An Exposition Upon Colossians, Biblical commentary 2 · Chapter 2 · Verse 12

An Exposition Upon Colossians · Biblical commentary 2 · Chapter 2 · Verse 12

p. 52VERS. 12.

In that yee are buried with him through baptisme, in whom yee are also raised vp together through the faith of the operation of God, which raised him from the dead.

In the former verse the Apostle hath laid downe the first reason, and directed it principally against Iudaisme: we hauehave spirituall circumcision in Christ, and therefore we need not carnall circumcision, and so by consequent none of the ceremoniall law. Now in this verse he meeteth with obiections.

Ob: 1. The reason seemeth not to follow, they were spiritually circumcised, therefore needed not the outward, for so was Abraham, yet he receiued outward circumcision. Answ. The reason is of no force now in the new Testament, because Christ hath appointed another sacrament in steed of it, for we are buried with Christ by baptisme.

Ob: 2. But was not Circumcision a more liuely signe? Answ. It was not; which he sheweth to be true, both in respect of mortification, and in respect of viuification, baptisme liuely representing and sealing vntounto both.

Quest. But hauehave all that are baptised, these things signified by baptisme?

Answ. They are offered to all, but they are inioyed only by such as hauehave faith in the operation of God.

Quest. But how may our faith be supported in beleeuing those things shadowed out in baptisme? Answ. Two waies: First, if we consider Gods operation: Secondly, if we consider Christs resurrection. This is the briefe order and dependance of this verse; so that here he intreats of baptisme, both by the effects, and by the causes: the effects are spirituall buriall, and spirituall resurrection: the causes are three, faith, the operation of God, and the resurrection of Iesus Christ.

Buried together with him] Three things may here be noted. 1. the buriall of Christ. 2. the buriall of the Christian. 3. the vnion of both. For the first, that Christ was buried, was storied by the Euangelist aaIoh 19.John 19, and fore-signified by Ionas as a type bbMatth. 12.39.40.Matt 12:39Matt 12:40, and fore-prophecied of by Esay the Prophet ccEsay 53.9.Isa 53:9: he was buried in Ierusalem, the place where the dying sacrifices had giuen warning of his death, but it was without the Citie, both to answer the type, Leuit. 16. and to signifie that his sufferings belonged to Gentiles, as well as to Iewes: Hee was buried in Caluarie, the place commonly appointed for condemned men (and not in Hebron, where some thinke Adam was buried) to note that his death was to be auaileable for the condemned men of Adam, as well as for Adam himselfe. He was buried in another mans graue, to signifie that he died for other mens sinnes.

Now for the second, viz. the buriall of Christians; they may be said to be buried euen whiles they liue (for of the buriall of the bodie he cannot meane here) in diuers respects.

1. In respect of disgrace and reproch: the throats of wicked men are often an open sepulchre ddPsal. 5.Ps 5, into which if the names of the godly fall, they are buried for the extremitie of disgrace and reproch with which they couer them.

2. In respect of abnegation, or the deniall of the louelove and care for earthly things: and so we are buried to the world, when like dead men we care not for it, but deuote our selues to the contemplation of heauenly things.

