natural they yet live in like manner as from the first Adam they were heirs of death eternal See the parallel between them for life and death 1 Cor. 15. 20. and 45. c. as for sin and righteousness Rom. 5. And this life in its due time is to be communicated to all the members of Christ 1. both because the head and members have all the same spirit i. e. of the Father which therefore if it have raised one must needs also raise the other As we see in the living Creatures and the wheels Ezech. 2. 21. when those went these went and when those stood these stood for the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels Or as we may imagine a man of those large Dimensions that his head were in Heaven and his feet on Earth and such is Christ and the Church Col. 2. 19. and both called by one name of Christ 1 Cor. 12. 12. how easily and instantly such a one by the animal spirits communicated from the Head would move here below which way he pleased his inferior members See Rom. 8. 11. 1 Cor. 6. 14. Therefore those priviledges which the Apostle applies to Christ Heb. 2. 6. the Psalmist saith of man in general Ps. 8. And again 't is argued negatively from us to Christ If no resurrection of us then is not Christ risen neither 1 Cor. 15. 13. If not possible for the spirit to raise our human nature then not his And 2. because the head as Christ is to the Church naturally gives the sense and motion to the members Therefore as 't is said that the head and members are both raised by the same spirit so also that the Head shall raise and quicken the members See Jo. 6. 39. 1 Cor. 15. 45. 2 Cor. 4. 14. I speak of resurrection to life Else the wicked also shall be raised by him by his voice Jo. 5. 21. as their Judge to be thrown into endless torments which is but a Gaol-delivery and an haling them out of prison to execution an act of his power as God not of his merits as a Savior by their having any union to him as the second Adam And the proper Sacrament instituted to conveigh this life unto us by union with Jesus is the Eucharist being the Communion or Communication unto us of all himself first of his body and blood 1 Cor. 10. 16. by which we are made not in a Metaphor but in a Mystery and that a great one members of his body of his flesh and of his bones Eph. 5. 30 32. And 2. not only of his body but of his spirit too 1 Cor. 12. 13. by which soveraign receit and incorporating of him who hath life in himself our bodies also and souls are according to the ancient form of the Church in the administration of these mysteries preserved unto everlasting life a promise by our Savior annexed so often to this mystical partaking of him Jo. 6. 56 57. c. therefore the consecrated elements called Symbola resurrectionis and formerly never neglected especially to be received at the hour of death For 't is to be noted that tho both the Sacraments have all the same effects Remission of sins Matt. 26. 28. comp with Act. 2. 38. Union 1 Cor. 10. 16. comp with Gal. 3. 27 28. all one in Christ Jesus And Joh. 3. 5. comp with 1 Cor. 12. 13. And both Sacraments do intimate obligation to suffering to the receivers see Matt. 20. 22 23. where allusion doubtless is made to the two Sacraments as 1 Cor. 12. 13. Tho our baptism is not with blood as his nor our cup so bitter yet either of them have some more eminently then others Therefore Baptism to which we have more easy access upon repentance Act. 2. 38. and faith of the truth of the Gospel Act. 8. 37. and the promise onely of a new life Matt. 3. 6 8. is more principally the Sacrament of remission of former sins Act. 2. 38. and of our profession of our death to sin and relinquishing the old Adam and now putting on Christ. And then after this cleansing from sins past by baptism the Eucharist to which we are to bring not only faith and repentance but sanctification and holiness therefore such examination required see Matt. 22. 12. see 1 Cor. 11. 28. the end of 27. and 29. comp with 1 Cor. 6. 15. converted shall I then take the members of an â—…arlot and make them the members of Christ 1 Cor. 5. 11. converted No formcators presume to eat c. with the Saints is more specially the Sacrament of our union to Christ and living by him who is the life by the incorporating of his body and blood and spirit into ours 1 Cor. 10. 16 17. By which incorporation we contract such an identity as it were with him that see what he is we are Is he a Son of God so are we His heir So are we Rom. 8. 17. of the Kingdom the Glory to come only all this by and from him that in all things he might have the preeminence and amongst many breâ—…hren be the first born But we must know that as all these effects of our Savior toward us depend on a second generation and being born again of God by the seed of the spirit Jo. 3. 9. 2 Cor. 3. 18. Eph. 2. 22. -3. 16. which giveth life as the flesh from the first Adam soweth corruption see Gal. 6. 8. 2 Cor. 3. 6. Rom. 8. 11. Jo. 4. 14. Eph. 4. 22. and on our thus being made the true children and ofspring of Christ Heb. 2. 13. Esaâ—… 53. 10 11. So that this our second birth is not compleated all at once but this image of Christ by little and little at last is perfectly formed in us See Gal. 4. 19. 2 Cor. 11. 2. 1 Pet. 2. 2. As also all other works of our Savior are not consummate till his second coming and the resurrection Else did we walk by sight and not by faith how should we be transported with joy upon a vision of that infinite glory and nobility the poor Sons of Adam receive from this their second father to whom be all glory for ever And how should we sigh and groan till we were once possessed of it See 2 Cor. 5. 2 4. and Rom. 8. 23. To consider therefore a little the manner and the progress of our regeneration here in this life Our Savior as soon as he had died to sin as a son of Adam and lived again as a Son to God Rom. 6. 10. presently received this spirit by which he begets us promised long before and therefore frequently called the promise from the Father to communicate to his posterity see Luk. 24. 49. Act. 1. 4. -2. 33. Eph. 4. 10. Jo. 7. 39. by which spirit derived from him to us thro whom we receive all things that we receive from God as it was from his Father to him and therefore called also his spirit of Christ
of Jesus of the Son see Gal. 4. 6. 1 Pet. 1. 11. Act. 16. 7. vulg Jo. 16. 7 14. we come to be his sons Now this spirit is not given promiscuously to all the sons of the first Adam nor is all the seed of the first by God the Father's secret will in the dispensation here and there of the ministery of the Gospel and by the default of some of those that hear it therefore our Savior useth those limitations Jo. 6. 44 65. -17. 9 11 12. the seed also of the second But there is something on mans part prerequired for God having given us before in our first Creation something we may make use of in our second and besides this the external ministry of the Gospel where-we are called to grace tho creavit to sine te non salvabit te sine te to the receiving of this spirit I mean here in a more eminent degree of its operations and of our sanctification and union by it unto Christ our Lord and our incorporation and entrance into this heavenly linage And these are Faith some degree of it i. e. gladly receiving the word Act. 2. 41. called also obedience to the word see Act. 8. 12 13 37. comp v. 16. 17. Eph. 1. 13. Jo. 17. 39. not rejecting the counsel of God Luk. 7. 30. believing Gods justification of the ungodly Rom. 4. 5. and Repentance for sins past intending to live no longer in them see Heb. 6. 2. 1 Pet. 3. 21. yet which also both faith and repentance are the gift of God see Eph. 2. 8. 2 Tim. 2. 25. Act. 16. 14. tho the first cometh ordinarily by hearing where by Gods mercy the Gospel is preached Rom. 10. 17. and the second by the first Jonah 3. 5. Upon which two Christ hath appointed Baptism to be administred by his substitutes and the holy spirit at the same time by himself conferred see Jo. 7. 39. Eph. 1. 13. Gal. 3. 2 13 22. Act. 2. 38. -19. 2. -5. 32. Luk. 11. 13. First then at our Baptism upon faith and repentance Ps 45. 10. we begin to be born again of water and of the spirit but not so as presently quite cashiering the image of the former Adam but as being now a compound of an old man and a new or of a body and soul from Adam called the flesh and of a spirit from Christ I mean not that contradistinguished to the soul 1 Thess. 5. 23. where by the spirit seems to be meant the rational Intellective part or soul see 1 Cor. 2. 11. Act. 7. 59. Luk. 23. 46. By soul the 〈◊〉 and sensitive part or soul which is also used for to signify life but I mean a spirit superadded to this natural spirit See 1 Cor. 14. 14 2. where there is a spirit in us plainly distinguished from the natural faculty of the understanding which operated when the understanding was quiescent see v. 12. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 See Rev. 1. 10. 1 Cor. 12. 10. c. the spirit of man being the soul of a natural man besides which the Apostles had another spirit searching all things c. as Christ also is compounded of two natures the Human and Divine Act. 10. 38 yet is the one of these dying in us by degrees as the other grows and we are putting off mortifying crucifying the one and putting on and renewing the other day by day Rom. 6. 6. Col. 3. 5. Gal. 6. 14. 2 Cor. 4. 16. Rom. 12. 2. Eph. 4. 22 23 24. whilst there is a perpetual combate between them The spirit lusting against the flesh and the flesh against the spirit Gal. 5. 17. until we are perfected which is not attained in this life Yet here the elder man is serving the younger provided that we do not wither and fall away from grace and dy again to God And by reason of this double outward and inward man that is in us it is that the Apostles where they tell us that we are dead to sin c. yet exhort us also to dy to sin see Rom. 6. 2. comp 12. 1 Pet. 4. 1. comp 1 Pet. 2. 11. and that the Saints where they give thanks do also pray for a deliverance Now in this our renovation made by certain steps and degrees this spirit derived from Christ operateth and produceth the image of Christ first in our soul and then afterward in our body After the same manner as it was in Christ himself who first had grace in his soul with passibility in his body till he died after which that also was glorified by the same spirit Here therefore it begins in this life by its mighty working Col. 1. 29. 2 Cor. 9. 14 15. to transform and renew us Rom. 12. 2. Eph. 4. 13. Gal. 2. 19 20. Eph. 3. 16 17. Phil. 1. 21. residing here after faith and repentance which are certain preludium's and foregifts also of it See Matt. 16. 17. 1 Cor. 12. 3. 1 Jo. 4. 2. and are increased in us proportionably as it is bringing all its rich graces with it mentioned 1 Cor. 12. 3 8. c. 1. Illuminating and inspiring and renewing knowledge in the understanding in vain without it sought by us any other way therefore called the spirit of truth see Jo. 16. 13. 1 Cor. 2. 10. c. 2 Pet. 1. 21. 1 Jo. 2. 20 27. and of prophecy Rev. 9. 10. -12. 17. 1 Jo. 5. 10. 2. Sanctifying the will and affections Therefore called the spirit of holiness first quenching there all worldly desires and satiating the soul instead of them see Jo. 7. 37 39. -4. 14. 2. Begetting an ardent and unsatiable love of God and fervency of praier and obedience to all his commands written by it in our hearts out of love such as was in Christ. Matt. 5. 6. Ps. 40. 8. Rom. 5. 5. 2 Tim. 1. 7. 2 Cor. 3. 6 7. Rom. 8. 26 27. 3. Producing greater joy in and desire of sufferings In imitation of our Savior for his for Gods for the truths sake which truth this spirit seals unto us 1 Thess. 1. 6. Rom. 5. â—… Heb. 10. 34. Act. 5. 41. Phil. 1. 29. 2 Cor. 12. 10. Col. 1. 11. 2 Cor. 11. 23. I more his Minister c. 2 Cor. 5. 14. Lastly comforting alwaies by begetting a lively hope by witnessing to us what we are and sealing what we shall be Gal. 5. 5. 1 Pet. 1. 3. Jo. 16. 17. Rom. 8. 16. 2 Thess. 2. 16. Gal. 4. 6. 1 Jo. 3. 24. Eph. 1. 13. All which graces now are the image of Christ stamped on the soul called partaking of his holiness Heb. 12. 10. and being created after God in righteousness Eph. 4. 24. But yet this image of or union with our Savior in the soul is not perfect neither in this life therefore called first fâ—…uits only of the spirit and tast of the heavenly gifts and the powers of the world to come an earnest and seal of something to be had more fully hereafter
