The sum of Christian religion, delivered by Zacharias Ursinus first, by way of catechism,…The summe of Christian religion, delivered by Zacharias Ursinus first, by way of catechism,…
The sum of Christian religion, delivered by Zacharias Ursinus first, by way of catechism, and then afterwards more enlarged by a sound and judicious exposition, and application of the same : wherein also are debated and resolved the questions of whatsoever points of moment have been, or are controversed in divinity / first Englished by D. Henry Parry, and now again conferred with the best and last Latin edition of D. David Pareus, sometimes Professor of Divinity in Heidelberg ; whereunto is added a large and full alphabetical table of such matters as are therein contained ; together with all the Scriptures that are occasionally handled, by way either of controversy, exposition, or reconciliation, neither of which was done before, but now is performed for the readers delight and benefit ; to this work of Ursinus are now at last annexed the Theological miscellanies of D. David Pareus in which the orthodoxall tenets are briefly and solidly confirmed, and the contrary errors of the Papists, Ubiquitaries, Antitrinitaries, Eutychians, Socinians, and Arminians fully refuted ; and now translated into English out of the original Latin copy by A.R.The summe of Christian religion, delivered by Zacharias Ursinus first, by way of catechism, and then afterwards more enlarged by a sound and judicious exposition, and application of the same : wherein also are debated and resolved the questions of whatsoever points of moment have been, or are controversed in divinitie / first Englished by D. Henry Parry, and now again conferred with the best and last Latine edition of D. David Pareus, sometimes Professour of Divinity in Heidelberge ; whereunto is added a large and full alphabeticall table of such matters as are therein contained ; together with all the Scriptures that are occasionally handled, by way either of controversie, exposition, or reconciliation, neither of which was done before, but now is performed for the readers delight and benefit ; to this work of Ursinus are now at last annexed the Theologicall miscellanies of D. David Pareus in which the orthodoxall tenets are briefly and solidly confirmed, and the contrary errours of the Papists, Ubiquitaries, Antitrinitaries, Eutychians, Socinians, and Arminians fully refuted ; and now translated into English out of the originall Latine copie by A.R.
Zacharias Ursinus 1534–1583London: printed by James Young, 1645
[22], 844 p. · 618k words · Wing U142 · ESTC R5982
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
I. First therefore,1 That the holy Ghost is a person, is proved, §12By his apparitions, because he hath appeared visibly: The holy Ghost came down in a bodily shape like a Dove. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like fire, and it (that is, the fire, or the holy Ghost) sate upon each of them. Seeing then the holy Ghost descended in bodily shape upon Christ, and sate upon the Apostles, it followeth that he is subsisting: for no quality or created motion of minds or hearts is able to do in like manner: For an accident doth not only not take upon it any shape, but standeth in need of something else in which it self should consist and be. Neither is the air the place or subject of holiness, godliness, love of God, and other spiritual motions, but the minds of men. §23He is proved to be a person, because he is called God: Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? Why hath Satan filled thine heart, that thou shouldest lie unto the holy Ghost? Thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. Howsoever then the adversaries of this doctrine grant the holy Ghost to be God, yet this cannot be, but he must be a subsistent or person,4 seeing God is a being: but our godliness, goodness, godly motions, and other divine affections cannot be called God.§35He is a person, because he is the author of our baptism, and we are baptised in his name, that is, by his commandment and will. But we are not baptised by the commandment and will of a dead thing, or of a thing not existing; neither are we baptised in the name of the graces or gifts of God.§46Because the properties of a person are attributed unto him; as that he teacheth, that he distributeth gifts even as he will, that he comforteth,
that he speaketh in the Apostles: The holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what you ought to say. So also he declareth the things to come: The Spirit of truth will show you the things to come.
I. First therefore,1 That the holy Ghost is a person, is proved, §12By his apparitions, because hee hath appeared visibly: The holy Ghost came downe in a bodily shape like a Dove. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like fire, and it (that is, the fire, or the holy Ghost) sate upon each of them. Seeing then the holy Ghost descended in bodily shape upon Christ, and sate upon the Apostles, it followeth that he is subsisting: for no quality or created motion of minds or hearts is able to doe in like manner: For an accident doth not only not take upon it any shape, but standeth in need of something else in which it selfe should consist and be. Neither is the aire the place or subject of holinesse, goldinesse, love of God, and other spirituall motions, but the minds of men. §23Hee is proved to be a person, because hee is called God: Know yee not that yee are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? Why hath Satan filled thine heart, that thou shouldest lie unto the holy Ghost? Thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. Howsoever then the adversaries of this doctrine grant the holy Ghost to be God, yet this cannot be, but hee must be a subsistent or person,4 seeing God is a being: but our goldinesse, goodnesse, godly motions, and other divine affections cannot be called God.§35Hee is a person, because hee is the authour of our baptisme, and wee are baptised in his name, that is, by his commandement and will. But we are not baptised by the commandement and will of a dead thing, or of a thing not existing; neither are wee baptised in the name of the graces or gifts of God.§46Because the properties of a person are attributed unto him; as that hee teacheth, that hee distributeth gifts even as hee will, that he comforteth,7 confirmeth, ruleth, reigneth: likewise, that he sendeth Apostles,8 that he speaketh in the Apostles: The holy Ghost shall teach you in the same houre what you ought to say. So also he declareth the things to come: The Spirit of truth will shew you the things to come.
