house which do most Adorn the same to make it comely and delightful unto the Lord. And that is Holiness Holiness becometh thine House O Lord. Fourthly we have here set forth unto us the duration of this Ornament Holiness how long its comeliness is acceptable in the sight of God and that is here said to be for Ever Holinesâ— becometh Thine House O Lord for Ever Secondly By way of Explication We have several particulars very considerable First who this Lord is thaâ— claimeth propriety in this house Secondly what the House is and how considered Thirdly what Holiness is And Fourthly how far the term Ever doth Extend Of these particulars Briefly And First who this Lord is that claimeth proprieâ—â— in this House Now among the multitude of Scripturâ— Testimonies which do unfold this Questâ—on that of Jeremiah is very full and clear where the Lord by the Prophet doth discover himself in these words But the Lord is the true God He is the living God and an everlasting King at whose wrath the Earth shall tremble and the Nations shall not be able to abide his Indignation Jer. 10.10 To this may be added Hebrews 3.4 the Words whereof are these For every House is builded by some Man but he that built all things is God who is a Spirit * J h. 4.24 or spiritual Essence pure †Hebr. 1.13 perfect * Psal 18.30 eternal †Deut. 32.4 incomprehensible * Deut. 33.27 having his Being of and from himself and giving Being to all Creatures of which he is the supream Governour Orderer and Disposer by his Omnipotency Providentiality Omnipresency and Omnisciency according to his Infinite Wisdom and Divine Will Jer. 13.23 24. Heb. 4 13 See Psal 22.28 Rev. 19.6 Ps 65.9 Ro. 13.1 Ephes 1.11 Thus much to the first particular Who it is that claimeth Propriety in the House The Second Question concerns the House it self under what Consideration it may be taken The term House doth signifie a Dwelling-place a place of Abode Habitation or of Rest Now it is not to be conceived that any one particular place can comprehend an Incomprehensible and Infinite God Do not I fill Heaven and Earth saith the Lord Jerem. 23.24 If I ascend up into Heaven thou art there saith the Psalmist If I make my Bed in Hell behold thou art there If I take the wings of the Morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the Sea even there shall thy Hand lead me and thy right hand shall hold me Psal 139.7 8 9 10 11 12. So that God dwells in Heaven by his glorious essential Presence in Hell by his Wrath and just Judgments in the World by his common Mercies and in his Saints by his Spirit whereby they are regenerated sanctified assisted and assured oâ— his Favour in the use of all his Ordinances And under this last Consideration iâ— my ensuing Discourse I shall consider thâ— House of God That a Believing people in whom the Covenant of Grace is confirmed by the in-dwellings of the Spirit oâ— Grace in its Operations and powerful Influences whereby they are drawn forth to walk with the Lord Christ in the Faith and Practice of his Truth according to his Revealed Will contained in his Word such a People upon a Scripture-account may be called the lords-Lords-House The Apostle Peter writing to the Saints scattered abroad considering them as People in Covenant with Christ and Partakers of the Spirit unto Sanctification and Obedience putteth them under this Denomination Ye also as lively Stones saith he 1 Pet. 2.5 are built up a spiritual House an holy Priesthood to offer up spiritual Sacrifice acceptable to God by Jesus Christ So Hebr. 3.6 Christ as a Son over his own House whose House are we if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoycing of the Hope firm into the end The Believing Ephesians likewise being in Christ by Faith and Christ in them by his Spirit operating and working them up to Sanctification and Obedience and sealing the Promises unto them The Apostle considering their near Relation unto God which they were hereby brought â—nto hath these Expressions concerning them Now therefore saith he Eph 2 1 20 21 22 ye are no more Strangers and Forreigners but Fellow-Citizens with the Saints and of the Houshold â—f God and are built upon the Foundation â—f the Apostles and Prophets Jesus Christ â—imself being the chief Corner Stone in whom all the Building fitly framed together â—roweth unto an holy Temple in the Lord â—n whom ye also are builded together for an Habitation of God through the Spirit Thus Gods People are his Habitation as God hath said I will dwell in them and walk in them and I will be their God and they shall be my People 2 Cor. 6.16 The Prophet Isaiah doth bear testimony to this truth Isai 66.1 2. Thus saith the Lord The Heaven is my Throne the Earth is my Footstool where is the House that ye build unto me saith the Lord and where is the place of my Rest for all those things hath my hand made and all those things have been saith the Lord but to this man will I look even to him that is poor and of a contrite Spirit and trembleth at my Word Two things briefly we may note in these words First the Question propounded Where is the House that ye build unto me saith the Lord and where is the place of mâ— Rest Secondly the Lords Answer to hiâ— own Question But to this man will I look even to him that is poor and of a contritâ— Spirit and trembleth