i Rom. 4.17 enabled to do what it s exhorted to do Ps 27.8 My heart answered thy face Lord wil I seek k Rom. 6.17 ye haue obeyed from the heart that forme of doctrine into the which you were deliuered The phrase seemes purposely chosen to expresse the efficacie of diuine doctrine in the hearts of his children as if they were cast into it as into a mould and came forth bearing the stampe and figure of it See 2 Cor. 3.18 Vse Say not now in thy heart who shall ascend into heauen to search those court roles whither thy name bee written in the Booke of life the word is neere thee euen in thy heart That if thou haue selt it such as Paul describes it Spirit and Life enabling to be and doe what it prescribes leauing impressions of holinesse mercy loue and such like heauenly properties as it selfe breathes thou maist rest assured of thy Calling and Election Blessed is that soule that discernes impressions of the Word and Spirit of God in it selfe It s sealed to the day of Redemption Ephes 4.30 Instrument of vocation our Gospell vnderstand not an Euangelicall storie written by Paul and his Associates as by Matthew and the rest But their preaching of the Gospell their publishing the glad tidings of remission of sinnes reconciliation with God saluation purchased by Christ to all beleeuers The Gospell is 1 Gods as the Author and sender of it 2 Christs as the matter and next reuealer of it out of the bosome of his Father He is the Angell of the Couenant 3 Pauls as l 1 Cor. 4.1 a dispenser amongst others of the mysteries it containes Our Gospell that is tropically our preaching of the Gospell That the instrument and meane of their of our vocation two things commended to our notice 1 the matter or quality of the doctrine whereby our effectuall calling is wrought its Gospell 2 The Act conuersant about it or the manner of propounding it when its powerfull to our calling that 's preaching Of the first that its Gospell and not Law Scriptures plentifully witnesse 1 That 's the m Rom. 1.16 17. power of God to saluation for it onely reueales the righteousnesse of God the meanes of reconcilement vnto him therefore stiled the n 2 Cor. 5.19 word of reconciliation 2 That o 2 Cor. 3.6 9. Spirit not Letter the ministration of the Spirit the ministery by which the Spirit giues life and ability to doe what it prescribes Howbeit in the conuersion of a sinner there is vse of the Law and that ministery of condemnation 1 to humble the soule swelling with conceit of righteousnesse by p Rom. 3.20 conuincing it of sinne 2 To make it q Rom. 7.9 sensible of miserie to which for sin its lyable 3 That so it may be our r Gal. 3.24 Schoolemaster to Christ preparatiue therefore it is to conuersion yet as Moses brought onely to the borders of the promised land Ioshuah set them in possession So the Law prepares vs a people to Christ the Gospell makes vs so Iohn 1.17 Of the second In what manner propounded Resp Preached vnto vs. What call we preaching Resp Not euery telling a faire tale in a pulpit or singing a piece of descant vpon a Text But the 1 opening and interpreting of the doctrine of the Gospell and 2 the applying of it to the state and vse of the hearers Compare these Scriptures Neh. 8.8 Luk. 24.27 32. Iob 33.23 2 Tim. 4.2 1 Cor. 14.24 25. Whither this be done publiquely e suggestu in the Congregation or in priuate Conference de Scripto or memoriter with a set Text or without matters not to the nature of preaching But that this is the meane ordinary of vocation the meane ordinary sine quo non Scriptures are plentifull Rom. 10.14 17. How shall they heare to belieue without a preacher 1 Cor. 1.21 It pleased God by foolishnesse of preaching to saue them that belieue Hence the charge so strict to Timothy deliuered with solemnest adiuration to preach the word 2 Tim. 4.1 2. and woe to vs to whom the dispensation is committed if we preach not the Gospell 1 Cor. 9. see also Ezech. 3.18 34.2 But is not reading the Scriptures to the people preaching Resp In large sense it is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a publike proclaiming of the word of God But shall we say that preaching which in strict sense Scripture so cals for shame when Paul bids Timothie preach the word meanes he read it distinctly see his owne explication and drawing that whole into parts 2 Tim. 4.2 when he commands to study to show himselfe approued a workman that needs not be ashamed ment he reading distinctly 2 Tim. 2.15 rather right diuiding the word When Christ ascended on high and gaue ſ Eph. 4.8 11. gifts to men fitting them to the worke of the ministerie in their seuerall degrees was this amongst their habiliments Mistake not as if I would vilifie publique Reading I know it Gods ordinance vsefull and efficacious to the ends whereto it s assigned And haue so farre expressed my iudgement in my rude notes on the former Epistle Howbeit would haue no man in loue of his ignorance or ouer-loue of ease so farre mistaken as to thinke he hath done the whole of that worthy that t 1 Tim 3.1 5.17 18. toylesome worke of the ministery when he hath read faire seruice vnto the people Nor be so erronious against sense as to thinke reading that kinde of preaching which Scripture makes instrument of effectuall calling Of Gods selecting it and separating it to this vse other Reason we can giue none saue his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 1 Cor. 1.21 Howbeit Congruence you may obserue 1 Cor. 14.25 2 Tim. 4 2. 2.15 And would you please seriously to view and compare Congregations wanting this meanes with those to which God hath granted constant preaching of his Truth the greatest Antipreacher shall be forced to see as great oddes as betwixt Sodome and Sion in her beautie betwixt ignorance and knowledge betwixt ciuility and sanctity betwixt corruption and grace betwixt the sonnes of God and the children of Belial Vse 1 On which ground I hope I may without presumption minde my reuerend Brethren of the Ministery of what Paul with solemnest adiuration chargeth vpon Timothie to u 2 Tim. 4.2 preach the word to be instant in season out of season 1 the * 3. itch of the eares hath infected the people that 's little 2 x Acts 20.29 Wolues enter or insideate not sparing the flocke 3 We watch for their soules as those that y Heb. 13.17 shall giue account 4 Bloud of soules cries lowder then that of Abel which yet God threatens to z Ezech. 3.18 require of vs in case of our negligence 5 a 1 Cor. 9.16 Ezech. 34.2 Woes are many to rouse vs with all comfortable promises many to animate and encourage 1 the b Mat 28.10 Lord shall
