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
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
sinned and come short of the glorie of God being justified freely through his grace through the redemption that is in Jesus Christ which God nath set forth to be the propitiation through faith in his blood for the remission of sinnes And Rom. 5.18 As by the offence of one unto all men to condemnation even so by the righteousnesse of one unto all to justification of life And then it followes as the fruit of this vers 19. For as by the disobedience of one many were made sinners so by the obedience of one many shall be made righteous so is he justified so hath he by sacrifice prevailed 2. To remove stay and take away the enmity that by reason of sin death entred the dominion of the law was between God and man in the very way and in the state and condition of mankind standing as a partition Iron Bar to keep God from shewing mercy to men and men from any passage of coming in to God The removing of this was one end of the suffering and sacrifice of Christ as also the enmity occasioned between Jewes and Gentiles by the Law of Ordinances in rites and sacrifices and so to make peace And so it is expresly said of his sufferings and sacrifice Isai 53.5 The chastisement of our peace was upon him and 2 Cor. 5.19 God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself And of his prevalency for this with God for men doth not the Spirit in the Scripture affirm Psal 85.10 Mercy and truth are met righteousnesse and peace have kissed and that he Col. 1.20 hath made peace through the blood of his crosse and Eph. 2 13-16 Now in Christ Jesus yee who sometimes were farre off are made nigh by the blood of Christ for hee is our peace who hath made both those mentioned verse 1 2 3 one and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us having abolished in his flesh the Law of Commandements in ordinances for to make in himselfe of twain one new man so making peace And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the crosse having slain the enmity thereby or in himself And this preceding peace-preaching and yee are become dead to the Law by the body of Christ Rom. 7.4 who hath abolished death 2 Tim. 1.10 and taken out of the way all that was contrary to us Col. 2.14 and so is affirmed to be 1 John 2.2 the Propitiation for our sinnes and not for ours onely but also for the sinnes of the whole world such his prevalency with God 3. To redeem and buy all of God that they might not perish its that necessity of perishing into which they had sold themselves nor be judged to eternall death by and according to that Law under which they were fallen nor carried away by the Divell as their rightfull Lord by vertue of his first conquest over mankind But that they all might be released and given over to his own dispose and so he be the Lord of all as it is said Rom. 14.9 For to this end Christ both died and rose and revived that he might be the Lord both of the dead and living And so effectuall was his sacrifice and such the prevalency of it with God for men in this respect that he is affirmed to have bought even those that deny him 2 Pet. 2.1 And on this ground it is said whether we live therefore or die we are the Lords Rom. 14.8 And he is Lord of all Acts 10.36 Yea God hath made this same Jesus both Lord and Christ Acts 2.36 And in this particular end many particular ends as branches thereof are included for which also he hath prevailed As to instance some 1. That he might uphold and preserve the earth and the inhabitants thereof and the heavens for them till the end come In which he hath prevailed and so it is said Psal 75.3 The earth and all the inhabitants thereof are dissolved I beare up the pillars of it Col. 1.17 And by him all things consist And Heb. 1.3 He upholdeth all things by the word of his power when he had by himselfe purrged our sinnes c. 2. That he might for the time of this naturall and dying life remove and take off from men so much of that sorrow weaknesse pains and cursed terrors which the falling into sinne did necessitate to be on men as in his love and wisdome hee sees fit And in this also he hath prevailed and so it is said Acts 17.28 In him wee live and move and have our being Psal 145.8 The Lord is gracious and full of compassion slow to anger great in mercie The Lord is good to all and his tender mercies are over all his works vers 9. 3 That he might exercise patience shew mercy and use such means as he pleaseth to move and lead men to repentance and seeking after him and submission to him and in this also hee hath prevailed and so it is said John 1.4.5 In him was life and the life was the light of men and the light shineth in darknesse 2 Pet. 3.9 The Lord is patient and longsuffering to us-ward not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance Rom. 2.4 The goodnesse of God leadeth thee to repentance Acts 14.17 17.26.27 that they should seek the Lord and live to him Rom. 14.7.8 2 Cor. 5.14.15 4. That he may rule over all and dispose of their wayes conditions and trials c. And in this also he hath prevailed and so the Father in approbation of his Sacrifice said Ask of me and I shall give thee the Heathen for thine inheritance and the utmost parts of the earth for thy possession c. Psal 2.8.9 And himself saith All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth c. Matth. 28.18 And the Spirit in the Scripture saith Psal 66.7 He ruleth by his power for ever Psal 103.19 And his Kingdome ruleth over all 5. That after the end of this life he may raise all men from the first death and make them alive and set them before him that they may bow to him and acknowledge him Lord to the glory of God And in this also he hath prevailed and so the Spirit in the Scripture saith 1 Cor. 15.21.22 since by man death by man also the resurrection from the dead For as in Adam all die so in Christ shall all be made alive And himselfe saith Joh. 12.32 And I if I be lifted up from the earth will draw all men unto me And even because of his obedience in suffering it is said Phil. 2.9.10.11 wherefore God also hath highly exalted and given him a name which is above every name that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow c. And that every tongue shall confesse that Jesus is the Lord to the glory of God And so David confessed and prophesied Psal 86.9 All nations whom thou hast made shal come and worship before thee O Lord and
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.
