Degree 2 Thes 1.3 And in respect of the diversity of Degrees in faith some are called Babes some strong men and some Fathers 1 Iohn 2.12.13.14 2 That the Acts or Actings of this faith be divers and manifold as to say a areceiving Act a springing Act and a flowing and streaming Act as in the Scripture and experience believers find First a receiving Act this faith wrought by the spirit of grace in the heart receiveth the history or record and Testimony of God in the Gospel concerning Christ 1 Thes 2.13 2 Thes 1.10 1 Iohn 5.9.10.11 The grace of God in Christ testified Rom. 1.5 and 5.17 As remission of sinnes Act. 10.43 Justification Peace Sanctification Liberty of accesse to God and hope of glory Rom. 5.1.2.3 Act. 26.18 Divine power and strength of relyance on God Rom. 5.5.10.11 And yeelding up according to the leadings of grace 2 Tim. 1.7 2 Pet. 1 1-4 Whence also such exhortations to believers as Rom. 12.1.2 Phil. 2.1.2.12.13 and that 1 Iohn 4.4 and 5.4 Secondly a springing Act for from this faith wrought by the spirit in the heart springeth up love of God and Jesus Christ our Lord and joy in God 1 Pet. 1.7.8 Rom. 5.11 And love of brethren 1 Iohn 3.23 and 4.21 and 5.1 2 Cor. 5.14 and patience and meeknesse c. Gal. 5.22 According to that is said Iohn 7.38 Thirdly a flowing or streaming Act from the springs the motions flowing to put forth accordingly Rom. 10.10 And this more ordinarily to pray give thankes declare his goodnesse shew mercy c. Psal 116.10 2 Cor. 4.13 or more extraordinary in some miraculous operations Mat. 17.20 Luke 17.6 Marke 16 17 18. 3 That notwithstanding the divers Degrees in this faith and the divers manner of Acting and Acts of this faith yet the faith it selfe is but one and onely one Ephes 4.4 As there is but one body even one true Church or Sanctuary that is united to Christ and shall be in and with him for ever Cant. 6.9 And this Church one seed Gal. 3.17 One Sonne Hosea 11.1 One Christ one body though the members be many 1 Cor. 12.12 And as there is but one head husband and Lord of this body and Church with all its members which is Jesus Christ the Sonne of God and our Saviour Ephes 1.22.23 and 4.15.16 and 5.30 1 Cor. 8.6 And as there is but one Baptisme whereby we are baptized into this one Body whereof Christ is the head and that is by the spirit and with the washing of water and the word And this is into the Death and unto the resurrection of Christ and so for conformity in one and therethrough conformity in the other 1 Cor. 12.13 Ephes 5.26 Rom. 6.3 4 5. Tit. 3.4.5 And as there is but one God Father to whom we come in coming to Christ and he the Father of Christ and of every of us Ephes 4.6 And as there is but one spirit proceeding from the father the son effecting breathing one spirit minde disposition or heart that the spirit mind disposition and heart of Christ into which all that are baptised into Christ are made to drinke and so are one spirit Ephes 4.4 even so likewise as in the place fore-cited there is but one faith True it is The word Faith in Scripture is used diversly somtime for the object of faith even the ground and foundation of faith and that which is to be and is beleeved and beleeved in and to that end to be preached and heard Rom. 1.5 10.6 Gal. 1.23 3.5 Sometimes the word is used for the grace of faith Col. 1.4 2 5-12 Eph. 2.8 Sometimes for both the object and the grace united with the object together Acts 13.8 Rom. 4.11 9.30 And yet however taken there is but one faith The object in every respect is one The Gospel or word of grace though it hath many branches and uses yet is but one and the same Gospel 2 Cor. 11.4 with Gal. 1.7.8.9 The Gospel Col. 1.5.23 Even so the Lord Jesus Christ set forth in the Gospel though set forth as he is indeed the Sonne of God and the Sonne of Man yea God Man and declared in respect of what he was and what he became for us and what he hath done and what he is for us and with what he is furnished and what he is to us And as he is the Saviour of all men especially of them that beleeve and the Judge of all c. yet he is but one 2 Cor. 11.4 with 1 Cor. 8.6 the Christ John 4.42 Even so God the Father that is in Christ is one God though his works be manifold 1 Cor. 8.6 Gal. 3.20 1 Tim. 2.5 even so the holy Spirit that proceedeth from the Father and the Sonne and discovereth Christ and God in Christ and beareth forth the testimony