reigning prevalent Lusts of the flesh to the Destruction of the Soul in both which Senses spiritual Mortification may be taken for as the Vine and other Fruit-Trees are oppressed by superfluous Wood so as the Sap is exhausted in feeding so many superfluous Bows which may bring forth Leaves weak Blossoms but little or at best bad Fruit because not sufficiently Nourished with Moisture from the Root but the Root being Disburthened from these excrescences or superfluous Boughs the Root is able to communicate moisture to the remaining part and the Tree produceth more and better Fruit even so when the affections and delight of the Soul are spent upon the Lusts and sensual Pleasures of the Flesh the Soul and Spiritual graces are starved and whether for want of suitab e Encouragement and therefore the Great and Wise Husband-Man and Shepherd of the Soul by his Chastisements lops of the superfluous delights and Lusts of the Carnal Heart either by blasting the Objects of our Lusts and Carnal Delights or assists his People in this great Duty to mortifie and wean their Affections from these Objects and be more fruitful to Eternal Life by fixing their Hearts on Christ Jesus Now as all Christians are Members of Christ and must be ingrafted in him John 15.1 they must be suited for that Ingraftment and as the Joyner frames his wood each piece to answer to another and cuts it till it fit and as the skilful Chyrurgeon by his powder or Incision cuts off the proud Flesh about the wound until it be clean and as the Gardner frames the Scyon for the stock even so must the Soul be ordered before it can be ingrafted into that spiritual Root Christ Jesus In this Spiritual Operation these three things are considerable First Wherein it consists Secondly The necessity of the Cure Thirdly The means whereby this Cure is wrought As it must be agreed unto that all Christians must be renewed Rooted and built in Christ Jesus being the chief corner Stone If any Man be in Christ he is a New Creature 2 Cor. 5.17 In this is first the cutting off what is superfluous Secondly The grafting the Soul into the New Root Christ Jesus As to the first it is the Custom of skilful Chyrurgeons in cutting any Ulcer or Ulcerated Member to make a full enquiry into the habit and disposition of the Patients Body and Symptoms of the Grievance and some times in his Operation purgeth and at other times he Ministers Cordials to prevent faintings and often times he renders the Patient insensible of the pain by sleep or otherwise and before he begins his Cure the better to be informed where the Malady lyeth if it be a Stone he useth some Instrument to search it if a Wound he cleanseth about the Wound and when he hath made these Preparations he makes Incision without regard of the Patients complaining of pain until he hath finished his Work so in this Work of Mortification a Christian must do these three things First He must make a full and impartial Examination of himself Secondly He must prepare the Soul for the Cure he must proceed and go on with the Work without partiality or Indulgence to any sin First Examination in which the Thoughts and the Objects thereof on which they are most exercised and wherein they most delight are to be inquired into for as the thoughts and affections are so is the whole Man therefore he must bring them to the line and to the plummet of Gods Law to the Law and to the Testimony if ye walk not according to this Rule it is because there is no light in you Is 8.20 To be Carnally minded is Death but to be Spiritually minded is Life and Peace and they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh but they that are after the spirit do mind the things of the spirit for that the flesh is Enmity against God Ro. 8.5 6.7 8. So that here by the Word of God we are to examine and judge and in the Work of Mortification to take special care to get the thoughts and affections which are Carnal and Enmity against God by Nature to be weaned from the Carnal Objects and placed on Christ and the felicities in him for ye are dead and your Life is hid with Christ in God provide your selves bags with wax not old a Treasure in Heaven which faileth not for where your Treasures are there will your Hearts be also Luke 12.31 to 35. So the Christian being dead to this World and his Life hid with Christ in God like the Apostle Paul in whom I am Crucified to the World and the World to me nevertheless I live but not I but Christ that liveth in me and the life that I live in the flesh is by the Faith of the Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me Gal. 2.20 his delight was in Heaven and not in the splendor or vanities of this Life so that the chief part of Mortification is to wean the affections from Carnal things and to raise elevate and place them on things above and as the thoughts and affections are to be looked unto even so are all the words and actions of a Man and if for every idle word and enormous action we must answer how much more are we concerned to search into and Mortifie the Corrupt Fountains from whence flow such Corrupt and sour Grapes This Examination must be very thorough and impartial into every word and every action with all the lightning Circumstances and Aggravations thereof This Examination also must be attended with a Godly sorrow and a hearty Repentance like that Repentance not to be repented of for godly sorrow worketh Repentance to Salvation not to be repented of but the sorrow of the World worketh death and our Repentance should be such as the Apostle Describes behold the self same thing that ye sorrow after a godly sort what carefulness it wrought in you yea what clearing of your selves yea what indignation yea what fear yea what vehement desire yea what zeal yea what Revenge and this is true Mortification never to think of old Sins and Corruptions but with Indignation and Abhorrence as is more fully explained under the particular Head of Repentance Secondly A second thing considerable in the work is a due preparation this being no easie task no less difficult than the divorcing Old Friends Lovers and Acquaintances and the breaking of Old inured Friendship therefore the Soul must have this preparative he must be under the Conviction of a necessity either of perishing eternally or be separate from the Lusts of the flesh If any Man be in Christ he is a new Creature Old things are done away I am the true Vine and my Father is the Husband-Man every Branch in me that beareth not Fruit he taketh away John 15.1 2. Now under this Conviction of the necessity of having Old Superfluous Lusts and Carnal desires to be cut off and purged away or
THE Spiritual Anatomy OF MAN In which is Considered I. The Happy State of Mans Integrity in his first Creation II. The woful Apostacy of Man from God by his Original Sin and how his Posterity is guilty of the same and affected with the consequences thereof III. Mans Restoration by the Second Adam the Mediator Jesus Christ and the great excellency of the Covenant of Grace IV. The whole series of Christian Duties With Promises of assistance relating to the respective cases V. The particular cases of Affliction especially Spiritual 〈◊〉 Sickness Poverty Imprisonment Reproach Desertion of 〈◊〉 and Relations and the Promises in the several cases VI. The great encouragement to Believers for Patience and Perseverance from the great reward of Eternal Happiness and Promises of assistance To which is added an Index of the whole Contents When the Morning Stars Sang together and all the Sons of God shouted for Joy Job 38.7 The first Man is of the Earth Earthly the second Man is the Lord from Heaven Published by Andrew Burnet M. A. LONDON Printed by T. S. and are to be sold by John Lawrence at the Sign of the Angel in the Poultry 16â—â— THE Epistle Dedicatory To the Right Honourable Learned and Religious Sir Thomas Burnet of Leis Knight and Baronett and one of their Majesties most Honourable Privy Council for the Kingdom of Scotland Grace Peace and all Happiness both Temporal and Eternal Right Honourable IT is the Promise of the All-Glorious God to Honour those that Honour him there be four special ways whereby God Honours Men. First When he raiseth them out of nothing worse than nothing yea from the very depth of Hell to a height of Heavenly Honour Happiness and Holiness in Christ Jesus whereby he makes them more Excellent than their Neighbours Prov. 12.26 more Excellent not in degrees only but in kind more Excellent in their Birth for they are Born again of the Word and of the Spirit more Excellent in their Thoughts more Excellent in their Affections more Excellent in their Practices more Excellent in their Lives in Regard of Gods Favour towards them and more Excellent in their Death their Death is sweet to them All True Christians are truly Right Honourable and Truly Royal They are Loyal Subjects and a Royal Priest-hood 1 Pet. 2.9 They are really the lowest yet the highest People Exod. 19.6 Lowest in their own Sense highest in Gods sight Rev. 1.6 and 5.10 Secondly God Honours Men when he gives them Hearts to serve him in a Faithful and Fruitful Subjection to his Will The Service of God is not only Duty but also our Priviledge and Preferment Hence Theodosius Gloryed more in that he was a Servant of Christ than being Emperour of the East Thirdly God Honours Men when he rases Men to places of Eminency above others And makes them Faithful in employing their power for God and Piously prudent in their publick Deportment Fourthly But the highest Honour shall be hereafter in Heaven when the Saints shall be filled brim full with Grace and Glory We cannot Honour God until he hath Honoured us We cannot give glory to God until we have received glory from him because he first Honours us Grace is Glory 2 Cor. 3.18 Sir God hath Honoured your Family with the Truest Honour in Christ Rom. 8.30 Your Ancestors have been Right Honourable for Piety Virtue Religion and Zeal to Gods Glory and God hath made you a Honourable Branch of that Honourable Family and hath given you a Heart to Honour him again Some Families are valued from Antiquity who can pretend Title to Religion or Virtue in themselves or Ancestors but your Honour is truly valuable on both accounts and indeed from Religion and Exemplary practice of Godliness the Blessing on Families and Persons is to be expected Wickedness and Debauchery hath lain so long on some Families as a Moth until they are altogether gangren'd and as the Degeneracy of some Families in Religion and Morals is too too palpable it 's to be likewise feared their Extirpation may be as Conspicuous and it ought to be Matter of Humiliation that Impiety hath been so Predominant without Parallel in the late Reigns From the inexcusable Incouragement at the Helm that the most Considerable Families in these Nations have been Sullyed with the blackest Stains of Vice so that Morality hath been accounted pedantry and Religion Bafouned and Ridiculed And it must be allowed the Glory as well as the Mercy of some who have not been carryed away in such a Deluge And your Honour by the special Conduct of Providence hath been preserved in your integrity as an Exemplary Stock to graft upon for the future Propagation of Religion These following Sheets being a Collection of the private Meditations of a Gentleman Born and Educated in the Kingdom of Scotland near to your Honours Antient Mannor of Crathis In his Solitude when by Providence he was restrained from the Exercise of his Talent in the way of his Profession and Education and only intended for the use of himself and Family But whilst in his Confinement he was visited by some Christian