to Salvation Act. 8.28 c. 2. They who attend upon the Means of Salvation are instructed reproved warned and checked Conscience is met with one time or other and who is so dead and senseless that never found in himself a necessity of becoming a new Man And then how might the Consideration of their being baptized of the nature and obligation of Baptism work them towards Conversion and Reformation Reasoning thus with themselves 1. I am not mine own but God's I am dedicated and joined to him by Covenant It is both my Glory and my Duty to be the Lord's Shall I who am related to the most high God as a Child turn to be a Child of the Devil Shall I who am redeemed with precious Blood sell my self to Sin and become a Slave Shall I who am baptized into the Holy Ghost the Spirit of Sanctification defile my self and drown my self in the mire of Sin The Sons of God are lead by the Spirit of God Rom. 8.14 Am I God's or am I not If not What Oh what will become of me for ever 2. I am washed with Water and I must be washed with Blood and Regeneration or else I cannot enter into the Kingdom of God Joh. 3.3,5 Nothing that defileth shall enter therein Rev. 21.27 Oh wash me throughly and cleanse me from my Sin Psal 51.2 3. When you are convinced of the necessity of Regeneration improve your Baptism towards it Say then 1. I am baptized into the Father who is the Father of Mercies and God of all Grace who teacheth calleth draweth and meeteth returning Prodigals O Father of Mercies make me a Child Oh draw me call me meet me receive me Thou art my God by Covenant thy Sign and Seal is upon me Oh forsake me not but put thy Spirit within me 2. I am baptized into the Name of Jesus who came into the World to save Sinners 1 Tim. 1.15 Matth. 1.21 Tit. 2.14 Oh redeem me by thy Power from this Bondage from Sin Satan and the evil World Oh wash me by the Merits and Efficacy of thy Blood 1 Joh. 1.7 Oh bring me home a Stray-Sheep Seek me and save me Be thou my Peace and my Advocate 3. I am baptized into the Holy Ghost the Spirit of Light Wisdom Life Sanctification and Holiness Oh make me a new Creature wash me according to thy Grace and Power Joh. 3.5 Tit. 3.5 2 Thess 2.13 Baptize me with thy Baptism and I shall be a new Man and clean in thy sight 2. Let all such as are regenerate and called remember their Baptism 1. By way of Thankfulness and Praise to the Father Son and Holy Ghost for Grace and Love that God is their God and that they are his People that they have obtained Mercy They may go so high as Election and praise God as the Apostle doth Ephes 1.3 to 8. 1 Thes 1.2,3,4 How happy are you in such a Father such a Saviour such a Comforter and that you are under Grace and made safe by Covenant 2. Improve Baptism for Grace and Growth in Grace and Holiness 1. Because you are separated to God as an holy God and are joined in Covenant and therefore are not Debtors to the Flesh to live after the Flesh Rom. 8.12 We are bought with a price 1 Cor. 6.20 and joined to the Lord and therefore are one Spirit 1 Cor. 6.17 one Mind one Will one Aim one Way and End. 2. Because you are crucified with Christ therefore we should be holy see Rom. 6.6 Gal. 2.20 Chap. 5.24 Chap. 6.14 By virtue of our Union with Christ we must go on to mortifie Sin Rom. 6.3 and live to God Rom. 6. from 4. to 13. By this we have great and effectual Assistance and are under the strongest Engagements to Holiness 3. Improve your Baptism for Privileges which are exceeding great and high As 1. Apply it for your Acceptation with God Ephes 1.6 Though we are vile and hateful in our selves yet we are beloved of the Father accepted in the beloved Son and sanctified by the Spirit 2. Apply it for Justification and Reconciliation The Father will not condemn them for whom his Son died The Father will not be wroth with them that believe and are in him in whom he is well pleased The Terrour of Condemnation is taken off by the Holy Ghost the Comforter 3. Apply it for Adoption and the Privileges and Comforts of it Joh. 1.12 Gal. 4.6 Adopted Children have the Spirit of Adoption and the Earnest of the Spirit Rom. 8.23 Ephes 1.13 Chap. 4.30 and all things with Christ Rom. 8.32 4. Improve it for Communion with God 1 Joh. 1.3 1 Cor. 1.9 What may not a Child have that is fit and good for him from a Father and such a Father as Ephes 1.3 that comes to him in his Son's Name and hath the Son to be an Advocate for him and the Spirit to make Intercession in him See Joh. 16.26,27 1 Joh. 2.1 Rom. 8.26 You may be bold for a Child's Portion in Covenant that have the Heart and Spirit of a Child 4. Improve your Baptismal Relation to the Father the Son and Holy Ghost for Assurance The great Promise is that God will be our God All-sufficient for all things and all times What Circumcision was Baptism is See Rom. 4.11 Col. 2.11,12 Say then you have the Seal of God added to his Promise Oh shew it and plead it for Confirmation and Assurance of Pardon Act. 2.38 Chap. 22.14 and all other Blessings 5. Improve Baptism for your Continuance and Constancy in Duty and Obedience against all Temptations to Apostacy Make quick Denials to the Importunities of the Flesh World and Devil Say What have I to do with thee Satan Get thee hence I am baptized I am delivered and redeemed from thee and sworn in Covenant against thee I am a Soldier of Christ in his Name by his Authority and Power I will resist thee I will not turn away from Christ nor be treacherous to him and mine own Soul c. Say to the World I am crucified to thee what have I to do with thee The Lord is my Portion Go tempt and allure them that know thee not and that have their Treasure upon Earth I am dead to thee But Lord there is none in Heaven but thee and none upon Earth besides thee c. Psal 73.25 Say to the Flesh I am redeemed I am joined to the Lord Shall I take the Members of Christ and make them Members of an Harlot God forbid How shall I serve sin that am freed from it To this End Remember 1. To whom thou art engaged Thou art married in Covenant to the Lord thou art to honour thy Father in Heaven who is better than all above all thou art a redeemed Servant and Member of Christ thou art related and engaged to the Holy Spirit 2. Remember the nature of thy Obligation it is a solemn Covenant an Engagement of the highest nature 3. It is a Pre-engagement thou art promised to God
said unto him Thou art my Son to day have I begotten thee As he saith also in another place V. 6. Thou art a Priest for ever after the order of Melchisedeck V. 7. Who in the days of his flesh when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him who is able to save him from death and was heard in that he feared of a Priest and (z) Psal 2.6 Yet have I set my King upon my holy hill of Sion Isa 9.6 For unto us a Child is born unto us a Son is given and the government shall be upon his shoulders and his Name shall be called Wonderful Counsellor the mighty God the everlasting Father the Prince of Peace V. 7. Of his government and peace there shall be no end upon the throne of David and upon his kingdom to order it and to establish it with judgment and justice from hence forth even for ever the zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this Matth. 21.5 Tell ye the daughter of Sion Behold thy King cometh unto thee meek and sitting upon an ass and a colt the foal of an ass Psal 2 8. Ask of me and I will give thee the heathen for thine inheritance and the utmost parts of the earth for thy possession thou shalt break them with a rod of iron thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel V. 10. Be wise now therefore O ye kings be instructed ye judges of the earth V. 11. Serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling of a King both in his Estate of †Phil. 2.8 And being found in fashion as a man he humbled himself and became obedient unto death even the death of the cross V. 9. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him and given him a name which is above every name V. 10. That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow of things in heaven and things in earth and things under the earth V. 11. And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father Humiliation on Earth and Exaltation in Heaven 29. Q. How doth Christ execute the Office of a Prophet A. Christ as our Redeemer executeth the Office of a Prophet ‖ Heb. 1.1 God who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets V. 2. Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son whom he hath appointed heir of all things by whom also he made the worlds in revealing to us by his †Joh. 1.18 No man hath seen God at any time the only begotten Son which is in the bosom of the Father he hath declared him 1 Pet. 1 10. Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you V. 11. Searching what or what manner of time the spirit of Christ which was in them did signisie when it testified before-hand the sufferings of Christ and the glory which should follow V. 12. Unto whom it was revealed that not unto themselves but unto us they did minister the things which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven which things the angels desire to look into Word and Spirit the * Joh. 15.15 Henceforth I call you not servants for the servant knoweth not what his Lord doth but I have called you friends for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you Will of God for our Salvation ‖ Joh. 20.31 These things are written that you might believe that Jesus is the Christ the Son of God and that believing you might have life through his Name 30. Q. How doth Christ execute the Office of a Priest A. Christ as our Redeemer executeth the Office of a Priest (a) Heb. 9.14 How much more shall the blood of Christ who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God purge your consciences from dead works to serve the living God. V. 28. So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation in his once offering up of himself a (b) Ephes 5 2. And walk in love as Christ also hath loved us and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savour sacrifice to satisfie Divine Justice and (c) Heb. 2.17 In all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren that he might be a merciful and faithful High-Priest in things pertaining to God to make reconciliation for the sins of the people Rom. 5.9 Much more then being now justified by his blood we shall be saved from wrath through him V. 10. For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son much more being reconciled we shall be saved by his life reconcile us to God and in making (d) Heb. 7.24 But this man because he continueth ever hath an unchangeable Priest-hood V. 25. Wherefore he is able to save to the utmost those that come to God by him seeing he ever liveth to make Intercession for them continual Intercession for us 31. Q. How doth Christ execute the Office of a King A. Christ executeth the Office of a King (e) Psal 110.1 The Lord said unto my Lord Sit thou on my right hand until I make thine enemies thy footstool V. 2. The Lord shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion rule thou in the midst of thine enemies V. 3. Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning thou hast the dew of thy youth Acts 15.14 Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles to take out of them a People for his Name V. 15. And to this agree the words of the Prophets as it is written V. 16. After this I will return and build again the Tabernacle of David which is fallen down and I will build again the ruins thereof and I will set it up in subduing us to himself (f) Isa 33.22 The Lord is our Judge the Lord is our Law-giver the Lord is our King he will save us in ruling (g) Isa 32.1 Behold a King shall reign in Righteousness and Princes shall rule in Judgment V. 2. And a Man shall be as an hiding-place from the wind and a covert from the tempest as Rivers of Waters in a dry place as the shadow of a Rock in a weary Land. and defending us (h) 1 Cor. 15.25 For he must reign till he hath put all his Enemies under his feet Psal 110.5 The Lord at thy right hand shall strike through Kings in the day of his wrath V. 6. He shall judge among the heathen he shall fill the places with the dead
would grant unto us that we being delivered out of the hands of our enemies might serve him without fear V. 75. In holiness and righteousness before him all the days of our lives 1 Pet. 1.15 But as he that hath called you is holy so be you holy in all manner of conversation V. 16. Because it is written Be ye holy for I am holy V. 17. And if you call on the Father who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work pass the time of your sojourning here in fear V. 18. Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things as silver and gold from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers V. 19. But with the precious blood of Christ as of a lamb without blemish and without spot Commandments 7. Q. Which is the first Commandment A. The first Commandment is Exod. 20.3 Thou shalt have no other Gods before me Q. What is required in the first Commandment A. The first Commandment requireth us to know and acknowledge God to be the only true God and our (p) 1 Chron. 28.9 And thou Solomon my son know thou the God of thy father and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind for the Lord searcheth all hearts and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts if thou seek him he will be found of thee but if thou forsake him he will cast thee off for ever Deut. 26.17 Thou hast avouched the Lord this day to be thy God and to walk in his ways and to keep his statutes and his commandments and his Judgments and to hearken to his voice God and to worship and glorifie him (q) Matth. 4.10 Then saith Jesus unto him Get thee hence Satan for it is written Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God and him only shalt thou serve Psal 29.2 Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his Name worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness accordingly Q. What is forbidden in the first Commandment A. The first Commandment forbiddeth the (r) Psal 14.1 The fool hath said in his heart There is no God they are corrupt they have done abominable works there is none that doth good denying or not worshipping and glorifying the true (Å¿) Rom. 1.21 Because that when they knew God they glorified him not as God neither were they thankful but became vain in their imaginations and their foolish heart was darkned God as God and our (t) Psal 81.10 I am the Lord thy God which brought thee out of the land of Egypt open thy mouth wide and I will fill it V. 11. But my people would not hearken to my voice and Israel would none of me God and the giving that Worship and Glory to any other which is due to him (u) Rom. 1.25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie and worshipped and served the Creature more than the Creator who is blessed for ever Amen V. 26. For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections for even their women did change their natural use into that which is against nature alone Q. What are wee specially taught by these words before me in the first Commandment A. These words before me in the first Commandment teach us that God who seeth all things taketh notice of and is much displeased with the Sin of having any other (x) Ezek. 8.5 to the end Psal 44.20 But if we have forgetten the name of our God or stretched out our hands to a strange God V. 21. Shall not God search this out for he knoweth the secrets of the heart God. 8. Q. Which is the second Commandment A. The second Commandment is Exod. 20.4,5,6 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven Image or the likeness of any thing that is in heaven above or that is in the earth beneath or that is in the water under the earth thou shalt not bow down thy self to them nor serve them for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me and shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my Commandments Q. What is required in the second Commandment A. The second Commandment requireth the receiving observing and keeping pure and entire all such religious Worship and Ordinances as God hath appointed in his (z) Deut. 32.46 And he said unto them Set your hearts unto all the words which I testisie among you this day which you shall command your children to observe to do all the words of this law Matth. 