in beleif of his love to us and for his love sake We love one another as he hath loved us 6. That we intend and seek the glorifying him in all these forementioned and not applause or satisfying to our selves in any self designs nor humoring men but this glory and the good of men seek in all we do 7. That in all we in patience possess our souls waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ 1. That we beleive his testimony and the sayings therein in their own plain import true good and concerning us as that by one man sin entred into the world and death by sin and so death passed upon all for that all have sinned And as by the offence of one unto all men to condemnation even so by the righteousness of one unto all men to justification of life Rom. 5. 12. 18. So that Iesus Christ by the grace of God hath tasted death for every man Heb. 2. 9. 2 Cor. 5. 14 15. dyed for our fins and rose for our justification Rom. 4. 25 1 Cor. 15. 34. And so gave himself a ransome for all 1 Tim. 2. 6. and is the Saviour of the world the propitiation for the sins of the whole world 1 Iohn 4. 14. and 2. 2. And yet that such as know not God and obey not the Gospel of Christ shall perish c. 2 Thes 1. 7 8 9. and such as do the works of the flesh Adultery Fornication Uncleaness Wantonness Idolatry Heresy Blasphemy Witchcrast Hatred Variance Emulation Wrath Strife Seditions Envyings Murders Drunkenness Revelling c. That they which do such things shall not inherit the Kingdome of God Gall. 5. 19. 20. 21. Ephe. 5. 4. 5. 6 1 Cor. 6. 9. 19. And that Christ is exalted with and on Gods right hand a Prince and Saviour to give repentance and remission of sins Acts 5. 31. The true light that lighteneth every man that cometh into the world The Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world the Saviour of all men of sinners Iohn 1. 9. 29. 1 Tim. 4. 10. and 1. 9. 15. being filled with spirit to send forth to the rebellious that God might dwell among them Psal 68. 18. and in sending forth his spirit in the testimony he convinceth men of sin of righteousness and of judgement Iohn 16. 7. 8. 9. 10. And such as turn at his reproof he will pour forth his spirit and make known his words to them and such as wilfully refuse he will reject c. Pro. 1. 23. to 29. and many like sayings all tending to one and the same end which if beleived with the heart it would be unto righteousness and it is his Commandment we should beleive them yea Christ himself saith Beleive me Iohn 4. 21. and 14. 1. 11. beleive the Gospel Mar. 1. 15. And by his spirit in the Prophets saith beleive God beleive his Prophets so shall yea prosper 2 Cron. 20. 20. Pro. 4. 10. Iohn 12. 36. yea unless we beleive we shall not be established Isa 7. 9. yea the not beleiving these sayings in the testimony is a giving God the lye 1 Iohn 5. 10. and this is the very work of the Devil to keep men from beleiving this Luke 8. 12. 2 Cor. 4. 4. for to this beleiving is the blessing promised Iohn 7. 38. and in it the saving and powerful efficacy of the spirit met with Rom. 1. 16. 1 Thes 2 13. That in this beleiving we may beleive in him according to his name which is the very end of the declaration of the Gospel Iohn 20 21 and for such as beleiving his sayings do beleive on him for his promises they are still to hold fast the minding and beleiving of the testimony and sayings therein that they may still beleive in him for his promises 1 Cor. 15. 1 2 3 4. 1 Iohn 2. 24 25. so that it is cleer to beleive his sayings true and good and concerning us is one of his Commandements 2. hat we receive his convincements and turn at his reproofs which in discovery of his grace he affordeth Pro. 1. 23. and 9. 4. 6. Isa 55. 1. 2. and so his commands report and beleive the Gospel Mar. 1. 15. true it is in discovery of his great love in suffering so great and cursed a death for us and in making it known to us in the Gospel extending them it grace to us that in beleiving we might receive it and so have peace and life in him he therein discovers the vileness of our sins needing such a ransome the vanity and emptiness of all wisdome righteousness and strength in us to help us our being so verily dead by desert and sentence of the Law And Gods hatred of and severity of Justice against our sinfulness that his own son the Holy one having undertaken for us he would not spare nor abate him one jot of all the curse done to us but judged him in the flesh for it all and inflicted it all on him and he suffered it for us without which we could not have had no escape Heb. 9. 22. Rom. 5. 6. 2 Cor. 5. 14. Rom. 8. 3. Matt. 26. 38 39. Isa 53. 4. 5. 6. which is to be owned by us if we beleive in him Rom. 4. 25. and 3. 10. 21. besides in discovering this that we might live to him who hath power to take away our after sin he â—iscovereth the more abundant vileness of our sinnings against the light and grace extended by such a Redeemer and its desert of a greater curse then the former Iohn 1. 9. 9. 10. 11. 29. and 3. 19. 20. and 12. 48. And such manner sinning with our Pride and self considences and designs to be confessed and turned from owning our selves as ungodly if we will receive the pouring forth his spirit and making known his words to us and to beleive in him that justifieth the ungodly Pro. 1. 23. Mar. 1. 15. Rom. 4. 5. in which blessedness is received and for this end is Christ in the Gospel set forth unto us to bless us in turning every of us from our iniquities Acts 3 26. and 26. 18. and 20. 21. and so Christ is in the Gospel set forth for the fall and rising again of many which fall whoever refuseth he proves to such through their offence taking at his reproofs a stone of stumbling Luke 2. 14. Ier. 6. 15. Iohn 3. 19 20. 1 Pet. 2. 7 8. and so the Apostle renders it Rom. 9. 3. 32. 33. and 10. 3. compared with Iohn 10. 38. 39. and 6. 41. 42 60. 66. and in this owning receiving and turning at his repâ—oofs the blessing is met with Pro. 1. 23. and 9. 6. and those that have in beleif of his sayings turned at his reproofs and met with the blessing in beleiving on him there is something needing reproof still found in them and in their wayes Rom. 7. 14. 24. Iam. 3. 2. Pro. 20. 9. Eccles 7. 20. so as it becomes them to be still receiving of and turning
