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
we must for euer separate from them if they persist in their heresies for they teach vs that Christ did not once for al fully sacrifice to God but that the sacrifice must be renewed daily in the Masse contrary to the expresse words of the text Heb. 9.26.28 For then must heâ— haue often suffered since the foundation of the world but now in the end of the world hath he appeared once to put away sinne by the sacrifice of himselfe So Christ was once offered to take away the sinnes of many Heb. 10.11.12 And euery Priest appeareth daily ministring and oft times offereth one manner of offering which can neuer take away sinnes But this man after he had offered one sacrifice for sinnes sitteth for euer at the right hand of God And besides they teach that men may make satisfaction to God for their sins by their owne workes and by the workes of the Saints 3. Thirdly concerning the most wofull condition of wicked men that liue in their sinnes they may fully see how they shall speede with God by this that befell Christ. If God spared not his onely begotten Sonne that was but a suretie for sinne will he spare them that are principals would not God find out such a mercy to Christ as to free him from such extremities and do they trust to a mercy in God neuer reuealed in the word neuer shewed to Christ was not Christ able without such wofull tortures to beare the wrath of God and doe they thinke to be able to endure those riuers of brimstone and fier in Hell 4. Concerning a singular and new way of obedience in Christ if wee will needes haue workes of supererogation let vs acknowledge them onely in Christ for the doctrine of his passion tels vs of an obedience to a commandement of God that was not in the Morall law and that was his speciall submission to that singular will of his Father in being that one that should die for the people To expiate for other mens sinnes is a speciall kind of righteousnesse not mentioned in the Law 5. Concerning the offence of the Crosse though both Iewes and Gentiles stumbled at this doctrine at the first yet we see there is no reason why wee should bee troubled at the abasements of Christ but rather to reioyce and wonder at the dreadfull expiation was made to God for vs in them For thus it behoued him to suffer as all the Prophets from Moses haue witnessed 1. Cor. 1.23 Luk. 24.45.46 Thus of the vse for information The consolations follow The doctrine of the passion of Christ is exceeding comfortable and that both in generall and particular consolations It is generally comfortable 1. First in respect of the establishment of our hearts in the assurance that Iesus of Nazareth was the true Messias promised to the Fathers Which may appeare if we consider but the history of his passion in as much as in him were fulfilled al these signes foretold in the seuerall ages of the old Church The old prophesies were all accomplished in him The scepter was now departed from Iuda foretold Genes 49.10 They diuided his garments and cast lots vpon his vesture according to Psalm 22.8 They pierced his hands and feet Psal. 22.16 The chiefe builders refused him according to Psal. 118.22 In his arraignment hee was silent opened not his mouth according to Esa. 53.7 Hee was reckoned amongst the wicked in his death according to Esa. 53.12 They gaue him gall and vineger to drinke according to Psalm 69.21 He accomplished the meaning of the sacrifices in shedding his blood and suffering without the campe Heb. 9.14 Heb. 13.11.12 2. Secondly if we consider the effects of his passion for from hence flowes to vs and euery beleeuer 1. First the purchase both of our soules and bodies 1. Cor. 6.20 For ye are bought for a price therefore glorifie God in your body and in your spirit for they are Gods Rom. 7.4 So ye my brethren are dead also to the law by the body of Christ that ye should bee vnto another euen vnto him that is raised vp from the dead that we should bring forth fruit vnto God 2. The ratification of the eternall couenant Heb. 9.16 For where a testament is there must bee the death of him that made the testament c. 3. The reconciling of vs to God Rom. 5.10 For if when wee were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Sonne much more being reconciled we shall be saued by his life 1. Pet. 3.18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sinnes the iust for the vniust that hee might bring vs to God c. 4. The abolishing of sinne both in respect of the remission of the guilt 1. Ioh. 1.7 The blood of Iesus Christ his Sonne cleanseth vs from all sinne Matth. 