An expository comment, doctrinal, controversial, and practical upon the whole first chapter to the…An expository comment, doctrinal, controversal, and practical upon the whole first chapter to the…

To prosecute this, let us consider wherein this Doctrine is true, both literally, and metaphorically; and then how much is comprehended in the expression. For the

1. This is true in the natural dead, that God can, and doth raise up such to life again. In the New Testament we read of several persons raised by ¹Christ to life again, such a miracle and wonder, that unless in the Old Testament the like was never heard of in the world before; for they are but Fables what some Heathens may record to be done amongst them in this matter. Yea, at Christs Resurrection, it is said that many did rise again, and went into the holy City. Which maketh the Apostle Heb. 11. 35. instance in this as one of the great wonders wrought for the Saints, That women received their dead raised to life again. And truly this consideration of Gods power should wonderfully support us in all troubles, in all exigences; God can create, where there is nothing pre-existent; I create peace; and he can also restore and give a resurrection to those that are dead. Let us not then have low thoughts of the power of God, as if he were limited in his works, as man is; but the demonstration of Gods power will be evidently and palpably manifested in that great and universal Resurrection of all that are dead, at the day of judgement. This work of God doth transcend all humane reason and power; therefore when Paul Preached this, they accounted him nothing but a babbler. It is Disputed, whether the Resurrection of the dead can be proved possible by natural reason; but whether it can or no, we are sure the Scripture doth so positively and plainly affirm it, that it must be bold Atheism to deny it. Now do but consider how great a matter it is to exercise faith in this particular; how improbable, yea, and impossible doth it seem to natural reason? All those who have dyed ever since Adam, so many thousand years ago, who have been for so long a time consumed into ashes; All such bodies which have been eaten with fish, or beasts; yet God will raise the same body again, the same bones and flesh again. What amazement and astonishment may this raise in thee? yet it is clear by Scripture, God can and will do this. Oh then that the godly did more vigorously exercise their faith in this fundamental point of Religion. What, canst thou believe in God concerning this great and admirable truth? yet doubtest whether he can raise thee out of those petty and minute troubles thou art exercised with.