putrit in terra nisi corpora quae in terrâ—ponuntur in qua semina jactantur propter hoc dixit seminatur in ignobilitate surgit in gloria Idem Quemadmodum enim corruptelae est capax caro sic incorruptelae quemadmodum mortis sic vitae Concerning the two Opinions of the soule 1 Whether the soule dyeth and lyeth with the body in the grave 2 Whether it sleep in the body as the life in the seed sown There is no destruction of the faith whether we understand one or the other 1 Because both agree that it is in the grave 2 Sleep and death are as one to it sleep is imago mortis 3 Both agree that it injoys not God for the time of its being in the grave 4 That it is with the body to partake of the resurrection if it bee dead it must be quickened and that as the mortall body if asleep then it must be awakened Origen de principiis de anima Lib. 2. Haec de rationali anima discutienda magis à legentibus quamstatuta definitia protulimus Hierm Ep. to Vigilan Lib. 3. Epist God is not the God of the dead but of the living Mark 12. I am the God of Abraham which he applies to the soule but indeed is more proper to the spirit now of the soule he useth Rev. 6. Ais enim in sinu Abrabae vel in loco refrigerii vel subter aram Dei animas Apostolorum vel Martyrum consedisse nec posse suiis tumulis ubi voluerint adesse praesentes 1 Those men whose bodies were burned given to beasts and destroyed not buried their soules as wanting the grave and place of rest for souls are said to be under the Altar 2 No other souls have that benefit but rest with their bodies 3 The reason Because they are not in the grave and with their body or in Heaven where they would be 4 Have they no better place for the spirit which the Scripture saith is with God Clemens Ep. on James alludes to this but is strangely corrupted so as not fit to be cited he tels that as a reward of God Enoch that was found just remained longer in the body others translated to Paradice others not so just their bodies are dissolved but souls in pleasant places that in the resurrection of the dead their bodies should receive and injoy the eternall inheritance And here because of what my adversaries may clandestinely abuse me and the truth calling it Socinianism Arminianism or the like Note I declare against their doctrine 1 That what now men against the Scriptures among us falsly attribute to the soule that I hold is in Scripture given to the spirit who suffers at its departure out of the body by the death of the soule weal with God or woe with Satan and sinners 2 The souls of good and bad whiles dead or a sleep remain so until the resurrection of the body at the last day 3 That good and bad then shall in soule body and spirit be raised united and judged by Jesus Christ and suffer in all evill of pain and losse if reprobates and injoy blessednesse and joy if they belong to Gods election 4 It shall be the same body soule and spirit and not others against the Doctrine of the Remonstants and Socinians which I could sufficiently prove but that it is not my purpose at this time to speak any more hereunto then to prevent offences and scandals that may arise either through the disaffection or mis understanding of men To understand what the Spirit of Christ is to us by the help of the divine Essence of the God-head assisting the same thereunto is of speciall concernment 1 CHrist speaking of his humane spirit saith Job 6.63 It is the Spirit quickeneth the flesh profiteth nothing here by Spirit is meant that more excellent part of the humane nature in Scripture opposed to flesh 2 1 Cor. 15.45 The first man Adam by sin came to be a living soule the last Adam a live-making spirit Christ being made and fitted of God on purpose to quicken the spirits of men dead in them by Adams sin in which the great mystery of the Gospel is hid Joh. 5.21 As the Father raiseth and maketh alive the dead which was Christ Act. 3.15 and 4.10 and 5.30 and 13.30 whom God made a quickening Spirit and raised his dead soule and body from their several deaths So the Son maketh alive whom he will which is the spirituall work of Christs spirit on the spirits of the Elect with which compare 1 Cor. 15.21 As by man came death also by man came the resurrection of the dead Ver. 22. As in Adam all dye so in Christ shall all be made alive to whom as Mediator before the giving up of the Kingdom death shall be done away and put under his feet in which is the utter overthrow of death c. But to return John 5.26 As the Father hath life in himselfe in the raising of Christ so he gave the Son to have life in himselfe Ver. 24. That whosoever beleeveth in him that sent him and heareth his word might have eternal life and not come into judgement but hath passed from death unto life which of necessity must be meant of the spirits death and quickening 1 Note This quickening of the spirit and passing from death to life is called the first resurrection Revel 20.5 It being the sole work of Christ in the time of grace to quicken the spirits of the Elect and to make them partakers of this first resurrection which precedes that of the soul and body so that the resurrection which men have by the soule and body of Christ at the last day is no profit to that man who is not first raised or quickened by the spirit to the first resurrection 2 This is opened 2 Cor. 4.14 Knowing he who raised the Lord Jesus also doth raise us by Jesus and shall present us with you Rom. 8.9 Yee are not in the flesh but in the spirit if the spirit of God dwell in you but if any have not the spirit of Christ he is none of his 1 You have the Spirit of God said to dwel in men 2 The having of the Spirit of Christ 3 Without the one man cannot please God without the other he is not Christs Ver. 14. Those are led by the Spirit of God are the Sons of God Gal. 4.6 Into whose hearts because they are Sons God by his Spirit sends forth the Spirit of his Son teaching them to cry abba Pather The Spirit of God is usually called the Spirit of promise the Spirit the holy which we read the Holy Spirit the Spirit of God given as a seale of the grace of God in Christ to man and the worke done on them Rom. 8.26 The spirit also helpeth our infirmities for wee know not what we should pray for as we ought but the Spirit it selfe maketh intercession for us with groans that cannot