We are all therefore one day to take holy orders to be made Priests and Kings or Priests Melchisedechical Indeed we are already Priests not only some of us in respect of the rest which I have mentioned before who officiate for them in the publick assemblies but even all the people of God in comparison of the rest of the world the Church being a chosen generation out of all the rest an holy Nation a Kingdom of Priests Gods peculiar treasure the Israel of God separated and sanctified for to serve him See Exod. 19. 5 6. Gal. 6. 16. 1 Pet. 2. 5 9. Rev. 1. 6. Every one of whom not only by the Priest in publique assemblies but by themselves also in their hearts may offer sacrifices immediately to God the Father acceptable thro Jesus Christ Heb. 7. 19. and hence are we also called not only Priests by whom but Temples also and that not our souls only but our bodies inhabited by Gods spirit as that Ancient one was by his Glory in whom such sacrifice is offered as our Saviors body also more eminently was stiled a Temple See Jo. 2. 21. 1 Cor. 3. 16. -6. 19. Eph. 2. 22. But this Temple is yet but in building as it were we being here 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and hereafter more perfectly 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Here Tabernacles hereafter Temples see Eph. 2. 21 22. But these we shall be made yet much more hereafter 1. After the day of judgment For then shall every place become a Sanctum Sanctorum and every one a Priest See Rev. 21. 22 23. where the new Jerusalem that after the final judgment Rev. 20. 12. comes down from heaven where perhaps as God expresseth elsewhere earthly by heavenly things so here heavenly by earthly hath no Temple at all in it For that which indeed makes a Temple whereever it resides the glory of God and of the Lamb being now spread all over it irradiating and illuminating it throughout in which respect there is said to be neither Sunshine nor Night there it is all of it nothing but a Temple vers 3. or God being the Temple vers 22. all over it See the same thing prophecyed Esai 4. 3 5. that every one should be â—…alled holy and every house and assembly in Sion have the same glory upon it cloud by day and fire by night that was on the Tabernacle And in this Sanctum Sanctorum Gods Servants shall see his face without a cloud of Incense betwixt and stand before his glory with his name Holiness unto the Lord in their foreheads Rev. 22. 4. and there they shall serve him vers 3. See Esai 61. 6. -66. 21. night and day in his Temple Rev. 7. 15. before the Throne of Glory in singing eternal glories and praises to him for there shall be no more confession where no sin nor praier where no more want not infirmity nor affliction the nations being healed by the tree of life Rev. 22. 2. no 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 any curse or excommunication of any Rev. 22. 3. there And secondly As then Priests and Servants to God the Creator so are they also Kings or Lords over the Creation sit down on thrones with Christ and Rev. 3. 21. and reign for ever and ever 22. 5. reign on the earth 5. 10. over the Nations 2. 26 27. Judge Angels Judge the 12 Tribes be rulers over Cities Luk. 19. 17. see Matt. 25. 21. -24. 47. Luk. 16. 10. which expressions so far as they have reference to Christs kingdom after the final day of judgment and not to that prosperous condition of the Church which is promised before it are metaphors expressing the unintelligible things of the next by the more acquainted things of this world which cannot be no more then those Ezek. 43. c. c. speaking of the same things litterally fulfilled 2. Priests also after Death before the great judgment day in the better part of us the soul the estate of which tho it was Gods pleasure that it should not be fully revealed to us yet we may not neglect to take notice of that which is so It seems plain then 1. That tho there is no formal judgment or sentence passed upon any man at the day of Death or final reward appointed or any convention or appearance of the soul before the eternal Judge for why then have not other spirits that are void of bodies as yet received that judgment see 1 Cor. 6. 3. And tho the soul as well as the body attain not as not extensively so neither intensively its full beatitude reward and crown nor vision and communication of God and glory nor a full satisfying of its desires Ps. 16. 15. or punishment pain and torment until the general day of judgment and retribution which is true not only of men 2 Pet. 2. 9. but devils more great and more Ancient offenders then men 〈◊〉 6. as may be gathered from both our Saviors and the Apostles frequent expressions commanding us to depend and cast our hope on the expectation of the coming of Christ in glory at the last day and deferring the receit of our salvation of the reward and of the crown of glory c. till that time See Luk. 14. 14. 2 Tim. 4. 8. -1. 12 16 18. 1 Pet. 1. 5 13. 2 Pet. 3. 11 12. Act. 3. 19 20 21. Luk. 21. 27 28. Phil. 2. 16. -3. 11. 1 Cor. 1. 7 8. -15. 19 32. 2 Cor. 5. 1. c. 2 Thess. 1. 6 7. Heb. 9. 27 29. Rev. 22. 7 12. Col. 3. 3. comp 4. 1 Jo. 3. 2. 2 Pet. 2. 9. Jo. 14. 3. By which it appears that there is a place not to be entered before Christs second coming prepared by his Ascension but before this were many souls in Paradise And this applied not only to the body but the spirit 1 Cor. 5. 5. From the petition and expectation of these souls Rev. 6. 9 10 11. From the just punishments of other spirits much worse and that stay for no bodies yet defer'd till that day See Jude 6. Matt. 8. 19. -25. 42. 2 Pet. 2. 4. Luk. 8. 31. comp Eph. 2. 2. Some at least it seems dwelling in the Air and not yet cast into the Abysse and likewise in this interval between death and judgment tho 't is most probable that some souls attain not so much bliss and glory and priviledg as some others See Rev. 20. 4. comp 5. -14. 4. Nor perhaps so much security I mean not in respect of damnation but in respect of that severe tryal which shall be at that dreadful day and of the measure of their salvation bliss and reward For since some sins shall come into judgment and scrutiny at that day which shall not amount to the condemnation of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 by which our Savior expresseth hell here Matt. 5. 22. as frequently elsewhere See vers 29. Matt. 25. 33. see Matt. 5. 22. comp Matt. 12. 36. And since of those
all knowledg of the various wisdom of God and mysteries of his works but being successively in the due time increaâ—…ed in it according to the dispensation of the Almighty see Eph. 3. 10. 1 Pet. 1. 12. continually receive their greater illumination and perfection of knowledg he being the eternal wisdom of God and light of the whole world Of whom he is head also as he is of the Church therefore called the elect Angels as men 1 Tim. 5. 21. from whom 't is conceived for doubtless they are conserved by and in all things depend on him by whom they were created they possess their present confirmative grace and illuminations Rev. 19. 10. and shall hereafter receive at the end of the world a greater glory see Eph. 1. 10. Col. 2. 10. -1. 20. As over the Church so over the adversaries of it Luk. 19. 27. Rev. 19. 15. -1. 7. 2 Thess. 1 7 8. As over Christian so over Heathen Kingdoms governing them also with his providence and by his Angels Dan. 10. 13 20. Dan. 11. 1. As over bodies so over souls and consciences to know convince to send torment and self-condemnation into them Rom. 2. 16. 1 Cor. 4. 5. -14. 24. 2 Cor. 10. 2 3. c. Act. 5. 5. -2. 37. -24. 25. Jo. 16. 8. Tit. 3. 11. having power over the laws what shall oblige them what not Annulling the former Ceremonials of Moses Lord of the Sabbath c. Col. 2. 8 9 17 21. Act. 15 10. Gal. 5. 1. -4. 3. Eph. 2. 14. Power to remit and to retain sins with the key of David opening and shutting as he pleasetâ—… Joh. 5. 22. Act. 10. 42. Act. 17. 31. Power as over the living so over the dead the Author of the raising again of their bodies 1 Cor. 15. 45. Jo. 5. 28. all that are in the grave shall hear his voice c. and the disposer of eternal life or torments to whom he pleaseth Jo. 6. 54. -10. 28. Phil. 3. 21. The final Judge and this as man Act. 17. 31. Rev. 1. 7. Jo. 5. 22. Act. 10. 42. before whose tribunal all must appear 2 Cor. 5. 10. judging most righteously being the wisdom of the Father the word the truth Most throughly and those things especially which escape all former judgments of men the secrets of men Rom. 2. 16. the counsels of the heart 1 Cor. 4. 5. See what a word it is that we have to do with in that day described Heb. 4. 12 13. Very accurate and punctual in weighing the several worths of every mans works and putting fire to those that are drossy even of those whom he saves See 1 Cor. 3. 13 15. Gal. 6. 4 5. Judging not only men but Angels 1 Cor. 6. 3. and these not only the evil to pass their sentence and deliver them up to torments Matt. 8. 29. 2 Pet. 2. 4. but probably the good also for their reward non disquisitione meritorum sed retributione praemiorum for tho from the beginning of the world they both in respect of their own demenor in themselves have had their sentence and the one then confirm'd in grace and goodness the other having left to them no regress from evil yet in quantum actibus hominum communicati ratione eorum quae circa homines operantur as the Schools the one sort here not doing more necessarily good then the other evil nor the other more rejoycing in our straying from God then the other in our Conversion Luk. 15. 10. which argues the diligence of the one for our salvation as of the other for our destruction Therefore I say if these have not all their punishment already but shall suffer also for deceiving men Rev. 20. 10. and who knows whether this likewise in a just proportion why should we imagine the other to have all their advancement Especially since they are not yet freed from many charges and imployments about persons in dignity much inferior unto them and the perfection of blessedness seems to consist in rest and the end of motion which alwaies tends to something yet desired not attained But occulta Domino Deo nostro Meanwhile how terrible this to those who tread the blood of the Covenant under foot to have their violated enemy their Judge 2 Cor. 5. 11 How comfortable this to those who obâ—…y him to have their Brother to have Power as over men so much more over all the other Creatures Seas Winds and Heaven and Earth who as he made the old so hereafter shall make a new world ending with a Creation of it as he began by the same power by which here He to our astonishment or another in his name i. e. by his power Act. 3. 16. did create or repair an eye or leg or some small piece thereof He being the grand Liberator of the whole world at last as well as of the Sons of God Rom. 8. 21. and Heaven and Earth being in his power as well as all the power therein given him See Heb. 5. 5. 2 Pet. 3. 13. Rev. 21. 1. That we may know that there is nothing nor present nor to come nor high nor low from which he cannot defend us out of which he cannot deliver us Rom. 8. 38 39. and over which we also are not rulers and conquerors thro him that being flesh of our flesh loveth us v. 37. But amongst all these over whom he hath power yet his care is now more special toward the Church his body Eph. 1. 21. Heb. 3. 6. sending abroad Teachers Eph. 4. 7 11. c. distributing to several several gifts of the spirit Phil. 4. 13. communicating a great part of his power to them whatever they ask doing it for them c. helping them in miseries afflictions tho not as yet keeping these from them delivering them from the mastery tho not as yet from the assaults of their enemies For tho all power every where is given him and when any is executed t is executed by him and no part almost of this his universal power but hath in a specimen for an essay and testimony of it been executed by Him already even to that highest one of raising the Dead by him and by others also by his power yet this power was not received to be in every part executed all at once but according to the dispensation of the times appointed by the Father who gave him this power See Heb. 2. 8 9. 1 Cor. 15. 23. c. Matt. 20. 23. He governing all according to his Fathers will whose will yet is the same with his own Therefore is he in respect of some acts of his power described sitting down at Gods right hand and resting and expecting Heb. 10. 13. till the time comes of doing every thing in that order that the Prophets have foretold it i. e. that the Father hath fore-ordained it Act. 3. 21. who hath put the times and seasons of every thing in
