Degree 2 Thes 1.3 And in respect of the diversity of Degrees in faith some are called Babes some strong men and some Fathers 1 Iohn 2.12.13.14 2 That the Acts or Actings of this faith be divers and manifold as to say a areceiving Act a springing Act and a flowing and streaming Act as in the Scripture and experience believers find First a receiving Act this faith wrought by the spirit of grace in the heart receiveth the history or record and Testimony of God in the Gospel concerning Christ 1 Thes 2.13 2 Thes 1.10 1 Iohn 5.9.10.11 The grace of God in Christ testified Rom. 1.5 and 5.17 As remission of sinnes Act. 10.43 Justification Peace Sanctification Liberty of accesse to God and hope of glory Rom. 5.1.2.3 Act. 26.18 Divine power and strength of relyance on God Rom. 5.5.10.11 And yeelding up according to the leadings of grace 2 Tim. 1.7 2 Pet. 1 1-4 Whence also such exhortations to believers as Rom. 12.1.2 Phil. 2.1.2.12.13 and that 1 Iohn 4.4 and 5.4 Secondly a springing Act for from this faith wrought by the spirit in the heart springeth up love of God and Jesus Christ our Lord and joy in God 1 Pet. 1.7.8 Rom. 5.11 And love of brethren 1 Iohn 3.23 and 4.21 and 5.1 2 Cor. 5.14 and patience and meeknesse c. Gal. 5.22 According to that is said Iohn 7.38 Thirdly a flowing or streaming Act from the springs the motions flowing to put forth accordingly Rom. 10.10 And this more ordinarily to pray give thankes declare his goodnesse shew mercy c. Psal 116.10 2 Cor. 4.13 or more extraordinary in some miraculous operations Mat. 17.20 Luke 17.6 Marke 16 17 18. 3 That notwithstanding the divers Degrees in this faith and the divers manner of Acting and Acts of this faith yet the faith it selfe is but one and onely one Ephes 4.4 As there is but one body even one true Church or Sanctuary that is united to Christ and shall be in and with him for ever Cant. 6.9 And this Church one seed Gal. 3.17 One Sonne Hosea 11.1 One Christ one body though the members be many 1 Cor. 12.12 And as there is but one head husband and Lord of this body and Church with all its members which is Jesus Christ the Sonne of God and our Saviour Ephes 1.22.23 and 4.15.16 and 5.30 1 Cor. 8.6 And as there is but one Baptisme whereby we are baptized into this one Body whereof Christ is the head and that is by the spirit and with the washing of water and the word And this is into the Death and unto the resurrection of Christ and so for conformity in one and therethrough conformity in the other 1 Cor. 12.13 Ephes 5.26 Rom. 6.3 4 5. Tit. 3.4.5 And as there is but one God Father to whom we come in coming to Christ and he the Father of Christ and of every of us Ephes 4.6 And as there is but one spirit proceeding from the father the son effecting breathing one spirit minde disposition or heart that the spirit mind disposition and heart of Christ into which all that are baptised into Christ are made to drinke and so are one spirit Ephes 4.4 even so likewise as in the place fore-cited there is but one faith True it is The word Faith in Scripture is used diversly somtime for the object of faith even the ground and foundation of faith and that which is to be and is beleeved and beleeved in and to that end to be preached and heard Rom. 1.5 10.6 Gal. 1.23 3.5 Sometimes the word is used for the grace of faith Col. 1.4 2 5-12 Eph. 2.8 Sometimes for both the object and the grace united with the object together Acts 13.8 Rom. 4.11 9.30 And yet however taken there is but one faith The object in every respect is one The Gospel or word of grace though it hath many branches and uses yet is but one and the same Gospel 2 Cor. 11.4 with Gal. 1.7.8.9 The Gospel Col. 1.5.23 Even so the Lord Jesus Christ set forth in the Gospel though set forth as he is indeed the Sonne of God and the Sonne of Man yea God Man and declared in respect of what he was and what he became for us and what he hath done and what he is for us and with what he is furnished and what he is to us And as he is the Saviour of all men especially of them that beleeve and the Judge of all c. yet he is but one 2 Cor. 11.4 with 1 Cor. 8.6 the Christ John 4.42 Even so God the Father that is in Christ is one God though his works be manifold 1 Cor. 8.6 Gal. 3.20 1 Tim. 2.5 even so the holy Spirit that proceedeth from the Father and the Sonne and discovereth Christ and God in Christ and beareth forth the testimony however his gifts and operations be many and manifold yet the Spirit is but one 1 Cor. 12.4 11. yea the Father the Sonne and the holy Spirit are 1 John 5.7 one God Mark 12 32.34 set forth in one Gospel And so the object of faith is one and so faith