Friends as well of Sacred as Civil Profession and these Sheets coming occasionally to be by them viewed and approved of The Author was Importuned to Print the same as containing many particulars which might tend to the Advancement of Religion But for several Reasons he was Averse as First his then Circumstances could not bear the Charge of the Press Secondly He hath truly observed that the sincere Affections to Religion in Life and Practice is so decayed that whatever is wrote on that Subject unless varnished under the Name of some Author Eminently in Vogue the same is implicitly vilified and he intending not to be known and considering if known his Name might not be Authentick to give Reputation to the Truth of the Writing however valuable in it self Thirdly That as Books are valued not so much for the matter they contain as the Fame of the Author or Patrociny of some Eminent Person he found himself at a loss to whom to Dedicate fearing in this Degeneracy of zeal for God his Dedication might be construed avarice rather than desire of a Patrone These Sheets lying thus in their Swadling-Cloaths and like to perish in Darkness and I being Familiarly acquainted with the Author and finding that in them the most Nervous parts of Practical Relegion were Judiciously Treated and Methodized I was induced from Zeal in Advancing Religion to Solicite the Authors Permission to Publish these Sheets and the rather for what was his Discouragement in want of Patron was my Encouragement that I might Presume upon your Honours Favour on this behalf The Author having appositely Intituled this Treatise The Anatomy of Man as being a Series of the whole State of Man from his Creation to his Eternal Rest in Glory and I having the Happiness to be so well acquainted with your Honours zeal for the Kingdom of Christ and of your Knowledge in
original guilt imputable to them in so much as they are part of that Mass which was corrupted common experience in all Ages tell us that unhappy constitutions of Parents either natural or accidental render Posterity exceeding corrupt as well in Intellectuals as in bodily habits and what reason can be given why men beget men and not beasts and beasts beget beasts and not men but because of the Affinity of Nature between the Sire and what is begotten the same Parity of reason will infer that from corrupt Men corrupt Issue must be produced and how can it be otherwise supposed for what is begotten of man can give no quality to it self and therefore must participate of the nature and ascribe its quality to that by which it is begotten This also is clear from Scripture who can bring a clean thing from an unclean not one Job 14.4 If a man be sinful polluted and unclean as Adam was after his fall how could his Posterity be clean they have it not of themselves and could not claim or derive it from him David gives us for this a clear Scripture proof in his own acknowledgment of Original guilt behold I was shapen in iniquity and in sin did my Mother conceive me Psal 51.5 From whence comes this pollution of David the Embrio took it not from its lodging in the Womb there being nothing there to defile it therefore it must needs have it from its polluted Parents Do not dayly and woful experience instruct us that the first Acts of Children is wickedness and if not restrained and instructed they will perish in Sin and Atheism whence comes this Man was created Righteous and Holy untill he wilfully defiled himself doth not then this wickedness arise from that first pollution of Nature in Adam and so descended and fell on all Posterity and continues successively until Nature be polished by Grace and man be renewed in Christ Jesus and made conformable to the Image of him that Created him in Righteousness and true holiness wherefore we must conclude all men under Sin by natural Generation and for this the Scripture is most clear for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles that they are all under Sin and in that other place of the same Apostle Wherefore as by one Man sin entred into the World and Death by Sin so Death passed upon all Men for that all have sinned Rom. 3.9 Again therefore as by the offence of one Judgment came upon all Men to condemnation For as by one Mans Disobedience many were made Sinners so by the Obedience of one shall many be made Righteous Rom. 5.12 18 19. Having discovered from Scripture and by other arguments that by Adams Transgression his Nature was corrupted and that thereby his Posterity partaking of his corrupted complexion and nature are also tainted with his corruption and are thereby guilty of his original Transgression we come next to consider the consequences thereof upon his Posterity and these are twofold First The Posterity of Adam are made subject to Death and disabled from succeeding him in the many priviledges he enjoyed in his Integrity Secondly They are disabled in natural enjoyment and spiritual performances For the first as we have already cleared upon Adams transgression an act of attender passed against him and he was deprived of his Soveraignty over the Creatures enmity was sowed between him and them and the Earth was accursed for his sake and he himself exposed to toil misery and sorrow so that all these evil effects have fallen on his Posterity and they also made subject to Death This is already cleared from their participation of the corrupt nature and consequently the Judgments which have followed must also affect them and they are thereby brought under the Judgment of Death as by that Scripture already cited as by one man Sin entred into the World and Death by Sin so Death passed upon all men for that all men have sinned Rom. 5.12 So as Adam had not seen Death if he had not sinned and sinning was brought under the Judgment of Death all his Posterity likewise sinning in him are liable to the Judgment of Death For the Wages of sin is Death Rom. 6.23 Secondly The Posterity of Adam are not only disabled from succeeding him in that glorious state of his Integrity but are disabled in the use of natural enjoyment and spiritual performances First In natural and temporary enjoyments for though the World be respited from utter ruine and God continues Man on Earth with a Course of Day and Night and the usual seasons nevertheless since the Curse on the Creatures for Mans Sin the enjoyment of Creature delights is attended with such uneasiness that Mans Life is a continual dying and a Life of Sorrow Man that is born of a Woman is of few days and full of trouble he cometh forth like a flower and is cut down he flieth also as a shadow and continueth not Job 14.1 2. See Davids testimony of the greatest of Men surely Men of low degree are vanity and Men of high degree a lye to be laid in the hallance they are altogether lighter than vanity Psal 62.9 If we take Solomons opinion of the whole World he plainly tells us all is Vanity and Vexation of Spirit Eccles 2. all The holy Apostle gives us an Inventory of the World In the World is only the Lusts of the Flesh the Lusts of the Eyes and the Pride of Life and these things are not of God and perish in the using 1 Joh. 2.15 16. The holy Apostle Paul informs us that the whole Creation is brought under subjection and groans under bondage for Sin Rom. 8.20 21. So that since the Curse for Sin the World is but a Stage of Sin Sorrow and Misery This also is proved from daily experience what Age Nation City or Family is exempted from the lash of mortality misery or changes is not the greatest Earthly glory honour wealth and strength clouded in a moment and brought to nothing and this is the just effect of mans Sin and Rebellion and will be the continuing Lot of the Seed of Adam untill the Restoration of Man in Christ Jesus according to the Image of him that created him and that the bondage of the Creation be restored by the coming of the second Adam and restitution of all things by him Rom. 8.21 22. The second thing wherein Man is disabled by Adam's Sin and inherent Corruption from the first pollution is not only natural feebleness and weakness all the vital and corporal faculties being disabled from that original wholesome and vigorous Constitution of the first Adam whereby the actions are either corrupt or faint in comparison with what they were before the Fall but also in Religious performances and duties so as all these actions and performances are either wholly corrupt and sinful or so weak and scanty that they are rather a Skeleton or Picture than real Duties This is illustrated from these three Instances First
his Church In all their Afflictions he was Afflicted and the Angel of his presence saved them in his Love and in his Pity he redeemed them and carryed them all the days of old Isa 63.9 Secondly This Love is extensive to all wants and necessities or else it is empty and profiteth not Whoso hath this Worlds good and seeth his Brother have need and shutteth up his bowels of Compassion how doth the Love of God dwell in him 1 Joh. 3.17 And the Apostle James is to the like purpose If a Brother or a Sister be naked and destitute of Daily food and one of you say to them depart in peace he ye warmed and filled notwithstanding ye give them not these things which are needful to the Body what doth it profit Jam. 15.16 Seventhly Is it so then of a lamentable truth that all men are concluded in Adams Apostacy and that there is a woful Degeneracy in the Soul of Man from that primitive Knowledge Righteousness and Holiness and that all men in Nature are dead in Sin and have their Conversation with the Lusts of the Flesh fulfilling the desires thereof and of the mind according to the Course of this World according to the Prince of the Power of the Air the Spirit that now worketh in the Children of Disobedience and are by Nature the Children of Wrath. Eph. 2.1 2 3. And that there is even amongst the renewed a Law in the Members warring against the Law in the Mind Rom. 7.23 Ch. 8.1 And that by reason of Sin the Creature is Subject to Vanity and the whole Creation groaneth and travelleth in pain for the Adoption and Redemption Rom. 8.20 22 23. And that in this degeneracy a mans life is his burden and there is no true pleasure under the Sun confirmed in Solomons experience Therefore I hated life because the work that is wrought under the Sun is grievous unto me for all is vanity and vexation of Spirit Eccles 2.17 all Seeing then this Earth is but a sojourning and no abiding place and that here is neither Pleasure Rest nor Happiness how much is it mortal mans concern anxiously restlesly and with a believing Impatience to pursue close after these two things First That as by one man Sin entred into the World and Death by Sin so Death passed upon all men for that all men have sinned Rom. 5.12 And that as by the offence of one man Judgment came upon all men to Condemnation even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men to Justification of life Rom. 5.18 That man would seriously apply himself to the Throne of Grace that he may be found in the Faith that he may be intituled into Eternal Life in Jesus Christ that only mediator and for that the first Image of God in man was wilfully abolished or defaced by man that by the bounty of Free-grace he may be begotten again by the regeneration of the Spirit unto a lively Faith and that he may put on the new man of Righteousness and True Holiness Eph. 4. â—â— And may be renewed in Knowledge after the Image of him that Created it Col. 3.10 And may be set free from the Law of Sin and Death by the Law of the Spirit of Life And that he may be spiritually enlightned not by the Spirit of the World but by the Spirit