the Eye being the more curious and choice Organ of Natural and Sensual Understanding and Delight the right Frame and Complexion thereof affords a Man the greatest Satisfaction of all Sensual Faculties and yet we see how frail and weak it is at best soonest and easiest wounded and diminished by Age or Accidents and must needs have supports by glasses in Old Age or otherwise and at last it wholy fails at Death whereby we find these two defects in it First It is but weak Secondly It altogether fails at Death The Silver Threads are cut and the Golden Bowl broken at the Well Ecl. 12. to 6. read all In these Considerations the godly have much the Advantage for when inlightned they are made of a spiritual Frame strong and vigorous as being built on Christ the Rock of Ages by Faith and when renewed in him and Translated into Glory can admit of no defect nor be subject to any Infirmity you hath he quickened who were once Dead in sin he hath quickened us together in Christ Eph. 2.1 As Christ being once raised from the Dead was reed of all further Natural Infirmities even so renewed Sinners even in this Life have the Cataracts and Scales of Natural Darkness taken off as spiritually enlightned and made partakers of the Divine Nature and are taught to see and understand the Mysteries of God and Godliness which the Natural Man knoweth not nor can understand to be Carnally minded is Death but to be Spiritually minded is Life and Peace because the Carnal Mind is Enmity against God for it is not subject to the Law of God neither indeed can he the Carnal Man receiveth not the things of God for they are foolishness unto him neither can he know them because they are Spiritually discerned but he that is Spiritual judgeth all things Rom. 8.6 7. for who have known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him but we have the mind of Christ 1 Cor. 2.14 15 16. Thus Christians having the Eyes of their Understanding enlightned they can see and understand distinctly for they walk and see by Faith and not by Sense and being here as to the World Strangers and not minding the World in a Carnal Method as Worldlings do and as dis interessed they do impartially make the more certain observation and judgment of things of this Life therefore we are always confident knowing that while in the Body we are absent from the Lord for we walk by Faith not by Sight we are confident and willing to be absent from the Body and be present with the Lord 2 Cor. 5.9 The Saints have yet a further excellency in their sight for when they are Spiritualized in this Life and the natural ignorance taken off by their ingraftment in Christ when these Silver Threads are cut they are enlightned with the knowledge and sight which fails not and united to Christ that first and Original Light and their knowledge is eternal and unextinguishable and augmented to the seeing not only in part as in this Life but to know as they are known and to see as they seen eternally in the Heavens that they all may be one as thou Father art in me and I in thee that they also may be one in us that they may be perfect in one We know in part and we Prophesie in part but when that which is perfect is come then that which is in part shall be done away when I was a Child I spoke as a Child I understood as a Child I thought as a Child but when I became a Man I put away Childish things for now we see through a glass darkly but then face to face now I know in part but then shall I know even as also I am known 1 Cor. 13.9 10 11 12. In this side of time our Eyes are blurred with Sorrow and Grief and our sight marred but in the Translation all Tears shall be wiped away from our Eyes there shall be no night there they shall need no Candle nor light of Sun or Moon for the Lord giveth them Light Hence plainly may appear the great difference between the Lusts of the Eyes in a Carnal Man and the Transcendent excellencies of the sight of the Saints in glory for that the Carnal Eye of the Body can only reach sensual Objects and that under great Infirmities and Weakness but the Spiritual Light reacheth Heavenly Objects and that in full extent and continues its strength to all Eternity The last thing which makes up the Worlds glory and excellency is the Pride of Life by which may be understood all Worldly Honour Credit Titles and Preferments which do chiefly consist either in naked Titles of Honour or Titles with Preferment and Benefit attending them in both which respects we shall find that of the glorified Saints infinitely excell all that can be pretended from the World Worldly Titles of Honour of the Highest Elevation or Degree as Dukes Kings Emperors and such like are splendid in Carnal Fancy but having no intrinsick value depending only upon the frothy Opinion of others the professors thereof may fall from them into more Contempt than they were in esteem by reason of their Titles Power and Glory as daily experience teacheth but the Saints are Sons and Heirs of God and joynt Heirs with Jesus Christ and their Names Titles and Dignities are entred in the Records of Heaven and they are Sealed with Truth that cannot lye The grace and calling of God is without Repentance To him that overcometh will I give a New Name better than the Name of Sons and Daughters the Name of God and the City of God which cometh down from Heaven this is more Honourable than that of the Order of St. George or St. Andrews or any of the most splendid Dignities on Earth Rev. 3.12 These Titles are not only glorious though not made up of the vain and flattering notions of Carnal fancies and outward gaity and shew but are also accompanyed with the richest Preferments and greatest profit such as are thus dignified with the Name of God on them are in the Presence Chamber continually before the Throne of God Day and Night and he that sitteth on the Throne dwelleth amongst them they shall Hunger no more neither Thirst any more neither shall the Sun light on them or any Heat Rev. 7.15 16 17. Though these be not eminent Titles yet not all and what the richest greatest and most generous Princes on Earth cannot give the Lord gives to the Saints he makes them Sons and Heirs of his Everlasting Glory he that overcometh shall inherit all things and he shall be my Son and I will be his God Rev. 21.7 If ye be risen with Christ then are ye Heirs according to his promise and joynt Heirs with Christ and because ye are Sons God hath sent forth this Spirit of his Son into your Hearts whereby ye cry Abba Father wherefore thou art no more a Servant but a Son and if a Son then
the depth of the Riches both of the Wisdom and Knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his Judgments and his Ways past finding out for who hath known the Mind of the Lord or who hath been his Counsellor Rom. 11.33 34. And with the same Apostle That ye being rooted and grounded in love may be able to comprehend with all Saints what is the breadth and length and depth and heighth and to know the love of Christ which passeth Knowledge that ye may be filled with all the fulness of God Eph. 3.17 18 19. And to admire Infinite Goodness with the Holy Prophet For since the beginning of the World Man hath not heard nor perceived by the Ear neither hath the Eye seen O God besides thee what he hath prepared for him Isa 64.4 And further of the mistery of this love read 1 Tim. 3.16 Psalm 139.17 18. Having thus viewed the first estate of Man in his Innocence and his estate of Apostacy from God and being informed of the mistery of Gods Love and eternal good Will to Man in Christ Jesus we come next to consider how in infinite Wisdom the Redemption of Man is contrived We have already discovered how God of his bounty made man in a happy and glorious estate after his own Image and upon the Condition and Covenant of obedience he was made Lord of all the sublunary Creatures and that God putting Mans Stock in his own hand and though he was sufficiently enabled to perform Obedience nevertheless through the Concupisence of his Heart he broke his Allegiance to God and incurred to himself and posterity the forfeiture of all the glorious Dignities and Priviledges given to him and he and his Posterity were concluded under Misery and Wrath because of Sin so that having no capacity in himself to be reconciled to God and retrieve his loss the Infinite Wisdom and Bounty of God from all Eternity as above is discovered did determine mans Restoration to a better and surer Estate and Condition than what he was in at his first Creation and that same Infinite Wisdom foreseeing that Man having corrupted his Way and Heart the Fountain of Actions And that the Thoughts and Imaginations of his Heart were evil and only evil continually Gen 6.5 And that his Heart was deceitful and desperately wicked Jer. 17.9 And though he intended Mans Restoration and Eternal Happiness yet because of the pravity of Mans Heart he was neither to be treated with upon his own Integrity nor fit to be trusted with a new Stock in his own strength and therefore Heavenly Wisdom appoints the only begotten Son of God and Second Person of the Holy Trinity to be a Mediator for Man and by him enters into an everlasting Covenant with Man which shall be demonstrated in the ensuing Discourse and that as well to satisfie Divine Justice for Mans Transgression as to secure to Man the future Stock of Gods bounty granted unto him by vertue of this New and Second Covenant and what this Covenant is and the terms of it shall be the next Subject of Discourse This Covenant commonly called the Covenant of Grace is mutual between God and Man through the Mediator Jesus Christ who in Scripture is called the Mediator of the New Covenant considering this Covenant we shall First Take notice of the freedom thereof Secondly Of the terms of it First As to the freedom It being apparent that God of his Free-Will and Goodness without any tye necessity or obligation upon him for his own Glory Created the World and Man in that glorious and stately Condition as we have heard and that Man by his Rebellion departing from God had incurred the execution of Justice upon himself and all after Posterity and that the Pravity of Mans Nature was such that it grieved and repented God that he had made Man Gen. 6.6 There lay no obligation upon God to restore lost Man but that God intending to make Bounty and Mercy as it were to triumph over Justice and magnifie his Infinite goodness by the Council of Heaven this mystery of Christs love is contrived by which Justice is satisfied and Man is not only relieved from the servitude of Sin and delivered from wrath to come and insured in a better estate than what he was in at