The lambes spouse or the heauenly bride A theologicall discourse, wherin the contract betwixt Christ and the church; the preparation against the mariage; and the solemnization it selfe, and the exclusion of hypocrites and temporizers, is plainly and profitably, with the partucular vses, set forth. Whereunto is annexed an exact preparatiue to the Lords Supper. By T.D. Minister of the word of God.

The Lambes Spouse , or the Heauenly Bride . Math. 25. 10. And they that were ready went with him to the wedding , and the gate was shut .

OVr Sauiour Christ the onely head & Br●de-groome of the Church , hauing in the former part of this allegorie , vnder the metaphoricall & borrowed termes of Wise Virgins , that were inwardly called , furnished with sauing faith and godlinesse , and watchfully expected his comming : and vnder the appellation of Fool●sh virgins , that were hypocrites and temporizers , called onely outwardly , and contenting themselues with the outward profession and blaze of faith and godlinesse , the pith and substance whereof they wanted , described and depainted vnto vs the estate and condition of the visible Church , ( wherein amongst the beleeuers are intermingled hypocrits , and onely seeming Christians ) he doth in this tenth verse set downe their contrary euents and iudgements : for the Wise Virgins , the sincere and vndissembling Christians went with Christ to the wedding , that is , they were receiued into heaven , & vnto the immediate fellowship & presence of Christ , but the foolish virgins , voide and destitute of iustifying faith and inward holinesse , were shut out , that is , debarred from entring into the kingdome of heauen , and consequently adiudged and cast into hell . Wherevpon our Sauiour exhorteth all men to watch , and carefully to waite for his comming to iudgement : least being vnready at his comming , they be shut out from the heauenly marriage : vnto which dutie they are so much more to attend , because that they know not the day , nor the houre wherein hee will come ; Thus much of the dependance and order of the text .

Now according to the difference and diuersity of persons , viz. the wise virgins , and the foolish , their diuers and different euents and iudgements , are to be obserued and handled .

In the wise virgins , three heads or points are to be considered First their contract with Christ ( in these words ) wise virgins . Secondly , their readinesse and fitnesse therevnto in these termes , they that were ready . Lastly , the consummation of the marriage in these words , Went with him to the wedding . Of all these points I will speake in order , and afterwards ( God assisting ) proceed to propound and handle the most different estate & iudgment of the foolish virgins . In the contract diuers points are contained . As first , that there is such a contract betwixt Christ and his Church . Secondly , the forme & nature of it . Thirdly the benefits & prerogatiues of it : lastly the vses of the doctrin .

Touching the contract , that there is such a contract betweene Christ and the Church , it is plaine and demonstrable by sundry places of Scripture . The Lord by the ministery of Esaias the Prophet , whom he sent vnto Ezechies to comfort him and his people against the blasphemies and threatning speeches of railing Rabsaketh , the seruant of the King of Assur thus stileth and saluteth the Church . This is the word that the Lord hath against him . The virgin , the daughter of Syon hath despised thee , and laughed thee to scorne ; the daughter of Ierusalem hath shaken her head at thee , Isay. 57. 22. The Church is distinguished and adorned with the title of Virgin . Because shee was consecrated and espoused to God alone , and his true worship ; as a virgin to her onely bridegroome or husband . Likewise Psal. 45. 10. Hearken O daughter and consider & incline thine eare , &c. So shall the King haue pleasure in thy beauty for hee is thy Lord and worship thou him . Heere Solomon representeth Christ , and King Pharaoes daughter that was married to him , the Church of the Gentiles espoused and affianced to Christ . Thirdly the Lord by Hosea speaketh ; I will marry thee vnto me for euer , I will marry thee vnto mee in faithfulnesse . Hos. 2. 19. 20. In the Canticl●s , the Church by force of this contract maketh claime to Christ , saying ; My beloued is mine , and I am his , &c. Cant. 2. 16. Paul shewing his vnfeigned affection to the Corinthians , who in part ( missed by false Apostles ) began without cause to distaste him , maketh this protestation . I am iealous ouer you with a godly iealousie , for I haue prepared you for one husband to present you as a pure virgin to Christ . 2. Cor. 11. 2. In the Apocalyps the Church is called Virgins that are not defiled with women , Apoc. 14. 4. and the Lambes Wife or Brid● . Chap. 19. 7. and Chap. 21. 2 ▪ All these places euince and demo●strate a spirituall coniunction and contract betweene Christ and the elect . Lastly , not to dwell long vpon authorities , Saint Iohn most notably & manifestly in the allegorie of the Vine and the branches , Iohn . 15. 1. 2. 3. 4. shadoweth and setteth out vnto vs , the nature of the coniunction , for as the Vine doth yeeld and communicate life and nourishment to the branches , and the branches receiue and partake it from the Vine : so Christ the noble Vine , that hath life in himselfe , and of himselfe , and that is full of grace and truth , doth infuse and communicate spirituall life , comfort and grace vnto his seuerall members ; and the Church being ingrafted into him , draweth and receiueth the same from him by the hand and instrument of faith .

Whereas therefore the true Church of God , consisting aswell of marryed persons as vnmarried , yea for the greatest part in all times and ages of those that bee marryed ; thus the holye scriptures , and experience and practise of all pure and holye Churches doe testifie ; is in respect of their sound faith onely , and firme hope in Christ , and sincere loue ; stiled by the name of Virgins : it serueth to check and condemne the error of the Church of Rome , who from these and like places of Scripture taketh occasion , and would needs prooue , that virginitie and single life , is a state in it selfe farre more holy and acceptable before God than mariage , yea that it is meritorious and a type of the perfection of eternall life ▪ and here-vpon they forbid their Bishoppes , Ptiests , Deacons , Monkes , Iesuits , &c. to marry , tollerating notwithstanding and allowing the Stewes , concubines , hatlots , and all manner of vncleannesse . They vrge and commend Virginity , with as much conscience and equity , as the theefe doth truth , the drunken man sobriety , and the glutton abstinence . For it is notoriously knowne to the world , not onely what vnchaste hearts they carry , and in what lusts they burne ; but how filthily they liue , that amongst the rest would be accounted the most holy & exquisite .

But briefly to refute their error , wee thus prooue , that virginity is not a state more holy in it selfe before God then marriage , much lesse meritorious . First God in the old Testament , and Christ in the New , allowed and permitted marriage to Priests , Prophets , Patria●kes , Apostles , Euangelists and Ministers ▪ aswell as any others . If there had beene any vnholinesse in their marriage , or virginity estate for them , so incomparably better or more necessary , God in his wisedome would haue otherwise ordered it . Secondly , marriage is honorable in all men , it hath his chastity , it is for the comfort of man , the medicine of incontinence , the meane to preserue the world , and the seminary of the faithfull , therefore in it selfe not inferiour to a single life .

Thirdly , if single life were so holy and meritorious a state before GOD , as they would make it , then all vnmarried persons should be so . But the examples of Absolon , Adoniah , & Iudas , &c. euince the contrarye . Secondly , it should bee without the least taint of concupiscence . Thirdly , the Scriptures would auerre and auouch it . Fourthly , albeit virginity and single life in times of generall persecution be more to be wished , and more conuenient then marriage ; yet then Paul rather wisheth that all men in respect of the time present were such , then commandeth and inioyneth them . 1. Cor. 7. 7. For he leauerh them to their liberties ▪ And this occurrence of affliction and trouble , seemeth to bee a principall cause why Bishops & Ministers so sparingly were married in the Primitiue church , for some 200 yeares after the Apostles decease . Lastly , I conclude with Saint Augustine ; Melius est humile coniugium , quàm superba virginitas .

Secondly , in that the true Church is called by the name of Virgin , 2. Obser. in respect of her sound faith , and pure affection to Christ : wee are first admonished hereby to beware of , and to shunne , as the very plague or poison of our soules , the dangerous and damnable errous and heresies of al Papists , Turkes Anabaptists , Schismatikes , P●gans & ● . For these like a gangrene & cankar eate into & corrupt our soules , they put out the light of our vnderstanding and wound the vitall parts of spirituall life . Mathew 6. 23. 2. Pet. 2. vers. 2. 3. Apoc. 13. verse 7. and 8. 2. Thessa 2. vers. 9 and 10.

Secondly wee must entirely and vnfainedly loue Christ . Ioh 21. Hee must be our loue as Ignatius saith 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , that is that Christ his loue was crucified : he alone must haue our hearts . Pro. 23. ver. 26.

We must account al things but losse and dung in comparison of gayning him Phil. 3. 8. Hee is the pretious margarite or pearle , wee must sell all that we haue to purchase it . Mat. 13. 46. Finally our loue or affection to Christ , his word and Sacraments must bee so feruent , so fi●y and so vehement that no water should quench it , nor the floudes drowne it , and we should greatly contemne al substance in respect of it . Cant. 8 , 6 , 7.

This meeteth with those that haue a forme and shew of godlines ; Vse . yet they would serue God and Mammon , two contrary maisters if they be worldlings , or if they be licentious , they are 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . 1. louers of pleasures more then God . Wherfore let vs auoide all hipocrisie and loue Christ sincerely , for as Christ himselfe is simple & sincere in his nature , and in his promises , loue and workes , towards vs , so let vs labor in some good conformity to behaue and carry our selues to him .

And thus much touching the first branch viz. that there is such a contract and of the vses of it .

2. The second point to be considered in this spiritual contract or vnion , is the definition , nature and forme of it .

This contract therfore is that mistical & spiritual , yet real & substantial vnion & coniunction between Christ and the Church , whereby they are made one flesh , and by special compact & consent haue right & interest one in another , yea & abide and dwel one in an other .

In the clearing and manifestation hereof ▪ three particulars are to bee handled , first that this coniunction is onely spirituall , not naturall , or carnall . Secondly , that it is reall and substantiall , and lastly the order and manner of it is to be touched .

It is mysticall and spirituall , first because the persons betweene whom it is made , viz. Christ ( as man ) and the Church militant , are farre distant in place , and therefore it cannot bee any naturall or carnall coniunction .

Secondly , because the meanes and manner of working it are spirituall , it needs must be spirituall also . Now it is wrought & effected not by nerues , bonds , ●inews , as this naturall coniunction betweene the body and the soule is caused , but by the spirit of Christ , which he sendeth from heauen into vs ; and by our faith , stirred vp by his spirit , whereby we send it vp againe to him : so that this coniunction must needs bee as spirituall , so relatiue and mutuall . First therefore that Christ sendeth his spirit into vs , and that the same spirit that dwelleth in his manhood , and filleth it with all graces aboue measure , is deriued thence and dwelleth in all the true members , raising vp and working in vs faith and strength whereby we apprehend him ▪ loue whereby wee affect him , and all other graces needfull for euery mans saluation , it is pregnantly prooued by these places of scripture following ▪ and the like . Hee giueth vs of his spirit and hereby wee know that he dwelleth in vs and we in him , Iohn 4. 14. God hath sent forth the spirit of his sonne into our hearts which crieth Abba father Gal. 46. Lastly the church is the habitation of God . Eph. 2. 22. and the temple of God . 1. Cor. 6. 19. Secondly our faith ascendeth vp to Christ . Acts. 7. 56. doth incorporate vs into him . Ephes. 3. 12. 17. and hereby wee both liue and dwell in him , Galath. 2. 20. But this our faith is spirituall and inuisible , for wee walke by faith and not by sight , 2. Cor. 5. 6. And faith is the ground of things that are hoped for , and the euidence of things which are not seene . Heb. 11. 1. 2.

Obiect . But some perhaps will obiect , that wee feed vpon Christ in the Sacrament , we indeed eate his flesh & drinke his bloud . Iohn . 6. 55. 56. Ergo our vnion is not spirituall . &c.

Ans. Albeit , wee really , corporally and substantially receiue , partake of , and eare the elements and outward signes , namely the bread & the wine , according to Christs institution in memory and representation of his body broken and his bloud shed , and yet wee receiue and feede vpon Christ by faith . For not euery one that eateth the bread and drinketh the wine in the Lords supper doth feede vpon Christ , but onely the true beleeuers ; who feed of him both in the Sacrament and also out the Sacrament as may appeare . Ioh. 6. 17. 51.

Secondly as the Fathers in the time of the Law did all eate the same spiritual meate ( that we do ) and drinke the same spirituall drinke , but they did it onely by faith , which apprehendeth things to come as present , ( for Christ was not then incarnate , much lesse was he dead , ) euen so we receiue and partake of Christ , that is spiritually by faith and not carnally and substantiallye , as the Papists imagine . 1. Cor. 10. 3. 4.

Thirdly Christ is now in heauen & there contayned , Ioh , 6. 26. and his body there glorified , therfore cannot he be eaten carnally , corporally , substantially , for hee is many millions of miles distant hence . Secondly His body is impassible & not subiect to any such indignities . Thirdly then Iudas and all reprobate and wicked men who receiue the Sacrament of Christs body and bloud , should bee saued , for they that eate of the bread of life liue for euer . Ioh. 5. 57. They that eate his flesh & drinke his bloud dwell in him & he in them . vers. 56. But they doe not feede vpon the bodie and bloud of Christ because they want the mouth and stomack of faith , to receiue and digest it . Iohn . 6. 63.

Lastly , the elements of bread and wine retaine both their names and natures , euen after the words of consecration , as is perspicuous and euident by the Scripture . 1. Cor. 1. 26. 27. 28. 29. And herevnto accord the ancient Fathers , as Augustine , Theodoret , Tertullian , Cyprian , Chrysostome , yea and some of later times among the Papists , as Gela●ius and Bertram .

Ergo. Christ is not there bodily present , neither is the bread and wine conuerted substantially and really into his body and bloud , therefore as the absurd doctrine of transubstantiation is an inuention of later times , and here ouerthrowne : so must it needs also follow that our coniunction with him in this mortalitie must needs bee altother spirituall .

The second thing to be considered in the diffinition , is , that albeit this contract and vnion is not feigned , supposed , imagined , or by touching and commixion : yet it is a true , a reall and a substantiall vnion , for wee are substantially vnited to him ; our body , to his body , our soule to his soule , and our whole person to his whole person , so that we are flesh of his flesh and bone of his bones . Eph. 5. 30.

And as Adams whole person was really and substantially coupled with the whole person of Eue. So is it betwixt Christ and the Church . He is the head and we the members , hee is the husband , and we the wife .

Now in that this contract and vnion is reall and substantiall , Obs. it is also indissoluble and eternall . For first the Lord saith by Hosea ( as I haue before mentioned , ) I will marry thee vnto mee for euer . Secondly Christ his power is infinite , and none can take any out of his hands , Iohn . 10. 28. Thirdly , his loue is constant , whom hee loueth hee loueth to the end . Iohn 13. 3. Fourthly the sauing graces of his spirit , the proper endowments of his elect , are without repentance and irreuocable . Rom. 11. 29.

Fiftly Christ is an effectual and continuall mediator vnto God his Heauenly Father for them . Luke . 22. 32. Heb. 7. 25.

Lastly if any true and liuely member of Christs body should bee lost , then either Christ should want either power , loue , or wisdome , to preserue and saue it , but hee wanteth none of them : or els his body should be maymed and vnperfect , which can neuer bee , for it is his fulnesse . Ephesians . 1. 23. and hee will in the life to come make it vnto himselfe a glorious Church Without spot or wrinkle , or any such thing . Eph. 5. 27.

Vse . Therefore let euery man trie by the touch-stone of Gods word , whether he feele the spirit of God in lightning and renuing him , and faith purging his heart , and firmely apprehending and applying Christ withall his benefits vnto himselfe , if hee finde himselfe in this estate let him thanke GOD and by the continuall and serious vse of the worde , Sacraments , prayer and practise of good workes , maintaine and confirme it , for doubtlesse hee is a true member of IESVS CHRIST , ingrafted into him , and shall thus continue for euer . For these are not the workes of flesh and bloud , and meere Nature , but of the Spirit of GOD and grace .

The third thing in the deffinition to be explained is the Order of the vnion , touching which wee are to note that the Church is first vnited vnto the body and flesh of CHRIST . Secondly to his soule , and lastly to his God-head , and so to his whole person : and therefore the Scriptures commonly speake of first , & propound Christs humanity vnto vs and afterward his deity . Rom. 1. verse 3. and 4. Chap. 9. ver. 5. and 6.

The reason herof is , because we cannot bee vnited vnto his deity but by his flesh , wherin hee wrought our redemption , for the humane Nature of Christ is as it were a doore to let vs into the communion of his deitie , and the conduict pipe of deity to conuey and deriue it vnto vs . And as in the sacraments , the true-beleeuers doe by the outward signes and symboles as by instruments receiue the thing signified viz , Christ and his merits : so they also by the meanes of his humanity , are made partakers of his God-head , and so are vnited vnto him .

