The o Zeph. 3.5 iust Lord is in the midst of Ierusalem He will doe none iniquity Euery morning doth he bring his iudgement to light he fayeth not but the vniust know no shame The Lord saith Hosea hath a controuersie with Iudah Hosea 12. â— and will punish l Psal 145.17 Iacob according to his wayes according to his doings will he recompence him God also is often in the Diuine Seruice mentioned to be Mercifull Of Gods Mercifullnesse as in the third Collect to be read on good Friday it is sayd Mercifull God who hast made all men and hatest * Some obiect against this Divine Doctrine of the Church the saying in the Scripture I haue hated Esau The Scripture sayth not that God hated Esau vnto euerlasting damnation afore hee was borne but signifieth that hee loued him lesse than hee loued Iacob in that for a time he was to serue Iacob That the word hâ—te doth in Scripture signifie to Loue lesse See Iunius on Genes 29.31 Deut 21.15 See Math. 6.24 Luk. 14.26 And that Esau was to be vnder Iacob foratime See Genes 27.40 Saint Paules Doctrine hereabout is one of his sayings hard to be vnderstood 2. Peter 3.16 There is in it an Allegory as in Gal. 4.24 See 2. Esaras 6.8.9 Also in Genes 25.23 mentioned By Saint Paul in Rom. 9. Iacob and Esau are called two Nations and two manner of people And that Esau was sayd to be hated was not expressed in those words vntill many ages after Namely in the dayes of the Prophet Malachy 1.3 See Ezech. 33.11 and 2. Peter 3.9 Math. 23.37 Acts 7.51 See Pro. 1. from verse 20. vnto the Chapters end All Ezechiel 18. Eccles 15.11 to the end nothing that thou hast made nor wouldest the death of a Sinner but rather that he should be conuerted liue haue mercy vpon all Iewes Turks Infidels and Hereticks c. So in the last Prayer sauing one of the Commination it is sayd Oh most mighty God and Mercifull Father which hast compassion of all men and hatest nothing that thou hast made which wouldest not the death of a sinner but that he should rather turne from sinne and be saued c. Dauid sayth The q Psal 145.9 Lord is good to all and his tender Mercies are ouer all his workes Likewise Saint Paul witnesseth God hath concluded all men in vnbeleefe that he might haue Mercy vpon r Rom. 11.32 all In the Booke of Wisedome it is sayd Thou Å¿ Wisedome 11.23 24. haste Mercy vpon all for thou canst do all things and winkest at the sinnes of men because they should amende For thou louest all the things that are and abhorrest nothing which thou hast made for neuer wouldest thou haue made any thing if thou hadst hated it Vnto the which Eternall Incomprehensible Almighty Wise Good Iust and Mercifull God be glore through Iesus Christ for euer Amen CHAP. 7. Of the Creation of the World and of the Angels in speciall IN the first part of the * T. 1. p. 67. Homily an Exhortation concerning good order and obedience to Rulers and Magistrates it is sayd Almighty God hath created and appointed all things in Heauen Earth and Waters in a most excellent and perfect order In Heauen hee hath appointed distinct and seuerall orders and states of Archangels and Angells In the beginning sayth the Scripture God t Genesis 1.1 and 2 1. Created heauen and earth and all the Host of them Also that by the u Col. 1.16 Sonne of God were all things Created that are in Heauen and that are in Earth Visible and Inuisible whether they be Thrones or Dominions or Principalities or Powers all things were Created by him and for him That there are Archangels aswell as Angels it appeareth out of Daniel where it is Written that Michael one of w Dan. 10.13 the chiefe Princes came to helpe him Michael is called an Archangell in the x Iude 9. Epistle of Iude. There is mention of another Archangell in y 2. Esdras 4.36 Esdras namely Vriel In Saint Ambrose his Song it is sayde vnto God To thee all Angels crye aloud the Heauens and all the powers therein To thee Cherubin and Seraphin continually do crye Holy holy holy Lord God of * Or Hosts Sabaoth That there are Powers in heauenly places and also Principalities among them not only the text aboue cited out of the Epistle to the Colossians prooueth but also Saint Paules words to the Ephesians saying To z Eph. 3.10 the intent that now vnto the Principalities and Powers in heauenly places might be knowne by the Church the manifold VVisedome of God Of Cherubins Novem Angelorum est cordâ—nes testante sacro eloquio scimus scilicet Angelos Archangelâ—s virtutes potestates principatut dominatiâ—nes thâ—onos Cherubin aeque Seraphim Greg. in Hâ—mil there is often mention in the tenth Chapter of Ezechiel And of Seraphins it is mentioned in the sixt Chapter of Isaiah In the Collect to be read on the day of the Feast of Saint Michael the Archangel the Church sayth Euerlasting-God which hast o dayned and constituted the Services of all Angels and Men in wonderfull order Mercifully grant that they which alway do thee seruice in Heauen may by thine appoyntment succour and defend vs in Earth through Iesus Christ our Lord. Heb. 1.14 Are a they not all ministring Spirits as the Apostle sayth sent foorth to minister for them who shall be Heires of Saluation Dauid sayth Because b Psal 91.9.10.11.12 thou hast made the Lord which is my refuge euen the most High thine Habitation there shal no euill befall thee neyther shal any Plague come nigh thy dwelling For he shal giue his Angels charge ouer thee to keepe thee in all thy wayes They shal beare thee vp in their hands least thou dash thy foot agaynst a stone Some of the Angels sinned in not c 2 Pet. 2 4. Iude 6. keeping their first estate but left their owne habitation and are cast downe to Hell reserued in euerlasting Chaines vnder darknesse vnto the iudgement of the great day It is our duty as the Church d In the Communion Service exhorteth with the holy Angels and Archangels and with all the Company of Heauen to laud and magnifie the e Deut. 28.58 glorious name euermore praysing him and saying f Reue. 4.8 Esay 6.3 Holy holy holy Lord God of Hosts Heauen and Earth are full of thy glory Glory be to thee O Lord most high CHAP. 8. Of the Creation of Man and of his estate in his innocency IN the * To 2. p. 167. Homily concerning the Nativity of our Saviour Iesus Christ it is sayd That among all the Creatures which God made in the beginning of the World most excellent and wonderfull in their kinde there was none as the Scripture beareth VVitnesse to be compared almost in any point vnto man who as well in Body and Soule
Wee are VVitnesses of these things and so is also the Holy Ghost whom God hath giuen to them that obey him Reade the third part of the * T. 2. p. 229. 230 Homily for Rogation VVeeke and there are expressed many operations of the Holy Ghost for and in the people of Almighty God CHAP. 25. Of the Merit of the Redemption wrought by Iesus Christ THE Church in her most Sacred Catechisme teacheth euery one of her Children to say I beleeue in God the Sonne who hath redeemed me and all Mankind And in the Prayer afore the Ministration of the Communion it is sayd Iesus Christ suffering Death vpon the Crosse for our Redemption made there by his owne Oblation of himselfe once offered a full perfect and sufficient Sacrifice Oblation and satisfaction for the sinnes of the whole World In the second * T. 2. p. 181. Homily of CHRISTS passion it is sayde Hee suffered Death vniuersally for all men And in the same * P. 185. Homily it is sayde God gaue Christ to the whole World that is to say to Adam and to all that should come after him And in the first part of the * T. 2. p. 200. Homily concerning the Sacrament it is sayd The Death of Christ is auaileable for the Redemption of all the World The holy Scriptures testifie the same greatnesse of the merit of the Redemption wrought by Iesus Christ Saint Iohn sayth He is the propitiation for our sinnes and not for ours onely but also for the sinnes of k 1 Iohn 2.2 the whole World Saint Paul sayth Christ gaue himselfe a ransome for l 1 Tim. 2.6 all And to the Hebrewes he sayth m Heb. 2.9 Iesus Christ tasted Death for euery man To the Corinthians hee sayth If one dyed for all then were all dead and hee dyed for n 2 Cor. 5.14.15 all c. And to the Romanes hee sayth o Rom. 5.18 1 Cor. 15.21.22 Iohn 12.32 As by the offence of one iudgement came vpon al men to condemnation Eue so by the righteousnesse of one the free gift came vpon all men vnto iustification of life In the second part of the * T. 1. p. 50. Homily concerning Swearing it is signified That not onely Christs death but his life also c. are meritorious where it is sayd Whosoeuer wilfully * Zechar. 