Behold I gaue him for a Witnesse to the people for a Prince and a Master vnto the people c. 7. Inwardly as well as outwardly to this end hee hath giuen vs the anointing euen his spirit in our hearts to teach vs all things 1. Iohn 2.27 But the anointing which ye receiued of him dwelleth in you and ye need not that any man teach you but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things and it is true and is not lying and as it taught you ye shall abide in him 8. Compassionately with singular tendernesse fitting himself to euery ones nature and ability Iohn 10.11 I am the good shepheard the good shepheard giueth his life for his sheepe Ezech. 34.23 And I will set vp a shepheard ouer them and hee shall feede them euen my seruant Dauid he shall feede them and hee shall bee their shepheard c. Isaiah 40.11 He shall feede his flocke like a shepheard he shall gather the lambes with his arme and carry them in his bosome and shall guide them with young c. For the third It is exceeding comfortable that he will teach al that come vnto him euen al that are giuen to him of God all the godly of what sex condition or nation soeuer They shal be al taught of God from the least to the greatest A b c daries as well as they of higher formes Isaiah 54.13 And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord and much peace shall be to thy children Ier. 31.34 And they shall teach no more euerie man his neighbour and euery man his brother saying know the Lord for they shall all know me from the least of them vnto the greatest of them saith the Lord. And therefore let vs obserue these things and acknowledge this goodnesse and receiue his testimony for thereby we seale that God is true Iohn 3.33 Hee that hath receiued his testimony hath sealed that God is true c. Thus much of his propheticall office CHAP. XIX Of the Priestly office of Christ. THe Priestly office of Christ follows which is that part of his function whereby he maketh satisfaction vnto God for men This office in the execution of it hath in it three things or there be three things Christ must doe as the Priest of the Church 1. He must obey the Law of God perfectly 2. Hee must make expiation for our sinnes by sacrificing to God 3. He must make intercession for vs. First of the principles that concerne his obedience there are foure things wee are bound to beleeue concerning the obedience of Christ 1. First that he was without sin in his nature Ioh. 8.46 Which of you can rebuke me of sinne 2. Cor. 5.21 For he hath made him to be sinne for vs which knew no sinne 1. Pet. 1.19 But with the precious blood of Christ as of a Lambe vndefiled and without spot 1. Pet. 2.22.23 Who did no sin neither was there guile found in his mouth c. Heb. 4.15 For we haue not an high Priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities but was in all things tempted in like sort yet without sinne c. 2. Secondly that he fulfilled the whole law of God perfectly in all his actions Hence called the holy one and the holy Child Iesus Act. 2.27 Because thou wilt not leaue my soule in hell neither wilt suffer thine holy one to see corruption Act. 13.35 Act. 3.14 But ye denied the holy one and the iust Act. 4.27 For doubtlesse against thine holy Sonne Iesus whom thou hast annointed c. 30. So that thou stretch forth thine hand that healing and signes and wonders may bee done by the name of thine holy Sonne Iesus 1. Ioh. 2.20 But yee haue an oyntment from him that is holy and ye haue knowne all things Thirdly that hee fulfilled the law not onely for himselfe but for vs for our sakes Rom. 8.3.4 For that that was impossible to the law in as much as it was weak because of the flesh God sending his owne Sonne in the similitude of sinfull flesh and for sinne condemned sinne in the flesh c. That the righteousnesse of the law might be fulfilled in vs which walke not after the flesh but after the spirit Rom. 10.4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousnes vnto euery one that beleeueth Rom. 5.18 Likewise then as by the offence of one the fault came on all men to condemnation so by the iustifying of one the benefit abounded toward all men to the iustification of life That this righteousnesse of his is an euerlasting righteousnes that is such a righteousnesse as serues for the Elect of all ages and such a righteousnesse as cannot be lost Dan. 9.24 Seuenty weekes are determined vpon thy people and vpon thine holy City to finish the wickednesse and to seale vp the sinnes and to reconcile the iniquity and to bring in euerlasting righteousnesse The vses may be For consolation for hereby all the faithfull may be assured that though they bee very vnrighteous in themselues yet they are made the righteousnesse of God in him Ierem. 23.6 In his dayes Iuda shall be saued and Israel shall dwell safely and this is the name whereby they shall call him The Lord our righteousnesse 2. Cor. 5.21 For he hath made him to be sinne for vs which knew no sinne that we should be made the righteousnesse of God in him Hee is the end of the law to euery one that beleeueth wee haue as certaine iustification to life by his obedience as euer we were subiect to death by Adams disobedience Rom. 5.19 For as by one mans disobedience many were made sinners so by the obedience of one shall many also be made righteous And if his righteousnesse bee ours how rich are we and how ought our hearts to bee established in his well doing c. Secondly for instruction and so it should worke in vs two things 1. First an establishment of faith in our reconciliation and a willing yeelding of our selues to acknowledge this free gift of God in his Sonne 2. Cor. 5.21 Rom. 10.4 2. Secondly an imitation of his maruellous holinesse a striuing to expresse his vertues that we may be holy as he is holy for he communicates the benefit of his obedience onely to such as liue iustly and walke not after the flesh but after the spirit Rom. 8.4 That the righteousnes of the law might bee fulfilled in vs which walke not after the flesh but after the spirit 1. Pet. 2.9 But yee are a chosen generation a royall priesthood an holy nation a peculiar people that ye should shew forth the vertues of him that hath called you out of darknes into his maruellous light c. Matth. 11.29 Take my yoke on you and learne of mee that I am meeke and lowly in heart and yee shall finde rest vnto your soules c. 2. Cor. 5.17 Therefore if any man be in Christ let him be a new creature c. Thirdly for
Heauen Thus the Patriarches comforted themselues Heb. 11.13 2. Against the griefe for the death of our friends why doe we sorrow for them that are so happie 3. Against the many afflictions of this life the feare and care of which should bee swallowed with the hope of eternall life as these places shew Rom. 8.18 For I count that the afflictions of this present time are not worthie of the glorie which shall be shewed vnto vs. 2. Cor. 4.17.18 For our light affliction which is but for a moment causeth vnto vs a farre most excellent and an eternall waight of glory while wee looke not on the things which are seene but on the things which are not seene for the things which are seene are temporall but the things which are not seene are eternall 4. Against the feare of death for these principles teach vs to belieue that the dead are blessed Reuelat. 14.13 Then I heard a voice from heauen saying vnto me Write Blessed are the dead which hereafter die in the Lord euen so saith the Spirit for they rest from their labours and their workes follow them And that this death will be quickly swallowed vp of victorious life 1. Cor. 15.16.17 The sting of death is sinne and the strength of sinne is the Law But thanks be to God which hath giuen vs victorie through our Lord Iesus Christ. These comforts will bee the more abundant if wee consider either first the particulars of this glory secondly or the properties of it For the first our glory in heauen may be thus shadowed out It consists of perfection of holinesse and happinesse Our holinesse shall then bee perfect we shall be without spot or wrinkle Ephes. 5.27 Gods people shall then bee all righteous Isaiah 60.21 Thy people also shall be all righteous And this perfection shall be both of Nature and of Action In nature we shall be perfectly holy which may bee considered in respect of the holinesse First of our soules secondly of our bodies thirdly of our soule and bodie together First in our soules there shall bee 1. Exquisite knowledge wee shal then know as we are known when that which is in part is done away we shall no more vnderstand as children but shall haue our minds enlightned aboue the knowledge of Prophets and Apostles in this world for God himselfe shall be our euerlasting light 1. Cor. 13.10.11.12 But when that which is perfect is come then that which is in part shall be abolished When I was a child I spake as a child I vnderstood as a child I thought as a child but when I became a man I put away childishnes or childish things For now we see through a glasse darkely but then shall we see face to face now I know in part but then shall I know euen as I am knowne Isaiah 60.19 Thou shalt haue no more Sunne to shine by day neither shall the brightnes of the Moone shine vnto thee for the Lord shall be thine euerlasting light and thy God thy glory 2. Freedome of will when all the impediments of desire and endeuours shall bee taken off which now as fetters hinder vs in communion with God and as cords hale vs after vanitie where it shall bee also as easie to doe good as to desire it 3. Vnspeakeable charitie our hearts being fild with al those affections that are now any way required in the word of God either toward God or man 1. Cor. 13.8 Loue doth neuer fall away though that prophesying be abolished or the tongues cease or knowledge vanish away What is now the life of our liues more then to loue and to be beloued This earthly loue is but a sparke in comparison Secondly in our bodies there shall be a perfect conformitie of all the members for the seruice of God and the soule they shall bee no more weapons of vnrighteousnesse as they haue been Rom. 6.13 Rom. 6.19 Thirdly in both body and soule there shall be 1. The perfect Vision of the admirable beauties of God which of it selfe is more worth then the possession of the whole world and this Vision of God shall not onely be mentall by contemplation of which 2. Cor. 12.2 but also corporal for so Iob auoucheth Cap. 19.25 For I am sure my Redeemer liueth and he shall stand the last on earth Vers. 26. And though after my skin wormes destroy this bodie yet shall I see God in my flesh Vers. 27. Whom I my selfe shall see and my eies behold and none other for mee though my reines are consumed within me We shall then see him perfectly in the creatures and haue him perfectly in our selues and behold the Trinitie in the glorie of it after a way now vnutterable 2. The perfection of the image of God in both we shall then be as hee is partaking perfectly of the diuine nature 1. Iohn 3.2 2. Pet. 1.4 which is signified by those pure white garments mentioned Reuel 3.4.5 6.11 7.13 19.8 Thus shall we be perfect in nature The perfection of our actions or obedience shall then bee obtained wee shall then serue God loue our brethren without all defect We shall praise God with the Angels to all eternitie for that shall be the maine outward seruice of God for prayer shal thē cease Reuel 4.10.11 Thus of the perfection of holinesse The perfection of happines shal haue in it diuers things The first part of our felicity is acknowledgement in the kingdom of heauen which is a worke of Christ declaring vs in particular to bee elected of God and his children and friends And this is more comfortable because we shall thus bee proclaimed the heires apparant of heauen before God and all his holy Angels Matth. 10.32 Whosoeuer therefore shall confesse mee before men him will I confesse also before my father which is in heauen 2. Glorious liberty reserued for the sonnes of God vnto that day of which Rom. 8.21 And this liberty may be considered two waies viz. 1. From what we shall bee free 2. To what we shall bee free For the first we shall then be free First from the torments and miseries of the damned in hell wee shall haue an eternall discharge from that most fearfull place which is promised vs already in this life Rom. 8.1 Now then there is no condemnation to them that are in Christ Iesus which walke not after the flesh but after the spirit c. Reuel 20.14 And death and Hell were cast into the lake of fier this is the second death c. Secondly from the displeasure of God he will neuer be angry with vs any more there shall be no more curse or Anathema Reuel 22.3 And there shall bee no more curse but the throne of God and of the Lambe shall be in it and his seruants shall serue him Thirdly from sinne and the power to sinne our holinesse shal be better then Adams in Paradise he might sinne but wee shall be confirmed as the Angels of heauen so as we
