was a King also able to feed and nourish the most mighty on earth as the King of Salem did Abraham 2. The second was the efficacy of his Priesthood noted in two admirable benefits flowing from his obedience and passion viz. Righteousnesse and Peace Righteousnesse for hee is the Lord our righteousnesse Peace in that hee fully pacified Gods anger for our sinnes as our attonement and so he was indeed that King of Zedech that is of righteousnesse and of Salem that is of peace 3. The third was the eternity of his Priesthood hee is a Priest for euer he dieth not as did the sonnes of Leui nor doth the efficacy of his Priesthood euer cease The holy Ghost of purpose concealeth the mention of the birth and death of Melchisedeck that so hee might bee the fuller type of Christ who had no father as man nor mother as God and of his dayes there is no end which last thing is the speciall consolation for which I alleaged this type There is no time wherein we can want the benefit of Christs sacrifice if we haue accesse to God and the throne of his grace and the rather because God hath sworne and will not repent Psalm 110.4 Thus in generall In particular there are many excellent comforts may bee raised from the passion of Christ for First hence wee may gather a matchlesse testimony and vndoubted of the infinite loue of God to man in that hee spared not his owne Sonne but gaue him to the death for vs Ioh. 3.16 For God so loued the world that hee hath giuen his onely begotten Sonne that whosoeuer beleeueth in him should not perish but haue euerlasting life c. 1. Ioh. 4.9 In this appeared the loue of God toward vs because God sent his only begotten Sonne into the world that wee might liue through him c. Which may likewise assure vs that there is nothing can be good for vs but hee will certainly giue it vs also Rom. 8.32 Who spared not his owne Sonne but gaue him for vs all to death how shall hee not with him giue vs all things also 2. Secondly shall wee euer doubt our freedome from condemnation that know from hence what a price was paid for discharge of our debts by such a surety How can we be so vildly infected with vnbeleefe as to feare arresting or imprisonmēt or vndoing when all is in Christ so fully and exquisitely satisfied to the very vttermost farthing How could the surety haue euer escaped such iustice in God such malice in men and diuels the sargeants and iaylors if he had not most abundantly payed all could bee demanded 3. Thirdly what an encouragement may this bee to beleeue what Christ saith to vs was not he a faithfull witnesse teacher that sealed his doctrine with his blood great therefore is the infallibility of the Gospell that truth which is according to godlinesse and to bee receiued with all full assurance without wauering or feare Reuel 1.5 4. Fourthly shall not his example comfort vs in all trials especially when we suffer the extreamest things can befall vs in this life what are those to the sufferings of Christ and with what compassion will he receiue vs in affliction that was so afflicted himselfe Esa. 63.1 9. c. And in particular it may ease in paines and in death it selfe to remember the dolours of Christ especially considering that from thence flowes a vertue to helpe vs in all our pangs and distresses in life and death 5. Lastly there are many particular comforts may bee gathered from the manner of his sufferings and diuers particularities in them as 1. He suffered in Ierusalem so both fulfilled the types of the old Testament for there was Isaac offered vp and there the sacrifices were slaine and also signified vnto vs that he had obtained for vs the vision of eternall peace which the name Ierusalem importeth 2. Secondly he suffered the first part of his chiefe passion in a garden to comfort vs in the abolishing of the first sin which was committed in a garden and imputed to Christ. 3. Thirdly he was betrayed taken bound and forsaken and all for vs hee was betrayed to expiate our treason in Adam he was taken to restore vs captiues hee was bound that wee might be loosed he was forsaken of all euen of his owne best disciples to let vs know that hee alone did performe the worke of satisfaction and redemption for vs Esa. 63.3 4. Fourthly he was araigned condemned both by Iewes and Gentiles in the consisiory of the Priests and at the tribunall of Pilat therby to notifie both to Iews and Gentiles that he was giuen to sacrifice for sins of both to signifie that he was the true Messias or Shiloh because now the scepter was departed frō Iuda Gen. 49.10 5. His silence to the most accusations shewes 1. that he was a greater person then hee that iudged him 2. Secondly that he fulfilled the Scriptures that said he opened not his mouth Esa. 53.7 3. That hee suffered for our euill words but especially it assures vs that he suffered them as our surety in that he did endure the imputation of such monstrous crimes and yet held his peace 6. He was whipped and crowned with thornes he was whipped to deliuer vs from both spirituall corporall and eternall scourges that was due vnto vs. The crowne of thornes may signifie 1. That hee expiated our ambition in Adam 2. That he might merit for vs an eternall crowne 3. That he would gather a kingly people out of the most thorny and hurtfull nations which as a crowne should compasse God about in seruing and honouring him 4. That he had borne our thorny cares and therfore we should cast all our care vpon him 7. He was clothed with a purple garment and a reed in his hand which both signified that he was a King though they did it in scorne His purple garment shewes that hee was that great Warrior which was forespoken of when they said Who is this that comes from Edom with red garments c. Isaiah 63.1 to 7. The reed was two waies comfortable for first it shewed that this was hee that should breake the Serpents head for a reed is the most mortall thing to a Serpent as the learned record and therewith they were vsed to kill them and besides by a reed as by a pen he did blot out the hand-writing in the debt-booke that was against vs. 8. He suffered in Golgotha a place of dead mens bones in which the most notorious offenders did suffer their punishment that so hee might raise vp the Banner of Iustification euen in the very place of contamination and damnation 9. Hee was vnclothed and made naked to satisfie for the sin of our first parents who were spoiled of the garment of innocency and to deliuer vs from sin and mortality of which the garments of skinne giuen to our parents were a monument and perhaps to shew how we should enter
