larger extent then the word person For Hypostasis or Hyphistamenon is any individual substance but the word Person signifieth an individual substance compleat ratâ—onal and differing by incommunicable properties from another yet the Apostle Heb. 1.3 useth the word Hypostasis for Person by the figure called Metalepsis III. The Person in the Deity is neither the species of God or of the Deity nor a part thereof nor another thing besides the Deity nor a bare relation nor the manner onely of subsisting but the very essence of God with a certain manner of subsisting IV. Neither yet is the person a thing compounded of entity and non-entity neither are the essence of God and the manner of subsisting two different things but a thing or entity and the manner of the entity The Persons of the Deity are three Father Son and Holy Ghost The Father is the first person of the Deity existing from himself begetting the Son from eternity and with him producing the Holy Ghost The Son is the second person begotten of the Father from eternity with the Father producing the Holy Ghost The Holy Ghost is the third Person of the Deity proceeding of the Father and the Son from eternity The RULES I. The Trinity is not the number numbring but the number numbred II. The Doctrine of the Trinity is not a bare tradition of the Church but a Doctrine expressed in Holy Writ This is against the Papists who to evince the insuffiâ—iency of Scripture are not afraid to affirm the contrary III. Although in the Old Testament the Doctrine of the Holy Trinity was somewhat obscure yet it was not altogether unknown Gen. 1.1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth and ver 2. The Spirit of God moved upon the water and ver 26 Let us make man Gen. 3 22. c. Behold the man is become as one of us Psal. 33.6 By the word of the Lord the heavenâ— were made and by thâ— breath of his mouth all the host thereof 2. Sam. 23.2 The Spirit of the Lord spake in me his word was in my tongue Esay 6 3. holy holy holy Lord of host Esay 63.9 The Angel of his countenance to wit of God the Father saved them and ver 10. They rebelled and grieved his holy Spirit Which testimonies though the obstinate Jews go about to elude yet they will content sober Christian minds IV. But there are cleerer Testimonies in the New Testament Matth. 3.16 And the heavens were opened to him to wit to Christ And he saw the Holy Ghâ—st descending and coming upon him and ver 17 And behold a voice came from heaven saying This is my bâ—loved Son in whom I am weâ— pleased Matth. 28 19 Baptise them in the name of the Father Son and Holy Ghost â—oh 4.16 I will ask the Father and he will send you anoâ—her Comfoâ—ter and 15 26 â—hen thâ— Comforter shall câ—me wâ—om I will send to you from the Father 2. Coâ— 13.14 The Grace of our Lord Ieâ—us Christ and the love of God and communion of the Holy Ghost be with you all 1 Joh 5.7 There are three which bear witness in heaven the Father the word and the Holy Spirit V. To these may be added the Testimonies which prove the Divinity of the Son and Holy Ghost 1. From their Names 2. From their Properties 3. From their works 4. From their Divine Honours 1. The Diety of the Son is proved I. From his Divine Names In the old Testament The Aâ—gel of the covenant Malach. 3.1 He who oftentimes appeared to the Fathers to foreshew his incarnation was the Son of God is every where called Iehovah and God Gen. 16.13 18 1. 32 1.9 which place may be compared with Hosea 12.6 Ex. 3.15 Ios. 6.2 Zac. 2 1â— 3.1 2. But for the Testimonies of the New Testament they are very clear Joh. 1. ver 1 And the word was God and 17.3 This is life eternal to know thee the onely true God and whom thou hast sent Iesus Christ. Joh 20 31. but these things are written that you may believe that Iesus is the Christ the Son of God Act. 20.28 God redeemed the Church with his own blood Rom. 9.5 God blessed for ever Tit. 2.31 The mighty God Such phrases are frequent in the Revelation II. From the Divine Properties and 1. From Eternity Joh 8.58 Before Abraham was I am Rev 1.8 I am Alpha and Omega which was which is and which is to come 2. From his Omniscience Joh. 2. ver 24 25. He knew all men and needed not that any should testifie of man for he knew what was in man 3. From his Omnipresence Matth. 28.20 I will be with you to the end of the world 4. From his Omnipotency Joh. 5. ver 19. Whatsoever the Father doth that likewise doth the Son Heb. 1.3 He supporteth all things by the word of his power III. From his Divine Works Joh. 14.11 Believe that the Father is in me and I in the Father if not at least believe for the works sake IV. From Divine Honour We must believe in him Joh. 3.16 We must baptize in his Name Matth. 28.19 at his Name eveâ—y knee shall bow Phil. 2.10 2. The Divinity of the Holy Ghost is proved I. From his name God Act. 5.3 Then Peter said Ananias why hath Sathan filled thy heart to lie against the Holy Ghost and ver 4. Thou hast not lied against man but against God II. From his Properties and 1 From his Eternity Gen. 1.2 The Spirit moved upon the waters 2 From his Omnipresence Psal. 139.7 Whither shall I go from thy Spirit 3 From his Omniscience 1 Cor. 2.10 The Spirit searcheth all things even the deep things of God 3. From his Omnipotency Which is known by his works III. From his Divine works and 1 From the Creation of all things Gen. 12. Psal. 33.6 Job 26.13 and 33.4 2 From the conservation of all things Gen. 1.2 He moved on the waters a simile taken from a Hâ—n siting on her Chickens and cherishing them 3 From sending and anointing of Christ. Eâ—y 61.1 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because he hath anointed me 4. From the Gifts of Tongues and Miracles 1. Cor. 12.4 There 〈◊〉 divers gifts but the same Spirit IV. From his Divine Honours 1. We must believe in him accordâ—ng to the Creed 2. We must baptize in his Name Matth. 28.19 To him we must direct our prayers 2 Cor. 13.13 Rev. 1.4 Where are said to be seven Spirits not in number but in the diversities of gifts whence the anticiâ—nt Churcâ— was wont to sing Thou sevenfold Spirit in respect of gifts V The difference of the persons is seen in the Order Properties and manner of Working they differ in Order because the Father is the first the Son the second and Holy Ghost the third person they differ in properties because the Father is from himself not only by reason of his essence but also of his personality The
Son is from the Father the Holy Ghost is from the Father the Son They differ in manner of working because the Father worketh from himself the Son from the Father the Holy Ghost from both VI. The Trinity of the Persons takes not away the unity of the essence for there are three persons but one God Deut. 6.4 Hearken Israel the Loâ—d our God is one God 1 Cor. 8.4 To have one God the Faâ—heâ— from whom are all thâ—ngs and we in him and one Lord Iesus Châ—ist by whom are all things and we through him Eph. 4.6 There is one God and Father of all 1 Tim. 2.5 There is one God and one Mediator between God and man the man Christ Iesus 1 Joh. 5.7 and these three are one VII Hence the Word God is somtimes taken essentially for the whole Trinity and somtimes hypostatically for one of the persons Act. 20.28 God haâ—h purchased the Church by his own blood Here the Name of God is hypostatically spoken of the Son VIII The unity of the three persons in the Trinity consisteth 1. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 In the identity of substance 2 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 In equality 3. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 In coherence or cohabitation IX The identity of substance is by which the three persons being co-essential or of the same essence do exist For they are not of a like essence nor of an essence unlike nor of a dâ—fferent essence nor of the same specifical essence X Equality is that by which the three Persons of the Deity are equal in essence properties essential actions glory and honour whence the Son and Holy Ghost are no less then the Father God of themselves life of themselves and Iustice of themselves XI Coherence or cohabitation is that by which the persons are most straitly united that the one remains in and with the other Joh. 14.11 Believe me that the Father is in me and I in the Father CHAP. III. Concerning the Works of GOD and the Decrees of GOD in general THus God hath been considered in himself Now he is to be considered in his works which works are either Essential or Personal those are essentials which are common to the whole Trinity but the personal are those which are proper to each person Both these as well essential as personal are either to internal or external objects The internal are they which have no reference to any object without God As understanding by which God understands himself the Generation of the Sonne the Production of the Holy Ghost Gods external work is that which hath reference to some object without the Trinity Such are Predestination Creation and the like which have relation to Creatures as objects without God The RULES I. One and the same external work in a different consideration is both personal and essential So the incarnation of Christ in respect of inchoation or initiation is the essential work of the whole Trinity but in respect of bounds or termâ—nation it is the personal work of the Son alone for though the Father and Holy Ghost are the cause of Christs incarnation yet the Son onely was incarnate Even so although Creation Redemption Sanctification are essential works of the whole Trinity yet in another respect they are called personal For the Father is called Creator because he is the Fountain both of the Trinity and of operation for the Son and Holy Ghost work from the Father The Sonne is called Redeemer because having mans nature he performed the work of Redemption But the Holy Ghost is called the Sanctâ—fier because he is sent from Christ as a Sanctifier and Comforter II. The external Operations are indivisible or common to all the persons This axiome follows upon the former for as the essence is common to all the Persons so are likâ—wise the essential operations II Yet every operation remains one and the same if we consider the essential Original from which it proceeds the Act by which it is effected and the effect it self which is produced Gods operations which have reference to outward objects are either immanent internal or transient external The immanent or internal operations are they which are effected within the essence of God to which sort belong Gods decrees The RULES I. Every operation which hath relation to outward objects is not therefore an external operation For the decrees of God are such kind of operations so far forth as they have reference to the creatures or any thing without God yet they are internal operations in that thâ—y remain wâ—thin Gods very essence II Gods immanent or internal works are not things different from Gods essence For whatsoever is in God is God as we have already shewed out of the simplicity of the Diâ—vine essence and as in God essence and actual being are not different so in him wil and willingnesse are not different really Gods decree is the internal action of the Divine will by which he hath determined from eternity most freely and certainly of those things which in time are to be effected The RULES I This is called his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Determined purpose 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The hand and counsel of God 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The good pleasure of God and Gods eternal providence II. This is called the Will of God oâ— The will of his good pleasure Indeed the Decree is the very will of God yet for our better understanding the Will is considred as the cause efficient the Decree is the effect Now whereas this word Will is taken diversly it is divers wayes distinguished by Divines to wit into the wil of his good pleasure and the will of the sign into an antecedent and consequent into absolute conditional into secret and revealed But these are not real distributions of the Divine will but distinctions only of the name For to speak properly there is in God but one only will which is â—alled the will of his good pleasure because out of his most free good pleasure he hath decreed what shall be done It is called also his antecedent will because it had existence before any creature and from eternity with God it was established It is named also absolute because it depends upon Gods good pleasure and not from the things which are done in time Lastly it is called secret because in respect of priority it is known neither to men nor Angels But these things are improperly stiled by the name of Divine Will which are comprehended in that ordinary verse Praecipit prohibet promittit consulit implet Commands forbids promiseth consulteth fulfillâ—th For as the Magistrates comâ—ands are called his will so the name of will is attrâ—buted to precepts prohibitions promises to effects also and events And this is it which is called the will of the signe because it signâ—fieth what is acceptable to God and what he would have done by uâ— It is also called his consequent will because it follows that eternal
Christ did manifest it selfe in the state of his Humiliation chiefly by miracles yet this was little in comparison of that glorious manifestation of him in his exaltation In the state of Humiliation he performed his Prophetical office not only mediately by sending Iohn Baptist his Herauld before and by the Apostles whom he called but also immediately to his lost sheep especially of Israel by preaching to them the heavenly Truth with great constancy patience and efficacy both of his doctrine and miracles But his Sacerdotall office he administred in this state making a most full satisfaction and an humble intercession for us The satisfaction of Christ is that whereby he being subject to the Law for us did undergo the curse due to our sins and performed most perfectly obedience to the Law which was required of us and so hath freed us from the curse and hath restored us to life This consisteth in suffering the pains and in perfect justice in that is seen cheifly his passive in this his active obedience I do purposely adde this restriction that we may not think his active and passive obedience so to differ as if the suffering of â—he punishment consisted only in his passive obedience and his perfect justice only in his active for they differ not in time seeing both of them continued from the first moment of his incarnation till his death Nor do they differ in subject because the same obedience in a different respect is both active and passive and consequently Chriâ—â—â— obedience is an active passion and a passive action for as passion is a receiving of the punishment it is called passive obedience but as it is a testimony of his great love it may be called active Neither is the division of obedience into active and passive a division into parts but onely a distinction taken from the end to wit the twofold satisfaction for punishment and for life eternal The curse upon the transgressoâ—s of the Law requires the former Deut. 27.26 The promise of life under the condition of perfect obedience and righteousness requires the latter Lev. 18.5 Therefore we are said Analogicaly by that one and most perfect satisfaction of Christ both to be freed from the punishment because he suffered the punishment for us and to be invested in the right of life eternal because he fulfilled the Law for us The suffering of punishment is whereby he undertook upon himself the punishment due to us and offered himself of his own accord a holy Sacrifice to God for us This consisteth both in the sufferings which went before his great and last Passion but especially in this last agonie The RULES I. No part of Christs Passion must be excluded from his Satisfaction The reason because he did not suffer for himselfe in any thing but all for us II. Therefore those innumerable sufferings which Christ endured until his last journy to Jerusalem are not to be separated from the price of Christs redemption for although the Passion of Christ which went before his last agony might be called a preparative to his death yet it is indeed an integral part of satisfaction As it cannot be denied that the payment of an hundred pounds by him who oweâ—h divers tuns of gold is an integral part of the paymenâ— although iâ—â—e but a smal sum in respect of the whole and principal debt III. Yet the Scripture synecdochically and by way of excellency doth describe his last passion as the price of our redemption and his death or oblation on the altar of the cross as an expiatory sacrifice Of this see the 9. and 10. chapter to the Heb IV. The principal efficient cause of this passion was the holy Trinity the ministring causes were Christs enemies both Iews and Gentiles V. the Person that suffered for us is not the Father nor the Holy Ghost but the Son of God VI. Although God is rightly said to suffer yet the God-head suffered not God suffered in the flesh not with the flesh VII The sufferings of Christ were divers of which there were three ranks to wit some before his death death it self and some after death VIII Of those that went before his death some were internal some external IX The internal were his sadnesse anxieties and tortures proceeding from the fiercenesse of Gods wrath and the conflict he had with that tentation of dereliction which cast him into that bloody sweat and made him cry out My God My God why hast thou forsaken me X. But although he wrestled with the tentation of dereliction yet he fell not into desperation neither did he yield to the tentation but overcame it by a strong confidence in his God The undoubted argument of his victory was this that in his greatest agony he failed not to call God his God XI His external sufferings were the tortures of his body which he endured in a manner in all his members senses for his head was torn with throns and beat with reeds his face was defiled with spittle and bruised with buffeting his ears were wounded with scoffs and railings his eyes were troubled with the mourning of his Mother and his disciples his tongue was scorched with thirst and poisoned with vinegar and gall his body was stript and torn with whipping and the same was fastned to the Crosse his hands and feet being pierced with nailes and was hanged between Thieves his sinews were racked and his side was pierced with a lance XII The Cross was chosen to die on which was no ordinary kinde of death but an accursed one for of old it was made execrable by the mouth of God Cursed is he that hangeth on a Tree Deut. 21.23 XIII In Christs death the Personal Vnion was not dissolved the soule indeed was severed from the body but neither of them from the Personality or Hypostasis of of the sonne of God XIV The sufferings that followed his death were not joyned with any pain yet they wanted not disgrace or ignominie such was his burial and the three dayes lying in the grave XV. His burial was a part of his sufferings whereby Christs body no other ways than the carcasses of other men was cast into the grave XVI His three dayes detention or stay in the grave is the last degree of his Humiliation at which time his soul being translated to Paradise his body was detained under the pains and bands of death as if he had been altogether overcome and swallowed up by it his enemies in the mean while triumphing over him as if he had been quite cut off Acts 2.24 Whom God raised having loosed the sorrows of death XVII When mention is made of Christs descent into hell in the fourth Article of the Creed it is demanded of what part of Christs passion that must be understood That opinion of the Papists concerning Christs local descent into Limbus Patrum or the place of the Fathers and their delivery from thence is fabulous and very ridiculous from which their
them betweene the flesh and spirit so long as they live Rom. 7.19 23 24 Gal. 5.17 XIII Sanctification differs from justification I. In their genus for the justice of that is in the predicament of Quality but the justice of this in the categroy of Relation II In their form For 1. In Iustification Faith as a hand layeth hold upon Christs justice in Sanctification it is considered as the beginning and root of good works 2. In Iustification sin is taken a way onely in respect of the guilt and punishment in Sanctification it is by degrees abolished in respect of its existence 3. In Iustification Christs righteousness is imputed to us in Sanctification a new and inherent justice is infused into us III. In degrees for Iustification is one individual perfect act equally contingent to all but Sanctification is a successive act by degrees tending to perfection and according to the variety of the gifts of the Spirit shining in some more in some less CHAP. XXXII Of the perseverance of the Saints SO much of Justification and Sanctification Now follows the perseverance of the Saints and Christian Liberty The perseverance of the Saints is the gift of God whereby the Elect being justified and sanctified are so confirmed by the grace of Christ through the Holy Ghost that they can never utterly fall from it The RULES I. By the word of perseverance we do not here understand that whereby the Elect cannot fall into most grievous sins whereby their Faith cannot be weakned whereby they cannot for a time lose the effectual presence of Gods Spirit but that whereby they cannot totally and finalâ—y fall off from Faith and the grace of God II. The efficient cause of this is God the Father Son and Holy Ghost Joh. 10.27 28 29. My sheep hear my voice and I know them and they follow me and I give to them life eternal neither shall they perish for ever nor shall any man take them out of my hand my Faâ—her who hath given them to me is greater than all nor can any man take them out of my Fathers hand I and my Father aâ—e one Eph. 1.13 14 In whom also after that you believed you were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise which is the earnest of our inheritance untill the redemption of the puâ—chased possâ—ssion unto the praise of his glory III. The mattâ—r which hath the nature of the subject is man truly elected calâ—ed justified and sanctified IV. The forme consisteth partly in the will to persâ—vere partly in the act it self the wiâ—â— is never defecâ—ive in the godly but the act is sometime neâ—re intense sometime more remise V. Though then Faith may be lost in respect of the second act yet in respect of the habit or first act by which it apprehends Christ it is never lost VI. The end of this gift is the assurance of our salvation and a true and firm comfort VII Out of all this we conclude that the Elect who are called justified and sanctified are assured of their salvation Besides the Scripture-testimonies cited above 1. The certainty of our Election confirms this for the elect cannot perish or become reprobate Mat. 24.24 There will arise false Prophets and faâ—se Christs and will shew great signs and wonders so that they shall seduce if it be possible the very elect 2. Tim. 2.19 Yet the foundation of God standeth fiâ—m having this seal the Lord knoweth who are his 2 The certainty of Vocation Rom. 11.29 For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance 3 The certainty of Faith Isa. 42.3 he will not break the bruised reed nor quench the smoaking flax 4. The certainty of Justification by which there is no condemnation to those who are in Christ Iesus Rom. 8.1.5 The certainty of Sanctification Phil. 1.6 Being perswaded that he who hath begun a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Iesus Christ. The testimonies which Bellarmine alledgeth to the contrary are either such as speak not of the faithful but of hypocrites as Mat. 24.12 13. Mark 4.15 Luke 8.13 Iohn 15.2 Heb 6. v 4 5 6. and 10.26 2 Pet. 2.21 22. Or else of a falling off not from the Faith by which we believe but which be believe that is from wholesome doctrine which hypocrites also embrace for a time as 1 Tim. 1.19 and 4.1 and 1 Tim. 6.19 Or they are to be understood of those that are truly faithful but conditionally as Ezek. 18.26 When a righteous man turneth away c. and 1 Cor. 9.27 Gal. 5.4 The examples of evill Angels and of our first Parents are nothing to this purpose for they received onely possibility if they would be willing but not will and possibility too but there is another reason of the regenerate who by the grace of the Spirit both will and can persevere Likewise the exmples of Saul Simon Magus and Iudas are impertinent for they were Reprobates David and Solomon fell indeed grievously but they lost not totally their Faith as the repentance of both witness Psal. 51. and the Books of Ecclesiastes As for Peter's fall we will say with Austine Profession failed in his mouth but not faith in his heart There be two Arguments of our Adversaries chiefly to be considered 1. It is temerity say they to boast of the certainty of Faith whereas our salvation should be wrought out with fear and trembling Phil. 2.12 Answ. The Elect are no wayes to be accused of temerity because they ascribe not to their own strenth the certainty of salvation by which they may a thousand times fall off without Gods grace but they are kept by the power of God 1 Pet. 1.5 Therefore fear and trembling are not opposed to firm confidence in God but to carnal presumption 2. They say that all admonitions will be in vain and so a way wâ—ll be made â—o carnal security Ans. This will not follow For thâ—s Doctrine is so farre from occasioning security that it rather drawes us from it 1. Because it is one thing 〈◊〉 stand and another thing to seem to stand 1 Cor. 10.12 2. Because no man can promise to himself the certainty of salvation except he try his Faith by his Sanctification 3. Because although the Saints do not utterly fal off from grace yet they may fall into most gâ—ievous sins in offending God and their neighbour and may bring upon themselves divers calamities CHAP. XXXIII Of Christian Liberty CHristian Liberty is a spiritual manumission or freedome whereby the faithfull are delivered from that slavery to which they were bound before their conversion that they may freely and cheerfully obey God The RULES I. The efficient cause of this liberty in general is the whole Trinity but in particular Christ our Lord. Joh. 8.31 32. If you abide in my word you shall be my Dâ—sciples and ye shâ—ll know the truth and the truth shall make you free v. 36. Therefore if the Sonne make you fâ—ee ye shall be free indeed II.
