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
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
into heauen viz. as Adam did into paradise naked in body but clothed in soule with Innocency and immortality but chiefely to expiate for our shamefull wickednesse before God 10. Hee was hanged vpon a tree that so as death by the tree entred into the world so on a tree it should be destroied and life brought backe againe And besides herein Christ answered the type in Isaacks offering vp and the brasen Serpent lifted vp on high Ioh. 3.14 and that Christ lifted vp in the aire might ouercome the Prince of the aire and all his spirituall wickednesses Coloss. 2.15 And that he might beare the curse of the Law being in that kind of death made a speciall curse for vs Gal. 3.13.14 11. He dranke gall and viniger wherein he both fulfilled the Scriptures Psal. 69.21 For they gaue me gall in my meate and in my thirst they gaue me vineger to drink c. And as the second Adam bare the punishment of the first Adams offence in tasting the iuice of the forbidden fruit 12. The nailing of his hands and feete assures vs of the cancelling of the hand-writing of ordinances that was against vs both of the dissolution of all ceremoniall agreements and of the full cancelling of the bond morall for so much as concernes the forfeiture that lay vpon vs Coloss. 2. 14 c. CHAP. XXI Of Christs intercession HItherto of the expiation of sinnes The third part of the Priesthood of Christ followes and that is the intercession of Christ concerning which there are foure principles 1. That Christ at the right hand of God maketh intercession for vs Rom. 8.34 Who shall condemne It is Christ which is dead yea or rather which is risen againe who is also at the right hand of God and maketh request also for vs. Heb. 7.25 Wherefore he is able also perfectly to saue them that come vnto God by him seeing he euer liueth to make intercession for them 2. That we haue no other intercessour in heauen but Christ 1. Tim. 2.5.6 For there is one God and one Mediator betweene God and man which is the Man Christ Iesus Who gaue himselfe a ransome for all men to bee a testimony in due time Isaiah 59.16 And when he saw that there was no man he wondred that there was no intercessour therfore his arme did saue it and his righteousnesse it selfe did sustaine it 3. That the intercession of Christ is perpetuall hee so doth it once as hee will neuer faile to doe it in all ages Heb. 7.25.28 For the Law maketh men high priests which haue infirmitie but the word of the oth that was since the law maketh the sonne who was consecrated for euermore 4. That he makes intercession onely for the Elect Iohn 17.9 I pray for them I pray not for the world but for them which thou hast giuen me for they are thine c. Now for the explication of these principles three things must be opened The first is the acceptation of the word intercession for it signifieth Sometimes the prayers which the godly make in the name of Christ the intercessor to turne away Gods iudgements from their brethren in this world and so it is taken 1. Tim. 2.1 I exhort therefore that first of all supplications prayers intercessions and giuing of thanks be made for all men c. Sometimes the complaints that men make or pretend to make against the faults of others Thus Elias made intercession against Israel Rom. 11.2 And the Iewes made intercession against Paul Acts 25.24 But vsually it signifieth that part of the mediation of Christ in which he appeares before God to preuent or pacifie his displeasure towards the Elect. 2. The second is how many waies Christ makes intercession for vs and so there are seuen distinct things in the intercession of Christ for 1. First he presents himself before God with his merits tendring his sacrifice for our satisfaction Heb. 9.24 For Christ is not entred into the holy places that are made with hands which are similitudes of the true sanctuary but is entred into very heauen to appeare now in the sight of God for vs. And so pacifying God toward vs Ier. 30.31 2. Hee praied and still doth pray for vs all his prayers on earth were a part of his intercession and he still prayeth for vs in heauen Rom. 8.34 Who is also at the right hand of God and maketh request also for vs. Heb. 7.25 Wherefore he is able also perfectly to saue them that come vnto God by him seeing hee euer liueth to make intercession for them c. 3. He offers vp our prayers and praises to God Reuel 8.3.4 That he should offer with the prayers of all Saints vpon the golden altar which is before the throne And the smoke of the odours with the prayers of the Saints went vp before God out of the Angels hand And so all our good works Col. 1.22 In the body of his flesh through death to make you holy and vnblameable and without fault in his sight 4. He vndertakes for vs before God and giues his word for vs that we being mindfull of reconciliation through him shall eschew sinne by his grace and not prouoke God any more as wee haue done This sponsion is a necessary part of the office of an intercessor Iohn 17.6 I haue declared thy name vnto the men which thou gauest mee out of the world thine they were and thou gauest them mee and they haue kept thy word 25. O righteous Father the world hath also not knowne thee but I haue knowne thee and these haue knowne that thou hast sent me 26. And I haue declared vnto them thy name and will declare it that the loue wherewith thou hast loued me may be in them and I in them 5. He pleades our cause as an aduocate and remoues and non-suites all accusations which men or Diuels may make against vs to God Rom. 8.34 as before 1. Ioh. 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 iust c. 6. He poureth out vpon vs the spirit of intercession which causeth vs after an vnutterable manner to make our moanes and requests to God Rom. 8.26 Likewise the spirit also helpeth our infirmities for we know not what to pray as we ought but the Spirit it selfe maketh request for vs with sighes which cannot be expressed c. So in the 15 For ye haue not receiued the spirit of bondage to feare againe but ye haue receiued the spirit of adoption whereby wee cry Abba Father Gal. 4.6.7 And because yee are sonnes God hath sent forth the spirit of his Sonne into your hearts which crieth Abba Father c. 7. Hee sprinkleth his blood vpon vs by application of his merits to vs which cries and makes intercession for vs Heb. 12.24 And to Iesus the Mediatour of the new Testament and to the blood of sprinkling that speaketh better things then that
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