5.4.5 See Chap. 73. forsweare themselues vppon Christs Holy Euangely they vtterly forsake Gods mercy goodnesse and truth the merits of our Sauiour Christs Natiuity Life Passion Death Resurrection and Ascension they refuse the forgiuenesse of sinnes promised to all penitent sinners the ioyes of Heauen the company with Angels and Saints for euer Also the aforesayde actions of Christ are meritorious because they were done for the sake of mankinde CHAP. 26. Of the end for the which Iesus Christ redeemed mankinde and who of yeares of discretion or of perfect age partake of the merit of the same redemption IT is sayd in the second part of the * T. 1. p. 82. Homily against adultery Christ that innocent Lambe of God hath bought vs from the seruitude of the Diuell not with corruptible gold and siluer but with his most precious and deare heart bloud To what intent That we should fall againe into our old vncleannesse and abhominable liuing Nay verily but that we should serue him all the dayes of our life in holinesse and righteousnesse that we should glorifie him in our bodies by purity and cleannesse of life And in the * T. 2. p. 179. Homily for good Friday it is sayd Christ hath not so redeemed vs from sinne that we may safely returne thereto againe but he hath redeemed vs that we should forsake the motions thereof and liue vnto righteousnesse Yea we be therefore washed in our Baptisme from the filthinesse of sinne that we should liue afterward in the purenesse of life In Baptisme we promised to renounce the Diuell and his suggestions wee promised to be as obedient children alwayes following Gods will and pleasure So in the * T. 2. p. 195. Homily of the Resurrection it is sayd Yee must consider that yee be therefore cleansed and renued that yee should from hencefoorth serue God in holinesse and righteousnesse all the dayes of your liues that ye may reigne with him in euerlasting life If yee refuse so great grace whereto yee bee called what other thing doe yee than heape to your selues damnation more and more and so prouoke God to cast his displeasure vnto you and to reuenge this mockage of his Holy Sacramerits in so great abusing of them In the second * T. 2. p. 186. Homily of the Passion it is sayd Now it remaineth that I shewe vnto you how to apply Christs death and passion to our comfort as a medicine to our wounds so that it may worke the same effect in vs wherefore it was giuen namely the health and saluation of our soules For as it profiteth a man nothing to haue salue vnlesse it be well applied to the part infected so the death of Christ shall sland vs in no force vnlesse we apply it to our selues in such sort as God hath appointed Almighty God commonly worketh by meanes and in this thing he hath also ordained a certaine meane whereby we may take fruite and profite to our soules health and that is Faith Not an vnconstant or wauering faith but a sure stedfast grounded and vnfained faith * Pag. 188. For as all they which beheld stedfastly the brazen Serpent were healed and deliuered at the very sight thereof from their corporall diseases and bodily stings euen so all they which behold Christ crucified with a true and liuely faith shall vndoubtedly bee deliuered from the grieuous wounds of the soule be they neuer so deadly or many in number In the * Tom. 2. p. 173 Homily of the Natiuity it is sayd After that Christ was come downe from heauen and had taken our fraile nature vpon him he made all them that would receiue him truely and beleeue his holy Word good trees c. And to shew more plainely who partake of Christs merits the * Tom. 2. p. 179 Homily for good Friday declareth saying That we doe call for mercy in vaine if wee will not shew mercy to our neighbours For if we will not put wrath and displeasure forth of our hearts to our Christian brother no more will God forgiue the displeasure and wrath that our sinnes haue deserued afore him For vnder this condition doth God forgiue vs if we forgiue other God is to be obeyed which commaundeth vs to forgiue if we will haue any part of the pardon which our Sauiour Christ purchased once of God the Father by shedding of his precious bloud And in the second part of the * Tom. 1. p. 94. Homily against contention the Church sayth What crakest thou of thy head if thou labour not to be in the body Thou canst be no member of
2. Man that is borne of a woman hath but a short time to live and is full of misery He commeth up and is cut downe like a flowre hee fleeth as it were a shadow and never continueth in one stay In the midst of life we be in death In the second part of the * T. 1. p. 58. Homily of falling from God it is said Sinners that continue in their wicked living ought to thinke that the promises of Gods mercy and the c Isa 61.1 2 3. Gospell pertaine not unto them being in that state but onely the d Gal. 3.23.24 law and those Scriptures which containe the wrath and indignation of God and his threatnings which should certifie them that as they doe over boldly presume of Gods mercy and live dissolutely So doth God still more and more withdraw his mercy from them he is so provoked therby to e Rom. 2.4 5 6 8. wrath at length that he destroyeth such presumers many times suddenly For of such S. Paul f 1 Thes 5 2 3. said thus When they shall say it is peace there is no danger then shall sudden destruction come up on them Let us g Heb. 12.15 and 3.12 beware therefore of such naughty boldnesse to sinne For God which hath promised his mercy to them that be truely repentant although it be at the latter end hath not promised to the presumptuous sinner either that hee shall have long life or that he shall have true repentance at the last end But for that purpose hath he made every mans death uncertaine that hee should not put his hope in the end and in the meane season to Gods high displeasure live ungodly Wherefore let us follow the counsell of the Wise man h Ecclus. 5.7 Let us make no tarrying to turne unto the Lord Let us not put off from day to day for suddenly shall his wrath come and in time of vengeance he will destroy the wicked In the third part of the * T. 2. p. 273. Homily of repentance it is said Which words I desire you to marke diligently because they doe most lively put before our eyes the fondnesse of many men who i Rom. 2.4 5 6. Ps 10.3 4 5 6. abusing the long suffering and goodnesse of God doe never thinke on repentance or amendment of life * Ecclus. 5.2 3 4 5 6. Follow not saith he thine owne minde and thy strength to walke in the wayes of thy heart neither say thou who will bring me under for my workes For God the revenger will revenge the wrong done by thee And say not I have sinned and what evill hath come unto me For the Almighty is a patient rewarder but he will not leave thee unpunished Because thy sinnes are forgiven thee be not without feare to heape sinne upon sinne Say not neither The Mercy of God is great he will forgive my manifold sinnes For mercy and wrath come from him and his indignation commeth upon unrepentant sinners As if he should say Art thou strong and mighty Art thou lusty and young Hast thou the wealth and riches of the world Or when thou hast sinned hast thou received no punishment for it Let none of all these things make thee to be the slower to repent to returne with speed unto the Lord. For in the day of punishment of his sudden vengeance they shall not be able to helpe thee And specially when thou art either by the preaching of Gods Word or by some inward motion of his Holy Spirit or else by some other meanes called unto repentance neglect not the good occasion that is ministred unto thee lest when thou wouldest repent thou hast not the grace for to doe it For to repent is a good k 2 Tim. 2.25 Act. 11.18 gift of God which he will never grant unto them who living in carnall security doe make a mocke of his threatnings or seeke to rule his Spirit as they list as though his working and gifts were l Ps 135. 