26.28 For this is my blood of the new testament that is shead for many for the remission of sinnes And sanctification against the power of it Rom. 6.6 Knowing this that our old man is crucified with him that the body of sinne might be destroyed that henceforth we should not serue sinne c. 5. The swallowing vp of death 1. Cor. 15.54 So when this corruptible hath put on incorruption and this mortall hath put on immortality then shall be brought to passe the saying that is written Death is swallowed vp into victory Vanquishing him that had power of death freeing vs that were in bondage to the feare and that of death Hebr. 2.14.15 For as much then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood he also himselfe likewise tooke part with them that he might destroy through death him that had the power of death that is the diuell And that hee might deliuer all them which for feare of death were all their life time subiect to bondage 2. Tim. 1.10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Sauiour Iesus Christ who hath abolished death and hath brought life and immortality vnto light through the Gospell c. 6. Liberty to enter into the most holy place of heauen by a new and liuing way Hebr. 9.12 Neither by the blood of goats and calues but by his owne blood entred he in once vnto the holy place and obtained eternal redemption for vs. Hebr. 10.19 Seeing therefore brethren that by the blood of Iesus we may be bold to enter into the holy place Thirdly if we consider the order of priesthood of which he was in offering this sacrifice He was a Priest after the order of Melchisedeck and not after Aaron Psalm 110.4 The Lord sware and will not repent thou art a Priest for euer after the order of Melchisedeck Heb. 7. all the chapter Of all the Priests that were types of Christ Melchisedeck was the most liuely and noblest type and did most fully shadow out both the person and office of Christ For by Melchisedeck three most comfortable things in Christ were shadowed out The first was his dignity hee was so a Priest as he
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
is impossible to please God Heb. 11.6 Wee should neuer rest till wee could say it is the Lord our righteousnesse Ier. 23.6 We are vndone if we haue not such a faith as will iustifie vs. Quest. Tell vs distinctly what wee must doe about beleeuing which being done wee may bee sure we are iustified Solut. First thou must beleeue that Iesus of Nazareth is the promised Messias and the very Son of God Matth. 16.16 1. Iohn 4.15 Whosoeuer confesseth that Iesus is the Sonne of God in him dwelleth God and he is in God Secondly thou must rest vpon the passion and obedience of Iesus Christ as the onely sufficient meanes of thy happinesse receiuing the promises that declare thy liberty so to doe Rom. 4.23 24. Rom. 5.17 Thirdly thou must in thy praiers present Christ to God and make it knowne as a couenant of thy heart that thou doest relie vpon him onely and so giue glory to God against the feare of the Law sinne death and hell Fourthly thou must resolue to rest in this course and neuer to depart from thy confidence herein thus the iust must liue by their faith Thus of the third vse Fourthly we should bee stirred vp to shew forth daily the vse and power and truth of our iustification by the effects of it which we should striue to stirre vp in vs as namely wee should shew that we are iustified 1. By confirming our consciences in peace and tranquillitie 2. By going boldly to God and the throne of his grace as knowing in how much grace we stand with God 3. By comforting our selues in the hope of glory as knowing that we are heires of the world 4. By glorying in tribulation being neuer ashamed of our faith and hope Rom. 5.1.2.3.4.5 c. 5. The doctrine of our free iustification should teach vs to carie our selues with all compassion and meekenes toward other men that yet liue in their sins for we were such as they once till the grace of God appeared without any desert of ours Titus 3.1.2.3.4.5 c. Put them in remembrance that they be subiect to the principalities and powers and that they bee obedient and readie to euery good worke That they speake euill of no man that they be no fighters but soft shewing all meekenesse vnto all men For we our selues were in times past vnwise disobedient deceiued seruing the lusts and diuers pleasures liuing in maliciousnesse and enuie hatefull and hating one another c. 6. We should bee carefull of good workes to free the glorious doctrine of liberty from the aspersions of euill men and to shew our thankfulnesse to God and the truth of our faith Rom. 3.31 Doe we then make the law of none effect through faith God forbid yea we establish the law Iam. 2. the latter part of the Chapter Tit. 3.7.8 That we being iustified by his grace should bee made heires according to the hope of eternall life This is a true saying and these things I will thou shouldest affirme that they which haue beleeued in God might be carefull to shew forth good workes c. 7. This should make vs for euer to iudge of mens worth by their faith and to say Oh he or she is blessed that beleeued and to account highly of poore Christians that are rich in faith 8. For euer while we liue we should glory not in our selues but in the Lord acknowledging whatsoeuer we are we are by the grace of God 1. Cor. 