for the worâ— wrought the force is in Gods promise rather than in the prayer VII The Object to which prayer is directed is the whole Trinity yet so that 〈◊〉 the persons conjunctly or either of them sâ—â—verally is called upon That the Father is to be called upon is not doubted The Son is called upon by Sâ—epher Act 7.59 yea all the Angels worship him Heb 1.6 The Holy Ghost is called upon with the Father and Son by Iohn Rev. 1. â— 5. And that Angelicâ— hymne Holy holy hoâ—â— c. Isa. 6.3 c. applied to the Son 〈◊〉 12.41 and to the hoâ—ly Ghost Act. 28 2â— 26 c. VIII The object for which we pray 〈◊〉 the living not the dead and such as sin 〈◊〉 not to death For God will not be intreated for those who sin unto death 1 Ioh. 5 16. For the dead we must not pray because they are either damnâ—â— or blessed if damneâ— our pâ—ayers are fruâ—â—les if blessed needlesâ— IX The object against which we pray are Gods open Enemies We ought not presently to pray for their eternal destruction but we are to besâ—ech God that with his mighty hand he would humble and convert them otherwise eternally to plague them if they wil not be converted The imprecations of the Prophets are not to be imitated by us rashly for it is hard to discerne those who sin to death and those of whom we have good hope X. Prayers should be joyned with an humble confession of our sins with a true and firme confidence and a constant purpose of repentance XI External gestures decently used avail much both to excite and to testifie the devotion of our souls So much of the parts of that form whereby God wil be worshipped of us the outward helps follow whereof are Fastings and Vows Fasting is an abstinence from meat and drink undertaken for a time that the lasciviousness of the flesh may be subdued and God with the greater fervency may be called upon The RULES I Fasting is either forced or voluntary That is the poor mans for want of meat this of them who want not meat The voluntary Fast is either Natural Civil or Ecclesiastical Natural is that which is undertaken for healths sake the Civil is that which is enjoyned by the Magistrate in some publique affairs Ecclesiastical is that we define II. Ecclesiastical fasting is private or publique III. Private is that which one injoyns to himself or his family for some private causes Examples are Iob 1.5 2 Sam. 3.35 and 12.16 Nehem. 1.4 IV. Publique is that which is commanded by the Magistrate or the Church for some publique causes especially when calamities are at hand Examples 2 Chron. 20. Hest. 4. V. In a true Fast the manner and end are to be considered VI. For the manner true fasting â— Consisteth not in choice of meats but in abstinence from all meats 2. Not in external abstinence from meat but in abstinence from sin Isa. 58.6 c. Joel 2 12. VII There ought to be no other end of Fasting but onely to give our selves more earnestly to prayer and divine worship to beat down the lasciviousnesse of the flesh to witnesse our humility before God and our repentance before our neighbour VIII Fasting is not tied to certaine times as in the Old Testament but ought to be undertaken freely upon urgent causes and necessity So much for Fasting A Vow is a promise made in a holy manner to God of things lawful to witnesse our readinesse to serve God The RULES I. A Vow in this place signifieth a religious promise not prayers or desires II. A Vow is either general or particular That is of things commanded and is required of all men such is the Vow ef Baptisme this is of things lawful and is undertaken for some private cause that is a part of divine Worship this is only a help thereto III. A particular Vow is considered in its efficient matter form and end IV. For the efficient they are excluded from making a vow who want as yet the use of judgment and reason 2. Who are not Masters of themselves but are either subject to Parents or Husband Numb 6. V. The matter of a Vow is a thing lawful and in our power VI. The form consisteth in the deliberation of the minde in purpose of the will and in the promise either internal or external also VII The end is to testifie thankfulnesse of minde or to exercise some private discipline A Vow of the first kind is when one that hath escaped a sicknesse or danger doth consecrate to God somthing by Vow as a token of his gratitude A Vow of the latter sort is when one by Vow abstains from something in it self lawful yet dangerous to hâ—m as Wine c. VIII The subject to whom we ought to Vow is God onely IX A Vow before it is made is arbitrary but being lawfully made it is to be kept Psal. 76.12 Vow and pay unto the Lord your God Hitherto of the true manner of worshiping God to which are contrary the intermission of it and fals worship And this is threefold in respect of the object for either it is not commanded by God or else it is expresly prohibited by him or being commanded is directed to some other end The manner of worshipping of God not commanded is called Wil-worship to wit a worship devised by man's brain Paul opposeth this kinde of worshipping God to Christian Liberty Col 2.20.21 22 23. Therefore if you be dead with Christ you are freed fâ—om the ruâ—diments of this world Why as though living in the World are you subject to ordinances touch not taste not handle not which all are to perish with using after the commandments and doctrines of men which things have indeed a shâ—w of wisdome in wil-worshâ—p and humiliâ—y and nâ—glecting of the body not in any honour to the satisfying of the flâ—sh Such are those ceremonies-brought in by Popeâ—y in Baptisme c and their five Sacraments by them devised canonical hours beads and the Latine tongue in Prayer Fasts placed rather in choise of meats than in abstâ—nence chiefly Leâ— fast the Vows also of poverty Monkish obedience and Religious continency The Vow of poverty is impious for whereas man by Gods command should eat his bâ—ead in the sweat of his face by such voluntary poverty this command is sleighted No better is the Vow of obedience for by it man who is redeemed by the precious blood of Christ is made a slave to money and is drawn off from his lawful calling As for the Vow of Continency it is rash for it is a rare gift and by thâ—s Vow many under pretence of chastity are intangled in the snaâ—es of Satan The manner of Religious worship forbid by Gods Word is idolatry and worship of Saints Idolatry is whereby an Idol is made kept and religiously worshipped There be two kindes of Idolatry one is when that which is not God is accounted and worshipped for God
divine matters also and such as transcend all reason 4. After a divine manner and in a wonderfull harmony of circumstances in the same things rehearsed by different Writers 5. To the Glory of God alone and our salvation 6. With admirable efficacy both in moving the hearts and corroborating them against most exquisite tortures 7. In the miraculous preservation of it against Diabolicall and Tyrannical fury That Scripture I say which thus delivereth these things is doubtless divine both in its Original and in its Authority But such is the holy Scripture Therefore it is Divine both in its Originall and in its Authority That I may then contract the matter in brief the Testimony of the Church is first in respect of time but that of the Holy Ghosts is first in regard of Nature and efficacy VVe believe the Church but not for the Church but we believe the holy Ghost for himself The Churches Testimony doth monstrate but not demonstrate it shews the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that the thing is but the holy Ghost Testimony shews the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or the cause The â—wasive power is in the Church but the perswasive in the spirit onely The Churches Testimony begets an opinion but the Testimony of Scripture begets Science and â— firm Faith X. The Canonical Books of Scripture are partly of the Old partly of the New Testament To the Old belong the five Books of Moses Josuah Judges Ruth these Books are single the Books of Samuel of the Kings of the Chronicles are double The Books of Ezra Nehemiah Esther Job Psalms Proverbs Ecclesiastes Canticles the four greater Prophets and the twelve lesser are single Now of the New Testament are The four Evangelists The Acts of the Apostles The Epistles of Paul to the Romanes one To the Corinthians two to the Galathians EEphesians Philippians and Colossians single To the Thessalonians and Timothy double to Titus Philemon and Hebrews single The Epistles of Peter two of John three of James and Jude single and the Revelation XI But for the books of Tobiah Judith Wisdom Ecclesiasticus Esdra 3 4. of Machabees 1 â— 3. of Baruch 1 The Prayer of Manasses The Epistle of Ieremiah The Additions to Daniel and Esther Although they may be read with profit yet they come short of that authority which is in the Canonical Books for proving Articles of Faith and therefore they are called Apocrypha that is hid or obscure The reasons be these 1. Because they were not written by the Prophets but they have been written for the most part since Malachi the last of the Prophets 2. Because they are not written in the Stile or Phrase of the Prophets or in the Hebrew Tongue 3 Because they are never alledged in the New Testament 4. Because in reading of them we finde many passages contrary and inconsistent with Canonical Scripture besides many fabulous and repugnant to Faith and Pâ—ety XII The Holy Scripture is sufficient to Salvation 2 Tim. 3 16 17. The whole Scripture is by Divine inspiration and is profitable for Doctrine for Reproof for Correction for Instruction in Righteousness that the man of God may be perfect and throughly furnâ—shed to every good work XIII Therefore as the constitutions of the Church conducing to the right usage of outward Rites are in their one place to be regarded so no tradition is to be admitted as necessary to salvation except the Scripture The Romanists do not onely fight for popish Traditions but also equal them nay prefer them to the holy Scriptures but we are content to rest in that command of God which forbids to adde to or take away from his word Deut. 4.2 and 5.32 and 12.32 Rev. 22.18 XIV The search of holy Scripture is injoyned to all Christians Joh. 5.39 Search the Scriptures Colos. 3.16 Let the word of God dwell plentifully among you Neither is that obscurity of holy scripture which the Pontificians pretend any obstacle to this our assertion for though it be obscure in some places yet in other places it explains it self and delivereth the prime articles of Religion with great perspicuity XV Therefore the translation of the Bible â—nto vulgar Tongues is necessary XVI Yet no translation is authentical but that which agreeth with the Original fountains of the Hebrew and Greek XVII Although the Interpretation of Scripture is committed to the Church yet the onely supream Iudge of this interpretation is the Holy Ghost speaking in it Esay 59.29 My Spirit which is in thee and my words which I have put in thy mouth shall not depart from thee 2 Pet. 1.20 21. So that you first know this that no prophesie in the Scripture is of any private motion for the prophesie came not of oâ—d time by the will of man but holy mâ—n of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost Therefore sacrilegiously do the Pontificians arrogate to the Church of Rome or to the Pâ—pe alone this right of supreme judge XVIII The sense and meaning of each Scripture is but one yet in the Prophesies of the Old Testament it is composed of a history and mystery For example Hos. 11. ver 1. In these words When Israel was a child then I loved him and called my son out of Egypt I be sense is compounded for literally historically they are to be understood of the delivery of the Israelites out of Egypt but â—ypically and mystically of Christs calling out of Egypt Matth. 2. â—5 XIX The means to finde out the true sense of Scripture are Frequent prayers the knowledg of tongues the looking into the Fountains the consâ—deration of the scope argumentâ— the distincâ—ion of proper tâ—rms from figurative the logical analysis or nothing of the Causes the circumstances the passages going before and coming after the comparing of obscure places with cleerer of like with like and of disagreeing places with each other lastly the analogie of faith XX. As God is the proper and prime object so is he also the principal and suprem end of Divinity XXI Whereas then the cheif end and the cheif good are one and the same thing it is manifest that Christian Divinity only doth rightly teach us concerning the chief good XXII The subordinate end of Divinity in our salvation which consisteth in the union and fruition of God The parts of Divinity are two The first is of the knowledge of God the second of the worship of God The first containeth faith or the things to be believed the second works or the things to be performed THE FIRST BOOK OF THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD. CHAP. I. Of the Essence of GOD. GOD is a Spirit existent eternally in himself One in Essence Three in Persons Father Sonne and Holy Ghost God is known in himself and in his works In himself he is known absolutely in his essence relatively in the Persons Gods essence is known by his Names and by his Properties The names of God are either taken from his essence as Iehova Iah
Eheje to which in the New Testament the name 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Lord doth answer for the most part or from his power as El Elohim or from his Al-sufficiency as Shaddai or from his Excellencie as Helion The RULES or CANONS I. The name Jehovah is Gods cheif and most proper Name For it is derived from the root hajah he was So it is the symbol of that Supreame entity which was is and is to come from eternity to eternity Rev. 1.4 6. Because he remains stil the same Psal. 102.28 And is the cause of the being of all things Act. 17.28 Hence is it proper to God Esay 42.8 Neither is it ascribed to the creatures but Metonymically so far forth as they are symbols of Gods presence So it is given to the Altar Exo. 17.15 to the Ark Psal. 47.6 to Ierusalem Ezech. 48.35 II. The same name in promises and Divine comminations or threatnings is of great force Hence are these phrases Thus saith Jehovah the word of Jehovah c. For Gods Word is as sure as himself is true or as he endureth still like himself III. The name Elohim though of the plural number yet is not the personal but an essential Name of God and according to the Hebrew Idiotism it is spoken of one God and of each person â—ence there are not three Elohim or Gods but one alone As it is righâ—ly said in the Creed of Athanasius â—he Father Aâ—mighty the Son Aâ—mighty the Holy Ghost Almighty yet not three Almighties but on Almighâ—y So because God is called Elohim from his power there are not three but one Elohim Ps. 7.9 Elohim Zâ—ddik just God The Divine properties are Gods attributes by which he is pleased to make himself known to us weak Mortals and is by them distinguished from the Creatures The RULES I. The Properties in God are not qualities or accidents or real entities different from the essence or from each other This will appear below in the attribute of Gods simplicity II. The Divine properties are neither separable from the essence nor from each other This Rule overthrows the Lutheran Tenet concerning the transfusion of the Divine properties into the Human Nature of Christ for if this be capable of ubiquity omniscience omnipâ—tency why not also of eternity And these Properties are either incommunicable to the Creatures or communicable in some analogical effects Of the first rank are his Simplicity and Infinity Among thess are reckoned his imutability and perfection but these are onely Corollaries or Appendices to his simplicity and infinity His Simplicity is that by which he is known to be an entity truly one and free from all compoâ—ition His Infinity is that by which he is known to be an entity infinitly true good and without measure or bounds The RULES I. God is an entity truly and most simply One Because he is not compounded of parts nor of a genus and a difference nor of substance and accident nor of a possibility and act nor of entity and essence II. There is then nothing in God which is not God himself III. Gods essence is by us incomprehensible For there is no proportion between finite and infinite no more than between a nut-shell and the Ocean IV. God is altogether all all in himself all in all things all in every thing and all out of every thing V. God is neither circumscribed nor defined by place nor is included within it nor excluded without it VI. God is eternal without beginning without end without change The properties of the later rank are 1. The life of God 2. His Intellect 3. His Will 4. His power His life is the attribute of his being His Intellect of knowing His Will of commanding His power of execution The RULES I. The Properties of the latter rank are ascribed to God according to the properties of the first that is most simply and infinitely II. Hence these are predicated or spoken â—f God not onely in the concrete but in the â—bstract also For not onely is he named living wise good just but also life wisdom goodness justice III. Whereas the life of God is most simple and infinite it will follow 1. That his life and his actual living is all one â— That though he hath no other cause than himself by which he liveth yet he is the cause of life in all living creatures in respect of whom their life is but as it were begged and borrowed 3. That the life of God is most perfect most blessed and immutable IV. Whereas the understanding of God is most simple and infinite it follows that he understands himself primarily as an infinit object 2. That he knoweth all things most exquisitely though they are not revealed to the Creatures 3. That he knoweth all things by himself 4. And that by one and most simple act for he needs no revelation nor discourse either from the effect or from the cause from that which is more known to that which is less known 5 Thing past and things to come are no less known to him then thingâ— present 6. His knowledge is infinite 7. Frâ— from all ignorance and oblivion V. Whereas the will of God is most simple therefore â— In him there are not either two or more or contrary Wills There are in deed divers distinctions of his Will aâ— shall be seen in the Doctrine of Godâ— Decrees but these distinctions are nominal rather than real 2 The primary object of Gods will is God himself 3 The will of God is most free 4. Nothing is done against the Will of God 5. The Will of God according to its divers objects hath divers names to wit of holiness goodness love grace mercy wrath justice and such like VI. Whereas the power of God is most simple and infinite it folâ—ows â— That his power is one 2. That he is truly omnipotent for not onely can he do what he will but also more then he will 3. From the power of God we must not infer the act or being of a thing unless when his will and power are joyned together The object of Gods omnipotency is whatsoever is not repugnant to his nature or implies a contradiction and therefore is rather of not impossibilities then of possibilities Therefore to lie to make the thing done undone or to make mans body infinite and such lâ—ke â—an no wayes be ascribed to God for these are actions not of power but of impotencie 5. The power of God is altogether irresistible CHAP. II Concerning the persons of the Deity THe Persons of the Deity are subsistences each of which hath â—he whole essenâ—e of God differing notwithstanding in their incommunicable properties The RULES I. The words of Person Trinity or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is sâ—me essence although thâ—y be not found in Scripture in the same syllables yet they are consonant to the Scripture and are profitably used by the Church II. The word Hypostasis or Hyphistamenon that is Subsiâ—tence are of a
