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
resurrection Dan. 12.2 And many of them that sleepe in the dust of the earth shall awake some to euerlasting life and some to shame and perpetuall contempt Quest. It may bee obiected that Daniel saith many shall rise not all Answ. Hee may speake so because wee shall not all die but those that are aliue at Christs comming shall bee changed in stead of death and resurrection 1. Thes. 4.15 For this say we vnto you by the word of the Lord that we which liue and are remaining in the comming of the Lord shall not preuent them which sleepe c. 1. Cor. 15.53 Thirdly that the same bodies which men carry about with them in this world shall rise againe Iob 19.26.27 And though after my skin wormes destroy this body yet shall I see God in my flesh Whom I my selfe shall see and mine eyes shall behold and none other for me though my raines are consumed within me Psalm 34.20 He keepeth all his bones not one of them is broken This very corruptible must put on incorruption 1. Cor. 15. 53. For this corruptible must put on incorruption and this mortall must put on immortality c. The reasons are 1. because euery man shall receiue in his body what hee hath done either good or euill 2. Cor. 5.10 For wee must all appeare before the iudgement seat of Christ that euery man may receiue the things which are done in his body according to that he hath done whether good or euill 2. Because else it were absurd that any other body should bee crowned but that which suffered or punished but that which sinned Fourthly that this resurrection shall bee at the ende of the world euen the last day of the world Ioh. 6.44 No man can come to me except the Father which hath sent me draw him and I will raise him vp at the last day And therefore we must distinguish betweene particular resurrections and the generall or vniuersall Particular resurrections haue been past in some cases miraculously as at the time of Christs death but the principle speakes of the vniuersall resurrection The vses may be for Information Instruction Consolation Terrour First for information and so we should striue to informe our selues in three things 1. The certainty of it that it shall surely be 2. The manner of it since it must needs be 3. The glory of the life in Christ that can effect this For the first we may find many waies to affect our harts with a full assurance that our dead bodies shall rise againe many things tend hereunto some probable some infallible some shew it that it may bee others that it shall be That it is not impossible other workes in nature shew as first the Phoenix a bird in Arabia of which it is written that waxing old with the stickes of Frankincense and Cassia with which shee filled her nest shee makes a fier and being put in the fier and burned to ashes by and by after the dew of heauen lights vpon her she comes forth aliue Secondly we know that many little birds which for the winter-time lie out of the way in deepe marshes or such like places yet in spring time come out aliue againe Thirdly we see that trees and plants in winter loose all their ornaments and being dead to see to yet reuiue againe Fourthly thus doth the seed also which the husband-man throwes into the ground 1. Cor. 15.36 O foole that which thou sowest is not quickened except it die Fifthly and lastly night and day sleepe and waking shewes vs thus much the day dies into the night and yet reuiues to the world with all his glory Yea in man himselfe there is grounds of singular probability For First his deliuerances from dangers and distresses are as it were lesser resurrections and the terme is giuen to it The houses in which the Iewes were captiues were as so many graues and their returne as a rising from the dead Ezech. 37.12 2. Cor. 1.10 Secondly he hath had an experience of the first resurrection in his soule already and how can he doubt the rising of his body Rom. 6. Ioh. 5.25.28 Reu. 20.6 Thirdly diuers particular men haue appeared raised from the dead as Lazarus Ioh. 13.43 the Saints that appeared out of the graues after Christs death Mat. 27.52.53 Fourthly God shewed this in a vision to Ezechiel when he saw a field full of dry bones receiuing at Gods commandement flesh and nerues and life Ezech. 37. But wee haue more then probabilities we haue certaine arguments for it as First the word of God assuring it 1. Thes. 4.15 as was proued before to whom all things are possible Luk. 1.37 For with God shall nothing bee vnpossible Luk. 18.27 The things which are vnpossible with men are possible with God Rom. 4.21 Secondly the Sonne of God vndertaking to effect it Iohn 6. 39. And this is the Fathers will which hath sent me that of all which he hath giuen me I should loose nothing but should raise it vp againe at the last day c. Thirdly the resurrection of Christ to assure it who rose as our surety 1. Thes. 4.14 Fourthly the Sacrament of Baptizme sealeth both the resurrection of soule and body Fifthly and lastly the Apostle proues at large the necessity of the resurrection by many arguments shewing in effect that all religion is ouerturned if the resurrection bee not beleeued 1. Cor. 15.12 Thus that it shall be How it shall be followes The manner of the resurrection will be thus First when the last day of the world is come Christ on a sudden in the same visible forme he went to heauen will come in the clouds with his Angels and thousands of the soules of his Saints Iude 14. 1. Thes. 4.15 Secondly the trumpet of God shall then sound the voice of the Arch-angell shall then bee heard Christ shall command exhort and call vpon the dead to rise and come away to iudgement 1. Thes. 4.16.17 so as the very dead shall heare this shout and voice of Christ Ioh. 5.29 Matth. 24.31 Thirdly immediately the spirit of Christ will bring the soules of all the godly and they shall enter into their bodies and then they that haue slept in the dust of the earth shall bee raised to life Fourthly the bodies of the wicked shall then bee raised also by the power of God by a way vnknowne Fifthly men that shal then be aliue shal haue a chāge on a sudden in stead of death and resurrection 1. Cor. 15. 1. Thes. 4.15 16. Sixthly the Angels shall then gather the Elect and chase in the reprobates from the foure winds of heauen and present them before Christ Matth. 24.31 Thus of the manner Thirdly this may informe vs concerning the glorious life of the Sonne of God who doth not onely liue himselfe but giues life to millions of men by his spirit Ioh. 5.21 and raised dead bodies so miraculously Thus of the vses for information From the doctrine of the resurrection wee should
