14.5 The Lord thy God shall come and all his Saints with thee and Christ shall be glorified in his Saints and admired in them that believe in making them of Sinners Holy of Corruptible Incorruptible changing vile bodies c. 4. At this time he shall have subdued all his Enemies he shall appear in the Glory of a Conqueror This is hinted in that word Seat he shall sit down in his Seat He appeared to Stephen as standing at the Right-Hand of God Acts. 7.56 ready for Action taking his Power rising up to scatter his Enemies And to John as Riding on a White Horse going on Conquering and to Conquer which work he is now about Then he shall sit on a Seat having Conquered by his Power and taken his Enemies as Rev. 19.21 The Beast and false Prophet were taken he shall judicially proceed against them for opposing him As God Creating the World in Six Days rested the Seventh so Christ having Conquered the World shall sit down and rest from fighting and shall proceed to Judge for that he shall appear in the Glory of a Conqueror 1. Of Sin by having satisfied for it removing the guilt and condemning power as to the Saints Heb. 9.28 he shall appear the second time without Sin the meaning is the first time of his appearing in the Flesh he came with the guilt and burden of Sins the Sins of the Elect imputed to him then made Sin the Lord hath layed on him the iniquities of us all as Aaron confessed the Sins of the Israelites over the head of the Goat and sent him into a Land not inhabited But the second time he shall come without Sin without guilt â— Sin 's no longer imputed he being sent away with Sin imputed to the Grave he returns without them having left them in the Land of forgetfulness i. e. the Grave never to be brought in remembrance against Saints because of the full satisfaction he made so that he shall appear without Sin that is to the Saints a Conqueror of Sin 2. Of the Law He was made under the Law being Lord of the Law he suffered that to try its strength upon him and the Law wrought wrath and brought death on him but by the merit of his obedience overcame for he being Lord of the Law that suffered the Curse of it God was more honoured hereby than dishonoured by the transgression of the Law for which he suffered and so Conquered the Law 3. Of Death O Death where is thy sting O Grave where is thy victory And Christ shall appear as Conqueror of Death Rev. 1.18 I am he that liveth and was dead and am alive for evermore He hath the Keys of Death and Hell he that was dead and layed in the Sepulchre with a Stone rolled on the mouth of it and Sepulchre sealed he hath Conquered Death and gotten the Keys that is Power to deliver over to or keep from Hell 4. He shall appear as Conqueror of wicked Men and evil Angels Against such Men he shall pronounce Sentence of everlasting Condemnation for their opposing and not believing in him As for evil Angels Jude 6. he hath reserved the Angels in chains of darkness to the Judgment of great day As Prisoners are kept in Prison bound till the Assizes come so are they by God's Power that they cannot escape Doct. 2. All Men shall stand and appear before the Judgment-seat of Christ to receive a Sentence out of his Mouth suitable to what they were and had done in the Body Christ shall be Judge of all Heb. 12.23 Abraham called him the Judge of all the Earth Gen. 18.25 in which negative question is implied an affirmative position that God above all others must and will do right because from his Judgment there is no appeal Acts 10.42 Judge of Quick and Dead of those who being found alive at his coming shall be changed and and of those which shall be raised from the dead to come to Judgment 2 Tim. 4.1 Christ shall Judge the Quick and Dead at his appearing and Kingdom when his Kingdom shall be manifest to all the World as well as over all the World Yea the Man Christ Jesus shall be Judge of evil Angels they are not in full torment Why art thou come to torment us before the time Math. 8.29 All their ease and mitigation of torments is that they have a power over the wicked and rule in them tempting to Sin thus revenging themselves on God and revenge is sweet Luk. 8.31 They besought him much that he would not command them to go out into the deep into Hell For Explication shall be shewn after what form and manner Christ shall proceed in Judgment 1. All shall be cited and called to appear before the Judgment-seat of Christ None shall hide himself then the wicked shall seek to hide in holes of the Rocks and call on the Mountains to hide them c. but thence shall they be taken Math. 24.31 He shall send his Angels with a great sound of a Trumpet and they shall gather his Elect 1 Cor. 15.52 1. Thess 4.16 As the people of God were Assembled in their Solemn Feasts and Fasts by the sound of a Trumpet and as an Mount Sinai the Law was given