the Truth of the Gospel preached to and Covenant made with Abraham abode still and was more fully preached by the Apostles but that manner of preaching with Baptism and Ordinances delivered by them though heavenly in respect of the former and will be in force till the visible appearing of Jesus Christ but then be shaken when still the Truth of the Gospel and Everlasting Covenant will abide for ever to be enjoyed by sight Now then when all the means appointed for Abraham to be the Father of such a Seed ceaseth and no more brought in by believing but by sight nor living by Faith but by sight such are not in respect of any conversion in Scripture-phrase called Abraham's Seed but I conceive they more properly may be called The Seed or the Children of Christ and of his glorified Saints brought in and living by fight not needeth any Covenant to be farther or again made with such as are brought in by and live in the light of this being brought in to enjoy their part in it in their first conversion And if any conceive they may be called The Seed's Seed or his Seed's Seed and so under that Promise to the Seed of Abraham Isa 59 2â— Deut. 30.5 Isa 65.15 16. Jer. 3.16 17 18. I will multiply thee above thy Fathers I hinder it not however this I know The People of God as well as their worship shall then be called by a new Name so that in this is no let or hinderance to that said That the Covenant shall be made to all the spiritual Seed brought in or become of the Seed from the beginning to the ending of the Ministration of the Gospel Isa 41.20 21. 69 7 8. by it to them all together at once yea it will be a great wonder to great admiration to see a Nation born at once and such an infinite Company of Saints presented to them and yet when the Mountain of the Lord's House is thus exalted and the Lord appears in his Glory and the Children of the Resurrection ruling and flying about when the Spirit and the Bride in the presence of the Bridegroom Rev. 22.17 Isa 2.2 3 5. Micah 4.1 2 3 Isa 66.12 Psal 110.3 when Light and Law so proceed out of Sion the Inhabitants of the Nations hearing will say one to another Come and so go together to the House of the Lord without any other Ministration So that then is promised to be the greatest Conversion and more numerous then ever before though all of them brought in by and living in the performance of the Covenant at once so made with the whole Seed and not made over again but continuing and it is enough for all so converted to be under this blessed Government after their Conversion enjoying the happiness of it Rev. 20.9 15. Mat. 25.46 and so escape that great destruction and second death and have eternal Life when the Serpent and all his Seed are cast into the lake of fire which is the second death And so we see who the persons are III. What that is that is to be done in the manner of making this Covenant is fully and sweetly expressed in this Jer. 31.33 34. affirmed also in other places of Scripture let them be considered CHAP. 9. Of the things to be done in making this Covenant see the Text. I. I Will put my Law in their inward parts and write it in their hearts Jer. 31.33 Ezek 36.25 26 27. This exprest in other words when having clensed them from all their filth he saith A new heart will I give you and a new Spirit will I put within you and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh and I will give you an heart of flesh and I will put my Spirit within you and cause you to walk in my Statutes and ye shall keep my judgements and do them Deut. 30.5 6. Of which Moses spake saying And the Lord thy God will bring thee into the Land which thy Fathers possessed and thou shalt possess it and he will do thee good and multiply thee above thy Fathers and the Lord thy God well circumcise thine heart and the heart of thy Seed to love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and all thy Soul that thou maist live And so by Jeremiah again I will give them one heart and one way that they may fear me for ever Jer. 32.39 40. all dayes And I will make an ever lasting Covenant with them that I will not turn away from them from after them to do them good but I will put my fear in their hearts that they shall not depart from me So that in all the places we may see That then all sin and sinning shall be removed and a perfect Righteousness framed in them and strength to walk constantly therein and by this we may note the difference between this and the first Fruits of it given in to Believers by the first coming of Christ given for a Covenant as namely That this now-given is but a first Fruits and earnest of that promised which is the Harvest to be waited for also That this given was Rom 8.23 Eph. 1.14 Rom. 11.11 26. 2 Cor. 3.3 Rev. 21.1 8. Zach. 12.10 and yet is chiefly received by the Gentiles but that promised chiefly by the whole House of Israel the natural Seed of Abraham become the spiritual Seed this given is mediately in the Ministration of his Servants that promised is immediately by his own presence this given many Israelites shall have their return into their own Land that promised at the visible appearance of Chrift Rom. 11. this given is to all Believers though Israel be in dispersion that promised not till Israel dwell in their own Land many of those that receive this given may yet through weakness be puft up for one against another but in receiving that promised is no more pride nor envy of one against another 1 Cor. 4.7 Isa 11.13 Phil. 3.2 13. Zach. 12.8 Mat. 2.4 Act. 20.30 Rev. 2 3. Isa 60.21 Joâ—l 3.17 Zach. 14.21 Rom. 8.17 Isa 60.18 19 21. The best of those that receive this given do not here attain to perfection the least of those that receive that promised are perfect In the Assemblies of those that receive this given were and still are found some among them unsound and some decaying and some falling off but those that receive that promised the people in that whole Assembly be all righteous and no more decaying or falling off Those that receive this given are here still under the Cross and Combatants but those that receive that promised are freed from all Sufferings and Temptation and are Conquerors enjoying the Inheritance This given is received now by one and then by another and by all by degrees but that promised is received at once by all together Israel and Judah and all Believers of all Nations together So though this given be a first Fruits of the
Application to Men in extension of the Fruits and efficacies to and in Men as to Mens discerning and enjoying the vertne and efficacy of the Mediation and Intercession is first though the Mediation be by vertue of the Oblation first offered to God yet the Mediation fore-running the making of it known and being that which procures the making known the Oblation and vertue of it unto Men and also it is through his Intercession and Dispensation according thereto that the efficaciousness of the Oblation is found in Men yet the efficacy with and in Men is various and in and with no mortal Man so full and compleat as with God and this appears cleerly in the Mediation and Intercession of Christ who there-through prevailing with God procureth and extendeth forth the knowledge of his Oblation and vertue thereof with God for Men in all that he hath suffered and done for us in the Nature of Man and in the means used towards us in the Declaration of his Word and in Ordinances Mercies Chastisements and Motions of Spirit in Convincements and Allurements to break Man off his purpose and subdue him to self-denial and so bring him in to believe on Christ and so to Peace and Life and also herein discovering the Father's Love and rich Grace and gracious Ends in giving him and accepting his Oblation and making him the Mediator and now for his Mediation extending so much patience and so many means all sanctified by his Blood to draw Men from their own ovil designs and wayes in sins or righteousness of their own to receive his Grace and Favour And in this Fruit of his Intercession by vertue of his Oblation he being the Man the Word that was made Flesh and shed his Blood and by vertue thereof is now through these means sprinkling it and his Father being that Fountain of Love and living Waters that sent him and hath filled him with himself his Face shining in his It in all appears not only that his Mediation and Intecession is excellent but also That this Love of the Father in giving him and his Oblation offered and Mediation by vertue thereof and the procuring the extention of the Fruits of God's Love therethrough is the Water and Blood by which he came and the way in which the Spirit beareth witness of him and so also the Water and Spirit of which Believers are born And hence also it is That all those means extended to Men in the Love of God as procured by the Intercession of Christ by vertue of his Oblation to so gracious an end they are the Cords of a Man proceeding from the Man Christ and suited to the needs and capacities of Men to whom extended Hos 11.3 4. With Isa 32.2 3. Joh 33 1-7 13-29 and such as will verily draw Men in to him if not presumptuously resisted and they are also the bands of Love that come from the free-Love of God our Saviour and to gracious Ends for the good of them to whom extended in these being the extention of the Call the spreading of the Curtains the means for the New Birth All which things in this Chapter are shewn and proved before in the 6 and 7 and 8 and 9 and 10 Chapter of this Part 2. Oh presumptuous Transgressors that conspire against the Lord and his anointed saying Psa 2.3 4. Let us break their bands asunder and cast away their cords from us Ah foolish and brutish Pastors that do disgrace these Cords Jer. 10.20 21. Cant. 1.3 Joh. 6.44 45. Col. 3.19 Psa 118.17 86.11 12. and spoil the Church of them Oh blessed they that in these drawings learn of the Father and come to Christ for such shall then finde the benefit of his special Intercession in the same Cords of a Man and Bands of Love to unite them to Christ and so to God in Christ for ever so conforming them to Christ and consolating them in him And so if we well weigh the Mediation and Intercession of Christ by vertue of his Oblation Job 1.29 1 Tim. 2.5 Heb. 9.15 we may perceive how all things are upheld by him and how excellent and prevalent his Mediation is for the good of Men that they might become Believers and Saints and for the good of Saints that they may enjoy the Promises and receive the promised Inheritance And so the Mediation of Christ is for such as are yet unbelievers that they might believe and for Believers that they may persevere in Faith to the Inheritance and by the Grace here-through extended He is Alpha and Omega the Beginning and the End in the work of Grace and so the Author Captain and Finisher of Faith and so he mediating for all Men doth also therein and therewith more especially mediate and intercede for Believers his chosen ones that go to God by him CHAP. 15. An Answer to some Aspersions cast on the Professors of this Truth I Having in a former Treatise written That God so loved the world that he gave and sent forth his Son to be the Saviour of the world and That he sends forth his Servants to bear witness of his Son that all men through him might believe And quoting to the later Sentence Joh. 1.7 and 17.21 23. Mr. Owen was pleased to fault me for giving this Honour to Christ that any should by him believe and to fault my quotation of Joh. 1.7 thereto and saith It is my Sophistry learned of the old Serpent thus to apply this to the Son of God the Light witnessed to and saith We are said to believe in Christ and on Christ but not by him 1. I answer To take that Joh. 1.7 That Iohn was sent forth from God and came to bear witness of the light that all men through him that is Joh. 3.26 27 30 31 32-36 5.35 36 Act. 1.5 22. 10.41 42. 18.26 28. through Iohn might believe and not through the light witnessed by Iohn would be a very small All when a witnessing-Light of that true Light so out-shining the Light of Iohn's Ministration came in so suddenly upon it though witnessing still to the same Light that Iohn's Ministration is over And if Mr. Owen feared any disgrace to the Servants Ministration and so to himself hereby it was a causless fear and not occasioned by this quotation of the place which denieth not at all Iohn to be the Minister by whom all those to whom his Line reached that believed did believe even as the Apostles were Ministers by whom the Believers in their Ministration were brought to believe they ministred the Epistle and held forth and witness Christ the Light therein Joh. 3.14 15. and for any farther thing they disclaim it and for that cause witnessed of him and held forth and exalted him that men beholding him might through him believe and be healed But the believing of any Joh. 6.40 1 Cor. 3.4 5 6. 4.1 2 Cor. 3.3 18 Joh. 3 26-36 Mat. 23.8 9 10.
VVord recorded by my first Witnesses that received it immediately from me they in believing come in to me receiving my words they receive me So that I by my word and in that by my Spirit with all the heavenly riches and treasures I am filled with in their Nature am thus spiritually in them and pray that I may so be still and more abundantly Vers 23. 23. And thou in me the Father is in the Son and all that is the Fathers is the Sons so that as he that in believing receiveth the Gospel doth receive Christ therein and he that receiveth Christ receiveth the Father and so from both that Holy Spirit that uniteth both to Father and Son and frameth to oneness of minde love and design and so for that farther end also here exprest that being made perfect in one and so in this unity of Spirit in love and design their design may prosper in this That the world may know that thou hast sent me the Saviour of the World and that the World through me might be saved and so that I am the Christ and that thou hast loved them these that believe in me and in love minister Gospel to them in my Name as thou hast loved me Which if any one come to know and believe what a one Christ is and how he loves and approves them and their Ministration who also are as patterns to them this will draw them also to believe and be pulling them out of the VVorld into the Church Joh. 4.10 1 Cor. 2.8 1 Joh. 1.1 2 3 4. Joh. 17.24 The next Petition is for glory to be conferred on them after their Ministration the hope whereof is an encouragement and support to them in their Ministration through all sufferings And by all this our Saviour gives us to understand both who be his chosen Ministers and also what their Furniture is and the same that appears in our Saviour's Prayer is to be seen likewise in the practice and counsel of the Apostles who were so filled with and guided by the Holy Spirit as to be unerring both in delivery of their Doctrine and direction for the Ministration 2 Tim. 1.13 Gal. 1.8 2 Tim. 3.4 4.5 1 Cor. 11.2 23. 2 Tim. 1.14 1 Tim. 6.20 so as it is well done of their followers to keep both Gospel and Ministration as they delivered the same and they committed the Gospel and things thereof to such as were known to be faithful and endued with the Holy Ghost and charged them to commit the same to faithful Men not limiting it to outward Officers though in such an Epistle as was most needful to name them 2 Tim. 2.2 if such a thing had been intended but to faithful Men whether such Officers or no. But more need not be said of this enough is shewn before proving these the spiritual House the royal Priesthood the chosen Generation his chosen Ministers to shew forth his praises But yet a word or two more to make plain the Furniture those following Ministers have and in this Revelation of Christ we shall also finde that for Furniture 1. They have the VVord or Gospel discovering Christ Joh. 14 21 22 23. 1 Joh. 2.14 24. Isa 59.21 2 Joh. 2. Eph. 3.17 Heb. 12.22 Isa 78.16 46.13 1 Pet. 2.6 Isa 40.9 and so Christ in that Gospel in their heart and so are come to Sion and so are of Sion and the Foundation is laid in Sion that is Christ as set forth in the Gospel for Sion to hold forth to others the same Foundation that they may come in and be built thereon yea this word hath come from Sion Jerusalem that is above and is the Mother of us all Joel 2.23 Gal. 4.26 and is in the Heart Fellowship and Ministration of Sion that part of it which though in heart and Spirit above Phil. 3.20 Col. 3.1 yet in Sion hath God taken up his rest and will abundantly bless her Psa 132.13 14 15. Joel 3.21 Psa 77.2 he dwelleth there yea the Lord loveth the Gates of Sion more then all the dwellings of Jacob besides And so we may say This Ministration more then all that fore-went it So that the word of Truth of Life and Salvation is here as in the outward record so in the understanding and heart and floweth forth from hence as a first fruits of that Isa 2.3 Mic. 4.2 2 They in believing and imbracing this word have with it the Holy Spirit Isa 59.21 Rom. 8 9 10. 1 Joh. 2.20 3.24 Eph. 4.7 2 Cor. 12.4 7 11. Jer. 30.17 Isa 35.2 3. Cant. 6.8 9. Cant. 1.7 8. effecting the Spirit and Minde of Christ in them all and in some good measure enduing them with all the first mentioned spiritual gifts among them to every one some though not to all and every one alike Thus are they furnished And this may be truely said of Sion whom no Man seeketh after they are in worldly appearance made so like their Lord and there are so many Concubines though this Beloved be but one and the onely one of her Mother that for discerning her that prayer is needful Shew me where thou feedest c. and the direction there given needful and to such as do discern it it may be said as Psal 48.12 13 14. But now because these following VVitnesses that part of Sion yet below have not the Gospel and these spiritual gifts so immediately from Christ and so not in so full a measure as that they are alwayes infallibly freed from erring in every particular thing altogether in delivery of Doctrine and Ministration as the first witnesses were but as they have received their Doctrine and Ministration mediately in belief of and receiving the Doctrine and Gospel as delivered by them that are Sion now above so their preservation from error in Doctrine and Ministration is mediate likewise Prov. 6.20 23. 1 Tim. 4.15 16. 2 Tim. 3.14 17. Col. 3.16 even in heeding the Gospel received from God and Christ by them and delivered by them to us and so both the Commandment of our Father and the Law of our Mother in one to be imbraced and kept by us and so we are directed and commanded and promise of guidance given us therein And so 3. Rom. 1.16 1 Thes 2.13 They are furnished with Matter Rules Directions and Cautions in this Doctrine of the Gospel as delivered and recorded by the Apostles and which they also in believing it have in their hearts savingly working And this helpful 1. For speaking right and wholesome words in Faith and Love and to edification Pro. 22.20 21. Eccles 12.10 11. learning and comfort Rev. 19.10 2 Tim. 1.13 1 Cor. 4.6 and 14.3 2. 1 Cor. 4.6 Prov. 22.21 Rom. 15.4 Col. 2 18. For keeping measure and due order in our speakings that upon no pretence or presumption of Learning Parts Invention or Office we presume to speak of things we have not seen in the word of
15.14 15. Indeed to witness this of Christ that he is dead and risen again and alive for evermore that whoever believeth on him may live if it were not so indeed would be a false witness-bearing of God and so a vain preaching and so likewise to preach this as good News and Gospel to any for whom Christ did not indeed die and rise Act. 3.26 10.34 43 13.38 39 47. 1 Tim. 2.4 5 6 7. 2 Pet. 1.20 21 23 24 25. and give himself a Ransome so as there is forgiveness and life in him for them that they might believe and in believing receive the same were a false witness-bearing of God and Christ of which the Apostles freed themselves when they preached this to Jews to Gentiles to all Men where-ever they came affirming the same for Truth and so this the first Promise in which the Foundation is held forth and the immortal Seed effused and so Peter preached this Promise 2. That sinners ignorant blinde weak and dead Men may be enabled to believe and so come upon this Foundation and be united to and quickned and born of this Seed and so partake of life and godliness and therein of the divine Nature needful it is That this Foundation be discovered to them and light shined on them with some spiritual fervour and power opening their eyes to see and moving in their hearts that they might believe testifying to them That if they in seeing see c. following Grace shall flow into them enabling them to believe and that in believing they shall receive Remission of sins and life and that this is the very end of God in sending forth the Gospel to them and all this God hath promised and is doing as hath been shewn in the second Head or Branch of Promises and this Promise See Part 5. ch 1. with the Promises contained in it are given in the Gospel also to be preached yea so as in the plain Declaration of the Gospel See Part 4. ch 4. with invitation of Men by it to be reconciled to God God be affirmed to be fulfilling these Promises also reaching forth his hand to such a Performance that Men might indeed Joh. 3.14 15. Act. 3.26 26.18 Act. 11.20 21. 2 Cor. 3.3 5.20 Act. 17.30 31. Hos 11.3 4. Joh. 6.27 32 33 62 63. Mat. 4.15 16 17. 1 Pet. 1.12 Act. 5.22 1 Rom. 1.16 Thes 2.12 13. 1 Pet. 1.20 21. by that he discovereth in his Son believe and so be built on the Foundation united to and born of the immortal Seed and so the Preaching is said to be for this end to enlighten and save and the hand of the Lord to be with them and do this work in this Ministration and so God is affirmed to beseech in their beseeching by the Gospel yea in the Ministration of the Gospel of Christ risen from the dead to be giving Faith to all Men to be giving the Bread of Life drawing with the Bonds of Love and the Cords of a Man taking the yoke from off the Jaws and laying Meat before Men to give Light to them that sit in Darkness whence Peter confident of his Master's Truth in his Word Mat. 28.20 Joh. 15.26 27. doubted not to affirm That they preached the Gospel with the Holy Ghost sent down from Heaven and That the Holy Ghost did also witness of Christ in their witnessing and so these Promises were also exceeding great and precious which they had also to preach so as whoever as Light came discovering Christ and opening their eyes to see did but then and so behold him this Word would work so in them that they should by him believe on him and so be enlivened and partake of divine Nature and so through this Promise received united to the former Promise fore-fulfilled and so born of that Promise fulfilled through this Promise now in performing 3. That these weak Believers and new-born Babes may be more and more built on Christ and grow up in him and so live through him and so have life more abundantly and be and live godly in partaking of the divine Nature in Interest in Union in Fellowship in Usefulness in Conformity and in assured Expectation of a compleat Enjoyment in due season See before ch 2 3 4 5. Eph. 1.18 2 Thes 2.14 Jam. 1.18 1 Pet. 1.1 3 4 5 6 7 2.3 4 5 9. 2 Pet. 1.1 2 5 11. needful it is That following Grace be vouchsafed to them opening to them the Inheritance and affording them Blessing in divine spiritual Presence in all their spiritual Frames and Services in their Temptations and Sufferings in their Abiding and for their Abiding and assuring them of Help and Preservation to the end and the Inheritance in its season which are all given us in the Gospel and set forth in the third Head or Branch of Promises and these Promises also be exceeding great and precious and Peter had them also to preach to the same end and so did these being the Promises to the Hope whereof Believers are by the Word begotten and born And so of the Promises given them II. This will also help us to understand Rom. 9.8 The Children of the Promise are counted for the Seed In that by that said it 's cleer both who be the Children of Promise and in what sense they are said to be born of the Promise and so of VVater and of the Spirit yea of God and from above which onely they are that being born of the immortal Seed are reckoned one with it and so after it and so counted for and are the spiritual Seed 1. They are born of the Promise that is of Christ promised to be the Saviour which Promise is now fulfilled Jam. 1.18 1 Pet. 1.20 21 23. Joh. 1.12 Isa 53.8 10. and he so held forth therein as The Propitiation The Foundation The immortal Seed The Word of the Lord that the Love of God appearing in him they beholding are by him begotten quickned born and so are accounted his Generation This the Promise of which borne 2. They are born through the Promise that is the Promises God hath made of filling Christ with Spirit which is done and sending forth Spirit through him Isa 42.1 8. 55.4 5. to open the eyes of the blinde c. and so to allure and bring in to him in performance of which Promise in the heavenly Call the Word becomes effectual in the heart of those that in hearing hear 1 Pet. â— 25 Gal. 4.23 and so prevails with them to answer the Call in believing that set before them in the first Promise seen fulfilled which therein quickens them and brings them forth to the birth and so of that Promise through this Promise they are born 3. Gal. 3.16 26 29. 4.23 18 31. They are in this Birth born Heirs to the Hope of the Promise even the Promises of and pertaining to the Inheritance And these Promises coming all
