Word of God and if disagreeable thereto the Conclusion must be that the Fountain is corrupt for as a bad Tree cannot bring forth good Fruit so a good Tree bringeth forth good Fruit for the Tree is known by its Fruits and it is no Justification of an Action bad in it self that it is intended well for we must not do evil that good may come of it Secondly As the Actions must be in themselves good they must also be directed to the right end that is to wit the glory of God for what is not levelled so are sinful before God Col. 3.17 1 Cor. 10.31 From what hath been said may plainly appear that though the Christian as a New Man in Christ Jesus is an excellent Creature as made partaker of the Divine Nature Nevertheless he is and must be intangled in a continual Warfare whilst in the Body and therefore not to be idle or lazy but to stand always upon guard against Enemies within himself and without Be strong in the Lord and in the Power of his Might for we wrestle not against Flesh and Blood but against Principalities and against Powers against the Rulers of Darkness in this World against Spiritual Wickednesses in high places wherefore take unto you the whole Armor of God your Loyns girt about with Truth the Breast Plate of Righteousness your Feet shod with the Gospel of Peace the shield of Faith the Helmet of Salvation the Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God praying and watching so that the Work of a Christian is not over even when he hath attained newness of Life in Christ Jesus but of necessity must continue in a fighting State while in a Body Eph. 6.10 to 19. As you have received Christ Jesus so walk you in him Christians must fight offensively to subdue the continued growing of Lusts Defensively to withstand continued Temptations and persevere to the further Conquest of Enemies within themselves and without in the World Watch and Pray lest ye enter into Temptation in this case three things are to be considered First Perseverance and continued Stedfastness is the Christians commanded Duty Secondly Gods Promises to his People to uphold and strengthen them in their Duties and Conflicts Thirdly The experience of Christians that they thrive and grow when in pursuit of and continuance in their Duties As to the first it plainly appears as the Christians Life is a continued warfare so must he not be lazy or draw back but be still in Arms ready to fight He that putteth his Hand to the Plough must not draw back and if any Man draw back my Soul hath no delight in him Luke 9.62 Heb. 10.38 The whole Book of Holy Writ is full of this Command we are not to stop or rest in our Course but chearfully in imitation of Christ to run the Race that is set before us without regard to the difficulties in our way but with Courage to continue our progress till we come to the end of our Stage even Eternity Heb. 12.1 2 3. This is Christs express Command we must take up our Cross and daily follow him Mat. 10.16 to end Nothing must stop our course however so dear to us Honour Wealth Relations nor Life it self we must give up and Sacrifice all upon the Altar of Obedience Mat. 16.24 25 26 27. Ch. 24.42 to end Mark 13.33 to end Let us fear a promise being left us of entring into his Rest lest any of you should come short of it let us labour therefore to enter into that rest lest any Man fall by unbelief seeing then we have a great High Priest that is passed into the Heavens Jesus the Son of God let us hold fast our profession Heb. 4.1 11 14. Be ye stedfast unmoveable always abounding in the Work of the Lord knowing that your Work is not in vain 1 Cor. 15.58 Let us not be weary in well doing for in season we shall reap if we faint not Gal. 6.9 As ye have received Christ Jesus so walk ye in him rooted and built upon him and established in the Faith abounding therein with Thanks giving Eph. 6.10 to 19. Indure Hardness as a good Soldier of Christ Jesus no Man that Warreth entangleth himself wiâ—h the affairs of this Life that he may please him who choose him to be a Soldier if a Man strive for Mastery yet is he not Crowned except he strive lawfully 2 Tim 2 1 7. Be sober be vigilant because your Adversary the Devil as a roaring Lyon walketh about seeking whom he may devour whom resist stedfast in the Faith knowing that the same Afflictions are accomplished in your Brethren 1 Pet. 5.8 9. giving all diligence add to your Faith Vertue and to your Vertue Knowledge and to your Knowledge Tempeaance and to Temperance Patience and to Patience Godleness and to Godliness Brotherly Kindness and to Brotherly Kindness Charity for if these things be in you they shall make you that you shall never be barren or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ 2 Pet. 1.5 6 7 8. Hence we see how incumbent it is to Christians to be upon their Duty of Perseverance and as the state of the Militant Church is Laborious and full of Hazards and exposed to Difficulties insuperable as to Man and the Adversaries in themselves powerful Nevertheless as no Man goeth to War at his own Charge but at the charge of him whose Soldier he is neither hath the King of Kings whose Soldiers Christians are left his People without assurances of sure pay and constant supplies out of the Treasury of Omnipotency whose word we believe I will open to you the Windows of Heaven and give you a blessing that ye shall not have room to receive it Mal. 3.10 The vision is for an appointed time if it tarry wait for it it will speak at last and he that is to come shall come and will not tarry Hab. 2.3 And for the Encouragement of the Faith and Patience of the People of God the Scriptures are full of fresh and sure clusters of consolatory promises for Comfort Relief Support and Delivery which is the second thing considerable The Evangelical Prophet Isaiah hath stored his Book with legions of Consolations fear not I have redeemed thee thou art mine I will be with thee in fire and in water they shall have no power over thee thou art Honourable and Pretious in my sight I will restore thy Captives I am thy Redeemer when thou hast no help I will be a Saviour and Provisor Is 43. to 26. I will pour water on him that is a thirst and floods on the dry ground I will pour my Spirit upon thy Seed and my Blessing upon thine Ofspring thou shalt not be forgotten of me I have blotted out as a Cloud thy Transgressions and as a thick Cloud thy sins return to me for I have Redeemed thee Is 44 3 21 23. Hearken unto me ye House of Jacob which are born by me from the Womb
