make entrance to the Attributes of Mercy Grace Patience loving kindnesse Consolation c. c. When men will conceale and hide their sins they labour to make themselves no better then Atheists Ezeck 9.10 Psal 86.14 and 94 7. First The Apostle saith thus of Gods Attributes of strength Do we provoke the Lord to anger are we stronger then he 1 Cor. 10. Jeremiah exhorteth not to glory in the wisdome strength and riches of this world which come to naught but in the wisdome strength and riches that may be found in the true knowledge of God Jeâ— 9.23.24 Job 22.25 Apot. 3.18 and make the comfortable expression of an incommunicable Attribute in Mal. 3.16 There is both terror and comfort in this Attribute the living God it is a fearfull thing to fall into the hands of the living God then it is a living wrath unto hypocrites that shall last to all eternity and observe how this is pressed by the Aopstle to the revolting Hebrewes despising the blood of the covenant and cleaving to the false Doctrine of the traditions of their Fathers Ebr. 10.1 Pet. 1.18 Moses pressed this upon the deceitefull hearts that were in Israel in his dayes But to the godly this title of living God is as comfortable for he is their living joy living consolation living peace living glory with God after this life and therefore while we live here let us meditate as David did Jehovah liveth and blessed be my Rock Psal 18.46 This was his comfort in all the stormes floods and windes that assaulted him in diverse tryalls as this Psalme and others shew he built on the Rock This Psalme is expounded of the Son of God who ruleth all Rom. 15.9 And he saith to his Disciples Joh. 14. Because I live yee shall live also lively stones built on him the living Rock this he said to them and to us because of the tryalls he foresaw would affront them It is well for us that Jehovah liveth Also observe how Moses dealeth in pressing his exhortations Deut. 7.9 Againe he is wise in heart and mighty in strength who ever hardned himselfe against him and prospered Job 9.4.3 When a man addresseth himselfe to prayer it is a ground of faith to begin with some Attribute and with all to remember some promise as is suitable to our petition this is an high poynt of Christian wisdome and piety the Saints have used so to doe Dan. 9.2.3.4 Rom. 15.5 Neh. 1.8 A man that hath not some knowledge of God in his attributes and faith concerning them cannot pray with that profit to his inner man as else he might do What man can pray as he ought to doe if he beleive not Gods emnipotency omnipresence and omnisciency and so of the other attributes above noted Oh what shall we say we are not able to order our speech concerning the attributes and works of God by reason of our darknesse Job 37.19 N. 12. Our God his titles c. Observe the sweet influences that some glorious starrs have yeilded which have risen in the horizon of a Church from the consideration of Gods attributes the RR Mr. Dod on Exo. 34. D. Preston and others oh we of little faith God wil set al his attributes on work for us his attributes are of unspeakable consolation to an holy soule so on the contrary they are of thundering terror to the Vessells of wrath and dishonor Psal 147.5.6 That worthy man though a private man Mr. Henry Church is worthy of joyfull memorial for his Miscellanea philo theologica speaking of the Attributes of God N. 12. they that know The holding of God by faith is better then our holding of him by reason God is able to do and doth exceeding abundantly above all that we can aske or thinke Gods name is as his nature is secret and not to be sought this may wonderfully strengthen faith for if God were not above and greater then our apprehensions he could not helpe us infinitely Eph. 3.29 and faith maketh a man to set too his seal that God is true faith giveth God the honour of all his properties and attributes Assur shall not save us we wil not ride upon horses neither will we say any more to the works of our hands ye are our gods for in thee the fatherlesse finde mercy Hos 14. Again it is said My defence is in God who saveth the upright in heart Ps 7. and 112.6 7.8 Prov. 3.26 In N. 13. They must not The mysticall Babylonians called the year 88. the climactericall year of the world and trusting to their vaine superstitions took the opportunity of that fatall yeare as they supposed utterly to overthrow the Church of God in England and the State there which before they could not do The Angell of the pit the false Prophet and all his deceived worshipers layd up all their hopes upon this years destiny But for Israels and Jesuâ—uns sake as against old Babylon God frustrated the tokens of the lyars and made the Diviners mad and turned the wise men backward and made their knowledge foolish For they as Balaam and Haâ—man could not prevaile with their inchantments and sorceries counsells neither could their Astrologers the star gazers the Monthly Prognosticators stand up save them from the miseries that came on themselves Foolish Idolaters mistake their Calculations and do not consider that the Eternall our holy one the creator of Israel our King hath made the Earth created man upon it and that his hand hath stretched out the Heavens and that he commandeth all their Hoasts for the service of his Redeemed It is hee that commandeth deliverances for Iacob Isa 44 45 47 Psal 44. Vi The thankfull remembrances of Gods mercies by the R.D. Carlton pag. 130. In N. 13. Sisera So again consider for the year 88. for by allusion the story of Sisera is Cited in Apoc. 16. to shew like events against Abaddons kingdome And while we make Christ our Judge our Statute maker and our King Hee will be Lord Admirall of our Seas that the Enemy shall not come with their ships against us they shall not strengthen their Mast nor spread their sailes c. He will save us Esa 33. Deut. 33.29 And see how he will make the creatures bustle for us in our distresse Psal 18.6.7 c. Psal 77.14 1 15.16 and 114.1 Sam. 2.10 God hath no portion in the world or any inheritance but his Church to which he will be a sun and sheild every man will plead for and defend his inheritance much more wil our Redeemer do it for his inheritance his Church and people Beloved Reader it is sayd This is life eternall that they know thee to be the only very God and whom thou hast sent Jesus Christ Joh. 17.3 This first Chapter in some measure hath spoken concerning the knowledge of God Now all the rest of his booke doth endeavour to declare the knowledge of the sending of Jesus Christ and this knowledge should not be a
c. QUest 3. What do you in general observe out of these portions of Scripture Answ These Scriptures are a confession of faith proceeding from the holy Spirits illumination and experience in the inner man agreeing with the doctrine of the promises wherein the faithful soul applyeth the doctrine of the corruption of nature and of justification and the fruits thereof unto special uses of information confession prayer and praise containing two parts what we are without Christ and what we are by Christ for he is the Mercy-seat Quest 4. What more specially may and is to be minded Answ I. It is necessary that each one Job 11.12 14.4 15.14.16 Gen. 6.5 8.21 Gen. 1.27 compared with 5.3 Psal 51.5 58.3 Esa 48.8 and circumcision enjoined in infancy sheweth the corruption of nature though in a visible Church-estate know and be perswaded of the truth of the doctrine of the uncleanness and filthiness of the corruption of nature taken from parents derived from the first Adam and that all actual sin proceedeth from this birth-sin as from a fountain 2. That the Son of God became a Second Adam to be to all that receive him and believe in him a fountain for sin and for uncleanness and to renew and create in us his glorious Image and to repair the lapses and decayes of the same The graces of which are from his fulness as a well of water springing up unto eternal life 3. The regenerate upon conscience of guiltiness can never be in quiet till with godly sorrow he do freely and ingenuously confess his sin which being done by the convincing power of the Spirit of Christ the soul which groans and sighs from the same Spirit earnestly longeth and prayeth for reconciliation and restoring to former favour peace and joy with God which is more sweet and satisfactory then all contentments in this World and on the contrary the withdrawing or withholding from the conscience his gracious Divine aspect nothing more dejecteth 4. No man can stand before God to be justified if God should judge him according to the Law 5. Here is shewed the blessedness of the saints touching justification and how them of the old Testament understood the doctrine that it consisted in transgression forgiven in sin covered iniquity not imputed speeches importing one and the same thing which grace is only procured by Christs redemption and satisfaction figured in the Gospel-Law And when the Lord God preaching his free promise of grace and peace in Christ Jesus by the words of reconciliation doth by his spirit unite a man to Christ then at that instant he receiveth and believeth in Christ as Mediator of his attonement justification and salvation and by this faith in Christ the saints in all ages had good report Heb. 11. 