word in them they shall be fruitful and so they shall be good trees and bring forth good fruit For so they shall observe the counsel of our Saviour Mat. 12.33 Make the tree good and his fruit good c. For we can no otherwise make the tree good but in beleeving on him and according to grace given yeelding to the teachings of his Spirit And seeing every good and perfect giving comes from him and that his Spirit is good and his operations and fruits good and that an evil tree cannot bring forth good fruit what are all those confessed works of the Spirit and whence flows that faith and holiness really true in its kind upon account whereof men are called Beleevers and Saints What is that change of judgement affection and conversation that light love joy zeal obedience true in its kinde sincere and not hypocritical whence come they to do so worthily in their generation and all acknowledged an effectual work of the Spirit Can there be such rightness even from the Spirit and the tree not good or is there any other trees among beleevers to bring forth good fruit of another nature Surely if we minde the proofs and our Saviours words they shew there is but one kinde of faith to bring forth good fruits and this even it set out Heb. 6 Gal. 2.20 This place doth open that already said The Apostle having spoken of being justified by faith shews how he lived not Gal. 1.6 4.6 7. Gal. 2.13 Rom. 4.4 6 7 9. but Christ lived in him and he by the faith of the Son of God to which he endeavoured to reduce the Galatians whom he testifieth to have received the same faith at the first and so exhorted the Hebrews and shews his manner of obtaining it to be in the same way with others 1 Joh. 3.12 This place hath not one word of two divers kinds of faith or of divers manner of obtaining it nor of any habit of one beleever more than in another Joh. 1.12 but affirms That he that hath the Son that is beleeveth in his name hath life that is in having the Son by faith Joh. 3.36 He hath also that eternal life that is in the Son by faith also which is true of all that by grace beleeve in Christ 2 Cor. 5.17 This is true of all that by faith are in Christ Jesus who as and so far as they are in him are affirmed new creatures as is fore explicated though the fulness and compleatness of it is in the resurrection of the just but no word here of a second kinde of faith or of newness in some true beleevers that is not in other true beleevers the words plain If any man in Christ 1 Thes 5.23 This is not an affirmation of what was yet attained but a prayer for what was desired and hoped for and so not to the purpose for which it was quoted unless to mollifie the expressions of the saying Gal. 5.22.25 This place is a discovery of the fruits of the Spirit that were in the beleeving Galatians that were scarce so far grown as the Hebrews And what was done in beleeving on Christ crucified How the flesh with the wisdome and whole bent of it with the affections and lusts of it were crucified that is made vile condemned and begun to be mortified by the cross of Christ that the body of sin might be destroyed and then an exhortation to walk after the Spirit Gal. 6.14 Rom. 6.6 just as to the Romans Ephesians Collossians and Hebrews And not a word of a peculiar kinde in some beleevers and not in other beleevers that are true in their kinde also 1 Joh 3.9 This place faith not a word of any difference between beleevers some true in one kinde and some in another Nor saith it Some that are born of God Nor saith it He that hath been born of God but having said before Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not And having warned them not to be deceived 1 Joh. 3.6 7 8 9. saith speaking in the present tense He that doth righteousness is righteous even as he is righteous or in his righteousness and as he hath promised And then having given warning against being deceived and going on in sin c. He cometh to mention the abiding in him and doing righteousness Again and hee doth it in a third term comprehending both saying Whesoever is born of God doth not commit sin that is approve and act it See this before â— 414 415. going on so to do And that the word Born of God is first appliable to that sight beleef and acknowledgement of Christ and so that new disposition begot thereby in the heart is clear in this Epistle where this is called That which is born of God 1 Joh. 5.1 2 3 4. Mat. 16 17. Eph. 2.8 Hence both faith and confession are said to be of God and the gift of God and so he that in this revelation and operation of the Spirit in and by the Gospel is prevailed with to beleeve and yeeld up to it and so far become one with it so as he beleeveth Jesus to be the Christ and so beleeving in him confesseth him to be the Lord He also on that account is said to be born of God And so likewise the being prevailed with by this grace To hold fast this confidence 1 Joh. 5.2 Ioh. 1.12 13. Rom. 10. â— 10. and so to abide and go on in the faith of Christ and love of him and one another is the operation of God and hath the same promises to it and so is likewise called a being born of God here in 1 Joh. 4.7 8 3 5-10 And that this is the sense here appears cleerly in that the same thing for the same business expressed here Born of God Heb. 3.1 6 14. is a little before exprest by a perfect continued act Abiding in him 1 Ioh. 3.6 7. and doing righteousness And the same there also affirmed such sin not such are righteous And also this appears to be the sense in that it is opposed to a continued approbation acting of and going on in sin for so the devil committeth sin and sinneth from the beginning without repentance or breaking off his course But who ever is born of God he committeth not sin that is doth not approve and so commits but abideth in and goeth on beleeving in Christ and loving him without repentance of it or breaking off that course And it farther appeareth that born of God is in this place abideth in Christ holding fast confidence in and love of God through Christ because it is said His seed remaineth in him that is the divine influence and Spirit of Christ with divine force and vertue abideth and remaineth in him according to that promise Heb. 3.14 And this the constant language of Christ and the Spirit of Christ Whosoever transgresseth and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ hath not God He
forth in Prophecies in which attending to this Testimony minding and believing it it will make all Wisdom's Sayings plain and open the meaning and rightness of them t Joh. 12.36 46. Prov. 1.3 7. 2.2 7. 8.9 Joh. 1.18 14.7 1 Joh. 2.20 27. 2. It hath its meaning in it self and the same is in its Discovery according to the plain import of its Sayings it abhors all Equivocations dissembling and pretending any Love or good-will more then really is u Prov. 8.6 7 8. 26.24 26. 3. It hath Evidences and Demonstrations of Wisdom Power and Goodness and Motives unmatchable to draw to the Belief of its Testimony w 1 John 5.6 9 10. Rom. 5.6 8. Act. 5.32 11.21 4. It is the Instrument and Medium by which the Holy Ghost convinceth of sin unbelief and error x Joh. 15.15 8.7 8 9 10 11. and bringeth the convinced in to Believe and love the Truth y James 1.18 1 John 3.19 and leadeth Believers into all Truth z Joh. 16.13 14 and he that believeth this Testimony believeth the Truth and it being in them and they living according to it they are of the Truth a 1 John 3.19 and in the Truth b 1 John 2.5 2 John 4. and the Truth is in them c 1 John 1.8 2.4 3 John 3. and such as teach it are Ministers of the Truth d Rom. 15.8 2 Tim. 2.15 and such as acknowledge profess and obey it do acknowledge profess and obey the Truth e Heb. 10.26 1 Pat. 1.22 2 Joh. 4. 3 Joh. 3 and such as turn from it turn from the Truth f 2 Tim. 4.4 and such as oppose deny and resist it do oppose deny and resist the Truth g 2 Cor. 13.8 2 Tim. 3.8 So that we are well directed for knowing of Truth to the Law and to the Testimony in which Truth is and all the sayings thereof are true yea all the sayings in Scripture as they witness of this Testimony and are opened by this Testimony and agree in one with this are true and not only true but they are also exceeding plain as may be seen in that foresaid 1. In that God and Christ have affirmed these sayings to be not onely true but also plain and right h Prov. 8.6 9. Isa 45.19 Eccles 12.10 2. In that he affirmeth the end for which he hath written them to be that we might know the certainty of the words of Truth i Prov. 22.20 21 Luke 1.3 4. Ephes 4.3 4. Rom. 15.4 3. In that our Saviour directeth and commandeth for knowing and finding Truth to search the Scriptures k Joh. 5.39 to minde what is written and how we read in the Law and Testimony l Luke 10.26 Isa 8.20 and to apply the Ear to his Knowledge and so the Heart to the Words of the Wise that have written by his Spirit m Prov. 22.17 18 20. 4. In that our Saviour promiseth blessedness to such as believe on him as the Scripture hath said n John 7.38 avouching all that keep not his sayings that do not Believe Love and hold to his sayings to be no Lovers of him * Joh 14.28 5. In the Profession of those inspired with the Holy Ghost in the knowledge of the things of Christ that they spake them in the wisdom and words which the Spirit gave them to speak o Act. 2.4 1 Cor. 2.12 13. and this sincerely without craft in all plainness p 1 Cor. 2.17 4.2 2 Cor. 3.12 and not with a veil over their face 6. In the confession of those that have believed this Testimony that his Word is true very pure q Psal 119.160 140 130. Eccles 12.10 and bringeth Light and giveth Understanding to the simple 7. The Title put on this Testimony as The Word of Truth the Scripture of Truth r Col. 1.5 Dan. 10.21 8. The Commendation and Approbation of such as are diligent in searching the Scripture to see what is Truth and take heed to the Word of Prophecie as to a Light s Act. 17.11 2 Pet. 1.19 Now if the sayings of the Gospel in the Testimony of Christ have not the sense they naturally and plainly import where then is the Truth of God and Christ his Affirmation or the fitness in his words for his ends to give the certainty of the Knowledge of Truth or what Profit in following his direction in searching the Scripture or where is the Truth of this Promise or of the Prophets and Apostles Protestation or of the Title of the Gospel or why are any commended for searching it If it have not the sence it importeth in its own sayings who then shall tell us the sense what Man what Apostle what Angel or what Spirit when we are warned to hear none that speak other or beside that by these before already preached and written who have professed also before God That they did not lye in the things they writ and God hath born Testimony of them Gal. 1.6 9 12 20. Heb. 2.4 So that their sayings in this Testimony are true and plain and have the sense they plainly import and what the Prophets and Apostles have spoke and writ of this Testimony God hath spoken by them and if we believe God to be true and love him then will we believe and love his sayings and so to the Law and to the Testimony for the discerning of every Whisper Spirit Doctrine Opinion and Saying and if they speak not according to that Word there is no Morning-Light in them wherefore let God be true and justifie him in his sayings and let every man whisper Rom. 3.4 Eccles 12.10 Doctrine or Spirit that speaketh not according to his sayings be to us a lyar knowing his Words are true upright and plain though the wisdom of the flesh be enmity to them whose oppositions I will endeavour to remove CHAP. 3. Of the Enmity of Flesh and Satan to Him THe carnal Minde or Wisdom of the Flesh is Enmity against God a Rom. 8.7 so that the natural Man having no other but the Wisdom of Men the Wisdom of this World though never so learned wise prudent doth not approve or receive the things of the Spirit or his sayings but accounts them Foolishness b 1 Cor. 1.18 19 20. 2.5 6 41. And among the rest in this one thing hath this Enmity appeared in that it accounts light of the sayings of the Spirit of God in the Scripture and of that Knowledge given in the plain Testimony thereof c Jer. 8.9 and pretends in its fleshly Minde to a farther and better knowing d Job 11.11 12. Col. 2.18 by which it presumes to understand and to amend contradict the plain Sayings of God and to frame sayings better truer and safer for Men to believe and receive e Job 4.17 18 19. Isa 40.2 8. Isa 40.13 14. In which thinking to
remember Jude 5. How that the Lord having saved the people out of the Land of Egypt afterwards destroyed them that believed not and they being both there and in other places set forth for types and ensamples to us b 1 Cor. 10 1-11.11.18 I will instance yet that which comes nigher it is said Psal 78. He establshed a testimony in Jacob c. That the generations to come might know c. That they might set their hope in God c. And might not be as their fathers a stubborn and rebellious generation c. Which yet many of them were Psa 78.5 6 7 8. and did not set their hope in God as the story shews If it be replied This was but a Ministration I might answer This was God's End expresly that they might know and hope in God c. And that he did order and appoint insufficient and ineffectual means to bring his Ends about I hope none will say neither as I hope will any deny This giving of a Testimony to be a Type of his giving Christ for a Testimony for the same End But I will come to a closer Answer Isa 55.4 in that which the Lord affirms his own doing by the Mouth of the Prophet Jer. 13.11 12. As the girdle cleaveth to the loyns of a man so have I caused to cleave unto me the whole house of Israel and the whole house of Judah saith the Lord that they might be unto me for a people and for a name and for a praise and for a glory but they would not hear c. And so to this very business our Saviour himself tells us God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world Job 3.17 vers 14 15 18 19 Ioh. 5.34 40 43. but that the world through him might be saved yet he doth not say or infer That the World shall all be certainly saved no not so but He that as he is displayed believeth on him shall be saved c. And so in his own personal Ministration he saith to the Jews These things I say that ye might be saved yet many of them to whom he preached to that End not would come to him nor receive his Words that they might have Life And the like may be seen in his end of sending his Gospel by his Servants so Act. 26.18 that all the way the word might used in setting forth an end aimed at implies sufficiency and effectualness in means to effect the end and good hope yea certainty if not willingly refused and resisted but not an absolute infallibility that the end in the blessed part of it shall be accomplished in fallen Men whether they attend and receive or no And all this is said not to wave one syllable in the Text but to shew what it saith not and how the word might is in such business in Scripture used when the ends of things that are to have their efficacy with and in fallen Mankinde are mentioned And so let us Secondly minde what he doth indeed say that is He gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purifie c. This expresly his gracious End of giving himself for us and so of his Oblation That he might redeem us from all iniquity c. which is partly hinted in the former Chapter shewing for what he offered himself which comes here to be enlarged as it hath reference to this expressed End and so that he might c. is 1. That he might have power and authority in the Nature of Man and as Man also even the Son of Man to be both Mediator between God and Men and to use what means he pleaseth to redeem Men from iniquity and to be the judge of Men and is foreshewn and doth yet farther appear Joh. 5.21 22-26 27. in our Saviour's own giving this as the ground of the Father's giving to the Son to have life in himself to call and to quicken whom he will and to execute judgement because he is the Son of Man And this also by himself explicated with his gracious End affirmed Thus it is written Luk. 24.46 47. and thus it behoved Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his Name among all Nations c. Phil. 2.7 8 9 10 11. Mat. 27 28. mat 28.18 19. And upon the account of his Sufferings and Sacrifice this power and authority being given him he from thence groundeth his own rightfull calling of them that are weary c. to come to him and on the same ground giveth commission to his Disciples to preach the Gospel and therefore he gave himself for us in sufferingâ— and offering Sacrifice that he might have this power and authority as the publick Man and in and with it use means by the vertue of his Oblation to save c. And that God hath given him this power and authority to this end Act. 5.31 32. is affirmed 2. That he might be filled in the very Nature of Man with the immeasurable fulness of the Holy Ghost to this End that the Love Wisdom Power Mercy Truth Goodness and Face of God might appear to be seen in him and the Holy Spirit proceed from the Father through him in his Name while in the means he is displayed And this our Saviour expresly affirmed Joh. 16.7 both That unless he did go away which was by his Death and Ascension to offer Sacrifice the Comforter would not come and also That if he departed he would send him and this also upon the account of his Sufferings and Oblation Isa 50.2 3 4 5 6. Isa 61.1 2 3 4. he had not only the forementioned Power but God the Lord hath given him the tongue of the learned that he should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary And this explained by himself The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings c. And this affirmed also by the Father upon the account of his Sufferings and Sacrifice Phil. 2 7-10 Heb. 8. Isa 42.1 2-8 Mat. 12 18. 3.17 17.5 in which he was his Servant and still is in his Ministration as in the Father's well-pleasedness in him and Acceptance of his Sacrifice and Mediation he is his Elect yea as the publick Man Behold saith he I have put my Spirit on him and he shall shew forth judgement to the Gentiles c. 3. That he might by vertue of his Blood in this his Oblation Psa 22 12-22 40.9 10. Joh. 3.14 15 16 12.31 32. Isa 55.4 5. Isa 42.7 8. Joh. 5.25 26 Isa 52.15 Heb. 9.14 1 Pet. 18 19. Rev. 5.9 with this Furniture he hath upon the account thereof in the means he useth especially in the Ministration of the Gospel declare his Father's Name and Righteousness and be himself lift up and