the Beast and Man enjoyeth These places and many more in our Translations for 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 soul have life put in them against the Syriac and the Arabic which retain the Hebrew root 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in their Translations Matth. 6.25 Luk. 12.23 Mat. 10.39 16.25 Mark 8.35 Luk. 9.24 17.33 Joh. 12.25 Luk. 9.56 14.26 Joh. 10.11.15.17 13.38 39. 15.13 Acts 15.26 20.24 27.10 22. Rom. 16.4 Joh. 1. Ephes 3.16 Revel 12.11 Note If the soul and life are two distinct things in Man then to write life where God writes soul is a presumptuous destruction of the Truth of God and the natural life in Christ is the same with that in us he being in all things like us sin onely excepted That the spirit soul and body are three distinct parts of Man I commend these Scriptures to you Note how God speaks to us of himself Gen. 6.5 My Spirit and my Soul Mat. 12.18 My Soul Mat. 10. As having a Body 1 Thess 5.23 as before 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Luk. 1.46 47. Mary said there is the body 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 My soul doth magnifie the Lord and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 my spirit hath rejoyced in God my Saviour Job 12.10 For in his hand is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the soul of every one 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 living and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the spirit of every fleshman or all mankinde which is the Adam soma In respect the Scripture saith that every truth is confirmed und r two or three witnesses and here Paul Mary Job are produced which is the number required I shall proceed to particulars and first of the Spirit Joh. 11.33 Christs Spirit is troubled which was his humane spirit And Cap. 13.21 of his Soul Joh. 10.15 12.27 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The Spirit is not by propagation conveyed from man to man Job 26. vers 4. Whose spirit came from thee The first thing necessary to be considered is the Being and Beginning of the Spirit Genes 2.7 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Plasmavit the word respects the forming of a thing out of a gross body as a Potter of the clay his vessel so God formed 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Adam of the dust of the Earth when he breathed in his face spiraculum vitarum the breath of lives not of life as the corrupt Translations read but lives in the plural viz. that of the soul of the spirit and the Adam the Earth became 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which I thus expound And the Earth IS to the Soul vivens living where the Soul and the life are distinguished Isai 38.19 Gen. 7.21 22. Numb 31.40 2. Whereas it is said the Lord breathed into Adam 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which is lives in the plural not life as it is corruptly translated and admirably cleared Isai 57.16 the spirit and spiration shewing 1. That God placed in man differing lives 2. That the spirit hath its life the soul it s and the body it s by this Breath 3. All were far differently from the beasts by God communicated to man in his Creation as I shall shew hereafter Job 35. Of this Life of the Spirit 1. As God of the same 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 tohu and bohu chaos and confusion made Heaven and Earth Man and Angels Beasts and Fishes so of the same spiration or emission he made life in the soul the spirit the body 2. As he divided between the waters above the Firmament and the waters beneath so he divided the soul life from that of the spirit Man the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 having in himself as the perfection of the Creation that which corresponds to all these 3. A darkness that lieth hereby on the spirits of men is removed because whereas God said Gen. 2.17 Adam should dye in the day he eat of the tree of knowledg of good and evil some expound ing the day by a thousand years others other-ways but I forbear and commend to you this That God in that day he spake to man alluded to the natural day of man not God this sentence was made good on him not by taking away his soul-life but his spirit-life which was then dead in him as appears in that his access to familiarity with and innocency before God was lost together with all farther actings of the spirit within him 4. Hence as Tim. 1.5.6 of the wanton widow she is dead whiles she liveth which shews that she was some way or where dead that is in spirit and in some thing or part alive which was in body and soul 5. That the spirit was dead appears 1 Cor. 15.44 for Christ was made a quickening spirit to Adams generation who by his fall became only a living soul the spirit being dead in him Ephes 5.14 this spoke to men alive in the flesh but dead in the spirit 6. This quickening of the spirit is the great work of Christ on man in the days of the Gospel to raise the spirit from its death which is called the first Resurrection Rev. 20.6 7. Those that confound soul and spirit do destroy the faith and put men either to expect that now is to be done hereafter or that hereafter is to be done now indeed now is to be the resurrection of the spirit by the Word and Spirit of Christ or that at last will be nothing available many Souls by this delusion have been undone 8. This death first entred into the world by Adams sin so the restoration of this life is first and is called filthiness 2 Cor. 7.1 9. This resurrection is by beleeving in Jesus Christ John 11.25 26. 10. As the soul is to the body so the spirit is to the soul the soul is in the blood as its seat and the spirit in the mind as its seat being the sublimest part of the soul informing and leading the soul and body To make a definition of the Spirit no man ever could since the fall that was meer man Solomon whose Philosophy exceeds all else that men call so Eccles 3.21 Who knoweth the spirit of man that ascendeth to supernals 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 according to that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that above and above of the Apostle 1. Shewing that the spirit of man was of an unknown excellency if any had known it of men Solomon had Adams death of spirit was that he lost the knowledg of God himself and sense of his Soul-misery 2. In the Restoration thereof we have some discovery made of the exercise thereof Gal. 5.22 23. among which Faith that excellent grace is said to be one which since the death of the spirit is the gift of God and a part of the spirits resurrection and life 3. The spirit is that which is immortally with God as in Eccles 12.7 The spirit returns to God that gave it and who dares say more returned either that the Soul or life doth and not be guilty of adding to the Word