Gospell 2. Thes. 1.8 In flaming fier rendring vengeance vnto them that doe not know God and which obey not vnto the Gospell of our Lord Iesus Christ. And thus for terrour Lastly the doctrine of the last iudgement should be exceeding comfortable to al the godly and that in many respects First if they shall consider who shall be their Iudge euen he that is their brother husband aduocate head and redeemer hee that was iudged for their sakes and therefore they neede to feare no hard sentence from him Secondly if they consider the present assurance of hope For first hath not Christ giuen them many promises that it shal goe well with them at that day 2. Hath not Christ iustified them already and absolued thē from all their sinnes Rom. 3.24.25 3. Haue they not receiued the earnest of the spirit and the seale of the Sacraments 2. Cor. 1.21.22 2. Cor. 5.5 4. Haue they not iudged themselues and therefore are they not free from condemnation with the world 1. Cor. 11.31.32 5. They haue been iudged already the afflictions of this life will be accounted sufficient vnto them 1. Pet. 4.17 They may trust their soules to God and that God that hath begun his good worke in them will performe it till the day of Christ Philip. 1.5.6 1. Cor. 1.8 Thirdly if they consider the benefits they shall attaine vnto at that day for Christ will bee made maruellous in all them that beleeue 2. Thes. 1.10 They shall haue honour and praise their innocency shall be cleared and their miseries and sinnes ended And when Christ shall appeare then shall we also appeare with him in glory Colos. 3.4 Fourthly if they consider the circumstances of the Iudgment as 1. The neernesse of the time should make them hold vp their heads Matth. 24.22.33 Philip. 4.5 Let your patient mind be knowne vnto all men the Lord is at hand Iam. 5.8 Be ye also patient therfore and settle your hearts for the comming of the Lord draweth neere 2. The greatnesse of the assembly before whom they shall bee so much graced by Christ they shall be honoured before all men and Angels 3. The condition of the sentence it shall be a finall sentence neuer to bee reuoked but acknowledged to all eternity 4. And besides they shall haue this fauour that nothing shall bee remembred but goodnesse in good men their sinnes shall not bee mentioned vnto them Matth. 25. CHAP. XXVIII Of the glory of heauen 1. Cor. 2.9 But as it is written The things which eye hath not seene neither eare hath heard neither came into mans heart are which God hath prepared for them that loue him HItherto of the principles that concerne the resurrection the last iudgement The principles that concerne the glory of heauen follow There are foure principles concerning the glory of heauen The first concernes the greatnesse of it It is vnspeakable and in respect of vs heere on earth incomprehensible 1. Cor. 2.9 as in the beginning 1. Ioh. 3.2 Dearly beloued now are we the sonnes of God but yet it doth not appeare what we shall bee and we know that when we shall appeare we shall be like him for wee shall see him as he is Colos. 3.3.4 For yee are dead and your life is hid with Christ in God When Christ which is our life shall appeare then shall wee also appeare with him in glory 2. Cor. 12.4 How that hee was taken vp into Paradise and heard words which cannot bee spoken which are not possible for man to vtter Reuel 2.17 Let him that hath an eare heare what the spirit saith vnto the Churches to him that ouercommeth will I giue to eate of the manna that is hid and will giue him a white stone and in the stone a new name written which no man knoweth sauing he that receiueth it Psal. 16.11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life in thy presence is the fulnesse of ioy and at thy right hand there are pleasures for euermore Psalm 31.19 How great is thy goodnesse which thou hast laid vp for them that feare thee and done to them that trust in thee euen before the sonnes of men The second concernes the continuance of it and so it is eternall and therefore is this life called eternall life and immortality Matthew 25. vers 46. And these shall goe into euerlasting paine and the righteous into life eternall 2. Timoth. 1.10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Sauiour Iesus Christ who hath abolished death and hath brought life and immortality vnto light through the Gospell 1. Pet. 1.4 To an inheritance immortall and vndefiled and that fadeth not away reserued in heauen for you c. 2. Cor. 5.1 For wee know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle be destroyed we haue a building giuen of God that is an house not made with hands but eternall in the heauens The third concernes the cause of it Heauen is the gift of God and proceeds onely from his free grace and not for any merit in vs Luk. 12.32 Feare not little flocke for it is your Fathers pleasure to giue you a kingdome Titus 3.4 But when the bountifulnesse and loue of God our Sauiour toward man appeared not for our righteousnesse but according to his mercy he saued vs c. Ioh. 3.16 For God so loued the world that he hath giuen his onely begotten Sonne that whosoeuer beleeueth in him should not perish but haue euerlasting life Rom. 6.23 For the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternall life through Iesus Christ our Lord c. 1. Pet. 1. all the chapter The fourth concernes the persons that shall enioy it the elect of God onely obtaine this glory 1. Cor. 15.50 c. This say I brethren that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdome of God neither doth corruption inherit incorruption Reuel 21.27 And there shall enter into it none vncleane thing neither whatsoeuer worketh abomination or lies but they which are written in the Lambes booke of life 1. Cor. 6.9 Know ye not that the vnrighteous shall not inherit the kingdome of God be not deceiued Neither fornicators nor Idolaters nor adulterers nor wantons nor buggeres c. Rom. 2.7 That is to them which by continuance in well doing seeke glory and honour and immortality eternall life 10. But to euery man that doth good shall be glory and honour and peace to the Iew first and also to the Grecian The vses follow and are either for instruction or for consolation First for instruction and then the doctrine of the glory of heauen should worke diuers impressions vpon our hearts 1. We should with all earnestnesse importune God to enable vs to behold by the effectualnesse of contemplation the greatnesse of that felicity is prouided for vs in heauen wee are naturally extreamly vnable for the contemplation of it wee should beseech God by his spirit to force open our eyes and make vs able to stand and gaze with admiration at