at my Word Now how will the Lord look to this man surely to make his abode with him to takâ— up his residence and dwelling with him and in him by his Spirit of Grace quickning reviving comforting and replenishing the Soul with assurances of his Favouâ— in Christ endowing them with sucâ— Gifts and Qualifications of Grace whereby they are enabled to offer up spiritual Sacrifices of Prayers and Praises acceptable to God by Jesus Christ I dwell in the high and holy place Is 57.15 saith the Lord with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit to revive the spirit of the humble and to revive the heart of the contrite ones Judas one of Christs Disciples but not Iscariot putting forth this Question to his Lord Lord faith he how is it that thou wilt manifest thy self unto us and not unto the World Jesus answered and said unto him If any man love me he will keep my words Joh. â—4 23 and my Father will love him and we will come unto him and make our abode with him Gods Work in the Sâ—ul by his in â—â— dwelling there Now how will the Father and the Son come to such a Soul to take up their abode surely by that illuminating and quickning spirit of Truth proceeding from the Father and the Son enlightening the Understanding informing the Judgment rectifying the Will subduing Corruption and
quickning to act in holy Duties assuring and confirming the Soul in the Favour of the Father and the Son unto eternal Life according to that Promise of God held forth by Ezekiel 11.19 20. I will give them one heart and I will put a new Spirit within them and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh and will give them a heart of flesh whence note by the way that the Spirit is here said to be a new Spirit not because it is any new erected thing in it self for it was of old from eternity but first because by its powerful influences and operations it doth take up its residence in that Creature that was formerly destitute thereof and so it is new to the Creature And secondly because it doth erect a new Work in the Creature so as to alter and change the Inclinations and Dispositions of the Heart by destroying the Carnality Earthliness and Rebelliousness thereof towards the things of God which is signified by the stony Heart and making it tender and pliable to yield a cheerful conformity to the Will of God which is signified by the Heart of Flesh This great Promise as to the end of it is further expressed in these words That they may walk in my Statutes and keep mine Ordinances and do them and they shall be my People and I will be their God To the same effect are the Words of the Apostle Paul Rom. 8.11 12 13. If the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the Dead dwell in you He that raised up Christ from the Dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you Therefore Brethren we are Debtors not to the Flesh to live after the Flesh for if ye live after the Flesh ye shall dye But if ye through the Spirit do mortifie the deeds of the body ye shall live Hereby saith John We know that we dwell in him 1 John 4.13 and he in us because he hath given us of his Spirit The Apostle Paul giving Instructions to Timothy concerning the qualifications of Church-Officers maketh this application to Timothy These things Write I unto thee that thou mayest know how to behave thy self in the house of God which is the Church of the living God the Pillar and ground of the Truth 1 Tim. 3.15 So that first Gods people are called the house of God as they have the in-dwelings of God by his Spirit in its Influences Operations and Laws residing in their hearts Secondly They are called the Church of God as they are a company or Congregation of people imbodied together by the Ligaments and Nerves of Gods word and walk together in the observation of all his Laws and Ordinances according to his Will Thirdly such a people or Congregation are called the Pillar and ground of the truth as they perform the office of a Pillar in upholding and propagating truths interest before the men of the world by doctrine and practice answerable thereunto as the Apostle to the Ephesians teacheth To the intent saith he that now unto the Principalities and Powers in Heavenly places might be known by the Church the manifold Wisdom of God Eph. 3.10 So that Gods people within the Evangelical Covenant of Grace believing on Christ and conforming to Christ in his holy Laws Orders and Ordinances according to the Gospel-dispensation and improving the same to the obtaining Victory or overcoming of their own Corruptions and inordinate affections to self and the World in its Vanities and live to God in holy Sanctity by the indwellings of God by his Spirit in the heart Such a people are by the Spirits demonstration called the House of God the Church of God and the Temple of God 1 Cor. 3.16 17. And such as overcome Christ makes Pillars in the same Rev. 3.12 In which Temple God doth dwell by his Spirit as the Apostle saith 1 Cor. 6.19 20. What know you not that your Body is the Temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you which ye have of God and ye are not your own for ye are bought with a price therefore glorifie God in your Body and in your Spirit which is Gods chap. 3. ver 16 17. Know you not saith the Apostle that ye are the Temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you if any man defile the Temple of God him will God destroy for the Temple of God is holy which Temple ye are The Temple which Solomon built was called the Lords house upon four Considerations First He made choyce of that house above all other for an house of Sacrifice 2 Chron. 