§ 57. §. 77. Of Christs eternal Spirit THe ground of that valew and vertue which ariseth from the blood of Christ is thus expressed who thorow the eternal Spirit offered himself Here are two principal causes set down 1. The efficient The eternal Spirit 2. The matter or thing offered himself By eternal Spirit is here meant the divine nature of Christ. As God he offered 〈◊〉 his humane nature Object Christ denieth himself to be a spirit Luk. 24. 37 39. Answ. 1. Christ speaketh according to their imagination for they conceited him to be a ghost 2. He denyeth his body to be a spirit and thereupon bids them handle him and behold his hands and feet for a spirit hath not flesh and bones But here the word spirit is used in regard of the divine nature of Christ which is of a spiritual subâ—…ance For God is a spirit Ioh. 4. 24. and the Spirit is called eternal because it is without beginning as Christ in his divine nature it That the divine nature of Christ is here meant is evident by this act of offering him For what other Spirit could offer Christ. 1. Not the spirit of man for 1. That is polluted 2. Christ was offered for that 3. That is not eternal 2. Not an Angelical spirit This action of offering Christ is too transcendent for a created Spirit Angels are neither fit nor worthy to offer such a sacrifice as Christ nor are they properly eternal 3. Not the soul of Christ himself For that is part of the sacrifice which was offered up Thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin Isa. 53. 10. This Spirit or soul of Christ was made in time and cannot properly be called eternal 4. Not the Father himself the first person in Trinity Indeed the Father in regard of his nature is an eternal Spirit but to him was this sacrifice offered therefore he did not offer it He that offered is distinct from him to whom the offering was made 5. Not the Holy-Ghost the third person in sacred Trinity who though in regard of his proceeding from the Father and the Son he be stiled a Spirit and in his nature he be an eternal Spirit yet he hath not this function of a Priest to offer sacrifice to God and to make satisfaction for sin I will not put into this Catalogue the spirit of beasts or devils For it is blasphemy to have any conceit of their doing that which is attributed to this spirit It remaineth that no other spirit can be meant by this eternal Spirit then the deity of Christ. To which this title Spirit is oft attributed as Ioh. 6. 63. Rom. 1. 4. 1 Tim. 3. 16. 1 Pet. 3. 18. 1 Cor. 15. 45. This title is here used to set out Christs divine nature 1. By way of distinction from his humane nature which was true flesh weak and srail flesh flesh created in time Observe most of the places before quoted and you shall find the word Spirit opposed to Christs humane nature and that under this title flesh 2. To shew the ground of the effectual operation of Christs offering himself This description of Christs divine nature doth confirm sundry great mysteries of our Christian faith namely these 1. Christ is true God 2. He is God eternal 3. He is of a spiritual substance 4. He is a distinct person 5. He is God and man This description of Christ is here set down to meet with an objection that might be made against that difference which the Apostle had put betwixt the blood of legall sacrifices and the blood of Christ For it might be objected that Christs blood was a material external carnal thing How then could it have such spiritual vigour above other blood Answ. Because it was the blood of him that is an eternall Spirit and offered up by that eternal Spirit So as his blood was effectual not simply as it was materiall blood but as offered by the eternal Spirit whose blood it was In this case I may say it is the spirit that quickeneth the flesh profiteth nothing John 6. 63. This description of Christ teacheth us to worship him in spirit and truth John 4. â—…4 To offer up spiritual sacrifices unto him and with the spiritual eye of faith to look on him Heb. 11. 27. Of this Epithite eternal see § 65. Of etemity atttibuted to Christ see chap. 1. v. 10. § 129 145. and chap. 2. v. 16 § 160. Much comfort and courage may believers receive against their spiritual enemies that Christ their head and Lord is an eternal spirit hereof see more in the whole Armour of God Ephes. 6. 12 Treat 1. Part. 3. § 27. Among other Arguments against Arrius his heresie concerning Christs being a God made in time this description of Christs deity is one special one This also confirms that which hath been noted of eternal salvation chap. 5. v. 9. § 51. and of eternal redemption chap. 9. v. 12. § 65. For Christ our Priest being an eternal spirit he can provide for preserve deliver and save eternally From an eternal spirit proceedeth an eternal efficacy This is the reason why that blood which was shed in time freeth from eternal damnation because it was offered by an eternal spirit §. 78. Of Christ a Priest in both natures A Special Act attributed to the foresaid eternal Spirit is thus expressed offered himselfe The word Offer in reference to a sacrifice is proper to a Priestly function see chap. 5. v. 1. § 6. The sacrifice offered is said to be himself which comprizeth both natures of Christ see v. 12. § 57. So as Christ was Priest in both his natures in his divine as well as in his humane This is further evident 1. By the Order after which Christ was a Priest chap. 7. v. 3. 2. By the difference which is made betwixt him and other Priests chap. 7. v. 27 28. 3. By that divine relation which is manifested between him and his Father as he was Priest chap. 5. v. 5. 4. By the applying of the blood which he shed as Priest unto God Acts 20. 28. In this respect is he justly stiled not only an high Priest but also a great high Priest chap. 4 14. Obj. Christ as God is equal to his Father but as Priest is inferior therefore he would not be Priest as God Answ. 1. We must distinguish betwixt the natures of Christ and his person Christ in his divine nature was equal with the Father but in his person consisting of God-man he may be said to be inferior As God-man he differs from God and man in the extreams being greater then man and lesse then God 2. We must distinguish betwixt the natures and office of Christ. The same person which in nature is equal to another may in office be inferior to him The office of Christ namely his Priesthood is a work of his person The beginning of this or that work is of the nature as to suffer is a work
but will certainly do whatsoever thing goeth forth out of our 〈◊〉 mouth c. Jer. 44. 16 17. By this it appears that wilfullnesse in sin is a great aggravation thereof Numb 15. 30 c. Deut. 1. 43. Matth. 23. 37. Iohn 9 41. Acts 7. 51. It sheweth that the mind is set on sin yea set against God and against his holy will It is some extenuation of sin that men are deceived thereby and that â—…en therein do what they would not Rom. 7. 11 15 16. If falling through ignorance weaknesse temptation compulsion be extenuations then the foresaid wilfulness must needs be an aggravation This teacheth us to hold in the reines of all manner of evill lusts and to do what we can to keepe them down Be far from spurring them forth We do too oft and too much grieve the Spirit of God in our greatest watchfulnesse and that by reason of our spirituall weaknesse pronenesse to sin and temptations whereunto we are subject Let us not adde drunkennesse to thirst Deut. 29. 19. nor draw 〈◊〉 sin with cart-ropes Isa. 5. 18. Let us not turne weaknesse into wilfulnesse nor infirmity into obstinacy We pray that God would not leade us into temptation shall we cast our selves thereinto §. 89. Of the danger of trading in sin AS the Greek word translated Sin doth here intimate a continuing a living a trading in sin as was shewed § 87. and in that respect is brought in as a cause of the severe judgment here denounced it giveth proofe that to give ones self over to sin is to give himself over to judgment Witnesse Ahab who â—…old himself to worke wickednesse 1 King 21. 20 21. So Ahaz 2 Chron. 28. 2 c And Manasseh 2 Chron. 33. 2 c. With this doth the Apostle upbraid obstinate and impenitent sinners Rom. 2. 5. 1. Judgment is the wages of sin The more worke the greater wages Rom. 6. 16 23. 2. Trading in sin would impeach Gods holy jealousie if judgment were not executed thereupon 1. By this we have a demonstration of the woefull condition of these times wherein there is such trading in sin Do not most persons continue to live and die in their sins who almost is reclaimed notwithstanding the plenty of powerfull preaching among us Men hate to be reformed Psal. 50. 17. What then can be expected but severe vengeance 2. Learne hereby to prevent the extremity of judgment persist not in sin but turn from it Ezek. 33. 11. 3. Give your selves to righteousnesse trade therein Rom. 6. 19. This is a thriving trade Diligence herein will keepe thee from trading in sin for the flesh and the spirit are contrary Gal. 5. 17. And we cannot serve two masters Matth 6. 24. §. 90. Of the Gospel as the word of truth AN other aggravation of the sin is about the time when it is committed which is thus expressed after that we had received the Knowledge of the truth This is that illumination which is mentioned Chap. 6. v. 4. § 32. Here we are to consider 1. What kinde of truth is here meant 2 What knowledge 3. How received 1. As the whole word is called truth John 17. 17. So in speciall manner the Gospel James 1. 18. Eph. 1. 13. Col. 1. 5. It is truth apparantly above Poets who are full of fictions 2. Above humane writings which are uncertaine 3. Above the Law in the severall kinds thereof as 1. Above the judiciall Law which was to continue but a time 2. Above the Ceremoniall Law which was but a shadow of a substance 3. Above the Morall Law which hath lost its power of justifying man and also of condemning him that believeth in Christ Rom. 8. 1 3. The Gospel may in speciall manner be stiled the truth in regard of 1. The Author of it who is the Lord God of truth 2. The generall matter which is truth only no falshood no error therein In these two respects the whole word of God is truth 3. The excellency of it for it is a truth that bringeth salvation Eph. 1. 13. Thus it is the truth of truths 4. The speciall matter thereof which is Christ Jesus The way the truth and the life John 14. 6. 5. The accomplishment of the types prophesies and promises made under the Law 6. The effect and worke of it it worketh faith in such as heare it Eph. 1. 13. Therefore it is styled the word of faith Rom. 10. 8. 7. It is the meanes of conveying the Holy Ghost into us and filling us with the giftâ—… thereof Gal. 3. 2. Acts 10 44. In sundry of these and other like respects this truth is called the good word of God whereof see Chap. 6. v. 5. § 35. This epithite truth setting forth the word namely truth sheweth an especial use thereof which is to be as a touch-stone to trye all our doubts thereby that so we may hold fast what is found thereby to be sound and reject whatsoever it discovereth to be unsound 1 Thes. 5. 21. 1 Iohn 4. 1. Heb. 13. 9. 2. This should move us to have the Gospel in high account Such a truth is revealed thereby as can be found no where else yet is absolutely necessary to be known Account of it as David did of that word of God which he then had Psal. 19. 7 c. and 119. testifie as much after such a manner as he did meditate on it day and night make it thine Instructer thy Counsellor thy Guide thy Light let it be more sweet to thee then honey or the honey-combe and more precious then the finest gold Finally pray for the spirit of truth This is promised Iohn 16. 13. Thus shalt thou partake of the benefit of this truth §. 91. Of receiving the Truth THe Knowledge that is here meant is Knowledge of the Gospel and this wrought in them by a supernaturall work of Gods Spirit Hereof see more Chap. 6. v. 4. § 32. See also the Treatise of the sin against the Holy Ghost Part 2. § 17. The word translated Knowledge is a compound The simple noune signifieth Knowledge Luke 1. 77. The word in my text is compounded with a preposition that signifieth to and signifieth acknowledging and so it is translated Tit. 1. 1. Phil. v. 6. So as it compriseth under it an act of the mind in conceiving the truth an act of the will in consenting and an act of the heart in assenting to it and affecting it In these respects they are said to receive the Knowledge of the truth So as the Gospel hath a power to enlighten mens minds and also to cause them to receive what they do conceive On this ground it is called the word of faith Rom. 10. 8. We have an instance hereof in that violence which was offered to the Kingdome of Heaven when Iohn began to preach the Gospel Matth. 11. 12. And in the Samaritans accepting of Christ when he himself preached the Gospel amongst them Iohn 4.