our selues The meditation of the passion of Christ should inflame in vs a desire and resolution 1. To acknowledge the maruellous mercies of our Sauiour and to confesse his praises and to adore his name that could bee willing to suffer such things for vs Phil. 2.11 Euery tongue should confesse that Iesus Christ is the Lord vnto the glory of God the Father Esa. 63.1.2.7.8 Who is this that commeth from Edom with red garments from Bozra he is glorious in his apparel and walketh in his great strength c. I will remember the mercies of the Lord and the praises of the Lord according vnto all the Lord hath giuen vs and for the great goodnesse toward the house of Israel which he hath giuen them according to his tender loue and according to his great mercies 2. To mourne affectionately for our sinnes that haue so pierced the Sonne of God as we are taught Zach. 12.12 They are the nailes that pierced and the lance that let out his heart-blood Wouldest thou not bee grieued if thou haddest killed thine owne brother 3. To sinne no more but for euer to bee afraid of crucifying the Sonne of God againe Rom. 6.6 Heb. 10.24 c. But rather to liue to him that died for vs and to deuote both soules and bodies vnto his seruice 2. Cor. 5.15 He died for all that they which liue should not henceforth liue vnto themselues but vnto him which died for them and rose againe 1. Pet. 2.24 Who his owne selfe bare our sinnes in his body on the tree that wee being deliuered from sinne should liue in righteousnesse 4. To loue him with our vtmost affections and with all the sincerity of our hearts accounting them accursed that loue not the Lord Iesus 1. Cor. 16.22 Eph. 6.23 1. Pet. 1.9 Shall the Father loue Christ for his willingnesse to die for his sheepe and shall not we Ioh. 10.17.18 Therefore doth my Father loue me because I lay downe my life c. 5. To come willingly at the time of the assemblies of his Army vnder his colours in holy beauty When we see the banners of Christ crucified displaied we should run with all readinesse professing our homage and willingnesse to liue and die in his seruice the youth of his wombe that is such as are begotten of his loines in the Gospell should for multitude flock to the house of God as thicke as the dew that falles from heauen in the morning so thicke that the concourse of Christians should now be like a very mist of dew Psalm 110.2.3.4 6. Not to be the seruāts of men that is to bee bound to no mans example will lusts humours likings but to be free vnto the seruice of Iesus Christ onely who hath paid for vs so deare a price 1. Cor. 7.23 Yee are bought with a price be not the seruants of men 7. To suffer any thing for his sake that hath suffered so great things for vs so as we could bee willing to forsake father and mother brother and sister house and land and all for his sake and for the Gospell 8. To celebrate the memorie of his death and passion with all reuerence honour and hearty affection this is that we should do in the receiuing of the sacramēt which doth crucifie Christ before our eies and shew vs how he was taken broken giuen slaine for our sakes shall we not do this in remēbrance of him shall we not eate the sweete flesh of this immaculate lambe with the sower hearbes of contrition and griefe for our sinnes and vnworthines shall wee not at this feast put away all leauen out of our dwellings God forbid wee should dare to eat of this bread or drink of this cup vnworthily and so make our selues guilty of the body and blood of Christ rather let vs all examine our selues and so let vs eate in remembrance of him iudging our selues that we be not condemned of the Lord. Thus of the first sort of duties Secondly the meditation of Christs passion should direct vs and stirre vs vp to the care of diuers things in our carriage one towards another and these duties are either Generall to all or speciall to some There are foure generall duties wee should learne from the passion of Christ 1. The first is harmelesnesse seeing Christ our Passeouer is sacrificed for vs wee should keepe the feast with vnleauened bread of sinceritie and truth and put away all leauen out of our dwellings euen all leauen of malice and naughtinesse all vile affections one against another 1. Cor. 5.7.8 2. The second is humilitie the same minde should be in vs that was in Christ Iesus who being equall with God was content for our sakes to make himselfe of no reputation taking vpon him the forme of a seruant we should in lowlinesse of mind each esteeme others better then themselues doing nothing through strife or vaine-glory looking not on our owne things but euery one also on the things of others making our selues equall to them of the lower sort being of one accord of one minde If we would learne any thing of Christ we must learne lowlinesse and meekenesse of him Phil. 2. from the 2. to the 9. Matth. 11.29 3. The third is loue and that in the feruency and constancy of it refusing no paines nor dangers to shew our affection to the brethren wee should walke in loue as Christ loued vs and gaue himselfe a sacrifice of sweet smelling sauour to God for vs Ephes. 5.1.2 Yea our liues should not be deare to vs to declare our loue to the brethren but as Christ laid down his life for vs so ought we to lay downe our liues for the brethren 1. Iohn 3.16 Hereby haue we perceiued loue that he laid downe his life for vs therefore we ought also to lay downe our liues for the brethren 4. The fourth is pitie and that in speciall to such as suffer in soule If there bee any bowels in vs the remembrance of the agonie of Christ in the garden and on the crosse should make vs with more tendernesse of heart pity them that for the griefe and feare of their hearts cry out that God their God hath forsakē them If Christ needed an Angel to comfort him what need haue these of comfort The maruelous feare distresse Christ was in sheweth that these kinds of sufferings of spirit bee the most grieuous distresses Thus in generall In the fifth to the Ephesians this maruelous loue of Christ to the Church shewed in his passion is vsed as a motiue to perswade husbands to loue their wiues and in all deerenesse of affections to cherish them and prouide for them denying themselues that they may profit and content them as Christ did when he gaue himselfe not only to the Church but also for the Church Ephes. 5.25 c. Thus of the duties also to others Thirdly the meditation of these principles about the passion of Christ should excite vs to the practice and care of diuers duties
