concluded all vnder sinne that the promise by the faith of Iesus Christ should be giuen to them that beleeue For the explication of this principle we must vnderstand 1. First that the Scriptures make mention of three couenants that God hath made The one generall and terrene with all creatures about their preseruation from the vniuersall deluge of this Genes 9. c. but of this couenant wee haue nothing to doe here The second was the couenant called the couenant of workes this was made with all mankinde in Paradise and stands still in force since the fall as men are in the estate of nature the condition whereof on mans part is in the morall law The third was the agreement made with man by meanes of the mediator this was called from the fall to the dayes of Abraham the promise as being contriued in those words of promise Gen. 3.15 I will also put enmity betweene thee and the woman and betweene thy seed and her seed He shall break thine head and thou shalt bruise his heele c. From Abraham to Moses it was called the couenant Genes 17. c. From Moses to Christ and so still the Testament and as it stands in difference from the couenant of workes it may bee called for all this time the couenant of grace Secondly that in this agreement with God by the mediator the mediator did vndertake for two things 1. To pay all our debts and satisfie Gods Iustice by a price of infinite value Esa. 53.5.6 But hee was wounded for our transgressions he was broken for our iniquities the chastisement of our peace was vpon him and with his stripes we are healed All we like sheep haue gone astray we haue turned euery one to his owne way and the Lord hath laid vpon him the iniquity of vs all Iob 33.24 Then will he haue mercy vpon him and will say deliuer him that he goe not downe into the pit For I haue receiued a reconciliation 1. Tim. 2.6 Who gaue himselfe a ransome for all men to be a testimony in due time 2. To purchase and merit for vs Gods fauour and kingdome by a most absolute and perfect obedience Eph. 1.6 To the praise of the glory of his grace wherewith he hath made vs accepted in his beloued Thirdly wee must vnderstand wherein these new couenants agree and wherein they disagree These couenants agree in these two things First that they both were tendered to vs by God Secondly that they both require a full and perfect righteousnesse as the condition of eternall life They differ 1. In the manner of knowing of them For the law or couenant of works is knowne in some measure by nature Rom. 2.15 Which shew the effect of the law written in their hearts their conscience also bearing witnesse and their thoughts accusing one another or excusing But the Gospell or couenant of grace is not knowne at all by nature It is a mystery Colos. 1. 26. Which is the mystery hid since the world began and from all ages but now is made manifest to his Saints 1. Cor. 2.7 But wee speake the wisdome of God in a mystery euen the hid wisedome which God had determined before the world vnto our glory 2. Tim. 1.10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Sauiour Iesus Christ. 2. In the ministers of both Moses was the minister of the law but Christ of the Gospell Ioh. 1. 17. For the law was giuen by Moses but grace and truth came by Iesus Christ. 3. In the means of attaining to the end common to both the law is a law of workes and requires doing or else will not giue wages but the Gospell is a law of faith requiring beleeuing in him that iustifieth the wicked Rom. 3.21 But now is the righteousnesse of God made manifest without the law hauing witnesse of the Law and of the Prophets Rom. 4.5 But to him that worketh not but beleeueth in him that iustifieth the vngodly his faith is counted for righteousnesse Rom. 10.5 For Moses thus describeth the righteousnesse which is of the law that the man which doth these things shall liue thereby c. Againe the law requires perfect righteousnesse in our owne persons but the Gospell offers the righteousnesse of another to be receiued by faith Rom. 8.3.4 For that that was impossible to the law in as much as it was weake because of the flesh God sending his owne Sonne in the similitude of sinfull flesh and for sinne condemned sinne in the flesh that the righteousnesse of the law might be fulfilled in vs c. Rom. 5.19 For as by one mans disobedience many were made sinners so by the obedience of one shall many also be made righteous Rom. 10.4 For Christ is the end of the Law for righteousnesse vnto euery one that beleeueth The Law requires our debts euery farthing the Gospell publisheth the acquittance of the principall by reason of the satisfaction of the suretie The Law giues heauen as wages for work done the Gospell giues heauen gratis 4. In effects or efficacy the Law requiers good workes but giues no power to do them Deuter 29.4 Yet the Lord hath not giuen you an heart to perceiue and eies to see and eares to heare vnto this day but the Gospell giues the Spirit of God which worketh what he requireth Ier. 31.33 But this shall be the couenant that I will make with the house of Israel After those daies saith the Lord I will put my Law in their inward parts and write it in their hearts and will bee their God and they shall be my people Ezech. 36.27 And I will put my Spirit within you and cause you to walke in my statutes and yee shall keepe my iudgements and do them 2. Cor. 3.9 For if the ministrie of condemnation was glorious much more doth the ministration of righteousnesse exceeds in glory The Law shewes the disease and the Gospell cures it Rom. 7. 6. But now we are deliuered from the Law being dead vnto it wherein we were holden that we should serue in newnesse of spirit and not in the oldnesse of the letter 24. O wretched man that I am who shall deliuer me from the body of this death c. The knowledge of sinne is by the Law but that which heales vs is the tidings of remission in Iesus Christ. 5. In the persons to whom they belong the Law is for the vnrighteous 1. Tim. 1.9 Knowing this that the Law is not giuen vnto a righteous man but vnto the lawlesse and disobedient to the vngodly and to the sinners to the vnholy and to the prophane c. But the Gospell belongs to the poore and penitent Luke 4. 18. The Spirit of the Lord is vpon mee because hee hath anointed mee that I should preach the Gospell to the poore he hath sent me that I should heale the broken heart that I should preach deliuerance to the captiues and recouering of sight to the blind that I should set at liberty them