1.31 That according as it is written He that reioyceth let him reioyce in the Lord c. Rom. 3.27 Where is then the reiâ—ycing It is excluded by what law of workes Nay but by the law of faith c. Secondlâ— this doctrine should worke in vs much consolation euen life from the dead Iustification is called iustification of life Rom. 5.18 It should quicken vs aboue many other doctrines and the rather if we consider 1. That in Christ there is a daily propitiation for all our sins Rom. 3.25 1. Ioh. 2.2 Hee will see our filthy garments taken off vs and clothe vs with change of raiment Zach. 3.3.4 2. That the very blessing of Abraham comes vpon vs we are heires of the world as well as hee Galath 3.9 They which bee of faith are blessed with faithfull Abraham Rom. 4.11.12 3. That though this be clogged with a condition of beleeuing yet wee are not excepted but may lawfully rest vpoÌ„ Christ yea wee are commanded to beleeue 1. Ioh. 3.23 This is then his commandement that wee beleeue in the name of his Sonne Iesus Christ c. Yea God doth beseech vs to be reconciled 2. Cor. 5.20 Now then are wee Embassadours for Christ as though God did beseech you through vs wee pray you in Christs stead that ye be reconciled to God c. 4. That this beleeuing in Christ makes vs accounted as righteous as euer Adam was or we could haue been if wee had kept the morall law and God is as well pleased with vs our faith is accounted for righteousnesse and in stead of it Rom. 4.5 But to him that worketh not but beleeueth in him that iustifieth the vngodly his faith is counted for righteousnesse 5. That we may from hence gather also assurance of raigning with God in another world as the Apostle shewes Rom. 5.9 10.11 Much more then being now iustified by his blood we shall bee saued from wrath through him For if when we were enemies wee were reconciled to God by the death of his Sonne much more being reconciled wee shall bee saued by his life 17. For if by the offence of one death raigned through one much more shall they which receiue the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousnes raign in life through one that is Iesus Christ. Rom. 8.30 Whom he iustified them also he glorified c. 6. Lastly that nothing shall separate vs from this loue of God no accusation shall bee receiued against vs Rom. 8.33.34 35. Thirdly this may serue for great reproofe 1. First for the neglect of faith in many oh who hath bewitched thee that thou shouldest not beleeue why will yee still bee shut vp and liue vnder the curse Galath 3.1 O foolish Galathians who hath bewitched you 10. As many as are vnder the workes of the law are vnder the curse c. 23. Before faith came wee were kept vnder the law shut vp c. 2. Of the most of vs for leaning still too much to our owne workes we can hardly tell how in our either glorying or grieuing to quit our selues from the infection of pleading merit of workes 3. Of many deare seruants of God for their slothfulnesse and miserable neglect of the assurance of faith resting still in their weaknesse of faith and not striuing to be fully perswaded CHAP. XXV Of Sanctification 1. Thes. 4.4 For this is the will of God euen your sanctification HItherto of Iustification Sanctification followes Concerning Sanctification there are these principles 1. That whom God iustifieth
vngodly among them Rom. 14.9 For Christ therefore died and rose againe and reuiued that he might bee Lord both of the dead and the quicke c. 2. Cor. 5.10 For we must all appeare before the iudgement seate of Iesus Christ c. Ro. 14.10 We shall all appeare before the iudgmeÌ„t seat of Iesus Christ. Psalm 9.8 For hee shall iudge the world Obiect All men are beleeuers or vnbeleeuers now the beleeuers shall not come vnto iudgement as appeares Ioh. 5.24 Verily verily I say vnto you he that heareth my word and beleeueth in him that sent me hath euerlasting life and shall not come into condemnation but hath passed from death vnto life And the vnbeleeuer is condemned already Ioh. 3.18 He that beleeueth not is condemned already Solution The beleeuer shall not come into the iudgement of condemnation and the vnbeleeuer is condemned already in effect and substance 1. In the counsell of God 2. In the word of God 3. In his owne conscience but yet the manifestation and finishing of this iudgement remaines vnto the last day Fourthly all the secret things of mens natures or workes shall be brought to light Luk. 8.17 For nothing is secret that shall not be euident neither any thing hid that shall not be knowne and come to light 1. Cor. 4.5 Therefore iudge nothing before the time vntill the Lord come who will lighten things that are hid in darknesse and make the counsels of the heart manifest Rom. 2.16 At that day God shall iudge the secrets of men by Iesus Christ. And therefore called a day of reuelation or declaration Rom. 2.5 Fifthly it shall bee at the last day but the precise day and houre is not knowne to any men or Angels the proofe for the like principle concerning the resurrection serues for this place Mat. 24.36 Sixthly the iudgement shall be most iust and righteous and all shall confesse it Rom. 14.10 But why dost thou iudge thy brother or why dost thou despise thy brother for we shall all appeare bofore the iudgement seat of Christ. 