A MOTIVE TO HAVE SALT Always in Our SELVES AND PEACE One with another Whereunto is annexed Some Considerations on Rev. 22. v. 14. To do his Commandements LONDON Printed by H. Brugis for L. Southwood at the Star next to Sergeants Inn in Chancery Lane 1671. To the Reader CHristian Reader this Discourse being writ near five years since to some Friends at London in the time of the great and spreading Pestilence hath by some been thought to be in all Times Needful and Useful And so I was enclined to Copy it out again desiring what is by the Testimony said may be received and no more if any may receive edifying by it I have my desire and so praying that we all may be rightly framed and edified in the Faith and preserved in suitable walking I commit my writing to the Lords dispose and rest Thy Welwiller Thomas Moore A Motive alwaies to have Salt in our selves CHAP. I. The Preface Mark 9. 49 50. For every one shall be salted with fire and every sacrifice shall be salted with salt Salt is good but if the salt have lost its saltness wherewith shall it be seasoned have salt in your selves and peace with one another SUch and so great the infinite grace and Free Love of God in Christ to manward in the cost he hath been at for us in such xcellencies and fulness of Grace Truth Spirit and life he hath received in the man and is impowred as mediator to bestow on us And such his faithfulness in his mediation for and mercies extended to us And such the glory he will after give to those that receive him in his gratious teachings that it justly requireth and if beleivingly minded forcibly moveth to love him with all the heart and above all things so as to love his waies and love to be like him and to love as he loveth and that he loveth c. 1 Iohn 4. 9 10 11 19. Psal 116. 1 2 7 8 12. So as what ever any man knoweth or professeth of Christ yet if the love of Christ known gain not the heart to love Christ even to love Christ above all things And so to love whom he loveth and as he loveth he knoweth nothing as he ought to know nor is approved of God not meet to be Christ's Disciple 1 Cor. 8. 1 2. 3. Mat. 10. 37. Luk. 14. 26. And this love issuing from his love beleived abiden and walked in doth shew forth it self in denying a mans self in his own humane wisdome righteousness strength confidence and designs for Christs sake and that in him discovered yea in every thing that will not stand with this love of Christ and the Services of it as is seen in the places last cited and Mat. 10. 38. Mar. 8. 34. Luke 14. 26. 27. Ier. 9. 23. 24. Phil. 3. 7. 8. 9. Ioh. 12. 25. 26. So he that from the knowledge and belief of this love of Jesus Christ heartily doth love him as is sayd would rather submit himself to bear any shame or affliction and to lose any Honour Reputation Gain Relation or life then for the getting and retaining them to offend Jesus Christ in deviating from the Faith love and services of Christ in and according to the Gospel or occasion others so to do and so to take offence at Christ and his Word way and Cross so as to deviate or give occasion to others so to do knowing also from our Saviours one affirmation Whatever any man seeketh to save or saveth that way he certainly loseth more abundantly and incurrs unspeakeable loss vers 42. Matt. 18. 6 and 11 6 and 16 25 26. Mar. 8. 35 36. Our Saviour therefore as he exhorted them to continue his love and how to continue in his love he also shewed them even by keeping his commands in believing on his name and loveing one another as he hath loved us and that such love him Joh. 14. 21 23 and 15 9 10. 1 Joh. 2. 24 25. and 3 23 24. So in this chapter he councils directs and chargeth them to avoid such things as if closed with will certainly deviate them from this love of Christ and so from loveing him And so he saith in verse 43. And if thy right hand offend thee thy best humane wisdome and furniture or that which is dearest to thee and appears as most necessary and gainful and occasions thee to offend or moves thee for the getting or retaining thereof to a slighting of or deviating from Christ in his mind and waies discovered in the Gospel or to cause or occasion others so to do cut it off or cast it from thee reject and put by all such thoughts motions and councel arising therefrom and suffer what ever deprivation or loss may come to thee thereby c. 45. And if thy foot offend thee thy power and strength affections and demeanor for persuing such and such a design cut it off cast aside the use of such power and satisfying such affection and the use of such demeanor for persuing such a design what ever loss or suffering comes to thee thereby vers 47. 47. And if thine Eye offend thee any beholding or looking on any thing below for any goodliness beauty gainfulness c. that appeareth in it pluck it out reject such views and suffer not thy eye to gaze on it and the same councel and charge given on the same ground Mâ—â— 18. 