hearts bee sincere with God Esay 56.4.6 the abiect Gentiles are not excluded Esay 49.7 What should I say the whole world is inuited and worlds of people may bee reconciled to God 2. Cor. 5.19 And as this is comfortable at all times so there is comfort to be gathered out of it in speciall distresses as 1. In the case of sinne 2. In the case of affliction 3. In the case of death For the first in the case of sin after calling it is a memorable place 1. Iohn 2.1 My babes these things write I vnto you that ye sinne not and if any man sinne we haue an aduocate with the Father Iesus Christ the righteous For the second in the case of affliction there are many Scriptures that haue recourse to this doctrine for cōfort If the godly bee grieued and oppressed and come vnto God and humble thēselues the Lord wil remember this couenant and heare them as Exod. 2.2.4.5 and Exod. 6. 4.5.6 Leuit. 26.41.42 c. The godly know in all afflictions whom they haue trusted and ought to beleeue that hee will keepe that which by couenant is committed to him 2. Tim. 1. 12. Christ hath commission from God by vertue of this couenant to say to the prisoners go forth and to them that are in darknes shew your selues Esa. 49.9.10 For a small moment God may forsake but with great mercy will hee gather vs In a little wrath he may hide his face but in euerlasting kindnesse will hee haue mercy on vs For this is as the waters of Noah c. The mountaines may depart but his kindnesse and the couenant of his peace shall not depart nor be remoued saith the Lord that hath mercy on vs Esa. 54. from the 7. to 11. For the third in the case of death it is a knowne instance of Iob how he comforted himselfe in his Redeemer in the middest of all his wonderfull distresses that seemed to threaten his death as it were euery moment Iob 19.25 For I know that my redeemer liueth and he shall stand the last on the earth Thus of the vses for consolation The instructions follow and may be cast into two sorts For this doctrine of the new couenant in the mediator may teach vs 1. both what to auoid 2. and what to doe The consideration of these principles should teach vs to shun two things 1. The conceit of merit of our owne workes and all boasting of any worthinesse in our selues For this were to make the promise of none effect and the grace of this new couenant void it were to stand to the old couenant Rom. 4.14 For if they which are of the law be heires faith is made void and the promise is made of none effect Rom. 3.27 Where is then thy reioycing it is excluded by what law of workes nay but by the law of faith Rom. 10.4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousnesse vnto euery one that beleeueth c. 2. The forgetfulnesse of God whatsoeuer befall vs we should not forget God nor deale wickedly in his couenant Psal. 44.17 All this is come vpon vs yet doe we not forget thee neither deale wee falsly concerning thy couenant The duties we should do may be referred to two sorts for either 1. they are such as fit vs for this new couenant 2. or such as we should doe to walke worthy of it If we would haue any comfort by the mediator and this new agreement with God 1. We must turne from our transgressions else wee haue no redeemer Esa. 59.20 And the Redeemer shall come vnto Sion and vnto them that turne from iniquities in Iacob saith the Lord. We must bee new creatures al things in vs must now be new our old things must bee passed and giuen ouer 2. Cor. 5.17.18.19 c. Going and weeping we should goe and aske for the way Ierem. 50.4 Secondly wee must come to Christ being wearie and laden and receiue him and lay hold vpon him by faith This new agreement is chiefly published for the obedience of faith Rom. 16.26 Rom. 3.25 That wee may walke worthy of this couenant we must looke to diuers things First we should inflame our hearts to the loue of the Lord Iesus be ready to acknowledge his wonderfull loue to vs that dedicated this Testament with his blood Heb. 9.16 Esa. 59.16 c. God should bee our portion for euer Psalm 73.26 My flesh faileth and my heart also but God is the strength of my heart and my portion for euer What now should bee our hope our hope should euen be in God Psal. 39.7 And now Lord what waite I for my hope is euen in thee We should for all other things of this life confesse our selues to bee strangers and pilgrims and imbrace onely these new promises of a better happinesse Heb. 11.13 We should neuer be ashamed of the testimony of the Lord nor of this doctrine of the mediator for all the Papists in the world but partake willingly of all the afflictions may befall vs for this glad tidings in the Gospell 2. Tim. 1.8 to the 13. But rather glory in our singular riches which is Christ in vs Colos. 1.27 We should striue to liue like such as are now againe confederates of God and as may become the singular prerogatiues of our new estate This is briefly comprehended in those few words Walke before God and be vpright Genes 17.1 Esa. 59. 17.18.19 Wee should bee in a speciall manner carefull that the salt of the couenant of God bee not lacking Leuit. 2.13 This is the salt of discretion and of mortification Gods confederats should bee a wise and humble people Mark 9.50 If euer wee fall into distresse we must runne to God and vrge him with his couenant and deprecate his displeasure Ier. 14. 21. Doe not abhorre vs for thy names sake cast not downe the throne of thy glory Remember and breake not thy couenant with vs. Wee should for euer cleaue vnto God with full purpose of heart in a perpetuall couenant neuer to be forgotten Ier. 50.5 We should learne of God how to carry our selues in all agreements and couenants with men We should be easie to be reconciled and keepe our promises though made with disaduantage Ministers also may learne from these principles how to diuide the word The Law is to be preached to the vnrighteous and this new couenant of promise in Christ to the penitent and humbled soule 1. Tim. 1.9 Luk. 4.18 The last vse may be for terrour vnto all wicked men that liue in the Church and securely sinne on without regard of reconciliation or seeking the benefits of this new couenant Who can expresse their misery which receiues aggrauation from their neglect of this grace offered these are children of the bond-woman Galath 4.24 Vpon these God will fearfully auenge the quarrell of his couenant Leuit. 26.25 Esa. 24.5 Ier. 34.18 Ezech 20.36.37 Though they cry vnto God he will not know them Hos. 8.1.2.3 Their couenant with