which is of God and that he may know the things freely given of God 1 Cor. 2.12 And that he may be spiritually minded that enmity of the Carnal mind may be removed so as he may no more mind the things of the Flesh but the things of the Spirit Rom 8.5 6 7. That being raised from the Death of Sin by the Spirit of Christ he may seek these things that are above where Christ is Col. 3.1 And may be accounted to be called a Child of God an heir and Joynt heir with Jesus Christ and may also be glorified with him Rom. 8 17. That he may be dead and crucified in Christ to Sin and may also live with him in Glory Rom. 6.8 Secondly Seeing the Earth was accursed for mans sake Gen. 3.17 18 19. And that the Creature was made Subject to Vanity not willingly but by reason of him who Subjected the same in hope Rom. 8.20 And that the whole Creation groaneth and travelleth in pain together for redemption from the bondage of Corruption unto the glorious liberty of the Children of God Rom. 8.21 22 23. That he may watch and be always ready with Oyl in his Lamp for the coming of the Bridegroom who cometh as a Thief in the night Rev. 16.15 And may earnestly pray that the Bridegroom would hasten the coming of his Kingdom and the new Heavens and the new Earth and set the Sons of God at liberty from the Liberty of Sin and Corruption and that the glad Tydings of that Heavenly Proclamation may be heard Behold the Tabernacle of God is with Men and God shall dwell with them and they shall be his People and God himself shall be with them and be their God And God shall wipe away all tears from their Eyes and there shall be no more Death neither Sorrow nor Crying neither shall there be any more Pain For the former things are passed away Rev. 21. to 6. Having thus viewed Adam in his Primitive Integrity in Glory Honour Righteousness true Holiness and perfect Knowledge with absolute Soveraignty over the Creatures the Darling and Friend of God and all the Creation at Unity and Peace with him and in Subjection to him and in Amity amongst themselves And afterwards by Man's falling from God Man the declared Enemy of God and by a guard of Angels barred out of Paradise deprived of his Soveraignty and Enmity sowed between the Creatures and the Earth accursed and the Creation brought under Bondage and the Posterity of Adam once the apparent Heir of all Righteousness true Holiness Knowledge Honour Glory and Soveraignty over the Creatures disabled and cut off from that glorious succession and exposed unto all misery and under the servitude of Sin and Wrath Rom. 3.23 Eph. 2.3 And in place of that Unity of the Sons of God and shouting together for joy nothing to be seen or heard but Subjects rebelling against their Soveraign and the whole Creation Split in Enmity and Envy Malice Oppression and Unrighteousness to have filled the whole Earth where is that corner of the World where ambition for Dominion Covetousness for Wealth private or publick animosities have not drowned the sense of all comfortable enjoyments Man raging against the Creatures and they against him and each in contention devouring one another and nothing to be seen but a woful Convulsion and dismal complexion and the degenerate frame of that first and beautiful Fabrick of the Creation from its so late purity and glory This then being the Tragical Condition of all Mortals Subject to Sin and Misery as entailed on them from the Inherent Corruption of Nature Job 5.6 Who can
which was since the Law maketh his Son who is consecrated for evermore for Christ is not entered into the Holy Places made with Hands which are the figures of the true but into Heaven it self now to appear in the Presence of God for us Heb. 9.24 Heb. 7.23 24 25 28. And by the Holy Apostle John If any man sin we have an Advocate with the Father Jesus Christ the Righteous 1 John 2.1 From these Scriptures we have a clear proof of this consolatory Doctrine that Christs Priesthood continueth when mens cease for his is Eternal theirs are but while they are on Earth but on the other Hand Christ hath entered into the Heavens to make Intercession for us and although he hath once for all fulfilled the Sacrifice to Justice for Sinners nevertheless he is still at a post of Intercession in Heaven with the Father to make our requests known and to procure the answer to our Petitions and as at his leaving of the World he told his Disciples he was going to the Father and told them Whatsoever ye ask in my name that I will do that the Father may be glorified in the Son and if ye ask anything in my name I will do it Joh. 14.13 14. It clearly appears his Mediatory Office is not determined but continueth and will continue until the restitution of all things and he give up the Kingdom to his Father As this Doctrine affords great consolation to all Believers that in all their wants Spiritual and Temporal while in their Pilgrim state they are assured of an Advocate to make Intercession for them so we have a clear confutation of that errour of the Church of Rome who set up the Doctrine of Invocation and Intercession of Saints which exceedingly derogates from the Prerogative of Jesus Christ who is that great High Priest and only Mediator for Sinners for the Apostle is most positively clear that Priests amongst men are not suffered to continue because of Death but this man continueth for ever so as nothing can be clearer than that their Office determines with their Lives and his continueth in Heaven making Intercession for Sinners What can be a greater contradiction of Scripture and more derogatory to the sole Prerogative of Jesus Christs Mediation than to allow the power of Intercession to any Saint or Angel whose Office is extinguished when they yield up the Ghost Fourthly Priests amongst Men offer Sacrifices of corruptible things at the charge of others but this great High Priest hath made a Sacrifice of his own blood for the sins of others But Christ being come an High Priest of good things to come by a greater and more perfect Tabernacle not made with hands that is to say neither by the blood of Goates and Calves but by his own blood he entred in once into the Holy Place having obtained eternal Redemption for us for if the blood of Bulls and Goates and of the Ashes of an Heifer sprinkling the Unclean sanctifieth to the purifying of the Flesh how much more shall the blood of Christ who through the Eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God purge your Consciences to serve the living God Heb. 9.11 12 13 14. and elsewhere Looking for the blessed hope and the glorious appearing of the Great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all Iniquity and purify to himself a peculiar people zealous of good works Tit. 2.13 14. Who gave himself for our sins that he might deliver us from this present evil World according to the Will of God and our Father Gal. 1.4 being justified freely by his Grace by the Redemption that is in Christ Jesus whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through Faith in his Blood to declare his righteousness for the Remission of Sins that are past through the forbearance of God to declare at this time his Righteousness that he might be just and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus where is boasting then it is excluded by what Law of Works nay but by the Law of Faith therefore we conclude that a Man is justified by Faith without thee deeds of the Law Rom. 3.24 to 29. Hence then have we this great Doctrine of Christs satisfaction for Believers plainly discovered and proved unto us in which we see the contrivance of Heaven for Mans Eternal Redemption freely justified that is without merit or reward on our part but of Bounty and Grace whom God hath set forth by the joint Council of the Godhead through Christ Jesus here the Sole Mediatory office lodged in him through Faith in his blood this is the duty and condition on Believers part for remission of Sins that are past this is the full satisfaction to Justice through the forbearance of God the consent of Heaven and Indemnity for Sinners that he might be just that Justice might be satisfied and sin expiated by the Blood of Jesus and the Justifier of him that believeth in Jesus that Christs Blood be imputed as satisfaction for Sin without farther satisfaction from Believers or other Mediators From all which and almost in express words we have the confutation of that impious Doctrine of Rome viz. of Merit Mediation of Saints Purgatory after Death all sins being done away by the Blood of Jesus God being the justifier of him that believeth in Jesus what room then is there for Purgatory Another difference between our great High Priest and Priests on Earth is that they offered often but he offered up himself once for all a Propitiation for Sin and thereby at once satisfied Justice as in the foregoing and other Scriptures By the which Will we are sanctified through the offering of the Body of Jesus once for all and every Priest standeth daily ministring and oftentimes offering the same sacrifices which can never take away Sin but this Man after he had offered one Sacrifice for sin for ever sate down on the Right Hand of God for by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified Heb. 9.11 12. He entred in once into the holy Place having obtained Eternal Redemption for us Heb. 10.11 12 14. From this plain Doctrine of Christs once offering himself a Sacrifice for Sinners believers may comfort themselves in assurance of Salvation from that Sacrifice of his Blood and may come boldly to the Throne of Grace that we may obtain Mercy and find Grace to help in time of need Heb. 4.16 And may have a strong consolation who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us which hope we have as an Anchor of the Soul both sure and stedfast and which entreth into that within the Vail whether the forerunner is for us entred even Jesus made an High Priest for ever after the order of Melchisedeck Heb. 6.18 19 20. This Doctrine also plainly reproves that Judaick Idolatrous and vain opinion of the Popish Mass in crucifying a fresh the Lord of Glory and so
