that concerne our selues as 1. First we should here learne to ioy and glory in the crosse of Christ aboue all things The remembrance of the loue of Christ herein and our wonderfull deliuerance from the vnspeakable dangers we were in by reason of our sinnes should breed in vs a maruelous inward and hearty exulting in this expiation of sins by the passion of Christ. Thus Paul God forbid I should reioyce in any thing but the crosse of Christ Gal. 6.14 2. We should while we liue haue more care of our pretious soules the price paied to ransom them should teach vs their worthes and to know that they are things must bee looked to with more care then ordinarie There was more giuen to redeeme a soule then needed to be giuen to buy the whole world yea many worlds We are wont to be exceeding carefull to keepe such things as cost deere with all circumspection neuer any thing cost more then the soule and therefore nothing must be so attended as the soule which is committed to thee to preserue till the day of Christ. 3. Thirdly these extreme things Christ hath suffered for vs to shew his loue to vs should make vs for euer trust him and rely onely vpon him as the life of our liues and the breath of our nostrils so as we should alwaies resolue with the Apostle Paul Gal. 2.20 that the life we now liue in the flesh we will liue by the faith of the Sonne of God who shewed his loue to vs by giuing himselfe for vs Phil. 1.21 For Christ is to me both in life and in death aduantage 4. These terrible agonies and sufferings of Christ should make vs liue in feare and spend the time of our soiourning here in a singular feare to offend God any more by our sinnes yea seeing we were to bee washed in blood before we could be cleane wee should bee desirous to get such puritie as that if it were possible wee might not haue a spot or wrinkle of sinne about vs 1. Pet. 1.17.18.19 Passe the time of your dwelling here in feare Knowing that yee were not redeemed with corruptible things as siluer and gold from your vaine conuersation receiued by the traditions of the Fathers but with the precious blood of Christ as of a lambe vndefiled and without spot Ephes. 5.26 That he might sanctifie it and clense it by the washing of water through the word 27. That he might make it to himselfe a glorious Church not hauing spot or wrinkle or any such thing but that it should be holy and without blame c. 5. We may here learne an excellent way how to mortifie sinne and destroy the power of any corruption Look how God did with sinne so should we but God vsed crucifying as the best medicine to kill the force and guilt of it and so should wee Hence it is that the terme of crucifying is giuen vnto the mortification of sinne Gal. 5.24 For they that are Christs haue crucified the flesh with the affections and the lusts c. We are therefore counselled to crucifie the flesh accordingly in many places of Scripture Now that we may crucifie our sinnes 1. We must haue them to the crosse of Christ force them before the tree on which he suffered it is such a sight as sinne cannot abide It will begin to die within a man vpon the sight of Christ on the crosse for the crosse of Christ accuseth sin shames sinne and by a secret vertue feedes vpon the very heart of sinne 2. Wee must vse sinne as Christ was vsed when hee was made sin for vs wee must lift it vp and make it naked by confession of it to God wee must pierce the hands and feete and heart of it by godly sorrow and application of threatnings against it and by spirituall reuenge vpon it The hands I say in respect of operation that it may worke no more The feet in respect of progression that it may raigne no longer and the heart in respect of affection that it may be loued no longer wee haue an inward seate for concupiscence to lodge in And thus as we should vpon all occasions so especially in the preparation to the Sabbath and when we are to keep a Passeouer to the Lord. That was the time chosen to crucifie Christ in and certainely it is a wonderfull fit time for vs to execute this worke of mortification vpon our sins Lastly this doctrine of the passion of Christ should wonderfully arme vs with patience in all afflictions The Captaine of our saluatioÌ„ was consecrate through afflictions Heb. 2.10 For it became him for whom are all things and by whom are all things sâ—eing that he brought many children vnto glory that he should consecrate the Prince of their saluation through affliction Though he were the son yet he learned obedience by the things he suffered Heb. 5.8 For as much as Christ hath suffered for vs in the flesh wee should arme our selues with the same minde 1. Pet. 4.1 For wee are hereunto called and Christ suffered for vs leauing vs an example that wee should follow his steps in doing well and taking it patiently when we suffer euill 1. Pet. 2.19.20.21 c. Afflictions are the markes of Christ and we should glory in it alwaies to beare about in the body the dying of the Lord Iesus 2. Cor. 4.10 Gal. 6.17 And God hath predestinated vs that wee should bee conformed to the Image of his Sonne in sufferings Rom. 8.29 And therefore if we will raigne with Christ wee must suffer with him 2. Tim. 2.12 