5 6. Isa 40.12 13 14 15 17. tyed unto their will It is greatly considerable that almost every such person as is afore mentioned which deferreth repentance till towards his end being asked a little afore his death whether he thinketh that he hath lived as he ought as he might have lived in obedience unto Christs Lawes and the Ordinances of Christs holy Church if he would have used the prescribed meanes thereunto he will then from an opened conscience not justifie himselfe but confesse much truth as experience even in all places from time to time confirmeth Many there are which never all their life long have any regard to conferre with any godly Minister concerning what be the m Mat. 7.13 14 Psal 25.4 5 9 10. and 143.8 strait wayes of the Lord wherein all of yeeres of discretion are bound to walke conscionably and more and more obediently that would come unto n Mat. 19.16 17. life eternall but when they are in feare of dying their conscience then being awaked and accusing them and telling them they must o 2 Cor. 5.10 Heb. 9.27 appeare before Christs judgment seat to receive everlasting judgement according as they have beleeved and lived they will acknowledge some use of the ministery and of the Church-Prayers to be used in the Visitation of the sicke It it is become and old Proverbe with very many * A saying too common namely that if they can afore they dye have but time to aske God mercy they shall doe as well as the best of thē who have p Luk. 1.74 75. served God in holines righteousnes before him even all the daies of their life But how greatly such desperate and dissolute persons doe q Mal. 3.13 14 15 16 17 18. mistake the proceeding of Almighty God they may see if they will beleeve what is written in the first chapter of the Proverbs from the 20. verse unto that chapters end Also they may perceive that they are in a damnable errour if they wil observe what is delivered in that most Divine * Whose beginning is Now seeing all they be accursed c. Exhortation in the Service of Commination Saint Paul saith Be not deceived God is not mocked for r Gal. 6.7 8. whatsoever a man soweth that shall he reape For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reape corruption but he that soweth to the spirit shall of the spirit reape life everlasting And againe he saith We then as workers together with God beseech you also that yee receive not the grace of God in vaine For he saith I have heard thee in a time accepted and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee behold ſ 2 Cor. 6.1 2. now is the accepted time behold now is the day of salvation Whiles it is said t Heb. 3.15 to day if yee will heare his voyce harden not your hearts as in the provocation CHAP.
Iohn 15.2 Branches Children of l 1 Thes 5.5 Light m Eph. 2.19 Hebr. 12.22.23.24 Phil 3.20 Citizens of Heauen sheepe of his n Iohn 10.16 Fold members of his o Ephe. 5.30 body p Rom. 8.17 Iames 2.5 Heires of his Kingdome his true q Iohn 15.14.15 friends and r Heb. 2.11.12 Brethren sweet and liuely Å¿ 1 Cor. 10.17 bread the t 1 Peter 21 10. Hosea 2.23 Elect and chosen people of God But for the better vnderstanding and consideration of this thing let vs behold the end of his comming so shal we perceiue what great commodity and profite his Natiuity hath brought vnto vs miserable and sinfull Creatures The end of his comming was to u Math. 1.21 saue and w Luke 1.74 deliuer his people x Math. 5.17 Iohn 15.10 to fulfill the Law for vs to y Iohn 18.37 beare Witnesse vnto the Truth * As in the second past of the Homily agaynst Adultery it is sayd See Math. 5.21 22.27.28 c. T. 1. P. 84. to restore the Law of his Heauenly Father vnto the right sense vnderstanding and meaning to teach and z Luke 4 18. Preach the words of his Father to giue a Iohn 12.46 Light vnto the World to b Luke 6.32 call sinners vnto repentance c Math. 11.28 Acts 3.19 Esay 40.29 to refresh them that labour and be heauy laden to d Iohn 12.31 east out the Prince of this World to e Col 1.21.22 reconcile vs in the body of his flesh to f 1 Iohn 3.8 dissolue the works of the Diuell last of all to become a g 1 Iohn 2.2 propitiation for our sinnes and not for ours onely but also for the sinnes of the whole World These were the chiefe endes wherefore Christ became man not for any profite that should come to himselfe thereby but only for our sakes that we might h Iohn 15.15 vnderstand the will of God be i Iohn 17.22 partakers of his Heauenly light be deliuered out of the k Math. 4.24 2 Tim. 2.26 Diuells clawes released from the l Hebrewes 12.1 Rom. 6.18.22 burthen of sinne m Rom. 3.24.25 iustified through faith in his blood and finally n Psalme 73.24 Colos 3 4. 1 Pet. 5.10 receiued vp into euerlasting glory there to o Rom. 8.17 2 Tim. 2.11.12 reigne with him for euer Therefore sayth the Church in the conclusion of the sayd * P. 174. Homily Dearely beloued let vs not forget this loue of our Lord and Sauiour let vs not shew our selues vnmindfull or vnthankefull towards him but let vs loue him feare him obey him and serue him Let vs confesse him with our mouthes prayse him with our tongues beleeue on him with our hearts and p Iohn 15.8 glorifie him with our good workes q Iohn 1.9 Christ is the Light let vs receiue the Light Christ is the r Reue. 3.14 Truth let vs beleeue the Truth Christ is the Å¿ Iohn 14.6 way let vs follow the way Happy are they sayth the Scripture t Mat. 24.13 which continue vnto the end Be u Reue. 2.10 faithfull sayth God vntill Death and I will giue thee a Crowne of Life Againe he sayth in another place Hee that putteth his hand vnto the w Luke 9.62 Plough and looketh backe is not meete for the Kingdome of God Therefore let vs bee strong stedfast and vnmooueable x 1 Cor. 15.58 abounding alwayes in the workes of the Lord. Iesus Christ sayth y Iohn 3.16.17 God so loued the world that hee gaue his only begotten sonne that whosoeuer beleeueth in him should not perish but haue euerlasting life For God sent not his Sonne into the world to condemne the world but that the world through him might be saued It is written in the Booke of Baruch This z Baruch 3.35 36.37 is our God and there shall none other bee accounted of in comparison of him Hee hath found out all the way of knowledge and hath giuen it vnto Iacob his seruant and to Israel his beloued Afterward did hee shew himselfe vpon earth and conuersed with men CHAP. 22. Of Christs death IN the beginning of the second * Tom. 2. p. 181 Homily concerning the death and passion of our Sauiour Christ it is sayd That we may the better conceiue the great mercy and goodnesse of our Sauiour Christ in suffering death a Heb. 2.9 2. Cor. 5.14.15 See chapter 25 of the merit of Christs death vniuersally for all men it behooueth vs to descend into the bottome of our conscience and deeply to consider the first and principall causes wherefore hee was compelled so to doe When our great Grand-father Adam had broken Gods commaundement in eating the apple forbidden him in Paradise at the b Gen. 3.6 motion and suggestion of his wife he purchased thereby not onely to himselfe but also to his c 1. Cor 15.22 posterity for euer the iust wrath and indignation of God c. He became d Rom. 5.12.14 mortall he lost the fauour of God He was e Gen. 3.23.24 cast out of Paradise he was no longer a Citizen of Heauen but a fire-brand of Hell and a bond-slaue to the Diuell To this doth our Sauiour beare witnesse in the Gospell calling vs f Mat. 18.11 lost sheepe which haue gone g 1. Pet. 2.25 astray and wandered from the true Shepheard of our soules To this also doth Saint Paul beare witnesse saying h Rom. 5.18 That by the offence of only Adam death came vpon all men vnto condemnation And it is sayd in the * T. 2. p. 169. Homily of the Natiuity of Christ When the i Gal. 4.4 fulnesse of time was come that is the perfection and course of yeares appointed from the beginning then God according to his former couenant and promise sent a Messias otherwise called a Mediatour into the world not such a one as Moses was not such a one as Ioshua Saul or Dauid was but such a one as should deliuer mankind from the bitter curse of the Law and make perfect satisfaction by his death for the sinnes of all people namely he sent his deere and onely Sonne Iesus Christ borne as the Apostle saith of a woman and made vnder the law that he might k Gal. 4.5 redeeme them that were in bondage of the law and make them the children of God by adoption Concerning the necessity of Christs death the Apostle declareth to the Hebrewes saying l Heb. 9.15.16.17.18 23. And for this cause he is the Mediator of the new Testament that by meanes of death for the redemption of the transgressions that were vnder the first Testament they which are called might receiue the promise of eternall inheritance For where a Testament is there must also of necessity be the death of the Testatour For a Testament is of force after men be dead