8. Heb. 5 9. Rom. 14.2.12 as now he hath come in the flesh and died for our sinnes and is risen for our justification Rom. 1. Heb. 9. and having offered up his own selfe a Sacrifice to God for us is received and exalted at Gods right hand having obtained eternall redemption and so is become the Lord of all the propitation for the sins of the world the Mediator between God and Men Wisdome Righteousnesse Sanctification and Redemption and life in him for all And hee all this for and to all that by the heavenly call beleeve on him and for them the Mediator of the new Testament that they may receive the promises being immeasurably filled with the holy Spirit to send forth to men even the rebellious that the Lord God might dwell among them and to such as are brought in to him to lead them into all truth having all power and authority to call all the sonnes of men that they might look and live to him to absolve and bring to eternall life all that obey his call and to judge and condemne all that persist refusing and will none of him This Doctrine as it is now declared in the Gospel it is the onely necessary doctrine to be taught known beleeved and walked in and it is a full sufficient and compleat Doctrine or Law and needeth no other doctrine to be added to it either to goe before or follow after or be joyned with it 1 Cor. 2 1-4 Gal. 1.7 8 9. 1. Either to convince the world of sinne or righteousnesse or judgement and to empty a man of himselfe John 16.7 11. Phil. 3 3-8 2. Or to call to Christ and so to repentance and faith and there through to receit of remission of sinnes renewing and life in Christ 2 Thess 2.14 3. Or to encourage beleevers to abide in the faith John 15 1-10 Col. 1 5-23 4. Or to direct and lead Beleevers to sanctification and conformity with Christ in heart and life 2 Cor. 3.3.18 Tit. 2.10.11.12.14 5. Or for Beleevers exercise to preserve and edifie themselves and one another in the faith and love of God in Christ and in the love of one another through all sufferings and services of love till they come to the Inheritance John 15.4 7 8. 1 John 2.24 25. Jude 20. 6. Or to oppose all sins and adversaries and all false Doctrines wayes and hopes withall 2 Cor 6.4 7. and 10.4.5 6. Ephes 6.17 Yea this Doctrine of the Gospell as it now sets forth Christ and life in him is a compleat full and sufficient Doctrine for all this without addition And for better understanding the sufficiency of the Gospell this is to be heeded That the life in Christ the Redemption compleated in his own body for men the redemption in the Declaration thereof tendered to be wrought in men by his Spirit in application of that in himself wrought in such as believe on him ever from the beginning was now is and ever will bee one and the same 1 Iohn 1.4 5 9 12. 1 Iohn 1.1 2 3. Heb 13.8 But the fulnesse and cleernesse of the Doctrinall Declaration and Dispensation as well as of the spirituall communication of Christ and the life in him hath had its diversity of Degrees 1 There was some discovery of this life even of the redemption wrought by Christ in himself for men and the power in him to make it known and tender it to men and give it into believing men even at first And that then declared was Gospell even the same though not so full and cleere as the word of the beginning of Christ now as appears by comparing Gen. 3.15 with Iohn 1.4 1 Iohn 1 1-3 and 3 5-8 2 After some time God was pleased to give a more full discovery of Christ and this life in him in opening to and making with Abraham an everlasting Covenant to assure all the spirituall Seed of this life in Christ and the priviledges thereof by a sure and unalterable Covenant Gen. 17. which was not another but the same Gospell more full come forth and the same that now is though now more open and cleer Gal 3.8 16 28 29. Yet till Christ was actually come God saw it needfull to adde stil something for the nurture and guidance of his people that they might estimate seek and lay hold of Christ and this life in him which still they were apt to sleight and neglect and ready either to extenuate their evils or to magnifie some wisdome and righteousnesse of their own wherefore God gave them a Testament or Law by Moses his servant one part whereof pointing out the righteousnesse due from man to God thereby to discover their sinfulnesse and make them say Amen to the Curse And the other part to type and shadow out Christ that they might in observation therof look and wait for all grace through him that was co come And this Law or Testament was not the everlasting Covenant It was not the Gospell preached to Abraham but a Law added because of transgression till the Seed should come and so long was the teaching and pressing of this Law needfull and usefull as subservient to the Gospell c. Gal. 3.19 to drive to Christ 3 But when the fulnesse of time was come God sent forth his Son made of a woman c. Gal. 4.1 4. And hee being come in the flesh and having suffered and being in our nature exalted at the right hand of God he hath given a new Testament which is a first fruits of the everlasting Covenant and the blessing of the Gospell for the nurture of his people and so the old Testament decayed and passed 2 Cor. 3.11 Heb. 8.13 Gal. 3.24 25. And thus though it was the same grace and life in Christ yet in respect of this full and cleer dispensation that is now by the Gospel it was hid in God and not so made known as now since Christ came it was to his holy Apostles and Prophets by the Spirit and by them in the Gospel in which the same Spirit still teacheth Eph. 3 2-9 Col. 1.26 1 John 1.2 3 4. And so of the Gospel as now declared is the Affirmation in the Observation to be understood namely That the Doctrine of the Gospel is the onely necessary and full sufficient and compleat Doctrine to be taught known believed and walked in c. And this doth yet further appear in that 1 This Gospell is that Doctrine which God gave Jesus Christ to preach and sent him and filled him with Spirit to preach and he preached it Iohn 12 49 50 and 17.8 18. with Isa 4.2.1 and 61.1 2. Luke 4.18 Mark 1.14 2 This Gospel is that Doctrine which Jesus Christ hath given to his servants to preach and sent them into the world and endued them with spirit to preach and given them in charge to preach it Iohn 17.8 18. and 15.26 27. 1 Iohn 1.1 2 3 7. 2 Cor. 5.18 19. 3 This Gospell is that
