natural they yet live in like manner as from the first Adam they were heirs of death eternal See the parallel between them for life and death 1 Cor. 15. 20. and 45. c. as for sin and righteousness Rom. 5. And this life in its due time is to be communicated to all the members of Christ 1. both because the head and members have all the same spirit i. e. of the Father which therefore if it have raised one must needs also raise the other As we see in the living Creatures and the wheels Ezech. 2. 21. when those went these went and when those stood these stood for the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels Or as we may imagine a man of those large Dimensions that his head were in Heaven and his feet on Earth and such is Christ and the Church Col. 2. 19. and both called by one name of Christ 1 Cor. 12. 12. how easily and instantly such a one by the animal spirits communicated from the Head would move here below which way he pleased his inferior members See Rom. 8. 11. 1 Cor. 6. 14. Therefore those priviledges which the Apostle applies to Christ Heb. 2. 6. the Psalmist saith of man in general Ps. 8. And again 't is argued negatively from us to Christ If no resurrection of us then is not Christ risen neither 1 Cor. 15. 13. If not possible for the spirit to raise our human nature then not his And 2. because the head as Christ is to the Church naturally gives the sense and motion to the members Therefore as 't is said that the head and members are both raised by the same spirit so also that the Head shall raise and quicken the members See Jo. 6. 39. 1 Cor. 15. 45. 2 Cor. 4. 14. I speak of resurrection to life Else the wicked also shall be raised by him by his voice Jo. 5. 21. as their Judge to be thrown into endless torments which is but a Gaol-delivery and an haling them out of prison to execution an act of his power as God not of his merits as a Savior by their having any union to him as the second Adam And the proper Sacrament instituted to conveigh this life unto us by union with Jesus is the Eucharist being the Communion or Communication unto us of all himself first of his body and blood 1 Cor. 10. 16. by which we are made not in a Metaphor but in a Mystery and that a great one members of his body of his flesh and of his bones Eph. 5. 30 32. And 2. not only of his body but of his spirit too 1 Cor. 12. 13. by which soveraign receit and incorporating of him who hath life in himself our bodies also and souls are according to the ancient form of the Church in the administration of these mysteries preserved unto everlasting life a promise by our Savior annexed so often to this mystical partaking of him Jo. 6. 56 57. c. therefore the consecrated elements called Symbola resurrectionis and formerly never neglected especially to be received at the hour of death For 't is to be noted that tho both the Sacraments have all the same effects Remission of sins Matt. 26. 28. comp with Act. 2. 38. Union 1 Cor. 10. 16. comp with Gal. 3. 27 28. all one in Christ Jesus And Joh. 3. 5. comp with 1 Cor. 12. 13. And both Sacraments do intimate obligation to suffering to the receivers see Matt. 20. 22 23. where allusion doubtless is made to the two Sacraments as 1 Cor. 12. 13. Tho our baptism is not with blood as his nor our cup so bitter yet either of them have some more eminently then others Therefore Baptism to which we have more easy access upon repentance Act. 2. 38. and faith of the truth of the Gospel Act. 8. 37. and the promise onely of a new life Matt. 3. 6 8. is more principally the Sacrament of remission of former sins Act. 2. 38. and of our profession of our death to sin and relinquishing the old Adam and now putting on Christ. And then after this cleansing from sins past by baptism the Eucharist to which we are to bring not only faith and repentance but sanctification and holiness therefore such examination required see Matt. 22. 12. see 1 Cor. 11. 28. the end of 27. and 29. comp with 1 Cor. 6. 15. converted shall I then take the members of an â—…arlot and make them the members of Christ 1 Cor. 5. 11. converted No formcators presume to eat c. with the Saints is more specially the Sacrament of our union to Christ and living by him who is the life by the incorporating of his body and blood and spirit into ours 1 Cor. 10. 16 17. By which incorporation we contract such an identity as it were with him that see what he is we are Is he a Son of God so are we His heir So are we Rom. 8. 17. of the Kingdom the Glory to come only all this by and from him that in all things he might have the preeminence and amongst many breâ—…hren be the first born But we must know that as all these effects of our Savior toward us depend on a second generation and being born again of God by the seed of the spirit Jo. 3. 9. 2 Cor. 3. 18. Eph. 2. 22. -3. 16. which giveth life as the flesh from the first Adam soweth corruption see Gal. 6. 8. 2 Cor. 3. 6. Rom. 8. 11. Jo. 4. 14. Eph. 4. 22. and on our thus being made the true children and ofspring of Christ Heb. 2. 13. Esaâ—… 53. 10 11. So that this our second birth is not compleated all at once but this image of Christ by little and little at last is perfectly formed in us See Gal. 4. 19. 2 Cor. 11. 2. 1 Pet. 2. 2. As also all other works of our Savior are not consummate till his second coming and the resurrection Else did we walk by sight and not by faith how should we be transported with joy upon a vision of that infinite glory and nobility the poor Sons of Adam receive from this their second father to whom be all glory for ever And how should we sigh and groan till we were once possessed of it See 2 Cor. 5. 2 4. and Rom. 8. 23. To consider therefore a little the manner and the progress of our regeneration here in this life Our Savior as soon as he had died to sin as a son of Adam and lived again as a Son to God Rom. 6. 10. presently received this spirit by which he begets us promised long before and therefore frequently called the promise from the Father to communicate to his posterity see Luk. 24. 49. Act. 1. 4. -2. 33. Eph. 4. 10. Jo. 7. 39. by which spirit derived from him to us thro whom we receive all things that we receive from God as it was from his Father to him and therefore called also his spirit of Christ
of Jesus of the Son see Gal. 4. 6. 1 Pet. 1. 11. Act. 16. 7. vulg Jo. 16. 7 14. we come to be his sons Now this spirit is not given promiscuously to all the sons of the first Adam nor is all the seed of the first by God the Father's secret will in the dispensation here and there of the ministery of the Gospel and by the default of some of those that hear it therefore our Savior useth those limitations Jo. 6. 44 65. -17. 9 11 12. the seed also of the second But there is something on mans part prerequired for God having given us before in our first Creation something we may make use of in our second and besides this the external ministry of the Gospel where-we are called to grace tho creavit to sine te non salvabit te sine te to the receiving of this spirit I mean here in a more eminent degree of its operations and of our sanctification and union by it unto Christ our Lord and our incorporation and entrance into this heavenly linage And these are Faith some degree of it i. e. gladly receiving the word Act. 2. 41. called also obedience to the word see Act. 8. 12 13 37. comp v. 16. 17. Eph. 1. 13. Jo. 17. 39. not rejecting the counsel of God Luk. 7. 30. believing Gods justification of the ungodly Rom. 4. 5. and Repentance for sins past intending to live no longer in them see Heb. 6. 2. 1 Pet. 3. 21. yet which also both faith and repentance are the gift of God see Eph. 2. 8. 2 Tim. 2. 25. Act. 16. 14. tho the first cometh ordinarily by hearing where by Gods mercy the Gospel is preached Rom. 10. 17. and the second by the first Jonah 3. 5. Upon which two Christ hath appointed Baptism to be administred by his substitutes and the holy spirit at the same time by himself conferred see Jo. 7. 39. Eph. 1. 13. Gal. 3. 2 13 22. Act. 2. 38. -19. 2. -5. 32. Luk. 11. 13. First then at our Baptism upon faith and repentance Ps 45. 10. we begin to be born again of water and of the spirit but not so as presently quite cashiering the image of the former Adam but as being now a compound of an old man and a new or of a body and soul from Adam called the flesh and of a spirit from Christ I mean not that contradistinguished to the soul 1 Thess. 5. 23. where by the spirit seems to be meant the rational Intellective part or soul see 1 Cor. 2. 11. Act. 7. 59. Luk. 23. 46. By soul the 〈◊〉 and sensitive part or soul which is also used for to signify life but I mean a spirit superadded to this natural spirit See 1 Cor. 14. 14 2. where there is a spirit in us plainly distinguished from the natural faculty of the understanding which operated when the understanding was quiescent see v. 12. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 See Rev. 1. 10. 1 Cor. 12. 10. c. the spirit of man being the soul of a natural man besides which the Apostles had another spirit searching all things c. as Christ also is compounded of two natures the Human and Divine Act. 10. 38 yet is the one of these dying in us by degrees as the other grows and we are putting off mortifying crucifying the one and putting on and renewing the other day by day Rom. 6. 6. Col. 3. 5. Gal. 6. 14. 2 Cor. 4. 16. Rom. 12. 2. Eph. 4. 22 23 24. whilst there is a perpetual combate between them The spirit lusting against the flesh and the flesh against the spirit Gal. 5. 17. until we are perfected which is not attained in this life Yet here the elder man is serving the younger provided that we do not wither and fall away from grace and dy again to God And by reason of this double outward and inward man that is in us it is that the Apostles where they tell us that we are dead to sin c. yet exhort us also to dy to sin see Rom. 6. 2. comp 12. 1 Pet. 4. 1. comp 1 Pet. 2. 11. and that the Saints where they give thanks do also pray for a deliverance Now in this our renovation made by certain steps and degrees this spirit derived from Christ operateth and produceth the image of Christ first in our soul and then afterward in our body After the same manner as it was in Christ himself who first had grace in his soul with passibility in his body till he died after which that also was glorified by the same spirit Here therefore it begins in this life by its mighty working Col. 1. 29. 2 Cor. 9. 14 15. to transform and renew us Rom. 12. 2. Eph. 4. 13. Gal. 2. 19 20. Eph. 3. 16 17. Phil. 1. 21. residing here after faith and repentance which are certain preludium's and foregifts also of it See Matt. 16. 17. 1 Cor. 12. 3. 1 Jo. 4. 2. and are increased in us proportionably as it is bringing all its rich graces with it mentioned 1 Cor. 12. 3 8. c. 1. Illuminating and inspiring and renewing knowledge in the understanding in vain without it sought by us any other way therefore called the spirit of truth see Jo. 16. 13. 1 Cor. 2. 10. c. 2 Pet. 1. 21. 1 Jo. 2. 20 27. and of prophecy Rev. 9. 10. -12. 17. 1 Jo. 5. 10. 2. Sanctifying the will and affections Therefore called the spirit of holiness first quenching there all worldly desires and satiating the soul instead of them see Jo. 7. 37 39. -4. 14. 2. Begetting an ardent and unsatiable love of God and fervency of praier and obedience to all his commands written by it in our hearts out of love such as was in Christ. Matt. 5. 6. Ps. 40. 8. Rom. 5. 5. 2 Tim. 1. 7. 2 Cor. 3. 6 7. Rom. 8. 26 27. 3. Producing greater joy in and desire of sufferings In imitation of our Savior for his for Gods for the truths sake which truth this spirit seals unto us 1 Thess. 1. 6. Rom. 5. â—… Heb. 10. 34. Act. 5. 41. Phil. 1. 29. 2 Cor. 12. 10. Col. 1. 11. 2 Cor. 11. 23. I more his Minister c. 2 Cor. 5. 14. Lastly comforting alwaies by begetting a lively hope by witnessing to us what we are and sealing what we shall be Gal. 5. 5. 1 Pet. 1. 3. Jo. 16. 17. Rom. 8. 16. 2 Thess. 2. 16. Gal. 4. 6. 1 Jo. 3. 24. Eph. 1. 13. All which graces now are the image of Christ stamped on the soul called partaking of his holiness Heb. 12. 10. and being created after God in righteousness Eph. 4. 24. But yet this image of or union with our Savior in the soul is not perfect neither in this life therefore called first fâ—…uits only of the spirit and tast of the heavenly gifts and the powers of the world to come an earnest and seal of something to be had more fully hereafter