from him Iam. 1.17 Euery good giuing and euery perfect gift is from aboue and commeth downe from the father of lights c. What are wee that so great a God should set his heart vpon vs to shew vs mercy Seeing hee is a spirit and so transcendently glorious and knowes all things we should resolue to serue him with all possible affection putting on all the beauties of the best holinesse we can get when we come into his presence Ioh. 4.24 God is a spirit and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and truth Let vs for euer hate sinne and striue for all possible imitation of his holinesse Psal. 36.10 Extend thy louing kindnesse to them that know thee and thy righteousnesse vnto them that are vpright of hart 1. Pet. 1.15.16 But as he which hath called you is holy so be you holy in all manner of conuersation Because it is written Be you holy for I am holy c. 1. Ioh. 5.18.19 We know that whosoeuer is borne of God sinneth not but he that is begotten of God keepeth himselfe and the wicked toucheth him not c. Iob 42.6 Therefore I abhorre my selfe and repent in dust and ashes Finally wee should striue to get and encrease in the true knowledge of our glorious God wee should study his glory but then wee must be warned when we go about this study to looke to diuers things 1. We must repent vs of our sinnes for this knowledge requires a cleane heart 2. Wee must bring an humble and teachable mind Psalm 25.9 Them that bee meeke will hee guide in iudgement and teach the humble his way 3. Let the Word bee thy guide looke for him in the Word Thou must captiuate thy Reason and aduance thy faith 4. Thou must goe to the Sonne to reueale the Father pray Christ to shew thee the Father Ioh. 1.18 No man hath seene God at any time the onely begotten Sonne which is in the bosome of the Father hee hath declared him c. 5. Pray for the spirit of reuelation to forme this in thee and resolue to get thy heart established in the knowledge of God by many prayers 6. Obserue him in his Image in his children get affection to them and liue much with them 1. Ioh. 4.8.12.16 Hee that loueth not knoweth not God for God is loue No man hath seene God at any time if wee loue one another God dwelleth in vs and his loue is perfect in vs c. Thus much for Instruction Here is also much matter of humiliatioÌ„ for those vile Atheisticall thoughts and base conceits which are in mens minds coÌ„cerning God and for the daily neglect of Gods presence forgetting him dayes without number and for daring to sinne in his sight but especially for want of those burning desires after God and that surpassing loue of his glorious nature Thirdly here is singular Consolation vnto all those that are assured they are in fauour with God Why doe not our hearts say Wee haue none in heauen but God and doe desire none in earth with him Psalm 7.3.23 seeing he is so all-sufficient able to doe vs so much good and our plentifull reward Genes 17.1 and knowes our wayes Psal. 1.6 and entertaines his people with so much grace Psalm 36.7.8 and the rather because he will neuer change and loue thee with an eternall loue Iam. 1.17 2. Tim. 2.13 Numb 23.19 This should be the life of our liues it is very eternall life to know him to be ours in Christ. Ioh. 17.3 Ierem. 9.24 Thus of the second principle The third Principle is that there be thre persons in the Trinity which may be proued two waies That there is more then one person Gen. 1.26 Furthermore God said Let vs make man in our owne Image according to our likenesse c. That there are three in number Mat. 3.16.17 And loe the heauens were opened vnto him and Iohn saw the spirit of God descending like a Doue and lighting vpon him And loe a voice came from heauen saying This is my beloued Son in whom I am well pleased c. Matth. 28.19 Goe therefore and teach all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Sonne and the holy Ghost 2. Cor. 13.13 The grace of our Lord Iesus Christ and the loue of God and the communion of the holy Ghost be with you all Amen Ioh. 14.16.17.28 And I will pray the Father and hee shall giue you another Comforter that he may abide with you for euer c. Ioh. 15.26 But when the Comforter shall come whom I will send vnto you from the Father c. 1. Ioh. 5.7 For there are three which beare record in heauen the Father the Word and the holy Ghost and these three are one c. These three were called in the old Testament the Lord the Angell of the Lord and the Spirit of God and in the new the Father the Sonne and the holy Ghost The vse should be To teach vs to conceiue of God with all possible adoration of his glorious condition who hath in the manner of his nature what is beyond the reach of men or Angels thou must beleeue that this is so though reason cannot tell â—hee how it is let it suffice thee to know that it is Thou shalt know more how it is both when they knowledge is more growne on earth and when thou commest to thy perfect age in heauen When thou commest to worship God make conscience of it that thou rob not any of the persons of their glory But know that there are three persons not one person onely Learne thou in thy course of life from the word and works of God to giue to each person his glory as it is written of him or done by him This may be an vnspeakeable comfort to thee if thou consider what the blessed Trinity is to thee thy holinesse and happines was conceiued decreed framed purchased renewed and shall be for euer testified by â—â—ree in heauen 1. Iohn 5.7 For there are three which beare record c. Gen. 1.26 as before Thus of the third principle That there is but one God is proued in these places Deu. 6.4 Heare O Israel the Lord our God is Lord only c. Esay 44.6.8 Thus saith the Lord the King of Israel and his Redeemer the Lord of Hosts I am the first and I am the last and without me is there no God You are my witnesses whether there be a God beside me c. Mark 12.29 Heare Israel the Lord our God is the only Lord c. Ephes. 4.5.6 1. Cor. 8.4 We know that an idoll is nothing in the world and that there is none other God but one c. The vses are these Adore him whom al creatures are bound to serue and acknowledge who hath no partners in his supreame Soueraignty Psal. 86.9.10 All nations whom thou hast made shall come and worship before thee O Lord and shall glorifie thy name