9.13.14 12.24 Rev. 1.5 Ezek. 36.25 without which a man notwithstanding all the former remains unclean still In all this also is shadowed the severall distinct ends of the death and sacrifice of Christ as presented to God and as applied to men Fourthly the Israelites needing and having in their travels the Cloud as the testimony of Gods presence to guide them and his mighty arm to lead them uphold and defend them and Manna from heaven and water out of the Rock to sustain and refresh them Exod. 13.21 22. 15.2.12 16.17 shadowed forth our need of and Christ his gracious vouchsafing to be our Advocate by vertue of his sacrifice at his Fathers right hand from thence sending forth his holy Spirit to continue his presence with us and give in his promises and so to teach guide comfort and strengthen us against temptations and to goe through all sufferings in alll services of love c. 1 Iohn 2.1 2. Heb. 9.14.15 Iohn 14.14.26 15.26 16.14 And so in this digressiu to see how things were shadowed we may view the ends of Christs sacrifice fore-mentioned as also that which followes to be said CHAP. V. The necessity of the Sufferings Blood Death and Sacrifice of Christ It is shewn in that already said FIrst for Christ his shedding of his bloud and dying for us it was altogether necessary for Heb. 9.22 without shedding of blood is no remission of sinnes The truth of God makes a necessity for the sinner to die and without the death of the sinner cannot be fulfilled Gen. 2.17 Ezek. 18.20 The justice of God makes a necessity for the sinner to suffer the curse and without the sinner doe suffer the curse cannot be satisfied Deut. 27 15-26 Gal. 3.10 And as nothing without shedding of blood death can fulfill truth and satisfie justice so no blood and death but the blood and death of Man the very nature that sinned can satisfie Heb. 9.9 10.4 And if particular men should suffer this curse and death in their own persons they could never overcome but must perish in that suffering for ever and so can neither suffer for themselves nor for another to procure a way for remission of sinns Psal 49.7 8. neither indeed to make satisfaction for others will the Blood and Death of any man serve unlesse the same be a just and an innocent man that hath no sin of his own to satisfie for Heb. 9.26.27 Yea even the blood of a just man unlesse he be as the first Adam before his fall a publike man Rom. 5.12 And made as all men by the fall became under the law Gal. 4.4 yea unlesse this man be also the Sonne of God even God-man it will not be sufficient Heb. 10 5-10 Mat. 1.21.23 And this man God-man even Iesus Christ being come and as the publike person made under the law when he had lived thirty-three yeares and upward an innocent life so as noman could accuse him of sinne Iohn â— 46. yea in all righteousnesse and holynesse and fulnesse of good workes and spent about three yeares in ministration of the Gospel yet would not all this his righteous working though accompanied with many miracles and with frequent fasting prayers and teares make satisfaction for the sin of mankind without his Death and Blood to instruct us wherein and not in any unwillingnesse to suffer according to the will of the Father Phil. 2.8 Heb. 10 5.-10 He uttered this prayer Mat 26.39 If it be possible let this Cupp passe from me c. And so that which the High-Priest spake not of himselfe but by prophesie concerning the nation of the Jewes Iohn 11.50 It is true for all mankind It was altogether necessary for mankind that Jesus Christ should dye Gal. 3.10.13 2 For Jesus Christ once dead to rise againe and ascend to the right hand of God and to present the vertue of this his own blood in offering himselfe a spotlesse sacrifice to his Father for mankind This also was altogether necessarie for however truth had fulfilling and justice had satisfying in his blood-shed and death 2 Cor. 5.14 Gal. 3.13 Yet if he had not risen from the Dead and ascended with the vertue of his own blood into the Heavens and there offered himselfe a spotlesse Sacrifice to God for mankind There could have been no Justification no redemption no eternall life and inheritance obtained and received by Christ into his own hands to dispense to men nor any dore opened to shew forth and dispense this grace to men that by repentance and faith they might come into Christ and receive the same nor could there have been any resurrection of their bodyes after Death nor exercise of Christs Lordship over them in absolving or condemning according to the Gospel Rom. 4.25 He was raised againe for our justification 1 Cor. 15.17 If Christ be not raised ye are yet in your sinns verse 20. But now Christ is risen from the Dead Heb. 9.12 By his own blood he entred in once into the most hâ—ly place having obtained eternall redemption