however his gifts and operations be many and manifold yet the Spirit is but one 1 Cor. 12.4 11. yea the Father the Sonne and the holy Spirit are 1 John 5.7 one God Mark 12 32.34 set forth in one Gospel And so the object of faith is one and so faith also though so taken The grace of faith or the beleeving it self that is wrought in the heart by the Spirit of grace however there are diversity of degrees in the same both in the strength of beleeving and also in the fulnesse of the discovery of the object beleeved in the effects accordingly and also the Acts manifold as is shewn yet the faith it selfe is but one And this is evident in the forenamed place Ephes 4.4 where both faith and the object of faith and the means and the hope and the people that receive it are all mentioned distinctly so that the word faith there meanes the grace of faith and it is expresly affirmed to be one There is one faith As for humane and worldly faith or a shew and pretence of divine faith and hypocriticall profession thereof it is no faith at all in Scripture language there is no vertue in gtting or retaining it nor danger in departing therefrom in respect of any spirituall life As for that beliefe of the report of the Gospel and profession thereof which is destitute of the life and operation of the Spirit of faith it is no more faith then the body of a man is a man when the Ghost is given up and departed Jam. 2.26 So as there is no other true and living faith but one the receiving the history and record the receiving remission of sinnes justification and sanctification and power for divine operations or miracles the springs the streames the acts as is shewn are all by one and the same faith And so it is one and the same faith that in discovery of the object is tendered and to which called and which by the divine testimony is effected and which in abiding is after confirmed and which groweth and worketh by love it is still one and the same faith 2 Pet. 1.1 And
Doctrine which the Apostles confessed to have received of Jesus Christ Gal. 1.11 12. 2 Cor. 5 19. 1 Iohn 1.5 To be sent to preach 1 Cor. 1.17 And for the preaching whereof a necessity was laid upon them 1 Cor. 9.16 4. This Gospel is that Doctrine which the Apostles did preach to all men every where Luke 9.6 Acts 2. 3. 4 5. 10. 13. c. and professed themselves to have preached 1 Cor. 15 1-5 and to determine to know no other doctrine 1 Cor. 2.1 4. and have denounced the curse on all that shall preach any other doctrine Gal 1.8.9 5. Yea the fulnesse sufficiency and compleatnesse of this doctrine of the Gospel doth yet further appeare many wayes 1. In the Name of it the Gospel that is a joyfull message of good newes or glad tidings from heaven Isai 52.7 with Rom. 10.15 It is good newes indeed in that it is truth Prov. 8.4.8 from God of peace and good will to men Nahum 1.15 Luke 2.10 for mankind of salvation 1 Tim. 2.4.5 6. which is in Christ Isa 46.9 and shall be given to all that in beleeving come in to him Joh. 3.16 1 John 5.10 11 12. 2. In the Titles of it which are all full of truth the Gospel of God Rom. 15.16 the Gospel of Christ Rom. 1.16 the Gospel of the grace of God Acts 20.24 the Gospel of Salvation Ephes 1.13 the Gospel of the Kingdome Matth. 4.23 the glorious Gospel 2 Cor. 4.4 the everlasting Gospel Rev. 14.6 the Gospel of peace Ephes 6.15 the word of reconciliation 2 Cor. 5.19 of life c. 3. In the sum of it both in the narration and affirmation shewing the Sonne of God to be come and what he became suffered and did for us and what hee is and doth and what hee will do in and for all that beleeve in him as this whole Treatise hath declared 4 In the holy Spirit that is promised to be sent forth in the ministration of this Gospel by which Christ will continue his owne presence with his servants ministring the same John 14.16 17. 15.26 27. 16.7 15. Matth. 28.19 20. 