can be no true Calling unless you see God in it as well as Men. And the Lord taketh it to be his Prerogative to bestow Officers upon the Church Dabo Evangelistum I will give to Jerusalem one that bringeth good Tidings Isa. 41.27 He did not only appoint the Office but doth design the Persons Now what is this Inward Call I Answer God calleth us when he maketh us able and willing the Inclination and the Ability is from God The Inclination He thrusts out Labourers into his Harvest Mat. 9.38 And the Ability He makes us able Ministers of the New Testament 2 Cor. 3.6 and both these are required of us Ability there must be Look as Princes count it a point of Honour when they send out Ambassadors to Foreign Nations to employ those that are fit so it is for the Honour of God that all his Messengers should be gifted and fitted Gifts and Abilities are our Letters of Credence that we bring to the World that we are called of God and authorized to this Work Certainly if the Spirit of God fitted Bezaleel and Aholiab for the material Work of the Tabernacle much more doth Spiritual Work require proportionate Abilities It is true there is a Latitude and Difference in the degree of Abilities but all that can look upon themselves as called of God must be able and apt to teach The Apostle took this for a Call 1 Tim. 1.12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who hath enabled me for that he counted me faithful putting me into the Ministry If ever God put us into the Ministry he first enableth us and bestows suitable Gifts and Graces But that is not all a Man must be willing too 1 Tim. 3.1 If a Man desire the Office of a Bishop he desireth a good Work There must be a strong Inclination that carries us out to such a course of Life if the Lord shall give us a Call Yea in some Cases in the Conscience of the Inward Call a Man may offer himself his Gifts to Trial and his Person to Acceptance so it be done modestly and not in a vain-glorious Confidence As Antisthenes said in the Case of Magistracy that a Man should deal with Magistracy as with Fire a Man would not come too near the Fire lest he burn himself nor stand at too great a distance lest he grow stiff with Cold So of the Ministry a Man must not be too forward nor too backward In some Cases it is good to expect the fair Invitation of Providence an Inclination there must be if the Lord vouchsafe a Call In some Cases we may offer our selves to the Acceptation of the Church if the Lord see fit that we be chosen But to return he hath the inward Call who is able and willing I mean upon Spiritual Grounds having first counted the Charges Difficulties Duties Dangers of this Calling Well then if Men be willing but not fit they are not called of God or if fit yet not willing they have not Warrant enough to undergo the Difficulty much more they that are neither fit nor willing but only thrust themselves upon the Office by the carnal Importunity of Friends or corrupt Aims at Honour and secular Advantage Thus you see what the Inward Call is 2. There is an Outward Call The Inward Call is not enough to preserve Order in the Church an Outward Call is necessary As Peter Acts 10. was called of God to go to Cornelius and then besides that he had a Call from Cornelius himself So must we having an Inward Call from the Spirit expect an Outward Calling from the Church otherwise we cannot lawfully be admitted to the Exercise of such an Office and Function As in the Old Testament the Tribe of Levi and House of Aaron were by God appointed to the Service of the Altar yet none could exercise the Calling of a Levite or serve as an High Priest till he was anointed and purified by the Church Exod. 28.3 And thou shalt speak unto all that are wise-hearted whom I have filled with the Spirit of Wisdom that they may make Aaron 's Garments to consecrate him that he may minister to me in the Priest's Office The like is repeated Numb 3.3 So the Ministers of the Gospel tho called by God must have their External Separation and setting apart to that Work by the Church as the Holy Ghost saith Acts 13.2 Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the Work whereunto I have called them Mark the Spirit of God had chosen them and yet calls upon the Church the Elders of Antioch to separate them for the Work of the Ministry But now in what Order this is to be done and by whom this Separation is to be made is the great Controversy Politicians and with them Erastians make it to be the Magistrates Right the Anabaptists with some others make it the Peoples Right Papists and others give it to the Bishops others to Presbyters and Elders of the Church To examine every Claim at large would take up a great deal of time let us compound the Difference as well as we can In short there are three Pretenders to the Power of the External Call the People the Elders the Magistrate and we may divide it among them and give every one their share and then the Call will be compleat I say there are but three Pretenders for we need not to speak of the Bishops Plea for Bishops and Presbyters or Elders in the Scripture are all one The Apostle writes to the Bishops and Deacons at Philippi Phil. 1.1 The Apostle taketh notice of no other Officer in that Church And Chrysostom's Gloss is of weight What is the Reason the Apostle saith to Bishops were there more than one of one City The Reason is saith he because Bishops and Elders or Presbyters are the same So when the Apostle bids Titus Tit. 1.5 6. Ordain Elders in every City if any be blameless c. He adds Vers. 7. For a Bishop must be blameless as the Steward of God To lay aside this then we shall speak to the Claim of the People the Elders and the Magistrate and give every one its due For in the External Call there are three parts Election Ordination and Confirmation Election that belongeth to the People Ordination which standeth in Examination of Life and Doctrine together with Authoritative Mission that is the Right of the Presbytery and Confirmation that belongs to the Magistrate 1. Election is the Peoples Right This appeareth because their Consent and Suffrage is required in all Offices even in the choice of an Apostle Acts 1.15 26. the 120 nominate Matthias in the room of Judas and God decided it by Lot and in the choice of a Deacon Acts 6.3 Look ye out among you seven Men of honest Report full of the Holy Ghost c. and of an Elder Acts 14.23 And when they had ordained them 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Elders in every Church and had prayed with Fasting they commended them to the
with the Spirit of Christ assisting but not reforming as an Angel sometimes appears in an assumed Body But 't is dangerous to rest in this it maketh our sin and Judgement the greater if after a taste we rest in a common work Historical Faith if not growing into a saving sound Faith 't is a kind of mocking of God and an Hypocrites portion As for instance We profess to believe him Omniscient yet fear not to sin in his presence Omnipotent yet cannot depend upon his Alsufficiency to believe a day of Judgement yet make no preparation for our Account Tit. 1.16 Mens sins and Judgements are aggravated according to the sense they have had of Religion and so their latter end may be worse than their beginning 2 Pet. 2.20 And sad it will be for those that from hopefull beginnings fall off from God I will tell you a man may live and die with a temporary Faith and Affections to God and Holiness without making any visible Apostasie and yet have no sound Faith of the right Constitution Yea if you regard what little rooting Grace hath in mens hearts how weak their Pulse beateth this way how strong their Affections are to the World and the things thereof how little they can vanquish the cares and fears of this world and the temptations that arise from voluptuous living 't is to be feared the far greatest part of Christians are but Temporaries 3. Oh then be sure to get this truth of Grace into your Hearts let your Hearts be effectually subdued to God let there be a Principle of Life set up in them Religion respects our Principles