it is called The Faith of the common Salvation being The Vision of All. And this Doctrine of the Oblation of Christ is rightly called The Vision of All because that Jesus Christ Rom. 1.1 2 3 4 5. so to be preached for the Obedience of Faith to all Nations for offering this Oblation First he did take the Nature of all Mankinde he was made under the Law for all he bare the sins of all he died for all gave himself a Ransom for all calleth all enlightneth all is God's Salvation for all and being all this God will have him so to be preached to all and set forth as an Object of Faith for all yea as he is The Saviour of the World The Propitiation for the sins of the whole World All which are before shewn in treating of the Oblation by plain sayings of Scripture and yet this is still farther to be noted about this Vision or Doctrine Joh. 20.31 Luk. 1.1 2 3 4. Eph. 3.3 4. Ioh. 3.14 15. Heb. 2.2 Col. 1.28 1 Cor. 1.30 Rom. 1.16 17. That God will have it plainly written and declared yea it is so written and in Ministration to be held forth to all yea so explained and elevated that all and every Man may behold and read it for his healing yea see himself perfect in Christ that is perfectly satisfied for and redeemed from the Curse of the Law by Christ and in him fulness of Wisdom Righteousness Sanctification and Redemption yea fulness of Spirit and Life so as beholding him he may believe and in believing receive it all And Isa 55.4 1 Joh. 4.9 10 14. Eph. 2 13-18 2 Tim. 1.10 as this is set forth as a common Salvation to all so likewise the preciousness and efficacy of the Blood and Sacrifice of Christ the immensness of the Love of God to Mankinde in the Gift of his Son and commended through his Blood the open way of approach here-through to God and so bringing Immortality and Life to Light by the Gospel And so the Ground Isa 55 1-4 Mat. 11.27 28. Rev. 22.17 Isa 45.22 Heb. 2.2 Freedom Motives and Helps for all and every or any one to come in and believe and the certainty of enjoyment in believing and sure hope of Glory these to be declared that he that heareth beholdeth and readeth the same may be saved and run to the enjoyment of all in Christ These things being all in plain sayings of Scripture before cited often sheweth That such is the beginning of his Word and that it is the Vision of all in which such Testimony of Christ and good News for Mankinde and so the Key of Knowledge opening the Door to the Knowledge of the Kingdom Oh loving and glorious Christ Oh excellent Oblation Oh blessed Gospel Of which Gospel-Testimony concerning the Oblation of Christ I will say yet one thing more about its Usefulness in Ministration CHAP. 11. The Vse Ministers of the Gospel are to make of this Doctrine THe Oblation of Christ for us all Tit. 2.14 3.4 and the Love of God to Mankinde therein appearing as before declared is that with which by the appointment of God and Christ and the Teachings of the Holy Spirit the Ministers and Preachers of the Gospel are to do their whole Work for convincing Men of Unbelief and drawing Men to Repentance from dead Works Heb. 5.12 6.1 2. and Faith towards God and instructing them in the Doctrine of Baptisms and laying on of Hands and Use of all the Ordinances of God and for confirming their Faith in the Resurrection of the Dead and of Eternal Judgement This being the Foundation of all these yea 2 Cor. 5.14 15 19.20 21. 6.1 2. Isa 28.12 26. Rom. 5.1 2.5 8 9 10 11. 8 32-35 Heb. 9.28 Tit. 2.11 14. 3.4 by and with this Doctrine of the Oblation of Christ for us all to extend press Reproofs Exhortations Beseechings Instructions and Consolations yea with this and by this to direct to Peace with God and Confidence in him and Hope of the fruits of the Mediation and Intercession of Christ and so to a comfortable waiting for his coming again yea in that before said and places alleadged it plainly appears That this Oblation of Christ and the Love of God to Mankinde appearing there-through is that Grace of God saving to all Men and that which in the appearance in the evidences of it specially in the Gospel-Declaration saveth and teacheth Tit. 2.14 3.4 5 6 7. it saveth the Beholders of it by the washing of Regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost which here-through he richly sheds on them that being justified by his Grace they should be made Heirs according to the Hope of Eternal Life And this to be affirmed to stir up Men to good Works also Tit. 3.8 3.11 12 13 14. For this Grace of God saving to all men in its appearing teacheth us That denying ungodliness and worldly lusts we should live soberly righteously and godly in this present world looking for the blessed hope and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Iesus Christ who gave himself for us that he might redeem c. So precious a Stone is he that so set forth effecteth such things and so precious an Oyntment in the Spirit 's going forth in this Doctrine is this 1 Joh. 2.19 20 21 27 28. That it teacheth Believers all things and is Truth and is no Lye yea and so fully teacheth them that they need not that any Man teach them other Doctrine or in other Manner but as this Anoynting teacheth them of all things yea no otherwise then by and with this and according to this were they to be taught So that all that the Ministers of the Gospel have to do in their Ministration they are as they desire approbation of 1 Cor. 1.17 18 21 23 24. and blessing in their Ministration from God so to do all their Ministration by and with this Oh that they would all be perswaded to this But this having always been rarely found Isa 28.12 14. 29.10 11. Psal 118.22 Mat. 21.42 Act. 4.11 That the profess'd Teachers and Builders in the Church would hearken to but rather slight this as a mean way of teaching yea and in these dayes it being rarely found either in practice or approbation among many professed and admired Ministers of the Gospel I shall hint a little more to evidence That with this Doctrine of the Oblation of Christ for us all they are to do their whole Business in their Ministration 1. This is that set forth and appointed to be set forth by God even the Father for this end Rom. 3.25 26. 1 Joh. 2.2 Him hath God set forth to be a propitiation through Faith in his Blood to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins c. And to the Ministers he hath said Isa 28.12 16. This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest
Power and Authority and oneness with the Father with I will c. That they be one with us and filled with Spirit even all the good things of thy holy Temple that their Prayers be answered and he is answered But I will instance in some particulars as well as by Scripture I may 1. By vertue of his Blood presented to his Father and sprinkled in the spiritual documents of it 1 Joh. 1.7 9. 2.1 2. Phil. 4.7 Rom. 5.1 2. believed Isa 52.15 Rom. 15.20 21. upon their hearts to bring them to see and acknowledge their present and daily infirmities defilements and offences and by the vertue of his Blood to dispense to them forgiveness and cleansing and so maintain that Peace of God in them that shall keep their hearts through him 2. Heb. 6.20 9.24 1 Cor. 1 30-31 By presenting himself for them Wisdom Righteousness Sanctification and Redemption and so presenting them before the Father in himself wise righteous holy free 3. Joh. 14.21 23. Heb. 9.13 14. 10.14 Col. 1.22 23. Eph. 5.25 26 27. By procuring of the Father such Manifestations by his Spirit in the Gospel of the vertues of his Sufferings and Sacrifice for them and his Father's Love there-through to them as thereby both to comfort and purifie them so as in due season he may present them as spotless to himself as now he presents them in himself before the Father 4. Heb. 9.15 8.2 6 10. Rom. 8.23 Joh. 14.16 17 18 26. 15.26 27. Act. 5.31 32. Joh. 16.13 14 15. 1 Pet. 2.7 2 Cor. 3.3 13. Heb. 3.10 11. By procuring for them a performance of the promises of the New Testament in sending forthe the holy Spirit in a first fruits to them according to his promise to be an Advocate and Comforter in and to them and so to minde them of and teach them the understanding of his sayings and to witness of him to them and through them to others to take of the things of Christ and shew to them and thereby glorifying him to them and making him precious to their hearts and so guiding them into all Truth so writing his minde in their hearts Rom. 16.20 1 Joh. 4.4 5.4 5. Rom. 5 1-3 8.14 15 16. Gal. 5.22 Phil. 1.9 10. 1 Pet. 2.5 Ioh. 7.38 39. Rom. 8.26 Ezek. 36.37 2 Sam. 7.27 and to subdue their sinful and fleshly lusts Micah 7.19 Rom. 8.13 Gal. 5.16 18. and to answer their opposers Mat. 10.20 and to support them in troubles Isa 43.3 Joh. 16.33 to be treading and so to tread Satan under their feet in due season and to give them victory over all the evil Spirits and Temptations that are in the World and to shed abroad his Love in their hearts and so fill them with peace joy hope and all spiritual springs of his goodness and fruits of righteousness and because of their ignorance and unworthiness of and inability to reach to or receive these things to lead instruct and move them to pray unto God for all these things promised in the Name of Christ Joh. 16.23 24. Zach. 12.10 5. To perfume their Prayers Praises and Services Rev. 8.3 Joh. 14.16 16.22 1 Pet. 2.5 6 7 9. with the Odours and sweet-smelling Vertues of his Death and Sacrifice and so by his Intercession thereby to expel from before his Father's Throne those mixtures of their fleshly weakness that were in them and make their suits acceptable to his Father and so procure them Answers from God 6. To procure their preservation for their Generation Joh. 17.9.13 2 Cor. 5.18 19 20. 1 Cor. 3.5 6 7. 4.1 Phil. 2.14 15. Eph. 4.7 8-12-16 Joh. 15.5 8 16. 1 Pet. 1.8 to be in his place in the World for the Ministration of the Gospel and holding forth the word of Life to the World and edifying one another and likewise for unity of Spirit among them and Sanctification and Blessing of them and their Ministration that so the World might be brought to believe and Believers may grow up together into Christ by that which every joynt supplieth that so they may not be barren but fruitful in the knowledge of Christ 7. To prepare for them heavenly Mansions Joh. 14 2 3. 1 Pet. 1.4 5. and them for the enjoyment of them and so to preserve them through Faith to the possession of the promised Inheritance All this doth he make Intercession for for all those that come to God by him and this a brief or little mention of his business he is now doing in heaven in making Intercession for Believers And because of his sending forth his Spirit into their hearts by which he is present with them and in them as in his Body also he appears in heaven before the Father for them Joh. 14.16 17 18. Hence that blessed and Holy Spirit of Christ bears his Name being called their Advocate Rom. 8.26 27. and Christ by him doing that work in them he is said to do it even to make Intercession for the Saints so that this making Intercession for the Saints in his Mediation of the New Testament dealing both with God and with them for them and in them is an high heavenly choice and peculiar business And surely all that come to God by Christ believing this it will fill them with strong consolation and make them pray with assurance of Faith knowing he ever liveth to make Intercession for them that come to God by him And therefore 4. That he is able to save to the utmost them that come to God by him which as it is plainly affirmed so I hope none of us doubteth therefore I will no farther instance proofs only let that be remembred 1 Tim. 2.4 5 6. which hath been before noted That though the Death and Ransom by Christ given was for all men and so his Mediation in general for all men that they might be preserved and come to the knowledge of the Truth for which he is able also yet the utmost and Eternal Salvation and Inheritance purchased by his Oblation was and is to be conferred on Believers not on all he died for or mediateth for not on such when through his mediation the heavenly cords are let down Psa 2.3 4 5. 2 Thes 1.8 2.8 10 12. will not obey in suffering themselves to be drawn to him Sure it is there is another portion justly designed for such but to those that by his heavenly cords are drawn to him Heb. 5.9 Joh. 1.12 and so believing come to God by him to these he gives Eternal Life Eternal Salvation and for these Believers that approach to God by him he maketh his special Intercession and Advocation and seeing he ever liveth to do this for them he is able powerful faithful true ready fit doing it at all times evermore to save them to the utmost and this Mediation of Jesus Christ by vertue of his Oblation both as in general for all men and
of which is spoken in many places a Deut. 18.18 Psal 16.10 40 6-9 Isa 53. 1-10 Zach. 9.9 Psa 68.18 and so he is already come and hath compleared that Work done in his own Body and can die no more nor will offer any other or more Sacrifice but liveth for ever in that glorious Body once offered in Sacrifice remaining still a continual Mediator and High-Priest by vertue of that Oblation 1 Joh. 4.3 2 Joh. 7. 1 Joh. 42. and he that denieth and confesseth not this and doth not in the belief thereof worship God is led by the Spirit of Antichrist The true Spirit confesseth this And of this coming is spoken in the former two Heads of his Oblation and Mediation by vertue of his Oblation all his stretching forth his power in providential Comings in Mercies and Judgements and in gracious Visitations or spiritual Comings are the effects and fruits of his Oblation and Intercession in his Administration in his bodily Absence But the second and next personal and bodily coming of Christ is in Glory and to take unto him his great Power and Raign and to receive to himself to raign with him all that have believed on him and suffered with him b Col. 3.4 Rev. 11.17 18. And this is the coming again of Christ which is here to be treated of in this Head and this his personal coming in Glory is that which was also spoken of by the Prophets Zachary The Lord my God shall come and all the Saints with thee c Zach. 14 1-5 Malachi The Son of Righteousness shall arise with healing c. d Mal. 4.1 2. Isaiah of the encrease of his Government and Peace no end upon the Throne of David and upon his Kingdom c. e Isa 9.7 And upon the first coming of Christ even before he had actually offered his Oblation this was declared in his personal Ministration by himself both to his Disciples saying For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his Angels f Mat. 16.27 and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of Heaven with Power and great Glory g Mat. 24.30 Mar. 13.26 Luk. 21.26 and I will come again and receive you to my self c i Joh. 14.3 And also to his Crucifiers Hereafter ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hard of Power and coming in the clouds of Heaven k Mat. 25.64 Mar. 14.62 Luk. 22.69 And so it was likewise declared by the Angel The Lord God shall give unto him the Throne of his Father David and he shall raign over the house of Iacob c. l Luk. 1.32 33. And again upon his Ascension the Angel said This same Iesus which is taken up from you into Heaven shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into Heaven m Act. 1.11 And the same hath been also taught by the Apostles And he shall send Iesus Christ c. n Act. 3.20 21. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout c. o 1 Thes 4.16 Unto them that look for him he shall appear the second time without sin unto Salvation p Heb. 9.28 And this is testified to be the Promise of Christ and the Desire of those led by the Spirit of Christ q Rev. 22.20 Whence all unfeigned Believers are said to wait for his coming r 1 Cor. 1.7 Phil. 3.20 21. 1 Thes 1.10 And the Crown of Righteousness to be given at that day to them that love his appearing s 2 Tim. 4.8 And concerning this his next personal coming there is declared in the Gospel and Testimony of Christ these three things First The manner of his coming Secondly The Ends of his coming Thirdly The Time though not the day and hour of his coming Let us consider what the Scripture saith of each of these and first of the first point The manner of his coming It is expresly said 1. It will be sudden in an hour not known before he come Mat. 24.27 44. Mar. 13.36 1 Thes 5.2 3. Rev. 16.15 1 Cor. 15.52 even to his own and as a snare to all the Inhabitants of the World in a moment in the twinkling of an eye as a flash of lightning 2. It will be visible openly and discernable to every eye yea all the Believers those that are asleep Mat. 24.30 Mar. 13.26 Luk. 21.27 Rev. 1.7 Mat. 24.27 and those that are at that time living on the earth not one before another but them that are asleep being first raised then all at once together shall see him 1 Thess 4.15 yea every eye and all the kindreds of the earth shall see him it will be as visible as the lightning that shines from the East to the West 3. It will be with Power and great Glory 2 Thes 1.7 Zach. 4.5 his mighty Angels and all his Saints meeting and coming together with him And in such a sudden visible and glorious manner will Christ come CHAP. 17. Of the second Point The Ends of the coming of Christ. THe Ends of the next coming of Jesus Christ is for the fulfilling his Word and Promise in doing those things he hath said and that are testified of him to be then done by him which I may comprehend in the naming under these four Heads that is to say 1. To raise the Just that sleep in the Lord and change and make immortal the surviving Believers that have suffered with him 1 Thes 4.14 15 16. this is affirmed as necessarily included in the belief of all that do indeed believe Jesus to have died and rose again if we believe this then this also That even so them also which sleep in Iesus will God bring with him For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord That we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep for the Lord himself shall descend c. And the dead in Christ shall rise first that is before we which live shall see him then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up c. being in the very moment of their raising 1 Cor. 15.52 53. 1 Cor. 15.23 24. changed and for the Resurrection it is said Every man in his own order Christ the first Fruits that was in his personal Resurrection who is now ascended afterwards those that are Christ's at his coming And then speaking of another Time he saith Then the End when or then cometh the End and when is that End when he shall have delivered up c. As it is given out with an Oath That there should be Time no longer Rev. 10.6 7. Rev. 8.2 6 Rev. 11.15 1 Cor. 15.24 25. but in the dayes of the voicē of the seventh Angel which Angel is to found the last Trumpet which beginneth in Christ his beginning to Raign and endeth in Christ
3.4 5 6 7. read and consider the place and see it is the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man it 's not said Joh. 3.16 his special and peculiar Love to some Elect but the pity and love of God to Man-ward that in its appearing saved us not according to works of righteousness which we have done it neither appeared or saveth by any thing in us or done by us Rom. 3.9 25. 5.6 8 9 10. 2 Cor. 5.20 Eph. 2.16 17. in which we were better than others but according to his mercy that is his Love commended to sinners in his giving Christ to die and make peace for them by his Blood when we were Enemies and causing it to appear to us while we were such and no better than others he saved us that is reconciled our hearts and converted us to himself and this saving by the washing of Regeneration that is the vertue and efficaciousness of the Blood and Oblation of Christ by means of his Mediation made known to us and his Love there-through streaming Rom. 5 1-5 1 Pet. 1.2 2 Thes 2.13 Heb. 9.14 being by the Holy Ghost set home to the Heart and so also by the renewing of the Holy Ghost who in such discovery as is said sprinkleth the Blood of Christ in the Heart and thereby speaketh peace and createth or reneweth a new Disposition or Spirit in the Heart Rom. 3.22 24 25 26 27. 4.5 23 24 25. 5 1-11 Which washing of Repentance and renewing of the Holy Ghost he by vertue of his Oblation once offered and his Intercession continued the Divine Love appearing there-through shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Lord that we being justified by his Grace now mark the last end in which his coming again is intimated we should be made Heirs according to the Hope of Eternal Life 1 Joh. 4.9.10 Thus doth the Love of God to Mankinde appearing through the Oblation of Christ lead to see and enjoy the Ends and Vertues of his Oblation and therein the Benefit of his Mediation and Intercession and therewith and thereby the Hope of the Inheritance and Eternal Life in the coming again of Christ so precious is the word of the beginning of Christ to lead into all that follows to be known of him 2. Tit. 2.11 12 13 14. read the place and minde The Grace of God Tit. 3.4 2 Cor. 3.18 Phil. 3.7 8. which is the same with the kindeness and Love of God to Man-ward saving to all men or bringing Salvation to all Men hath appeared so as in its appearing and saving Operations it teacheth us here is the benefit of his Mediation in extending the Vertues of his Oblation that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts we should live soberly and righteously and godly in this present world now mark the last looking for the blessed hope and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ And all this large Grace appearing in such saving tendency with such teachings and fitness for prevalency therein grounded and bottomed upon the Word of the beginning of Christ vers 14. Who gave himself for us c. with which I began this Discourse of the Oblation Intercession and coming again of Christ and with the same I for this Part end In all that is said of the Testimony of Christ in every Branch and of all together it appears That this Testimony is a Doctrine according to godliness and hath its natural tendency to godliness effecting it in all cordial Believers of it and also that this Testimony of Jesus is The Spirit of Prophesie The Original of all right Understanding The true and so best Enlightner Teacher School-Master and Director to all right understanding and speaking And ignorance and unbelief of this Testimony or any Branch of it specially the first is the cause of all error and mistakes about Scriptures And by this Testimony minded we may discern what true Faith is what the Object what the Medium discovering what the Believing is and how it worketh But I forbear to proceed farther in those things till I have first minded the degrees of the Revelation of Christ in this Testimony of him and how it was revealed evidenced and so made known and taught by degrees till the whole was cleerly manifested to be so now taught and believed An Explicite Declaration of the Testimony of Christ c. PART III. CHAP. I. Of the first Revelation of Christ and Way of making him known THE first Revelation of Jesus Christ was in Paradise thus Gen. 3.15 I will put enmity between thee and the woman and between thy seed and her seed it shall bruise thy head and thou shalt bruise his heel In which according to Explication since is observed 1. That the first Promulgation of the Gospel as it was immediate from and by God himself so it was done in the denouncing the Curse on the Serpent and his Seed yea Gen. 3.1.14 15. in some measure on the Serpent that was the Devil's Instrument and its Seed but in full and specially on the Devil the old Serpent with his Angels Rev. 12.9 20.2 8.13 9.12 11 14-18 and those by his Temptations become of him and so his Seed even as the compleating of the Exaltation of Christ and those that are his Seed is declared in the denouncing and bringing in the last and great Wo upon the Inhabiters of the Earth which are the Seed of this old Serpent 2. Gen. 3.16 17. Rom. 5.18 Heb. 9.27 That the Seed of the Woman is also so exprest that it may have a double sense one a more remote sense in which it may be carried to all that come of her by a natural conception before whom in the Promise Hope was set and of and from among whom the two Seeds more directly spoken of are and will be drawn And the other sense proper and nigher and that both principal full Gen. 3.15 Psal 49.7 8. Isa 7.14 Mat. 1.22 23. Luk. 1.30 34 35. Gal. 4.4 Mat. 1.1 Rom. 1.3 Gal. 3.16 1 Joh. 3.5 8. Heb. 2.14 and most cleer and direct and that is the Lord Jesus Christ for he saith It shall bruise thy head It was not thus The Woman nor any of her Seed by natural conception which are every way as much the Seed of Adam the Man as of the Woman of which no Man can redeem his Brother or give to God a Ransome for him But it was He even Jesus that was conceived in the Wombe and born of a Woman and a Virgin in a supernatural way without the help or use of Man which Virgin was of the Seed of Abraham and David to whom also the Promise was explicated and so he was the Seed of David of Abraham of the Woman the promised Seed even he that in due time was manifested to take away sins and destroy the works of the Devil And the Holy Ghost hath given us