earth much more shall we not escape if wee turne away from him that speaketh from heauen c. 10. To seeke those things that are aboue where he sitteth at the right hand of God and to haue our conuersation in heauen since as subiects of his kingdome wee are freemen of the new Ierusalem the Metropolis of his kingdome Philip. 3.20 But our conuersation is in heauen from whence also we looke for the Sauiour euen the Lord Iesus Christ. Col. 3.1 If ye then be risen with Christ seeke those things which are aboue where Christ sitteth at the right hand of God c. 11. To dwell securely as acknowledging wee haue secure protection in his seruice and not to be afraid of any feare Ier. 23. 5.6 Behold the daies come saith the Lord that I will raise vnto Dauid a righteous branch and a King shall raigne and prosper and shall execute iudgement and iustice in the earth 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 righteousnes c. 12. To carry our selues as the seruants of the King His subiects should differ in their manners from all other nations and his seruāts should order themselues so as may become his honour And thus wee should alwaies resist to our power the kingdom of darkenesse and set our selues to ouercome the world and as conquerours to denie our selues in the affection to the profits and pleasures c. of the world and liue out of the feare of the disgrace of the world knowing it is honor enough to be such a Kings seruants and out of feare euen of death it selfe as knowing our deliuerance by the victory which our Sauiour had ouer death and the assurance that he will come againe and make our vile bodies like to his glorious body And as this may teach men in general so there be diuers things to bee vrged from hence vpon particular persons as First Kings Iudges and Rulers of the people should take notice of this and do their homage and bring their presents to this King of al Kings Psalm 68.29 and seeing they are but his Vicegerents they should bee learned in the Lawes of his kingdome and get wisdome to carry themselues so as may become those that represent his person not daring to oppose the gouernment of Christ or to set themselues to oppresse his subiects Psalm 2.10.11 Secondly Ministers should especially stirre vp themselues to mind this great worke of separating men from the world to the kingdome of Christ. Thirdly priuat Christians must take heed of iudging one another for all iudgement is committed to the Sonne and hee is the onely supreme Iudge and Lawgiuer and therefore the Apostle Iames inferres wee ought not to iudge our brethren Fourthly such as haue parted with their friends by death must not sorrow for them that are gone as men without hope seeing the kingdom of God is come vpon them and they are with the Lord and their dead bodies shall Christ bring with him in his comming therefore they should not shame the gouernment of Christ by the ignorance heereof but comfort themselues with these things 1. Thes. 4.13 Secondly this may serue for wonderful consolation to the godly and that two waies 1. The children of Zion may reioyce in their King Psal. 149. 2. Let Israel reioyce in him that made him and let the children of Zion reioyce in their King If they consider their wonderfull happinesse in being subiect to such a King as 1. Was chosen and appointed by God himselfe immediately Psalm 2.6.7.8 Euen I haue set my King vpon Zion mine holy mountaine 2. Was qualified with gifts aboue all his fellowes euen aboue all the men on earth or Angels in heauen Psalm 45.2 3. Is independant his subiects are not charged with supporting or defending him but he defends and maintains them Isaiah 9.7 4. Is alwaies present with his subiects Matth. 28.20 And loe I am with you alway vntill the end of the world Amen 5. Is head of all principalities and powers and hath all honour and power giuen him in heauen and earth rules ouer all nations people and languages Col. 2.9 Dan. 7.13 14.27 6. Cannot die but liues for euer 2. They ought exceedingly to reioyce if they consider the priuiledges they haue in being subiects in the Kingdome of Christ for thereby 1. They haue the fauor and presence of God with them his couenant of peace and his sanctuary with them Ezech. 37.26.27 2. They haue great dignitie they are made Kings themselues a roiall Nation they are Princes of the people euen all the people of the God of Abraham Reuel 1.6 1. Peter 2.9 3. They haue roiall entertainement and are daily feasted of their King daily banquets in the Word and Sacraments Christ supping with them Reuel 3. yea giuing his owne body for meate and his own blood for drink Isa. 25.6 4. They dwell safely and find shelter and succour in all distresses Isaiah 25.4 Ezech. 34.25 Michael the great Prince standeth for the children of the people Dan. 12.1 5. Their King is exalted to the supremest honour and therefore is able to preserue them wonderfully and promised before hee was exalted that he would prouide them a place Iohn 14.2 CHAP. XXIII Of the Church Ephes. 1.22 And hath made all things subiect vnder his feet and hath appointed him ouer all things to be the head to the Church c. HItherto of the meanes of grace the subiect of grace followes and that is the Church The Church is the whole multitude of men elected to eternall life by God in Christ. Concerning the Church there are these Principles First that it is a companie of men separate from the world gathered by the voice of Christ the Scripture still makes a difference between the world and the Church and the word signifieth such as are gathered together by the voice of Gods Criers 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 Vers. 14. I haue giuen them thy Word and the world hath hated them because they are not of the world as I am not of the world c. Secondly that she is one Eph. 4.4 There is one body and one spirit euen as ye are called in one hope of your saluation Cant. 6.8 But my Doue is alone and my vndefiled shee is the onely daughter of her mother and shee is deare to her that bare her c. Gal. 3.28 There is neither Iew nor Grecian there is neither bond nor free there is neither male nor femal for ye are all one in Iesus Christ. And the Church is one as in many other respects so because all the godly are mistically vnited in one body Rom. 12.5 So we being many are one body in Christ and euery one one anothers members Ephes. 4.15.16 But let vs follow the truth in loue and in all things grow vp into him
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