he observed that God had utterly forsaken Saul and thereupon took the boldnesse to foretell that the Lord would deliver Israel into the hand of the Philistims and that Saul and his sons should be with Samuel who was then dead that is they should be dead also 1 Sam. 28. 19. Obj. 7. St Paul saith that the coming of Antichrist is after the working of Satan with all power and signes 2 Thess. 2. 9. Answ. In the next clause it is added and lying wonders This last clause shews that the signes before mentioned were but counterfeit not true miracles Papists who are the Antichristians do exceed above all others in counterfeting miracles which are but plain deceits and illusions It remains notwithstanding all that hath been or can be Objected that God alone doth true miracles Whatsoever the Lord pleased that did he in heaven and in the earth in the seas and all deep places Psal. 135. 6. and so can he still do While we have God for our God we need not fear nor faint by reason of any danger or want for means but when we know not what we do to lift up our eyes upon him 2 Chron. 20. 12. And in faith to say God will provide Gen. 22. 8. we ought on this ground to be of the minde of those three faithfull servants of God who by a King were threatned with a burning fiery furnace and say Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace and he will deliver us Psal. 46. is worthy our serious and frequent meditation for this purpose It is by many stiled Luthers Psalm because Luther oft said it and sung it especially in the time of any trouble So trust to the power of God in all straits as ye subject to his Will and prescribe no means to him but referre the manner of working to his Wisdome For he hath said I will never leave thee nor forsake thee Heb. 13. 5. §. 30. Of Gods bearing witness to his Word by his Works OF those works which could not be done but by God himself it is said that God did bear witness thereby For such works do evidently demonstrate that such a word is Divine Gods words sent from God himself The greater the works are the more excellent and more sure is the word that is ratified thereby To bear witness to a thing is to confirm the truth of it The word which the Apostle here useth is a double compound The simple verb signifieth to witnesse a thing Iohn 1. 7. The compound to adde testimony to testimony or to adde a testimony to some other confirmation as 1 Pet. 1. 12. The double compound to give a joynt testimony or to give witnesse together with another So much signifies another like Greek compound used by the Apostle Rom. 8. 16. and translated bear witnesse with Thus God by his works did witnesse with his Sonne and with his Apostles to that Gospel which they preached Gods works give a most clear and sure evidence to that for which they are wrought or produced When the people saw how God had led them through the depths and how the waters had covered their enemies then they believed his words Psal. 106. 9 11 12. When others saw the fire that upon Elijahs prayer fell from heaven they fell on their faces and said The Lord he is God The Lord he is God 1 Kin. 18. 39. When the widow of Zarephath saw her son that was dead restored to life by Elijah she said Now by this I know that thou art a man of God and that the word of the Lord in thy mouth is truth 1 Kin. 17. 24. On such a ground saith Nicodemus to Christ We know that thou art a Teacher come from God for no man can do these miracles that thou doest except God be with him John 3. 2. When the Jews had seen the miracle that Jesus did they said This is of a truth that Prophet that should come into the world John 6. 14 On this ground doth Christ oft produce his works to witnesse who and what he was The works which the Father hath given me to finish the same works that I do bear witnesse of me that the Father hath sent me saith Christ Iohn 5. 36. And again The works that I do in my Fathers Name they bear witnesse of me Thereupon he addeth Though ye believe not me believe the works Iohn 10. 25 38. This witnesse that God hath given gives good evidence of his speciall care over his Church in that he laboureth so much to establish her in the Word of Salvation For he thought it not enough to have the Gospel once published though it were by his Sonne or to have it further confirmed by other witnesses and those many but he further addeth other witnesses even his own Divine Works which may well be accounted witnesses for they have a kinde of voice according o that which the Lord himself saith It shall come to passe if they will not believe thee neither hearken to the voice of the first signe that they will believe the voice of the later signe Papists upon this kinde of witnesse by miracles do exceedingly insult against Protestants and that in two especiall respects 1. In regard of a pretence of many miracles wrought for confirmation of their Church and their Doctrines 2. In regard of the want of miracles among Protestants whence they infer that we have neither true Church nor true Ministry To the first ground of their insultation I Answer that they prove themselves thereby if at least the kinde of their miracles be throughly examined to be plain Antichristians For whosoever shall judiciously reade their Legends and Authors that have written of their miracles shall finde them so ridiculous as they plainly appear to be lying wonders And the Apostle saith that the coming of Antichrist is after such a manner 2 Thess. 2. 9. As for the other part of their insultation I Answer that we have all the miracles that Christ and his Apostles did to confirm our Church our Ministry and Doctrine For our Church is built upon Christ the chief corner stone and upon that Foundation which his Apostles laid And our Ministry is according to the order which Christ and his Apostles have ascribed unto us and our Doctrine is the same which Christ and his Apostles preached What need we then any other Confirmation then that which is here set down by our Apostle Indeed if we joyned new Articles of Faith or preached another Gospel then they did or had another way of Ordaining Ministers then they have warranted unto us miracles would be necessary for confirming such new things §. 31. Of Signes Wonders and Miracles THe means whereby God did bear witnesse to the Gospel are set out in four words Signes Wonders Miracles Gifts The three former set out the same things 1. Signs according to the notation of the word imply such externall visible
setting down the evidence by a conditional particle If doâ—… not necessarily imply that the fore-said graces Confidence and Hope may totally and finally be lost For 1. The particle If doth not alwayes leave a matter in doubt but rather layeth down a ground of confirming another truth as if this Argument of the Apostle were thus framed They who hold fast their confidence unto the end are the house of Christ But we that have confidence shall hold it fast to the end Therefore we are the house of Christ. Will an Angel preach another Gospel then Paul did yet such a supposition is made Gal. 1. 8 9. See more of this kinde of arguing Chap. 2. v. 2. § 8. 2. The Apostle wrote to a mixed company whereof some had sound saving grace in them Others had but a shew of grace making a Profession of what they had not These might totally and finally lose what they seemed to have as Demâ—… did 2 Tim. 4. 10. In regard of them this conjunction IF might be conditionally used 3. Means must be used by those which are sound for growing and persevering in that grace which they have To stir up such to be carefull and diligent in using those means the Apostle thus expresseth this evidence If we hold fast yea â—…e includeth himself by expressing the point in the first person We implying that he himself had need to look to his own standing See Chap. 2. § 4. There is in the Greek a little particle added to this conjunction which carried some emphasis with it and it may be thus translated If at least or if trâ—… Thus is this conjunction with that particle used v. 14. Chap. 6. 3. §. 61. Of Confidence THe graces whereby the evidence of being Christs house is manifested are as they are here expressed Confidence and Hope The Greek word translated Confidence is compounded of two words whereof signifieth Speech the other c every thing or any thing It is translatad sometimes boldness Act. 4. 13. Sometimes plainness 2 Cor. 3. 12. it is oft used in the Dative case adverbially and translated boldly John 7. 26. Openly Mat. 8. 32. Plainly thus it is opposed to an obscure Proverb Iohn 16. 25 29. It is also used with a Preposition and translated freely Act. 2. 29. The word is opposed to fearfulnes or shamefulnes which make men loth to utter many things which they ought to make known I finde it six times by our Translators interpreted Confidence as here in this Text and Chap. 10. 35. Act. 28. 31. 1 Iohn 2. 28. 3. 21. 5. 14. Confidence will make a man utter his whole minde and not be afraid nor ashamed to publish that which he thinks meet to be made known The word here used hath sometimes reference to God as Heb. 4. 16. And sometimes to man as where it is said of the Rulers of the Iews That they saw the boldnes of Peter and Iohn or their Confidence Act. 4. 13. In this later sense it implieth a free and resolute profession of the faith Thus do some here take it and so make a constant standing to the truth and an undaunted maintaining thereof even unto bloud to be an evidence that we are the house of Christ and animated by his Spirit This is a congruous sense well expressing the emphasis of the Greek word To this purpose doth this Apostle more expressely exhort to hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering Heb. 10. 23. But most Expositors take the word here as having reference to God and to intend such a resting on God and placing our trust in him which is the nature of confidence as it makes us boldly to go to God and freely to pour our oue whole souls before him as we are required Chap. 4. 16. In this respect they make it an effect of faith and metonymically put it for faith it self Thus doth this Text fitly answer another like Text where the Apostle saith Yâ—…u hath he reconciled if ye continue in the faith grounded and setled and be not moved away from the hope of the Gospel Col. 1. 23. Faith may here be the more fitly intended because it is that grace whereby we are united to Christ whereby we receive spiritual life from him and are made lively stones whereby we grow up unto an holy Temple yea whereby Christ dwelleth in our hearts and so we come to be his house This saith where it is well rooted will sprout forth A believer will not be tongue tied Faith works boldnesse of speech See more hereof in The Saints Sacrifice on Psal. 116. 10. § 67. In this respect Confidence as it is here used may comprise under it both the Cause and the Effect both Faith and Profession Faith is the cause of Confidence Profession is an effect thereof By faith we gain assurance to our selves that we are Christs house by profession of faith we give evidence to others that we are that house Fitly therefore hath the Apostle used a word that compriseth both under it They who through fear or shame refuse to professe Christ and his Gospel and they to whom the thought and presence of God is terrible who dare not approach unto him nor call him Father but behold him as a severe Judge have cause to suspect they are not of the house of Christ in that they want that confidence which is here set down That we therefore may attain it and retain it let us acquaint our selves with all the evidence of Gods favour that we can and meditate on his promises and duly weigh his properties as his free grace rich mercy almighty power infallible truth every where present with the like Let us go out of our selves and behold him inviting all to come to him and accepting all that come thus may thus will the soul be established and confidence bred and preserved in it Of Saints confidence in professing that relation which is betwixt God and them See The Saints Sacrifice on Psal. 116. 16. § 100. §. 62. Of Hope an evidence that we are Christs THe other evidence that we are the house of Christ is Hope Hope necessarily followerh upon faith Faith is the substance of things hoped for Heb. 11. 1. And hope is an expectation of that which is believed Hope makes one wait for the fruition thereof Hereby is faith sustained Where there is no hope there is no faith where hope faileth faith fainteth Where there is no faith there can be no spiritual life no communion with Christ no right to him These two graces Faith Hope are in all that are the house of Christ. Of the Nature of Hope what it is Of the Properties of it Of the Agreement and difference betwixt Faith and it Of the need and use of it of getting preserving and well-managing of it See The whole Armour of God on Eph. 6. 17. Treat 2 Part 7. § 3 c. Hope gives