with a most loud and dreadful sound so the Summons of all to Judgment shall be some such sound which is here callâ—d the last trump When it shall be all shall know what this sound means And those that would not hear the sound of the Gospel nor understand what that meant and called Men to shall know the meaning of the Voice of the Archangel and shall hear the sound of the last Trump 2. As all so in this order That is first the Elect shall be Summoned and Judged and then the wicked this may be gathered from divers places Math. 24.31 he shall send his Angels and they shall gather the Elect c. and 25.34 the King first speaks to them on his Right Hand 1 Cor. 15.23 every Man in his order first Christ then they that are Christ's then shall he put down all rule c. 1 Thes 4.16 the dead in Christ shall rise first You may take this Argument for a further declaration of it The Godly shall be Judges of the wicked 1 Cor. 6.2 Do ye not know that the Saints shall Judge the World c. Christ is primary Judge that hath authority to give Sentence Saints by way of astipulation applauding the equity and righteousness of his Judgment and in and through Christ triumphing over the World Now this dignity affirmed of Saints argues their being first judged that they have received their Blessing Ye shall sit on twelve Thrones Judging the twelve Tribes of Israel Math. 19. 3. Those that are called to Christ's Judgment-Seat shall be examined and give account of the things done in the Body that is of thoughts words and works 2 Cor. 5.10 that every one may receive the things done in the body that is reward
such a Righteousness that true Believers thereby are made the Righteousness of God 2 Cor. 5.21 which is an expression that lifts up the Creature as much as any in Scripture shewing that it is 1. A most excellent glorious and transcendent Righteousness that Believers have the Hebreâ— useth to set forth exeellent things by adding the name of God to them as the Mountains of God the Cedars of God c. So they are made the righteousness of God that is in having the highest and best Righteousness imputed to them 2. There is highest likeness and nearest conformity to God in this Inherent Righteousness being wrought in us and that which is wrought by us is a part of God's Image for the new man is after God in Righteousness but this Righteousness which is adherent and imputed is a more glorious part of God's likeness for this is perfect the other here being but in part and if we could be perfect in our works of Righteousness yet must they be far short of Christ's works or his Righteousness imputed 3. Believers are Righteous before God in the Righteousness of God for Christ is not only man but God but when we have said all we have reason to reckon this among the unutterable things which Paul saw when he was caught up into the third Heavens 3. The Riches of Christ's Righteousness appears in this that hereby we have Justification of Life Rom 5.18 The free gift came upon all men to the Justification of Life Christ's Righteousness is Righteousness unto Life as Hezekiah said in these things is the life of my Spirit so in Christ's Righteousness is the life of our Spirits when sinners that remain without Christ shall dye in their sins when those that trust in their own Righteousness shall dye therein those that desire to be found in Christ having his Righteousness shall live by him and his Righteousness 4. They that have Christ's Righteousness do not only live thereby but Reign in Life Rom. 5.17 They which receive the gift of Righteousness Reign in Life c. which notes thus much That true Believers are not in subjection to any persons or things which may take their life from them 't is one thing to live another thing to Reign in Life we live a bodily life but do not reign in that life but are in subjection to a Divine decree it being appâ—inted to all men once to dye we are in subjection to many infirmities and sicknesses c. and to men that have Power to kill the body Adam in Paradice did live more then a bodily life but did not reign in life Sin entred and Death by Sin but what a better Estate is here A Believer being in Chriâ—â— lives and reigns in life being lifted up far above any power that may take it away above the power of sin the Law and second death above the Power of Satan he hunts after the precious life but it is hid with Christ in God Col. 3.3 Prov. 30.31 one of the things that is comely in going is a King against whom there is no rising up The like may we say of Believers they reign in life so as there is no rising up against their life who shall lay any thing to their charge or condemn seeing it 's Christ that dyed c. II. There is Christ's Righteousness in his works towards men in the dispensation of that power which he hath in Heaven and Earth as a King he reigns in Righteousness