The third thing to be considered in this : contract , is the rare and royall benefits and prerogatiues , that hereby flowe and redound vnto vs . First wee haue from Christ , and from his merits and sufferings , the foundation and beginning of our new birth and being : he is the roote , and wee are the plants , he the Vine and wee the branches : of his fulnesse we all receiue grace for grace : finally , we are in him , who is made vnto vs of God , wisedome and righteousnesse , sanctification and redemption , Ioh. 15. 2. Iohn . 1. 16. 1. Cor. 1. 30. Ier. 2● . 5. 6.

Secondly , we being contracted vnto Christ our head and husband , are interessed in and partakers of all his royalties and benefits so far forth as may be , ( the proportion and difference beweene the husband and the wife beting retained ) for from the fountaine of his God-head and conduit of his humanity , are deriued vnto us , his righteousnes ; santification , triumph , glory . From Christ wee haue , redemption through his blood , euen remission of our sinnes according to his rich grace , by his sufferings we are ●reed and deliuered from the guilt of our sinnes and the feare of condemnation , & by his obedie●ce to the Law imputed to vs we are accepted as iust before God and fit for eternall life . 2. Cor. 5. 19. 21. Apoc. 12. 1 , Now what an vnspeakable benefit is remission of sinnes , which sinne draweth vpon vs all temporall and eternall plagues & can be by noe other meanes obtained then by our coniunction with him Psal. 32. 1. 2.

Thirdly communicating with Christ in the vnion of nature , we also ( in some proportion and similitude are partakers of his propheticall , priestly , and Kingly Office . We are made prophets to confesse him and to teach and comfort others , Priests to mortyfie sinne , to suffer for Christ , to offer sacrifices of praise & thankesgiuing vnto him , and to consecrate our selues , soules and bodies wholy vnto him . Rom 8. 39. Apo. 1. 6. 1. Peter . 1. 9. Wee are Kings to fight against the world , the flesh , and the Deuill , and by faith in him to ouercome them . 1. Iohn . 4. 5. And here wee receiue that right in whole , and dominion in part which we wholy lost in Adam . Math. 19. 28. 1. Cor. 6. 2. 1. Tim. 4. 4. 5.

Fourthly all Plagues , Aduersities , Crosses , Punishments , are made but only temporary and fatherly corrections vnto vs , tending to our correction , and not our destruction , and they are medicines to cure our infirmities and not meanes to increase our miseries . Heb. 12. 6. 10. 11. Pro. 3. 11. Apoc. 3. 19.

Fiftly wee haue all the Angells of GOD in this life for our good to attend vpon vs and to defend vs . Heb. 1. 14. 2. Kings . 6. 16. 17. Psal. 34 7. And in the life to come , especially by reason of this neere and admirable coniunction with Christ our head and husband , and because we are made kings to rule with him , we are & shal be superior to the Angels , for there is no such coniunction betwixt his nature and theirs as betweene his and ours , neither shall they raigne as Kings with him in the life to come as the Saints shall ; Apoca. 2 verse . 26. and Chap. 3. verse . 21.

Sixtly Satan cannot indite and condemne vs , for as no man can sue the wife in the lawe , the husband liuing and not giuing his consent ▪ Soe CHRIST our husband liuing and alwaies iustifying vs , who shall condemne vs ? Romans 8. 33. 34. or who shall seperate vs from his loue ? verse . 35.

Lastly when the husband , especially being a mighty Monarch is highly offended , the wife may and hath free accesse vnto him when none other can or may haue the like liberty ; So may and hath the true Church free acces●e vnto Christ by praier when the wicked are debarred from him , and cannot or dare not approch neere to him .

Thus much of the benefits and priuileges .

Now in the last place follow the manifold vses of this contract and vnion .

1. Vse . First seeing our vnion with Christ is Reall and substantiall and continueth for euer , ( for we are made one flesh with him , bone of his bones and flesh of his flesh ) Heb. 2. 14. Eph. 5. 30. Ergo he still ( albeit he be glorified ) reteineth the essentiall parts of a true humaine body , the quality is onely altered , but the substance and dimentions remaine , for otherwise we could haue no fellowshippe with him , and so the foundation of all our comfort should be rased and ruinated . And therefore here is condemned the absurd and grosse errour of them that defie Christs humanity by making it infinite , omnipotent & knowing al things , and ours only finite and circumscribed in power place and knowledge , whereas betweene that which is finite , and that which is infinite there can be no such vnion and substantiall coniunction .

Secondly we must labour & endeuor alwaies to continue in this vnion and communion with Christ , and not departe an haires breadth from him ; for remayning and abiding in Christ wee finde all comfort , refreshment and peace ; and being out of him we runne head-long into all euill ; for euen the Godly themselues , being out of it , and the efficacy of it but alittle , feele themselues as it were tormented with a flame of fire . Psalm. 77. 2. 3. Iob. 6. verse . 1. 2. 3.

Wherefore we must beware of and shunne all Idolatry , errour , atheisme , fornication , vncleanesse , drunkenesse , schisme , and all other raigning sinnes whereby we dissolue and cut in sunder this vnion .

Thirdly by reason of this misticall and straite coniunction betwixt Christ and the Church , hee hath a simpathy and feeling of all their wants and miseries , & though now he be exalted to the highest degree of glory in heauen yet doth he in nothing ( as worldly men in their exaltation vsually forget & neglect their old & poore friends & acquaintance ) remit and abate of his care and compassion towardes his poore and afflicted members in earth , but hee succoureth them in all their extremities , imputeth and rewardeth any good done vnto them as done to himselfe , and censureth and reuengeth the wrongs and indignities offered them as done to his owne person .

Hence wee learne diuers lessons and duties . First we in all our afflictions and necessities must flee vnto him and to the throne of grace , in confidence and assurance of faith , and wee shall find rest vnto our soules and helpe in time of need . Math. 11. 26. Heb. 4. 16. For as Philo said to the Iewes his country men , when he could find no fauour with Caius the Romaine Emperour ) Vbi deficit humanum praesidium , ibi necesse est inciperem diuinum auxilium , that is , where mans helpe fayleth , there Gods must needs begin .

Secondly wee must doe all possible good to Gods Saints , wee must comfort his bowells , shew them all kindnesse , and supply their wants , for then are we liuely and feeling members , and Christ will take notice of all the comfort wee yeeld them , and reward and regard it both in this life & in the life to come , bee the offices of charity neuer so meane so they be vnfained , Mat. 25. 35. 36. 40. Luk. 21. 34

Thirdly me must take heed that we neuer grieue , wrong , vexe , and persecute Gods deere seruants and saints ; for then wee doe but fight against God , kick against the pricks , touch the apple of GODS owne eye . Zacha. 2. 8. grieue hi : spirit , and procure to our selues many Iudgments , and if we are and continue in the number of open & professed enemies we besides temporall plagues most iustly , draw vpon our selues eternall vengeance .

The last vse is , that being ioynd and united to Christ the fountaine of all good workes , we wust contend and endeuour to conforme our selues to his example and bring forth timely and plentifull fruits of piety , charity , and iustice . Phil. 1. 11. Tit. 2. 14 Psal. 13.

The second section . They that were ready .

NOw ( as order requireth ) we are to treat and dispute of the fitnesse & preparation that ought to be in the true Church of Christ and is required of ●hem against his second comming : For as these wise Virgins were before-hand prepared in faith , grounded only vpon the scriptures and relying vpon Christs only merits , in feruent loue and sincere affection to Christ , and in hearty desire and earnest expectation of his comming : so must we also , if we would be assured of our contract and vnion which Christ in this life , and enioy his glorious presence and haue perfect fellowshippe with him in the world to come ; trimme prepare and make ready our selues against the solemnization of the marriage : and therefore it is said in the Apocalyps ; the marriage of the Lambe is come and the bride hath made her selfe ready . Apo. 19. 7.

And so they are presented as a chast Virgin vnto one husband Iesus Christ . The truth and necessity of this preparation is plainely and plentifully set forth in the scriptures , whether we r●spect Christ as the princypall and inward trimmer of the Bride , or the ministers of the word as his agents and instruments , or the B●ide her selfe , as the proper subiect of it . First Christ trimmeth his spouse the Church , and therfore the holy company of his elect are sayd to come downe from heauen , prepared as a Bride trimmed for her husband . Apoc. 21. 2. that is , purged from all corruption , GOD through Christ doth make vs meete to bee partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light . Col. 7. 12. Christ sanctifieth & clenseth his Church by the Washing of water through the word , that he may make it vnto himselfe a glorious Church , without spot or wrinckle &c. Eph. 5 , 26 , and 27. The graces that Christ bestoweth vpon her are as chaines to adorne her , as Myrrh , Incense and the spices of the Merchants to persume her , as Purple and Skarletto clothe her , & as pretious Iewels to beautifie & enrich her , finally shee as Queene standeth , at his right hand in a vesture of the gold of Ophir , Psalme 45 , vers. 9.

More particularly Christ trimmeth and prepareth his spouse . First by offering and affording vnto her the means and ministery of grace and saluation , as the Preaching of the worde , Ephesians 4 , 11 , 12 , 13. the seale of the Sacraments . Mathew 28 , 19. 1. Corinthi . 1 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26. Herevnto may be added troubles , crosses , and afflictions , which albeit in their owne nature they bee euils and plagues for sinne , yet the quality and property being altered by Christ his death ; they are made meanes to humble vs , medicines to purge vs , sowre sauce to make vs to relish better the Heauenly foode of our soules , bridles to curbe and restraine vs from sinne , and spirituall directers to guide vs to the Kingdome of heauen .

Secondly Christ trimmeth his spouse by the continual and effectual in working and efficacy of his blessed Spirit . For without this all the outward meanes should bee onelie for conuictment of men , and for their more iust condemnation , and not for conuersion or consolation ) for by it hee alone giueth the encrease . 1. Cor. 3. hereby he epeneth mens vnderstanding to vnderstand the scriptures , Lu. 24. ve. 32. he openeth their hearts ( as hee did Lydias ) to attend vnto good doctrine . Acts 16. ver , 14 , he conuerteth their hearts as he did the heart of Cornelius : & all that heard the words with him . Ac. 10. ve. 44 , hereby he leadeth them into all truth . Iohn 16. 13 , he dwelleth in them . 1. Cor. 3. 16 , he regenerateth them . Ioh. 3. 5. & . 8 finally he comforteth & strengtheneth them . Ioh. 16. 8 , in that he is the principall in trimming and preparing the Church his spouse , and that vnlesse hee giue grace and successe al other meanes ( albeit neuer so good & holy ) be vaine and frustrate , it must teach ernestly and continually by praier , to desire and entreat the Lord , to prepare vs : to make vs meet for his kindome , and to make the ministery of his word and Sacraments , and all other good means profitable and effectual vnto vs , & herein wee must say with the Church in the Cantikles , arise O North and come O South , and blowe on my garden , that the spices thereof may flow out : and ( then ) let my beloued come to his garden , and eate his pleasat fruite . Cantickles 4. v. the 16. The instrumentall trimmers , adorners of the Bride are specially and most singularly , the ministers and Preachers of the word . For these doe with Paul labour to present their congregation as a chast Virgin vnto one husband lesus Christ 2. cor. vers 1. 2. They haue the ministery and embassie of reconciliation committed vnto them . 2. cor. 5. ver. 18. They are the Preachers of faith & repentance Mark. 1. ver. 15. Math. 3 2. Act. 26. 20. They haue the keyes and authority subordinatly vnder Christ to binde and to loose , to remit and to retaine . Mat. 16. 19. Ioh. 20. ver. 23. finally they are the outward organes & meanes of illumination , conuersion and saluation as may appeare . Act. 26. 18. 1. Tim. 4. 16. 1. cor. 1. 21. Hence it is that Philip must teach and conuert the Enuch . Act. 8. 35. Ananias , Paul : Paul Lidia ; and Peter Cornelius . Act. 9. 10. 11. Act. 16. 14. Act. 10. ver. 7. and 3. 4

The vse hereof is to teach in no wise to neglect , despise or distast the Preaching of the worde , and other Holie meanes of our Saluation ( as many and most do vpon the perill of their owne saluation ) but vse them with all care , reuerence diligence and constancy .

And therefore what a shame is it for most men , yea what an occasion to aggrauate their condemnation that they will for supplie and obteyning of earthlie foode , prouision and aduancement , trudge , and trauaile farre and neere , almost to euetie market and faire , and in the meane time neglect the foode of their Soule : suffer it to pine , and to perrish , they are more churlish to it then Nabal was to Dauid : more without compassion then the rich glutton was to Lazarus , and more hard hearted and mercilesse then the Iayler to innocent Paul and Sylas , who put them into the dungeon or inner prison , and locked their feete fast in the stocks . Act. 16. 24.

And thus much of the principall preparer of the Bride , and also of the instrumentall .

Thirdly the subiect or person that is thus prepared of Christ and his ministers , that is also as a voluntary and vnderstanding creature , by remouing the bar and incumbrances of infidelity , idolatry and impenitency : and by vsing and frequenting all the holie meanes of begetting , confirming and increasing the sauing graces and gifts of God : is this spouse of Christ , the Church , the elect , the beleeuers , and ( in a worde ) all that desire and seeke to be saued . For these are often and continually warned and perswaded in the Scriptures : to watch , Marke 13. verse 35 , 36. to bee sober , and to watch vnto prayer , 1. Peter 4 , 7. and to haue feruent Charity amongst themselues . verse 8. to repent . Act. 17. ver. 30. to purge themselues . 1. Iohn . 3. 3. to put on the brest-plate of faith and loue 1. Theff . 5. 8. and hope of saluation for an helmet , ibidem . to beware of surfeting , dronkennes and the cares of the world Luke . 21. 34. to waile yea sigh & mourne for the redemption of their bodies . Rom. 8. vers 20. 21. 22. 23. To vse the world and all things thereof , as though they vsed them not , 1. Cor. 7. 27. to feare God and giue glory to him Apo. 14. vers. 7. to make an eccho and cry with the Bride in the Apocalyps , come euen , so come Lord Iesus Apoc. 22. vers. 14. & 20. and lastly at the discerning of the neere approch of Christ by the accomplishment of the last signes such as are the ruine of Romish Babilon , the conuersion of the nation of the Iewes in the kingdome and countries into which they are dispersed , the roaring of the Seas and waters &c. reioysingly to looke and li●t vp our heads because our ( full ) redemption draweth neare Luke . 21. verse . 28. Apoc. 19. 7. This espoused virgin or Bride therefore , must of necessity being stirred vp and assisted by the spirit of GOD , and hauing the meanes of grace so abundantly ministred vnto her , get the wedding garment ( of faith and holines ) Math. 22. vers. 11. 12. 12 , make her selfe ready Apoc. 19. verse . 7. to desire to bee dis●olued and to be with Christ Phil. 1. 23. and to endeuour to be acceptable to him . 2. Cor. 5. Reasons and arguments further to induce and perswade her hereunto are these first the transceudent and incomparable dignity and maiesty of the person , to whom she is contracted , and to whome , she is to bee married , and that is Iesus Christ , the Kings sonne , the King of Kings : and Lord of Lords : the naturall heire of heauen and earth ; the mighty Iehoua : the euerlasting father he that hath all power in heauen and earth ; and God hath so he ighly exalted him at his right hand and giuuen him a name aboue all names , that at the name of IESVS should euery knee bow of things in heauen , of things in earth , and things vnder the earth , Philip. 2. vers. 9. 10.

Wherefore if King Pharaoes Daughter being wedded to earthlye Salomon , must hearken vnto him , consider and incline her eare . Yea forget her own people , & her Fathers house ; Psa. 45. Psa. 45. 10. verse 10. how much more must euery good Christian , espoused & affianced to the heauenlye Salomon IESVS CHRIST our Sauiour , performe these duties .

And if the Maides and Virgins that went in by course and appointment to great King Ahashuerash , that raigned from India vnto Aethiopia , ouer a hundred and twenty seauen Prouinces , Hester . 1. verse . 1. were before hand sixe moneths , purified with Oyle of Myrrhe , and sixe moneths with sweete odours , Hester . 2. vers. 12. So much more must the members of the Church , before they shall or can enioy CHRIST IESVS his presence in glorye ; not for a fewe dayes or moneths ; but all the dayes of their life , they must purge , sweeten , and prepare them-selues ; for hee alone is King of Kings , and Lord of Lords , and no power or Ma●estie in earth can compare with him . And by our coniunction and marriage with him , wee shall bee exempted and freed from all euills what-so-euer , and possessed with all good things vnspeakably for euer-more .