which God sweareth to inflict 〈◊〉 them is deprivation of his promised Rest thus set down in our English 〈◊〉 shall not enter into my rest The Rest here meant as it hath reference to those Israelites who provoked 〈◊〉 to sware is the Land of Can â—…an This is called rest in reference to their many travels and troubles that they 〈◊〉 the wilderness and in the Land of Egypt The Hebrew word used by the Psalmist is derived from a root that 〈◊〉 to rest from trouble or labour This is evident by the reason which Lamech 〈◊〉 of the name which he gave to his son Noah Noah cometh from the same 〈◊〉 and signifieth Rest. The reason which his father gave thereof is thus 〈◊〉 He shall comfort us concerning our work and toil of our hands Gen. 5. 29. Lamech by divine inspiration fore-saw that God in Noahs time would ease the earth of that intolerable burden of wickedness wherewith the multitude of Gyants who were cruell tyrannical persons over-loded it So as by the ceasing of that violence there should be rest He had therefore a name of rest given him because rest should be in his dayes as e Solomon which signifieth Peace had that name given him because peace was in his dayes 2 Chron. 22. 9. The Greek Noun here used is a compound The simple Verb signifieth in general to cease or leave off Luke 5. 4. 11. 1. It is in particular applied to the allaying or ceasing of storms as Luk. 8. 24. and to mischievous opposition against truth Act. 13. 10. and to appeasing uproars Act. 20. 1. and to leaving off violent beating Act. 21. 32. and to leaving off sin 1 Pet. 4. 1. The Verb compounded with the Preposition here used signifieth to restrain Act. 14. 18. It is used sometimes intransitively without governing any case as in this phrase God did rest Chap. 4. v. 4. So ver 10. Sometimes transitively as in this phrase Iesus gave them rest or Ioshua made them rest that is he procured rest for them Ch. 4. v. 8. A Noun that cometh from this compound Verb is here used and signifieth Reâ—…t even such a rest as freeth from travels and troubles Fitly is this word used in this place for the rest here spoken of whether it be taken litterally for Canaan or mystically for Heaven is a freedom from travels and troubles Eight several times is this Noun used in this and the next Chapter and translated Rest. There is another word once only used in the New Testament and translated Rest which according to the notation of it signifieth the keeping of a Sabbath Ch. 4. v. 9. § 31. The children of Israel were under sore bondage and subject to much labour toil and oppression in the Land of Egypt and in the wilderness they had no setled place of abode but were forced to remove from station to station In Canaan they were a free people under no bondage and according to their several Tribes and Families they had a set and setled habitation which as an inheritance was given to them and their posterity In this respect Canaan had this title given unto it Rest. This title Rest doth both amplifie Gods great care over his Church and also aggravate the judgement here denounced 1. It amplifieth Gods providence in this that howsoever in wisdom he may suffer his Church for some time to be under sore pressures and to be brought to sundry straits yet Rest shall be the end of all This he prepareth this he will give to his After that the Israelites had been setled in Canaan they were for their sins 〈◊〉 by their enemies yet God gave them rest again Iudg. 3. 11 32. 5. 31. So after Davids wars and troubles God gave Israel Rest on every side 1 Chro. 22. 18. Yea after they had been seventy years in Captivity he brought them to this land of rest again Ezra 2. 1. In the Apostles time after some persecution the Churches had rest Act. 9. 31. And in Constantines time after the ten persecutions And in Queen Elizabeths time after the Marian persecution This the Lord thus ordereth here in this world to uphold the spirits of his servants that they should not saint under their troubles and trials but hold out upon an expectation of Râ—…st Men labour and travell all the day in hope of rest in the night But Heaven especially is that rest which God hath prepared for all his This is that Rest which remains to the people of God Heb. 4. 8. Herein the Israelites were a type of the Church of God in this world This world is as an Egypt and a wildernesse to the Church of God But Heaven is their Canaan As Christ for the joy that was set before him endured the Crosse despising the shame Heb. 12. 2. So let us for this Rest that is set before us Of the true Rest See Chap. 4. v. 1. § 8. 2. This title Rest doth aggravate the judgement inflicted upon the Israelites in that it was a deprivation of that which might most of all uphold and support 〈◊〉 spirits in their troubles and travels which was that they should have rest Rest 〈◊〉 prepared for them but they through their incredulity and manifold rebellionâ—… deprived themselves thereof See § 118. They so farre deprived themselves of that rest as God sware they shall 〈◊〉 enter into it They should be so farre from having any possession therein and long living dying and being buried therein as they should not so much as 〈◊〉 a foot therein or have their bones carried thereinto as Iosephs were Exod. 13. 1â—… Iosh. 24. 32. Our English doth interpret the Greek word in the full latitude thereof thus Eâ—…nter into For it is a compound The simple Verb signifieth to go or to come 〈◊〉 the Preposition into This compound is used to set out the utter exclusion of â—…pocrites other wicked and all unregenerate persons out of Heaven Mat. 5. 20. 〈◊〉 7. 21. Iohn 3. 5. Rev. 21. 27. In this the type which is Canaan fitly answereth the truth which is Heaven This emphasis of the word which setteth forth their utter exclusion out 〈◊〉 Canaan doth aggravate their judgement §. 117. Of rest stiled Gods rest THe fore-mentioned Rest is further amplified by appropriating it to God 〈◊〉 cals it My Rest. By an excellency is that Rest called Gods rest and that in sundry respects 1. It was a rest which God had promised to their Fathers 2. By God they were conducted and brought out of Egypt through the wildeness unto it 3. By God they who entred in were setled therein 4. God had his habitation there among them There was his Tabernacle and Ark and afterward his Temple set In what â—…spect Heaven is called Gods rest See Chap. 4. v. 1. § 9. God doth here purposely appropriate this rest unto himself to make them 〈◊〉 enjoyed it and sound the
1. In that there might be many hypocrites among them For visible Churches are mixed Societies Matth. 22. 14. Hypocrites have evil hearts They have a heart and a heart Psal. 12 2 one is an outward seeming fair heart whereby they beguile men the other an inward evil heart after which they themselves do walk Ier. 7. 24. 11. 8. 2. In them that are effectually called there is a remainder of an evil heart For they are but in part regenerate while here they live Some evil doth still cleave to their heart â—…o as without taking good heed more evil will increase upon them It is said of some that they proceed from evil to evil Jer. 9. 3. and that they wax worse and worse 2 Tim. 3. 13. This may in part befall such as are regenerate if they be not watchfull over themselves True it is that there is in every one by nature an evil heart Yea every imagination of the thoughts of mans heart is onely evil continually Gen. 6. 5. Every word in this description of a natural mans heart hath its Emphasis As 1. The heart which is a spring from whence all words and actions flow 2. The thoughts which are the innermost motions of the heart 3. The imagination that is the first rise or ground-work of those thoughts 4. Every imagination not only some few but all of them 5. Is evil It is not only somewhat tainted but plainly evil 6. Onely Evil not in part only as if there were some good mixed but wholly altogether evil 7. Continually evil not for a time or at fits as if sometimes it might be good but at all times without intermission evil This is the disposition of every natural mans heart There is further an acquired evil more evil added to that natural evil an increase of evil There may be aâ—… increase of evil in his heart who is regenerate In this respect it will be a part of prudence to avoid all occasions whereby 〈◊〉 may be brought to wax worse then they are Of avoiding occasions and observing other rules for preventing all backsliding See § 70. §. 128. Of unbelief the cause of an evil heart THe cause of the foresaid evil heart is here hinted to be unbelief Our 〈◊〉 doth fitly and fully answer the Greek which is a privative compound and directly contrary to belief or faith Unbelief and faith are set in opposition 〈◊〉 to the other as Rom. 4. 20. 11. 20. So the Adjective believing and unbelieving or not believing Ioh. 20. 27. And believers and unbelievers or such as believe not as 1 Cor. 14. 22. 2 Cor. 6. 15. So also the Verb to believe and not to believe Mark 16. 16. Act. 28. 24. Answerably these contraries have their contrary operations By faith the heart is purified Act. 15. 9. By unbelief the heart is made evil 〈◊〉 here and the minde and conscience is defiled Tit. 1. 15. Unbelief was the door by which sinne first entered into mans heart For wheâ—… the Devil had said contrary to Gods express word about eating of the tree 〈◊〉 knowledge Gen. 2. 17. Ye shall not surely die Gods word was not believed 〈◊〉 thereupon the first sin was committed Gen. 3. 4 5 6. Unbelief makes void all the means which God affordeth to keep evil out of the heart as are Directions Instructions Perswasions Distwasions Promises â—…nings Blessings Judgements None of these nor any other means like these will any whit at all prevail with an unbelieving heart The word preached did not 〈◊〉 sit them not being mixed with faith in them that heard it Heb. 4. 2. There is 〈◊〉 grace for which the Word doth not afford sufficient encouragement to labour 〈◊〉 it There is no sin against which the Word doth not afford sufficient ground to seesake it Yet neither the one nor the other are any whit at all available with an 〈◊〉 believer Of the hainousness of unbelief See The whole Armour of God Treat 2. Part 6. 〈◊〉 Eph. 6. 16. Of Faith ibid. § 133 134. We are advised to look diligently lest any root of bitternesse springing up 〈◊〉 Heb. 12. 15. Among other roots we are especially to take heed lest unbelief 〈◊〉 up This is a root of much bitterness Therefore carefully to be rooted out 〈◊〉 inward corruptions it is one of the greatest breeders Faith is the mother of all graces See The whole Armour of God Treat 2. Part 〈◊〉 Of Faith § 8. and unbelief is the mother of all vices The unbeliever regards neither promises nor threatnings nor any other part of Gods word so as the 〈◊〉 of God cannot possesse his heart and if no fear of God then no conscience 〈◊〉 any sinne Abraham said Because I thought surely the fear of God is 〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉 place they will slay me c. Gen. 20. 11. When the Apostle reckons up a 〈◊〉 of grosse sins he concludes all with this There is no fear of God before their 〈◊〉 Rom. 3. 18. Hereupon Christ having said That the Spirit will reprove or 〈◊〉 the world of sinne addeth because they believe not on me Joh. 16. 9. whereby 〈◊〉 giveth us to understand That unbelief is the cause of all sinne For the â—…liever hath no right to Christ and in him that is out of Christ nothing 〈◊〉 can be found Of the hainousnesse of unbelief See ver 18. § 171. §. 129. Of the damages of Unbelief IT is a dangerous thing not to believe men when they declare such truths as 〈◊〉 for our good Instance the case of Gedaliah wherein his incredulity cost 〈◊〉 his own life and the lives of all his friends with him Ier. 40. 14 16. 41. 2 3. 〈◊〉 more dangerous must it needs be not to believe God all whose words are 〈◊〉 and for our good if we rightly use them Many and great are the damages which in Scripture are set down to ensue 〈◊〉 unbelief Such as these 1. Unbelief hardens mens hearts against means afforded for their good 2 King 17. 14. Exod. 9. 19 21. 2. It keeps them from being established in the way of God Isa. 7. 9. 3. It makes them reject those whom God sends Ioh. 5. 38. Mat. 21. 32. 4. It takes away the profit of Gods word Heb. 4. 2. 5. It perverts the plainnest manner of teaching Ioh. 3. 12. 10. 25. 6. It makes miracles not to be regarded Iohn 12. 37. 7. It enrageth mens mindes against the truth Act. 17. 5. 8. It mov'd the Apostles to depart from people Act. 19. 9. 9. It makes men unfit to call on God Rom. 10. 4. 10. Unbelievers can in nothing please God Heb. 11. 6. 11. They are no sheep of Christ Ioh. 10. 26. 12. They are under Satans power 2 Cor. 4. 4. 13. To unbelievers nothing is pure Tit. 1. 15. 14. The gifts which Christ bestows upon them are fruitless and without power Mat. 17. 20. 15. Christs own power is stinted to them Mat. 13. 58. 16. Unbelief makes men do detestable acts