Let vs therefore bee fully perswaded to take vp our crosse also daily and follow him Luke 9.23 Let vs therefore also go forth to him without the campe bearing his reproch Heb. 13.13 And with patience run the race that is set before vs looking to him that being the author and finisher of our faith endured such contradiction of sinners against himselfe endured the crosse despised the shame and resisted euen vnto blood Heb. 12.1.2.3.4 Wee should neuer therfore be weary or faint hauing such a paterne before vs and knowing the end God gaue to him and hath promised to vs and accomplished in the experience of others of his seruants but euen learne to obey God in this commandement about afflictions as well as any other Thus of the vses for Instruction the vses for Information follow The doctrine of the passion of Christ may enforme vs in diuers things as First concerning true felicitie in the negatiue consideration of it for in as much as Christ had so little to doe with the world and spent his daies so without the profits and pleasures of this life it shewes that his kingdome was not of this world and that the best treasures lie not in these things and besides that one may bee truly blessed and yet be extremely destituted of these outward comforts of life 2. Secondly concerning the dangerousnes of the doctrine of the Papists for these principles shew vs that
whither shal they flie from thy presence If they ascend into heauen thou art there if they lie downe in hell thou art there Iob 9.4.5 Hee is wise in heart and mighty in strength who hath been fierce against him and hath prospered Hee remoueth the mountaines and they feele not when hee ouerthroweth them in his wrath Psalm 107.42 The righteous shall see it and reioyce and all iniquity shall stop her mouth Psal. 146.9 The Lord keepeth the strangers hee relieueth the fatherlesse and widow but hee ouerthroweth the way of the wicked Thirdly the doctrine of Gods prouidence should teach vs diuers duties 1 Take not thought what thou shalt eate c. thou art at Gods finding Matth. 6.31 Therefore take no thought saying what shall we drinke or wherewith shall wee bee clothed c. cast thy care vpon God for he careth for thee 1. Pet. 5.7 Cast all your care vpon him for he careth for you Psal. 55.22 Cast thy burthen vpon the Lord and hee shall nourish thee he will not suffer the righteous to fall for euer Say with Abraham God will prouide Heb. 13.5 Let your conuersation be without couetousnesse and bee content with those things that ye haue for he hath said hee will not faile thee neither forsake thee c. Be patient in aduersity and shew it 1. By restraining griefe and sorrow in thy selfe Psalm 39.9 I should haue been dumb and not haue opened my mouth because thou didst it 1. Sam. 3.18 So Samuel told him euery whit and hid nothing from him Then he said It is the Lord let him doe what seemeth him good Prou. 3.11.12 My sonne refuse not the chastening of the Lord neither be grieued with his correctiō Affliction comes not out of the dust 2 By not vsing ill meanes By not fearing the rage of any creature Luk. 12.4.5.6.7 c. And I say vnto you my friends be not afraid of them that kill the body and after that are not able to doe any more c. Matth. 10.28.29.30 Are not two sparrowes sold for a farthing and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your father c. 1. Pet. 4.19 Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit their soules to him in well doing as vnto a faithfull Creator 4. By seeking to God though we see no meanes for hee hath a thousand wayes we know not of Seeke all good things at his hands hee hath the disposing of all Acknowledge all good things from him as Psalm 147 all ouer Serue him in all meanes and sacrifice not to thine owne nets Habak 1.16 Therefore they sacrifice vnto their net and burne incense vnto their yarne because by them their portion is fat and their meate plenteous Trust not in thine owne proiects nor in the meanes Ier. 10.23 O Lord I know that the way of man is not in himselfe neither is it in man to walke and to direct his steps Deut. 8.3 Therefore hee humbled thee and made thee hungry and fed thee with man which thou knewest not neither did thy fathers know it that hee might teach thee that man liueth not by bread onely but by euery word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord doth a man liue Psalm 127.1.2 Except the Lord build the house they labour in vaine that build it except the Lord keepe the City the keeper watcheth in vaine It is in vaine for you to rise early and to lie downe late and eate the bread of sorrow but hee will surely giue rest to his beloued But commit thy way to God and trust vpon him Psalm 37.4 And delight thy selfe in the Lord and he shall giue thee thy hearts desire Pray God to direct the works of thine hands Psalm 90.17 And let the beauty of the Lord our God be vpon vs and direct thou the workes of our hands vpon vs euen direct the worke of our hands If God gouerne do good and be alwaies assured as Psal 58.11 And men shall say verily there is fruit for the righteous doubtlesse there is a God that iudgeth in the earth Obserue Gods workes keepe a Catalogue of experiments Psalm 107.43 Who is wise that hee may obserue these things for they shall vnderstand the louing kindnesse of the Lord. And make knowne his deeds talke of his wondrous workes Remēber the maruellous workes he hath done Psal. 106 1.2-5 Praise ye the Lord because he is good for his mercy endureth for euer who cā expresse the noble acts of the Lord or shew forth all his praise c. Shall wee not for euer bee afraid of him that so mightily and daily gouerneth c. Eccles. 