oblige Men beyond their pretended Interest what Allyances or Treaties tye Princes from Usurpation or Encroachments may it not be too much charged on most of the greatest form on Earth which was said of Philip of Macedon amicitias utilitate non fide colebat his Interest not his Promise obliged him Secondly If we look on the World in respect of the Politick Constitution what Nation Country or People shall we find quiet from Commotions Disturbances Rebellions or Mutinies either from the Oppression Tyranny or Usurpation of the Soveraign or the Murmurings Jealousies and Mutinous Uneasie and Discontented Humours of the Subject Doth not Judah vex Ephraim and Ephraim envy Judah Is 11.13 doth not the Church Complain Servants have ruled over us and none delivered out of their Hands Kings are hanged up by their Hand the faces of Elders were not Honoured Lam. 5.8 12. Is not the whole World at Enmity Nation against Nation and Nations divided by intestine Wars and Contentions This Enmity is not only between Man and Man but hath also infected the Beasts of the Field Fish of the Sea and fouls of the Air whereas in Mans first State he had all of them given him for use with Dominion over them they are turned wild run into Rebellion and not to be subdued or made useful but by force and many are not only useless but destructive and they also are at War amongst themselves destroying one another so that in place of all the Sons of God shouting together for Joy as in the first State we now hear the noise of Wars Malice Envy and Destruction and whereas at first God looked on all that he had made and it was very good Gen. 1.31 afterwards for the Degeneracy thereof It repented God that he had made Man on the Earth and it grieved him at his Heart Gen. 6.6 and whereas all things were good when first Created and given to Man for use the Scripture tells us That the Friendship of the World is Enmity with God and whosoever will be a Friend of the World is the Enemy of God If any Man love the World the love of the Father is not in him Ja. 4.4 1 Jo. 2.15 If then the Heavenly Harmony Union and joyful Shoutings of the Sons of God was Ravishing and Refreshful even to sitting down under that shadow with great delight and being sick of Love when Man and the Creation was in its first Integrity when we look on the black and defaced Countenance of Man and Creatures defiled with all manner of Sin and Pollution and the World with all Deformity of Wickednesses and Contention and being Branded with Gods displeasure How great reason have we with the Church to cry out How is the Gold become Dim How is the most fine Gold changed and with David to say Wo is me that I Sojourn in Mesech and dwell in the Tents of Kedar Ps 120.5 If the Soul of Righteous Lot was grieved at the Iniquity of Sodom how much more Reason have Men now adays to grieve for that universal Deluge of Abominations which overflow the whole while earth in serious Reflection of Man in his Integrity and the Beauty of the Creation and the present Degeneracy under Sin and Misery and being Anxious to understand that Mystery why the World once approved of God to be good and given to Man should afterwards be stamped with Gods Curse and Displeasure as in the foregoing Scripture I was entertained with that of Eliphas the Temanite Shall Mortal Man be more just than God shall a Man be more pure than his Maker Job 4.17 which lead me to enquire into the particular causes of this great Catastrophe and to understand the meaning together with the Justice of God and the Mistery of his Love to believers in Christ Jesus In this enquiry I was led up to the Fountain of Gods bounty to Man by which he was made in the likeness of God in Righteousness true Holiness and Knowledge according to the Image of him that Created him and had the other Creatures given to him for use with Dominion over them under the Tenure of his Obedience and under the Commination and Assurance of Death on his Transgression I had no sooner viewed the Happiness of his first Estate when I was led to the Record of his Transgression by putting forth his Heart to Rebellion and his Hands to the Trespass and then found the Judgment entred against him by which he was degraded of his Soveraignty and Enmity was sown between him and the Creatures and the Earth accursed for his sake Gen. 3.14 to 20. And here with the Prophet we may put the question is Man the Darling of the Creation made lately in Gods own Image and Lord of all the Creation is he now a Servant a Home-born Slave why is he spoiled The Answer is in the Text hast thou not procured this to thy self In that thou hast forsaken the Lord thy God for my People have committed two Evils they have forsaken me the Fountain of Living Waters and hewed themselves Cisterns broken Cisterns that can hold no Water Jer. 2.11 13 14 17. And with the same Prophet we may cry out with Astonishment Be Astonished O Heavens and be horribly afraid be ye very desolate saith the Lord Jer. 2.11 And here is this Riddle resolved shall Mortal Man be more Just than God Shall Man be more pure than his Maker Man hath forsaken God and followed his own Inventions therefore God must be just to bring upon him the Judgment threatned viz. the forfeiture of all his Priviledges and make him smart under the folly of his own Devices They hatch Cockatrice Eggs and weave the Spiders Webb he that eateth of their Eggs dyeth and that which is crushed breaketh into a Viper their Webb shall not become Garments neither shall they cover themselves with their Works their Works are Works of Iniquity Is 59.5 6 7. Hence we find God is Just in punishing Man for his Transgression and Man by his Folly hath brought himself and Posterity to ruin who through the Pride of his Concupiscence abode not in his Integrity but in repining against God hath brought himself and Posterity under Servitude to Sin Misery and Death Thus while with Rachel weeping for her Children and refusing to be Comforted because they were not Jer. 31.15 I was plunged in oppression of Thoughts and heavily Lamenting that so glorious a Fabrick of Gods Handy-work as in the first Creation in Holiness and Integrity should be polluted by Sin and defaced from the primitive Beauty and as Moses pleading with God from the Arguments of his own Glory and Power in behalf of his People of Israel Num. 14.11 to 17. heartily wishing that glorious and first Image might again be restored in Man after the Image of him that Created it I was led to that Scripture My thoughts are not your thoughts neither are your ways my ways saith the Lord for as the Heavens are higher than the Earth so are
Gen. 17.7 And that Prophet promised to Moses and I will raise them up a Prophet amongst their Brethren like unto thee and I will put my words into his mouth and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him Deut. 18.18 And he is that Prophet of whom the Apostle speaketh Of this Mans Seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour Jesus Act. 13.22 And this is that rod out of the Stem of Jesse on whom the Spirit of the Lord doth rest The Spirit of Wisdom and Understanding the Spirit of Counsel and Might the Spirit of Knowledge and of the fear of the Lord he shall not judge after the sight of his Eyes nor reprove after the hearing of his Ears but with Righteousness shall he judge the Poor and Reprove with Equity for the meek of the Earth and shall smite the Earth with the Rod of his Mouth and with the breath of his Lips shall he slay the Wicked and righteousness shall be the Girdle of his Loyns and Faithfulness the Girdle of his Reins Isa 11. to 11. And this is that Prophet who hath received the Spirit in full The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because the Lord hath appointed me to Preach good tidings to the meek he hath sent me to bind up the broken hearted to proclaim liberty to the captive and the opening of the Prison to them that are bound to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord and the day of vengeance of our God and to comfort all that mourn to appoint unto them that mourn in Zion to give unto them Beauty for Ashes the Oil of Joy for Mourning the Garment of Praise for the Spirit of Heaviness Isa 61. to 4. He is the