Secondly , by the strange iudgements of Almighty GOD , especially in the foure or fiue yeares last past , whether generall , or more particular , wee ought , as by so many voyces and signes of our omnipotent GOD preaching from heauen vnto vs ( and almost at the end of the world ) teaching and exhorting men to seious repentance , and to bee mooued and stirred vp more speedily , and specially to prepare our selues to meete GOD in the waye , wee must submit and humble our selues before him , forsake our sinnes , giue glory to him ; and entreateth him by prayer and by repentance , to quench the fire of his begun wrath and indignation . For it is an vndoubted truth , that if to all our other sinnes there be adioyned security and deadnesse of heart , that punishments from God are both hastned and doubled : and the remouall and ceasing of one plague , is nothing else but the occasioning and beginning of another , as we may read in Exod. against Pharao and the Aegyptians , Chap. 8. 9. 10. 11. in the 4. of Amos against the Israelites , and in the 15. 16. 17. chapters of Iohns Apocalips against ▪ Antichrist , and the experience of former and later times in many countries doth verifie it . Herevpon Gods destroying Angell ; and his killing Arrowe , the consuming pestilence hath ( not long sithence ) destroyed so many thousands in this Iland , and yet is not ceased . All the foure Elements which otherwise would fight for vs , haue beene armed against vs ; First the ayre , partly by his often Eclipses portending perhapps the eclipting and darkning of the glory and soundnesse of the truth , and other temporall euils , partly by prodigious and vnvsuall stormes and tempests , giuing warning of the wrath to come . Secondly the fire by consuming and burning so many houses and habitations within these few yeares : seemeth to presage eyther the fire of the last iudgement , or else some fearefull and strange euent . Thirdly the Seas and waters in diuers parts of the kingdome , haue most horribly roared , swelled , broken their banckes ; and encroached vpon the maine land , and firme continent , so terrified the people the beholders , and done so much harme . Adde herevnto the vnwonted , sudden , and wonderfull invndations of Riuers and Brookes , as though like vnto the men of the olde world wee all deserued to bee drowned . Lastly the earth by his moouing and shaking sensibly perceiued in many places , hath declared the Lord to bee angrie , Psal. 18. 7. and seemeth to proclaime against vs that wee are vnworthy to liue vpon it , wee must generally and particularly returne vnto him , by vnfained repentance ; and then they shall bee but fatherly corrections , and gentle warnings vnto vs . But if wee persist and insist in our sinne and securitie , then let vs beware and feare least they bee but the beginning of ( further ) euills . And euen Herodotus an heathen historian diuinely speaketh : Cùm Deus puniturus est gentem vel vrbens , prodigiis id priùs solet significare . That is , when God will punish a Nation or Cittie , he vseth to giue signification of it by prodigies ▪ & this doth the destruction of Icrusalem and the dispersion of the nation of the Iewes , witnesse and warrant plainely vnto vs .

Thirdly , the approaching and neernesse of the day of the LORD , must bee a Trumpet to fore-warne and waken vs , and as the voyce of thunder to terrifie vs from our securitie , and to compell vs to watch and pray , that wee may bee accompted worthy to escape all these things that shall come , and that wee may stand before the sonne of man . Luk. 22. verse 36.

Signes and fore-runners of our Sauiour IESVS CHRISTS second comming already fulfilled , are these , not onely the destruction of Ierusalem , and the Temple of GOD manye hundred yeares agoe accomplished , but more specially , the discouerie , reuealing , and the decaye of the Romish Antichrist , that false Prophet , and King of the Locusts , within this foure score and sixteene yeares last expired . 2. Thessalon . 2. verse . 8. Apoc. 17. verse . 16. and his ruine and the ouerthrowe and vtter desolation of his Babylon and Metropolis surelie is at hand , as the Scriptures foreshew it to come to passe . Apoc. 18. verse . 8. For their sinnes of Idolatry , of filthy and abhominable liuing , of the bloud-shed of so many millions of GODS elected saints , of most horrible and vnmatchable conspiracies and treasons against Christian Kings and states , as their most execrable and damnable plot of powder treason , wherein they purposed at one blowe to haue blowne vp and destroied , both our most excellent and mightie Soueraigne , the most hopefull Prince Henry , together with all the honorable personages , and the state of the kingdome there assembled , doe to their publike and eternall shame , ( amongst infinite other their villanies ) demonstrate , are ( as it were ) come to the full : and GOD hath ( in part ) and will remember their iniquitye .

Adde herevnto their shamelesse corrupting and mangling of the writings and volumes , both of the ancient Fathers , and also later writers , yea those of their owne faction , as Iansenius , Ferus , Bertram , &c. togither with the burning of so many olde copies : both of the ancient and also of the later writers of their owne , that in ought made against them .

Lastly , their late , yet most lewd , lying , sophisticall and hellish doctrine of Aequiuocation , shifting euasions , and mentall reseruations , when they are called into question before ciuill Magistrates , doth by their Bookes and practise euince .

A third signe , already in great measure fulfilled , is the aboundance and shamelesse defence of sinne , deadnesse , & dulnesse of heart , whereby men are neither sensitiue of their sinnes , nor aware of Gods iudgements ; and want of true faith on the earth ; as may bee discerned by so much Atheisme and Hypocrisie , Luk. 18. 8. so little inuocation of Gods name , so horrible and vsuall Blasphemie , and such vile practises of iniustice and oppression : wherefore CHRIST that sitteth on the ●lowde , must needes shortly thrust in his Sickle and reape : for the Grapes of sinne , and the har●est of iniquitie is ripe .

A fourth and dreadfull signe and fore-runner of the last iudgement : are strange Meteors , Comets , new , or blazing starres which haue beene euidently seene and noted , Luke 21. ver. 11. as anno Christi , Math. 4. 7. 1572. and anno 1577. many Countries and kingdomes , beyond the Seas anno 1604 and 1605. about the beginning of October in 17. degrees of Sagittarius shinyng forth gloriously after the sunne setting ; in figure and colour not vnlike vnto that which thirtie and two yeares agoe was seene in Cassiopeia , without beard our tayle , rounde , pure and bright , so that manie of the learned thought it to bee Venus Starre and the most excellent Astronomers , in the beginning of it , tooke it also for the euening Starre : Keckermanus , Disp. Philos. Extraord . pag. 373. and 406. adde herevnto a late Comet appearing Northwest , 1607.

Vse . 1. The noting , seeing and contemplation of these and the like fearefull and ominous signes and occurrences , should driue and drawe to feare almightie GOD , Isa. 47. 13 and 14. and stand in awe of him , that causeth and sendeth them ; as Lodowicke the first Emperour the Father of Charles the great answered one Edmund and Astrologer , that abusing wordes of Scripture , exhorted him not to feare the Comete which hee then sawe : let vs not feare the Comete sayth hee , but the creator of it , and let vs praise his clemencie , who doth vouchsafe by such iudgements to remember vs of , and to reprooue vs , for out dulnesse and sluggishnesse .

Secondly let vs ( taking also as à praesagium and forerunner of the last daie ) bee aduertised and induced heereby to prepare our Lampes , to furnish the Oyle and to make readie for our Lord IESVS CHRIST at his comming , that we may goe with him vnto the marriage and enter into his ioye . Amen .

Thirdly the consideration of infinite losse , detriment and torment that will follow ( if wee doe not in this life , the time of grace and reconciliation prepare our selues ) must driue and compell vs herevnto , for they shal be excluded out of Heauen , and bee punnished with euerlasting perdition , form the presence of the Lord , and from the glorie of his power . 2. Thess. 1. 9. and the shall haue their part in the lake that burneth with fire and brimstone . Apoc. 21 , ver. 8 , and the smoke of their torment shal ascende euermore and they shall haue no rest day nor night , Apoc. 14. vers. 11. Wherefore if the former argument cannot like an heauenly Adamant and Loadstone drawe vs to preparation , ( as this Argument is most effectuall & preualent with the regenerate , ) yet let the threatning of damnation , like a terrible thunderclap , or a great peale of ordinance rowse & awake vs from sinne , and driue and enforce vs to make our selues ready . And if the feare hereof in very Reprobates , can worke so far forth as to compel Simon Magus to desire Peter , and Iohn to pray to the Lord for him , that none of the things that they had spoken might come vpon him , Act. 8. 24. and when Paule disputed of Iudgment , it could make Faelax to tremble . Act. 24. 26. much more must it preuaile with those that make a better profession , and waite for eternall redemption .

Lastly our Sauiour Christ , and Paul &c. by this argument endeuoured to awaken the secure . Mathew 23. 33. 2. cor. 5. 11.

And thus much in generall of the person that is to be prepared and to pr●pare her selfe .

Now that we may proceede more orderly in this point , and the reader may take the more benefite , and profit by it . We are first to propound the principall heads of this preparation , and Secondly the proper and set time of it . The principall heads are these foure , faith in Christ ; Secondly purity and innocency of life . Thirdly the duties of charity and good workes , and lastly a feruent desire , and huely hope in the patient expectation of the consumation of the marriage .

The first head is faith , which is nothing els but a perswasion of the fauour of GOD towardes vs in Christ , or as Saint Paul to the Hebrewes defineth it , the 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 or substance of things hoped for , it is called a substance , not for that in very deede it doth subsist , and hath abeeing , but because it doth present , and as it were set before our eyes that which is promised by GOD . Hebrewes 11. 1. Apoc. 1 , 8. and it is 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 that is a demonstration of things not seene ; the worde signifieth properly a conuincing of the conscience , for faith doth so conuince him that doubteth hee can doubt no more , not otherwise then if hee sawe them with his bodily eyes , and herevnto is to bee referred that saying of Christ . Thomas because thou hast seene thou hast ●eleeued , but blessed are they that haue not seene , and ( yet ) haue beleeued . Ioh. 20. 29. Therfore sayth that giueth vs an assurance of the accomplishment of Gods promises , whether corporall , or spirituall , temporall , and eternall , must needs bee the first , and the principall part of this preparation : this is the entry dore whereby wee are admitted vnto God , and into his house . Ephe. 3 , 12. without this it is impossible to please God for hee that commeth vnto God must beleeue Hebre. 11 , 5. and what soeuer is not of faith ( that is done in a conscionable knowledge of Gods will ) is sinne Ro. 14. 23. faith is the eye of the body , if the eye be single id est the faith sincere , thēal the body shal be light : but if the eye be darke id est the faith corrupt , & vnsound , then the whole body is dark , so that neither hand , foote &c. can execute and performe his function . This faith is the stomach of the Soule to attract , digest , and conuert into good bloud , and norishment , the Heauenly food of Gods word , & if it either want appetite , to desire , power to digest , or strength to retaine &c. the whole body must needes by degrees languish , and decay : finally it is the roote , foundation , and the instrumentall cause of our iustification , regeneration , victory ouer sinne , and satan , peace of conscience , and eternall saluation . col. 2. 5. 6. Ephe. 6. 16. Act. 15 , 9. 1. Iohn . 5. 4. Rom. 5. 1. Mar 16. 16. Ioe . 3. 15. 16.

Thus wee see by the properties , effects , and vses of faith it is necessary , & there can bee no preparation acceptable to God without it ; wherefore if we want it , wee must vse the meanes to get , and obtai●e it : and if wee finde our selues possessed with it , wee must then preserue , cherish and norish this holy flame with the knowledg● of Gods word , with the vse of the Sacraments , by conference , by meditation , by prayer , by practise of good workes , and by hope , expecting , and waiting for the ende of it , euen the saluation of our soules . For first our faith through the frequency and violence of temptations , is often sore assaulted and weakened , and therefore it had neede be repayred and confirmed .

Secondly onely that faith that vsually doth growe and encrease , is the sauing , and liuely faith , and shall neuer be extinct , for defect of oile ; nor pine away by any spirituall consumption , but continueth firme , and vnmoueable , and obtaineth the promises Eph. 4. 11. 12. 13.

Lastly if faith haue not ( as before specified ) his continuall supply of food , it will faile as the wine did at the mariage in Cana of Galil , if it be not norished , and preserued , it will wither like the corne sowen in the stony ground for want of moisture , and it wil be lost as we see how it was in the foolish virgins at the Bride groomes comming , and that argued that it was not true faith in existence ; but onely in apparence , and that it was rather an opinion then a deepe impression : for otherwise the faith of Peter , and so of Gods elect , shall not faile , and the gifts of God ( namely that directly concerne saluation ) are without repentance . Luk 22. 32. Rom. 11. 19. neuer extinct , or taken away .

But that neither with the ignorant , nor with the hypocrites , nor yet with the Papists and other heretikes wee content , and deceiue our selues with a mocke faith ▪ an historicall and temporary faith , or with a crackt , and erronious faith , insteed of that which is sauing , and iustifying , we must found and search our soules , whether wee bee Orthodoxe , and vncorrupt in the principles of faith , whether we rest wholy vpon the right obiect , whether it be ioyned with particuler application , and lastly whether we discerne and find in our selues the inward & outward signes , and euidences of it , for then vndoubtedly wee haue that faith that iustifieth the sinner , purgeth the heart , engrafteth vs into Christ , and saueth our soules . But of these , and the like particulers briefely , and in order .

Principles and foundations of faith are these , preaching of the word of God , is the ordinary and principall meanes of saluation . Rom. 10 14. Christ is both God and Man in one person , perfect GOD and perfect man : man to suffer and dye , and satisfie for sinne in our nature that had offended , and God to support his humanitie , to giue efficacie and power to his doctrine and miracles , and to adde infinite merite and desert to all his actions , and sufferings . Thirdly , onely faith is the hand and instrument to apprehend , and apply CHRIST vnto vs with all his blessing● , and so to iustifie vs .

Faith is like the eye , which albeit in the acte , and vertue of seeing , it is alone : yet not solitarye and alone in the bodye , but ioyned to other parts : so faith , albeit it alone iustifieth vs before GOD , yet it is not solitarie , and alone , but alwayes according to the proportion of it accompanied with holy life and good workes . Gal. 5. verse . 6.

There are onely two Sacraments which Christ instituted , and left vnto the Church , Baptisme the sacrament of our new birth , and entrance into christianity , the outward signe whereof is Water : and the Lords Supper , the sacrament of our growth and perfect nourishment , and encrease in Christianity , the outward signes and matter whereof are Bread and Wine , remaining both Bread and Wine for substance , both in the sacramentall vse of them , and afterwards as Paul maketh it manifest . 1. Cor. 11. 26. 27. That no man performe and fulfill the lawe , and therfore no man is to hope and looke for righteousnesse and saluation by that obedience which hee sheweth to the lawe , Rom. 8. 3. Gal. 2. 15. 16. That we cannot make satisfaction to God for the least of our sinnes , but that Christ alone hath most fully , and onely performed it . 1. Pet. 2. 24. Apoc. 1. 5. 6. That the saluation , of all that beleeue is certaine and infallible , not onely in Gods decree , but also to themselues , Rom. 8. 38. Heb. 10. 22. and therefore that the opinion of the Papists is wicked , which make faith vncertaine , and so holde our saluation to bee doubtfull .

That all doctrine necessary to saluation is contained in the Scriptures , so that nothing is either to be added to it , or detracted from it , Deut. 4. 2. Apoc. 22. 18. 19. Gal. 1. 8.

That the knowledge of the Scriptures are necessary for all sorts of people for their saluation , and therefore that they ought to read them , that they may thereby learne and vnderstand , what God would haue them to beleeue , and doe , Iohn . 5. 39. Mar. 12. 24. Math , 22. 29.

That God alone is to be adored of vs , and that no part of diuine worship is to bee giuen vnto any creature , Math. 4. 10.

That holinesse of life , & good workes as effects , and consequents of faith , and the way wherein wee should walke , Ephes. 2. 10. is necessarily required of all that will be saued , Hebr. 12.

That the Sacraments are onelye signes and seales of righteousnesse , and not causes of saluation , and therefore our saluation doth not so depend vpon them , that they that want them must needs bee damned , whereas our saluation consisteth onely in Christ his merits , Marc. 16. 16. which none can dispoile and dismantle vs of .

That Christ his body was but once conceiued of the substance of the Virgin Mary , and cannot bee made of any other matter , and that CHRIST hath onely one body , and therefore it is not made of Wheate bread ( as the Papists say it is dayly ) for it is not the seede of Dauid , and bread is not the flesh of the Virgin .

That the humaine nature of Christ is now onely resident , and contained in heauen , and therefore it is not to be adored in earth , Acts. 3.

That the whole force , vertue , and efficacie of our saluation , and redemption , is in the onely , and once offered sacrifice of CHRIST , Heb. 10. 12. 14. and that this sacrifice could bee offered of none but Christ , who was to be a Priest for euer .

