that sins should grieve and but grieve the Godly they should not doubt of Love and fear Wrath if once the Soul trusts in the Name of the Lord and stay upon God If once ye be founded on the Rock Christ then your sins should work grief for God dishonoured not fear of God's Wrath Grief for God dishonoured and Joy in God well pleased by Christ may consist together This is the way oâ— the Gospel but indeed a narrow way too hard to keep in it if ye joy in God notwithstanding sin then not to turn to the left hand of making light of sin or if ye grieve then not to turn to the right hand of questioning the love of God and so remitting joy 7. God may afflict yet not hate he may afflict and that grievously as he did Job and yet be well pleased whom I love I rebuke and chasten c. Rev. 3.19 8. For a Believer to doubt of Salvation that takes hold of Christ and is founded on him is his sin For 1. The Spirit of God doth not witness that he is not a Gâ—ild of God If the Spirit of God doth convince a natural Man that 's out of Christ of his carnal and cursed Estate and then he say he cannot lay claim to the Promises of the Gospel to the Benefits of Christ this is not his Sin because it may be that the Spirit is a Spirit of bondage in him and witnesseth this to him and so 't is true But for such as believe in Christ and look for Salvation no other way such never receive the Spirit of Bondage again to fear Rom. 8.15 that is the Spirit doth not bring them into bondage The Spirit doth not witness that they are not the Children of God for he should witness untruth then but their doubting Hearts bring them into bondage 2. 'T is through wanâ— oâ— Fâ—ith that such doubt of Salvaâ—ion 't is for not believing as they ought and that is their Sin and Christ may repâ—ove them as he did Peter O thou of little Faith wherefore did it thou doubt As God hath made the Salvation of Believers sure in Christ c. so they ought to believe it to be sureâ— and 't is their Sin to doubt of it not to believe is to make God a Liar 1 Joh. 5.10 Section 7. 2. How Believers ought to carry themselves in the want of Assurance 1. Desire it thirâ—â— and long for it account it a Mercy worth the enjoying better than all the World can afford and God hath promised to satisfy the hungry with good things and not to send them empty away so then breath after it as the Hart panteth after the water-brooks 3. Wait with patience of God till he return with joy and peace into the Soul I will wait on God that hideth his Face from the House of Israel Isa 8.17 3. Exercise Faith of adherence when you want the Faith of evidence this is the advice of the Prophet Isa 50.10 Who is among you that feareth the Lord and obeyeth the voice of his Servant that is Christ Iâ—a 42.1 That fears the Lord and serve him in Christ being acquainted with the great Mystery of Godliness here 's Faith of adherence which Judges Christ worthy of Glory and walketh in darkness and sees no light here 's want of Faith of Evidence now what should be done in this case Still trust still hold fast Christ look for Salvation in him and none else trust in the name of the Lord trust to the mercy of God his abundant Grace manifested in giving Christ as sufficient to â—ave you and stay on his God God iâ— his God though he knows it not stay upon him let the Soul he fixed on him and say as Job though he kill me I will trust in him If I perish it shall be at the feet of Mercy and then though you may walk in darkness for a time yet the Lord shall be a light unto you Sâ—ction 8 From the second sense of these words work out that is desire and endeavour this that Salvâ—tion begun to be wrought out may be perfected so much the word signifies Rom. 7.18 How to perform that which is good I find not Doct. 2. The perfecting of Salvation that is begun should be the great desire of all Believers when 't is begun to be wrought they should desire that Salvation may be wrought out a Person begun to be saved should long to be saved to the utmost Here consider a few things 1. The Salvation of Believers shall be perfected This is a work that shall be finished As in the fiâ—st Creation of the World things were imperfect at first but God did not cease Creating till Heaven and Earth were finished and all the Host of them so at the first Conversion when Salvation fiâ—st comes to the Soul it may be it is very imperfect a little Faith a little Love but weak and faint breathings of Spirit but smoking Flax a bruised Reed But God will go on in this work till every Saint be made perfect and all the Host of them Phil. 1.6 He that hath begun a good work will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ He wi l keep Believers till the day of Christ and perfect their Happiness in that day which shall endure for ever Christ dying said it is finished that is the types of the Law are fulfilled what Christ had