8. 9. namely with this advise It is better for thee to enter into life halt and maimed and so with one hand or one foot or one eye then having too to be cast c. That is it s better with suffering any loss or damage in things below and with enduring any shame suffering or death to enter into life and into the Kingdome of God then with having enjoyed all desierable here to be after cast into hell into fire unquenchable where the worm dyeth not and the fire never goeth out the same also here vers 43. to 48. implying that what beleif soever men profess yet unless they do cut off the hand the foot the eye in that wherein they cause to offend by denying themselves in that whatever it be Honour Lands Riches Relations Life c. when the getting retaining oâ— saving thereof leads and canseth to offend c. as aforesaid if he do not then reject it lay it aside and submit to suffer the loss thereof it will turn him aside from the Faith And so he will be cast into unquenchable fire And as our Saviour hath in all this intimated Trouble recoverable fire quenchable and exprest a loss irrecoverable and fire unquenchable so least any should deceive themselves in conceiting and hoping by their wisdome to avoid both that fire here and that hereafter also and so slight â—his councel and charge of our Saviour Ouâ— Saviour here sheweth the vanity of such thoughts and hope and presseth to receive his councel â—nd charge and this by a threefold affirmation and an exhortation joyned the two first
Commandments blessed this absolutely affirmed and so Psal 119. 1. 6. and though they have sin dwelling in their flesh anoying them and troubling them with its Iusts yet while in beleif of the grace in Christ they do not consent to and allow the same so as to make it so their own sin is not imputed to them but they are in favour with God for Christ his sake and grace dispensed to them c. Psal 32. 1. 6. Rom. 4. 5. 8. 11. and 7. 14. 25. and 8. 1. 2. yea in doing every and each one and all these Commandments For 1. In hearty beleiving the testimony of Christ and sayings therein it will work savingly and bring unto righteousness Rom. 1. 16. and 10. 9 10. 1 Thes 2. 13. Iohn 16. 27. 2 Thes 1. 10. And 2. In turning at his reproof confessing our sinfulness and the evil of our designs and waies disowned by those sayings of his judging and condemning our selves therefore and approving the light In this doing we shall come to the light and he will pour forth his spirit to make known his words to us so as we shall know what and how to beleive and receive strength enabling thereto Psal 32. 5. 6. Prov. 1. 23. Iohn 3. 21. And 3. In beleiving on him in his name and word from love and grace in Christ discovered beleiving and crusting in him for performance of his word and promise to us though in respect of all seen and sencible hope we sit in darkness yet he will be even then a light to us Isa 50. 9. 10. Mich. 7. 8 9. And Christ and the righteousness in him is imputed to us and forgiveness Justification acceptation into favour with quickning interest in son-like priviledge and hope of glory received Rom. 4. 5. 11. 17. 22. 23. and 5. 1. 2. 3. 9. 10. so that blessed are they that trust in him Psal 2. 12. so as they shall be as Mount Zion that cannot be moved Psal 125. 1. 2. And 4. In confessing his name denying our selves and bearing his reproach among the sons of men in suffering loss of outward and natural relations and accommodations yea life for his name sake we shall therein receive suitable supports and consolations in sufferings and assurance of exceeding and more abundant reward in the resurrection of the just Mat. 10. 32. Isa 43. 2. 2 Cor. 1. 4. 5. Mat. 19. 28. 29. Rom. 8. 18. Revel 7. 14. 17. therefore blessed Mat. 5. 10. 11. 12. And 5. In loving one another as he hath loved us and so bringing forth the fruits of that love in works of mercy where we can look for no return or recompence from men we lay up treasure in Heaven and receive inward mercies and assurance of being rewarded in the resurrection of the just Mat. 5. 7. and 6. 14. 20. Luke 12. 31. Psalm 141. 1. 2. 3. and 112. 5. 6. 9. Pro 19. 17. Eccl. 11. 1. 2. so blessed are such as do this Commandment And 6. In abusing our selves and not seeking any applause to our selves or our own design but giving glory to him and his word and so aiming at and seeking to glorifie him and occasion and win in others to glorifie him he will approve us and we shall discern his goodness and in due season be will glorifie us 1 Pet. 5. 5. 6. Mat. 5. 8. 1 Sam. 2. 30. And 7. In patience possessing our souls keeping the saith and finishing our course waiting and looking for the appearance and coming of our Lord and his kingdome we are assured he will appear without sin unto salvation to us and we shall then appear with him in glory and receive the Crown of life and righteousness Luke 21. 19. 2 Tim. 4. 7. 8. Heb. 10. 35. 39. and 9. 28. Iam. 1. 12. Coll. 31. 4 and it s plainly said blessed are they yea every one that doth his Commandments yea in doing them blessed for in respect of mans part the doing of his commands thus is wisdome and the fear of the Lord that is the beginning of wisdome And they have a good understanding that do it that is that do his Commandments the praise of it endureth for ever Iob. 28. 28. Psal 111. 10. and they are even now blessed while so doing Psal 112. 