only true Sheepheard of the Sheep and entreth in at the Door to whom it is opened and the Sheep hear his voice and follow him he knoweth his Sheep calleth them by their Names and leads them into the true and good Pastures John 10. to 6. He is the infallible guide and teacher He is the Way the Truth the Light and Life and no Man cometh unto the Father but by him Joh. 14.6 He is the only true light that lightneth every Man that cometh into the World John 1.6 This then being the first step of Christs Mediation between God and Man to be their Teacher to instruct them their duty towards God by his infallible Spirit this should lead us again with the Apostle to cry out O the depth and infinite dimensions of the Love and Wisdom of God to sinners If we consider Mans Fall from his credulity in believing the lying suggestions of a fallen Angel in the Mouth of a Serpent and not believing of God and that to avoid mans splitting on this Rock God sends his infallible Spirit of Truth to guide them in all Truth and bring them under the Law of the Spirit by Regeneration and a new Life in Christ Jesus by putting his Spirit in them to make them walk in the Spirit and no more in the unprofitable course of this World in the Flesh and Lusts thereof and endoweth them with the Wisdom and Graces of his Spirit to perform to God new obedience as shall be shewen in examining of the Christian Duties as the conditions of this Covenant on Mans part how much should the consideration of this mystery of Love and Wisdom lead our anxious desires after attaining unto a large stock of this enriching and confirming Grace and to be endowed with the knowledge of the love of God in Christ Jesus by which poor Believers are not only retrieved from Sin and Wrath but are kept sure in Christs Hand from falling away from God as under the first Covenant John 17.6 to 13. The second branch of Christs Mediatory Office is to be a Priest and the Office of a Priest being to offer up Sacrifice for Sinners we shall consider how this agreeth to Christ and is performed by him the holy Apostle tells us That he that desireth the Office of a Bishop or Teacher desireth a good work 1 Tim. 3.1 And he also tells us that it is so honourable and sacred that no man taketh it to himself but he that is called thereunto as was Aaron Heb. 5.4 And therefore God in displeasure with Uzziah the great King of Israel for intruding into the Priests Office struck him with Leprosy to his death 2 Chron. 26.18 to end But none can claim better or so good a Title to the Priesthood as our great high Priest Jesus Christ who took not that honour to himself but it was given to him of his Father who said to him this day have I begotten thee and thou art a Priest for ever after the Order of Melchisedeck Heb. 5.5 Psalm 110.4 Isa 7.13 14 15 16. And although he was Heir of all things and by whom the World was made and being the brightness of the Fathers glory and express Image of his person he was annointed with the Oil of Gladness above his Fellows Heb. 1.2 3 9. And made the High Priest by the Council of Heaven for Mans Eternal Salvation and as he had this his call immediately from Heaven so he hath it with more transcendent eminency than other Priests in many considerations First The holy Apostle Paul tells us that all Priests taken from amongst Men are compassed about with Infirmities and Sins and as in compassion to others so also for their own as well as for the sins of others they are to offer up Sacrifices Heb. 5.1 2 3. ch 7.23 28. chap. 9.7 but this our great High Priest though in Compassion to us he took our nature upon him and was subject to natural Infirmities and in the Flesh was tempted with like Infirmities to succour such as were tempted yet without sin Heb. 2.16 17 18. chap. 4.15 However he is essentially holy for such an High Priest became us who is holy harmless undefiled separate from Sinners and made higher than the Heavens who needeth not daily as these High Priests to offer up Sacrifice first for his own Sins and then for the People for this he did once when he offered up himself Heb. 7.26 27. Secondly All other Priests are made without an Oath but he with an Oath for those Priests were made without an Oath but this with an Oath by him that said to him the Lord Swore and will not Repent thou art a Priest for ever after the order of Melchisedeck and hath an unchangeable Priesthood Hebrews 7.21 24. Thirdly Other Priests are for a time his Priesthood is for ever and unchangeable as in the foregoing Scripture They were many Priests and not suffered to continue because of death but this man because he continueth ever hath an unchangeable Priesthood wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him seeing he ever liveth to make Intercession for them for the Law maketh High Priests which have Infirmities but the word of the Oath
sort of communication or delight in sin with an abhorence as infectious can any touch Pitch and not be defiled with aversion as an infectious Plague jealous as of the Wiles of the Devil as Intanglements and Fetters Fourthly Zeal With great anxiety after a thorough discovery of every sin in its blackest dress in its Nature Root Branches and Tendencies zeal for full purging and washing not leaving Root or Branch of any Sin unmortified or subdued without any tampering or listning to new affinities or terms of reconâ—iliation or inticements hotly and warmly pursuing every Sin to utter death and destruction Fifthly Vehement desire Like one curious to paint to the Life the Nature Monstruous shape and mischievous quality of every sin as well in its offensiveness to and detestableness with God who is of purer Eyes than to behold Iniquity as in its perniciouâ—ness to Man exposing him to the wrath of God and barring him from entring into the Heavenly Jerusalem where â—o unclean thing can enter in Rev. 21.27 And as the only Enemy of Mans Eternal Happiness and blasting with a Curse all his temporal enjoyments and the disturber of the Peace of Mans Conscience in a Communion with God and diverts him from enjoying of God in place of Lust and Sin The Sixth qualification is Fear Watching and Praying lest we enter into temptation being always mindful that the subtile Enemy of our Salvation the Devil goeth about night and day like a roaring Lion seeking whom he may devour And therefore in watching put on the whole Armour of God Eph. 6.14 15 16. and watch over our Thoughts Words and Actions having a continual Eye on the Enemy without as a Sentry standing in view of the Enemies Camp day and night observing the voice of all Gods Providences and Dispensations not putting the evil day far from us but being on our watch with oyl in our Lamps and our Lamps burning knowing that the Bridegroom cometh as a Thief in the night not knowing what hour he will come and therefore to be always ready lest when he comes we sleep and that the door of Mercy may not be shut on us for ever Mat 24.14 The Seventh qualification of true Repentance is Revenge Holy revenge consisteth â—t a restless discovering of sin and not only giving up all society with it and entertainment of it and contradicting or implacable prejudice and hatred to it but also knowing that corruption and sin is such an infect and that of venomous Nature that every piece and crum will excite to a new Rebellion against God And therefore by a