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
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
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
trust in God 5. As any are more godly so they must know they shall bee more assaulted Thus for instruction This doctrine of the fall hath matter in it of extreame humiliation in that eternall shame lies vpon our nature by this vile offence both in respect of the extremity of our losse and the fearfull displeasure of God Lastly it may comfort the godly to thinke of their estate by Christ hauing receiued the assurance of a better condition then euer they could haue had in Adam and the rather because they are now confirmed as the Angels of heauen that they can neuer fall from the happinesse they haue in Christ. CHAP. IX Of Sinne. Rom. 5.12 Wherefore as by one man sinne entred into the world and death by sinne and so death went ouer all men for as much as all men haue sinned c. HItherto of the cause of our misery The parts follow viz. 1. Sinne. 2. Punishment The principles concerning sin are First that all men haue sinned Psalm 14.1.2.3 The foole hath said in his heart there is no God they haue corrupted and done an abominable worke there is none that doth good The Lord looked downe from heauen vpon the children of men to see if there were any that would vnderstand and seeke God All are gone out of the way they are all corrupt there is none that doth good no not one Prou. 20.9 Who can say I haue made mine heart cleane I am cleane from my sinne 1. King 8.46 There is no man that sinneth not c. Eccles. 7.22 Surely there is no man iust in the earth that doth good and sinneth not Rom. 3.9 What then are wee more excellent No in no wise for we haue already proued that all both Iewes and Gentiles are vnder sin Iam. 3.2 For in many things we sinne all 1. Ioh. 1.8 If we say that we haue no sinne we deceiue our selues and the truth is not in vs. The second principle is that the nature of man is stained with sinne from the birth Iob 14.4 Who can bring a cleane thing out of filthinesse there is not one Iob 15.14 What is man that he should bee cleane and hee that is born of a womaÌ„ that he shuld be iust Psal. 51.5 Behold I was borne in iniquity and in sin hath my mother conceiued me That this infection hath ouerspread the whole nature of man hence called the old man For explication of this principle we must consider that the nature of man is tainted 14. waies For there is in man by nature Extreame darknesse sightlesnes especially in the knowledge of God and happinesse Colos. 1.13 Who hath deliuered vs from the power of darknesse 1. Cor. 2.14 But the naturall man perceiueth not the things of the spirit of God for they are foolishnesse vnto him neither can hee know them because they are spiritually discerned Insensiblenesse and vnutterable hardnesse of heart Ephes. 4.18 Hauing their cogitation darkened and being strangers from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them because of the hardnesse of their heart c. Impotency and extreame disability to deliuer our owne soules or breake off our sinnes Esa. 44.20 He feedeth of ashes a seduced heart hath deceiued him that he cannot deliuer his soule nor say is there not a lie in my right hand Enmity to that which is good Rom. 8.7 For the wisedome of the flesh is enmity to God Rom. 7.23 But I see another law in my members rebelling against the law of my mind and leading me captiue vnto the law of sin which is in my members 5. Impurity foulnes filthines all ouer Tit. 1â— 5. Vnto them that are defiled 〈◊〉 â—â—beleeuing is nothing pure 〈◊〉 euen their mindes and conscienâ—â— are defiled Psal. 14.3 All are gone out of the way they are all corrupt there is none that doth good no not one 6. Abundance of false principles 7. Pronenesse to al sorts of euil Rom. 7.14.21 For we know that the law is spirituall but I am carnall sold vnder sinne I finde then by the law that when I would do good euill is present with me c. Concupiscence Want of all righteousnesse defects of the loue feare Ioy. c in God so of mercy c Psalm 14.3 All are gone out of the way they are all corrupt there is none that doth good no not one c. Rom. 3.10 As it is written There is none righteous no not one The members are naturally seruants of sinne so the senses Rom. 6.13.16 c. Neither giue you your members as weapons of vnrighteousnesse vnto sinne c. Know ye not that to whomsoeuer ye giue your selues as seruants to obey his seruants you are to whom ye obey whether it bee of sinne vnto death or of obedience vnto righteousnesse c. A seruile will a will that apprehends no liberty but in sinning Rom. 7.14 A natural aptnesse to be scandalized so as Christ himselfe is an offence a rocke of offence 1. Cor. 8.7 1. Pet. 2.6 A naturall sauouring and relishing of the things of Satan Ephes. 