1. for in keeping them there is great reward And this is seen also in the end required namely CHAP. V. * 4 Observable THe end required and to be aim'd at in doing his Commandments yea the issue of so doing them is express to be That we may have right to the tree of life and having that right may enter in through the gates into the City so that to have right to the tree of life and such a right as by it we may enter into the City is the end and issue exprest The Tree of liâ—e is known to be Jesus Christ the true wisdome of God Pro. 3. 12. yea the Prince of whom that is affirmed Psal 1. 3. and 52. 8. Hos 14. 8. And Jesus Christ in the vertue of his blood and sacrifice is one and the same for ever Heb. 13. 8. But in respect of demonstration manifestation and appearance to us-ward he is two wayes considered * First as testifyed and demonstrated and the mistery opened in a word of faith to be seen by faith in beleiving * Secondly as testified to be seen in his glory as he is and as we are seen but yet not so demonstrated as to be so seen and according to the testimony So * First behold and consâ—der him as he is demonstrated manifested and set forth in the Gospel with the vertue of his incarnation and having been made under the law for us and suffered and overcome for us the whole of that curse and death that was due for us to have suffered and so risen for our justification and offered himself a sacrifice to God for us and is accepted of God and filled with grace spirit and life to dispense to us ever living to appear before God and mediate for us and so is declared and set forth our peace the propitiation for the sins of beleivers and not for their sis only but for the sins of the whole world also the possessor and giver of spirit and grace and eternal life and so he is the soundation of repentance and faith the way and door of approach and coming in to God and so he is set forth for all men and to be preached to all men and there is a liberty and true right for them to look to and come to him in whom is life for them so far that they might repent and beleive which in his Gospel ministring he is giving to them and if they receive and so beleive he will not reprove nor put them by but receive them and they so shall have eternal life such riches the Gospel brings to men and there is blessing for them in it Iohn 3. 14. 17. Rom. 1. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 2 Cor. 5. 14. 15. 20. 21. Heb.
2. 9. 1 Iohn 2. 2. and 4. 14. 1 Tim. 2 5. 6. Mat. 28. 19. 20. Mar. 16. 15. Iohn 6. 27. 32. Ephes 3. 3. 9. Though many in this respect do worse then Esau that sold his birthright for a mess of Pottage Heb. 12. 16. for they for some base Iust fell away their birthright in persisting in serving that Iust till they be given up of God and so blotted out of the book of life forsaking their own mercy in following lying vanities and so losing their own souls Psalm 69. 28. and 81. 12. Iona 2. 8. 2 Thes 2. 10. 11. 12. Mat. 16. 26. And they that have thus sold their birthright when they would have the blessing that is in this right to the tree of life here spake of though they cry and howl for it shall find no mercy nor admirtance any more then Esau did Heb. 12. 17. Pro. 1. 24. 25. c. Matt. 7. 22. 23. Luke 13. 24. 27. Now in this time while God in the means is striving with us and Christ mediating for us is the time to receive and enjoy this right with the benefit thereof Heb. 3. 7. 2 Cor. 6. 1. 2. and so the doing his Commandments forementioned is the way to receive and retain the same as hath been shewn and the receiving and retaining this right is that in which we come to have the right here mentioned to the Tree of life here mentioned and so Secondly Jesus Christ the Tree of life is confiderable as by vertue of his sacrifice once offered he in that very personal body of his is now glorified on Gods right hand inriched with all his priviledges the sulness of the Godhead dwelling in him bodily he having life and immortality and dwelling in the light that is inaccessible whom no man hath seen nor can see Phill. 2. 9. 10. 11. Coll. 2. 9. 10. Hebr. 11. 12. and 8. 1. and 6. 20. 1 Pet. 3. 23. 1 Tim. 6. 15. 16. only the Angels and spirits of just men made perfect that are in his presence do see him in this glory Heb. 12. 22. 23. Revel 6. 9. 2 Cor. 5. 8. Phill. 1. 23. and so in Christ and these his choice ones is Gods delight and well pleasedness these being those excellent ones above the Saints on the earth Psal 16. 3. Gal. 4. 26. whence also he is called The Tree of life in the midst of the Paradise of God Revel 2. 7. who with these his Saints and the holy Angels will one day come down from Heaven when the bodies of all his Saints shall be raised and made spiritual and immortal who also shall be the inhabitants of that glorious City in the midst of the streets whereof Jesus Christ the Tree of life in which sence it is evident by all that went before in this 22. Chap. and in the former Chap. it is here ment and the very expressions of having right to the tree of life which is the utmost here attainable doth shew this to be the meaning For as Jesus Christ the tree of life is set forth in the Gospel to be known and seen by Faith in the word of saith beleived so in heeding and beleiving that word he is now by faith come to and received and in doing these Commandments his fruit by faith fed on Heb 12. 22. 23. 24. Hos 14. 8. Cant. 2. 3. But as he now is in the Paradise of God and when he comes down from Heaven will appear in the Holy City and so be seen as he saith and known as he knoweth and his fruit enjoyed in sight and sence this no man can yet so see and enjoy 1 Cor. 13. 