righteousnesse by that man whom he hath appointed c. Obiect But some one may say what tell ye vs of these terrible things we haue no reason to thinke of our selues that we are vnsanctified how can we or you tell who are not sanctified Sol. It is easie to tell in the negatiue who are not sanctified you may know it of wicked men 1. Because they are a sleepe and dead in sinne and haue not not any true feeling of the hatefulnesse of their many sinnes Ephes 2.1 And you hath he quickned that were dead in trespasses and sinnes 2. Because sinne raignes in them it hath an vnlimited power in them Rom. 6.12 Let not sinne reigne therefore in your mortall body that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof 3. Because they sinne by couenant they hire themselues their purpose is with their whole harts to commit and continue in sin they obey as seruants Rom. 6.16 Know ye not that to whomsoeuer yee giue your selues as seruants to obey his seruants ye are to whom ye obey whether it be of sinne vnto death or of obedience vnto righteousnesse 4. Because they are silent from prayer and confession of sinne Psalm 32.23.5 5. Because they haue no sauor of the things of the spirit but altogether sauour fleshly things Rom. 8.5 For they that are after the flesh sauour the things of the flesh but they that are after the spirit the things of the spirit 6. Because they neuer had any marriage affections to Iesus Christ Rom. 7.5 7. Lastly a wicked man finds in himselfe not onely an impotency but an impossibilitie to be subiect to the Law of God Hee resolues that he cannot possibly yeeld to the directions of the word nor will not whereas a godly mind loues the Law desires to obey endeuours it subiects himselfe to it though hee faile many waies Fourthly and lastly the godly may bee comforted in the obseruation of this worke of the spirit of grace that is in Iesus Christ which killes sinne in them and hath made them aliue from the dead Obiect But some weake Christian might say There is much comfort in this doctrine of the healing of their natures saue that the imperfection of their sanctification is a continuall discomfort Solut. Christians may and ought to comfort themselues against the imperfection of their sanctification many waies and so if they looke 1. Vpon the Spirit of God in their hearts and so two things may relieue them first the assistance of the Spirit which will helpe their infirmities Rom. 8. 26. And then if they consider the very fountaine of all good actions and euery good gift to be the same spirit of God they must needes conclude it is some diuine thing which is wrought in them in as much as it flowes from the holy Ghost howsoeuer it be imperfect through the corruption of their hearts 2. Vpon Iesus Christ and so if they behold 1. His intercession and that likewise hath a double comfort in it for first Christ made intercession for vs when hee praied for our sanctification it should much comfort vs to remember that our sanctification was one of the things Christ praied for Iohn 17.19 Secondly Christ in his intercession in heauen couers all the imperfections of the godly and is their aduocate before the Father 1. Iohn 2.2 Rom. 8.34 2. His death and resurrection from whence flowes a vertue continually which is of singular power to make our sinnes still die in vs and quicken vs to newnes of life Rom. 6.4 For this cause did Christ sanctifie himselfe that hee might sanctifie his members by the influence come from him as from their head Iohn 17.17 3. Vpon the hope of perfect holinesse for the time will come when they shall be without spot or wrincle Ephes 5.27 The merit of their perfect holinesse is found in the price paied by Iesus Christ Heb. 10.14 It should much solace them that one day there shall be a perpetuall end of all sinne and infirmities 4. If in the meane time they looke vpon the good nature of God assuring them by his promises 1. That they are vnder Grace and not vnder the Law Rom. 6.14 2. That hee will not deale with vs after our sins Psalm 103. 3. That he will spare vs as a man spareth his sonne that serueth him Mal. 3.17 4. That hee will accept of the wil and desire for the deed 2. Cor. 8.12 5. That he is slow to anger and ready to forgiue Psalm 103.8 And mercie pleaseth him Micha 7.18 6. That hee will passe by our infirmities meere frailties and not take notice of them Micha 7.18 CHAP. XXVI Of the Resurrection Ioh. 5.28.29 Maruell not at this for the houre shall come in the which all that are in the graues shall heare his voice And they shall come forth that haue done good vnto the resurrection of life but they that haue done euill vnto the resurrection of condemnation HItherto of the principles that concerne the third estate of man The fourth estate of man is the estate of glory and in this we are to consider the three degrees of it 1. The Resurrection of the the body 2. The last Iudgement 3. The glory of Heauen The principles concerning the resurrection are these First that the bodies of dead men shall rise out of the dust of the earth and their owne soules shall enter into them againe Iob 19.23.26 For I am sure that my Redeemer liueth and hee shall stand the last on the earth And though after my skin wormes destroy this body yet shall I see God in my flesh Esa. 26.19 Thy dead men shall liue euen with my body shall they rise Awake and sing ye that dwell in dust for thy dew is as the dew of hearbes and the earth shall cast out the dead c. Ioh. 5.28 Maruell not at this for the houre shall come in the which all that are in the graues shall heare his voice 1. Cor. 15.16 For if the dead be not raised then is Christ not raised c. in the whole chapter Secondly that the bodies of all men shall be raised Ioh. 5.28 as before Small and great the earth sea fier beasts fowles aire c. shall deliuer vp their dead Reuel 20.12.13 And I saw the dead both great and small stand before God and the bookes were opened and another book was opened which is the booke of life and the dead were iudged of those things which were written in the bookes according to their workes And the sea gaue vp her dead which were in her and death and hell deliuered vp the dead which were in them and they were iudged euery man according to their works Iust and vniust shall rise Act. 24.15 And haue hope toward God that the resurrection of the dead which they themselues looke for also shall bee both of iust and vniust Though the vniust shall not rise in the same manner nor by the same power that is by the vertue of Christs