the subiect of grace viz. the Church the degrees of grace in this life are two First Iustification Secondly Sanctification Concerning Iustification there are these principles First that al men haue sinned and the whole world is guilty before God naturally and in themselues Rom. 3.19.23 Now wee know that whatsoeuer the Law saith it saith to them which are vnder the Law that euery mouth may be stopped and all the world be culpable before God For there is no difference for all haue sinned and are depriued of the glory of God Gal. 3.22 But the Scripture hath concluded all vnder sinne that the promise by the faith of Iesus Christ should bee giuen to them that beleeue Secondly that by mens owne workes no flesh can be iustified Rom. 3.20 Therefore by the workes of the Law shall no flesh be iustified in his sight for by the Law commeth the knowledge of sinne Titus 3.5 Not by the workes of righteousnesse which wee had done but according to his mercy hee saued vs by the washing of the new birth and the renewing of the holy Ghost Gal. 3.11 And that no man is iustified by the Law in the sight of God it is euident for the iust shall liue by faith Phil. 3.9 And might be found in him that is not hauing mine own righteousnesse which is of the Law but that which is through the faith of Christ euen the righteousnesse which is of God through faith Iustified I say before God for by workes wee may bee iustified before men of which iustification the Apostle Iames speakes in his second Chapter c. Thirdly that the righteousnesse which maketh vs iust is in Iesus Christ being made ours by imputation 2. Cor. 5.21 For he hath made him to bee sinne for vs which knew no sinne that we should be made the righteousnesse of God in him 1. Cor. ◠30 But ye are of him in Christ Iesus who of God is made vnto vs wisedome and righteousnes and sanctification and redemption Rom. 5.18.19 Likewise then as by the offence of one the fault came on all men to condemnation so by the iustifying of one the benefit abounded toward all men to the iustification of life For as by one mans disobedience many were made sinners so by the obedience of one shall many also bee made righteous Phil. 3.9 And might be found in him that is not hauing mine owne righteousnesse which is of the Law but that which is through the faith of Christ euen the righteousnes which is of God through faith Ier. 23.6 In his daies Iuda shall be saued and Israel shall dwell safely and this is the name whereby they shall call him The Lord our righteousnesse Rom. 4.7 Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiuen and whose sinnes are couered c. 4. That this righteousnesse is made ours onely by faith and so we are iustified onely by faith as it apprehends and laies hold vpon and relies on the righteousnes of Christ Rom. 3.28 Therfore we conclude that a man is iustified by faith without the workes of the Law Gal. 2.16 Know that a man is not iustified by the works of the Law but by the faith of Iesus Christ euen we I say haue beleeued in Iesus Christ that we might be iustified by the faith of Christ and not by the workes of the Law because that by the works of the Law no flesh shall be iustified Rom. 1.26.17 For I am not ashamed of the Gospell of Christ for it is the power of God vnto saluation to euery one that beleeueth to the Iew first and also to the Grecian For by it the righteousnesse of God is reuealed from faith to faith as it is written The iust shall liue by faith Heb. 11.6 But without faith it is vnpossible to please God 5. That this faith is the gift of God Ioh. 6.29 Iesus answered and said vnto them This is the worke of God that yee beleeue in him whom he hath sent Rom. 12.3 For I say through the grace that is giuen vnto me to euery one that is among you that no man presume to vnderstand aboue that which is meet to vnderstand but that he vnderstand according to sobrietie as God hath delt to euerie man the measure of faith Phil. 1.29 For vnto you it is giuen for Christ that not onely yee should beleeue in him but also suffer for his sake Ephesians 2.8 For by grace are yee saued through faith and that not of your selues it is the gift of God Hebrewes 12.2 Looking vnto Iesus the author and finisher of our faith c. Sixthly that all men haue not faith Isaiah 53.1 Who will belieue our report and to whom is the arme of the Lord reuealed 2. Thess. 3.2 For all men haue not faith And therefore this faith is called the faith of Gods Elect Titus 1.1 Paul a seruant of God and an Apostle of Iesus Christ according to the faith of Gods Elect Seuenthly that there is but one kind of faith by which all the elect of God are iustified Ephes 4.5 There is one Lord one Faith one Baptisme c. Eighthly that being iustified by faith wee haue peace with God and forgiuenesse of all our sins Rom. 3.25 Whom God hath set forth to bee a reconciliation through faith in his blood to declare his righteousnesse by the forgiuenesse of sinnes that are passed through the patience of God c. Rom. 5.1 Then being iustified by faith we haue peace toward God through our Lord Iesus Christ. The consideration of these principles should worke in vs First a speciall care of diuers duties as 1. The detestation of that doctrine that teacheth men to rest vpon the merits of their owne works contrary to these expresse Scriptures Rom. 3.20 Therefore by the works of the Law shall no flesh be iustified in his sight for by the Law commeth the knowledge of sin Gal. 3.10 For as many as are of the workes of the Law are vnder the curse for it is written Cursed is euery man that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the Law to doe them Ephes. 2.8.9 For by grace are ye saued through faith and that not of your selues it is the gift of God Not of workes least any man should boast himselfe Titus 3.5 Not by the works of righteousnesse which we had done but according to his mercy he saued vs. All which we should carrie in our minds 2. The inflāmation of the loue of Christ in vs and the admiration of the riches of Gods grace Rom. 5.6.7.8 For Christ when we were yet of no strength at his time died for the vngodly Doubtlesse one will scarce die for a righteous man but yet for a good man it may be that one dare die But God setteth out his loue toward vs seeing that while we were yet sinners Christ died for vs. 3. An especiall care aboue al things to beleeue accounting all things but dung in comparison of the knowledge of Christ herein Without this faith it
