the plenteous knowledge of them searching those diuine words and exercising our selues in the morning and euening accounting so much to bee added to our riches as wee get of this excellent knowledge Iohn 5.39 Search the Scriptures for in them you thinke to haue eternall life and they are they which testifie of me Col. 3.16 Let the word of God or Christ dwell in you plenteously in all wisdome teaching and admonishing your owne selues c. Psalm 1.2 But his delight is in the Law of the Lord and in his law doth he meditate day and night Labouring by all meanes to acquaint our children and family with them Deut. 6.7 And thou shalt rehearse them continually vnto thy children and shalt talke of them when thou tariest in thy house and as thou walkest by the way and when thou liest downe and when thou risest vp c. Since they are of God and so perfect wee should rest vpon the directions and comforts we find in them and establish our hearts in all things wee learne out of them Rom. 15.4 For whatsoeuer things are written afore time are written for our learning that wee through patience and comfort of the scriptures might haue hope They are a sure word we may rest vpon them 2. Pet. 1.20 as beleeuing that euery word of God is pure and that God will make them good to such as trust in them Prou. 30.5.6 We should care to reade and heare these Scriptures with al due preparation and attention and high estimation receiuing them as the word of God and not of man 1. Thes. 2.13 labouring to bring cleane hearts and a meeke and teachable spirit to them as being able to saue our soules Iames 1.21.22 with a resolution to doe whatsoeuer God requireth in them We should loue them aboue all treasures accounting them more deare then thousands of gold and siluer and reckoning the sentences learned out of Scriptures as the fairest ornament can decke vs Deut. 11.18.19 Psalm 119.72 We should therefore make them the rule of all our actions and come continually to them to see whether our workes bee wrought in God and shewing the power of the word in the demonstration of the apparant life of it in commanding all our particular actions that men may see the light of the word in the light of our good workes Phil. 2.15 That wee may bee blamelesse and pure and the sonnes of God without rebuke in the midst of a naughty and crooked nation amongst whom you shine as lights in the world Gal. 6.16 And as many as walk according to this rule peace shall be vpon them and mercy vpon the Israel of God Psalm 119.105 Thy word is a lanterne vnto my feete and a light vnto my path Yea we should daily try and search the secrets of our hearts by it as that which only can doe it Heb. 4.12 For the word of God is liuely and mighty in operation and sharper then any two edged sword and entreth through euen vnto the diuiding asunder of the soule and the spirit and of the ioynts and the marrow and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart Wee should therefore in all questions and controuersies let the Scriptures iudge and thinke of no man aboue what is written Gal. 1.7 1. Cor. 4.6 Esay 8.20 Thus much for instruction Secondly these Principles reprooue the Papists and carnall Protestants and the godly too The Papists are heere reproued 1. For making the authority of the Scriptures to depend vpon the testimony of the Church whereas the Church is built vpon the Scriptures Ephes. 2.20 And are built vpon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets Iesus Christ himselfe being the chiefe corner stone 2. For not holding it to bee sufficient without traditions contrary to the expresse word 2. Tim. 3.17 That the man of God may be absolute being made perfect vnto all good works 3. For with-holding the Scriptures from the common people keeping from them the sight of their Fathers wil contrary to the word Iohn 5.39 Search the Scriptures for in them you thinke to haue eternall life and they are they which testifie of me Col. 3.16 Let the word of God dwell in you plenteously in all wisedome c. 4. For iudging controuersies without them contrary to the commandement Esay 8.20 To the Law and to the Testimony If they speake not according to this word it is because there is no light in them The carnal Protestants are here reproued 1. For their miserable neglect of the reading hearing meditation and the care to yeeld obedience to the Scriptures yea for the wretched neglect of the very buying of the Bible for their vse and the vse of their families and for daring to liue without the preaching of the word in times of spirituall famine 2. For their vilde audaciousnesse that dare liue in such sins as they heare threatned in the Scriptures prophanely despising the warning daily giuen them Esay 30.11.12 Ier. 23.9.10 3. For their scorning and deriding of such as honour the word and frequent the hearing of it Esay 57.3.4 But you witches children come hither the seed of the adulterer and of the whore On whō haue you iested Vpon whom haue you gaped and thrust out your tongs Are ye not rebellious children and a false seed 4. For their irreuerence when they come to the house of God to heare Eccles. 5.1 Yea the godly themselues ought to bee humbled by the consideration hereof 1. For their distractions in the hearing reading of the Word 2. For neglecting the counsels and directions giuen out of the Word 3. For not resting vpon it through vnbeliefe 4. For too much aptnes to receiue opinions if they come frō men they account godly though they haue no warrant from the word There be traditions on the right hand as well as on the left Thus much for reproofe Thirdly wee may all try our selues what we are by our respect of the Scriptures If we loue and heare the word we are of God Ioh. 8.47 He that is of God heareth Gods word ye therefore heare them not because ye are not of God Gods people are a people in whose hearts is Gods Law Esay 51.7 Psalm 37.31 Lastly it may be a singular consolation to all such as find the word of God to testifie with thē it matters not what the world saies or thinks of vs if we can find that the word of the Lord is good cōcerning vs our harts may be at rest when God speakes peace by his word and we may be sure we are in the right way when we follow the directions of the word CHAP. IIII. Of God Psalm 72.18.19 HItherto of the principles concerning the fountaine of knowledge the subiect of knowledge is God who must bee considered two waies first In his nature secondly In his works Concerning God considered in his nature there are foure principles That he is that is that there is a God That
Ephes. 5.14 Secondly of the daily baits and methods of sinne be not insnared with the pleasures of sinne which are but for a season but circumcise betimes the soreskins of your hearts Ier. 4.4 Thirdly of procrastination and delaying of time in the businesse of reformation For thy life is vncertaine Matth. 25.13 and euery day addes to the heap of sinne and of wrath Rom. 2.5 Sinne not against thy purposes of amendment lest thou grow more hardened Fourthly of hypocrisie and fained holinesse Esa. 58.2 Iam. 4.8 Fifthly of the perswasion of the merit of your owne works Rom. 10.3 For they being ignorant of the righteousnesse of God and going about to stablish their owne righteousnesse haue not submitted themselues to the righteousnesse of God c. Sixthly of temporary righteousnes Hosh. 6.4 Ephraim what shall I doe vnto thee O Iuda how shall I intreat thee for your goodnes is as a morning cloud and as a morning dew it goeth away Or being weary of well doing Gal. 6.9 Let vs not therefore be weary of well doing for in due season we shall reape if we faint not c. Seuenthly of the precepts of men Mat. 15.9 In vaine they worship me teaching for doctrine mens precepts Ezech. 20.18 But I said vnto their children in the wildernes walk ye not in the ordinances of your fathers neither obserue their manners nor defile your selues with their idols Eighthly of looking after the example and fashion of the world Rom. 12.2 Frame not your selues like vnto this world Ninthly neglect of prayer for the particular furtherance of reformation and grace Lam. 5.21 shall he not giue vs his holy Spirit if we aske him as our Sauiour sheweth in the parable Tenthly let the best of vs take heed of a strange deceit and that is to rest in faire words and attentiue hearing How is it that men that heare many precious counsels comforts reproofes goe away without any reformation and thinke they doe well if they commend the Sermon c. Oh how common is this disease to be awake to heare of the disease or medicine and fall a sleepe before it be applied like those hearers in the Gospell of whom it is said They heard they maruelled and they went their waies Thus much of what we should auoide that the worke of sanctification be not hindred On the other side there be diuers things to be obserued by vs as First wee must looke to the matter to bee done which hath two considerations in it 1. That in generall whatsoeuer things are true honest iust pure louely and of good report that haue vertue and praise in them that we should thinke on those things and study how to glorifie God and enrich our selues by well doing them Phil. 4.8 Eph. 58. c. 2. That we striue to keep our selues free from or speedily mortifie such euils as vsually staine the profession of religion after calling Besides the mortification of grosse euils which the first repentance puts away wee must watch carefully against other sinnes such as are lying rotten communication deceit anger wrath and all bitternesse and cursed speaking Col. 3.8 Ephesians 4.25 Secondly wee must looke to the end of all our actions the end I say both of intention and continuance For 1. Wee must propound the glory of God as the maine ende of all our actions 1. Cor. 10.31 Whether therefore ye eate or drinke or whatsoeuer yee doe doe all to the glory of God Philip. 