2. A Vine is exceeding nourishing 2. A Vine is nourishing Wine makes the Heart glad and refresheth the Spirits and comforts the Weary and Afflicted So Christ abundantly refresheth and comforts his Children His Consolations are abundantly sufficient for them 3. The Vine communicates Juice and 3. The Vine communicates Juice and Nourishment unto the Branches Joh. 1. 16. nourishment unto the Branches so Christ communicates his vertues to his People In Christ there is a fulness Col. 1. 19. and there is a Derivation from the Root to the Branches Of his fulness we receive Grace for Grace A 3d. Tree whereto Christ is compared 3. Christ is compar'd to a Medicinal Tree is a Medicinal healing Tree a none-such and unparallel'd for its excellent virtues Rev. 22. 2. It 's the Tree of Life which bears twelve manner of Fruits and yielded her Fruit every Month and the leaves of the Tree were for the healing of the Nations Such a Tree as this was Prophesyed of Ezek. 47. 12. and the Fruit thereof shall be Meat and the Leaf thereof for Medicine Now who is the Healer of Soul and Body but Jesus Christ The Word of God is our Souls Physick but Jesus Christ is the Physician who prescribes the Physick And Christs Spirit accompanying his Word makes it effectual The twelve manner of Fruits mentioned in the forecited place Rev. 22. 2. shews variety of comforts and plenty And as Leaves laid on Wounds conduce to the healing of them So in all the Ordinances of God when Gods Spirit sanctifieth them there 's a healing vertue not as if they healed by their own Power but by the Power of Christ working effectually upon them I might add further comparisons but I conceive there 's no necessity to make farther Inlargements in so clear a point CHAP. VIII Concerning Christs Purchases of Justification Sanctification and Glorification SECT I. Of Justification by Christ FUrther to represent the excellency of Sect. 1. Of Justification by Christ Christ we are to consider his threefold purchase viz. Of Justification Sanctification and Glorification for all true Believers In order we begin with the Purchase of Justification And herein we are to consider that we are not to treat of any legal Justification by works so no Man can be justified for we have all sinned None but Christ who was and is God and Man United in one Person could keep the Covenant of works but we are to treat only of Evangelical Justification which consists in the imputation of Christs Righteousness In handling of this Justification we are to consider Quid Nominis and Quid Rei i. e. The Name and the Thing 1. For the Quid Nominis The Greeks 1. For the Name of Justification express it by 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The Terms are Forensical opposite to Condemnation The Metaphor of Justification is taken from a Judge who absolves the Prisoner at the Bar when a Pardon is brought from the King So though we are Condemned by the Law at the Bar of Divine Justice yet we are justified and acquitted by the imputation of Christs Righteousness We read in Scripture of being Justified before God Rom. 2. 13. and of being made Righteous Rom. 5. 19. and of imputing Righteousness Rom. 4. 3. and of being accounted Blessed who have Righteousness imputed and Sins remitted Rom. 4. 6 7. All these are Synonymous Expressions and serve for the farther Explication of the Doctrine of Justification From the Quid Nominis let 's come to the Quid Rei and inquire concerning the thing it self or nature of Justification 2. Consider the thing it self or nature of Justification The Article of Justification was so highly valued by Luther that his thoughts Night and Day ran upon it This indeed is the Foundation of all our Comfort and all our strength lies in the Doctrine of Justification by free Grace In corde meo regnat iste unus Articulus in quâ— fiuunt refâ—â—untque mâ—ae cogitationes theologiâ—â— die nâ—cteque Luth. Instead of giving Definitions of Justification because they are many I will make a farther Inquiry into the causes of Justification and the Properties or rather Singularities which appertain there unto 1. Let 's consider the causes of Justification 1. Consider the Causes of Justification The Efficient cause is God Is 43. 25. The impulsive moving cause is the Mercy of God Eph. 2. 