cannot be proved out of that place is evident from the place it self where Christ saith The Father is greater then all and consequently then the Son as the Son himself elswhere confesseth John 14. 28. and that he gave those sheep to Christ Q. But where doth the Scripture call him equal to God A. John 5. 18. Therefore the Iewes sought the more to slay him in that he had not only broken the Sabbath but also called God his own Father making himself equall to God And Phil. 2. 6. Who Christ Jesus being in the form of God thought it not robbery to be equal unto God Q. What answer you to those places A. That Christ is equall to God no way proveth a Divine Nature in him yea the contrary is hence collected For if Christ be equall to God who is God by Nature he cannot possibly be the same God But the equality of Christ with God herein consisteth that by the power which God conferred on him he did all those things and will do them which pertain to God himself as if he were very God Q. Where read we that Christ is the Son of the living God the proper and only begotten Son of God A. Of the first we read Mat. 16. 16 where Peter saith Thou art the Son of the living God And Rom. 8. 32. where the Apostle saith Who God spared not his own proper Son but delivered him for us And Iohn 3. 16. So God loved the world that he hath given his only begotten Son and a little after v. 18. He that believeth not is condemned already because he hath not believed on the name of the only begotten Son of God Q. What do you answer to these places A. From all those attributes cannot be proved any Divine Nature of Christ For as to the first it is apparent that Peter confesseth the Son of Man to be the Christ the Son of the living God who it is certain had not a Divine Nature as they imagine Again the Scripture testifieth of other men that they are Sons of the living God as Paul citeth it out of Hosea Rom 9. 26. and it shall be in the place where it was said unto them you are not my people they shall be there called the Sons of the living God But as to the second and third places in them we read that the proper and only begotten Son of God was not spared but given and delivered to death for us which cannot be said of him that is God by Nature Yea from thence that Christ is the Son of God it is apparent that he is not God otherwise he will be the Son of himself Now the reason why those attributes are ascribed to Christ is this because amongst all the Sons of God he is both the chiefest and most deare to God as Isaac because he was most dear to Abraham and the heir of all things is called the only begotten Heb. 12. 17. although he had a brother Ismael And Solomon is called the only-begotten in the fight of his Mother Prov. 4. 3. although he had more brethren of the same mother 1 Chro. 3. 5. Q. Where is he called the first-born of every creature A. Colos 1. 15. Q. What say you to it A. Neither can it be hence concluded that Christ hath a Divine Nature For since Christ is the first-born of every creature it must needs be that he also is one of the creatures For such is the force of the word first-born in the Scripture that it must of necessity be one of them amongst whom it is the first born as the first-born of sheep is a sheep of asses an asse of men a man But that Christ should be the first-born of creatures in the Old creation the adversaries themselves must not admit unlesse they will become Arrians Wherfore they must confesse that the Lord Jesus Christ is one of the New Creation Whence the Divine Nature of Christ is not only not concluded but it is on the contrary firmly concluded that he hath no Divine Nature But that Christ is by the Apostle called by that name doth hence proceed namely that he both in time and dignity precedeth all other things of the New Creation Q. Where doth the Scripture affirm that he hath all things that the Father hath A. Iohn 16. 15. where Christ himself saith All things that the Father hath are mine And below ch 17. 10. All mine are thine and thine are mine Q. VVhat say you to these places A. The word all as was formerly demonstrated is commonly râ—strained to the subject matter Wherefore from such places no such thing as the adversaries would have can be collected Now the subject matter Iohn 16. is that which the Holy Spirit was to declare unto the Apostles concerning the Kingdom of Christ and c. 17. it is apparent that it is spoken of the Disciples of Christ whom God had given to him whence he also calleth them his own Besides inasmuch as whatsoever Christ hath he hath it from the grant of the Father and not from himself it is hence evident that he hath no such Divine Nature as is imagined Since he that is a God by Nature hath all things from himself Q. But where is Christ called a Father of eternity A. Isa 9. 6. Q. VVhat say you hereunto A. That a Divine Nature cannot hence be proved inasmuch as Christ is for a certain respect called a Father of eternity as may be seen by the words a little before in the same place expressed But it is a wonder that the adversaries urge this place especially according to the English Translation where Christ is called the everlasting Father For this quite subverteth the common Doctrine of the Trinity by confounding the first and second Persons thereof But the words may wel be rendred a Father of eternity or an everlasting Father both because he is the Author of eternall life to them that obey him and liveth for ever to shelter and protect and cherish Christians who are elswhere called his seed See Isa 53. 10. Q. But where are those Elogies given to Christ namely that he is the word or Speech of God the Image of the invisible God the Character or expresse image of his person or substance that he which seeth Christ seeth the Father that in Iesus Christ dwelleth all the fulnesse of the Godhead or of Deity bodily A. Iohn 1. 1. In the beginning was the word compared with Rev. 19. 13. where Christ is called the word of God Col. 1. 15. Heb. 1. 3. Io. 14. 9. Col. 2. 9 Q. What say you to these pleases A. It cannot from thence be concluded that Christ hath a Divine Nature because he is called the Word of God yea the contrary is manifest For since he is the Word of that one God he cannot be that very one God unlesse one wil absurdly and contradictiously say he is the Word of himself Which answer may be given to every one of these testimonies But Jesus
believe it But it is evident that these Quotations do not demonstrate the Father Sonne and Holy Spirit to be three Persons in one Divine Essence Q. Yet from such a Conjunction of those three in divine Operations it seemeth somewhat probable that they are three Persons in one divine Essence A. By no means For as to the first place although the Father Son and Holy Spirit be conjoyned in Baptism yet doth it not therefore follow that they are Persons in one divine Essence both for that it is said in the words immediately going before that all power in heaven on earth was given to the Son which cannot possibly agree to him that is a Person in the divine Essence as also because it is no new thing for the Scripture in other things no lesse divine then Baptism to joyn with God such Persons and Things as no wayes pertain to the divine Essence Of Persons you have an example in the first book of Samuel chap. 12. 18. And all the people greatly feared the Lord and Samuel And in Moses Exod. 14. 31. where according to the Hebrew it is read And the people feared the Lord and believed in the Lord and in his servant Moses Of things you have an instance Acts 20. 32. I commend you to God and to the Word of his Grace Ephes 6. 10. Strengthen your selves in the Lord and in the power of his might Q. But they hold he must needs be God into whose name we are baptized A. They are exceedingly mistaken for we read 1 Cor. 10. 2. that the Israelites were all baptized into Moses And Act. 19. 3. that certain Disciples were baptized into the Baptisme of John Although neither Moses were God nor the Baptisme of John a Person much lesse God Q. But it seemeth one thing to be baptized into any ones name and another to be baptized into any one A. By no means For by vertue of the Hebrew Idiotisme it is oftentimes all one to do something into any ones name and into any one as is sufficiently known Neither need we go far for any instance since the matter in hand will readily furnish us for whereas we read in some places that Disciples were baptized into the name of Christ see Act. 8. 16. Act. 19. 5. we read in others that they were simply baptized into Christ Rom. 6. 3. Gal. 3. 