that we are so by Adoption and not by nature for so we are Children of wrath Ephes 2.3 and as to works we were Children of disobedience and enemies in our minds by wicked works Col. 1.21 And as to works wrought by us after the new birth we are not the Children of God by them for they are from our being first the Children of God and that not from our worth or will but his grace and good will to this and to nothing but this and on this account doth the Spirit bear witness And this much of the second Rule viz. the ground on which it witnesseth 3. The witness of the Spirit is known by the ends it aims at and attains by affecting them when it beareth witness what they are I have declared in part before and shall shew more hereafter and therefore content my self with but hinting a few things here The design of the Spirit is the abasing of us and the exalting of the Fathers and the Sons love the Fathers grace and the Sons righteousness in our eyes that we may be nothing that God and Christ may be all in all that we may admire the God of all grace glorifie his Son Jesus for ever and for ever The best admirations are those which spring from knowledge and assurance ignorance is the Mother of but saint languid piteous devotion but that which flows from knowledge is strong and vigorous and therefore doth the Spirit bear witness that our admirations devotions and adorations may be such 'T is to indear God to us that we may love him the more and serve him the better that he may be not only the dearer for his mercy but dearer than it and we may live to the praise and glory of God in righteousness and true holiness in this present world that is all the daies of our life yea and that to come too in Eternity I might add that this witness designs to wean us from this world that we may put the scorn upon the lust of the eye and flesh and pride of life and live above above the grandeur and gallantry pride and pomp pleasures and prettinesses of this world I say that we might live above where the way of life is to them that are wise so wise as to have their affections and conversations in Heaven Thus it follows upon our Text 1 Joh. 2.15 where he bespeaks the Fathers Young men and little Children Not to love the world neither the things that are in the world upon this very account that if any man love the world the love included in the knowledge of the Father is not in him he doth not know the Father So that if any conceit themselves to be Children of God and yet admire themselves grow proud wanton and worldly minded they deceive themselves for they have not the witness of nor this witness from the Spirit Gods Children are of another world while in this and they that know him to be their Father live like men of another world in this Psal 73.25 Phil. 3.20 Heb. 11.13 16. And hence there is fair way made for me to pass on to the third part of this discourse viz. to shew more at large the result of this knowing the Father or that by the witness of the Spirit they are the Children of God as to the priviledges and the injoyments of this attainment of the little Children CHAP. III. Shews the priviledges and injoyments of the little Children in knowing the Father in four Sections SECT 1. HOw upon having received the witness of the Spirit they do triumph over the Law Sin the world and present enjoyments I have declared long since in a little short Discourse in Print called the Triumph of Assurance being an Appendix to the first part of my Orthodox Paradoxes to which I refer the Reader and proceed to discover other the priviledges and enjoyments of these assured ones Which priviledges must be more than ordinary or common because to know the Father is more than common knowledge and the more excellent the knowledge the more excellent the enjoyment is whether it be in kind or but only in degree That which I shall chiefly instance in is the great priviledge dignity and honour of being able to cry Abba Father by the Spirit of Adoption received into and witnessing in our selves not barely Adoption nor only the Spirit of Adoption but by it to cry Abba Father is the great thing I shall instance in according to Rom. 8.14.15 16. compared with Gal. 4.1 7. Now whether the Spirit of Adoption whereby we cry Abba Father be the same thing with the witness of the Spirit whereby we know the Father i. e. that we are his Children or something precedaneous to it or something succeeding it and following thereupon is a great question in so critical and nice a thing we need be wary and cautious Yet with all humble submission I shall speak what I think to be most clear and evident in this case which I suppose to be this viz. that the Spirit of Adoption may in part and a little precede the witness of the Spirit as the dawning of the day doth the Suns rising to our view withall that more of it may come and appear together with the witness but especially and chiefely that most of all as to exercise use and comfort doth flow from the witness after the receit thereof that is the Children of God who are led by the Spirit do act most in and by the Spirit of Adoption crying Abba Father after they have received the witness of the Spirit whereby they know the Father and that they are his Children For the better clearing hereof I shall from comparing Rom. 8. with Gal. 4. lay down several gradual positions all which well considered will not a little contribute to the deciding of the question according to what I have already hinted Position 1. These Texts with several others do discover the great advantage and dignity of the Gospel state beyond that of the Law under the Law they were Sons and Heirs but under age i. e. Babes Gal. 4.1 The Heir as long as he is a Babe so the Word is and Vers 3. So we while we were Babes so the word is there also which we render Children yea they were Sons by Adoption or by grace Acts 15.11 for none have been the Sons of God any other way since the fall of Adam But under the Law they were under a Spirit of bondage more than of Adoption and differed not from servants Gal. 4.1 were under bondage Vers 3. and received not the Spirit of Adoption till the redemption by Christ was over Vers 4 5. and till they received the filiation or Son ship by Adoption thus manifested they had not the Spirit of the Son crying Abba Father Vers 6. and after this they ceased to be servants Vers 7. that is they ceased to be Sons and Heirs as Babes only which differeth nothing from a Servant Vers 1. and
became Sons and Heirs of God through Christ Chap. 3. from 23. to the end The state under the Law was a Law of bondage the Law is called A yoke of bondage Gal. 5.1 and they under it were under a spirit of bondage which in the genuine and proper sense of it is a weak slavish and cowardly spirit of fear opposed to that of power love and a sound mind 2 Tim. 1.7 This spirit of bondage is usually interpreted to signifie a slavish frame of heart whereby the Jews like slaves and superstitious persons did serve God out of fear and this I shall not deny their religion at the best was called The fear of the Lord yet I shall add this unto it that they did serve God not only from fear or out of fear but that they were afraid and under bondage though they did serve God their service did not free them from fear They were afraid of suffering Death and Hell notwithstanding their Services and Sacrifices for Jesus Christ took flesh to free from this fear Heb. 2.14 and instead of it to bring in the Spirit of Adoption 2 Tim. 1.7 Gal. 4.4 5. and so 't is spoken of Rom. 8. to bear them up against sufferings which they were under as appears by Vers 15 18. and accordingly 't is mentioned to encourage Timothy notwithstanding others Pauls or his own suffering 2 Tim. 1.7 8. And 't is observable that since the death of Christ and the pouring out of this Spirit the Saints many of them have been as desirous to die as before under the Law they were most of them afraid or loth to die Well then in the general the Gospel state is as far advanced beyond that of the Law as liberty is beyond bondage and courage beyond fear as to them that have received not simply the Adoption but the Spirit of it SECT 2. A Continuation Position 2. THE Spirit of Adoption is an addition a superaddition to Son-ship under the Law they were servantsons but now they are Son-servants they have the Spirit of Sons saith the Apostle Now ye are no more Servants but Sons viz. you that have received the Spirit of his Son Gal. 4.6 7. They are Sons as all Babes are before they have this Spirit of Sons to cry Abba Father Indeed when God is pleased to translate a Babe into an higher Form and to place him among the little Children this Spirit of Sonship or Adoption doth begin to exert it self before it have a clear and full witness thereof but ordinarily as among the state of Babes though they be Sons yet there 's little of the Spirit of Adoption but much of bondage appears in them so that the Spirit of Sons is an addition to Sonship as Gal. 4.5 they received the filiation and Adoption and after that the Spirit Vers 6. and so by degrees they came to call Abba Father So Rom. 8.14 they are called the Sons of God and upon being Sons received the Spirit of Sons or of Adoption Vers 15. they were Sons before they could call Father which they could not do but by the Spirit of Sons or of Adoption Position 3. The witness of the Spirit of God comes upon not barely the son-ship or Adoption but the Spirit of Adoption for it bears witness with our Spirits viz. them of Adoption for our natural Spirit doth not bear witness that we are the Children of God 't is our Spirit of Adoption doth that and with and thereunto doth the Spirit of God bear witness The Babes are Sons but have not the spirit of Sons and therefore have not the witness of Gods Spirit or assurance but assoon as the Spirit of Sons begins to put it self forth then usually doth the witness of the Spirit joyn it self to it Position 4. Upon the witness of the Spirit which gives assurance that they are the Children of God which was doubtful before because they had only the single witness of their own spirit and yet that left them not without hope I say then doth such a soul cry out aloud with freedom and boldness My Father my Father Abba Father it might hope this before and faintly and brokenly indeavour to liâ—p out Father before but now it opens its mouth wide and speaks My Father 'T is observable that the Spirit of Adoption whereby we â—y Abba Father is called the Spirit of his Son Gal. 4.6 such as was in Christ who did but once My God my God alwaies pray to God with the Appellation of Father and once Abba Father Mark 14.36 and all these after he had received the witness of the Spirit that be was the only and beloved Son of God Matth. 3.17 So when we have the witness we do not only think or hope that God is our Father but with confidence and assurance a Plerophorie of Faith we draw near to God and cry Abba Father which we cannot so freely do before we have the knowledge of the Father to be ours and that we are his Children So then the Spirit of Sons and the witness of the Spirit of God therewith is not the Babes or Servants but the Childs portion and their that are above their Form viz. the Young men and Fathers and henceforth they are taken from being Servants into the glorious and noble liberty of the Children and friends of God Rom. 8.19 21. Gal. 4.7 Joh. 15.9 Position 5. To have the Spirit of Adoption and the witness of the Spirit thereunto whereby we cry Abba Father is a choice and transcendent priviledge to have the Adoption barely seems I consess to be an advance beyond their Son-ship under the Law as 't is Gal. 4.5 As if they though Sons were yet Sons of another denomination and nature viz. servants or servile sons yet to have the Spirit of Adoption is more than Adoption and to have the witness of the Spirit is more than the Spirit of Adoption for from hence is our boldness to call and cry Abba Father 'T is the height of Gospel glory to converse with to enjoy and obey God as Children do a Father Though the Sons under the Law were under bondage 't was yet a state of more freedom than other Nations and people had but this is a state of liberty glorious liberty 'T is a great advance and preferment to pass from servants to friends Joh. 15.15 to pass from Babes to Children from as carnal to spiritual I and to have not only the Spirit of Christ without which we are none of his Rom. 8.9 but to have the peculiar Spirit of his Son an Emphatical distinction â— whereby as he did we do cry Abba Father which the other that are Christs and have the Spirit of Christ cannot do without this special Spirit of his Son In relation to this priviledge I shall 1. Prove that 't is a great and glorious one 2. Shew wherein the glory excellency and sweetness of it is SECT 3. Proving this to be a glorious priviledge THat to know the Father as