holy reâ—enge to give up every Sin and Lust though never so dear intirely to Divine Justice as well to appeale the Wrath of God and avoid his Dishonour as to secure our selves from falling into disobedience and new rebellion by tampering with the seditious deceit of Sin and Lust Cast out the Bondwoman and her Son Gen. 23.10 Be not again entangled with the Yâ—â—k of Bondage walk in the Spirit and ye shall not â—uâ—fiâ—l the Lusts of the Flesh for the Flesh lusteth against the Spirit and the Spirit against the Flesh and they are contrary one to the other Rom. 5.1 16 17 24. The next Duty incumbent to Man in order to Eternal Life is to search the Promâ—â—es in Christ Jesus and believe them all men are anxious to have good Titles to their Estates and to know them how much more ought Christians to be solicitous for the knowledge of sacred Records to insure their Interest of something with Christ Christs Promises to his People are either for things Spiritual or Temporal first of things Spiritual which may be considered under these three First The free love of God in sending Christ a Ransom for Sin Secondly All suitable graces and spiritual blessings given by God to the called according to his promise Rom. 8.28 Thirdly Eternal Life and Salvation given to all who believe in Jesus Christ As to the first Scriptures are full of the Records of Gods free love in redeeming Man by Jesus Christ when Man was in no condition to make terms for himself and that early instance of Gods compassion on Man when he had so soon fallen from his Integrity I will put enmity between thy Seed and her Seed It shall bruise thy head and thou shalt bruise his heel Gen. 3.15 Here is a clear promise of the Messiah of victory over Sin and Satan And when we were without strength in due time Christ died for us and when we were yet sinners And that compassion of God when Man was contemptible and without help and no Eye pitied thee to do these things to thee and when I passed by thy time was the time of Love and I said to thee live yea I said to thee live And that Evangelical Invitation Ho every one that thirsteth come to me drink of the Waters of Life buy wine and milk without money and without price come to me and I will make your Souls live and make an everlasting Covenant with you Let the wicked forsake his wickedness and the unrighteous man his thoughts and let him return unto the Lord and he will have mercy upon him and to our God and he will abundantly pardon him Isa 55. to 8. This strain constant current and Ocean of free Love flows upon free terms upon the most miserable and without any terms or expectation of any return from Man but freely without recompence I am found of them that sought me not I am sought of them that asked not for me Isa 65.1 2. From all which may be seen that great mystery of the Love of God to Sinners which passeth understanding The second thing in spiritual blessings is Gods furnishing Believers with all suitable Graces blessings and Indowments And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God who are called according to his purpose for whom he did foreknow them he also did Predestinate to be conformed to the Image of his Son He that spared not his own Son but delivered him up for us all how shall he not also with him freely give us all things Rom. 8.28 29 32. Eye hath not seen neither hath Ear heard nor hath it entred into the Heart of Man to conceive besides thee O Lord what great things he hath laid up for those who wait on him Isa 64.4 Ask and it shall be given seek and ye shall find whatsoever ye ask the Father in my name believe ye have them and they shall be given you Mat. 7.7 The last instance of divine bounty is Eternal Life To them who by patient continuance and well doing seeketh for glory and honour eternal Life Rom. 2.9 When Christ who is our Life shall appear then shall we also appear with him in glory Col. 3.4 God so loved the World that he sent his only Son that whosoever should believe in him should not perish but have eternal Life Joh. 3.16 And the glory that thou gavest me I have
23. See the Marks Characters and Complexion of the Citizens of the New Jerusalem He that walketh righteously and speaketh uprightly and dispiseth the gain of oppression that shaketh his Hand from holding of Bribes that stoppeth his Ears from hearing of Blood that shutteth his Eyes from seeing of Evil he shall dwell on high his Habitation shall be the Munition of Rocks Is 33.15 Ps 15. These are they which came out of great Tribulation which have washed their Robes in the Blood of the Lamb no unclean thing can enter there without are Dogs and Swine Rev. 14.45 But we are come unto Mount Sion and to the City of the living God the Heavenly Jerusalem and to an innumerable Company of Angels to the general Assembly and Church of the First-born which are written in Heaven and to God the Judge of all things and to the Spirits of Just Men made perfect and to the Mediator of the new Covenant and to the Blood of Sprinkling which speaketh better things than the Blood of Abel Heb. 12.22 to 25. The fourth thing relating to this State are the Manifold Priviledges belonging unto them within it which may be thus expressed First They within this Covenant are all Marked Sealed and Recorded with God Secondly They are under an everlasting Covenant with God in Jesus Christ Thirdly To them belong universal promises both in Spirituals and Temporals and under every exigent Fourthly All are united to God in Jesus Christ First They are all Marked Sealed and Inrolled with God as God Marked Cain to keep him from Mans Fury and Rage for the Murther of his Brother Abel when Cain was accursed with Gods displeasure for that Horrid Villany so God of his Love to the Saints Marks them with his own Image to keep them from the Destruction of Satan and Inrolls them in the Book of Life to be called by Name in the Resurrection Hurt not the Earth nor the Sea until we have Sealed the Servants of God in their Foreheads Is 4.3 Rev. 7.3 The Lord takes that care of his People that as he commanded by the Pass-over the Door-Posts of the Israelites to be sprinkled with Blood as the sign of his Peoples Habitation so he puts his Mark of Holiness in the Hearts of his own to distinguish them from the wicked who in their Conversation and Hearts have Wickedness and Sin the Mark of the Beast and Worship his Image he Writes on his People his Name of Righteousness and gives them for a Mark The white Stone and in it a New Name Rev. 14.9 by which white Stone or Holiness they are Distinguished from the Wicked in their Conversation and the New Name is a Badge of Honour and ground of inward Consolation to themselves Secondly The second advantage of this State is that they are under an everlasting Covenant with God Thirdly To this Covenant do belong universal promises both in Spirituals and Temporals The fourth and great Priviledge of this State is that Mystical and never enough admired Union of the Saints to God in Christ Jesus That they all may be one as thou Father art in me and I in thee that they also may be one in us that the World may believe that thou hast sent me Jo. 14.20 Ch. 17.21 As Life Eternal is the reward of Faith and Patience and as this Life Eternal is the great Prize at the end of our Christian Race and as we ought to use all Diligence to work out our Salvation with fear and