of the Lord which by vertue of his Death Resurrection and Sacrifice he in his ascension Psal 68.18 received and in the day of grace was striving with them Gen. 6.3 to have convinced them and began to kindle a fire that thē would have cōsumed nothing but their fleshly affections and lusts Isa 40.7 their carnall wisdome and confidence and then have healed them and given them life Pro. 1.23.24 but they would none of his reproofes but quenched this heat and resisted this Spirit till he left striting with them But now will this holy and Almighty Spirit from the Lord that bought them return again upon them and contince them of sinne because they have not beleeved on Christ c. John 16.8 9 10. and so set home the sentence to their heart that they cannotavoid it and by his Almighty breathing word like a stream of Brimstone kindle that fire that never shall be quenched Isa 30.33 And this is another efficacy of the Sacrifice of Christ on such as have rebelliously refused him that the Spirit he by vertue of his Sacrifice received to send forth to call men shal yet set home the sentence even on those that rejected him Oh then in that day though to their woe they shall see and confesse what ever before they thought or others told them that Christ died for them though they perish that Christ bought them though they have denied him that hee had wrought redemption for them though they have sold themselves again to vanity that there was mercies for them in him though they forsook them that he strove with them to win them to him though they resisted him that his word and wayes were good though they beleeved not And now to behold him that so dearly bought them and graciously cal'd them and they rewarded him with hatred for his love to come in fury to judge them and to perceive the Blood and Sacrifice that once would have spoken peace to them to rise up against them the Gospel that once declared good tidings to them from the verity of it to bee a condemning word to them mercy that once waited for them to be now turned against them the holy Spirit that was once moving in them to draw them from sinne to God to bee now sentencing them under sinne and unto death O what a terrour will this be And how will the remembrance of the redemption wrought by Christ the mercy once shewn and the doore to life once opened through which they might have been saved now adde to the terrour and the remembrance of all the vanities false Doctrines and humane applause for which they have turned aside will but encrease the vexation and now while they see those that embraced and followed Christ whom they despised to goe into the joy of their Lord into eternall life to see their own sin and judgement in the height and the terrible presence of the Lord driving them into the lake of fire that burneth ever and out of which there is no escape Oh how great this terror yea how easelesse how tormenting how intollerable unavoidable and remedilesse How endlesse will the eternall suffering in that fire be when the least drops of those mercifull effects of the Sacrifice that are in this day tendered and so refused will not be vouchsafed nothing then but biting gnawings torments in every part of soule and body Now consider this yee that forget God Psal 50.22 lest he teare you in peeces and there be none to deliver Those that know and beleeve all these forementioned efficacies of the pretious Blood and Sacrifice of Christ they know also this terror of the Lord they are perswaded and recōciled to God in beliefe of the reconciliation God hath wrought in Christ for the world and they in witnessing the same doe perswade and beseech others now in this day of grace to be reconciled to God 2 Cor. 5.10 11 19 20. 6.1.2 in which the comfortable efficacies will be found CHAP. 12. The usefulnesse of this pretious Blood and Sacrifice of Christ known and beleevingly remembred THat we may have the better understanding of this it is also to be understood 1. Of what the Proposition is 2. Of what knowing is here meant 3. Of what faith it is here to be understood 4. What remembrance is here meant And 5. what is meant by usefulnesse that in all wee may conceive according to Scripture sense First for the proposition It is of the pretious Blood and Sacrifice of Christ and that is to be understood both of it selfe primely and of the Doctrine of the Gospel in which it is set forth instrumentally and that as is before shewn concerning 1. The manifold sense in which those tearms are used in Scripture as for his Death His resurnection His Presentation and offering to God The prevalency with God the spirituall application to believers and prevalency in them and the rich love of God and satisfaction to God and conscience and Spirit appearing and streaming there through as is shewn Chap. 2. 2. The ends of this pretious Blood and Sacrifice and that in respect of Christ according to his double Mission into the world and his double businesse in leaving the world and in respect of mankind according to the double misery and enmity against God they were fallen into And in respect of the Church according to the double need she hath of Christ in all of them the ends of the shedding his bloud the end of his offering his sacrifice with the vertue of his bloud to God The ends of the discovery and spirituall application of it to men as is shewn Chap. 3. and 4. 3 The necessity of this pretious Bloud and Sacrifice both of his dying and resurrection and of his presentation and offering it to God and of his spirituall discovery and application to men as is shewn Chap. 5. and enlarged by some consideration of the Law Chap. 6. 4 The excellency and dignity of this pretious Bloud and Sacrifice and that in the Sacrifice it self in respect of the Priest the Sacrifice the Altar In the Declaration in respect of the three Witnesses the Spirit the Water the Bloud In the abundant grace and the great hope appearing therein as is shewn Chap. 7. 5 The vertue operation and prevalencie of this pretious Bloud and Sacrifice of Christ as it was offered to God as is shewn Chap. 8. And as through that prevalency with God mercy is shewn to men as is shewn Chap. 9. And as it is spiritually applyed to the heart of Believers as is shewn Chap. 10. And as it will be laid to the charge of such as have rejected it as is shewn Chap. 11. And all this is to be understood about the pretious Bloud and Sacrifice of Christ and in the Doctrine of Christ and so is the meaning of the Proposition 2 For the knowledge or knowing here meant and of which the Scripture meaneth when it speakes of the knowledge and knowing of Christ
Christian Reader Having fore-written about the extent of the death and sacrifice of Christ That it might be more usefully understood I have here presented to thy view this following Tract desiring that is good may be received And what swarveth from Truth that I may be lovingly informed thereof which I spall heartily accept at the hands of any or if evident truth be faulted shall with meeknesse give answer if I may be permitted And that God may graciously discover to us and leade us into all truth Is the desire of the least of his mercies and servants Tho Moore A DISCOVRSE ABOUT THE PRETIOVS BLOOD AND SACRIFICE OF IESVS CHRIST CHAP. I. The Preface COnsidering how our Saviour when he was about to leave his Disciples whom he so dearly loved left with them by his institution His Supper in which they might spiritually enjoy his presence And then said to them Do this in remembrance of mee Luk. 22.19 And that the Apostle saith That in so doing we shew forth the Lords death till he come 1 Cor. 11.25.26 And likewise That the Apostle affirmeth that as many as are baptized into Christ were baptized into his death Rom. 6.3 so that to be taught and subdued to the acknowledgement and brought into the faith of Christ and unto conformity with him Is to be taught and subdued to the acknowledgement and brought into the faith of the death of Christ and conformed to him in fellowship of his death as that wherein the vertue of his Resurrection is met with Rom. 6.4.8 Gal. 2.20 Phil. 3.2.7.8.9 2 Cor. 4.10.11.12 2 Tim. 2.11 And the Scripture affirmeth of all the Priesthood Sacrifices Atonement and Purifications under the Law That they were but figures types and shadowes of that to be found in Christ He being the body Col. 2.17 And the truth of all typed in the shadowes found in him Heb. 9.9.23 Chap. 10.1 And so that there was more vertue Power and Prevalency with God in Christ his offering himselfe and presenting the vertue of his blood before his Father than in all the offerings of the other Priests Heb. Chap. 10.14 And that there is more Power vertue and prevalency with and in men for purgeing