1.11 2. Wee must so begin reformation and good workes as we be sure also to endeuour with all constancy to hold out to the end Luke 1.75 All the daies of our life in holinesse and righteousnes before him Psalm 106.3 Blessed are they that keepe iudgement and do righteousnesse at all times Thirdly we must looke to the manner of our reformation that it be done with all sinceritie and so we doe 1. If wee turne from all sorts of our transgressions Ezech. 18. 30.31 Therefore I will iudge you O House of Israel euery one according to his waies returne therefore and cause other to turne away from all your transgressions so iniquitie shall not be your destruction Cast away from you all your transgressions whereby ye haue transgressed and make you a new heart and a new spirit for why will ye die O House of Israel 2. If wee labour for a sanctification that is throughout in all parts in soule in body and in spirit that is in our outward man and in our affections and in our iudgements and thoughts Fourthly we must bee exceeding mindfull of the meanes of sanctification and so we must especially thinke of 1. The Word to subiect our selues to the power of it for if we heare our soules shall liue we are sanctified by the truth and God wil haue his Law magnified and the Word is able to build vs vp still further till we come to heauen Isai. 55.4 Iohn 17.19 Isaiah 42.21 Acts 20.32 2. The Sabbath for that is the signe of our sanctification It is a signe to assure that God will not faile vs in his blessings and it is a signe that we are indeed a holy people if we be carefull to keepe the Sabbath It is the market day for our soules and by the right keeping of the Sabbath we shall be the better able to serue God all the weeke after Exod. 31.13 14. Keepe ye my Sabbaths for it is a signe betweene me and you in your generation that ye may know that I the Lord doe sanctifie you Ye shall therefore keepe the Sabbath for it is holy vnto you he that defileth it shall die the death therefore whosoeuer worketh therein the same person shall be euen cut off from among his people Isaiah 56.2 Blessed is the man that doth this and the sonne of man which laieth hold on it he that keepeth the Sabbath and polluteth it not and keepeth his hand from doing any euill c. Thus of the vses for instruction Thirdly these principles may terrifie all men that are vnsanctified that haue not true grace that liue in their sinnes Woe vnto worlds of men because of sinne for thereby they may gather that there is no cure done to their natures that they are not at all iustified before God that they haue no part with Christ and that all they doe is still impure Mat. 7.18 Tit. 1.15 Yea and that the wages of their sinnes will be death and that in the state they are in they cannot bee saued Rom. 6.23 Iohn 3.5 and in the meane time what know they how soone the whirle-wind of the Lord may fall vpon the wicked Ier. 23.19 Behold the tempest of the Lord goeth forth in his wrath and a violent whirle-wind shall fall downe vpon the head of the wicked And for all the things they haue done in the flesh they must come to iudgement and the rather because they haue not taken warning Acts 17.31 Because hee hath appointed a day in the which he will iudge the world in
men esteeme vs as the dispensers of the secrets of Christ 1. Cor. 4.1.2 And be perswaded by vs 2. Cor. 5.20 3. Thirdly we must here know that we must depend vpon Christ onely for doctrine needful to saluation There is but one Law giuer away with traditions and reuelations of mens owne hearts if an Angell from heauen would teach vs otherwise let him be accursed Gal. 1.8 Iam. 4.12 Will any man teach God Iob 21.22 4. We may here see the horrible estate of such as will be still ignorant and liue in their sinnes hauing the Scriptures and preaching in the name and by the authoritie of Christ. Iohn 1.10 Ioh. 3.19 Christ in these crieth but men regard not Prou. 1.20 c. 5. Wee must take heed that we mistake not and that in two things 1. First about the difference of Christ and all others in teaching 2. About the continuance of this propheticall office Christ teaching in his owne person did excell all other so as wee might truly say who teacheth like him Iob. 36.22 1. For first he taught with more authoritie Matth. 7.29 For hee taught them as one hauing authority and not as the Scribes 2. He teacheth by his spirit not by sound of words onely or by inke and paper 3. He graueth his words not in stone but in the fleshly tables of mens hearts 2. Cor. 3.3 c. And for the continuance of prophecy wee must know that it lasts but for this life for in the other world prophecie shall cease 1. Cor. 13.8 Loue doth neuer fall away though that prophesyings be abolished or the tongues cease or knowledge vanisheth away For instruction and so these principles may teach First all in Generall and so diuers duties 1. First with all carefulnes therefore to heare the voice of Christ Mat. 17.5 Behold there came a voice out of the cloud saying This is my beloued Sonne in whom I am well pleased heare him 2. In all wants to run vnto Christ and pray that he would teach vs Psal. 25.5 Leade mee forth in thy truth and teach me for thou art the God of my saluation In thee doe I trust all the day c. Psalm 143.10 Teach me to doe thy will for thou art my God let thy good Spirit leade mee into the land of righteousnesse 3. But then if wee would euer profit by Christs teaching we must be poore in spirit broken in hart mourne for our sinnes Isaiah 60.1 c. Malach. 3. from the 1. to the 7. And make conscience to leaue all sinne and bee renewed throughout Eph. 4.17 to 23. 4. To loue the house of God where the Son of God exerciseth his prophecying Psalm 84.4.10 Blessed are they that dwell in thine house they will euer praise thee For a day in thy courts is better then a thousand other where I had rather be a doore-keeper in the house of my God then to dwell in the Tabernacles of wickednes Mat. 12.42 We should long for it and call vpon one another Isaiah 2.3 5. To cleaue to the counsels reproofes doctrines and exhortations of Christ in the execution of his office Ioh. 6.68 And to receiue the truth with al ful assurance Heb. 3.6 2. Pet. 1.19 6. Not to be too busie one against another in doubtfull or indifferent things Iam. 4.11.12 There is one Law-giuer which is able to saue and destroy who art thou that iudgest another man Secondly hence Ministers may learne diuers things 1. Not to affect the praise of men for the greatnesse of their gifts or glory of their work They must not be called Rabbi seeing one is their Doctor euen Christ and they haue nothing but what they haue receiued from him Matth. 23.8 But rather learne of Iohn Baptist Iohn 3.30.31 who said He must increase but I must decrease 2. When they discharge their duties not to be affraid of men or to bee ouermuch carefull in their trouble what to speake or doe They should settle this in their hearts for Christ will giue them a mouth and wisdom which all their aduersaries shall not be able to gainsay or resist one haire of their head shall not perish and therefore in patience they should possesse their soules Luke 21.14 to the 20. 3. To be diligent in the execution of their office seeing they must make vp their accounts to Christ whose Embassadours they are and they should speak as the words of Christ and not their owne words Rom. 12.6.7.8 Thirdly here is singular consolation to al the godly from the propheticall office of Christ and that if we consider three things 1. What Christ will teach vs. 2. How he will teach vs. 3. Whom he will teach For the first it may bee an exceeding comfort that God hath giuen vs his Sonne to bee our Prophet for thereby we may bee assured that he will be our counsellor in all estates Isaiah 9.6 Hee will teach vs to profit Isaiah 33.22 And when wee are deiected and broken in heart and mourne for our corruptions hee doth acknowledge it to be a part of his office to apply the Gospell to vs and to proclaime the acceptable yeere of the Lord and to poure vpon vs the oile of gladnesse for the Spirit of heauines For the second Christs teaching is wonderfull comfortable for the Scripture shewes that he will teach vs 1. Freely he will giue vs our teaching hee stands not vpon hire Iohn 17.8 For I haue giuen vnto them the words which thou gauest me c. 2. Powerfully and effectually so as if our harts were dead within vs yet he will reuiue them the dead shall heare his voice Iohn 5.25 3. Familiarly and with great delight as a mother would instruct her childe at home in a chamber Canticles 8.2 4. Fully keeping from vs nothing that may bee needfull for vs hee will teach vs all things Iohn 15.15 Hence forth call I you not seruants for the seruant knoweth not what his Master doth but I haue called you friends for all things that I haue heard of my Father haue I made knowne vnto you Col. 2.3 In whō are hid al the treasures of wisdom and knowledge c. 5. Gloriously and with a maruelous shining light of knowledge that may rauish our harts and much affect vs 2. Cor. 4.6 For God that commanded the light to shine out of darkenesse is he which hath shined in our hearts to giue the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Iesus Christ. 2. Cor. 3.18 But we all behold as in a mirrour the glory of the Lord with open face and are changed into the same image from glory to glory as by the spirit of the Lord. 6. Confidently Hee will so teach vs the truth as hee will bee ready to iustifie it as a neuer failing faithfull and true witnesse Reuel 3.14 And vnto the Angell of the Church of the Laodiceans write These things saith Amen the faithfull and true witnesse the beginning of the creatures of God Isaiah 55.4