God that justifieth who is he that shall condemn It is Christ that died yea rather that is risen again who is even at the Right Hand of God making intercession for us Rom. 8.1 33 34. Thirdly Is Christ Jesus that triumphant and glorious Champion With dyed Garments from Bozrah having trode the Wine-press of his Fathers wrath alone for sinners Isa 63.1 2 3. Who hath conquered over Hell and Death for sinners 1 Cor. 15.54 55 56 57. Why should a Believer be afraid and doubtful of his Eternal Salvation in Jesus Christ considering he hath his Promise for it who cannot lye I even I am he that comforteth thee who art thou that thou shouldest be afraid of a Man that shall die and of the Son of Man that shall be made as Grass and forgetteth the Lord thy Maker that hath stretched forth the Heavens and hast feared continually every day because of the fury of the Oppressour as if he were ready to destroy and where is the fury of the Oppressour Isa 51.12 13. This one Consideration and Faith in exercise is sufficient to stay the Soul against all discouragements and doubtings Fourthly Is Christ that brightness of the Fathers Glory and express Image of his Person whose Throne is for ever Heb. 1.3 8. Hath he dignified man and abased himself in taking Mans Nature upon him and not the Nature of Angels Heb. 2.16 Art thou amongst men O Christian contemptible as a Worm and no Man looked upon as the abject and of scouring of the Earth as was Christ Psalm 22. Why art thou cast down and disquieted is not Christ thy Eldest Brother hath he taken thy Nature on him for any other end than for thy comfort For that he himself hath suffered being tempted he is able to succour those that are tempted Heb. 2.18 Let therefore thy Condition in the World be never so despicable lay thou hold on Christ as thy Sacrifice be comforted in this Though thou hast lien amongst the Pots yet shalt thou be like a Dove whose Wings are covered with Silver and her Feathers with yellow Gold Psal 68.13 Fifthly Is Christ thy King who hath the Keys of Hell and Death who can bind and no man loose and loose and no man bind Rev. 1.18 What Prison Confinement Restraint or Power can keep thee out of his Hands when his appointed time cometh That he will send his word and heal and loose thee Psalm 107.16 20. Rom. 8.35 38 39. Sixthly Is Christ that bountiful Prince who giveth gifts to Men hath he abased himself to Death to make thee a King John 1.12 art thou in Poverty with Lazarus and in thy own sense and humane appearance thy way is hid from God as in the foregoing place nevertheless remember his power and bounty He setteth the poor on high and maketh them families like a Flock the righteous shall see it and rejoice Psalm 1â—7 41 42. Yea remember his Promise believe and be comforted in it I will give thee the treasures of darkness and hidden riches of secret places Isa 45.3 Prove me now saith the Lord if I will not open thee the Windows of Heaven and pour you out a blessing that there shall not be room enough to receive it Mal. 3.10 But above all whereas the Wicked and Rich of this World receive their Consolation in this Life Wo to you that are Rich for you have received your Consolation Luke 6.24 Believers shall be Eternally happy And they shall be mine in that day when I make up my Jewels and I will spare him as a man spareth his own Son that serveth him then shall ye return and discern between the Righteous and the Wicked between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not Mal. 3.17 18. We have seen in the foregoing discourse the happy condition of man in his first Creation and thereafter his unhappy and miserable estate by reason of sin and also and immediately preceeding this discourse the Lords great clemency and free bounty to Man by the Counsel of Heaven from all Eternity in redeeming Man by a Covenant of free Love in Jesus Christ according to that Scripture O Israel thou hast destroyed thy self but in me is thy help Hosea 13. and 9. And as this great Salvation is by a Covenant with Jesus Christ wherein he both undertakes for Man and procures Mercies to Man so there are duties incumbent to man on his part of the Covenant Although Man by his first and original sin as hath been already shewn hath disabled himself that he is capable of no performance in himself nevertheless Jesus Christ his surety undertakes for him and he works and accomplisheth all these works in him These Conditions on Mans part are variously expressed in Scripture Moses under the Law tells the People of Israel their duty towards God And now O Israel what doth the Lord thy God require of thee but to fear the Lord thy God to walk in all his ways and to love him and to serve the Lord thy God with all thy Heart and with all thy Soul to keep the Commandments of the Lord and his Statutes which I command thee for thy good Deut. 10.22 23. The holy Prophet Micah much to the same purpose he hath shewed thee O Man what is good and what doth the Lord require of thee but to do justly love mercy and walk humbly with thy God Mic. 6.8 The duty of Christians under the Gospel and Believers under the Law are morally the same the holy Apostle gives us in divers places the account of our duties under the Gospel Let us cleanse our selves from all filthiness of the Flesh and of the Spirit perfecting holiness in the fear of the Lord 2 Cor. 7.1 And the same Apostle elsewhere For the Grace of God that bringeth Salvation hath appeared to all Men teaching us that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts we should live soberly righteously and godly in this present World Titus 2.11 12. These foregoing and other Scriptures as well in the old as new Testament hold out to us the material and substantial part of our duties or conditions of the new Covenant on mans part although grace and salvation comes freely unto us by the forbearance of God and free love of Jesus Christ as is already shewen nevertheless it is but reasonable and just that such precious mercies should be answered with conditions on Mans part and the rather for that Man hath neither strength power nor capacity in himself to perform But that as the Covenant is free so grace to perform is freely given and obtained by Jesus Christ James 1.17 and all the performances of Christians though never so exact are but the returning to God what we received from him and though we may better our selves by these performances and thereby render our selves more acceptable to God nevertheless we do not at all profit God thereby for what we can do to God in our Service and Worship is but our Duty and brings him no advantage
nothing and vanity He is Lord of Lords and King of Kings And his dominion is without end or limitation of time he is glorious in holiness fearful in praises doing wonders Isa 40.12 to 18. Psalm 68.17 Revelation 17.14 Exod. 15.11 Thirdly He is infinite in Wisdom who hath directed the Spirit of the Lord or being his Cousellour taught him with whom took he Counsel and who instructed him and taught him the Path of Judgments and Knowledge and shewed him the way of understanding he is Prince of Peace wonderful Counsellour the everlasting Father Isa 40.13 14. Isa 9.6 7. chap. 11. to 11. Fourthly He is matchless in Beauty He is the Rose of Sharon White and Ruddy the choicest of ten thousands His Head as the most fine Gold his Locks are bushy and black as a Raven his Mouth is sweet yea he is altogether lovely Cant. 2.1 Cant. 5.10 to 17. Fifthly He is of everlasting continuance all created Beings are either tainted with inherent and natural defects or imperfections Riches canker and consume beauty failes with the complexion friends power and humane glory are Solomons vanities and perish in the using or are cut off with time but he made all things and of his Kingdom there shall be no end he is Alpha and Omega Rev. 1.8 Sixthly He is absolute Soveraign and Conquerour of all Enemies even of Death and the World be of good-Comfort I have overcome the World the Issues of Death belong to him he hath the Keys of the House of David he can shut and no man open he can open and no man shut I am he that liveth and was dead and behold I live for evermore and have the Keys of Hell and Death Rev. 1.8 chap. 5.9 The seventh reason why the Lord Jesus Christ doth afflict and chastise his People is to exercise their Faith and Patience upon his Promises to them in their afflictions It being the Lords way with his People to afflict them to trials and confirmation not to their destruction or overthrow to chastise them in Measure and not to leave them altogether unpunished for I am with thee saith thee Lord to save thee Jer. 30.11 Though I make a full end of all Nations whether I have scattered thee yet will I not make a full end of thee but will correct thee in measure and not leave thee altogether unpunished The Lord knoweth the complexion of his People and therefore deals warily and gently with them by his afflicting hand he intends not their destruction but to frame them for Vessels of Love and Mercy he intending they shall be the Temples of the Holy Ghost he refines them and chuseth them in the Furnace of Afflâ—ction to scoure off the natural and sinful uncleanness And thus he deals in a tenderly and fatherly way Jer. 48.10 chap. 9.7 In measure when it shutteth forth I will debate with it he stayeth the rough wind in the day of his East-wind and all his Billows do not blow at once Jer. 27.7 8 9. He will not overcharge them but proportions the Physick of Affliction to the strength he will give them No temptation hath befallen you but what is common to Men the Lord is faithful who will not suffer you to be tempted above measure but with every temptation will give an outgate that ye may be able to bear it 1 Cor. 10 30. 2 Cor. 4.17 18. And therefore the Wise Physician of Souls who will not break a bruised Reed nor quench a smoaking Flax. Isa 42.3 To prevent the discouragement of the Christian Patient in their afflictions affords them the Cordials of his Infallible Promises to stay support and uphold them against the sourest gripings of Temptations and Trials which is his Fatherly Potion that he measures to them in this Life And these Promises are suited to all the Christians Lot on this side of time as well to their Spiritual State Trials and Difficulties as to that of the Temporary Troubles and Afflictions Isa 11. all Isa 61.1 2 3. And First for their Spiritual state in these three particulars First In Spiritual darkness and desertion of Gods presence for their Cloudiness in the sense of Gods favour Secondly Under the sense or apprehensions of greatest Sins And Thirdly Under repeated Sins or Relapses First In Darkness and Soul Desertion as every throw or gripe to the diseased do discompose and aggravate so much more when afflictions the Arrows of the Almighty are upon any and that their Spiritual state is clouded and they have not the comfortable presence of God so as they are under fears and darkness that the Lord is not their Salvation or cannot be satisfied that these Chastisements are in Mercy and not in Wrath from the Hand of a Father how is the Soul hurried and curdled like a Cheese and roars with David as distracted with terrours a wounded Spirit who can bear this of all conditions is the most anxious and comfortless as on the other hand when the Countenance of a reconciled God in Christ Jesus looks thorough the deepest Cloud of Afflictions the Soul rejoyceth in Tribulation Some will say who will shew us any good but Lord lift thou up the Light of thy Countenance which will make our Soul more joyful and more glad than when their Corn and Wine encrease in great abundance Psal 4.6 7 8. And in this doleful state the Lords Promises are rich and manifold Who is among you that feareth the Lord and obeyeth the voice of his Servant that walketh in darkness and hath no light let him trust in the name of the Lord and stay upon his God Isa 50.10 Unto the Righteous there ariseth light in darkness Psal 112.4 Light is sowed to the Righteous and Joy to the Upright in Heart Psal 97.11 I am sought of them that asked not for me I am found of them that sought me not I said behold me behold me unto a Nation that was not called by my name before they call I will answer and while they are yet speaking I will hear saith the Lord Isa 65.1 24. Before she travelled she brought forth before her pain came she was delivered of a Man Child and as soon as Zion Travelled she brought forth her Children shall I bring to the Birth and not cause to bring forth shall I cause to bring forth and shut the Womb saith the Lord Isa 66.7 8 9. The great Physitian of Souls like a just and wise Physitian useth ordinary means in common Distempers but in extremities and dangerous Distempers Cordials and Rich and Choicest Medicines are not with held when all ordinary helps fail his special Love and Power manifests it self when we were helpless yea Enemies he brings succour comfort and relief and makes with us an everlasting Covenant Ezek. 16. to 8. Rom. 5.6 7 8. Thus he sheweth his Prerogative of curing as well as his Love when no other help appears when my Father and my Mother forsake me then the Lord shall take me up Psal 27.10 Isa 49.15 chap.
