is the propertie of those that will not be contented with the means that God hath instituted and ordained 33 True Faith is not dead Jam. 2 17. For the Spirit of God worketh it in our hearts by the lively Word of God 34 Yea rather it is Operative and Working Galat. 5.6 35 That Energie or working of Faith is Twofold One by which it relieth on Christ the Mediatour declared in the word of the Gospel and apprehendeth and layeth hold on his benefits and Another by which it worketh through Love 36 When as we say then that Faith doth justifie and Faith alone we are to expound these two propositions 37 Faith doth justifie not in respect of the excellencie or dignitie thereof nor in respect of the latter Energie or working but because it apprehendeth and sayeth hold on Christ the Mediatour 38 Therefore there is no reall difference between these Whether we say that Faith doth justifie as some say â—nstrumentally or as others Forâ—ally 39 In the former acception it iâ— taken for the Gift of God kindled 〈◊〉 the heart by the Gospel or the faithfulâ— heart and so it is an Instrument by which Christ is apprehended 40 In the latter acception it is taken for the very Apprehension of Christ by Faith and so it is the Formall cause that is the reason and manner of oâ—â— Justification 41 Neither is there any reall difference whether we say as some do thaâ— Faith doth justifie Formally or anothers that it is Christ or as others thaâ— it is Christs merit 42 For it is all one as if you shoulâ— say Faith which apprehendeth Christ doth justifie or Christ being aâ—â—â—hended by true Faith is our justificatâ—on or The merit of Christ through Faith is imputed unto us to justificatâ—on 43 For the proper Object of savinâ— Faith is Christ with his merit and â—gain Christ doth nothing profit us 〈◊〉 lesse through Faith his righteousnessâ— be imputed unto us 44 To speak properly then Thâ— Formall cause of our Justification 〈◊〉 Christs righteousnesse that is his actiâ—â— and passive obedience apprehended of â—s by Faith and by God imputed unto â—s 45 God in his Judgement doth exact of us an account of all his gifts bestowed upon us that is of that perfection integritie in which we were created after his Image 46 But he found not in us that integritie wisdome and righteousnesse wherein we were created but in stead thereof sinne and iniquitie for which by the Law which is the rule of justice we are accused and condemned 47 But here the free Mercy of God steps in unto judgement and exhibiteth unto us Christ our Mediatour and Redeemer He taketh from us that which is ours that is sinne and iniquity and bestoweth upon us that which is his that is his obedience which he performed unto the Law 48 From this foundation God who is both Mercifull and Just by a most excellent temper of his mercie and justice imputeth not unto us our sins but imputeth unto us Christs righteousnesse through Faith which resteth and relieth upon Christ as the onely Propitiatorie 49 This Imputation of Christs righteousnesse unto us through Faith is as true and reall as it is true that Christ took upon him our iniquities Isaâ— 53.5 50 Remission of sinnes is grounded on Christs righteousnesse For God doth not remit sinnes out of errour or ignorance levitie or negligence but for Christ apprehended by Faith 51 And thus the Justice and Mercie of God shew themselves in our Justification His Justice shineth in that most perfect satisfaction which Christ made for our sinnes His Mercie appeareth in his acceptation of Christs satisfaction and the applying of it unto us through Faith 52 Again the Imputation of Christs righteousnesse is made in that our sinnes are remitted for the guilt of the person cannot consist with the imputation of Christs righteousnesse 53 Therefore as Originall sinne is not onely a want or privation of Originall righteousnesse but also an evil Concupiscence So likewise our Justification before God consisteth in the Remission of sinnes and the Imputation of Christs righteousnesse 54 With this Remission of sinnes â—â—putatâ—on of Christs righteousnesse â—egeneration and Adoption there is â—lwayes joyned Renovation by an inseparable union For Christ doth not onely bestow upon us his righteousnes â—ut his Spirit also which reneweth our nature 55 But yet our Justification before God doth not consist in both these joyned together 56 But Renovation is a Consequent