Verf.22,23. the Epifile to the Romans. 29 3 are meafured out to the faithful in fo all gifts peculiar to the ele&:as calling, with, jollification, fan&ification, hope, love,repentance, &c. Ti M. How aretheje gifts termed fir If mitt ? S r L. It is a metaphor or fpeech borrowed from the manner of the Church in the old Teffament,when the Jews by the commandement of God, did offer their firft fruits unto God ; partly to Phew their thankfulneffe unto God, and partly to fan&ifie the reft of the crop.Deut. 26. Levo. 23. r 4. The which the Apoftle doth fit to his pu rpofe after this fort : as by offering the firft fru its,the Jews received hope of a good harveft,to enjoy the reft of the crop in due time : fo the portion of Paving and fpecial grace, which Gods children have here,affureth them of the perfe &ion ofglory hereafter, that God will fulfil that certainly in them,which he hath happily begun. T r M. What Doltrines do ye learn from the words thus expounded ? S j L. The Do&rines be two : the fill is, fuch as feel the fpecial gifts of Gods Spiritwrought in their hearts now, may be affured of eternal life in heaven : the reafon hereof is the faith - fulneffe of God, who will accomplifh the beginnings of hisgrace, i Cor. r .754. Phil 1.6. T r M. What is the ufe of this Do- lirine ? S r L. Fill, it reproves them which hope for eternal glory, and yet have not thefe gifts of the Spirit in them. Secondly, it comforts the godly, who have thefe firft fruits, becaufe they cer- tainly (halin the end have the fulneffe of bliffe, fo as they do with patience wait for it. T I M. What is the other Dollriae? S s L. This : that true beleevers have the gifts of the Spirit but in a mean meafure; as the firft fruits offered to God were but an handful(as it were)in refpe& of the reft of the heap : fo the portion of the gifts which the faithful have,arebue very fmal in refpe& afthat they fhould, and one day muft have. The reafons why the gifts of the Spirit fmal a portion, is firft to humble them in the fight oftheirown imperfe &ions and wants.Secondly, to air them up to more fervent prayer, that they may al- wayes Peek to God and depend upon him, having ever need of hint. Laftly, becaufe this way doth moft make for Gods glory,and alto itdoth nourifh mutual charity among(' men, a Cor 02. 9,ro.Gal.6.s, 2. T t M. What profit are we to mike of this Dollrine ? S I L. Firf', it ferves to hearten and cheer thofe that have any meafure of faving gracein them, be it never fo lit - tle,yea though it be but a delire to be- ieeve;fo as there be foundnefs and truth withal. Secondly, it muft admonifh the children of God, that they endeavour' to grow and increafe in the graces of God, s Pet 3.18. by the diligent & con - ftant ufe of all good means, Ga1.6.8. T t M. What other things learnye hence? S r L. As the firft fruits were dedica- ted to God only, fo all our gifts fhould be beftowed to this end, only to ferve and honour God by them, and not for vain glory, or worldly prefer- ment. T t M. Now tell us what is meant by Adoption ? S s L. The inheritance of heaven, whereunto beleevers are adopted. T r M. But how can they be faid to wait for their adoption, which be already adopted, and be already font ? S r L. They which be already adop- ted,having the right of fops, and title to the inheritance,may yet ail wait for the confummation oftheir glory,and full fruition of their inheritance. And this is that which is here meant by the redemption of our bodies : becaufe when our bodies (hall be wholly free from corruption and mifery, then (hall our glory be confummate and, perfe&. T i M. Wkat it the Doltrine that arifith from tiefe words? S i L. That the redemption of the faithfull will then be effeEtuall and compleat, when their bodies (hall be C c 2 again
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