antecedent will And 't is a conditional will because Gods precepts prohibâ—tions con mi. nations and promises have the condition of obedience and disobedience annexed Lastly his revealed will because it 's daily set forth in God's word This distinction of the will is duely to observed left we shâ—uld imagine that there are in God either really different or contrary wils III. What things are done against the will of God are not done besides his will For many things may be done against his revealed will which notwithstanding are consistent with his secâ—et will or will of his good pleasure God by his revealed will desired not mans fall but most severely forbad it yet he did will and decree the same by the will of his good pleasure as it was a meanes for maniâ—estation of his glory IV. Therefore by the decree and will of God good and evil comes to passe good by efficiency Evil by permission V. Yet the decree or will of God is not the cause of evil or sin although what God hath decreed necessarily comes to passe For when evil is decreed by Gods will not effecting but permitting it this decree of God is not the cause of evil neither again is the will of God the cause of evil because his decrees are without repentance and unavoidable for they come not to passe by the necessity of coaction bâ—t by the necessity of immutability VI. The necessity of Gods decrees takes not away the liberty of the rational creature The reason iâ— because there is no necessity of coâ—ctions but of immuâ—ability The fall of Adam if we look upon Gods decree came to passe necessarily In the mean while Adam sinned freely being neither coâ—manded nor constrained nor foâ—ced or moved by God but rather most severely admonâ—shed that he should not sin VII Nor doth this Necessity take away Contingencie in the second causes For many things are not contingent in respect of the second causes which in regard of Gods decree come to passe necessarily VIâ—I No moving or impulsive cause can be given of Gods decree except Gods most free will and good pleasure XI The chief end of Gods decree is his own glory X. Gods decree in it self is one and most simple neither is there priority or posteriority in it XI But in respect of the things which are decreed is so distinguished that in what manner or order they come to passe God is said to decree them that they should thus come to passe These are idle questions whether God decreed this or that first VVhether he first ordained the end or the means For whereas the decree of God in it self is one a most simple action there is neither priority nor posteriority in it but it is distinguâ—shed only in regard of the things which are decreed in which respect we say that God 1. Decreed to create man 2. To bestow his Image upon him but so that it might be lost 3. To permit his fall 4. Of those who were to fal some he decreed to leave to themselves and others he appointed to raise and to save them eternally CHAP. IV. Of Predestination GOD's Decree in respect of the Creatures is either general or special The general Decree is that by which he appointed to declare the glory of his power wisdome and goodness in the creation and conservation of all things The special Decree called Predestination is that by which he appointed to manifest the glory of his grace mercy and justice in the Election and Reprobation of the reasonable Creatures The RULE I. Although Predestination in the mind of God be one and a most simple act yet by reason of the weakness of our understanding it is distinguished into that Predestination which decrees the end and that which decrees the means II. He that is predestinate to the end is predestinate also to the means Predestination is either of Angels or of men The Predestination of Angels is that by which God appointed to save etenally some of them in their first happiness that in Christ their head but to leave others to themselves and to punish them eternally for deserting their station voluntarily and this for the manifestation of the glory of his grace and justice The Predestination of men is that by which God appointed out of the race of mankinde created to his Image but falling into sin voluntarily to save some through Christ eternally but others being left to themselves in their own misery to damn eternally and that for the manifestation of the glory of his mercy and Justice The parts then of this decree are two Election and Reprobation The RULES I. Predestination is a decree partly absolute partly not II. It is absolute in respect of the efficient impulsive Cause which neither is Faith in those which were to be elected nor sin in those which were to be reprobated but Gods most free-will Fore-seen Faith or Holinesse is not the cause of Election for man was not elected becaus he was to believe but therefore he believeth because he was elected Act. 13.28 And they believed so many as were ordained to life eternal Neither are we elected because we were to be holy but that we might be holy and unblamable bâ—fore him through love Eph. 1.4 Neither is foreseen smâ—the cause of Reprobation for so we should be al reprobates but that God according to his most free good pleasure hath done what he did is manifest by that Luk. 12.23 It is your Fathers pleasure to give you a Kingdom and Rom. 9.16 I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy and ver 18. Therefore he will shew mercy on whom he will and whom he wils he hardeneth III. It is not absolute if we consider the matter or object and the means by which he puts this decree in execution VI. For the matter or object of election and reprobation is not man considered absolutely but as he was to fall into sin of his own accord The reasons are most evident because the decrees of manifesting mercy wrath or justice presupposeth sin for there can be no mercy but towards him that is in misery and there can be no justice oâ— just indignation but towards him that is a sinner 2. But because that onely can be reprobated which may be reprobated but man is reprobable or may be reprobated not as by God he was created but as Satan he was defaced V. Sin therefore is not the impulsive cause of Reprobation but aâ— necessary condition of the matter or object for though it be not the cause of reprobation yet it is the cause of reprobability or why man should be reprobated Foâ— Reprobation and repâ—obability diffeâ— as the act and possibâ—lity All men are reprobable or 〈◊〉 liable to Râ—probation for sin but all are not therefore actual Reprobates VI Reprobation then presupposeth 1 The decree of mans Creation Of the donation of Gods Image upon him which Image was to be lost 3. Of the permission of mans
And he said thou shalt perswade him prevail also go forth and do so As therefore when the Magistrate delivers over to the Hangman a guilty person to be punished he is neither the cause of his wickednesse nor of his destruction even so when God gives up wicked men to Satan neither is the cause of their wickednesse nor of their ruine to be imputed to God CHAP. VII Of the Governmemt of Angels GOd's actual Providence doth chiefly appeare in the government of Angels and men This government is either of good Angels or of bad the government of good Angels is that whereby God hath established them in their original integrity and happinesse in his Son as in their head to the praise of the glory of his grace The RULES I. The good Angels of their own nature were as apt to fall as the bad II. Therefore they ought to ascribe not to themselves but to the grace of God the Father and to the Son as to their head their establishment or confirmation in goodnesse III. The Son of God is the head of the Angels not by right of redemption but of creation and of that gracious Vnion with God For they could not be endowed with the Image of God nor be adopted unto Sons but only in the Son of God Who is the Image of God made visible and the first-born of every creature Col. 1.15 IV. That Angel who so often appeared to the Fathers in the shape of man as a Prologue or Fore-runner of his Incarnation was not a created Angel but the very Son of God Gen. 18.13 The Lord said to Abraham why doth Sarah laugh Gen. 32 28. the Angel said to Iacob Thou hast prevayled with an Angel which is thus explained Hos. 12.4 He prevailed with God Jos. 5.14 That man whom Iosuah saw said I am as a Captain of the host of the Lord and v. 15. And the Captain of the Lords host said to Joshua See Zach. 1. v. 2 3. V. Although there is no ataxie or confusion among the Angels yet it is not to be found in Scripture that they have any prince or other head over them than the Son of God by Michael the Archangel the Son of God is rightly understood For he is set in opposition to the Devil as to the head of evil Angels Rev. 12.7 Michael and his Angels fought against the Dragon ver 10 Now is salvation in heaven and the Kingdom of our God and the power of his Christ. VI The good Angels are ready executors of Gods will especially in the praysing of God and preservation of the godly VII We are not carefully to enquire whether or not particular men or provinces are governed by certain Angels For out of Scripture it appears that GOD useth sometimes the Ministery of one Angel sometimes of more The government of evil Angels is that whereby God hath thrust them out of Heaven into infernal places eternal destruction as voluntary Delinquents having forsaken their first integrity and beeome the enemies of Christ's Kingdom The RULES I. Evil Angels are such not by creation but by their own voluntary defection II What their first sin was whether Pride or not the Scripture doth not specifie yet it is certain that it was not committed without pride For pride is joyned to every sin that is committed with deliberation III. We may more safely with the Apostle Jude ver 6. call it a defection from their first original and a desertion of their proper habitation IV. The evil Angels have a Prince whom the Scripture by way of excellency calleth the Devil the old Serpent Satan and the Dragon See Rev. 12.9 V. Whereas the Scripture speaks nothing of the time when the evil Angels felâ— nor of the number we ought also in this to be silent VI. Their punishment consisteth partly in the memory of their happiness lost irrecoverably partly in the perpetual sense of their misery and torments VII The substance of the evil Angels remained simple invisible and immortal VIII There remained also in them no small knowledge and a sagacity also of searching out future things havnig these hâ—lpes 〈◊〉 Their natural knowledge 2 Their long experimental knowledge 3. Astrologie 4. The knowledge of Scripture cheifly of the Prophets 5. Extraordinary revelation so often as God makes use of the service of these torturers IX As this their knowledge is far from charity so it is void of all comfort and strikes in them a terrour Matth. 8.29 Whaâ— have we to do with thee Iesus the Son of God art thou come to torment us before our timâ— Jam. 2 19. Thou believest there is one God thou doest well the devils also believe and tremble X. There remains also in them great power which they shew by removing huge bodies out of their places in raising storms in overthrowing houses and mountains in infecting the air the bodies of creatures with a venemous breath in possessing men in bewitching the outward and inward sences by altering and changing the organ or object XI But over the Stars or celestial bodies they have no right or power Because to them is granted power to rule in the air onely Eph. 2.2 XII All their power over inferior things is so limited by Gods providence that without his power they can do nothing Matth. 8.31 But the devils besought him saying if thou cast us out suffer us to go into the herd of Swine XIII Evil Angels can do wonders but not work miracles Because miracles are works exceeding all power of the creatures CHAP. VIII Of the government of Man in the state of Innocency SUch is the Government of Angels The government of man is seen in the state of Innocency of Misery of Grace and of Glory The government of man in the state of Innocency is that by which God made a Covenant of works with man promising him eternal happiness under the condition of obedience otherways eternal death The RULES I. God made a double Covenant with man the one of works the other of Grace that before this after the fall II. The Covenant of works was confirmed by a double Sacrament to wit the Tree of Life and the Tree of Knowlâ—dge of good and evil both being planted in the midst of Paradise III. They had a double use 1. That man's obedience might be tried by using of the one and abstaining from the other 2 That the tree of life might ratifie eternal happiness to those that should obey but the Tree of knowledge should signifie to the disobedient the loss of the greatest happiness and the possession of the greatest misery IV Therefore the Tree of life was so called not from any innate faculty it had to give life but from a sacramental signification V. Likewise the Tree of Knowledge of good and evil hath this denomination from signifying the chief good and evil and from the evâ—nt For in effect and by experience man found out how great that happiness and good was which he lost and
the end of the Law Rom. 10.4 when it is called a School-master to lead us to Christ Gal. 3.24 and when the Law is said not to be contrary to him who doth the works of the Spirit Gal. 5.22 23. For that righteousness which the Law requires that the Gospel exhibites in Christ to the Believer and albeit we cannot in this life yield full satisfaction to the Law yet the regenerate begin to obey it by the grace of sanctification CHAP. XVI Of the Person of Christ God and Man THe parts of the Gospel concerning Christ our Redeemer are two the first is of his person the other of his Office In respect of the Person the Redeemer is God and man that is Gods eternal Son being incarnate or made man in the fulnesse of time John 1.14 And the word was made flesh and dwelt amongst us Gal. 4 4. But after the fulnesse of time came God sent his Son made of a Woman 1. Tim. 3 16. and without controveâ—sie great is the mystery of godliness God made manifest in the flesh The RULES I. The Incarnation of Christ originally is the work of the whole blessed Trinity but terminatively or in respect of the object it is the work of the Son alone For the son onely assumed mans nature which the father in the Son by the Holy Ghost formed of the substance of the blessed Virgin II The person of Christ is considered either disjunctively as the Word and the eternal Son of God or conjunctively as God and man the first consideration is according to Divinity the latter according to Oeconomie or Gods gracious dispensation III. Likewise the divine nature is considered either in it self and simply or relatively as it is in the Person of the Word by dispensation IV. Althâ—ugh then it be true that Christ-God is become man yet it follows not that therefore the Divinity is incarnate or because the Son is Incarnate that the Father also and Holy Ghost are Incarnate V. The matter out of which the Incarnation was effected is the seed of the Woman or of the blessed Virgin Gen. 3.15 VI. The forme of it consisteth in the Personal Vnion whereby the word was made flesh and Christ remained the same he was and became what he was not VII The end is Gods glory and our salvation VIII Both the truth of God as also our salvation do evince the necessity of Christs incarnation IX The truth of God because in the Old Testament it was uttered by divers Prophesies and was shaddowed by divers types These are the chief Prophesies Gen 3.15 I will put enmity between thee and the Woman and between thy seed and her seed it shall bruise thy head and thou shalt bruise his heel Gen. 22.18 In thy seed all nations shall be blessed Esa. 7.14 Behold a Virgin shall conceive and bring forth a Son and they shall call his name Emanuel Esa. 9.6 7. For unto us a child is borne and unto us a Son is given Jer. 23.5 Behold the dayes shall come in which I will raise to David a righteous branch and a King shall reign and prosper and shall execute judgement and justice on the earth In his dayes â—udah shall be saved and Israel shall dwell safely and this is his name whereby he shall be called The Lord our righteousness But his types were the Tabernacle the Arke of the Covenant and such like of which we have said but chiefly Melchisedeck without father without mother Hebr. 7.3 and that humane shape or form in which he appeared of old frequently to the Fathers X. Our salvation for this cause doth evince and prove the necessity of his Incarnation in that we could not be saved but by such a redeemer who was both God and Man in one Person or God-man XI That he should be God was requisite in respect of both parties on the one side the Majesty of God required it on the other side our wants the greatness of the evil that was to be removed and the good that was to be restored Such is the Majesty of God that no man could interpose himself but he who was one with the Father the very Angels durst not do this because they also stood in need of Christ the Mediator Col. 1.16 17. Because they being compared with God are unclean Ioh. 15.15 and for this cause they cover their faces in Gods presence Isa. 6.2 How much lesse then could any man intercede whereas there is not one just person Rom. 3.10 The evill that was to be taken away was sin and the consequents of sin the wrath of God the power of Satan both temporal and eternal death Now I pray by whose suffering could that infinite Majesty be satisfied which was offended unlesse by his suffering who was also Infinitâ— By whose Intercession could the wrath of God be appeased but by his onely who is that best beloved son of God By whose strength could Satan with the whole power of darknesse be overcome except by his who in power exceeds all the Devils who finally could overcome death except he who had the power over death Heb. 2.15 But the good things that were to be â—estred were perfect righteousness adoption into sons the Image of God the gifts of the holy Ghost life eternal and such like but now who could bestow that righteousness on us except he who is justice it self Who is so fit to make us the sons of God as he who is by nature the Son of God Who was so fit to restore in us the image of God as he who is himselfe the Image of the invisible God who can bestow on us the holy Spirit so assuredly as he from whom the spirit proceedeth Who at last can give us life eternal but he who is life it self Iohn 1.4 XII That he might be man the justice of God required which as it leaves not sin unpunished so it punisheth not sin but in that nature which sinned The first branch of this Rule is plain both by the justice and by the truth of God By his justice because God by this doth not onely resist but also punish sin Psal. 5.4 5 6. For thou art not a God that hast pleasure in wickednesse nor shall evil dwell with thee the foolish shall not stand in thy sight thou hatest all workers of iniquity thou shalt destroy them that speak lies the Lord will abhor the blody and deceitful man Now by the truth of God because the threatning which was given before the fall could not be in vain therefore Socinus is idle and foolish who that he might overthrow the merit of Christ feigns such a justice of God which doth not necessarily inflict eternal death or require satisfaction and which in this respect can be content to loose its own right but if sins were to be punished they were surely to be punished in our nature for to man the Law was given and to man death was threatned therefore it lies upon man to suffer the punishment