6. No man can fear God that is to say serve God as his Child unlesse he be set free that is justified from sin by faith and forgiveness Faith resting upon Christ and apprehending at least a possibility of forgiveness worketh love obedience reverence and godly fear Luke 7.47 (a) Ro. 5.1 Esa 26.3 4. Heb. 4 5-56 1.0.16 to 23. Psa 130. 62. S. Rom. 10.14 Also hope joy patience perfect or continual peace quiet waiting upon God and stirreth up to prayer with boldness and confidence 7. In coming unto God we must do it with an humble heart from an inner feeling of our sins and corruptions and a true desire to be eased or justified from thern not only for remission of guilt and punishment but mortification and sanctification For no man that stands upon his own righteousness or alloweth or is indulgent to himself in any sin secret or open of omiâ—sion or commission can be an humble and upright supplicant and petitioner to God nor can look for audience 8. The saints go only to Jehovah in prayer and onely to him for forgiveness and all kindes of mercies who hath set up his throne of grace onely in Christ Our Lord in his doctrine of prayer teaching us to pray confirmeth this Matthew chap. 6. Here is to be noted the glorious use of faith not onely for justification but how necessary it is for us in this our pilgrimage in all estates conditions and varieties of life that it settleth the heart and banisheth from the inner man heart-rending thoughtfulness that the minde will and affections are conserved from heaven in a flourishing green temperature the word of promise and the blessed Spirit that sealeth the promises do so water nourish and restore the soul that it is carryed above all wants and difficulties c. 10. Before we can have any comfort to be delivered from any danger by the seed of the Serpent or from any other affliction or for assistance consolation or direction in any thing for our selves or for the Church we must go to God by faith in Christ for forgiveness of sin 11. The inner feeling and apprehension of Justification Psal 103.1 2 3. Psal 32.1 2 3 c. Mortification and Sanctification doth greatly affect an holy soul with thankfulnesle and prayse and denyal of self-sufficiency c. deeply admiring the blessed Jehovah in those and in all other fruits comforts and effects of his favour c. c. Quest Go on to shew to what other famous Pillar the Spirit of endless wisdom hath fastened the holy and pleasant Chain of times which direct and draw unto Christ Answ To the building of Salomons Temple a figure of Christ the true Temple Quest How many years are from the Lamb of the Passover or since the comming from Egypt to the Temples foundation Answ Four hundred and fourscore years Quest What Scriptures are contained in those four hundred and eighty years Answ Exodus 12. to the end of that book Leviticus Numbers Deuterenomy Josua Judges Ruth two Books of Samuel the first of Kings to the 6. chap. and most of the first of Chronicles and the two first chapters of the second of Chronicles and very much of the book of Psalmes Annotations upon the Questions and Answers of the sixth CHAPTER Qvest Answ David the sweet Psalmist David sung most sweetly of Christ and his Kingdome of his Person both of his divine and humane nature and offices and the benefits thereby He spake of Christs humiliation and exaltation This Patriark and prophet in holy Psalmes speaking by the Spirit of God 2 Sam. 23. Mat. 18. calleth Christ his Lord Psalm 110. the Son in whom they that trust are happy Psalm 2. Also after God had promised him Christ he called him David beloved Psalm 130.10 Mat. 3.17 c. Quest 2. and Answ Psalm 51 7. Purgeme with hyssop The High Sacrificer purged the unclean with hyssop he was to do the outward action and could do no more David did not believe the doctrine of bodily exercise So John Baptist saith I baptizâ—lyou with water but the Messias with the Holy Ghost So Daniel goeth to God in Christ who is the true
souls to the souls that are seperated fron he body without distinction of joy or sorrow that must be gathered from the person and his cause whether it be good or bad and therefore Hades is not alwayes used properly and only for the place of Torment to all departed souls but it hath two parts the one is a happy part for all the godly and the other is a most miserable part for all the wicked that dye in their sins 1. Hades doth signifie death to the person or destruction to things as in Mat. 11.23 Thou Capernaum which art exalted to Heaven shalt be brought downe to Hades that is to the lowest Earth this City was destroyed by the Justice of God because they despised the dayes of the Son of man and did not regard his blessed visitation although he was much conversant both in preaching and working miracles among them so that now there is but a little remainder of it left as Sir Walter Raleigh excellently shews in P. 347. The words of Christ doé shew the once greatnesse of that City both in temporall and spirituall respects It was one of the principall Cities of Decapolis and the metropolis of Galilee and though some marks of this Cities magnificence were seen in Saint Jeroms time it being then a reasonable Burge or Towne yet those that have seen it since as Brochard Bradeinbech and Saliniac affirm that it consisted but of six poore Fishermens Houses and thus it hath pleased God by his providence to direct that Histories should shew the sad event of Christs propheticall threatning and in this sence Sheol is also used in Num. 16.33 for the death and destruction of persons and things 2. Hades in Mat. 16.18 doth meane ' eath to the person as the scope of the place doth best bear it and by the Gates of Hades is meant a cruell and violent death which should be inflicted by the Roman persecuting Emperors after them by the Popes by the Substitutes of each that should have power to fit in the Gates of Judgement to condemne to death by greivous tortures all those that did build their faith on the Rock Christ as Peter did and for saying as he did Thou art Christ the Son of the living God on this Rock Christ faith Christ I will build my Church so that the Gates of Hades shall not by any sentence or torture of death prevaile against them to extinguish them 1. Hades is used to signifie the grave to the dead bodies 1 Cor. 15. 55. O death where is thy sting O Hades where is thy victory Hades in this place faith Master Bro. in Exp. Anti. P. 15. Is the holy bodies lodging 2. In Act. 2.27 Thou wilt not Jeave me or my vitall soul in Hades the Grave that it should corrupt as other mens bodies do in that space of time before it was raised 3. In Apoc. 6 8. death sat on a pale Horse and Hades followed him now that which follows death must needs be the grave to the body called Hades and in that respect Master Bro. in Apoc. 56. calls Hades the gulfe of the grave and saith he in P. 165. A gulfe of a grave was opened to shew how the Casaâ—s warred and perished miserably three hundred years with their great Armies and such a Sheol Grave or great Buriall is spoke of in Eze. 39.11 and in Es 14. which places the Seventy translate Sheol by Hades and so Hades hath as wide a mouth as Sheol and therefore in Apoc. 6.8 death rides on a pale Horse to hasten the death of persecutors in aboundance and that Hades the grave follows death and therefore the Seventy translate Sheol in Pro. 30 15. by Hades the grave as being one of the three things that saith It is not enough and in Pro. 27.20 Sheol and destruction are never full in which place the Seventy have Hades 3. Hades signifies the world un-seen or the world of souls to the souls that are seperated from the body without distinction of joy or sorrow but as it may be gathered from the qualification of the person and his cause The Apostle Peter in Act. 2. was to prove the Resurrection of Christ from death to life against the Saduces he did not dispute of the second death nor of a journey to Hell as many understand Hell nor of suffering Hell Torments in his soul as some doe also understand Hell in Act. 2. for if he had so disputed with the Saduces which were many in those dayes he had disputed besides the question which was about the Resurrection of his dead body and it may also be a greiâ—e unto us that such an Heavenly Article of our Christan faith as is the immortality of the souls passing from the dead body to the joys of God should be so much mis-interpreted as hath been and yet is in some Churches in the aforesaid un-sound sences The holy rational soul of the Lord Jesus Christ at his death went to the happy part of Hades namely to that part of it that is called Paradise The rich mans soul at his death went likewise to Hades but yet it was to that part of it that is called Gehenna to torments in the lake of fire ' Abrahams Bosome was in Hades and the rich man was also in Hades and there Abraham and the rich man spake to each other which sheweth that they were in the same world of souls though in several distinct lots and it is evident by Es 66. that the godly and the wicked knâ—w one the others case therefore we are not to think that Hades is low in the earth It would be ridiculous that in a Dialogue one should talk with another above his head millions of miles see Bro. in Rep. 11 12 13. All souls ascend to Gods Throne Eccl 3. and 12 yea even the wicked ascend to Gods Throne in the proper term of ascending and have their lot there before the Throne of God and in the presence of the just and are tormented in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb Apoc. 14. these places shew that the place of joy and the place of torment are in sight and some near distance to each other and that Hades is the generall term of them both Hence therefore I conclude that it is the person and his cause that must interpret the word Hades as it respects the departed soul either for jâ—y or sorrow either for heaven or hell I may exemplifie my meaning by this similitude Traitors go from Westminster to the Tower of London and so do faithfull State 〈◊〉 men also but traitors and proditors go to prisons and torments in the Tower and so also faithfull States men go to the Tower but they go to the pleasant chambers and gardens in the Tower so in like sort all godly souls go to Hades but they go to the pleasant places of Paradise in Hades in the unseen world of souls but the wicked when they die their
in Sheol or in Hades Answer 1. I have foâ—merly shewed that Nephesh which we translate soul in Psal 16. must be understood of his vitall soul and not of his rationall soul But suppose it were meant of his rationall soul yet it is not to be scoffed at that he should blesse God for not leaving his soul in Hades heaven till his body saw corruption Câ—ristopher Carlile in his Descent shews in page 47 48. That souls in joy have an earnest affection to be united to their dead bodies that so they may both together partake of the same glory and Weams in his Portraiture Pag. 33.34 speaks just to the same effect Objection 3. Some object that many Creeds have left out this Article and thence they conclude that it is but a suppositious Article Answ 1. * Is it not strange that any should be so far blinded as to think that the pen man of the Creed should speak of the crucifying death and buriall of the Lords body and yet should omit to record the immortall state of his holy and precious soul when he sent out his Spirit into the hands of his heavenly Father sâ—eing there were so many Sadduces living in those ancient dayes that denied the immortality of the rationall sou 2. Some reasons may also be rendered why some Creeds might after a while leave it our 1. when the immortall state of the soul was generally believed and not doubted of it might be left out 2. When other tongues could not find a fit word that could attain to the large sense and elegancy of the Greek word Hades then the learned seeing it might be mis understood might in wisdome rather choose to leave it out 3. When the mysterie of iniquity did so increase that Christendome was darkned by the smoke of the Pit as hath been touched from Apoc. 9. and that learning was grown so weak that most did not know whether the soul of man did ascend or descend or whither the godly soul went after death I say when the holy doctrine was so exceedingly darkned aâ— it was in the 10 11 12 13 14 and 15 Centuries and that the Article of descending to hell was so corruptly expounded then also some learned of latter times might leave it our as they did in former times for the former Reason These things I thought necessary to advise the Reader of because not many though some have written of this Subject I thought it my duty therefore to adde these Considerations for the benefit of the godly and studious Reader and I hope that my endeavour will not be in vain in the Lord. CHAP. XXXIII Of the Phrase of Abrahams Bosome THis Phrase The Bosome of Abraham did arise and was made familiar as I suppose by the faithfull Hebrew Rabbins before our Lords dayes upon this Consideration 1. The Covenant of God in Christ was made with Abraham and his Seed that in his Seed all nations should be blessed and thereupon such as desired to be partakers of that blessednesse must be of Abrahams faith and must testifie their desire by receiving Circumcision the Seal of that Covenant and then they were also received into his house or into his Church and so they were as it were nourished in Abrahams Bosome where they were nourished by Gods Ordinances and so Abraham was very hospital to all but especially to them that were of the houshold of his faith he received and nourished such not onely with temporall but with spiritual food he taught them the way of God in Christ and instructed them in the true meaning of his Commandements Statutes and Laws all which Abraham observed and kept and he is commended of God therefore in Gen. 26.5 and long before this God said of Abraham I know him that he will command his sons and his house after him that they shall keep the way of the Lord that is the true Religion faith and obedience prescribed for men to walk in as in Gen. 18 19. compared with Acts 18.25 26. Deut. 8.6 and 10 12. and therefore all the faithfull of his house might at their death expect to be made partakers with him of the heavenly City which God had prepared for them and therefore when they died they might still be said to be in Abrahams Bosome for all the faithfull whether they continue alive in this world or depart this life in the faith of Abraham are called Abrahams children and therefore when they die their spirits go to Paradise to Abrahams Bosome In like sort the faithfull being yet abiding here in this valley of tears are said to sit in heavenly places and to eat and drink with Abraham Isaac and Jacob in the Kingdome of God Mat. 8. and in this respect all the godly whether living or dying are called Abrahams children cherished as it were in his Bosome family and Church both militant and triumphant 2. The holy Patriarch Abraham was so highly honoured of God that he is called the father of the faithfull and the heir of the world Rom. 4 12.13 16. so then his house was the Bosome of the Church into which he received all that professed the true faith for almost 2000 years and in this respect the eternall and blessed estate of the faithfull might well be called the Bosome of Abraham 3. That Parable of the rich man in Hades in torments and of Lazarus Soul that was carried by the Angels into Abrahams Bosome in Luke 16.19 c. Was spoken to the unbelieving Jews and Pharisees and Saâ—duces especially to such as were contemners of Abrahams faith and cared not for the dayes of the Son of Man and therefore they were not glad to see his day as their Father Abraham did and was glad but instead thereof they despised and disdained such as were godly Eleazars whose hope and help Christ is and that he will send his Angels at their death to carrie their souls into the happie part of Hades to Abrahams Bosome where note that Lazarus and Eleazar Faithfull factors in far countries for their Masters need not fear to be called home so the great Lord and housholder when the servonts are called to give account of their trading by the Talents they received we know what the Lrd will say to them that can give a good account Maâ— 25. are but one name though differing in Dialect 3. That Parable of the rich man in Hades in torments and of Lazarus Soul that was carried by the Angels into Abrahams Bosome in Luke 16.19 c. Was spoken to the unbelieving Jews and Pharisees and Saâ—duces especially to such as were contemners of Abrahams faith and cared not for the dayes of the Son of Man and therefore they were not glad to see his day as their Father Abraham did and was glad but instead thereof they despised and disdained such as were godly Eleazars whose hope and help Christ is and that he will send his Angels at their death to carrie their souls into the happie part of Hades