Scriptures for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God Rom. 3.23 24 25. Being justified freely by his Grace through the Redemption that is in Jesus Christ Rom. 8.29.30 I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy and compassion on whom I will have compassion Rom. 9.15 16. So that it is not of him that wilâ—eth nor of him that runneth but of God that sheweth mercy Ephes 5.8 In hope of eternal Life which God that cannot Lye hath promised before the World began not by works of Righteousness which we have done but according to his Mercy he saved us by the washing of Regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour Tit. 3.5 6. Secondly This Salvation is to such as are incapable of helping themselves and under most miserable circumstances Christ is that charitable and kind Samaritan to the wounded man by the Thieves who brings help when the Levite and Priest whose Office preach charity passed by without giving any â—elief See that â—â—mous and often repeated place â—n instance of mercy and relief when Man was exposed to all imaginable misery in most contemptible and helpless condition where the bowels of mercy are liberally extended and relief is brought from meer love and pity Ezek. 16. to 9. And that other famous Scripture demonstrate the freedom and fulness of love when Man was in the worst of circumstances when we were without strength Christ died for the ungodly God commendeth his love to us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us for if when we were Enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son much more being reconciled we shall be saved throug his Life Rom. 5. to 12. Nothing can be a greater instance of love pity and compassion than the relieving of one in a helpless state so that Christs redeeming of Souls is unparallelled who relieved Enemies without their own help or capacity to relieve themselves and that famous Scripture of causing the Dead Bones to take flesh sinews and life and become a numerous host is a clear emblem of the Infinite and Free love of God and mans incapacity to relieve himself Ezek. 37. And in that famous place of Gods interposing for his People when all friends and relations are treacherous and helpless Micah 7.4 5 6. From all which we may see the eminent instances of Mans self incapacity and miserableness and of the fulness and freedom of Gods Love and early mercies for him Thirdly The third excellency and encouragement in this great Salvation is that it brings with it all suitable helps and supplies to assist us to promote that great Salvation we find the Apostle discovering to us Gods eternal purpose of Mans Redemption he resolved to bring Man to a conformity with his own Will and Image For whom he did foreknow he also did predestinate to be conformed to the Image of his Son that he might be the first born among many Brethren Rom. 8.29 Whereby we find God purposed to have the ransomed and such as shall be saved by Christs Blood to be compleatly supplied with all things necessary to adorn and compleat that great Salvation and this is most manifest in the Scripture He that spared not his own Son but gave him up for us all how shall he not also with him freely give us all things Rom. 8.32 He will give Grace and Glory and no good thing will he with-hold from such as fear him seek first the Kingdom of God and the Righteousness thereof then all things else shall be added thereunto Mat. 6.33 Ho every one that thirsteth come ye to the Waters and he that hath no money come come ye buy and eat without money and without price and let your Soul delight it self in fatness Isa 55.1 2. Here we find a full free and cheap Market of all supplies from whence may clearly be implyed Gods purpose to have his people whom he adopteth heirs of his Kingdom to be compleatly furnished with all things necessary thereunto Fourthly The fourth and sixth may be comprehended in one that this great salvation is compleat and full in that it hath the enjoyment of God in union of the Father by the Son in the Spirit and the Heirs of that Inheritance are made sharers of all Heavenly excellencies In thy presence is fulness of Joy and at thy right hand are pleasures for evermore this is more particularly expressed by the manifold priviledges of the glorified Saints and their blessed Inheritance First As it is the restoring of Man from the deepest state of misery and exalting him to the highest pitch of happiness as hath been already shewed Secondly These of that estate are entituled to all things as hath been alreardy shewed Thirdly They shall be exempted from all manner of misery sorrow and grief They have compleat happiness and enjoyment of all things as being eternally united to God by Jesus Christ The fifth and last mystical excellency of this great Salvation is in the method taken by Heavenly Wisdom in the accomplishing of it to wit by Christ the Mediators taking upon him the humane nature and therein making an attonement for Sin in the Flesh This is so great a mystery that it merits all admiration that Jesus Christ though he was from the beginning and from all eternity cloathed with all Majesty and Glory and the first born of all the Creation the Heir of all things by whom the World was made and by whom it subsists who being the brightness of the Fathers glory and express Image of his Person and by himself upholding all things the only begotten Son of God whose Throne is in glory for ever more who laid the Foundations of the Earth and the Heavens are the Workmanship of his Hands nevertheless according to the Counsel of his own Will he abased himself to enter into a Virgins Womb and came into the World and under the infirmities of humane Nature suffered the highesâ— indignities that the vilest wretches could have been exposed unto And at last though he knew no sin he gave himself unto Death to make satisfaction for our sins this is that mystery which was hid from the beginning of the World Ephes 3.9 This is the riches of the glorious mystery of love to the Gentiles Col. 1.25 26. Christ the hope of glory And oppositely it is said by the holy Prophet and Apostle Paul Eye hath not seen nor Ear heard neither hath it entred into the Heart of Man to conceive besides thee O Lord what great things he hath treasured up for them that love him 1 Cor. 2.3 And though the Tongues of Angels and Men are not able sufficiently to express and unfold this great mystery nevertheless we may sincerely view it in these four heads First The unsearchable dimensions of the love of God to Sinners in his eternal purpose of redeeming the World by Jesus Christ before the World began To make all men see
him that asketh thee and from him that would borrow of the turn thou not away Math. 5.43 Remember them that are in Bonds as being bound with them and them which suffer Adversity as being your selves also in the Body Heb. 13.3 What doth it profit if a Man say he hath Faith and hath not Works can Faith save him if a Brother or Sister be Naked and Destitute of daily Food and one of you say unto him depart in peace be you Clothed and be you Filled notwithstanding you give him nothing James 2.14 15 16. of these things which are needful to the Body what doth it profit 1 John 3.17 Mortification if thy Right Eye or Right Hand offend thee cut it off and cast it from thee it is better one of thy Members perish than thy whole Body should be cast into Hell Math. 5.29 30. Hence we are taught the Subduing and Mortifying of all Lusts of whatsoever esteem they may be and as dear to us as any of our Members we are to admit no enjoyment of them in Competition with true Holiness and new Obedience He Preacheth up the Doctrine of Love and Charity to all Men even to Enemies you have heard that it hath been said love thy Neighbour and hate thy Enemy but I say to you Love your Enemies Bless him that Curse you do good to them that hate you pray for them that dispightfully use you and persecute you that ye may be the Children of your Father which is in Heaven for he maketh his Sun to rise on the Evil and on the Good and the Rain to come down on the Just and the Unjust for if you love them that love you what reward have you do not even the Publicans do the same and if you Salute only your Brethren what more do ye than others but be ye perfect as your Heavenly Father is perfect Math. 5.43 to end See that great Doctrine of Mutual Love and Charity he that saith he is in the Light and hateth his Brother is in Darkness even until now he that loveth his Brother abideth in the Light and there is no occasion of stumbling in him but he that Hateth his Brother is in Darkness and knoweth not whither he goeth because the Darkness hath blinded his Eyes 1 John 2. to 18. We know that we have passed from Death to Life because we love the Brethren he that loveth not his Brother abideth in Death whosoever hateth his Brother is a Murderer and ye know that no Murderer hath Eternal Life abiding in him hereby perceive we the Love of God because he hath laid down his Life for us and we ought to lay down our Life for the Brethren but whosoever hath this Worlds good and shutteth up his Bowels from the Brother how dwelleth the Love of God in him 1 John 3.14 15 16 17. Let us Love one another for Love is of God and every one that Loveth is born of God and knoweth God he that Loveth not knoweth not God for God is Love in this was manifested the Love of God towards us because God sent his only begotten Son into the World that we might live through him herein is the Love of God Manifested not that we loved him but that he Loved us and sent his Son to be a propitiation for our Sins if God so loved us we ought also to love one another if we love one another God dwelleth in us and his love is perfected in us and we have known and believed