larger extent then the word person For Hypostasis or Hyphistamenon is any individual substance but the word Person signifieth an individual substance compleat ratâ—onal and differing by incommunicable properties from another yet the Apostle Heb. 1.3 useth the word Hypostasis for Person by the figure called Metalepsis III. The Person in the Deity is neither the species of God or of the Deity nor a part thereof nor another thing besides the Deity nor a bare relation nor the manner onely of subsisting but the very essence of God with a certain manner of subsisting IV. Neither yet is the person a thing compounded of entity and non-entity neither are the essence of God and the manner of subsisting two different things but a thing or entity and the manner of the entity The Persons of the Deity are three Father Son and Holy Ghost The Father is the first person of the Deity existing from himself begetting the Son from eternity and with him producing the Holy Ghost The Son is the second person begotten of the Father from eternity with the Father producing the Holy Ghost The Holy Ghost is the third Person of the Deity proceeding of the Father and the Son from eternity The RULES I. The Trinity is not the number numbring but the number numbred II. The Doctrine of the Trinity is not a bare tradition of the Church but a Doctrine expressed in Holy Writ This is against the Papists who to evince the insuffiâ—iency of Scripture are not afraid to affirm the contrary III. Although in the Old Testament the Doctrine of the Holy Trinity was somewhat obscure yet it was not altogether unknown Gen. 1.1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth and ver 2. The Spirit of God moved upon the water and ver 26 Let us make man Gen. 3 22. c. Behold the man is become as one of us Psal. 33.6 By the word of the Lord the heavenâ— were made and by thâ— breath of his mouth all the host thereof 2. Sam. 23.2 The Spirit of the Lord spake in me his word was in my tongue Esay 6 3. holy holy holy Lord of host Esay 63.9 The Angel of his countenance to wit of God the Father saved them and ver 10. They rebelled and grieved his holy Spirit Which testimonies though the obstinate Jews go about to elude yet they will content sober Christian minds IV. But there are cleerer Testimonies in the New Testament Matth. 3.16 And the heavens were opened to him to wit to Christ And he saw the Holy Ghâ—st descending and coming upon him and ver 17 And behold a voice came from heaven saying This is my bâ—loved Son in whom I am weâ— pleased Matth. 28 19 Baptise them in the name of the Father Son and Holy Ghost â—oh 4.16 I will ask the Father and he will send you anoâ—her Comfoâ—ter and 15 26 â—hen thâ— Comforter shall câ—me wâ—om I will send to you from the Father 2. Coâ— 13.14 The Grace of our Lord Ieâ—us Christ and the love of God and communion of the Holy Ghost be with you all 1 Joh 5.7 There are three which bear witness in heaven the Father the word and the Holy Spirit V. To these may be added the Testimonies which prove the Divinity of the Son and Holy Ghost 1. From their Names 2. From their Properties 3. From their works 4. From their Divine Honours 1. The Diety of the Son is proved I. From his Divine Names In the old Testament The Aâ—gel of the covenant Malach. 3.1 He who oftentimes appeared to the Fathers to foreshew his incarnation was the Son of God is every where called Iehovah and God Gen. 16.13 18 1. 32 1.9 which place may be compared with Hosea 12.6 Ex. 3.15 Ios. 6.2 Zac. 2 1â— 3.1 2. But for the Testimonies of the New Testament they are very clear Joh. 1. ver 1 And the word was God and 17.3 This is life eternal to know thee the onely true God and whom thou hast sent Iesus Christ. Joh 20 31. but these things are written that you may believe that Iesus is the Christ the Son of God Act. 20.28 God redeemed the Church with his own blood Rom. 9.5 God blessed for ever Tit. 2.31 The mighty God Such phrases are frequent in the Revelation II. From the Divine Properties and 1. From Eternity Joh 8.58 Before Abraham was I am Rev 1.8 I am Alpha and Omega which was which is and which is to come 2. From his Omniscience Joh. 2. ver 24 25. He knew all men and needed not that any should testifie of man for he knew what was in man 3. From his Omnipresence Matth. 28.20 I will be with you to the end of the world 4. From his Omnipotency Joh. 5. ver 19. Whatsoever the Father doth that likewise doth the Son Heb. 1.3 He supporteth all things by the word of his power III. From his Divine Works Joh. 14.11 Believe that the Father is in me and I in the Father if not at least believe for the works sake IV. From Divine Honour We must believe in him Joh. 3.16 We must baptize in his Name Matth. 28.19 at his Name eveâ—y knee shall bow Phil. 2.10 2. The Divinity of the Holy Ghost is proved I. From his name God Act. 5.3 Then Peter said Ananias why hath Sathan filled thy heart to lie against the Holy Ghost and ver 4. Thou hast not lied against man but against God II. From his Properties and 1 From his Eternity Gen. 1.2 The Spirit moved upon the waters 2 From his Omnipresence Psal. 139.7 Whither shall I go from thy Spirit 3 From his Omniscience 1 Cor. 2.10 The Spirit searcheth all things even the deep things of God 3. From his Omnipotency Which is known by his works III. From his Divine works and 1 From the Creation of all things Gen. 12. Psal. 33.6 Job 26.13 and 33.4 2 From the conservation of all things Gen. 1.2 He moved on the waters a simile taken from a Hâ—n siting on her Chickens and cherishing them 3 From sending and anointing of Christ. Eâ—y 61.1 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because he hath anointed me 4. From the Gifts of Tongues and Miracles 1. Cor. 12.4 There 〈◊〉 divers gifts but the same Spirit IV. From his Divine Honours 1. We must believe in him accordâ—ng to the Creed 2. We must baptize in his Name Matth. 28.19 To him we must direct our prayers 2 Cor. 13.13 Rev. 1.4 Where are said to be seven Spirits not in number but in the diversities of gifts whence the anticiâ—nt Churcâ— was wont to sing Thou sevenfold Spirit in respect of gifts V The difference of the persons is seen in the Order Properties and manner of Working they differ in Order because the Father is the first the Son the second and Holy Ghost the third person they differ in properties because the Father is from himself not only by reason of his essence but also of his personality The
blessed 2. For the production of this visible world which was not altogether destitute of form but of perfection separation and beauty which by degrees then it received 3. For sending in of the primitive Light which was neither the Elementary fire nor a bright Cloud nor any other body but a Quality sent into the air by God who is that inaccessible light This created quality of Light was afterward the fourth day placed in the Stars IX The second day the Firmament was created or the Aerial heaven which by its lower part separates the waters above that is the â—louds from the waters beneath that is the Sea X. The third day God 1. separated the inferior waters which as yet covered the earth and gathered them into certain channels that the rest of the earth called dry land might afford a commodious habitation for man and beast 2. He gave to the earth a fructifying power to produce herbs and plants without the hâ—lp of seed or sun XI The fourth day the Stars and great Luminaries wâ—re placed in heaven whose motion proceedeth not from a soul or any assistant intelligence as the Philosophers affirm but from that power which God gave them in the beginning no otherways than the earth by its innate power stands immovable XII There is a threefold use of the Stars 1. To distinguish the day night 2. To note the times seasons of the year 3. To impart their vertue to inferior bodies XIII The fifth day were made the Birds Fishes and creeping things XIV The sixth day after the earthly Creatures were produced and this whole Vniverse as a large house was furnished with all kinde of furniture Man at last was created Of all these Creatures Men Angels are chiefly considered in Divinity because on them God bestowed his Image The RULES 1. Although the whole World be the Looking-glass of Gods power wisdom and bounty yet properly Gods Image is attributed to Angels and Men onely 2. Gods Image doth partly consist in natural gifts to wit in the invisible and simple substance of Angels and Mens souls in their life understanding will and immortality partly in supernatural gifts to wit in their primitive blessednesse in the uprightness of their intellect will in their majesty dominion over the other creatures Angels are intelligent Creatures void of bodies The RULES I Angels are not accidents nor qualities but true substances II Angels are void of bodies and are not subject to destruction III. The bodies in which the Angels appeared were not meer apparitions nor yet united to them hypostatically but were freely assumed to perform some service in IV. Angels are in a place not by way of circumscription but by way of definition V. Angels cannot be together in many places VI Angels truly move from place to place Man is a creature whose body originally was formed of earth but afterwards is propagated of seed by traduction consisting of a reasonable soul infused into him by God immediately Here we disallow not the Philosophers definition by which they call man a reasonable creature but we describe man in the Divinity-School more fitly for our purpose as we have now described him The RULES I. There 's a threefold miraculous production of mans body mentioned in Scripture the first was of the dust of the earth without Father and Mother the second production was out of Adam's rib without a Mother the third was of the blood of the Virgin without a Father II. The soul of man is not propagated of seed by traduction but is immediately created by God and infused into the body Of mans creation Moses writes thus Gen. 2. ver 7. The Lord breathed into his nostrils the breath of life and man became a living soul. In this place three things are mentioned 1. The immediate Creation of the soul for it is call'd the breath of God 2. His breathing for he saith He breathed into his nostrils 3. The personal union of body and soul in these words And he was made a living soul metonymically that is a living sensitive creature But that the souls now are immediately created by God infused into the body is proved by these subsequent Reasons 1. Because otherwayes our souls should have another original than Adam's had for ours must proceed of some pre-excistent matter where as Adam's proceeded of none Neither will that objection hold concerning the dâ—fferent way or reason of generation and creation for nothing is generated of matter but what in the beginning was created of matter 2. Because the soul of Christ was not formed of seed by traduction for he was conceived not by the the help of man but by the operation of the holy Ghost of the blessed Virgins blood 3. Because the Scripture when it speaks of the original of our souls it speaks as of a work of Creation not of nature Iob. 33.4 The spirit of God hath made me and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life Zac. 12.1 The Lord stretcheth out the heavens and layeth the foundation of the earth and formeth the spirit of man within him where it is plain that this is reckoned among the works of Creation 4. Such is mans generation as his dissolution is but mans dissolution is that his body returns to dust and his spirit to God that gave it Eccl. 127. VVhereas then in mans dissolution the spirit returns immediatly to God doubtless it was immediatly formed by him 5 Because the Scripture doth plainly distinguish between the parts of bodies spirits Heb. 12.9.6 Because the soul is indivisible into parts therefore cannot be produced but of nothing 7. Because if it were generated by traduction either it must be generated of a soul or of a body or of a soul and body together but it is not generated of a soul because of that which is incorruptible nothing can be generated not of a body because it is not corporeal not of a body and soul together because so it should be partly corporeal partly incorporeal seeing then it is produced of nothing it must be produced by God alone whose alone property it is to make things of nothing III. These physical Axiomes like begets like and Man begets man remaine true also in this case both because man begets man a person begets a person as also because by the work of the Parents the body is begot as it were the subject of the soul and so is united to the soul which is infused by God and thus the whole man is brought into this World by generation 'T is true that man is the efficient cause of man but not according to all his parts for as he is said to kill a man that kills only his body so man is said to beget man though he begets not the soul. Neither again is man in this respect nobler than other living creatures whereas rather for this very cause mans generation is more excellent in that Gods immediate operation concurs