as to be a Servant in bondage to the rudiments of the world opposed to the adoption of Sons or having the spirit of Sons Gal. 4.1 6. it notes unsteadiness and instability such are tossed to and sro Eph. 4.14 In which places the word should be translated Babes and not Children as sometimes ' t is It notes an ignorance or unskilfulness Heb. 5.13 opposed to them who have their senses exercised to distinguish and discern things and consequently to approve of what is best 'T is in this last Metaphorical and Moral sense that I am to speak of Babes and by the way 't is perhaps not unworthy of observation that in the Metaphorical sense 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is but once used as I remember and that by St. Peter 1 Ephes 2.2 but 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is the word so frequently used by St. Paul though by both they mean the same state of persons as appears by the Milk which both mention when they speak of these Babes Now that these metaphorical Babes be they young or old for years are a sort of professers inferiour to and of a lower rank than the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 little Children which St. John speaks to I evince not only from the different words used and that so frequently * Of which before in the Introduction which is not inconsiderable but from the characters and proper attainments of the one and the other state which is the best proof and indeed such as is undeniable and cannot be gain-sayed The word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which in John is rendred little Children is once used by Paul to denote want or weakness of understanding 1 Cor. 14.20 My Brethren be not Children in understanding that therefore it cannot be meant in that place of these little Children which John speaks of is clear as the Sun for this is the excellency which John attributes to them that they know the Father they are called little Children from knowledge which notes an understanding that amounts to assurance but Babes considered in nature or in grace know not their Father so that from this very character 't is apparent that the state or rank of Babes is below that of little Children these are Sons and know it but Babes though they be yet know not i. e. have not the assurance that they are so though they have the things that do assure yet they have not for want of light either the assurance of the things or assurance by them but are in this sense 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 not reprobates as we read it but without proof as the Apostle speaks to the Corinthian Babes 2 Cor. 13.5 They sought a proof of Paul's Apostleship and he requires a proof of their Conversion but they were less able to prove this than he was able to prove that as Vers 6. He was not 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 but they were 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 without proof So that though they had grace yet it was so weak in its actings operations that it afforded them no assurance as strong and vigorous grace useth to do The Star-light of their grace is not clear enough in Babes to discern their conversation by it and many times 't is clouded too that the Stars do not appear and though grace live in their hearts yet the light and comfort of it may be wanting for though every man having the power of reflecting upon his own actions can discern what thoughts are in him and what affections and can tell what he loves what he fears and grieves for and the like yet he may still be questioning and doubting whether this his love sear grief c. be gracious spiritual and truly holy actings or not whereof the reason is this because though the Spirit which is in a man knows the things of a man 1 Cor. 2.11 Yet what is the true worth of these things which are in him and whether given him of God and wrought in him by God unto Salvation this we cannot know but by a supervening light of the Spirit who is not only the worker of Grace in us but is given us to discover and enlighten it to us Vers 12. Now without this light or Testimony of the Spirit which the little Children have but Babes have not 't is with them as with the natural man who knows not the things of the Spirit Vers 14. Whereas the spiritual man judgeth all things wrought in him by the Spirit by the light thereof Now Babes not being spiritual but as carnal 1 Cor. 3.1 the Apostle could not write of such things as he did to the spiritual chap. 2.13 but was sain to seed them with milk like Babes as they were for they were not able as the spiritual were to bear meat viz. strong meat having weak stomachs chap. 3.2 They like the Hebrews could hear of and believe in Christ in some kind but to take him as Christ crucified as the great high Priest as their righteousness they were yet in great part to learn and to digest which was the case both of the Corinthian and Hebrew Babes as will appear more anon by comparing 1 Cor. 3.2 with Heb. 5.10 11. c. for then by these distinct attainments and characters 't is as I hope made plain that there is a Classis and Form of Babes in Christ who are a degree below the little Children and of this state of Babes I shall treat first because they are the beginning of the new Creation of God and I am apt to believe that the Kingdom of God and of Christ in Heaven and in Earth is made up and filled up more of these than of any other sort not to say than of all the other sorts that is to say that there are more Babes in Christ than there are Children or Young men or Fathers to which peradventure that saying of our Saviour may bear a Testimony in a fuller sense than 't is commonly understood though I doubt not but the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 little Children there spoken of be meant in a natural and litteral sense The place is Mark 10.14 Suffer the little Children to come to me and forbid them not for of such is the Kingdom of God Of Infants or Babes for so 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 must there signifie Christ taking them into his arms Vers 16. I say of Infants both in a natural and spiritual sense doth the Kingdom of Heaven consist as well as if not more than of others II. Of their Attainments 2. THE Second thing I am to treat of is their Attainments and Characters in relation to which I shall consider and compare 1 Cor. 3.1 2. with Heb. 5.10 to the end and chap. 6.1 2 3. in both which the Apostle useth the same words and things concerning them and the explanation of the Milk and Meat in the Corinths is clear and full in the Hebrews for he speaks plainly and without a Parable He having spoken much of the Spirit spiritual
pretends to be our friend as he did to Eve and to Christ himself but yet they that have the Testimony of Gods Spirit are secure and safe though they that have it not cannot be so what ever presuming confidences they may entertain themselves with I shall therefore indeavour to clear this thing that none may be hardned through the deceitfulness of sin or Satan or their own hearts In relation whereunto I shall lay down three Rules to which though I purpose not to speak much yet I hope to speak much to the purpose having first premised this one thing that they cannot have the witness who have not the work of the Spirit and consequently they cannot have the witness of the Spirit who have not the witness of their own spirit or the Testimony of a good Conscience for if our hearts condemn us upon just grounds and we do not bear false witness against our selves which is the sin of many an otherwise tender-hearted Christian I say if our hearts condemn us God is greater than our hearts but here begins our confidence towards God if our hearts condemn us not if we love not in word or tongue but in deed and in truth hereby we do in part know that we are of the truth and shall assure or as 't is in the Margent perswade our hearts before him 1 Joh. 3.18 21. And the Apostle tells us Rom. 8.16 that the Spirit â—ears witness with our spirit as also it follows 1 Joh. 3.24 we may have ours without that but not that without our own and therefore to make up the full and compleat Testimony both witnesses both Spirits must concur and agree without contradicting or thwarting one another The three that bear witness on Earth agree in one 1 Joh. 5.8 And now to the Rules for discerning the difference between the true and the pretended or presumed witness the Spirit The Rules are these three 1. The witness is known from the Rule by which it speaks 2. By the ground on which it speaks 3. By the end to and for which it speaks I say 't is known 1. By the Rule according to which it speaks To the Law and to the Testimony for if they speak not according to this Word there is no light in them Hebr. no morning in them no not so much as the dawning of the day or the eye-lids of the morning Isa 8.20 1 Joh. 4.1 6. and Epistle 2.7 10. Gal. 1.6 9. 2 Cor. 11.1 4. The Spirit of God acts and walks by the same Rule that we are to act and walk by and that 's the Word If the Word and Spirit do not agree we must question either whether the Word be of God or whether the Spirit be of God and we are at a rueful loss if they do not both agree for if the Word say one thing and the Spirit another how shall we reconcile it but Gods Word and Gods Spirit do alwaies agree and are of one and the same mind The Spirit of God did indite and dictate the holy Scriptures and therefore it cannot say one thing there and another in thine heart that were to bear witness against it self and if its Kingdom be divided how can it stand This conclusion therefore is infallibly true that when and where-ever the Spirit of God doth bear and give its Testimony 't is alwaies according to the written Word contained in the Old and New Testament this is the foundation upon which iâ— builds both us and its Testimony Epb. 2.18 22. The Spirit of God as was hinted did indite and dictate the Scripture 2 Pet. 1.20 21. 