Lastly ( to omit diuers other articles , which bee more plaine , and confessed ) it is a foundation of faith , to know , beleeue , and hold , that then immediatly after the dissolution from the body , the soules of the righteous are carryed by the Angels into heauen , Luke . 16. vers. 22. and the soules of the wicked and impenitent , are carryed by the diuill into hell : and that the same bodyes with all their perfect partes , and demensions shall for substance bee raised vp by CHRIST at the day of iudgment , Iob. 19. 25. 26. Of this maine and principall article many are ignorant , or at least not iuditiously and soundly perswaded , as may appeare by the examination of the ignorant people both in their sicknesse , and otherwise . These heads , & foundations viz. they that shall either with Atheists deny al , or with the Church of Rome deny , or by consequence ouerthrowe most of them , or with the common , or vulgar protestant bee ignorant of them ; cannot possibly ( for the time present ) haue true faith , for faith can no more then a temple , a house , or any other edifice bee without his many grounds , and foundation . Wherefore if we erre , or bee ignorant in these , or in the like principles of faith , let vs by diligent hearing of the word , reading of the Scriptures , and Orthodoxe bookes , by consulting the Godly learned , and by earnest prayer to GOD for illumination and vnderstanding , seeke to bee better informed , and resolued .

The second point to bee considered , is whether Christ with his onely merites , and obedience bee the onely Obiect of our faith , so that in matter of saluation wee vtterly disclame , and renounce all other feined merites , satisfactions , intercessions of men , and Angells , for Christ alone is our perfect redeemer , and mediator . Act. 4. 12. Heb. 7 , 25. Phi. 3.

The third point , whether our faith doe not onely rest in abare and naked knowledge , and history of Christ , ( as the fayth of the deuills , and reprobates doth ) but also apply , and appropriate Christ , yea and enclose ( as it were ) him , and all his merits vnto themselues , and their owne saluation : for as without vse , and application of the weapon there is no defence , or anoyance : without vse , and application of medicine no cure , without vse , and applie of meate and drinke , no continuance of life , without putting on of apparell no warmth , or hiding of our vnseemly partes , without acceptance , and perticuler acknowledgement of the Kings generall pardon , there is no forgiuenesse : so vnlesse we apply and appropriate Christ with all his obedience , and merites vnto our selues wee haue no comfort ; helpe , and benefit by him wee do ebut beate the ayre , run at randome , and shoote at the rouers .

Wherefore to conclude this point , wee must say with Dauid , O Lord my strength and my redeemer , Psal. 19. 14. Iob. 20. ve. 21. and with Thomas the Apostle , My Lord and my God , and with the Church in the Canticles my welbeloued is mine , and I am his . Cant. 2. 16.

Fourthly we are a little to consider , & take a view of some pregnant , & remarkable signes , and effectes of true faith , whereby ( as by certaine trusty intelligencers ) we may be informed , and certified whether we haue true fayth , or not .

First it is one signe of a beleeuer to ioyne , and associate himselfe to those assemblies and those people wherein , and amongst whom the true , & sincere worship of God is professed , and established : for in the 2. of the Acts of the Apostles it is sayd the Lord added to the Church from day to day such as should be saued . Act. 2. 47. And it is a note of perdition for a man to forsake the holy assemblys , & so to withdraw himselfe and his faith from GOD . Hebrewes . 10. 25. and 39.

Thomas absenting himselfe from the Apostles and their fellowship but some eight daies , or there abouts was so hardned in vnbeleife that he would not beleeue the testimony , and asseueration of the rest of the Apostles that told him that Christ was risen , except hee might see the print of the nailes , Ioh. 26. ver. 25. and put his finger into the print of them , and put his hand into his side , and had not CHRIST beene so mercifull vnto him , as to condescend to his infirmitie , and withall to molli●ie his heart hee had perished in his obstinacie . What then is to bee sayd of them that seldome , that negligently , yea that neuer come into GODS Chamber of presence to heare the blessed Preaching of his word , and to pertake of the Heau●nly Manna of the Sacraments , surely they are in a most dangerous and desperate case .

A second note of faith is , constantly , wisely , and boldly to confesse and maintaine the doctrine of saluation , and all the foundations of fayth when we are therevnto called : For we must beleeue with the heart , and confesse with the mouth . Rom. 10. 10. We must haue Christ his name written in our forheads . Apoc. 14. 1. Wee though we liue wheresathan hath his throne , must keepe Christs name and not deny the faith . Apoc. 2. 13. Whereso ● it standeth vs vpon to looke to our selues , and to beeware that wee bee not daunted with scoffes , and slaunders , terrified with feare of trouble , and persecution , seduced with flattery , ouercome , with false perswasions , and corrupted with offer of profit , and preferment . For if wee bee ashamed of Christ our good Lord , Maister , and Redeemer , he wil be ashamed of vs , if wee deny him , hee will deny vs before his Heauenly Father , and all the Holy Angells : and contrarywise if wee confesse , and honour him before men , hee wil confesse and honour vs . Finally wee are ( then onely ) made partakers of Christ if wee keepe sure vnto the end 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , id est , the beginning of our assurance , ( or wherby we are vpholden . ) Heb. 3. 14.

A third euidence of fayth is to shew and make knowne our dislike , and hatred of errour , and false doctrine , yea to set , and oppose our selues against it , so farre forth as our calling will warrant .

Thus Dauid professeth that hee hateth all false waies . Psal. 119. 104. and 128. Thus Paul being at Athens , and seeing the Citty 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 id est that is addicted to Idolatry , it is sayd that the Spirit in him 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 was prouoked to indignation . Acts. 17. 16. and thus the Angell of the Church of Ephesus is commended , because hee could not forbeare them that were euill , because hee did examine the ●alse Apostles & found them out . Apoc. 2. 2.

A 〈◊〉 , and that a more inward , and in●allible note of faith is with Ezechias , Dauid , Iob , Anna , Gedeon , and others to beleeue , and depend vpon God , euen then when wee haue ( for the present ) no feeling , and when in trouble we see no meane of deliuerance , for this is a demonstration that we rely wholy , and only on his helpe , and therefore is most acceptable to his maiesty , yea , if God in our seeming , and apprehension should wound vs , bee an enemy vnto vs , write bitter things against vs , yea , and kill vs , yet must wee trust in him . 2. Chro. 32. 31. 32. Isay. 38. ver. 2. 3. Psalm 77. 7. 8. 9. Iob. 13. vers. 15. 1. Sam. ver. 15. ●udg. 6. 13. 2. Sam. 15. 26.

For God many times leaueth his Children without sense , and feeling of present comfort , & that partly to bring them to repentance for sinnes past . Iob. 13. 26. partly to make them knowe themselues for the time present . Deut. 13. 2. 3. partly to preuent sinnes in time to come . 2. Cor. 12. 7. 8.

A fourth , note is the gift , & practise of prayer , or the inuocation of Gods name in the only mediation of Christ , for this is a speciall character , and note of an elect of God , whereby he is discerned from an Infidell , or reprobate , and is knowne to bee one of Gods Children . Rom. 10. 14. 1. Cer. 1. 3 , 2. Tim. 1. 19. and contrariwise it is a brand of an Infidell , or an Atheist neuer to pray . Ieremy 10 , 25. Psalme 14 , 4. But that wee bee not deceiued herein , for ignorant people may mutter ouer , and say by rote certayne prayers , and the hipocrite , may make a goodly shew , certaine rules must bee obserued and heeded .

First that our praiers bee made in knowledge of Gods will , otherwise they are not made in ●ayth , and so cannot please God . Rom. 14 , ver. 4.

Secondly that in priuate we pray not so much by prescript for me , as according to the present sense , & feeling of our owne wants , & imperfections crauing the supply of them .

Thirdly , that it doe not consist in a few words of course , but bee enlarged as time , and our present necessities occasion vs . 1. Sam. 1. vers. 15.

Fourthly , that the matter and subiect of our prayers bee chiefely , and in the first place , the aduancement of Gods Gospell and kingdome , the remission of our owne sinnes , and the saluation of our soules , and then in the second place to pray for temporalls , and outward things , but alwayes conditionally , and with subiecting our wills to Gods will . Math. 26. ver. 39.

Fistly , it must not be only for a brunt vpon a sudden motion , or onely in time of great trouble , but daily , and continually , for thus are wee taught to pray incessantly , and neuer to giue ouer vntill God grant our requests . 1. Thes. 5 ▪ Luke . 18 7

Sixtly , wee must pray in humilitie , and in vnfained loue to God and men , for the proud mans prayer God reiecteth , Luke 18. vers. 14. and the malitious mans prayer , and sacrifice is abhominable . Lastly , ( not to be tedious , ) wee must not pray onely for our selues , and kindred as carnall men ( in their manner ) sometimes doe , but for the whole church of God vpon earth , and for euery state and condition of Christians , as Kings , Counsellers , Rulers , Iudges , Magistrates , the reuerend Prelates , Pastors , Preachers , Ministers , commons , and most earnestly and compassionately , for those whom wee know afflicted , hated , persecuted for the truth , and Gospels sake , or for any good cause whatsoeuer , or where-soeuer .

If thou finde all these signes of faith , or most of them in thy selfc , be thankfull to GOD for them , and which of them thou feelest , and perceiuest thy selfe to bee destitute of , in part , or whole , seeke for the obtaining of it , and if thou bee wholy voyde of them , then it is high time , whiles opportunitie serueth , to labour to procure them by all holy meanes . Looke therefore to the maine chance , get and nourish faith , and thou canst ▪ not perish : but want , or neglect thou it , and thou canst not bee saued , I am horum mauis accipe .

To the former notes , and testimonies of faith , may very well be added puritie , and innocencie of life , and a liuely hope of eternall glory , for these are certaine and infallible notes of faith , and peculiar effects of it , but of these I purpose to treate distinctly , and more at large in the two next points of preparation , wherof these are branches . And thus much of faith , the foundations obiect , application , and notes of it .

The second principall head in this preparation , is puritie , and innocencie of life and conuersation . This is a notable and peculier worke , and declaration of faith , and it proceedeth , as naturally from it , as the beames from the sunne , the waters from the fountaine , and the fruites in their season from the fruitfull tree , herevpon fai●h is said to purifie the heart , Acts. 15. 9. faith , and repentance are both preached together , and so ought to bee practised , Mark . 1. 15.

The necessitie of this holinesse , and innocencie appeareth plainely : without holinesse , no man shall see God . Heb. 12. ●4 . except Christ washe vs wee haue no part with him , ●ohn . 13. 8. except a man bee borne of water , and the holye Ghost , hee shall neuer enter into the kingdome of heauen . Iohn . 3. 5. Finally no vncleane thing shall enter into the heauenly Cittie , neither whatsoeuer worketh abhomination , or lyes , Apoc. 21. 27. Likewise innocencie and harmlesse simplicitie is a cognizance and badge of them that are prepared for Gods kingdome ; for they must bee innocent as Doues , Math. 10. 16. harmelesse as yong children , Mat. 18. 3. without guile in their mouthes , Psalm . 32. 2 ▪ suffering wrong rather then offering it , and dooing no man iniurye , but labouring to doe good to all men ; and no maruaile , for beeing borne a new and cast into a new molde , wee must operari secundum formam renouatam , according to our new nature , so must be our actions ; and if wee bee rightly regenerate , the effects that doe retaine the similitude of the cause , must needs entertaine some correspondencie with it .

Secondly , Christ Iesus the vnspotted Lambe of GOD , will neuer marry with the Church , vntill shee bee first washed and sanctified , Ephes. 5. 26. 27. and they onely that haue not defiled their garments , idest , corrupted their conscience with grosse and grieuous sinnes , shall walke with Christ in white , Apoc. 3. vers. 4.

Thirdly , being contracted , and ingrafted into Christ , that is , holinesse it selfe , we must not walke after the flesh , but after the spirit , Rom. 8. 1 , wee must be conformable vnto Christ his death by mortification , and to his resurrection , by newnesse of life , or else wee are no liuely members of his body , but dead and rotren flesh . It is an axiome in Philosophy , quo quid propinquius bono●eo melius , Aristo . 3. Top. wherefore if we be in Christ , and contracted to him , wee must needs be better , for wee are not onely neere him , but of him , and he in vs , and we in him . And that our holinesse and innocencie of life bee not rather in the flowre , then in the fruite , and in pompe more then in proofe , we must sce that it be constant , and encrease ; 〈◊〉 as wee continually , partly by ordinary slips , and infirmities , and partly by spirituall conflicts , & combates , receiue some losse , foiles , decayes ; so must we dayly endeuour to strengthen our selues , to repaire our decayes , and to mend our garments , and to regaine , and recouer our losses , And as generatio vnius est corruptio alterius , so wee must see how by the engendering of holynesse , sinne doth decrease ; for as one kingdome cannot endure two Kings , so the kingdome of Christ cannot consort with the dominion of Satan .

Wherefore we must not please , and content ourselues with the out-ward shew of holinesse , or deceiue our selues with the opinion that men may conceiue of vs , out-ward shewes are like Sodome Apples , goodly in colour , and appearance , but if a man crush , and open them , they are nothing but powder , or ashes , and as for mens opinion of vs , it is no certaine euidence of our inward holines , for Hipocrisie is spunne with so fine a 〈◊〉 , that it can deceiue the most Godly , and iudicious ( at least for a long time ) in the world , thus Dauid was deceiued in Achitophell his ●amiliar and counsellor , the Apostles in Iudas , and the whole Church in Nicolas , one of the seauen Deacons .

Secondly wee must not onely bee innocent our selues , and holy , and here-vpon thinke wee may endure filthy speach , horrible blasphemye of GODS sacred name , false imputations laide vppon iust men , open drunckennesse , and notorious profanesse in others ; but we must ( if wee haue any dramme , or sparke of grace in vs , or any partickle of zeale for God , ) rebuke them , and shew our hatred , offence , and opposition against them . Eph. 5. 11. Herein our loue to God , our hatred of euill , our strength , and resolution in Godlines is euidently discryed , and discouered Luke . 23. 41. Act. 14. ver. 14. .

Thirdly wee must beware , and shunne ill company and fellowship ; for if wee bee not armed with speciall grace , and also most chary how wee come into their company , they will soone infect , coole , and corrupt vs . They are as the pestilent vapor to the apt and open body , as fire to the tynder , as pitch to the hands , as Dalila to Sampson , and as Iesabel to Achab ; they are so ready and forcyble by their ill president , and perswasions to infect , and our nature soe weake , and impotent to resist if it bee not alwayes assisted with speciall grace , and the spirir of God , that the Holiest , the Wisest , the Strongest haue hereby soone beene defiled , and polluted , how much more those that either haue very little grace , or none at all , and that make no conscience , and choise of their company .

The third head , or principall part in preparation is Charity , and the Fruites , and effects of it , charity , or loue is the fulfilling of the lawe . Rom. 13. 10. it is the bond of perfection . Colo. 3. 14. For it knitteth , and bindeth all other vertues together , that they be not dissolued , and it prefereth them ; this charitie dependeth vpon the loue of God , and cannot bee in any hethen , the shadow of all other vertues ( besides this ) may bee in Pagans , as pi●ty , bountie , modestie , patience &c. but not this , & this doth vnite , and ioyne all the members of the Church together . Finally without this , if wee haue all other rare perfections yet before GOD wee are nothing . Cor. 13. 2. Charity is in respect of the eternity of it greater , yea preferred before sayth , and hope . 1. Cor. 13 , 13. for sayth , and hope determine with this life , but loue abideth for euer .

Againe in respect of the obiect , and the visibility of it , it is greater then either sayth , or hope , for fayth , and hope haue for their obiect only GOD , and Christ , but loue extendeth it selfe to God , and man . Rom. 8. 25. fayth is in it selfe inuisible , but loue , and charity perspicuous , and apparant . Iac. 2. 16. 18. this charity , and loue is not onely in tongue , in promises , and in affection , and welwishing to men , but also in truth and indeede , as 1. Iohn . 3. 18. Charity is bountifull and seeketh not her owne . 1. Cor. 13 , 4 , 5. it is communicatiuum sui , that is , imparteth that which she hath to others , and here that principle of Philosophy is verified , bonum quo communius eo melius ; the more common it is the more comfortable . It doth not ( as many of our inclosers ) impale , imparke , and hedge in the common groundes , and fields to her priuate vse , to the weakening of the State , and the ruinating of the Communalty , but like a fountaine , sendeth , and streameth forth her waters vnto others , shee is so farre ( as it is to be feared many practise ) from appropriating to her selfe in part , or in whole the poore mens stocke , and collection-mony gathered , and giuen for building , or repaireing of Churches , or Townes , that haue beene consumed by fire , that she liberally giueth of her owne . But ( to ende this point ) the practise whereof should neuer ende . As faith worketh by charity , so there are certaine particulers wherin her Offices are most conspicuous , and obseruable . First we must bee lights , and lamps to others by our examples , and not looke who will begin first , as Mathew 5. 16. 2. Cor. 9. 2.