trembling there is no greater Encouragement can be imagined for our help in this than the faith and due consideration that Believers are mystically united to God in Christ Jesus Although all the Creatures and Man especially are parts of God as coming out of the Mass of Gods Omnipotence yet Man is no Natural or Physical part of God so to speak Though Man be Gods by Creation and Man in Adam having fallen from God by breach of the Divine Law given to him God of his Infinite Wisdom and Goodness hath provided a remedy and mean to restore and unite lost man to himself and this Union is by the renewing of Mans Nature and changing it unto a Spiritual frame When we were dead in sins hath he quickned us together in Christ Now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the Blood of Jesus for he is our peace who hath made both one and broken down the middle Wall of Partition between us having in his Flesh abolished the enmity in the Laws Commandments contained in Ordinances for to make to himself of twain one new Man so making peace that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the Cross having slain the enmity thereby Eph. 1.5 13 14 15. read all Thus by grafting the Soul on Christ by Faith is made a Spiritual Union with God whereby they receive all Spiritual Blessings by a Heavenly Communication from Christ as the Graft receiveth Sap Substance and made fruitful from the Stock into which it is grafted this mystical union of Believers between God and them consists principally in these four First In Unity of Spirit with God in Christ Jesus Secondly In unity of holiness Thirdly In unity of Love Fourthly In unity of Glory Of all which Believers are partakers with God in Christ Jesus First To be one in Spirit is to be one in Wisdom Knowledge and Purity of understanding now God is a Spirit and must be Worshiped in Spirit and Truth and though God made Man consisting of a Soul and Body and did illuminate him with knowledge and understanding though under a vail of restriction and as ambition and the concupisence of his Heart did deprive him of the advantage of his first state and the Wisdom of God intending to restore Man and place him in a surer Relation to wit that everlasting Covenant of Peace through the vail of Christ's Cross He hath to the renewed bestowed all Spiritual Light and Knowledge yet because we have this Heavenly Treasure in Earthy Vessels and the heavy clogs of our Carnal Bodies and infirmities of the Flesh hinder mortals even though renewed to behold and apprehend these Heavenly excellencies communicable under that Spiritual Union and Christ intending to have the Saints made fully perfect and capable of union with himself he prays the Father that they may be one with the Father as the Father and he is one I in them and thou in me that they may be perfect in one that is to be of one Spirit Wisdom and Understanding it cannot be supposed that Christs intention is that the Creature though first renewed and afterwards glorified should be elevated to that sublimity of perfection equal with the Father and himself but that their perfection should be in kind nature and purity of God and Christs perfection knowledge and wisdom especially in these three respects First In purity of Spirit and Spiritual mindedness Secondly In oneness and union of mind and will Thirdly In perfection of
liveth in me and the Life that I live in the flesh is by the Faith of the Son of God that loved me and gave himself for me Gal. 2.20 From hence and other Scriptures and History of the Saints Lives we see the different usage of the Godly and Wicked the Saints are Dead to the World and their Delight and chief Satisfaction is in God the Wicked make the World their God and sole Delight and glut themselves with Satiety in it but the Godly can find no Contentment in the Creature but with Reference to God in Christ Jesus and make him their chief Delight and cry out none but Christ and this is the Prohibition of the Gospel that we should not love Father Mother Brothers or Sisters or our own Life more than God Mat. 10.37 38 39. but God doth not forbid the lawful use of the Creatures but only forbids using it in Vanity Superfluity and Prodigality Secondly In being of the same Mind with Christ is not only to Act Do and propose the same things with his Father but also to do all and suffer all for the Glory of God The Worldlings kiss their own Hand and Sacrifice to their own Net and say their own Hand hath done it and ascribe the glory of all the Enjoyments they have to themselves or to the Creatures in which they delight and say These are the Rewards which my Lovers and Companions have given me Hosea 2.12 13. Nebuchadnezzar ascribed all to his own Power and Glory Is not this great Babylon that I have built for the House of the Kingdom by the Might of my Power and for the Honour of my Majesty and see the Event and Gods Just Judgment upon him while the word was in his Mouth there fell a Voice from Heaven saying O King Nebuchadnezzar to thee it is spoken the Kingdom is departed from thee and they shall drive thee from Men and thy dwelling shall be with the Beasts of the Field they shall make thee to eat Grass as Oxen and seven times shall pass over thee until thou know that the most High Ruleth in the Kingdom of Men and giveth it to whomsoever he will Dan. 4.30 to 34. See the Pride of Herod and taking to himself the glory due to God and the fatal Judgment of God on him for it And immediately an Angel of God smote him because he gave not God the glory and was eaten of worms and gave up the Ghost Acts 12.21 22 23. On the other Hand Christ set the Fathers glory before him as the chief Scope and Design of all his Actions and Intentions When his supposed Father Joseph and his Mother sought him with Care and came back to Jerusalem and found him in the Temple disputing they told him they had anxiously sought him he answered not with Apology or Excuse but said How is it that you sought me wist ye not that I must be about my Fathers Business Luke 2.46 to 50. We see that he placeth all his Business in the Honour and doing of the Will of God yea he placeth his Esteem on all such and accounts such only to be his Relations as obey his Fathers Will And Jesus answered and said to them these are my Father Mother and Brethren which hear the Word of God and do it Luke 8.21 We see in all the Miracles and Wonders Christ wrought Curing Diseases and Raising the Dead he Exhorts to the giving of glory to God and more particularly in that Famous place Thus saith the Lord let not the Wise Man glory in his Wisdom nor the Rich Man glory in his Riches neither let the Mighty Man glory in his Might but let him that glorieth glory in this that he knoweth and understandeth me that I am the Lord which exerciseth loving Kindness Judgment and Righteousness in the Earth for in these things I delight Jer. 9.23 24. Thus then ought all the Followers of Christ to have the same mind that was in Christ Jesus that is to set Gods glory as the chief Scope of all Designs and Actions before them He that gloryeth let him glory in the Lord and whatsoever we do whether we Eat or Drink let us do all things to the glory of God 1 Cor. 1.31 The World was made by God and for his Honour therefore all should be ascribed to him hence we may find whether the same mind be in us which was in Christ Jesus if we