he is glorious in Nature That he is three in Persons That he is one in Essence For the first that there is a God is euery where apparant in euery leafe yea almost in euery line of Scripture and therefore I spare quotations it being out of all doubt that the Scripture saith so And against all seeds of Atheisme men may keepe in their minds these other testimonies both inward and outward The inward testimonies that proue there is a God are these The horror of conscience that befalles men after the committing of sinne dreading a supreame Iudge which terrours we see are oftentimes such as are most dreadfull and such as no outward thing can still The testimony of the holy Ghost infallibly satisfying the godly herein The reuelation of God to the harts of his people daily finding him in the vse of his ordinances which presence of God they likewise misse if they sinne presumptuously The externall testimonies are taken from the workes of God either more generally in the world or more specially in the Church The world testifies there is a God In respect of the creation of it this huge frame could not make it selfe and therefore of necessity there must be some being that gaue it being By the motion that is in it For that shewes there is a supreame mouer By the strange Iudgements that fall vpon the wicked somtimes in the very act of sinning and sometimes at the very instant of the wishes of wicked persons In that all nations haue at all times acknowledged a God In the Church God hath proued himselfe to be 1 By apparitions God hath shewed himselfe by certaine formes or signes of his presence thus Adam Noah Abrahā Isaac Iacob Moses c. saw God 2 By the miracles wrought beyond all the course of nature as when he raised dead men diuided the sea made the Sunne goe backward c. Thus of the proofe of the first principle That God is also maruellously glorious in his nature these places shew Psal. 29. all ouer Exod. 33.18 Againe he said I beseech thee shew me thy glory 19. And he answered c. Esa. 6.2.3 And one cried to another and said Holy holy holy is the Lord of hosts the whole world is full of his glory 1. Tim. 6.16 Who onely hath immortality and dwelleth in the light that none can attaine vnto whom neuer man saw neither can see vnto whom bee honour and power euerlasting Amen And how can hee be but exceeding glorious when as he is Incorporeall beyond the perfection of bodily things Ioh. 4. 24. God is a spirit Eternall without any beginning Psal. 90.2 Before the mountaines were made and before thou haddest formed the earth and the world euen from euerlasting to euerlasting thou art our God Infinitely immense and incomprehensible 1. King 8.27 Is it true indeed that God will dwell on the earth Behold the heauens and the heauens of heauens are not able to containe thee how much more vnable is this house that I haue built Ier. 23.24 Doe not I fill heauen and earth saith the Lord Immutable without shadow of change Iam. 1.17 Euery good giuing and euery perfect gift is from aboue and commeth downe from the father of lights with whom is no variablenesse neither shadow by turning Numb 23.19 God is not as man that hee should lie neither as the sonne of man that hee should repent Hath he said and shall he not doe it and hath he spoken and shall he not accomplish it Omnipotent so as nothing is impossible to him Psalm 115.3 But our God is in heauen hee doth whatsoeuer he will Mat. 19.26 And Iesus beheld them and said vnto them with men this is impossible but with God all things are possible Iob 42.2 I know that thou canst doe all things and that there is no thought hidden from thee Omni-scient so as hee knowes all things vniuersally and perfectly Psalm 147.5 Great is our Lord and great is his power his wisdome is infinite Rom. 11.33 O the deepnesse of the riches both of the wisedome and knowledge of God! how vnsearchable are his iudgements and his waies past finding out Hebr. 4.13 Neither is there any creature which is not manifest in his sight but all things are naked and open vnto his eyes with whom we haue to doe Most holy without sinne in himselfe and hating sinne in others Psalm 5.4 For thou art not a God that louest wickednesse neither shall euill dwell with thee Esa. 6.3 And one cried to another and said Holy holy is the Lord of hosts All-sufficient and independant Genes 17.1 The Lord appeared to Abraham and said vnto him I am God all-sufficient walke before me and be thou vpright Exod. 3.14 And God answered Moses I am that I am c. Rom. 11.36 For of him and through him and for him are all things to him be glory for euer Amen Most mercifull Exod. 34.6.7 So the Lord passed before his face and cried The Lord the Lord strong mercifull and gracious c. Reseruing mercy for thousands forgiuing iniquity and transgression and sinne and not making the wicked innocent Psalm 136. the whole Lastly Immortall so as hee can neuer die or cease to bee 1. Tim. 1.17 Now vnto the King euerlasting immortall inuisible vnto God onely wise be honour and glory for euer and euer Amen And all this should teach vs To adore and feare this great and glorious God Rom. 11.33.35.36 O the deepnesse of the riches both of the wisedome and knowledge of God c. To dilate our hearts in a speciall manner in his praises Neuer such a subiect of praise as God His praises should take vp all people by all meanes and at all times while we haue any being Psalm 72.18.19 Blessed bee the Lord God and blessed bee his glorious name for euer and let the whole earth be filled with his glory Amen Amen Psalm 96. vers 1. c. Oh sing vnto the Lord all the earth blesse his name declare his glory from day to day the Lord is great and greatly to be praised giue vnto the Lord the glory due vnto his name Psal. 147.1 Praise ye the Lord for praise is comely Psalm 148. the whole Reuel 5.9 c. With speciall admiration to set our hearts and affections vpon him to loue him with all our soules and all our might Deut. 30.6 And the Lord thy God will circumcise thine heart and the hart of thy seed that thou maist loue the Lord thy God with all thine heart and with all thy soule that thou mayest liue Oh these beauties should make vs wonderfully in loue with God! who onely is worthy to be accounted of a good nature Matth. 19.17 And he said vnto him why callest thou me good there is none good but one euen God c. With all diligence to seeke all good at his hands With all thankfulnesse to acknowledge what good wee receiue from him yea acknowledging all we haue to bee
