learne diuers things First it should teach vs not to mourne immoderatly for the dead since when Christ comes againe he will bring them with him and the earth and seas shall make a true account of their dead in the day of Christ 1. Thes. 4.13.14 Secondly it should teach vs to haue the very body in honor and not to transgresse against it seeing it is redeemed by Christ and shall be raised to immortality at the last day Now men sin against the body 1. When according to the traditions of men and through wil-worship they withhold from the body due sustenance Col. 2.23 2. When men pollute their bodies that should be prepared to immortality with filthinesse such as is whoredome drunkennesse sodomitry and such like abominations 1. Cor. 6.13.14 3. When the bodies of the Saints are not carefully and with meet honour buried or their burying places vnciuilly dis-regarded Thirdly the consideration of this great worke of the resurrection of mens bodies should teach vs to trust God in lesser matters and beleeue his promises though there bee neuer so great vnlikelihood of the accomplishment in respect of outward meanes and appearance Rom. 4.17.18 Fourthly we should especially be careful to get the assurāce that our bodies shall haue a glorious resurrection Act. 24.15 And that we may be so assured 1. Wee must pray God to giue vs his holy spirit as the pledge of it For then if the spirit of Christ be in vs the same spirit that raised Christ will raise vp our naturall bodies at the last day Rom. 8.11 2. Wee must bee sure of the first resurrection that the body be dead in respect of sinne and the soule raised vp to a liuely care of newnesse of life they that haue their part in the first resurrection shall neuer taste of the second death Rom. 6. Reuel 20.6 3. In particular we must bee sure to get faith in Iesus Christ who is the resurrection and the life and in whom whosoeuer beleeueth he shal not die for euer Ioh. 11.25 Fifthly we should resolue to liue like such as beleeue a glorious Resurrection and to this end 1. We should be stedfast and vnmoueable in all conditions of life 1. Cor. 15.58 2. Wee should liue as men deuoted wholy to the seruice of Iesus Christ whose we are both in life and death Rom. 14.7.8 3. We should striue to abound in the worke of the Lord 1. Cor. 15.58 rousing vp our selues to the care of well doing 1. Cor. 15. 34. studying to keepe a conscience void of offence toward God and man Acts 24.16 4. Our minds should run on that time and our conuersation should bee in heauen Philip. 3.20 Thus much of the vses for instruction Thirdly the doctrine of the resurrection hath singular comfort in it and Christians are charged to comfort themselues and one another with these things 1. Thes. 4.18 And Dauid did reioyce and was glad at heart for this reason Psalm 16.9 For that is the time of the refreshing of all Christians Acts 3.19 And so the godly haue been wont to comfort themselues against diuers maladies as 1. Against the paines and tortures of the body so did Iob Iob 19.25.26.27 For I am sure that my Redeemer liueth and he shal stand the last on earth And though after my skin wormes destroy this body yet shall I see God in my flesh Whom I my selfe shall see and mine eies shal behold and none other for me though my reines are consumed within me And so did the godly mentioned Heb. 11.35 The women receiued their dead raised to life other also were racked and would not bee deliuered that they might receiue a better resurrection 2. Against the troubles and generall miseries of this life and so Gods people are comforted Dan. 12.1.2 And at that time shall Michael stand vp the great Prince which standeth for the children of thy people and there shall be a time of trouble such as was neuer since there began to be a nation vnto the same time and at that time thy people shall be deliuered euerie one that shall bee found written in the booke And many of them that sleepe in the dust of the earth shall awake some to euerlasting life and some to shame and perpetuall contempt Isaiah 26.19 Thy dead men shall liue euen with my body shall they rise Awake and sing ye that dwell in dust for thy dew is as the dew of hearbs and the earth shal cast out the dead 3. Against death it selfe and so the Apostle triumphs 1. Cor. 15.55.56.57 O Death where is thy sting O graue where is thy victorie The sting of death is sinne and the strength of sinne is the Law But thankes be vnto God which hath giuen vs victorie through our Lord Iesus Christ. Obiect Now if any aske What in the doctrine of the resurrection should comfort vs in those cases Solut. I answere The consideration of the maruelous glory of our bodies in which they should rise should fill vs with sweet refreshings Phil. 3.21 Who shall change our vile bodie that it may be fashioned like vnto his glorious bodie according to the working wherby he is able to subdue al things vnto himselfe For sixe things shal befall our bodies at that day 1. Immortalitie so as they can neuer die againe 1. Cor. 15.42.43.44.53 2. Incorruptiblenesse they shall neuer be inclined to putrefaction or any corruption 3. Spiritualnesse our bodies shall bee raised spirituall bodies they shall be like spirits as it were and that in diuers respects 1. Because they shall be possessed fully by the Spirit of God so as they shall be both gouerned by the Spirit and be subiect to the Spirit wholly 2. Because they shal liue as the Angels in heauen do without meate or raiment or any other bodily helpes or sustenance 3. Because they shall be for nimblenesse as it were spirits they shall bee able with incredible swiftnesse to passe into all the parts of the world earth or aire c. for they shall meete Christ in the aire 1. Thessal 4.17 4. Power for of bodies full of weakenesse and subiect to many calamities and distresses and paines they shall bee raised in power that is strong able and impassible 5. Perfection for they shall be freed from deformitie vnhandsomnesse maimes lamenesse c. and become most faire and comely neither infancie nor old age hindring them but shall appeare in full age and beautie 6. Shining and splendor as the Sunne or Starres in the Firmament the bodie being clothed with a celestiall glory and diuine light 1. Cor. 15.40 Dan. 12.3 And they that bee wise shall shine as the brightnesse of the Firmament and they that turne many to righteousnesse shal shine as the Starres for euer and euer Matth. 13 43. Then shall the iust men shine as the Sun in the Kingdome of their Father Hee that hath eares to heare let him heare c. And as we may comfort our selues by the meditation of these distinct
