not go down over the Prophets nor the day be dark over them Mic. 3.6 And lest He might give us up unto the lusts of our own Heart and give us darkness in place of light for our misprising and undervaluing the Glory and light of the pâ—â—cious Gospel 3. We should be much it Pâ—ayer to hold the Gospel still in its power and purity amonst us that it may shine in the midst of us in its Glory and Beauty as the power of GOD unto Salvation 4. We should endeavour on all occasions greatly to welcome â—he Gospel amongst us and to be ware that we oppose not the Power and Operationâ— of the same O let the Glory thereof shine it our Hâ—arts And for that effâ—ct let us lay opeâ— our selves to the Beams of the same that they may have free entry into our Souls Les us lay aside all prejudices and love to our Idols and receive this Light and Glory in love 5 Let us not be satisfied until that we see and obtaiâ— a more clear discovery of the Riches of the Glory of this Mystery To wit 1 That this Gospel discovers to us our Wreâ—chedness Emptyness Madness Poverty Nakedness and every way Undonâ—nâ—ss 2 That it holds forth unto us the Excellency of Christ in His Person Nature Offices Works and Employments in the World 3 That it draws Hearts to Him and from our selves and from all other Lovers and Vanities wherewith heretofore we have been betwitched 4 That it unites our Souls to Him through Faiâ—h that we may live in Him and He in us and be one in Him 5 That it enclineth our Hearts unto a sweeâ— Union with the Gospel Commanâ—s and to a living by Faith in Christ and to a depending and resting on Him for Salvation through His offeâ—ing of Himself and through His Mediaâ—ory Righteousness offered and holdâ—n forâ—h in the Gospâ—l and impuâ—ed â—o Believers thâ—ough Fâ—ith 6 Tha the Discovery of this Gospel makes us â—â—ll in love with Holiness anâ— to work out our Salvation with Fear and Trembling leaning on Jesus by Faith drawing Life and Power from Him who is given â—or a Covenant unâ—o the People that we might so gâ—ow up and beaâ— Fruâ—t in Him and go from strengâ—h â—o strengâ—h in Him untill we appear beâ—orâ— GOD 〈◊〉 Zion 5 Use. This requires â— selâ—-searching whether or not we havâ— ever attained a savâ—ng siâ—ht of this Glory the Riches of the Glory of â—his Mystery And we may know it by these Markâ— As 1 Mark The light of the Gospel discoverâ— a Fulness a sensible Fulness a Soul-satisfyâ—ng and a Soul-saving Fulness and a free and gracious Fulness in Christ. 2 Mark The light of the Gospel discovers I say where this glorious Light comes it discovers selâ— emptiness self deceitfulness and loathsomness 3 Mark It takes the Soul captive instantly to make choise of Christ for all to esteem of Him above all as the chief among ten thousand And to lay hold on Him on His own Terms with Heart and Hand and to accept of Him for all our Wants and for all that we desire and to rest fully satisfied and content with Him 4 Mark It inclines the Soul sweetly to employ Christ in all their Needs to give Him constant employment in all His Offices until He bring them home and land them in Glory 5. Mark It makes the Soul that hath a right discovery thereof fall in love with Holiness and to make Conscience of their ways to walk circuâ—spectly to the Glory of GOD and to the praise and adorning the Gospel Profession to the engaging of Strangers unto the â—eceiving of the Gospel 6. Mark It will give them a high esteem of all even of the smallest Ordinance and Institution of Christ and make them careful â—o keep them pure and to improve them to the right end and will make them help to maintain His Croâ—â— rights and Priviledges â—s King in His owâ—â—â—urch and chief Commander in â—is own House Among the Gentiles These 〈…〉 of Glory 〈…〉 things 1. 〈…〉 â—â—credible in thâ— begâ—â—â—ing of th◠〈…〉 the Gentiles should be 〈…〉 Priviledge and exalâ—ed to 〈…〉 Glory For 1. 〈…〉 oâ— Christ. 〈…〉 the 〈…〉 unto the 〈…〉 ordained 〈…〉 first offâ—â— of the Gâ—spel 〈…〉 to 〈…〉 with an 〈…〉 way of 〈…〉 Mat. 10.5 〈…〉 whoâ— are 〈…〉 Enemies or 〈…〉 couâ—â— not only not tolerate tha◠〈…〉 should be Partakers of that 〈…〉 bad to sprâ—â—â— to 〈…〉 thâ— be saved 1 Thes. 〈…〉 worlâ—â—either 〈…〉 of Heaven 〈…〉 further the Apostles themselves notwithstanding of their ample and large Commission to gâ— and Teach and Baptize all Nations Math. 28 18 19. And notwithstanding they were foâ— that end qualified and furnished with extraordinary Gifts of the Holy Ghost yet could hardly be perswaded to Preach this Word among the Gentiles For we find that Peter wâ—â— examined by the rest of the Apostles for bâ— going unto Cornelius Act. 11.2 3.3 Thâ— Gentiles were looked upon with an ill Eye anâ— contemned therefore called Sinners of thâ— Gentiles Gal. 2.15 And as without Christ so aliens from the Common-wealth of Israel aâ—â— strangers from the Covenants of Promise havinâ— no hope and without God in the World Ephes. 12.4 Yea they were accounted Dogs anâ— unworthy to eat of the Childrens Bread seâ— on that ground Christ seemed to cast off thâ— poor Cananitish Woman to whom He answered I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the House of Israel Math. 15. 2. Notwithstanding of all this the Lorâ— so ordered it that the Gospel got entrancâ— under the Gentiles while He sent His Apostleâ— among them and blessed their Labours amongst them Act. 13.46 and 14.27 aâ—â— 15 3 7.14.15 17 and 18 6 Yea the Ieâ— rejâ—cting of the Gospel occasioned the preaching of the same under the Gentiles Aâ—â— 23 46. and 8.6 and the diâ—â—iâ—â—shing of 〈◊〉 Iews was the Riches of the Gentiles Rom. 11.12 3. Hereby were the Prophecies concerning Christ and His Kingdom fulfilled The Root â—f Iesse must stand for an Ensign to the People and the Gentiles must seek into it Isa. 11.10 and 60.5 His Name must be great among the Gentiles Mal. 1.11 And to such had Christ a Commission to come in an appoinâ—ed time Isa. 42.6.49.6 Act 13.47 Luk. 1.32 So must He bring forth judgement to the Gentiles Isa. 42.1 Math. 12.18 see Rom. 15.9 10 11. 4. And as this was an eminent Evidence of this Mystery of Wisdom Love and free Grace which was long kept bide in the Heart of GOD Ephes. 3.3 4 5 So was iâ— that the Apostles who for a time were unsatisfied therewith at last held their peace and glorified God saying Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted Repentance unto Life Act 11.18 And Paul accounted it his Mercy to preach among the Gentiles Ephes. 3.7 8. And magnâ—fied his Office thereby Rom 11 13. And we find him often glorying therein 1 Tim. 2.7 2 Tim. 1.11 Which as it should stir up our Hearts to admiration over that
