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Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A09264) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 14731) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1475-1640 ; 1251:13) A fruitfull sermon, on 1 Cor. 15. 18, 19. VVritten by VVilliam Pemble of Magdalen Hall in Oxford Pemble, William, 1592?-1623. Capel, Richard, 1586-1656. [8], 23, [1] p. Printed by R. Y[oung] for Iohn Bartlet, at the signe of the gilt-Cup in Cheapeside, London : 1629. Editor's note "To the reader" signed: Rich. Capel. Printer's name from STC. The first leaf is blank. Reproduction of the original in the Henry E. Huntington Library and Art Gallery. eng Sermons, English -- 17th century. eebo A fruitfull sermon, on 1 Cor. 15. 18, 19. VVritten by VVilliam Pemble of Magdalen Hall in Oxford. Pemble, William 1629 30 7741 2 0 0 0 0 0 2.58 B The rate of 2.58 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the B category of texts with fewer than 10 defects per 10,000 words. 2004-05 Assigned for keying and markup 2004-05 Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2004-07 Sampled and proofread 2004-07 Text and markup reviewed and edited 2004-10 Batch review (QC) and XML conversion

A FRVITFVLL SERMON , ON 1 COR. 15. 18 , 19.

Written By WILLIAM PEMBLE of Magdalen Hall in Oxford .

LONDON , Printed by R. Y. for Iohn Bartlet at the signe of the gilt-Cup in Cheapeside . 1629.

To the Reader .

WEe doe finde ( Christian Reader ) great opposition made against our Faith , not only by our Affections , but chiefly by our Reason ; for when our Faith is encountred by our Affections , wee doe gather many times some succour from our Reason ; but when our Faith is layd at by our Reason , the tentation is not more strong than dangerous . For if our Reason get the better of our Faith in any particular , our Affections follow amaine : And such tentations , where they once take , doe shake and stagger the strongest Christians . Men , I know , are most an end wedded to their passions , and doe liue more after their * * Arist. Eth. l. 10. c. 9. perturbations , than their reason : and therefore there is little good to bee done on the minde of a man till his a a Arist. Phys. 7. c. 13. & . Eth. l. 10. c. 9. perturbations bee at some quiet . Now where our Reason is guided by Faith and the Word , there it doth good vpon our passions : but where our Reason goes by its owne principles , and not by the Word , there our affections are the worser for our Reason ; and a man shall neuer come to deny all his Affections , till he haue first denied his Reason . But blessed be God , Faith is our b b 1 Iohn 5. 4. victory , and it doth not only quiet the Affections , but at last it doth so triumph ouer Reason it selfe , that men are willing to become c c 1 Cor. 3. 18. fooles that they may be wise . The d d Arist de interp. c. 3. part. 6. vnderstanding of a man rests not till it bee satisfied ; and nothing can giue full and vltimate satisfaction to the intellect and mind of a man , till by Faith it be captiuated to the obedience of e e Vid. Aquin. 1. 2. q. 109. a 2. ad 1. Arist. ad Eudemum . l. 7. c. 14. text . 216. God , and f f 2 Cor. 10. 5. Christ : and when that is once done , then Reason followes the light of the Word , and the Affections follow the light of Reason . And hence it is , that our Faith doth adhere with most firmenesse to those Principles and Articles of our Creed , wherein Reason is quite at a stand . I will make my instance in the Article of our Resurrection ; a Point , by the consent of all I know ( but g g Pac. comment . in Arist. de anima , cap. 5. sect. 5 one ) vtterly aboue the whole element of nature , reason in it selfe doth not onely deny it , but deride it , a a Art. 17. 32. Plin. l. 7. c. 55. Philosophers hisse at it . b b Luke 24. The Apostles themselues in that their greatest tentation did for a time look somewhat strange vpon it . But yet we see when their Reason was denied , and their Faith tooke place , c c Art. 2. & passim . they were not more willing to liue and dye vpon any Doctrine of Saluation , than vpon this of the Resurrection ; and to beleeue this , is a meer Act of Faith alone . d d Chrys. Quod Christus sit Deus . Aug. ep. 112. c. 3. Scot. in l. 3. Sent. d. 24. q. vnica sect. ad primum principium . One , perhaps two of the Apostles , saw his death , none his Resurrection : And t is obserued , that it was so ordered by the Prouidence of God , that this maine Point of Diuinity might bee beleeued by the Apostles , and deliuered ouer by them to the Church of the Gentiles , as a meer act of faith , and not of sight : Faith being the euidence of things not seene , and the iust liuing by faith , and not by sight . Faith then doth most in those Points of Diuinitie , wherein reason is most opposite . A proofe wherof the Lord gaue in the Author of this Sermon , who a few daies before his last sicknes , preached this Sermon as touching the Resurrection , by a sweet & secret prouidence of God , the better to fit himselfe for his last Enemy . He was a man full of wit , learning , & strength of reason ; & yet against the worst that Satan could do , reason yeelded , his Faith wrought out all disputes , and he was so firme in this Point , that hee reioyced that his body should not wait so long for the Resurrection as do the bodies of the Patriarks . Reason said nothing , faith did all , and set him in that height & strength of beliefe , that he beleeued here without doubting : Albeit whilst wee liue here we do * * 1 Cor. 13. 9. know but in part ; yet an imperfect faith may , and doth bring forth a a a Rom. 4. 21. Col. 2. 2. full assurance , sith faith is a grace giuen , because & only whilst wee are imperfect , and when once we are made compleate , then our faith b b 1 Cor. 13. vlt. doth cease . The c c Lib. 9. epist. fam . ep. 1. Orator blamed himselfe , for that when he was in trouble he did not walk by his own Principles : But this our Diuine , what he deliuered in this his last farewell , he fully beleeued in his sicknesse . Let vs pray , that as he , so we may liue by faith , & not by reason , both whilst we liue , & when we dye : & then we shall finde the truth and comfort of this , That faith , when it s once made strong , doubteth least of those things , against which our reason disputeth most . Blessed is hee that beleeues , and sees not .