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
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
and not to mee onely but vnto all them also that loue his appearing Reuel 21.24 And the people which are saued shall walke in the light of it and the Kings of the earth shall bring their glory and honour vnto it Which as it imports a perfection of splendor in euery Saint so it doth not dissolue the degrees or orders of glory euery man shall bee aduanced in his owne lot Dan. 12.13 But goe thou thy way till the end be for thou shalt rest and stand vp in thy lot at the end of the dayes 1. Cor. 15.40 There are also heauenly bodies and earthly bodies but the glory of the heauenly is one and the glory of the earthly is another Patriarches Prophets Euangelists Martyrs shall not want their eminency in heauen The fourth is dominion and rule ouer all creatures that which we lost in Adam shall be perfectly restored in heauen after the last iudgement Reuel 2.26 For hee that ouercommeth and keepeth my words vnto the end to him will I giue power ouer nations The fifth is possession of all the pleasures which are at Gods right hand vnutterable ioyes riuers of pleasures This is that which in a sparing language is called the time of refreshing Act. 3.19 Amend your liues therefore and turne that your sinnes may be put away when the time of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord. Psalm 16.11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life in thy presence is the fulnesse of ioy and at thy right hand there are pleasures for euermore For if the ioy of the godly in this life be called 1. Pet. 1.17 A ioy vnspeakable and glorious And if the Lord giue them drink out of the riuer of thy pleasures in this world as Psal. 36.8.9 How much more shall it exceed all language in heauen called the masters ioy The felicities which I haue here mentioned are for the most part common both to soule and body Now there is a peculiar felicity in heauen belonging to the bodies of men which consists in that maruellous transfiguration of them to a condition in respect of qualities farre aboue what they are or can be in this world Our bodies in generall shall be made like the glorious body of Christ though on earth they are but vile Philip. 3.21 Who shall change our vile body that it may be fashioned like vnto his glorious body according to the working wherby hee is able euen to subdue all things vnto himselfe They shall enioy eternall health but of the glory of the body I haue entreated before in the vse of the doctrine of the Resurrection Thus of the parts of this glory The Adiuncts of it follow And so there bee foure things in the consideration of the glory to come should much affect vs. First that it is a glory vnspeakable that is it is so great that no language on earth can describe it For though we mention those foresaid parts of it yet our narrow hearts and mouthes are infinitely straitned in comparison of the full glory of man in these things 1 Cor. 2.9 But as it is written The things which eye hath not seene neither eare hath heard neither came into mans heart are which God hath prepared for them that loue him c. Secondly that it is certaine and we cannot be disappointed of it else it were vncomfortable to heare of so much felicitie and holinesse and yet not bee sure to possesse it The certaintie of it that God will bestow such glory may appeare diuers waies 1. There is an act or ordinance for it in Gods eternall Counsell 2. Tim. 2.19 But the foundation of God remaineth sure and hath this seale The Lord knoweth who are his and Let euery one that calleth on the name of Christ depart from iniquitie Ephes. 1.4 As he hath chosen vs in him before the foundation of the world that wee should bee holy and without blame before him in loue Rom. 8.30 Moreouer whom he predestinate them also he called and whom he called them also he iustified and whom hee iustified them he also glorified Matth. 25.34 Come ye blessed of my Father inherit ye the Kingdome prepared for you from the foundations of the world 2. Christ purchased it with his blood Ephes. 1.14 3. Christ hath made intercession when he was on earth vnto his Father that hee might haue his redeemed Ones to be where he is Iohn 17.11 And now am I no more in the world but these are in the world and I come to thee holy Father keepe them in thy name Vers. 24. Father I will that they which thou hast giuen mee bee with me euen where I am that they may behold my glory which thou hast giuen me for thou louedst me before the foundation of the world 4. God hath made vs many promises and giuen vs not onely his word but his oth to assure it vnto vs Heb. 6.17 So God willing more abundantly to shew vnto the heires of promise the stablenesse of his Counsell bound himselfe by an oath Vers. 18. That by two immutable things wherein it is impossible that God should lie we might haue strong consolation which haue our refuge to hold fast the hope that is set before vs c. 5. He hath sealed to it not only in the Sacrament but by his spirit which will bee our witnesse and is our earnest Ephes. 