the rout they will be either taken or else return hacked and hewed and terribly wounded What is the cause that we be so easily and so often routed by Sathan why he comes and finds us unarmed hence it is that we have so many cuts and sores in our inward man we do not consider the strength and subtilty of our enemies and hence it is that we do not put on the whole armour of God Nay how many thousands of men and women be there nay of those that would be accounted pious Christians that are so far from puting on the whole armour of God that they ne're put on a peece of it Nay it is a rare thing to find a Professor that can tell one what this armour is and the right place of every peece hence it is that some do put the peece behind that should be before and that upon the foot which should be on the head and so though it be the armour of Christ you cannot fight in it it will be to thee as Sauls armour was to David unfit for service Surely Christians â—…f I see any thing of God this I do know â—…s one of the greatest evils that now reigns â—…mongst Professors their disordering what God hath ordered Take a thing that is â—…ood it is good but in its place put it a â—…ittle above or something beneath its place â—…he thing that is good in it self becomes evil â—…o you c. Again let us examine what necessity there â—…s for the sonnes of Sion thus to arm themâ—…elves Oh consider consider these ensuing â—…criptures Eph. 6. 11 12. Put on the whole â—…rmour of God there is the precept For we â—…restle not against flesh and blood but against â—…rincipalities and powers against the rulers of â—…arknesse against spiritual wickednesse in high â—…laces there is the reason Take heed that no â—…an deceive you saith our Lord Christ Mat. â—…4 4. For we be living in those dayes spoken â—…0 v. 24. There shall arise false Christs and false Prophets shewing great signes and wonders These are the dayes spoken to 1 Tim. 4. 1. Now the Spirit speaketh expressely that in the â—…ater dayes some shall depart from the faith giving â—…eed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils c. Oh what troops of men and women is Sathan driving before him Look up a little intreat the Lord to take the vail off thy spiritual eye and thou shalt see a great rode-way exceeding broad and very populous and drove after drove passing on not softly but swiftly they all ride post Mark diligently and thou shalt see Sathan that great Prince af the aire bravely mounted and richly clothed as their Generall marching before them and his Angels bringing up the rear Take a view of the Droves as they passe by thee and thou shalt see some of all ranks of men amongst them Me thinks I hear thee saying look look methinks I see a Parliament-man there me thinks I see here and there one of the Army and abundance of the Clergie there but they march more honourably then the rest for Satan their Prince hath made them File-leaders Look look what an innumerable company of men and women old and young high and low rich and poor are posting away to helâ—… Now I see the words of Christ be true Mat. 7. 13. For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leadeth to destruction and many there be which go in thereat Now I see what is the meaning of that text Mat. 7. 22. Lord Lord have we not prophesied in thy name and in thy name have cast out devils and in thy name have done many wonderfull works Depart from me â—…aith Christ I never knew you How not know us and we have taught in thy streets and eat and drank in thy presence Depart saith Christ to them How depart Dost thou speak to us that have done so many wonderful things in thy name Lord let the word depart be given to the Ign rant and not to us that are Scholars Why saith Christ many of those whom you call Ignorant are the greatest Scholars in my school 1 Cor. 1. 26 27 28. Not many wise men after the flesh not many mighty not many noble are â—…alled but God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound â—…he mighty and base things of the world and things which are despised hath God chosen yea and â—…hings which are not to bring to nought things that â—â—re that no flesh should glory in his presence Oh how doth flesh glory in his presence if a man can speak scholastically though â—…he be not authentique how is he admired of men if he can speak eloquently and lay down things methodically which be but the gifts of nature how doth this flesh glory in his presence Methinks I hear a voice from heaven saying Come down thou proud self-seeking Flesh Thou hast set thy self in my Spirits place and hast caused the people to admire thee saying of thee as once it was said of Herod It is the vâ—…ice of God and not of man I will smitâ—… thee and the wormes shall destroy thee saith the Lord. In a word we may clearly see that Sathan hath his pits gins and snares for alâ—… degrees and degrees and ranks of men under all administrations form or forms He endeavours to cheat us in all things at all times and inâ—… all places But me thinks I see him lay the closest siege and raise the strongest batteries and plant his greatest peeces against these two things FIrst against the Doctrine of Christ Secondly against the Discipline of Christ 1. Against the Doctrine of Christ which tells thou art freely justified by grace Rom. 3. 