27. Q. What answer give you to the second Quotation A. That although divine operations be attributed to God and to the Lord and to the Holy Spirit yet can it not be rightly inferred thence that these three are of one essence Yea the contrary may be thence clearly collected namely that they cannot be of one essence since the Lord and the Holy Spirit are openly distinguished from God whom we formerly proved to be no other then the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ But because together with God mention is here made of the Lord and of the Holy Spirit this is therefore done because the Lord is he by whom God doth work all these things with the concurrent ministery of the Holy Spirit for here he treateth only of those things that appertain unto the faithfull in whom the Holy Spirit worketh Q. What answer give you to the third A. First since it is known that in the more ancient Greek copies and in the Syriack and in the more antient Latin Versions these words are not extant as the chiefest of our Adversaries do shew nothing certain can be concluded from them Again though they were extant in the Scripture yet could it not be thence concluded that there are three Persons in one Divinity For that place speaketh of no other thing then of witnessing that Jesus is the Son of God or the Christ But that this may be attested not only by such as are divine persons but even by such as are no persons at all appeareth by the following words wherein the Apostle saith that there are three that bear witnesse on the earth the Spirit the Water and the Bloud Now when he saith that the former three are one that this is meant of their being one in testimony and agreement but not in essence is apparent by the following verse where the like expression is found and must be taken in such a sense Q. I perceive by your former discourse that there is but one Person in the divine essence and therefore I would now know how the knowledge hereof is very conducible to salvation A. You will easily perceive that if you consider how pernitious the opinion of the Adverse Party is For first that opinion may easily undermine and weaken the belief of one God whilest one while it confesseth but one God another while acknowledgeth three Persons every one whereof is that one God Secondly it obscureth the glory of that one God who is only the Father of Jesus Christ whilest it transferreth it to another who is not the Father Thirdly it may easily pervert the way of salvation whilest it taketh away the difference between the first and second cause thereof and suffâ—reth us not rightly to acknowledge who is the prime Author of our Salvation and how God manageth the same by Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit In sine it greatly hindreth Aliens from embracing the Christian Religion whilest it delivereth such things as are opposite to divine Truth and sound reason From all which inconveniences that opinion is free which holdeth that there is but one Person in the divine essence Of the Will of God Q. YOu have explained to me the things that pertain to the essence of God explain now those things also that concern his Will A. Those things that concern the Will of God are partly such as all men in generall are and ever have been partakers of them partly such as properly belong to those who are to obtaine eternall life Q. What are those whereof all men in generall have ever been partakers of A. They are three in number first the Creation of heaven and earth and all the things that are therein Act. 14. 15. Secondly his care and providence over all things in particular Mat. 10. 29. Lastly the remuneration of them that seek him that is yeeld themselves obedient to him Heb. 11. 6. Q. Why is it necessary to believe that God created heaven and earth A. There are two principall causes thereof The one that God would have us believe it And therefore in the Scriptures both God and his Ministers do so frequently and clearly admonish us thereof as amongst other testimonies you have it in Isaiah chap. 44. 24. I am the Lord that maketh all things that stretcheth out the heavens alone that spreadeth abroad the earth by my self And in Moses Gen. 1. 1. In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth And in David Psal 33. 6. By the word of the Lord were the heavens made and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth He gathereth the waters of the Sea together as
is therefore called the Word or speech of God because he hath declared the whole will of God to us as John himself seemeth to expound it chap. 1. 18. No man hath seen God at any time the only-begotten Son who is or rather was in the bosome of the Father he hath declared him As he is in the same sense called both Life and Truth And the same may be said of his being called the Image of the invisible God But he is called the expresse Image of his person or substance hereby is meant that God hath already exhibited in him whatsoever he hath promised to us But as to the saying of Christ he that seeth me seeth the Father this is not fit to prove the Divine Nature of Christ since that reason of seeing is not appliable to the Essence of God which is invisible but to the knowledge of those things which Christ as his Fathers Embassador both said and did For proof of this see Joh. 12. 45. Neither lastly can the divine Nature of Christ be evinced from thence namely that all the fulnesse of the Godhead or of Deity dwelleth in him bodily since this word God-head may denote the divine wil see Eph. 3 19. forasmuch as the Apostle doth oppose that speech not to persons but to Philosophy legall ceremonies it is evident that it is meant of the Doctrine of Christ not of his Person But should we take the words as they sound yet could not such a divine Nature as the adversaries have imagined be thence collected For it is true and manifest that the fulnes of Deity or Godhead doth now dwell in Christ even bodily in that his very body is altogether divine as being made both of divine spiritual matter namely that of the heaven see 1 Cor. 15. 45 47 48. and being indued with divine life and divine splendour diviâ—e strength But concerning the word corporally of that we wil discourse somwhat afterwards Q. But where saith the Scripture that Christ had glory with the Father before the world was A. John 17. 5. Now Father glorifie me with thy self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was or as the Greek runneth with the glory which I had before the world was with thee Q. What say you to this place A. Neither can the Divine Nature of Christ be evinced from hence for that Christ might have glory with the Father before the world was and yet not be thereupon God is apparent from 3 Tim. 1. 9. where the Apostle saith of the faithfull that grace was given to them before the world began Besides it is here written that Christ doth beg this glory of the Father which sheweth neither that he was formerly in actual possession therof for then he would have been in possession of it still and consequently needed not as he doth to beg it as the reward of his work nor had a Divine Nature for then his Divine Nature would have supplied him with such glory as he wanted without being beholden to another Wherefore the sense of the place is that Christ beseeches the Father to grant unto him that glory which he had with him in his decree before the world began Q. Where saith the Scripture that the Spirit of Christ was in the Prophets A. 1 Pet. 1. 10. 11. Concerning which salvation the Prophets diligently scarched and inquired who prophesied of the grace that should happen to you searching at what or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ in them did signifie Q. What say you to this A. The spirit here said to be in the Prophets is therefore called the spirit of Christ either by a prolepsis because he is now become the spirit of Christ or because he foresignified the things of Christ as Peter himselfe hinteth saying when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glories that should follow which forme of speech you likewise have 1 Joh. 4. 6. where the spirit of truth and the spirit of error are so called because they speak the things belonging to truth and to error Q. Where saith the scripture that Christ came down from heaven came out from the father and came into the world A Joh. 3. 13. No man hath ascended into heaven but he that descended from heaven the son of man that is or rather was in heaven And chap. 16. 28. I came out from the father and came into the world againe or rather on the contrary I leave the world and go to the father and Ioh 17. 18. As thou hast sent me into the world Q What say you to these passages A. That the divine nature of Christ cannot hence be evinced is apparent in that the words of the first testimony namely who came down from heaven may be figuratively taken as in Jam. 1. 17. Every good donation and every perfect gift is from above descending from the father of light and Rev. 21. 2. 10. I John saw the holy City the new Jerusalem descending from God out of heaven But if they ought properly to be taken which we most willingly admit it is apparent that they are not spoken of any other then the son of man who since he of necessity hath a humane person he cannot be God by nature Moreover whereas the Scripture testifieth of Christ that the father sent him into the world we read the same concerning the Apostles of Christ in the words before quoted John 17. 