at his coming will be compleatly fulfilled as according to all this vision Nathan spake to David yea God spake the same in vision to David Psal 89. 1 Chron. 17.15 Psa 89.19 20 29 30 37. how he would exalt him and there brings in Christ under his Name as he had before done to Abraham and shews how he will beat down his Foes and make him higher than the Kings of the Earth how his Seed shall indure for ever and his Throne as the dayes of Heaven yet here in this Life if his Children forsake God's Law and walk not in his Statutes he will visit their Transgressions with the Rod and their iniquity with stripes but his mercy he will never take from him nor suffer his faithfulness to fail his Covenant he will not break c. once he hath sworn c. he shall have his Seed still and his Seed shall endure for ever and his Throne as the Sun before him it shall be established for ever 2 Sam. 23.3 4 5. and of this he speaketh Psal 132.11 18 and also in 2 Sam. 23.1 5. where mentioning the Ruler what a one he shall be and the excellency of his Raign David confesseth his house in his own personal Raign was not so with God nor in his natural Race did the Lord make it so to grow yet saith he He hath made an everlasting Covenant with me he saith not with my house as then it was but with me ordered in all things and sure and professeth for himself this is all my salvation and all my desire And David by the Spirit filled with the Knowledge of this Kingdom of Christ God did still by inspiration of his Spirit reveal to him and he by that Spirit spake of Christ the Anoynted the true David and Solomon the Son of David the Son of God the great King of him he saw and foretold The great opposition and raging conspiracies that would be against him in his first coming in the flesh Psal 2.1 2 3. Act. 4.25 and spiritual evidencing thereof to draw men in to him and this by Jews Gentiles Rulers and People The great sufferings that he should undergo by great and small Psal 22.7 18. 69.12 21. their laughing scoffing shaking the head at him piercing his hands and feet parting his Garments giving him Gall and Vineger to drink c. The Treason of Judas Psal 41.9 109.2 3 4 8. Act. 1.20 one of his chosen Apostles and the overthrow of that Traitor that rewarded evil for good His Death and Resurrection Psal 16.8 9 10 11. Act. 2.31 and 13.33 His doing the whole will of God and so ascending to Heaven Psal 40.7 8 9 10. 110.1 68.11 18 20. Heb. 10.5 6 14. Act. 2.33 and offering the acceptable Sacrifice and then sitting at the right hand of God receiving immeasurable fulness of Spirit in the Man and for Men and so extending thereof to the rebellions that he might dwell with them and to that end raising up many Preachers to declare his Name c. His coming again Psal 2.6 9. 149.4 9. and sitting upon his Throne and raigning and the coming of his Saints to raign with him and the great overthrow he and they all shall give to all the worldly Powers that stand against him and then the flourishing Estate of his Kingdom in Jerusalem and over all the Earth and this largely in the last Psalm which he sung and committed to the Church Psal 72.1 16. and most probable at the same time with that 2 Sam. 23.1 5. Yea Psal 102.16 the time of this his building up Sion and raigning to be even then when he shall appear in his glory All this and much more with the gracious requirings and operations of this Grace believed was revealed to David and he being filled furnished with the Holy Spirit hath declared the same and left it upon record in the Book of Psalms and so I leave it and the residue for such as desire the same to read there And so there was now a great explicite and cleer Revelation in which also was opened and interpreted to them the meaning of and the Truth typed by their Sacrifices and other figures and shadows yet it pleased God still to give more revelation of Christ and to explicate the Testimony in particulars more CHAP. 5. Of the fifth Revelation of Christ and the things of Christ IT pleased God by his holy Spirit to be still revealing Christ and the things of Christ in and to the following Prophets 1 Pet. 1.11 12. 2 Pet. 1.20 Luk. 1.70 Act. 26.22 and by them to Israel and Judah and that so fully both of his first coming and second coming that there is nothing of the things of Christ as then to come but it was revealed to and by them as to instance some 1. The Messenger that should go before his face or in his presence to prepare the way before him Mal. 3.1 Mat. 11.10 Isa 40.3 8. Joh. 1.16 20 23 29. Mar. 1.2 3. and the Doctrine in crying down all flesh and exalting the word of the Lord by which he should do it and the sudden coming of the Lord on the appearance of this Messenger which is now evidenced to be John Baptist. 2. His own first coming and living among men his Ministery Sufferings Victory and Works in each particular Isa 9.6 Luk. 2.11 Jer. 23.22 Gal. 4.4 Isa 7.14 Mat. 1.23 Isa 11.1 Luk. 1.27 c. Mic. 5.2 Mat. 2.5 Ioh. 7.42 Jer. 31.25 Mat. 2.16 17 18. Isa 61.1 2 3. Luk. 4.18 Psal 69.9 Ioh. 2.14 17. as to say a little his birth into the world of a woman a Virgin of the House and Seed of David his birth in Bethlem-Ephratah in Judah yea his flight into and return out of Egypt Hosea 11.1 Mat. 2.15 and the slaughter of Rachel's Children on that occasion in Bethlem His return to Nazareth and manner of living among men Isa 53.2 3 4. Mat. 2.23 Luk. 2.51 Joh. 1.46 7.52 Mar. 6.3 His Ministery his Miracles and Patience Isa 42.1 8. Mat. 12.1 18. His Parables Psal 49.1 4. 78.2 Mat. 13.35 His Zeal for purging the Temple Zach. 11.12 13. Mat. 26.15 27.3 9. Isa 53.7 8 10 11 12. Isa 7.14 Mat. 1.23 His Meekness and riding on an Ass and a Colt the Fole of an Ass Zach. 9.9 Mat. 21.1 10. His being sold for thirty pence the scattering of his Disciples from him Zach. 13.7 Mat. 26.31 56. His being scourged and crucified between two Thieves Isa 50.6 53.12 Mat. 27.26 38. Yea his Death Burial and Resurrection and his Sacrifice offered his being filled with knowledge and his Mediation on that account or by vertue thereof yea his being God-Man in one Person Emmanuel God with us 3. That in respect of all this which he hath suffered and done Isaiah 28.16 1 Pet. 2.5 6. 2 Cor. 5.19 1 Cor. 3.11 Act. 4.11 Isa 49.6 45.22 1 Joh.
spiritual Gifts and Vertue to witness the Testimony of Christ still in all this time And as God forsook Shilo where his Tabernacle was in Canaan first pitched for the wickedness thereof Jer. 7.12 and returned his Tabernacle no more thither Rev. 12.1 so God may reject this outward Court in which his Sanctuary once was and his Glory shined in it and for the wickedness of it never beautifie it with his true Sanctuary again but preserve his true Sanctuary by his Word and Spirit till Christ come Rev. 11 19. and the Holy Ones beneath and the Holy Ones above do meet and the false Prophet be slain and the Church become a Kingdom which whether hinted in leaving out the Name of the outward Court Heb. 9. I will not say but onely that the placing helps in Government among such Temporary things as came in afterward may afford these instructions to us and so leave it to each man as Light of Truth perswades But for the Gospel and these spiritual Gifts given from Heaven that they have already been abundantly confirmed by Miracles and they so divinely recorded as is enough to confirm Faith and no need of doing them over again is that affirmed and proved and yet to make it more cleer and evident we have it expresly testified 4. By the Apostles own words to the Hebrews when having set forth the excellency of Christ as in Testimony of him set forth and then exhorted them to diligent heed taking thereto Heb. 1. 2.1 2 3 4. he admonishing them saith How shall we escape if we neglect so great Salvation which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord and was after confirmed unto us by them that heard him God also bearing them witness both with signs and wonders and with divers miracles and gifts of the holy Ghost according to his own will So that the Gospel hath been confirmed above all that the Law of Moses was and as the Miracles confirming that was no more to be iterated after the Law was once taught setled and confirmed but those remembred with the Law yea the Prophets that came after endeavouring to move them to deviate from that Law with Signs and Wonders Deut. 13. were not to be believed or hearkned to so we are now warned for these times that false Prophets false Christs and Antichrists will come with signs and wonders to deceive and draw credit to their false Doctrine with Mat. 24.24 Mar. 12.22 2 Thes 2.10 So that which we are now to heed is the Word of the Testimony of Christ in which is testified Jesus to be The Christ the Apostles and first Witnesses to have declared his Minde even the Gospel according to the Revelation of the Mystery and the spiritual gifts with which they went forth and the Gospel revealing all this to be taught and left upon record by them Mat. 24.14 Rom. 10.18 the sound whereof went through the whole World before the first Witnesses all of them left the World And it was and hath been setled in many Churches in divers parts of the World and sufficiently confirmed with Signs Wonders Miracles and miraculous Gifts of the Holy Ghost already and they also written that we might believe And thus have I shewn according to this last and fullest Revelation of Christ who were chosen in and by him the first Instruments for laying the Foundation and beginning the building on it and so to set this glorious Ministration on foot and how plentifully they were furnished Now it is needful also to shew the Furniture of the following Witnesses that are of the same society and house and to carry on this Ministration to the same end till the return and personal appearing of Jesus Christ CHAP. 15. Of the Furniture of the following Witnesses till Christ come again WHo are the chosen of God in Christ to be Part 3. c. 11. and so are these Witnesses to carry on this blessed business till Christ come again is already before shewn and that they are such as through belief of his Grace in the Testimony of Christ delivered by the Apostles are by his Spirit built on Christ and so come unto Mount Sion Heb. 12.22 2 24. and unto the City of the living God the heavenly Jerusalem and to an innumerable company of Angels to the general Assembly of the first-born which are written in Heaven and to God the Judge of all and to the Spirits of just Men made perfect and to Jesus thn Mediator of the New Covenant c. and so have fellowship with the Prophets 1 Joh. 1.3 Eph. 2.19 22. Isa 59.20 21. Phil. 2.15.16 Heb. 3.6 1 Tim. 3.15 and Apostles and so with the Father and the Son being now fellow-Citizens with the Saints and of the houshold of God build upon the Foundation c. having the same Word and Spirit in their Heart and in their Mouth which the Apostles had these are to hold forth the Word of Life c. as hath been shewn for these are the House of God and of Christ the Church of the living God the Pillar and Ground of Truth So that 1. Isa 43.10 Act. 13.47 As a Pillar was used for a Witness of Peace Gen. 31.51 52. so these are God's Witnesses to the World of Christ being his salvation to the ends of the Earth to open the eyes of the blinde c. 2. Isa 43.10 11. 1 Joh. 2.2 2 Cor. 5.19 Rom. 3.25 1 Tim. 1.16 Heb. 12.1 As the Pillar of the Cloud was a Testimony of God's presence and a Guide to Israel Exod. 13. so these are God's Witnesses and Holders forth of his presence and propitiatoriness to the World as Preachers and Patterns that they might repent and come in to follow him God spake to his People in a cloudy Pillar Psal 97.7 8. and through the same Pillar looked upon the Egyptians and troubled them Exod. 14.24 and so by and through these God speaks unto the World 2 Cor. 5.20 and manifesteth the savour of his knowledge through them 2 Cor. 2.14 17. which proves a savour of Life unto Life in them that in believing receive it and a savor of death unto them that oppose and rebel against it 3. As a Pillar the word is sometimes used to express some chief ones as Gal. 2.9 so whereas God hath testified his goodness in that rumour of the Gospel proclaimed in Paradise and in his works of Creation and Providence and after by Types and Prophesies and after by the Fore-runner of his Son Eph 3.3 4 5 6 9 10. 1 Pet. 1.11 12. 1 Tim. 3.16 and had Instruments suitable to each for Ministration yet when his Son is manifest as come in the Flesh who is the Brightness of his Glory and chief Testimony of his goodness so in that respect the Ministers that thus hold him forth they are the chief and such are these and the Church now 4. A Pillar is used for an upholder
and stay and so the Truth is the upholder and stay of the Church and the giver of Authority to it and not the Church the stay of and Authority-giver to the Truth yet even in this respect also as Christ is the Head of the Church and his Truth and Spirit and he thereby an Indweller in the Church so they in holding forth the Truth are instrumental upholders of it Act. 9.15 2 Tim 4.7 Mat. 5.14 and maintainers of the Faith to the World and so the Light of the World and in respect of some in the outward Court that turn the Grace of God into wantonness pervert the Gospel deceive the World and labour to beguile Believers in turning them from the Faith These are the Keepers of the Faith by teaching it and opposing and fighting with the sword of the Spirit against their prophaness and errors and so maintaining the Faith against their falshoods And in all these senses the Church that are these Witnesses 2 Tim. 4.1 7. 2 Cor. 10.4 5 6. Jude 3 4. is the Pillar of Truth and yet more fully in one sense more including all the former in it This Church is the Pillar and Ground of Truth taking in as is given us both the words that is to say 5. As they were of old to write the Commandments and Statutes of the Lord upon the door-posts of their house Deut. 6.9 11.20 and their gates as the Ten words were written in Tables of stone that they might be seen and read and as some say The Prophets did hang or fasten their written Prophesies upon one of the Pillars in the Temple as is the use of the chief Magistrate to have his Proclamation fastned on some noted post or pillar in the Market-place where all the Country may take notice of it and read it so these are the Church or House and so that post and pillar the Table or Ground in and upon whom the Truth is so written that all may read it though some with likement and some with dislike as the Apostle hath plainly affirmed saying to the Church Ye are our Epistle written in our hearts seen and read of all Men forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the Epistle of Christ ministred by us written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God not in Tables of stone as the Law of old was but in the fleshly Tables of the heart in which there is a performance spiritually by Christ of that said to the Prophet of old Write the Vision Feb. 2.2 and make it plain upon Tables Isa 29 11 12. that he may run that readeth it and being taken with that read he may read to others even that Vision of All and others may read it on him And this writing is the very work of Christ by his Spirit in Ministery of the Gospel We never read that Christ did personally in his own Body write any part of the Scripture that work he left for his Servants by his Spirit to do yet once we finde that he wrote with his Finger on the ground as not regarding his Tempters Joh. 8.6 yet what he wrote is not said but to say the Apostle alludeth to that I dare not nor yet will I say it was an intimate Instruction of his own work so freely to write by his Finger which oft signifieth his Spirit his Epistle in the ground of the heart of his unworthy ones but this I may say in treating of his spiritual writing To allude to this is no error But however it cleerly appears this Society and Church spoken of is the Pillar and ground of Truth where Truth is written and holden forth to be read 1 Tim. 3.16 yea even the Truth that is the Mysterie of godliness that great Mystery God was manifested in the Flesh justified in the Spirit c. And so these unfeigned Believers united to Christ having his word as delivered by his Apostles in their heart be his Witnesses now and the Ministers he hath chosen for this Ministration to minister according to the grace and gifts given them none presuming beyond these are the holy City and Sanctuary of his building and the Ministers of the things thereof Rev. 11.1 2 3. to whom he gives Spirit and Power that they may witness him even to the World and among these is the true Altar even in this Temple and these are the Worshippers thereat and because of the Gospel in their hearts and there through some portion of these forementioned spiritual gifts by which they witness him hold forth the word of life with their tongues therefore their tongue is said to be as choice silver and their lips to feed many Prov. 10.21 22. Pro. 15 10. Psa 35.28 71.24 119.172 51.31 1 Thes 1.8 1 Cor. 3.3 18. Gal. 5.22 23. their tongue useth knowledge aright and speaks of God's righteousness and praise all the day yea even so as sinners may be converted to him and so from them the word of God soundeth forth And also by the same Spirit in the Gospel their hearts being framed to the minde and design of Christ they so have a Christ-like Spirit springing up Love Joy Peace c. which leadeth them to walk in Faith and Love in Holiness and Mercy Mat. 5.16 c. So that also hereby they do witness of him and hold forth the word of Life also in their conversation in good works and holy profession whence the Fruit of the Righteous is called A Tree of Life Prov. 11.30 Ezek. 47.12 Rev. 22.2 2 Cor. 9.2 and a way of winning Souls yea their Fruit is for Meat and their Leaf for Medicine so their Conversation winneth and their Zeal provoketh many and because the Spirit of Glory resteth on them 1 Pet. 4.10 11 14. and giveth them power to glorifie God in witnessing both these wayes though through sufferings Therefore in respect of their twofold witnessing and holding forth the word of Life to glorifie God and do good to Men convincing by Truth and comforting with Truth and confuting falshood Rev. 11 4. They are also called the two Witnesses that witness yea that witness the Truth on God's part against the Man of sin and God of the World and the two Olive-Trees that bring forth that good Fruit whence the good Oyl runneth and the two Candlesticks that hold forth the true Light that shineth so that every way it appears that these unfeigned Believers united to Christ in him by Faith and he in them by Word Spirit are his chosen Ones to bring forth Fruit his Ministers for carrying an end the Ministration of this last Revelation of Christ till he come again these are the Temple of God the House of God the Church of God I need not to use worldly terms else I might shew how these are the Achademah or School University and Colledge in which are all the Scholars that are taught of God And
I might shew how Christ is here the chief Master Doctor and Rabbi and the Prophets and Apostles the Masters of this Assembly the Scriptures the Library the Testimony of Jesus the Original the Holy Spirit therein the Interpreter the way of Learning and coming to knowledge is Attention and believing the Fellows and Collegiates are all that are built upon Jesus and so one in this spiritual house the pupils are all that like or desire to learn the Doctrine of the Gospel though yet hardly believing or weak and unstable in the Faith or believing the Truth of the Gospel and professing it but not so prevailed with by it as to be united to Christ and framed to his Minde so as to have his word in their heart these not yet to be Teachers but Learners but the residue all Teachers according to the measure of Faith and Gifts given them and their acts are Fellowship in the Gospel and to those acts the World may come also to hear And all the Ministers God approveth and sendeth forth to minister Gospel to the World they are brought up in and sent forth of this University being Members thereof as is proved in that already said and yet I would add one proof more even from the Prayer of our Saviour for these in John 17. where having prayed for the fitness furniture and blessing on the ministration of those immediately called chosen taught and set forth by himself he proceedeth in that Prayer saying Joh. 17.6 7 8 9 11 14 15 16 17 18 19 vers 20. Neither do I pray for these alone but for them also which shall believe on me through their word which is no other but his own word he received of the Father and gave to them and so it is through their Ministration of the word and so the same word and as ministred and recorded by these first VVitnesses who were immediately sent forth by him with this Ministration for the Obedience of Faith among all Nations and for all that believe through their word He prayeth Vers 21. That they all he saith not some onely or the chief Officers they shall chuse but the unfeigned Believers even they all may be one as thou Father art in me and I in thee that they also may be one in us VVhich cannot be meant of the Essence of God because he speaketh of Ministration nor is it meant onely of being one in him by the Spirit of Faith relying on him though this be included yea the union of the Father and Son in will for Ministration and of the Father in the Son and the Son in the Father and so the union between them is more then so yea I may say there is such an union between them as is higher then we can conceive and incommunicable also though the benefit of it be communicable but the union here meant appears by that foregoing and this following with the scope of the business to be the union of the Spirit for Ministration as the Father was and is one and of one minde in Christ that he should make peace by his blood and then preach peace that Men might believe and that in preaching peace he should speak his words that he gave him and seek his ends for glorifying him in displaying and extending Salvation to Men and eternally saving believing Men. So Christ was one in and with the Father in all this and in the same love with the same design did both make peace by his Blood and preach peace in the same words and for the same end the Father gave them to him and so are they one in the same love and design for the good of Mankinde in this Ministration of peace-preaching to bring Men in to believe and to preserve Believers to eternal Life And now having committed the Ministry of Reconciliation by peace-preaching to his first VVitnesses and prayed for and begun to frame them into union with him in this design he prayeth therewith for all that unfeignedly believe on him through their word and so are united to him by Faith and Love that they may be framed by the same Spirit of Faith to his minde and so be one in the Father and him in the same love and the same design for carrying forth this Ministration as he did and to the same ends though through like sufferings as he did and as the first VVitnesses did that so we may be one together with them and all one in the Father and the Son in this love and design pursued in the same way for Ministration And this to be the union meant appears also in the next words which are That the world that is such as yet believe not may believe that thou hast sent me which can be no less Vers 21. then that through their Ministration carried forth in such love and union of Spirit and way such as yet believe not may believe c. And this to be the meaning the next words shew Vers 22. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them which is not the glory he had with the Father before the world was and with which he is now glorified at the Father's right hand for that was not then as yet given to him as he was Man but to be given him on the finishing his whole work for suffering and overcoming death and his own immediate personal Ministration and his Ascension into Heaven and offering up the acceptable sacrifice and then was that glory given him so that of this glory he speaketh not but of the glory of the Ministration given him immediately of the Father which was a more great and glorious Ministration then ever before given to Moses or any of the Priests or Prophets or John Baptist and so it 's called the glorious Gospel And this Ministration with commission with power and authority and Spirit he received immediately from the Father and so gave it as immediately to the first VVitnesses and now here mediately through the belief of their Gospel unto all unfeigned Believers in every age that through their word believe to them and all them our Saviour gives this glory of the commission power and authority for Ministration Vers 22. and that to these ends both that they may be one even as we are one in that union forementioned and so Vers 23. I in them and thou in me that they may be made perfect in one I in them The Nature of all Mankinde is in me in which I have died their Death and suffered the Curse that was due for their sins and made peace for them by my Blood and offered the acceptable Sacrifice and obtained eternal Redemption and received in the Nature of Man Remission of sins and fulness of Spirit Grace Truth and Eternal Life for Men that in believing Men might receive me and in receiving me receive it all And now these believing though not by my immediate personal Ministration yet by my mediate Ministration through the