last place he laid down his life and died a Martyr for the Truth he had taught 1 Tim. 6. 13. Rev. 1. 5. -3. 14. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Now after his resurrection from the Dead by the Divine power in Justification also of the truth of doctrine He being to return to God from whence he came and the same truth being necessary to be preached sins remitted Sacraments administred the Holy Ghost conferred c. to the end of the world to one Country after another and in them to one generation after another the last thing he did here on Earth was the ordaining some others for these offices in his name after he had now finished the work of our Redemption which was to be the subject of their preaching For his former mission of them was only preparatory Matt. 10. to tell men that the Kingdome of Heaven was near at hand which now after his conquest of Sathan and of death by his death was fully come erected and compleated Jo. 12. 31. Jo. 19. 30. At which time also he was to receive as he had before in his own person so now the promise of the Father so long expected the effusions of the Holy Spirit upon his seed even the whole Church but these especially upon his Apostles A type of which was Moses's spirit taken part of it and put upon the 70 Elders Num. 6. 11. which Apostles were to minister this spirit to others Gal. 3. 2 5. The solemnity of whose Ordination and Commission we find Jo. 20. 21 22 23. Matt. 18. 19 20. Mark 16. 15. Luk. 24. 47. Therefore is our Lord named for the Author of administrations and offices as the Father of miracles and the Holy Ghost of gifts 1 Cor. 12. 4 5 6. To these as his Vicegerents he derived the Doctrine the Authority the Spirit the anointing himself had received of the Father See Jo. 15. 15. -17. 8 18. Eph. 3. 9 10. 1 Cor. 2. 10 13. Eph. 4. 7 8. Act. 2. 33. Phil. 4. 13. 2 Cor. 1. 21. Concerning whom also he left this Testimony to the world as the Father had done of him He that heareth you heareth me Matt. 10. 40. Luk. 10. 16. Matt. 17. 5. and as the Father sent me so I you Jo. 20. 21. -17. 18. Hence also are his own attributes frequently communicated to them They called foundations Matt. 16. 18. compared with 19. 24. Eph. 2. 20. Rev. 21. 14. And they also said to save men Jude 23. Rom. 11. 14. 1 Tim. 4. 16. Job 33. 24. and at the last day to sit on a Throne as He to judge men as he See Jo. 5. 22. Matt. 19. 28. Luk. 22. 30. 1 Cor 6. 3. To these he gave power to Baptize i. e. admit into the Church those they saw fit which implies their power also to refuse the unfit see Act. 10. 47 48. the Apostle ordering and others ministring Baptism And this again infers power to exclude out of the Church the backsliding and those not observing the conditions upon which they were admitted To these he gave power to preach and to declare to the world all the counsel of God which he had manifested to them and to be Ambassadors to men about their reconciliation to God for Christ and in his stead 2 Cor. 5. 18 19 20. Act. 20. 27. 2 Cor. 10. 8. Gal. 4. 14. Therefore they are said to speak in Christ. 2 Cor. 2. 17. To be received as Angels of God and as Christ Jesus Gal. 4. 14. and in their ministry to be a sweet savour of Christ unto God 2 Cor. 2. 15. He Authorizing them to make Ecclesiastical Laws and to order all the affairs of the Church See 1 Cor. 11. 34. -14. chap. 1 Cor. 16. 1. Act. 15. 1 Tim. 5. 14. 1 Cor. 4. 17. To these also he committed his keyes of the Kingdome of Heaven to take confessions and submissions to bind and absolve to remit sin or revenge it and that by his power and in his person Matt. 18. 18. 1 Cor. 5. 4. 2 Cor. 2. 10. 2 Cor. 10. 6. 2 Cor. 13. 10. 2 Cor. 8. 23. called the glory of Christ i. e. His representation and image see 1 Cor. 11. 7. To continue the dispensation of his sacred Body and Blood to the worlds end 1 Cor. 11. 26. which his Sacred hands first administred to them to all the Faithful and as to admit the worthy so to exclude the unworthy from that holy Communion 1 Cor. 5. 7 8. see 1 Cor. 10. 16. Act. 20. 11. Luk. 22. 19. The Hoc facite having been alwaies understood to have special reference to the Apostle's and their successours consecrating or blessing breaking and delivering it as well as to others receiving it To intercede for the people and procure remission of their sins from God by their prayers Jam. 5. 14 15. 1 Jo. 5. 16. Job 42. 8. Gen. 20. 7. 1 Tim. 2. 1. And the promises of hearing their requests Matt. 18. 19 20. Jo. 16. 23. seem to be made to them not in general as Christians but more especially as Gods Ministers and Apostles and that both for binding and loosing the people from their sins So see the Presbyters in the description of the Church triumphant holding in their hands the prayers of the Saints Rev. 5. 8. to be offered up to him that sitteth on the Throne as Incense is These He enlightned with the spirit tho others also see Jer. 31. 34. Jo. 6. 45. yet them extraordinarily for knowledge of the truth For I imagine those expressions Jo. 16. 13 25. comp with Jo. 15. 16 20 26 27. like to which are those 1 Jo. 2. 20 27. to belong to the Apostles specially as Christs ministers Therefore the stile of their whole Body in a Council runneth It seemed good to the Holy Ghost and to us See Act. 15. 28. -5. 3. -7. 51. 2 Cor. 6. 4 6. As also those extraordinary gifts of the Spirit at or after Baptism bestowed by laying on of the Apostles hands were not onely for Sanctification of the person see Matt. 7. 22. 1 Cor. 13. 1. but also for the publick benefit further edification of the Church by them Rom. 12. 6 7. 1 Cor. 12. 7. And enabling them by it that which all humane wisdom is too weak to effect see 1 Cor. 5. 10 12 13. -4. 19. to convince mens consciences convert their minds cast down throughout the world imaginations and every high thing that exalteth it self against the knowledge of God and bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ and with terrors of conscience with Sathan himself to revenge all disobedience and this by the power of Christ who speaketh and acteth in them 2 Cor. 13. 3. See 2 Cor. 10. 2 3 4 5. c. -13. 2 4 10. Jo. 16. 8. 1 Cor. 14. 24 25. Act. 2. 37. Matt. 10. 20. 1 Cor. 4. 21. 3 Jo. 10. 2 Jo. 10. Tit. 3. 11. 1 Tim. 1. 20. 1 Cor. 5. 5. On the
18. For as he in our stead was made sin and an accursed thing and an offering that calling sin to remembrance suffered the extreme wrath of the Almighty due to sin so in himself and this for our sake too he was not only in his death being a voluntary and a free will-offering see Jo. 10. 15 17 18. comp with Jo. 19. 30 33. the other living longer for this my Father loveth me c. and so also loveth us for whom it is offered for his sake Eph. 1. 6. but all his life an Holocaust consumed with the fire of love towards man and zeal of the glory of his Father in a perfect devotement and resignation of his whole self to the will of God and in his perfect obedience and fulfilling of all his Commandements And then when he had done working Jo. 17. 4. finishing this Holocaust in suffering for the divine glory for the truth suffering till he was all spent and consumed with the zeal of his Fathers honor laid upon which whole burnt-offering all our imperfect sacrifices of obedience and resignation of sufferings and martyrdom of spending and being spent 2 Cor. 12. 15. Phil. 2. 17. 2 Tim. 2. 10. whereby God is made all in all and we nothing in our selves and so one with him do partake also of the sweet savor of this sacrifice and all our praiers and petitions for our selves or intercessions for others are accepted of God and the descent of all good things spiritual and temporal from him are procured Gen. 8. 21. Jo. 14. 13. Phil. 1. 12. 4. He was the grand Eucharistical sacrifice and peace-offering answering to those typical ones under the Law In which respect the memorial which we now celebrate of his passion is called the Eucharist and in which relation we are made partakers in the Communion and admitted to eat of this sacrifice see 1 Cor. 10. 16 20. of which as a burnt or sin-offering tho these it is also Heb. 13. 11 12. we might not eat for none might eat of his own sin-offering Now the peace-offerings had many several uses in all which the sacrifice of our Savior fulfilled them 1. They were a kind of federal oblation after remission of offences procured by the sin-offering which was still offered before not after the Peace-offerings by which the sinner was as it were readmitted into Gods favour and whereas he might not eat of the sin-offering by eating part of which sacrifice being Gods bread Lev. 21. 6. -22. 25. and partaking of these holy things he was entertained at the table and accepted into the fellowship of God c. Only none that was unclean or any stranger upon peril of death might eat thereof See Lev. 22. Secondly they were offerings of thanksgiving for all the Creatures all the blessings and good things first received from God Gen. 1. 29. -9. 3. Ps. 50. 10 11 12. and continued by his word Gen. 1. 22. Deut. 8. 3. Matt. 4. 4. of which therefore both of men and beasts and fruits the choicest and first were offered and sanctified unto the Lord as his portion and tribute Sanctifie unto me all the first born both of Man and of Beast and so also it was for the first Fruits It is mine Exod. 13. 15 2. And these accordingly they offered these or their price both to shew their gratitude and acknowledgment of Gods right as to these so to all the rest Deut. 8. 18. -28. 4 5 8 11 12. -26. 2 10. Lev. 25. 23. -19. 24. and also to receive his benediction through what was offered to him upon all the rest Ezech 44. 30. Lev. 23. 11 14. Rom. 11. 16. Now according to this type Christ the substance in whom all things are fulfilled and accepted for what careth God for Oxen or other Firstlings or first fruits not only the first born of his Mother but of every Creature and likewise the first fruits Col. 1. 15 18. Rom. 8. 29. 1 Cor. 15. 20 23. was not redeemed but offered in his own person offered unto God first by whom all others were redeemed from the like And secondly by and through which offering only all our praises and thanksgivings are accepted for all things Eph. 1. 6. -3. 21. Col. 3. 17. Heb. 13. 15. Phil. 1. 11. and the right to and lawful use of them procured unto us only by this offering Rom. 14. 14. Eph. 1. 3. -4. 1. 1 Pet. 2. 5. Rom. 8. 32. And again by it as a federal oblation is the Covenant of grace and our peace ratified To the eating and partaking of which Sacrifice also in the mystical Sacrament of his Body and blood we are admitted to the worlds end And 1. By the eating of which as the Jews and also Idolaters were to the eating of theirs we are accepted in partaking of this Table to the unity Communion and fellowship with God see 1 Cor. 10. 14. c. to the 22. Only concerning which it is also provided that no unclean person or stranger unadmitted by Baptism may approach to eat thereof 1 Cor. 11. 28 29. Secondly by eating and partaking of which sacrifice excelling the other under the law in as much as it is the Body and blood of the Son of God we are admitted to Communion with the Son and mystically incorporated into him made members of his body flesh of his flesh c. And that not in a Metaphor but in a great mystery saith the Apostle Eph. 5. 32. And then from being partakers of the body become also partakers of the Spirit of Christ 1 Cor. 6. 17. And from partaking of his nature the body and the spirit of the Son of God become also Sons of God and heirs of eternal life 1 Cor. 12. 13. -6. 13 15 17. c. Eph. 5. 29. Jo. 17. 2 23. By eating and partaking of one and the same nourishment of this one Sacrifice of this one bread 1 Cor. 10. 17. we also become one Bread and have Communion with all the Saints of God as well those in Heaven as those upon earth partaking of all their glory praiers c. Heb. 12. 23. Eph. 3. 15. Eph. 2. 19. Col. 1. 20. 1 Jo. 5. 16. Job 42. 8. Gen. 20. 7 17. 2 Cor. 1. 〈◊〉 5. And hence with reference to this Sacrifice as also to the tree of life in Paradise and to the Manna and water flowing out of the Rock in the Wilderness which were types of Christ 1 Cor. 10. 2 3 4. -12. 13. Jo. 6. 32 35 49. Our Saviour is said to be the bread of life preserving him that eats the flesh of this Sacrifice so that he shall live for ever And he that eateth him shall live by him Jo. 6. 57. 6. Lastly he was the true Passover Christ our Passover is Sacrificed for us 1 Cor. 5. 7. He the true paschal Lamb fulfilling that typical one of the Jews In relation to which also when this Lamb was slain it was taken care that a bone