24. in comes Antichrist and tels thee it iâ—… partly by grace and partly by works And so though thou dost not seek to be justified by the Law yet it is as it were by the works 〈◊〉 the Law Rom. 9. 3. 2. Wherefore because the sought it not by faith but as it were by the workâ—â— of the law for they stumbled at that stumbling stone Consider these ensuing Scriptures which speak of justification by grace and if thiâ—… point were well understood men woulâ—… not so easily be led away with the error of thâ—… wiâ—…ked Ephes 2. 5. By grace are you saved aâ—â— freely quickned when you were dead in your sinâ—â— and v. 8. For by grace are you saved through faith and that not of your selves it is the gift of God Rom. 11. 6. And if it be by grace then it is no more of works c. And in Rom. 3. 24. Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ In a word Creation Election Redemption Justification and Sanctification are all of Free-grace to which both Old and New Testament speaks abundantly And for want of understanding this point the Papists erre in seeking salvation by works For want of understanding this
wiped from the eyes of his and 〈◊〉 there shall be no more sorrow nor paine â—â—ereas thou and I have it may be neither â—â—tience to wait nor faith to beleeve our 〈◊〉 interest in these things There be foure characters of a servant of Christ that I lately received from a frienâ—â— 1. What is highest in thy judgement 2. What is dearest in thy affections 3. What is strongest in thy will 4. What is the most constant thing thy resolution So much shall serve at present to written of the temptations of the worâ—â— flesh and the devil and of the Armour Christ wherewith a Christian may defeâ—â— himselfe and conquer his enemies and 〈◊〉 of the power natural and of the po 〈…〉 spiritual which is our duty to improâ—â— and all our remisnesse to be charged up our selves and not upon God and how serious consideration of this would be 〈◊〉 bar to stop that blasphemous princiâ—â—â— saying God is the author of sinne Of our in the first Adam and of our recovery by second Adam and how we may know thâ—â— that are restored of Ordinances how tâ—â— they be still in force Next I shall speâ—â— of Faith and then a few words to the â—â—nisters An Epistle to the world Anotâ—â—â— to those chosen out of the world Of 〈◊〉 deliverances of the Saints and of their 〈…〉 ing too sudden in expecting deliverances A few words of Faith FAith is as it were the wings of the soule whereby the soule doth flye to heaven and bring downe it's eviâ—â—nce under hand and seale Heb. 11. 1. 〈◊〉 Now this grace of Faith is of singular 〈◊〉 to Christians it is that first and princiâ—â— wheele that makes all the other wheeles â—â—move But most men be mightily as I â—â—ppose mistaken in the true definition of â—â—th Seeing then it is that whereby we live grace and it is that whereby we are â—â—ried on to glory that we might not be â—â—staken in that that is of such rare use to Give me leave to tell thee there is a Faith the History and a Faith of the Mystery â—â—re is a Legal Faith and a Faith of â—â—racles dead Faith and a temporary â—â—ith c. There is an Evangelical Faith â—â—ing the Faith of the Gospel Now men 〈◊〉 various in their thoughts of the true naâ—â—re of this Gospel Faith I know one man 〈◊〉 Mr. H. D. that saith that this is the faith the Gospel to believe that Jesus Christ is 〈◊〉 Son of God and another saith that this the true faith of the Gospel viz. Faith is a holy and humble perswasion ground upon the word of God and witnessed his holy Spirit In a word most men 〈◊〉 give too general a definition of Faith 〈◊〉 general definition of the history withâ—â— a particular application of the mystâ—â—â— will stand the soule in little or no stead the time of necessity Therefore I humbâ—â— conceive that the faith of the Gospel thâ—â— we are commanded to contend for Jude is such a Faith viz. Faith is a gift of God begotten in 〈◊〉 creature by the powerful preaching of 〈◊〉 word whereby the understanding is 〈◊〉 lightned whereby he believeth to be 〈◊〉 whatsoever is revealed in the word 〈◊〉 cepting receiving and resting upon Chrâ—â— alone for iustification sanctification wiâ—â— a particular application of Christ and aâ—â— his benefits unto his own soul I say Faith is a gift of God begottâ—â— in the creature by the powerful preachinâ—… of the word whereby the understanding enlightned so that he believeth to be trâ—â— whatsoever is revealed in the word 〈◊〉 cepting receiving and resting upon Chriâ—â— alone for justification sanctifieation wiâ—â— a particular application of Christ and 〈◊〉 his benefits unto his own soul c. Now the life of all lyes in the particuâ—â—r application Psal 18. 