2.2 Wherein in time past you walked according to the course of this world and after the prince that ruleth in the ayre euen the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience This hath been euer since the first tentation in Paradise Corruption of memory Forgetting Good Retaining Euill A naturall dis-union one from another lusts of disagreement shunning all harty communion with others through dislike and selfe-loue Iam. 4.1 From whence are warres and contentions amongst you are they not hence euen of your lusts that fight in your members These things proue that wee haue all vile natures that there is not one of a good nature in the world by nature The fourth principle is that besides these sinnes that sticke fast vpon our natures euery man is guilty of horrible and many and vile actuall sinnes Psalm 14. 1.2.3 They haue corrupted and done an abominable worke c. Iob. 15.15.16 Behold he found no stedfastnesse in his Saints yea the heauens are not cleane in his sight How much more is man abominable and filthy who drinketh iniquity like water Rom 3.12 They haue all gone out of the way c. Such as are 1. A world of euill thoughts Genes 6.5 When the Lord saw that the wickednesse of man was great in the earth and all the imaginations of the thoughts of his heart were only euill continually Atheisticall thoughts innumerable Impure thoughts innumerable Vaine thoughts innumerable Errours in all parts of Religion 2. Vile affections Impatiency Lust Anger Enuie Suspition Malice Worldly feare Trust Ioy Loue c. 3. Vile words bitter idle false flattering slaÌ„dering proud filthy deceitfull scornfull censuring words 4. Atheisticall workes Psal. 14.1.3 as in many places before Against Gods worship in all the parts Against the Sabbath In our particular and generall calling At home and abroad Secret open Of omission and commission Of ignorance of knowledge Sudden and of custome In
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
resurrection Dan. 12.2 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 Quest. It may bee obiected that Daniel saith many shall rise not all Answ. Hee may speake so because wee shall not all die but those that are aliue at Christs comming shall bee changed in stead of death and resurrection 1. Thes. 4.15 For this say we vnto you by the word of the Lord that we which liue and are remaining in the comming of the Lord shall not preuent them which sleepe c. 1. Cor. 15.53 Thirdly that the same bodies which men carry about with them in this world shall rise againe Iob 19.26.27 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 eyes shall behold and none other for me though my raines are consumed within me Psalm 34.20 He keepeth all his bones not one of them is broken This very corruptible must put on incorruption 1. Cor. 15. 53. For this corruptible must put on incorruption and this mortall must put on immortality c. The reasons are 1. because euery man shall receiue in his body what hee hath done either good or euill 2. Cor. 5.10 For wee must all appeare before the iudgement seat of Christ that euery man may receiue the things which are done in his body according to that he hath done whether good or euill 2. Because else it were absurd that any other body should bee crowned but that which suffered or punished but that which sinned Fourthly that this resurrection shall bee at the ende of the world euen the last day of the world Ioh. 6.44 No man can come to me except the Father which hath sent me draw him and I will raise him vp at the last day And therefore we must distinguish betweene particular resurrections and the generall or vniuersall Particular resurrections haue been past in some cases miraculously as at the time of Christs death but the principle speakes of the vniuersall resurrection The vses may be for Information Instruction Consolation Terrour First for information and so we should striue to informe our selues in three things 1. The certainty of it that it shall surely be 2. The manner of it since it must needs be 3. The glory of the life in Christ that can effect this For the first we may find many waies to affect our harts with a full assurance that our dead bodies shall rise againe many things tend hereunto some probable some infallible some shew it that it may bee others that it shall be That it is not impossible other workes in nature shew as first the Phoenix a bird in Arabia of which it is written that waxing old with the stickes of Frankincense and Cassia with which shee filled her nest shee makes a fier and being put in the fier and burned to ashes by and by after the dew of heauen lights vpon her she comes forth aliue Secondly we know that many little birds which for the winter-time lie out of the way in deepe marshes or such like places yet in spring time come out aliue againe Thirdly we see that trees and plants in winter loose all their ornaments and being dead to see to yet reuiue againe Fourthly thus doth the seed also which the husband-man throwes into the ground 1. Cor. 15.36 O foole that which thou sowest is not quickened except it die Fifthly and lastly night and day sleepe and waking shewes vs thus much the day dies into the night and yet reuiues to the world with all his glory Yea in man himselfe there is grounds of singular probability For First his deliuerances from dangers and distresses are as it were lesser resurrections and the terme is giuen to it The houses in which the Iewes were captiues were as so many graues and their returne as a rising from the dead Ezech. 