as well as our Performances 2 Tim. 1.5 The end of the Commandment is Charity out of a pure Heart and a good Conscience and Faith unfeigned There must be a renewed Heart as the fountain a well informed Conscience as our guide and Faith unfeigned as our great encouragement And so all acts of Charity to God and men are accepted with God as a piece of Obedience done to him If we will not regard the Manner God will not regard the Matter Oh then get this renewed Heart and a lively Faith and an awakened Conscience This is to get Oyl into your Vessels and if once you get this it will never fail but increase exceedingly like the Sareptan's Oyl But how shall we get it I answer 1. You have this Oyl from Christ. The Unction is from the Holy One 2 Joh. 2.20 As the Precious Oyl was first poured on Aaron's Head and then came down to the Skirts of his Garment so Christ is first possessed of the Spirit and then we have it by our Union with him Joh. 1 16. Of his fulness we receive Grace for Grace We must go to the Fountain every day to seek new supplies Christ was anointed with the Oyl of gladness above his fellows Zech 4. Christ is represented by the Bowl and the two Olive Trees that alwayes poured forth Golden Oyl Christ as Mediator is the Store-house of the Church who is intrusted with all Gifts and Graces for our benefit Oh bring your empty Vessels to this golden Olive-tree The Widdow only brought Casks the Oyl failed not till the Vessels failed 2. If you would have it from Christ you must use the Means of Grace the Word Prayer Sacraments Meditation We need continual supplies must use continual Prayers seek the Grace of the Spirit to keep in our Lamps Luk. 11.13 So the Word God droppeth in something to the Soul that waiteth on him Mark 4.24 Take heed how you hear for with what measure ye mete it shall be measured to you again If we be earnest and diligent in waiting upon God God will abound to us in blessing his Word to us So for Meditation Mat. 13.19 The High-way Ground did not bring the Word to their minds again doth not revolve it mindeth it not heedeth it not So for the Lords Supper 't is a means to root us in the Love of God when we so often renew our Oath of Allegiance to him to excite our Faith in Christ. All these are a price put into our hands to get Oyl in our Lamps and prepare for his Coming 3. Keep your Vessels clean The Spirit dwelleth not but in a clean Heart Doves build not their Habitations on Dung-hills He cometh as an efficient Cause as a Spirit assisting before he comes as a Spirit inhabiting and purifieth our Hearts by Faith 4. After you have gotten this Oyl cherish it that it may not decay Of its own nature it would do so witness that stock of Original Righteousness which Adam had Gods Promise by which it is secured supposeth our endeavours to waste it Luk. 8.18 Whosoever hath to him shall be given but whosoever hath not from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have 5. Do not only cherish and keep it from decay but see that you encrease it 2 Pet. 1.5 Add to your faith vertue and to vertue knowledge 1 Thes. 3.10 Perfect what is lacking 1 Thes. 4.1 That as you have received of us how you ought to walk and please God so you should abound therein A little Faith will be as no Faith not honourable to God nor comfortable to you nor useful to others All our doubts perplexities uncertainties come from the smallness of our Graces 'T will not make an Evidence therefore give diligence No endeavour labour pursuit after God but hath its recompense not an earnest thought an earnest Prayer or time spent What shall I say They whose Hearts are upon the wayes thereof go on from strength to strength You are almost at home nearer than when you first believed Then you thought all your pains too much now all too little Let me apply all to the Sacrament 1. There we come to meet the Bridegroom in a way of Grace The Marriage Covenant between God Incarnate and his espoused Ones is here celebrated and solemnized The Sacrament is a Transfiguration of the last Marriage Supper to ascertain us what entertainment we shall have at the Day of Judgment when the Bride the Lamb's Wife shall be made ready and cloathed with fine Linnen Rev. 19.23 and then be received in to the Nuptial Feast Blessed are they that are called to the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. All is now prepared in this Duty 2. In some respect there should be a Serious Preparation for the one as for the other as we would prepare to dye or prepare to meet Christ the Judge Christ did not wash his Disciples feet when he took them with him to Tabor to his Transfiguration but when he took them with him at his last Supper Joh. 13.7 Surely to rush upon the presence of the Bridegroom with a perfunctory careless common frame of spirit is a dangerous thing When a People come hand over head prepare themselves slightly pray slightly before they come and live carelesly and negligently they slight the Bridegroom and wrong themselves strengthen themselves in sin rather than
more that he would be our Husband and yet further that he would be our Head He counted it an Honour and bought it at a dear rate 1. We are given to him to be Subjects of his Kingdom Christ is Lord of all the World but he prizeth to Title like that of King of Saints Rev. 15.3 to rule as Lord in the Church No Throne like the Conscience of an humbled Sinner The Heart is Christ's best Presence-Chamber he loveth to have his Chair of State set there He had an eternal Right together with the Father and the Holy Ghost but he would come and suffer and be crowned with a Crown of Thorns that he might have a new Right as Mediator and have the Crown of Glory put upon his Head in the Church Acts 5.31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour The Father promised it long before upon Bargain and Contract There is never a Subject that Christ hath but is bought and with the dearest Price his Soveraign's own Blood Mat. 20.28 He gave himself 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a ransome for many Many Subjects die in other Kingdoms that the Prince may be seated in the Throne but here the Prince dieth for the Subjects that he may govern his Spiritual Realm with more Peace and Quietness As the Price was great so the Father hath made him a large Grant 1. Christ's Empire is Universal and spread throughout the World He properly is the Catholick King there are no Bounds and Limits of his Empire Isa. 53.12 Therefore will I divide him a Portion with the great and he shall divide the spoil with the strong Some of all Nations are given to him Isa. 49.12 Behold these shall come from far and lo these from the North and from the West and these from the Land of Sinim North West South Jews and Gentiles The Jews that are now his Enemies shall appoint to themselves a Head as the Tribes flocked to Hebron to crown David Hos. 1.11 Then shall the Children of Judah and the Children of Israel be gathered together and appoint themselves one Head and they shall come up out of the Land There is no King like Christ for largeness of Command and Territory All Monarchs have certain Bounds and Limits by which their Empire is terminated Christ's Empire runneth throughout the whole Circuit of Nature he hath a Multitude of Subjects 2. Christ's Empire is Eternal Of the increase of his Government there shall be no end Isa. 9.7 Kings must die and then their Favourites may be counted Offenders So Bathsheba said to David who yet was a Type of the Reign of Christ 1 Kings 1.21 When my Lord the King shall sleep with his Fathers I and my Son Solomon shall be counted Offenders But Christ liveth and reigneth for evermore But you will say Christ doth not reign for ever but till he hath put all Enemies under his Feet when he shall resign up the Kingdom to the Father 1 Cor. 15.24 I Answer In Kingly Dignity there are two things Regia Cura and Regius Honor Kingly Care and Kingly Honour Kingly Care by which he ordereth and defendeth his Subjects and Kingly Honour which he receiveth from his Subjects Certainly Christ shall be King for ever and