personall vnion is this of the diuine nature with the humane in one person The mystical vnion is of Christ with the Church in one body The sacramentall vnion is of the body and blood of Christ with bread and wine in one ordinance This vnion is not a vnion of inhabitation as God dwels in the Saints nor of consent only as the faithfull are one in the Father and the Sonne Nor of commixtion as water and wine are one nor of combination as two boords fastened together are one nor of composition when of two things is made some third thing in one But it is I say a personall vnion the humane nature of Christ being assumed into vnion with the person of the Sonne of God From whence ariseth A speciall manner of subsisting in the humane nature of Christ differing from other men For soule and body make a person in other men but not so in Christ. For his soule and body are borne vp and subsist in his diuine nature As the luie or Misseltoe growes without a root of it owne vpon the body of another tree so is it with the humane nature of Christ As soule and body in vs make one man so God and man make one Christ in him A communication of proprieties so as that which is proper to one nature is attributed to the whole person so the Sonne of God was crucified bought the Church with his blood 1. Cor. 2.8 Act. 20.28 The collation of gifts vpon the humane nature after an vnspeakable manner In respect of which the humane nature of Christ doth excell all creatures for wisedome goodnesse holinesse power maiesty and glory in as much as the God-head dwelles in him bodily Col. 2.9 For in him dwelleth all the fulnesse of the God-head bodily and so the second Adam doth farre excell the first It was needfull Christ should be God and man in one nature 1. That so he might reconcile or make God and man one againe 2. That so hee might bee a meet Mediator as being a kin to both parties 3. That he might pacifie God by his death which he could neither feele as God nor ouercome as man 4. That the works of redemption done in the flesh might bee sufficient price for sin by which the infinite God was wronged Here is also consolation in this doctrine for hence ariseth manifest reason of hope of pardon and peace with God and besides out of his fulnesse wee may now all receiue grace and a supply for all our wants Heere wee haue all the treasures of wisdome and grace in Christ-man and hee is now able to be a fountaine of more good to vs then euer the first Adam was of euill CHAP. XVII Of Christ as Mediator HItherto of the principles concerning the person of Christ his office followes The principles cōcerning his office consider it either in the whole or in the parts of it The whole office of Christ is to be a mediator and so the principles that concerne the mediatorship are fiue First that there is but one mediatour betweene God and man euen Iesus Christ 1. Tim. 2.5 For there is one God and one mediator betweene God and man which is the man Christ Iesus Act. 4.12 Neither is there saluation in any other for amongst men there is giuen none other name vnder heauen whereby we must bee saued Luk. 2.11 That is that vnto you is borne this day in the City of Dauid a Sauiour which is Christ the Lord. Because there is none more mercifull Heb. 2.17 Nor more able Heb. 7.25 That the cause of our saluation in his mediation is not merit in man but grace in God and Christ 2. Tim. 1.9 Who hath saued vs and called vs with an holy calling not according to our workes but according to his owne purpose and grace which was giuen to vs through Christ Iesus before the world was Tit. 3.4.5 But when the bountifulnesse and loue of God our Sauiour toward man appeared Not by the workes of righteousnesse which we had done but according to his mercy he saued vs by the washing of the new birth and the renewing of the holy Ghost Ephes. 2.8 For by grace are ye saued through faith and that not of your selues it is the gift of God That this mediation was from the beginning of the world and shall be to the end Hebr. 13.8 Iesus Christ yesterday and to day the same also is for euer 1. Pet. 1.20 Which was ordained before the foundation of the world but was declared in the last times for your sakes Reuel 13.8 Therefore all that dwell vpon the earth shall worship him whose names are not written in the booke of life of the Lambe which was slaine from the beginning of the world For in the knowledge destination and acceptation of God the two natures were accounted as vnited and with him the things done and to be done present and to come are all one For explication of this principle if we aske when the mediator was giuen it must be answered three waies 1. If we respect Gods decree he was giuen before all eternity Ephes. 1.4 As he hath chosen vs in him before the foundation of the world 2. If wee respect the vertue and efficacie of his mediation he was giuen when need was from the beginning of the world Reuel 13.8 Which was slaine from the beginning of the world 3. If we respect his manifestation in the flesh he was giuen in the fulnesse of time 1600. yeeres agoe Galath 4.4 But when the fulnesse of time was come God sent forth his Sonne made of a woman and made vnder the law 1. Tim. 2.6 Who gaue himselfe a ransome for all men to be a testimony in due time 4. That without the mediation of Christ no flesh can bee saued Act. 4.12 Neither is there saluation in any other for among men there is giuen none other name vnder heauen whereby we must bee saued Psalm 143.2 And enter not into iudgement with thy seruant for in thy sight shall none that liueth be iustified Iam. 3.2 For in many things we sinne all 5. That by the mediator a new agreement or contract was made with God Ierem. 31.33 But this shall be the couenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those dayes saith the Lord I will put my law in the inward parts and write it in their hearts and will be their God and they shall bee my people Heb. 8.13 In that he saith a new Testament he hath abrogated the old now that which is disanulled and waxed old is ready to vanish away Rom. 3.23.24 For there is no difference for all haue sinned and are depriued of the glory of God and are iustified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Iesus Galath 3.21.22 Is the Law then against the promise of God God forbid for if there had been a law giuen which could haue giuen life surely righteousnes should haue been by the law But the Scripture hath