THE UNKNOWN BEING OF THE Spirit Soul and Body ANATOMIZED WHEREIN Very many Scriptures falsly Translated and corruptly Interpreted are clearly Explained By which many Doctrines now taught that subvert the Faith of the Gospel are discovered Written by him that is unworthy to be a Witness of Divine Truth JOHN BRAYNE LONDON Printed for Richard Moon at the Seven Stars in Pauls Church-yard near the great North-door 1654. TO My very Noble Friend Colonel John Pine Noble Sir YOur being avocated from bearing the Burthen of the People which for so many yeares in the Two late Parliaments and Parliamentary Trust first and last lay on you invited me to commend this insuing Treatise to you As serving much to make a Man wise in leading him to the Knowledge of Himselfe Not after the way of the Schools but of God in which the use of Christ is rightly knowne and Salvation clearly seen according to the Grace of God and Jesus Christ in the Gospell To which high Mystery I commend you to direct your choicest Thoughts and remaine Yours to serve and honor you in the Work of the LORD JOHN BRAYNE January the 18th 1653. A DISCOVERY OF THE Unknown Being of the Spirit and Soul of Man BEcause I finde that the darkness occasioned by the not right understanding of Man in his true nature of Being is very great the Scriptures strangely vailed the Doctrine taught wonderfully corrupted and the right use of Christ detained from the spirits of men I thought my self bound to publish this ensuing Treatise the ground whereof I lay down in the words of the Apostle 1 Thess 5.23 The very God of peace sanctifie you wholly and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved c. In the Original 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 this is indeed 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 if ye take away and divide any part of these it is only 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Of which saith Ireneus Lib. 5. cap. 1. Neque enim plasmatio carnis ipsa secundum se homo perfectus est sed corpus hominis pars hominis neque anima ipsa secundum se homo sed anima hominis pars hominis neque spiritus homo spiritus enim non homo vocatur commixtio autem unitio horum omnium perfectum hominem efficit propter hoc Apostolus seipsum exponens explanavit perfectam spiritualem salutem hominis in I ad Thess cap. 5. vers 23 c. Vide August lib. quest cap. 67. These three before the Spirit Soul and Body are three distinct essential parts of Man which I shall speak in order particularly unto But before I do that it is necessary I should shew you how the life and the breath in Man are distinguished by God in the Scripture which will shew us that men need not that have the Word of God to go to Aristotle Plato c. to learn Philosophy they were in the dark and knew it not a thing in time God will purge out of this Nation it being forbid in the Word by God expresly Levit. 18.3 Ye shall not do after the doings of Egypt and Canaan nor walk in thier Ordinances Levit. 20.23 Ye shall not walk in the manners of the Nations I cast out Hence the houses of learning set up among the Jews were houses of the Prophets that is such houses in which the Prophets were first taught to be read and written and then understood and other learning then this God allowed not nor doth allow his own people and other houses then these are not houses of the Prophets whose Students by an Hebraism are called children of the Prophets 2 King 4.38 as those study the Heathens are the sons of Aristotle Matt. 11.15 1. We need know no more then is in the Word that is onely necessary 2. In the Word things are more excellently layd down then in all the writings of the world 3. That is full of Truth Aristotle Ovid c. full of Corruption and Error and Atheism fit to make Atheists as all by Nature are more Atheistical corrupting them in their minds at the first receiving of instruction against Solom 4. The Word is light Philosophy of the Heathens darkness 1. The Soul and the Life are distinguished Psal 33.19 To deliver their Soul from death and keep them alive in famine Vatablus Hebraismus est pro servet eos in vita Thus Psa 49.18 He blessed his Soul in his life in which are 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 2. Job 33.18 He keepeth back 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 his soul from the pit and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 his life from perishing by the sword Vers 20. His life abhorreth bread and his soul desâ—rable meat Vers 22. His soul draweth neer to the grave and his life to the destroyers The Seventy render them by 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Vers 28. He will deliver his soul from going into the pit and his life shall see the light Vide Vers 30. The spirit of man from the Spirit of God 1 Cor. 2.11 The Life and the Breath are distinguished Acts 17.25 God that giveth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to all life and breath and all things Rom. 8.2 Rev. 11.11 1. Note here As the Soul and Life are distinguished in words and Being by the Prophets so Life and Breath by the Apostle 2. Life by James is set forth as a far inferior thing to the Soul James 4.13 14. speaks against mens presumptuous dependance on the Being of their life 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 What is your life for it is but a vapor for a little time appearing and after that it vanisheth This cannot be said of the Soul nor of the breath Act. 8.33 3. Here in this ye have such a definition of life as all the Platonists and Aristotelists on Earth cannot exceed nor on like grounds attain unto but in comparison of this theirs is vain Philosophy This being undeniable truth 1. There is matter ariseth hence of exceeding great note and concernment to all men which is the gross corrupting of the Word of God in the false translating of it the Translators putting down in a hundred places neer life for soul rendering 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 life and sometimes 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 soul which ought not to be the word and sence is destroyed by it and false Doctrine taught to the people wherefore in especial there is an extream necessity for another Translation to be published and this called in The Old Testament in this particular is better translated then the New though some such is in the Old as that the minde of God is no way expressed but clear contrary things as one especial place I have expounded and fitted for the Press to publish but had not where with to do it which is of high concernment to the people of God and for the Opening of the Prophecies 2. The Breath is as a ligament by which Soul Spirit and Body are kept together and is one both that