in the second Adam in whom we are c compleat And hitherto pertaine many of the Lords †Read Ezek 16. 36 Jer. 31. 32. 33. Esai 42.1 to 17. c. gracious promises and all the commandements exhortations motives examples prayers vowes covenant to be heavenly †Read Deut. 30.6 Jer. 32.38.39 to love the Lord and the word of his truth to walk before him in godly feare in all well pleasing and so all the Saints ever did as Adam Habel Henoch Noe c. also hitherto pertaine the * Reduce al dehortations as love not the World nor the things of the world 1. Joh. 2. set not your affections on the Earth Col. 3. and on the contrary â—educe the exhortations as seek the things above Eccl. 11. 12. dehortations threatnings curses and examples of sin and punishment in walking contrary IV. From this first preaching of the Gospell we must attentively minde this that Jehovah who was who is who will be still the same d doth rule all ages to one sum of salvation in Christ And to this faith he ever calleth his elect e by his word and Spirit from the communion of Devills and the wicked world to have communion with him and his Son Jesus Christ our Lord by way of Ordinances The reason that God hateth the wicked is God teaching this continually from the beginning yet the wicked rebell and joyne with Saâ—an 2 Cor. 4.4 V. * In all ages for teaching â—ead Psal 44. 79.1 Thes 3.2 Col. 1.24 c. for his S. observation beleiving and professing this glorious Doctrine of Christ f great disputations contentions sorrows tentations persecutions in body goods name and life come unto Michael Christ Jesus and his g Angells by Satan and his Angells yet Christ went through all conquering and so faith in him and in his word doth make us conquerors Many sweet promises belong to this head VI. The duty of all Christian beleivers is to be unfained in brotherly love h holding one another with a dear pure heart fervently and to resist the Divill and his members i and to have no fellowship with the workers nor with the works of wickednesse Behold severity through all generations when the Church walked contrary VII Because this Text of Gen. 3.15 is a promise of Christ that he should take humanity destroy Satans works therefore in it implicitely are the petitions of the Saints for all good concerning soule and body Intercessions as respecting the communion of Saints deprecations to be delivered and protected from all evill and holy imprecations against the seed of the Serpent Also hence issue the k praises and thanksgivings for receiving good for our selves or others both in respect of spirituall blessings and in that all l creatures of each days creation whether visible or invisible in Christ are servants and freinds to the elect Hence also proceede praises and thanksgivings for m deliverance and protection from Satan his seed and works QUest 7. Did God ordaine any publick worship to his name presently after the fall of our first Parents and after the promise Answ As God n taught our first Parents the Doctrine of faith so he taught them prayer and sacrificing and blessed the seventh day and sanctified it for a day of rest for study how God rested from Creation in the Redemption by Christ he being promised to be Heire of all o Sacrifice was used from the day of Adams Apostasie teaching of life coming by death Adam taught his Sons and his Sons Sons to the eighth successive Childe and those that offered in faith discerning the bloud of the covenant did please God had peace and reconciliation with God and were made heires of the righteousnesse that is by faith the Church in Adams family with Gods †The Ordinances were the preaching of the word of faith 2 Prayer 3. the Seale of the promise Ordinances is called p the presence of God The * Mr. Ainsworth on Gen. 4.14.16 Presence of God in holy Ordinances is most glorious and comfortable to which the faithfull in all ages of the Church resorted with holy feare exceeding joy praise and thanksgiving Psal 42. 43. 84. 100. c. QUest 8. Who beleived this report concerning the second Adam and to whom was the arme of the Lord revealed Answ Adam and his Sons * Habel Seth Enos and the rest of the godly Fathers and their godly posterity to the Flood QUest 9. Who hated this Doctrine and persecuted this way of life in Christ Answ Kain was the first that began the †War of the Serpent against the q holy seed And this persecution by men that followed Kains wayes goes on to the end of the World QUest 10. Was there any apostasie from this faith and way of salvation afore the Flood Answ Christ the Light and Life shined in darknesse but he was not comprehended of the Sons of darknesse for beside the Doctrine and practise of bodily exercise in Kain there was r a great apostasie and that quickly of the Sons of the open Church who having a forme of godlinesse but denying the power thereof despised the Doctrine of regeneration greived the holy Spirit and corrupted the calling on the name of the Eternall And the cheife occasion of all this was by s ungodly marriages with Kains t worldly glorious house from all which issued u a confluence of all iniquity setting Light by Gods long suffering while the Ark was making committing all ungodly deeds and uttering hard and bitter speaches against the Heavens And so it is in all apostasies †Remember still that in all apostasies of the Church the faithfull cannot be visibly glorious QUest 11. What came to the faithfull that did first cleave to the faith which was once delivered to the Saints and that walked with God Answ Through x faith they obtained good †report with God God was not ashamed to be called their God and their Father they his Sons he accounted that the world was not worthy of them and therefore he prepared for them an Heavenly y City and Countrey for they had gracious promises of Gods favour through his covenant in Christ the true Noah who doth comfort us concerning our workes and concerning the sorrowes of our hands and concerning the earth which God hath cursed †wherefore they had preservation and deliverance from the severe destruction of the World by Waters Thus God was a rewarder of them that by faith did diligently seek him This doth teach us how precious faith is in the Son of God that should come into the World QUest 12. What came on the z co Ì„upters of the Faith the despisers and wantons and feasters and mockers and murderers the seed of the serpent that walked after their owne lusts Answ Kaine was cursed a and excommunicate and Christ did execute Judgement and bruised his posterity and the Apostates in his fearfull severity in the Flood washing their bodyes away
of Christ dyed not Zach. 1.5 6. Sabbaths while she lyeth desolate without them and they shall accept of the punishment of their iniquitie because even for because they despised my judgements and because their soul abhorred my statutes (e) Though we be unfaithful in many acts of unbelief and break our covenant yet the Lord is faithful he cannot deny himself Tim. 2.13 though he cause grief yet will he have compassion according to the multitude of his mercies n = 44 44 And yet for all that when they be in their enemies land I will not cast them away neither will I abhor them to destroy them utterly and to break my Covenant with them for I am Jehovah their God 45. But I will for their sakes remember the Covenant (f) This covenant as the same with Iacob Isaas and Abraham ver 42. of their Ancestours whom I brought forth out of the Land of Egypt in the sight of the Heathen that I might be their God I am Jehovah Jer. 27. 1. In the beginning of the reign of Jehojakim the son of Josiah King of Judah came the word unto Jeremiah from Jehovah saying 2. Thus saith Jehovah to me make the bonds and yokes and put them upon thy neck 3. And send them to the King of Edom and to the King of Moab and to the King of the Ammonites and to the King of Tyrus and to the King of Zidon by the hand of the Messengers that come to Jerusalem unto Zedekiah King of Judah 4. And command them to say unto their Masters thus saith Jehovah of hosts the God of Israel thus shall you say unto your Masters 5. I have made the earth the man and the beast that are upon the ground by my great power and by my stretcht out arme and have given it unto Whom it seemed good unto me 6. And now have given all these lands into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar the K. of Babylon my servant and the beasts of the field have I given him also to serve him 7. And all Nations shall serve him and his son and his sons son until the time of his land come and then many Nations and great Kings shall serve themselves of him 8. And it shall come to pass that the nation or Kingdome which will not serve the same Nebuchadnezzar the King of Babylon and that will not put their neck under the yoke of the King of Babylon that nation will I punish saith the Lord with the sword and with the famine and with the pestilence until I have consumed them by his hand 9. Therefore bearken not to your Prophets nor to your Diviners nor to your dreamers nor to your enchanters nor to your sorcerers which speak unto you saying ye shall not serve the King of Babel 10. For they prophesie a ly unto you to remove you far from your land and that I should drive you out and ye should perish 11. But the nations that bring their necks under the yoke of the King of Babylon and serve him those will I let remain still in their own land saith Jehovah and they shall till it and dwell therein Jer. 25.9 Behold I will send and take all the families of the North saith Jehovah and Nebuchadnezzar the King of Babel my servant and will bring them against this land and the inhabitants thereof and against all these nations round about and will utterly destroy them and make them an astonishment and an hissing and a perpetual desolation 10. Moreover I will take from them the voice of mirth and the voice of gladness the voice of the bridegroom and the voice of the bride the sound of the milstones and the light of the candle 11. And this whole land shall be a desolation and an astonishment and these nations shall serve the King of Babylon seaventy years 12. And it shall come to pass when Seavensy years are accomplished that I will punish the King of Babel and that nation saith Jehovah for their iniquitie and the land of the Chaldeans and I will make it a perpetual desolations 13. And I will bring upon that land all my words which I have pronounced against it even all that is written in this book which Jeremiah hath prophecied against all nations 14. For many nations and great Kings shall serve themselvs of them also and I will recompense them according to their deeds and according to the work of their hands 2 Chron. 