We are all therefore one day to take holy orders to be made Priests and Kings or Priests Melchisedechical Indeed we are already Priests not only some of us in respect of the rest which I have mentioned before who officiate for them in the publick assemblies but even all the people of God in comparison of the rest of the world the Church being a chosen generation out of all the rest an holy Nation a Kingdom of Priests Gods peculiar treasure the Israel of God separated and sanctified for to serve him See Exod. 19. 5 6. Gal. 6. 16. 1 Pet. 2. 5 9. Rev. 1. 6. Every one of whom not only by the Priest in publique assemblies but by themselves also in their hearts may offer sacrifices immediately to God the Father acceptable thro Jesus Christ Heb. 7. 19. and hence are we also called not only Priests by whom but Temples also and that not our souls only but our bodies inhabited by Gods spirit as that Ancient one was by his Glory in whom such sacrifice is offered as our Saviors body also more eminently was stiled a Temple See Jo. 2. 21. 1 Cor. 3. 16. -6. 19. Eph. 2. 22. But this Temple is yet but in building as it were we being here 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and hereafter more perfectly 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Here Tabernacles hereafter Temples see Eph. 2. 21 22. But these we shall be made yet much more hereafter 1. After the day of judgment For then shall every place become a Sanctum Sanctorum and every one a Priest See Rev. 21. 22 23. where the new Jerusalem that after the final judgment Rev. 20. 12. comes down from heaven where perhaps as God expresseth elsewhere earthly by heavenly things so here heavenly by earthly hath no Temple at all in it For that which indeed makes a Temple whereever it resides the glory of God and of the Lamb being now spread all over it irradiating and illuminating it throughout in which respect there is said to be neither Sunshine nor Night there it is all of it nothing but a Temple vers 3. or God being the Temple vers 22. all over it See the same thing prophecyed Esai 4. 3 5. that every one should be â—…alled holy and every house and assembly in Sion have the same glory upon it cloud by day and fire by night that was on the Tabernacle And in this Sanctum Sanctorum Gods Servants shall see his face without a cloud of Incense betwixt and stand before his glory with his name Holiness unto the Lord in their foreheads Rev. 22. 4. and there they shall serve him vers 3. See Esai 61. 6. -66. 21. night and day in his Temple Rev. 7. 15. before the Throne of Glory in singing eternal glories and praises to him for there shall be no more confession where no sin nor praier where no more want not infirmity nor affliction the nations being healed by the tree of life Rev. 22. 2. no 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 any curse or excommunication of any Rev. 22. 3. there And secondly As then Priests and Servants to God the Creator so are they also Kings or Lords over the Creation sit down on thrones with Christ and Rev. 3. 21. and reign for ever and ever 22. 5. reign on the earth 5. 10. over the Nations 2. 26 27. Judge Angels Judge the 12 Tribes be rulers over Cities Luk. 19. 17. see Matt. 25. 21. -24. 47. Luk. 16. 10. which expressions so far as they have reference to Christs kingdom after the final day of judgment and not to that prosperous condition of the Church which is promised before it are metaphors expressing the unintelligible things of the next by the more acquainted things of this world which cannot be no more then those Ezek. 43. c. c. speaking of the same things litterally fulfilled 2. Priests also after Death before the great judgment day in the better part of us the soul the estate of which tho it was Gods pleasure that it should not be fully revealed to us yet we may not neglect to take notice of that which is so It seems plain then 1. That tho there is no formal judgment or sentence passed upon any man at the day of Death or final reward appointed or any convention or appearance of the soul before the eternal Judge for why then have not other spirits that are void of bodies as yet received that judgment see 1 Cor. 6. 3. And tho the soul as well as the body attain not as not extensively so neither intensively its full beatitude reward and crown nor vision and communication of God and glory nor a full satisfying of its desires Ps. 16. 15. or punishment pain and torment until the general day of judgment and retribution which is true not only of men 2 Pet. 2. 9. but devils more great and more Ancient offenders then men 〈◊〉 6. as may be gathered from both our Saviors and the Apostles frequent expressions commanding us to depend and cast our hope on the expectation of the coming of Christ in glory at the last day and deferring the receit of our salvation of the reward and of the crown of glory c. till that time See Luk. 14. 14. 2 Tim. 4. 8. -1. 12 16 18. 1 Pet. 1. 5 13. 2 Pet. 3. 11 12. Act. 3. 19 20 21. Luk. 21. 27 28. Phil. 2. 16. -3. 11. 1 Cor. 1. 7 8. -15. 19 32. 2 Cor. 5. 1. c. 2 Thess. 1. 6 7. Heb. 9. 27 29. Rev. 22. 7 12. Col. 3. 3. comp 4. 1 Jo. 3. 2. 2 Pet. 2. 9. Jo. 14. 3. By which it appears that there is a place not to be entered before Christs second coming prepared by his Ascension but before this were many souls in Paradise And this applied not only to the body but the spirit 1 Cor. 5. 5. From the petition and expectation of these souls Rev. 6. 9 10 11. From the just punishments of other spirits much worse and that stay for no bodies yet defer'd till that day See Jude 6. Matt. 8. 19. -25. 42. 2 Pet. 2. 4. Luk. 8. 31. comp Eph. 2. 2. Some at least it seems dwelling in the Air and not yet cast into the Abysse and likewise in this interval between death and judgment tho 't is most probable that some souls attain not so much bliss and glory and priviledg as some others See Rev. 20. 4. comp 5. -14. 4. Nor perhaps so much security I mean not in respect of damnation but in respect of that severe tryal which shall be at that dreadful day and of the measure of their salvation bliss and reward For since some sins shall come into judgment and scrutiny at that day which shall not amount to the condemnation of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 by which our Savior expresseth hell here Matt. 5. 22. as frequently elsewhere See vers 29. Matt. 25. 33. see Matt. 5. 22. comp Matt. 12. 36. And since of those
Legislator being faithful as Moses Heb. 3. 2. but yet more to be observed being Master of the house wherein Moses was a servant v. 6. Therefore Moses when he should come referred them wholly to him Deut. 18. 15. And in this office of his first a new Legislator in some respects as to the law moral First to rectifie the understanding of the Law formerly either falsifyed or mutilated he expounding it in most things more fully and in some things also contrary to what had been said of old It hath been said of old so but I say unto you Matt. 5 6 7 chapters Jo. 1. 17 18. -3. 2. -4. 25. 2. Again to exact to this Law thus expounded by him a more true and inward and full obedience of all men that would be his Disciples then ever had been performed before by the strictest Sects of all the Law-zealots not to let a title of it pass away pass away heaven and earth first till all the Law be fulfilled Matt. 5. 17 18 19 20. 1 Cor. 7. 19. Gal. 2. 17. Jam. 2. 12. 3. To make to such observers of this Law more open and manifest promises of the Kingdome of Heaven Heb. 8. 6. and against the breakers of this Law heretofore winked at and suffered to walk in their own way c. to revele the wrath of God from Heaven as not the joyes of heaven so neither the paines of Hell before his coming having been so much talked of Rom. 1. 18. charging men every where to repent Act. 17. 30. because a day is appointed wherein he will judge the world v. 31. Tit. 2. 11 12 13. Therefore he came saith the Baptist with an axe on his shoulder with a fan in his hand to cut down the fruitless trees to purge Gods floor of the chaff and with a fire made ready to burn them both Matt. 3. 10. c. He was laid a stone for stumbling and the fall as well as the rising again of many in Israel Luk. 2. 34. That every soul that hears not this man who the last speaks from Heaven Heb. 12. 25. should be destroyed from among the people Act. 3. 23. Es. 6. 9 10 11. compare with Matt. 13. 14. Esai 61. 2. and that none should have any way to escape that turneth away from him He came for judgment that they who will not see might be made blind Jo. 9. 39. and the last ages knowing by him Gods will and not obeying it should be beaten as they are with more stripes Luk. 12. 48. and their sin remain for ever Jo. 9. 41. 4. He was sent not only the most perfect and exact Interpreter of the letter that Gods law and will might be fully known and an exactor of the observance of it in the strictest senses thereof upon the most grievous punishments to the disobedient which is all hitherto but a fuller ministration of condemnation and death But as of the exactest letter so he came the minister of the spirit 2 Cor. 3. 6. Jo. 1. 16 17. Gal. 3. 14. Phil. 4. 13. Eph. 1. 23. 1 Cor. 1. 8. Act. 3. 26. that by the power of this spirit the Law by them that beleived might be fulfilled See Rom. 8. 3 4 which was the ministration of the soul as it were of the law and of righteousness and life unto us 2 Cor. 3. 7 8. Gal. 2. 19. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 compare with v. 17. and Rom. 8. 2. Jam. 2. 12. 1 Cor. 9. 21. Before the law was writ in the conscience only as the law of Nature for the Gentile Rom. 2. 14 15 or also more evidently in stone as the law of Moses for the Jew to bring forth knowledge of sin But by him it was written with the spirit in the heart to bring forth obedience to justification Jer. 32. 40. The other brought in the spirit of fear subjecting our inability to the curse of it but he gave the spirit of love out of this love procuring our observance of it 2. Tim. 1. 7. Rom. 8. 15. 1 Tim. 1. 5. 3. Which love keeps it far more perfectly then fear would as shewing its zeal not only in Negatives of which is the letter i. e. in working no ill Rom. 13. 9 10. but also in the Affirmatives not exprest in the word of the the law i. e. in doing all good to all to the highest degree Therefore this love the greatest of all gifts 1 Cor. 13. is called Christs new commandment Jo. 13. 34. -15. 12. 1 Jo. 2. 8. 2 Jo. 5. had only from the beginning of the Gospel i. e. from Christ and belonging only to the sons thereof tho this Gospel hath had such sons from the beginning who are said 1 Thess. 4. 3. to be taught of God that is by his spirit 1 Jo. 4. 7 8. 16. as the spirit also the only Author of love and which is love was his new gift by which love he saith his disciples should be discerned from the disciples of the law Jo. 13. 35. By which ministration of the spirit and of â—…ove the proper fruit thereof by Christ we now so easily understand and do the things commanded by the law that the letter of the law is said to become as it were void and useless to us by the coming of the promised seed and the Schoolmastership thereof to be outdated by Christ not because we are now without law 1 Cor. 9. 21. but because we have it superabundantly written in our hearts by the spirit and the works thereof continually brought forth by love thro the efficacy of the last law-giver Jesus Christ. 1 Tim. 1. 5 9. Gal. 5. 23. -3. 19. Rom. 8. 15. Therefore called the law of liberty Jam. 2. 12. This for the law moral which in some sense our Saviour is said to abrogate Gal. 3. 25. Col. 2. 14. that is according to the former use thereof namely as only giving knowledge of sin Rom. 3. 20. being a letter of condemnation and working wrath Rom. 4. 15. 2 Cor. 3. 7 9. and keeping us in slavery and bondage Rom. 8. 15. Tho this abrogation is done not by absolving us from any more observance of it but by enabling us to keep it and by making this observance now also voluntary But next for the law Ceremonial he was sent yet more properly to annual and cancel it and to appoint new Ceremonies at pleasure instead of it He being the substance and body Col. 2. 17. of which it was a type and shadow when that which is perfect was come the imperfect being to be done away He was sent therefore to reform or perfect the worship of God from those many exterior rites so strict and burthensome see Act. 15. 10. Heb. 13. 9. Col. 2. 14. to that of the spirit and of truth Jo. 4. 23. As also to reform many liberties and indulgences under the law see Matt. 5. 31 34. -19. 8. Therefore his times by the Apostle are called the times of Reformation
last place he laid down his life and died a Martyr for the Truth he had taught 1 Tim. 6. 13. Rev. 1. 5. -3. 14. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Now after his resurrection from the Dead by the Divine power in Justification also of the truth of doctrine He being to return to God from whence he came and the same truth being necessary to be preached sins remitted Sacraments administred the Holy Ghost conferred c. to the end of the world to one Country after another and in them to one generation after another the last thing he did here on Earth was the ordaining some others for these offices in his name after he had now finished the work of our Redemption which was to be the subject of their preaching For his former mission of them was only preparatory Matt. 10. to tell men that the Kingdome of Heaven was near at hand which now after his conquest of Sathan and of death by his death was fully come erected and compleated Jo. 12. 31. Jo. 19. 30. At which time also he was to receive as he had before in his own person so now the promise of the Father so long expected the effusions of the Holy Spirit upon his seed even the whole Church but these especially upon his Apostles A type of which was Moses's spirit taken part of it and put upon the 70 Elders Num. 6. 11. which Apostles were to minister this spirit to others Gal. 3. 2 5. The solemnity of whose Ordination and Commission we find Jo. 20. 21 22 23. Matt. 18. 19 20. Mark 16. 15. Luk. 24. 47. Therefore is our Lord named for the Author of administrations and offices as the Father of miracles and the Holy Ghost of gifts 1 Cor. 12. 4 5 6. To these as his Vicegerents he derived the Doctrine the Authority the Spirit the anointing himself had received of the Father See Jo. 15. 15. -17. 8 18. Eph. 3. 9 10. 1 Cor. 2. 10 13. Eph. 4. 7 8. Act. 2. 33. Phil. 4. 13. 2 Cor. 1. 21. Concerning whom also he left this Testimony to the world as the Father had done of him He that heareth you heareth me Matt. 10. 40. Luk. 10. 16. Matt. 17. 5. and as the Father sent me so I you Jo. 20. 21. -17. 18. Hence also are his own attributes frequently communicated to them They called foundations Matt. 16. 18. compared with 19. 24. Eph. 2. 20. Rev. 21. 14. And they also said to save men Jude 23. Rom. 11. 14. 1 Tim. 4. 16. Job 33. 24. and at the last day to sit on a Throne as He to judge men as he See Jo. 5. 22. Matt. 19. 28. Luk. 22. 30. 1 Cor 6. 3. To these he gave power to Baptize i. e. admit into the Church those they saw fit which implies their power also to refuse the unfit see Act. 10. 47 48. the Apostle ordering and others ministring Baptism And this again infers power to exclude out of the Church the backsliding and those not observing the conditions upon which they were admitted To these he gave power to preach and to declare to the world all the counsel of God which he had manifested to them and to be Ambassadors to men about their reconciliation to God for Christ and in his stead 2 Cor. 5. 18 19 20. Act. 20. 27. 2 Cor. 10. 8. Gal. 4. 14. Therefore they are said to speak in Christ. 2 Cor. 2. 17. To be received as Angels of God and as Christ Jesus Gal. 4. 14. and in their ministry to be a sweet savour of Christ unto God 2 Cor. 2. 15. He Authorizing them to make Ecclesiastical Laws and to order all the affairs of the Church See 1 Cor. 11. 34. -14. chap. 1 Cor. 16. 1. Act. 15. 1 Tim. 5. 14. 1 Cor. 4. 17. To these also he committed his keyes of the Kingdome of Heaven to take confessions and submissions to bind and absolve to remit sin or revenge it and that by his power and in his person Matt. 18. 18. 1 Cor. 5. 4. 2 Cor. 2. 10. 2 Cor. 10. 6. 2 Cor. 13. 10. 2 Cor. 8. 23. called the glory of Christ i. e. His representation and image see 1 Cor. 11. 7. To continue the dispensation of his sacred Body and Blood to the worlds end 1 Cor. 11. 