potestas a power in the Soul to do something peculiar in calling things to remembrance carries a flaming Torch in its hand over all the chambers of the Soul â—nuert Instit and by Physitians and Philosophers is reckoned one of the three inferior senses Now in this as in all other powers Faith hath its residence and acts in and from them upon its most noble and spiritual objects I shall not recount many Scriptures Some trust in Horses and some in Chariots Psal 20 7â— but we will remember the Name of the Lord our God even what he hath done for us of old and trust him still Saints use to call to mind former mercâ—ies to encourage Faith I will remember thee from the land of Jordan Psal 42.6 and of the Hermonites from the hill Mizzar the little hill Mizoar before Zoar. In which and the like places David escaped the violence of Saul Memory helps Faith in a gracious person recalling the ancient benefits of God to his Church and his wonders of old Help a Holy mans Memory as to former actings of Faith in his straits and you comfort him presently with the sweet hope of continued deliverances till he arise to the great deliverance in the Heaven of glory But lest I be tedious I shall prosecute no more but descend to the second Section of this Chapter SECT II. Of the Primary Efficient Cause of FAITH AS to the efficient Cause Author or Worker of Faith in the heart we know that every good gift comes down from Heaven And hence Faith is sometime ascribed to the donation of God essential being called the gift of God the Faith of the operation of God. Again Jam. 1.17 Eph 2.2 Col. 2.2 Phil. 1.29 â— Thess 1.11 Phil. 2.13 t is said to be given to the Saints to believe and the work of Faith is said to be the effect of his mighty power In which and in all other heavenly gifts and graces to will and to do are both wrought of God. As t is in true repentance a grace that 's alwayes conjoyned with Faith and leads out of our selves by the hand of Faith into Christ the former being given of God so is Faith. â— Cor. 3.5 All our sufficiency to think but a good thought slides down from Heaven Q. If you ask then How thoughts come into the heart A. I Answer They flow into the head or heart by the power of imagination thru the windows of the senses or from concreated ideas or by some instillations and special infusions from God as it is in all curious Arts and Sciences Prev 8.12 He is the finder out of all witty Inventions as we read in the case of Bezaleel for the Tabernacle and in Hiram for Temple works If you ask whence holy thoughts come I answer from the infusion of the Spirit Gen. 1.2 and his warming the waters of the Soul as it is exprest by Moses in the first Creation so it is in the new Creation from the breathings of the Spirit on the garden of spices which â—e himself hath planted in our hearts Isa 26.12 Psal 33 22 1 Chro. 29 18 1 Joh 2 27 So it is in the work of Faith as the Church expresses it Thou hast wrought all our works in us and for us he causeth us to trust or hope in his Word He begins and inspires good thoughts into us and keeps them in the imagination of our hearts He teaches and anoints us with the oil of the Spirit He makes all new within us and puts hearts of flesh into us Jer. 31 18 Ezek. 36 26 and turns us unto himself because he is the Lord our God having accepted us into covenant relation with himself Sometimes the work of Faith is ascribed to the Father as in that to the Ephesians Eph 1 19 20 we are made to believe by the exceeding grâ—atness of the mighty power of the Father even the same power which he wrought in Christ when he raised him from the dead Joh. 6 4â— And otherwhere it is said that no man can come to the Son that is by Faith except the Father draw him by the golden chain of his electing love and teaches him from his chair in Heaven Besides the work is oftentimes ascribed to Christ who is said to be the Author and Finisher of our Faith and that he is exalted to give repentance and forgiveness of sins Heb 12.2 Act 5.31 both which are intimately connexed with Faith as in the case of the Father of the tormented Child Mark 9.24 praying to Christ to help his unbelief But more especially and immediately it s attributed to the holy Spirit who works in our understandings to think of heavenly things and puts holy motions into our hearts which are the original of those sudden thoughts by darting of Scriptures and precious Promises into our memories Rom. 8.5 9. â— John 14.26 and kindling sparks of light and comfort in our hearts yea the witnessing of our spirits to him are wrought by him He inclines our wills to embrace himself and Christ our Lord. For if we have not the spirit of Christ Rom 8.9 we are none of his Yea Faith it self even as all other graces are given by one and the same spirit Again one of the fruits of the Spirit is recorded to be Faith 1 cor 12 9 and to speak with reverence it is from his implantation and inoculation in the new paradise of the Soul. Gal 5.22 Yea and after that we have believed we are also sealed up in the Faith by this holy spirit of promises He seals all his own gracious workings upon our hearts Sometimes Believers are said to receive the Holy Ghost presently upon the first work which evidently shews the connexion of Faith and holiness by the same spirit Eph 1.13.13 19.3 16 17 Hence t is observable that tho Prophecies be never so perspicuously and radiantly fulfilled and tho admirable miracles were performed to illustrate the presence of the Deity yet they wrought not the least grain of Faith without the energy of the spirit he must add thereto an inward miracle upon the heart Thus it befel the Israelites in the Arabian Desart Deut. 29.3 4. For God sayes Moses gave them not a heart to perceive unto that day Just so the Capernaites they saw Christs blessed person and his eminent Miracles but believed not as not being given to them by the Father Joh 6.36 37. John 12.37 and so it was with the Pharisees and other Jews tho he had done such great works before their eyes yet they believed not on him There must be therefore a working power of the spirit concomitant with the Ministry of the outward call of the Word else none shall believe the report of Christ by Isaiah Isa 53.1 unless the arm of the Lord be revealed within Hence it is that some have professed to have heard a kind of voice at their