do what he did and to the same end and glory of God therefore it behoveth us to bring all our Actions and Purposes to this Touch for if they be not of this stamp they are Reprobated Counterfeit and will not be allowed in the Ballance of the Sanctuary for all the Children of God are led by his Spirit wherefore we must try the Spirits whether the same mind be in us which was in Christ Jesus know ye not that Christ is in you except ye be Reprobates but ye are not in the flesh but in the spirit if so be that the spirit of God dwelleth in you now if any Man have not the spirit of Christ he is none of his and if Christ be in you the Body is Dead because of sin but the spirit is life Rom. 8.9 10 11. because of Righteousness but if the spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the Dead dwell in you he that raised Christ from the Dead shall also quicken your Mortal Bodies by his spirit that dwelleth in you Ro. 9.10 11. Thirdly Unity of Spirit is to be one in Knowledge there is nothing raiseth Mans thoughts more than desire of Knowledge and nothing Magnifieth Man more than Knowledge and herein doth Man most excel all other Creatures not only that God hath made them Lords over the Creatures but that he hat endowed him with a Rational Soul capable of understanding above other Creatures and in nothing is the Power Wisdom and Goodness of God more eminent than by the different measure of Knowledge bestowed on Mankind Man in general exceeds all other Creatures in Knowledge and Ingenuity but every Generation and Nation exceed others at such a Rate so as what in one Age or Generation is a Riddle and hid as a Mystery in another it is Perspicuous clear and easie so that the knowledge of things is the darling of Ages Although we have the Sun Moon and Stars the Fabrick of Heaven Earth and the Seas the indefatigable and daily Travels of Discoverers and the use of Reading and the Antients to inform us either of the parts of the Earth and Treasures thereof yet are we still to seek as well of the Parts as Treasures of things undiscovered The New Inventions of Mens Ingenuity or the secrets of Nature and Power of Art make it true which Solomon saith he that increaseth in Knowledge encreaseth in Sorrow because the Soul of Man is restless and the account of the Idolatry Wickedness and Rebellion of Man on Earth is just cause of Sorrow Grief and Mourning because of the
Dishonour of God and Destruction of Souls by sin nevertheless Knowledge is so choice a thing that it makes some Men eminent in understanding as much differ from others as Man generally differs from a Bruit so that the Schools of understanding are both courted and desirable Now if the knowledge of the things of this World be so desirable and excellent how much more is the knowledge of God things of God and Eternal Excellency which Nature cannot Fathom and tho' we had all the Books Written and attained to all Human Learning and had all the Host of Heaven and Creation under the Sun to instruct us yet thereby can we not be instructed or learn the Mystery of Mans Redemption or know Regeneration and Newness of Life or power of God in the spirit much less be able to find out the Eternal purpose of God to the souls of Believers or to apprehend that fruition of glory that Believers are intituled unto and shall enjoy Eternally in Heaven wherefore if we must be Wise to eternal Life we must be Fools to this World for according to Solomon The fear of the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom Prov. 1.7 So that if any Man lack Wisdom he must ask it of God who giveth to all Men liberally and upbraideth not James 1.5 If the Excellency and Advantage of knowing the perishing shadows of Earthly things lead Mens desire so much after that much more may we be Encouraged to seek after the knowledge of God and of spiritual things First For that in Human knowledge there is no perfection we see in all Ages Countries and Nations one Generation exceedeth the other in knowledge and experience and in one and the same Age one Man far exceeds another in so much that the Wisdom of one is ridiculed by the other Secondly All Human knowledge leaves a Man in this life yea a Man often so Declines in his Intellectuals that his own Life is his Burden and he becomes a Child or Bruit Thirdly Mans knowledge is his Burden because he can attain no satisfaction thereby it having no end or perfection so as all his Life is Anxiety Trouble and Sorrow Witness Solomon Ecl. 2. Chap. 3. all Ecl. 12.12 Fourthly The knowledge of Human things puffeth up and driveth a Man often so above his level that many Learned in Discontent have run into Distraction and strangled themselves but the Sanctified knowledge of God and spiritual things have the quite contrary qualities and effects First Divine knowledge is so choice a thing that the more a Man hath of it he becometh the humbler abaseth himself and adores God the more therefore have I uttered that I understood not I have heard of thee by the Ear but now mine Eye seeth thee wherefore I abhor my self and repent in Dust and Ashes Job 42.3 5 6. Secondly As Human knowledge is a Burden Divine knowledge is a Delight because the more a Man knoweth he humbleth himself the more in sense of his own Vanity and is confirmed in his knowledge because by Divine Wisdom he sees all the steps Coherent and tend to his building up in God and so delights in that knowledge then shall we know if we follow on to know the Lord Hosea 6.3 here is Assurance of Attainment which is not in Human knowledge witness such who spend their Time Life and Substance in pursuing after that phanciful Foppery commonly called the Philosophers Stone who for most part dye fools or beggers if not both Thirdly As the knowledge of Human things fail and leave a Man in this Life the knowledge of God and spirituals attend a Man here to his Grave and grows and Conducts him not only to his Grave but also to Heaven Blâ—ssed are the Dead that Dye in the Lord they cease from their Labour and their Works follow them Rev. 14.13 Their knowledge of God in Faith is their Guide and Comfort Christ hath promised to send to his People for their Guide and Comfort the Holy Ghost the Comforter Even the Spirit of Truth which the World receiveth not because it knoweth him not but ye know him and he dwelleth in you and shall be in you I will not leave you I will come to you Jo. 14 16 17. Fourthly As the knowledge of Human things is imperfect and therefore Mens burden and the cause of such Imperfection may be First Gods Wisdom to keep Man from boasting of himself so it may be from the changeableness of Human Objects in reference to times and seasons and also from providential Influence on the Speculative part making it more acute in one Age than in another to shew the absolute Dependance of all Creatures on the Influence of Providence as shall best please God so the Wisdom and Knowledge which is from above and dispensed to Christians on this side of time is also clouded and narrow imperfect and but in part not that the Wisdom of God can be dark but the manifestation thereof may be so said to be in relation to that full fruition after enjoyed for that either Wisdom which is God himself Prov. 8.1 all Thought fit to let out no more of himself to Believers then might be necessary to the Discovery of Carnal and Sinful Vanities and be a guide