18. As thou hast sent me into the world so have I also sent them into the world But that saying namely that Christ came out from the Father are equivalent with his descending from heaven but his coming into the world is such a thing which the Scripture sheweth to have happened after his nativity see John 18. 37. where our Lord himself saith I was therefore born and therefore came I into the world that I should bear Record to the truth and 1 John 4. 1. It is written that many false prophets were gone out into the world So that from those forms of speech a divine nature of Christ cannot be evinced But in all these speeches is described how divine the beginning of Christs prophetick office was Q. But where is Christ called that one Lord Lord of glory King of Kings and Lord of Lords A. 1 Cor. 8. 6. To us there is one Lord Jesus Christ by whom are all things and we through him 1 Cor. 2. 8. For had they known they would not have crucified the Lord of glory Rev. 17. 14. They shall make war with the Lamb and the Lamb shall overcome them for he is a King of Kings and Lord of Lords and chap. 19. 16. and he hath on his vesture and thigh a name written King of Kings and Lord of Lords Q. What say you to these testimonies A. As to the first the divine nature of Christ cannot be concluded from the Apostles calling him that one Lord. For first he manifestly distinguisheth him from the father whom
one we must needs be distracted in mind not knowing who hath prescribed that way to us And therefore the Scripture frequently admonisheth us of this thing as you may see in Moses Deut. 6. 4. which passage is cited by Christ himself Mark 12. 29. Hearken Israel thy Lord the God is one Lord. And again in Moses Deut. 32. 39. See that I alone am He and there is no God besides me Esay 44. 6. 8. Esay 45. 5. 14. 21. Esay 46. 9. 1 Cor. 8. 4 5 6. Gal. 3. 20. Eph. 4. 6. 1 Tim. 2. 5. Q. How the third A. Unlesse we believe God to be eternall how can we hope for eternall life from him and so attain the end to which this way doth lead Q. How the fourth A. To believe that God is perfectly just is necessary unto Salvation first that we may perswade our selves that God will make good his Promises to us though we be unworthy Next that we may acknowledge all those trialls to be just which being entred into this way we must of necessity undergo in that they are permitted by God Q. How the fifth A. This is therefore necessary to be known to the end we might not doubt that even our very heart then which nothing is harder to be searched out and from which the chiefest estimate of our obedience is taken lieth alwaies open unto God Q. How the sixth A. Because we could not expect eternall life from the hands of God as the prime Author were we not perswaded that his power is circumscribed with no bounds and limits Againe who would endure so many adversities as are incident to all those that make profession of the Christian Religion were not this perswasion deeply fastned in his heart that all things are in the hands of God and afflictions happen not without his will neither is any thing either in heaven or on earth able to hinder his divine power from accomplishing what he hath promised and we expect from him Q. You have unfolded what things are necessary to be known touching the Essence of God and therefore I pray you now discover what things are very conducible thereunto A. It is very conducible hereunto to know that in the essence of God there is but one Person Q. Demonstrate this I pray you A. Inasmuch as the Essence of God is but one in number there cannot be so many persons therein since a person is nothing but an individuall intelligent Essence Q. Who is this one divine Person A. That one God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ Q. How prove you that A. By the most evident testimonies of the Scripture thus Christ himself Iohn 17. 3. saith This is life eternall that they may know thee Father the onely true God And the Apostle Paul 1 Corinth 8. 6. saith To us there is but one God the Father of whom are all the things we for him And Ephes 4. 6. There is one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in you all Q. But Christians commonly hold that not onely the Father but also the Son and the Holy Spirit are persons in one and the same Deitie A. I know it well but they are grievously mistaken producing arguments for it out of the Scriptures ill understood Q. What are their arguments wherewith they endeavour to prove their opinion A. The chief are these First they say that the Scripture calleth not only the Father but also the Son and the Holy Spirit God And forasmuch as the same Scripture affirmeth that there is but one God hence they gather that these Three are that one God Q. How must this Argument be solved A. I will first make answer concerning the Son and then concerning the Holy Spirit Q. What answer will you make concerning the Son A. The word GOD is two wayes chiefly used in the Scripture The first is when it denoteth him who both in the heavens and on the earth doth so rule and exercise dominion over all that he acknowledgeth no superior and is so the Author and Principall of all things as that he dependeth on none The other is when it designeth him who hath some sublime dominion from that one God and so is in some sort partaker of his Deïty Hence is it that the Scripture calleth that one God the God of Gods or most high God Psal 50. 1. Heb. 7. 1. And in the latter signification the Son of God is in certain places of the Scripture dignified with the title of a God Q. How prove you that the Son of God is in this latter signification dignified with the title of a God A. From the very words of the Son himself John 10. 35. If he call them Gods to whom the Word of God came and the Scripture cannot be broken say ye of him whom the Father hath sanctified and sent into the world Thou blasphemest because I said I am the Son of God By this speech Christ doth clearly intimate both that the word GOD is somtime attributed unto them in the Scripture who are far inferiour to that one God as also that he called himself the Son of God and consequently a God for no greater reason then because he had been sanctified by the Father and sent into the world Q. But what answer give you concerning the Holy Spirit A. The Holy Spirit is no where in the Scripture expresly called God and though in some places the things of God are attributed to him yet doth it not thereupon follow that he is either God or a person of the Deity since this happeneth for another cause as you shall hear in in its place Q. VVhat is the second argument wherewith they go about to prove the three Persons in one Deity A. It is taken from those places wherein mention is made of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit Q. VVhich are those places A. The first is that where Jesus commandeth his Aposties to make all Nations Disciples baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit Mat. 28. 19. The second is that where the Apostle writeth in this manner There are diversities of Gifts but the same Spirit And diversities of Ministeries but the same Lord. And diversities of Operations but the same God that operateth all the things in all 1 Cor. 12. 4 5 6. And afterwards in the eleventh verse of the same chapter he saith But all these things operateth one and the same Spirit distributing to every one as he will The third is in John 1 Epist 5. 7. There are three that hear witnesse in heaven the Father the Word and the Holy Spirit and these three are one Q. What are we to think of these Quotations A. In generall I answer that these Quotations onely shew that there is a Father Sonne and Holy Spirit which we not only acknowledge but constantly assert so that we pronounce him to be no Christian who is either ignorant thereof or doth not