undeserved Love towards us in this Mystery in respect of the very outward making known of the same to us when Kingdoms and Nations more preferrable than we ly still in Darkness or have corrupted and undone these Truths by their Errors 2 That we with all â—hankfulness heartily acknowledge this Mystery and walk humbly under the sense of this undeserved favour We are to fear the Lord and His Goodness as also to meditate what an account we have to give for these rich Mercies lest we misimprove the same and turn His Grace unto Wantonness seriously laying to Heart that it shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorah in the day of Judgement than for such who have had these Manifestations and this Light among them and notwithstanding have desired Darkness ratheâ— than Light 2. Vse For warning unto such to whom the Lord in a saving way hath made known the Riches of Glory by bringing it into their Soul with power and efficacy Namely 1. They should walk worthy of such Grace and Love by carrying themselves humbly before Him remembring their Nativity and the Rock from whence they are hewed that free free Grace may get the Honour of all 2. They should live in the admiration of this rich and free Grace of GOD What were you or your Fathers House that GOD should have cast His Eye upon you What could He see more in you than in others who yet 〈◊〉 in Darkness without these saving Discoveries 3. They ought to endeavour to commend the Riches of this Grace and Goodness to others to speak good of Him who hath been so good to them 4. They ought to make use of these Discoveries which GOD hath given them for the advantage of others doing their outmost to win others and to hold out somewhat of that Light to others that they may be brought in thereby But I hasten now to the Last Point in this Verse to wit That Christ iâ— the Soul is the riches of the Glory of this Mystery made known in the Gâ—spel Which is Christ in you saith he This Truth contains these three Particulars First That a soul-Soul-union wiâ—h Christ is the first Intention chief Scope and Dâ—sign of the Gospel This principally is intended therein that Christ may be near hand and within the Soul A Second is That in this Union consists the Riches of the Glory of the Gospel thereby is this Riches made known and here is their Center For the Soul that is in possession of this Union is likeways partaker of the Riches of this Glory Thirdly That this Union of the Soul with Christ or the bringing of Christ unto the Soul is only the Work of GOD for He maketh known thâ— Riches of the Glory of the Gospel As to the First of these Truths we are to observe these two Things 1 That until â—he Gospel come unto a Soul with power and efficacy the Soul is without Christ. 2. That the Gospel is the Instrument of GOD whereby this Union between Christ and the Soul is carried on and this is the end and design thereof The First which is here premised is clear from Ephes 2.12 before the Gospel came to the Ephesians among the Miseries wherein they were this was the chief that as they were withouâ— Gâ—D so also wiâ—hout Christ when the Gospel fiâ—st comes among a Peâ—ple it finds them fitting in Daâ—knâ—ss and in the regâ—on and shadow of Death Mat. 4 16 â—sa 9 2. And under the power of Satan Act 26.18 Therefore it was the principal work of the Apostles where they came to preach Christ Act. 9 20. and 8 5 Vse This being sufficiently clear we are to leaâ—n thus to make use of it As 1. Earnestly to seek â—fter more solid and real Convictions of these Tâ—uths Many yet lying in Nature and before whom the Light of the Gospel hath never shined in its power dream notwithstanding that they have Christ in them as well as others and so deceive their own Souls and disappoint the great end of the Gospel A full conviction hereof should dispose Folk more earnestly to give ear unto the preaching of the Gâ—spel 2. These Fools must not imagine iâ— sufficient that they have the outward Ordinances of the Gospel and under the administration of the same For unless the Gospel do come in pâ—wer and in the evidence of the Spirit unto â—hâ—m theâ— may nevertheless abide without Christ Yea and until they fiâ—d this in them they will certainly continue Christless and Graceless 3. They are called then to cry unto the Lord that He would reveal his Arm in the preaching of the Gospel that they may not longer continue in in their sâ—d and lamentable Condition The Second is That this Gospel and the administration of the same is the appointed Means whereby this spiritual and saving Union is carried on and that this is its princâ—pal end and dâ—sign appears from these Gâ—ounds 1 st Here is the Offâ—r of this Reconciliation and Union held â—orth Christ comes in the preaching of the Gospel And 1. He tells what is His Father's Miâ—d and Will namely that they should accept of Him believe in Him and let Him into â—he Soul for this is the great Commandment and so much called for duty Ioh. 6.29 This is â—he work of GOD that ye believe on â—im whom He hath sent 1 Ioh. 3.23 And this His Commandment that we should believe on the Name of His Son Jesus Christ. 2. He entreateth them in His Father's Nâ—me to come to open unto Him that He might come and take up His Habitation with them Isa â—5 1 Revel 3.20.3 He prâ—sses and drives on His Request Suâ—e and Desire with many Arguments and Motives as we have evidenced formerly 4. He removes all the Difficulties out of the way by answering all Objections preventing all Discouragements O how full is the Gospel of this 5. He upbâ—aids them that they come not unto Him Joh. 5.4 Ye will not come to me that ye might have Life 6. He waits patiently with much Longanimity upon them â—â—newing His Suteâ— Cries and Intreaties Aâ— which is palpable in the administration of thâ— Gospel whereby appears sufficiently thâ—â— this Union betwixt Christ and the Soul is thâ— great design and end of the Gospel 2 dly Herein the Gospel the Conditions arâ— cleared and laid open whereupon this Union must be accomplished Namely 1. That wâ— forsake all other Lovers and be fully satisfied that thereis a separation between us and them for we must foresake our Fathers House providing we will â—ave the King greatly to take pleasure in us Psal 45.10 11.2 That we receive Him freely without Money and without Pâ—ice Isa. 55.1 2.3 That we receive Him wholly even as He offereth Himselâ— to be married unto us that is as a Priest Prophet and King for we must receive all of Him and not â— part of Him Joh. 1.12.4 That we receive Him fully without reserve absolutely without exception seeing He is altogether Lovely and
every way useful and absolutely neâ—essary 5. That we receive Him for every Work and Imployment for Sanctification as well as Justification 6. That we jointly deny our selves take up His Cross and follow Him Mat. 16.24 3 dly In this Gospel we have the Nature of this Union viz. The indwelling of Christ manifested unto us For here is declared 1. That is indwelling of Christ and union with him mysterious profound unsearchable and comprehensible Ephes 5.32.2 That is wholly Spiritual so that they become â—he Spirit 1 Cor 6.17 They are made parkers of His Spirit Rom 8.9.3 That it a near and inward Union so that no Comâ—â—rison can sufficiently demonstrate it as we â—â—ve heard before 4. That it is permanent â—â—d inviolable nothing can make a separatiâ—â— here Rom 8.38 39.5 That it is Gloâ—â—ous Exceeding Excellent 6. That it is very useful and profitable Union having â—â—effably great and wonderful Advantages â—oth here and hereafter 4 In this Gospel we have what Christ did for â—â—e carrying on of this Union how he is beâ—â—me a Mediator Cautioner taking upon â—â—m to make peace and reconciliation and so 〈◊〉 satisfie Justice for their sins How in the â—â—lness of time he has come and has given a â—â—ll and perfect satisfaction according to his â—ndertaking how he hath purchased of the â—ather all that was accounted necessary for the â—â—rrying on of this Union in respect of the Eâ—â—ct How he lives forever as an Intercessor â—â—r that end and effect How he as King and â—ead of the Church hath appointed ordinanâ—es and Laws How that he hath blessed them â—â—cording to his good pleasure for that Effect â—nd how he hath sent his Spirit to work up his Chosen to a cheerful receiving of his offer Aâ— this and much more is made known in the Gospel 5. Here is held forth and cleared what is required on our part in respect of obtaininâ— possession and to be possessed of this Noble Spirit and to win at this Union Namely 1. Thaâ— we forsake all our Righteousness with alâ— other Idols and lovers which