are not the children of God but the children of promise are counted for the seed 3. By the sanctification of their afflictions euen by the many experiences of Gods loue in afflictions as when God comforts their hearts in the midst of distresse when they come to him making their mone and when he turnes the crosse to a blessing to them making them more humble by it exercising their gifts purging out their sinne c. and at the length giuing gracious deliuerances causing all to worke together for the best so as they themselues being Iudges they can say it was good for me that I was afflicted Rom. 8.28.29 Also we know that all things worke together for the best to them that loue God euen to them that are called of his purpose c. Psalm 119. in many places Now as God manifests his owne choie by these and such like signes so the godly make sure their owne election by diuers markes of it as generally by the sanctification of the Spirit and beliefe of the truth 2. Thes. 2.13 But we ought to giue thanks alway to God for you brethren beloued of the Lord because that God hath from the beginning chosen you to saluation through sanctification of the Spirit and the faith of truth so in particular 1. By the vertues of Christ which more or lesse in some measure shine in them such as are humilitie piety knowledge temperance and contempt of the world patience in aduersitie and other excellent sauing graces in them 2. Pet. 1.5.6.7.10 1. Pet. 2.9 By their fruits you may know them Ioh. 15.16 2. Secondly by the affections of godlinesse that are in them aboue al others Ephes. 1.5 1. Ioh. 3.14 They approue themselues to be elect by loue that is by their great affections to God to the word of God and his ordinances and by their brotherly kindnesse to the godly and this loue is the more euident marke when it lasts euen in affliction when no distresses makes vs abate of our affection to God or good things or good men Rom. 8.28 3. By their Priesthood Gods elect are a kingdome of Priests they offer God daily sacrifice they haue the spirit of prayer they daily mortifie the beast their sinnes vpon the Altar of Christ crucified So then by their praying and their mortification Gods elect may bee euidently knowne 1. Pet. 2.9.10 4. Fourthly they are vsually knowne by the opposition of the world If they were of the world the world would spare and loue his owne but because they are chosen out of the world therefore the world hates them and pursues them with reproches and indignations of all sorts Ioh. 15.18.19 If the world hate you you know that it hated mee before you If ye were of the world the world would loue his owne but because ye are not of the world but I haue chosen you out of the world therefore the world hateth you 5. Lastly this doctrine of Election should fill the hearts of all the godly with vnspeakable reioycing Euerlasting ioy should be vpon their heads and sorrow and mourning should fly away and the rather if they consider the maruellous priuiledges of their Election and the wonderfull happinesse vnto which they are chosen of God For if by the former signes thou know thy selfe to be one of Gods Elect. 1. First thou art sure of thy saluation and the glory of heauen when thou diest 2. Thessal 2.13.14 Whereunto hee called you by the Gospell to obtaine the glory of our Lord Iesus Christ. 2. The loue of God to thee is vnchangeable God will neuer cast off the people whom he hath chosen Rom. 11.2 God hath not cast away his people whom hee knew before 3. Thou art sure of gratious entertainment in Gods house and sweete communion with God whilest thou liuest Psal. 65.4 Blessed is he whom thou chusest and causest to come to thee he shall dwell in thy courts and we shall bee satisfied with the pleasures of thine house euen of thine holy Temple Esa. 65.13.14 Therefore thus saith the Lord God behold my seruants shall eate and ye shall bee hungry behold my seruants shall drink and ye shall bee thirsty behold my seruants shall reioyce and ye shall be ashamed Behold my seruants shall sing for ioy of heart and ye shall cry for sorrow of heart and shall howle for vexation of mind 4. Thou shalt be sure of protection against all aduersaries that dare or can rise vp against thee Esa. 41.10.11.12.13 Feare thou not for I am with thee bee not afraid for I am thy God I will strengthen thee and helpe thee and will sustaine thee with the right hand of my iustice Behold all they that prouoke thee shall bee ashamed and confounded they shall bee as nothing and they that striue with thee shall perish 5. Fifthly all thy afflictions shall be sweetned vnto thee and work together for the best Rom. 8.28 Also we know that all things worke together for the best vnto them that loue God euen to them that are called of his purpose 6. In all thy suites to God thou art sure of audience and compassionate respect howsoeuer thou bee neglected in the world Ioh. 15.16 Yee haue not chosen mee but I haue chosen you and ordained you that yee goe and bring forth fruit and that your fruit remaine that whatsoeuer ye shal aske of the Father in my name hee may giue it you 7. Christ will graciously communicate to thee the secrets of God and the mysteries of the kingdome vsing thee therein as a most deare and carefull friend Ioh. 15.16 as before 8. Lastly all complaints brought vnto God against thee are sure to be non-suted and cast out so as nothing can bee laid to thy charge nothing can condemne thee in as much as Christ hath paid all thy debts and sitteth at the right hand of God to make request for thee Rom. 8.33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of Gods chosen It is God that iustifieth c. CHAP. XII Of Christ. Act. 4.12 Neither is there saluation in any other for among men there is giuen none other name vnder heauen whereby we must be saued HItherto of Election The second fundamentall meanes of grace is Christ concerning whom the principles respect either 1. His Person 2. His office The principles concerning his person looke either 1. Vpon his diuine nature 2. or vpon his humane The principle that concernes his diuine nature is this That Iesus Christ is very God and that he is God may be proued 1. First by testimony of Scripture Esa. 9.6 For vnto vs a child is borne and vnto vs a sonne is giuen and he shall call his name wonderfull Counsellor the mighty God Ioh. 1.1 In the beginning was the word and the word was with God and that word was God Rom. 9.5 Of whom are the fathers and of whom concerning the flesh Christ came who is God ouer all blessed for euer Amen 1. Tim. 3.16 And without controuersie great
concluded all vnder sinne that the promise by the faith of Iesus Christ should be giuen to them that beleeue For the explication of this principle we must vnderstand 1. First that the Scriptures make mention of three couenants that God hath made The one generall and terrene with all creatures about their preseruation from the vniuersall deluge of this Genes 9. c. but of this couenant wee haue nothing to doe here The second was the couenant called the couenant of workes this was made with all mankinde in Paradise and stands still in force since the fall as men are in the estate of nature the condition whereof on mans part is in the morall law The third was the agreement made with man by meanes of the mediator this was called from the fall to the dayes of Abraham the promise as being contriued in those words of promise Gen. 3.15 I will also put enmity betweene thee and the woman and betweene thy seed and her seed He shall break thine head and thou shalt bruise his heele c. From Abraham to Moses it was called the couenant Genes 17. c. From Moses to Christ and so still the Testament and as it stands in difference from the couenant of workes it may bee called for all this time the couenant of grace Secondly that in this agreement with God by the mediator the mediator did vndertake for two things 1. To pay all our debts and satisfie Gods Iustice by a price of infinite value Esa. 53.5.6 But hee was wounded for our transgressions he was broken for our iniquities the chastisement of our peace was vpon him and with his stripes we are healed All we like sheep haue gone astray we haue turned euery one to his owne way and the Lord hath laid vpon him the iniquity of vs all Iob 33.24 Then will he haue mercy vpon him and will say deliuer him that he goe not downe into the pit For I haue receiued a reconciliation 1. Tim. 2.6 Who gaue himselfe a ransome for all men to be a testimony in due time 2. To purchase and merit for vs Gods fauour and kingdome by a most absolute and perfect obedience Eph. 1.6 To the praise of the glory of his grace wherewith he hath made vs accepted in his beloued Thirdly wee must vnderstand wherein these new couenants agree and wherein they disagree These couenants agree in these two things First that they both were tendered to vs by God Secondly that they both require a full and perfect righteousnesse as the condition of eternall life They differ 1. In the manner of knowing of them For the law or couenant of works is knowne in some measure by nature Rom. 2.15 Which shew the effect of the law written in their hearts their conscience also bearing witnesse and their thoughts accusing one another or excusing But the Gospell or couenant of grace is not knowne at all by nature It is a mystery Colos. 1. 26. Which is the mystery hid since the world began and from all ages but now is made manifest to his Saints 1. Cor. 2.7 But wee speake the wisdome of God in a mystery euen the hid wisedome which God had determined before the world vnto our glory 2. Tim. 1.10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Sauiour Iesus Christ. 2. In the ministers of both Moses was the minister of the law but Christ of the Gospell Ioh. 1. 17. For the law was giuen by Moses but grace and truth came by Iesus Christ. 3. In the means of attaining to the end common to both the law is a law of workes and requires doing or else will not giue wages but the Gospell is a law of faith requiring beleeuing in him that iustifieth the wicked Rom. 3.21 But now is the righteousnesse of God made manifest without the law hauing witnesse of the Law and of the Prophets Rom. 4.5 But to him that worketh not but beleeueth in him that iustifieth the vngodly his faith is counted for righteousnesse Rom. 10.5 For Moses thus describeth the righteousnesse which is of the law that the man which doth these things shall liue thereby c. Againe the law requires perfect righteousnesse in our owne persons but the Gospell offers the righteousnesse of another to be receiued by faith Rom. 8.3.4 For that that was impossible to the law in as much as it was weake because of the flesh God sending his owne Sonne in the similitude of sinfull flesh and for sinne condemned sinne in the flesh that the righteousnesse of the law might be fulfilled in vs c. Rom. 5.19 For as by one mans disobedience many were made sinners so by the obedience of one shall many also be made righteous Rom. 10.4 For Christ is the end of the Law for righteousnesse vnto euery one that beleeueth The Law requires our debts euery farthing the Gospell publisheth the acquittance of the principall by reason of the satisfaction of the suretie The Law giues heauen as wages for work done the Gospell giues heauen gratis 4. In effects or efficacy the Law requiers good workes but giues no power to do them Deuter 29.4 Yet the Lord hath not giuen you an heart to perceiue and eies to see and eares to heare vnto this day but the Gospell giues the Spirit of God which worketh what he requireth Ier. 31.33 But this shall be the couenant that I will make with the house of Israel After those daies saith the Lord I will put my Law in their inward parts and write it in their hearts and will bee their God and they shall be my people Ezech. 