of Justification and because through the imbecillitie and weaknesse of our nature it is never full and perfect therefore we cannot attribute unto it the glory of righteousnesse as if it were able to subsist before Gods judgement 57 And this is it which we labour to shew when we say that we are justified by Faith alone 58 Where the word Alone doth not determinate Faith the Subject as if justifying faith were at any time alone and separate from Charitie and other Christian vertues 59 For True Faith is a lively Faith and not a dead Faith It vvorketh by Love and is not without works 60 But that Exclusive particle or word Alone doth determinate â—he Predicate because the Righteousnesse of Christ alone the power of apprehending whereof belongs to Faith alone and not to works is imputed unto us oâ— Justification 61 We do not deny then that the Holy Spirit doth kindle new motions in the regenerate and that those thâ—â— are justified do walk in good works 62 Nay rather we say plainly Where there are not those new motions stirred up by the Holy Spirit neither is that true Faith as yet kindled We say plainly that Good works must follow iâ— those that are justified 63 But this it is which we deny That either these new motions are habituall righteousnesse of force before God or that these good works are actuall righteousnesse on which we may rely before Gods judgement 64 But indeed all the certitude of our confidence is in the precious bloud of Christ August In Meditat. 65 For wo unto men even of the best and most laudable life if God setting aside his mercie proceed to their examination in his justice 66 We therefore urge Exclusive particles in matter of merit in application and in form of justification 67 For fear lest that works should seem to be set up either as the merit or means or form of our Justification before God 68 But it is the grace of God onely which through Christ alone by Faith alone apprehended doth justifie us 69 The end of this saving Faith is the salvation of our souls and life everlasting 1. Pet. 1.9 70 For by Faith we have not onely accesse unto grace but we also stand in grace Rom. 5.2 And we are kept by the power of God through Faith unto salvation 1. Pet. 1.5 71 But yet notwithstanding Faith can be no more separate from Love and Charitie then the Rayes from the Sun and the Heat from the Fire farre be it from us to say that Faith is
formed by Love and Charitie 72 For Faith without works is said to be dead not as if works were the life thereof but because that profession and boasting of Faith which hath not the testimonie of good vvorks is no better then an image or carcase altogether without life 73 Therefore works do testifie thâ—â— there is true Faith as breathing dotâ— testifie that there is Life bus yet they are not the life of Faith 74 As good fruits do testifie that thâ— tree is good but do not make and constitute the tree to be good 75 Justly therefore is it reckoned amongst those causes for which good works are to be done that Faith and the Holy Spirit be not shaken off 76 For the Scripture vvitnesseth â—oâ—â— by word and by example that those which through Faith in Christ are justified before God if they afterwardâ— cherish and make much of their firmeâ— contrary to conscience they do both lose Faith and consequently also the grace of God righteousnesse the Holy Spirit and eternall life and also incurre eternall damnation unlesse by true repentance they return again unto God 77 Therefore let these admonitions of the Apostles alwaies sound in our eares and sink into our hearts Work out your salvation with fear and trembling Philip. 2.12 Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall 1. Cor. 10.12 Give diligence to make your calling and election sure 2. Pet. 1.10 Examine your selves whether you be in the Faith prove your own selves Know you not your own selves how that Jesus Christ is in you except ye be reprobates 2. Cor. 13.5 78 The Lord Jesus the authour of our Faith be also the finisher thereof Hebr. 12.2 To him be glory for ever and ever Amen CHAP. XV. Wherein are contained Theologicall Aphorismes concerning Good Works That is Renovation of the man that is regenerate by Faith in Christ 1 WIth Regeneration and Adoption by Faith in Christ is Renovation alwayes joyned as an inseparable companion 2 For even as a man by Carnall Generation is made partaker of Naturall Life