learne diuers things First it should teach vs not to mourne immoderatly for the dead since when Christ comes againe he will bring them with him and the earth and seas shall make a true account of their dead in the day of Christ 1. Thes. 4.13.14 Secondly it should teach vs to haue the very body in honor and not to transgresse against it seeing it is redeemed by Christ and shall be raised to immortality at the last day Now men sin against the body 1. When according to the traditions of men and through wil-worship they withhold from the body due sustenance Col. 2.23 2. When men pollute their bodies that should be prepared to immortality with filthinesse such as is whoredome drunkennesse sodomitry and such like abominations 1. Cor. 6.13.14 3. When the bodies of the Saints are not carefully and with meet honour buried or their burying places vnciuilly dis-regarded Thirdly the consideration of this great worke of the resurrection of mens bodies should teach vs to trust God in lesser matters and beleeue his promises though there bee neuer so great vnlikelihood of the accomplishment in respect of outward meanes and appearance Rom. 4.17.18 Fourthly we should especially be careful to get the assurāce that our bodies shall haue a glorious resurrection Act. 24.15 And that we may be so assured 1. Wee must pray God to giue vs his holy spirit as the pledge of it For then if the spirit of Christ be in vs the same spirit that raised Christ will raise vp our naturall bodies at the last day Rom. 8.11 2. Wee must bee sure of the first resurrection that the body be dead in respect of sinne and the soule raised vp to a liuely care of newnesse of life they that haue their part in the first resurrection shall neuer taste of the second death Rom. 6. Reuel 20.6 3. In particular we must bee sure to get faith in Iesus Christ who is the resurrection and the life and in whom whosoeuer beleeueth he shal not die for euer Ioh. 11.25 Fifthly we should resolue to liue like such as beleeue a glorious Resurrection and to this end 1. We should be stedfast and vnmoueable in all conditions of life 1. Cor. 15.58 2. Wee should liue as men deuoted wholy to the seruice of Iesus Christ whose we are both in life and death Rom. 14.7.8 3. We should striue to abound in the worke of the Lord 1. Cor. 15.58 rousing vp our selues to the care of well doing 1. Cor. 15. 34. studying to keepe a conscience void of offence toward God and man Acts 24.16 4. Our minds should run on that time and our conuersation should bee in heauen Philip. 3.20 Thus much of the vses for instruction Thirdly the doctrine of the resurrection hath singular comfort in it and Christians are charged to comfort themselues and one another with these things 1. Thes. 4.18 And Dauid did reioyce and was glad at heart for this reason Psalm 16.9 For that is the time of the refreshing of all Christians Acts 3.19 And so the godly haue been wont to comfort themselues against diuers maladies as 1. Against the paines and tortures of the body so did Iob Iob 19.25.26.27 For I am sure that my Redeemer liueth and he shal stand the last on earth And though after my skin wormes destroy this body yet shall I see God in my flesh Whom I my selfe shall see and mine eies shal behold and none other for me though my reines are consumed within me And so did the godly mentioned Heb. 11.35 The women receiued their dead raised to life other also were racked and would not bee deliuered that they might receiue a better resurrection 2. Against the troubles and generall miseries of this life and so Gods people are comforted Dan. 12.1.2 And at that time shall Michael stand vp the great Prince which standeth for the children of thy people and there shall be a time of trouble such as was neuer since there began to be a nation vnto the same time and at that time thy people shall be deliuered euerie one that shall bee found written in the booke And many of them that sleepe in the dust of the earth shall awake some to euerlasting life and some to shame and perpetuall contempt Isaiah 26.19 Thy dead men shall liue euen with my body shall they rise Awake and sing ye that dwell in dust for thy dew is as the dew of hearbs and the earth shal cast out the dead 3. Against death it selfe and so the Apostle triumphs 1. Cor. 15.55.56.57 O Death where is thy sting O graue where is thy victorie The sting of death is sinne and the strength of sinne is the Law But thankes be vnto God which hath giuen vs victorie through our Lord Iesus Christ. Obiect Now if any aske What in the doctrine of the resurrection should comfort vs in those cases Solut. I answere The consideration of the maruelous glory of our bodies in which they should rise should fill vs with sweet refreshings Phil. 3.21 Who shall change our vile bodie that it may be fashioned like vnto his glorious bodie according to the working wherby he is able to subdue al things vnto himselfe For sixe things shal befall our bodies at that day 1. Immortalitie so as they can neuer die againe 1. Cor. 15.42.43.44.53 2. Incorruptiblenesse they shall neuer be inclined to putrefaction or any corruption 3. Spiritualnesse our bodies shall bee raised spirituall bodies they shall be like spirits as it were and that in diuers respects 1. Because they shall be possessed fully by the Spirit of God so as they shall be both gouerned by the Spirit and be subiect to the Spirit wholly 2. Because they shal liue as the Angels in heauen do without meate or raiment or any other bodily helpes or sustenance 3. Because they shall be for nimblenesse as it were spirits they shall bee able with incredible swiftnesse to passe into all the parts of the world earth or aire c. for they shall meete Christ in the aire 1. Thessal 4.17 4. Power for of bodies full of weakenesse and subiect to many calamities and distresses and paines they shall bee raised in power that is strong able and impassible 5. Perfection for they shall be freed from deformitie vnhandsomnesse maimes lamenesse c. and become most faire and comely neither infancie nor old age hindring them but shall appeare in full age and beautie 6. Shining and splendor as the Sunne or Starres in the Firmament the bodie being clothed with a celestiall glory and diuine light 1. Cor. 15.40 Dan. 12.3 And they that bee wise shall shine as the brightnesse of the Firmament and they that turne many to righteousnesse shal shine as the Starres for euer and euer Matth. 13 43. Then shall the iust men shine as the Sun in the Kingdome of their Father Hee that hath eares to heare let him heare c. And as we may comfort our selues by the meditation of these distinct