the love that God hath to us God is love and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God and God in him 1 Jo 4.7 to end A New Commandment I give unto you that you love one another as I have loved you that you love one another Jo. 13.34 from all which we are instructed of the Nature and Extent of Charity that it doth not consist only in naked and bare profession of Friendship good wishes and pretended Respects but in the Bowels of Tenderness Compassion Simpathy and suitable Supplies to the necessities of others that Charity is not to be straitned and confined to Relations Friends Benefactors and these in Amity and perswasion with us but is to be extended to Enemies as well as Friends and to all whose Necessities call for our help and assistance in any respect towards their Relief He Preacheth up the Contempt and Denyedness to the World lay not up Treasure on Earth where the Moth Cankereth and Thieves break thorough and steal but seek first the Kingdom of God and his Righteousness then all these things shall be added thereunto and lay up store for your selves in Heaven Math. 6.19 20 32 33. See Christs own Discourse of the Rich Man in the Gospel that it is easier for a Camel to go thorow the Eye of a Needle than for a Rich Man to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven Math. 19.23 24. See the Parable of Dives who received his good things in this Life and is eternally Tormented and Lazarus who was pinched with Want Hunger Cold and Diseases on Earth was received into everlasting Happiness Luke 16 19. to end See the Parable of the Rich Husband-Man who took anxious care for his Earthly Store but made no Provision for Eternal Life but God said to him thou Fool this Night will I require thy Soul at thy Hands then whose shall all these things be which thou hast provided so is he who layeth up store for himself and is not Rich towards God Luke 12 16. to 22. See the wo the Lord of Life pronounceth against the Rich Wo to you that are Rich for ye have received your Consolation Luke 6 24. And to forward our Mortification to the World let us consider the Advice given by the Holy Apostle Love not the World nor the things of the World for if any Man love the World the love of the Father is not in him for all that is in the World the Lusts of the Flesh the Lust of the Eye and the Pride of Life is not of the Father but of the World 1 Jo. 2.15 16 17. And the World passeth away and the Lusts thereof but he that doth the Will of God abideth for ever 1 Jo. 2.15 16 17. The Holy Apostle James doth eminently discover the danger of loving the World know ye not that the Friendship of the World is enmity with God whosoever therefore will be a Friend of the World is the Enemy of God James 4.4 Let us further consider the Apostle Pauls Character of the World we brought nothing into the World with us and it is certain we shall carry nothing out and having Food and Rayment let us be therewith content but they that will be Rich fall into many Temptations and a Snare and many foolish and hurtful Lusts which drown Men in Destruction and Perdition for the Love of Money is the Root of all Evil which while some have coveted after they have erred from the Faith and pierced themselves through with many Sorrows
that length is short of Happiness and brings Anxiety and Discontent And this is clear from Common Experience for let a Man have Wealth if he have not Health Strength and Vigor let him have Riches and if he have not Honour let him have one hundred Enjoyments if any one thing be wanting which either some other hath or he shall please his fancy upon he is not content so not Happy because his Affections or fancy are not pleased and if we consult Solomon the greatest in Experience we may conclude that Happiness in Creature Enjoyments is not attainable The Second is also Demonstrate from Reason and Experience it being most consonant to Reason that no contentment can be found but in that which is permanent and perfect for that Mans Nature is for Novelties and cannot rest on any one thing when something else occurs which either excelleth the other or he doth fancy it doth and indeed it were beneath the Dignity of the Soul which is of a Divine Extract to bottom on any thing which is not of greatest value besides the Soul being a Spirit cannot place and confine its delight to what is only sensual unless it could give satisfaction to the Soul or Fancy and that no Satisfaction can be had in sensual Enjoyments is apparent from the Nature of all Created beings That Holy Apostle John Exhorting against the Love of the World saith Love not the World nor the things of the World for in the World there is the Lust of the Eyes the Lusts of the Flesh and the Pride of Life and these things perish in the using but he that doth the Will of God shall endure for ever Here the Apostle sets forth before us the Inventory or Scheme of the World in these three where by the Lusts he means the Objects and the delights taken in them That we may the better discover That nothing in this World can give satisfaction or is perfect or permanent we shall consider the World and all things in it in these three circumstances First By the Lusts of the Flesh must be meant all sensual Objects and the pleasure taken in them and that there is neither permanency nor perfection as it is proved from the Text so it is demonstrable from all the instances of sensual objects are Riches the object they take the Wings of the Wind and fly away a man may be found Rich to Day and a Begger next as was said of Craesus who was reputed the richest on Earth Irus est hodie qui modo Craesus eras they either torment a man in getting keeping or increasing of them the Apostle tells us they leave a man in this Life or at his Death and in the mean time load a Man with inexpressible cares snares and troubles so as their uncertainty is clear We brought nothing to this World with us and it is certain we shall carry nothing out of it the love of Money is the Root of all evil and they that will be rich fall into many temptations and snares and many foolish and hurtful lusts which drown men into destruction and Perdition c. 1 Tim. 6. to 11. See Christs own Testimony of Riches and what clog it is to a Mans Soul whilest looking after better things It is as impossible for a Rich Man to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven as for a Camel to go through the Eye of a Needle Luke 19.20 to 25. chap. 6.24 See his wo unto thee Rich for they have received their Consolation and how he adviseth to provide Bags that wax not old a Treasure in Heaven that faileth not where no Thief approacheth or Moth corrupteth for where your treasure is there will your Hearts be also Luke 12.34 Is thy Lust or desire placed in Friends or Relations how deceitful they be Abel Joseph and David and almost all the train of Saints and experience of all ages can testify trust not in a friend put no confidence in a guide keep the Door of thy Lips from the Wife that lieth thy Bosom for the Son dishonoureth the Father and the Daughter riseth up against the Mother and the Daughter in Law against the Mother in Law and a Mans Enemies are the Men of his own House Mic. 7.5 6. Jer. 9.4 5. note See Davids complaint of the treachery and unkindness of his Friends Psal 88.8 18. Psal 41.9 See what complaint the Church makes of the treachery and deceitfulness of friends and relations Lam. 1.19 And see how the Prophets hold forth the instability of humane friendship Isa 59.16 chap. 63.5 Jer. 30.13 14. The Lusts of the Eyes comprehend all that is taking or delightful to the Sight and what can that be but what is either the contemplation of our own beauty or outward excellencies or the glory of other Creatures our own may wither and Age and Sickness and other vicissitudes make it decay our Infirmities or thousands of accidents can soon make all without us tasteless and insipid to us besides as all Flesh is Grass and wither as the Green Herbs so as there is no permanency in any thing to raise felicity from the Eyes it is not long before these Glass Windows shall be shut the Silver threads be cut and the golden bowl be broken at the Well by Death and thereby the glory of the whole House be darkned Eccles 12. to 9. 〈◊〉 third thing which compleats this pittiful Inventory of the World is the Pride of Life and what is that but a shadow to the Lust of Humane Glory and vain Titles of Honour or Preferment in this World and how short this is of permanency and happiness experience tells us There is no stinting of Mans Ambition the Spirit of Pride rests not in one Title but Envies and Ambitions another and at best all these are but fanciful and have no intrinsick worth in them and are only valuable as Fancy esteems them How soon is all humane Glory extinguished by the least cross Providence from God How was the Glory and Pride of Nebuchadnezzar laid to the Ground when he was turned from under his glorious Canopy of State and rich embroidery and from wearing a Crown of pure Gold sent to feed and lodge amongst the Beasts until his Hair became like Birds Feathers and his Nails like Eaglés Claws and he forced to acknowledge his own nothingness and Gods Soveraignty All whose Works are Truth and his ways Judgment and those who walk in Pride he is able to abase Dan. 4.30 to end How eminently was the Gluttony Pride and Tyranny of Adonibezeck chastised who had threescore and ten Kings having their Thumbs and great Toes cut off gathered their meat under his Table who was forced to acknowledge the Soveraignty and Justice of God as I have done so God hath requited me Judges 1.7 How was the Blasphemous Pride and Ambition of Senacherib and Rabsecah against God and his People punished by Gods miraculous raising the Siege of Jerusalem by sending forth his Angel and