Thine in Christ Iesus RICH. CAPEL ,
1 COR. 15. 19 , 20.

If in this life only we haue hope in Christ , we are of all men the most miserable .

But now is Christ risen from the dead , and become the first fruits of them that slept .

THe Disputes of the blessed Apostle in this whole Chapter , is to proue a Resurrection of the dead , against the error of the Epicures and Sadduces . The maine Argument whereby hee proues it , is this . If Christ bee risen , then the dead shall rise . But Christ is risen : Therefore the dead shall arise also . The minor , that Christ is risen , the Apostle proues from the third Verse vnto the twelth ; by the Scriptures , by the witnesse of the Twelue Apostles , and more than fiue hundred Brethren , to whom hee appeared after his Resurrection , and lastly by his own Testimony , vnto whom Christ shewed himselfe after his ascension into heauen . The maior , That if Christ be risen , the dead must rise too , the Apostle beginnes to proue at the twelfth Verse . [ Now if it be preached that Christ is risen from the dead , how say some among you , that there is no Resurrection of the dead ? ] This foule inconsequence the Apostle confutes in the next Verse , by the absurditie that would follow thereupon , That if there be no Resurrection of the dead , then is not Christ risen . Vpon which absurditie , other absurdities would also follow , That if Christ bee not risen , then the Apostles preaching , and testimony touching Christs Resurrection , were false , and that the Corinthians faith in Christ is vaine . If Christ bee yet in his graue , they and all that beleeue in Christ , bee yet in their sinns , they that are dead in the Faith of Christ are perished , and gone to hell in their sinnes , they that liue in the faith of Christ are of all men most vnhappy , without reward here , and sure of punishment hereafter . But Christ being raised from the dead , these absurdities are taken away , the Apostles are true in their preaching , and all men are happy in beleeuing in Christ put to death for sinne , and raised from death for our iustification . ( If in this life only we haue hope in Christ , we are of all men most miserable . But now Christ is risen &c. ) This is in briefe the dependence of the words .