Person but these to either Nature Therefore I may truly say God is man man is God but not likewise the Deity is the Humanity or the Humanity the Deity for even in natural things there is this difference many things are opposite in the abstract which in the concrete are but diverse or subordinate for we say rightly that is corporeal which is animate and something corporeal is animate but we cannot say that the soul is the body or that the body is the soul so all Christ is every where but not all of Christ or both Natures VIII The excellency of Christ 's humane nature consisteth partly in those gifts which proceed from the grace of union and partly in the honour of adoration IX Among his gifts we are chiefly to consider his Knowledge and Power X Although that eternal knowledge which is an essential property of the Divine nature is not transfused into the Humane nature yet in this humane nature there is a threefold knowledge to wit a donative an infused and an experimental XI The donative called also the Knowledge of the blessed is that whereby the humane nature being most neerly united to the Divine essence seeth the same though it cannot comprehend it For a finite thing cannot comprehend an infinite it seeth God all but not altogether or totally XII The infused knowledge is that whereby Christ being anointed by the holy Ghost knoweth all heavenly things which otherwise cannot be seen but by the light of grace XIII The experimental knowledge is that by which Christ knows the things that are intelligible by the light of nature conceiving the effects out of their causes and the causes out of their effects XIV Albeit both in his donative and infused knowledge he excelleth Angels and Men yet this differs from his eternal omniscience XV. Ignorance is opposite to his experimental knowledge which ignorance is attributed to Christ for in this kind of knowledge he is said to increase Luk. 2.25 XVI Such is the power of his humane nature that in this also it is superior to men and Angels for it received an instrumental power to work miracles but the principal or omnipotent power was reserved for the Word which maketh use of the humane nature as of an instrument XVII The adoration of the humane nature is an honour that follows upon the Personal union yet this adoration is not of the flesh as flesh nor of the creature but of God in the created flesh XVIII The third thing that followes upon the Hypostatical union is the meeting of both natures in those works which are called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is God man and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or Perfections in which these foure things are considerable 1. The worker Christ himself 2. The principles by which he works to wit the two Natures 3. The force or enargie or the twofold action according to the twofold nature 4. The external work it self in which those actions are united This is made clear by the â—â—mâ—ly of a Fiery sword in which 1. We see the unity of the Sword 2. The two principles of working to wit the Sword and the fire 3 Two actions cutting and burning 4. One work the thing cut and burned So much of Christ's Conception His Nativity is whereby Christ according to the usual time being carried in the Virgins womb was at length born and brought forth to light Luc. 2 6 7. So it was that while they were there the dayes were accomplished that she should be delivered and she brought forth her first-borne Son The RULES I. We firmly believe Christs nativity against the Iews The confirmation is twofold The fiâ—st out of the Prophets because the places in which he should be born educated in which he should teach and suffer are wasted and the time is past in which according to Prophetical oracles he was to come For he was to be borne in Bethlehem Mich. 5.2 to be educated in Nazaâ—eth Esa. 11.1 and to enter Ierusalem while the second Temple stood Zach. 9.9 Hag. 2.7 9. and that when the fourth Monarchy was abolished Dan. 2.44 the Scepter not being totally departed from the Jews Gen. 49.10 But Bethlehem Nazareth Ierusalem and the second Temple are long since destroyed that fourth Monarchy is abolished and the Scepter totally departed from Iudah the Messiah then is doubtlesse come The second confirmation is taken from the agreement of Luk's Evangelical History conceâ—ning Christ his nativity with the prophetical oracles concerning the time of the Messiah's coming Gen. 49.10 of his Pedegree Ier. 23.5 of the Virgin his mother Esa. 7.14 of his Country Mich. 5.2 Lastly concerning his condition Esa 53.2 II The Nativity to speak properly is not of the humanity but of the man Christ not of the nature but of the person III. There be two generations of the Son the one eternal to wit of the Father the other temporall namely of the Virgin his mother There be also two filiations or Sonships by the one whereof he is the Son of the Father by the other the Son of Mary IV. Yet we must not say there is a double Son or two Sons for he is not two Persons but one Person and two Natures V. Therefore Mary is to be named not onely the Mother of Christ with the Nestorians but also the mother of God VI. The Nativity of Christ is both natural and supernatural Natural as he was born in the usual time by the opening of the womb Supernatural as he was begot of a Virgin The Papists under pretence of maintaining Mari's Viâ—ginity affirme that Christ was born of Maâ—y without pain the womb being shut Now although we leave it as a thing doubtful whether Mari's Child-bearing was without pain or not as the Ancients thought yet we deny that Christ came out the womb being shut when in plain terms the Law is applied to her which requireth That every male which opens the womb shall be holy to the Lord Luc. 2.23 Neither doth Mari's Virginity consist in this that her womb was not opened in her Child-birth but in this that she was known of man VII We believe also that Mary continued a Virgin after her child-birth For her marriage with Joseph did not consist in the generation of children but in her education holy conjunction of life with him VIII Although Christ had no other brothers born after him yet he is rightly called Mari's first begotten Son In Scripture Christ is called the first born four manner of wayes 1. In respect of eternal generation by which he was begot before all creatures Col. 1.15 2 In respect of election dignity whereby he is the first-born amongst brethren Rom. 8.29 3. In respect of his resurrection whereby he is the first-begotten from the dead Col. 1.18 4. In respect of his nativity of the Virgin Luc. 2.7 Now he is not onely called first-born whom other brothers do follow but he also who is born before others although he
poor and riding upon an Asse CHAP. XIX Of Christs Exaltation THus of the state of his Humiliation the state of his Exaltation is that wherein Christ being raised from the dead was exalted to heaven and being set down at his Fathers right hand was crowned with the highest degree of glory The RULES I. The efficient cause of this Exaltation wa◠〈◊〉 whole Trinity II. But Christ considered according to dispensation is the object thereof III. The exaltation of Christs person was according to both natures IV. According to his humane nature he was exalted by laying aside the infirmities which he assumed by obtaining those gifts which before he wanted For he attained as great a perfection both in his body and soul as the creature was capable of V. He was exalted according to his divine nature not by accession of any dignity to it being considered in it self but by the manifestation of that majesty which before was hid under the form of a Servant VI. Christ attained to this exaltation by his obedience not as it were by merit but as it were by the means or way VII The end hereof was to witnesse that he faithfully performed the office enjoyned him in his humiliation and to manifest his divine power by which he doth powerfully apply his merit to us The parts or degrees of this are three His Resurrection his Ascension to Heaven and his sitting at the Fathers right hand His Resurrection was the first degree of exaltation by which Christ having overcome the power of death was raised the third day in that very flesh which he had laid down that he might live to God for ever The RULES I. Christ was not onely the object but also the efficient cause of his resurrection Rom. 1.4 Being declared with power to be the Son of God according to the Spirit of sanctification by the resurrection from the dead 1 Peâ— 3.18 He died concerning the flesh but was quickned in the Spirit II. The matter of the Resurrection is â—he same body that was crucified but â—ndowed and glorified with new quaâ—ities III. Neither was it so changed as to lose its quantity and three dimensions For otherwise it had been no body not had Christ remained man in his Resurrection IV. The Form consisteth in a new and indivisible union of soul and body V. Although Christs Resurrection was altogether miraculous yet it is false that his body passed through the stone which covered the grave or that it passed through the doore after his Resurrection Matt. 28 2 The Angel of the Lord rolled a way the stone Joh. 20.19 The doors being shut not through the doors that were shut VI The end of his Resurrection besides that general end which was mentioned before is the assurance of our Resurrection both from the death of sin as also from death corporall Rom 6.1 2. c. and 1 Cor. 15.12 c. His ascension into Heaven was the second degree of his Exaltation in which Christ after he had conversed forty days with his Disciples upon Earth ascended into Heaven The RULES I. Christ ascended both according to his divine and humane nature according to his humane as the object according to his divine as the efficient cause II. The form consisteth in Christs real and local translation from this World to the highest Heaven III. Here we need not trouble our selves about penetratâ—on of bodies both because Heaven is not a solid thick or iron body as the Philosophers would have it as also because one body can easily yield to another and the creature to the Creator IV. The doctrine of Christs corporal presence here on Earth doth utterly overthrow that of his ascension V The special end of Christs ascension is to assure us of our threefold ascension the first is of faith and godlinesse in this life the second of our souls in death the third of body and soul in the last day The sitting of Christ at his Fathers right hand is the highest degree of his Exaltation by which being placed in Heaven he is exalted above all power Eph. 1.20.21.22 He hath set him at his right hand in the heavenly places far above all principaâ—ities and powers and might and dominion and every name that is named noâ— in this world onely but in that also which is to come and hath made all things subject under his feet and hath appointed him over aâ—l things to be the head to his Church which is his body and the fulness of him that filleth all in all things The RULES I. To sit at Gods right hand is to have the next power after God After the manner of Kings who use to set them on their right hand to whom they will give the chief honor next to themselves Psal. 45.10 The Queen is at thy right hand 1 King 2.19 When Baâ—â—sheba came to Solomon to speak unto him for Adoniiah the king rose to meet her and bowed himself to her and sat down on his Throne and he caused a seat to be â—et for the kings mother and she sat at his right hand Matt. 20.21 Command that my two Sons may sit the one at thy right hand the other at thy left in thy kingdom II. Christ according to both Natures sits at Gods right hand III. The Humanity was so exalted that yet it was not made equall to the divinity he received glory above all creatures yet not equall to that essential glory which he hath in common with the Father and the Holy Ghost In this highest degree of Exaltation Christ hath not left to do his office He performs his Prophetical office by furnishing his Ministers with gifts of old extraordinarily but now by ordinary meanes propagating his Gospel through all the World with most happy successe Ephes 4.11 Some he gave to be Apostles c. His Priestly Office he exerciseth not in offering himself again or in casting himself with cries and sighs at his Fathers knees but in appearing before his Father for us with the merits of his most full satisfaction and in applying the same effectually to us Psal. 110.4 The Lord hath sworn and will not repent thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedek Heb. 9.24 He hath not entred into the Sanctuary made with hands which are similitudes of the true Sanctuary but is enâ—red into the very Heaven to appear now in the sight of God for us Lastly He useth Kingly office not onely by ruling the Triumphant Church but also by gathering together the Militant Church by preserving protecting and delivering it as also by overthrowing the Enemies thereof Psal. 110 1. The Lord said to my Lord sit thou at my right hand until I make thine Enemies thy foot stool The RULES I. This Kingdom of Christ is not that essential which from eternity he obtained with the Father and Holy Ghost but a personal donative and oecumenical which as our Head and Mediator he had of the Father II. Yet he hath for ever administred this
oecumenical Kingdom 2 Sam 7.13 I will establish the throne of his Kingdom for ever Dan. 7.14 whose dominion is an everlasting dominion which shall not pass a way Luk 1.33 of his Kingdom there shall be no end The words of the Father to Christ do not oppose these sayings vntill I make thine enemies c. For the meaning is not that Christ after his last coming shall reign no more but it sheweth this at least that it shall come to pass that he shall subdue all his Enemies For that clause until and the like exclude not the future time but they are affirmatively and negatively spoken of it and oftentimes they signifie the same that alwayes or never for example Gen. 28.15 I will not forsake thee until I have performed that which I spake to thee 2 Sam. 6.23 Michal had no child till the day of her death Matth. 1. 25. He knew her not untill she had brought forth her first begotten Son Matth. 28.20 Behold I am with you till the end of the World nor is this saying against us 1 Cor. 15.24 28. where it is affirmed That Christ will deliver up the Kingdome to his Father then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that God may be al in all For in that place the delivering up of the Kingdome is not a laying down of Christs Regal office but by the Kingdome there is meant as commonly in Scripture the Church he wil then deliver the Kingdom to his Father when he shal present the whol Church to him therefore that subjection shal not abolish Christs Kingdome whereas Christ even as Mediator is subordinate to his father in glory so Christ shal be and shall remain our King that notwithstanding he will with us subject himself to the Father But you will say that already he is subject to the Father That is true indeed but not simply for nâ—w the Head with the Church is subjected yet not all the Church but then together with all the members of the Church and consequently all mystical Christ shall be subjected to the Father That finally God is said to be all in all it is not so to be understood as if he were not at this day all in all or that then he were onely to reign but but this is spoken after the Scripture phrase in which things are oftentimes said to be done when they are declared to be The meaning then is whereas in this World the Kingdom of God is annoyed and obscured by the Enemies thereof these Enemies being at last subdued it will be most apparent that the Kingdome will be Gods and his Christs CHAP. XX. Of the common Vocation to the state of Grace HItherto of Christ the Redeemer who is the efficient cause of the state of Grace Now follows the Vocation to the same This is either common to the elect reprobate or proper only to the elect The common calling is whereby all men are invited to the state of Grace and participation of Christ the Mediator This is also called the election of the whole people wheresoever Deut. 7.6 Thou art a holy people to the Lord thy God he hath chosen thee The RULES I. As election so vocation is either to an office or to salvation the latter is that which is here to be considered There is an example in Saul of Election and Vocation to an office 1 Sam. 10.24 Do you not see whâ—m the Lord hath chosen II. The efficient cause of this vocation is commonly the whole blessed Trinity but particularly Christ the Lord who as in the days of his ministration here on earth did immediately call sinners so he doth now by the means of his ministers Matth. 22.2 3. The kingdome of heaven is like unto a king who made a marriage for his son sent his servants who should call those that were invited to the wedding c. Mark 1.14 15. Iesus came to Galilee preaching the Gospel of God and saying the time is fulfilled and the kingdome of God is at hand Repent and believe the Gospel 2 Cor. 5.20 Therefore we are Ambassadours for Christ c. III. The matter of this vocation are not all men nor the elect onely but any of the race of mankinde That all are not called the whole History of the old Testament witnesseth for God at that time passing by other Nations called the people of Israel but in the time of the New Testament not all noâ— every one is called seeing that many never heard of Christ. And that the elect onely are not called the parable of Christ doth sufficiently witnes in which good and bad are invited many also are said to be called but few chosen Matt. 22 10 14 Now all sorts of men are called of what state condition age c. they be IV. The form of this vocation consisteth partly in the proffer of the benefit of Redemption and partly in the precept of accepting it 2. Cor 5.20 Therefore we are Ambassadors for Christ as though God did beseech you through us we pray in Christ stead that ye be reconciled to God For he hath made him to be sin for us who knew no sin that we might be made the righteousness of God in him V. The end of this is Gods glory and the salvation of the Elect now the glory of Gods mercy is seen in the elect obeying the vocation and the glory of his Iustice in the reprobate disobeying VI. Common vocation is principally for the Elect secondarily for the Reprobate VII Yet both are called seriously and without hypocrisie Of the Elect there is no doubt as for the reprobate although they are not called with any purpose in God to save â—hem yet they are called seriously and salvation is seriously promised to them on condition they will believe neither are they mocked in that they are deprived of the grace of faith but because voluntarily they fell from their originall grace and with a malicious purpose they dispise the means of salvation God notwithstanding may justly claim Faith of them and this right of claim which he hath he doth as justly use as any other creditor that their mouthes may be stoppâ—d and they made inexcusable and Gods justice may be vindicated therefore he doth not call them that he might mock them but that he might declare and make manifest his justice upon them VIII Therefore out of the common vocation we must not presently infer an election both because it is common to the Elect and Reprobate as also because it includes the condition of Faith Although a whole nation is said to be elected yet all in that natâ—on are not elected as the Jewish people are called an elect people and yet many of them were reprobates IX Neither are all therefore elected because they are commanded to believe that they are elected for they are not absolutely commanded to believe that but with trial of their Faith 2 Cor. 13.5 Try your selves whether yoâ— be in the Faith or