2. The Lord is my 〈◊〉 and my fortresse and my deliverer my God strength in whom I will trust my Buckler and 〈◊〉 horne of my salvation and my high â—…ower â—â—al 118. 28. Thou art my God and I will praise â—â—e Thou art my God I will exalt thee Luke 46 47. And Mary said My soul doth magnifie 〈◊〉 Lord and my spirit hath rejoyced in God my â—â—viour Joh. 20. 28. Thomas answered and â—â—d unto him My Lord and my God! In the â—â—xt verse Christ pronounceth him to be a â—â—iever Gal. 2. 20. The life that I now live â—â—ive by the faith of the Son of God who loved me â—â—d gave himself for me Phil. 3. 8. For the excelâ—â—cie of the knowledge of Christ my Lord c. general declaration without a particuâ—â—r application will not assure the soule of â—â—lvation Is not faith the first stone in the â—â—iritual building and the first step in a â—…hristian race the first linke in our golden â—â—aine of Christianity the first act of our â—…ew life that first degree of our holy conâ—…ersation the first round in our Jacobs ladâ—â—r whereby we ascend up into the presence â—…f our Lord First there is in a true believer an assuâ—…ance of understanding Secondly there is an assurance of rejoyâ—…ing 1 Pet. 1. 8. Thirdly there is an assurance whiâ—â— carrieth forth a soule to powerful aâ—â— ings A Christian believeth that he who maâ—â— man was made man himselfe he believe that no man hath seen God at any time anâ—… yet he believeth that Moses talked with his face to face he believeth him to be borne 〈◊〉 time who was from everlasting and him be shut up in a narrow room whom heaveâ—â— and earth could not containe Religion is a mystery in every part of 〈◊〉 Faith believeth strange things Hope w 〈…〉 for the accomplishment of that which reâ—…son cannot comprehend and so for loâ—â— and patience and all other graces there 〈◊〉 a great mystery in the actings of each 〈◊〉 these as to instance in one for all a littlâ—… look upon faith and see what it believe concerning the Trinity and Election Justification and Sanctification and Repentance First concerning the Trinity He believes that the Father is not thâ—â— Sonne and the Sonne is not the Spirit and yet the Father Sonne and Spirit are aâ—â— but one He believes that God is Alpha and Omegâ—… the beginning and the end and yet he beâ—â— â—â—ves that God had never a beginning and all never have an end He believes that the Father sent forth the â—â—nne and that the Sonne sent forth the â—â—pirit and yet he believeth they were never â—â—parated the one from the other And concerning Election He believes that God is no respecter of â—â—ersons and yet he believes that God elected â—â—me and left others when he found no â—â—fference And concerning Iustification He believeth that his qualifications doth â—…ot cause Gods love yet he would question â—…hether God loved him if he were not â—…ualified Hâ—… works not for wages yet hath an eye â—…o the recompence of reward He believes that the most just God hath â—…unished the most innocent person and to â—…ave justified himself though a sinner he is often in
here spoken unto is A It is a doctrine of Grace and a doctrine of Free-grace I know what be the judgments of many knowing men concerning this thing If you ask them what the doctrine of Christ is they will tell you it is a doctrine of Faith and Obedience but this is the effects of the doctrine rather then the doctrine it self For the doctrine of Free-grace being preached to a soule and having gotten entrance to lodg in the inward man then it works faith and obedience as the effects or fruits of that Spirit of grace Hence it is that when Christ sent forth his Disciples to preach this doctrine of Grace he commands them saying Into whatsoever house you enter say Peace unto this house Lo peace is the first word which word is full of grace Christ doth not bid them fire the people out of their nests by preaching the Law and then heal them with the balm of the Gospel no they must first preach peace for God is in the still voice that so the love of Christ held forth in the doctrine of Free-grace Tit. 2. 11 12. might teach them to deny ungodlinesse and worldly lusts and constrain them out of a principle of love to live godly and soberly in this present world Now that the doctrine of Christ is a doctrine of grace it will appear by these and the like Scriptures which I shall but name Act. 13. v. 39 43 compared together Act. 20. 24. Rom. 3. 24. Rom. 11. 6. Ephes 2. 5. 