of the Load-stone By Samuel Ward of Ipswitch An Exposition on the Gospel of the Evangelist St. Matthew By Mr. Ward Clows Chyrurgery Marks of Salvation Christians Engagement for the Gospel by John Goodwin Great Church Ordinance of Baptism Mr. Love's Case containing his Petitions Narrative and Speech Vox Pacifica or a perswasive to peace Dr. Prestons Saints submission and Satans Overthrow Pious Mans Practice in Parliament Time Mr. Symsons Sermon at Westminster Mr. Feaks Sermon before the Lord Major Mr. Phillips of Christs Genealogy Eaton on the Oath of Allegiance and Convenant shewing that they oblige not A Congregational Church is a Catholick Visible Church 〈◊〉 Samuel Stone in New England A Treatise of Politick Powers wherin seven Questions are Answered 1. Whereof Power is made and for what ordained 2 Whether Kings and Governors have an Absolute Power over the People 3 Whether Kings and Governors be subject to the Laws of God or the Laws of their Countrie 4 How far the People are to obey their Governors 5 Whether all the people have be their Governors 6 Whether it be Lawful to depose an evil Governor 7 What Confidence is to be given to Princes The Compassionate Samaritan Dr. Sibbs on the Philippians The Best and Worst Magistrate By Obadiah Sedgwick The Craft and Cruelty of the Churches Adversaries By Matthew Newcemen A Sacred Penegerick By Stephen Martial Barriffs Military Discipline The Immortality of Mans Soul The Anatomist Anatomized King Charts his Case or an Appeal to all Rational Men concerning his Tryal Mr. Owens stedfastness of the Promises A Vindication of Free Grace Endeavoring to prove 1 That we are not elected as holy but that we should be holy and that Election is not of kinds but persons 2 That Christ did not by his Death intend to save all men and touching those whom he intended to save that he did not die for them only if they would beleeve but that they might beleeve 3 That we are not justified properly by our beleeving in Christ but by out Christ beleeving in him 4. That which differenceth one man from another is not the improvement of a common ability restored through Christ to all men in general but a principle of Grace wrought by the Spirit of God in the Elect. By John Pawson Six Sermons preached by Doctor Hill Viz. 1 The Beauty and Sweetness of an Olive Branch of Peace and Brotherly Accommodation budding 2 Truth and Love happily married in the Church of Christ 3 The Spring of strengthening Grace in the Rock of Ages Christ Jesus 4 The strength of the Saints to make Jesus Christ their strength 5 The Best and Worst of Paul 6 Gods eternal preparation for his Dying Saints The Bishop of Canterbury's Speech on the Scaffold The King's Speech on the Scaffold The Magistrates Support and Burden By Mr. John Cordel The Discipline of the Church 〈◊〉 New England by the Churches and Synod there A Relation of the Barbadoes A Relation of the Repentance and Conversion of the Indians in New England by Mr. Eliot and Mr. Mayhâ—w The Institutes of the Laws of England by John Cowel Octavo A description of the Grand Signiors Seraglio or the Turkish Emperors Court By John Greaves Octavo The reigning error Arraigned at the Bar of Scripture and Reason By Franscis Fulwood Octavo The state of Future Life By Thomas white Twelves The Royal and delightful Game of Picquet written in French and now rendered into English Octavo De copore Poliâ—â—â— or The Elements of Law moral and politick By Thomas Hobbs of Malmsbury The London Dispensatory in Latin in Folio The London Dispensatory in Latin in Twelves The Parliament Faâ—t These several Books of Physick and Chyrurgerie will shortly be printed in English Reverius Observations with fifteen hundred and seventie other Histories and Observations of other men Riolanus Anatomy Bartholinus Anatomy All the Works of Daniel Sennerius The Idea of Practical Physick being a compleat Body of Physick And all Fernelius his Works Francisci Tayleri Capitula Patrum Hebraicè Latinè edita Una cum Annotationibus sensum locorum difficilium Exprimentibus Francisci Tayleri Lamentationes Jeremiae vatis Denuo è fontibus Hebraicis translatae cum Paraphrasi Chaldaica Masora magna parva Commentariis Rabbi Shelomoh Jarchi Aben Ezrae è Buxtorfii Bibliis magnis excerptis Mr. Burroughs on 1 Cor. 5 7. and 18 19.29 And fifty nine Sermons on Matthew 11.28 29 30. Are Printing The Contents of Mr. Hooker's seventeenth Book made in New-England JOHN 17.20 CHrist's Prayer as a Mediator Page 1 The excellency of that Prayer Page 2 The Parts of it 1 For himself to verse 6. ib. 2 For his Servants ibid. DOCT. 1. The first especial scope of prayer should be for such things as do more especially concern us ibid. The Subjects of our Saviors prayer are set forth two waies Page 3 1 From their Quality They shal beleeve Page 4 2 From a comparison of equality not only for the Apostles but for all Page 4 For Explication there is no difficulty in the words but what is meant by their Word ibid. That is the Gospel which they preached ibid. Their word opposed to two things ibid. 1 To the Law ibid. 2 To the Doctrines of men Page 5 DOCT. 2. The word of the Gospel is the only ordinary meâ—â—â— to work Faith ibid. Reas 1. ibid. Reas 2. Page 7 Reas 3. ibid. Use 1. Of Terror Page 8 Use 2. For Instruction and Comfort Page 9 Use 3. Examination Page 10 Use 4. Exhortation ibid. DOCT. 3. Saving Faith hath the Lord Jesus for its Object Page 11 The Second thing is The Comparison of equality ibid. DOCT. 4. The Interceding prayer or Intercession of our Savior doth alike respect all Page 12 Christs Intercession was intended for al Beleevers alike ib. Three things opened 1 The Nature and manner of Christs Intercession Page 13 2 The works and vertue of it 3 The Reasons of the Point ibid. Quest What are those spiritual affairs of ours Page 14. Answ They appear in three Particulars ibid. The Reasons are three Page 16 1 Because Christ indifferently undertook to be our Mediator ibid. 2 Because it is common to all alike 17 3 Because it is necessary to all alike ibid. Use 1. For Instruction ibid. Use 2. For Direction Page 19 Use 3. Consolation ibid. Use 4. Terror Page 20 Use 5. Exhortation to Beleevers Page 21 DOCT. 5. Christ hath especial care of such as shal be Beleevers even in the worst condition of their Unbelief Page 22 See this made good in some particulars 1. In the several degrees of it 2. The Reason 3. The Vse Page 23 The vertue of Christs prayer appears in five particulars ibid. The Reasons are three 1 From the soveraignty of Gods will Page 28 2 From the Riches of Gods mercy in Christ ibid 3 It is the scope also of Christs coming ibid. Use 1. Of Instruction Page 29 Use 2. Matter of admiration Page 31 Christ's Prayer
for Beleevers Ver. 21 That they all may be one c. page 35 The Exordium ibid. The things Christ praies for referred to two Heads page 36 1 Concerning their spiritual welfare here ibid. 2 For the top of their Glory in another World ibid. That which Christ begs for is that they may be all one Page 37 This is first propounded Secondly amplified by four several Circumstances ibid. DOCT. The chief priviledg of the Saints is from Christs prayer that they may be all one Page 38 Enquiry 1 Of what kind of Vnity our Savior speaks ibid. 2 What that Vnity is ibid. Answ 1. Negatively 2. Affirmatively Vnity of Love is not the chief aim of the Text proved negatively by two Reasons Page 39 40 2 Affirmatively Here is meant the unity of that spiritual Relation which they have to Christ and in him to God ibid. Two things to be unfolded to shew wherein this Vnity consists Page 41 1 How the Son is one with the Father ibid. 2 How the Saints must be one in them ibid. Four short Conclusions to express them by Page 41 42 43. The Sum of all that hath been said Page 44 The Reasons Reas 1. Our Vnion with God the Father was the next end intended by Christ in the great work of Redemption Page 45 46. Reas 2. This work being savingly made good upon the soul makes way for the enlarged expression of the fruits of Holiness Page 49 Use 1. Of Instruction Page 50 Use 2. Of