to be our spirituall food k Ioh. 6.32 33 35 48 50 51. and sustenance In the third Exhortation it is said The benefit is great if with a true penitent heart and lively faith we receive that holy Sacrament for then wee l Iohn 6.63 56. spiritually eate the flesh of Christ and drinke his blood then we dwell in Christ and Christ m Iohn 14.23 2 Cor. 6.16 in us we bee n 1 Cor. 6.17 1 Cor. 10.16 17 1 Cor. 12 13. one with Christ and Christ with us And afterward it is said Above all things ye must give most humble and hearty thankes to God the Father the Sonne and the holy Ghost for the redemption of the world by the death and passion of our Saviour Christ both God and man who did humble himselfe even to the death upon the Crosse for us miserable sinners which lay in darkenesse and shadow of death that hee might make us the children of God and exalt us to everlasting life And to the end that we should alway remember the exceeding great love of our Master and onely Saviour Iesus Christ thus dying for us and the innumerable benefits which by his precious blood-shedding hee hath obtained to us hee hath instituted and ordained holy mysteries as pledges of his love and continuall o 1 Cor. 11.24 25 26. remembrance of his death to our great and endlesse comfort And in the Prayer to be read afore the receiving it is said Almighty God our heavenly Father which of thy tender mercy didst give thy onely Son Iesus Christ to suffer death vpon the Crosse for our redemption who made there by his one oblation of himselfe once offered a full perfect and sufficient sacrifice oblation and satisfaction for the sinnes of the whole world and did institute and in his holy Gospell command us to continue a perpetuall memory of that his precious death untill his comming againe c. And in the second Prayer after the receiving it is said Thou dost assure us thereby of thy favour and goodnesse towards us and that wee bee very members incorporate in thy mysticall p Eph. 1. 22 23. 1 Cor. 12.12.27 body which is the blessed company of all faithfull people and be also heires through hope of thy everlasting Kingdome by the merits of the most precious death and passion of thy deare Sonne In the * T. 2. p. 192. Homily of the resurrection it is said Thou hast received him if in true faith and repentance of heart thou hast received him If in purpose of amendment thou hast received him for an everlasting gage or pledge of thy salvation Thou hast received his body which was once broken and his blood which was shed for the remission of thy sinne Thou hast received his body to have within thee the Father the Son and the holy Ghost for to dwell with thee to endow thee with grace to strengthen thee against thine enemies and to comfort thee with their presence Thou hast received his body to endow thee with everlasting righteousnes to assure thee with everlasting blisse and life of thy soule For with Christ by true faith art thou quickned againe saith Saint Paul from death of sin to life of grace and in hope translated from corporall and everlasting death to the everlasting life of glory in heaven q Phil. 3.20 where now thy conversation should be and thy heart and desire set In the * T. 2. p. 197. Homily concerning the Sacrament it is most divinely delivered That our Lord and Saviour thought it not sufficient to purchase for us his Fathers favour againe which is that deepe fountaine of all goodnesse and eternall life but also invented the wayes most wisely whereby they might redound to our commodity and profit Amongst the which meanes is the publike celebration of the memory of his precious death at the Lords Table Which although it seeme of small vertue to some yet being rightly done by the faithfull it doth not onely helpe their weaknesse who be by their poisoned nature readier to remember injuries than benefits but strengtheneth and comforteth their inward man with peace and gladnesse and maketh them thankfull to their Redeemer with diligent care and godly conversation And as of old time God decreed his wondrous benefits of the deliverance of his people to be kept in memory by the eating of the Passeover See chap. 17. with his rites and ceremonies so our loving Saviour hath ordained and established the remembrance of his great mercy expressed in his Passion in the institution of his heavenly supper In the same * p. 199. Homily it is also said We must be sure to hold that in the supper of the Lord there is no vaine ceremony no bare signe no untrue figure of a thing absent but as the Scripture saith the r 1 Cor. 10.21 table of the Lord the bread cup of the Lord the memory of Christ the ſ 1 Cor. 11.25 26. annuntiation of his death yea the communion of the body and blood of the Lord in a marveilous incorporation which by the operation of the Holy Ghost the very t 1 Iohn 3.24 bond of our conjunctiō with Christ is through faith wrought in the soules of the faithfull whereby not onely their soules live to eternall life but they surely trust to win their bodies a resurrection to immortality The true understanding of this fruition union which is betwixt the body the head betwixt the true beleevers and Christ the ancient Catholike Fathers both perceiving themselves and commending to their people were not afraid to call this supper some of them the salve of immortality and soveraigne preservative against death Other a deificall communion other the u Rev. 3.20 sweet dainties of our Saviour the pledge of eternall health the defence of faith the hope of the resurrection Other the food of immortality the healthfull grace and the conservatorie to everlasting life And in the same first part of the * p. 200. Homily it is also said Thus much more the faithfull see heare and know the favourable mercies of God sealed the satisfaction by Christ towards us confirmed and the remission of sinne established Here they may feele wrought the tranquility of conscience the increase of faith the strengthening of hope the large spreading abroad of brotherly kindnesse with many other sundry graces of God The tast whereof they cannot attaine unto who be drowned in the deepe durty lake of blindnesse and ignorance From the which O beloved u Ier. 4.14 Isay 1.16 Psal 119.9 Psal 26.6 wash your selves with the living waters of Gods Word whence you may perceive and know both the spirituall food of this costly supper and the happy trustings and effects that the same doth bring with it And then after it is said It is well knowne that the meate we seeke for in this supper is spirituall food the nourishment of our soule a heavenly reflection