glories in our bodies then so it may adde vnto our comfort and the establishment of it if we consider three things more to wit first the certaintie of all this that it shall come Secondly the shortnesse of the time thither Thirdly the condition of the body till then For the first wee should not doubt of it because we are borne againe to this hope wee are children of the resurrection now and so called Luke 20.36 And besides Christ hath a charge to loose nothing no not of the bodies of the Saints Ioh. 6.39 And this is the Fathers will which hath sent me that of all which he hath giuen mee I should loose nothing but should raise it vp againe at the last day And he came to this end to dissolue the workes of the diuell which is sinne and death by sin 1. Iohn 3.8 Christ also is the first fruit of the dead 1. Cor. 15.20 And further we haue felt of the power of Christ in raising our soules alreadie he that by his word made all things can by the same voice bring backe our bodies againe Ob. That the bodies resolued to dust and ashes should rise is against cōmon sense and reason Solut. It is aboue reason but not against it Can men of ashes make glasse and cannot God of dust make againe the body Ob. But the bodies dead are often mingled with the bodies of beasts or other creatures Sol. The Goldsmith by his art can seuer mettals and extract one mettall out of another and cannot God distinguish these dusts c Ob. Flesh and blood cannot come into the Kingdome of heauen 1. Cor. 15.50 Sol. By flesh and blood is not meant the body simply but as it is clothed with sin and infirmity which shall be done away in the resurrection Ob. The condition of man and beast is one Eccles. 3.19 For the condition of the children of men and the condition of beasts are euen as one condition vnto them As the one dieth so dieth the other for they haue all one breath and there is no excellencie of man aboue the beast for all is vanitie Sol. First they are like in dying not in the estate after death Secondly it may be said those words are the obiection of the Epicure not the opinion of Salomon 〈◊〉 second it may adde to our comfort that the Lord is at hand Phil. 4.5 and that it is but a little season thither to Reuel 6.11 〈◊〉 third the present condition of our bodies euen in the graue should comfort vs for 1. The couenant of God is of force euen with them as they lie in the dust of the earth Mat. 22. 31.32 2. The vnion with Christ holds still Col. 1.18 3. They are not dead but a sleepe in Iesus 1. Thes. 4.13 〈◊〉 fourth wo vnto wicked men euen because of the resurrection they shal sleep for a while in their bodies but when they wake they must be had away to execution They that haue done euill shall rise vnto shame and contempt and condemnation their bodies shall rise in dishonor deformitie passible tormented with eternall and vnutterable tortures liuing in darkenesse without light liuing I say for euer onely to feele the paines of eternal dying shut vp in prison and denied the comfort of the meanest creatures it were well for them if they did neuer rise Reuel 20.14.15 Dan. 12.2 Iohn 5.29 CHAP. XXVII Of the last Iudgement 2. Cor. 5.10 For wee must all appeare before the iudgement seate of Christ that euery man may receiue the things which are done in his bodie according to that he hath done whether it be good or euill HItherto of the Resurrection the last Iudgment followes The Principles concerning the last iudgement are these First that there shall bee a generall iudgement Iude 14.15 And Enoch also the seuenth from Adam prophesied of such saying Behold the Lord commeth with thousand of Saints To giue iudgement against all men and to rebuke all the vngodly among them of all their wicked deedes which they haue vngodlily committed and of all their cruell speakings which wicked sinners haue spoken against him Psalm 9.8 For he shall iudge the world in righteousnesse and shall iudge the people with equitie Psalm 50.1 The God of Gods euen the Lord hath spoken and called the earth from the rising vp of the Sunne vnto the going downe thereof c. Heb. 9.27 And as it is appointed vnto men that they shal once die and after that commeth the iudgement Dan. 7.9.10 I beheld till the thrones were set vp and the Ancient of daies did sit whose garment was white as snow and the haire of his head like the pure wooll his throne was like the fierie flame and his wheeles as burning fier A fierie streame issued and came forth from before him thousand thousands ministred vnto him and ten thousand thousands stood before him the Iudgement was set and the bookes opened Secondly that Christ shall be the Iudge and that in the humane nature Act. 10.42 And hee commanded vs to preach vnto the people and to testifie that it is he that is ordained of God a Iudge of quicke and dead Acts 17.13 Because he hath appointed a day in the which hee will iudge the world in righteousnesse by that man whom he hath appointed whereof he hath giuen an assurance to al men in that he raised him from the dead 2. Tim. 4.1 I charge thee therfore before God and before the Lord Iesus Christ which shall iudge the quicke and dead at his appearing and in his Kingdome Iohn 5.22 For the Father iudgeth no man but hath committed all iudgement vnto the Sonne Ob. The Apostles shall iudge the twelue Tribes Matth. 19.28 Sol. 1. The Apostles iudge the twelue Tribes by their faith and doctrine the example whereof shall take away all excuse from the Israelites 2. They shall be as Iustices of Peace on the Bench and consent to Christs iudgement Ob. The Saints shall iudge the world 1. Cor. 6.2 Sol. As assessors with Christ bearing witnesse to it approouing it and assenting to it as the Apostles before 2. As they are members of Christ the Iudge 3. As their example shall bee alleaged to condemne the wicked Ob. But the Father and holy Ghost iudge too Sol. The Father doth iudge by the Sonne as by his representatiue Wisdome Iohn 5.22 For the Father iudgeth no man but hath committed all iudgement vnto the Sonne Dan. 7.13.14 As I beheld in visions by night behold one like the Sonne of Man came in the clouds of heauen and approched vnto the Ancient of daies and they brought him before him 14. And he gaue him dominion and honour and a Kingdome that all people nations c. Or thus the authority of iudging is common to the three persons but the execution onely proper to the Sonne Thirdly all men shall be iudged at that day iust and vniust quicke and dead small great Iude 15. To giue iudgement against all men and to rebuke all the