Secondly when our brother offendeth , we must in charity , and discretion admonish him , and not to suffer him to perish in his sinne ( as many do ) rather deridyng him , then directing him , Mat. 18. 15.

Thirdly , wee must exhort , and perswade others to Godlines , and good workes , Heb. 3 , 13. Fourthly we must by Simpathy , and fellow-feeling , & especially by words of Scripture rightly vnderstood ▪ and well applied , comfort , and cheere the afflicted . 1. Thessa. 5 , 14 , and therefore wee must not post , and put off , all to the minister , as though it concerned not vs at all . Fiftly we must pray for others , and especially for their conuersion , and saluation . 1. Timot. 2. 1 2. and that both publikly , and priuately . And lastly euery man must according to his ability , & other mens wants and necessities willingly & seasonably impart of his worldly goodes for their releife , Acts. 2. 21. 2. Corinthi . 8. Galla. 6. 10. 1 Iohn . 3 , 16. This is the touchstone of many , and most mens religion in these last and worst dayes , for herein they are most fauty and defectiue , but let them that will not doe good with their temporalls , beware least they for omission heereof , iustly bee condemned with the two rich worldling , in Luke Chapter 12. 17. 19. and Chapter 16. 24 , and with infinite others at the day of Iudgement . Mathew 23. 42. 43. 45.

The last point , and branch of the preparation is hope , desire , and expectation of the marriage , and the glorie , and ioye of it , and herevpon it is that hope is called the Anker of the Soule , sure , and steadfast , to stay , and sustaine vs in all stormes , and tempestes of temptations , Hebre. 6. 19. yea the kingdome of Heauen , which wee waite for , is called , A blessed hope . Titus . 2 , 13. this hope of eternall glorie ) , is a notable meanes to stirre vp men to purge , and reforme themselues . 2. Iohn 2. 3. with the expectation of which blisse , wee must comfort one another . 1. Thesalonians 4 , 17. and wee must both in temporall , and spiritually tryalls not growe impatient , as the rebellious Iewes that could not expect , and stay for Moyses fortie daies , but would needes in the meane time play the Idolators ; but with the woman of Canaan , after a first , second , and third repulse hope still Mat. 15. 27. 28 , we must with the Creeple , in Iohn sometime before wee be cured waite thirty eight yeares . Ioh. 5. 5. 7. Wee must with Abraham against hope , beleeue vnder hope , Romans 4 , 8. And as the Iewes patiently ( many of them ) waited in hope of the accomplishment of Gods promises many yeares , both their deliuerance out of Egipts tirranny , and afterwards out of Babilons captiuitie , yea and expected , and desired many hundred yeares the Incarnation of Christ before that they in their posterity enioyed it : so must we also tarry the Lords leasure , in patience , and in hope fustaine our soules . Psal. 37 , and waite all the daies of our pilgrimage vntill Christ come vnto vs by death , or the last iudgement , for our full , and finall redemption . Shall the husbandman waite for the pretious fruite of the earth , and haue long patience vntill hee receiue the first , and the latter raine , and shall not wee bee much more patient , and settle our hearts , seeing the comming of the LORD i● so neere . Iam. 57 , 8.

To this hope wee must annexe , and adioyne an earnest desire , and ardent prayer ; as for the accomplishment of other promises , so specially for the second comming of our LORD and Sauiour IESVS CHRIST .

Hence it is that wee are tought to pray thy Kingdome come , Mathew 6 , 10 to hasten vnto the day of the comming of GOD , 2 Peter 3 , 12. to desire to bee cloathed with immortalitie , yea , to si●h for it . 2. Co●inthi . 5. 9 We must say come LORD IESVS , come quicklie , Apoc. 22. 19. 20. How long LORD IESVS , how long ? Apoc. 6. 10. 11. Wee must with the creatures 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 that is carefully , and desirously looke for . Romans 8. 19. as hee that out of a prison grate , or casement , putteth forth his head to behold a farre off him that is expected .

Reasons in briefe to kindle and encrease this hope , and desire of this solemnization , and per●ect coniunction with Christ , are especially foure : First the example , and feruent desire of the creatures , who albeit they be sin-lesse , yet because mans sinne hath corrupted them , and doth continually peruert and abuse them ; they in their kinde feruently desire to bee freed from this bondage , and to bee restored into the glorious lib●rtie of Gods children ; much more wee that haue receiued the first fruites of the spirit must long and looke for a farre more glorious estate . Roman. 8. 19. 21. 22. 23.

Secondly , the infinite miseries , troubles , persecutions of the world , and the vanitie , ticklish and sickle estate , and mortality of all things herein contained , must stirre vp our hearts desire , and expectation of full redemption , and glorification , Phil. 3. 20. Heb. 13. 13. 2. Cor. 4. 8. 9 , 17. Collos. 3. 1. 2. 3. to this purpose doth the triumphant Church in heauen , ( in a generall sort ) desire the end of the world , that the Lord may iudge , and auenge their bloud that was shed vpon the earth , Apoc. 6. vers. 10.

A third reason , and that more principall , is that an end may bee put to all sinne , and wee may haue perfect victorie ouer it , yea , and treade downe Satan vnder our feete ; for then we shall be deliuered from all the relicks , stumps , root●s , and remainders of sinne . 1. Cor. 15. 55. 56. Rom. 16. 20. Apoc. 3. 4. and 19. 8. Whereas in this mortalitie , wee dayly , and euery moment , sinne against , and offend our GOD , breake all his commandements , and prouoke his anger , and pull downe many iudgements vpon vs . Rom. 7. 17. 18. 19. and 23 24. Gala. 5. 17. yea all our obedience , and our best actions , are tainted with sinne , and so vnperfect , Isa. 63. Tit. 3. 5. 1. Cor. 13. 10. 11 ,

Lastly , the fruition and enioyment of Christ his glorious presence , and perfect fellowship , must be a forcible , and effectuall meanes to confirme our hope & enflame our desire , Phil. 1. 23. Hebr. 11. 25. 27. for here is the banquet that neuer endeth , the mariage that lasteth for euer , the triumph that is perpetuall , the absence and remouall of all euill , and the presence and possession of all good ; but hereof wee must speake more at large in the third generall section .

Here , Vse . 1. by this doctrine are condemned all Sadduces , Athe●sts , Nulli-fidians , and Scorners of Christs comming , who because they walke by sense , and not by faith , by reason , and not by Scripture , and follow their owne lusts ; and will not bee ruled by the line of Gods word , deny , and deride the doctrine of the resurrection , Christs second comming , heauen , and hell , as 2. Pet. 3. 3. 4. 2. Tim. 2. 17. 18.

Secondly , Vse . 2. here are reproued , and conuinced all Epicures , Libertines , loose-liuers , and all worldlings , and voluptuous persons , who albeit they in worde deny not any Article of faith , as the former did , and doe ; yet they denie the power of all religion in their hearts , and so liue as though there were neither God nor diuell , heauen or hell , louing riches more then religion , and pleasures more then pietie . 2. Timot. 3. 45.

Vse . 3. Thirdly wee shall by obseruing and noting the measure & quantitie of our hope , and desire of Christs comming , &c. iudge of , and discerne the quantitie of our faith ; for these being necessary effects of faith , if they be great and liuely so is our faith , and if they bee weake or dead , so is our faith ; for the tree is knowne by the fruites , and the cause by the vndoubted and proper effects of it ; And thus much of preparation , and the principall parts of it .

Now we are to come to treat of the speciall opportunitie , and time when , both this generall , and particuler preparation is to be made , & that is onely the present time , and this present life , whiles the day , the light , and the truth lasteth , and while the meanes , and ministery of grace , reconciliation , and saluation are offered , and continue , Titus 2. 10. Gal. 6. 10. Ioh. 9. 4. Ioh. 12. 35. 36. 2. Cor. 61. before our hearts be hardened with the long custome of sinne , and so they become vncurable , Hebr. 3. 13. Acts. 28. 27. whilest C●rist knocketh at the doore of our hearts . 3. 20. before the night commeth . Iohn . 9. 4. and the doore bee shut , Luke . 13. 25. for in the graue , in death , and hell , noe praysing of GOD , and no time of repentance , and reconciliation , as Isay. 38. Luke . 16. 24. 25. the Bride must trimme her selfe in this life . Apo. 19 7.

Now must the wedding garment bee prouided , Math. 22. 11. this life is the time of grace , for the ministerie of reconeiliation is onely here . 2. Cor. 5. 18. 1. Cor. 15. 24. and 28. Ephes. 4. 11. 12. 13. for at the daye of iudgement it shall wholy cease . Lastly , Christ forgiueth sinnes ( onely ) in earth , Luk. 5. 24. and the Apostles , and so the ministers of the word in al ages succeeding them , binde and loose , retaine , and remit sinnes in earth , Math. 16. 19. Iohn. 20. 23. wherefore we must seeke the Lord ●hiles he may be found , and in the sixe dayes of this life , prouide vs of the heauenly Manna , that wee may keepe with him an euerlasting Sabboth in the highest heauens .

Here is ouer-throwne that vile and damn●ble doctrine of the Popish purgatorie , who imagine , and teach that the soules of many are temporallye tormented in Purgatorie flames , and that they may bee eased and released of their torments , by the prayers and intercessions and satisfactions of the liuing , and specially by the pardons of the beast , I meane not Nebuchadnezar transformed for seauen yeares into a beast , but the Pope eternized for one ; whereas first , this late coyned doct●ine is iniurious and derogatorie to Christ his all-sufficient satisfaction , who dyed ( onely ) once to put away sinne , Heb. 9. 26. Hebr. 7. 25. and in all places of scripture , merite , satisfaction , and redemption , is onely ascribed to his bloud , to his stripes , to his sufferings , both in soule immediatly , and also in body ioyntly and apart , &c. Secondly , he that beleeueth is saued , Vse . 1. and he that beleeueth not is cōndemned already , viz. in the decree , and by the word of God ▪ Iohn . 3. 8. Thirdly , who-so-euer repenteth not , and beleeueth not , dyeth in his sinnes , and so vndoubtedly perisheth , Iohn . 8. 21. Ezechi. 18 , 24. Luke 13. 3. 5.

Fourthly , the rich glutton making intercession to Abraham in behalfe of his fiue bretheren found no fauour , but receiued a iust repulse & reproofe , Luke . 16. 29. 31.

Fiftly , Dauid whiles the child borne in adultery liued , prayed for his life , but as soone as it was dead , then hee ceased p●aying , and fasting for it , for hee knew it would not auayle . 2. Sam. 12. verse . 22. 23.

Lastly , the penitent thee●e that suffered with Christ , and neuer had done good , vpon his serious repentance , and firme faith , albeit wrought miraculously at the last houre , had a promise made him to bee that same daye with CHRIST in Paradice , Luke 23. 43. which Saint Paul enterpreteth to be the third heauen . 2. Cor. 12. 3. 4. beeing compared together . Now if any man had gone to purgatorie fire , and should there be further p●rged and prepared , no doubt he had beene one , sed haec hactenus de questuosissima papistarum fabula .

Vse . 2. Secondly , seeing that there is no libertie , and peace of conscience vntill men repent , Prou. 18 14. and no actuall pardon , and that the time to repent , a●d prepare our selues , is onely this life , which is short , momentary , & transitory , and wherein , the children dye as well as the ancient , yong-men as well as the olde , the strong and lustie , as soone , and as sodenly , as the weake , it must learne , and schoole vs in no wise to deferre our repentance , and time of preparing our selues , but to begin betimes , and to hold on to the last breath .

For first we are bound , 1. Reason . and commanded to serue God in spirit , and trueth , and that all the dayes of our life , Luk. 1. 74. 75 ergo , we must not put and post of all to old age , not knowing whether we shall euer liue to it , or not .

Secondly our iourney to heauen being long , 2. Reason . the preparation great , and the time very short and vncertaine , we must bee wise , and redeeme it , and repent when we may .

Thirdly , we must with Salomon , Iosias , Timothy , Ioseph , and others , serue God in the dayes of youth , and in the floure of our age , when our memory is most apt and firme , our vnderstanding most sharpe , our sences most liuely , & we may best lay the foundation of an holy and comfortable old age , thus are we commanded and exhorted , Eccles. 13 , 1. Psal. 119. 9. Psal. 78. 6. 7. and it is their greate commendation . Tit. 1. 4. 2. Tim. 1. 5. 2. Epist. Ioh. 4. 1. Ioh. 2. 12. 13 , 14. Whereas otherwise they that neglect , and omit to reconcile themselues vnto God in their best time , & in the daies of their child-hood , and youth grow in time senceles , and brutish , and hard hearted , and are iustly forsaken of God in their old , and impotent age , that had no care , and conscience to feare , obey , and serue him in their youth .

Thirdly it is seldome , and rarely seene , that men that haue liued all their life , and spent all their golden dayes ( as they call them ) in superstition , sinne , and vanity , should vndoubtedly turne vnto God in their old age . It is more wonderous then vsuall , and there are onely some examples of it in Scriptures to keepe the aged from dispaire , but they are very fewe and rare , that we should not ( as most doe ) presume to much of it .

Lastly of all ages , olde age ( if it bee not before rooted , and grounded in fayth , in loue , and in the practise of Godlinesse ) is of all ages the most vnapt , and vntoward , to performe these duties , to begin , and lay the foundation of repentance , and to make it ready for Christ . Wee may in this case in some sorte say , Can a man bee ( new ) borne when he is old , can he enter into his Mothers wombe againe , and bee borne , Iohn 3. 4. not being ignorant , and misvnderstanding the doctrine of regeneration , as Nicodemus ; but onely in another sense affirming that time to be the most vnfit . And there is sufficient reason for it ; for in olde age the memory decayeth , the strength fayleth , the senses are infeebled and wast , then are the euill daies of sorrow , and labour , of payne , and aches , then the daies , and yeares approch , when men shal say that they haue no pleasure in them . Ecclesi. 12 , 1 , 2. then sathan is most egar , and busie , knowing right well , that then he must loose all , or gaine all , wherefore let vs with the wise Virgins prepare our selues whiles wee haue time , let vs walke in the light whiles the light shineth , and seeke the Lord whilst wee may finde him . Isay ▪ 55. 6. 7. Which GOD grant . A men .

The third Section . Then , they that were ready &c.

IN these wordes the solemnization , and consumation of the mariage betwixt Christ , and the wise Virgins , ( or true Church ) is contrayned , and it doth deuide it selfe into foure partes , viz. First what this solemnization is . Secondly the place where ; Thirdly , the priui●●dges and prerogatiues of it . Lastly , the vse , and application of it .

The so●emnization , or consummation of the marriage is the glorious , and perfect state of the elect after the resurrection , when they in the highest Heaues shall with their eyes behold CHRIST , haue fellowshippe and liue with him , and raigne with him for euermore , being perfectly conformable vnto him , and to his will , both in body , and soule . Phil. 1. 23. Mat. 25. 34. 1. Thess. 4. 17. Apo. 7. 15. 17. 21. 2. 3. 4. Iohn . 17. 21. In this description two points are to be explained and expounded , first the dignity , and comfort of this communion , and coniunction with Christ in glory . Secondly the perfestion , and glorification of the Bride , and Virgin both in soule , and body .

First touching the coniunction , and marriage , and the excellency of it , the continuall sight ▪ & company of Christ , the Sonne of right cousnesse and fountaine , of all fellici●●e , shall minister perpetuall , and vnspeakeable ioy and comfort to all Gods Saints , for they shal no more walke by faith , ( as in this life ) but by sight : they shall no more darkely behold GOD in the glasse , and ministery of the worde● , or in the spectakle of the creatures , but see him face , to face , they shall in the Imperiall , and Maiestica●l Court , and Pallace of Heauen see God , as he is . 1. Ioh. 3 , 2. 1. Cor. 13 , 12 namely they shall so farre forth behold Gods Maiesty , and the perfection of his glory , as a finite creature , albeit glorified , is capable off ; they shall see him as hee is , but not how infinite hee is ▪ 1. Timo. 6. 16. And as for Christ Iesus their redeemer , husband , and head , they shall ( as Iob speaketh , ) see him with these same , and no other eyes , Iob. 19. 25. 26. They shall follow him wheresoeuer hee goeth . Apoc. 14. 4 ▪ they shall see his face , and his name shal be in their for-head , Apoc. 22. 4. Finally the tabernacle of GOD shal be with them , and hee will dwell with them , and they shal be his people , and GOD himselfe shal be their GOD with them , Apoc. 22. 3. Now if the sight , salutation , and company of man , and Wife , Father , and Children , Kinsfolke , and acquaintance , friends and welwil●ers , that are farre distant , and haue beene long absent one from another , bee so admirably gratefull and so wonderfully delightsome , how much more desirable , maruelous , and vneffable will the continuall sight , and fruition of GOD the Father , 2. Cor. 12 Christ the Sonne our redeemer , and the Holy Ghost our comforter bee vnto vs in the Parliament , and Throne of Heauen ? And if Moyses that onely talked , and had conference with GOD in the Mount but fortie dayes , was so glorious in his face , at his discent , and returne , that the Children of Israell could not , or durst not behold it , Exo. 3. 4. ver. 3. 5. how much more vnspeakably Maiesticall , and glorious shall they bee that haue fellowish , ( not as sinners with GOD on earth for a fewe dayes ) but as perfectly sanctified in the Pallace of Heauen for euermore ?