divine matters also and such as transcend all reason 4. After a divine manner and in a wonderfull harmony of circumstances in the same things rehearsed by different Writers 5. To the Glory of God alone and our salvation 6. With admirable efficacy both in moving the hearts and corroborating them against most exquisite tortures 7. In the miraculous preservation of it against Diabolicall and Tyrannical fury That Scripture I say which thus delivereth these things is doubtless divine both in its Original and in its Authority But such is the holy Scripture Therefore it is Divine both in its Originall and in its Authority That I may then contract the matter in brief the Testimony of the Church is first in respect of time but that of the Holy Ghosts is first in regard of Nature and efficacy VVe believe the Church but not for the Church but we believe the holy Ghost for himself The Churches Testimony doth monstrate but not demonstrate it shews the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that the thing is but the holy Ghost Testimony shews the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or the cause The â—wasive power is in the Church but the perswasive in the spirit onely The Churches Testimony begets an opinion but the Testimony of Scripture begets Science and â— firm Faith X. The Canonical Books of Scripture are partly of the Old partly of the New Testament To the Old belong the five Books of Moses Josuah Judges Ruth these Books are single the Books of Samuel of the Kings of the Chronicles are double The Books of Ezra Nehemiah Esther Job Psalms Proverbs Ecclesiastes Canticles the four greater Prophets and the twelve lesser are single Now of the New Testament are The four Evangelists The Acts of the Apostles The Epistles of Paul to the Romanes one To the Corinthians two to the Galathians EEphesians Philippians and Colossians single To the Thessalonians and Timothy double to Titus Philemon and Hebrews single The Epistles of Peter two of John three of James and Jude single and the Revelation XI But for the books of Tobiah Judith Wisdom Ecclesiasticus Esdra 3 4. of Machabees 1 â— 3. of Baruch 1 The Prayer of Manasses The Epistle of Ieremiah The Additions to Daniel and Esther Although they may be read with profit yet they come short of that authority which is in the Canonical Books for proving Articles of Faith and therefore they are called Apocrypha that is hid or obscure The reasons be these 1. Because they were not written by the Prophets but they have been written for the most part since Malachi the last of the Prophets 2. Because they are not written in the Stile or Phrase of the Prophets or in the Hebrew Tongue 3 Because they are never alledged in the New Testament 4. Because in reading of them we finde many passages contrary and inconsistent with Canonical Scripture besides many fabulous and repugnant to Faith and Pâ—ety XII The Holy Scripture is sufficient to Salvation 2 Tim. 3 16 17. The whole Scripture is by Divine inspiration and is profitable for Doctrine for Reproof for Correction for Instruction in Righteousness that the man of God may be perfect and throughly furnâ—shed to every good work XIII Therefore as the constitutions of the Church conducing to the right usage of outward Rites are in their one place to be regarded so no tradition is to be admitted as necessary to salvation except the Scripture The Romanists do not onely fight for popish Traditions but also equal them nay prefer them to the holy Scriptures but we are content to rest in that command of God which forbids to adde to or take away from his word Deut. 4.2 and 5.32 and 12.32 Rev. 22.18 XIV The search of holy Scripture is injoyned to all Christians Joh. 5.39 Search the Scriptures Colos. 3.16 Let the word of God dwell plentifully among you Neither is that obscurity of holy scripture which the Pontificians pretend any obstacle to this our assertion for though it be obscure in some places yet in other places it explains it self and delivereth the prime articles of Religion with great perspicuity XV Therefore the translation of the Bible â—nto vulgar Tongues is necessary XVI Yet no translation is authentical but that which agreeth with the Original fountains of the Hebrew and Greek XVII Although the Interpretation of Scripture is committed to the Church yet the onely supream Iudge of this interpretation is the Holy Ghost speaking in it Esay 59.29 My Spirit which is in thee and my words which I have put in thy mouth shall not depart from thee 2 Pet. 1.20 21. So that you first know this that no prophesie in the Scripture is of any private motion for the prophesie came not of oâ—d time by the will of man but holy mâ—n of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost Therefore sacrilegiously do the Pontificians arrogate to the Church of Rome or to the Pâ—pe alone this right of supreme judge XVIII The sense and meaning of each Scripture is but one yet in the Prophesies of the Old Testament it is composed of a history and mystery For example Hos. 11. ver 1. In these words When Israel was a child then I loved him and called my son out of Egypt I be sense is compounded for literally historically they are to be understood of the delivery of the Israelites out of Egypt but â—ypically and mystically of Christs calling out of Egypt Matth. 2. â—5 XIX The means to finde out the true sense of Scripture are Frequent prayers the knowledg of tongues the looking into the Fountains the consâ—deration of the scope argumentâ— the distincâ—ion of proper tâ—rms from figurative the logical analysis or nothing of the Causes the circumstances the passages going before and coming after the comparing of obscure places with cleerer of like with like and of disagreeing places with each other lastly the analogie of faith XX. As God is the proper and prime object so is he also the principal and suprem end of Divinity XXI Whereas then the cheif end and the cheif good are one and the same thing it is manifest that Christian Divinity only doth rightly teach us concerning the chief good XXII The subordinate end of Divinity in our salvation which consisteth in the union and fruition of God The parts of Divinity are two The first is of the knowledge of God the second of the worship of God The first containeth faith or the things to be believed the second works or the things to be performed THE FIRST BOOK OF THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD. CHAP. I. Of the Essence of GOD. GOD is a Spirit existent eternally in himself One in Essence Three in Persons Father Sonne and Holy Ghost God is known in himself and in his works In himself he is known absolutely in his essence relatively in the Persons Gods essence is known by his Names and by his Properties The names of God are either taken from his essence as Iehova Iah
Head the other of her members among themselves XIII The first union is in this that in the Church not onely Christ as the head is eminent but also as the head he communicates his gifts and vertue to the members Ephes 1.22 And he hath appointed him over all thinges to his Church which is his body and the fullfilling of him who filleth all in all and cap. 5.23 For the man is the head of the woman even as Christ is the head of his Church and giveth salvation to his body c. Col 1 18. And he is the head of the Church which is his body XIV They make a monster of the Church who set up any other universal head thereof besides Christ. For as she is not headlesse so is she not many headed for of one body there is but one head except it be a monster neither must therefore the Church because visible have a visible head one earth for properly the Elect onely are members of the Church therefore though she be visible in respect of outward administration yet she is invisible in respect of the Elect and of their union with Christ. XV. The other union of the members or of particular Churches among themselves consisteth in the unity of profession faith and charity Ephes 4 4 5 6. There is one body and one spirit even aâ— you are called into one hope of your vocation there is one Lord one Faith one Baptism one God and Father of all c. XVI The principal end of the Church is Gods glory the proximate our salvation XVII Of the adjuncts we must observe her Titles and Notes XVIII For her titles she is called One Catholike and Holy XIX Christs Church is one in respect of the form now explained XX. She is Catholike in respect of the union of time place and persons The Church Catholike hath a treble signification 1. A very general one to wit of the whole society of men and Angels 2. A more particular of the company of all elect men 3. Most special of all of the visible militant Church XXI She is Catholike in respect of time because she hath not utterly failed since the begining of the world but still there hath been some visible Church As the light of the Moon decreaseth though her substance never wasteth even so although the light of the Church is sometimes clearer sometimes obscurer yet she remains the same still and visible too not to Hogs eyes but to the godly XXII In respect of place and persons she is Catholike because she is not tyed to place and persons Mat. 24.14 15. This Gospel shall be preached through all the world Acts 10.34 35. Of a truth I perceive that God is no accepter of persons but in every Nation he that feareth him and worketh righteousness is accepted with him XXIII The Church is holy in common because of her calling and covenant but particularly in respect of the Elect who are holy in Christ by an imputed righteousness begun in them Concerning the holiness of vocation God saith to Moses Deut. 7.6 Thou art a holy people to the Lord thy God Of imputed and begun holiness Paul 1 Cor. 6.11 But you are washed but you are justified in the name of the Lord Iesus by the Spirit of our God XXIV The inherent holinesse of the Church in this life is imperfect except in respect of Christ who by his perfection covers her imperfection and in the hope of future perfection Ephes. 5.25 26 27. Christ hath loved his Church and hath given himself for her that he might sanctâ—fy and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word that he might present her to himself a glorious Church not having spot or wrinckle or any such thing but that she might be holy and without blemish XXV Therefore the Church is not free from all error as the Papists say for although the Catholike Church doth not so erre in the fundamentals of Faith as to fall off utterly yet she is not quite exempted from errour seeing there is no member of her perfect in thâ—s life as for a particular Church she may both erre and becom a harlot Hence the Church of Rome which in the Apostles time was like the woman cloathed with the Sun having a Crown on her head and the Moon under her feet is so degenerated that she is likened to the whore sitting upon the Beast Rev. 12.1 and 17.3 c. XXVI The notes of the visible Church are the pure Preaching of the word and lawfull administration of the Sacraments We spake above of the Notes of the invisible Church that they depend from the works of Vocation for the notes of the Elect specially called andi of the visible Church are the same But here these notes are onely considered by which the Church is undubtedly made visible now it appears that these are the note of the Church out of these testimonies Matth 28 19 20. Go and teach all Nations baptzing them in the Name of the Father of the Son and of the Holy Ghost teaching them to observe all things which I have commanded you Act. 2.24 And they continued stedfastly in the Apostles doctrine and fellowship and in breaking of bread and in prayers Some adjoyn Ecclesiastical discipline but this is contained under the two former for this discipline is required of both XXVII These notes belong to all Churches alike so far as concerneth the fundamentals of Religion but in respect of accidentals they are in some Churches more in some lesse XXVIII Therefore we are not presently to doubt of the truth of any particular Church because of every error or abuse For there is so much purity expected as not to erre in any one article or in the administration of the Sacraments so that there be not a falling off from the hinge of salvation to wit from the two Tables of the Law and Faith in Christ 1 Cor. 3.11 12 For no man can lay any other foundation besides that is laid which is Iesus Christ Now if any build upon this foundation gold silver precious stones wood hay stubble every mans work shall be made manifest for the day shall declare it because it shall be revealed by fire and the fire shall try every mans work of what sort it is if any mans work abide which he hath built thereupon he shall receive a reward if any mans work shall be burned he shall suffer losse but he himself shall be saved yet so as by fire XXIX Of the fifteen Notes of the Church rehearsed by Bellarmine some are true and agree with ours from which not withstanding the Church of Rome is afar off but others are ether strangers to the visible Church or they are the Notes rather of the false than of the true Church or they are not convertible with the Church for they neither belong to her alone nor alwayes 1. His first Note is the name Church and Christians But the imposing of names is a matter rather of
Reas. I. For to be justified by grace and by merit are repugnant Rom. 3.24 They are justified freely by his grace and v. 28. Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the works of the Law chap. 11.6 If by grace then not of works otherwise grace were not grace 2. So to be justified by Christ and his merits and by works Gal. 2.21 If righteouâ—ness is of the Law then Christ died in vain 3. By faith and by works Rom 3.28 We conclude then that we are justified by faith without works 4 To be justified by imputed justice and by works Rom. 4.4 5 To him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace but of debt But to him that worketh not but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly his faith is couÌ„ted for righteousnesse II. If by justification all matter of bragging is excluded that God only may be glorified then we are not justified by works Rom. 3.19 That every mouth may be stopped and all the world may become guilty before God ver 23. They have all sinned and come short of the glory of God and v. 27. Where is boasting then It is excluded By what law of works nay but by the law of faith The Pontificians here say that in these places are meant only ceremonial works But he who will observe that Catologue of works rehearsed cap. 1 2.3 to the Romans shall finde that not only ceremonial but moral works also are meant III. If we be justified by works then they are either such as go before or follow after regeneration Buâ— with neither of these arâ— we justified For beâ—fore regeneration 〈◊〉 works are meerly eviâ— and after imperfectâ— good XIX The effects of justification are Peace with God an accesse to him with boldnesse a rejoycing in tribulation and freedom from sin not onely in respect of guilt as the Papists say but in respect of punishment too Otherwise Christ had suffered for us in vain Isa. 53.4 c. Neither do divine chastisements come upon the Elect that they might by them satisfie God but that they might be proved and bettered XX. Imputed righteousnesse is perfect and equal in all believers The imperfection of our faith is no hinderance for as the same Jewel is touched by the firm and infirm hand so is the same Justice of Christ obtained by the strong and weak believer XXI The same is never to be lost For the gifts of Voâ—ation are without repenâ—aâ—â—â— Rom. 11. â—9 XXII It is also one Therefore when the Saints who are justified pray for forgiveness of sins they do not so much respect or consider the act of justification as the fruit certainty and confirmation thereof XXIII Iustification before God is by faith Iustification before men is by works Of this see Iam 2.24 you see then that man is justified by works and not by faith alone Which saying is not contrary to that of Rom. 3.28 we conclude then that man is justified by faith without works For there is meant that justification which is before men but here that which is before God there is understood historical faâ—th which worketh not by charity but here that faith which is true and lively Others say that man is justified by workâ— not as by the cause but as by the declarers and manifesters of justification CHAP. XXXI Of Sanctification SAnctification followes Justification as the light followes the sun This is that free action of God which sets at liberty the faithful ingrafted into Christ and justified by the Spirit more and more from their native corruption and renews them to his image that they may be fitted by good works to glorifie God The RULES I To sanctifie in this place is not to separate from profane use or to dedicate to holy uses but habitually to make holy In the former signification we are bid to sanctifie the Sabbath II. It is called regeneration renovation conversion penance repentance and glorification Yet these words are ambiguous for the word regeneration renovatino and conversion is either equivalent to vocation and the gift of faith or it signifieth newnesse of life when in the very act man dieth to sin and liveth to righteousness in the first sens it goeth before justification and is the cause thereof in the latter follows it and is the effect thereof it is also named penitence and resipiscence from the effect which words do as much dâ—ffer as the Hebrew terms Nicham and Schubh or the Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for that is of the minde this of the heart that wicked men may also have this onely the godly albeit this difference doth not still hold It is called glorification by way of inchoation or beginning as it is a forerunner of future glorification III. The efficient cause of this is in general the whole Trinity particularly and in respect of the terminus the Holy Ghost for this end sent by Christ. Hence he is called the Spirit of Sanctification Rom. 1.4 IV. The internal impulsive cause is Gods free bounty Tit. 3.4.5 But after the kindnesse and love of God our Saviour appeared toward man not by works of righteousness which we had done but according to his mercy he hath saved us by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost V. The external impulsive cause is Christ with his merit and efficacie Ephes. 5.25 Christ loved his Church and gave himself for it that he might sanctifie it VI. The external instrumental cause is the doctrine of the Law and Gospel but the internal is Faith the root of good works VII To these we may adde extraordinary means whereby God casteth down the proud and raiseth the humble such are afflictions miracles terrours c. VIII In the first regeneration or vocation mâ—n is meerly passive but in sanctification when he is endowed with saving faith he is the chief agent of his own actions yet not without the special grace and motion of the Holy Ghost IX The matter of sanctification is the whole man with his intellect will and affections 1 Thes. 5.23 Now the very God of peace sanctifie you throughout and I pray God your whole spirit soule and body be preserved blamelesse until the comming of our Lord Iesus Christ. X. The form is expressed in two acts in the aversion from evil and conversion to good that is called the mortification of the old man this the vivification of the new man that a crucifying and burying this a resurrection XI The end of this is Gods Glory our salvation and certainty thereof for there is no signe of election more evident 2. Tim 2.21 If a man therefore purge himself from these he shall be a vessel unto honour sanctified 1. Joh. 3 3. And who hath this hope in him purifieth himself even as he is pure XII Sanctification in this life is not perfect hence the works of the Saints are imperfect for they feel a combate in
to the earth sometimes to the visible heaven and to this purpose is that which Peter saith of righteousnesse which shall dwell there For it is certain that after this world justice shall dwell no where but in heaven To the first reason they answer that there is no consequence from the Flood to the last Judgment because the Flood brought not with it the end of the world so likewise in the other reason they deny the sequel from man to the world because the world will be no wayes available to man when he is advanced to life eternall for it was made onely for him whilest he was a traveler here Now although in controversies of this nature which overthrow not the articles of Faith it be lawful to suspend oâ—r assent yet without prejudice to other mens judgments the understanding reader may subscribe to the latter opinion for it is one thing to be restored and changed unto a better estate and another thing to wax old like a garment to vanish like smoak to be dissolved to melt to be burned to passe away to be no more as the foâ—mer testimonies affirm So much of the end of the World Life eternal is the highest degree of blessedness in which we shall be made partakers of Christs glory enjoying the sight of God and Heavenly joyes for ever and ever The RULES I. The general efficient cause of life eternal in the whole Trinity but particularly Christ our Lord who by his merit obtained life for us and by his efficacy applies it to us and bestows it upon us Hence he is called the everlasting Father Isa. 9.6 and metonymicaly Life it self Ioh. 14.6 II. Good works are not the meritorious cause of life eternal although life is promised to them as a free reward A reward is promised to good works not as a due debt but as a free gift not that by them we can merit life but that we may be provoked to do them III. That eternal happinesse consisteth in our freedom from all evill in the variety magnitude and eternity of joyes Rev. 21.4 And God will wipe all tears from their eyes and there shall be no more death nor sorrow nor crying nor shall there be any more pain for the first things are past IV. The variety of joys is considered in the glorification of man in the delights of Heavenly mansions in the blessed society of the Saints but chiefly in the union with God V. There shall be a glorification both of body and of soul. VI. In the body shall be 1 Clarity 2. Impassibility 3. Subtilty 4. Agility VII The soul shall be far more perfect than it was in the state of innocency for in it shall be understanding without error light without darkness wisdom without ignorance reoson without obscurity memory without oblivion the will also shall be without perversenesse joy without sorrow pleasure without pain In the state of innocency there was in Man a possibility not to sin in the state of glory there shall be no possibility to sin VIII The beauty of â—eavenly mansions was shaddowed by the type of Solomons Temple and Jerusalem â—sal 84 1 c Rev 21. and 22. IX The communion of Saints which be with joy is expressed by the similitude of a feast Matth 22 2 c. X. Neither shall we have communion only with the â—ngels but we shall be also like the Angels Maâ—th 22.30 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Luk. 20.36 XI There shall be such a communion with God that we shal see him without end love him without tediousnesse and praise him without wearisomnesse XII So great shall be that joy that neither our tongues can expresse it nor our mindes conceive it For in this life neither had the eye seen nor ear heard nor minde conceived that which can equall that glory 1. Cor. 2 9. XIII Neither shall any bounds be set to this hapinesse nor shall we ever fall from it but it shall continue for ever Psal. 16.11 Thou shall shâ—w me the path of life for in thy presence is fulnesse of joy and at thy right hand are pleasures for evermore XIV There shall be degrees of eternal happinesse This is gathered from Daniel cap. 22. v. 3 They that be wise shall shine as the brightnesse of the firmament and they that turn many to righteousness as the Stars for ever and ever Neither is this opinion overthrown by that place of Matth. 13. v. 43. whereas the just in general are said to shine as the Sun for though the glory of the Elect being considered in themselves is likened to the brightnesse of Sun and Stars yet in Daniel c. 12. this is promised to Doctors above other men neither can any other reason be given why there mention is made chiefly of them that instruct others that place 1 Co. 15.39 40 41 is alleadged but to little purpose for proof of this for the simile concerning the diversity of brightnesse in the Stars dâ—th not prove the degrees of future glory but the â—ifference only that is bâ—twixt a mortâ—l anâ— a glorified body as it appeaâ—s by what followes In the mean while we aâ—low not that manner of different glory which the Papists teach to wit diversity of merits For as the gift of Faith and Sanctâ—fication acâ—ording to Gods meer grace is unequally distributed to the Saints so he will according to his gracious pleasure impaâ—t glory but so that no man shal have cause to complain of any want of glory in himself or why he should envie it in another The SECOND BOOK Concerning the WORSHIP of GOD. CHAP. I. Of the Nature of good Works IN the former Book we have spoken of the Knowledge of God now we are to speak of his Worship The true worship of God consisteth in true holiness and righteousness or in the study of good works which good works are performed by the grace of the Holy Spirit out of true Faith according as the Law requires to the glory of God the certainty of our salvation and edification of our neighbour The RULE I. Good works are called Vertues But we take this word vertue in a larger sense than it is taken by Philosophers for here we call vertues holy affections holy thoughts and actions II The same Synecdochically are called by the name of Charity For so Christ saith that the whole Law consisteth in the precept of love towards God and our neighbour whereas love towards God belongs to the first Commandement but love to our neighbour to the second Table III The principal efficient cause of good works is the Holy Ghost in respect of beginning continuation and perfection For it belongs to the same power to begin in us a good work and to perfect it Phil. 1.6 as also to give both to will and to be able or to do cap. 2.31 IV Their instrumental cause is Faith the root of good works Rom. 14 â—3 what is not done of faith is sin V. The matter of good works are the affections and
to the Prophets and Apostles do cry down this error Exod. 17.14 and 34.27 Deut. 31.19 Isa. 8.1 and 30.8 Ier 30.2 Hab. 2.2 Re. 1.11.19 14.13 19.9 21.9 The testimonies of the Apostles proclaiming that nothing was said or written by mans advice or counsel cry out against this error John 20.31 But these things are written that ye might believe c. Rom 15.4 But what things are written are written for our learning that through patience and comfort of the Scriptures we might have hope 1 Cor. 10.11 These things are written to admonâ—sh us 1 Tim. 3.16 All Scripture is given by divine inspiration And 2 Pet. 1.20 21. So that ye fiâ—st know this that no Prophesie in the Scripture is of any private motion for Prophesie came not of old time by the will of man but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the holy Ghost Lastly these precepts cry out against them by which we are directed to the wâ—itten word in matters of salvation Isa 8.20 To the law and to the testimâ—ny John 5 39. Search the Scriptures V. We acknowledge therefore no other principle of Divinity than the written word of God VI. It is an unquestionable Principle amongst Christians that the Holy Scripture is both of a divine original and authority VII It is then a question ill beseeming a Christian to demand whether the Scripture or holy Bible be Gods word or not For as in the Schools there is no desputing with him who denies Principles so we account him unworthy to be heard who will deny this principle of Christian Religion VIII Among Christians it is lawful to ask By what testimony do we know that the Scriptures are by divine inspiration So we ask not for this end to seduce others or to cavel but onely to be instructed IX Now this testimony is twofold the one principal the other ministerial The principal testimony is that of the Holy Spirit outwardly in the Scripture it self inwardly in the minds and hearts of the faithful being illuminate by him speaking and perswading the divinity of the Scriptures But the ministerial testimony is the testimony of the Church Outwardly in the Scriptures themselves the holy Ghost when he speaks of the divine original and authority of the VVord useth these phrases The word of the Lord Thus saith the Lord. Iesus said All Scripture is by divine inspiration 2 Tim 3.16 Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost But inwardly in the hearts of the faithful he perswades the divinity of Scriptures so far forth as he openeth the eyes illuminates the mind of him that reads the Scripture with prayer and humility that he makes him see the wonders of God and causeth him to acknowledge the voice of Gods Spirit sounding in the Word The Romanists urge the Churches authority alone which they have in such high esteem that they will have the whole authority of Scriptures to have its dependence from the Church and for this only cause they will have it to be Gods Word because the Church is the witnesse of it But this is not to make the Church a witnesse of the Scriptuâ—es divinity but to make her self capable of divinity But we will prove by these ensuing arguments that the testimony of Gods Spirit alone is it which firmly assures us of the scriptures divinity 1. His testimony concerning the Scriptures is most firm by whose inspiration the Scripture was written For every one knows his own hand best and is best aâ—quainted with