which is the head that is Christ. By whom all the body being coupled and knit together by euery ioynt for the furniture thereof according to the effectual power which is in the measure of euery part receiueth encrease of the body into the edifying of it selfe in loue Thirdly that shee is knit vnto Christ her head by an indissoluble vnion Colos. 1.18 And hee is the head of the body of the Church hee is the beginning and the first horne of the dead that in all things he might haue the preeminence Colos. 2.19 And holdeth not the head whereof all the body furnished and knit together by ioynts and hands encreaseth with the encreasing of God 1. Cor. 12.27 Now ye are the body of Christ and members for your part Ephes. 1.22.23 And hath made all things subiect vnder his feet and hath appointed him ouer all things to be the head to the Church Which is his body euen the fulnesse of him that filleth all in all things So as she is truly bone of his bone and flesh of his flesh Ephes. 5.30 For wee are members of his body of his flesh and of his bones One with Christ not in nature as the Trinity is one nor in person as the two natures in Christ but in spirit Ioh. 4.13 Hereby know we that we dwell in him and he in vs because he hath giuen vs of his spirit For the spirit of the Sonne dwelleth in vs. Fourthly that shee is holy Ephes. 5.27 That he might make it vnto himselfe a glorious Church not hauing spot or wrinkle or any such thing but that it should be holy and without blame c. 1. Pet. 2.9 But ye are a chosen generation a royall priesthood an holy nation a peculiar people that ye should shew forth the vertues of him that hath called you out of darknesse into his maruellous light c. Dan. 7.18 And they shall take the kingdome of the Saints of the most high and possesse the kingdome for euer euen for euer and euer And so she is holy 1. By separation from the world in that the godly are consecrated to holy vses they are holy by calling 2. By inchoation of true holinesse in nature and practice Tit. 3.5 Not by the workes of righteousnesse which wee had done but according to his mercy he saued vs by the washing of the new birth and the renuing of the holy Ghost 3. By imputation of Christs holinesse being washed in his blood Heb. 10.10 By the which will we are sanctified euen by the offering of the body of Iesus Christ once made 4. By consummation of all holinesse in the other world Fifthly she is Catholick this is one of the Articles of the Creed the Church is Catholick in three respects 1. In respect of time all the godly being members of this one body though they liue in all the seuerall ages since the beginning of the world 2. In respect of place because all the iust both in heauen and earth are all of this one body Ephes. 1.10 That in the dispensation of the fulnesse of the times hee might gather together in one all things both which are in heauen and which are in earth euen in Christ. And so from all parts of the world is the Church gathered all the particular Churches in the world are but members of this Church vniuersall 3. In respect of persons because it is gathered especially since Christ out of all nations there being no difference put in respect of mens outward condition Reuel 5.9.10 And they sung a new song saying Thou art worthy to take the booke and to open the seales thereof because thou wast killed and hast redeemed vs to God by thy blood out of euery kindred and tongue and people and nation And hast made vs vnto our God Kings and Priests and wee shall raigne on earth Galath 3.28 There is neither Iew nor Grecian there is neither bond nor free there is neither male nor female for yee are all one in Christ Iesus Sixthly that shee is militant that is she is in this life exposed to crosses and afflictions and tentations and oppositions 2. Timoth. 4.7.8 I haue sought a good fight and haue finished my course I haue kept the faith For henceforth is laid vp for me the crowne of righteousnesse which the Lord the righteous Iudge shall giue me at the day and not to mee onely but vnto all them also which loue his appearing Luk. 9.24 For whosoeuer will saue his life shall lose it and whosoeuer shall lose his life for my sake the same shall saue it Act. 14.22 Confirming the disciples hearts and exhorting them to continue in the faith affirming that wee must through many afflictions enter into the kingdome of God c. Reuel 1.9 I Iohn euen your brother and companion in tribulation and in the kingdome and patience of Iesus Christ was in the isle called Patmos for the word of God and for the witnessing of Iesus Christ. Reuel 12.11 But they ouercame him by the blood of the Lambe and by the word of their testimony and they loued not their liues vnto the death c. Ephes. 6.12 For we wrastle not against flesh blood but against principalities against powers against the worldly gouernours the princes of the darknesse of this world c. Now the Lord would haue his Church so exposed to crosses both for his owne sake and for hers and for his enemies sake 1. For his owne sake that he might shew his hatred of sin euen in his owne and the glory also of his power and mercy in their deliuerance as well as his iustice in their afflictions 2. For their sakes that being in the warfare humbled and tamed for their sinnes they might not perish with the world 1. Cor. 11. 31.32 and may be herein like to Christ Rom. 8.27 3. For their enemies sake that they may know that they shall neuer bee spared if God spare not his owne children 1. Pet. 4.17 For the time is come that iudgement must begin at the house of God if it first begin at vs what shall the end be of them which obey not the Gospell of God Seuenthly that she is inuincible Matth. 16.18 And I say also vnto thee that thou art Peter and vpon this rocke I will build my Church and the gates of hell shall not ouercome it Rom. 8.37 Neuerthelesse in all these things we are more then conquerers through him that loued vs. 38. For I am perswaded that neither death nor life nor Angels nor principalities nor powers nor things present nor things to come 39. Nor height nor depth nor any other creature shall be able to separate vs from the loue of God which is in Christ Iesus our Lord. 1. Pet. 5.10 And the God of all grace which hath called vs vnto his eternall glory by Christ Iesus after that yee haue suffered a little make you perfect confirme strengthen and stablish you c. The vses of these principles may be either