37.12 2. Cor. 1.10 Secondly he hath had an experience of the first resurrection in his soule already and how can he doubt the rising of his body Rom. 6. Ioh. 5.25.28 Reu. 20.6 Thirdly diuers particular men haue appeared raised from the dead as Lazarus Ioh. 13.43 the Saints that appeared out of the graues after Christs death Mat. 27.52.53 Fourthly God shewed this in a vision to Ezechiel when he saw a field full of dry bones receiuing at Gods commandement flesh and nerues and life Ezech. 37. But wee haue more then probabilities we haue certaine arguments for it as First the word of God assuring it 1. Thes. 4.15 as was proued before to whom all things are possible Luk. 1.37 For with God shall nothing bee vnpossible Luk. 18.27 The things which are vnpossible with men are possible with God Rom. 4.21 Secondly the Sonne of God vndertaking to effect it Iohn 6. 39. And this is the Fathers will which hath sent me that of all which he hath giuen me I should loose nothing but should raise it vp againe at the last day c. Thirdly the resurrection of Christ to assure it who rose as our surety 1. Thes. 4.14 Fourthly the Sacrament of Baptizme sealeth both the resurrection of soule and body Fifthly and lastly the Apostle proues at large the necessity of the resurrection by many arguments shewing in effect that all religion is ouerturned if the resurrection bee not beleeued 1. Cor. 15.12 Thus that it shall be How it shall be followes The manner of the resurrection will be thus First when the last day of the world is come Christ on a sudden in the same visible forme he went to heauen will come in the clouds with his Angels and thousands of the soules of his Saints Iude 14. 1. Thes. 4.15 Secondly the trumpet of God shall then sound the voice of the Arch-angell shall then bee heard Christ shall command exhort and call vpon the dead to rise and come away to iudgement 1. Thes. 4.16.17 so as the very dead shall heare this shout and voice of Christ Ioh. 5.29 Matth. 24.31 Thirdly immediately the spirit of Christ will bring the soules of all the godly and they shall enter into their bodies and then they that haue slept in the dust of the earth shall bee raised to life Fourthly the bodies of the wicked shall then bee raised also by the power of God by a way vnknowne Fifthly men that shal then be aliue shal haue a chāge on a sudden in stead of death and resurrection 1. Cor. 15. 1. Thes. 4.15 16. Sixthly the Angels shall then gather the Elect and chase in the reprobates from the foure winds of heauen and present them before Christ Matth. 24.31 Thus of the manner Thirdly this may informe vs concerning the glorious life of the Sonne of God who doth not onely liue himselfe but giues life to millions of men by his spirit Ioh. 5.21 and raised dead bodies so miraculously Thus of the vses for information From the doctrine of the resurrection wee should
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
and the sea and the fountaine of waters c. Fifthly wee should bee sober in not enquiring into things not reuealed and looke to the maine businesse as for the precise time or place of the iudgement or from whence the fier shall come that shall burne all or what kind kind of throne it shal be or what the signe of the Sonne of man shall be or such like we beleeue that they shall be but ought not to enquire when where or how they shall be Sixthly chiefly this doctrine of the last iudgement should compell in all of vs a care so to liue that we may be sure to haue comfort in that day and that we shall be sure to finde 1. If wee beleeue in Iesus Christ Ioh. 5.24 Verily verily I say vnto you hee that heareth my word and beleeueth in him that sent me hath euerlasting life and shall not come into condemnation but hath passed from death vnto life 2. If we be sure to iudge our selues here God will not condemne vs with the world 1. Cor. 11.31 For if wee would iudge our selues we should not be iudged c. 3. If continually we consult with the word of God to see that our deeds bee wrought in God Ioh. 3.19.20.21 Hee that doth truth commeth to the light that his deeds might be made manifest that they are wrought according to God 4. If we watch and pray alwaies they that pray much on earth shall stand before Christ with comfort at that day Luke 21.36 Watch therefore and pray continually that ye may be counted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to passe and that ye may stand before the Sonne of man 5. If wee be mercifull and louing and bountifull to the godly in their distresses Matth. 25. 31 c. 6. If wee be sheepe sheepe I say 1. For tractablenesse so as we know heare and be ruled by the voice of Christ. 2. For sociablenesse a sheepe will not bee alone nor sort with swine 3. For profitablenesse that we be not idle nor vnfruitfull Mat. 25. Ioh. 10. 7. If wee can get the seale of the spirit as our earnest of our finall redemption at that day the witnesse of the spirit in this life will make all sure against that day Ephes. 