after which do follow Naturall motions 3 So he that is born again of the Holy Spirit by Regeneration is made partaker of Life Spirituall after which do also follow motions Spirituall 4 Neither Generation is without Life neither Life is without Motion 5 This inward Renovation is oftentimes denoted unto us by the name of Good Works and that by a figure vvhich is called Synecdoche 6 For Renovation consists not onely in Outward good Works and actions transient but also and that more principally in the Inward renewing of the mind will and all the faculties of the Soul 7 From this Inward renewing flow forth Good actions and Outward good Works bear witnesse of it 8 But it pleased the Holy Ghost by the name of Good Works to describe Renovation and that for our sakes Because Outward good Works are better known unto us then Inward qualities of the mind and affections of the heart 9 Moreover All the praise of vertue consisteth in action Therefore we are renewed by the Holy Ghost within that the fruits of the Spirit may appear without 10 And last of all By this means deceitfull Hypocrisie is excluded which is a counterfeit shew of inward pietie vvhich indeed is none at all unlesse it be also demonstrated by good Works 11 As therefore Faith the Queen hath Contrition for her Vsher or Forerunner so she also hath Good Works for her Waiting-maids or Followers 12 For Good Works do not go before Justification or before a man be justified but they follow after Justification or when a man is justified It is the saying of S. Augustine cap. 14. de fid operibus 13 But Where Good Works appear not without neither will I beleeve that there is Faith within It is the saying of John Husse 14 Neither is it any hard matter to assigne the cause of this neare Union and indissoluble knot which is between true Faith and Good Works 15 For this is the Nature of True Faith That it doth demonstrate it self by Love and Charitie 16 He that beleeveth is born of God John 1.13 He will therefore resemble the nature of his Spirituall Father Now God is Love 1. Joh. 4.8 And He that loveth not knoweth not God 17 Faith is an inward saving and efficacious knowledge of God How â—hen can that chief good choose but be beloved if it be once truly known If any man love me he will keep my words John 14.23 He that hath my commandments saith our Saviour and keepeth them he it is that loveth me â—1 18 From hence the Apostle concludeth Hereby we do know that we know him if we keep his commandments â— John 2.3 And again He that saith I know him and keepeth not his commandments is a Liar and the truth is not in him 4. 19 Faith is the spirituall Light of the Soul But if there be Light within it will shew forth the Rayes without Matth. 5.16 Let your Light so shine before men c. 20 By Faith Christ dwelleth in our hearts Ephes 3.17 Where Christ is there is the Holy Spirit and where the Holy Spirit is there also are seen the Fruits of the Spirit 21 Our Faith is the victorie which overcometh the World 1. John 5.4 And What is the World The lust of â—he flesh the lust of the eyes and the pride of life 1. John 2.16 Where these are cherished and made much of there the world is not yet overcome and therefore there is not true Faith 22 That Faith is saving and most true Which living is and conquering too 23 Our hearts are purified by Faith Act. 15.9 Therefore they which live in securitie and delight themselves in filthinesse and impuritie how can they have inward puritie of heart For Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh Matth. 12.14 24 These things were thus plainly to be expounded That we might not onely be freed from the Tridentine accusation as if we preached onely Confidence and Assurance remote from all pietie but also that all vain opinion and perswasion of Faith might be taken away from all sinners that live in securitie 25 We may make answer to them out of S. James 2.26 As the Body without the Spirit that is without breathing is dead So Faith without works is dead also 26 Neither onely do Good Works proceed from Faith but to speak the truth there are no good works unlesse they proceed from Faith 27 Seeing therefore Faith hath respect unto the Word as unto its Correlate Therefore the Law of God or the ten Commandments are the Rule of Good Works 28 Therefore superstition and will-worship pleaseth not God but those works onely which are done according to the Canon and rule of the morall Law comprehended and contained in the ten Commandments 29 And we are to understand the Commandments according to the exposition of the Prophets of Christ and his Apostles 30 Moreover seeing that Faith doth not arise
