of God being mightier then all our Enemies which joyned with his Soveraignty and Goodness we need not fear though we were in the paws of Lyons or the mouth of the Grave 3. From his Glory which is the end or final cause of our Requests for we desire these things for his glory therefore will he grant whatsoever in our prayers may redound to his honor and glory 4. From the eternity of his Kingdom Power and Glory being for ever and ever therefore he cannot be weary of our prayers no time can period his goodness 5. From our confidence expressed in the last word Amen for the Lord will grant unto us whatsoever we believe shall be granted when we ask The Kingdom of God is twofold 1. The Kingdom of his Providence whereby he rules and governs all things in heaven and earth even the Devil and all his Angels and Instruments 2. The Kingdom of Grace whereby he governs his Church by his Word and Spirit and both these are here to be understood Further Gods kingdom in this place imports 1. That he is All-sufficient of himself to do all things whatsoever needing no help or instrument beside his Soveraign will Gen. 17.1 2. That he hath an absolute Soveraign Right Title and Interest to and in all things in heaven and earth 3. That he hath Soveraign Rule and Authority over all things in heaven and earth yea over Hell it self and all the powers and principalities thereof governing all things whatsoever as he pleaseth and bringing them into an absolute subjection The kingdom is here called God's and appropriated to him alone for these Reasons 1. To shew that God hath his Kingdom of himself and from himself alone thus the Kingdom of Grace and Providence are both his 2. To distinguish God from earthly Kings for though they have a Kingdom Power and Glory yet they have all these from God not of themselves and onely for a certain limited time but God hath them all of himself alone not from any other and that for ever and ever Thine is the Power that is Gods Power is his own of himself alone not received from any other to distinguish the true God from all Creatures who have it not of themselves but from God By power is meant an ability in God whereby he can do whatsoever he will For the better conceiving whereof observe these two things 1. That God is not onely powerful but even Power it self in regard of his Nature as he is Goodness Wisdom c. Angels and men are called powerful as receiving power from God but God onely is Power it self because his Nature is Infinite in power as in all his other Properties 2. That Power and Will in God are one and the same for our better conceiving of them they may be distinguished but in themselves they differ not for Gods willing of a thing is the effecting doing of it It is not so in us for we will many things that we cannot do but whatsoever God willeth that he doth By appropriating glory to God is here meant 1. That God hath made all things for his own glory Prov. 16.4 2. That whatsoever we ask are means of his glory Joh. 12.28 3. That the things we ask shall be referred to his glory 1 Cor. 10.31 The Reasons why Gods Kingdom Power and Glory is said to be for ever and ever 1. Because in themselves they are everlasting Psal 45.6 102.28 145.13 2. Because of us they should never be forgotten Psal 145.2 3. 3. To distinguish it from earthly Dominions all which have their periods both in Government and Governors Psal 119.96 Isa 40.6 4. To shew forth the dignity of Gods Church and his Children who have a Father whose Kingdom is everlasting and everlastingly shall raign with their Father in his Kingdom of Power Glory and Eternity Of this word Amen there is a double use 1. To express our desire and wish that we may be heard 2. To testifie our faith in the assurance of receiving those things that we crave both which are to be practised in prayer and are expressed by Christ Mat. 11.24 From the union of the word Amen with our Petitions we learn 1. That every childe of God may believe particularly and certainly the pardon of his own sins and endeavor to attain thereunto if as yet he cannot 2. That all prayer ought to be made in a known tongue for else the Assent and Affiance of the heart cannot be given together This Conclusion of the Lords Prayer thus conceived and understood is useful to us many ways 1. For a ground of trust and confidence in God in all distresses for as the Kingdom is his we are his Subjects and he is willing to help as the Power is his we are assured he is able to help us and as the Glory is his he will shew mercy to his people and hear their prayers Psal 50.15 2. To teach us that Prayer and Thanksgiving must alway go together 3. To shew us a way how to obtain our requests in prayer we must confess our own unworthiness and give all Praise Glory and Honor to God 4. To let the proudest of us know that God is to be feared above all Creatures 5. To move us to love God and to yield all chearful obedience to him The Reason why there is here mention made onely of these three Properties of God is as some think to point out the three Persons For the Kingdom is Christs 1 Cor. 15.35 Power the Holy Ghosts Rom. 15.13 19. and Glory the Fathers Rom. 6.4 though indeed we may not limit our conceit of them but understand them in prayer as of the Trinity of Persons in the Unity of the Godhead so of the Unity of the Godhead in the Trinity of Persons Our Father which in Heav'n art Thy Name still Be hallowed Thy Kingdom come Thy Will Be done in Earth as 't is in Heaven Give us This day our daily Bread And forgive us Our Trespasses as those forgive do we That Trespass against us And let 's not be Into Temptation led but deliver Vs from all evil For thine for ever The Kingdom Power and Glory is Amen The Kingdom Power and Glory is Amen CHAP. IV. §. 1. The Creed THe sum of those things which are to be believed are comprised in the Creed commonly called The Symbole of the Apostles because it is a token or profession whereby the Church with her Members is discerned from all her Enemies and from all other Sects This Symbole is a brief and summary form of Christian Doctrine or a brief sum or Confession of the Points of Christian Religion or Evangelical Doctrine the Articles whereof are the Square or Rule whereunto the Faith and Doctrine of all Orthodox and right believing Christians ought to agree This self-same Symbole is called also Catholick because there is but one Faith of all Christians and though there were new Symboles made as that of Athanasius of Nice of
