Theologicall questions, dogmaticall observations, and evangelicall essays, vpon the Gospel of Jesus Christ, according to St. Matthew Wherein, about two thousand six hundred and fifty necessary, and profitable questions are discussed; and five hundred and eighty speciall points of doctrine noted; and five hundred and fifty errours confuted, or objections answered: together with divers arguments, whereby divers truths, and true tenents are confirmed. By Richard VVard, sometimes student in the famous vniversities of Cambridge in England: St. Andrews in Scotland: and Master of Arts of both the kingdoms; and now a preacher in the famous city of London.

[Vers. 20] VERS. 20. Then beganne he to upbraid the Cities, wherein most of his mighty workes were done, because they repented not.

[Sect. 1] §. 1. Tunc. Then beganne hee to upbraid the Ci∣ties.

This voyce Then, doth denote the time to bee the fame with the former, or that this verse and those which follow were spoken at the same time with the verses foregoing, and upon the occasion of them. As if the Evangelist would say, after that Christ had spoken these things (from verse 16. &c.) in generall, hee applyeth them particu∣larly, [Observ.] whence note: That the most profitable preaching, is to apply generall Doctrines to par∣ticular persons. Reade for the proofe, and Apo∣stolicall practise hereof. 1 Corinth 3.1. &c, and 5.1. and 6.10. and 10.6. &c. and 1••.8. &c. Galath. 3.1.

[Sect. 2] §. 2. Wherein most of his mighty workes were done.

[Quest. 1] What is the sense and meaning of these words?

[Answ. 1] First, the word here used (〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉) signifies nei∣ther Miracles, nor Workes, but Vertue, and Pow∣er; which he shewed more amongst them, then others, more there then elsewhere.

[Answ. 2] Secondly, the meaning therefore is, they are more worthy of anger, and punishment, then o∣thers, because they have plainely and evidently seene, that there was divine vertue and power in Christ: but others might thus excuse themselues, wee know not whether he be from heaven or of men: yea we know, that he is Ioseph the Carpen∣ters sonne, and that his Mothers name is Mary, and therefore none of the Elders will beleeve on him. Iohn 7.47. But now unto these cities he shew∣ed his divine power; and therefore they were in∣excusable.

[Quest. 2] What vertues doth the Evangelist here under∣stand, Christ to have shewed forth in these Ci∣ties?

[Answ. 1] First, his miraculous workes: If I had not done among them the workes which none other man did, they had not had sinne. Iohn 15.24. These Cities saw that hee was stronger then the Devill. Luke 11. and how he commanded with authority the un∣cleane spirits, Mark 1.27. They saw how the winds and Sea obeyed him. Matth. 8.27. Luke 8.25. And how hee loosed Lazarus, from the fet∣ters of death. Iohn 11.44.

[Answ. 2] Secondly, his vertue was shewed in the Preach∣ing of the Gospell: for he taught with power, and like one that had authority, and not as the Scribes. Matth. 7.29. and 9.6. Now these Cities saw Christs power both in his miraculous workes, and in his powerfull preaching; and therefore a deeper woe is denounced against them. Hence then ob∣serve.

[Observ.] That those to whom the power of Christ is more revealed, shall be most greevously punished if they relapse, and fall away. Iohn 3.19. If light come into the world, and be contemned by the world, the condemnation of the world is greater. So Rom. 2.4. If the riches of Gods mercy be offe∣red, and the offer thereof despised, the wrath of God then will bee the more swiftly, and sharp∣ly revealed.

Why shall those be more severely punished, [Quest. 3] to whom the power of Christ is more revea∣led, if they relapse and fall away?

First, because the Revelation of the power of [Answ. 1] Christ opens the gate unto salvation. Praemoniti, praemuniti, forewarned, forearmed; and therefore Sciens vivus vidensque peris: he perisheth willing∣ly, wittingly, and deservedly, who sees the dan∣ger, and yet will runne into it, who seeth the gate of heaven open, and will not enter therein, who seeth the way that leads unto life, and yet walkes in those paths that lead unto death.