the conscience in the spirituall sprinkling of the vertue of the blood and sacrifice of Christ therein than was in all those shadowing purifications and sprinklings to purifie the flesh Heb 9.12.13.14 Yea those who in being taught of God have experimented the truth hereof call the blood of Christ pretious 1 Pet. 1.19 And have professed in their Preachings not to determine to know any thing among their hearers save Jesus Christ and him crucified 1 Cor. 2.2 And not to glory and rejoyce save in the Crosse of our Lord Jesus Christ Gal. 6.14 It gives me to conceive that a sober reader will be perswaded that there is somthing in the blood death and sacrifice of Christ of infinite vallue and worthy our hartiest and deepest consideration most wiste view best remembrance and choyse acceptation and so I am encouraged to present the same to consideration and for more orderly proceeding to consider 1. What is comprehended in these termes the sufferings Blood Death and Sacrifice of Christ 2. The manifold ends of his suffering Blood Death and Sacrifice as the Scripture distinctly sets them forth 3. The necessity of the sufferings Blood Death and Sacrifice of Christ 4. The Excellency Dignity and worth of this blood and sacrifice 5. The vertue operation and prevalency thereof presented and applyed 6. The usefulnesse of the same knowne and believingly remembred CHAP. II. What is comprehended in these tearmes The Sufferings Blood Death and Sacrifice of Christ IN these together and every of these tearmes in Scripture is ment Somtime fully and almost onely and alwayes inclusively The very suffering of Christ it selfe The shedding of his blood and his death Esa 53.4.5 Surely he hath borne our griefes and carryed our sorrowes He was wounded for our transgressions the chastisement of our peace was upon him Rom. 4.25 He was delivered for our offences 1 Cor. 15.3 Christ dyed for our sins according to the Scripture Gal. 3.13 Being made a curse for us 1 Pet. 3.18 Christ hath once suffered for our sins the just for the unjust 2 Cor. 5.14.15 He dyed for All Heb. 2.9 By the grace of God he tasted death for every man 2. Somtimes together with this former sence of the sufferings the Blood-shed and Death of Christ it selfe is ment Also in the same tearmes of suffering Blood and Death of Christ the vertue and efficacy of this suffering Blood-shed and death of Christ as he is risen from the Dead free and just from all our sins imputed to him and a victor over all our curse and death imposed on him As namely 1. The fulfilling the truth of God in the death of the sinner for so we judge if one dyed for all then are all dead and he dyed for all that they which live should live to him c. 2 Cor. 5.14.15 Gen. 2.17 2. The satisfying Divine Justice in that all have suffered the curse in one publike man being made a curse and having overcome it for them Gal. 3 10-13 with Esa 53.5 and 2 Cor. 5.19.21 3. The satisfying and fulfilling the Law accomplishing a righteousnesse for us that Way may be made for the righteousnesse of the law to be fulfilled in us Gal. 1.4 Rom. 8.3.4 4. The overcoming death and him that had the power of death And so takeing out of the way that which was in the way between God and us contrary to us 2 Tim. 1.10 Heb. 2.14 Col. 2.14 So as in him mercy and truth are met righteousnesse and peace have kissed Psal 85.10 such the vertue of the sufferings blood and death of Jesus Christ being risen from the dead And thus he is said to be risen for our Justification Rom. 4.25 And so is he justified in the roome of all mankind that they are all in him as in the publike person justified Rom. 3.23.24 All have sinned and come short of the glory of God Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus Rom. 5.18 As by the offence of one unto all men to Codemnation even so by the righteousnesse of one to all men to justification of life And he by himselfe purged or made purgation for our sinns and then sate downe c. Heb. 1.3 And so hath taken away our sins by the sacrifice of himselfe Heb. 9.26 Iohn 1.29 1 Iohn 3.5 And through death destroyed him that had the power of death Heb. 2.14 And all this the vertue and efficacy of the death and resurrection of him that is risen from the dead 1 Cor. 15. tot 3. Somtimes together with both the former sences by the suffering blood death and sacrifice of Christ is ment His offering and presenting himselfe in heaven before his Father by and with the vertue of this his suffering blood and death as the price the Ransome
own particular persons they can never over-come and without suffering they can have no remission Heb. 9 22. Now to remedy this misery and take away this enmity in the state and condition of mankind Jesus Christ by the will of God even the will of his Father and his own free-will it being one and the same with the will of his Father hath taken the nature of mankind subjected to infirmities and the cause of mankind upon him and in their stead being made under the Law under which they were fallen hath borne all their sins and suffered all their curse and so dyed for All That all were dead and hath risen again just and free from all their sins imputed to him And a victâ—rer over all their curse and death imposed on him and so ascended and offered up himself to God a spotlesse sacrifice and a ransome to God for all men and God hath accepted it so that for mankind in him mercy and truth are met righteousnesse and peace have kified Psul 85 10. And he is become the propitiation for the sins of the whole world 1 Iohn 2.2 having slaine the enmity Ephes 2.10 Having taken out of the way All that was onely between God and us and so was contrary to us Col 2.14 And so hath given himself aransome for All to God and bought all men of God 1 Tim â— 6. 2 Pet. 2.1 And here is the infinite wisedome and great love of God in finding out this remedy for mankind which from the beginning was in himself hidden in his own Bosome And this he brought to passe so putting all to death in the death of his Son and setting them in heavenly places in him That he might shew forth the riches of his grace Ephes 2.5 6 7. And so war God in Christ reconciling the World to himself not imputing their trespasses to them 2 Cor. 5.14 19. And so hath made a way for himself to shew mercy to whom hee will And opened the doore to life and immortality for mankind 2 Tim. 1.10 And thus hath Iesus Christ by shedding his blood and presenting it to his Father redeemed all men of God and taken the enmity out of their stateand condition and is become their Lord Having wrought redemption and salvation in his own body for them even for all men 1 Tim. 2. 5. Sinners 1 Tim. 1.15 Vngodly and his enemies And that while they were such Roan 5.6 That he might bring them to God 1 Pet. 2.24 and 3.18 And yet unlesse he proceed to do more for men then all this none of them will come into God Iohn 6.44 45. For 2 There is a misery and enmity in the nature of mankind through which he is so averse to God That though the enmity in the state and condition be slain And all that which was between God and Mankind contrary to them taken out of the way Ephes 2.16 Col. 2.14 yet will not mankind come into God but remain sinners and ungodly still foolish disobedient and deceived living to themselves and after their own lusts and so in enmity against God Rom. 3.10 19. Ephes 2.1 2 3. Tit. 3 2 3. And such however ransomed by Christ neither can nor shall enter his Kingdom nor have any inheritance with Christ 1 Cor. 6.9 10. Gal. 15.19 20 21. But if not brought out of this enmity which is as impossible to them to do of themselves as to have ransomed themselves their condemnation will bee more fearfull 2 Thes 1.8 Now to remedy this misery and take this enmity out of the nature of man Jesus Christ ascended to Heaven and with the vertue of that bloud he shed for mankind having offered up himself a spotlesse Sacrifice to God and obtained eternall redemption and received all fulnesse of Power Authority and Spirit as the publike person in the humane nature glorified Act. 2.31.32 Psalm 68.18 Doth send forth of that Spirit in the meanes he useth at one time or other to enlighten and move at the hearts of men Iohn 1.9 To reprove and convince them of the sinfulnesse in themselves the vanity of all their Idols and all righteousnesse of their own working and of the fulnesse of that righteousnesse and life in him Iohn 16.8 9 10. And so calleth them Prov. 8.4.5 6. Isa 45.22 and 55.1 2. That in their turning at his reproofe he may power out his Spirit and make known his words to them Prov. 1.23 That so through him they might believe and be saved Iohn 1.5 7. and 3.7 And though all resist and go out of the way Rom. 3.10 19. And that this