36.27 And I will put my Spirit within you and cause you to walke in my statutes and yee shall keepe my iudgements and do them 2. Cor. 3.9 For if the ministrie of condemnation was glorious much more doth the ministration of righteousnesse exceeds in glory The Law shewes the disease and the Gospell cures it Rom. 7. 6. But now we are deliuered from the Law being dead vnto it wherein we were holden that we should serue in newnesse of spirit and not in the oldnesse of the letter 24. O wretched man that I am who shall deliuer me from the body of this death c. The knowledge of sinne is by the Law but that which heales vs is the tidings of remission in Iesus Christ. 5. In the persons to whom they belong the Law is for the vnrighteous 1. Tim. 1.9 Knowing this that the Law is not giuen vnto a righteous man but vnto the lawlesse and disobedient to the vngodly and to the sinners to the vnholy and to the prophane c. But the Gospell belongs to the poore and penitent Luke 4. 18. The Spirit of the Lord is vpon mee because hee hath anointed mee that I should preach the Gospell to the poore he hath sent me that I should heale the broken heart that I should preach deliuerance to the captiues and recouering of sight to the blind that I should set at liberty them
that are bruised c. The vses may be First for consolation vnto all the godly and this comfort in their Mediatour and the new couenant in him may be the more distinctly formed in vs if we consider 1. The priuiledges and benefits wee reape by this new couenant 2. The properties of the couenant 3. The persons to whom it may belong For the first by meanes of the Mediatour in this new couenant we receiue many admirable prerogatiues and blessings as 1. The abrogation of the old couenant Heb. 8.13 In that hee saith a new Testament he hath abrogated the old now that which is disanulled and waxed old is ready to vanish away So as now we are not vnder the Law but vnder Grace Rom. 6.14 For sinne shall not haue dominion ouer you for ye are not vnder the Law but vnder grace c. 2. Communion of Saints from all parts of the world men of all Nations comming in vpon this new agreement Isaiah 49.6.11 And he said it is a small thing that thou shouldest be my seruant to raise vp the Tribes of Iacob and to restore the desolations of Israel I will also giue thee for a light of the Gentiles that thou maist bee my saluation vnto the ends of the world Matth. 8.11 But I say vnto you that many shall come from the East and West and shall sit downe with Abraham Isaack and Iacob in the Kingdome of heauen c. 3. Reconciliation with God and the pardon of all sins 2. Cor. 5.19 For God was in Christ and reconciled the world to himselfe not imputing their sinnes vnto them Ier. 31.33.34 But this shall bee the couenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those daies saith the Lord I will be their God and they shall be my people And I will forgiue their iniquitie and will remember their sins no more Heb. 9.15 And for this cause is he the Mediator of the new Testament that through death which was for the redemption of the transgressions that were in the former Testament c. The mediatour paying all our debts 4. A righteousnesse answerable to that of the Law wrought for vs and imputed to vs Rom. 8.4 That the righteousnesse of the Law might be fulfilled in vs which walke not after the flesh but after the Spirit 5. The inhabitation of the Spirit of God taking possession of vs vnto Gods vse for euer Isai. 59.21 And I will make this my couenant with them saith the Lord my Spirit that is vpon thee and my words which I haue put in thy mouth shall not depart out of thy mouth nor out of the mouth of thy seede saith the Lord euen from henceforth for euer 6. The Law of God put into our hearts from the least to the greatest Ier. 31.33 But this shall be the couenant that I wil make with the house of Israel After those daies saith the Lord I will put my Law in their inward parts write it in their hearts c. 7. A couenant with all creatures who must be at peace with vs and seruiceable to vs Hosea 2.18.21.22 And in that day will I make a couenant for them with the wilde beasts and with the foules of the heauen and with that that creepeth vpon the earth and I will breake the bow and the sword and the battell out of the earth and I will make them to sleepe safely And in that day I will heare saith the Lord I will euen heare the heauens and they shall heare the earth And the earth shall heare the corne and the wine and the oile and they shall heare Israel 8. Gods sanctuary in the midst of vs and his presence with vs for euer Ezech. 37.26.27.28 Moreouer I will make a couenant with them of peace it shall be an euerlasting couenant with them and will set my sanctuarie amongst them for euermore My tabernacle also shall bee with them yea I will be their God and they shall be my people 9. The promise of an eternall inheritance Heb. 9.15 And for this cause is he the Mediatour of the new Testament that through death which was for the redemption of the transgressions that were in the former Testament they which were called might receiue the promise of eternall inheritance c. The second part of the consolation may be raised from the consideration of the properties of the couenant which are That it is free and God stands not vpon desert in vs Isai. 55.1.2.4 He euery one that thirsteth come yee to the waters and yee that haue no siluer come buy and eate come I say buy wine and milk without siluer and without mony Wherefore doe you lay out siluer and not for bread and your labour without being satisfied hearken diligently vnto me and eate that which is good and let your soule delight in fatnesse Behold I gaue him for a witnesse to the people for a Prince and a Master vnto the people c. That it is vnchangeable and eternall Isaiah 54.10 For the mountaines shall remoue and the hilles shall fall downe but my mercy shall not depart from thee neither shall the couenant of my peace fall away saith the Lord that hath compassion on thee And we may the rather be assured of this if we consider 1. The nature of God Mercy pleaseth him and he is so desirous of reconciliation that hee beseecheth men to be reconciled 2. Cor. 5.19.20 Hosea 2.19 2. The propitiation in Christ God hath proclaimed it from heauen that in him hee is well pleased and fully pacified Mat. 3.17 c. And Christ is giuen for a couenant of the people Isai. 49.8 3. That there is an act for it in the counsell of God from euerlasting 1. Cor. 2.7 4. That God hath sworne to keepe this couenant Heb. 6.18 and 7.19.20.21.22 Isai. 42.6.7 5. That it is confirmed by the death of the restator Heb. 9.16 Matth. 26.27 6. Because he euer liueth to make request for vs at the right hand of God and is able perfectly to saue those that come vnto him Heb. 7.25 13.8 7. Because the Law cannot disanull it Gal. 3.17 8. That we haue sacraments to confirme it and seale to it and if wee can bee perswaded that the Flood shall come no more when we see the Rainbow how much more should the glorious sacraments of the new Couenant settle vs in the assurance of the vnchangeablenesse of Gods good will towards vs 9. That the couenant is kept not only in the word which cannot be blotted but also wee haue the keeping of it in our owne hearts Rom. 10.4.5 10. That God is now long since knowne to the Church by the name of Iehouah which notes both his constancy and al sufficiencie Exod. 6.3 This is comfortable if we consider the persons that may be capable of the priuiledges of this new Couenant God stands not vpon desert Esay 55.1 the stranger and the Eunuches may be as well accepted here as the sonnes and daughters if their
he sanctifieth Rom. 8.30 Moreouer whom he predestinate them also hee called and whom hee called them also he iustified and whom he iustified them he also glorified Ezech. 36.26.27 c. A new heart also will I giue you and a new spirit will I put within you and I will take away the stony heart out of your body and I will giue you an heart of flesh And I will put my spirit within you and cause you to walke in my statutes and ye shall keepe my iudgements and doe them c. 2. That to be truly sanctified is to die to sinne and to rise againe to newnesse of life Rom. 6.1.2.3.4 What shall we say then shall we continue in sinne that grace may abound God forbid how shall we that are dead to sinne liue yet therein Know ye not that all wee which haue bin baptized into Iesus Christ haue been baptized into his death We are buried then with him by baptisme into his death that like as Christ was raised vp from the dead by the glory of the Father so we also should walke in newnesse of life c. Or it is to repent beleeue the Gospell Mark 1.15 The time is fulfilled and the kingdome of God is at hand repent and beleeue the Gospell 3. That except wee be borne againe we cannot enter into the kingdome of God Ioh. 3.5 Iesus answered verily verily I say vnto thee except that a man bee borne of water and of the spirit hee cannot enter into the kingdome of God Heb. 12.14 Follow peace with all men and holinesse without the which no man shall see the Lord. 1. Ioh. 1.7 But if we walke in the light as he is in the light wee haue fellowship one with another and the blood of Iesus Christ his Sonne clenseth vs from all sinne 2. Cor. 5.17 Therefore if any man be in Christ let him bee a new creature old things are passed away behold all things are become new Fourthly that sanctification is Gods gift and worke in Iesus Christ we can no more conuert our selues then wee can beget our selues at first wee can no more create our selues new men then wee can create our selues men Act. 5.31 Him hath God lifted vp with his right hand to bee a Prince and a Sauiour to giue repentance to Israel forgiuenes of sins Act. 11.18 When they heard these things they held their peace and glorified God saying then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance vnto life 2. Tim. 2.25 Instructing them with meeknes that are cōtrary minded prouing if God at any time will giue them repentance that they may know the truth 1. Cor. 1.30 But ye are of him in Christ Iesus who of God is made vnto vs wisdome and righteousnes and sanctification and redemption Ezech. 37.28 Thus the heathen shall know that I the Lord doe sanctifie Israel when my sanctuary shall be amongst them for euermore Tit. 3.5 Not by the workes of righteousnesse which wee had done but according to his mercy he saued vs by the washing of the new birth and the renuing of the holy Ghost Fifthly that our sanctification is vnperfect while wee liue in this world 1. Ioh. 1.8 If wee say that wee haue no sinne wee deceiue our selues and the truth is not in vs. Prou. 24.16 For a iust man falleth seuen times and riseth againe but the wicked fall into mischiefe Esa. 64.6 But we haue all been as an vncleane thing and all our righteousnes is as filthy clouts and we do all fade like a leafe and our iniquities like the wind haue taken vs away The vses may be for Information Instruction Humiliation and Consolation For the first wee may heere take notice of the wisedome of God in curing the posterity of Adam Wee receiued a double disease from Adam the one was guilt of eternal death the other was corruption of nature By Iustification the first was abolished and by Sanctification the other is healed by degrees For the second we may here learne many things The first is carefully to studie our owne sanctification compell vpon our selues a more constant endeauour of sound reformation To this end I propound two things 1. Certaine motiues which we should haue continually in our minds to stirre vs vp to the care of holines and to get true grace 2. Certaine rules which may exceedingly further vs about our Sanctification The motiues are these amongst many 1. The commandement of God 1. Thes. 4.3 This is the will of God euen your sanctification Ephes. 