bene in so much as it was couered with most thick darknes in the former part of the first day and yet still remained rude and couered with the deep waters vntill this third day Wherfore as the creation of the visible heauens are noted by the spreading of them out so this clearing and drying of the earth is reckoned for the creating and making of it for the vse of habitation to man to all other earthly creatures though as touching the substance of it it was made and created of nothing before Read Psal 136.6 The Lord hath stretched out the earth vpon the waters or rather as we should read it aboue the waters for his mercie indureth for euer So before in the 24. Psalm verse 2. Gnal bamaijm Hee hath founded it aboue the Seas and established it aboue the floodes For naturally And â—o likewise Pâ—al 57 verse 5. is the same preposition vâ—ed as the first creation sheweth and as hath beene alreadie alledged out of the 104. Psal They would stand aboue the mountaines But at thy rebuke saith the holy Ps they flee at the voyce of thy thunder that is when thou as it were thunderest out thy commandement they hast away And the mountaines ascend and the valleyes â—escend to the place which thou hast established for them Thou hast set them a bounde which they shall not passe they shall not returne to couer the earth And Iob 38.10.11 The Lord himselfe saith that hee hath established his commandement concerning it and hath set barres and doores And said hetherto shalt thou come and no further and here shall the bankes stay thy prowd waues Reade also Ier â— 22 Feare ye not mee saith the Lorde and will ye not be afraied at my presence who haue placed the sand for the bounds of the Sea by a perpetual decree that it cannot passe it and though the waues thereof rage yet they cannot preuaile though they roare yet can they not passe ouer it that is beyond the limit of Gods decree and appointment So that the waters which are naturallie aboue the earth they are by an ouerruling power of God made vnder the earth as Exod 20.4 The waters vnder the earth And for the streatching out as it were of the earth by this remoouing of the water read further Isai 42.5 Where the Lord God by his holie Pâ—ophet describeth himselfe to be that God who beside that he hath created the heauens and spred them abroad hath also stretched forth the earth and the buddes thereof that is all whatsoeuer springeth out of it And againe chap 44.24 The Lord that made all things who alone spred out the heauens and by himselfe likewise stretched out the earth And 2. Pet 3.5 The earth had the beeing of it from the water and in the water by the word of God Wherefore iustly is he celebrated to be the God that made not onely the heauens but also the earth and the Seas Exod 20.11 Acts 4.24 And Psal 95.3.4.5 The Lorde is a great God and a great King aboue all Gods In whose hands are the deepe places of the Earth and the heights of the Mountaines are his To whom the Sea belongeth for hee made it and his hands prepared the drie Lande c. This worke of God is worthily commended by the Lord himselfe to be good and commodious for so it is indeede a very gratious worke a fruite of his mercy which indureth for euer as was alldged before from the 5. verse of the 136. Ps It is also a very mightie work in that the waters are thus against kinde tumbled together as it were on a heape and laid vp in the storehouse of the Lord. Ps 33.7 And all this for our benefit The turning of a little part of the red Sea into drie land for a while is iustlie recorded to be a great work of God and a testimony of his fauour toward his people the children of Israell but it was not so great nor so generall nor so durable a work as this of the first creation was for the constant benefit of the Churche and of all mankinde from the beginning to the end of the world How can we therfore sufficientlie praise God for the earth and our so commodious and kindlie an habitation therein the which as it is in the 16. verse of the 115. Psalme Hee hath giuen to the sonnes of men Let vs therfore more more blesse and praise the name of the Lord who hath made the heauen and the earth the Sea and all that is in them from this time forth and for euermore Amen Consider also the greatnes of this worke wrought in one day by comparing it with the slowe abating of the waters after the drowning of the world Gen ch 8. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. And furher touching the fruites of the earth the which our good God hath created in so infinite varietie both hearbs plants and all kinde of trees with their seuerall fruits for present vse at the very first beginning and with their seuerall seedes for future propagation and increase O how can we possiblie magnifie the goodnes and bountie of the Lord as wee ought to doe Verilie this one and manifold worke is euery way verie gratious and admirable For as touching the creation of all hearbs plants and trees with their iust stature and ripe fruites and that at one instant or at the most in the space of one dayes groweth wheras naturallie it would as wee haue experience haue required the space of many yeares although all the best helps and furtherances which God hath set in nature bee graunted for the cherishing of trees and manie daies and weekes for the cherishing vp of the least hearbe to the naturall perfection therof O how wonderfull a peece of work is this also And the rather because as yet no raine nor so much as a mist had fallen vpon the earth neither was ther any man to till it as it is expreslie noted Genes chapt 2. verses 5.6 Neither was ther any Sunne or Sun-shine to vegetate and warme them c. Neuertheles in one day and as it were at one instant was the Garden of Eden thaâ— is the most pleasant and excellent garden wherein Adam was placed so soone as hee was created from the verie beginning adorned with all trees and herbs pleasant for sight and wholsome for meat in the which also was the tree of life c as it followeth in the same chapt verses 8.9.10 c with goodly fresh-water springs riuers c. Ps 104.10 and with the siluer vaines of the earth Iob 28.1.2 c. All therfore doth wonderously preach the glorie of God Yea let vs but lay together and consider a few of the least seeds of things if euer wee haue marked them with the interchangeable varietie of them in forme in colour c but specially if we weigh in our mindes the qualities and vertues of them and of the fruites of trees c yea but in one
the Leuiathan that is the great Whale-fishe or Balaena so called in the Hebrew language whom thou hast made to playe therein All these wayte vpon thee Of the stately description of the Whale-fishe read to the glorifying of the name of God how God himselfe hath set it downe in the 40. chapter of the booke of Iob from the 20. verse and in the 41. chapter from the beginning to the ende of the same And as the salte water of the Sea is replenished with an vnknowne varietie as was saide the which the strangenes of some fishes nowe and then taken doth by experience confirme so is the freshe water also in euerie seuerall riuer aswell as in Lakes and Ponds c with such diuers sortes according to the diuersities of Nations and Countries that no one countrie fisher-men can knowe them all These are called creeping things by a generall name as differing from such creatures as haue feete to mooue themselues withall This first parte of Gods creation on this fifte day beeing well considered of vs ought to prouoke vs to blesse and praise our most gratious God so often as wee are partakers of these kindes of his creatures which the Sea and all other waters doe very plentifully yeelde vs for a great part of our food and nourishment And likewise it ought to stirre vs vp to praise the Lorde for that hee did not onelie at the first make them in their full perfection acccording to their kindes to declare his Almightie power but also for that hee doth continue multiplie them by their naturall propagation and increase to this day according to the bountifulnes of his goodnes and mercie The seconde parte of Gods mightie and gratious Creation on this fifte day were the Fowles of the ayre in the like manifold and exceeding great varietie of their kindes aboue all that any man can knowe or heare of from euery parte of the worlde whether wee looke to the wilde fowles or to those that be of the more tame kinde For these therefore are wee likewise and all mankinde to be aboundantly thankfull to the Lord our God as for a great part of our sustenance not onely for necessitie but also for delight And also for that sweete melodie that manie of them make vs by their continuall praâ—sing of the Lorde in their kindes Likewise when wee beholde the beautie of their goodly colours besides their daintinesse for foode c. In which respectes as wee reade in the 104. Psalme verse 12. the â—â—eet singing Psalmist praiseth the Lorde And namelie for this that according to this parte of his creation the fowles of the heauen dwell by the cleare running springes of the valleyes and sing among the branches of the trees where also they make their nests and breede c. If anie shall aske of what matter the Fishes and the Fowles were made Touching the fowles of heauen Moses himselfe telleth vs expreslie that God formed them of the earth Genes 2.19 The Lord God formed of the earth euerie fowle of the heauen The same may wee iustlie holde concerning the creation of the fishes of the Sea of all in other waters Neither doth any thing hinder why we may not conceiue in our mindes that they were made of the watrie slime or mudde of the earth as being more watrie and aierie creatures then the rest These two sorts of creatures were made together in one and the same day because they agree something in more neare proportion of nature the one liuing altogether in the water the other in a great parte vpon the water and all of them delighting greatlie to be by the water And besides the ayre and the water are in themselues of a very neare affinitie or kindred as wee may say Finallie so farre as it might best be so ordered God in his Wisedome making the most heauenlie creatures first to wit the Regions of the heauens themselues and their hostes the Sunne the Moone and the Starres he proceedeth to the making of the aierie and watrie creatures that haue life before hee make h the liuing creatures of the earth LEt this for the present suffice concerning the fifte dayes worke And let vs come to the good and gratious workes of God in the sixte day which answereth to that which wee vsuallie terme by the name of Friday The works of this sixt day the last of the creation were of two sorts The former were all earthly liuing creatures except mankinde The latter and the same also the very last of the creation were mankinde themselues Question First therfore how doth the Prophet Moses reporte the creation of the former sorte of the liuing creatures which are in some speciall respect the most naturall and as it were the domesticall and houshold creatures of the earth Answere This parte of Gods creation is contained in the 24. and 25. verses where Moses writeth thâ—â— 24 Moreouer God said Let the earth bring forth the liuing thing according to the kinde thereof cattell and creeping things And beastes of the earth according to their kindes and it was so 25 For God made the beast of the earth according to his kinde and the catell acding to his kinde and euery creeping thing of the earth according to his kinde and God saw that it was good Explication and proofe In this first parte of the last dayes creation there are three sortes of Gods works rehearsed vnto vs. The first is of those liuing creatures which are called Cattell in the Hebrewe language Behemah a worde which is applied to note those kindes of brute beastes which are commonlie the more tractable and tame among other Of the which it is said in the 4. Commandement Thou and thy cattell shall rest And in the holie Prouerb A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast chapt 12.10 The which word in a little differing forme is by a certaine excellencie of speache vsed to signifie the Elephant or some other creature of speciall bignesse and stature among earthly creatures such as the Whale is among the watrie ones as wee reade Iob chapt 40. verse 10. behold nowe Bebemoth saith the Lorde to Iob whom I made with thee which eateth grasse as an Oxe Beholde now his strength is in his loynes c. Where followeth likewise a statelie discription of him as afterwardes another of the Whale-fishe c. But not onely the greater were created as on this day but the lesser also yea euen the least of all from the Elephant to the Ante as a man may say The second sort of the liuing creatures created in this first part of the creation of the sixt day were all creeping things that is such as vpon the land do mooue without the naturall help of feete gliding as it were vpon the ground with their bodies lying along vpon the same Of the which are those that are called more properlie by the name of Serpents in the Latine tongue by reason of their creeping and also all kindes