7.12 verse 16. Secondly He Sanctifieth that house to himself for that purpose Thirdly He placed there his name that his eyes verse 16. and his heart might be there perpetually Fourthly He promised such acceptation of the Worship there performed according to that dispensation that his eyes should be open and his ears attentive to the Prayers there made ver 15. and for a clear Testimony thereof he filled the house with his glory ver 2. In all these Considerations Gods faithful people may be accounted his house For first God hath chosen them and builds them up a Spiritual House 1 Pet. 2.5 A habitation for God through the Spirit Eph. 2.22 to the use of spiritual Service and the offering up the Sacrifice of Praise and Thanksgiving to his name Secondly He sanctifieth them and fitteth them thereunto 1 Cor. 6.11 Eph. 5.26 Thirdly His eyes and his heart are upon them beholding with delight their Sacrifices and Services performed in Faith and Love Fourthly He so accepts of their worship performed in Spirit and Truth that his ears are open to their Prayers and for their consolation and assurance he fills them with Joy unspeakable and full of glory 1 Pet. 1.8 Whence note by the way that when a peoples Sacrifice of Prayer and Praise and other obedience doth arise from an in-dwelling of the Spirit of Faith and Sanctifying grace and is offered upon the Altar Jesus Christ in the golden Censer of his merits this doubtless is highly accepted of God in what place soever it be performed according to the words of Christ Where two or three are gathered together in my Name there am I in the mid'st of them Math. 18.20 The Conclusion drawn from these considerations is this That although God doth dwell in Heaven by his divine Essence and all-glorious presence and so Heaven may properly be called his house and dwelling-place yet God dwelleth also spiritually in and among his people who may be called his house or dwelling-place where he doth Record his Name and where he doth give his Blessings of Grace and Mercy as the Apostles in their Epistles to the Churches do declare and the Author to the Hebrews doth testifie in these words But Christ as a Son over his own House whose House are we if we hold fast the Confidence and the Rejoycing of the hope firm unto the end Thus
much in Answer to the second Question The third particular we have to consider by way of Explication is the Furniture or comly Ornaments of this House and these are here comprehended under the term Holiness Holiness becometh thine House O Lord Holiness is an Ornament which doth adorn and beautifie both the inside and outside of a Christian or Christian Society it is curiously wrought in the inward man by the In-dwellings of Gods holy Word and Spirit in the influences and operations thereof and it branches forth it self in those visible actions and practices that are agreeable to Gods Will. This Ornament comprehendeth within its circumference the great work of Transformation somtimes called Renovation or new Creation according to the Apostles exhortation And be not conformed to this World but be ye Transformed by the Renewing of your minde that ye may prove what is that good that acceptable and perfect Will of God Rom. 12.2 And saith the same Apostle Eph. 4.23 24. Be ye Renewed in the Spirit of your minde and that ye put on the New Man which after God is Created in Righteousness and true Holiness When the minde is transformed from Carnality to stand in the things of God it may then be said to be Holy The will also may be said to be Holy when it is transformed from that stubbornness and Rebelliousness which by corrupted Nature it standeth in against the will of God and is become submissive and obedient to the will of God so as freely to observe it in all his Commands and freely to submit unto his Will in all his dispensations saying The Will of the Lord be done So likewise the affections when they are transformed from Earthly objects to Heavenly objects when the Meditations Desires Love and Delights are all seated in God and in the things of God this may be accounted holiness in the inward man holiness in the outward man doth arise from this inward work as from the root and brancheth forth it self in word and action as that holy man David saith of himself That his mouth should shew forth the praise of God Psal 34.1 and his tongue should talk of his Righteousness all the day Psal 71.24 It was the Prayer of Paul that holy Servant of God in the behalf of the believing Romans That with one mind and one mouth they might glorifie God even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ Rom. 15.6 The minde and the mouth should go together in those things where the glory of God and the edification of the Church is concerned yea all the members of the body as David saith I thought on my ways and turned my feet unto thy Testimony I made hast and delayed not to keep thy Commandements Psal 119.59 It is not enough for a man only to withdraw his