or breath not spirit he in the same place speaks of the death of them both in which they are one though not in the Resurrection 2. Vers 21. he comes again with the same word and then distinguisheth the beasts spirit from mans the one goeth up to higher beatitude and enjoyments the other descendeth to its first matter and being at its end 3. The now ignorance of the Soul and spirit among men sufficiently shews what a vail of darkness is on the faces of the wise and prudent of the times who cry down New Lights because in love with the old darkness The Philosophers saying is useful Nosce tei psum Acts 17.28 We are his off-spring The Poet in this alludes to Gods breathing into man the breath of life in which he came to spring off or from God he having in him a likeness of God through the immortality of spirit and its spirituality of nature with the other endowments of his Soul The Soul and Spirit are so distinct 1. That now the Soul feels not the death of the spirit 2. Nor when the Soul and body dye doth the spirit feel any thing therein of pain but the Soul only Object God at once breathed in Soul and spirit therefore they are one 1. They are not one as in their names 2. There are said to be lives begun in man at that one breathing which must distinguish them in the effence being of them and one must hereby be better or greater more like God and have more of God then another Ephes 4.23 Be ye renewed in the spirit of your mind 1 In this yee have the seat of the spirit which is the supream part of the Soul Job 20.3 Datur homini ut maneat quasi caput ejus sit Ambrose 1 Thes 5.23 2 Its effects or acts there are to spiritualize the mind Romans 8.6 3 The survay of man is of the spirit 1 Cor. 2.11 which now only doth remain in that obliterated fragment of the Conscience in man 4 The spirit under the Gospel-state in time of grace is to be renewed this is the now work of God and Christ Titus 3.5 in which he is born again 5 The mind without the spirit to God is as the body without the soule to man 1 Pet. 1.22 the Spirit by the Word comes to purifie the soule 6 The carriage of man is from his spirit as high spirited meek hasty Elias spirit Luk. 9.55 Yee know not of what spirit ye are of O but we know not we have any Jude 19. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 soule men not having a spirit 1 The spirit being dead as Gen. 42.13 they are said not to be 2 They wanting the light of the spirit did corruptly corrupt the truth and way of God and did their owne wills instead of Gods setting up Churches administring the Ordinances of God according to their sence not the Spirit of God Object If any say these distinctions are made by me onely I commend to him Heb. 4.12 The Word of God is quicke c. divides a sunder the Soule and the Spirit 1 Yee see here is a Soul and Spirit 2 The Word of God divides a sunder these and not confounds them 3 The Word shews what the Spirit is and what the Soule is and what Christ hath done for either and will do in them and shall be done to them 4 No man hath the use knowledge or the understanding of the word of God until he seeth how these are divided and thereby divide the word aright to them 5 Those that speak against the dividing of them seek to take away the edge of the Word the life and power of it and so to make it uselesse to men 1 Cor. 15.44 It is sown that is by birth a soule body it is raised in the first resurrection a spirituall body there is a soule body the naturall man and a spiritual the regenerate Ver 46. But the spirituall body is not first but the soule body the naturall man and after the spiritual body that is after regeneration Ver. 47. clears this truth The first man Adam was of the earth the second from heaven vide ver 48 49. Vide 1 Cor. 2.15 The spirituall man judgeth all things the naturall 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the soule man understandeth not the things of God The divine nature of mans spirit appeares to be far above the soule in that it hath not respect to creature delights as the soule hath Eccles 2.11 Salomon of all found nothing but vanity and vexation of spirit so that the spirit is vexed with the delusions and deceipts it seduces and wars against the poor soule with 1 Pet. 2 11. Gal. 5.17 The flesh lusteth against the spirit 1 The flesh lusteth for temporal food and neglects spirituall the spirit lusteth for spirituall and neglects temporal to keep under his body 2 The flesh and spirit are contrary but not flesh and soule in the naturall nor soule and spirit in the regenerate man Eccles 8.8 No man hath power over the Spirit to retaine the Spirit nor hath he power in the day of death The words are thus to be read no Adam flesh hath power over the spirit for the restraining of it nor hath it power in the day of death 1 The Spirit is not under mans but Gods authority 2 Nor hath man in the day of death any thing to doe with the spirit no not to Judgement who art thou that judgest another 3 So that what ignorantly is applied to the foule that the Scriptures in the name of God applies to the spirit 4 This was excellently fulfilled in Paul vide Gal. 1.16 of the soule it is said otherwise Rom. 13.1 1 Pet. 4.6 For this cause was the Gospel preached to them that are dead that they might be judged according to men in the flesh but live according to God in the spirit 1 The Gospell that is the Grace of Christ is only to be preached to those who are dead that is spiritually dead to the world and themselves 2 Speaking graciously to them and of them in compassion to their infirmities as it is said of God he remembred that they were but flesh so God in the Gospel speaks to man as in flesh in weaknes and infirmities of body 3 Yet that they should live according to God in the spirit 4 The Gospell is to be preached to none but these 5 Nor to no other end but as before The death of the spirit in Man 1 Is in this excellently manifested that man knows it not Eccles 3.21 who doth know the spirit of man 2 That he is so insensible of it that he knows not that he hath a spirit in him but takes soule for spirit and spirit for soule nor can hee distinguish any operation of the spirit distinct from the soule 3 If he doe it is to place it in some inferior region in the body below the soule as the animall vitall naturall how far these are below the spirit and