or honor 3. When God offers occasion by any work of his Providence we must endeavor to glorifie and magnifie his Name therein whether they be acts of his Mercy or of his Justice We must thus labor to hallow Gods Name for these Reasons 1. Because it is an honor even due unto him Rev. 4.11 2. It is a credit to us also 3. We thereby testifie how we esteem of God 4. The contrary argues impiety Exod. 5.2 Isa 36.20 5. He hath severely punished the prophanation of his Name Exod. 14.28 2 Kings 19.37 Isa 37.36 37. Acts 12.23 6. He created us for this purpose Prov. 16.3 7. As all men account of their Names Eccl. 7.1 so God doth highly of his 8. It is not onely holy in it self but gives holiness to all other things that are holy 9. Moses and Aaron entred not into Canaan because they did not sanctifie the Word amongst the children of Israel Deut. 32.51 Num. 20.12 10. The Lord himself proclaims That he will be sanctified in them that come near him and that before all the people he will be glorified Lev. 10.3 If we say Hallowed be thy Name with our mouthes and prophane it in our lives we bewray a false heart and discover the rotten profession of most damnable hypocrisie by this unchristian contradiction rendring our selves more odious in the sight of God then base dissemblers are in our own estimation Let therefore the practice of our lives demonstrate the sincerity of our hearts keep tune with the Musick of our lips when we sing Glory to God on high and in an holy sympathy eccho forth the Devotion of our souls when we pray Hallowed be thy Name May all our Thoughts Words Actions sanctifie Thee Holy Father May this Prayer be In all our Thoughts in all our Words still pray'd In all our Actions still devoutly said And may our Hearts to this Petition be Joyn'd to make up this holy Harmony Touch thou the strings thereof and then no fear Of jarring discord to ascend thine ear Thy Servants with thy holy Spirit inflame Thy Church shall practice Hallowed be thy Name §. 6. Thy Kingdom come GOds Kingdom is the Rule that he doth exercise over his Creatures generally over all the whole world specially over his Elect over his Church howsoever now dispersed into many places yet making but one Kingdom which is partly in Heaven Triumphant partly upon Earth Militant till the last great Day when in Heaven onely it shall be everlastingly glorious Now besides this there is a Spiritual Kingdom an inward Spiritual Kingdom of God which is over all those in whose hearts his Laws are written to do them and the holy Spirit ruleth and beareth sway and happy is that man who is thus of his Kingdom Let thy Kingdom come that is Let it by continual encrease be augmented and always by a new enlargement and accession be extended and multiplied which thou O Lord in thy Church dost hold and possess wherein we desire That the number of true Believers may be daily encreased that Gods Kingdom of Grace may be enlarged and his Kingdom of Glory hastned Thus let thy Kingdom come outwardly thy Power and Providence being exercised and inwardly Grace being encreased and Glory hastned Let nothing hinder the coming of thy Kingdom neither the Devil nor wicked men neither in the Magistracy Ministery nor People neither infidelity impenitency any raigning sin or negligence but let thy Kingdom come to us that be pilgrims and strangers here on earth prepare us for it and enter us into it that be yet without renew us by thy Spirit that we may be subject to thy Will confirm us also in this estate that our souls after this life and both souls and bodies at the Day of Judgement may be fully glorified yea Lord hasten this glory to us and to all thine Elect. And here also implicitely we acknowledge our opposite disposition to Gods Kingdom and bewail it For this imports That there is another Kingdom even the Kingdom of Satan which is a Kingdom of darkness full of disorder and confusion through sins which greatly hindreth and annoyeth Gods Kingdom of Grace especially This is that Tyrannical Regency by which as the Prince of Darkness he by Gods just permission ruleth in the children of darkness and rageth against the children of light 2 Cor. 4.4 Rev. 12.3 erecting up two other Kingdoms the one of Sin Rom. 6.12.5.21 the other of Death Rom. 5.14 all which are Enemies to this Kingdom we pray for This Petition doth in order next follow Hallowed be thy Name because it is the first means by which Gods Name is hallowed and next to the hallowing of his Name we ought chiesly to pray That Gods Kingdom may come Mat. 6.31 And it is also placed before Thy will be done to teach us That no man can rightly do the will of God and please him unless he be of his Kingdom and delivered out of the Kingdom of Darkness by faith in Christ and the Spirit of Sanctification he shall do his will indeed as a vessel of wrath being over-ruled by his Almighty power but not as a vessel of mercy out of a good heart to be accepted Thus no man can ever do Gods will in any thing till such time as Gods Kingdom be erected in his heart because no man can do Gods will that is not Gods Subject Joh. 1.24 neither can any man keep Gods Law but by Gods grace Psal 119.32 Conclude we therefore That Gods Kingdom is that Spiritual Rule which God through Christ doth by grace begin in us in this life and by glory will accomplish in the life to come Dan. 2.37 Mat. 25.37.6.31 Rom. 14.17 The kingdom of God is threefold viz. 1. The Kingdom of Power Psal 99.1 By this he ruleth Satan and all his enemies Psa 2.9.145.13 commands all creatures and preserveth his own people This Kingdom is external and is a government of all 2. The Kingdom of Grace Mat. 3.2 By this he ruleth the godly and raigns in their hearts by his Word and Spirit Luke 17.20 This Kingdom is internal and a government of the Elect. 3. The Kingdom of Glory Luke 23.42 By this he crowneth the godly with Celestial happiness This Kingdom is eternal and a government of the departed out of this life into heaven The kingdom of God signifies these particulars viz. 1. The sending of the Son our Mediator 2. The ordaining and maintaining of the Ministery of Christ 3. The gathering of the Church by Christ out of mankinde by the voyce of the Gospel and the efficacy of the holy Ghost beginning in us true Faith and Repentance 4. The perpetual Government of the Church 5. The preservation thereof in this life and protection against her enemies 6. The casting away of her enemies into eternal pains 7. The raising of the Church unto eternal life 8. The glorifying of the Church in eternal life when God shall be all in all We therefore when we pray Thy Kingdom