26. which his Sacred hands first administred to them to all the Faithful and as to admit the worthy so to exclude the unworthy from that holy Communion 1 Cor. 5. 7 8. see 1 Cor. 10. 16. Act. 20. 11. Luk. 22. 19. The Hoc facite having been alwaies understood to have special reference to the Apostle's and their successours consecrating or blessing breaking and delivering it as well as to others receiving it To intercede for the people and procure remission of their sins from God by their prayers Jam. 5. 14 15. 1 Jo. 5. 16. Job 42. 8. Gen. 20. 7. 1 Tim. 2. 1. And the promises of hearing their requests Matt. 18. 19 20. Jo. 16. 23. seem to be made to them not in general as Christians but more especially as Gods Ministers and Apostles and that both for binding and loosing the people from their sins So see the Presbyters in the description of the Church triumphant holding in their hands the prayers of the Saints Rev. 5. 8. to be offered up to him that sitteth on the Throne as Incense is These He enlightned with the spirit tho others also see Jer. 31. 34. Jo. 6. 45. yet them extraordinarily for knowledge of the truth For I imagine those expressions Jo. 16. 13 25. comp with Jo. 15. 16 20 26 27. like to which are those 1 Jo. 2. 20 27. to belong to the Apostles specially as Christs ministers Therefore the stile of their whole Body in a Council runneth It seemed good to the Holy Ghost and to us See Act. 15. 28. -5. 3. -7. 51. 2 Cor. 6. 4 6. As also those extraordinary gifts of the Spirit at or after Baptism bestowed by laying on of the Apostles hands were not onely for Sanctification of the person see Matt. 7. 22. 1 Cor. 13. 1. but also for the publick benefit further edification of the Church by them Rom. 12. 6 7. 1 Cor. 12. 7. And enabling them by it that which all humane wisdom is too weak to effect see 1 Cor. 5. 10 12 13. -4. 19. to convince mens consciences convert their minds cast down throughout the world imaginations and every high thing that exalteth it self against the knowledge of God and bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ and with terrors of conscience with Sathan himself to revenge all disobedience and this by the power of Christ who speaketh and acteth in them 2 Cor. 13. 3. See 2 Cor. 10. 2 3 4 5. c. -13. 2 4 10. Jo. 16. 8. 1 Cor. 14. 24 25. Act. 2. 37. Matt. 10. 20. 1 Cor. 4. 21. 3 Jo. 10. 2 Jo. 10. Tit. 3. 11. 1 Tim. 1. 20. 1 Cor. 5. 5. On the
was offered every morning and evening and was to lie upon the Altar continually and upon this were all other Eucharistical Sacrifices to be offered Lev. 13. 5. -6. 12 Now as the irreversible doom from Gods eternal justice of sin without which undergone it could not be blotted out was death so it was also to be the death either of the sinner himself or of as worthy or a more noble person in his stead that should take the guilt of the others sin upon him God out of his infinite wisdom and mercy to man leaving this outlet of commutation of the person that so observing his former decrees by the death of his Son he might save his creature from destruction Therefore the sacrifice and blood of Beasts became useless and much more that of one guilty person for another for his death could onely answer for his own sin Heb. 10. 4. It was not possible for the blood of Bulls and Goats to take away sin neither did God in them take any pleasure Ps 50. But only appointed them as types and antifigures of that alsufficient acceptable sacrifice which in the fulness of times dispensed by God was to be offered up Heb. 10. 14. for us In presignification of which transferring of mans guilt and sin upon anothcr person that should suffer for him The sinner was to lay his hand upon the legal sacrifice that was to be accepted for him Levit. 5. 5. -44 15 26. the like to which tho not with the same purpose man did also upon his Savior and that both the Gentile for the Roman Soldiers had a part and the Jew joyntly making an oblation of him tho they knew not what they did And this was the Son of God who first that he might be a sacrifice was Incarnate and became mortal flesh Rom. 8. 3. Secondly without all sin 2 Cor. 5. 21. for his own person and so owed no death to God for himself In type of which the legal Sacrifices were required to be perfect and without blemish nor blind nor broken nor maimed nor scabbed Lev. 22. 22. and so the fruits to be the very best of them Numb 18. 12 29 30. Thirdly in voluntarily presenting himself a devoted thing Jo. 17. 19. and a curse Gal. 3. 13. for others For which reason he not only took human nature but it by descent from those who had sinned and from those who were restrained under a Law See Gal. 4. 4 5. Heb. 2. 10 11 14. was a reasonable sacrifice in every thing like to those for whom he suffered bearing our guilt and Gods wrath that pursued it after the same manner that our selves should have born it The torments of which guilt we may a little guess at from those we sometimes have suffered in our own consciences Imagine him then in every thing assuming the place of a sinner so lamenting all offences as if he had done them Imagine him perfectly knowing and weighing which the sinner never could the number the hainousness the odiousness the malice of them toward his Father so holy and so good and then proportioning his grief unto it Consider again that zeal and sense and tenderness he had to his Fathers glory and honour thus violated then that knowledge-passing love Eph. 3. 19. and compassion to men his Brethren who had thus misbehaved themselves that whilst all other creatures served God and obeyed the law he had set them Ps. 148. 6. He repented himself that he had made man upon the earth Gen. 5. 6 Next imagine him foreseeing also all the sins to come mine and thine and among the rest the malice of his own people the rejection of them and destruction of their City and his Fathers house which thing even in his triumph had drawn tears from him Luk. 19. 41. and this for shedding his blood the purpose of which shedding was to have saved them that thro their final obstinacy turned that to their ruin which was of such infinite merit and in this passion hear him saying again for them and all impenitent sinners How fain how oft would I have gathered c. and Daughters of Israel weep not for me but c. Imagine then the sorrows he now underwent for these mens offences that they might and for those because they could not be forgiven and then tell me if ever sorrow was like unto his sorrow And read his sad complaints Ps. 38. and Ps. 40. 12. penn'd for our Savior see Heb. 10. 5. Rom. 7. 22. From whence proceeded that deadly sadness Matt. 26. 37 38. and fear Heb. 5. 7. and amazement and faintings and bloody sweat which things never any sacrifice suffered before him nor any after him of those many holy Martyrs nay they were in their passion sustained by him but he in his if I may use his own Phrase forsaken nay smitten Esai 53. 4. by his God by his Father whom he had never displeased tho enduring perhaps more bodily torment yet even had a soul so overcharged so anguished and afflicted which was sufficiently discerned as by those strange sweats strong crying and tears and passionate prayers to have put by that bitter cup so by that loud exclamation upon the Cross when the spirit left that sacred Temple of the body forsaken and yet not forsaking but committing it self into the hands of his Father See Matt. 27. 46. Luk. 23. 46. Heb. 5. 7. This anguish of Soul Mark. 14. is translated by the vulgar pavor toedium by us amazedness and heaviness of which the Prophet Lam. 1. 12. was there ever sorrow and the Psalmist Ps. 69. 20. I looked for some to take pitty but there was none except only an Angel to strengthen him to endure his grief and a fellow to help him to carry his Cross not to remove them when he fainted under both For the weight of all the sins of all lay upon this innocent Lamb even the betraying and murther of those too that betrayed that murdered him as iâ—… he himself had committed the misdemeanors he suffered towards whom mean while he burnt with such an ardent love that upon the Cross he begg'd for them and he assumed all the sufferings nature was capable of to make abundant satisfaction for them Which he that will see at length let him read the 22. 69. 35. Psalms penn'd for him as appears by Matt. 27. 34 46 48. Jo. 2. 17. Jo. 15. 25. whilst that all Gods vindicative anger against us was poured out upon him upon him a Sacrifice reasonable and so in an human manner sensible of the Divine indignation which Agonies of the Soul were followed with all the inhumanities and cruelties of his executioners that could be offered to the body both in the pains and reproach of his death But the slaughter of this Lamb is too long a Tragedy to be here set down And God pittied Abrahams Son being a preludium to the death of his own so muâ—…h as that he would permit him to suffer no more
18. For as he in our stead was made sin and an accursed thing and an offering that calling sin to remembrance suffered the extreme wrath of the Almighty due to sin so in himself and this for our sake too he was not only in his death being a voluntary and a free will-offering see Jo. 10. 15 17 18. comp with Jo. 19. 30 33. the other living longer for this my Father loveth me c. and so also loveth us for whom it is offered for his sake Eph. 1. 6. but all his life an Holocaust consumed with the fire of love towards man and zeal of the glory of his Father in a perfect devotement and resignation of his whole self to the will of God and in his perfect obedience and fulfilling of all his Commandements And then when he had done working Jo. 17. 4. finishing this Holocaust in suffering for the divine glory for the truth suffering till he was all spent and consumed with the zeal of his Fathers honor laid upon which whole burnt-offering all our imperfect sacrifices of obedience and resignation of sufferings and martyrdom of spending and being spent 2 Cor. 12. 15. Phil. 2. 17. 2 Tim. 2. 10. whereby God is made all in all and we nothing in our selves and so one with him do partake also of the sweet savor of this sacrifice and all our praiers and petitions for our selves or intercessions for others are accepted of God and the descent of all good things spiritual and temporal from him are procured Gen. 8. 21. Jo. 14. 13. Phil. 1. 12. 4. He was the grand Eucharistical sacrifice and peace-offering answering to those typical ones under the Law In which respect the memorial which we now celebrate of his passion is called the Eucharist and in which relation we are made partakers in the Communion and admitted to eat of this sacrifice see 1 Cor. 10. 16 20. of which as a burnt or sin-offering tho these it is also Heb. 13. 11 12. we might not eat for none might eat of his own sin-offering Now the peace-offerings had many several uses in all which the sacrifice of our Savior fulfilled them 1. They were a kind of federal oblation after remission of offences procured by the sin-offering which was still offered before not after the Peace-offerings by which the sinner was as it were readmitted into Gods favour and whereas he might not eat of the sin-offering by eating part of which sacrifice being Gods bread Lev. 21. 6. -22. 25. and partaking of these holy things he was entertained at the table and accepted into the fellowship of God c. Only none that was unclean or any stranger upon peril of death might eat thereof See Lev. 22. Secondly they were offerings of thanksgiving for all the Creatures all the blessings and good things first received from God Gen. 1. 29. -9. 3. Ps. 50. 10 11 12. and continued by his word Gen. 1. 22. Deut. 8. 3. Matt. 4. 4. of which therefore both of men and beasts and fruits the choicest and first were offered and sanctified unto the Lord as his portion and tribute Sanctifie unto me all the first born both of Man and of Beast and so also it was for the first Fruits It is mine Exod. 13. 15 2. And these accordingly they offered these or their price both to shew their gratitude and acknowledgment of Gods right as to these so to all the rest Deut. 8. 18. -28. 4 5 8 11 12. -26. 2 10. Lev. 25. 23. -19. 24. and also to receive his benediction through what was offered to him upon all the rest Ezech 44. 30. Lev. 23. 11 14. Rom. 11. 16. Now according to this type Christ the substance in whom all things are fulfilled and accepted for what careth God for Oxen or other Firstlings or first fruits not only the first born of his Mother but of every Creature and likewise the first fruits Col. 1. 15 18. Rom. 8. 29. 1 Cor. 15. 20 23. was not redeemed but offered in his own person offered unto God first by whom all others were redeemed from the like And secondly by and through which offering only all our praises and thanksgivings are accepted for all things Eph. 1. 6. -3. 21. Col. 3. 17. Heb. 13. 15. Phil. 1. 11. and the right to and lawful use of them procured unto us only by this offering Rom. 14. 14. Eph. 1. 3. -4. 1. 1 Pet. 2. 5. Rom. 8. 32. And again by it as a federal oblation is the Covenant of grace and our peace ratified To the eating and partaking of which Sacrifice also in the mystical Sacrament of his Body and blood we are admitted to the worlds end And 1. By the eating of which as the Jews and also Idolaters were to the eating of theirs we are accepted in partaking of this Table to the unity Communion and fellowship with God see 1 Cor. 10. 14. c. to the 22. Only concerning which it is also provided that no unclean person or stranger unadmitted by Baptism may approach to eat thereof 1 Cor. 11. 28 29. Secondly by eating and partaking of which sacrifice excelling the other under the law in as much as it is the Body and blood of the Son of God we are admitted to Communion with the Son and mystically incorporated into him made members of his body flesh of his flesh c. And that not in a Metaphor but in a great mystery saith the Apostle Eph. 5. 32. And then from being partakers of the body become also partakers of the Spirit of Christ 1 Cor. 6. 17. And from partaking of his nature the body and the spirit of the Son of God become also Sons of God and heirs of eternal life 1 Cor. 12. 13. -6. 13 15 17. c. Eph. 5. 29. Jo. 17. 2 23. By eating and partaking of one and the same nourishment of this one Sacrifice of this one bread 1 Cor. 10. 17. we also become one Bread and have Communion with all the Saints of God as well those in Heaven as those upon earth partaking of all their glory praiers c. Heb. 12. 23. Eph. 3. 15. Eph. 2. 19. Col. 1. 20. 1 Jo. 5. 16. Job 42. 8. Gen. 20. 7 17. 2 Cor. 1. 〈◊〉 5. And hence with reference to this Sacrifice as also to the tree of life in Paradise and to the Manna and water flowing out of the Rock in the Wilderness which were types of Christ 1 Cor. 10. 2 3 4. -12. 13. Jo. 6. 32 35 49. Our Saviour is said to be the bread of life preserving him that eats the flesh of this Sacrifice so that he shall live for ever And he that eateth him shall live by him Jo. 6. 57. 6. Lastly he was the true Passover Christ our Passover is Sacrificed for us 1 Cor. 5. 7. He the true paschal Lamb fulfilling that typical one of the Jews In relation to which also when this Lamb was slain it was taken care that a bone