8 compar'd together In a word as was said before Creation Election Redemption and Sanctification â—…it is all of Free-grace Now me thinks I see most men in a sense give their assent and consent to the truth of this that the doctrine of Christ is a doctrine of grace and they will tell you further that they do abide in this doctrine Now then let us examine our selves a little by the effects of this doctrine for as a tree is known by his fruit so is this doctrine by its effects First then it is a doctrine of grace enlightening the soul Secondly it is a doctrine of grace working faith in the soul Thirdly it is a doctrine of grace workin love in the soul Fourthly it is a doctrine of grace working upon the will and affections to will and affect the things of God 1. The doctrine of Christ is a doctrine of grace enlightening the soul Luk. 2. 3 2. A light to lighten the Gentiles This is spoken of Christ and his doctrine Luk. 1. 79. To give light to them that sit in darknesse and in the shadow of death to guide our feet in a way of peace Joh. 1. 9. That was thaâ—… true light that lighteneth every man c. Now if thou dost abide in the doctrine of Christ thy soul is enlightened by Christ hence it is that the children of God are called the children of light Eâ—â— 5. 8 hence it is that they be exhorted to walkâ—…s children of the day Are you enlightened You will say I am What mean these works of darknesse then 2. The doctrine of Christ is a doctrine of grace working faith in the soul Joh. 14. 1. Ye believe in God believe also in me Joh. 6. 29. This is the work of God that you believe Joh. 14. 11. If you will not believe me for my words yet believe in me for the very works sake that you have seen me do 1 Joh. 3. 23. And this is his commandment that we believe on the name of his Sonne Jesâ—…s Christ No obedience like unto the obedience of faith no disobedience like unto that of unbelief for it makes the God of truth a liar 1 Joh. 5. 10. â—…e that believeth on the Sonne of God hath the witnesse in himself He that believeth not God hath made him a liaâ—â— because be believed not the record that God gave of his Son But most men and women will say they do believe but there be but few that can shew their faith by their worâ—…s for faith without works is dead Jam. 17 18 c. 3. The doctrine of Christ is a doctrine of grace working love in the soul First to God Mat. 22. 37. Christ told the Lawyer that came to him to know at least â—â—s he pretended what was his doctrine and what was the most principal part of it why saith Christ Mat. 22. 37. Thou shalt love â—â—he Lord thy God wiâ—…h all thy heart with â—…ll thy â—â—trengâ—…h and with all thy soule Secondly it works love to the people of God Joh. 13. 34. A new commandment give I â—â—nto you that you love one another as I have loved â—â—oâ—… I loved you when you were in your â—…lood and filthinesse my love was free let yours be so I loved all mine do you love all the Saints I laid down my life for the â—…rethren you ought to lay down your lives for the brethren I loved you with a constant love having loved my own I loved them to the end so do you My love carried me forth to become servant to all even to wash your feet you if you will be followers of me and be known to be my disciples ought to do so too Thirdly as the doctrine of Christ is a doâ—…trine of grace working love in the soule first to God secondly to his people so thirdly to our enemies See and well consider that place Mat. 5. 44. But I say unto you love your enemies do good to those that haâ—… you pray for those that despitefully use you aâ—â— persecute you Never think that you continâ—â— in my doctrine unless you observe my commands My commands are that you shoulâ—… not only love God but also your brother and it must not be limited only there buâ—… you must love your enemies or else yoâ—… will not be like unto me and my Father Mat. 5. 45. That you may appear to all thâ—… world to be the children of your Father which is in heaven for he maketh his sun to arise 〈◊〉 the evil and on the good and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust For if you love onely thâ—â— that love you the vilest man in the world goeth so far this is no character or badge oâ—â— my servants the Publicans and Harlots did 〈◊〉 much as this Fourthly it is a doctrine of grace working upon the will and affections to will and affect the things of God First it works upon the will it resigns it up unto the will of God nay it makes him live in the will of God 1. By doing his will 2. By suffering his will to be done though it crosse thy will Again it works mightily upon thinâ—â— affections thy affections are taken off the creatures and fixed upon the Creator thou seest more and more beauty in God and â—…nd lesse and lesse beauty in the creature â—…he things of the world would satisfie thee â—â—eretofore Now thou cryest out None but â—…hrist none but Christ Nothing will satisfie â—…ut his presence nothing will