The parts are , as the Verses , two :

1. An absurditie vpon the deniall of a truth . That Christians are of all men in worst condition , is an absurd assertion . But yet t were true , if after this life they had no hope of Happinesse . And hopelesse they must needs bee , if Christ be not risen , and themselues shall not rise . [ If in this life only &c. ]

2. A remouall of this absurditie , by an affirmation of the Truth ; Christians are not vnhappy men , for why [ Christ is risen ] hauing ouercome sinne and death : And this is not for himselfe , but for their sakes : He [ is become the first fruits of them that slept ] that as himselfe by his owne , so they by his power , shall certainely arise vnto immortall life and glory . Of these things in order very plainely . The first Instruction I desire you to obserue , is this , that

True Christians are more vnhappy than any other men , if their happinesse bee confined to this life only .

If death bring to an end their liues and their hopes both at once , they that beleeue in Christ are in a worse estate , than Epicures , Atheists , and other vngodly persons , who while they liue with their fill of pleasures , Christians inherit sorrowes and troubles . No Profession in the world so discomfortable , as that of true Religion , take once away from the godly man the hope of Heauen . If Christ bee beneficiall vnto him but only till he dye , as good t is to bee any thing , as a Christian. You may soone see it to bee true , if you cast your eyes vpon the state of true Christians in this life .

Wee are of all men most miserable , saith the Apostle . Whom meanes hee ? Wee Apostles and Ministers of the Gospell ; Or , all we Christians that beleeue in Christ ? He meanes both sorts , Ministers and People .

1. For Ministers : They are more miserable than any other Christians ; of all others they are most exposed vnto troubles , and that in regard of the nature of their Office . They by their preaching and Ministry doe bid defiance to the powers of darkenesse , they proclaime themselues open Enemies to Sathan and his Kingdome . If others be Souldiers , they be the Captaines , and stand formost in the face of the Enemies , and neerest of all to danger . Whence it followes , That what euer mischief the Prince of the darkenesse of this World , or his seruants , the children of disobedience , can inuent against them , they shall bee sure to feele it , if force or craft can lay it on them . Satan euer aymes at the fairest : Smite the Shepheard , and t will be easie to scatter the Sheepe : Slay a King of Israel , and the rest of the Army will soone rout . [ The world hateth mee ( saith Christ ) because I testifie of it , that the workes thereof are euill ] Iohn 7. 7. As it hated and persecuted him , so it will euer doe to his Ministers and Ambassadours . So long as there is in the World a faithfull Minister to reproue sinne , and wicked persons that loue to commit sinne , there will euer bee malice and despite vsed against them . Whence at all times so many discontentments haue bin bred against godly Ministers , by froward and disobedient People , who , louing to doe euill , and hating to be reproued , haue not spared , to the vtmost of their malicious might , to heape vexations and sorrowes vpon them , by whose Ministry the glad tidings of peace and good things haue bin brought vnto them . When Ministers weepe in secret for the sinnes of their People , when they poure out prayers and teares for their saluation , when they behold their stubbornesse and disobedience against the Word with sad and heauie hearts , when they haue spent their strength and life amongst them , wasting themselues in labour to doe them good , and after in griefe to see so little good done on them , what s their recompense for all their good will , but hatred , derision , a mocke and scoffe , some iniurie , vniust vexation , some malicious accusation or other ? Woe is mee ( saith Ieremie in a passion , seeing how miserably hee was vsed by his Country-men ) [ Woe is mee , my mother , that thou hast borne me a contentious man , and a man that striueth with the whole Earth ] Ier 15. 10. Poore Prophet , what harme had he done them ? [ I haue neither lent on vsury , nor men haue lent to me on vsury , yet euery one doth curse me ] Wrong'd them hee had not in ciuill dealings ; in his Ministry hee had faithfully declared vnto them the will of God , reproued them of their sinnefull abominations , foretold them of Gods heauie wrath ready to fall vpon the whole state : was this that for which they curse him , rayle at him , persecute him , count him an enemie to the State , and not worthy to liue ? Yea this was cause enough . Doth he fore-tell the destruction of Ierusalem ? nay then he is a traytor presently , hee weakens the hands of the men of Warre , hee seekes not the good , but the hurt of the People , Ier. 38. 4. Mad men that will bee valiant and victorious in spite of God : and therefore are ready to slay his Prophet for telling them the truth , that God will not helpe them . Doth he sharply and boldly reproue the sinnes of the People ? why that s not to bee endured . Come , say the People , Ier. 18. 18. [ Come let vs imagine some deuise against Ieremiah ] let vs picke a hole in his coate , let vs lay a plot to bring him in trouble . Is he so free of his tongue ? nay then [ Let vs smite him with the tongue ] reuile him , raise some slander vpon him , forge some accusation to bring him in question : and as for his talke , [ Let vs not giue heede to any of his words ] What rage and tumult is there if Christ once be preached among the Gentiles ? what blustring and adoe if a Paul come once amongst beastly Ephesians , and learned but idolatrous Athenians ? Wit nor Vice may not endure his presence . Let a Minister that is faithfull to God , and true to mens soules , plainely , yet meekely , reproue men for their ignorance , pride , couetousnesse , vsury , false dealing , adultery , swearing , &c. if they can , they will euen make him weary of his life : what euer may bee done by bitter speeches , vnkinde and iniurious dealing , he may bee sure to looke for it . Well may St. Paul say , Wee are of all men most miserable : We Apostles , and Ministers of the Gospell , are in far the worst case of all men , who , like Beacons vpon Mountaines tops , stand open continually to all tempests raised against vs by wicked men and spirits . In all this vexation lighting vpon the faithfull Ministers of Christ Iesus , what other comfort in this life haue they but this , that what euer ill successe there be in their Ministery , whatsoeuer miseries lye vpon their persons , yet their Work is with the Lord , and their Reward is with their God ? Take away this hope in Christ for the life to come , and yee leaue them the most forlorne men in the world .