first but also is made Heir to all the most excellent priviledges contained in this new Covenant which shall be branched forch in the ensuing Discourse The frequent testimonies of the Spirit in the New Testament witness the freedom of this Covenant Having Predestinated us to the Adoption of Children by Jesus Christ to himself according to the good pleasure of his Will Eph. 1.5 But God who is rich in Mercy for his great love wherewith he hath loved us even when we were dead in sins hath he quickened us together in Christ by Grace ye are saved Eph. 2.4 5 11. And not by Works of Righteousness which we have done but according to his Mercy he saved us by the washing of Regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour that being Justified by his Grace we should be made Heirs according to the hope of Eternal Life Titus 3.5 6 7. For all have sinned and come short of the Glory of God being justified freely by his Grace through the Redemption that is in Christ Jesus whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through Faith in his blood to declare his Righteousness for the remission of sins that are past through the forbearance of God to declare his righteousness that he may be just and the justifier of him that believeth in Jesus Rom. 3.21 to the end When we were yet without strength in due time Christ died for the ungodly God commendeth his love towards us in that while we were yet Sinners Christ died for us for if when we were Enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son much more being reconciled we shall be saved by his Life Rom 5.6 to 11. Who was delivered for our offences and was raised again for our Justification Rom. 4.25 and other innumerable places of Scripture as Rom. 9.11 15 16. Ezek. 16. to 15 and Ezek. 36.17 to 33. James 1.17 By all which we see the blessing of this Covenant coming freely of Grace by the Council of Heaven Christ undertaking for impotent helpless sinners and enemies and this undertaking approved and accepted of by the forbearance of God and the suffering of Christ coming as a propitiation and satisfaction to Justice for Mans offences who was in no capacity to help himself the freedom and excellency of this love of Christ in this new Covenant appears yet more particularly in these respects First As man was of himself incapable to make satisfaction to Justice and reconcile himself to God so he was not fit to be treated with by God in his own person because he had altogether defiled himself and was of no Integrity therefore Jesus Christ
becomes Mans Surety to God to perform for him the Conditions on Mans part which he doth by offering himself up to Justice for Sin Rom. 4.25 And by his Spirit of Grace enabling Man to do spiritual homage and obedience to God and by so much was Jesus made the Surety of a better Testament Heb. 2.22 Secondly Christ doth not onely become Mans Surety but actually clears and discharges them from the debt of Sin to Justice and frees Sinners from the penalty of eternal wrath for Sin for he hath made him to be sin for us who knew no sin that we might be made the Righteousness of God in him 2 Cor. 5.21 Herein doth the Suretyship of Christ for Man differ from the suretyship amongst Men for that amongst Men when one becometh Surety for another he contracts for relief from him whose security he is and only lends his Credit for a time but will not pay the debt for him if he can by Law avoid it and if he be constrained to pay it he will force relief from the other if he be able and if not able will treat him with all severity for his own relief but Christ Jesus neither expects or desires any satisfaction or relief but freely of his own good Will pays the Debt and expects no return but the humble and thankful acknowledgment and improvement of the mercy of forgiveness and priviledges obtained by him to the debtor Thirdly He becomes a Curse for sinners and frees them from the Curse due for their sins Christ hath redeemed us from the Curse of the Law being made a Curse for us Gal. 3.13 For it is Written Cursed is every one that hangeth on a Tree Deut. 21.23 Fourthly He doth not only free us from the Curse for Sin and Punishment of Justice but also frees them from all Imputation of guilt for Sin and obtains the condemnatory Sentence of Justice against them to be cancelled and nailed to his Cross of Satisfaction to Justice that the same shall never retort upon them to their prejudice And you being dead in your Sins and the Uncircumcision of the Flesh hath he quickned together with him having forgiven you all Trespasses blotting out the Hand-writing of Ordinances that was against us which was contrary to us and took it out of the way nailing it to his Cross Colossians 2.13 14. Herein also is a second difference between Christs love to me above that amongst men for when a surety is obliged to pay the Debt of another he taketh Assigments to the Creditors Debt and keeps it on foot against his Friend either to force satisfaction from him or to keep him in constant trouble fear danger and disquiet of mind but Christ doth not only early chearfully and willingly pay the debt but also cancels all the instruments of payment and puts the debt in utter oblivion And remembers their sins no more Isa 43.25 and quiets their Thoughts from the fear of their danger or after trouble for their Debts Fifthly He doth not only satisfie Justice take off the Curse and procure them Indemnity but also procures the Imputation of Righteousness to them as he was made sin for sinner though he knew no sin so he makes them righteous through him though they were altogether unrighteous in themselves And he received the Sign of Circumcision a sign of the Righteousness of Faith which he had yet being uncircumcised that he might be the Father of all them that believe though they be not circumcised that the righteousness might be imputed to them also now it was not written for his sake alone that it was imputed to him but for us also to whom it shall be imputed if we believe in him who raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead who was delivered for our offences and was raised again for our Justification Rom. 4.11 24 25. Herein is manifest the excellency of Christs love to sinners above any thing amongst men for men commonly upbraid others with their good offices done and if one man suffer the least injury from another especially in paying a debt for him the same is not only a continual reproach but prejudice so far prevails that they never afterwards assist them in any good office but rather defame and lessen their reputation than advance them to any good though it may be in their power but Christ glorieth in the good Office done and is so far from upbraiding his poor friends Jam. 1.5 That he will not only have all names of reproach from their former transgressions taken off Isa 54.4 but he will have them farther advanced and though they were in themselves unrighteous he will have his own righteousness imputed to them as in the foregoing Scripture 2 Cor. 5.21 and is so tender of their reputation that he will have all their deformities covered and washed away in his own blood Rev. 7.14 Who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all Iniquity and purify to himself a peculiar people zealous of good works Tit. 2.23 24. Who gave himself for us that he might deliver us from this present evil World according to the Will of God and our Father Gal. 1.4 We do not read in Scripture that Christ upbraids any Repenting Sinner with their Sins committed before their Conversion Mary Magdalen after her Conversion was not reproached with uncleanness Peter with denial of Christ nor Paul for his vehement persecuting of him This of upbraiding or reproaching the Penitent with their former transgressions is clear contrary to the Method God takes with his People for in that famous Scripture Eze. 33 The Spirit of God tells us the Righteousness of the Sinner shall not justify him without Repentance and new Obedience When I shall say to the Righteous he shall surely live if he trust to his own Righteousness and commit Iniquity all his Righteousness shall not be remembred but for his Iniquity that he hath commited he shall dye for it verse 13. And on the other hand the Sins of the Penitent shall not be remembred against them If the wicked restore the pledge give again that which he hath robbed and walk in the Statutes of Life without committing Iniquity he shall surely live he shall not dye none of his Sins that he hath committed shall be mentioned unto him he hath done that which is lawful and right he shall surely live ver 15 16. The Lord is a Spirit of meekness tender hearted and compassionate and he knoweth that the regenerate are a people afflicted and broken in Heart for their Sins and under a continual sense of being under a body of death and that they often want the Oil of Joy for mourning and the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness Isa 61.3 To support them under their fainting fits a wounded Spirit who can bear therefore in his gracious condescension he ministers consolation to his People Thus saith the high and lofty one that inhabiteth Eternity whose name is holy I dwell in the high and