of him should not be broken tho theirs that suffered with him were That the Scripture might be in all things fulfilled in him And by the eating and the sprinkling of the blood of this as of that see Exod. 12. Lamb it is but we must do it with our staves in our hands and our loins girt as then i. e. prepared for another country that we obtain the true and everlasting redemption of which that other was but a type from Satan the destroying Angel and from all the plagues which are to fall upon the Spiritual Egypt of the reprobate world even upon all those who have no share in this Lamb who is worthy to receive power and riches c. because he was thus slain and hath redeemed us with his blood Rev. 5. 9 12. CHAP. V. Jesus Christ the Redeemer from Sin the Law Death Satan MAN made upright but under a Law not only disposed by the integrity of nature but enabled by supernatural grace to keep it upon his fall presently Gods justice substracting his violated grace first became a subject and slave ever since to the dominion of carnal concupiscence and of sin stiled also frequently the flesh The old man to obey it in all the lusts thereof and to bring forth perpetual fruits of unrighteousness See this tyranny of sin and slavery of man Rom. 7. 7. expressed so far as that he is said even to be not only captiv'd but slain by it Ver. 11. so Eph. 2. 1. Dead in trespasses c. and Rom. 8. 10. the body dead because of sin and sin reviv'd and I dyed Rom. 7. 9. see Jo. 8. 34. comp 32 35 36 44. Man did not abide in the house and family of God but lost his inheritance because of a Son of God Luk. 3. 38. he became a Servant to sin and a Son of the Devil 2. Upon this he presently incurred a second miserable servitude and bondage unto the law keeping him under as a strict Schoolmaster and still exacting its task of him Debtor to the whole law Gal. 4. 3. -5. 3 and no way able now as before by supernatural grace to perform it and he not performing it It presently wrought wrath against him Rom. 4. 15. pronouncing its curse upon him Gal. 3. 10. and so committing him a child of wrath Eph. 2. 3. into the hands of Gods justice 3. Now the penalty of this law not observed was death and so man became also subject unto bondage all the rest of his life thro fear of death Heb. 2. 15. The wages of his sin Rom. 6. 23. which also reigned over him Rom. 5. 14. the enemy of mankind and of all of them the last subdued 1 Cor. 15. 26. 4. Of this death Satan was to be the Executioner As the first creature that was the object so ever since and that not unwillingly made the instrument of Gods vengeance toward any other creature both comforting his own pains as it were with the society of their misery and satisfying his hate against God in any mischief upon his image And so upon sin we were presently seized upon by this Jaylor his Captives and prisoners reserved for destruction upon whom he inflicts also for the present all other miseries here suffered for sin See 1 Cor. 5. 5. 1 Tim. 1. 20. Ps. 78. 49. Exod. 12. 23. Rev. 9. 11. 1 Cor. 10. 10. 1 Chron. 21. 1. compared with 2 Sam. 24. 1. Luk. 13. 15 16. And therefore all venemous and noxious creatures to us are called his instruments Luk. 10. 19. But secondly we are not subject to him only as an Executioner and an inflicter of punishment but as the Prince the God 2 Cor. 4. 4. of this lower world that upon the departure of the good spirit presently possessed us as his best house and lodging here below Matt. 12. 44. Col. 1. 13. the spirit that worketh mightily saith the Apostle in the children of disobedience Eph. 2. 2. and we are become of Gods his children Act. 13. 10. Jo. 8. 44. And the lusts of him our Father now we do so that as in innocency we did no good but by the assistance of the good spirit so since the fall we hardly do any evil but by the suggestion of the ill spirit See Act. 5. 3. 1 Cor. 7. 5. 1 Chron. 21. 1. 1 King 22. 22. 1 Tim. 5. 15. 2 Cor. 2. 11. c. So that as he hath power as Gods Sergeant to inflict death at last so he hath power as Gods enemy in this his Kingdom of the Air of Darkness of this world to make us serve him while we live power both regal and paternal over us yet without either the protection of a Prince or affection of a Father making us do that only for which afterward he may punish us God indeed having put enmity between him and man from the beginning Gen. 3. He being told that at last he should be destroyed by the womans seed and therefore rejoycing in nothing so much as to destroy her seed Rev. 12. And into the hands of this his enemy was now man faln And him a very powerful and dreadful enemy Eph. 6. 12. For note 1. That as man hath not by his fall so neither the Devil by his lost all the priviledges of his nature and being permitted still his being is allowed also all the operations belonging to it retaining power and subtilty 2 Cor. 2. 11. Eph. 6. 11. according to the measure of the spiritual strength and knowledge of other Angels 2. That tho as man sinning was ejected out of Paradise so he out of the blessed place of his first habitation Jude 6. unto these lower and darker regions of the world called Prince of them because they are the place of his abode yet here hath he not received the final restraint and judgment for his sin which shall be passed upon him when upon others i. e. at the general day of doom as well for Angels as men see Rev. 20. 10. 1 Cor. 6. 3. 2 Pet. 2. 4. 3. That mean while in this dejection As God hath not taken away their natural power of hurting and seducing from wicked men so neither from the wicked spirits which power the Devil exerciseth as a tempter toward the good and as a Prince over the wicked in this his kingdom of the air Only as God restrains the power of wicked by the opposition of good men so of the wicked by the opposition of good Angels of the Holy Spirit of Christ himself King over all and both evil men and angels by the secret limitations of his providence Job 1. 10. and restrains those so much more who are less resistable and this more in respect of some then of others the children of God being more protected from his seducements by a greater power of the Holy Spirit residing in them c. 1 Jo. 4. 4. Luk. 22. 31. the children of disobedience more abandoned to his will and commands 2 Tim. 2.
c. Rev. 5. 9. 2 Cor. 5. 15. That we might be now espoused and appropriated to him and not yield our selves to any other whom he bought out of their hands with so dear a price for whom he paid to Gods justice so rich a Dowry as it was the ancient custome for the husband to pay not to receive a Dowry see Gen. 34. 12. Exod. 22. 16. even himself Eph. 5. 25. Tit. 2. 14. that henceforth we should glorifie him in our bodies and in our spirits which are his Tho indeed this our service of 〈◊〉 is our perfect freedom Again at liberty from them yet hitherto not absolutely Rom. 23. as neither is our Saviors conquest over them as yet perfect in respect of his members tho it be for himself See Luk. 21. 28. Eph. 4. 30. 1 Cor. 1. 30. Rom. 16. 20. Why is it not Because so it seemed good to his wisdom by and for and to whom are all things as he made not perfect the world all at once but successively nor sent this Author of redemption before the latter end thereof so neitheir to make perfect our redemption all at once For indeed had sin and consequently the law and death and Satan upon our Saviors resurrection been utterly destroyed why should not all the Faithful that were before his coming as well as we since have enjoyed the same priviledg Again thus the world must have ended at our Saviors first coming 1 Cor. 15. 26. But the compleating of our redemption is reserved to his second Luk. 21. 28. Eph. 4. 30. Eph. 1. 14. and we see not yet all things put under our Savior in this manner For it pleased God to make our Savior only the Captain and we also but this wholly thro the strength of him who is the Author and finisher of our Salvation partners in this conquest giving us arms and strength to fight them but not victory without our fighting too after the same manner as did our Savior It pleased him that we should yet a while longer suffer the assaults of sin but repel them overcome the Devil but not without being tempted and death but not without suffering it and the law but not without obedience to it Lastly that in these things we should suffer in some sort for our Savior i. e. for his honor as he did for us i. e. for our wickedness that herein all virtues might more be exercised and Gods glory thro opposition more exalted It remains then we enquire next How much of our redemption is performed already by this our Saviour First tho some sin is hitherto still inherent in us yet we are restored to the spirit of God lost by Adam Rom. 8. 23. and 1. by it commanding now within us freed from the dominion of sin for the future In which respect we are said to be dead to sin Rom. 6. 11. And 2. by the price that was paid upon the Cross freed from the guilt and imputation of sins past in the time of sins former raign in us 2. 1 Tho we are still tyed to the obedience of the law moral yet we are freed from the law Ceremonial it being only typical of the things which were fulfilled in Christ. At his death when he cried consummatum est tho before he both observed it himself and commanded it also to others see Luk. 2. 21. Matt. 10. 5. -15. 24. -8. 4 he freed us perfectly from this 2. Again freed from the condemnation of the law Moral both 1. By having our former debts to it discharged by him and so this bond that was kept against us cancelled and nayled thro upon the Cross Eph. 2. 15. Col. 2. 14. 2. And freed by grace given us from that inability we had heretofore to perform it by being now enabled to observe it in all the parts thereof tho not without some defects And there is now no sort of sin how natural how customary soever uncleanness intemperance revenge c. but we have sufficient ability thro Christ to master conquâ—…r triumph over it so as never to commit any one more consummate act thereof if we will but use those weapons the spirit affords us prayer c. Insomuch as that we shall admire upon tryal the strange transformings of our selves and the great goodness and power of Christ. â—…3 And in those deficiencies by being delivered also from the curse of it thro Christ by repentance and faith in him Act. 13. 38 39. Nay yet further freed not only from the condemning power but from the commanding and directing power of the law Mosaick not that we now are without law 1 Cor. 9. 21. but that we have it much fuller then it was before in the Tables written in our hearts by which we walking in the spirit and being filled with love do all things commanded in the law by the demonstration and power of the Spirit see those places much to be noted Gal. 5. 13. 1 Tim 1. 5 9. Gal. 3. 19. Rom. 8. 15. And thus we are said to be dead to the law or it to us Rom. 7. 4. Gal. 2. 19. Dead to the former delivery of it by the giving of which we were not able to perform it as now we are when it is given us by the spirit for the law is given twice at the first by Moses written in Tables of Stone so a killing letter afterward by the spirit written on the heart and so 't is a quickening spirit that now doth the work of the law which law abides for ever Matt. 5. 18. 2 Cor. 3. 6. see Heb. 10. 11. 2 Cor. 3. 7 8. the difference of the ministrastration of the spirit and the ministration of Moses Rom. 8. 2. 3. Tho we are still subject to death yet we are freed already from the most considerable death from that eternal and from the fear of the temporal yea we are now inviting and desiring it as an entrance into our Saviors presence and eternal bliss Nay further taking pride to conquer it the same way our Lord did and turning all the preparatives thereof diseases infirmities c. by willing patient cheerful suffering thereof into matter of advantage and reward so that we had been less happy in a greater present conquest Phil. 21 23. Again freed as our Savior was Heb. 5. 7. tho not from suffering it yet that we shall not perish in it but after a while be recovered from it Therefore harmless now it hath changed its name in the new Testament Scriptures and is called a sleep 1 Cor. 11. 30. In which respect we are said already to be passed from death to life Jo. 5. 24. 4. Tho we are still subject to the temptations of Satan yet are we freed from his former power in and over us Act. 26. 18. by the more powerful spirit of God which is now greater in us then he that is in the world 1 Jo. 4. 4. And the strong man now cast out by a