by one man sinne entred into the world and death by sin and so death went ouer all men for as much as all men haue sinned HItherto of the principles concerning sinne Now concerning the punishment of sin followeth this principle viz. That all men in their naturall estate are extremely miserable in respect of the punishment vnto which they are liable for their sinnes Nahum 1.2.3.6 God is ielous and the Lord reuengeth euen the Lord of anger the Lord will take vengeance on his aduersaries and he reserueth wrath for his enemies The Lord is slow to anger but he is great in power and will not surely cleare the wicked the Lord hath his way in the whirlewind and in the storme and the clouds are the dust of his feete Who can stand before his wrath or who can abide in the fiercenes of his wrath his wrath is poured out like fier the rocks are brokē by him c. Rom. 5.12 Iob 10.17 Thou renewest thy plagues against me and thou increasest thy wrath against me changes and armies of sorrowes are against me Iob. 31.3 Is not destruction to the wicked and strange punishments to the workers of iniquitie 2. Thes. 1.9 Which shall be punished with euerlasting perdition from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his power Ephes. 2.3 Among whom we also had our conuersation in times past in the lusts of our flesh in fulfilling the will of the flesh and of the mind and weare by nature the children of wrath as well as others That this principle may be explicated I will reckon vp the seuerall sorts of punishments which haue been inflicted for mans sinne 1. The losse of Paradise from which we are all exiled so as we liue as banished men while wee are in this world Genes 3.24 Thus hee cast out man and at the East side of the Garden of Eden hee set the Cherubines and the blade of a sword shaken to keep the way of the tree of life 2. The curse of the creatures the creatures are subiect to vanitie and subdued vnto bondage vnder which they groane for mans sinne Rom. 8.20.21 Because the creature is subiect to vanity not of it owne will but by reason of him which hath subdued it vnder hope c. the earth was cursed for our sakes Genes 3.17.18 Cursed is the earth for thy sake in sorrow shalt thou eate of it all the daies of thy life Thornes also and thistles shall it bring forth vnto thee and thou shalt eate the hearbe of the field 3. An impure and painefull birth Genes 3.16 Vnto the woman he said I will greatly increase thy sorrowes and thy conceptions in sorrow shalt thou bring forth children and thy desiers shall be subiect to thy husband and he shall rule ouer thee 4. The displeasure of God and his feareful anger conceiued against vs Iohn 3.36 He that obeieth not the son shall not see life but the wrath of God abideth on him Nah. 3.6 And I will cast filth vpon thee and make thee vilde and will set thee as a gasing stock 5. A priuation of that admirable knowledge of God and the nature of the creatures vnto which we were created so as we are all for horrible ignorance almost like the beasts in comparison of what once we might haue had Prou. 30.2 Surely I am more foolish then any man and haue not the vnderstanding of a man in me and this light is wanting both to the mind and the conscience 6. Bondage to Satan who hath naturally strong holds in euery mans heart and such spirituall possession that hauing men in his snare he leadeth them at his pleasure and worketh effectually both in them and by them Eph. 2.2 Wherein in time past you walked according to the course of this world and after the Prince that ruleth in the aire euen the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience 2. Tim. 2.26 And that they may come to amendment out of the snare of the diuell which are taken of him at his will 2. Cor. 10.5 Casting downe the imaginations and euery high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God c. 7. Spiritual death which comprehendeth in it the losse of communion with God the life of our liues and all the ioyes of his fauour and presence together with the obduratiō of our harts which are become as a stone within vs so as we are altogether insensible of the things that concerne euerlasting happines Eph. 2.1 And you hath he quickned that were dead in trespasses and sinnes Ephes. 4.18 Hauing their cogitation darkned and being strangers from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them because of the hardnesse of their heart Ezech. 36.26 I will take away the stony heart out of your body and I will giue you a heart of flesh 8. Miserable bodies Our bodies are become miserable both in respect of deformity and in respect of imbecillitie as also in respect of the many paines befalles them both from labour and from diseases of all sorts Genes 3.13 In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread till thou returne to the earth for out of it wast thou taken because thou art dust and to dust shalt thou returne c. Deut. 28.21.22 The Lord shall make the pestilence cleaue vnto thee vntill he hath consumed thee from the land whether thou goest to possesse it The Lord shall smite thee with a consumption and with the feuer and with a burning ague and with seruent heat and with the sword and with blasting and with the mildew and they shall pursue thee vntil thou perish c. 9. Iudgements in our outward estates in temporall things by warres famine fier earthquakes in-undations ignominy pouerty and such like of many sorts Deut. 28.16.17.18 c. Cursed shalt thou be in the towne and cursed also in the field Cursed shall thy basket be and thy dough Cursed shall be the fruit of thy bodie and the fruit of thy land the encrease of thy kine and the flockes of thy sheepe Cursed shalt thou be when thou commest in and cursed also when thou goest out c. 10. The restraining of good things from vs euen blessings of al sorts and that somtimes when they are by the free mercy of God bestowed vpon others Isai. 59.2 But your iniquities haue separated betweene you and your God and your sinnes haue hid his face from you that he will not heare Iob 31.2 for what portion should I haue of God from aboue and what inheritance of the Almightie from on high Act. 17.30 And the time of this ignorance God regarded not Ier. 5.25 Yet your iniquities haue turned away these things and your sinnes haue hindred good things from you c. 11. The cursing of blessings when God blasts the good gifts he bestowed or suffers prosperity to become a snare or trap or ruine vnto man Mal. 2.2 I will curse your blessings Ierem. 12.13 They haue sowne wheat and
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