come desire that God will by his Son our Mediator 1. Preserve the Ministery which he hath ordained 2. Gather his Church by the Ministery of his Word and the working of the Holy Ghost 3. Rule his Church gathered and us the members thereof with his Holy Spirit 4. Defend us and his whole Church against our Enemies and Tyrants 5. Cast away his and our enemies into eternal pains 6. At length deliver his Church and glorifie us in the world to come Again The Kingdom of God is twofold viz. 1. General which is his absolute Power and Soveraignty whereby he ruleth all things in Heaven in Earth and in Hell even the Devils themselves Psa 103.19 This we acknowledge in the conclusion of the Lords Prayer but pray not for it in this Petition because nothing can hinder it 2. Special which is that whereby he Ruleth his Elect and chosen people working his will in them by his Holy Spirit And called special because it is not exercised over all the World but only over all the elect whō he hath ordained unto eternal life This special Kingdom of God is twofold viz. 1. Of Grace which is a Spiritual estate because 1. It is principally exercised in the Conscience 2. This Regiment in the Conscience is by the Spirit of God Wherein God makes men willingly subject to the written word of his Spirit which is a voluntary subjection of the whole man in soul body and Spirit to the Will of God reveal'd in his Word This subjection which indeed is perfect freedom stands in these 3 things especially Rom. 14.17 18. 1. In Righteousness that is 1. In Christs Righteousness imputed 2. In the Righteousness of a good Conscience the ground whereof is Sanctification by the Spirit which Christ gives to whom he justifies 2. In Peace that is Peace of Conscience towards God and peace with Gods Church yea with all Creatures so far forth as is needful for them Under which is comprehended love for as Righteousness concerns the person in soul and body so Peace respects all duties and actions of the life Righteousness is the Root whence springeth this Peace for when the heart is sanctified the life is reformed 3. In Joy in the Holy Ghost which is a fruit of both the former respecting especially the state of affliction for when a man is justified and sanctified and hath peace towards God then ariseth in his heart a Spiritual delight in God in all estates Now whosoever hath these three branches of this Spiritual subjection is a good Subject in the Kingdom of Grace 2. Of Glory which is the blessed estate of Gods Elect in Heaven whereby God in Christ becomes all things unto them immediately all things needful to the perfection of felicity The state of grace in this life is the beginning and entrance to the state of glory the state of glory in the life to come is the perfection of the state of grace And this special Kingdom of God in both these estates do we in this Petition pray for Understand therefore this Petition of the special Kingdom the coming whereof is in four degrees viz. 1. Let it be erected where it is not 2. Let it be confirmed and continued where it is Let it not be abolished by Persecution corrupted by Heresie vanish by Hypocrisie or degenerate and grow into the contrary by Prophaneness 3. Let it be restored where it is decayed or corrupted in doctrine or maners Restore such as are faln by weakness and purge the Errors of such as are seduced 4. Let it be perfected and made compleat by hastning the Marriage-day the eternal Jubile of Joy unconceiveable much more unutterable such as neither eye hath seen nor ear heard nor heart conceived and by finally destroying Sin Death the Devil and every enemy Thy Kingdom come that is to us men in the world then it cometh when God doth erect and establish the same in their hearts Now unto perfection it comes by five degrees viz. 1. When God gives unto men the outward means of Salvation wherein he doth reveal his grace and favor in Christ Thus the Gospel preached is called The word of the Kingdom Mat. 13.19 and The Kingdom of God Luke 11.20 17.21 2. When the word preached enlightens the minde so as a man knows and understands the mystery of the Gospel which is the Law of this Kingdom 3. When a man is thereby regenerate and so brought into this Kingdom for by Regeneration we have effectual entrance into the state of grace whereby Christ rules in us by his word and Spirit and we yield subjection unto him 4. At the end of this life when the body goeth to the earth but the soul to God that gave it being translated to the joys of heaven in the glory of this Kingdom 5. At the last Judgement when body and soul being reunited are both made partakers of this Kingdoms glory And this is the full and perfect coming of it In this kingdom are observable these things especially 1. That Christ is King Mat. 2.2 2. That the Subjects are true Christians Psal 2.8 Angels and Saints 3. That the Laws are the Word Psal 119.105 and the efficacy of the Holy Ghost 4. The enemies are Satan Sin Death Hell Damnation the Flesh the World and the Wicked Eph. 6.12 Rom. 6.12 8.1 1 Cor. 15.51 Gal. 5.17 Gen. 3.15 5. The Rewards are the good things of this life and eternal happiness in that to come Mark 10.30 6. The Chastisements are afflictions Heb. 12.6 7. The Weapons are Faith Hope Love the Word and Prayer Eph. 6.16 8. The Time of it is to the worlds end Mat. 28.20 9. The place is this world and the world to come Rev. 5.10 Mat. 25.34 10. The Officers are Preachers 2 Cor. 5.20 11. The Vice-gerents are Governors Isa 49.25 12. It is exercised upon the Conscience of man Rom. 14.17 Again the Head or King of this Kingdom is God the Father the Son and the Holy Ghost There is but one King because there is but one God 1. The Father is King and Ruleth by the Son and the Holy Ghost 2. The Son is King because 1. He sitteth God at the right hand of God and Ruleth with equal power with the Father 2. He is Mediator by whom God worketh immediately and giveth the Holy Ghost The enemies of this Kingdom are 1. Partly in the Church as Hypocrites who challenge to themselves the Name and Title of the Kingdom when as they are nothing less 2. Partly without the Church as Turks Jews and all such as defend Errors against the ground and foundation of the true Religion It appears from what hath been said That the Kingdom of God cometh to us four ways viz. 1. By the Preaching of the Gospel whereby is revealed the light of the true and heavenly Doctrine 2. By Conversion when some are converted and are endued with Faith and Repentance 3. By making progress or encrease when the godly receive encrease or