salvation and eternal life Rom. 5. 16. Now since all our benefit by him comes from our ingrafting and incorporation into him that so his sufferings may be accounted for ours the Sacrament or religious Ceremony instituted to convey unto us this first effect of the second Adams dying for us and so freeing us from the condemnation and washing us with his blood from the stains of our former sins is Baptism After which tho the infirmity of concupiscence still remain for the benefits of the second Adam are not fully perfected till this life is ended yet is both the strength thereof much abated and the reatus or guilt thereof totally removed i. e. that none shall be condemned for the solicitations and importunings thereof which will happen till our redemption is compleated so they be by him sor which he is enabled with sufficient grace mastered and supprest Therefore are we said in the Scripture to be baptized into Christ to put on Christ. Gal. 3. 27. Rom. 6. 2. to be in Christ Rom. 8. 1. Phil. 3. 9. by one spirit to be baptized into one body 1 Cor. 12. 13. To be baptized into his death to be co-planted in the likeness of his death and to be buried with him in Baptism Rom. 6. 3 4. c. 1 Pet. 4. 1. by baptism to be saved from death and sin 1 Pet. 3. 20 21. c. and therefore as Baptism is called our death so his death by him is called a Baptism Matt. 20. 23 Luk. 12. 50. What by him was really performed being by us too represented and acted in Baptism For our Savior is supposed see Rom. 6. chap. to represent till his death a son of Adam as we are and one that had took sin upon him tho he had none in him and so to suffer the punishment and dy to it as well as for it that is no more afterward to be charged with it Rom. 6. 10. and then to rise again a new man according to which we true sinners in baptism are supposed to dy with him to sin Rom. 6. 2. no more to live in it and then to be born again of him to begin a new life a life to holiness called also newness of life Rom. 6. 4. life spiritual opposed to the former carnal see Gal. 6. 1. 1 Cor. 2. 15. Rom. 7. 6. according to which we are said to be already risen with Christ. Col. 3. 1. That is from death in sin Baptism signifying 1. both our putting on some think signified by the expression borrowed from the pulling of old clothes and putting on new a Ceremony used at Baptism in the Apostles times and after them in the primitive Church and being ingrafted into Christ so that we have right to his sufferings c. and 2. then by virtue of his death our being cleansed from sin typified by the water washing us and then 3. our putting to death crucifying and putting off the old man Rom. 6. 6. the son of Adam and so dying to sin signified by the ancient manner of immersion of the body under water nothing of it to be seen and 4. then our putting on the new man and Christ our being born again of water and the spirit and being made a new creature represented in the emersion and elevation again out of the water See Col. 2. 12. -3. 10. Jo. 3. 5. As if you stood by those curing waters of Bethesda nâ—…w stirred by an Angel and saw a son of the first Adam consisting all of flesh diving into those waters all polluted with sin and dying in them which thing one man in every ones stead did for us and then springing up a new child out of this old stock the son of the second Adam consisting of spirit Jo. 3. 6. 1 Cor. 6. 17. washed clean and pure to live a new life in obedience 2. After he hath thus Communicated unto us as many as are his members absolution from sin by his dying to it for us and our implantation into his death by baptism the second blessing he derives upon his seed is Righteousness Rom. 5. 15 18. 19. Luk. 1. 72 75. that by this we may attain life eternal as by deliverance from sin we escaped death And this righteousness this second Adam conveighs unto us in two manners As Adam in like manner did sin to his posterity 1. For first as we derived both from the example of Adams disobedience and from the propagation of his flesh a natural soliciter even in mans innocence for its own delights without regard of their lawfulness Gen. 3. 6. but much more after the fall a pronity to evil and by loss of the Spirit inability to good so from the example of Christs obedience and the traduction of his spirit we receive a new ability inclination and pronity to good and aversion from evil See Eph. 2. 10. Tit. 2. 14. Jo. 8. 39 41 44. Rom. Rom. 13. 14. Eph. 4. 23 24. Rom. 11. 16. 2. Again as his posterity for Adams one sin and disobedience was made sinner and judgment and condemnation came upon them who sinned not after the similitude of his transgression for not their but his disobedience and that also one onely disobedience of his Rom. 5. 12. c. to the 20th The branches being holy or unholy as the root is See Rom. 11. 16 28. Heb. 7. 9 10. So the posterity of Christ both when they yeild obedience yet for his obedience and righteousness not theirs is accepted theirs whether devotions or good works at least many of them being by reason of the remains of the old man as yet only crucified in part weak and imperfect but his compleat and exact for which therefore all the imperfections of theirs by faith are pardoned And when they disobey their obedience likewise being not constant their repentance if it be rightly performed i. e. by now dying to their new sin since baptism in pennance and mortifications and commemorating the Lords passion in the Communion Matt. 26. 28. 1 Jo. 2. 1 2. serving to the remission of sin as they died before to their old ones in Baptism and then by living afterward according to the spirit for his sufferings and obedience is also accepted for obedience So that we are made righteous in Christ see Rom. 8. 1. comp Heb. 7. 9. 10. as well as from Christ in our selves by his spirit as also we were sinners in Adam Rom. 5. 12. as well as from Adam in our selves by the flesh derived from Him See Rom. 5. 15 19. Phil. 3. 9. Rom. 8. 1. 2 Cor. 5. 21. 1 Cor. 1. 30. Eph. 1. 4 6. 1 Pet. 2. 5. Eph. 4. 24. Col. 3. 17. 3. Thus Jesus Christ the righteous 1 Joh. 2. 1. derives to all his members righteousness and life spiritual opposed to carnal Next He for this righteousness advanced by God to Immortality Kingdom Glory c. derives upon his seed the reward of Righteousness life eternal opposed to this
a Fountain springing up and a sowing to everlasting life a progress from glory to glory see Rom. 8. 23. Heb. 6. 4 5. 2 Cor. 1. 22. -5. 5. â—…o 4. 14. Gal. 6. 8. Eph. 1. 13 14. According to which those prophecies of the effusions of the spirit which are fulfilled in part upon our Saviors first coming yet seem not to have their full accomplishment till his second appearing which in those texts is joyned with the first See Act. 2. 17 18. comp 19 20. Joel 2. 28. c. comp Joel 3. 2. c. Mal. 3. 1. c. comp Mal. 4. 1 5. Esai 40. 3 5 10. And the plentiful flowing of those waters of life our Saviors ordinary Metaphor in St Johns Gospel for the Spirit which shall be from the Temple or the Throne of God and the Lamb mentioned Rev. 22. 1. -21. 6. Ezec. 47. 1 3. c. Joel 3. 18. Ezec. 13. 1. -14. 8. Ps. 36. 8 9. for all these prophecies wonderfully accord and speak of the state of the new world yet to come expressing heavenly things by earthly and the truths of the Gospel veil'd under the Ceremonies of the law must needs be understood of the fuller Communications of the holy spirit yet to come Blessed be God for his unspeakable gift The next operation of this spirit is upon our body but upon this as upon our Saviors not till the blessed Resurrection when we shall begin to bear the image of the heavenly Adam as we now bear the image of the earthly 1 Cor. 15. 49. and this vile body shall be changed and made like to his glorious body like it I mean not as it appeared after his rising again to his Disciples with a wound to thrust ones hand in eating and drinking c. where to shew the truth of his resurrection that it was the same body that was crucified he was glad to veil the glory of it But as it appeared to St. Paul in the way to Damascus which glory struck him blind Act. 9. 3. comp Act. 22. 14. or as to St. Stephen the reflection of which made his face to shine as an Angels or as Moses's in the Mount or to his Disciples Matt. 17. 2. at his transfiguration where God to qualifie the sad relation of his sufferings gave them an anticipated sight of that glory which in the apparitions after his Resurrection was necessary to be eclipsed upon which moment of Beatifick vision his transported Disciples quite forgetting all former relations to the world would gladly have set up there their perpetual abode Or as it appeared to St. John Rev. 1. 13 17. at the sight of whose Majesty that beloved Disciple fell at his Masters feet as dead c. And after our body is thus made glorious as his in the resurrection it shall also have an ascension just like his Our bodies caught up in the Clouds c. 1 Thess. 4. 17. as his was Act. 1. 9. And when this perfection is produced in the body as well as the soul then it is that we are properly called the Sons and children of God being the children of the resurrection Luk. 20. 36. as is also noted of our Savior And as the Angels from their spirituality like God are called his Sons Job 1. 6. So is at that time said to be our adoption Rom. 8. 23. The regeneration the restitution to the state before sin the manifestation of the Sons of God see Matt. 19. 28. Act. 3. 21. Rom. 8. 19. comp with 1. 4. Rev. 21. 7. and mean while our life said to be in Christ to be hid with Christ in God Col. 3. 3 4. 1 Jo. 5. 11. For this state was such a longing of the Apostle to attain once the resurrection such a waiting of the Saints for the coming of the Lord such a groaning and being burdened in this earthly Tabernacle not to be shut of it and have none but to be clothed upon it with another house from Heaven see Phil. 3. 11. 1 Cor. 1. 7. 2 Pet. 3. 12. 2 Cor. 5. 1. c. Rom. 8. 23. The same individual this shall be which our Savior kept his wounds to shew and perhaps will do for the honorable marks of his sufferings see Rev. 1. 7. Rev. 5. 6. he appearing in glory with them but by the operation of the spirit of the Lord 2 Cor. 3. 18. strangely changed For we sow not in the grave that body that shall be 1 Cor. 15. 37. no more saith St. Paul then the seed we sow in the field is the flower or plant that comes of it who can guess at the beautiful colors of a Tulip by looking on its seed therefore the Apostle speaks of the body raised as a superstructure upon this 2 Cor. 5. 4. as the seed is clothed upon by the flower or the tree sown then in shame it shall come up glorious weak come up in power natural come up spiritual 1 Cor. 15. 42. For there are bodies spiritual and we know not but the Angels are such so spiritual as that there shall be no more belly at least as for meats nor no more meats for it 1 Cor. 6. 13. As Moses and Elias here for the 40 daies they enjoyed Gods presence needed no food There shall be no flesh nor blood 1 Cor. 15. 50. No heaviness 1 Thess. 4. 17. nor grosness Luk. 24. 31. Jo. 20. 19. and so no sensual pleasure suiting to corruptible substances of which for the most part some foregoing pain is the parent Luk. 20. 36. what then shall we be like Angels nay like the Son of God the second Adam our Father like him when he shall appear in his greatest glory 1 Jo. 3. 2. but what this likeness shall be we know not yet nor how far the spirit shall be united to us in similitude of that unity which Christs human nature now hath with the deity but as in some kind we are now partakers so much more then shall we be of the divine nature 2 Pet. 1. 4. nay filled with all the fulness of God Eph. 3. 19. Glorious in body Esai 13. 12. and enriched with all knowledg wisdom holiness joy security in soul after the similitude of that wisdom and holiness and glory which Christs humanity hath received from the Deity some beams of that Sun being united to us the body of which dwells in him Col. 2. 9. Jo. 17. 21 23. To whom be all preeminence and glory for ever by all the partakers of his glory O foelix culpa said one quoe talem meruit habere redemptionem Ad aliquid majus humana natura perducta est per peccatum And God permitted that great evil of mans fall to raise him to a far greater honor finishing all his works in goodness and mercy Meanwhile as not we so neither is our Savior compleat every way before our resurrection being without us a Head glorified without its body Therefore is the Church called His fulness Eph. 1.