verse 24. He entred into Heaven it selfe Reu. 1.18 I am he that liveth and was Dead and beholde I am alive for evermore 1 Iohn 5.11 God hath given us eternall life and this life is in his Sonne 2 Tim. 1.10 who hath abolished Death and brought life and mortality to light by the Gospel Iohn 16.7 c. It is expedient for you that I goe away for if I goe not away the Comforter will not come unto you But if I depart I will send him to you he shall reprove the world c. verse 18.11 He will guide you into all truth c. verse 13.14.15 Psal 68. Thou hast ascended on high thou hast led Captivity Captive thou hast received gifts in the man for men Act. 2.33 Ephes 4.8 yea even for the Rebellious that the Lord God might dwell among them Act. 5.30.31 Him hath God exalted at his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour to give repentance unto Israel and forgivnesse of sinns Act. 13.30 God raised him from the dead c. to verse 39. verse 47. I have set thee to be a light to the Gentiles that thou shouldest be for salvation to the ends of the Earth Mat. 12.18 And he shall shew Judgement to the Gentiles If there be no resurrection from the Dead then Christ is not Risen and if Christ be not Risen then our preaching is vaine and your faith is also vaine 1 Cor. 15 13.-20 But now Christ is risen from the dead and become the first fruits of them that sleep verse 21. for since by man came Death By man also the resurrection from the dead and verse 22. c. and Rom. 14.9 to this end Christ both dyed and rose and revived that he might be the Lord both of dead and living Act. 10.36 He is Lord of all 2 Cor. 5.10 For we must all appeare before the judgement-Seat of Christ c. And of this he hath
misery by having his being from Adam and partaking of his nature he may partake of justification and lyfe by having his being in Christ and partaking of his Divine nature without this new Birth he cannot enter the Kingdome of God Iohn 3.3.5.6 2 Cor. 5.17.20 2 Pet. 1 2 3 4. Tit. 3.3 4 5 6 7. And indeed till so borne from above men are Aliens from God and Christ and the lyfe of God in Christ Ephes 2.12 and 4.18 And however it be true that in Christ and that he hath done obtained and received God hath given us eternall lyfe and this life is in his Sonne yet this is also true that whoever of us hath not the Sonne the same hath not lyfe lyfe is received and enjoyed onely in the receite and enjoyment of the Sonne 1 Iohn 5.11.12 And that is when through his spirituall Discovery and sprinkling of his Pretious Blood and Dispensation of his grace there-through to the heart a man is brought to believe on him And so quickoned borne and renewed Ephes 2.5.10 Esa 55.1 9. And so such he gives the priviledges of the Sonnes of God who to receive him and are so borne Iohn 1.12.13 2 Thes 2.13.14 So that the truth is the necessity in respect of mens personall entrance into the Kingdome and being eternally saved to be spiritually sprinkled and washed with the Blood of Christ is so great as there can be no greater there being no other way to the enjoyment of remission of sins Humiliation for sinn Justification before God wisdome righteousnesse Sanctification and redemption nor any fruitfulnesse that God will accept But by this pretious Blood of Christ which he shed and with the vertue thereof offered himselfe to God by his spirit sprinkled on the conscience And his rich and abundant grace manifested through the same by the same spirit shed abroad in the heart and so leading to God in which respect Christ onely is the way for all accesse to the Father and without whom there is no coming to God nor doing any thing he will accept Iohn 14.6 Rom. 3 25. Ephes 1.7 1 Cor. 1.30 Iohn 15.4 1 Pet. 1.18.19 Ephes 2.17.18 Heb. 10.10 19. This necessity of Christ his sprinkling his Blood on the Conscience the whole Gospel and all the writings thereof and Testimonies and examples therein do shew and so doth the Law also rightly understand CHAPTER 6. A digression to shew how the Law shewes the necessity of this Blood-shedding Death and Sacrifice of Christ BEfore in Chapter 4. was shewn how the ends of the suffering Blood Death and Sacrifice of Christ was shaddowed in the leviticall law and types of old and the necessity of the acting presenting and applying the same now if we view the morall law even the law of workes the holy and righteous law of God It also will shew and urge the necessity of the Death and Sacrifice of Christ in all the respects aforesaid and that every way If we consider this holy law 1. In respect of it selfe 2 In respect of the ends of giving it and 3. In respect of the power it hath in this lyfe in the consciences of men till set free by Christ 1 The Law it selfe is holy spirituall and righteous Rom. 7.12 Mat. 22.38.39 1 Iohn 3.4 Rom. 7.7 Iam. 2.10 Mail. 1.6 It is a holy Law pointing us all to live to God the holy one and according to his Will and Commands enjoyning to love God with all our heart soule and strength and our neighbour as our selves and to walke in that love of God and our neighbour and so it forbiddeth every sinn and commandeth every Duty And it is a spirituall Law requiring the Inmost heart and Spirit And the utmost and perfect obedience of the whole man so as the least rising motion to any evill it forbiddeth and concludeth it sinn yea and the least want of the through spirituall and perfect performance of all or any one point it condemneth for sinn and for that sinn putteth under the guilt of the breach of the whole Law And it is a righteous law requiring of man noe more then is due from man to God and