1.14 The spirit of promise is the earnest of our inheritance vntill the redemption of the possession purchased vnto the praise of his glory Rom. 8.15 For ye haue not receiued the spirit of bondage to feare againe but ye haue receiued the spirit of adoption whereby we cry Abba Father 8. If wee hold fast what wee haue and loose not what wee haue wrought Reuel 3.11 Behold I come shortly hold that which thou hast that no man take thy crowne 2. Ioh. 8. Looke to your selues that wee loose not the things which wee haue done but that we may receiue a full reward 9. If wee often receiue the Sacrament of the Lords Supper with due preparation for therin 1. Christ doth familiarly conuerse with vs and is giuen to our nourishment to eternall life 2. The outward elements are vnfained pledges of the remission of all our sinnes 3. We therein remember the death of Christ for vs and how hee was iudged for our sakes and thereby haue our hearts setled against the feare of any seuerity from him 4. In the right preparation for the Sacrament we prepare for the last iudgement too one worke serues to both purposes 5. The Sacraments are Gods broad seales to assure vs that we shall speed wel at that day Thus of the vses for instruction Secondly this doctrine of the last iudgement hath singular terrour in it to all impenitent sinners which may be considered either more generally or more particularly First in generall it is terrible for them to heare and know that God hath set them a day and hath giuen them finall warning to repent or else vndoubtedly he will iudge them with all seuerity Act. 17.31 Because he hath appointed a day in the which he will iudge the world in righteousnesse by that man whom hee hath appointed whereof he hath giuen an assurance vnto all men in that he hath raised him from the dead Iude 15. To giue iudgement against all men and to rebuke all the vngodlily among them of all their wicked deeds which they haue vngodly committed and of all their cruell speaking which wicked sinners haue spoken against him 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 Who will reward euery man according to his workes c. Secondly in particular this terrour is the more grieuous if they consider either the distinct miseries shall then fall vpon thē or the seuerall sins God hath reserued to triall and punishment at that day What hart cā stand before the serious thoughts of the particulars 1. They shall heare the thunder of Christs fearefull voice summoning them 2. They shall be chased in by the Angels before Christ from al the foure winds of heauen 3. They shall be set at Christs lefthand as a signe of miserable disgrace Matth. 25.33 4. A fier shall deuoure before Christ and it shall be tempestuous round about him Psal. 50.3 Our God shall come and shall not keepe silence a fier shall deuoure before him and a mightie tempest shall be moued round about him c. 2. Thes. 1.8 In flaming fier rendring vengeance vnto them that do not know God and which obey not vnto the Gospell of our Lord Iesus Christ. 5. They shall be euerlastingly shamed and before al the world Dan. 12.2 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 when all their sinnes shall bee discouered and set in order before them Psalm 50.21 These things hast thou done and I held my tongue therefore thou thoughtst that I was like thee but I will reprooue thee and set them in order before thee c. 6. They shall be sentenced to eternall condemnation containing in it 1. Separation from God Christ and all the godly Go ye cursed c. Matth. 25.41 c. 2. Paine and anguish vnutterable Rom. 2.9 Tribulation and anguish shall bee vpon the soule of euery man that doth euil of the Iew first and also of the Grecian 3. Fellowship with the Diuell and his Angels Matth. 25. 41. as a little before Ob. Some one might say We hope it is not certaine that there shall be such a day Sol. It is most certaine It is appointed as certaine as that men shal die Heb. 9.27 And as it is appointed vnto men that they shall once die and after that commeth the iudgement Acts 17.31 Because he hath appointed a day in the which he will iudge the world in righteousnesse c. Besides the terrible plagues which haue been and are in the world shewes that God is
Gospell 2. Thes. 1.8 In flaming fier rendring vengeance vnto them that doe not know God and which obey not vnto the Gospell of our Lord Iesus Christ. And thus for terrour Lastly the doctrine of the last iudgement should be exceeding comfortable to al the godly and that in many respects First if they shall consider who shall be their Iudge euen he that is their brother husband aduocate head and redeemer hee that was iudged for their sakes and therefore they neede to feare no hard sentence from him Secondly if they consider the present assurance of hope For first hath not Christ giuen them many promises that it shal goe well with them at that day 2. Hath not Christ iustified them already and absolued thē from all their sinnes Rom. 3.24.25 3. Haue they not receiued the earnest of the spirit and the seale of the Sacraments 2. Cor. 1.21.22 2. Cor. 5.5 4. Haue they not iudged themselues and therefore are they not free from condemnation with the world 1. Cor. 11.31.32 5. They haue been iudged already the afflictions of this life will be accounted sufficient vnto them 1. Pet. 4.17 They may trust their soules to God and that God that hath begun his good worke in them will performe it till the day of Christ Philip. 