earth-worme Children that in nothing they finde perfect tranquilitie on earth I thinke that they may say as hee Here is not our Rest Besides the many euils they are here subiect vnto who can shew me the good of which he may say It s meum Knowledge mixt with Ignorance farre off I am sure from the beatificall vision faith with doubtings peace with trouble and no lesse then trouble of Conscience Wherefore all this but to nourish in vs perswasion to euidence there is a future Iudgement a life after this wherein we expect the blessednesse which stands in fruition of God the Crowne of Righteousnesse which God hath promised to all them that loue his appearing Vse Yet would God our Earthly-mindednesse made vs not too murmuring and quarelsome at this wholesome wisedome of God Ieremie holds the Conclusion q Ier. 12.1 God is righteous yet presumes to expostulate Dauid confesseth he waded so farre in the Question that his r Psal 73.2 foot-steps had welnigh slipt Salomon should haue had more wit yet sticks not to call it ſ Eccles 8.14 vanitie We in our furie grow halfe towards Atheists and sticke not to say its t Mal. 3.14 vaine to serue God so liue generally wallowing in euill scarsely besprinkling our selues with goodnesse as if we thought there is neither God nor Diuell Heauen nor Hell Iudgement nor Life to come after this Gods wisedome in this dispensation of outward things holds me with wonder his condescensus humbling himselfe to our Infirmitie so farre as herein to giue vs satisfaction no lesse then rauisheth me Of his tolerance of euill men with such patience and loading them with his benefits these Reasons that Maiestie is pleased to giue vs. 1 He would u Rom. 2.4 lead them to Repentance 2 Else depriue them of excuse 3 Or make way to their heauier damnation 4 Their * Gen. 15.16 sinnes are not full 5 He hath vse of them as of his x Isai 10.5.12 Rods to chasten the disobedience of his children 6 As Chrysostome to hammer out the Crowne for his Saints 7 Would by example teach vs to y 2 Tim. 2.24 beare th' euill men patiently 8 For pregnancie with a good childe respits the execution of the forlorne Parent Achaz for Hozekiah Besides sends vs to consider his secret and inuisible but fearefullest of all Iudgements those Spirituall 1. Blindnesse of minde 2 Hardnesse of heart 3 Horrors of Conscience Those Crosses carrie all Malefactors to their place of execution see that diuine Tractate of Plutarch do serà Numinis vindicta in Moralibus And for the Afflictions of his Children shewing vs. 1 Their z Heb. 12.11 fruit 2 Giuing a 1 Cor. 10. issue vertually with the Temptation 3 b 2 Cor. 12.9 perfecting power in weaknesse 4 Fitting them to his Kingdome 5 Adorning with heauenly vertues c Eph. 1.3 Blessing with all spirituall blessings in Christ Iesus which seemes the d Mar. 10.30 hundred-fold recompense promised to our losses in this life 6 Stopping mouthes of Reprobate men and Diuels from all quarrell at their glorious aduancement who haue suffered so many things for the name sake of their Redeemer All this notwithstanding turbulent Nature till tutored in the Sanctuarie stormes at this Prouidence If euer such thoughts arise in vs meditate wee the iust Iudgement to come as Salomon Though a sinner doe euill an hundred times and his dayes be prolonged yet surely I know it shall be well with them that feare God which feare before him Eccles 8.12 Vpon that hypothesis truely said Paul Afflictions of Gods Children are a manifest token of a iust Iudgement to come 2 If this giue vs not solace sufficient consider the second ground of Comfort the end to which they are subordinate that ye may be counted worthy of the Kingdome for which ye suffer The Romish Church is mad vpon merit 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in their Greeke sounds to be made worthy by way of merit Yet cannot the proudest Linguist in Rome not he who boasts he knowes more tongues then euer babled at Babel giue one instance from any Classicall Author Diuine or Prophane where 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifies other then dignari In our English to vouchsafe to account esteeme or accept as worthy Will they trow yee here prattle as in the question of Iustification God counts none worthy but those which are worthy because his Iudgement cannot be deceiued Resp 1 That is naught to the natiue signification of the word 2 and then farewell all their doctrine of satisfactorie Almes or penance wherein none of them dares auow the satisfaction to be equiualent to the violation of Gods Maiestie but are all forced to flie to Acceptation God forsooth accepts it as full satisfaction As to the point in hand their owne Caietane renders as we counted not made worthy led by that of the Apostle Non sunt condignae passiones huius vitae c. And me thinkes when we consider the many obligations we stand bound in to our maker and Redeemer wee should acknowledge as Saint Iohn e 1 Iohn 3.16 Martyrdome it selfe nothing beyond our debt 2 Especially sith our fortitude is f Phil. 1.29 his gift 3 The g Rom. 8.18 2 Cor. 4.17 sufferings so farre inferiour to the glorie 4 And our defects of faith and patience so great as Laurence himselfe may not dare present to be iudged without mercie Let it then be accounted or esteemed worthy or if making must needs enter the Glosse let it be meet and fit onely not worthy by way of merit at most but comparatiuely as Noah and Iob are in Austins apprehension said to be righteous in their generation that is not absolutely but in comparison to the wicked in their time But Me thinkes it should suffice vs to our comfort vnder the Crosse to know that God of his Grace is pleased to esteeme our momentanie and light afflictions worthy of that eternall and hyperbolicall weight of Glorie They shall walke with me in white for they are h Apoc. 3.4 worthie trow you by way of merit Rather say and thanke thy Christ by Acceptation A couenant there is twixt God the father and his Christ that they who i 2 Tim. 2.12 suffer with him shall also raigne with him And is propounded to vs in k Rom. 8.17 forme of a Condition Adde if you will that Couenant presupposed that our sufferings qualifie vs to the Kingdome and make vs l Col. 1.12 meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the Saints in light Lindan is impudent when he quarels at pactum in the question of merit the Cardinall following Schoolemen is wiser confessing no workes without consideration of pactum to haue exactam meritirationem But beside the reall meetnesse and fitnesse our sufferings worke in vs while they purge vs from corruption that we may be fitted to enter where no vncleane thing shall God is willing to stop