1.13 Wherein also after that yee beleeued you were sealed with the holy Spirit of promise Vers. 14. Which is the earnest of our inheritance vntill the redemption of the possession purchased vnto the praise of his glory 6. He hath begun eternall life in vs already 7. Christ is gone into heauen of purpose to prouide a place ready for vs Ioh. 14.3 And though I goe to prepare a place for you I will come againe and receiue you vnto my selfe that where I am there may ye be also Heb. 10.19 Seeing therefore bretheren that by the blood of Iesus we may be bold to enter into the holy place Vers. 20. By the new and liuing way which he hath prepared for vs through the vale which is his flesh Thus of the certaintie of it The third thing is the eternitie of it all this glory were the lesse if it were thought it would euer end but it shall neuer end for 1. Nothing of it shall be lost or decay 2. There shall bee no death there for death and hell are cast into the lake of fier 3. There shall be no old age or withering condition in men that possesse it it withers not 1. Pet. 1.4 To an inheritance immortall and vndefiled and that fadeth not away reserued in heauen for you 4. God being all in all there shal be no wearinesse no fulnesse of affections or satietie no loathing Diuines are wont to shadow out eternity by the similitude of a little bird drinking vp a drop of water out of the sea if euery ten thousand yeeres the bird should come drink vp but one drop yet the sea might bee dry at length but yet this lasting of the sea is nothing in comparison to the lasting of the glory of heauen Fourthly and vnto these may bee added the proximity of it the day of the Lord is at hand It were some lessening of our happines if it were a long time to it FINIS ERRATA Pag. 4. lin 22. for Praises reade Oracles p. 51. l. 4. r. by a perpetuall decree p. 74. l. 16. put out a. p. 107. l. 17. r. vp for vpon p. 108. l. 16. for Sould r Should p. 407. l. 4 r. wrinckle p. 434. l. 17.21 and p. 435. l. 8 put out Sol and r. Secondly Thirdly Fourthly p. 486. l. 11. put out all the Chapter p. 499. l. 11. r. or secondly 3 Things intended in this Treatise The benefit of attending to this course The warrant of this course Question Answere Principles may bee knowne three waies The diuision of Principles according to their chiefe heads Two principles about the Scriptures The Scripturs are the very word of God proued by testimonies externall and internall Iohn 1.7 Prou. 30.6 Reuel 22.18 The vses 1. For instruction 2 For reproofe 1 Of the Papists in 4. things 2 Of Carnall Protestants 3 Of the godly 3 For triall 4 For consolation 4 Principles concerning God That there is a God is proued first by testimonies internall 2 By testimonies externall and so either in the world or in the Church 10 Glories in the nature of God The vses 1 For instruction If wee would study the glorious nature of God we must obserue 6. rules For humiliation For consolation Proofes for the Trinity Vses of the doctrine of the Trinity That there is but one God proued The vses 5 Principles concerning the Creation Vses 1 For information 6 Vses for instruction Vses for reproofe 7 Principles concerning Gods prouidence The vses 1 For information 11 Things admirable in Gods prouidence Vses for reproofe 8 Vses for instruction Vse for consolation Man was after the Image of God three waies The vses The speciall fauour of God to man in his Creation Duties 1 To God 2 To our selues 3 To other men 3 Principles concerning the fall of man 7 Things to shew the greatnesse of Adams sinne Obiect Answ. 3 Occasions of Apostasie 5 Degrees of the diuels tentation 4 Principles concerning sinne 14 Foule blemishes in euery mans nature 9 Vses for information 7 Things make ciuill honest men miserable 17. sorts of punishments inflicted on man for his sinne Eph. 5.14 1. Cor. 15. Act. 17.31 Rom. 5. â—2 c. andâ— 1 Mat. 11.29 1. Ioh. 2.1 Gal. 3.13 2. Cor. 5.17 Psa. 22.24 Question Answere Question Answere Question Answere Quest. Answ. Obiect Solution Obiect Solution Obiection Solution Iam. 2.5 What these things meane is vnknowne Rise first in soule
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
are not the children of God but the children of promise are counted for the seed 3. By the sanctification of their afflictions euen by the many experiences of Gods loue in afflictions as when God comforts their hearts in the midst of distresse when they come to him making their mone and when he turnes the crosse to a blessing to them making them more humble by it exercising their gifts purging out their sinne c. and at the length giuing gracious deliuerances causing all to worke together for the best so as they themselues being Iudges they can say it was good for me that I was afflicted Rom. 8.28.29 Also we know that all things worke together for the best to them that loue God euen to them that are called of his purpose c. Psalm 119. in many places Now as God manifests his owne choie by these and such like signes so the godly make sure their owne election by diuers markes of it as generally by the sanctification of the Spirit and beliefe of the truth 2. Thes. 2.13 But we ought to giue thanks alway to God for you brethren beloued of the Lord because that God hath from the beginning chosen you to saluation through sanctification of the Spirit and the faith of truth so in particular 1. By the vertues of Christ which more or lesse in some measure shine in them such as are humilitie piety knowledge temperance and contempt of the world patience in aduersitie and other excellent sauing graces in them 2. Pet. 1.5.6.7.10 1. Pet. 2.9 By their fruits you may know them Ioh. 15.16 2. Secondly by the affections of godlinesse that are in them aboue al others Ephes. 