1The holy Ghost is a person, proved by sive reasons:
He giveth prophecies of Simeons death, of Judas the traitor, of Peters journey to Cornelius, of Pauls bands and afflictions which should ⟨p. 337⟩betide him at Jerusalem, of a falling away, and of the deceivers in the last times, of the meaning of the high priests entrance into the holiest of all,1 of the first tabernacle, of the new covenant, of Christs sufferings, and his glory which should follow after them, and such like: he maketh request for us with sighs, which cannot be uttered; he crieth in our hearts, Abba, Father; he is tempted by them who lie unto him, he is a witness in heaven with the Father and the Son, he commandeth and willeth that the Apostles be separated; and lastly, he appointeth teachers in the Church: All these things are proper unto a person existing, intelligent, endued with a will, working and living.2§53Because he is plainly distinguished from the gifts and graces of God. All these things worketh the self-same Spirit, distributing to every man severally as he will. There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit: Wherefore the gifts differ much from the Spirit it self. Obj. The gift of God is not a person: 4The holy Ghost is called the gift of God: Therefore he is not a person. Ans. The Major is false, if it be universally taken: for the Son being given, is the gift of God, and yet is a person. The holy Ghost is called the gift of God, because he is sent from the Father and the Son.5 I will send the comforter unto you from the Father. Or we may answer; He is called a gift, in respect that he was sent, and dwelleth in the hearts of the saints to whom he is given; and is such a gift as worketh by his virtue and power the rest of his gifts and graces. Now that, to proceed, signifieth to exist, or to be from both, I prove; Because Paul calleth him the Spirit of God, which is of God, and in God: Of God; Because the Spirit floweth from the Father and the Son. In God; Therefore he is some-what of God himself. Other spirits are not in God, that is, in the substance of God. And what is in God, that is the very essence of God.
Hee giveth prophecies of Simeons death, of Judas the traitor, of Peters journey to Cornelius, of Pauls bands and afflictions which should ⟨p. 337⟩betide him at Jerusalem, of a falling away, and of the deceivers in the last times, of the meaning of the high priests entrance into the holiest of all,1 of the first tabernacle, of the new covenant, of Christs sufferings, and his glory which should follow after them, and such like: he maketh request for us with sighs, which cannot be uttered; he crieth in our hearts, Abba, Father; he is tempted by them who lie unto him, he is a witnesse in heaven with the Father and the Son, he commandeth and willeth that the Apostles be separated; and lastly, he appointeth teachers in the Church: All these things are proper unto a person existing, intelligent, indued with a will, working and living.2§53Because he is plainly dishinguished from the gifts and graces of God. All these things worketh the self-same Spirit, distributing to every man severally as he will. There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit: Wherefore the gifts differ much from the Spirit it selfe. Obj. The gift of God is not a person: 4The holy Ghost is called the gift of God: Therefore he is not a person. Ans. The Major is false, if it be universally taken: for the Son being given, is the gift of God, and yet is a person. The holy Ghost is called the gift of God, because he is sent from the Father and the Son.5 I will send the comforter unto you from the Father. Or we may answer; He is called a gift, in respect that he was sent, and dwelleth in the hearts of the saints to whom he is given; and is such a gift as worketh by his vertue and power the rest of his gifts and graces. Now that, to proceed, signifieth to exist, or to be from both, I prove; Because Paul calleth him the Spirit of God, which is of God, and in God: Of God; Because the Spirit floweth from the Father and the Son. In God; Therefore he is some-what of God himself. Other spirits are not in God, that is, in the substance of God. And what is in God, that is the very essence of God.
II. That the holy Ghost is other, that is, distinct from the Father and the Son, we prove against those who say, He is the subsistent of the Father, namely, the Sabellians.1 Which we prove, §12From the very appellation, in that he is called the Spirit of the Father and the Son: For none is his own Spirit, as none is his own Father, and none is his own Son: Therefore he is other from both. Object. That which is common to all the persons ought not to be distinguished and severed: The name Spirit is common to all the three persons: Therefore it ought not to be distinguished. Ans. This whole reason we grant, if it be understood of the essence of the persons, and not of their order of being and working: for as he that breatheth, and the breath it self differ; so he that inspireth, and the spirit are different: he that proceedeth is one, and he another from whom he proceedeth: the third person of the God-head is one, and the first or second another. But the holy Ghost is said to be the third person of the God-head, and this is not in that respect, as if there were in God any first or last in time; but in respect of the order or manner of being; because the holy Ghost hath his essence from the Father and the Son, from both which he proceeded from everlasting; as also he is the spirit of both. In like manner the Son is called the second person, because he is of the Father; the Father the first person, because he is of none.§23The holy Ghost is in express words called another: I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter. There are three which bear record in heaven, the Father, 4the Word, and the holy Ghost; and these three are one: The holy Ghost therefore is a distinct person from the Father and the Son.§35He is sent of the Father and the Son: Therefore he is another from both; for none is sent of himself: One may come of his own will or of himself; but none can be sent of himself.6 I will send him unto you from the Father. The Father sendeth him in my name. §47The holy Ghost hath distinct attributes or properties personal from them. The holy Ghost proceedeth only from the Father and the Son. He alone appeared in the shape of a Dove, in the likeness of fire; not the Father or the Son. Christ is said to have been conceived, not by the Father or the Son, but by the holy Ghost, that is, by the immediate virtue and efficacy of the holy Ghost.
