They must endeavour to lay to heart and renew their dependance on GOD with upâ—ightness of heart and â—o pondeâ—â—he Word and to drink it in for it is through patience and comfort of the Scriptures that we have Hope Rom 15.4 5. The life of Hope will occasion frequent outgoings and renewings of Faith on the Mediator receiving him as offered in the Gospel and embracing of GOD as the alone satisfying and satiating portion in Christ Jesus For Hope groweth out of the stock of Faith neither can it be without it so that whenever the Soul can say the Lord is my portion he may safely conclude therefore will I hope So David charged his Soul to hope in GOD. And why Because he was the health of his countenance and his GOD Psal 42 and 43. 6. They must be much on the thoughts oâ— GODS Favours bestowed on them The thoughts of common mercies being renewed unto them every morning encourageth the Church to Hope Lam 3.22.23 24. Thâ— dispensations of GODS loving kindness revealed in preserving â—hem that they are not consumed and the renewed Fruit of his Compassion continually discovered and seriously considered encourageth to Hope Thus laying up as a rich Treasure the experiences of these Expressions of GODS Love and continually living therein will work up the Soul to Hope For Experience worketh Hope Rom 5 4. It is the nourishment as it were of Hope and when this is a way hope must become sick and weak Whereas the thoughts of GODâ— Mercy discovered through Experiences is a noble Cordial and encouâ—agement to hope Let Israâ—l hope in the Lord saith David Psal 130.7 And why For with the Lord there is mercy and with him is plenteous Redemption That is all the stores of Power choise of Methods plenty of Means abundance of wayes to save his People out of their troubles be what they will are in JEHOVAH Then Hope in Him 7. It were necessary there were in such a submissivenss unto GOD that there be nothing in them of a churlish or crabed disposition against the LORD For this occasions his further withdrawing of himself and indrawing of his Influences and so to leave us in the dark It is good therefore to put our mouths in the dust if so be there may be hope stooping in the dust and putting clay in the mouth for fear that it speak against GODâ— Dispensations Lam 3.29 with Iob. 40.4 5 8. It were necessary and needâ—ul in such an occasion to stand and establish themselves in the Faith of GODS Almighty Power whereby he can work wonders The Faith of this helped Abraham to hope against hope Rom. 4. He looked upon God as one who quickneth the dead and therefore he was not discouraged tho the matter in all humane probability was hopeless and desperate A sight oâ— our difficulties in the way as impossible to be mastered makes uâ— often faint and conclude that there is no hope whereas a right sight of his Power and Al sufficiency is an excellent Antidote against the same Gen 15.1 2. 9. Joy and Peece in believing and cleaving to Christ according to the Gospel as it is a work of the GOD of Peace so it makes way not only for to hope but to abound in hope Rom 15.13 10. It were good for such they were continually laying to heart this great and necessary duty to wit in a constant and continued Tract and way to foresake all other ground of hope besides GOD that providing they could not with confidence say that theiâ— hope was in GOD yet that they could sincerly freely declare that with their will they placeâ— not their Hope and Confidence on any thing within themselves Thus the Soul may have somâ— ground for winding up its Anchor tho eveâ— under the power of dreadful unbelief 11. It were good in such occasions the did not perâ—mptorly and wickedly cast at tâ—â— ground of hope which other wayes they migâ—â— find nor entertain an obstinate prejudicâ— against themselves but raâ—her lay that weâ—â— to heart Heb 10.35 Cast not away therefoâ—â— your confidence The â—hird â—hing which we have to speâ—â— of is the ground of Hope Christ in you Aâ—â— these words may be coâ—siâ—ered three wayes First In themselves as holding forth great priviledge of Believers in a near and inward Vnion with Christ. Secondly In so far as they hold forth the ground of this lively Hope Thirdly In so far as they point out the Riches of the Glory of the Gospel which is now revealed As to the First Christ in you These words hold forth the wonderful rich priviledge of Believers in their Union and Communion with Christ who is in them For Understanding whereof these following things are worthy to be observed As 1. This Union is one of the greatest Mysteries of the Gospel However now we may wonder and admire not being in case to take it up fully or understand the same before we arrive in the Land of Light where that which is imperfect shall be done a way The Apostle calls it a Mystery yea a Great Mystery Eph 5.32 2. Though it be a great Mysterie and so above our uptakings Nevertheless that we may understand so much thereof