2. The Material cause is the effusion of Christs Pretioâ—s Blood The formal cause is the imputation of Christs Righteousness The Instrumental cause is Faith But considering every Instrumental cause is to be reduced to it's efficient cause from whence it proceeds I shall distinguish * Non 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ut qualitas propriè aut â—otus actiâ— vâ—l passiâ— aut opus aliquod bonum eximii pretii quasi ipsâ— sit justitia aut ejus pars aut etiam justitiae loco ex censu aestimatione Dei sed 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 nâ—mpe ut modus medium Instrumentum ceu oculus manus qua Christi ejusque Justitiae participes redâ—â—mur adeoque relative ad objectum Jesum ipsius justitiae prâ—â—â—ssâ—â—â—is gratiae Purions Theol. Synops with a Learned Author that we are not Justified by Faith primarily in a proper sence as a Quality but secondarily as a means and instrument as an Eye to see and as an Hand to lay hold on Christ Lastly the final cause of Justification is either in respect of God and so it is his Glory for all things must be done to the Glory of God or as in respect of our selves and so it 's our Salvation 2. Now let 's consider the Properties or 2. Consider the Properties or Singularities of Justification 1. Justification is an Act of free Grace rather the Singularities of Justification 1. Justification is an Act of free Grace No Intuition of merits no concurrence of Good Works moved God to set his Heart upon any How free this Act of Justification is we may read Rom. 3. 24 Being justified freely by his Grace through the Redemption that is in Jesus Christ The Word is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 freely nothing that we can do of our best works merits any favour at the Hand of God For when we were in our blood in a most loathsome forlorn condition he said Live that was a time of Qui docet in opera confidere is negâ—t meritâ— Christi sufficere Aug. Love So then here 's not the least ground to trust in our works That were to derogate from Christ's righteousness Can any thing be freer than free-gift The Justification of a Sinner springs from free Grace free Love and Mercy Faith is the instrumental but not efficient cause of Justification neither can the bare 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Credere the Act without the Object Justifie Christ is he that justifieth Faith is the Hand to lay hold on Christ
Lam. 1. 18. The Lord is Righteous for I Rebelled against his Commandement A Wise Man will inquire into the end of all God's Chastisements and Labour to answer God's End and that is A Deo putimur sed ipsi facimus ut puniamur Id. lib. 8. Isa 9. 12. 13. to Repent and Turn unto God For this very Reason The Anger of God is not turned away but his Hand is Stretched out still For the People turneth not to him that Smiteth them neither do they seek the Lord of Hosts Here then lieth the great Wisdom to understand God's Meaning and end in Chastising and that is to reform purify and new mold us and to bring us forth out of the Furnace purified Seven times Every Good and Wise Man should ponder in his Heart and practise accordingly that excellent Speech of Elihu Job 34. 31 32. Surely it is meet to be said unto God I have born Chastisement I will not offend any more That which I see not Teach thou me If I have done Iniquity I will do no more This is the right use of Wisdom under the Rod of Correction Second The excellency of this Spirit â— Faith Shines in a strong vigorously acting Faith The Apostle tells us 2 Cor. 5. 7. We Walk by Faith not by Sight Sense fail'd in the time of a dark Vision but Faith failed not Heb. 2. 4. The just shall Live by his Faith Estates Contrivances Friendship and Favour of Men Projects and Expectations all these may Fail A Believer cannot Live by any oâ— these but the Life of Faith is such an excellent Life as we may compare it to Goliahs Sword and say of the Life of Faith as David said of that Sword 1 Sam. 21. 9. Give me that there is none like it What Wonders Faith did the 11. Chap. to the Hebrews gives an ample Catalogue Sense fail'd Job on the Dunghill he saw no visible means of Restauration to his former Enjoyments yet how strenuously did his Faith act Job 13. 15. Though he Slay me yet will I Trust in him And on his Dunghill he saw Job 19. 25. his Redeemer Reason was non-plust concerning Sarahs bringing forth a Son against the Course of Nature But Abraham against Hope believed in Hope that he might become the Father of many Nations c. See Rom. 4. 18 19 20 21. Stephen when the Stones were clattering about his Ears saw Christ standing Acts 7. 56. on the Right Hand of God We often Read in Scripture of Christ sitting in Majesty and Glory but when Stephen was a Stoning Christ was said to be a Standing a ready posture to vindicate the Credere impossibilia rationi Sperare dilata amare deum cum se praebeat inimicum Luther Quarrel of his Suffering Servant Luther gives Three grand Properties of Faith viz. 1. To believe things impossible to Reason 2. To hope for things defer'd 3. To love God when he shews himself an Enemy There are also two great Properties of Faith One is Prophetick to foresee Deliverance Answers of Prayers Removal of Judgments and such like Another is Magnetick to have an attractive Vertue to draw things near that may seem to be afar off Faith will Approximate a Promise and by a patient waiting Spirit acquiesce in the same not doubting the performance thereof in the appointed Season Faith will trust God upon his Word Third Hope acts vigorously in a disconsolate 3. Hope Condition Ezra Comforts the People thus Yet now there is Hope Ezra 10. 