1.5 1. Ioh. 3.14 They approue themselues to be elect by loue that is by their great affections to God to the word of God and his ordinances and by their brotherly kindnesse to the godly and this loue is the more euident marke when it lasts euen in affliction when no distresses makes vs abate of our affection to God or good things or good men Rom. 8.28 3. By their Priesthood Gods elect are a kingdome of Priests they offer God daily sacrifice they haue the spirit of prayer they daily mortifie the beast their sinnes vpon the Altar of Christ crucified So then by their praying and their mortification Gods elect may bee euidently knowne 1. Pet. 2.9.10 4. Fourthly they are vsually knowne by the opposition of the world If they were of the world the world would spare and loue his owne but because they are chosen out of the world therefore the world hates them and pursues them with reproches and indignations of all sorts Ioh. 15.18.19 If the world hate you you know that it hated mee before you If ye were of the world the world would loue his owne but because ye are not of the world but I haue chosen you out of the world therefore the world hateth you 5. Lastly this doctrine of Election should fill the hearts of all the godly with vnspeakable reioycing Euerlasting ioy should be vpon their heads and sorrow and mourning should fly away and the rather if they consider the maruellous priuiledges of their Election and the wonderfull happinesse vnto which they are chosen of God For if by the former signes thou know thy selfe to be one of Gods Elect. 1. First thou art sure of thy saluation and the glory of heauen when thou diest 2. Thessal 2.13.14 Whereunto hee called you by the Gospell to obtaine the glory of our Lord Iesus Christ. 2. The loue of God to thee is vnchangeable God will neuer cast off the people whom he hath chosen Rom. 11.2 God hath not cast away his people whom hee knew before 3. Thou art sure of gratious entertainment in Gods house and sweete communion with God whilest thou liuest Psal. 65.4 Blessed is he whom thou chusest and causest to come to thee he shall dwell in thy courts and we shall bee satisfied with the pleasures of thine house euen of thine holy Temple Esa. 65.13.14 Therefore thus saith the Lord God behold my seruants shall eate and ye shall bee hungry behold my seruants shall drink and ye shall bee thirsty behold my seruants shall reioyce and ye shall be ashamed Behold my seruants shall sing for ioy of heart and ye shall cry for sorrow of heart and shall howle for vexation of mind 4. Thou shalt be sure of protection against all aduersaries that dare or can rise vp against thee Esa. 41.10.11.12.13 Feare thou not for I am with thee bee not afraid for I am thy God I will strengthen thee and helpe thee and will sustaine thee with the right hand of my iustice Behold all they that prouoke thee shall bee ashamed and confounded they shall bee as nothing and they that striue with thee shall perish 5. Fifthly all thy afflictions shall be sweetned vnto thee and work together for the best Rom. 8.28 Also we know that all things worke together for the best vnto them that loue God euen to them that are called of his purpose 6. In all thy suites to God thou art sure of audience and compassionate respect howsoeuer thou bee neglected in the world Ioh. 15.16 Yee haue not chosen mee but I haue chosen you and ordained you that yee goe and bring forth fruit and that your fruit remaine that whatsoeuer ye shal aske of the Father in my name hee may giue it you 7. Christ will graciously communicate to thee the secrets of God and the mysteries of the kingdome vsing thee therein as a most deare and carefull friend Ioh. 15.16 as before 8. Lastly all complaints brought vnto God against thee are sure to be non-suted and cast out so as nothing can bee laid to thy charge nothing can condemne thee in as much as Christ hath paid all thy debts and sitteth at the right hand of God to make request for thee Rom. 8.33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of Gods chosen It is God that iustifieth c. CHAP. XII Of Christ. Act. 4.12 Neither is there saluation in any other for among men there is giuen none other name vnder heauen whereby we must be saued HItherto of Election The second fundamentall meanes of grace is Christ concerning whom the principles respect either 1. His Person 2. His office The principles concerning his person looke either 1. Vpon his diuine nature 2. or vpon his humane The principle that concernes his diuine nature is this That Iesus Christ is very God and that he is God may be proued 1. First by testimony of Scripture Esa. 9.6 For vnto vs a child is borne and vnto vs a sonne is giuen and he shall call his name wonderfull Counsellor the mighty God Ioh. 1.1 In the beginning was the word and the word was with God and that word was God Rom. 9.5 Of whom are the fathers and of whom concerning the flesh Christ came who is God ouer all blessed for euer Amen 1. Tim. 3.16 And without controuersie great
hearts bee sincere with God Esay 56.4.6 the abiect Gentiles are not excluded Esay 49.7 What should I say the whole world is inuited and worlds of people may bee reconciled to God 2. Cor. 5.19 And as this is comfortable at all times so there is comfort to be gathered out of it in speciall distresses as 1. In the case of sinne 2. In the case of affliction 3. In the case of death For the first in the case of sin after calling it is a memorable place 1. Iohn 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 righteous For the second in the case of affliction there are many Scriptures that haue recourse to this doctrine for cōfort If the godly bee grieued and oppressed and come vnto God and humble thēselues the Lord wil remember this couenant and heare them as Exod. 2.2.4.5 and Exod. 6. 4.5.6 Leuit. 26.41.42 c. The godly know in all afflictions whom they haue trusted and ought to beleeue that hee will keepe that which by couenant is committed to him 2. Tim. 1. 