through the sanctification of the holy Ghost to take and adopt vs for his children that wee may after a sort sensibly feele and handle the vndoubted certaintie of one couenant made by them all Wherefore like as it is written of circumcision that it was vnto the beleeuing Iewes a seale of that righteousnes which they had by faith Rom. 4.11 so may wee assuredly say of our Christian baptisme the which is vnto vs the same which that was to them that it is a most gratious and authenticall seale of our iustification through faith by the consent of the whole Trinitie Yea so assured a coÌ„firmatioÌ„ hereof is baptisme that the Apostle Peter doubteth not to affirme that we are alreadie saued thereby And so we are indeed as touching the blessed entrance into the state of grace and saluation I speake of all such as doe by the grace of God truly beleeue and trust in that grace which by the will of God himselfe is signified and sealed thereby yea and we may also and ought of dutie by the vertue of the promise of God to be as verily perswaded of our full and perfect saluation in due season yet to come as it we â—aâ— presently the full fruition of it 1. Pet. 3.21 Read also Iohn cha 14. verses 1â— 16 c. This promise therefore must needes be exceedingly comfortable according as the benefit is most singular and great The which comfort of the promise is the next point of our inquirie according to our order propounded SHew therefore in the next place some proofe of holy Scripture for that comfort which we may iustly take in the most blessed testimonie and consent which the holy Trinitie giueth concerning the promise of our redemption iustification and saluation Question What proofe can you alledge for the warrant heereof Answere In the 5. Chapter of the first Epistle of Iohn verses 9.10.11 the holy Apostle setteth out the greatnes of this comfort by a familiar comparison If saith hâ— we receiue the witnesse of men the witnesse of God is greater for this is the witnesse of God which he testified of his Sonne He that beleeueth in the Sonne of God hath the witnesse in himselfe hee that beleeueth not God hath made him a lyar because hee beleeued not the record which GOD hath witnessed of his Sonne And this is the record that God hath giuen vnto vs eternall life and this life is in his Sonne Explication and proofe Heere is in deede a very plaine and familiar demonstration of it For seeing among men the confirmation of euerie matter is established by the testimonâ—e of two or three witnesses Deut. 19.15 Math. 18.16 2. Cor. 13.1 infinitely much more ought the three-fold diuine witnesse of the most holie Trinitie from heauen preuaile with vs to the establishing and confirming of our faith in the most certaine truth of the promise of God And the rather also are wee to comfort our hearts in this assurance The CoÌ„forts benefites because the Lord our God euery way tendering our weakenesse hath added to this threefolde witnesse in heauen a like three-fold witnesse on earth For so saith the same Apostle Iohn in the 8. verse of the same fift Chapter There are three also which beare record in earth the Spirit and the Water and the Blood and these three agree in one And I beseech you let vs marke this comfortable addition diligently For as was obserued before if wee should onely looke to this mysterie of the Trinitie as it is hidden in it selfe and as it were in the most secret closet of the highest heauen it would rather astonish and confound vs then comfort and cheare vp our hearts at the least we should find it so high that wee could not bee able to reach vnto the comfort of it It is Gods exceeding mercie therefore that he hath vouched safe to descend as it were downe to the earth to succour and helpe our weakenesse and to this ende not onely to giue vs the witnesse of his holy spirit inwardly in our soules but also to let vs after a sort to see with our eyes and to feele as it were with our handes life and saluation brought to light for vs insomuch as the blood of our SAVIOVR CHRIST yea euen that water and blood which issued out of his most holy side they doe cleanse vs from all our sinnes and set vs in the high fauour of our most good and gracious God Thus then wee looking to the testimonie of the Father manifested by the Sonne appearing in our nature and immediately sealed vp in our hearts by the holy Ghost who is euen therefore called the Comforter great and singular well may the comfort of our faith bee in the holy Trinitie Yea iustly may it bee esteemed the very treasurie of our comfort According as when the Apostle Paul would wishe and pray the greatest comfort yea euen all the true and best and most compleat comfort that might bee to the Church of GOD in the Citie of Corinth hee concludeth his holy Epistle which hee wrote vnto them with this most sweete farewell The grace of our Lord Iesus Christ and the loue of God and the communion of the holy Ghost be with you all Amen To which purpose also call to minde that which is written Iohn Chap. 17.3 and Rom. 5.1.2.3.4.5 and Ephes 2 18. And in the beginning of the first Epistle of the Apostle Peter his entrance is likewise most comfortable from this doctrine of the Trinitie in respect of the consent both of the Father the Sonne and the holy Ghost in the election redemption iustification and sanctification of his people Question NOw the comfort being thus exceeding great to euery true beleeuer it followeth that the obedience of faith ought of singular dutie to be likewise exceeding great I aske therefore in the fourth place of our inquirie concerning this article what is the dutie belonging to the most sweete and full comfort of faith in the most holy Trinitie Answere The dutie hereof is generally all dutie and the same also to be performed in the most dutifull chearefull earnest and constant manner that may bee euen the same which our Christian and holy Baptisme into the name of the most holy Trinitie doth require That it to say that by the grace of our God we doe as becommeth the obedient children of God our heauenly father most carefully indeuour to shewe forth the fruites of the spirit in the obedience of the Gospell of our Sauiour Christ the Sonne of God and that in all things wee worship the vnitie of the Godhead in the Trinitie of the Persons and the Trinitie in vnitie as the Churches of God haue of ancient time right Christianty professed and so doe also euen at this day ExplicatioÌ„ proofe It is very true that you haue answered For Baptisme being the seale of GODS couenant to vs as circumcision was to the Iewes Genesis 17. it doth likewise answerably require of vs that wee
are not seene as we read in the beginning of â—he 11. chap. to the Hebrewes Question What ground therefore may we haue for the clearing of this doubt Answer In the 3. verse of the same 11. chap thus we read Through faith saith the holy Apostle we vnderstand that the world was ordained by the word of God so that the things which we see were not made of things which did appeare ExplicatioÌ„ and proofe This Testimonie indeede sheweth plainely that this visible worke of Gods creation is a matter of faith But how Not in that it is visiblie and sensibly euery way sâ—ene felt and discerned of vs but in respect of the originall of it in that first of all it was by the almightie power of God made of meere nothing For that is the meaning of the Apostle in that hee saith it was not made of things which did appeare So that euen that which was nothing before was made something contrary to the rule of mans philosophicall principle from the which they doe stifly though falsely contend that nothing can be made of nothing It is faith therefore that must teach vs this principle which is so contrary to carnall reason And the rather when wee see so goodly and magnificent a worke to be so aptly composed and made as the word Kâ—tertisthai englished ordained doth signifie Whereas being nothing at the first it was also at the beginning onely a rude heape vtterly voide of all the present furniture and beautie according to the beginning of Gen chap 1. v. 2. So that then hereby we may perceiue that the office of faith is twofold as it were For it looketh both retrorsum and antrorsum that is backward and forward as one may say Backward to those things which beeing now had neuer any beeing before vntill God by his almightie power gaue a beeing vnto them And forward to such things as though they are not yet be neuertheles by vertue of the word and promise of God as surely expected as if they were already performed namely that these heauens and this earth being through our sinnes made subiect to vanitie and shall certainely be dissolued shall bee renewed yea in â—ffect made new againe and that in a more glorious and excellent manner and the same also as certainly as they were at the first made and disposed in such manner as we see them now to be It looketh also forward to the expectation of the resurrection of our bodies after this life at the last day and after the glorifying of them then c. as certainely as wee knowe that wee are nowe mortall creatures and haue the feeling of our present miseries c. So that faith being of a spirituall nature a very diuine gift of God to man it resteth it selfe and as it were hideth it selfe onely in the eternall and almightie God Who as he was before the beginning of all creatures so shall he and so will hee continue for euer the same and giue all true beleeuers a most happie and euerlasting estate and condition after that this world and all thinges touching their present vaine and transitorie estate shall come to an end But thus we are as it were vpon the winges of faith caried very farre Let vs returne to the doctrine of creation hauing alreadie seene that howsoeuer the world now made is a matter of sence and not of faith yet in respect of the creation and making of it it is a singular point of beliefe Question FIrst therefore what ground haue you that God the Father hath by his almightie power created the heauens and the earth and all creatures that haue any beeing at all in the same Answere It is euery where testified in the holy Scriptures but first of all and most fully and plainely in the two first chapters of Genesis which is the first booke of the Prophet Moses Explication and proofe It is so indeede For as touching the often witnessing of Gods creation of all things we may remembeâ— that diuers testimonies of the holy Scriptures haue beene mentioned alreadie And wee may euerie where finde more As namely Isai 40.26 The Lord hath created all things hee bringeth out their Armies by number and calleth them all by names By the greatnes of his power and mighty strength nothing falleth And verse 28. The euerlasting God the Lord hath created the ends of the earth Hee neither fainteth nor is wearie there is no searching of his vnderstanding And againe chap 42.5 He hath created the heauens and spreâ—d them abroade hee hath stretched forth the earth and the buds thereof hee giueth breath to the people vpon it and spirit to them that dwell therein And yet againe chap. 45.11.12 Thus saith the Lord the hâ—ly one of Israel and his maker c. I whose hands haue spread out the heauens I haue euen commanded all their Armies And Psalme 89.11.12 The heauens are thine and the earth also is thine thou hast laide the foundation of the worlde and all that therein is Thou hast created the North and the South c. And Psal 148.5 Hee commanded and they were created Likewise Psalm 33.6 though expressed by another Hebrue word then is vsed in the former places By the word of the Lord were the heauens made and all the hoste of them by the breath of his mouth And Psalme 121.2 and 124.8 And Psalme 136.5.6.7.8.9 Which by his wisedome made the heauens for his mercie endureth for euer Which stretched out the earth vpon the waters c. And Psalme 146.6 Which made heauen and earth the Sea and all that in them is Reade also Exodus 20. in the fourth Commandement And Isa 44.24 I am thy Lord that made all thinges who spread out the heauens alone and stretched out the earth by my selfe Likewise Ier. 10.12 Hee hath made the earth by his power and established the world by his wisedome and hath stretched out the heauens by his discretion And chap. 32 verse 1â— Ah Lord GOD saith the holy Prophet in his prayer to GOD Behold thou hast made the heauen and the earth by thy great power and by thy stretched out arme and there is nothing hard vnto thee c. Reade also Acts 4 24. in the prayer of the holy Apostles O Lord say they with one accord thou art the God which hast made the heauen and the earth the Sea and all things that are in them c. And chap. 17 24. The Apostle Paul describing the true God to the ignorant and Idolatrous Athenians Whom yee ignorantly worship saith he him shâ—w I vnto your God that made the world and all things that are therein seeing that he is Lord of heauen and of earth he dwelleth not in Temples made with handes c. And if we wold read yet a more large discourse concerning the works of Gods most mightie and wise creation more immediately as it were from the Lords owne mouth wee may haue our recourse to the 38. and 39. chap of the booke