righteousnesse by that man whom he hath appointed c. Obiect But some one may say what tell ye vs of these terrible things we haue no reason to thinke of our selues that we are vnsanctified how can we or you tell who are not sanctified Sol. It is easie to tell in the negatiue who are not sanctified you may know it of wicked men 1. Because they are a sleepe and dead in sinne and haue not not any true feeling of the hatefulnesse of their many sinnes Ephes 2.1 And you hath he quickned that were dead in trespasses and sinnes 2. Because sinne raignes in them it hath an vnlimited power in them Rom. 6.12 Let not sinne reigne therefore in your mortall body that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof 3. Because they sinne by couenant they hire themselues their purpose is with their whole harts to commit and continue in sin they obey as seruants Rom. 6.16 Know ye not that to whomsoeuer yee giue your selues as seruants to obey his seruants ye are to whom ye obey whether it be of sinne vnto death or of obedience vnto righteousnesse 4. Because they are silent from prayer and confession of sinne Psalm 32.23.5 5. Because they haue no sauor of the things of the spirit but altogether sauour fleshly things Rom. 8.5 For they that are after the flesh sauour the things of the flesh but they that are after the spirit the things of the spirit 6. Because they neuer had any marriage affections to Iesus Christ Rom. 7.5 7. Lastly a wicked man finds in himselfe not onely an impotency but an impossibilitie to be subiect to the Law of God Hee resolues that he cannot possibly yeeld to the directions of the word nor will not whereas a godly mind loues the Law desires to obey endeuours it subiects himselfe to it though hee faile many waies Fourthly and lastly the godly may bee comforted in the obseruation of this worke of the spirit of grace that is in Iesus Christ which killes sinne in them and hath made them aliue from the dead Obiect But some weake Christian might say There is much comfort in this doctrine of the healing of their natures saue that the imperfection of their sanctification is a continuall discomfort Solut. Christians may and ought to comfort themselues against the imperfection of their sanctification many waies and so if they looke 1. Vpon the Spirit of God in their hearts and so two things may relieue them first the assistance of the Spirit which will helpe their infirmities Rom. 8. 26. And then if they consider the very fountaine of all good actions and euery good gift to be the same spirit of God they must needes conclude it is some diuine thing which is wrought in them in as much as it flowes from the holy Ghost howsoeuer it be imperfect through the corruption of their hearts 2. Vpon Iesus Christ and so if they behold 1. His intercession and that likewise hath a double comfort in it for first Christ made intercession for vs when hee praied for our sanctification it should much comfort vs to remember that our sanctification was one of the things Christ praied for Iohn 17.19 Secondly Christ in his intercession in heauen couers all the imperfections of the godly and is their aduocate before the Father 1. Iohn 2.2 Rom. 8.34 2. His death and resurrection from whence flowes a vertue continually which is of singular power to make our sinnes still die in vs and quicken vs to newnes of life Rom. 6.4 For this cause did Christ sanctifie himselfe that hee might sanctifie his members by the influence come from him as from their head Iohn 17.17 3. Vpon the hope of perfect holinesse for the time will come when they shall be without spot or wrincle Ephes 5.27 The merit of their perfect holinesse is found in the price paied by Iesus Christ Heb. 10.14 It should much solace them that one day there shall be a perpetuall end of all sinne and infirmities 4. If in the meane time they looke vpon the good nature of God assuring them by his promises 1. That they are vnder Grace and not vnder the Law Rom. 6.14 2. That hee will not deale with vs after our sins Psalm 103. 3. That he will spare vs as a man spareth his sonne that serueth him Mal. 3.17 4. That hee will accept of the wil and desire for the deed 2. Cor. 8.12 5. That he is slow to anger and ready to forgiue Psalm 103.8 And mercie pleaseth him Micha 7.18 6. That hee will passe by our infirmities meere frailties and not take notice of them Micha 7.18 CHAP. XXVI Of the Resurrection Ioh. 5.28.29 Maruell not at this for the houre shall come in the which all that are in the graues shall heare his voice And they shall come forth that haue done good vnto the resurrection of life but they that haue done euill vnto the resurrection of condemnation HItherto of the principles that concerne the third estate of man The fourth estate of man is the estate of glory and in this we are to consider the three degrees of it 1. The Resurrection of the the body 2. The last Iudgement 3. The glory of Heauen The principles concerning the resurrection are these First that the bodies of dead men shall rise out of the dust of the earth and their owne soules shall enter into them againe Iob 19.23.26 For I am sure that my Redeemer liueth and hee shall stand the last on the earth And though after my skin wormes destroy this body yet shall I see God in my flesh Esa. 26.19 Thy dead men shall liue euen with my body shall they rise Awake and sing ye that dwell in dust for thy dew is as the dew of hearbes and the earth shall cast out the dead c. Ioh. 5.28 Maruell not at this for the houre shall come in the which all that are in the graues shall heare his voice 1. Cor. 15.16 For if the dead be not raised then is Christ not raised c. in the whole chapter Secondly that the bodies of all men shall be raised Ioh. 5.28 as before Small and great the earth sea fier beasts fowles aire c. shall deliuer vp their dead Reuel 20.12.13 And I saw the dead both great and small stand before God and the bookes were opened and another book was opened which is the booke of life and the dead were iudged of those things which were written in the bookes according to their workes And the sea gaue vp her dead which were in her and death and hell deliuered vp the dead which were in them and they were iudged euery man according to their works Iust and vniust shall rise Act. 24.15 And haue hope toward God that the resurrection of the dead which they themselues looke for also shall bee both of iust and vniust Though the vniust shall not rise in the same manner nor by the same power that is by the vertue of Christs