as is needful for our Comfort and Growth in Grace let us consider that this Vnion in Scripture is held forth under diverse Similitudes 1. Under the Similitude of the Union between Man and Wife in Marriage Ephes 5.31.32 As Man and Wife become on flâ—sh so Christ and the Believer become one Spirit 1. Cor. 6.16 17. Therefore he is spoken of under the name of a Bridegroom and the Church is called his Bride through the whole Song of Solomon and John tells us Chap. 3.29 That he that hath the Bride is the Bridegrâ—â—m So we read Revel 21.9 Of the Bride the Lambs Wife And as this is to express the usefulness and advantageousness of Christ to the Believer and his Right and Interest in him with what is his So it is also to demonstraâ—e as an evidence of the former the near Vnioâ— and Communion that is beâ—ween Christ anâ— them whereby they are made one â— Under the similitude oâ— that Union which is between the Root and the Branches Ioh 15.1 5. I am the Vine ye are the Branches See also Rom 11.17 Which points oâ— thâ— absolute necessity of their depending oâ— him for influences of Life and Strength Anâ— the necessity of their living and abidng in Him by Faith for that end And so to suck 〈◊〉 and sap from Him continually it holds forth also their close and inward Union wiâ—h Him that we in him are one Tree 3 Under the similituâ—e of that Union whicâ— is between the head and the members 1 Coâ— 12.12 Therefore the Head of every Man Christ 1 Cor 11.3 And he is the Head of 〈◊〉 body Eph 4.15 and 5.23 Col 1. 〈◊〉 To shew that all the Influences of Life worâ—ing motion and feeling c. are of him So that we live move and have our
many were Christs Disciples who in end forsook him Iohn 6. David had many Valiant Men with him who fought with him the battels of the Lord And Paul makes a supposition of some that might give their bodies to be burnt yet be without love 1 Cor. 13 3. 9 They have much knowledge in the mysteries of the Gospel they can speak much and illustrate the same by many reasons yea they can debate for it and Preach thereof and have many excellent and singular Gifts This may be and yet Christ not in the Soul Gifts and Graces differ much Heb 6.4 Read and observe it and trust no more to such loose grounds Shal not many who have prophesied in the Name of Christ be shut out of the gates of Heaven Matth 7 22. 10. They have strong and earnest desires to be in Heaven to do what is Right And had not the foolish Virgins a desire to enter in with the Bridegroom when they cryed Lord Lord open unto us Matth. 25 11. Wished not Balaam to die the death of the Righteous Alas carnal self-seeking desires will not prove that Christ is in the Soul 11. They have many Convictions upstirrings and awakenings of Conscience and good resolutions following therupon Ah! many have had such who never were brought to embrace Jesus Christ There sickness is gone and they afterwards become more obdured then ever Convictions may be lively and die out again and terrors break forth and hold up again before that the Soul is brought fully home and made willing to open unto Christ and let him in upon his own termes 12. They have a good opinion of the Doctrine of the Gospel as being good and acceptable newes of good tydings and mercy And have no exceptions against the conditions of the Gospel offers they judge them very reasonable just and most worthy to be accepted But light and Conviction will not say that the thing is done At best it is but a tasting of the good word of GOD Heb 6 5. Having discovered some of these false Marks on the one hand and one the other I come now to lay out some Particulars that will give fuller discovery of the matter only I must say before hand that every one that hath Christ realy in them cannot alike Distinctly feel and comprehend all these Marks in them But some will be in case more to judg of some of them some to judge more of others of them 1. Mark Where Christ is there has been some clear Discoveries of this that that Person was without Christ and of the miserableness of of the estate of being without Christ As likewise a weariedness of being longer in that condition with strong disires to be delivered there from As also a reall full resolute peremptory forsaking of all without Christ. I Say first There hath beenclear convincing Discoverys of Persons being once without Christ and of the Lamentableness and misery of that estate Not that all has alike great and clear discoveries But every one in some measure has this clear discovery in them nether say I that every one is peromptorly to stint themselves to the same measure and degree of Light here mentioned But that really there must be some measure of light in the Soul and such a measure as shall make willing to run out of that estate and to hearken unto the Gâ—spel We must also here puâ— a dâ—fference betwixt those Discoveries and the terrors that sometimes Accompanies them Providing the Discoveries be such as