28.20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you and lo I am with you alway unto the end of the world Acts 2.42 And they continued stedfastly in the Apostles doctrine and fellowship and in breaking of bread and in prayers ... Word Q. What is forbidden in the second Commandment A. The second Commandment forbiddeth the worshiping of God by (a) Deut. 4.15 Take ye therefore good heed unto your selves for ye saw no manner of similitude on the day that the Lord spake unto you in Horeb out of the midst of the fire V. 16. Lest you corrupt your selves and make you a graven image the similitude of any figure the likeness of male or female V. 17. The likeness of any beast that is on the earth the likeness of any winged fowl that flicth in the air V. 18. The likeness of any thing that creepeth on the ground the likeness of any fish that is in the waters beneath the earth V. 19. And lest thou lift up thine eyes to heaven and when thou seest the sun moon and stars even all the host of heaven shouldest be driven to worship them and serve them which the Lord thy God hath divided unto all nations under the whole heaven Exod. 32.5 And when Aaron saw it he built an altar before it and Aaron made proclamation and said To morrow is a feast of the Lord. V. 8. They have turned aside quickly out of the way which I commanded them they have made them a molten calf and have worshipped it and have sacrifioed thereunto and said These be thy Gods O Israel which have brought thee up out of the land of Egypt Images or any other way not appointed in his (b) Deut. 12.31 Thou shalt not do so unto the Lord thy God for every abomination to the Lord which he hateth have they done unto their gods for even their sons and their daughters have they burnt in the fire to their Gods. V. 32. Whatsoever I command you observe to do thou shalt not add thereto nor diminish from it Word Q. What are the Reasons annexed to the second Commandment A. The Reasons annexed to the second Commandment to inforce our Observance of it are God's Soveraignty over (c) Psal 95.2 Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving and make a joyful noise unto him
do all thy work Employment in these words Six days shalt thou labour his challenging a special property in the seventh in these words But the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God his own Example of finishing all his Works in six days and resting on the seventh in these words For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth c. and rested the seventh day and his blessing the (d) Exod. 20.11 For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth the sea and all that in them is and rested the seventh day wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath-day and hallowed it Sabbath-day in these words Wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath-day 11. Q. Which is the fifth Commandment A. The fifth Commandment is Exod. 20.12 Honour thy father and thy mother that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee Q. What is required in the fifth Commandment A. The fifth Commandment requireth the preserving the Honour and performing the Duties belonging to every one in their several Places and Relations as (e) Ephes 5.21 Submitting your selves one to another in the fear of God. Superiors (f) 1 Pet. 2.17 Honour all men Love the brotherhood Fear God. Honour the King. Inferiors or (g) Rom. 12.10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love in honour preferring one another Equals Q. What is forbidden in the fifth Commandment A. The fifth Commandment forbiddeth the neglecting of or doing any thing against the Honour and Duty which belongeth to every one in their several Places and (h) Matth. 15.4 For God commanded saying Honour thy father and mother and he that curseth father or mother let him die the death V. 5. But ye say Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother It is a gift by whatsoever thou mightest be profitted by me V. 6. And honour not his father or his mother he shall be free Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition Ezek. 34.2 Son of man prophesie against the shepherds of Israel prophesie and say unto them Thus saith the Lord God unto the shepherds Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves Should not the shepherds feed the flocks V. 3. Ye eat the fat and cloath you with the wool ye kill them that are fed but ye feed not the flock V. 4. The diseased have ye not strengthned nor have ye healed that which was sick nor bound up that which was broken nor brought again that which was driven away nor sought that which was lost but with force and cruelty have ye ruled them Rom. 13.8 Owe no man any thing but to love one another for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law Relations Q. What is the Reason annexed to the fifth Commandment A. The Reason annexed to the fifth Commandment is a Promise of long Life and Prosperity as far as shall serve for God's Glory and their own Good to all such as keep this (i) Deut. 5.16 Honour thy father and thy mother as the Lord thy God hath commanded thee that thy days may be prolonged and that it may go well with thee in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee Ephes 6.2 Honour thy father and thy mother which is the first Commandment with promise V. 3. That it may be well with thee and thou mayest live long on the earth Commandment 12. Q. Which is the sixth Commandment A. The sixth Commandment is Exod. 20.13 Thou shalt not kill Q. What is required in the sixth Commandment A. The sixth Commandment requireth all lawful endeavours to preserve our own (k) Ephes 5.28 So ought men to love their own wives as their own bodies He that loveth his wife loveth himself V. 29. For no man ever hated his own flesh but nourisheth and cherisheth it even as the Lord the Church Life and the Life of (l) 1 King. 18.4 For it was so when Jezabel cut off the the prophets of the Lord that Obadiah took an hundred prophets and hid them by fifty in a cave and fed them with bread and water others Q. What is forbidden in the sixth Commandment A. The sixth Commandment forbiddeth the taking away of our own Life or the Life of our Neighbour unjustly or whatsoever tendeth (m) Acts 16.28 But Paul cried with a loud voice saying Do thy self no harm for we are all here Gen. 9.6 Whoso sheddeth man's blood by man shall his blood be shed for in the image of God made he man. thereunto 13. Q. Which is the seventh Commandment A. The seventh Commandment is Exod. 20.14 Thou shalt not commit Adultery Q. What is required in the seventh Commandment A. The seventh Commandment requireth the preservation of our own and our Neighbour's Chastity in Heart Speech and (n) 1 Cor. 7.2 Nevertheless to avoid fornication let every man have his own wife and every woman her own husband V. 3. Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence and likewise also the wife unto the husband V. 5. Defraud you not one the other except it be with consent for a time that ye may give c. V. 34. There is difference also between a wife and a virgin the unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord how she may be holy both in body and in spirit but she that is married c. V. 36. But if any man think that he behaveth himself uncomely towards his virgin if she pass the flower of her age and need so require let him do what he will he sinneth not let them marry Col. 4.6 Let your speech be always with grace c. 1 Pet. 3.2 While they behold your chaste conversation c. Behaviour Q. What is forbidden in the seventh Commandment A. The seventh Commandment forbiddeth all unchaste Thoughts Words and (o) Matth. 15.19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts murthers adulteries fornications thefts false-witness c. Matth. 5.28 But I say unto you that whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart Ephes 5.3 But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness let it not be once named amongst you as becometh Saints V. 4. Neither filthiness nor foolish talking c. Actions 14. Q. Which is the eighth Commandment A. The eighth Commandment is Exod. 20.15 Thou shalt not steal Q. What is required in the eighth Commandment A. The eighth Commandment requireth the lawful procuring and furthering the Wealth and outward Estate of our selves and (p) Gen. 30.30 For it was little which thou hadst before I came and it is now increased unto a multitude and the Lord hath blessed thee since my coming and now when shall I provide for my own house also 1 Tim. 5.8 But if any provide not for his own and especially for those of his own house he hath denied the faith and is worse than an insidel Lev. 25.35