holy place with him also that is of a contrite and humble Spirit to revive the Spirit of the humble and to revive the Heart of the contrite ones for I will not contend for ever neither will I be always wroth for the Spirit should fail before me and the Souls which I have made Isa 57.15 16. From whence we may have these two Lessons First A Lesson of Caution Humiliation and Watchfulness to the Godly and Penitent Secondly An advice against censoriousness and rash judging of others First As to Godly and Penitent hast thou upon serious enquiry into thine own Heart Affections and Conversation found that Godly sorrow and repentance for sin spoken of 2 Cor. 7.9 10 11. And explained in this ensuing Discourse Page And hast found Faith warranting thee to believe that Christ Jesus who knew no sin is made sin for thee 2 Cor. 5.21 And thou made the Righteousness of God in him and that the Hand-writing of Ordinances of Gods Justice as to thee is by him blotted out Col. 2.13 14. Then consider First What thou art called unto That as ye have learned Christ Jesus so walk ye in him Hath he made thee Righteousness who was dead in trespasses and sins not by thine own work of Righteousness but of his Grace and by his Power of Regeneration art thou justified not by the Law of thy Works but by Grace and Faith in Jesus Christ Romans 3.27 28. T hy works are only Obedience Faith and Holiness which are given to thee by him and though they neither have justified nor can justify thee they are thy duties and what thou canst do is but duty and thou shouldst account thy self an unprofitable Servant as to God Luke 17.10 And though in the acceptance of God through Jesus Christ thou art accounted Righteous thou must continue in holy duties in all manner of conversation and must not continue in Sin that Grace may abound but as being dead to sin and crucified in Christ thou shouldest walk in newness of life to the destruction of the body of Death that we may live with Christ Let not therefore Sin reign in your Mortal bodies that you should obey it in the lusts thereof neither yield ye your Members as Instruments of unrighteousness to Sin but yield unto God as those that are alive from the dead and your Members as Instruments of Righteousness unto God and sin not because thou art not under the Law but under Grace Rom. 6. to 16. Secondly Art thou in thy apprehensions renewed to God and hast a loathing sense of Corruptions is the Bond-woman of Sin and Satan cast out by the power of Regeneration and Grace leave not thy house empty but get it freshly stockt with increase of Grace consider what Christ saith of the Man out of which the Devil was cast out that if he find the House empty he will return with seven Devils worse than himself and the last state of that man will be worse than the first Luk. 11.24 25 26. Be instant therefore in Prayer to God for increase of Grace and Guard against old favourite Lusts and Corruptions that they return not again to entangle thee to Folly take the Apostles advice be sober be vigilant because your Adversary the Devil as a roaring Lion walketh about seeking whom he may devour whom resist stedfast in the Faith 1 Pet. 8.9 Thirdly Art thou Righteous to God by Christ Jesus not by thine own works and power be humble in the sense of thy own incapacity and insufficiency for any good in thy self and say with that holy Apostle For I know that in me that is in my Flesh there dwelleth no good thing for to will is present with me but how to perform that which is good that I know not for the good that I would I do not but the evil which I would not that I do for I find a Law that when I would do good evil is present with me O wretched man that I am Who shall deliver me from the Body of this death Rom. 7.18 to 25. And be deeply sensible of the weakness and imperfection of all thy Graces and Attainments as rotten Garments and menstruous Clouts as in and from thee and that in thy self there is no soundness but uncleanness from the sole of the Foot to the top of the head Isa 1.6 Ch. 64.6 Secondly As to censoriousness and rash judging the Scripture tells us that offences must come but wo to them by whom they come Luke 17.1 And as none are more obnoxious to be slandered reviled and evil reported of and be treated censoriously and uncharitably than the Godly this they may remember for their Comfort and Patience that the Disciple must not expect better entertainment than his Master nor the Servant than his Lord and as Christ was reviled with being a friend to Publicans and Sinners a Wine-bibber and a Drunkard and that he did cast out Devils by Belzebub the Prince of Devils Luke 7.32 33 34. So may the Children of God contentedly sit down under the uncharitable constructions of the Enemies of Truth after the example of Christ who when he was reviled reviled not again when he suffered he threatned not but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously 1 Pet. 2.21 22 23. As the Children of God when they do well and suffer for it are called to suffer patiently as following Christs example in the foregoing Scripture so the uncharitable and censorious Rabsecahs whose business is to ridicule the Truth of God disparage Religion and load the zealous for God with reproach and infamy Isa 36. Chap. 37.8 to 14. should do well to remember that uncharitable censoriousness is a great sin against God and to take on them to charge the Professors of Religion with Hypocrisy is assuming to themselves the Prerogative of God of knowing mens Hearts which alone is the peculiar power of God Jer. 11.20 ch 17.9 10. Psal 7.9 1 Sam. 16.7 Man looketh on the outward appearance but the Lord looketh on the Heart No Man can charge another with any Sin but if he search into his own Heart and Ways he may find himself guilty of that same or worse Sins wherewith he chargeth his Brother wherefore he should take Christs directions first To take the beame out of his own Eye before he challenge the Mote in his Brothers Eye and not to Judge least he be Judged Mat. 7. to 6. Let such consider how much a narrow uncharitable and censorious Spirit is contrary to that love tenderness and charity which is commanded and recommended in Scripture Rom. 2. all and that if any brother or professor of truth be fallen under any sin that he be reclaimed in the Spirit of meekness and not treated with bitter invectives and reproaches 2 Cor. 2.7 and that self-humiliation is the best means of anothers conviction and the true Christian duty For whoso exalteth himself shall be abased and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted Luk. 14.11 Let such consider
bind them on thee as a Bride doth I will contend with them that contend with thee and I will save thy Children I will feed them that oppress thee with their own flesh and they shall be drunk with their own blood as with sweet Wine Isa 49.17 18 25 26. And in that famous place of the Holy Apostle There hath no temptation taken you but what is common to men but God who is faithful will not suffer you to be tempted above what ye are able but will with the temptation also make a way to escape that you may be able to bear it 1 Cor. 10.13 And in that other famous place Thus saith the Lord refrain thy voice from weeping and thine eyes from tears for thy works shall be rewarded and they shall come again from the Land of the Enemy and there is hope in thine end that thy Children shall come again to their own border Jer. 31.16 17. And as he is King so is he that merciful High Priest subject to the like infirmities of his Brethren and Sympathiseth with them and succors them under their temptations Heb. 2.17 18. chap. 4.15 chap. 5.2 And is able to save them to the uttermost Chap. 7.24 25 26. and in fine is universally concerned in all their troubles and difficulties in all their afflictions he was afflicted and the Angel of his presence saved them in his love and in his pity he redeemed them and bare them all the days of old Isa 63.9 And this his power and protection is not only in general but in all particular Cases of Afflictions and Troubles as shall be more particularly expressed in handling of the Priviledges of the New Covenant The third Branch of Princely power over Subjects is expressed in the exercise or extent of his bounty towards them and no King or Prince ever exercised such bounty or goodness towards his Subjects as Christ hath done and still doth to all such as believe in him and that in two respects First By shewing his free pardon of all their transgressions and sins by a full and general act of oblivion entered into the Records of Heaven by the Blood of Jesus I even I am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake and will not remember thy sins Isa 43.25 I have blotted out as a thick Cloud thy transgressions and as a Cloud thy sins return unto me for I have redeemed thee Isa 44.22 And that famous record of free love bounty and absolution from sin And you being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh hath he quickned together with him having forgiven all trespasses blotting out the hand writing of Ordinances that was against us and contrary to us and took it away nailing it to his Cross Col. 2.13 14. And not only by the pardon of Sin and thereby delivering from wrath to come and eternal misery But Secondly By raising lost man from the miserable state by Nature and Sin Ez. 16. To the highest pitch of honour glory and eternal happiness in making them Heirs of eternal Life and joynt heirs with Christ in Glory as many as received him he gave power to become the Sons of God even to them that believe in his Name Joh. 1.12 13. and if Children then Heirs and Joint Heirs with Christ Rom. 8.17 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them that they may be one even as we are one Joh. 17.22 What greater bounty can there be and what higher love can be expressed or can be equalled to that of Christ to Believers Greater love hath no man than this that a Man lay down his life for his friend but God commendeth his love to us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us Rom. 5.6 to 11. All which is more particularly insisted on in the Doctrine of the New Covenant Thus when we see what a happy state is that of a Christian who can find themselves within that everlasting and sure Covenant of Peace and Eternal Happiness with Christ who is that infallible Prophet to teach his People and lead them in the way wherein they cannot err Isa 35.8 and that merciful High Priest who hath offered himself once for all a Sacrifice for Believers and is able to save to the uttermost and is that only Potentate and bountiful Prince rewards the Faith and Obedience of his People with Eternal glory from whence may be these clear uses and inferences of consolation to all such as believe in Jesus First Is Jesus Christ that infallible Prophet the Way the Truth and the Life John 14.6 to lead and instruct his people Is he wisdom himself Prov. 8.1 and all things are revealed unto him of the Father Is the Spirit given to him to bring glad tydings to his People even to the Prisoners of Hope Isa 61.1 2 3. doth he instruct and give Wisdom and Knowledge to all that asketh Jam. 1.5 Then what person can be so ignorant in any of the matters of God or between God and their own Souls but here they may have a promise of supply he who to Believers is all and in all is to them in the darkest circumstances their God and they are commanded to trust to him who is among you that feareth the Lord and obeyeth the voice of his Servant and walketh in darkness and hath no light let him trust in the name of the Lord and stay upon his God Isa 50.10 And he is to them Wisdom Righteousness Sanctification and Redemption 1 Cor. 1.30 Secondly Is Christ that glorious High Priest who once for all by his own blood hath entered into the holy place and obtained eternal Redemption for sinners Heb. 9.11 12. what reason is there for disquietude or doubting seeing he hath sacrificed himself for Believers even though the black Cloud of their Iniquities be as crimson and scarlet Isa 1.18 and though they may under temptation with Jacob and Israel say their way is hid from God and my Judgment is passed over from my God Isa 40.26 27 28. to end yet in him they ought to comfort themselves in this that the everlasting God the Creator of the ends of the Earth fainteth not neither is weary there is no searching of his understanding he giveth power to the faint and to them that have no might he increaseth strength Isa 40.28 29 30 31. And should under the Apostles consideration That we have not an High-Priest that cannot be touched with the feeling of our Infirmities but was in all points tempted like as we are without sin comply with his exhortation let us therefore come boldly unto the Throne of Grace that we may obtain Mercy and find Grace to help in time of need Heb. 4.15 16. And with the same Apostle triumph in a holy rejoycing There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus who walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit who shall lay any thing to the charge of Gods Elect It is