he sanctifieth Rom. 8.30 Moreouer whom he predestinate them also hee called and whom hee called them also he iustified and whom he iustified them he also glorified Ezech. 36.26.27 c. A new heart also will I giue you and a new spirit will I put within you and I will take away the stony heart out of your body and I will giue you an heart of flesh And I will put my spirit within you and cause you to walke in my statutes and ye shall keepe my iudgements and doe them c. 2. That to be truly sanctified is to die to sinne and to rise againe to newnesse of life Rom. 6.1.2.3.4 What shall we say then shall we continue in sinne that grace may abound God forbid how shall we that are dead to sinne liue yet therein Know ye not that all wee which haue bin baptized into Iesus Christ haue been baptized into his death We are buried then with him by baptisme into his death that like as Christ was raised vp from the dead by the glory of the Father so we also should walke in newnesse of life c. Or it is to repent beleeue the Gospell Mark 1.15 The time is fulfilled and the kingdome of God is at hand repent and beleeue the Gospell 3. That except wee be borne againe we cannot enter into the kingdome of God Ioh. 3.5 Iesus answered verily verily I say vnto thee except that a man bee borne of water and of the spirit hee cannot enter into the kingdome of God Heb. 12.14 Follow peace with all men and holinesse without the which no man shall see the Lord. 1. Ioh. 1.7 But if we walke in the light as he is in the light wee haue fellowship one with another and the blood of Iesus Christ his Sonne clenseth vs from all sinne 2. Cor. 5.17 Therefore if any man be in Christ let him bee a new creature old things are passed away behold all things are become new Fourthly that sanctification is Gods gift and worke in Iesus Christ we can no more conuert our selues then wee can beget our selues at first wee can no more create our selues new men then wee can create our selues men Act. 5.31 Him hath God lifted vp with his right hand to bee a Prince and a Sauiour to giue repentance to Israel forgiuenes of sins Act. 11.18 When they heard these things they held their peace and glorified God saying then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance vnto life 2. Tim. 2.25 Instructing them with meeknes that are cōtrary minded prouing if God at any time will giue them repentance that they may know the truth 1. Cor. 1.30 But ye are of him in Christ Iesus who of God is made vnto vs wisdome and righteousnes and sanctification and redemption Ezech. 37.28 Thus the heathen shall know that I the Lord doe sanctifie Israel when my sanctuary shall be amongst them for euermore Tit. 3.5 Not by the workes of righteousnesse which wee had done but according to his mercy he saued vs by the washing of the new birth and the renuing of the holy Ghost Fifthly that our sanctification is vnperfect while wee liue in this world 1. Ioh. 1.8 If wee say that wee haue no sinne wee deceiue our selues and the truth is not in vs. Prou. 24.16 For a iust man falleth seuen times and riseth againe but the wicked fall into mischiefe Esa. 64.6 But we haue all been as an vncleane thing and all our righteousnes is as filthy clouts and we do all fade like a leafe and our iniquities like the wind haue taken vs away The vses may be for Information Instruction Humiliation and Consolation For the first wee may heere take notice of the wisedome of God in curing the posterity of Adam Wee receiued a double disease from Adam the one was guilt of eternal death the other was corruption of nature By Iustification the first was abolished and by Sanctification the other is healed by degrees For the second we may here learne many things The first is carefully to studie our owne sanctification compell vpon our selues a more constant endeauour of sound reformation To this end I propound two things 1. Certaine motiues which we should haue continually in our minds to stirre vs vp to the care of holines and to get true grace 2. Certaine rules which may exceedingly further vs about our Sanctification The motiues are these amongst many 1. The commandement of God 1. Thes. 4.3 This is the will of God euen your sanctification Ephes. 2.10 For wee are his workmanship created in Christ Iesus vnto good workes which God hath ordained that we should walke in them 2. The conscience of our debt which we owe heerein Rom. 8.12 Therefore brethren we are debters not to the flesh to liue after the flesh being redeemed by Christ. Tit. 2.14 Who gaue himselfe for vs that he might redeeme vs from all iniquity and purge vs to be a peculiar people to him selfe zealous of good workes 3 The consideration of our owne dignity wee are the children of God the temples of the holy Ghost Kings and Priests vnto God Gods owne peculiar people and inheritance 4. The rich promises that belong to godlinesse 1. Tim. 4.8 For bodily exercise profiteth little but godlinesse is profitable vnto all things which hath the promise of the life present and of that that is to come 5. The assuring hereby of our calling and Election 2. Pet. 1.10 Wherefore brethren giue rather diligence to make your calling and election sure for if ye do these things ye shall neuer fall 6. The excellency of good workes they are sacrifices seasoned with the salt of faith kindled with the fier of the holy Ghost offered by the merit of Christ and accepted of God 1. Pet. 2.5 And yee be made a holy Priesthood to offer vp spirituall sacrifices acceptable to God by Iesus Christ. 7. The silencing of the ignorant from speaking euill 1. Pet. 2.15 For so is the will of God that by well doing yee may put to silence the ignorance of the foolish 8. Because else 1. The name of God will bee blasphemed Rom. 2.24 For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you 2. Sam. 12.14 Howbeit because by this deed thou hast caused the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme the child that is borne vnto thee shall surely die c. 2. The spirit of God will be grieued and the workes of the spirit deaded Ephes. 4.30 And grieue not the holy spirit of God by whom ye are sealed vnto the day of redemption 3. The iudgement of God will be prouoked Psalm 89.31.32 The rules we had need to bee put in minde of that concerne Sanctification either shew vs what to take heed of or what to doe That wee be not deceiued in this great worke of true grace we must take heed First of wretchlesnesse and security whereby a man liues so as he is insensible and carelesse of reformation altogether Awake thou that sleepest