36.14 Moreover all the chief of the Priests and the People transgressed very much after all the abominations of the heathens and polluted the house of Jehovah which he had hallowed in Jerusalem 15. And Jehovah the God of their Fathers sent to them by his Messengers rising up betimes and sending them because he had compassion on his people and on his dwelling place 16. But they mocked the Messengers of God and despiâ—ed his Word and misused his Prophets until the wrath of Jehovah arose against his people till there was no remedie 17. Therefore he brought upon them the King of the Chaldees who slew their young men (a) Now the sword doth avenge the quarrel of the Covenant Levit. 26. What covenant of woâ—ks no such matter but the Covenant of grace in Christ They would not have Christ the Heir as King to reign over them by his word and holy ordinances therefore they were slain before his face by the chaldean Luc. 19.12 to 27. Grace despised brings the heaviest Plagues yea all plagues here and hereafter with the sword in the house of their sanctuary and had no compassion upon young men or maiden old men or him that stooped for age he gave them all into his hand 18. And all the vessels of the house of God great and small and the treasures of the house of Jehovah and the treasures of the King and of his Princes all these he brought to Babylon 19. And they burnt the house of God and brake down the wall of Jerusalem and burnt all the palaces thereof with fire and destroyed all the goodly vessels thereof 20. And them that had escaped from the sword carried he away to Babel where they were servants to him and his Sons until the reign of the Kingdome of Persia 21. To fulfil the word of Jehovah by the mouth of Jeremiah until the land had enjoyed her Sabbaths for as long as she lay desolate she kept Sabbath to fulfil Seavensy years Jer. 29.10 Thus saith Jehovah that after the seaventy years be accomplished at Babylon I will visit you and perform my good word toward you in causing you to return to this place 11. For I know the thoughts that I think towards you saith Jehovah thoughts of peace and not of evil to give you an expected end 12. (a) See how this is a commentary on Levit. 26.40 41 42. Also how Daniels prayer looks to Moses and Jeremiah and that God remembers his Covenant as is seen Dan. 9.24 c. Observe how promises quicken to prayer We should
in his reformed Catholike declareth the impossibility of reconciliation and which was written of purpose against such intendments and many others have testified against such State-abominations Yea Christian reformed States and Common-Weals that have departed from Abaddons Kingdome should be well advised what treaties they make with the King of Locusts Subjects But by no means to yeild them while such aid of men or ammunition not to receive from them any help It is best that the reformed look to their own Common-Weals States and polities Let the holy stories of Asa and Jebosaphats Kingdome with Achabs House be our instruction as also the holy Scriptures that shew us the mis-carriage of a maziah King of Judoh 2 Châ—on 25. 18. 19. and 1 King 22. confer also Esai 30. c. c. Let all Princes and Common Weals take heed of idolatrous and wicked weomen there are wealthy politike and of high countenance Such have caused much greif and trouble to the Church of God and the Republick a common mische if in most places from Gen. 6. even to this day But godly gracious woemen that have in them the power of godlinesse to love the word of God in the holy Scriptures of the Prophers and Apostles and to love the holy publick assemblies of Christ Jesus and be sober discreet temperate mercifull meek humble chast and be keepers at home to train up their dear children in godly wayes and to have a speciall care that servants doe not corrupt their children they have been an occasion of much evill in children also to be carefull in overseeing and guiding the affairs of the house especially in the husbands absence c. Such are a Crown of glory to their husbands the Common-Weal Town and Family I will transcribe a speach out of Iosephus pertinent to this conference of Tirzana the Lady of Moab which will also manifest the wickednesse of these apostating and perilous times Iosephus Lib. 4. chap. 6. When Moses the faithfull servant of the Angel of the Covenant the Son of God was zealous against the Apostasie of Israel especially of the Tribe of Simeon for joyning themselves to Baal-Pebor and seperating themselves to that Shame then Zimri to make a mutiny most audaciously uttered this speach to Moses Moses saith Zimri use thine owne Laws whereunto by long use thou hast added strength and confirmation which hadst not thou done oft times ere this hadst thou suffred punishment and learnt to thine own misery that the Hebrews were not to be deluded for my selfe thou shalt never tie me to thy tyrannicall decrees for hitherto hast thou endeavoured nought else but under pretext of Law and Religion to bring us into servitude and subjection and thy selfe by thy subtle and sinister means to honor and soveraignty taking from us the pleasures and liberties of our lives things that belong to free men and such as appertaine or live not under any mans government For this should be worse then an Egyptian thraldome to punish every man by thy Laws according to thine own pleasure whereas thou thy selfe art more worthy to be punished in that thou disannullest that thing that is approved by all mens consent and desirest that thy decrees should be of more force then all the resolutions of all other mortal men whatsoever But I as touching that which I doe in that I suppose it to be wel done am not affraid to confesse in this Assembly namely That I have taken a stranger to wife thou hearest mine actions from mine own mouth as from a free and resolute man neither doe I desire that they should be hidden I likewise sacrifice to the Gods contrary to our custome because I suppose it to be both just and necessary that from many I seek the truth and not depending as it were upon a tyrany or living there under to build my faith upon one onely for no man shall please me that will have more interest in my actions then my selfe Dear and beloved Reader this expresseth the uncleane and vile spirit of Satan in these evill dayes CHAP. XXXII Breif considerations about Sheol Gehenna and especially about Hades as it relates to the Article of the Creed he descended into Hell BEloved Reader there hath been in some places not a little stir about the sufferings of our Lord which doubtlesse were marvellous great even greater then can well be expressed But yet unlesse a man will say as some say that he suffred the very Essentiall Torments of Hell they will account such little better then Heretiques The very first occasion of his assertion was as I conceive from the mis-understanding of the holy Article of the Creed commonly called the Apostles Creed which speaks thus in the originall Greek K 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine descendi ad infeâ—os in English he descendâ—d into Hell But this Latine and English Translation doe come much short of the large sence and meaning oâ— the originall Greek I meane the said Translations do not fully expresse the large elegant meaning of the Greek word Hades as it ought to be understood and therefore from this barren and bad Translation sundry erroneous Expositions have been broached by sundry Authors which hath filled most Churches with much trouble 1. The controversy between Doctor Bilson and Master Broughton was this Whither the holy soul of our Lord Christ went at his death hence to Hell or hence to Heaven Doctor Bilson after much sweat and labor for his journey to Hell at last concludes thus in his Sermons p. 219. we have no warrant in the word of God so to fasten Christs soul unto Hell for the time of his death but that it might be in paradise before it descended to Hell 2. On the other hand there are some learned men not all and some Churches not all that expound this Article of Christs suffering the essentiall Torments of Hell in his soul in the Garden and on the Crosse Now that we may attaine to a true understanding of the Article we may do well to consider the Termes Sheol Gehenna and Hades 1. The word Sheol is onely Hebrew and it hath severall exceptions of which see Ains in Gen. 37.35 in Ps 16.10 and in sundry other Authors also 2. As for the terme Gehenna t is a dialect from the Hebrew and 〈◊〉 signifies properly and only the place of Torment for in all the New Testament it is ever taken in that sence in Mat. 5. Maâ— 9. Luk. 12.5 c. 3. As for Hades It is very needfull that light may shine in our pathes to consider well in what sence it is used in the New Testament and in what sence it must be taken in the Creed It is noted by Mr. Bro and Mr. Robert Wilmos and by some others also that Hades hath these three principall significations 1. It signifies death to the person or destruction to things 2. It signifies the grave to the dead body 3. It signifies the world un-seen namely the world of