as Priest he makes Intercession in Righteousness and as Prophet he Teaches in Righteousness Isa 63.1 I the Lord that speak in Righteousness His love led him into these Offices and not only love but Righteousness leads him through them and engages him to full and a faithful discharge of them concerning this take these Considerations 1. Saints may fly for refuge not only to the love but to the Righteousness of Christ Prov. 18.11 The Name of the Lord is a strong Tower the Righteous run thereto and are safe Not only as he is Gracious and Merciful but as he is Just Righteous Servants may run to a Righteous Lord for refuge and shall find his Righteousness a covert and hiding place Isa 32.1 He is Just to forgive sin 1 Joh. 1.9 Just to Justify Just to Sanctify to give Grace and Peace Just to hear Prayers Just to deliver out of the Enemies hand and to bring many Sons to Glory but remember that not our works but God's free Grace it is that makes all this to be Just Being a Surety he is a Just Surety being a Saviour a Just Saviour Just to give the Oyl of Joy c. And having betrothed any to himself he will take them to nearest communion Hos 2.19 20. I will betroth thee unto me in Righteousness Loving Kindness Judgment and Faithfulness Christ â—akes a Spoâ—se among the Captives and when any Israelite would do so Deut. 21.10 He was to briâ—g her to his House she was to shave her Head pare her nails put off the Raiment of her captivity and to bewail her Father and Mother a full Month so such as are taken from amongst the Captives to Sin and Satan to be bethrothed to Christ must put off the old man and lay aside all superfluity of naughtiness that is all sin for eveâ—y sin is a superfluity and â—ewail Father and Mother i. e. that they are Conceived and Boâ—n in Sin and be in Christ's House so he betroths in Righteousness c. and will not be like â—he hard hearted Jews that give a Bill of Divorce for the Lord hâ—tes puttiâ—g away and â—eeing he betroths in Righteousnes Juâ—gâ—ent and Fâ—â—thfulness therefoâ—e a time of the Maâ—riage of â—he Lamb must come and his Wifâ— shall be â—ade ready Thus Saints may fly for refuge to and take comfort in the Righteoâ—sneâ—s of Christ 2. The Râ—ghteousness of Christ makes him râ—ady to fulfil all Promises ready to act for the Saints and to put forth his Power on their beâ—alf Isa 11.5 there being a Prophecy of the K ngdom of Christ it 's said Righteousness shall be the girdâ—e of his Loins which shall make him â—eady tâ— reprove and argue for the me k of the Earth He shall argue out the Saints Innocency and â—he wickâ—dness of the World in persecâ—tiâ—g for Righteoâ—sness sake he shall debate the business with them that all may see what Reasâ—n â—e hath to smite the Earth with the Rod of his Mouth and to slay the Wicked with the Breath of his Lips and to save the meek of the Earth Christ is well pleased for his Rightousness sake Isa 41.21 And when there are in the Saints so many failings when cause to say who is blind but my Servant and deaf as my Mâ—ssenger who is Pâ—â—ud Covetous Earthly c. and there is so much among them that is displeasing when divisions sâ—riâ—e and contention among Brethren yet for his Righteousness sake he is well pleased to do them good If we believe not as
the Sea and run to the Sea all flows from the Grace of God and should be to his Glory and thus if Glory be our end in doing all the sight of his Glory shall be our Reward 5. Câ—nsiderations of Christ's Riches of Glory should take off the Heart from all worldly Glory Gal. 6.14 Paul was Crucified to the World by the Cross of Christ and the World to him the World was a dead thing to him and he was dead to it the World did not care for him neither he for the World the World did disesteem him because of his confidence in Christ Crucified and he did disesteem the World knowing that Christ was infinitely better now if the Cross of Christ crucified him to the World much more may the Crown of Christ raise above the World Joh. 12.32 If I be lifted up I will draw all men unto me this he spake signifying what Death he should dye as the brazen Serpent lifted up did draw the Eyes of those that were stung with the fiery Serpents So Christ Crucified will draw the Hearts of such as are stung with the terrors of the Law and so the Glory of Christ lifted up far above all Heavens should draw our hearts unto him CHAP. VIII A General Application of the Whole 1. WE may learn hence what reason we have to prize Christ above and prefer him before all other things and to be of the same mind as Paul who counted all things but Dung that he might win Christ Phil. 3.8 there is little reason for setting our hearts on Earthly Riches but greatest reason to set them on the Unsearchable Riches of Christ here 's the Treasure and where the Treasure is there the Heart should