possâ—sâ— our Soâ—lâ— 2. That we acknowledge and be convinced oâ— our own inability and natural unwillingnesâ— to open unto him 3. That we attend on thâ— means appointed and on him in the meanâ— 4. That we lay a side all prejudices 5. Thaâ— we lay our selves open to his approaches 6. That we cry and long after him and his company so as we can 6. Here in this Gospel is made known thaâ— this opening of the heart for Christ is a woâ—â— above nature and that Christ is the Auâ—hoâ— and finisher of Faith Heb. 12.1 2. And that no man can come until the Father draw him Ioh. 6.44 7. Here is also discovered that notwithstanding â—he LORD wonderful in Council mighty indeed hath thought good through the foolishness of Preaching to save those that believe 〈◊〉 Cor. 1.21 And to make use of Planâ—ers anâ— waterers albeit neither of them can do good providing he give not the increase 1 Cor. 3 5 6 7. And therefore hath he sent Labourâ—rs to his Vine-yeard to labour and work there â—o that they are Labourers together with GOD Cor. 3.8 9. He sends his servants as so â—any Ambâ—ssadors to Court a Bride for Christ. â— Cor. 5.20 and 11 2. Therefore they â—ome in their Masters Name and lay forth â—he Articles of agreement and reconciliation â—nd he himself must and will through his Spirit â—etermine and perswad unto an opening Vse From all that is said appears that the Gospel and the preaching of the same is the â—eans appointed of GOD for this end and â—hat it is the chief and grand design of the preached Gospel to work up the Soul into this Unâ—on with Christ and make the heart to open â—hat the King of Glory may enter in Which â—hould incite to these things 1. To a high esâ—eemation of the Gospel as being such a noble mean ordained for such an excellent end To account highly of it I say and of such who are appointed to carry these glad tidings of the great Salvation and to haâ—ken unto it them as such noble means of Gods appointment 2 That we may have this end before us in the Administration of the Gospel The Ministers should so preach it and the People should so hear it as a mean ordained for that end and never to rest sâ—tiâ—fied or much less to think all is well until this end be first attained to wit that Christ be formed in the Soul O! it were desireable to see that the Ministers in preaching of the Gospel were as it were traveiling 〈◊〉 Birth to obtain this end Gal. 4.19.3 That 〈◊〉 lament the estate of such who miss this glorioâ—â— gospel of those who have but the sound of tâ—â— Gospel without the power thereof 4. That 〈◊〉 be thankfull for this inesteemable priviledgâ— and so be sensible of the same and be careâ—â—â— that we provoke not God to remove this advaâ—tagious most useful Candlestick 5. That 〈◊〉 have compassion on those who are desperatâ— wicked that they are so wearied of this precâ—ous Gospel that they hate oppose ruine yâ—â— persecute the same O what a misery is thâ—â— for Poor Souls to forsake their own unspeaâ—able riches The third thing is that this Vnion to witâ— Christ in the Soul is the riches of the Glory 〈◊〉 this Gospel Mysterie And this appears 1. In thâ—â— it is the principal and chief business which thâ— Infinitly wise GOD had beâ—ore him in the Eternal Counsel of his will to work out by thâ— dispensation 2. The LORD who is the Authoâ— of this Gospel is thereby Gloryfied in his Glorious Attributes Christ exalted and made 〈◊〉 see the travel of his Soul and the pleasure oâ— the LORD prosper in his hand and the greaâ— designe therein principally intended next thâ— Glory of GOD to wit the Eternal compact between GOD and the Mediator is then begun 〈◊〉 be accomplished 3. All the Draughts of thâ— Glorious Gospel terminate here as in a Centeâ— 4. Then beginneth â—he Soul to knâ—w what are the excellenâ— Riches of the 〈◊〉 of Love Grace and wâ—sdâ—m that are broughâ— to light througâ—t the Gâ—spel then and not untill then begin â—hey to be partâ—kâ—rs thereof Vse This serves to set us all a woâ—k to a serìous enquiry and tryal if the Gospel hath had these noble Fruits in us which may be known from what hath been formerly mentioned of Christ his being in the Soul And we are never to think we see or know any thing of the Râ—ches of the Gospel how great soever a measure of knâ—wledge otherwayes we may have attainâ—d or be partakeâ—s of unâ—il this Union be wrought and provâ—ding this be wrought then we may well sit down contented what ever other things we want as having now in thiâ— Union the whole Riches of the Gâ—spel as in a Treasure laid up in our Souls O what a condition must this bâ— The last thing iâ— that thiâ— Fruit of the Gospel and â—his shâ—rt compend of the Riches of its Glory is of GOD and wroughâ— by Him He makes iâ— known and the reason is clear â—or 1. Man by nature hates Christ will noâ— welcome Him much less let Him in to dwell in the Soul they hate boâ—h Him and His Father Ioh. 15 24 2ly The lâ—ghâ— which must discover this enmitie together wiâ—h the miserie that accompanieth their estate who are wâ—thout Christ is Divine these Saving discoveries are only attainable through a divine supernatural illuminatiâ—â— Now it is GOD alone that openeth the eyes of the blind 3ly As it is GOD alone that taketh away the natural blindnesâ— of the understanding and sends Divine Light into the Soul so must He guard off and remove the natural pravity of the will and do away the stony heart and make his people willing after this manner must He open thâ— heart as He opened the heart of Lydia Acts 16 14.4ly Even so must GOD by His immediate powerful Grace effectually work the consenâ— unto the offer made in the Gospel And how ever this work of the LORD be powerfull and irresistable overcoming all opposition from without and within nevertheless it is without force and violence For though He draw yet He draweth with the cords of Men and Bonds of love strongly convincing making the Soul effectually to submit and give it self over seing the heart is in his hand He can turn it whether He will as He pouers in Grace so He makes the Soul willing 1. Vse This should serve to teach those who are made partakers of this Union to know whom they have to thank for it and who should have the praise and the honour of this noble and glorious Work and make them far from thinking or saying that they themselves have made the difference or from offering sacrifice unto their own net in respect oâ— his Grace 2 Vse This should also learn others where the right door is whereunto they must betake themselves O! poor Souls look to him and to him alone and wait at the Posts of his door forsaking your own strength and despairing in and of your selves FINIS