II. That the holy Ghost is other, that is, distinct from the Father and the Son, we prove against those who say, He is the subsistent of the Father, namely, the Sabellians.1 Which we prove, §12From the very appellation, in that he is called the Spirit of the Father and the Son: For none is his own Spirit, as none is his own Father, and none is his own Son: Therefore he is other from both. Object. That which is common to all the persons ought not to be distinguished and severed: The name Spirit is common to all the three persons: Therefore it ought not to be distinguished. Ans. This whole reason we grant, if it be understood of the essence of the persons, and not of their order of being and working: for as he that breatheth, and the breath it self differ; so he that inspireth, and the spirit are different: he that proceedeth is one, and he another from whom he proceedeth: the third person of the God-head is one, and the first or second another. But the holy Ghost is said to be the third person of the God-head, and this is not in that respect, as if there were in God any first or last in time; but in respect of the order or manner of being; because the holy Ghost hath his essence from the Father and the Son, from both which he proceeded from everlasting; as also he is the spirit of both. In like manner the Son is called the second person, because he is of the Father; the Father the first person, because he is of none.§23The holy Ghost is in expresse words called another: I will pray the Father, and hee shall give you another Comforter. There are three which bear record in heaven, the Father, 4the Word, and the holy Ghost; and these three are one: The holy Ghost therefore is a distinct person from the Father and the Son.§35Hee is sent of the Father and the Son: Therefore he is another from both; for none is sent of himself: One may come of his own will or of himself; but none can be sent of himself.6 I will send him unto you from the Father. The Father sendeth him in my name. §47
1Four proofs that the holy Ghost is distinct from the Father and the Son.
2From his appellation or name.
3By express testimony of Scripture.By expresse testimony of Scripture.
The holy Ghost shall come upon thee, 1and the power of the most High shall over-shadow thee. Wherefore he is another from the Father and the Son; which is diligently to be observed: for the adversaries hereof, being convicted of the person of the holy Ghost, grant that he is a subsistence, but of the Father: and thus they argue or reason, Object. The virtue and power of the Father, ⟨p. 338⟩is the Father himself: The holy Ghost is called the virtue and power of the Father: Therefore the holy Ghost is the Father himself. Ans. This reason is sophistical, because virtue is not taken for the same in the Major, for which it is taken in the Minor: for in the Major it is taken for the power of the Father; in the Minor for the person by whom the Father showeth forth his power.
The holy Ghost shall come upon thee, 1and the power of the most High shall over-shadow thee. Wherefore he is another from the Father and the Son; which is diligently to be observed: for the adversaries hereof, being convicted of the person of the holy Ghost, grant that he is a subsistence, but of the Father: and thus they argue or reason, Object. The vertue and power of the Father, ⟨p. 338⟩is the Father himselfe: The holy Ghost is called the vertue and power of the Father: Therefore the holy Ghost is the Father himself. Ans. This reason is sophisticall, because vertue is not taken for the same in the Major, for which it is taken in the Minor: for in the Major it is taken for the power of the Father; in the Minor for the person by whom the Father sheweth forth his power.
III. That the holy Ghost is equal with the Father and the Son, these arguments do prove:1§12The essence of the Father and the Son is communicated unto him; because he proceedeth from both, and is the Spirit of both: But there is nothing in God which is not his essence: Seeing then that is indivisible, it must needs be whole and the same communicated unto him, which is in the Father and the Son. As the spirit of man which is in man is of the essence of man: so the Spirit of God which is in God is of the essence of God. By this it appeareth, What is the proceeding of the holy Ghost; namely, the communicating of the divine essence, whereby the third person of the God-head alone receiveth the same and whole or entire essence from the Father and the Son, as from him whose Spirit he is: as also the begetting of the Son is a communicating of the divine essence, which the second person of the God-head alone receiveth, as a Son of his Father, whole and entirely the same which the Father hath and retaineth.
III. That the holy Ghost is equall with the Father and the Son, these arguments doe prove:1§12The essence of the Father and the Son is communicated unto him; because hee proceedeth from both, and is the Spirit of both: But there is nothing in God which is not his essence: Seeing then that is indivisible, it must needs be whole and the same communicated unto him, which is in the Father and the Son. As the spirit of man which is in man is of the essence of man: so the Spirit of God which is in God is of the essence of God. By this it appeareth, What is the proceeding of the holy Ghost; namely, the communicating of the divine essence, whereby the third person of the God-head alone receiveth the same and whole or entire essence from the Father and the Son, as from him whose Spirit hee is: as also the begetting of the Son is a communicating of the divine essence, which the second person of the God-head alone receiveth, as a Son of his Father, whole and entirely the same which the Father hath and retaineth.
1Four proofs that the holy Ghost is equal with the Father and the Son.Four proofs that the holy Ghost is equall with the Father and the Son.
2His proceeding from both.His proceding from both.