thus And Iesus was about thirty years of age when he began being as it was received by Law the son of Ioseph I say if you compare these Texts with the first words of Iohns Gospel Q. What answer you to the second A. Neither is here any express mention made of his being from Eternity from this place the Scripture testifieth that the Son of man that is Jesus Christ as man who it is certain could not possibly have been from Eternity in that he was born at a certain time had been sometimes in Heaven namely when he ascended up thither to receive his message from God Q. What answer you to the third A. In this place the being of Christ from Eternity is not onely not exprest since it is one thing to have been before Abraham another to have been from Eternity but not so much as this namely that he was before his Virgin-Mother For that those words may be read otherwise namely Verily verily I say unto you before he become Abraham I am he appeareth from those places in the same Evangelist where there is the same expressions in Greek as chap. 13. 19. From this instant I tell it you before it come to passe that after it is come to passe you may believe that I am he And chap. 14. 29 Now I have told you before it come to passe that when it is come to pass you may believe Q. What would the sense of that reading be A. Very elegant For Christ admonisheth the Jewes who went about to catch him in his words that whilst they had opportunity they should believe him to be the Christ or Light of the world before the Divine Grace that Christ offered to them was taken away from them and translated to the Gentiles Now that those words I am he are to be supplyed in the same manner as if he had said I am the Christ will appear by comparing Mark 13. 6. with Math. 24. 5. See also Iohn 8. 24. 28. Again that those words Before he become Abraham do signifie what we have said may be discovered by the meaning of the word Abraham which as the Scripture Gen 17. 5. doth hint signifieth a Father of many Nations Wherefore since Abraham did not become Abraham indeed that is a Father of many Nations until the grace of God manifested in Jesus Christ redounded unto many Nations in that he was before the Father of but one Nation it is apparent that the meaning of these words which we have brought is genuine and true Q. What are the testimonies of the Scripture wherein they think the being of Christ from Eternity is not expressed yet may be deduced thence A. Those which seem to attribute some things to the Lord Jesus from Eternity but others at a certain and determinate time Q. What are those places that attribute certain things to the Lord Iesus from Eternity A. They are those from whence they endeavour to evince that Christ was begotten out of the Essence of the Father from Eternity Q. From what places do they endeavour to evince that Christ was begotten out of the Essence of the Father from Eternity A. From these chiefly Mich. 5. 2. And thou Bethlchem Ephrata though thou be least amongst the thousands of Iudah yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be Ruler in Israel whose goings forth have been from the beginning from the dayes of Eternity And Psalm 2. 7. Thou art my Son this day have I begotten thee And Pal. 110. 3. Where according to the vulgar translation it is read From the womb before the morning star have I begotten thee And Prov. 8. 23. where Wisdome saith of her self I was begotten from Eternity Q. How must one answer these quotations A. Before I make an answer to each you must know that that generation out of the Essence of the Father is impossible For if Christ had been begotten out of the Essence of the Father either he had taken part of the Essence or the whole he could not take part of the Essence because it is not dividable nor the whole since it is one in number and therefore incommunicable Q. What answer is to be given to the first quotation A. This passage maketh nothing for Christs generation out of the Essence of the Father from eternity in that mention is here made of a beginning and of dayes which have no place in eternity And these words which in the vulgar translation are rendred From the dayes of eternity are read in the Hebrew From the dayes of age but the dayes of age are the same with the dayes of old as Isa 63. 9 11 Mal. 3. 4. So that the sense of the place is that Christ should fetch the Original of his Birth from the very beginning and from the antient times that is from that time when God established a King over his people which was done in David who was both a Bethlemite and the Author of the Stock and Family of Christ It is further observable that those words Have been are not found in the Hebrew and therefore nothing compelleth us to understand them rather then some others as namely have been determined or appointed or fore-known which last word is taken out of the Apostle Peter 1 Epist 1. 19. 20. Q. What say you to the second A. Neither is there any mention touching the generation of Christ out of the Essence of the Father from eternity for the word to day inasmuch as it denoteth a certain time cannot signifie eternity And that God begate him doth not evince that it was out of his own Essence especially considering that these words as Interpreters observe were in the first sense spoken of David of whom it is certain that he was neither begotten from eternity not out of the Essence of God Besides the Apostle Paul applyeth the same words to the resurrection of Christ Acts 13 33. and the divine Author to the Hebrews alledgeth them to demonstrate the glorification of Christ whereby he became an High-Priest Hebr. 5. 5. Finally it is apparent from the Scripture that God begeteth sons otherwise then out of his Essence thus are the faithful said to be begotten of God Iohn 1. 13. 1 Iohn 3. 9. 1. Iohn 5. 1. 4. Iames 1. 18. Q. What say you to the third A. We must know that in the vulgar and Greek versions that place is ill rendered for it is read otherwise in the Hebrew namely From the womb of the morning thou hast the dew of thy youth or Birth In which words he either speaketh of the perpetual vigour of Christs life which should be continually fresh and flourishing or else of the multitude of Christians that should issue from him and be in number equal to the drops of the morning dew Q. What say you to the fourth A. That you may the better perceive the thing you must know that the Adversaries reason from this place in this manner The Wisdome of God was begotten from
whose house is by the sea-side he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do 2 Epist of John v. 7. Many deceivers are entred into the world who confesse not Iesus coming in flesh to be Christ. This is the deceiver and the Antichrist From which places it appeareth that the relative hath not respect to the neerest antecedent but to that which is more remote Wherefore the meaning of those words of Iohn This is the true God and eternall life is thus This whereof I have last spoken is the true God namely he that hath for his Son Jesus Christ and it is also eternall life namely to know the true God and to be in him by his Son Jesus Christ With this accordeth that passage of Christ himself Iohn 7. 3. This is Life eternall that they know thee Father the only true God and whom thou hast sent Iesus Christ Q. What say you to the fourth A. The words of Iude v. 4. run thus denying the only Master God and our Lord Jesus Christ Form which place because there is but one article prefixed in the Greek they conclude that both descriptions ought to be referred to one petson and consequently to Christ But this observation taken from the unity of the article prefixed to severall words is not perpetuall as appeareth by the inspection of these places in the Greek Mat. 16. 1. Luke 19. 45. Act. 15 41. 1 Thes 1. 8. Heb. 9. 19. Eph. 2. 20. Eph. 3. 5. Wherefore we must have our chiefe recourse to the nature of the thing it self Q. What say you to the fifth A. The fifth testimony is that of Paul Tit. 2. 13. Looking for that blessed hope and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Iesus Christ In which words that the Epithete of great God is referred unto Christ the adversaries endeavour to evince with two reasons the first is taken from the unity of the articles prefixed in the Greek the other from our expectance not of the Father but of the Son The first of which reasons was solved a little before To the second I answer that Paul in the Greek doth not say the glorious appearing of the great God but the appearing of the glory of the great God Now it is certain that Christ shall come to judge the world not only in his own glory but also in the glory of his Father Luke 9. 26. Mat. 16. 27. Again what inconvenience is it to say that when Christ cometh to judge the world God doth come since Christ in judging the world sustaineth the person of God from whom he hath received his authority of executing judgement Q. What say you to the sixth A. The sixth testimony is this Rev. 4. 8. Holy holy holy is the Lord God Almighty who was and is and is to come This passage is therefore by the adversaries referred to Christ because they suppose that none is to come but Christ for he is to come to judge the quick and dead But we must know that that word which is here rendred to come may as well be rendred to be as Iohn 16. 13. Where Christ saith of the Holy Spirit whom he promised to the Apostles that he should tell them things to come that is to be And Act. 18. 21. We read of a feast to come that is to be Again who perceiveth not that when it hath been first said who was and is and it is immediately added and is to come that to come is all one with to be that the speech may in every part be understood of existence and not in the two first clauses of existence in the last of coming Neither is there any one that may not easily observe that the eternity of God is here described which comprehendeth the time past present and future But that which detecteth this grosse mistake is Rev. 1. 