which shall be the righteousnesse of a man before God if he fulfill it so as the law find no fault in him Rom. 2.13 and 10.5 Gal. 3.10.12 Rom. 6. Deut. 27 15-26 and it promiseth life to the observers and will performe it that being the righteousnesse of the Law and it sentenceth to death and curse every one that sinneth against any point or cometh short of the least title it requireth so that this Law is holy spirituall and righteous in its Commandements of Duty In its Justifying the doers of it in its convincing the Transgressors and in its leaving Transgressors to the curse And indeed so holy spirituall and righteous is this law that in their own persons and performances noe one man since Adam fell but onely Jesus Christ our Lord hath fulfilled it to every Jota or can be Justified and have lyfe by it For. 1 Though a man had such knowledge of the Law that he could see all his Duty therein required And had also such a heart to keepe this Law that he had respect to every Commandement in it and did his utmost to avoid every sinn and to perform every duty and that constantly in all his conversation yet if he attaine not to the utmost the Law requireth but fayle of that if it were but once and but in one point the Law puts him under the guilt of sinn and danger of Curse and Death Rom. 6.23 the wages of sinn is Death and James 2.10 whosoever shall keepe the whole Law and yet offend in one poynt he is guilty of all and Gal. 3.10 Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things that are written in the booke of this Law to do them and Rom. 5.12 all have sinned Iames 3.2 In many things we offend all so that by the deeds of the Law shall no flesh be justified Rom. 3.20 2 A man having once sinned and fallen under the guilt of sinne and so into the desert of death and curse as all men have there is no after-righteousnesse of his performance that can take away that sinne which unlesse it be taken away he cannot be justified before God though in his after righteousnesse he could answer the whole Law but onely for that one offence whence those sayings Job 9.15.20.21.22 nor can any teares confessions or washing themselves with snow water take off this sinne that they may appeare righteous before God Job 9.30.31.32 Nor can any gifts or sacrifices of Bulls and Goats Heb. 10.4 nor of thousands of Rams or ten thousand Rivers of Oyle or the first borne of Beasts or of a mans body satisfie for and take away sin Mich. 6.6.7 3. Neither can there be any mangling impairing or abating much lesse abolishing of this holy and spirituall law that the Almighty will tolerate nor did Jesus Christ come to destroy
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
the redemption and purgation wrought by Christ hath been visiting enlightning moving at their hearts and striving with them to effect repentance and faith in them and so to bring them to himself and they after the knowledge of the truth refuse resist or depart from it willingly and will none of God none of Christ will not be brought in to him this way to have all their life and confidence in his grace and guidance by it but persist in their wilfull refusall or Apostasie till he leave striving and give them up to their own lusts and Satan This deserveth kindleth such wrath as wil not be appeased and such a fire as will not be quenched Gen. 6 3 Prov. 1.23 24 c. Psal 81.11 Ezek. 24.13 Matth. 23.37 38. Heb. 6.4 5.2 Pet. 2. Jude totū And the execution of this is called The wrath to come Luke 3.7 1 Thes 1.10 fire unquenchable Luke 3.17 Mark 9.48 hell fire Matth. 18.9 Mark 9.47 the second death Rev. 20.14 3 By the greatnesse and inexcuseable folly rebellion and filthinesse of this sinne it being an under-valuing neglect and refusall of so great salvation and redemption first obtained and then first preached by the Lord himselfe yea a denying him that bought them and so a treading under foot the Sonne of God Heb. 2.3 2 Pet. 2.1 Heb. 10.29 a hardening the heart against the mercies and meanes that through the pretious Blood Sacrifice of Christ was procnred for and extended to them to lead them to repentance and so counting the blood of the Covenant an unholy thing Rom. 2.5 Heb. 10.29 a turning from him that speakes from heaven and so resisting and offering despite to the Spirit of grace that strove with them to bring them to God Heb. 12.25 10.29 Act. 7.51 In a word by their preferring darknesse before light when light came John 3.19 exalting their own wisdom workes and choyce and objecting and taking offence at the means Doctrine and Spirit of Grace and turning from it after it hath so farre been extended to them they crucifie again make of no account and efficacy to themselves the Sonne of God and put him to an open shame Heb. 6.6 A great ingratitude and fearfull rebellion against so great and gracious a God and Saviour and Spirit and so reall an offer and tender Psalm 81.11 Great folly and madnesse to refuse so great and reall mercy and salvation and altogether excuselesse they cannot say we fell and were loft in Adam no redemptiō was wrought for us wherby we might have been saved Our Fathers have eaten sowre grapes and the childrens teeth are set on edge Ezek. 18.2 Rom. 5.12 18. for the later part of the plea is false God wil punish it for though they were lost in Adam and could no way redeeme themselves yet in Christ redemption was again wrought for them Nor can they say this mercy was altogether hidd and no meanes used towards them that they might have sought and found him Act. 14.17 and 17.26 nor will this pleasure we had in our selves no