2.10 For wee are his workmanship created in Christ Iesus vnto good workes which God hath ordained that we should walke in them 2. The conscience of our debt which we owe heerein Rom. 8.12 Therefore brethren we are debters not to the flesh to liue after the flesh being redeemed by Christ. Tit. 2.14 Who gaue himselfe for vs that he might redeeme vs from all iniquity and purge vs to be a peculiar people to him selfe zealous of good workes 3 The consideration of our owne dignity wee are the children of God the temples of the holy Ghost Kings and Priests vnto God Gods owne peculiar people and inheritance 4. The rich promises that belong to godlinesse 1. Tim. 4.8 For bodily exercise profiteth little but godlinesse is profitable vnto all things which hath the promise of the life present and of that that is to come 5. The assuring hereby of our calling and Election 2. Pet. 1.10 Wherefore brethren giue rather diligence to make your calling and election sure for if ye do these things ye shall neuer fall 6. The excellency of good workes they are sacrifices seasoned with the salt of faith kindled with the fier of the holy Ghost offered by the merit of Christ and accepted of God 1. Pet. 2.5 And yee be made a holy Priesthood to offer vp spirituall sacrifices acceptable to God by Iesus Christ. 7. The silencing of the ignorant from speaking euill 1. Pet. 2.15 For so is the will of God that by well doing yee may put to silence the ignorance of the foolish 8. Because else 1. The name of God will bee blasphemed Rom. 2.24 For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you 2. Sam. 12.14 Howbeit because by this deed thou hast caused the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme the child that is borne vnto thee shall surely die c. 2. The spirit of God will be grieued and the workes of the spirit deaded Ephes. 4.30 And grieue not the holy spirit of God by whom ye are sealed vnto the day of redemption 3. The iudgement of God will be prouoked Psalm 89.31.32 The rules we had need to bee put in minde of that concerne Sanctification either shew vs what to take heed of or what to doe That wee be not deceiued in this great worke of true grace we must take heed First of wretchlesnesse and security whereby a man liues so as he is insensible and carelesse of reformation altogether Awake thou that sleepest
righteousnesse by that man whom he hath appointed c. Obiect But some one may say what tell ye vs of these terrible things we haue no reason to thinke of our selues that we are vnsanctified how can we or you tell who are not sanctified Sol. It is easie to tell in the negatiue who are not sanctified you may know it of wicked men 1. Because they are a sleepe and dead in sinne and haue not not any true feeling of the hatefulnesse of their many sinnes Ephes 2.1 And you hath he quickned that were dead in trespasses and sinnes 2. Because sinne raignes in them it hath an vnlimited power in them Rom. 6.12 Let not sinne reigne therefore in your mortall body that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof 3. Because they sinne by couenant they hire themselues their purpose is with their whole harts to commit and continue in sin they obey as seruants Rom. 6.16 Know ye not that to whomsoeuer yee giue your selues as seruants to obey his seruants ye are to whom ye obey whether it be of sinne vnto death or of obedience vnto righteousnesse 4. Because they are silent from prayer and confession of sinne Psalm 32.23.5 5. Because they haue no sauor of the things of the spirit but altogether sauour fleshly things Rom. 8.5 For they that are after the flesh sauour the things of the flesh but they that are after the spirit the things of the spirit 6. Because they neuer had any marriage affections to Iesus Christ Rom. 7.5 7. Lastly a wicked man finds in himselfe not onely an impotency but an impossibilitie to be subiect to the Law of God Hee resolues that he cannot possibly yeeld to the directions of the word nor will not whereas a godly mind loues the Law desires to obey endeuours it subiects himselfe to it though hee faile many waies Fourthly and lastly the godly may bee comforted in the obseruation of this worke of the spirit of grace that is in Iesus Christ which killes sinne in them and hath made them aliue from the dead Obiect But some weake Christian might say There is much comfort in this doctrine of the healing of their natures saue that the imperfection of their sanctification is a continuall discomfort Solut. Christians may and ought to comfort themselues against the imperfection of their sanctification many waies and so if they looke 1. Vpon the Spirit of God in their hearts and so two things may relieue them first the assistance of the Spirit which will helpe their infirmities Rom. 8. 26. And then if they consider the very fountaine of all good actions and euery good gift to be the same spirit of God they must needes conclude it is some diuine thing which is wrought in them in as much as it flowes from the holy Ghost howsoeuer it be imperfect through the corruption of their hearts 2. Vpon Iesus Christ and so if they behold 1. His intercession and that likewise hath a double comfort in it for first Christ made intercession for vs when hee praied for our sanctification it should much comfort vs to remember that our sanctification was one of the things Christ praied for Iohn 17.19 Secondly Christ in his intercession in heauen couers all the imperfections of the godly and is their aduocate before the Father 1. Iohn 2.2 Rom. 8.34 2. His death and resurrection from whence flowes a vertue continually which is of singular power to make our sinnes still die in vs and quicken vs to newnes of life Rom. 6.4 For this cause did Christ sanctifie himselfe that hee might sanctifie his members by the influence come from him as from their head Iohn 17.17 3. Vpon the hope of perfect holinesse for the time will come when they shall be without spot or wrincle Ephes 5.27 The merit of their perfect holinesse is found in the price paied by Iesus Christ Heb. 10.14 It should much solace them that one day there shall be a perpetuall end of all sinne and infirmities 4. If in the meane time they looke vpon the good nature of God assuring them by his promises 1. That they are vnder Grace and not vnder the Law Rom. 6.14 2. That hee will not deale with vs after our sins Psalm 103. 3. That he will spare vs as a man spareth his sonne that serueth him Mal. 3.17 4. That hee will accept of the wil and desire for the deed 2. Cor. 8.12 5. That he is slow to anger and ready to forgiue Psalm 103.8 And mercie pleaseth him Micha 7.18 6. That hee will passe by our infirmities meere frailties and not take notice of them Micha 7.18 CHAP. XXVI Of the Resurrection Ioh. 5.28.29 Maruell not at this for the houre shall come in the which all that are in the graues shall heare his voice And they shall come forth that haue done good vnto the resurrection of life but they that haue done euill vnto the resurrection of condemnation HItherto of the principles that concerne the third estate of man The fourth estate of man is the estate of glory and in this we are to consider the three degrees of it 1. The Resurrection of the the body 2. The last Iudgement 3. The glory of Heauen The principles concerning the resurrection are these First that the bodies of dead men shall rise out of the dust of the earth and their owne soules shall enter into them againe Iob 19.23.26 For I am sure that my Redeemer liueth and hee shall stand the last on the earth And though after my skin wormes destroy this body yet shall I see God in my flesh Esa. 26.19 Thy dead men shall liue euen with my body shall they rise Awake and sing ye that dwell in dust for thy dew is as the dew of hearbes and the earth shall cast out the dead c. Ioh. 5.28 Maruell not at this for the houre shall come in the which all that are in the graues shall heare his voice 1. Cor. 15.16 For if the dead be not raised then is Christ not raised c. in the whole chapter Secondly that the bodies of all men shall be raised Ioh. 5.28 as before Small and great the earth sea fier beasts fowles aire c. shall deliuer vp their dead Reuel 20.12.13 And I saw the dead both great and small stand before God and the bookes were opened and another book was opened which is the booke of life and the dead were iudged of those things which were written in the bookes according to their workes And the sea gaue vp her dead which were in her and death and hell deliuered vp the dead which were in them and they were iudged euery man according to their works Iust and vniust shall rise Act. 24.15 And haue hope toward God that the resurrection of the dead which they themselues looke for also shall bee both of iust and vniust Though the vniust shall not rise in the same manner nor by the same power that is by the vertue of Christs
from him Iam. 1.17 Euery good giuing and euery perfect gift is from aboue and commeth downe from the father of lights c. What are wee that so great a God should set his heart vpon vs to shew vs mercy Seeing hee is a spirit and so transcendently glorious and knowes all things we should resolue to serue him with all possible affection putting on all the beauties of the best holinesse we can get when we come into his presence Ioh. 4.24 God is a spirit and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and truth Let vs for euer hate sinne and striue for all possible imitation of his holinesse Psal. 36.10 Extend thy louing kindnesse to them that know thee and thy righteousnesse vnto them that are vpright of hart 1. Pet. 1.15.16 But as he which hath called you is holy so be you holy in all manner of conuersation Because it is written Be you holy for I am holy c. 1. Ioh. 5.18.19 We know that whosoeuer is borne of God sinneth not but he that is begotten of God keepeth himselfe and the wicked toucheth him not c. Iob 42.6 Therefore I abhorre my selfe and repent in dust and ashes Finally wee should striue to get and encrease in the true knowledge of our glorious God wee should study his glory but then wee must be warned when we go about this study to looke to diuers things 1. We must repent vs of our sinnes for this knowledge requires a cleane heart 2. Wee must bring an humble and teachable mind Psalm 25.9 Them that bee meeke will hee guide in iudgement and teach the humble his way 3. Let the Word bee thy guide looke for him in the Word Thou must captiuate thy Reason and aduance thy faith 4. Thou must goe to the Sonne to reueale the Father pray Christ to shew thee the Father Ioh. 1.18 No man hath seene God at any time the onely begotten Sonne which is in the bosome of the Father hee hath declared him c. 5. Pray for the spirit of reuelation to forme this in thee and resolue to get thy heart established in the knowledge of God by many prayers 6. Obserue him in his Image in his children get affection to them and liue much with them 1. Ioh. 4.8.12.16 Hee that loueth not knoweth not God for God is loue No man hath seene God at any time if wee loue one another God dwelleth in vs and his loue is perfect in vs c. Thus much for Instruction Here is also much matter of humiliatioÌ„ for those vile Atheisticall thoughts and base conceits which are in mens minds coÌ„cerning God and for the daily neglect of Gods presence forgetting him dayes without number and for daring to sinne in his sight but especially for want of those burning desires after God and that surpassing loue of his glorious nature Thirdly here is singular Consolation vnto all those that are assured they are in fauour with God Why doe not our hearts say Wee haue none in heauen but God and doe desire none in earth with him Psalm 7.3.23 seeing he is so all-sufficient able to doe vs so much good and our plentifull reward Genes 17.1 and knowes our wayes Psal. 1.6 and entertaines his people with so much grace Psalm 36.7.8 and the rather because he will neuer change and loue thee with an eternall loue Iam. 1.17 2. Tim. 2.13 Numb 23.19 This should be the life of our liues it is very eternall life to know him to be ours in Christ. Ioh. 17.3 Ierem. 