4 5. where we read Grace and peace be to you from him that was and is and is to come and from the seven Spirits that are before his Throne and from Jesus Christ the faithfull and true witnesse From which testimony it appeareth that Jesus Christ is quite another then He that is and was and is to come Q. What say you to the seventh A. The seventh runneth thus Take heed to your selves and to the whole flock over which the Holy Spirit hath made you Bishops to rule the Church of God which he hath purchased with his own bloud Act. 20. 28. Whereunto I answer that the name God is not here referred to Christ but to God the Father who is from the beginning of the speech perpetually understood by the name of God and whose bloud the Apostle calleth that bloud which Christ did shed in such a way of speaking and for such 〈◊〉 cause as the Prophet saith That he which toucheth the people of God toucheth the apple of Gods Eye For the exceeding great conjunction that is between God the Father and Christ although they be different in Essence causeth the bloud of Christ to be called the bloud of God the Father especially if it be considered as shed for us For Christ is the Lamb of God that taketh away the sins of the world Whence the bloud shed to that purpose is called the bloud of God himself and that deservedly Neither is it to be passed by that in the Syriack Edition it is not read God but Christ Q. What say you to the eighth A. The eighth runs thus Hereby perceive we the love of God because he laid down his life for us 1 John 3. 16. First therefore you must know that in no Greek edition save the Complutensian nor in the Syriack Translation is the word God read But though this word were read in all copies should therefore the word He be referred to God At no hand Not only for the forementioned reason in answer to the third testimony namely that relatives are not alwaies referred to the persons next going before but also because John referreth the word He sundry times in this Epistle to him that was a great while before named as in the 29. verse of the foregoing chapter where he saith If ye know that he is just know that he that doth justice is generated of him Where by him as both the thing it self and the following words shew is meant the Father although in the words next going before mention had been made of Christ only Q. You have given me satisfaction as to the names of Christ I would now therefore have you explain those quotations that have respect to the works of Christ which the Adversaries imagine are ascribed to him by the Scripture A. They are such wherein they imagine the Scripture attributeth unto Christ that he created the heaven and the earth that he conserveth all created things that he brought the people of Israel out of Egypt that he was with them in the wildernesse conducting them and doing good to them that his glory was seen by Isaiah that he was incarnate Q.
tempted From these words likewise it can not be shown that Christ was indeed tempted in the wildernesse For instance should any man say let us not be refractory to the Magistrate as some of our Ancestors were it could not thence be concluded that the same numericall Magistrate is in both places designed Now if there be found in the Scriptures such kinds of speaking wherein the like speech is referred to him whose name was a little before expressed without any repetition of the same person this hap'neth in such a place where no other besides him whose name was expressed can possibly be understood as Deut. 6. 16. Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God as thou temptedst in Massah But in this speech of the Apostle whereof we speak another then Christ may be understood as Moses the Angel c. see Num. 21. 5. Q. From what place prove they that the glory of Christ was seen by Isaiah A. From Iohn 12. 41. These things spake Isaiah when he saw his glory and spake of him Q. What say you hereunto A. First that these words are not of necessity to be referred to Christ inasmuch as they may be referred to God the Father For the words that are set a little before are spoken of the same namely he hath blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts Again the glory which Isaiah saw might be yea was not a present but a future glory For it is proper to Prophets to see the things that are to come Whence likewise they were called Seers 1 Sam. 9. 9. Finally although you understand these words of that glory which was then present and seen by Isaiah yet is it one thing to see one's glory another thing to see himself for in the glory of that one God Isaiah likewise saw the glory of the Lord Christ for the Prophet there saith The earth is full of the glory of the Lord. Which thing was then accomplished when Jesus Christ first appeared to the people of the Jewes and afterwards was preached to the whole world Q. From what testimonies of Scripture do they endeavour to demonstrate that Christ was as they say incarnated A. From Iohn 1. 14. where according to their Translation it is read The Word was made flesh And from Phil. 2. 6 7. Who Christ Jesus being in the form of God thought it not robbery to be equal to God But made himself of no reputation taking upon him the form of a servant being made in the likenesse of men And being found in fashion as a man he humbled himself c. from 1 Tim. 3. 16. Great is the mystery of godliness God was manifested in flesh And frō Heb. 2. 16. For verily he took not on him the nature of Angels but he took on him the seed of Abraham And from 1 Ioh. 4. 3. Every spirit that confesseth Iesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God And lastly from Heb. 10. 5. Wherfore entring into the world he saith Sacrifice offering thou wouldest not but a body hast thou prepared for me Q. What say you to the first testimony A. That it is not there said that God was incarnated or that the divine Nature assumed a humane For it is one thing to say The Word was made flesh another that God was incarnated as they say or that the divine Nature assumed a humane Besides these words The Word or rather the Speech was made flesh may and ought to be thus rendred The Word was flesh Thus the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is rendred verse 6. of this very chapter There was a man sent by God his name John And Luk. 24. 19. Who was a Prophet great in word and deed And these places with sundry others shew that it may be so rendred But that it ought to be so rendred the order of the Evangelists words sufficiently teacheth for it would have been incongruous to have said that the Word was made flesh that is as the adversaries would have it assumed a Humane Nature after he had already spoken those things of the Word which followed the Nativity of Jesus Christ as namely that John the Baptist gave testimony of him that he was in the world that his own received him not that to them who received him he gave power to become the Sons of God Q. How is that to be understood that the Word was flesh A. That he by whom God perfectly revealed his whole will and who had been therefore by John called the Word or Speech was a man of the same constitution with others and subject to the same infirmity afflictions and death For in this sense the Scripture useth the word flesh as appeareth from those places where God saith My spirit shall not alwaies strive with man for that he also is flesh Gen. 6. 3. And Peter out of Isaiah saith All flesh is grasse 1 Pet. 1. 24. Q. What say you to the third A. It is one thing to say that Jesus Christ being in the form of God took the form of a servant and that the Divine Nature assumed a Humane For here the form of God cannot design the Divine Nature in that the Apostle writeth that Christ emptied himself of that form But God can by no means empty himself of his nature Neither doth the form of a servant denote a humane nature since to be a servant is referred to the fortune and condition of a man But neither is it to be concealed that the writings of the New Covenant doth use the word form elswhere but once namely Mark 16. 12. and that in such a sense wherein not the nature but exteriour fashion is signified whilest it saith that Jesus appeared to two of his Disciples in another form Q. But from those words which the Apostle presently after subjoyns namely He was found in fashion of a man doth it not appear that he was as they say incarnated A. At no hand For it is said of Sampson Judg. 16. 7. 11. that if such and such a thing was done to him he should become as a man And Asaph Psa 82. denounceth to those whom he had called Gods Sons of the most high that they should die like men notwithstanding it is certain it cannot be said that they were as the adversaries say incarnated Q. But how do you understand this whole place A. Thus that Christ who conversed in the world as God doing the works of God and receiving divine worship did when God so willed and the salvation of man required become as a servant and vassall and as one of the vulgar men when he of his own accord suffered himself to be bound whipt and crucified Q. What say you to the third A. First that in many ancient copies and in the vulgar Translation the word God is not here found so that nothing certain can be concluded out of this place Again though we read the word God there yet is there no cause why it should not be referred to the Father