1And, That the holy Ghost proceedeth from the Son also, is proved by certain reasons: §11. Because he is called the Sons Spirit; If any man hath not the Spirit of Christ, the same is not his. 2He hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts. The Spirit of his Son; that is, not given unto the Son of the Father; but existing and proceeding, as of the Fathers, so of the Sons substance, seeing the Son is equal and consubstantial with the Father. §22. Because the Son, together with the Father, giveth him:3 Receive the holy Ghost. §33. Because the holy Ghost receiveth the wisdom of the Son, which he revealeth unto us: He shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you. 4But seeing the holy Ghost is true God, consubstantial with the Father and the Son, he cannot receive any thing but of him of whose substance he is. Wherefore he proceedeth of the substance of the Son, because he receiveth that of him which is the Sons.
1And, That the holy Ghost proceedeth from the Son also, is proved by certain reasons: §11. Because he is called the Sons Spirit; If any man hath not the Spirit of Christ, the same is not his. 2He hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts. The Spirit of his Son; that is, not given unto the Son of the Father; but existing and proceeding, as of the Fathers, so of the Sons substance, seeing the Son is equall and consubstantiall with the Father. §22. Because the Son, together with the Father, giveth him:3 Receive the holy Ghost. §33. Because the holy Ghost receiveth the wisdome of the Son, which hee revealeth unto us: Hee shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. 4But seeing the holy Ghost is true God, consubstantiall with the Father and the Son, hee cannot receive any thing but of him of whose substance hee is. Wherefore he proceedeth of the substance of the Son, because he receiveth that of him which is the Sons.
1His proceeding from the Son proved three ways.His proceeding from the Son proved three wayes.
1The holy Ghosts equality with the Father and the Son is proved by those divine attributes and properties which are attributed and communicated to the holy Ghost: as, §12Eternity; because he created heaven and earth, and because God was never without his Spirit:3 The Spirit of the Lord moved upon the waters. §24Immensity, or unmeasurablenesse, as who dwelleth whole and entirely in all the elect:5 The Spirit of God dwelleth in you. Through the holy Ghost which dwelleth in us. §36Omnipotency; because he, together with the Father and the Son, created and preserveth all things:7 By the Word of the Lord were the heavens made, and the hosts of them by the Breath of his mouth. All these things worketh even the self same Spirit, distributing to every man severally as he will. §48Omniscience; that is,9the knowledge of all things: The Spirit searcheth all things, even the deep things of God. §510Infinite goodness and holiness, and the causing of goodness and sanctity in the creatures:11 Let thy good Spirit lead me into the land of righteousness. Ye are sanctified in the name of our Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. §612Unchangeableness:13 This Scripture must needs have been fulfilled which the holy Ghost spake. §714Truth not to be doubted of, and the fountain of truth: When the Comforter shall come, 15even the Spirit of truth. The Spirit is truth. §816Unspeakable mercy: The love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the holy Ghost which is given unto us. 17The Spirit also helpeth our infirmities §918Indignation against even hidden sins: They rebelled, and vexed his holy Spirit. The blasphemy against the holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men. 19Why have ye agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? Grieve not the holy Spirit of God, by whom ye are sealed.
1The holy Ghosts equality with the Father and the Son is proved by those divine attributes and properties which are attributed and communicated to the holy Ghost: as, §12Eternity; because hee created heaven and earth, and because God was never without his Spirit:3 The Spirit of the Lord moved upon the waters. §24Immensity, or unmeasurablenesse, as who dwelleth whole and intirely in all the elect:5 The Spirit of God dwelleth in you. Through the holy Ghost which dwelleth in us. §36Omnipotency; because hee, together with the Father and the Son, created and preserveth all things:7 By the Word of the Lord were the heavens made, and the hosts of them by the Breath of his mouth. All these things worketh even the selfe same Spirit, distributing to every man severally as hee will. §48Omnisciency; that is,9the knowledge of all things: The Spirit searcheth all things, even the deep things of God. §510Infinite goodnesse and holinesse, and the causing of goodnesse and sanctity in the creatures:11 Let thy good Spirit lead mee into the land of righteousnesse. Yee are sanctified in the name of our Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. §612Unchangeablenesse:13 This Scripture must needs have been fulfilled which the holy Ghost spake.
1The same divine works which are attributed to the Father and the Son, are also attributed to the holy Ghost; and these, both the general and universal works, as the general creation, preservation, and government of the whole world: ⟨p. 339⟩His Spirit hath garnished the heavens. The Spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life. And also singular and special effects; as miracles:2 I cast out Devils by the Spirit of God. There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. Likewise, those works which properly belong to the salvation of his Church; as the calling and sending of Prophets: The Lord God and his Spirit hath sent me. 3The holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul. Take heed to all the flock whereof the holy Ghost hath made you overseers. The bestowing of competent and fit graces for the ministry on ministers: The holy Ghost shall teach you. 4The manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. The publishing of the doctrine of the Prophets and Apostles: Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the holy Ghost. 5The instituting of Sacraments: Baptise them in the name of the Father, 6the Son and the holy Ghost. Whereby the holy Ghost this signified, 7that the way into the Holiest of all was not yet opened, while as yet the first tabernacle was standing. The fore-telling and prophesying of things to come: he will show you the things to come. 8Agabus signified that there should be a great famine. The Spirit speaketh evidently, that in the later times some shall depart from the faith. The gathering of the Church:9 In whom also ye are built together to be the habitation of God by the Spirit. 10By one Spirit are we all baptised into one body. The enlightening of mens minds:11 The holy Ghost shall teach you all things. He shall lead you into all truth. God gave unto you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation through the knowledge of him. Regeneration and sanctification:12 Except a man be borne again of water and of the Spirit, 13&c. We are changed into the same image, from glory to glory, as by the Spirit of the Lord. The governing of the actions and whole life of the godly: As many as are led by the Spirit of God, 14they are the sons of God. They were forbidden of the holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia. 15Comforting in temptations: The Comforter is the holy Ghost, 16whom the Father will send in my name.