he is glorious in Nature That he is three in Persons That he is one in Essence For the first that there is a God is euery where apparant in euery leafe yea almost in euery line of Scripture and therefore I spare quotations it being out of all doubt that the Scripture saith so And against all seeds of Atheisme men may keepe in their minds these other testimonies both inward and outward The inward testimonies that proue there is a God are these The horror of conscience that befalles men after the committing of sinne dreading a supreame Iudge which terrours we see are oftentimes such as are most dreadfull and such as no outward thing can still The testimony of the holy Ghost infallibly satisfying the godly herein The reuelation of God to the harts of his people daily finding him in the vse of his ordinances which presence of God they likewise misse if they sinne presumptuously The externall testimonies are taken from the workes of God either more generally in the world or more specially in the Church The world testifies there is a God In respect of the creation of it this huge frame could not make it selfe and therefore of necessity there must be some being that gaue it being By the motion that is in it For that shewes there is a supreame mouer By the strange Iudgements that fall vpon the wicked somtimes in the very act of sinning and sometimes at the very instant of the wishes of wicked persons In that all nations haue at all times acknowledged a God In the Church God hath proued himselfe to be 1 By apparitions God hath shewed himselfe by certaine formes or signes of his presence thus Adam Noah Abrahā Isaac Iacob Moses c. saw God 2 By the miracles wrought beyond all the course of nature as when he raised dead men diuided the sea made the Sunne goe backward c. Thus of the proofe of the first principle That God is also maruellously glorious in his nature these places shew Psal. 29. all ouer Exod. 33.18 Againe he said I beseech thee shew me thy glory 19. And he answered c. Esa. 6.2.3 And one cried to another and said Holy holy holy is the Lord of hosts the whole world is full of his glory 1. Tim. 6.16 Who onely hath immortality and dwelleth in the light that none can attaine vnto whom neuer man saw neither can see vnto whom bee honour and power euerlasting Amen And how can hee be but exceeding glorious when as he is Incorporeall beyond the perfection of bodily things Ioh. 4. 24. God is a spirit Eternall without any beginning Psal. 90.2 Before the mountaines were made and before thou haddest formed the earth and the world euen from euerlasting to euerlasting thou art our God Infinitely immense and incomprehensible 1. King 8.27 Is it true indeed that God will dwell on the earth Behold the heauens and the heauens of heauens are not able to containe thee how much more vnable is this house that I haue built Ier. 23.24 Doe not I fill heauen and earth saith the Lord Immutable without shadow of change Iam. 1.17 Euery good giuing and euery perfect gift is from aboue and commeth downe from the father of lights with whom is no variablenesse neither shadow by turning Numb 23.19 God is not as man that hee should lie neither as the sonne of man that hee should repent Hath he said and shall he not doe it and hath he spoken and shall he not accomplish it Omnipotent so as nothing is impossible to him Psalm 115.3 But our God is in heauen hee doth whatsoeuer he will Mat. 19.26 And Iesus beheld them and said vnto them with men this is impossible but with God all things are possible Iob 42.2 I know that thou canst doe all things and that there is no thought hidden from thee Omni-scient so as hee knowes all things vniuersally and perfectly Psalm 147.5 Great is our Lord and great is his power his wisdome is infinite Rom. 11.33 O the deepnesse of the riches both of the wisedome and knowledge of God! how vnsearchable are his iudgements and his waies past finding out Hebr. 4.13 Neither is there any creature which is not manifest in his sight but all things are naked and open vnto his eyes with whom we haue to doe Most holy without sinne in himselfe and hating sinne in others Psalm 5.4 For thou art not a God that louest wickednesse neither shall euill dwell with thee Esa. 6.3 And one cried to another and said Holy holy is the Lord of hosts All-sufficient and independant Genes 17.1 The Lord appeared to Abraham and said vnto him I am God all-sufficient walke before me and be thou vpright Exod. 3.14 And God answered Moses I am that I am c. Rom. 11.36 For of him and through him and for him are all things to him be glory for euer Amen Most mercifull Exod. 34.6.7 So the Lord passed before his face and cried The Lord the Lord strong mercifull and gracious c. Reseruing mercy for thousands forgiuing iniquity and transgression and sinne and not making the wicked innocent Psalm 136. the whole Lastly Immortall so as hee can neuer die or cease to bee 1. Tim. 1.17 Now vnto the King euerlasting immortall inuisible vnto God onely wise be honour and glory for euer and euer Amen And all this should teach vs To adore and feare this great and glorious God Rom. 11.33.35.36 O the deepnesse of the riches both of the wisedome and knowledge of God c. To dilate our hearts in a speciall manner in his praises Neuer such a subiect of praise as God His praises should take vp all people by all meanes and at all times while we haue any being Psalm 72.18.19 Blessed bee the Lord God and blessed bee his glorious name for euer and let the whole earth be filled with his glory Amen Amen Psalm 96. vers 1. c. Oh sing vnto the Lord all the earth blesse his name declare his glory from day to day the Lord is great and greatly to be praised giue vnto the Lord the glory due vnto his name Psal. 147.1 Praise ye the Lord for praise is comely Psalm 148. the whole Reuel 5.9 c. With speciall admiration to set our hearts and affections vpon him to loue him with all our soules and all our might Deut. 30.6 And the Lord thy God will circumcise thine heart and the hart of thy seed that thou maist loue the Lord thy God with all thine heart and with all thy soule that thou mayest liue Oh these beauties should make vs wonderfully in loue with God! who onely is worthy to be accounted of a good nature Matth. 19.17 And he said vnto him why callest thou me good there is none good but one euen God c. With all diligence to seeke all good at his hands With all thankfulnesse to acknowledge what good wee receiue from him yea acknowledging all we haue to bee
For thou art great and dost wondrous things thou art God alone c. Loue him alone or aboue all He knoweth them that loue him and shew it by seruing him only Deut. 6.4.5 The Lord our God is Lord onely And thou shalt loue the Lord thy God with all thine heart and with al thy soule and with al thy might c. Mark 12.29.30 as before It should repent vs that euer wee relied vpon any other but him learning hereafter for euer to relie vpon him in our desperatest extremities as these places shew Deut. 32.37.38.39 Isay 37.16 1. Sam 2.2.3 We should therefore keepe the vnity of the spirit in the bond of peace as is vrged Ephes. 4.3.6 c. We should therefore vse but one Mediator to him 1. Tim. 2.5 For there is one God and one Mediatour betweene God and Man Which is the Man Christ Iesus c. Lastly how happy are his people they are most sure to prosper and grow as from the consideration of this principle is shewed Isai. 44.6.7.8 with coherence Hetherto of the nature of God the workes of God follow His workes are either of Creation or Prouidence CHAP. V. Of the Creation Reuel 4.11 Thou art worthy O Lord to receiue glory and honour and power for thou hast created all things and for thy wils sake they are and haue been created THere are fiue principles concerning the Creation That the World had a beginning was not eternall Gen. 1.1 In the beginning God created the heauen and the earth c. Prou. 8.24 c. When there were no depths was I begotten when there were no fountaines abounding with water c. Ephes. 1.4 As hee hath chosen vs in him before the foundation of the world c. That this world and al things therein was made by God Acts 17.24 God that made the world and all things that are therein c. Iohn 1.3 All things were made by it and without it was made nothing that was made Gens 1.1 Psalm 33.6 By the word of the Lord were the heauens made and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth Isaiah 40.28 Knowest thou not or hast thou not heard that the euerlasting God the Lord hath created the ends of the earth c. Colos. 