23. See the Marks Characters and Complexion of the Citizens of the New Jerusalem He that walketh righteously and speaketh uprightly and dispiseth the gain of oppression that shaketh his Hand from holding of Bribes that stoppeth his Ears from hearing of Blood that shutteth his Eyes from seeing of Evil he shall dwell on high his Habitation shall be the Munition of Rocks Is 33.15 Ps 15. These are they which came out of great Tribulation which have washed their Robes in the Blood of the Lamb no unclean thing can enter there without are Dogs and Swine Rev. 14.45 But we are come unto Mount Sion and to the City of the living God the Heavenly Jerusalem and to an innumerable Company of Angels to the general Assembly and Church of the First-born which are written in Heaven and to God the Judge of all things and to the Spirits of Just Men made perfect and to the Mediator of the new Covenant and to the Blood of Sprinkling which speaketh better things than the Blood of Abel Heb. 12.22 to 25. The fourth thing relating to this State are the Manifold Priviledges belonging unto them within it which may be thus expressed First They within this Covenant are all Marked Sealed and Recorded with God Secondly They are under an everlasting Covenant with God in Jesus Christ Thirdly To them belong universal promises both in Spirituals and Temporals and under every exigent Fourthly All are united to God in Jesus Christ First They are all Marked Sealed and Inrolled with God as God Marked Cain to keep him from Mans Fury and Rage for the Murther of his Brother Abel when Cain was accursed with Gods displeasure for that Horrid Villany so God of his Love to the Saints Marks them with his own Image to keep them from the Destruction of Satan and Inrolls them in the Book of Life to be called by Name in the Resurrection Hurt not the Earth nor the Sea until we have Sealed the Servants of God in their Foreheads Is 4.3 Rev. 7.3 The Lord takes that care of his People that as he commanded by the Pass-over the Door-Posts of the Israelites to be sprinkled with Blood as the sign of his Peoples Habitation so he puts his Mark of Holiness in the Hearts of his own to distinguish them from the wicked who in their Conversation and Hearts have Wickedness and Sin the Mark of the Beast and Worship his Image he Writes on his People his Name of Righteousness and gives them for a Mark The white Stone and in it a New Name Rev. 14.9 by which white Stone or Holiness they are Distinguished from the Wicked in their Conversation and the New Name is a Badge of Honour and ground of inward Consolation to themselves Secondly The second advantage of this State is that they are under an everlasting Covenant with God Thirdly To this Covenant do belong universal promises both in Spirituals and Temporals The fourth and great Priviledge of this State is that Mystical and never enough admired Union of the Saints to God in Christ Jesus That they all may be one as thou Father art in me and I in thee that they also may be one in us that the World may believe that thou hast sent me Jo. 14.20 Ch. 17.21 As Life Eternal is the reward of Faith and Patience and as this Life Eternal is the great Prize at the end of our Christian Race and as we ought to use all Diligence to work out our Salvation with fear and trembling there is no greater Encouragement can be imagined for our help in this than the faith and due consideration that Believers are mystically united to God in Christ Jesus Although all the Creatures and Man especially are parts of God as coming out of the Mass of Gods Omnipotence yet Man is no Natural or Physical part of God so to speak Though Man be Gods by Creation and Man in Adam having fallen from God by breach of the Divine Law given to him God of his Infinite Wisdom and Goodness hath provided a remedy and mean to restore and unite lost man to himself and this Union is by the renewing of Mans Nature and changing it unto a Spiritual frame When we were dead in sins hath he quickned us together in Christ Now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the Blood of Jesus for he is our peace who hath made both one and broken down the middle Wall of Partition between us having in his Flesh abolished the enmity in the Laws Commandments contained in Ordinances for to make to himself of twain one new Man so making peace that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the Cross having slain the enmity thereby Eph. 1.5 13 14 15. read all Thus by grafting the Soul on Christ by Faith is made a Spiritual Union with God whereby they receive all Spiritual Blessings by a Heavenly Communication from Christ as the Graft receiveth Sap Substance and made fruitful from the Stock into which it is grafted this mystical union of Believers between God and them consists principally in these four First In Unity of Spirit with God in Christ Jesus Secondly In unity of holiness Thirdly In unity of Love Fourthly In unity of Glory Of all which Believers are partakers with God in Christ Jesus First To be one in Spirit is to be one in Wisdom Knowledge and Purity of understanding now God is a Spirit and must be Worshiped in Spirit and Truth and though God made Man consisting of a Soul and Body and did illuminate him with knowledge and understanding though under a vail of restriction and as ambition and the concupisence of his Heart did deprive him of the advantage of his first state and the Wisdom of God intending to restore Man and place him in a surer Relation to wit that everlasting Covenant of Peace through the vail of Christ's Cross He hath to the renewed bestowed all Spiritual Light and Knowledge yet because we have this Heavenly Treasure in Earthy Vessels and the heavy clogs of our Carnal Bodies and infirmities of the Flesh hinder mortals even though renewed to behold and apprehend these Heavenly excellencies communicable under that Spiritual Union and Christ intending to have the Saints made fully perfect and capable of union with himself he prays the Father that they may be one with the Father as the Father and he is one I in them and thou in me that they may be perfect in one that is to be of one Spirit Wisdom and Understanding it cannot be supposed that Christs intention is that the Creature though first renewed and afterwards glorified should be elevated to that sublimity of perfection equal with the Father and himself but that their perfection should be in kind nature and purity of God and Christs perfection knowledge and wisdom especially in these three respects First In purity of Spirit and Spiritual mindedness Secondly In oneness and union of mind and will Thirdly In perfection of
liveth in me and the Life that I live in the flesh is by the Faith of the Son of God that loved me and gave himself for me Gal. 2.20 From hence and other Scriptures and History of the Saints Lives we see the different usage of the Godly and Wicked the Saints are Dead to the World and their Delight and chief Satisfaction is in God the Wicked make the World their God and sole Delight and glut themselves with Satiety in it but the Godly can find no Contentment in the Creature but with Reference to God in Christ Jesus and make him their chief Delight and cry out none but Christ and this is the Prohibition of the Gospel that we should not love Father Mother Brothers or Sisters or our own Life more than God Mat. 10.37 38 39. but God doth not forbid the lawful use of the Creatures but only forbids using it in Vanity Superfluity and Prodigality Secondly In being of the same Mind with Christ is not only to Act Do and propose the same things with his Father but also to do all and suffer all for the Glory of God The Worldlings kiss their own Hand and Sacrifice to their own Net and say their own Hand hath done it and ascribe the glory of all the Enjoyments they have to themselves or to the Creatures in which they delight and say These are the Rewards which my Lovers and Companions have given me Hosea 2.12 13. Nebuchadnezzar ascribed all to his own Power and Glory Is not this great Babylon that I have built for the House of the Kingdom by the Might of my Power and for the Honour of my Majesty and see the Event and Gods Just Judgment upon him while the word was in his Mouth there fell a Voice from Heaven saying O King Nebuchadnezzar to thee it is spoken the Kingdom is departed from thee and they shall drive thee from Men and thy dwelling shall be with the Beasts of the Field they shall make thee to eat Grass as Oxen and seven times shall pass over thee until thou know that the most High Ruleth in the Kingdom of Men and giveth it to whomsoever he will Dan. 4.30 to 34. See the Pride of Herod and taking to himself the glory due to God and the fatal Judgment of God on him for it And immediately an Angel of God smote him because he gave not God the glory and was eaten of worms and gave up the Ghost Acts 12.21 22 23. On the other Hand Christ set the Fathers glory before him as the chief Scope and Design of all his Actions and Intentions When his supposed Father Joseph and his Mother sought him with Care and came back to Jerusalem and found him in the Temple disputing they told him they had anxiously sought him he answered not with Apology or Excuse but said How is it that you sought me wist ye not that I must be about my Fathers Business Luke 2.46 to 50. We see that he placeth all his Business in the Honour and doing of the Will of God yea he placeth his Esteem on all such and accounts such only to be his Relations as obey his Fathers Will And Jesus answered and said to them these are my Father Mother and Brethren which hear the Word of God and do it Luke 8.21 We