know you not that Jesus Christ is in you except ye be reprobates him of their (g) 1 Cor. 11.31 For if we would judge our selves we should not be judged Repentance (h) 1 Cor. 10.16 The cup of blessing which we bless is it not the communion of the blood of Christ V. 17. For we being many are one bread and one body for we are all partakers of that one bread Love and (i) 1 Cor. 5.7 Purge out therefore the old leaven that ye may be a new lump as ye are unleavened for even Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us V. 8. Therefore let us keep the feast not with old leaven neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth new Obedience lest coming unworthily they eat and drink Judgment to (k) 1 Cor. 11.28,29 themselves § 3. The third outward and ordinary Means whereby Christ communicateth to us the Benefits of Redemption is Prayer Q. What is Prayer 1. A. Prayer is an Offering up of our Desires unto (l) Psal 62.8 Trust in him at all times ye people pour out your hearts before him God is a refuge for us Selah God for things agreeable to his (m) 1 Joh. 5.14 And this is the confidence that we have in him that if we ask any thing according to his will he heareth us Will in the Name of (n) Joh. 16.23 And in that day ye shall ask me nothing Verily verily I say unto you whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name he will give it you Christ with Confession of our (o) Psal 32.5 I acknowledge my sins unto thee and mine iniquity have I not hid I said I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin Selah V. 6. For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found surely in the floods of great waters they shall come nigh unto him Dan. 9.4 And I prayed unto the Lord my God and made my confession and said O Lord the great and dreadful God keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love him and to them that keep his commandments Sins and thankful Acknowledgment of his (p) Phil. 4.6 Be careful for nothing but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. Mercies Q. What Rule hath God given for our Direction in Prayer 2. A. The whole Word of God is of use to direct us in (q) 1 Joh. 5.14 And this is the confidence that we have in him that if we ask any thing according to his will he heareth us Prayer but the special Rule of Direction is that Form of Prayer which Christ taught his Disciples commonly called The (r) Matth. 6.6,10,11,12,13 After this manner therefore pray ye Our Father c. Luk. 11.2 And he said unto them When ye pray say Our Father c. Lord's Prayer PART IV. A short Exposition of the Lord's Prayer IN the Lord's Prayer there are three Parts 1. A Preface 2. Six Petitions 3. The Conclusion 1. Q. What doth the Preface of the Lord's Prayer teach us A. The Preface of the Lord's Prayer which is Matth. 6.9 Our Father which art in Heaven teacheth us to draw near to God with all holy Reverence and Confidence as Children to a Father ready to (a) Rom. 8.15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear but we have received the spirit of adoption whereby we cry Abba Father Luk. 11.13 If ye then being evil know how to give good gifts unto your children how much more shall your heavenly Father give the holy Spirit to them that ask him help us and that we should pray with and for (b) Acts 12.5 Peter therefore was kept in prison but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him 1 Tim. 2.1 I exhort therefore that first of all supplications prayers intercessions and giving of thanks be made for all men V. 2. For kings and for all that are in authority c. others 2. Q. What do we pray for in the first Petition 1. A. In the first Petition which is Hallowed be thy Name Matth. 6.9 we pray that God would enable us and others to glorifie him in all that whereby he maketh himself (c) Psal 67.2 That thy way may be known upon earth thy saving health among all nations V. 3. Let the people praise thee O God let all the people praise thee known and that he would dispose all things to his own (d) Psal 83. throughout Glory Q. What do we pray for in the second Petition 2. A. In the second Petition which is Mat. 6.10 Thy Kingdom come we pray that Satan's Kingdom may be (e) Psal 68.1 Let God arise let his enemies be scattered let them also that hate him flee before him V. 18. Thou hast ascended on high thou hast led captivity captive thou hast received gifts for men yea for the rebellious also that the Lord God might dwell among them destroyed and that the Kingdom of Grace might be (f) Rev. 12.10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven Now is come salvation and strength and the kingdom of our God and the power of his Christ for the accuser of our brethren is cast down which accused them before God day and night V. 11. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony and they loved not their lives unto the death advanced our selves and others brought into it and kept in (g) 2 Thess 3.1 Finally brethren pray for us that the word of the Lord may have free course and be glorified even as it is with you Rom. 10.1 Brethren my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they might be saved Joh. 17.9 I pray for them I pray not for the world but for them that thou hast given me for they are thine V. 20. Neither pray I for these alone but for them also which shall believe on me through their word it and that the Kingdom of Glory may be (h) Rev. 22.20 He which testifieth these things saith Surely I come quickly Amen Even so Come Lord Jesus hastened Q. What do we pray for in the third Petition 3. A. In the third Petition which is Mat. 6.10 Thy Will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven we pray that God would make us able and willing to know obey and submit to his Will in all (i) Psal 67. throughout Psal 119.36 Encline my heart to thy testimonies and not to covetousness Matth. 26.39 And he went a little farther and fell on his face and prayed saying O my Father if it be possible let this cup pass from me nevertheless not as I will but as thou wilt 2 Sam. 15.25 And the king said unto Zadock Carry back the