Comfort Page 51 Use 3. Of Exhortation Page 54 Vers 21. That the world may beleeve that thou hast sent me Page 56 The words opened ibid. Two particulars in the words Page 57 1 Christ is sent by God the Father ibid. 2 God will have this beleeved by the Vngodly ibid. Three things to open the phrase 58 1 What the weight of the phrase carrieth ibid. 2 In what regard our Savior is said to be sent ibid. 3 Wherein this sending lies ibid. Use 1. Matter of wonderment Page 64 Use 2. For Comfort Page 65 Use 3. For Direction ibid. Three things to be done Page 66 For Explication enquire 1 What is meant by the world Page 67 2 How they are said to beleeve ibid. 3 What they beleeve in the sending of Christ ibid. Wicked men are called the World from three things 1 Because the god of this world ruleth in them ibid. 2 They are acted by the spirit of the world Page 68 3 They take contentment in the things of the world ibid. Use To discover our own condition Page 69 Quest What is this Faith Page 72 Answ It includes two things mainly ibid. 1 It is a humane faith that grows from force of argument ibid. 2 The evidence of this truth carrieth a control with it ib. Quest 3. What the World shal thus beleeve concerning Christs sending Page 73 Answ Our Savior looks at three things ibid. Three Reasons of this Page 74 Use Of Exhortation Page 76 Verse 22. And the glory which thou hast given me I have given them c. Page 77 Three things to be attended here 1 What it is our Savior hath received ibid. 2 What it is he doth communicate ibid. 3 The End why ibid. Two words opened touching the former ibid. 1 What is meant by Glory 2 How Christ is said to receive it ibid. 1 Glory signifies Gods incommunicable propertie Page 78 2 Glory is taken for Grace ib. Hence we learn 1 How to judg of true Glory Page 79 2 We see the way to walk if we desire to be glorious Page 80 Quest 2. How our Savior receives this Page 82 Answ As man by gift ibid 1 It is given by Grace of personal Vnion ibid. 2 It is given by way of Covenant Page 83 1 Our Savior received all most glorious Grace in a most eminent manner Page 84 2 He hath it out of measure ibid. 3 Without alteration Page 85 Use 1. Of Examination Page 86 Use 2. Of Comfort to the Saints Page 87 Use 3. For Direction ibid. II. What Christ gives to the Saints ibid. 1 The Saints share in a like glorious Grace ibid. 2 They have it by gift from our Savior ibid. The first Truth made good by four Particulars Page 88 1 This Grace is inward and spiritual ibid. 2 This impression of Grace is universal ibid. 3 They partake of all perfections of these kinds Page 90 4 They share in the immutability of Grace ibid. 2. They receive this by Gift Page 91 For the Saints in Adam forfeited 1 This Glory ibid. 2 They have nothing of worth to purchase it Page 91 3 They cannnot receive it otherwise than by gift Page 92 Object Our Savior is bound to do this by Covenant ibid. Answ affirmatively He is so bound ibid. Quest Put why did the Lord so engage himself ibid. Answ Of his free Grace ibid. The Reasons of both Particulars together ibid. 1 Taken from the proportion between the first and second Adam Page 93 2 Christs Humane Nature received this Grace for that end ibid. Use This gives heavy evidence against wicked men Page 94 1 Against all Hypocrites Page 95 2 Against those that please themselves with the apprehension of some Grace Page 96 Use 2. Of Instruction ibid. Use 3. Matter of Thankfulness Page 97 Use 4. Exhortation ibid. The way lies to Christ in four things ibid. DOCT. The End why the Saints receive all glorious Grace from Christ is this That they may be one as the Father and Son are one Page 99 Two Questions answered Page 99 100 For the opening do three things Page 102 1 Recal what this oneness is ibid. 2 How this oneness and glorious Grace differ ibid. 3 The Reasons of the Point ibid. The choicest of all Graces ought in special manner to be improved Page 105 106 Use 1. Of Reprehension Page 107 Use 2. Matter of great Comfort ibid. Verse 23. I in them and thou in me c. 109 The words opened ibid. DOCT. Christ in special manner by his spiritual Presence is in the Faithful Page 111 Three things here opened 1 In what respect Christ is said to be in his Page 111 2 What kind of presence this is ibid. 3 After what manner communicated ibid. Use 1. Caution to all especially to the wicked Page 117 Use 2. To desire the fellowship of the Faithful Page 118 Use 3. Tryal of our selves ib. Use 4. Shews the excellency of the Saints in their meanest condition Page 122 Use 5. Matter of Comfort Page 124 Use 6. Of Humiliation Page 125 Use 7. Of Admiration Page 126 Use 8. Of Exhortation ibid. 1 To be affected with the presence of such a Guest ibid. 2 To entertain him suitably Page 127 This is performed in four things ibid. Thou in me 1 The Father is in the Son Page 129 2 The subsistance of the Father in the Son is the original whence the Saints come to be one with the Son and the Father ibid. The Nature of this is opened in three things Page
130 1 The ground whence this In-being proceeds ibid. 2 The ready way to apprehend the Nature of it rightly ib. 3 How it may be attended in our Savior as God and Man ibid. The first expressed in two Conclusions ibid. The second made good in four Particulars Page 131 Three things for Explication of the third Page 134 This manner of existing appears in the Humane Nature in a three-fold regard Viz. Of Vnion Mission Operation ib. The In-being of the Father in the Son is the first rise whence the Vnity of the faithful with the Father and the Son is perfected Page 137 The Doctrine opened ibid. 1 Recal what this oneness is Page 139 2 How it 's perfected ibid. This Imperfection lies in three things Page 140 1 In the unsoundness of our spirit ibid. 2 Crossness to the power of the Spirit Page 141 3 When the soul will joyn anything with Christ Page 142 Use 1. For Comfort Page 143 Use 2. For Exhortation Page 144 Ver. 23. That the world may know that thou hast sent me and loved them as thou lovest me Page 145 The words contain a double end of this Dispensation ib. 1 That the world may know thou lovest me ibid. 2 That thou lovest them as thou lovest me ibid. Three Particulars to open Page 146 The first opened as chiefly intended Page 147 That passage of John 3.35 The Father loveth the Son is 1 Opened 2 The Reasons given 3 The Vses propounded ibid. Christs Love shews it self in three Particulars ibid. Reasons upon which Love grows are three Page 151 1 Neerness 2 Likenest 3 Suitableness of worth ibid. Use 1. Of Reprehension Page 152 Use 2. Of Tryal Page 154 Use 3. Of Exhortation Page 155 DOCT. God the Father loveth the Faithful as he loveth Jesus Christ Page 156 Two things opened Page 158 1 Wherein the love of the Father to the Saints shews it self ibid. 2 That it is like to that wherewith he loved his Son ibid. The first appears by three things ibid. 1 Love of Vnion 2 Complacence 3 Benevolence ibid. Quest oâ— 2 Thes 1.12 Is there any Name higher than the Name of Christ Page 163 Answered by expounding the place ibid. Use 1. Comfort to the Saints because God loves them Page 164 Use 2. Terror to those that hate them ibid. Use 3. They are worthy our Love Page 165 The Father loves the Saints as he loves his Son proved in each particular ibid. I. Instruction The sins of the faithful are more grievous to God than the sins of other persons Page 170 Instance in two Evils unto which the Saints are usually subject Page 172 1 To question Gods love ibid. 2 To undervalue it ibid. Object Though God loves me yet my grounds are weak Page 174 Answ Gods love is above all Graces thou canst desire ib. 2. Instruction Gods love to the Sainrs is unchangeable Page 176 Use Study to answer Gods love in manner and measure Page 178 That the world may know thou hast loved them as thou lovst me Page 180 A double end mentioned by our Savior ibid. The first End ibid. Two things noted from hence Page 181 1 It is lawful to pray often for the same thing ibid. 2 We ought to pray earnestly that the power of our Savior might be expressed Page 182 The Second End Page 183 Two