is the great condemnation when light comes to love or chuse darknesse rather Iohn 3.19 And he might justly give them all up and be righteous Rom 3.5 6. yet for a time he useth patience and striveth with them Gen. 6.3 That they might repent Rom 2.4 And to some he giveth more abundance of his grace and overcomes them as Bullocks unaccustomed to the yoke Ier. 31.18 20. Isa 30.18 And brings them in to believe Ephes 2.7 8 9 10. Phil 1.29 And these he redeemeth with his precious blood by presenting and applying it close to their heart sprinkling it thereon and discovering such free and infinite riches of grace therethrough that all things else though never so fore-thought of as gainfull appeares to them as losse in comparison of this grace allureing to win Christ and be found in him And soe as we by of our Children from their vanities to their bookes Phil. 3.7 8 9. c. with gifts he buyeth and purchaseth us with his blood from our vaine lusts hopes and conversations and from among men unto God 1 Pet. 1.18.19 Reu. 5.9 And then by the spirituall application of the vertue of his blood purgeth the conscience from dead workes to serve the living God Heb. 9.14 And so in his love washeth us from our sins in his own blood Reu. 1.5 And those whom he hath not onely bought of God as he hath done all men 1 Tim. 2.6 but also purchased them unto God from among men and washed them in his love from their sinns 2 Pet. 2.1 Reu. 5.9 and 1.5 Iohn 13.8 These and these onely are his Church and pecular people Act. 20.28 Ephes 5.27 In whose soule and body he worketh salvation through the application of that salvation which the hath wrought in his own body And in this consideration of the double enmity to God into which man fell and the reâ—â—â—cy in Christ appeares three ends of the Sufferings Blood Death and Sacrifice of Christ namely two ends of the presentation and offering it to God one to take away the enmity that was in the State and condition of mankinde Ephes 2.16 The other to receive spirit to send forth in the declaration of this grace to reconcile men to God that the enmity in there nature might be removed Ephes 2.7 2 Cor. 5.20 and one end of the spirituall presentation and applycation of it to the heart and conscience
the first Testament or the Law A Perfect image made by a curing limmer may clearly present the visage complexion of him whose Image it is though it have no life and so neither see nor breathe c. But a shadow or the first rude draught will not doe so much onely may discover that it is to be of a man or a woman and not of a beast but whether man or woman or whom it sheweth not as the Image finisht in which the shadow passeth doth Now the law had the shadow of good things to come but not the very image of the things they were paterns and figures of heavenly things for the time present but not a full demonstration of them Heb. 10.1 9.9.23 Now then if we call to mind 1. The offering for sin to make Atonement was first slain and after that the blood sprinkled at the Altar and on the Atonement-day before the Mercy-seat and the people afflicted in themselves and blessed by the Priest Lev. 9. 15.22 16. per totum shadowed Jesus delivered to death for our sinnes and presenting himselfe with the vertue of his blood to the Father to make the Atonement obtain redemption for us and his blessing us in sprinkling his blood on our hearts melting and purging the conscience Heb. 1.3 9.12.14.24 10.1 19. The Passover a Lamb without blemish slain and then the blood wth a bunch of hyssop dipt therin sprinkled on the two side-Posts and the upper doore Posts that the striking Angel might passover Exod. 12. And then the flesh roasted with fire eaten Shadowed Jesus Christ the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world John 1.29 Heb. 9.26 His dying for our sins 1 Cor. 15.3.4 And by his Spirit sprinkling the vertue of his blood on the beleeving heart without which no safety Heb 12.24 and our feeding on him by faith without which no eternall life John 6.35.36 so that bloodshed presented to the Lord and applied to such as come to the Sacrifices are all held forth distinctly as distinct and divers works 3. For the people that came to these Sacrifices for whom blood was not onely shed but presented to God and who had the atonement and such reconciliation as was thereby affoorded there was yet provided a water of Purification to cleanse them from defilements when they befell them and the defiled person not cleansed with it might not approach to the holy things without danger of death now it was not enough There was for them a water of purification and it was right nor that it was put in a vessell and running water put thereto unlesse a clean person dip with a branch of Hissop and sprinkle him that is uncleane hee remains unclean and must die by Sprinkling is Cleansing And doth not this shadow out Jesus Christ the fountain of cleansing and Laver of regeneration and purification right with with God yet cleasing none in their own hearts c. without application and spirituall sprinkling Heb 9.13 14. 12 24. Zach. 13.1 Tit. 3.4 5. Ezek. 36.25 Consider and compare the Scriptures and say 1 Did not the red Hyfer slain without the Camp and her flesh burnt Numb 19.2.3.5 Numb 19.2 3 5. shadow out Jesus that knew no sin made sin for us and suffering without the gate and after in the power of the Spirit and fire of his love offering up his whole selfe a Sacrifice to God for us 2 Cor. 5.21 Heb 9.14 10.12 13.12 2. Vers 9. Did not the remainders or ashes of the Heyfer shadow forth the remaining Records Testimonies and vertues of the death and sacrifice of Jesus who died for our sinnes and rose for our justification Vers 4. and presented his sacrifice to God and applieth it to us as was shadowed by the blood sprinkled before the Tabernacle 1 Corinth 15 1-4 Heb 9.12.13.14 And is not this the water of Separation or Purification from uncleannesse Ezek. 36.25 Rev. 1.5 3. Vers 9. Did not the clean Place without the Camp where these ashes were kept for a purification for sin shadow forth the Gospel of Christ or word of grace which J. Christ by his Spirit hath breathed and caused to be written and therein declared and testified and kept as in record the truth and vertue of the blood-shed death and sacrifice of Christ and the offering it to the Father and its prevalency with him and for whom and his tender and application of it and the vertue thereof and in whom Are not all the sayings hereabout plain 1 Cor. 15.1 4. 2 Cor. 3.12.13 1.2 Faithfull 1 Tim. 1.15 True 2 Pet. 1.16 19. And in righteousnesse nothing froward perverse equivocall or wreathed in them Prov. 8.6 7 8 9. 22.20 21. Eccles 12.10 That we may rather take those sayings as they expresse the matter then any other sayings or glosses they are very righteous and faithfull his word is very pute Psal 119.138 The inspiration of the Spirit of truth 2 Tim. 3.16 4. Did not the ashes of the burnt Heyfer of Purification for sinne and running water put thereto in a vessell shadow forth the Word of Grace setting forth the vertue of the death and sacrifice of Christ inspired and put in the hearts of the servants of God 2 Cor. 5.18.19 and his free and rich grace and love appearing therein shed abroad thereby by the holy Ghost in the heart of those whom he hath brought to beleeve in Christ and so united them to him 1 Cor. 1.30 and so filled them with his love that it springs up like love in them that constrains them to declare this grace and beseech others to accept it 2 Cor. 5.14 15.19 1 Pet. 1.21 22. for which cause they are called Stewards and Ministers of this grace 1 Cor. 3.1 2 Cor. 3.3 and said to have this treasure in earthen vessels that the excellency of the power may appeare to be of God and not of them 2 Cor. 4.7 and so are called chosen vessels unto God to beare his name Act. 9.15 5 Did not the clean person taking Hissop dipping it in the water sprinkling the unclean shadow forth Iesus Christ the just who by his own Spirit stirreth this grace in the hearts of his servants and giveth them what to speak 2 Cor. 4.6 5.14 1 Cor 2.12.13 and giveth proof of his own speaking in their ministration 2 Cor. 13.3 Making manifest the savour of his knowledge by them 2 Cor. 2.14 and himselfe by his Spirit turning the heart of men to God Acts 11 21. and weighing his mind in the heart of these so turned to beleeve in him 2 Cor. 3.3 further minding and teaching them that they have heard John 14.26 and taking off the things of Christ and shewing to them John 16.14 and so sprinkling and washing them with this water of purification the vertue of the pretious blood of Christ and his infinite love streaming there-through melting cleansing comforting renewing c Heb.