2 Tim. 3.14 17. 1 Joh. 2.20 27. which unction refers to and is according to what they had heard from the beginning Vers 24. so that they were taught the same thing by the unction within as they were by the word called unction also without In all times the Word was the Rule of tryal Our Lord Jesus Christ himself opposed and conquered the Devil by this Sword of the Spirit the Word of God He proved himself to be the Messiah more by the Scriptures than by Miracles and tells them that if the Scriptures did not testifie of him they should not believe him and therefore bids them search the Scriptures Joh. 5.39 Our Saviour confutes the errors of the Pharisees and the Sadduces by Scripture He tells us that his Spirit shall not bring us a new Doctrine but make Application of what he had taught Joh. 14.26 The Apostles commended them of Beroea that they searcht the Scriptures to see if the Apostles spake true Act. 17.10 11. And Peter prefers it to the Bath câ—l filia vocis the voice which he heard calling it in relation to the Jews a more sure Word of Prophecie 2 Pet. 1.16 19. So then upon the whole 't is clear that what is not according to the Sacred Scriptures cannot be the witness of Gods Spirit SECT 5. A Continuation 2. THE witness of the Spirit is known from any other by the grounds on which it witnesseth of which I shall name but two 1. The Spirit finds this ground-work laid that thou art new-born though but a Babe or Infant of daies and experience this alwaies precedes the witness The Spirit doth not nor can bear witness to them that are dead i. e. that live in sins Ephes 1.1 2 3. nor to them that have but a form of Godliness or are Pharisees-hypocrites that they are the Children of God It cannot witness that to be which is not 'T is when and because ye are Sons that God sends forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts crying Abba Father and so thereupon or therewith beareth witness to and with our spirits that we are the Children of God Gal. 4.6 with Rom. 8.15 16. The work is alwaies begun before the witness come that which is not wrought cannot be witnessed to If thou therefore be not new-born thy believing thy self to be a Child of God is a delusion not the witness of the Spirit 2. The Spirit of God bears witness that a man is the Child of God not upon the ground or account of works and self-righteousness but upon the score of mercy and grace through the redemption which is by Christ Jesus It witnesseth upon the account of mercy not of merit Though there be a work wrought and working too yet the witness attributes this to and so witnesseth to it as of grace The Sons of God are and their salvation is not of works but of grace Joh. 1.12 13. Rom. 4.1 16. and 9.15 16. and 11.5 6. Jam. 1.17 18. Tit. 3.4 5. 2 Tim. 1.9 by all which it doth appear that all is of grace and on this bottom and fondation is the witness laid and born to it 'T is called sonlship by Adoption which is meerly of grace all Adoption is so and 't is to this as such that the Spirit witnesseth as Rom. 8.15 16. Gal. 4.6 It beareth witness that we are the Children of God but still
non passibus aequis they make the Father their example and to walk as they have him for an example 1 Pet. 1.14 17. Ephes 5.1 And in fine Children are very teachable the Babe is not so Teach a Child the trade of his way the Child-state is a learning state the Babes are dull of hearing 〈◊〉 5.11 2 Cor. 3.2 Joh. 16.12 Great 〈◊〉 cannot be taught to Babes Isa 28.9 〈…〉 ye Children Prov. 4.1 and câ—me near 〈◊〉 children I will teach you Psal 34.11 These are capable of strong meat for they are spiritual having received the Spirit of Adoption and the witness of that Spirit by which they bring forth all the fruits of the Spirit Gal. 5.22 26. These few things shall suffice concerning the disposition and conversation of these little Children by which we may see what Dâ—ctrine is most proper to be Preacht unto them non omnibus omnia as belonging to their state I should now come to apply the whole but that there is one Question which will require an Answer to it before I shew the uses of this Point The Question is Whether those that have assurance do alwaies to their dying day lie in the injoyment and powerful influences of this assurance may not this Sun be Eclipsed May not this Child of light walk in darkness after the light and sight of God as a Father May not the witness of the Spirit be suspended and withdrawn I Answer 1. Some of them may and do live in a continual injoyment of their assurance as 1 Joh. 5.18 19 20. especially if they be grown up to be Fathers after they have been Young-men conquerors for the Fathers are spoken of as persons who have without interruption known him that is from the beginning and these little Children such as are to be kept in this state may also as John did lie in the bosom to the very last but if any of them be and many of them are design'd to be young men then indeed they are tempted to call their Son-ship into question but by the word and witness abiding in them like Josephs bow in strength they overcome and conquer as Christ Jesus did which will appear in treating of the next degree or Classis viz. that of the Young-men 2. As to the influence of assurance in respect of joy rapture transport and the like I humbly conceive that it doth not abide with any in so high a degree and great a measure as when it came at first my reason is this their Spirit would fail for the vision is too strong and the light too glaring and bright to be born alwaies or long as it shined at first and may now and then at some certain seasons afterward beside if it should continue long as it seiz'd them at first and for a while they would be unfit for any of these lower offices and affairs of their particular calling wherein they are to serve the Will of God in their generations for this would so possess and take them up as the Prophets of old were during the time of their Visions that they could not attend any thing else As when wrath is upon any the Spirit would fail if God should so contend for ever as 't is in Isa 57.16 18. So indeed if God should continue the bright shine of glory alwaies as 't is when the assurance comes at first they would faint under so great a weight of Glory and beg God to forbear a little lest their spirit should fail Now as wrath due to sin is not alwaies apprehended as at the first conviction so neither may love be and yet the influence of this Sun may operate much when the Clouds interpose and accordingly the little Children during their abode in that state have a sedate peace and calm serenity possest by them for the most part and so can go on cheerfully to serve their God and Father and to accept of and be pleased with his Will in all conditions 3. They having received the witness of the Spirit this Spirit never witnesseth against them to deny or contradict the former witness it never revokes it though it should suspend it nor reverseth it though it should witness better things against them For though it never do say to such a soul Thou art a Child of wrath yet possibly in a time of desertion and darkness it may say Thou art under wrath and so set home very terrible things to the great affliction and deep humbling of the Soul And thus at length have I dispatcht not all that I might but all that I designed to speak as to the doctrinal part of this discourse about the little Childrens attainment injoyment disposition and conversation as 't is in and from knowing the Father viz. as their Father I shall now conclude it with some Application CHAP. V. The Application in two Sections SECT I. An Exhortation to Babes MY Exhortation is first to the Babes that they would be much in Prayer unto God for this attainment that he would place them among the Children and give them the Spirit of Adoption and the witness of his Spirit therewith that they may know the Father to be their Father and themselves to be the Children of God and so cry Abba Father Beg and beg again that he would fall on your neck and kiss you with the kisses of his mouth which are better than Wine yea and Corn and Oyl too Cant. 1.2 Psal 4.6 7. For your help herein I present you with a Directory not to be read by roat but as a supply of Arguments which you may breath and sigh out before the Lord though not in these very words but as the Spirit shall help you In the first place be sure to bless God for what thou hast received Do not despise the day of small things nor think any of his consolations little seeing thou art less than the least of all bless him that he hath preclaimed his name The Lord gracious and that thou hast had a taste thereof that there is such a saying faithful and worthy of acceptance that Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners that thou hast taken in the milk of this Gospel the first principles of the doctrine of Christ Repentance from dead works and Faith towards God and Christ that thou are taken into the Family though thou have but little of the Childrens bread but art fed with crumbs The best way to be blest with more is to bless God for what we have To him that hath been thankful shall be given and he shall have more abundantly Yea bless him and tell him thou wilt do it for ever though he should never do more for thee than he hath done seeing he hath convinced thee of the sinfulness of sin of the excellency of a state of Grace and given thee desires to grow as thou art told hath made with thee au everlasting Covenant well ordered in all things and sure thou wilt bless him for it as