his own stiâ—e But the Scripture was written by the inspiration of the holy Ghost 2 Tim. 3.16 2 Pet. 1.20 21. Ergo c. 2. He that together with the Scripture is promised in a most neer conjunction to the faithful his testimony of the Scripture is most firm But the Holy Ghost is promised to the faithful in a most neer conjunction with the Scripture Esa. 59.21 My spirit which is in thee my words which I have put in thy mouth shall not depart from thy mouth 3. Without whose illumination the wonders of the Scripture are not seen his testimony alone of the Scripture is most firm But without the illumination of the Holy Ghost no man sees the wonder of the Scripture Psal. 119.18 Open my eyes that I may see the wonders of thy Law Ergo c. 4. VVhose office it is to lead us into all truth he it is that witnesseth this truth to wit that the Scripture is Gods word But it is the office of the Holy Ghost to lead us into all truth John 16 13. Ergo c. Now as for the Churches testimony although it is to be received as from Gods Minister yet it is false that the Scriptures authority depends on it For what can be more absurd than to make the words of the Master to receive their authority from the Servant or the Fathers letters to receive credit from the footâ—post or the Princes mandates from the Printer or that the Rule should have its dependence from the thing ruled VVe know that the oracles of God are committed to the Church Rom. 3.2 and that she is the pillar ground of truth 1 Tim. 3.15 But as it is foolish to tell us that the candle receives its lights from the candle-stick that supports it so it is ridiculous to ascribe the Scriptures authority to the Church The Churches testimony may be prevalent with those who as yet know not the Scriptures and have not received that sincere milk of the word nor by it are grown up 1 Pet. 2 2. But in those who have tasted the sweetnesse of divine oracles the testimony of Scriptures and of the Holy Ghost is most firm and effectual For as he who tasteth hony himself hath a more sure knowledge of its sweetnesse than he that believeth another speaking witnessing of it even so he knoweth more assuredly the Scriptures to be Gods Word who hath tasted its sweetnesse than he who gives credite to the Church witnessing this sweetnesse The Samaritans at first believed the woman when she spake of Christ but after they heard Christ himself they say to the woman Now we believe not because of thy saying for we have heard him our selves and know that this is indeed the Christ the Saviour of the world Joh. 4.42 Even so he that having begged the assistance of Gods Spirit reads the Scriptures again again at length saith Now I believe no longer for the Churches testimony that the Scriptures are divine but because I have read them my self and in reading have stamped this Syllogism in my minde 1. That Scripture which everywhere brings in God himself speaking 2. Which is written by those men who being furnished with the gifts of prophesying and miracle from God extraordinarily do with such faithfulnes record all things that in rehearsing of sins and infirmities they neither spare themselves nor friends 3. Who record not only truths and things agreeing with right reason but
and his posterity As out of a venemous root nothing can proceed that 's wholsome so all that are come of Adam naturally are born guilty of that primitive sin X. That primitive sin therefore is not only personal but natural also because by it whole Nature is destroyed of which also Adams prosterity is held guilty to wit all that are naturally sprung from Adam Christ then is excepted from this guilt for he was born of Adam but not by Adam not by naturall generation but by the vertue of the Holy Ghost XI As therefore the Person infected Nature so afterward Nature infected the Persons XII We religiously believe that our first Parents were received into favour by God CHAP. X. Of Original Sinne and Free-will THat Sin which is derived from the first or primitive Sin is either original or actual original Sin is that native corruption derived into the whole man and to the whole race of man naturally descending from Adam whereby man having utterly lost his freedom to good becomes prone to evil The RULES I. This sin in Scripture is named by way of excellency Sin and the Body of sin Sinful-sin Inhabiting-sin The law of our members The Old-man Flesh II. It is called also Concupiscence Rom 7.7 I had not known lust or concupiscence unlesse the Law had said thou shalt not covet or lust or Jam. 1 14 15. III. Therefore the Papists doe erroniously exempt it from being a sin reckoning it among the works of God By the name of Concupiscence is understood either that natural faculty of desire which was in man even before his fall or that corruption which naturally adheres to it as it is in it in the first act and as it inclines man onely to evill IV. The proximate cause of Original sin is the guilt of the first sin in respect of which it is a most just punishment from God to wit a part of that death which God threatened to man V. Although the soul is immediately infused by God into man yet being united to the body it is made guilty presently of the first sin imparted to the whole man and therefore is infected with Original contagion VI. Neither for this cause doth Original sin cease to be sin in that it is not wittingly nor willingly committed for it is sufficient that the irregularity of our nature is present though spontaneousnesse be absent VII From this Original sin except Christ alone no man is free not the blessed Virgin Mary Neither is it only in Infants but it is in the Embryo scarce as yet conceived and before the birth and it appears still more and more as the rapacity of Wolves shews it self in their whelps Psal. 51.7 Behold I was borne in iniquity and in sin hath my mother conceived me 2 Cor. 5.21 For he hath made him to be sin for us who knew no sin VIII Original sin doth consist not onely in an impotency and inaptitude to goodnesse but also in pronenesse to evill neither is it onely the amission of Original good but also the immission of the contrary evill IX By Original sin our natural gifts are corrupted but supernatural are utterly lost X. The Vnderstanding remained but darkened the Will remained but depraved the inferiour Appetite remained but altogether vitiated XI Hence it is that in natural and civil actions an irregenerate man can do no good without special grace XII Without this special grace no excellent thing could be performed by the Gentiles XIII Whatsoever good then that was which they did it was mixed with much vanity so that their chief vertues were in Gods sight but glorious enormities XIV For those are not good works which are good in themseâ—ves but which are done well A work is said to be good either univocally or equivocally univocally so such a work is simply good in respect of all circumstances equivocally a work is good in it self but withall vitious either in respect of the subject or object or means or the end for if we look upon the actions of the Gentiles we shall finde that they aimed more at their own than at Gods glory in them XV. Although the affections of the wicked are kept in by God as with a Bit yet they are not healed XVI But supernatural gifts were utterly lost to wit the claritie of the intellect the rectitude of the will and the conformity of the appetite with reason XVII Hence there is no principle of knowledge or performance of spirituall things in us either in act or in possibility XVIII They seek then the house in the ashes who ascribe to an unregenerate man free-will or other faculties by which he may do well or prepare himself to his own conversion or to the acceptation of Gods grace For this is the errour of Pelagians and Semi-pelagians XIX Mans will remained free from coaction but not to good and evill XX. Yea it is free to evill onely and therefore deserves rather to be called servile than free As for the understanding the natural man comprehends not the things that are of Gods Spirit 1 Cor. 2.14 If you look upon the will the imagination of mans heart is onely evill Gen. 8.21 Finally the Scripture cries out that the whole man having lost his spiritual life lieth dead in sin Ephes. 2.1 Col. 2.13 XXI Although this sin is pardoned in the sanctified Parents notwithstanding by generation it is tansmitted to posterity The reason is because the corruption dwelling in us is not altogether taken away by pardon although the guilt be done away and as faith is the gift not of generation but of regeneration so man not as he is regenerate but as man begets man even as seeds being winnowed from the ears chaff and husks do spring up again with the same CHAP. XI Of actual Sin SO much of Original sin Actual sin is whereby Gods Law is broken by thoughts desires words or deeds The RULES I. According to the diversity of circumstances there are diverse sins II. From the efficient cause sin is either of publique or of private persons as they are in more or less dignity III. From the matter which are things thought desired said or done IV. From the form it is either of commission or omission V. From the end it is either of incogitancy or of affectation and against conscience and that rather of malice than of infirmity or contrarily rather of infirmity than malice VI. From the subject it is of the soul chiefly or of the body or of both VII From the object it is either committed against God or our neighbour VIII Sin committed against God is either with a kind of unwillingness or with a full desire this later sin the Scripture cals the sin against the holy Ghost and to death Matth 12.32 1 John 5.16 IX The sin against the Holy Ghost or to death is when one is convicted in his conscience by the testimony of the Holy Spirit resisteth notwithstanding the same
the end of the Law Rom. 10.4 when it is called a School-master to lead us to Christ Gal. 3.24 and when the Law is said not to be contrary to him who doth the works of the Spirit Gal. 5.22 23. For that righteousness which the Law requires that the Gospel exhibites in Christ to the Believer and albeit we cannot in this life yield full satisfaction to the Law yet the regenerate begin to obey it by the grace of sanctification CHAP. XVI Of the Person of Christ God and Man THe parts of the Gospel concerning Christ our Redeemer are two the first is of his person the other of his Office In respect of the Person the Redeemer is God and man that is Gods eternal Son being incarnate or made man in the fulnesse of time John 1.14 And the word was made flesh and dwelt amongst us Gal. 4 4. But after the fulnesse of time came God sent his Son made of a Woman 1. Tim. 3 16. and without controveâ—sie great is the mystery of godliness God made manifest in the flesh The RULES I. The Incarnation of Christ originally is the work of the whole blessed Trinity but terminatively or in respect of the object it is the work of the Son alone For the son onely assumed mans nature which the father in the Son by the Holy Ghost formed of the substance of the blessed Virgin II The person of Christ is considered either disjunctively as the Word and the eternal Son of God or conjunctively as God and man the first consideration is according to Divinity the latter according to Oeconomie or Gods gracious dispensation III. Likewise the divine nature is considered either in it self and simply or relatively as it is in the Person of the Word by dispensation IV. Althâ—ugh then it be true that Christ-God is become man yet it follows not that therefore the Divinity is incarnate or because the Son is Incarnate that the Father also and Holy Ghost are Incarnate V. The matter out of which the Incarnation was effected is the seed of the Woman or of the blessed Virgin Gen. 3.15 VI. The forme of it consisteth in the Personal Vnion whereby the word was made flesh and Christ remained the same he was and became what he was not VII The end is Gods glory and our salvation VIII Both the truth of God as also our salvation do evince the necessity of Christs incarnation IX The truth of God because in the Old Testament it was uttered by divers Prophesies and was shaddowed by divers types These are the chief Prophesies Gen 3.15 I will put enmity between thee and the Woman and between thy seed and her seed it shall bruise thy head and thou shalt bruise his heel Gen. 22.18 In thy seed all nations shall be blessed Esa. 7.14 Behold a Virgin shall conceive and bring forth a Son and they shall call his name Emanuel Esa. 9.6 7. For unto us a child is borne and unto us a Son is given Jer. 23.5 Behold the dayes shall come in which I will raise to David a righteous branch and a King shall reign and prosper and shall execute judgement and justice on the earth In his dayes â—udah shall be saved and Israel shall dwell safely and this is his name whereby he shall be called The Lord our righteousness But his types were the Tabernacle the Arke of the Covenant and such like of which we have said but chiefly Melchisedeck without father without mother Hebr. 7.3 and that humane shape or form in which he appeared of old frequently to the Fathers X. Our salvation for this cause doth evince and prove the necessity of his Incarnation in that we could not be saved but by such a redeemer who was both God and Man in one Person or God-man XI That he should be God was requisite in respect of both parties on the one side the Majesty of God required it on the other side our wants the greatness of the evil that was to be removed and the good that was to be restored Such is the Majesty of God that no man could interpose himself but he who was one with the Father the very Angels durst not do this because they also stood in need of Christ the Mediator Col. 1.16 17. Because they being compared with God are unclean Ioh. 15.15 and for this cause they cover their faces in Gods presence Isa. 6.2 How much lesse then could any man intercede whereas there is not one just person Rom. 3.10 The evill that was to be taken away was sin and the consequents of sin the wrath of God the power of Satan both temporal and eternal death Now I pray by whose suffering could that infinite Majesty be satisfied which was offended unlesse by his suffering who was also Infinitâ— By whose Intercession could the wrath of God be appeased but by his onely who is that best beloved son of God By whose strength could Satan with the whole power of darknesse be overcome except by his who in power exceeds all the Devils who finally could overcome death except he who had the power over death Heb. 2.15 But the good things that were to be â—estred were perfect righteousness adoption into sons the Image of God the gifts of the holy Ghost life eternal and such like but now who could bestow that righteousness on us except he who is justice it self Who is so fit to make us the sons of God as he who is by nature the Son of God Who was so fit to restore in us the image of God as he who is himselfe the Image of the invisible God who can bestow on us the holy Spirit so assuredly as he from whom the spirit proceedeth Who at last can give us life eternal but he who is life it self Iohn 1.4 XII That he might be man the justice of God required which as it leaves not sin unpunished so it punisheth not sin but in that nature which sinned The first branch of this Rule is plain both by the justice and by the truth of God By his justice because God by this doth not onely resist but also punish sin Psal. 5.4 5 6. For thou art not a God that hast pleasure in wickednesse nor shall evil dwell with thee the foolish shall not stand in thy sight thou hatest all workers of iniquity thou shalt destroy them that speak lies the Lord will abhor the blody and deceitful man Now by the truth of God because the threatning which was given before the fall could not be in vain therefore Socinus is idle and foolish who that he might overthrow the merit of Christ feigns such a justice of God which doth not necessarily inflict eternal death or require satisfaction and which in this respect can be content to loose its own right but if sins were to be punished they were surely to be punished in our nature for to man the Law was given and to man death was threatned therefore it lies upon man to suffer the punishment