to do towards the obtaining Man's Redemption was finished for Satisfaction Reconciliation Merit all are fiâ—ished and nothing remains but the application of Christ to the Soul and bestowing the Benefits purchased for the Elect by Christ that Christ lives to finish he died to finish the work of Satisfaction and Reconciliation he lives to finish the work of Sanctification and Glorification He died to finish the work hâ— had to do respecting God's paying the price 〈◊〉 Redemption recompencing him for the d shonoâ—r that was done him by Sin and he lives to finish the work he hath to do respecting the Elect which is to pour out hâ—s Spirit into their â—â—â—â—ts and to form them for himsâ—â—l and to fashion Soul and Body like to himself this is the meaning of that place Rom. 5.10 For if when were Enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son much more being reconciled we shall be saved by his Life He died to finish a work with the Father for Men making peace for them he lives to finish a work in them which is to make them Holy aâ—d Happy and whatever Enemies there are to the happiness of the Saints Christ shall subdue them 1 Cor. 15.25 He must Reign till he hath put all his Enemies under his Feet and till all his Members be conformed in glory to him and placed in Glory with him Joh. 17.22.24 The Glory that thou hast given me I have given them Now Believers have a right to but they shall also have the possession of it they shall partake in Christ's Glory in all his
and proceeds from weakness of Faith Psa 23 24. 4. Eâ—ery Believer ought to say as David I will fear no Evil. But they may rejoyce in Love and expect good and count that all things shall work for good to them In Christ they are carried above all fears of Evil for their Hearts should not fall down in them so that fear of Evil is not the thing here required this is forbidden elsewhere as by Moses fear not so not enjoined here 2. Fear of Doubting and Distrust Trembling opposed to Confidence and full Assurance is not here meant Men in a natural condition out of Christ may well be under the tortures and rackings of this fear they may be in bondage through fear of Death They may be tossed with fear and doubting and say as Rom. 10.5 Who shall ascend into Heaven Who shall descend into the Deep Or who can tell whether we shall go to Heaven or Hell But for Believers that are in the way of Salvation they ought not thus to fear 't is for such that have no other Spirit but the Spirit of Bondage which Believers do not receive If they are in bondage 't is not the Spirit of God but the unbelief of their own Spirit is the cause of it We have received the Spirit of Adoption whereby we may cry Abba Father They are Sons having the Spirit of Sons Now as Christ says the Servant abideth not in the House for ever Joh. 8.35 He may be cast forth and so is subject to fears So Men in a natural estate are in danger to be cast forth into outer darkness But the Son abideth ever he is beyond fear so Believers are Sons they are always in Lâ—ve The Apostle Exhorts Let us draw near with a true Heart in full assurance of Faith c. Heb. 10.22 Let us come boldly to the Throne of Grace Now if he should exhort to fear and trembling because of doubtings of Salvation he should conclude it to himself and make void his other Exhortations Again Believers are exhorted to be in a constant frame of rejoycing Rejoyce in the Lord always Phil. 4.4 We rejoyce in hope of the Glory of God Rom. 5.1 But fear of doubting is directly contrary to this joy Of it the Apostle says 1 Joh. 4.18 Fear hath torment But against this that place may be objected Heb. 4.1 Let us fear lest a promise being left us of entering into his rest any of us should fall short Where he seems to exhort to fear of doubting of coming short of Heaven For answer Consider Because some there are that put their Hand to the Plow and look back again some that have Lamps and not Oyl a form and not the power of Godliness a Faith that is not saving but vain so they may seem to stand and walk in the way of Life but because they have no more not true Faith in Christ noâ— real Interest in nor Union with him they come short or come too late as 't is said of the foolish Virgins They came when the Door was shut So the Apostle Exhorts all to fear that is to look well to themselves and to be searching for Salvation and not content themselves with a form with shews and shadows so as to think that their Profession and the performance of some Duties is enough to bring Men to Heaven But they should labour to see themselves stated in Grace interested in Christ that so they may know that they shall not come short The ground of this Exhortation is the Examples of the Jews they had the Promises the Gospel was Preached unto them that is Promises of rest in Canaan But many came short Why They did not believe Now