be This is the better part which if we choose shall never be taken from us he that covets and prizes them above all may have them without price The Poor have the Gospel of these Unsearchable Riches Preached unto them Men travel far and take great Pains and can be content to endure much the cold of the Night and heat of the Day as Jacob did in the pursuit of Earthly Riches how much more should we to get Heavenly Riches Take Christ as Sâ—viour and Lord as Righteousness and â—ife then the Riches of Grace and Glory even the Riches of Heaven and Christ's Kingdom shall be yours Those that are young are content to engage themselves in Masters that they may learn a Trade to get Wrâ—â—th of what greater concernment is it to tâ—ke Christ for our Master the like to him is nâ—â— to be found on Earth Masters here seek gain by thâ—â—r Servants and aims to be enriched by them but Christ is such a Master that aims at his Servants gain and is for the enriching them where I am there shall my Servant be and what I have shall be my Servant's Well done thou good and faithful Servant enter into the Joy of thy Lord now Joy by believing enters into them and they shall at last enter into Joy and shall not be called Magor Missabib i. e. fear round about but Joy round about 2 Cor. 8.9 Ye know the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ when he was Rich he became Poor that ye through his Poverty might be made Rich and if his Poverty tend to our Enriching how much more his Plenty If his Emptiness how much more his Fulness Here consider I. What is forbidden as evil in Relation to Earthly Riches is commanded in Relation to the Riches of Christ As 1. 'T is forbidden to covet Earthly Riches this is an evil covetousness Shouldest thou seek great things for thy Self Seek them not Jer. 45.5 Give me â—either Poverty nor Riches but Food convenient Prov. 10.8 but 't is a duty to covet Christ's Riches Covet earnestly the best things 1 Cor. 12.31 buy of me Gold that thou mayest be rich a little Knowledge and a little Grace should not satisfie Here we should love abundance and seek great things for our Selves to be filled with all the fulness of God Eph. 3.19 2. 'T is forbidden to Trust in uncertain Riches this is a cursed confidence lo this is the man that trusted in the abundance of his wealth Ps 52.7 But 't is our duty to Trust in Christ's Riches though worldly wealth is not yet these shall be to the Saints their strong City Prov. 18.10 11. Isa 26.1 4. 3. 'T is forbidden to Glory in the Riches of the World Jer. 9.23 Let not the Rich man glory in his Riches Hose 12.8 Ephraim loved to oppress and boasted that there by he became Rich. Zach. 11.5 They that sell them say blessed be the Lord I am Rich this is a glorying that is not good but having Christ ye may well glory in his Riches Let him that glorieth glory in me c. Jer. 9.24 1 Cor. 1.31 Having found Christ you have found you out substance Prov. 8.21 II. What is wanting in Earthly Riches is abundantly made up in Christ as Paul says what the Law could not do being weak through the Flesh God sent his Son and he did it so what Earthly Riches cannot the Riches of Christ will do for us 1. Earthly Riches will not profit in the day of wrath many will be the worse but none the better for them then The Rich are honoured esteemed their favour is sought and they are feared in the World but will not be so in the last day the Rich Transgressor mâ—st look to suffer as well as the mean but the Riches of Christ will profit in that day Phil. 3.9 2 Thess 1.10 2. Men carry not their worldly Riches with them when they dye they descend not after them Ps 49.17 but the Saints shall carry Christ's Riches with them yea gain the fullness of them by death whence to dye is gain Phil. 1.21 to dye is great loss to carnal men loss of the World loss of the Soul but when a Godly man dyes there 's gain he knows as he is known 1 Cor. 13.12 he apprehends that for which he is apprehended of Christ Phil. 3.12 he sees what he did believe enjoys what he hoped for and hath all the desire of his heart given him 3. Earthly Riches do not satisfy He that loveth abundance shall not be satisfied with increase Eccl. 5.10 but the Riches of Christ will satisfy the Soul as with Marrow and Fatness a Man's Life doth not consist in worldly Riches but it doth in Christ Worldly Men are Fools in saying Soul take thine ease thou hast much Goods c. but Saints are wise when they say Soul take thine ease thou hast all good laid up in Christ not for many years but for Eternity III. There are great mischeifs ordinarily attending Earthly Riches which Christ 's is no way subject too 1. They may flee away and as the Raven from the Ark never return any more a man heaps up Riches sometimes and begets a Son and nothing is left in his hand but Christ's Riches never flee a way they are