also though so taken The grace of faith or the beleeving it self that is wrought in the heart by the Spirit of grace however there are diversity of degrees in the same both in the strength of beleeving and also in the fulnesse of the discovery of the object beleeved in the effects accordingly and also the Acts manifold as is shewn yet the faith it selfe is but one And this is evident in the forenamed place Ephes 4.4 where both faith and the object of faith and the means and the hope and the people that receive it are all mentioned distinctly so that the word faith there meanes the grace of faith and it is expresly affirmed to be one There is one faith As for humane and worldly faith or a shew and pretence of divine faith and hypocriticall profession thereof it is no faith at all in Scripture language there is no vertue in gtting or retaining it nor danger in departing therefrom in respect of any spirituall life As for that beliefe of the report of the Gospel and profession thereof which is destitute of the life and operation of the Spirit of faith it is no more faith then the body of a man is a man when the Ghost is given up and departed Jam. 2.26 So as there is no other true and living faith but one the receiving the history and record the receiving remission of sinnes justification and sanctification and power for divine operations or miracles the springs the streames the acts as is shewn are all by one and the same faith And so it is one and the same faith that in discovery of the object is tendered and to which called and which by the divine testimony is effected and which in abiding is after confirmed and which groweth and worketh by love it is still one and the same faith 2 Pet. 1.1 And
light and motion of his Spirit in and according to the meanes vouch safed whether in the Book of Creatures onely or the Book of Scriptures also For calling All men Prov. 8.4 5. Isa 45.22 And willing them and striving with them at one time or other 1 Pet. 2.12 Gen. 6.3 And so Christ is the true Light that lighteth every man that cometh into the world John 1.9 And so in the workes of Creation It is said Rom. 1.19 That which may be known of God is manifest in them for God hath shewed it to them And of the preaching of the Gospel it is said 2 Cor. 2.14 God maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge c. And such as resist the light and motion in either of these meanes resist the holy Spirit Prov. 1.23 24. Act. 7.51 The liberty of giving life to all that believe on him 17. Iohn 2. And all these come through the efficacy and prevalencie of the Blood and Sacrifice of Christ presented unto God and accepted of him In which respect The Gospel where it comes sets him forth as indeed he is The propitiation for our sins and the Sinnes of the whole world Rom. 3.25 1 Iohn 2.2 The upholder of the world made by him Heb. 1 2 3. The laver of regeneration or new birth Iohn 3.5.15 Tit. 3.4 5. I he Fountain of leansing and purificatioons for defilements 1 Iob 1.7 Zach. 13.1 The Fountain of life Psal 36.9 He in whom God hath given us eternall life so as he that hath him hath life 1 Iohn 5.10 10 11 12. and as page 5. under this figure 3. 5 Sometimes together with all these four former sences by the Sufferings Blood Death and Sacrifice of Christ so presented to and prevailing with God is also farther meant the spirituall Discovery and Application of it to and prevailing efficacy in the hearts and consciences of such as through the appearance of grace are brought to believe Heb. 12.24 To the bloud of sprinkling 1 Pet. 1.2 Unto obedience and sprinkling of the bloud of Jesus Christ vers 19. The pretious blood of Christ which indeed prevaileth with and and in those who in spirituall Discoveries are sprinkled and washed therewith in and with whom it is so powerful and effectuall That it verily pierceth and melteth the heart for all its sinfulnesse and follies against him and all its hard thoughts and oppositions wherewith it hath pierced him Zach. 12.10 Acts 2.37 Reconcileth the heart and powers in their inclination to God 2 Cor. 5.18 20. Giveth an escape from the intangling pollutions that are in the world and holding from God through lusts 2 Peter 1.4 and 2.20 Rev. 5.9 Speaketh peace to the Conscience so as the Believer receiveth justification and peace with God thereby Heb. 12.24 Rom. 4 25. and 5.1.2 Purgeth the Conscience Heb. 9.13.14 from the accusations of sinne and charges of the Law putting in feare Rom. 7.4.6 and 8.2.3 34. from its former corrupt way of dictating to seek peace and righteousnesse with God by frames and performances of its own according to Law And also