very horse and mule and much worse Secondly heere is matter of instruction and that first to wicked men that if it be possible they would awake from this heauie sleepe in sinne and learne to liue righteously These Iudgements may warne all men euery where to repent and seeing they are thus vndone by the first Adam to seeke release from this dreadfull misery by the second Adam There is no condemnation to them that are in Christ Iesus and there can bee no accesse to Christ without repentance from dead workes and faith in him Oh how were men sure to be freed by Christ if they were once wearie and heauie laden There is a full propitiation for al sinne in him hee hath borne all that curse of the law onely if any man will be in Christ he must be a new Creature This may instruct the godly and so 1. The weak Christian should labour by all meanes to be established in the faith that as Christ hath freed him from all these miseries as curses so faith may free him from the feare of them and to this end hee should earnestly and constantly pray that God would make him worthy of his calling and fulfill all the good pleasure of his goodnesse and the worke of faith with power 2. Th. 1.11.12 2. All Christians should forcibly compell vpon themselues a carefull practice of 6. duties 1. All ages should admire the exceeding riches of the tender kindnesse and mercy of God and the great loue wherewith hee hath loued vs that hath forgiuen vs so great a debt and freed vs from so vnspeakable confusion Ephes. 2.4.7 2. Wee should often looke vpon Christ that hath borne all the malediction of the law for vs and that both to moue vs to compassion and mourning for our sinnes that so pierced him Zach. 12.10 And also to settle our selues against the feare of any of these miseries seeing Christ hath fully paid our debts and suffered the vttermost in our roomes and further if wee did often set before vs that maruellous passion of our Lord and Sauiour it might rauish our hearts to a greater loue towards him and desire to bee with him to giue him eternall thankes 3. Haue we escaped so much danger which sinne brought vs into Then let vs for euer be warned and goe our wayes and sin no more Let vs watch ouer our selues that we be not bewitched by the deceitfulnes of sinne For heere wee may learne that God can make sinne extreamly bitter vnto vs but especially let vs leaue sinne euen because God hath dealt so graciously with vs. 4. It should teach vs with all compassion to pitie others with whom we conuerse that yet liue in this misery wee should striue with all effectualnesse of perswasion to draw them out of such an estate and vse our vttermost power to pull them out of this fier prouoking them to holinesse and good workes and exhorting and rebuking them with all instance that they may not perish in so great condemnation Heb. 10.25 5. It should teach vs to endure all sorts of afflictions that God shal please to try vs withall and that because they are no way comparable to the punishments we are escaped from and besides God is pleased to cause them to work our good they try and encrease our faith in Christs merits they make vs know our selues more throughly they mollifie and soften our hearts they tame our flesh they scoure our gifts from rust they weane vs from the world and excite the desire after and care to prouide for the world to come 6. It should teach vs with all gladnesse of heart to remember our miseries as waters that are past and establish our selues in a daily solace especially in the expectation of the full and finall deliuerance from all the remnants of distresse in the day of Christ when God shall bee made maruellous in them that beleeue 2. Thes. 1.11 And the more we should lift vp our heads vpon whom the ends of the world are come because the day of that redemption draweth neere Let vs euer say with Dauid Psal. 16.6 The lines are fallen vpon mee in pleasant places yea I haue a faire heritage and The Lord hath drawn vs out of many waters let vs therefore loue the Lord dearly and reioyce alwaies in the Lord Phil. 4.4 CHAP. XI The estate of Grace Ephes. 1.4 As he hath chosen vs in him before the foundation of the world HItherto of the second estate of man The third estate is the estate of Grace which is three waies to bee considered 1. First in respect of the means of the foundation of it 2. Secondly in respect of the subiect of the possession of it which is the Church 3. Thirdly in respect of the degrees of application and manifestation which are two viz. Iustification Sanctification The meanes of foundation is twofold 1. Election in God 2. Redemption in Christ. Concerning Election there are these euident Principles First that there was a choice and Election made by God Eph. 1.4 As he hath chosen vs in him before the foundation of the world Secondly that this choice was before the foundation of the world Ephes. 1.4 as immediately before Rom. 9.11 For ere the children were borne and when they had done neither good nor euill that the purpose of God might remaine according to the Election not by workes but by him that called c. That onely some men are chosen not all men If all were taken how could there be Election c Matth. 20.16 Many are called but few chosen Mat. 22.14 That the cause of our Election is the onely free grace of God not our workes Ephes. 1.5 Who hath predestinated vs to be adopted through Iesus Christ vnto himselfe according to the good pleasure of his will c. Rom. 9.15.18 For he saith vnto Moses I wil haue mercy on him to whom I will shew mercy and will haue compassion on him on whom I will haue compassion Therfore he hath mercy on whom he will and whom he will he hardneth That Gods Election is vnchangeable all the Elect shall bee saued Rom. 8.30 Moreouer whom he predestinated them also he called and whom he called them also he iustified and whom he iustified them also he glorified c. Isaiah 46.10 My Counsell shall stand and I will doe whatsoeuer I will 2. Tim. 2.19 But the foundation of God remaineth sure and hâ—th this seale The Lord knoweth who are his c. Iohn 6.37 All that the Father giueth me shall come to me and him that commeth to mee I cast not away Matth. 25.34 Then shall the King say to them on the right hand Come ye blessed of my Father inherit ye the Kingdome prepared for you from the foundations of the world The consideration of this doctrine of mans Election should teach vs diuers things Euery one of vs should study this doctrine of our Election and labour to make it sure seeing here lieth the
