question Is the Iudgement-Day known unto any or no Paulus None but unto God as I suppose Evangelus Thou sayst right for neither Men nor Angels know this day but God himself Matth. 4. And thus friend I have shewed you these Points of Divinity to be believed of all that seek after an eternal life of Felicity being these as follows 1. God or the Trinity 2. The Creation of the World 3. The hypostatical Vnion or Christs assuming the humane Nature 4 The Resurrection 5. Iudgement I come now to ask you how and by what means you may come to know God Paulus By the Holy Bible Evangelus It is true friend the Scriptures conteined in the Old and New Testament is the only Rule by which we may come to know God and serve him 〈◊〉 but tell me what thou doest understanâ— by the Old and New Testament Paulus By the Old Testament I understanâ— the Writings of Moses and the Prophets and by the New Testament thâ— Writings of the Evangelists and Apostles Evangelus Your Answer as you should do But are the Scriptures sufficient of themselves to work faith in us or no Paulus Truly I am not able to determine of that Evangelus Why then I will tell you the Scriâ—tures of themselves cannot work faith â—n us but by Gods Spirit cooperating â—ith them and hence it is that the â—ord is called a dead letter not but â—hat the Word is quickning but beâ—ause the Word of it self without the Spirit cannot so much as work any â—race in us Paulus This I do believe Evangelus Then I hope you do believe the Scriptures to he so Canonical as that â—t is Blasphemy to esteem of any other Writings to be of equal Authority with the same and so consequentially â—hose are to be blamed who annex the â—pocrypha to the Bible and do freâ—ently take out certain verses conteined therein as their texts whenas the Scriptures and only the Scriptures are for a standing Rule in Gods Church Paulus But is not the Apocrypha the Word of God Evangelus No for they were not written in the Hebrew Tongue nor acknowledged aâ— Canonical by the Iews of old to whom the keeping of the Oracles of God was committed Paulus I am now convinc'd of that which I thought I should never have been perswaded to the contrary Evangelus Again if you do grant the Scriptures to be infallible you must then grant that the Scriptures are not to be ruled by the Church but the Church by the Scriptures Paulus If so be the Scriptures do not depend upon the Church for the Truth and Authority thereof how then can we be assured that it is the Word of God Evangelus Friend herein you are grossly mistaken for we may be assured of the Scriptures being the Word of God which may be prov'd from several Testimonies and Arguments divine and humane from Testimonies Divine being two internal and â—xternal One is the Testimony of the Spirit who sometimes by special Râ—vâ—laâ—ion and Power do declare the 〈◊〉 thereof upon the Hearts and Câ—nscâ—enâ—es of Men and Women and thâ—â— is the divine internal Testimony The dâ—vine external Testimony is the Scriptures testifying of themselves and hence it is many times that they do run in this Order Thus saith the Lord Thus saith God Now the Arguments to prove the same are deduced and taken from 1. The efficient causes of the Scriptures viz. Men tâ—e Calling Missâ—â—â— and Insperation of whom was divine Secondly the Scope and End of the Scriptures being the glory of God and the eternal salvation of our souls Thirdly the subject-matter of the Scriptures which is so full of Majesty and Divâ—nity as that it is far beyond humane capacity to comprehend This is sufficient to shew the Authority of the Scriptures without depending upon the Church Thus is the truth of the Scriptures and the Authority of them evidenced without the help of the Church Paulus Is not the Testimony of the Church then of some use Evangelus Yes that I deny not but the thing which I aim at is to shew that the Authority and Truth of the Scriptures can be made apparent from Gods Spirit and from themselves without the help of the Church which assertion does contradict the Papist who does audaciously affirm that the Authority of the Scriptures do absolutely depend upon the Church the absurd consequences of which opinion are these 1. Of all to hold that the Scriptures has no more Authority but what the Vniversal consent of the Church gives unto it is to make the Scriptures no otherwise but a Nose of Wax yea it is to make the eternal and inviolable truth of God rest upon the pleasure of men verily the matter and scope of the Scriptures is to be denied and to be of no use at all if this opinion is right these and such like are the Absurdities that must of necessity be held by retaining opinions of this kind Paulus But did not Austin say that he would not