in all that he doth to us in mercy for his Sonns sake his love and goodnesse appeareth therein Psal 136. And his goodnesse is his glory Exod. 33.18.19 and so 1 His love mercy and goodnesse appeareth in this that by Christ and for his sake the earth and the Inhabitants thereof are upheld the Sunn to shine c. continued mercy shewn c. All witnessing his goodnesse and leading to repentance as is foreshewn and so it is said Psal 19. The heavens declare the glory of God c. And thus all his workes prayse him Psal 145.8.9.10 And thus for Christ his sake his love and glorious goodnesse appeares to all in his workes 2 Yet his love mercy and goodnesse did more specially appeare to Israel in giving them his Oracles his Covenant and Ordinances and though but in Promises Prophesies and Tipes of Christ as then yet to come yet his glory appeared therein and such speciall love as it might then be truly said he had not dealt so with any Nation Rom. 3.2 and 9.4 Psal 147.18 3 But now in this giving and setting forth his Sonn who hath come and dyed for our sins and with the vertue of his own Blood entred the heavens and offered himselfe a Sacrifice to God and received Spirit and sending him forth in the word of Salvation which himselfe wrought and first began to preach and so God speaking to him by his Sonn who is the brightnesse of his glory and the expresse Image of his Person Heb. 1.2.3 and 2.3 The wisdome of God and the power of God yea wisdome righteousnesse sanctification and redemption to them that believe 1 Cor. 1-24 30 In which face of Christ the light of the Knowledge of the glory of God yea his face shineth and is beheld 2 Cor. 4 6. and 3.18 Oh the Infinitnesse of the Breadth Depth length and height of this love of God appearing herein Ephes 3.18.19 In which still the Excellency and Dignity of this Sacrifice appeareth 4 In respect of the great hope this Pretious Blood and Sacrifice giveth and engendereth in all that in believing receive the same as 1 Remission of sinns and acceptance into favour and peace Act. 10.43 Rom. 5.1.2 2 Purgation of Conscience and Sanctification of the whole man Heb. 9.14 3 Seasonable victorie over all enemies and Temptations 1 Iohn 5.4.6 Rom. 16.20 1 Thes 5.24 4 The Holy Spirit to teach guide and conforme to Christ and so bring to the Kingd ome and inheritance Iohn 14.26 and 16.13.14 1 Pet. 1.5 5 And to say all in one word eternall life 2 Pet. 1 23. 1 Iohn 2.25 All which shew forth the Excellency and Dignity of this Pretious Blood and Sacrifice of Christ besides the vertue and power now to be spoke of CHAP. 8. Of the vertue operation and prevalency of this Pretious Blood and Sacrifice of Jesus Christ And first As offered to God THE vertue operation and prevalency of the Blood and Sacrifice of Jesus Christ is very great so as that which was prophesied concerning him is and shall certainly be fulfilled Esa 53. When thou shalt make his Soule an offering for sinn He shall see his seed so great a Generation as none of us can declare He shall prolong his dayes live ever and cause his seede to live for ever with him And the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hands his workes and Judgements acceptable and prosperous He shall see the Travell of his Soule even be the Lord of all and be acknowledged Lord by all By his knowledge shall my righteous Servant justifie many even all that believe on him through his teaching And this is the ground for he shall beare their iniquity therefore will I divide him a portion with the great and he shall divide the spoyle with the strong he shall have the Kingdome and be the judge and give to each their portion and Doome Because he hath powred out his Soule unto Death c. All which is true in Christ who is the truth And in a measure true too and in all that believe on him and shall one day appeare true to all men 1 Iohn 2.8 Phil. 2 7-11 And that the Truth of the vertue Power and Prevalency of this Pretious Blood and Sacrifice of Christ may be rightly and profitably understood and believed by us let us consider what is said thereof by the Spirit of truth in the Scripture or word of Truth concerning the vertue power and Prevalency of this Pretious and Sacrifice of Christ 1. As it was presented and offered to God 2. As grace is therethrough shewn and tendered to men 3. As it is spiritually applied to and worketh in the hearts of those that through grace believe 4. And as he testifieth and exerciseth the power of it upon them that have persisted in obstinacy and refusing to believe In all which its power and prevalency doth appeare and shall by all men be one day confessed 1. As this pretious Blood and Sacrifice was presented offered to God it hath so verily and mightily prevailed with him that he hath obtained and received of the Father the first next and immediat end of his suffering and Sacrifice and also the Father hath filled and fitted him for the second ultimate and utmost end of his suffering and sacrifice In both which the prevalency and effectualnesse thereof with God for men is evident and manifest let be considered The first next and immediat end of the suffering and Sacrifice of Christ was to work a salvation for mankind with God And that himselfe might be the Lord the Saviour and the Judge John 3.17 Rom. 14.9 1 John 4.14 Psal 2 9. And this first end containeth and may be comprehended in these particulars 1. To put or take away sin even the sinne of the world that was in the way between God and mankind out of the way by the sacrifice of himselfe Heb. 9.26 Joh. 1.19 1 Joh. 3.5 as is fore-shewne That so he that was made sinne and a curse for all might himselfe in the room of all be justified as the publick man with such a full and fruitfull justification that all may be so farie justified in him that whosoever of them are by his grace and Spirit brought in believing to be one in and with him shall also in their own particular persons be justified in with and through him Ephes 2.4 10. Joh. 3.15.16 Acts 10.43 And hath not his Blood and Sacrifice offered to God prevailed with God for and effected all this doth not the Spirit in the Scripture affirm plainly and expresly 1 Joh. 3.5 In him is no sin Heb. 1.3 And that when he had by himselfe purged our sin he sat down on the right hand of c. with Heb 11.12 And doth not God affirm him to be the just 1 John 2.1 and the holy one vers 20 and his righteous servant that by his knowledge shall justifie many Isa 53.11 And saith not the Scripture expresly Rom. 3.23.24.25 All have
shall glorifie thy name Thus must all come before him one day and then he shall separate and dispose of them Matth. 25.32 33. 4. Another particular end in this first next immediate end of the suffering and sacrifice of Christ offered to God was That hee might shew forth to men this rich and abundant grace Eph. 2.4.7 And so it was 1. That this full Gospel and therethrough repentance and remission of sinnes might be preached in his name among all Nations Luke 24.46.47 And for this he hath prevailed so as himself came and preached peace Eph. 2.17 And first began to preach the Gospel of this salvation himselfe Heb. 2.3 and then left the commission for preaching the same unto his Apostles and faithfull Disciples that by grace come to be united to him and endued with spirituall gifts John 17 18-21 2 Corinth 5.18.19.20 1 Pet. 2.3 9. And left his charge to preach it to all Nations Mat. 28.19 20. Mark 16.13 2. And also that by his laying down his life in witnessing to the truth of the Gospel he taught and the Fathers acceptance of his sacrifice the truth of the Gospel might bee confirmed for all that heare it that they might beleeve John 18.37 1 Tim. 6.13 And in this also he hath prevailed and so it is said he spake the truth which he heard of God John 8.45 And the Apostles have said They spake the words of truth Acts 26.25 and that with great plainnesse of speech 2 Cor. 3.12 by manifestation of the truth 2 Cor. 4.2.5 for saith Peter 2 Pet. 1.16 We have not followed cunningly devised Fables when we made knowne to you the power and comming of the Lord Jesus Christ but were eye-witnesses of his majesty for he received from the Father honour and glory when c. 3. And also that himself might be the prime motive and example to us for faith and love and walking in both conversation and ministration in patience and meeknesse through sufferings in hope to the death 1 Pet. 2.21 John 13 1-15 And in this also he hath prevailed so as himself points to himselfe for the prime motive and example Joh. 15.12 .20 And the Spirit in the Scripture sets him forth to us for motive and example Col. 3.12 14. and bids us looke to him and consider him Heb. 12 2-7 and follow him Eph. 5.1.2 4. Yea and that he might ratifie the New Testament of pretious promises for all that in the heavenly call are brought in to believe in him that they through the Spirit may wayt for the same through faith Heb. 9.14.15.16 Matth. 