1.16 For by him were all things created which are in heauen and which are in earth things visible and inuisible c. That all was made of nothing Rom. 4.17 Before God whom he beleeued who quickneth the dead and calleth those things which bee not as though they were Heb. 11.3 Through faith wee vnderstand that the world was ordained by the word of God so that the things which we see are not made of things which did appeare That God made all things by his word onely He spake and it was created He said let it bee and it was so Genes 1. Heb. 11.3 Psal. 33.6.9 all recited before That all things in their Creation were made good Gen. 1.31 and 2.1 And God saw all that hee had made and loe it was very good c. The vse may be For Information The glorie of the Lord shall endure for euer He shall reioyce in his workes Psalm 104.31 For Instruction and so the Scripture teacheth vs by the creation 1. To feare him and stand in awe of him euen all the inhabitants of the earth who are the work of his hands Psal. 33.6.7.8 2. To study the knowledge of these workes of his to remember them contemplate of them and praise his workmanship and admire his glory that doth great things and vnsearchable yea maruelous things without number c Iob 9.10.11 shall we not sing vnto the Lord all our life and praise our God while we liue c Psal. 104 33. seeing The heauens declare the glory of God and the firmament sheweth the worke of his hands Psal. 19.1 and the inuisible things of him that is his eternall power and God-head are seene by the creation of the World being considered in his workes c Rom. 1.20 Let vs remember that God gaue a Sabbath of purpose to remember the glory of God in the creation 3. To obserue the distinct glory of euery person admire that Sonne by whom God made the worlds Heb. 1.3 Col. 1.16 and that Spirit that sitting vpon that Chaos first hatched it Genes 1.2 4. To acknowledge Gods soueraigntie let him take whom he will away who can say what doest thou Iob 9.13 God will not withdraw his anger and the most mighty helpes stoope vnder him 5. Vpon all occasions and in all distresses to seeke vnto him for helpe assistance and succour Psalm 124.8 Psalm 134.3 yea beleeuing in him though we see no hope in respect of outward meanes Rom 4.17 Heb. 11.3 Isaiah 37.16 And as this is true of affliction and outward distresses so is it true of all spirituall distresses about the meanes or matter of holinesse for God himselfe vseth the word create in both to shew vs that it is lawfull for that reason to rest vpon him Isaiah 57.19 I create the fruit of the lips to be peace c. Psalm 51.10 Create in me a cleane heart c. so it is applied to good works Ephes. 1.10 and to our protection in generall Esay 4.4 and 5. To shew that if it were as difficult as to make heauen and earth at the first yet God will doe it 6. To teach vs compassion to the creatures we should loue the worke of his hands and not bee cruell to them or voide of pitie These principles also may serue for reproofe of wicked men For not fearing God and not trembling before him as Ierem. 5.22.23 Feare ye not me saith the Lord will ye not be afraid at my presence which haue placed the sand for the bounds of the sea by the spirituall decree a perpetuall that it cannot passe it c. For not regarding his works Isaiah 1.12 And the harpe and viol and timbrel and pipe and wine are in their feasts but they regard not the worke of the Lord neither consider the worke of his hands For hardning themselues in their sinnes notwithstanding Gods threatnings Iob 4.13 with vers 15.16.21 And lastly for consolation to all that put their trust in him Psal. 116.5.6 He can dispose of all since the earth is the Lords and all that is therein Oh what is man that God should bee mindefull of him and giue him such pre-eminence ouer the workes of his hands Psalme 8.4.5.6.7.8 Prouerbs 8.31 Thus of the Creation CHAP. VI. Of Gods Prouidence Rom. 11.36 For of him and through him and for him are all things To him be glory for euer Amen THe principles concerning Gods prouidence are That God still knowes and takes continual notice of all things Prou. 15.3 The eies of the Lord in euery place behold the euill and the good Zach. 4.10 These seuen are the eies of the Lord which goe through the whole world Heb. 4.13 Neither is there any creature
trust in God 5. As any are more godly so they must know they shall bee more assaulted Thus for instruction This doctrine of the fall hath matter in it of extreame humiliation in that eternall shame lies vpon our nature by this vile offence both in respect of the extremity of our losse and the fearfull displeasure of God Lastly it may comfort the godly to thinke of their estate by Christ hauing receiued the assurance of a better condition then euer they could haue had in Adam and the rather because they are now confirmed as the Angels of heauen that they can neuer fall from the happinesse they haue in Christ. CHAP. IX Of Sinne. Rom. 5.12 Wherefore as by one man sinne entred into the world and death by sinne and so death went ouer all men for as much as all men haue sinned c. HItherto of the cause of our misery The parts follow viz. 1. Sinne. 2. Punishment The principles concerning sin are First that all men haue sinned Psalm 14.1.2.3 The foole hath said in his heart there is no God they haue corrupted and done an abominable worke there is none that doth good The Lord looked downe from heauen vpon the children of men to see if there were any that would vnderstand and seeke God All are gone out of the way they are all corrupt there is none that doth good no not one Prou. 20.9 Who can say I haue made mine heart cleane I am cleane from my sinne 1. King 8.46 There is no man that sinneth not c. Eccles. 7.22 Surely there is no man iust in the earth that doth good and sinneth not Rom. 3.9 What then are wee more excellent No in no wise for we haue already proued that all both Iewes and Gentiles are vnder sin Iam. 3.2 For in many things we sinne all 1. Ioh. 1.8 If we say that we haue no sinne we deceiue our selues and the truth is not in vs. The second principle is that the nature of man is stained with sinne from the birth Iob 14.4 Who can bring a cleane thing out of filthinesse there is not one Iob 15.14 What is man that he should bee cleane and hee that is born of a womaÌ„ that he shuld be iust Psal. 51.5 Behold I was borne in iniquity and in sin hath my mother conceiued me That this infection hath ouerspread the whole nature of man hence called the old man For explication of this principle we must consider that the nature of man is tainted 14. waies For there is in man by nature Extreame darknesse sightlesnes especially in the knowledge of God and happinesse Colos. 1.13 Who hath deliuered vs from the power of darknesse 1. Cor. 2.14 But the naturall man perceiueth not the things of the spirit of God for they are foolishnesse vnto him neither can hee know them because they are spiritually discerned Insensiblenesse and vnutterable hardnesse of heart Ephes. 4.18 Hauing their cogitation darkened and being strangers from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them because of the hardnesse of their heart c. Impotency and extreame disability to deliuer our owne soules or breake off our sinnes Esa. 44.20 He feedeth of ashes a seduced heart hath deceiued him that he cannot deliuer his soule nor say is there not a lie in my right hand Enmity to that which is good Rom. 8.7 For the wisedome of the flesh is enmity to God Rom. 7.23 But I see another law in my members rebelling against the law of my mind and leading me captiue vnto the law of sin which is in my members 5. Impurity foulnes filthines all ouer Tit. 1â— 5. Vnto them that are defiled 〈◊〉 â—â—beleeuing is nothing pure 〈◊〉 euen their mindes and conscienâ—â— are defiled Psal. 14.3 All are gone out of the way they are all corrupt there is none that doth good no not one 6. Abundance of false principles 7. Pronenesse to al sorts of euil Rom. 7.14.21 For we know that the law is spirituall but I am carnall sold vnder sinne I finde then by the law that when I would do good euill is present with me c. Concupiscence Want of all righteousnesse defects of the loue feare Ioy. c in God so of mercy c Psalm 14.3 All are gone out of the way they are all corrupt there is none that doth good no not one c. Rom. 3.10 As it is written There is none righteous no not one The members are naturally seruants of sinne so the senses Rom. 6.13.16 c. Neither giue you your members as weapons of vnrighteousnesse vnto sinne c. Know ye not that to whomsoeuer ye giue your selues as seruants to obey his seruants you are to whom ye obey whether it bee of sinne vnto death or of obedience vnto righteousnesse c. A seruile will a will that apprehends no liberty but in sinning Rom. 7.14 A natural aptnesse to be scandalized so as Christ himselfe is an offence a rocke of offence 1. Cor. 8.7 1. Pet. 2.6 A naturall sauouring and relishing of the things of Satan Ephes. 2.2 Wherein in time past you walked according to the course of this world and after the prince that ruleth in the ayre euen the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience This hath been euer since the first tentation in Paradise Corruption of memory Forgetting Good Retaining Euill A naturall dis-union one from another lusts of disagreement shunning all harty communion with others through dislike and selfe-loue Iam. 4.1 From whence are warres and contentions amongst you are they not hence euen of your lusts that fight in your members These things proue that wee haue all vile natures that there is not one of a good nature in the world by nature The fourth principle is that besides these sinnes that sticke fast vpon our natures euery man is guilty of horrible and many and vile actuall sinnes Psalm 14. 1.2.3 They haue corrupted and done an abominable worke c. Iob. 15.15.16 Behold he found no stedfastnesse in his Saints yea the heauens are not cleane in his sight How much more is man abominable and filthy who drinketh iniquity like water Rom 3.12 They haue all gone out of the way c. Such as are 1. A world of euill thoughts Genes 6.5 When the Lord saw that the wickednesse of man was great in the earth and all the imaginations of the thoughts of his heart were only euill continually Atheisticall thoughts innumerable Impure thoughts innumerable Vaine thoughts innumerable Errours in all parts of Religion 2. Vile affections Impatiency Lust Anger Enuie Suspition Malice Worldly feare Trust Ioy Loue c. 3. Vile words bitter idle false flattering slaÌ„dering proud filthy deceitfull scornfull censuring words 4. Atheisticall workes Psal. 14.1.3 as in many places before Against Gods worship in all the parts Against the Sabbath In our particular and generall calling At home and abroad Secret open Of omission and commission Of ignorance of knowledge Sudden and of custome In