as the spirit 4 No Scripture says that any soule is yet in heaven Christ is the first fruits of them that sleep Second part of the difference is between these Scriptures say 1 That the souls dye 2 That they only sleep Note In this is the great controversie for by the one it is mortall and the other it seems not to be so 1 For reconciliation we are to distinguish between the differing nature of Death in these parts of man for as the parts differ in themselves so their deaths differ the spirit is dead while in the body and the soule and body alive but never suffers corruption as the body doth in its death whose death is a totall privation of life sence and motion ending in corruption 2 The soules death differs from that of the spirit and that of body 1 Gods leaving the spirit it dies by withdrawing the spirits operation from it which when by Christ it returned into man he is raised from the spirit death 2 The soule leaving the body it dyes 3 The spirit leaving the soule it suffers its death as the body lives by the soule so the soule by the spirit so that when the spirit is gone the soule is dead as the body moves not without the soule so the soule acts not without the spirit be in her who is its life in it s as well natural as spiritual being Conclusion 1 Unbeleevers and all men by nature are subject to this death of soul as that of spirit and body as being the way and means designed of God for their dissolution 2 Beleevers now though their spirits forsake the soule yet the spirit of Christ being with their soules and they said to sleepe in Jesus it is a sleepe to them though a death to others 3. As somnum is imago mortis it shews the difference seems not much between these there is at least the image of the one in the other though not the other 4 This is a further clearing of the preciousness of the first resurrection and Christs so oft saying to his people they should not see death nor taste of death Vse To shew what a sweet use of Christ in mans forsaken condition is lost and unknown Now if Christ bee with us and wee in Christ though in the grave what matters it we are safe enough whiles in Christ 5 The death of the soule is that it is not with God nor God with it in the absence of its spirit its naturall life and body but sin and death hath dominion over them which it hath not over those asleep in Christ Object Christs soule is said to dye Resp 1. Christs soule was left of its spirit as ours which was one part of this death 2 Hee cries out My God my God why hast thou forsaken me which was that other part God forsook the creature the soule in Christ of which O how sensible was hee though wee are not of the spirits death 3. This is more clear Thou wilt not leave my soule in grave that is no longer but the appointed time of three dayes and after God and his spirit would come to the soule and also raise the body 4 This was he in soul to suffer with man that he might become a ransome for and redeem men from death and the grave where hee indured what man by sinne should suffer under death in the grave 5 Hence those that beleeve not and are not in Jesus doe not sleep in Jesus but are dead and so only are ye to understand the Scriptures when it speaks of the dead in soul and body it cals them dead only but of the beleevers as of men that sleep and sleep in Christin the soule 6 When as the Scriptures speak of the dead in Christ then they cheifly respect the bodies not the soules of Saints Vse Shews what multitudes of lyes and errors are taught in the name of Christ and how destructive the doctrine now taught is 2 How obscure the faith of Christ and the Gospel is in this and multitudes of other cases is not seen nor credited 3 Vse Confirmation of this is deduced hence The spirit dieth and the body dyeth and by the argument of the souls mortality that though God hath said in many Scriptures the soul doth dye and the soule that sinneth shall dye 4 The wages of sin is death and the soul that sinneth shall dye and yet it must not dye how contrary this is to Gods word and Justice and mans desert let the world be judge 5 It is set down in the future tence shall die and shews that it is to be another death on the soule then what was on man by Adams fall Object They make the soul doth dye but it is in Hell hereafter Resp That death of soule is a death in which spirit and body doth partake with it and is after the resurrection as they confesse 1 But that death is called the second death Rev. 21.8 2 In that it is called the second death and soule body and spirit are to die therein it is cleare all these must first suffer a first death before this second which by the now doctrine the soule doth not 1 Thes 4.14 16. In one the soules are said to sleep in Jesus in the other the body dead in Jesus the same persons being spoken of Reasons why the Soules of Saints sleep but of Vnbeleevers are dead FIrst The beleeving soule through the seed of faith and hope sleeps only and is not dead as those without hope Secondly The soule though it be left of its own spirit yet it is in the spirit of Christ Thirdly In this is fulfilled that the beleever seeth not nor doth hee tast of death he being by his faith in the name of the Son of God kept from the power of death Fourthly Christ hath by his souls death redeemed theirs from that death the souls of unbeleevers dye 1 This is in Lazarus set forth John 11.4 This sicknesse is not to death his soul not dying Ver. 11. Our friend Lazarus sleepeth they not understanding the soules sleep Ver. 14. he spake more plainly he is dead speaking of his body Ver. 4. if not thus understood is a mystery that the sicknesse was not to death and yet hee dyed 2 This is seen in Stephen Act. 7.59 Hee commends his spirit to Christ ver 60. his soule is made asleep his body chap. 8.2 is committed to the grave the significancy of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for his death chap. 8.1 is exceeding great and signifies his resolution as the taking down of a house The life of the soule is maintained within it by hope and differenceth the dead and living soules 1 Hence hope is said to be the anchor of the soule Heb. 6.19 2 The Apostles 1 Thes 4.13 I would not have you ignorant Brethren concerning those that sleep that they mourn not as 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 those others those that have no hope Thus Mark. 5.39 Why lament yee and