in privaâ—e families IX It is not much materiall whether one aspersion or three be used so it be void of superstition and that it be not performed drop by drop or by the finger but so that the symbol may answer the sprinkling or washing X. The word by which Baptism is to be administred is to be comprehended in Christs institution especially in these words I baptise thee in the name of the Father of the Sonne and of the Holy Ghost XI The Latine tongue in Baptisme and the superstitious consecration or exorcisme of the water are repugnant to the form of Baptism XII The internal form consisteth in the analogy of aspersion and remission of sins as also of regeneration or sanctification In this Baptism answers the legal aspersions by which likewise remission of sin by the blood of Christ was shaddowed Water also as it cleanseth from filthinesse and moistneth the Plants doth adumbrate regeneration whereby we dye to sin and live to righteousness See Rom. 6. v. 1. c. XIII The end of Baptisme besides those which are common to it and the Lords Supper is the sealing of our regeneration and of our reception or ingrafting into the family of God XIV The subject of Baptisme are all that be in the Covenant even the children of those who are reckoned among the number of the Covenanters This rule is grounded 1. on Christs command Matt. 19.14 Suffer little children and forbid them not to come to me they ought not then to be kept off from Baptism whom Christ will have to be brought to him The words used in this place and Luke 18.15 Of little children and infants are emphaticall 2. On the reason alledged by Christ Mat. 19.14 For of such is the kingdome of heaven For if to them the kingdome of heaven and the Covenant of Grace belong the seale of the Covenant must needs appertain to them also but they are capable of this Covenant Gen. 17.7 I will be thy God and of thy seed Act. 2 v. 39. To you and to your children is the promise made 3 On the analogy of circumcision for with this Sacrament Infants were initiated 4. On the example of the Apostles who are saâ—d to baptise whole families Act. 16.15 33. It were a foolish thing to apply that rule 2 Thess 3.10 If any will not work let him not eaâ— to Infants so perversly doe the Anabaptists wrest the places of Scripture to a contrary meaning in which those that are of years are commanded to be taught before they are baptised XV. Infants have both Faith and Reasâ—n although not in the fruit yet in the seed and root though not in the second act yet in the first though not by an outward demonstration of the work yet by the inward virtue of the holy Spirit XVI But concerning the Infants of Infidels the case is otherwise who are not born of Parents even so much as either of them a Believer for they are not to be baptized till they be of discretion and are able to testifie their Faith XVII The Baptisme of Bels is a horrible profanation of the Sacrament and joyned with abominable idolatry XVIII As naturally we are born before we eat so baptisme is before the Lords Supper XIX Baptisme is not to be iterated if the essentials thereof were used Hence it is that our Church ratifies the Baptisme of the Popish Church not as it is abused there but as it is administred in the name of the Holy Trinity XX. Baptism is necessary not absolutely but in respect of â—hrists command neither must we feign such a necessity as permits any other besides the minister to baptise or to cause us think they are excluded out of heaven if they die unbaptised XXI The Baptisme of Christ and of John are in effect the same The Pontificians deny that Iohn's baptisme was instituted by God against these plain testimonies Mat 21.25 Luke 3.2 and 7.30 Joh. 1.33 Neither matters it that Iohn distinguisheth between his baptisme and Christs Mar. 1.8 For there the oppâ—sition is not between baptisme and baptisme but a comparison onely between thâ— office of the Minister in Baptisme and Christ for the Minister giveth the Symbol but Christ the thing signified They say that such as were baptised by Iohn were rebaptised Act. 19.1 c. If they were rebaptised by the Apostle we gather that they were not rightly baptised by some who were imitators of Iohn neither yet can we find out of the text that they were rebaptised for those words v. 5. are not Lukes concerning Paul but Pauâ—'s concerning Iohn and his disciples therefore thâ—s place favoureth neither Papist nor Anabaptists CHAP. XXIV Of the Lords Supper THe Lords Supper is the other Sament of the New Testament in which Christians that are of age receive spiritually Christs body and blood sealed to them in the reception of Bread and Wine according to Christs institution The RULES I. The Lords Supper is called metonymically the Eucharist or Thanksgiving Sinâ—xis or a collection the Lords Table the New Testament and Synecdochically the Breaking of Bread II. It hath the same efficient causes that Baptisme hath III. The outward matter thereof or Signes are Bread and Wine IV The Supper is lame without both Sgnes and to rob the people of the Cup is Sacriledge Matth 26 27. Drink ye all of this 1 Cor. 10.16 The cup of blessing which we blesse is it not the Communion of Christs blood And 11. v. 26. As â—ften as you shall eat this bread and â—rink of this Cup you declare the Lords death V. The inward matter is Christ with all his satisfaction and merit VI. As it is Iewish Superstition to use unleavened Bread so the Popish Penny Wafers are superstitious reliques VII It s outward form consists in Actions and Words VIII The Actions are the breaking of Bread and powring out of Wine the distribution of both signes and the receiving thereof with the hand and mouth IX The word is the whole institution containing the Eucharist the command and the promise but the promise cheifly X. Therefore it is impiety to think that the bread is turned into Christs body only the bare accidents remaining by the low mumbling ef these five words For this is my body and that with one breath and the Priests intention XI The internal forme consisteth in the Analogie of the sign and the thing signified in which by Bread and Wine are signified Christs body and blood as spiritual meat and drink but by the breaking of Bread and powring out of the Wine are represented the breaking of his body or crucifixion and shedding of his blood and lastly by the distributing and receiving of both the applying of Christs death XII The breaking of Bread is not a thing indifferent For Christ made use of this himself and commanded it to be used saying do this which he himself explained adding This is my body which is broken for you From this the Supper is so called by this also
Head the other of her members among themselves XIII The first union is in this that in the Church not onely Christ as the head is eminent but also as the head he communicates his gifts and vertue to the members Ephes 1.22 And he hath appointed him over all thinges to his Church which is his body and the fullfilling of him who filleth all in all and cap. 5.23 For the man is the head of the woman even as Christ is the head of his Church and giveth salvation to his body c. Col 1 18. And he is the head of the Church which is his body XIV They make a monster of the Church who set up any other universal head thereof besides Christ. For as she is not headlesse so is she not many headed for of one body there is but one head except it be a monster neither must therefore the Church because visible have a visible head one earth for properly the Elect onely are members of the Church therefore though she be visible in respect of outward administration yet she is invisible in respect of the Elect and of their union with Christ. XV. The other union of the members or of particular Churches among themselves consisteth in the unity of profession faith and charity Ephes 4 4 5 6. There is one body and one spirit even aâ— you are called into one hope of your vocation there is one Lord one Faith one Baptism one God and Father of all c. XVI The principal end of the Church is Gods glory the proximate our salvation XVII Of the adjuncts we must observe her Titles and Notes XVIII For her titles she is called One Catholike and Holy XIX Christs Church is one in respect of the form now explained XX. She is Catholike in respect of the union of time place and persons The Church Catholike hath a treble signification 1. A very general one to wit of the whole society of men and Angels 2. A more particular of the company of all elect men 3. Most special of all of the visible militant Church XXI She is Catholike in respect of time because she hath not utterly failed since the begining of the world but still there hath been some visible Church As the light of the Moon decreaseth though her substance never wasteth even so although the light of the Church is sometimes clearer sometimes obscurer yet she remains the same still and visible too not to Hogs eyes but to the godly XXII In respect of place and persons she is Catholike because she is not tyed to place and persons Mat. 24.14 15. This Gospel shall be preached through all the world Acts 10.34 35. Of a truth I perceive that God is no accepter of persons but in every Nation he that feareth him and worketh righteousness is accepted with him XXIII The Church is holy in common because of her calling and covenant but particularly in respect of the Elect who are holy in Christ by an imputed righteousness begun in them Concerning the holiness of vocation God saith to Moses Deut. 7.6 Thou art a holy people to the Lord thy God Of imputed and begun holiness Paul 1 Cor. 6.11 But you are washed but you are justified in the name of the Lord Iesus by the Spirit of our God XXIV The inherent holinesse of the Church in this life is imperfect except in respect of Christ who by his perfection covers her imperfection and in the hope of future perfection Ephes. 5.25 26 27. Christ hath loved his Church and hath given himself for her that he might sanctâ—fy and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word that he might present her to himself a glorious Church not having spot or wrinckle or any such thing but that she might be holy and without blemish XXV Therefore the Church is not free from all error as the Papists say for although the Catholike Church doth not so erre in the fundamentals of Faith as to fall off utterly yet she is not quite exempted from errour seeing there is no member of her perfect in thâ—s life as for a particular Church she may both erre and becom a harlot Hence the Church of Rome which in the Apostles time was like the woman cloathed with the Sun having a Crown on her head and the Moon under her feet is so degenerated that she is likened to the whore sitting upon the Beast Rev. 12.1 and 17.3 c. XXVI The notes of the visible Church are the pure Preaching of the word and lawfull administration of the Sacraments We spake above of the Notes of the invisible Church that they depend from the works of Vocation for the notes of the Elect specially called andi of the visible Church are the same But here these notes are onely considered by which the Church is undubtedly made visible now it appears that these are the note of the Church out of these testimonies Matth 28 19 20. Go and teach all Nations baptzing them in the Name of the Father of the Son and of the Holy Ghost teaching them to observe all things which I have commanded you Act. 2.24 And they continued stedfastly in the Apostles doctrine and fellowship and in breaking of bread and in prayers Some adjoyn Ecclesiastical discipline but this is contained under the two former for this discipline is required of both XXVII These notes belong to all Churches alike so far as concerneth the fundamentals of Religion but in respect of accidentals they are in some Churches more in some lesse XXVIII Therefore we are not presently to doubt of the truth of any particular Church because of every error or abuse For there is so much purity expected as not to erre in any one article or in the administration of the Sacraments so that there be not a falling off from the hinge of salvation to wit from the two Tables of the Law and Faith in Christ 1 Cor. 3.11 12 For no man can lay any other foundation besides that is laid which is Iesus Christ Now if any build upon this foundation gold silver precious stones wood hay stubble every mans work shall be made manifest for the day shall declare it because it shall be revealed by fire and the fire shall try every mans work of what sort it is if any mans work abide which he hath built thereupon he shall receive a reward if any mans work shall be burned he shall suffer losse but he himself shall be saved yet so as by fire XXIX Of the fifteen Notes of the Church rehearsed by Bellarmine some are true and agree with ours from which not withstanding the Church of Rome is afar off but others are ether strangers to the visible Church or they are the Notes rather of the false than of the true Church or they are not convertible with the Church for they neither belong to her alone nor alwayes 1. His first Note is the name Church and Christians But the imposing of names is a matter rather of
For that religion is onely true which agrees with Gods word for verity and unity are convertible V. Religion should be cared for by all chiefly by Magistrates and Ministers For they are the Churches nursing Fathers by preserving Schools and Churches and by maintaining of Ministers c. VI. The true Religion is most ancient for it began in Paradise VII It is not only external but internal also Rom. 2.28 c For he is not a Iew that is one outwardly neither is that Circumcision which is outward in the flâ—sh but he is a Iew which is one outwardly and Circumcision is that of the heart VIII Religion is to be taught not to be forced IX Religion may be defended by armes but not propagated by arms Examples of pious Kings the Macchbees Emperours as Constantine and Theodosius shew this X. Reformation of things amiss in Religion belong to the prince or Magistrate After the examples of Moses Ioshua David Asa Iehosaphat Hezekiah Iosiah Constantine Theodosius c. XI If a Magistrate proves the Churches enemy and will not be intreated to give way for a Reformation then it liâ—s upon them to reform whom God hath furnished with necessary gifts for that purpose neither in such a case must we stay for consent of Church or Bishops Examples are in Gideon Jehojadah Macchabees Apostles c. Sure if our Predecessors had staied for the Popes consent there had never been a Reformation Contrary to true Religion are Epicurisme and false Religions CHAP. V. Of Vertues and Works belonging in special to the Second Commandment IN true Religion we must consider its parts and time appointed by God The parts are two to wit the form or rite whereby God will be worshipped in his Church and the Sanctification of his Name all the rest of our life The form of his worship is that which he hath prescribed to us in his Word which is handled in the Second Precept the summe whereof is this That God should be worshipped in such manner as he hath prescribed to his Church This appears by the right Analysis of the second Command which is foolishly confounded with the first For as in the first Command is set down who must be worshipped for God so in the second is shewed after what manner he will be worshipped And as in the first internal idolatry is contrary so in the Second external is opposed to this worshâ—p The parts of this Command are two a Prohibition and a Confirmation Of the Prohibition there are two branches the first is of the making the second of the worshipping of Idols Of the making he saith Thou shalâ— not make to thy self any graven image or likeness c. which he illustrates by enumeration of particulars following to wit of any things in Heaven above or in the earth beneath or in the waters under the earth The veneration of idols is declared two-wayes 1 by bowing to them 2. by worshipping of them The Confirmation contains a threatning and a promise both are illustrated from the nature of God from the object In the one he describes himselfe to be a jealous God visiting iniquities c. In the other merciful In the one he denounceth punishment to the third and fourth generation of them that hate him but in the other his mercy of the thousand generation of them that love him It is easie then to see what is the summe of this precept by the proceeding thereof 1. From the particular to the general for Idolatry is forbid with all such rites as are either contrary to or not contained in the Word of God 2. From the negation to the affirmation of the contrary for it is commanded that we worship God in that way which he hath prescribed to us In the rites prescribed to the Church we must observe both the helps and parts thereof The parts are the right use of the Word and Sacraments and Prayer The right use or handling of the Word and Sacraments is when the one is preached the other administred according to Christs institution Prayer is whereby we speak to God in the true and humble contrition of heart of such things as are agreeable to his holy will This consisteth in calling upon God or in giving of thanks The RULES I. The common efficient cause of Prayer is the whole Trinity but in particular the Holy Ghost Whence he is called the spirit of Prayers Zach. 12.10 II. The impulsive cause on Gods part are his command Promise of being heard his majesty his goodnesse his benefits But on our part is our need which is gathered by the consideration of our wants calamities tentation and dangers c. III. The matter of Prayer are things obtained and to be obtained IV. The form or Idea of true and religious Prayer is the Lords Prayer The parts of this are four the Preface the Petâ—tions the Confirmatâ—on and Conclusion The Prâ—face is this Our Faâ—her which art in heaven Set down to this end that ouâ— minds may be disposed 1. To docility for it shews who is to be invoked to wit that God who in Christ is made ouâ— Father by adopting us for his sons 2. To humility because he is not an earthly but an heavenly Father 3. To assure us we shall be heard For he will hear us because he is our Father and can hear us because he is in Heaven 4. To charity because we are taught to say Our Father Of the Petitions there be two ranks the first is of them that concerns Gods glory the first and chief whereof is Hallowed be thy Name to this the two latter is subordinate Thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven The latter rank is of those Petitions which concern our needs as well for this as for the next life For the present belongs the fourth Petition Give us this day our daily bread For the future the two latter And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive them that trespasse against us And lead us not into tentation but deliver us from evil That hath reference to the gift of justification this of Sanctification The Confirmation follows in these words For thine is the Kâ—ngdome the Power the glory for ever and ever By which we are taught 1. That God likes our Prayers because he is our King for his is the Kingdome 2. That he can hear us for his is the Power 3. That he will hear us for his is the glory 4. That his love towards us is unchangable for he is so for ever and ever The conclusion is in the particle Amen by which we witnesse that we have prayed seriously and with confidence to be heard V. The end of prayer is Gods glory and our salvation For this is the Alpha and Omega of Prayer hence the Petitions of the Lords Prayer begin with Gods glory and end in our salvation VI. Great are the effects of prayer not as if there were merit in it
2 King 25.3 c. iâ— Rudolphus Duke of Bavaria in Ladislaus King of Huâ—garia and many others it was also detestable among the gentiles as Tibullus sheweth Ah miser etsi quis primò perjuria celet Sera tamen tacitis poena venit pedibus Though wretch thou hide thy Perjury Yet slow-pac'd Plagues come silently The Jesuitical and Sophistical interpretations of Perjuries are equivalent to perjuries themselves neither shall they escape the sin and punâ—shment of Perjury A rash Oath is that which is taken when there is no necessity to swear Saul is an example of a rash and continual sweaâ—er 1 Sam. 14. v. 40. and 45. An unjust Oath is when we swear of things neither lawful nor honest Such was David's oath when he threatned destruction to Nabal's house by revoking of which he hath taught us that unlawful oaths are rather to be broken than kept 1 Sam 25. such are the Monkish oath of fidelity obedience â— in Popâ—ry An idolatrous Oath is when men swear by false gods or the creatures Such are these oaths that are made by Heaven Earth c. which aâ—e forbid Matt. 5 3â— and oaths also made by the Saints for without idolatry we can neither give to them the honor of invocation nor of an oath neither do the Papists metonymically by the Saints understand God but they swear by the Saints themselves So much of swearing Adjuration is an obtestation in the name of God being made either by command or intreaty that according to conscience and as it were in stead of an Oath the truth might be spoken Example Ios. 7.19 Then said Ioshua to Achan my Son give glory to the Lord God of Israel and confesse to God The RULES We must yeild to an adjuration in such things as are neither contrary to Gods glory nor the love of our Neighbour We have an example in Christ who professed himself to be the Sâ—n of God upon the adjâ—â—â—tion of the Hâ—gh Priest though a wicked man Matth 26.64 If then a Tyrant should adjure us to reveal our brethren or their meetings we should refuse it To this are contrary rash adjurations magick adjuration of Devils wicked imprecations whereby God and the creatures are adjured to mans ruine The adjuration of Devils which they call exorcisme is magical and no wayes answering the Apostles casting out of Devils which they did not by adjuration but by commanding them in the name of Christ. Sortiledge or casting of lots is a tryal or finding out that which God hath appointed to each man in divisions and this is done by external signes to compose strife Lots are either divine or humane Examples of those are in Levit. 16. Ios. 7. 1 Sam. 10. Nehem. 11. Ioh. 1. Act 1 and these are not to be imitated because we have no command But these lots called also divisorie may be used but so that we assure our selves that they are guided by Gods hand Prov. 16.33 To this are opposed superstitious elections and consultations and deceiptful lots Hitherto of the taking of Gods Name the profession of it is when freely and openly in the sight of men we confess the truth as it is known by Gods Word to his glory when we are required Matth. 10.32 Who soever confesseth me before men him will I confess before my Father who is in Heaven Rom. 10. v. 10. With the heart we believe unto righteousness and with the mouth we confesse unto salvation 1 Pet. 3.15 Be ye alwayes ready to answer to every one that shall ask a reason of the hope that is in you To this is contrary 1. A dissembling of the truth 2. The open denial of it 3. An unseasonable confession thereof An example of dissembling is in the Jews that would not professe Christ for fear of being excommunicate Ioh. 12 v. 42 43 Peter is an example of an imperfect denyal proceeding of infirmities Matth. 