1The same divine works which are attributed to the Father and the Son, are also attributed to the holy Ghost; and these, both the generall and universall works, as the generall creation, preservation, and government of the whole world: ⟨p. 339⟩His Spirit hath garnished the heavens. The Spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given mee life. And also singular and speciall effects; as miracles:2 I cast out Divels by the Spirit of God. There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. Likewise, those works which properly belong to the salvation of his Church; as the calling and sending of Prophets: The Lord God and his Spirit hath sent me. 3The holy Ghost said, Separate mee Barnabas and Saul. Take heed to all the flock whereof the holy Ghost hath made you overseers. The bestowing of competent and fit graces for the ministery on ministers: The holy Ghost shall teach you. 4The manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withall. The publishing of the doctrine of the Prophets and Apostles: Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the holy Ghost. 5The instituting of Sacraments: Baptise them in the name of the Father, 6the Son and the holy Ghost. Whereby the holy Ghost this signified, 7that the way into the Holiest of all was not yet opened, while as yet the first tabernacle was standing. The fore-telling and prophecying of things to come: he will shew you the things to come. 8Agabus signified that there should be a great famine. The Spirit speaketh evidently, that in the later times some shall depart from the faith. The gathering of the Church:9 In whom also yee are built together to be the habitation of God by the Spirit. 10By one Spirit are wee all baptised into one body. The enlightning of mens mindes:
1The Churches were edified and multiplied by the comfort of the holy Ghost. I will pour upon the house of David the Spirit of grace and compassion. 2The strengthening and preserving of the regenerate against the force of temptation, even unto the end: The Spirit of strength shall rest upon him. 3He shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever. In whom also ye are sealed with the holy Spirit of promise. The pardoning of sins, and adopting the sons of God: Ye have received the Spirit of adoption. 4Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. Ye are justified in the name of our Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. The bestowing of salvation and life everlasting:5 It is the Spirit that quickeneth. If the Spirit of him which raised up Christ from the dead dwell in you, 6he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies, because that his Spirit dwelleth in you. Judgement and sentence against sin:7 When the Comforter shall come, he shall reprove the world of sin. 8The blasphemy against the holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men.
1The Churches were edified and multiplyed by the comfort of the holy Ghost. I will powre upon the house of David the Spirit of grace and compassion. 2The strengthening and preserving of the regenerate against the force of temptation, even unto the end: The Spirit of strength shall rest upon him. 3Hee shall give you another Comforter, that hee may abide with you for ever. In whom also yee are sealed with the holy Spirit of promise. The pardoning of sins, and adopting the sonnes of God: Yee have received the Spirit of adoption. 4Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. Yee are justified in the name of our Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. The bestowing of salvation and life everlasting:5 It is the Spirit that quickeneth. If the Spirit of him which raised up Christ from the dead dwell in you, 6hee that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortall bodies, because that his Spirit dwelleth in you. Judgement and sentence against sin:7 When the Comforter shall come, he shall reprove the world of sin. 8The blasphemy against the holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men.
1Equal and the same honour is given to the holy Ghost, which is given both to the Father and the Son. To no creature, but to God alone is to be given divine honour, that is, honour proper to God only: But this is given to the holy Ghost: Therefore he is God equal with the Father and the Son:2 There are three which bear witness in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the holy Ghost, and these three are one: The holy Ghost therefore is the same true God with the Father and the Son. Go and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the holy Ghost: By this testimony we are taught,3 1. That we are baptized also into the name, faith, worship, and religion of the holy Ghost. 2. That the holy Ghost is author also of baptism and the ministry. In like sort also we believe and put our trust in him: Let not your hearts be troubled: I will pray the Father, 4and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever. That sin which is committed against him is not remitted; therefore we sin against him. We are his temple: Ye are the temple of the holy Ghost▪5and the Spirit of God dwelleth in you. The Apostles in their Epistles wish unto the Churches grace and peace from the holy Ghost: The communion of the holy Ghost be with you. 6Object. 1. He that is sent, is not equal with him that sendeth: The holy Ghost is sent, and the Father and the Son ⟨p. 340⟩send him: Therefore the holy Ghost is not equal with the Father and the Son. Ans. We deny the Major: For Christ that is sent may be equal with him that sendeth: for Christ also being sent of the Father, yet is equal with the Father; this sending doth not betoken any servile subjection. Object. 2. He that receiveth of another, is not equal with him that giveth: The holy Ghost receiveth of the Father and the Son: Therefore he is not equal with both. Ans. The Major is true of one that receiveth of another but a part, and not the whole; but the holy Ghost receiveth the same and whole essence of the Father and the Son. Again, it is true of him that receiveth in time, or successively: but the holy Ghost receiveth before all time. Thirdly, to the Minor we say, that he received, as touching the ordaining and sending of him unto us, to teach us immediately: but this sending establisheth and confirmeth his equality, because it is a divine work:
1Equall and the same honour is given to the holy Ghost, which is given both to the Father and the Son. To no creature, but to God alone is to be given divine honour, that is, honour proper to God only: But this is given to the holy Ghost: Therefore hee is God equall with the Father and the Son:2 There are three which bear witnesse in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the holy Ghost, and these three are one: The holy Ghost therefore is the same true God with the Father and the Son. Goe and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Sonne, and the holy Ghost: By this testimony wee are taught,3 1. That wee are baptized also into the name, faith, worship, and religion of the holy Ghost. 2. That the holy Ghost is authour also of baptisme and the ministery. In like sort also we beleeve and put our trust in him: Let not your hearts be troubled: I will pray the Father, 4and hee shall give you another Comforter, that hee may abide with you for ever. That sin which is committed against him is not remitted; therefore wee sin against him. We are his temple: Ye are the temple of the holy Ghost▪5and the Spirit of God dwelleth in you. The Apostles in their Epistles wish unto the Churches grace and peace from the holy Ghost: The communion of the holy Ghost be with you. 6Object. 1. Hee that is sent, is not equall with him that sendeth: The holy Ghost is sent, and the Father and the Son ⟨p. 340⟩send him: Therefore the holy Ghost is not equall with the Father and the Son. Ans. We deny the Major: For Christ that is sent may be equall with him that sendeth: for Christ also being sent of the Father, yet is equall with the Father; this sending doth not betoken any servile subjection. Object. 2. He that receiveth of another, is not equall with him that giveth: The holy Ghost receiveth of the Father and the Son: Therefore he is not equall with both. Ans. The Major is true of one that receiveth of another but a part, and not the whole; but the holy Ghost receiveth the same and whole essence of the Father and the Son. Again, it is true of him that receiveth in time, or successively: but the holy Ghost receiveth before all time. Thirdly, to the Minor we say, that he received, as touching the ordaining and sending of him unto us, to teach us immediately: but this sending establisheth and confirmeth his equality, because it is a divine work:
and the ordaining of him to teach us immediately, doth not lessen, but strengthen his equality. Obj. 3. The Father made all things by the Son: therefore he made the holy Ghost by him also. Answ. The Father made all things by the Son;1 that is, all things that were made, because it is said, And without him was made nothing that was made. But the holy Ghost is not made, but proceedeth from the Father and the Son.
1IIII. That the holy Ghost is consubstantial, that is, one and the same true God with the Father and the Son, is proved by these reasons: §11. Because he is the Fathers and the Sons Spirit. But the divine essence cannot be multiplied, as neither can another be created, nor the same divided: Therefore the self-same, and the whole must needs be communicated to the holy Ghost, which is the essence of the Father and the Son. From both which the holy Ghost proceedeth, as the Spirit of God in God, and of God. §22. There is but one true God. The holy Ghost is true God: therefore the holy Ghost is that one and the same true God with the Father and the Son, consubstantial with both. §33. There is but one Jehovah, that is, but one divine essence or being, one essentially: who alone is of none, but himself communicateth his being to all things, and preserveth it in them. The holy Ghost is Jehovah:* therefore he is the same with the Father and the Son, God consubstantially with both. Object. He that is of another, is not consubstantial with him, or is not the same with him, of, or from whom he is: The holy Ghost is of the Father and the Son: Therefore he is not the same with them, or consubstantial. Answ. The Major is true in creatures, but not in God. 2. There is an ambiguity in this term, to be of another: He that is of another, and hath not the same or whole essence, is not consubstantial: But the holy Ghost hath the same and whole essence, and therefore it followeth only, that he is not the same person. Therefore by inverting the argument we answer; that he who is of the Father, and from the Father, is consubstantial with him, as likewise with the Son, of, and from whom he also is.
1IIII. That the holy Ghost is consubstantiall, that is, one and the same true God with the Father and the Sonne, is proved by these reasons: §11. Because hee is the Fathers and the Sons Spirit. But the divine essence cannot be multiplied, as neither can another be created, nor the same divided: Therefore the selfe-same, and the whole must needs be communicated to the holy Ghost, which is the essence of the Father and the Son. From both which the holy Ghost proceedeth, as the Spirit of God in God, and of God. §22. There is but one true God. The holy Ghost is true God: therefore the holy Ghost is that one and the same true God with the Father and the Son, consubstantiall with both. §33. There is but one Jehovah, that is, but one divine essence or being, one essentially: who alone is of none, but himselfe communicateth his being to all things, and preserveth it in them. The holy Ghost is Jehovah:* therefore he is the same with the Father and the Son, God consubstantially with both. Object. Hee that is of another, is not consubstantiall with him, or is not the same with him, of, or from whom he is: The holy Ghost is of the Father and the Sonne: Therefore hee is not the same with them, or consubstantiall. Answ. The Major is true in creatures, but not in God. 2. There is an ambiguity in this terme, to be of another: He that is of another, and hath not the same or whole essence, is not consubstantiall: But the holy Ghost hath the same and whole essence, and therefore it followeth only, that he is not the same person. Therefore by inverting the argument we answer; that he who is of the Father, and from the Father, is consubstantiall with him, as likewise with the Son, of, and from whom he also is.
