he is glorious in Nature That he is three in Persons That he is one in Essence For the first that there is a God is euery where apparant in euery leafe yea almost in euery line of Scripture and therefore I spare quotations it being out of all doubt that the Scripture saith so And against all seeds of Atheisme men may keepe in their minds these other testimonies both inward and outward The inward testimonies that proue there is a God are these The horror of conscience that befalles men after the committing of sinne dreading a supreame Iudge which terrours we see are oftentimes such as are most dreadfull and such as no outward thing can still The testimony of the holy Ghost infallibly satisfying the godly herein The reuelation of God to the harts of his people daily finding him in the vse of his ordinances which presence of God they likewise misse if they sinne presumptuously The externall testimonies are taken from the workes of God either more generally in the world or more specially in the Church The world testifies there is a God In respect of the creation of it this huge frame could not make it selfe and therefore of necessity there must be some being that gaue it being By the motion that is in it For that shewes there is a supreame mouer By the strange Iudgements that fall vpon the wicked somtimes in the very act of sinning and sometimes at the very instant of the wishes of wicked persons In that all nations haue at all times acknowledged a God In the Church God hath proued himselfe to be 1 By apparitions God hath shewed himselfe by certaine formes or signes of his presence thus Adam Noah Abrahā Isaac Iacob Moses c. saw God 2 By the miracles wrought beyond all the course of nature as when he raised dead men diuided the sea made the Sunne goe backward c. Thus of the proofe of the first principle That God is also maruellously glorious in his nature these places shew Psal. 29. all ouer Exod. 33.18 Againe he said I beseech thee shew me thy glory 19. And he answered c. Esa. 6.2.3 And one cried to another and said Holy holy holy is the Lord of hosts the whole world is full of his glory 1. Tim. 6.16 Who onely hath immortality and dwelleth in the light that none can attaine vnto whom neuer man saw neither can see vnto whom bee honour and power euerlasting Amen And how can hee be but exceeding glorious when as he is Incorporeall beyond the perfection of bodily things Ioh. 4. 24. God is a spirit Eternall without any beginning Psal. 90.2 Before the mountaines were made and before thou haddest formed the earth and the world euen from euerlasting to euerlasting thou art our God Infinitely immense and incomprehensible 1. King 8.27 Is it true indeed that God will dwell on the earth Behold the heauens and the heauens of heauens are not able to containe thee how much more vnable is this house that I haue built Ier. 23.24 Doe not I fill heauen and earth saith the Lord Immutable without shadow of change Iam. 1.17 Euery good giuing and euery perfect gift is from aboue and commeth downe from the father of lights with whom is no variablenesse neither shadow by turning Numb 23.19 God is not as man that hee should lie neither as the sonne of man that hee should repent Hath he said and shall he not doe it and hath he spoken and shall he not accomplish it Omnipotent so as nothing is impossible to him Psalm 115.3 But our God is in heauen hee doth whatsoeuer he will Mat. 19.26 And Iesus beheld them and said vnto them with men this is impossible but with God all things are possible Iob 42.2 I know that thou canst doe all things and that there is no thought hidden from thee Omni-scient so as hee knowes all things vniuersally and perfectly Psalm 147.5 Great is our Lord and great is his power his wisdome is infinite Rom. 11.33 O the deepnesse of the riches both of the wisedome and knowledge of God! how vnsearchable are his iudgements and his waies past finding out Hebr. 4.13 Neither is there any creature which is not manifest in his sight but all things are naked and open vnto his eyes with whom we haue to doe Most holy without sinne in himselfe and hating sinne in others Psalm 5.4 For thou art not a God that louest wickednesse neither shall euill dwell with thee Esa. 6.3 And one cried to another and said Holy holy is the Lord of hosts All-sufficient and independant Genes 17.1 The Lord appeared to Abraham and said vnto him I am God all-sufficient walke before me and be thou vpright Exod. 3.14 And God answered Moses I am that I am c. Rom. 11.36 For of him and through him and for him are all things to him be glory for euer Amen Most mercifull Exod. 34.6.7 So the Lord passed before his face and cried The Lord the Lord strong mercifull and gracious c. Reseruing mercy for thousands forgiuing iniquity and transgression and sinne and not making the wicked innocent Psalm 136. the whole Lastly Immortall so as hee can neuer die or cease to bee 1. Tim. 1.17 Now vnto the King euerlasting immortall inuisible vnto God onely wise be honour and glory for euer and euer Amen And all this should teach vs To adore and feare this great and glorious God Rom. 11.33.35.36 O the deepnesse of the riches both of the wisedome and knowledge of God c. To dilate our hearts in a speciall manner in his praises Neuer such a subiect of praise as God His praises should take vp all people by all meanes and at all times while we haue any being Psalm 72.18.19 Blessed bee the Lord God and blessed bee his glorious name for euer and let the whole earth be filled with his glory Amen Amen Psalm 96. vers 1. c. Oh sing vnto the Lord all the earth blesse his name declare his glory from day to day the Lord is great and greatly to be praised giue vnto the Lord the glory due vnto his name Psal. 147.1 Praise ye the Lord for praise is comely Psalm 148. the whole Reuel 5.9 c. With speciall admiration to set our hearts and affections vpon him to loue him with all our soules and all our might Deut. 30.6 And the Lord thy God will circumcise thine heart and the hart of thy seed that thou maist loue the Lord thy God with all thine heart and with all thy soule that thou mayest liue Oh these beauties should make vs wonderfully in loue with God! who onely is worthy to be accounted of a good nature Matth. 19.17 And he said vnto him why callest thou me good there is none good but one euen God c. With all diligence to seeke all good at his hands With all thankfulnesse to acknowledge what good wee receiue from him yea acknowledging all we haue to bee