haue put on the new man which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him Secondly this image of God chiefly consisted in knowledge holinesse and righteousnesse Eccles 7.29 Onely loe this haue I found that God hath made man righteous but they haue sought many inuentions Ephes. 4.24 And put on the new man which after God is created in righteousnesse and true holinesse Note that I say chiefly as that which is a principle for else man was created after the image of God First in respect of his substance and so man is the image either of the 1. Being of God or 2. Of the manner of his being 1. Of his being as he hath in him a spirit a nature 1. Spirituall incorporeall 2. Immortall 3. Inuisible 4. Intelligible 2. Of the manner of his being for as in man is one soule and yet diuers faculties as cogitation memory will c. so is there in God one essence and three persons Secondly in respect of his eminency excellency and dominion aboue and ouer all other creatures resembling thus the Lordship of God the Lord of all Genes 1.26 Furthermore God said Let vs make mā in our Image according to our likenesse and let them rule ouer the fish of the sea and ouer the foule of the heauen and ouer the beasts and ouer al the earth and ouer euery thing that creepeth and moueth on the earth Psal. 8.6.7.8 Thou hast made him to haue dominion in the works of thine hands thou hast put all things vnder his feete c. For if the man be Gods image for the Soueraigntie he hath in the family as 1. Cor. 11.7 and the Maiestrate for his superiority in the Common-wealth Psal. 82. much more man in generall for dominion ouer all Thirdly in respect of gifts and so three waies 1. In respect of knowledge for in the mind of man there is hid a-resemblance of Gods wisdome to know God his will and workes with the natures and properties of them 2. In respect of originall Iustice which stood in the rectitude of his nature the spirit subiect to God the soule to the spirit the body to the soule without any sinne 3. In respect of freedome of will There are foure sorts of free-willes 1. Onely to good so in good Angels and the blessed 2. Onely to euill so in diuels and the wicked 3. Partly to euill and partly to good so in the regenerate on earth 4. So to good as it might be to euill so in Adam c. The power of his freedome was such as he could doe all things conuenient to his estate whether Workes of nature as eate sleepe walke rise c. Workes of policie as gouerne his family obserue peace c. Or Workes religious 1. Internall to loue feare and trust in God 2. Externall to teach pray sacrifice c. The vses follow Wee should informe our selues of Gods maruelous loue to man in his Creation which appeares not onely in the time he made him last when hee had prouided all things made for him But in the place in Paradice And in the manner Both of making his body He did not say let it bee but as it were framed all with his owne hands the man of the dust the woman of the rib And of inspiring his soule he breathed the breath of liues into him Genes 2.7 The Lord God made the mā also of the dust of the ground and breathed in his face breath of life and the man was a liuing soule He begat his soule as it were a diuine sparke or particle of God therefore called the Father of spirits Heb. 12.9 Zach. 12 1. Acts 17.28 And in both he saith let vs make calling all the Trinitie to the care and workmanship But especially that hee should as it were be made like vnto God himselfe and therefore let vs sing as Psal. 8.3 What is man that thou thus mindest him c. Of true blessednesse wherein it consists viz. not in idlenes riches lust pleasure sports c. for none of all this was in paradice yet Adam happy perfectly c. The second vse is for instruction and so it should teach vs diuers duties 1. Vnto God and so first we should with all thankfulnesse affectionately acknowledge his loue to man 2. It should instruct man earnestly to study and endeuour To know God To feare To resemble him To praise his workmanship For these were the ends of mans creation no other creatures could reach it therefore God made man reasonable We doe not answere the end of our creation if we make not God in some sort visible by our holines and praise his workes c. The second duty is to our selues and so it should teach vs 1. First to care for the precious and immortall soule that God hath breathed into vs aboue all as Matth. 16.26 For what shall it profit a man though he should win the whole world if he lose his owne soule or what shall a man giue for the recompence of his soule What should wee dote on temporall things when our soules are created to the possession of eternall blessednesse 2. To bee patient and trust vpon God in distresse Psal. 22.11 Be not farre from me because trouble is neere for there is none to helpe me c. Psal. 139.14 I will praise thee for I am fearefully and wondrously made maruelous are thy workes and my soule knoweth it well 3. To lament our fall 4. To study our recouery and we see hence what to seeke viz. knowledge and goodnesse 5. To long for the time mentioned Psal. 17.15 When we shall be satisfied with his Image The third duty is towards men 1. First wrong not man for he is Gods image Genes 9.6 Who so sheadeth mans blood by man shall his blood be shed for in the image of God hath he made man 2. Loue one another especially where this Image is repaired for we were created to this end that we should delight one in another The third vse is for reproofe confutation and humiliation 1. For our insensiblenesse forgetfulnesse and vncapablenesse of these considerations especially for our want of lamentation for the ruines in our nature 2. For our horrible neglect of knowledge and goodnesse without which man is more like a beast yea in respect of sinne like a Diuell 3. Of the Papists about pictures of God most dishonourably they would mend Gods draught by dumb pictures yet God hath heere giuen vs a picture his Image CHAP. VIII Of the fall of Man Eccles. 7.29 Onely loe this haue I found that God hath made man righteous but they haue sought many inuentions THe misery of man in his estate of corruption must be considered two waies In the cause of it In the parts of it The cause of it was the fall of our first parents concerning which are these principles That our parents Adam and Eue fel and lost speedily the happinesse in which