17.16 with 9.12 Now he that hath that is that here through hath an heart and so hath in usefulness doth in hearing hear and in seeing see and minding the Word come to his heart doth understand and so in heart turneth to learn of the Lord he shall be healed and have more abundance and so be enabled to believe that in believing he may understand the mysteries of the Kingdom and be eternally saved But whosoever hath not that is when an eye to see is given him c. and so he hath a voice and an ear to hear it a demonstration and an eye to see yea the word came with motion to his heart and yet though he hath all this he hath not that is he hath not by all this an heart he hath not in usefulness any of this given him he doth not in seeing see c. but for love of some other thing closeth his eyes c. lest by hearing and seeing and heeding that word that moved at his heart he should be turned from that thing he loveth Mat. 13.13 14 15 19 from these shall be taken away even that they have that sight and hearing and inward moving of the Word in their heart which they have shall be taken away yea even therefore and for that cause and so God will blinde and harden them and so Joh. 12.35.40 those that while light was with them Compar Isa 53. 1 6.9 10 with Joh. 12.35 38 â— 39 40 the Gospel plainly declared to them with such power and helps yet did not believe the report in the plain sayings thereof are said to have the purpose of God in so blinding c. according to the prophesie fulfilled on them yea to be so and on that very ground fulfilled on them and then when so fulfilled they could not believe And the Apostle also in Acts 28.27 renders this also even their own dulness of hearing and closing their eyes Isa 6.9 10 with Act. 28.26 27 28 lest they should see c. as the very ground and cause of that judgement of not perceiving fulfilled on them and so of their not believing And the Apostle Peter saith in effect by the Spirit of Christ the same 1 Pet. 2.6 with Act. 26.18 when having mentioned the excellency of the foundation laid in Sion and held forth by Sion to so gracious an end he saith 1 Pet. 2.7 Vnto you therefore which believe that is which having eyes opened to discern do in seeing see and so are perswadable Isa 4 2. 1 Pet. â— 3 4 5 7 Rom. 1.5 16.26 and brought in to believe he is precious he is beauty and glory comliness and excellency alluring and drawing you more and more in believing upon him but to them which be disobedient that is to the Faith preached to them being unperswadable when means is used Eph. 5.6 and such an object demonstrated and sight afforded Act. 4.11 will not in seeing see and so are disobedient even children of disobedience or unperswadableness the stone which the builders the Ecclesiastical pretended Teachers disallowed the same is become the head of the corner By which notwithstanding their disallowance and opposition Mat. 21.42 Psa 118 22 Mat. 21.43 1 Pet. 2.8 Joh. 3.19 Isa 8.23 16. you are brought in and builded on it and united together by it and they that so disallow it rejected and so that also follows And a stone of stumbling and a rock of offence to them which stumble at the word which can be no less then when by light discovered do of themselves first stumble being so distinguished from them that upon the discovery sanctifie God in their hearts for this gift of his Son these being disobedient whereunto also they were appointed Luk. 2.34 Isa 8.14 15 16 with Jer. 5.3 4 8.12 Prov. 1.23 24 25-31 Isa 5.3 4 5 Jer. 6.16 30 Ezek. 24.13 Which is very cleer to be that such as when Christ in the Gospel is set forth to them for their fall and rising again in discovery of whom all other Excellencies are cried down and the glory of God's rich Grace in Christ onely exalted they discerning the light what it discovereth do refuse to own their shame in the fall that they may by him onely be raised and so Christ is to them a sign and a rock of offence and they stumble And these and such as these even for this cause were appointed to farther stumbling and so cannot believe yea this is held forth cleerly to us also in many other places of Scripture all speaking in this Language as also in that example forementioned Joh. 6.28 30 41 42 60 66. So that concerning the Purpose of God who shall be helped to believe and who not we have it cleer from Jesus Christ by his Spirit in the Prophets and in the Apostles and in his own personal sayings to be men under such considerations and it becomes us to desire no other knowledge of this And to this also very well agreeth that which is said Rom. 9.18 He hath mercy on whom he will have mercy and whom he will be hardneth For God hath not left us in the dark nor spoken as a Barbarian to us so as none can know by his revealed will on whom he will have mercy or whom he will harden but hath made known his minde that as he first sheweth mercy on or to all and this that they may repent And therefore discovers the evilness of their hearts and wayes and the emptiness of all their righteousness Rom. 2.4 9.16 Hos 13.9 Job 33.15 16-24 and of all earthy things to help them and that help is onely in and of him that sheweth mercy yea and afflicts them for not turning in to him by his mercy so also he lets us know to whom all this mercy shewn and means used and transgression still found he will yet shew mercy namely to such as by his continued mercies and chastisements for so gracious an end do on sight of his goodness against which they have transgressed fall down in confessing their sinfulness 1 Pet. 5.5 6 Jam. 4.6 Prov. 3.34 Mat. 23.12 Luk. 18.14 Prov. 28.13 14 Deut. 29.19 20 and in belief of the Testimony of his graciousness desire mercy of him he will shew mercy on them he will give Grace to them and lift them up But to such as in his call by the mercies and chastisements which he useth refuse to hearken and behold and so scorn to fall down and humble themselves under his mighty hand but still persist to go on in their own wayes he will not shew mercy on them but harden them and in the continuance of their persisting give them up to a reprobate minde and to Satan as is full and plain in many places of Scripture besides these quoted And thus the Purposes of God concerning Mankinde as revealed in Scripture are verily such as is said and in this written of them in these four
before at large shewed and proved in the two former Chapters with the Cautions third and fourth in the second Chapter and are here only contracted to be easily understood Now God according to this his Purpose calleth all Men especially where the Gospel comes as hath plentifully been proved Let this be heeded II. For the Calling that is here meant it appears by that which is said in this Verse Eph. 4.4 and which follows in the next to be a through and double Call for though the Caller be one and the Object discovered and the Medium and Spirit therein by which he calleth be one and the hope set before them to which they are called be one and in that respect the Call one yet in respect of the persons called and that to which for the enjoyment of this hope they are called the Call is double first and following as appears 1. The first or the beginning of the Call is of sinners and unbelievers to repent and believe the Gospel Mar. 1.15 Eph. 2.1 2 3 1 Joh. 5.19 Mat. 9.13 Mar. 2.17 Luk. 5 32 Act. 26.18 such are all men before he call them even dead in trespasses and sins under wrath and the power of darkness and the wicked one and such as these are by the Gospel called to repentance and believing in Christ that so they may receive forgiveness of sins and life in Christ to convert and renew a right disposition in them and so with this Call to this Repentance and Faith Christ calleth sinners and none but sinners and as sinners and such he sent forth his servants in the Ministration of the Gospel Isa 55.5 6 7 52.15 Luk. 24.46 47 48 Act. 13.8 Rom. 10.8 9 10 13 to call to this Repentance and Faith And so it was fore-prophesied of him that by himself and by his Spirit in his servants he should call such and by himself affirmed that so it shall be and such he himself did call in his Ministration and also by his Spirit in the Ministration of his Apostles Mar. 1.14 15. Act. 13.38 47. and 14. c. And in this Call there is discovered and tendered to such sinners mercy and forgiveness in Jesus Christ and the blessed hope of eternal Life to be had in their believing and in this discovery of Christ crucified for our sins and risen for our justification c. and of God's rich and free love graciousness and righteousness therethrough Joh. 16.7 8 9 10 Pro. 1.22 23 Ioh. 6.27 Act. 2.37 38 39 40 is discovered the sinfulness and helplesness that is in Men the vanity of all their wisdom righteousness strength and of all Creatures to help them and so in reproving their evil wayes their wisdom righteousness pride and designs calls to turn at his reproof and so to believe in him that they may receive from him remission of sins wisdom righteousness and life which in their turning he will assuredly give them Now some called thus stumble at his reproof and will not turn Prov. 1.24 25 36 Ier. 6.16 30 Ioh. 3.19 15.22 24 to lay aside their own wisdom designs c. and so refuse to hearken and to turn at his reproof these though called come not at all Joh. 5.40 some others there are that in his Call do begin to believe the Truth and Goodness of the Gospel to the operations whereof if they did yield and abide therein it would save them and make them free but they not abiding in and yielding to the teachings of this Grace they are not yet brought in truly to be his and live to him Ioh. 8.31 32 36 2 Thes 2.13 14 1 Pet. 2. 2 Phil. 3.7 8 9 Rom. 5.8 10 Tit. 3.4 5 6 Ioh. 14.21 23 1 Cor. 8.3 Gal. 4.8 2 Pet. 2.3 5 9. Now both these sorts are called of God according to his Purpose but neither of them the called according to purpose because not prevailed with by his discovered and electing Grace to yield up to the blood of sprinkling to be his and let all go for him to win him live to him But some there have been and are that in hearing and beholding his free and great love to Minkinde discovered through the sufferings of Christ for sinners and the fulness of grace in him are brought in to believe and in believing minding of that grace are so chosen for his love love him and are also now loved of him with love of well pleasedness and so known and approved of him even his elect and chosen and these are the Called according to purpose And so though the word Called be used in both senses for them that are prevailed with and sometimes for them that are not prevailed with yet the word The Called is used but in one sense Rom. 1.6 7 for them that are prevailed with and here for those so prevailed with But when God hath thus approved Believers he farther calleth them 2. The following Call is of Believers and Saints approved and as Believers and Saints he calleth them to service even to conformity to Christ in services of Love and sufferings for his sake and therein to patience meekness and waiting through suffering for the hope of glory Thus Christ called his fore-called Disciples Mar. 9.7 12 Luk. 9. 1 Isa 41. 2 Psa 50.5 1 Tim. 1.11 12 Gal. 1 Rom. 1.1 Mat. 16.24 Eph. 5.1 Rev. 17.14 1 Pet. 2.3 5 9 and chose them and sent them forth to such service and thus God is said to have raised up the righteous Man and called him to his foot which is to such service and so God calls his Saints that have made a Covenant with him by Sacrifice And so Paul being called and couated faithful was then put in the Ministery and so being called to be a Believer was then called to be an Apostle And so all Christ's Disciples were and all unfeigned Believers still are called to be followers of Christ in love services and sufferings yea these are to follow the Lambe wheresoever he goeth and to shew forth his praises And of this Call Jude 1 Jude speaketh to the Saints whom he saith were sanctified by God the Father that was in the first part or degree of the Call in giving them to Christ and preserved in Jesus Christ there was their inward Sanctification and Preservation through grace in which he also approved them and called that is to services of love through sufferings and oppositions To which Jude exhorteth them as the Apostle was here comforting and encouraging these Believers in the same 3. So then to be called according to purpose so as to be of the Called according to purpose Rom. 3.9 20 25 5.8 9 1 Tim. 1.15 Tit. 3.4 Phil. 3.7 8 9 Joh. 15.16 19 1 Thes 2.13 14 15 16. 2 Thes 2.13 appears to be throughly called with this double Call or first and following Call and so to have been by the discovery of God's free-grace in Christ to sinners without
a pattern he is set forth to them in which as he is glorified so God is glorified in and by him so that predestination here cannot be a predestination of Men to be saved for whom Christ should die and suffer to save them for he then should not be the first-born in such a predestination scarce so the first in order but here he is the first in the choise predestination call justification and glorification and so in the whole pattern above all in excellency and they First believing and chosen in him and then predestinated to be conformed to him that therein he may be the chief and first-born among many Brethren And so we have the meaning in the Apostle's Description Secondly Let all these things in the words be considered as the Apostle here proposeth to the Believers according to his wonted manner the examples of such as had gone before them in the Faith to comfort and encourage them to service and suffering and through sufferings to wait for glory in which examples he also sets forth Christ as the chief to behold and conform to they when chosen were predestinated and then called to it and also justified and glorified and there is no change in God we may be sure believing in him 1 Tim. 1.16 he will even so deal in the same manner with us they are patterns for us that believe And so the Apostle giving a definition of Faith and a description of it and the marvellous effects of it in the whole Chapter Heb. 11.1 vers 13.2 sets forth a Catalogue of the great things done and suffered and their victory and certainty of the promises encourageth them having such a cloud of witnesses Heb. 12.1 2 to lay aside every c. and to run with patience the race set before them but above all looking to Jesus the Author and Finisher of our Faith who c. and so likewise James Take Jam. 5.10 11. my Brethren the Prophets c. for an example of suffering afflection and of patience behold we count them happy which endure ye have heard of the patience of Job and ye have seen the end of the Lord. 1 Pet. 2.5 So that as the purpose and promise of the Lord is They that trust in him shall not be confounded so these examples of his dealing with his beloved Ones Psal 9.10 34.22 Psal 22.4 5 is as a cord let down from Heaven to draw and hold us to trust in him at all times yea this exercise of Faith the Spirit leads Believers to and upholds and fills them with pleas in greatest distresses and that the Apostle propounds examples here of such as have finished their course appears in that the whole here said in 29 and 30 verses in the preterfect Tense not a word of that doing or to be done but all done Hath predestinated called justified glorified and thus taken the whole business is yet more plain And so I proceed 3. To shew what the Calling is that is here meant that foresaid hath done it already It is not the Call of unbelievers and sinners to repent and believe for Christ was never so called and though in that Call Believers are brought in to him yet it 's a following work of grace to conform to him so that the Call here is the Call of those that are Believers to such services and suffering and imitation of Christ in both as that both in the Call and the services of love and suffering they are conformed to him as is already shewn Moreover whom he did predestinate them also he called Rom. 8.30 There hath not been any of those that have been called according to purpose and loved God and were approved of him but as he hath predestinated them so also moreover and besides he hath called them forth to these services and sufferings and so to conformity with Christ therein and he is the same God still and keeps the same course still with all Believers and Lovers of him yet may we be confident and rejoyce in him in all for 4. Whom he called them also he justified The Justification here meant Rom. 4.5 3.25 is farther then simply a Justification of the ungodly believing in Christ and so receiving remission of sins past even such a Justification as in which the justified are conformed to Christ in his justification and what that was is express in the place of the Prophet Isa 50.7 8 9 Isa 43.2 Neh. 13.14 Heb. 11.4 2 Cor. 8.12 6.8 Rev. 12.11 Psal 44.17 18 Rom. 8.36 37 Isa 41.9 10 11 12 13 14 15 37 40 to which the Apostle alludes in this Chapter which Justification includes in it Help and Assistance in all services and sufferings even when they pass through fire and water that they shall not be overthrown or harmed and however condemned and defamed by Men yet he will accept and justifie their services and sufferings and approve of and justifie them believing in him when and while they are exercised in these services and sufferings yea he give them victory so as they shall overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their Testimony yea he hath alwayes done this to his Saints he called hereto he hath justified them and not onely so but Whom he justified Joh. 17.1 Heb. 12.2 Psal 44.17 18 c. Isa 52.2 Rev. 14.13 6.9 10 11. 2 Cor. 5.8 Phil. 1.23 3.20 them he also glorified He hath glorified his Son in the Nature of Man that suffered and finished the work he gave him to do so as he is glorified at his right hand he hath glorified the Saints that followed him with the glory of victory their Bodies at rest in hope and their Spirits with the Lord enjoying glorious rejoycing in the sight of his glorified body and happiness in his presence with infallible assurance of having their glory compleated on Soul and Body at his coming in the Resurrection of the Just and so hath he done to all his Saints before and so will do still and for ever And thus by this Rom. 8.28 29.30 we are led to understand the Purposes of God to be even such and the same that have been set forth in this fourth Part of the Treatise if we consider in the whole three Verses the next two things forenamed it more appears that is 5. What the end and scope of the Apostle here is and that appears plainly 1. Ch. 7.4 7 8.1 4 5 6 12 13 14 To stir them up to abide firm in the Faith and to minde the things of the Spirit and walk after the Spirit in love-services 2. Vers 17 18 23 24 To comfort and support them in the afflictions that came upon them while they walked after the Spirit in the Faith that worketh by love and so encourage them to patience and constancy in the induring of their afflictions persevering in faith and love yea even 3. To lead them to triumphing