3.11.14 Hee hath made euery thing beautifull in his time also hee hath set the world in their heart yet cannot man finde out the worke that God hath wrought from the beginning euen to the end I know that whatsoeuer God shall doe it shall be for euer To it can no man adde and from it can no man diminish For God hath done it that they should feare before him c. The fourth vse is for consolation to the godly our bones and haires are numbred Psal. 34.20 He keepeth all his bones not one of them is broken Luk. 12.6.7 Yea all the haires of your head are numbred feare not therefore you are of more value then sparrowes c. He knowes our way Psal. 1.6 For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous Our teares are in his bottle Psalm 56.8 Thou hast counted my wandrings put my teares into thy bottle are they not in thy Register He will not leaue vs nor forsake vs Heb. 13.5 Let your conuersation bee without couetousnesse and bee content with those things that you haue For hee hath said I will not leaue thee nor forsake thee No good things will he withhold Psalm 84.11 For the Lord God is the Sun and shield vnto vs the Lord will giue grace and glory and no good thing will he withhold from them that walke vprightly Esa. 48.15.16 Can a woman forget her child and not haue compassion on the sonne of her wombe though they should forget yet will I not forget thee Behold I haue grauen thee vpon the palme of mine hands thy walles are euer in my sight Hee that beleeueth shall not be ashamed Thus of the prouidence of God in generall as it concernes man in speciall it lookes first vpon the estate of Innocency CHAP. VII Of Mans first estate viz. of Innocency Eccles. 7.31 Onely loe this haue I found that God hath made man righteous but they haue sought many inuentions THere are two principles concerning mans first estate God made man at the first after his owne image Gen. 1.26 Furthermore God said Let vs make man in our owne image according to our likenesse and let them rule ouer the fish of the sea c. 1. Cor. 11.7 For a man ought not to couer his head for as much as he is the image of God c. Colos. 3.10 And
For thou art great and dost wondrous things thou art God alone c. Loue him alone or aboue all He knoweth them that loue him and shew it by seruing him only Deut. 6.4.5 The Lord our God is Lord onely And thou shalt loue the Lord thy God with all thine heart and with al thy soule and with al thy might c. Mark 12.29.30 as before It should repent vs that euer wee relied vpon any other but him learning hereafter for euer to relie vpon him in our desperatest extremities as these places shew Deut. 32.37.38.39 Isay 37.16 1. Sam 2.2.3 We should therefore keepe the vnity of the spirit in the bond of peace as is vrged Ephes. 4.3.6 c. We should therefore vse but one Mediator to him 1. Tim. 2.5 For there is one God and one Mediatour betweene God and Man Which is the Man Christ Iesus c. Lastly how happy are his people they are most sure to prosper and grow as from the consideration of this principle is shewed Isai. 44.6.7.8 with coherence Hetherto of the nature of God the workes of God follow His workes are either of Creation or Prouidence CHAP. V. Of the Creation Reuel 4.11 Thou art worthy O Lord to receiue glory and honour and power for thou hast created all things and for thy wils sake they are and haue been created THere are fiue principles concerning the Creation That the World had a beginning was not eternall Gen. 1.1 In the beginning God created the heauen and the earth c. Prou. 8.24 c. When there were no depths was I begotten when there were no fountaines abounding with water c. Ephes. 1.4 As hee hath chosen vs in him before the foundation of the world c. That this world and al things therein was made by God Acts 17.24 God that made the world and all things that are therein c. Iohn 1.3 All things were made by it and without it was made nothing that was made Gens 1.1 Psalm 33.6 By the word of the Lord were the heauens made and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth Isaiah 40.28 Knowest thou not or hast thou not heard that the euerlasting God the Lord hath created the ends of the earth c. Colos. 