3. In respect of mortification of our sinnes: the scripture by diuers metaphors expresseth the diuers degrees of mortification. For first there is the p. 53wounding of sinne, when the sinner is pricked with remorse by the law. Secondly, the condemning of sinne, when the sinner keeping a spirituall assise, doth examine, confesse, and iudge himselfe guiltie before the Lord. Thirdly, the crucifying of sinnes, when the sinner racks his owne soule by godly sorrow, driuing in the nailes of Gods threatnings, with acknowledgment of his owne deserts, and restraining his flesh through a spirituall reuenge, not caring to expose himselfe to the shame of the world, so that in Christ hee may finde atonement for his sinnes. Fourthly, the killing of sinne, when the sinner puts off the bodie of sinnes, and forsaketh his euill waies. Now then after this followeth the last degree,Of the buriall of sinne. and that is here the buriall of sinnes. Certainly there remaines euen after true repentance in the very godly, a great deale of hidden corruption of nature, inward wādrings, & distractions after the world, sudden euill propositions against God, or his word, or prouidence, or presence, or promises, or peoplei; mpatience, secret pride, and somtimes hypocrisie; a frequent rebellion within against good duties, vnthankfulnes, frequent omissions, e… ther of holy duties, or the care of the power of them, hastines, or anger, impure desires, thoughts of reuenge, besides a great deale of disorder he may finde in desires, thoughts of reuenge, besides a great deale of disorder he may finde in himselfe both at home and abroad. Now it is not enough, nor may he rest in the former repentance, but he must proceed euen to the remoouing of these remainders of corruption: death commonly ariseth out of the disease of someone part, but buriall couers all. The worke of reformation and repentance, many times begins at the care of some few principall sinnes: but wee must neuer be quiet, till we burie the whole old man with his works; so that in one sense, the buriall of sinnes, is nothing else, but the progresse of mortification. Againe, after we hauehave forsaken our sinnes, to burie them, is to keep a diligent watch ouer our nature, and to take downe our flesh, yea sometimes with refraining of lawfull delights or pleasures. Further the buriall of sinne, it may import our care, after we hauehave left our sinnes, to remoue them out of sight; both out of Gods sight, by suing out our pardon, and out of the sight of our consciences, by quieting them in the application of the bloud of Christ, and the promises of grace, and out of the sight of others (so farre as our sinnes were scandalous also) by shewing forth our repentance, and care to auoide all appearance and occasions of like sinning.Their priuiledges that hauehave attained to the buriall of sinne. Great is the glory and happinesse of Christians, that hauehave attained to this buriall of sinne, for these serue God in a neere acquaintance with him, these hauehave ouercome the world, these can stand before death and iudgment vnapalled, these are mightie in the power of Gods ordinance, these know the secrets of the kingdome of God, these are without the reach of the Law, and feele not the sting of crosses, these are had in singular honour with God, and the holy Angells of heauen, and the prouidence of God is vsually eminent towards these. Now for the third, might someone say,How our spirituall buriall depends vponupon Christ. what hath the Christians buriall to doe with Christ, how is there any relation between them? Answ. Our spirituall buriall in the progresse of mortification depends vponupon Christ diuers waies. 1. In that he hath required and made gratious promises to it. 2. In that the efficacie of the meanes by which it is wrought, comes from Christ. 3. In that it is accepted of God onelyonly for Christ and through his intercession. 4. In respect of example, he was buried as well as we. But chiefly in respect of vertue, our buriall of sinne is wrought by a vertue arising from Christs buriall in the graue.

The Vses of all this followes.Uses. First for information;The state of such as neglect mortification. here we may see how God stands vponupon mortification: and that men must not thinke alwaies they hauehave done inough, when they hauehave left their faults; and withall wee may see how dangerous a course they take, that so soone giuegive ouer the exercises of mortification: for by this meanes we cause the old sinnes many times to breake out againe, and their consolations are small, and seldom; crosses daily p. 54trouble them, and the heart is often grieued and griped with feare and terrible doubts, or else they are quickly ouergrowne with a spirit of slumber.

Secondlie for instruction, to be carefull to bury our sinnes: but here take heed of the dissimilitude,Dissimilitude in two things. for in some things the comparison cannot hold: as here in two things; for first when we bury the bodies of our friends, we bury them in hope they shal rise againe And secondly we mourne because we must part with them: but both these must be denied here. It is the propertie of the wicked, to part with their sinnes with sorrow, because they must leaue them: or else with hope that at length they may returne to them againe. But let all such as feare God be otherwise minded:Note this rule especiallie let vsus learne from this comparison of buriall to aduantage our selues in what we may in mortification: if the master be buried, we know all his seruants will attend the funerall: so is it with vsus in the mortification of sinnes,Similitudes. if wee light vponupon the master sins and drag them to the graue, we shall be sure of all the attendants, they will follow to the funerall. The Iewes manner was to bury with odours: so should we, our odours and sweet smelling pra…ers offered vp in the mediation of Christ. And howsoeuer this worke may seeme difficult, yet God many times strangely releiues our infirmities. After Iezabel was cast downe and dead, …hey had not been long within, but sending out to bury her, they found nothing but the skull and her feete, and the palmes of her hands: so many times would it be with vsus, if we cast downe the Iezabels our sinnes, when wee come …o fin…sh our mortification, we may by the strange help of God finde the body of the master gon we know not how, so as wee shall not be troubled, vn…esse it be with some skull or feete, or palme of sinne. But certainely though …his kinde of buriall be somewhat difficult, yet it is the true buriall place of Kings: the most noble funerall that can be.