1.5.6 1. Cor. 1.8 Thirdly if they consider the benefits they shall attaine vnto at that day for Christ will bee made maruellous in all them that beleeue 2. Thes. 1.10 They shall haue honour and praise their innocency shall be cleared and their miseries and sinnes ended And when Christ shall appeare then shall we also appeare with him in glory Colos. 3.4 Fourthly if they consider the circumstances of the Iudgment as 1. The neernesse of the time should make them hold vp their heads Matth. 24.22.33 Philip. 4.5 Let your patient mind be knowne vnto all men the Lord is at hand Iam. 5.8 Be ye also patient therfore and settle your hearts for the comming of the Lord draweth neere 2. The greatnesse of the assembly before whom they shall bee so much graced by Christ they shall be honoured before all men and Angels 3. The condition of the sentence it shall be a finall sentence neuer to bee reuoked but acknowledged to all eternity 4. And besides they shall haue this fauour that nothing shall bee remembred but goodnesse in good men their sinnes shall not bee mentioned vnto them Matth. 25. CHAP. XXVIII Of the glory of heauen 1. Cor. 2.9 But as it is written The things which eye hath not seene neither eare hath heard neither came into mans heart are which God hath prepared for them that loue him HItherto of the principles that concerne the resurrection the last iudgement The principles that concerne the glory of heauen follow There are foure principles concerning the glory of heauen The first concernes the greatnesse of it It is vnspeakable and in respect of vs heere on earth incomprehensible 1. Cor. 2.9 as in the beginning 1. Ioh. 3.2 Dearly beloued now are we the sonnes of God but yet it doth not appeare what we shall bee and we know that when we shall appeare we shall be like him for wee shall see him as he is Colos. 3.3.4 For yee are dead and your life is hid with Christ in God When Christ which is our life shall appeare then shall wee also appeare with him in glory 2. Cor. 12.4 How that hee was taken vp into Paradise and heard words which cannot bee spoken which are not possible for man to vtter Reuel 2.17 Let him that hath an eare heare what the spirit saith vnto the Churches to him that ouercommeth will I giue to eate of the manna that is hid and will giue him a white stone and in the stone a new name written which no man knoweth sauing he that receiueth it Psal. 16.11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life in thy presence is the fulnesse of ioy and at thy right hand there are pleasures for euermore Psalm 31.19 How great is thy goodnesse which thou hast laid vp for them that feare thee and done to them that trust in thee euen before the sonnes of men The second concernes the continuance of it and so it is eternall and therefore is this life called eternall life and immortality Matthew 25. vers 46. And these shall goe into euerlasting paine and the righteous into life eternall 2. Timoth. 1.10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Sauiour Iesus Christ who hath abolished death and hath brought life and immortality vnto light through the Gospell 1. Pet. 1.4 To an inheritance immortall and vndefiled and that fadeth not away reserued in heauen for you c. 2. Cor. 5.1 For wee know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle be destroyed we haue a building giuen of God that is an house not made with hands but eternall in the heauens The third concernes the cause of it Heauen is the gift of God and proceeds onely from his free grace and not for any merit in vs Luk. 12.32 Feare not little flocke for it is your Fathers pleasure to giue you a kingdome Titus 3.4 But when the bountifulnesse and loue of God our Sauiour toward man appeared not for our righteousnesse but according to his mercy he saued vs c. Ioh. 3.16 For God so loued the world that he hath giuen his onely begotten Sonne that whosoeuer beleeueth in him should not perish but haue euerlasting life Rom. 6.23 For the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternall life through Iesus Christ our Lord c. 1. Pet. 1. all the chapter The fourth concernes the persons that shall enioy it the elect of God onely obtaine this glory 1. Cor. 15.50 c. This say I brethren that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdome of God neither doth corruption inherit incorruption Reuel 21.27 And there shall enter into it none vncleane thing neither whatsoeuer worketh abomination or lies but they which are written in the Lambes booke of life 1. Cor. 6.9 Know ye not that the vnrighteous shall not inherit the kingdome of God be not deceiued Neither fornicators nor Idolaters nor adulterers nor wantons nor buggeres c. Rom. 2.7 That is to them which by continuance in well doing seeke glory and honour and immortality eternall life 10. But to euery man that doth good shall be glory and honour and peace to the Iew first and also to the Grecian The vses follow and are either for instruction or for consolation First for instruction and then the doctrine of the glory of heauen should worke diuers impressions vpon our hearts 1. We should with all earnestnesse importune God to enable vs to behold by the effectualnesse of contemplation the greatnesse of that felicity is prouided for vs in heauen wee are naturally extreamly vnable for the contemplation of it wee should beseech God by his spirit to force open our eyes and make vs able to stand and gaze with admiration at