12. Christ hath commission from God by vertue of this couenant to say to the prisoners go forth and to them that are in darknes shew your selues Esa. 49.9.10 For a small moment God may forsake but with great mercy will hee gather vs In a little wrath he may hide his face but in euerlasting kindnesse will hee haue mercy on vs For this is as the waters of Noah c. The mountaines may depart but his kindnesse and the couenant of his peace shall not depart nor be remoued saith the Lord that hath mercy on vs Esa. 54. from the 7. to 11. For the third in the case of death it is a knowne instance of Iob how he comforted himselfe in his Redeemer in the middest of all his wonderfull distresses that seemed to threaten his death as it were euery moment Iob 19.25 For I know that my redeemer liueth and he shall stand the last on the earth Thus of the vses for consolation The instructions follow and may be cast into two sorts For this doctrine of the new couenant in the mediator may teach vs 1. both what to auoid 2. and what to doe The consideration of these principles should teach vs to shun two things 1. The conceit of merit of our owne workes and all boasting of any worthinesse in our selues For this were to make the promise of none effect and the grace of this new couenant void it were to stand to the old couenant Rom. 4.14 For if they which are of the law be heires faith is made void and the promise is made of none effect Rom. 3.27 Where is then thy reioycing it is excluded by what law of workes nay but by the law of faith Rom. 10.4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousnesse vnto euery one that beleeueth c. 2. The forgetfulnesse of God whatsoeuer befall vs we should not forget God nor deale wickedly in his couenant Psal. 44.17 All this is come vpon vs yet doe we not forget thee neither deale wee falsly concerning thy couenant The duties we should do may be referred to two sorts for either 1. they are such as fit vs for this new couenant 2. or such as we should doe to walke worthy of it If we would haue any comfort by the mediator and this new agreement with God 1. We must turne from our transgressions else wee haue no redeemer Esa. 59.20 And the Redeemer shall come vnto Sion and vnto them that turne from iniquities in Iacob saith the Lord. We must bee new creatures al things in vs must now be new our old things must bee passed and giuen ouer 2. Cor. 5.17.18.19 c. Going and weeping we should goe and aske for the way Ierem. 50.4 Secondly wee must come to Christ being wearie and laden and receiue him and lay hold vpon him by faith This new agreement is chiefly published for the obedience of faith Rom. 16.26 Rom. 3.25 That wee may walke worthy of this couenant we must looke to diuers things First we should inflame our hearts to the loue of the Lord Iesus be ready to acknowledge his wonderfull loue to vs that dedicated this Testament with his blood Heb. 9.16 Esa. 59.16 c. God should bee our portion for euer Psalm 73.26 My flesh faileth and my heart also but God is the strength of my heart and my portion for euer What now should bee our hope our hope should euen be in God Psal. 39.7 And now Lord what waite I for my hope is euen in thee We should for all other things of this life confesse our selues to bee strangers and pilgrims and imbrace onely these new promises of a better happinesse Heb. 11.13 We should neuer be ashamed of the testimony of the Lord nor of this doctrine of the mediator for all the Papists in the world but partake willingly of all the afflictions may befall vs for this glad tidings in the Gospell 2. Tim. 1.8 to the 13. But rather glory in our singular riches which is Christ in vs Colos. 1.27 We should striue to liue like such as are now againe confederates of God and as may become the singular prerogatiues of our new estate This is briefly comprehended in those few words Walke before God and be vpright Genes 17.1 Esa. 59. 17.18.19 Wee should bee in a speciall manner carefull that the salt of the couenant of God bee not lacking Leuit. 2.13 This is the salt of discretion and of mortification Gods confederats should bee a wise and humble people Mark 9.50 If euer wee fall into distresse we must runne to God and vrge him with his couenant and deprecate his displeasure Ier. 14. 21. Doe not abhorre vs for thy names sake cast not downe the throne of thy glory Remember and breake not thy couenant with vs. Wee should for euer cleaue vnto God with full purpose of heart in a perpetuall couenant neuer to be forgotten Ier. 50.5 We should learne of God how to carry our selues in all agreements and couenants with men We should be easie to be reconciled and keepe our promises though made with disaduantage Ministers also may learne from these principles how to diuide the word The Law is to be preached to the vnrighteous and this new couenant of promise in Christ to the penitent and humbled soule 1. Tim. 1.9 Luk. 4.18 The last vse may be for terrour vnto all wicked men that liue in the Church and securely sinne on without regard of reconciliation or seeking the benefits of this new couenant Who can expresse their misery which receiues aggrauation from their neglect of this grace offered these are children of the bond-woman Galath 4.24 Vpon these God will fearfully auenge the quarrell of his couenant Leuit. 26.25 Esa. 24.5 Ier. 34.18 Ezech 20.36.37 Though they cry vnto God he will not know them Hos. 8.1.2.3 Their couenant with
which is the head that is Christ. By whom all the body being coupled and knit together by euery ioynt for the furniture thereof according to the effectual power which is in the measure of euery part receiueth encrease of the body into the edifying of it selfe in loue Thirdly that shee is knit vnto Christ her head by an indissoluble vnion Colos. 1.18 And hee is the head of the body of the Church hee is the beginning and the first horne of the dead that in all things he might haue the preeminence Colos. 2.19 And holdeth not the head whereof all the body furnished and knit together by ioynts and hands encreaseth with the encreasing of God 1. Cor. 12.27 Now ye are the body of Christ and members for your part Ephes. 1.22.23 And hath made all things subiect vnder his feet and hath appointed him ouer all things to be the head to the Church Which is his body euen the fulnesse of him that filleth all in all things So as she is truly bone of his bone and flesh of his flesh Ephes. 5.30 For wee are members of his body of his flesh and of his bones One with Christ not in nature as the Trinity is one nor in person as the two natures in Christ but in spirit Ioh. 4.13 Hereby know we that we dwell in him and he in vs because he hath giuen vs of his spirit For the spirit of the Sonne dwelleth in vs. Fourthly that shee is holy Ephes. 