Bernard thinkes none in state of this life can attaine nor Martyrs themselues compleatly till the day of Resurrection to loue neither selues nor ought that 's ours but propter Deum or if any thing in loue may be thought a transcendent to this the modus sine modo as Bernard cals it non gratuitus impenditur sed rependitur debitus Congruence of equitie heare from the same Authour a 1 Iohn 4.19 Prior ipse dilexit nos b Isai 5.7.15 tantus c Iohn 3.16 tantum d Eph. 1.6 gratis e Psal 8.4 tantillos f Rom. 5.8.10 tales Vse 1 Melanchthons wonder sleighted by the Cardinall still holds me that euer thought of supererogating should enter the heart of man that euer creature should thinke he yeelds his whole debt to his Creatour Nedum the vassal bought with such a price plus quà m debitum to such a Redeemer Tell me you blessed Spirits of iust men now made perfect in heauen Euer thought you your best deuotions your longest and most serious vacations to the contemplation of the God-head or any thing thereto auailing more then your commanded dutie Mee thinkes I see them all casting their crownes downe to the ground before the throne and saying Worthie art thou O Lord to receiue glorie and honour and power for thou hast created all things and for thy pleasure they are and were created Apoc. 4.11 confer Apoc. 5.12 There is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 though wee yeeld you your virginitie or pouertie or blinde obedience gifts of perfection can you forget they g Iac. 1.17 descend from aboue vse them to their best improuement can you say of them other then Dauid of his substance contributed to the Temple h 1 Chro. 29.14 of thine owne we haue giuen thee as Isai i Isai 26.12 thou Lord hast wrought all our good workes in vs as Austine God crowning our good workes crownes not our merits but his owne gifts And can you thinke it a Counsell no Precept to vse our Talent though of fiue to the best behoofe of our master Mat. 25.15 27 30. There is no doubt a latitude of commanded dutie But within that compasse fals whatsoeuer our best abilities extend vnto in loue to our God Suppose we therefore no precept particular or peremptorie for chastitie in single life yet to those that haue the gift is not the precept giuen to choose it vnder reason of that state that is most furthersome to Gods seruice And grant wilfull Pouertie no inioyned dutie quis dixerit yet preparation of the minde to abdication of goods when God cals for it fals vnder precept Can th'Acting be forborne in case God cals for it Is it not sinfull when it wants his Call Pride I see swelling in most Popish doctrines in none more then this of workes supererogatorie exceeding duetie chalenging libertie from debt and obligation to performance 2 Yet how doth this worme of Pride insinuate into our weake seruices we performe to God In such sort that for them we are Ready as proud Iewes to expostulate with God and aske k Isai 38.3 why he regards not quarrell if he withhold his blessings murmure and little lesse then churle at him if in the least sort he afflict vs yet said th'Apostle who hath giuen him first and l Rom. 11.35 what hast thou that thou hast not receiued 1 Cor. 4.7 I like the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of faith and allow to the beleeuer not conscious of insinceritie m 1 Pet. 3 21. Saint Peters 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 I say as Austine we may exigere Dominum but its onely quatenus promittendo se fecit debitorem what thoughts of other obliging the Lord to vs by any dignitie of our workes arise I cannot but impute to damnable pride Oh consider 1. the n Iac. 3.2 many sinnes through ouersight or otherwise passing from vs 2. the blemishes no lesse then o Isai 64.6 menstruous cleauing to our best performances 3. The many Nouerints vniuersi thou standst bound in to thy God thou wilt thinke it duetie which Saint Bernard saith apud paucos inuenitur Magna facere inutilem te reputare Whence accrues the debt from precept in this particular Romanists themselues confessing but withall from Congruence such as not Paul onely but euery Christian most of all Ministers must acknowledge most equall We are Brethren partakers all of the same p Rom. 8.15 spirit of adoption and Regeneration linked all into q Eph. 1.22 one body whereof Christ is the head from whom is deriued to vs our Son-ship our Coheire-ship both with Christ and one with another Further congruence would you see 1. View the glory accruing to God in rescuing soules out of power of Satan which r Luk. 15.10 1. Angels though not so nearely linked to vs ioy to behold 2. And which more nearely concernes a Minister thereby 1 ſ 1 Cor. 9 2. God seales to him his sending 2 for this augments his glorie Dan. 12.3 Vse Monsiers to me they seeme I say not of men but of Ministers repining at the riches of Grace powred downe vpon their people by their owne or other mens Ministerie Murmuring at nothing more then the t Phil 3.9 10 11. plentie of knowledge and abilitie of discerning or fulnesse of fruits of righteousnesse appearing in the people u Mat 20.15 1 Is thine eye euill because the Lords is good so good to thy people 2 Knowest thou not * Heb 13 17. thou watchest for their soules and so as one that must giue accounts 3 Neuer readest thou the bitter wallings like to that of Rachel for her children of x See Ier. 15. 20. Isai 49. Micah 7.1 Prophets and Pastors ouer their obstmate people not onely from compassion of their miserie but for griefe of their owne fruitlesse Ministerie De nullo ita sentio Deum mihi propitium as for this that my ministerie hath no where bin barren I neuer trauailed but where I could say through Gods great mercie y Isai 8.18 Lo me and the children which thou hast giuen me For my part I say as Moses z Num. 11.29 would God all the Lords people were Prophets As Paul that a Act. 26.29 all who heare me were as I much more then I in Christianitie It should be my ioy and crowne of reioycing Because that your faith groweth exceedingly c. The matter of Pauls thanksgiuing the encrease of their faith and loue amplified by the measures faith ouer-increaseth Loue ouerfloweth 2. the issue Pauls boasting thereof in the Churches ver 4. In Pauls opinion not beginnings of Grace onely but euery encrease thereof is of God else why thankes he God for it The beginner prosits Phil. 1.6 hence Peter stiles him b 1 Pet. 5.10 God of all Grace because giuer of all kinds of all degrees of Grace wherefore it s added he cals