16. read all Sixthly Does the free Market of Grace Merit no Admiration Thankfulness and Credit Isa 55 1 2 3. Seventhly Are not these words of him that cannot lye Dissemble or Deceive As I live saith the Lord I desire not the Death of sinner but rather that he should repent and live Come and let us reason together saith the Lord though your sins be as Scarlet I will make them as Wooll though they be red as Crimson I will make them as Snow Come unto me all ye that Labour and are heavy Laden and I will give you rest Is 1.18 Mat. 11.28 Eighthly Is not this Christs own Voice Behold I stand at the Door and knock if any Man will open to me I will come in and he shall Sup with me and I with him And to him that overcometh will I give to sit with me in my Throne even as I overcame and am set down with my Father in his Throne Rev. 3.20 21. Now how great was the Stupidity and Folly not to believe these Fatherly Invitations and Comply with them that we may be Eternally Happy Inference Though Man by Nature in the above Description be inexpressibly Miserable yet not without Remedy by Faith in Jesus Christ who dyed for a sinner and Salvation and Eternal Life promised to Believers in him Rom. 5.5 6 7. Jo. 3.16 17 18. wherefore we should take Heart Courage and a patient waiting on him And for our Assistance and Encouragement First Under the deep Sense of Mans Misery in the condition of Natural sin as in the preceding Description of Man with a continual Lowliness and Humility of Mind as a check to Pride Self and Sin looking into Mans Character when any thing of Sin or Temptation offers and with the Apostle cry out O Wretched Man that I am who shall deliver me from this Body of Death Rom. 7.24 Secondly Have deep Admiration of the height and depth of the unsearchable Love of God in Christ Jesus who hath made Christ to Believers all and in all Eph. 3.17 18 19. Col. 3.11 Thirdly Be Reconciled to the Cross of Christ and Affliction as the happy means of Reconciling thee to God before I was Afflicted I went astray but now have I learned to know the Law I will return to my place and hide my Face until they acknowledge their Iniquities seek my Face in their Afflictions they will seek me early Hos 5.15 I have refined thee but not with Silver I have chosen thee in the Furnace of Affliction Is 48.10 I will bring her into the Wilderness and there I will allure her and speak Comfortably unto her Hos 2.14 I reckon that the present Afflictions of this Life which are but for a Moment are not worthy to be compared to that exceeding weight of glory that shall be revealed in us 2 Cor. 4.17 18. Fourthly Ly patiently under the Rod until the time of thy Deliverance come and quarrel not with the Instruments of thy Chastisement hear the Voice of the Rod and who hath appointed wait for the Vision though it tarry it will speak Hab. 2.3 Say with David Lo here am I let him do with me what seemeth good in his sight 2 Sam. 15.25 26. as with the Apostle I have learned in every condition therewith be content I know how to want and how to abound Phil. 4.11 12 13. I will bear the Indignation of the Lord until he plead my Cause and Execute Judgment for me Mic. 7.9 Fifthly Believe it to be a Truth and be Comforted in it that all things work together for good to such as wait for him and that the end is Eternal Life in Jesus Christ Ro. 8.28 Faith and Salvation are inseparable Companions as well from the Covenant of God in Christ Jesus as from the Fidelity Power Promise and good Will of God and this alone is able to answer all the Cavils of Malice and Disquiet or Discouragement which may arise from the Consideration of the meanness or misery by Nature or under the sense of Mans weakness under his sinful Condition in this that he that believeth shall have Eternal Life Jo. 3.16 17 18. for though Man in his best Condition by Nature without grace be a meer Picture Shadow Vapour Bubble and like a Bell upon the Water or dew on the Grass that withereth his whole Life Labour and Sorrow Vanity and lighter than Vanity so as he desireth Death rather than Life and at Death is the end of all his glory and his Misery is endless in Everlasting Destruction as in the foregoing Description hence is the unspeakable Consolation of Believers that the Covenant of God is everlasting not of the things of this Life only but also of the Life t come the gifts and calling of God are without Repentance and herein doth the excellency of the Covenant of grace exceed that of the Covenant of Works with Man in his first Creation First The first state and Condition of Man naturally considered was of the things of this Natural Life only but the New and second Covenant is of things of this Life and also of that which is to come so that the New Covenant which hath the promise of this Life and of that also which is to come is more valuable than the other Godliness is great gain 1 Tim. 4.8 c. Wherefore Christ adviseth us not to store up perishing things but rather the Kingdom of God and his Righteousness Mat. 6.19 to 24. Secondly We see in Natural Mans Description what a slippery thing he is and the meanness of his Condition and where all with him ends but the Enjoyments of the New Covenant is the Inheritance of all things which perish not nor change Ro. 11.29 Thirdly To this New Covenant belong Priviledges which make Happiness here and Eternally hereafter by all which the Fellows of this Covenant are endowed with the greatest priviledges and assisted with the Richest promises that infinite Wisdom and Goodness thought fit to make a happy State here and Eternally hereafter Fourthly The excellency of this Covenant is such that the priviledges thereto belonging qualifies and secures the Heirs of this Covenant against all vicissitudes in this Life and fits and moulds them for the Enjoyment of that Eternal State provided and secured by this New Covenant the infinite Wisdom and Goodness of God designing to make Believers Citizens of the New Jerusalem made without Hands eternal in the Heavens alters and changes the whole frame of Man from what it was formerly in Nature and squares him to that Heavenly building Although of Gods free Will and Pleasure for his own glory without the necessity of any further perfection Man was at first Created by God as the free love of God in Christ Jesus is the only Rise of Mans Eternal Happiness nevertheless it is not only compleated by Election but also by Regeneration and newness of Life in Christ Jesus and by being made Holy as God is Holy and therefore the whole frame of
disposition that nothing can satisfy except a total ruine and exterpation of the Enemy and their adherents in root and branch and thus it must be with Christians they must not be Neuters or luke-warm but must be mortified to the flesh and the Body of Death Corruption and Sin must be so subdued in them that they must be Dead to the World and the World to them so as they can take no more pleasure therein than the living can have in the Dead with which they can have no Communication I am Crucified to the World and the World to me nevertheless I live but not I and the life that I live in the Flesh is by the Faith of the Son of God Gal. 2.20 chap. 5.24 Hence we see all the Combatants of Christ are wholly his and not divided and can by no means Parley with the Enemies of his Cross the Devil the World and the Flesh and this is their indispensable and commanded duty that they must fight till they overcome for to such alone is the prize of Eternal Life He that overcometh shall sit with me in my Fathers Kingdom even as I overcame and am set down with my Father in his Kingdom Rev. 3.21 They must live to the Spirit and not to the Flesh with that holy fear over themselves having an Eye on the Enemies Camp and watching against Sin and the Flesh that they may not again return to their folly and that they may place no Earthly thing in their Hearts above Christ and all the days of their appointed time they must wait till their change come As this Christian warfare is continuing and must only end with our lives we are to consider for our encouragement that Christ doth not leave Christians unprovided for such great expedients but provides them a great Train of Artillery as the necessaries of their warfare which is held forth to us in that description of the Armour of the Spirit by the Apostle put on the whole Armour of God c. Eph. 6.13 to 19. First The Loyns girt with Truth which is inward sincerity and constant loyalty to the Cause of Christ Secondly The Breast-Plate of Righteousness to be blameless and of upright conversation towards God and to avoid scandal to the wicked and be an example of Justice and Godliness Thirdly Feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of Peace to be peaceable charitable humble and meek and conformable to the Laws of the Spirit and not of the Flesh Fourthly The Shield of Faith believing God in his Attributes of Omnipotency Holiness Justice Goodness and Faithfulness and in Jesus Christ as the Saviour of the World in all his Promises and Providences by which we may be able to resist the fiery Darts of Satan in answering all objections of unbelief and discouragements from Temptations in the World Fifthly The Helmet of Salvation to believe that Eternal Life is the prize at the end of the Christian race and this is cure against all Trials from want or difficulties in the Way to Heaven to be as assured of Eternal Life as we are cloathed with that Helmet of Defence It is Christ that died who shall condemn Sixthly Praying and Watching as good Souldiers on their Posts waiting for the word of Command to march at all times after the General and Captain of our Salvation Jesus Christ and to be ready with Oyl in our Vessels and Lamps burning waiting for the approach of the Bridegroom to