5.27 That he might make it vnto himselfe a glorious Church not hauing spot or wrinkle or any such thing but that it should be holy and without blame c. 1. Pet. 2.9 But ye are a chosen generation a royall 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 maruellous light c. Dan. 7.18 And they shall take the kingdome of the Saints of the most high and possesse the kingdome for euer euen for euer and euer And so she is holy 1. By separation from the world in that the godly are consecrated to holy vses they are holy by calling 2. By inchoation of true holinesse in nature and practice Tit. 3.5 Not by the workes of righteousnesse which wee had done but according to his mercy he saued vs by the washing of the new birth and the renuing of the holy Ghost 3. By imputation of Christs holinesse being washed in his blood Heb. 10.10 By the which will we are sanctified euen by the offering of the body of Iesus Christ once made 4. By consummation of all holinesse in the other world Fifthly she is Catholick this is one of the Articles of the Creed the Church is Catholick in three respects 1. In respect of time all the godly being members of this one body though they liue in all the seuerall ages since the beginning of the world 2. In respect of place because all the iust both in heauen and earth are all of this one body Ephes. 1.10 That in the dispensation of the fulnesse of the times hee might gather together in one all things both which are in heauen and which are in earth euen in Christ. And so from all parts of the world is the Church gathered all the particular Churches in the world are but members of this Church vniuersall 3. In respect of persons because it is gathered especially since Christ out of all nations there being no difference put in respect of mens outward condition Reuel 5.9.10 And they sung a new song saying Thou art worthy to take the booke and to open the seales thereof because thou wast killed and hast redeemed vs to God by thy blood out of euery kindred and tongue and people and nation And hast made vs vnto our God Kings and Priests and wee shall raigne on earth Galath 3.28 There is neither Iew nor Grecian there is neither bond nor free there is neither male nor female for yee are all one in Christ Iesus Sixthly that shee is militant that is she is in this life exposed to crosses and afflictions and tentations and oppositions 2. Timoth. 4.7.8 I haue sought a good fight and haue finished my course I haue kept the faith For henceforth is laid vp for me the crowne of righteousnesse which the Lord the righteous Iudge shall giue me at the day and not to mee onely but vnto all them also which loue his appearing Luk. 9.24 For whosoeuer will saue his life shall lose it and whosoeuer shall lose his life for my sake the same shall saue it Act. 14.22 Confirming the disciples hearts and exhorting them to continue in the faith affirming that wee must through many afflictions enter into the kingdome of God c. Reuel 1.9 I Iohn euen your brother and companion in tribulation and in the kingdome and patience of Iesus Christ was in the isle called Patmos for the word of God and for the witnessing of Iesus Christ. Reuel 12.11 But they ouercame him by the blood of the Lambe and by the word of their testimony and they loued not their liues vnto the death c. Ephes. 6.12 For we wrastle not against flesh blood but against principalities against powers against the worldly gouernours the princes of the darknesse of this world c. Now the Lord would haue his Church so exposed to crosses both for his owne sake and for hers and for his enemies sake 1. For his owne sake that he might shew his hatred of sin euen in his owne and the glory also of his power and mercy in their deliuerance as well as his iustice in their afflictions 2. For their sakes that being in the warfare humbled and tamed for their sinnes they might not perish with the world 1. Cor. 11. 31.32 and may be herein like to Christ Rom. 8.27 3. For their enemies sake that they may know that they shall neuer bee spared if God spare not his owne children 1. Pet. 4.17 For the time is come that iudgement must begin at the house of God if it first begin at vs what shall the end be of them which obey not the Gospell of God Seuenthly that she is inuincible Matth. 16.18 And I say also vnto thee that thou art Peter and vpon this rocke I will build my Church and the gates of hell shall not ouercome it Rom. 8.37 Neuerthelesse in all these things we are more then conquerers through him that loued vs. 38. For I am perswaded that neither death nor life nor Angels nor principalities nor powers nor things present nor things to come 39. Nor height nor depth nor any other creature shall be able to separate vs from the loue of God which is in Christ Iesus our Lord. 1. Pet. 5.10 And the God of all grace which hath called vs vnto his eternall glory by Christ Iesus after that yee haue suffered a little make you perfect confirme strengthen and stablish you c. The vses of these principles may be either
vngodly among them Rom. 14.9 For Christ therefore died and rose againe and reuiued that he might bee Lord both of the dead and the quicke c. 2. Cor. 5.10 For we must all appeare before the iudgement seate of Iesus Christ c. Ro. 14.10 We shall all appeare before the iudgmeÌ„t seat of Iesus Christ. Psalm 9.8 For hee shall iudge the world Obiect All men are beleeuers or vnbeleeuers now the beleeuers shall not come vnto iudgement as appeares Ioh. 5.24 Verily verily I say vnto you he that heareth my word and beleeueth in him that sent me hath euerlasting life and shall not come into condemnation but hath passed from death vnto life And the vnbeleeuer is condemned already Ioh. 3.18 He that beleeueth not is condemned already Solution The beleeuer shall not come into the iudgement of condemnation and the vnbeleeuer is condemned already in effect and substance 1. In the counsell of God 2. In the word of God 3. In his owne conscience but yet the manifestation and finishing of this iudgement remaines vnto the last day Fourthly all the secret things of mens natures or workes shall be brought to light Luk. 8.17 For nothing is secret that shall not be euident neither any thing hid that shall not be knowne and come to light 1. Cor. 4.5 Therefore iudge nothing before the time vntill the Lord come who will lighten things that are hid in darknesse and make the counsels of the heart manifest Rom. 2.16 At that day God shall iudge the secrets of men by Iesus Christ. And therefore called a day of reuelation or declaration Rom. 2.5 Fifthly it shall bee at the last day but the precise day and houre is not knowne to any men or Angels the proofe for the like principle concerning the resurrection serues for this place Mat. 24.36 Sixthly the iudgement shall be most iust and righteous and all shall confesse it Rom. 14.10 But why dost thou iudge thy brother or why dost thou despise thy brother for we shall all appeare bofore the iudgement seat of Christ. 