see in all the Miracles and Wonders Christ wrought Curing Diseases and Raising the Dead he Exhorts to the giving of glory to God and more particularly in that Famous place Thus saith the Lord let not the Wise Man glory in his Wisdom nor the Rich Man glory in his Riches neither let the Mighty Man glory in his Might but let him that glorieth glory in this that he knoweth and understandeth me that I am the Lord which exerciseth loving Kindness Judgment and Righteousness in the Earth for in these things I delight Jer. 9.23 24. Thus then ought all the Followers of Christ to have the same mind that was in Christ Jesus that is to set Gods glory as the chief Scope of all Designs and Actions before them He that gloryeth let him glory in the Lord and whatsoever we do whether we Eat or Drink let us do all things to the glory of God 1 Cor. 1.31 The World was made by God and for his Honour therefore all should be ascribed to him hence we may find whether the same mind be in us which was in Christ Jesus if we do what he did and to the same end and glory of God therefore it behoveth us to bring all our Actions and Purposes to this Touch for if they be not of this stamp they are Reprobated Counterfeit and will not be allowed in the Ballance of the Sanctuary for all the Children of God are led by his Spirit wherefore we must try the Spirits whether the same mind be in us which was in Christ Jesus know ye not that Christ is in you except ye be Reprobates but ye are not in the flesh but in the spirit if so be that the spirit of God dwelleth in you now if any Man have not the spirit of Christ he is none of his and if Christ be in you the Body is Dead because of sin but the spirit is life Rom. 8.9 10 11. because of Righteousness but if the spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the Dead dwell in you he that raised Christ from the Dead shall also quicken your Mortal Bodies by his spirit that dwelleth in you Ro. 9.10 11. Thirdly Unity of Spirit is to be one in Knowledge there is nothing raiseth Mans thoughts more than desire of Knowledge and nothing Magnifieth Man more than Knowledge and herein doth Man most excel all other Creatures not only that God hath made them Lords over the Creatures but that he hat endowed him with a Rational Soul capable of understanding above other Creatures and in nothing is the Power Wisdom and Goodness of God more eminent than by the different measure of Knowledge bestowed on Mankind Man in general exceeds all other Creatures in Knowledge and Ingenuity but every Generation and Nation exceed others at such a Rate so as what in one Age or Generation is a Riddle and hid as a Mystery in another it is Perspicuous clear and easie so that the knowledge of things is the darling of Ages Although we have the Sun Moon and Stars the Fabrick of Heaven Earth and the Seas the indefatigable and daily Travels of Discoverers and the use of Reading and the Antients to inform us either of the parts of the Earth and Treasures thereof yet are we still to seek as well of the Parts as Treasures of things undiscovered The New Inventions of Mens Ingenuity or the secrets of Nature and Power of Art make it true which Solomon saith he that increaseth in Knowledge encreaseth in Sorrow because the Soul of Man is restless and the account of the Idolatry Wickedness and Rebellion of Man on Earth is just cause of Sorrow Grief and Mourning because of the
no Murderer hath Eternal Life abiding in him 1 Joh. 3.15 Secondly The second branch of Divine Love approved of God to make up the Union of the Saints with God is that laving out the Bowels of charitable assistance in the supply of the Saints necessities like the good Samaritan in the Gospel not only to see and pity his affliction and condition but to support it God is not only a bare Spectator of our misery and maladies but also a healer of all our wounds and is that only Physitian of Israel and hath and applies that balm of Gilead even the Balsom of his own Blood to cure us hereby know we the love of God for us because he laid down his Life for us and we ought to lay down our life for the Brethren 1 John 3.16 But whoso hath this Worlds good and seeth his Brother have need and shutteth up his Bowels of compassion from him how doth the love of God dwell in him 1 John 4.9 If God so loved us we ought also so to love one another Greater Love hath no man than this that a Man lay down his Life for a Friend Joh. 15.13 to 18. The Duty of Christian charity is recommended and commanded as the evidence of Christian sincerity The blessing is to the liberal the liberal Soul shall be made fat and he that watereth shall be watered himself Pr. 11 24 25 26. See the exhortation from Christs own example But ye know the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ that tho' he was Rich yet for your sakes he became poor that ye through his Poverty might be Rich and that famous exhortation consider them that are in bonds as being bound with them and such as are in adversity as being your selves in the Body Hebrews 13.3 See how the Apostle James challengeth a naked beholder of the poor naked and indigent If a Brother or Sister be naked and destitute of daily food and one of you say depart in Peace and be you warmed and filled notwithstanding ye give them not these things which are needful what doth it profit Jam. 2.15 16. So that it is not bare profession which makes Love but the fulfilling of the Commandment love thy Neighbour as thy self as Christ loved his Church and laid down his Life for her so ought we also for whom Christ died Hence we see how great is the Priviledge of Believers for whom Christ both died and is risen again and taken possession of Heaven for them and that the Father will love them with the same love with which he loved his only Son before the World was so Believers should not be affraid for Love admits no fear There is no fear in Love for perfect love casteth out fear because fear hath torment he that feareth is not made perfect in Love 1 John 4.18 What quiet and comfort therefore may Believers have who find that love of God constraining them to wait on him by Faith may with David say we will not fear what man can do unto us and with the Apostle if God be with us who can be against us be of good courage for God will strengthen your Hearts Fourthly As the Saints are one with God and Christ 1. In Spirit 2. In Holiness 3. In Love So 4. In Glory which is the highest priviledge imaginable and is clearly held out in the Text And the glory thou hast given me I have given them that they may be One even as we are One. Father I will that they also which thou hast given me be with me where I am that they may behold my glory which thou hast given me John 17.22 24. And as God so loved the World that he gave his only begotten Son to dye for Sinners so Christ continues his Love that he will have all for whom he died to share of the same glory with himself and this is the highest exaltation and expectation of the Saints contrived by the Wisdom of God and accomplished by the Death and Resurrection of Christ and his being set down at the right hand of Glory for us This superexcellent state of the Saints Glory and Eternal Happiness is branched out in a fivefold consideration First In their blessed Death Secondly Their Spiritual and Immortal Bodies Thirdly Their being admitted into the Presence of God and Host of Heaven Fourthly Their being continued in that state for ever Fifthly All Sorrow Tears and Mourning to be everlastingly done away First Man in his first Creation was made Lord of all Creatures and tho' after his Fall by the Wisdom of God and infinite Love of Jesus Christ was reconciled to God by a new Covenant of Peace nevertheless was continued in a Prison of Clay subjected not only to all Natural weakness sickness cold hunger thirst and other natural infirmities of the Flesh and uneasiness of Life but also while in the body obnoxious to the Temptations of Sin and grief of Soul through the weakness of the Spirit under the clog and coverture of the Flesh as the experience of all Men Witness that this Life is but Labour and Sorrow therefore the Wisdom and Goodness of God and love of Christ Jesus hath so contrived that the Soul a Prisoner to misery and infirmities should have the Chains of Mortality knocked off by Death and be let free to Eternal Life And this is the first step of Saints effectual Happiness The Holy Apostle clearly testifieth that whilst we are in the Body we are absent from the Lord and therefore not only we but the whole Creation groan under these Infirmities and long for the Liberty of the Sons of God even the Redemption of our Bodies and therefore it 's revealed that Death is as it were the opening of the Prison Door to the Prisoners of Hope to set them at liberty from all the miseries of Mortality and Temptations to sin and gives them a free Pass to the Land of Rest Blessed are the Dead thy dye in the Lord they cease from their Labours and their Works follow them Rev. 14.13 And this is a great Consolation to Believers for as Death is the end of all Fleshly pleasures it 's also the end of all sin and Misery so the way of Death and the Grave ought not to be loathsom or irksom to them for that Christ the Captain of our Salvation hath proved both ways and for us led Captivity Captive O Death where is thy Sting O Grave where is thy Victory and the last Enemy is Death who is led Captive by Jesus Christ he will swallow up Death into Victory he will Ransom them from the power of the Grave I will redeem them from Death O Death I will be thy plague O Grave I will be thy Destruction Repentance shall be hid from mine Eyes Hos 13.14 The Second instance of Eternal Happiness is to have Spiritual Bodies The glory of Heaven and presence of God which is Eternal Happiness being designed for the Saints therefore the Lord in his Eternal Wisdom hath
