The Christians Daily Sacrifice, Chapter 1 – Chapter 3

The Christians Daily Sacrifice · Chapter 1 – Chapter 3

p. 1¶THE CHRISTIans daily Sacrifice.

CHAP. I.

FIRST,Of man and his▪ God made al things for his glory, but especially Man, Pro. 16. 3. 1. Co. 10. 31. in whom is discouered

1. The greatnes of his iustice.

2. The riches of his mercy. Rom. 9. 22.

Secondly, Man glorifieth God in a fourefold estate of his,

1. Creation.

2. Fall.

3. Redemption.

4. Glorification.

Thirdly, The Lord from euerlasting so decreed concerning mankinde, that the greater part thereof should be condemned, and but a remnant p. 2saued. And to this end created he man.Creation. Rom. 9. 28. Mat. 7. 13.

Fourthly, Man was created after the image of God in a most perfect estate of holines: wherein he glorified God in absolute conformity to him, yet subiect vntounto change: which also made for Gods glory. Gen. 1. 27.

Fiftly,Fall. The Lord ordained the Fall of man, and therefore his estate was mutable, that so his fall might be from himselfe: that God might make a way for the manifestation of the glory of his mercy & iustice, in the execution of his decree, concerning the saluation of the elect, & condemnation of the reprobate; by such meanes as from all eternity the Lord had sealed thereunto; and thereupon man fell. Gen. …. 6.

Sixtly, Man hauing receiued an estate for himselfe, and his posterity, by his fall vtterly depriued himselfe and all his issue of Gods fauor, and the fruit thereof, the right and possession of heauen and earth: and plunged himselfe and all his posterity into a most wofull bondage of sinne and Satan. Ge. 2. 17. Ro. 6. 12.

p. 3Seuenthly,Redemption. The fall of man made a way to the worke of Redemption which was performed by Iesus Christ.

Eightly, Christ Iesus was first, decreed from all eternity: secondly, promised immediately after the fall of Adam: thirdly, exhibited in the fulnes of time, to performe a full redemption for vsus. Gal. 4. 4. Gen. 3.

Ninthly, Our redemption by Christ, is either performed or applied.

Tenthly, Christ Iesus performed our redemption:How it was performed. first, by obedience. And that

1. To God his Father in comming to redeeme vsus.

2. In taking our nature vponupon him.

3. To the Law in fulfilling it perfectly, which we had broken.

4. In vndergoing the punishment when hee had fulfilled the Law.

And by these his sufferings our redemption was secondly wrought out.

These sufferings of Christ: were

First, either in his whole li…e such p. 4miseries as sinne had drawne vponupon vsus, that so he might sanctifie them vntounto vsus, as hunger, cold, &c. Heb. 2. 18. Heb. 4. 15.

Secondly, Or at his death, such paines as we had deserued, and here he suffered,

First, in his body as 1. preparations to death.

1. Buffetings by the Souldiers. Mat. 27. & 28.

2. Whipping, and scourging.

3. Crowning with Thornes.

4. Carying of his Crosse.

5. Nayling to the Crosse. Ioh. 19.

Secondly, death it selfe: here consider,

1 The ignominious manner, vponupon the cursed tree. Gal. 3.

2 The cruelty vsed vponupon his dead bodie, as being pierced to the heart by that mercilesse Souldier. Ioh. 19 34.

3 His ignominious buriall, and detaining for three daies in the graue. These were his sufferings in bodie.

Secondly, he also suffered for vsus in his soule, and that 1. In his whole life.

1 Griefe for the sin of the world, p. 5and especially of his owne countrymen who refused him. Ioh. 1.

2 The mockings of the wicked and treachery of his owne was no small anguish vntounto him. Especially at his death, as

First, that he was betrayed by Iudas his owne disciple. Luk. 22. 48.

2 His agony in the garden where he sweat water and blood, in great abundance. Luke 22.

3 His trouble in soule. Ioh. 12. 7.

4 The withdrawing of the assistance of the Deitie for the present. Phil. 2. 8.

5 The curse of God vponupon him for mans sinne, Gal. 3. 10.

6 The power of Satan preuailing for a time.

7 The horror of being ouerwhelmed with the heauie wrath of God. Heb. 5. 7.

8 His detaining vnderunder the sorrows of death. Acts. 2. 24.

All these, Christ Iesus our redeemer suffered in his humane nature, but they were accompanied with the merit and efficacy of the diuine nature, the dignitie whereof enabled p. 6them hereunto, & made them meritorious for our saluation.

Now because it was not possible that the Sonne of God should be holden of the sorrowes of death; for then had he not beene iustified and acquitted from our sinnes: therfore by the power of his God-head he raised vp himse…fe, and so accomplished yet further the worke of our redemption. Rom. 4. 25. Act. 2. 24.