26.28 In which also he hath prevailed as Heb. 9.15 sheweth with Gal. 3.15 26. and 5.5 And so the whole Gospel is by the blood and sacrifice of Christ confirmed and sealed for truth 5. That he might also having life in himselfe quicken whom he will and so give eternall life to all that beleeve on him and leave and give up such as will none of his counsell and so persist in refusing to beleeve on him In which also he hath prevailed John 1.17 3.18.19 5.20.28 6.37.40 6. That he may at the last judge all men according to the Gospel which himself first began to preach and then gave his servants to preach And in this also hee prevailed as is evident in that himselfe said John 12.48 He that rejecteth me and receiveth not my words hath one that judgeth him the word that I have spoken the same shal judge him at the last day And his servant by the spirit said Rom. 2.16 In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my Gospel And so it is said of God Acts 17.31 He hath appointed a day wherein he will judge the world in righteousnesse by that man whom hee hath ordained whereof he hath given assurance or offered faith unto all men in that he hath raised him from the dead And so as Rom. 14.9 to this end he both died and rose and revived that he might be the Lord of both dead and living So it is affirmed on that very ground vers 11 12. 2. Cor. 5.10 We must all appear abefore the judgment seat of Christ c. yea and such as come then to be condemned by him that so died for them and offered himselfe a Sacrifice and ransome for them and used mercy and extended meanes to call them to repentance are charged with sinne for that they have not believed John 16.8.9 and that they have troden under foot the Soone of God counted the Blood of the Covenant wherewith they were sanctified an unholy thing and offered despite to the Spirit of grace at least that he called and they refused Heb. 10.29 Prov. 1 24. And this shall be their condemnation light came and they loved darknesse rather Iohn 3.19 They by following lying vanities have forsaken their own mercies Iona 2.8 And lost their own souls Matth. 16.26 And by denying the Lord that bought them brought upon themselves swift destruction 2 Pet 1. and so are rightly called * Jude 12 Frees twice dead And the destuction and torment into which they shall be cast is called the second death Rev. 20 6.14 And thus mightily and verily hath the pretious Blood and Sacrifice of Christ offered to his Father prevailed with God so as indeed Jesus Christ hath thereby put away sin abolished death removed enmity out of the condition of mankind bought all men of God and obtained eternall redemption so as he is become the Lord of all and hath remission of sinnes and life to dispense And through him the earth is upheld for men mercy shewed to and means used towards them to draw them to repentance and faith and they all given of God into his dispose and he hath power and shall raise them all from the dead and judge them all according to the Gospel such as have in beleeving been brought to him and abidden in him in the day of grace hee will sentence to eternall life and such as have through the day of grace persisted in refusing him or departing from him he wil sentence to a second death And that men might have knowledge hereof and faith herein to bring them in to him and confidence to abide in him and bee left excuselesse in their refusall he hath also sealed and confirmed the Gospel for a certain truth in the report of the Propitiation and life on beleeving for all men and the New Testament for beleevers And all this true whether men believe it or no. And so far hath the sacrifice as offered to God prevailed and yet further in his having a fitnesse for that to be after said And in respect of all hitherto said the light shineth in the darknesse but the darknesse comprehendeth it not Iohn 1.5 7. And now to remedy this also that the light may be seen and known through the means used there is yet another end of his Sacrifice offered namely that hee might fit
faith come to him are said to come to the blood and sprinkling Heb. 24. And of the vertue power efficacy and prevalency of this pretious hlood and Sacrifice of Christ in and with beleevers when in their believing it is thus spiritually applied it is that in this consideration wee have to take notice of and it is already in some measure shewn which may be here recalled And so 1. It verily and indeed crucifieth the flesh with the affections and lasts Whence they that beleeve are said to have done it Gal. 5.24 It breeds inward sorrow for and loathing of ones sinfulnesse Zach. 12.10 and takes down pride breeding a low estimate of ones self as the sinner and cursed one for whom Christ was made sin and a curse 2 Cor. 5.21 1 Tim. 1.13.14 and it makes all worldly and Pharisaicall excellencies appeare contemptible Phil. 3. 7 8. and maketh dead to sinne Rom. 6.4.11 and saveth from the pollutions that are in the world through Lust 2 Pet. 1.4 2.20 2. It also verily speaketh and giveth peace yea even the peace of God which passeth understanding and that will keep and guard the heart and mind in Christ Heb. 12.24 Rom. 5.1 2 11. Phil. 4.7 And so freeth from the Law of sinne and death Rom. 7.24.25 8.2 3. It verily redeemeth and purchaseth from among men to God so as iâ— prevailes with the beleever to be the Lords and for the Lord and so makes him of one mind with God and Christ Acts 20.28 Rev. 5.9 1 Cor. 2.16 4. It washeth comforteth and reneweth the heart and all the powers to bee conformable to Jesus Christ Tit. 3.4.5 2 Cor. 3.18 5. It firmeth the heart in confidence in Christ and expectation of his giving in Spirit according to his Promise to teach comfort preserve and guide into all truth Rom. 5.5 10. Gal. 5.5 Rom. 8.32 Gal. 2.20 6. It inflameth with love to God and Christ 1 Pet. 1.8 1 Joh. 4.19 and moveth love to men 2 Cor. 5.14.15.19 and especially to brethren 1 John 4.21 5.1 And in this charity it springs up joy patience c. Gal. 5.22.23 7. It fits and makes ready to beat the reproach of Christ and to suffer for him and his people 1 John 3 16. Rev. 12.11 8. It saves from falling and gets victory in temptations 1 Cor. 15 1-14 9. It preserves from vain glory and makes fruitfull in good words and works to glorifie Christ Phil. 2.1.3 and 1.20.21 John 15. 10. It breeds humble and great boldnesse to approach to the throne of Grace and have accesse to God Heb. 4.16 10.19 1 John 2.1.2 Rom. 5.2 Eph. 2.16 11. It fits the heart for a sweet humble and profitable receit of spirituall visits and entercourses of love and a profitable use in venting them seasonably 1 Tim. 1.13 16. 2 Cor. 4.7 13 12.1 10. 