23. and as his glory so his sufferings in as much as part of hers are yet behind are said not to be yet compleat Col. 1. 24. And so he is said now to love the Church to nourish and cherish her out of the love he bears to himself for none ever hated his own flesh Eph. 5. 28. Especially the head in which are placed the senses for the good and defence of the whole body that is most sensible of any thing that happens unto it see Act. 9. 4. and more watchful in providing for it Therefore is this his love to her noted to be greater a more merciful faithful compassionate love from his being the second Adam and undergoing the experience of like infirmity then the blessed Angels or as he as God was if I may so say capable of See Heb. 2. 17 18. We being now the travail of his soul Esai 53. 11. for whom he endured the birth-throes of death Act. 2. 24. and therefore he as a pained mother the more loves us according to his sufferings for us Whose strait and intimate connexion and tye unto us in respect of this his second Adam-ship the Holy Ghost in the Scriptures hath expressed in all the nearest and dearest relations that can easily be fancied styling him and us In a new Creation or Regeneration where Christ is all in all Col. 3. 11. as Adam in the former Father and Children He being made after the perfect image of God and we after his He heir and Lord of all things and we by him who having lost our former title to the Creatures by the fall of Adam and upon this the use of many of them restrained have now a new right established thro him They being sanctified as it were now again by a new word of God in this new Creation as they were in the first and both thro Christ by which they are all free all clean upon prayer thanksgiving and alms to all his seed tho still unclean to all the rest See Rom. 14. 14. 1 Tim. 4. 3. Tit. 1. 15. Rom. 4. 14. Heb. 2. 5. Luk. 11. 41. 1 Cor. 3. 21 23. -7. 14. comp Tit. 3. 5. See Col. 1. 15. Rev. 3. 14. Heb. 1. 2 3. Heb. 2. 5. Gal. 6. 15. Rom. 8. 29. 2 Cor. 5. 17. Eph. 2. 10. Eph. 4. 24. Col. 3. 10. Esai 9. 6. -53. 10 11. Heb. 2. 13. Jo. 3. 3 4. Ps. 22. 30. Husband and Spouse A priviledge and relation to the Son of God which we shall have beyond the blessed Angels a similitude of nature being only capable of this For where are the Angels called the Bride the Lambs wife See Rev. 21. 9. Eph. 5. 25. c. 1 Cor. 6. 13 15. c. In which relation we are said to be members of Christ not only as the Hands or Feet are of the body natural but as Eve was of Adam of his flesh and of his bones and to be one spirit with Christ as Adam and Eve were one flesh Of which espousal and union of the Church with Christ the institution of marriage was but a figure and type And Adams saying to new made Eve This is now made bone c. Gen. 2. 23. but a prophecy And her being made out of Adams side but an allegory of the Churches springing out of Christs side pierced on the Cross so much observed by St. John Jo. 19. 34 35. 1 Jo. 5. 8. That water and blood which came from thence first begetting Jo. 3. 5. and then nourishing Jo. 6. 35. the Church his Spouse And mans being made head of the woman but an emblem of Christs being Head of the man 1 Cor. 11. 3. that is of mankind his spouse whom according to the ancient custome of not receiving a dowry with but paying one for the Virgin Gen. 34. 13. Exod. 22. 16. Christ is said to have bought with a dear price 1 Cor. 6. 20. even by giving himself for her Eph. 5. 25. that hereafter she should be wholly for him But yet tho she is betrothed already by the pledge of the spirit yet the marriage is not consummate nor to be celebrated but in Paradise where the first was This second Eve being as yet but in the forming as it were out of a crooked Rib by the hand of God Gen. 2. 21 22. in cleansing and purifying and making white forgetting her own people and her Fathers house Ps. 45. 10. so reproachful unto her future splendors c. that she may be presented at that day not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing a chast Virgin c. See 2 Cor. 11. 2. Eph. 5. 27. in dressing and putting on her wedding Garments that she may not be found naked as upon her fall she was in Paradise See 2 Cor. 5. 3. Rev. 3. 18. Rev. 19. 7 8. -16. 5. Matt. 22. 11. Head and Members This every where occurring Root and Branches The new stock into which we are ingrafted and planted by Baptism see Jo. 15. 1. c. Rom. 6. 3 4 5. -11. 17. -15. 12. Foundation and Building built up a Temple to be no more profaned and defiled 1 Pet. 2. 4 5. 1 Cor. 3. 16 17. 1 Cant. 8. 9 10. Rev. 21. 9. 10. Eph. 2. 20 21. and Christ the Corner stone in whom the two side-walls of Jew and Gentile are joined Eph. 2. 14 15. Elder and younger Brethren in respect of God our common Father Jo. 20. 17. The honor of which we shall the more value when we consider such a a contemptible Prodigal upon this relation only so royally entertained Luk. 15. Called also the first born consecrated to God for the rest The first fruits which under the law represented the whole Rom. 11. 16. 1 Cor. 15. 20. Rom 8. 29. Hence all thing done by him from these relations we have to him are said also to be done by us received by him to be received by us done to him to be done to us and done to us to him So we now dead to sin Rom. 6. 1. To the law Rom. 7. 4. Col. 2. 20. To the world the affections to it Gal. 6. 14. Now risen Col. 3. 1. now ascended and sitting in heavenly places Eph. 2. 6. Sons of God Heirs Gal. 3. 27. See Matt. 25. 40 45. Hence all Gods promises are fulfilled unto him first in his human nature and then descend only from and thro him to us And all that we return blessings prayer c. ascend and are acceptable only thro him and for his sake to God Eph. 1. 6. -3. 21. But we must know in this our new Creation and parentage that we being once created in all the business of our Salvation as God worketh in us so we work together with God that there is a concatenation and conspiring of Gods grace and our will That as this new image of God is formed in us by his spirit so by our endeavors and that there is a configuration as effected by him so
Civ Dei l. 10. And as spending of our lives for God and our Brethren so the spending of our Estates all our Alms and charities are Evangelical Gifts and Oblations and Sacrifices therefore many times anciently made by Christians at the Altar See Heb. 13. 16. Phil. 4. 18. I have received c. the things that were sent from you an odour of a sweet smell a sacrifice accâ—…ptable c. All our doings then and all our spendings our souls and our bodies Rom. 12. 1. the spending of our lives and of our estates all these make up one compleat Holocaust which we owe unto God under the Gospel of which those under the Elements of the world were types and in which they are fulfilled after that our Savior had first begun to us and sacrificed instead of Beasts himself 1 Pet. 2. 5. Col. 1. 24. Now these the peoples sacrifices under the Gospel as those under the Law must of necessity have a Priest to offer them for the reason mentioned not only because they are so nothing worth the best we can bring of them and so unprofitable when we have done all we can and God so self all-sufficient without them whose offerings to him whatever are only his gifts to us 1 Chron. 29. 14. all of us but our sins being his but because by contagion of sin in us they are also all unclean for who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean Job 14. 4. and he so pure and so holy that we are in the same condition as Uzziah 2 Chron. 26. 18. or Nadab and Abihu unless there be one to bear the iniquity of our holy things and thro whose merits towards God and Gods love unto him they may be accepted To whom methink God speaks as Moses Exod. 19. Do thou come up c. but let not the people least I break forth upon them And unto us as disguised Joseph did to his brethren see not my face unless you bring your Brother with you Or as God to to the Friends of Job 42. c. 8. v. Take with you a sacrifice and go to my servant Job and my servant Job shall pray for you for him I will accept or as to Abimelech concerning Abraham Gen. 20. 7. He is a Prophet and he shall pray for thee and thou shalt live For these intercessors were set down for types of this supreme Mediator By our Savior therefore all these our Sacrifices must be offered or by us in his name which is all one Phil. 1. 11. and that not only our praiers and petitions where we need and ask something that they may be heard thro Jesus Christ our Lord but our giving of thanks and glory to God Alas what glory can we give where we present something that they may be accepted We then first come to him and he offers them for us so we are said to praise to give thanks to give glory to God by him See Heb. 13. 15. Rom. 1. 8. Col. 3. 17. 1 Pet. 2. 4 5. Therefore he stiles himself the way to the Father Jo. 14. 6. and the door Jo. 10. 9. thro which we must pass And to God be glory in the Church by Christ. Eph. 3. 21. The tongue being in the head that speaks for the body 3. But thirdly he not only presents and delivers our petitions for us c. but he hath procured for us free admission to the Father to deliver them our selves not in a body by presence indeed as yet but by the spirit Eph. 2. 18. and sent us unto the Father to ask any thing in his name see Jo. 16. 23 24 26 27. according to which the Church directs her praiers not to him as he saith vers 23. but to the Father telling us that the Father himself for his sake loveth us vers 27. Eph. 1. 6. Rom. 8. 39. love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. In this far outdoing the mediation under the law where Moses indeed went up but the people were rail'd out and trembling and quaking stood afar off which preeminence of us the Apostle often intimates in the Epistles Heb. 12. 17. By him therefore now we also are said to draw nigh unto God to have access to the Father access with boldness to come boldly unto the throne of grace into the Holiest Heb. 10. 19 22. all our words and works to be accepted if done in his name c. See Heb. 4. 16. Eph. 5. 20. Heb. 7. 19 25. Eph. 2. 18. -3. 12. Col. 3. 17. And for these causes above-said it is that the Church so often in all Divine service repeats that holy dear name and St. Paul 't is noted in his Epistles above 500 times because to by thro and in Him and his name are all things said and done and to be done that are well and acceptably done Which name be it blessed for ever 4. After these acts of this High Priests intercession let us now proceed to the fruits and benefits thereof And first As the legal High Priest first after he had offered the sacrifice and again after he had carried in the blood into the Holyest blessed and put Gods name upon the people Lev. 9. 22. c. Numb 6. 27. So our Savior answerable to the first before he went into the Sanctuary Luk. 24. 50 and at other times blessed his people and answerable to the second also doth it since his going in blessing us from it because by his everlasting Priesthood needing to make no more offerings he is not to come out of it till the consummation of all things when he will yet in a more transcendent manner give us his blessing See Act. 3. 26. and what the blessing that he sent us was see Act. 2. 33. Upon whose blessing us from above that fire Act. 2. 2. descended upon the Apostles and consequently upon his Church ever since of which that material one which came out from before the Lord upon Aarons first blessing was a type Lev. 9. 24. Imagine him then first now speaking from Heaven putting his Fathers name upon us and pronouncing that form Numb 6. 24. and then after it all those spiritual and temporal blessings and deliverances of his Church here showred down by him but above all that fire of the Holy Spirit for ever burning upon the Altar of our hearts and hallowing all our sacrifices and elevating them unto God the manifold gifts and graces of which are mentioned elsewhere Only here take notice 1. Of the time of their collation and that was after his being ascended and entred into the Sanctuary and having interceded there See Jo. 7. 39. -16. 7. Act. 2. 33. Eph. 4. 7 8. Jo. 14. 28 29. So that we have and do receive far greâ—…ter advantages by his absence and service there then we could by his corporal presence here Blessed be God by whose wisdom all things serve for our good as also appears in his Disciples far more expert in knowledg