will or power to choose lyfe For though it was not in them yet it was in him And his spirit by which he tendred grace wanted not power Mich. 2.7 He doth not looke to gather where he hath not sowne though wicked Servants so say But on his examination they will be dumb Mat. 25.26 and 22.12 Sinnes of ignorance and weaknesse to which through the fall men are necessitated and for which yet there is a remedy though they are directly against the Father and indirectly against the Sonne and holy spirit sinnes against the meanes procured by Christ and extended through him to lead to repentance and faith and so against ordinary light warnings and motions are against the Father and directly against the Sonne yet all manner of these sorts of sinne shall be forgiven unto men but the willfull and rebellious sinning in refusing and opposing the grace it selfe in Christ and evidenced by the spirit after light obstinately refusing to have all life in and guidance by that grace the spirit discovers in Christ But blaspheming the same This sinning is directly against the Father and the Sonne and the Holy Ghost and shall never be forgiven Mat. 12.31 Marke 3.28.29 4 By the evilnesse and remedilesnesse of the state and condition such sinning throwes these men into And that may be seene in two things 1 That whereas they were once dead through Adam and a ransome was given for them by Christ and life procured for them and this set forth in the Gospel and in the meanes tendred to them with some quickning motions of the spirit and hope of life there being no other meanes or Sacrifice They having wilfully cast aside this have rent themselves out of this booke of life renounced this life that was set in hope before them and are become Trees twice dead and pluckt up by the rootes so as there is no more hope for them Jude 12. 2 That whereas when they were fallen in Adam though truth and Justice pleaded for their Death yet mercy was for them and found out a ransome in which truth and justice did meete and joyne with mercy nor their good And though Justice might have risen against them for their strayings in ignorance and unbeliefe yet compassion and mercy had patience and forbearance to waite for them but now by his spirit he hath been striving with them and they will none of Christ but harden themselves against him and oppose and offer wrong and violence to Christ and his word and people even mercy also with Justice and truth is turned against them not that there is any change in God but they have put themselves into such a condition that his mercy becomes crosse to them the light is pleasant to the eye and that it troubles the sore eye the change is in the eye not in the light so Gods love and mercy is the same for ever His delight is in his Sonne and his pleasure in his people made one with his Sonne yea so great that when men harden their hearts against his Sonne the Gospel and spirit of his Sonne and turne to oprresse those that are vessels of mercy The more he loves his Sonne and the dearer his people are to him the more doth his mercy move him to plead their cause and plague their enemies and so he smote Egypt overthrew Pharoh and his Host in the sea smote great and mighty Kings c. For his mercy endureth for ever Psal 136.10.20 Oh heavy when mercy stands against them 5 By the greatnesse of torments and punishments to be executed on such sinners which as the Scriptures sets it forth is very terrible for it is the same that at first was prepared for the Divell and his Angels who sinned freely and without a Tempter or any cause Iude 6. Mat. 25.41 So it appeares that 1 The Death on mankind for the first transgression was an Allenation from God a
shall one day be brought so farr to the knowledge of the truth that they shall therein be brought to confesse Jesus the Lord to the glory of God 1. Tim. 2.4.6 Esa 45.23 Phil. 2.10.11 But now in this day of grace from the appearance and force of his loving kindnesse in beliefe of his goodnesse to submit to and acknowledge the Lordship and grace of Christ is the motion and string of this faith Hosea 3.5 2 An inward and hearty acceptance and receiving of Christ and this grace of God in Christ for Pardon Peace righteousnesse and life so Iohn 1.12 As many as received him c. Col. 2.6 Received Christ Jesus the Lord Act. 26.18 Receive forgivenesse of sinnes Rom. 5.1 We have Peace c. verse 11. We have received the Attonement verse 17. Receive the Abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousnesse 1 Iohn 5.12 He that hath the Sonne hath life And this accepting and receiving is another motion in this faith 3 An approach accesse in coming or nigh-drawing to Christ and this grace in him and for farther onenesse and enjoyment thereof he also herein building farther upon himselfe Rom. 5.2 By whom also we have accesse by faith into this grace c. Ephes 2.18 Through him we have both accesse by one spirit unto the Father 1 Pet. 2 3 4. Ye have tasted that the Lord is gratious to whom coming as unto a living stone c. And this approaching is another motion in this faith 4 A hearty content and well-pleasednesse takeing in and with Christ and this grace in him which is a feeding thereon Phil. 3.3 And rejoyce in Christ Jesus Col. 3.4 Christ who is our life Psal 16.5.6 I have a goodly heritage Iohn 6.56 57 58.68 69. He that eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood dwelleth in me c. And thus doth this faith move in a submission to and acknowledgement of Christ receite of the grace in him approaching to God through him and well-pleasednesse takeing in him our