there are Promises of a rest a better rest in Heaven Heb. 10.34 We have in Heaven c. Now fear c. that is look well to your selves take heed you be not deceived lest your Hopes prove vain Believe the Gospel the promises of Life made in Christ and let the word of hearing be mixt with Faith Take heed of an evil heart of Unbelief if the Gospel be not mixt with Faith the Promises of the Gospel will not profit you Christ is of none effect to you if you believe not in him so that this is an Exhortation to those that have not yet received Christ in their Hearts and entertained the Gospel Promises and fear is to be taken for heed-fulness wariness and utmost Diligence If once they believe and are interested in Christ they may be sure then that they shall not come short 2. What is to be understood by Fear and trembling For this consider the Apostle is Exhorting you to work out your Salvation that is make it sure to your selves see God in Christ reconciling and saving and desire that it may be carried on to perfection Now amidst the beholding of God in Christ and desires of perfect enjoyment there being so much of God declared in this business in giving Christ and so much of his Glory shining forth you must fear i. e. admire and stand amaz'd at the love of God giving Christ himself to a wretched polluted Creature full of Enmity Tremble at the infinite greatness of Divine Love be humble and trust not to your own strength but to that infinite Grace and Love in which God comprehends poor Creatures for carrying on Salvation to perfection Sâ—ction 11. That this may be the better understood consider these particulars 1. The Salvation of Sinners is the work of the whole Trinity Of Father Son and Holy Ghost God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself God in Christ through his Spirit saves the Elect and will make them perfectly happy The Salvation of Sinners is the Father's work by ordination he predestinates them to be conform'd to the Image of his Son he chuses to Salvation through Sanctification of the Spirit 2 Thess 2.13 'T is Christ's work by Mediation he makes their case his own they being under Sin under a Curse he represents their Persons in undergoing Punishment suffering Death Rising and Entring into Glory Believers in him died rose c. Rom. 6.3 to 11. It 's the Spirit 's work by renovation God will have a change of Carnal to Spiritual of Sinful to Holy of Enemies to be made Obedient to the Lord Jesus In a word to be conformed to the Image of Christ Christ's work is to make Peace and to reconcile to God The Spirit 's is to conform to Christ in Grace and Glory to fashion Soul and Body like to him Not that the three Persons are divided in their Operations that one doth what another doth not but this is to be understood by way of Appropriation The Scripture doth Appropriate to each Person one work The Salvation of Sinners is the Father's work by purpose Christ's work by price Redeeming out of Misery the Spirit 's work by performance shedding abroad God's Infinite Love in the Heart shewing God in Christ God giving Christ Christ giving himself to
or maketh a lye neither Hypocrites nor profane Persons there the dark Saint shall be full of light the weak shall be strong the too much Earthly and Carnal Saints shall be Spiritual and Heavenly and the divided Saints shall be all one and this shall in an especial manner be accomplish'd among the Jews When the Jews were cast off what was their condition We see it set forth Ezek. 22.18 Son of Man the House of Israel is become Drossie all they are Brass and Tin and Iron and Lead they are even the dross of Silver but when they shall be called then they shall not be the dross of Silver but pure Gold nay compare them in their most glorious and pure Estate which formerly they were in as when they had the Law given them on Sinai when the Tribes were brought into such excellent order and they had Moses their Leader and Aaron the High-Priest when they were fed with Angels food and had the Cloud and Pillar of Fire and the Tabernacle in which was the Ark I say compare them in this Estate with what they shall be at last and we may well conclude that they are but as Brass to Gold for then they had but the shaddow but when they shall be called they shall have the Body and Substance Then they had the Law given by Moses and written in Tables of Stone but at last given by Christ and written in Tables of their Hearts and Christ will be their High Priest and Prince upon a Throne and the shall have the Cloud and Pillar of Fire too Upon all the Glory there shall be a Defence and as their Estate shall be more excellent then ever heretofore so they shall be an eternal excellency and then all Nations shall bow before Christ and be made to serve him and some of the chiefest in the Nations the Kings of Tarshish and of the Isles shall bring Presents The