be uttered Ver. 27. He that searcheth the heart knoweth what is in the mind of the Spirit because he makes intercession for the Saints according to the will of God Note Where by the Spirit and Spirit it selfe the Spirit of Christ sent forth of God into the hearts of Saints be not intended is commended to your judgements to consider of or where the Spirit the Holy 1 Because here is no especial epithite to it as usually given to God the Spirit 2 It is the spirit of intercession which is the Spirit of Christ stirring up in us sighs and groans as in him 3 Bearing our infirmities which is done by Christ as man Heb. 4.15 and c. 5 2. Act. 9 4. 4 God the searcher of the heart is put as distinct from the Spirit of Christ in the heart who is said to intercede according to the Will of God 5 This Spirit is not ours as it is not Gods for saith he Wee know not what we should pray for as we ought whereby we is meant the whole regenerate man who without Christs Spirit assist him in prayer knows not how to pray nor for what to pray as he ought Appli If this be truth the Doctrine taught makes Christ void and in him God is put off from us because none can come to the Father but by him Illust. To set before your eyes the spirits resurrection see it fulfilled in Cyrus a heathen lying under a dead spirit when quickened works wonderfull things Hag. 1.15 2 Chron. 36.22 he is not that man he was before The excellency of Christs Spirits operation in the Elect is wonderful and precious 1 The Spirit of life in Jesus Christ gave the new Law or Covenant as Moses the Mediator of the Old gave that by which we are freed from Moses Law called the Law of sin and death Rom. 8.2 2 It is called the Law of the spirit of life 1 None being under this Law untill quickened by the Spirit of life but were under the law of death 2 It is the law of the spirit of life in which those made alive must walk in and live under it as its Law as Moses Disciples under its 3 This Law was for the spirit to walke with God in when men are said to walk in the spirit and live in the spirit when men are onely said to please God 4 That this is meant of ours and Christs Spirit because opposed to the flesh which cannot walke in this Law Rom. 8.8 Note It is one means by which the Spirit of Christ is distinguished from God the Spirit is that which commeth by hearing Gal. 3.2 5. which differs far from that Act. 10.44 called the Holy Ghost said to fall on them having the gift of tongues The Spirit of God after is given for confirmation of such as doe beleeve Eph. 4.30 and manifested it selfe in dreams visions tongues discerning of spirits prophesie The Spirit of Christ worketh faith love desires Gal. 5.22 which Origen would have to be meant of the regenerate man 's own Spirit which indeed is a fruit of the Spirit of Christ in us for of our selves we are not able to think a good thought It is Christ that worketh all in all Illust Act. 8.12 People of Samaria Beleeved Phillip which was the act of the spirit of Christ in them who yet ver 16. are said none of them to have received the Holy Ghost though by the first the Spirit of Christ they were baptized and so said to be Christs ver 16. after which ver 17. they were established having the Holy Spirit powred out upon them by the laying on of hands by the Apostle the one is mediately by hearing given men the other since the Apostles daies immediately of God 1 To this being of Christ in his Spirit in the Saints the Apostle eminently alludes saying Christ in you is the hope of glory as Col. 1.27 now if he have the Spirit of God in him God is in him if of Christ Christ is in him 2 By the Spirit of Christ before he hath the Spirit of God in him he hath the hope of glory but not the seale of glory which distinguisheth the spirits in their distinct operations 3 Thus the Apostle 2 Cor. 13.3 Since yee seeke a proofe of Christ speaking in me which to you ward is not weak but is mighty in you Ver. 5. Know you not Jesus Christ is in you except you be Reprobates Rom. 8.9 10. If any have not the Spirit of Christ he is none of his And if Christ be in you that is by his Spirit as before the body is dead because of sinne but the spirit that is mans spirit is life being quickened because of righteousnesse Gal. 2.20 I live yet not I but Christ liveth in me the life that I now live is by faith in the Son of God which comes by hearing and is an effect of the Spirit of Christ sent out of God the Spirit as well as Father unto the heart of sons Ephes 3.17 Christ lives in the heart by faith 4 The use of this spirit is hinted at Phil. 1.19 This shall turn to my salvation through your prayers and the supply of the Spirit of Christ Phil. 4.13 I can do all things through Christ that strengtheneth me Act. 16.7 Some translations read The Spirit of Jesus suffered them not 5. Joh. 3.5 Except a man be born of Water and of the Spirit hee cannot enter into the Kingdom of God Here by Spirit I understand the Spirit of Christ by which he is one Spirit with the Lord and grafted unto him by baptisme Reas 1. It is not said the Holy Spirit but 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of the Spirit only as before 2. Ver. 12. In this saying Christ tels them he told them of earthly things it being to be done by the quickening Spirit of Christs humanity assisted thereunto by his divine power 3 Hence it is the Scripture saith he that is in Christ is a new creature 4. Vers 6. That is born of the Spirit signifies that regeneration is by Christs Spirit onely not of our Spirits The Spirit of Christ working Faith and Obedience to Christ in Baptisme in which is regeneration Application 1. Men are taught that there is no other Spirit but God the Spirit who worketh these and all that have any of these have the gift of the Spirit of God 2 The Spirit of Christ which worketh these is not known men oppose against it and deny it to be who yet would be Christians 3 Hence as Christ said to his Disciples so the men of this age know not what spirits they are of that have the Spirit of Christ in them and not the Spirit of God 4 Few men have the Spirit of God and they that have it have it in a hidden way which is by dreams and visions being all that as I know of as yet accompanies the gift of the Spirit of God in these daies to which I might say something or may do when