that are bruised c. The vses may be First for consolation vnto all the godly and this comfort in their Mediatour and the new couenant in him may be the more distinctly formed in vs if we consider 1. The priuiledges and benefits wee reape by this new couenant 2. The properties of the couenant 3. The persons to whom it may belong For the first by meanes of the Mediatour in this new couenant we receiue many admirable prerogatiues and blessings as 1. The abrogation of the old couenant Heb. 8.13 In that hee saith a new Testament he hath abrogated the old now that which is disanulled and waxed old is ready to vanish away So as now we are not vnder the Law but vnder Grace Rom. 6.14 For sinne shall not haue dominion ouer you for ye are not vnder the Law but vnder grace c. 2. Communion of Saints from all parts of the world men of all Nations comming in vpon this new agreement Isaiah 49.6.11 And he said it is a small thing that thou shouldest be my seruant to raise vp the Tribes of Iacob and to restore the desolations of Israel I will also giue thee for a light of the Gentiles that thou maist bee my saluation vnto the ends of the world Matth. 8.11 But I say vnto you that many shall come from the East and West and shall sit downe with Abraham Isaack and Iacob in the Kingdome of heauen c. 3. Reconciliation with God and the pardon of all sins 2. Cor. 5.19 For God was in Christ and reconciled the world to himselfe not imputing their sinnes vnto them Ier. 31.33.34 But this shall bee the couenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those daies saith the Lord I will be their God and they shall be my people And I will forgiue their iniquitie and will remember their sins no more Heb. 9.15 And for this cause is he the Mediator of the new Testament that through death which was for the redemption of the transgressions that were in the former Testament c. The mediatour paying all our debts 4. A righteousnesse answerable to that of the Law wrought for vs and imputed to vs Rom. 8.4 That the righteousnesse of the Law might be fulfilled in vs which walke not after the flesh but after the Spirit 5. The inhabitation of the Spirit of God taking possession of vs vnto Gods vse for euer Isai. 59.21 And I will make this my couenant with them saith the Lord my Spirit that is vpon thee and my words which I haue put in thy mouth shall not depart out of thy mouth nor out of the mouth of thy seede saith the Lord euen from henceforth for euer 6. The Law of God put into our hearts from the least to the greatest Ier. 31.33 But this shall be the couenant that I wil make with the house of Israel After those daies saith the Lord I will put my Law in their inward parts write it in their hearts c. 7. A couenant with all creatures who must be at peace with vs and seruiceable to vs Hosea 2.18.21.22 And in that day will I make a couenant for them with the wilde beasts and with the foules of the heauen and with that that creepeth vpon the earth and I will breake the bow and the sword and the battell out of the earth and I will make them to sleepe safely And in that day I will heare saith the Lord I will euen heare the heauens and they shall heare the earth And the earth shall heare the corne and the wine and the oile and they shall heare Israel 8. Gods sanctuary in the midst of vs and his presence with vs for euer Ezech. 37.26.27.28 Moreouer I will make a couenant with them of peace it shall be an euerlasting couenant with them and will set my sanctuarie amongst them for euermore My tabernacle also shall bee with them yea I will be their God and they shall be my people 9. The promise of an eternall inheritance Heb. 9.15 And for this cause is he the Mediatour of the new Testament that through death which was for the redemption of the transgressions that were in the former Testament they which were called might receiue the promise of eternall inheritance c. The second part of the consolation may be raised from the consideration of the properties of the couenant which are That it is free and God stands not vpon desert in vs Isai. 55.1.2.4 He euery one that thirsteth come yee to the waters and yee that haue no siluer come buy and eate come I say buy wine and milk without siluer and without mony Wherefore doe you lay out siluer and not for bread and your labour without being satisfied hearken diligently vnto me and eate that which is good and let your soule delight in fatnesse Behold I gaue him for a witnesse to the people for a Prince and a Master vnto the people c. That it is vnchangeable and eternall Isaiah 54.10 For the mountaines shall remoue and the hilles shall fall downe but my mercy shall not depart from thee neither shall the couenant of my peace fall away saith the Lord that hath compassion on thee And we may the rather be assured of this if we consider 1. The nature of God Mercy pleaseth him and he is so desirous of reconciliation that hee beseecheth men to be reconciled 2. Cor. 5.19.20 Hosea 2.19 2. The propitiation in Christ God hath proclaimed it from heauen that in him hee is well pleased and fully pacified Mat. 3.17 c. And Christ is giuen for a couenant of the people Isai. 49.8 3. That there is an act for it in the counsell of God from euerlasting 1. Cor. 2.7 4. That God hath sworne to keepe this couenant Heb. 6.18 and 7.19.20.21.22 Isai. 42.6.7 5. That it is confirmed by the death of the restator Heb. 9.16 Matth. 26.27 6. Because he euer liueth to make request for vs at the right hand of God and is able perfectly to saue those that come vnto him Heb. 7.25 13.8 7. Because the Law cannot disanull it Gal. 3.17 8. That we haue sacraments to confirme it and seale to it and if wee can bee perswaded that the Flood shall come no more when we see the Rainbow how much more should the glorious sacraments of the new Couenant settle vs in the assurance of the vnchangeablenesse of Gods good will towards vs 9. That the couenant is kept not only in the word which cannot be blotted but also wee haue the keeping of it in our owne hearts Rom. 10.4.5 10. That God is now long since knowne to the Church by the name of Iehouah which notes both his constancy and al sufficiencie Exod. 6.3 This is comfortable if we consider the persons that may be capable of the priuiledges of this new Couenant God stands not vpon desert Esay 55.1 the stranger and the Eunuches may be as well accepted here as the sonnes and daughters if their