ever Luke 1.33 And he shall reign over the House of Jacob for ever and of his Kingdom there shall be no end because he shall always be honoured and adored as King and Mediator He shall resign the Kingdom that is that way of Administration for when the Elect are fully converted and sanctified and their Enemies destroyed there will be no need of this Care Now thus we are given to Christ that he might be a King Universally and Eternally He ruleth us by a sweet Covenant he might rule us by Power Other Kings find Subjects he maketh them He might rule us for he bought us he hath an absolute right over us As there was a Covenant between the Father and Christ so between Christ and the Church He propoundeth no less than a Kingdom Isa. 10.8 Are not my Princes altogether Kings Christ's Title is by Purchase Conquest and Consent All Christ's Subjects were Vessels of Wrath Vessels of Hell in their natural Estate he recovered us from the Devil by Power and Conquest he bought us out of his Father's Hands by Merit and Price In short concerning this Kingdom which belongeth to the second Person The Father appoints it the Son merits it the Holy Ghost as Christ's Vice-Roy governs it The Father chuseth a certain number of Men giveth them to Christ the Son dieth for these Men ransometh them from the Grave and Hell and committeth them to be ruled and governed to the Spirit as Christ's Vicar the Spirit useth the Ministry of Men we are the Holy-Ghost's Overseers Acts 20.28 by which Grace is wrought and so we are united to Christ. Our Work by the Power of the Spirit is to bring them to Christ and Christ bringeth us to God the Father by his Intercession and by final Tradition which is the last Act of Christ's Mediatory Kingdom 1 Cor. 15.24 Then shall he deliver up the Kingdom to the Father God giveth us to Christ Christ to the Spirit the Spirit uniteth us to Christ and Christ bringeth us to God So that if we would enter into this Kingdom we must go to God the Father confess thou art a Traitor and Rebel desire him not to enter into Judgment with thee but seek to be reconciled If thou thus comest to the Father he will send thee to the Son as Job 42.8 God biddeth the Friends of Job to seek his Intercession I will not be pleased with you but in Christ. If I did not regard the presence of Jehoshaphat I would not look to thee nor see thee 2 King 3.14 Go to the Son reflect upon Christ's Merit and Intercession say Lord appear for us before thy Father were it not for thee he would not regard my Face The Son will send you to the Spirit I cannot bring you to God in your Impurity and Rebellion go to the Spirit of my Father that he may wash you and purge you Plead the promise of the Spirit John 16.13 14. Howbeit when he that is the Spirit of Truth shall come he will guide you into all Truth for he shall not speak of himself but whatsoever he shall hear that shall he speak and he will shew you things to come He shall glorify me for he shall receive of mine and shall shew it to you When we come to the Spirit he will send us to Moses and the Prophets hear them The Word is the Rod of his Strength By the Word we are gained by the Sacraments we take an Oath of Allegiance in Prayer we perform our Homages in Alms and Acts of Charity we pay him Tribute Praise and Honour are the Revenues of this Crown Thus I have shewed the Title the largeness of the Grant and the manner of Administration 2. We are
the Affections are scattered to other Objects it is Adultery the Wife of the Bosom is defrauded of her Right So it is Spiritual Adultery when the World hath intercepted your Delight and you go a whoring after it It is Idolatry to divert our Trust and Adultery to divert our Delight Worldliness is expressed by both terms Adultery and Idolatry Psal. 73.27 28. Thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee but it is good for me to draw near to God Estrangement of affection from God is called there going a whoring from God and opposed to delight in Communion with God And it is Spiritual Idolatry Col. 3.5 Mortify your earthly Members Fornication c. and Covetousness that is Idolatry And Ephes. 5.5 No covetous Person that is an Idolater shall inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God Therefore tho we do not run into gross Sins we must watch against these Distempers lessening of our care of and delight in Heavenly Things 2 ly Pray God is the best Guardian and Keeper he must watch over our watching Psal. 141.3 Set a Watch O Lord before my Lips and keep the Door of my Mouth Our Security lieth in the restrains of his Grace and the conduct of his Spirit 2 Tim. 1.12 I know whom I have believed and I am perswaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed to him against that day Give your Souls to Christ to keep it is our best Jewel it is fit it should be in safe Hands In every Prayer we do anew charge Christ with our Souls the Heart is best kept when commended to Christ. To quicken you consider how weak the highest Saints have been when God hath loosed his Hand and left them to themselves David was an Holy Man a Grown Man a Saint of long standing of many Experiences yet he was overcome by his Eyes Joseph was a Youth a Servant had a fair Opportunity which David wanted he did not tempt but was tempted yet he resisted Gen. 39.9 How shall I do this Wickedness and sin against God Who would have thought that Lot that was kept Righteous in Sodom should have miscarried in the Mountain where there was none but his own Family God sometimes will shew us such Instances that we may learn to wait and depend on him 5. Obs. The Necessity of God's keeping Christ would never make a Prayer to his Father for it if it had been in their own Power to keep themselves It is God must keep us if he doth but leave us to grapple with a Temptation in our own strength we are soon gone Keep them from Evil. This Point hath been of often recourse in this Prayer therefore I shall be the briefer in it First How God keepeth us Secondly Why God keepeth us First How God keepeth us God hath many ways of keeping us but they may be reduced to two either by his Spirit or Providence 1. All the inward Work is dispatched by the Spirit by the Power of which he suppresseth Inclinations to Sin and layeth on restraints of Grace Gen. 20.6 I withheld thee from sinning against me So in his People he weakneth the Power of Sin prevents us by the counsels of his Grace from giving consent leaves the awe of Grace upon the Soul to weaken the Power of Sin Jer. 32.40 I will put my fear into their Hearts that they shall not depart from me and giveth actual strength when tempted 2 Cor. 12.9 My Grace is sufficient for thee and when we fall God raiseth us that we perish not Sometimes God lets us fall as a Father when the Child is busy about the Fire puts his Finger to a Coal that he may be afraid of it It is one of his Methods to bring us to Heaven to make us taste of Sin 's Bitterness David prayeth Restore unto me the joy of thy Salvation and uphold me by thy free Spirit Psal. 51.12 2. By his Providence 1. He removeth the provoking Occasions and Objects of Sin Psal. 125.3 The Rod of the Wicked shall not rest upon the Lot of the Righteous lest they put forth their Hand to do Iniquity We need this outward Help if we had oftner occasions we should be more angry more voluptuous more worldly 2. Violent Temptations are not permitted where he seeth we are most weak As Jacob drove as the little Ones were able to bear 1 Cor. 10.13 God will not suffer us to be tempted above what we are able but with the Temptation will make a way to escape that we may be able to bear it He doth not give us into the Enemies Hands and leave us to the Malice of Satan or the Violence of Men all is guided with Wisdom and Care And 3. By with-holding Occasions and Opportunities when Temptation hath prevailed Job 33.17 That he may withdraw Man from his purpose and hide Pride from Man When we have conceived a purpose God hindreth the Execution such Disappointments are a great Mercy Secondly Why God alone must keep us 1. From the Nature of God he is able 2 Tim. 1.12 I know he is able to keep that which I have committed to him 1 Pet. 1.5 Who are kept by the Power of God Jude 24. To him that is able to keep you from falling He is wise 2 Pet. 2.9 The Lord knows how to deliver the Godly out of Temptation God is skilful and well verst in this Work God is faithful and will not fail 2 Thess. 