personall vnion is this of the diuine nature with the humane in one person The mystical vnion is of Christ with the Church in one body The sacramentall vnion is of the body and blood of Christ with bread and wine in one ordinance This vnion is not a vnion of inhabitation as God dwels in the Saints nor of consent only as the faithfull are one in the Father and the Sonne Nor of commixtion as water and wine are one nor of combination as two boords fastened together are one nor of composition when of two things is made some third thing in one But it is I say a personall vnion the humane nature of Christ being assumed into vnion with the person of the Sonne of God From whence ariseth A speciall manner of subsisting in the humane nature of Christ differing from other men For soule and body make a person in other men but not so in Christ. For his soule and body are borne vp and subsist in his diuine nature As the luie or Misseltoe growes without a root of it owne vpon the body of another tree so is it with the humane nature of Christ As soule and body in vs make one man so God and man make one Christ in him A communication of proprieties so as that which is proper to one nature is attributed to the whole person so the Sonne of God was crucified bought the Church with his blood 1. Cor. 2.8 Act. 20.28 The collation of gifts vpon the humane nature after an vnspeakable manner In respect of which the humane nature of Christ doth excell all creatures for wisedome goodnesse holinesse power maiesty and glory in as much as the God-head dwelles in him bodily Col. 2.9 For in him dwelleth all the fulnesse of the God-head bodily and so the second Adam doth farre excell the first It was needfull Christ should be God and man in one nature 1. That so he might reconcile or make God and man one againe 2. That so hee might bee a meet Mediator as being a kin to both parties 3. That he might pacifie God by his death which he could neither feele as God nor ouercome as man 4. That the works of redemption done in the flesh might bee sufficient price for sin by which the infinite God was wronged Here is also consolation in this doctrine for hence ariseth manifest reason of hope of pardon and peace with God and besides out of his fulnesse wee may now all receiue grace and a supply for all our wants Heere wee haue all the treasures of wisdome and grace in Christ-man and hee is now able to be a fountaine of more good to vs then euer the first Adam was of euill CHAP. XVII Of Christ as Mediator HItherto of the principles concerning the person of Christ his office followes The principles cōcerning his office consider it either in the whole or in the parts of it The whole office of Christ is to be a mediator and so the principles that concerne the mediatorship are fiue First that there is but one mediatour betweene God and man euen Iesus Christ 1. Tim. 2.5 For there is one God and one mediator betweene God and man which is the man Christ Iesus Act. 4.12 Neither is there saluation in any other for amongst men there is giuen none other name vnder heauen whereby we must bee saued Luk. 2.11 That is that vnto you is borne this day in the City of Dauid a Sauiour which is Christ the Lord. Because there is none more mercifull Heb. 2.17 Nor more able Heb. 7.25 That the cause of our saluation in his mediation is not merit in man but grace in God and Christ 2. Tim. 1.9 Who hath saued vs and called vs with an holy calling not according to our workes but according to his owne purpose and grace which was giuen to vs through Christ Iesus before the world was Tit. 3.4.5 But when the bountifulnesse and loue of God our Sauiour toward man appeared Not by the workes of righteousnesse which we had done but according to his mercy he saued vs by the washing of the new birth and the renewing of the holy Ghost Ephes. 2.8 For by grace are ye saued through faith and that not of your selues it is the gift of God That this mediation was from the beginning of the world and shall be to the end Hebr. 13.8 Iesus Christ yesterday and to day the same also is for euer 1. Pet. 1.20 Which was ordained before the foundation of the world but was declared in the last times for your sakes Reuel 13.8 Therefore all that dwell vpon the earth shall worship him whose names are not written in the booke of life of the Lambe which was slaine from the beginning of the world For in the knowledge destination and acceptation of God the two natures were accounted as vnited and with him the things done and to be done present and to come are all one For explication of this principle if we aske when the mediator was giuen it must be answered three waies 1. If we respect Gods decree he was giuen before all eternity Ephes. 1.4 As he hath chosen vs in him before the foundation of the world 2. If wee respect the vertue and efficacie of his mediation he was giuen when need was from the beginning of the world Reuel 13.8 Which was slaine from the beginning of the world 3. If we respect his manifestation in the flesh he was giuen in the fulnesse of time 1600. yeeres agoe Galath 4.4 But when the fulnesse of time was come God sent forth his Sonne made of a woman and made vnder the law 1. Tim. 2.6 Who gaue himselfe a ransome for all men to be a testimony in due time 4. That without the mediation of Christ no flesh can bee saued Act. 4.12 Neither is there saluation in any other for among men there is giuen none other name vnder heauen whereby we must bee saued Psalm 143.2 And enter not into iudgement with thy seruant for in thy sight shall none that liueth be iustified Iam. 3.2 For in many things we sinne all 5. That by the mediator a new agreement or contract was made with God Ierem. 31.33 But this shall be the couenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those dayes saith the Lord I will put my law in the inward parts and write it in their hearts and will be their God and they shall bee my people Heb. 8.13 In that he saith a new Testament he hath abrogated the old now that which is disanulled and waxed old is ready to vanish away Rom. 3.23.24 For there is no difference for all haue sinned and are depriued of the glory of God and are iustified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Iesus Galath 3.21.22 Is the Law then against the promise of God God forbid for if there had been a law giuen which could haue giuen life surely righteousnes should haue been by the law But the Scripture hath