hee accomplished and proclaimed in his resurrection from the dead For the second the Regall glory of Christ consisted in two things the first was the glorification of his humane nature And the second was his triumph ouer his enemies The glorificatiō of his humane nature contained 1. the deposition of all the infirmities accompanying our nature which hee vndertooke for our sakes so as now hee ceased to hunger or thirst or bee weary or feele any paine or griefe nor could he suffer any more or die 2. The perfecting of his humane nature with all the degrees of celestiall gifts and endowments could possibly befall a created nature both in body and mind His very body was glorified surpassing the Sunne in the firmament for splendor and brightnesse Now for the triumph of Christ he acted it two waies 1. In those frequent manifestations after his resurrection for the 40. dayes hee was pleased to abide on earth 2. In that most glorious ascension riding in the chariot of triumph vp into heauen leading with him captiuity captiue The third thing is his taking possession of his kingdome and this he did when he sat downe at the right hand of the Maiesty of God and was exalted aboue all that is named and had power ouer all things giuen him of his Father The fourth thing is his administration of the kingdome of which hee is now possest and this hath in it foure things 1. The calling and gathering together both of Iewes and Gentiles belonging to the election of God Rom. 8.30 Ephes. 4.11 12. Esa. 11.11.12 2. The prescribing of lawes as the onely law-giuer of the Church and this he doth when hee propoundeth vnto his subiects the rules both of beleeuing and liuing by the word and ministry of the same adding thereunto the work of the Spirit writing his lawes vpon their hearts Iam. 4.12 Ier. 31.33 2. Cor. 3. 17.18 3. The donation of gifts inabling men to the Kingdome of God Ephes. 4.8 Philip. 1.29 4. The execution of Iustice and so he doth iustice 1. Amongst his owne subiects and so he doth them Iustice 1. In iustifying them from their sins in acquitting them and pronouncing them absolued from all the sentences of Gods iustice giuen out against them 2. By distributing rewards among them both in spirituall and temporall things 3. By keeping them in their bonds and preseruing them in the feare of God and a iust course of life 2. Against his enemies whom he either restraines or subdues hee restraines them by setting them their bounds which they may not passe by infatuating their counsels and by being a wall of brasse about his owne He subdues them either by conuerting them and so making them come in and doe him homage or else by confounding them which he begins partly by outward iudgements partly by induration as deliuering them vp to a reprobate sense and accomplishing it in their miserable ends casting them into vtter darkenesse This administration of his kingdome he executes partly in this life and partly in the world to come the one is his kingdom of grace the other of glory what is but begun here is fully made compleate in that other world The Vses of the Regall office of Christ follow And those are partly for Instruction partly for Consolation First for Instruction and wee should learne 1. To ascribe all glory and dominion to him for euer wee should so admire the greatnesse and maiesty of our King as our hearts should bee most affectionately moued to his continuall praises Let the people praise thee O God yea let all the people praise thee O sing praises to our God sing praises sing praises with vnderstanding Psal. 47.6.7 Reuel 1.5 Reuel 5.12.13.14 Saying with a loud voice Worthie is the Lambe that was killed to receiue power and riches and wisdome and strength and honour and glory and praise And all the creatures which are in heauen and on the earth and vnder the earth and in the sea and all that are in them heard I saying Praise and honour and glory and power be vnto him that sitteth vpon the throne and vnto the Lambe for euermore c. And to this end wee should learne 2. To pray that God would giue vs the spirit of wisdome and reuelation that the eies of our vnderstanding may bee enlightned to discerne the working of his mighty power which hee wrought in Christ when he raised him from the dead and set him at his owne right hand in heauenly places farre aboue all principalities and powers and euery name that is named not onely in this world but also in that which is to come hath put all things vnder his feete and made him head ouer all things belonging to the Church Ephes. 1.17 to the end And with all we should stirre vp our selues 3. To pray daily that his kingdome may come that the people that yet are in darkenesse may be conuerted and that his glory may shine more and more in those that haue submitted themselues to his Scepter and to this end that the ordinances of his kingdome especially the preaching of the Gospell may run with power and mightily conquer and enlarge the bounds of his kingdome and that all opposite kingdomes may be subuerted as is that of Anti-Christ especially that his kingdome of glory may be hastened vpon vs. And for our owne parts wee should euery one be ready 4. To send our Lamb to the Ruler of the earth Isai. 16.1 to tender our homage and offer our seruice testifie our aleageance with all humilitie and thankefulnesse vnto this King of Kings the Lord our mighty Redeemer and throughout the course of our liues 5. To bow at the name of Iesus and to feare him that is a great King aboue all gods and hath a name aboue all names to confesse his soueraigntie and submit to his gouernment and to tremble before him and to thinke of him with all reuerence Phil. 2.9.10 11. Psalm 2.10.11 6. And to come willingly at all the times of the publike assembly of his armies in holy beauty we should all flock to the colours of the King and neuer giue ouer the care of assembling our selues in the courts of our God but with al gladnesse go vp to the house of the Lord the courts of the King the place of his holy presence where he sits in his throne amongst vs Ps. 110.3 7. To seeke to Christ in al our necessities seeing hee is so exalted that now he is able to help vs in all times of need according to the riches of his glory 8. To be tender and zealous for the glory and honor of Christ shall not our hearts rise at the dishonour of our King 9. To obserue whatsoeuer he commands in nothing refusing him that speaketh from heauen Mat. 28.20 Teaching them to obserue all things whatsoeuer I haue commanded you c. Heb. 12.25 See that ye despise not him that speaketh for if they escaped not which refused him that spake on
incarnate p. 168. Fiue instructions p. 169.170 Many consolations from the incarnation of Christ. p. 171. to 175. Chap. 14. Of the conception of Christ the vses p. 176. c. Chap. 15. How Christ could be borne of a Virgin with the vses p. 180. to 186. Foure sorts of making man at seuerall times p. 184. Chap. 16. Of the personal vnion with the vses p. 186. to 191. Chap. 17. Principles that concerne the mediator-ship of Christ. p. 191. to 197. When Christ was giuen to be mediator p. 194. Three sorts of couenants of God p. 197. Wherein the couenant of grace and the couenant of workes agree and how they differ in sixe things p. 200. to 206. Nine priuiledges of the couenant of grace p. 206. to 211. The properties of this couenant p. 211.212 Ten arguments to assure the infallibility of the couenant of grace p. 212.213 The persons capable of these priuiledges p. 214. Comforts in the curse of sinne and in the crosse of affliction and in the curse of death p. 215.216 What wee must auoid in respect of this couenant p. 217.218 What we must doe that wee may bee fitted for this couenant p. 219. Eight things to be done that we may walke worthy of this couenant p. 220.221.222 Chap. 18. What the Propheticall office of Christ is the parts of it and the manner how he executed it p. 226.227.228 Seuen principles concerning the propheticall office of Christ. p. 229.230.231 Christ differed in teaching from all others in diuers things p. 235.236 Sixe instructions p. 237.238 Eight comfortable things in the manner of Christs teaching p. 240. to 245. Chap. 19. Foure principles concerning the obedience of Christ. p. 247. to 250. with the vses to p. 254. Chap. 20. Sixe principles concerning the Passion of Christ. p. 255.256.257 The extreame things Christ suffered for vs. p. 257. to 262. Many duties to be performed vpon the consideration of the Passion 1. Towards Christ himselfe p. 263. to 267. 