Thus of the first effect. The second is in the next words

In whom ye are raised vp together] Christ is said to raise men vp diuers waies. 1.How many waies Christ ruseth men vp. When he awaketh men out of their naturall Lithargie, or spirituall sleepinesse and securitie in matters of religion, thus Ephes. 5.14. 2. When hee brings forth the minde of man out of the dungeons of ignorance, and shewes …hem the light, Esay. 60.1.2. 3. When he cures men of discouragements and …iscomforts vnderunder their crosses, Psal. 41.10.6. 4. When he recouers the Church from securitie or relapses either ordinary or extraordinarie, Cant. 2.10.11. &c. and 5.3.5. Pro. 24.15.16. 5. When he incourageth men to holy duties, Cant. 7.12. but principally there is a fourefold resurrection. The first is out of desperate crosses,A fourefold resurrection. Esay. 26.19. The second is the lifting of men vp to some speciall callings in the Church, Math. 11. The third is the resurrection of our bodies at the last day. And the last is the resurrection of the soule vntounto holy graces and duties: this is called the first resurrection, and is meant here in this place, and Rom. 6.4. but most vsuallie wee say there is a twofold resurrection: the one from the corruption of the flesh, the other from the corruption of sinne; this latter is here ment, and this belongeth to viuification.

Now this first resurrection must be considered, either in it selfe, or in the vnion or relation of it. In it selfe, and so there is a double resurrection. First the resurrection of graces:The resurrection of graces secondly the resurrection of duties. For the first, there are certaine graces, which are not in the heart of man by nature, which by the mightie power of Christ,A resurrection of 13. graces in a childe of God. are wrought in the hearts of such as are trulie conuerted, and are actuallie the members of Christ: As first a holy inquirie after God, Hos. 3.5. Ier. 50.4. Secondly a holy wisedome in spirituall things. Iam. 3.17. Thirdly a liuely … in the fauour of God in Christ. Fourthly a holy delight, and meditation in the word of God, Psal. 119.10.11.128. and 27.4. Fiftly a liuely hope of an eternall inheritance, 1. Pet. 1.3. Sixtly p. 55a holy louelove of Gods children, 1. Ioh. 3.14. such as is required Rom. 12.9.10.11. Seuenthly godly sorrow for sinne, 2. Cor. 7.10. Eightly vnspeakable and glorious ioy euen in affliction. Rom. 5.2. 1. Pet. 1.7.8. Ninthly a holy contempt of the world, and sinne, and sinnefull persons, Psal. 15.4. 1. Ioh. 2.19. Tenthly a holy reuerence and feare of God and his goodnesse, Hos. 3.5. Eleuenthly a holy zeale and feruencie of affections, especially in the seruice and worship of God. Twelfthly a holy louelove euen of enemies. And lastly a holy desire to be dissolued, and to be with Christ. Now for the effecting of these, the spirit of Christ is called in respect of his wonderfull working, the spirit of God, and of glory gg1. Pet. 4.14.1 Pet 4:14, the spirit of power, of louelove, and of a sound minde hh2. Tim. 1.7.2 Tim 1:7. The spirit of praier or deprecations iiZach. 12.12Zech 12:12. And the spirit of reuelation kkEphes. 1.18. The resurrection of duties in a childe of God of diuers sorts in which he differs from the wicked.Eph 1:18. Thus of resurrection of graces. Now concerning resurrection of duties.

We must know that there are diuers duties which the naturall man will neuer be brought vntounto, in which lieth the very power of godlinesse, and the experience of all sound and sauing consolation. Now these duties may bee three waies considered. 1. As they respect holy life in generall. 2. As they respect pietie to God. 3. As they respect righteousnesse to men. For the first, there are foure things wherein the liues of Gods children differ from all others. 1. In the manner. 2. In the matter. 3. In the meanes. 4. In the ends of holy life. For the manner. 3. Things are eminent. 1. That they a…e deuoted and consecrated to holinesse llReuel. 12.1.Rev 12:1. 2. That they delight and louelove to be Gods seruants mmEsay. 56.Isa 56. 3. That they hauehave their conuersation in simplicitie and godly purenesse nnCor. 1.12. & 11.3..