when the proper gifts or blessings of the faithful are augmented with perpetual encrease in the godly or converted Rev. 22.11 4. By Consummation or full accomplishment when the godly shall be glorified at the second coming of our Lord. We ought to desire that the Kingdom of God may come for these Reasons specially 1. For the glory of God or in respect of the first Petion because that we may sanctifie and hallow his Name it is required that he Rule us by his Word and Spirit 2. Because God will give his Kingdom onely to those that ask it The wants we are to bewail taught us in this Petition concern either our selves or others 1. We must lament and mourn for our own miserable estate by Nature whereby we are the servants of Sin and so in bondage and thraldom thereto Joh. 8.34 And the best of us do but weakly yield to Christs Scepter and where Sin raigneth there the Devil hath dominion 2. We must bewail the sins of all the world in the transgression of Gods Law whereby God is dishonored his Kingdom hindred and the Kingdom of Darkness furthered We must therefore bewail that there be so many hinderers of Gods Kingdom as namely the Flesh to infect the World to allure the Devil to seduce Antichrist to withdraw the Turk to withstand and the Wicked to trouble men that should be Subjects of this Kingdom Pray therefore Thy Kingdom come The helps which further Gods kingdom and are to be desired of us viz. 1. The Preaching of the Gospel and all other divine Ordinances whereby Gods Kingdom is erected and maintained that they may be where they are not and may be blessed where they are vouchsafed and herein for godly Magistrates and faithful Ministers 2. That God would enlighten the eyes of our mindes that we may see the wonders of his Law that so the Lords ordinances may be blessed unto us 3. That we may be wholly subject unto Christ and that of Conscience not onely in our outward behavior but in minde heart will and in all our affections that we may grow in grace and in the saving knowledge of Christ Jesus 4. We must desire to be dissolved and to be with Christ in the Kingdom of glory for this end that we may make an end of sinning and become more obedient Subjects unto Christ yea wholly ruled by him though for the good of others we must be content to live 5. That both by the hour of death and by the coming of Christ to Judgement this Kingdom in us and all Gods chosen may be accomplished that Satan being trodden under our feet and the power of death destroyed God may be all in all 1 Cor. 15.28 6. That Christ would come in Judgement when all things shall be subdued unto God and all his obedient Subjects shall be fully glorified This we may desire in heart though we must leave the time to Gods good will and pleasure still waiting for it by faith in his Promise 7. That God would enlarge his Sanctuary here on earth gather his elect more and more and still defend and maintain his Church in every place in the world when these desires affect our souls then do we truly say Thy Kingdom come The duties to be practised by us that Gods Kingdom may come viz. 1. We must labor for true humiliation and conversion else we cannot enter into the Kingdom Matth. 8.3 Joh. 3.5 nay otherwise we do but mock God by saying well and doing nothing 2. We must be careful to bring forth the fruits of Gods Kingdom which are Righteousness Peace and Joy in the Holy Ghost Rom. 14.17 3. We must hence learn to be contented in all estates of this life whatsoever the hope of this Kingdom which we here pray for must swallow up all the sorrows that earthly calamities can bring upon us Luke 12.32 4. We must all labor in our places and callings to bring one another into this kingdom one neighbor another and one friend another Ezc. 18.30 5. Hence we must learn every day to prepare our selves to dye for by death our souls enter into the glory of this Kingdom which we pray may come unto us whence appears the monstrous hypocrisie of the world whose practice flatly contradicts their prayer Of this Petition 1. The Supplication is for the continuance of Gods gracious Providence over his general kingdom and of all good means and furtherances of his special kingdom his Church 2. The Deprecation is against all impediments and lets of Gods general kingdom as Anarchy Tyranny wicked Laws c. and against all hinderances of his special kingdom as Toleration of Idolatry Heresie Ignorance Idleness Infidelity Impenitency Hardness of heart c. 3. The Thanksgiving is for the Lords exercising his kingdom in the right ordering of the world punishing the wicked rewarding the godly spreading the glorious beams of his Word enlarging his kingdom for worthy Magistrates and faithful Ministers for Faith and all Spiritual graces In this glass we read the superstitious vanity of ignorant souls The rotten hypocrisie of formal Professors The cursed Rebellion of prophane worldlings The Antichristian Tyranny of Idolatrous Papists All which as we tender the Soveraign Power of Christs Scepter the Prerogative of his Royalty and the eternal happiness of our own Souls let us carefully avoid as by making it the language of our hearts so the loyalty of our whole lives to practice Thy Kingdom come A new-hatch'd old-laid Heresie appears That here on Earth yet full One thousand years Christs Kingdom is to come and triumph shall With all his Saints in Pomp Majestical Fond Dreamers Call ye this Terrestrial Which figures that which is Spiritual Raign in our hearts O Lord Protect augment Thy Church This is thy proper Regiment Cast down thine Enemies Compleat the sum Of thine Elect So let Thy Kingdom come §. 7. Thy Will be done in Earth as it is in Heaven THis Petition in order followeth Thy Kingdom come to shew That where Gods kingdom is set up his will is endeavored after and preferred always and not our own will It depends indeed on both the former Petitions for Gods Name is hallowed when his will is done and his kingdom comes when by doing his will we testifie our selves his obedient Subjects Wherein we desire that we and all the people of God upon earth may as readily obey Gods will as the Angels and Saints in heaven So that this Petition is propounded in a Comparison the former part whereof respects the grace of Obedience which we pray for the other the right maner of performing it wherein we must note That this particle As doth not betoken the degree but the kinde of doing Gods will which is the beginning of performing Gods will with continuance and encrease thereof not the Consummation perfection and full accomplishment thereof which yet we are to desire here that at length we may obtain it which though it be impossible in this life yet are we