12. 1 Iohn 3. 2. 1 Tim. 6. 15. 16. only it is promised to abiding beleivers after they have over come Revel 2. 7. After they have been faithful to the death Revel 2. 10. I am 1. 12. 2 Tim. 4. 8. and so likewise as Jesus Christ the true bread of life the heavenly Manna is set forth in the Gospel beleivers by faith in beleiving contemplation on and complacency in him do feed on him now Iohn 6. 47. to 58. but as he is in his glory and our glorious life hid with him in God and so in his glorious and bodily appearance to satisfie and fill all out desires by open sight in beholding that which is now hidden Mannah It is yet but in promise and so as he is this living stone as set forth in the Gospel we by faith being come to the comers to him are built on him and enabled to shew forth his praises through sufferings now but as he shall appear in glory giving the total victory and altering the name of suffers into absolute victorers and triumphers it is to come and though promised yet not so enjoyed but shall be of those that overcome at his coming 1. Pet. 2. 3. 4. 5. 9. Revel 2. 17. so as all that abide in the faith doing his Commandments enjoy their right in him as set forth in the Gospel Heb. â— 6. 14. and so enjoyment and retaining this right they have intrest in Christ and so right to him as he is in the Paradise of God in the midst thereof and will be in that glorious City but the sight and enjoyment of him and entring in that manner will dotâ— be till that time come Rom. â— 23. 24. 25. Rev. 21. 23. 27. and so the end and issue of keeping these Commandments is That we may have right to the Tree of life in the midst of the Paradise of God and be by saith entring now so as when the Lord in the midst of that holy City and when that holy City is come down from Heaven we may fully enter through the Gates and be possessed of the same that so having now with our faith this hope in Christ we may enter through the gates into the City 1 Joh. 3. 2. 3. And in this expressed end and issue of keeping his Commandments we have for our usefulness and instruction cleerly given us to understand these four following Positions that is to say 1. Position THat no man hath right to the Tree of life as it is in the Paradise of God and will be in the glorious City so as to be an heir according to promise one of Gods elect having right to the inheritance till he do the Commandmandments forementioned and so while and as he is doing them and so brought out of darkness into his marveilous light Acts 26. 18. Ephes 8. 1 Pet. 2. 9. For 1. Except a man beleive the testimony and saying thereof that Jesus is the Christ he cannot be established but shall dye in his sins Isa 7. 7. 9. Luke 8. 24 2. Except one turn at his reproof not takeing offence at the light reproving but repent he cannot receive the pouring forth of his spirit in making known his words but is under condemnation and shall certainly perish Pro. 1. 24. 31. and 12. 1. Ioh. 3 18. 19. 20. Luke 13. 3. 5. And 3.
He that beleiveth not on the Son of God hath not life but abideth under wrath 1 John 3. 18. 36. 1 John 5. 12. and 4. He that is ashamed of the name and Cross of Christ before men Christ will be ashamed of him before his father which is in Heaven yea the end of the enemy of the Cross of Christ is destruction Mar. 8. 38. Phil. 3. 18. 19. and 5. He that loveth not his brother is in darkness and abides in death and walketh in darkness and there is no eternal life in him 1 John 2. 9. 11. and 3. 14. 15. and 4. 8 and 6. Such as are set for their own glory honour and applause with men exalting themselves refusing to deny and abase themselves and their own ends and so to give glory to God and so to glorify him and bring others to glorifie him are so far from having right to the tree of life and hope of reward from God that they are hypocrites and resisted of God Matt. 6. 2. 5. 16 1 Pet. 5. 5. 7. I am 4. 4. and sure 7. Such as make hast in use of unwarrantable means and put far off the evil day and say our Lord delayeth his coming are unfaithful and wicked and a bitter portion belongs to them Isa 28. 15. 16. 21. Amos 6. 3. Mat. 24. 48. 51 yet to say all in one word or sayings such as in the means extended to them do not know God and obey not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ but walk in their own waies fulfilling the affections and lusts of the flesh they have no inheritance in the kingdome of God nor are capacitated to enter it but another more terrible portion in flaming fire belongs to them Ephes 5. 3. 5. Gall. 3. 19. 20. 21. 2 Thess 1. 7. 8. such are none of Gods peculiar people none of Gods Elect and chosen and so have no right to the Tree of Life c. And yet even such he came to save and is exalted a Prince and Saviour to give repentance and remission of sins to such Acts 5. 31. 1 Tim. 1. 11. 15. so that yet while the day of his grace and patience lasteth as the voyce and call comes to them if they yet in hearing hear his voyce so as they verily beleive his sayings and so turn at his reproofs repent and beleive in his name and so to do these his Commandements before mentioned for the end here set forth they shall live John 5. 24. 25. 26. And receive washing sanctifying and justifying in the name of the Lord and by the Spirit of the Lord 1 Cor. 6. 9. 10. 