2. Towards others p. 268. to 271. 3. Towards our selues p. 271. to 279. Fiue vses for information p. 279. to 284. Many consolations from the passion of Christ in generall from p. 284. to 291. Many particular consolations p. 291 to 301. Chap. 21. Foure principles concerning the intercession of Christ. p. 301.302.303 Seuen distinct things in the intercession of Christ. p. 304. Confutation of Papists p. 309. Foure instructions p. 310. Ten consâ—lations p. 311. to 315. Chap. 22. Seuen principles concerning the regall office of Christ. p. 315. to 325. The method of the doctrine of Christs Regall office p. 325. to 331. Twelue generall vses for instruction besides particular vses p. 331. to 340. Many consolations p. 340. to 344. Chap. 22. Seuen principles concerning the Church Nine vses for instruction p. 355. to 361 Many consolations p. 361. to 364. Chap. 23. Eight principles concerning Iustification p. 364. to 371. Eight vses for instruction p. 371. to 378. Sixe consolations p. 378. to 381. Chap. 24. Sixe principles concerning sanctification p. 383. to 388. Motiues to holinesse p. 389.390.391 Rules concerning sanctification where ten things to be auoided p. 392. to 396. Rules about the matter end manner and meanes of sanctification p. 396. to 340. Seuen signes of a man vnsanctified p. 402.403 Many consolations against the imperfection of sanctification p. 405. to 409. Chap. 26. Foure principles concerning the resurrection p. 410. to 414. That there shall bee a resurrection proued by varietie of Arguments p. 415. to 419. Sixe things in the manner of the resurrection p. 420.421 Fiue instructions p. 422. to 425. Many consolations p. 425. to 436. Sixe glorious things shall befall our bodies at the resurrection p. 429. Obiections answered p. 433. c. Chap. 27. Seuen principles concerning the last Iudgement p. 436. to 445. Sixe instructions p. 445. to 455. Sixe waies of offending in censuring p. 447. Nine things to be done that we may haue comfort in the day of Iudgment p. 451. to 455. The vse for terrour at large p. 455. to 460. Many obiections answered p. 460. to 478. It shall be a terrible day for fifteene sorts of offenders p. 472. to 478. Many consolations p. 478. to 482. Chap. 28. Foure principles concerning the glorie of heauen p. 482. to 487. Sixe vses for instruction with diuers notes p. 487. to 497. Sixe things we must doe that we may be sure to goe to Heauen p. 492. c. The consolations from p. 497. to the end The description of the parts of the glorie of Heauen and the perpetuitie of it FINIS CHAP. I. Containing the nature and vse of this Treatise THe purpose and drift of this Treatise is to effect three things First to extract out of all Theologie contained in the Scriptures such truths as are of necessitie to be beleeued vnto saluation the knowledge whereof is required of all In the defence whereof we should be ready to suffer the extreamest things euen death it selfe and which wee should account the very Characters of true Religion the distinct knowledge whereof we should lay vp as great riches Secondly to gather out of the Scriptures such euident proofes of each of those truths as might make a full assurance and establishment of heart in the particular beleefe of them Thirdly to poynt out the seuerall vses wee should make of these fundamentall truthes and for what excellent purpose they may serue vs all the daies of our life Singularly great would the profit of this proiect be if there were a heart in man to vse a little diligence in matters of so great moment Is it not a meruailous benefit in this contending world for a man to know distinctly what truthes be infallible and to haue the truthes that are absolutely necessary to be beleeued separated from such as a man may bee ignorant of and yet bee saued And for the second thing it is certaine the most Christians knowe their groundes but by heare-say and the common iudgement of others whereas here they may bee informed of them so as to knowe them by proofes of Scripture which with a little labour they may commit to memory as seed-plots of contemplation And for the third what is the reason that Common-place Diuinitie is so out of vse in popular teaching or that Catechismes are looked vpon so dully and learned or taught with so little profit but that the vse of such doctrine hath not been distinctly shewed so as men thinke of Principles as of certaine inferior truthes because they see other points in textuall course handled with directions for the vse of them Whereas it is certaine that no doctrines in Religion haue more abundant vse in the life of man nor more vrged with varietie of vses in the Scriptures then the heads of Catechisme And for the warrant of the proiect it is euident that the Apostles did make a separation of truthes and did extract the fundamentall truthes out of the maine body of doctrine and those they deliuered to
again from the dead according to my Gospell c. That hee ascended into heauen these places may suffice to proue it Mark 16.19 So after the Lord had spoken vnto them he was receiued into heauen and sat at the right hand of God Luk. 24.51 And it came to passe that as he blessed them he departed from them and was carried vp into heauen Act. 1.9 And when he had spoken these things while they beheld he was taken vp for a cloud tooke him vp out of their sight Ephes. 4.8.9.10 Wherefore hee saith when he ascended vp on high hee led captiuity captiue and gaue gifts vnto men Now in that he ascended what is it but that hee had also descended first into the lowest parts of the earth Hee that descended is euen the same that ascended farre aboue all heauens that he might fill all things That hee sitteth at the right hand of God these places proue Mark 16.19 So after the Lord had spoken vnto them hee was receiued into heauen and sate at the right hand of God Heb. 1.9 Vnto which also of the Angels said he at any time Sit at my right hand till I make thine enemies thy foot-stoole c. Heb. 8.1 Now of the things which wee haue spoken this is the summe that we haue such an high Priest that sitteth at the right hand of the throne of the maiesty in heauen c. Eph. 1.20.21 Which he wrought in Christ when hee raised him from the dead and set him at his right hand in the heauenly places Farre aboue all principalities and power and might and dominion and euery name that is named not in this world onely but also in that that is to come c Colos. 