§. 99. Of the resurrection from the dead, as an evi∣dence of Gods power.
THE particular whereupon Abraham pitched his faith, concerning Gods power, was, raising from the dead. For faith herein enboldens a believer to any thing. Abraham is hereby emboldned to offer his Son for a burnt-offering. Martyrs have hereby been enboldned to endure what Tyrants and Persecu•…•…ors could inflict upon them. Many were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they •…•…ight obtain a better resurrection, v. 35. This emboldned Daniel, and his three companions, Dan. 3. 17. and 6. 10. On this ground the Apostle saith of him∣self and other believers, we stand in jeopardy every hour, 1 Cor. 15. 30.* 1.1
Resurrection from the dead, implyeth a full restauration of that which may seem to be lost. Hereby the Widow of Sareptah's Son, [1 King. 17. 23.] and the Shunamites, [2 King. 4. 36.] were restored again sound, as before they died. So all that were raised by Christ, and his Apostles, and above all, Christ himself. So all believers at the generall Resurrection, 1 Cor. 15. 42. &c.
Among other evidences of Gods power, meditate on this especially. It is the greatest that ever God gave. Where mention is made of this instance, mention also useth to be made of Gods power, Eph. 1. 19, 20. Rom. 1. 4. and 6. 4.* 1.2 1 Cor. 6. 14. Death is that that tameth the stoutest. What are armies of men, troops of beasts, yea all creatures gathered together, what are they to death?
If death seize on them, where is their strength? when death cometh, we say, there is no hope. He that is able to deliver from death, what can he not deliver from? There is no meditation like to this.