he sanctifieth Rom. 8.30 Moreouer whom he predestinate them also hee called and whom hee called them also he iustified and whom he iustified them he also glorified Ezech. 36.26.27 c. A new heart also will I giue you and a new spirit will I put within you and I will take away the stony heart out of your body and I will giue you an heart of flesh And I will put my spirit within you and cause you to walke in my statutes and ye shall keepe my iudgements and doe them c. 2. That to be truly sanctified is to die to sinne and to rise againe to newnesse of life Rom. 6.1.2.3.4 What shall we say then shall we continue in sinne that grace may abound God forbid how shall we that are dead to sinne liue yet therein Know ye not that all wee which haue bin baptized into Iesus Christ haue been baptized into his death We are buried then with him by baptisme into his death that like as Christ was raised vp from the dead by the glory of the Father so we also should walke in newnesse of life c. Or it is to repent beleeue the Gospell Mark 1.15 The time is fulfilled and the kingdome of God is at hand repent and beleeue the Gospell 3. That except wee be borne againe we cannot enter into the kingdome of God Ioh. 3.5 Iesus answered verily verily I say vnto thee except that a man bee borne of water and of the spirit hee cannot enter into the kingdome of God Heb. 12.14 Follow peace with all men and holinesse without the which no man shall see the Lord. 1. Ioh. 1.7 But if we walke in the light as he is in the light wee haue fellowship one with another and the blood of Iesus Christ his Sonne clenseth vs from all sinne 2. Cor. 5.17 Therefore if any man be in Christ let him bee a new creature old things are passed away behold all things are become new Fourthly that sanctification is Gods gift and worke in Iesus Christ we can no more conuert our selues then wee can beget our selues at first wee can no more create our selues new men then wee can create our selues men Act. 5.31 Him hath God lifted vp with his right hand to bee a Prince and a Sauiour to giue repentance to Israel forgiuenes of sins Act. 11.18 When they heard these things they held their peace and glorified God saying then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance vnto life 2. Tim. 2.25 Instructing them with meeknes that are cōtrary minded prouing if God at any time will giue them repentance that they may know the truth 1. Cor. 1.30 But ye are of him in Christ Iesus who of God is made vnto vs wisdome and righteousnes and sanctification and redemption Ezech. 37.28 Thus the heathen shall know that I the Lord doe sanctifie Israel when my sanctuary shall be amongst them for euermore Tit. 3.5 Not by the workes of righteousnesse which wee had done but according to his mercy he saued vs by the washing of the new birth and the renuing of the holy Ghost Fifthly that our sanctification is vnperfect while wee liue in this world 1. Ioh. 1.8 If wee say that wee haue no sinne wee deceiue our selues and the truth is not in vs. Prou. 24.16 For a iust man falleth seuen times and riseth againe but the wicked fall into mischiefe Esa. 64.6 But we haue all been as an vncleane thing and all our righteousnes is as filthy clouts and we do all fade like a leafe and our iniquities like the wind haue taken vs away The vses may be for Information Instruction Humiliation and Consolation For the first wee may heere take notice of the wisedome of God in curing the posterity of Adam Wee receiued a double disease from Adam the one was guilt of eternal death the other was corruption of nature By Iustification the first was abolished and by Sanctification the other is healed by degrees For the second we may here learne many things The first is carefully to studie our owne sanctification compell vpon our selues a more constant endeauour of sound reformation To this end I propound two things 1. Certaine motiues which we should haue continually in our minds to stirre vs vp to the care of holines and to get true grace 2. Certaine rules which may exceedingly further vs about our Sanctification The motiues are these amongst many 1. The commandement of God 1. Thes. 4.3 This is the will of God euen your sanctification Ephes. 2.10 For wee are his workmanship created in Christ Iesus vnto good workes which God hath ordained that we should walke in them 2. The conscience of our debt which we owe heerein Rom. 8.12 Therefore brethren we are debters not to the flesh to liue after the flesh being redeemed by Christ. Tit. 2.14 Who gaue himselfe for vs that he might redeeme vs from all iniquity and purge vs to be a peculiar people to him selfe zealous of good workes 3 The consideration of our owne dignity wee are the children of God the temples of the holy Ghost Kings and Priests vnto God Gods owne peculiar people and inheritance 4. The rich promises that belong to godlinesse 1. Tim. 4.8 For bodily exercise profiteth little but godlinesse is profitable vnto all things which hath the promise of the life present and of that that is to come 5. The assuring hereby of our calling and Election 2. Pet. 1.10 Wherefore brethren giue rather diligence to make your calling and election sure for if ye do these things ye shall neuer fall 6. The excellency of good workes they are sacrifices seasoned with the salt of faith kindled with the fier of the holy Ghost offered by the merit of Christ and accepted of God 1. Pet. 2.5 And yee be made a holy Priesthood to offer vp spirituall sacrifices acceptable to God by Iesus Christ. 7. The silencing of the ignorant from speaking euill 1. Pet. 2.15 For so is the will of God that by well doing yee may put to silence the ignorance of the foolish 8. Because else 1. The name of God will bee blasphemed Rom. 2.24 For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you 2. Sam. 12.14 Howbeit because by this deed thou hast caused the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme the child that is borne vnto thee shall surely die c. 2. The spirit of God will be grieued and the workes of the spirit deaded Ephes. 4.30 And grieue not the holy spirit of God by whom ye are sealed vnto the day of redemption 3. The iudgement of God will be prouoked Psalm 89.31.32 The rules we had need to bee put in minde of that concerne Sanctification either shew vs what to take heed of or what to doe That wee be not deceiued in this great worke of true grace we must take heed First of wretchlesnesse and security whereby a man liues so as he is insensible and carelesse of reformation altogether Awake thou that sleepest