we must for euer separate from them if they persist in their heresies for they teach vs that Christ did not once for al fully sacrifice to God but that the sacrifice must be renewed daily in the Masse contrary to the expresse words of the text Heb. 9.26.28 For then must heâ— haue often suffered since the foundation of the world but now in the end of the world hath he appeared once to put away sinne by the sacrifice of himselfe So Christ was once offered to take away the sinnes of many Heb. 10.11.12 And euery Priest appeareth daily ministring and oft times offereth one manner of offering which can neuer take away sinnes But this man after he had offered one sacrifice for sinnes sitteth for euer at the right hand of God And besides they teach that men may make satisfaction to God for their sins by their owne workes and by the workes of the Saints 3. Thirdly concerning the most wofull condition of wicked men that liue in their sinnes they may fully see how they shall speede with God by this that befell Christ. If God spared not his onely begotten Sonne that was but a suretie for sinne will he spare them that are principals would not God find out such a mercy to Christ as to free him from such extremities and do they trust to a mercy in God neuer reuealed in the word neuer shewed to Christ was not Christ able without such wofull tortures to beare the wrath of God and doe they thinke to be able to endure those riuers of brimstone and fier in Hell 4. Concerning a singular and new way of obedience in Christ if wee will needes haue workes of supererogation let vs acknowledge them onely in Christ for the doctrine of his passion tels vs of an obedience to a commandement of God that was not in the Morall law and that was his speciall submission to that singular will of his Father in being that one that should die for the people To expiate for other mens sinnes is a speciall kind of righteousnesse not mentioned in the Law 5. Concerning the offence of the Crosse though both Iewes and Gentiles stumbled at this doctrine at the first yet we see there is no reason why wee should bee troubled at the abasements of Christ but rather to reioyce and wonder at the dreadfull expiation was made to God for vs in them For thus it behoued him to suffer as all the Prophets from Moses haue witnessed 1. Cor. 1.23 Luk. 24.45.46 Thus of the vse for information The consolations follow The doctrine of the passion of Christ is exceeding comfortable and that both in generall and particular consolations It is generally comfortable 1. First in respect of the establishment of our hearts in the assurance that Iesus of Nazareth was the true Messias promised to the Fathers Which may appeare if we consider but the history of his passion in as much as in him were fulfilled al these signes foretold in the seuerall ages of the old Church The old prophesies were all accomplished in him The scepter was now departed from Iuda foretold Genes 49.10 They diuided his garments and cast lots vpon his vesture according to Psalm 22.8 They pierced his hands and feet Psal. 22.16 The chiefe builders refused him according to Psal. 118.22 In his arraignment hee was silent opened not his mouth according to Esa. 53.7 Hee was reckoned amongst the wicked in his death according to Esa. 53.12 They gaue him gall and vineger to drinke according to Psalm 69.21 He accomplished the meaning of the sacrifices in shedding his blood and suffering without the campe Heb. 9.14 Heb. 13.11.12 2. Secondly if we consider the effects of his passion for from hence flowes to vs and euery beleeuer 1. First the purchase both of our soules and bodies 1. Cor. 6.20 For ye are bought for a price therefore glorifie God in your body and in your spirit for they are Gods Rom. 7.4 So ye my brethren are dead also to the law by the body of Christ that ye should bee vnto another euen vnto him that is raised vp from the dead that we should bring forth fruit vnto God 2. The ratification of the eternall couenant Heb. 9.16 For where a testament is there must bee the death of him that made the testament c. 3. The reconciling of vs to God Rom. 5.10 For if when wee were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Sonne much more being reconciled we shall be saued by his life 1. Pet. 3.18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sinnes the iust for the vniust that hee might bring vs to God c. 4. The abolishing of sinne both in respect of the remission of the guilt 1. Ioh. 1.7 The blood of Iesus Christ his Sonne cleanseth vs from all sinne Matth. 26.28 For this is my blood of the new testament that is shead for many for the remission of sinnes And sanctification against the power of it Rom. 6.6 Knowing this that our old man is crucified with him that the body of sinne might be destroyed that henceforth we should not serue sinne c. 5. The swallowing vp of death 1. Cor. 15.54 So when this corruptible hath put on incorruption and this mortall hath put on immortality then shall be brought to passe the saying that is written Death is swallowed vp into victory Vanquishing him that had power of death freeing vs that were in bondage to the feare and that of death Hebr. 2.14.15 For as much then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood he also himselfe likewise tooke part with them that he might destroy through death him that had the power of death that is the diuell And that hee might deliuer all them which for feare of death were all their life time subiect to bondage 2. Tim. 1.10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Sauiour Iesus Christ who hath abolished death and hath brought life and immortality vnto light through the Gospell c. 6. Liberty to enter into the most holy place of heauen by a new and liuing way Hebr. 9.12 Neither by the blood of goats and calues but by his owne blood entred he in once vnto the holy place and obtained eternal redemption for vs. Hebr. 10.19 Seeing therefore brethren that by the blood of Iesus we may be bold to enter into the holy place Thirdly if we consider the order of priesthood of which he was in offering this sacrifice He was a Priest after the order of Melchisedeck and not after Aaron Psalm 110.4 The Lord sware and will not repent thou art a Priest for euer after the order of Melchisedeck Heb. 7. all the chapter Of all the Priests that were types of Christ Melchisedeck was the most liuely and noblest type and did most fully shadow out both the person and office of Christ For by Melchisedeck three most comfortable things in Christ were shadowed out The first was his dignity hee was so a Priest as he