4. 2. A false witnesse Matth. 26. 60. A false Prophet Matth. 7. 15. A false Christ Matth. 24. 24. A thing falsly called 1 Tim. 6. 20. That which is here intended to be impossible for God is to faile in performing his promise especially that which is confirmed by oath We shall not heare need to speak of that which God confirmeth by oath for it was shewed § 140. that Gods oath is inviolable and it will by necessary consequence follow that if it be impossible that God should faile in any word at all It would much more be impossible that he should faile in that which he confirmeth by oath For the generall that God cannot in any case lie or faile of his word is evident by an Epithite attributed to him which we thus translate that cannot lie Titus 1. 2. It intends as much as this phrase It is impossible for him to lie The foresaid Epithite is compounded with a privative preposition that implieth an utter privation of such a thing and that there is no inclination thereunto As God is light and in him is no darknesse 1 John 1. 5. so he is truth and in him there can be no lie The strength of Israel will not lie 1 Sam. 15. 29. herein is made a difference betwixt God and man God is not a man that he should lie Num. 23. 19. For God to lie were to deny himself but God cannot deny himself 2 Tim. 2. 13. Gods truth is infinitely perfect it admits no variablenesse neither shadow of turning Jam. 1. 17. Yea Gods truth is essentiall to him so as his essence may as soon be brought to nothing as his truth to a lie §. 143. Of inferences from the impossibility of God to lie 1. THe impossibility of God to lie is a great aggravation of the heynousnesse of unbelief For he that believeth not God hath made him a lier 1 Joh. 5. 10. which is in effect to make God no God This is the rather to be noted to stir up in us a diligent watchfulnesse against this sin which many account no sin but a meer infirmity See more hereof v. 13. § 100. 2. This is a strong motive to believe a greater cannot be given for as there is no will so neither power in God to lie Men who are conscionable and faithfull in keeping their word and promise are believed yet being men they are subject to lye Rom. 3. 4. How much more should God be believed who cannot possibly lye If God cannot lye what promise what threatning of his shall not be accomplished 3. This should make Ministers who stand in Gods room and speak in Gods name to be sure of the truth of that which they deliver for Gods word else they make God a lyar for their word is taken for Gods Col. 2. 13. They are Gods Ambassadors An Ambassadors failing is counted his Masters failing Therefore the Apostle useth this asseveration I say the truth in Christ I lye not my conscience also bearing we witnesse in the Holy Ghost Rom. 9. 1. False Prophets are branded for prophesying 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Gods name Jer. 14. 14. For preventing this we must hold close to Gods word 4. Though we cannot attain to such an high pitch of truth yet every one ought to endevour to be like God herein namely in avoyding lying Lying is a sin â—…beseeming any man but most unbeseeming a professor of the true religion Generall arguments against lying are these 1. Lying is condemned by those who were led by no other light then the light of nature as Philosophers Orators Poets Saint Paul quoteth a verse out of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 whereby the Cretians were condemned for their frequent lying Titus 1. 12. To 〈◊〉 them the more for this vice to lye was in a proverbiall speech said to 〈◊〉 or play the Cretians 2. Every mans conscience condemnes lying If one be not impudent he will blush when he tells a lye and infinite shifts are ordinarily made to cloake a lye which shew that he is ashamed thereof and that his conscience checketh him for it 3. No man can endure to be accounted a lyar No word more provoketh rage than this Thou lyest It is the cause of many duels 4. Lying overthrowes all society For what man knoweth the things of a man 1 Cor. 1. 11. A mans purposes must be made known and speech is the best meanes thereof If his speech be deceitfull how shall his mind be made known If not what commerce can there be with him and others 5. A man taken tripping herein will be suspected in all his words and actions He that is not true in his words can hardly be thought to deal honestly in his deeds Arguments against lying in professors of the Christian religion are these 1. Lying is expresly forbidden in Gods word Lev. 19. 11. Eph. 4. 25. 〈◊〉 3. 9. Thus it is against the rule of Christians 2. It is against knowledge and conscience For a lyar doth deceitfully utter for truth that which he knoweth to be false 3. It is a filthy rag of the old man and one of the most disgracefull and therefore first set down in the particular exemplification of those filthy ragges Eph. 4. 22 25. 4. It is most directly opposite to God who is truth it self and concerning whom we heard that it was impossible that he should lye 5. Nothing makes men more like the devill for he is a lyar and the father 〈◊〉 Joh. 8. 44. A lying spirit is a diabolicall spirit A lyar carrieth the image of the devill and doth the work of the devill and therein shewes himself a child of the devill 6. As a lye is hatefull to God so it makes the practisers thereof abominâ—…ble Prov. 6. 16 17. and 12. 22. 7. Lying causeth heavy vengeance In generall it is said The Lord will 〈◊〉 them that speake lyes Psal. 5. 6. In particular both temporall and eternall judgements are threatned against such Temporall Hos. 4. 2 c. Eternall by excluding from heaven Rev. 21. 27. And by thrusting into Hell Rev. 21. 8. Memorable was the judgement on Gehazi 2 King 5. 27. And on Ananias and 〈◊〉 Act. 5. 5 10. §. 144. Of comfort arising from faith in Gods promise THe end of the two immutable things which God used is thus expressed That we might have c. These words in generall declare that it was for our good 〈◊〉 God so far condescended as was shewed v. 17. § 131. The particular good aimed at therein is in these words A strong consolatiâ—… Of the verb whence this Noune consolation is derived see chap. 3. v. 13. § 143. Among other acceptions the verb from whence this noune is derived signifieth to comfort Col. 4. 8. Hereupon the Holy Ghost who is the originall cause of all 〈◊〉 sound comfort is stiled the comforter The word of my Text is sometimes translated exhortation Heb. 13. 22. and sometimes consolation Luk. 2.
Apostle doth unfold this mystery of Melchisedec because he had implyed that it was a deep mystery Chap. 5. 11. See § 2. II. Melchisedec was an especiall type of Christ. This is the generall sum of all III. A King is a warrantable function It is warranted in the example of Melchisedec See § 3. IV. Kings have their speciall jurisdiction So was Salem to Melchisedec See § 4. V. True Priests are Priests of God Such an one was Melchisedec See § 5. VI. God is the most high This is his title See § 6. VII Melchisedec was both King and Priest Both these functions are here expresly attributed to him See § 7. VIII Kindred in distresse are to be succoured Abraham succoured Lot his Kinsman See § 10. IX Neighbours ought to congratulate one anothers victory So did Melchisedec Abrahams neighbour See § 8 11. X. Refreshing is to be affoorded to Souldiers So did Melchisedec to Abrahams Souldiers See § 8. XI Enemies in war may be slain The slaughter here mentioned is of such See § 9. XII Kings in war are not free from slaughter Kings are here said to be slain See § 9. XIII Pious salutations are commendable Melchisedecs blessing was in the generall a salutation See § 13. XIV Ministers have an especiall power to blesse people Melchisedec as a Minister of God blessed Abraham See § 14. XV. Christ blesseth the faithfull This is inferred from the type See § 15. Vers. 2. XVI Tenths were of old paid to Gods Ministers Abram paid them to Melchisedec See § 16 17. XVII Ministers of the word must be maintained by people This is gathered from the generall equity of tythes See § 18. XVIII Strange tongues are to be interpreted This phrase by interpretation intendeth as much See § 19. XIX Kings must be righteous This is the meaning of Melchisedecs name See § 19 20. XX. Kings must be peaceable This is implied under this word Salem See § 22. XXI Christ was a King of righteousnesse and peace He was the truth of both these See § 21. Vers. 3. XXII Matters concealed may be mysteries Here is an instance given of many particulars See § 23. XXIII Christ as man was without Father XXIV Christ as God was without Mother and descent XXV Christ was God eternall These were the truths of the things concealed See § 24. XXVI There were resemblances of Christ before his incarnation Melchisedec iâ—… here said to be like him See § 25. XXVII Christ was the Son of God Christ is here meant under that title See § 2â—… XXVIII Christ is a perpetuall Priest He so abideth continually See § 26. §. 30. Of considering weighty points especially about Christ. Heb. 7. 4. Now consider how great this man was unto whom even the Patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoyles THe Apostle having set forth Melchisedecs excellency in himself proceedeth to amplifie the same in reference to others and first preferreth him before Abraham from whom Levi the head of all Legall Priests descended Because Melchisedec was an especiall type of Christ and Abraham the father of all the Jewes was counted by them the most excellent among them the Apostle 〈◊〉 viseth to consider this argument of Melchisedecs excellency above Abrahams The word translated consider doth properly belong to the bodily eyes and is usually translated to see Matth. 28. 1. It implyeth a fast fixing of the eyes upon a thing and is translated beheld Mark 12. 41. The word being applyed to the mind it signifieth a serious pondering of a â—…ter and is translated perceive John 12. 19. or consider as here It being here applyed to the truth of the type it implieth that we should with both the eyes of the soul understanding and faith behold or consider Christ. So then such points as set forth in generall weighty matters and in particular the excellencies of Christ are seriously to be pondred Hereof see more Chap. 3. 1. 1. § 21 22 23. §. 31. Of the greatness of Melchisedec THe relative thus translated this man hath reference to Melchisedec It is some times used in scorn and derision To manifest as much our English useth to adde this word fellow thus this fellow Matth. 12. 24. Act. 18. 13. And sometimes in honour as where the penitent thief said of Christ This man 〈◊〉 done nothing amisse Luk. 23. 41. So here The Apostle therefore thus 〈◊〉 his excellency how great This is the intepretation of one Greek word which is used in terrogatively and indefinitely It here implieth such an excellency as occasioneth much admiration I find this word only here and Gal. 6. 11. Another like word of the 〈◊〉 stem differing only in one letter is used in the same sense Col. 2. 1. Iam. 3. 5. A Correlative derived from the same root and translated so great is used Chap. 2. v. 3. § 21. All of them carry a great emphasis and imply a 〈◊〉 excellency Melchisedec is hereby implied to be the greatest among men I need not seek after more arguments then the Apostle hath used in the former verses He was especially the greatest in that he was such a type of Christ as none ever the like before or after him We may therefore well use this note of admiration how great If we may use it of the type much more of the truth Christ himself See more hereof Chap. 2. 17. § 173 174. Take notice by the way of the blasphemous arrogancy of Papists who make their Masse Priests to be after the order of Melchisedec Thereby they would make them the greatest of men They do much hereby infringe the Apostles argument and pervert his main intent If the prerogativeâ—… of a Priest after the order of Melchisedec expresly set down v. 2 3. be duly weighed we shall find it a blasphemous institution to induct any meer man thereinto §. 32. Of Abraham a Patriarch THe argument whereby the Apostle proves the greatnesse of Melchisedec is Abrahams inferiority to him The Jewes counted Abraham the greatest among men If therefore there were one greater then Abraham how great must he needs be Of Abrahams excellency See Chap. 6. v. 13. § 91 92. As an amplification of Abrahams greatnesse this title Patriarch is attributed unto him Patriarch is a noun compound The first simple noun whereof it is compounded signifieth â—…ather and the other beginning or principality Thus it implieth the first or chiefest father or the first and the chiefest of fathers In the New Testament it is attributed as to Abraham here so to the twelve 〈◊〉 of Iacob Act. 7. 8 9. and to David Act. 3. 29. Abraham is called Patriarch because he was the first Father of the stock of the Jewes The twelve sons of Iaacob were so stiled because they were the first heads and fathers of the twelve severall tribes Daâ—…id had this title given him for excellency sake because he was a prime and principall father or because he was the head and father
Sanctuary Tabernacle are thus better distinguished 〈◊〉 from the other 2. By this interpretation the ground of the Apostles inference in the 〈◊〉 verse concerning Priests sacrifices is better cleared For this Tabernacle being put for Christs body it sheweth what was the sacrifice which Christ offered up even his â—…dy If the sacrifice be not implyed under this word to what shall it be applyed 3. The body of man is in other places set down by this metaphor of a Taberâ—… 2 Cor. 5. 1. 2 Pet. 1. 13. 4. These two metaphors Sanctuary and Tabernacle are else-where put for heaven and the body of Christ. Note especially for this purpose Chap. 9. v. 11 12. and withall mark the correspondency betwixt these two places 1. In both places both metaphors are expressed in the same words 2. The Tabernacle is here said to be true there to be a greater and 〈◊〉 perfect All in opposition to the typicall and earthly tabernacle in â—…he Law 3. Here this Tabernacle is said to be pitched not by man There not to be made with hands 4. Here Christs body is implyed to be the sacrifice of this Tabernacle 〈◊〉 his own blood 5. The body of Christ is set out in other places by other metaphors like to 〈◊〉 of a Tabernacle As by the Temple John 2. 19. and by a way Heb. 10. 20. 6. As the Sanctuary was a type of heaven so the Tabernacle was a type of Chriâ—… body That this may more evidently appear I will endeavour to set out the correspondency betwixt that Tabernacle and the body of Christ. 1. God sanctified the Tabernacle as a place to dwell in Exod. 29. 44 45. 〈◊〉 Christ dwelleth all the fulnesse of the God-head bodily Col. 2. 9. This phrase the word dwelt among us Joh. 1. 14. in the Greek â—…eth to allude to the Tabernacle here meant for it hath a notation from the word Tabernacle and is thence derived 2. Gods glory was most conspicuously manifested in the Tabernacle The glory of the Lord filled the Tabernacle Exod. 40. 34. But never was any place so filled with the glory of God as the body of Christ. The word was made flesh and dwelt among us and we beheld his glory the glory as of the only begotten of the father Joh. 1. 14. 3. In the Tabernacle sacrifices oblations and incense were offered up and all holy services performed So Christ in his body offered up his own sacrifice his prayers and all his holy services Heb. 5. 7. and 10. 5. 4. To the Tabernacle the people brought all their offerings Lev. 1. 3. So must we bring all ours to Christ Heb. 13. 15. 5. The Tabernacle sanctifieth all in it Mat. 23. 17. so whatsoever is offered up in Christ or from him conveyed to us is sanctified 6. As the Priests did tread upon the sanctuary so did Christ upon his body by his many sufferings 7. The High-Priest entered thorough the Tabernacle into the most holy place Exod. 26. 33. So Christ by his body into heaven Heb. 9. 