11. And therein begin to enjoy their right in Christ as set forth in the Gospel and so come therein to begin to have right to the Tree of life as here mentioned And so are brought out of darkness into the marvelous light and such only are his peculiar people his beloved his chosen Rom. 9. 26. 2 Thess 2. 13. 14. 1 Pet. 2. 3. 4. 5. 9. let none deceive themselves nor suffer others to deceive them in saying though they do not his Commandements forementioned yet they may be his elect for ought any man knoweth for that is false and all that beleive the sayings of Christ know it to be false nor that he may say it is in vain or me to hear his voyce and turn for if I have no right to the Tree of life and be reprobated it is impossible for me to be converted and come to have â—ight thereto for that is false also though all remaining such as said have no right to the Tree of life which may be a provocation to hear his voyce and turn and be doing there Commandements Rom. 11. 7. 21. and 9. 26. The second Position THat the right end of doing these Commandments forementioned or the so doing them according to his mind that we may have right to the Tree oâ— life in the midst of the Paradise of God and so enter through the Care into the City It is to do them with this aime and desire and to this very end mentioned that we may have right to the Tree of life c. Thus express here and in the Gospel plainly discovered to us That as we must become Fools in our selves and beleive his sayings true and good who ever become a Lyar thereby so our end if we would receive the blessings must be not to conclude we are and shall be saved harmless because we beleive his sayings but even therefore beleive and here them that we may be saved by that discovered in them Isa 45. 22. Ioh. 5. 39. 40 2 Thess 2. 10. Psal 50. 16. 17. And so our turning at his reproofs and confessing ouâ— iniquities and judging our selves c. Must be not to conclude our selves as therefore saved and having the because that humbled and repenting But that in so humbling our selves under the mighty hand we may receive the powering forth of his spirit and making known his words that he may lift us up and bring us to beleive in him Isa 58. 2. 3. Prov. 1. 23. 1 Cor. 3. 7 8 9 10. 1 Pet. 5. 6. And so our beleiving and â—â—â—â—ing in him for performance of his promises must be not to magnifie and trust in our beleiving trusting and confiding as for that righteousness justified and sure of all But that we may so magnifie his words and trust not in our trusting but in him that Christ himself may be our Righteousness and we justified by the Faith of him and so be strong in the power and grace that is in him and trust in him that he will perform his word and promises for his own word and names sake Psal 56. 3. 4. 10. 11. and 30. 6. 7 8. Gall. 2. 15. 16. 1 Cor. 4. 5. Ephes 6. 10. 2 Tim. 2. 1. 2 Sam. 7. 25 26 27. And so our confession of his name and bearing his reproach and suffering for his names sake must be not to lift up our selves above others thereby and to vant of our sufferings But to be baptized in to his death to imitate him and be conformed to him in suffering and death that the life and power of Christ may be manifested in us and the spirit of Glory rest upon us and we receive this salvation and consolation and the power of his resurrection now and be made like him in the resurrection of the just 2 Cor. 11. 17. 18. Rom. 6. 4. 8. 2 Cor. 4. 10. 11. and 12. 9. Phill. 3. 10. 1 Pet. 2. 21. and 4. 14. 2 Cor. 9. 10. Rom. 5. 3. 4. Iam. 1. 3 4 12. And in loving and shewing forth the Fruits of love in good works our end must be not to gain Applause or after Riches here not to have them for a foundation to him or rest on for life and righteousness before God but to answer his love to us and imitate him therein to testifie love and thanks to him Mat. 14. 48. Ephes 5. 1 2. 2 Cor. 5.
according to his will to be his Psal 116. 8 9 16. Rom. 14. 7 29. 1. Cor. 6. 19. 20. 2. Cor. 5. And these are called his Offerings by vertue of his own Sacrifice the fatness whereof is manifested therein Psal 20. 3 4 5. And as this was tipyfied in the High Priest presenting before the Lord and offering the Levites for an Offering to the Lord Numb 8. 13. 14. So in this sence Christ is said in the body of this Flesh through death to present Beleevers holy unblameable and unreprovable in his sight Coll. 1. 22 23. Though they bâ— brought to him by his Servants ministration Rom. 15. 16. 2. Cor. 11. 2. So every of these Beleevers he thus offereth and presenteth to God in himself shall be salted with Salt with that which hath a firy and â—â—rging nature to consume filth and to make savory that which is presented And every Sacrifice every Beleever without exception of any shall be salted with Salt And this 1. Not only in their first being brought into beliefe by reproofs and corrections brought to turn at his reproofe and denying themselves and letting all go for his name sake and therein exercising Sorrow Repentance and Self denial c. But 2. Also when Beleevers in their abiding and walking in the Faith and Services of Love and in reciâ—e oâ— more grace and savour from him Forasmuch as they are not yet wholly Spiritual but partly Carnal having no good thing dwelling in their Flesh but the Lusts of the Flesh warring against the Spirit Rom. 7. 14 24. Gal. 5. 17. So as there is still need of reproof and turning at them and oâ— corrections and receiving the same that Flesh may be still purged that they may still abide and go on in the Services of Faith and Love for there is no one of them in moâ—tal Bodies that is without sin or that doeth good and sineth not 2. Châ—on 6. 