Ephes. 5.14 Secondly of the daily baits and methods of sinne be not insnared with the pleasures of sinne which are but for a season but circumcise betimes the soreskins of your hearts Ier. 4.4 Thirdly of procrastination and delaying of time in the businesse of reformation For thy life is vncertaine Matth. 25.13 and euery day addes to the heap of sinne and of wrath Rom. 2.5 Sinne not against thy purposes of amendment lest thou grow more hardened Fourthly of hypocrisie and fained holinesse Esa. 58.2 Iam. 4.8 Fifthly of the perswasion of the merit of your owne works Rom. 10.3 For they being ignorant of the righteousnesse of God and going about to stablish their owne righteousnesse haue not submitted themselues to the righteousnesse of God c. Sixthly of temporary righteousnes Hosh. 6.4 Ephraim what shall I doe vnto thee O Iuda how shall I intreat thee for your goodnes is as a morning cloud and as a morning dew it goeth away Or being weary of well doing Gal. 6.9 Let vs not therefore be weary of well doing for in due season we shall reape if we faint not c. Seuenthly of the precepts of men Mat. 15.9 In vaine they worship me teaching for doctrine mens precepts Ezech. 20.18 But I said vnto their children in the wildernes walk ye not in the ordinances of your fathers neither obserue their manners nor defile your selues with their idols Eighthly of looking after the example and fashion of the world Rom. 12.2 Frame not your selues like vnto this world Ninthly neglect of prayer for the particular furtherance of reformation and grace Lam. 5.21 shall he not giue vs his holy Spirit if we aske him as our Sauiour sheweth in the parable Tenthly let the best of vs take heed of a strange deceit and that is to rest in faire words and attentiue hearing How is it that men that heare many precious counsels comforts reproofes goe away without any reformation and thinke they doe well if they commend the Sermon c. Oh how common is this disease to be awake to heare of the disease or medicine and fall a sleepe before it be applied like those hearers in the Gospell of whom it is said They heard they maruelled and they went their waies Thus much of what we should auoide that the worke of sanctification be not hindred On the other side there be diuers things to be obserued by vs as First wee must looke to the matter to bee done which hath two considerations in it 1. That in generall whatsoeuer things are true honest iust pure louely and of good report that haue vertue and praise in them that we should thinke on those things and study how to glorifie God and enrich our selues by well doing them Phil. 4.8 Eph. 58. c. 2. That we striue to keep our selues free from or speedily mortifie such euils as vsually staine the profession of religion after calling Besides the mortification of grosse euils which the first repentance puts away wee must watch carefully against other sinnes such as are lying rotten communication deceit anger wrath and all bitternesse and cursed speaking Col. 3.8 Ephesians 4.25 Secondly wee must looke to the end of all our actions the end I say both of intention and continuance For 1. Wee must propound the glory of God as the maine ende of all our actions 1. Cor. 10.31 Whether therefore ye eate or drinke or whatsoeuer yee doe doe all to the glory of God Philip. 1.11 2. Wee must so begin reformation and good workes as we be sure also to endeuour with all constancy to hold out to the end Luke 1.75 All the daies of our life in holinesse and righteousnes before him Psalm 106.3 Blessed are they that keepe iudgement and do righteousnesse at all times Thirdly we must looke to the manner of our reformation that it be done with all sinceritie and so we doe 1. If wee turne from all sorts of our transgressions Ezech. 18. 30.31 Therefore I will iudge you O House of Israel euery one according to his waies returne therefore and cause other to turne away from all your transgressions so iniquitie shall not be your destruction Cast away from you all your transgressions whereby ye haue transgressed and make you a new heart and a new spirit for why will ye die O House of Israel 2. If wee labour for a sanctification that is throughout in all parts in soule in body and in spirit that is in our outward man and in our affections and in our iudgements and thoughts Fourthly we must bee exceeding mindfull of the meanes of sanctification and so we must especially thinke of 1. The Word to subiect our selues to the power of it for if we heare our soules shall liue we are sanctified by the truth and God wil haue his Law magnified and the Word is able to build vs vp still further till we come to heauen Isai. 55.4 Iohn 17.19 Isaiah 42.21 Acts 20.32 2. The Sabbath for that is the signe of our sanctification It is a signe to assure that God will not faile vs in his blessings and it is a signe that we are indeed a holy people if we be carefull to keepe the Sabbath It is the market day for our soules and by the right keeping of the Sabbath we shall be the better able to serue God all the weeke after Exod. 31.13 14. Keepe ye my Sabbaths for it is a signe betweene me and you in your generation that ye may know that I the Lord doe sanctifie you Ye shall therefore keepe the Sabbath for it is holy vnto you he that defileth it shall die the death therefore whosoeuer worketh therein the same person shall be euen cut off from among his people Isaiah 56.2 Blessed is the man that doth this and the sonne of man which laieth hold on it he that keepeth the Sabbath and polluteth it not and keepeth his hand from doing any euill c. Thus of the vses for instruction Thirdly these principles may terrifie all men that are vnsanctified that haue not true grace that liue in their sinnes Woe vnto worlds of men because of sinne for thereby they may gather that there is no cure done to their natures that they are not at all iustified before God that they haue no part with Christ and that all they doe is still impure Mat. 7.18 Tit. 1.15 Yea and that the wages of their sinnes will be death and that in the state they are in they cannot bee saued Rom. 6.23 Iohn 3.5 and in the meane time what know they how soone the whirle-wind of the Lord may fall vpon the wicked Ier. 23.19 Behold the tempest of the Lord goeth forth in his wrath and a violent whirle-wind shall fall downe vpon the head of the wicked And for all the things they haue done in the flesh they must come to iudgement and the rather because they haue not taken warning Acts 17.31 Because hee hath appointed a day in the which he will iudge the world in