5 The effects of the Spirit in the Gospel forementioned both witnessed to be effected thereby and examples of its efficacies set forth therein as Tit. 3.4 And to conclude all in one word In respect of the Medium or Doctrine the Gospel is the Foundation to be built on Eph. 2.20 1 Cor. 3.10.11 the way to walk in Col. 2.6 2 Joh. 9. and the Schoolmaster to guide and lead in the way Tit. 2.11 12 c. and how full and prevalent this whole treatise hath shewn in particular And as God hath given us foundation so likewise one way Jer. 32.39 and as Jesus Christ is the foundation the way the truth the life and the Prophet and Leader 1 Cor. 3.11 John 14.6 Acts 3.22 26. and his Spirit that by which hee discovereth testifieth draweth to and buildeth on himselfe comforteth sanctifieth teacheth and leadeth his children Iohn 14.26 15.26 16.13 14 15. Rom. 8.2.14 even so the Doctrine of the Gospel is the Medium or instrument through which Christ by his doth all this 2 Cor. 3.18 4.4 6. whence all such as abide in the Doctrine of Christ are affirmed to have both the Father and the Son 2 Iohn 9. Objection But some are ready to object this magnifying the Doctrine of the Gospel makes void the Law and taketh away all use thereof Answer The truth is It establisheth the Law and leadeth to the right usefulness therof which is met with not in law-teaching pressing but in the right teaching the doctrine of the Gospel as may be seen by comparing Rom. 3.21 31. with 1 Tim. 1.5 11. For by the Doctrine of the Gospell setting forth Christ understood and believed the holynesse righteousnesse goodnesse spirituality and perfection of the Law is known and seen not abolished but ratified and fulfilled in and by Jesus Christ the Son of God In that 1. He came and fulfilled all the righteous affections and services to the utmost that it requireth 2 He as the publike man for us suffered the curse it sentenceth it too for all the sins it can charge us with 3 He rose justified and presented himself righteous before God in the behalf of us 4 Hee received spirit to send forth in the Declaration hereof that men might believe on him and in believing on him have him for their righteousnesse before God and be freed from being under the obligation of the Law to be under the obligation of grace to depend on him and so receive spirit from him to conform them to himself so raise up from a better principle The righteous affections and services law called for and gave no strength whereby they might be produced and to give the life law promised and could not give Rom. 3 10-27 and 8.2 3 4. Gal 5.16 18 22 23. and 6.8 as may be seen in that before said in the 6. and 14. Chapters In receit of which grace in the doctrine of the Gospell as the believer is freed from the obligation of the Law so hee enjoyeth the goodnesse thereof in the right ends and uses of it in that 1 They own themselves as in and of themselves the sinners and cursed ones for whom Christ was made sinne and a curse and so are dead to themselves their own strength wisdome and righteousnesse Gal. 5.24 and 2.19 Rom 10.3 4. 2 They see the mercy of God in giving the law for such ends and freeing them from the obligation of it Rom 7 9-25 and 8.2 3. They are in every thought of this Law kept from turning to it again for life of justification sanctification or glory and so occasioned to stick closer still to Christ for all Rom 7 9-25 Phil. 3.7 8. 4 They in remembring any good that law bound them to count themselves much more obliged for the grace of Christ to doe it 1 Cor 8.8 16. Ephes 6 1-4 5 They have the commands as coming from the Gospell not to get life but to testifie and exercise charity 1 Tim. 1.5 6 They can in Christ see all the commands turned into Promises so as in hearkning to him he will effect all in them Psalm 81.8 9. and 138.8 So that the Doctrine of the Gospell containes all that is meet to be taught and doth not abolish but establish the Law Observation 2. 2 That the Doctrine of the Gospell containeth both the Word of the beginning of Christ setting forth what he hath done and received and is for all and hath to bestow on them when they believe And all the everlasting Covenant and new Testament setting forth what he is to and will in due season doe for those that in believing are made one with him Heb 6 1-4 and 8 9 as is shewn throughout this Treatise The first of these is to be preached to all men as the foundation to repentance faith c Heb. 6 1-9 The second is to be opened to Believers for the encouragement of their hope and for their edification c. Obser 3. 3 That the grace of God discovered by the Spirit of Christ in this Gospell and put in the heart of the Believer is through the same Spirit a sufficient Prop and School-master for and to the Believer to witnesse peace to comfort renew teach lead and preserve in wayting for the coming of Christ Tit 2.11 12. Gal 5.5 16 18. Obser 4. 