in privaâ—e families IX It is not much materiall whether one aspersion or three be used so it be void of superstition and that it be not performed drop by drop or by the finger but so that the symbol may answer the sprinkling or washing X. The word by which Baptism is to be administred is to be comprehended in Christs institution especially in these words I baptise thee in the name of the Father of the Sonne and of the Holy Ghost XI The Latine tongue in Baptisme and the superstitious consecration or exorcisme of the water are repugnant to the form of Baptism XII The internal form consisteth in the analogy of aspersion and remission of sins as also of regeneration or sanctification In this Baptism answers the legal aspersions by which likewise remission of sin by the blood of Christ was shaddowed Water also as it cleanseth from filthinesse and moistneth the Plants doth adumbrate regeneration whereby we dye to sin and live to righteousness See Rom. 6. v. 1. c. XIII The end of Baptisme besides those which are common to it and the Lords Supper is the sealing of our regeneration and of our reception or ingrafting into the family of God XIV The subject of Baptisme are all that be in the Covenant even the children of those who are reckoned among the number of the Covenanters This rule is grounded 1. on Christs command Matt. 19.14 Suffer little children and forbid them not to come to me they ought not then to be kept off from Baptism whom Christ will have to be brought to him The words used in this place and Luke 18.15 Of little children and infants are emphaticall 2. On the reason alledged by Christ Mat. 19.14 For of such is the kingdome of heaven For if to them the kingdome of heaven and the Covenant of Grace belong the seale of the Covenant must needs appertain to them also but they are capable of this Covenant Gen. 17.7 I will be thy God and of thy seed Act. 2 v. 39. To you and to your children is the promise made 3 On the analogy of circumcision for with this Sacrament Infants were initiated 4. On the example of the Apostles who are saâ—d to baptise whole families Act. 16.15 33. It were a foolish thing to apply that rule 2 Thess 3.10 If any will not work let him not eaâ— to Infants so perversly doe the Anabaptists wrest the places of Scripture to a contrary meaning in which those that are of years are commanded to be taught before they are baptised XV. Infants have both Faith and Reasâ—n although not in the fruit yet in the seed and root though not in the second act yet in the first though not by an outward demonstration of the work yet by the inward virtue of the holy Spirit XVI But concerning the Infants of Infidels the case is otherwise who are not born of Parents even so much as either of them a Believer for they are not to be baptized till they be of discretion and are able to testifie their Faith XVII The Baptisme of Bels is a horrible profanation of the Sacrament and joyned with abominable idolatry XVIII As naturally we are born before we eat so baptisme is before the Lords Supper XIX Baptisme is not to be iterated if the essentials thereof were used Hence it is that our Church ratifies the Baptisme of the Popish Church not as it is abused there but as it is administred in the name of the Holy Trinity XX. Baptism is necessary not absolutely but in respect of â—hrists command neither must we feign such a necessity as permits any other besides the minister to baptise or to cause us think they are excluded out of heaven if they die unbaptised XXI The Baptisme of Christ and of John are in effect the same The Pontificians deny that Iohn's baptisme was instituted by God against these plain testimonies Mat 21.25 Luke 3.2 and 7.30 Joh. 1.33 Neither matters it that Iohn distinguisheth between his baptisme and Christs Mar. 1.8 For there the oppâ—sition is not between baptisme and baptisme but a comparison onely between thâ— office of the Minister in Baptisme and Christ for the Minister giveth the Symbol but Christ the thing signified They say that such as were baptised by Iohn were rebaptised Act. 19.1 c. If they were rebaptised by the Apostle we gather that they were not rightly baptised by some who were imitators of Iohn neither yet can we find out of the text that they were rebaptised for those words v. 5. are not Lukes concerning Paul but Pauâ—'s concerning Iohn and his disciples therefore thâ—s place favoureth neither Papist nor Anabaptists CHAP. XXIV Of the Lords Supper THe Lords Supper is the other Sament of the New Testament in which Christians that are of age receive spiritually Christs body and blood sealed to them in the reception of Bread and Wine according to Christs institution The RULES I. The Lords Supper is called metonymically the Eucharist or Thanksgiving Sinâ—xis or a collection the Lords Table the New Testament and Synecdochically the Breaking of Bread II. It hath the same efficient causes that Baptisme hath III. The outward matter thereof or Signes are Bread and Wine IV The Supper is lame without both Sgnes and to rob the people of the Cup is Sacriledge Matth 26 27. Drink ye all of this 1 Cor. 10.16 The cup of blessing which we blesse is it not the Communion of Christs blood And 11. v. 26. As â—ften as you shall eat this bread and â—rink of this Cup you declare the Lords death V. The inward matter is Christ with all his satisfaction and merit VI. As it is Iewish Superstition to use unleavened Bread so the Popish Penny Wafers are superstitious reliques VII It s outward form consists in Actions and Words VIII The Actions are the breaking of Bread and powring out of Wine the distribution of both signes and the receiving thereof with the hand and mouth IX The word is the whole institution containing the Eucharist the command and the promise but the promise cheifly X. Therefore it is impiety to think that the bread is turned into Christs body only the bare accidents remaining by the low mumbling ef these five words For this is my body and that with one breath and the Priests intention XI The internal forme consisteth in the Analogie of the sign and the thing signified in which by Bread and Wine are signified Christs body and blood as spiritual meat and drink but by the breaking of Bread and powring out of the Wine are represented the breaking of his body or crucifixion and shedding of his blood and lastly by the distributing and receiving of both the applying of Christs death XII The breaking of Bread is not a thing indifferent For Christ made use of this himself and commanded it to be used saying do this which he himself explained adding This is my body which is broken for you From this the Supper is so called by this also
the Church that he who had the charge of the Diocess of particular Churches was named Bishop yet the name of Universal Bishop belongs to none These are Doctors who in the Schooles teach youth the grounds of Truth which they may afterward professe in the Churches The RULE Pastors differ from Doctors That in this they have the charge of the Church these of the Schools They are to move the affections these to informe the understanding of their auditors Presbyters are godly and grave men joyned to assist the Pastors in such things as are fit for the good order of the Church in visiting of the sick in observing disordered livers and such like Deacons and Diaconesses of old were they who had the charge to gather and distribute the Church goods Act. 6.1 c Tim. 3.8 c. The RULE I. The collection and distribution of Church goods is of Divine right This appeares by the Oeconomie of the Old Testament for by the command of God Tithes were gathered for the Priests Levites and poor In the new Testament Christ refused not the money that was offered by godly rich persons Luke 8.3 out of which he sustained his Discipleâ— freinds and the poor also Ioh. 13.29 In the Apostles time the Deacons had charge of the Church goods Act 6 1. c. II. As we reprove the covetousness of the Romish Church supported with horrible superstition and idolatry in the gathering of Tithes and other Church duties as likewise their profuse wasting thereof upon their pomp and luxury so among Protestants they grievously offend God and the Church who unfaithfully dispense these goods Thus of the proper administration the common consisteth in the calling of Ministers in the well ordering of the Church in judging of Doctrine controversies and in the use of the keyes The calling of the Ministers is the choosing of fit men for the church into the Ministery after tryal had of their life and doctrine and an introduction of them by some solemn Rite into the Possession of their Office The RULES I. The chief efficient cause of this vocation is God who inwardly calls Ministers and furnisheth them with his gifts but the ministerial cause is the whole Church or at least the representative consisting of Pastors and Presbyters or other Church-men and not the Bishop or Pastor alone For the Apostles never challenged to themselves alone the right of Election Act. 1.23 and 6.5 and 14.23 II Three things are required to a lawfull calling triall election and confirmation III. Triall is both of life and doctrine and the life must be first tried before doctrine for he is not to be admitted to the triall of Doctrine whose conditions are not to be endured IV. The manner of Election is this After the pouring out of fervent prayers to God the persons being named out of whose number one is to be chosen either by the vocall suffrages of all or of the greatest part or else by holding up of hands that one is elected V. Confirmation is the introduction of the partie elected in which publike prayers being premised he is recommended to the Church and his calling is confirmed by imposition of hands VI. Pontificians falsly say that that is an unlawful calling which is done by the Presbyters without the Bishop For Bishops have not by Divine right greater power and authority VII The Reformed Church hath ratified the calling of them who in our fore fathers time reformed the Church not as if it proceeded from Popery as a bunch or swelling of the Church but as principally they were called by God and furnished with gifts They object that such men were called under Poperie but that their vocation is expired since they fell off We answer that they are falsly accused of falling off for they have not fallen off from the Gospel to the preaching of which they were called even in Poperie but from the corruption of the Gospel neither have they cause to cry out that they were called to preach the doctrine of the Romish Church for whereas they comprehend their doctrine under the title of the Gospel the Minister who observeth that in very truth it is far from the Gospel he by the right of his calling might contradict the same Although then they have revolted from the Romish Church yet they have not revolted from their calling VIII Neither can they produce any thing whereby they may infringe the calling of our Ministers performed according to the former Rules above handled For 1. When they ask by what right we teach we answer the same that Christ did to those that asked the same question Mat. 21.25 The Baptism of John whence is it from heaven or from men Even so we say the Doctrine of our Ancestors which is preached among us at this day whence is it Is it repugnant to the word of Christ and his Apostles or is it consonant If it be repugnant let them shew in what Articles If it be consonant they cannot reprove our vocation For where the true Doctrin hath place there the vocation is lawful Besides that calling which answers the example of the Apostles and Primitive Church is lawfull but that our calling is such cannot be denied The power of judging Doctrines is that whereby the Church enquires into mens Doctrine and cuts off the controversies that trouble her The RULES I. Every private man may and ought to judge of the Doctrine he professeth whether it be consonant to Scripture or not Act 17 11. The men of Berea dayly searched the Scripture whether these things were so 1. Cor. 10.15 I speak as to those who understand judge you what I speak 1 Joh. 4.1 Beloved believe not every Spirit but try the Spirits if they be of God II. This ought to be done also by the Presbytery or assembly when any great controversie ariseth III. As the holy Spirit is the chief Iudge of controversies so the Scripture which is the voice of the holy Spirit is the rule by which the straight is known from the crooked The power which concerneth the well ordering of the Church is that which determines what things ought to be done decently in the Church The RULES I. The object of this power are the outward circumstances of Divine Worship to wit time place and such like which in themselves be indifferent II. If in these any inconvenience is found the Church may lawfully abrogate the old Ceremonies and substitute such as are more convenient III. Yet the canons and customes of the Church must not equal the Scripture-canons The power of the Keyes is that which the Church useth for preservation of Discipline whereof are two parts to binde and to loose To bind is to denounce Gods wrath against sinners unless they repent To loose is to pronounce remission of sinnes to repentant sinners both which have certain degrees The degrees of binding are 1 A severe exhortation and commination after private admonitions have been reâ—ected this must be done by the