the first night which euer was came to an ende the Lord God by his gratious word and commandement created and brought forth light yea before there was yet either Sunne or Moone or any one Starre in the whole compasse of heauen o the ende it might most euidently appeare that God is the immediate author of this excellent creature And thenceforth did the Lord in his wisedome establish the order and succession of the day and night euen to this day so to continue to the end of the world Thus the whole space of the first day and of the first night doth by the determination of God himselfe of the more worthie and excellent part take the denomination of the first day ExplicatioÌ„ proofe It is verie true And thus you haue in one Answere laid open the meaning of Moses in the first foure verses of our first Chapter of Genesis according as it is both plaine in it selfe and also confirmed by other testimonies of the holie Scriptures of God in this behalfe As first touching the heauens which we do vulgarly call the Element and the large spreading thereof read Iob 9.8 He himselfe alone spreadeth out the heauens And chap 37.18 Hee hath stretched them out firme as mouâ—ten glasse And Psal 104.2 Hee hath spread them like a Curtaine This large extension and spreading out of the highest visible heauen is also called the Firmament from the Greeke and common Latin Translations as Dan 12.3 They that be wise shall shine as the brightnes of the Firmament Read also Isai 42.5 He hath created the heauens and spred them abroad And chap 44.24 Read also Psal 1 36.5 Hee hath made the heauens by his wisedom c. And Ier 10.12 Hee stretcheth them out by his discretion And touching the earth it is written in the Psal 104.5 mentioned euen now that God hath so set it vpon the foundation that it cannot be moued And Psa 102.25 Thou hast laide the foundation of the earth and the heauens are the worke of thy hands Reade also Iob 38.4 and Prou 8.29 The earth therefore may iustly be called the Lords earth as Ps 24.1 Touching the couering of the earth by the waters reade Ps 104.6 Thou coueredst it with the deepe as with a garment and by their owne nature they would stana aboue the mountaines Touching the creation of the light and darknes reade Isai 45.7 I saith the Lord forme the light and create darknes Herevpon also the day and the night is by good right ascribed to the Lord. Psal 74.16 The day is thine and the night is thine And herevnto hath the Apostle Iames respect when chap 1.17 hee calleth God the Father of lights The constant order succession of the day and the night according to the law which God hath set in nature is set downe to the praise of God Ps 19.2 And Ier 33.19.20.21 The Lord maketh it an argument of his faithfulnes in his couenant of euerlasting mercy toward his people This breaking forth of the light is to be thankfully acknowledged for euer for a very gratious glorious worke of the Lord. Reade Psa 104.23.24 and Iob ch 38. 12. 13. 14. But ch 24. 17. The morning is to the wicked as the shadow of death Now let vs heare the holy words of Moses himselfe from whence all these things are cleared vnto vs. Question Which are they Answere 1 In the beginning saith Moses God created the heauens and the earth 2 And the earth was without forme and voyd and darknes was vpon the deepe and the spirit of God moued vpon the waters 3 Then God said let there be light and there was light 4 And God sawe the light that it was good and God seperated the light from the darknes 5. And God called the light day and the darknesse he called night so the Euening and the Morning were the first day In these words we haue the ground of your former answere and we may see the truth of it fully warranted vnto vs. And besides the holy Prophet sheweth vs how the rude lumpish and indigested matter of the earth and the huge gulfe of waters aboue the same were as it were moulded vp held together and made apt and fit to receiue that excellent forme which in the third day they were fashioned into That is how they were thus supported to wit by the holy Ghost the diuine Spirit and power of God himselfe Moreouer we haue a singular commendation of the light as of a most comfortable and commodious creature euen from the approbation of God himselfe who saw that it approued it selfe to be good according to that Eccles 11.7 Surely the light is a pleasant thing So that hereby we are admonished to be in speciall manner thankfull to God for it and that we ought to be carefull to vse it well euen as we may thereby giue the greatest glorie to God that we can walking as becommeth those whom hee hath vouchsafed to call to be the children of light and to this ende hath caused the light of his Gospell to shine forth vnto vs. Yea euen to this our God who thus at the beginning commanded the light to shine out of darknes as the Apostle Paul writeth 2. Cor 4 6. ought we to giue all the glory we can On this first day also it may appeare that the vpper Region of the aire was made apt to send forth thunderings and lightenings by the fierie brightnes of it the which as we know is a very glorious and fearefull creature of God Reade Iob chap 37.1 2 3 4 5. and chap 38.24 35. But whereas Moses telleth vs that God calleth the light day and the darknes night hee would not haue vs to thinke that hee gaue those names vnto these things but that he appointed and ordeined the things themselues to continue such and in such order as he had alreadie created and made them For so the Lords calling doth vsually note his effectuall establishing of things theÌ„selues rather then the giuing of them their names according to that of the holy Apostle Rom 4.17 God calleth those things that be not as though they were And 1. Cor 1.26 Brethren ye see your calling And our Sauiour Christ in the Gospel I came not to call the righteous but sinners to repentance Finally Moses in saying that the euening and the morning were the first day he speaketh by a double Synedoche First putting the part for the whole that is the day both for the day and also for the night and then the beginning of the day and of the night both for the whole day and also for the whole night This first day of the creation is that which since the resurrection of our Sauiour Christ is called in the holy Scriptures the Lords day to Christians euen that wherin our redemption was perfected as the 7. day which was the next day aâ—ter the creation finished was then the Lords day to all people that is a day of speciall worship to
of Iob. The Psalmist doth also excellently celebrate the praises of the Lord for the same his notable workes Psal 104. And thus we may see the workes of Gods mightie creation euery where testified in the holy Scriptures Neuerthelesse insomuch as it was further truly answered the holy historie of them is first of all most fully and plainely and as we may say originally described in the 2. first chapters of Genesis wee will in this our exercise of gathering the doctrine of the principles of religion fundameÌ„tally inquire of theÌ„ according to the ground direction of those chapters Now therefore that we may proceede in as plaine and familiar a course as we can Let vs make our entrance from the consideration of the meaning of this word to Create Question What haue you learned to be the meaning of it Answere This word to Create signifieth most properly to make a substance or beeing of a thing where there was nothing at all before ExplicatioÌ„ proofe It is very true And thus did the Lord at the beginning create the substance and beeing both of the heauens and also of the earth that is he caused them to be when they were nothing at all before For this is the most proper and originall signification of the word Bara Question But doth the signification of it extend no further then thus Answere Yes and therefore I said as I haue beene further taught that it signifieth not onely to make a substance but also to giue a beeing which is more generall and noteth the qualitie and whole estate and condition of the thing as well as the substance it selfe this being the creation of God as wel as the other ExplicatioÌ„ and proofe You haue learned to answere as the truth it selfe teacheth And therefore doe the best learned vpon diligent obseruation affirme that the word Bara doth not onely signifie producere a non esse ad esse that is to bring forth the beeing of a thing from no being but also that God hath herein wrought as excellently for the manifestation of his diuine wisedome and gracious goodnes as of his almightie power And therefore well saith Iunius a learned Interpreter of Gods word Gen. 1.1 Annot post God created that is Fecit ex nihilo he made of nothing Et quidem potentissimè ac magnificentissimè no lesse stately or gorgeously theÌ„ mightily NaÌ„ haec propria est Hebraei verbi significatio For this saith he is the proper signification of the Hebrew verbe And besides it is easie to obserue that the same verbe is vsed to note wisedome in discerning of a thing vppon mature deliberation or in making of a special choise as 1 Sam 17 8. Choose you a man for you c. And Ezek chap 21 19. Choose thou a place and choose it in the corner of the way of the Citie In the Hebrew distinction of this chapter it is the 24. verse Furthermore as touching the qualitie and excellent estate and condition of a thing whereto the word of Creation extendeth it selfe it is euident in that it is expresly said that the Lord created all things very good And Psal 51.10 King Dauid repenting him of his owne corruption whereby hee had peruerted his owne soule praieth God to create in him a cleane heart Read also Isay 54.16 behold I haue created the smith c. and I haue created the destroyer to destroy And chap. 57.19 I create the fruite of the lippes to be peace c. And 65.17.18 Newe heauens and a new earth and ioy to Gods people And besides all this the word of creation doth not onely signifie the making of the first matter and ground of all thinges called the heauen and the earth but also the first producing and making of all Creatures in their kindes from them or like to them as the Sunne and the Moone and the Starres like to the matter of the heauens in proportion as Adam and other earthly creatures were created from the earth and out of the water Gen. 1 20.21 and ch 3.19 And Eue of the ribbe of Adam For God created them male and female Gen. 1.27 and ch 7.1.2 yea the propagation of all creatures in their kinds it is called a new creation Gen. 6.7 Psals 102.18 and 104.30 and Ezek 28.13 15. Iob 31.15 He that hath mad me in the wombe hath he not made him Hath not he alone facioned vs in the wombe And Ier 1.5 To this purpose it is that to the clearing of the full signification of this word of Creation diuers wordes are somtimes put together And namely these two Iatsar and Gnasa are ioined with Bara the one signifying to doe a thing in a more generall signification the other to make one thing of another giuing it a newe forme and beautie c as the potter doth his pot out of the clay From the which similitude the Lord expresseth the creation of the body of Adam out of the dust of the earth as it were mixed with water and so moulded vp to a lumpe and fashioned to his excellent forme and shape and to that excellent estate and condition wherein God did set it As * The Lord God made maÌ„ of the dâ—st of the ground breathed in his face breath of life and man was a liuing soule The Greeke words answering to these as the learned ob erue are Kâ—â—â—s for creat ng of nothing Poâ—â—sis for making into sâ—me outward â—orme Pâ—â—sis for a through working anâ—â—aâ—â—oâ—ing both within and withâ—ut Iunâ—â—s Annot post Gen 2. verse 7. So that although the soule is signified to be by creation most properly taken yet it is more immediately from God Concerning the similitude of the Potter reade Isaiah chapter 45.9 Woe vnto him that striueth with his Maker the pot shard with the potshardes of the earth that is as well one as other all being fraile and earthly c. In the which Chapter also are the former three wordes noting this more full signification of creation ioined together as we may read them verse 7. I forme the light and create darknes I make peace and create euill I the Lord doe all these things And in the same chap verse 18. Thus saith the Lord that created heauen God himselfe that framed the earth and made it he hath prepared it he created it not in vaine he formed it to be inhabited c. And before this ch 43.7 Euery one saith the Lord shall be called by my name For I created him for my glory formed him and made him Moreouer Gâ—n â— 22 there is yet another word vsed to expresse the manner of the creation of Eue. For the Lord taking a ribbe as it were a rafter or sparre out of the side of Adam is said to haue builte Eue that is to say to haue framed and fashioned her as an excellent building yea with a body of more large capacitie and with move roomes and inclosures as one well saith for the more coÌ„modious