Spirit Amen CHAP. XIV Wherein are contained Theologicall Aphorismes concerning Faith Whereby we are justified before God 1 FAith is not onely a knowledge and Assent but also a Sure Confidence 2 That it is a Knowledge it is manifestly shewed by these appellations whereby it is denoted unto us in Scripture of Science Wisdome Vnderstanding Light c. 3 Neither can Sure Confidence of heart be carried to an Object not known to the Understanding 4 Away then with that Implicite Faith by which we are freed from this labour to cry the Spirits whether they be of God or no. 1. John 4.1 And to beware of false Prophets Matth. 7.15 5 Away with that fiction and new invention That Faith is better defined by Ignorance then by Knowledge 6 For though Faith be not a Knowledge drawn from principles of reason and built upon them yet it is the light of Knowledge arising from the revelation of God by the Gospel In this light do we see light Psalm 36.9 7 Manifest it is that Faith is an assent and approbation For it is not sufficient to know what God hath revealed but we must also give assent and approbation to what God hath revealed 8 That Faith is a Sure Confidence it is manifestly shewed by these appellations whereby it is denoted unto us in Scripture viz. Substance Hebr. 11.1 Assurance Hebr. 10.22 Confidence Ephes 3.12 Boldnesse Heb. 16. and in many other places 9 The same also is declared by the Practicall Descriptions of Faith The Faith of Abraham is thus described That he against hope beleeved in hope Rom. 4.18 That he was not weak in Faith 19. That he staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief but was strong in Faith giving glory unto God 20. That he was fully perswaded that what he had promised he was also able to perform 21. 10 The Faith of the Woman which was troubled with the issue of bloud which Christ so commendeth is thus described That she said within her self If I may but touch his garment I shall be whole Matth. 9.21 11 The Faith of the Canaanitish Woman the greatnesse whereof Christ proclaimeth is thus described That she fought and struggled within her self against the tentation about the deferring of help the particularitie of the promises and her own unworthinesse Matth. 15.22 23 c. 12 So Faith receiveth Christ John 1.12 It is the Spirituall food of the Soul John 4.14 John 6.35 Revel 21.6 It is the Seal of Divine promises John 3.33 It is the beholding of Christ hanging on the crosse Joh. 3.15 These things certainly cannot be attributed to a bare knowledge 13 Adde hither that they are Opposites under the same next Genus Unto Faith there is opposed not onely Ignorance and Darknesse of understanding but also Little Faith and Fear Matth. 8.26 Wavering or Doubting Matth. 14 31. Fear Luke 8.25 Staggering through unbelief Rom. 4.20 14 The Adequate Object of Faith in respect of Knowledge and Assent is the Word of God contained in the Propheticall and Apostolicall Scripture 15 Whatsoever is without the Sphear or compasse of this Object cannot be a foundation or ground of Faith 16 Therefore farre be it from us to beleeve or to be perswaded that traditions are to be received of us vvith the like affection and pietie as the written Word of God 17 Neither can humane reason be the measure and rule of Faith but it is to be conformed according to the prescript of the Word For every thought is to be brought into captivitie to the obedience of Christ. 2. Cor. 10.5 18 The Adequate Object of Faith in respect of Confidence is Christ the Mediatour and Redeemer or which is all one The promise of the Gospel concerning the satisfaction and merit of Christ 19 But yet we deny not but that Faith also doth apprehend the promises concerning other Spirituall and Corporall goods Yet in this respect it doth not justifie 20 For it is necessarie that first it rely on Christ and seek reconciliation in him and by him before it can apply unto it self the other promises of God 21 For in Christ alone are all the promises of God Yea and Amen 2. Cor. 1.20 22 But Faith doth justifie inasmuch as it apprehendeth the Merit of Christ offered unto it in the word of the Gospel 23 Those things which