12. It leads to a holy use of all Gods Ordinances Creatures and dealings with us Heb. 10 12-24 1 Tim. 4.4.5 Rom. 8 32-36 13. It prepares to enter through sufferings into glory and sealeth to the same 2 Tim. 2.11 12. 2 Cor. 1.5 Rev. 14.15 And these and such like are the efficacies of the spirituall application of the pretious Blood and Sacrifice of Christ which efficacies are in beleevers and in none else what ever appearances any frame to themselves CHAP. 11. 4. Of the vertue and operation of this pretious Blood and Sacrifice of Christ upon them that have perished in Obstinacy and refusing to beleeve JEsus Christ is the Son of God and shall see of the travell of his soule and so the fruit of his pretious Blood and Sacrifice even upon them that would none of him The Lord Jehovah having in acceptation of his sacrifice given over all into his hands and set his delight on him so as all shall submit and those that will not willingly shall yet be subdued to acknowledge him Lord to the glory of God when also the vertue of his Blood and Sacrifice shall reflect on them like the heat of the Sunne on sore eyes to afflict them So as all his enemies shal be found liers and made his footstool Isai 53.11 12. Phil. 2.10 11. Deut. 33.29 Psal 110.1 And this may be evidenced 1. By the greatnesse of the grace that was procured for them by this pretious Blood and Sacrifice of Christ and received for them into his hands to dispense as remission of sins justification eternall redemption and life Rom. 3.24 5.18 1 Ioh. 5.10 11. And that so verily that in refusing they are by the Spirit that discovered grace through the vertue of this Sacrifice said Iona 2.8 to forsake their own mercies Ma. 16.26 to lose their own souls 2 Pet. 2.1 to bring upon themselves swift destruction It was great grace at first to make man in the Image of God and a world of creatures for him and to put him in Paradice and to give him a tree of Life c and to depart herefrom and sin against it a great transgression But man fallen to worke redemption for him in such a way and therethrough to extend mercy and meanes to win him in to partake of it was much greater grace and so greater transgression to turn from it and abuse the same and refuse the offers of it These are the ungodly indeed in a high degree 2 Pet. 2.1 Iude 4.5 2 By the greatnes of the wrath this sin provoketh fire it kindleth It did deserve death and provoke wrath when man first sinned fell from God but that wrath God executed on his Son in our nature and herein dying for our sinnes and rising for our justification and offering himselfe a Sacrifice to God for us hath put away sinne and abolished death and satisfied justice and so hath appeased that wrath and quenched that fire 2 Cor. 5 19.21 Iohn 1.29 Heb. 1.3 9.26 1 John 3.5 2 Tim. 1.10 Col. 2.14 1 John 2.2 It doth deserve death and provoke wrath and kindle a fire in judgments on men that by the mercies means by vertue of the Sacrifice of Christ procured for extended to them men do not seek God by repentance faith come in to him to live to him but still go on after their own lusts chosing their own wayes and living to themselves notwithstanding all his goodnesse extended through Christ to them to lead them to repentance Act. 14.17 17 26-31 Rom. 2.4 5. But this wrath is appeaseable and this fire quenchable And for such as in the day of their visitation when Spirit comes forth in the meanes doe receive his reproofes and obey his call and are prevailed with to belief of his Testimony repentance of their evils and faith in his goodnesse and sabmission to him to live to him to such this wrath also is appeased and fire quenching and will be altogether Acts 10.43 Rom 3.25 5.1 2. Isai 54 1-10 in due season But when God and Christ by his Spirit in the means used and through
Death in sinne and a Death in punishments and torments due to sinnings against the grace of God manifested in the Creation And had there been no remedy or prevention this death and punishment would have been eternall for men in particular suffering it could never have overcome it to get out of it only by reason of Gods preventing mercy in keepeing man from cating of that Tree of life of which if he had eaten his Body had been immortall and so capeable of eternall sufferings He should suffer eternally in his soalc And his body with the sting and povson of sinn and curse should be alwayes suffering till it turned to rottennesse and so to dust againe and this is the first death which came on all men at first Gen. 2.17 and 3.19 And this Jesus Christ hath in dying for our sinnes and riseing for our Justification as the publike person overcome 2 Tim. 1.10 and obtained of his Father power to ease men in this life of so much paines of this mortalilty as he pleaseth and to raise them all from this first Death at the last 1 Cor. 15.21.22 2 The Death or punishments on men for sinning against the grace of redemption in hardening themselves against the Patience and bounty of God and meanes through Christ procured to leade them to repentance and so for their turning herefrom and going after their own wayes are afflictions and troubles on soule and body name and estate having some mixtures of mâ—rcy and being to hide pride from man and force them to repentance c. Leuit. 26. Deut. 28. Iob 33. And these are called wrath Judgements punishments corrections out of which yet there is a way and meane of escape Iob 33. Heb. 1.12 Esa 27.4.5 3 But the Death and torment for these that have persisted in in resisting the spirit in the meanes and refusing this life in Christ and to have him raigne over them till they be given over to satan is more terrible and is eternall on soule and body raised and made immortad and so capeable of eternall suffering And this is called the second death Hell fire The lake of fire unquenchable fire and even that which was at first prepared for the Divell and his Angels into which all these shall goe who by their wilfull persisting in rebellion against the truth and walking in lyes and murthers become of the wicked one the Children of the Divell and the seed of the Serpent And so shall share of the same punishment 1 Iohn 3.12 Iohn 8.41.44 Mat. 25.41 onely in the sting and tormenting worme that never dyeth but alwayes tormenteth there is now this more to these miserable men then to the Divels The remembrance of a Remedy since their first fall which they have refused which will torment exceedingly but that cannot be in the Divels torment 6 And yet there is one thing more in which appeareth the effectualnesse of the Blood and Sacrifice of Christ on these rebellious refusers and that proveth the appearance of the same to be in all these 5. forementioned poynts And that is the judgement and condemnation of these Rebe's in that 1 The Lord Jesus Christ that shed his Blood and offered this Sacrifice shall even by vertue thereof be their Judge even he that dyed and rose and revived for them to be their Lord Rom. 1.4 9.12 he that bought them 2 Pet. 2.1 even he shall be their Judge and they shall appeare before his judgement sear 2 Cor. 5.10 yea even because he dyed for them God hath exalted him and they shall come before him to acknowledge him Lord by whom they might have been saved and shall be judged righteously Phil. 2.10.11 Esa 45.23 And of this God hath given assurance and offered faith to all men in that he raised him from the Dead Act. 17.31 And this is one efficacy of his Sacrifice on such as refused him in whom they might have enjoyed the comfortable efficacies that they shall acknowledge him Lord and be judged by him Rom. 2.16 2 Tim. 4.1 And they shall yeeld it right it should be so 2 That which shall be layd to their charge in this Judgement and that by which their sinnes shall be evidenced and agravated against them their sinnes that will be layd to their charge will be their ignorance