2. in Israel concerning this thing Hope is like a Prop or Pillar to support and stay a Building from falling It 's an Anchor cast out in a Storm to stay the Ship The Church quietly bore those sad Calamities incumbent on them Lam. 3. 26. It is good that a Man should both hope and quietly wait for the Salvation of the Lord. ver 29. He putteth his Mouth in the Dust if so be there may be Hope But what 's the Ground of Hope Read ver 21. The Lord will not cast off for Ever There 's Hope that the Rod will not alwaies be on our Backs And there 's Two strong Grounds for our Faith 1. There are Multitude of Mercies in God ver 32. 2. He doth not Afflict willingly We may add further that God poureth not out his whole Wrath Heb. 3. 2. but in Wrath he remembers Mercy God hath not forgoten to be Gracious nor shut up his loving Kindness in displeasure Were it not for Hope we should not receive such Comforts from the Scriptures as we do But amidst all the Troubles of God's People they draw singular Grounds of Hope and Consolation from the Scriptures And to this purpose are the Scriptures Wrote Rom. 15. 4. The Saints rejoyce in Hope Rom. 5. 2. Rom. 12. 12. Although they are cast into Prison they learn their Duty there Rev. 2. 10. And though they are close Prisoners they are Prisoners of Hope Zach. 9. 12. Hope is the Saints Helmet 1 Thes 5. 8. In great Troubles and Perplexities there 's a Door of Hope to get out of them For after Achan was Stoned it was promised that the Valley of Achor should be a Door of Hos 2. 14. Hope Times of Jacobs Troubles should be special times of Jacobs Trust It was a dismal day mentioned Jer. 30. 5 6 7. But there 's Comfort near approaching It is even the time of Jacobs Trouble but he shall be Saved out of it In the Grave though the Body moulder into Dust there 's a certain Hope of a Resurrection Psal 61. 9. comp with Acts 2. 9. Now the same God that can raise the Body out of the Dust can raise up those that lye in the Dust though despised and trampled upon by malitious and inveterate Enemies Anti-christ shall fall and never rise more A Mill-Stone shall be put about his Neck and he thrown into the Sea But Gods People though they may fall they shall rise again though their Sufferings be Sharp yet they shall be short as Athanasius said of Julians Persecution Nubecula est cito transitura And the greater the Sufferings of God's People are for Righteousness sake their Resurrection shall be more Glorious There 's Matter of Comfort and Duty by them to be put in Practice mentioned Micah 7. 8 9. Rejoyce not against me O mine Enemy when I fall I shall arise when I sit in Darkness the Lord shall be a Light unto me I will bear the Indignation of the Lord because I have Sinned against him Levius fit patientia quicquid corrigere est nefas Horat. Eccles 7. 8. Fourthly There followeth the Exercise of Patience And this will make an hard Yoak easy and an heavy Burthen light The Patient in Spirit as Solomon tells us is better than the Proud in Spirit The Reason a Learned Author gives is because Anger is Rash and Precipitate Quia ira praecâ—ps est finem nunquam expectabit quod faciet patiens ira
Neither is Faith the Hand of a Work-Man that earns his Wages but the Hand of a Beggar that receives all of Favour and Mercy 2. Justification by Faith consists in the 2. Justification consists in the Remission of Sins Remission of Sins and non-imputation of Transgressions Ps 31. 1 2. Blessed is he whose Transgression is forgiven and whose Sin is covered Blessed is the Man to whom the Lord imputeth not Iniquity Likewise the Apostle declares how the great work of Reconciliation was transacted 2 Cor. 5. 19. Not imputing their Trespasses unto them It 's true that the best of Gods Children have their Failings For in many things we offend all and he that is without Sin let him cast the first Stone and it will recoil upon himself that casts it But Gods Children are humbled for Sin they water Psal 6. 6. their Couches as David did with their Tears They sigh with Ezekiel to the Ezek. 2â— 6. Jer. 31. 