c. Rev. 5. 9. 2 Cor. 5. 15. That we might be now espoused and appropriated to him and not yield our selves to any other whom he bought out of their hands with so dear a price for whom he paid to Gods justice so rich a Dowry as it was the ancient custome for the husband to pay not to receive a Dowry see Gen. 34. 12. Exod. 22. 16. even himself Eph. 5. 25. Tit. 2. 14. that henceforth we should glorifie him in our bodies and in our spirits which are his Tho indeed this our service of 〈◊〉 is our perfect freedom Again at liberty from them yet hitherto not absolutely Rom. 23. as neither is our Saviors conquest over them as yet perfect in respect of his members tho it be for himself See Luk. 21. 28. Eph. 4. 30. 1 Cor. 1. 30. Rom. 16. 20. Why is it not Because so it seemed good to his wisdom by and for and to whom are all things as he made not perfect the world all at once but successively nor sent this Author of redemption before the latter end thereof so neitheir to make perfect our redemption all at once For indeed had sin and consequently the law and death and Satan upon our Saviors resurrection been utterly destroyed why should not all the Faithful that were before his coming as well as we since have enjoyed the same priviledg Again thus the world must have ended at our Saviors first coming 1 Cor. 15. 26. But the compleating of our redemption is reserved to his second Luk. 21. 28. Eph. 4. 30. Eph. 1. 14. and we see not yet all things put under our Savior in this manner For it pleased God to make our Savior only the Captain and we also but this wholly thro the strength of him who is the Author and finisher of our Salvation partners in this conquest giving us arms and strength to fight them but not victory without our fighting too after the same manner as did our Savior It pleased him that we should yet a while longer suffer the assaults of sin but repel them overcome the Devil but not without being tempted and death but not without suffering it and the law but not without obedience to it Lastly that in these things we should suffer in some sort for our Savior i. e. for his honor as he did for us i. e. for our wickedness that herein all virtues might more be exercised and Gods glory thro opposition more exalted It remains then we enquire next How much of our redemption is performed already by this our Saviour First tho some sin is hitherto still inherent in us yet we are restored to the spirit of God lost by Adam Rom. 8. 23. and 1. by it commanding now within us freed from the dominion of sin for the future In which respect we are said to be dead to sin Rom. 6. 11. And 2. by the price that was paid upon the Cross freed from the guilt and imputation of sins past in the time of sins former raign in us 2. 1 Tho we are still tyed to the obedience of the law moral yet we are freed from the law Ceremonial it being only typical of the things which were fulfilled in Christ. At his death when he cried consummatum est tho before he both observed it himself and commanded it also to others see Luk. 2. 21. Matt. 10. 5. -15. 24. -8. 4 he freed us perfectly from this 2. Again freed from the condemnation of the law Moral both 1. By having our former debts to it discharged by him and so this bond that was kept against us cancelled and nayled thro upon the Cross Eph. 2. 15. Col. 2. 14. 2. And freed by grace given us from that inability we had heretofore to perform it by being now enabled to observe it in all the parts thereof tho not without some defects And there is now no sort of sin how natural how customary soever uncleanness intemperance revenge c. but we have sufficient ability thro Christ to master conquâ—…r triumph over it so as never to commit any one more consummate act thereof if we will but use those weapons the spirit affords us prayer c. Insomuch as that we shall admire upon tryal the strange transformings of our selves and the great goodness and power of Christ. â—…3 And in those deficiencies by being delivered also from the curse of it thro Christ by repentance and faith in him Act. 13. 38 39. Nay yet further freed not only from the condemning power but from the commanding and directing power of the law Mosaick not that we now are without law 1 Cor. 9. 21. but that we have it much fuller then it was before in the Tables written in our hearts by which we walking in the spirit and being filled with love do all things commanded in the law by the demonstration and power of the Spirit see those places much to be noted Gal. 5. 13. 1 Tim 1. 5 9. Gal. 3. 19. Rom. 8. 15. And thus we are said to be dead to the law or it to us Rom. 7. 4. Gal. 2. 19. Dead to the former delivery of it by the giving of which we were not able to perform it as now we are when it is given us by the spirit for the law is given twice at the first by Moses written in Tables of Stone so a killing letter afterward by the spirit written on the heart and so 't is a quickening spirit that now doth the work of the law which law abides for ever Matt. 5. 18. 2 Cor. 3. 6. see Heb. 10. 11. 2 Cor. 3. 7 8. the difference of the ministrastration of the spirit and the ministration of Moses Rom. 8. 2. 3. Tho we are still subject to death yet we are freed already from the most considerable death from that eternal and from the fear of the temporal yea we are now inviting and desiring it as an entrance into our Saviors presence and eternal bliss Nay further taking pride to conquer it the same way our Lord did and turning all the preparatives thereof diseases infirmities c. by willing patient cheerful suffering thereof into matter of advantage and reward so that we had been less happy in a greater present conquest Phil. 21 23. Again freed as our Savior was Heb. 5. 7. tho not from suffering it yet that we shall not perish in it but after a while be recovered from it Therefore harmless now it hath changed its name in the new Testament Scriptures and is called a sleep 1 Cor. 11. 30. In which respect we are said already to be passed from death to life Jo. 5. 24. 4. Tho we are still subject to the temptations of Satan yet are we freed from his former power in and over us Act. 26. 18. by the more powerful spirit of God which is now greater in us then he that is in the world 1 Jo. 4. 4. And the strong man now cast out by a
salvation and eternal life Rom. 5. 16. Now since all our benefit by him comes from our ingrafting and incorporation into him that so his sufferings may be accounted for ours the Sacrament or religious Ceremony instituted to convey unto us this first effect of the second Adams dying for us and so freeing us from the condemnation and washing us with his blood from the stains of our former sins is Baptism After which tho the infirmity of concupiscence still remain for the benefits of the second Adam are not fully perfected till this life is ended yet is both the strength thereof much abated and the reatus or guilt thereof totally removed i. e. that none shall be condemned for the solicitations and importunings thereof which will happen till our redemption is compleated so they be by him sor which he is enabled with sufficient grace mastered and supprest Therefore are we said in the Scripture to be baptized into Christ to put on Christ. Gal. 3. 27. Rom. 6. 2. to be in Christ Rom. 8. 1. Phil. 3. 9. by one spirit to be baptized into one body 1 Cor. 12. 13. To be baptized into his death to be co-planted in the likeness of his death and to be buried with him in Baptism Rom. 6. 3 4. c. 1 Pet. 4. 1. by baptism to be saved from death and sin 1 Pet. 3. 20 21. c. and therefore as Baptism is called our death so his death by him is called a Baptism Matt. 20. 23 Luk. 12. 50. What by him was really performed being by us too represented and acted in Baptism For our Savior is supposed see Rom. 6. chap. to represent till his death a son of Adam as we are and one that had took sin upon him tho he had none in him and so to suffer the punishment and dy to it as well as for it that is no more afterward to be charged with it Rom. 6. 10. and then to rise again a new man according to which we true sinners in baptism are supposed to dy with him to sin Rom. 6. 2. no more to live in it and then to be born again of him to begin a new life a life to holiness called also newness of life Rom. 6. 4. life spiritual opposed to the former carnal see Gal. 6. 1. 1 Cor. 2. 15. Rom. 7. 6. according to which we are said to be already risen with Christ. Col. 3. 1. That is from death in sin Baptism signifying 1. both our putting on some think signified by the expression borrowed from the pulling of old clothes and putting on new a Ceremony used at Baptism in the Apostles times and after them in the primitive Church and being ingrafted into Christ so that we have right to his sufferings c. and 2. then by virtue of his death our being cleansed from sin typified by the water washing us and then 3. our putting to death crucifying and putting off the old man Rom. 6. 6. the son of Adam and so dying to sin signified by the ancient manner of immersion of the body under water nothing of it to be seen and 4. then our putting on the new man and Christ our being born again of water and the spirit and being made a new creature represented in the emersion and elevation again out of the water See Col. 2. 12. -3. 10. Jo. 3. 5. As if you stood by those curing waters of Bethesda nâ—…w stirred by an Angel and saw a son of the first Adam consisting all of flesh diving into those waters all polluted with sin and dying in them which thing one man in every ones stead did for us and then springing up a new child out of this old stock the son of the second Adam consisting of spirit Jo. 3. 6. 1 Cor. 6. 17. washed clean and pure to live a new life in obedience 2. After he hath thus Communicated unto us as many as are his members absolution from sin by his dying to it for us and our implantation into his death by baptism the second blessing he derives upon his seed is Righteousness Rom. 5. 15 18. 19. Luk. 1. 72 75. that by this we may attain life eternal as by deliverance from sin we escaped death And this righteousness this second Adam conveighs unto us in two manners As Adam in like manner did sin to his posterity 1. For first as we derived both from the example of Adams disobedience and from the propagation of his flesh a natural soliciter even in mans innocence for its own delights without regard of their lawfulness Gen. 3. 6. but much more after the fall a pronity to evil and by loss of the Spirit inability to good so from the example of Christs obedience and the traduction of his spirit we receive a new ability inclination and pronity to good and aversion from evil See Eph. 2. 10. Tit. 2. 14. Jo. 8. 39 41 44. Rom. Rom. 13. 14. Eph. 4. 23 24. Rom. 11. 16. 2. Again as his posterity for Adams one sin and disobedience was made sinner and judgment and condemnation came upon them who sinned not after the similitude of his transgression for not their but his disobedience and that also one onely disobedience of his Rom. 5. 12. c. to the 20th The branches being holy or unholy as the root is See Rom. 11. 16 28. Heb. 7. 9 10. So the posterity of Christ both when they yeild obedience yet for his obedience and righteousness not theirs is accepted theirs whether devotions or good works at least many of them being by reason of the remains of the old man as yet only crucified in part weak and imperfect but his compleat and exact for which therefore all the imperfections of theirs by faith are pardoned And when they disobey their obedience likewise being not constant their repentance if it be rightly performed i. e. by now dying to their new sin since baptism in pennance and mortifications and commemorating the Lords passion in the Communion Matt. 26. 28. 1 Jo. 2. 1 2. serving to the remission of sin as they died before to their old ones in Baptism and then by living afterward according to the spirit for his sufferings and obedience is also accepted for obedience So that we are made righteous in Christ see Rom. 8. 1. comp Heb. 7. 9. 10. as well as from Christ in our selves by his spirit as also we were sinners in Adam Rom. 5. 12. as well as from Adam in our selves by the flesh derived from Him See Rom. 5. 15 19. Phil. 3. 9. Rom. 8. 1. 2 Cor. 5. 21. 1 Cor. 1. 30. Eph. 1. 4 6. 1 Pet. 2. 5. Eph. 4. 24. Col. 3. 17. 3. Thus Jesus Christ the righteous 1 Joh. 2. 1. derives to all his members righteousness and life spiritual opposed to carnal Next He for this righteousness advanced by God to Immortality Kingdom Glory c. derives upon his seed the reward of Righteousness life eternal opposed to this