thy sighs and groans are musick and make melody in mine ears let me therefore hear it For sweet is thy voice and thy countenance comely Rise up my Love my Dove my fair one and come away for lo the winter is past the rain is over and gone the flowers appear on the earth the time of singing is come and the voice of the Turtle is heard in our Land The Fig-tree puts forth her green Figs and the Vines with the tender Grapes give a good smell I will take the Foxes that spoil the Vines and preserve the tender Grapes Thus may the dear and loving Jesus and oh that he would thus speak to thee poor soul that after thy April of showers thou maist have a month of May with all its flowers and be able to conclude as the Spouse did Vers 16. My beloved is mine and I am his In the mean time if thou hear not this joyful sound if thou have not Wine to drink nor meat to eat yet go thy way and eat thy milk with as merry an heart as thou canst for God accepteth thy work even thy Repentance from dead works to allude to that Eccl. 9.7 only take not up here but go on and believe too And this brings me to speak to the second attainment of Babes Faith towards God which is another portion of the Milk they eat II. Of their Faith towards God THE second Principle of the beginning of Christ which he calls Mâ—â—k and yet a foundation too is faith towards God The Object is God the Act is Faith the manner and power of its working iâ— towards and but towards God and how happily our translation hath used this word in this case and place may the better appear that this word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is scarce used again in relation to Faith in all the Scripture with an accusative case and it denotes a tendency and is therefore very well Englished Faith towards God and so this preposition 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is used Luke 10.9 The Kingdom of God is come nigh unto you or hath appreach'd towards you 't is at hand so this Faith is an appâ—oach a coming towards God it hath not a tained its perfection and termination but is in motion and tendency these Babes I speak of the lowest and weakest of Babes cannot bâ— so properly said to have closed as to be closing with God they are nigh and at hand they are not so much said to be come as to be coming it notes a gradual and but a gradual attainment 't is not a compleat and perfect act but a begun and reaching Act vet such as shall be compleated in its time and is accepted for the present for 't is said Joh. 6.37 He that is coming to me so the Greek I will in no wise cast out The Object of this Faith you see is God viz. the Father not in opposition to yet in diâ—â—â—ction from the Son for these Judaizing Christians who were generally Babes kept to the Old Testament Spirit which was a Faith towards God not without a respect to the Messiah for as the Father and the Son act in the Soul no man coming unto the Father but by the Son nor any man coming to the Son unless the Father draw him so the Soul acts towards the Father and the Son but yet mostly to the Father as looking on him to be the person mostly offended and with whom it stands in most need of reconciliatior and therefore makes its principal address to the Father yet by Christ or for the Lords sake as Daniel speaks chap. 9.17 And upon this account the distinction is and better known to grown Saints that Repentance is towards God and Faith towards our Lord Jesus Christ Acts 20.21 or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 unto God and unto Christ as the words are But the Babes being in great part ignorant of the union between the Father and the Son in this work of grace to Salvation as 't is hinted to Philip c. Joh. 14.8 11. and not considering that they are to honour the Son as they honour the Father Joh. 5.23 they usually let their Faith and its motions to be most towards God without such distinct considerations of Christ as united to and in conjunction with the Father as the Object of Faith The soul being awakened as I have formerly toucht and made sensible that it hath displeased God by sin and wrong'd it self and that therefore it is unworthy to be accepted and welcomed upon its own account and withal that being without strength and righteousness it is unable to make its peace with God and that if its peace be not made it is undone it makes addresses to him upon a kind of common Faith that he is merciful yet if a Jewish Babe as of old under the notion of a God that must be attoned by Sacrifices the types of Christ and if a Gentile converted Babe then in the name of Christ though too much without the notion of him as the Lord our righteousness for they are unskilful in that word or being sound in him having the righteousness which is by Faith and so to rejoyce in Christ Jâ—sus and to have no confidence in the flesh either their birth priviledges or own graces and duties and actual righteousness such as 't is but they make toward him as well as they can And therefore by the way that act of Faith which we call reliance adherence and recumbency cannot be the first saving act that Babes put forth which yet they afterward do but being convinced by the teachings of God Joh. 6.45 concerning themselves what was said newly and that unless they believe in Christ Jesus they cannot be saved and concerning Christ Jesus that there is Salvation to be had by him and no other Acts 4.12 and that he came into the world to save sinners 1 Tim. 1.15 and that whosoever believeth in him shall not perish but have everlasting Life Joh. 3.16 I say being thus convinced they do in some measure receive this report and witness of God made in and by the Gospel and consequently in like measure receive Christ Jesus and also come unto him for by these two words receiving and coming is the first workings of Faith most usually exprest Joh. 1.12 13. with Joh. 6.35 37 44 45 47. compared This is the beginning of their Faith and from this receiving coming or addressing grows up in time reliance upon and trusting in him though without an assurance that Christ is theirs and they are his this I say is saving Faith Seeing therefore the work of grace is as experience generally shews a confused thing a kind of Chaos at first and many things are jumbled together without distinct considerations and they go puddering on in a dark way I shall therefore indeavour to shew the several workings of it which it may be these souls will be better able to assent to hearing it from others and calling to mind what they have
Rom. 9.31 32. with 10.2.3 4. Their hopes of Heaven and thoughts of Gods love do flow and ebbe are higher or lower according to the workings of their heart in their duties They rejoyce in these things as the Disciples did at the subjection of Devils more than as grown Saints do that their names are written in Heaven Luke 10.17 20. They promise themselves great matters from their performances and submission to Ordinances as if opus operatum the work done did deserve something My beloved I speak not these things to shame you but as Paul did to his Corinthian-Babes as my beloved ones to warn and instruct you 1 Cor. 4.14 and therefore to clear this a little more I intreat you to observe that when Christ had told the young man that if he would leave all and follow him he should have treasure in Heaven Matth. 19.21 almost immediately thereupon Peter said unto him Vers 27. Behold we have left all and followed thee what shall we have therefore this was a Babish expression as if they had deserved some great matter pray what was this all he talks of 't was a great all indeed a poor little Fisher Boat and an old Net c. and was not this worthy to be ushered in with a behold and concluded with a what shall we have therefore Alas poor Babes they thought themselves very profitable servants as our Saviour intimates to them Luke 17.7 c. to what purpose doth Christ tell them this story but to let them know that he owes them no thanks that they are servants to whom he is not beholden for they had done but what was and not all that was their duty to do and therefore makes the Application vers 10. so likewise ye when ye have done all things commanded ye to do say sit down and write at the end of your accounts we are unprofitable Servants Thus he reproved them for expecting a reward as due Christ will reward them not as debt but by the gift of grace Take now a grown Saint and he looks upon his all to be so little and his best so bad that he knows himself in debt to God and not God in debt to him he gives God but his own what he first received and which is still Gods due and never thinks that he merits by paying his debts and doing what is his duty to do When such an one hath done any thing for God he is so far from demanding a reward of debt that he looks for it only as a gift as Paul did 2 Tim. 4.7 8. and doth not attribute the reward only to gift and grace but all the duty and work which he hath done and thanks God for it too 1 Cor. 15.10 he looks on himself as needing Christ Jesus for his acceptance not only after his ill doing but after his well doing and would not be found in any righteousness but that which is by Faith for all the world Phil. 3.9 when he hath done all his duty he looks upon himself as an unprofitable servant as well as he doth when he falls short of doing all his duty or as if he had not done any thing at all as they Matth. 25.37 5. They too often value Ordinances according to the dispenser and administrater of them Some of the Corinthian Babes gloried that they were Baptized by Paul others that it was by Apollo others that 't was by Cepbas 1 Cor. 1.12 16. So as to Preaching they are apt to confine God to such a man or such a sort of men and like the same truth better if one man deliver it than if another and had rather receive the Sacrament as 't is called from such a man than from such a man thus Babishly partial are these poor Babes 'T is true indeed God may make one mans Ministry more useful than anothers and that doth much indear the man and his Ministry to such persons as have sate under it and felt it but when people are divided by this and pussed up for one against another 't is then as carnal as I shall shew hereafter and the Apostle chides them for it as for a Babish trick 1 Cor. 3.4 and 1 Cor. 4.6 When men are not taken with the Ordinance as Gods but as mans 't is Babish as 't is noble indeed to receive the Word not as man 's but Gods 1 Thes 2.13 to overvalue one and undervalue another or to value the Word of God for the mans sake is a foolish and Babish thing Take a grown spiritual Christian and so he be built up in the holy Faith and taught the way of God more perfectly teach him Paul or teach him Apollo or Cephas 't is all one to him yea though it be Aquila and Priscilla Acts 18.24 26. Babes cannot say so they must hear their Paul Apollo Cephas or no body so if they be to joyn in Prayer they are dull and dead if such or such an one do not pray and be their mouth to God whereas an intelligent Saint it may be finds more much more of Gods Spirit breathing in one that these Babes cannot have the patience to hear Many more such things are with you poor Babes but as yet I spare you 6. These Babes are sometimes sensible of their weakness and inability as to outward performances but are not so much observant and sensible of their inward defects as secret pride and confidence in what they seem to do well at any time they say as the Disciples Why could not we cast him out Matth. 17.19 they were aware that there was a defect of power for they attempted to do it but could not yet when at other times the Devils were subject to them there was a spice and tang of pride attended their rejoycing at it Luke 10.17.21 and though Christ thanked his Father for what they had received yet he calls them Babes Vers 21. this word us the Devils are subject to us seems to take away a share from Christ though they say through thy name And you shall find that after they had received the Spirit and were grown to a more spiritual condition that they wholly lay the us aside and give all the glory to God in Christ Acts 3.12 13. why gaze ye on as if we by our power c. God hath glorified his Son Jesus Now you see the us is laid aside and they do not run shares with Christ as they did before So 't is with Babes as to ordinances and duties they find a weakness they cannot do what they endeavour to do to will is present but to do they have not power this they are aware of but now when they meet with any power and stirrings and inlargements they are apt to be lifted up and if not to rest â—n them yet to divide the glory between God and themselves till they grow up and then they say Not I but Christ liveth not I but the grace of God and not to us not to us but to thy