reaped thornes they haue put themselues to much paine and had no profit and they shall be ashamed of their reuenues because of the fierce wrath of the Lord. Psal. 69.22 Let their table be a snare before them and their prosperity their ruine Prou. 1.26 I will also laugh at your destruction and mocke when your feare commeth c. 12. Scourging of sinne with sinne which is one of the most grieuous punishments when God leaues a man so as hee suffers him to fall into flagitious courses and to commit sin with greedinesse or deliuers man vp to a reprobate mind Rom. 1.26.28 For this cause God gaue them vp vnto vile affections for euen their women did change the naturall vse into that which is against nature For as they regarded not to know God euen so God deliuered them vp vnto a reprobate minde to doe those things which are not conuenient 13. Hellish terrours which wound the soule with insupportable tormeÌ„ts many times God softening the heart to feele inward smart or suffering Satan to torment the soule with vnspeakable feares and horrours Hebr. 10.27 But a fearfull looking-for of iudgement and violent fier which shall deuoure the aduersaries Esa. 33.14 The sinners in Sion are afraid a feare is come vpon the hypocrites who among vs shall dwell with the deuouring fire who among vs shall dwell with the euerlasting burnings Esa. 65.13.14 Therefore thus saith the Lord behold my seruants shall eate and ye shall be hungry behold my seruants shall drinke and ye shall bee thirsty behold my seruants shall reioyce and ye shall be ashamed Behold my seruants shall sing for ioy of heart and ye shall cry for sorrow of hart and shall howle for vexation of mind 14. Feare of death which in some measure is in all though the former be not euery man being in that respect like a prisoner that is condemned and lookes euery day when hee shall goe to execution Heb. 2.15 And that he might deliuer alâ—hem which for feare of death were all their life time subiect to bondage 15. A terrible generall iudgement when all mens sinnes shall bee ripped vp before the whole world to their eternall shame and an order giuen for vnauoidable execution of the sentence Act. 17.31 Because he hath appointed a day in the which he will iudge the world in righteousnesse by that man whom he hath appointed c. 16. A miserable departure and losse of life the soule and body being rent asunder and both losing for euer all the pleasures or felicities of this life Rom. 5.12 Wherefore as by one man sinne entred into the world and death by sinne and so death went ouer al men for as much as all men haue sinned c. Rom. 6.23 For the wages of sin is death 17. Lastly eternall paine Now this eternall misery is lamentable if wee consider 1. either the degrees of it 2. or the place 3. or the continuance The degrees of damnation are 1. First they haue no communion with God nor participation in any of the blessings of God 2. Thessal 1.9 Which shall bee punished with euerlasting perdition from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his power c. 2. Secondly they are vnited to the diuell with whom they haue an eternall fearfull fellowship Matth. 25.41 Then shall hee say vnto them on the left hand depart from me ye cursed into euerlasting fire which is prepared for the diuell and all his angels 3. They endure an vnspeakable confusion and most bitter ignominie vpon the consideration of the discouery of their many shamefull offences 4. They are inwardly affected with incredible horror and torment of conscience arising from the sense of Gods anger for their sinnes Esa. 30.33 For Tophet is prepared of old it is euen prepared for the King hee hath made it deepe and large the burning thereof is fier and much wood the breath of the Lord like a riuer of brimstone doth kindle it Rom. 2.8.9 But vnto them that are contentious disobey the truth and obey vnrighteousnesse shall bee indignation and wrath Tribulation and anguish shall be vpon the soule of euery man that doth euill of the Iew first and also of the Grecian 5. The bodies of the damned shall suffer vnexpressable torments which is set out in Scriptures by their lying in fier and brimstone Esa. 30.33 as immediately before Luk. 16.23 And being in hell torments he lift vp his eyes and saw Abraham a farre off and Lazarus in his bosome c. Reuel 21.8 But the fearfull and vnbeleeuing and the abominable and murtherers whoremongers and sorcerers and Idolaters and all liars shall haue their part in the lake which burneth with fier and brimstone which is the second death Matth. 25.41 Then shall he say vnto them on the left hand Depart from me ye cursed into euerlasting fier which is prepared for the diuell and his angels This misery is encreased by the fearfulnes of the place where it is to bee suffered to which in diuers Scriptures diuers names are giuen to intimate the horror of it as Hell the pit the great deep or bottomlesse gulph Prison Darknesse vtter darknesse and many other terrible titles Matth. 22.13 Then said the King to his seruants bind him hand and foot take him away and cast him into vtter darknesse there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth Reuel 20.1 And I saw an Angel come downe from heauen hauing the key of the bottomlesse pit and a great chaine in his hand c. And all this the more miserable because it shall be both eternall and without intermission or ease Reuel 14.11 And the smoake of their torment shall ascend euermore and they shall haue no rest day nor night c. Now followeth the Vses The vse may bee first for singular reproofe of the maruellous security of multitudes of people that can liue quietly in so miserable a condition were not man sunke deepe into rebellion and besotted with vnspeakable senselesnesse one would thinke it were impossible for him to eate or sleepe or euer to hold vp his head If wee heard a story of the one halfe of these distresses that were befallen another man and did lay our hearts to it to thinke tenderly of it we could not but wonder that that man could so forget his owne safety as to neglect any meanes for his owne release but this very obseruation shewes two things viz. that men are guilty of vile Atheisme and vnbeleefe and of incredible Apathy or insensiblenesse Oh that men would but think of these particulars ponder them seriously but alas a deceiued heart hath seduced them that they cannot say here is my perdition if I repent not And this reproofe is aggrauated against some men in this that they are angry at any that shewes them their danger as we see by experience of men that liue in grosse sinnes yet let the curses due to those sinnes be applied to them how do they rage how are they like the
foundation of our grace now one labor doth both if we make our calling sure wee make our Election sure 2. Pet. 1. 10 and we may be sure our calling is right if we adde vertue to our faith if we can find the gifts of grace in our hearts for this I fay we must study the doctrine of the signes of which before If we find assurance of our Election we should with all thankefulnes acknowledge Gods goodnesse to vs and the riches of his free grace as the Apostle teacheth vs Ephes. 1.3 and 2. Thes. 2.13 But we ought to giue thanks alway to the Lord for you brethren beloued of God because that God hath from the beginning chosen you to saluation through sanctification of the Spirit and the faith of truth and so rest in this happines as our chiefe desire to God should bee still to vouchsafe vs this fauour to blesse vs with the fauour of his chosen Psalm 106.4.5 Remember me O Lord with the fauour of thy people visit me with thy saluation That I may see the felicitie of thy chosen and reioyce in the ioy of thy people and glory with thine inheritance And for euer stand and gase at the maruelous riches of Gods grace that suffered vs not to perish in the condemnation of the world Our Election should work vpon vs a wonderfull care of holinesse of life Are we Elect then how should wee confirme our selues in separation from the world shall wee euer loue the world and the things thereof that heare that God hath chosen vs out of the world Yea why fashion wee our selues vnto this world Rom. 12.2 And fashion not your selues like vnto this world but be yee changed by the renewing of your minde that yee may prooue what is the good will of God and acceptable and perfect Deut. 14.2 For thou art an holy people vnto the Lord thy God and the Lord hath chosen thee to be a pretious people vnto himselfe aboue all the people that are vpon the earth God hath chosen vs and called vs with a holy calling and therefore we should as a people peculiar vnto him be zealous of all good workes and shew forth the vertues of him that called vs and walke before him with all desire to please him that hath thus Elected vs we should euer be ready to choose the Lord to bee our God and to shew it by auouching him and by walking in his waies as these Scriptures plentifully shew Deut. 7.6.7 For thou art an holy people vnto the Lord thy God the Lord thy God hath chosen thee to be a pretious people vnto himselfe aboue al the people that are vpon the earth The Lord doth not set his loue vpon you nor chuse you because yee were more in nūber then any people for ye were the fewest of all people Deut. 26.16.17 This day the Lord thy God hath commanded thee to do these ordinances lawes keepe them therefore and doe them with all thine heart and with all thy soule Thou hast set vp the Lord this day to be thy God and to walke in his waies and to keepe his ordinances and his commandements and his lawes and to hearken to his voice Ephes. 