Kings of Sheba and Saba shall offer Gifts In the beginning of Christ's Kingdom not many Mighty and Noble were called it being in great contempt and under great Persecution but when this shall become a great Mountain and fill the whole Earth and God shall beautify the place of his Sanctuary and make the place of his Feet glorious then many Mighty and Noble shall be called and brought into it Jer. 33.21 Their Nobles shall be of themselves Rev. 21.24 there is mention of Kings bringing their Glory and Honour into the new Jerusalem where they shall find better Glory then they bring Isa 49.7 Kings shall see and arise Princes also shall worship because of the Lord which is Faithful Isa 60. There are four Promises made concerning Kings with reference to these times verse 3. The Gentiles shall come to thy light and Kings to the brightness of thy rising verse 10. Kings shall minister unto thee There is a time of their ministring unto the great Whore but at last some of them will hate the Whore and love the Saints and minister unto them verse 11. Thy Gates shall be open continually that men may bring unto thee the forces of the Gentiles that their Kings may be brought verse 16. Thou shalt suck the Breasts of Kings Now when this shall be then shall the Church be prepared as a Bride be adorn'd for her Husband and have Glory suitable to Christ's Glory When he shall come all the Saints shall come with him Zach. 14.5 The Saints in Heaven and all the Saints on Earth shall be all gathered unto him they shall come from the East and West and sit down in the Kingdom of God 2 Thess 2.1 I beseech you by the coming of Christ and our gathering unto him As the Lord was present in the midst of the Camp of Israel in the Ark which was the sign of his presence and all the Tribes were gathered in order about him and the Levites next to him so when Christ shall come all the Saints shall be round about his Throne and be all Priests near unto him then Christ shall come in the Glory of the Bridegroom and the Church shall be in the Glory of his Bride the Angels shall be the Friends of the Bridegroom and Saints the Bride the Lambs Wife Then Christ shall have his mystical as well as his personal Glory for as Head and Husband he accounts not himself pefect but in the perfection of his Spouse and Members the Church being the fullness of him that filleth all in all this shall be the New Jerusalem and that City and Temple mention'd in Ezek. 40. c. set forth under legal expressions The Law had the Shadow of good things to come but the Body is of Christ that City and Temple is the Body of legal shadows when we read of a Temple Court Chambers Priests and their Garments of Burnt-offerings and Peace-offerings by all we must understand that which is the Body of these legal shadow Christ shall be the Priest by whom Believers are reconciled to God and the Saints shall be made Priests to God Christ the Prince and all the Saints shall reign with him every one shall have a Chamber a Mansion there now they long for the Courts of God then shall they be in those Courts and be Pillars there Ezâ—k 43.27 The Priest shall make your Burnt-offerings and Peace-offerings the meaning is I will accept you Now what hath been spoken to set forth the Riches of Glory that are in Christ shews what reason there is to have the highest esteem of Christ as better then all other beloveds well might David say Whom have I in Heaven but thee and there is none upon Earth that I desire besides thee Here we may consider further 1. The sight of Christ's Glory shall be the Saints blessedness Blessed are your Eyes for they see if there was so much blessedness in seeing him in his humble State then what blessedness shall it be to see him in Glory the Wicked that dye in their sins shall see Death John 8.51 He that believes on me shall never see Death unbelievers shall see it The Greek word imports a seeing by contemplation and speculation the death of the wicked is a contemplative death as we read of some they live a contemplative life being for speculation and not for practice so we may say of the wicked in Hell they dye a contemplative death as we read of the hurt of the second death so very much of the hurt thereof comes by contemplation the same words are used Rev. 11.12 when the Witnesses ascend in a Cloud 't is said that their Enemies behold them they see and have the speculation of their Glory and Joy but do not intermeddle with it they have a terrifying and tormenting vision but not a beatifical vision of their Glory and the wicked see death and their contemplative death is a proportionable punishment of contemplative wickedness which abounds as we may suppose beyond practical thoughts being more then actions they are contemplating on that which continues