conversion as holy Austin declares expresly concerning himself under a fig tree in the Garden at Millain Confes l 8. c 1â— not difformous from that of the Prophet Isa 30.21 They shall hear a voice behind them saying this is the way walk ye in it Q. But some may say If Faith be wrought by the Holy Ghost Gal. 3.2 how is it said that we receive the Holy Ghost by Faith A. I Answer Tho the Holy Ghost work Faith in us at first that Faith which was wrought in us by him is further augmented and increased in us by the fame holy spirit and acts together with him in prayer for a further addition of his gifts and graces Besides in the primitive times it was the method of mercy that when persons had declared their Faith upon that they received the Holy Ghost in his dona ministrantia or gifts for good of the Church I might treat further of the adjuvant suborninate and instrumental causes the various and wonderful methods the seasons and times of divine working As Naaman was excited by a poor captive Maid at home and by his Servants abroad to believe God for his cure by the Prophet it is in thousands of cases and notable circumstances wherein God produces this blessed work but I must surcease and end with a deduction that since the work of Faith is supernatural and our conversion birth from the spirit then are we not the sons of God begotten by the will of man Joh 3 6 Joh 1 12. but of God and are breathed upon with the breath of spiritual life by that free agent the spirit of God. Not where and when the heady list and free will of man pleases that great Idol of a perishing World Act 18 29 Prov. 1.19 Eph 2 1 rejecting the free grace of God. Faith is of Grace There 's no power in nature to believe nay the very preparation of the heart is from the Lord. We are by nature dead in sins and trespasses and can no more believe than the old feigned Atlas can support the heavens or an inconsiderable fly with her impetuous hummings can shove a Mountain into the Sea. But I pass to the six Sections belonging to this Chapter whereof briefly hasten-to the Chapters I chiefly aim at SECTION 3. The next thing to have toucht was the more immediate and peculiar Object of Eaith and that 's no more than the person of our blessed Lord in his sufferings our beloved Saviour on the Cross viz. to believe on his Name to look up to the Antitype of the brazen Serpent John 1 12 Act 16.31 Rom 5 11 3 25 when lifted up upon the pole of the Gospel As Paul told the Jaylor If we believe on the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved a Lord to Rule a Jesus to Save and a Christ to Anoint us and so we shall receive the attonement For God hath set him forth for a Propitiation through Faith in his blood without blood there is no remission Heb 9 22 and without blood of an infinite value there can be no expiation to infinite Justice Now if any be so bold as to dispute with their Maker why this way and no other I Answer Rom 9 20 Who art thou that repliest unto God being thy self but a defiled shiver of a pitiful Earthen Vessel ready to be dasht in pieces every moment I shall rather turn off to answer the caril of a Jew who being askt how they can expect now to be saved since their magnificent Temple and the brazen Altar of Sacrifice lie in the dust whereas they are commanded not to presume upon Sacrifice but in that place at Jerusalem since also they can legally pretend to no pardon without blood and yet will rest upon that place misinterpreted of a poor mans Offering of a handful of fine Flower Lev. 5.12 and Moses his saying from the Lord that his sin should he forgiven him To which may be answered that the Temple was dâ—dicated and the Priest and the Altar were Consecrated with blood Mat 23 19 which gave a vertue to all the Sacrifices and offerings but I rather reply that this handful was to be offered 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 not as we translate it according but upon the Offerings of the Lord made by fire This being joyned with the Lords Flower which was continually burnt with the Lords Lamb of the morning or evening Sacrifice and so had its vertue from that bloody offering But alas there 's now no place to offer either Lamb or Incense or Wine or Oyl or fine Flower according to Gods Institution since the destruction of Jerusalem by Titus and Hadrian the Roman Emperors Let us pray therefore that the poor Jews might be enlightned to come to theâ— blessed Altar of the Cross of Christ and to this Priest of the Tribe of Judah Heb. 7 28 who is Consecrated for evermore But le ts remove to the fourth SECT 4. The fourth section should exhibit wherein the true and genuine essence of Faith consists The formalis ratio or that which gives to it the force and power to unite us to Christ and thereby to receive influences from him Of this having said somewhat already in this Chapter and intending God willing to dilate upon it in the next and shew that it lies in recumbency or relying upon the Lord Jesus Christ as he is set forth in the Gospel promises I shall strike off to the fifth SECTION 5. 