11. What use the Jewes did make of their Tabernacle we must make of Christs body As when they were neer the Tabernacle they performed all their divine services therein so when they were far absent they would turn their faces to it in powring out their supplications Dan. 6. 10. so must we now Christ is in heaven look up to him He is the beloved Son of God in whom he is well pleased Mat. 3. 17. There is no other way to be accepted of God §. 6. Of Christ the true Tabernacle which the Lord pitched and not man CHrists body is here stiled the true Tabernacle not in opposition to that which is false or feigned but to that which is typicall and ceremoniall Thus the law and truth are opposed Ioh. 1. 17. as the shadow and the substance Thus the Father is said to seek such worshippers as shall worship him in truth John 4. 23. Christs body then is that Tabernacle which was shadowed at by the Jewish Tabernacle It is that Tabernacle wherein and whereby we and all our services are sanctified and made acceptable to God From this that Christ said he came to do Gods will this inference is made by this will we are sanctified through offering of the body of Iesus Heb. 10. 7 10. This shewes the prehemenency of the Christian Church above the Jewish Church We have the truth of their types the substance of their shadow Should not we have this truth in higher account then theâ—… had the type and should not we be more carefull to make a right use of this true Tabernacle The zeal of the Jewes about their Tabernacle will be witnesse against our light esteem of the true Tabernacle Yet further to commend this Tabernacle unto us the immediate answer thereof is set down both affirmatively and negatively Affirmatively thus which the Lord pitched This word pitched in Greek signifieth to set a thing fast A Tabernacle being made of linnen cloth and stretched out with cords was by pegs fast fixed in the ground This doth our English comprize under this word pitch Here both making and setting up of this Tabernacle is intended This negative phrase and not man is added to shew a difference betwixt this Tabernacle and the Tabernacle under the Law which was made by the hands and art of man Exod. 36. 1. c. The affirmative and negative phrases which the Lord pitched and not man being applyed to Christs body have reference to his conception which was not as the conception of others by any act of man but wonderously above the course of nature he was conceived by the Holy-Ghost Matth. 1. 10. When the Virgin Mary upon the first message of conceiving in her womb and bringing forth this Son said how shall this be seeing I know not a man this answer was returned by an Angell The Holy Ghost shall come upon theâ—… and the power of the highest shall over shadow thâ—…e Luk. 1. 31 3 35. This negative clause and not man is added by way of illustration and any â—…tion implying that this true Tabernacle was a work above humane strain and 〈◊〉 that which God doth immediatly by himself is far more excellent then that which is done by the ministry of man Psal. 8. 3. and 19. 1. 2 Cor. 5. 1. Heb. 9. 11. This immediate author and maker of Christs body set down affirmatively and negatively manifesteth a great difference betwixt the typicall Tabernacle and 〈◊〉 true one even as great as betwixt the immediate workmanship of God and of 〈◊〉 yea as great as betwixt God himself and man This doth much amplifie all the forementioned duties about this true Tabernacle See more hereof Chap. 9. v. 24. § 121. §. 7. Of the resolution and observations of Heb. 8. 1 2. Heb. 8. 1 2. Vers. 1. Now of the things which we have spoken this is the Sum We have 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 High-Priest who is set on the right hand of the throne
be avoided 1. That sanctified means be not despised Proud Anabaptists and prophane liberâ—…ines are too prone hereunto 2. That means be not too much relyed and doted upon New Converts are tâ—…o prone hereunto The golden mean is the best and safest §. 65. Of the efficacy of Gods work THe foresaid duties are the rather to be observed because Gods work is â—…all The Greek expression thereof in this place is this word for word Gâ—…ving my Lawes into their minde and I will write them in their hearts In giving them to men he doth cause them to be fast set led in them The word giving may beâ—…sed to shew his freenesse in doing what he doth The other word translated 〈◊〉 is a compound and signifieth to write in a thing The proposition in is twice used Once in composition with the verb and then joyned with the nown which carrieth great emphasis and implyeth a deep indeleble writing or engraving of a thing Man may cause Gods law to be sounded to the eare it is Gods work so to engrave it in the soul. So effectual is Gods work that they whose heart he enlargeth and whom he draweth will run after him Psal. 119. 3â—… Cant. 1. 3. He worketh in men both to will and to do Phil. 1. 13. 1. God is able to dive into the bottom of a mans soul and to search the innermost part thereof The word of God is quick and powerful c. Heb. 4. 12. It is the word of him that will have this power manifested 2. The end of Gods work is to perfect grace 1 Cor. 1. 8. Phil. 1. 6. and to being men to the end of all which is the salvation of their soul. This may serve for tryal to know whether Gods work have accompanied the ministry under which we live Such men as have long lived under the best outward ministry that can be and yet remain ignorant unresolved without spiritual love comfort and joy and have their hearts fixed on the world have not been wrought upon by God God hath not put his lawes into their innermost parts many meanly accounted of in the world may have more of Gods work in them then others that are accounted great in dignity policy learning and other like parts §. 66. Of informing the understanding first THese words which the Apostle useth of putting Gods laws into mens mind and writing them in their hearts and the order which he useth in setting 〈◊〉 down first the minde then their hearts sheweth that God first informs the understanding of men and then reforms their other parts In this respect saith Christ the dead shall hear and live John 5. 25. God first opened Davids ears and then put his law in his heart Psal. 40. 6. 8. The understanding is the most principle faculty of the soul it is as a Qâ—…een a Commander a guide What it conceiteth for truth the will followeth as good 〈◊〉 thereunto draweth all the powers of the soul and parts of the body Ministers are herein to imitate God and to their best indeavour to instruct people in the mysteries of godlinesse and to teach them what to believe and practise and then to stir them up in act and deed to do what they are instructed to do Their labor otherwise is like to be in vain Neglect of this course is a main cause that men fall into so many errors as they do in these dayes §. 67. Of the Lords being a God in peculiar to his consederates THe second promise or priviledge of the new Covenant is thus expressed And I will be to them a God and they shall be to me a people Both the Hebrew and the Greek thus read it word for word I will be to them for a God And they shall be to me for a people which implyeth that as God would be their God so upon all occasions he would shew himself so to be And in like manner would 〈◊〉 that he had taken them for his people by doing good unto them in all their neâ—…ds The very substance of the new Covenant is expressed in this promise which is not only a distinct and particular promise in it self but also the foundation and ground-work of all the rest for on this ground that God is our God and hath taken uâ—… to be his people he pardons our sins enlightens ourminds and puts his laws into oâ—…r hearts Concerning this priviledge two especial questions are moved 〈◊〉 1. Wâ—…ether Iehovah be not the God of the whole world If he be how is this a priviledge appropriated to a peculiar people Answ. This title to be a God and to have a people is taken two wayes 1. In a general extent unto all over whom he retaineth an absolute soveraignty having made them and continuing to substain and govern them for in him all live and move and have their being Acts 17. 28. 2. In a peculiar respect the Lord is their God and takes them for his people of whom he takes an especial care to bring them to eternal life Of these it is said ye are a chosen generation a peculiar people 1 Pet. 2. 9. By this distinction we may see how God is the Saviour of all men especially of those that believe 1 Tim. 4. 10. Quest. 2. Was not Iehovah in this peculiar respect thâ—… God of the Jews for it is said â—…e shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people Exod. 19. 5. Answ. This must here be comparatively taken in regard of a more clear full effectual manifestation of Gods tender entire and fatherly respect to his confederates under the new Covenant then under the old On the foresaid respects Gods especial respect is appropriated to those who are under the new Covenant he is in an especial manner a God to them As the promises in the old Testament tending hereunto were intended to them so in the new Testament they were applyed to them Of them saith Christ I ascend unto my Father and your Father and to my God and your God John 20. 17. And God himself thus I will be their God 2 Cor. 6. 16. Believers under the new Covenant are incorporated into the body of the Mediator of the new Covenant actually exhibited and in that peculiar respect as the Lord is his Father and God so he is their Father and God 1. Good ground have we who live under this Covenant to apply to our selves this singular priviledge and to take God for our God and Father and to have iâ—… in our mindes whensoever we approach unto him for 〈◊〉 end this phrase our Faâ—… is prefixed to the Lords prayer Of the manifold comforts that thence arise see the Guide to God § 2. This gives us good ground to cast our care on God resting upon this with much confidence that the Lord is our God From thence we may well infer that 〈◊〉 careth for us 1 Pet. 5. 7. and will nourish us Psal. 55. 22. What can work
to be made without hands Col. 2. 11. By setting down this point negatively thus Christ is not entred c. It appears that things made by man are not comparable to the things made by God In which respect they are set in opposition one to the other thus which the Lord pitched and 〈◊〉 man Chap. 8. v. 2. § 6. The other oppositions about this phrase do prove as much As the workmen are so are their works but man is not comparable to God nor his works This discovers the folly of many who though they have reasonable and understanding souls whereby they may know the difference betwixt things made with hands and without hands yet preferr the former before the latter and that both in matters of Religion and in other things also How superstitiously did the Jews doâ—…e upon the outward Temple Ier. 7. 4. and on the Ark 1 Sam. 4. 3. and yet regarded not true piety and purity of heartâ—… No nor their own souls which were the Temples of the Holy Ghost Thus many that carry the names of Christians are more addicted to goe and visit the ruines of that Temple at Ierusalem which was made with hands then to associate themselves with the true Church of God or to fit themselves for the heavenly place made without hands How are most men even in Gods Worship more taken with externall matters which are inventions of men and things made by men then with Spirit and truth notwithstanding the Father seeketh such to worship him Iohn 4. â—…3 This also may not unfitly be applyed to other things for what care doe Men and Women take to adorne their bodies their houses and other things and in the mean while neglect their souls O pray that you may approve things that are excellent Phil. 1. 10. duely distinguishing the things that differ and chuse that good part which shall not be taken away Luke 10 42. §. 122 Of the Legall holy places types of Heavenly places THe forementioned holy places under the Law are thus further described which are the figures of the true The Greek word here translated figures is not the same that was used v. 9. § â—…9 That signified a Parable or resemblance This properly signifieth a repereussion or smiting againe being compounded of a verbe that signifieth to smile and a preposition that signifieth against It is twice used in the New Testament here and 1 Pet. 3. 21. There it signifieth one type answerable to another Thus baptisme is said to be a like figure to the Arke both of them figuring and setting sorth one and the same thing in substance Here it is indefinitly taken for the simple noun and is translated patterne Chap. 8. v. 5. That it is here thus taken is evident by the word that is joyned withiâ—… translated true This hath reference to the holy places before mentioned they were types and figures of the true holy places namely Heaven as is afterward shewed This description of the holy places under the law intendeth the same things thâ—… these words Patternes of things in the Heavens did in the former verse The former word figures is a kind of extenuation the latter true is an amplification The holy places under the Law were but shaddows and in that respect but mean things but they were shaddowes of the true holy places which is Heaven it self and in that respect they were great and excellent things and of singular use Of these two points See v. 23. § 115 117. §. 