thereby and giving him hearty thankes therefore he doth eate and drinke the body and blood of our Saviour Christ profitably to his soules health although he doe not receive the Sacrament with his mouth Our Mother the Church who according to her godly wisedome was the first causer of Temples to be built in this Land and the first appointer of the Parishes unto them hath ordained the Temples to be the ordinary places for receiving the holy Sacrament But in cases of necessitie when people cannot with any conveniency come or be brought into the Temple her Divine Wisdome hath appointed such to receive in their private house The Passeover which was even of like signification as the Communion is was kept in q Exod. 12.3 4. Mat. 26.18 private houses So in the Primitive Church it is said The Disciples came together into a r Act. 20.7 8 9. Jta Syrus interpretatus est 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 At Arabs optime ad frangen dum vel distribuendum corpus Messiae house for to breake bread that is to * celebrate the Communion Christ saith ſ Mat. 18.20 Where two or three are gathered together in my name there am I in the midst of them Saint Paul said to the Romanes Greet the Church which is in the t Rom. 16.5 house of Aquila and Priscilla These Scriptures are here alleaged for to illustrate the lawfulnesse of receiving the Communion in private house according as the law of the Church alloweth but not in any otherwise And that Christs body and blood is profitably unto the soules health received sometimes without the Sacrament whē as the Sacrament cannot conveniently bee received that delivery of Christ declareth where he saith Except ye u Ioh. 6.53 54 55 56 57 47. eate the flesh of the Sonne of man and drinke his blood ye have no life in you Who so eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood hath eternall life c. He that beleeveth on me hath everlasting life Behold saith Christ I stand at the doore and knocke If any man heare my voyce and open the doore I will come into him and will sup with him and w Rev. 3.20 he with me But the holy Sacrament is in no wise to be neglected but with all due reverence to be received when as it may conveniently and lawfully bee ministred because it is Gods ordinary meanes whereby his people spiritually eate the flesh of Christ and drinke his blood CHAP. 67. Of Buriall of the dead IN the Rubricke before the Service thereof it is said The Priest meeting the corpes at the Church stile shall say or else the Priest and Clerkes shall sing and so goe either into the Church or towards the grave I am the x Iohn 11.25 26. resurrection and the life saith the Lord He that c. Vpon Christs words concerning Mary the sister of Lazarus that she was come afore hand to annoynt his body to the burying Tremellius a Iew by Nation but a Christian by profession in religion and famous in the Church of God for his translation of the Scriptures forth of Hebrew Chaldean and Syriacke relateth out of * Vide Tremellianam Annotationem ad Mar. 14.6 Iudaicall Antiquity That it was the manner of the Iewes among sundry Ceremonies and Services used about the dead as annoynting washing wrapping in linnen laying it on a Beere c. before they committed the body to the ground first to utter certaine sentences written by their Ancestors or Elders to bee said at this occasion in which funerall Service Gods Iustice is commended and mans sinnes aggravated by which they deserved death and God is beseeched so to exercise his Iustice that he would not forget that he is Mercy also And the Corpes being interred some things also are said as unto the Mourners for their consolation This saith hee was a custome in Israel which in time past was the peculiar people of God and a godly custome not much unlike is now in Englād used at a buriall unto the magnifying of Gods Iustice the condemning of mans sinne the meeke beseeching of Gods mercy through Iesus Christ and the comforting of the sorrowfull upon the occasion And to performe such funerall Service is it not onely proper to the Ministery which is the ordinary y Ios 9.14 mouth of God unto the people and of the people unto God Christ saith It becommeth us to fulfill all z Mat. 3.1 5. righteousnesse The Apostle saith a Phil. 4.8 Whatsoever things are of good report if they be of any vertue or praise they are to be thought upon and observed b 1 Cor. 14.40 All things are to be done decently and in order Ancient orders and customes ordained by the weighty deliberation of forefathers which may be used without any superstition and doe tend onely unto piety and humanity are according as the Church concerning them prescribeth with all conscionable care to be retained performed Yea the Church now greatly esteemeth deliveries of Antiquity as it may appeare where it is said in the Service for Consecration of Bishops That the Archbishop sitting in a Chair shal say this to him that is to be Consecrated Brother forasmuch as holy Scripture A Prayer of Chrysostome is a part of the Letany In the Homilies there are sayings of all the Fathers alleaged with much respect and the old Canons commandeth c. S. Ambrose his song is a part of the Morning Divine Service the Confession of faith composed by Athanasius and the Nicene Creed are therein likewise Read the 34. Article of Religion CHAP. 68. Of the reverence to bee done unto Almighty God in his Worship HOly Church in her Prayer for the whole state of Christs Church militant here in earth prescribeth unto us for to say And to all thy people give thine heavenly grace and specially to this congregation here present that with meeke heart and due reverence they may heare and receive thy holy word In the first part of the * T. 2. p. 1. Homily concerning the right use of the Church or Temple of God and of the reverence due unto the same it is said Where there appeareth at these dayes great slacknesse and negligence of a great sort of people in resorting to the Church there to serve God their heavenly Father according to their most bounden duty as also much uncomely and unreverent behaviour of many persons in the same when they bee there assembled and thereby may just feare arise of the wrath of God and his dreadfull plagues hanging over our heads for our grievous offences in this behalfe among other many and great sinnes which wee daily and hourely commit before the Lord. In the second part of the said * P. 8. Homily the Church saith And indeed concerning the people and multitude the Temple is prepared for them to be hearers rather than speakers considering that aswell the word of God is there read or taught whereunto they are bound
and fall like one of the Princes In the booke of Wisdome it is said unto Rulers d Wisd 6.4 5 6 Because being Ministers of his Kingdome you have not judged aright nor kept the Law nor walked after the Counsell of God horribly and speedily shall hee come upon you For a sharpe judgement shall bee to them that bee in high places For mercy will soone pardon the meanest mighty men shall bee mightily tormented It is recorded of Mordicai the Iew being advanced next unto King Ahasuerus that he sought the e Est 10.3 wealth of his people and spake peace unto all his Seed Blessed are they that keepe judgement and hee that doth f Ps 106.3 righteousnesse at all times saith David But saith Isaiah Woe unto them that g Isa 10.1 2. decree unrighteous Decrees and that write grievousnesse which they have prescribed to turne aside the needy from judgment and to take away the right from the poore of the people that widowes may be their prey and that they may rob the fatherlesse The Lord saith by Moses h Exod. 23.2 3 8. Deut. 16.18 19.20 Thou shalt not follow a multitude to doe evill neither shalt thou speake in a cause to decline after many to wrest judgement Neither shalt thou countenance a poore man in his cause The Iudges and Officers shall judge the people with just judgement Thou shalt not wrest judgement thou shalt not respect persons neither take a gift for a gift doth blinde the eyes of the wise and pervert the words of the righteous That which is altogether just shalt thou follow Paul saith to the Thessalonians Wee command you brethren in the name of our Lord Iesus Christ That yee with-draw your selves from every brother that walketh disorderly and not after the tradition which he received of us For even when we were with you this we commanded