of God and not obeying his Gospel 2 Thes 2.8 Their unbeliefe with all the fruits thereof Iohn 16.8.9.10 Their Impenitency and not profiting by but hardening their hearts against the meanes by the Sacrifice of Christ procured and extended to leade them to repentance Rom. 2.4.5 Their evill thoughts and hard speeches of him and his goodnesse in his word wayes people Iude 15. and so for every Idle word and all their Idolatries and unmercifulnesse and ungodly deeds which through their disobedience to his goodnesse they have runn into Iude 15. Mat. 12.36 yea every secret thing shall then be manifest That by which the vilenesse of their sinnes and justnesse of their Judgement shall be evidenced will be the put chase Christ hath made for them and they denyed him that so dearly bought them 2 Pet. 2.1 The mercy extended to them against which they hardened themselves Rom. 2.5 And all the meanes yea even the Gospel sent to move them to seeke the Lord Mat. 11 16-24 yea the very blood and Sacrifice of Christ by which all the residue was procured for them which they have contemned Heb. 10.29 yea and the Spirit of grace with all his spirituall hints of light motions reproofs and allurements which they have despised Heb. 10.29 Prov. 1.24.25 c. All which will then appear as aggravations of their sinne and judgement and this is another efficacy of the blood and Sacrifice of Christ on such as have refused him that when the day of grace is past it will occasion the evidencing and aggravation of their sin and judgement 3. The order rule law or medium by and according to which the judgement shall proceed and that is the Gospel in which Christ had before been set forth a saviour for them the propitiation for their sinnes and full of Spirit to send forth and so inviting them to repentance and faith with assurance of renovation remission and life on believing and warning that the issue of all other wayes would be death This Gospel as it is the word which Christ and his Apostles spake so such is the truth and verity of it that even the rejectors thereof it shall judge and hee shall judge them by and according to it Joh. 12.47.48 49. Rom. 2.16 And this is another efficacie of the pretious Blood and Sacrifice of Christ on such as have rebelliously refused it that by the declaration or word thereof and according to that declaration shall be the judgment Rom. 1.1.18.20 10.18 John 15.22 4. That which shall convince of sin and set home the sentence of sinne and of judgement to the heart and so kindle the fire that never shall be quenched is even the same Spirit
understanding made uselesse or distracted So that this knowledge or knowing here meant is not such as slaies or makes the other altogether uselesse As for that doting upon naturall or artificiall knowledge the humane wisdome or the wisdome of the Rabbies and Prince of this world by which many so magnifie it as the only or necessary or at least the best mean to find out and discover the things of God It is a grosse and Idolatrous conceit and God hath executed judgment on that Idoll and stained the pride of that glory and so will do still in that the wisdome of God is hidden from them Matth. 11.25 Luke 10.21 and they know it not 1 Cor. 2.7 8 14. And few of them are called to it 1 Cor. 1.26 And those that are have their former wisdome befooled and they abased in the acknowledgment of the vanity of it before they receive the spirituall wisdome 1 Cor. 1.19 20. And the truth is this magnifying of humane wisdome and knowledge is the very enmity of Christ and the very Spirit of Antichrist Mat. 15.4.9 2 Thes 2.4 that moves to the building of Babell to Idolatry or Superstition to be as God in the Temple of God to appoint Doctrines Lawes Officers and to persecute the Truth and the Children of the Truth As for that saying that this naturall and artificiall knowledge this humane learning and wisdome is an Handmaid to Divinity Though this be but the Doctrine of men and no where affirmed in the Word of God yet if it be rightly understood it might by collection appear agreeable thereto for if it should be meant an handmaid or help to find out and attain Divinity that were rather to be a Mother then a handmaid and this is before proved false And if any object in men sanctified it may that is also false Job 11.7 8 9. Prov. 30.2 3 4. He that hath seeing eyes will not be befooled to take a candle to find out the Sun And again if by handmaid should be meant a guide and help to limit order and better the teaching of the Spirit the divine light knowledge and motions of grace that they may be more profitable and effectuall this is rather to be a Mistâ—is then a Handmaid and if suffered in this it would soone corrupt from the simplicity of Christ Prov. 30.22 23. And against this the Apostle hath protested 1 Cor. 2.1 4 5. But if by a handmaid bee meant a handmaid indeed that which is taken of its Throne and submitted to Divinity even to the Divine Spirit and grace of Christ to use as a Servant according to its pleasure and divine wisdome and motion for translating etymologizing and discanting on words for analyzing places comparing places using Similies c. Then if keeping the servants place is usefull as grace leads to the use of it And in this sence I conceive some godly men have used this saying and where it is so used it may be included in this saying Psalm 103. Blesse the Lord O my soule and all that is within me blesse his holy Name 4 But the knowledge or knowing here meant is supernaturall spirituall and divine and that appeares in three things that are together in this knowledge though distinct yet never separate in this knowledge or knowing First that the Giver or Teacher of this knowledge is the holy Spirit even God in Christ and the Spirit proceedin from both Prov. 2.6 For the Lord giveth wisdome and out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding Isa 48.17 I am the Lord thy God which teacheth thee to profit Isa 54.13 All my children shall be taught of the Lord Iohn 16.23 When the Spirit of Truth is come he will guide you into all Truth and this is in a heavenly manner as the Scripture shewes 1 By a divine not bodily but spirituall light shine or revelation in unbaring or manifesting to the soul or mind the things of Christ Heb. 10.32 In which after yee were illuminated 2 Cor. 4.6 hath shined in our hearts the light of the knowledge of the glory of God Math 16.17 Flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee but my Father which is in heaven 1 Cor. 2.10 God hath revealed to us by his Spirit 2. By a divine infusion or inspiration to the heart of a Spirituall streame motion or evidence and perswasion of the truth and goodnesse of that of Christ discovered Isai 44.3 I will powre my Spirit upon thy seed Job 32.8 The inspiration of the Almigty giveth them understanding Isai 30.21 Thine eares shall heare a word behind thee saying This is the way Isai 50.4 The Lord hath given mee the tongue of the learned saith Christ that I should know how to speak a word in season Isai 52.6 They shal know in that day that I am he that doe speak behold it is I. 3. By a Divine power or Spirituall strength so as he causeth the blind to see and the deafe to heare Isai 29.18 and openeth the heart to attend Act. 16.14 whence he is called The finger of the Lord c. Mat. 12.28 Such is the Teacher and teaching by which this knowledge is attained Secondly the Object of this knowledge That which the holy spirit teacheth and glorifieth in teaching is Christ and the things of Christ as the verity ends necessity excellency and vertue of Christ and his pretious Blood and Sacrifice the infinitenesse and freenesse of Gods love appearing therethrough and the promises and hope given therein yea Christ the wisdome of God and the power of God and wisdome c. to us 1 Cor. 