to pass 2. What are the present Consequences of God's smiting so many Shepherds such as scattering the litle Flocks growth of Ignorance Error Impiety Ruins of Temple work many disorders and distractions in the destitute Churches c. 3. What must be the Cure Its time to enquire For do we not see want of more able Ministers of the New Testament not of the Letter but of the Spirit 2 Cor. 3.6 wise and faithful builders of God's House How weak are many shoulders on whom so great work is laid forcing an out-cry for a richer anointing with the Spirit of Grace i. e. of Love Wisdom Humility Zeal Self-denial Heavenliness which they had seen on others If this depart so much of our true Glory departs It cannot go well in Churches without fiâ—ed Pastors after God's own Heart entirely caring and watching for Souls feeding tâ—em with knowledge and understanding in the great Mysteries of Godliness Jer. 3.15 such was our Author known not mint anise filled his Tâ—oughts but the weighty things of Natural and Reveal'd Religion if he dwelt more than some do on sublimer Doctrines of Faith the Texts here treated are his Warrant together with Col. 1.24 to 29. 2.1 2 3. Nor did he treat them in a way of bold or curious speculation but as leading to Christian Practice upon the great things of the Gospel must Christians live if evâ—r they go further in Religion than a fruitless Form It 's in wrong to Christ and his Church if any Preachers do not jointly declare these with the moral Rules of good living I cannot see that Law and Gospel were set as variance in the Ministry of Christ and his Apostles Nor that the Honour of Christianity can be preserv'd or its ends attain'd without tutoring his Disciples great and small both in Principles of Christian Doctrine touching the glorious Person Offices Fulness and Benefits of Christ t eir only Head Lord and Saviour and touching subjection to his Soveraign Wisdom in his Laws They must be under the Law to Christ 1 Cor. 9.21 and that in vertue of his own Grace 1 Cor. 15.10 what kind of Evangilists must they be that think the great discoverys of the Gospel whereby the world was Christianiz'd are of little use in Preaching now Our Author was better taught as the Truth is in Jesus and finished his Course fighting the good fight and keeping the Faith once delivered to the Saints holding fast the Doctrine according to Godliness till of his beloved Master he obtain'd the Crown of Righteousness would to God that a like love to Divine Truth might prompt many others professing to embrace it to meditate and consult speedily how tâ—ey may best establish and propagate it It 's not witâ—out a Providence that of late we hear of so many sudden deaths of able useful Ministers and may it not prove a presage of other Calamitees to surprize us It 's tâ—y spiritual Profiting Reader that this work aims at and now look to thy self that thou receive not this Grace of God in vain T e Unsearchable Ricâ—es of Christ are surely the better part and being timely chosen and pursued may be thine chuse and inherit them study to know him whom to know is Life Eternal Improve that Ministry and word of Grace to day which is still the Power of God to Salvation to them that believe and enjoying this with other Helps work out thy Salvation with Fear and Trembling and God for Christ's sake will work in thee both to will and to do So shalt thou be counted worthy to stand before the Son of Man when he shall appear in Glory to doom this whole World to its Eternal State This is the Intent and Call of this Essay may the Lord of the Harvest so bless it Amen THE CONTENTS OF THE FIRST DISCOURSE Eph. 3.8 Of the Unsearchable Riches of Christ CHAP. 1. Some transient Notes on the Text. Page 1 Chap. 2. Why the things of Christ call'd Riches Page 4 Chap. 3. What are these Riches Page 6 1. Riches of Love which is Abounding Abiding Effectual c. Chap. 4.2 Riches of Christ's Righteousness as Mediator 1. In his works for Men. 2. In his works towards Men. Page 13 Chap. 5.3 Riches of Wisdom 1. Speculative Page 22 2. Practical As 1. in Ancient Providences and 2. About Man's Salvation Page 32 Chap. 6.4 Riches of Christ's Power Page 37 The Power of his Death Resurrect Intecession c. Power over all Mens Hearts and over all Creatures How exercised for us Page 40 Chap. 7.5 Riches of Glory Page 45 What Glory Christ hath and will appear in What Glory he received from the Father and shall receive from Creatures Page 50 Saints shall see and share in his Glory Page 56 Chap. 8. General Application of the whole Page 62 To those enriched by Christ and to all to seek a Portion in Christ's Riches Page 66 The Second Discourse 1 Cor. 2.2 Of Knowing Christ Crucified Page 72 The Text and Context explained to Page 77 Divers Notes thereupon As 1. That a Gospel Minister must resolve to go thorow with his work of Preaching Page 80 2. That he aim not at self-applause therein Page 81 3. That he must Preach Christ tho' he be counted