make thee â—…d but his absence THe second Quaerie is What is it to abide in the Doctrine of Christ For the Scriture saith 2 ep Joh. 9. He that abideth in the â—…ctrine of Christ hath both the Father and the â—…onne Now there be several discoveries or â—…haracters of one that abideth in the doâ—…rine of Christ First there be some inward evidences Secondly there be some outward eviâ—…ences For the inward evidence Call a counsel 〈◊〉 thy own heart silence thy own thoughts â—â—ll all the faculties of thy soul and memâ—…ers of thy body to the bar examine thy â—â—ill thy affections thy judgment and meâ—…ory Who are you for what are you doing â—…ow are you imployed all day long Search for â—…hat White-stone that hath a Name in it that â—…ne can read but he that hath it See whether â—…e Spirit of God doth witnesse with thy spirit â—…at thou belongest to God Doth the presence â—…f Christ rejoice thee doth his absence grieve thee See whether thou art like unâ—â— Christ in thy desires and in thy endeavouâ—â— whose work it was to doe the will of his Fâ—â—ther c. Secondly there be some outward eâ—â—dences I shall name a few 1. He that abideth in the doctrine 〈◊〉 Christ is one that is not easily withdrawâ—… from the truth that he first received 1 Jâ—â— 2. 24. Let that therefore abide in you which yâ—â— have heard from the beginning If that whicâ—… you have heard from the beginning shall remain 〈◊〉 you you shall continue in the Sonne and in thâ—â— Father 1. Tim. 4. 16. Take heed to thy self 〈◊〉 unto the doctrine continue in them for in 〈…〉 ing this thou shalt both save thy self and such hear thee Be not carried about with every wiâ—â— of doctrine saith Paul Ephes 4. 14. Beware 〈◊〉 you fall from your steadfastnesse saith Peter 2 Pâ—â— 3. 17. If you continue in my words then are yâ—â— my Disciples saith Christ Joh. 8. 31. Oh the continue in the faith to be grounded anâ—… setled rooted and established Be ye stedfoâ—â— and unmoveable alwayes abounding in the woâ—â— of the Lord. 2. He that abideth in the doctrine 〈◊〉 Christ may be known by this He is a verâ—… fruitful Christian What is the reason therâ—… is so much barrennesse coldnesse deadnessâ—â— â—â—lity lukewarmnesse evil furnishings and â—â—liperings Why behold the reason â—â—y abide not in the doctrine of Christ that abide in that doctrine doe beare â—â—ns there is none barren among thâ—…m â—â—y be planted in his house they abide it doctrine therefore they flourish in his â—â—urts Joh. 15. 4. The branch cannot beare â—â—t except it abide in the vine no more can you â—â—ept you abide in me 3. He that abideth in the doctrine of â—â—st may be known by this also He stands 〈…〉 nd contends for the faith and obedience 〈…〉 he Gospel against all opposers he envours by sound doctrine to convince all â—…nsayers He doth not so much plead for â—â—mane learning as he doth for the mind God in the Spirit he knows the spiriâ—â—l learning can easily foyle the humane â—â—rning that wants the spiritual See that â—â—ce Jude 3 4. That you should earnestly contend 〈◊〉 the faith that was once delivered to the Saints â—â—n he brings the reason of this conâ—…entiâ—â— v. 4. For there are certain men crept in unâ—â—ares turning the grace of God into lasciviousâ—â—se And surely this is one of Englands sins this day There be many men and woâ—â—n puffed up with a high conceit of their â—â—n knowledge and when their principles and practices are a little examinâ—â— they be but as clouds without rain and 〈◊〉 without water as here Jude speaks 4. He that abideth in the doctrine Christ continueth stedfast in the doctrâ—â— of the Apostles Act. 2. 42. And they continâ—â— stedfastly in the Apostles doctrine and fellowsâ—… and in breaking of bread and prayer Not thâ—… the Apostles doctrine was one thing aâ—â— the doctrine of Christ another thing 〈◊〉 whosoever abideth in the one could nâ—â— but abide in the other And they abode frâ—â— fast in the Apostles doctrine that is they coâ—…tinued stedfastly in the doctrine of Chriâ—â— for they delivered that unto us which thâ—… received from Christ They continued in 〈◊〉 Apostles doctrine and fellowship and in breakâ—… of bread and prayer Let us examine a littâ—â— how many men and women that be godâ—â— for I do not speak of others I say hoâ—… many have we that do walk together Fellowship 2. How many are there that enjoy that Ordinance of the Lords Suppâ—â— here called Breaking of Bread 3. How maâ—â— have the Spirit of Prayer Are they not feâ—â— yea very few And yet all be ready to saâ—… that they do abide in the doctrine of Chrâ—â— Go from one man to another throughâ—… a whole Shire and ask them one after 〈◊〉 â—â—er Do you abide in the doctrine of Christ â—â—ou do not you have not God Yea saith the 〈◊〉 I do abide in the doctrine of Christ Q. How prove you that A. I do saith he for I have reformed â—â—y things that were amisse in me So did â—â—od that enemy of truth Mark 6. 