bewitching for there is nothing in it but will please an unregenerate and carnall heart The Papist will have people to believe the Church of Rome is the mother of all Churches and all must be subject to her and they have great shews and outward glory to perswade and false authority to compell men so to esteem her It is true at the first the Church in Rome was a famous Church a worthy daughter of the heavenly Jerusalem which is the mother of all true Churches and she was a noble off spring of the most high Sacrificer Rom. 16.17 but when she would not keep her place but caused scandala from the Apostles and Prophets doctrine and would be above her Father and her mother and all her sisters by playing the imperious whore in her Fathers house Lev. 21.9 then she lost her true glory and burning shall be her end But yet Papists will plead for their mother but we must not yield them motherhood in that sense as they would have it we may yield them by the authority of the Scriptures that Rome is called a Woman a Mother and set forth by outward ornanaments most glorious and dazelling to the carnall eye but yet further and that marres all she is called a Whore and mother of fornications I will transcribe the Scripture Apoc 17 4. And the Woman-Whore verse 1. was arrayed in purple and scarlet-colour and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filâ—hinesse of her fornication and upon her forehead a name written Mysterie Babylon the great the mother of fornications and abominations of the earth That chapter is against the seven-Mountain city which city when Saint John wrote reigned over the Kings of the earth Revel â—ation 17. ult Thus the Spirit spake to the seven Churches of Asia of Romes motherhood and it is best that all people take motherhood in that sense as the spirit taught the churches so it is charged upon us Apoc. 2. and 3. for if we do not better we had never been born The true mother of all the faithfull is not so manifest to be known but the mother of fornications and abominations is as apertly described by the Spirit that it is a wonder but that Gods counsell must stand Ap c. 13 8. how men should misse to know the one or the other But why do I say a wonder whereas the truth of the Gospel of Christ is called a Mysterie and so the falshood of the Kingdome of Satan in the Beast like a Lamb is called a Mysterie and so much the more it is a mysterie because in the false Church there is a deepnesse of Satan in mannaging his Kingdome that he doth in many things assimulate the true Church there is a notable instance of this in Prov 8. and 9. Prov. 8. Wisdome in the true Church standeth in the top of the high places by the way in the Places of the paths Jer. 7.2 and 17.19 she crieth at the gates at the entry of the city at the coming in at the doors O ye simple understand wisdome chap. 9. Who so is simple let him turn in hither as for him that wanteth understanding she saith to him Come eat of my bread and drink of the wine which I have mingled forsake the foolish and live and go in the way of understanding c. c. Prov. 9.13 A foolish woman is clamourous she is simple and knows nothing notwithstanding she sitteth at the door of her house on a seat in the high places of the city to call Passengers who go right on their way Who so is simple let him turn in hither and as for him that wanteth understanding she saith to him Stollen waters are sweet and bread eaten in secret is pleasant but he knoweth not that the dead are there and that her guests are in the depths of Hell Wisdome standeth in the high places of the city in the places of the paths So doth the foolish woman sit at the doore of her house on a Seat in the high places of the city the more is the pity that she hath such toleration the false Church will advance her self to be more eminent and too often she is so esteemed of all those that follow the Lusts of the flesh the Lusts of the eye and Pride of life Wisdome sweetly inviteth and cryeth to the sonnes of Men to hearken to sound wisdome and understanding The foolish woman will exceed for she will be clamorous consider the ten Tribes 1 Kings 15. they all protested they worshipped God that brought them out of the Land of Egypt when they worshipped the Devils of Dan and Bethel Will you behold another clamorous company of the foolish Woman Achabs and Jezabels Prophets And yet lift up your eyes that you may behold another company but they were learned Reconcilers and Moderatours of Baals and the Temples Religion therefore I may not call them fools for they were Priests Prophets Dreamers Diviners Inchanters Sorcerers Jeremiah 26. Jer. 7. They could buâ—n incense to Baal and yet come to worship in the Temple 8 9 10 11 and 27.9 And I should do them wrong if I should not remember another multitude of clamorous fools the worshippers of Diana Acts 19. read Apocalyps 13.12.13 14 15 16 17. Wisdome saith she will teach the simple understanding And so the foolish woman of the ten Tribes pretends to teach the simple understanding babbling against Judah that they had the truth Wisdome saith she hath bread and wine for those that do attend her The false company saith they want not pleasant bread and sweet waters for their guests The ten Tribes thought the Religion of Jeroboams Calves better sweeter and pleasanter than the Eternal wisdomes Religion of the Temple unto which they were so earnestly and Pathetically and comfortably invited in the nine former chapters of the Proverbs and by all the Prophets and were Proud Scornfull and stubborn Despisers of all the Prophets Admonitions But what came of all the guests that followed this clamorous foolish woman What became of Jerobams house of Baasaes of Omries of Jehues c. Thus as the Apostle speaketh in his dayes so it hath been ever and will be still That Satan transformeth himself into an Angel of light So it is not a strange thing that his Ministers can transform themselves as if they were the Ministers of Righteousnesse Thus we have a brief Compendium of the mysterie of godlinesse and of the mysterie of iniquity and nothing in the world can describe these two unto us but the Holy and Blessed Scriptures and to this day this hath been the Controversie between Christs two faithfull Witnesses in the Reformed Churches in their Teaching Writing Profession and Sufferings against the false Lamb and his worshippers Now in this case what should we do say unstable and carnall hearts we know not what course to take we are in a staggering condition truly
unstable Soules are ever ready for the wolfs mouth a fit prey for the smooth subtil Serpent and his seed People must be constantly admonished weaken Popery weaken all this the Layalans know well enough Turcisme is no mysterie and all the unclean spirits of errour is no mysterie Therefore in few words O ye godly Families study the holy Scriptures they are the Inheritance of all the Israel of God And verily the most faithfull Witnesse hath said and then he spake of the old Testament Ye erre not knowing the Scriptures nor the Power of God Misbelievers know not God Wherefore if ye cry after knowledge and lift up your voice for understanding Prov. â— if ye seek wisdome as Silver and search for understanding as for hid Treasures then certainly you shall understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God for the Lord giveth wisdome and out of his Mouth in his holy Scriptures cometh knowledge and understanding And this also will follow That no weapon that is formed against you shall prosper and every tongue that riseth in Judgement against you you shall condemn this is the * This is a rich and great heritage Heritage of the servants of Jehovah and their Rghteousnesse is of me saith JEHOVAH Isaiah 54.17 To conclude it is said he that asketh receiveth he that seeketh findeth Mat. 7. and to him that knocketh it shall be opened The secret of Jehovah that is the Misterie of Christ is with them that sear him and his Covenant to make them know it He will cause the meek to go according to right and teach the humble his way Psalm 25. Two or three Directions concerning the reading of the following Dialogue