his Church In all their Afflictions he was Afflicted and the Angel of his presence saved them in his Love and in his Pity he redeemed them and carryed them all the days of old Isa 63.9 Secondly This Love is extensive to all wants and necessities or else it is empty and profiteth not Whoso hath this Worlds good and seeth his Brother have need and shutteth up his bowels of Compassion how doth the Love of God dwell in him 1 Joh. 3.17 And the Apostle James is to the like purpose If a Brother or a Sister be naked and destitute of Daily food and one of you say to them depart in peace he ye warmed and filled notwithstanding ye give them not these things which are needful to the Body what doth it profit Jam. 15.16 Seventhly Is it so then of a lamentable truth that all men are concluded in Adams Apostacy and that there is a woful Degeneracy in the Soul of Man from that primitive Knowledge Righteousness and Holiness and that all men in Nature are dead in Sin and have their Conversation with the Lusts of the Flesh fulfilling the desires thereof and of the mind according to the Course of this World according to the Prince of the Power of the Air the Spirit that now worketh in the Children of Disobedience and are by Nature the Children of Wrath. Eph. 2.1 2 3. And that there is even amongst the renewed a Law in the Members warring against the Law in the Mind Rom. 7.23 Ch. 8.1 And that by reason of Sin the Creature is Subject to Vanity and the whole Creation groaneth and travelleth in pain for the Adoption and Redemption Rom. 8.20 22 23. And that in this degeneracy a mans life is his burden and there is no true pleasure under the Sun confirmed in Solomons experience Therefore I hated life because the work that is wrought under the Sun is grievous unto me for all is vanity and vexation of Spirit Eccles 2.17 all Seeing then this Earth is but a sojourning and no abiding place and that here is neither Pleasure Rest nor Happiness how much is it mortal mans concern anxiously restlesly and with a believing Impatience to pursue close after these two things First That as by one man Sin entred into the World and Death by Sin so Death passed upon all men for that all men have sinned Rom. 5.12 And that as by the offence of one man Judgment came upon all men to Condemnation even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men to Justification of life Rom. 5.18 That man would seriously apply himself to the Throne of Grace that he may be found in the Faith that he may be intituled into Eternal Life in Jesus Christ that only mediator and for that the first Image of God in man was wilfully abolished or defaced by man that by the bounty of Free-grace he may be begotten again by the regeneration of the Spirit unto a lively Faith and that he may put on the new man of Righteousness and True Holiness Eph. 4. â—â— And may be renewed in Knowledge after the Image of him that Created it Col. 3.10 And may be set free from the Law of Sin and Death by the Law of the Spirit of Life And that he may be spiritually enlightned not by the Spirit of the World but by the Spirit which is of God and that he may know the things freely given of God 1 Cor. 2.12 And that he may be spiritually minded that enmity of the Carnal mind may be removed so as he may no more mind the things of the Flesh but the things of the Spirit Rom 8.5 6 7. That being raised from the Death of Sin by the Spirit of Christ he may seek these things that are above where Christ is Col. 3.1 And may be accounted to be called a Child of God an heir and Joynt heir with Jesus Christ and may also be glorified with him Rom. 8 17. That he may be dead and crucified in Christ to Sin and may also live with him in Glory Rom. 6.8 Secondly Seeing the Earth was accursed for mans sake Gen. 3.17 18 19. And that the Creature was made Subject to Vanity not willingly but by reason of him who Subjected the same in hope Rom. 8.20 And that the whole Creation groaneth and travelleth in pain together for redemption from the bondage of Corruption unto the glorious liberty of the Children of God Rom. 8.21 22 23. That he may watch and be always ready with Oyl in his Lamp for the coming of the Bridegroom who cometh as a Thief in the night Rev. 16.15 And may earnestly pray that the Bridegroom would hasten the coming of his Kingdom and the new Heavens and the new Earth and set the Sons of God at liberty from the Liberty of Sin and Corruption and that the glad Tydings of that Heavenly Proclamation may be heard Behold the Tabernacle of God is with Men and God shall dwell with them and they shall be his People and God himself shall be with them and be their God And God shall wipe away all tears from their Eyes and there shall be no more Death neither Sorrow nor Crying neither shall there be any more Pain For the former things are passed away Rev. 21. to 6. Having thus viewed Adam in his Primitive Integrity in Glory Honour Righteousness true Holiness and perfect Knowledge with absolute Soveraignty over the Creatures the Darling and Friend of God and all the Creation at Unity and Peace with him and in Subjection to him and in Amity amongst themselves And afterwards by Man's falling from God Man the declared Enemy of God and by a guard of Angels barred out of Paradise deprived of his Soveraignty and Enmity sowed between the Creatures and the Earth accursed and the Creation brought under Bondage and the Posterity of Adam once the apparent Heir of all Righteousness true Holiness Knowledge Honour Glory and Soveraignty over the Creatures disabled and cut off from that glorious succession and exposed unto all misery and under the servitude of Sin and Wrath Rom. 3.23 Eph. 2.3 And in place of that Unity of the Sons of God and shouting together for joy nothing to be seen or heard but Subjects rebelling against their Soveraign and the whole Creation Split in Enmity and Envy Malice Oppression and Unrighteousness to have filled the whole Earth where is that corner of the World where ambition for Dominion Covetousness for Wealth private or publick animosities have not drowned the sense of all comfortable enjoyments Man raging against the Creatures and they against him and each in contention devouring one another and nothing to be seen but a woful Convulsion and dismal complexion and the degenerate frame of that first and beautiful Fabrick of the Creation from its so late purity and glory This then being the Tragical Condition of all Mortals Subject to Sin and Misery as entailed on them from the Inherent Corruption of Nature Job 5.6 Who can
1 Tim. 6.7 8 9 10. This Blessed Lord Jesus Christ who is the only Wisdom Light and truth it self teacheth his People to a dependance on himself by Faith and Submission in all Providences and as in the foregoing Scriptures we are taught the emptiness of all other supports besides himself and the emptiness of all other Enjoyments his purpose therein is to wean our Hearts from thence and fix them on himself by Faith and Submission in all Providences he tells us that a Mans Life consisteth not in the abundance of what a Man hath in the foregoing Instance of the Rich Husband-Man and that Man liveth not by Bread alone but by every word that proceedeth out of the Mouth of God this was the Doctrine of Moses to the People of Israel when in the Wilderness they murmured for want of Bread and when they were shut up from expectation of help and all probabilities of supply were hid from their Eyes he minds them of the great wonders God had wrought for them in their Deliverance from Pharaohs Servitude and designing to wind up their thoughts to God by Faith that he would as well relieve them in that straight as well as he had done from under former difficulties and therefore tell them Man liveth not by Bread alone but by every Word that proceedeth out of the Mouth of God Deu. 8.3 Implying that the sole pleasure of God influences all the Creatures and that God in his Omnipotence and Wisdom is not confined to the Methods and Appearances of Men but can in his own way accomplish his purpose at his own pleasure his Blessing on the Creature can Augment them to such a Pitch as he designs he can make a little Pot of Oyl swell to many Barrels when he designs to manifest his Power and good Will to Man 2 Kings 4. to 8. he can make one or two single Meals feed and refresh for forty Days and forty Nights he can make five Loaves and two small Fishes feed five thousand Men and cause the Fragments left to exceed the first bulk Luke 9.12 to 18. he can open the Windows of Heaven and give a Blessing so as no room is for it to be stowed Mal. 3.10 he Cloaths the Lillies and feeds the Ravens without their Care or Industry so that Faith and Submission to his Blessed Will and Care will answer all things He it is that Commands seek and ye shall find knock and it shall be opened whatsoever ye ask the Father in my Name believe ye have it and ye shall receive it Math. 7.7 to 13. Now as Christs Doctrine is full and without Parallel so his Sufferings are without example as being without Sin not only against God but upright also and perfect so as he could not offend against Mans Law and that all his sufferings were voluntary of pure love not for Friends but for Sinners and Enemies wherefore such as believe in him and have the Hope of eternal Life ought chearfully and patiently to endure Temptations and bear their Afflictions in the Flesh and willingly take up and bear the Cross and more paraicularly for these Reasons First To bear the Cross is Christs Command Secondly For this we have the Example of Christ his Prophets Saints and Martyrs Thirdly We have his Manifold promises of Assistance Fourthly The Cross is the inevitable Path and Way by which he leads his People to the Kingdom of Heaven Fifthly It is the means by which he fits his People by Holiness for that eternal Union and Communion with himself Sixthly The Reward of Eternal Life at the end of the Race is exceeding great First Patient suffering and bearing the Cross is Christs Command Christ Jesus the Word of God by whom is forgiveness of Sins and Redemption through his Blood who made our Peace through the Blood of his Cross Preacheth this Doctrine come unto me all ye that Labour and are Heavy Laden and I will give you rest take my Yoak upon you and learn of me for I am Meek and Lowly in Mind my Yoak is easy and my Burthen is Light Math. 11.28 29 30. When he sends out his Disciples to Instruct and Convert the World he tells them he sends them as Sheep in the midst of Woolves he Commands them to be wise as Serpents and harmless as Doves and that they shall be brought before Kings and Governors and hated of all Men for his sake and that they could not expect better Entertainment than he their Master that they must deny Father and Mother and all other Relations and things dear to them for his sake and if they loved their Lives or any thing else better than him they should loose them and he that taketh not up his Cross and followeth not him was not worthy of him Math. 10.10 to end This also hath been the strain of all the Prophets and Apostles to Preach up Patient bearing of the Cross to you it is given saith the Apostle not only to believe but also to suffer Phi. 1.27 to 31. let us go forth therefore saith the same Apostle unto him bearing his Reproach Heb. 13.12 to 16. Count it all Joy saith the Apostle James when you fall into divers Temptations knowing that the Trial of your Faith worketh