from speaking peace from such attainments Gal. 2.21 Phil. 3 3 7 8 9. Iob. 9.15.32 Purifieth the heart to a child-like love of God and Christ and his Government Heb. 9.14 Gal. 2.20 21. And so reneweth it with spring of ove ce brethren 1 Pet. 1.19 21 22. And omen 2 Cor. 5.14 And inclinations to serve the living God Tit 3 4.5 Conforming to Christ 2 Cor. 3.3 18. Washeth and cleanseth from such pollutions as befall Believers 1 John 2.7 Sealeth to the Day of redemption Exod. 12.13 with Ephes 1.13 and 4 30. And giveth boldnesse and courage in accesse to God Rom 5.2 Ephes 2.16 18 Heb. 4 16. All which are the efficacies of the pretious bloud of Christ spiritually applied to and sprinkled on the heart And meant when the Bloud is spoken of as Believers are said to be sprinkled redeemed from the world or vain conversation and washed with it Heb. 12.24 1 Pec. 1.19 Acts 20.28 Rev. 5.9 and 1.5 6 Sometimes by these tearms the Sufferings Blood Death and Sacrifice of Christ is signified encluded and meant The immense rich and free mercy love or grace of God in finding out a ransome and giving his Son That he might shew forth love Job 33.24 John 3.15 16 17. Ephes 2 4 5 6 7. And so this love made known in the gift of his Sonne and testified in the application of the vertue of his blood Rev. 1.5 and 5 9. In forgivenesse of sinnes Ephes 1.6.7 And there-through shedding abroad his love in the heart by the holy Ghost begetting love and confidence Rom 5 5 10. Vniting to comforting in and conforming to Christ writing his mind in the heart 1 Pet. 8.21 22. 2 Cor. 3.3.18 And herein is love That he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins 1 John 4.10 and 3 16 And herein is love communicated That he hath washed us from our sins in his blood Rev. 1.5 And so when we speak or in the Scripture read of the Sufferings Bloud Death and Sacrifice of Christ and the love of God to manward and the hope and benefit set forth to all men thereby wee are to understand it as of the bloud of Christ 1 That shed it and dyed for our sins 2 That overcame Death and rose for our Justification 3 That by and with the vertue of this bloud did through the eternall Spirit effer up himself without spot to God and hath thereby obtained eternall redemption And 4 that thereby procureth favour and meanes for the Sons of men That they might believe and in believing be saved And when the Scripture speaketh of so much and no more in any Proposition for Faith it speaketh of it as for the world John 1.29 Mer 1 Tim 2.6 Sinners 1 Tim. 1.15 And such like generall tearms it useth 2 Cor. 5.19 But when we speake or in the Scripture reade of the Sufferings Bloud Death and sacrifice of Christ as the vertue and efficacy thereof is found in any And the peculiar love and choice priviledges thereof affirmed of Then wee are to understand it farther 5 Of the vertue of that pretious Bloud applyed to and working in the heart And 6 of the rich and free love of God testified to and shed abroad in the heart thereby And then and so we are to understand it not only in the foure former sences but both in them and these two latter also And so it is never spoke of in generall for all men but for the Church Act 20.28 Ephes 5.25.26 27 Believers 1 John 1.7 His called and chosen ones Heb. 9.14 Revel 1.5 and 5.9 And so the same vertue and grace of Christ by Spirit given and made effectuall 1 In respect of Christ his dying for our sinnes and in respect of his entring into Heaven by his own bloud And in respect of his Application of it to the conscience And in respect of the first effects of
his words Mark 1.15 Iohn 2.22 and 5.47 And so this faith and trust is in praising God in his Word Psal 56.10 and glorifying his word Acts 13.48 And so the object of this faith is God in Christ in and according to his word The first next Instrumentall and outward mediate object of this faith is the word and Gospel with the promises thereof which discovereth Christ and God in Christ and that in which and for which we are to trust in him Psal 119.49.50 The second inward inmost and absolute mediate object of this Faith is Jesus Christ in that which hee hath done is become doth and will doe which the Word reporteth and assureth Phil. 3.3 The last inmost and utmost object of this Faith is God in Christ in his infinite wisdome love power c. which appeareth in and through Christ 1 Tim. 4.10 And so the object of faith altogether in one is God in Christ as discovered in his Word by his Spirit This and this onely is the object of this faith So that no Arme of Flesh or device of men not multitude of men Ammunition or Forts not riches nor strength nor wisdome nor any self-wrought righteousnesse or workes can be in any sort the object of Faith Jer. 9.23 Job 9. 