3.3 The Lord is faithful who will stablish you and keep you from Evil. Our Establishment and Preservation from damning Sins is among the Blessings of the Covenant his Faithfulness lieth at stake 2. From our Weakness We cannot keep our selves We are so weak we are apt to consent to Lusts or to faint under Afflictions We can no more stand against Satan than a Lamb can against a Wolf The World hath a treacherous Party in our own Hearts The best things are most dependant a Sheep not a Wolf a Vine not a Bramble a Saint he is always depending Vse 1. Do not forfeit God's keeping This may be done therefore we pray Mat. 6.13 Lead us not into Temptation God as a Judg puts us for our Exercise under Satan's Hands as a Malefactor is put into the Serjeant's Hands if he will not be ruled this is a Spiritual Excommunication Partly to cure us of Self-confidence or resting in our own strength we use to try Men that boast with an heavy Burden so doth the Lord Judges 10.14 Go and cry unto the Gods whom ye have chosen let them deliver you in the time of your Tribulation Partly to cure us of neglect and unthankfulness when we do not take notice of God's keeping when God hath lent us his Grace and we think we are not beholden to him as if a Man is weary and another should lend him his Staff to go by and thereupon he should begin to slight him He taketh no notice of his Preservation that doth not walk
good Work it is not of your selves but of God Every Act every Degree of Holiness is from God III. For whom he prayeth the Apostles I. That were already holy John 13.10 Ye are clean and in the Verse immediately preceding They are not of the World yet now Sanctify them let their Hearts be more heavenly and their Lives more pure every day Observe Those that are sanctified need to be sanctified more and more Rev. 22 1â— He that is righteous let him be righteous still he that is holy let him be holy still 1. Our inward Sanctification must increase because of the weakness of present Grace and the relicts of Corruption 2 Cor. 4.16 Tho our outward Man perish yet the inward Man is renewed day by day It is not a Work to be done at once 1 Thess. 5.23 And the very God of Peace sanctify you wholly and I pray God your whole Spirit Soul and Body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is perfect in parts at first the New Creature doth not come out maimed but not in degrees there is need of more Sanctification in Spirit in Soul in Body the Kingdom of Heaven increaseth by degrees 2. Our outward Man must be cleansed day by day because of new defilements John 13.10 He that is washed needeth not but to wash his Feet but is clean every whit It is an Allusion to a Man coming from the Bath his Feet contract Soil in the Passage Your Persons are sanctified by the Spirit but when you are never so holy there are new Defilements Vse 1. Be not satisfied with any present degrees of Grace There is an holy Covetousness I count not my self to have attained Phil. 3.14 Christ is so full that we cannot receive all at once 2. It is a strange Conceit in any to think they may be too good When we begin to be unwilling to grow better we begin to wax worse it is a good degree of Grace to know our Defects 3. Therefore let us use Means to persist in Holiness to increase in Holiness especially Prayer which is the Breath which God hath appointed to keep in the Flame II. For the Persons once more They were to preach the Word as a Preparative he prayeth for Sanctification Observe Holiness is a good Preparative to the Ministry and they are inwardly consecrated by the Spirit sanctifying them 1. That they may have experience of the Truth of the Doctrine upon their own Hearts The Apostles were to preach the Truth to others now saith he Sanctify them through thy Truth I believed and therefore have I spoken Psal. 116.10 We speak best when we speak by experience This is the right way of getting Sermons by Heart We are God's Witnesses now we should have sound Experience 1 John 1.1 That which was from the beginning which we have heard which we have seen with our Eyes which we have looked upon and our Hands have handled of the Word of Life That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you Ezekiel was first to eat the Roll Ezek. 3. 1 2 3. not only to see it and to hear it but to eat it Ministers must first eat themselves then feed others We are not to speak by hear-say to deliver God's Message as a meer Narration but out of a deep Impression on the Heart What cometh from the Heart and from Experience is quick and lively 2. For the Honour of God Carnal Ministers bring a Reproach upon the Ordinances 1 Sam. 2.17 The Sin of the young Men was very great before the Lord for Men abhorred the Offering of the Lord. Who will take Meat out of a Leprous Hand 3. To answer the Types of the Law Aaron and his Sons were sanctified for the Levitical Priesthood Exod. 29.4 To be washed with Blood and Oil to be washed in the great Laver sprinkled with Blood anointed with Oil which denotes Remission of Sins Regeneration the Gifts of the Spirit 1 John 5.8 There are three that bear Witness in Earth the Spirit the Water and the Blood Every Office should have a solemn Consecration Vse 1. Ministers should look to their inward Call They that are designed to serve God in a special manner must look after special Purity It breedeth Atheism when we do not live up to our Doctrine People will say they must say something for their Living 2. Let People look to their choice of Ministers There is a great deal of difference between an Eloquent and an Experienced Pastor Secondly We now come to the Means or Manner how Christ's Request is to be accomplished by thy Truth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 it may be rendred in thy Truth or by thy Truth oâ— through thy Truth as Vers. 19. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 without an Article that they may be sanctified through the Truth or as in the Margeâ—t truly sanctified but we better render it by the Truth there is an Article 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 not in Truth but in the Truth and it is presently added thy Word is Truth So that it noteth not the kind of their Sanctification but the Instrument and Means Now these words by thy Truth may be understood either of God's Faithfulness or his revealed Will both which are called his Truth Of God's Faithfulness as Vers. 11. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 so here 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as keep them by thy Power so sanctify them by or according to thy Truth and Faithfulness But this Exposition tho plausible yet is not so proper because it is presently added thy Word is Truth By Truth then is meant not his Faithfulness but his revealed Will. Now God hath revealed his Will by the Light of Nature or by the Light of his Word That Will of God which is revealed by the Light of Nature is called Truth so the Gentiles are charged Rom. 1.8 With-holding the Truth in Vnrighteousness 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that which may be known of God Vers. 19. is called Truth How came the Gentiles by the Truth who are strangers to the Covenant of Promise The Apostle answereth much of God was known to them But this Truth that is here spoken of is the Will of God made known in his Word or the Knowledg of things necessary to Salvation concerning God and his Worship first delivered by the Prophets afterwards explained by Christ himself to the Apostles and by them consigned to the Church Now the Truths delivered in the Word may be referred to two Heads Law and Gospel The distinction in Christ's Time was Law and Prophets In this place Christ chiefly intendeth the Gospel the Truth which they were sent to preach to others Christ would have them to have an experience of it themselves And it is notable that in many places of Scripture the Gospel is called Truth not only in opposition to humane Writings but also with respect to the Law and other parts of Scripture because it is the Truth by way of eminency as we call the Plague