affections from Carnal objects but he must have also his eye fixed upon the Lord and his Truth with the Professors thereof as David saith Psal 101.6 Mine eyes shall be upon the Faithful of the Land that they may dwell with me Neither is it enough for a man to have his hand shut from doing any action of violence or oppression but he must have it open also in doing works of Mercy and Charity to undo the heavy burdens and to let the Oppressed go free Esa 58.6 to be ready to Distribute and willing to Communicate to such as are in Want Tim. 6.18 So that when all the faculties of the inward man and members of the outward man act in their places according to the will of God by vertue of his sanctifying and quickening Spirit that gives motion thereunto When a man is set free from sin and become the Servant of God he hath his fruit unto holiness and the end will be Everlasting Life Rom. 6.22 So that holiness is the perfection of purity in Nature Word and Works the which perfection is only found in God but in reference to man holiness consisteth in pardon of sin and in transformation of Nature by the renewing of the mind from corrupted Nature to a renewed or new-begotten Nature which is wrought by the operations of the holy-holy-Spirit in such thoughts words and actions as arise from that original And thus much by way of Explication concerning the term Holiness The fourth particular concerns the duration of this Ornament which is expressed in the Text by the term Ever Holiness becometh thine House O Lord for Ever The term Ever doth here signifie Time without limitation or end and so it is taken somtimes in Scripture We have the Lords Kingly Office in respect of the duration of it set forth by this term Ever The Lord sitteth King for Ever Psal 29.10 So the Apostle Paul setting forth to the Thessalonians the second coming of Christ and the happy Estate of the Faithful at that day when the dead in Christ shall rise first Then we saith he which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them to meet the Lord in the aire and so shall we ever be with the Lord wherefore comfort one another with these words Thes 4. whence I apprehend the the term Ever to signifie Time without limitation or end which is also called Eternity or Life Eternal Math. 25.46 And so having considered the words by way of Explication I shall proceed to the Doctrine and Application CHAP. II. The Doctrine Propounded and Confirmed THe point of Doctrine or Observation which doth offer it self to our Christian consideration from the words thus explicated is briefly this The Doctrine Holiness is an Ornament ever becoming the people of God Or thus It ever becometh Gods people to be an Holy people This Doctrine is confirmed by such Scriptures as do shew the Grounds and Reasons why it ever becometh Gods people to be an holy people And the first ground I shall present to consideration is this The first Reason grounded on Col. 3.9 10. because they do therein most resemble God their Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ their Elder Brother Paul to the Colossians gives this Exhortation Lye not one to another seeing that ye have put off the Old man with his deeds and have put on the New man which is renewed in knowledg after the Image of Him that Created him The same Apostle in his Epistle to the Ephesians gives the like Exhortation Put off saith he Ephe. 4.22 23 24. concerning the former Conversation the Old man which is corrupt according to the deceitful Lusts and be renewed in the Spirit of your minde and that ye put on the New man which after God is Created in Righteousness and true Holiness In which words we may note First That the Lord calls for a renewed mind and not only the mind but also the whole man Secondly The way in which this work of Renovation is wrought and that is through a true and sanctified knowledge of God Put on the New man which is renewed in Knowledge Thirdly Here is the likeness or Image into which the
Purchased with his own blood unto himself and his Fellow-heirs to possess Eternal Glory with himself unto whom every wrong done he taketh as done unto himself Act. 9.4 5. and Recordeth it every Tear by them shed through their Oppression he bottleth up for a Witness against the Oppressor in the day of his Vengeance Psal 56.8 when he maketh Inquisition for blood he remembreth them then will he not only take account of actions done against his people but also of the omission of that good they might have done unto them and should have ministered to them in the day of their distress In as much as ye have not done it to one of the least of these ye have done it unto me Matth. 