1. Either the inmost and utmost object of faith and trust God onely is that Mark 10.24 1 Tim. 6.17 2. Or the inmost and absolute mediate object through which men beleeve and trust in God Christ Jesus is only that Luke 18.19 2 Cor. 10.4.7 18. 3. Or the Instrumentall and outward mediate object through and according to which men beleeve and trust in Christ and in God in Christ his Word onely is that Psal 56.4.10 As for prayers and endevours in use of means when they issue from and be the fruits of this faith and confidence in God in Christ according to his Word then in this confidence blessing may bee expected in them 2 Sam. 7.27.29 But they cannot be the object either as Rule or Medium or Object as aforesaid Rom. 9.32 10.2.3 The Word the Rule Christ the Medium God the Object and so God in Christ according to his word is onely and altogether the object of this faith Secondly for the Mover or Worker of this faith that which produceth it and in and by which it is raised and wrought it is not the force of any humane discourse reasoning or Argument 1. Cor. 2.1.4.5 nor is it the issue or birth of any fervent endevours or workings of men in and according to the law of works Gal. 3.2 yea though endeavoured and done to get Christ the righteousnesse of God thereby Rom. 9.31.32 and 10.2.3.4 neither yet is it a conclusion or spring from the appearance of any inward or outward changes effected in a man by any such reasonings or endeavourings Luke 18.11 12. 2 Cor. 10.7.12.18 But this Mover and effector verily is 1. The appearance of the grace of God in and through the Gospel even of that free and immense love of God in the gift of his Sonne to be the Saviour of the world and the satisfaction made by Christ and the fulnesse of grace and truth in him This grace of God appearing in and through Christ moveth to believe encourageth and draweth thereto whence this faith is called The gift of God by grace and not of works Eph. 2.8.9 and they that have it are said to have believed through grace Acts 18.27 2. The Spirit proceeding from the Father and the Sonne in discovery of this grace effecteth this faith and so the hand of the Lord that is the Spirit of the Lord or the demonstration of the Spirit and power is said to bring to believe in God Acts 11.21 1 Cor. 2.4.5 And in respect of both these this grace and Spirit working faith it is said After the kindnesse and love of God to manward appeared he saved us by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the holy Ghost Tit. 3.4.5 And so the beleevers are said to be borne of water and of the spirit Iohn 3.5 And so as the spirit worketh faith so for working it he doth not glorifie the workes of the Law or any frames or workes of men But he glorifies Christ and Gods rich grace in Christ to beget faith and hope in men Iohn 16.13.14 1 Pet. 1.21 And so to say in a word It is the spirituall appearance of rich grace in and by which this faith is wrought Grace is the mover 3 For the nature and Act of this faith There be three things together meeting in one in this Act of believing or this faith of which is here teached as Scripture and experience of Believers shewes that is to say 1 An assent and credit-giving to the report or Testimony of the Gospel and that which by the spirit is evidenced and appeareth through the same report the want of which the Prophet complaines of Esa 53. Who hath believed our report which not-believing the Apostle calles making God a lyer 1 John 5.10 And this assent and credit-giving to the report of the Gospel was in those Act. 13.48 They magnified the word of the Lord counted it good and true and so received the Testimony and so did the Thessalonians likewise 2 Thes 1.10 And this is the first Act without which no faith at all Iohn 5.47 and 8.24 2 An inward and hearty approbation of the goodnesse of that reported in the Gospel in respect of that Christ hath done and that he is become and that he doth and that he is ready to do And in respect of the rich free and great love of God appearing therein so as all other Excellencies are but losse and Dung in comparison of it 1 Pet. 2.7 Phil. 3.7.8 9. 