enter into the Marriage feast of the Lamb. Thus seeing this War is constant and for the greatest prize even Eternal Life and though against the most Potent Enemies Principalities and Spiritual Wickednesses in High Places yet Christ the unconquerable Champion is Captain and the Camp is furnished with such compleat warlike provision Christians ought to fight chearfully for these following reasons First Salvation and Eternal Happiness is the prize contended for And we have Christs Promise if we fight in Faith and continue to the end we shall obtain it John 3.16 17 18. Gal. 6.9 Secondly As we are to fight and contend for Eternal Life so it is not only promised to us on our chearful fighting but it is also obtained for us by Christ who on the Cross fought that good fight and freely gives us the booty and prize when we were not capable to do any thing for our selves For when we were yet without strength in due time Christ died for the ungodly God commendeth his love towards us in that while we were yet Sinners Christ died for us much more then being now justified by his Blood we shall be saved from wrath through him Rom. 5.6 8 9. Ezek. 16. to 9. This is that great bait for ambition and desire this is that all which should swell the Thoughts and Affections of all Men. This rightly considered is sufficient to invite all Courage Patience and new Obedience to fill all Hearts with Joy gladness and thanksgiving and stifle all murmurings repinings and discontents under trials or difficulties of worldly concerns and in our Way to Heaven This should induce all to a hearty submission to the yoak and chearful fighting under Christs Banner These Combatants of Christ have the greatest booty rewards and priviledges that any Soldiers can pretend unto and that both of Spirituals and Temporals and those Spirituals are in many respects First They are under an everlasting Covenant with God and God with them I will make with them an everlasting Covenant Rom. 11.27 29. Isa 60.20 21. Hos 2.19 20. Isa 59.20 21. Secondly They have remission of all sins though of the highest and blackest Nature though never so numerous and as a Cloud or a thick Cloud Mat. 11.28 29 30. Isa 1.18 ch 44.22 23. Thirdly They have comfort in Spiritual Darkness and Desertion their case can never be so cloudy melancholly and dark to them but Gods word hath a promise for it Light is sowen to the righteous and joy to the upright in Heart Isa 50.10 Mal. 3.12 Fourthly They are Heirs of all things and shall inherit all things they have the Promise of the things of this Life and of that which is to come Gal. 3.29 chap. 4.17 18. Eph. 1.11 14. Col. 1.12 13 14. Rev. 21.7 Rom. 9.7 8 Fifthly They shall be united to God in Christ in Spirit Knowledge and Glory and be inseparable from him in Christ Jesus John 17.21 to 25. Sixthly They shall be set down with Christ and God in Glory and continue with them for evermore Rom. 8.35 38 39. Rev. 3.21 Thus we see the unquestionable Spiritual advantages of the Godly which no other Interest can bring and as the Saints advantages and excellencies are Inexpressible as to Spirituals so the security and advantages are no less in Temporals as we have already in this Treatise discovered First In general Secondly His Promises in all particular cases As First In Sickness Secondly In Imprisonment Thirdly In Poverty Fourthly Under the unkindness and forsaking of Friends Fifthly Under reproaches
Judge shall give me at that day and not only to me but to all them also that love his appearing 1 Tim. 4.7.8 What can or should hinder the Joy and rejoycing of the People of God who are so well secured and assured of their everlasting Interest in him There is therefore now no condemnation to them who are in Christ Jesus who walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit Rom. 8.1 If God be for us who can be against us Who shall lay any thing to the charge of Gods Elect It is God that Justifieth who shall condemn Who is he that condemneth It is Christ that died yea rather that is risen again and sitteth at the right hand of God and maketh Intercession for us Rom. 8.1 31 to 35. Are there or can there be greater causes of Joy and Satisfaction than in the assurance of Eternal happiness given in Scriptures to Believers no casualty of condition in life or death can separate them from the love of God in Christ Jesus Heb. 2.9 to 15 Rom. 8.35 to 40. And whatever troubles or afflictions shall attend them in this World though their days may be spent in sorrow labour and tragical afflictions their end shall be joyous and comical He that soweth in Tears shall reap in Joy he that goeth forth and weepeth bearing pretious Seed shall doubtless come again with rejoycing bringing his Sheaves with him Psal 126.5 6. The condition of the Godly in the end shall certainly be happy Though you have lyen among the Pots yet shall ye be like the Wings of a Dove whose Feathers are covered with Silver and her Wings with yellow Gold Psal 68.13 Therefore to conclude all let us imitate the Holy Apostle Be ye stedfast unmoveable abounding in the work of the Lord for as much as ye know that your work is not in vain in the Lord 2 Tim. 4.7 8 1 Cor. 15 58. In all these things we are more than Conquerours Rom 8.35 to end and let us in thanksgiving acknowledge the Soveraign excellency of Christs love with Psalms 148. Psal 149. Psal 150. And lastly Let us come boldly to the Throne of Grace that we may obtain mercy and find Grace to help in time of need Heb. 4.16 Now unto him by whom the World was created and subsists who bounds the Seas who reveals to man his Thoughts who doth in the Armies of Heaven and Earth what he pleaseth and none dares say to him what dost thou Dan. 3.47 Who was dead and is alive and liveth for evermore who hath the Keys of Hell and Death Rev. 1.18 Who leads his people to the living Fountains of Water and wipes away all Tears from their Eyes and Crowns them with everlasting glory Rev. 7.16 17. Who is the way truth life light and resurrection John 14.6 Who shall come in the glory of his power to restore all the Kingdoms of the Earth from Antichristian tyranny and servitude of Sin and deliver up the Kingdom to his Father 1 Cor. 15.24 and who is now at the Right Hand of Glory be all Honour Power Glory Praise Majesty and Dominion from henceforth and for ever FINIS The Index of the Contents 1. § MAN was Created in Holiness Righteousness and knowledge and hath Dominion over the Creatures p. 2. by Righteousness is meant a Disposition to do good and shun Evil. p. 2. By Holiness Integrity of Life and Manners p. 3. By Knowledge Understanding of all things in reference to God Man and other Creatures p 3. Man in his happy State was a glorious thing and all the Creatures were pleasant and in unity one with another p 3 4 Man broke the Chain of Obedience is deprived of his Soveraignty the Earth accursed and Enmity sown p. 4. What Original Sin is 1. not of Ignorance but wilful 2. Not of Infirmity but against knowledge 3. Of great Pride and Ambition p. 5. 4. It was the Sin of Unbelief p. 5. 5. Of Murmuring and Ingratitude 6. Of Imprudence p 5 6. 7. Had in it the Lust of the Eyes Lust of the Flesh and Pride of Life p. 6 7 8. It was the Corruption of the whole Nature of Man which hath tainted the Blood to all Posterity p. 7 8 9 10. Man lately a Soveraign now Outlawed a Rebel and Slave p. 10. This Sin is charged on all Posterity by the Corruption of Nature of which all Men are come p. 10 11 12 13 14. Mans Posterity are thereby Subject 1. To Death 2. Disabled in Natural Enjoyment and Spiritual Capacities p. 14 15 16. proved from the Corruption of Nature from Scripture and from experience p. 16. 17. In Thoughts Words Actions and Religious Duties p. 17 18. 19. Many Inferences 1. All Men of one Blood the Nobler should not dispise the Base 2. All Men are of a bastard and defiled Blood so no Man hath cause to glory p. 19 20 21. 3. Look on this sin as a Fountain of all sins p. 21. 4. Murmur not at Losses because by this sin Man grudgeth God reserving from him the Tree of knowledge p. 22. 5. Let not the Richer dispise the Poorer he is his Brother of the same Family p. 22 23. 6. All Men are Brethren and Members of each other therefore should have Simpathy p. 24 25. From this are two Duties 1. We must seek Reconciliation in Christ p. 25. 2. We should seek for the second coming of Christ p. 26 27 Use of Lamenting Mans lapsed State p. 27 28 29 30. The Mistery of Mans Restoration by Christ p. 30 31. The Contrivance of Mans Redemption by the Covenant of Grace through Christ p. 32 33. The free The freedom of that Covenant p. 33 34 35. The difference between Christs becoming surety for Man and one Mans surety for another p. 36 37 38. Use of Watchfulness to the godly p. 39 40 41. Reproof of Censoriousness and Slandering 41 42 43 44 45. Advice for Compassion and Charity p. 46 47 48. The parts of the Covenant of Grace on Gods part a free Pardon p. 49. Christ to Man is a King Priest and Prophet and first a Prophet p. 50. 51 52. Christ a Priest and the difference between his Priesthood and Mans p. 52 53 54 55 56 57. Christ a King to Believers p. 58 59. To Rule by his Law p. 60. To protect his People p. 60 61 62. To reward by his bounty p. 62 63 64. Use of Comfort to Believers from Christs Mediation p 64 65. Use of Comfort from his being King p. 66. Mans part in the Covenant of Grace p. 67 68. As God requires performance he assists with Grace and Ability p. 69. He Rewards Obedience p. 70. The Difference between Christs bounty to Man and the kindness of one Man to another p. 70 71. Exhortation to mutual Charity p. 71 72. Five Duties incumbent to Man p. 73. 1. Trace Man from his beginning 2. Set originally sin before us p. 73 74. 3. Mortification p. 74. 75. 4. Repentance p. 75 76 77. 5. Search the Records