36. Prov. 20. 9. Eccles 7. 20. Job 15. 14. 1. Joh. 1. 8 10. And so Jesus Christ in his meditation by veâ—â—ue of his Blood and Sacrifice is still about that work not only interceding for Trangessours and taking away the sins of the World Isaiah 53. 12. Joh. 1. 29. but even for Beleevers that are coming to God by him Rom 8. 34. 1. Ioh. 1. 2. Heb. 7. 25. and 9. 15. And so by the freeness and greatness of his Love commended in his Blood and by his Word and Spirit therein teaching washing and cleansing them c. Ephes 5. 26. Both in their walking in the light as he is in the light cleansing them from all sin And wherein overtaken with a fault as they confess and seek so forgiving and healing them 1 Joh. 1. 7 9. And so as iâ— is his Office and work in which he is faithful to sanctify them throughout c. 1. Thes 5. 23 24. And so as there is corruption of sin in their Flesh and in their Walkings to puâ—ge out the remaining filth and make savoury his grations teachings to them that they may more readilâ— receive them Even so there is dispensed Salt to them And this 1. From the Testimony of Christ in that set before them of the excellencies in him teaching to receive of that life in him are certain reproofs of some things in us and our wayes to be still repented of denied and turned from And the reproofs of Instruction are the wayes of life or of receiving enjoying and retaining that life in Christ Prov. 6. 23. And he is wise that learneth in his teachings and loveth and receiveth his reproofs and he that doth not so is brutish what ever he boast to know and believe Prov. 9. 8. and 20. 3. and 12. 1. and 13. 1. And so Job that was such an upright and perfect man Job 1. 1. 8. and 2. 10. Yet discerning the power and excellencies of the Almighty was mightily abased and sitted to lay down himself and seek knowledge of and pray to God Job 40. 3 4. 5 and 42. 2. 5. Yea Isaiah the Prophet in beholding a glymphs of the glory of the Lord cryed â—ut of his uncleanness and was sitted to hear and â—eild to what ever God would send him about Isa 6. 1 8. So he dispenseth Salt in his word And â—et 2. To boar the Ear and bow the mind to drink in these reproofs and yeild more readily to his teachings he also even to Beleevers useth his Rod of afflictions and punishments to take down their Pride and break them of their own enterprize to reduce them c. Iob. 33. 14 15. 24. 29 30. Psal 94. 12. and 119. 66. 67. And so correcteth every Son that he receiveth c. Prov. 3. 11 12. Heb. 12. 6 7. Revel 3. 19. And by these afflictions to prize home his reproofs for purging out their follies Isa 27. 7. To humble and make them poor and low in themselves that they may not look to or rest on or glory in or of any seen or sencible things or any of their Wisdom Parts Gifts or Attainments but in his strength and salvation only Psal 20. 5 9. Jer. 9. 22 23 24. 2 Cor. 12. 7 10. To vehement them more to pray to him Hos 5. 16. And make them more ready to keep his Testimonies Psal 119. 66. 67. and 9â— 12. 3. And so both by these reproofs and afflictions to salt and season them in their believing and confidence that they may receive no instruction that causeth to erre from the words of knowledge noâ— believe every word or appearance of truth nor any thing for truth but his word his Testimony only and so the truth manifested therein to rest on that so they may not be rash in their confidence to rest in any thing besides or short of this truth nor mixe any thing in their confidence besides or with his Word or his Power Mercy or Truth manifested therein to rest on nor presume to confide in him for assistance and helpfulness in walking out of his way And this salting for this end is also needful for who through the Flesh in us and Satan and evil Ministers assailing us are too ready to miscarry herein that so our believing and confidence may be upright Prov. 14. 7 15 16. and 19. 27. Ye that in our confidence we may be taken off from resting on or attributing any thing of our helpfulness to any seen or humane things any Parts Gifts or Attainments received But as Christ by death overcame death being raised by the power of God so we in all straights and for all help may give all glory to God trusting in him that raiseth the dead 2 Cor. 12. 7 10. and 1. 9 10. which if not so salted we would not do And as 4. An addition to the forementioned reproofs and afflictions even sufferings of shame and reproach and tribulations c. For the name of Christ for his sake that we may be conformed to Christ in the fellowship of his sufferings and death and so through
many Afflictions and Tribulations enter his Kingdome as he through sufferings entred his glory and the power of the life of Christ in the Testimony may be manifested in our mortal and dying Flesh Act 14. 22. Luk. 24. 26. 2 Tim. 3. 12. 2 Cor. 4. 10 11 16. And so when by the Testimony of Christ men are called and brought in to beleeve him then as God in Christ and so Christ by his Spirit chooseth and refineth such beleevers seperating them from the Union and Fellowship of the World and bâ—inging them into further Union and Fellowship with himself to receive more abundance of his Gâ—ace to bâ—ing them to glory By the sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the Truth framing them to be obedient to the blood of sprinkling 2 Thes 2. 13 14. 1 Pet. 1. 1 2. So also press home and to make effectual and prevelent this choosing work he salteth them with these reproofs and afflictions and â—â—ery trials and so chooseth through the Furnace of afflictions Isa 48. 