19. breaking of their Loins with Ephraim they smite upon their Thighs Sin is their Sorrow Grief and Burthen wherefore they are by Christ call'd unto Repentance and Christ imputes their Sins not unto themselves but unto himself They indeed are the Principal Debtors but Christ hath made himself liable to pay their Debts and make full satisfaction because he hath become surety for them unto the Father 3. Justification consists in the Imputation 3. Justification consists in the imputation of Christs Righteousness of Christs Righteousness 2 Cor. 5. 21. We are made the Righteousness of God in him Of Unrighteous we are made Righteous of Ungodly we are made Godly And though we are Ungodly Christ justifieth us for he doth not find us good but he makes us so Now this Righteousness of Christ is altogether a Righteousness without us not depending on any inherent Righteousness nor any work in us But it 's free and Gratuitous without any Praevision or Intuition of Grace in the Person to be justified St. Bernard Assignata est homiâ— justitia â—lienâ— quiâ— carâ—it suâ— Justitia Bern. Ep. 190. fully expresseth it saying that anothers Righteousness is assign'd to Man because he wants a Righteousness of his own Hence our Works and Services though Failings in themselves are accepted Righteous by imputation of Christs Righteousness How miserable would our condition be if our Services were no better offer'd to God than they come from us But Christ mends our Services in the carriage by offering them to the Father in his own Name and Mediation so that though our Duties be raw weak and imperfect yet Christ makes them perfect by the imputation of his own Righteousness and so they obtain acceptance with the Father 4. Justification brings forth choice and 4. Justification brings forth choice and excellent Fruits excellent Fruits as we may read Rom. 5. 1 2 3. All those choice Fruits grow on that Tree of Justification Faith is the Mother-Grace there mentioned Peace and Access unto the Throne of Grace Joy Hope Glorying in Tribulation are the Daughters or the Fruit which grow on this Tree Wherefore though Faith only Justifies yet Faith is not alone when it Justifieth For it is accompanied with a Goodly Train of Graces Though Faith Justifieth the Person yet Works Justifie the Faith or declare the Faith to be true Faith works by Love and purifies the Heart Gal. 5. 6. Act. 15. 9. and it 's the Apostles charge Tit. 3. 8. This * Hujus fidâ—i charitâ—â— non est forma sed frâ—ctus pâ—nitâ—â—tiâ— est justificati conditiâ— non causa justificationis fidâ—s 〈◊〉 quâ— justificat non quae justificat est sine operibus sola dicitur in isto munere non solitaria respectu comitatus aliarum virtutum 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 non 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Per non propter fidem Justi declaâ—â—â—r per 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 â—icâ—t 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Prideaux Manuductio ad Theologiaâ— is a faithful saying and these things I will that thou affirm constantly that they which have Believed in God might be careful to maintain good Works A Learned Professor very dextrous in stating of Controversies concludes thus Love is not the form but the Fruit and Repentance is the Condition of him that is Justified not the cause of Justification c. This then is the Purchase of Christ who imputes his perfect Righteousness to his Members and their Sins to himself and this Justification is active whereby Christ fulfilled the whole Law and passive whereby Christ became obedient unto Death even the Death of the Cross SECT II. Of Sanctification by the Spirit of Christ A Second Purchase of Christ is Sanctification 2. Purchase of Christ Sanctification â—â— the Spirit For whom Christ justifies by his Grace those he Sanctifies by his Spirit In order of Nature Justification may be conceived to preceed Sanctification because Justification is the Root or Mother Grace The Works of Sanctification are the Fruit proceeding from it yet in order of time they are simultaneous Those who are purged from the guilt of Sin labour to be purged from the filth of Sin It 's a good Character to be as solicitous and desirous for Mercy to sanctify renew and purify as for Mercy to pardon us Wherefore Sincerity is an undoubted evidence of a justified Condition Psal 32. 2. It 's an infallible sign of Justification In whose Spirit there is no Guile In handling of the Doctrine of Sanctification we are to consider these ensuing Particulars which may serve as so many strong Arguments to perswade or as so many Motives to stir us up to the practice of Holiness The first Motive is drawn from Election Motive 1. We are elected unto Holiness we are elected unto Holiness Eph. 1. 