could not be supposed to feign Now he appealeth to their Experience You know in all your Hearts c. So Solomon speaks 1 Kings 8.56 Blessed be the Lord that hath given rest unto his People Israel according to all that he promised there hath not failed one word of all his good Promise which he promised by the Hand of Moses his Servant So if a Man would but observe the Course of Providence after a little Faith and Patience which is required of all that would inherit the Promises God never failed but made good his Word to a Tittle Object Many Temporal Mercies are Promises which Promises are not accomplished Answ. They are promised still with exception of the Cross. God is tied no further than the Covenant tieth him Psal. 89.31 32 33. If they break my Statutes and keep not my Commandments Then will I visit their Transgression with a Rod and their Iniquity with Stripes Nevertheless my loving-kindness will I not utterly take from him nor suffer my faithfulness to fail My Covenant will I not break nor alter the thing that is gone out of my Lips Object But the Scriptures do absolutely press and inculcate these Hopes of temporal Mercies Answ. No only they are mentioned in the Promise partly to encourage our Hearts to pray we should not else ask them 2 Chron. 20.9 If when Evil cometh upon us as the Sword Judgment or Pestilence or Famine we stand before this House and in thy Presence and cry unto thee in our Affliction then thou wilt hear and help Psal. 119.49 Remember thy Word unto thy Servant upon which thou hast caused me to hope Partly to shew that God is able to keep them from such distress and if it be good for them will keep them Dan. 3.17 Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery Furnace and he will deliver us out of thine Hand O King Partly to shew that if we have such Mercies we have them by virtue of a Promise Psal. 128.5 The Lord shall bless thee out of Sion To see a Mercy come out of the Womb of a Promise is very sweet and comfortable Partly to comfort them if they have them not they shall have the spiritual Part nothing shall light on them as a Curse We must go into the Sanctuary to know the meaning of such Promises God will deliver either from the Lion or from every Evil Work 2 Tim. 4.17 18. I was delivered out of the Mouth of the Lion And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil Work If there be any Temporal Promise you may expect the Mercy in kind or as good There is not a waste word in the Promise God will give them satisfaction The People of God never complain when their Thoughts are regular Partly because God seldom faileth a trusting Soul few Experiences can be given to the contrary Psal. 91.2 3. I will say of the Lord He is my Refuge and my Fortress my God in him will I trust Surely he shall deliver me from the Snare of the Fowler and from the noisom Pestilence Thereby there is another Engagement on God Isa. 26.3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect Peace whose mind is stayed on thee because he trusted in thee Psal. 9.10 And they that know thy Name will put their trust in thee for thou Lord hast not forsaken them that seek thee Vse Learn to regard the Promises and Threatnings of the Word with more Reverence as if God in Person had delivered them to you 1 Thess. 2.13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing because when ye received the Word of God which ye heard of us ye received it not as the Word of Men but as it is in Truth the Word of God Look to the Threatnings God hath left room for his Mercy and that must be sought in God's way or else we have no Security and Peace Look to the Promises 1. Seek after them more and mind them more Sure your Neglect saith you do not count them true 1 John 5.10 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the Witness in himself he that believeth not God hath made him a Liar because he believeth not the Record that God gave of his Son If one should proffer you an hundred Pounds and you should go away and never heed it it is a sign you do not believe him 2. Venture more on the Promises they are God's Bills of Exchange whereby you have Treasures in Heaven Deny Interests God will make it up 3. Rejoice in them more You have Blessings by the Root Heb. 11.13 These all died in Faith not having received the Promises but having seen them afar off and were perswaded of them and embraced them they hugged the Promises Do you ever refresh your selves with the remembrance of them Do you ever bless God for your Hopes and say I will rejoice in God because of his Word 4. Wait for the accomplishment of them The Word of the Lord is a tried Word The Saints are tried and the Word is tried Psal. 12.6 The Words of the Lord are pure Words as Silver tried in a Furnace of Earth purified seven times It is enough for Faith that we have the Promise Fourthly God hath owned the Word by associating the Operation of his Grace and powerful Spirit with it and with no other Doctrine Things of a powerful Operation do evidence themselves as Fire by Heat the Wind by its Noise and Strength Salt by its Savour the Sun by Light and Heat and the like Moral Principles that are effectually operative manifest themselves also Let us see how the Case standeth with the Scripture It is called Rom. 1.16 The Power of God unto Salvation and the preaching of the Cross is to them which are saved the Power of God 1 Cor. 1.18 And 1 Cor. 2.4 My Speech and my Preaching was not with enticing words of Man's Wisdom but in demonstration of the Spirit and of Power And 1 Thess. 1.5 Our Gospel came not unto you in Word only but in Power and in the Holy Ghost and in much Assurance It giveth a perswasion of it self by its being the Power of God and the Rod of his Strength Psal. 110.2 The Lord shall send the Rod of his Strength out of Sion When the Egyptians saw the Miracles that Moses wrought they confessed the Power of God that God was with him Exod. 8.19 Then the Magicians said to Pharaoh This is the Finger of God And when the Scripture evidenceth so great a Power it shews it self to be of God as in judging the Hearts of Men. Heb. 4.12 The Word of God is quick and powerful and sharper than any two-edged Sword piercing even to the dividing asunder of Soul and Spirit and of the Joints and Marrow and is a Discerner of the Thoughts and Intents of the Heart In convincing them of their evil Estate 1 Cor. 14.25 And thus are the Secrets of the Heart made manifest and so falling down on his Face
precious Ointment upon the Head that ran down upon the Beard even Aaron 's Beard that went down to the Skirts of his Garment So our Head is anointed with the Oil of Gladness for our sakes Christ received the Spirit without measure in our Nature as Holiness Pity and the Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledg Look as when an Ambassador is sent forth there is not only a designation of his Person but he is furnished for his Emploiment and Work So is Jesus Christ sent forth that is his Person not only designed and chosen in Grace and yet in Wisdom but also furnished with all manner of Endowments in our Nature Grace and Strength for his Work as our Head 3. This Sending implies Authority and noteth a Commission sealed to him so that he was an Authorized Mediator or an Ambassador with Letters Patents from Heaven This is the principal thing intended in this Sending the Call and Authority Christ had to do his Office Heb. 5.4 5. No Man taketh this honour to himself but he that was called of God as was Aaron So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an High Priest but he that said unto him Thou art my Son this day have I begotten thee He was designed in the Council of the Trinity And as every Ambassador hath Letters of Credence under the Hand and Seal of him from whom he