And so Christ Iesus our redeemer obtained a glorious conquest by his resurrection from the dead: and that

First, Ouer the Law in abolishing the dominion and rigour thereof.

Secondly, Ouer Satan and H…ll, chaining vp Satan & destroying for euer the powers of hel. 1. Co. 15. 57.

Thirdly, Ouer sinne, and that

1 in taking away the sting and guiltines thereof.

2 Abating the rage and fury of the same. Rom. 7 24. 25.

3 Healing in some measure the corrupt fountaine of the same.

4 Weal…ng the force and daily eating out the verie corruption thereof. p. 7Rom. 6. 12. 3.

Fourthly, death is also conquered and subdued; and that,

1 By taking away the sting therof.

2 By destroying the dominion of the same. Rom. 5. 14.

3 Sanctifying it to the Godly, to whom it is the gate to euerlasting life. 1. Thes. 4.

4 Raysing vp our flesh from the graue. 1. Cor. 15.

And thus by this glorious conquest of our Captaine Iesus Christ, is recouered vntounto vsus, Heb. 12. 2.

First,The Benenefit of our redemption. The fauour of God our Father, whose children we are now become in Iesus Christ. 2. Cor. 5. 18. 1. Iohn 3. 1. Colos. 1. 20.

Secondly, The fruits of this fauour, which are

1 Faith in the sonne of GOD, wherby being iustified before God we hauehave,

2 Peace of conscience with God and man. 1. Rom. 5. 1. Rom. 7. 4.

3 Ioy vnspeakeable in the holy Ghost. 1. Pet. 1. 8.

4 We become fruitfull in all good workes, and so thereby become meete p. 8partakers. Colos. 1. 12.

5 Of saluation.

The earnest whereof wee hauehave in this life: first by the inward testimony of the spirit. …. Cor. 1. Ephes. 4.

Secondly, By our outward similitude and conformity to our head Christ Iesus, being changed into the same Image from glory to glory as by the spirit of the Lord. 2. Cor. 3. 18.

And we shall fully enioy it in the life to come, where shall be

1 Ceasing of all sinne and sorrow. Reuel. 7. 17.

2 Perfect righteousnesse and holinesse. Ephes. 5. 27.

3 Fulnes of ioy. Psal. 16.

4 Immediate fruition and coniunction with God. 1. Cor. 13. 12.

5 Eternity of happines, and bliffe for euermore. …. Pet. 1 4.

All these hath the Sonne of God purchased for vsus.

The meanes whereby all these are made ours,The application of this benefit by Faith. is Faith.

This Faith is wrought in vsus by the preaching of the word. Rom. 10. 17.

And that first of the Law.

First, Discouering our miserie, vntounto p. 9vsus in particular, both

1 From what a blessed estate wee are fallen, Roman. 3. Roman. 7. as also

Into what a woful and desperate condition we are now plunged, not onelyonly by reason of our sinne:

Being able to doe nothing but displease God. Gen. 6. 5.

And that in regard

1 Of the transgression of Adam, which lies vponupon vsus. Rom. 5.

2 The fruite of this transgression, euen a generall infection and corruption of all the powers and faculties of soule and body.

1 Of the vnderstanding, filled with blindnes, & darknes & not sauoring the things of God. Eph. 4 17

2 The Conscience wounded, seared, defiled, neuer soundly peaceable. Timot 4. 1. Corinth. 1. 2: Esay 57. 1.

3 The memory fit to retaine euill, and to forget good. Heb. 10 22.

4 The will captiuated to euill, and yet running headlong thereto, but to doe good altogether auerse. Rom. 8. 5, 6.

p. 105. And so the affections ledde violently after the sway thereof, as also

6 The conuersation most lothsome to God and man. 1. Tim. 1. 15.

7 The thoughts impotent and vnsatiable to euil, and infinite therein.

8 His best actions, greatest abominations. Pr. 28 9. Io. 9 3… Ps 50 16.

A second part of mans misery, is the fruit of his …inne,

Namely; that

First, He is most odious to God & most iustly accursed of him, Col. 1. 21. and this curse is manifest,

First, VponUpon his body by those fearefull and inumerable plagues, diseas…s, iudgements of famine, &c. which he vponupon men and consume thē in this life. D…u. 28 15. Ge 3. 17.

Secondly, By that horrible abuse of Gods blessings, which are bestowed on him: making the creature to grone vnderunder this bondage of corruption, and so to increase the score against the life to come. Rom. 8. 19.

Secondly, VponUpon his soule, and that …st in this life:

p. 111 In being giuen vp to a reprobate sense. Rom. 1. 23.