2 For true Christians , they are more miserable than all other men : and that in regard of the Nature of true Religion which they professe , which agrees not with the good liking of the world ; and therefore it cannot agree with that , nor them that sincerely professe it . [ If yee were of the world , the world would loue his own : but because yee are not of the world , but I haue chosen you out of the world ; therefore the world hateth you ] saith Christ of all the Elect , Iohn 15. 19 : They are men of another generation , their liues are not like other mens : and therefore the world wonders at them as at some strange Bird or Beast . Their courses runne byass from other mens , and stand opposite to their vngodly practices : So that when they looke vpon them , to their great displeasure , they alwaies see in their well doing , a reall reproofe of their owne euill doing . But if at any time they be so venturous as in words also to reprooue them , then there is no patience to bee had . If Lot but once say , [ Brethren , I pray you , doe not so wickedly ] the Citizens of Sodome grow cholerike straight way : This fellow will bee a iudge and ruler , hee must carpe and finde fault , [ Nay wee will deale worse with thee , than with them ] say those Beasts in the shape of men , Gen. 19. 9. So now , these precise men marre all : a man cannot sweate , or drinke drunke , or talke filthily , or in any thing doe otherwise than he should doe , but straight way they are reprouing , admonishing , exhotting : so that a man cannot liue quietly by them , nor displease God , but they le take offence at it . Hence are all malicious deuises and practises against the godly : they bee the men whom the world hath accused as the worst of malefactors , disgraced as persons most contemptible , persecuted as worthy to bee driuen from the societie of men .

In the times of the Primitiue Church , if any thing were amisse in the Romane State , the Christians presently are cryed out vpon , they must smart as the cause of it ; If it raine not at all , or too much , if lightning and thunder doe any harme , if the Legions mis-carry , then away with the Christians , to the racke , the fire , the sword , the Lions , &c. So now in the Christian world , all the blame of the trouble must lye on the reformed Churches ; albeit what is their fault ? except it bee that they are innocent . But were the Churches of God rooted vp out of the world , and all the Synagogues of God destroyed in the Land , why then t were well , the world would bee at peace and vnity : although the world stand but for the Churches sake . In short [ Euery one that will liue godly must suffer persecution ] 2 Tim. 3. 12. What , must ? Yea : and that in a peaceable Church as well as a troubled . Hee must suffer persecution of the heart , of the tongue , or of the hand . Hee shall bee hated if not reuiled , reuiled if not smitten , smitten if not slaine .

Besides all which molestations from the world , infinite are those troubles wherewith euery godly soule is assaulted by Sathan , and its owne corruption : a hard and continuall taske it hath in fighting against the spirituall wickednesses in high places , in striuing against so many lusts , and disordered affections that cannot bee easily gouerned . Many bitter stormes it feeles of temptations , sorrowes , and feares ; which makes them oft cry out for griefe of heart , and causeth their bones to waxe dry , and the powers of their body to faile .