foundation of our grace now one labor doth both if we make our calling sure wee make our Election sure 2. Pet. 1. 10 and we may be sure our calling is right if we adde vertue to our faith if we can find the gifts of grace in our hearts for this I fay we must study the doctrine of the signes of which before If we find assurance of our Election we should with all thankefulnes acknowledge Gods goodnesse to vs and the riches of his free grace as the Apostle teacheth vs Ephes. 1.3 and 2. Thes. 2.13 But we ought to giue thanks alway to the Lord for you brethren beloued of God because that God hath from the beginning chosen you to saluation through sanctification of the Spirit and the faith of truth and so rest in this happines as our chiefe desire to God should bee still to vouchsafe vs this fauour to blesse vs with the fauour of his chosen Psalm 106.4.5 Remember me O Lord with the fauour of thy people visit me with thy saluation That I may see the felicitie of thy chosen and reioyce in the ioy of thy people and glory with thine inheritance And for euer stand and gase at the maruelous riches of Gods grace that suffered vs not to perish in the condemnation of the world Our Election should work vpon vs a wonderfull care of holinesse of life Are we Elect then how should wee confirme our selues in separation from the world shall wee euer loue the world and the things thereof that heare that God hath chosen vs out of the world Yea why fashion wee our selues vnto this world Rom. 12.2 And fashion not your selues like vnto this world but be yee changed by the renewing of your minde that yee may prooue what is the good will of God and acceptable and perfect Deut. 14.2 For thou art an holy people vnto the Lord thy God and the Lord hath chosen thee to be a pretious people vnto himselfe aboue all the people that are vpon the earth God hath chosen vs and called vs with a holy calling and therefore we should as a people peculiar vnto him be zealous of all good workes and shew forth the vertues of him that called vs and walke before him with all desire to please him that hath thus Elected vs we should euer be ready to choose the Lord to bee our God and to shew it by auouching him and by walking in his waies as these Scriptures plentifully shew Deut. 7.6.7 For thou art an holy people vnto the Lord thy God the Lord thy God hath chosen thee to be a pretious people vnto himselfe aboue al the people that are vpon the earth The Lord doth not set his loue vpon you nor chuse you because yee were more in nūber then any people for ye were the fewest of all people Deut. 26.16.17 This day the Lord thy God hath commanded thee to do these ordinances lawes keepe them therefore and doe them with all thine heart and with all thy soule Thou hast set vp the Lord this day to be thy God and to walke in his waies and to keepe his ordinances and his commandements and his lawes and to hearken to his voice Ephes. 1.4 As he hath chosen vs in him before the foundation of the world that we should be holy and without blame before him in loue 1. Pet. 2.9.16 But ye are a chosen generation a roial Priesthood an holy Nation a peculiar people that ye should shew forth the vertues of him that hath called you out of darknesse into his maruelous light As free and not as hauing the libertie for a cloke of maliciousnes but as the seruants of God Wee should giue our names to God as they that will subscribe and deuote themselues only to the God of Iacob Isaiah 44.1.5 Yet now heare O Iacob my seruant and Israel whom I haue chosen One shall say I am the Lord another shall be called by the name of Iacob and another shall subscribe with his hand vnto the Lord and name himselfe by the name of Israel 4. It should teach vs to imitate God and chuse the godly as the persons wee would most obserue admire loue defend and liue withall Ioh. 15.17 These things command I you that yee loue one another Iohn 17.26 And I haue declared vnto them thy name and will declare it that the loue wherewith thou hast loued me may be in them and I in them c. Yea we should not haue the glorious faith of Christ in respect of persons to despise poore Christians and onely respect great men for God hath chosen the weake things of this world to confound the mighty and the poore hee hath chosen to be made heires of the Kingdome and rich in faith Iames 2.5 1. Cor. 1.27 Yea we should be content as the Apostle saith to suffer all things for the Elects sake seeing they are so deare to God 2. Tim. 2.10 We may know our Election by two sorts of signes First the one respects God Secondly the other respects our selues God declares his eternall choise by diuers markes of it and man proues himself to be Elect of God by diuers tokens of it God shewes whom hee hath chosen from euerlasting three manner of waies 1. By Election in time when God separates a man from the world vnto himselfe and his seruice It is a manifest signe of Election it shewes an eternall choise when God singles a man out from the multitude of carnal and carelesse men and inspires him with an vnchangeable resolution to deuote himselfe to God it is an euident declaration of Gods predestination to glorie God separates a man from the world when he makes him a wearie of wicked and vnprofitable society and takes away from him the taste in earthly things so as the loue of the world is not in him and sanctifies him to his owne vse 2. By the entertainement God giues them in his house and especially by the efficacy of the word and principally by the life of the promises for God makes his word a word of power and the holy Ghost falles vpon their hearts and they at sometimes feele a maruelous assurance in hearing and so much comfort that they can receiue the word though it be with much affliction and reioyce greatly in it and the word transformes them also to a constant desire of practice imitation of the godlines of the Saints 1. Thes. 1.4.5.6 Knowing beloued brethren that ye are Elect of God For our Gospell was not vnto you in word only but also in power and in the holy Ghost and in much assurance And ye became followers of vs and of the Lord and receiued the word in much affliction with ioy of the holy Ghost Psalm 65.4 Blessed is he whom thou chusest and causest to come to thee he shall dwell in thy courts and we shal be satisfied with the pleasures of thine house euen thy holy temple Rom. 9.8.11 That is they which are the children of the flesh
