Now as we here have received the trueth of the doctrine, so now let us see into it further by reason: that as on the one side we cannot deny there is a resurrection, seeing the word doth confirm it, unless we will depart from the faith, and deny the word: so on the other1 side, when we shall see, how these things are, we cannot withstand it even with reason, unless we be senseless. The reasons therefore which we will use, are partly drawn from God2 himself, partly from the order of nature, and from the creatures, & partly from the commodities,3 which accompany the trueth of this doctrine, and from the inconveniences,4 which ensue the contrary. Those proofs, which are drawn from the Lord himself, are to5 be considered, either in his own person simply, or as we consider of him in his Mediatorship, and as the second person in the Trinity. Concerning those things, which are in his own person, we must observe his trueth, his justice, and his power: his trueth, because heaven and earth shall pass, but no title of his word shall fail; and his promises in Christ Jesus are Yea and Amen. Wherefore, whatsoever the Lord hath set down• in his word to6 be done, it must bear with us that credit, that it is our part with Abraham to yield to it, though outward means seem clean contrary, and with Mary to believe it, although no visible means are apparent His justice is so espoused to his trueth, that whatsoever we have heard out of the word, the equity of his justice doth require both to the accomplishment of his promises in rewarding the godly, and the fulfilling of his threatenings in revenging the ungodly. This we see Matth. 25. 33. where, by the rule of righteousness, he se•teth the sheep on the right hand, and the goats on the left. Luk. 16. 23. it is set down, how, the rich man being in hell torments, lifting up his eyes, and seeing Lazarus a far off in Abraham's bosom, cried, Father Abraham have mercy upon me, &c. But Abraham answering him according7 to the proportion of God his Justice, said, ver. 25. Son, remember that thou in thy life time receivedst pleasures; and likewise Lazarus pains, now therefore he is comforted, and thou art tormented. To this effect, worthy to be observed, is that place, 2, Thess. 1. 6. it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you. 7. And to you which are troubled;
Now as we here haue receiued the trueth of the doctrine, so now let vs see into it further by reason: that as on the one side we cannot denie there is a resurrection, seeing the word doth confirme it, vnlesse we will depart from the faith, and denie the word: so on the other1 side, when we shall see, how these things are, we cannot withstand it euen with reason, vnlesse we be senselesse. The reasons therefore which we will vse, are partly drawne from God2 himselfe, partly from the order of nature, and from the creatures, & partly from the commodities,3 which accompanie the trueth of this doctrine, and from the inconueniences,4 which ensue the contrarie. Those proofes, which are drawn from the Lord himselfe, are to5 be considered, either in his owne person simply, or as we consider of him in his Mediatorship, and as the second person in the Trinitie. Concerning those things, which are in his owne person, we must obserue his trueth, his iustice, and his power: his trueth, because heauen and earth shall passe, but no title of his word shall faile; and his promises in Christ Iesus are Yea and Amen. Wherefore, whatsoeuer the Lord hath set down• in his word to6 bee done, it must beare with vs that credit, that it is our part with Abraham to yeeld to it, though outward meanes seeme cleane contrary, and with Marie to beleeue it, although no visible meanes are apparant His iustice is so espoused to his trueth, that whatsoeuer we haue heard out of the word, the equitie of his iustice doth require both to the accomplishment of his promises in rewarding the godly, and the fulfilling of his threatnings in reuenging the vngodly. This we see Matth. 25. 33. where, by the rule of righteousnesse, he se•teth the sheepe on the right hand, and the goates on the left. Luk. 16. 23. it is set downe, how, the rich man being in hell torments, lifting vp his eyes, and seeing Lazarus a farre off in Abrahams bosome, cried, Father Abraham haue mercie vpon me, &c. But Abraham answering him according
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- 61 We must beleeu what the Lord saith, how contrary soever it seem to natural reason. Matth. 25. 33. Luke 16. 23.1 We must beleeu what the Lord saith, how contrary soeuer it seem to naturall reason. Matth. 25. 33. Luke 16. 23.
- 7Gods justice and mercy require a resurrection, that the wicked may suffer for their sins, as well in their bodies as in their souls, and that the godly may be crowned, &c.Gods iustice and mercie require a resurrection, that the wicked may suffer for their sinnes, as well in their bodies as in their soules, and that the godly may be crowned, &c.