23. and as his glory so his sufferings in as much as part of hers are yet behind are said not to be yet compleat Col. 1. 24. And so he is said now to love the Church to nourish and cherish her out of the love he bears to himself for none ever hated his own flesh Eph. 5. 28. Especially the head in which are placed the senses for the good and defence of the whole body that is most sensible of any thing that happens unto it see Act. 9. 4. and more watchful in providing for it Therefore is this his love to her noted to be greater a more merciful faithful compassionate love from his being the second Adam and undergoing the experience of like infirmity then the blessed Angels or as he as God was if I may so say capable of See Heb. 2. 17 18. We being now the travail of his soul Esai 53. 11. for whom he endured the birth-throes of death Act. 2. 24. and therefore he as a pained mother the more loves us according to his sufferings for us Whose strait and intimate connexion and tye unto us in respect of this his second Adam-ship the Holy Ghost in the Scriptures hath expressed in all the nearest and dearest relations that can easily be fancied styling him and us In a new Creation or Regeneration where Christ is all in all Col. 3. 11. as Adam in the former Father and Children He being made after the perfect image of God and we after his He heir and Lord of all things and we by him who having lost our former title to the Creatures by the fall of Adam and upon this the use of many of them restrained have now a new right established thro him They being sanctified as it were now again by a new word of God in this new Creation as they were in the first and both thro Christ by which they are all free all clean upon prayer thanksgiving and alms to all his seed tho still unclean to all the rest See Rom. 14. 14. 1 Tim. 4. 3. Tit. 1. 15. Rom. 4. 14. Heb. 2. 5. Luk. 11. 41. 1 Cor. 3. 21 23. -7. 14. comp Tit. 3. 5. See Col. 1. 15. Rev. 3. 14. Heb. 1. 2 3. Heb. 2. 5. Gal. 6. 15. Rom. 8. 29. 2 Cor. 5. 17. Eph. 2. 10. Eph. 4. 24. Col. 3. 10. Esai 9. 6. -53. 10 11. Heb. 2. 13. Jo. 3. 3 4. Ps. 22. 30. Husband and Spouse A priviledge and relation to the Son of God which we shall have beyond the blessed Angels a similitude of nature being only capable of this For where are the Angels called the Bride the Lambs wife See Rev. 21. 9. Eph. 5. 25. c. 1 Cor. 6. 13 15. c. In which relation we are said to be members of Christ not only as the Hands or Feet are of the body natural but as Eve was of Adam of his flesh and of his bones and to be one spirit with Christ as Adam and Eve were one flesh Of which espousal and union of the Church with Christ the institution of marriage was but a figure and type And Adams saying to new made Eve This is now made bone c. Gen. 2. 23. but a prophecy And her being made out of Adams side but an allegory of the Churches springing out of Christs side pierced on the Cross so much observed by St. John Jo. 19. 34 35. 1 Jo. 5. 8. That water and blood which came from thence first begetting Jo. 3. 5. and then nourishing Jo. 6. 35. the Church his Spouse And mans being made head of the woman but an emblem of Christs being Head of the man 1 Cor. 11. 3. that is of mankind his spouse whom according to the ancient custome of not receiving a dowry with but paying one for the Virgin Gen. 34. 13. Exod. 22. 16. Christ is said to have bought with a dear price 1 Cor. 6. 20. even by giving himself for her Eph. 5. 25. that hereafter she should be wholly for him But yet tho she is betrothed already by the pledge of the spirit yet the marriage is not consummate nor to be celebrated but in Paradise where the first was This second Eve being as yet but in the forming as it were out of a crooked Rib by the hand of God Gen. 2. 21 22. in cleansing and purifying and making white forgetting her own people and her Fathers house Ps. 45. 10. so reproachful unto her future splendors c. that she may be presented at that day not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing a chast Virgin c. See 2 Cor. 11. 2. Eph. 5. 27. in dressing and putting on her wedding Garments that she may not be found naked as upon her fall she was in Paradise See 2 Cor. 5. 3. Rev. 3. 18. Rev. 19. 7 8. -16. 5. Matt. 22. 11. Head and Members This every where occurring Root and Branches The new stock into which we are ingrafted and planted by Baptism see Jo. 15. 1. c. Rom. 6. 3 4 5. -11. 17. -15. 12. Foundation and Building built up a Temple to be no more profaned and defiled 1 Pet. 2. 4 5. 1 Cor. 3. 16 17. 1 Cant. 8. 9 10. Rev. 21. 9. 10. Eph. 2. 20 21. and Christ the Corner stone in whom the two side-walls of Jew and Gentile are joined Eph. 2. 14 15. Elder and younger Brethren in respect of God our common Father Jo. 20. 17. The honor of which we shall the more value when we consider such a a contemptible Prodigal upon this relation only so royally entertained Luk. 15. Called also the first born consecrated to God for the rest The first fruits which under the law represented the whole Rom. 11. 16. 1 Cor. 15. 20. Rom 8. 29. Hence all thing done by him from these relations we have to him are said also to be done by us received by him to be received by us done to him to be done to us and done to us to him So we now dead to sin Rom. 6. 1. To the law Rom. 7. 4. Col. 2. 20. To the world the affections to it Gal. 6. 14. Now risen Col. 3. 1. now ascended and sitting in heavenly places Eph. 2. 6. Sons of God Heirs Gal. 3. 27. See Matt. 25. 40 45. Hence all Gods promises are fulfilled unto him first in his human nature and then descend only from and thro him to us And all that we return blessings prayer c. ascend and are acceptable only thro him and for his sake to God Eph. 1. 6. -3. 21. But we must know in this our new Creation and parentage that we being once created in all the business of our Salvation as God worketh in us so we work together with God that there is a concatenation and conspiring of Gods grace and our will That as this new image of God is formed in us by his spirit so by our endeavors and that there is a configuration as effected by him so
Civ Dei l. 10. And as spending of our lives for God and our Brethren so the spending of our Estates all our Alms and charities are Evangelical Gifts and Oblations and Sacrifices therefore many times anciently made by Christians at the Altar See Heb. 13. 16. Phil. 4. 18. I have received c. the things that were sent from you an odour of a sweet smell a sacrifice accâ—…ptable c. All our doings then and all our spendings our souls and our bodies Rom. 12. 1. the spending of our lives and of our estates all these make up one compleat Holocaust which we owe unto God under the Gospel of which those under the Elements of the world were types and in which they are fulfilled after that our Savior had first begun to us and sacrificed instead of Beasts himself 1 Pet. 2. 5. Col. 1. 24. Now these the peoples sacrifices under the Gospel as those under the Law must of necessity have a Priest to offer them for the reason mentioned not only because they are so nothing worth the best we can bring of them and so unprofitable when we have done all we can and God so self all-sufficient without them whose offerings to him whatever are only his gifts to us 1 Chron. 29. 14. all of us but our sins being his but because by contagion of sin in us they are also all unclean for who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean Job 14. 4. and he so pure and so holy that we are in the same condition as Uzziah 2 Chron. 26. 18. or Nadab and Abihu unless there be one to bear the iniquity of our holy things and thro whose merits towards God and Gods love unto him they may be accepted To whom methink God speaks as Moses Exod. 19. Do thou come up c. but let not the people least I break forth upon them And unto us as disguised Joseph did to his brethren see not my face unless you bring your Brother with you Or as God to to the Friends of Job 42. c. 8. v. Take with you a sacrifice and go to my servant Job and my servant Job shall pray for you for him I will accept or as to Abimelech concerning Abraham Gen. 20. 7. He is a Prophet and he shall pray for thee and thou shalt live For these intercessors were set down for types of this supreme Mediator By our Savior therefore all these our Sacrifices must be offered or by us in his name which is all one Phil. 1. 11. and that not only our praiers and petitions where we need and ask something that they may be heard thro Jesus Christ our Lord but our giving of thanks and glory to God Alas what glory can we give where we present something that they may be accepted We then first come to him and he offers them for us so we are said to praise to give thanks to give glory to God by him See Heb. 13. 15. Rom. 1. 8. Col. 3. 17. 1 Pet. 2. 4 5. Therefore he stiles himself the way to the Father Jo. 14. 6. and the door Jo. 10. 9. thro which we must pass And to God be glory in the Church by Christ. Eph. 3. 21. The tongue being in the head that speaks for the body 3. But thirdly he not only presents and delivers our petitions for us c. but he hath procured for us free admission to the Father to deliver them our selves not in a body by presence indeed as yet but by the spirit Eph. 2. 18. and sent us unto the Father to ask any thing in his name see Jo. 16. 23 24 26 27. according to which the Church directs her praiers not to him as he saith vers 23. but to the Father telling us that the Father himself for his sake loveth us vers 27. Eph. 1. 6. Rom. 8. 39. love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. In this far outdoing the mediation under the law where Moses indeed went up but the people were rail'd out and trembling and quaking stood afar off which preeminence of us the Apostle often intimates in the Epistles Heb. 12. 17. By him therefore now we also are said to draw nigh unto God to have access to the Father access with boldness to come boldly unto the throne of grace into the Holiest Heb. 10. 19 22. all our words and works to be accepted if done in his name c. See Heb. 4. 16. Eph. 5. 20. Heb. 7. 19 25. Eph. 2. 18. -3. 12. Col. 3. 17. And for these causes above-said it is that the Church so often in all Divine service repeats that holy dear name and St. Paul 't is noted in his Epistles above 500 times because to by thro and in Him and his name are all things said and done and to be done that are well and acceptably done Which name be it blessed for ever 4. After these acts of this High Priests intercession let us now proceed to the fruits and benefits thereof And first As the legal High Priest first after he had offered the sacrifice and again after he had carried in the blood into the Holyest blessed and put Gods name upon the people Lev. 9. 22. c. Numb 6. 27. So our Savior answerable to the first before he went into the Sanctuary Luk. 24. 50 and at other times blessed his people and answerable to the second also doth it since his going in blessing us from it because by his everlasting Priesthood needing to make no more offerings he is not to come out of it till the consummation of all things when he will yet in a more transcendent manner give us his blessing See Act. 3. 26. and what the blessing that he sent us was see Act. 2. 33. Upon whose blessing us from above that fire Act. 2. 2. descended upon the Apostles and consequently upon his Church ever since of which that material one which came out from before the Lord upon Aarons first blessing was a type Lev. 9. 24. Imagine him then first now speaking from Heaven putting his Fathers name upon us and pronouncing that form Numb 6. 24. and then after it all those spiritual and temporal blessings and deliverances of his Church here showred down by him but above all that fire of the Holy Spirit for ever burning upon the Altar of our hearts and hallowing all our sacrifices and elevating them unto God the manifold gifts and graces of which are mentioned elsewhere Only here take notice 1. Of the time of their collation and that was after his being ascended and entred into the Sanctuary and having interceded there See Jo. 7. 39. -16. 7. Act. 2. 33. Eph. 4. 7 8. Jo. 14. 28 29. So that we have and do receive far greâ—…ter advantages by his absence and service there then we could by his corporal presence here Blessed be God by whose wisdom all things serve for our good as also appears in his Disciples far more expert in knowledg
who shall be saved in that day yet this salvation shall be much more difficultly attained by some then others 1 Cor. 3. 15. It cannot be imagined that the state of all the souls of those who rest in peace are alike blissful in the interval between death and judgment or equally comforted of some of whom such a severe examen is afterwards to be passed It cannot be that such a difference of the salvandi being to be in judgment there should be none before it nor the same soul so much in bliss at one time as some other see Rev. 20. 4. -14. 1. -7. 4 9 14 15. comp Rev. 6. 10 11. Yet it seems plain I say that the soul in general severed from the body doth afterwards of it self subsist That it is still intelligent and hath use of its faculties That it because other spirits are is capable 〈◊〉 â—…wing things corporeal That it certain of salvation passeth at least those of the more perfect carried thither by Angels Luk. 16. 22. comp Matt. 24. 31. Luk. 16. 9. comp Luk. 12. 20. into a place of rest consolation inchoative bliss or certain of its damnation of imprisonment and inchoated pain till the resurrection of the body Secondly That the souls of the faithful since his resurrection are gathered to Christ and do tho not all in the same proximity and degrees of consolations then see and behold him and the blessed Angels See 2 Cor. 5. 7. comp with 6. 8. for if St. Paul desires this change because here we walk by faith not by sight therefore we walk there by sight not by faith See 1 Cor. 13. 12. comp with 10. and Heb. 12. 23. So Calvin who spake very warily in this point Animae piorum militiae labore defunctae in beatam quietem concedunt ubi cum felici laetitia fruitionem promissâ—… gloriae expectant and again Christus illis praesens est eas recipit in paradisum ut consolationem percipiant c. Reproborum vero animâ—… the furthest removed from God and light cruciatus quales meritae sunt patiuntur vinctae catenis ut etiam diaboli Jude 6. tenentur donec ad supplicium cui addictae sunt trabantur It is plain I say from these texts well considered Matt. 10. 28. Job 1. 8. 2 Cor. 12. 2 4. Heb. 12. 23. Act. 7. 59. Luk. 23. 43 46. 1 Pet. 3. 19. Phil. 1. 23. 2 Cor. 5. 1 2 3. comp 6. and 8. Luk. 16. 22. 〈◊〉 20. Rev. 19. 22. comp 20. 12. In some of which tho some things are said of the person yet they must needs be understood only of the soul Animus cujusque est quisque And indeed it were unreasonable to deny to the soul in its state of separation that converse with God those favors revelations c. from him which we must grant to it in an extasy wherein the body lies as it were dead and unserviceable unto it which St. Paul experienced in his raptures 2 Cor. 12. 2. and to the Prophets in their dreams These things granted to see a little further whether any thing can be discovered concerning the imployments c. of the souls of the Blessed that are with Christ. First we find the Court of Heaven as now it is since our Saviors Ascension described by the Apostle Heb. 12. 22. c. to consist of God Christ Angels a Church or general assembly of the first-born and spirits of just men made perfect called by him in other places the Family in Heaven Eph 3. 15. Thâ—… Jerusalem above our Mother-City Gal. 4. 26. Heb. 12. 22. In respect of which we are said to have our 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in heaven Phil. 3. 20. And perhaps that text Eph. 2. 