Points in the words ib. Quest 1. How wicked men can be truly said to know the love of God to Beleevers which is a thing so secret that is not oftentimes made known to the Saints themselves Page 185 Answ three-fold ibid. Quest 2. Why do not the world know this in this life Page 188 Answ For a two-fold Reason ibid. Use 1. Of Patience Page 191 Use 2. Of Exhortation Page 192 Verse 24. Father I wil that those whom thou hast given me be with me c. Page 194 Two things especially attended in this Prayer ibid. We may attend four things in this Prayer Page 195 The General Observation It 's the care of our Savior to seek for the welfare of his servants Page 197 Use 1. For Consolation Page 201 Use 2. For Instruction Page 203 Use 3. For Direction Page 204 The particular Scope Page 205 DOCT. All Beleevers are given to Christ by God the Father Page 205 Two Questions for Explication of this Doctrine answered Page 206 Reason 1. ibid. Reason 2. Page 211 Use 1. For Information Page 213 The second Particular Page 214 Three Points observed especially in it ibid. Use 1. Of Instruction Page 221 Use 2. Of Assurance Page 222 Use 3. To make us willing to die Page 323 Use 4. To see the hainousness of rebellion against Christ in Glory Page 324 The words opened in four particulars Page 325 Use 1. Of Terror Page 332 Use 2. For Direction Page 333 Use 3. For Comfort Page 334 The particulars of it 1 It cures all fears Page 335 2 Supplies al wants 3 Rescues from Enemies 4 Removes guilt of sin 5 Strengthens all Graces 6 Quickens all Duties 7 Gives Eternal Life All proved severally Use 4. For Instruction Page 342 The eternal Glory of Christ is a gift of the eternal love of the Father Page 344 Two things opened 1 What is meant by this love Page 345 2 How this love is the cause of Glory ibid. Reason 1 Page 348 Use 1. For Tryal Page 350 Use 2. For Comfort Page 353 Use 3. Of Direction ibid. Doctrine from the Second Particular Our Savior doth desire to have the faithful in Heaven with himself Page 354 Three Reasons Page 356 Use 1. Of Instruction Page 358 Use 2. Of Reprehension Page 359 Use 3. Of spiritual Comfort Page 360 Use 4. Of Exhortation Page 362 1 What hinders Page 363 2 What helps this Vnion Hindrances are three ib. Helps are three Page 364 The third Particular is That they might see his Glory Page 365 DOCT. The happiness of our being in Heaven to see Christs Glory Page 366 Three things to be enquired 1 What this Glory is Page 368 2 What it is to see it ibid. 3 How the sight of this glory brings happiness ibid. For the second Enquiry consider 1 What his beholding implies Page 370 2 The manner how it is done ibid. This manner appears in three things Page 371 To the third Particular a double Reason propounded Page 376 Use 1. Of Instruction Page 379 Use 2. To Examine Page 380 Use 3. Of Direction Page 381 Means are three ibid. Verse 25 26. The Verse contains the close of our Saviors Prayer Page 383. 1 A description of the Person to whom be praies Page 384 2 The Prayer it self wherein are four Particulars ibid. Two Points considerable 1 We must look unto Gods excellency whence we may receive what we pray for Page 388 2 God in faithfulness dispenseth his fatherly Love to us Page 390 Two things opened 1 Wherein Gods faithfulness consists ibid. 2 The reason why be thus dispenseth his love ibid. Use 1. For Instruction Page 392 Use 2. Consolation Page 393 Use
3. Reproof Page 394 II. The Prayer it self Page 395 DOCT. The wicked know not the Fatherly love of God Page 396 Obj. Learned men that have studied this point may be ignorant of it Page 397 Answ four waies Page 398 The Sum of all in brief Page 399 Reas 1. Gods secrets must be discerned by Gods Spirit Page 402 Use 1. Of Instruction Page 404 Use 2. Of Terror Page 405 Object I hope I have somwhat more than the world Page 407 Answ By the way to try it ib. DOCT. The disposition of our Savior and the Saints towards God is wholly cross to the world Page 408 Three Reasons Page 409 Use 1. Of Instruction Page 413 Use 2. Examination Page 416 O righteous Father c. Page 418 The words opened ibid. DOCT. The Lord Christ hath the knowledge of the Father in a peculiar manner Page 420 Three things opened 1 How Christ as second Person is said to know the Father Page 422 2 How man comes to share in this knâ—wledg ibid. 3 The Reason of it ibid. DOCT. The Saints have a special knowledg that the Lord Christ is sent of God the Father for their salvation Page 431 Three things open'd 1 How Christ is said to be sent of the Father Page 432 2 For what he is sent ibid. 3 How the Saints know this in special manner ibid. Propositions to make way for the first thing Page 433 The second thing Page 439 Use 1. Matter of Admiration Page 440 Use 2. Comfort Page 441 The third thing to be enquired of two waies Page 442 1 Wherein the specialty of this knowledge consists ibid. 2 How it comes to be communicated to the Saints ibid. 1 The specialty of knowledg consists in four things ib. Quest Is this the condition of all the Saints Page 450 Answ affirmatively for the matter but not for the manner and measure ibid. Object We see by experience that may of Gods own are ignorant here ibid. Answ They know in part or know by reflection ibid. Two Reasons of the Point ib. Use 1. Of Thankfulness Page 451 Use 2. Of Examination Page 452 Ver 26 I have made known thy Name c. Page 454 Two things to be here attended 1 Our Saviors Work Page 455 2 His Engagement ibid. Doct. To make known the name of the Father to an humbled soul is our Saviors peculiar work ibid. Three things opened 1 What this Name is Page 456 2 What it is make it known 3 why this is properly given to our Savior ibid. Doct. Christ extends the same care at al times to al his servants Page 4â—5 Reason Page 466 Use 1. Of Instruction Page 467 Use 2. Of Comfort Page 468 Use 3. Direction Page 470 Use 4. Exhortation Page 472 Two Points of Doctrine Doct. 1. There is much wanting in the ful knowledg c. Page 476 Two things to be enquired 1 In what this want appears 2 The Reasons why Page 478 Use 1 Instruction Page 482 Use 2 Direction Page 485 Doct. 2. The Lord lends dayly Directions c. Page 486 Attend two things 1 The Measure ibid. 2 The Manner ibid. Many Collections hence Col. 1 The best Saints here live on dayly dependance on these things Page 489 Col. 2 Christ can cloud al our knowledg Page 492 Col. 3 The faithful must encrease in knowledg Page 494 Col. 4 Christ is the way to lead us to the Father Page 496 Col. 5 Matter of abasement of heart ibid. Col 6 Ground of thankfulness Page 497 Col. 7 Ground of Comfort Page 498 Use Exhortation Page 500 The Close of Christs Prayer That the Love wherewith thou hast loved me c. Page 501 For understanding of which words observe four things 1 How the Father loves Christ ibid. 2 How that love is said to be in them ibid. 3 The means how ibid. 4 The time when we shall know this ibid. Three Points of Doctrine Doct. 1. It is Christs desire that the dearest of Gods love c. Page 511 Use 1 Reprehension Page 517 Use 2 Instruction Page 518 Doct. 2. Our union and communion with God in Christ is the top of our happiness in Heaven Page 521 Two things opened 1 What this haypiness of Heaven is Page 522 2 How this is the top of it ibid. Use 1 Matter of Admiration Page 530 Use 2 Examination Page 531 M R HOOKER'S Seventeenth Book Made in NEW-ENGLAND JOHN 17.20 I Pray not for these alone but for them also who shall beleeve on me through their word IN this 17. Chapter We have a most heavenly prayer of our Savior expressed immediately before his departure hence which I suppose he presents to the Father not as a man or yet Minister of the Circumcision unto whom he was sent but as Mediator is part of that Intercession which he performeth in the behalf of his Church and people And being now shortly to offer up himself and to lay down his life for his Children and to go out of the World as though his soul had been transported into the Suburbs of Heaven as though he would unbowel his dearest and heart-blood desires into the bosom of his Father he sends this prayer before-hand in the