will be the Hope of his Peoplâ— and the strength of the Children of Israel saith Joeâ— chap 3 16 And what further can be required for the making Hope a real business What arâ— all the advantage of the richest incomes in a world in comparison of this one thing And yet that uncertain and petty rent begetâ—eth hope which will make the Merchant who ventureth thereon sing and rejoice within himself upon his expectations But O! Herâ— is the Hope of Eternal Life which God that cannot lie promised before the world began Tit 1 2. Fifthly It is a Hope of real use and advantage to the Believer It is an excellent and approven weapon for defending the head Therefore compared to a Helmet Ephes 6.17 1 Thes 5.8 It defends the head from all blows and holds it up from sinking under temptations difficulties and discouragements therefore compared to an Anchor Heb 6 18 19. Holding fast the Soul in the day of storm and making the Believer undauntedly ride out the same and boldly to set head against satan his tentations falling down upon him as so many swelling and raging billows of a tempestuous Sea And as the blasts of a terrible tempest to render him hopeless â—nd so to quite grips of Christ and his expectaâ—ions of theÌ„ Crown Sâ—xtly This Hope hath many real and excelâ—ent operations on the Soul therefore cannot out be real For 1. This Hope is a fountain of continual comfort Therefore we read of the confidence of Hope Heb 3.6 And the Believer must rejoice in Hope Rom 12.12 Hope affords matter for a song in the saddest day Therefore the Apostle sayes Rom 5.2 We rejoice in hope of the Glory of God And not only so but we glory in Tribulation v. 3. For what they hope for is certain the hope of the Righteous shall be gladeness Prov 10.28 Not like the expectation of the wicked which shall perish 2. Again Hope is that which quickneth the heart and encourageth the soul For when the Soul is ready to sink in discouragements seeing no appearance of fulfilling the great things promised and filled with fears of falling off and so to loose the prize Then Hope will hold up the head and encourage the sinking Soul and thus it is a quickning and enlivening buâ—iness therefore called a lively Hope 1 Pet 1.3.3 This Hope is a mean of Salvation Therefore we are said to be saved by Hope Rom. 8.24 Faith and Hope are two noble Lackays that never parts from the Believer until fairly within the haven of Glory 4. This Hope rejoiceth and comfort the Soul under all its losses troubles and wandringâ— what supported Abrahams heart wheâ— he sojourned in the Land of promise as in 〈◊〉 strange Countrey dwelling in Tabernacles with Isack and Iacob the heirs with him of the same promise But Hope For it immediatly followâ— Heb 11 9 10. For he looked for a city whicâ— hath fonddations whose Builder and Maker is Goâ— 5. This Hope sets the Soul a work to make 〈◊〉 self ready and meet for the heavenly Habitation to continueand go on in Sanctification and to oppose withstand whatever is unbeseeming an expectant of Glory So that it is of a purifieing nature For every man that hath thiâ— Hope in him purifieth himself even as he is puâ—â— 1 Joh 3.3.6 This Hope humbleth quieteth and â—ully satisfies the Soul when disquieteâ— and disturbed through the proud and arroganâ— undervaluings of those who disdain fullâ— upbraid them and their confidence in God Psal 42.5 11. Or through the sad simptoms oâ— an angry God whereby deep calleâ—â— unto deep at the noise of his Water-spouts alâ— his waves and bilâ—ows going over v 7 Anâ— appearing to cast them off Psal 43.3 Foâ— when David is thus exercised the only thinâ— which upholds him is Hope and therefore theâ— alone cordial in that lamentable song he stilâ— again and again recommends his soul unto 〈◊〉 hope thou in God And chargeth his Soul as highâ—y irrational in being cast down and disquietâ—d seeing hope was yet to the fore Saying Why art thou cast down O my Soul and why art thoâ—â—isquieted in me hope thou in God â—or I shall yet â—raise Him c. Thus we see that hope will â—ise up the cast down and disquieted Soul 7 This hope not only delivers the Soul from all â—nxieties and fears but sets it beyond the reach â—hereof so that the Believer he sings tho rotâ—ing in the grave even his very dust and burried flesh or body shall rest in hope under the dark cold chambers of death Psal 16.9 Acts 2.31 Thou shalt be sèâ—ure saith Zophaâ— Iob 11.18 Because there is hope Hereby it is that the Righteous is said to have hope in his death Prov. 1â— 32. When their condition in the eyes of the wicked seem most desperate and hopeless even then they have hope when death the king of terrors is grapling with them and burying them in the dust Even then they lift up their heads in Hope 8. Hope gives Confidence and true Christian Boldness to look Tentations in the Face Hope maketh not ashamed Rom. 5.5 In these Words there is an dimunitive manner of speech for it signifyeth so much as Hope giveth great Confidence and Boldness And wherefore For the expectation of the poor shall not perish for ever Psal 9.18 Nor be cut off Pro 24.4 There shall be a Reward Davids prayer Psal 119.116 Let me not be ashamed of my hope Shall be answered and in end accomplished 9. Hope makes the Soul calm and patient under all persecutions Therefor Paul mentions the patience of Hope to the Thessalonians Thes 1.3 At a ground of his praise on their behalf But it may be asked if all really and Godlâ— have this Hope I Answer Yes more or less for they are begotten again into this Lively Hope 1 Peâ— 1.3 And their Faith and Hope must be iâ— GOD 1 Pet. 1.21 But all have it not 〈◊〉 the same Degree and Measure For 1. Somâ— attain unto the full assurance of Hope Heb. â— 11. Which dispelleth all clouds and puts thâ— Soul without the reach of all doubtings or further Questioning of the Matter But this is noâ— ordinary but seldom attained 2. Some aâ—tain unto a reasonable Hope bottomed 〈◊〉 Faith as through Patience and Comfort of thâ— Scriptures they have Hope Rom. 15. â— Their Conscience bearing them Witness thâ— they have fled for Refuge to lay hold upon thâ—â— Hope set before them Heb 6.18 They believe that the Word oâ— GOD is sure and uâ—changeable and that he cannot deny himseâ—â— Hence it is that they have a firm Hope whicâ— though without foretastings and sensible iâ—fluences of Joy supports them under all diâ—couragements 3. Some who have noâ— readily come this length nevertheless haâ— about â—he posts of Wisdoms door And tho they can do no more yet will they look unto the LORD and wait upon the GOD of their Salvation Mic 7.7 They know and are assured thaâ— Salvation is no where else
our selves be it never so specious or excellent as an honest heart as they phansie outward holiness blamelessness victory over corruptions singular devotion or whatever it be of that nature will be but aâ— the giving up of the Ghost and come far short of helping or relieving the poor Soul 3. Mark True and lively Hope as it is sounded upon Faith so they go hand in hand togeâ—her 1 Pet 1.21 Who by him do believe in God that raised him up from the dead and gavâ— him Glory that your Hope and Faith might be iâ— God Hope without Paith laying hold upon â— crucified Saviour according to the tenor oâ— the Covenant is but a meer dream Hope cannot stand but upon the pillar of Faith Therefore the Church first embraceth GOD as her Portion then she wins to the solid exercise of Hope Lam 3 24. The Lord is my portion sayeth my soul therefore will I hope in him 4. Maâ—k Where there is a real Hope oâ— Glory there will be a leaning on GOD and committing of our Souls to him for through bearing through all the difficulties Wyndings and turnings in our way Ouâ— hope is coâ—tinually in GOD Psal. 39.7 Others trusteâ— in their Riches they gathered and heaped it uâ— But for David he sayes And now Lord whâ— wait I for My hope is in Thee compared wiâ—â— Psal 71.5 David on this foundation pressâ— to be delivered out of the hands of the wicked because he had alwayes been his hope For he sayeth Thou art my hope O Lord God thou art my trust from my youth Thus casts he all his cares and burdens on the LORD and this was his constant way and continual practise He had no other hope neither acknowledged any other knowing that he was happy that had the GOD of Jacob for his help and whose hope was in the LORD his GOD Psal 146.5 5. Mark Where there is a Reall and Lively Hope of Glory desires after bewitching pleasures will grow cold And now what wait I for saith David Psal 39.7 My hope is in Thee He saw nothing in the World worthy his attendance for his hope he had established it on a sure and