3.1 If yee then bee risen with Christ seek those things which are aboue where Christ sitteth at the right hand of God 2. That Christ who purchased the Church by his blood is appointed of God to be the King and head of the Church and Prince ouer the people of God hauing all power in his owne hands Psalm 2.6 Euen I haue set my King vpon Sion mine holy mountaine Matth. 28.18 And Iesus came and spake vnto them saying All power is giuen vnto mee in heauen and in earth Ioh. 13.3 Iesus knowing that the Father had giuen all things into his hands and that hee was come from God and went to God Colos. 1.18 And he is the head of the body of the Church he is the beginning and the first borne of the dead that in all things hee might haue the preeminence Reuel 19.16 And he hath vpon his garment and vpon his thigh a name written The King of kings and Lord of lords 3. That he is likewise appointed to bee the law-giuer to the Church and the Iudge of the whole world Iam. 4.12 There is one law-giuer which is able to saue and to destroy who art thou that iudgest another man Ioh. 5.22 For the Father iudgeth no man but hath committed all iudgement vnto the Sonne 27. And hath giuen him power also to execute iudgement in that he is the sonne of man Act. 10.42 And he commanded vs to preach vnto the people and to testifie that it is he that is ordained of God a iudge of quicke and dead Act. 17.31 Because hee hath appointed a day in the which he will iudge the world in righteousnesse by that man whom he hath appointed whereof he hath giuen him an assurance vnto all men in that he hath raised him from the dead c. 2. Tim. 4.1 I charge ye therefore before God and before the Lord Iesus Christ which shall iudge the quicke and the dead at his appearing and in his kingdome c. 4. That his gouernment extends to the people of all nations Psalm 2.8 Aske of me and I will giue thee the heathen for thine inheritance and the endes of the earth for thy possession Matth. 28.18 And Iesus came and spake vnto them saying All power is giuen vnto mee in heauen and in earth c. Phil. 2.10.11 That at the name of Iesus should euery knee bow both of things in heauen and things in earth and things vnder the earth And that euery tongue should confesse that Iesus Christ is the Lord vnto the glory of God the Father 5. That his kingdome is not of this world but a spirituall and celestiall kingdome Ioh. 18. 36. Iesus answered my kingdome is not of this world if my kingdome were of this world my seruants would surely fight that I should not be deliuered to the Iewes but now is my kingdome not from hence Rom. 14.17 For the kingdome of God is not meate nor drinke but righteousnesse and peace and ioy in the holy Ghost 6. That hee will bee with his people to the end of the world Matth. 28.20 Teaching them to obserue all things whatsoeuer I haue commanded you and loe I am with you alwaies vntill the end of the world Amen 7. This his kingdome is an euerlasting kingdome Luk. 1. 33. And hee shall raigne ouer the house of Iacob for euer and of his kingdome shall be no end Heb. 12.28 Wherfore seeing we receiue a kingdome which cannot be shaken let vs haue grace wherby we may so serue God that wee may please him with reuerence and feare Dan. 2.44 And in the dayes of these Kings shall the God of heauen set vp a Kingdome which shall neuer be destroyed and this kingdome shall not be giuen to another people but it shall breake and destroy all these kingdomes and it shall stand for euer Dan. 7.14 And he gaue him dominion and honour and a kingdome that all people nations and languages should serue him his dominion is an euerlasting dominion which shall neuer be taken away and his kingdome shall neuer be destroyed c. Against this last principle may bee obiected the words of the Apostle 1 Cor. 15.24 Then shall be the end when hee hath deliuered the kingdome vp to God euen the Father when he hath put downe all rule and all authority and power And therefore after that time it seemes hee shall raigne no more For answere thereunto we must know that Christ shall not then cease to raigne but only cease to raigne after the same manner he doth now That manner of administration which hee now vseth in gathering and preseruing his Church shall then cease there shall be then no need of it Thus of the principles Now for the explication that wee may more distinctly conceiue of this office of Christ as King we must consider of foure things in it 1. The victory ouer the enemies that opposed his title 2 His kingly glory with which he was qualified and prepared for gouernment 3. His taking of possession of the kingdome 4. His administration after he had possession For the first Christ fought for his kingdome and most victoriously ouercame the Diuell sinne death and hell and rescued his subiects from their thraldome 1. Cor. 15.54.55 Colos. 2.15 Heb. 2.14 And this victory
resurrection Dan. 12.2 And many of them that sleepe in the dust of the earth shall awake some to euerlasting life and some to shame and perpetuall contempt Quest. It may bee obiected that Daniel saith many shall rise not all Answ. Hee may speake so because wee shall not all die but those that are aliue at Christs comming shall bee changed in stead of death and resurrection 1. Thes. 4.15 For this say we vnto you by the word of the Lord that we which liue and are remaining in the comming of the Lord shall not preuent them which sleepe c. 1. Cor. 15.53 Thirdly that the same bodies which men carry about with them in this world shall rise againe Iob 19.26.27 And though after my skin wormes destroy this body yet shall I see God in my flesh Whom I my selfe shall see and mine eyes shall behold and none other for me though my raines are consumed within me Psalm 34.20 He keepeth all his bones not one of them is broken This very corruptible must put on incorruption 1. Cor. 15. 