that is he is a person equal to God in Power and Glory by whom the Father worketh immediately or to sit at Gods right hand is to raign in equal Power and Glory with the Father for Christ doth all things likewise as doth the Father and is endued with the same Power with the Father which also he exerciseth He is that person Omnipotent by which the Father governeth all things immediately but especially by which he defendeth the Church against her Enemies and this indeed is the proper meaning of Christs session at the right hand of the Father How Christ rose again 1. He rose by his own power even by his Godhead John 2.19 2. He being truly God and Man rose according to that Nature according to which he suffered Luke 24.39 3. He did rise truly and indeed so that his soul did truly and indeed return into his body 4. He rose the third day as it was foreshadowed in Jonas Why Christ rose again 1. In respect of the Prophesies which were uttered of him Psal 16.10 Mat. 17.23 2. He rose for his Fathers and his own Glory Rom. 1.4 3. For the worthiness and power of the person that rose being Author of life it self 4. In respect of the Office of the person which rose his Meadiatorship 5. He rose for us and that in three respects 1. For our Justification Rom. 4.25 2. For our Regeneration 3. For our Salvation and Glorification In the Resurrection of Christ observe these 2 things viz. 1. His victory and triumph over Death and Hell 1. He declareth himself to be very God rising again by his Divine Power 2. By his Resurrection he subjecteth to himself all things both in Heaven and Earth 3. He manifested himself to be that blessed Seed that had broken the Head of the Serpent that is had overcome the Kingdom of Satan 2. The fruit and benefit which accrews unto us by it viz. 1. Thereby we know him to be the Messias in whom the Prophesies were fulfilled 2. We are confirmed and warranted by Christs Resurrection 1. Of his Merit that he hath fully and perfectly satisfied for our sins 2. Of the application of his Benefits which could not have been bestowed if he had not risen 3. The Gift whereby we are justified he vanquished Death that he might make us partakers of that Righteousness which he had gotten us by his death 1 Cor. 15.16 Rom. 4.25 4. The Gift of the Holy Ghost by whom Christ regenerateth us and giveth us eternal life 5. The Vertue which is conveyed into all Believers enabling them to rise from sin 6. A President or Seal of newness of life we are also stirred up by his power to a new life Rom. 6.4 7. Our continued Preservation by his perpetual and applyed Righteousness 8. The Resurrection of our Head Christ is a cause and pledge unto us of our glorious Resurrection 1 Cor. 15.12 Rom. 8.11 9. The consummation and perfecting of all his benefits and the final glorifying of his Church For what causes the Resurrection of our Bodies is the fruit of Christs Resurrection 1. Because Christ is our Head and we his Members 2. Because he hath abolished our sin the cause of death 3. Because as the first Adam received blessings for all and lost them all so the second Adam received gifts for others and communicates them with us 4. Because the same Spirit dwelleth in us which is in Christ Rom. 8.11 5. Because Christ is Man for by Man came the Resurrection 1 Cor. 15.21 But here take notice That there are other causes for which the wicked shall rise again even the just Judgement of God whereby he hath appointed them to eternal pains for the same thing may have more effects and diverse causes as it relates to several respects The Duties arising from our Faith in Christ touching his Resurrection 1. To live as those that be at peace with God for as he dyed for our sins so he rose again for our Justification Rom. 5.25 and being justified by faith we have peace with God Rom. 5.1 2. To rise up to newness of life The Signs of which spiritual life are chiefly these four viz. 1. An heavenly minde Col. 3.1 2. An holy and innocent life Ephes 4.24 3. Greater joy in the Grace of God through Jesus Christ then in any thing either of pleasure or profit in this world Phil. 3.8 4. Growth and encrease in Sanctification 1 Pet. 3.18 In Christs Ascension and sitting at the right hand of the Father consider these three things viz. 1. His Command to his Apostles at his Ascension whereby the glad tidings of his Resurrection and Ascension was not to be confined within Judea 2. The Consequents thereof 1. He opened for us a way to heaven before shut up by our sins 2. Being now gone into Heaven is yet present with us even to the end of the world 3. We have au advocate with the Father 4. That now sitting at the right hand of the Father he hath so established his Kingdom as the Gates of Hell in vain oppose it 3. The Use hereof That we being conversant here upon Earth should have our conversation in Heaven whence we expect the return of our Judge Why Christ ascended viz. 1. For his own and his Fathers glory 1. For he was to have a celestial Kingdom Eph. 4.10 2. It was meet that the Head should be glorified with excellency of gifts above all the blessed as being Members of that Head 2. In respect of us 1. That he might gloriously make Intercession for us by his vertue efficacy and will 2. That we might also ascend and be assured of our Ascension John 14.2 3. That he might send the Holy Ghost and by him gather comfort and defend his Church from the Devil and all her Enemies unto the worlds end John 16.7 The benefit we receive by Christs Ascension viz. 1. He maketh Intercession to his Father in Heaven for us 1 John 2.1 2. And this his Intercession signifieth 1. The perpetual vertue and strength of Christs Sacrifice 2. Both wills in Christ both Humane and Divine propitious and favorable to us whereby he will that for his Sacrifice we be received of his Father 3. The Assent of his Father approving this his Sons will and accepting the value of of his Sacrifice as our sins Ransom 2. Our Glorification or Ascension for seeing Christ our Head is ascended we are certain that we also shall ascend into Heaven as being his Members having a sure pledge that he who is our Head will lift up us his Members John 14.2 3. He sendeth us his Spirit in stead of a pledge between him and us John 14.16 4. It is a Testimony 1. That our sins are fully pardoned us who do believe 2. That Christ is indeed Conqueror of Death Sin and the Devil 3. That we shall never be left destitute of comfort 4. That Christ will for ever defend us What the right hand of God signifieth 1. The Omnipotency or