3 Through this assenting and believing-approbation there is an inward and hearty resting and relyance upon Christ and God in Christ for the dispensation of this grace and perfecting that which appertaines to him to do Rom. 5 1.2.5-10 First creditting the savings of the Gospel and through those sayings Believing Christ himselfe and the spirits Testimony of him and in that believing trusting in God in Christ for that promised and so believing the sayings receiving Christ and trusting in God through Christ is the nature and Act of this believing 4 For the motions orstrings in this believing or faith they are 1 An inward and hearty acknowledgement of and submission to Jesus Christ as the Lord and Saviour and so to this grace appearing in him 2 Cor. 5.15 He dyed for all that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves but unto him that dyed for them and rose againe and so Rom. 14.8 Whether we live we live unto the Lord and whether we die we die unto the Lord c. verse 9. and 1 Cor. 6 19-20 Ye are not your own yet are bought with a price c. Rom. 6.17 Ye have obeyed from the heart the forme of Doctrine to which ye were delivered True it is that all men
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
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
this Law but to fulfill it Mat. 5.17.18 Think not that I am come to destroy the Law or the Prophets I am not come to destroy but to fulfill For verily I say unto you Till Heaven and Earth passe one jot or one tittle shall in no wise passe from the Law till all be fulfilled neither did Jesus Christ come to be an Arbitrator or Dayes-man to plead with God and lay his hand upon him that he might abate to men some part of their duty required in the Law and to lay his hand upon men to enjoyn and cause them to perform some part of their due to the Law to give some satisfying to God so make God men friends that way 1 Sam. 2.25 Iob. 9.33 No such matter but Jesus Christ himselfe in his own person while he was here on earth did perfectly fulfill this Law so as no sin could be found in him but he was in respect of his own particular person righteous and just even by that Law And had he not been a publick person in our stead and so had our sins that Law could never have charged him for he kept it fully Heb. 7.29 Ioh. 8.46 1 Pet. 2.22 Rom. 3.19 Gal. 4.4 Esa 53.2.6 2 Cor. 5 19-21 Gal. 3.13 Rom. 4.25 2 Cor. 5.14 Rom. 7.4 and 4.25 But as the publick person in the roome of mankind He was made under the Law to redeem them that were under the Law and so being under the Law for us he had all our sins that Law could charge us with imputed to and laid upon him and all the curse and death which Law could and did sentence us to imposed upon him And so he suffered the curse died the death for our sins yea for us all so as all are dead And so he hath satisfied the Law that we are dead to the Law by the body of Christ And this Jesus Christ as the publick person is risen again for our justification and hath ascended to heaven and with the vertue of his own blood offered himselfe a ransome and sacrifice to God having obtained eternall redemption and life for men Heb 9.12 Esa 55.5 Iohn 16. Heb. 9.14 and 12.24 Reu. 1.5 to dispense to such as beleeve on him And now sendeth forth of that Spirit he hath received discovering this grace to draw men to believe on him and in the hearts of such as through grace beleeve in Christ he by his Spirit applieth sprinkleth and washeth with that pretious blood so as he enableth them to receive the satisfaction of the Law which himselfe hath made and to answer Law-charges therewith Rom. 4.24.25 5.2 11. 8 34. And to receive and own to themselves as theirs by faith the righteousnesse that he is become and to rest on him and approach in that to God 1 Cor. 1.30 Phil. 3.3.7.8.9 and by the same Spirit in and with the rich grace herethrough streaming he reneweth them Tit. 3.4.5 and worketh love in them 1 Pet. 1.18.21.22 yea a more excellent love then Law discovered in that it is a love of God in and for Christ 1 Iohn 4.10 19. and love of our brother as Christ hath loved us Ioh. 15.1.2 And this love fulfils all righteousnesse yea from a better principle then law could have affoorded Rom. 13.10 the Spirit in working this love writing the law in the inward parts 2 Cor. 3.3 and leading to deny all evill and live godly c. Tit. 2.11.12 and yeelding to and walking after the Spirit a man shall neither fullfill the lusts of the flesh nor be under Law Gal. 5.16.18 but have the righteousnesse of the Law the life it promiseth and cannot give yea a better life fulfilled in him and have an abundant entrance into the Kingdom Gal. 6.8 2. Pet. 11. And thus by Christ himselfe in his body in all his conversation was the Law fulfilled and by him in his own body as the publick person was the Law satisfied for all it had against us and by him through his Spirit applpying that satisfaction to our hearts he enables to beleeve and receive it and in that beleeving sheads abroad his grace in the heart that leads to all