is sent that he may be acknowledged as his Deputy to act for him So Christ is sent as God's Deputy into the World to act and deal for him and the Apostles they are thus sent from Christ to act and deal for Christ. Here the Comparison chiefly holds As thou hast sent me into the World that is given me Authority to execute the Office of a Mediator So have I sent them I have given them Authority to preach in my Name and to deliver the Gospel to others This sending of Christ it maketh all that Christ doth in the Father's Name to be valid which is much for the comfort of our Faith Christ is not a Mediator by the right or meerly by the desire of the Creature or by his own Interposition but he is sent and authorized you may plead it with God he hath sent him to save Sinners You know Moses when he interposed on his own accord Exod. 32.32 Forgive their Sin and if not blot me I pray thee out of thy Book which thou hast written Tho it was an high Act of Zeal in Moses yet God refused it Vers. 33. And the Lord said to Moses Whosoever hath sinned against me him will make I blot out of my Book So if Christ had been set up as Mediator by the Right and Desire of the Creature only he might have been refused but he was authorised by God he did not glorify himself by invasion of the Mediatory Office but had a Patent from the Council of the Trinity indited by the Father accepted by himself sealed by the Holy Ghost evidenced to the World by his Personal Endowments and by his Miracles Thus you see what this Sending is it implies the Designation of the Father the Qualification of his Person for the Work and his Authority to execute it in his Name III. To what purpose was he sent into the World I Answer To perform the whole Duty of the Mediator but principally to redeem and instruct the World those two Offices of Prophet and Priest Christ performed upon Earth The Apostle toucheth upon them Heb. 3.1 Consider the Apostle and High Priest of our Profession Jesus Christ. Mark the Apostle mentioneth but two Offices but they were the highest in both the Churches the High Priest was the highest Officer in the Jewish Church therefore he saith he was the High Priest of our Profession And an Apostle was the highest Officer in the Christian Church therefore he saith he was the Apostle of our Profession And he mentions but these two because these were the two Offices Christ chiefly performed upon Earth he came to preach the Gospel which we profess so he is the Apostle of our Profession and he came to ratify it with his Blood so he is the High Priest of our Profession In short he came to deal with God and with Men To deal with God and so is an High Priest to pacify God to offer such a Sacrifice as might satisfy God and he came to deal with Men and so be is an Apostle to open the everlasting Gospel to bring it out of the Bosom of God to our Hearts His Kingly Office was but little exercised upon Earth We have a glimpse of his Kingly Office or rather of his Divine Nature in turning the Mony-Changers out of the Temple but it was little exercised upon Earth Why because this was the time of Christ's Humiliation Now the Kingly Office suits more with the Exaltation of Christ when he comes the second time then he comes to exercise his Kingly Office to reign and scatter his Enemies and shew his Kingly Power but now he came to teach and to suffer That is the Reason why his Kingly Office is made the Consequent of his Resurrection Acts 5.31 Him hath God exalted with his right Hand to be a Prince and a Saviour for to give Repentance to Israel and Forgiveness of Sins Was not Christ King of the Church and King before his Resurrection I Answer As God so he was a King from all Eternity and in the days of his Flesh he was our Mediator therefore certainly King Priest and Prophet but in the World he did not come to possess his Kingdom but only to preach it and divulge it Therefore he saith to Pilate John 18.36 My Kingdom is not of this World if my Kingdom were of this World then would my Servants fight that I should not be delivered to the Jews but now is my Kingdom not from hence Christ came to bear witness that he was King but did not come to possess his Kingdom and act as a King As soon as ever he was consecrated to be a Mediator he was King Priest and Prophet of the Church Look as David was King before God as soon as he was Anointed long before he possessed the Throne and was crowned at Hebron 1 Sam. 16.13 for he was King when he wandred up and down and was hunted like a Flea or like a Partridg upon the Mountains So Christ in the time of his Humiliation was a King but did not exercise his Kingdom Chiefly then he was sent into the World the first time to redeem and instruct the World To redeem the World 1 John 4.10 God loved us and sent his Son to be the Propitiation for our Sins This was Christ's first Errand to make Satisfaction for Sins afterwards he will come to destroy his Enemies at his second coming And to instruct the World that is of special consideration in this place As thou hast sent me into the World so have I sent them into the World Christ sent Disciples as a Prophet and in
2. They that begin their Happiness here nâ—â—e it their study to know Christ. John 17.3 This is Life Eternal to know thee the only â—â—ue God and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent there is the Foundation and the beginning of it Study Christ in his Natures Person Offices this is fit Work for Saints Saith Moses Exod. 33.18 Shew me thy Glory 1. It is an Increasing Light but to the Wicked it is a growing Darkness 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 outer Darkness Mat. 25.30 there they are held in Chains of Darkness you love Darkness better than Light and you shall have Darkness enough one Day Now there is a thick Curtain and Vail drawn between you and Christ and hereafter there will be a deep Gulph but our work in Heaven is to behold Christ's Glory Can a Man look for it and not follow on to know the Lord None shall have a fight of Christ hereafter that do not know him now 2. It must be such a Light as carries proportion with the Light of Glory that is an Affective transforming Light 1. An Affective Light Many may study to warm the Brain but not the Heart Rom. 2.20 Which hast 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Form of Knowledg and of the Truth in the Law They may discourse more exactly than a good Christian have a Map and Model of Truth in the Brain they dig in the Mines of Knowledg that Christians may have the Gold Do you see him with any Affection Do you strive above all things to see his Face Psal. 27.4 One thing have I desired of the Lord that will I seek after that I may dwell in the House of the Lord all the days of my Life to behold the Beauty of the Lord and to enquire in his Temple It is David's Vnicum Moses Ravishment when he saw God's back Parts Exod. 34.9 If now I have found Grace in thy sight O Lord let my Lord I pray thee go amongst us That is one effect of the sight of God a Man would not be without his Company I pray thee go amongst us As Absolom said 2 Sam. 14.32 Come hither that I may send thee to the King to say Wherefore am I come from Geshur It had been good for me to have been there still now therefore let me see the King's Face and if there be any iniquity in me let him kill me as if he should say let him kill me rather than deny me the King's Face Prize this above all the World Psal. 4.6 7. Lord lift thou up the Light of thy Countenance upon us Thou hast put Gladness in my Heart more than in the time that their Corn and their Wine increased Psal. 80.3 Cause thy Face to shine and we shall be saved 2. It is Transforming 2 Cor. 3.18 We all with open Face beholding as in a Glass the Glory of the Lord are changed into the same Image from Glory to Glory even as by the Spirit of the Lord. Light and Grace do always go together It is such a looking upon Christ as Laban's Sheep looked upon the peeled Rods in the Gutter it maketh us more like Christ. Sight worketh upon the Imagination in Brute Beasts Shall not the Eye of Faith be more strong