1.24.30 John 16.14 He shall glorifie me for he shall take of mine and shall shew unto you John 15.26 he shall testifie of me John 14.26 hee shall teach you all things and bring all things to your remembrance whatsoever I have said unto you And so 2 Cor. 3.18 4.6 Thirdly the manner of knowing is likewise spirituall and that is both 1. By that new light disposition and spirit he hath put in the heart which is as a new and spiritual eye to see spirituall things which is not by a humane discourse collecting one thing from another judging to know unseen causes from some seen and sensible effects like humane wisdome and the spirit of the world but spirituall discerning in the very light and of the very evidence of the Spirit 1 Cor. 2.12.16 so as they may prove the effects sound from their knowledge of the cause 1 John 4.19 So John 1.14 We beheld his glory the glory of the onely begotten of the Father full of grace and truth Psal 36.9 In thy light we shall see light And in this as no mans humane wisdome and learning doth further his discerning so no mans ignorance or want thereof shall hinder Psal 119.130 The entrance of thy word giveth light and giveth understanding to the simple Matth. 11.25 Thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent and hast tevealed them unto Babes 1 John 5.20 we
us to himself that we may be with him and raign with him for ever John 14 1 2 3. 2 Cor. 4.16 17 18. and 5.1 6. Tit. 2 11 13. Heb. 11.26 Secondly for the Believer in respect of others this believing-remembrance of the vertuous Sacrifice and mediation of Christ is very usefull and profitable and that in three respects 1 In respect of a right view and estimate of them 2 In respect of a right demeanour in word and conversation toward them 3. In respect of a right confidence concerning them 1. In respect of a right view and estimate of them the beleeving-remembrance of the death sacrifice and mediation of Christ leads and moves the judgement and mind of the believer 2. To esteem all that are onely naturall men as those for whom Christ hath died and given himselfe a ransome and bought them and is the propitiation for their sinnes and mediator between God and them 2 Cor. 5.14 Heb. 2.9 1 Tim. 2 5.6 1 John 2.2 2 Pet. 21 2. And in this respect to be loved pitied prayed for and to have the Gospel declared to them and to be served for their good 2 Cor. 5.11.14 15 20. 1 Tim. 1.15 to ch 2.1 6. Rom. 1.14 15.16 1 Cor. 9.18 23. 10.33 And so to afford them all that honor and respect of the place the disposing hand of such a redeemer hath put them in 1 Pet. 2 16-19 1 Tim. 6.1 2. To esteem all that are not onely so ransomed but by the gracious providence of our redeemer put in our charge and tuition as the price of his blood graciously given and committed to us by our Lord to be brought up for him and nurtured in the knowledge and feare of him the Lord of us both Gen. 18.19 33.5 Ephes 6.4.9 Job 13.14 3. To esteem all that are through grace brought in to beleeve in Christ as the Sons and Daughters of God Brethren and Members of Christ and of us the House of God whose we are and to whom we belong fit objects for speciall love and fellowship so as Christ may be loved and served in them and they with special love and service for Christ his sake John 1.12 13. Rom. 9.26 Eph. 2.19 20. Heb. 1.6 Eph. 5.30 1 Cor. 12.12 13. c. 4. To esteeme all of these called ones that are not onely redeemed of God by blood-shedding but unto God by his precious Blood spiritually applied Rev. 5.9 1 Pet. 1.18.19 as we have been in any sort instruments by whom God hath called them 2 Thess 2.13.17 or are by his grace and providence both led to some speciall charge and oversight of them 1 Pet 5.1.2 so as to those we are more peculiarly related for more abundant care and service for them Act. 20.28 5. To esteem those who after light and knowledge of the truth have resisted it and departed from it turning the grace of God into lasciviousnesse and opposing the power of godlinesse persisting herein till given up of God as ungodly reprobate and the feed of the Serpent to be contended with turned from and ceased praying for Jer. 6 6.16-30 Iude 4. 19. 2 Tim. 3.5 1 Iohn 5.16 Secondly in respect of a right demeanour in word and conversation 1. For words it will mind us of right and true Gospel and right words which we need not cloak curtaile or equivocate in delivery nor be ashamed of but speak with boldnesse and plainnesse Col. 1.13 Prov. 8.5 6 7. 2 Cor. 3.18 4.1 2. Rom. 1.16 2 Cor. 3.12 having that in them which is true and meet to be spoken to every man Prov. 22.18 21. to reprove and confute all false doctrines wayes and hopes 2 Cor. 10.4 5 6. to instruct in the doctrine and way of Christ Rom. 1.16.17 to presse to convincement Tit. 2.15 to comfort the convinced to allure to good thoughts of God in Christ so to beleeve 1 Tim. 1.15.16.17 to encourage to abiding in the faith Heb. 3 1-6 to exhort and provoke to love and good works Tit. 3.8 to set forth the peculiar priviledges of such as in beleeving are made one in Christ Rom. 8.2 15 26 33. to encourage them to constancy in their holy profession and fellowship Heb. 10 1.19-25 And so to season all our words with grace that they may savour of and administer grace to others Eph. 4.20 30. Col. 4.6 2 Tim. 3.15.16 2 For conversation it will mind to bee putting on bowels of mercy kindnesse humblenesse of mind meeknesse long-suffering forbearing and forgiving c. Col. 3.12 to blesse them that curse us c. Matth. 5.44.45 to walk in wisdome and blamelesse towards them that are without Col. 4.5 Phil. 2.15 And faithfully and fruitfully among the brethren Iohn 15.1 10. and so to pray for good for all 1 Tim. 2.3 4. and peculiar good for beleevers Phil. 1.8.9 10. 3. For confidence it will mind of that which will make confident in him to vouchsafe his presence by Spirit so farr as to manifest the savour of his knowledge to others by us for allurement or convincement 2 Cor. 2.14.17 and so confirm his words spoke by us that even the rejectors shall one day confesse the truth thereof and be iudged thereby Isai 44.25.26 Phil. 2 10 11. Iohn 12.48 Rom. 2.16 and such as receive them shall have a proofe of his owne gracious presence and speaking there through Matth. 10.40 2 Corinth 13.3 so as wee shall bee fruitfull 2 Pet. 1.8.9 And to conclude the beleeving remembrance of the Death Sacrifice Ransome and Mediation of Christ is usefull for the receit of all mercies chastisements use of ordinances and creatures with purity comfort and profit Rom. 14.14 1 Tim. 4.4.5 Tit. 1.15 And thus in viewing what the Gospel saith of the precious Blood Death and Sacrifice of Christ in the sense of the words the ends the necessity the excellency and dignity the vertue operation and prevalency with the afefulnesse of the knowledge and beleeving remembrance thereof we may see that there was so great and good cause for the same to bee made knowne believed and remembred and such a fulnesse in it that we need not wonder at it That the Apostles should determine to know nothing else in their ministration as 1 Corinth 2.2 save Jesus Christ and him crucified and that they would glory in nothing else Gal. 6.14 save the Crosse of Christ and that they should bee so diligent to put believers in remembrance of these things And our Saviour appointed the Word preached Baptisme and the Supper of the Lord for the remembrance of these things seeing these things rightly understood containe all things necefull to eternall life CHAP. 15. Observations from this whole Discourse in all the fourteen Chapters and now for a litte further enlarging the usefulnesse note these confirmations 1. THat the doctrine of the Gospel setting forth Jesus Christ Observ 1. Act. 10.36 1 Tim. 2.4.5.6 1 Ioh. 5.10.11 12. 1 Cor. 1.30 Psa 68.18 Ioh. 16 7-15 Mat 28.18 Prov.