This now is the [ Generation of Gods children ] as Dauid speakes , Psal. 73. 15. this their lot to be daily punished , and chastened euery morning , when others liue at ease and prosperitie . So that if yee take from these the hope of future blessednesse by Christ , the heart will soone breake , when there is left them nothing but misery . Alas , what is the temporall reward of Pietie , if after death a man must suffer eternall misery ? Poore is the contentment that can bee found in Vertue and Religion , if it stretch no further than to the end of this life ; if after death there bee nothing , or nothing but misery . Cut from a man his hope in Christ for her● after , and then the Epicures counsell will seeme good , [ Let vs eate and drink , for tomorrow we shall dye . ] Let vs take our pleasure while wee may . If wee dye as Beasts , and come to nothing , then le ts liue as Beasts too : Or if wee must dye worse than Beasts , and our soules goe into misery , as we must , if Christ doe vs good no longer than we liue ; why then what auailes it to ioy in Vertue and Religion , to follow an empty name of goodnesse , when nothing is got by it after death , and for the present nothing worth the desiring ? Le ts restraine our eyes and our hearts from no pleasures that may bee procured . Let Vertue bee onely our stals to winne honour , where men out of errour esteeme highly of it : among others , loue wee Vice where vertue is banished . All comes to one then , bee vitious , and be but miserable hereafter ; bee vertuous , and bee no lesse . Such wilde and desperate resolutions , that notwithstanding our Christian Faith , doe yet take place in too many mens hearts , might then be reckoned of all to bee good wholsome counsell , if the day of our death were the vtmost period of time , beyond which no happinesse were to be enioyed . Wee see then the Point to bee plaine enough , That true Christians , barrd of their hope in Christ for the life to come , are more miserable than other men : because all are alike hereafter ; and for this life the godly misse of those contentments which the wicked enioy . Nay more miserable , not onely than men , but than Beasts also : seeing Beasts dye , but are not iudged after death ; they come to nothing , but not to misery , as men out of Christ doe .

The Vses of this Instruction shall be two :

Vse 1. To lesson vs how to iudge of the State of the Church , and also of priuate Christians : namely , That we iudge not of them according to outward appearance , but that wee iudge righteous iudgement . Hee that lookes on them with a carnall eye , considering them in their present condition , without relation to Christ , and their future happinesse by him , shall see no great matter to winne his desire toward them . For the Church her glory is not of this World . She is comely , but sunne-burnt with afflictions and persecutions , shee lyes among the pots in poore and despicable estate , when the Synagogue of Sathan ruffles in all pride and pleasure . The whore of Rome is clothed with scarlet and all gallantry , Re. 17. 4. She liues in abundance of pleasures , Rom. 18. 3. She dares say , I sit as Queen , and am no widow , and shall see no mourning . Shee laughes , when other Churches weepe in teares of blood . Therefore doe many iudge her blessed , and these miserable : and many turne in thither . Indeed were her hope only in this life , their choyce were good : miserable were shee if alwaies Militant and neuer Triumphant . But wee haue learned of our Apostle , not to iudge of the Church of God by her miserable outside that appeares to vs in this life . Let her bee poore and persecuted , driuen into wildernesses , and caues of the earth , t was so of old , when Idolatrous Gentilisme swagered it in glorious Temples by Law and force of sword . Be she a few to many , meane to mighty ; t was so euer . What if she seeme to bee now driuen into a corner of this westerne World , so that the Aduersarie may conceiue hope , that now there needes but one push more to thrust her into another Coast , or to sinke her in the Sea ? let vs not for all that iudge the worse of her , nor leaue the Temple of God , to run ouer to the Temples of Idols and Idolaters .