26.69 c. Concerning unseasonable confession Christ warns us Matt. 7.6 Give not that which is holy unto Dogs neither cast ye your Pearls before Swine leâ—t they tread them with their feet and turn upon you and tear you Thus we have shewed how Gods name is sanctified in words it is sanctified in fact when our life and actions answer our holy profession Mat. 5.16 Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorifie your Father which is in Heaven To this is opposite the omission of that action which agrees with our profession and impiety An example of the former is in Moses and Aaron who are said not to have sanctified God in the sight of the children of Israel when he gave them the water of strife out of the rock Num. 20.12 An example of the later is in the Jews of which Paul speaketh Rom. 2.24 For the Name of God through you is blasphemed among the Gentiles CHAP. VII Of Vertues or Works apperteining to the Fourth Commandment HItherto of the parts of Gods worship Now follows the time peculiarly appointed for Divine worship This is handled in the fourth Commandment the summe whereof is That we sanctifie the Sabbath There are two parts of this precept the Precept it self and the Confirmation thereof The Precept is that we sanctifie the Sabbath which is illustrated 1. By an Admonitory particle Remember c. By which it appears that the Israelites before this had been warned to sanctifie it but that it had been â—lighted and neglected by reason of Pharaoh's oppression 2. By declaring the Precept in opposing by an anti hesis the works which were to be done the six dayes to those that should not be done the seventh day 3. By a distribution of the subjects for they are either men or beasts The men are either Natives or Strangers and both are either superiours or inferiours Six dayes saith he shâ—lt thou labour do all thy work but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Loâ—d thy God in it thou shalt do no manner of work thou nor thy son c. The Confirmation is grounded on Gods example For in six dayes the Lord made Heaven and Earth the Sea and all that theâ—â—in is and rested the seventh day Wherefore c. The Sanctification of the Sabbath is whereby man rests from his external works and labour that he with his family and cattel may be refreshed and that day spent in Gods service The RULES I. The Precept of sanctifying the Sabbath was not first given on Sinai but in Paradise shewing that the manner of divine worship was prescribed to Adam even in the state of innocency II. To sanctifie the Sabbath is not to make that day holy but to separate it from prophanenesse and to dedicate it to divine worship III. The impulsive causes of this Sanctification are 1. Gods command 2 The equity of the command 3. The promises made to them that obey This fourth Command is urged also in Lev. 19.3 and 23.3 Ier. 17.22 and elswhere The equity is seen in two things 1. In
that God hath separated onely one day of seven for Divine worship 2. In that he goeth before us by his own example The promises are in Isa. 56.2 c. and 58.13 IV. The matter or object of this sanctification is the Sabbath or seventh day in the Iewish Church to which succeeded the first day called in Scripture from Christs resurrection the Lords day from the Lords supper the Day of bread and from the administration of Baptism the day of light anciently V. In the Precept of sanctifying the Sabbath we must distinguish between that which is Ethical or Moral and that which is Typical or Ceremonial It was Ceremonial 1. To sanctifie the seventh day precisely 2. By this means to separate Jews from gentiles But Moral in that one day of seven must be sanctified for Gods service Now the Church hath sanctified the first day by the example of Christ who hath sanctified it by his resurrection and apparition Ioh 20.19 and 26. By the example also of the Apostolical Church Act 20. 7. 1 Cor. 16.2 Rev. 1.10 VI. The form of Sanctifying this day consisteth in omission and action VII Things to be omitted are the works of our outward and temporal callings These are opposite to the works of divine worship in that six dayes we must labour VIII Yet some things are permitted which without great damage cannot be put off till another day Lu. 14.5 Which of you having an oxe or â—n asse fallen into a pit will not take him out on the Sabbath day The Macchabes knew this 1 Mat. 2.41 For having received an overthrow on the Sabbath they resolved to defend themselves against the enemy In such cases of necessity Christs rule must be observed The Sabbath was made for man not man for the Sabbath Mar. 2.27 IX On the Sabbath those works must be done for which that day was appointed to wit to repare to the Church to meditate on Gods word to receive the Sacraments to invite one another by exhortations example to godlinesse to visit the sick to help the poor c. X. The end of this sanctifying of the Sabbath is either natural or spiritual XI The natural end is that men and beasts might rest and be refreshed XIâ— The spiritual end peculiar to the Iews was 1 To shadow out to the Iews that rest which they injoyed in the Land of Canaan after their toylsome labours in Egypt troubles in the desart That by this part of their beggerly rudiments they might be led to Christ the Author of our spiritual rest from sin and the works of the flesh XIII But now the spiritual end of it is 1. that the Congregation may be seen and that the faithful may flock together into the Church as into the Ark of Noah 2 That by meditating on this new birth of the World and on Christ's resurrection we might praise God our Creator and Redeemer 3 That by our rest from labour we might be admonished of our rest from sin 4. That we might more and more aspire and raise ourselves for the enjoyment of that perpetual rest and Sabbath in the life to come Hence ariseth a thâ—ee-fold Sabbath a tipical and ceremonial yet but tempâ—rary onely a spiritual but onely begun here and a heavenly or eternal Xâ—V The Sanctification of the Sabbath belongs to all chiefly to Magistrates Pastors The Magistrate by the example of Nehemiah must take care that the Sabbath be not wantonly abusâ—d Neh. 13.15 c. The same also must so moderate the strict obsâ—rvation of that day when need requires that there be regard had to Charity by the example of the Macchabees 1 Mac. 2.41 and Constantine the Great who in extream necessity permited Husband-men to follow their Country woâ—k XV. The Christian Holy-dayes have affinity with the Sabbath appointed not for Will worship but for a commemoration of Christs benefits so that the conscience be not intangled with the snare of absolute necessity Col. 2.6 Let no man condâ—mn yâ—u in meats and drinks oâ— in respect of a Holy day or of a New Moon or of Sabbaths To this Sanctification of the Sabbath are contrary its neglect and prophanation The Sabbath is either simply neâ—lected when no regard is had of it or in some respect when it is spent meerly by ceasing from our own works and consequently in idleness omitting those works for which the Sabbath was made of which in the nineth Rule or these works are performed but perfunctoriously without any inward and mental devotion which kind of Sabbath is deservedly called hypocritical See Isa. 1. â—3 14. The Sabbath is prophaned 1. When we do the works of our outward calling needlesly as when we make journies or exact debts then c. 2. When we spend the Sabbath in carnal works as in gaming dancing revelling idle talking Stage-playes and such like sins 3. â—n idolatrous works Such a prophanation is a most grievous sin Exod. 31.13.14 Num. 15.35 Neh. 13.16 Ier. 17.27 CHAP. VIII Of Vertues or Works belonging in general to the Commandments of the second Table IN the former Chapters we have spoken of Gods immediate Worship now followes the mediate consisting in the vertues works of the second Table Of which worship we are to speak generally and particularly To the mediate worship and second Table in general belongs Charity and Justice Charity towards men is either of man towards himself or towards his neighbour towards himself is whereby each faithful man next to God loves himself seeking his own temporal and eternal welfare Mat. 7.12 Whatsoever you would that men should do to you do ye the same Eph 5.29 No man ever hated his own flâ—sh but rather cherish thâ—t Phil. 2.12 Work out your own salvaâ—ion with fear and trembling To this is contrary self-hatred and self-love being inordinate We see examples of perverse hatred in them who obstinately rebell against God and run headlong to their own ruine but the sin of self-love is found in them who being too much drunk with love of themselves not only despise their neighbour in respect of themselve but alsâ— love themselves above God Of these Christ speaketh Joh. 12.25 He that loves his life shall lose it On the contrary it is said of the godly Râ—v 12.11 And they loved not their loves unto the death Charity to our neighbour is whereby we love our neighbour as our selves The RULES I The efficient cause of this love is God the Father in the Son through the Holy Ghost Gal. 5.22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love II. The instrumental cause or root is Faith working by love Gal 5 6. III. The matter or subject of it is our neighbour that is every one to whom we owâ— duty or ayde Luke â—0 36 3â— IV But chiefâ—y w◠〈◊〉 love those that are of the houshould of Faith Gal. 6.13 For we are tyed to them both in a natural and spiritual tye Eph. 4 1 2. V. Nor in this case must we exclude our enemies
For this Charity is commended particularly to us Exod. 23.4 5. If thou seest thy enemies Ox or â—sse go astray c Prov 25.21 if thy eneme be hungry give him bread to eat c. See Rom. 12 14 20. Mat. 5.44 c. For this duty we have the example of our heavenly Father doing good both to the just and unjust Mat. 5.48 even giving his Son fâ—r us his enemies Rom. 5.8 VI The form of Charity towards our neighbour consisteth in the proportion of charity towards our selves Lev. 19 1â— Thou shall love thy neighbour as thy self VII The end is to witnesse our love toward God and to certifie our regeneration and salvation 1 Joh. 4.20 If any man say he loves God and hates his brother he is a lyer for if he love not his neighbour whom he hath seen how shall he love God whom he hath not seen 1 Joh 4.7 Whosoever loveth is born of God and v. 12. if we love one another God dwels in us To Charity are contrary 1 The want and neglect of it· 2 Hypocritical Charity 3 The unjust hatred of our neighbor 4 Inordinate Charity where by we love one more than is fitting Of the first vice Paul saith 1 Cor. 13.1 If I should speak with the tongues of men and Angels and have not Charity I am a sounding brasse and a tinkling Cymbal Of the second Jam 2.15 16. If a brother or sister be naked distituâ—e of daily food one of you say to them depart in peace be warmed and filled notwithstanding ye give not tâ—ose things that be needfull for the body what doth it profit Of the third 1 Job 3.15 Whosoever hateth his broâ—her is a murtherer Of the fourth God himselfe 1 Sam 2.29 Thou hast honoured thy sons more than me And Christ Mat 10.37 He that loveth Father or mother more than me is not worthy of me Yet here we must know that in two respects we may hate men first when they are Gods enemies Psal. 139.21 Do not I hate them O Lord that hate thee Secondly when they drâ—w us from Christ or the constant profession of him Luke 14.26 If any man comes to me and hates not his Father c. Charity is considered either absolutely or reciprocally There be three kinds of it considered absolutely to wit humanity benevolence and mercy Humanity is when we are ready to testifie our love to any by exhorting admonishing comforting helping c. This is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 affection or care towards one another 2 Cor. 8 16. It is called also duâ—y and as it is exhibited to strangers hospitality this is recommended to us Isa. 16.3 4. Rom. 16.23.3 Ioh. v. 8. Heb. 13.2 To this is opposite inhumanity by which either the works of humanity are omitted or cruelty exercised as also unseasonable humanity when courtesies are performed to those who are unworthy of them or they are not performed in a right manner It were inhumanity if one should lay a stumbling block before a blind man or should rail against a deaf man examples of inhumanity are in the Edomites and such lâ—ke Gentiles adding afflâ—ction to the afflicted Jews Amos 1 2. In the Levite and Priest that passed by the man half dead To be surety for any man unadvisedly is an unseasonable humanity Prov 6.1 11.15 or to give alms to every one without regard had of their worth 2 Thes. 3.10 Benevolence or favour is whereby we so incline to the good and weal of our neighbour that we pray for his prosperity and rejoyce at it Isa. 66.10 Rejoyce with Ierusalem c. Ro. 12.15 Rejoyce with them that rejoyce There be examples in the blessed Angels Luke 2.10 15.10 in Paul Rom. 1·8 and many other places in John 2 Iohn 4. 3. Iohn v. 3 4 5. To this is opposite Envy or displeasure at another mans good Malevolence also when one wisheth the ruine of another and Counterfeit benevolence There are foure degrees of Envy 1 When on◠〈◊〉 â—ndure that another should enjoy the same happiness with him Examples we haâ—e in the labourers that came first Maâ— 20.11 c. and Act. 13.4 5 in the Iews envying salvation in the Gentiles 2 When one envieth that in another which he caÌ„not obtain himself examples are in Satan in Cain Ge. 4. in Esau Ge. 27 in Iosephs brethren Act. 7.9 Miriam Moses sister Num. 12. in Saul 1 Sam 18.7.8 in the Nobles of Persia Dan. 6 in Pompey Caesar of whoÌ„ Lucan Caesar cannot brook a Superiour no Pompey an Equal 3. When we cannot endure that another should enjoy that good which he enjoyeth whom we love An example of this is in Iosuah who envied Eldad and Mâ—dad because they did prophesie as wel as Moses Nu. 11. in Iohn's Disciples Ioh. 3.26 amd Christs Mar. 9.38 4. When one envieth another or out of malice destroyes that which he doth not desire he should enjoy As when the Philistines stopped the wells which Abraham's servants had digged Gen. 26. Like dogs in the manger not eating hay themselves bark at the cattle that eat it Or like that spotted beast called Sâ—ellio devouring his own skin which every year he put off that it may not help man troubled with the Falling sicknesse This sin of envy must be avoided 1. Because it is earnestly forbid Psal 37.1 Prov. 3.31 2. Because it is joyned with a disdain of Gods goodnesse Mat. 20.15 Is thine eye evill because I am good 3. Because it is the authour of much mischief as of murther Gen. 4 2. Sam. 3.20 of seditions Num. 12. of herisies It also disquieteth a mans life Ia. 3.16 An example of malice envy counterfeit love is in the Phaâ—ises inviting Christ Luke 14 1. c. Mercy is when we take another mans misery to heart so that we study by all means to asswage or remove it Mat. 5.7 Blessed are the merciful c. Luk. 6 Be ye merciful Rom. 12.15 Weep with those that weep 1 Thess. 5.14 Help the weak the kinds of this mercy are rehearsed Mat. 25.35 c. Examples are in Iob c. 30.35 in David Ps. 40 c. in Ionathan 1 Sam. 20. in the Samaritan Luk. 10. To this are contrary Unmercifulnes when we pity not the afflicted or when we adde affliction to them 2. When we rejoyce in other mens miseries 3. Counterfeit and unlawfull pity Unmercifulness is forbid Prov. 3.27 28. It deserves judgment without mercy Iam. 2.13 Of rejoycing in other mens evils we have examples in Doeg Psal. 52. in the Edomites Ps. 137. in Christs enemies Mat. 27. It is most earnestly forbid Prov. 24.17 Counterfeit mercy is seen in David's enemies Psal. 14 7. This is called the Crocodiles pity who weeps when he intends to devoure a man Unlawfull mercy is condemned Ieremy 15. and .16 So much of the kinds of Charity considered absolutly Being considered respectively it hath for its kinds Brotherly love and Friendship Brotherly love is that which mutually is entertained by Christs
To Temperance is opposite intemperance insensibility whereby honest and lawful delights are despised also Hypocritical temperance is of Monks and Eremites Temperance is both Sobriety and Chastity as also Modesty and honesty The former vertues have relation to us the later to our neighbour Sobriety is temperance from superfluous meat and drink We must study to Sobriety 1. Because of Gods command 2. Because of the reason annexed to it taken from our calling 1 Thess. 5.8 But let us who are of the day be sober From the necessity of Prayer and from the end of the World 1 Pet. 4.7 But the end of all things is at hand be yet therefore sober and watch unto prayer Lastly from the snares of Satan 1 Pet. 5.8 Be sober and watch for your adversary the Devil walketh as a roaring Lion seeking whom he may devour To Sobriety is opposite Delicatenesse whereby dainties and delicacies are sought for immoderately in meat and drink Gluttony also or Voracity Drunkenesse and hurtful Abstinence Of dainties Solomon speakes Prov. 23.1 2.3 When thou sittest to eat with a Ruler consider diligently what is before thee and put a knife to thy throat if thou be a man given to appitite be not desirous of his dainties for they are deceitful meats Gluttony and drunkenesse are to be avoided 1. Because they are prohibited by God Prov. 23.20.31 Luk. 21.34 Rome 13.13 2. Because the effects thereof are most pernicious for they hinder the meditating on Gods works Isa. 5.19 and thinking upon Christs coming Lu. 21 34. Prayers also 1 Pet. 4.7 It stirs up anger and strife Prov. 21.1 and 29.30 It kindles lust Prov. 23.31 32. It causeth scandal as the examples of Noah sheweth Ge. 9. and shut out of Gods kingdom 1 Cor. 6.10 Gal. 5.21 Hurtfull abstinence is when we refrain from meat and drink to the prejudice of our health Neer to Sobriety is Vigilancie when we abstain from untimely and too much sleep that we mae serve God with chearfulnesse and follow the works of our vocations 1 Pet. 5.8 Be sober and watch Now as under the name of Sobriety sonetime abstinence from pride and evil affections is meant Rom. 12 3. so oft times spiritual vigilancie is understood as an abstinence from the sleep of security to which Peter hath respect in the place above cited To Vigilancie is opposite Sleepiness and Monkish superstitious Watchings Chastity or Sanctimony so called Rom. 6.19 is temperance from lust We must follow chastity 1. Because God commands it Lev. 19.2 Be ye holy for I the Lord your God am holy 1. Thess. 4.3 This is the will of God even your holinesse that ye abstain from fornication 2. Because they that follow it shall see God Matth 5.8 Heb. 12.14 To Chastity is opposite both Dissembled chastity as is that of them who are tyed with the vow of chastity as also all impurity as Fornication Adultery Whoredome Incest Rapes softnesse â—odomy Beastiality c Although there be degrees aâ— these sins yet all of them exclude from the Kingdome of Heaven as is taught plainly 1 Cor. 9 â—0 c. how grievously God is offended at these sins let the Flood the fire of Sodom the destruction of the Israelites Num. 23. the miseries of David the â—uine of Troy the like bear witnesse Modesty is temperance from filthy words and lascivious gestures Heb 12.28 〈◊〉 us have grace whereby we may acceptabâ—y serve God with reverence godly fear or modesty To this is opposite Filthy communication lascivious and unclean gestures Dances also obscene Pictures and Songs and filthy sights Prov 6.12 13 Anaughty person a wicked man walketh with a froward mouth he wâ—nketh with his eys he speaketh with his feet he teaches with his fingers v. 25. Lust not after her beauty in thine heaâ—t niether let her take thee with her eye lids so by means of a whorish woman man is brought to a piece of bread c Eph 5.4 Neither fiâ—thines noâ— foolâ—sh talking nor jâ—sting which arâ— nor convenient Honesty is temperance from filthy or lascivious trimming and cloathing of the body Exod. 20.26 Neither shalt thou go up by steps unto mine Altar that thy nakedness be noâ— discovered thereon 1 Tim 2.9 Let womâ—n adorn themselves with modest apparel wâ—th shâ—mefaâ—ednesse and sobâ—â—eâ—y So much of the former means of preserving Chastity the laâ—er is Wedlock Wedlock is an indissoluble conâ—unction of one man with one woman by lawful consent instituted for Gods glory the good of the parties so conjoyned The RULES I. Marrige is not onely grounded on the Law of Nature and of Nations but also on the Law of God for it was instituted and commanded by God and was by Christ vindicated from abuses and corruptions Gen. 1.28 2.22 Matth 19.8 c. II. Neither is it made rashly or without Gods particular providence Prov. 19.14 Avereuous woman is from the Lord. III. The proximate efficient cause is lawfull consent IV. This consent is both of the parents and of the parties to be married V. In respect of time the consent of parents should go before for the preservation of filial reverence Exod. 22.17 If the Father refuse to give her Deut. 7.3 Thou shalt not give thy Son to any of their daughters neither shalt thou take any of their daughters for thy son Jer. 29.6 Take you wives for your sons and give your daughters to husbands By the events we finde that marriages made without consent of Parents prove oft-times unhappy VI But in Law the consent of the parties to be married is of greatest force The reason is because if there be not a cojugal consent there would be no love nor mutual-benevolence and consequently no marriage Therefore as it belongs to filial reverence to require the Parents consent in the first place so it is the part of fatherly love not to debarre tyrannically their children from honest matches nor to force them being unwilling to mary Therefore the marriage is not nullified because the Parents do not consent to it unlesse the parties to be married be under yeares or some other weighty causes do hinder But if Parents have not sufficient causes either of hindring or forcing the marriage yet their consent must not therefore be sleighted but Magistrates Ministers and Friends shall do well to put Parents in mind of their duty that at least they may give their consent VII As consent should be free from coaction so should it be also from fraud Divers frauds are used in making of matches which either concern the Person so Iacob was cozened by taking Leah instead of Rachel or the chastity of either as if a man should ignoraÌ„tly marry her that had lost her maidenhead or their estates as if one should be made believe that his Bride were rich or nobly descended The first kinde of fraud dissolves the marriage for Iacob might have repudiated Leah because there was no consent given before As for the second kind it is Moses his