Bible to the Originals his Ministers perform their Divâ—ne Service in Latin and in Latine they write all their Bulls c. He sets a mark generally on their foreheads right hands in that they are forced by open profession the symbol whereof is the fore-head and by their actions which are figured out by the righâ— hand to witnesse that they belong to the Râ—man Latine Church But particularly he sets a mark upon his followers when in Baptisme he signes them with the Cross and in Confirmation when he puts Chrisme on their foreheads and when in Ordination of Ministers he anoints their head and fingers 9. Concerning their idolatry and wickedness read the History of the Popes for to rehearse more is not now our purpose 10. He was revealed about the year 600. For after that Constantine the Emperour translated his seat to Byzantium Sylvester took possession of the Palace since which time the insolency of the Popes did so increase that aboâ—t the year 595. a most bitter contention arose between Gregory the Great and Iohn of Constantinople concerning the Supremacie At length Boniface the 3 obtained of the Emperour Phocas a Parricide and Tyrant that the Romish Church might be the head of all the rest and that he should be stiled Universal Bishop 11. As for his destruction the event now shews how much his power is impaired by the preaching of the Word and how many Kings have fall'n off from him Other passages we must expect with patience V. The King of the Locusts the swarmes of which were raised out of the bottomless pit is a figure of Antichrist and of his Clergy Monks c Rev. 9. v. â— 3 11. VI. The two Beasts Rev. 13 are figures â—f one and the same Antichrist The first with seven heads ascending out of the Sea c. very fierce paints him out as he is in very truth The latter like a Lamb doth shadow him as he seems to be by his impostures VII The Dragon Beast and False Prophet for the same is signified by these names sending out three impure Spirits like Frogs called the Spirits of Devils shewing signes and stirring up the whole world to battel Rev. 16.13 14. The event doth so clearly shew us of what this was the figure that he who sees it not is blinde VIII The Beast c. 17 v. â— c. notes out the Seat of Antichrist but the Whore that sits on the Beast the Church of Antichrist I have somewhat largely handled these things because its needfull not onely to know Christ but Antichrist also and these passages conduce not a little for the understanding of the Apocalypse CHAP. XXVIII Of Vocation in special SO much of Vocation as it is common to Elect and Reprobates now the Special follows which belongs onely to the elect And it is that vocation whereby God calls the Elect as yet in themselves miserable and corrupted outwardly by the Word of the Gospel but inwardly by illuminating the minde and changing the heart to be partakers of the grace of Salvation The RULES I. In Scripture this is called A new Creation Regeneration a Drawing Divine Teaching and Resurrection II. In the Schools it is called Actual Election Effectual Calling and Internal Calling It may be called Actual Election because by this God puts in execution the decree of Election For whom he predestinated them he called Rom. 8.30 So Joh. 15.19 I have chosen you out of the world It is called Effectual Calling in respect of the calling of reprobates which by their own fault is made ineffectual to salvation It is called also Internal because the calling of reprobates is either outward only by the word or if they be any way inwardly illuminated or moved it is but a temporary change III. The principal efficient cause of vocation is God the impulsive is his free mercy the instrumental the Ministery of the Word 2 Tim. 1.9 Wâ—o hath saved us and called us with an holy calling not according to our works but according to his own purpose and grace which was given us in Christ Iesus bâ—fore the world began 2 Thes. 2.14 who hath called you by our Gospel c. IV The matter or object of vocation is man elected but in himself as yet miserable natural carnal sinful estranged from the life of God yea dead in sin Eph. 2.1 And you together hath he quickned when you were dead in sins and trespasses Col. 2.13 And you that were dead in your sins hath he quickned Tit. 3.3 For we our selves also were somtimes foolish disobedient deceived serving diverse lusts and pleasures living in malice and envy hatefull and hating one another V. Therefore the Semipelagians erre when they give to man a preparation or a propension to hearken to his vocation The reason is plain by what we have said for how can a dead man raise himself No more can man further his own vocation VI. Yet man is not like a stock when he is called for he is the fit subject of vocation seeing he is not a Lion nor a Dog but a rational creature yet his reason helps him nothing to his vocation till it be enlightened VII 'T is absurd to extend this grace of vocation to all men whereas common vocation of which already happeneth not to all men as the whole story of the Old Testament teacheth For not the Gentiles but Jews were called VIII The forme consisteth in the gracious change of mans mind and heart whereby not onely is the mind illuminated but our stony hearts also are made fleshy and framed to obedience This appears sufficiently out of what is said especially out of Ezech. 36. IX Therefore the Arminian Novelists falsly teach that the understanding is endowed with knowledge that the affections are irresistibly excited but that its left in the freedome of the will to believe or not to believe That the power to believe is given by irresistible grace but not the act This errour is plainly overthrown by that which God pronounces concerning the change of the heart Ezech. 36.26 So Christ witnesseth that not onely the Elect do hear and learn of God but all that have been taught come to him Ioh. 6.45 X. The grace of Vocation is plainly irresistible not if you look upon our corrupted nature which is harder than a stone but in respect of the Holy Ghost by whom the Elect are so drawn that they follow inevitably XI This drawing is no wayes violent nor doth it resist the natural liberty of the will which of its own nature being corrupted and bent to evil only when the holy Spirit toucheth it presently and freely it follows This drawing is like that of the Shepheard when with a green Branch he draws the sheep after him which follows not violently but spontaneously although this be not altogether alike because the sheep is allured by its natural inclination but man by that propension which the Holy Ghost hath put in him God indeed calls
them betweene the flesh and spirit so long as they live Rom. 7.19 23 24 Gal. 5.17 XIII Sanctification differs from justification I. In their genus for the justice of that is in the predicament of Quality but the justice of this in the categroy of Relation II In their form For 1. In Iustification Faith as a hand layeth hold upon Christs justice in Sanctification it is considered as the beginning and root of good works 2. In Iustification sin is taken a way onely in respect of the guilt and punishment in Sanctification it is by degrees abolished in respect of its existence 3. In Iustification Christs righteousness is imputed to us in Sanctification a new and inherent justice is infused into us III. In degrees for Iustification is one individual perfect act equally contingent to all but Sanctification is a successive act by degrees tending to perfection and according to the variety of the gifts of the Spirit shining in some more in some less CHAP. XXXII Of the perseverance of the Saints SO much of Justification and Sanctification Now follows the perseverance of the Saints and Christian Liberty The perseverance of the Saints is the gift of God whereby the Elect being justified and sanctified are so confirmed by the grace of Christ through the Holy Ghost that they can never utterly fall from it The RULES I. By the word of perseverance we do not here understand that whereby the Elect cannot fall into most grievous sins whereby their Faith cannot be weakned whereby they cannot for a time lose the effectual presence of Gods Spirit but that whereby they cannot totally and finalâ—y fall off from Faith and the grace of God II. The efficient cause of this is God the Father Son and Holy Ghost Joh. 10.27 28 29. My sheep hear my voice and I know them and they follow me and I give to them life eternal neither shall they perish for ever nor shall any man take them out of my hand my Faâ—her who hath given them to me is greater than all nor can any man take them out of my Fathers hand I and my Father aâ—e one Eph. 1.13 14 In whom also after that you believed you were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise which is the earnest of our inheritance untill the redemption of the puâ—chased possâ—ssion unto the praise of his glory III. The mattâ—r which hath the nature of the subject is man truly elected calâ—ed justified and sanctified IV. The forme consisteth partly in the will to persâ—vere partly in the act it self the wiâ—â— is never defecâ—ive in the godly but the act is sometime neâ—re intense sometime more remise V. Though then Faith may be lost in respect of the second act yet in respect of the habit or first act by which it apprehends Christ it is never lost VI. The end of this gift is the assurance of our salvation and a true and firm comfort VII Out of all this we conclude that the Elect who are called justified and sanctified are assured of their salvation Besides the Scripture-testimonies cited above 1. The certainty of our Election confirms this for the elect cannot perish or become reprobate Mat. 24.24 There will arise false Prophets and faâ—se Christs and will shew great signs and wonders so that they shall seduce if it be possible the very elect 2. Tim. 2.19 Yet the foundation of God standeth fiâ—m having this seal the Lord knoweth who are his 2 The certainty of Vocation Rom. 11.29 For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance 3 The certainty of Faith Isa. 42.3 he will not break the bruised reed nor quench the smoaking flax 4. The certainty of Justification by which there is no condemnation to those who are in Christ Iesus Rom. 8.1.5 The certainty of Sanctification Phil. 1.6 Being perswaded that he who hath begun a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Iesus Christ. The testimonies which Bellarmine alledgeth to the contrary are either such as speak not of the faithful but of hypocrites as Mat. 24.12 13. Mark 4.15 Luke 8.13 Iohn 15.2 Heb 6. v 4 5 6. and 10.26 2 Pet. 2.21 22. Or else of a falling off not from the Faith by which we believe but which be believe that is from wholesome doctrine which hypocrites also embrace for a time as 1 Tim. 1.19 and 4.1 and 1 Tim. 6.19 Or they are to be understood of those that are truly faithful but conditionally as Ezek. 18.26 When a righteous man turneth away c. and 1 Cor. 9.27 Gal. 5.4 The examples of evill Angels and of our first Parents are nothing to this purpose for they received onely possibility if they would be willing but not will and possibility too but there is another reason of the regenerate who by the grace of the Spirit both will and can persevere Likewise the exmples of Saul Simon Magus and Iudas are impertinent for they were Reprobates David and Solomon fell indeed grievously but they lost not totally their Faith as the repentance of both witness Psal. 51. and the Books of Ecclesiastes As for Peter's fall we will say with Austine Profession failed in his mouth but not faith in his heart There be two Arguments of our Adversaries chiefly to be considered 1. It is temerity say they to boast of the certainty of Faith whereas our salvation should be wrought out with fear and trembling Phil. 2.12 Answ. The Elect are no wayes to be accused of temerity because they ascribe not to their own strenth the certainty of salvation by which they may a thousand times fall off without Gods grace but they are kept by the power of God 1 Pet. 1.5 Therefore fear and trembling are not opposed to firm confidence in God but to carnal presumption 2. They say that all admonitions will be in vain and so a way wâ—ll be made â—o carnal security Ans. This will not follow For thâ—s Doctrine is so farre from occasioning security that it rather drawes us from it 1. Because it is one thing 〈◊〉 stand and another thing to seem to stand 1 Cor. 10.12 2. Because no man can promise to himself the certainty of salvation except he try his Faith by his Sanctification 3. Because although the Saints do not utterly fal off from grace yet they may fall into most gâ—ievous sins in offending God and their neighbour and may bring upon themselves divers calamities CHAP. XXXIII Of Christian Liberty CHristian Liberty is a spiritual manumission or freedome whereby the faithfull are delivered from that slavery to which they were bound before their conversion that they may freely and cheerfully obey God The RULES I. The efficient cause of this liberty in general is the whole Trinity but in particular Christ our Lord. Joh. 8.31 32. If you abide in my word you shall be my Dâ—sciples and ye shâ—ll know the truth and the truth shall make you free v. 36. Therefore if the Sonne make you fâ—ee ye shall be free indeed II.