1.4 As he hath chosen vs in him before the foundation of the world that we should be holy and without blame before him in loue 1. Pet. 2.9.16 But ye are a chosen generation a roial Priesthood an holy Nation a peculiar people that ye should shew forth the vertues of him that hath called you out of darknesse into his maruelous light As free and not as hauing the libertie for a cloke of maliciousnes but as the seruants of God Wee should giue our names to God as they that will subscribe and deuote themselues only to the God of Iacob Isaiah 44.1.5 Yet now heare O Iacob my seruant and Israel whom I haue chosen One shall say I am the Lord another shall be called by the name of Iacob and another shall subscribe with his hand vnto the Lord and name himselfe by the name of Israel 4. It should teach vs to imitate God and chuse the godly as the persons wee would most obserue admire loue defend and liue withall Ioh. 15.17 These things command I you that yee loue one another Iohn 17.26 And I haue declared vnto them thy name and will declare it that the loue wherewith thou hast loued me may be in them and I in them c. Yea we should not haue the glorious faith of Christ in respect of persons to despise poore Christians and onely respect great men for God hath chosen the weake things of this world to confound the mighty and the poore hee hath chosen to be made heires of the Kingdome and rich in faith Iames 2.5 1. Cor. 1.27 Yea we should be content as the Apostle saith to suffer all things for the Elects sake seeing they are so deare to God 2. Tim. 2.10 We may know our Election by two sorts of signes First the one respects God Secondly the other respects our selues God declares his eternall choise by diuers markes of it and man proues himself to be Elect of God by diuers tokens of it God shewes whom hee hath chosen from euerlasting three manner of waies 1. By Election in time when God separates a man from the world vnto himselfe and his seruice It is a manifest signe of Election it shewes an eternall choise when God singles a man out from the multitude of carnal and carelesse men and inspires him with an vnchangeable resolution to deuote himselfe to God it is an euident declaration of Gods predestination to glorie God separates a man from the world when he makes him a wearie of wicked and vnprofitable society and takes away from him the taste in earthly things so as the loue of the world is not in him and sanctifies him to his owne vse 2. By the entertainement God giues them in his house and especially by the efficacy of the word and principally by the life of the promises for God makes his word a word of power and the holy Ghost falles vpon their hearts and they at sometimes feele a maruelous assurance in hearing and so much comfort that they can receiue the word though it be with much affliction and reioyce greatly in it and the word transformes them also to a constant desire of practice imitation of the godlines of the Saints 1. Thes. 1.4.5.6 Knowing beloued brethren that ye are Elect of God For our Gospell was not vnto you in word only but also in power and in the holy Ghost and in much assurance And ye became followers of vs and of the Lord and receiued the word in much affliction with ioy of the holy Ghost Psalm 65.4 Blessed is he whom thou chusest and causest to come to thee he shall dwell in thy courts and we shal be satisfied with the pleasures of thine house euen thy holy temple Rom. 9.8.11 That is they which are the children of the flesh
Behold I gaue him for a Witnesse to the people for a Prince and a Master vnto the people c. 7. Inwardly as well as outwardly to this end hee hath giuen vs the anointing euen his spirit in our hearts to teach vs all things 1. Iohn 2.27 But the anointing which ye receiued of him dwelleth in you and ye need not that any man teach you but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things and it is true and is not lying and as it taught you ye shall abide in him 8. Compassionately with singular tendernesse fitting himself to euery ones nature and ability Iohn 10.11 I am the good shepheard the good shepheard giueth his life for his sheepe Ezech. 34.23 And I will set vp a shepheard ouer them and hee shall feede them euen my seruant Dauid he shall feede them and hee shall bee their shepheard c. Isaiah 40.11 He shall feede his flocke like a shepheard he shall gather the lambes with his arme and carry them in his bosome and shall guide them with young c. For the third It is exceeding comfortable that he will teach al that come vnto him euen al that are giuen to him of God all the godly of what sex condition or nation soeuer They shal be al taught of God from the least to the greatest A b c daries as well as they of higher formes Isaiah 54.13 And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord and much peace shall be to thy children Ier. 31.34 And they shall teach no more euerie man his neighbour and euery man his brother saying know the Lord for they shall all know me from the least of them vnto the greatest of them saith the Lord. And therefore let vs obserue these things and acknowledge this goodnesse and receiue his testimony for thereby we seale that God is true Iohn 3.33 Hee that hath receiued his testimony hath sealed that God is true c. Thus much of his propheticall office CHAP. XIX Of the Priestly office of Christ. THe Priestly office of Christ follows which is that part of his function whereby he maketh satisfaction vnto God for men This office in the execution of it hath in it three things or there be three things Christ must doe as the Priest of the Church 1. He must obey the Law of God perfectly 2. Hee must make expiation for our sinnes by sacrificing to God 3. He must make intercession for vs. First of the principles that concerne his obedience there are foure things wee are bound to beleeue concerning the obedience of Christ 1. First that he was without sin in his nature Ioh. 8.46 Which of you can rebuke me of sinne 2. Cor. 5.21 For he hath made him to be sinne for vs which knew no sinne 1. Pet. 1.19 But with the precious blood of Christ as of a Lambe vndefiled and without spot 1. Pet. 2.22.23 Who did no sin neither was there guile found in his mouth c. Heb. 4.15 For we haue not an high Priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities but was in all things tempted in like sort yet without sinne c. 2. Secondly that he fulfilled the whole law of God perfectly in all his actions Hence called the holy one and the holy Child Iesus Act. 2.27 Because thou wilt not leaue my soule in hell neither wilt suffer thine holy one to see corruption Act. 13.35 Act. 3.14 But ye denied the holy one and the iust Act. 4.27 For doubtlesse against thine holy Sonne Iesus whom thou hast annointed c. 30. So that thou stretch forth thine hand that healing and signes and wonders may bee done by the name of thine holy Sonne Iesus 1. Ioh. 2.20 But yee haue an oyntment from him that is holy and ye haue knowne all things Thirdly that hee fulfilled the law not onely for himselfe but for vs for our sakes Rom. 8.3.4 For that that was impossible to the law in as much as it was weak because of the flesh God sending his owne Sonne in the similitude of sinfull flesh and for sinne condemned sinne in the flesh c. That the righteousnesse of the law might be fulfilled in vs which walke not after the flesh but after the spirit Rom. 10.4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousnes vnto euery one that beleeueth Rom. 5.18 Likewise then as by the offence of one the fault came on all men to condemnation so by the iustifying of one the benefit abounded toward all men to the iustification of life That this righteousnesse of his is an euerlasting righteousnes that is such a righteousnesse as serues for the Elect of all ages and such a righteousnesse as cannot be lost Dan. 9.24 Seuenty weekes are determined vpon thy people and vpon thine holy City to finish the wickednesse and to seale vp the sinnes and to reconcile the iniquity and to bring in euerlasting righteousnesse The vses may be For consolation for hereby all the faithfull may be assured that though they bee very vnrighteous in themselues yet they are made the righteousnesse of God in him Ierem. 23.6 In his dayes Iuda shall be saued and Israel shall dwell safely and this is the name whereby they shall call him The Lord our righteousnesse 2. Cor. 5.21 For he hath made him to be sinne for vs which knew no sinne that we should be made the righteousnesse of God in him Hee is the end of the law to euery one that beleeueth wee haue as certaine iustification to life by his obedience as euer we were subiect to death by Adams disobedience Rom. 5.19 For as by one mans disobedience many were made sinners so by the obedience of one shall many also be made righteous And if his righteousnesse bee ours how rich are we and how ought our hearts to bee established in his well doing c. Secondly for instruction and so it should worke in vs two things 1. First an establishment of faith in our reconciliation and a willing yeelding of our selues to acknowledge this free gift of God in his Sonne 2. Cor. 5.21 Rom. 10.4 2. Secondly an imitation of his maruellous holinesse a striuing to expresse his vertues that we may be holy as he is holy for he communicates the benefit of his obedience onely to such as liue iustly and walke not after the flesh but after the spirit Rom. 8.4 That the righteousnes of the law might bee fulfilled in vs which walke not after the flesh but after the spirit 1. Pet. 2.9 But yee are a chosen generation a royall priesthood an holy nation a peculiar people that ye should shew forth the vertues of him that hath called you out of darknes into his maruellous light c. Matth. 11.29 Take my yoke on you and learne of mee that I am meeke and lowly in heart and yee shall finde rest vnto your soules c. 2. Cor. 5.17 Therefore if any man be in Christ let him be a new creature c. Thirdly for