drives to Christ it is well be it accompanied with more or less terror 2. I say there haâ— been a weariedness of this their Natural state with an earnest disire to be unbound and Delivered and crying out with those who were pâ—icked in there heart Act. 2. Act 16 Men and Brethren what shall we do to be saved And there hath never been any thing of this sorâ— there has been no in letting of Christ 3. I say there is a real and actuall casting off all other things Because they cannot serve two Masters There is a real forsakeing of all hope of life through our own Righteousness or of any others whatsomever But through Christ alone what things formerly was accountâ—d gain they account now Loss â—or Christ Yea doubtless they count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesuâ— â—hil 3.7.8 9 So that where there is a harkering after ouâ— own righteousness or a resting thereon or any thing besides him for righteousness and life with pleasure and satisfaction Christ is not there 2 Mark Where Christ is there is an opening of the heart for him a real hearty accepting of consenting to closing with and laying hold on him As he is Offered in the Gospel A receiving of him upon his own termes freely and wholy and â—or all ends and uses in order and in respect to Salvation As the door is opened so will he come in Revel 3.20 And where it is kept fast bolted there is he not entered as yet Where this opening of the heart This cordiall Consenting this soul receiving of the Offered Mediator is wanting Christ is not there It s true some may have opened unto him and yet not know of it imagining that this opening to accepting or receiveing of Christ offered is some what else then really it is and looking out after more enlargedness of heart to receive him yet more heartily they account but Little of any thing they have yet gotten or attained Therefore when the heart hath tâ—uely open'd it self for him and at least is realy satisfied that Christ who is a King having the key of David open the Door come in Live there and where the heart crieth out earnestly O! when will He come to me we may conclude that Christ is already there 3. Mark Where Christ is there is immediatly an emptiness seen in all other things and such fullness Discovered and discerned in him which satisfies and quiets the Soul so that it rests therein as having an All-sufficient portion and as fully pleased and contented therewith because they judge and indeed not a miss that the Lines are fallen to them in Pleasant places Psal 16. They cry out Whom have I in Heaven but thee and there is none upon earth that I desire besides thee Psal 73.25 And they are so satisfyed with him that they sit down call in all their wandering affections and inclinations that were scattered upon the mountains of vanity and brings them all in to him as the Center And gives them a new commission to be for ever again imployed in by and for him alone 4. Mark Where Christ is in the Soul there they cast their burdens on Him run to with their Doubtings Troubles Accidents Weakness Accusations Failings Duties and with all they have to do The Soul shall have Him even in its eye aâ— All-sufficient able and willing to help in all Exigencies and Necessities and shall look out to Him for
not go down over the Prophets nor the day be dark over them Mic. 3.6 And lest He might give us up unto the lusts of our own Heart and give us darkness in place of light for our misprising and undervaluing the Glory and light of the pâ—â—cious Gospel 3. We should be much it Pâ—ayer to hold the Gospel still in its power and purity amonst us that it may shine in the midst of us in its Glory and Beauty as the power of GOD unto Salvation 4. We should endeavour on all occasions greatly to welcome â—he Gospel amongst us and to be ware that we oppose not the Power and Operationâ— of the same O let the Glory thereof shine it our Hâ—arts And for that effâ—ct let us lay opeâ— our selves to the Beams of the same that they may have free entry into our Souls Les us lay aside all prejudices and love to our Idols and receive this Light and Glory in love 5 Let us not be satisfied until that we see and obtaiâ— a more clear discovery of the Riches of the Glory of this Mystery To wit 1 That this Gospel discovers to us our Wreâ—chedness Emptyness Madness Poverty Nakedness and every way Undonâ—nâ—ss 2 That it holds forth unto us the Excellency of Christ in His Person Nature Offices Works and Employments in the World 3 That it draws Hearts to Him and from our selves and from all other Lovers and Vanities wherewith heretofore we have been betwitched 4 That it unites our Souls to Him through Faiâ—h that we may live in Him and He in us and be one in Him 5 That it enclineth our Hearts unto a sweeâ— Union with the Gospel Commanâ—s and to a living by Faith in Christ and to a depending and resting on Him for Salvation through His offeâ—ing of Himself and through His Mediaâ—ory