4 That the believing-remembrance of this grace of Christ is the way of Believers drawing frō Christ all receites springs streams of consolation and fruitfulnesse in themselves and for others as is fore-shewn it being the drift of this whole Treatise CHAP. 15. A pointing to some Applicatory usefulnesse 1 IN this fore-discovery of the Gospell setting forth Christ is Ground of Reproof of 1. Those that slander the Gospell of Christ and of the grace of Christ and the doctrine thereof as insufficient to prepare men for Christ or to sanctifie Believers or as if it were Antinomianisme and a doctrine of fleshly liberty 2 Those that confound things that are distinct and make them one and of like large extent which the Gospell distinguisheth setting forth the one as more generall the other as speciall As the Reconciliation wrought by Christ in himself with God for men And the Reconciliation which by Spirit applying the former hee worketh in men to God His mission to make propitiation and offer sacrifice And His mission to preach the Gospell And to His laying down his life to satisfie Justice And To confirme the New Testament And To seale his ministration and testifie love and therein give us example 3 Those that put all receit of eternall life upon the very Act of Christs suffering rising and offering himself a sacrifice to his Father whereas all this did but procure it into his hands to bestow and it is the spirituall application to the heart in which the receite is 4 Those that take faith only for a perswasion raised by consequence and arguments from Scripture and frames or that thinke faith to be nothing else but a believing to be saved by Christ or that one stands spotlesse before God All which follies and mistakes are discovered in this Treatise 2. Here is ground of Admonition and Exhortation to all that through grace believe in Christ diligently and constantly at all times and in all things To heed the Gospels Declaration of Christ and his grace there-through made known And To abide and walk in the acknowledgment and faith thereof And To suffer the grace there-through moving and teaching to have its perfect work in us and to yeeld up thereto And how it will work in us save sanctifie renew comfort and lead us is already shewn The experiment of the truth whereof the Lord fill us with As prayeth The unworthiest of all he hath shewn mercy to Tho. Moore FINIS
the Blood in an earthly holy place but this High-Priest entred into Heaven it selfe to offer and appeare before God for us Heb. 9.7.8.12.24 They though they offered to God yet they tooke no pleasure in their offerings but this High-Priest offered to God and he hath accepted him and set all his wellpleasednesse in him and set him at his right hand and given all Authority to him Heb. 10 1-12 and 1.4.8 Oh consider how great an High-Priest we have And how excellent then the Sacrifice that he hath offered and by vertue whereof he interceideth Heb. 1. 3 5 7 8. 2 In respect of the Sacrifice it selfe which he offered for every High-Priest is ordained to offer gifts and Sacrifices And it is of necessity that he have somwhat also to offer and that in the Heavens Heb. 8.3.4 And so he hath offered a gift a Sacrifice for satisfaction for ransome for propitiation and for a memoriall to intercede with for us And this was not Gold or Silver nor Bullocks and Lambs c. nor the Blood of others as the other Priests offered but his own most Pretious Blood his own most holy Body even that very Body in which he had borne our sinns to the Tree 1 Pet. 2.24 In which he dyed for our sinns and rose for our Justification Rom. 4.25 Yea the Body which is the Body of the Sonne of God Iohn 1.14 In whom the fulnesse of the God-head dwelleth bodily Col. 2.9 This is the gift the ransome the Sacrifice he offered himselfe his own Body without spot to God for us Heb. 9.12.14 and 10 5-10 Oh how fit how satisfying and of what infinite value is this Blood and Sacrifice of his 3 In respect of the Altar on which this Sacrifice was offered and by which it was borne and carried up to God The Altar of Gods appointment whatever it be is greater then the gift or Sacrifice and Sanctifieth the gift Mat. 23-19 Now those other Priests offered upon an Altar of earth or earthly substance Exod. 20.24 But what is the Altar on which this High-Priest offereth this excellent gift that is greater then it and sanctifieth it surely