sufficient Object he betook himself not to these who said who will shew us any Good Psal 4.6 O! When the heart through hope hath fastened it self on GOD how little values it all the vanity of a perishing world The sight of Glory which they have through hope darkens that lustre and beauty which others see in the perishing things of a world whose eyes being of the same substance with the world are earthly 6. Mark This true Hope is accompanied with a careful endeavour to keep all the Commandments of GOD LORD sayeth David Psal 119.166 I have hoped for thy Salvation and done thy Commandments True hope is an enemy to a careless life and is accompanied with tenderness and earnestness Hope sets the Soul a running Act. 26.7 Vnto which promise our twelve Tribes instantly serving GOD day and night hope to come 7. Mark Hope will sit down down well satisfied on GODS bare Word As Abraham who against hope believed in hope Rom 4.18 And how often sayeth David that he hoped in GODS Word Psal 119.49.114 Psal 130 5. Hope will keep the Soul in Life even when all things seems contradicting the very Promises and to say it is vain to wait any more 8. Mark Hope is a purifying Business 〈◊〉 Job 3.3 It sets the Soul a work to wash iâ—self in the Blood of Christ and makes the Souâ— to labour in the strength of Jesus to get sin kâ—lled the desires of the flesh and mind brought under and the Soul sanctified So that they will wrestle with GOD by Faith in Prayer to be made fit to have an Interest of the Inheritance of the Saints in Light 9. Mark Hope makes the Soul silent anâ— satisfied under great temptations David Psal 38. was under sore trialls the LORD chastned him his an wâ—sâ—stuck fast in him his hand pressed him sore both Soul and Body did bear thâ— marks that GOD was contending with him foâ— sin Yea his heart was oveâ—whelmed withiâ— him and his strengâ—h bâ—â—ailed him And eveâ— when it was thus with him inwardly enemieâ— without were seeking his Life laying snares â—or him and seeking his hurt What was â—t then that quieted and calmed him at this time and made him carry as a man that heareth not and in whose mouth there are no reprooffs but even that which immediately follows For in thee O Lord do I hope Having laid down these Marks wheâ—eby Men may try whither they have an Interest in this lively Hope or not So I would advise such who see ground of fears because without this lively Hope seriously to consider and lay these following things to heart As 1. It is required that the Soul through its dwelling on the thoughts of this so great a Bussiness be more sensible of and affected with the missings of this Grace of Hope Consider what a miserable condition the Soul is in which is without hope in the World and how lamentable their case is who have no other hope then a hope that will perish which will but prove to them as a spiders web and so faill them in their greatest need 2. Be convinced â—erein that through your self you shall never attain unto a lively Hope You must again be be gotten unto this Hope It is wholly and only the Work of GODS Spirit neither nature nor any natural advantages can help you thereto 3. Let the thoughts of your hopeless condition stir you up to self humiliation before the LORD which is the only way to be exalted in due time 4. Foresake all ground of hope iâ— your self So the poor hath hope Job 5.16 For whatever it is in your self you bottom oâ— ground your hope upon it will be sound to be but a â—lippery and â—inful â—oundation And the more you build thereon it shall be the worsâ— 5. Lay hold on Christ as he is offered in the Gospel and cleave to him by Faith For Hope is begotten in the womb of Faith All hope noâ— grounded on Faith and flowing from it is buâ— a meer phansie and chimera 6. Having laid hold on Christ as he is offered in the Gospel and so resting on him for Salvation wait for the breathings influences of the Spirit on the Soul in the careful and earnest undertaking and pursuit of the means that your head may be lifted up thereby in hope For encouradgement thereto observe these following things 1. This lively Hope in the Soul will calm many storms and keep the Soul in aâ— even and stayed posture under sharp and sad dispensations and the multitude of shakingâ— and changings It will deliver the Soul from many disquieting fears and make the Soul sleep sweetly under them all and lift up its head above difficulties so that it shall be freed from perplexities or be secure because there is hope Job 11.18.2 This will encourage to constancy in duty
being of him And can do no more without him than a body without a Head And therefore there must be a near Union betwixt us and him 4 Under the similitude of an Union betwixt the Foundation and the Building 1 Pet 2.4.6 The Believer is built on him as lively stones Christ is the chief corner stone of that Building and it is in him that all the building fiâ—ely framed together groweth up into an holy Temple in the Lord In whom they also are builded together for â—nhabittation of God through the Spirit Ephes 2.21 22. Which manifests that the Believer cannot subsist wiâ—hout him more then a house can stand without a foundation And therefore â—hey must lean on him and be firmely united â—o him other wayes they can neither stand nor â—ubsist 5. Under the similitude that is betwixt the Body and the Cloathing or Armour The Believer is said to put on the LORD Jesus Christ Rom 13.14 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ Gal 3. â—7 And he is put on as Cloath to defend from â—he cold and to cover their nakâ—dness and â—lso for addorning So also is he puâ— on as Arâ—our for defending us against all spiritual enemies 6. Under the similitude that is betwixt the Accused and his Advocat betwixâ—â—he principal Debtor and his Cautione who are as one person in Judgement Therefore it is that the Believer is blessed with all Spiritual Blessings in Christ Eph. 1.3 Being choosen in him v. 4. They are crucified with him in a legal sense Gal 2.20 They are dead with him Rom 6 8. Col 2.20 Buryed with him by Baptism unto death Rom 6.4 Quickened together and raised up together and made to sit together in Heavenly Places Ephes. 2.5.6 Planted together in the likeness of hiâ— Death and shall be also in the likeness of his Resurrection Rom 6 5. Yea and their Life is bid with him in God Col 3 3. So are they said to be heirs and joynt heirs with him Rom â— 17 All which palpably hold forth a real and legal Union betwixt Christ and Belivers to their Joy Comfort and satisfaction Christ being their Cautioner stands oblidged for them and answers in Judgement for them as a Head and publick person appearing for them As Adam was in respect of his posterity so â—his second Adam this last Adam as he is called 1 Cor 15.45 47. Who is a quickening Spirit and Lord of Heaven he appears as a Head and publick person all his Spiritual posterity he binds and oblidges himself for them in a Covanant with GOD And having satisfiâ—d â—or them he is risen from the dead and became the first fruits of them that slâ—pâ— And in him shall all his Spiritual seed be made alive v. 22 3. This Vnion is held out to us in some other Expressions which are most pathetick and condescending As when Christ and they are called one seed Gal 3.16 One Body 1 Cor 12.13.27 1 Cor 6.16.17 And make up one Mystical Christ 1 Cor 12.12 4. This Vnion is inward It is a mutual in-being for as here he is said to be in us and Rom 8.10 Gal 2.20 2 Cor 13.5 Ephes 3.17 So we are said to be in him Rom 8.1 1 Cor 3 1. 