Gospell 2. Thes. 1.8 In flaming fier rendring vengeance vnto them that doe not know God and which obey not vnto the Gospell of our Lord Iesus Christ. And thus for terrour Lastly the doctrine of the last iudgement should be exceeding comfortable to al the godly and that in many respects First if they shall consider who shall be their Iudge euen he that is their brother husband aduocate head and redeemer hee that was iudged for their sakes and therefore they neede to feare no hard sentence from him Secondly if they consider the present assurance of hope For first hath not Christ giuen them many promises that it shal goe well with them at that day 2. Hath not Christ iustified them already and absolued thē from all their sinnes Rom. 3.24.25 3. Haue they not receiued the earnest of the spirit and the seale of the Sacraments 2. Cor. 1.21.22 2. Cor. 5.5 4. Haue they not iudged themselues and therefore are they not free from condemnation with the world 1. Cor. 11.31.32 5. They haue been iudged already the afflictions of this life will be accounted sufficient vnto them 1. Pet. 4.17 They may trust their soules to God and that God that hath begun his good worke in them will performe it till the day of Christ Philip. 1.5.6 1. Cor. 1.8 Thirdly if they consider the benefits they shall attaine vnto at that day for Christ will bee made maruellous in all them that beleeue 2. Thes. 1.10 They shall haue honour and praise their innocency shall be cleared and their miseries and sinnes ended And when Christ shall appeare then shall we also appeare with him in glory Colos. 3.4 Fourthly if they consider the circumstances of the Iudgment as 1. The neernesse of the time should make them hold vp their heads Matth. 24.22.33 Philip. 4.5 Let your patient mind be knowne vnto all men the Lord is at hand Iam. 5.8 Be ye also patient therfore and settle your hearts for the comming of the Lord draweth neere 2. The greatnesse of the assembly before whom they shall bee so much graced by Christ they shall be honoured before all men and Angels 3. The condition of the sentence it shall be a finall sentence neuer to bee reuoked but acknowledged to all eternity 4. And besides they shall haue this fauour that nothing shall bee remembred but goodnesse in good men their sinnes shall not bee mentioned vnto them Matth. 25. CHAP. XXVIII Of the glory of heauen 1. Cor. 2.9 But as it is written The things which eye hath not seene neither eare hath heard neither came into mans heart are which God hath prepared for them that loue him HItherto of the principles that concerne the resurrection the last iudgement The principles that concerne the glory of heauen follow There are foure principles concerning the glory of heauen The first concernes the greatnesse of it It is vnspeakable and in respect of vs heere on earth incomprehensible 1. Cor. 2.9 as in the beginning 1. Ioh. 3.2 Dearly beloued now are we the sonnes of God but yet it doth not appeare what we shall bee and we know that when we shall appeare we shall be like him for wee shall see him as he is Colos. 3.3.4 For yee are dead and your life is hid with Christ in God When Christ which is our life shall appeare then shall wee also appeare with him in glory 2. Cor. 12.4 How that hee was taken vp into Paradise and heard words which cannot bee spoken which are not possible for man to vtter Reuel 2.17 Let him that hath an eare heare what the spirit saith vnto the Churches to him that ouercommeth will I giue to eate of the manna that is hid and will giue him a white stone and in the stone a new name written which no man knoweth sauing he that receiueth it Psal. 16.11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life in thy presence is the fulnesse of ioy and at thy right hand there are pleasures for euermore Psalm 31.19 How great is thy goodnesse which thou hast laid vp for them that feare thee and done to them that trust in thee euen before the sonnes of men The second concernes the continuance of it and so it is eternall and therefore is this life called eternall life and immortality Matthew 25. vers 46. And these shall goe into euerlasting paine and the righteous into life eternall 2. Timoth. 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 1. Pet. 1.4 To an inheritance immortall and vndefiled and that fadeth not away reserued in heauen for you c. 2. Cor. 5.1 For wee know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle be destroyed we haue a building giuen of God that is an house not made with hands but eternall in the heauens The third concernes the cause of it Heauen is the gift of God and proceeds onely from his free grace and not for any merit in vs Luk. 12.32 Feare not little flocke for it is your Fathers pleasure to giue you a kingdome Titus 3.4 But when the bountifulnesse and loue of God our Sauiour toward man appeared not for our righteousnesse but according to his mercy he saued vs c. Ioh. 3.16 For God so loued the world that he hath giuen his onely begotten Sonne that whosoeuer beleeueth in him should not perish but haue euerlasting life Rom. 6.23 For the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternall life through Iesus Christ our Lord c. 1. Pet. 1. all the chapter The fourth concernes the persons that shall enioy it the elect of God onely obtaine this glory 1. Cor. 15.50 c. This say I brethren that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdome of God neither doth corruption inherit incorruption Reuel 21.27 And there shall enter into it none vncleane thing neither whatsoeuer worketh abomination or lies but they which are written in the Lambes booke of life 1. Cor. 6.9 Know ye not that the vnrighteous shall not inherit the kingdome of God be not deceiued Neither fornicators nor Idolaters nor adulterers nor wantons nor buggeres c. Rom. 2.7 That is to them which by continuance in well doing seeke glory and honour and immortality eternall life 10. But to euery man that doth good shall be glory and honour and peace to the Iew first and also to the Grecian The vses follow and are either for instruction or for consolation First for instruction and then the doctrine of the glory of heauen should worke diuers impressions vpon our hearts 1. We should with all earnestnesse importune God to enable vs to behold by the effectualnesse of contemplation the greatnesse of that felicity is prouided for vs in heauen wee are naturally extreamly vnable for the contemplation of it wee should beseech God by his spirit to force open our eyes and make vs able to stand and gaze with admiration at