God euen from the beginning of the world THese things thus obserued Let vs now come to the secoÌ„d daies work the which Question for our more familiar vnderstanding we vse to cal Monday What did the Lord create in it Answere The Lord so cleared and ordered the regions of the aire as they might be most commodious for the placing of all heauenly creatures in their proper seates limits and circuites as it were in their chambers and lofts each aboue other and likewise that all earthly creatures might liue comfortably vpon the earth euery one according to their kindes when they should afterward be created As it followeth in the 6.7 8. verses of this first chapter of Genesis Question Rehearse Moses his own words as they are there conteined Which are they Answere They are these Againe God said Let there be a firmament or as it is Englished more agreeable to the Hebrew word in the margent of our Bibles Let there be a spreading ouer and therewithall aire in the middest of the waters and let it seperate the waters from the waters 7 Thus God made a certeine firmament or spreading ouer as before and separated the waters which were vnder the same firmament from the waters which were aboue it and it was so 8 And God called this firmameÌ„t heaueÌ„ so the euening the morning were the 2 day The work of the Lord in this second day though it be recorded but as one yet it is a very great and a gratious one For therin he fitted the regions of the ayre for all excellent vses that the Sun and the Moon and the Starres might haue their places courses in them that the clowds might haue their place course as the bottels of God to water the earth in due time that the snow and the haile might be congealed and spred abroade in their due seasons c. And that the earthly creatures might haue a cleare and thin not a grosse and foggie aier to draw their breath in and that also to this end the windes might with their blasts purge the same For to these if ther be any such like purposes God in this second day fitted the whole aier and disposed of the seuerall regions as it were the sollers and loftes and chambers thereof according to that of the 104. Psal verse 3. The Lorde layeth the beames of his chambers in the water and hee maketh the clowdes his Chariot and walketh vpon the wings of the winde And verse 13. Hee watereth the mountaines from his chambers And Gen 7.11 it is said to note aboundance of rainâ— that the windowes of these chambers were opened the which are called the windowes of Heauen Likewise Mal 3.10 In this respect also the clowdes are called the bottels of Heauen Iob 38.37 On this day also this part of the firmament had a disposition giuen it in the times and seasons therof to ingender snowe and haile c. Of the which wee read in the same 38. chapt of the booke of Iob. So that from hence wee may not vnfitlie gather that the clowdes and the windes had their creation in this second day besides that all was fitted to all ends before specified Read also Iob chap 38.9 where the clowdes are said to haue beene the couering of the Sea while darknesse was as the swadling bands therof Amos 4.13 God is the Creator of the windes Thus therefore did the Lord in the second day cleare and order the aire in most excellent manner euen before the deepe gulfe of the waters were emptied out of the earth and before ther was any drie land at all to the end that herein as well as before and as we shall haue occasion to obserue afterward the wisedome and power and goodnesse of God might rather be considered in it selfe then from the reason of naturall causes as the ouerwise Philosophers of the world haue too busilie accustomed themselues to doe for want of the true knowledge of the word of God herein This firmament or spreading out and the ordering of the aire and namely of that region or circular space which the Lorde hath appointed for the raine and moysture of heauen to be staied in ouer our heads and euen this lower aire also wherin we liue and breath God called heauen that is he appointed them to be as wee may say the aiery heauen according as wee vse to call the foules or raine and such like things which are in these partes of the aier the fowles or clowdes or raine of heauen c. This as Moses assureth vs was God his wise gratious and mighty work in the second day For the which we ought to glorifie praise his most holie and glorious name as Ps 148.4 Question THe worke of the third day is next Howe doth Moses reporte that Answere It foloweth thus in the 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. verses of the same 1. chap of Gene. 9 God said againe let the waters that be vnder the heauen gather themselues or flowe together into one place and let the drie land appeare and it was so 10 And God called the drie land Earth and he called the gathering together of the waters Seas and God saw that it was good 11 God said also let the earth bud forth the bud of the hearb that seedeth seed the fruitfull tree which beareth fruit according to his kinde which hath his seede in it selfe vpon the earth and it was so 12 Thus the earth brought forth the budde of the hearbe that seeedeth seede according to his kinde also the tree that beareth fruit which hath his seede in it selfe according to his kinde And God saw that it was good Explâ—cation and proofe 13 So the euening and the morning were the third day This day was that which we commonly call Tuesday Here are two mightie workes of God The one the clearing of the land as before the Lord had cleared the ayre The other the replenishing of the earth with hearbes and trees bearing their seedes and fruits But because the clearing of the earth from the waters could not be done without another worke for the conveyance and as we may say channelling and banking in of the Seas Note also that the riuers and fountaines or springs of water were ordered disâ—oâ—ed in this day read Reuel 14.7 therefore we may iustlie vnderstand this to be a third worke of God vpon the third day The least whereof could not possiblie be wrought and brought to passe but by an Almightie and creating power Of these things therfore let vs stand to consider a little that our mindes may be the better informed concerning the greatnes and excellencie of them by the help of some other testimonies of the holie Scriptures which doe worthilie stand in the commemoration of the same And first for the clearing of the earth by the emptying of the waters it is spoken of as of a worke of a newe creation For before this it was as if it had not
nation yea but of one kind in one litle countrey yea but as they are now in the decayed withering estate of the world who is able and who hath the wisedome throughly to obserue the wonder of Gods creation in these things And finally who duelie considering the power and goodnes of God in this part of his creation can otherwise choose but he must needs acknowledge it to be an easie thing with the Lord to turne the greatest dearth that can be into the greatest plentie c were it not that our sinnes doe as it were strengthen Gods iustice to the weakening of his mercie towards vs although in it selfe ther is no weakenes Read Psal 107.33.34.35 Mal chapt 3.10 WHerfore setting it downe with our selues to indeuor more and more to ponder the goodnes of God in this third fruitefull dayes worke of the Lord Let vs proceede to the consideration of the fourth day the which was that which wee call the Wedensday Question In what wordes doth the Prophet Moses commende the workes thereof vnto vs Answere It foloweth from the beginning of the 14. verse to the end of the 19. In these words 14 Afterward God said Let there be lights in the Firmament of the heauen to wit aboue the clowdes to seperate the daye from the night and let them bee for signes both for the seasons to wit of the yeare and also for dayes and yeares themselues 15 Yea let them be for lights in the firmament of the heauen to giue light vpon the earth and it was so 16 Thus as Moses saith God made two great lights the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night and he made also the Starres 17 And God set them in the firmament of the heauen to shine vpon the earth 18 And to rule the Day and the Night and to seperate betwixte the Light and the Darkenes and God saw that it was good 19 So the euening and the morning were the fourth day Explication and prooâ—e The fourth dayes worke is likewise a gratious and glorious work of God For notwithstanding God had shewed before that hee stood in neede of no instruments to giue light and to make the distinction betwixt the day and the night for he had done this alreadie before ther was any Sunne or Moone or any one Starre yet for the beautifying of his work and for a further help and comfort to man for such singular good vses as Moses rehearseth both naturall and ciuill to wit that they might be as it were a generall clocke or dyall of time to determine the yeares and passages thereof and euery season of the yeare Sommer and Winter seede time and haruest yea and the dayes and nights of the yeare eyther shorter or longer as the Sunne should come nearer or goe further from the Equinoctiall point c and for the historicall memoriall of things in respect both of ciuill pollicie and also of Religion therefore it pleased the Lord to create thiâ— his excellent creature of the Sunne The like vse is of the Moone for the nights of the moneths The Starres also are both for singular ornament and for light in the night and for assistance to that gouernmenâ— which God hath honoured the Sunne and the Moone withall Read Iob chap 9 verse 9. God maketh the Starres Arcturus Orion and Pleiades and those also of the Climate of the South And chapt 38. verses 31.32.33 Canst thou restraine the pleasures of the Pleiades that is the pleasant spring which cometh with them Or canst thou loosen the bandes of Orion a starre which vseth to come with colde and tempest Canst thou bring forth Mazzaroth in their time that is the starres of the South Canst thou guide Arâ—turus with his sonnes that is the Northerne starres Knowest thou the course of the heauens c And Amos chapt 5. verse 8. God maketh Pleâ—ades and Orion that is hee oâ—dereth them acccording as at the first hee made them and appointed them their courses And Psalme 147.4 God alone counteth the number of the starres and calleth them all by their names They are vnto vs innumerable Genes 15. â— God hath placed them all in their seates and hee continueth them as his seruants therein according to the most holie and Diuine pleasure of his owne will Psalm 119. verses 89.90.91 The Sunne and the Moone are iustly called the greater lights because they are so vnto vs both to sight and also to vse And therfore let Astronomers curiouslie dispute of the greatnes of any starre aboue these wee will rest in this holie Philosophie which Moses teacheth vs as most fit both to expresse vnto vs the great goodnes and mercie of God and also to stirre vs vp to be thankfull vnto him for the same Thus then this fourth dayes worke is very glorious and therefore iustly is the Lord to be glorified and praised of vs therin according to the profession and practise of the Church of God Psalme 8.3.4 and Psalm 19.1.2 3.4.5.6 LEt vs nowe proceede to the workes of the fifte daye as the Lord created them Question Which are they Answere The Prophet Moses sheweth which they were from the beginning of the 20. verse to the ende of the 23. as it followeth in our Text thus 20 Afterward God said Let the waters bring forth in aboundance euery creeping thing that hath life or as we may reade euery liuing creature that creepeth and let the fowles flie aboue the earth toward the face of the firmament of heauen To wit that parte of the firmament of heauen which is vnder the clowdes next to vs. 21 Thus saith Moses God created the great Whales all liuing creatures that creepe Heb Fowles that haue wings the which the waters brought forth in aboundance according to their kindes and all feathered fowles according to their kindes and God saw that it was good 22 And God blessed them saying Bring forth fruite and multiplie and fill yea the waters in the Seas and let the fowles multiplie in the earth 23 So the euening and the morning were the fifte day ExplicatioÌ„ proofe This fifte daye was that which according to the custome among vs is called Thursday In it as the Prophet Moses by the Spirit of God reporteth were twoo verie mightie and gratious workes of Gods Creation perfected The first was the creation of the Fishes of the Sea in their great and vnknowen varietie from the huge Whale to the little minnome that is from the greatest to the least of them in their seuerall kindes Of the which it is thus written to the celebration of the gift of God in this respect Psalm 104.24.25.26 O Lord howe manifold are thy workes in wisedome hast thou made them all the earth is full of thy riches or as the Hebrew worde Quinianécha signifieth of that which is thy possession So is the Sea great and wine for therein are thinges creeping innumerable both small beasts and great There goe the Shippes yea