since it may of him be affirmed that he was manifested in Christ and the Apostles who were flesh And though it be afterwards according to the vulgar translation read that he was received up into glory yet is it in the Greek he was received in glory that is with glory or gloriously Q. What then is the sense of this place A. That you may the better perceive it I will cite the whole Thus therefore the Apostle saiâ—h God was manifested in flesh was justified in spirit was seen of Angels was preached to the Gentiles was believed in the world was received in glory The meaning of all which is this The Christian Religion is full of mysteries For God that is the divine Will touching the salvation of men was perfectly discovered by weak and mortall men and yet notwithstanding by reason of the miracles wrought by the spirit in confirmation of the Gospel it was acknowledg'd for true The same was at length perceived by the Angels themselves preached not only to the Jews but also to the Gentiles and not only generally believed but entertained with the greatest glory and magnificence Q. What say you to the fourth A. In it there is not so much as a resemblance of an Incarnation since the divine Author doth not say took but taketh nor humane nature but the seed that is the posterity of Abraham And indeed to shew the invalidity of the argument taken from this place there needs no more then to consult the various reading of the English Translators set in the margin Q. What then is the sense of this place A. The meaning of the Author is that Christ is not the Saviour of Angels but men who being subject to afflictions leath which thing he before exprest by the participation of flesh bloud therfore Christ of his own accord submitted himself to the same that he might free the faithfull from the fear of death and succour them in all their afflictions Q. What say you to the fifth A. Here likewise is nothing to assert the incarnation as they term it For wheras it is read in the ordinary Bibles Every spirit that confesseth Jesus to be come in the flesh is of God The Greek hath it Every spirit that confesseth Iesus Christ come in flesh or Every spirit that confesseth Iesus come in flesh to be Christ That is Every spirit is of God that confesseth Iesus who discharged his Embassie on the earth without any worldly pomp ostentation in the most humble manner as to his outward presence with the greatest contempt finally indured a most ignominious death to be the Christ or King of the people of God Q. VVhat say you to the sixth A. Here also is no mention of any Incarnation since the world whereinto this Author here saith that Christ entred to performe his offering is as hath been formerly shown the vvorld to come Whence to enter into the world doth not here signifie to be born but to passe into the heaven Again by body in those words A body hast thou prepared me may be understood an immortall one Q. What then is the sense of the place A. That God while Jesus was entring into heaven furnished him with such a body as was very suitable fit to discharge his Priestly Office Q. You have hitherto explained the places of Scripture from whence they endeavour to prove that which is not found there I entreat you therefore now to alledge those places from whence they draw wrong conclusions A. The Scriptures from whence they draw their wrong conclusions either directly concern Christ or are referred to him by a certain accommodation Q. What are those that directly have respect to Christ A. They are such wherein Christ is called either a God or one with God or equall to God or the Son of the living God or the proper or only begotten Son of God or the first born of every creature or having all things that the Father hath or the Father of eternity or the Word of God or the Image of the Invisible God or the Character of his substance or he who being seen the Father is seen or in whom the fulnesse of Deity dwelleth bodily or that had glory with the Father before the world was or whose Spirit was in the Prophets or that came down from heaven came out from the Father and came into the world was sent by the Father into the world or the only Lord Lord of Glory King of Kings Lord of Lords and to whom Faith and divine honor pertaineth Q. In what places of the Scripture is the word God attributed to Christ A. Joh. 1. 1. The Word was a God And c. 20. 28. Thomas saith to Christ My Lord and my God And RoÌ„ 9. 5. writeth that Christ is a God over all to be blessed for evermore Q. What say you to these passages A. That it cannot from thence be demonstrated that Christ had as the adversaries speak a Divine Nature may to omit what hath been formerly spoken be made appear from hence namely that it is spoken in the first testimony touching such a word as was with God In the second Thomas calleth him his God in whose hands and feet he found the prints of the nails and in his side the print of the spear And Paul saith that he who was of the Fathers according to the flesh was over all a God to be blessed for evermore All which it is cleer cannot possibly be said of him that is God by Nature For from the first it would follow that there are two Gods whereof the one was with the other As for the other twain namely to have the prints of wounds and to be of the Fathers do altogether pertain to a man which that they should be ascribed to him that is God by Nature is very absurd But if any one to cloak the businesse pretend the distinction of Natures we have formerly removed that and taught that this distinction is not to be endured Q. Where doth the Scripture teach that Christ is one with the Father A. John 10. 29. 30. Where the Lord saith The Father that gave me the sheep is greater then all and none can snatch them out of the Fathers hand I and my Father are one Q. What say you to this proof A. When it is said that Christ is one with the Father it cannot be thence evinced that he is one with him in Nature as the words of Christ himself spoken to the Father about the Disciples to demonstrate see Jo. 17. 11. Father keep them in thy name whom thou hast given to me that they may be one as we are one And afterwards v. 22 The glory which thou hast given me have I given them that they may be one as we are one Now that Christ is one with the Father this ought to be taken of unity or onenesse in will or power as to the businesse of mans Salvation Yea that the Divine Nature of Christ
Ierusalem nor have rested in the worship of the calves had they not been perswaded that they worshipped God in them Q. What is added to this Precept in the new covenant A. That we do not onely abstain from adoring images but also utterly avoid them and fly from them See 1 Iohn 5. 21. Little children keep your selves from idols 1 Cor. 8. and chap. 10. 14. wherefore my beloved brethren fly from Idolatry Q. In what manner are idolls to be avoided A. By being absent from those places where images are worshipped and not partaking of those things that are consecrated to them as it doth clearly appear out of those places which was a little before quoted Q. what is the third Precept A. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain Q. What is it to take name of God in vain A. To call God to record in false matters Q. What is added to this Precept under the new covenant A. First that we may call to record not onely God but also Christ inasmuch as the Lord Christ searcheth the hearts and reins Rev. 3 13. next that it is nâ—â— only unlawfull for us to forswear our selves but to swear at all unlesse it be in most weighty matters and such wherein the glory of God is concerned and then it must not be done rashly but with great fear of God and singular caution Q. Where is is written concerning this matter A. Matt. 5. 33 34. And ye have heard that it was said to them of old thou shalt not forswear thy self but thou shalt pay thy vows to the Lord and concerning which matter see also what is written Iam. 5. 