powerful in working according to the promise Jo. 14. 20. after his departure 2. Of the manner of their conveyance which will much advance our confidence if we consider our near relation For we receive them not by his procurement only from the Father but even from his own hand Every good and perfect gift cometh from the Father c. Jam. 1. 17. but thro and by immediate donation of the Son and by the same way as all our praiers and sacrifices ascend and enter in blessings come forth of this Sanctâ—…ary Upon his asking all things are given him Psal. 2. 8. whom the Father alwaies hears and at his own pleasure he dispenseth them Act. 2. 33. â—…ph 1. 3. And this the having in his own power the gift of all things from whose hands we may be sure we shall want nothing belongs peculiarly to the tenure of his Priesthood being Melchisedechial and joyned with Kingship Sacerdotium Regale or Sacerdotale regnum i. e. having royalty and power joyned with it as before the law these two were joyned in the Princes of families so after the law they are united in Christ a King over all but Him whom as a Priest he serves Therefore we find him sitting at the right hand and the promise of having his enemies made his footstool so frequently joined with his Priesthood and intercession for to shew the everlasting power of his Priesthood See Heb. 8. 1. Rom. 8. 34. Ps. 110. 1. comp with 4. Act. 2. 33. Ps. 2. 8. Therefore since he ever liveth to make intercession he is able to save saith the Apostle not willing only Heb. 7. 25. Able to succour Heb. 2. 18. see Jo. 17. 2 24. Father I will that c. Jo. 14. 13 14. If ye shall ask any think in my name his asking or our asking in his name is all to one effect as is shewed before I will do it where he shews both his dependance on his Father as a Priest and power over all things else as a King Besides this officiating as an Intercessor in Heaven as a Sanctuary as he is High Priest wherein he is compared to Aaron Our Savior by the same Apostle in his treatise of his Priesthood is called the Captain of our Salvation bringing many sons of God unto glory Heb. 2. 10. Lord of the houshold of God and conducter of them into a promised place of rest and forerunner entred before them into Heaven as it is the land of promise and this as he is a regal High Priest wherein he is compared to Moses and Joshua his successor conducters of Israel towards Canaan See Heb. 2. 10. -3. 1 2 6. -4. 8 9 14. -6. 20. comp with Heb. 12. 1 2 18 22 25. -11. 14 16. We being in this world after our deliverance from Egypt the dominion of Satan and sin and passing thro the Red Sea of Baptism 1 Cor. 10. 2. yet as in the Wilderness a dry and thirsty land where no water is as the Psalmist spiritually complains of it see Psal. 63. 1. -39. 12. -119. 19. whoever take it for any thing else much mistake it now under Christ I speak of him according to his manhood our Conductor as they were under Moses and Joshua and all things that were done there were examples 1 Cor. 10. 6 11. First therefore as Moses when the mount of God burnt with fire nothing but blackness and darkness and tempest nothing but wrath and judgment towards us and fear least the fire of the Lord should break forth upon us having all sinned as Israel had and none durst draw near to speak for us Behold him coming forth out of the midst of us the true Mediator and going for us into the Mount and there like Moses Exod. 32. 30. making an attonement for us And tho there is yet to come another shaking of all things shaking heaven and earth and all in pieces under this second Moses Heb. 12. 26. far more terrible then that under the first wherein he shall come in judgment to destroy his enemies from which then there shall be no Mediator to hinder him as Exod. 32. 10 11. yet then to those that obey him this Mount Sinai shall be changed into Mount Sion and the city of the living God c. see Heb. 12. 22. c. where are such and such glorious company And thither shall he also carry up his Brethren after the remainder of the 40 daies or 6 weeks of his abode there are expired Meanwhile from thence not from an higher place of the earth but from the highest heaven into which he is gone up he continually speaks unto us not with that terror as the Angels from Mount Sinai gave the law but with the soft voice of his spirit the ministration of which by him is opposed to that of the law by Moses 2 Cor. 3. 8 9. And wo be to all them that refuse to hear him far beyond those that refused to hear Moses Heb. 12. 25. -10. 29. 2. And then as resembled by Joshua or Jesus called so as a type of him he is the Conductor also of the people of God into the true land of promise Heb. 4. 8. the place of rest the rest of God Heb. 4. 5. Into which God hath sworn no unbelievers shall enter And into this our blessed Savior is entred already before us and set down the posture of resting at the right hand of God entred not only as a forerunner Heb. 6. 20. or leader to give an example that we should follow him thither the Anchor of our hope being already cast within the veil by the taking possession of this our forerunner Heb. 6. 19 20. But also a forerunner or Harbinger as Joshua his type also was to view that good land as it were and there to prepare a place for us Jo. 14. 2 3. in that house where are many mansions the heavens that we see being but a center to it from whence God looks down upon them as they upon the earth Ps. 113. not any therefore but an honourable a choice place there see Rev. 4. 4. where the Church-men were sitting on either side of Gods Throne in the midst of all the glorious train of Heaven and the Angels standing in a circle about them Rev. 5. 11. -7. 11. Father I will that those be with me where I am to behold my Glory c. Jo. 17. 24. not in the same region but in the same place of it where his glorious body is not in the Country only but of the Court following and waiting on the Lamb there where ever he goeth which is named as some special honour Rev. 16. 4. -7. 15. -3. 4. And from thence after this place prepared for us and us for it he hath promised to come again and accompany us thither in person Thus is he a forerunner to all the faithful in respect of their bodies entring into that celestial Canaan he being the first-born from the dead but
again forerunner according to the opinion of antiquity of the souls too entring into the heavenly Sanctuary in respect of the spirits not only of all Saints dying since him of this no question but of all those that deceased before him from the beginning the very first into this Sanctuary as none ever entred for the cause but by and in relation to him so none for the time beâ—…ore him which opinion seems to be strengthned from thâ—… expressions of our Savior concerning Lazarus That He i. e. his soul. as Luk. 21. 43. this day shalt thou i. e. thy soul was carried by Angels into Abrahams bosom as being Father of the faithful a place of bliss doubtless being opposed to the other's place of torment wherein Lazarus received consolations but now we are said to be gathered unto Christ after this life we and Abraham and all into Christs bosom ours and Abrahams Father See 2 Cor. 5. 1. c. Phil. 1. 23. Act. 7. 59. Eph. 1. 10. Again as 't is said in general Heb. 9. 8. That the way into the holiest was not made manifest under the old Testament so in particular of the Saints of it that they received not the promises before us Which may be interpreted not only of the promises of the Messias but also of those obtained thro him spoken of vers 13 14 16. that they without us were not made perfect Heb. 11. 40. and perhaps in respect of this is the same term used Heb. 12. 23. of the spirits of just men now made perfect i. e. admitted into the Holiest by and with our Savior according to the hymn having overcome death thou openedst the kingdom of heaven to all Therefore none of tâ—…e old Testament Celestial visions have any representation of any Church there none of the new are without it See Rev. 4. 4. Heb. 12. 22 23. where setting down the Court of Heaven he numbers the spirits of just men and the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 probably the same with those primitiae Rev. 14. 4. To this purpose some apply Zech. 9. 11 12. comp 9. Jo. 14. 3. Matt. 25. 6 10. Into which notwithstanding the good tidings this Joshuah hath told us of it many fail to enter in partly thro unbelief of the glory and riches of that place beyond this Egypt or Wilderness like those Numb 14. chap. longing and lusting after denyed Onyons and Garlick whilst they are fed with Manna and partly thro cowardliness of not fighting their carnal lusts and withstanding the pleasures of this present life the enemies and Gyants which hinder them from possessing this Holy land which notwithstanding this Joshua and his faithful Souldiers have in many battails discomfited before them But seeing there remaineth a rest Heb. 4. 9. and seeing we have a great High Priest tâ—…at is passed c. v. 14. let us lay aside every weight and run with patience c. looking unto Jesus c. who is set down there Heb. 12. 1 2. that at the last we may be made partakers of of Christ. Heb. 3. 14. Thus much of our Saviors officiating in this perpetual Office of Priest above But 1. As God also still retains Sanctuaries on Earth there are certain persons substituted by him in the same sacred office to do that in these earthly which their Master doth in the Heavenly Church 1. By whom first the sacrifice of his body and blood is presented here unto God for a remembrance of him unto the Father in the consecrated elements for all the same purposes for which it is presented by our great High Priest there i. e. for all the purposes for which he offered it first on the Cross. See Mal. 1. 11. Gal. 3. 1. Itaque veteres in hoc mystico sacrificio non tam per actae semel in cruce oblationis cujus hic memoria celebratur quam perpetui sacerdotii jugis sacrificii ad quotidie in coelis sempiternus sacerdos offert rationem habuerunt cujus hic imago per solennes Ministrorum preces exprimitur Cassand p. 169. 2. By whom is Intercession made both by presenting their own praiers for the people and also the peoples prayers to God thro Christ. For God accepteth no praiers but thro Christ nor yet all those that are made in Christs name except either they come from persons deputed by him who is so dearly loved to which persons God hath made extraordinary promises as those I conceive are Matt. 18. 18 19. Jo. 16. 23. c. or from those that are holy and like unto him For sinners God heareth not till reformed The emploiment of the Saints in heaven as we have any notice of it is praier and praises For first since the spirits of Saints departed hence are in paradise Luk. 23. 43. and with Christ Phil. 1. 23. are now said to be made perfect Heb. 12. 23. and clothed with white garments Rev. 6. 11. that is advances in charity and purity greater then here are described in Priests habits having in their hands vials of incense doubtless to offer it which is interpreted by St. John to be praiers of the Saints Rev. 5. 8 -8. 3. have a zeal to Gods glory in mens salvation beyond ours or their own whilst on earth and more charity which grace is not decayed by death but perfected 1 Cor. 13. 8. 2. Since their interpellations there can prejudice our Saviors no more then the Priests intercessions here 1 Tim. 2. 1. and if any ask what needs theirs we may as justly reply what need these nay what need any praiers at all see Matt. 6. 8. Tho little concerning this their interpellation is revealed and those Christians who have implored it seeming to have grounds partly on Miracles pretended to be done by them But probably true ones done and that frequently at their memorials See Austin Civit. Dei lib. 22. cap. 8. and partly on pretended apparitions of them after deceased yet in general it seems piously credible that as Christs members on earth now suffer as he did on earth so his members in heaven intercede for these sufferers at least in general as he doth there and echo unto the King of Heaven the words of their Master as the Angels do to the Church Rev. 5. 12. comp with 9. Rev. 7. 11 12. comp with 9 10. And that petition Rev. 6. 10. I cannot imagine so circumscribed to themselves that it did not represent to God also the sad condition of their Brethren on earth mentioned vers 11. See Rev. 5. 9. where the Presbyters give praise for the salvation of others as well as of themselves for those of every tongue kindred people and Nation See Rev. 11. 17 18. Thus much of our Saviors officiating in the heavenly Sanctuary and his Ministers here Now this discourse as the former must be concluded with the communicating of this honour also unto us who look whatever he is that we also shall be for we shall be like him 1 Jo. 3. 2.