Secondly, because such contemne great grace [Answ. 2] and mercy: for those who see the power of Christ, and yet turne backe againe unto folly, doe cast a∣way Christ, reject the Holy Ghost, and extinguish that light which God hath given them, and there∣fore shall be more severely punished. A sluggish servant will sleep in the morning; but if a servant bee often called, and awakened, and yet sleepes a∣gaine, it is then no longer negligence, but con∣tempt. So those who relapse after a Revelation of the power and vertue of Christ are guil∣ty.

I. Of sinne. And

II. Of infidelity. And

III. Of the contempt of Christ, the Holy Ghost, and the word of God. And therefore shall be the more greevously tormented.

How, or wherein is the power of Christ mani∣fested, [Quest. 4] or revealed?

First, in judicijs in his judgments. Ezech. 25.11 [Answer 1] and 30.19. Exod. 7.5. Psalm. 105.5. Esa. 26.9. Ierem. 5.3. The Lord sometimes corrects, afflicts, and punisheth us, that wee, (seeing his power) might learne to amend, sometimes he makes his power knowne upon others, that his owne people might observe his judgements; and powers forth his wrath and fury upon the disobedient, that wee might tremble and learne to obey;* 1.1 as the Dog is beaten before the young Lyon, to make the Lyon obedient, or the Condisciples of the young Prince, to make him feare.

Secondly, in Benedictionibus, in blessings and [Answer 2] mercy: Gods power is revealed in favours, and good things, as Esa. 26.10. And great is the judge∣ment of those who despise these. Reade Ezech. 16 Esa. 5.

Thirdly, in praedicatione verbi, his power is ra∣ther [Answer 3] revealed in the Preaching, and publishing of the word; that beeing the power of God unto salvation. Rom. 1 16. and 2.4. and 1 Thessal. 1.5. And therefore those who enjoy the preaching of the word, and despise it heape up unto themselves wrath against the day of wrath.

Fourthly, the power of Christ is principally, [Answer 4] shewed there, where the Spirit is powerfull in the heart. (1 Cor. 12.7. Hebr. 6.6. &c.) by any ge∣nerall or particular grace. And therefore they

who are enlightned by the Spirit must take heed of relapsing: for as they have despised and sleight∣ed a great grace, who doe thus, so they doe in∣curre a great judgement and condemnati∣on eternally.

[Sect. 3] §. 3. Because they repented not.

Our blessed Saviour doth not upbraid them, because they did not admire his Miracles, or be∣cause they did not entertaine or feast him; but be∣cause they repented not; yea the other they did, but not this: they wondred at his wonderfull workes, and many entertained him; but all was nothing without repentance. Whence we may note,

[Observ.] That where repentance is wanting, there all other duties are nothing worth: It is not suffici∣ent for a man to heare the word with reverence, or a shew of love, or a forme of obedience, (for these were in Herod. Mark 6.20.) except we seri∣ously repent and in sincerity obey, these onely be∣ing the blessed ones. Luke 11.28. Iohn 13.17. Ie∣rem. 4.4. Psalm. 34.14. Matth. 7.21. It is not enough for a man, to make a Profession of Religi∣on but he must indeed strive and study to eschew evill, and doe good (which is the nature of true Repentance) if hee would bee pleasing and accep∣table unto God.

[Quest. 1] How doth it appeare, that all wee doe in Re∣ligion is of no esteeme with God without Re∣pentance?

[Answ. 1] First, it appeares Authoritate, by a threefold au∣thority, namely,

I. Of the Baptist, who preacheth Repentance. Matth. 3.3. And

II. Of Christ, who preacheth repentance, Mat. 4.17. Luke. 24.47. And

III. Of the Apostles who preach the same do∣ctrine. Acts 2.38. and 3.19. and 26.18.

[Answ. 2] Secondly, it appeares Scopo by the Scope of Christ.

Now the scope of Christ in his comming was: I. To reduce men from their errours; And II. To free them from their sinnes. Luke 1.75. and Titus 11.2. &c. And therefore hence it appeares, that without repentance all is nothing.

[Quest. 2] Why doth not our Saviour rather upbraide these Cities because they beleeved not, then be∣cause they repented not, seeing wee are saved by faith, and Luther saith. Omnes damnari ob infide∣litatem, that all are damned for infidelity?