this can be no other but the Divine nature which is greater then the Humane In respect of which Humane clad with our Infirmities he said The Father is greater then I Iohn 14.28 And by the power of this Divine nature he was supported in and through his sufferings Esa 50 1-9 Raysed from the dead Rom. 4.24 and 6.4 Ascended to heaven Act 5.30.31 And offered himselfe to God And so it is expresly said Heb. 9.14 he through the eternall spirit offered himselfe without spot to God And thus also was God manifested in the flesh Justified in the Spirit c. 1 Tim. 3.16 And so by ransome of the union of the humane nature with the Divine in the person of the Sonne of God one Christ God-man This Blood and Sacrifice if it be rightly understood may be truly called the Blood and Sacrifice of God Act. 20.28 found by God Iob. 33.24 And offered by God unto God according to the will of God though it was the Body or humane nature offere for men And this doth sanctifie and dignifie the offering that it is of Infinite value and prevalency Heb. 10 5-10-19 c. 2 In respect of the Declaration and appearance of this pretious Blood and Sacrifice And so of Christ that by the eternall Spirit hath offered it to God for men and received the same spirit to apply to men and his gratious ends in both the faithfull and playne declaration of this by such as by spirit have received it and as the Spirit hath taught them 2 Cor. 4.4.6 1 Cor. 2.12 Rom. 12.3 Mat. 28.20 Declares this Pretious Blood and Sacrifice to be of great excellency worth and Dignity In that in such declaration as he promised 1 The holy Spirit cometh along and sheweth and testifieth of these things of Christ Iohn 15.26 and 16.14 and manifested the savour of his Knowledge 2 Cor. 2.14.15 And goeth to the heart of men that they might believe Iohn 1.7 Rom. 10.7 8 9 10. And writeth the minde of Christ in the Believer 2 Cor. 3.3 and 13.3 5. So that in the hearing of this Doctrine and Object of Faith and in no Doctrine or observation of any law of workes the Spirit of Christ cometh and testifieth and is received Gal. 3 1-5 2 The free grace and abundant love of God to mankind in the gift of his Sonn To be a ransome for all men 1 Tim. 3 4 5 6. And the Saviour of the world And the propitiation for their sins 1 Iohn 4.10.14 That whosoever believeth on him might not perish but have everlasting life Iohn 3.17 And his acceptation of his Sonne for men and taking his wellpleasednesse in him Mat. 3.17 2 Cor. 5.14 Heb. 10 1-12 His filling him for men Psal 68.18 Esa 41.1 His readinesse to receive in and through his Sonn and that his Sonn shall give eternali life to all that in his Discovery see and believe on him John 6.40 and 1.12 yea even his peculiar and delightfull love and well pleasednesse in his Sonn and all that by grace are made one in his Sonn Iohn 15.9 and 16.27 All this appeareth and as living water streameth In the Declaration and appearance of this Pretious Blood and Sacrifice as it was offered to God And is applyed to the heart Rom. 3.24 25. 1 Iohn 5 6-12.13 3 The great and compleate salvation redemption reconciliation Propitiation and righteousnesse that is in him and which he is become which by himselfe 1 Pet. 2.24 1 Cor. 15.3.4 Rom. 4.25 1 Iohn 2.2 and in his own Body he hath wrought in dying and shedding his Blood for our sinns and riseing for our Justification And through the eternall Spirit offering himselfe a spotlesse and unvaluable Sacrifice to God in which he hath made Purgation of our sinns slaine enmity obtained eternall redemption and made such satisfaction in heaven that he hath thereupon received life to dispense to men Heb. 1.3 and 9.12.14 and 10 1-12 And the power and fitnesse of the same Pretious Blood and Sacrifice by the Holy Spirit applyed to the heart to purchase redeeme and reconcile to God from among men and to wash purge and renew the heart c. Act. 20.28 Ren. 1.5 and 5.9 Heb. 9.14 Tit. 3.4.5 And so worke Salvation in men All this appeareth in this Doctrine or playne faith-and spirituall Declaration of this Pretious Blood and Sacrifice so as therethrough from the threefold witnesse in heaven that are one there come these three on earth to men the Spirit and the water and the Blood 1 Iohn 5 6 7 8-12 By all which this Blood and Sacrifice appeareth of infinite Excellency and Dignity 4 In respect of the rich free bright and abundant love appearing in this Sacrifice of the Sonn of God for as it was the love of God to give his Sonn c. as aforesaid even so