extremely wrath with sinne and will call to iudgement such as the drowning of the old world burning of Sodome swallowing vp of Corath Dathan and Abiram the neglect of the Gentiles the reiection of the Iewes the punishing of Christ the afflictions of the godly the warres pestilences famins c. that are in the world And they themselues may gesse somewhat at it by the sharpenes of the word the accusing of the conscience the checkes of the spirit and the fearefull terrors of conscience which fall vpon some men Ob. But God we hope will be mercifull Sol. It is a day of wrath not of mercy the date of mercy will bee then out Rom. 2.5 But thou after thine hardnesse and heart which cannot repent heapest vnto thy selfe wrath against the day of wrath and of the declaration of the iust iudgement of God c. Ob. But God saies nothing to me all this while I escape and am not troubled I discerne no way that God is displeased with me Sol. 1. Seaes of wrath hang ouer thy head daily though thou discerne them not Iohn 3. vlt. He that beleeueth in the Sonne hath euerlasting life and he that obeyeth not the Sonne shall not see the life but the wrath of God abideth on him Sol. 2. Many signes of Gods displeasure are vpon thy soule though thou feele them not It is one extreame curse to be left off vnto such a spirit of slumber 3. Though God doth not yet discouer to thee his displeasure yet will hee awake to thy iudgement Psalm 50.31 These things hast thou done I held my tongue therefore thou thoughtst that I was like thee but I will reprooue thee and set them in order before thee Ob. But I may finde some meanes to helpe my selfe at that day Sol. Riches will not auaile in the day of wrath Iob 36.18 For Gods wrath is lest he should take thee away in thine abundance for no multitude of gifts can deliuer thee Vers. 19. Will he regard thy riches he regardeth not gold nor all them that excell in strength And there shall bee none to deliuer Psalm 50.22 O consider this yee that forget God lest I teare you in pieces and there be none that can deliuer you c. Ob. But I may then repent Sol. No As death leaues thee so shall iudgement find thee it is a day of the declaration of the righteous iudgement of God Rom. 2.5 But thou after thine hardnesse and heart that cannot repent heapest vnto thy selfe wrath against the day of wrath and of the declaration of the iust iudgement of God 2. Cor. 5.10 For we must all appeare before the iudgement seate of Christ that euery man receiue the things which are done in his bodie according to that he hath done whether it be good or euill Ob. But there is a world of people in the same case Sol. He will iudge all the vngodly hee cares not for the multitude Iude 15. To giue iudgement against all men and to rebuke all the vngodly amongst them of all their wicked deeds which they haue vngodly committed and of al their cruell speaking which wicked sinners haue spoken against him Besides he hath plagued multitudes as the old World c. and he can easily doe execution for hee comes with thousand thousands of his Angels Iude 14. And Enoch also the seuenth from Adam prophesied of such saying Behold the Lord commeth with thousands of his Saints Ob. But who knowes my faults Sol. ' The hidden things of darkenes and the secrets of mens hearts shall then be discouered 1. Cor. 4.5 Therfore iudge nothing before the time vntill the Lord come who will lighten things that are hid in darkenesse and make the counsels of the hearts manifest and then shall euery man haue praise of God Ob. But by what euidence can I be conuinced God may forget my faults before then Sol. No God hath them written in his book of remembrance with a pen of iron and a point of a diamond Ier. 17.1 The sinne of Iuda is written with a pen of iron and with the point of a diamond and grauen vpon the table of your hearts and vpon the hornes of your altars And euidence wil be easie to bee had vpon the opening of these bookes Reuel 20.12 And I saw the dead both great and small stand before God and the books were opened and another booke was opened which is the booke of life and the dead were iudged of those things which are written in the bookes according to their workes Besides the Heauens will declare his righteousnes Psal. 50.6 And the creatures abused by them will giue in euidence against them Ier. 17.1 And the word that men haue heard shall iudge them And their own consciences shall be dilated and bee in stead of a thousand witnesses and the Spirit of God that hath so often reproued the world of sinne can easily accuse them Ioh. 16.8 And when he is come he will reprooue the world of sinne and of righteousnesse and of iudgement c. Ob. I know no great fault by my selfe Sol. Though thou forget thy sinnes yet Christ will remember them Matth. 25. It will not serue the turne to say When did wee so Ob. But I neuer did Christ any great wrong Sol. Thou hast many waies sinned against Christ though thy carelesse heart perceiue it not but if thou hadst not yet in as much as thou hast done wrong to Christians thou hast done it to Christ Matth. 25. Ob. But I haue done much good in the world Sol. If thou haue not had true faith and loue and repentance it shall not auaile thee as these places shew 1. Cor. 13.3 And though I feede the poore with all my goods and though I giue my body that I be burned and haue not loue it profiteth me nothing Ob. But wee neuer had such meanes of knowledge as others haue had Sol. They that haue sinned without the Law shal be iudged without the Law and they that haue sinned vnder the Law shall be iudged by the Law Rom. 2. 12. For as many as haue sinned without the Law shall perish also without the law as many as haue sinned in the Law shall be iudged by the Law Ob. But it is a great while thither Sol. It is not for the Lord is at hand 1. Pet. 4.7 Now the end of all things is at hand be you therefore sober and watching in prayer Iam. 5.8 Be ye also patient therfore and settle your hearts for the comming of the Lord draweth neere Besides the signes of the last iudgement are the most of them accomplished already Antichrist is reuealed and almost pulled downe 2. Thessalon 2. 1. Iohn 2.18 The World hath been full of spirits of deceiuers 1. Tim. 4.1 The sinnes of the last age are euery where at the full Iniquity abounds 2. Timoth. 3.1 Matth. 24.12 The powers of heauen are shaken which appeares by the often Eclipses of Sunne and Moone and by the vncertaintie of the