2 Cor 1.21 and 5.17 and 12.2 Rom 16.7 Philip 3.9 and. 4. â—1 He in us and we in him Ioh 14.20 O how wonderful and inconceiveable is this Vnion 5. This Vnion hath some likness and resemâ—lance with that Union which is betwixt the â—ather and Christ Ioh 17.11.21.22 That they all may be one as thou Father art in me and in thee and again that they may be one even as we are one 6. This Vnion is not only between Christ â—nd the Souls of Believers but also between Christ and their Bodies For their Bodies are said to be Temples of the Holy Ghost 1 Cor â— 19 And by the vertue of this Union their dead Bodies shall be again raised in the last â—ay For if we believe that Iesus died and rose â—gain even so them which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him 1 Thes. 4.14 7. This Vnion is not only near and inward but also durable lasting Therefore he is noâ— only in us but dwelleth in us Ephes 3.17 And we are said to abide in him Joh 15 6.7 And as we are dead in Christ 1 Thes 4.14 Rev 14.13 Even so in Christ shall we be made alive 1 Cor 15.22 And with him 1 Thes 4.14 So that death cannot loose that knot otherwayes the hope and comforâ— of the Believer which proceedeth from thiâ— Union were loose and unsure For if in thiâ— life only they had hope in Christ they were of all men most miserable 1 Cor 15.19 with Rom. 8.11 8. As it is excellent near and inward so greatly useful There being no life strength working moving growth or fruitfullness without it If any Man have not the Spirit oâ— Christ he is none of his Rom 8.9 Chrisâ— Jesus must be in us except we be Reprobateâ— 2 Cor 13.5 9. We must be careful not to have perverted uptakings of this Vnion betwixt Chrisâ— and a Believer or of Christs In being in a Believer That is we are not to have carnal uptakings thereof As it were such an Union as between the clay the thing formed thereof oâ— betwixt the vessel and the water that is in it 〈◊〉 betwixâ— things confounded and mixed togetheâ— in one Nor are we to take it up in a way anâ— wayes derogatory thereto As if it were a substantial Vnion such as there is among thâ— Persons of the Trinity or between Christs GOD-â—had and Manhood Nor should we think prophanlie of it as if it were a meer phansie or notion But we are so to apprehend it as a real tho Mystical Mysterious and Spiritual Union having Real and Spiritual Effects in Life and Death and after Death to wit Peace with God Reconciliation Redemption Remission of sins Justification Adoption Approaching to God with Confidence Santification Comfort Joy in the Holy Ghost a Joyful Resurrection and Eternal Glory 10. As this Union is Spiritual in it self so â—t is made up through a Spiritual Bond of Means For as it is through Faith on our part Eph 3.17 So through the Spirit on his part the which is promised in the New Covenant Ezek 36 27. Isa 59 21. Christ hath promised to send him Ioh. 15.26 And he must abide with us for ever Iâ—hn 14.16 Therefore Christ and they are called one Spirit 1 Cor 6.16 17. But to come more particularly to the purpose we shall now point out and demonstrate â—n what respect he is to be in the Beliâ—ver Christ in you We may apprehend Christ to be â—n the Believer in these respects 1. As a King in his Kingdom siâ—ting upon his Throne Ruling and Defending it by his Laws â—nd Statutes preserving it by his Wisdom from intestine Ruptures Divisions and Bâ—oylâ— and by his strength and mighty Powâ—r froâ— Outlandish
Ghost whom the Father will send in my Name He shall teach you all things So that the Comforter himself as distinguished from his teaching is promised here And Ioh 15.26 He is also promised as contradistinguished from his Operations and testifying oâ— Christ. 4. The Believer is said to have the Spirit So that they belong not to Christ who have not have the Spirit of Christ Rom 8.9 He is said to dwell in them Rom 8.11 1 Cor 3.16 2 Tim 1.14 To be with them Ioh 14.17 And to be in them Rom 8.11 By his Spirit that dwelleth in you 5. Not only doth the Spirit help our infirmities which is through Grace But the Spirit himself is said to make intercession for us with groaninos which cannot be uttered which aÌ„pears to be somewhat other that is given them then the meer Graces of the Spirit And that because there immediately follows And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit Rom 8.27 6. The Believer is said to be sealled with the holy Spirit oâ— promise And he is the earnest of our Inheritance Eph 1.13 14. And given as a seal and Pledge Eph 4.30 The earnest of the Spirit is given in their hearts 2 Cor 1.22 So also 2. Cor 5.5 which seems to hold out more than his Fruits 7. Therefore the Believer is commanded not only not to quench the Spirit Ephes 5. 19. which may have respect to his Operations and Indrawings of Grace in the Soul But also not to grieve the Spirit Ephes 4.30 Which seems to import the dwelling of the Spirit in them 8. It is by vertue of this Union betwixt the Spirit and the believer that their very dust is raised up in the last day so that God by the Spirit that dwelleth in them shall quicken their mortal bodies Rom 8.11 This Spirit then that dwelleth in them must be somewhat else then his Graces for by these the mortal bodies are not quickened And he is called the Spirit of Him that raised up Iesus from the dead 9. He is said to be sent forth into their Heaâ—ts crying Abba Father Gal 4.6 10. David prayeth expresly Psal 51.11 That the LORD would not take his Holy Spirit from him Vse 1. This is a noble point of Truth and full of many grounds oâ— Comfort And how could Believers other wayes then rejoyce providing this Union betwixt Christ and them were believed Did they know that Christ were in them keeping house in them dweling with them with joy and satisfaction would it not make them sing under all adversity And that upon a four fold account 1. Upon the account of the great Honour which iâ— brought to them thereby even to them who formerly were meer cages of unclean spirits and yet still have much coorruption abiding in them That the King of Zion who is King of kings LORD of Lords Heir of all the Brightness oâ— his Fathers Glory and the express Image of his Person Heb 1.3 Who is the Image of the invisible GOD the first borne of every Creature Col 1.15 That he I say should come and loege with them lodge in their Heart within their Soul That he whom the Heaven of heavens cannot contain that is High and Lofty who dwells in Eternity should live with such a One and be united with such O what incomprehensible Honour is this Elizabeth cryed once with great admiration And whence is this to me that the Mother of my Lord should come to me Luke 1.43 And may not the Believer with much more admiration cry out And whence is this to me that my Lord himself should come to me And not only so but come to me and dwell and abide with me 2. Here is great comfort on the account of profit and advantage Have they the Heir of all things so near to them and with them living in them what can they then want For if Christ be theirs all things are theirs life death â—hings present and things to come 1 Cor 3.22 23. Hath GOD given Christ and shall he not with him also freely give us all things Rom â— 32 And what can they lack that have all things what can they want who have Him in them in whom dwells all the fullness of the God head bodily Col 2.9 What want they who have Heaven And can they want Heaven within them who have Christ within them They are compleat in him Col 2.10 Which is â—he Head of all principality and power 3. Here is comfor upon the account of safety Who or what can harm them who have preservation or salvation wiâ—hin them Christ the Author of Eternal Salvation within them O what security for them in whom he is What