the glory to come Ephes. 1.18.19 Rom. 5.2.3 2. Our hearts should be fiered with an ardency of desire and endeauour to praise the glorious and free grace of God which hath without our deserts appointed vs vnto such glory wee can neuer walke worthy of heauen till wee be fitted to a daily and affectionate praise of Gods loue to vs therin All ages should stand and wonder at such rich grace and tender kindnesse of God in Iesus Christ Ephes. 1.6 Ephes. 2.7 Thirdly it should raise vp in vs a wonderfull estimation of the godly who are therfore the onely excellent Ones because as princes of God they are borne heires to so great a Kingdome No meanesse of their outward condition should abate of our reuerence to them that are so rich in faith and heires of such glorie c. Psalm 6.3 Iames 2.5 And seeing we must liue with them for euer we should choose them as the most happie companions of our liues here and receiue them as Christ receiued vs to glorie Rom. 15.7 1. Ioh. 4.7.17 c. And liue in all peace with them Ephes. 4.23 And for this reason husbands should make much of their godly wiues as heires with them of the same grace of God 1. Peter 3.8 And Masters should vse with all respect their religious seruants knowing that of the Lord their verie seruants shall receiue the reward of inheritance Colos. 3.23.24 Fourthly it should exceedingly raise the price of godlines and make vs with all heartie affection deuote our selues to weldoing seeing there is such an vnualuable gaine ariseth vnto such as with patience and painefulnesse continew in doing good wee should be abundant in the worke of the Lord if for no reason yet because of the great reward in heauen 1. Cor. 15.58 Rom. 2.7.10 Fifthly it should make vs to take off our affections from the World with disdaine and indignation at our selues for being so foolish as to settle our hearts on things below And since necessitie enioynes vs to vse the world this religious hope should make vs vse it as if wee vsed it not expressing all sobrietie and temperance and contempt of those transitory things and setting our hearts there where those matchlesse treasures are What profit is it to win all this World if our soules bee shut out of Heauen and what losse can it be if wee loose this World and find our right vnto the World to come This doctrine should make vs feelingly know and professe our selues to bee strangers and pilgrims here to desire to be no other then such as long to be absent from hence that we may bee present with the Lord in this glorie 1. Cor. 7.31 Col. 3.1.2 1. Pet. 1.13 Matth. 6.19.20 Matth 16.25.26 Heb. 11.13 2. Cor. 5.6 Sixthly we should be especially carefull to be all that that is required vnto eternall life And so in generall we must be sure wee bee borne againe else Christ is peremptory wee cannot enter into the Kingdome of heauen Ioh. 3.5 Heauen is an inheritance and therefore we must first be sonnes That glory must penetrate into our hearts by the beames of it so as we be changed from glorie to glorie 2. Corint 3.18 Wee must enter into the first degree of eternall life and that is in this life we must beare the image of Christ. And in particular we must distinctly looke to these things 1. We must be carefull to be prouided of the meanes to teach vs the way to heauen we must labour for the meat that endureth to eternall life Iohn 6.27 As knowing that the preaching of the Gospell is the power of God to saluation Rom. 1.16 Rom. 10.14 2. We must seriously studie the mysteries of this Kingdome and keep our selues close to profitable things which may edifie vs Matth. 13.11 Titus 3.8.9 3. We must purge our selues as he is pure we must seriously and soundly imploy our selues in the duties of mortification of our corruptions 1. Iohn 3.3 And euerie man thaâ— hath this hope in him purgeth himselfe as he is pure c. 4. We must be sure that the tempter deceiue vs not in our faith for that is our euidence for those things which are not seene and that makes them as it were present Heb. 11.1 Now faith is the ground of things which are hoped for and the euidence of things which are not seene 1. Thes. 3.5 Euen for this cause when I could no longer forbeare I sent him that I might know of your faith lest the tempter had tempted you in any sort and that our labour had been in vaine 1 Pet. 1.7 That the triall of your faith being much more precious then gold that perisheth though it be tried with fier might be found vnto your praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Iesus Christ. 2. Cor. 13.5 Proue your selues whether you are in the faith examine your selues know yee not your owne selues how that Iesus Christ is in you except you be reprobates For by faith Christ liues in vs Gal. 2.20 5. We must be sure wee bee not ashamed of Christ in this World and that we doe not denie him here on earth but contrariwise Matth. 10.32 Whosoeuer therefore shall confesse mee before men him will I confesse also before my Father which is in heauen Vers. 33. But whosoeuer shall deny me before men him will I also denie before my Father which is in heauen 6. Wee must get the earnest of this inheritance which is the spirit of promise for that will stablish vs Ephes. 