the pardon of our sins for no Tears of ours can give Satisfaction beside Judas the Reprobate had it but it is required as that without which we will not come to Christ Now the taking of Christ is nothing else but what we call Faith and Faith is nothing else but when these two things concur That God the Father will give his Son and freely offers Righteousness and we receive this Righteousness taking Christ for our Husband our King and our Lord. And when we are truly entred into the state of this Humiliation we shall not fail of that Humility required in this Commandment for we shall then acknowledge all those good things which are in us and done by us not to come from any worthiness or ability of our own but from the free goodness of God we shall then by the acknowledging of Gods Divine Majesty and our infirmity and unworthiness subject and submit our selves unto God to give the glory of all good things which are in us to him alone We shall then truly fear God We shall then acknowledge and bewail our own defects and vices we shall not then covet any higher place or condition we shall not then trust in our own gifts but in the help and assistance of God we shall then hold our selves contented with our own Vocation and Calling we shall not then despise others in comparison of our selves neither let or hinder them in the discharging of their duty but acknowledge that others also are and may be made profitable Instruments of Gods glory and therefore give place and honor to them we shall not then attribute to our selves things above our force and power we shall not then affect any one excellency above others neither shall we then murmure against God if we fail of our hope or if we be despised but in all things ascribe the praise of Wisdom and Justice unto God Let no man therefore presume above that which is written For who hath separated thee or what hast thou that thou hast not received 1 Cor. 4.6 God resisteth the proud but giveth grace to the humble 1 Pet. 5.5 Whosoever shall humble himself as this little childe the same is the greatest in the kingdom of Heaven Mat. 18.4 And this is that Humility required in this Commandment and him in whom it is the Lord will exalt in due time 1 Pet. 5.5 The Vices repagnant to Humility viz. 1. Pride and Arrogancy which is to ascribe our gifts not unto God but to our own ability and therefore to stand in admiration of our selves and gifts not to acknowledge our wants or bewail our defects to be ever aspiring to some higher place or calling to attribute to our selves those things which we have not to overlook our poor Brethren to be guilty indeed of all those Vices from which the humble man was even now said to be free 2. A feigned Modesty or Humility which is a double Pride and it is to hunt after the praise and commendation of Humility by denying of those things outwardly which yet a man doth in his minde attribute unto himself either truly or falsely and by refusing of that honor which he desireth above the peace of a good Conscience and covertly laboreth to compass Going to take a Survey of my Sins I heard a voyce which sadly said Who brings Help to my wounded Soul And having cry'd At least a heart-full of Tears Faith apply'd A precious Soveraign Salve but said It came from far cost dear and therefore praid He would esteem it highly Then me thought He somewhat else in dust and ashes sought What it should be I ask'd Hope who stood by And Love reply'd it was Humility §. 4. Of Patience PAtience is the knowledge and acknowledging of Gods Majesty Wisdom Justice Power and Goodness resolving through a confidence in Gods Promises and so in hope of Gods assistance and deliverance to obey God in suffering those evils and afflictions which he sendeth on us and willeth us to suffer and herein not to murmure against God or do any thing against his Commandments but by this knowledge and full perswasion of Gods good will and pleasure herein To comfort our selves in our distress and to Pray in Faith and Wait in Hope for his deliverance Humility and Patience belong unto this first Commandment not onely because they are parts of that internal obedience which God requireth immediately to be performed unto him but also because they follow and accompany the true Knowledge Confidence Love and Fear of God as necessary effects of the same For in cases of Distress of Persecution and Affliction we must not live by feeling but by Faith for Afflictions are Pledges and Tokens of our Adoption if we make the right use of them Heb. 12.7 And when God defers deliverance he doth it upon great and weighty causes and considerations best known unto himself for in his Wisdom he hath set down certain and unchangeable Times for the accomplishment and issue of all things that are And indeed there is a necessity of having this godly vertue of Patience for we need many afflictions because the corruptions of the heart are of diverse sorts and we need long afflictions because sin is very natural yet there may be good in that evil we suffer and in the worst dangers there is somewhat that makes the godly trust in God that keeps them up from sinking A sound Spirit will bear any Affliction and therein is a Christian happy for God loves us tenderly in Affliction whence the difference between the Saints and others in the same Afflictions is That though the same Afflictions befal both yet God hath respect to his in it not to the others Jer. 24. The wicked though prospering yet stand in slippery places the godly though afflicted are built on the Rock Christ To prosper in sin is the miserablest condition in the world for when the wicked are not interrupted in their course God hath a purpose to destroy them as Hophni and Phineas Prosperity hurts evil men yea and as much as Affliction doth good to the godly Evil men may prosper and good men be crossed many times not prospering in their business and that in those things which they do according to Gods Will as in the success of Pauls Ministery at Macedonia and the Disciples jeopardy on the water though they were there on Christs command Thus the Lord dealeth promiscuously with good and bad in outward things that we may not know where to have him in his ways and actions which are past finding out therefore we must not judge by Gods outward proceeding till he hath finished the work nor murmure at his Providence or prove impatient under the smart of any Affliction whatsoever For the Afflictions of the godly are not punishments and satisfaction for their sins but onely fatherly chastisements and the Cross whereby they are brought to Humility To the wicked they are indeed a punishment which is either Destruction or Torment inflicted by