humiliation to all stubborne-hearted wicked men that deny this holy one partly by their vnbeleefe when they regard not his words whom they can conuince of no sinne Ioh. 8.46 Which of you can rebuke me of sinne and if I say the truth why doe you not beleeue me And partly by wicked life keeping out all conformity with Christ as also by chusing rather to liue in wicked company then to cleaue to Christ Is not this to denie the holy one and to chuse a murtherer to bee giuen them Act. 3.14 What communion betweene Christ and Belial betweene his righteousnesse and such vnrighteousnesse Thus much of his obedience to the law CHAP. XX. Of the expiation of sinne THe principles that concerne the expiation of sin follow This expiation was made by the passion of Christ concerning which wee must belieue these things of necessity 1. That the Passion of Christ was by the decree euerlasting fore-appointmeÌ„t of God Act. 2.23 Him I say haue ye taken by the hands of the wicked being deliuered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God c. 2. That the sufferings of Christ were for our sinnes and for our sakes so as he bare all our iniquities 1. Pet. 2.24 Who his owne self bare our sinnes in his body on the tree that wee being deliuered from sinne should liue in righteousnesse by whose stripes ye were healed c. Isaiah 53.5 But he was wounded for our transgressions he was broken for our iniquities the chastisement of our peace was vpon him and with his stripes we are healed 8. For the transgression of my people was he plagued c. 12. Therefore will I giue him a portion with the great and hee shall diuide the spoile with the strong because hee hath poured out his soule vnto death and hee was â—ounted with the transgressors and hee bare the sinne of many and prayed for the trespassers Rom. 4.25 Who was deliuered to death for our sinnes and is risen againe for our iustification 1. Cor. 5.7 For Christ our Passouer is sacrificed for vs. 3. That by his passion he did pacifie God and make expiation for all our sinnes Mat. 17.5 This is my beloued Sonne in whom I am well pleased beare him Ephes. 5.2 And walke in loue euen as Christ hath loued vs and hath giuen himselfe for vs to bee an offering and a sacrifice of a sweet smelling sauour vnto God 1. Ioh. 2.1 My babes these things write I vnto you that ye sinne not and if any man sinne we haue an aduocate with the Father Iesus Christ the iust and he is the reconciliation for our sinnes 4. That in his owne person he fulfilled and finished all sufferings needefull for our saluation he did it once for all 1. Pet. 3.18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins the iust for the vniust that he might bring vs to God Heb. 9.28 So Christ was once offered to take away the sins of many and vnto them that looke for him shal be appeare the second time without sinne vnto saluation Heb. 10.11.12 And euery Priest appeareth daily ministring and oft times offereth one manner of offering which can neuer take away sinnes But this man after he had offered one sacrifice for sinnes sitteth for euer at the right hand of God 5. That the passion of Christ is a sufficient price for the sinnes of the whole world Ioh. 1.29 Behold the Lambe of God which taketh away the sinnes of the world 6. That Christ suffered extreame things for vs euen the most grieuous things could bee imagined as 1. A maruellous priuation of his owne glory abasing himselfe that was in the form of God to liue amongst men without shewing that fulnesse of Maiesty and glory which was in his nature Ioh. 17.5 And now glorifie me thou Father with thine owne selfe with the glory which I had with thee before the world was 2. Most base entertainement in the world such as extreame pouerty in his birth and life Luk. 2.12 And this shall bee a signe to you yee shall finde the child swadled and laid in a cratch Matth. 8.20 But Iesus said vnto him the foxes haue holes and the birds of the heauens haue nests but the Sonne of man hath not whereon to rest his head Exile and flying before his enemies Matth. 2.14 So hee arose and tooke the babe and his mother by night and departed into Egypt Mark. â— 6.7 And the Pharisies departed and straight way gathered a Councell with the Herodians against him that they might destroy him But Iesus auoided with his disciples to the sea c. Ioh. 11.54 Iesus therefore walked no more openly amongst the Iewes but went thence c. Ioh. 8.59 Then tooke they vp stones to cast at him but Iesus hid himselfe and went out of the Temple Slanders and extreame indignities called a Samaritan a glutton a seducer a traitor despised mocked buffeted railed on beaten betrayed and sold by his owne seruant and that for a base price forsaken of his owne disciples denied and renounced by oath falsly accused whipped spit vpon taken and bound as a malefactor c. as the story of the Euangelists shew c. 3. Imputation of the sins of all the elect vnto him so as the guilt of them was laid vpon him and hee sustained their person This is a wonderfull abasement hee was made sinne for vs that knew no sinne in himselfe 2. Cor. 5.21 4. Fearfull agonies in his very soule arising 1. First from seuerall conflicts and tentations Hebr. 2.18 Heb. 4.15 But especially set vpon with all their furie inuisibly when he was on the Crosse Colos. 2.15 And hath spoyled the principalities and powers and hath made a shew of them openly hath triumphed ouer them in the same Crosse. 2. Secondly from the pouring out of the vials of Gods wrath for sinne which befell him chiefly in the garden when hee swet blood for very anguish on the Crosse when hee cried My God my God why hast thou forsaken me 5. A most miserable manner of death to die as a condemned man and condemned too both by Iewes and Gentiles to die such a cursed death as the death of the Crosse which was both by God and man designed out as the most ignominious kind of death and to bee put to death in the middest of such malefactors being reckoned amongst sinners Esa. 53.12 Therefore will I giue him a portion with the great and hee shall diuide the spoyle with the strong because hee hath poured out his soule vnto death and hee was counted with the transgressors and hee bare the sinne of many and prayed for the trespassers And to suffer the nailing of his body yea and the effusion of his most precious blood These are exquisite things The consideration whereof may serue both for 1. instruction 2. for information 3. and for consolation For instruction and so it may teach vs diuers duties which we should performe 1. To Christ himselfe 2. To our neighbours 3. To