Herevnto in the second place , I may well adioyne the mutuall , ioyfull , and vnutterable communion with all Angells , Archangels , Patriarks , Prophets , Fathers , Apostles , Euangelists , Confessors , Martirs , and all the true Saintes of GOD , of all degrees for euermore , who , by how many degrees , and in how many properties , especially in knowledge , in Holinesse , and loue , they exceede , and excell all mortall creatures : so much more rare , and incredible comfort shal they by their mutuall fellowshippe , communicate one to another . They shall not be ignorant one of another , nor strange , and suspected one to another , much lesse , false , and hollow ; as in this worlde , partly by reason of ignorance , partly by reason of hypocrisie , and partly by reason of humane infirmities it commeth oftentimes to passe , but they shal be all one , in will , and consent , liuing , and louing together in perfect harmony of concorde , and charity .

Vse . The consideration hereof must cause vs to shun , decline , and abhor ill , and contagious company , ( what in vs lyeth ) and to haue our hearts , and mindes inflamed , and possessed with a longing desire to bee dissolued , in the time appointed , and to enioy the most blessed fellowshippe of GOD , of the Lambe , and of all the Saints , and Angels in glory for euermore .

The second partickle to bee made lightsome , and vnfolded is , the perfection , of the glorified soule , and the body .

Touching the soules iust and perfect men , they now after their dissolution from the body , are replenished with infinite ioye , and triumph in the Heauenly Ierusalem . Luke . 16. 25. Hebre. 12 , 22 , 23. Math. 25. 21. 23. but their ioye shal be much more encreased , when the soules shal be reunited to their bodies , Phil. 3. 20. and when the whole number of GODS elect Saints are accomplished , and come in , Apoc. 6. 10. 11. Heere they shall in Quires , and companies , mutually , and eternally magnifie , and praise the Lord ( as afterwards I will more fully shew ( when I come to speake of the rest of their prerogatiues .

Secondly in the minde , & understanding their shal be no error , ignorance , dulnes , but cleere iudgement & perfect wisedome , 1. Cor. 13. 12. for wee shall be in perfect light , and the wisdome of GOD shall manifest it selfe vnto vs : secondly in the will and affections , there shall bee no extasie or distemper , but perfect righteousnesse , integritie , perfect loue of God , and his saints , a●d Angels , and absolute conformity to Gods will . Lastly the body it shall be a bright , glorious , beautifull , strong , nimble , perfect , and in●orrupt instrument , habitation , and receptacle of the glorified soule . It shall be so bright and glorious , that it shall shine forth as the sunne , and shall send forth beames of light , Math. 13. 43. It shall rise a glorious bodie , 1. Cor. 15. 43. It shall bee like to Christ his body , ergo , no doubt most glorious , Phil ▪ 3. 20. Some glimpse , taste , and representation hereof , wee haue in the transfiguration of Christ , whose garment was white and glist●red ▪ Luke . 9. 29. it was very white as snowe , so white as no Fuller can make vpon the earth , Marke , 9. 3. In Moses and Elias that appeared to our Sauiour in glory , Luke 9. 31. and in the sundry and glorious apparitions of Angels in the old , and in the beginning of the new Testament . It shall bee a strong body , for it shall rise againe in power , and not in weakenesse , as 1. Cor. 15. 43. It shall be a nimble body , as well able by the proper forme of it , to ascend , as to descend , as may be collected out of 1. Thes 4. 17. Math. 22. 30. Phil. 3. 20. compared together ; It shall bee a beautifull and goodly body , because it is and shall be a vessell of honour , as Rom 9 33. Lastly , it shall bee perfect , and incorrupt , because as there is no fault , defect and deformitie in it , so it shall be a spirituall body , 1. Cor. 15. 44. spirituall , not because the substance shall bee changed , for glorification taketh nor away the trueth , and demensions of a naturall body , but because it needeth none of these outward and earthly supplyes , and helpes of meate , drinke , apparell , sleepe , rest , mariage , Phisick , light , &c. for Christ shall bee in steed of all these vnto it , and supply all . 1. Cor. 15.

Vse . 1. The first vse that ariseth from the consideration and meditation of the body and soule ioyntly glorified is , a notable comfort for Gods children , that for the time present , liue obscurely , and in great contempt , in no regarde and reputation , traduced and troubled in euery place , for they shall see the Lord , & haue immediate fellowship with him , and shall shine as the sunne in a cleare skie .

Vse . 2. In any bodily defect , weakenesse , sicknesse , ache , paine , vlcers , deformitie , lamenesse , and maimednesse , we are not to be discontent , and offended , but endure them patiently ; For first they are but fatherly corrections , and trials , Heb. 12. 7. and 8. Secondly they are but temporary . Thirdly , the dearest and holyest of Gods children , are as well subiect to them , and beare their portion in them as much as any , yea much more then other , Psal. 73. vers . 5. & 15. Lastly , they shall be taken all away , and eternall glory , and perfection shall succeed in their place .

And thus much of the explanation , and description of the mariage : what it is .

The fourth Section .

THe priuiledges and prerogatiues of this mariage , remaine to bee considered , and they are principally foure : first a perpetuall and solemne sabboth , which the saints of God shall inuiolably obserue in singing the new song of their redemption , Apoc. 14. 3. they with one voyce and heart shall singe , and acknowledge that Christ hath redeemed them to God by his bloud out of euery kindered , and tongue , and people , and nation , Apoc. 5. 9. and hath made them vnto their God , Kings , and Priests , and in the 7. chap. 10. 11. 12. they shall found forth this 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , or thankesgiuing : and they cried saying , saluation commeth of our God that sitteth vpon the throne , and the lambe , and they shall fall before the throne on their faces , and worship God saying , Amen , praise , and glory , and wisdome , and thankes , and honour , and power , and might , be vnto our God for euermore , Amen . Finally their voice shal be like the voice of great ●aters and as the vyoce of strong thunder , saying halleluia , our Lord GOD all mighty hath raigned , Apoc. 19. 6. more-heareof 〈◊〉 may read , Isai. 66. 22. Apo. 21. 3. Apoc. 11. 17. but this Sabboth shal be without peculier Preist , for all shal be preists vnto God , it shal be without Temple , or Ceremonies , for God , and the Lambe are the Temple of it , and shall supply these occasious .

Wherefore seeing that there is an eternall rest in Heauen , and that our Sabboth , which according to Christ his institution , the Apostles practise , & the custome of the vinuersal Church , we keepe the first day of the weeke in memory , and honour of Christs resurrection , is a tipe , and representation of it , it must reach vs to obserue it , both incorruptly touching the out-ward forme , and spiritually touching the the inward disposition of our mindes , and hearts , or els we shall neuer keepe it in heauen , for God will neuer honour vs in Heauen Luke . 9. 26. vnles we honour him in earth , and neuer perfect vs in heauen , vnlesse by the workes of sanctification wee begin it heare , Apoc. 20. 6. 7.

The second priuiledge , and prerogatiue is the actuall , and eternall inheritance , and possessing of the new heauen and the new earth , part of the dowry , & ioynter of the Saints . 1. Pet. 1. 4. Apo. 5. 10. 2. Pet. 3. 13. Rom. 8. 21. 22. Math. 5. Now whether they shall sometimes by locall motion , and bodily presence , ( albeit some new , and learned writers out of the. Apoc. 5. 10. and Apo. 21. 8. 2. Pet. 3. 13. before named , and from the nature of a glorified body that can both , ascend , and discend at his pleasure , doe collect , and would conclud it ) or which is more probable , and likely by vision , and heauenly contemplation , and noe absurdite , for if Saint Steuen being on earth and hauing noe doubt his eyes , for the present clarified , looked vp into Heauen , and saw Christ sitting on the right hand of God . Act. 7. ver. 56. why may not a glorified body by his glorified eyes , and the aire , and skye , being also purified looke downe from Heauen , and contemplate the Earth &c. But because this poynt is difficult , and the knowledg of it , is rather coniecturall then certaine , wee must bee content to bee ignorant of it , vntell the day , when all secrets shal be made manifest ; and let vs in the meane time make some vse of the point as most may concerne vs ; Here is matter of consolation for poore Christians , that either neuer actually possessed any worldly goods , lands , or liuings , as Lazarus , and others , or haue beene with the religious Hebrewes , by the enimies of the truth dispoiled , and depriued of them , Heb. 10. 34. or els by the men of the earth , whose portion is ( as it is to be feared ) in most , or many of them ( only ) in this life , and that enclose , and hedge in , al to themselues and their proper vses , vnmercifully turning men out of home , house , and liuing ; well let them possesse , their soules in patience , and in faith , and hope , apprehend and waite for it , for they shall one day inherite the new Heauen , and the new Earth , they shall haue roome enough , and larg demaines when their enimies repining at it , shall remaine foreuer excluded , and excomunicated from them , and it .

The third preuiledge is that the Godly then compleatly , and perfectly , and 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 shal be all kings , preists , Prophets , Apoc. 5. 10. and so partake of Christ his dignity , and offices , As Kings they shall raigne with Christ , and triumph ouer Satan , and all the wicked , yea , and treade them vnder their feete Rom 6. 20. Mal. 4. 3. As Preists they shall eternally praise God , and the Lambe for the redemption of his people . &c. and perfectly obey his will Apoc. 22. 3.

And as Prophets they shal ( as far forth as is possible for a finite , and circumscriptible creature ) knowe GOD , and see him , and exquisitely vnderstand all things that shall concerne their felicitie . 1. Ioh. 3. 3. 2. Cor. 12.

Vse . Wherefore if euer wee looke , and hope to be Kings , Priests , and Prophets in Heauen , let vs as spiritually , so conscionably practise these offices in earth : for the practise of them in this life , and in the life to come differ not in essence , and substance , but onely in place , and degrees , let vs then as Kings rule , and raigne ouer ●ur affections , and desires , and gouerne our familyes ( like so many little Churches ) in the feare of GOD . Let vs as Priests consecrate our selues , soules , and bodies to Christ , and his worship , and seruice , and pray continually to GOD in behalfe of our selues , and our domestiques . Lastly , let vs as Prophets , labour to bee rich in the knowledge , and vnderstanding of Gods will , and so ( to our vtmost power , and skill ) impart , it ( as occasion , and our calling shall require ) vnto others , especially to those of our owne family . Gen. 18 , ver. 17. 18. The fourth priuiledge of the Saints in glory is their glorious , and perpetuall triumph , and perfect victory ouer sinne , death , hell , satan , and his angels , and all the reprobate whatsoeuer . Sinne , and death , and hell shal be a bolished , and cease foreuer . 1. Cor. 15. 55. 56. 57. & in respect of the Godly bee destroied , as Apoc. 20. 14. Antichrist , and his members shall no more assaulte , and persecute vs , for the beast , and the false Prophet shall be cast aliue into the lake of fire burning with brimstone , Apoc. 19. 20. and all the members , and worshippers of the beast shall drinke of the pure wrath , and ●ee tormented in fire , and brimstone before the Holy Angels , and before the Lambe . Apoc. 14. 10 , 11. they shall goe forth , and looke vpon the Carcases of the men that haue transgressed , Isa. 66. 24. Finally the Saints shall treade downe sathan , and all their enemies vnder their feete , Rom. 16. 20. and shall stand before the Throne , and before the Lambe cloathed with long white robes , ( Uiz. of purity , and inocency , ) and hauing palmes , ( in signification of victory ) in their hands . Apoc. 7. 9.

Vse . Wherefore the due consideration of this last prerogatiue , as also of the former must kindle , and worke in vs , an earnest , and continuall expectation , and longing after our full , and finall redemption , and perfect glorification . The dutifull wife should not so long , and looke for the returne of her husband , farre , and long time absent , the husbandman so hope , and waite for the haruest ; the Mariner the hauen , the wayfaring-man , his iorneyes ende , the woman in trauell her deliuerance , the Captiue his liberty , as wee should wish , and waite for , pray for , and expect the time of the marriage , and our consumation .

Vse . If wee would bee perfect conquerers , and raigne , and triumph with Christ in Heauen , we must in earth take his part against the mighty . Iudg. 5. 23. We must vnder the condu●t of our generall Christ Iesus our Heauenly Michaell , as his Angels , and souldiers , fight against the dragon , and his Angells , and wee shall ouercome by the bloud of the Lambe , and by the worde of his testimony , and by not louing our liues vnto death . Apoc. 12. 7. 11. Finally wee must put on the whole armour of GOD ; fayth , hope , conscience , confession , and profession of the truth , righteousnesse , and the sworde of the Spirit which is the worde of GOD , Ephesi. 6. 13. And wee must pray constantly with all manner of prayer , and supplications in the Spirit for our selues , and for all Saints . &c. And by the right vse , and continuall handling of these , wee shall crucifie the flesh with the affectons , and lustes thereof . Gallathians . 5. 24 , wee shal be able to resist in the euill day , and hauing finished all things to stand fast , and wee shall ouercome sathan ▪ and all his batteries , and temptations ; and then after all our fight , contention and victory ended , wee shall in the life to come , eate of the tree of life , which is in the midst of the Paradice of GOD , Apoc. 2. 17. we shall eate of the hidden Manna , Apoc. 2. 17. wee shall haue power ouer nations , vers. 26. wee shall bee cloathed with white araye , and our name neuer put out of the Booke of life , Chap. 35. wee shall be pillers in Gods house , and goe out no more , 16 , 12. And to conclude , we shall sit with Christ in his Throne , euen as he sitteth with his Father in his throne , Apoc. 3. 21. which God at length fulfill , and accomplish in vs , for his most deerely beloued sonnes sake , Iesus Christ our onely , and all-sufficient redeemer , and mediator , Amen .

NOw we are briefly to consider the place where this marriage shal be solemnized , and all this glory , ioy , and priuileges eternally possessed , & communicated vnto vs . The place therfore is the highest heauens , the throne of GOD , and the Lambe , the heauenly Hierusalem , the Cittie of the liuing God , Paradise , the seates , and habitations of the saints , & Angels , the wedding chamber : and finally , the new heauen & the new earth . This blessed heauen is a place in respect of substance subiect to no change , and corruption , in respect of quantity , and extent farre exceeding other places , and of sufficient capacitie to receiue all the elect of God ; in respect of qualities , it is of all places most bright , most glorious , most pleasant : finally it is such a place wherin no euill can be feared , and no good can be wanting , and in which GOD doth offer himselfe to bee seene of men and Angels face to face ; and the humanitie of CHRIST more glorious then the Sunne ▪ shall bee seene , and bee beheld with vs , euen with our bodily eyes . Apoc. 21. the whole Chapter , and Chapter 22 from the first verse to the sixt verse , Hebrew . 11. Iohn. 14.

Wherfore fat be it from vs ; that vainly looking for a visible Church heere without all spot , or wrinckle in order , and maner , and seeing , and finding it not , proudly , vnthankfully , rashly , and without cause to deuide , and seperate our selues ( as is the maner of Schismatickes ) from the Church of God , which notwithstanding al other defects , whether in doctrine that is not fundamental or policy . yet firmely and purely retaineth the scund Preaching of Apostolicall doctrine , pure inuocation of Gods name in Christ , and right vse of the two Sacraments , Baptisme , and the Lords supper , for these notes are essentiall , substantiall , and of the life of the Church , other things are outward , accidentall , and circumstantial , and rather of the comelinesse , well beeing , and ornament , then , of the simple necessity , and essence of the Church , yet it were to be much wished that the defects were supplied , abuses remoued , & corruptions taken away , but it must bee done by them who haue lawfull authority ▪ & in order without tumult , and rashnes , and repugnance , cause , and sound ground , In the meane time , it is the dutie of priuate persons to take the benefit of the word , and sacraments with thankesgiuing , least God for their vnthankefulnes in time take it away , and to pray for the amendment of that which is amisse , and patiently expecting it , in the interim to walke in their seuerall callings with diligence , and conscience .

Vse . 2. Seeing all blisse , felicitie , and euer-during happinesse is onely in heauen , and not in earth ▪ wee must not rest in these temporall and transitorie things of honour , wealth , preferment , beauty , buildings , credit pleasure , delights , recreations , outward peace , and prosperitie , neither must wee thinke that true felicitie and happinesse consisteth herein ; for first all these are vncertaine , and transitorie , as the grasse , vapor , flower , shaddow , they are like Ionas his gourde of one dayes continuance , and are like Reeds , or rotten posts fayling , and causing them to fall that leane vpon them .