1Three proofs that the holy Ghost is consubstantial with the Father and the Son.Three proofs that the holy Ghost is consubstantiall with the Father and the Son.
The office of the holy Ghost is sanctification, 1which is wrought immediately by him from the Father and the Son, and therefore he is called The Spirit of sanctification. The chief parts of his office are, To teach, To regenerate, To unite with Christ and God, To govern. To comfort, To confirm or strengthen us. The holy Ghost therefore, §12Teacheth and illuminateth us, that we may know those things which we ought, and may conceive them aright, according to Christs promise: The holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things: and bring all things to your remembrance, which I have told you. The Spirit of truth will lead you into all truth. So he taught the Apostles at Whitsuntide, when they were raw before, of Christs death and his kingdom: he kindled in their hearts a new light, he poured into them the miraculous knowledge of tongues and fulfilled the testimony and record of Joel. Hereof he is called in Scripture, The Teacher of truth, the Spirit of wisdom, revelation, understanding, counsel and knowledge, &c. §23He regenerateth us, when he endoweth us with new qualities, and putteth new inclinations in our hearts, that is, he worketh faith and conversion in the hearts of the chosen.4 Except a man ⟨p. 341⟩be born of water, and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. I baptise you with water to amendment of life: but he that cometh after me, 5he will baptise you with the holy Ghost, and with fire. This baptism which is wrought of Christ by the holy Ghost is the very regeneration or renewing it self, the same which was signified by the outward baptism of John, and of other ministers.§36He conjoineth us with Christ, that we may be his members, and may be quickened by him, and so maketh us partakers of all Christs benefits. I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh. 7But ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. Know ye not that your body is the temple of the holy Ghost which is in you, 8whom ye have of God? No man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the holy Ghost. There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. By one Spirit we are all baptised into the same Spirit. Hereby we know that he abideth in us, 9even by the same Spirit which he hath given us. §410He ruleth and governeth us:
THe office of the holy Ghost is sanctification, 1which is wrought immediately by him from the Father and the Son, and therefore he is called The Spirit of sanctification. The chiefe parts of his office are, To teach, To regenerate, To unite with Christ and God, To governe. To comfort, To confirme or strengthen us. The holy Ghost therefore, §12Teacheth and illuminateth us, that wee may know those things which wee ought, and may conceive them aright, according to Christs promise: The holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, hee shall teach you all things: and bring all things to your remembrance, which I have told you. The Spirit of truth will lead you into all truth. So he taught the Apostles at Whitsontide, when they were raw before, of Christs death and his kingdom: he kindled in their hearts a new light, he powred into them the miraculous knowledge of tongues and fulfilled the testimony and record of Joel. Hereof he is called in Scripture, The Teacher of truth, the Spirit of wisdom, revelation, understanding, counsell and knowledge, &c. §23He regenerateth us, when he endoweth us with new qualities, and putteth new inclinations in our hearts, that is, hee worketh faith and conversion in the hearts of the chosen.4 Except a man ⟨p. 341⟩be born of water, and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdome of God. I baptise you with water to amendment of life: but hee that cometh after me, 5hee will baptise you with the holy Ghost, and with fire. This baptisme which is wrought of Christ by the holy Ghost is the very regeneration or renewing it selfe, the same which was signified by the outward baptisme of John, and of other ministers.§36Hee conjoyneth us with Christ, that we may be his members, and may be quickned by him, and so maketh us partakers of all Christs benefits. I will powr out my Spirit upon all flesh. 7But yee are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. Know ye not that your body is the temple of the holy Ghost which is in you,
1Sanctification the office of the holy Ghost. The parts of his office are five. Spirit […], copulatqu•, ••guqu•; Et cen ol•tur•••••a salutis•••.Sanctification the office of the holy Ghost. The parts of his office are five. Spirit 〈…〉, copulatqu•, ••guqu•; Et cen ol•tur•••••a salutis•••.
Now, to be ruled and guided by the holy Ghost, is to be instructed with wisdom and counsel in the actions of our life and vocation, and inclined to follow those things which are right and good, and to perform the duties of love and charity towards God and our neighbour:1 As many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. And they began to speak with tongues, 2as the Spirit of God gave them utterance. §53He comforteth us amidst our afflictions and dangers. The Apostles, who were first flying away for fear of the Jews, now being erected by the comfort and solace of the holy Ghost, come forth into open place, and rejoice when they are to suffer for the confession of the Gospel:4 He will give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever. §65He confirmeth us which stagger and waver in faith, and assureth us of salvation; that is, he continueth and cherisheth in us Christs benefits unto the end: So he made the Apostles courageous and bold, who were before timorous, and wrapped and entangled with many doubts. These things we may plainly see, if we compare that Sermon which Peter made at Whitsuntide, with their speech who went to Emmaus, who say,6 We trusted that it had been he which should have delivered Israel. Hereof Christ saith: Your hearts shall rejoice, and your joy shall no man take from you. He shall abide with you for even. Hence is he called the Spirit of boldness: and the seal of our inheritance.