Portion Psal 15.5.9 Such the moveings in and of this faith 5 For the subject in which this faith is the Instrument with which it moveth and worketh in and to all this beholding assenting believing trusting acknowledgement receite approaching content-taking It is the heart the principall the choyce and inmost strength of the minde will and affection even the spirit of all which is usually called the heart in Scripture Rom. 10.9.10 And shalt believe in thine heart for with the heart man believeth unto righteousnesse Ephes 3.17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith so that this faith is not in or with the minde or conception onely or with a light affection but in and with the whole heart Act. 8.37 And so it is with 1 The minde and understanding highly prizing Christ and this rich grace in him as the most excellent pretious and choice Pearle and Riches Phil. 3.7.8 1 Cor. 1.24 Col. 2.3.10 2 The will resolutely chusing receiving and accepting Christ and this grace in him as that which is most pleasing and welcome Psal 73.24.25 and 119.30.37 3 The affections closing therewith as that which is most desirable and satisfying Psal 16.5 6 7. Cant. 1 2 3 and 2 3 4 5. 4 A springing and reviving apprehension of truth and goodnesse of that believing however fainting before Psal 116.10.12 As old Iacob though before fainting at the newes yet when he believed the report of Iosephs being alive Gen. 45.27.28 His spirit revived he said it is enough my son Ioseph is yet alive c. And as Mary Luke 1.46.47 My soule doth magnifie the Lord and my spirit rejoyceth in God my Saviour and as David Psal 103.1.2 3. Thus is this faith in the heart and with the heart man believeth not only righteousnesse but unto righteousnesse and so with the heart moveth as aforesaid 6. For the strength power and principle in and of this faith It is the divine power and spirit of Christ entring with his motion or infusion effecting and spirituall seed or dispofition in the heart in which the divine power and spirit of Christ that wrought this faith operateth in and with this faith which faith is therefore rightly called Col. 2.12 The faith of the operation of God who hath raised Christ from the Dead and the working of his mighty power which he wrought in Christ when he raised him from the dead is affirmed to worke in those that by it believe Ephes 1.19.20 And by reason of this spirituall disposition effected in the heart of the Believer it is called The spirit of faith 2 Cor. 4.13 And by this spirit of faith it is that the believer in believing is enabled 1 To behold and discerne the object of faith Christ in his fulnesse and beauty and the rich grace of God in him Iohn 1.14.16.18 Mat. 16.17 1 Cor. 29. 1 Iohn 3.1 2 Moved and overcome in the appearance of this grace to believe 1 Pet. 1.21 Tit. 3 4 5. 3 Enabled to assent to and receive the Testimony 1 Thes 1.5 And to believe and accept the grace it selfe 2 Thes 2.13.14 And to depend on God for all the hope to come Rom. â— 5.10 Gal. 5.5 4 Prevailed with in the motions to the submission to and acknowledgement of Christ 1 Cor. 12.3 To receiving him Iohn 1.12.13 To approaching to God in and by him Ephes 2.18 and to Content-taking in him Col. 3.10.11 5 Hath the new minde spirit and heart effected Ezek. 36.27 1 Iohn 5.20 And the minde and law of Christ written therein 1 Cor. 2.16 2 Cor. 3.3.18 6 The springs fruits and operations of love joy peace c. Rise up Gal. 5.22.23 Diffusing the vertue and operation in all the powers and faculties of he man Mat 13.33 Purifying the heart unto unfained love of the Brethren 1 Pet. 2 22. Rasing up motions and so springing forth in prayer praise confession works of mercy c. 2 Cor. 4.13 And all notions about the Doctrine of faith and Profession of faith where this spirit of faith is wanting is but dead faith Iames 2.17.26 And all workes wrought by humane force not produced by this spirit of faith are but dead workes Heb. 6.1.2 Tim. 3.5 but this spirit of faith is the life of faith and that which makes faith lively in all that is said of it Rom. 8.2.4.14 7 For the one-nesse of this faith in the diversity of the Degrees and Acts of it the Scripture sheweth That there are divers degrees of this true and Divine faith the first Degree is little and small in comparison as a graine of Mustard-seede Mat. 13.31 Luke 17.6 And called little or weake in faith Mat. 6.30 Rom. 14.1 The second Degree is stable stedfast or strong faith abiding in Christ endeavouring temptations and tryalls Col. 1.23 and 2.5.1 Thes 3.7.8 The third degree is effectuall and victorious working faith and overcoming 1 Thes 1.3 1 Iohn 5.4 Though there are diversity of measures or Degrees and Growth therein in each
1 Tim. 2.5 And that in speciall for those that in the heavenly call are prevailed with to believe on him as that besides both the fore-mentioned for all men hee is in speciall manner for them an Advocate 1 Iohn 2.1 Yea even the Mediator of the New Testament that hy his spirituall application of the vertue of his sacrifice they may receive the promised inheritance Ephes 5.25 26. Heb. 9.14 15. Yea he is their King and Teacher and the high Priest of their Profession and to them wisdome righteousnesse sanctification and redemption Heb. 3. and 7. and 8. 1 Cor. 1 30. 