into heauen viz. as Adam did into paradise naked in body but clothed in soule with Innocency and immortality but chiefely to expiate for our shamefull wickednesse before God 10. Hee was hanged vpon a tree that so as death by the tree entred into the world so on a tree it should be destroied and life brought backe againe And besides herein Christ answered the type in Isaacks offering vp and the brasen Serpent lifted vp on high Ioh. 3.14 and that Christ lifted vp in the aire might ouercome the Prince of the aire and all his spirituall wickednesses Coloss. 2.15 And that he might beare the curse of the Law being in that kind of death made a speciall curse for vs Gal. 3.13.14 11. He dranke gall and viniger wherein he both fulfilled the Scriptures Psal. 69.21 For they gaue me gall in my meate and in my thirst they gaue me vineger to drink c. And as the second Adam bare the punishment of the first Adams offence in tasting the iuice of the forbidden fruit 12. The nailing of his hands and feete assures vs of the cancelling of the hand-writing of ordinances that was against vs both of the dissolution of all ceremoniall agreements and of the full cancelling of the bond morall for so much as concernes the forfeiture that lay vpon vs Coloss. 2. 14 c. CHAP. XXI Of Christs intercession HItherto of the expiation of sinnes The third part of the Priesthood of Christ followes and that is the intercession of Christ concerning which there are foure principles 1. That Christ at the right hand of God maketh intercession for vs Rom. 8.34 Who shall condemne It is Christ which is dead yea or rather which is risen againe who is also at the right hand of God and maketh request also for vs. Heb. 7.25 Wherefore he is able also perfectly to saue them that come vnto God by him seeing he euer liueth to make intercession for them 2. That we haue no other intercessour in heauen but Christ 1. Tim. 2.5.6 For there is one God and one Mediator betweene God and man which is the Man Christ Iesus Who gaue himselfe a ransome for all men to bee a testimony in due time Isaiah 59.16 And when he saw that there was no man he wondred that there was no intercessour therfore his arme did saue it and his righteousnesse it selfe did sustaine it 3. That the intercession of Christ is perpetuall hee so doth it once as hee will neuer faile to doe it in all ages Heb. 7.25.28 For the Law maketh men high priests which haue infirmitie but the word of the oth that was since the law maketh the sonne who was consecrated for euermore 4. That he makes intercession onely for the Elect Iohn 17.9 I pray for them I pray not for the world but for them which thou hast giuen me for they are thine c. Now for the explication of these principles three things must be opened The first is the acceptation of the word intercession for it signifieth Sometimes the prayers which the godly make in the name of Christ the intercessor to turne away Gods iudgements from their brethren in this world and so it is taken 1. Tim. 2.1 I exhort therefore that first of all supplications prayers intercessions and giuing of thanks be made for all men c. Sometimes the complaints that men make or pretend to make against the faults of others Thus Elias made intercession against Israel Rom. 11.2 And the Iewes made intercession against Paul Acts 25.24 But vsually it signifieth that part of the mediation of Christ in which he appeares before God to preuent or pacifie his displeasure towards the Elect. 2. The second is how many waies Christ makes intercession for vs and so there are seuen distinct things in the intercession of Christ for 1. First he presents himself before God with his merits tendring his sacrifice for our satisfaction Heb. 9.24 For Christ is not entred into the holy places that are made with hands which are similitudes of the true sanctuary but is entred into very heauen to appeare now in the sight of God for vs. And so pacifying God toward vs Ier. 30.31 2. Hee praied and still doth pray for vs all his prayers on earth were a part of his intercession and he still prayeth for vs in heauen Rom. 8.34 Who is also at the right hand of God and maketh request also for vs. Heb. 7.25 Wherefore he is able also perfectly to saue them that come vnto God by him seeing hee euer liueth to make intercession for them c. 3. He offers vp our prayers and praises to God Reuel 8.3.4 That he should offer with the prayers of all Saints vpon the golden altar which is before the throne And the smoke of the odours with the prayers of the Saints went vp before God out of the Angels hand And so all our good works Col. 1.22 In the body of his flesh through death to make you holy and vnblameable and without fault in his sight 4. He vndertakes for vs before God and giues his word for vs that we being mindfull of reconciliation through him shall eschew sinne by his grace and not prouoke God any more as wee haue done This sponsion is a necessary part of the office of an intercessor Iohn 17.6 I haue declared thy name vnto the men which thou gauest mee out of the world thine they were and thou gauest them mee and they haue kept thy word 25. O righteous Father the world hath also not knowne thee but I haue knowne thee and these haue knowne that thou hast sent me 26. And I haue declared vnto them thy name and will declare it that the loue wherewith thou hast loued me may be in them and I in them 5. He pleades our cause as an aduocate and remoues and non-suites all accusations which men or Diuels may make against vs to God Rom. 8.34 as before 1. Ioh. 2.1 My babes these things write I vnto you that ye sinne not and if any man sinne we haue an Aduocate with the Father Iesus Christ the iust c. 6. He poureth out vpon vs the spirit of intercession which causeth vs after an vnutterable manner to make our moanes and requests to God Rom. 8.26 Likewise the spirit also helpeth our infirmities for we know not what to pray as we ought but the Spirit it selfe maketh request for vs with sighes which cannot be expressed c. So in the 15 For ye haue not receiued the spirit of bondage to feare againe but ye haue receiued the spirit of adoption whereby wee cry Abba Father Gal. 4.6.7 And because yee are sonnes God hath sent forth the spirit of his Sonne into your hearts which crieth Abba Father c. 7. Hee sprinkleth his blood vpon vs by application of his merits to vs which cries and makes intercession for vs Heb. 12.24 And to Iesus the Mediatour of the new Testament and to the blood of sprinkling that speaketh better things then that