you That if any man would not worke i 2 Thes 3.10 neither should hee eate It is a saying and observed out of Moses Law There should be no k Deut. 15.4 begger in Israel CHAP. 73. Of Swearing IN the * T. 1. p. 45. Homily against Swearing and perjury it is said When Iudges require oaths of the people for declaration or opening of the truth or for execution of Iustice Swearing is lawfull Also when men make faithfull promises with calling to witnesse of the name of God to keepe covenants honest promises statutes lawes good customes as Christian Princes doe in their conclusions of peace for conservation of Common-wealths and private persons promise their fidelity in Matrimony or one to another in honesty and true friendship and all men when they doe sweare to keepe common lawes and locall statutes and good customes for due order to bee had and continued among men when subjects doe sweare to bee true and faithfull to their King and Soveraigne Lord and when Iudges Magistrates and Officers sweare truly to execute their Offices and when a man would affirme the truth to the setting forth of Gods glory for the salvation of the people in open preaching of the Gospell or in giving of good Counsell privately for their soules health All these manners of swearing for causes necessarie and honest be lawfull But when men doe sweare of custome in reasoning buying and selling or other dayly communications as many be common and great swearers such kinde of swearing is ungodly unlawfull and forbidden by the Commandement of God For such swearing is nothing else but taking of Gods name in vaine * P. 46 47. Afterward it is said Whosoever sweareth when he is required of a Iudge let him be sure in his conscience that his oath have three conditions and hee shall never need to be afraid of perjury First hee that sweareth must sweare truly that is he must setting apart all favour and affection to the parties have the truth onely before his eyes and for love thereof say and speake that which he knoweth to be truth and no further The second is he that taketh an oath must doe it with judgement not rashly and unadvisedly but soberly considering what an oath is The third is he that sweareth must sweare in righteousnesse that is for the very zeale and love which he beareth to the defence of innocency to the maintenance of the truth and of the righteousnesse of the matter or cause all profit disposits all love and favour unto the person for friendship or kindred laid apart That in communication wee ought not to sweare Christs words doe declare where he saith l Mat. 5.34 35 36 37. Sweare not at all neither by heaven c. by no creature But let your communication be yea yea nay nay for whatsoever is more then these commeth of evill The which Scripture as it forbiddeth all manner of swearing in communication so it forbiddeth to sweare at any time by any thing excepting the name of God onely The Lord saith to the Israelites by Ieremiah How shall I pardon thee for this thy Children have forsaken me and m Ier. 5.7 sworne by them that are no gods In the second part of the * P. 50. Homily of swearing it is most memorably said To the intent you should know how great and grievous an offence against God wilfull perjury is I will shew you what it is to take an oath before a Iudge upon a booke First when they laying their hands upon the Gospell booke doe sweare truly to enquire and to make a true presentment of things wherewith they be charged and not to let from saying the truth and doing truly for favour love dread or malice of any person as God may helpe them and the holy Contents of that booke They must consider that in that booke is contained Gods everlasting truth his most holy and eternall Word whereby we have forgivenesse of our sinnes and be made inheritours of heaven to live for ever with Gods Angels and Saints in joy and gladnesse In the Gospell booke is contained also Gods terrible threats to obstinate sinners that will not amend their lives nor beleeve the truth of Gods holy Word and the everlasting pain prepared in hell for Idolaters Hypocrites for false and vaine swearers for perjured men for false witnesse barers for false condemners of innocent and guiltlesse men and for them which for favour hide the crimes of evill doers that they should not be punished So that whosoever wilfully for sweare themselves upon Christs holy Evangely or Gospell they utterly forsake Gods mercy goodnesse and truth the merits of our Saviour Christs Nativity Life Passion Death Resurrection and Ascension they refuse the forgivenesse of sinnes promised to all penitent sinners the joyes of heaven the companie with Angels and Saints for ever All which benefits and comforts are promised unto true Christian persons in the Gospell And they so being forsworne upon the Gospell doe betake themselves to the devills service the master of all lies falshood deceit and perjurie provoking
our life The tenth and last duty unto God according as the sacred Catechisme hath expressed it is that wee serve him truly all the dayes of our life God requireth us to serve him not as wee * 1 Sâ—m 15.22.23 conceive best but according to his will written in his word For so the Church teacheth us most divinely in the last part of her Article concerning Predestination and Election saying Furthermore we must receive Gods promises in such wise as they be generally set forth to us in holy Scriptures and in our doings that will of God is to be followed which we have expresly declared unto us in the word of God To that end hath Christ redeemed us saith Zacharias that we being delivered out of the hands of our enemies might serve him without feare in e Luk. 1.74.75 holinesse and righteousnesse before him all the dayes of our life The Lord is nigh saith David unto all them that call upon him to all that call upon him in f Ps 145.18 truth And what is truly or truth hath beene declared out of Scripture a little before The people of God in Ioshua his dayes signified what it is to serve God truly saying The Lord our God will wee serve and his g Ios 24.24 voice will we obey Through whom did people then heare the voice of God ordinarily in those dayes Through whom doe people heare the voice of God ordinarily in these dayes Is not the Ministery of God his mouth from whence his voice is ordinarily heard Doth not the Prophet Malachi presse this point saying The priests h Mal. 2.6.7 lips should keepe knowledge and they should seeke the Law at his mouth for hee is the Messenger of the Lord of Hosts to declare the Lords will unto people In the Booke of Ioshua some are found fault withall that they asked not counsell at the i Ios 9.14 mouth of the Lord. Where was the mouth of the Lord at which they asked counsell In Exodus it is expressed The Lord said I will k Exod. 25.22 commune with thee from above the Mercy-seate from betweene the two Cherubims which are upon the Arke of the Testimony of all things which I will give thee in commandement unto the children of Israel And the Apostle to the Hebrewes sheweth that this was done in the Tabernacle which is called the l Heb. 9.3 4 5 6 7 8. holiest of all the second into which the high Priest went onely The which is written to teach us for to attend with all Christian Conscience and due reverence unto that doctrine which Christs high Priest-hood now holdeth forth unto us and that to the people is the doctrine of the Bookes of Divine Service wherein wee are plainely and plentifully taught how to serve God truly all the dayes of our life Also not to m 1 Thes 5.20.21 neglect what the inferiour priest-hood doth preach and teach but to have all due regard unto whatsoever they deliver consonant with the Divine Service and the rest of established Doctrine of the Church The Catechism most divinely addeth also the time when and how long we are to serve God truly namely all the daies of our life In the service of Baptisme it is said unto the sureties that the Infants are to bee taught so soone as they shall be able to learne what a solemne vow promise and profession they have made by you