Secondly they are rather ( by reason of our corrupt nature ) fnares , baits , and traps to deceiue , and hurt vs ( as infinite , examples euince ) then simply meanes , and instruments of our selicity , and faluation .

Thirdly they cannot saue our soules , and make vs blessed before GOD , as Solomon acknowledged when hee called them all vanity of vanities , but this worke is proper onely to grace , and GODS speciall mercy in Christ .

Fourthly , they are no especiall , and proper endowments of Gods , Church , and Children , ( though sometimes they in good sort enioy them , and pertake of them ) for the wicked commonly possesse them in farre greater measure then the Godly who are rather rich in minde , and in grace , then in these externall , and perishable profits , honours , and pleasures . Wherefore wee must eleuate our hearts , and mindes farre aboue these earthly , and momentary things , and seeke the things aboue ; wee must get vs vp into the mountaine of deuine contemplation , and by the eyes of true fayth , behold ▪ and view our Country the Heauenly Canaan : we haue no abiding Citie here , wherefore we must seeke one to come hauing a foundation , Heb. 11. verse . whose builder , and maker is GOD . And as for these worldly , and outward things wee must onely vse them so farre forth as they are lawfull , and are helpes vnto vs for the furthering of of our Iorney , & the aduancement of Godlinesse , and no otherwise ; for els it is better that they should perish then wee ; and it is farre better that wee should alienate ▪ and withdrawe our mindes , and affections from them , then that they should seperate vs from GOD ( as they doe the most ) and depriue vs of the kingdome of Heauen ; and in this case if they were as deere , and necessary vnto vs , as our eyes , handes , feete , yea Fathers , and Mothers , yet we must cut them off , and hate them .

And thus much touching the place .

The fourth and the last branche , is the manifold vses and applications of this doctrine of the heauenly mariage ; first by consideration hereof , wee must be stirred vp , and doe our vtmost endeuour to mortifie , and ouercome all worldly desires , and earthly pleasures ; for otherwise we cannot addict and wedde our selues to these , and withall truely prepare our selues for the comming of Christ : for touching riches , and worldly cares , there is such an antipathy , an opposition betweene them and grace , that the one cannot consist without the other : for as the eye cannot at one instant , beholde heauen and earth , euen so a man cannot serue GOD and the world together , they are so aduerse and contrarie ; And as those places where gold and siluer growe , are in all other respects most barraine , and fruitlesse , so where the loue of money , riches , and the world doe beare swaye , and preuaile , there true zeale , and sincere godlinesse can neuer ▪ bee found ; and as touching pleasures , they are the matter , and fewell of euill desires , they are honey mixt with poyson , and they are as Haw-thornes , and bryers , which albeit some-times they beare goodly leaues , and flowers ; yet if a man gripe them hard , they will pricke and wound him ; wherefore it standeth vs vpon to be wary of them , and when wee vse them , to vse them charily and moderately .

Vse . 2. Secondly , wee must learne hence to bee forward , and constant in well-doing , and still to repaire our ruines , and prepare our selues vntill the last breath ; for hee onely that continueth ( in godlinesse , and patience ) to the end , hee shall bee saued , hee that is found watching and wakefull at his maisters comming , shall be blessed , Luk. 12. 36. 37. and he that fainteth not in weldoing shall in due time reape Math. 24. 13. Luke . 12. 38. Gal. 6. 9. Otherwise we , if we faile neuer so prosperously , and sinke at the Hauen mouth ; if we trauell directly to Heauen , and turne backe almost at our iorneyes end ; if wee doe God good and faithfull seruice in our youth , and afterwards proue faithles , and prefidious in our elder yeares ; and finally if we begin in the spirit , and end in the flesh all our former endeuours labours , and sufferings are to noe purpose , all our righteousnes shal be forgotten , and we shall die in the sinnes and transgress●●ns that we haue committed , Eze. 18. 24. Wherefore if the hope of Ransomming worke patience in the captiue , assurance of liberty , and freedome constant labour , and faithfulnes in the prenrise ▪ and seruant ; and expectation of victory , and spoile , constant resolution , and valowrous courage in the souldier : why should not much more the certaine , and vndoub●ed hope , and assurance of this happines , and eternall coniunction with Christ make , & moue vs to be constant , & vnmoueable in all duty of piety , charity , & Iustice , knowing that our workes are not in vaine in the Lord 1. Cor. 15. 58.

Vse 3. Thirdly the assured expectation of this Heauenly , and glorious vnion must teach vs with the patriarks , Prophets , Apostles , Martirs , Confessors and with all the Saints of God both of former , and also of later time to endure and vnder goe all sicknesses , trials , afflictions , losses , contempts , and persecutions ioyfully , and patiently , Heb. 11. 25. 2. Cor. 4. 16. 17. 18. and Heb. 11. 8. 9. For first they are but momentary , and neuer beyond the date , and terme of this life , secondly Christs yoake is easie and his bu● then light ▪ Mat. 11. 31. & he wil lay vpon his no greater burden , then he will make them able to beare . 1. Cor. 10. 13. But will giue 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 idest an issue , and euasion with the temptation . Lastly GOD will recompence , and reward these temporary , and transitory euills , and sufferings with an infinite waight of glory in all his Saints . 2. Cor. 4. 17. 18.

Vse . Fourthly the vse of this doctrine serueth notably to mollifie , and mitigate the sorrowes of death , and all the paines , and pangs of it , for the stinge of it , ( viz. eternall condemnation , ) is taken away . 1. Cor. 15. ver. 55. 56. Secondly it is not a plague vnto vs , but onely a temporary correction , nay a narrow wicket , or gate to intromit , and send vs forthwith into the possession of eternall life . Apoc. 14. 13. for if wee bee loosed then we goe straitly to the Lord . Phil. 1. 23. if wee remoue hence wee dwell with the Lord , & are married vnto him . 2. Cor. 5. 8. and ( to end the poynt ) wee rest from all the labours of this life ; and our workes ( First the rewarde of them in mercy , and fauour ) follow , and attend vpon vs as an honourable guard . Apoc. 14. 13. Wherfore let vs not feare death & damnation , but let vs arme our selues with faith , & hope , & let vs often , & seriously meditate vpon the life to come , & the glory of it , and wee shall ( when the time is come ) be willing to die , & die with much comfort , and assurance .

Lastly ( amongst many other vses ) wee must not mourne vnmeasurably for our friends , and kinsfolkes , or any other that liue , and die in the Lord , for they are with God , & in perfect blisse . And as any man will rather reioyce , then sorrow , if his sonne , daughter , friend , kinsman bee happely , worshipfully , honourably , preferred in marriage , albeit hee is otherwise to want their ordinary company , and presence , so should wee rather reioyce that they now are perfited , and most honourably , and gloriously wedded to Iesus Christ , their King , and head , then mourne as they that haue no hope .

It is indeede lawfull , and fit to mourne , for nature , and religion warranteth it , but it must bee in measure , and for our sinnes that haue depriued vs of them , & for that the Church feeleth and findeth the losse of them , then for any priuate and carnall respect , and herein notwithstanding wee must submit our wills to Gods will , and rather labour to im●sitate their excellent and manifold vertues , then to lament immoderately , or ouer-long for their departure ; but alas the world knoweth not , nor acknowledgeth good , and godly men . The righteous , and mercifull men , ( as wee haue had lamentable experience within these few yeares ) of all rancks and callings , dye , they are taken away from the euill , and rest in peace , and no man considereth it in heart , or vnderstandeth it . Isa. 57. 1. and therefore because the world maketh no more account of them , and is not worthy of them , GOD most iustly depriueth them of their presence and comfort .

And thus much of the solemnization , and the priuiledges and vses of it .

The fourth part of the deuision . And the gate was shut .

NOw wee are come to speake and treate of the last branche , and part of the distribution , namely the contrary euent ▪ in respect of the foolish Virgins ; for they hauing onely common graces , and a temporall faith , which failes in time of necessitie , and temptation , and seeking for supply when the time was past , were by the Bridegroome Christ repelled , and put by from entring into the wedding chamber , and kingdome of heauen . In the vnfolding and explication whereof , diuerse particulers are to bee discussed ; As first , who shutteth the gate ▪ Secondly , when it is shut ; Thirdlye , who are shut out : Fourthly , the condition , and miserable estate of them thus excluded . Lastly , the ●enerall application and vse of the doctrine .

The person that excludeth them , that indeed first excluded him , because they did not , nor would not receiue him into their heart , is Christ , the bridegroome , the Sonne of God , and the iudge of the world : he is the porter by whom , and through faith in whom all the beleeuers enter in , and finde pasture , Iohn . 10. 9. hee is the Prince of shepheards , as 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 and the Bishop of our soules , that properly , and by his owne power , bindeth and looseth , retaineth , and remitteth . For that which his Ministers doe subordinately , and ministerially , that doth hee absolutely and as cause and principall . Iohn 20. 22. 23. Math. 16. 19. hee alone hath the Keye of Dauid which openeth , and no man shutteth , and shutteth , and no man openeth , so that hee hath right power , and authoritie , to receiue in , or put out whome hee will , Apoc. 3. 7. they that kisse him , beleeue in and obey him , shall bee saued and glorified , Psalm ▪ 2. 12. Marke . 16. 16. Hebr. 5. 9. and they that sinne against him , hurt their owne soule , they that hate him loue death . Prou. 8. 35. they that will not haue him to raigne ouer them , are his enimies , and shal be slaine before his face , Luke . 19. verse . 27. and they that eyther by open persecution : or else by infidelitie , and by contempt , scorne , or impenitencie fall on this stone shall bee broken , and on whom soeuer of them it shall fall , it will grinde him to powder . Luke . 21. 44.

The vse of this doctrine is two-fold , First it condemneth and ouer-throweth the vsurped , false , and forged authoritie of the Romish Antichrist , who will needes bee Christs Vicar generall on earth , and blasphemouslie assumeth vnto himselfe the Keyes of Heauen and Hell , as though it were in his power to saue , pardon , or to retaine , and condemne whome hee would : whereas first hee cannot bee Christs vicar , for Christ in the spirituall regiment , and gouernment of the Church , is with it to the ende of the world . Math. 18. ver. 19. 20. and is present by his power , and deitie in euery place , Math. 28. 19. 20. and therefore needeth no substitute to supplie his Roome . Secondly , the holy Ghost is Christs deputy , and vice●erent , for hee is in euery place , and enlighteneth , guideth , sanctif●eth , and gouerneth the Church , and so neither doth , nor can the man of Rome , saue himselfe from death , diseases , much lesse , from the bottomlesse pit , from whence hee came , Act. 1. 25. and whether hee must needes goe ( withall our consents ) as ●udas to his place .

Thirdly in respect of order , and publicke administration the Christian Magistrate may with much better right , and equity bee called the Vicar of CHRIST in gouerning the people according to the worde of GOD . And in this sense , Eleutherius Bishoppe of Rome writing to Lucius King of the Brittaines calleth him Christs Vicar : for by Christ Kings raigne , and Princes decree iustice . Pro. 8. ver. 15. and 16. And as for the Authoritie of binding , and loosing , the Ministers of the true Church , ( wherein the Pope hath no more right , then the Pirate in the true ownershippe ) haue onely a Ministery of reconciliation and a ministery of binding , and loosing , but the inwarde operation , and working of the Holie Ghost in the heart , is Principall , and belongeth to CHRIST IESVS alone . Luke . 24. 45. Act. 16. 14. So in censuring , admonishing , suspending , excommunicating , exhorting , threatning , and in all other Ecclesiasticall Offices CHRIST hath no deputie , but onely instruments that doe witnesse , and testifie his will according to the rule of Scriptures , but the whole entire action is personall , and proper to him alone , and vtterly ouerthroweth , the feigned , and counterfaite supremacie of the Romish Pirate , and Prelate .

Vse . If wee would not haue Christ at the day of iudgement to disclaime , and exclude vs as hee did the foolish Virgins , wee must not by infidelitie , and impenitencie debar●e him out of our hearts , but by a liuely fayth let , and receiue him into them , and entertaine , and feast him with loue , reuerence , amendment of life , obedience , and the like graces of the Spirit ; for CHRIST dwelleth in our hearts , if we beleeue , Apoc. 316. he knocketh at our hearts often by his worde , by his Spirit , by his mercies , and by his iudgementes , and if wee assent vnto him , and by fayth admit into the Chamber of our hearts , he will dwell with vs , yea dine , and suppe with vs , and supply all our wants . Apoc. 3. 20.

Wherefore let vs not ( as the Church in the Cantikles ) suffer CHRIST our beloued to remaine without , hauing his head full of dewe , and his lockes with the drops of the night , because forthwith wee would not arise , and dresse vs , nor defile our feete . Cantickels 5. 2. and 3. or put our selues to any payne , or trouble , but let vs let open vnto him by yeelding vnto the truth , and by beeing amended by his admonitions , so shall wee bee CHRIST IESVS his possession , his peculier people , and a temple for him , and his Spirit to dwell in ; otherwise if wee suffer any one sinne , whether of Idolatrie or of infidelitie , or of worldlinesse , or of filtie liuing , or of grosse ignorance , or any raigning , and dominering sinne that is vnfelt , and vnresisted , to sway vs , and tyrannizc ouer vs , wee driue , and bannish IESVS CHRIST not so much out of our coastes , as the Gergesites did . Mathew . 12. 45. as out of the Castle , and pallace of our heartes , and admit sathan our deadly enemie in his Roome , and steade .

Thus much of the first part , name●y the person who shutteth .

The second branch , is the time when the gate is shut , viz ▪ when all meanes , and occasions of comming vnto saluation are taken away ▪ and when the time of grace , repentance , and reconciliation is past , which is , when this life is ended , Luke . 16. 23. 24. 25. 26. 28. 29. 〈◊〉 the ●iche glutton in hell , desiring and seeking vnto Abraham , that hee would send Lazarus , whom hee had neglected and contemned , to yeelde him the least comfort , hee could not obtaine it , and when he desired that Lazarus might bee sent to his fathers ho●se , to aduise and warne his fiue brethren that they should not come into that place of torment , hee speedeth not in his preposterous and vnlawfull suite , but his brethren are referred , and rem●tted vnto the interpreters of Moses and the Prophets . Againe , the dead do not praise the Lord , neither doth the dust giue thankes vnto him , or declare his trueth , Isay. 38. 18. Secondly , at the day of the Lord ( for as death leaueth men , whether penitent , or impenitent , so the last iudgement findeth , and iudgeth them , and no otherwise ) it is no time of reconciliation , and of obtaining mercy , as the example of the fiue foolish . Virgins , and of those that Luke , 13. 25. cryed , Lord , open vnto vs , when the doore was shut , and could not be admitted , and intromitted , doth plainly proue , and demonstrate .

The reason hereof is , because the Lord in his mercie and grace , doth in this life , to those especially that be in , and of the visible church offer , and tender the meanes of faith , repentance , grace , mercy , and forgiuenesse of all their sinnes , by the holy ministery of the worde , and Sacraments , as 2. Cor. 6. 2. Titus . 2 , 10. 11. 12. Iohn 12. 35. Iohn 4. 9. Isay. 55. 67. Gala. 6. 10. Prouer. 1. 24. 25. 26. and because the wicked are temporizers , eyther vtterlye and totally dispise , and contemne it , as Luke 14. 18. 19. 20. or else they come onely in shew , and content themselues with a naked profession , and some outward reformation , wanting the hand , and firme grapple of true faith , that firmeth , apprehendeth , claspeth , and applyeth Christ to their eternall saluation , Hebr. 4. 2. and also destitute of inward reformation and holinesse , comming ( I say ) without the wedding garment of faith , and sanctification , they are found detected by Christ , conuinced of hypocrisie , bound hand and foote , and cast into vtter darkenesse , where is weeping and gnashing of teeth , Math. 22. 11. 12. 13.

Vse . The vse hereof is first to shew the vilenesse , and vanitie of the doctrine of Popish purgatory ( whereof I spake at large before ( and therefore a word now shall suffice ) it is a vile doctrine , because it detracteth from , yea and maketh frustrate the all-sufficient death , and purgation of Iesus Christ . Hebrew . 7. 25. It is vaine and false , for as there are but two sorts of persons , elect , or reprobate , Sheepe , or Goates , good or euill , and as men dye eyther in the estate of grace ( as all the elect doe ) or else in ●he estate of damnation ( as doe all the reprobate and impenitent ) so are there but two places in the scriptures appointed for them , after this life , viz. heauen , and hell , therefore no purgatory , or third place , Iohn . 5. 29. Apoc. 14. 13. wherefore seeing there is no such purgatorie after this life , nor no meanes left to relieue , or release them : therefore all prayer of the liuing for the dead , is simplye vnlawfull , for first it is against the rule of faith , videliz . the worde of GOD , and therefore must of necessitie be sinne .