impossible it is our own fault for God commanded them when they were possible neither hath he lost the right of requiring that now which we lost the power of performing of then at our Parents first birth yea after our second birth in Christ being still in this life but in a state of imperfection it is impossible though God commands us to crave and desire of him in this life the perfect fulfilling of the Law So that God chargeth no more upon us then he had enabled us to do and had given us strength to perform and if there be any impossibility to do it the fault resteth in our selves and not in God for man by his first Creation was able to keep the whole Law without sinning for he was made after Gods own Image God saith Solomon made man righteous Eccl. 7. his heart was full of divine understanding his will was altogether right his affections holy his power absolute to persist and continue such always but as his nature now is he cannot keep the Law of God neither the whole nor any parcel thereof but is altogether corrupt his understanding darkned his will crooked his affections impure and his best strength weakness towards the running of the race of Gods Commandments yea though assisted by Gods grace and regenerate yet does not perfectly fulfil the Law but faileth still in many things for though a man be now Spiritual and guided by Gods Spirit not to sin as men natural 1 John 3.9 yet the flesh the old man corrupt Nature is not altogether expelled but remaining for their humiliation and the exercise of Grace in their Spiritual combat hindreth them from doing perfectly the thing they would and swayeth them oftentimes to the thing they would not Thus though the Law exacteth such perfect obedience as no man in this life is able to yield as appeareth Acts 13.38 Rom. 8.3 3.20 Gal. 2.21 yet we must know that it is impossible onely to Nature but not to Grace which is thus to be explained It is possible to Grace because Grace covereth our failings not that a man in Grace can perfectly fulfil all things Christians are not bound at all to the observation of the Judaical Ceremonies nor are the Judicial Laws of the Jews necessarily to be received or established in any Commonwealth yet no Christian man whatsoever is freed from the obedience of the Moral Law for that remains for ever a Rule of obedience to every childe of God though he be not bound to bring the same obedience for his Justification before God for he is accursed saith the Law that faileth in any Commandment except saith the Gospel he be reconciled again in Christ and in him have the pardon of his transgressions Whence this is one main difference betwixt the Law and the Gospel That the Law leaveth no place to repentance nor affordeth any means to resume that which is lost or recover that which is decayed Hear the thunder of the Law Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the Book of the Law to do them Gal. 3.10 Listen to the still voyce of the Gospel Repent Mat. 3.2 4.17 Sin no more Joh. 5.14 8.11 Turn you turn you from your wicked ways for why will ye dye Ezek. 33.11 In this respect the Law may be resembled to Abishai the Gospel to David both of them found their enemy Abishai would presently have smote him dead but David wakes him tells him the danger he was in and adviseth him to look better to himself 1 Sam. 26.8 c. Thus the Law sets forth the rigor of Gods Justice the Gospel the riches of his Mercy Now indeed a man cannot see his sins to purpose without the spirit of Bondage for that must make the Law effectual as well as the Spirit of Adoption doth the Gospel that is except God himself press the Law in our hearts the Ministers discover our sins to no purpose they may as soon shake the earth it self as the heart of a sinner without the work of God therefore the first work of the Holy Ghost is to awaken a sinner to set upon him his sins that he may be fit to receive Christ The Law in general is that part of Gods Word which commands things just honest and godly and being thus conceived it is three-foldâ— or the parts thereof are three 1. The Ceremonial Law concerning Ceremonies binding the Jews until the coming of the Messias that they should be Signs Symboles Types or Shadows of Spiritual things to be fulfilled in the Gospel of Christ this Law prescribed to the Jews Ceremonies Rites and Orders to be performed in the Worship of God and is laid down in the Books of Moses especially in Leviticus it concerned the Jews onely and is now wholly abrogated 2. The Judicial Law which is that part of Gods Word which prescribed Ordinances for the Government of the Jews Commonwealth and the Civil punishment of offenders Indeed their whole Civil Order or Government that is of the Offices of Magistrates Judgements Punishments Contracts and of the distinguishing and bounding of Dominions binding all Abrahams posterity until the coming of the Messias that they should be Types of that Order which should be in Christs Kingdom that is of the Spiritual Regiment of the Messias This did indeed principally concern the Jews but yet so far forth as it tendeth to the establishing of the Moral Law having in it common Equity it concerneth all people in all times and places 3. The Moral Law which teacheth us what to do and what not to do binding all reasonable creatures to perfect obedience both internal and external so that it may fully be described in these three points 1. That part of Gods word concerning righteousness and godliness which was written in Adams minde by the gift of Creation and the remnants of it be in every man by the light of Nature in regard whereof it bindes all men 2. It commandeth perfect obedience both inward in thought and affection and outward in speech and action 3. It bindeth to the curse and punishment every one that faileth in the least duty thereof though but once and that in thought onely Gal. 3.10 The sum of the Moral Law is propounded in the Decalogue or Ten Commandments which many can repeat but few do understand The Ceremonial Law must be considered in a double respect 1. In regard of the observation of it in Gods worship and so it is wholly abrogated 2. In the scope and substance of it which is Christ crucified with his benefits whom it shadowed out thus it remaineth still and is now more plain then ever it was The Ceremonial Law ceased at the coming of Christ for these Reasons 1. There is no more use of a candle when the Sun is risen nor of the picture when the person is present Thus was it between the Mosaical Ceremonies and Christ 2. The renting of the vail of the Temple at Christs suffering