9.24 Thus of the second principle The third Principle is that there be thre persons in the Trinity which may be proued two waies That there is more then one person Gen. 1.26 Furthermore God said Let vs make man in our owne Image according to our likenesse c. That there are three in number Mat. 3.16.17 And loe the heauens were opened vnto him and Iohn saw the spirit of God descending like a Doue and lighting vpon him And loe a voice came from heauen saying This is my beloued Son in whom I am well pleased c. Matth. 28.19 Goe therefore and teach all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Sonne and the holy Ghost 2. Cor. 13.13 The grace of our Lord Iesus Christ and the loue of God and the communion of the holy Ghost be with you all Amen Ioh. 14.16.17.28 And I will pray the Father and hee shall giue you another Comforter that he may abide with you for euer c. Ioh. 15.26 But when the Comforter shall come whom I will send vnto you from the Father c. 1. Ioh. 5.7 For there are three which beare record in heauen the Father the Word and the holy Ghost and these three are one c. These three were called in the old Testament the Lord the Angell of the Lord and the Spirit of God and in the new the Father the Sonne and the holy Ghost The vse should be To teach vs to conceiue of God with all possible adoration of his glorious condition who hath in the manner of his nature what is beyond the reach of men or Angels thou must beleeue that this is so though reason cannot tell â—hee how it is let it suffice thee to know that it is Thou shalt know more how it is both when they knowledge is more growne on earth and when thou commest to thy perfect age in heauen When thou commest to worship God make conscience of it that thou rob not any of the persons of their glory But know that there are three persons not one person onely Learne thou in thy course of life from the word and works of God to giue to each person his glory as it is written of him or done by him This may be an vnspeakeable comfort to thee if thou consider what the blessed Trinity is to thee thy holinesse and happines was conceiued decreed framed purchased renewed and shall be for euer testified by â—â—ree in heauen 1. Iohn 5.7 For there are three which beare record c. Gen. 1.26 as before Thus of the third principle That there is but one God is proued in these places Deu. 6.4 Heare O Israel the Lord our God is Lord only c. Esay 44.6.8 Thus saith the Lord the King of Israel and his Redeemer the Lord of Hosts I am the first and I am the last and without me is there no God You are my witnesses whether there be a God beside me c. Mark 12.29 Heare Israel the Lord our God is the only Lord c. Ephes. 4.5.6 1. Cor. 8.4 We know that an idoll is nothing in the world and that there is none other God but one c. The vses are these Adore him whom al creatures are bound to serue and acknowledge who hath no partners in his supreame Soueraignty Psal. 86.9.10 All nations whom thou hast made shall come and worship before thee O Lord and shall glorifie thy name
haue put on the new man which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him Secondly this image of God chiefly consisted in knowledge holinesse and righteousnesse Eccles 7.29 Onely loe this haue I found that God hath made man righteous but they haue sought many inuentions Ephes. 4.24 And put on the new man which after God is created in righteousnesse and true holinesse Note that I say chiefly as that which is a principle for else man was created after the image of God First in respect of his substance and so man is the image either of the 1. Being of God or 2. Of the manner of his being 1. Of his being as he hath in him a spirit a nature 1. Spirituall incorporeall 2. Immortall 3. Inuisible 4. Intelligible 2. Of the manner of his being for as in man is one soule and yet diuers faculties as cogitation memory will c. so is there in God one essence and three persons Secondly in respect of his eminency excellency and dominion aboue and ouer all other creatures resembling thus the Lordship of God the Lord of all Genes 1.26 Furthermore God said Let vs make mā in our Image according to our likenesse and let them rule ouer the fish of the sea and ouer the foule of the heauen and ouer the beasts and ouer al the earth and ouer euery thing that creepeth and moueth on the earth Psal. 8.6.7.8 Thou hast made him to haue dominion in the works of thine hands thou hast put all things vnder his feete c. For if the man be Gods image for the Soueraigntie he hath in the family as 1. Cor. 11.7 and the Maiestrate for his superiority in the Common-wealth Psal. 82. much more man in generall for dominion ouer all Thirdly in respect of gifts and so three waies 1. In respect of knowledge for in the mind of man there is hid a-resemblance of Gods wisdome to know God his will and workes with the natures and properties of them 2. In respect of originall Iustice which stood in the rectitude of his nature the spirit subiect to God the soule to the spirit the body to the soule without any sinne 3. In respect of freedome of will There are foure sorts of free-willes 1. Onely to good so in good Angels and the blessed 2. Onely to euill so in diuels and the wicked 3. Partly to euill and partly to good so in the regenerate on earth 4. So to good as it might be to euill so in Adam c. The power of his freedome was such as he could doe all things conuenient to his estate whether Workes of nature as eate sleepe walke rise c. Workes of policie as gouerne his family obserue peace c. Or Workes religious 1. Internall to loue feare and trust in God 2. Externall to teach pray sacrifice c. The vses follow Wee should informe our selues of Gods maruelous loue to man in his Creation which appeares not onely in the time he made him last when hee had prouided all things made for him But in the place in Paradice And in the manner Both of making his body He did not say let it bee but as it were framed all with his owne hands the man of the dust the woman of the rib And of inspiring his soule he breathed the breath of liues into him Genes 2.7 The Lord God made the mā also of the dust of the ground and breathed in his face breath of life and the man was a liuing soule He begat his soule as it were a diuine sparke or particle of God therefore called the Father of spirits Heb. 12.9 Zach. 12 1. Acts 17.28 And in both he saith let vs make calling all the Trinitie to the care and workmanship But especially that hee should as it were be made like vnto God himselfe and therefore let vs sing as Psal. 8.3 What is man that thou thus mindest him c. Of true blessednesse wherein it consists viz. not in idlenes riches lust pleasure sports c. for none of all this was in paradice yet Adam happy perfectly c. The second vse is for instruction and so it should teach vs diuers duties 1. Vnto God and so first we should with all thankfulnesse affectionately acknowledge his loue to man 2. It should instruct man earnestly to study and endeuour To know God To feare To resemble him To praise his workmanship For these were the ends of mans creation no other creatures could reach it therefore God made man reasonable We doe not answere the end of our creation if we make not God in some sort visible by our holines and praise his workes c. The second duty is to our selues and so it should teach vs 1. First to care for the precious and immortall soule that God hath breathed into vs aboue all as Matth. 16.26 For what shall it profit a man though he should win the whole world if he lose his owne soule or what shall a man giue for the recompence of his soule What should wee dote on temporall things when our soules are created to the possession of eternall blessednesse 2. To bee patient and trust vpon God in distresse Psal. 22.11 Be not farre from me because trouble is neere for there is none to helpe me c. Psal. 139.14 I will praise thee for I am fearefully and wondrously made maruelous are thy workes and my soule knoweth it well 3. To lament our fall 4. To study our recouery and we see hence what to seeke viz. knowledge and goodnesse 5. To long for the time mentioned Psal. 17.15 When we shall be satisfied with his Image The third duty is towards men 1. First wrong not man for he is Gods image Genes 9.6 Who so sheadeth mans blood by man shall his blood be shed for in the image of God hath he made man 2. Loue one another especially where this Image is repaired for we were created to this end that we should delight one in another The third vse is for reproofe confutation and humiliation 1. For our insensiblenesse forgetfulnesse and vncapablenesse of these considerations especially for our want of lamentation for the ruines in our nature 2. For our horrible neglect of knowledge and goodnesse without which man is more like a beast yea in respect of sinne like a Diuell 3. Of the Papists about pictures of God most dishonourably they would mend Gods draught by dumb pictures yet God hath heere giuen vs a picture his Image CHAP. VIII Of the fall of Man Eccles. 7.29 Onely loe this haue I found that God hath made man righteous but they haue sought many inuentions THe misery of man in his estate of corruption must be considered two waies In the cause of it In the parts of it The cause of it was the fall of our first parents concerning which are these principles That our parents Adam and Eue fel and lost speedily the happinesse in which
is the mystery of godlinesse which is God is manifested in the flesh iustified in the spirit c. 1. Ioh. 5.20 But we know that the Sonne of God is come and hath giuen vs a mind to know him which is true and we are in him that is true that is in his son Iesus Christ this same is very God and eternall life 2. By the diuine proprieties giuē vnto him as Eternity Ioh. 1.1 Ioh. 17.5 Omnipotency Ioh. 3.31 Phil. 4.13 Sauiour King of Kings and the like 3. By diuine workes done by him as Creation Coloss. 1.16 Forgiuenesse of sinnes Matth. 9.6 Working of miracles Ioh. 10.25 4. By the diuine honour due vnto him as Adoration Psalm 72.11 Heb. 1.8 and beleeuing in him 5. By the conquest the Gospel hath made in the world 1. Tim. 3.16 and that not by any carnall power Zach. 4.6 6. By the patient suffering of his Saints Reuel 12.11 But they ouercame him by the blood of the Lambe and by the word of their testimony and they loued not their liues vnto the death c. But why was it needfull hee should be God For two causes chiefly 1. The one was the greatnes of our euill which no creature could take off vs viz. 1. the grieuousnesse of our sinnes 2. The immense intolerable waight of Gods anger 3. The Empire of death 4. The tyranny of the diuell 2. The other was the greatnes of our good which none but God could restore viz. 1. An obedience to iustifie many 2. The image of God 1. Cor. 1.30 Colos. 3.10 If our Sauiour be the sonne of God yea God himselfe that holds it no robbery to be equall with God Then it may first serue for humiliation and so 1. To the world In which this glorious light hath risen and yet their darknesse comprehended it not Ioh. 1.5.10 To the very godly because they are not so affected as may become this maruellous glory of the Sonne of God it should much abase vs that we haue not thoughts and affections to take that notice wee should of this Sonne of righteousnesse so gloriously in the Gospell shining amongst vs we doe not receiue him conceiue of him as this doctrine teacheth vs how often hath he come amongst his owne and his owne receiued him not Ioh. 1.11 For instruction and so it should worke in vs 1. Illumination to see the greatnesse of the mistery of godlines that tels vs of God manifested in the flesh 1. Tim. 3.16 Our eyes should in this point receiue sight and clearing This doctrine should shine in our hearts as the Sunne in the firmament wee should neuer rest informing our selues heerein and praying for discerning till after much neglect and vnbeleefe past we could say with Thomas My Lord and my God Matth. 