his words Mark 1.15 Iohn 2.22 and 5.47 And so this faith and trust is in praising God in his Word Psal 56.10 and glorifying his word Acts 13.48 And so the object of this faith is God in Christ in and according to his word The first next Instrumentall and outward mediate object of this faith is the word and Gospel with the promises thereof which discovereth Christ and God in Christ and that in which and for which we are to trust in him Psal 119.49.50 The second inward inmost and absolute mediate object of this Faith is Jesus Christ in that which hee hath done is become doth and will doe which the Word reporteth and assureth Phil. 3.3 The last inmost and utmost object of this Faith is God in Christ in his infinite wisdome love power c. which appeareth in and through Christ 1 Tim. 4.10 And so the object of faith altogether in one is God in Christ as discovered in his Word by his Spirit This and this onely is the object of this faith So that no Arme of Flesh or device of men not multitude of men Ammunition or Forts not riches nor strength nor wisdome nor any self-wrought righteousnesse or workes can be in any sort the object of Faith Jer. 9.23 Job 9. 1. Either the inmost and utmost object of faith and trust God onely is that Mark 10.24 1 Tim. 6.17 2. Or the inmost and absolute mediate object through which men beleeve and trust in God Christ Jesus is only that Luke 18.19 2 Cor. 10.4.7 18. 3. Or the Instrumentall and outward mediate object through and according to which men beleeve and trust in Christ and in God in Christ his Word onely is that Psal 56.4.10 As for prayers and endevours in use of means when they issue from and be the fruits of this faith and confidence in God in Christ according to his Word then in this confidence blessing may bee expected in them 2 Sam. 7.27.29 But they cannot be the object either as Rule or Medium or Object as aforesaid Rom. 9.32 10.2.3 The Word the Rule Christ the Medium God the Object and so God in Christ according to his word is onely and altogether the object of this faith Secondly for the Mover or Worker of this faith that which produceth it and in and by which it is raised and wrought it is not the force of any humane discourse reasoning or Argument 1. Cor. 2.1.4.5 nor is it the issue or birth of any fervent endevours or workings of men in and according to the law of works Gal. 3.2 yea though endeavoured and done to get Christ the righteousnesse of God thereby Rom. 9.31.32 and 10.2.3.4 neither yet is it a conclusion or spring from the appearance of any inward or outward changes effected in a man by any such reasonings or endeavourings Luke 18.11 12. 2 Cor. 10.7.12.18 But this Mover and effector verily is 1. The appearance of the grace of God in and through the Gospel even of that free and immense love of God in the gift of his Sonne to be the Saviour of the world and the satisfaction made by Christ and the fulnesse of grace and truth in him This grace of God appearing in and through Christ moveth to believe encourageth and draweth thereto whence this faith is called The gift of God by grace and not of works Eph. 2.8.9 and they that have it are said to have believed through grace Acts 18.27 2. The Spirit proceeding from the Father and the Sonne in discovery of this grace effecteth this faith and so the hand of the Lord that is the Spirit of the Lord or the demonstration of the Spirit and power is said to bring to believe in God Acts 11.21 1 Cor. 2.4.5 And in respect of both these this grace and Spirit working faith it is said After the kindnesse and love of God to manward appeared he saved us by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the holy Ghost Tit. 3.4.5 And so the beleevers are said to be borne of water and of the spirit Iohn 3.5 And so as the spirit worketh faith so for working it he doth not glorifie the workes of the Law or any frames or workes of men But he glorifies Christ and Gods rich grace in Christ to beget faith and hope in men Iohn 16.13.14 1 Pet. 1.21 And so to say in a word It is the spirituall appearance of rich grace in and by which this faith is wrought Grace is the mover 3 For the nature and Act of this faith There be three things together meeting in one in this Act of believing or this faith of which is here teached as Scripture and experience