serve them for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me and shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments III. Thou shalt not take the Name of the LORD thy God in vain for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his Name in vain IV. Remember the Sabbath-day to keep it holy Six days shalt thou labour and do all thy work But the seventh day is the Sabbath of the LORD thy God in it thou shalt not do any work thou nor thy son nor thy daughter thy man-servant nor thy maid-servant nor thy eattel nor the stranger that is within thy gates For in six days the the LORD made heaven and earth the sea and all that in them is and rested the seventh day wherefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath-day and hallowed it V. Honour thy father and thy mother that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee VI. Thou shalt not kill VII Thou shalt not commit adultery VIII Thou shalt not steal IX Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour X. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife nor his man-servant nor his maid-servant nor his ox nor his ass nor any thing that is thy neighbour's The LORD'S Prayer MATTH VI. OVR Father which art in Heaven hallowed be thy Name Thy Kingdom come Thy Will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven Give us this Day our daily Bread. And forgive us our Debts as we forgive our Debtors And lead us not into Temptation but deliver us from Evil For thine is the Kingdom and the Power and the Glory for ever Amen The CREED I Believe in God the Father Almighty Maker of Heaven and Earth And in Jesus Christ his Only Son our Lord which was conceived by the Holy Ghost born of the Virgin Mary suffered under Pontius Pilate was crucified dead and buried he descended into * i. e. Continued in the state of the Dead and under the power of Death till the third Day Hell the third Day he arose again from the Dead he ascended into Heaven and sitteth on the Right Hand of God the Father Almighty from thence he shall come to judge the Quick and the Dead I believe in the Holy Ghost the Holy Catholick Church the Communion of Saints the Forgiveness of Sins the Resurrection of the Body and the Life Everlasting Amen FINIS PART II. A sensible Demonstration of the existence of God. SECT I. God is I. ALL Religion and Righteousness is grounded upon this foundation That God is Besides the belief I have in God by revelation and Spiritual sense I am convinced that he is by these evident proofs laid all together 1. I am certain that I was come into the World before I knew of my coming 2. I am certain I made not my self I was before I knew my self to be what I am 3. I am certain my Parents and other Persons and Creatures were in being before me 4. I am certain that no Being is so likely to make himself and all other things as Man is because he is a rational Being of great invention and contrivance 5. No Men of this inquisitive and learned Age pretend to make or to be present at the making of the admirable frame of the Universe and if any Man or Men of former Ages had made the World we of this Age should have found them in it For 1. They who could make themselves could preserve themselves 2. They who could make themselves and the World must needs be great and happy 3. They who were once great and happy and always continued to be so For 1. if they did depose or divest themselves of their happiness freely and of choice they were defective in Wisdom to exchange a happy Being for a less happy or for nothing and by consequence were not wise enough to make the World. 2. If they grew weary of themselves they were not happy 3. If they were constrained to unmake themselves they were not superior but subject to other Powers Therefore I believe there were no such Men no such self-makers and makers of other things I conclude that I am made by another who made all things else and he is the first infinite Cause in which my thoughts and belief do rest who is infinitely Wise Great and Good to whom be glory for ever Again it is impossible to prove there is no God for all things are mediums to prove that he is and there is no medium to prove that he is not Lastly all Men Die they who are prepared and willing do believe in God they who are unwilling cannot refuse to Die therefore there is a Superior Power that is Lord of Life and Death and he is the living God. SECT II. Of the Holy Scriptures The Scriptures are of God. 1. NO Man can know the mind and will of the infinite God Creator and Governor of the World except he be pleased to make it known That his will should be known is necessary or else we could not worship nor please him by doing his Will. 2. Besides the light of Nature we have his will made know by revelation by which God who made the World is so revealed and declared that as sure as I am that God made the World so sure am I that God gave the Scriptures to direct us in the way of Duty and Happiness 3. I find the Book of God in the possession of his Church and People like a Royal Charter in a City by which the City is constituted and governed and enjoy their privileges When I peruse the Charter I know it to be the King 's and no private Mans invention or forg'd instrument I know the great Charter of the City of God to be his Word 1. By the matter of it For instance Who can describe or declare the infinite God by his Glorious Names and Titles and attributes but himself Who can declare his relation to himself as Father Son and Holy Ghost but himself Who can prescribe his Worship make Laws set down rewards and declare what shall be in the World to come but himself 2. I observe the Style and Manner of speaking the manner of revealing the admirable consent of the Old and New Testament tho given the one so long before the other the scope of the whole their perfection and efficacy as able to make a Man Wise to Salvation 2 Tim. 3.15 by the operation of the Holy Ghost Authority of the Scriptures 1. The Scriptures derive their Authority from God their Author The Church is not the Author of the Scriptures therefore they derive not their Authority from it The Testimony and Tradition of the Church is but Ministerial We are directed to place our faith in the Word as it is Gods who gave it by inspiration 2 Tim.
lust and inticed V. 15. Then when lust hath conceived it brings forth sin and sin when it is finished bringeth forth death Matth. 15.19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts murthers adulteries fornications thefts false-witnesses blasphemies it 23. Q. What is the misery of that Estate whereinto Man fell A. All Mankind by their Fall lost Communion with (i) Gen. 3.8 Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God amongst the trees of the garden V. 10. And he said I heard thy voice in the garden and I was afraid because I was naked and I hid my self V. 24. So he drove out the man and he placed at the end of the garden of Eden Cherubims and a flaming sword which turned every way to keep the way of the tree of life God are under his Wrath and (k) Ephes 2.2,3 see before Gal. 3.10 For as many as are of the work of the law are under the Curse for it is written Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the law to do them Curse and so made liable to all miseries in this Life to Death it self and to the pains of Hell for (l) Lam. 3.39 Wherefore doth the living man complain a man for the punishment of his sins Rom. 6.23 For the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Matth. 25.41 Then shall he say to them on the left hand Depart from me ye cursed into everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels V. 46. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment but the righteous into life eternal ever 24. But all Mankind were not left to perish in the state of Sin and Misery For 25. Q. Did God leave all Mankind to perish in the state of Sin and Misery A. God having out of his meer good pleasure from all Eternity elected some to everlasting (m) Ephes 1.4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world that we should be holy and without blame before him in love Life did enter into a Covenant of Grace to deliver them out of the state of Sin and misery and to bring them into an estate of Salvation by a (n) Rom. 3.21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested being witnessed by the law and the prophets V. 22. Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe for there is no difference Gal. 3.21 Is the law then against the promises God forbid for if there had been a law given which could have given life verily righteousness should have been by the law V. 22. But the scripture hath concluded all under sin that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe Redeemer 26. Q. Who is the Redeemer of God's Elect A. The only Redeemer of God's Elect is the Lord Jesus (o) 1 Tim. 2.5 For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men the Man Christ Jesus V. 6. Who gave himself a ransom for all to be testified in due time Christ who being the Eternal Son of God became (p) Joh. 1.14 And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us and we beheld his glory the glory as of the only begotten of the Father full of grace and truth Gal. 4.4 But when the fulness of time was come God sent forth his Son made of a woman made under the Law. Man and so was and continueth to be God and Man in two distinct Natures and one Person for (q) Rom. 9.5 Whose are the Fathers and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came who is over all God blessed for ever Luke 1.35 And the Angel answered and said unto her The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee and the Power of the Highest shall over-shadow thee therefore also the holy Thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. Col. 2 9. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily Heb. 7.24 But this Man because he continueth ever hath an unchangeable priesthood V. 25. Wherefore he is able to save them to the utmost that come to God by him seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them ever 27. Q. How did Christ being the Son of God become Man. A. Christ the Eternal Son of God became Man by taking to himself a true (r) Heb. 2.14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood he also himself likewise took part of the same that through death he might destroy him who had the power of death that is the Devil V. 16. For verily he took not on him the nature of Angels but he took on him the seed of Abraham Heb. 10.5 Wherefore when he cometh into the world he saith Sacrifice and offering thou wouldst not but a body hast thou prepared me Body and a reasonable (Å¿) Matth. 26.38 Then saith he unto them My soul is exceeding sorrowful even unto death tarry you here and watch with me Soul being conceived by the power of the Holy Ghost in the Womb of the Virgin Mary and born of (t) Luke 1.31 Behold thou shalt conceive in thy womb and bring forth a son and shalt call his name Jesus V. 35. see before V. 42. And she spake out with a loud voice and said Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb Gal. 4.4 see before her yet without (u) Heb. 4.15 For we have not an High-Priest which cannot be touched with the feelings of our infirmities but was in all points tempted like as we are yet without sin Heb. 7.26 For such an High-Priest became us who is holy harmless undefiled separate from sinners and made higher than the heavens Sin. 28. Q. What Offices doth Christ execute as our Redeemer A. Christ as our Redeemer executeth the Offices (x) Acts 3.22 For Moses truly said unto the fathers A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren like unto me him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you Heb. 12.25 See that ye refuse not him that speaketh for if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth much more shall not we escape if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven Compared with 2 Cor. 13.3 Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me which to you-ward is not weak but is mighty in you Luke 4.18 The spirit of the Lord is upon me because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor he hath sent me to heal the broken-hearted to preach deliverance to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind to set at liberty them that are bruised of a Prophet (y) Heb. 5.5 So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an High Priest but he that
bodies he shall wound the heads over many countreys and restraining and conquering all his and our Enemies 32. Christ as our Redeemer did execute these three Offices both in the State of his Humiliation when he was upon Earth and still doth execute them in Heaven in his Exaltation 33. Q. Wherein did Christ's Humiliation consist A. Christ's Humiliation consisted (i) Luke 2.7 And she brought forth her first born Son and wrapped him in swadling clothes and laid him in a Manger because there was no room for them in the Inn. in his being born and that in a low condition (k) Gal. 4.4 And when the fulness of time was come God sent forth his Son made of a Woman made under the Law. made under the Law (l) Heb. 12.2 Looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our Faith who for the joy that was set before him endured the Cross despising the shame and is set down at the right hand of the Throne of God. V. 3. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds Isa 53.2 For he shall grow up before him as a tender Plant and as a Root out of a dry ground he hath no form nor comliness and when we shall see him there is no beauty that we should desire him V. 3. He is despised and rejected of men a Man of sorrows and acquainted with griefs and we hid as it were our faces from him he was despised and we esteemed him not undergoing the Miseries of this Life (n) Phil. 2.8 And being found in fashion as a Man he humbled himself and became obedient unto death even the death of the Cross the Wrath of God (m) Luke 22.44 And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground Matth. 27.46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice saying ELI ELI LAMASABACHTHANI that is to say My God my God why hast thou forsaken me and the cursed Death of the Cross (o) 1 Cor. 15.4 And that he was buried and that he rose again the third day according to the Scriptures in being buried (p) Matt. 2.40 As Jonas was three days and three nights in the Whales belly so shall the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth Acts 2.24,25,26,27 31. V. 24. Whom God hath raised having loosed the pains of death because it was not possible that he should be holden of it V. 25. For David speaketh concerning him I foresaw the Lord always before my face for he is on my right hand that I should not be moved V. 26. Therefore did my heart rejoice and my tongue was glad moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope V. 27. Because thou wilt not leave my Soul in Hell neither wilt thou suffer thine holy One to see corruption V. 31. He seeing this before spake of the Resurrection of Christ that his Soul was not left in Hell neither did his flesh see corruption and continuing under the power of Death for a time 34. Q. Wherein consisteth Christ's Exaltation Christ's Exaltation consisteth in (q) 1 Cor. 15.4 And that he was buried and that he rose again the third day according to the Scriptures his Rising again from the dead on the third day (r) Mark 16.19 So then after the Lord had spoken to them he was received up into Heaven and sat on the right hand of God. in ascending up into Heaven (Å¿) Ephes 1.20 Which he wrought in Christ when he raised him from the dead and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places in sitting at the right hand of God the Father (t) Acts 1.11 Which also said Ye men of Galilee why stand ye gazing up into Heaven This same Jesus which is taken up from you into Heaven shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into Heaven Chap. 17. V. 31. He hath appointed a day in the which he shall judge the World in Righteousness by that Man whom he hath ordained whereof he hath given assurance unto all men in that he hath raised him from the dead and in coming to judge the World at the last Day 35. Christ our Mediator wrought Redemption from that State of Sin and Misery into which we fell and purchased a happy State of Life and Salvation for all to whom it is applied 36. Q. How are we made partakers of the Redemption purchased by Christ A. We are made partakers of the Redemption Purchased by Christ (u) John 1.11 He came unto his own and his own received him not V. 12. but as many as received him to them gave he power to become the Sons of God even to them that believe on his Name by the effectual Application of it to us (x) Tit. 3.5 Not by works of Righteousness which we have done but according to his mercy he saved us by the washing of Regeneration and renewing of the holy Ghost V. 6. Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour by his holy Spirit 37. Q. How doth the Spirit apply to us the Redemption purchased by Christ A. The holy Spirit applieth to us the Redemption purchased by Christ (y) Ephes 1.13 In whom ye also trusted after that ye heard the Word of Truth the Gospel of your Salvation in whom also after that ye believed ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of Promise V. 14. Which is an earnest of our Inheritance until the Redemption of the purchased possession unto the praise of his glory John 6.37 All that the Father giveth me shall come unto me and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out V. 39. And this is the Fathers Will which hath sent me that of all which he hath given I should lose nothing but should raise it again at the last day Ephes 2.8 By Grace ye are saved through Faith and that not of your selves it is the Gift of God. by working Faith in us and thereby (z) Ephes 3.17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by Faith that ye being rooted and grounded in love 1 Cor. 1.9 God is faithful by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. uniting us to Christ in our effectual Calling 38. Q. What is effectual Calling A. Which effectual Calling is the Work of God's Spirit (a) 2 Tim. 1.9 Who hath saved us and called us with an holy Calling not according to our works but according to his own purpose and Grace which was given us in Christ Jesus before the World began 2 Thess 2.13 But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you Brethren beloved of the Lord because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the Truth V. 14. Whereunto he hath
Priest and not Metaphorically as if he only did something like a Priest He answers the description of a Priest made Heb. 8.3 more fully chap. 5.1 We have him described in the fitness of his Person to be a Priest as holy harmless c Heb. 7.26 by the order of his Priesthood Heb. 6.20 and by his call to his Office Heb. 5.4,5,6 He had a true real Sacrifice to Offer for Men for the Sins of Men Heb. 8.3 He offer'd himself Heb. 9.14 Heb. 5.7 chap. 9.14 chap. 10.12 chap. 9.26 and entred into the Holy place of Heaven to make Intercession Heb. 7.25 He excelled all legal Priests and is as truly a Priest as ever any Priest was 2. The Sacrifice which he offered was a real proper Sacrifice See again Heb. 9.14 and Ephes 5.2 This Text is grossly perverted to this sence That the help and kindness shewed to Men by the Death of Christ was as pleasing to God as if it had been a Sacrifice acceptable to him But in the words observe 1. Christ had power to dispose of himself and accordingly he gave himself there was neither violence nor injury done him His Death was violent from Men but voluntary of himself Not my will but thy will be done 2. He gave himself for us as the Beasts were sacrificed for Men for their Sin under the Law. 3. The nature of his Gift he gave himself a Sacrifice and Offering to God. 4. He gave himself an Offering and Sacrifice to God who required it 5. He gave himself for a sweet smelling savour as Gen. 8.21 Levit. 1.9 It was offered to make atonement and God was satisfied and well pleased with it 3. The Excellency Essicacy and All-sufficiency of his Blood his Life his Death as a Sacrifice appears 1. It was but one Sacrifice for Sins Heb. 10.12 2. It was offer'd but once Heb. 9.25,26,28 This offering was suffering thereby to put away Sin in its Guilt and Obligation to Punishment Heb. 9.26 4. The end of this Sacrifice was 1. To satisfy Divine justice and 2. To reconcile us to God. To explain and prove this consider 1. God is essentially Holy and Just he hateth Sin and Sin deserveth it See Ps 11.7 Ps 45.8 Rom. 1.31 2 Thes 1.6 It is a righteous thing with God c. 2. As God may make a Law so he may threaten to punish and punish according to his threatning and righteous Law. 3. God did both and Man sinned and by Sin became liable to punishment 4. Such was the Wisdom of God in making a positive Law which might be relaxed and the punishment transferred upon another who might satisfy by bearing the punishment 5. Yet God stood upon this that his essential and governing Justice should be satissied and that the Satisfier should die So it was agreed in the Covenant of Redemption between the Father and the Son Is 53.10 See the place What God required the Mediator performed Mark 1. The Guilty Sinner could not satisfy by suffering Death 2. The Mediator must be God-Man that he might suffer satisfy merit and save the Sinner 3. Christ did voluntarily engage as a surety to die and satisfy 4. The Death he suffered was the punishment of Sin the curse of the Law Gal. 3.13 5. He was made a Curse for us in our stead and for our good to redeem us that were under the Law Gal. 3.13 6. God had respect to his justice in the Blood of his Son Rom. 3.25,26 that he might be just 7. This Blood and Death was the Price of our Redemption which was sufficient and a satisfaction it was given to God and accepted of him Ephes 5.2 8. The benesit follows which is Redemption in a proper sence 1 Tim. 2.6 Rom. 3.24 Ephes 1.7 And there are two great proofs of this perfect satisfaction 1. Because Christ rose from the Dead 2. They who believe in him are justified Rom. 4.25 Rom. 3.25,26 2. The other end of Christ's Priesthood and Sacrifice was to reconcile us to God. Christ died to atone or appease the Holy and just indignation of God. His Blood is the propitiation for our Sin Rom. 3.25 and when we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the Death of his Son Rom. 5.10 He is the propitiatory Sacrifice for Sin and propitiation was the effect of it 1 Joh. 2.2 The propitiatory or Mercy-Seat in the Temple did not reconcile Sinners to God but it was a type of Christ the true propitiatory and a sign that God was reconciled and propitious or gracious but Christ did reconcile Sinners by his Death as he intended Hee 2.17 and God hath so set him forth Rom. 3.25 and declares himself to be truly and properly reconciled 3. We are actually reconciled to God when we believe in Christ and are converted but our conversion is not our reconciliation Christ by making atonement made way for our conversion and reception upon repentance The reconciling of Sinners is the Work of Christ the conversion of Sinners is the Work of the Spirit There are two parts of the Priestly office of Christ 1. Satisfaction by Sacrifice 2. Intercession upon satisfaction or Redemption His Intercession is a part and but a part of his Priesthood Heb. 7.25 He had a Body and Soul for Sacrifice Heb. 10.9,10 He offered himself upon Earth Heb. 9.12,14 and purged away Sin by expiation Heb. 1.3 chap. 10,12 His Death was a Sacrifice for Sins and not a preparation for Sacrifice or a way to his Resurrection The suffering part he finished upon Earth and began his Intercession upon Earth John 17. and at other times and continueth it in Heaven and his Intercession doth presuppose his propitiation 1 Joh 2.1,2 The reason why he could not be a Priest upon Earth was not because he was not properly a Priest or had no Sacrifice upon Earth to offer but because he was not of the order of Aaron but of Melchisedeck Heb. 8.4 Upon what is said of the Priesthoodâ— Sacrifice and Satisfaction of Christ it follows 1. The Sacrifice of the Mass is false and sinful for 1. Because none ever did or could offer Christ but himself He is a Priest for ever and there is none of his order to succeed him or represent him Heb. 7.27 chap. 9.12 2. He was offer'd once and to be offered no more Heb. 9.12 ver 28 chap. 10,12,13,14 3. The Sacrifice of Christ was Bloody without Blood there is no remission of sin Heb. 9.22 there is no Blood-shed in the Mass therefore no remission of sin by it 4. To Sacrifice Christ is all one as to kill him and put him to suffer Heb. 9.22 Christ is in not the hands of the Priests to be kill'd 5. Christ profitteth none but the living through Faith the Mass is for the Living and Dead but to what purpose 2. The satisfaction of Christ is perfect his sufferings are meritorious there is therefore no place use or need of humane satisfactions 1 Joh. 1.7 1 Pet. 2.24 SECT XV. Christ is King. 1.