Justice that it might not take hold of Sinners This as Priest He Preaches Peace Eph. 2.17 as in the days of his Flesh he Preached to the Jews the things concerning their Peace This as Prophet Then the knowledge of him must needs be most precious How beautiful upon the Mountains are the feet of him that publisheth Peace i. e. Ministers that Preach Peace c. Isa 52.7 much more beautiful is Christ Prince of Peace c. the knowledge of Christ as our Peace is said to Justify Isa 53.11 Knowledge is not taken for bare Knowledge of Christ but as comprehending Faith affiance in Christ which is set forth under the name of Knowledge because this is necessary to faith the beginning of it its first Act now then this knowledge of Christ must needs be most precious The knowledge of all the pleasant and most precious Objects in the World will not Justify 't is not that which can quiet the Soul from trouble at the guilt of the least Sin when Sin is truly discoverd nay not the knowledge of the Nature and Attributes of God not contemplative knowledge of the word of God but only the knowledge of Jesus Christ And to set forth farther the Excellency of this Knowledge in regard of its Effects consider that this alone renders the Knowledge of the highest and most perfect Object sweet and delightful that is of God 'T is Death to a Man to know God out of Christ He sees Everlasting Righteousness in God to condemn and punish Everlasting Power to punish and then he cannot see God and Live he will cry out wo is me as Isaiah or as the Jews let not God speak least we die O what Horror and Dread doth this beget upon the Spirits of Men but when God comes in Christ revealing himself reconciling himself to Men becoming their God and Father then the Soul can take delight in the Knowledge of God then it can request with Moses I beseech thee shew me thy Glory now a Man can never know too much of the Power Justice and Eternity of God c. 'T is Eternal Life to know God this is through the knowledge of Christ 2. This transformes into the Image of Christ. The Heart that knows Christ aright will strive to a conformity with him 2 Cor. 3.18 beholding as in a Glass the Glory of the Lord are changed into the same Image c. where there is a learning of Christ there is an endeavour to put off the old Man c. Eph. 4.21 22. and is not that excellent Knowledge which will make you like God partakers of the Divine Nature 3. This makes a Man partaker of Eternal Life John 17.3 This is Life Eternal 1. This is the way to Eternal Life to know Christ as Crucified c. 2. This formally is Eternal Life which is begun as soon as this is wrought The first Fruits of Knowledge is the first Fruit of Eternal Life The Knowledge of God through Christ perfectly is perfection of happiness Simeon had a sight of Heaven when he saw Christ as Moses on Nebo which makes him desire to depart Use 2. Exhortation Be stirred up with earnestness of your desires and endeavours to labour after the Knowledge of Christ as 't is said of Samson he bowed himself with all his might Judg. 16.30 So do you bow your Souls with all your strength and might to pull down high imaginations which advance against the knowledge of Christ and determine dâ—sire to know nothing but Christ search for Wisdom that is for the Knowledge of â—hrist who is the Wisdom of the Father as for hid Treasures The Knowledge of Chrest is the richest Treasure so it deserves all your desires study searrh to be imployed for the attaining of it 't is hid so you must search diligently take pains for it you must hearken diligently and apply your hearts to get Understanding and the Knowledge of Christ And as the excellency of the Knowledge of Christ should be a strong and prevailing motive with you to set your self to seek after the Knowledge of Christ so great encouragement you have from the planty of means God doth afford whereby you may attain this Knowledge You need not say who shall ascend into Heaven to bring down Christ who shall descend into the deeps to fetch up Christ But the word is nigh thee in thy mouth and in thy heart It comes to your hearts and waits there for entertainment Christ in his Ordinances is come down amongst you he walks in the midst of the Golden Candle-sticks in the Assemblies where he is Preached John 1.36 John and two of his Disciples stood and looked on Jesus as he walked and he said behold the Lamb of God! This we may affiâ—m in a spiâ—â—â—al sense now Jesus walks he comes to you in 〈◊〉 word and those that have Eyes of Faith do see 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 say to you behold the Lamb of God! Behold Câ—â—ist here â—eâ—â— and when you are told of Christ what should you do but as the Disciples 〈◊〉 they â—â—ard him speak they followed Jesus 〈◊〉 desire more Knowledge of and acquainâ—â—â—e with him and know then that