2. Tim. 4.8 For henceforth is laid vp for me the crowne of righteousnesse which the Lord the righteous iudge shall giue me at that day and not to me onely but vnto all them also which loue his appearing c. Rom. 2.5 But thou after thine hardnesse hart that canot repent heapest vnto thy selfe wrath against the day of wrath and of the declaration of the iust iudgement of God Psalm 9.8 For he shall iudge the world with righteousnesse and shall iudge the people with equitie Seuenthly the iudgement shall bee according to mens workes 2. Cor. 5.10 Euery man shall receiue the things which are done in his body according to that he hath done whether it be good or euill c. Rom. 2.6 Who will reward euery man according to his workes Obiect Wee are iustified by faith alone without workes Solution 1. Workes are inquired after in the last iudgement as the signes of faith and vnbeleefe Sol. 2. We are iustified by faith onely but shall bee iudged by faith and workes both together For that iudgement doth not serue to make men iust that are vniust but only to manifest them to be so indeed which were so in this life being truly iustified The consideration whereof should serue for diuers vses and first for instruction and so it should teach vs First in generall speedily to repent vs of our sinnes and it should stirre vs to all possible care of holy life and to the loue of all well doing by which our reckoning might then bee furthered Act. 17.31 2. Pet. 3.11 Seeing therfore that all these things must bee dissolued what manner persons ought ye to be in holy conuersation and godlinesse 14. Wherfore beloued seeing you look for such things be diligent that yee may bee found of him in peace without spot and blamelesse Philip. 1.10 That ye may discerne things that differ one from another that yee may bee pure and without offence vntill the day of Christ. Tit. 2.12.13 And teacheth vs that wee should denie vngodlinesse and worldly lusts and that we should liue sâ—berly and â—ighteously and godly in this present world Looking for the blessed hope and appearing of the glory of the mighty God and of our Sauiour Iesus Christ. Secondly in particular it should teach vs 1. Not to doate vpon earthly things seeing they must all bee consumed in that day in the fier 2. To bee patient vnder all wrongs seeing wee are assured there shal be vengeance rendred at that day 2. Thes. 1.5.6.7 Iam. 5.6.7 Phil. 4.5 Thirdly to take heed of rashnesse in iudging other men and men offend in censuring 1. When they inflict censures and meddle ouer busily or curiously with them that bee without 1. Cor. 5.12 For what haue I to do to iudge them which are without 2. When men speake euill of that which is good and call good euill Esa. 5.20 Woe vnto them that speake good of euill and euill of good which put darknes for light and light for darknes that put bitter for sweet sweet for sowre 3. WheÌ„ men iudge of things doubtfull as the hiddeÌ„ things of the heart the secret things of darknes 1. Cor. 4.5 Therefore iudge nothing before the time vntill the Lord come who wil lighteÌ„ things that are hid in darknes and make the couÌ„sels of the hart manifest And censure things in the worst sense 4. When men vncharitably censure others about things indifferent Rom. 14.3.4 Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not and let not him which eateth not iudge him that eateth for God hath receiued him 4. Who art thou that condemnest another mans seruant he standeth or falleth to his owne master yea he shall be established for God is able to make him stand c. 13. Let vs not therefore iudge one another any more but vse your iudgement rather in this that no man put an occasion to fall or a stumbling blocke before his brother 5. When men commit what they condemne Rom. 2.1.2 Therefore thou art inexcusable O man whosoeuer thou art that iudgest for in that thou iudgest another thou condemnest thy selfe for thou that iudgest dost the same things But we know that the iudgement of God is according to truth against them which commit such things Or being guilty of greater faults condemne others for lesser Mat. 7.1.2.3 Iudge not that ye bee not iudged And why seest thou the mote that is in thy brothers eye and perceiuest not the beame that is in thine owne eye c. 6. When men make a fault worse then it is Fourthly it should strike a feare into our hearts concerning God and his dreadfull Maiesty and Iustice and make vs afraid to offend him and seeke by all meanes to glorifie him whatsoeuer become of vs and the world Reuel 14.7 Saying with a loud voice feare God and giue glory to him for the houre of his iudgement is come and worship him that made heauen and earth