First read the Text of it often to see how things in the course of the Bible follow one another then the margins at your leasure for explication 2. Let none be discouraged at the largenesse of this Dialogue for it is not intended that children or any should learn it without book but the substance of it they will have in their minds before they be aware For 1. Hereby a faithfull mind that hath his wits exercised in the word of righteousnesse will often in a day runne over all the Bible in sundry varieties if he mark the Chronologie and the chief persons in the Genealogie for by marking the times and the persons that lived in those times he will remember their stories as it is common to do in worldly affairs 2. I have not cited every verse to the chapter I mention because I would have the Reader to mark the coherence of things the better and though the verse be not named yet some part of the chapter is expressed and you are to remember that the holy Apostles when they cite a Text they name onely the Prophet or more generally the Scripture not naming the Prophet Rom. 9.13.15 17.25 1 Pet. 2.6 c. c And observe that Speech John 15.25 The Psalms are called their Law that term hath deep Meditation for the term Law comprehends all the Scriptures and the Doctrine of salvation by Christ and that saying of James 4.5 Do ye think that the Scripture saith in vain the spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy but there is no one particular Text in all the Bible that hath those words and yet the whole Book of God and I think every particular Prophet doth shew this corruption of our nature that the Spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy And where the verse is cited you may misse of that edification which you may attain unlesse you mark the scope for the holy Spirit doth in divers verses drive to one chief Conclusion therefore you must consider many verses and it may be the whole chapter before you find the true sense of a verse I will not excuse my want herein in not citing every verse But beloved all my labour is to gain this of you to delight in all the Blessed Book of God And if this effect be attained I shall think my labour well bestowed and out of this desire I hope it may come to passe I may be encouraged to do you further service E.H. CHAP. I. OF the UNITY of the GOD-HEAD AND TRINITY of PERSONS Also of their Properties and Workes QVestion I. What Scriptures do shew the Vnity of the God-head and the Trinity of Persons with their properties and workes Answ very many of which I will propound only some to consideration Deut. 6.4 Heare O Israel the Eternall our God the Eternall is One. Gen. 1.1.2 In the beginning * If the knowledge of God in Trinity had not been the ground of life God would never have declared himselfe to us in the plurall number for his eternall wisdome fore-saw what warrs would come for that betwixt Jewes Turks and Arrians and his true faithfull ones and God the God of peace would never have placed a name pluâ—all in his first Scripture but for peace to life to the fallen Sons of Adam Elohim God 's he created the Heavens and the Earth And the Earth was without forme and void and darknesse was upon the face of the * The Spirit of Elohim is sometimes called the Spirit of God the Father 1. Joh. 4.13 Apoc. 11.11 and sometimes the Spirit of the Son Gal. 4.6 Rom. 8.9.1 Pet. 1.11 because it proceeds as well from the Son as from the Father Joh 14.16.26 compared with Joh. 16.26 deep and the Spirit of Elohim Gods moved upon the face of the waters In the beginning was the WORD and the WORD was with God and the WORD was God the same was in the beginning with God All things were made †Aâ—â— things were created by him and for him Col. 1.16 consider that Gen 1. 2. shewes that and all the rest of the Bible shews this by him and without him was made nothing that was made In him was life and the life was the light of men Joh. 1.1.2 And Elohim said Let US make man according to OUR Image Gen. 1.26 And Jehovah said The man is become as one of US Gen. 3.22 And Jehovah came downe to see the City and Tower and Jehovah said let US go downe Gen. 11.7 And it came to passe when they Gods Elohim caused me to wander Gen. 20.13 He built an Altar there and called the place El-Bethel because there they Gods appeared unto him Gen. 35. 7. But none say where is the Puissant my Makers Job 35. see Braughton on Job Let Israel rejoyce in his Makers Psal 149.2 Thy Maker is thy Husbands Esa 54.5 Remember thy Creatours Eccl. 12.1 By the WORD of Jehovah were the Heavens made and all the hosts of them by the SPIRIT of his mouth Psal 33.6 I am with you saith Jehovah of Hosts with the WORD by whom I made a covenant with you when yee departed out of Egypt and my SPIRIT remaining among you that yee should not feare Hag. 2.5 Go and teach all Nations baptizing them in the
their properties Joh 1.14 Joh. 15.26 the Father from all eternity begetteth the Person of the Son the Son from all eternity is begotten of the Father the holy Spirit from all eternity proceedeth from them both These are incommunicable properties in the Persons the Fathers relative property is to beget and not to be begotten and therefore he is the first person in order so for our better conceiving we may say a Person in the God-head is a subsistence or a being considered in his relative property A 3. By their works to the Father is ascribed creation election predestination and adoption to the Son redemption to the holy Ghost sanctification Again the beginning of every action is given to the Father the dispensation to the Son the perfection and consummation to the holy Ghost these in some respects may be said to be communicable properties in the persons The reverend Mr. Richardson Mr. Yates and Mr. Antony Wotton c. Also it must be considered that every title attribute or property that in generall is spoken of the Deity is spoken of and attributed to each person as the Father is Jehovah so is the Son so is the holy Ghost Joh. 12.41 Act. 28.25 conferred with Esai 6.3 to 10. The Father the Son the holy Spirit be one co-essentiall and co-eternall infinite and unchangable c. And so in the attributes just holy good mercifull c. each person is so infinitely and unchangably c. Also in respect of the Creatures the attributes are communicable to each Person as the Son is called Father Esai 9. So it may be said of the holy Spirit who begetteth and reneweth us by the word of truth the Father is our teacher and so the Son and so the holy Spirit the Father sanctifieth the son sanctifieth the holy spirit sanctifieth Therefore it is very usefull to observe two things in the persons their co-operation and distinct manner of working the one is necessary in regard of this that they have the same essence and therefore cannot but co-worke in every thing the other is likewise as necessary because each person hath his distinct manner of subsisting All operation flowes from their essence co-operation from their unity in it and distinct manner from the distinct manner of their subsisting One essence one operation and Three being One must needes work inseparably and one being Three must needs worke in a distinct manner 6 Through faith we understand that the worlds were builded by the word of God that the things which are seen are not made of things which had appearance Ebr. 11. 6 It is the thrice holy Jehovah the Father the Son and their spirit all Three one infinite nature that hath created the heavens and the Earth and Seas and all things in them whether visible or invisible in a sweet dependency of order And He the Eternall Being gave them all their being with perfection of qualities that B was fit for each creature in its order and kinde 7 It is the same everlasting God that in his providence from the beginning to the ending doth in a most holy just wise and mercifull order preserve and govern all things with all their circumstances in the heavens earth seas C Therefore called an everlasting King But this King and D Kingdome is more specially to be understood of the son of God as Mediatour to whom the Father hath committed all authority and power Vt infra 8. The true God being thus glorious and a spirit infinite is therefore impossible to be perceived by our senses or comprehended in the short span of our understanding for hee is like to nothing in heaven earth or seas neither can all the wisest men of the world make any thing like to him but if any think so to do they dote and are follish and vain as Isui 40. and many more Chapters do speake and their images are no Gods E nor resemblances of him but works of errours and lyes They can do neither good nor evill those that make them are like unto them and so are all that put their trust in them And all that worship God by them are F haters of the eternall God and are hated and accursed of him 9 Here it is shewed that Gods worship is cheifly spiritual G and all outward worship otherwise then hee hath appointed is hatefull and abominable and uncomfortable as here and in other scriptures ceremonious and superstitious vanities and makers of images are reproved as bruitish senselesse and hopelesse 10 God being One and none other beside him the supream Governour whose is the Kingdome and power over all things he is only to be feared loved trusted in prayed unto and obeyed therefore he hath given us ten commandements with this entrance That he is Iehovah our H Elohim the Eternall the Mighty God our creator and Redeemer and he hath taught us to pray to him who is the everlasting father from whom all helpe comfort and defence cometh and is to be praysed and glorified in all his workes of goodnesse mercy wisdome justice c. 11 God being a most simple spiritual eternall and infinite Nature It followeth that he seeth at one instant and togegether past present and to come all things in heaven earth and seas There is nothing so invisible to our eyes in any place or so spirituall to our understanding but he seeth every particular Nothing is so secret as the imaginations of our thoughts yet God seeth them Many uses hence an understanding and beleeving heart will make for spirituall obedience and carefull watchfullnesse over his whole man Psal 139. all of it and 119 168. Job 31.4 1 Chron. 