12. Q. Since the Lord forbiddeth to swear at all how prove you that it is lawfull to swear in most grave and weighty matters A. That word at all hath not such a sence as if it were not lawfull at all to swear in any case whatsoever for it is opposed to voluntary oaths and such as proceeded from lightnesse such as the law of Moses did not forbid if they were true whereas our Saviour Christ opposeth his doctrine to that of Moses in this point besides we read that the apostles have sworn as Rom. 1. 9. 2 Cor. 1. 23. and chap. 11. 31. Phil. 1. 8. 1 Thes 2. 5. 10. 1 Cor. 15. 31. but to take away all scruple concerning the forequoted place Mat. 5. 33. 34. c. let it be well considered whether it be not here spoken of such paths wherein a man promiseth that he will do something and are therefore called promissary oaths which though lawfull under the law do by these words of Christ seem to be altogether forbidden unto Christians under the Gospel see also the other forecited place Iames 5. 12. which giveth light hereunto Q. Why should the Lord Iesus forbid us to swear voluntarily and lightly even in the things that are true A. That the name of the most high God and of our Lord Jesus Christ should be in the greater veneration again lest by levity of swearing we should learn to forswear our selves Q. Is it lawfull to swear by others besides God and Christ A. At no hand for neither hath God given to any other besides Christ to search the heart and reins Q. What is the fourth Precept A. Remember to keep holy the Sabboth day c. Q. What think you of this Precept A. That it is taken away under the new covenant as well as other ceremoniall observations Q. Why was it inserted into the Decalogue A. That it might appear that the chiefest part of the Mosaicall Law was not perfect and a hint might thereby be given that a far perfecter Law should succeed in room of Moses Law namely the Law of our Lord Jesus Christ Q. Did not Christ institute that we should celebrate the day commonly called the Lords day instead of a Sabboth A. By no means since the Christian Religion as it taketh away other ceremoniall observations so also the difference of dayes see Coll. 2. 16. but forasmuch as we see the Lords day to be of old celebrated by Christians we permit the same liberty to all Christians Q. What is the fifth Precept A. Honour thy Father and Mother c. Q. VVhat is it to honour our Parents A. To be obedient to them in all things which are not repugnant to the word of God and to shew all thankfullnesse to them for the benefits we have received from them Ephes 9. 1 2. 1 Tim. 5. 4. Q. But what is the duty of Parents A. That they do not provoke their children but educate them in the nurture and admonition of the Lord Eph. 6. 4. Coll. 3 21. Q. What is it to provoke children A. To chastise them without cause or exceed measure in chastising them or alwayes to pursue ones right and forgive nothing to them for by these means children are discouraged But the Apostle injoyneth that Parents provoke not their children lest they be discouraged Q. VVhat is it to educate them in the nurture and admonition of the Lord A. To introduce them into the wayes of the Lord and the obedience of his commandements both by pious conferences and exhortations and examples and example and conversation see Deut. 11. 19. where there is a singular Precept concerning this matter that parents talk with their children about the law of God at morning and at even and not onely at home but also when they are abroad when they are in their Journey Q. VVhat hath the Lord Iesus added this Precept A. There seemeth nothing added hereunto Neverthelesse whatsoever is delivered in the new covenant concerning Subjects and Magistrates wives and husbands servants and Masters seemeth referrible hereunto by reason of the mutuall duties that are between them as between parents and children Q. What is the duty of Subjects towards the Magistrate A. To obey the Magistrate not onely for fear but for conscience to pay him tribute and custome to honour and fear him Q. What is the Office of the Magistrate A. To acknowledge their power given them by God for the defence of good men and terrour of wicked men see Rom. 13. 1 2 3 4 5. Q. What is the duty of wives toward their Husbands A. That they be obedient to their Husbands in all things as the Church is to Christ and that they fear their Husbands Ephe. 5. 24 33. 1 Pet. 3. 5. Col. 3. 18. Q. What is the duty of Husbands towards their Wives A. That they love them as Christ loved the Church and as their own bodies and give honour to them as to the weaker vessels and do not rage against them See Ephes 5. 25 28. Col. 3. 19. 1 Pet. 3. 7. Q. What is the duty of Servants towards their Masters A. To obey their Masters with fear and trembling and sincerity of heart as Christ not giving eye-service as Men-pleasers but as servants of Christ doing the will of God from their hearts with good-will serving the Lord and
first A. The Apostle doth not there speak of a will and endeavour to obey the commandments of God for this would be repugnant to all the Scriptures which inculcate nothing more frequently then an endeavour to live according to the Commandements of God but of such a will and endeavour whereby we prevent God and move him to propose his benefits to us Which that it is so appeareth from the very position of the Apostle which is such Not all who are born of Abraham according to the flesh are truly his sons and such as to whom the promises of Eternall Happinesse made to the seed of Abraham doe belong but only those whom God vouchsafeth that Grace without any regard had to their birth according to the flesh of which sort are they that have believed in God through Christ of what parents soever they are descended and by this means are become the children of Abraham according to the Spirit Whence it followeth that righteousnesse and salvation are not to be fetched from the Law of Moses which was sometimes delivered to the posterity of Abraham and Israel according to the flesh but by the Faith of Jesus Christ which hath since been proposed for ever by the same God to the Spirituall sons of Abraham and Israel And this is the genuine meaning of the place Wherefore as we willingly consent that there is no man who by his willing and running could or can obtain to move God to conferre some benefit upon him so in like manner after God hath offered Grace that a man either cannot accept and embrace the Grace offered or guide his life according to the prescript of the Divine Will we account a pernicious Errour Q. What say you to the second A. This way of drawing likewise doth not take away the liberty of our will for neither is it done in such a manner as that God should offer violence unto men but God by holding forth the excellency and certainty of his promises doth draw men unto his Son Now that this manner of drawing is not made by force or violence first appeareth from what our Saviour sub-joyneth in the same place where he explaineth that way of drawing saying They shall be all taught of God He therefore that hath heard from the Father and learned he commeth unto me John 6. 45. where it is clear that to be drawn by the Father is no other then to hear from the Father and to be taught And how that is done appeareth from the words of Christ a little after expressed Not that any man hath seen the Father but he that was from God he hath seen the Father ver 46. Again it is perspicuous that that way of drawing pertaineth unto all to whom the declaration of the Gospell doth come as may be easily collected from that place where Jesus saith When I am lifted up from the Earth I will draw all men unto me John 12. 32. Q. VVhat say you to the third A. That this passage taketh not away the liberty of the will may hence appear in that here is no mention made of God who ordained those men to Eternall Life but it is onely said simply that they believed as many as were ordained to Eternall Life which may be understood of the men themselves that they were ordained that is fit and set in a posture to embrace the doctrine of Christ and so to lay hold on Eternall Life therein proposed as it is spoken a little before in the same Chapter in a thing contrary to this namely that others judgeth themselves unworthy of Eternall Life Acts 13. 46. And as Christ saith afterwards Act. 18. 