to lead them to Heaven in longing Appetite after the more Glorious knowledge of himself Or Secondly For that our Crazy and Earthy Vessels as old brittle Bottles were uncapable to receive such inexpressible Communications of himself and these Eternal Mansions of Felicity which are Treasured up in Christ Jesus for the Saints and therefore he allows them no more here than is fit with Comfort to waft them in upon Eternity and then for the further Manifestation of his own glory goodness and wisdom doth exchange our Mortal and vile Bodies of Dust not able to receive such glory into immortal Bodies and then doth manifest himself to the full to the Saints who then shall see not in a shadow only but plainly as they are seen that their glory may be full for we know but in part and prophesie but in part but when that which is perfect is come than that which is in part shall be done away for now we see through a glass darkly but then face to face now I know in part but then shall I know even as I am known 1 Cor. 13 9 to 13. and this is that Mystical Union of the Spirit by which the Saints are made one with God in Christ Jesus in that inexpressible knowledge and sight of God whereby they shall be able to stand in his presence face to face and behold his glory and rejoyce in it The Second Branch of Union with God is Holiness God is essentially Holy and Holiness it self whose Name is Holy Isa 51.45 and can as well be divided from himself as from Holiness so who are one with God must be Holy and to be Holy is to be partakers of the Divine Nature Christ the only begotten Son of God and
the elect as well of Soul as Body is changed into the likeness of Christ in Spirit and Body If any Man be in Christ he is a New Creature all things are made New and old things are done away 2 Cor. 5.5 17. That you put off the Old Man which is corrupt according to the Deceitful Lusts and that you put on the New Man which after God is Created in Righteousness and True Holiness Eph. 4.22 23 24. That such fashioning and change must be before the Elect can fully be admitted into the presence of God and enjoy him unchangeably may appear by these reasons First for that the Wisdom and Goodness of God intending to compleat Mans Happiness and to magnifie the Mistery of his love by their immediate enjoyment of himself in the Spiritual Clear and full presence of glory That they may be one with me see me and behold my glory Jo. 17.24 The Communication of Gods glory being so sublimely spiritual and not apprehendible but by these who are purely spiritual therefore our dark understanding must be made spiritual The Natural Man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God neither indeed can do because they are spiritually discerned but he that is spiritual judgeth all things 1 Cor. 2.14 15. and therefore in order to compleating of the Saints Happiness and to frame them for that he promiseth to put his spirit in them and give them a New Heart and renew a right spirit in them so as they may suitably enjoy God Eze. 36.25 26 27. Secondly Divine Wisdom knowing how Earthly mindedness runs after the Creature and being intangled therewith is clog'd from thirsting after God and things spiritual to be Carnally minded is Death but to be spiritually minded is Life and Peace for that they who are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh but they who are after the spirit the things of the spirit because the Carnal mind is enmity against God for it is not subject to the Law of God neither indeed can be Ro. 5.5 6 7. And therefore to wean their Hearts from the World and to wind up the Affections of the elect to himself it behoveth their frame to be made spiritual The Lord Jesus Christ gives this as his Command to his Disciples to be spiritually minded and to mind Heavenly Treasures which are not Corruptible and useth this Argument for where your Treasure is there will your Hearts be also Mat. 6.19 20 21. And thus the Lord Jesus making his People of a Heavenly and Spiritual frame chiefly to mind Heaven and Spiritual things sets their Affections more earnestly on himself disengages them to Human Enjoyments Reconciles them to Afflictions and makes them more easie under the Cross If in Solomons experience that all the World is but Labour and Sorrow and Death is more to be desired than Life how much more easier will the Affections of the renewed be under all Disappointments of Carnal things when with the Apostle they look to Heaven and the inseparable and everlasting Communion of God will they not count all things but Dung and Loss in Compare with the Excellencies of Christ Ro. 8.18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present Life are not worthy to be compared to the glory which shall be revealed in us And in that other Famous Scripture for our Light Afflictions which are but for a Moment work for us a far more exceeding and an Eternal weight of glory whilst we look not after things which are seen but after things which are not seen for things which are seen are Temporal but things which are not seen Eternal 2 Cor. 4.17 Hence we see how great is the goodness and wisdom of God towards renewed Mortals intreating them with so great Mercy and Love in convincing them of the vanity of Earthly shadows and discovering to them that so High Deep Long and Broad Mistery of Love in Christ Jesus which passeth knowledge and the Riches of the glory of that Mistery which is Christ the hope of all glory made manifest in the Saints Eph. 3.9 18 19. Col. 2.26 27. And by their choice of these excellencies above the Creatures to make all things else to be esteemed of no value and in their Souls desire to Eccho forth none but Christ and having so spiritualized their minds that they can neither Touch Handle Smell or delight in any thing but him and what tends to his glory and their Enjoyment of him Thirdly In the framing of the Saints Bodies at the Resurrection in a Spiritual and Incorruptible Body for Christs designing not only Mans Redemption from wrath to come but also to make them Coheirs and participate with him of his own glory John 17.22 And in respect the frame of our Carnal and Corruptible Bodies is not capable to receive that glory nor to continue under the Enjoyment of it for that flesh and blood cannot inherit the Kingdom of glory nor Corruption inherit Incorruption he therefore changeth that Corruption into Incorruption and makes Mortality put on Immortality and changeth our vile Bodies into the fashion of his glorious Body 2 Cor. 15.42 to 55. according to the working whereby he is able to subdue all things to himself Phi. 3.21 What then can or will be wanting to compleat the Eternal Happiness of the Saints seeing they have so sure a Covâ—â—ant with such ample Priviledges and that they are and shall be fitted as well in Body as Soul to receive these Rivers of Pleasures in the Enjoyment of God in whose presence is fulness of Joy and at whose Right Hand there are pleasures for ever-more Ps 16.11 What then remains for the Prisoners of Hope but to sit down admire the Heighth Depth Length and Breadth of that Incomprehensible Mistery of the Love of God in Christ Jesus Eph. 3.9 18 19. and by Faith Love and Patience to sit down under his shadow with great Delight Cant. 2.2 and against all Crosses Temptations and Difficulties to take Comfort in the Faith of Eternal Happiness there is therefore now no Condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus who walk not after the Flesh but after the Spirit 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 is he that Condemneth it is Christ that Dyed yea rather that is risen again who is even at the right Hand of God who also maketh Intercession for us who shall separate us from the love of Christ I am perswaded that neither Death nor Life nor Angels nor Principalities nor Powers nor any other Creature shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus From what hath been said we see Believers firmly stated to the Title of Joynt Heirs of glory with Jesus Christ and in a firm Covenant through him with the Father and having so fair an interest at stake their Duty is to pursue the same with Faith Courage and