glories in our bodies then so it may adde vnto our comfort and the establishment of it if we consider three things more to wit first the certaintie of all this that it shall come Secondly the shortnesse of the time thither Thirdly the condition of the body till then For the first wee should not doubt of it because we are borne againe to this hope wee are children of the resurrection now and so called Luke 20.36 And besides Christ hath a charge to loose nothing no not of the bodies of the Saints Ioh. 6.39 And this is the Fathers will which hath sent me that of all which he hath giuen mee I should loose nothing but should raise it vp againe at the last day And he came to this end to dissolue the workes of the diuell which is sinne and death by sin 1. Iohn 3.8 Christ also is the first fruit of the dead 1. Cor. 15.20 And further we haue felt of the power of Christ in raising our soules alreadie he that by his word made all things can by the same voice bring backe our bodies againe Ob. That the bodies resolued to dust and ashes should rise is against cōmon sense and reason Solut. It is aboue reason but not against it Can men of ashes make glasse and cannot God of dust make againe the body Ob. But the bodies dead are often mingled with the bodies of beasts or other creatures Sol. The Goldsmith by his art can seuer mettals and extract one mettall out of another and cannot God distinguish these dusts c Ob. Flesh and blood cannot come into the Kingdome of heauen 1. Cor. 15.50 Sol. By flesh and blood is not meant the body simply but as it is clothed with sin and infirmity which shall be done away in the resurrection Ob. The condition of man and beast is one Eccles. 3.19 For the condition of the children of men and the condition of beasts are euen as one condition vnto them As the one dieth so dieth the other for they haue all one breath and there is no excellencie of man aboue the beast for all is vanitie Sol. First they are like in dying not in the estate after death Secondly it may be said those words are the obiection of the Epicure not the opinion of Salomon 〈◊〉 second it may adde to our comfort that the Lord is at hand Phil. 4.5 and that it is but a little season thither to Reuel 6.11 〈◊〉 third the present condition of our bodies euen in the graue should comfort vs for 1. The couenant of God is of force euen with them as they lie in the dust of the earth Mat. 22. 31.32 2. The vnion with Christ holds still Col. 1.18 3. They are not dead but a sleepe in Iesus 1. Thes. 4.13 〈◊〉 fourth wo vnto wicked men euen because of the resurrection they shal sleep for a while in their bodies but when they wake they must be had away to execution They that haue done euill shall rise vnto shame and contempt and condemnation their bodies shall rise in dishonor deformitie passible tormented with eternall and vnutterable tortures liuing in darkenesse without light liuing I say for euer onely to feele the paines of eternal dying shut vp in prison and denied the comfort of the meanest creatures it were well for them if they did neuer rise Reuel 20.14.15 Dan. 12.2 Iohn 5.29 CHAP. XXVII Of the last Iudgement 2. Cor. 5.10 For wee must all appeare before the iudgement seate of Christ that euery man may receiue the things which are done in his bodie according to that he hath done whether it be good or euill HItherto of the Resurrection the last Iudgment followes The Principles concerning the last iudgement are these First that there shall bee a generall iudgement Iude 14.15 And Enoch also the seuenth from Adam prophesied of such saying Behold the Lord commeth with thousand of Saints To giue iudgement against all men and to rebuke all the vngodly among them of all their wicked deedes which they haue vngodlily committed and of all their cruell speakings which wicked sinners haue spoken against him Psalm 9.8 For he shall iudge the world in righteousnesse and shall iudge the people with equitie Psalm 50.1 The God of Gods euen the Lord hath spoken and called the earth from the rising vp of the Sunne vnto the going downe thereof c. Heb. 9.27 And as it is appointed vnto men that they shal once die and after that commeth the iudgement Dan. 7.9.10 I beheld till the thrones were set vp and the Ancient of daies did sit whose garment was white as snow and the haire of his head like the pure wooll his throne was like the fierie flame and his wheeles as burning fier A fierie streame issued and came forth from before him thousand thousands ministred vnto him and ten thousand thousands stood before him the Iudgement was set and the bookes opened Secondly that Christ shall be the Iudge and that in the humane nature Act. 10.42 And hee commanded vs to preach vnto the people and to testifie that it is he that is ordained of God a Iudge of quicke and dead Acts 17.13 Because he hath appointed a day in the which hee will iudge the world in righteousnesse by that man whom he hath appointed whereof he hath giuen an assurance to al men in that he raised him from the dead 2. Tim. 4.1 I charge thee therfore before God and before the Lord Iesus Christ which shall iudge the quicke and dead at his appearing and in his Kingdome Iohn 5.22 For the Father iudgeth no man but hath committed all iudgement vnto the Sonne Ob. The Apostles shall iudge the twelue Tribes Matth. 19.28 Sol. 1. The Apostles iudge the twelue Tribes by their faith and doctrine the example whereof shall take away all excuse from the Israelites 2. They shall be as Iustices of Peace on the Bench and consent to Christs iudgement Ob. The Saints shall iudge the world 1. Cor. 6.2 Sol. As assessors with Christ bearing witnesse to it approouing it and assenting to it as the Apostles before 2. As they are members of Christ the Iudge 3. As their example shall bee alleaged to condemne the wicked Ob. But the Father and holy Ghost iudge too Sol. The Father doth iudge by the Sonne as by his representatiue Wisdome Iohn 5.22 For the Father iudgeth no man but hath committed all iudgement vnto the Sonne Dan. 7.13.14 As I beheld in visions by night behold one like the Sonne of Man came in the clouds of heauen and approched vnto the Ancient of daies and they brought him before him 14. And he gaue him dominion and honour and a Kingdome that all people nations c. Or thus the authority of iudging is common to the three persons but the execution onely proper to the Sonne Thirdly all men shall be iudged at that day iust and vniust quicke and dead small great Iude 15. To giue iudgement against all men and to rebuke all the
the glory to come Ephes. 1.18.19 Rom. 5.2.3 2. Our hearts should be fiered with an ardency of desire and endeauour to praise the glorious and free grace of God which hath without our deserts appointed vs vnto such glory wee can neuer walke worthy of heauen till wee be fitted to a daily and affectionate praise of Gods loue to vs therin All ages should stand and wonder at such rich grace and tender kindnesse of God in Iesus Christ Ephes. 1.6 Ephes. 2.7 Thirdly it should raise vp in vs a wonderfull estimation of the godly who are therfore the onely excellent Ones because as princes of God they are borne heires to so great a Kingdome No meanesse of their outward condition should abate of our reuerence to them that are so rich in faith and heires of such glorie c. Psalm 6.3 Iames 2.5 And seeing we must liue with them for euer we should choose them as the most happie companions of our liues here and receiue them as Christ receiued vs to glorie Rom. 15.7 1. Ioh. 4.7.17 c. And liue in all peace with them Ephes. 4.23 And for this reason husbands should make much of their godly wiues as heires with them of the same grace of God 1. Peter 3.8 And Masters should vse with all respect their religious seruants knowing that of the Lord their verie seruants shall receiue the reward of inheritance Colos. 3.23.24 Fourthly it should exceedingly raise the price of godlines and make vs with all heartie affection deuote our selues to weldoing seeing there is such an vnualuable gaine ariseth vnto such as with patience and painefulnesse continew in doing good wee should be abundant in the worke of the Lord if for no reason yet because of the great reward in heauen 1. Cor. 15.58 Rom. 2.7.10 Fifthly it should make vs to take off our affections from the World with disdaine and indignation at our selues for being so foolish as to settle our hearts on things below And since necessitie enioynes vs to vse the world this religious hope should make vs vse it as if wee vsed it not expressing all sobrietie and temperance and contempt of those transitory things and setting our hearts there where those matchlesse treasures are What profit is it to win all this World if our soules bee shut out of Heauen and what losse can it be if wee loose this World and find our right vnto the World to come This doctrine should make vs feelingly know and professe our selues to bee strangers and pilgrims here to desire to be no other then such as long to be absent from hence that we may bee present with the Lord in this glorie 1. Cor. 7.31 Col. 3.1.2 1. Pet. 1.13 Matth. 6.19.20 Matth 16.25.26 Heb. 11.13 2. Cor. 5.6 Sixthly we should be especially carefull to be all that that is required vnto eternall life And so in generall we must be sure wee bee borne againe else Christ is peremptory wee cannot enter into the Kingdome of heauen Ioh. 3.5 Heauen is an inheritance and therefore we must first be sonnes That glory must penetrate into our hearts by the beames of it so as we be changed from glorie to glorie 2. Corint 3.18 Wee must enter into the first degree of eternall life and that is in this life we must beare the image of Christ. And in particular we must distinctly looke to these things 1. We must be carefull to be prouided of the meanes to teach vs the way to heauen we must labour for the meat that endureth to eternall life Iohn 6.27 As knowing that the preaching of the Gospell is the power of God to saluation Rom. 1.16 Rom. 10.14 2. We must seriously studie the mysteries of this Kingdome and keep our selues close to profitable things which may edifie vs Matth. 