10. That he had much people at Corinth for no other cause then that they were apt to become his people Q. VVhat are the testimonies pertaining to certain persons A. Amongst others those wherein it is written that God hardneth the heart of Pharaoh and that Judas who was an Apostle of Christ did betray his Lord that the Scripture might be fulfilled from whence the Adversaries inferre that he was forced thereunto Q. What say you to these places A. I confesse that God doth sometimes so reject certain men from his Grace that they can neither repent nor be amended But those works and actions of God doe no wayes if we speak simply take away Free-will since those examples wherein they appear are singular Which God would therefore have extant because the men when they might did neverthelesse refuse to obey God and therefore God had been for a long time worthy that God should execute his judgments upon them which he when he thought did accordingly execute upon them of which sort was Pharaoh who had long before afflâ—cted the people of God and Judas who had been long before a Thief and covetous person and therefore God made use of them to perpetrate such horrid deeds CHAP. XI Of Justification Q. SInce I understand what Faith is and how far forth in our power now shew what we get by that Faith A. By Faith on Christ we get Justification Q. What is Justification A. It is when God accounteth us for just which he doth then when he doth both forgive our sins and endue us with Eternall Life concerning which Paul openly testifieth whilst he saith that the happinesse of a man consisteth herein that God imputeth righteousnesse to him Rom. 4. 6. And then addeth out of the 32 Psalme that blessed is the man to whom the Lord imputeth not sinne Q. Is none then justified without Faith in Christ A. None at all But this is to be understood of that time since Christ hath been revealed Concerning which those words of Peter also are to be understood That there is no name under Heaven given among men whereby we must be saved but the name of Jesus Act. 4. 12. For as to the time that went before the Revelation of Christ this cannot be affirmed thereof For although all men that ever believed in God shall by Faith be justified as may be openly gathered from Heb. 11. Yet notwithstanding that way of Justification was not comprehended in the Covenant given by Moses but meerly depended of the Grace of God Whereas now the manner of Justification by Faith in Christ is contained in the very New Covenant Whence their Faith did not include Faith in Christ and therefore the Apostle saith that Faith came by the Gospell Gal. 3. 22 23 24 25. So that they were not justified by Faith in the Son of God but by Faith on God himself alone Q. But that place Act. 15. 11. seemeth to oppugne this opinion where the Apostle Peter saith that we hope to be saved by the Grace of the Lord Jesus as well as they that is the Fathers A. In this place the word they is not referred to the Fathers immediately before mentioned for neither is it here treated of them but to the Gentiles of whom it is here purposely discoursed who are sundry times in the same speech opposed to
the believing Jewes as the Jewes to the believing Gentiles For thus we read God therefore who knoweth the heart gave testimony unto them that is the Gentiles having imparted the Holy Spirit unto them as also unto us Jewes neither hath he put a difference between us and them having purified their hearts by Faith And now why tempt ye God to put a yoke meaning the Law of Moses on the necks of the Disciples that is the Gentiles which neither we nor our Fathers were able to bear Yea by the Grace of the Lord Jesus c. Neither is it any impediment to this interpretation that word Fathers is nearer then the word Disciples as we have formerly shewn from the places which we alledged on a like occasion Also neither is that of any moment that the word they is of the Masculine and the Word Gentiles in the Greek of the Neuter gender for the word Gentiles is elsewhere found in the Scripture either joyned with a masculine gender or related thereunto vide Mat. 28. 19. But if this will not be here admitted we say that the word they is commodiously referred to the word Disciples going before which is of the masculine gender Of Christs KINGLY Office Q. I Have perceived all things pertaining to the Prophetick Office of Christ proceed I pray you to his other Offices namely the Kingly and Priestly A. Thus then the Kingly Office of Christ falleth under a two-fold consideration both of the Kingdome it self and of the people subject thereunto Q. VVhat is the consideration of the Kingdom it selfe A. Namely that God hath placed Christ being raised from the dead and taken up into Heaven at his right Hand having given to him all power both in Heaven and on Earth and put all things in subjection under his feet that he might govern defend and Eternally save those that believe in him Quest Where are these things extant Answ The Scripture is full of them but the Apostle Paul giveth a singular attestation thereunto Ephes 1. 19 20. c. where he saith that God the Father put forth the exceeding greatnesse of his power when he raised Jesus Christ from the dead and set him at his right hand in the Heavenly places far above all Principality and Authority and force and Lordship and every name that is named not onely in this world but in the world to come c. and the Apostle Peter Act. 5. 30 31. saith that the God of their Fathers had raised up Jesus whom the Jewes had slain hanging him on a tree And that he had exalted him to be a Prince and Saviour to give Repentance and Remission of sins to Israel Q But the Adversaries say that Christ raised himself Answ They are exceedingly mistaken since the Scripture saith manifestly in infinite places that God the Father of Christ raised him from the dead Which is so true that the writings of the New Covenant in many places not expressing the Name of God doe thus describe him He that raised Jesus Christ from the dead Rom. 4. 24. chap. 8. 11. Q. How cometh it to passe that they hold such an opinion A. They think it is hinted in some passages of the Scripture as when Christ John 2. 19. saith Destroy this Temple and in three dayes I will raise it up And afterwards John 10. 17 18. Therefore the Father loveth me because I lay down my life that I may take it again None taketh it from me but I lay it down of my self I have power to lay it down and power to take it again And Peter 1 Epist 3. 18. Christ once suffered the just for the unjust that he might bring us to God being mortified in the Flesh but quickned in the Spirit Q. What answer you to the first Answ First I answer that so few obscure and figurative places ought not to be opposed to so many and perspicuous ones so that a few obscure places should explain many perspicuous ones but rather the few and obscure places should be interpreted according to the tenour of the many and perspicuous ones Again as to the first testimony the sense may be that Christ being brought again from the dead should raise up or erect his Body namely when God had put life again into it But indeed in such figurative expressions not so much the words in particular as the sense is to be attended especially if the obvious and literall sense seem to contain in it somewhat that is false and repugnant to other places of the Scripture Yet neverthelesse if any man will obstinately urge that expression I will raise it up let him consider first that the Scripture is wont to say a man doth a thing which he onely causeth to be done or is the occasion thereof thus Jeremy chap. 38. 23. saith to Zedekiah Thou shalt be taken by the hand of the King of Babylon and thou shalt burn this City with fire for so the Hebrew context hath it And John 12. 25. He that hateth his life or rather soul in this world shall keep it unto Eternall life Yet neither did Zedekiah if you speak properly burn the City nor doe those that suffer death for the Word of God properly keep their Soul Secondly in as much as the Jewes demand of Christ that he should doe a Signe it was necessary that he should so shape his answer as if he himself were to doe the thing he speaketh of otherwise he had not so oppositely answered them yet that his words might carry a sufficient intimation that he himself should not properly do the work it is observable that in the Greek he omits the particle I saying onely 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 not 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which had it been inserted would have clearly shewn that he had truly raised himself though even then it could not have been thence firmly collected that he did it by his own power and consequently was the most High God Quest How thence is the place to be understood Answ As if Christ should say though you take me out of the way yet shall I after three dayes be raised from the dead and restored which will be a clear signe that I was sent by God Q What say you to the second A. This speech doth not prove that Christ when he was dead had some power in him to raise himself since we read of believers that power is given to them to become the Children of God that is immortall though it be certain that God enduing them with immortality will make them his sons John 1. 12. so that the meaning of the passage is this I have power to lay down my life because I have received this commandment from my Father whose command giveth sufficient power and authority for the doing of any thing I have also power or right or priviledge as the Greek will bear to take it or receive it as the Greek may also be rendred because the Father hath promised that if I lay down my