this generation is made fit for it Act. 2.17 18. By which men shall prophesie I speak not this to glory in but to glorifie God in it and in his accomplishing his truth of which Husse had sweet experiences as his Letters testifies cited by Fox 1 I speak not this to countenance any fancies or corruptions among men try the spirits if they are of God Therefore 2 I speak it that men take heed least they scoffe at the grace of God and his gifts as those Act. 2.13 a worke which is done to the griefe of the spirit in grosse manner amongst us and that among the learned for which as a judgement it is kept from the world and men hindred from looking to God for it 3 I speak it to incourage those that have it to see if they have the spirit of Christ and then to look on this as the seale of God to that Christ hath done in thee and on thee to thy exceeding joy 4 When God shall restore the Church and this glorious mercy in its glory to men how will they then wonder at the enmity and evil that was in the world reigning among those men who professed themselves Saints and Sons of God having the spirit in them Note Because man is carnall and needs helps even in these that are comparatively but earthly things compared with other divine mysteries of God and Christ I commend these considerations 1 The unknown excellency of the spirit of a man as in Paul 1 Cor. 5.3 4. For I verily as absent in body but present in spirit have judged already as though I were present Note Though absent in body yet was he present in spirit though his body being at Phillippi was one hundred of miles from them 2 His presence in spirit was such as that it was as sufficient as if he had been bodily judging the man with them Vers 4. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ when you are gathered together and my spirit with the power of our Lord Jesus Colos 2.5 For though I am absent in the flesh yet am I present in the Spirit with you a place in which Paul never was ver 1. joying and beholding your order and stedfastnesse of faith in Christ Now thus far the spirit of a man may doe even be present with men afar off from his body and joy in their good and suffer in their sufferings though it can but look on it it is the Spirit of the Lord Jesus that acts in and over all onely who is not onely a spectator or stander by in his spirituall presence among the Saints but walks among the seven golden Candlesticks and acts and knocks c. Againe 1 Cor. 14.32 The spirit of the Prophets is subject to the Prophets First Conclusion That there is a notable place here to say with Solomon Who knoweth the spirit of a man Eccles 3.21 2 If in the spirit of man is such an unknown excellency how then is the Spirit of Christ 3 God making Christ and fitting him with such a Spirit by which he might raise the dead spirit and communicate himselfe to it and be alway present with it through the operation and assistance of the infinite God dwelling in him 1 Cor. 15. ver 45. God making this the end of making Christ Isa 11.23 4 Whiles Christ John 17.11 saith I am no more in the world that is in soule and body yet he saith ver 23. I in them and thou in me which must be in his Spirit speaking of himselfe as distinct from God in the person of the Mediator Of the naturall spirits of Men. THese are differing in themselves the bodies differ not in height beauty and strength in quality and condition of constitution as a Gyant from a Dwrafe as a strong man differs from him that is never so weak and the most beautifull and personable man differs not from the most deformed Blackmore so much as one natural mans spirit from anoâ—â—â—r Some are strong some weak some rash some patient some proud some humble some cruel some meek some well some sick some high some low In which corruptly remain the appearances of the seven Spirits of God Isa 11.2 Wisdom Might Knowledge Understanding as a capacity to receive them or the Spirit of Christ in whom all these treasures are Of whose unknown worth the Scriptures speak Eccles 3.21 Who knoweth the spirit of a man Eccles 11.5 There is not to thee the knowledge of the way of the spirit nor how the bones of him doth grow that are in the womb c. which proves it is spoke of the naturall spirit of man Note it clears that objection that may be made How doth the spirit of a man his body being in one place come to be in another And shews 1 The spirit hath a way of its own that the body hath not 2 The way of it is unknown to any even the wisest 3 Especially to those who know not that they have a spirit at all in them 4 To all such who though they know they have it in them yet it is dead and never found the use of them Note The use of the spirit is excellent Prov. 18.14 it being the spirit of naturall man that bears his infirmities as the Spirit of Christ in the beleever bears his The good man is said to have another spirit as differing from the natural mans Numb 14.24 compared with Chap. 13.30 31. shew how the spirit in a man doth change him and make him differ from others It is a great question may bee made Whether Christs humane Spirit was not in being before it was joyned to the flesh soule in the Virgins wombe 1. 1 Pet. 1.11 The Spirit of Christ is said to have been in the Prophets of old which is that part of the Lord which was oynted as distinct from the anointing of the Holy Spirit 2 Because it is said the spirit of Christ is the spirit of Prophesie 3. John 3.13 The Son of man is said as man to come down from heaven which was that part of him called his Spirit which also now whiles he is on earth is said to be in heaven as the Son of man 4 The God-head cannot be said to go a loce ad locum 5 The Scripture speaks of Christ in his being to the Saints long before his incarnation Isa 63.9 6 How Christ is Rev. 1.4 He which is and was and is to come c. ver 8. that he is Alpha and Omega 7 That he is the first fruits and the foundation of the Church 8. 1 Cor. 15.47 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 How he is said to be from heaven and in what and how to be the second Man and whether he had not in spirit a being when first promised Adam 9 Before Abraham was I am saith the Lord speaking as Mediator Joh. 10.58 Vers 56. Abraham rejoyced to see my day and saw it and was glad Ver. 57. Thou art not fifty years old and hast thou