10 11. Gal. 6. 14. Psal 94. 12. And so as oft and as much as need is every Sacrifice even every Beleever shall be salted with Salt all which serveth to pâ—ess Beleevers to and recieve this salting what ever of the flesh it fret and consume and what ever seen or temporary again we lose thereby or trouble undergo Yea so in indâ—â—ing and feeling the smart it causeth that we may tremble in our selves that we may say that it is better now and after and find rest in the day of trouble Heb. 3. 16 17 18. which receiving ouâ— Saviours Councel here foregiven Suits well with that admonition given Luk. 14. 25 35. And as in the sence said every Beleever shall be salted with Salt so likewise in the other sence 2. every spiritual Sacrifiâ—e that Beleevers offer to God by Christ or in his name shall in their offerings be salted with Salt For â—ight understanding this the Testimony must be our guide and attend to it it will help us â—ightly to understand for in belief of the Testimony we are taught by it that 1. The Sacrifices here spoken of are spiritual Sacrifices though ouâ—waâ—d and able and visible things be used in offering many of them yet the Sacrifices be spiritual Sacrifices such as are offered spiritually and by not bodily but spiritual Preists in which is neither Male nor Female as in Church offices and Officers here but all one in Christ Jesus And though Church chosen Officers may be also spiritual Preists and may also so offer yet these Sacrifices are spiritual Sacrifices and are offered by such â—s are and as they are spiritual Preists 1 Pet. 2. 4. 5 9. Gall. 3. 27. 28. Coll. 3. 10 11. 2. These Sacrifices are Sacrifices of Righteousness that are to be offered to God And so Pâ—al 4. 5. Produced by the righteous Sacrifice that is the Sacrifice of compleat righteousness Iesus Christ in his own body offered to God this beleâ—ved is the Producer Psal 50. 5 14. And so it is offered to God by and through Christ in the belief of his Name who also peâ—fumes and makes them acceptable 1 Pet. 2. 5. Heb. 13. 15. and 7. â—5 Revel 8. 3 4 And Soul so offered to God with righteousness and righteously in râ—â—driâ—g to him the glory and praise due unto his Name Psal 29. 1 2. and 15. 14 23. 1 Theâ— 5. 18. And affording to men â—nd bâ—eâ—hâ—en â—hat whiâ—h is due to them Isa 26. 8. and 16. 8. Mar. 11 24 25 So. 3. That these spiritual Sacrifices that are acceptable to God through Christ first they are many and so exprest also Psal 5â— 17 1. A broken Spirit and contrite heart a heart from the sight and belief of the mind love and holiness of God demonstrated in and through Christ broken of its own wisdom well thoughts confidences and designs abâ—sed and made loathsome in and to it self filled with grief and sorrow for its contraryness to God and sinning against so great holy and gtatious a God with indignation against ones self for such offences even trembling at his Word and falling low before them by it to be at his dispose and bear his chastisements longing for his mercy Psal 51. 17. Isa 57. 17. and 66. 2. Yea all Sacrifices are to be with such a heart which is a Sacrifice also 2. Hearty Pyayers to God for the good things he hath promised with Thanksgiving for his mercies benefits and good things received that he hath extended to us and those also promised Psal 62. 8. and 65. 2 4. and 50. 14 15 23. 1 Thes 5. 17. 18. 3. To do good that which is righteous and may be profitable and edifying to men and make for truth and peace And with this to communicate of what God makes us stâ—ongly of and furnisheth us with in shewing mercy and relieving the poor and needy specially them of the Houshold of Faith Heb. 13. 16. Gall. 6. 10. Phill. 4. 8. 2 Cor 9. 9 15. 4. In and with all the former to hold forth the word of life in word and conversation among a wicked generation and for edifying brethren with desire in all things to glorifie God and approve our hearts to him and be found honest and decent towards men Phil. 2. 15 16 17. 1 Pet. 2 9 12. Ephes 4. 29 32. Heb. 13. 16 18. Rom. 15. 16. 5. To aime at endeavour and strive in all this also to convince the unbeleevers that we may gain them in to believe and so to glorifie not us but God that so we may present them singly to Christ that he may present them to God Acts 14. 15. 2 Cor. 4 5. and 11. 2. Rom. 15. 16. 1 Pet. 2. 5 9 12. Num. 5. 20. 6. In and for doing all this by the mercies of God to present ouâ— bodies a living Sacrifice holy as the Lords and acceptable through Christ to be the Lords to be disposed ordered and so offered by him to do undergo and forgo what ever hâ—s Mercy and Grace requireth and leadeth to in services of him which is but our reasonable service facilating that more spiritual Rom. 12. 1 2 3. These and such like are the Sacrifices for Beleevers to offer to God by Christ and of these it is said every Sacrifice even every of these and every particular offering and every of these shall be salted with Salt This affirmed by our Saviour and it is needful and profitable for Beleevers who have sin yet remaining in their flesh with its thoughts and lusts and the World with its Documents Customes Allurements and Terrors and the Devil with his wises and suggestions all assâ—iâ—â—ing them to divert and corrupt them and turn them out of the way yea so as if they cannot hinder them from it yet they will defile them so as as there may 1. Be in our conâ—iâ—ion a mixture of worldly sorrow of some murmuring grudging and impatience for some loss deprivation and pain yet pretended sorrow for sin or