2 Depriued of the knowledge of God, but so farre as shall make him without excuse. Psalme 49. 15.

3 To be past feeling through the hardnes of his heart. Ephes. 4. 19.

4 Thence to fall into wofull and irrecouerable despaire, Gen. 4. and to discouer the same by madnes, blasphemies, &c.

Secondly, In the life to come, by first:

1 Vtter separation from the presence of God, and happinesse for euer. 2. Thes. 1. 21.

2 Perpetuall communion with Satan and the infernall spirits: and so of all torments,

Especially

First, Desperate sorrow for an irrecouerable losse.

Secondly, Insufferable waight of the wrath of God.

Thirdly, Sensible torment, yet not to be expressed.

Fourthly, The worme of conscience accusing, & gnawing continually.

Fiftly, Bitter enuie at the happines of the elect.

p. 12Sixtly, Restles content, in this fearefull condition.

Thus the Law discouers to man his miser…, and therefore,

First, It is to be preached to sinners. 2. Tim. 4. 2.

Secondly, Men are to be acquainted with the particulars of it.

Thirdly, And to yeeld to the power thereof, that so it may leade them to Christ, who is properly reuealed vntounto vsus in the preaching of the Gospel, which doeth especially beget & perfect the worke of Faith, and that

1 By making vsus to beleeue our misery, through a particular application thereof vntounto our selues. Rom. 7. 9. Rom. 15. 4. Matth. 9. 12.

2 By working anguish and sorrow inspirit for the same. Act. 2. 37. Ierem. 21. 1…. Iudg. 2. 3, 10.

3 Aduising what to do, Luk. 15. 17. Ierem. 8. …, 7. and considering deeply what we hauehave done. Reu. 7. 24.

4 Submitting to Gods will, to bee guided hereafter according to the same. Luk. 17. 9. Eze. 36. 2. Act. 9. 6.

5 Heereupon the Lord further p. 13reueales himselfe vntounto the sinner in working a secret desire of forgiuenes, from the consideration of the kindnes and readines of God to pardon, yea though it be but a droppe of merciemercy. Luke 15. 17, 18. Mat. 12. 20. Mat. 11▪ 28. Mat. 5. 4. Matth. 9. 12. Luke 7. 38. Ion. 3. Hest. 4. Pro. 28. 9. Iob 33. 33.

6 This desire workes a resolution to go to this gracious God, though yet he feele not pardon for his sins. Luke 15.

7 Comming to God, sinne is confessed in most conscionable, and in particular manner. Psal. 19. 12.

8 Pardon is most instantly and boldly begged for the same. Mat. 15. Rom. 10. 14.

9 R…solution to renounce all, to buy this precious pearle: which is a kind of assurance of the purchase of this pardon, Mat. 13. vponupon the due valuation of the price of it, and so he promiseth a full forsaking of the wo…ld, Mat. 19. 29. Heb. 11 25▪ and vtter renouncing of sinne, Hose. 14. 9. &c. for euer. Luke 19. 9. 1. Samu. 7. 3, 4. Pro. 28. Phil. 1. 7, 8,

p. 1410 Hereupon followeth an application of Christ and his promises by the seale of the spirit. Rom. 8. 16. 2. Cor. 1. 22. And hence proceed:

1 Contentation spirituall, & peace with God and our owne consciences.

2 Following the true Shepheard. Iohn 10.

3 Ioy in the Spirit, and sweetnes extraordinary. Rom. 5. 2.

4 Admiration heauenly, at this wonderfull worke. 2. Cor. 1. 12.

5 Tendernes of conscience in all our actions. Heb. 13. 18.

6 Boldnes to approch the throne of Grace. Rom. 8. Heb. 10.

7 A minde estranged from the world and louelove thereof. Gal 5.

8 Holy conference, and asking the way to Sion.

9 Heauenly conuersation. Phi. 3. 20.

10 Readines and patience to and vnderunder the Crosse Rom. 5.

11 Desire to be dissolued, and to be with Christ. Phili. 1. 23.

Thus is Faith wrought in vsus, thus may we discerne the worke thereof.

And this Faith is thus effectuall, p. 15when it bringeth forth the fruite of an holy life, whereby we are made partakers of the diuine nature, & so made meet to that happines, whereinto no vncleane thing shall enter. Iā. 2. 2. Pet. 1. 3. Col. 1. 11. Reu. 21. 27.

Hence we may learne:

1 That there is no holinesse in nature, and therefore no happines from thence. Rom. 3. 9.

2 Our righteousnes is of faith, laying hold on Iesus Christ. Phil. 3. 9.

3 Being redeemed by Christ, we must be zealous of good workes, which God hath ordained vsus to walke in. Ephes. 2. 10.

4 That we may not erre in weldoing, nor be weary therof, we must hauehave a Guide to direct vsus therein. Iohn 11. 9.

CHAP. II.

This Guide is onelyonly the perfect word of God.