righteousnesse the Law requireth though from a better principle that will in due season perfect the same and hee also will fill us with eternall life And without this coming death resurrection and sacrifice of Christ the Law could never have been fulfilled and satisfied and without his spirituall application to the heart it will never be answered by us or fulfilled in us whence that thanksgiving or profession Rom. 7.25 8.1.2.3.4 4. The ends of the making known and giving this holy spirituall and righteous law was neither to justifie those to whom it was given nor to give them lyfe nor to kill and destroy from God for ever for if it had been given to give lyfe and justifie and bring to the inheritance it had been against the covenant and promises of God and saith therein which to conceive God forbid far bee it from us Gal. 3.18 21. Rom. 4.14 And if it had been given to get righteousnesse by it or to destroy from God for ever â—t had been against the grace of God testified in the Death and resurrection of Christ and faith therein which God forbid and far be it from us to conceive Gal. 20.21 and 3.11.12.13 Rom. 4.13 7.24.25 Heb. 2.9 Besides the giving the law in the hand of Moses a Mediator of the first Testament sheweth that it was not given to justifie for then no need of a Mediator nor was it given to destroy from God for ever for then he would not have given a Mediatour Gal. 3.17 And yet the law was given for good holy and mercifull ends For God in his mercy having found a ransome and given us life in him and confirmed a Covenant in him John 1.4 1 Iohn 1.1.2 which grace should have led men to repentance and faith in God and living to him But through blindnesse Esa 44.20 and 55.2 Gal. 3.19 and hardnesse of heart men slighted this great Salvation and put confidence in Idolls and superstitions and lived in and to themselves And because of Transgressions the law was added till the seed should come and this law to discover that righteousnesse which is due from men to God 1 To kill men in respect of themselves of all that lyfe which they have in and from themselves by any excellencyes parts endeavours or workings of theirs in and by themselves By discovering their sinfulnesse and the Immeasurablenesse of it and the curse and wrath due to them that so they may charge themselves with it which without the law they would not doe Rom. 3.19 and 4.15 and 5.13.20 By spoyling them of all hope of lyfe by their own workings that they may say Amen to the curse 1 Cor. 1.6 and yeeld themselves as dead and lost and so receive the sentence of death in themselves Gal. 2.19 Rom. 7.9 Deut. 27.26 2 To
Sacrifice of Christ the secret spirituall and supernaturall breathing and motion of the spirit of Christ effecteth in and according to the meanes procured by his Sacrifice And so 1 In his manifestation and Discovery of grace and mercy in those mercies of God vouchsafed in his workes of creation and providence continued for Christs sake to the sonnes of men is effected for and to men 1 Some Testimony that God is Rom. 1.19.20 And that notwithstanding men have sinned yet he is God and mercifull to them Act. 14.17 And that he is a rewarder that is ready to shew favour and extend mercy to them that seeke him Heb. 11.6 And so the heavens declare the glory of God Psal 19. And his spirit striveth with men Gen. 6.3 And he calleth all Pro. 8.4 2 It giveth secret reproofes of evills found Pro. 1.23 And secret moveings to repentance of the evills reproved And faith in his goodnesse discovered and motions to seeke his favour Rom. 2.4 Act. 17.29.30.31 Esa 45.22 3 It effecteth a certaine light and disposition in men that is some what more then naturall even an inspiration from the Almighty giving understanding to discerne somthing of God and that with some inclination towards his goodnesse which because it hath not got dominion in men they are yet but naturall though somthing be vouchsafed them that is more then naturall by which a capabillity to heare some of the teachings according to God is for the time given them and so it is said he enlighteneth every man that cometh into the world Iohn 1.9 And there is a spirit in man and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding Iob. 32.8 And the spirit of man is the Candle or Lamp of the Lord which he hath set up and lighted searching all the inward parts of the Belly Pro. 20.27 and this is the great fault of men that they take not notice of this mercy Iob. 35.10.11 none saith where is God my maker who giveth songs in the night who teacheth us more then the Beasts of the earth and maketh us wiser then the fowles of heaven And thence