and Iob 5.23 So then this is to be held alwaies for a firme principle God made man righteous but they haue sought to themselues many inuentions Eccles chap 7.31 All euill is come vpon man from man himselfe Let no man therefore be so wickedly bould as to frame any the least cauill against any of the workes of Gods creation Nay on the contrarie let vs for a most iust and well beseeming conclusion take the whole blame of all euill to our selues and groane vnder the burthen of our sinnes as the true and proper cause thereof according to the last branch of the answere And thus through the goodnes of God wee haue renewed the remembrance of the holy doctrine concerning the workes of Gods most wise mightie and gracious creation The excellent perfection whereof God hath most solemnly confirmed by his sanctifying of the seuenth day wherein he ceased from any further worke of creation to the end that mankinde might worship God their Creator in the celebration of the same his diuine wisedome power and goodnes which are most perfectly manifested thereby The which holy doctrine according to the most faithfull and true historie thereof euery Christian must beleeue or else hee cannot rightly beleeue in God the Father almightie maker of heauen and earth as the Articles of our beliefe teach vs to doe And now touching the manifestation of the wisedome and power and goodnes of God in them it is euident to the faith of euery true beleeuer while according to the instruction of the holy Scriptures he pondreth in his minde both the manner and also the order which God tooke in performing the workes of his Creation And first concerning the manner if wee consider how the Lord beginning in darkenes deformitie and confusion as touching the great world and in basenes and deadnes when he created man the little world doth neuertheles perfectly and at an instant cause light to shine out of darkenes and in a short space of time turneth deformitie to beautie vacancie and voidenes to all sufficient furniture and plentie deadnes to life discomfort to comfort and basenes to glorie to that according to this beginning of the works of God the coÌ„mon prouerbe might well take beginning in that wee commonly say A hardor vncomfortable beginning maketh a good ending thus I say the manner of the creation manifesteth the wisedome power and goodnes of God The like will be euident if we shall well obserue the order which God taketh in the disposing of his workes For he createth his spirituall and inuisible creatures in heauen before the visible and bodily vpon the earth the simple elements before compounded bodies the fierie region before the aierie he cleareth the lower region of the aier before hee emptieth and cleareth the earth from the waters thereof he maketh grasse for cattel before he maketh cattell themselues the foules of the aier and fishes of the Sea before the beasts of the earth finally all other creatures before he made mankind insomuch as it pleased God to make all things for the comfort of man that so by him they might be to the glorie of his owne most holy name And yet againe he doth so breake that which we would thinke should haue beene the best order that he doth in most excellent wisedome take all glorie from the creatures themselues and maketh it so much the more cleare and plaine as it is meete that all the praise both of wisedome and power and goodnes doth belong onely to him For therefore it is that God made light before he made the Sunne Caused trees to bring forth ripe fruite before any shower or dewe had fallen vpon the earth And also made all earthly creatures and gouerned them in perfect order before he appointed man to be the ruler and orderer of them Who therefore among all men yea how could all mankinde though they were as dutifully affected to God as might be how I say could they for al that sufficiently praise his most glorious name for his so great wise mightie gracious and glorious workes Yea if it were but for our owne creation alone for our outward senses and the excellent gift of speech c. and for our inward vnderstanding and memorie c. Let euery one of vs therefore conclude with the holy Prophet Thou ô Lord possessest my reines that is I am by good right altogether and entirely thine thou diddest couer mee in my mothers wombe I will praise thee for I am drawne into admiration by considering thy reuerend workes yea I will praise thy wonderfull workes as much as my soule can attaine vnto My bones or strength it is not hidden from thee from the time that I was made in a secret place and skilfully fashioned as in the lower parts of the earth Thine eyes did see me when I was without forme for in thy booke were all things written euen from the time that they were first fashioned yea while as yet there was none of them at all O how deare therefore or precious are thy thoughts to mee ô mightie God! ô how great are the Summes of them I would count them but they are more then the sand I will awake that is I will stand diligently vpon my watch that I may still abide with thee Psal 139.13.14.15.16.17.18 Trem Iunio Interp. But of the duties whereby we stand bound vnto God for his mercie toward vs in our creation more afterward HEtherto our purpose hath beene to gather together and interprete the holy doctrine of Creation according to the historical narration and report of it from the holy Scriptures of God the onely faithfull and incorrupt witnesses thereof The which also as you know hath beene set down to your hand in a fewe verses to the ende it might happily bee thereby made so much the more familiar and if it might be also the more easie to be remembred of you It shall not be amisse therefore as I thinke here to make rehearsall of them Question Which are those verses Answere They are these which followe Gen. ch 1. The world sixe daies in making was As Moses truly saith God would not onely shewe his power Verses But likewise helpe our faith 1. In first of sixe both heauen and earth A Substance they receiu'de 2. Though formeles and vnfurnished Th' earth with waters couer'd And darknes was vpon the deepe As high as heauen did reach The holy Ghost these depths vphold 3. The Father by his speech Not sound of voice but mightie power With wisedome euen his Sonne Commanded light so light brake forth And whole * Either because the world began at the equinâ—ctiall or to speake according to the vse of the Iewes who alwaies accounted twelue howers for the day according to that of our Sauiour Christ Iohn ch 11.9 Are there not twelue howers in the day twelue howers shone 4. Yet darknes was not quite cut off But sundred from the light It tooke his turne the light gaue place
So ganne the second night Thus first daies mightie worke we see How day it selfe was made 5. Yea day and night of better part First day so calde of God Iâ—aâ— 45.7 And though the darkenes was not ill A thing which God had made Yet light by name God called good More ioious farre then shade 6. God said againe let spreading out The waters goe betweene And part lowe deepe from loftie clowdes Whence fall downe shall the raine 7. And euery vpper region So high as may be seene With sundrie loftes which God prepard For all the Hostes of heauen 8. This space so high so wide spread forth And chambred in such sort God called heauen so second day To ende was fully brought 9. In third day cleared was the earth And cleane from waters ridde Both Ilands small and countries great which acepes before had hidde 10. For waters huge at Gods command Did gather to their place So â—uâ—es and dales with champion fieldes Gaue earth a goodly face Gen 2.10 c. and 104 10.11.12 All springs and channells were likewise 11. Disposed on third day 12. Yea trees herbs all good with fruits 13. God made without delay 14. The fourth was spent in making lights Though light was made before It pleased God that Sunne and Moone With Starres of endles skore 15. Should order day night thence forth 16. Yea moneths and yeares define 17. And to all workes wrought vnder heauen 18. Fit seasons to assigne 19. 20. The fift daies worke was water worke 21. In it the seas were storde 22. With fishes great with fishes small 23. All sorts made very good Fift day likewise was aierie worke For fowles therein were made All sorts were made in sky to fly As fish in Seas to wade 24. WheÌ„ sixt day came the Lord did make All creatures earth to fill 25 Beastes wilde and tame with creeping things All good of Gods good will 26. But man was last of all the rest Though chiefe by Gods intent As God himselfe doth plainely shewe That so at first be meant For making man by chiefe aduise Most like vnto himselfe He gaue him rule of all belowe With flore of heauenly wealth H'inricht his soule with gifts diuine In knowledge and in will Not man alone but mans fit helpe Made fit by heauenly skill This is in briefe whole sixe daies worke All wondrous workes of God Thinke on them well yeeld him all praise He made all perfit good God our Lord euen for Iesus Christs sake giue vs all grace so to doe For there is exceeding great cause thereof in respect of God himselfe who is most worthy all honour and glory And it is also very good and comfortable euen to our â—wne soules that we should so doe as we are hereafter in the collection of the duties further to obserue BVt before we come to the duties we are to consider the promise and then also the comforts which belong to that faith or beliefe which wee haue conceâ—ning the almightie creation of God our heauenly Father and the seuerall workes thereof First therefore what say you of the promise Question Iâ—â—â—e e any promise at all concerning the creation the seueral works theroâ— wherevnto our faith should looke for the stay and comfort of it Concerning the creation considered in it selfe from the beginning of it The Promise it cannot be saide that there was any promise made of it For there was no creature to whom the performance of it should be promised And therefore it must needes rest altogether in the hidden secret of Gods owne most fatherly and diuine purpose and counsell Answere But so soone as God had once created all his workes forthwith it pleased him to make knowne to mankinde the last of his creatures that hee had made all his creatures of this visible world for their benefit comfort and seruice vpon condition that they would faithfully serue and honour his diuine Maiestie first in themselues and then in the right vse of the rest of his creatures And this most gracious manifestation of Gods purpose herein was as speedie a promise and assurance as might be that the creation of God and the seuerall workes thereof were at the least in a very great part euen for them and consequently for all the posteritie that should come of them Explication and proofe It is very true For so doe the wordes of God himselfe immediately after the Creation was finished giue plainely to vnderstand Gen 1.26.27.28.29 where wee see both the diuine purpose and also the performance of God in this behalfe Yea Gen chap 2. uerses 19.20 we may perceiue the purpose and will of God to be such so soone as Adam was created euen before woman was yet taken out of his side The same promise of God thus intended and reuealed from the beginning is afterward more plainly repeated and expressed after the deluge or drowning of the world as wee reade Gen 8.21.22 The Lord as the prophet Moses writeth smelled a sauour of rest and the Lord saide in his heart I will henceforth curse the ground no more for mans cause c. Hereafter seede-time and haruest and cold and heate and summer and winter and day and night shall not cease so long as the earth remaineth And yet further chap 9 1.2.3 it followeth thus And God blessed Noah and his Sonnes and saide to them Bring yee forth fruite and multiplie and replenish the earth Also the feare of you and the dread of you shall be vpon euery beast of the earth and vpon euery foule of the heauen vpon all that moueth on the earth and vppon all the fishes of the Sea into your hand are they deliuered Euery thing that moueth and liueth shall bee meate for you as the greene herbe so haue I giuen them all to you And this verily is a very princely and comfortable prerogatiue that God hath giuen man authoritie to kill and destroy those creatures which either proue hurtfull while they liue or may be profitable to them by their death Moreouer Iob chap 5.23 It is affirmed from this promise and charter of the Lord that the stones of the field shall be in league and the beasts of the field at peace c. with the seruants of God Likewise Hosh 2.21.22 thus we read And in that day I will heare saith the Lord I will euen heare the heauens and they shall heare the earth And the earth shall heare the corne and the wine and the oyle c. Neuertheles because these and such like promises doe rather pertaine to the prouidence of God in the gouernment of his creatures then to the creation of them therefore it shall bee sufficient thus farre forth to haue touched this point reseruing the more full handeling thereof till wee come to the promise belonging to the prouidence of God NOw in the next place let vs proceede to the comforts arysing from beliefe in God the Father in respect of his almightie creation