4. According as he hath chosen us in him before the Foundation of the World that we should be holy and without blame before him in love Election doth not give the least licentious Liberty but engageth us unto Holiness Observe the Words now cited It is not said that we should live as we list Non eliguntur Paulus qui ei similes sunt quia â—rant sancti immaculati sed eliguntur praedestinaâ—tur ut in sequenti vita per â—pera atque virtutes sancti immâ—culaâ—i fiaâ—t Hieron in â—ph 1. 4. but that we should be holy Neither is it said that we are elected for any Holiness foreseen Election and effectual Calling go together and to be assured of our Election we must make sure of our effectual Calling 2 Pet. 1. 10. Calling is put before Election in the situation of the Words and in respect of our Duty incumbent on us Wherefore saith the Apostle the rather Brethren give diligence to make your Calling and Election sure Now if we ask why doth Christ purchase Sanctification for us The Answer is because he loved us His Love moved him to wash and put such Royal Dignities upon his Children Rev. 1. 5 6. Vnto him that loved us and
for the Word of God Jer. 15. 16. Thy words were found and I did eat them and thy word was unto me the Joy and rejoycing of my Heart A Godly Man is known by this Character his delight is in the Law of the Lord and in his Law doth he meditate Psal 1. 2. Day and Night God's Testimonies were David's Delight and Counsellors sweeter then Honey and the Honey Comb more valuable than Rich Spoiles even than Thousands of Gold and Sylver He than that knows and hath experimented the Beauties Treasures and Consolations of Christ O! how doth he delight in Communion with Christ O! how doth he prize Ordinances and Delights to walk in that way where Christ comes by The Joy of taking great Spoil the Joy of the Vintage the Joy of Espousals the Joy of Harvest are mentioned in Scripture to represent causes of rejoycing But all these are infinitely short of that Joy which is in the Heart of a true Believer who hath a new Name a white Stone and hidden Manna who hath a Sacred Communion Rev. 2. 17. with Christ and feels his Divine Influences This is a Joy Unspeakable beyond the Capacity of Men and Angels Wherefore he that hath a liking and approbation of Christ and his Ordinances he Joys in them as Job Professed more than in his necessary Food and with the Job 23. 12 Love sick Spouse he takes more delight in Christ and is at more pains to seek him then all besides Cant. 3. 1. Even on the Bed of Sickness and Affliction the Spouse sought her Beloved 3. A ready and couragious Spirit to 3. A ready and couragious Spirit to bear Testimony for Christ bear Testimony for Christ and the truth of the Gospel He that likes and loves Christ will vindicate him and his Honour from the Reproach of Gain-sayers When a Believer speaks of Christ he will speak with Reverence and highest appretiation of him when he speaks to Christ he will speak with Faith Fervency and Humility And when he speaks for Christ he will discover an Heroical Magnanimous Spirit such a Spirit the Apostles had when they Acts â— 17. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Hebraeorum more quâ— vehementem acrem significant interminationem Eras were straitly threatned that they should speak no more in the Name of Jesus they answer'd with an undaunted Resolution Act. 4. 19 20. But Peter and John answered and said unto them whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God Judge ye for we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard Thus the Apostle Paul took courage against Elymas the Sorcerer when he sought to turn away the Deputy from the Faith The Apostle branded him for the Child of the Devil and an Enemy of all Act. 13. 10. Praedicare Evangelium Dei nihil â—liud est quam derivare in se toâ—ius inferni furorem Satanae Lut. Loc. Com. Righteousness Luther knew what it would cost him even to bring all the Devils in Hell about his ears yet he was resolved to go to Worms and Preach the Gospel though every Tile on the Houses was a Devil to oppose him Bishop Latimer said often that the Preaching of the Gospel would cost him his Heart-Blood And so it came to pass for when he was a Burning his Blood gushed forth and quench'd a great part of the Fire Here then is a Proof of a Christians likeing and approving of Christ and his Gospel when he will plead for the Truths which are in Jesus and vindicate Christs Honour from Contempt and Reproaches A true Believer when he is called to witness for Christ is neither like a Still-Born nor a Tongue-Ty'd Person but he will speak for Christ and stand up for the cause of Christ what ever it cost him He is not affraid to be good nor affraid to own a despised Christ and a Persecuted Gospel To be of a timerous and cowardly Spirit and to seal