For priuate Christians , the same Rule must be followed , for them also not to iudge them by their state in this life . Indeed if we looke vpon them while they are here disgraced as the off-scouring of the world , scorned by great men , iniurd by all men , driuen into obscurity , and troden vnder foote from rising vp in the world ; if we see Daniel lodgd among Lions , Paul and Silas in the Stockes , and at the whipping Post , the Martyrs bodies melting in the flames , if we behold them tryed by mockings and scourgings , by bonds and impris●nment ; when wee see them stoned , he wen asunder , tempted , slaine with the sword , wandring vp and downe in sheepe-skinnes , and in goates-skins , being destitute , afflicted and tormented , wandring in Wildernesses , and Mountaines , and Dennes , and Caues of the Earth , as in Heb. 11. 36 , 37 , 38. in this case , who but would iudge them to bee miserable men ? Againe , when wee see a poore Christian frequent in prayer and hearing , strict in his life , fearefull to take liberty , where others sinne with boldnesse , often in fasting to humble his soule , and beate downe his body , see his heart full of griefe , his eyes runne downe with teares for his owne sinnes , and for the sins of the Land wherein he liues , behold him toyling vnder the burden of sin , wearied out with spirituall conflicts in his encounters with Sathan , and that sin that still dwels in him : And now , seems not such a one in thy eyes to bee a contemptible and miserable wretch ? Well , iudge not by the sight of thine eies , be not thou a foole to esteem such a one mad : though for the present it appeare not what such a one shall bee , yet know , that when Christ shall appeare , he shall appeare with him in glory ; and therefore whateuer his estate in this life bee , yet his end shall bee with honour .

Vse 2. This teacheth vs in generall , that no man is a happy man , who lookes for no other happinesse but in this life . If in this life onely there be hope , Christians be of all most miserable ; but yet all others also bee miserable too . For why ? their happinesse which here they haue , is but for a few yeares , and after that comes death , then iudgement and euerlasting miserie . Ah my Brethren ! t is a wofull estate for one to be [ A man of this world , whose portion is in this life ] as it is Psal. 17. 14. When all the happinesse a man cares for or lookes after , is this , that he hath money enough , friends enow , store of lands and liuings , great honours , much ease , varietie of pleasures , with such other things as serue only to the filling of our bellies , and satisfying of a few base and earthly affections : Yet this is all which most men desire , and whereafter their hearts doe runne all dayes of their liues ; they neuer looke higher than these lower parts of the world . What pitie is it to see a man , so noble a Creature , borne vnto immortalitie , and an euerlasting being , yet to spend a fifty or sixty yeares in this life , and yet scarce euer thinke seriously of another world , till there be no remedie , but that he must goe out of this ? Brethren , take we notice of this fault , and know wee that this world is not our resting place : let vs now forsake it in our affections , and let our liues testifie , that we be such as seeke after a Country , not earthly , but heauenly , where wee shall haue a more enduring substance than all the treasures of this world . Thus much of the first point , from the 19. Verse .

I come vnto the next words , wherein the Apostle confutes the former absurditie , shewing that godly Christians are not to bee accounted more miserable than all others , forasmuch as their hope in Christ is for the life to come , as well as this life . But now , saith hee , Christ is risen . Yea , might they say , but what is that to vs ? Very much ; for he rose that we might rise , [ He is become the first fruits of them that slept ] He is the first that rose from the dead , and is the cause to raise all others vp .

The Instruction that briefly wee learne from hence , is this , that

The Resurrection of Christ is the cause of our Resurrection to life and glory .

This the Apostle intends , when he saith iointly together , Christ is risen and become the first fruits of such as sleepe , i. e. are dead . Christ may bee called the first fruits of them that rise from death , in a double respect :

1. Because Christ was the first that rose from death . which we must vnderstand with some limitation : for it is certain , that others were raised from the dead before Christs Resurrection , as we reade of diuers in the Old and New Testament : but here is the difference between them and Christ ;

1. They rose by the power of Christ , Christ by his owne power . Hee had power , as to lay downe , so to take it to himselfe againe . Beeing God as well as man , of himselfe he was able to quicken his own body . So could not they .

2. Christ rose , but dyed no more : the others rose vnto life , but dyed againe ; as Lazarus , &c. who tasted twice of temporall death . So then Christ was the first of all the dead , that raised himselfe vnto an euerlasting life .