in Scripture are set before us to be beleeved are indeed of diuers kinds But yet Christ as concerning his Office of Mediatourship is the Scope and end of all Scripture as in the volume of the Book is written of him Psal 40.7 24 So also Faith doth in such manner assent unto the whole Word of God that chiefly it hath respect unto the promise of grace propounded in the Gospel 25 Now if Faith be a Sure Confidence relying on the merit of Christ It follows That a man which doth truly beleeve on Christ may and ought certainly resolve that for Christ his sake his sinnes are forgiven him that God is mercifull unto him and that he shall be made an heir of everlasting life 26 And this the firmnesse of Gods promises the certainty of his oath the truth of the Holy Spirit witnessing and sealing the infallibilitie of Gods promise concerning the hearing of our prayers and the propertie of true Faith do evidently prove 27 Hither may we adde very fitly that most excellent place of Saint Bernard Serm. 3. de fragm sept miser Where he saith thus I consider three things in which all my hope consisteth to wit Gods Love in my adoption the Truth of his promise and his Power of Performance Therefore let my foolish cogitation murmur as long as it list saying Who art thou and What is that glory or By what merits dost thou hope to attain it For I can answer with sure Confidence I know on whom I have beleeved and I am certain that in his Love he adopted me that he is true in his promise and that he is able to perform it This is the Threefold cord which is not easily broken which God letteth down from heaven unto us into this prison which I pray God we may apprehend and firmly hold that it may raise us up and draw us unto the fight of the great God of glory 28 This true and saving Faith is the free Gift of God Ephes 2.8 Phil. 1.29 The Operation of God Colos 2.12 Whose Authour and Finisher is Christ Hebr. 12.2 29 Therefore Faith is not the merit of works foregoing but the foundation of works following 30 Neither doth God immediately work it in our hearts but the Holy Ghost by the Word of the Gospel as by an heavenly light doth kindle the light of Faith in our hearts which by naâ—â—re are altogether dark Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God Rom. 10.17 31 Unto the Word there are also added the Sacraments which serve for means to beget and nourish Faith in us 32 Therefore to look for heavenly raptures without and beside the Word of God
walk in Good Works 6 Because we are to glorifie God by our Good Works 7 That the most Holy name of God and his Word be not for our sakes evill spoken of 67 In respect of our Neighbours they are necessarie 1 Because we are to help them according to our abilitie 2 Because we are to edifie them by our good example 3 Because we are to avoid scandal 4 Because we are to stop the mouths of Backbiters and Slanderers by doing good 68 In respect of the regenerate themselves they are necessarie 1 Because they are to testifie by newnesse of life that they are a new creature in Christ 2 To prove by their walking as children of the Light that they are delivered out of darknesse 3 To shew forth the true fruits of Faith and to make their calling and election sure 4 To avoid the suspicion of Hypocrisie 5 To escape pains temporall and eternall which are the rewards of evil Works 6 That by sinne they do not shake off Faith grieve the Holy Spirit and lose the grace of God 7 That they may obtain of God rewards Corporall and Spirituall 69 Faith is exercised in Good Works and by them increaseth and as it were waxeth fat Luther in cap. 17. Gen. 70 These things are often to be urged and earnestly insisted upon That we entertain not once any such thought as if remission of sinnes and justification by grace were any priviledge for ungodlinesse 71 When as God of his mere goodnesse unto us in Christ doth receive us into Grace that he may have a peculiar people zealous of Good Works Tit. 2.14 72 Where the Apostle in the verse â—ext but one going before maketh three ranks or degrees of Good Works For he requireth that we live Soberly Righteously and Godly in this present world 73 To live Godly hath respect unto the Worship due unto God according to the first Table of the Commandments And it comprehendeth the Love and Fear of God Confidence in him true Invocation Confession and Giving of thanks 74 To live Righteously