Lord hath put away thy sin 2 Sam. 12 13. and who but converted ones are of this frame Others can be content with hearts ease peace and good things though they live in the love of one or other darling sin especially if they do but entertain a conceit that God will pardon them purging is not the thing that any do heartily mind but gracious Souls Beside there is this considerable and worthy of a remark as to these new-born ones that though they have no assurance of a pardon nor have any great conquests over their corruptions by reason whereof they have little satisfaction and much sorrow yet they can in their serious and sedate frames truely say that they are glad to hear and see that other Saints do God better service than they do they mourn that themselves are no better and yet rejoyce that there are any better than themselves Indeed in a fit and pang they do more than emulate even envy those happy and advanced souls and yet in cold blood as we say cannot but be glad that God hath better servants than they are that there are Sons in his house and service though they be but as hired Servants Alas saith such a poor Babe I am one of the most worthless wretches on earth I live at so poor low and inconsiderable a rate that I am ashamed of my self and am not worthy to be called a Christian but notwithstanding this I can through grace rejoyce that God hath his Abrahams Davids Jobs Pauls c. who glorifie his name at a better rate They admire the happiness of and bless them who stand before the Lord and minister to his name and glory as the Queen of Sheba did Solomons Servants Yea if at any time in any thing they have been instrumental to the glory of God and serviceable to his name and people as the Babes were Heb. 6.10 they are glad of it though they have not yet the reward of it but God seems to have forgotten it and they themselves do scarce keep it in mind as appears by Matth. 25.37 But now take Hypocrites and Formalists they grudge what they do as Mal. 3.14 and profess Christ Jesus out of envy to the Saints as vying with them for a reputation Phil. 1.15 16. 4. New-born ones will not depart from God let God say they deal with us how he will yet this is the resolve of our souls we will never leave him nor forsake him for all the pleasures profits and preferments of this world no though he kill us we will trust in him Though God use them like the Dogs under his Table and feed them with but a bit and a knock too and give them not a meal of the Childrens bread yet they will thank him for what they have and wait for more as the woman of Canaan did Will an Hypocrite do this wait and pray alwaies I trow not These Babes say to God as Ruth to Naomi I will not leave thee but will follow thee and the Lamb though to the Grave come of it what will In the way of thy Judgements will we wait on thee Isa 26.8 If like Ephraim they are under the chastenings of God and be for a while as a Bullock unaccustomed to the yoke yet they cry out again Turn thou me and I shall be turned they return and repent they smite on the thigh and are ashamed and God hears this as the voice of his dear child and doth remember them and will surely have mercy on them Jer. 31.18 20. If like Israel they have followed other lovers and God therefore hedge up their way with Thorns yet they return to their first Husband and grant it to be their folly that they departed from him Hos 2. Though Peter fail of his promise and plighted troth yet he weeps bitterly and makes it good at last that he will rather die than utterly and finally forsake or deny him and so 't is with every Babe in Christ who though they fall yet fall not away but return and live Only let me leave this caution Take not up with these words without this work with fancy without feeling It may be some Hypocrite or Formalist may hear this and give it out as if he had attained this but 't is not what the words of our mouth are but what the frame of our heart is 't is not saying but feeling not expression but experience that will warrant us to be in such a state 'T is not being able to say these things by heart but having them in our heart and holding them forth in our lives that will do us good These are the things which I lay down as the characteristical discoveries of new-born ones which distinguish them not only from common sinners but from the most refined Hypocrites and Formalists I have not pitcht on many lest I should clog nor on doubtful ones lest I should amuse poor Babes but these which are essential to the new-birth state for indeed they are all promised in the new Covenant and wrought in all their hearts with whom the Covenant is made and that is with all Saints as such and not with respect to degrees as some promises are which was hinted long since Let us examine the Covenant and we shall find all these things punctually and particularly so Jer. 31.31 34. with 32.38 40. 1. I will be their God and they shall be my people This is not only promised but effected and wrought and as 't is in Gods heart to be their God so 't is in their heart to be Gods people and the one and other is desired by them which made the first head 2. I will put my Law into their hearts This is not to be laid up there as writings in a chest to be idle and without effect but 't is there that they may do it that they may fear the Lord and keep his Commandments that they breath after full obedience thereunto which made the second head 3. I will remember their sin no more Which notes not only forgiving but subduing of sin Rom. 6 14. which makes the third Head 4. They shall not depart from me That is wholly and finally as God will not leave them totally so nor they God which is the fourth Head Now this is clear as the Sun that the new Covenant Promises and frames are found accomplished in all Saints and in none but Saints that is the end of all and none but redeemed ones which is the end of the Redeemer and that is to be holy c. Tit. 2.14 and that becomes the aim and end of Elected ones which is Gods in Electing and that you may read Ephes 1.4 God the Father Son and Spirit are one and agree in one Election Redemption Sanctification to Salvation have one and the same subjects and all these have one and the same desire as to the things designed they all agree in breathing after the effects of God the Father Son and Spirits design
way of knowing the Father beyond what is attained by any below them in the School of Christ which is called the excellency of knowledge Phil. 3. and whereof I come now to speak more distinctly SECT 2. TO know the Father according to the scope and intendment of the Text in relation to the Little Children is to know him by way of interest and experience 1. By way of interest as their Father to know themselves to be his Children and so it notes a state of assurance 'T is a reciprocal knowledge in a relative notion like that of the Spouse I am my beloveds and he is mine to be able to say as Thomas My Lord and my God Though every Child of God as Babes cannot say My Father yet every of the Little Children can say My Father and not only Abba Father but My Father according to Jer. 3.19 I will put thee among the Children and thou shalt call me My Father Our Saviour promised his Babe-Disciples that when the Spirit was poured out upon them in that day they should know their union with and interest in him which was all one as with and in the Father Joh. 14.8 20. and at that time he by his Spirit would shew them plainly of the Father Joh. 16.25 with Joh. 14.26 The great thing one of them among others which the Spirit was to declare was their interest in and union with the Father and with Christ Joh. 16 13 15. with 1 Joh. 5.19 20. and Joh. 17.5 to assure them of Love 2. 'T is to know the Father in a way of communion and experience 1 Joh. 1.3 they find the communications and impartings of his Fatherly Love Some have interest in a Father Yet see not the Kings face as was Absaloms case though called to Court but these have a knowledge of injoyment they find and feel his Love shed abroad into their hearts the light of his countenance is listed up upon them and they walk in the light and joy of his Salvation 1 Joh. 1.3 7. They hear the joyful sound of my Son and my Daughter my pleasant and beloved Child in whom I am well pleased Thy sins are forgiven thee and thou art mine They find the Father falling on their neck and kissing them with the kisses of his mouth embracing them in his arms and taking them into his bosom And this indeed is their knowledge of the Father viz. knowing him in interest and experience union and communion They feast with the Father and on his Love as the Prodigal did after his Father had sealed his Love with a kiss Oh how sweet and pleasant was the entertainment and communion They rejoyced CHAP. II. How they come to and by this knowledge of the Father in three Sections SECT 1. I Have shewn you the attainment of Little Children which is a sensible assurance of the Love of God in the injoyment of union and communion with him The next thing is to shew how they come by and unto this knowledge and that is by the working and witnessing of the Spirit I put both together because though he may work where he doth not witness as in Babes yet he never witnesseth but where he hath wrought as Rom. 8.13 16. where 't is observable that mortisication ver 13. being led by the Spirit Vers 14. and being in part a Spirit of Adoption and Prayer Vers 15. did preceed the witnessing with their and so doth before witnessing with our Spirits that they were or we are the Children of God Vers 16. so 1 Cor. 2.12 which he speaks of the spiritual ones and not of Babes as Vers 13. which may be read expounding or communicating spiritual things either in spiritual words opposed to words of mans wisdom going before or to spiritual persons in relerence to what follows in the latter eâ—d of this and the beginning of the next Chapter Again 1 Joh. 3.24 where he speaks of the assurance or knowledge of these Saints dwelling in God and Christ and he in them and that he abideth in them by the Spirit which he hath given them but before he mentions that he doth characterize them by keeping his Commandments so that the work precedes the word as I may call it or witness of the Spirit In relation to this more things will be said anon only at present I shall take occasion from what hath now been said to make some discoveries concerning the persons that God doth usually call pick and single out from among his Babes to put them among the Children and to give them assurance SECT 2. Discovering the persons that God singles out to place them among the Little Children and to give them the assurance of his love and being their Father PEthaps some poor sóuls among the Babes for whom I have a great concern hearing what hath been said may be inquisitive to know if there be any hopes for them to come to this attainment of the little Children that they may also be kist with the