of Believers shewes that is to say 1 An assent and credit-giving to the report or Testimony of the Gospel and that which by the spirit is evidenced and appeareth through the same report the want of which the Prophet complaines of Esa 53. Who hath believed our report which not-believing the Apostle calles making God a lyer 1 John 5.10 And this assent and credit-giving to the report of the Gospel was in those Act. 13.48 They magnified the word of the Lord counted it good and true and so received the Testimony and so did the Thessalonians likewise 2 Thes 1.10 And this is the first Act without which no faith at all Iohn 5.47 and 8.24 2 An inward and hearty approbation of the goodnesse of that reported in the Gospel in respect of that Christ hath done and that he is become and that he doth and that he is ready to do And in respect of the rich free and great love of God appearing therein so as all other Excellencies are but losse and Dung in comparison of it 1 Pet. 2.7 Phil. 3.7.8 9. 3 Through this assenting and believing-approbation there is an inward and hearty resting and relyance upon Christ and God in Christ for the dispensation of this grace and perfecting that which appertaines to him to do Rom. 5 1.2.5-10 First creditting the savings of the Gospel and through those sayings Believing Christ himselfe and the spirits Testimony of him and in that believing trusting in God in Christ for that promised and so believing the sayings receiving Christ and trusting in God through Christ is the nature and Act of this believing 4 For the motions orstrings in this believing or faith they are 1 An inward and hearty acknowledgement of and submission to Jesus Christ as the Lord and Saviour and so to this grace appearing in him 2 Cor. 5.15 He dyed for all that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves but unto him that dyed for them and rose againe and so Rom. 14.8 Whether we live we live unto the Lord and whether we die we die unto the Lord c. verse 9. and 1 Cor. 6 19-20 Ye are not your own yet are bought with a price c. Rom. 6.17 Ye have obeyed from the heart the forme of Doctrine to which ye were delivered True it is that all men
shall one day be brought so farr to the knowledge of the truth that they shall therein be brought to confesse Jesus the Lord to the glory of God 1. Tim. 2.4.6 Esa 45.23 Phil. 2.10.11 But now in this day of grace from the appearance and force of his loving kindnesse in beliefe of his goodnesse to submit to and acknowledge the Lordship and grace of Christ is the motion and string of this faith Hosea 3.5 2 An inward and hearty acceptance and receiving of Christ and this grace of God in Christ for Pardon Peace righteousnesse and life so Iohn 1.12 As many as received him c. Col. 2.6 Received Christ Jesus the Lord Act. 26.18 Receive forgivenesse of sinnes Rom. 5.1 We have Peace c. verse 11. We have received the Attonement verse 17. Receive the Abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousnesse 1 Iohn 5.12 He that hath the Sonne hath life And this accepting and receiving is another motion in this faith 3 An approach accesse in coming or nigh-drawing to Christ and this grace in him and for farther onenesse and enjoyment thereof he also herein building farther upon himselfe Rom. 5.2 By whom also we have accesse by faith into this grace c. Ephes 2.18 Through him we have both accesse by one spirit unto the Father 1 Pet. 2 3 4. Ye have tasted that the Lord is gratious to whom coming as unto a living stone c. And this approaching is another motion in this faith 4 A hearty content and well-pleasednesse takeing in and with Christ and this grace in him which is a feeding thereon Phil. 3.3 And rejoyce in Christ Jesus Col. 3.4 Christ who is our life Psal 16.5.6 I have a goodly heritage Iohn 6.56 57 58.68 69. He that eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood dwelleth in me c. And thus doth this faith move in a submission to and acknowledgement of Christ receite of the grace in him approaching to God through him and well-pleasednesse takeing in him our Portion Psal 15.5.9 Such the moveings in and of this faith 5 For the subject in which this faith is the Instrument with which it moveth and worketh in and to all this beholding assenting believing trusting acknowledgement receite approaching content-taking It is the heart the principall the choyce and inmost strength