53. For this corruptible must put on incorruption and this mortall must put on immortality c. The reasons are 1. because euery man shall receiue in his body what hee hath done either good or euill 2. Cor. 5.10 For wee must all appeare before the iudgement seat of Christ that euery man may receiue the things which are done in his body according to that he hath done whether good or euill 2. Because else it were absurd that any other body should bee crowned but that which suffered or punished but that which sinned Fourthly that this resurrection shall bee at the ende of the world euen the last day of the world Ioh. 6.44 No man can come to me except the Father which hath sent me draw him and I will raise him vp at the last day And therefore we must distinguish betweene particular resurrections and the generall or vniuersall Particular resurrections haue been past in some cases miraculously as at the time of Christs death but the principle speakes of the vniuersall resurrection The vses may be for Information Instruction Consolation Terrour First for information and so we should striue to informe our selues in three things 1. The certainty of it that it shall surely be 2. The manner of it since it must needs be 3. The glory of the life in Christ that can effect this For the first we may find many waies to affect our harts with a full assurance that our dead bodies shall rise againe many things tend hereunto some probable some infallible some shew it that it may bee others that it shall be That it is not impossible other workes in nature shew as first the Phoenix a bird in Arabia of which it is written that waxing old with the stickes of Frankincense and Cassia with which shee filled her nest shee makes a fier and being put in the fier and burned to ashes by and by after the dew of heauen lights vpon her she comes forth aliue Secondly we know that many little birds which for the winter-time lie out of the way in deepe marshes or such like places yet in spring time come out aliue againe Thirdly we see that trees and plants in winter loose all their ornaments and being dead to see to yet reuiue againe Fourthly thus doth the seed also which the husband-man throwes into the ground 1. Cor. 15.36 O foole that which thou sowest is not quickened except it die Fifthly and lastly night and day sleepe and waking shewes vs thus much the day dies into the night and yet reuiues to the world with all his glory Yea in man himselfe there is grounds of singular probability For First his deliuerances from dangers and distresses are as it were lesser resurrections and the terme is giuen to it The houses in which the Iewes were captiues were as so many graues and their returne as a rising from the dead Ezech. 37.12 2. Cor. 1.10 Secondly he hath had an experience of the first resurrection in his soule already and how can he doubt the rising of his body Rom. 6. Ioh. 5.25.28 Reu. 20.6 Thirdly diuers particular men haue appeared raised from the dead as Lazarus Ioh. 13.43 the Saints that appeared out of the graues after Christs death Mat. 27.52.53 Fourthly God shewed this in a vision to Ezechiel when he saw a field full of dry bones receiuing at Gods commandement flesh and nerues and life Ezech. 37. But wee haue more then probabilities we haue certaine arguments for it as First the word of God assuring it 1. Thes. 4.15 as was proued before to whom all things are possible Luk. 1.37 For with God shall nothing bee vnpossible Luk. 18.27 The things which are vnpossible with men are possible with God Rom. 4.21 Secondly the Sonne of God vndertaking to effect it Iohn 6. 39. And this is the Fathers will which hath sent me that of all which he hath giuen me I should loose nothing but should raise it vp againe at the last day c. Thirdly the resurrection of Christ to assure it who rose as our surety 1. Thes. 4.14 Fourthly the Sacrament of Baptizme sealeth both the resurrection of soule and body Fifthly and lastly the Apostle proues at large the necessity of the resurrection by many arguments shewing in effect that all religion is ouerturned if the resurrection bee not beleeued 1. Cor. 15.12 Thus that it shall be How it shall be followes The manner of the resurrection will be thus First when the last day of the world is come Christ on a sudden in the same visible forme he went to heauen will come in the clouds with his Angels and thousands of the soules of his Saints Iude 14. 1. Thes. 4.15 Secondly the trumpet of God shall then sound the voice of the Arch-angell shall then bee heard Christ shall command exhort and call vpon the dead to rise and come away to iudgement 1. Thes. 4.16.17 so as the very dead shall heare this shout and voice of Christ Ioh. 5.29 Matth. 24.31 Thirdly immediately the spirit of Christ will bring the soules of all the godly and they shall enter into their bodies and then they that haue slept in the dust of the earth shall bee raised to life Fourthly the bodies of the wicked shall then bee raised also by the power of God by a way vnknowne Fifthly men that shal then be aliue shal haue a chāge on a sudden in stead of death and resurrection 1. Cor. 15. 1. Thes. 4.15 16. Sixthly the Angels shall then gather the Elect and chase in the reprobates from the foure winds of heauen and present them before Christ Matth. 24.31 Thus of the manner Thirdly this may informe vs concerning the glorious life of the Sonne of God who doth not onely liue himselfe but giues life to millions of men by his spirit Ioh. 5.21 and raised dead bodies so miraculously Thus of the vses for information From the doctrine of the resurrection wee should
and the sea and the fountaine of waters c. Fifthly wee should bee sober in not enquiring into things not reuealed and looke to the maine businesse as for the precise time or place of the iudgement or from whence the fier shall come that shall burne all or what kind kind of throne it shal be or what the signe of the Sonne of man shall be or such like we beleeue that they shall be but ought not to enquire when where or how they shall be Sixthly chiefly this doctrine of the last iudgement should compell in all of vs a care so to liue that we may be sure to haue comfort in that day and that we shall be sure to finde 1. If wee beleeue in Iesus Christ Ioh. 5.24 Verily verily I say vnto you hee that heareth my word and beleeueth in him that sent me hath euerlasting life and shall not come into condemnation but hath passed from death vnto life 2. If we be sure to iudge our selues here God will not condemne vs with the world 1. Cor. 11.31 For if wee would iudge our selues we should not be iudged c. 3. If continually we consult with the word of God to see that our deeds bee wrought in God Ioh. 3.19.20.21 Hee that doth truth commeth to the light that his deeds might be made manifest that they are wrought according to God 4. If we watch and pray alwaies they that pray much on earth shall stand before Christ with comfort at that day Luke 21.36 Watch therefore and pray continually that ye may be counted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to passe and that ye may stand before the Sonne of man 5. If wee be mercifull and louing and bountifull to the godly in their distresses Matth. 25. 31 c. 6. If wee be sheepe sheepe I say 1. For tractablenesse so as we know heare and be ruled by the voice of Christ. 2. For sociablenesse a sheepe will not bee alone nor sort with swine 3. For profitablenesse that we be not idle nor vnfruitfull Mat. 25. Ioh. 10. 