resurrection Dan. 12.2 And many of them that sleepe in the dust of the earth shall awake some to euerlasting life and some to shame and perpetuall contempt Quest. It may bee obiected that Daniel saith many shall rise not all Answ. Hee may speake so because wee shall not all die but those that are aliue at Christs comming shall bee changed in stead of death and resurrection 1. Thes. 4.15 For this say we vnto you by the word of the Lord that we which liue and are remaining in the comming of the Lord shall not preuent them which sleepe c. 1. Cor. 15.53 Thirdly that the same bodies which men carry about with them in this world shall rise againe Iob 19.26.27 And though after my skin wormes destroy this body yet shall I see God in my flesh Whom I my selfe shall see and mine eyes shall behold and none other for me though my raines are consumed within me Psalm 34.20 He keepeth all his bones not one of them is broken This very corruptible must put on incorruption 1. Cor. 15. 53. For this corruptible must put on incorruption and this mortall must put on immortality c. The reasons are 1. because euery man shall receiue in his body what hee hath done either good or euill 2. Cor. 5.10 For wee must all appeare before the iudgement seat of Christ that euery man may receiue the things which are done in his body according to that he hath done whether good or euill 2. Because else it were absurd that any other body should bee crowned but that which suffered or punished but that which sinned Fourthly that this resurrection shall bee at the ende of the world euen the last day of the world Ioh. 6.44 No man can come to me except the Father which hath sent me draw him and I will raise him vp at the last day And therefore we must distinguish betweene particular resurrections and the generall or vniuersall Particular resurrections haue been past in some cases miraculously as at the time of Christs death but the principle speakes of the vniuersall resurrection The vses may be for Information Instruction Consolation Terrour First for information and so we should striue to informe our selues in three things 1. The certainty of it that it shall surely be 2. The manner of it since it must needs be 3. The glory of the life in Christ that can effect this For the first we may find many waies to affect our harts with a full assurance that our dead bodies shall rise againe many things tend hereunto some probable some infallible some shew it that it may bee others that it shall be That it is not impossible other workes in nature shew as first the Phoenix a bird in Arabia of which it is written that waxing old with the stickes of Frankincense and Cassia with which shee filled her nest shee makes a fier and being put in the fier and burned to ashes by and by after the dew of heauen lights vpon her she comes forth aliue Secondly we know that many little birds which for the winter-time lie out of the way in deepe marshes or such like places yet in spring time come out aliue againe Thirdly we see that trees and plants in winter loose all their ornaments and being dead to see to yet reuiue againe Fourthly thus doth the seed also which the husband-man throwes into the ground 1. Cor. 15.36 O foole that which thou sowest is not quickened except it die Fifthly and lastly night and day sleepe and waking shewes vs thus much the day dies into the night and yet reuiues to the world with all his glory Yea in man himselfe there is grounds of singular probability For First his deliuerances from dangers and distresses are as it were lesser resurrections and the terme is giuen to it The houses in which the Iewes were captiues were as so many graues and their returne as a rising from the dead Ezech. 37.12 2. Cor. 1.10 Secondly he hath had an experience of the first resurrection in his soule already and how can he doubt the rising of his body Rom. 6. Ioh. 5.25.28 Reu. 20.6 Thirdly diuers particular men haue appeared raised from the dead as Lazarus Ioh. 13.43 the Saints that appeared out of the graues after Christs death Mat. 27.52.53 Fourthly God shewed this in a vision to Ezechiel when he saw a field full of dry bones receiuing at Gods commandement flesh and nerues and life Ezech. 37. But wee haue more then probabilities we haue certaine arguments for it as First the word of God assuring it 1. Thes. 4.15 as was proued before to whom all things are possible Luk. 1.37 For with God shall nothing bee vnpossible Luk. 18.27 The things which are vnpossible with men are possible with God Rom. 4.21 Secondly the Sonne of God vndertaking to effect it Iohn 6. 39. And this is the Fathers will which hath sent me that of all which he hath giuen me I should loose nothing but should raise it vp againe at the last day c. Thirdly the resurrection of Christ to assure it who rose as our surety 1. Thes. 4.14 Fourthly the Sacrament of Baptizme sealeth both the resurrection of soule and body Fifthly and lastly the Apostle proues at large the necessity of the resurrection by many arguments shewing in effect that all religion is ouerturned if the resurrection bee not beleeued 1. Cor. 15.12 Thus that it shall be How it shall be followes The manner of the resurrection will be thus First when the last day of the world is come Christ on a sudden in the same visible forme he went to heauen will come in the clouds with his Angels and thousands of the soules of his Saints Iude 14. 1. Thes. 4.15 Secondly the trumpet of God shall then sound the voice of the Arch-angell shall then bee heard Christ shall command exhort and call vpon the dead to rise and come away to iudgement 1. Thes. 4.16.17 so as the very dead shall heare this shout and voice of Christ Ioh. 5.29 Matth. 24.31 Thirdly immediately the spirit of Christ will bring the soules of all the godly and they shall enter into their bodies and then they that haue slept in the dust of the earth shall bee raised to life Fourthly the bodies of the wicked shall then bee raised also by the power of God by a way vnknowne Fifthly men that shal then be aliue shal haue a chāge on a sudden in stead of death and resurrection 1. Cor. 15. 1. Thes. 4.15 16. Sixthly the Angels shall then gather the Elect and chase in the reprobates from the foure winds of heauen and present them before Christ Matth. 24.31 Thus of the manner Thirdly this may informe vs concerning the glorious life of the Sonne of God who doth not onely liue himselfe but giues life to millions of men by his spirit Ioh. 5.21 and raised dead bodies so miraculously Thus of the vses for information From the doctrine of the resurrection wee should