Now, to be ruled and guided by the holy Ghost, is to be instructed with wisdome and counsell in the actions of our life and vocation, and inclined to follow those things which are right and good, and to perform the duties of love and charity towards God and our neighbour:1 As many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. And they began to speak with tongues, 2as the Spirit of God gave them utterance. §53He comforteth us amidst our afflictions and dangers. The Apostles, who were first flying away for fear of the Jews, now being erected by the comfort and solace of the holy Ghost, come forth into open place, and rejoice when they are to suffer for the confession of the Gospel:4 He will give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever. §65He confirmeth us which stagger and waver in faith, and assureth us of salvation; that is, he continueth and cherisheth in us Christs benefits unto the end: So he made the Apostles couragious and bold, who were before timorous, and wrapped and intangled with many doubts. These things we may plainly see, if we compare that Sermon which Peter made at Whitsontide, with their speech who went to Emmaus, who say,6 Wee trusted that it had been he which should have delivered Israel. Hereof Christ saith: Your hearts shall rejoice, and your joy shall no man take from you. He shall abide with you for even. Hence is he called the Spirit of boldnesse: and the seale of our inheritance.
1These are the chief and principal parts of the holy Ghosts office, who, in respect of this his office, hath divers titles of commendation in the Scripture: for hereof he is called, §12The Spirit of adoption; because he assureth us of the fatherly good will of God towards us, and is a witness unto us of that free goodness and mercy wherewith the Father embraceth us in his only begotten Son. Therefore by his Spirit we cry, Abba, Father. §23He is called the earnest and seal of our inheritance; because he assureth us of our salvation: It is God which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us: who hath also sealed us, and hath given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts. In which Gospel also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with the holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance. §34He is called life; because he quickeneth us: or (as the Apostle saith) The Spirit of life, who mortifieth the old man, and quickeneth the new The law of the Spirit of life which is in Christ Jesus hath freed me from the law of sin and of death. §45He is called water, whereby he refresheth us, being almost dead in sin, purgeth out sin, and maketh us fruitful, that we may bring forth the fruit of righteousness unto God. §56He is called fire; because he doth daily burn up and consume concupiscences and vices in us, and kindleth our hearts with the love of God and our neighbour.§67He is called the fountain; because celestial riches do flow unto us from him, and by him.§78He is called the Spirit of prayer; because he stirreth us up unto prayer, and instructeth us to pray: I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace, and of prayer, and they shall look upon me. The Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what to pray as we ought. §89The oil of gladness; because he maketh us joyful, forward, and lively: Wherefore God, even thy God hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness. §910He is called the Comforter; because he worketh faith in us, and purifieth our consciences, and so comforteth us, that we exult and rejoice in afflictions. §1011He is called Intercessor; because the Spirit maketh request ⟨p. 342⟩or intercession for us, with sighs which cannot be expressed. §1112He is called lastly, the Spirit of truth, of wisdom, of joy, of gladness, of fear of God, of boldness, and the like.
1These are the chiefe and principall parts of the holy Ghosts office, who, in respect of this his office, hath divers titles of commendation in the Scripture: for hereof he is called, §12The Spirit of adoption; because he assureth us of the fatherly good will of God towards us, and is a witnesse unto us of that free goodnesse and mercy wherewith the Father imbraceth us in his only begotten Son. Therefore by his Spirit we cry, Abba, Father. §23He is called the earnest and seal of our inheritance; because he assureth us of our salvation: It is God which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath annointed us: who hath also sealed us, and hath given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts. In which Gospel also after that yee beleeved, yee were sealed with the holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance. §34Hee is called life; because he quickneth us: or (as the Apostle saith) The Spirit of life, who mortifieth the old man, and quickeneth the new The law of the Spirit of life which is in Christ Jesus hath freed me from the law of sin and of death. §45Hee is called water, whereby hee refresheth us, being almost dead in sin, purgeth out sin, and maketh us fruitfull, that wee may bring forth the fruit of righteousnesse unto God. §56Hee is called fire; because he doth daily burn up and consume concupiscences and vices in us, and kindleth our hearts with the love of God and our neighbour.§67Hee is called the fountaine; because celestiall riches do flow unto us from him, and by him.§78He is called the Spirit of prayer; because he stirreth us up unto prayer, and instructeth us to pray: I will powr upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace, and of prayer, and they shall look upon me. The Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what to pray as we ought.
The holy Ghost hath distinct attributes or properties personall from them. The holy Ghost proceedeth only from the Father and the Son. He alone appeared in the shape of a Dove, in the likenesse of fire; not the Father or the Son. Christ is said to have been conceived, not by the Father or the Son, but by the holy Ghost, that is, by the immediate vertue and efficacy of the holy Ghost.
The holy Ghost shall teach you all things. Hee shall lead you into all truth. God gave unto you the Spirit of wisdome and revelation through the knowledge of him. Regeneration and sanctification:
&c. Wee are changed into the same image, from glory to glory, as by the Spirit of the Lord. The governing of the actions and whole life of the godly: As many as are led by the Spirit of God,
whom ye have of God? No man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the holy Ghost. There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. By one Spirit we are all baptised into the same Spirit. Hereby we know that he abideth in us,
Hee is called the Comforter; because hee worketh faith in us, and purifieth our consciences, and so comforteth us, that wee exult and rejoice in afflictions.