of afflictions for whom glory no lesse then wonderfull is prepared against the appearing of Christ I say as Paul on like occasion Consider what I say and the Lord giue you vnderstanding in all things 4. The last particle remaines The persons to whom this glory this maruellous glory belongs Thus they are pointed out vnto vs. 1. Saints 2. And Beleeuers such onely and such all Two things are heere obseruable 1. The limitation to Saints and beleeuers onely 2. The extent to all that beleeue no doubt but to all Saints Saints in Popish language heare none but who are Canonized Among whom yet who doubts but may be found some damned Spirits sith in Canonizing the Pope may erre Amongst our people ignorant of Scripture Phrase none may so be eâ—â—eemed but those iust men whose spirits are now made perfect in heauen In the style of the holy Ghost All Gods people but professing sanctity are so named though more strictly such as by God Spirit are e 2 Cor. 7.1 purged though but inchoately from all filthines of slâ—sh and Spirit and are growing towards full holinesse in the feare of God The style is sometimes with an 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 giuen to men eximious in Sanctitie yet generally belongs to all Gods Children That to them onely belong the Glory that shall be reuealed Scripture Testimonies are plentifull hence it s called the f Col. 1.12 inheritance of Saints Wherefore also the g Heb. 12.14 vnholy and profane are excluded Reasons of congruence yee may obserue reading the Scriptures quoted 1 Ioh. 3 3. Apoc. 11.27 Vse If any measure of profanenes might breed wonder in these last times I should maruell to see Christians by profession men hoping for heauen and setting their face that way so generally auerse from Sanctitie so scoffing out of countenance the studie and endeauour of it Saith Peter considering the terrour of the last day h 2 Pet. 3.8 What manner men ought we to be in holy conuersations No measure should suffice S. Iohn weighing the purity of the Iudge and the condition of seeing him with comfort i 1 Ioh. 3.3 whosoeuer hath this hope purgeth himselfe as God is pure S. Iames expressing imperat Acts of sincere Religion thus points to vs our measure of sanctitie to keepe our selues k Iac. 1.27 vnspotted of the world S. Iude commands to hate the l Iude ver 23. garment spotted of the flesh S. Paul allowes not m Ephes 5.3 naming of any vncleannes without detestation Nice scrupulousnes about Ceremonies and such like trifles what wise man either loathes not or pitieth And yet cries woe to all that violate n Mat. 5.19 minima man datorum approuing euen precisenes in moralities so it be guided by prudence As to Saints so to belieuers is this glorie appropried places aâ—e plentifull see these pregnant Mar. 16.16 Iohn 3.15 16 17 18. whither Infidâ—litie be of more Negation such as in Pagans to whom the name of Iesus hath not bin heard or of euill disposition as in vnbeleeuing or misbeleeuing Christians it matters little ad poenam damni Though that of sense be greater to children of the Church Mistake not as if I thought the not knowing or not beleeuing in Christ shall be imputed to a simple Pagan as a crime to damne him Howbeit had he beleeued he had bin saued not beleeuing he perisheth in his Paganisme Vse I like pittie though it be a little foolish yet would haue no man wiser then his maker what if the body of Paganish Nations perish what when their Infidelitie in which they perish is muincible It s pittie of them they say And God seemes either not iust or not so mercifull Ans Pittie be it who allowes not o Rom. 9.2 condoling their miscarriage yet neither is God iniust in not shewing them mercie to saluation sith 1 that gratuitous 2 and hee p Eccl. 7.31 made them righteous 3 And they are inexcusably sinfull in violating the rules of naturall law reserued in their Notice But is God lesse mercifull Nay rather more q Rom. 9.23 to the vessels of mercie whom from among so many millions of men and women of equall condition in nature he hath selected to magnifie his mercie vpon The mercies of God are better prised by weight then by number of enioyers But we passe to the extent As to Saints and beleeuers onely so to all Saints for which is more doubtfull to all beleeuers doth this heauenly glorie belong That to all Saints these Scriptures are pregnant The inheritance belongs to r Acts 20.32 all them that are sanctified Beatificall vision to all that are f Mat. 5.8 pure in heart wherefore the sanctied are said to be t Eph. 4.30 sealed to the day of Redemption And the first fruits of the Spirit is called the u 2 Cor. 1.22 carnest of our inheritance Vse 1 They erre who extend Sanctification to Reprobates What say they to this Argument Euery sanctified man is glorified No Reprobate is glorified Ergo nor sanctified 2 * 1 Pet. 1.2 Eph. 1.4 Elected we are to sanctification of the Spirit suppose you to the common solaces of Reprobates 3 Or think we Christs merit and x Iohn 17.9 intercession by which the Spirit of Sanctificaon is procured intended to Reprobates 4 Not giuen them saith our Sauiour the y Iohn 14.17 world cannot receiue him But de his alibi the homonymies wherewith Aduersaries haue perplexed the question are elsewhere noted and explained Let Gods people make sure to themselues their sanctification they make sure their z 2 Pet. 1.10 election Vse 2 calling glorification Thus ye may in part discerne it 1 The lesse a Col. 3.2 earthly-minded the more sanctified 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 quasi 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 2 It s comfortable to see in our selues the b 2 Pet. 1.5 6. connexion of all vertues gratious to be failing in no gift or fruit of the Spirit argues our through our true sanctification 3 Especially if these things be in vs and abound c 2 Pet. 1.8 yea if they be but growing that argues life of grace in vs. 4 In exercise of them constancie and resolution is specially comfortable 5. Most when the motiue is obedience to the commander d 1 Cor. 13.3 Loue of the Inioyner and the end that the Author in all things may be glorified Mat. 5.16 The greater question is whither to all that beleeue for euen e Iac. 2.19 Diuels beleeue and wee read of f 1 Tim 4.1 reuolters from faith whose damnation is as certaine as if damned already in chaines of darknesse how then saith the Apostle this Glorie belongs to all that beleeue Resp Pardon vs a little to see if Schooles may helpe vs in this inquirie Of faith as of other vertues they make two kindes The one Acquisite the other Infused Acquisite such as may be wrought