13.11 Titus 3.8.9 3. We must purge our selues as he is pure we must seriously and soundly imploy our selues in the duties of mortification of our corruptions 1. Iohn 3.3 And euerie man thaâ— hath this hope in him purgeth himselfe as he is pure c. 4. We must be sure that the tempter deceiue vs not in our faith for that is our euidence for those things which are not seene and that makes them as it were present Heb. 11.1 Now faith is the ground of things which are hoped for and the euidence of things which are not seene 1. Thes. 3.5 Euen for this cause when I could no longer forbeare I sent him that I might know of your faith lest the tempter had tempted you in any sort and that our labour had been in vaine 1 Pet. 1.7 That the triall of your faith being much more precious then gold that perisheth though it be tried with fier might be found vnto your praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Iesus Christ. 2. Cor. 13.5 Proue your selues whether you are in the faith examine your selues know yee not your owne selues how that Iesus Christ is in you except you be reprobates For by faith Christ liues in vs Gal. 2.20 5. We must be sure wee bee not ashamed of Christ in this World and that we doe not denie him here on earth but contrariwise Matth. 10.32 Whosoeuer therefore shall confesse mee before men him will I confesse also before my Father which is in heauen Vers. 33. But whosoeuer shall deny me before men him will I also denie before my Father which is in heauen 6. Wee must get the earnest of this inheritance which is the spirit of promise for that will stablish vs Ephes. 1.14 2. Cor. 1.22.23 For when God giues glorie in heauen then the spirit of glorie rests vpon men in this life 1. Pet. 4.14 And the spirit is our earnest either by anointing vs with sauing grace for they assure vs as infallibly of this kingdom as the oile poured on the Kings did assure them of their Kingdome or by refreshing and satisfying our hearts in hearing the promises or receiuing the Sacraments or answering our prayers But in all this we must remember these things 1. To do this worke first first seeke the Kingdom of God Mat. 6.33 deferre not the time to the last gaspe 2. To doe it constantly Let him that is righteous be righteous still Reuel 22. 3. Praying in the holy Ghost and keeping our selues in the loue of God Iude 20.21 4. To doe it violently Heauen shoul suffer violence Matth. 11.12 5. To doe it humbly renouncing all our owne merits and ascribing all to the free grace of God and the merits of Iesus Christ Rom. 6.23 Ephes. 2.8.9 For heauen is an inheritance and therefore comes by fauour not by purchase and besides we are adopted children too and not naturall 6. Hauing finished al things to stand fast and hope perfectly for the grace of God to bee brought vnto vs at the reuelation of Iesus Christ 1. Pet. 1.13 Secondly these principles may serue for singular consolation and so 1. Against the instabilitie of this present life while wee looke vpon our abiding Citie in
humiliation to all stubborne-hearted wicked men that deny this holy one partly by their vnbeleefe when they regard not his words whom they can conuince of no sinne Ioh. 8.46 Which of you can rebuke me of sinne and if I say the truth why doe you not beleeue me And partly by wicked life keeping out all conformity with Christ as also by chusing rather to liue in wicked company then to cleaue to Christ Is not this to denie the holy one and to chuse a murtherer to bee giuen them Act. 3.14 What communion betweene Christ and Belial betweene his righteousnesse and such vnrighteousnesse Thus much of his obedience to the law CHAP. XX. Of the expiation of sinne THe principles that concerne the expiation of sin follow This expiation was made by the passion of Christ concerning which wee must belieue these things of necessity 1. That the Passion of Christ was by the decree euerlasting fore-appointmeÌ„t of God Act. 2.23 Him I say haue ye taken by the hands of the wicked being deliuered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God c. 2. That the sufferings of Christ were for our sinnes and for our sakes so as he bare all our iniquities 1. Pet. 2.24 Who his owne self bare our sinnes in his body on the tree that wee being deliuered from sinne should liue in righteousnesse by whose stripes ye were healed c. Isaiah 53.5 But he was wounded for our transgressions he was broken for our iniquities the chastisement of our peace was vpon him and with his stripes we are healed 8. For the transgression of my people was he plagued c. 12. Therefore will I giue him a portion with the great and hee shall diuide the spoile with the strong because hee hath poured out his soule vnto death and hee was â—ounted with the transgressors and hee bare the sinne of many and prayed for the trespassers Rom. 4.25 Who was deliuered to death for our sinnes and is risen againe for our iustification 1. Cor. 5.7 For Christ our Passouer is sacrificed for vs. 3. That by his passion he did pacifie God and make expiation for all our sinnes Mat. 17.5 This is my beloued Sonne in whom I am well pleased beare him Ephes. 5.2 And walke in loue euen as Christ hath loued vs and hath giuen himselfe for vs to bee an offering and a sacrifice of a sweet smelling sauour vnto God 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 and he is the reconciliation for our sinnes 4. That in his owne person he fulfilled and finished all sufferings needefull for our saluation he did it once for all 1. Pet. 3.18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins the iust for the vniust that he might bring vs to God Heb. 9.28 So Christ was once offered to take away the sins of many and vnto them that looke for him shal be appeare the second time without sinne vnto saluation 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 5. That the passion of Christ is a sufficient price for the sinnes of the whole world Ioh. 1.29 Behold the Lambe of God which taketh away the sinnes of the world 6. That Christ suffered extreame things for vs euen the most grieuous things could bee imagined as 1. A maruellous priuation of his owne glory abasing himselfe that was in the form of God to liue amongst men without shewing that fulnesse of Maiesty and glory which was in his nature Ioh. 17.5 And now glorifie me thou Father with thine owne selfe with the glory which I had with thee before the world was 2. Most base entertainement in the world such as extreame pouerty in his birth and life Luk. 2.12 And this shall bee a signe to you yee shall finde the child swadled and laid in a cratch Matth. 8.20 But Iesus said vnto him the foxes haue holes and the birds of the heauens haue nests but the Sonne of man hath not whereon to rest his head Exile and flying before his enemies Matth. 2.14 So hee arose and tooke the babe and his mother by night and departed into Egypt Mark. â— 6.7 And the Pharisies departed and straight way gathered a Councell with the Herodians against him that they might destroy him But Iesus auoided with his disciples to the sea c. Ioh. 11.54 Iesus therefore walked no more openly amongst the Iewes but went thence c. Ioh. 8.59 Then tooke they vp stones to cast at him but Iesus hid himselfe and went out of the Temple Slanders and extreame indignities called a Samaritan a glutton a seducer a traitor despised mocked buffeted railed on beaten betrayed and sold by his owne seruant and that for a base price forsaken of his owne disciples denied and renounced by oath falsly accused whipped spit vpon taken and bound as a malefactor c. as the story of the Euangelists shew c. 3. Imputation of the sins of all the elect vnto him so as the guilt of them was laid vpon him and hee sustained their person This is a wonderfull abasement hee was made sinne for vs that knew no sinne in himselfe 2. Cor. 5.21 4. Fearfull agonies in his very soule arising 1. First from seuerall conflicts and tentations Hebr. 2.18 Heb. 4.15 But especially set vpon with all their furie inuisibly when he was on the Crosse Colos. 2.15 And hath spoyled the principalities and powers and hath made a shew of them openly hath triumphed ouer them in the same Crosse. 2. Secondly from the pouring out of the vials of Gods wrath for sinne which befell him chiefly in the garden when hee swet blood for very anguish on the Crosse when hee cried My God my God why hast thou forsaken me 5. A most miserable manner of death to die as a condemned man and condemned too both by Iewes and Gentiles to die such a cursed death as the death of the Crosse which was both by God and man designed out as the most ignominious kind of death and to bee put to death in the middest of such malefactors being reckoned amongst sinners Esa. 53.12 Therefore will I giue him a portion with the great and hee shall diuide the spoyle with the strong because hee hath poured out his soule vnto death and hee was counted with the transgressors and hee bare the sinne of many and prayed for the trespassers And to suffer the nailing of his body yea and the effusion of his most precious blood These are exquisite things The consideration whereof may serue both for 1. instruction 2. for information 3. and for consolation For instruction and so it may teach vs diuers duties which we should performe 1. To Christ himselfe 2. To our neighbours 3. To