123. Of Christs executing his Priesthood in Heaven THe Apostle having shewed into what places Christ entered not namely into those whereinto the High Priest under the Law entered he proceedeth to declare into what place he entered in these words But into Heaven it self The conjunction of opposition but implyeth this latter to be a far more excellent place then the former as the very name it self Heaven giveth proofe To make up the sentencefull the Nominative case and principal verbe is to be repeated out of the former part of the verse thus Christ is entered into Heaven iâ—… self This is spoken of Christ as our Priest and it taketh it for granted that Christ 〈◊〉 the true Priest of the New Testament See Chap. 2. v. 17. § 17â—… The verbe translated entered is compounded with a preposition that signifieth In and the same preposition is set before the noune as if we translated it is entered into Heaven which sheweth that Christ attained to that which he aimed at and obtained a possession thereof even Heaven it self Heaven is here properly taken for that place of blisse where God most manifesteth his glory and where Christ abideth our Priest for ever He addeth this discriminating particle it self because the word Heaven is diversly used and sometimes for the kingdome of God here on earth yea it distinguisheth Heaven here meant from the type hereof This phrase Priest presupposeth that Christ was out of Heaven this is true of his human nature wherein he lived above 33 years on earth yea by reason of the union of the divine nature with the humane he is said to descend from Heaven Eph. 4. 9. Iohn 3. 13. He was for a time on earth that he might performe all works of service and suffering He entered into Heaven that he might continue to do all things that require Merit Power and Glory So as Heaven is the place where Christ continueth to execute his Priesthood See hereof more Chap. 4. v. 14. § 84. §. 124. Of Christs appearing in the presence of God for us THe end of Christs entering into Heaven is thus set down Now to appeare in the presence of God for us The verbe translated to appeare signifieth conspicuously to manifest It is sometimes taken in the worst part as to appeare against one as adversaries in law do and to informe against him Acts 24. 1. 25. 2. Sometimes it is taken in the better part to appeare for one as a Favourite before a Prince or as an Advocate or an Attorny before a Judge In this latter sense may it fitly be applyed to Christ who is Gods favourite Mat. 3. 17. And alwaies at Gods right hand ready on all occasions to present our Petitions to God and obtaine a gracious Answer and if he observe him incensed then to pacifie him Christ is also our Advocate and Attorny to plead our cause to answer our Adversaries and to procure judgement to passe on our side Iu these respects he is said to make intercession for us Hereof see more Chap. 7. v. 25. § 106. Christ is thus said to appeare in the presence of God to shew a difference betwixt him and the Priests under the Law They appeared before the Ark and the mercy seat thereon which was but a type of Gods presence Lev. 16. 2. But Christ in the most glorious presence of God as it were before his very face The word translated presence is derived from a
Yea there be many theeves and robbers such as are described Eph. 6. 12. Therefore put on the whole armour of God Eph. 6. 17. A wise traveller will not go without his sword It imboldneth theeves to set upon a traveller that hath no weapon Much more doth the want of spirituall furniture embolden our spirituall enemies How justly may they be charged with egregious folly who 1. Being ignorant of the way care not to learn it 2. Are so wilfull as they will not come into the right way though it be shewed them 3. Having entred into the right way repent their good beginning and wittingly wander in by-paths 4. Being over-bold do make themselves a prey to their spirituall enemies §. 55. Of Christ consecrating the way to Heaven THe aforesaid way is described first by the manner of preparing it in this word consecrated This is that word which was used Chap. 9. v. 18. § 98. And translated dedicated The differences betwixt them is that that was of the passive voice this of the active This way is here said to be consecrated for us That is fitted and prepared for our use so as we may now boldly walk in it and make use of it as the Jewes might boldly use their houses their grounds and other things after they were once consecrated Christ did not consecrate the way for himself That needed not But for us sinners The consecration here intended was by the blood of Jesus as things under the law were consecrated by the blood of beasts This phrase consecrated for us in reference to the foresaid way giveth us to understand that Christ hath made the way to heaven sit for us He hath prepared it he hath so ordered all things that we may now freely walke in that way In the former verse it was implyed that heaven was opened for us Here Christ is set forth to be the ladder which being set on earth reached to heaven Gen. 28. 1â—… For Christ as man was set upon the earth as God he reached to heaven Hereunto allusion is made by Christ himself Iohn 1. 51. In this respect Christ is stiled the way the truth and the life John 14. 16. that is the only true way that leadâ—…th unto lise And in this respect also he is stiled a doore Iohn 10. 7. as he is the meanes of our entring into heaven Christ hath consecrated the way as aforesaid in regard of his three offices For 1. As a Priest he hath truly consecrated and dedicated it and that by his own blood as by the blood of sacrifices things were consecrated and dedicated under the law Christ by his blood hath taken away our sins 1 Iohn 1. 7. which made the way to heaven impassible Thus also hath he consecrated us and thereby made 〈◊〉 â—…t to go on in that way 2. As a Prophet he hath revealed and made known this way to us This he did while he was on earth by himself and since his taking into heaven he hath done it by all sorts of true Ministers extraordinary and ordinary Eph. 4. 11. 3. As a King he causeth the way to be laid out fenced and made common for all his people So as it may well be stiled the Kings high way 2. He sendeth his servants to make that way plain Isa. 40. 4. 3. He hath appointed watch-men to keep this way safe and to conduct his people through it These watch-men are magistrates and Ministers 4. As a guide he hath gone before us and in this respect is stiled the Prince of life or chief guide Act. 3. 15. and f Captain of Salvation Heb. 2. 10. This is a forcible motive to stir us up to enter into this way and never to wander out of the same but to hold on therein till we come to the end thereof Thus it will never repent the Lord Jesus that he hath consecrated it for us §. 56. Of the new way THe way which Christ hath consecrated is here stiled new The Greek word thus translated is very emphatical 'T is here only used in the New Testament It is a compound The simple verb whence it is compounded signifieth to slay and this word properly setteth out a thing new slain Hence some take it to be an abusive speech To such I answer 1. That word which seemes to have a strange derivation may by common use be as the most proper words 2. The word here is the more fit because the way whereunto it is applyed is by the death of Christ opened unto us or rather Christ put to death is this way 3. The Apostle hath not so much reference to the notation of the word as to the matter that it setteth forth not so mvch to this title way as to him who is this way 4. Other Greek Authors do use this word of things spoken or done newly or lately There is an adverb of the same composition that is translated lately Act. 18. 2. Quest. Was there ever any other way for attaining unto heaven then this Answ. No For Christ was a lamb slain from the foundation of the world Rev. 13. 8. and he is the same yesterday to day and for ever Heb. 13. 8. Quest. Why then is it called new Answ. It is not simply so called but in sundry particular respects as 1. In regard of the cleer manifestation thereof Ier. 31. 31. 2. In opposition to the old way of the law which is abrogated Heb. 8. 13. 3. In reference to the latter times Isa. 2. 2. 4. In respect of the perpetuall vigour thereof Heb. 8. 8. We may from this particular instance infer that the things prepared for the Church under the Gospel are new Hereof see more Chap. 8. v. 8. § 35. §. 57. Of the living way THere is another Epithite added unto the foresaid way namely living The Greek word here used by the Apostle is the same that was used Chap. 4. v. 12. § 70. and translated quick This word hath relation rather to the matter which is Christ himself then to the word way This Epithite is here used in these and other like respects 1. In opposition to the old way of the law which is not able to give life It is therefore called the ministration of death 2 Cor. 3. 7. Yea it is abrogated perished and dead 2. In relation to Christs resurrection who though he were put to death yet was he raised again and ever lives Rom. 6. 9. In this respect this Epithite is fitly added to the former which properly signifieth one newly slain 3. In regard of the end of the way which is life For Christ is the way the truth and the life Joh. 14. 6. For this end was this way consecrated as before 4. In reference to the effect of it It puts life into us and quickens us Ioh. 11. 25 Gal. 2. 20. 5. By a kind of excellency and property All other wayes are wayes of
Iacobs faith is thus set down And worshipped leaning upon the top of the staff The copulative and sheweth that this act 〈◊〉 reference to Iacobs faith as well as the former of blessing By faith he blesâ—… Iosephs sons and by faith he worshipped God His faith wrought in him a 〈◊〉 respect to God to yield unto him due service as well as care of his posterity God is the proper object of faith to honor whom faith doth much put 〈◊〉 on Hereby we may gain evidence of the truth of faith This latter effect hath reference to these words Israel bowed himself upon the â—…head Gen. 47. 31. Of the Hebrew word translated bowed himself and of the Greek word worshipped See Chap. 1. v. 6. § 74 75. By worshipping the Apostle here meaneth an action of piety done to God 〈◊〉 testimony of thankfulness for that oath whereby Ioseph had bound himself 〈◊〉 him with his Fathers His heart being cheered with the assurance which 〈◊〉 had given him thereof he lifteth it up to God and worshipped him 〈◊〉 testify his reverend respect to God in worshipping him he boweth his body 〈◊〉 or upon the beds-head not upon any superstitious conceit of the place 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 his beds-head had stood East or towards the Mount where Ierusalem 〈◊〉 be built or many other like respects but to shew how he reared up himâ—… purposely to bow his body 〈◊〉 take the beds-head to be his bolster or pillow whereupon he raised up 〈◊〉 Because a word coming from the same root and consisting of the same letters 〈◊〉 only in the points under them signifieth both a Beb 2 Kings 4. 10. 〈◊〉 a staff Numb 17. 2. Some interpret the word a bed others a staff The 〈◊〉 Text useth that word which signifieth a bed Gen. 47. 31. The LXX 〈◊〉 it by a word which signifieth a staff Because there was no difference in 〈◊〉 but rather a fit exposition of the word the Apostle quoteth the words of 〈◊〉 LXX See Chap. 1. v. 5. § 72. Both words bed and staff do fully set out 〈◊〉 meaning of the Holy Ghost and to the life do manifest the old mans desire 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the inward devotion of his soul by a reverend composing of his body to 〈◊〉 God For rising up on his beds-head hâ—… leanes on his staff and so bowes 〈◊〉 body in worshipping God He was in his bed and raised himself to sit up 〈◊〉 against his beds-head and that in bowing his body he might be supporâ—… he leaned upon his staff and so worshipped The word leaning is not in 〈◊〉 Greek Text but implyed under the preposition translated upon and 〈◊〉 inserted by our translators to make the sence of the place more cleer The 〈◊〉 translated Top signifieth the uppermost part of a thing as the tip of a 〈◊〉 or the uttermost part This instance of Iacob in worshipping God gives evidence of the disposition 〈◊〉 a true Saint which is a readiness on all occasions to worship God Hereof 〈◊〉 more in The Saints sacrifice on Psal. 116. v. 17. § 112. The Apostles expressed mention of Iacob's reverend gesture in worshipping God manifested by his leaning on the top of his staff giveth us to understand 〈◊〉 it well becommeth a worshipper of God to manifest the inward devotion of 〈◊〉 soul by a fit composition of his body Thus God is honoured in soul and body Others are provoked to do the like Our own spirits are the more affected therewith See more of this point in The Churches Conquest on Exod. 17. vers â—… 22 29. Of using an help for our weakness in worshipping God as Iacob did by leaning on his staff See The Churches Conquest on Exod. 17. 1â—… § 48 51. §. 114. Of the Resolution of and Observations from Heb. 12. 21. By faith Jacob when he was a dying blessed both the sons of Joseph and worshiped leaning upon the top of his staff THe sum of this verse is Faith's proof The proof is drawn from a double effect The former hath respect to men which was Blessing them The latter hath respect to God which was a Worshipping of him The former is illustrated by the parties and by the time The parties were he that blessed Iacob and they who were blessed The sons of Ioseph The time was when he was a dying The other effect of worshipping is amplified by his manner of doing it Thus leaning upon the top of his staff Doctrines I. A Grand-father must be as carefull of the children of his son as of his own So was Iacob See § 111. II. Gods goodness extends it self to the children of his Saints This is here exemplified in the example of Ioseph See § 111. III. It is an honour to be the parent of children under Gods Covenant For honours sake is Ioseph here mentioned in reference to such sons See § 111. IV. Parents may and must bless their children Iacob is here accounted as a parent See § 111. V. Approach of death is a season to seek the good of posterity This phrase when he was dying intends as much See § 112. VI. Saints are ready on all occasions to worship God Instance Iacob See § 113. VII Inward devotion must be accompanyed with an answerable composition of body Thus did Iacob manifest his See § 113. §. 115. Of Joseph and his name â—…eb 11. 22. By faith Joseph when he died made mention of the departing of the Children of Israel and gave Commandement concerning his bones THe eighth instance of the vigour of Faith here produced is of Ioseph His faith is of the same kind that the faith of the others was The name Ioseph is derived from a verb that signifieth to adde and this reason is rendred thereof by his Mother The Lord shall add to me another Son Gen. 30. 24. His Mother had been long barren and her sister who was another wife of Iacob had many Children which aggravated her grief for her barrenness but at length The Lord remembred her and hearkned to her and opened her womb and gave her this Son Hereupon either by a prophetical Spirit or upon strong confidence that God would yet give her another Son she gave this son this name Ioseph The name therefore was an evidence of Rachels faith It fell out according to her faith she had another son though he cost her dearly even her life Ioseph whose faith is here commended is worthy due consideration and that in three especial respects 1. In regard of the Tryalls whereunto he was brought 2. In regard of the Graces wherewith he was endued 3. In regard of the Dignities wherewith he was honoured There is not an history of any other wherein the rare passages of the divine providence are more cleerly manifested than the history of Ioseph both in regard of that low estate whereunto he was brought and also of that high dignity whereunto he was advanced §. 116. Of Josephs Trialls 1. IOseph being young was hated