I meane largely whatsoeuer hath causalitie or is a motiue to induce the Lord to choose Resp Thus I conceiue these gifts and their exercise to fall vnder the same ordinance of God with our saluation as meanes destined and so conducing to that end how then causes moouing to elect He hath chosen vs to bee holy Ephes 1.4 To be faithfull 1. Cor. 7.25 Vt essemus non quia eramus aut futuri erimus is Saint Augustines glosse 2 What sanctitie is that which mooues 1 That of nature It affordes none Quis dabit mundum ex immundo conceptum semine 2 That of grace Whither the measure incident to this life Or that perfect in the life to come 1 That of this life imperfect Isai 64.6 nor could it bee foreseene otherwise then it was to be 2 The holynesse of another life Wee are then extra statum merendi demerendi as being in termino quiescentiae where wee receiue and enioy rewards procure not reward or ought tending thereto 3 These all q Mat. 11.25 Exod. 1.4 flow from election as their cause And for sanctitie Arminians consent it had no causalitie in respect of election yet for faith foreseene are peremptorie that on it rests election and is ex fide praeuisà And why I wonder faith rather then charitie or other sanctitie 1 Is it more excellent Not saith the Apostle 1. Cor. 13.13 2 More perfect as it is in vs Nor that Luke 17.5 Mar. 9.24 3 Next is not it also part of sanctitie A prime ingredient Especially apprehended as they conceit it respected as a qualitie or act in vs and so auailing to election iustification saluation for that it iustifies or saues as an instrument and by vertue of the obiect it apprehends Christs righteousnesse they belieue not 4 Else how pleased it God out of his freedome to respect it more then other gratious qualities and to assigne it motiue to election Audio Indeed in iustification it auailes more then charitie hope penitence any other holy qualitie or action Accordingly its fitted to doe what its appointed vnto more then any other part of sanctitie that is to r Rom. 5.17 receiue the gift of righteousnesse for and by which we stand iust in Gods sight But that the Lord hath assigned it causalitie in respect of election where finde wee Rather an effect and fruit of election therefore no cause or reason or condition of it Take them therefore here mentioned and ment meanes of saluation not merites or so much as conditiâ—â—s of election And thence learne that howsoeuer the decree of election flow not from meanes yet implies it meanes congruent and hath execution thereby See Rom. 8.30 Eph. 1.3 4 5 c. 1 Wherefore obserue necessitie of them absolute to the obtaining saluation Hebr. 12.14 Marke 16.16 Luke 13.3.5 2 The decree is not onely of the end but also the meanes elect to bee holy predestinated to the adoption Eph. 1.4 5. and not onely to the inheritance 3 Knowledge of the decree suspended on the meanes 2 Pet. 1.10 2. Tim. 2.21 4 Vessels of mercie though for the time aliens from the life of God yet in the day of visitation called with a holy calling 2. Tim. 1.9 and so made meet to partake in the inheritance of the Saints in light Col. 1. Vse It wonders me to here the desperate inference Vse if I bee predestinate I shall bee saued though I neglect scoffe at sanctitie Reduce it thou shalt easily see a contradiction in the termes the predestinate vnsanctified or the vnsanctified of the elect shall be saued There are none such finaliter tales it implies to say it God elects to holinesse and not onely to saluation to saluation but by sanctification of the spirit More to see men professing knowledge of the decree and order of it assurance of their owne personall election yet to walke after the flesh By our studie of sanctitie we know our election 2. Tim. 2.21 2. Pet. 1.10 They lie to God and men who professe to know their owne election while they are Å¿ Tit. 1.16 abominable disobedient and to euery good worke reprobate yea from any good worke abhorrent of any holy gift destitute to any knowne sinne addicted The meanes specified are first sanctification Secondly iustification implied in faith The order seemes inuerted but thus conceiue sanctification though posteriour in order of nature yet is first in euidence and our knowledge trueth of faith title to iustification being not knowne of vs till wee feele the power of Gods Spirit sanctifying That sanctitie is a meane Scriptures are plentifull See Heb. 12.14 1. Pet. 1.2 Congruitie you will easily discerne if you consider 1 The t 1 Pet. 1.15 16. caller and chooser is holy 2 The habitation so holy that it u Apoc 21.27 admits no vncleane thing to enter 3 To damne deuils for vnholinesse to saue men though vnholy how had it lien open to exception and quarell of damned spirits There is sanctitie first * 1 Cor. 7.14 ciuile So children borne in vnequall wedlocke to Theophylact are called holy id est legitimate not spurious 2 Faederall so x Num. 16.3 all Gods people holy all of the Church visible 3 Sacramentall so Apostataes y Heb. 10.29 sanctified with the blood of Christ the Sacrament of it Baptisme 4 Opinatiue of Phariasicall hypocrites in their owne and other mens opinion holy 5 Reall and true called here the Sanctification of the spirit vnderstand not ours but Gods as Rom. 1.4 This the marke of election meane of saluation The nature of it is in two things 1 Purging our hearts from those vitious propensions naturall z 2 Cor. 7.1 from all filthinesse of flesh and spirit 2 Planting in vs as seedes of vertuous life holy qualities and inclinations a Gal. 5.22 fruites of the spirit as Paul stiles them This habituall holinesse according are their actes and exercise for they b 2 Pet. 1.8 suffer vs not to bee idle and vnfruitfull 1 A constant care and endeuour to c Iac. 1.27 keepe our selues vnspotted of the world 2 d 1 Pet. 1.9 Shewing forth the vertues of him that hath called vs in being zealous of euery good worke or as Paul to Titus expresseth it e Tit. 2 12. denying vngodlinesse and worldly lusts walking godly iustly soberly in this present euill world this they call actuall holinesse Beginnings onely are here vouchsafed the f Rom. 8.23 2 Cor. 11 22. first fruites and earnest of the spirit Consummation we expect according to Gods promise in the g 2 Pet. 3.13 new heauens and new earth wherein dwelleth righteousnesse its comfortable if wee finde truth though we want perfection of holinesse Notes of it thus number and so make election sure 1 It goes ouer the whole man the h 1 Thes 5.23 whole spirit soule body sanctified throughout else no part truely sanctified As the leprosie deriued from the first Adam hath defiled the whole