up ones Lips when Christs interest lies a bleeding what 's this but to be spiritually benum'd or else Possessed of a dumb Devil Wherefore Luther professed that he would rather be guilty Impius sim avarus adulter iâ—â—â—mninm vitiorum reus modo impii silentiâ— non arguar dum Dominus patitur Luth. of the worst of Crimes than of wicked silence when his Lord suffered SECT II. Whether we prize Christ by our likeness and Conformity to him I Proceed to the second Proposition Prepos 2. Those that prize Christ endeavour to be like and conformable to him that those who prize Christ endeavour to be like and conformable unto him Christ is our Head and we are his Members and there ought to be a conformity between the Head and the Members And where this is it will be evidenced in these three Particulars 1. There will be a conformity to the 1. There will be a conformity to the commands of Christ Mark 1. 15. Mat. 6. 20. Mat. 6. 24. commands of Christ as that perfect absolute and infallible Rule of our Obedience Christ commands us to repent and believe the Gospel to lay up for our selves Treasures in Heaven to seek first the Kingdom of God and his Righteousness to ask and it shall be given you to seek and Mat. 7. 7. ye shall find to knock and it shall be openedunto you Likewise Christ commands enter ye in at the Straight Gate c. In a Mat. 7. 13. word Christ in his Gospel commands the whole Duty of Man The Gospel is every way comprehensive and sufficient to prescribe all things needful for our Salvation We may not then devise ways of our own Heads and Fancies and prescribe humane Inventions and Superstitions for Politick ends to justle out Divine Institutions It is not any Rule which will serve the turn As it was not any Partern which would serve for the Building of the Tabernacle but that Pattern only which was shew'd to Moses in the Mount And the Lord gave a strict charge Exod. 25. 40. And look that thou make them after their Pattern which was shewed thee in the Mount Neither is it any Rule will serve but only the Rule of the Word of Christ which is the Everlasting Gospel and commands our Obedience Wherefore the Apostle glorieth in nothing but the Cross of Christ Gal. 6. 14 15. Neither Circumcision availeth any thing nor uncircumcision but a new Creature And such are Partakers of Peace and walk according to his Rule Gal. 6. 16. And as many as walk according to this Rule Peace be on them and Mercy and upon the Israel of God Let then Christ's command ingage us to a ready and chearful Obedience and let 's not dispute but obey what he commandeth when he bids seek my Face let our Hearts return this ready answer Thy face Lord will I Psal 27. 8. seek 2. There must be a conformity to the 2. There must be a Conformity to the Life
to Christ be like the Love of Jonathan that abode in its Strength Love which holds out to the end which passeth through good report and bad report both through fair and foul Weather that 's the Love which will obtain Acceptance Love will conquer Difficulties as Jacob's did to Rachel who thought many years but a few days because he loved her Love to Christ will make us willing to pass through Fire and Water and encounter Sons of Anach and Beasts of Ephesus Love will cause a Christian to be willing to bear and suffer any thing for Christ Persecutions Oppositions and variety of Sufferings try the Sincerity and Constancy of a Christian's Love to Christ There 's a constraining Power in the Love of Christ which engageth all Christ's adopted Children to hold fast their Profession to be faithful to Death to account Christ All in all and persevere in their Faith so that Difficulties are as Whet-stones to sharpen a Believers Fortitude And the Snuffers of Persecution makes the Saints Candles burn brighter And thus in these five mentioned particular Tryals I have represented our Love to Christ CHAP. XI Containing an Vse of Exhortation to labour for the excellent Grace of Faith and an Vse of Direction THe foorth Use is for Exhortation Use 4 For Exhortation to labour for Faith Is it so that Christ is only precious to Believers then let 's hence infer one grand Duty to labour for the excellent Grace of Faith Hereby we shall set the highest value on Christ Faith is an instrumental means to help us to know the excellency of Christ For Faith is an Eye to â—ehold Christ Faith is a Hand to receive Christ a Mouth to feed on him an Heart to believe on him But we must interpose this caution that Faith receives all of Grace and Mercy and nothing of Merit Faith embraces Christ but Christ first gives Faith to embrace him Faith rests and relies on Christ but Christ supports our Faith If we believe he works it in us we must be thankful for what we receive and give God the Praise and Glory of all The Apostle gives an absolute determination Eph. 2. 