16.16 Ioh. 20.28 This is the rocke vpon which the Church is built 2. The estimation of his sufferings for vs this blood of the new Testament was the blood of God Act. 20.28 3. The celebratiō of his praises is God ouer all then let him be blessed for euermore Rom. 9.5 Of whom are the fathers and of whom concerning the flesh Christ came who is God ouer all blessed for euer Amen 4. The adoration of his person when God brings forth his onely begotten Sonne let all the Angels of heauen worship him Heb. 1.4 5. Faith this should make vs beleeue in him and relie vpon the sufficiency of the redemption in him yea we should neuer rest till we know him and that we are in him For this is eternall life Ioh. 1.7 The same came for a witnesse to beare witnesse of the light that all men through him might beleeue 1. Ioh. 5.20 But we know that the Sonne of God is come and hath giuen vs a mind to know him which is true and wee are in him that is true that is in the Sonne Iesus Christ the same is very God and eternall life The consideration of the diuinity of Christ should wonderfully comfort vs so it is vsed in diuers Scriptures For if he be God thē he is ful of grace to supply our wants Ioh. 1.14.16 He is infinite in righteousnes to iustifie vs Ierem. 23.6 The gouernment being on his sholders he will euer bee knowne to bee wonderfull as a Counsellor to direct vs as a mighty God to defend vs as an euerlasting father to loue vs and pity vs and spare vs and beare with our infirmities as a Prince of peace to preserue vs in our reconciliation with God and to fill vs with peace that passeth all vnderstanding and that we may not doubt of perseuerance the Prophet assures vs that of the encrease of his gouernment and peace there shall be no end for he will order vs and establish vs henceforth and for euer CHAP. XIII Of Christs humanity HItherto of the diuine nature of Christ There are foure principles concerning the humane nature of Christ the one concernes the matter the other three concerne the manner 1. The first that the Sonne of God was incarnate did assume the true nature of man and was a very man amongst vs Ioh. 1.1 In the beginning was the word and the word was with God and that word was God 14. And the word was made flesh and dwelt among vs and we saw the glory thereof as the glory of the only begotten Sonne of the Father full of grace and truth Hebr. 2.14 For as much then as the children were partakers of flesh and blood he also himselfe likewise tooke part with them 16. For hee in no sort tooke the Angels but hee tooke the seed of Abraham 2. That hee was not conceiued as other men but by the holy Ghost Luk. 1.35 And the Angell answered and said vnto her the holy Ghost shall come vpon thee and the power of the most high shall ouershadow thee therefore also that holy thing which shall bee borne of thee shall be called the Son of God Mat. 1.20 Feare not to take Mary for thy wife for that which is conceiued in her is of the holy Ghost 3. That hee was borne of a Virgin Esa. 7.14 Therefore the Lord himselfe will giue you a signe behold the Virgin shall conceiue and beare a Sonne and she shall call his name Emmanuel Matth. 1.18 Now the birth of Iesus Christ was thus when as his mother Mary was betrothed to Ioseph before they came together she was found with child of the holy Ghost Genes 3.15 I will also put enmity betweene thee and the woman and betweene thy seed and her seed hee shall breake thine head and thou shalt bruise his heele 4. That his humane nature did subsist in the diuine nature and so both made but one person Colos. 2.9 For in him dwelleth all the fulnesse of the God-head bodily Luk. 1.35 And the Angel answered and said vnto her The holy Ghost shall come vpon thee and the power of the most high shal ouershadow thee therefore also that holy thing which shall be borne of thee
men esteeme vs as the dispensers of the secrets of Christ 1. Cor. 4.1.2 And be perswaded by vs 2. Cor. 5.20 3. Thirdly we must here know that we must depend vpon Christ onely for doctrine needful to saluation There is but one Law giuer away with traditions and reuelations of mens owne hearts if an Angell from heauen would teach vs otherwise let him be accursed Gal. 1.8 Iam. 4.12 Will any man teach God Iob 21.22 4. We may here see the horrible estate of such as will be still ignorant and liue in their sinnes hauing the Scriptures and preaching in the name and by the authoritie of Christ. Iohn 1.10 Ioh. 3.19 Christ in these crieth but men regard not Prou. 1.20 c. 5. Wee must take heed that we mistake not and that in two things 1. First about the difference of Christ and all others in teaching 2. About the continuance of this propheticall office Christ teaching in his owne person did excell all other so as wee might truly say who teacheth like him Iob. 36.22 1. For first he taught with more authoritie Matth. 7.29 For hee taught them as one hauing authority and not as the Scribes 2. He teacheth by his spirit not by sound of words onely or by inke and paper 3. He graueth his words not in stone but in the fleshly tables of mens hearts 2. Cor. 3.3 c. And for the continuance of prophecy wee must know that it lasts but for this life for in the other world prophecie shall cease 1. Cor. 13.8 Loue doth neuer fall away though that prophesyings be abolished or the tongues cease or knowledge vanisheth away For instruction and so these principles may teach First all in Generall and so diuers duties 1. First with all carefulnes therefore to heare the voice of Christ Mat. 17.5 Behold there came a voice out of the cloud saying This is my beloued Sonne in whom I am well pleased heare him 2. In all wants to run vnto Christ and pray that he would teach vs Psal. 25.5 Leade mee forth in thy truth and teach me for thou art the God of my saluation In thee doe I trust all the day c. Psalm 143.10 Teach me to doe thy will for thou art my God let thy good Spirit leade mee into the land of righteousnesse 3. But then if wee would euer profit by Christs teaching we must be poore in spirit broken in hart mourne for our sinnes Isaiah 60.1 c. Malach. 3. from the 1. to the 7. And make conscience to leaue all sinne and bee renewed throughout Eph. 4.17 to 23. 4. To loue the house of God where the Son of God exerciseth his prophecying Psalm 84.4.10 Blessed are they that dwell in thine house they will euer praise thee For a day in thy courts is better then a thousand other where I had rather be a doore-keeper in the house of my God then to dwell in the Tabernacles of wickednes Mat. 12.42 We should long for it and call vpon one another Isaiah 2.3 5. To cleaue to the counsels reproofes doctrines and exhortations of Christ in the execution of his office Ioh. 6.68 And to receiue the truth with al ful assurance Heb. 3.6 2. Pet. 1.19 6. Not to be too busie one against another in doubtfull or indifferent things Iam. 4.11.12 There is one Law-giuer which is able to saue and destroy who art thou that iudgest another man Secondly hence Ministers may learne diuers things 1. Not to affect the praise of men for the greatnesse of their gifts or glory of their work They must not be called Rabbi seeing one is their Doctor euen Christ and they haue nothing but what they haue receiued from him Matth. 23.8 But rather learne of Iohn Baptist Iohn 3.30.31 who said He must increase but I must decrease 2. When they discharge their duties not to be affraid of men or to bee ouermuch carefull in their trouble what to speake or doe They should settle this in their hearts for Christ will giue them a mouth and wisdom which all their aduersaries shall not be able to gainsay or resist one haire of their head shall not perish and therefore in patience they should possesse their soules Luke 21.14 to the 20. 3. To be diligent in the execution of their office seeing they must make vp their accounts to Christ whose Embassadours they are and they should speak as the words of Christ and not their owne words Rom. 12.6.7.8 Thirdly here is singular consolation to al the godly from the propheticall office of Christ and that if we consider three things 1. What Christ will teach vs. 2. How he will teach vs. 3. Whom he will teach For the first it may bee an exceeding comfort that God hath giuen vs his Sonne to bee our Prophet for thereby we may bee assured that he will be our counsellor in all estates Isaiah 9.6 Hee will teach vs to profit Isaiah 33.22 And when wee are deiected and broken in heart and mourne for our corruptions hee doth acknowledge it to be a part of his office to apply the Gospell to vs and to proclaime the acceptable yeere of the Lord and to poure vpon vs the oile of gladnesse for the Spirit of heauines For the second Christs teaching is wonderfull comfortable for the Scripture shewes that he will teach vs 1. Freely he will giue vs our teaching hee stands not vpon hire Iohn 17.8 For I haue giuen vnto them the words which thou gauest me c. 2. Powerfully and effectually so as if our harts were dead within vs yet he will reuiue them the dead shall heare his voice Iohn 5.25 3. Familiarly and with great delight as a mother would instruct her childe at home in a chamber Canticles 8.2 4. Fully keeping from vs nothing that may bee needfull for vs hee will teach vs all things Iohn 15.15 Hence forth call I you not seruants for the seruant knoweth not what his Master doth but I haue called you friends for all things that I haue heard of my Father haue I made knowne vnto you Col. 2.3 In whō are hid al the treasures of wisdom and knowledge c. 5. Gloriously and with a maruelous shining light of knowledge that may rauish our harts and much affect vs 2. Cor. 4.6 For God that commanded the light to shine out of darkenesse is he which hath shined in our hearts to giue the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Iesus Christ. 2. Cor. 3.18 But we all behold as in a mirrour the glory of the Lord with open face and are changed into the same image from glory to glory as by the spirit of the Lord. 6. Confidently Hee will so teach vs the truth as hee will bee ready to iustifie it as a neuer failing faithfull and true witnesse Reuel 3.14 And vnto the Angell of the Church of the Laodiceans write These things saith Amen the faithfull and true witnesse the beginning of the creatures of God Isaiah 55.4