believe the Gospel save that the Authority of the Church moved him thereto Evangelus The Papist do give a false interpretation upon his words if we do but consider the whole tenor of his writing For as Calvin well Observes Austin had then to do with the Manichees who arguing with them spoke thus I my self would not beleeve the Gospel save that the Authority of the Church moved me thereto Meaning that he himself when he was a stranger from the faith could not otherwise be brought to embrace the Gospel for the assured truth of God but by this that he was overcome with the Authority of the Church And what marvel is it if a man not yet knowing Christ have regard to men therefore Austin does not there teach that the faith of the godly is grounded upon the Authority of the Church Paulus I am very well pleased and satisfied in what has been said have you any more Questions to ask me Evangelus Yes friend I have many Questions to ask you still How do you prove that Salvation is only to be had through Christ Paulus How do I prove it I prove it from Acts 4.12 where it is thus written Neither is there salvation in any other for there is none other Name under Heaven given among men whereby we must be saved Evangelus Thou hast given the right Scripture but now if salvation is only to be had in and through Christ does it not do you think concern you to have an interest in this Christ Paulus Yea certainly that it does Evangelus Are you then interested in him Paulus Truly I question it but how may I come to have an interest in him Evangelus That must be by faith Paulus What is faith Evangelus Faith is a receiving of Iesus Christ into the Heart as he is Priest Prophet and King with a fiducial dependance upon him being fully satisfied that there is salvation in through and by none but him Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence
nec aâ— nos tentendos accedere alios vero Diabolos alternis vicibus huc 〈◊〉 ferno ad animos hominum cruciandos vel deduce 〈◊〉 ad infernum venirâ— qui â—liis sucâ—edentibus ipsis 〈◊〉 tantur in infernum Angeli sic â—oâ—is excâ—nt ut inâ—â—rnis contemplaâ—ionis gaudils non priventur Greg. Tres vitales Spiritus câ—eâ—it Omnipotens unum qui carne non tegitur alium qui carne tegiâ—ur sed non cum carne moritur alium qui carne te giâ—uâ— cum carne moritur Primus Angelorum â—ecundus Hominum tertius Brutorum est Alsâ—ed Prov. 8. John 10 30. Ego Pater sumus unum Christ is equal with the Father according to his Divine Nature but inferiour according to his Humane The Phiâ—osophers 〈◊〉 this Maxime Ex â—ihilâ—â—â—hil fit Oâ—id Metaph. After thâ— old Chaos was brought into formâ— the Poets did feign That the World was divided into four Ages The first was the Golden Age the second was the Silver Age the third the braâ—en Age and the fourth the irâ—â— Age The four Ages whereof by Perdicâ—â—â— is compared to the four Seasons of the Year the first resembling the Spring time the second Summer the third Autumn the fourth Winter Munâ—us magnuâ— homo homo parvus mundus esse dicitur Mundus est Speculum Aâ—ributorum Deâ— When we receive any benefit from God we should keep â—une with the Pâ—almist â—enediâ—ite bless ye the Lord. The Bereans were commended for examining of the Apostle Pauls doctrine Hâ—â— Mysterium est absconâ—iâ—um a seculis patefactum in tempore Paradoxum impossibile visum Iudais Gentibus aestimatum dâ—piis tanquam maâ—eria sotidi Gaudii consolatiâ—â—is â—â—de in Beâ—am in lib. Confession is Christianae fidei c. 3. artic 19. Deus homo fit ut homo divinae gratiae naturae particeps fiâ—t Gerâ—â—â—d med 14. p 52. Jesus Christ is the greatest sinner in the World saith Luthâ—â— by imputation Vide Bezam iâ— lib. Coâ—fessionis Christianae fidei p. 13. c. 3. â—rtic 20. 1 Tim. This â—ruth the Sadduces denied Mat. 22.23 The great Mystery contained in this Truth made the Philosophers to dream of a Transformation one body being transform'd into the shape of another or a Transmigration â—oul taking its flight out of one body into another They could not think that one numerical and individual body after it is corrupted in the water consumed by fire converted into earth vanished into air nay eaten up by fishes and those fishes eaâ—en by men it was above them to think that this same body should rise again When Paul disputed this Point at 〈◊〉 the great Philosophers of the Epicurâ—â—â—s laughed at him What will this Babler say They lookt upon this as babling Extremum judicium est quando Dominus Iesus Christus in adventu suo cum virtuâ—e magna Majeâ—ate extremam omnibus hominibus juxta sua facta sententiam feret aequam irrefragabilem tum pils tum impiis aut ad vitam aeternam aut ad supplicium aeternum Et hoc frequenter debemus meditari cuâ—â— Hierâ—nymo qui ait Quoties illum diem considero toto corpore contremisco five enim comedo sive bibo sive aliquid aliud facio semper videtur illa tuba terribilis sonare auribus meis Surgite mortui venite ad judiclum Christ coming threefold Venit Christus occulte judicâ—â—dus venieâ— maniâ—este judicaturuâ— Antecedent Concomitant and Subsequent 2 Thes. 2. Mat. 24. Luke 21. Mat. 25. 