power of his Intercession to lie leidger there in the behalf of his Disciples and faithful ones that so he might fully provide for their everlasting life and spiritual welfare before he left his own life and provide comfort in Heaven to be sent down to them before he left the Earth and went to Heaven A Prayer of unconceiveable and incomparable worth above al that ever was expressed or recorded in the word Like a confection or compound of those soveraigne excellencies beyond the highest strayn of the desires or conceivings of the souls of the Saints That which containes the quintessence or the pith of al the cordialls of the Gospel the very marrow of al that great redemption he had wrought and purchased the highest pitch of al that happiness which Heaven can afford or the very richest Diamond in the crown of Glory for that we may see he here prayes for something beyond glory that for which glory was made and therefore better than glory it self for so the words I have given them my Glory that they may be one as we are one So that that is the end of Glory and therefore better than Glory able to carry the heart beyond al the riches of admiration This is expressed in the parts of it according to the parties for whom it is made and those are two 1 For himself to vers 6. 2 For his servants and those His Apostles ver 6. to ver 20. The rest of Beleevers Hence generally for our imitation and direction learn from our Savior 1. That the first especial scope of Prayer should be for such things that do more especially concern us Whether it be in regard of any thing which respects the Glory of God the furtherance of his truth or the good and benefit of such whose conditions or
beauty of it This shal be doâ—e to the man whom God hath now and wil then honor They shal sit wich the Lord Jesus in his throne and shal judg the twelve Tribes of Israel The wicked when they shal see the Saints next unto Christ and judging with Christ they cannot but acknowledg and that to the grief of Their hearts that they be highly honored and dearly beloved like unto the Lord Jesus That is the truth of the point before we can come to the Reason there must be two Questions answered which wil give in the light of explication to the several branches of the Doctrine Quest 1. How wicked men the world can be truly said to know the love of God to beleevers which is so special a secret that it is not many times made known to Gods own for many years together nay the Apostle professeth it exceedeth knowledg Eph. 3.19 At least this new name writ upon the White-stone no man knows but he that hath it And therefore this love seems to be beyond the reach of the world too far off for their blind Eyes to see yea the Apostle professeth they have not received the Spirit of the world but the Spirit of God that they might know the things that are graciously given them of God and is one if not the cheifest of al those good things given the surpassing indearedness of the Fathers affection to his How then can the world who have no other but the Spirit of the world be able to know this Answ I answer three things wherein the meaning of the places wil be opened and the weight of the Objection removed and taken away 1. To discern and judg of the spiritualness of the work of any saving Grace is wholly beyond the ability and reach of any natural man much more unable is he to know Gods love therein or to view the beauty and surpassing sweetness thereof These waies of Wisedom are too high for a Fool. He must have Gods Eye-salve that must be able to see the things of Gods Grace in himself much more in another All sanctifying works are peculiar to the Saints There is sanctifying work in the understanding to act it and inable it to close with its object as well as any sanctifying work upon any of the other faculties and this is proper to the Saints And the Scripture is plain and peremptory the world knows not the Father nor Christ Nor yet any that are begotten of Christ and so neither the love of the Father conveyed by Christ unto any 1 Joh. 3.2 Therefore the world knows us not because it knows not him And upon this ground it is they are called Gods hidden ones Though the world and wicked men cannot discern nor rightly understand what this love is nor the spiritual Nature of it which is done by a spiritual light yet they may know and then they shal-know that God the Father hath and doth affect them with a most peculiar love both glorious for the manner and incomparable for the measure of it even next unto the Lord Jesus and this shal be discovered by the fruits of this love and the amazing expressions of the riches of his mercy which then shal appeare upon the faithful in their deliverance from so great evils which is wrought for them the crowning of them with that Excessive Exceeding weight of glory with which they shal stand possessed and that unto the astonishment of the ungodly and the torment of their Souls with envy and indignation thereat No man knows the affection of a Father or Husband but those that are in that estate and condition because its a secret of Nature which is only to be seen in the impression of the work yet that a Father loves his Son above al other his dearest friends and neerest acquaintance That the Husband tenders his Spouse with an indeared affection above al mortal creatures This appeares by the expressions of his respect that all he hath is at her command al he can do is wholly improved for her content and comfort she lies in his Bosom and his heart trusts in her which forceth al to confess that the stream of his affection like a mighty current runs with ful Tide and strength Though what that affection is he doth not know yet this he knows The choicest affection is there So it was with Haman when the Question was by the King made What shal be done to the Man whom the King will Honor He expressed his opinion and was forced to put it also in practise He then knew who was most deep and dear in the Kings Royal affection Mal. 3.20 When God makes up his Jewels then men shal discern betwixt him that serveth the Lord and him that serveth him not how ever happily before they were al shuffled up together and then there was no differencing betwixt the most precious Jewel and the most reffuse Pebble 3. This knowledg in the ful extent of it as it is here to be attended and that which is appropriated to that time in peculiar it may be expressed in two particulars if we would lay out the limits and bounds thereof 1. They shal then stand perswaded of the love of God to beleevers by a setled and wel grounded conviction that cannot be removed I say setled conviction because for a time or turn for a present push and undeâ— pressure they may freely yield and confess and profess as much So many profane wretches in the horroâ— of their hearts they have then honored then advanceâ— the faithful as the most happy Oh Blessed such that ever they were Born Balaam-like Let my Soul die thâ— Death of the righteous and my latter end be like his But this is but a pang Now only setled conviction Seizeth upon the Souls of the worldly men 2. It is a grounded Acknowledgment from a sensible Experience of the contrary Condition which they have observed in their own Souls and therefore now it 's past gainsaying when their own sense gives in constant Evidence without alteration of which more afterward If Conviction be setled so as it cannot be removed their Experience undeniable which brings in Evidence that cannot be gain-sayed then it 's true The World may be said to know that there is such a Love of God to the Saints Quest 2. Why doth not the World come to know this in this Life Answ Upon a double Ground or for a two-fold Reason 1. Because the Life Spiritual of the Saints is hid and concealed while they wilder up and down in this Vale of Tears clouded partly with sorrows and miseries which attend them as a constant Companion in a Christian Course partly collied and bemited with corruptions of their hearts and lives so that neither the beauty of Gods Grace nor the tender expressions of Gods Love doth in any peculiar manner appear in them and go no further than the Judgment of Sense they are the most forlorn despicable Persons upon the face of the