or justly hath respect unto our Neighbour And it comprehendeth all good offices of humanitie due unto our Neighbour according to the second Table of the Commandments to wit That we give all due Obedience and Reverence to our Superiours that we afford Counsel and help to our equals and that we defend and instruct our inferiours Bernard Serm. 3. de adv Domini 75 To live soberly hath respect unto Our selves And it requireth the Keeping of our bodies under and the moderating of our passions There is no victorie more glorious then for a man to overcome himself 76 After the same manner doth our Saviour being about to shew the manner of doing Good works contrarie to the practice of the Hypocriticall Pharisees He doth I say make three kinds of Good Works Alms Prayer Fasting 77 By the name of Alms by a Figure called Synecdoche by which A â—art is put for the whole we are to understand all offices of Love and Charitie due unto our Neighbour From whence proceedeth the difference beâ—ween Corporall and Spirituall Alms â—omprehended in these verses Vifito Poto Cibo Redimo Tego Colligo Condo Consule Castiga Solare Remitta Fer Ora. In English thus To visit sick and prisoners To give drink to the dries To feed the hungrie To redeem Men in captivitie To cover them that naked are Poore strangers to invite The harbourlesse within thy house To lodge with thee at night To counsel such as counsel need The faultie to chastise To comfort such as comfort want To forgive injuries To bear with such as froward are In their infirmitie To pray for such as are cast down In their adversitie 78 By the name of Prayer likewise we understand all religious and devout service which we owe unto God For That our Prayers may be accepted of God and be pleasing unto him it is necessarie that they proceed from true Faith Fear and Love of God 79 By the name of Fasting we understand the keeping of our Bodies under For we are so to nourish our flesh that it may serve us and so to tame it that it wax not proud and lift up the heel against us according to the counsel of Hugo 80 From what hath hitherto been said we gather this Definition Good Works are the actions of men regenerate commanded by God and done to the glorie of God through Faith in Christ according to the rule of the divine Law 81 That we may be rich in them God of his infinite mercie grant unto us for Christ his sake who is the Authour and Finisher of our Faith and Good works who together with the Father and the Holy Ghost is to be blessed and praised world without end Amen CHAP. XVI Wherein are contained Theologicall Aphorismes concerning the Sacraments 1 UNto the Word of the Gospel God hath added the Sacraments which are the Visible Word 2 And The visible signes of invisible grace August Libr. 19. contr Faust cap. 16. 3 For by the Sacraments is represented unto our Eyes what by the preaching of the Word we heare with our Eares 4 The word Sacramentum which we translate Sacrament is extant indeed in Scripture I mean in the vulgar Latine 5 But not in that sense in which it is here used 6 And yet we are not to interdict or forbid the Church the use of the word as Carolstadius would have us 7 For it were a miserable servitude absolutely to be forbidden the use of all words unwritten 8 Amongst profane authours this word Sacramentum is used first for money laid in deposito in the hands of the Pontifex by the Plaintiff and Defendant by way of caution that he which was overcome in judgement should forfeit his money and he which overcame should again receive his own 9 Again it is used for that Solemn Oath which Souldiers take according to a prescript form of vvords to bind them to their allegeance and fidelitie to the State and Governours thereof 10 From whence afterwards it came to signifie generally any kind of oath 11 In the Scripture according to the Latine interpreter Sacramentum is that which the Greeks call 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Chaldees Rasa and the Hebrews Sod 12 Ecclesiasticall writers by the name of Sacrament understand a Ceremonie of Divine institution by which the good promises of the Gospel are offered applyed to those that beleeve 13 These our Sacraments are Holy and undefiled Mysteries as Damascen speaketh 4. Orth. fid cap. 14. or as out of the ancients speaketh Jeremie Patriarch of Constantinople Resp 1. ad Theol. Wirtb Mysteries to be trembled at Therefore not without just cause is the name of Sacrament given unto them 14 By the Sacraments we are bound unto God to beleeve on him and to obey him as Souldiers are bound unto their Generall by an oath By the Sacraments we are also bound to love one another as they which contended in judgement having first laid their mony