paid for thy redemption 2 That he is able to saue and set in possession of the purchased inheritance maugre all the spight craft power of hell 2 The grounds of assurance for audience 1 Gods fatherly loue 2 The testimonies of his loue already giuen comfort and hope more perswasiue to worke assurance of obtaining more are extant in holy writ 1 Power wee cannot but presuppose in God and d Ephes 3 20. abilitie to doe abundantly ouer and aboue all that wee can aske or thinke All the doubt is of his will What more swayes it then loue Whose very nature is velle Amato bonum See Mat. 7.9 10 11. Specially what our Sauiour hath Iohn 6.26 27. Where a little hyprobolically hee seemes to exclude the necessitie of his intercession to impetration and mindes vs of the fâ—lse propension that is in the Father to grant whatsoeuer we pray for Vse Blatterers and bablers in prayer they would make vs who allow vs no assurance of Gods speciall loue in our adoption 1 How then shall wee fulfill Saint Iames his item e Iam. 1.6 7. to aske in faith nothing doubting 2 Or how haue certaine and firme hope of obtaining When the doubtfull or disputant about certainetie of obtaining may not thinke to obtaine any thing of God 3 And how dare they call God Father who know not they haue f Rom. 8.15 receiued the Spirit of adoption 4 And hath God g 1 Ioh. 5.14 15. promised in vaine Or h Mat. 7.7 8. precepted vs in vaine to aske with assurance of audience They say this certainetie quels deuotion inhibits care of sanctitie See supra For my part I know none euer prayed with i Heb 5.7 more feruency of Spirit then our Sauiour None that was euer more k Heb 7.26 holy harmelesse separate from sinners Nor any that was more assured of Gods loue Wherefore my aduise is to euery man desirous to bee feruent and hopefull in deuotion labour for assurance of Gods loue It s not assurance but doubtfulnesse that quencheth or quels deuotion The second ground of assurance of audience is the gifts already bestowed for these ascertaine vs of Gods loue There is a generall loue of God hee hates nothing that hee hath made doeth good for nature sake his workemanship to good and bad But there is a speciall loue and assurance of it required in him that will pray with assurance to bee heard Testimonies thereof are not outward blessings l Eccles 9.1 none knowes this loue by any thing that is before him But gifts there are that testifie it two here specified 1 Comfort 2 Hope Which m Iohn 15.17 none receiue but the people of his loue Particular explication expect anon I apply now to the Apostles purpose Noticing these and like gifts of the spirit as pledges of obtaining more or in more abundance the blessings wee pray for Hence called the n 2 Cor. 1.22 Arrha or Arrhabo earnest peny of Gods contract testifying that hee is voluntarily bound to giue more if we aske more of him Wherefore Saints are not ashamed to promise themselues more because the Lord hath already done so great things for their soules See 2 Cor. 1.10 2 Tim. 4.17 18. 1 Sam. 17.37 Nor to encourage vs to aske more euen therefore because the Lord hath already beene so liberall to vs. 1 God is not as man that the fountaines of his bountie should be exhausted 2 Nor as the sonne of man to o Iam. 1.5 vpbraid vs with curtesies already conferred 3 His bonum is sui diffusiuum and delights to haue it selfe extorted by importunate prayer that indeed hee requires 1 That hee may bee acknowledged Authour of gifts 2 That he may see vs fitted and disposed to receiue 3 That he may reape thankes as a tribute from those that are his beneficiaries But aske what thou wantest thou mayest bee assured to receiue shall I say Though thou haue already receiued much nay therefore bee encouraged to aske more because thou hast experimented the Lord so liberall in bestowing Vse Grace sometimes seemes p Ezra 9.8 10. ouer modest through conscience of vnthankefulnesse and q Iam. 32.10 1 Chron. priuitie of no worth in it selfe to obtaine Oh rouse vp your selues you beloued of the Lord and know 1 the Lords delight is to doe good to the sonnes of men 2 You are Å¿ Apoc. 3.4 worthy by acceptation in Christ 3 There is in our God a selfe propension to deale bountifully with vs. 4 What inclines him rather to pitie our indigence then to exact our worthinesse 5 And haue you forgotten the consolation t Heb. 4.15 16. our high Priest hath experimented our sorrowes and now appeares at his Fathers right hand making continuall intercession for vs. Thus thinke the fauours already bestowed are pledges of more prouided alwayes we bee 1 not vnthankefull for what 's receiued 2 Nor proud of what is gratuitously conferred 3 Nor slothfull to doe him seruice or to vse our talent to the glory of the bestower and benefit of our brethren The gifts instanced in and noticed as meanes to assure vs to be heard are 1 Comfort 2 Hope Both amplified 1 By seuerall Epithites Comfort euerlasting Hope good 2 By common fountaine Grace Comfort vnderstand the lighting or easing the heart of that sorrow or feare where with it s surcharged Here specially disburthening the soule of that anguish or feare arising from conscience of sinne It hath for the harbinger pouertie of spirit mourning for sinne and liablenesse to wrath See Mat. 5.4 Isai 57.15 61.3 2 Instrument the Interpreter that one of a thousand to declare vnto the weary soule Gods righteousnesse Iob 33.23 3 Sound euidences whereby it s brought home to the soule 1 Performance of conditions Faith and Repentance 2 Consequents 1 Cheerefulnesse and u Psal 119. Alacritie in Gods seruice 2 Courage and sometimes no lesse then ioy in tribulation The stile it hath is euerlasting See Iohn 14.14 The comforter abides with vs for euer How When it s often interrupted and Gods children groane vnder the burthen of griefe or feare Resp 1 In Causis though not in our sense because of our infirmitie See Psal 77.10 Those cause are 1 Gods * Mal. 3.6 vnchangeable loue 2 x Heb. 8.6 New couenant stablished on better promises 3 Christs merit and y 1 Iohn 2.1 intercession 2 Quantum ex parte Dei it bides with vs the interruptions which befell vs issues from our owne default 1 Churling at Gods hand in our afflictions Iob 6. c. 2 Securelie Psalme 30.6 7. 3 Scandalous sinnes Psal 51.12 3 Yet I say not but God remoues sensible comfort 1 For triall of faith who but belieues what he feeles Then is faith glorious when against or aboue sense it rests on naked promise of God See Matth. 27.46 Iob 13.15 2 Sometimes for preuention See 2 Cor. 12.7 most vsually for chastisement 4 As we