Truth Joh. 12.47 48. 2 Thes 1.10 yet nevertheless the Truth standeth firm and will one Day judge these Apostates and justifie such as believe in him So that by this opposition it cleerly appears he means Christ to be the Foundation 3. This also appears in the Words themselves with their Order and several Branches and Distinctions let them be every one considered 1. Isa 28.16 Psa 18.22 Mat. 21.4 1 Pet. 2.6 Act. 4.11 12. 1 Cor. 3.11 The Foundation of God standeth sure Is not this plain in Scripture-Language to be the Foundation God purposed and promised to lay in Sion which Purpose and Promise was before the laying of it and now according to Purpose and Promise he hath laid it and Jesus Christ expresly affirmed to be this Foundation the Love and Wisdom of God in his will found out and purposed this Foundation and according to his Purpose his Hand hath laid this Foundation and hath declared his Purpose of saving all that in believing are by Faith built on him who onely is the Foundation and there is no other The knowledge of this Foundation and so of the Love and Purpose of God according to which he is laid meet us with bands of Love to draw to him and fasten upon him or if declined to return to him that is so sure immovable and precious a Foundation And this cleer-here that none needed have imagined another nor feigned the Purpose to be the Foundation but to proceed 2. Having this seal This is plain This Foundation hath a Seal on it an evident and known Seal it is a sealed Foundation and so the Seal is distinct though not divided from the Foundation it is in it and upon it even that by which it is marked out to be known and to be sure and stedfast even that which God hath appointed and sealed in which Seal also is the sealing and approbation of all that through believing come to be built on him So that it is a demonstrating living quickning and confirming Seal and so Christ the Foundation was sealed approved testified and confirmed both by voice and works to be The Christ Isa 28.16 Mat. 3.17 17.5 Joh. 5.37 Joh. 6.27 Isa 55.4 1 Cor. 2.2 Isa 42.4 Rom. 8.28 8.2 Isa 28.16 8.16 51.4 2 Cor. 1.22 5.14 Eph. 1.13 Isa 2.3.4 Mic. 4.2 3 Isa 8.20 14 15 16. 28.9 16. 29.11 12. 42.21 49.6 13.47 Mat. 5.14 15. Phil. 2.15 16. Joh. 1.4 7 9. 5.35 Isa 44.26 Heb. 2.3 4. The Son of God that precious tried Stone laid for a Foundation and upon this ground he exhorteth to seek of him the Bread that endureth to Eternal Life which he will give to such as come to him for it because or for him hath God the Father fealed yea he being given as the VVitness or Testimony of God's Will Love Purpose and Faithfulness and so preached by the Apostles and for the Law which the Apostle calls The Law of Faith The Law of the Spirit of Life This the Foundation laid in Sion The Law and Testimony bound and sealed up among the Disciples of Christ The Law proceeding out of his Mouth and he doth therewith so seal those that believe in him that he indues them with his own Spirit operating in them so that the same Law and Testimony goeth forth from them to others And this is the Law and the Testimony to which we are to resort for the knowledge of all Truth though because of its crying down all flesh and the reproach it is in in the World and among the Children of the Bond-woman in the Church it is to them as a book pretended by the Learned to be sealed and by the unlearned to be out of their ability to read yet with Christ and in him the Lord is well pleased yea and for his sake with all that believe in him and will magnifie the Law and make it honourable yea he hath given him for a light to the Gentiles and to be his Salvation to the ends of the earth yea he will confirm and hath confirmed the same in making those that believe in him the light of the VVorld in holding forth the VVord of Life and bearing witness of him the true light and he will confirm the Testimony delivered by his Servants yea he hath abundantly confirmed this Testimony already Eph. 2.20 21 22. so that Jesus Christ as set forth in the Testimony of the Gospel he is the Foundation laid by God and ministerially by the Apostles even that Foundation on which the Apostles and Prophets yea the whole Church both of Jews and Gentiles are built and by whom as the Corner-Stone they are united in one and there is no other Foundation but this And this Foundation is sealed and hath the Seal on it which will be sealing all that come to be built on it so that hitherto even by this Word having this Seal We are led to own Jesus Christ for the Foundation on which the Seal abideth Now let us consider what this Seal is and that also is express 3. That Lord knoweth them that are his This is plain the Apostle delivereth not this the Lord knoweth them that are his as the Foundation which by his manner of delivery appears to be some distinct thing forelayed yea even before sealed but distinctly plainly and expresly as the Seal on the Foundation which it alwayes hath on and with it and that is this The Lord knoweth them that are his View the words in their own simplicity according to Gospel-Language and it will appear plainly That The Lord is the Name frequently throughout the Gospel as now come forth given to Christ a Act. 2.36 10.36 9.17 29. 11.16 16.31 20.35 Rom. 14.9 1 Cor. 1 2. 8.6 2 Cor. 1 2. 13.14 Gal. 1.3 6.18 c. but if any will take it for God the Father it will come to the same for the Father and the Son are both one and the same God b Joh. 2.1 2 one in divine Essence and in VVill and Design and in Testimony and Working c Joh. 10.29 30. 1 Joh. 5.7 Joh. 5.17.19 22 23. 14.6 10. 16.14 15. Heb. 1.3 yea the Father doth nothing but the Son doth the same yea he doth all by the Son that all Men might honor the Son as they honor the Father nor can any come to the Father but by the Son and all that is the Father's is the Son 's and through him his glory appeareth The Lord knoweth This Word is more then seeth discerneth and so knoweth Joh. 2.24 25. 16.30 Dan. 2.22 Isa 66.18 Luk. 16.15 Deut. 31.21 2 King 19.27 Isa 37.28 Jer. 48.30 Psa 138.6 139.1 5. for so God yea God in Christ and so Christ knoweth all things yea he knoweth what is in the darkness though onely the light dwelleth with him he knoweth the hearts of all Men even the worst of Men also yea
and Love of God hath so set them forth even to Believers for their good were it not sinful Jer. 23.16 17 27 32 33 34. by any dreams or colourable pretext to steal away the Word of the Lord in this respect from his People counting this part of his Word a burthen Surely it was not well done of Mr. Owen to alter the Words of the Apostle Heb. 3.14 in stead of For we are made partakers of Christ if we hold the beginnings of our confidence stedfast unto the end Pag. 429. to put in Those onely are made partakers of Christ c. and then to add words of his own viz. And for the rest they are not c. The Apostle not using that Language it is not well done of any to use it to take away the word in the force of the Spirits caution joyned with his consolation from Believers and that is something worse to give out as if that said 1 Sam. 12.22 were not the consolation given to all the people to whom Samuel spake to encourage them to obey his exhortation 1 Sam. 12.20 21. and the threat vers 25. a warning not to them all to deter them from disobedience but the consolation to one part of them as godly and the threatning to another part of them as wicked and that Men might believe this to make the one part of them like those spoke of Jer. 31. which speaks neither to nor of such a peculiar people as was then in being though Mr. Owen would have Men conceive so but of a Generation of that Nation that shall be left of the Sword Jer. 31.1 2 3 4 5 31 32 33 34. and found surviving when the judgements of God have been executed on that Nation that then after those dayes shall be made such a peculiar people so it was wrongfully concluded hence by him that the threatnings such as in that 1 Sam. 12.25 are onely to the wicked and not to the Saints but to acquaint them with the terror of the Lord how he hateth wickedness and the Promises onely to the Saints and not to the residue of the people that the wicked may know his love of goodness how this will stand with his two Sayings before twice mentioned of the Promises made to sinners as sinners c. I need say nothing but of that he saith elsewhere viz. That the Saints are only wrought on and perswaded by the love promises of God but not by the terror of the Lord and that is it they hold forth only to the wicked affirming the same of Paul 2 Cor. 5.11 This is not right neither for the very word in that Text with that went before 2 Cor. 5.8 9 10 11. includes the judgement also in which the terror is as that which was also in the motive of his own and other Believers being perswaded to diligence yea intimates it also to have had some prevalency with the Corinthians And plain it is there also 13 14 15 19 20. That he held forth chiefly and mostly the love of God in Christ even to perswade unbelievers and not the terror without it nor but for the contempt and refusal thereof but no need to strive about that is so cleer who can read that profession of Job so oft expressing it and concluding For destruction from God was a terror to me Iob. 31.1 23. and by reason of his highness I could not endure Psal 119.120 And of David My flesh trembleth for fear of thee and I am afraid of thy judgements And of Levi that not onely feared the Lord Mal. 2.5 but also was afraid before his Name And of Habakkuk Hab. 3.16 who when he heard the voice of the judgements his belly trembled his lips quivered at the voice rottenness entred into his bones and he trembled in himself that he might finde rest in the day of trouble Yea hath not God promised to look to him Isa 66.2 5. 28.13 and appear to his joy that trembleth at his word when shame shall befal those that by devices labour to put it from themselves as not having any thing to do with them yet the Spirit saith expresly Prov. 28.14 Happy is the man that feareth alway but he that hardneth his heart shall fall into mischief yea was not Moses thus led for Israel Num. 22.6 15. Iosh 22.15 22. 1 Cor. 9.27 10.1 6 11. and Phinehas yea Paul in respect of himself and also directing all Believers to the same So that this fear in such as believe the Promises is no desperate but a hopeful fear as well standing with confidence as godly sorrow and mourning doth with rejoycing in the Lord as is seen in Job David c. So that this was rashly affirmed and yet worst of all that Affirmation of this Saying Pag. 221. God to be with us while we are with him is a cursed liberty left Men of departing wickedly from God it had not been well so to affirm of that saying of David to Abiathar 1 Sam. 22.2 â— Abide thou with me fear not for he that seeketh my life seeketh thy life but with me thou shalt be in safety But when God in Christ Jesus hath called people to himself spoken peace to them in the Blood of his Son free'd them from the charges of the Law from the Accusations of sin and the tyranny of the Devil and terrors of death and filled them with the consolations of his goodness and promised them eternal life and also told them of the malice of Satan and the World and how they seek to devour them giving them this counsel and comfort saying I am with you and for you abide you in me and with me and I will be with you for ever and with me you shall be in safety but if you abide not in me you will be forsaken and lie open to all danger Shall any call this a cursed liberty c Surely Methinks if they could not see the goodness of it yet they should forbear reviling it knowing it to be the very Saying of the Holy Spirit in the Prophet 2 Chron. 15.2 8 9 10 11 12 13 14. to a good King and good People The Lord is with you while you be with him and if ye seek him he will be found of you but if you forsake him he will forsake you And this they counted not a cursed but a blessed liberty and it had as good a fruit in them Ioh. 15.1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11. And such-like Language used by our Saviour to his chosen Disciples who surely would have shunned it as blasphemy to call it a cursed liberty left Men of departing wickedly from God they knew it tended and the fruit of it in Believers was to keep Men both humbly and confidently to God If the saying startled and enraged him because it could not be answered yet so odious a censure trenching on God's own words might
and by vertue thereof in his Mediation procureth patience and forbearance that they are not suddenly cut off for their transgressions against him yea he useth means towards them that they might believe in him who is the Propitiation for their sins in whom believing they shall not perish but have everlasting life which yet they have not though in him there is yet hope for them and this is the life of the World and this is the kindeness and love of God to Mankinde T it 3.4 5. which according to his mercy appearing saveth the Beholders with the Laver of Regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost and his flesh thus beheld and fed on and considered as the love of God in thus giving him and his so dying for his Enemies appeareth is that which draws in to believe Rom. 3.9 21 25. 1 Tim. 1.14 15 16. 2 Cor. 5.19 20. Tit. 3.4 at that door in which one is found no better then the chief of sinners and being drawn in to believe the still believing beholding considering and feeding on the same so great love appearing in this sacrifice of Christ and the fulness in it for sinners Rom. 5.8 10 11. and chief of sinners draws the heart to confide in him for farther salvation and so to be saved by his life and everliving to intercede and send forth Spirit so feeding on his flesh that was given for and as given for the life of the World livingness is found Luk. 22.20 Mat. 26.28 1 Joh. 2.2 Heb. 9.14 15 17. Joh. 6.51 54 57. 11.25 26. Rom. 4.5 22 23 25. 5.6 Rom. 5.1 2 3 4 5. in which living and believing they see his precious Promises as sealed and confirmed by the same precious blood of his that was shed for the Remission of their sins and the sins of many yea of the World and so they drink of his blood and therein mix the Promises with Faith and so live by Faith yea in this manner believing on him that justifieth the ungodly through Christ that died for the ungodly their Faith is not onely imputed to them for righteousness but their Faith is herein so united to the Promises that it springs up in peace in boldness of access to God and hope of the glory to be revealed and will in time to that rejoycing hope and assurance mentioned Rom. 8.32 36. which is the assurance of Faith O sweet safe and comfortable direction and he that by Grace to avoid the forewarned hinderances and eating bread in secret places and drinking stollen waters as all are that flow not from Christ first known and believed is prevailed with and in that avoiding to come in and rest and feed upon Christ crucified as is said will finde so much assurance of Faith as he dares trust God without any other pawns and pledges then he hath given in and through Christ already in whom he hath given to Believers assurance of which next III. Assurance The Assurance that God hath provided for and given to Believers for their preservation through Faith unto Salvation ready to be revealed in the last time in the enjoyment of the inheritance and this is also clear great and manifold as to say 1. Gen. 22.16 17 18. 1 Cor. 16.15 16 17 18. Psal 105.8 9 10 11. Gal. 3.15 16 17. Heb. 6.13 14 15 18. The Word or Promise and Oath of God that was fore-confirmed in Christ and then through him given and made to Abraham Isaac and Jacob the Fathers of the faithful following that Believers as their Children and Heirs might in minding that Word and Covenant firmed with an Oath have strong consolation and sure hope 2. The same brought neerer to us in that which Christ hath done and suffered for us Heb. 6.20 Isa 42.6 49.8 Gal. 3.26 29 1 Tim. â— 1 who is now entred in our Nature into the Holiest having begun to take possession for us being given and set forth in the Gospel for the Covenant to us that so believing in him we are Sons and Heirs and he being our hope and so our hope anchoring in him entreth within the veil and is both sure and stedfast Heb. 6.18 19 20. Phil. 1.20 1 Joh. 3.1 2 3. 3. Heb. 10.10 12 14 18 19. 8.1 6 11. 9.14 15. 7.25 The Mediation of Christ and Ministration of the New Testament of precious Promises by vertue of his blood and sacrifice in which he hath opened the passage for us and all to this end That the Called may receive the promised inheritance his Mediation being acceptable and prevalent with the Father and he ever liveth to make Intercession for them that come to God by him and so he is able to save them to the utmost 4. Heb. 8.10 11. 2 Cor. 3.3 Rom. 8.23 Eph. 1.13 14. 4.30 This as a secondary and sealing Confirmation and in some respects sensible is added even the first fruits of the Spirit in some spiritual performances of some part of that contained in the New Testament and everlasting Covenant as an added seal and earnest of our present interest and after-possession of the inheritance And is not all this Assurance enough for any that believe in Christ and so in God through Christ to keep them trusting in him But I proceed IV. An inward Helpfulness Ezek. 36.25 26 27. Eph. 4.21 24. Col. 3. Rom. 8.9 11. 1 Cor. 2.16 2 Cor. 3.3 affording motion and ability to mix the Premises with Faith and thereby to overturn all oppofition which helpfulness is a new Man a new Heart or new Spirit even the minde disposition and Spirit of Christ within them as an inward lving principle moving and acting within them and enabling them to move and act in its movings and actings This not naturally and originally in them as the righteous disposition at first inspired to the first Adam in his innocency and so not having its being of its self in them which would neither be so profitable nor safe for them as now it is for so they might as easily neglect its operation and lose it again as our first Father Adam did nor is it in them like the light that shineth into an house from a Torch passing by the Windows nor as a flash of lightning suddenly coming and suddenly vanishing but as Water from a Fountain naturally and continually flowing forth and streaming into the Chanel or Vessel and as light proceeding from the Sun into an house filling it with light that remaineth both in the Sun and from the influence of the Sun remaineth in the house filling it with an abiding light unless some wilfully shut all the windows and stop all the crannies about the house by which they cannot keep in but shut out the light yet the light remaineth in the Sun that sends forth his influences and cannot be divided from it nor faileth any of light that suffers it to enter and remain as an influence from the Sun So Christ is the Fountain
was thus held forth the Jews that had fore-despised this held forth to themselves did now much more despise and reject it also when held forth not onely to them but to the Gentiles also even all that came to hear But the Gentiles were glad and accepted the Message and Call and counted it good and they glorified the Word of the Lord that is they prized it highly praised it received it yielded to and turned and these so glorifying the Word of the Lord even that Word which the wrested sense crosseth were ordained ordered and fitted to receive eternal life and they believed Whereas the Despisers not so ordered and fitted believed not And it is not said That every particular Jew though probable the most of them did reject nor that every particular Gentile though many of them did believe but as many as did like the Doctrine were glad of it and glorified it so many as were so ordered and fitted to shew the efficacy of the Word in such ordained Ones believed And this sense agrees with the Testimony of the Gospel and the Purposes and Promises therein 〈…〉 with the Words and scope of the Text. 4. If we take ordained 〈…〉 epâ—red ordered and fitted as some do it agrees well with the place and other Scriptures and all foresaid this being the most usual and ordinary way of God's proceedings that according as he gives some evidences of his goodness to all and calleth all so they that as his Grace in any measure openeth their eyes and giveth them to discern that he is and that he is gracious and moveth them so far to believe him gracious as to seek after the knowledge of him and life from him they that then hold the Truth in unrighteousness and are disobedient c. he leaves to farther stumbling Rom. 1.18 19 21. 2.4 6 11. Mat. 13.12 Luk. 16.10 Joh. 10.41 Luk. 17.29 30 Act. 10.3 4 34. c. Act. 16.9 10 13 14. and they are under wrath and great danger of perishing and so oppose farther light when it comes But they that when his Grace is so far extended do by it abide in it and are making out in seeking farther to know him and receive life from him these shall have more and are accepted of him and ordered or fitted to receive readily farther Light when it cometh and such in all places were first Receivers of the Gospel so such as received John's Ministration were prepared and readily received the Ministration of Christ following and such as rejected John's Ministration received not Christ when he came and among the Gentiles those that by lesses light and means were yet according to it fearing God more was given to them and they readily received it And some such very like were in Macedonia For Come over and help us might be a voice suited not onely to the needs but to some kinde of desires in the hearts of many and though by purchase all are his yet it 's most probable of such prepared ones he speaks when he told Paul He had much people in Corinth and such appears to be here in this place Act. 18.9 10. for it is said The Gentiles besought that these words might be preached to them the next Sabbath Act. 13.42 44. And then came almost the whole City together to hear the Word of the Lord very like that of Cornelius and his Company and such when they heard being so graciously prepared did readily receive and believe And this a true sense agreeing in one with all the former so that every way in belief of the Gospel the sense is cleer and in every acceptation of the Word meeteth in one true and full sense 5. Yet if we shall as some do take ordained for election or implying election though there be nothing in the Word or in the text or in precedent or consequent words to lead us so to do Isa 42.1 1 Pet. 1.20 21. Act. 10.42 Heb. 10.5 Eph. 2.10 Joh. 15.15 Col. 1.12 13. 1 Cor. 2.9 1 Ioh. 5.11 12. or justifie us so doing yet if we so do and take Election in the sense the Scripture useth it then Ordaining as implying Election signifieth something more then meerly elected even Ordination Constitution Preparation Furniture and Consecration of the Elected and so the word is sometime used concerning Jesus Christ and all those chosen in and by him to eternal life and the same thing meant by such ordaining is also exprest in other terms as making meet c. And surely in some respect and of some this sense may be so taken here as it will well agree with those formerly mentioned and include them also But the Spirit of the wisdom of this world opposes this sense with Rhetorical flourishes and lashes calling it non-sense saying It is all one as to say as many as believed believed To which it might be replied Many of them speak more directly non-sense when they cannot deny but it is written God will have all men to be saved 1 Tim. 2.4 yet to keep men from believing it they gloss it thus All that are saved are saved by the will of God and knowing it is written That Christ enlightneth every man that cometh into the World Ioh. 1.9 yet to invade the belief of it they gloss it thus Every one that is enlightned is enlightned by him yet these Sayings of God himself and so they in both bring one line of Truth to oppose another and yet would not be charged with non-sense But we in speaking of Men that are imperfect are charged with non-sense for bringing one line of Truth not to oppose but as it consenteth with another and openeth and justifieth another as there is Truth in and Degrees of believing I hope none will say He spake non-sense that said They seeing see not and hearing they hear not Mat. 13.13 Ioh. 8.30 31 32 33 36. neither do they understand And so may we say Some believe something of the Truth of the Doctrine and Testimony of Christ and have so seen and heard that if they did abide in and minde that they have seen and believed they should know the Truth and be made free by it and so be ordained and fitted to eternal life 1 Thes 1.3 4 5. 2.12 13. 2 Thes 2.13 14. Act. 14.2 3. 16.23 31. 2 Cor. â— 9 12. and believe on him which yet they did not But these mentioned Act. 13.48 did which was not ordinary with all at other times at the very first hearing the Gospel given to them even so to believe on Christ which appears to be more then ordinary even a wonderful and special Grace affording Instruction and Encouragement to plain Gospel-preaching when it is most fiercely opposed as here it was seeing in such seasons the Lord does more abundantly pour out of his Spirit in giving Testimony to the word of his Grace And so taking believing here in this sense of such a degree of believing as in which