you shall find Châ—â—st not going away â—or hiding himself but as v 38 when they followed Jesus turned and saw them following and saith what seek ye Christ is willing to come to you ready to turn to you and make himself known to you when you follow him He will invite you to him Come and see I am ready to entertain you I will be your Mediator I will save you Come and see I 'll reveal all my worth and excellency to you as Hezekiah Isa 39. shewed the House of his precious things to the Ambassadors of the King of Babylon and all that was found in his Treasures that will Christ do to you he will shew you the House of his precious things that love of his which passâ—th knowledge that Infinite pâ—ice of his own blood the value of which is enough to redeem a World lying in wickedness the vertue of it is sufficient to conquer Sin Death Hell that Infinite merit by which he prepares Mansions and Thrones for you in Heaven In a word all his Treasures of Righteousness Grace and Glory O therefore awake then that sleepest thou Sinner that art in a natural state yet in danger of wrath being under the curse of the Law and sleepest in that condition that is dost take thy rest securely not knowing the miserable condition thou art in awake be rowzed up arise from the dead and look after Christ that walks amongst you and he shall give thee Light Eph. 5.14 He shall give the light of saving knowledge to thee in revealing himself who is the true light and as the Prophet exhorts Isa 60.1 Arise and shine for thy light is come that is Christ is come in his Ordinances therefore arise and follow him look after shine or be enlightned know him that is revealing himself to you so you shall have
by the blood of Christ and by the word that is of promise of free Justification by Christ and Sanctification to be received by Faith This is more plainly exprest Heb. 13.12 Jesus also that he might sanctify the People with his own Blood suffered without the Gate Here is Love indeed Christ passing by and seeing us weltring in Blood cast out to the loathing our Persons having no loveliness nothing but Spots from the Crown of the Head c. and our defeâ—t being to be cast into Hell then Christ gave himself to redeem us by his own Blood to sanctify us by his Blood Thus you see here is a Mystery of Infinite Love of Divine Grace God herein appears to be rich in Mercy and that great Love wherewith he loved us Eph. 2.4 is made manifest 3. Herein is a Mystery of Vertue There is an Infinite Vertue in the Blood of Christ which in general is set forth by the Apostle 1 John 1.7 The Blood of Christ cleanseth from all Sin particularly there is a Vertue going upward expiating guilt and a Vertue going downwards taking away the guilt with the Power and Pollution of Sin out of our Nature 1. There is a Vertue going upward to the Father taking away the Guilt of Sin Quest. How could there be such an Infinite Power in the Blood of Christ Answ Because it was the Blood of him that was God the infiniteness and worth of the Person did derive an infinite worth and value to the Blood of Christ thereby his Blood became an infinite price proportionable to the guilt of Sin which was Infinite As Sin becomes of Infinite guilt from the infiniteness of the Object against whom it is committed so Sin is an Infinite Evil because committed against God an Infinite Good on the otherside satisfaction for an Offence hath its efficacy and worth from the dignity of the Person satisfying so satisfaction made by Christ the price of his Blood becomes of infinite value adequate to the guilt of Sin because the Person whose Blood was shed was Infinite You see how the Blood of Christ hath such an Infinite Vertue For the proof of it that there is such a Vertue see it Zach. 9.11 By the Blood of the Covenant I have sent forth thy Prisoners that is by the Blood of Christ who is called the Covenant Isa 42.6 that is as the Angel of the Covenant Mal. 3.1 as the following words a Light to the People seems to confirm from the Pit wherein is no water that is I have redeemed from under the Babylonish Captivity which was a Type of Spiritual Redemption and deliverance from that cursed estate a man is in by Sin Now how is this but by satisfying the Justice of God paying the price of Redemption unto God by whom a Sinner was cast into Prison Luk. 22.20 This Cup that is the Wine in this Cup is the New Testament or New Covenant that is a Seal of the Covenant in my Blood that is which is established in my Blood because thereby is the Remission of Sins and so a Person comes to have part in that Covenant In this see the Vertue of the Blood of Christ. In the Covenant lies all a Christians Happiness therein God is engaged to be his God not to remember Sin any more but to be his God All sufficient Now this is a Covenant in Blood that is that is established and