For the matter, they hauehave respect to all Gods commandements **Psal. 1 19.31.Ps 1:19Ps 1:31; and do indeuour after inward holinesse ooMath. 5.6.Matt 5:6, as well as outward: besides they liue by faith ppRom. 1.16.Rom 1:16in some measure, which is a way of holinesse altogether vnknowne in the practise of wicked men. And for the meanes of holinesse, the godly hauehave a recourse to athreefold fountaine of sanctitie with such a sinceritie and constancie, as no wicked man can attaine it: viz. the Word qqPsal. 1.2. Luk 8.15.Ps 1:2Luke 8:15. Praier rrGal. 4.6.Gal 4:6, and the Sabbath ssEsay. 56.Isa 56. And for the end of their obedience, their praise is of God and not of men ttRom. 2.26.Rom 2:26; hauing a maine respect alwaies to exercise themselues, so as, they may hauehave a conscience voide of offence, towards God, or towards men uuAct. 24.16.Acts 24:16. Thus of holinesse of life in generall.

Now in respect of pietie to God, it is a very resurrection through the power of Christ, to bring a man to acknowledge God, and his truth, and glory, against reason, profite, or pleasure; to make a man walke with God, setting the Lord alwaies before him: to bring the will of man to a holy subiection to Gods will, in crosses, temptations, wants &c. But especially to create in man that sinceritie of worshipping God in spirit and truth without hipocrisie.

And as for righteousnesse, in that part of it, that concernes either mens owne soules, or the soules of others, how is all the vnregenerate mankinde dead? it is the worke of a godly man only to serue the brethren by louelove. Only the members of Christ, can in their calling denie profit and pleasure, and make the particular calling serue the generall: but especially in the combat against concupiscence, only the godlie doe make conscience of it.

And howsoeuer in the matter of holy duties, there are strange imperfections in the very godly, yet their desire, prayer, purpose, and indeuour, is to approue themselues to God herein, and they do attaine to it, in some comfortable beginnings, and they go on with a holy increase, both of strength and desire. Whereas it is euident by diuers Scriptures, that wicked men are dead men in the former respects, as would appeare if we should examine particularly: for they seeke not God **Psal. 14.1.Ps 14:1. They respect not the word of God aright xxIer. 6.10.Jer 6:10; Nor can they louelove the brethren yyIoh. 15.19.John 15:19. Though they be smitten, yet they will not sorrow after God zzIer. 5.2Jer 5:2. And for the most part, they are lukewarme without true zeale aaReuel. 3.Rev 3. Their p. 56mindes are couered with a vaile bbEsay. 25.8.Isa 25:8. They are without hope ccEphes. 2.12.Eph 2:12. Neither hauehave all these men faith dd2. Thes. 3.2.2 Thess 3:2. And for the want of holy duties, It vsually seems euill vntounto them to serue the Lord. They are strangers from the life of God eeEphes. 4.17.Eph 4:17. They call not vponupon the name of God ffPsal. 14.4.Ps 14:4with a pure heart: neither take they heede of Gods sabbaths. But it were too long to runne to particulars in matters of dutie, seeing the scripture eueryevery where paints out the ill liues of all wicked men.

In whom] Doctr. The vertue by which Christians are raised is from Christ.

Quest. But what is there in Christ which distinctly causeth this resurrection in the Christian, or plucketh vp his heart to the care of holy graces or duties?

Answ. 1. The vertue of Christ. 2. The spirit of Christ. 3. The example of Christ. 4. The intercession of Christ. 5. The louing inuitations and allurements of Christ. And 6. The resurrection of Christ. And lastly, the second comming of Christ is like a loadstone to plucke vp the desires and affections of Christians vntounto the studie of heauenly things.

Thus of the Doctrine of the Christians resurrection.

1. Hence may presumptuous secure wilfull sinners gather secret terror and anguish:Vse. where is thy spirituall buriall in this life? where is the first resurrection? It is most certaine,For terror. if this worke, this strange worke, bee not wrought in thee, thou art in the power of the second death, without God, without Christ, without hope. And here thou maist see the vanitie of all thy shifts: for dost thou say, thou seest no such wretchednesse in thy sinnefull course? why this doctrine tels thou art dead whiles thou liuest▪ and how canst thou discerne thine owne wretchednesse? dost thou thinke that this will serue thy turne, that thou intendest to mend hereafter? consider what is here implied, the worke of true amendment, is a true, but spirituall resurrection. Tis then like that resurrection, that shall be of our bodies: and thou knowest when God shall raise our bodies, at the last day, when the trump shall blow, it will bee a sillie pretence to say, Oh let me alone now, I will rise hereafter. So is it with thee; the trumpet of grace now bloweth, Christ is now comming in the spirit, the dead in sinne must now be raised, Christs voice still reacheth vntounto thee, now if thou confirme thy selfe in that spirituall graue of sinne, dost thou thinke thou hast reason to beleeue, that Christ will tary thy leasure, and to put off till thou appoint the time?