20. For â—â—od heard Iohn knowing he was a just man 〈◊〉 when he heard him he did many things Q. Come to a second and ask him Do 〈◊〉 abide in the doctrine of Christ A. I do saith he and I know it by this 〈◊〉 free from many gross sinnes that others â—â—my neighbours are guilty of So was â—â—t Pharisee Luk. 18. 11 12. O God I thank â—â—e that I am not as other men are I fast twice â—…eek and give tithe of all I do possesse Q. Come to a third and ask him Do you â—â—de in the doctrine of Christ A. I do saith he and I prove it thus â—â—ontinue waiting upon God in the use of Ordinances which others neglect So 〈◊〉 those hypocrites Isa 58. 2 3. Yet you seek daily saith the Lord and delight to know my â—â—es as a Nation that did righteousnesse and â—â—ook not the ordinances of God And yet for this the Lord rejected them and their â—â—ices Q. Come to a fourth Do you abide in the doctrine of Christ If you do not have not God A. I do and I prove it thus I know will of God that many others be ignorâ—â— of and I approve of his wayes Rep. So those cast-awayes Rom. 2. 18. And knowesâ—â— will and approvest the things that be more exâ—â—â—lent c. Yet we see the Lord rejects the upon this ground They did not pracâ—â— themselves that which they knew taugâ—â— to others Q. Come to a fifth Do you abide in 〈◊〉 doctrine of Christ A. I do and I can make it good saith 〈◊〉 by this I have humbled my self for allâ—â— sinnes before the Lord. R. So did wiâ—â— Ahab 1 King 21. 27 28 29. Q. Come to a sixth Do you abide in 〈◊〉 doctrine of Christ A. I do abide in it and I think there but few that do outstrip me for I am 〈◊〉 so
and heavenly strivings if â—…ere be no ability in the creature to whom â—â—u speak Hath the Lord indeed made â—…n an empty creature and void of reason â—â—th not man many members in his body â—â—d faculties in his soul cannot the Eye see â—â—nnot the Ear hear cannot the Legs go â—â—nnot the hands work c. And for the â—…ule is there not an understanding to unâ—â—â—stand is there not a mind or memory to â—â—nde or remember is there not a judgeâ—â—nt to judge and determine of things is â—…ere not a will to will the thing that the â—â—dgment doth judge as good Are there â—…t Affections to affect that which the â—â—dgment presents as good Or else doth â—â—d speak to man as a stock or a stone â—â—th the most righteous God require impossibilities of his creatures doth he caâ—… and cannot man answer or will he not aâ—…swer or doth he call and we hear him râ—…quiring many things to be done by us aâ—â— threatens us if we doe it not and gives 〈◊〉 no power to doe it No no this is not tâ—â— administration of the Gospel for either 〈◊〉 doth impowre them before he command them or else with the command theâ—… goes forth a power and a promise to enabâ—â— his creature to the performance of what 〈◊〉 requires onely thou and I doe many timâ—… resist that Spirit and power as much as wâ—… can we are not faithfull to the Spirit wâ—… grieve it and sometimes in a sense quenâ—… it yea the Lord cals once yea twice anâ—… we doe not not nor will not hear him anâ—… if we cannot but hear him instead of goiâ—â— to him we run to Elie See 1 Sam. 3. 5 6. Surely Joshua had a power as well as a râ—…solution when he spake these words Josâ—… 24. 15. I and my house will serve the Lord anâ—… those whom he there spake to in thaâ—… chap. Jos 24. 14 15. I say those people haâ—… also a power to doe what he command them to doe or else his commands are iâ—… vain He exhorts them to fear the Lord aâ—â— to serve him in truth and sincerity and in thâ—… 31. verse we read that they did as Joshâ—â— â—â—d commanded them for the Text saith â—…at Israel served the Lord all the dayes of Io 〈…〉 t and all the dayes of the Elders that overlived â—â—shua c. So also in the twelsth of the â—â—mans we have in that Chapter at least six â—â—d twenty particular duties that we are â—…horted unto Now if there is no ability 〈◊〉 a Christian to perform or practise that â—â—ich there is recorded then all those exâ—â—tations are in vain and Paul had been good have spoken to the men and woâ—â—n that were laid in the graves as unto â—â—se he then spake unto If there be no power given forth from â—â—d unto his people lay aside as needlesse uselesse all those precious directions inâ—â—ctions perswasions exhortations and â—â—cepts mentioned in Scripture and so â—â—u wilt at once lay aside half the Old and â—â—w Testament as many deluded souls do â—…his day and then thou liest open as â—…ing no guard to further temptations â—…en in comes Sathan and begins to reason 〈◊〉 case with thee Why saith he if half Bible be uselesse to us why not all And â—â—e will undertake to teach thee and in 〈◊〉 so he will for he is one of the most laâ—â—ious Schoolmasters in the world he â—â—l improve all opportunities and take all advantages to fasten his doctrine upâ—â— thee he will wait on thee continuallâ—… when thou liest down and when thou riâ—â— up he will be at thy elbow he will promâ—… thee great things and give thee little 〈◊〉 will promise thee honour and bring thee disgrace he will promise thee pleasure aâ—â— bring thee to pain he will promise thâ—â— riches and bring thee to poverty he wâ—â— promise thee life and bring thee to dâ—…aâ—… Oh then remember that blessâ—…d worâ—â— Jam. 4. 