creatures as well as ouer the heauens themselues and as ouer the earth and the waters as we sawe before And in this respect doth the Lord by his holy Prophet animate and imbolden his people against all superstitious feare of the signes of heauen after the manner of the heathen Ierem chap 10 1.2 This therefore shall suffice for this present to proue the gouernment and prouidence of God concerning the works of his creation in the fourth daye THe workes of the fifte daies Creation are nowe to be considered Question By what proofes may we be confirmed to beleeue that God by his most holie prouidence ruleth and gouerneth ouer them to wit ouer the fishes of the Sea and ouer the fowles of heauen Answere Touching the fishes of the Sea wee haue an euident instance or example to shewe the prouident hand of God in that hee prepared the great Whale-fishe to receiue the Prophet Ionah at the same instant when he was throwne out of the shippe into the Sea and in that according to the time appointed of God the same fishe cast vp Ionah vppon the drie lande againe Ionah chapter 1.17 and chapt 2.10 Likewise wee haue other notable instances namelie in that when our Sauiour Christ was to pay tribute mony a fish came to Peters angle that had a piece of twentie pence in the mouth of it for the discharge of the tribute according as our Sauiour Christ tolde Peter that it should so come to passe Matth 17.27 And againe in that at another time at the commandement and direction of our Saui Christ his disciples had forthwith an extraordinarie draught of fishes after they had wearied themselues with fishing and could take no fishe all the night before Luke Chapter 5. verse 4. c. And againe Iohn 21.3.4.5.6 ExplicatioÌ„ and proofe These indeede are very euident instances concerning the fishes of the Seas For these things came not thus to passe according to a bare foreknowledge that such a fish or such and such a companie or skole of fishes should at that time be in such or such places But our Sauiour Christ knewe that God had by his Diuine prouidence appointed that these fishes must for such purposes come to those very places there to attend the pleasure of God to do his will in the appointed times seasons therof euen at his souereigne coÌ„mandement But you haue not yet shewed any grounde for the proofe of Gods prouidence and gouernment ouer the Foules of the aier which were a parte of the fifte dayes creation Question What further proofe haue you therfore for this pointe Answere In the 9. verse of the 147. Psalme the holie Psalmist saieth thus Our God giueth foode to the yong rauens that crie The same doth the Lord himselfe affirme also in the booke of Iob chap 39 verse 3. Who saith God prepareth for the rauens his meat when his birds crye vnto God wandering for lacke of meat As though he should say It is I the Lord onlie that by my prouidence doe make prouision for them And 1. Kings 17.45.6 Wee read it testified that God vsed the rauens for his instruments to feede Elijah his Prophet And Matth chapt 6.26 Our Sauiour Christ affirmeth that it is our heauenly Father that feedeth the foules of heauen And againe chapter 10. 29. A sparrowe saith hee falleth not to the grounde without your heauenly Father ExplicatioÌ„ and proofe That is to say it doth not miscarie or come to the death of it by falling into the net of the fowler neither is killed by him that shoteth with the stone-bow or is taken of the rauenous fowle or any other waye but euen as it pleaseth God by his diuine prouidence to dispose therof For such is the signification of the phrase to fall to the earth according to that 2. King ch 10. vers 10. Ther shall fall vnto the earth nothing of the word which the Lord at any time speaketh Moreouer Iob chapt 39.20 God is said to watch ouer the egges of the Estrich so that they are hatched in due time though this fowle laying them in the sande be negligent in looking to the hatching of them And in the same chapter God denying vnto man the gouernment of other wilde fowles he doth iustly challenge it as proper to himselfe and giueth the instance in the wild hawke the Eagle which without the help of man prouide for themselues but not without the gift of God who maketh them as the Scriptures speake Lord of the wing and directeth them also whether they shall flie to finde their foode These shall suffice to shewe the prouidence of God ouer the workes of the fifte daye Let vs nowe goe forward to the workes of the sixt day And first of all concerning the cattell which are more tame euen such as God created and made by nature more gentle and seruiceable for the speciall and common vse of man such as are the horse the oxe and the asse c. Question What proofe of holie Scripture haue you to confirme you to beleeue that God hath a prouident care and gouernment ouer them Answere In the 104. Psal verse 14. The Lorde our God saith the Prophet causeth grasse to growe for the cattell And Psalme 147.9 Hee giueth to beastes their foode And Psal 36.6 The Lord preserueth both man and beast Explication and proofe These are plaine testimonies And it may yet further appeare by that commandement which God giueth to man that hee deale well with his oxe which treadeth out that is which by treading thresheth out his corne c. And in that hee putteth into the heart of euery man that hath regarde of iust and equall dealing to regard the life of his beast Prouer chapt 12.10 and Deuteron 25.4 Furthermore that the prouidence of God ruleth such brute beasts we haue a verie speciall instance 1. Sam chapt 6. verse 12. where wee reade that the milch kine new taken away from their sucking calues and neuer acquainted to the yoake yet by the appointement of God they doe of their willing accord drâ—w the Ark of the Lord out of the countrie of the Philistimes home to the Israelites to whom it did by right belong and not vnto them But leauing these let vs come to the wilde beasts Question What proofe haue you to shew the prouident gouernment of the Lord God ouer them Answere In the â—1 verse of the 104. Psalme before alledged The Lions saith the Psalmist roare after their praye and seeke their meat at God Explication and proofe The same is likewise giuen to vnderstand in the two first verses of the 39 book of Iob Wilt thou hunt the pray for the Lion saith the spirit of God â—r fill the appetite of the Lions wheâ—pes when they couch in their places and remaine in the couert to lye in waite As though the Lord should say this were too hard dangerous a prouince as we may say for man to vndertake And againe
enterprises when they haue made some entrance into the execution of them but also otherwhile hee doth euen frustrate and defeate them so that they cannot finde the opportunitie or any meanes to their liking and desire once to set them on foote as we read Iob 5.12.13 1. Corinth 3.19.20 Luke chapt 1.51 Wherof also we haue a notable example in the ouerthrow of Ahitophels counsell 2. Sam 17.14 And in the ouerthrowe of Hamans intended crueltie as we read in the booke of Ester Finallie God doth often times alter and change the purposes and resolutions of the wicked by altering and changing their owne affections As the memorable example of Esau plainely sheweth in that albeeit he came against his brother Iaakob with an hostile mind yet before he came at him his heart was so changed that he dealeth kindely and brotherlie aboue all that might be expected from such a prophane ruffian as hee was Genes chap 33. And before this in the 31. chapt of the same booke of holie Scripture wee reade of some thing a like change in the heart and purpose of Laban in his wrathfull pursuit after the same good seruant of God And after this Exod chapt 12.35 c. wee read that at the departure of the Israelites out of Egipt God gaue them such fauour in the eyes of their most hatefull aduersaries that they gaue them their iewels of Gold and iewels of siluer and raiment Thus then whereas the preparations of the heart are in man we may see according to the holie Prouerb the answere of the tongue is of the Lorde Prou 16.1 And againe in the 9. verse of the same chapter The heart of man purposeth his way but the Lord doth direct his steppes And verse 7. When the waies of a man please the Lord hee will make euen his enemies at peace with him And chapt 21 1. Euen the Kings heart is in the hand of the Lorde as the riuers of waters hee turneth it whether so euer it pleaseth him According to that wee read Psal 106.46 God gaue his people fauour in the sight of all them that led them captiues And Ier 10.23 O Lord saith the Prophet I know that the way of man is not in him selfe neither is it in man to walke and to direct his steppes Such doubtles is the effectuall prouidence and gouernment of God ouer the most wicked and vngodlie their thoughts purposes and actions hee himselfe abiding perfectlie righteous without any the least participating with them in their sinne no more then the Sunne is defiled by the carrion or is the proper cause of the stinche and putrefaction of it by casting the pure beames therof vpon it For this the carion hath properly of it selfe c. BVt leauing the wicked let vs nowe come to the most choise and Fatherlie Prouidence of God in the gouernment of his owne deare children The which part as one may say of his diuine Prouidence is of all other most gratious and admirable speciallie concerning their soules which are most deare and precious before him Question Yet before wee come to this pointe what proofe of holie Scripture haue you concerning the persons and outward estate of euerie one of Gods children more priuatelie and particularlie that God doth in speciall and tender manner watch ouer them and rule and gouerne them Answere In the 34 Psalme verses 18.19 Many yea the same also great are the troubles of the righteous man saith the holie Psalmist but the Lorde deliuereth him out of them all Hee keepeth all his bones not one of them is broken And in this holie confidence he saith further Thou art my God My times are in thy hand c. Psalm 31.14.15 And Psal 71. verses 5.6 Thou art my hope ô Lord God euen my trust from my youth Vpon thee haue I bene stayed from the wombe thou art hee that tooke me out of my mothers bowels c. And Psalme 116.15 Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his Saints Finallie Psalm 16.9 My flesh also doth rest in hope Explication and proofe Here we may see plainelie that the prouidence of God is verie gratious toward the outward estate and persones of his children in so much as hee will prosecute them with his fauour euen to the death to the graue and afterward vntill hee shall raise them out of the dust againe And concerning his tender care ouer vs in this life read more Psalme 3. Hee will preserue his seruants against thousands that rise vp against them And Psalme 91. Hee doth defend them from manie contagious diseases euen from the noisome plague and pestilence Or if hee doe afflict them this waye for their triall he doth neuertheles tender them with a fatherlie pittie and compassion wherein hee neuer faileth such as put their trust in him As Heb 12.5 c. And as the example of king Hezekiah Isai chapter 38. whom the Lorde God did most gratiouslie cure of his grieuous disease confirmeth the same And yet further touching the speciall care of God ouer the outward estate of his children let vs consider of the reason which our Sauiour Christ vseth Math 6.26 God your heauenlie Father prouideth for the fowles of heauen Are not yee much better then they To witte better in Gods gracious account and estimation for Christes sake howsoeuer in our selues wee are most vnworthie by reason of our sinnes Whervnto accordeth that which we read chap 10.31 where our Sauiour Christ saith thus Feare ye not yee are of more value then many sparrowes Yea and all the haires of your head are numbred This also God hath of olde most famouslie testified by his feeding of the Israelites with Manna from heauen and by giuing them water out of the rock by the space of fourtie yeares together And likewise by many other gracious effectes of his fatherlie prouidence in feeding manie in the times of dearth and famine as the Prophet Elijah and the widdowe of Zarephath c. Read also Psalme 34.10 Isai 65.13 and Psal 113.7.8.9 And Gen 24.1 It was the Lord who blessed Abraham with all outward blessings It is euident therfore that the Lord our God hath a speciall care and Fatherly prouidence euen ouer the bodies and outward estate of his faithfull seruants and deare children NOw what ground and proofe haue you concerning his like gratious prouidence and gouernment Question ouer their soules the which as was saide is allwayes most gracious and admirable Answere All the care which the Lord hath ouer the bodies and outward estate of euery faithfull seruant and dutifull childe of his it proceedeth altogether of that loue which he chieflie beareth toward their soules In the which respect in the place to the Hebr lately alledged God intituleth himselfe to be in a speciall manner the Father of their soules and spirits Explicatiō proofe It is so indeed For in all afflictions of the body as well as by all outward comfortes of this life God hath a most