2 Cor. 3.6 I 2.59 â—1 1 John 2.20 1 Cor. 2.10 11 12 13. 2 Cor. 2.21 22. 2. Tiâ— 3.16 2 Pet. 1 20.21 Rom. 1â— 17 1 Pet. 2.2 Ou Prayers are our Sacrifices and Christ alone is the Altar where on we must offer them to God the Father Prayer is the wing wherewith the soul flyeâ—h to heaven and Meditation the eye wherewith we see God Amb. Whether it is lawfull pray unto Angels John 14.6 2 Timâ— 15. Mat. 69. Mat. 6. Est Promissionis divinae sigi num a Deo institutum constat autem Elemento verbo ut extâ—t memoria Promissionis There are but Sacraments in the Christian Church Of Transubstantiation Three Acceptations of a Door in Scripture threefold 1. It is an Entrance into the heart Cant. 5.4 Psal. 24.9.2 Church Iohn 10.1 3. Heaven Mat. 25 10. A Salutation aâ— before Especially of his future â—state The worke of God upoâ— a convertâ—â— soul is one of the greatest wonders and miracles in the world A Declaration of Gods Work upon his soul and the blessed effâ—cts it has produced which may serve as an Item to others God must have all the Glory because it is he that worketh all our works in us and for us Either to despair or presume is many times our condition A converted soul is mighâ—y inquisitive Joh. 14.6 A sincere Saint bleseth God for every mercy They part from each other Ministers are glad when they can have any opportunity wherein the Work of the Lord may be carried on The sufferings of our Lord Jesus are not only applicatory but exemplary These two extreams undoes many elther we are prone to think our conditions better then they are or worse then they are Job 19 2â— Miserius nihil est misero se non miserante None are in misery but they that can't pity themselves The sin against the Holy Ghost is a final impenitency Augustinus intelligâ—t percatum in Spiritum sanctum â— auâ— finalem impaeniteâ—iam in iis qui non accipiunt Evangelium aut desperationem Quiâ— haec peccata proprio pugnant cum gratia 〈◊〉 abjiciunt Nam caterâ—â— peccata cum fugimus ad graâ—tam remiâ—tuntur Ideo sic interpretatur Augustinus dictum Christi Qui dixerit verbum contra Spiritum sanctum id est qui â—â—bum gratia quod praedicatum confirmatum est Testimoniis spiritualibus finaliter repudiat is habet peccatum in Spiritum sanctum Peccatum in Spiritum sanctum est cum quis divina veritati quidem Evangelio cujus fulgore sic perstringitur ut ignorantiam causari nequeat taâ—â— destinata malitia resistit in hoc ut resistat Alsted Sinners under â—heir first convictions takes themselves to be of all most miserable The Devil doth what he can to divert us of those opportunities which he thinks may prove most advantageous unto us many times by deseâ—â—ing we are hindred from effecting what we hindred As the Devil does endeavor to hinder Ministers from doing their Fathâ—rs Work so Ministers in like manner does endeavor to hinder the Devil from the Accomplishment of his cruel Designes The Devil can frame excuses at his will It is the duty of Christians to pray one with another â—e datâ— locum Diabâ—lâ— Eph. 4.27 Accusâ— tuam stuâ—titiam The wicked of the World do â—ccount godly sorrow nothing but madness distraction None are so impiouÌ„s and sinfully audacious as such who have fallen from the truth wherof they were once Professors There are many opinions in
this world Mark how the Atheist contradicts â—imself to call his God a Gentleman it seems then his God is not a spirit It is not good to be too inquisitive after evil spirits True is that Adage Nemo lâ—edituâ— niâ—â—â— sciâ—so No man is hâ—â—ted but by himself A Diabolical contrivement A true Minister is at the Call of any that may want him Some evil company are so subtil as we cannot mediately finde out what they are The Christians God is but one God Deut. 6.4 Deceivers are here and there and every where Holy Anticipation is allowed Mark the fallacious way of arguing from a deceitful heart We must have à care of challengeing the Devil left therefore the Devil How Ironically do they speak Necessitas â—on habit legem Christians can't but shew themselves civilly to strangers The Devil can carry himself as civil and sober as any The young Mans Petition unto the Devil for concession In a matter of special concernment ' As there is no room for Gods children here below among the wicked so likewise there shall be no room above in Heaven for the wicked among Gods