Ephes. 5.14 Secondly of the daily baits and methods of sinne be not insnared with the pleasures of sinne which are but for a season but circumcise betimes the soreskins of your hearts Ier. 4.4 Thirdly of procrastination and delaying of time in the businesse of reformation For thy life is vncertaine Matth. 25.13 and euery day addes to the heap of sinne and of wrath Rom. 2.5 Sinne not against thy purposes of amendment lest thou grow more hardened Fourthly of hypocrisie and fained holinesse Esa. 58.2 Iam. 4.8 Fifthly of the perswasion of the merit of your owne works Rom. 10.3 For they being ignorant of the righteousnesse of God and going about to stablish their owne righteousnesse haue not submitted themselues to the righteousnesse of God c. Sixthly of temporary righteousnes Hosh. 6.4 Ephraim what shall I doe vnto thee O Iuda how shall I intreat thee for your goodnes is as a morning cloud and as a morning dew it goeth away Or being weary of well doing Gal. 6.9 Let vs not therefore be weary of well doing for in due season we shall reape if we faint not c. Seuenthly of the precepts of men Mat. 15.9 In vaine they worship me teaching for doctrine mens precepts Ezech. 20.18 But I said vnto their children in the wildernes walk ye not in the ordinances of your fathers neither obserue their manners nor defile your selues with their idols Eighthly of looking after the example and fashion of the world Rom. 12.2 Frame not your selues like vnto this world Ninthly neglect of prayer for the particular furtherance of reformation and grace Lam. 5.21 shall he not giue vs his holy Spirit if we aske him as our Sauiour sheweth in the parable Tenthly let the best of vs take heed of a strange deceit and that is to rest in faire words and attentiue hearing How is it that men that heare many precious counsels comforts reproofes goe away without any reformation and thinke they doe well if they commend the Sermon c. Oh how common is this disease to be awake to heare of the disease or medicine and fall a sleepe before it be applied like those hearers in the Gospell of whom it is said They heard they maruelled and they went their waies Thus much of what we should auoide that the worke of sanctification be not hindred On the other side there be diuers things to be obserued by vs as First wee must looke to the matter to bee done which hath two considerations in it 1. That in generall whatsoeuer things are true honest iust pure louely and of good report that haue vertue and praise in them that we should thinke on those things and study how to glorifie God and enrich our selues by well doing them Phil. 4.8 Eph. 58. c. 2. That we striue to keep our selues free from or speedily mortifie such euils as vsually staine the profession of religion after calling Besides the mortification of grosse euils which the first repentance puts away wee must watch carefully against other sinnes such as are lying rotten communication deceit anger wrath and all bitternesse and cursed speaking Col. 3.8 Ephesians 4.25 Secondly wee must looke to the end of all our actions the end I say both of intention and continuance For 1. Wee must propound the glory of God as the maine ende of all our actions 1. Cor. 10.31 Whether therefore ye eate or drinke or whatsoeuer yee doe doe all to the glory of God Philip. 1.11 2. Wee must so begin reformation and good workes as we be sure also to endeuour with all constancy to hold out to the end Luke 1.75 All the daies of our life in holinesse and righteousnes before him Psalm 106.3 Blessed are they that keepe iudgement and do righteousnesse at all times Thirdly we must looke to the manner of our reformation that it be done with all sinceritie and so we doe 1. If wee turne from all sorts of our transgressions Ezech. 18. 30.31 Therefore I will iudge you O House of Israel euery one according to his waies returne therefore and cause other to turne away from all your transgressions so iniquitie shall not be your destruction Cast away from you all your transgressions whereby ye haue transgressed and make you a new heart and a new spirit for why will ye die O House of Israel 2. If wee labour for a sanctification that is throughout in all parts in soule in body and in spirit that is in our outward man and in our affections and in our iudgements and thoughts Fourthly we must bee exceeding mindfull of the meanes of sanctification and so we must especially thinke of 1. The Word to subiect our selues to the power of it for if we heare our soules shall liue we are sanctified by the truth and God wil haue his Law magnified and the Word is able to build vs vp still further till we come to heauen Isai. 55.4 Iohn 17.19 Isaiah 42.21 Acts 20.32 2. The Sabbath for that is the signe of our sanctification It is a signe to assure that God will not faile vs in his blessings and it is a signe that we are indeed a holy people if we be carefull to keepe the Sabbath It is the market day for our soules and by the right keeping of the Sabbath we shall be the better able to serue God all the weeke after Exod. 31.13 14. Keepe ye my Sabbaths for it is a signe betweene me and you in your generation that ye may know that I the Lord doe sanctifie you Ye shall therefore keepe the Sabbath for it is holy vnto you he that defileth it shall die the death therefore whosoeuer worketh therein the same person shall be euen cut off from among his people Isaiah 56.2 Blessed is the man that doth this and the sonne of man which laieth hold on it he that keepeth the Sabbath and polluteth it not and keepeth his hand from doing any euill c. Thus of the vses for instruction Thirdly these principles may terrifie all men that are vnsanctified that haue not true grace that liue in their sinnes Woe vnto worlds of men because of sinne for thereby they may gather that there is no cure done to their natures that they are not at all iustified before God that they haue no part with Christ and that all they doe is still impure Mat. 7.18 Tit. 1.15 Yea and that the wages of their sinnes will be death and that in the state they are in they cannot bee saued Rom. 6.23 Iohn 3.5 and in the meane time what know they how soone the whirle-wind of the Lord may fall vpon the wicked Ier. 23.19 Behold the tempest of the Lord goeth forth in his wrath and a violent whirle-wind shall fall downe vpon the head of the wicked And for all the things they haue done in the flesh they must come to iudgement and the rather because they haue not taken warning Acts 17.31 Because hee hath appointed a day in the which he will iudge the world in