are said to be already saued that is eternally saued from our sins and after a sort now set in possession of saluation because wee haue now beginnings of eternall life and z Rom. 8.24 hope that makes not ashamed of the consummation so now to haue receiued euerlasting a Luke 16. consolation 1 In the beginnings 2 In assured hope of consummation In end of life expecting all b Apoc. 21.4 teares to bee wiped from our eyes and to enter into the ioy of our Master For which cause perhaps the mention of hope is subioyned The second gift issuing from Gods loue and assuring vs of audience is hope They consider and handle it two wayes 1 As a passion where they deliuer vs the generall notion of it 2 As a vertue Theologicall As a passion so they point vs to 1 The generall office or act of it that is expectation Heb. 11.10 2 The obiect which is thus circumscribed 1 It s bonum euill things we feare or grieue at hope not for 2 Bonum absens for what a man sees or enioyes why doeth hee yet hope for Rom. 8.24 3 Arduum not without difficultie obtained Things easely compassed are as already enioyed no branch of fortitude spends it selfe in the acquiring 4 Possibile for who but a foole hopes for things of meere imposibilitie As a vertue Theologicall so it s described the firme or certaine expectation of future beatitude arising from grace and precedent good workes Too narrowly for wee hope also for 1 Deliuerance out of temptation 2 Sustentation in temptation 3 Perseuerance 4 Growth and confirmation in grace Yea c 1 Tim. 4.8 blessing of this life so farre as they are expedient sith these also are conueyed in the promise Thus rather extend the nature of it firme expectation of all good things God hath promised and not yet exhibited The epithite Good Goodnesse of Christian hope amounts out of 1 The matter or things hoped for things d 1 Cor. 2.9 that neither eye hath seene nor care heard nor haue they entered into mans heart to conceiue So surpassing is their goodnesse all things that e 2 Pet. 1.3 concerne life and Godlinesse 2 Certainetie of obtaining Christian hope f Rom. 5.5 makes not ashamed Founded on 1 Fidelitie 2 Power of God 3 Merit and intercession of Christ 3 Regularitie it expects 1 Onely things promised 2 So and no otherwise then they are promised 1 Temporall things limitatiue 1 If expedient 2 With exception of the crosse 3 Reseruation of power to the promiser to chasten particular disobedience 4 Distinctiuely either in the particular or in the equiualent by way of commutation and compensation with spirituall 2 Spirituall blessings after the rate of distribution in this life 1 Rather quoad essentiam then gradum perfectionis 2 In competencie for finall victorie not in perfection 3 Prouiding alwayes g Iohn 1.33 gratious qualification or disposition and vse of meanes to partake them Vse At this cape of good hope arriues euery good Christian euery true Nathaniel and Israelite indeed The rest are all either first hopelesse or secondly ouerhoping That because aliens from the couenants of promise 2 This for that without euidence and due qualification they fondly expect the promise Vse h Heb. 6.19 This hope hold fast as the Anchor of our Soules amids all stormy gusts of temptation Meanes to establish it 1 Those two immutable things wherein its i Heb. 6.18 impossible for God to lie His promise if that bee too little his oath 2 k 2 Cor. 1.20 The ratifying of them in the blood of Christ and his continuall appearing before God for vs. 3 The l Rom. 4.18 power of God enough to make vs aboue hope to belieue vnder hope 4 His dealings with his other Saints for they are m 1 Tim. 1.16 exemplarie so wee resemble in behauiour 5 Recording Gods dealings with n 2 Tim. 4.17.18 our selues in former times 6 Prouided alwayes we performe vnalterably our restipulation The common fountaine out of which they issue is Grace that is free fauour vnmerited beneuolence The common spring of all spirituall blessings to vs. Dupliciter gratis saith Bernard they come vnto vs. 1 Sine merito 2 Sine labore nostro another dupliciter you may adde 1 Contra meritum 2 Vltra vires 1 Hee is found of them that seeke not after him Rom. 10.20 Yea of them that contradict him ver 21. 2 We were in times past disobedient seruing the lusts and diuerse pleasures therefore o Tit. 3.3 4 5. not of workes of righteousnesse which we had done but according to his owne purpose and grace he saued vs. 3 And had wee not by such courses merited perpetuall adoration and shutting vp vnder vnbeliefe 4 When wee were of no strength Christ which is our hope and comfort died for vs. See Rom. 5.6 8. Vse Pride not thy selfe in the fruition for p 1 Cor. 4.7 what hast thou that thou hast not thus freely receiued Swell not with contempt of brethren either wanting or inferiour in their measures For first are wee in nature q Rom. 3.6 better then they Secondly and r 1 Cor. 4.7 who or what is that discriminateth thee Vse freely to the glory of the bestower though thou receiue no recompence from men nor present sensible comfort from God ſ Mat. 10.8 Gatis accepisti gratis da. Despaire not of obtaining though thou want merits strength strenuous will to obtaine There is in God what selfely inclines him to giue without and against merit without our labour beyond our abilitie rich grace free bountie c. VERS 17. Comfort your hearts and stablish you in euery good word and worke THE blessing prayed for as necessary to preuent seducement 1 Comfort 2 Stablishment Comfort what it is see supra Sometimes sorrow oppresseth Oppressit me t Isai 38.14 Domine succurre mihi her comfort is refreshing Matth. 11.28 reuiuing Isai 57.15 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Speake to the heart of Ierusalem Isai 40.2 Sometimes feare surchargeth comfort is then encouragement 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the exciting of our fainting and languishing spirits Quest. How prayed for when already giuen Resp 1 To be continued 2 Encreased Necessitie of it and prayer for it to our perseuerance easely appeares 1 Perpetuitie of pressures and temptations as waues in the sea following one in the necke of another 2 u Heb. 12.4 Posibilitie of greater 3 Owne readinesse to multiply our owne feares and sorrowes 4 Fearefull issues of withdrawing it 1 * 2 Cor. 2.7 Swallowing vp of sorrow 2 Slow pace in goodnesse 3 Dulnesse of spirit in performance 5 Little or no encouragement to goodnesse the times afford vs. Vse The Father of mercies and God of all consolation grant it vnto vs. The rather considering the season presently dolorous likely to be more Considering our sinnes these are but 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the beginnings of sorrowes This yet