5. The fifth particular concerns the great ends of Faith. The first and more immediate is the forgiveness of sin and justification of our persons by the imputation of the meritorious Blood of Christ Acts 13.38 39 As Paul in his Sermon at Antioch in Pisidia preacht the forgiveness of sins and that all which believed in him were justified from all things as to which they could not be by the law of Moses according as the Evangelist exprest it Mat. 1.21 He came to save his people from their sins A second is the Salvation of our souls according to Peter receiving the end of your Faith the salvation of your souls 1 Pet 1.9 The last and ultimate end as of all both persons and things is the glory of the wisdom justice and mercy of an infinitely holy God. Rom. 4.20 Johc 17.23 For he that believes on the son glorifies the Father also As Abraham being strong in Faith gave glory to God so Christ professes in prayer that he was glorified in his believing Disciples and when all the Saints shall triumph together in heaven their 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or song of victory will be with blessing and honour and glory and power to him that sitteth on the Throne Rev 5.13 and to the Lamb for ever and ever even the Lamb that was slain even the same that taketh away the sins of the believing world SECTION 6. In the sixth place it 's of great use to amplifie
God permit And likewise the fifth about Entring into Covenant by Faith and shall now proceed to the sixth Chapter neither shall I handle that in the full Latitude I had prepared but speak more succinctly in some things under that Head for the same Reasons CHAP VI. The necessary and inseparable connexion between Sanctification and true FAITH WHat I may at present exhibit on this Subject may be comprized under these Heads 1. Let 's treat a little of the nature of Sanctification 2. Shew the undivided connexion between that and Faith. 3. Intermix some complaints about formal Professors 4. Answer a Case or two and end As to the first we may peremptoryly determine the point that wherever true Faith dwells there must and will be true holiness both in heart and life and where it is not that person who pretends to Faith without it is a self-deceiver and in his attendance upon Ordinances without life-obedience is but the servant of base hypocrisie Hei. 1.12 c Will any dare to tread Gods Courts on sacred dayes and lift up crimson hands in prayer that are full of blood and stain'd with bribery and oppression God loathes to smell any perfumes in such assemblies mixt with the unsavoury stench of their defiled bodies and putrid lives True Sanctification does not lie in outward solemnities and the gaudery of Temple-worship Jer. 7.22 as the Prophet treats the Jews in the Name of God that he commanded them not concerning Burnt offerings and Sacrifices or the Incense of Sheba 6.20 or the sweet Cane of Arabia that is comparatively no nor principally as he did moral duties of piety and honesty To obey is better than sacrifice 1 Sam. 15.22 and to hearken than the fat of Rams Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of fed Beasts Mich. 6.7 or ten thousand Rivers of Oyl or the children of our bowels to smoke upon his Altar no no! But to to do justly love mercy Psal 50.17 and to walk humbly with God this O Man is good in his sight Will God eat the flesh of Bulls Psal 69.31 or drink the blood of Goats no! he requires the offerings of praise and thanksgiving this will please him better than an Oxe that hath young horns and hoofs Hos 6.6 Jos 5.7 10 Amos 5.25 Act. 7.42 Mat. 12.7.9 13. Mnrk. 12.33 Eph. 4.24 Col. 3.10 and therefore in cases of mercy God dispenses with Ordinances as he did with Israel in the Wilderness both as to Circumcision and the Passeover for about forty years together but with Moral duties never Our Lord bids us therefore to go and learn this point more diligently For a Pharisee may be huge ceremonius with his white linnen about a platter but yet neglect the weighty matters of the Law Justice and Judgment and Mercy Whereas true Sanctification is a work of Gods Spirit renewing the whole man after the image of God in righteousness and true holiness whereby he is instructed and inabled in all wayes of Scripture obedience to mind the weighty and principal things of love to God and our Neighbour and not leave undone those lesser points which belong to any institution of God and not of man. By this inward work upon the heart the sanctified person immediately begins the practice of Mortification in dying to sin and of rising to newness of life but yet this work is not perfectly and compleatly wrought in any person during this life therefore we must interpret the Apostle in his prayer 1 Thess 5.23 that the Thessalonians might be sanctified throughout not in the highest pitch of degrees but of soundness and sincerity in every part 1 Cor. 6.17 and member of the new Adam There is a habit of holiness infused and wrought in the heart by the holy spirit of promise by which means we are joyned to the Lord and become one spirit with him We do not of our selves first believe and so receive the spirit of God