seen Abraham that this is only fulfilled in the Divine nature of Christ is the question 10 The Rabbies understand that alway the word Adonai is distinct in the Old Testament from Jehova in the persons signified by them God and Christ unlesse some other divine Epithite be added 11. That it was the Lord Christ appeared in the form of man before he had flesh 12 He is said to be the same yesterday and to day and for ever he was man yesterday by having mans spirit before he took flesh and when he had flesh and since viz. that is the Lord was Mediator for poor man before and since Heb. 13.8 he was in flesh among us 13 He is said to be the beginning of the creation of God Revel 3.14 14 Nor is it any where said God inspired into him his Spirit but the Spirit overshadowed the Virgin Luk. 1.35 Object 2 Cor. 11.4 For if he that commeth preacheth another Jesus whom we have not preached or if yee receive another spirit which we have not received or another Gospel which yee have not accepted yee might well bear with him so that it seems the spirit Christians have is but one Resp 1. He speaks of the preaching Jesus 2 The receiving the Spirit by that preaching 3 That that was preached of Jesus was the Gospel Note Which shews that the Spirit here was that came by preaching and by that means was ordinarily received which was the Spirit of Christ not that called the Holy Spirit of God which is also one Spirit proper to the person of Christ for excellency power life and perfection 3 That the Spirit of God and Christ in Scripture are variously distinguished I have proved before 4 Christ was not man without the one nor God without the other 5 The work of the God-head in Christ was to make effectuall the work of the Spirit to man that was humane in him Hence is he said to offer up himself on the eternal spirit to God distinguishing God the Spirit in him from that spirit of man in himselfe Heb. 9.8 6 To adde one place more for distinction Act. 5.3 Why hath Satan filled thy heart to lie to the Holy Ghost Ver. 10. How is it that yee have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord. Annanias bringing not the full price after he had promised it to God and saying it was the whole to the Church brake his vow to God and lyed to the Holy Spirit he being by the Spirit moved hereto to a spiritual end Saphira being privy to the deceit onely but did not come with it before the Church with her Husband the evill of the fact was mainly in her Husband again had she not been demanded she would it is like have been silent in it the Text onely saith she was privy to it not consenting 1 Note hence the Word saith the being privy and the concealment of the fact was a tempting of the Spirit of the Lord. 2 Note The lying to the Holy Spirit was a more dreadful evill of a higher nature more immediately against God then this of tempting the Spirit of the Lord In the lesser evill was one in the greater the other in the private the one in the publick sin the other 3 Note Satan filled Annanias heart but after that Annanias tempted Saphira who agree together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord Mark 2.8 4 Note Here is the ground of the fearfulnesse of the judgement because it was committed against the Spirit of God and Christ and their operations in them Object John 1.13 1 Joh. 3.9 and 4.7 and 5.1.4.18 Men are said to be born of God therefore the Spirit Joh. 3.5 must be by the Spirit of God which is the Spirit of Christ and cannot be understood that the humane spirit of Christ hath any hand herein Resp These are excellently distinguished and cleared Tit. 3.5 by the washing of regeneration Mark there is water and the Spirit of Christ for without the Spirit can be no regeneration 2 He comes and after tells us of renewing of the Holy Spirit when the Spirit of God renews in man in a more divine way this their regeneration in them Ephes 4.23 beleevers are to be renewed in the Spirit of their mind 3 In the work of the Spirit of Christ they are said to be Christs 1 Cor. 6.17 Rom. 8.9 and having the Spirit of God Gods Rom. 4 18. Ephes 1.13 4 These are more clearly spoke of and joyned together Joh. 17.10 all mine that have the worke of my Spirit quickening them are thine thy Spirit renewing that Spirit of the mind within them 5 That of Joh. 3.3 of being born from above is one thing that of vers 5. is another of being born of water and the Spirit 1 By the one men see the Kingdom of God vers 3. 2 By the other men enter the Kingdom vers 5. 3. Vers 12. distinguish them that are Vers 5. said to be earthly things because done on earth by the Spirit of the Lord in the use of means and not comparable for it is divine Nature and glory with the other 4 The other is from above that is God and Heaven and called in comparison hereof heavenly things Object 1 Cor. 12.3 No man speaking in the Spirit of God saith Jesus is accursed nor is any able to call Jesus Lord but in the Holy Spirit therefore it is the Holy Spirit men are born of Resp 1. Here is spoken of the first part of Gods Spirit on man which is to discover the things of the Kingdome that so they be brought to beleeve them without which they call not Christ Lord and having this they cannot dispise the Lord. 2 By which beleeving the Spirit of Christ is introduced 3 After all which the beleevers being baptized the Spirit was given to renew that Spirit of the mind that was in them by which the things of God came to be apprehended more divinely and clearly thus the Disciples after their knowing Christ Joh. 14.26 by the Spirit knew him more divinely The Spirit of Christ perfects in men the image of the Lord in the conformity of his conversation to the Gospel be ye followers of me as I am of Christ and learn of me saith the Lord Jesus I am humble and meek which is called a putting on of Christ The Spirit of Christ quickens the spirit when the Spirit of God renewes in man the image of God lost and again indues him with his likenesse by which he is a new creature to his God Hence Coloss 3.4 When Christ who is our life shall appear c. Vers 3. Our life is hid with Christ before he says they were dead that is with Christ and now are alive with Christ and their life was hid with Christs life which lived in them and quickened them which the Apostle Paul clears by his manner of speaking Gal. 2.20 I am crucified with Christ neverthelesse I live that is spiritually which as if he had said amisse he