of Abel c. The third is in which nature he maketh intercession I answer in both For howsoeuer if we cōsider the Diuine nature of Christ Christ is then equall with the Father and the same in essence and so it cānot fitly be said that Christ requesteth any thing of the Father yet if we respect the person of Christ in his diuine nature as it is personally vnited to the humane in the dispensatiō of grace as voluntarily he hath vndertaken for vs so it is no more inconuenient to pray for vs thē it is to take vpon him the forme of a seruant for vs and the office of a Mediatour vnto which belongs this worke of praying The vse of all may be first for confutation of the Papists who do most sacrilegiously dishonor the intercession of Christ by substituting secondary intercessors The office is bestowed onely on the Kings son and they most iniuriously would imploy the kings seruants we know no Master of requests but Iesus Christ nor doth it help thē that they say they haue mediators of intcrcession but not of redēption but only Christ for when they acknowledge and beg not only the prayers but the merits too of the Saints to purge away their sinnes and supply their wants they make them mediators of redemption also Secondly for instruction and so it should teach vs 1. To imitate this part of the Priesthood of Christ both by praying to God for our brethren and for all sorts of men though they bee our enemies 1. Tim. 2.1 and also by making peace and keeping it as much as is possible amongst men Blessed are the peace-makers for this makes them like the Sonne of God Matth. 5 7. and seeing the Saints shall iudge the world they should put in to end the quarrels amongst the brethren if it may be 2. Secondly to liue so as Christ may haue credit by vs in giuing his word for vs. Hath Christ vndertaken for vs to God and shall not we bee carefull to the vttermost of our power to be such as he hath promised for vs we shall be Iohn 17.10.18.19 3. To pray and giue thankes much and so to doe all the good we can seeing it shall all be presented to God by Christ Colos. 1. 22. Reuel 8.3.4 4. To establish our selues in the full assurance of faith seeing all our imperfections are couered in Christs intercession and we may approch to God by this new and liuing way and be sure of heauen also euen to come within the vaile when we die Heb. 10.19 Thirdly for consolation for wee may and ought to bee much refreshed if we consider that by the intercession of Christ 1. The fauour of God is established vpon vs and God is kept quiet from being prouoked against vs God and we are now through him all one Ioh. 17.21 2. The compassion of God is implored in the times of distresse and affliction Zach. 1.16 c. 3. The diuell is restrained he cannot hurt vs either by tempting or accusing our faith shall be kept that it faile not Zach. 3. 3. Rom. 8.34 Luke 22.32 4. Our sinnes which we daily commit are forgiuen vs he being an earnest aduocate to pleade for vs 1. Iohn 2.1.2 5. We shall be protected against the hatred of the world Iohn 17.14.15.16 I haue giuen them thy word and the world hath hated them because they are not of the world as I am not of the world I pray not that thou shouldst take them out of the world but that thou keepe them from euill c. 6. Our prayers and suites shall bee all presented and obtained Reuel 8.4 7. We shall be kept from euill and preserued vnto the end vntill wee be perfected from all sinnes and wants Ioh. 17.11 And now am I no more in the world these are in the world and I come to thee holy Father keepe them in thy name euen them whom thou hast giuen me that they may be one as we are 15. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world but that thou keepe them from euill 23. I in them and thou in mee that they may bee made perfect in one c. 8. We haue assured hope of the glory of heauen and to dwel in the most holy place that is within the vaile Heb. 10.19 Seeing therefore brethren that by the blood of Iesus we may bee bold to enter into the holy place c. Heb. 7.25 Wherefore hee is able also perfectly to saue them that come vnto God by him seeing he euer liueth to make intercession for them c. Ioh. 17.24 Father I will that they which thou hast giuen mee bee with me euen where I am that they may behold my glory which thou hast giuen me for thou louedst mee before the foundation of the world Colos. 3.1 If ye then bee risen with Christ seeke those things which are aboue where Christ sitteth at the right hand of God 9. We shall be laden with al needfull blessings in the meane time Heb. 12.24 10. All this is the more comfortable because hee liueth euer to make request for vs. There is no cessation of this office but at all times we may haue the benefit of it Ioh. 17.20 Heb. 7.25 Wherefore he is able also perfectly to saue them that come vnto God by him seeing hee euer liueth to make intercession for them c. CHAP. XXII Of the Regall office of Christ. HItherto of the priestly office of Christ his regall office followes And heere first I will plainly lay downe the principles and proue them and then for more euidence methodically for explication shew the parts of his office heerein and lastly make vses of all There are seuen things to bee beleeued concerning Christ which belong to his regall office First that he ouercame sinne death the graue and hell and rose againe from the dead and ascended into heauen and sitteth at the right hand of God in maiesty That he is risen from the dead these places are euident to keepe in our memories Rom. 1.4 And declared mightily to be the Sonne of God touching the spirit of sanctification by the resurrection from the dead Rom. 4.25 Who was deliuered to death for our sinnes and is risen againe for our iustification 1. Cor. 15.54 Then shall bee brought to passe the saying that is written Death is swallowed vp into victory Ioh. 20.12 And saw two Angels in white sitting the one at the head the other at the feet where the body of Iesus had laien c. Mark 16.6 But hee said vnto them be not afraid ye seeke Iesus of Nazareth which hath been crucified he is risen he is not here behold the place where they put him c. 14. Finally hee appeared vnto the eleuen as they sate together and reproued them of their vnbeleefe and hardnesse of heart because they beleeued not them which had seene him being risen vp againe 2. Tim. 2.8 Remember that Iesus Christ made of the seed of Dauid was raised
which is the head that is Christ. By whom all the body being coupled and knit together by euery ioynt for the furniture thereof according to the effectual power which is in the measure of euery part receiueth encrease of the body into the edifying of it selfe in loue Thirdly that shee is knit vnto Christ her head by an indissoluble vnion Colos. 1.18 And hee is the head of the body of the Church hee is the beginning and the first horne of the dead that in all things he might haue the preeminence Colos. 2.19 And holdeth not the head whereof all the body furnished and knit together by ioynts and hands encreaseth with the encreasing of God 1. Cor. 12.27 Now ye are the body of Christ and members for your part Ephes. 1.22.23 And hath made all things subiect vnder his feet and hath appointed him ouer all things to be the head to the Church Which is his body euen the fulnesse of him that filleth all in all things So as she is truly bone of his bone and flesh of his flesh Ephes. 5.30 For wee are members of his body of his flesh and of his bones One with Christ not in nature as the Trinity is one nor in person as the two natures in Christ but in spirit Ioh. 4.13 Hereby know we that we dwell in him and he in vs because he hath giuen vs of his spirit For the spirit of the Sonne dwelleth in vs. Fourthly that shee is holy Ephes. 5.27 That he might make it vnto himselfe a glorious Church not hauing spot or wrinkle or any such thing but that it should be holy and without blame c. 1. Pet. 2.9 But ye are a chosen generation a royall priesthood an holy nation a peculiar people that ye should shew forth the vertues of him that hath called you out of darknesse into his maruellous light c. Dan. 7.18 And they shall take the kingdome of the Saints of the most high and possesse the kingdome for euer euen for euer and euer And so she is holy 1. By separation from the world in that the godly are consecrated to holy vses they are holy by calling 2. By inchoation of true holinesse in nature and practice Tit. 3.5 Not by the workes of righteousnesse which wee had done but according to his mercy he saued vs by the washing of the new birth and the renuing of the holy Ghost 3. By imputation of Christs holinesse being washed in his blood Heb. 10.10 By the which will we are sanctified euen by the offering of the body of Iesus Christ once made 4. By consummation of all holinesse in the other world Fifthly she is Catholick this is one of the Articles of the Creed the Church is Catholick in three respects 1. In respect of time all the godly being members of this one body though they liue in all the seuerall ages since the beginning of the world 2. In respect of place because all the iust both in heauen and earth are all of this one body Ephes. 1.10 That in the dispensation of the fulnesse of the times hee might gather together in one all things both which are in heauen and which are in earth euen in Christ. And so from all parts of the world is the Church gathered all the particular Churches in the world are but members of this Church vniuersall 3. In respect of persons because it is gathered especially since Christ out of all nations there being no difference put in respect of mens outward condition Reuel 5.9.10 And they sung a new song saying Thou art worthy to take the booke and to open the seales thereof because thou wast killed and hast redeemed vs to God by thy blood out of euery kindred and tongue and people and nation And hast made vs vnto our God Kings and Priests and wee shall raigne on earth Galath 3.28 There is neither Iew nor Grecian there is neither bond nor free there is neither male nor female for yee are all one in Christ Iesus Sixthly that shee is militant that is she is in this life exposed to crosses and afflictions and tentations and oppositions 2. Timoth. 4.7.8 I haue sought a good fight and haue finished my course I haue kept the faith For henceforth is laid vp for me the crowne of righteousnesse which the Lord the righteous Iudge shall giue me at the day and not to mee onely but vnto all them also which loue his appearing Luk. 9.24 For whosoeuer will saue his life shall lose it and whosoeuer shall lose his life for my sake the same shall saue it Act. 14.22 Confirming the disciples hearts and exhorting them to continue in the faith affirming that wee must through many afflictions enter into the kingdome of God c. Reuel 1.9 I Iohn euen your brother and companion in tribulation and in the kingdome and patience of Iesus Christ was in the isle called Patmos for the word of God and for the witnessing of Iesus Christ. Reuel 12.11 But they ouercame him by the blood of the Lambe and by the word of their testimony and they loued not their liues vnto the death c. Ephes. 6.12 For we wrastle not against flesh blood but against principalities against powers against the worldly gouernours the princes of the darknesse of this world c. Now the Lord would haue his Church so exposed to crosses both for his owne sake and for hers and for his enemies sake 1. For his owne sake that he might shew his hatred of sin euen in his owne and the glory also of his power and mercy in their deliuerance as well as his iustice in their afflictions 2. For their sakes that being in the warfare humbled and tamed for their sinnes they might not perish with the world 1. Cor. 11. 31.32 and may be herein like to Christ Rom. 8.27 3. For their enemies sake that they may know that they shall neuer bee spared if God spare not his owne children 1. Pet. 4.17 For the time is come that iudgement must begin at the house of God if it first begin at vs what shall the end be of them which obey not the Gospell of God Seuenthly that she is inuincible Matth. 16.18 And I say also vnto thee that thou art Peter and vpon this rocke I will build my Church and the gates of hell shall not ouercome it Rom. 8.37 Neuerthelesse in all these things we are more then conquerers through him that loued vs. 38. For I am perswaded that neither death nor life nor Angels nor principalities nor powers nor things present nor things to come 39. Nor height nor depth nor any other creature shall be able to separate vs from the loue of God which is in Christ Iesus our Lord. 1. Pet. 5.10 And the God of all grace which hath called vs vnto his eternall glory by Christ Iesus after that yee haue suffered a little make you perfect confirme strengthen and stablish you c. The vses of these principles may be either