can tribulation or distress or famine or nâ—kedness or peril or sword do to such can they separate him who is become a Habitation for Christ from the love of GOD which is in Christ Jesus No no can the ship drown wherein Christ is Can fire or water harm a Soul who is a Habitation for Christ What can satan do against Christs lodging Can he or dare he cast it down 4. Here is Comfort upon the account of security and tranquility For who can weaken and endamage their right to Glory that allready have begun Glory in the soul to wit Christ the hope of Glory can satan or the world make such an one miserable No surely greater is He that is in them then he that is in the world 1 Ioh 4.4 What surer pledge of Heaven and Salvation can the soul have then a begun possession What is Heaven other then a life of Communion with GOD in the nearest and strictest degreâ— And 〈◊〉 stricteâ— Union can any have with Christ than to have him in them Vse 2 Unbelievers and strangers â—o Christ may hence gather these princâ—pal Points for their better improvement oâ—â—he â—oresaid Truths 1. Have nâ— mean â—houghâ—s â—f â—he life and state of Bâ—lievâ—rs You sâ—e to what they are â—xâ—lâ—ed hâ—wever contempâ—able in the eyes of â—he World despise you such an incomprehensiâ—le â—â—ch advantage Iâ— is no such despicâ—ble and mean Life as you phansie Have then a higher esteem thereof if you would be truely Wise. 2. Again on the other hand ponder seriously what a fearful and mâ—serable condiâ—ion iâ— is wherâ—in ye are who are strangeâ—s to Christ And in place of Christ in you the Hâ—pe of Glory ye have satan â—n you working thâ— wâ—â—ks of darkness blinding the mind left the light of the glorious Gospel â—f Christ who is the Image of God shouuld shine unto you 2 Cor 4 4. Beâ—ng without Christ â—o ye have no hope strangers from the Covenants â—f promise and without God Ephes 2 21. Without a Leader and Commander Isa 55. Without Protectâ—on or â—oy and wâ—thout â—ll that â—s good 3 Do noâ— only think on it â—ut dwell on the thoughts of it until that your â—earts be wroughâ— up to a real sorrow and â—rief that ye have been so long in such a conâ—ition
is begun in them therefore they shall live the Life of Glory hereafter 9. These that have Christ in them they have received Abundance of Grace and of the Gift of Righteousness through Christ living in them And so shall certainly Reign in Life by Him Rom. 5.17.10 Such who have Christ in them they are quickned together with Him yea they are raised up together in Heavenly places in Christ Iesus Ephes. 2.5 6. Christ takes possession in their Name and they in him as their Head and Agent And so in effect and in respect of legal Certainty they have present possession of Glory so that Christ in them must be the assured hope of Glory For further clearing and confirming hereof observe these following Considerations To wit 1. That Christs being and living in the Soul gives us to know the greatest Love and Respect He hath for that Soul And whom he Loves He Loves unto the end Ioh. 13 1. And what can separate the Soul from his Love Rom. 8.38 39.2 Christs coming into a Soul intimates his union therewith which union is fast and who can loose it And being one with him and united with him so they shall be alwayes with him He hath prayed that they might be with him wherâ— he is that they might behold his Glory Ioh. 17.24 He will not want his Servants For where he is there they must be also Joh 12.26.3 Christs being in the Soul holds forth his protection He â—s in them to own and defend them who can wrong them whom Christ defends Whom Christ defends the Father defends also Joh. 10.27 28 29 30. My sheep hear my voise and I know them and they follow me And I give unto them Eternal Life and they shall never perish neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand My Father which gave them me is greater then all â—nd no man is able to pluck them out of my Fathers hand I and my Father are one 4. Christ is in them taking possession of them as of his own purchase And who shall or can take his Possession over his head Because greater is He that is in them then he that is in the World 1 Joh. 4.4.5 He is in them as fitting and preparing them for Glory and Sanctifying and cleansing them With the washing of Water by the Word That He might present them to himself a Glorious Church not having spot or wrinckle or any such thing but that they should be Holy and without blemish Ephes. 5.26 27.6 He is in them by his Spirit as the pledge and earnest of Glory Ephes. 1.13 14. 2 Cor. 1.22.7 In a word that he is in them is begun Glory Glory in the Seed and in the out-sprouting He is in them working the work of Grace and that is the foundation of Glory Here they have begun Communion with him and that shall never be broken off but be carried on to a more immâ—diate sweet full and uninterrupted Fellowship in Glory so that Christ in the Believer can be no other thing then the sure hope of Glory Vse 1. This Truth makes way for confuting 1. Papists who are against assurance of Salvavation and who defend and teach that we are to fear and doubt all the dayes of our Lifâ— For if Christ in us be the assured hope of Glory then undoubtedly some of these in whom Christ dwelleth attain to this assurance For some of them come through Grace to see that Christ dwells and abids in them 2. It is for confutation of Arminians who lay a sure foundation for the doubting of Papists in â—aying that the Saints may fall away and that wholly and finally But providing that were true then Christ should not be the Hope of Glory in the Saints For according to that Doctrine he could be in us to day and not tomorrow and so his being in us could be no hope of Glory 3. It is for confutation of Antimonians who deny Sanctâ—fication to be any evidence of Justification notwithstanding we see that Christ in Believers is a sure and fast ground of the hope of Glory Now his being in them is through the work of Sanctâ—fication 4. For confuâ—ing of poor deceived Souls who build their Hope of Glory on some other thing As 1 Upon an imagination that God is merciful which can afford them no more ground of the hope of Glory then to all living yea then to Devils 2 Who build their hope upon their naked fancy of their good Heart which is most false the Heart being Deceitful above all things and desperately wicked So is it an undoubted token that Christ is not in them For since He iâ— Light so should he discover their deceitfulness unto them So that it can never be a ground of Hope but a sufficient foundation of a real imagination and of a dreadful deceit 3. Who build their hope upon their innocency and freedom from scandalous out-breakings with the Pharisee Luke 18 Yea a Heathen will pretend more then they 4 Who build upon their Civility and Sobriety which readily they may have through a soft nature humor through good education corrupteâ— by ends which may be a ground of self-deceiving though never of the hope of Glory 5. Who buiâ—d on ouâ—ward diligence and carefulness after publick Worship wherein a Pharisee may go beyond them and which at most but holds forth that they have a Name they live and yet are dead Dead and formal Worship is no assured hope of Glory 6 Who build on the forsaking some Lusts and former evil practises to which they were formerly addicted whereas notwithstanding Satan may have a sure and certain Possâ—ssion of their Soul Vse 2. This Truth serves to inform us of these two 1. That the state of these who are yet without Christ is very sad and lamentable For if without Christ they have no hope of Glory And what have they then though they had the World at their disposal and were swiming in Pleasureâ— Alas they want that which might sweeten the want of all other things to wit the hope of Glory 2. That the condition of those who have fled to Christ and have gotten that noble Guest Christ in them is unspeakably happy For let their outward Estate be here in the World what it will they may Sing in the hope of the Glory of God having Christ in them so they have the assuredest hope of Glory imaginable They have Christ who is the whole Covenant whereby Glory is ensured They have him withâ—n their Souls who already hath given them the possession of Glory fitting them to have a Portion in the Inheritance of the Saints in Light And who takes possession of them that he and they may never more be separate Vse 3. This Doctrine contains also in it a Reproof 1. To Unbelievers who notwithstanding they be wholly without Christ and his Spirit nevertheless dreams and imagins that they have an undoubted right unto Glory And so deceives themselves wiâ—h a vain and