but it is a delusion to keep our complaints and keep our discouragements Keep neither but keep the Direction Quest But must I put out mine Eyes to see by anothers Spectacles or pinion my self to anothers Apprehensions Answ Thou dost not follow the man but the light that is brought by him Captivate thy Carnal Reason to Gods Counsel Isa 50.10 Who is there among you that feareth the Lord that obeyeth the voyce of his Servant c. Let him stay himself upon his God See therefore God in that and possess thy heart with a holy fear not to dare to cavil or by carelessness not to attend as Sampson be led to the main Pillar 2. When thou hast no word against thy self let no wants miseries weaknesses unworthiness hinder thee from adventuring thy self upon his Fatherly Mercy and expecting supply from it And who knows but God wil shew thee mercy Thou dost not know the height the length the breadth the depth of his Mercy and who knows but God may extend his Fatherly Love and Faithfulness unto thy Soul The Second Doctrine The Lord Christ lends dayly Direction Doct. and and Discovery of Mercy according to the dayly need of his Faithful Servants See it in the Pillar of Cloud and Fire Exod. 13.21 So also in his Care to his Vinyard watering it every moment Isa 27. Not to al at once not to al alike but as in the gathering of the Manna he that gathered the least had no lack So every one that which answers his present Condition Psal 21.3 Thou preventest me with blessings of goodness takest measure and suitest every ones wants In the opening attend 1. The Measure he takes in the supply 2. The Manner how he doth it I. The Measure he takes in this supply appears in Four thing 1. When we are doubtful in our way he directs us when we are at a stand and know not which way to take we then have a voyce behind us Isa 30. And thine Ears shall hear a word behind thee saying This is the way c. And Chap. 42.16 I will bring the blind by a way that they know not I will lead them c 2. Suitable to our needs he supplies Isa 40.11 Carries the Lambs in his Bosom Where there is most want he lends most supply 3. What is most Serviceable to our occasions he furthers and sets forward with success he doth for us as occasion doth require My Grace is sufficient 2 Cor. 12.9 then when the shock was he steps in his Faithfulness is the Magazine furnisheth us fully he furnisheth with Grace suitable to our Service Phil. 4.13 I can do all things with Patience in Journeys Courage in Difficulties in the Fire and in the Water Isa 43.2 and 25.4 4. Al these in the best Season Heb. 4. last in the time of need Isa 41.17 when the four hundred and thirty yeers were expired that very day Exod. 12.41 II. The Manner how 1. Christ hath purchased al at the hands of the Father and so is become the Head of the Church John 16.10 For had not Christ been possessed of Grace as our Surety and purchased the Grace of Adam lost the corrupt Nature of Man had been uncapable of Mercy 2. He sends the holy Ghost who takes of his and gives to us John 16.15 He shal take of mine he doth not take of the Fathers immediately but Christ of the Father he of Christ John 14.26 The Reason is Because al is summ'd up in this 1. Al depends upon this I mean upon the Name of his Fatherly Love and Faithfulness I speak of it now as it issues peculiarly from the special manner of the Fathers subsistence and work For therein the out-goings of the Deity are firstly discerned and lastly resolved Especially this is to be attended because the Father was directly offended by the sin of Adam and therefore it must come firstly in order from him to appoint and to accept a Surety for the Conveyance of Grace and Mercy And herein lies the out-going of the God-head first I look at the manner of his working The Father works of himself the Son from the Father the Holy Ghost from both So that had not the Father moved or put forth this work the Son would not the Holy Spirit would not because they work in order from the Father John 5.19 and 12. and last verse So John 16.13 Christ speaks what he hears from the Father the Spirit what he hears from Christ 2. Al is contained in this and from this communicated to the Saints Hence the Covenant of Grace which is here first attended The Promise of God in Christ before the World was 2 Tim. 1.2 This was in Christ 2 Tim. 1.9 God fed the Patriarchs with this nothing but the dayly repetition and consideration of the Covenant therefore blessing goes with it is discovered by it I will bless thee In thee shall all the Nations of the Earth be blessed He hath sworn that he wil bless us Luke 1.72 73. that is he wil be a God in Covenant This is the Cause why God so appears I am the God of Abraham the God of Isaac the God of Jacob. And this is the Ground of our Resurrection God is not the God of the Dead but of the Living God remembers his Covenant with us and for us Collections hence are many This Truth this Tree is loaded with abundance of Fruit We wil shake it a little and see what is most ripe and most readily offers it self to our Observation for our benefit that each man may gather and take that which may be most for his own Help and Satisfaction 1. Collection Hence it 's cleer The best of the Saints men of choycest Graces and best Abilities as touching the right Apprehension of the mysterious Deeps of Gods Fatherly Mercy the live meerly upon a dayly dependance while they have a day to live in this World The Lesson is so hard and difficult that our Savior is dayly spelling and repeating alwaies teaching and yet there is more to be taught more knots to be untied secrets to be opened As to Nathaniel John 1.50 Thou shalt see greater things than these And therefore David when he was a Scholler of the highest Form he craves the further help of Christ because the work was too hard Teach me the way to thee thy Spirit is good Psal 143.8 10. Open mine Eyes that I may see the wonders of thy Law There were yet more wonders to be seen though he had seen wonders al his daies This Name is Wonderful as the Angel to Manoah Beside The Lesson is marvelous large we had need be dayly learning and yet we shal never come to the end of it before we come to the end of our daies As men who travel in the main Ocean they see nothing but Water and yet see neither Side nor Shore Brim nor Bottom and there is more Water to be seen The saving Knowledg of this Name of Gods Fatherly Mercy
the same Nature upon himself for the great work of our Redemption and so he is head 1. It s proper to him to have al Grace firstly in himself in way and right of communication for had he not been the son of man and son of God together the way of Grace and life had been shut up from the sons of Adam Hebr. 10.20 And in this sence it is said That with him is the Wel of life Ps 36.9 And he is said to be a fountain of living Waters to have life in himself Joh. 5.26 And to quicken whom he wil. Joh. 5.21 2. The right and propriety of immediate dispensation is committed to his hand of all Grace and good Of his Grace we receive Grace for Grace Joh. 1.16 And the Holy Spirit takes of his not of his own when he communicates to the Souls of the Saints Joh. 16.14 15. He shal shew you al things He shal glorifie me for he shal receive of mine Al things that the Father hath are mine Therefore said I He shal take of mine and shew it unto you 3. The manner how this spiritual presence is communicated Answ It appeares in the Nature and maaner of it in three things 1. The second person in the glorious Trinity assuming our Nature into mystical and personal union with himself remaining the same person after the union which he was before the union doth therein become surety for the faithful and enter into covenant with God the Father in their room and purchase both Grace and glory in their behalf For had he not taken the Nature of man it had been unpossible he should have communicated unto man any good So the Apostle