Righteousness offered and holdâ—n forâ—h in the Gospâ—l and impuâ—ed â—o Believers thâ—ough Fâ—ith 6 Tha the Discovery of this Gospel makes us â—â—ll in love with Holiness anâ— to work out our Salvation with Fear and Trembling leaning on Jesus by Faith drawing Life and Power from Him who is given â—or a Covenant unâ—o the People that we might so gâ—ow up and beaâ— Fruâ—t in Him and go from strengâ—h â—o strengâ—h in Him untill we appear beâ—orâ— GOD 〈◊〉 Zion 5 Use. This requires â— selâ—-searching whether or not we havâ— ever attained a savâ—ng siâ—ht of this Glory the Riches of the Glory of â—his Mystery And we may know it by these Markâ— As 1 Mark The light of the Gospel discoverâ— a Fulness a sensible Fulness a Soul-satisfyâ—ng and a Soul-saving Fulness and a free and gracious Fulness in Christ. 2 Mark The light of the Gospel discovers I say where this glorious Light comes it discovers selâ— emptiness self deceitfulness and loathsomness 3 Mark It takes the Soul captive instantly to make choise of Christ for all to esteem of Him above all as the chief among ten thousand And to lay hold on Him on His own Terms with Heart and Hand and to accept of Him for all our Wants and for all that we desire and to rest fully satisfied and content with Him 4 Mark It inclines the Soul sweetly to employ Christ in all their Needs to give Him constant employment in all His Offices until He bring them home and land them in Glory 5. Mark It makes the Soul that hath a right discovery thereof fall in love with Holiness and to make Conscience of their ways to walk circuâ—spectly to the Glory of GOD and to the praise and adorning the Gospel Profession to the engaging of Strangers unto the â—eceiving of the Gospel 6. Mark It will give them a high esteem of all even of the smallest Ordinance and Institution of Christ and make them careful â—o keep them pure and to improve them to the right end and will make them help to maintain His Croâ—â— rights and Priviledges â—s King in His owâ—â—â—urch and chief Commander in â—is own House Among the Gentiles These 〈…〉 of Glory 〈…〉 things 1. 〈…〉 â—â—credible in thâ— begâ—â—â—ing of th◠〈…〉 the Gentiles should be 〈…〉 Priviledge and exalâ—ed to 〈…〉 Glory For 1. 〈…〉 oâ— Christ. 〈…〉 the 〈…〉 unto the 〈…〉 ordained 〈…〉 first offâ—â— of the Gâ—spel 〈…〉 to 〈…〉 with an 〈…〉 way of 〈…〉 Mat. 10.5 〈…〉 whoâ— are 〈…〉 Enemies or 〈…〉 couâ—â— not only not tolerate tha◠〈…〉 should be Partakers of that 〈…〉 bad to sprâ—â—â— to 〈…〉 thâ— be saved 1 Thes. 〈…〉 worlâ—â—either 〈…〉 of Heaven 〈…〉 further the Apostles themselves notwithstanding of their ample and large Commission to gâ— and Teach and Baptize all Nations Math. 28 18 19. And notwithstanding they were foâ— that end qualified and furnished with extraordinary Gifts of the Holy Ghost yet could hardly be perswaded to Preach this Word among the Gentiles For we find that Peter wâ—â— examined by the rest of the Apostles for bâ— going unto Cornelius Act. 11.2 3.3 Thâ— Gentiles were looked upon with an ill Eye anâ— contemned therefore called Sinners of thâ— Gentiles Gal. 2.15 And as without Christ so aliens from the Common-wealth of Israel aâ—â— strangers from the Covenants of Promise havinâ— no hope and without God in the World Ephes. 12.4 Yea they were accounted Dogs anâ— unworthy to eat of the Childrens Bread seâ— on that ground Christ seemed to cast off thâ— poor Cananitish Woman to whom He answered I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the House of Israel Math. 15. 2. Notwithstanding of all this the Lorâ— so ordered it that the Gospel got entrancâ— under the Gentiles while He sent His Apostleâ— among them and blessed their Labours amongst them Act. 13.46 and 14.27 aâ—â— 15 3 7.14.15 17 and 18 6 Yea the Ieâ— rejâ—cting of the Gospel occasioned the preaching of the same under the Gentiles Aâ—â— 23 46. and 8.6 and the diâ—â—iâ—â—shing of 〈◊〉 Iews was the Riches of the Gentiles Rom. 11.12 3. Hereby were the Prophecies concerning Christ and His Kingdom fulfilled The Root â—f Iesse must stand for an Ensign to the People and the Gentiles must seek into it Isa. 11.10 and 60.5 His Name must be great among the Gentiles Mal. 1.11 And to such had Christ a Commission to come in an appoinâ—ed time Isa. 42.6.49.6 Act 13.47 Luk. 1.32 So must He bring forth judgement to the Gentiles Isa. 42.1 Math. 12.18 see Rom. 15.9 10 11. 4. And as this was an eminent Evidence of this Mystery of Wisdom Love and free Grace which was long kept bide in the Heart of GOD Ephes. 3.3 4 5 So was iâ— that the Apostles who for a time were unsatisfied therewith at last held their peace and glorified God saying Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted Repentance unto Life Act 11.18 And Paul accounted it his Mercy to preach among the Gentiles Ephes. 3.7 8. And magnâ—fied his Office thereby Rom 11 13. And we find him often glorying therein 1 Tim. 2.7 2 Tim. 1.11 Which as it should stir up our Hearts to admiration over that