1.14 2. Cor. 1.22.23 For when God giues glorie in heauen then the spirit of glorie rests vpon men in this life 1. Pet. 4.14 And the spirit is our earnest either by anointing vs with sauing grace for they assure vs as infallibly of this kingdom as the oile poured on the Kings did assure them of their Kingdome or by refreshing and satisfying our hearts in hearing the promises or receiuing the Sacraments or answering our prayers But in all this we must remember these things 1. To do this worke first first seeke the Kingdom of God Mat. 6.33 deferre not the time to the last gaspe 2. To doe it constantly Let him that is righteous be righteous still Reuel 22. 3. Praying in the holy Ghost and keeping our selues in the loue of God Iude 20.21 4. To doe it violently Heauen shoul suffer violence Matth. 11.12 5. To doe it humbly renouncing all our owne merits and ascribing all to the free grace of God and the merits of Iesus Christ Rom. 6.23 Ephes. 2.8.9 For heauen is an inheritance and therefore comes by fauour not by purchase and besides we are adopted children too and not naturall 6. Hauing finished al things to stand fast and hope perfectly for the grace of God to bee brought vnto vs at the reuelation of Iesus Christ 1. Pet. 1.13 Secondly these principles may serue for singular consolation and so 1. Against the instabilitie of this present life while wee looke vpon our abiding Citie in
and not to mee onely but vnto all them also that loue his appearing Reuel 21.24 And the people which are saued shall walke in the light of it and the Kings of the earth shall bring their glory and honour vnto it Which as it imports a perfection of splendor in euery Saint so it doth not dissolue the degrees or orders of glory euery man shall bee aduanced in his owne lot Dan. 12.13 But goe thou thy way till the end be for thou shalt rest and stand vp in thy lot at the end of the dayes 1. Cor. 15.40 There are also heauenly bodies and earthly bodies but the glory of the heauenly is one and the glory of the earthly is another Patriarches Prophets Euangelists Martyrs shall not want their eminency in heauen The fourth is dominion and rule ouer all creatures that which we lost in Adam shall be perfectly restored in heauen after the last iudgement Reuel 2.26 For hee that ouercommeth and keepeth my words vnto the end to him will I giue power ouer nations The fifth is possession of all the pleasures which are at Gods right hand vnutterable ioyes riuers of pleasures This is that which in a sparing language is called the time of refreshing Act. 3.19 Amend your liues therefore and turne that your sinnes may be put away when the time of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord. Psalm 16.11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life in thy presence is the fulnesse of ioy and at thy right hand there are pleasures for euermore For if the ioy of the godly in this life be called 1. Pet. 1.17 A ioy vnspeakable and glorious And if the Lord giue them drink out of the riuer of thy pleasures in this world as Psal. 36.8.9 How much more shall it exceed all language in heauen called the masters ioy The felicities which I haue here mentioned are for the most part common both to soule and body Now there is a peculiar felicity in heauen belonging to the bodies of men which consists in that maruellous transfiguration of them to a condition in respect of qualities farre aboue what they are or can be in this world Our bodies in generall shall be made like the glorious body of Christ though on earth they are but vile Philip. 3.21 Who shall change our vile body that it may be fashioned like vnto his glorious body according to the working wherby hee is able euen to subdue all things vnto himselfe They shall enioy eternall health but of the glory of the body I haue entreated before in the vse of the doctrine of the Resurrection Thus of the parts of this glory The Adiuncts of it follow And so there bee foure things in the consideration of the glory to come should much affect vs. First that it is a glory vnspeakable that is it is so great that no language on earth can describe it For though we mention those foresaid parts of it yet our narrow hearts and mouthes are infinitely straitned in comparison of the full glory of man in these things 1 Cor. 2.9 But as it is written The things which eye hath not seene neither eare hath heard neither came into mans heart are which God hath prepared for them that loue him c. Secondly that it is certaine and we cannot be disappointed of it else it were vncomfortable to heare of so much felicitie and holinesse and yet not bee sure to possesse it The certaintie of it that God will bestow such glory may appeare diuers waies 1. There is an act or ordinance for it in Gods eternall Counsell 2. Tim. 2.19 But the foundation of God remaineth sure and hath this seale The Lord knoweth who are his and Let euery one that calleth on the name of Christ depart from iniquitie Ephes. 1.4 As he hath chosen vs in him before the foundation of the world that wee should bee holy and without blame before him in loue Rom. 8.30 Moreouer whom he predestinate them also he called and whom he called them also he iustified and whom hee iustified them he also glorified Matth. 