reasons when he would shew the way how life came to be derived to the seed of Adam and not unto Angels gives this as the ground Hebr. 2.16 For vâ—rely â—e took not on him the Nature of Angels but the Seed of Abraham And therefore these were redeemed life was conveyed unto these the other in their sins and sorrows And being thus fitted for the place of a Surety He did in special manner enter upon termes of agreement in the behalf of those he would do good unto The happiness of those were committed to his care by the Father and undertaken willingly by himself Joh. 6.38 39. This is the will of the Father that those that he hath given me I should lose none but raise them up at the last day And he is as careful to attend their spiritual welfare as may be therefore he concludes of them in their times and answerable to their conditions I have other Sheep and those I must bring Joh. 10.16 And when they are brought I will in no wise cast away nor suffer any to take them away Joh. 6.37 2. Having thus purchased Grace and glory for them he hath now both right and liberty to improve al power in Heaven and Earth to communicate Grace and glory to them Yea the Human Nature of our Savior hath liberty power to let on work any and all the Attributes in the behalf of the poorest beleever in the world yea right to send the good Spirit of the Lord for his spiritual relief Joh. 17.2 Thou hast given him that is Christ power over all flesh that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him And therefore in verse 4. he saith I have finished the work thou gavest me to do q. d. Christ hath nothing to do in this vale of â—eareâ— but search ouâ— and seek up some scattered and wildering Servants of the Lord. Yea liberty to send the spirit upon this imployment Joh. 15.26 When the comforter is come whom I will send you from the Father Yea makes this his main Errand to heaven in his ascension Joh. 16.7 It is expedient c. If I depart I will send him unto you 3. He doth improve this power and the operation of the Spirit to close the Soule with himself and to hold the bent of the heart towards him for ever 1 Cor. 6.17 He that is joyned to the Lord is one Spirit As by his spirit he sanctified our Nature and took it into personal union with himself and gave in subsistence which of it self it had not nor could attain So by the operation of his Spirit he prepares the Soul for himself carries it in the promise to himself and acts it upon himself The Soul moved by the vertue of the Spirit moves to and staies upon the Lord Christ As in the Eccho the Air moved by the voice in such manner returns the same voice by vertue of its own motion Come unto me I come Lord. And not only carries and closeth the Soul with himself but holds it in this holy bent to himself that way Christ-ward Heaven-ward This is like the growing up with Christ being as scions ingrafted into him as the true Vine and so are truly and so called sons as the scions united to the stock may fitly be called the Sons thereof and hence Christ is stiled The eternal Father Isa 9.6 Behold a Son is given and this son is a Father and an eternal Father and begets us as sons unto his Father and will deliver us up unto him at the great day Here am I and the Children which thou hast given me Hebr. 2.13 This is that which Christ calls his abiding in us If I abide in you and you in me Joh. 15.4 The Reason in a word is this He that is the life of the faithful must be in the faithful So is Christ Gal. 2.20 Col. 3.4 When Christ who is our life c. USE 1. CAUTION To al especially the wicked and enemies of the Saints That they do not offend and wrong them or do the least evil to them because they do wrong to the Lord Jesus and he so takes it as to himself Act. 9. Saul why persecutest thou me And the sufferings of the Saints for a good cause are called the sufferings of Christ 2. Cor. 1.5 Thus the Lord sends to Sennacherib Isa 37.28 I know thy going out and thy coming in and thy rage against me It was bent against Hezekiah and the people of Jerusalem but it was against the Lord in them True it is The wicked see not know not consider not this being blinded with Ignorance and Malice and therefore Paul asks the question when Christ speaks Who art thou Lord q. d. I own not thy speech nor understand thy person Our Savior answers I am Jesus whom thou persecutest Yea this wil be for the condemnation of their persons and confusion of their faces at the day of Judgment when the Saints in this sentence shal be honored and they set down for ever abased before their faces Depart ye cursed c. For I was in prison and ye visited me not c. Why When Lord saw we thee c. They were not acquainted with the presence of our Savior He add In that ye did it not to one of these ye
the Children that thou hast given me then he shall deliver up the Kingdom to God even the Father The Rule and Government of our Savior in al these outward Dispensations shal be at an end The end and scope of the Death and Obedience Ascention and Redemption wrought out by Christ that he must affectionately desire But this is so Therefore 2. By this means the perfection of his Body mystical and himself as mystical Christ is accomplished without this somthing would be wanting to make up the fulness thereof Eph. 1. last It 's said of the Church and is true of each Member for their measure It is the fulness of him who filleth all in all the hearts of al his Saints with al saving Graces If at the last day of that great assembling of the first-born there should be but the poorest Saint wanting and out of the way the mystical Body of Christ would so far want it's fulness if a finger or a joynt be lacking the Body would lack somthing of its ful integrity And therefore Eph. 4.13 God never leaves sending Officers they never leave gathering and perfecting the Body of Christ until we all arrive and meet at the unity of Faith and the acknowledgment of the Son of God The Head and Members should in reason be present one with another The Husband and Wife in comliness should co-habit in the same place and dwel together Christ is the Head his Faithful his Members Christ the Husband is gone into his own out of fair Countrey and therefore he cannot but affectionately desire the coming of his Bride unto him Nay rather than fail as we heard he wil come down from Heaven and fetch her John 14. I will take you to my self that where I am ye may be also 3. The compleat happiness of the Saints can only by this means be fully procured The Lord redeems not only from guilt and punishment and power of our sins and miseries but even from the presence of them And we cannot be wholly freed from the presence of the evil of the world before we be taken out of the World And therefore as the Lord hath advanced our Savior far above Principalities and Powers beyond the gun-shot of Satans temptations and the evils of this vale of Tears So the Lord Jesus provides that we may triumph with him as we have suffered with him Matth. 