kisses of his mouth that they who are sick of love for him may be brought into his banqueting house stayed with Flaggons comforted with Apples and that the banner over them may be Love Cant. 2.4 5. and for their sakes I shall make search though it may seem a digression to find out the footsteps of Gods way in this particular case But before I enter upon it 't will be necessary to premise 2. things 1. That God is free in his choice and may chuse out whom he please his Spirit bloweth this gale of knowledge and assurance of the Fathers Love when and where he pleaseth 't is no trade-wind if I may so say God is not under any obligation nor is bound to any man but to whom he pleaseth as he shews mercy to whom he will so 't is what degrees of mercy he will to any persons and times are wholly at Gods dispose 't is not in him that willeth nor in him that runneth which refers to the story of Isaac's blessing Jacob instead of Esau but in God that sheweth this as all other mercy 2. God hath been pleased to pick and chuse out some persons upon whom he hath fixed so special a love as to make them his darlings to make himself known as a Father to them Among all the Disciples John was he whom Jesus loved viz. peculiarly as 't is often mentioned by the Evangelists he loved all his Family but John was his bosom-disciple and favourite As when Fathers have many Children only one is the beloved and kist more often than all the rest 't was Joseph's case beyond all his Brethren Gen. 37.3 so it is here God is pleased to pitch upon some to shew special manifestations of his love unto them And he hath done it usually and promised to do it to such as these 1. To such as come in to his service betimes they that seek him shall find him sooner or later but they that seek him early shall be sure to find him
I have spoken of it is a great attainment and glorious priviledge will be evident by these following Considerations or considerable proofs to begin with the Old Testament 'T is Prophesied of in the Old as the glory of the New Testament The Prophecies of the time and world to come the Messiah or Gospel dispensation were glorious far beyond their present injoyments and the Prophets were more Seers in respect of what was to be than of what was so the Apostle tells us expresly 1 Pet. 1.10 12. and when the day dawns and the day-star ariseth in our hearts it supersedes the Prophecis they being then know in accomplishments so that we may say with a little alteration as Joh. 4.39 42. Many believed because of the Prophecies which testified of these things but more believed because of his own word and now they may say We believe not only because of their sayings but because we have heard and selt him our selves 1 Joh. 1.1 3. and know that this is indeed the Spirit of his Son which beareth witness with our Spirit of Adoption Now among many other Prophecies of the glorys of the Gospel-Saints this is one that they should know God as a Father and their Father Psal 89.26 which is spoken of David and of Christ who was more a David than David was He shall cry unto me Thou art my Father Isa 63.16 't is spoken what they should say in time to come Doubtless thou art our Father So Chap. 64.8 But now O Lord thou art our Father Jer. 3.19 I said How shall I put thee among the Children and I said thou shalt call me My Father Again to know God as our Father is in the New-Testament put as a greater glory than to know him as our God for 2 Cor. 6.16 't is said I will be their God and they shall be my people but if they come out from among them and be separate and touch not the unclean thing then I will receive them and will be a Father to them and they shall be my Sons and Daughters saith the Lord God Almighty God is the God of Angels but to which of them said he at any time Thou art my Son this day have I begotten thee and again I will be to him a Father and he shall be to me a Son The Apostles add this Title to that of God 2 Cor. 11.31 Ephes 1.3 1 Pet. 1.3 The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ from whence 't is apparent that 't is fuller of sweetness that God is Our Father than if he were only our God The great if not the greatest discovery which Christ promised to make by sending the Spirit to do it was to make known the Father They had heard him speak much of the Father and of knowing the Father Joh. 14.1 7. whereupon saith Philip Shew us the Father and it sufficeth us Vers 8. from whence our Saviour takes an occasion to speak more at large of the union that was between him and the Father and that in knowing him they might know the Father also and that whoever loves him shall be loved of the Father and that the Father would send the Holy Ghost to be the Comforter under which name he had not yet been at least not so clearly and fully known and that therefore they should rejoyce because he went to the Father with many other such like sweet things in that Chapter And Chap. 16.25 The time cometh viz. when the Comforter cometh that I will shew you plainly of the Father and in Vers 26 27. places more comfort in it than in his own intercession for us which yet is one of the greatest comforts we have as may be seen in Rom. 8.34 Heb. 7.25 1 Joh. 2.1 Accordingly the good news which he sent his Disciples after his Resurrection was this that he was ascending to his God and their God and not only so but to his Father and their Father Joh. 20.17 To have the witness of the Spirit and so to know the Father is such another honour as was confer'd on Christ himself as the Spirit is the Spirit of his Son so the glory is the glory of his Son viz. such as he had Matth. 3.17 and 17.5 which voice and testimony is called a receiving honour and glory from God the Father 2 Pet. 1.17 And when the like Testimony is born by the Spirit of God to our spirits we receive honour and glory from God the Father For if it be so great an honour to be known of God how much is it to know him and to know him as our Father Gal. 4.9 1 Cor. 13.11 12. Phil. 3.12 By all these things it appears that it is a great glorious and sweet priviledge to know the Father by the witness of his Spirit SECT 4. Shews wherein the glory and sweetness of this priviledge consists THE second thing I am obliged to discover and to treat of is the glory and excellency of his priviledge that the little Children can cry Abba Father And it lies much in two things 1. That they have a great deal of freedom boldness and assurance in their addresses to God and appearings before him at the Throne of Grace and in the day of Judgement That they have at the throne of Grace is express upon the account of their Intercessor and High-Priest Heb. 4.14 16. And indeed the Spirit becomes a Spirit of Prayer an Intercessor in them as it follows Rom. 8.26 27. The Spirits knowledge is more to their advantage and comfort than their ignorance is to their detriment They go to God as to a Father as Children use to do to their Fathers but with a much more assurance Matth. 7.11 as the Prayers of Christ are heard alwaies Joh. 11.41 42. and by his Prayers he can obtain and do mighty things Matth. 26.53 because they are addrest to his Father so 't is also with these that know the Father 1 Joh. 3.21 22. and 5 14 15. God alwaies had his favorites who had his ear and heart and hand to command almost for his Sons and Daughters such were Noah Daniel and Joh Moses Jâ—shuah and Samuel Abraham Jacob c. And now these little Children the Johns that lie in his besom Joh. 13.21 26. are such as they viz. great prevailers with and obtainers from the Lord as our Saviour tells them and us Joh. 14.12 13. Joh. 15.7 and 16.23.24 all which places and promises refer to what they should ask and receive and do after he was ascended and had sent the Spirit to make known the Father to them As they have great boldness at the throne of Grace so in the day of Judgement also for perfect love a Pierophorie or full assurance hath boldness in the day of Judgement because as he is so these are in this world viz. he is declared and witnessed to be the Son and these are to be the Sons of God 1 Joh. 4.17 they shall have confidence at his coming 1 Joh. 2.28 2. The
advantage of knowing the Father and being able to cry Abba Father is much in this that 't is a great relief to them in the saddest times and conditions 'T was Christs standing consolation that God was his Father and so 't is theirs It 's sufficient to now the Father who is all-sufficient and whose grace shall be sufficient for them come what will or can This is great and strong consolation 1. In case we are mis-judged and mis-interpreted thus it was to Christ himself Joh. 8.15 19. and Vers 47 55. What ever you think â— say it matters not My Father witnesseth to me and my Father honoureth me c. 'T was Paul's comfort that The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ and in him our Father knew that he did not lie though they were too â—pt to think that he did 2 Cor. 11.31 'T is a small thing to be mis judged in mans day when our Father will be our Judge and judge righteously 1 Pet. 2.23 2. 'T is great and strong consolation when we fear wants we are but too prone to be soliciteus for to morrow and therefore to pour out many and long Prayers to God but to take us off from vain Repetitions Tautologies much speaking and solicitous thoughts our Saviour propounds the remedies for our hearts case from God to be known as a Father Matth. 6 7 8 9. And therefore bids them pray briefly and pâ—hily and to address and make applications to God as a Father who knows better what they need and what 's fit fâ—â— them than they do So as to cares also Vers 26. and 32. 3. When forsaken and forgotten by friends and nearest relations Though Father and Mother forger us yet will not God our Father and therefore the Church pleads it Isa 63 16. Douâ—â—less that art our Father though Abrahaâ— be ignorant of us and Israel acknowledge us not thâ—u O Lord art our Father This supported Câ—â—â— himself whâ—â— the Disciples â—â—d and left him alone yet he was not alone for his Father was with hâ—â— Joh. 16.32 4. In case of suffering not only from men but from God himself to know the Father ingâ—gâ—th to patience and submission which is never without case and comfert When a person was lanced and cut by a Chirugion her Father and askt by one how she could endure it Oh said she 't is my Father and â—e loves me Thus our Saviour took the cup because his Father gave it him to drink Joh. 18.11 And the Aposâ—le presseth to indure enassening upon this account Heb. 12.5 10. 5. Yea in the time of desertion Death and Judgement this is a cordial notwithstanding if it were enough to a Child of light that walked in darkness and saw no light to have this staff to lean on that God was his God Isa 50.10 much more as was hinted that God is his Father as 't is Isa 64.7 8. Thou hid thy face from us c. but yet O Lord thou art our Father When our Lord Jâ—â—us cry'd out My God my God why hast that forsaken me yet presently he concludes in almost the fame breath which was also his last Father into thine hands I commend my Spirit Luk. 23.46 yea as I newly said this casts out fear in the day of Judgement 6. 