c. Signifying that God requireth a true service from us unto him from our very n Eph. 6.4 Dut. 31.12 Luk. 1.75 2 Tim. 3.15 read Chap. 98. following Child-hood so long as we live in this present world They therefore which consider not seriously upon serving God truly till either old age or sicknesse or some other great calamity befall them doe cleane contrary to the counsell of holy Church in her Catechisme as also in all the rest of her Divine Service-Doctrine CHAP. 80. Of our Dutie towards our Neighbour as it is expressed in most Divine manner in the Catechisme also MY duty towards my Neighbour is to love him as my selfe and to doe to all men as I would they should doe unto me To love honour and succour my father and mother To honour obey the King and his Ministers To submit my selfe to all my governours teachers spirituall pastours and masters To order my selfe lowly and reverently to all my betters To hurt no body by word or deed To be true and just in all my dealing To beare no malice nor hatred in my heart To keepe my hands from picking and stealing and my tongue from evill speaking lying and slandering To keep my body in temperance sobernesse and chastity Not to covet nor desire other mens goods but to learne and labour truly to get mine owne living and to doe my duty in that state of life unto the which it shall please God to call me Hence may be observed fifteene duties in particular that we owe unto Man or our neighbour for the Lords sake or by reason of Gods Commandement The first duty to love our neighbours as our selfe The first is that we ought to love our neighbours as our o Mat. 22 29. selves Herein is prescribed what manner of heart minde or affection wee are to beare towards others wee are to wish all the same good unto all others as wee doe wish unto our owne selves or as we ought to desire for our selves This is to be understood concerning good common to the bodies and soules of all Christians This love wee are not onely taught throughout all the most Sacred Letanie but also in most expresse manner in the third Collect or Prayer appointed to bee read on Good-Friday The which Holy prayer declaring the love of God towards all mankinde and the love in heart which wee should beare towards all our brethren and sisters the whole posterity of Adam it is profitable here to be rehearsed that it may be duly considered the better remembred Mercifull God who hast p Act. 17.26.27 made all men and hatest q Ps 145.9 Wis 11.23.24.26 Ezech. 33.11 nothing that thou hast made nor wouldest the r Ezech. 18.23 32. death of a sinner but rather that he should be s Prov. 1.22.23 converted and t Mat. 23.37 live have mercy upon all u Rom. 9.3.4.5 Rom. 11.12.15.25.26 Ps 14.7 and 122.6 Iewes w Ps 67.2 3 5. Turkes x 1 Tim. 2.1 2 3 4 5 6. Infidels and Heretikes and take from them all ignorance hardnesse of heart and contempt of thy word and so fetch them home Blessed Lord to thy flocke that they may be saved among the remnant of the true Israelites and be made y Ezech. 37.24.25 one fold under one Shepheard Iesus Christ our Lord. By this prayer we are informed to wish that spirituall happinesse to all others as we wish to our selves The word neighbour and brother have in Moses oftentimes the same signification And the word
which leadeth unto life eternall neither doe they give themselves unto sinning neither are they without Gods peace in their consciences Every true member of the said Church of England endevoureth to beleeve and live according to the divine Servince-doctrine and the rest of the doctrine and discipline which is established by publike or common Authority All which said doctrine discipline as this present worke abundantly declareth serveth to further people in the g Ier. 6.16 old pathes where is the good way as the Prophet Ieremiah speaketh and every one that faithfully walketh therein according to the established doctrine and discipline findeth more and more rest for his minde or soule Of hardnesse of heart IN the second part of the * T. 2. p. 269 270. Homily of Repentance it is said Let us hearken unto the voyce of Almighty God h Prov. 1.23 24 28. when he calleth us to repentance let us not i Iob 9.4 Prov. 21.29 and 29.1 harden our hearts as such k Exod. 8.15 Infidels doe who abuse the time l Rev. 2.2 given them of God to repent and turne it to continue their pride and contempt against God and man which know not how much they m Rom. 2.5 Iam. 5.3 heape Gods wrath upon themselves for the hardnesse of their hearts which cannot repent at the n Luke 13.25 26 27. day of vengeance With great godly wisedome hath holy Church ordained to be read at morning Prayer the Psalme wherein God saith unto us by his servant David To day if ye will heare my voice o Ps 95.8 harden not your hearts Wherefore Saint Paul saith Take heed brethren lest there bee in any of you an evill hart of unbeliefe in departing from the living God But exhort one another daily while it is called to day lest any of you bee p Heb. 3.12.13.14.15 hardened through the deceitfulnesse of sinne For wee are made partakers of Christ if wee hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end A meanes to unharden ones owne heart is to beleeve aswell Christs q Mat. 5.20 Matt. 18.3 Luk. 13.3 Rom. 8.13 Luk. 14.26.33 Ioh. 15.6 threatnings as his promises And al that do beleeve what is said in the Gospell concerning his unpartiall judging of mankind have not hearts so hard as they have which beleeve not those divine Oracles concerning Christs righteous judging See Zechariah 7.9.10.11.12.13 and Acts. 28.23.24.25.26.27 Of Desperation IN the second part of the * T. 2. p. 57.58 Homily of falling from God it is said Let us beware good Christian people lest that wee rejecting or casting away Gods word by the which we obtaine and retaine true faith in God be not at length cast off so farre that wee become as the childrē of unbeleefe which be of two sorts far diverse yea almost cleane contrary and yet both be very farre from returning to God the one sort onely weighing their sinfull and detestable living with the right judgement and straitnesse of Gods righteousnesse be so without counsell and be so comfortlesse as they all must needs bee from whom the Spirit of counsell and comfort is gone that they will not bee perswaded in their hearts but that either God cannot or else that hee will not take them againe to his favour and mercie The other hearing the loving and large promises of Gods mercy and so not conceiving a right faith thereof make those promises larger than ever God did trusting that although they continue in their sinfull and detestable living never so long yet that God at the end of their life will shew his mercy upon them and that then they will returne And both these two sorts of men be in a damnable state and yet neverthelesse God who willeth not the death of the wicked hath shewed meanes whereby both the same if they take heed in r Heb. 3.7.13 2 Cor. 6.1.2 Ioh. 9.5.4 Ioh. 12.36 Luk. 13.25.26.27 Mat. 25.10.11.12.13 season may escape The first as they doe dread Gods rightfull justice in punishing sinners whereby they should bee dismayed should despaire indeed as touching any hope that may be in themselves so if they would constantly or stedfastly beleeve that Gods mercy is the remedy appointed against such despaire and distrust not onely for them but generally for all that be sory and truly repentant and will therewithall sticke to Gods mercy they may bee sure they shall obtaine mercy and enter into the Port or haven of safegard into the which whosoever doth come be they before time never so wicked they shall be out of danger of everlasting damnation as God by Ezechiel saith s Ezech. 