a Fool for so doing Page 82 4. That he truly knows Christ when he labours to make others know Christ Page 83 5. He counts it a precious service to Preach Christ Page 85 6. Of all Divine Doctrines none more necessary to be Preached than Christ Crucified Page 87 Doct. 1. Knowledge of Christ is the most excellent Knowledge Page 88 1. Proved by considering 1. its object Christ in general Page 92 And in particular as his Natures Names Relations Offices to the Church Page 93 to 99 2. The Effects of this Kowledge as Justification Spiritual Transformation and Eternal Life Page 100 1. Use of Exhortation with motives Page 103 2. Means to get this Excellent Knowledge Page 113 3. Of Comfort to such as have attained it Page 119 Signs to Satisfy such as doubt Doct. 2. Our Principal study should be to know not only the History but Mystery of Christ Crucified Page 126 That Mystery is 1. Of Wisdom 2. Of Love And 3. of Vertue in his Blood Page 132 How the Vertue of Christ's Death is conveyed to us Page 138 Use 1. 1. Of reproof to the enemies of Christ's Cross 2. Of Exhortation to Believe in Confess and Suffer for Christ Page 134 Q. How may we so Suffer as to have Fellowship in Christ's Sufferings Page 145 Christ's Sufferings for us a ground of our worshipping him and how that must be Page 150 The Third Discourse 1 Thess 2.13 The Divine Authority of Scripture Page 157 D. The Word contain'd in Holy Scripture is in truth the Word of God Shewn Page 159 1. The Spirit in Scripture gives Testimony to it 2. Arg. from the word conv its Authority As 1. It s Power upon Sinners Page 160 2. It s Holiness 3. It s
becomes ours Rom. 6. If we have been planted together with him c. The Death of Christ hath a Vertue to destroy Sin as it makes way for the Spirit of Christ to enter into a Sinner to destroy Sin The Death of Christ opens a way to the Throne of Grace for a Sinner he hath boldness by the Blood of Christ c. Because hereby Justice is satisfied and a Sinner is brought into favour with God and by this taking away of the guilt of Sin that which did seperate betwixt God and us is taken away that which did hinder the Spirit from entring into a Man is removed and so as by the death of Christ a way is made into Heaven for a Sinner so by it a way is made for the Spirit of God into the Heart to reign and rule there Rom. 6.6 2. There is a Vertue of the Death of Christ going downward which draws Believers into a Fellowship with Christ in his Sufferings The Death of Christ is a cause of a double mortification 1. Inward that is of Sin 2. Outward in regard of Sufferings called Deaths 2 Cor 11.23 This is by being planted with Christ in the likeness of his Death that is to dye to Sin as he died for Sin and to suffer Afflictions and Persecutions with him Christ being the Head Believers his Members by dying he draws his Members into a conformity with himself to suffer with him so that all that will live Godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer Persecution 'T is as it were essential to them their Suffering arise from Christ's Death Now although Sufferings in themselves be bitter yet considering them as arising from his Death whence there is a Vertue that makes us to have Fellowship with him in Sufferings so is there sweetness in Sufferings In respect of this Paul did account all things Loss and Dung so he might win Christ and be found in Christ and know the Vertue of Christ's Resurrection and Fellowship of his Sufferings being made conformable unto his Death Phil. 3.10 Because he could look on his Sufferings as having in them Fellowship with Christ's Sufferings as being made conformable to Christ's Death Now the comfort and sweetness arises from two Grounds 1. The cause of Christ 's and his Members Sufferings therein they have Fellowship and Conformity 'T was for Christ's good works that the Jews Persecuted him so wicked men Persecute the Saints because their own works are evil theirs good It was because Christ preached and proclaimed himself to be the Son of God and Redeemer that he was Persecuted so because his Members believe in Christ and obey him as the Son of God and Saviour of the World because they set him up as Lord and King wicked men oppose them His Accusation written on the Cross was This is the King of the Jews like unto which is yours who follow him 2. The end of Christ's and his Members Sufferings are the same therein is a Fellowship Christ was made perfect through Sufferings Heb. 2.10 And it as well behoves these Sons he brings into Glory as Christ himself to be made perfect through Sufferings Christ by suffering of Death was Crowned with Glory and Honour so are his Members Suffering with him they Reign with him 2. There is a Vertue in Christ's Death to overcome all his own and his Churches Enemies 1. Death the last Enemy is overcome by Death Hos 13.14 O Death I will be thy Death