of the minde will and affection even the spirit of all which is usually called the heart in Scripture Rom. 10.9.10 And shalt believe in thine heart for with the heart man believeth unto righteousnesse Ephes 3.17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith so that this faith is not in or with the minde or conception onely or with a light affection but in and with the whole heart Act. 8.37 And so it is with 1 The minde and understanding highly prizing Christ and this rich grace in him as the most excellent pretious and choice Pearle and Riches Phil. 3.7.8 1 Cor. 1.24 Col. 2.3.10 2 The will resolutely chusing receiving and accepting Christ and this grace in him as that which is most pleasing and welcome Psal 73.24.25 and 119.30.37 3 The affections closing therewith as that which is most desirable and satisfying Psal 16.5 6 7. Cant. 1 2 3 and 2 3 4 5. 4 A springing and reviving apprehension of truth and goodnesse of that believing however fainting before Psal 116.10.12 As old Iacob though before fainting at the newes yet when he believed the report of Iosephs being alive Gen. 45.27.28 His spirit revived he said it is enough my son Ioseph is yet alive c. And as Mary Luke 1.46.47 My soule doth magnifie the Lord and my spirit rejoyceth in God my Saviour and as David Psal 103.1.2 3. Thus is this faith in the heart and with the heart man believeth not only righteousnesse but unto righteousnesse and so with the heart moveth as aforesaid 6. For the strength power and principle in and of this faith It is the divine power and spirit of Christ entring with his motion or infusion effecting and spirituall seed or dispofition in the heart in which the divine power and spirit of Christ that wrought this faith operateth in and with this faith which faith is therefore rightly called Col. 2.12 The faith of the operation of God who hath raised Christ from the Dead and the working of his mighty power which he wrought in Christ when he raised him from the dead is affirmed to worke in those that by it believe Ephes 1.19.20 And by reason of this spirituall disposition effected in the heart of the Believer it is called The spirit of faith 2 Cor. 4.13 And by this spirit of faith it is that the believer in believing is enabled 1 To behold and discerne the object of faith Christ in his fulnesse and beauty and the rich grace of God in him Iohn 1.14.16.18 Mat. 16.17 1 Cor. 29. 1 Iohn 3.1 2 Moved and overcome in the appearance of this grace to believe 1 Pet. 1.21 Tit. 3 4 5. 3 Enabled to assent to and receive the Testimony 1 Thes 1.5 And to believe and accept the grace it selfe 2 Thes 2.13.14 And to depend on God for all the hope to come Rom. â— 5.10 Gal. 5.5 4 Prevailed with in the motions to the submission to and acknowledgement of Christ 1 Cor. 12.3 To receiving him Iohn 1.12.13 To approaching to God in and by him Ephes 2.18 and to Content-taking in him Col. 3.10.11 5 Hath the new minde spirit and heart effected Ezek. 36.27 1 Iohn 5.20 And the minde and law of Christ written therein 1 Cor. 2.16 2 Cor. 3.3.18 6 The springs fruits and operations of love joy peace c. Rise up Gal. 5.22.23 Diffusing the vertue and operation in all the powers and faculties of he man Mat 13.33 Purifying the heart unto unfained love of the Brethren 1 Pet. 2 22. Rasing up motions and so springing forth in prayer praise confession works of mercy c. 2 Cor. 4.13 And all notions about the Doctrine of faith and Profession of faith where this spirit of faith is wanting is but dead faith Iames 2.17.26 And all workes wrought by humane force not produced by this spirit of faith are but dead workes Heb. 6.1.2 Tim. 3.5 but this spirit of faith is the life of faith and that which makes faith lively in all that is said of it Rom. 8.2.4.14 7 For the one-nesse of this faith in the diversity of the Degrees and Acts of it the Scripture sheweth That there are divers degrees of this true and Divine faith the first Degree is little and small in comparison as a graine of Mustard-seede Mat. 13.31 Luke 17.6 And called little or weake in faith Mat. 6.30 Rom. 14.1 The second Degree is stable stedfast or strong faith abiding in Christ endeavouring temptations and tryalls Col. 1.23 and 2.5.1 Thes 3.7.8 The third degree is effectuall and victorious working faith and overcoming 1 Thes 1.3 1 Iohn 5.4 Though there are diversity of measures or Degrees and Growth therein in each