Enemies and the last Enemy Death it self by taking away Sin the Sting of Death and as the great Trophy of his Victory hath Blotted out the Hand-writing of Ordinances which was against them and contrary to them and Nailed it to his own Cross and so hath compleated the Victory for Believers Col. 3.13 14 15. From hence may be seen the Truth of that great Mistery of Gods Love in Christ Jesus Eye hath not seen neither hath Ear heard c. Is 64.4 and how great Reason then have sinful Mortals to be much in the Admiration of all the Dimentions of that inexpressible Mistery of Christs Love which passeth knowledge Eph. 3.18 19. As the many Advantages from the Booty in this Conflict and Christs Example is an inducement for chearful fighting so is the Example of the chearful Companions of this Combate of which see a great Tribe of the Royal Combatants under this Banner of Christ fighting to Death with Immortal Glory set down before the Saints Banner is the Cross of Christ God forbid that I should glory in any thing save in the Cross of Christ Gal. 6.14 In this Cross or Banner Christ carries in it as the Trophy of his Victory and Motto for the Comfort of Sinners that Hand-Writing of Ordinance above mentioned and this is the Magna Charta of Believers Col. 2.14 He that Believeth on him shall never perish but have Eternal Life John 3.14 to 18. Thirdly The third Encouragement for chearful fighting is Christs express Will and Command Let not your Hearts be Troubled you believe in God believe also in me c. Jo. 14. to 5. Rejoyce always yea I say rejoyce evermore Col. 3.16 17. The whole Scripture is full of Exhortations of the Godly's Rejoycing in God Let the Hearts of them that seek the Lord rejoyce again rejoyce in the Lord always I say again rejoyce in the Lord Ps 105. all Phi. 4.4 the Combatants under Christs Banner have peculiar Reasons of chearfulness beyond all others First For that their General was never defeated neither can be for how is it possible that Wisdom Power and Experience which Christ is in himself can be Defeated Secondly All other Souldiers fight in Hopes of Victory here the Victory is insured and already obtained Christ hath already fought the Battel and Christians are but to follow chearfully and receive the Prize He hath trod the Wine-press of his Fathers Wrath and none of the People were with him Is 63. to 5. He is that only High Priest and Sacrifice for Sinners and is the Blood of Sprinkling Heb. 12.4 Heb. 4.15 16. He is our Fore-runner and Harbinger to take possession for us within the Vail Heb. 6.20 He is able to save to the uttermost Heb. 7.27 He is offered up once for all By his own Blood he obtained Redemption for Sinners to appear in the presence of God for us Heb. 12.27 He is our Advocate to make intercession for us 1 Jo. 2.1 Thirdly All the Soldiers Wounded in this Conflict are Healed and Cured by the Balsom of his Blood He was wounded for our Transgressions he was bruised for our Iniquities the Chastisement of our Peace was upon him and with his Stripes we are Healed Is 53.5 O Mistical Balm of Gilead doth any Generals Blood prove the Soldiers Balsom but that of Jesus Christ the lives of Millions of Soldiers are Sacrificed to the Life of their General but this General dyed to save the Lives of his Soldiers God commendeth his Love towards us for while we were yet Sinners Christ dyed for us Ro. 4 25. Ro. 5.9 10. Fourthly Those who fight under this Banner shall never be overcome even though they fight to Death they may be troubled but not destroyed perplexed but not in despair persecuted but not forsaken cast down but not destroyed 1 Cor. 4.8 9 10. They may be killed all the day long and counted as Sheep for the Slaughter and yet in all this be more than Conquerors Ps 44.22 Ro. 8.36 37. He hath so Framed Fitted Fashioned and prepared them in a spiritual Building and Frame by putting his invincible Spirit in them Eze. 36.26 27. and so Armed and Disciplined them in a Spiritual Warfare that they are invincible they have on the whole Compleat Armor of God that though their fighting be against Principalities and Powers and spiritual wickednesses in high places they are secured against all assaults enabled to fight all Battels and though they should and must resist unto Blood and in this fight lose their Carnal Life yet shall they be gainers and victorious Eph. 6.12 to 19. He that saveth his Life shall lose it and he that loseth his Life shall find it Mat. 10.29 He that raiseth up the Lord Jesus shall raise us up and present us with him 2 Cor. 4.14 Fear not him that can kill the Body and do no more but fear him that can destroy both Soul and Body in Hell Mat. 10.28 Fifthly Christ's Soldiers are not straglers but are all chosen of God from the beginning of the World and before the World was Romans 9.8 11 16. Ro. 8.29 30. They are all Named Marked Listed and Entred in Christs Muster-Roll of his Saints they have the Mark of God The White Stone and New Name and on them the Name of God and the Name of the City of God Rev. 7.3 ch 14.14 ch 2.7 ch 3.8 12. so that they cannot be lost stolen or forced from their Colours having Gods Name and Mark on them Eze. 8.4 5. Sixthly They are all given of God to the General Christ Jesus and I have manifested thy Name unto the Men which thou gavest me out of the World thine they were and thou gavest them me and they have kept thy Word Jo. 17.6 12 15 24. They are peculiarly guarded and kept by Christ that they may not be lost but are preserved against all evil Ps 91. all Is 54.10 they are protected against all Poysonous or hurtful Weapons no Weapon framed against thee shall prosper and every Tongue which shall rise against thee in Judgment shalt thou Condemn this is the Heritage of the Lord and their Righteousness is of me saith the Lord Is 49.2 16. They are in Christs own keeping so that they are graven on the Palms of his Hands and are Eternally preserved to the enjoyment of God and to be set on his Throne and When he maketh up his Jewels they are spared Rev. 3.24 Mal. 3.17 Seventhly This one thing more is peculiar to Christs Army whereas in other Armies the Soldiers some are pressed others hired of divers Nations Languages Judgments Interests and Perswasions all Christs are Volunteers Thy People shall be a willing People in the Day of thy Power Ps 110.3 They are all of one Spirit with Christ he puts his Spirit within them Eze. 36.25 26. Jer. 32.39 They are all united to Christ and are of one mind and Will with him one in us as we are one John 17.21 They are all of one mind and unanimous amongst