that was by dying By his Death Believers are delivered from Death this is a Mystery indeed that Death overcomes Death 2 The Devil Heb. 2.14 By Death he overcame him that had the power of Death By that he overcame the Devil by which the Devil thought he had overcome him In overcoming he was overcome This was by Death he ransomed the Elect payed a price and rising again actually put Satan to the worst Use 1. Reproof 1. Of those that are Enemies to the Cross of Christ And that 1. In Opinion Who look on Christ on the Cross as the Jews a Malefactor that think he was justly hanged on the Cross but it may be only those that are open and profest Enemies of Christ are guilty of this not any that bare the Name of Christians but many such to be reproved for slighting and contemning the Cross of Christ like those Greeks 1 Cor. 1.23 to whom the preaching of Christ crucified was but foolishness They are Ignorant of the Mystery they discern not the Wisdom of God and the Love of Christ the infinite Vertue of his Death But as those Heb. 10.29 The Apostle speaks of that count the Blood of the Covenant an unholy thing 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 common blood no other than the Blood of an ordinary man not precious Blood not Sin-destroying Satan-conquering Soul-saving Blood not Hell shutting Heaven opening Blood I fear such are the private esteems and secret undervaluing of the Blood of Christ by too many whatever outward Profession they make And indeed it is too evident to be so 1. When men esteem no more the Preaching of the Cross c. when that word by which Christ Crucified is set forth meets not with Faith to mix with it with obedient Hearts to submit to it Certainly they are most unworthy of the great benefits of the death of Christ that have unworthy thoughts of Christ crucified 2. In Practice some in a higher degree more open and manifest as those the Apostle complains of Phil. 3.18 Many walk of whom I tell you weeping 't is a most sad thing which pierces a Godly Heart that they are Enemies to the Cross of Christ to Christ crucified How are they described 1 Whose God is their Belly That is that make it all their business to satisfy their fleshly desires to take their fill of Earthly Pleasures that serve not the Lord Christ but their own Bellies Rom. 16.18 Such as are Voluptuous Persons that take care only to satisfy carnal Appetites Drunkards that abuse the Creature to riot and excess these are like prophane Esau that for one morsel of Meat sold his Birth-right So these for one Earthly Pleasure for wine or strong drink sell the precious Blood of Christ. If thou art such a one if a Drunkard c. I must tell thee thou art an Enemy to the Cross of Christ. 2. Whose Glory is their shame who glory in that which is their greatest shame that is who boast themselves to do wickedly are ashamed of the Cross of Christ but not ashamed to commit Sin Some are grown to such a height in Sinning as to be shameless and Impudent they are open and profest Enemies to the Cross of Christ 3. Who mind Earthly things Those to whom earthly thing are great things the desire of their Souls and delight of their Eye that could be contented with the World for their Portion and would remain on this side Jordan in a word who mind Earthly things more than Heavenly Ah! wretched men are such they are Enemies
to the Cross of Christ. 4. And lastly Those that do in some sort prize the Blood of Christ but not according to its full value that come not up to account it precious in all its excellent Effects .. As such as prize it as crucifying wrath taking away guilt overcoming Death and Hell but not as purifying the Conscience not as washing from the Pollution of Sin not as destroying the reigning power of Sin You must know that if you prize it not according to its full value you do absolutely undervalue it you are Enemies to the Cross of Christ and if so I must declare what the Scripture says 1 Cor. 1.18 The Preaching of the Cross is to them that perish Foolishness If it be foolishness to you it will be your destruction You perish that do not prize it So for those that are Enemies to the Cross of Christ in practice of you the same Apostle says Phil. 3.19 Whose end is destruction Use 2. Exhort 1. Be not ashamed of Christ Crucified 1. To Believe in him This should be no stumbling to your Faith to hinder your believing but the greatest motive to believe This is the Formalis Ratio of justfying Faith Faith could not be justifying if it did not look on Christ as dying therefore be not ashamed of the Cross of Christ If Christ had not humbled himself and became obedient unto Death we could not have been exalted 't was by his Death alone that we could be freed from Death 2. Be not ashamed to profess Christ Crucified to fall down and worship Christ crucified The four Beasts and twenty four Elders Rev. 5.8 fell down before the Lamb they consider him as a Lamb that is as he was crucified and for this they account him worthy to receive Power Honour c. and ver 9 12. 