2. Tim. 4.8 For henceforth is laid vp for me the crowne of righteousnesse which the Lord the righteous iudge shall giue me at that day and not to me onely but vnto all them also which loue his appearing c. Rom. 2.5 But thou after thine hardnesse hart that canot repent heapest vnto thy selfe wrath against the day of wrath and of the declaration of the iust iudgement of God Psalm 9.8 For he shall iudge the world with righteousnesse and shall iudge the people with equitie Seuenthly the iudgement shall bee according to mens workes 2. Cor. 5.10 Euery man shall receiue the things which are done in his body according to that he hath done whether it be good or euill c. Rom. 2.6 Who will reward euery man according to his workes Obiect Wee are iustified by faith alone without workes Solution 1. Workes are inquired after in the last iudgement as the signes of faith and vnbeleefe Sol. 2. We are iustified by faith onely but shall bee iudged by faith and workes both together For that iudgement doth not serue to make men iust that are vniust but only to manifest them to be so indeed which were so in this life being truly iustified The consideration whereof should serue for diuers vses and first for instruction and so it should teach vs First in generall speedily to repent vs of our sinnes and it should stirre vs to all possible care of holy life and to the loue of all well doing by which our reckoning might then bee furthered Act. 17.31 2. Pet. 3.11 Seeing therfore that all these things must bee dissolued what manner persons ought ye to be in holy conuersation and godlinesse 14. Wherfore beloued seeing you look for such things be diligent that yee may bee found of him in peace without spot and blamelesse Philip. 1.10 That ye may discerne things that differ one from another that yee may bee pure and without offence vntill the day of Christ. Tit. 2.12.13 And teacheth vs that wee should denie vngodlinesse and worldly lusts and that we should liue sâ—berly and â—ighteously and godly in this present world Looking for the blessed hope and appearing of the glory of the mighty God and of our Sauiour Iesus Christ. Secondly in particular it should teach vs 1. Not to doate vpon earthly things seeing they must all bee consumed in that day in the fier 2. To bee patient vnder all wrongs seeing wee are assured there shal be vengeance rendred at that day 2. Thes. 1.5.6.7 Iam. 5.6.7 Phil. 4.5 Thirdly to take heed of rashnesse in iudging other men and men offend in censuring 1. When they inflict censures and meddle ouer busily or curiously with them that bee without 1. Cor. 5.12 For what haue I to do to iudge them which are without 2. When men speake euill of that which is good and call good euill Esa. 5.20 Woe vnto them that speake good of euill and euill of good which put darknes for light and light for darknes that put bitter for sweet sweet for sowre 3. WheÌ„ men iudge of things doubtfull as the hiddeÌ„ things of the heart the secret things of darknes 1. Cor. 4.5 Therefore iudge nothing before the time vntill the Lord come who wil lighteÌ„ things that are hid in darknes and make the couÌ„sels of the hart manifest And censure things in the worst sense 4. When men vncharitably censure others about things indifferent Rom. 14.3.4 Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not and let not him which eateth not iudge him that eateth for God hath receiued him 4. Who art thou that condemnest another mans seruant he standeth or falleth to his owne master yea he shall be established for God is able to make him stand c. 13. Let vs not therefore iudge one another any more but vse your iudgement rather in this that no man put an occasion to fall or a stumbling blocke before his brother 5. When men commit what they condemne Rom. 2.1.2 Therefore thou art inexcusable O man whosoeuer thou art that iudgest for in that thou iudgest another thou condemnest thy selfe for thou that iudgest dost the same things But we know that the iudgement of God is according to truth against them which commit such things Or being guilty of greater faults condemne others for lesser Mat. 7.1.2.3 Iudge not that ye bee not iudged And why seest thou the mote that is in thy brothers eye and perceiuest not the beame that is in thine owne eye c. 6. When men make a fault worse then it is Fourthly it should strike a feare into our hearts concerning God and his dreadfull Maiesty and Iustice and make vs afraid to offend him and seeke by all meanes to glorifie him whatsoeuer become of vs and the world Reuel 14.7 Saying with a loud voice feare God and giue glory to him for the houre of his iudgement is come and worship him that made heauen and earth