For comfort to afflicted consciences.2. Here is singular comfort for such of Gods children as are afflicted in spirit, especially about the greatnesse of the power of sinne, and the difficulties of well doing: they should here consider, not onelyonly that it is Christs worke to make them holy, but that he is pleased to resemble it to the resurrection of the bodie: and can it be a harder thing to put downe thy sinne, or to quicken thee in all well doing, then to raise thy bodie out of the dust of the earth? Neither ought their terrors to amaze them: for it is Christs manner, to bring vsus downe to the graue, that he may raise vsus vp: the feare of hell now afflicteth thee, that thou maist not be hurt hereafter. Besides, sinne doth so cleaue to vsus, that it will almost kill vsus, before we kill it. Obiect. But I do not see, either the graces, or duties mentioned, to be wrought in this resurrection. Answ. 1. There may be grace, though thou see it not. 2. If one sauing grace be in a mans heart, it is a signe the rest be there, though not so easily discerned. 3. The spirituall age of a Christian must be distinguished, thou must not think that the graces of Gods spirit, or the power of holy duties, will appeare so freshly, or so strongly in thee, whiles thou art but an infant in grace, as they will do when thou commest to be of riper yeares. Lastly, thy indeuour in Christ and desire, is accepted and taken for the deede: what graces thou vnfeinedly desirest, and constantly vsest the meanes to attaine, thou hast; so the sinne thou striuest against, thou hast not.

p. 57Thus of these effects, as they are in themselues: now as they are in their signe, which is here called baptisme.

By baptisme] Baptisme is a holy memoriall of Christ baptised in the seas of Gods wrath for vsus.The ends of baptisme. It is a badge of distinction from vnbeleeuers. It is a certaine initiating rite by which we enter into the visible Church. It is a seale of the righteousnes of faith. It is a signe to teach vsus by representation, both our deliuerance and sanctification.

Quest. Three waies baptisme respecteth mortification, and viuification.But what hath baptisme to doe here with our mortification, and viuification, or spirituall buriall and resurrection? Answ. Baptisme standes in a threefold relation, or respect vntounto them. 1. In signification, baptisme doth represent them vntounto vsus, setting out our dying to sinne, and rising to newnesse of life. 2. By seale, for baptisme is a seale of Gods couenant, assuring vsus that in Christ, we shall be buried to our sinnes, and raised vp with him. 3. It is a band, it ties vsus to the desires and indeuours, after the beginning and finishing of these.

There are many other benefites signified and assured vntounto vsus by baptisme,The benefits signified in baptisme. then these here mentioned: for baptisme doth signifie and seale vntounto vsus, 1. Our deliuerance from the seas of Gods wrath ggMath. 3.8. 1. Pet. 3.21.Matt 3:81 Pet 3:21. 2. The resurrection of our bodies hh1. Cor. 15.1 Cor 15. 3. Our communion with the whole Trinitie iiMath. 28.Matt 28. 4. Our adoption kkGal. 3.27.Gal 3:27. 5. Our communion with the Saints ll1. Cor. 12.13.1 Cor 12:13. 6. Remission of all sinnes mmAct. 2.38.39Acts 2:38Acts 2:39.

Baptisme is auaileable for these respects; when we amend our liues, and confesse our sinnes nnMath. 3.38.Matt 3:38, and gladly receiue the word ooCant. 2.41.Song 2:41, and lay hold vponupon the promises of grace ppMar. 16.16.Mark 16:16, especially when the conscience maketh request vntounto God qq1. Pet. 3.21.1 Pet 3:21, for the application and fruition of the things signified by baptisme. Hitherto of the effects. The causes follow. 1. Faith. 2. The operation of God. 3. Christs resurrection.

Through the faith of the operation of God] The faith that is mightie through God, to make baptisme effectuall, and to raise vsus vp after the buriall of sinne, is neither historicall, nor temporary, nor of miracles, but that which is in scriptures called the faith of Gods elect, and by Diuines iustifying faith. Nor is it ynough to bring hither the perswasion of Gods mercy in Christ, which is the first and chiefe act of iustifying faith: but we must beleeue the power of God in the particular successe of the meanes for effecting both of mortification and viuification,What faith doth in baptisme. which as I suppose is here meant, where he calleth it the faith of the operation of God. Quest. But shew vsus how faith hath to doe in baptisme or in sanctification. Answ. In baptisme faith is needfull, not only the faith of explication, but also the faith of appllication: for wee are bound not only to beleeue that those things there shadowed out, are so as they import, but that also they are fulfilled, not only to the faithfull in generall, but to my owne soule in particular.