3. And do you really manifest this by not being ashamed to suffer for Christ and to bear his Cross with him if Christ call you to suffer rejoyce with the Apostle Paul to fill up that which is behind of the Sufferings of Christ Col. 1 24. That is those Sufferings of Christ which he is to suffer in Corpâ—re Mystico not in Corpore proprio As there was a most glorious design which the Father had laid to bring to pass by Christ's Death so there is a most gracious Design which God hath to bring to pass by your Suffering for Christ Hereby Christ shall be magnified by a glorious Testimony that you shall give to him sealing the Dignity Honour Truth and Worth of Christ by your Suffering hereby others shall be won to Christ and incouraged to believe in him and to profess him your Sufferings will be a support to others Faith hereby your Selves shall be much benefited you have Fellowship with Christ in regard of the cause you suffer in an honourable cause as he did and in regard of the end c And to stir you up to suffer there can be no greater motive than love and the love of Christ is the greatest Love Paul Preached Christ Crucified among the Gentiles Chap. 3.1 which wrought so much upon them that their Hearts were extraordinarily inflamed with love to Paul Gal. 4.14 15. That they receive him as an Angel and were ready to have plucked out their Eyes c. how much more should our hearts be inflamed with love to Christ who was crucified who laid down his Life Be content to lay aside your Honour for Christ's sake he emptied himself Be contented to part with Riches he became poor c. Be content to lay down your lives he was that good Shepherd that laid down his Life c. and in washing his Disciples Feet he sa d I have given you an Example c. so we may say of his Death he gave an Example c. 1 Pet. 2.21 1 Joh. 3.16 Quest But how must we Suffer that we may have fellowship with Christ and follow him as our Example Answ 1. There are some things in Christ's Sufferings wherein we must not imitate him As he suffered to make satisfaction to God for the Offences of Men his Death was a propitiatory Sacrifice whereby the wrath of God towards Sinners was appeased You must not think that your Suffering for standing in the Defence of Religion and the Honour of God shall be available for such an end To suffer Martyrdom for Christ cannot take away the guilt of the least Sin your own blood-shed in the cause of God cannot wash you from any Sin this cannot free you from Eternal Punishment As the Apostle says concerning Charity 1 Cor. 13.3 Though I give my Body to be burned and have not Charity it profiteh me nothing so it profiteth nothing as touching the taking away of Sin freeing from Condemnation for Sin appeasing Wrath or satisfying Divine Justice that you suffer the loss of all things even of Life it self in standing for the Honour of God You must not think that this doth merit the least degree of Glory If there be different degrees of Glory that those that suffer most and do most for God have most Glory yet this is not because 't is merited but because God freely bestows more on one then on another however the thing is not certain but controverted so that in this Chris t is not to be imitated we must not make our Sufferings our Saviours Christ's Death cuts off such a Fellowship and this were a great injury done to Christ to think our Sufferings available to satisfy for our Sin or merit favour 2. Some things there are in his Sufferings imitable for us wherein we must have Fellowship c. 1. The Cause 2. Mind c. his willingness before his Sufferings and patience under Suffering 1. The Cause therein have Fellowship with him and herein I mean the Cause why the Jews did put him to death and not the reason and cause why God did deliver him to death for in that we have not fellowship with him the reasons why God gave his natural Son to suffer and why he calls his adopted Son to suffer are not the same for the main As Christ was given to be a surety for Sin not the Adopted c. but for the exercise of their Graces for the trial of Faith and Love c. for the purging of the filth of Sin out of the Nature not the guilt of Sin from the Person yet Christ died to give testimony to that great Truth that he was the Son of God and the Saviour of the World so the sufferings of the Saints are to give testimony to the Truth but when I say we must have fellowship with Christ in the Cause I mean in respect of Men that were the Instruments of his Death 't was because he did all things well he made both the Deaf to hear c. because he came to destroy the works of the Devil and laboured to turn Men from their Vanities c. because he Preached himfelf to be the Son of God c. and