7. Resist the Devil and he shall flee 〈◊〉 thee Ob. But thou wilt object and say I hâ—â— not faith to resist him And it is not in 〈◊〉 power of man by nature to believe as yâ—â— may see I Cor. 1. 23. 2. 14. Rom. 8. 7 John 40. 44. Mat. 23. 37. An. It is true I have affirmed bef 〈…〉 that a man meerly natural cannot ac 〈…〉 supernatural things but I am not sp 〈…〉 ing to a man natural but to the recei 〈…〉 power of a man spiritual and the improâ—â—ment of that Obj. But before you proceed further 〈◊〉 desire satisfaction to this one question Q. Why doth God promise eternal 〈◊〉 only to those that believe and threatene 〈◊〉 nal death to those that do not seeing 〈◊〉 〈…〉 ot in their own power by nature to beâ—…ieve A. First that he might by his promises â—…nd threatnings work us unto that which â—…y nature we are averse to 2 Cor. 5. 11. 20. Secondly that we might appeare more â—â—excusable when neither promises nor â—â—reats will move us to imbrace free mercy â—…ct 13. 46. Then Paul and Barnabas waxed â—…ld and said it was necessary the word of God â—…ould first have been spoken unto you but seeing 〈◊〉 put it from you and judge your selves unworthy 〈◊〉 everlasting life lo we we turn to the Gentiles â—â—d in the 51. vers And they shook off the dust 〈◊〉 their feet against them and came to Jerusalem â—â—r the further proofe of this see Act. 18. 〈◊〉 7. Thirdly that the grace of God might as â—â—ll appear in giving power to believe as giving Christ and in him forgivenesse of â—â—nes to be believed Rom. 9. 16. So then it â—…ot of him that willeth nor of him that runneth 〈◊〉 of God sheweth mercy Rom. 11. 6 7. â—â—d if by grace then it is no more of works Fourthly that we might apply our selves to God in the use of those means that â—…hath appointed for the working of faith â—â—s Joh. 6. 27. Labour not for the meat that â—…sheth but for that which endureth to everlasting life c. Isa 55. 3. Incline your ear anâ—… come unto me heare and your soul shall live â—…c Rom. 10. 17. Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God Fifthly that we might wholly deny ouâ—… selves and search and by seeking find in thâ—… Covenant of grace matter of free conveyance of power to believe whatsoever is required to be believed Rom. 4. 16. Rom. 3. 24 Psal 119. 104 105. Joh. 5. 39. Again when we look into the Old oâ—… New Testament and there find a commanâ—… wherein thou art required to be acting anâ—… doing something for God 1. Consider thou hast a power alreadâ—… given forth to thee by which thou art 〈◊〉 ble to do the thing required 2. Or else with the command the Lorâ—… conveyes a power to enable thee to do thâ—… thing commanded 3. When thou lookest upon the Coâ—…mand on thy left hand then look upon tâ—â— Promise on thy right hand wherein tâ—â— Lord God hath promised to assist
prison yet alwaies at liberty and a freeman though a servant And concerning Sanctification He believes that he goes not to heaven for holinesse and yet he believes that he cannot go thither without it he liveth on earth but his conversation is in heavenly things he is careful for nothing and yet none so careful as he He esteems his namâ—â— as a precious ointment yet he cares noâ—… who reviles him Concerning Repentance He often weeps for sorrow and yet hâ—â— doth rejoyce when he weeps He is of all men most humble and yet nâ—â— man hath a heart so lifted up as he 2 Cor. 7. 〈◊〉 He is one who lives to dye and dyes tâ—â— live yet he is dead whiles he liveth and live when he dyeth He believes himselfe to be precious iâ—â— Gods sight and yet he doth loath himself 〈◊〉 his owne fight And concerning the Scriptures He believeth that the Scriptures werâ—â— written by men subject to errour and yet he believeth there is no errour in them Nay he believeth there is no errour in Scripture and yet he findeth that which is commanded Gen. 17. 12. to be forbidden Gal. 5. 22. Now there is a great controversie among men whether it be Christs work or thâ—â— creatures work to act faith But I shall say nothing to that here having spoken oâ—â— laid down my judgement concerning it beâ—…fore But a word or two of these things First how Faith is wrought or by what â—â—eans usually Secondly some lets to be removed Thirdly some motives or considerations move us to believe First how faith is wrought or by what â—â—eans ordinarily and that is by the mistery of the Word Rom. 10. 17. 