13.41 Therefore in the Parable while we live in the Field of the World and the Church is here Militant there wil be Tares which wil annoy and trouble But when the Lord shal send his Angels to gather out of his Kingdom al things that offend and them which do iniquity Then shal his Saints be translated into the Kingdom of the Father That which is the end of Christs Redemption the perfection of his Body the compleat happiness of his People that he must affectionately desire For the end ever carries and commands the affection of the Agent who works by Counsel and Reason USE 1. Of Instruction Hence al that are given to Christ must be raised from the dead and be in an immortal condition and in everlasting happiness As our Savior reasoned against the Sadduces God is the God of Abraham Isaac Jacob God is a God in Covenant with the Living Therefore Abraham Isaac and Jacob must live and that in Bodies and Souls because he is the God of both So those that must ever be with Christ they must have a Being and be raised out of the dust nor matters it though they were returned to the dust and that scattered into the four corners of the World into the Sea where they have been drowned into the Earth where they have been buried into the Fire where they have been burned The Lord wil send his Angels and he wil gather his Elect The Sea shal give up her dead the Fire and Earth their dead They shal be made immortal that so they may be ever with the Lord. USE 2. Of Reprehension It condemns both the Spirits and Practices of such who cannot abide the presence much less prize the communion and company of the Saints Christ is not at rest in Heaven without them and they are in a Hell count themselves in a Prison while the are in the place and the presence where they be Certainly Christ is deceived or thou art justly to be condemned as one who hast not the heart of Christ the Grace and Spirit of Christ in thee and that one day thou shalt find They shal ever be with Christ and thou that canst not indure their society in the Kingdom of Grace thou shalt never have their company in the Kingdom of Glory Such is the exquisite Constitution and Soveraign temper of the Irish Mold that there poysonous Vermin Toads and Spiders and such like they die presently if confined to the compass of the Earth and therefore they forthwith leave the Mold lest they lose their lives So here if thou countest it a kind of death to be confined to the holy Society and gracious and Spiritual communion of the Saints it 's certain Thou hast the poyson of a prophane and a graceless heart within thee They went out from us saies the Apostle because they were not of us had they been of us had they grown upon the same root the Lord Jesus knit one to another by the same Spirit They would never have departed from us When loos-hearted and wicked Hypocrites are hemmed in by the Communion of the Faithful at unawares they stand upon coals and sit upon Thorns like Fish out of their Element their hearts faint and die away presently as professedly contrary to the Spirit of our Savior as Light to Drakness Christs Wil is They should be where he is and their wil is To be any where else but where they are USE 3. Of Spiritual Comfort Hereby we may learn to support our selves in several occasions that would prejudice us in our Christian Course Hence we may fetch supply to bear up our hearts in al over-bearing pressures Comfort against al Opposition of our Spiritual Adversaries which may hinder our Happiness Against contempt of the World that would disparage our persons and Professions Against our own weaknesses and feebleness that might discourage us in a Christian Course The former Doctrine affords Spiritual refreshing against al these Against the fiercest of al opposition which al the Enemies of our Salvation can make against our progress and success in a Christian Course The Prayer of our Savior is above the Power of Hel and Devils though they rage above their malice and policy though they undermine above the corruption of mine own heart which would betray and deliver me as a prey into the hands of Devils and their Instruments This Prayer of our Savior shal carry the Cause against them all and thee to Heaven in despight of al. This Request wil not be denied this Wil of Christ nothing can resist The grant of the Father to our Savior none in
Pride and Peevishness Wearishness sluggishness c. and they are with us in our Prayers Duties Hearing Conferences Whence it is we crowd Christ into a narrow corner not an Ear to hear a Mind to attend our Prayers few and faint c. We are mated and molested with Friends miseries wants necessities families occasions they are calling and crowding But then the Coast wil be cleer we shal only be with Christ Thus the Apostle speaking concerning fasting and Prayer enjoyns the Man and Wife to part mutual Company and Society and forsake their Contentments in their mutual fellowship 1 Cor. 7.5 that they might give themselves to Prayer While we live here we give away some Love bestow some delight spend some thoughts and affections take some content in these therefore he would have them al laid aside that we might give our selves c. Now this shal be done at that day nay not only and alone bound for Christ But now it 's the whol imployment of the Soul to attend upon him the Soul hath none other to see nothing else to do Rev. 14.4 They follow the Lamb where ever be goes see no Wife nor Child nor Friend nor Honor Pleasure but Christ only Old things are passed Have none to love to desire to delight in to be satisfied with but Christ alone Now we send our thoughts and affections upon other Errands If a man knew nothing loved nothing needed nothing but one thing how would that carry him command him prevail with him 3. How this brings in this Happiness Answ Upon a double Ground and here we have a double Reason of the Point 1. Because men come to receive more of God and that in the most intimate and inward manner and this is one end of the great Works of God in our Creation and Redemption of our being men and Christians that he might leave the impressions and manifestations of himself and his Divine perfections upon us whom he would have to be Monuments of those everlasting Mercies and glorious Attributes through al Eternity For God cannot but work for his own Glory and because there can be no addition made to himself who is infinite in al his Excellencies therefore there must be only a manifestation of these and this is the aim of al Gods Counsels He wil shew forth and make Editions of his glorious Grace and Mercy which may be seen and read and acknowledged therefore a world therefore a man and he a Vessel of glorious Grace When they partake most of his glorious Mercy and are tunn'd top ful of glory and there is nothing els Then the Lord attains the end of the work of his Grace For it s not Heaven the place nor the freedom from evil or the presence and confluence of al pleasure or our being there that makes us happy But the injoyment of God in al his perfections and should he withdraw himself Heaven were a Hel and we as miserable as Devils We then attain our supream happiness when we attain our end and our good is to have more of God Whom have I in Heaven but thee That Christ may be glorified in life and death It s part of the scope of Gods proceeding at the day of judgment 2. Thess 1.10 He wil be glorious in his Saints but admired in al those that beleeve He wil be glorious in the Eyes of al standers by Angels and Devils for the Grace that then shal be expressed in the Saints But that by faith they have received Christ and come to be one with God through him and receive al by him this dazels the Eyes of Angels and amazeth the hearts of Devils Yea it s a work beyond admiration implies some thing unexpected such as we cannot tel the reason of that is matter of admiration is not in comprehension The Devils have seen men holy and innocent and unblamable as Adam in Paradise But when the Devils shal see such as were haters of Christ and God to receive Christ and to be made one with God through him to have God to be al in al when they were without God in the world this wil make Angels to be swallowed up in admiration This is an especial part of that reward that God hath promised unto his not to have freedom from annoyance nay the presence of evil but to have himself God communicating himself in al the fulness of perfections fully to the Soul as it is capable of God is the Objective happiness to the Soul in himself and so its equal to al but God communicating himself in his fulness as far as a sinner is capable is part of that special reward we have in Heaven Gen. 15.1 Lament 3.24 2. Reas More of our Souls are for God For now the strength of the whole man is wholly spent and exercised in the injoying of God and him only and immediately God without means God instead of al means God only and no means Now some love and joy and desire c. Is spent upon the choice ordinances But then none of al these are in the Eye and desire but al the faculties of the Soul are fully taken up with God This is the errand of our lives and the end why we came into the