And for sanctification faith must needs be of great vse,The vse of faith about sanctification. for without faith, nothing we do can please God rrHeb. 11.6.Heb 11:6. And by faith Christ liues in vsus ssGal. 5.20.Gal 5:20. It quencheth the sierie darts of the Deuill ttEphes. ….16.. It lightneth our darkenesse uuIoh. 12.46.John 12:46. It purifieth the heart **Act. 15.9.Acts 15:9. It ouercomes the world xx1. Ioh. 5.4.1 John 5:4. It breedes ioy and consolation yyRom 5.2.Rom 5:2. And louelove to Gods children zzGal. 6.Gal 6. It maketh the Scripture auaileable to saluation aa2. Tim. 3.152 Tim 3:15. And lastly our praiers to be such, as God cannot denie bbMat. 21.22. How we may come to bel…eue the effects of baptisme.Matt 21:22. Quest. How may we attaine to it, to beleeue that baptisme doth signifie and assure these things to vsus?

Answ. 1. Labor to expresse that which on thy part is required, that is set vp the confession of thy sinnes and amendment of thy life. 2. Then go vntounto God, and let thy conscience make request for the answere of the spirit of adoption, by which the Lord may assure thee, that in the mediation of Iesus Christ thy baptisme is giuen to thee, as a particular seale of Gods couenant and grace.

Quest. But how may I doe to be assured, that my sinnes shall be subdued, p. 58and that I shall be raised vp in holy graces and duties? Answ: 1. Acquaint thy selfe with Gods promises of this kinde, and grow skilfull in them. 2. Cry strongly to God for the testimonie of Iesus in thy heart, that by his spirit hee would settle thee in this perswasion. 3. Waite vponupon the word and prayer till God doe effect it. 4. Strengthen thy selfe, both by the experience of others, as also with due obseruation of successe in the subduing of any sinne, or the exercise of any graces or duties.

Vses.The vses may be diuers. First for information; we may here see how vaine the common faith of the common Protestant is: shew me thy faith by thy fruits; how canst thou beleeue aright, and yet thy sinnes not mortified, and thy heart and life vnsanctified? Againe, we see we hauehave not comfort of our baptisme, till the power of holinesse in some measure appeare in our liues.

Secondly, for instruction: we should all examine our selues whether wee hauehave faith or no; and whiles we hauehave meanes of assurance, make vse of all aduantages to settle our hearts in the faith: and to this end we should deliuer vp our soules to be nursed vp in the words of faith and wholesome doctrine.

Lastly, we might here be greatly comforted, if we had true faith; wee see God can denie nothing vntounto faith: it should be to vsus, in the sacraments, in mortification,33Rules if we would reason for Gods power to the effect. and in graces and duties, according to our faith.

Of the operation of God.] The doctrine of Gods power and working, is of singular vse in the Church; great is the interest of Gods seruants in his power, and therefore great cause they hauehave to rest vponupon it. The elect onelyonly can reason for Gods power to the effect: he is able to doe it, therefore he will doe it: but then these three things must be noted.

1. They must be beleeuers, that looke for this priuiledge. 2. They must bring a particular faith, to draw out this power of God into operation. 3. It will not be set a worke about euerything, but such things for which there is promise or meet examples in the scriptures.

**In what things wee may beare our selues vponupon Gods power.Now it is a matter of singular weight, to know in what things we may hauehave warrant to beare our selues vponupon the power of God. The power of God is engaged for operation in foure things for the benefit of the faithfull. First, in their afflictions. Secondly, in their temptations. Thirdly, in the difficulties of holy life. Fourthly, in his ordinances.