'T is great comfort that we know the Father and are known of him when no man knows the good we do it being done in secret Matth. 6.4 and 6. yea though we forget the good we have done yet our Father will remember it and bless us for iâ— Mâ—â—th 2â— Come ye blessed of my Father inherit the Kingdom prepared for you who fed me cloath'd me c. O Lord say they when did we do this Though they had forgotten yet the Father had a Book of remembrance written for them that loved his name and shewed it in ministring to the Saints Heb. 6.9 10. 7. 'T is a great comfort when we are straitened in Prayer and cannot express nor utter our own conditions yet that our Father knows and concerns himself for all our affairs Matth. 6.7 8 9. with Rom. 8.26 27. which is spoken as referring to them that had the Spirit of Adoption Vers 15. The Spirit that witnesseth is assistant to such in Prayer and commends their thoughts sighs and groans to God for he saith the Text searcheth the hearts 8. 'T is a great comfort though at any time we have not some particular things that we pray for our heavenly Father will not withhold any good thing if he withbold any that thing is not good for us if it were pro hic nune rebus sic stantibus good and good now we should have it presently for no earthly Father can be so ready as our heavenly Father is to give good things even the Spirit to hem that ask aright and according to his Will Matth. 7.11 with Luke 11.13 they have all that they may ask would or should ask as that may be read 1 Job 3.22 and that is what 's according to his Will 1 Joh. 5.14 And beside this a Child of God would neither have nor ask any thing knowingly They are sure to have all that 's good and 't is best to be without what is not so yea that which is denyed their disappointment of it and his denial the evil they undergo as well as the good they do the good they are without as well as that which they enjoy shall all work together for their good who love God and that to be sure they do and dearly too who know the Father and have assurance of his love 'T is time now to dismiss this third Chapter having shewn in it the priviledges and injoyments as far as I intended of the little Children who know the Father and what sweetness and honey drops from this rock of ages the everlasting Father I now proceed to the fourth particular which is to discover the frame of the heart and conversation of the life of these little Children who know the Father CHAP. IV. Shewing the frame and conversation of these little Children who know the Father in two Sections THis state or Classis of Saints being not so much noted particularly as that of Bâ—bes is I shall not be able to bring many instances of particular persons yet considering the nature of their attainment by rules of proportion and degrees of grace and what the sacred Writ says in general I shall endeavour to clear up these things as an addition to several others hinted before SECT 1. 1. THâ—t these little Children who knew the Father by interest and experience are of a very loving which is a very lovely disposition and 〈◊〉 and consequently are of a very ingenuous assible and obliging yea of a winning conversation 〈◊〉 magnus amâ—is amor Love is the whetstone and lordsâ—ene of love they therefore being belâ—â—ved of the Father and this Love being made 〈◊〉 and assured to them they cannot but 〈◊〉 inwardly and expressively most dearly and
him that thou maist never receive this grace and favour in vain or turn it into wantonness or sit because his grace abounds If he tell thee the time is not yet come reply to him that thou wilt wait his pleasure and not awake him till he please but wait all thy daies if at last this change may come oh that this happy change may come Conclude by telling him that if thou have been bold 't is in the name of the great High-Priest who sits at his own right hand and is toucht with the feeling of thy infirmities by whom thou hast been emboldened to come with thy Petitions and present them to the throne of his Grace that thou mightest obtain this mercy and grace for thy opportune and seasonable relief and therefore though thou canst not call him thy Father yet thou canst call upon him as the Father of Jesus Christ who heareth him alwaies Yea at an adventure speak to him and call though thou canst not cry aloud and confidently yet call him Father and tell him Oh my dear Lord look upon me and see if this be not thy Sons Coat Though I am as carnal yet thine Apostle calls me not carnal but a Babe in Christ and I am told by them who think better of me than I dare do of my self that they do spie thine image in mine eye which makes me the more inclinable to say Father look upon me and see if there be not something of the spirit of a Son in mâ— Oâ— therefore send thy good Spirit the Comforter to witness with this spirit that I am thy Child dear God and Father do this for thy poor Babe Thus plead with God and who knows but he may be gracious to thee delight thy self in him and he will give thee thy hearts desire commit thy self and way to him and he will bring it to pass yea he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light and thy judgement as the noon day unto victory he will not quench the smoaking Flax nor break the bruised Reed but as he hath done to them that have thus pleaded with and submitted to him so I believe he will do for thee he will revive the heart of the humble and they shall live yea it may be thou shalt within a little time hear the joyful sound of Son be of good chear thy sirs are fargiven thee thou art a pleasâ—nt Child be it unto thee as thou wilt thou shâ—lt no more strembling at the door of hope but have an abundâ—nt entrance into the Family and be placed among the Children to eat of their bread and to drink of their Wine to injoy the fruit of righteousness which is peace and assurance for ever Amen SECT 2. An Exhortation to the little Children in several particulars THE next branch of Exhortation is to them that know the Father who by the wâ—ness of the Spirit are assured that they are the Children of God I exhort you Brethren 1. That you be not wanton through this abundance of Revelation to be proud and pussed up you must expect to be set upon by Satan as Christ was when he had received the witness of the Spirit that he was the Son of God Matth. 3.16 17 with Chap. 4.1 When Paul was advanced to Paradise and inclinable thereupon to be puffed up a messenger of Satan was sent to buffet him 2 Cor. 12.7 buffettings attend this state but especially it there be puffings up therefore beware High fortunes as the world speaks are the way to high minds but high minds and mountainous Spirits are more liable to tempests and storms from Satans wind and weather than the humble Valleys they are most like to be brought down who are listed up Indeed God is very gracious in giving the witness of his Spirit and so manifesting himself as a Father before the Tempter comes before we are to enter the field and fight with the Devil in this case about our Soâ—ship that we may be the better armed and able to defend our selves yet the Devil takes and our hearts too often give him occasion to take this opportunity to tempt us Beware and take heed that you be not lifted up by this advancement 2. Now you know the Father and his everlasting Love towards you take heed you do not neglect the Son of his Love and the righteousness which is by him God expects that you honour the Son as you do the Father Joh. 5.23 for you are not justified by the Fâ—thers Grace and Love but in conjunction with and through the redemption that is by Jesus Christ Rom. 3.24 the Father indeed chose you and he blesseth you with all spiritual blessings but still 't is in Christ Jesus Ephes 1.2 5. The everlasting Consolation is from not only the Father but the Son also who hath loved you 2 Thes 2.16 be sure therefore that you do not so eye the love of the Father as to look off from the Son who is joyntly ingaged with the Father in all the transactions of their happiness When the Butler was advanced he forgat Joseph to which that seems to be an allusion Amos 6.6 so some are apt to do by Jesus Christ though 't were by him they came to all their honour if at least come they be as they pretend 3. Grieve not the holy Spirit of God whereby you are sealed to the day of redemption Ephes 4.30 If you be not kind one to another tender-hearted forgiving one another ye do not only forget God and Christ for whose sake God forgave you but you grieve the Spirit who brought you this good news for all these are connected together with Vers 30. and so is that also Vers 29. if you do not edifie one another and in your communications minister Grace to them that hear you If God should as it were call back the witness of his Spirit and leave thee to walk in darkness in what a woe-state wouldst thou be 't will in some respects be far worse with thee than 't was before when thou wert but a Babe Oh then grieve not the Spirit nor give God an occasion to put thee under a state of desertion 4. Honour your Father 't is the sin of some that they glorifie not God as God and it may be your sin not to glorifie God as a Father and as your Father Mal. 1.6 A Son honoureth his Father not only as a man or a man above him but as his Father The Father pittieth the Son that serves him and the Son should honor serve the Father that pities him Bâ— as Christ Jesus was alwaies about your Fathers business and bring forth much fruit whereby his and your Father may be glorified Fill up the conversation of Children live like Children be loving be humble be tender-hearted be teachable and imitate your Father to be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect The more you abound in these things the more communion and joy will be your portion you will know the
