15. 21. For since by man came death by man also came the resurrectioÌ„ of the dead 1. Tim. 25. Heb. 2. 14. 15. 16. Aug. de verâ— relig That nature was to bee assumed which was to be delivered c. 2. Cor. 5. 21. He made him which knew no sin for vs c. Heb. 7. 26. For such an high Priest it became vs to haue which is holy innocent vndefiled c. II. But the merit of no persoÌ„ which was not God could be equall to the sin of all man-kind much lesse greater then it d. Act. 20. 28. God hath purchased his church with his owne bloud Rom. 18. 3. When it was impossible to the law in as much as it was weake because of the flesh God c. III. Such a person also as had beene only a creature could not haue ben able to endure the weight of Gods anger against the sins of maÌ„kind and to deliver himselfe out of it e. Psal 30. Lord of thou marke what is doâ—e amisse who shall be able to endure it Deut. 4. 24. The Lorde thy God is a consuming fire IV. Moreouer it stood him vpon by his desert intercession to obteine by his power to restore vnto vs that righteousenesse life which we had lost to free vs from sin death to defend saue vs vntill we were perfectly restored f. f. 1. Cor. 15. 21. By man came the resurrection of the dead Ioh. 10. 28. I giue vnto my sheepe eternall life Ioh. 6. 39. 15. 26. Mat. 11. 27. Eph. 4 8. 9. 1â— Heb. 7. 26. 1. Cor 15. 22. 23. V Lastly it is necessarie that all which should bee saued being engraffed into the body of this mediator should be borne caried by him for ever g. g. Eph. 3. 17. That Christ by faith may dwell in our hearts Io. 15. 4. Abide in me Iâ—n you As the braÌ„ch caÌ„not beare fruit in it selfe except it abide in the vine so neither can you except ye abide in me Rom. 8. 9. He that