In afflictions, God hath bound himselfe to shew his power, 1. In giuing strength to endure them ccPhil. 4.13. Esay 41.10.Phil 4:13Isa 41:10. 2. In moderating the afflictions to their strength ddEsay 27.7.Isa 27:7. 3. In guiding them to the right ends eeIob 36.22. Esay 27.11. Zach. 13.9.Job 36:22Isa 27:11Zech 13:9. 4. In deliuerance out of them ffPsal. 71.20. Esay 43.Ps 71:20Isa 43. If we looke vponupon the enemie… of the godly in particular, God shewes his power, 1. In restraining or disappointing them ggIob 12 16. Esay 54.16.17Job 12:16Isa 54:16Isa 54:17. 2. In rewarding and ouerthrowing them hhEx…d. 15.6.7 Esay 42.13. & 41.15.Isa 42:13Isa 41:15.

So likewise in temptations, the power of God though it be secret, yet it is wonderfull in dissoluing the works of the deuill, and in vpholding his seruants, and destroying the strong holds, and fortifications of Satan ii1. Cor. 10.12. 2. Cor. 12.9. Esay 27.1.1 Cor 10:122 Cor 12:9Isa 27:1.

Thirdly, in the difficulties of holy life, the Lord vseth his power, 1. In making his seruants able to walke in his waies, both by giuing them power and strength kkEzech. 36.28 Esay 26 12.Ezek 36:28Isa 26:12, and by relieuing and reuiuing their strength daily, and renewing it llEsay 40.29. vlt. &c. Esay 57.15.Isa 40:29Isa 57:15. 2. In keeping them from euill mm2. Tim 4.18.2 Tim 4:18. 3. In establishing them that they may perseuere and hold out nnPhil 1.6. …de 24. 1. Pet 1.5. 1. Sam. 2.9.Phil 1:61 Pet 1:51 Sam 2:9.

Lastly, Gods operation is wonderfull in the vse of his ordinances; and this is that is meant in this place. In respect of this the Psalmist faith, God is greatly to be reuerenced in the assembly, by all them that are round about him: O Lord God of hostes, who is a strong God like vntounto thee ooPsal. 8.9.7.8.Ps 8:9Ps 8:7Ps 8:8? Thus the Lord is mightie through the ministerie of his seruants ppGal. 2.8. Col. 1. vlt.Gal 2:8Col 1. Thus the Lord performeth the counsell of his messengers qqEsay 44.26.Isa 44:26, his word returneth not to him in vaine rrEsay 55.11.Isa 55:11: yea his ordinances are his power vntounto saluation ssRom. 1.16. 1. Cor. 1.18.Rom 1:161 Cor 1:18: they are all mightie through God tt2. Cor. 10.4.2 Cor 10:4. Thus p. 59it is in particular in the sacraments: though for their outward shew they doe not promise much, yet by the maruellou… operation of God, they are auaileable in effect for all that is promised in them, only if we could get this faith in this operation of God here mentioned.

The vse of all is,Vses. First for information; we may here take notice of the difference between hypocrites and the godly: in matter of godlinesse, they can know know nothing but the forme of it, the other hauehave experience of the singular power of God in all the passages of holy life, both in the vse of the meanes, and in his preseruation.

Secondly, for instruction, we should obserue and seeke out the working of the Lord uuPsal. 111.2.Ps 111:2: and daily ascribe power vntounto God, and pray for the experience of it, and that he would establish that which he hath wrought in vsus **Psal. 68.28.33.45.Ps 68:28Ps 68:33Ps 68:45.

Againe, it may teach vsus not to despise the weake Christian, for the Lord is able through his operation to make him stand. And it should incourage vsus all to the works of righteousnes xxHeb. 11.35.Heb 11:35, seeing Gods operation is so ready to be found, and for hereafter in the vse of all the meanes our faith should be in the power of God yy1. Cor 2.5.1 Cor 2:5. Thus of the operation of God.

Through the resurrection of Iesus Christ] Many are the benefits which wee reape from the resurrection of Iesus Christ. As first, the resurrection of our bodies zz1. Cor 15.16.201 Cor 15:161 Cor 15:20. Secondly, the accomplishment of the promises made vntounto the Fathers aaAct. 13.33.Acts 13:33. Thirdly, iustification and forgiuenesse of sinnes bbRom. 4 vlt.Rom 4. Fourthly, a secret vertue vntounto the ordinances of God cc1. Pet. 3.21.1 Pet 3:21. Fifthly, regeneration. Sixtly, liuely hope of an immortall inheritance dd1. Cor. 15.14. 1. Pet 1.3.4.1 Cor 15:141 Pet 1:31 Pet 1:4. Seuenthly, the power of viuification and raising of vsus vp to new obedience. And this last is acknowledged in this place.