and consequently that honoureth my Son I will honour saith the Lord. What honour will God confer upon such viz. they shall be called not only be but be called manifested and declared to be the Children of God and behold what manner of love this is 1 Joh. 3.1 When the Spouse was sick of love she was much made of and to Mary who loved much there was much forgiven and special manifestations of love made unto her Our Saviour tells his Disciples that the Father loved them for this very reason because they loved him and that shortly they should have clear and plain manifestations of the Father Joh. 16.25 27. according to what he promiseth to all that love him Joh. 14.21 23. 4. God hath promised to be known as a Father to them that do separate from and are not unequally yoked with unbelievers and that do not touch the unclean thing 2 Cor. 6.14 17 18. which is more as to manifestation love and joy than to be known to us as our God Vers 16. with Heb. 1.5 Wherefore come cut from among them and be ye separate saith the Lord touch not the unclean thing and I will receive you viz. into my favour embraces and bosom and I will be a Father to you and you shall be my Sons and Daughters and you shall be treated accordingly For this reason was Christ himself anointed with the oyl of gladness above his fellows Heb. 1.9 and as any of his are conformable to him in the separation which love of righteousness and hatred of iniquity makes the more are they like to be anointed with the oyl of gladness above their fellows 5. God usually gives out manifestations and assurances of love to such of his as are about to do and suffer great things for him and this he gives them as a preparation thereunto Christ Jesus had the voice from Heaven a little before he entred upon his ministry The Apostles had the Spirit sent to prepare them for doing greater things than they had done in Christs time And the reason that Paul had so early an assurance of his election and being dearly beloved of God was because he was presently to go about great undertakings and to undergo great sufferings Acts 9.15 16. so that he in a very little time in a few daies past from the Babe-state to that of a little Child and from thence into that of a Young-man Saint which few so suddenly do but on such an occasion as this Thus have I discovered some of them I cannot say all for there is no confining nor limiting of God to whom he is pleased to make himself known as a Father to call them out of the Form of Babes and to place them in the second higher Form that of Children and to give them assurance of his love that they may say unto him Thou art our Father Though I cannot say for whom of us God will do this yet according to these presidents 't is more than probable that if we be found among this number we shall in due and it may be in a little time know the Father But I must proceed to shew something more largely how he is thus made known by the witness of his Spirit CHAP. II. Continued and inlarged Shewing how they come to know the Father by the witness of the Spirit in five Sections SECT I. AT the beginning of this Chapter I began to shew how they came to know the Father or which is equivalent and all one that they are the Children of God and dearly beloved of him and that was by not barely the working of the Spirit in them but after and over and above that by the Spirit witnessing to them clearing up that work to be of God which is wrought in their own hearts and spirits Rom. 8.18 Here are two witnesses and both Spirits that out of the mouth of two knowing witnesses this thing may be establisht our spirit affirms and the Spirit of God confirms Our spirit knows what acts and workings are wrought in us and by us our spirit affirms that such Repentance Faith Love c. there is in us but whether this be wrought according to God our spirit by it self cannot tell without and until the Spirit of God bear witness to it that it is according to the Will of God Rom. 8.26 27. with 1 Cor. 2.10 11 12. of which I have given some account above in this and more in the former Treatise of Babes From whence I infer these two things 1. That this witness of the Spirit is not a thing common to all Saints for Babes have it not though they have the things which do assure yet they have not assurance because they have not the Spirit witnessing with their spirit 't is not a thing that runs parallel with saintship as having the work of the Spirit doth If we have not the Spirit of Christ we are none of his that 's true Rom. 8.9 but 't is as true that we may be his though we have not the witness of his Spirit in us for we are his before we have the witness of it and the witness doth not make us so but the Spirit finding us to be his doth witness and declare that we are his The witness doth not make us but manifest us to be and to us that we are the Children of God as the Text and thing it self is clear plain and full Rom. 8.16 That which is witnessed to must be before 't is witnessed unto I shall add but one Text more to confirm this Ephes 1.13 14. where this is evident and apparent that as they heard before they believed so they believed before they were sealed with the holy Spirit of Promise which is the earnest of our inheritance and which we had a little before we had this seal and earnest So that we were the Children of God by Faith Gal. 3.26 before we have the witness of being Children And though it be said 1 Joh. 5.10 that he who believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself as if every Believer had it yet I have two or three things to say hereunto 1. That St. John perhaps writ not to Babes but to all the higher Forms of Children Young-men and Fathers and all these indeed have the witness of the Spirit in themselves But 2. If we take in all Babes among the rest it may also be said of them that they have the thing which doth witness and the witness of their own spirits but it will not thence follow that they have the witness of the Spirit or assurance which is the thing that I am speaking to 'T is as true that the three witnesses in earth in us below agree in one as 't is that the three witnesses in Heaven are one Ver. 7 8. Yet all three do not give out their witness all at once the water and blood may and do witness before the Spirit doth Yet again 3. The witness in himself may be understood
and I think most properly of that which is witnessed which is that God hath given us Eternal Life and that by and in his Son Vers 11. And accordingly he that believeth hath both the Son and Eternal Life in himself Vers 12. 'T is already begun in every Believer though every one hath not the assurance of it as is implyed in the thirteenth Verse Therefore 2. I infer that this witness of the Spirit is not barely or only the working of Grace by the Spirit in our hearts but something added thereunto and superadded thereupon beyond the gracious qualifications which are called The fruits of the Spirit Gal. 5.22 23. Whether it be a light shining upon their graces and making them clear or whether it be the Application of some one or other promise made to such graces or whether it be some immediate eradiation and beaming forth of love from God upon the soul it matters not it may be by any or all of these waies Let me a little illustrate it by the heat and light of the Sun The working of the Spirit is like to the heat and influence of the Sun which reacheth all things but the witness of the Spirit is like the light of the San which shines not on all places at once the work and influence of the Spirit reacheth all Saints but the witness of the Spirit doth not shine upon all Saints at once nor upon all in the same degree Yea I am apt to believe that assurance is a very great rarity and not so much enjoyed as talked of or pretended to I have read of one Island of which it is said that the Sun shines on it more or less every day of the year it may be there are some such Island-Saints but I am inclinable to think there are not many of them because as I have somewhere hinted before in the Treatise of Babes the greater part of Gods Children have not I fear yet attained to be little Children to know and have assurance of the Fathers Love 'T is true the Fathers have but how few are they and that the conquering young men have but how few are they yea that the little Children have but how few are they There was but one John among the many Disciples However this is clear that they who are of this Classis be they few or many have attained to assurance and it may be said of them as Psal 89.15 16 17. Blessed are the people that know the joyful sound they shall walk O Lord in the light of thy countenance in thy name which is gracious Exod. 34.6 named upon them shall they rejoyce all the day and in thy righteousness the Lord our righteousness i. e. Christ Jer. 23.6 shall they be exalted for thou art the glory of their strength and in thy favour our horn shall be exalted And now this gives me occasion to consider 1 What this witness is 2. How it may be discerned from illusions of Satan or the pretensions and presumptions of our own hearts SECT 2. Shewing what this witness is in three things it is clear sure and powerful THis witness of the Spirit by which we know the Father as ours and that we are the Children of God is 1. Clear and perspicuous 't is no dark cloudy discovery of a thing but bright and illustrious this brings evidence and demonstration with it Like him who at first saw men walking as Trees but at the second touch saw all things clearly Mark 8.23 25. This is not like the Oracles of the Heathen a Trumpet which gives an uncertain and dubious sound nor like that of our own hearts which though â—t often excuse yet it often accuseth and leaves us doubtful which to take for truth no this watness is not perplexed nor tells either false or feigned dark or dubious stories He that runs may read it 't is written in so fair and legible in such Text-hand and Capital and Golden Letters 'T is that we may know 1 Cor. 2.12 Vt ecrto noscamus non fluctuante conjectura 't is not a conjecture a perhaps or it may be but as clear as the Sun in its Meridian brightness and strength This witness doth not leave the soul under disputings and fluctuations it takes off all Scepticisme the thing is past dispute 'T is not like the Spirit of the world which is ambiguous as the Oracles newly mentioned that may be interpreted pro and con for or against like Aio te Aeacida Romanos vincere posse but like the Oracles of God of a clear and certain and of an ascertaining and assuring sound For 2. As 't is clear 't is a sure Testimony 't is true and faithful and infallible what the Spirit of God saith is as true as that God is and that God is true This witness can be no otherwise for 1. The Spirit which beareth testimony is the Spirit of truth and therefore a Spirit of consolation the Comforter He cannot lie he cannot deceive 't is not only against his name but his nature which is contained in his name The Spirit of truth in opposition to the Devil the deceiving spirit and father of lyes No lye is of the truth nor of the Spirit of truth this Spirit guides into all truth and nothing but the truth he never bears witness to Hypocrites or Formalists but only to new born ones that they are the Children of God 2. As the Spirit of truth cannot deceive so he cannot be deceived for he knows the deep things of God and men what is in Gods heart to us 1 Cor. 2.10 11. and what is in our hearts towards God Rom. 8.26 27. 'T is a vanity as well or ill as Villany to lie to the Holy Ghost Acts 5.3 for he cannot be deceived nor will be mocked no nor can he be mistaken for he knows the deep things of God and of man though a mans heart be a great deep also This witness of God is true and sure if we receve the witness of men the witness of God is greater 'T was Pauls great comfort that God was his witness Rom. 1.9 1 Thes 2.4 5. he would not satisfie himself with this that he knew nothing by himself but as he was approved of God so he expected his Justification 1 Cor. 4.3 5. 2 Cor. 10.17 18. This witness is clear true and sure And therefore 3. 'T is a powerful witness for it satisfies and settles the Spirit of a man in a quiet serene peaceable and assured frame the soul is carried by it above bondage and fear 2 Tim. 1.7 't is like an oath that puts an end to strife and Controversie Heb. 6.16 and so affords strong Consolation Vers 18. The soul injoys God and it self in Halcyon-daies and in an undisturbed calm of assurance the soul retires into rest because the Lord hath dealt bountifully with it and it is upheld by his free and freeing Spirit which hath set it at liberty and fiâ—led it with Glory 2 Cor. 3.17 18.