7. If wee can get the seale of the spirit as our earnest of our finall redemption at that day the witnesse of the spirit in this life will make all sure against that day Ephes. 1.14 The spirit of promise is the earnest of our inheritance vntill the redemption of the possession purchased vnto the praise of his glory Rom. 8.15 For ye haue not receiued the spirit of bondage to feare againe but ye haue receiued the spirit of adoption whereby we cry Abba Father 8. If wee hold fast what wee haue and loose not what wee haue wrought Reuel 3.11 Behold I come shortly hold that which thou hast that no man take thy crowne 2. Ioh. 8. Looke to your selues that wee loose not the things which wee haue done but that we may receiue a full reward 9. If wee often receiue the Sacrament of the Lords Supper with due preparation for therin 1. Christ doth familiarly conuerse with vs and is giuen to our nourishment to eternall life 2. The outward elements are vnfained pledges of the remission of all our sinnes 3. We therein remember the death of Christ for vs and how hee was iudged for our sakes and thereby haue our hearts setled against the feare of any seuerity from him 4. In the right preparation for the Sacrament we prepare for the last iudgement too one worke serues to both purposes 5. The Sacraments are Gods broad seales to assure vs that we shall speed wel at that day Thus of the vses for instruction Secondly this doctrine of the last iudgement hath singular terrour in it to all impenitent sinners which may be considered either more generally or more particularly First in generall it is terrible for them to heare and know that God hath set them a day and hath giuen them finall warning to repent or else vndoubtedly he will iudge them with all seuerity Act. 17.31 Because he hath appointed a day in the which he will iudge the world in righteousnesse by that man whom hee hath appointed whereof he hath giuen an assurance vnto all men in that he hath raised him from the dead Iude 15. To giue iudgement against all men and to rebuke all the vngodlily among them of all their wicked deeds which they haue vngodly committed and of all their cruell speaking which wicked sinners haue spoken against him Rom. 2.5 But thou after thine hardnesse and heart that cannot repent heapest vnto thy selfe wrath against the day of wrath and of the declaration of the iust iudgement of God Who will reward euery man according to his workes c. Secondly in particular this terrour is the more grieuous if they consider either the distinct miseries shall then fall vpon thē or the seuerall sins God hath reserued to triall and punishment at that day What hart cā stand before the serious thoughts of the particulars 1. They shall heare the thunder of Christs fearefull voice summoning them 2. They shall be chased in by the Angels before Christ from al the foure winds of heauen 3. They shall be set at Christs lefthand as a signe of miserable disgrace Matth. 25.33 4. A fier shall deuoure before Christ and it shall be tempestuous round about him Psal. 50.3 Our God shall come and shall not keepe silence a fier shall deuoure before him and a mightie tempest shall be moued round about him c. 2. Thes. 1.8 In flaming fier rendring vengeance vnto them that do not know God and which obey not vnto the Gospell of our Lord Iesus Christ. 5. They shall be euerlastingly shamed and before al the world Dan. 12.2 And many of them that sleepe in the dust of the earth shall awake some to euerlasting life and some to shame and perpetuall contempt when all their sinnes shall bee discouered and set in order before them Psalm 50.21 These things hast thou done and I held my tongue therefore thou thoughtst that I was like thee but I will reprooue thee and set them in order before thee c. 6. They shall be sentenced to eternall condemnation containing in it 1. Separation from God Christ and all the godly Go ye cursed c. Matth. 25.41 c. 2. Paine and anguish vnutterable Rom. 2.9 Tribulation and anguish shall bee vpon the soule of euery man that doth euil of the Iew first and also of the Grecian 3. Fellowship with the Diuell and his Angels Matth. 25. 41. as a little before Ob. Some one might say We hope it is not certaine that there shall be such a day Sol. It is most certaine It is appointed as certaine as that men shal die Heb. 9.27 And as it is appointed vnto men that they shall once die and after that commeth the iudgement Acts 17.31 Because he hath appointed a day in the which he will iudge the world in righteousnesse c. Besides the terrible plagues which haue been and are in the world shewes that God is
and not to mee onely but vnto all them also that loue his appearing Reuel 21.24 And the people which are saued shall walke in the light of it and the Kings of the earth shall bring their glory and honour vnto it Which as it imports a perfection of splendor in euery Saint so it doth not dissolue the degrees or orders of glory euery man shall bee aduanced in his owne lot Dan. 12.13 But goe thou thy way till the end be for thou shalt rest and stand vp in thy lot at the end of the dayes 1. Cor. 15.40 There are also heauenly bodies and earthly bodies but the glory of the heauenly is one and the glory of the earthly is another Patriarches Prophets Euangelists Martyrs shall not want their eminency in heauen The fourth is dominion and rule ouer all creatures that which we lost in Adam shall be perfectly restored in heauen after the last iudgement Reuel 2.26 For hee that ouercommeth and keepeth my words vnto the end to him will I giue power ouer nations The fifth is possession of all the pleasures which are at Gods right hand vnutterable ioyes riuers of pleasures This is that which in a sparing language is called the time of refreshing Act. 3.19 Amend your liues therefore and turne that your sinnes may be put away when the time of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord. Psalm 16.11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life in thy presence is the fulnesse of ioy and at thy right hand there are pleasures for euermore For if the ioy of the godly in this life be called 1. Pet. 1.17 A ioy vnspeakable and glorious And if the Lord giue them drink out of the riuer of thy pleasures in this world as Psal. 36.8.9 How much more shall it exceed all language in heauen called the masters ioy The felicities which I haue here mentioned are for the most part common both to soule and body Now there is a peculiar felicity in heauen belonging to the bodies of men which consists in that maruellous transfiguration of them to a condition in respect of qualities farre aboue what they are or can be in this world Our bodies in generall shall be made like the glorious body of Christ though on earth they are but vile Philip. 