1 BEcause it is the briefe of Gods reuealed wil.The word the guide of this direction. Ps 40. 7.

2 It reacheth not only to the outward, but inward man also, and is a discerner of the secret thoughts and p. 16raines. Heb. 4. 12.

3 It is that will of God, which the Lord would hauehave to this end communicated vntounto all. Colos. 1. 6. Iohn 5. 35.

4 It is sufficient and absolutely perfect to accomplish whatsoeuer concernes our entrance or perfection to eternall life. 2. Tim. 3. 16.

5 It is a sure and euerlasting word, able to accomplish that which it promiseth or threatneth, and giuing grace to performe that in some measure which it enioyneth. Ephe. 6. 17. 1. Pet. 1. 2. Pet. 1. 19. Psal. 19. 7. Psal. 119. 93.

6 It is most plaine and easie to be apprehēded, as being a light shining in a dark place. 2. Pe. 1. Pr. 8. 2. 2. Cor. 4. 4.

Hence it followeth

1 That whatsoeuer is not warranted by the word, is sinne. Apoc. 22. 18. Deut. 4. 2. Pro. 30. 6.

2 That the Law of nature written in our hearts, is no sufficient rule of life. 1. Cor. 2. 14. Matth. 16. 17. Rom. 2. 12.

3 Much lesse the Lawes of nations p. 17are perfect rules to liue by. Deu. 4. 6.

4 No wil-worship is accepted of God. Mat. 15. 9. Col. 2. 2 3. Deu. 12. 8.

5 Neither a good intention makes a good action, 2. Sam. 6. 6.

6 Nor an erroneous conscience excuseth an euill fact, or maketh that which is doubtful good. Rom. 14. 23

7 No not ignorant deuotion auiales in Gods worship. Rom. 10. 2. Acts 13. 5…, 51.

8 Much lesse the lawlesse lusts of our hearts, which tend to the destruction of life. Ephes. 1. 22.

9 Neither is the multitude a iustifiable warrāt of our actions. Ex. 23.

10 No not the examples of any, further then they square with the word. 1. Cor. 11. 1.

11 Neither the word it selfe in the letter, but in the spirituall meaning thereof. Matt. 5.

12 And the meaning of the word to befetcht not from any other but the Word, comparing spirituall things with spirituall things. 1. Cor. 2. 13.

13 Yea, the true meaning must be applied by faith before our actiōs can be warranted thereby. Rom. 14.

p. 18So doth the word containe a perfect direction of our life.

CHAP. III.

THis direction is a daily and constant endeuour to serue God. What this direction is, namely to serue God dayly and constantly.And that

1 Because the Lord requires such a daily and constant course. Philip. 3. 15. Gen. 17. 1. Iob. 1. 5.

2 The Lord giues grace and appoints meanes for the performance thereof, as the continuall inhabitation of his spirit, and the fruit thereof the holy seede that remaines in vsus. 1. Ioh 3 8.

3 The Saints of God hauehave practised such a course. Psa. 1.

4 To this end were we redeemed, that we should serue God in holines and righteousnes all the daies of our life. Luk. 1.

5 God doth daily bestow blessings vponupon vsus, therefore we must daily serue him. Lam. 3. 23. Psal. 103. 2.

6 Christ Iesus maketh continuall intercession for vsus: that we should daily, yea hourely and continually p. 19performe acceptable seruice vntounto God.

7 Satan is neuer weary of tempting vsus: therefore we should hauehave our loines girt, and be alwaies vponupon our watch to resist him. 1. Pet. 5 8.

8 We hauehave not a daies warrant, no not an houres certainty of life, therefore we are at no time to be vnprepared, because we know not the houre when our master commeth. Math 24.

9 We are pilgrimes and trauellers in this world, and therefore we must trauaile each day homeward to our country Hebr. 11. 12.

10 By our calling we are watchmen, souldiers, &c. and therefore we must daily bee excercised in this spirituall warre fare. 2. Timo thie 2. 6.

Hence it followeth,

1 That to fancie any such seruice out of the word, which is not daily and constant is sinne. Hosea. 6. 4.

2 To thinke that the seruice of the Sabbath is all that God requireth, is also sinne. Esai 1. 13.

p. 203 It is in vaine to serue God a… randome and not in an holy an… constant order.

4 To put off the seruice of Go… to the end of our life is most presumptuous. Psal. 95. 7.

5 To thinke I hauehave any liberty o… time to serue sinne is Atheistica… 1. Pet. 4. 2. Ephe. 5. 16.

6 That it is not wil-worship … performe this seruice, seeing it … warranted by the word.

7 That it is no nouelty to seru… God after this manner.

8 Neither is it precisenes to … our selues hereunto, seeing it is reuealed and therefore belongs vnt… vsus. Deuter. 29. 29. Ephe. 5… 15.

Therefore that we may serue God according to his word we must performed … and continuall obedience to him. Colos. 1. 10.