1.16 For by him were all things created which are in heauen and which are in earth things visible and inuisible c. That all was made of nothing Rom. 4.17 Before God whom he beleeued who quickneth the dead and calleth those things which bee not as though they were Heb. 11.3 Through faith wee vnderstand that the world was ordained by the word of God so that the things which we see are not made of things which did appeare That God made all things by his word onely He spake and it was created He said let it bee and it was so Genes 1. Heb. 11.3 Psal. 33.6.9 all recited before That all things in their Creation were made good Gen. 1.31 and 2.1 And God saw all that hee had made and loe it was very good c. The vse may be For Information The glorie of the Lord shall endure for euer He shall reioyce in his workes Psalm 104.31 For Instruction and so the Scripture teacheth vs by the creation 1. To feare him and stand in awe of him euen all the inhabitants of the earth who are the work of his hands Psal. 33.6.7.8 2. To study the knowledge of these workes of his to remember them contemplate of them and praise his workmanship and admire his glory that doth great things and vnsearchable yea maruelous things without number c Iob 9.10.11 shall we not sing vnto the Lord all our life and praise our God while we liue c Psal. 104 33. seeing The heauens declare the glory of God and the firmament sheweth the worke of his hands Psal. 19.1 and the inuisible things of him that is his eternall power and God-head are seene by the creation of the World being considered in his workes c Rom. 1.20 Let vs remember that God gaue a Sabbath of purpose to remember the glory of God in the creation 3. To obserue the distinct glory of euery person admire that Sonne by whom God made the worlds Heb. 1.3 Col. 1.16 and that Spirit that sitting vpon that Chaos first hatched it Genes 1.2 4. To acknowledge Gods soueraigntie let him take whom he will away who can say what doest thou Iob 9.13 God will not withdraw his anger and the most mighty helpes stoope vnder him 5. Vpon all occasions and in all distresses to seeke vnto him for helpe assistance and succour Psalm 124.8 Psalm 134.3 yea beleeuing in him though we see no hope in respect of outward meanes Rom 4.17 Heb. 11.3 Isaiah 37.16 And as this is true of affliction and outward distresses so is it true of all spirituall distresses about the meanes or matter of holinesse for God himselfe vseth the word create in both to shew vs that it is lawfull for that reason to rest vpon him Isaiah 57.19 I create the fruit of the lips to be peace c. Psalm 51.10 Create in me a cleane heart c. so it is applied to good works Ephes. 1.10 and to our protection in generall Esay 4.4 and 5. To shew that if it were as difficult as to make heauen and earth at the first yet God will doe it 6. To teach vs compassion to the creatures we should loue the worke of his hands and not bee cruell to them or voide of pitie These principles also may serue for reproofe of wicked men For not fearing God and not trembling before him as Ierem. 5.22.23 Feare ye not me saith the Lord will ye not be afraid at my presence which haue placed the sand for the bounds of the sea by the spirituall decree a perpetuall that it cannot passe it c. For not regarding his works Isaiah 1.12 And the harpe and viol and timbrel and pipe and wine are in their feasts but they regard not the worke of the Lord neither consider the worke of his hands For hardning themselues in their sinnes notwithstanding Gods threatnings Iob 4.13 with vers 15.16.21 And lastly for consolation to all that put their trust in him Psal. 116.5.6 He can dispose of all since the earth is the Lords and all that is therein Oh what is man that God should bee mindefull of him and giue him such pre-eminence ouer the workes of his hands Psalme 8.4.5.6.7.8 Prouerbs 8.31 Thus of the Creation CHAP. VI. Of Gods Prouidence Rom. 11.36 For of him and through him and for him are all things To him be glory for euer Amen THe principles concerning Gods prouidence are That God still knowes and takes continual notice of all things Prou. 15.3 The eies of the Lord in euery place behold the euill and the good Zach. 4.10 These seuen are the eies of the Lord which goe through the whole world Heb. 4.13 Neither is there any creature
trust in God 5. As any are more godly so they must know they shall bee more assaulted Thus for instruction This doctrine of the fall hath matter in it of extreame humiliation in that eternall shame lies vpon our nature by this vile offence both in respect of the extremity of our losse and the fearfull displeasure of God Lastly it may comfort the godly to thinke of their estate by Christ hauing receiued the assurance of a better condition then euer they could haue had in Adam and the rather because they are now confirmed as the Angels of heauen that they can neuer fall from the happinesse they haue in Christ. CHAP. IX Of Sinne. Rom. 5.12 Wherefore as by one man sinne entred into the world and death by sinne and so death went ouer all men for as much as all men haue sinned c. HItherto of the cause of our misery The parts follow viz. 1. Sinne. 2. Punishment The principles concerning sin are First that all men haue sinned Psalm 14.1.2.3 The foole hath said in his heart there is no God they haue corrupted and done an abominable worke there is none that doth good The Lord looked downe from heauen vpon the children of men to see if there were any that would vnderstand and seeke God All are gone out of the way they are all corrupt there is none that doth good no not one Prou. 20.9 Who can say I haue made mine heart cleane I am cleane from my sinne 1. King 8.46 There is no man that sinneth not c. Eccles. 