Act and Time only but essential and proper I will raise it up and I have power to take it up To make a difference between Excitabo and Erigam and the meaning to be Christ being excited from the Dead did erect his own Body is to make an hard shift to deny the Divine Power of Christ What though it be said 1 Pet. 3.18 He was quickned by the Spirit and not by his own Spirit as long as the Spirit of God is called the Spirit of Christ Rom. 8.9,11 To make the Resurrection Ascension and Session of Christ at the Right Hand to be only in order to his governing and defending the Faithful and only to belong to his Kingly Office is to speak short of Scripture For 1. He was declared to be the Son of God by the Resurrection from the Dead Rom. 1.4 2. He arose for our Justification Rom. 4.25 being discharged and his Satisfaction accepted 3. For our Sanctification Ephes 2.5 Col. 2.12,13 Chap. 3.1 Rom. 6.4,5,6,8 4. Having conquered Death he arose to raise the Dead 1 Cor. 15.13,14,15,16,21,22 2. Of Christ's Ascension The Ascention of Christ was the Exaltation of his Humane Nature by a Motion or Remove from where he was to where he was not before He was parted from them and carried up into Heaven Luk. 24.51 Act. 1.9 Joh. 16.5.7.28 Chap. 20.17 Act. 3.21 2. The Ends and Reasons of it are 1. That he might be glorified in his Humane Nature as he was Mediator Joh. 17.5 2. That he might lead Captivity captive Ephes 4.8 Col. 2.15 3. To perform that part of his Priestly Office which was to be done in Heaven Heb. 9.24 4. To send the Comforter Joh. 16.7 Act. 2.33 Luk. 24.49 Joh. 7.39 and give Gifts Ephes 4.10 5. That Believers might be justified and more assured of Justification Rom. 8.34 6. That we might be more holy and heavenly Col. 3.1 7. To prepare a place for the Co-heirs Joh. 14.2 who even now possess it in him while they are on Earth as he is an Head a Pledge and Cause of their Glorification Ephes 2.7 Heb. 6.20 Ephes 2.6 Because I live ye shall live also Joh. 14.19 Hence it appears 1. He ascended not into Heaven only for his own personal Glory or for the Government of the Faithful or because it was the place of Immortality and Common-wealth of Saints 2. His glorified Body is not in all places but in Heaven from whence we look for him Phil. 3.20 Col. 3.1,4 3. Of Christ's Sitting on the Right Hand of God. 1. The Meaning of this Article of Christian Faith is not to be taken from the word of Posture Sitting for Stephen saw him as standing Act. 7.55 Nor from the Right Hand for properly God hath no Right Hand but from the importance of the whole Phrase which signifies Majesty and Excellency of Honour and Power Gen. 44.13,14 1 King. 1.19 Psal 45.10 Matth. 20.20 Chap. 25.33 of Christ as Mediator 2. The Humane Nature was glorified by Union with the Son of God. The Mediator obscured by his Humiliation was glorified at his Resurrection more at his Ascension most at his sitting on the Right Hand of God. Which denotes 1. A Super-Eminency of Power next to the Father who governeth all things immediately by Christ He was crowned with Glory and Honour Heb. 2.9 Ephes 1.20,21 Phil. 2.9 Heb. 12.2 2. All Creatures are subjected to him 1. Good Angels Col. 2.10 1 Pet. 3.22 2. Evil Angels Heb. 2.14 Col. 2.15 3. All Authority in Heaven and Earth Matth. 28.18 4. The future State of Glory is at his dispose Ephes 1.21 5. The dumb Creatures Heb. 2.8 Psal 8. 6. His Friends Heb. 1.6,7,14 Matth. 28.20 7. His Enemies Psal 110.1 Heb. 1.13 to be destroyed 1 Cor. 15.25,26 Heb. 2.14 3. How happy is this for the Church in order to 1. It s universal Good Ephes 1.22 2. For our Justification and the Comfort of it Rom. 8.34 3. For our Sanctification Col. 3.1,2 4. For our Comfort in Afflictions 1 Pet. 1.11 Rom. 8.17,18 in Necessities Heb. 2.6,7 in Temptations Heb. 2.17,18 and against the Fear of Men Devils and Death 1 Cor. 15.25,26 Heb. 2.14,15 Rev. 1.18 4. Hence it follows that there is no other Head of the Catholick Church Visible or Invisible but he who sitteth on the Right Hand of God Ephes 1.22 Matth. 28.18 He never gave this Power to any Vicar SECT XVIII Of the Application of Redemption 1. THey who affirm Redemption by Christ to be improper and metaphorical give this as the Reason Because there is none to receive the Ransom or Price of Redemption from Christ But consider these Particulars and then judge 1. Christ offered himself to God Ephes 5.2 2. It was for us and our Sins 1 Tim. 2.6 1 Cor. 15.3 Matth. 20.28 3. In dying he did the Will of God Heb. 10.7,9 Joh. 10.18 4. The Effect of this Redemption followed 1 Cor. 6.20 Ye are bought c. upon Consideration of it God justifieth Rom. 3.25,26 see 1 Pet. 1.19 The Ransom was paid therefore it was accepted and received the Effect and Benefit followed therefore it was received and God was the Receiver And it is not absurd to say That the Son of God the Second Person as an offended God was satisfied by himself as he was Mediator 2. This Redemption must be applied to us and then we reap the Benefit of it actually when it is applied effectually 3. For the Benefit of it was intended for us to bring us to God and make us one Joh. 17.20,21 4. When we believe it is effectually applied Joh. 3.15,16,18 Mar. 16.16 Joh. 1.12 5. This Application is peculiarly ascribed to the Holy Spirit not excluding the Father and the Son see 1 Cor. 1.9 Joh. 5.25 There is an Order of Working observed in the glorious Trinity After Christ's leaving the World the Holy Ghost was to take the Administration of Christ's Kingdom by Agreement as seems clear from Joh. 16.7,14,15,16 He shall give of mine to you by Application of it to their Benefit 6. The way of this Application is by Union with Christ by which we are invested in his Benefits 1 Joh. 5.12 Vnion with Christ 1. Nothing can be more real than this Union See I pray Joh. 17.21,23 Chap. 14.20 And the real Benefit follows Rom. 8.1 Col. 1.27 It is most excellently set out Joh. 15.1 Ephef 4.15,16 1 Cor. 12.27 Ephes 5.23,30 Chap. 2.20 2. The Terms of this Union are Persons You in me and I in you An Union of Qualities and not of Persons is as irrational as Accidents without Subjects 3. We are not united to Christ by means of our Union as particular Members with the Universal Church for Christ the Head and Saviour is the immediate Object of our Faith therefore by Faith we are immediately united to Christ and that in Order of Nature before we are united to the Church though at the same time And Christ is to every true Believer what he is to the whole Church of Believers an Head