world This is intimated in 2. Thess 1.11 12. Wherefore I pray alwaies for you that God would make you worthy of your Calling and fulfil al the good pleasure of his goodness and the work of faith with power That the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you and you in him according to the Grace of God and our Lord Jesus Christ The meaning is That God would Count them worthy of their calling That is the glory unto which they were called and so Fulfil al the good pleasure of his goodness that is fully bestow al that special good which in the purpose of his good pleasure he intended to them and the work of Faith with power that is bring the work of faith to perfection Now the end of al that glory and fulness of al perfection and spiritual good he prayes for is 1. That the Name of Christ That is Christ as made known in his word Offices and the great work of Redemption Might be made glorious in you in receiving this and the impression of this that is that it may be said See what the Lord Christ hath done 2. And you al may be made glorious and glorified not in you selves but as you are in him As he made glorious in you by receiving So you may be glorified in him by returning al to him while you Put forth the exercise of all upon Christ and through him upon God You by receiving of Grace become to have his image by the exercise of Grace you become to be like him and suck out the sweet of that infinite good that is in him For herein lies the beatifical Vision of God If truly glorious and efficatious brings in the fruition of him and his goodness
the Lord Jesus the Son of his Love blessed for ever and that to such as they are so unworthy and vile in themselves so loathsom and abominable by reason of the Number and Nature of their Hellish Iniquities That it seems so cross to the compass of al Reason that they cannot but cavil at it as a thing absurd and unreasonable to beleeve and their distrustful and guilty hearts cannot but reject it as a thing impossible Yea the Disciples themselves when the hardness of the work was resembled by a comparison from our Savior they cried out Who then can be saved To make known and make good this Ambassage to the Soul God must make known his Almighty Power to the sinner which he only that feels is forced to confess others cannot conceive So Paul to the Ephesians Chap. 1.17 c. praies for a Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation another Spirit and common Understanding cannot come neer such things That they might know the excessive exceeding great Activity of the might Power of God in bringing a sinner home to himself verse 19. and therefore the Convert 1 Cor. 14.24 when he hath but a glimpse hereof in the search of the Secrets of his own heart he fals down and confesseth God is in you of a Truth It 's the Wisdom Power Soveraignty of a God It 's beyond al created Power ever to discover such things to work so upon the Soul 2. As the Power that settles the Message so the Light that discovers the Beauties and Excellencies that are therein utterly beyond apprehension expectation admiration Peter professeth that the very Angels of Heaven pry into these Secrets delight to lie down and look wishly into them because they lie so low and deep beyond their discerning 1 Pet. 1.11 yea the Apostle Paul concludes the Eye never saw the Ear never heard nay it never entred into the heart of man to conceive thâ—se things 1 Cor. 2.9 Nothing can be seen by proof and observation nothing heard by report from others no such thing can be anvilled and contrived by the conceitings of al the Understanding of men and yet they are such things which God hath revealed by his Spirit in the Gospel Hence the Phrase 1 Pet. 2.9 God hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous Light Every thing is a Mystery a marvel in the work of Grace when once we have an Eye to see We marvel at our own wretchedness and baseness we marvel at Gods Patience to bear with such worthless and sinful ones as we be our Peace is marvelous such as passeâ—h al understanding joy marvelous unspeakable and glorious And the ungodly meddle not in any of these things being indeed unknown to them There is hid Manna Revel 2. Secret and unconceivable refreshings â—ound in Câ—rist a white Stone and a new Name which no man knows but he that hath it and therefore he judgeth all things saith the Apostle he that is Spiritual and is judged of no man And Lastly For the setling of the heart It lets in such an overbearing both Power and Sweetness of the good thus known that it carries the heart along with it and settles and keeps the heart to it And therefore it ever hath Faith accompanying it They that know thy name wil trust in thee Psal 9 10. Hadst thou known who it is that said unto thee give me to drink thou wouldst have asked of him and he would have given thee living Water Joh. 4.10 Therefore she should have asked in Faith By this we know that we do know We have the science of knowledge that we have the truth and soundness of Faith And somtimes yea frequently in the phrase of Scripture it is put for faith Joh. 17.3 This is Eternal life to know thee that is to beleeve in thee 2. The means how this knowledge comes to settle the faithful Answ It is by the means which God in the course of his Providence appointment hath ordained for that end that is his good word in the Scriptures recorded by his Ministery delivered to them It is true there is a spirit of Wisdom and revelation that is put forth in this dispensation but it s as true that this Spirit goes along with this word and works in this word as seems good to the good pleasure and wil of Christ The place is more precious than Pearls and worthy to be retained in the table of our hearts for ever Joh. 17.7 8. Now they to wit the Apostles Have known that all things whatever thou hast given me are of thee Whence comes that Answer verse 8. I have given to them the words which thou givest me and they have received them and have known surely that I came out from thee and they have beleeved that thou didst send me Loe The words that God the Father gave Christ the words of he Gospel Evâ—ngelium that good tidings he gave the Apostles And they received them and by them they knew that Christ came from God and beleeved he was sent of that message Quest Is this the condition of all the Saints Answ For the reality and substance of what hath been said it appertains to al though there be much difference in the manner and measure how these discoveries come to be dispensed Object But we see by experience many of Gods own are Ignorant here Answ There is a discovery of these in a manner and measure to al for al have that spiritual light all have notice of that Ambassage of peace of love and of life brought them in and by Christ and by that overbearing power and light those good things of Christ in the Gospel are discovered so convictingly and set on so efficaciously that the heart is kept to them By such a knowledg they come to be apprehended and receive But there is a reflect act when our understanding views and looks over the work of the mind and heart so that we know that we do know and know that we do receive This the Saints may and do want many times for some while We have this dispatcht the four Particulars and so cleared our way to the understanding of the Doctrine proposed which was The Saints have a special knowledg that the Lord Christ is sent of God the Father for the work of their Salvation We shal now proceed to the Reasons and Uses in few words The Reason of the point is double 1. From the Office of our Savior Reas 1. and the Aim and scope he hath in the execution of the work thereof He comes not to do his own wil nor to seek his own glory but to do the wil and seek the glory of him that sent him Therefore he must dispense al as from him draw al Eyes and hearts towards him For the Nature of an Ambassage doth of necessity imply and require this It makes al to look to the person who sends the Ambassage whose power and pleasure is there firstly attended and leads al by the hand