Heauen Thus the Patriarches comforted themselues Heb. 11.13 2. Against the griefe for the death of our friends why doe we sorrow for them that are so happie 3. Against the many afflictions of this life the feare and care of which should bee swallowed with the hope of eternall life as these places shew Rom. 8.18 For I count that the afflictions of this present time are not worthie of the glorie which shall be shewed vnto vs. 2. Cor. 4.17.18 For our light affliction which is but for a moment causeth vnto vs a farre most excellent and an eternall waight of glory while wee looke not on the things which are seene but on the things which are not seene for the things which are seene are temporall but the things which are not seene are eternall 4. Against the feare of death for these principles teach vs to belieue that the dead are blessed Reuelat. 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 And that this death will be quickly swallowed vp of victorious life 1. Cor. 15.16.17 The sting of death is sinne and the strength of sinne is the Law But thanks be to God which hath giuen vs victorie through our Lord Iesus Christ. These comforts will bee the more abundant if wee consider either first the particulars of this glory secondly or the properties of it For the first our glory in heauen may be thus shadowed out It consists of perfection of holinesse and happinesse Our holinesse shall then bee perfect we shall be without spot or wrinkle Ephes. 5.27 Gods people shall then bee all righteous Isaiah 60.21 Thy people also shall be all righteous And this perfection shall be both of Nature and of Action In nature we shall be perfectly holy which may bee considered in respect of the holinesse First of our soules secondly of our bodies thirdly of our soule and bodie together First in our soules there shall bee 1. Exquisite knowledge wee shal then know as we are known when that which is in part is done away we shall no more vnderstand as children but shall haue our minds enlightned aboue the knowledge of Prophets and Apostles in this world for God himselfe shall be our euerlasting light 1. Cor. 13.10.11.12 But when that which is perfect is come then that which is in part shall be abolished When I was a child I spake as a child I vnderstood as a child I thought as a child but when I became a man I put away childishnes or childish things For now we see through a glasse darkely but then shall we see face to face now I know in part but then shall I know euen as I am knowne Isaiah 60.19 Thou shalt haue no more Sunne to shine by day neither shall the brightnes of the Moone shine vnto thee for the Lord shall be thine euerlasting light and thy God thy glory 2. Freedome of will when all the impediments of desire and endeuours shall bee taken off which now as fetters hinder vs in communion with God and as cords hale vs after vanitie where it shall bee also as easie to doe good as to desire it 3. Vnspeakeable charitie our hearts being fild with al those affections that are now any way required in the word of God either toward God or man 1. Cor. 13.8 Loue doth neuer fall away though that prophesying be abolished or the tongues cease or knowledge vanish away What is now the life of our liues more then to loue and to be beloued This earthly loue is but a sparke in comparison Secondly in our bodies there shall be a perfect conformitie of all the members for the seruice of God and the soule they shall bee no more weapons of vnrighteousnesse as they haue been Rom. 6.13 Rom. 6.19 Thirdly in both body and soule there shall be 1. The perfect Vision of the admirable beauties of God which of it selfe is more worth then the possession of the whole world and this Vision of God shall not onely be mentall by contemplation of which 2. Cor. 12.2 but also corporal for so Iob auoucheth Cap. 19.25 For I am sure my Redeemer liueth and he shall stand the last on earth Vers. 26. And though after my skin wormes destroy this bodie yet shall I see God in my flesh Vers. 27. Whom I my selfe shall see and my eies behold and none other for mee though my reines are consumed within me We shall then see him perfectly in the creatures and haue him perfectly in our selues and behold the Trinitie in the glorie of it after a way now vnutterable 2. The perfection of the image of God in both we shall then be as hee is partaking perfectly of the diuine nature 1. Iohn 3.2 2. Pet. 1.4 which is signified by those pure white garments mentioned Reuel 3.4.5 6.11 7.13 19.8 Thus shall we be perfect in nature The perfection of our actions or obedience shall then bee obtained wee shall then serue God loue our brethren without all defect We shall praise God with the Angels to all eternitie for that shall be the maine outward seruice of God for prayer shal thē cease Reuel 4.10.11 Thus of the perfection of holinesse The perfection of happines shal haue in it diuers things The first part of our felicity is acknowledgement in the kingdom of heauen which is a worke of Christ declaring vs in particular to bee elected of God and his children and friends And this is more comfortable because we shall thus bee proclaimed the heires apparant of heauen before God and all his holy Angels Matth. 10.32 Whosoeuer therefore shall confesse mee before men him will I confesse also before my father which is in heauen 2. Glorious liberty reserued for the sonnes of God vnto that day of which Rom. 8.21 And this liberty may be considered two waies viz. 1. From what we shall bee free 2. To what we shall bee free For the first we shall then be free First from the torments and miseries of the damned in hell wee shall haue an eternall discharge from that most fearfull place which is promised vs already in this life Rom. 8.1 Now then there is no condemnation to them that are in Christ Iesus which walke not after the flesh but after the spirit c. Reuel 20.14 And death and Hell were cast into the lake of fier this is the second death c. Secondly from the displeasure of God he will neuer be angry with vs any more there shall be no more curse or Anathema Reuel 22.3 And there shall bee no more curse but the throne of God and of the Lambe shall be in it and his seruants shall serue him Thirdly from sinne and the power to sinne our holinesse shal be better then Adams in Paradise he might sinne but wee shall be confirmed as the Angels of heauen so as we