7.22 Surely there is no man iust in the earth that doth good and sinneth not Rom. 3.9 What then are wee more excellent No in no wise for we haue already proued that all both Iewes and Gentiles are vnder sin Iam. 3.2 For in many things we sinne all 1. Ioh. 1.8 If we say that we haue no sinne we deceiue our selues and the truth is not in vs. The second principle is that the nature of man is stained with sinne from the birth Iob 14.4 Who can bring a cleane thing out of filthinesse there is not one Iob 15.14 What is man that he should bee cleane and hee that is born of a womaÌ„ that he shuld be iust Psal. 51.5 Behold I was borne in iniquity and in sin hath my mother conceiued me That this infection hath ouerspread the whole nature of man hence called the old man For explication of this principle we must consider that the nature of man is tainted 14. waies For there is in man by nature Extreame darknesse sightlesnes especially in the knowledge of God and happinesse Colos. 1.13 Who hath deliuered vs from the power of darknesse 1. Cor. 2.14 But the naturall man perceiueth not the things of the spirit of God for they are foolishnesse vnto him neither can hee know them because they are spiritually discerned Insensiblenesse and vnutterable hardnesse of heart Ephes. 4.18 Hauing their cogitation darkened and being strangers from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them because of the hardnesse of their heart c. Impotency and extreame disability to deliuer our owne soules or breake off our sinnes Esa. 44.20 He feedeth of ashes a seduced heart hath deceiued him that he cannot deliuer his soule nor say is there not a lie in my right hand Enmity to that which is good Rom. 8.7 For the wisedome of the flesh is enmity to God Rom. 7.23 But I see another law in my members rebelling against the law of my mind and leading me captiue vnto the law of sin which is in my members 5. Impurity foulnes filthines all ouer Tit. 1â— 5. Vnto them that are defiled 〈◊〉 â—â—beleeuing is nothing pure 〈◊〉 euen their mindes and conscienâ—â— are defiled Psal. 14.3 All are gone out of the way they are all corrupt there is none that doth good no not one 6. Abundance of false principles 7. Pronenesse to al sorts of euil Rom. 7.14.21 For we know that the law is spirituall but I am carnall sold vnder sinne I finde then by the law that when I would do good euill is present with me c. Concupiscence Want of all righteousnesse defects of the loue feare Ioy. c in God so of mercy c Psalm 14.3 All are gone out of the way they are all corrupt there is none that doth good no not one c. Rom. 3.10 As it is written There is none righteous no not one The members are naturally seruants of sinne so the senses Rom. 6.13.16 c. Neither giue you your members as weapons of vnrighteousnesse vnto sinne c. Know ye not that to whomsoeuer ye giue your selues as seruants to obey his seruants you are to whom ye obey whether it bee of sinne vnto death or of obedience vnto righteousnesse c. A seruile will a will that apprehends no liberty but in sinning Rom. 7.14 A natural aptnesse to be scandalized so as Christ himselfe is an offence a rocke of offence 1. Cor. 8.7 1. Pet. 2.6 A naturall sauouring and relishing of the things of Satan Ephes. 2.2 Wherein in time past you walked according to the course of this world and after the prince that ruleth in the ayre euen the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience This hath been euer since the first tentation in Paradise Corruption of memory Forgetting Good Retaining Euill A naturall dis-union one from another lusts of disagreement shunning all harty communion with others through dislike and selfe-loue Iam. 4.1 From whence are warres and contentions amongst you are they not hence euen of your lusts that fight in your members These things proue that wee haue all vile natures that there is not one of a good nature in the world by nature The fourth principle is that besides these sinnes that sticke fast vpon our natures euery man is guilty of horrible and many and vile actuall sinnes Psalm 14. 1.2.3 They haue corrupted and done an abominable worke c. Iob. 15.15.16 Behold he found no stedfastnesse in his Saints yea the heauens are not cleane in his sight How much more is man abominable and filthy who drinketh iniquity like water Rom 3.12 They haue all gone out of the way c. Such as are 1. A world of euill thoughts Genes 6.5 When the Lord saw that the wickednesse of man was great in the earth and all the imaginations of the thoughts of his heart were only euill continually Atheisticall thoughts innumerable Impure thoughts innumerable Vaine thoughts innumerable Errours in all parts of Religion 2. Vile affections Impatiency Lust Anger Enuie Suspition Malice Worldly feare Trust Ioy Loue c. 3. Vile words bitter idle false flattering slaÌ„dering proud filthy deceitfull scornfull censuring words 4. Atheisticall workes Psal. 14.1.3 as in many places before Against Gods worship in all the parts Against the Sabbath In our particular and generall calling At home and abroad Secret open Of omission and commission Of ignorance of knowledge Sudden and of custome In
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