Secondlie , it is against the rule of charitie , that should alwayes iudge the best of the dead , and not perswade themseues the dead , are in torments where-of they haue noe certaine ground , or knowledge .

Vse . The second , and last vse is to teach vs not to stay for companions in the way to eternall life , Iohn . 13. 24. for so wee may perish together , nor to deferre , or put of our conuersion from day to day Math. 24 48. 49. 50. 51. least either by death , or the last iudgement we be suddenly surprised , and ouertaken , and accordingly iudged , and condemned , 1. The. 5. 2.

Thus much of the time .

The third branch , and member of the diuision , is the persons , and parties that are shut out : viz. the foolish virgins , idest , those that did not prouide for the time to come , because they did carelessely please them-selues in their wants , and so passed by the time of mutuall communication and they contemned the helps that were offered vnto them , and therefore they are deseruedly derided for their folly , and doe suffer the Iust punishment of their negligence , and brutishnes .

Hence wee learne that it sufficeth not to carry onely the shining lamps of externall profession , to haue asight , or tast of Gods mercies ( without sound feeling of them , and norishment by them ) Hebr. 6. 4. Mat. 13. 20. or to haue onely an externall holines amongst men , as these foolish Virgins ( noe doubt ) had , for if a man haue noe more then this , hee cannot goe beyond a reprobate in Christianity , and all these temporall , and common graces will faile a man in the time of temptation , in the day of death , and at the Last iudgement as Hebre. 6. 4. 1. Iohn . 2. 19. But true fayth whereby wee are iustified , and sanctified before GOD neuer faileth , Luke . 22. 32. and all the ( sauing ) guifts of GOD are without repentance . Rom. 11. 29. and GOD will remember their sinnes , and iniquities noe more , Heb. 10. 17. therfore hee will neuer take his grace wholly from them ; wherefore let vs not content our selues with a bare knowledge , and historicall faith , but turne this temporary faith into a true , and sauing faith ; and let not the strangnes , or rarenes of diuine misteryes onely , or principally moue , and enduce vs to the profession of religion , for so may Simon Magus , and the Athenians Bee Christians , neither let gaining , or retaining of worldly wealth , peace , prosperity , friendship , and dignity , or credit bee our inducements , or perswations to Christianity , for these things are vncertaine , and when these ends faile ( as they doe oft ) then their profession , religion , and temporary fayth and obedience determineth , wherefore let the ends of our fayth , profession , and religion be only the loue of GOD and the zeale of his glory , the delight in the truth , the obedience of his will , and a carefull , and constant desire of saluation ; and that wee may know that our faith is not temporary , and historicall , but sound , and sauing , let vs try and examine it by these rules following , first that wee bee humbled in our hearts for our sinnes , Isai. 51. 17. and that wee haue a Godly sorrow for them 2. Cor. 7. 10. Secondly that wee bee perswaded that our sinnes be pardonable , for otherwise wee shall dispaire as Caine did Gen. 4. 13.

Thirdly wee must sincerely desire the meanes of saluation , such as faith , repentance , mortification , and reconciliation are : fourthly wee must pray for nothing in the earth so much , so earnestly , and so continually as for the forgiuenesse of our knowne and vnknowne sinnes : fiftly wee must labour , and endeuour in all our actions to approue and commend our selues rather vnto GOD , then vnto men : lastly whether by experience , and continuall obseruation , of Gods fauour , goodnesse , and mercifull prouidence towardes vs , wee attayne vnto the strength , ripenesse , and full measure of fayth . Rom. 5. 4. 5 , Psal. 23. 6. 1. Sam. 17. 34. 35 , 36. If wee finde these things in our selues , wee haue true fayth , and shall neuer perish , but if wee want them either in part , or in whole let vs seeke betimes to procure , and so to encrease them . And thus much of the persons .

The fourth branch , and part is the state , and condition of the foolish Virgins at the comming of the Bride-grome , and that is contayned in these wordes viz. And the gate was shut , and heere two principall poynts are to bee marked , and attended . First from what they are excluded , viz. from the fauourable , and comfortable presence of Christ , and from the glory of Heauen . Secondly into what place and companie they are remitted , and reserued , viz. to hell , where they shal be tormented with the diuill , and his Angells in the lake that burneth with fire , and brimstone foreuermore .

Touching their exclusion from the glorious and blessed fellowshippe of Christ , what a torment is this , and how doth it greeue , and gall them to thinke , and consider of it ? Surely it cannot bee imagined , much lesse liuely expressed ; It is at this day a great part of the diuills torment to remember from how great glorie , and excellency hee is irrecouerably fallen . Now that they , and all the reprobate are eternally seperate from the company of CHRIST it is apparent , 2. Thess. 1. 9. Math. 25. 41. Luk. 13. 27. Apo● . 22. 11.

What a greuious , and vnspeakable torment this is , we may by the helpes , and occurrences of outward things , and examples in the world consider . Of a wife for her offences excluded , and deuorced from her louing , and honorable husband , and so from all maintenance , and comfort ; of a seruant imprysoned as Onesimus for playing the theefe against his good , and gratious master : of Absolon two whole yeares banished from his Fathers sight , and presence : and of a subiect in great grace , fauour , place , and familiaritie with his ●●ghtie , and gratious Soueraigne , and afterward exiled , degraded , imprisoned , and disgraced foreuer . How much more fearefull , horrible , and vncomfortable is it to bee excommunicated and seperated not for a small time , but for euer , and euer from the presence , and fauour of CHRIST who is the summe of all grace , and fauour , and the fountaine of all happinesse , and felicity .

Thus much of the first point ▪ namely from what they are excluded .

Secondly touching the proper , and peculier place of vnspeakable torment , which from the foundation of the worlde is appointed for them , it is hell , or a place of eternall , and vnvtterable payne farre remote , and distant from the highest Heauen ; and as sundrie both ancient , and latter Deuines probablie thinke , and collect out of the Scriptures as . Deutronomy 32. 22. Isay ▪ 30. 33. Nomber 16. 30. 33. Prouerbes 15. Psalme 86. 13. Psalme 30. 6. Philip 2. 10. Luke . 8. 31. and ( though this poynt is more curious then profitable , and more con●ecturall then certainely knowne where it is ) that it is in some place vnder the earth .

And to signifie , and set forth the Nature , and terror of it , it 's called hell , the bottomlesse pit . Apoc. 9. 10 , the lake that burneth with fire , and brimstone , a prison . 1. Pet. 3. 19. a place of darknesse . 2. Pet. 2. 4. euerlasting destruction . 2. Thessalo . 1. 9. a place without , Apoc. 22. 15. vnquenchable fire . Marke . 9. 43 , Mathew , 3. verse 12.

The vse of the place is to conuince all Atheistes that denie it , and all that say there is no other hell , but a mans conscience , but they one day ( if they continue their errors and madnesse ) shall finde and feele that there is an hell ; and if their conscience sometime terrifie them for their wickednesse here , let them assure themselues that this is to them but the flashings , and beginnings of hell fire . Thirdly , if they will not beleeue the Scriptures and word of God , yet in that they beleeue , and are conuinced by many meanes , that there are diuels , let them beware that they bee not lead blindfolded by Sathan into hell , and there feele the eternall torment of that which here they neither feele , nor acknowledge , and bee most deseruedly depriued of that glory and ioy , whereof they neuer in this life would take notice .

Now touching the paines , and punishments , tortures , and torments of the damned , wee are to consider , and handle them first generally , and then more specially , and seuerally .

First in generall they are vnspeakeable and intollerable ; secondly , endlesse , and eternall .

That they are intollerable and vnsufferable , these Scriptures following doe aboundantly testifie and affirme ; The great day of his wrath is come , and who can withstand it , Apoc. 6. 17. there is said to be wailing and gnashing of teeth , Math. 22. there torment is shadowed forth vnder the borrowed and metaphoricall termes ( of such things as be most subiect to our sence , and fearefull in our apprehension ) of fire , brimstone , the worme of conscience that neuer dieth , vtter darknesse ; And if the enimies of the truth in this life vpon the sence , and apprehension of the heauy waight of Gods iudgement against them , Apoc. 6. 9. shall seeke death , and shall not finde it , and shall desire to dye , and death shall flee from them ; how much more shall this come to passe , when the full vyoles of Gods ▪ wrath shall bee finally powred out vppon them , and when they shall drinke the pure wine of his wrath Apoc. 9. 6. Apoc. 14. 10. Rom. 2. 4 Psal. 74. 10. Luke . 16 ▪ 24. 25.

Touching the eternitie , and euer-lastingnesse of their paynes , and tortures both in soule , and bodie , both playne places of Scripture ▪ and sound arguments thence collected aboundantly euince and testifie .

First the paynes and punnishments are called euerlasting fire , Mathew 25. 41. the worme that neuer dieth . Isa 66. 24. the smoake of their torments doth ascend euermore , they haue no rest day , nor night . Apoc. 14. 11. and they shal be punnished with euerlasting perdition from the presence of the Lord , and from the glorie of his power , as 2. Thessal. 1. 9. so that when as many Millions of yeares bee expired , as there bee motes in the sunne , droppes of water in the Ocean sea ▪ sands vpon the sea shoare , creatures vpon the earth : and when so many yeares shall be accomplished , as all Arithmetitians can number all their life long ; yet their torments shall haue no end , nor ease , but begin againe a fresh . Now the reasons why their torments shal be eternal are these : First the ioyes of heauen are eternall , Math. 25. 46 ▪ and therefore the paines of the damned are eternall also , for contrariorum contraria sunt consequenta : Secondly GOD whom the reprobates haue offended , and contemned is an euerlasting maiestie , and the chiefe and eternall good ▪ and therefore the punishment of the sinne committed against him is eternall , for sinne committed against the infinite maiestie , is infinite . Thirdly , if the reprobates liued here for euer , they would sinne for euer , and being in hell they cannot praise God . Psal. 30. 9. but hate , repine , and murmur against him . Obiect . But God is merciful , and therefore hee will at length end their torments ▪ or at least ease them . First they dispised Gods mercy in this life when it was offered them , Ans. and therby haue made themselues altogither vnworthy of it . Secondly they shal be punished more gently then they haue des●●ued . Mathew . 11. 22. for GOD could much more haue aggrauated , and encreased the quantity of their torments .

And thus much in generall of the paines of the damned .

Now let vs come to some particulers . First in their faces , and countenances there shal be shame , and confusion for euermore , Dan. 1. 8 9. 7 , and for this cause the reprobates are called the vessels of dishonour . 2. Tim. 1. 20. Rom. 9. 21. for then all their secrete sinnes shal be layd open , and discouered . 1. Cor. 4. 5. and their conscience bringing them alwayes fresh into their rememberance shall alwaies v●xe , and torment them . Isa. 66. 24. Mark . 9. 44. and wee gather this punnishment by the contrary estate of the Godly at Christ his comming . 1. Ioh. 2. 28. for they shal be bold , and not ashamed .

Now if many men in this life for auoyding and preuenting of open shame , and punishment , doe not onely hide , but also make away themselues , in what horror , & vexation thinke we they shal be in , when they shall suffer full and euerlasting shame , and punishment ? Secondly , they vpon the perfect sense of their infinite sinnes , and vpon the full apprehension of Gods infinite indignation , shall euerlastingly dispaire , and shall alwayes desire to dye , and shall not dye , Apoc. 9. 6.

Thirdly , in their minds and wils being vnspeakeably infected , and possessed with enuie , and malice , they on the one part seeing themselues depriued of so infinite glory , and plunged into so endlesse miseries , by reason of their sinnes and offences , and on the other side , either by present sight and view , as some diuines collect out of Luk. 13. 28. Luke . 16. 23. Apoc. 14. 10. or else ( which is an vndoubted truth ) by keeping in fresh and perpetuall memory , the absolute and glorious estate , & glorification of the godly at the last day , obseruing and perceiuing the godly whom they in their life time so scorned , abused , wronged , persecuted to be so vnconceaueably blessed , shall be tormented and vexed with an vncredible enuie , Isa. 66. 23. 24. Psal. 85. 10. 11. Luk. 16. 23. We haue some instance hereof in proud Hamon that cursed Agagite that could in no wise endure the exaltation of Mordocheus , but it was a sword to his heart , and a vexation to his conscience . And if the enuious in this life repine , yea , and pine away at the felicitie and fauours of others , how much more will they then enuy , when they themselues shal be incomparably more miserable , and the godly vnspeakably more blessed .

Fourthly , the reprobate shal be as wel tormented in their bodies , which haue bin the vessels & instruments of sinne , and iniquity , as in their soules , for as their bodies shal be darke , ●inglorious , and deformed , contrary vnto the glory of the elect : so shall they be tormented not with any materiall fire , for them the worme of conscience , the carcases of the slaine , and the metaphoricall speeches , especially in the Apoc. 22. 23 that describe and delineate vnto vs the ioy and glory of heauen should be litterally vnderstood , which is very absurd to thinke , but with that which is equiualent , yea farre more extreame , namely the full , and finall wrath of God ceazing and inuading the soule and body , as appeareth , Apoc. 14. 10. They shall drinke of the wine of the wrath of God , yea of the p●re wine that is powred into the cup of his wrath , and shal be tormented in fire & brimston before the holy Angels , and before the Lambe for euermore , they shall drinke vp the dregs of Gods wrath , which is their portion to drinke , Psal. 74. 10. & Psal. 11. 6. Lastly because they must in soule & body suffer the vnsupportable indignation of the Lord , are called , and so indeed are , vessels of wrath prepared to destruction . Rom. 9. 22 Now if the anger of a Lion , of a Beare robbed of her whelps , much more of a mighty Monarch be so pernicious● and dangerous , how much more incomparable then is the wrath and indignation of the Almighty and the most iust Lord , who is to his enimies a consuming fire , Hebr. 12. 29. and whose wrath burneth vnto the bottome of hell . Deut. 32. 22. God giue vs grace by our godly feare , true repentance , and sound obedience in this life , to preuent it , Amen .

Thus much of the generall and particuler punishment of those that are excluded .

The last point , and part to be handled , and wherewith we will conclude the whole treatise , is the manifold , and wholsome vses that we are to make of this doctrine : first therfore the serious consideration , and meditation of the state , & paines of the damned , must be a forcible motiue to diswade and reclaime vs from committing sinne , and iniquitie for feare , of falling into the same condemnation . Chrysostome in his 13. Homilie , or sermon vpon the Romaines , saith well to this purpose ; Vtinam ( inquit ) vbique de Gehenna dissereretur , non enim sinet in Gehennam incidere , Gehennae meminisse , &c. that is , would to God euery man would speake of hel ; for to remember hell , will not suffer a man to fall into hell ; for if the due consideration of seuere humane lawes that shall be duly executed , doe keepe the most vnruly from offending , much more will the serious consideration of the paines of hell ( if men haue grace to thinke on them ) reforme & amend men , I●de . 23. Secondly the Preachers & Ministers of the word of God , when they see & perceiue the deadnesse , dulnesse , ●and impenitencie of the hearers ▪ must labour by laying open the multitude , and torments of the damned , to draw men to feare God , and to repent their sinnes . Math ▪ 23. 33. Heb. 10. 27. Apoc. 14. 9. 10. 11.

The third vse is to teach vs not to be enuious against the wicked , nor to repine at their temporall dominion , and prosperitie : for first , neither they , nor their pompe nor prosperity shall continue long , but perish suddainly . Psal. 73. 18. 19. 20. Psal. 37. 12. Secondly , they haue ( for the most part ) their portion in this life , Psal. 17. 14. Lastly , their damnation is iust , & sleepeth not , 2. P●t. 2. 3. wherefore wee must rather commisserate and pitty them , yea , and pray God to conuert them , for in so doing we shall please God , discharge our owne duties , & perhaps in the end , be a meanes to win , and reclaime them .

Fourthly & lastly , finding in our selues by due examination , that God hath deliuered vs from so great condemnation and made vs heires , in hope of eternall life , we must continually , and from our hearts giue all glory & praise vnto God , Apoc. 5. 9. 10. Col. 1. 12. 13. 14. and hereby bee stirred vp to be stedfast , vnmoueable , aboundant alwayes in the worke of the Lord , 1. Cor. 15. 57. 58. Now the Lord God , the fountaine of mercies , and the father of our Lord Iesus Christ , grant wee may performe these duties , and continue constant like pillars in his loue , and seruice to the end , for his beloued sonnes sake Iesus Christ our onely redeemer , and mediator , Amen .