is not the dissolution and reduction of the Soul into nothing but the departing of the Soul out of the House of the Body The Soul cannot be destroyed Matth. 10.28 11 The Scripture maketh mention but of two receptacles of Souls separated from their bodies The one of the godly the other of the wicked 12 Away then with Purgatorie away with that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or night and sleeping of Souls between the Day of Death and the Day of Judgement Away with Pythagorus his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or Transmigration of Souls away with Apparitions of Souls 13 For there is no middle place where one can be ouâ— of Punishment if he be not in the Kingdome no place where one can be out of the Devils company if he hath not Fellowship with Christ August de Pecc Mer. Remiss Cap. 2. 14 Before the Vniversall Resurrection the greater world shall passe away and after that shall follow the Vniversall Judgement 15 Many of the ancients were of opinion that the World should passe away by the Change of Qualitie onely and not by the Abolition of Substance 16 But the Scripture useth words very Emphaticall Heaven and Earth shall passe away Matth. 24.35 Luke 22.33 17 The Key which is to open our Graves and the Pledge of our Resurrection is the Resurrection of Christ our Head 18 The Resurrection of our bodies is confirmed by manifest Testimonies of the Holy Spirit in the Scripture and they are often repeated 19 The Preludes or â—orerunners of our Resurrection are the particular examples of those which were raised up again to life in the Old and New Testament whom Tertullian calls the Candidates of immortality 20 Man was at the first both in Body and Soul created for immortalitie The Body is the Souls instrument by which it worketh in actions good or bad The body of the godly is the Temple of the Holy Ghost Yea our bodies are fed with the quickning Body and Bloud of Christ And how then can they alwayes remain in the Grave 21 God is the Authour of our Resurrection But Christ is the Finisher thereof in and with his humane nature assumed 22 Not onely all flesh but even the same flesh that was shall be raised up again 23 Their change in a moment which shall be found alive upon Earth at the last day shall be to them in stead of Death and Resurrection from the dead 24 Neither shall Christ onely raise us up but he shall be also our Judge John 5.27 The Father hath given him authoritie to execute Judgement 25 Christ when he cometh to judge the world shall appear in the same nature which he united unto himself by his Incarnation That flesh shall sit and judge which stood before the Judge That flesh shall judge which was it self formerly judged 26 This Universall Judgement Gods Truth and Justice do require 27 The exact Form Manner and Proceeding in Judgement at the last day Experience it self will then better teach then any humane understanding can now conceive 28 Let us whilest we are hereâ— pray unto God with sighs and grones to be delivered from the Sentence of Condemnation in that day Let us now heare the Voice of Invitation that then we may heare the Voice of Consolation 29 After Sentence is once passed immediately follows Execution Then shall they which are set at the right hand of the Judge enter into Life everlasting and they which are on the left shall be cast into Everlasting fire Matth. 25.34.41 30 The Blessednesse of eternall Life comprehendeth in it the Privation and Absence of all Evil and the Presence and Fruition of all Good 31 We shall be Freed and delivereâ— from all Sinne and from all Punishmenâ— due unto sinne 32 Our vile Body shall be fashionâ— like unto Christ his glorious Body Philip. 3.21 But there shall be greaâ— difference in glorie 33 We shall see God Without end we shall Love him alwayes Withouâ— loathing and praise him evermoâ—â— Without being wearied August 22. â— Civit. Dei cap. 30. 