come corrections olso to hide pride from man to seale his Instruction c. Iob. 33 16-19 to 29-30 4 To such as do not willingly harden themselves against the reproofs and speakings of this grace thus farr extended but turne thereby he maketh knowne his words by dreames visions or a rumour of the Gospel some way so as he worketh in them some sutable repentance and faith and feare of him and mercifull affections c. leading to himselfe as is evident in his own Testimony Pro. 1.23 And the examples set before us Iob. 33 13-31 Act. 10.1 2 3. All which is the fruite of his free grace through the Sacrifice of Christ Rom. 11.36 And such as harden themselves against his goodnesse are hereby left without excuse Rom. 2.4.5 And justly given over to wrath as is shewn Rom. 1.18.24 And so farr of the universall efficacy with all men 2 In and through the Gospel when the spirit goeth out in discovery of the Pretious Blood and Sacrifice of Christ And the grace therethrough procured for and tendred to men the effects and prevalency with men is greater 1 It begins to effect in all where the spirit doth so come in the Gospel some reproofe or convincement of the vilenesse of sinne the emptinesse in worldly things and the vanity of fleshly righteousnesse and also of a fulnesse and sufficiency in Christ and of sinne for not believing on him and also it allureth to a love and likement of the Doctrine of Christ with some motions to repentance faith and seeking the Lord Iohn 16.7 8 9.10 11. and 2.23.24 and 6.34 Act. 13.42 and 26.28 And such continuing in his words are his Disciples and shall know the truth and the truth will make them free Iohn 8 31-36 And if here they take occasion to stumble and oppose they may be justly deprived and given up Act. 13 39-46 and 28 23-28 2 It sinketh to the heart effecteth farther in many an inward and piercing sorrow for their former vilenesse emptinesse and rebellion with wearinesse of their old disposition hopes and wayes prizings and longings after union with Christ and these desires accompanied with some tasts of his goodnesse and love to his people Zach. 12.10 Act. 2.37 Nor will he faile or be wanting to these abideing to stablish them in due season Hosea 6.1.2.3 Esa 61.1 2 3 4. And when thus farr brought to depart from him cannot be lesse then wilfull sinning Heb. 9 26-29 And yet is this a common salvation where the Gospel is believed 3 This discovery of grace and operation thereof abidden in doth yet proceed farther enabling the heart to part with its former hopes and purposes and to believe in Christ So as it receives remission of sinns And hath the beginnings of Confidence with love of the Brethren effected And these are believers partakers of the heavenly Call Rom. 3.24.25 and 5.1 Heb. 3.1.6 To whom that hope is now given Heb. 14. and 9.15 And now in such a believer so excellent is the force of this appearing grace that it worketh an effect like that mentioned Phil. 3.7.8.9 And so in this second consideration we see a little of the vertue and efficacy of the Pretious Blood and Sacrifice of Christ and its prevalency with men as the knowledge of grace therethrough is given to men In which is discovered in the Gospel a heavenly motive and cord of love to call and draw to Christ CHAP. 10. 3. Of the vertue operation effectualnes prevalency of the pretious Blood and Sacrifice of Christ as it is spiritually applied to sprinkled on and working in the heart of those who through grace are brought in to beleeve in Christ VVHen Jesus Christ by his Spirit discovering his grace hath brought on the heart to beleeve on him then doth he by the same Spirit mind them of instruct them in and apply to them the vertue of his pretious Blood and Sacrifice and the rich and free grace appearing therethrough and so with the spiritual shines of grace and application of his Blood and streaming in his love doth he sprinkle and wash and cleanse them c. So it was prophesied Ezek. 36.24.25 Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you and yee shall be clean from all your filthinesse and from all your Idols will I cleanse you c. And so it is affirmed of his love to the Church that he gave himselfe for it that hee might sanctifie and cleanse it with the washing of water by the Word Ephes 5.26 And it is testified of beleevers of whom some had been notoriously evill But ye are washed but yee are sanctified but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God 1 Cor. 6.11 and so they have confessed of Christ Rev. 1.5 He hath loved us and washed us from our sinnes in his own blood Whence all that by
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