For that religion is onely true which agrees with Gods word for verity and unity are convertible V. Religion should be cared for by all chiefly by Magistrates and Ministers For they are the Churches nursing Fathers by preserving Schools and Churches and by maintaining of Ministers c. VI. The true Religion is most ancient for it began in Paradise VII It is not only external but internal also Rom. 2.28 c For he is not a Iew that is one outwardly neither is that Circumcision which is outward in the flâ—sh but he is a Iew which is one outwardly and Circumcision is that of the heart VIII Religion is to be taught not to be forced IX Religion may be defended by armes but not propagated by arms Examples of pious Kings the Macchbees Emperours as Constantine and Theodosius shew this X. Reformation of things amiss in Religion belong to the prince or Magistrate After the examples of Moses Ioshua David Asa Iehosaphat Hezekiah Iosiah Constantine Theodosius c. XI If a Magistrate proves the Churches enemy and will not be intreated to give way for a Reformation then it liâ—s upon them to reform whom God hath furnished with necessary gifts for that purpose neither in such a case must we stay for consent of Church or Bishops Examples are in Gideon Jehojadah Macchabees Apostles c. Sure if our Predecessors had staied for the Popes consent there had never been a Reformation Contrary to true Religion are Epicurisme and false Religions CHAP. V. Of Vertues and Works belonging in special to the Second Commandment IN true Religion we must consider its parts and time appointed by God The parts are two to wit the form or rite whereby God will be worshipped in his Church and the Sanctification of his Name all the rest of our life The form of his worship is that which he hath prescribed to us in his Word which is handled in the Second Precept the summe whereof is this That God should be worshipped in such manner as he hath prescribed to his Church This appears by the right Analysis of the second Command which is foolishly confounded with the first For as in the first Command is set down who must be worshipped for God so in the second is shewed after what manner he will be worshipped And as in the first internal idolatry is contrary so in the Second external is opposed to this worshâ—p The parts of this Command are two a Prohibition and a Confirmation Of the Prohibition there are two branches the first is of the making the second of the worshipping of Idols Of the making he saith Thou shalâ— not make to thy self any graven image or likeness c. which he illustrates by enumeration of particulars following to wit of any things in Heaven above or in the earth beneath or in the waters under the earth The veneration of idols is declared two-wayes 1 by bowing to them 2. by worshipping of them The Confirmation contains a threatning and a promise both are illustrated from the nature of God from the object In the one he describes himselfe to be a jealous God visiting iniquities c. In the other merciful In the one he denounceth punishment to the third and fourth generation of them that hate him but in the other his mercy of the thousand generation of them that love him It is easie then to see what is the summe of this precept by the proceeding thereof 1. From the particular to the general for Idolatry is forbid with all such rites as are either contrary to or not contained in the Word of God 2. From the negation to the affirmation of the contrary for it is commanded that we worship God in that way which he hath prescribed to us In the rites prescribed to the Church we must observe both the helps and parts thereof The parts are the right use of the Word and Sacraments and Prayer The right use or handling of the Word and Sacraments is when the one is preached the other administred according to Christs institution Prayer is whereby we speak to God in the true and humble contrition of heart of such things as are agreeable to his holy will This consisteth in calling upon God or in giving of thanks The RULES I. The common efficient cause of Prayer is the whole Trinity but in particular the Holy Ghost Whence he is called the spirit of Prayers Zach. 12.10 II. The impulsive cause on Gods part are his command Promise of being heard his majesty his goodnesse his benefits But on our part is our need which is gathered by the consideration of our wants calamities tentation and dangers c. III. The matter of Prayer are things obtained and to be obtained IV. The form or Idea of true and religious Prayer is the Lords Prayer The parts of this are four the Preface the Petâ—tions the Confirmatâ—on and Conclusion The Prâ—face is this Our Faâ—her which art in heaven Set down to this end that ouâ— minds may be disposed 1. To docility for it shews who is to be invoked to wit that God who in Christ is made ouâ— Father by adopting us for his sons 2. To humility because he is not an earthly but an heavenly Father 3. To assure us we shall be heard For he will hear us because he is our Father and can hear us because he is in Heaven 4. To charity because we are taught to say Our Father Of the Petitions there be two ranks the first is of them that concerns Gods glory the first and chief whereof is Hallowed be thy Name to this the two latter is subordinate Thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven The latter rank is of those Petitions which concern our needs as well for this as for the next life For the present belongs the fourth Petition Give us this day our daily bread For the future the two latter And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive them that trespasse against us And lead us not into tentation but deliver us from evil That hath reference to the gift of justification this of Sanctification The Confirmation follows in these words For thine is the Kâ—ngdome the Power the glory for ever and ever By which we are taught 1. That God likes our Prayers because he is our King for his is the Kingdome 2. That he can hear us for his is the Power 3. That he will hear us for his is the glory 4. That his love towards us is unchangable for he is so for ever and ever The conclusion is in the particle Amen by which we witnesse that we have prayed seriously and with confidence to be heard V. The end of prayer is Gods glory and our salvation For this is the Alpha and Omega of Prayer hence the Petitions of the Lords Prayer begin with Gods glory and end in our salvation VI. Great are the effects of prayer not as if there were merit in it
that God hath separated onely one day of seven for Divine worship 2. In that he goeth before us by his own example The promises are in Isa. 56.2 c. and 58.13 IV. The matter or object of this sanctification is the Sabbath or seventh day in the Iewish Church to which succeeded the first day called in Scripture from Christs resurrection the Lords day from the Lords supper the Day of bread and from the administration of Baptism the day of light anciently V. In the Precept of sanctifying the Sabbath we must distinguish between that which is Ethical or Moral and that which is Typical or Ceremonial It was Ceremonial 1. To sanctifie the seventh day precisely 2. By this means to separate Jews from gentiles But Moral in that one day of seven must be sanctified for Gods service Now the Church hath sanctified the first day by the example of Christ who hath sanctified it by his resurrection and apparition Ioh 20.19 and 26. By the example also of the Apostolical Church Act 20. 7. 1 Cor. 16.2 Rev. 1.10 VI. The form of Sanctifying this day consisteth in omission and action VII Things to be omitted are the works of our outward and temporal callings These are opposite to the works of divine worship in that six dayes we must labour VIII Yet some things are permitted which without great damage cannot be put off till another day Lu. 14.5 Which of you having an oxe or â—n asse fallen into a pit will not take him out on the Sabbath day The Macchabes knew this 1 Mat. 2.41 For having received an overthrow on the Sabbath they resolved to defend themselves against the enemy In such cases of necessity Christs rule must be observed The Sabbath was made for man not man for the Sabbath Mar. 2.27 IX On the Sabbath those works must be done for which that day was appointed to wit to repare to the Church to meditate on Gods word to receive the Sacraments to invite one another by exhortations example to godlinesse to visit the sick to help the poor c. X. The end of this sanctifying of the Sabbath is either natural or spiritual XI The natural end is that men and beasts might rest and be refreshed XIâ— The spiritual end peculiar to the Iews was 1 To shadow out to the Iews that rest which they injoyed in the Land of Canaan after their toylsome labours in Egypt troubles in the desart That by this part of their beggerly rudiments they might be led to Christ the Author of our spiritual rest from sin and the works of the flesh XIII But now the spiritual end of it is 1. that the Congregation may be seen and that the faithful may flock together into the Church as into the Ark of Noah 2 That by meditating on this new birth of the World and on Christ's resurrection we might praise God our Creator and Redeemer 3 That by our rest from labour we might be admonished of our rest from sin 4. That we might more and more aspire and raise ourselves for the enjoyment of that perpetual rest and Sabbath in the life to come Hence ariseth a thâ—ee-fold Sabbath a tipical and ceremonial yet but tempâ—rary onely a spiritual but onely begun here and a heavenly or eternal Xâ—V The Sanctification of the Sabbath belongs to all chiefly to Magistrates Pastors The Magistrate by the example of Nehemiah must take care that the Sabbath be not wantonly abusâ—d Neh. 13.15 c. The same also must so moderate the strict obsâ—rvation of that day when need requires that there be regard had to Charity by the example of the Macchabees 1 Mac. 2.41 and Constantine the Great who in extream necessity permited Husband-men to follow their Country woâ—k XV. The Christian Holy-dayes have affinity with the Sabbath appointed not for Will worship but for a commemoration of Christs benefits so that the conscience be not intangled with the snare of absolute necessity Col. 2.6 Let no man condâ—mn yâ—u in meats and drinks oâ— in respect of a Holy day or of a New Moon or of Sabbaths To this Sanctification of the Sabbath are contrary its neglect and prophanation The Sabbath is either simply neâ—lected when no regard is had of it or in some respect when it is spent meerly by ceasing from our own works and consequently in idleness omitting those works for which the Sabbath was made of which in the nineth Rule or these works are performed but perfunctoriously without any inward and mental devotion which kind of Sabbath is deservedly called hypocritical See Isa. 1. â—3 14. The Sabbath is prophaned 1. When we do the works of our outward calling needlesly as when we make journies or exact debts then c. 2. When we spend the Sabbath in carnal works as in gaming dancing revelling idle talking Stage-playes and such like sins 3. â—n idolatrous works Such a prophanation is a most grievous sin Exod. 31.13.14 Num. 15.35 Neh. 13.16 Ier. 17.27 CHAP. VIII Of Vertues or Works belonging in general to the Commandments of the second Table IN the former Chapters we have spoken of Gods immediate Worship now followes the mediate consisting in the vertues works of the second Table Of which worship we are to speak generally and particularly To the mediate worship and second Table in general belongs Charity and Justice Charity towards men is either of man towards himself or towards his neighbour towards himself is whereby each faithful man next to God loves himself seeking his own temporal and eternal welfare Mat. 7.12 Whatsoever you would that men should do to you do ye the same Eph 5.29 No man ever hated his own flâ—sh but rather cherish thâ—t Phil. 2.12 Work out your own salvaâ—ion with fear and trembling To this is contrary self-hatred and self-love being inordinate We see examples of perverse hatred in them who obstinately rebell against God and run headlong to their own ruine but the sin of self-love is found in them who being too much drunk with love of themselves not only despise their neighbour in respect of themselve but alsâ— love themselves above God Of these Christ speaketh Joh. 12.25 He that loves his life shall lose it On the contrary it is said of the godly Râ—v 12.11 And they loved not their loves unto the death Charity to our neighbour is whereby we love our neighbour as our selves The RULES I The efficient cause of this love is God the Father in the Son through the Holy Ghost Gal. 5.22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love II. The instrumental cause or root is Faith working by love Gal 5 6. III. The matter or subject of it is our neighbour that is every one to whom we owâ— duty or ayde Luke â—0 36 3â— IV But chiefâ—y w◠〈◊〉 love those that are of the houshould of Faith Gal. 6.13 For we are tyed to them both in a natural and spiritual tye Eph. 4 1 2. V. Nor in this case must we exclude our enemies