〈◊〉 where we are said to be set down with Christ may be meant of that part of the Church which now resides in Heaven Again in all St. Johns visisions we find besides all the usual appearances of the old Testament first the representation of a Church or Ecclesiastical Senate now in heaven described before Heb. 12. 22. and these there praising God for the Creation Rev. 4. 10 11. then the Lamb Rev. 5. 8. for his mercy to the Church and for his judgment upon its enemies for all the works of God are one of these two for the reward they had received Redemption of the whole Church out of every nation and people amongst which still this comes in that they were made Priests and Kings as we find it every where frequent see Rev. 1. 6. -7. 15. -20. 6. and for that they should receive reigning upon earth i. e. in the new Jerusalem descending from Heaven Rev. 21. 2. after the execution of Gods judgments upon their the Churches enemies See Rev. 5. 9 10. -11. 16 17 18. which praise in the 4. and 11. chap. the 24. Presbyters singly perform and tho in the 5th the Cherubims joyn with them 't is in the worshiping not in the song as drawn in that form for else the Angels every where glorify God as fellow Servants Rev. 19. 10. -22. 9. for his mercies to the Church 2dly Besides this Senate we find mention of souls first of the primitive Martyrs those slain for the witness of Jesus appearing under the Altar where sacrifices were slain and the blood which is the life or soul Lev. 17. 14. poured out at foot thereof and here crying out How long before the time of vengeance Rev. 6. 10. not that they thirst after Revenge but their reward yet this thirst void of impatience which it seems was not to be bestowed till the accomplishment of the rest of their Brethren yet under persecution and the destruction of their enemies see Rev. 20. chap. as Gods reward and punishments have their solemn and set times and are not of men single but of many together thus it is in the first resurrection Rev. 20. 4 5. after destruction of the Beast c. Rev. 19. 20. those sooner and later martyred crowned at once and thus in the second Resurrection Rev. 20. 12. At the destruction of Satan and death those long and lately dead raised at once Meanwhile there are given them white Robes and rest Rev. 6. 11. white robes implying both the righteousness innocency holiness of these Saints which they bring with them from the Earth see Rev. 19. 8. -7. 4. -3. 4. and the glory and light and beauty which is given to this innocency from God after this upon their number accomplished and judgment ready to be executed upon those who killed them See Rev. 8. 7. c. we find these souls clothed with white robes and palms in their hands standing before the Throne c. and praising God and admitted to serve him in his Temple and to follow the Lamb c. Rev. 7. 9 15. c. Next we find the souls of those who living in latter times had gotten the victory over the Beast first with patience resting and their good works i. e. their white linnen following them
all knowledg of the various wisdom of God and mysteries of his works but being successively in the due time increaâ—…ed in it according to the dispensation of the Almighty see Eph. 3. 10. 1 Pet. 1. 12. continually receive their greater illumination and perfection of knowledg he being the eternal wisdom of God and light of the whole world Of whom he is head also as he is of the Church therefore called the elect Angels as men 1 Tim. 5. 21. from whom 't is conceived for doubtless they are conserved by and in all things depend on him by whom they were created they possess their present confirmative grace and illuminations Rev. 19. 10. and shall hereafter receive at the end of the world a greater glory see Eph. 1. 10. Col. 2. 10. -1. 20. As over the Church so over the adversaries of it Luk. 19. 27. Rev. 19. 15. -1. 7. 2 Thess. 1 7 8. As over Christian so over Heathen Kingdoms governing them also with his providence and by his Angels Dan. 10. 13 20. Dan. 11. 1. As over bodies so over souls and consciences to know convince to send torment and self-condemnation into them Rom. 2. 16. 1 Cor. 4. 5. -14. 24. 2 Cor. 10. 2 3. c. Act. 5. 5. -2. 37. -24. 25. Jo. 16. 8. Tit. 3. 11. having power over the laws what shall oblige them what not Annulling the former Ceremonials of Moses Lord of the Sabbath c. Col. 2. 8 9 17 21. Act. 15 10. Gal. 5. 1. -4. 3. Eph. 2. 14. Power to remit and to retain sins with the key of David opening and shutting as he pleasetâ—… Joh. 5. 22. Act. 10. 42. Act. 17. 31. Power as over the living so over the dead the Author of the raising again of their bodies 1 Cor. 15. 45. Jo. 5. 28. all that are in the grave shall hear his voice c. and the disposer of eternal life or torments to whom he pleaseth Jo. 6. 54. -10. 28. Phil. 3. 21. The final Judge and this as man Act. 17. 31. Rev. 1. 7. Jo. 5. 22. Act. 10. 42. before whose tribunal all must appear 2 Cor. 5. 10. judging most righteously being the wisdom of the Father the word the truth Most throughly and those things especially which escape all former judgments of men the secrets of men Rom. 2. 16. the counsels of the heart 1 Cor. 4. 5. See what a word it is that we have to do with in that day described Heb. 4. 12 13. Very accurate and punctual in weighing the several worths of every mans works and putting fire to those that are drossy even of those whom he saves See 1 Cor. 3. 13 15. Gal. 6. 4 5. Judging not only men but Angels 1 Cor. 6. 3. and these not only the evil to pass their sentence and deliver them up to torments Matt. 8. 29. 2 Pet. 2. 4. but probably the good also for their reward non disquisitione meritorum sed retributione praemiorum for tho from the beginning of the world they both in respect of their own demenor in themselves have had their sentence and the one then confirm'd in grace and goodness the other having left to them no regress from evil yet in quantum actibus hominum communicati ratione eorum quae circa homines operantur as the Schools the one sort here not doing more necessarily good then the other evil nor the other more rejoycing in our straying from God then the other in our Conversion Luk. 15. 10. which argues the diligence of the one for our salvation as of the other for our destruction Therefore I say if these have not all their punishment already but shall suffer also for deceiving men Rev. 20. 10. and who knows whether this likewise in a just proportion why should we imagine the other to have all their advancement Especially since they are not yet freed from many charges and imployments about persons in dignity much inferior unto them and the perfection of blessedness seems to consist in rest and the end of motion which alwaies tends to something yet desired not attained But occulta Domino Deo nostro Meanwhile how terrible this to those who tread the blood of the Covenant under foot to have their violated enemy their Judge 2 Cor. 5. 11 How comfortable this to those who obâ—…y him to have their Brother to have Power as over men so much more over all the other Creatures Seas Winds and Heaven and Earth who as he made the old so hereafter shall make a new world ending with a Creation of it as he began by the same power by which here He to our astonishment or another in his name i. e. by his power Act. 3. 16. did create or repair an eye or leg or some small piece thereof He being the grand Liberator of the whole world at last as well as of the Sons of God Rom. 8. 21. and Heaven and Earth being in his power as well as all the power therein given him See Heb. 5. 5. 2 Pet. 3. 13. Rev. 21. 1. That we may know that there is nothing nor present nor to come nor high nor low from which he cannot defend us out of which he cannot deliver us Rom. 8. 38 39. and over which we also are not rulers and conquerors thro him that being flesh of our flesh loveth us v. 37. But amongst all these over whom he hath power yet his care is now more special toward the Church his body Eph. 1. 21. Heb. 3. 6. sending abroad Teachers Eph. 4. 7 11. c. distributing to several several gifts of the spirit Phil. 4. 13. communicating a great part of his power to them whatever they ask doing it for them c. helping them in miseries afflictions tho not as yet keeping these from them delivering them from the mastery tho not as yet from the assaults of their enemies For tho all power every where is given him and when any is executed t is executed by him and no part almost of this his universal power but hath in a specimen for an essay and testimony of it been executed by Him already even to that highest one of raising the Dead by him and by others also by his power yet this power was not received to be in every part executed all at once but according to the dispensation of the times appointed by the Father who gave him this power See Heb. 2. 8 9. 1 Cor. 15. 23. c. Matt. 20. 23. He governing all according to his Fathers will whose will yet is the same with his own Therefore is he in respect of some acts of his power described sitting down at Gods right hand and resting and expecting Heb. 10. 13. till the time comes of doing every thing in that order that the Prophets have foretold it i. e. that the Father hath fore-ordained it Act. 3. 21. who hath put the times and seasons of every thing in
in all times but only to some generations according to the good pleasure of the Father to whom his kingdom is subject in every country and again to some Countries in every age Matt. 24. 14. How narrow was the sound of the promulgation of his kingdom at first Into any Village of the Samaritans enter ye not How obscure his Sermons And without a parable spake he not unto them How uncapable his Auditors Not able to bear his doctrines Jo. 16. 12. Luk. 24. 21. Great works were done when he was present here but greater to be done after his departing hence Jo. 14. 12. His personal presence with his servants which was a great encouragement to them being advanced into an assisting them with his presence with God in heaven and his spiritual presence not with but in them receiving there from the Father and giving unto them the Holy Ghost by which themselves ignorant whilst his body was with them were enlightned with all truth and thousands now at a time converted to the Truth Therefore was it expedient for the promoting of his kingdom to go hence His Commission before being only from the Jews I am not sent c. Maâ—…t 15. 24. but after his ascent receiving the promise for the Gentiles when he asked of God and had given him the Heathen also for his inheritance Ps. 2. 8. And shedding the gift of all manner of tongues upon his Disciples for instructing them And ever since hath he enlarged his borders and advanced to a further perfection towards his fulneâ—…s which is his body the Church Eph. 1. 21. still bringing more sheep into his fold Jo. 10. 16. and gathering up the children of the kingdom as his Father hath given them him here and there in this or in the next generation not loosing one of those be gives him and sending his Laborers hither and thither according as his harvest is ripe Now forbidding his Apostles to sow their seed in one place where he sees the ground is yet too stubborn to receive it as in Asia Act. 16. 6. and in Bithynia vers 7. They assayed to go into Bithynia but the spirit of Jesus as many Copies suffered them not and in Jerusalem Act. 22. 18 21. They in Jerusalem will not receive thy testimony concerning me make hast depart I will send thee to the Gentiâ—…es Again guiding them and that by appearing himself in person to other places where he saw he had by his Father given him much people as at Corinth Antioch Ephesus See Act. 13. 48. -16. 10. -18. 9 10. -8. 39. Then spake the Lord to Paul Be not afraid for I have much people in this City So in places where they might do him more service pricking them forward extraordinarily with the secret instigations of his spirit See Act. 17. 16. -18. 5. -19. 21. driving Paul without any rest to Jerusalem that he might convey him thence by occasion of a false accusation to sow the Gospel at Rome See Act. 13. 2. -8. 1 4. more spreading the Gospel by a persecution of the professors Gods work being not good without evil But Good out of evil All this zeal toward the Gentile after he had out of his dear affection to his own nation first made tender of their ministry to the Jew where then refused yet in the time appointed his standard shall be set up and they also shall bow unto his Scepter and unto Sion shall come the deliverer Rom. 11. 26. comp with Esai 59. 20. and the light of the Gentiles shall also be the glory of Israel Thus the Sun of righteousness goeth on and prospereth and none are hid from the heat thereof but also as the Sun he enlightneth not all this Sphere at once First rising upon the Jew from them shining on the Gentile amongst these first visiting the proselytes and those who were before introducted into the Jew's religion for such were most of the first Converts Act. 16. 14. -17. 4 12 17. 18. 7. but from these by little and little spreading to the rest of the Gentiles those before abounding in all idolatry and amongst these to the Eastern and Asiatick people sooner the light of the Gospel holding the same course with that of the Sun and night also since having succeeded the day in places where it first shined then to the European and the West those whom the Gospel visited later being recompensed in this that they have retained it longer But this so as the light is still increasing and far more here added to the fold of that great Shepheard then have there apostatized from it and still it proceeds and hath passed over the broadest Seas to new discovered kingdoms America and so from them hath made the round to the furthest East China to the posterity of Sem For by him was the East generally peopled as the North by Japhet and the South by Cham and from them shall at last return to the posterity of Abraham the bodâ—… of the Jewish nation from whence it set forth Rom. 11. with whom we hope that a remnant of Cham s seed also out of which hath sprung that great enemy of Christ shall be gathered to the Church Ps. 72. 10 11. and then that wicked one with those that obstinately follow him be utterly destroyed and then Noah's curse fully accomplished And 〈◊〉 observable that at the same time the Gospel began to decay in some parts it began to be planted in others When the Eastern and African Churches began to be overgrown with Apostacy and Heresy the Northern nations Germany Pole Denmark Sweden Norway c. began to be gathered into the Church And after that the West again had been overrun with the grossest superstitions Sects and Divisions the Gospel was hastily transferred to the East and West-Indies From Christian assemblies it hath grown to Christian States and from these again as it has been of a long time generally belived shall encrease into a Christian and the fifth and last Empire not that all that live then shall be Saints or that the world shall be under one Monarch an opinion made to serve the ends of sedition and tyranny but all or most for their religion Christians neither shall Antichristianism be universal either for place or time Of the 10 horns this Enemy shall prevail but over three Dan. â—… 8. and as he shall be toward the end of the world so shall he not continue unto it nor have the honor mundo secum moriente mori but those Kings at last shall make him desolate who before gave their strength unto him And our Saviour shall conquer the world first another way before by setting it on fire His spirit his word first shall prevail over it over the hearts and souls of men and they shall one day before the last become subjects not only to his power but to his truth when Satan also himself before the time that he shall be utterly destroyed shall first have shackles