partiall and in just and therefore not competent 3. That if a mans maine intent and principall end be not to deceive it skilleth not though both he that propounds the question and the hearers also be deceived Thus they profess to deceive wittingly though not principally That their mental equivocation even as they themselves have set it down is unlawfull and sinfull may be proved by these Arguments 1. It is a new devise nor warranted by sacred Scriptures nor by antient Heathen Authors The great Philosopher that hath written much of sundry kinds of ambiguity never dreamt of this 2. It justifieth an apparent lie which is expresly forbidden Ephes. 4. 25. 3. It being confirmed by an oath will prove to be plain perjury 4. Many gross absurdities do follow thereupon such as these 1. Thus all manner of lies may be made truth 2. Thus no man can know whom to believe 3. Thus all honest and faithfull commerce contracts and other like dealing would be destroyed For all depend upon the truth of mens words If words be contrary to theiâ—… mind what shall men rest upon 4. Thus there could be no end of controversies at least of such controversies as cannot be confirmed by witness for the only means to end such controversies is an oath Heb. 6. 16. But equivocation causeth a Judge to be in doubt whether that which is sworn be true or no. 5. Christian apology or open confession of the truth of Religion is hereby taken away For men are hereby taught by word to deny their Religion so they have a mental reservation to salve up the matter 6. Christians hereby make their profession odious to Turks Jewes other Infidells and Pagans who never imagined any such mentall reservation but would take us at our words The Arguments which Iesuites produce to prove this absurd position are such as these 1. Unreasonable creatures are cunning in deceiving their Hunters as Foxes Hares Badgers and sundry other would God then leave man without such cunning evasions as may deceive their persecutors 1. Answ. It can carry but an unreasonable form of an Argument that is so taken from unreasonable creatures 2. Unreasonable creatures have no rule prescribed them to go by as reasonable men have 3. Unreasonable creatures are not called to suffer as reasonable men are 4. Hunters know and can find out the means which unreasonable creatures use but no persecutors can find out the depth of equivocation 5. There are many other means which God hath afforded his servants to escape by besides mental equivocation 6. God oft calls his servants by suffering to bear witnes to his Truth should men in such a case equivocate 2. Arg. Stratagems in war are lawfull Iosh. 8. 18. Answ. There is a great difference betwixt stratagems and equivocations For 1. Actions whereof stratagems consist do expresly affirm nothing nor deny any thing as words do 2. In a stratagem there is only a seeming to do this or that when a contrary is intended but no express asseveration to do it 3. Stratagems are used by open enemies who profess to use all the slights they can to overcome The fault therefore is in the adverse party if he be deceived in that he was no more wary and circumspect But in the case of equivocation a man professeth no deceit but naked Truth 4. If stratagems be against promise or performed by lying they are unlawfull and this the Heathens themselves have judged 3. Arg. They press the many Rhetorical figures in Scripture Ans. There are Rules to find out the full sense of those figures But for finding out the full sense of mentall equivocation no rule can be given 4. Arg. They produce sundry particular instances of Saints that have as they 〈◊〉 equivocated as 1. Rebekahs and Iacobs dissembling with Isaac Gen. 27. 6 c. Ans. That is an instance of their infirmity and no pattern for imitation The like may be said of Rahabs answering the Kings Officers whereof before 2. Elishas answer to the men of Syria that came to apprehend him 2 King 6. 19. Ans. 1. This was a stratagem against a professed enemy 2. He was not demanded any question and so not bound to answer this or that 3. Isaiahs message to Hezekiah Thou shalt dy and not live Isa. 38. 1. Ans. There is nothing but plain and open truth herein for Isaiah spake as he was commanded and as he himself thought for Hezekiahs sickness was indeed deadly according to the nature of it And if God had not extraordinarily wrought upon him he had died That Isaiah knew no other but that Hezekiah should dy of that disease is evident in that the Word of God came again to him when he carried the news of the Kings recovery v. 4. 4. Ieremiahs answer to the Princes Ier. 38. 27. Ans. His answer is plain no shew of untruth therein only there was some truth concealed which makes nothing for equivocation because he was not demanded whether the King spake to him of yielding to the Chaldeans or any other thing beside what he answered 5. Iohns answer to the Jews Iohn 1. 21. Ans. Iohn answered the truth and that according to the meaning of the Iews as this particle of emphasis that Prophet implyeth for Iohn neither was a Prophet as others to foretell things to come nor was he that Prophet which Moses spake of nor was he Elijah as they meant in body or soul but only in spirit and power That he spake according to their intent and that plainly is evident in that when they asked who he was he directly answered the truth saying I am the voyce of one crying in the Wildernes John 1. 23. 6. The speech of Christ The Son knoweth not the day and houre of Iudgment Mark 13. 32. Ans. 1. Here is no question propounded to our Saviour so as it maketh nothing to the point in hand 2. Christ declareth the truth plainly for as he was man he knew not that day and houre Many other speeches of Christ are alledged whereof not one maketh for mental reservation for the ambiguity of them is either in divers acceptions of the word or in circumstances which with 〈◊〉 and due observation may be found out §. 190. Of preferring the Church before ones Country ALL the effects that are noted of Rahabs faith did give a plain demonstration that she preferred Gods Church before her own Country This is a case that admitts some limitations It will not therefore be impertinent to shew wherein ones Country is to be preferred and wherein the Church Ones own Country is to be preferred in these cases 1. In Civill affaires As if a professor of the true Religion be a subject in an Idolatrous Country that joyneth neer to that other Country whereof he is a subject and both requires his aid against their enemies or for any other secular affaires he is bound to prefer his own Country before the other 2. In differences betwixt his own
general implyeth that true Professors willingly endure 〈◊〉 for their professions sake they are not as Bears hailed to the stake and brought per force to endure the baiting biting and tearing of 〈◊〉 dogs â—…ut willingly yield In another kind of suffering it is said of Moses that he reâ—… honours and chose to suffer affliction v. 24 25. § 136 137. It is in this respect said of Aquila and Priscilla that they layd down their necks Rom. 16. 4. which implyeth a voluntary yielding to suffer so doth this phrase I am reaâ—… to dy for the Name of the Lord Iesus Acts 21. 13. They discern much good and great advantage to accrew by their sufferings and that 1. To God whose glory in having such servants is set out 1 Pet. 4. 14. 2. To the Truth which is maintained and ratified thereby Phil. 1. 17. 3. To other Professors who are encouraged and emboldned thereby Phil. 1. 14. 4. To succeeding ages whose ground of Faith being by their Predecessors left sealed unto them they are made more confident in standing to it Hence arose this Christian Proverb The blood of Martyrs is the seed of the Church 5. In reference to enemies who cannot be but much daunâ—…ed and disappointed hereby 6. To themselves whose present joy and comfort is the more abundant 2 Cor. 1. 5. and whose recompence shall be great Matth 5. 12. This is a worthy pattern for us to set before us when we are called to suffer for the Name of Christ by yielding thereto willingly and cheerfully we make a verâ—… of necessity and we make that which we endure more acceptable to God For God who loveth a cheerfull giver 2 Cor. 9 7. doth much more love a cheerfull sufferer All the sacrifices that we offer unto God must be freewill offerings much more this oblation of our selves Quest. Ought professors to offer themselves to martyrdom Answ. In this case we must distinguish betwixt the ordinary course wherein all ought to walk and extraordinary occasions In an ordinary course Professors are not bound to offer themselves There is no precept nor approved pattern in Gods Word to enforce this The liberty that is granted for escaping when a fair way is opened by the divine providence maketh against this conceit Matth. 10. 23. Yea if persecutors do freely let them go they may go and escape so did the Apostles Acts 4. 21 23. But if God do give to any such a Spirit as openly to make known himself and so to offer himself to any persecution we are to account it a speciall motion and not over-rashly to censure them Verianus and Marcellianus in the time of Decius the Emperour seeing Secundianus led to Martyrdom cryed out that they also were Christians and thereupon were apprehended and cruelly tortured to death So many others Polycarpus being sought after might have escaped but would not saying as Paul did Acts 21. 14. the will of the Lord be done Apollonia leaped into the fire while they were moving her to recant God hath in all ages been pleased to put more than an ordinary spirit into many of his servants §. 247. Of Persecutors offering release from tortures THIS phrase not accepting deliverance presupposeth that deliverance was offered to them otherwise they could not have rejected it For there not accepting was a rejecting That offering of deliverance was by their persecutors but upon condition that they should yield to them This is evident by that which Nebuchadnezar said to Daniel's three Companions when they were accused for not worshipping his Idol which was this If ye be ready to fall down and worship the Image he thereby implies that they should be spared for he addeth If you worship not you shall be cast into a fiery fornace Dan. 3. 15. Most evident is this in those to whom this Apostle hath reference 2 Maccab. 6. 22 30. and 7. 24. So also Act. 4. 18. This was usuall with the persecuting Emperors and Governors under them in the first ten persecutions against Christians and also with Antichristian persecutors and particularly with such persecutors in England in Queen Maryes dayes 1. Their envy and and malice is more against the truth professed than against the professors thereof If therefore the professors will relinquish the truth they shall find fauour enough That their malice is not so much against the persons of professors as against the truth professed is evident in that they persecute strangers whom they knew not before It is said of Paul that if he found any such he brought them bound Act. 9. 2. Yea if the dearest to them as Father Child Brother or any others linked unto them by neer bond shall profess the Truth they will prosecute them Matth. 10. 21. Truth is a light that discovereth their darkness therefore they persecute all that hold out that light Iohn 3. 19. 2. They aime at a corrupt triumph over the Truth In this respect they can be content to spare such as they hate that they may get matter of this boasting thinking thereby to justifie themselves 1. This is a great aggravation of the wretched and cursed disposition of persecutors It is against Gods Truth against Gods manifested Will yea and against God himself so as indeed they are haters of God Will God let such go scot-free He may use them for a while as his rod but at length the rod shall be cast into the fire 2. This may encourage Professors of the Truth more willingly and patiently to suffer what shall be inflicted upon them in that they suffer more for the Truth yea and for God himself than for themselves Will not God stand by such Will he not give sufficient assistance to them Yea and an abundant recompence too 3. It is a matter of great comfort and content to Martyrs that Gods Truth yea and God himself suffers in them and with them and that more directly than they themselves §. 248. Of the meaning of these words That they might obtain a better Resurrection THE end of Professors suffering what they do is thus set down That they might obtain a better Resurrection Of the derivation of this word obtain see Chap. 6. v. 15. § 109. It here importeth again that they aimed at For the verbe here to obtain signifieth to get something by that which we do undergo or let go To get I say not upon merit but upon Gods promise To shew that it was mo small gain he expresseth it under this word Resurrection The Greek word translated Resurrection is a compound of a simple verb that signifieth to settle or establish from thence a compound with a preposition that in composition signifieth again The compound verb is sometimes used neutrally and signifieth to rise Rom. 14. 9. and sometimes transitively to raise Act. 2. 24. Thence this word Resurrection It presupposeth a former life so as such rise or are raised again to a new life Here in this place is