16. Now the Lord of peace himselfe giue you peace alwaies by all meanes PAul you may perceiue growes towards his close so thicke and threefold he falles vpon his deuotion Howbeit this 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or rather passionate prayer if I mistake not hath reference to the former dutie implying Caution against that whether mischiefe or inconuenience vsually consequent to admonitions Except prudence beare the greater sway ending in heart burnings discontents and no lesse then notorious violations of peace What through pride of heart and choleriquenes of the galled Conscience in the delinquent and what thorough imprudence or shew of wrath in the Reprouer they seldome part or after meet but they strike a heat My Brethren these things ought not so to be I m Gal. 4.16 Am I therefore an enemie because I tell you the truth But as n 1 Reg. 21.20 Achab none should thinke so 2 Doth he hate the patient that persecutes the feuer 3 Oh where is Dauids spirit who counted it pretious o Psal 141.5 balme Yet see as if simple monicion to keepe peace inuiolable had bin to no auaile God is prayed vnto himselfe to interpose for preseruation of peace Particulars in the prayer are 1 The blessing prayed for Peace 2 The Author The Lord The Lord himselfe 3 The necessity or difficulty or excellencie of the blessing who can tell whether In the forme of the petition The Lord himselfe Alwaies by all meanes De 1º There is peace the vertue or fruit of the Spirit Gal. 5.22 And there is peace the blessing The Lord shall giue vnto his people the blessing of peace Psal 29.11 Whether meanes the Apostle One or both Truth is they are subordinate In vaine we shall expect other then tumultuous conuersation till God giue vs peaceable spirits And in the mountaine of the Lord shall be p Isai 11.6.7.8 9 peace that the lambe may dwell secretly with the Lyon and the young childe play vpon the hole of the Aspe where God hath once mastered our turbulent affections Suppose it meant of peace the vertue are not vertuous inclinations gratious blessings of God As to me they seeme the prime of his blessings to be q Mat. 5.3 c. poore in Spirit pure in heart meeke mercifull c. are stiled so many beatitudes say Schoolemen truely they are beatâ—tudo dispositiua so many dispositions to perfect blessednesse 2 Euidence our title to consummate beatitude 3 Are pledges r 2 Cor. 1.22 earnest of it 4 Bring Å¿ Gal. 6.16 peace to the Conscience fill the soule with ioy vnspeakeable and glorious 5 Are appropried to the vessells of mercy that shall bee heires of saluation Vse Which if nothing else may calme our fretfull murmurings at that seeming ataxie that in outward things there be wicked to whom it comes after the worke of the Righteous Righteous to whom it befalls after the worke of the wicked what then Are therefore the proud blessed Or Gods Children miserable 1 Them see permitted to fowlest euils those we call euills of fault 2 t Pro. 1.32 Stayne with their ease u Ec. 5 12. baned with their wealth * 8.11 obfirmed in euill 3 Forlorne of all vertuous goodnesse which onely steedes in the day of wrath Pro. 11.4 These afflicted indeed x 2 Cor. 4.8 9. but 1 not forsaken 2 y 17. renewed in the Inner man 3 and marke but their end its peace In their z Pro. 14.32 death is hope comfort such as a Numb 23.10 Balaam wisheth to partake and in the interim adorned with vertues b Iac. 2.5 Rich in faith blessed in all c Ephes 11.3 spirituall blessings that concerne life and godlinesse that euen now we may d Mal. 3.18 discerne twixt him that serueth God him that serueth him not while God casts onely the Refuse of his blessings vpon the wicked reserues his prime fauours vertuous Inclinations to the Children of his Loue. Amongst these reckon it as none of the meanest to be of a peaceable Spirit This vertuous blessing a blessed vertue characterizing vs e Mat. 5.9 Gods Children whose stile it is frequent as any to be the God of Peace There are pacati as Haemor and Shechem giue Testimonie of Iacob and his Retinew Bernard The men are f Gen. 34.21 peaceable amongst vs. No steeresmen in contentions yet when exasperated by wrongs going forth too hastelie to contentions there is Leo dormiens 2. Patientes whom iniuries prouoke not to breach of peace Why g 1 Cor. 6.7 rather suffer yee not wrong 3. Pacifici Ambitious after a sort to compose quarrells yeelding perswading to any thing Reasonable rather then peace to be violated in the mountaine of Gods holinesse such h Act. 7.26 Moses i Gen. 13.8 9. Abraham These shall be called the sonnes of God noticed of all men to beare the Image of the God of peace Vse Sirs We are Brethren why striue we Especially about trifles indifferent Church Ceremonies so long till wee haue made our selues a reproach a prey almost to rayling aduersaries till our Gospel is defamed as if it were not the Gospel of peace our God blasphemed as if hee were Author k 1 Cor. 14.33 of Confusion not of peace 2. About temporalls things of this life so long so eagerly till we haue ruined families of Antientest honour raised Lawyers from the dunghill that they now inherit the seate of glorie and sit with the Princes of the people Should difference of Iudgement especially in adiaphoris worke disunion of affections l Rom. 14.5 one man esteemes a day aboue another Another counts all daies alike moderately he spake and as a louer of peace who said Abundet quisque sensu suo Nor vrge nor oppose them so as to breake the peace of the Church And for these 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the bones of so dogged Contentions Is there not a m 1 Cor. 6.5 6. wise man amongst vs who can vmpire in trifles of them But Brother goes to Law with Brother 'T is well not vnder Infidels they would sure more detest the faith of the Church Yet why so ouerprise wee these infamous goods as for them to violate pretious peace I say as Nehemiah Come I beseech you come let vs ioyne hands and hearts to a Neh. 2.17 build the walles of Ierusalem that we be no more a reproach But rather I presume you apprehend Paul to meane the blessing of peace That Saint Bernard thus tripleth There is peace 1 internall betwixt God and the conscience betwixt rectified reason and appetite betwixt affection and affection in Gods children 2 Externall betwixt a man and his neighbour 3 Eternall in the Heauens where is the most perfect tranquillitie of order where wee are set out of touch or reach euen of the Deuils wrangling But peace Paul meanes externall twixt a man and his neighbour That 1 sometimes soundes freedome from hostilitie rest