verdict Deut. 22. that suâ—h a woman should be held for an adulteresse and stoned to death but our usual custom is that if the man had carnal commere with the woman he is to retain her But the third kinde of fraud doth not dissolve the marriage VIII If there be an absolute consent given it is called a contract in the present but if with condition of Parents consent dowry c. it is call'd a contract for the future The first kind of consent is the true beginning of the present marriage the later makes not marriage except the condition required be kept or else when impatient of staying for the accomplishing of it there be carnal commerce IX The matter of wedlock are the parties to be married in whom we are 1. To consider their Number 2 Their Age 3. Their neernesse in blood c. 4. Their Religion X. As for the Number Marriage is of one Male and one Female hence Bygamie and Polygamie are condemned The reasons are 1 Because bygamie polygamie are repugnant to the 1. institâ—tion whereby God joyned to one Adam but one Woman not two nor more Ge. 2 2. Because it is repugnant to the restrauratioÌ„ of the Law given by God in the beginning Man shaâ—l cleave to his wife they two shall be one which restauration was done by Christ Mat. â—9 5. And they that were two are made one flâ—sh 3 Because a wicked man was the inventâ—r of bygamy polygamie for the first that had two wâ—ves was Lamech 〈◊〉 4 4. Because true peace polygamie cannot consist as Iacobs example shâ—wâ—th Gen. 30. Elkanahs 1 Saâ— Now albeit God at first tolerated Concubinate Bygamie yet he did not therfore approve it for the contrary appears by Christs words above ciâ—ed that place in Le. 18.18 aâ— Iunius â—â—aÌ„st resit planly foâ—biâ—s poligamy XI Convenient age is required for procreation sake for Oeconomical prudence for the honour of such a holy institution XII By what degrees of neernesse marriage is hindred See Levit. 18. XIII This is either Consanguinity or Affinity that is of them who come from the same common stock this is either of the Wife with the Husband or of the Husband with the Wives kindred Properly there is no affinity between the kindred of the Husband and Wife XIV In these we must observe the degrees and line the degree is the distance frâ—m the stock or common Parent the line is the series order of the degrees either among the ascendents and descendents and this is called the right line or among the collaterals and this is called the transverse line and it is named either equall or unequall The degrees and line are chiefly considered in Consanguinity but in Affinity by way of analogy for in what degree one is neer in blood to his Wife in the same is she in affinity to the Husband XV. The degrees of marriage are not to be judged by the Canon law because the Pope advancing himself above every power adds degrees not prohibited to those which God hath prohibited and for mâ—ny dispenseth with those degrees which God hath prohibited expressely but out of Lev. 18. and Deut. 27. XVI In the streight line of ascendents and descendents there is a perpetual hinderance of marriage Hence if Adam were alive he could not marry any other but Eve nor she to any other Husband besides Adam XVII In the equal collateral line by divine right the Brother Sister in Consanguinity are debarred from marriage the Husband also and Sister of his deceased Wife or the Wife and Brother of the deceased Husband The law of God doth not disallow the marriages of Cosin-German by the Fathers and Mother side but the Canon Law doth and so do the Statutes of other Common-wealths as that of Basil. The reason of this is that with the greater reverence we might abstain from the degrees prohibited by God XVIII In the unequal collateral line they cannot marry who are in stead of Parents who are collaterally joyned to the stock or their Superiours Therefore the Nephew cannot marry with either Aunts nor the Neece with either Vncles As for Affinity mariage with the Wives Sister or with the Husbands Brother is forbid by the Law of nature in others affinity doth not extend it self so largely the Husband should abstain from the Wives kinswoman but not the Husbands kinsman from the Wives kindred on the contrary Therefor two Brothers may marry with two Sisters the Father the Son with the mother the Daughter but not the Father with the Daughter or Son with the Mother for so the order of nature should be perverted Son-in law also may marry with Daughters in-law but the Father and Son cannot marry two Sisters for one of them should be Mother-in-law to the other XIX Regard must be had of Religion that marriages be not made between those of different Religions It is one thing to speak of a marriage already made and of that which is to be made of the former the Apostle speaks 1 Cor. 7.3 but the other is most severely prohibited Exod. 34.12 and. 16 c. Deut. 7.3 where a reason is added taken from the danger of seducing to which Pauls saying agrees 2 Cor. 6.14 Be ye not unequally yoked with the wicked Sad examples we have of the events of such mariages of the first World Gen. 6â— of Solomon 1 King 11. of Ahab 1 King 21.15 of Iehosaphat who married Ahabs Daughter to his Son Ioram who was seduced by her 2 King 8. Of Valence the Emperor who by his Wife was seduced and drawn to Arianisme XX. The form of marriage consists in the mutual benevolence of the married couple under which word we understand mutual love help comfort and such like See 1 Cor. 7.3 4 5. Ephes. 5 22 c. 1 Tim. 2 8. 1 Pet. 3.1 5. c. XXI Although the rite of publique consecration is not expressely commanded by God yet it is religiously observed among Christians XXII The cheif end of marriage is Gods glory the subordinate is natural or adventitious natural is that for which marriage was at first instituted to wit for procreation of Children and for mutual help the adventitious is that now since our nature is corrupted it may be a help to preserve chastity and modesty XXIII The precept of marriage is not simply necessary nor doth it tye all men but binds them only who out of marriage cannot live chastly and therefore in a manner seem to be made for marriage Mat. 19 â—1 All 〈◊〉 take this saying but c. XXIV Therefore as marriage is honorable so it becomes all orders among men Impâ—ously then do the Papists for bid the Priest to marry That it is honourable in it self is plain by the Apostles saying Hâ—b 13.4 marriage is honourable in all by the divine instâ—tution of it in the state of innocency Gen. 2. by the defending of it from abuses Mat. 19. by Christ honouring
tâ—e Master of the house shall he brought unto the Iudgeâ— to see wâ—ether he hath not put his hand to his neighbours goods The same Law follows ver 10 11. concerning the Asse Oxe and small Cattle he that receives a Pawn let him take heed he do not receive onâ— of a poor body or retain that pawn which the poor man cannot be without Exo. 22.26 If thou take thy neighbours raimâ—nt to pledge thou shalâ— deliver it to him by that the Sun goeâ—h down for that is his covering onely Deut. 24.6 No man shâ—ll take the nether or upper Mâ—â—stone â—o pledge for he taketh a mans lâ—fe to pleâ—g and vers 10. when thou doest lend thy brother any thing thou shaâ—t not go into his house to fetch his pledge thou shaâ—t stand abroad and the man to whom thou doest lend shall bring out the pledge abroad to thee Ezek. 18 7. And hath not oppressed any but haâ—h restored to the debtor his pledge So much of Justice Beneficence is whereby we help our neighbour with our means freely This vertue is call'd liberality in lesser gifts in greater Magnificence in relation to the poor alms to banished men strangers hospitality To this the Scripture invites us 1 By command Luke 6.38 Give c. 2. By the example of holy men yea of God himself who is the Fountain of all goodnesse Luk. 6.36 Be you merciful as your father is merciful 3. By most sweet promises Luke 6 38. Give and 〈◊〉 shall be given to you c. Especially by promising life eteâ—al Matth. 25.34 35 Come ye blessed of my Father c. I was â—ungâ—y and ye gave me food c. To this is opposite the neglect of bounty as also basenes hard-heartednesse and unseasonable bounty c. See above cap. 8. So much of Vertues as they have reference to others the vertues which have respect to our selves are Contentation Parsimonie and Industry 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or Contentation is a Virtue whereby man contents himself with his own condition and with the estate which he hath justly got 1 Tim 6 6. Godlines is greaâ— gain with conâ—entment To this is opposite unbelieving care concerning the sustaining of this life covetousnesse and a loathing of ones present condition Parsimonie or frugality is a vertue wherby we so moderate our expences that we spend not but what is needful reserve the remainder for future uses We must aime at this 1. Because commanded Joh. 6.12 Gather up the fragments that remain that nothâ—ng be lost 2. Becausâ—â—t is a remedy against poverty a mean to exercise our bounty To this are opposite too much sparing and profusenesse Industry or love of labour or the care of getting means honestly is a Vertue whereby one gets an estate by honest labours that he may be the better enabled to live comfortably to himself and to others This was injoyned in Paradâ—se Gen. 3 19. the same is commended by Paul Eph 4.28 He that stâ—â—e let him steal no moâ—e but rather let him labour working with his hands the things that is good that he may have to gâ—ve to him that 〈◊〉 To this are opposite Idleness and a disordered life dishonest wayes of gaining Usury Dice Mercenarie souldiery and other wayes of getting wealth by right and wrong See what is said of the idle Prov. 6.1 c. and 12.11 and Eccl. 4.1 2. The rest appear out of what is said before CHAP. XIII Of Vertue and Works belonging to the Ninth Commandment HAving spoken of our duty towards our own and neighbours estate now followes that we speak of our duty toward our own and neighbours fame in the ninth precept The summe whereof is that we preserve our own and neighbours fame and good name This precept is negative and Synecdochical for under the phrase of false witnesse is understood every thing wherby our own and neighbours fame or estimation is hurt hence is collected an affirmative precept That we study to preserve our own and our neighbours fame The vertues of this precept are also two-fold some have relation to our neighbour some to our selves those which have respect to our neighbour are truth and sincerity Truth it is a vertue whereby we are bent to know those things that be true to utter or signifie the things known as they are Zach. 8.16 Ephes. 4.25 Let every man speak truth to his neighbour To these in the defect are opposite the neglect of truth and naughty dissembling but in the excesse lying and false witnesse Sincerity is a vertue whereby we deal plainly and ingenuously with our neighbour acknowledging Gods gifts in him taking in good part his sayings and doings not giving rash credit to doubtful evils in him but concealing his known evils or making the best construction of then To this divers sins are opposite to wit evil suspitions curiosity in prying into our neighbors faults not out of any desire to amend them but to calumniate calumnies themselves and flattery To Truth and Sincerity as to the chief vertues are subservient Faith Gravity Silence Gentleness Curtesie and Freedome of speech Faith or fidelity is a constancy in our words and deeds This is called sincerity Eph. 4 15. Carrying your selves sincerely in love for so the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is translated by the best Interpreters To this is opposite the double tongue when a man speaks one thing thinks or doth another Imprudent simplicity when a thing is rashly promised before the matter be sufficiently tryed also counterfeit simplicity and fidelity Gravity is wâ— h uttereth nothing but what is welâ— weighed savoring of Christian wisdom tending to edification Col. 4.6 Let your speech be seasoned with grace and salt that you may know how to answer every man Opposite to this is idle pratling foolish speaking counterfeit gravity Silence is a vertue which faithfully conceals secrets committed to it Mat 18 15 But if thy brother trespasse against thee go reprove him between thee him alone To this is opposite perfidiousness wherby secrets are revealed naughty silence whereby things are concealed that should not be concealed Gentleness is a vertue whereby we shew our selves affable 1 Pet. 3 8. Finaly be ye all of one minde one suffer with another love as brethâ—en be pitifull be courteous To this is oppâ—site Peevishnesse and counterfeit gentlenesse Courtesie in speech is whereby our words are seasoned with honest mirth wit with a good decorum or grace To this is opposite Rusticity when one can neither utter witty jests himselfe nor with patience hear them Scurrility also and Dicacitie or biting jests and scoffs Ephes. 5.4 Neither filâ—hinesse noâ— foolish talking nor jesting which are things not comely Freedome of speech is a vertue by which we speak the truth and reprove offenders without fear of danger Levit. 19.17 Thou shalt
hope as it is a verâ—ue we have spokâ—n before 1 Cor. â—3 7 Love suffereth all things believeth all things hopeth all things c. Phil. 1 7. To this is opposite disordered hope when we place more trust in our selves and neighbours than is fit Jeâ— 17.5 Cursed is he that putteth his trust in man Ordered fear is whereby we walk carefully neither trusting too much our selves or others Prov. 14 8. The wisdome of the 〈◊〉 to understand his way To this is opposite disordered fear whereby man fears himself and others too much Mat 10.28 Fear not them that can kill 〈◊〉 body c. Ordered anger is whereby we are offended or displeased with our selves or others upon â—ust cause yet moderately and with hope of amending Ephes. 4.26 Be angry but sin not To this is opposite inordinate anger whereby we are incensed upon light causes or more than is fit or when we intend private revenge Jam 1.20 For the wrath of man worketh nâ—t the righteousnesse of God So much of the ordering of concupiscence Wrestling against tentations and the assaults of an evil conscience is whereby a Christian man denies an evil conscience crucifying his flesh with the lusts thereof and against the assaults of the flesh the devill and the world watcheth and stoutly fighteth There are many reasons that induce us to wrestle stoutly 1. Because the Scripture forbids evil desires lusts Prov. 6.25 1 Cor. 10.6 Gal. 5.16 â—6 Col. 3.5 1 Thes 4 â— 2 Because he that is given to lustâ— loves nor God 1 Ioh 2 15 16. 3 Bâ—cause lusts in regenerate men aâ—e hatefull 2 Gal. 5.16 17. 4. Because they stir up the wrath of God Col. 3. v. 5 6. 5. Because the Apostle furnâ—sheth us with the whole armour of God against them Eph 6 Invisible lusts are oveâ—come by us saith Austin 6. Because the fiâ—e of lusts is most huâ—tfull and breaks out into most sad events Scâ—ipture is full of examples there was never yet any sin committed which did not spring â—â—om evil lust To this is opposite carnal security whereby man flatters his own flesh whereby he willingly entertaineth lusts whereby he gives himself to idleness and sloth which is the devils cushion whereby he omits holy exercises whereby he burdens his soul with intemperance covetousness and such like vices There are three deâ—rees of our wrestling against lusts to wit against suggestion delight and assent To understand these degrees that of Iames helps c. 1.14 c. Every man is tempted when he is drawn away of his own lust and enâ—iced then when lust hath conceived it bringeth forth sin and sin when it is finâ—shed bâ—ingeth forth dâ—ath We must then first resist suggestions thoughts which are either ascending from the fewel of concupâ—scence or descending beâ—ng suggested elswhere the fiâ—st are not without sin the latter are not sins being cast in by Satan if so â—e we let them passe and entertain them not But if we cannot avoid the first degree let uâ— shun the second lest we come to cherish evil thoughts with delight But we must chiefly beware of the third degree that we give not our assent For the more we obey the sinne of concupiscence the more it increaseth Which that we may more and more avoid wâ— beseech God the Father in his Sonne through the holy Ghost to which one God in Trinity he praise honour and glory for ever and ever Amen FINIS * A. R. Divinity is more speculative than practical because it principally handles divine things and in the second place humane actions But as it is a practical science it is the most noble of all practical sciâ—nces because the end of it is beatitude to which the ends of all other sciences are ordained Divinity also may be called wisdom or sapientia because it considers the chiefest of all Causes not only as He is known by his effâ—cts but as He is known in himself also * A. R. He means that which is called principium cognoscendi which is the first instrument by which we come to know the end and media of Divinity and out of which all the precepts of Divinitâ— are concluded But there is another principle of Divinity which is called principium effendi that is God * A. R. The knowledge we have of God here is nominal not real 2. Confused not distinct 3. From his effects à posteriori 4. By way of nâ—gation we know what he is not rather than what he is 5. By way of eminenciâ— we know that what perfection is in the creature is more eminently in him 6. By the motions of things we gaâ—her there must be a chief mover 7. From the degrees of entity truth and goodnesse in the creatures we collect that there must be one chief entity truth goodnessâ— c 〈◊〉 From the possibilities and contingencies that are in all things we inferre there must be one cheif necesssary entity * A. R. There is no composition in God neither Physical nor Logical nor Metaphysical because in him there is no priority nor posteriority as in composition where the compositum is posterior to the parts compounding 2. In composition there is act and possibility but God is all act 3. In composition the parts differ from the compositum but in God there is no difference 4. There is no composition in the form but God is a most simple form 5. Whatsoever is compounded hath a cause of that composition but in God there is no cause * A. R. Whereas to understand is to comprehend the thing understood God doth not properly understand that is comprehend himself for so he should be less than himself but he understands himself negatively that is he is not ignorant of himself * A. R. There is in God a twofold power the one absolute the other ordinary by that he can do all that may be done by this he can do onely those things which his justice and will commands to be done * A. R. Though this name Person be common to all the three yet it is not predicated as genus or species because the Persons of the Trinity differ not numeâ—ically much lesse essentially as they must of which genus and species are predicated * A. R. The number numbring may be understood essentially God or the Soul or an Angel for so Plato calls the soul a number or number numbring may be taken accidentally for those discreet quantities which we call numbers as two three four and in this sense the Trinity is not the number 〈◊〉 because this is an accident * A. R. The Son is from the Father not as an effâ—ct from the cause for that were to infer a priority 2. A dependency 3. A diversity of substances in the Trinity but he is from the Father as the understanding is from the soul the River from the spring or the thing proceeding from its original a Act. 2.23 b Act. 4.28 c Eph. 1.9 Nâ—w this is called his Eternal