into heauen viz. as Adam did into paradise naked in body but clothed in soule with Innocency and immortality but chiefely to expiate for our shamefull wickednesse before God 10. Hee was hanged vpon a tree that so as death by the tree entred into the world so on a tree it should be destroied and life brought backe againe And besides herein Christ answered the type in Isaacks offering vp and the brasen Serpent lifted vp on high Ioh. 3.14 and that Christ lifted vp in the aire might ouercome the Prince of the aire and all his spirituall wickednesses Coloss. 2.15 And that he might beare the curse of the Law being in that kind of death made a speciall curse for vs Gal. 3.13.14 11. He dranke gall and viniger wherein he both fulfilled the Scriptures Psal. 69.21 For they gaue me gall in my meate and in my thirst they gaue me vineger to drink c. And as the second Adam bare the punishment of the first Adams offence in tasting the iuice of the forbidden fruit 12. The nailing of his hands and feete assures vs of the cancelling of the hand-writing of ordinances that was against vs both of the dissolution of all ceremoniall agreements and of the full cancelling of the bond morall for so much as concernes the forfeiture that lay vpon vs Coloss. 2. 14 c. CHAP. XXI Of Christs intercession HItherto of the expiation of sinnes The third part of the Priesthood of Christ followes and that is the intercession of Christ concerning which there are foure principles 1. That Christ at the right hand of God maketh intercession for vs Rom. 8.34 Who shall condemne It is Christ which is dead yea or rather which is risen againe who is also at the right hand of God and maketh request also for vs. Heb. 7.25 Wherefore he is able also perfectly to saue them that come vnto God by him seeing he euer liueth to make intercession for them 2. That we haue no other intercessour in heauen but Christ 1. Tim. 2.5.6 For there is one God and one Mediator betweene God and man which is the Man Christ Iesus Who gaue himselfe a ransome for all men to bee a testimony in due time Isaiah 59.16 And when he saw that there was no man he wondred that there was no intercessour therfore his arme did saue it and his righteousnesse it selfe did sustaine it 3. That the intercession of Christ is perpetuall hee so doth it once as hee will neuer faile to doe it in all ages Heb. 7.25.28 For the Law maketh men high priests which haue infirmitie but the word of the oth that was since the law maketh the sonne who was consecrated for euermore 4. That he makes intercession onely for the Elect Iohn 17.9 I pray for them I pray not for the world but for them which thou hast giuen me for they are thine c. Now for the explication of these principles three things must be opened The first is the acceptation of the word intercession for it signifieth Sometimes the prayers which the godly make in the name of Christ the intercessor to turne away Gods iudgements from their brethren in this world and so it is taken 1. Tim. 2.1 I exhort therefore that first of all supplications prayers intercessions and giuing of thanks be made for all men c. Sometimes the complaints that men make or pretend to make against the faults of others Thus Elias made intercession against Israel Rom. 11.2 And the Iewes made intercession against Paul Acts 25.24 But vsually it signifieth that part of the mediation of Christ in which he appeares before God to preuent or pacifie his displeasure towards the Elect. 2. The second is how many waies Christ makes intercession for vs and so there are seuen distinct things in the intercession of Christ for 1. First he presents himself before God with his merits tendring his sacrifice for our satisfaction Heb. 9.24 For Christ is not entred into the holy places that are made with hands which are similitudes of the true sanctuary but is entred into very heauen to appeare now in the sight of God for vs. And so pacifying God toward vs Ier. 30.31 2. Hee praied and still doth pray for vs all his prayers on earth were a part of his intercession and he still prayeth for vs in heauen Rom. 8.34 Who is also at the right hand of God and maketh request also for vs. Heb. 7.25 Wherefore he is able also perfectly to saue them that come vnto God by him seeing hee euer liueth to make intercession for them c. 3. He offers vp our prayers and praises to God Reuel 8.3.4 That he should offer with the prayers of all Saints vpon the golden altar which is before the throne And the smoke of the odours with the prayers of the Saints went vp before God out of the Angels hand And so all our good works Col. 1.22 In the body of his flesh through death to make you holy and vnblameable and without fault in his sight 4. He vndertakes for vs before God and giues his word for vs that we being mindfull of reconciliation through him shall eschew sinne by his grace and not prouoke God any more as wee haue done This sponsion is a necessary part of the office of an intercessor Iohn 17.6 I haue declared thy name vnto the men which thou gauest mee out of the world thine they were and thou gauest them mee and they haue kept thy word 25. O righteous Father the world hath also not knowne thee but I haue knowne thee and these haue knowne that thou hast sent me 26. And I haue declared vnto them thy name and will declare it that the loue wherewith thou hast loued me may be in them and I in them 5. He pleades our cause as an aduocate and remoues and non-suites all accusations which men or Diuels may make against vs to God Rom. 8.34 as before 1. Ioh. 2.1 My babes these things write I vnto you that ye sinne not and if any man sinne we haue an Aduocate with the Father Iesus Christ the iust c. 6. He poureth out vpon vs the spirit of intercession which causeth vs after an vnutterable manner to make our moanes and requests to God Rom. 8.26 Likewise the spirit also helpeth our infirmities for we know not what to pray as we ought but the Spirit it selfe maketh request for vs with sighes which cannot be expressed c. So in the 15 For ye haue not receiued the spirit of bondage to feare againe but ye haue receiued the spirit of adoption whereby wee cry Abba Father Gal. 4.6.7 And because yee are sonnes God hath sent forth the spirit of his Sonne into your hearts which crieth Abba Father c. 7. Hee sprinkleth his blood vpon vs by application of his merits to vs which cries and makes intercession for vs Heb. 12.24 And to Iesus the Mediatour of the new Testament and to the blood of sprinkling that speaketh better things then that