2. Because Christ is the cause why all men else rise from the dead . This is chiefly intended by the Apostle , when he saith , Christ is the first fruits of them that sleepe . The first fruits were by the Law , Deut. 26. 1. & seq. to be offered vnto the Lord , before such time as the Iewes might eate of the rest of their haruest . By that oblation the whole haruest was sanctified vnto their lawfull vse ; as it is Leuit. 23. 14. And therfore the Apostle saith , Rom. 1. 16. [ If the first fruits be holy , so is the whole lumpe ] namely , after the consecrating of the first fruits all the remainder might lawfully bee vsed in a good and holy manner . From this custome the Apostle drawes the Metaphor , calling Christ the first fruits of the dead . Namely , that as by them all the rest of the store was consecrated ; so in and by the body of Christ rising out of his graue , the bodies of all the Elect shall receiue this power and priuiledge , to breake asunder the bands of death , and returne to life and blessed immortalitie . Which comes to passe in a twofold regard :

1. Because of the inseparable Vnion which is between Christ and the Church . The first fruits are a part of the whole lumpe , and of the same nature with the whole : So is Christ and the Church ; he is the head , they are the members of the same body ; he is the stocke and roote , they the branches of the same Vine . And therefore the Life , which is in Christ the Head , is diffused into the Members ; the iuice which is in the root , flowes forth into the branches . A liuing head will not bee coupled with a dead body , nor will that true Vine beare any withered branches . Whence in verse 45. of this 15. chapter , Christ the second Adam is called [ A quickning spirit ] because of that diuine power which is in him , to make aliue both soules dead in sinne , and bodies rotten in their graues .

2 Because Christs Resurrection hath taken away all impediments of our glorious Resurrection . If Christ had bin held in the graue , the reason had beene because hee could not ouercome death , and make full payment of the price of our Redemption . But now Christ , hauing broken in sunder the barres of the graue by his Resurrection , he hath manifestly declared , that our Ransome is fully made , Hell & Death & the Graue ouercome , Gods Wrath appeased : and therfore that now there is nothing that should hinder our Resurrection to life and glory . Even as after the consecration of the first fruits , the Iewes might lawfully vse their other store without impediment : So Christ hauing dyed and rose againe for this very end , to take out of the way whatsoeuer thing might hold vs in death and destruction , there is now nothing can haue dominion ouer vs to throw our soules to hell , or detaine our bodies in the graue .

But here a Question arises , touching the Resurrection of the wicked at the last day : Shall not they arise also , and that by the power of Christ ? I answer , They shall arise by the power of Christ . But here we must obserue , that Christ is to be considered in a double respect : 1. As he is head of the Church , 2. As he is iudge of the whole world . The godly are raysed by the power of Christ as Head of the Church , from whom descends into his members that quickening power , which giues life vnto the bodies of the Saints , ioyning righteous soules vnto glorious bodies , in a blissefull Vnion for euer * * Col. 1. 18. He is the head of the body , the Church , who is the beginning and first borne &c. The wicked arise by the power of Christ , as hee is Iudge of the world , who hauing all power and iudgement committed to him , by his soueraigne command brings together those damned soules vnto their miserable bodies , that so he may execute vpon both to the full , the iudgement of eternall vengeance . Now euen in respect of these , Christ may be said to be the first fruits of the dead ; namely thus , That if the Iudge bee risen , they must also bee made to rise that are to be iudged . This is most excellently expressed by Christ himselfe , Iohn 5. 26 , 27. [ As the father hath life in himselfe , so likewise hath hee giuen to the son to haue life in himselfe ] namely , to quicken by vertue thereof the soules of his Elect in Regeneration , and the bodies of his Elect in the Resurrection . It followes , [ And hee hath giuen him power also to execute iudgement , in that he is the sonne of man ] Thus he hath also to doe with the reprobate and wicked , by his power to pull them out of their graues , like roads out of their holes , and after to throw their bodies with their soules into the pit of perdition . For then it followes , Verse , 28 , 29. [ Maruell not at this , for the houreshall come , in which all that are in the graues shall heare his voyce . And they shall come forth that haue done good vnto the Resurrection of life , and they that haue done euill vnto the Resurrection of condemnation . ] Let thus much suffice for opening of this Point . I come to some Application .