3.21 Who shall change our vile body that it may be fashioned like vnto his glorious body according to the working wherby hee is able euen to subdue all things vnto himselfe They shall enioy eternall health but of the glory of the body I haue entreated before in the vse of the doctrine of the Resurrection Thus of the parts of this glory The Adiuncts of it follow And so there bee foure things in the consideration of the glory to come should much affect vs. First that it is a glory vnspeakable that is it is so great that no language on earth can describe it For though we mention those foresaid parts of it yet our narrow hearts and mouthes are infinitely straitned in comparison of the full glory of man in these things 1 Cor. 2.9 But as it is written The things which eye hath not seene neither eare hath heard neither came into mans heart are which God hath prepared for them that loue him c. Secondly that it is certaine and we cannot be disappointed of it else it were vncomfortable to heare of so much felicitie and holinesse and yet not bee sure to possesse it The certaintie of it that God will bestow such glory may appeare diuers waies 1. There is an act or ordinance for it in Gods eternall Counsell 2. Tim. 2.19 But the foundation of God remaineth sure and hath this seale The Lord knoweth who are his and Let euery one that calleth on the name of Christ depart from iniquitie Ephes. 1.4 As he hath chosen vs in him before the foundation of the world that wee should bee holy and without blame before him in loue Rom. 8.30 Moreouer whom he predestinate them also he called and whom he called them also he iustified and whom hee iustified them he also glorified Matth. 25.34 Come ye blessed of my Father inherit ye the Kingdome prepared for you from the foundations of the world 2. Christ purchased it with his blood Ephes. 1.14 3. Christ hath made intercession when he was on earth vnto his Father that hee might haue his redeemed Ones to be where he is Iohn 17.11 And now am I no more in the world but these are in the world and I come to thee holy Father keepe them in thy name Vers. 24. Father I will that they which thou hast giuen mee bee with me euen where I am that they may behold my glory which thou hast giuen me for thou louedst me before the foundation of the world 4. God hath made vs many promises and giuen vs not onely his word but his oth to assure it vnto vs Heb. 6.17 So God willing more abundantly to shew vnto the heires of promise the stablenesse of his Counsell bound himselfe by an oath Vers. 18. That by two immutable things wherein it is impossible that God should lie we might haue strong consolation which haue our refuge to hold fast the hope that is set before vs c. 5. He hath sealed to it not only in the Sacrament but by his spirit which will bee our witnesse and is our earnest Ephes. 1.13 Wherein also after that yee beleeued you were sealed with the holy Spirit of promise Vers. 14. Which is the earnest of our inheritance vntill the redemption of the possession purchased vnto the praise of his glory 6. He hath begun eternall life in vs already 7. Christ is gone into heauen of purpose to prouide a place ready for vs Ioh. 14.3 And though I goe to prepare a place for you I will come againe and receiue you vnto my selfe that where I am there may ye be also Heb. 10.19 Seeing therefore bretheren that by the blood of Iesus we may be bold to enter into the holy place Vers. 20. By the new and liuing way which he hath prepared for vs through the vale which is his flesh Thus of the certaintie of it The third thing is the eternitie of it all this glory were the lesse if it were thought it would euer end but it shall neuer end for 1. Nothing of it shall be lost or decay 2. There shall bee no death there for death and hell are cast into the lake of fier 3. There shall be no old age or withering condition in men that possesse it it withers not 1. Pet. 1.4 To an inheritance immortall and vndefiled and that fadeth not away reserued in heauen for you 4. God being all in all there shal be no wearinesse no fulnesse of affections or satietie no loathing Diuines are wont to shadow out eternity by the similitude of a little bird drinking vp a drop of water out of the sea if euery ten thousand yeeres the bird should come drink vp but one drop yet the sea might bee dry at length but yet this lasting of the sea is nothing in comparison to the lasting of the glory of heauen Fourthly and vnto these may bee added the proximity of it the day of the Lord is at hand It were some lessening of our happines if it were a long time to it FINIS ERRATA Pag. 4. lin 22. for Praises reade Oracles p. 51. l. 4. r. by a perpetuall decree p. 74. l. 16. put out a. p. 107. l. 17. r. vp for vpon p. 108. l. 16. for Sould r Should p. 407. l. 4 r. wrinckle p. 434. l. 17.21 and p. 435. l. 8 put out Sol and r. Secondly Thirdly Fourthly p. 486. l. 11. put out all the Chapter p. 499. l. 11. r. or secondly 3 Things intended in this Treatise The benefit of attending to this course The warrant of this course Question Answere Principles may bee knowne three waies The diuision of Principles according to their chiefe heads Two principles about the Scriptures The Scripturs are the very word of God proued by testimonies externall and internall Iohn 1.7 Prou. 30.6 Reuel 22.18 The vses 1. For instruction 2 For reproofe 1 Of the Papists in 4. things 2 Of Carnall Protestants 3 Of the godly 3 For triall 4 For consolation 4 Principles concerning God That there is a God is proued first by testimonies internall 2 By testimonies externall and so either in the world or in the Church 10 Glories in the nature of God The vses 1 For instruction If wee would study the glorious nature of God we must obserue 6. rules For humiliation For consolation Proofes for the Trinity Vses of the doctrine of the Trinity That there is but one God proued The vses 5 Principles concerning the Creation Vses 1 For information 6 Vses for instruction Vses for reproofe 7 Principles concerning Gods prouidence The vses 1 For information 11 Things admirable in Gods prouidence Vses for reproofe 8 Vses for instruction Vse for consolation Man was after the Image of God three waies The vses The speciall fauour of God to man in his Creation Duties 1 To God 2 To our selues 3 To other men 3 Principles concerning the fall of man 7 Things to shew the greatnesse of Adams sinne Obiect Answ. 3 Occasions of Apostasie 5 Degrees of the diuels tentation 4 Principles concerning sinne 14 Foule blemishes in euery mans nature 9 Vses for information 7 Things make ciuill honest men miserable 17. sorts of punishments inflicted on man for his sinne Eph. 5.14 1. Cor. 15. Act. 17.31 Rom. 5. â—2 c. andâ— 1 Mat. 11.29 1. Ioh. 2.1 Gal. 3.13 2. Cor. 5.17 Psa. 22.24 Question Answere Question Answere Question Answere Quest. Answ. Obiect Solution Obiect Solution Obiection Solution Iam. 2.5 What these things meane is vnknowne Rise first in soule