to change than Natural Imagination A bare empty Contemplation will do you no good those that find themselves to be the Old Man still let them have never so much Knowledg it is no sign of Grace nor of an Interest in Glory Vse 3. Let the foresight of this glorious Estate wean thee from all inordinate Affections to Humane and Earthly Glory There is the Lust of the Eyes 1 John 2.16 By the Eyes we fire our Hearts Doth a stately glorious House allure thee What is this to Heaven the Palace of God and the Mansion of Blessed Spirits Do glorious Garments and Apparel bewitch thee What is this to our Robes of Righteousness and those Garments of Salvation wherewith the Saints shall be cloathed in the Day of the Manifestation of the Sons of God Doth the Face of Earthly Majesty astonish thee What will it be to behold the Lord Jesus in all his Majesty and Glory As the Sun puts out the Candle so should the fore-thought of these Excellencies extinguish in us carnal Desire and dissolve the Inchantment that would otherwise bewitch our Souls and make us impatient under the Cross. Beware of the Vanity of the Eye if it be consecrated to behold Christ's Glory Fifthly The next thing is the Reason of all this the Father's Eternal Love to Christ and in Christ to us For thou hast loved me before the Foundation of the World that is from all Eternity as the Phrase is often used in this sense in Scripture But how was Christ loved from all Eternity I Answer Partly as 〈◊〉 Eternal Son of God Prov. 8. from 21 to verse 30. before the Mountains were setled before the Hills were brought forth Partly as Mediator designed from all Eternity and so loved before the Foundation of the World as he was slain before the Foundation of the World Rev. 13.8 Christ was our Mediator from all Eternâ—â—â—y not only before we were born but before ever he came in the Flesh. To the Eyâ— of God all things are present nothing is past nothing is to come But why is this made a Reason I Answer It is a Reason 1. Of the last Clause the Glory given to Christ is a Fruit and Evidence of God's Eternal Love to him as Mediator for so he is considered here for what-ever was given to Christ was given to him as Mediator for to the Divine Nature nothing can be given tho the Father be the Fountain of the Godhead yet he is not so properly said to give Glory to Christ as God because he loved him 2. Of the whole Verse and so you may conceive it either thus that he improved his whole Interest in the Father conjuring him by his Infinite and Eternal Love or rather from Love to himself inferreth Love to us thou hast loved me and them in me for we also are loved before the Foundation of the World Mat. 25.34 Come ye blessed of my Father inherit a Kingdom prepared for you before the Foundation of the World The Point to be discussed is The Eternity of God's Love to Christ and in Christ to us 1. The Eternity of God's Love to Christ as God as his Son the Love of Parents to Children is but a shadow of it We are Finite so are our Affections As his Image Heb. 1.3 Who is the Brightness of his Glory and the express Image of his Person Likeness is the Ground of Love God loves Christ not only as like him but as being of the same Essence with himself 1 John 5.7 For there are Three that bear Record in Heaven the Father the Word and the Holy Ghost and these Three are One. There is no created Instance to answer it all that we love are without us but Christ is of the same Essence with God Then
Victory for all those who are really and earnestly striving against sin are sure to conquer these Promises may be pleaded to God as his own words by which he hath invited our hope and to our selves in case of fainting and discouragement that we may not coldly set upon the practice of Christianity Let us depend upon Gods Promise as Paul 2 Tim. 4.18 And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom to whom be glory for ever and ever Amen 5. There are certain Ordinances whereby this Grace is conveyed to us The Spirit joyneth his power and efficacy with the proper instituted means for the subduing of sin The Word is a powerful instrument which the Holy Ghost useth for the cleansing of the Soul from sin Joh. 15.3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you yea for the killing of sin therefore it is called The Sword of the Spirit When we come to hear some new consideration is still given out for the further sanctifying of the heart Joh. 17.17 Sanctifie them through thy truth thy word is truth In Prayer we come to act Faith and Repentance looking up to God for help and with brokenness of heart mourning over our corruptions Zech. 12.10 I will pour upon the house of David and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and supplications and they shall look upon him whom they have pierced and they shall mourn for him as one 〈◊〉 for his only son and shall be in bitterness for him as one that is in bitterness for his first-born By every Prayer offered in the brokenness of our hearts sin receiveth a new wound So the Sacraments as in the Old Testament Circumcision signified a sanctifying of the heart Deut. 30.6 And the Lord thy God will circumcise thy heart and the heart of thy seed to love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul that that thou mayest live and the Paschal Lamb was a Type of Christ Who taketh away the sins of the world Joh. 1.29 So Baptism and the Lord Supper Baptism signifieth the washing away of sin Acts 22.16 Arise and be baptized and wash away thy sins and he that liveth in sin forgetteth that is neglecteth his Baptism 2 Pet. 1.9 He hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins as forgetting the Law is neglecting the Duty of it Psal. 119.153 I do not forget thy Law he carrieth himself as if he were never baptized for Baptism is a vowed death to sin So for the Lords Supper Every serious remembrance or meditation of Christs Death should quicken us anew to crucifie sin and to make it hateful to our Souls 1. As it representeth the great Act of Christs condescending Love which is a moving forcible Argument to perswade us to deny our inordinate self-love 2 Cor. 5.14 15. For the love of Christ constraineth us because we thus judge that if one dyed for all then were all dead and that he dyed for all that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves but unto him which dyed for them and rose again 2. It is a viewing the heinousness and odiousness of sin there represented to us in the Agonies and Sufferings of Christ the more we consider of them the greater apprehensions should we have of the evil of sin the exactness of Gods Justice the terrour of his Wrath Rom. 8.3 For what the Law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin condemned sin in the flesh Christ was made sin for us and then endured these things 2 Cor. 5.21 He hath made him to be sin for us who knew no sin that we might be made the righteousness of God in him When we look upon sin through Satans Spectacles or the cloud of our own Passions or carnal Affections we make nothing of it but it is a terrible spectacle to see the fruit of sin in the Agonies and Sufferings of Jesus Christ which are there represented to us as if he were crucified before our eyes Gal. 3.1 O never have slight thoughts of sin more 3. As it implieth a solemn mutual Surrendry between Christ and us Cant. 2.16 I am my beloveds and my beloved is mine Christ giveth himself and his Grace to us as our Redeemer and Saviour we accept Christ and his Benefits upon his own Terms and surrender our selves to him as his redeemed ones with thankfulness for so great a favour and benefit Rom. 12.1 I beseech you brethren by the mercies of God that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice holy acceptable unto God which is your reasonable service Now all this must needs be a great weakening of sin both the remembrance of Christs Love the representation of his great Sufferings necessary for the Expiation of it and our solemn renewed Dedication of our selves to God and his service and doing this in an holy Duty instituted by God for this end