28.9 Men not understanding or not beleeving say in heart there is no God or like the wicked in Job chap. 22 and Psal 94. Who say Jehovah shall not see the God of Jacob will not regard But God doth both as the Psalme is notable Secondly Hence a world of outward Christians do shew themselves but Atheists Yea thirdly The godly not seriously and constantly considering this fail much in their sincerity for holy and just obedience 12. Another singular use is for afflictions When wee have any cause of fear wee may be preserved that this passion do not too much assaile us by meditating often wee may be throughly acquainted with I our God his titles properties and attributes both incommunicable and communicable Also of his works of creation redemption and Government in any evill felt or feared we may quickly turn and seek to god and so may not fear above measure as David saith K They that know thy name will trust in thee Psal 9.10 Againe When I was afraid I trusted in thee Psal 56.3 Remarkable also is this in Jehosaphat 2 Chron. 20.12 Also transcendent in those three noble confessors and Martyrs Dan 3.16.17.18 So in all temptations yea in death it selfe These things when they are well graffed and as nailes fastned in our soules will prepare us to contentednesse in all
adverse things But let a man be carefull allwaies to keep a conscience void of offence toward God and toward man then hee shall not need to fear for any sudden fear for the Eternall Being will be for his assurance But an unfaithfull heart of unbeleif cannot tell whither to turn him in affliction and distresse this is manifest in Kain Saul Ishcariot and Achitophel 13. The mighty Elohim the eternall Being hath created and disposed all things in Christ for the good of his Elect. Therefore the Prophets shew that Gods Jesurun portion and inheritance should not be as the Idolatrous heathens and such like blind ignorant sots L They must not learn their Abominations nor to be afraid of any of the signs of the heavens the constellations eclipses or strangnesse of any of the fiery ayery watery or earthly Meteors God hath ever used them as all are his servants for the good of his church and the world and for the destruction of the wicked as in the Flood Sodom Aegypt c. so it is sayd the Heavens fought and the Stars in their course fought against M Sisera Jud. 5. The stars by their influence in their Constellations raised stormes winde raine hail inundations c. Compare with this Job 38.22.23 and Jos 10.11 also Exod. 5. and the troubles of Pharaohs pursute of Israel in the Red sea Exod. 14.24.25 Psal 77.16.17.18.19 meditate on Psal 18. and 28.3 c. and Psal 104. and 148. and 1 Sam. 7.10 and 12.17 and 14.15 and much of Jobs booke ANNOTATIONS upon Chapter 1. In Q. 3. N. 5. The same order of the persons in existence is the same in operation both in the creation and in the new creation or regeneration For the spirit of Elohim first of the Father and Secondly of the son moved hovered or as one may say sate a Metaphor from birds that fit on their eggs on the face of the waters to hatch or bring forth out of that created Chaos all the visible and sensible creatures as it followes in the sixth dayes work As for the other the Love of the Father draws on the sons redemption and their spirit works it up by sanctification c. This is an irrefragable bond of working which the creature cannot frustrate and Jehovah changeth not Eph. 1.2 to 16. 1 Cor. 8.6 2 Cor. 4.4 2 Cor. 13.13 Joh. 5.19 and 14.26 and 15.26 and 16.7 In N. 6. That was fit for each cretaure though the creatures do now groan under corruption yet it is a miracle of beauty that things are placed to be so excellently subservient to each other The baser and inferiour serve the next above them the livelesse serve the Vegetives the Vegitive the sensitive the sensitive the Rationall the Rationall are to serve the eternall Lord God In N. 7. Therefore who is he that sayth that any thing falleth out which Jehovah commanded not From the mouth of the highest proceedeth not the evill and the good Lam. 3 27.38 Broughton reads it Are not two sparrowes sold for a farthing and one of them shall not fall on the Ground without the Father Matth. 10. Is there evill in the City and the Lord hath not done it Amos 3.6 Let us be humbled for our Atheisme that looke so much to second causes God alters times and seasons and over-rules his means as in the plague in 1636. it being most in winterly season And as for fretting and tormenting our selves about events every event is an Oracle of God then no disputing Yea be the instruments what can be it is just wise or a mercifull event and all to his glory Why doth living man murmur a man for the punishment of his sin Lam. 3. Therefore David was in a sweet temper when he sayd I opened not my mouth because thou didst it Psal 39. 2 Sam. 16.10 So then what ever be the second causes yet the most high God ruleth all in all things in Heaven earth sea and in all deep places Psal 135. His providence reacheth as far as his creation We say it raines it snowes it freezeth ir misteth it thundereth it bloweth and that the stormy windes do raise the waves c. We may so speak impersonally for the holy scripture alloweth the Phrase But yet wee must looke and our children must be taught to looke to Jehovah the Eternall Being He sayth to the snow be thou upon the Earth and likewise to the small raine and the great raine of his strength he thundereth he raiseth the stormy winde c. Job 17.38 and Psal 104. and 107. These things should be in us from our infancy that our Faith Fear Love Joy Hope Patience should abound towards him who doth all things by his wise Counsells and for the good of his chosen In N 7. Kingdome Although the Kingdome of God be much spoken of in the holy scriptures yet it hath a more retyred and speciall sence then is commonly thought upon this Kigdome is that mediatoriall Kingdome of Christ and therefore all power in Heaven and Earth was not first given to him in Matth. 28.18 For God hath governed the world by his son ever since Adam lost the government by his fall Gen. 3.15 And therefore it is sayd Jehovah from Jehovah rained fire and brimstone up Sodom and Gomorrah Gen. 19.24 In N. 8. Nor resemblances We ought to be very carefull in prayer c. That we fashion not God in our conceptions to any shape We ought not to thinke of the God-head like sottish heathens or superstitious Papists Acts 17. Esa 40 Rom. 1. Therefore let us helpe our children from the breasts with true knowledge In N. 8. Haters For God saith I will visit the iniquity of Fathers upon the third and fourth Generation of them that Hate mee as in Exod. chap. 20. In N. 9. And all outward worship Selfe-will worshippers are bruitish wights they worship they know not what for all their babling and prating Act. 17. Joh. 4.22 Jeroboam and his Preists thought and taught that they worshiped the true God in his calves but God hath told us that hee worshiped Devils A Papist thinks hee worships Christ when hee kneeles before a golden silvery woodden stony or painted Crucifix But the spirit saith It is the worship of Devills 2 Chron. 11.25 Apoc. 9 20. In N. 10. Our Elohim Meditare ever more of Gods Attributes and properties as a helpe in Prayer and as a meanes to preserve faith and obedience and to prop us against all temptations to sin and when through Weaknesse overtaken by sin meditate on the same This will be a meanes to make us that we shall not conceale or hide our sins For by concealing we disgrace Gods Attributes and properties but by confession we give Glory to Jehovah the God of Israel that he sees us knows us that he is just if he judge and condemn us that he is holy and cannot abide iniquity that he is mighty and able to plague save and deliver And this is a gracious way to