withal our mortification so the rising out of the water is a shadow of his resurrectiâ—n our spiritual vivification 2. Water is a cheap and common element therefore obvious and easily obtained 3. In the beginning the spirit moved on the waters and was the cause of generation so in the baptism of water and the spirit is effected our regeneration 4. Water washeth away the filth of the body so doth baptism the spots of the soul. I will pour upon you clear water and you shall be cleansed from all your iniquities Ezek. 36. by this water Eph. 5. Christ cleanseth his Church 5. Water quencheth the thirst of the body so doth Baptism the thirst of the soul. 6. water cooles the heat of the body so doth baptism the beat of Gods wrath the fire of our lusts 7. Baptism is the Sacrament of illumination Hâ—b 6 4 10.32 Therefore 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to illuminate is used for baptising and bapâ—â— sm is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 illumination and the dayes of baptisme weâ—e caâ—led the dayes 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of light Now water is a diapharâ—nt â—ody by which light is transmitted to us so â—s mental illumination by the water of baptiâ—m in which now we are not dipped but besprinkled which is all one for the gâ—fts of the Spirit are expressed by the sprinkling of clear water in Ezekiel and by the sprinkliâ—g of water in the old purifications and by the sprinkling of the Lambs blood in the Passeover to which the Apostle alludes Heb. 10. having our hearts besprinkled from an evill conâ—cience a Mat. 18.15 16 17. If thy brother should trespass against thee go tell him his fault between thee and him alone if he shall hear thee thou hast gained thy brother but if he will not hear thee then take with thee one or two more that in the mouth of one or two witnesses every word may be established and if he shall neglect to hear them tell it unto the Church but if he shall neglect to hear the Church c. b Mat. 7.6 Give not that which is holy unto dogs nor cast your pearls before swine c 1 Cor. 5.5 Let such a man he delivered over to Satan to the destruction of the flâ—sh that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Iesus d 1 Cor. 16.22 If any man love not the Lord Iesus Christ let him be Anathema Maranatha 1 Joh. 5.16 There is a sin unto death I do not say he shall pray for it a Ezech. 36.26 I will give you a new heart and I will put a new spirit in the midst of you and I will take away the heart of stone and will put in you a heart of flâ—sh 2 Cor. 4.6 God who commanded the light to shine out of darkness hath shined in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Iesus Christ. b Joh. 3.3 If a man be not born again he cannot see the Kingdom of God c Joh. 6.44 None can come to me except the Father draw him d Joh. 6.45 It is written in the Prophets they shall be all taught of God whosoever theâ—fore haâ—h heard of the Father and hath learned cometh unto me e â—oh 5.25 Verily verily I say unto you the time cometh and now is when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God and they that hear it shall live * A. R. The Pelagians absurdly teach that by grace is meant our natural abilities This is true if we take grace in that strict sence as it is used in Scripture for the grace of vocation justification or salvation by Christ which is no part effect or property of nature but altogether different from nature for by nature we are the fons of wrath saith the Apostle But by grace we are saved saiâ—h the same Apostle by grace I am what I am saith he not I but the grace of God with me 1 Cor. 15.10 without me saith Christ you can do nothing What have we which we have not received Of our selves we cannot think a good thought saith Saint Paul Here nature and grace aâ—e distinct yet in a large extent grace may be called natural and nature may be called grace The fiâ—st is plain because whatsoever perfects nature may be called natural and such is grace 2. Whatsoever is in nature as in its subject is natural but so is grace for nature is the subjâ—ct of grace 3. Whatsoever we bring into the world with our nature is called natural Thus sin is natural and hereditary diseases are natural because we bring them with us So Adams original justice is called natural and so are all Angelical perfections because they were created with them So the sannctification of those in Scripture who were sanctified from the womb may be called natural Again nature may he called grace for whatsoever is not of due debt is of grace such is nature and all natural powers and actions for it is of grace that we live move and have our being in God who is the prime and universal cause without Whose influence the second subordinate causes cannot work and therefore â—ven for the actions and faculties of nature as eating drinking sleep life health c. we are bound to give thanks and to beg their continuance and preservation to which duty we are not tied if these be of debt and not of grace But saving grace is distinguished from nature as the garment from the body the one may be lost without the other And so when the Fathers speak of Adam's original justice they say he lost his garment and was stripp'd naked a 1 Tim. 1.19 Holding faith and a good conscience which some having put away coâ—cerning faith have made ship-wrack b Jam. 2.19 Thou believest there is one God thou doest well the Devils also believe tremble This faith then whâ—ch consisteth in a bare assent iâ— common to the Elect and Reprobate c Matth. 13.20 He that reciveth the seed into stony places the same is he that heareth the word and â—â—on with joy receiveth it yet hath he not root c. d Mat. 17.20 if you had faith but as a grain of mustard seedâ— you would say to this mountain remove hence to yonder place and it would remove This hath been given for a certain time even to Reprobates as we see by Iudas who had this gift of miracles with the rest of the Apostles Matth. 10.8 e Saving faith which is proper to the Elect is that which we defined a Psal. 34.14 Isa. 55.7 b Eph. 2.1 Col. 3 9 10. c Rom 6.2 c. Gal. 2.20 a Of that day and hour knoweth no man not â—he Angels of heaven excepâ— my Father only Mat. 13. 32. Nor the Son himself but the Father alone 1 Thess. 5. 1. 2 c. concerning the times and seasons brethren it is not needfull that I write unto you for you your selves know well that
found faithfull c This Theft is called sacriledge Pro. 20.25 It is a snare to the man who dâ—voureth that which is holy c. An example of this in Achan Jos. 7. and in Iudas Ioh 12.6 d Prov. 22.28 Râ—mâ—ve not â—he ancienâ— boundâ— whiâ—h thy Fathers have set e â—am 5.4 Behold the hire of the labourers which have reaped your fields which is of you kept back by fraud câ—yâ—th a Act. 8.20 Thy money perish with theâ— who thinkest the gift of God may be obtained with moâ—y saith Peter to Simon Magus therefore they are not followers of Simon Peter but of Simon Magus who make Merchandise of holy things Like to those are they who sell Law and Justice and Offices and such like b As when chaf or such like trash is mingled with Wheat and Water with Wine Amos 8.6 That we may sell the refuse of the Wheat c, Deut. 25.13 Thou shalâ— not have in thy bag divers weights Amos 8.5 Making the Ephaâ— small and the Shekel great and falsifying the ballances by deceâ—â— d Amos 8 6. Thaâ— they may buy the poor for silver e These are like wanton sheep who when they are filled tread the remaining fodder under their feâ—t Ezâ—k 34.18 f Prov 20 14. It is naught saiâ—h the buyer but when he is gone he praiâ—eth himself g Psal. 37.21 The wicked borroweth and payeth not againe a God of old forbad the Jews to exact a price of their brethren Exod. 22 25 So Christ Lukâ— 6.35 Lend looking for nothing again Which rule is then in force when our neighbour estate is so mean thâ—t he is not able to pay b 2 Cor. 8.3 Not that others may be eased and you burthened and on the contrary c Experience witnâ—sseth how hurtful this kind of injustice is d Hither belongs the sin of stell onaâ—e or couznage when one selâ— or pawns â—hat which is alrâ—ady pawned or morgaged to another a Thâ—s is excellently refuted by that famous Sermon of Christs Mat 6.25 c. b Covetousness is far worse than excessive care for a covetous man the more he hath the more he desires and heaps therefore this vice which is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a desire or heaping up of too much 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the love of money is to be avoided 1. Bâ—cause â—t is forbid by Christ Luke 12 â—5 Bâ—waâ—e of covetousnesse 2. Bâ—cause it is idolatry Matth. 6.24 Col. 3.5 Eph. 5 15. 3. Because it is the root of all evil 1 Tim. 6 1â— c Jude v. 16 These are murmurers complainers But Paul knew how to want how to abound Phil. 4 12. Heb. 13.5 a Psa. 58.4 c. Their poison is like the pâ—yson of a Serpent like the dâ—af Adder that stoppeth his â—ars b Not every dissimulation is culpable for we are not forced still to speak the truth as shall appear in what followes but that dissimulation is understood when we conceal the truth to the prejudice of Gods glory and of our neighbour c A lye is when a false thing is signified by words or deeds with a purpose to deceive By this definition it appears 1 That Schemes Metaphorâ— Allegories and such like are not lies seeing the truth of them depends not from fictions but from the similitude they have with true things the same reason is of Ironies which are used not to deceive but to instruct such were used by Elâ—jah 1 King 18 and by Micaiah 1 King 22.2 That it is one thing to speak an untruth another to lye for one may speak an untruth by relating other mens sayings or by speaking that which he thinks to be true but he lyeth who utters a falshood either by word or gesture or any other way purposely to deceive 3. That dissembling deceits and stratagems in War are not lies so there be not perfiâ—iousnesse and perjury jâ—yned Thâ— distinction of lyes into officious jocond and pernicious shâ—wes only thâ—s that one lye is more grievous then another however no lye is excusable but by all means must be avoided both because its most severely forbid by God who is Truth it self Zach. 8 16. as also because it is a diabolical sin Ioh. 8.44 to whom the punishment must be added that is prepared for liers Psal. 5.6 Thou wilt destroy theâ— that speak lies d A false witnesse is made either out of the place and time of judicature or in judgment by the judge or by the parties in suite or by the Lawyers or by else witnessâ—s Concerning which God hath made a most severe Lawâ— Deut. 19.16 c. If a false witnâ—sse rise up against any man to testifie against him that which is wrong then both the men between whom the conâ—roversy is shal stand beforâ— the Lord before the Priests and Iudges that shall be in those dayes and the Judges shall make diligent anquisition and behold if the witnesse shall bâ— a false witnesse and hath testified faâ—sly against his brother then shall ye do to him as he thought to have done to his brother c. a Phil. 2 3. In lowlines of mind â—et each esteem others better than themselves b 1 Cor. 13 7. Charity believeth all things hopeth all things c 1 Cor. 13 5. Charity thinks not evil d Pro. 10 12. Hatred stirreth up strife buâ— love covereâ—h all sins e Mat. 7.1 Iudge not best ye be judged c. a 1 Tim. 6 4. Whereof cometh envy strife raiâ—ings evil surmisings c. examples are in Eli 1 Sam. 2. in Saul 1 Sam. 22. in Hanâ—n and Courtiers 2 Sa. 10. in the people of Melita Act. 28. b Luk. 6.14 What doest thou seek the moâ—e that is in thy brothers eye but doest not observe the beam that is in thine own eye c Calumnies arise either by spreading lies of our neighbor Exod. 23 1. Thou shalt not raise a fals report put not thine hand with the wicked to be an unrightous witnesse or by making a malicious constrâ—ction of our neighbors words and deeds Matt 26 61. This fellow said I can destroy the temple of God and raise it up again in three daies or by speaking the truth but purposly to hurt our neighbor 1 Sam. 22.9 Then Answered Doâ—g the Edomite which was set over Sauls servants and said I saw the son of Jesse comming to Nob to Abimilech the son of Ahitub and he enquired of the Lord for him he gave him victuals and the sword of Goliah the Philistine Basil saith well that a calumniator hurts three persons at one time for he wrongs the party whom he calumniates hâ— wrongâ— the heaâ—ers by possessing them with a lye he wounds his own conscience So Bernard to the same purpose saith The calumniator or backbiter and the hearer both of them have the Devil the one in his tongue the other in his ears d Prov. 27.6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend but the kisse of an enemy are deceipâ—full a Psal. 12.2 Truth hath failed amongst
OAths what 358 how manifold ib c. of whom and how to be performed why to be kept 359 c. being offered their refusal 391. Obstinacie in evil 321. Opinion of wisdome 318. PArsimony 414. Patience 328. Pawns vide Pledges Peâ—fidiousnesse 420. Perjury 361 c. Perseverance of the Saints 274 Perseverance in sin 327 Persons of the Deity what 21 their trinity and unity 28 29 c. how Person and Subsistence differ 21 c. person of Christ how considered 1â—3 Pledges to be taken or restored 412 c. Polytheisme or multiplicity of gods 3â—3 Pratling 420. Self-praise 422. Prayer what 336. its parts ib. its impulsive causes ib the Lords prayer a perfect form ib c. for whom against whom we must pray 338. c. Externall gesture in prayer 339. Predestination what 38 39 c. whether absolute ib. the means of its execution 41. Priest of the old Law 99. The High-Priests ornaments ib c. Popish Priests 148. Presciâ—nce and Predetermination how different 43. Profusenesse 414. Promptitude in Gods service 321. Propitiatory 103 Providence of God eternal 33. actual 56 c. How it differs from Fate 57. How it useth sin 58 Prudence 318 c. REdemptions necessiâ—y by the Law Verity by the Gospel 90 Redeemer who 1â—9 Why God and Man 115 116 c. Regeneration diversly taken 270 Rejoycing in evill 377 True Religion what 329. c. Its Antiquity 331. If to be defended by Armes 333. The word Religion diversly taken 330. Reformation of Religion 333. If the Reformers were lawfully called 219 c Reliques vide Idols Worship Repentance 327 Good Report 423 Reprobation and its causes 43 c. Resurrection of the dead 291. c. Desire of Revenge 391 Reverence to Superiours 382 Rusticity 421 SAbbath its Sanctification 367. It s Profanation 371. Sacraments before the fall 68 Sacraments of the New Testament clerer than of the Old 185. c. Fâ—ve Popish Sacraments 187. Sacramental phrases 180 c. Sacraments how differing from the word 183 c. Sacraments of the Old and New Testament their difference 185 c. Union of the sign and thing in Sacraments 178. Signes in the Sacraments of four sorts 179 c. Sacrifices of the old Testament what and how many 103 c. The Masse contrary to Christs Sacrifice 148 231 c. Assurance of Salvation 274 276 c. Sanctification what 269 The causes of Sanctification 270. Sanctification of Gods name 355 Scripture or Word of God unwritten and written 3 c. Scriptures Divinity 5. It 's Authority ib. It 's Perfection 10. Translation 11. Meaning and sence 12 Scurrility 421 Carnal Security 326 Sedulity vide Diligence Self-sufficiency 413 Silence 420 Simplicity fained 419 Sinne what whence how manifold 72 c First Sin 74. Sin origâ—nal 77 〈◊〉 actual 23 Sâ—n against the Holy Ghost 84 Sincerity 417 Sloth 387 Sobriety 395 Soul of man its original 52. its immortality and faculties 55 Stars their creation and use 49 c. Spiritual Stupidity 356 Superstition 354 The Lords Supper 197 its difference from Baptism 201. The Cup to be given to the people 198. Tropes in the words of the holy Supper 182 200. THe Tabernacle Its parts 101 c. Temperance 394 Testament old and new vide Covenant Theft what and how manâ—fold 407 c Holy Times 105. c. Tree of Knowledge what 68 Truth 416 Tyranny 386 c. VIgilancie 396 c VVatchings superstitious ib. Unmercifulness 377 Voracity 395 A Vow what and how manifold 341 c. Usury lawful unlawful 411 c. WAr how lawful 392. c. VVatching vid. Vigilancie Wisdome 317 c False witnesse 416 c Word of God vide Scripture VVorks of God how manifold 3â— Good works what 312 if they justifie 265 c if performed by the irregenerate 79 and 315 how necessary to salvation 316. Christs works of mediation 117 126 130 c. works of supererogation 313 c. The World its end 301 The true worship of God 334 Ready Worship 321 Worship of â—dols 349 c. Adoration of the Host 351 Worshiping of Reliques 352. vide Idolatry VVill-worship 343 ZEal for the glory of God 256. The Anatomy of the Body of Divinity Divided into XIV TABLES TAB I. DIVINITY speaks of God as he is to be 1. Known Book I. 1. In himself in regard of 1. His Essence Chap. 1. p. 14. by his 1 Names p. 15. 2. Properties p. 16. 1. Incommunicable p. 17. Such are his 1. Simplicity 2. Infinity 2. Communicable in analogicall effects p. 18. As his 1. Life 2 Will. 3 Power 2. The Persons Chap. 2 p. 21. their 1. Number 1. Father 2. Son 3. Holy Ghost p. 22 23 proved 1. In General p. 23. 24. 2. Particularly proving the deity of the 1. Son p. 25 26. 2. Holy Ghost p. 26 27. 2. Difference p. 28. in respect of their 1. order 2. properties 3. manner of operation 3. Agreement p. 29. in the same 1 Essence 2. Equality Vnion or Cohabitation 2. In his works cap. 3. p. 30. which are 1. Essentiall Both referred to objects 2. Personall Both referred to objects 1. Inward 2. Outward p. 32. which are 1. Immanent Whereto belongs Gods Decrees p. 32 considered 1. Absolutely p. 33. 2. In reference to the Creatures 2. Transient of boâ—h See Tab II. 2. Worshipped Book 2. See the IX and following Table TAB II. The outward works of God are 1. Immanent his decree cap. 4. p. 38. 1. Of all things called his eternal providence 2 Of reasonable creatures 1 Angels 2 Men called Predestination p. 38. consisting of 1. Election p 39. 2. Râ—probation ibid. 2. Transient 1 The Creation in six dayes c. 5. p. 46. Chiefâ— 1. Angels p. 51. 2. Men. p. 52. 2. Actual Providence c. 6. p. 56. 1. General by which all things are preserved and governed 1. Good by effecting them p. 57. 2. Evil p. 58. by 1. Permitting 2. Directing 3. Determining them 2. Special which doth chiefly appear in The government of 1. Angels c. 7. p. 61 1. Good p. 62. 2. Evil. p. 63. 2. Men. See Tab. III. TAB III. Gods special Providence in governing man is considerable in respect of a fourfold estate of 1. Innocencie c. 8. p. 67. where 1. The Covenant of Works p. 68. confirmed by a double Sacrament the tree of 1. Life 2. Knowledge of good and evil 2. Mans happie condition in respect of his 1. Soul p. 69. 2. Bodie p. 71 3. Dominion over the inferior Creatures ibid. 2. Miserie which is in respect of 1. Offence or sin c. 9.10.11 Either 1. The disobedience of our fiâ—st Parents c 9. p 73 2. Derived from the fiâ—st which is 1. Original c. 10. p. 77. Whereof Free-will p. 82. 2. Actual c. 11. p 83. Where of the dâ—verse kinds of Actual Sin ibid. 2. Punâ—shment or those other miseries which follow sin c 12. p. 86. which is either 1. Temporal 2. Eternal And both either 1. Corporal 2. Spiritual