and purpose for the Spirit of God works by the appointed means and the use of instituted Duties is no fruitless labour for God would not set us a work in a Duty that should yield no profit and benefit to us 6. Providences are sanctified to this use as helps and occasions of subduing sin as Afflictions which do remove the occasions and substract the fuel of sin and awaken seriousness for the future Isa. 27.9 By this therefore shall the iniquity of Jacob be purged and this is all the fruit to take away his sin 2 Cor. 12.7 Lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations there was given to me a thorn in the flesh the messenger of Satan to buffet me left I should be exalted above measure The thorn in the flesh was given to mortifie his pride By these kind of Dispensations the Spirit worketh serious Humiliation and brokenness of hear◠maketh sin odious to us These are ordered with exact wisdom and faithfulness Psal. 119.75 O Lord I know that thy judgments are right and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me and they are accompanied by the Spirit therefore God is said to teach us out of his Law when he chastiseth us Psal. 94.12 Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest O Lord and teachest him out of thy Law Job 36.10 He openeth also their ear to discipline and commandeth that they return from iniquity the Rod is made effectual by the Spirits motion Object Some have frequently resolved to forsake their sins but their resolutions have come to nothing they have striven against it but as a great stone that is rolled up hill it hath returned upon them with the more violence or as a man rowing against the stream the Tide hath been strong against them and they have been forced the more back yea they have prayed against sin yet found no success and therefore think it is in vain to try any
mortifie and subdue them Good motions are as a dash of Rain and those weak inclinations and good dispositions which are in temporaries are as a Pond or Pool which may be dryed up but this saving and sanctifying work is as a Spring John 4.14 Two things are considerable in it 1. It 's Continuance and Radication 2. It 's Efficacy and Predominancy 1. The radication is set forth by the notions of the Spirits dwelling in us John 14.17 He shall be in you and dwell in you It s resting upon us 1 Pet. 4.14 The Spirit of God and of Glory rest upon you He taketh up his abode with us John 14.23 We will come to him and make our abode with him 'T is not a visit and away or a lodging for a night but a constant residence he taketh up his Mansion in our hearts Some have fits and qualms of Religion motions of conviction and joy but not a settled bent of Heart towards God and Heaven 2. It s prevalency and predominancy for where the Spirit dwelleth there he must rule and hath the command of the house he dwelleth in the Soul he dwelleth so as to govern directing and inclining us so as to do things pleasing unto God weaning us from the World 1 Cor. 2.12 This is called the receiving not the Spirit of the World but that which is of God Mastering and taming the Flesh both its gust and savour Rom. 8.5 for they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh Its deeds and motions Rom. 8.13 If ye mortifie the deeds of the body ye shall live The Flesh will rebel but the Spirit gets the upper-hand for the Dominion and sovereignty of the Flesh is not consistent with the having of the Spirit the Flesh is subdued more and more where the Spirit cometh he cometh to govern to suit the heart to the will of God and to give us greater liberty towards him 2 Cor. 3.17 Where the spirit of the Lord is there is liberty The objects of sense which feed the flesh make less Impression upon us and the love of sin is more and more conquered Now take it thus explained you may know what it is to have the Spirit namely the dwelling and working of the Spirit in our Souls mortifying the flesh and causing us to live unto God 2. Why is this an evidence that we are true Christians here I shall prove two things 1. That all true Christians have this sanctifying Spirit 2. That 't is the certain evidence and proof of their being Christians or having an interest in Christ. 1. That all that are true Christians have it I prove it 1. From the promise of God who hath promised it to them and surely his love and faithfulness will see it made good Zech. 12.10 I will pour upon them the spirit of grace and supplications and Prov. 1.23 Turn unto me and I will pour out an abundance of spirit unto you and Rev. 22.17 Whosoever will let him drink of the water of life freely By the water of life is meant the spirit as appeareth John 7.38 39. So in many other places Now surely Gods word will not fall to the ground but must be accomplished 2. From the merit of Christ. Two Things Christ purchased and bestowed upon all his people his righteousness and his spirit 2 Cor. 5.21 He was made sin for us that we might be made the righteousness of God in him Gal. 3.14 That we might receive the promise of the spirit through faith the Rock was smitten by the rod of Moses twice 1 Cor. 10.4 And these two gifts are inseparable where he giveth the one he giveth the other We have both or none 1 Cor. 6.11 But ye are justified in the name of our Lord Jesus and by the spirit of our God And Tit. 3.5 6 7. But according to his mercy he saved us by the washing of regeneration and the renewing of the Holy Ghost which be 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 He freeth us at the same time a malo morali which is sin and a malo naturali which is punishment 3. When we enter into the covenant of Grace we enter into covenant with Father Son and Holy Ghost With God and with the Redeemer and with the Sanctifier Mat. 28.19 We are baptized in the name of the Father Son and Holy Ghost What is our Covenant with the Holy Ghost It implieth both our duty and our benefit our benefit that we expect is that the Holy Ghost should regenerate us and renew us to the Image of God and plant us into Christ by faith and then dwell in us and maintain Gods Interest in our souls and so make us Saints and Believers And our duty is to consent to give up our selves to him as our Sanctifier and to obey his powerful Motions before we are made partakers of the Holy Ghost 4. The necessity of having the Spirit appeareth in that without him we can do nothing in Christianity from first to last 'T is the Spirit uniteth us to Christ and planteth us into his mystical body 1 Cor. 12.13 By one spirit we are baptized into one body 'T is by the Spirit we give up our selves to God as our God and reconciled Father in Christ and to Christ as our Redeemer and Saviour and so are planted into his Mystical body 1 Cor. 6.17 But he that is joyned to the Lord is one spirit As a Man and a Harlot are one flesh so we are one Spirit ' The union is Spiritual for kind and the Spirit is the author of it So for further Sanctification and Consolation and Mortification take it either for the purging out lusts or suppressing the acts of sin For the purging out of lusts 1 Pet. 1.22 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit Pride worldliness and Sensuality these are purged out more and more by the Spirit Or suppressing the acts of sin Rom. 8.13 If ye through the spirit do mortifie the deeds of the body So for vivification he infuseth Life and quickneth and maintaineth it in our Souls Gal. 5.25 If we live in the spirit let us also walk in the spirit Strengthning it Eph. 3.16 That he would grant according to the riches of his grace to be strengthned with might by his Spirit He maketh it fruitful and exciteth it Ezek. 36.27 I will put my spirit into you and cause you to walk in my ways For Consolation to uphold our hearts in the midst of all trials and difficulties then we may go on cheerfully and in a course of holiness Acts 9.13 They walked in the fear of God and the comforts of the Holy ghost To comfort us with the sense of Gods love in all our tribulations Rom. 5.5 Because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy ghost which is given unto us To