confirmed in the Blood of Christ the Blood of Christ that satisfied Justice therein was a repairing of all that Injury which was done to God by the Sins of the Faithful so Justice hath nothing to plead against them and the Riches of Grace which are contained in the New Covenant are revealed to them and of right do belong to them So they come to lay claim to the Love of God and to that Eternal Inheritance prepared by Christ The Vertue of Christ's Blood as looking upwards is double 1. Satisfying Justice 2. Purchasing and Meriting Everlasting Life There is Redemption from Misery and the Purchasing an Inheritance both these are called Redemption Eph. 1.1 In whom we have Redemption that is the forgiveness of Sins ver 14. until the Redemption that is buying again and putting into actual Possession of that Inheritance The Blood of Christ redeems out of Misery inflicted by reason of Sin and redeems the Inheritance of Eternal Life which was lost by Sin Heb. 10.19 We have boldness to enter into the Holiest by the Blood of Jesus that is by the Blood of Jesus the way to Heaven is opened for us 2. There is a Vertue going downwards taking away the Power and Pollution of Sin out of the Nature and the Guilt out of the Conscience 1. The Guilt of Sin out of the Conscience God Condemns a Sinner the Law condemns and so his own Conscience when convinced of Sin condemns also Now by the Blood of Christ God and the Law are satisfied and so a Sinner is acquitted in his own Conscience he is freed from a eondemning Heart 1 Joh. 3.21 If our Heart condemns us not c. 'T is the Application of the Blood of Christ that frees from this condemning Heart Heb. 10.22 Let us draw near with a true Heart c. having our Hearts sprinkled from an Evil Conscience that is with the blood of Christ an Evil Conscience is an Accusing Conscience The sprinkling of the Blood of Christ that is a fiducial Application of it to a Convicted Conscience acquits it from all Accusations Horrors Fears c. 2. The Power and Pollution of Sin Heb. 9.14 How much more shall the Blood of Christ purge your Consciences from dead works to serve the living God Which as it notes the purging of the Conscience in regard of the guilt of dead works that is dead Services dead Duties performed by Men dead in Sin so also it implies a purging of the Heart from the power of Sin as appears by that which follows to serve the Living God From the Blood of Christ applied to the Conscience a Vertue goes forth to the abating of the strength of Corruption and enabling it to serve the living God This see farther Rom. 6.2 How shall we that are dead to Sin live any longer therein That is by Vertue of Christ's Death having therein a Fellowship with him the strength of Corruption comes to be abated ver 6. Our old Man is crucified with Christ c. Quest How is it that there is such a Vertue in Christ's Death and comes to be conveyed to us Answ 1. The proper and principal cause to which this work of mortification of Sin is attributed is the Spirit Rom. 8.13 If ye through the Spirit c. and ver 2. The Law of the Spirit of Life hath made me free c. That is the power and efficatious operation of the Spirit in me c. 2. The formal cause is our union with Christ and planting into him For hereby the Spirit of Christ the Righteousness Grace Merit Life of Christ
The Sorrow of the World worketh Death 2 Cor. 7.10 The sorrow of the World that is grieving more for Suffering than for Sin growing under the want of Temporals more than of Spirituals this is a weight it hinders desire after a Heavenly Life pressing on to Salvation this depresses the Spirit Godly Sorrow what carefulness it wrought what zeal what vehement desires c. Lay aside the weight of worldly sorrow 4. Sin Especially the easily besetting Sin Heb. 12.1 Who shall deliver me from the body of Death This is a weight in Paul's Spirit when I would do good evil is present there 's a Law in my Members c. Desire that Sin may be subdued look to the Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ to free you from the Law of Sin and Death especially the Lusts that are most prevalent that do most easily prevail that the Soul is usually overtaken with your Dalilah Herodias your Right Hand your Right Eye The following a Lust takes off the Heart from following after Knowledge c. 3. Run your Race with Patience that is first be not angry if the Blessing longed for be not presently bestowed be not like those that ask where is the promise of his coming Hope and quietly wait for the Salvation of God Lam. 3.26 All my appointed time will I wait till my change come Secondly Be not angry at the Crosses you meet with in the way of Salvation c. This was Israel's prevailing Sin whereby they vext the Spirit c. They could not with patience bear any Cross in the way to the Land flowing with Milk and Honey Satan