18.21.22.23.27.28 What time soever a sinner doth returne and take earnest and true repentance I will forget all his wickednesse The other as they bee ready to beleeve Gods promises so they should be as ready to beleeve the t Rev. 21.8 1 Cor. 6.9.10 Gal. 6. threatnings of God aswell they should beleeve the Law as the Gospell aswell that there is an hell and everlasting fire as that there is an heauen and everlasting joy aswell they should beleeve damnation to be threatned to the wicked and evill doers as salvation to be promised to the faithfull in word and workes aswell they should beleeve God to be true in the one as in the other And so along the Church delivereth Gods truth in a wonderfull divine manner Christ saith u Mat. 11.28.29.30 Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden with the burden of your sinnes and with griefe for them and I will give you rest Take my yoke upon you and learne of me for I am meeke and lowly in heart and ye shall finde rest unto your soules But as Saint Paul saith The Lord Iesus shall bee revealed from heaven with his mighty Angels in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God and that w 2 Thes 1.7.8.9 obey not the Gospell of our Lord Iesus Christ who shall be the Gospell of our Lord Iesus Christ who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his power c. Of Sedition and privie conspiracie THough wee heare it or at least should often heare it read in the sacred Letaine From all Sedition and privie conspiracie good Lord deliver us yet how prone are many in the world thereunto Such consider not what the Gospell saith There is no x Rom. 13.1.2 power but of God The powers that bee are ordained of God Whosoever therefore resisteth the power resisteth the ordinance of God and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation Such consider not that other most memorable oracle of God delivered by S. Peter Submit your selves to y 1 Pet. 2.13.14 every ordinance of man for the Lords sakes whether it be to the King as Supreame or unto governours as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evill
is dressed receiveth blessings from God But that which beareth thornes and briers is rejected and is nigh unto cursing whose end is to be burned And againe where hee saith If wee sinne g Heb. 10.26 27 28 29. wilfully after that wee have received the knowledge of truth there remaineth no more sacrifice for sinnes but a certaine fearfull looking for of judgement and fiery indignation which shall devoure the adversaries Hee that despised Moses Law dyed without mercy under two or three witnesses Of how much sorer punishment suppose ye shall he be thought worthy who hath troden under foote the Sonne of God and hath counted the blood of the covenant wherewith he was sanctified an unholy thing and hath done despite unto the spirit of Grace Or else sinne against the Holy Ghost is committed by such who will not at all bee made partakers of that holy Spirit but doe as did many Iewes to whom Saint Stephen said Ye stiffe-necked and uncircumcised in heart and eares Yee doe h Acts. 7.51 alway resist the Holy Ghost as your fathers did so doe ye They also of whom Solomon mentioneth are not much differing where it is said I Wisedome will powre out my i Prov. 1.23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32. spirit unto you I will make knowne my words unto you Because I have called and ye refused I have stretched out mine hand and no man regarded but yee have set at nought all my Counsell and would none of my reproofe I also will laugh at your calamity I will mocke when your feare commeth When your feare commeth as desolation and your destruction commeth as a Whirlewinde when distresse and anguish commeth upon you Then shall they call upon me but I will not answer they shall seeke me early but they shall not finde me for that they hated knowledge and did not chuse the feare of the Lord. They would none of my Counsell they despised all my reproofe Many of the Pharisees among the Iewes were of such a condition who of set malice against Christ k Ioh. 7 7. witnessing unto them that their workes wee evill against the common light of reasō with which Gods holy Spirit endueth l Ioh. 1.9 Rom. 2.14.15 mankind even universally said that Iesus Christ did cast out Devils by m Mat. 12.24 Beelzebub the prince of the Devils when as they and their n Mat 12.27 children had received it as an infallible principle that Satan did not cast out Satan but that onely in o Mat. 7.22 Mat. 9.38.39.40 Gods name and by Gods power the evill spirit was cast out And therefore unto them thus wilfully and spitefully speaking contrary to their very consciences the Lord said p Mat. 12.31.32 All manner of sinne and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men And whosoever speaketh a word against the Sonne of man it shall bee forgiven him but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost it shall not bee forgiven him neither in this world neither in the world to come It most greatly therefore concerneth all which would in life death and for ever have Gods mercy in Iesus Christ to take heed that they at no time speake or doe against the true light of conscience remembring that it is a fearefull thing to fall into the q Heb. 10.31.30 avenging hands of the living Gods CHAP. 97. Of sundry of Gods Curses upon disobedient people IN the first part of the * T. 1. p. 54. Homily of falling from God it is said The displeasure of God towards us is commonly expressed in the Scripture by these two things by shewing his r Ps 34.16 Ps 6.1 fearefull countenance upon us and by turning away his face or by ſ Lam. 3.44 Isa 59.2 hiding it from us By shewing his dreadfull countenance is signified his great wrath but by turning his face or hiding thereof is many times more signified that is to say that hee clearly t Deut. 31.17 18. Ier. 33.5 forsaketh us and giveth us over When God doth shew his dreadfull countenance towards us that is to say doth send dreadfull plagues of sword famine or pestilence upon us it appeareth that he is greatly wroth with us But when he withdraweth from us his Word the * A delivery what the true Word preached is right Doctrine of Christ his gracious assistance and aid which is ever u Ier. 23.22 joyned to his Word and w 1 Sam. 28.15 leaveth us to our owne wit our owne will and strength he declareth then that he beginneth to forsake us In the second part of the said * T. 2. p. 57. Homily it is said What deadly griefe may a man suppose it is to be under the wrath of God to be forsaken of him to have his holie Spirit the Authour of goodnesse to bee taken from him to be brought to so vile a condition that hee shall bee left meet for no better purpose than to be for ever condemned in hell That place of x Isa 5.5 c. Isaiah sheweth that God at length doth so forsake his unfruitfull Vineyard that hee will not onely suffer it to bring forth weedes bryars and thornes but also further to punish the unfruitfulnesse of it He saith he will not cut it he will not delve it and hee will command the Clouds that they shall not raine upon it whereby is signified the teaching of his holy Word which Saint Paul after a like manner expressed by y 1 Cor. 3.6 planting watering meaning that hee will take that away from them so that they shall be no longer of his Kingdome they shall bee no longer governed by his holy Spirit they shall be put from the grace and benefits that they had and ever z Luke 19.42 44 Mat. 23.37 38. Ps 81.12 13 14 15 16. Isa 48.18 19. might have enjoyed through Christ they shall be deprived of the heavenly light life which they had in Christ a Iohn 15.4.6.5.7 Rom. 11.17 20 22 23. whiles they abode in him they shall be as they were once as men without God in this world or rather in worse taking And to bee short they shall bee given into the power of the Devill which beareth the rule in all them that be cast away from God as hee did in Saul and Iudas and generally in all such as worke after their owne wils the Children of mistrust and b Eph. 2.2 unbeliefe In the first part of the * T. 2. p. 5. Homily concerning the right use of the Church it is said We shall not in this life escape his heavy hand and vengeance for this contempt of the house of the Lord and his due service in the same according as the Lord himselfe threatneth in the first Chapter of the Prophet Aggeus after this sort c Hag. 1.9 10 11. Because ye have left my house desert and without company