25.34 Come ye blessed of my Father inherit ye the Kingdome prepared for you from the foundations of the world 2. Christ purchased it with his blood Ephes. 1.14 3. Christ hath made intercession when he was on earth vnto his Father that hee might haue his redeemed Ones to be where he is Iohn 17.11 And now am I no more in the world but these are in the world and I come to thee holy Father keepe them in thy name Vers. 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 me before the foundation of the world 4. God hath made vs many promises and giuen vs not onely his word but his oth to assure it vnto vs Heb. 6.17 So God willing more abundantly to shew vnto the heires of promise the stablenesse of his Counsell bound himselfe by an oath Vers. 18. That by two immutable things wherein it is impossible that God should lie we might haue strong consolation which haue our refuge to hold fast the hope that is set before vs c. 5. He hath sealed to it not only in the Sacrament but by his spirit which will bee our witnesse and is our earnest Ephes. 1.13 Wherein also after that yee beleeued you were sealed with the holy Spirit of promise Vers. 14. Which is the earnest of our inheritance vntill the redemption of the possession purchased vnto the praise of his glory 6. He hath begun eternall life in vs already 7. Christ is gone into heauen of purpose to prouide a place ready for vs Ioh. 14.3 And though I goe to prepare a place for you I will come againe and receiue you vnto my selfe that where I am there may ye be also Heb. 10.19 Seeing therefore bretheren that by the blood of Iesus we may be bold to enter into the holy place Vers. 20. By the new and liuing way which he hath prepared for vs through the vale which is his flesh Thus of the certaintie of it The third thing is the eternitie of it all this glory were the lesse if it were thought it would euer end but it shall neuer end for 1. Nothing of it shall be lost or decay 2. There shall bee no death there for death and hell are cast into the lake of fier 3. There shall be no old age or withering condition in men that possesse it it withers not 1. Pet. 1.4 To an inheritance immortall and vndefiled and that fadeth not away reserued in heauen for you 4. God being all in all there shal be no wearinesse no fulnesse of affections or satietie no loathing Diuines are wont to shadow out eternity by the similitude of a little bird drinking vp a drop of water out of the sea if euery ten thousand yeeres the bird should come drink vp but one drop yet the sea might bee dry at length but yet this lasting of the sea is nothing in comparison to the lasting of the glory of heauen Fourthly and vnto these may bee added the proximity of it the day of the Lord is at hand It were some lessening of our happines if it were a long time to it FINIS ERRATA Pag. 4. lin 22. for Praises reade Oracles p. 51. l. 4. r. by a perpetuall decree p. 74. l. 16. put out a. p. 107. l. 17. r. vp for vpon p. 108. l. 16. for Sould r Should p. 407. l. 4 r. wrinckle p. 434. l. 17.21 and p. 435. l. 8 put out Sol and r. Secondly Thirdly Fourthly p. 486. l. 11. put out all the Chapter p. 499. l. 11. r. or secondly 3 Things intended in this Treatise The benefit of attending to this course The warrant of this course Question Answere Principles may bee knowne three waies The diuision of Principles according to their chiefe heads Two principles about the Scriptures The Scripturs are the very word of God proued by testimonies externall and internall Iohn 1.7 Prou. 30.6 Reuel 22.18 The vses 1. For instruction 2 For reproofe 1 Of the Papists in 4. things 2 Of Carnall Protestants 3 Of the godly 3 For triall 4 For consolation 4 Principles concerning God That there is a God is proued first by testimonies internall 2 By testimonies externall and so either in the world or in the Church 10 Glories in the nature of God The vses 1 For instruction If wee would study the glorious nature of God we must obserue 6. rules For humiliation For consolation Proofes for the Trinity Vses of the doctrine of the Trinity That there is but one God proued The vses 5 Principles concerning the Creation Vses 1 For information 6 Vses for instruction Vses for reproofe 7 Principles concerning Gods prouidence The vses 1 For information 11 Things admirable in Gods prouidence Vses for reproofe 8 Vses for instruction Vse for consolation Man was after the Image of God three waies The vses The speciall fauour of God to man in his Creation Duties 1 To God 2 To our selues 3 To other men 3 Principles concerning the fall of man 7 Things to shew the greatnesse of Adams sinne Obiect Answ. 3 Occasions of Apostasie 5 Degrees of the diuels tentation 4 Principles concerning sinne 14 Foule blemishes in euery mans nature 9 Vses for information 7 Things make ciuill honest men miserable 17. sorts of punishments inflicted on man for his sinne Eph. 5.14 1. Cor. 15. Act. 17.31 Rom. 5. â—2 c. andâ— 1 Mat. 11.29 1. Ioh. 2.1 Gal. 3.13 2. Cor. 5.17 Psa. 22.24 Question Answere Question Answere Question Answere Quest. Answ. Obiect Solution Obiect Solution Obiection Solution Iam. 2.5 What these things meane is vnknowne Rise first in soule