and the World set themselves against the Heirs of Salvation that labour to work it out and with patience endure their buffetting There 's great reason for it for our light Afflictions which are but for a moment work for us a far more Exceeding and an Eternal weight of Glory Afflistion is not worthy to be compared with the Glory that is to be revealed Rom. 8.18 and 2 Cor. 4.17 Skin for Skin all that a Man hath will he give for his Life endures any thing parts with any thing rather than part with his Life He that will loose his Life shall find it loose Earth to find Heaven c. Psa 84. Going through the Vally of Baca a dry place make a Well this is a Well they going to God can satisfy themselves with his Law c. Thirdly Look to Jesus the Author and Finisher of Faith and Love c. The Author and Finisher of Grace and Glory Believe that he who is mighty to save will carry on the work to perfection The Jews had the Angel of God's presence with them to keep them and to drive out the Canaanites c. In a Wilderness he fed them with Bread from Heaven when they were ready to perish with tâ—irst he brought Honey out of the Rock c. When Sihon King of the Amorites and Og opposed them he slew those mighty Kings and he made a way through the Sea and Jordan Isa 63.9 The Angel of his presence saved them and in his Love and Pity redeemed them and bare them c. even thus Believers have the Angel of God's presence Christ Jesus c. He will bear in his Love and Pity as by his power as the tender hearted Mother bears her Child in her Arms Believers they have Christ to overcome their Spiritual Enemies Christ to feed them and supply them with Spiritual Nourishment Bread from Heaven and with water of Life giving by his Spirit so look to Christ as the Author and Finisher of Salvation As the Cloud and Smoak by day and the flaming fire by night c. was a sign of God's presence so God promises Isa 4.5 I will create on Mount Sion and her Assemblies a Cloud c. the shining of a flaming Fire Shining for Light to the Saints Flaming for Terror to the Enemies Christ will be as careful of Believers now as of the Jews of old believe that you have the Angel of his presence to conduct you to his presence and so hold fast your Confidence firm unto the end and you shall receive the end of your Faith the Salvation of your Souls Heb. 11.14 Christ is passed into Heaven as Priest he bare Sin on Earth but now he is entred without Sin Jesus the Son of God So hold fast your Profession Here 's an encouragement there 's no infirmities but Christ hath felt the like So then come boldly to the Throne of Grace by Faith go to the Throne of Grace in Heaven for Grace to help you to Heaven have Hope as an Anchor fixed in Heaven on a Throne of Grace fixed in Christ so shall you be drawn nearer and nearer to Heaven Section 10. With fear and trembling As the Gospel requires Men to set about a work of following Christ and of saving their Souls so it gives directions for the way and shews where strength is to be had c. Here you have a manifestation of the way and manner in which Salvation is to be wrought out Whence the Doctrine is Doct. 3. Salvation is to be wrought out with fear and trembling Whereas in the former Exhortation somewhat seemed to be ascribed to the Will and Power of Man as if he could do somewhat towards the perfecting of his Salvation This that the Apostle adds in these and the following words takes away all colour and ground of attributing any thing to Nature in this great work But shews it to be the sole work of God's Grace and Power in Christ And there being a glorious manifestation of God in this work revealed in the Hearts of Believers that 's a ground of fear and trembling Now for the opening of this point I shall shew what is not meant by Fear and Trembling 1. Not a slavish fear of Judgment The fear of Christians should be filial i. e. fear of dishonouring God should restrain from Sin not fear of being destroyed but an earnest desire of being accepted Not a dread of Vengeance should move you to walk in Holy and Gospel ways Christians should not be driven to seek Heaven meerly out of fear of Hell but drawn by the Glory of Heaven and Pleasures for evermore in the presence of God Not driven by fear of the wrath of the Lamb but drawn by the Cords of the Love of the Lamb. The fear of Christians should not be the fear of Slaves but the fear of Sons Not the fear of Cain Every one that findeth me shall slay me but the fear of Joseph Gen. 42.18 I fear God Exod. 20.20 When Israel feared because of the thunderings c. Moses said Fear not for God is come to prove you that his fear may be before your faces that you sin not Fear of Evils God doth not account his Fear his fear is not Sin Believers are set beyond the fears of Evil they have no ground to fear wrath and vengeance 'T is an Infirmity to do it