of the deluge of the destruction of Sodom of Gods bringing his people out of Egypt and governing them in the wildernesse and seâ—…ling them in Canaan and the many miracles therein recorded c. 3. Many seek after profound mysteries and what books herein comparable to the sacred Scriptures for instance the great mysteries of Religion as of the Trinity of Persons incarnation of the Son of God his Birth Life Death Resurrection Ascension Intercession c. 4. Many prudently study the things that are most profitable but there are no writings that make more thereto then the Scriptures They both declare what is truly profitable and most advantagious They make known true riches and true honour They shew the way how to attain thereto Among other books Solomons Proverbs are of singular use to that end Note 2 Tim. 3. 16 17. 5. None but fooles would spend their time and study about fables and lies but would be informed in the truth of matters Now no booke can better do that then the sacred Scriptures For it is the word of the Lord God of truth all whose words are most true Psal. 119. 160. Iohn 17. 17. This among other excellencies of the word is not the least As it is an excellency in it self so it is the excellency of all other excellencies For what is antiquity rarity profundity or any other seeming excellency without truth but as so many pâ—…arles in a blind eye which make it the more deformed The more ancient the more seemingly rare profound and profitable falshood is the more detestable and pernicious it is How blame worthy then are they who neglect the reading of the word and thereby deprive themselves of the means of knowledge How many be there who never in their lives read thorow the Scripture How far short do they come of these Hebrewes whose knowledge in the Scriptures the Apostle doth here grant And how should the consideration of the forementioned excellencies of the sacred Scripture stir up all to be frequent and diligent in reading and searching the Scriptures whereof the Hebrewes here are a worthy patterne unto us §. 95. Of Esaus seeking the blessing too late THe punishment of Esaus profanesse was a deniall of the divine blessing which Isaack his father as a prophet of God and therein the hand and instrument of God conferred upon Iacob The blessing was a ratification of the birth-right For it comprised under it all the prerogatives thereof as 1. Dignity and Dominion Gen. 27. 29. 2. Patrimony v. 28. 3. The spirituall prerogatives are comprised under these words Cursed be he that 〈◊〉 thee and blessed be he that blesseth thee It s rightly stiled a blessing because thereby he was made blessed This blessing in regard of the temporal priviledges thereof Esau would fain have had for it is said He would have inherited the blessing In the Greek it is said was willing or desirous to inherit This word inherit in the Text importeth two things 1. A right to it as first-born by vertue of his birth which he had sold. He would eat his cake and have it 2. A perpetuall right thereto for himself and his posterity For inheritances have no set term of dayes or years but extend to men and their children and childrens children without date if it be not cut off Thus he was desirous to have inherited the blessing but when it was too late as this word afterward importeth for it may have a double relation one to the selling of his birth-right Gen. 25. 33. After he had sold his birth-right he desired a ratification of it to himself by his Fathers blessing But it was too late to think of recovering that which was clean sold away The other relation is to his Fathers conferring it on Iacob Gen. 27. 30. In this respect Esaus seeking the blessing was too late as this word translated he was rejected sheweth For it hath respect to Isaacks refusing to blesse Esau after he had blessed Iacob They therefore that apply this to divine reprobation and bring this instance to make it temporary do clean mistake the mark True it is that so soon as Esau came to Isaack and made himself known to be Esau it is said Gen. 27. 33. that Isaac trembled very exceedingly He was cast into a strange ectasis or into a great astonishment and that by a divine work which brought into his mind that ancient word of God Gen. 25. 23. The elder shall serve the younger where with as with a bridle he was held back from altering what he had done In this respect its added that Esau 〈◊〉 no place of repentance First no means to move his Father to repent and alter his mind and to reverse or recall the blessing which he had conferred on Iacob For saith he Gen. 27. 33. I have blessed him and he shall be blessed Wherefore they also clean mistake the mark who apply this to Esaus repentance and thence inter that repentance may be too late yea some take occasion from hence to impeach the authority of this Epistle whereby we see how dangerous it is to mistake the sense of sacred Scripture But though repentance were applyed to Esau yet would none of the foresaid errors follow thereupon for Esaus repentance could be no better then the repentance of Iudas Matth. 27. 3. which was meerly legall more for the punishment then for the sin That which perplexed Esau was the losse of earthly dignity and patrimony which is intended under that relative particle it â—…e sought it which may have reference either to the blessing or to repentance both be of the feminine gender and both tend to the same purpose for in seeking that blessing which Isaack thus conferred on Iacob he sought to have his father repent of what he had done and he sought to make his father repent that he might have the blessing From Esaus rejection here upon his seeking the blessing it doth follow that blessings may be sought too late which the Church sadly acknowledgeth Cam. 5. 6 I opened saith she to my beloved but my beloved had withdrawn himself and was gone my soul failed when he spake I sought him but I could not find him I called him but he gave me no answer This the five foolish virgins found true by sad experience Matth. 25. 3 c. And so much God threatneth Prov. 1. 24 25 c. For God who is the fountain of blessing as the Apostle Iames acknowledgeth Iam. 1. 17. hath his fit times and seasons as he hath means in and by which he conveigheth his blessings and out of which he will give no blessing so likewise his seasons hence the Psalmist in Psal. 32. 6. speaketh of a time when God may be found and also the Prophet Isaiah in cap. 55. 6. implying thereby that there is a time when God will not be found Whence we may learn one speciall reason why many who seek comfort to their souls and peace to their
Thus Iacob said concerning his Brother Esau I fear him thereupon he prayed to God to be delivered from him and withall used means to prevent what mischief he could Genesis 32 11 13 c. The evil therefore of fear of man is in the excesse thereof and that 1. When man is feared more then God so as in that case there is an opposition betwixt God and man This Christ for bids where he saith Fear not them which kill the body but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body Matth. 10. 28. 2. When fear of man keeps us from our bounden duty as They which knew Christ yet were kept from speaking openly of him for fear of the Iews Iohn 7. 13. 3. When it puts us on to any sinne as Abraham was hereby brought to dissemble his wife Gen. 12. 11 c. 20. 2. So Isaac Gen. 26. 7. and Peter was hereby brought to deny his Master Matth. 26. 69 c. Saul acknowledgeth his sinfull fear in this kinde 1 Samuel 15. 24. §. 86. Of Motives against fear of man III. AMong other Motives against fear of man these following are of force 1. Expresse Prohibition 1 Pet. 3. 14. Christ himself hath thrice together inculcated this prohibition Matth. 10. 26 28 31. which makes it the more forcible 2. The Patern of such Worthies of old as have not feared man The Parents of Moses were not afraid of the Kings commandment Moses himself feared not the wrath of the King Heb. 11. 23 27. David as here so in sundry other places professed that he feared not man Psal. 56. 4. Micaiah feared not the threatning of Ahab 1 King 22. 28. Nor Daniel nor his three Companions feared the King and his Princes Dan. 3. 16. 6. 10. The Apostles feared not the threatning of the Priests of the Jews Acts 4. 19. 5. 29. The examples of Martyrs in all ages are memorable in this kinde 3. The Disgrace that followeth upon fear of man It ill beseems yea it is a great shame to servants of God to fear men Should such a man as I flee saith Nehemiah in this case Neh. 6. 11. There can be no greater disgrace to a souldier then upon fear to flee from his colours 4. The evil Effects that follow thereupon Many are thereby brought against their conscience to omit bounden duties as openly to professe Christ Iohn 7. 13. and to acknowledge other truths Iohn 9. 22. Others are brought to commit grosse sins This moved Aarâ—…n to make the golden Calf Exod. 32. 22 c. This made many Christians of old to offer Sacrifice to Devils as the Heathen did and otherwise to commit abominable Idolatry This made many English in Queen Maries dayes to go to Masse and professe Popery This in our dayes hath made many to seem more prophane then their consciences told them they should be This hath made many Judges to pervert judgment There is scarce a sin that fear of man brings not men unto 5. The Restraint of mans power It can at the uttermost but reach to the body and all that it can do to the body cannot make a man miserable See more hereof in The Extent of Gods Providence on Mat. 10. 29. § 8. 6. The Extent of Gods Power no way limited but by his own will The Extent thereof in this case is to be considered two wayes 1. Against such as Gods servants may be afraid of 2. For Gods servants themselves In the former respect five things are duly to be observed 1. God can turn the minds of enemies The Kings heart is in the hand of the Lord c. Prov. 21. 1. God turned the fury of Esau into favour towards his brother Compare Gen. 32. 6. with Gen. 33. 4. 2. God can abate the spirit of the stoutest God made all the Inhabitants of Canaan to faint Ioshua 2. 9. The terrour of God was upon the Cities that were round about Iacob Gen. 35. 5. Even the youth shall faint c. Isa. 40. 30. 3. God can weaken the power of the strongest He weakneth the strength of the mighty Job 12. 21. 4. He can disappoint mens plots He disappointeth the devices of the crafty so that their hands cannot accomplish their enterprize Job 5. 12. Ye thought evil against me saith Ioseph to his brethren but God meant unto good Gen. 50. 20 Act. 12. 6. 5. God can utterly destroy his servants enemies 2 King 19. 35. In the later respect five other things are duly to be observed 1. God can keep his servants safe in the midst of danger He kept Daniels three companions safe in the midst of a fiery fornace and Daniel himself in a Den of Lions Dan. 3. 25. 6. 22. God in general hath promised as much Isa. 43. 2. 2. He can deliver out of the danger He caused Ieremiah to be pulled out of the dungeon He delivered also him that pulled out Ieremiah Jer. 38. 13. 39. 17 18. 3. He can turn the judgement to an advantage The carrying of Daniel and his three companions and Mordecai and Esther into Captivity proved much to their advantage Dan. 2. 48 49. Esth. 2. 17. 6. 10. 4. God can make a temporal judgment to be a means of spiritual good When Manasse was in affliction He prayed unto God and God was intreated of him 2 Chron. 33. 12 13. 5. By the uttermost that man can do which is death God can free his servants from greater evils Isa. 57. 1. Iosiah was killed by an enemy at that very time when the floud-gates of Israels misery began to be pulled up Hereupon it is said That he should be gathered to his grave in peace and that his eye should not see all the evil c. 2 Kings 22. 20. §. 87. Of Rules for redressing fear of man IV. FOr preventing and redressing fear of man these Rules following are observable 1. Possesse thy soul with a fear of God Fear of God and fear of man are contrary one to another as light and darknesse life and death Light keeps out darknesse and so long as life remains in a man death is kept away The more fear of God there is in one the lesse fear of man there will be in him If the fear of God were perfect in one there would be no fear of man in him Christ prescribeth this Rule where after he had forbidden his to be afraid of them that kill the body he addeth But I will forewarn you whom you shall fear Fear him which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell yea I say unto you Fear him Luk. 12. 4 5. 2. Lift up the eye of thy soul which is Faith higher then thou canst the eye of thy body Thus shalt thou see him who is invisible So did Moses and feared not the wrath of the King Heb. 11. 27. 3. Frequently and seriously meditate on Gods Promises and on his Properties of Mercy Goodnesse Truth Faithfulnesse Wisdom Power and the like Psal. 18. 2.