Deitie of our Sauiour Christ by reason that the attributes proper to the Godhead are equally ascribed to him as well as to God the Father In the next place we are likewise to inquire how the same may be warranted by s ch proofe as ascribe the workes proper to the Deitie vnâ—o him as being his workemanship Question Haue you any proofe for this Answere Yea both for the workes of creation and also of prouidence and gouernment In eyther of them as I haue beene taught the holie Scriptures are verie plentifull ExplicatioÌ„ proofe They are so indeede Let vs therefore call some of those proofes to minde for the confirming of our faith in this so excellent a point Question And first concerning the works of Creation What proofe haue you that these are ascribed to our Sauiour Christ in that he both is and was before all beginnings verie true eternall and almightie the most wise righteous and holy God Answere Prouerbs 8 271 and so forth When God prepared the heauens saith he I was there when he set the compasse vpon the deepe When hee established the crowdes aboue when he confirmed the fountaines of the deepe When he gaue his decree to the Seâ— that the waters should not passe his commandement when he appointed the foundations of the earth Then was I with him as a nourisher and I was daily his delight reioycing alway before him ExplicatioÌ„ proofe Vnto this place of the holy Prouerbs out of the old Testament agree many other both of the new and also of the old Namely Psalm 102 25. as wee reade those words to be applied Heb. 1. verse 10. Likewise Psal 104. verse 4 c. as they are interpreted Heb. 1.7 And in the same chap. verse 2. God hath made the worldes by his Sonne Moreouer Iohn chap. 1. verse 3. All things were made by him and without him was made nothing that was made And verse 10. The world was made by him Likewise 1. Cor. 8.6 There is but one God which is the Father of whom are all things and we in him and one Lord Iesus Christ by whom are all things we by him And Ephes 3.9 God hath created all things by Iesus Christ And Coloss 1.16 By him were all things created which are in heauen and which are in earth thinges visible and inuisible whether they be Thrones or Dominions or Principalities or Powers all things were created by him and for him Thus wee see that our Sauiour is intituled to the workes of Creation whereby also his almightie power is manifestly argued as was touched before Now likewise for a further declaration of his infinite wisedome let vs inquire whether we haue like warrant that the diuine gouernment of the creatures doth likewise belong vnto him And first more generally * Question What proofe haue you for it “ Answere Hitherto saith our Sauiour himselfe my Father workeh and I worke Iohn 5.17 And verse 19. Whatsoeuer things the Father doth the same things doth the Sonne also ExplicatioÌ„ proofe Of this sort of proofes are these that follow Prou. 8.31 I take my solace saith the Sonne of God the wisedome of the Father in the compasse of his earth And Colos 1.17 In him all things doe consist And Heb. 1.3 Hee beareth vp all things by his mightie word Thus much for the gouernment of our Sauiour generally Now let vs come to the particulars And first concerning the holy Angells What proofe haue you that our Sauiour Christ the Sonne of God our Lord Question hath the gouernment of them Answere The place before alledged Heb. 1.7 doeth plainely proue it to be so For of the Angells he saith that is God saith by his holy prophet Psal 104.4 Hee maketh the Spirites his messengers and his ministers a flame of fire That is God the Sonne together with the Father hath created the Angells and giuen them a kinde of commodious kinde of nature ExplicatioÌ„ proofe subtile and piercing quicke and mightie most like of all creatures to the nature of the windes and flaming fire and accordingly vseth them as his ministers to diuerse great and worthy seruices According to this right which our Sauiour hath to command them it is said further Psalm 67.7 and so it is repeated againe Heb. 1. verse 6. Let all the Angells of God worship him And in the last verse of this chapter Are they not all ministering Spirites saith the holy Apostle sent forth to wit by the Sonne of God for their sakes which shall be heires of saluation As though the Apostle should say It is out of doubt both that they are such and also that our Sauiour vseth them in that their holie seruice Yea not onely doth he gouerne the holy Angells which are willing to obey him but he also ruleth yea ouer-ruleth the wicked Angells we meane the Diuell and all vncleane Spirits According to that which we reade Zech. 3.1 2. The Lord said to Satan that is the Sonne of God said The Lord he meaneth God the Father reprooue thee O Sathan euen the Lord that hath chosen Ierusalem reproue thee c. Read aâ—so Matth. 8.29 â—0 31. Mark 1.27 and Luk. 4.41 Likewise he ruleth yea ouer-ruleth all wicked men restraining the extreamitie of their wickednes at his pleasure and iudgeth their rebellions in due season According to that Iohn 5.22 The Father hath committed all iudgement to the Sonne And for the execution of this iudgement in time to come see the prophesie of it Psalm 2.9 And Psal 110.1 2. and verses 5 6 7. And Isai chap. 11.4 â—nd chap 4â— 3 He shall bring forth iudgement in truth Or vnto victorie as Mat. 12.20 Thus also hath he gouerned in former times according to that we read in the holy storie Exod. 23.21 Read also 1. Cor. 10.9 Let vs not tempt Christ as some of them also tempted him and were destroyed of Serpents The continuance of the same his gouernment to this day is to be seene in his restraining and punishing of the wicked It shall be most fully accomplished at the end of the world Act. chap. 10. verse 4â— and chap. 17. verse 31. And Reuel â— 18 I haue the keyes of hell and of death But let vs come to his gratious gouernment ouer his Church to the benefit of all such as doe submitte themselues vnder the same †Question What proofes haue you for this * Answere The proofes are manie and diuerse according to the manifolde and sondrie benefites of his most gracious and Diuine gouernment Tâ—ey are so indeed For as he doth together with the Father and the holie Ghost call gather together and sanctifie his church institute a holie ministerie deliuer a diuine Doctrine worke mightie and miraculous workes ordaine Sacraments send forth ministers of the Gospell giue spirituall gifts and graces make them effectuall to inlighten to regenerate to guide to comfort and to strengthen and as he doth reueale things to come heare
hee had taught or of the office which he executed neither that he feared any danger whatsoeuer might growe vnto him thereby He was not as a reede shaken with the winde timorous and mutable but a most valiant faithfull and constant seruant of God And such ought euery one of vs to be in the profession of the name and truth of our Sauiour Christ if euer wee should be called into question for it To this ende and purpose all the testimonies which Iohn gaue vnto our Sauiour Christ and his truth are of exceeding good vse for the confirmation of our faith And euen for the same cause let vs hold on our course to gather the rest Of the which the next that do follow are those wherein Iohn the Baptist did point out our Sauiour Christ with the finger And of these also there are two recorded Question Which was the first of them Answere It was that which followeth in the Euangelist Iohn from the 29. verse of his first chapter to the 35. of the same Question Rehearse the text Which are the Euangelists wordes Aâ—â—were 29. The next day saith the Euangelist Iohn seeth Iesus comming vnto him and hee saith Behold the Lambe of God which taketh away the sinne of the world 30. This is he of whom I saide After me commeth a man which is preferred before me for he was before me 31. And I knewe him not but because he should be declared to Israel therefore am I come Baptizing with water 32. So as the Euangelist addeth Iohn did beare record saying I saw the spirit come down from heauen like a doue and it abode vpon him 33. And I knew him not but he that sent me to Baptize with water he said vnto me vpon whom thou shalt see the spirit come downe and tarry still on him that is hee who Baptizeth with the holy Ghost 34. And I saw and bare record that this is the Sonne of God Eâ—â—â—â—â—ation and proofe In this testimonie Iohn the Baptist doth not onely giue witnesse to the most high excellencie of the Person of our Sauiour as he did before but also to the most sweet and comfortable fruites and effectes of his most holy office that is remission of sinnes and sanctification of life through the blood of Christ This is the first testimonie giuen by Iohn of our Sauiour when he was at the same time present and in the viewe of the people The second followeth which was of like sort but not so publike as the other And it followeth in the next verses after the former text to wit in the 35. and 36. verses of the first chapter of Iohn Question Which are the wordes Answer 35. The next day saith the Euangelist Iohn stood againe and two of his Disciples 36. And he beheld Iesus walking by and he said Behold the lambe of God ExplicatioÌ„ and proofe This then as we see is the second testimonie which Iohn gaue to our Sauiour in his presence The vse of which so particular and personall testimonies as we may cal them giue vs thus much to vnderstand that the very true Christ must be truly and particularly knowne and discerned from all other of euery one that shall be saued by him The which blessed effect God gaue to the present speech of Iohn to his two Disciples For as it followeth in the next verse c. The two Disciples to wit Andrewe Simon Peters brother and another not named by the Euangelist vpon that testimonie of Iohn Baptist followe our Sauiour and become his faithfull Disciples NOw after these testimonies giuen by Iohn in the presence of our Sauiour there followe other giuen in his absence according to the vsuall course of his most holy and zealous ministerie wherein he was most constant and painfull A particular example whereof the Euangelist Iohn setteth downe in the 3. chapter from the 23. verse to the end of the chapter The which testimonie as the Euangelist doth furthermore obserue was giuen by Iohn Baptist at Enon besides Salim where he baptized because there was much water And he gaue it also for the further instruction and admonition of his Disciples who were not yet perswaded by his former and often repeated testimonies So hard a thing is it to setle in the heart true faith in the true Christ Let vs therefore for our further helpe hearken to this testimonie of Iohn also Question What are his wordes specially from the 28. verse Rehearse the text Answere 28. Ye your selues saith Iohn Baptist to his owne Disciples are my witnesses that I said I am not the Christ but that I am sent before him 29. He that hath the bride is the bridegroome but the friend of the bridegroome who standeth heareth him reioiceth greatly because of the bridegroomes voice This my ioy therefore is fulfilled 30. He must increase but I must decrease He that is come from on high is aboue all c. Explication and proofe Iohn wee see is alwaies like himselfe a most excellent paterne and president to be imitated and followed of all faithfull Preachers of the Gospell in their Preaching to wit that their care ought to be altogether to make Christ knowne to the people that they may truly beleeue in him and aboue all to reioyce in him and not to rest in any vaine admiration of the great learning or zeale or any other gift or gifts of their preachers And hence also may all hearers receiue an excellent instruction howe to heare and whom they ought to heare and receiue namely those that Preach Christ and not themselues Considering that this is the scope and aiming point of all both hearing and preaching yea and of reading conferring and meditating and whatsoeuer beside I cannot speake now of this testimonie as it deserueth for that were to make many Sermons of it againe as we haue done heretofore It may suffice now that wee doe briefly call to minde and thinke more fully of the rest by our selues as God shall giue vs remembrance and a fit opportunitie to the same Onely let vs not forget that this was the last recorded testimonie which Iohn gaue of our Sauiour in the time of his libertie and that also not long before he was cast into prison as we have an inckling giuen vs in the 24. verse of this 3. chap of the Euangelist Iohn which now we speake of The last recorded testimonie is now onely behind to wit that which this excellent Minister of God gaue of our Sauiour Christ while he was vniustly imprisoned by Herod that tyrannous and fox-like Tetrarch as our Sauiour himselfe did afterward terme him Question Where is this last testimonie recorded Answere It is recorded in the 11. chapter of Saint Mathew verses 2.3 And in the 7. chap. of Saint Luke verses 19. and 20. ExplicatioÌ„ and proofe In these places both the Euangelists alledged doe indeede record that Iohn being in prisoÌ„ sent two of his Disciples to our Saâ—â—â— to know whether he