laid upon him that he cannot walk about and seduce After which conquest first over the ministers and the temptations of Satan he shall also destroy Satan himself and take his Saints also out of the hands of death and raise them again by his power given him from the Father and glorifie them His Kingdom in respect of his members seeming to have three degrees of its growth and his throne 3 steps or ascents one much higher then another The first beginning at his resurrection a kingdom of grace chiefly when our Savior first goes forth conquering and to conquer Rev. 6. 2. The second beginning at the fall of Antichrist and restraint of Satan Rev. 19. 20. -20. 2. The entrance of our Savior into a kingdom of power a kingdom mixt of grace and of glory too his kingdom on earth See Rev. 19. 6. -20. 4. The third which is the consummation of it and the kingdom of absolute glory his kingdom in heaven beginning at the destroying the last enemy Death and the general resurrection Rev. 20. 12. 2 Tim. 4. 1. Matt. 25. 31. Luk. 19. 12. And then he shall give up this kingdom unto the Father when God shall become all in all in him and in us That is when this Vicegerent in a kingdom now full of opposition shall have gathered all Gods elect into safety and felicity destroyed all enemies and gathered out of it all things that offend Matt. 13. 41. finished his business for which he reigned i. e. our salvation Then shall this General give up his Commission as we say there needs no government where nothing can disobey and return with the Father and and the Holy Spirit to govern after a new and in respect of the manner of it if I may so say after an higher way i. e. God shall govern immediately without any appropriated service of Christ or Angels or men his substitutes or use of external means without the least contradiction or opposition of any thing in his kingdom whereby his glory now is as it were violated and diminished himself offended and displeased When God takes again to him as it were his great power see the expression Rev. 11. 17. for God the Father by the wickedness of free will now as it were admits and undergoes some diminution of his glory and governs with as entire and pure a glory as we may imagine he did before the world was and when there was nothing but himself and perfect and infinite glory reflected only from himself Our Savior also having this kingdom resign'd as he then had it with him Jo. 17. 5. So now as then above all and thro all and in all Eph. 4. 6. as all being nothing but himself all So that this resignment of our Saviors government such as now it is is only the transition of it into a greater perfection for it endures for ever and ever Luk. 1. 33. The more things multiplicious are united and things diverse 〈◊〉 into God the more they also being perfected Which as it is true in all other creatures so also according to his humanity may be verified of our Savior blessed for ever more In respect of which consummation of all things that is yet to come all the present things which are consummations of the types of former times are but types themselves and imperfections as also many of those prophecies that are already fulfilled in there are to have a second fuller accomplishment hereafter Our Saviors first coming but a type of the second and the prophecies applyed to this see Mal. 3. 1. Matt. 3. 10 12. much more verified and fulfilled in that Our Sabbaths but types of the rest to come the present communion of Christs body and blood and the present inhabitation of his spirit but types and earnest-pence of a more intimate incorporation and union to him hereafter When whatever he is we shall be like him tho we cannot now imagine what we shall be and our present knowledg and conceit of things seeing them under the law thro a veil under the Gospel thro a glass somewhat clearer but not yet face to face 2 Cor. 3. 14 18. 1 Cor. 13. 12. such as shall hereafter vanish away 1 Cor. 13. 8 12. but by improvement as Stars vanish in a greater light Meanwhile all things under this King of Saints go on apace to their perfection by whom all that is imperfect shall at last be done away And in his Majesty may he ride on prosperously and may his arrows be sharp in the heart of his enemies and the people be subdued unto him and may he remember his poor servants now he is in his kingdom to whom be glory for ever Amen Lastly to conclude this chapter as the rest what is said of his Kingdom is verifyed also of the Saints By whose merits after whose example under whose conduct assisted by his spirit protected by his power all those who depend on him shall also overcome shall have a kingdom thrones reign on Earth rule over the nations judge men and Angels c. only saving to him the primogeniture the preeminence the right hand c. Rev. 2. chap. 3. CHAP. IX The Benefits of our Savior common to all Generations ever since the Creation LASTLY As all these benefits come to mankind by and thro Christ so they came alwaies by him to all generations of men ever since the Creation And as well these before as those since his coming in the flesh attained salvation and were blessed only by in and thro him God perfecting as all his other works so that of our redemption by degrees and still reserving some better thing behind to superinduce upon the former that the precedent without the following times might not be made perfect Heb. 11. 40. appointed not the full-manifestation of his Son for taking away our sin c. nor after the Son reascended the visible and more plenary descension of the Holy Ghost for enabling our obedience c. till the last times indeed But yet he not only promised them I mean to his Church from the beginning where note that in what manner the sending of the Messias or the promised seed so the sending of the spirit wat only promised to former ages See for this which is less taken notice of Gal. 3. 14. Act. 2. 3â—… 39. Esai 32. 15. -44. 3. Jer. 31. 33. -32. 40. Ezek. 11. 19. -36. 27. Joel 2. 29. Zech. 12. 10. c. and raised a continued expectation and longing for them both in men and Angels Mal. 3. â—… 1 Pet. 1. 12. and therefore the faithful were then called the children of the promises and the priviledges of the Jews the then Church of God said to be great in that they had the promises see Rom. 9. 4. -3. 3. Act. 2. 39. But he also exhibited them and this not only in types the figures and representations of what was to come As all former times were almost in all things types of the latter
by which his 2 Effected by him §. 15. The Eucharist iucorporating us into his life The Sacrament of Union §. 16. All tâ—…ese Benefits depend on our being made his 〈◊〉 §. 17. Which we are by the derivation to us of his nature â—… His Spirit §. 18. Given to us upon Faith and Repentance §. 19 Our new birth at our Baptism Not 〈◊〉 perfected §. 20. By this spirit the image of Christ first formed in the soul. It s mighty working in the soul oâ—… the like graces to those in Christ. His 〈◊〉 in the soul not 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 this life Umbra in lege Imago in Evangelio veritas in coelo S. Ambros. §. 21. 2 Shall be also in the body hereafter Wâ—…en we shaâ—…l more propâ—…y be the 〈◊〉 of God It s mighty working in the body of the like glory to that in Christ. §. 21. Before the resurrection as we so our Head not compleat §. 22. The diverse relations of Christ to us as second Adam Father Children Husband Wife Root Branches Foundation building Elder younger brethren Configuration as wrought by â—…im so to be advanced likewise by us §. 1. The Holy God not admitting to his service the approach of sinners But of some chosen and consecrated persons in their behalf Some ministring at a greater distance tâ—…e Levite Some nearer The 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 line only §. 2. And nearer yet the High Priest His Office §. g. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of Priesi 〈◊〉 imperfect decaying and except typically 〈◊〉 §. 4 This Order Expired Jesus Christ the true High Priest 〈◊〉 li 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 nature 2 In the 〈◊〉 thereof Called to this office and anointed by God Of the order of Melchisedeck i. e. Regal and Eternal §. 5. This Holy Priest offering the sacrifice a sin-offering §. 6. After this entring into the Sâ—…nctum Sanctorum Without which his office had been imperfect and ineffectual §. 7. He entring thro the heavens to the true sanctuary The vail of the other being now rent and it made common 1 The description of this Sanctuary §. 8. 2 Of his person entring §. 9 〈◊〉 in the sacrifice And sprinkling the blood before the Lord. §. 10. Making Intercession 1 In presenting his own prayers to the Father for us §. 11. 2 In presenting also our praiers and oblations to the Father The sacrifices and oblations of Christians §. 12. §. 13. 3 In procuring our admission to deliver them our selves unto the 〈◊〉 §. 14. The benefits of his intercession Procuring us the Holy Spirit from the Father And all blessings spiritual and temporal Himseâ—…f imâ—… conâ—… them 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 §. 15. As High Priest intercessor answering to Aaron So by his royal Priesthood Captain of Gods people answering to Moses 2 To Joshua And the forerunner into the place of rest 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 §. 16. The substitutes of this Priest in his own necessary absence here on earth 1 To present his sacrifice 2 To make intercession for the people §. 17. This honor of Priesthood from Him to be communicated to all his Brethren In some sort alâ—… they officiating in it here on earth But shall more compleatly after tâ—…e day of judgment Being 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 as He. And serving God for â—…ver 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Temple 2 Priests also in some sense in the soul after Death §. 18 A glympse of the after-death condition of the souls of the Blessed §. 19 This High Priests at the last day return out of the Sanctuary and reappearance to the people §. 1. Before our Saviors incarnation God the 〈◊〉 by him created sustained governed the whole world And more specialâ—…y the Church §. 2. Our Saviors descent from his eternal throne for mans sake §. 3 A kingdom promisâ—…d to man at â—…first §. 4. Our Savior became man and by obedience and sufferings gained it And so by him all Adams postevity that follow him §. 5. The power and extent of Christs kingdom â—… Over Angels Good Eâ—… 2 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 3 Souls â—…odies 4 〈◊〉 to 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 5 Sins to remit to retain them 6Over living over dead The last Judge 1 Of men brought back to life 2 And also Angels The good and the bad â—…ter of 〈◊〉 and â—…ments 7 〈◊〉 all the Creaâ—…ures A new world to be made by Him As men have seen some pieces of it by him repaired §. 6. The manner of exercising this his Regal powâ—…r §. 7. Which is by certain degrees advancing §. 8. 1 In respect of subduing his Enemies 1 Antichrist 2 Satan 3 Death 2 In respect of enlarging his dominion 1 To the Jew in part 2 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 3 To the Jew Apostatized §. 9. At last perâ—… 〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 § 10. The three Ascents of his throne §. 11. The whole work 〈◊〉 all his members câ—…mpleated â—…mies conquered resigning up his ingdom to the Father §. 12. §. 1. The Old world had not only the types but the benefits of the promises Had the presence and conduct of the sâ—…n of God â—…nd the presence and assistance of the Holy Spirit §. 2. The Government of the old world by the Son §. 3 All judgments and vengeance §. 4. Executed by the second person of the Trinity 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 §. 5. Of an 〈◊〉 having 〈◊〉 Attributes §. 6. Some old Testament apparitions must be granted to be of the second person From these granted others in reason cannot be denyed As those to Abraham To Noah To Jacob c. That to Moses on Mount Sinai on the 〈◊〉 In the Wilderness In the Temple c. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 Him 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 §. 7. The descent of the Hoâ—…y Ghost under the old Testament Some sprinklings then of all its gifts It s 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in some 〈◊〉 men And specially on the sons of the Prophets § 8. The 2 Covenants from the tâ—…e Two generations alwaies One of works the other of faith §. 9. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Seth the first Father of the Holy Race Enos Enoch 〈◊〉 §. 9. Of tâ—…e covenant of Grace made or rather renewed with him 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 type of Baâ—… Of the Eucharist §. 11. Shem The Lord called the God of Shem. §. 11. Abraham Of the Covenant of Grace renewed with and the Gospel preached to him And of the Sacraments belonging to it David The same Covenanâ—… renewed to him The Prophets Of Gods frequent renewing of the covenant of grace to his people by them §. 12 And by extraordinary Teachers constantly reforming the Church at certain times when much declining 〈◊〉 his true worship and least deserving it As by Enoch Noah Abraham § 13. Moses Samuel and David Zerubbabel and Joshuah His own Son §. 14 God for â—…ver preservinâ—… the 〈◊〉 not 〈◊〉 to its 〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 own 〈◊〉 purpose and pleâ—…sure §. 15. The eminent promulgatioâ—… of the Covenant of Grace 430 â—…ears seniour to that of the law The Gospel preached to the same people when the law was The law to the children of faith coâ—…sistent with subservient to and no way annâ—…lled by the Covenant of Grace or the Gospel §. 16. Tho to the children of works a killing letter Yet 〈◊〉 to drive them made sensible of their inability forward into tâ—…e Covenant of Grace §. 17. The two ministrations of the law by Moses and the spirit by Christ how and how not opposed The Ancients had a waies the same way of salvation as the latter times §. 18. §. 19. The same justification and sanctification The same obedience tâ—…en required and performed §. 20. The Parallel precepts under tâ—…e law to those under the Gospel §. 21. The same sufferings and mortifications c. required and undergone Consider the old Testament mortifications Temporal afflictions of the godly Of single persons godâ—…y Of nations godly 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Under the new Testament temporal prosperity in some sense to the godly § 22. 3 The same rewards eternal then promised Punishments eternal threatned The common belief of all nations concerning these Of the Ancient 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a resurrection of the body The scriptures of the old Testament Concerning a resurrection Concerning eternal bliss after it of the faithful Eternal punishment of the wicked Paena damni Paena sâ—…nsus §. 2â—… Conclusioâ—…