34 Vision shall succeed in the plaâ— of Faith Fruition in the place of Hopâ— and Charitie here onely Inchoate shaâ— be there Consummate 35 God shall be fulnesse of Lighâ— to the Vnderstanding superabundanâ—â— of Peace to the Will and continuanâ— of Eternitie to the Memorie Berâ— Serm. 11. Super Cant. Col. 519. 36 The Saints shall Rejoyce for thâ— Pleasantnesse of Place which they shaâ—â— possesse for the sweet Company wiâ—â— whom they shall reigne for the Gloâ—â— of their Bodies which they shall puâ— on for the World which they have contemned and for Hell which they have escaped Bonavent in Diaet Cap. 50. 37 Let us then Pant and Breath for earnest desire after that Life whose King is the Trinitie whose Law is Charitie and whose Measure is Eternitie 38 Neither shall our Being be subject unto Death nor our Knowledge unto Errour nor our Love unto Offense Sphinx Phil. pag. 5. 39 We shall see God face to face we shall heare him speak immediately unto us 40 The Elect shall have Wisdome in the highest degree Righteousnesse in full perfection Joy which is everlasting and shall Sing siaise and Glory unto God without end 41 All the Elect Salvation shall see But Glory in a different degree 42 It hath not at any time entred into the heart of man to conceive what glory God hath prepared for his Elect. 1. Cor. 2.9 And if his Heart is not able to conceive it much lesse is his Tongue able to expresse it 43 To the Eternall Life of the blessed is opposed the Eternall Death of the damned which in the Revelation is called the Second Death 44 The life of the damned shall be to be alwayes dying and the death oâ— the damned to be alwayes living Iâ— it be life why doth it kill and if iâ— be death why doth it endure 45 The damned shall so live thaâ— they shall be alwayes dying and so diâ— that they shall be alwayes living Bern. in Med. Devot Cap. 3. Col. 193. 46 In the Flesh shall they be tormenâ—ed with Fire and in the Soul with tâ—â— Worm of Conscience Ibid. 47 It is the Eternitie of the Punishments which beyond all measure iâ—creaseth their torments laying upon them a weight unsupportable 48 For to be tormented without end this is that which goes beyond all the bounds of desperation Isidor Clâ—â— Orat. 12. 49 Grievous is the Torment of the damned for the Bitternesse of the Punishments But it is more grievous for the Diversitie of the Punishments Buâ— most grievous for the Eternitie of tâ—â— Punishments Dionys in 18 Apocalyps fol. 301. 50 The Gate shall be shut upon them Matth. 25.10 Understand the Gate of Indulgence the Gate of Mercie the Gate of Hope the Gate of Consolation and the Gate of Good Works 51 To be for ever deprived of the beatificall vision of God goes beyond all the Punishments in Hell 52 Being squeezed under the unsupportable weight of Punishments they shall wish they had no being but it shall be all in vain They shall desire to die but death shall flee from them Revel 9.6 53 They shall â—ore for the very disquietnesse of heart they shall rage for madnesse and gnash their â—eeth There shall be weeping for grief and gnashing of teeth for madnesse Bern. Ser. 8. in Psal 91. 54 Of all which some have a tast even in this Life 55 The Companie of the Devils and the Qualitie of the Place do exceedingly increase the Torments of the Damned 56 Neither shall the Forments of the Damned be onely Eternall but they shall also be Without all intermission at any time The smoke of their Torments ascendeth up for ever and ever Revel 14.11 57 As in Heaven one is more glorious then another So likewise in Helâ— one shall be more miserable then another August in Enchirid. Cap. 3. 58 We are very curious to know where Hell is But we are not so careâ— full to learn how we may escape itâ— Our thoughts were better spent in meditating upon it 59 When we sit down to eat and drink and when we rise from table again when we lie down to sleep and when we rise up again at all times and in all places it is very good to think upon Hell 60 For To think upon Hell preserves a man from falling into it Chrysost Hom. 44 in Matth. 61 Dost thou think to quench the flames of Hell by not speaking of itâ— or Dost thou think thou kindlest the flame thereof by speaking of it Whether thou speakest of it or no the flame is alwayes there alike Idâ—â— in Homil. 2. in 2. Thess 62 He deliver us from eternall death who himself died for us He bring us unto eternall Life who himself is the Prince of Life blessed for ever To whom with the Father and the Holy Spirit be all honour and glory World without end Amen FINIS