ungrounded hope that all will be well with them at last 2. For reproof to Believers who have this assured ground of hope nevertheless improves it not for their comfort and encouragement But holds themselves up with doubtings and scruples concerning their Right and Inheritance taking heed to the lying whisperings and temptations of Satan and so lives in Terrors sinful Fears and Unbelief whereby they wrong and grieve the noble Spirit who hath taken up quarters in their Soul even for that end among others that they might have a lively hope of Glory and thereby be supported under the pressure of Terrors and Feaâ—s strengthened against thâ— Soul troubling injections and heart-disturâ—ing temptations of Satan and comforted against all discouragements Vse 4. Thâ—s Doctrine â—olds out these following Duties to the Unbeliever As 1. They ought to Labour to have this Truth deeply rooted in their Hearts that before Christ be in them they can have no well grounded hope ever to see God in Glory 2. That herein they are to be convinced of the necessity of giving ear unto the Call of the Gospel and to give obedience thereunto which is as we shall after hear that we receive Christ the Prince of Life in our Souls 3. That therefore there should be nothing so desirable to them as to have Christ living and working in their Souls and to rest on nothing less for a satisfying ground of the hope of Glory Vse 5. This Truth holds out unto us the sure ground of the consolation of Believers in whom Christ is O! what cause of gladness and rejoycing have they go as it will with them in the World For though the World frown upon them neverthelesâ— they may rejoyce in the Hope of the Glory of God whatâ—ver ground of sorrow they may otherwayes have as they see how it fares with them in the World yet when they look within and beholds the footsteps of Christ walking within them and the Fruits of his living and abiding in them so may they raise up themselves with unspeakable and excellent joy Objection But it may be asked how comes it then that even such are more filled with fears and anxieties then others concerning their Eternal Happiness and lively hope and are continually in fears and doubting possessing their Life often in sorrow Ans. 1. It is one thing to have Christ in us and another thing to see him in us This is a new and different Gift And God may give the one when he thinks good to with-hold the other 2. The Lord may thus for wise and holy ends measure out his Favours As he is a Soveraign so he is also wise he doth what he will and yet doth all in deep Wisdom for wise and holy ends The Lord may have a high and Soveraign hand in this business and may find â—t necessar so to keep them humble tender waâ—chful and diligent in Duties For he sees that readily did they see how rich they were they would forget boâ—h God and themselves not being well ballâ—ssed to carry such a high Topsail and that thus they might come to boast and turn secure and give too much advantage to Satan to assault and overcome them 3. They may readâ—ly have a sinful hâ—nd therein themselves And that 1 When they give too much heed to the lying Injections and temptations of Satan It is not safe to entertain discourse with such an enemy who is a Lyar and a Murderer from the beginning He is too great a Sophist and Disputer for us 2. When they give too much way to corruption which darkens all and gives Satan advantage and occasion to accuse of Hypocrisy and to alledge and say providing Christ be in you how is it so and so 3 When by the false Injections of Satan they Nick-name the work of Christ in them consenting to the reproaches of the enemy and joyning with him in affording Objections against all the work of Grace in their Soul And thus having filled their mind with prejudices against themselves through the instigation of Satan they are not in case either to receive or accept of any right Information concerning their Souls 4. It may also fâ—ll out through their misunderstanding the true Nature and work of Grace and of Christs being in them imagining that nothing can be called or reckoned Christ in the Soul but an exceeding great out-letting of the Spirit carrying the Soul over all difficulties accompanied with great joy and gladness and with an eminent and great degree of Sanctification Vse 6. This Truth exceedingly calls for a narrow Tryal viz. If Christ be in us or not And because it is a material business we shall therefore speak the more to it 1. We shall lay forth some false Marks by which many deceive themselves both on the one hand and on the other 2. We will give you some true Marks where you may judge in this matter In speaking to the false Marks we must have our eye upon two sorts of Persons and so speak to the Marks whereupon each goes to work and deceives themselves Some have Christ really dwelling in their Soul and yet nevertheless imagine that it is not so upon â—uch and such grounds that they perceive in â—hemselves which they judge cannot consist â—ith Christs living in them Others again have â—ot Christ in them notwithstanding imagine â—hat he is in them by reason of such and such â—hings which they judge to be real Marks of â—hrists being in them And both the one and â—he other are deceived with false grounds As to the First viz. Such who have Christ â—eally in them and nevertheless will not be â—onvinced thereof They may mistake on these â—nd the like grounds 1. Because they are no wayes like to these â—aints whereof the Scriptures make mention 〈◊〉 whom was the Spirit of Christ Neither like â—ose who now live who have Christ in them â—s if forsooth all were Christians of the â—â—me Magnitude Age Strength and Liveliâ—ess As if there were not in Christs Family young Children as well as old young Centinels as well as Lively Strong and great Warriors 1 Cor. 3.1 1 Ioh. 2.13 14. A Child hath real Life and is a man though not a strong and able man yea the very Child in the Mothers Belly hath real Life and so many Children in Christ go to Heaven for he carries the Lambs iâ— his Bosome Isa 40 11. 2. Because they find not the Operations of the Spirit in them That is likewayes no true mark For he may be in the Soul and yet may be hide from the Soul the Lord judging it fittest it should be so that he may hide pride from their eyes and they as was said may be keep'd humble and sobbing all their dayes The Spirit bloweth where he listeth and after what manner he will 3. Because they are dayly full of Fears and Jealousies that all is not right with them Hence they conclude that providing Christ were really in them then all their Questionings would