3 That which by vertue of the sormer he now doth and will do and that both in generall for all men as the extension of his procured patience mercies and means to bring them to the knowledg of the truth Prov 1.23 and 8.4 c. Psalm 75.3 Act 14 17. And such as refuse light when it cometh he will one day bring them to acknowledgment of the truth and then judge them Jsa 45 23. Phil 2.10.11 Rom 2.16 And also in special for those that through the acknowledgment of truth in the day of grace believe on him how he presents them in himself spotlesse before God Col. 1.22 interceding for them Heb 7 25. and will send forth his Spirit to teach comfort and sanctifie uphold lead and preserve them to the Inheritance c. John 14.1 2 3 26. and 15 25 and 16.13 14 15. 1 Pet. 1.4 5. Psalm 138 8. 4 The great and rich love of God through all this discovered Ephes 2.4 5. His generall love of compassion to all men Iohn 3 16.17 Tit 2 11 12. and 3.4 and his peculiar and speciall love of delight to those in the heavenly Call united to Christ Ephes 5 25 26. Psalm 149.1 5. The great terrour and heavy inexcusable condemnation for all that when light comes set light by and will none of Christ to raign over them Hebr. 2 2 and 10 29. Luk 19 27. 2 Cor 5.10 11. And in this enlightning they receive a right judgment concerning God and Christ and Man and sinne and righteoesnesse life and death c Phil 3.3 9. and so it s said we have the mind of Christ 1 Cor 2 16. 3 In receiving this divine testimony and information is received also an encouragement of the grace it self testified in Christ Rom 1.5 as remission of sins c. as fore-shewn and the spirit of adoption with divine power c. Gal 3.2 Rom 8 15. as before 2 The second use is for springing up as in believing-minding these things are received so from this received in the same believing-mindfulnesse of Christ springeth up 1 A high estimate of Christ and the things of Christ and desire of him with a low estimate of ones self and all one 's owne things Phil 3.7 8 9. 2 An inward sorrow for all ones evill thoughts of God and Christ and sins against so gracious and loving a God and Saviour Act 2.37 Zach 12 10. 3 A fervent love of God and Jesus Christ our Lord with peace towards God and joy in God 1 Pet 1 7 8. Rom 5.2 5 11. 4 Love of brethren and compassion towards men 1 Iohn 3.23 4 21. and 5.1 2 Cor 5.14 5 Desires of Gods glory the Churches prosperity and Mens conversion and the coming again of Christ 6 Detestation of evill with love of God and so patience meeknesse c. Gal 5-17 22 23. And these and such like spring up in believing-remembrance of the sacrifice and mediation of Christ according to that Iohn 7.38 3 The third use is for streaming forth for as in believing-remembrance of the sacrifice and mediation of Christ there are such receivings and such springs as fore-shewn so in the same believing-remembrance the springs arising from the receites doe move and stream to flow and vent forth and is called a shewing forth the vertues of him that called c. 1 Pet 2 9. bringing forth good things Matth. 12.35 A working cut the salvation that is a mans own in and with him Phil 2 12 13. which is from the force of the spirit grace and love of Christ received springing up in the inwards fruits of zeale charity c. fore-mentioned streaming and boyling to flow forth in motions and bowels stirring thereto And this according to the channels opened and occasions given Iob. 32 8 18 19 20. 2 Cor 5 14 15 19 20. And grace received 1 John 1 2 3. Act. 4.20 1 To deny ungodlinesse and worldly lusts Tit 2.11 12. Gal 2.16 17 21. 2 To oppose false doctrines and wayes Revel 2.2 Gal. 2.11.14 3 To attend the Ordinances of God and seek his face therein Psalm 27.4 and 23.6 To pray to him and give him thanks Psal 116.2 10 13. Recount his favours and sing his praises Psalm 145.1 11. 4 To confesse Christ Jesus the Lord and Saviour in holding forth the word of life exalting Christ and yeelding themselves servants for Christ his sake Rom. 10.10.2 Cor. 4 5 13. Phil. 2.12.16 5 To use equity and mercy to give to every one his due for the Lords sake and to doe good to all especially them of the houshold of faith Rom. 13.10 Tit. 3 1-4.8 Gal. 6.8.9 10. whence for all these the exhortations to beleevers run in such a strain suitable to the law of grace Rom. 12.1.2 Phil. 2.1.2 6. To confesse it their finne wherein soever they have shut up these bowels undervalued the grace beleeved deaded the springs or stopt the streames either by forgerfulnesse or neglect of yeelding to its motions or turning aside to any other motions and seeking pardon and healing of the same in returning to Christ c. 1 John 3.17 1.9 Mat. 26.75 Psal 32.15 7. In some at some time to some miraculous operations in respect of that which is ordinary Mat. 17.20 Luk 17.6 Mar. 16.17.18 And these and such like are the flowings forth of the springs from the grace received in the beleeving-Remembrance of the vertuous Blood Sacrifice and mediation of Christ 4. The fourth use is for Patience for as in believing-Remembrance of the vertuous Blood Sacrifice and mediation of Christ and Gods rich love therein such grace is received such fruits doe spring and such streames flow forth so also it being some time after believing and walking in faith before all that is set in hope be received and in that time many thoughts trials and temptations to be gone through so that there is need of Patience Heb. 10.36 1 Pet 1 6 7. In this believing remembrance of the Sacrifice and mediation of Christ patience is stirred up and effected in exercise and preserved so as from that beheld in received from Christ ariseth a sweet confident expectation and patient abiding and waiting through all Tryals Sufferings and services for his performance of all his righteous Promises in his own season and so for his preserving us to the inheritance and for his owne visible coming again and receiving