their Nature that is rather to be applied to those forementioned to be excluded mentioned in his 402 page then to these mentioned in stating the Question for if by Nature he mean as Men are naturally Gentiles and so not of Abraham's Family and so not naturally under the Hope of that Covenant made with him then I suppose he will confess these to be changed in Nature Mat. 28.19 Rom. 11.24 Eph. 2.11 12 13. in being by the Gospel brought into Abraham's Family If by Nature he mean a change in the Minde Will and Affection and so in the disposition and inclination himself hath confest this of these 1 Ioh. 5.1 If by Nature he mean some beginning of the Divine Birth opposed to the Humane then those that believe that Jesus is the Christ are so far born of God and himself confesseth they have somewhat produced in all the faculties of their Soul by the Spirit subordinate to like and suitable to the great Work of Regeneration Luk. 20.36 Rom. 8.23 Phil. 3.13 13 21. and that is not compleat till the Resurrection from the Dead And so if by Nature he mean the Nature of Man that is yet mortal to be made immortal the best Saints have it not yet but do wait for it to be compleated in the Resurrection which these he confesseth pag. 423. hope for And this I add As he hath professed himself not to mean ceremonial or seeming Holiness so I confess Rom. 1.7 8. 1 Cor. 1.1 9. 6.2 11. Eph. 1.1 13. Phil. 1.1 6. That in the Scripture since Christ his Ascension into Heaven none are called Believers and Saints upon account of any Faith and profession of Faith that is not saving and such as in which Men continuing Col. 1.2 4 22 23. they shall undoubtedly be saved as is foreshewn Part 4. Chap. 4. and Chap. 5. And thus I have according to his own Rule onely taken away those things which cannot be in the Faith and Holiness that is true in its kinde CHAP. 3. Of those things that are right and good in this description of the Faith and Holiness that is true in its kinde IN this Description of Faith and Holiness these things are very good and true 1. That the thing they are enlightned in convinced by and so believe Rev. 19.10 Gal. 1.7 8 9. 2 Tim. 1.13 2.2 it is the Truth proposed and preached to them page 423. Chap. 17. Now if it be the Truth it can be no other nor less then the Testimony of Christ and if called Truths they can be no other then the sayings in and according to that Testimony as namely That Jesus is The Christ The Son of the living God The Saviour of the World that he came into the World to save sinners that he died for our sins and rose for our justification and gave himself a Ransome for all and is the Propitiation for the sins of the whole World that Repentance and Forgiveness of sins is preached to them in his Name that this Word is nigh to them that they might believe and even therefore preached to them that they might obey in believing and so be reconciled to God and be saved and that he is at hand in this day of gracious Declaration to succour them and that whoever believeth in him shall not perish but receive Forgiveness of sins and so be saved and have eternal life and that he ever liveth to intercede for them that come to God by him being able to save them to the utmost and that he will come again and receive them to himself and judge his and their Enemies c. These and such-like and none contrary to these are the Sayings of Truth and so in and with these Sayings the Oblation and Intercession and coming again of Christ and therein so far the Purposes and Promises and Covenants of God have been proposed and preached to them as is largely shewn in this Treatise if they have had Gospel-Preachers which is taken as granted in this business and this Gospel the Truth and Sayings of Truth that they are convicted by enlightned in and believe so in this we agree their Faith in respect of the Truth the Object believed is right 2. That this their Faith is not of their acquiring got by their strife and reasoning but by the Truth preached to them Jam. 1.18 1 Pet. 1.21 2 Thes 1.10 and the work of the Holy Spirit therein witnessing of Christ illuminating their Mindes and working upon their Hearts so framing them to assent to and be perswaded of the Truth and Goodness of the Testimony and so to believe and in this we agree with Truth this believing and so this Faith is right 3. That the Spirit is in this Grace believed so effectually working in all the Powers of the Soul Rom. 1.16 1 Thes 2.13 1.5 that he frames them to inward sorrow for their former Unbelief and Rebellions against so gracious a God and Repentance for their former evil Thoughts Affections and Wayes and so changeth their Affections and produceth in them Faith and Confidence in God and hope of eternal Life and so springs up love joy zeal and ravishing consolation In all which it appears a lively Faith and in this we agree with the Truth This Faith is right true and living 4. That these inward operations of the Spirit lead to 2 Tim. 2.2 1 Iam. 2.18 25. and bring forth amendment of Life Obedience to and Profession of the Faith and walking with God in which they become Vessels in the House of God that do worthily in their Generations which none can do but such as are purged and made fit for the Master's use And this demonstrates and justifies the Truth and Goodness of their Faith and so right and good 5. That all this Faith Zeal Obedience and Profession is not counterfeit but true in its kinde the kinde can be no other but that which is suitable to Christ the Object the Spirit the Worker and the Gospel the Instrument for there is not another Jesus nor another Spirit nor another Gospel true in its kinde either for object of Faith or begetting Faith and these Believers are affirmed to be no Hypocrites in the proper sense of the word 1 Pet. 2.1 2 3. as for some hypocrisie to be by Grace resisting and casting out this may be found in the best of Saints on earth 6. That these Believers may abide to the death yea give their Bodie to be burned and die with rejoycing in this Faith To all which I assent If any say Mr. Owen saith not thus I answer If he speak of the Gospel of Christ and the Belief and Obedience and Profession thereof he hath said no less then all this by many and plain expressions as may be seen in his stating the Question and going over it again page 10. and 423. nor is here any thing put by and taken out but according to his own direction and rule
Hebrews was neither acquired nor humane notions and motions but the work of the holy spirit affording spiritual operations 2 That those that fall away from Christ when they have so known him it is impossible to renew them c. 3 The reason of that impossibility 1 For the first of these It is evidenced in so many operations of the Spirit as hee had formerly mentioned principles Vers 4 5 And so hee saith who were once that is those fallen if any such should bee among them which he will not say are but where-ever they are they once were as those written to are and not only were seeing they retain it they are 1 They were inlightened whence hee bids them call to remembrance the former days in which they were illuminated Psal 36.9 John 1.9 12 Eph. 5.14 Psal 19.8 119.130 Prov. 6.23 2 Pet. 1.19 2 Cor. 4.6 Eph. 1.17 18 5 13 Iohn 16.7 8 9 10 11 Prov. 1.23 Acts 26.18 1 Pet. 2.9 Chap. 10.32 The Scripture shews the fountain of this light and inlightening to be Christ in the appearance and discovery of whom Gods gracious mind appears the medium and instrument bringing it and opening the eyes Is the Testimony of Christ the Gospel the command or word of grace the light entering that which openeth the understanding enlighteneth the heart and enableth it to discern Is the holy Spirit comming forth from Christ in and through the Gospel with divine and supernaturall light and inspiration to the mind and heart The first effect of this inlightening is convincement of sin of righteousnesse and judgement c. And where any receive this reproof and by the light and strength of it turn to the Lord repentance from dead works is wrought and such are brought out of darknesse into his marvellous light And so lively and evangelicall and effecatious was their repentance with such spiritual illumination from Christ by his spirit with his word 2 And have tasted of the heavenly gift the fallen had and these writ too both had and in some measure still did though through their dulnesse the edge of their appetite and liveliness of relishing in their Pallate had some abatement whence the Apostles discovery of fears Chap. 3 4 5 6. and setting forth such danger and giving such warning are intermixt to quicken up the same again for they have tasted and have yet an appetite to be quickened Now the word Tasting in this businesse appears to bee both eating feeding savouring and relishing and discerning the goodness and pleasantnesse of that is eaten or tasted And so the word Tasting in Natural things is put for eating and feeding 2 Sam. 3.35 Jonah 3.7 And for discerning and relishing 2 Sam. 19.35 Iob. 6 6. and 12 11. Ioh. 2.9 10. And so for spirituals when the words of God are received into and laid up in the heart as food They prove sweeter than honey to the taste Job 23.12 Psal 119. 103 104. 34.8 Cant. 2.3 whence when men are exhorted to make tryal of the goodnesse of the Lord by trusting in him they are bidden to taste and see that the Lord is gracious And the Church professeth his fruit sweet unto her taste c. of which tasting Peter speaketh 1 Pet. 2.2 3. and so this Apostle here for there is no other sence of tasting in this businesse given us in Scripture For the thing tasted that is in some measure eat and drunk of and the sweet savour relished that is expresse to be the heavenly gift The same by which that principle called faith towards God was affected and with which it closed and that is no other but Christ The oblation of Christ the flesh and blood of Christ Jesus Christ as he hath suffered for our sinnes and offered himself a sacrifice to God for us and so filled with spirit to send forth to us and in the Gospel set forth the propitiation for our sins wisdome Iohn 6.35 48 50 51. 3 16 17. 4 10 Isa 9.6 Acts 3.26 Gal. 3.1 Iohn 6.32 Rom. 8.32 Iohn 1.12 1 Iohn 5.11 12 Iohn 6.51 52.64 righteousnesse sanctification and redemption for us and the mediator between God and us so hee so as the true bread of life which came down from heaven and which God so graciously and for so gracious an end hath given the gift of God the heavenly gift And which in the Ministery of the Gospel hee sendeth tendereth and giveth yea and no other giveth hee for any to feed on but this true bread of life And in giving him will with him give all things that are good and in beleeving on his name hee is received and in with and from himself and in exercise of faith in receiving the grace that flows through him and so resting on him and taking latislying 1 Pet. 2.2 3 4 5 and well preasednesse in him And in that he hath done and is become and doth and will do men do eat of his flesh and drink of his blood And so tasting the graciousnesse of the Lord are by him more inlived and bunt upon him And such the tasting here meant of the heavenly gift Gal. 4.15 5 2 4. 2 Pet. 1.9 by which that principle of faith towards God was wrought in exercise of which faith also is still the tasting of the heavenly gift As for those fallen away they did once taste of the heavenly gift and then it was precious to them and of high esteem with them Iohn 6.29 37 47 51 54 56 58. though now having crucified it it is of no effect with them And our Saviour saith not he that once came that once beleeved that hath once eaten but he that commeth that beleeveth that eateth as speaking of a present and continued act Heb. 3.1.6 7 13 14 15 1 Pet. 2.1 2 3 4 5 6 which was not in those fallen ones But in those writ too it was they did still in some measure eat and so taste and relish for they had the rejoycing of hope and the beginning of confidence which they are exhorted in beleeving still to hold fast even on like ground as Peter exhorted those new born babes that tasted To whom he wrote And so the principle of faith towards God Being produced through the righteousnesse of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ which is manifested in and through the oblation of Christ and being also built upon Christ the foundation accompanied with such spiritual operation affording such tastes of goodnesse in the heavenly gift It is for the kind of it 2 Pet. 1.1 2 3 4 5 9 10 the same precious faith the Apostles had And so Peter affirms it to the Beleevers giving them the same warning in case of the losse of those tastes and relishings which the Apostle doth here so the faith the same of the same kind I say not of the same degree and measure for growth and establishment yea the drift of the Apostle was to lead them to farther
growth and establishment in this Faith not to another faith 3 And were made partakers of the Holy Ghost This as suted to the principle of the Doctrin of Baptisms declares its own meaning to bee not only of those vertues and springs of love joy peace c. Gal. 5.22 effected by the Holy Ghost in the spirit of Beleevers but also together therewith certain spiritual gifts Eph. 4.7 and operations for usefulnesse whereof to every Beleever is given some in some measure And so these in being baptized in to the death of Christ by all the mediums with water word afflictions and spirit extended to them they did also partake of the vertue of his resurrection so as they were also therein indued with such spirituall gifts as whereby they were inabled in exercise of faith and love to speak spiritually in prayer and praises to God and spiritually and profitably in instruction admonition exhortation and consolation to men as appears in comparing the Promise Act. 2.38 39. and 11 15 16 17. and Rom. 6.4 5 6. with the performance to beleevers 1 Cor. 1.4 5 6 7. And not to every one the same usefull gifts or the same measure in the gifts given but to some one to some another to some more to some less Ephe. 4.7.8 12 14 15 16. 1 Cor. 12.2 4 5 6 7 11. 2 Pet. 1.8 2 Tim. 2.21 Rom. 12.3 6 7 8. 1 Pet. 4.10 11. Col. 2.18 1 Tim. 3.6 And so to every one some according to the measure of the gift of Christ in and with which they were fitted to bee fruitfull and in exercise of the same in faith and love according to their measure and the divine vertues in them they should neither bee barren nor unfruitfull in the knowledge of Christ but Vessels serviceable for their Masters use in the House of God Whence Beleevers are directed in all their speaking and use of spirituall gifts To keep this Rule in going forth according to the proportion of faith given them and the measure of spirituall gifts givenand received by them 1 Cor. 12.7 1 5 6 7. 1 Thes 5.8 He that by any other acquired knowledge or learning presumeth to speak besides or beyond this Rule is like to fall into the condemnation of the Devill that was not content with his place These spirituall gifts being given to profit withall and tending to open and confirm the Testimony of Christ And as of the Romanes ability through these gifts Rom. 15.14 15. so of these Hebrews Hee was perswaded they were also and not like the fallen ones that had deprived themselves thereof but these retainings were capable of that hee indeavoured even to lead them to farther usefulness and fruitfullness They were made partakers of the Holy Ghost 4 Vers 5. And have tasted of the good word of God And this also suited to the Principle of laying on of hands shews its own meaning to be Mat. 7.7 11. Ioh. 16.23 24. that whereas God by his Son had graciously promised to hear their prayers put forth in the name of his Son and to give them his good Spirit and every good thing they should and did so ask of him And this in speciall manner for things of neerest and greatest concernment When two or three of them did assemble together in his name and desired any favour of him Mat. 18.19 20 Hee will bee in the midst of them and it shall bee done in Heaven for them They had tasted that is found sweetness and refreshing in experiments of his truth mercy and goodness in answering their prayers Psal 65.2.4 18.6 7. 10 3.1-10 and manifesting his gracious presence in the assemblie of his people in performing his promises when they have prayed and in confidence lift up hands to him and sometime in that confidence Act. 21 24-3â— as a testimony of it laid hands on parties prayed for And so have had experience of the graciousness of the Lord in his pity towards them and of his truth in his promises and of his infinite love power and faithfullness in hearing of prayers and so not executing deserved threats but freely performing his promises of good whence called the good Word unto them And how this doth comfort sweeten enlarge and oblige the heart to cleave to God and continually to love and call on him Psal 17.4 and keep to the assemblie of the Saints is fully professed by the Prophet in the whole 116 Psalm and else where And in this was set out the greatness of Solomons sin 1 King â—1 9 That hee departed from following the Lord that had in such evident manner appeared to him twice And this shews the greatness of the sin of those fallen in forsaking the assemblies of the Saints Heb. 10.25 26. and crucifying to themselves him from whom they had tasted so much of his graciousness in performing his promises and hearing the prayers and blessing the assemblies of Beleevers And therein shews the great incouragement and obligation these Hebrews had to continue in their faith Heb. 10.19 20 22 23 24 25. and fellowship and approaching to God and provoking one another to love and good works having had so many experiments of the graciousness of the Lord. His drift being to stir them up more hereto in that hee hath farther to say to them who have tasted of the good Word of God Heb. 6.5 and of the powers of the World to come This Word being in the Plurall Number The powers of the World to come doth sute this sentence to the two last Principles That is the Doctrin of the Resurrection of the dead and of eternall Judgement Both being grounded on the Resurrection of Christ and his comming again and both the Resurrection of the dead which is first and the eternall Judgement which follows that Resurrection appertaining to and to be done not in the time of the World that now is but in the World to come at and after the visible appearing of Jesus Christ so that of the powers in the Doctrin of both these and the spirituall efficacies of both these in that Doctrin beleeved and of the power of the Spirit that in that Doctrin doth in some measure present or shew them to the view of faith and assertain their being really done in the due time of these powers of both these hee speaketh and of the same say they have tasted that is they have discerned savoured relished and experimented the efficaciousness of the Divine Power by which these shall bee effected 1. In their new birth even when they were dead in sins Ephes 1.19 20. 2 4 5 6. Rom. 7.9.24 25. cast by the sentence of the Law when sin accused and all their righteousness failed and dispair of all hope in themselves ceised on them And while they were in so great blindness and death The Power of this grace in the Doctrin of Christ raised from the dead 2 Tim. 1.7 8. Rom. 7.6