Vse 1. To strengthen our Faith in the Article of the Resurrection from the dead . This is a point which is hardly beleeued , and to naturall Reason it seemes incredible . But let vs not dispute , where God plainely affirmes the matter : rest we our selues vpon his power and promise , neuer doubting , but what hath bin done in the first fruits , shall bee done to the whole lumpe . The graue hath lost her Victorie ouer the bodie of Christ ; and shee shall not recouer it against our bodies .

Vse 2. To teach vs whence to fetch true Consolation vnto our hearts , in regard of the hard estate wee are to endure in this present world . Christ is risen , and we by him shall rise to glory ; and therefore be our condition neuer so miserable in this life , yet happy men we are , that are heires to so much blessednesse hereafter . Vpon this nayle hangs all comfort ; and , Brethren , know that it is fastened in a sure place , and will not deceiue vs in time of neede . Are we Ministers ? why let vs ( as the Apostle speakes , 2 Cor. 6. 4. ) approue our selues as the Ministers of God , in much patience , in afflictions , in necessities , in distresses ; in stripes , in prisons , in tumults , in labours ; by watchings , by fastings , by purity , by knowledge , by long suffering , by kindnesse , by the holy Ghost , by loue vnfained ; by the Word of Truth , by the power of God , by the armour of Righteousnesse on the right hand and on the left ; by honour and dishonour , by euill report and good report , &c. as the Apostle there goes on . In all this trauell and painfulnesse , let this reioyce our soules , Wee serue a Master will see vs well rewarded . Christ in whom our hope is , he is risen : and with him shall we arise also , who in that day shall giue vnto vs the crowne of Righteousnesse , which is layd vp for vs : as the Apostle comforts himselfe , 2 Tim. 4. 8. Art thou a priuate Christian , walking in thine integritie , and faithfully endeauouring to feare God and keep his commandements ? and doest thou for this suffer contempt ? is thy soule filled full with the mocking of the wealthy , and despitefulnesse of the proud ? is thy name put out as an euill doer ? art thou at all hands disquieted by vniust vexations ? Faint not , forsake not thy profession for this , but rather glorifie God in this behalfe . Looke vnto the recompence of reward , and hold fast the hope of eternall life in Christ Iesus . Art thou trauayled vnder the burden of sins and afflictions , assaulted with continuall temptations and feares ? yet lift vp thy heart , and wait , there is a day of refreshing that comes shortly from the presence of God . Grieue not to see thy selfe in paine , when others wallow in pleasures ; choose rather to reioyce in that sorrow which will end in ioy , than to desire those pleasures whose issue is destruction . Thinke it not much to part with thy countrey , thy children , thy possessions , thy life , if the world will take them from thee for Christ and his Gospel sake : all these and much better than these shall be restored to thee in the resurrection of the iust . When Christ requires it , spare not to giue that body of thine to the fire , which in a short time by sickenesse will fall to the ground : know , t is as easie for Christ to giue it thee backe againe out of the flames , as out of the dust . In banishment , in prison , in pouerty , in temptation , in death , comfort thy heart with the meditation of Iesus Christ risen from the dead , and of thy Resurrection by him . Say with thy selfe , Yet I am not miserable , so long as my Redeemer is happy ; he liues , and I shall liue with him ; these teares will one day bee wiped away : though all faile , yet Christ will not faile me ; my hope in him shall neuer bee cut off , no not in death . Men may take from mee my goods , they cannot rob mee of my grace ; banish mee from my countrey , but not from heauen ; take from mee my life , but not my happinesse . No , my faith , my heauen , my happinesse , all is in his keeping that will safely preserue them for me , and me to them .

My beloued Brethren , I beseech you let our hearts bee employed in these thoughts , and make we this vse of the present Solemnity . Such Meditations fit this day , this season , all seasons . To end , grow hence into a firme Resolution to bee faithfull in doing Gods will , there is a certaine reward for this : to bee patient in suffering aduersity , there is a sure remedy and ease for it . No euill shall hurt thee , now death , and the graue , and sinne , are vanquished for thee : no good thing shall bee wanting vnto thee , now that Christ by rising from the dead hath brought life & immortalitie vnto thee . Wherefore in nothing be dismayed , but bee stedfast , vnmoueable , alwayes abounding in the worke of the Lord , for as much as you know , that your labour is not in vaine in the LORD .

FINIS .
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