powerful in working according to the promise Jo. 14. 20. after his departure 2. Of the manner of their conveyance which will much advance our confidence if we consider our near relation For we receive them not by his procurement only from the Father but even from his own hand Every good and perfect gift cometh from the Father c. Jam. 1. 17. but thro and by immediate donation of the Son and by the same way as all our praiers and sacrifices ascend and enter in blessings come forth of this Sanctâ—…ary Upon his asking all things are given him Psal. 2. 8. whom the Father alwaies hears and at his own pleasure he dispenseth them Act. 2. 33. â—…ph 1. 3. And this the having in his own power the gift of all things from whose hands we may be sure we shall want nothing belongs peculiarly to the tenure of his Priesthood being Melchisedechial and joyned with Kingship Sacerdotium Regale or Sacerdotale regnum i. e. having royalty and power joyned with it as before the law these two were joyned in the Princes of families so after the law they are united in Christ a King over all but Him whom as a Priest he serves Therefore we find him sitting at the right hand and the promise of having his enemies made his footstool so frequently joined with his Priesthood and intercession for to shew the everlasting power of his Priesthood See Heb. 8. 1. Rom. 8. 34. Ps. 110. 1. comp with 4. Act. 2. 33. Ps. 2. 8. Therefore since he ever liveth to make intercession he is able to save saith the Apostle not willing only Heb. 7. 25. Able to succour Heb. 2. 18. see Jo. 17. 2 24. Father I will that c. Jo. 14. 13 14. If ye shall ask any think in my name his asking or our asking in his name is all to one effect as is shewed before I will do it where he shews both his dependance on his Father as a Priest and power over all things else as a King Besides this officiating as an Intercessor in Heaven as a Sanctuary as he is High Priest wherein he is compared to Aaron Our Savior by the same Apostle in his treatise of his Priesthood is called the Captain of our Salvation bringing many sons of God unto glory Heb. 2. 10. Lord of the houshold of God and conducter of them into a promised place of rest and forerunner entred before them into Heaven as it is the land of promise and this as he is a regal High Priest wherein he is compared to Moses and Joshua his successor conducters of Israel towards Canaan See Heb. 2. 10. -3. 1 2 6. -4. 8 9 14. -6. 20. comp with Heb. 12. 1 2 18 22 25. -11. 14 16. We being in this world after our deliverance from Egypt the dominion of Satan and sin and passing thro the Red Sea of Baptism 1 Cor. 10. 2. yet as in the Wilderness a dry and thirsty land where no water is as the Psalmist spiritually complains of it see Psal. 63. 1. -39. 12. -119. 19. whoever take it for any thing else much mistake it now under Christ I speak of him according to his manhood our Conductor as they were under Moses and Joshua and all things that were done there were examples 1 Cor. 10. 6 11. First therefore as Moses when the mount of God burnt with fire nothing but blackness and darkness and tempest nothing but wrath and judgment towards us and fear least the fire of the Lord should break forth upon us having all sinned as Israel had and none durst draw near to speak for us Behold him coming forth out of the midst of us the true Mediator and going for us into the Mount and there like Moses Exod. 32. 30. making an attonement for us And tho there is yet to come another shaking of all things shaking heaven and earth and all in pieces under this second Moses Heb. 12. 26. far more terrible then that under the first wherein he shall come in judgment to destroy his enemies from which then there shall be no Mediator to hinder him as Exod. 32. 10 11. yet then to those that obey him this Mount Sinai shall be changed into Mount Sion and the city of the living God c. see Heb. 12. 22. c. where are such and such glorious company And thither shall he also carry up his Brethren after the remainder of the 40 daies or 6 weeks of his abode there are expired Meanwhile from thence not from an higher place of the earth but from the highest heaven into which he is gone up he continually speaks unto us not with that terror as the Angels from Mount Sinai gave the law but with the soft voice of his spirit the ministration of which by him is opposed to that of the law by Moses 2 Cor. 3. 8 9. And wo be to all them that refuse to hear him far beyond those that refused to hear Moses Heb. 12. 25. -10. 29. 2. And then as resembled by Joshua or Jesus called so as a type of him he is the Conductor also of the people of God into the true land of promise Heb. 4. 8. the place of rest the rest of God Heb. 4. 5. Into which God hath sworn no unbelievers shall enter And into this our blessed Savior is entred already before us and set down the posture of resting at the right hand of God entred not only as a forerunner Heb. 6. 20. or leader to give an example that we should follow him thither the Anchor of our hope being already cast within the veil by the taking possession of this our forerunner Heb. 6. 19 20. But also a forerunner or Harbinger as Joshua his type also was to view that good land as it were and there to prepare a place for us Jo. 14. 2 3. in that house where are many mansions the heavens that we see being but a center to it from whence God looks down upon them as they upon the earth Ps. 113. not any therefore but an honourable a choice place there see Rev. 4. 4. where the Church-men were sitting on either side of Gods Throne in the midst of all the glorious train of Heaven and the Angels standing in a circle about them Rev. 5. 11. -7. 11. Father I will that those be with me where I am to behold my Glory c. Jo. 17. 24. not in the same region but in the same place of it where his glorious body is not in the Country only but of the Court following and waiting on the Lamb there where ever he goeth which is named as some special honour Rev. 16. 4. -7. 15. -3. 4. And from thence after this place prepared for us and us for it he hath promised to come again and accompany us thither in person Thus is he a forerunner to all the faithful in respect of their bodies entring into that celestial Canaan he being the first-born from the dead but
again forerunner according to the opinion of antiquity of the souls too entring into the heavenly Sanctuary in respect of the spirits not only of all Saints dying since him of this no question but of all those that deceased before him from the beginning the very first into this Sanctuary as none ever entred for the cause but by and in relation to him so none for the time beâ—…ore him which opinion seems to be strengthned from thâ—… expressions of our Savior concerning Lazarus That He i. e. his soul. as Luk. 21. 43. this day shalt thou i. e. thy soul was carried by Angels into Abrahams bosom as being Father of the faithful a place of bliss doubtless being opposed to the other's place of torment wherein Lazarus received consolations but now we are said to be gathered unto Christ after this life we and Abraham and all into Christs bosom ours and Abrahams Father See 2 Cor. 5. 1. c. Phil. 1. 23. Act. 7. 59. Eph. 1. 10. Again as 't is said in general Heb. 9. 8. That the way into the holiest was not made manifest under the old Testament so in particular of the Saints of it that they received not the promises before us Which may be interpreted not only of the promises of the Messias but also of those obtained thro him spoken of vers 13 14 16. that they without us were not made perfect Heb. 11. 40. and perhaps in respect of this is the same term used Heb. 12. 23. of the spirits of just men now made perfect i. e. admitted into the Holiest by and with our Savior according to the hymn having overcome death thou openedst the kingdom of heaven to all Therefore none of tâ—…e old Testament Celestial visions have any representation of any Church there none of the new are without it See Rev. 4. 4. Heb. 12. 22 23. where setting down the Court of Heaven he numbers the spirits of just men and the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 probably the same with those primitiae Rev. 14. 4. To this purpose some apply Zech. 9. 11 12. comp 9. Jo. 14. 3. Matt. 25. 6 10. Into which notwithstanding the good tidings this Joshuah hath told us of it many fail to enter in partly thro unbelief of the glory and riches of that place beyond this Egypt or Wilderness like those Numb 14. chap. longing and lusting after denyed Onyons and Garlick whilst they are fed with Manna and partly thro cowardliness of not fighting their carnal lusts and withstanding the pleasures of this present life the enemies and Gyants which hinder them from possessing this Holy land which notwithstanding this Joshua and his faithful Souldiers have in many battails discomfited before them But seeing there remaineth a rest Heb. 4. 9. and seeing we have a great High Priest tâ—…at is passed c. v. 14. let us lay aside every weight and run with patience c. looking unto Jesus c. who is set down there Heb. 12. 1 2. that at the last we may be made partakers of of Christ. Heb. 3. 14. Thus much of our Saviors officiating in this perpetual Office of Priest above But 1. As God also still retains Sanctuaries on Earth there are certain persons substituted by him in the same sacred office to do that in these earthly which their Master doth in the Heavenly Church 1. By whom first the sacrifice of his body and blood is presented here unto God for a remembrance of him unto the Father in the consecrated elements for all the same purposes for which it is presented by our great High Priest there i. e. for all the purposes for which he offered it first on the Cross. See Mal. 1. 11. Gal. 3. 1. Itaque veteres in hoc mystico sacrificio non tam per actae semel in cruce oblationis cujus hic memoria celebratur quam perpetui sacerdotii jugis sacrificii ad quotidie in coelis sempiternus sacerdos offert rationem habuerunt cujus hic imago per solennes Ministrorum preces exprimitur Cassand p. 169. 2. By whom is Intercession made both by presenting their own praiers for the people and also the peoples prayers to God thro Christ. For God accepteth no praiers but thro Christ nor yet all those that are made in Christs name except either they come from persons deputed by him who is so dearly loved to which persons God hath made extraordinary promises as those I conceive are Matt. 18. 18 19. Jo. 16. 23. c. or from those that are holy and like unto him For sinners God heareth not till reformed The emploiment of the Saints in heaven as we have any notice of it is praier and praises For first since the spirits of Saints departed hence are in paradise Luk. 23. 43. and with Christ Phil. 1. 23. are now said to be made perfect Heb. 12. 23. and clothed with white garments Rev. 6. 11. that is advances in charity and purity greater then here are described in Priests habits having in their hands vials of incense doubtless to offer it which is interpreted by St. John to be praiers of the Saints Rev. 5. 8 -8. 3. have a zeal to Gods glory in mens salvation beyond ours or their own whilst on earth and more charity which grace is not decayed by death but perfected 1 Cor. 13. 8. 2. Since their interpellations there can prejudice our Saviors no more then the Priests intercessions here 1 Tim. 2. 1. and if any ask what needs theirs we may as justly reply what need these nay what need any praiers at all see Matt. 6. 8. Tho little concerning this their interpellation is revealed and those Christians who have implored it seeming to have grounds partly on Miracles pretended to be done by them But probably true ones done and that frequently at their memorials See Austin Civit. Dei lib. 22. cap. 8. and partly on pretended apparitions of them after deceased yet in general it seems piously credible that as Christs members on earth now suffer as he did on earth so his members in heaven intercede for these sufferers at least in general as he doth there and echo unto the King of Heaven the words of their Master as the Angels do to the Church Rev. 5. 12. comp with 9. Rev. 7. 11 12. comp with 9 10. And that petition Rev. 6. 10. I cannot imagine so circumscribed to themselves that it did not represent to God also the sad condition of their Brethren on earth mentioned vers 11. See Rev. 5. 9. where the Presbyters give praise for the salvation of others as well as of themselves for those of every tongue kindred people and Nation See Rev. 11. 17 18. Thus much of our Saviors officiating in the heavenly Sanctuary and his Ministers here Now this discourse as the former must be concluded with the communicating of this honour also unto us who look whatever he is that we also shall be for we shall be like him 1 Jo. 3. 2.