extraordinarie for the communicating of his graces to the people of God as Isay 48.16 The Lord God saith the prophet and his Spirit hath sent me So Acts 13.2 The holie Ghost said Seperate me Barnabas Saul for the work whervnto I haue called them And on the other side Acts 16.6 7. it is written that the holy Ghost forbade them to preach the word in Asia and that he suffered them not to goe into Bithynia Reade also 1. Pet. 1.12 The Apostles and the rest preached the Gospel by the holy Ghost And 1. Cor. 2.9 c. to the end of the chapter and 2. Epist 3.6 they are therefore called Ministers of the Spirit and not of the letter And Reuel chapters first second and third St. Iohn being in the Spirit did by the direction of the holy Ghost euen the Spirit of Iesus Christ write to the seuen Churches in Asia as is euident by that often repeated and most graue admonition Let him that hath an eare heare what the Spirit saith to the Churches And Act. 20.28 S. Paul directing his speech to the ordinary Pastors and Elders of the Churches chargeth them to take heede to themselues and to all the slocke whereof the holy Ghost had made them Ouerseers to feede the Church of God c. And yet more particularly to come to euerie of our selues As our first and naturall liuing mouing and being is from God by the holy Ghost as wee haue seene from the creation so and in more speciall manner is our new creation and our spiritual life mouing and beeing in the same For all whatsoeuer both enterance into the Church and kingdome of God here in this life and all increase of grace therein by the meanes either of word prayer and sacraments or any other holy way appointed of God euen to the full preparing and making of vs meete for the inheritance of the life and glory to come all is by the holy Ghost as wee haue the plaine testimonie of our Sauiour Christ himselfe Iohn 3. Except a man be borne of water and of the holy Ghost he can neither see nor enter into the kingdome of God For the naturall man perceiueth not the things of the Spirit of God c. 1. Cor. 2.14 According also as our Sauiour Christ said to Peter Matth 16.17 Flesh and blood hath not reuealed it vnto thee So necessary is it that the same Spirit which is a witnesse in heauen together with the Father and the Sonne should also be a witnesse on the earth with that water blood which flowed out of the side yea euen from the very heart of our Sauiour Christ 1. Iohn 5.7 8. And chap. 2. of the same Epistle it is the anointing of the holy Ghost saith saint Iohn which teacheth faithfull Christians and leadeth them into all truth as Christ had promised that he would send him to that end And chap. 4.4 Greater is he that is in you then he that is in the world Also saint Peter saith 1. Epist 1.2 We are elect according to the foreknowledge of God to the sanctification of the Spirit And verse 23. Our soules are purified in obeying the truth through the Spirit to loue brotherly without feining c. being borne a new not of mortall seede but of immortall by the word of God who liueth for euer And Colos 1.8 The loue of Christians is by the Spirit And verse 9. And Ephes 1.17 18. The knowledge of Christians is called spirituall knowledge And touching faith we reade Gal. 5.5 that through the Spirit we waite for the hope of righteousnesse through faith Yea generally the fruit of the Spirit is loue ioy and peace c as in the same chapter verses 22 23. And Ephes 5.9 The fruit of the Spirit is in all goodnesse and righteousnesse and truth Reade also Rom. 14 17. The kingdome of God is not meate and drinke but righteousnesse and peace and ioy in the holy Ghost And all this by the word of God For by it doth the Spirit giue the spiritual life 2. Cor. 3.6 and verses 17 18. Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is libertie And we are changed into the image of the Lord from glory to glory by the Spirit of the Lord. And touching Prayer it is the praier of the Spirit only that is to say that which the Spirit teacheth sāctifieth inableth vs vnto which is acceptable to God And therfore it is said of the Spirit that he helpeth our infirmities teacheth vs to pray c. Rom. 8.26 27. Whence it is also that saint Iude exhorteth christians to pray in the holy Ghost to the edifying of themselues in their most holy faith as verse 20. of his Epistle And the Apostle Paul I wil pray in the spirit and sing in the spirit 1. Cor. 14. That is I will both pray and also praise God as the holy Ghost shall teach me And Ephes 6.18 Likewise cōcerning the sacraments first Baptisme the very form of the institutiō sheweth that it is the holy Ghost who must giue that effect which it signifieth according to that which is said to note the true circumcisiō Phi. 3.3 We are saith S. Paul the circūcisiō which worship God in spirit And Christ is said in this respect to baptize with the holy Ghost though he baptized none with the outward element of water And 1. Cor chap 12 verse 13. By one spirit we are all baptized into one body Secondly concerning the Lords Supper our Sauiour Christ noting in the vse of it the nature of faith which feedeth vpon the flesh of Christ and drinketh his blood both which are presented by the bread and wine of that Sacrament hee himselfe teacheth that it is the Spirit onely which quickeneth and that otherwise the flesh and therefore much rather the signe of the flesh profiteth nothing Iohn 6. And againe 1. Cor 12.13 we haue beene all made to drinke into one spirit Thus euery way it is the holy Ghost who is from God the Father that also by the mediation of our Lord Iesus Christ the onely immediate beginner and perfiter of all grace in vs. And it is the rather to be throughly weighed of vs because as the Apostle Paul saith Flesh and blood cannot inherite the kingdome of God 1. Cor. 15.50 To him therefore both faith hope and loue inuocation and thankesgiuing feare and obedience is due as well as to the Father and the Sonne as we shall see when we come to the duties This is the true Christian faith of the Church of God of euery true member thereof touching the holy Ghost how many soeuer haue beleeued aright though the doctrine thereof hath not beene so fully clearly reuealed till the comming of Christ at the time of his most holy anointing to the taking of our nature vnto him God gaue his people of Israel his good spirit to instruct thē in former times as Neh 9.20 Isai 63.11.12 13.14 Read also Ezek ch 2. v. 2
hurt and annoy vs. ExplicatioÌ„ and proofe These indeed are familiar confirmations of Gods holy gracious fatherly prouidence For without such his fauourable moderation restrainâ— we may learne further of what exceeding great force tempestes might be vsually as sometimes they haue beene and stil are according to that which we read Psal 29.3 c. And Iosh ch 10. v. 11. At what time the Lord destroied more of the enemies of his people with hailestones from heauen then they themselues slewe with the sword Read also Exod 9.22.23.24.25.26 where it is recorded that the Lord did exceedingly punish the Egiptians by haile with lightenings and thunder And is it not a plaine demonstration that God ruleth the heauens seeing it is in his power to make them as it were brasse ouer our heads as he did in the daies of the wicked K Ahab so that it rained not for the space of three yeares and sixe moneths together 1. King 17 1.2 ch 18.1.41 c. Iames 5.17.18 And seeing he can cause it of his mercie to raine in one citie and because of his displeasure not to raine in the citie next vnto it yea seeing he can doth at his pleasure send raine vpon one field not vpon the next as Amos. ch 4.7 And is it not plaine in that it is written Ps 65.9.10 that it is God who visiteth the earth and watereth it at his pleasure And Psal 68.9 He sendeth his gracious raine to refresh the earth hee refresheth it when it is wearie c. And Mat 5.45 It is God that sendeth raine And moreouer is not the same manifest in that as touching the windes he is said to drawe them out of his treasures Psal 135.7 And in that he vseth them to singular mercy when so it seemeth good vnto him as Gen ch 8.1 and Exod 14 21. and 1. King 18.45 And also for great iudgement and punishment against the wicked as in the former place of Exod and chap. 15.8.10 Read also Ionah ch 1.4 and ch 4.8 Are not al these I pray you euident proofes and demonstrations of Gods holy prouidence in the ruling and gouerning of these his creatures No doubt they are And therefore worthily is the prouidence of God celebrated in the Church of God in this behalfe Psal 147. v. 15.16.17.18 Finally to this purpose read that notable Scripture in the booke of Iob chap 37 from the beginning of the chapter to the 19. verse Thus much concerning the workes of the second day Question NOw let vs come to the prouidence of God in gouerning the works of the third day what proofe can you shewe for this Answere The drowning of the world before mentioned in that all the fountaines of the great deepe did then breake vp at the commandement of God as wee read Gen chap 7.11 And likewise the clearing or emptying of the earth againe within a few daies after they are very plaine sinsible and famous demonstrations of it for euer The breaches also which the Seas doe sundry times attempt and make doe easily shew what they would doe if they were not restrained and held in by the almightie and most gracious ouer-ruling power of God ExplicatioÌ„ proofe These are so plaine proofes indeede as all but they that will not see must needes acknowledge the euidence of them We may read the same also testified Psal 89.9 Thou rulest the raging of the Sea when the waues thereof arise thou stillest them And Ps 93.3.4 107.23.24.25.26.27.28.29 Thus therfore the prouidence of our God euideÌ„ty appeareth in the ordering of the Seas and of the dry land so farre as concerneth the first part of the workes of the third daies creation Shewe likewise some proofe of the same prouident gouernment of God concerning the fruites of the earth the which also God created the same day Question What proofe haue you hereof Answere In this respect thus we read Psal 74.17 The Lord hath made Summer and winter And Psal 104. verses 13 14 15. God watereth the mountaines from his chambers and the earth is filled with the fruite of his workes He causeth grasse to growe for cattell and herbes for the vse of man that he may bring forth bread out of the earth And wine that maketh glad the heart of man oile to make the face to shine and bread that strengtheneth mans heart This one testimonie is so plaine and plentiful that it may well stand in stead of many Explication and proofe to testifie the fatherly goodnes and bountie of God in this behalfe Read also 2. King 19.29 And on the contrarie it is as clear that God for the punishment of the sins of the people maketh the earth barren and vnfruitfull sendeth dearth and famine c. as we read Ioel ch first and second Likewise Amos. 4.6.7.8.9 Yea so that God doth euen turne aboundance into want curseth the very plentie of those that doe abuse it according to the threatening of God Deut 28.17.22 23.38.39.40.41.42 Let this suffice concerning the prouidence of God in gouerning the creatures created in the third day Question WHat proofe can you now alledge concerning the workes created in the fourth day to shew that God doth likewise rule gouerne them This also may be made manifest Answere from record of ancient experience in that at the praier of Ioshua God staied the ordinarie course of the Sunne and the Moone by the space of a whole day yea so that the day of this staying of the Sunne was as long as two daies ordinarily Explication and proofe This did the Lord to the end his people might auenge themselues or rather that they might execute the vengeance of the Lord vpon his enemies the more effectually So we read Iosh chap 10. verse 12.13.14 Fâ—ue howers in go ng backe and tiâ—e in going forward againe the choise â—f th sigâ—e being offered to the King about the â—â—d time of the day And in the daies of the raigne of good K. Hezekiah the Lord caused the Sun to goe backe tenne degrees 2. King chap 20 11. and Isai 38 8. So that the day of this going backe of the Sun was lengthened the space of ten houres so that it was two and twentie houres long as some doe probably esteeme the degrees of the dyall to be euery halfe hower foure and twentie in all The same prouidence of God is manifested also by a like vnwonted course concerning the darkenes the which God continued vpon the land of Egipt by the space of three daies together and that also in so palpable a manner that the Egiptians sawe no glimse of light either from Sunne or Moone or any Starre for all that while Exod 10 22.23 The like is to be said concerning the darkenes which was at the crucifying of our Sauiour Christ as we read Mat chap 27 45. So that it cannot bee denied bâ—t must needes bee granted that the Lord hath openly auouched his prouidence and gouernment ouer his heauenly