25. See this Omission is rewarded with go ye Cursed with what reward then will the Act of Oppression be rewarded the Lord hath spoken he will also bring to pass the Lord will perform and none shall hinder his proceedings Nevertheless when the Son of Man cometh shall he find Faith on the Earth Luk. 18.8 True Faith in Christ works by Love to Christ a stability in the way of Christ the which by the words of Christ is likely to be very rare and scarce to be found among the Sons and Daughters of men in the latter days immediatly before his coming unto which the Apostles in their holy writings do bear their Testimonies Therefore when ye shall see but little true Faith on Earth as it were but here and there a man or a few that are stedfast in the Profession of Christ as the truth is in Jesus according to the primitive Institution and Law of Love but great instability in ways of worships turning and twisting soon this way and soon that way and but few performing obedience as to the Lord by the rule of God's Word and when ye shall see the Iniquity of prophaneness in actions and erronious opinions to abound Mat. 24.11 12 23 24. and the love of many to wax cold and actions of Charity to be almost grown out of use scarce here and there a man acting in the principle of true love to Christ in obedience to him neither towards God in his worship nor the Neighbour in civil Curtesies but almost all carryed on by a self-ended principle of self-love in their actions 2 Tim. 3.1 2 3 4 5. all which are evidences of want of true faith then lift up your heads for your Redemption draweth nigh then behold the Judge standing at the door as it were ready to plead your Cause and to revenge your wrongs and to give you a full and free Possession of his glorious Kingdom He that shall come will come and will not tarry even so come Lord Jesus Now the Just shall live by Faith but if any man draw back my Soul shall have no pleasure in him saith the Lord Heb. â—0 37 38. 1 Pet. 4.19 Wherefore as the Apostle Peter teacheth Let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their Souls to him in well doing as unto a faithful Creator for we have not an high Priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our Infirmities but was in all points tempted even as we are yet without sin Heb. 4.15 for in that he himself hath suffered being tempted he is able to succor them that are tempted Heb. 2.18 Let us therefore come boldly unto the Throne of Grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need Heb. 4.16 O let every one of us in this our present Pilgrimage endeavour to have the word of Christ dwelling richly in our hearts and Heavens glory in our eye and let us run with patience the holy Race for holy Attainments considering that holiness is an Ornament ever becoming the people of God to be found therein is a matter of great concernment First Because therein God's people do most resemble the Image of God their Heavenly Father and Christ their Redeemer Secondly Because thereunto they were Elected in Christ from Eternity Thirdly Because thereunto they are called with an holy calling Fourthly Because thereunto they are enjoyned by special Command Fifthly Because holiness is a beautiful Ornament well becoming a Christian and Christianity Sixthly Because God's people are a people to whom precious promises appertain Seaventhly Because holiness is an excellent Ornament is respect of its duration the more made use of and improved the more comely and perfect it is Eighthly Because there is a great necessity of it for without holiness no man shall see the Lord. Ninethly Because there is a sure Attainment of a holy state in pressing after it in the way of God Tenthly Because thereunto is anexed a sure reward of an Eternal Inheritance Eleventhly Because holiness puts a Soul in a capacity to see the Lord and to enjoy Union and Communion with him in a state of glory to its Eternal Consolation Twelfth Because negligence and carelesness in improving the means appointed of God for holy Attainments puts a Soul in a capacity of possessing God's great displeasure under his Eternal wrath Wherefore dearly Beloved having an holy God that requires holiness in us and holy Services to be performed by us in the way of his own holy appointments to the glory of his Name and he having made out unto us such great and precious Promises in the same Let us cleanse our selves from all filthiness of the Flesh and Spirit perfecting holiness in the fear of God always considering that holiness is an Ornament well becoming the House of God his people for ever to be found therein is a matter of great concernment and so with that Exhortation 1 Sam. 12 24. I shall conclude Only fear the Lord and serve him in Truth with all your heart for consider how great things the Lord hath done for you A GLASS FOR THE UNREGENERATE TO BEHOLD Their Heart-Conceptions OR A brief discourse tending to the Discovery and Removal of some grand Obstructions to Spiritual Health and Heavens Attainments with some Directions and Motives necessary thereunto By JOSIAS BONHAM of Byfield in Northamptonshier And Judah said the strength of the Bearers of Burthens is decayed and there is much Rubbish so that we are not able to build the Wall Neh. 4.10 Printed in the Year 1674. A Glass for the Unregenerate to behold their Heart-Conceptions WHen Honest-hearted Nehemiah had tidings of the decays and breaches made upon Jerusalem that the Walls were broken down and the Gates burnt with fire and the Inhabitants Captivated by their Enemy he so lays it to heart as to become sencible of Jerusalems condition and in the sence thereof he mourns with tears he fasts from food he humbles himself and intercedes with God by Prayer on Jerusalems behalf Yea the sadness of his Countenance did demonstrate the sorrow of his Heart to over-weigh all the honours profits and pleasures that he did possess in King Artaxerxes Court Yea so did he prise Jerusalem and