Baptism succeeds Col. 2.11 12. 2. The Jews practice in a faithful observance of this Ordinance as of Abraham Zachary Elizabeth Joseph and Mary 3. The practice of the Christians who believing were themselves and their whole houshold Baptized Acts 16.15 33. under which whole houshold children might probably be comprised 4. Christ embracing and blessing such children as were brought to him and rebuking those that would have kept them from him Mat. 19.13 5. Gods promise made to them Gen. 17.7 Acts 2.39 as the seal for confirmation whereof God offereth Baptism 6. The right they have to Gods Kingdom Mat. 19.14 Baptism is an evidence of that their right 7. The constant continued custom of the true Catholick Church which ever since the Apostles time hath afforded the Sacrament of Baptism to children Touching the necessity of Baptisms we must know that things are said to be necessary two ways 1. Absolutely so as the thing cannot possibly be without it thus Baptism is not absolutely necessary as a cause for then should it be equal to Gods Covenant Christs Blood and the work of the Spirit 2. By consequence so as according to that course and order which God hath set down things may not well be without them Thus Baptism is by consequence and that in a double respect 1. In regard of Gods Ordinance 2. In regard of our need thereof by reason of our dulness in conceiving things Spiritual of our weakness in believing things invisible To this Sacrament of Baptism the Papists attribute too much making it a plain Idol by their opinion 1. Of the necessity thereof in such degree as that they hold if any dye unbaptized he cannot be saved 2. Of the efficacy thereof in such degree as they hold it giveth grace by the work it self thereby equalling it to the very blood of Christ taking away the peculiar work of the Spirit and the use of the grace thereby The differences of Circumcision and Baptism viz. 1. In Rites for the same are not the Rites of Circumcision and Baptism 2. Circumcision promised grace for the Messias to come Baptism for the Messias exhibited 3. Circumcision had a promise of a corporal benefit a testimony that God would give a certain place for the Church in the Land of Canaan until the coming of the Messias Baptism hath no promise in particular of any temporal benefit other then what flows from the influence of a a general promise made to godliness 1 Tim. 4.8 4. Circumcision did binde to the observing of the whole Law Ceremonial Judicial and Moral Baptism bindeth us onely to faith and amendment of life that is to observe onely the Moral Law 5. Circumcision was instituted for the Israelites Baptism was instituted for all Nations that are desirous and willing to come unto the society of the Church 6. Circumcision was to continue until the coming of the Messias Baptism shall continue until the end of the world Baptism and Circumcision agree thus 1. In the chief and principal end whereas in both is sealed the Promise of Grace by Christ which is always one and the same 2. By both of them is wrought our receiving into the Church 3. By both is signified Regeneration ye are circumcised in Christ with Circumcision made without hands For as Circumcision in the old Law was a token how the corrupt and carnal affections of the minde should be subdued and that the Lord required not so much an outward of the body as an inward circumcision of the heart Deut. 18.16 30. Acts 7.51 So Baptism telleth us that being once dead unto sin we are to live unto righteousness that all we that have been Baptized unto Jesus Christ have been Baptized unto his death c. and must walk in newness of life c. Rom. 6.3 For we have put on Christ by Baptism Gal. 3.26 The Reasons why Christ was circumcised 1. That he might signifie that he was also a member of that circumcised people 2. That he might shew that he received and took our sins on himself that he might satisfie for them 3. That he might testifie that he did entirely and fully fulfil the Law on our behalf 4. The circumcision of Christ was a part also of his humiliation and suffering Reasons why circumcision is abolished viz. 1. Because the thing signified which was the Messias is exhibited 2. Because circumcision was instituted for the severing of the Jews from all other Nations but now the Church that difference being abolished is collected and gathered out of all Nations The chief and proper ends of the institution of Baptism viz. 1. That it should be a mark whereby the Church may be discerned from all other Nations and Sects which is as it were gathered by the Word and Baptism 2. To be a confirmation of our faith that is a testification that Christ washeth us with his blood that he bestoweth on us Remission of sins Justification and Regeneration or To be the sealing of God and also the sealing or obsignation of the Promise of Grace and a testimony of Gods will that he giveth us these gifts at this present and will give them ever henceforward 3. To be a testification of our duty towards God and a binding of us and the Church to the knowledge and worship of God into whose Name we are Baptized we binde our selves in Baptism to thankfulness namely to Faith that is to receive the promised benefits with faith and then withal unto repentance and amendment of life 4. To be a signification or an advertisement unto us of the Cross and of the preservation of the Church therein and deliverance thereof from it Mat. 20.22 In regard whereof Baptism is compared unto the flood for as in that general Deluge some were shut into the Ark the rest of mankinde perishing so in the Church they who cleave unto Christ although they be pressed with calamities yet at length in their appointed time they are delivered 5. To signifie the unity of the Church for Baptism is a binding of the members of the Church among themselves to mutual love because when it severeth and distinguisheth the members of the Church from others it doth also joyn and unite them among themselves 6. To be a Token and Symbole of our receiving and entrance into the Church Hither appertain all those places in Scripture in which those who were become Christians are said to have been presently Baptized 7. To be a means of preserving and propagating the Doctrine of the free Promise through the death of Christ that the Baptized may have occasion to teach and learn who is the Author and what is the meaning or signification of Baptism The Type of Baptism was Noahs Ark born up by the waters wherein the Church which then was in Noahs family was saved 1 Pet. 3.21 And though Baptism be a mark of the true Church yet may not the Papists thereby challenge theirs to be the true Church for Baptism severed from the true preaching of the