lead us to repentance that coming into him we might have life and this now also all testified by the Spirit of God Oh! let us not deny this Lord that bought us let his goodness melt our hearts and prevail with us to acknowledge him the Lord and Saviour of the world even our Lord that so we may repent and beleeve in him and live to him And let no man deceive you by telling you these are the fruits of the goodness of God as a Creator but not as a Redeemer not so as through a Mediator extended as fruits of the purchase and mediation of Christ for all is through him And no man can know God that doth not so acknowledge Christ his Son For the Father hath committed all judgement to the Son of man Rom. 14.7 Phil. 2 7-11 1 Tim. 2.6 Joh. 5.20 21 22 23 27. 2 Cor. 5.15 upon this account because he hath taken the nature of man and therein given himself a ransome for all men and that to this end That all men should honour the Son as they honour the Father And he that honoureth not the Son in these or other things honoureth not the Father So that the application of the purchase and intercession of Christ as being onely for some peculiar and undemonstrable sort of men doth teach the sons of men to deny the Lord that bought them and shuts the door of repentance against them But now for such as to whom the Gospel is also ministred yea and therein also Spirit vouchsafed and they by the Spirit illuminated in the knowledge of Christ and that with such operations as effectually produceth such a change in the minde affections and coversation that there is in them repentance and sorrow for sin with light love joy zeal obedience and holiness So sincere as makes them do worthily in their generations their faith and holines true in its kind and they upon account thereof called Saints and Beleevers And yet though all this be given them of God yet neither the Spirit nor any of these his operations bestowed on them as a fruit of the purchase and intercession of Christ How then shall we conceive it to be bestowed without some secret blaspheming of God some way in his Truth and Justice and testimony of his Son can any man tell Is there any word of Scripture to say it Col. 1.19 2 Pet. 2.1 2. yea is not all the Scripture against such a conceit yea it shews it to be a denying of the preheminencie of Christ that God would have him to have in all things yea it plainly teacheth not onely other men but even beleevers to deny the Lord that bought them and a leaving them to conclude their faith by fancy seeing there are none by the Gospel to tell them though their faith be true in its kinde and operative whether they be beholding to Christ for it and whether it be a fruit of his purchase and intercession or no and if any presume to tell them they must take it on their word and so their faith rest on man 1 Cor. 2.4 And into what delusions this may lead men let wise men judge But Mr. Owen may be supposed not to deny but that they have the holy Spirit given them as a fruit of the purchase and intercession of Christ but that it is not so given them to dwell and abide in them for ever as to these he pleads for And were it not for his oft and plain expressions elsewhere in his book denying the purchase and intercession of Christ to be for any but these he pleads for I should even so have understood him and suppose it so meant of the end of giving the Spirit I shall consider that also 2 He saith It was given them to dwell and abide in them for ever And this must be taken either as relating to the gracious minde and end of God according to his holy will in giving his holy Spirit or as relating to the answering of that end of his ever-dwelling Let us consider both according to the Scripture 1 The end of God in sending his Spirit in the Gospel to call men Act. 26.17 18. Is to open their eyes and to turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God that they may receive forgiveness of sins and inheritance among them that are sanctified by faith that is in Christ So that this appears to be for continuance of his work to the end and that is his abiding in them for ever And so sure his end in sending Eph. 3.16 17. 1 Pet. 1.5 or giving his Word or Spirit to any and inabling them to understand and beleeve is that this gracious word and Spirit may dwell and abide in them for ever but his will and mind is that it shal so dwel abide in their hearts by faith which he hath given them Whence we are so often exhorted to continue in the faith and to let that we have received from the beginning abide in us so shal we continue and abide in him and his Spirit will abide in us therefore are all the beleevers and holy brethren warned to take heed of such unbeleevingness as canseth departure from the living God by which some have deprived themselves of this blessing in this gracious end of God 1 Sam. 3. Psal 78.5.16 Jon. 2.8 which yet is so ordered in his Counsels that his end will be fulfilled in their just destruction for despiting so great grace as it was in Israel of old that fell in the wilderness in Elies house in Ephraim and others But such as he hath given to beleeve having been found trusting in him have never been forsaken c. And this end in such sense to give his holy Spirit to dwell and abide in them for ever may be affirmed of all beleevers even those mentioned Heb. 6.1 2 4 5. And in no other sense of any beleever but to abide in and through faith 2 If the dwelling and abiding in them for ever be taken in relation to answering this gracious end of God in the constancy and durance of the holy Spirit his dwelling and abiding in them for ever that is so as they live and dye in the faith then it is out of question of all hands but this is not determinable till they have finished their course and dye in the faith so that there is no difference or distinguishing and discriminating mark to difference one beleever from another in this thing but as some are quite fallen away and departed from the faith and others dye in the faith As for that assurance of faith where-through the heart may be thorowly perswaded of their perseverance and so the Spirits abiding in them for ever It is that I have endeavoured to lead all beleevers to in this Treatise as may be seen in treating of the testimony of Christ and of the Purposes Promises and Covenants of God though Mr. Owen saith Even those of that
it and never separate from it And this supernatural divine power in this heavenly supernatural disposition is the Spirit of Christ in beleevers And in this manner Rom. 8 9-12 in and with such a disposition is he in them And he that hath not the Spirit of Christ in him is as yet none of his members And thus one and the same Spirit is in him the head and in them the members yet with some difference for the manner of being in them Eph. 4 16. 1 Joh. 2.20 27 28. Col. 2.3 9 10. Eph. 4.7 Rom. 8.23 it is in him as the head whence it flows to all the members In him as the giver but in them as members and receivers In him as the fountain in them as vessels In him immeasurably the fulness of the Godhead dwelling in him bodily In them according to a measure of the good pleasure of Christ and that not the full nor the half nor the tenth but a first fruits of that which abiding in him they shall be filled withall at his coming and this first fruits of a different measure in some more than in other and capable of increase in all Saints during this life And so the same spirit in those spoken to Heb. 6.1 2 4 5 7 9 10. And all this I have writ to prevent fancies delusions and pride in mens conceits of the inhabitation of the holy Spirit in them As for those two terms viz. That upon the account of this inhabitation of the Spirit in them they have union with Christ And that this union with Christ is one and the same Spirit dwelling in him the head and them the members These expressions may to such as have understanding to take them in a right sense go for currant and true for in a right sense so they are but to such as are yet weak they are so darkly exprest that it may dazle and hinder the faith of some and the growth of others For first that upon the account of the inhabitation of the Spirit they have union with Christ it is undoubtedly true yea without controversie there is no union with Christ but by the operation of this holy Spirit But that there is no union with Christ before this inhabitation of the Spirit would be harsh to affirm yea in order of nature if not of time as it may be in some the Spirit in working faith doth first unite the beleevers in beleeving to Christ before he take up his residence and habitation in them which is upon and after beleeving I will not press a nice distinction of the spirits being with a man in bringing to Christ and instructing in the knowledge of him Joh 7.37 38. Eph. 1.13 and so bringing by faith to adhere to him and so uniting And after taking up his habitation as an In dweller affording a living principle though there is more force for this in those words to them united to Christ Yee know him for he dwelleth with you and shall be in you Joh. 14.17 then in many quotations rendred by some for what they pretend to prove thereby But for true beleevers that in faith and love are united to Christ and yet happily have not or discern not such a constant inhabitation as is mentioned the Spirits doctrine is good and safe 1 Pet. 2.2 3.4 5 As new born babes desire the sincere milk of the word that yee may grow thereby if so be you have tasted that the Lord is gracious to whom coming c. Yee are built upon him c. which is no less than more firmly united and growing up in union with him Suitable to that Heb. 3.6.14 Joh. 17.20 Though still there is an union in will purpose design and way which is a fruit of the former and follows it yea in this also they become of one heart and minde with all unfained beleevers for carrying on the design of Christ and of union in a spiritual minde and disposition and by reason of fellowship in an obliging relation is that 1 Cor. 6.17 as appears by the opposition And of union in minde and fellowship as well as in faith appears to be meant 1 Cor. 12.12 13. And the reason rendred because wrought by one Spirit And of the oneness of Spirit with the head and all beleevers Gal. 3.1.5 5.5 6. in faith love and design appears to be meant Eph. 4.4 5. And as the weakest beleever hereby may be both comforted and exhorted in abiding to experiment this inhabitation though he yet hardly discern it So the strongest may be exhorted to grow up in it And yet again that the union with Christ is in this That there is one and the same Spirit in him the head and them the members is true yet in such as are yet weak in understanding so to take it without some explication may hinder their growth supposing the inhabitation compleat when yet there may be much wanting to them and they need still the operations of the holy Spirit in making them one with Christ in his minde and judgement in the testimony of Christ approving what he approves condemning what he condemns And so one with him in his design for glorifying God in seeking the salvation of men and the edifying prosperity of the Church And so one with him in child-like affection to God and member-like love to brethren and compassion to them that are out of the way and so one with him in bowels of mercy patience meekness c. All which oneness with him abiding in that faith and love he hath wrought and is stirring up in them they shall grow up more in and so grow up more into him c. which was that the Apostle endeavoured to farther the Hebrews in And so in all quotations in all the three Concernments no other or better faith shewn than that which is faith indeed in the first kinde set forth by him See also the last CHAP. XXI Of Mr. Owens last Concernment in two parts IN this last Concernment are two things expresly noted First Their actual state and condition And secondly Then relative condition And all said of either as true of that which is faith in that set out in the first kinde as of that which is faith set out in this second kinde for the mixtures put in to darken it taken from the one and the unjustifiable expressions put on the other to make shew of difference removed both appears to be indeed but one kinde of faith so that there is nothing here needful but onely reciting the words and minding the proofs quoted First Rom. 8.23 14 25. 2 Cor. 5.1 4. Phil. 3.11.12 Rom. 8.10 Rom. 7-14 15 24 25 26 â— 1 2 3 4. he saith By all which As to their actual state and condition they are really changed from death to life c. We know he meaneth not from mortallity to immortallity which is that real change they have not yet attained but wait for
first thing in hearty beleeving whereof we shall surely be saved Secondly Rom. 5.8.10 4.23 24 25. In the proceeding of it uniting to and ingrafting into Christ viz. That through the beleef of this fore-said and the immense love power and propitiousness and good will of God commended here-through beleeve in God and so rest on him for preservation in this grace to the enjoyment of the inheritance and so for the eternal life promised Heb. 11.13 which beleeving is formerly described to be a discerning a being perswaded and a hearty operation c. And all so beleeving without difference are justified by faith which word or term is used to shew the way of receiving justification even by faith not to shew that justification is compleated and over and past for justification is still needed by beleevers and in beleeving daily received of them whence also God is said not onely to be the justifier of him that beleeveth on him that justifieth the ungodly and so to be he that hath justified the beleever Rom. 4.5 But to be the justifier of him that beleeveth and it is God that justifieth Rom. 3.26 8.33 So as it is a continued flowing business for beleevers in all needs to be receiving by faith that is the onely way of receiving and that in which God dispenseth justification Therefore being justified by faith that is by and through Christ by his bloud Rom. 5.1 2 â— 3.25 5.11 John 1.12 Act. 10.43 12.38 39 the object of faith received in and through beleeving on him wee have peace with God through Jesus Christ our Lord by whom also wee have accesse into this grace wherein wee stand and rejoyce in hope of the glory of God c. And it should bee an evil work by any strange and lofty expressions to trouble any such beleevers about this faith Rom. 8.32 33-39 Speaketh of that whence the Apostles perswasion was raised and this perswasion not of and for himself alone or some special and peculiar Beleevers with him only But of the whole society and body of Beleevers 1 Joh. 3.1 2. speaketh likewise of the whole society of Beleevers Joh. 1.12 Gal. 3.26 Behold what manner of Love the Father hath bestowed on us that wee should bee called the Sonnes of God Therefore the world knoweth us not owneth not us nor our faith and profession because it knew not him owned not God in that discovery of himself in his Son which hee hath set forth in the gospel Beloved now are wee the sons of God that is by faith and it doth not yet appear what wee shall bee that is 1 Cor. 13 12. Rom. 8.23 Col. 3.4 how glorious and happy we shall be we see yet but in part we are but a little like him we have yet but the first fruits of the spirit but when hee shall appear that is in glory wee shall bee like him for wee shall see him as hee is this is that which all true Beleevers do and may look and wait for Ephe. 3.15 Joh. 1.12 Gal. 3.26 speaks of more than beleevers on the earth and shews that all that are beleevers in Christ and those that have lived and died in the faith have had their name of Sonnes from Christ the Sonne and Beleevers now by vertue of their union with him in beleeving and from him now are they called Christians and his house c. And it is confessed in a sense hee puts his Name on them though it bee not here said they are called after the name of God But let it bee considered that here is shown how the Apostle prayed for them Eph. 3 14.-19 as was in Chap. 1 18.-20 And surely for nothing but what was good and needfull for them hee doth not puff them up with thoughts of their attainments Eph. 1.13 because they had beleeved and were sealed with the holy spirit of promise And were quickned together with Christ and were raised together and made to sit together in heavenly places in him Eph. 2.5 6 8 and were saved by grace through faith of the gift of God therefore they had and injoyed these things hee prayed for and it was impossible for them to miscarry though they knew not that they had these things and so wanted only the knowledge in themselves of the assurance of their abiding Nor doth he scare or terrify them as if their faith were not of the right kind and that Christ and his holy spirit were not in them But hee acknowledging their faith right and them faithful in Christ tells them now earnestly and for what hee prayeth for them Phil. 1.9 10 11. Col 1.9 10 11 1 Thes 3.12 13. 5.23 2 Thes 1.11 12 Eph. 3.14 15 that they may abide and grow and be preserved and established in the faith and so found unblameable before him at his comming As hee did the like for the Phillipians and for the Colossians and for the Thessalonians and so likewise for the Hebrews chap. 13.20 And so here to the Ephesians hee lets them know To whom and in whose name he prayed for them even unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named In which are many things encouraging both him and them to pray to God in the name of Christ As the exceeding greatnesse of the power of God that gave and raised Christ Eph. 1.19 22 2.17 18 19 22. Heb. 3.5 6 c. The relation between the Father and the Son and his ingagement to his Son by whom the ways of our approach to have access to God was opened the fellowship corporation and body hee hath received us into and made us of even his own house and family and so his interest in us Eph 1.23 3 14 and ours in him our Lord and the owner of this house And Lastly That in putting his word in their heart and inabling them to beleeve and confesse the same hee hath put his name upon them so farre that hee is pleased to bee called their God and Father and they called his people and the declarers of his name which with the rest gives great consolation seeing hee hath promised to hear his people that are called by his name when they humble themselves and pray and seek his face and pray towards or in the house that is called by his name 2 Chron. 7 12-14 6 20-41 which as the old was a tipe signifies Christ and his people and so to pray in faith in the Name of Christ and in union with and love of the brethren Joh. 16.23 Mar. 11.24 25 Psal 65 1-4 Hee being a God hearing prayers and they blessed whom he chooseth and causeth to approach to him that they may dwell in his house for they shall bee satified And as this is great consolation for Beleevers confident praying so it hath in it also a forcible and great admonition to Beleevers to
where is not a word found to countenance any kinde of faith but one of which the mixtures in his first kinde and the lofty and by expressions in his second kinde are no part but that which is faith indeed in either or both of them is one and the same faith CHAP. XXIII The Conclusion AS I began so I end To the Law and Testimony Minde what is written see what is there plainly affirmed and testified how the question is there stated and answered that beleeve and hold fast and be not waved from it by any Queries glosses interpretations or subtil and Scholastical stating of the question by men who it will appear by such courses strive more for victory than truth and seek more for the honour of some sort of men than of the testimony of Jesus and spying their inability to overturn the evidence of truth in that testimony of truth plainly asserted they devise Queries and glosses and then state the question so as that they strive to deny and that they maintain is a meer fancy that none that hold forth the testimony of Christ have contended for or against that so they may seem to have the victory and then cast a blemish on the plain sayings of the Holy Ghost to make mens devices appear lovely and so put to shame the beleevers of the plain testimony of Christ And how near to this Mr. Owen comes I leave for others to consider onely in what is written these things appear proved 1 That in affirming two kindes of faith wrought by the Spirit in men upon account whereof they are called Beleevers and Saints and both really true in their kinde He plainly goeth besides and contrarieth the Scripture that tells us but one kinde really true 2 That in his first kinde of faith there are so many mixtures put in that are no efficacies of the holy Spirit in the Gospel nor any parts of faith at all and if they be taken as ingredients and parts of the faith he mentions then is that faith he calls really true in its kinde no faith at all in Scripture language nor any there on the account of such a faith called Beleevers and Saints nor is it the faith pleaded for and called saving by those he opposeth And if those mixtures be removed and left out and that stand for the faith true in its kinde which is so indeed then it is one and the same with all that he saith of the second kinde of faith that is by Scripture found true indeed and then he hath secretly yet plainly yeelded all that which through his book he opposeth in another for this faith hee yeeldeth men may fall from 3 That in his second kinde of faith he hath put in strange and unscripture-like expressions and assertions in every of his Concernments specially the former three of them which being taken as necessary to the being of this second kinde of faith that it may be true in its kinde then is there no such faith and holiness set forth in the Scripture nor any such beleevers and Saints on this earth what ever by fancy or mans approbation some may conceive Nor doth all or any of the quotations express or prove such a faith according to the terms asserted to differ it from the first kinde so that the faith and holiness the perseverance whereof such as no possibility of falling away he asserteth is such a faith as is not as no man hath otherwise then by conceit a fancy which those he opposeth never vented to bring it within the lists of a controversie And so in striving for this he was quite besides the business in controversie to give any answer thereto the question being not about fancy but truth As for the reason why he thus stated the question as to evade the business I leave that to himself and others to consider 4. That in both his kindes of faith I find that that which is true and which the quotations to them do either express or prove for to be saith It is for the kinde of it in both but one and the same kinde of faith as hath been fully shewn in treating of both onely it is so darkned by the mixtures put in the one and the strange expressions and lofty terms put in the other that no man that taketh all hee saith for truth can see any door for him to come into the faith or any certain way to know when he hath it yea it will more hinder such as have it not from faith and such as have it from perseverance then all said by him whom he opposeth and leaves men for their consolation to their fancy and the judgment of their Rabbies to relye on whereas the faith that is true saving and justifying is cleerly set forth in the Scripture in the testimony of Christ as in this Treatise hath been shewn in every part thereof let the Scriptures quoted be read and their expressions beleeved and so let the Reader discern and judge accordingly If any reply That when there is a controversie about faith It is then needful to state the question that it may be seen what is pleaded for and who plead for the true faith indeed I answer The object and foundation of faith being discovered in the plain sayings of the Gospel and the inward beleef and acknowledgement of that stood for according to plain sayings in the Gospel the question is well stated in the plain affirmations of the Gospel and none need require any other stating of the question but such as cannot indure to stand to those sayings from which none that are wise will be waved And the truth is the controversie was not about the faith it self but about the possibility or impossibility of such as at any time have attained to beleeve to fall away again that so help may accordingly be administred to them and they exhorted to receive and use the same to prevent danger and the divers kinds of true faith is an invention brought in to strengthen the pursuit of the controversie and who shall state a question for two kindes of faith true in their kinde when there is but one and what will become of all that is builded on a question so stated or who that is wise will regard it to be waved by it Judge But if any will still bee violent to have the question stated let them first consider and plainly answer this one question namely Quest What they do indeed mean by faith whether the object of faith or the grace of beleeving in that object for this is cleer in the Scripture That as our Fathers confiding and trusting and hoping in God was called their Trust and their Hope so also God himself in whom they trusted is by them confessed their Hope and their Trust Psal 71.5 Jer. 17.17 Psal 40.4 1 Tim. 1.1 And he is pronounced Blessed that maketh the Lord his Trust And so now God hath sent forth his Son and taken up his dwelling