8. For by Grace are ye saved through Faith it is the gift of God That our Endeavours Affections even the whole Man may be quickned to get this choice and excellent Grace of Faith I shall lay down these ensuing persuasive Arguments in the following Section SECT I. Containing persuasive Arguments to get Faith THat I may use all the prevailing Arguments as far as I apprehend to get Faith I shall insist on these following 1. Faith is a condition of the Covenant of Grace The Covenant of Works was Arg. 1 Faith is the condition of the Covenant of Grace do this and live none but Christ who is God and Man could perform this Covenant The Covenant of Works will not abate us a Transgression in the least title It exacts perfect Obedience and curseth the Transgressor Who continues not in all Gal. 3. 10. things which are written in the Book of the Law to do them But the Covenant of Grace runs Believe and thou shalt be saved The Law sheweth us our Sores and Wounds the Gospel applyeth Soveraign healing Plasters The Law like a Serjeant arrests and shuts us up and so hampers us that we cannot possibly escape The Gospel sets us at Liberty Gal. 3. 22. But the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Lex veluti sit complexa concluserit que omnes in peccatum peccaturum virsus ostendit Oecum Rom. 9. 20. Scripture hath concluded all Men under Sin that the promise by Faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe Who then can lay any claim to this Covenant but the true Believer God accepts the Faith of a Believer through Chtist's Merits instead of legal Obedience Where fore we read of that Righteousness which was of Faith which is a Righteousness imputed by Christ's Righteousness even a Righteousness without us which is our Justification And here 's the great priviledg of a Believer That he is justified by the Righteousness of another and not by any Righteousness of his own but only by the Righteousness of Christ by imputation By Christ's Merits of Unrighteous we are made Righteous For saith the Apostle 2 Cor. 5. 21. For he hath made him to be Sin for us who knew no Sin that we might be made the Righteousness of God in him So that hence it 's evident that He was accounted a Sinner by Imputation for he imputed our Sins unto himself and we are accounted Righteous by Imputation for he imputes his Righteousness unto us Here then appears Riches of Mercies that Evanglical Righteousness is accepted instead of Legal Righteousness Christ's Wisdom makes amends for our Folly Christ's Obedience for our Disobedience and Christ's absolute Perfection for our manifold Imperfections Now the Believer only hath interest in the Covenant of Grace Covenants essentially include Conditions The Covenant is a free Covenant a free Gift and of free Grace The Condition on our part is Faith but the Condition as well as the Covenant are given of God Take heed therefore O Christian that thou Sacrifice not to thine own Net and Dragge O do not trust to thy own Strength and Ability as if thou wert able to perform this Condition For the best of Believers by rheir own Strength are no more able to believe than to perform the Commandments Both to will and to do are the work Phil. 2. 13. Ki 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Chrys of God And as Chrysostome observes God gives the very propension and inclination to will Faith indeed is the Believers Act and it 's his duty to believe but it 's God's Gift Faith is a lively Motion working upon a Believers Heart but this Motion is powerfully wrought by the Assistance of God's Spirit Whoever thou art if thou believest give God the praise of working this Belief in thee For God enables thee to perform what he requires and thou couldst not do any thing acceptably unto God unless he first gave to thee what he commandeth of thee Hence the Apostle tells us that We are buried with Col. 2. 12. him in Baptism through the Faith of the operation of God who hath raised him from the dead The self-same Power that raised up Christ from the Dead must raise us up to believe in Christ 2. Faith is an instrumental means of our Arg. 2 Faith is an Instrumental Means of our Union unto Jesus Christ Union unto Christ Between Christ and us there must be an Union before there can be an Imputation of Righteousness We believe before we are Justified How Justification may be as some suppose ab Aeterno I can no more conceive than Glorification is such is in the secret Decree of God That Faith goeth before Justification is evident from Gal. 3. 24. The Law was our School-master to bring us unto Christ that we might be justified by Faith We believe