Patience but let Patience have her perfect works that ye may be entire wanting nothing James 1. to 6. take the Prophets saith the same Apostle for an example of suffering affliction and Patience ye have heard of the Patience of Job and have seen the end of the Lord that the Lord is very pittiful and of tender Mercy Jam. 5.7 to 12. For even hereunto are we called saith the Apostle Peter because Christ also suffered for us leaving us an Example that ye should follow his Steps who did not Sin neither was guile found in his Mouth who when he was reviled reviled not again when he suffered he threatned not but committed himself to him that Judgeth Righteously 1 Pet. 2. to end ch 3 14 25. Whos 's own self bore our sins in his own Body on the Treâ— that we being Dead to sin should cleave unto Righteousness by whose Stripes we are healed see further of this 1 Pet. 4.12 to end Secondly We have the Sufferings of Christ and his Prophets Apostles Saints and Martyrs for our Examples the Holy Scriptures give an account of the Opprobious usage of Christ his patient Sufferings his Ignominious death who willingly gave up his Life for Enemies see this more particularly under four heads elsewhere These Holy Scriptures Isa 51.6 chap. 53. all Psalm 22. all John 14.31 Mat. 27. all give the fuller history of the Particulars The whole book of Holy writ offers to our view a large Catalogue of the sufferings of Prophets Saints and Martyrs with their patient deportment therein how patiently did Moses the mildest of Men bear the revilings of Aaron and Miriam and prayed for Miriam Numb 12. so the Lord healed her How humble was David under his Son Absolom's Usurpation
Nature at such a rate that there being a necessity for an Atonement and satisfaction to Gods Justice for Mans Sin And of a Mediator between God and Man to restore Man to the pure and unspotted Image of God and it being impossible for Men or Angels to make such Atonement or to procure a Mediator The free Love of God raiseth one up even Jesus Christ the Son of God and express Image of his Father to take upon him the shape of a Servant and though he knew no sin to become sin for us so that by taking upon him our Nature and in our shape and place submitting to the Justice of God on the Cross hath paid the Ransom for us and restored fallen man to the Image of God in Righteousness and True Holiness 1 Cor. 15.21 22 47 48. The first Man is of the Earth Earthy the Second Man is the Lord from Heaven and as is the Earthy so are they which are Earthy and as is the Heavenly so are they which are Heavenly and as we have born the Image of the Earthy we also shall bear the Image of the Heavenly and thus Christ having paid the Ransom for Sinners he offers to all Men the free Market of Salvation Pardon and Eternal Life for God so loved the World that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him should not Perish but have Eternal Life John 3.15 16 17. For when we were without strength Christ dyed for us when we were yet Sinners and Enemies Rom. 5.6 7 8. But it may be Objected that Christ had a Body and Mans Nature and the Resurrection from the Dead seems things under the Comprehension of Sense and Feeling Answer Although Christ had and took on him Mans Nature nevertheless the Mystery of his Incarnation Resurrection Ascension Communication of Garces and Eternal Life procured by him must be apprehended by Faith and can never be reached by Human Sense the Natural Man knoweth not the things of God neither indeed can do because they are spiritually Discerned The Second thing in the Treasury of Spiritual Mercies are the various gifts and graces spiritually bestowed by God to believers in Jesus Christ He that spared not his own Son but freely gave him up for us all how shall he not with him also freely give us all things Ro. 8.32 These choice and spiritual Mercies may be classed up in these three First Such as are absolutely necessary to Salvation and the actual laying hold on Jesus Christ and applying him in his Merits Sufferings Resurrection and Glorification as the only Mediator between God and Man such is Faith for without Faith it is impossihle to please God Heb. 11.6 Faith is that Grace whereby Christ is owned and upon which Salvation is promised in the foregoing Scripture This is that grace that unites and incorporates Sinners to God for ye are all the Children of God by Faith in Christ Jesus this is that grace which gives Life Sap and being to Christians Now the Just shall live by Faith but if any Man draw back my Soul hath no Delight in him Heb. 10.38 This is the only operative and effectual grace where is boasting then â—t is excluded by what Law by Works Nay by the Law of Faitb therefore we conclude that Man is justified by Faith without the Deeds of the Law Rom. 3.23 Although this of Faith be the chief essential grace on which the being of a Christian depends this flows from the spirit of God from whom are all good and perfect gifts and by him are wrought in us for by grace are ye saved through Faith and not of your selves it iâ— the gift of God Eph. 2 8. The second grace is Holiness without which also it is impossible to please God be ye Holy as your Heavenly Father is Holy who is of purer Eyes than can behold Iniquity this grace qualifieth Sinners to resemble God in Purity Innocence and Righteousness Blessed are the pure in Spirit for they shall see God Math· 5.8 and thus it behoveth Christiaâ—s to be for that Christ having taken on him our Nature to purifie it from all the stains of sin he makes all his Children partakers of the Divine Nature and designing to assemble them in the New Jerusalem where no unclean thing can enter they must all be Holy and Clothed with Righteousness This essential Duty is Recommended and Commanded to us in Scriptures we are all his Workmanship Created in Christ to good Works which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them and are built upon the Foundation of the Apostles and Prophets Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner Stone in whom all the Building fitly Framed together groweth unto an Holy Temple in the Lord Eph. 2.8 9 20 21. And that ye put off concerning the former Conversation the Old Man which is Corrupt according to the Deceitful Lusts and that you put on the new Man Created according to Holiness Eph. 4.21 to end If ye be risen with Christ seek these things which are above where Christ sitteth at the Right Hand of God set your Affections on things above not on things on Earth for ye are Dead and your Life is hid with Christ in God when Christ who is your Life shall appear then shall ye also appear with him in glory Mortifie therefore your Members which are on Earth and put on the New Man which is renewed in knowledge aften the Image of him who Created it Col. 3.1 2 3 4. They that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit to be Carnally minded is Death but to be Spiritually minded is Life and Peace because the Carnal Man is emnity against God for it is not subject to the Law of God neither indeed can be so these that are in the flesh cannot please God and if Christ be in you the Body is Dead because of Sin but the Spirit is Life because of Righteousness for if ye live after the flesh ye shall dye but if through the Spirit ye mortifie the Deeds of the flesh ye shall live for as many as are led by the Spirit are the Sons of God Rom. 8.5 7 10 13 14. and every one that hath this hope in him purifieth himself as he is pure 1 John 3.3 The third Special grace coming from this great Magazine of Heavenly Store is Mortification although there is such affinity and connexion amongst spiritual graces that they are not perfect nor compleat but when in one Chain and joyned together yet this grace hath some thing peculiar in it as being that special piece of Accomplishment which frames the Soul to an immediate closing with Christ Mortification is either the curbing or subduing superfluous excrescences or growth of superfluous Humours in the Body or like proud flesh about a wound under Cure or the total destroying of that which hath the Preheminence and may destroy a better Life as the
I have not appointed the Ordinances of Heaven and Earth then will I cast away the Seed of Jacob and David my Servant I will not take away any of his Seed to be Rulers over the Seed of Abraham Isaac and Jacob for I will cause their Captivity to return and have mercy on them Heaven and Earth shall pass away but one Jot of my word shall not pass away Jer. 33.25 26. Thirdly The third and main point in this Covenant are the qualifications given by God to man to perform this Covenant for He it is that works all our works in us in him we live move and have our Being and without him we can do nothing These qualifications are principally Faith and Holiness Faith by the Apostle is defined The Evidence of things not seen the Substance of things hoped for Heb. 11.1 Faith by the same Apostle elsewhere is thus described If thou wilt confess with thy Mouth the Lord Jesus Christ and believe with thy Heart that God hath raised him up from the Dead thou shalt be saved for with the Heart man believeth unto Righteousness and with the Mouth Man's confession is made unto Salvation Rom. 10.9 So that Faith is the giving credit to the Word of God in all his Judgments Threatnings Promises and disengaging our affections to sin and lusts of the flesh and turning to God with all our Souls Hearts Minds and resting confidently and quietly on the Accomplishment of what is promised patiently waiting for the same and this grace of Faith is accomplished and wrought in the Hearts of his People by the Spirit of God by Grace you are saved not of Works lest any should boast but by Faith in Jesus Christ not of your selves it is the gift of God Eph. 2.7 8 9. and this Grace of Faith hath he promised in his New Covenant they shall be my People and I will be their God and I will give them one Heart and one way that they may fear me for ever for the good of them and their Children after them Jer. 32.38 39. this qualification also hath he promised to give his People in that often mentioned Scripture of the New Covenant A New Heart a New Spirit will I give them I will take away the Stony Heart and give you a Heart of Flesh and put my Spirit in you and cause you to walk in my ways and ye shall keep my Judgments and do them Eze. 26.25 to 29. of this grace and qualification of Faith we have spoken elâ—ewhere The Second qualification to those in this Covenant is Holiness for without Holiness it is impossible to please God of this grace and qualification of Godliness we have spoken elsewhere The Fourth excellency of this Covenant are the many Advantages attending it which may briefly be summed up in these four First To these within this Covenant belong an universal Inheritance of all things Secondly The certainty of that Inheritance Thirdly The excellencies of the Companions of that Covenant Fourthly The many Priviledges belonging to those within this Covenant Although the whole Scriptures are full of the great excellencies of the Heavenly Inheritance and that place herein is verified Eye hath not seen nor Ear heard neither hath it entred into the Heart of Man to conceive besides thee O Lord what he hath prepared for those that wait on him Is 64.4 Ps 31.19 however they may be thus hinted at The first is it is an universal Inheritance He that spared not his own Son but freely gave him up for us all how shall he not also with him freely give us all things Ro. 8.32 All Monarchs Princes and Propriators of the Earth have certain Confinements and limits to their Territories and some enjoy what others cannot pretend unto either in respect of the extent of their Countrys or Qualities or Wealth thereof but none can pretend in the right of their Inheritance or Possessions to that unlimitted Interest of fulness of right that the Partners of this Covenant may for in Christ Jesus all things are theirs and they are Heirs of all things and shall Inherit all things Rev. 21.5 6. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus who of God is made to us Wisdom Righteousness Sanctification and Redemption 1 Cor. 1.30 Let no Man glory in Man all things are yours whether Paul Apollos Cephas or the World Life or Death or things present or things to come all are yours and ye are Christs and Christ is Gods 1 Cor. 3.21 to 24. Secondly this Covenant is certain all pretentions of right or possession of Earthly things are uncertain and ambulatory and in the experience of most admit of their Eclipse in this Life witness David Solomon Haman Mordecai Herod and all the great Heroes of this Life who had their ebbings and flowings and have not been exempted from the fate of changes and with Solomon have found all but vanity and vexation of Spirit and that often repeated place the 1 John 2.15 16 17. describes the uncertainty and perishing condition of the things of this Life and doth ascertain the Interest and certain condition of the fellows of this New Covenant as is more plainly expressed elsewhere and if they continue in this Life they leave a Man at best at his Grave For we brought nothing into the World with us and it is certain we shall carry nothing out 1 Tim. 6 7 17. Thirdly The third excellency of this New Covenant is in the Company Fellowship and Society the fellows of this Covenant have by vertue thereof Men may have Honour Wealth and all other Human Delicacies and all this may be marred and imbittered to them by the uneasiness unsuitableness and disagreeableness of their Companions or unavoidable Society but the Companions of this New Covenant are all desirable grateful acceptable and advantagious the Soul of Lot was vexed by the wickedness of Sodom Job in his Affliction was Tempted by his own Wife and heavily grieved by his three Friends David Sojourned in Mesech and dwelt in the Tents of Kedar and this marred and lessened their quiet and deprived them of that content they could have had in more agreeable Society but the Blessed Harmony of the Saints increased the Comfort of all their Enjoyments they are all so framed qualified and adorned with Holiness Righteousness Love and Unanimity as they all mind the same things and cannot jar or disagree and their joynt song is Holy Holy Lord God of Sabaoths the whole Earth is full of thy Praise for through him we both have an Access by one Spirit unto the Father now therefore ye are no more Strangers and Forraigners but fellow Citizens with the Saints and the House-hold of God and are built upon the Foundation of the Apostles and Prophets Jesus Christ himself being the chief Corner Stone in whom all the Building fitly framed together groweth into an Holy Temple in the Lord in whom also ye are built together for an Habitation of God through the Spirit Eph. 2.18 to
express Image of his Person whose Errand to the World was only to Reconcile God to Man knowing how Essential Holiness was to the Bargain he and all the Prophets and Apostles Preach up Holiness Holiness and Righteousness is the chief piece of the Saints Armour to fight the Battels of Christ Eph. 6.14 and is that Image of Christ to which Believers must be Conformed to Ephe. 4.24 and Colo. 3.10 and by which they are distinguished and known Holiness is that Cloathing of the Saints who sit with God on his Throne in his Kingdom these are the White Robes washed in the Blood of the Lamb and the Brides Wedding Garment spoken of in the Gospel for the clean Linnen is the Righteousness of the Saints Rev. 7.14 Object But to this it may be Objected that Christ is made to us of God Wisdom Righteousness Redemption Salvation and Sanctification 1 Cor. 1.13 so we need take no care for inherent Holiness in our selves but may sit down and rest on his imputed Righteousness and Rely on his Justification Answ To which may be answered thus That it is most certain that Christ is Sanctification and Redemption to Believers and that they are Cloathed with his imputed Righteousness in the Eyes and acceptance of God and by his Stripes they are healed and all that Saints could do would never make Attonement for Transgression and although Christ by his Death hath most sufficiently satisfied Justice for our Offences and that thereby the Father in him is well pleased nevertheless as he hath promised to Reconcile us to the Father and hath actually Reconciled such as believe in him and hath to them purchased Eternal Salvation by his Blood and having procured for them Heavenly Mansions to make them Companions with himself and his Father Angels and Saints there is a necessity for an Inherent Holiness with which they must be cloathed as that Wedding Garment and attire suitable to the Bride in such Heavenly Mansions where no unclean thing can enter in Rev. 21.27 and this cloathing and garment is the renewing the Children of God in their Nature all things are made new old things are done away 2 Cor. 5.17 We must forsake and crucify the World we must dye to sin and live to righteousness we must be planted in his Death that we may live in the likeness of his Resurrection Rom. 6. to 19. Gal. 3.27 Col. 2.10 to 14. We must put on the Nature of Christ in Spiritual Holiness Circumcised without hands putting off the Body of Sin and are quickned with Christ by his effectual working of Grace The Affections must be above the Creatures and the new Man renewed by Knowledge after the Image of him who created him Col. 3.10 The Saints live no more to the Flesh but are dead to it and live by Faith I am crucified to the World and the World to me nevertheless I live but not I but Christ that liveth in me and the Life that I live in the Flesh is by the Faith of the Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me Gal. 2.20 God forbid that I should glory in any thing save in the Cross of Christ in whom the World is crucified to me and I to the World Gal. 6.14 Thus then inherent Righteousness and holiness of the Saints is that which qualifieth the Soul for union with God in Christ Jesus and this holiness though inherent to the persons of all Saints is not their own growth or product but is the gift of and special working of the Spirit of God he it is alone that gives the new Heart and creates in them a clean Spirit and takes from them the Heart of Stone and sits them for this union The Third branch of Saints Union with God is their being one with him and Christ in love I in them and thou in me that they may be perfect in one and that the World may know that thou hast loved them as thou hast loved me before the World began John 17.23 Love in its perfection is the Darling of all Christian Vertues and Graces and is such essential part of Holiness and Divine Nature that it cannot be without it as God is Holiness Wisdom Goodness and Righteousness so is he love it self Let us love one another for love is of God and every one that loveth is born of God and knoweth God and he that loveth not knoweth not God for God is love and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God and God in him 1 John 4.7 8 16. Love is Christs chief command and from his own example a new Commandment I give unto you that you love one another as I have loved you by this shall all men know that ye are my Disciples if ye love one another John 13.34 35. Love as the Character and Mark of a Christian is not only a naked and bare profession of kindness and friendship but consists in these two First In a firm and constant sympathy of and with any in any afflicted state or condition Secondly In a constant chearful and ready supply of the wants of others as far as their abilities will reach First This love consists in a constant and tender sympathy in all troubles afflictions and distresses in Body Spirit or Estate like as Christ was In all their afflictions he was afflicted and the Angel of his Presence saved them in his love and in his pity he redeemed them and bore them all the days of old Isa 63.9 There is denounced a severe curse and wo against such as are at ease and unconcerned in the case of Gods afflicted People Wo to them that are at ease in Zion and forget the afflictions of Joseph Amos 6. to 7. Charity and Sympathy either to the Church of God in general or to any of the particular Members or Saints is the great badge ornament and character of Christians 1 Cor. 13 3 to 7. Love is to be in amity and unity and not in contention one with another love thy Brother as thy self But if ye bite and devour one another take heed that ye be not consumed one of another Gal. 4.14 15. Christians should consider the height depth and full extent of Gods love towards them which is a mystery passing knowledge that we may be filled with all the fulness of God Eph. 3.18 19. Christians in one anothers afflictions should incorporate themselves in that holy cement of love or mutual sympathy and assistance to comfort uphold assist and relieve one another under their several afflictions see the woful character of such as do not relieve and love his Brother If a Man say I love God and hateth his Brother the love of God is not in him he is a Liar for he loveth not his Brother whom he hath seen and how can he love God whom he hath not seen 1 John 4.20 And this command have we from him that he that loveth God loveth his Brother also and he that loveth not his Brother is a Murtherer and