shall not only bee free from sinne but from the possibility to sinne Ephes. 5.26 Fourthly from all aduerfary power we shall neuer more bee molested by diuels nor by wicked men either spirituall or corporall There shall be a perpetuall triumph without warre all our enemies shall bee cast into the lake of fier Reuel 21.8 Reuel 20.14 Reuel 22.3 As wee shall not loose a friend so wee shall not feare an enemy Fifthly from all infirmitie in our natures as from ignorance and all disabilities from sorrow discouragement hardnesse of heart feare and perturbations Reuel 21.4 And God shall wipe away all teares from their eyes and there shall bee no more death neither sorrow neither crying neither shall there bee any more paine for the first things are passed And so also from all such graces as suppose either imperfection in vs such as faith hope and repentance or misery in the creatures without vs as griefe anger feare hatred and the like 1. Cor. 13. Sixthly from all inferiority and subiection and seruitude none shall bee vnder the iurisdiction of others all Oeconomicall Politicall and Ecclesiasticall relations shall then cease Wee shall sit downe with Abraham Isaac and Iacob in the kingdome of heauen Matth. 8.11 Seuenthly from all labour and affliction of life Their labours shall cease and afflictions shall bee cast into the sea they shall enioy an eternall Sabbath the true Canaan Reuel 14.13 Then I heard a voice from heauen saying vnto me Write blessed are the dead which hereafter die in the Lord euen so saith the spirit for they rest from their labours and their workes follow them c. Heb. 4.9 There remaineth therfore a rest to the people of God c. 2. Thes. 1.7 And to you which are troubled rest with vs when the Lord Iesus shall shew himselfe from heauen with his mighty Angels c. And by labors I vnderstand also all the paines or difficulties we are at euen about the seruice of God for God shall bee all in all Eighthly from all shame and blushing There shall be nothing but honour and praise to all eternity whereas in this world the inward shame of some offence imputed or committed make life it selfe many times a burthen and there is little ease to the minde but in remembrance of the day of Christ when it shall be remoued Ninthly from all enuie enuie is said to be bitter 1. Cor. 3.3 But when charity shall be perfect then shall that property of not enuying bee made perfect too 1. Cor. 13. Tenthly from all interruption both in holinesse and felicity which in this life is grieuous and ariseth many times from good things and good persons as well as euill Eleuenthly from all the means of a naturall life and from the inconueniences too there shall be no need of meat drinke sleep marriage raiment physicke nor the light of the Sunne For there shall be no hunger thirst heate cold darknesse or the like grieuances but wee shall liue as the Angels of heauen c. And so in a word we shall bee free from the first things Reuel 2.4 Thus much of what wee shall be free from Now followes what wee shall be free to First we shall bee free of heauen the most holy place Heb. 10.19 Seeing therefore brethren that by the blood of Iesus we may be bold to enter into the holy place Paradise Luk. 23.43 Then Iesus said vnto him verily I say vnto thee to day thou shalt be with me in Paradise Our fathers house Iohn 14.2 In my Fathers house are many dwelling places if it were not so I would haue told you I goe to prepare a place for you The new Ierusalem Reuel 21.2 And I saw the holy City new Ierusalem come downe from God out of heauen prepared as a Bride trimmed for her husband The heauē of heauens which for lightnes largenes purenes delightfulnes and all praises of a place almost infinitely excels all this visible world Nor shall the godly be restrained only to heauen but they shall be free of the new earth wherein dwels righteousnesse 2. Pet. 3.13 But wee looke for a new heauen and a new earth according to his promise wherein dwelleth righteousnesse c. Secondly we shall be free to the enioying of the happy society of all the glorious Saints and Angels of heauen Hebr. 12.22.23 But ye are come vnto the mount Sion and to the City of the liuing God the celestiall Ierusalem and to the company of innumerable Angels And to the congregation of the first borne which are written in heauen and to God the iudge of all and to the spirits of iust and perfect men Thirdly to the glorious presence of God and the Lambe we shall alwaies dwell in the Kings presence Reuel 21.3 And I heard a great voice out of heauen saying behold the tabernacle of God is with men and he will dwell with them and they shall be his people and God himselfe shall be their God with them Reuel 21.23 And the City hath no need of the sunne neither of the moone to shine in it for the glory of God did light it and the Lamb is the light of it Reuel 22.3.4 And there shall be no more curse but the throne of God and of the Lambe shall be in it and his seruants shall serue him And they shall see his face and his name shall be in their fore-heads Fourthly to all the treasures of heauen which are vnexpressable shadowed out by some comparisons as by being free to eate of the tree of life Reuel 22.2 In the middest of the streete of it and of either side of the riuer was the tree of life which bare twelue manner of fruits and gaue fruit euery moneth the leaues of the tree serued to heale the nations with c. As also by being free to drink of the water of life freely Reuel 21.6 And hee said vnto me It is done I am Alpha and Omega the beginning and the end and I will giue to him that is athirst of the well of the waters of life freely euen out of a riuer that is pure as Chrystall Reuel 22.1 And hee shewed me a pure riuer of water of life cleare as Chrystall proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lambe And such like Thus of Liberty The third part of our felicity in heauen is maiesty al the godly shall be there seated as Princes in thrones of Maiesty and prince-like splendor being crowned with crowns of glory which glory shall be so great that the Kings of the earth are supposed to bring all their glory and honour to it and yet all too little to shadow out this exceeding glory of all the Saints Reuel 3.21 To him that ouercommeth will I grant to sit with me in my throne euen as I ouercome and sit with my father in his throne 2. Tim. 4.8 For henceforth is laid vp for me the crowne of righteousnesse which the Lord the righteous Iudge shall giue me at that day