1. The soul is enlightened to see it self â—â—ful miserable and naked polluted in its â—â—ood 2. Then the soul searcheth to find if it â—â—ere possible a promise should be made to â—â—ch a sinner as he is well at length he â—â—deth it 3. Then the soul beginneth to enquire â—…hether with out presumption he may lay â—â—old on the promise Well he finds it is â—â—o presumption to believe but rebellion â—…ot to believe 4. The soule begins to consider what he that hath made these promises Well he â—â—nds him to be God that cannot be worse â—…hen his word as man will 5. He enquires further and finds that his God is a most faithful God so faithâ—…ul that not one â—…ot or tittle of his word â—â—all passe till all be fulfilled Then when â—â—he soul sees his sin and a promise of pardon and that it is his duty to believe anâ—… that it is God that hath made these prâ—…mises and that to the worst of sinners anâ—… that this God is a faithful and a true God then the soul roots it self upon Christ anâ—… saith There will I venture my soule if perish I perish But I shall not perish 〈◊〉 I never did read of any man that went the far and miscarried And this is the faiâ—â— of adherence which soon grows up to 〈◊〉 faith of evidence Now the soul saith It may be I shall be 〈◊〉 in the day of the Lords wrath But shortly will say The Lord hath saved me he doth sâ—â— me and he will save me I will not be afraid ten thousands of people that haue set themselvâ—â— against me round about Q. Why wilt thou not be afraid Christian A. Because I know God saith he anâ—… I know him to be able and not only so bâ—… I know him to be willing to help me 〈◊〉 my name in Scripture and God speakinâ—… to me by name Oh then ye sons and daughters of meâ—â— consider that he that was the Son of Goâ—â— became the Son of man that we who we the sons of men might become the sons God Would'st thou believe thine own interest this First gather up and establish thy thoughts â—â—on the object of faith the Free-grace 〈◊〉 God in the righteousnesse of Jesus â—…hrist Secondly claim thy common interest in 〈◊〉 the promises which be made to sinners 〈◊〉 the promises be made to sinners and as sinner thou hast an interest in them Thirdly consider the terms on which â—…hrist is given he is not given upon terms â—…f qualifications but upon terms of accepâ—â—tion and believing which believing is â—â—s gift also Secondly there are some lets to be reâ—…oved as hindrances of faith 1. The first let is Ignorance of thine â—…wn misery and Gods mercy 2. The second let is If thou dost know â—…hine own misery to despair of mercy 3. A third let is Carnal reasoning to â—…onsult with flesh and blood which will â—…ell us either that it is well enough with us â—…lready or else it is impossible to have it â—…etter 4. A fourth let is our hearkening to â—…he motions of Sathan and you shall know â—…hem by these three things First they drive a soul from God as 〈◊〉 dam hid himself after he had sinned he weâ—â— as far as he could from God Secondly the motions of Sathan may 〈◊〉 known by this they tend to the weakeninâ—â— of that little that thou hadst before Thirdly the motions of Sathan mâ—â— be known by this also they tend to breâ—â— and destroy the soule that is bruised 〈◊〉 ready 5. The fifth let of faith may be thiâ—… when the Lord by his word begins to diâ—…cover our sinnes then we begin to coveâ—… them and hence it is that we do not proâ—…sper in our souls Pro. 28. 13. Now as I lately heard from a servant 〈◊〉 Christ a man may be said to cover his sinnâ—… three wayes 1. When we do not draw it forth to thâ—… hand of justice when we let alone that traâ—…tor that doth lurk in our souls the Lonâ—… comes and calls for our pride and covetousnesse and frowardnesse saying Brinâ—… it forth to justice Then we conceaâ—…e oâ—… hide it 2. When we do something to cover iâ—… by lessening it we should rather aggravatâ—â— then extenuate our sinnes 3. We hide our sinnes when we preservâ—… â—…ur sinnes Now a man may be said to preâ—â—rve his sinne three wayes 1. When we nourish it and feed it as it â—…ere 2. When we do defend it it may be we 〈◊〉 a great blow coming to wound striking 〈◊〉 the head of our beloved sinne and we â—…efend the blow with all our strength and â—…olicie 3. When we take no notice of it perdventure a man will take notice of grosse â—â—ns but not of secret sins we say This is â—â—t a little one The Lord be merciful to me in â—…is thing This is all I shall say at present â—…oncerning the lets of Faith Next of those Considerations as so many motives to â—…ove us to believe Thirdly let us a little consider what enâ—…ouragements have we to move or prevaile with us to set about the beginning or goâ—…ng on and growing up in this grace of â—…aith 1. Consider that to believe in God is â—…he greatest obedience that we can give unâ—…o God for in so doing we are said to set â—…o our seals that God is true This