learne diuers things First it should teach vs not to mourne immoderatly for the dead since when Christ comes againe he will bring them with him and the earth and seas shall make a true account of their dead in the day of Christ 1. Thes. 4.13.14 Secondly it should teach vs to haue the very body in honor and not to transgresse against it seeing it is redeemed by Christ and shall be raised to immortality at the last day Now men sin against the body 1. When according to the traditions of men and through wil-worship they withhold from the body due sustenance Col. 2.23 2. When men pollute their bodies that should be prepared to immortality with filthinesse such as is whoredome drunkennesse sodomitry and such like abominations 1. Cor. 6.13.14 3. When the bodies of the Saints are not carefully and with meet honour buried or their burying places vnciuilly dis-regarded Thirdly the consideration of this great worke of the resurrection of mens bodies should teach vs to trust God in lesser matters and beleeue his promises though there bee neuer so great vnlikelihood of the accomplishment in respect of outward meanes and appearance Rom. 4.17.18 Fourthly we should especially be careful to get the assurāce that our bodies shall haue a glorious resurrection Act. 24.15 And that we may be so assured 1. Wee must pray God to giue vs his holy spirit as the pledge of it For then if the spirit of Christ be in vs the same spirit that raised Christ will raise vp our naturall bodies at the last day Rom. 8.11 2. Wee must bee sure of the first resurrection that the body be dead in respect of sinne and the soule raised vp to a liuely care of newnesse of life they that haue their part in the first resurrection shall neuer taste of the second death Rom. 6. Reuel 20.6 3. In particular we must bee sure to get faith in Iesus Christ who is the resurrection and the life and in whom whosoeuer beleeueth he shal not die for euer Ioh. 11.25 Fifthly we should resolue to liue like such as beleeue a glorious Resurrection and to this end 1. We should be stedfast and vnmoueable in all conditions of life 1. Cor. 15.58 2. Wee should liue as men deuoted wholy to the seruice of Iesus Christ whose we are both in life and death Rom. 14.7.8 3. We should striue to abound in the worke of the Lord 1. Cor. 15.58 rousing vp our selues to the care of well doing 1. Cor. 15. 34. studying to keepe a conscience void of offence toward God and man Acts 24.16 4. Our minds should run on that time and our conuersation should bee in heauen Philip. 3.20 Thus much of the vses for instruction Thirdly the doctrine of the resurrection hath singular comfort in it and Christians are charged to comfort themselues and one another with these things 1. Thes. 4.18 And Dauid did reioyce and was glad at heart for this reason Psalm 16.9 For that is the time of the refreshing of all Christians Acts 3.19 And so the godly haue been wont to comfort themselues against diuers maladies as 1. Against the paines and tortures of the body so did Iob Iob 19.25.26.27 For I am sure that my Redeemer liueth and he shal stand the last on earth And though after my skin wormes destroy this body yet shall I see God in my flesh Whom I my selfe shall see and mine eies shal behold and none other for me though my reines are consumed within me And so did the godly mentioned Heb. 11.35 The women receiued their dead raised to life other also were racked and would not bee deliuered that they might receiue a better resurrection 2. Against the troubles and generall miseries of this life and so Gods people are comforted Dan. 12.1.2 And at that time shall Michael stand vp the great Prince which standeth for the children of thy people and there shall be a time of trouble such as was neuer since there began to be a nation vnto the same time and at that time thy people shall be deliuered euerie one that shall bee found written in the booke And many of them that sleepe in the dust of the earth shall awake some to euerlasting life and some to shame and perpetuall contempt Isaiah 26.19 Thy dead men shall liue euen with my body shall they rise Awake and sing ye that dwell in dust for thy dew is as the dew of hearbs and the earth shal cast out the dead 3. Against death it selfe and so the Apostle triumphs 1. Cor. 15.55.56.57 O Death where is thy sting O graue where is thy victorie The sting of death is sinne and the strength of sinne is the Law But thankes be vnto God which hath giuen vs victorie through our Lord Iesus Christ. Obiect Now if any aske What in the doctrine of the resurrection should comfort vs in those cases Solut. I answere The consideration of the maruelous glory of our bodies in which they should rise should fill vs with sweet refreshings Phil. 3.21 Who shall change our vile bodie that it may be fashioned like vnto his glorious bodie according to the working wherby he is able to subdue al things vnto himselfe For sixe things shal befall our bodies at that day 1. Immortalitie so as they can neuer die againe 1. Cor. 15.42.43.44.53 2. Incorruptiblenesse they shall neuer be inclined to putrefaction or any corruption 3. Spiritualnesse our bodies shall bee raised spirituall bodies they shall be like spirits as it were and that in diuers respects 1. Because they shall be possessed fully by the Spirit of God so as they shall be both gouerned by the Spirit and be subiect to the Spirit wholly 2. Because they shal liue as the Angels in heauen do without meate or raiment or any other bodily helpes or sustenance 3. Because they shall be for nimblenesse as it were spirits they shall bee able with incredible swiftnesse to passe into all the parts of the world earth or aire c. for they shall meete Christ in the aire 1. Thessal 4.17 4. Power for of bodies full of weakenesse and subiect to many calamities and distresses and paines they shall bee raised in power that is strong able and impassible 5. Perfection for they shall be freed from deformitie vnhandsomnesse maimes lamenesse c. and become most faire and comely neither infancie nor old age hindring them but shall appeare in full age and beautie 6. Shining and splendor as the Sunne or Starres in the Firmament the bodie being clothed with a celestiall glory and diuine light 1. Cor. 15.40 Dan. 12.3 And they that bee wise shall shine as the brightnesse of the Firmament and they that turne many to righteousnesse shal shine as the Starres for euer and euer Matth. 13 43. Then shall the iust men shine as the Sun in the Kingdome of their Father Hee that hath eares to heare let him heare c. And as we may comfort our selues by the meditation of these distinct
extremely wrath with sinne and will call to iudgement such as the drowning of the old world burning of Sodome swallowing vp of Corath Dathan and Abiram the neglect of the Gentiles the reiection of the Iewes the punishing of Christ the afflictions of the godly the warres pestilences famins c. that are in the world And they themselues may gesse somewhat at it by the sharpenes of the word the accusing of the conscience the checkes of the spirit and the fearefull terrors of conscience which fall vpon some men Ob. But God we hope will be mercifull Sol. It is a day of wrath not of mercy the date of mercy will bee then out Rom. 2.5 But thou after thine hardnesse and heart which cannot repent heapest vnto thy selfe wrath against the day of wrath and of the declaration of the iust iudgement of God c. Ob. But God saies nothing to me all this while I escape and am not troubled I discerne no way that God is displeased with me Sol. 1. Seaes of wrath hang ouer thy head daily though thou discerne them not Iohn 3. vlt. He that beleeueth in the Sonne hath euerlasting life and he that obeyeth not the Sonne shall not see the life but the wrath of God abideth on him Sol. 2. Many signes of Gods displeasure are vpon thy soule though thou feele them not It is one extreame curse to be left off vnto such a spirit of slumber 3. Though God doth not yet discouer to thee his displeasure yet will hee awake to thy iudgement Psalm 50.31 These things hast thou done I held my tongue therefore thou thoughtst that I was like thee but I will reprooue thee and set them in order before thee Ob. But I may finde some meanes to helpe my selfe at that day Sol. Riches will not auaile in the day of wrath Iob 36.18 For Gods wrath is lest he should take thee away in thine abundance for no multitude of gifts can deliuer thee Vers. 19. Will he regard thy riches he regardeth not gold nor all them that excell in strength And there shall bee none to deliuer Psalm 50.22 O consider this yee that forget God lest I teare you in pieces and there be none that can deliuer you c. Ob. But I may then repent Sol. No As death leaues thee so shall iudgement find thee it is a day of the declaration of the righteous iudgement of God Rom. 2.5 But thou after thine hardnesse and heart that cannot repent heapest vnto thy selfe wrath against the day of wrath and of the declaration of the iust iudgement of God 2. Cor. 5.10 For we must all appeare before the iudgement seate of Christ that euery man receiue the things which are done in his bodie according to that he hath done whether it be good or euill Ob. But there is a world of people in the same case Sol. He will iudge all the vngodly hee cares not for the multitude Iude 15. To giue iudgement against all men and to rebuke all the vngodly amongst them of all their wicked deeds which they haue vngodly committed and of al their cruell speaking which wicked sinners haue spoken against him Besides he hath plagued multitudes as the old World c. and he can easily doe execution for hee comes with thousand thousands of his Angels Iude 14. And Enoch also the seuenth from Adam prophesied of such saying Behold the Lord commeth with thousands of his Saints Ob. But who knowes my faults Sol. ' The hidden things of darkenes and the secrets of mens hearts shall then be discouered 1. Cor. 4.5 Therfore iudge nothing before the time vntill the Lord come who will lighten things that are hid in darkenesse and make the counsels of the hearts manifest and then shall euery man haue praise of God Ob. But by what euidence can I be conuinced God may forget my faults before then Sol. No God hath them written in his book of remembrance with a pen of iron and a point of a diamond Ier. 17.1 The sinne of Iuda is written with a pen of iron and with the point of a diamond and grauen vpon the table of your hearts and vpon the hornes of your altars And euidence wil be easie to bee had vpon the opening of these bookes Reuel 20.12 And I saw the dead both great and small stand before God and the books were opened and another booke was opened which is the booke of life and the dead were iudged of those things which are written in the bookes according to their workes Besides the Heauens will declare his righteousnes Psal. 50.6 And the creatures abused by them will giue in euidence against them Ier. 17.1 And the word that men haue heard shall iudge them And their own consciences shall be dilated and bee in stead of a thousand witnesses and the Spirit of God that hath so often reproued the world of sinne can easily accuse them Ioh. 16.8 And when he is come he will reprooue the world of sinne and of righteousnesse and of iudgement c. Ob. I know no great fault by my selfe Sol. Though thou forget thy sinnes yet Christ will remember them Matth. 25. It will not serue the turne to say When did wee so Ob. But I neuer did Christ any great wrong Sol. Thou hast many waies sinned against Christ though thy carelesse heart perceiue it not but if thou hadst not yet in as much as thou hast done wrong to Christians thou hast done it to Christ Matth. 25. Ob. But I haue done much good in the world Sol. If thou haue not had true faith and loue and repentance it shall not auaile thee as these places shew 1. Cor. 13.3 And though I feede the poore with all my goods and though I giue my body that I be burned and haue not loue it profiteth me nothing Ob. But wee neuer had such meanes of knowledge as others haue had Sol. They that haue sinned without the Law shal be iudged without the Law and they that haue sinned vnder the Law shall be iudged by the Law Rom. 2. 12. For as many as haue sinned without the Law shall perish also without the law as many as haue sinned in the Law shall be iudged by the Law Ob. But it is a great while thither Sol. It is not for the Lord is at hand 1. Pet. 4.7 Now the end of all things is at hand be you therefore sober and watching in prayer Iam. 5.8 Be ye also patient therfore and settle your hearts for the comming of the Lord draweth neere Besides the signes of the last iudgement are the most of them accomplished already Antichrist is reuealed and almost pulled downe 2. Thessalon 2. 1. Iohn 2.18 The World hath been full of spirits of deceiuers 1. Tim. 4.1 The sinnes of the last age are euery where at the full Iniquity abounds 2. Timoth. 3.1 Matth. 24.12 The powers of heauen are shaken which appeares by the often Eclipses of Sunne and Moone and by the vncertaintie of the