children The devil must have a word in Mitte Diabolum let the Devil alone The Devil makes a bargain with the young man The Bargain is accepted upon such and such conditions The Devil is a brag The Devil must have one to help him The Trinity provâ—d from five Considerations Vengeance will be executed upon the devil one day for appropriating Gods titles unto himself As long as faith is in a soul so long is the Reverence of a Deity continued The devil is a blasphemous spirit Observe the Combate between youth and the devil The devil is a lying spirit The youth through ignorance familiarizes too much with the devil Audacious blasphemy A doubting soul affects nothing so much as plainness Behold the devices of this fallen Angel thâ— Lord keep us from him The Devil can bring Scripture for a need When we are tempted we should rather say Get â—lee behind us Satan than to talk with him and ask him Questions The Devil is made up with nothing but lies How far does God somtimes suffer the Devil to usurp his Prerogative Oh poor young man my bowels do yearn after thee and all in thy condition yet I doubt not but God will raise thee up again and shew thee the vanity of thy ways O Devil pardon thy self Faith is batter'd The Devil rehearseth over his bargain that he might be sure for he is fearful of his prey Observe this plain contradiction for if he was God then he could not have been hindred moreover this denies the Omnipresence of God as well as his Omnipotence Here is Thanksgiving without occasion and a blessing of the devil insteaâ— of God Tâ—e trying of no way conscientious is the cause of maâ—y thaâ— comes to be nothing The devil and his companions are all one A cursed inquiâ—tion We are apt many times to welcom that which in the clâ—se conduceth to cur ruine The Devil proves there is no Providence by a Lie and corrects the young man for his illiteratâ—ness There are the whisperings of an evil spirit us well as a good Behold the Deviâ— The young Man speaks to the Devil after the Language of Canaan which ouâ—ht to be used with God only Hard thoughts of God are the fruits of Atheism When thâ— soul has hard thoughts of God the Devil will do what he can to multiply them The young man now accords with the Devil in everything A time appointed for the Contract The Devils salutation The young man is daunted An Interrogation He reasons with the Devil The Devil knows how to suit himsâ—If according to the constitutions of People The Devil makes many times as if he was but indifferent in those things which he is most earnest and desirous of The devil is an angry spirit We are apt many tiâ—es to consider when it is too late The Devil knows so well the advantage of consideration as that if he should give way to it he knows it would dash all his designes to pieces Blaâ—â—hemy The Author dares not write here what he did write lest it should prove a tentation Note thus far he went and further he had gone if divine Grace had not restrain'd him The devils Advice to the yong man Divine Providence interrupts The devil claims him before he is his The young man defies the devil A devilish machination it was that which had almost prevailed upon the young man in making of him to yield by putting Pen to Paper of which further observe The young man talks light-headed through the excessive teâ—n pâ—â—tâ—ons of the devil The danger of shunning good Councel He despairs It is the sin of young Converts to condemn and censure every thing which seems not at the first view right The misery of this young man contributes anxiety to the Minister An ambiguous speech The grounds of fear The Ministers suspicion The Minister seâ—ks aâ—â—er an interpretation of the young Mâ— is Proverb He â—eclare this Aâ—ostâ—ey The Ministers belief ' of the youth In what respect the devil is God The dev can transform him self into many shapes The young man did go very near in contracting with the Devil but he did totally contract with him as you will find in fine The young man prays for a deprecation of his misery Behold how his misery is augmented by many gradations An Exhortation to Thanksgiving Motives to Confession Observe the evil effâ—cts that do ensue the concealing of suggestions Nam multa possunt ostendi veteris Novi Testamenti exempla ubi lapsi remissionem peccatorum absolutionem à Christo Ecclesia sunt consecuti viz. David Manasse Petrus lapsa est Galatarum Ecclesia à Paulo ad poenitentiam revocata Paulus ipse Corinthium incestum jubâ—t recepi post poeni tentiam Aug. The young mans sins of omission and commission He cannot lift up his eyes to God Luke 16. Heb. 7.25 Ezek. 33.11 Psal. 32.5 Psa. 38.18 Joh. 14.6 Mat. 26.41 1 Thes. 5.17 Phil. 4.11 1 Tim 6.8 Eph. 4.27 Jam. 47. Eph. 4.27 2 Co. 11.2