not be taken subjectively but causatively for there is knowledge in us because the soul is the subject of knowledge but this knowledge or performance of spiritual things is not of us or from us for of our selves we cannot think a good thought Again when it iâ— said here that the principle of this knowledge is not in us the meaning is that the priâ—e or chief principle is not in us for that is grace yet the secondary or subordinate principle of knowâ—edge is in us that is the minde Lastly it is said here that this principle is not in us either in act or in possibility we must not conceive that here is meant possibility passive for there is in us a power to receive spirituall knowledg when it is infused or else 〈…〉 stones but here is meant an active possibility for we are noâ— agents but patients in the fâ—â—st act of our conversion so that there is no power not possibility in us to illuminate our own minds or to rectâ—fie our own wil. a Mat. 5 22. b Mat. 13.42 c Luk. 16.28 d 1 Pet 3.19 e Rev 9.1 f Rev. 20.15 g Rev. 21.8 a Esa 66 â—4 b Rom 2.9 * A. R. Therefore all men are bound to obey the moral Law not because it was given by Moses for so the Iews were onely tied to it but as it is the Law of nature * A. R. It is said here that Ignorance is attributed to Christ This cannot be meant properly for it was not fit there should be ignorance in him who came to cure our ignorance And if ignorance be the want of that knowledge which ought to be in us it must needs be sin in whomsoever it is There is a difference between these two phrases not to know and to be ignorant for ignorance is the privation of knowledge which is a habit that was not in him in whom were hid all the treasures of wisdome and knowledge And so Peter Joh. 21. and all the Disciples Ioh. 16. confesse that Christ knew all things But not to know signifieth the suspension of the act of knowledge onely which can be no privation in him that hath the habit To wink is not to be blind for he that winks hath the habit of sight which a blind man wants Again to know in Scripture is sometime to make known as Gen. 22. Now I know that thou fearest me that is I have made it known So not to know is not to make known by the rule of contraries So Christ knew not the last day that is he made it not known or he did not know that day to reveal it So when Christ is said to increase in knowledge is not meant that he was ignorant but that he attained to the knowledge which he had before after another manner than he did before that is experimentaly now habitually before * A. R. The Nativity is of the nature as of the Terminus but of the Person as of the Subject for the Person is begot and so is the Nature this terminative that subjective * A. R. Christs passions were truly satisfactory if 1. We consider the greatness of his love 2. The greatness and multitude of his sufferings 3. The dignity of his Person 4. The holiness of his life * A R. In Christs death the Personal Union was not dissolved This is true and the reason is because the gifts of God are without repentance now the Hypostatical Vnion is the greateâ—t of his gifts which could not be lâ—st without sin and sin could not be in him who came to save sinners its true Christ seems to grant a dereliction when he saith My God my God why hast thou forsaken me But these words do not shew any dâ—reliction or dissolution of the personal union in death for Christ spake them whilst he was alive they onely shew that Christ was left to tread the wine-presse alone and yet he was not alone for the Father is with me saith he Christ was alone and forsaken in respect of Deliverance but not alone nor forsaken in respect of the divine presence and assistance without which he could not have performed that great work of our redemption In that the Father left him in the hands of his enemies and did not deliver him he might be said to forsake him But it may be objected that Christs soul was the medium of the union between the Divinity and Christ body This medium being gone how could the extremes cohere I answer in this union the soul was the medium of congruity not of necessity for the Divinity was united to Christs body in the Virgins womb before the soule was infused or else he could not have been conceiv'd by the Holy Ghost So might the Divinity be united still to the body after the soul was separated The soul indeed being a spirit was a fit medium to unite the Deity to the body but not absolutely necessary * A. R. Christ was subject to the Law that he might free us from the curse of the Law 2. That he might take away from the Iews occasion of calumniating 3. To shew he was the end of the Law 4. That by his example he might invite us to keep the Law * A. R. It is said here that Christ obtained his exaltation by his obedience not by the way of merit It is true that Christ as God cannot merit Nor 2. did he merit the grace of union as man for that was infinitely more than man oâ— Angels could merit Nor 3. did he merit by the act of freewill in his conception that plenitude of grace and knowledge which was infused into him Nor 4. did he merit any thing which was not due to him in respect of the Personal union Yet we may not deâ—y but that he merited whatsoever honour was conferred on him before his death and likewise his exaltation after his resurrection for so the Apostle sheweth that because Christ humbled himself and became obedient to the death of the crosse therefore God exalted him Phil. 2.9 10 11. He shall drink of the brook in the way therefore shall he lift up his head Ps. 107. Therefore S. Austin in Joh tract 104 cals Christs humility the merit of his glory and his glory the reward of his humility This glory then was Christs due both in respect of the personal union and also in respect of merit for why may not a thing â—e due in a double respect a Matth. 3.11 I baptise you with water b Matth. 21.25 The baptisme of Iohn that is all his ministry both of doctrine and baptisme whence was it and Act. 18.25 Appollo knew only the baptisme of Iohn c Act. 1.5 ye shall be baptised with the Holy Ghost Matth. 20.22 d Can ye be baptised with the Baptism whâ—rewith I am baptised * A. R. The outward matter of Baptism is water I will here adde the reasons why water is used in Baptism 1. Because the dipping in water represents Christs death burial
withal our mortification so the rising out of the water is a shadow of his resurrectiâ—n our spiritual vivification 2. Water is a cheap and common element therefore obvious and easily obtained 3. In the beginning the spirit moved on the waters and was the cause of generation so in the baptism of water and the spirit is effected our regeneration 4. Water washeth away the filth of the body so doth baptism the spots of the soul. I will pour upon you clear water and you shall be cleansed from all your iniquities Ezek. 36. by this water Eph. 5. Christ cleanseth his Church 5. Water quencheth the thirst of the body so doth Baptism the thirst of the soul. 6. water cooles the heat of the body so doth baptism the beat of Gods wrath the fire of our lusts 7. Baptism is the Sacrament of illumination Hâ—b 6 4 10.32 Therefore 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to illuminate is used for baptising and bapâ—â— sm is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 illumination and the dayes of baptisme weâ—e caâ—led the dayes 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of light Now water is a diapharâ—nt â—ody by which light is transmitted to us so â—s mental illumination by the water of baptiâ—m in which now we are not dipped but besprinkled which is all one for the gâ—fts of the Spirit are expressed by the sprinkling of clear water in Ezekiel and by the sprinkliâ—g of water in the old purifications and by the sprinkling of the Lambs blood in the Passeover to which the Apostle alludes Heb. 10. having our hearts besprinkled from an evill conâ—cience a Mat. 18.15 16 17. If thy brother should trespass against thee go tell him his fault between thee and him alone if he shall hear thee thou hast gained thy brother but if he will not hear thee then take with thee one or two more that in the mouth of one or two witnesses every word may be established and if he shall neglect to hear them tell it unto the Church but if he shall neglect to hear the Church c. b Mat. 7.6 Give not that which is holy unto dogs nor cast your pearls before swine c 1 Cor. 5.5 Let such a man he delivered over to Satan to the destruction of the flâ—sh that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Iesus d 1 Cor. 16.22 If any man love not the Lord Iesus Christ let him be Anathema Maranatha 1 Joh. 5.16 There is a sin unto death I do not say he shall pray for it a Ezech. 36.26 I will give you a new heart and I will put a new spirit in the midst of you and I will take away the heart of stone and will put in you a heart of flâ—sh 2 Cor. 4.6 God who commanded the light to shine out of darkness hath shined in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Iesus Christ. b Joh. 3.3 If a man be not born again he cannot see the Kingdom of God c Joh. 6.44 None can come to me except the Father draw him d Joh. 6.45 It is written in the Prophets they shall be all taught of God whosoever theâ—fore haâ—h heard of the Father and hath learned cometh unto me e â—oh 5.25 Verily verily I say unto you the time cometh and now is when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God and they that hear it shall live * A. R. The Pelagians absurdly teach that by grace is meant our natural abilities This is true if we take grace in that strict sence as it is used in Scripture for the grace of vocation justification or salvation by Christ which is no part effect or property of nature but altogether different from nature for by nature we are the fons of wrath saith the Apostle But by grace we are saved saiâ—h the same Apostle by grace I am what I am saith he not I but the grace of God with me 1 Cor. 15.10 without me saith Christ you can do nothing What have we which we have not received Of our selves we cannot think a good thought saith Saint Paul Here nature and grace aâ—e distinct yet in a large extent grace may be called natural and nature may be called grace The fiâ—st is plain because whatsoever perfects nature may be called natural and such is grace 2. Whatsoever is in nature as in its subject is natural but so is grace for nature is the subjâ—ct of grace 3. Whatsoever we bring into the world with our nature is called natural Thus sin is natural and hereditary diseases are natural because we bring them with us So Adams original justice is called natural and so are all Angelical perfections because they were created with them So the sannctification of those in Scripture who were sanctified from the womb may be called natural Again nature may he called grace for whatsoever is not of due debt is of grace such is nature and all natural powers and actions for it is of grace that we live move and have our being in God who is the prime and universal cause without Whose influence the second subordinate causes cannot work and therefore â—ven for the actions and faculties of nature as eating drinking sleep life health c. we are bound to give thanks and to beg their continuance and preservation to which duty we are not tied if these be of debt and not of grace But saving grace is distinguished from nature as the garment from the body the one may be lost without the other And so when the Fathers speak of Adam's original justice they say he lost his garment and was stripp'd naked a 1 Tim. 1.19 Holding faith and a good conscience which some having put away coâ—cerning faith have made ship-wrack b Jam. 2.19 Thou believest there is one God thou doest well the Devils also believe tremble This faith then whâ—ch consisteth in a bare assent iâ— common to the Elect and Reprobate c Matth. 13.20 He that reciveth the seed into stony places the same is he that heareth the word and â—â—on with joy receiveth it yet hath he not root c. d Mat. 17.20 if you had faith but as a grain of mustard seedâ— you would say to this mountain remove hence to yonder place and it would remove This hath been given for a certain time even to Reprobates as we see by Iudas who had this gift of miracles with the rest of the Apostles Matth. 10.8 e Saving faith which is proper to the Elect is that which we defined a Psal. 34.14 Isa. 55.7 b Eph. 2.1 Col. 3 9 10. c Rom 6.2 c. Gal. 2.20 a Of that day and hour knoweth no man not â—he Angels of heaven excepâ— my Father only Mat. 13. 32. Nor the Son himself but the Father alone 1 Thess. 5. 1. 2 c. concerning the times and seasons brethren it is not needfull that I write unto you for you your selves know well that