[Answ.] Certes, salvation is of faith, but repentance is the way unto faith, yea (Causa size qua non) without repentance there can be no faith, for those who never repented them of their sinnes, never had the least sparke of saving faith.

[Quest. 3] Who ought to repent?

[Answ.] All, who either

First, desire to be redeemed, from Sathan and death: Or

Secondly, who are in a miserable estate and condition. Now

I. Such are all men before repentance. Rom. 3.23. and 5.12. And

II. All that doe not truly repent.

[Quest. 4] Who doe not truely repent?

[Answ. 1] First, those who abide in their sinnes, not re∣penting them at all of their iniquities.

Secondly, those who by a fained and coun∣terfeit [Answ. 2] repentance deceive their own soule

Thirdly, those who repent key-coldly, and [Answ. 3] wash themselues with adulterate teares.

Fourthly, those who seeme both to others and [Answ. 4] themselues, seriously to repent, but afterwards re∣lapse with the dog to his vomit, and with the Swine that was washed to the wallowing in the mire. 2 Peter 2.22.

How must we repent? [Quest. 5]

There are two parts of Repentance, namely; [Answ.] 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Dediscere, Discere, damnare, a∣mare.

First, Resipiscere, quasi re-sapere, to bee wise a∣gaine, or to condemne our former wicked life and actions. Rom. 12.2. And therefore unto true re∣pentance it is required, that wee should seriously lament and bewaile what is by-past, and for the time to come, labour to be weaned from these things, to wit,

I. From all our former sinnes. 2 Peter 1.9. and 2.20. Galath. 5.24.

II. From the love of the word. Psalm 127.2. Iames 4.4.

III. From the contempt of the word; because it is a dangerous thing to despise the word, and so long as we doe so, we cannot truely repent: Reade 2 Chron. 36.16. Proverb. 1.24. Iohn 3.19. Acts 19.9. Ezech. 33.32.

IV. From despising of the blessed Spirit; that is, from greeving him. Ephes. 4.28. or extinguish∣ing his good motions. 1 Thessal. 5.19. And ther∣fore that we may avoid, and beware this the bet∣ter, let us remember how many calls we have neglected, and how many good motions we have smoothered.

V. From the neglect of salvation, wee must remember, how formerly we preferred pleasure and profit, yea, and all things before this, & learn both to repent, deplore, and amend it.

Secondly, Converti, to be converted and turned unto God; or to direct an averse heart unto him, and to labour, that hereafter our whole life may be directed and guided unto a new marke. And in these two; [To repent of, and turn from what is by-past, and amisse; and to amend our lives, and turne unto the Lord our God; and whatsoever is good, for the time to come] doth regeneration consist. Now this second part of repentance doth consist in these things; namely.

I. In a desire and endeavour, to bee ingrafted into Christ, the true and living Olive; and this wee are by faith, Iohn 15.1. Rom. 11.22. And

II. In an earnest endeavour to walke in faith, and to approve the truth thereof, by our workes of new obedience, and true sanctification, Gal. 2.19. &c. and Iames 2.18 and 1 Tim. 6.18. And

III. In a true contempt of the world, 1 Iohn 2.15. that is, although we may make use there∣of (as of an Inne for a night) yet we must nei∣ther serve it, nor love it, nor delight in it, 1 Cor. 7.30. And,

IV. In a true deniall of our owne wils and wayes, Matth. 16.24. and an earnest desire to know, what the good and perfect will of God

is, Rom. 12.2. Ephes, 5.10. And,

V. In a serious labour to fructifie, & increase daily in every good worke: Reade Rom. 12.1. and 2 Corinth. 5.15. and 1 Tim. 6.18. And there∣fore we should diligently examine our selves by these things, whether ever we truely repented us of our sinnes, or not; seeing that without it, all our other labour in religion is lost.

[Quest. 6] By whose aid and helpe must we repent?

[Answ.] By the aid and assistance of God; for he cir∣cumciseth the heart, Deut. 30.6. And he converts and turnes us, Ierem. 31.18.

Notes

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  1 Cor. 10