who shall be saved in that day yet this salvation shall be much more difficultly attained by some then others 1 Cor. 3. 15. It cannot be imagined that the state of all the souls of those who rest in peace are alike blissful in the interval between death and judgment or equally comforted of some of whom such a severe examen is afterwards to be passed It cannot be that such a difference of the salvandi being to be in judgment there should be none before it nor the same soul so much in bliss at one time as some other see Rev. 20. 4. -14. 1. -7. 4 9 14 15. comp Rev. 6. 10 11. Yet it seems plain I say that the soul in general severed from the body doth afterwards of it self subsist That it is still intelligent and hath use of its faculties That it because other spirits are is capable 〈◊〉 â—…wing things corporeal That it certain of salvation passeth at least those of the more perfect carried thither by Angels Luk. 16. 22. comp Matt. 24. 31. Luk. 16. 9. comp Luk. 12. 20. into a place of rest consolation inchoative bliss or certain of its damnation of imprisonment and inchoated pain till the resurrection of the body Secondly That the souls of the faithful since his resurrection are gathered to Christ and do tho not all in the same proximity and degrees of consolations then see and behold him and the blessed Angels See 2 Cor. 5. 7. comp with 6. 8. for if St. Paul desires this change because here we walk by faith not by sight therefore we walk there by sight not by faith See 1 Cor. 13. 12. comp with 10. and Heb. 12. 23. So Calvin who spake very warily in this point Animae piorum militiae labore defunctae in beatam quietem concedunt ubi cum felici laetitia fruitionem promissâ—… gloriae expectant and again Christus illis praesens est eas recipit in paradisum ut consolationem percipiant c. Reproborum vero animâ—… the furthest removed from God and light cruciatus quales meritae sunt patiuntur vinctae catenis ut etiam diaboli Jude 6. tenentur donec ad supplicium cui addictae sunt trabantur It is plain I say from these texts well considered Matt. 10. 28. Job 1. 8. 2 Cor. 12. 2 4. Heb. 12. 23. Act. 7. 59. Luk. 23. 43 46. 1 Pet. 3. 19. Phil. 1. 23. 2 Cor. 5. 1 2 3. comp 6. and 8. Luk. 16. 22. 〈◊〉 20. Rev. 19. 22. comp 20. 12. In some of which tho some things are said of the person yet they must needs be understood only of the soul Animus cujusque est quisque And indeed it were unreasonable to deny to the soul in its state of separation that converse with God those favors revelations c. from him which we must grant to it in an extasy wherein the body lies as it were dead and unserviceable unto it which St. Paul experienced in his raptures 2 Cor. 12. 2. and to the Prophets in their dreams These things granted to see a little further whether any thing can be discovered concerning the imployments c. of the souls of the Blessed that are with Christ. First we find the Court of Heaven as now it is since our Saviors Ascension described by the Apostle Heb. 12. 22. c. to consist of God Christ Angels a Church or general assembly of the first-born and spirits of just men made perfect called by him in other places the Family in Heaven Eph 3. 15. Thâ—… Jerusalem above our Mother-City Gal. 4. 26. Heb. 12. 22. In respect of which we are said to have our 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in heaven Phil. 3. 20. And perhaps that text Eph. 2. 〈◊〉 where we are said to be set down with Christ may be meant of that part of the Church which now resides in Heaven Again in all St. Johns visisions we find besides all the usual appearances of the old Testament first the representation of a Church or Ecclesiastical Senate now in heaven described before Heb. 12. 22. and these there praising God for the Creation Rev. 4. 10 11. then the Lamb Rev. 5. 8. for his mercy to the Church and for his judgment upon its enemies for all the works of God are one of these two for the reward they had received Redemption of the whole Church out of every nation and people amongst which still this comes in that they were made Priests and Kings as we find it every where frequent see Rev. 1. 6. -7. 15. -20. 6. and for that they should receive reigning upon earth i. e. in the new Jerusalem descending from Heaven Rev. 21. 2. after the execution of Gods judgments upon their the Churches enemies See Rev. 5. 9 10. -11. 16 17 18. which praise in the 4. and 11. chap. the 24. Presbyters singly perform and tho in the 5th the Cherubims joyn with them 't is in the worshiping not in the song as drawn in that form for else the Angels every where glorify God as fellow Servants Rev. 19. 10. -22. 9. for his mercies to the Church 2dly Besides this Senate we find mention of souls first of the primitive Martyrs those slain for the witness of Jesus appearing under the Altar where sacrifices were slain and the blood which is the life or soul Lev. 17. 14. poured out at foot thereof and here crying out How long before the time of vengeance Rev. 6. 10. not that they thirst after Revenge but their reward yet this thirst void of impatience which it seems was not to be bestowed till the accomplishment of the rest of their Brethren yet under persecution and the destruction of their enemies see Rev. 20. chap. as Gods reward and punishments have their solemn and set times and are not of men single but of many together thus it is in the first resurrection Rev. 20. 4 5. after destruction of the Beast c. Rev. 19. 20. those sooner and later martyred crowned at once and thus in the second Resurrection Rev. 20. 12. At the destruction of Satan and death those long and lately dead raised at once Meanwhile there are given them white Robes and rest Rev. 6. 11. white robes implying both the righteousness innocency holiness of these Saints which they bring with them from the Earth see Rev. 19. 8. -7. 4. -3. 4. and the glory and light and beauty which is given to this innocency from God after this upon their number accomplished and judgment ready to be executed upon those who killed them See Rev. 8. 7. c. we find these souls clothed with white robes and palms in their hands standing before the Throne c. and praising God and admitted to serve him in his Temple and to follow the Lamb c. Rev. 7. 9 15. c. Next we find the souls of those who living in latter times had gotten the victory over the Beast first with patience resting and their good works i. e. their white linnen following them
laid upon him that he cannot walk about and seduce After which conquest first over the ministers and the temptations of Satan he shall also destroy Satan himself and take his Saints also out of the hands of death and raise them again by his power given him from the Father and glorifie them His Kingdom in respect of his members seeming to have three degrees of its growth and his throne 3 steps or ascents one much higher then another The first beginning at his resurrection a kingdom of grace chiefly when our Savior first goes forth conquering and to conquer Rev. 6. 2. The second beginning at the fall of Antichrist and restraint of Satan Rev. 19. 20. -20. 2. The entrance of our Savior into a kingdom of power a kingdom mixt of grace and of glory too his kingdom on earth See Rev. 19. 6. -20. 4. The third which is the consummation of it and the kingdom of absolute glory his kingdom in heaven beginning at the destroying the last enemy Death and the general resurrection Rev. 20. 12. 2 Tim. 4. 1. Matt. 25. 31. Luk. 19. 12. And then he shall give up this kingdom unto the Father when God shall become all in all in him and in us That is when this Vicegerent in a kingdom now full of opposition shall have gathered all Gods elect into safety and felicity destroyed all enemies and gathered out of it all things that offend Matt. 13. 41. finished his business for which he reigned i. e. our salvation Then shall this General give up his Commission as we say there needs no government where nothing can disobey and return with the Father and and the Holy Spirit to govern after a new and in respect of the manner of it if I may so say after an higher way i. e. God shall govern immediately without any appropriated service of Christ or Angels or men his substitutes or use of external means without the least contradiction or opposition of any thing in his kingdom whereby his glory now is as it were violated and diminished himself offended and displeased When God takes again to him as it were his great power see the expression Rev. 11. 17. for God the Father by the wickedness of free will now as it were admits and undergoes some diminution of his glory and governs with as entire and pure a glory as we may imagine he did before the world was and when there was nothing but himself and perfect and infinite glory reflected only from himself Our Savior also having this kingdom resign'd as he then had it with him Jo. 17. 5. So now as then above all and thro all and in all Eph. 4. 6. as all being nothing but himself all So that this resignment of our Saviors government such as now it is is only the transition of it into a greater perfection for it endures for ever and ever Luk. 1. 33. The more things multiplicious are united and things diverse 〈◊〉 into God the more they also being perfected Which as it is true in all other creatures so also according to his humanity may be verified of our Savior blessed for ever more In respect of which consummation of all things that is yet to come all the present things which are consummations of the types of former times are but types themselves and imperfections as also many of those prophecies that are already fulfilled in there are to have a second fuller accomplishment hereafter Our Saviors first coming but a type of the second and the prophecies applyed to this see Mal. 3. 1. Matt. 3. 10 12. much more verified and fulfilled in that Our Sabbaths but types of the rest to come the present communion of Christs body and blood and the present inhabitation of his spirit but types and earnest-pence of a more intimate incorporation and union to him hereafter When whatever he is we shall be like him tho we cannot now imagine what we shall be and our present knowledg and conceit of things seeing them under the law thro a veil under the Gospel thro a glass somewhat clearer but not yet face to face 2 Cor. 3. 14 18. 1 Cor. 13. 12. such as shall hereafter vanish away 1 Cor. 13. 8 12. but by improvement as Stars vanish in a greater light Meanwhile all things under this King of Saints go on apace to their perfection by whom all that is imperfect shall at last be done away And in his Majesty may he ride on prosperously and may his arrows be sharp in the heart of his enemies and the people be subdued unto him and may he remember his poor servants now he is in his kingdom to whom be glory for ever Amen Lastly to conclude this chapter as the rest what is said of his Kingdom is verifyed also of the Saints By whose merits after whose example under whose conduct assisted by his spirit protected by his power all those who depend on him shall also overcome shall have a kingdom thrones reign on Earth rule over the nations judge men and Angels c. only saving to him the primogeniture the preeminence the right hand c. Rev. 2. chap. 3. CHAP. IX The Benefits of our Savior common to all Generations ever since the Creation LASTLY As all these benefits come to mankind by and thro Christ so they came alwaies by him to all generations of men ever since the Creation And as well these before as those since his coming in the flesh attained salvation and were blessed only by in and thro him God perfecting as all his other works so that of our redemption by degrees and still reserving some better thing behind to superinduce upon the former that the precedent without the following times might not be made perfect Heb. 11. 40. appointed not the full-manifestation of his Son for taking away our sin c. nor after the Son reascended the visible and more plenary descension of the Holy Ghost for enabling our obedience c. till the last times indeed But yet he not only promised them I mean to his Church from the beginning where note that in what manner the sending of the Messias or the promised seed so the sending of the spirit wat only promised to former ages See for this which is less taken notice of Gal. 3. 14. Act. 2. 3â—… 39. Esai 32. 15. -44. 3. Jer. 31. 33. -32. 40. Ezek. 11. 19. -36. 27. Joel 2. 29. Zech. 12. 10. c. and raised a continued expectation and longing for them both in men and Angels Mal. 3. â—… 1 Pet. 1. 12. and therefore the faithful were then called the children of the promises and the priviledges of the Jews the then Church of God said to be great in that they had the promises see Rom. 9. 4. -3. 3. Act. 2. 39. But he also exhibited them and this not only in types the figures and representations of what was to come As all former times were almost in all things types of the latter