this were to ascribe the actings of faith to the power of man before the infusion of grace but first the inspiring and inclining motions of the spirit descend into us â—oâ— 3.3 Eph. 2.22 whereby we are enabled to believe on the Son and to become by one Spirit united to him as our head All habitual graces are wrought in us feminally at first and at one time yea Faith it self as to the order of time is infused together with the rest in the same moment of our regeneration and sincere conversion to God. Habitual holiness therefore in the production of its blessed fruits and faith among the rest does antedate all the particular acts of Faith or other Graces As in natural Generation all the powers of life are in semine concepto animato formed at once Aristot d. gen animal l. Pecquet de venis lacteis but the heart having implanted within it the true sanguifying virtue becomes the primum vivens movens the first living and moving principle which is discerned by its pulsation like the desires of the Soul in the beginnings of Faith yet all sensation attraction digestion excretion sanguification formation of nervous juices and spirits with locomotion and the rest are all settled at once but display their operations afterward at the command of the rational soul Much like hereunto is the work of the new conception formation and exertion of spiritual and vital acts In the first actings of the Spirit we are passive being found of him after whom we sought not at first but after Isa 65.1 that by a connexed power and concourse of the holy spirit we act and rely on Christ in the promise of life Eph. 4 16 Col. 2.9 10 and receive all the supplies of nourishment from the glorious head of influence thru ' the spirit Even as the head of the natural body conveys the animal spirits thru ' the several conjugations of the nerves into all parts of the body to manage both sensation and motion Isal 44.3 Mat. 3.11 1 Cor. 6.11 As the Scripture expresses it we are sanctified in the â—ame and power of the Lord Jesus by the Spirit of our GOD. As to the Author of Sanctification it is no other than in all gracious works even God essential and the spirit of God in his more particular Operations and Applications As for preparations to grace in any spiritual way before the influences of the spirit Eph 2 1. they are insignificant and unsavoury notions for by nature we are dead in sins and trespasses T is the same holy Spirit who inclines at first to the use of means and warms the heart in and by them as appointed and sanctified of God. There are 't is true various degrees in moral habits and their actings by the common work of the Spirit in his ordinary efficacy but in many moral persons in the state of nature these moralities produce as of old in the Scribes and Pharisees strong and very
vigorous resistance against the more spiritual operations of the holy Spirit of God. 2. I proceed now to the second point premised which is to shew that Faith and Holiness are inseparable companions like Jonathan and David native twins coming up from the washing of regeneration both together which may be evident as follows 1. Because Faith is a part of holiness or the new creature in the renovation of the image of God whom to believe on his Word was the duty of Adam in Innocency and is indeed a branch of the first Commandment and part of that blessed pourtraicture is restored again by Christ under the new Covnant By nature since the fall 't is true we incline to distrust God and believe Satan before him and in not obeying him in trusting to his Son upon his Word we give God the un truth as to the method of salvation by anothers righteousness But indeed Faith is a prime part of our holiness whereby we trust God as to his promise of eternal life by his blessed Son Jer 17 7 Act. 26.18.15.19 and is the very critical and discerning character between a true convert and a carnal man We are said therefore to be sanctified by Faith in Christ and the heart to be purified by Faith not from it self as an efficient cause of holiness but as it daily fetches and derives holiness from him as head of the Church Gal. 5.6 So that Faith in sanctifying us after the first infusion of grace is a power or vertue co-operating with the spirit of God and enjoys a constant concourse of the same holy Spirit in all our spiritual actions 2. Another ground may be taken from the conjunct work of the spirit John 3. who in his very first impulse and motion to true and saving conversion at his coming down into our hearts for that purpose works both Faith and Holiness at the same moment 3. Because our blessed Lord came into the World 't is the end of his advent to us not only to be the object of our Faith but to save us from our sins Mat. 1.21 Tit. 2.14 1 John 3. â— and Faith must act upon him for that end to purifie and deliver us from our iniquities not only for salvation from hell or wrath to come but also from the guilt and filth of sin For we are chosen in him to be holy and created in Christ unto good works Christ gave himself to redeem us from all iniquity Eph. 1.4 2.10 Tit 2.14 to purifie us for a peculiar people zealous of good works I where we may observe justification and sancttification riding together in the same Chariot If then all gracious habits be wrought at once the too much nicety of arguing about the precedency of this or that grace is to be rejected as not agreeing to the uniform work of the new nature nor the inward experience of saints whose graces work according to influence opportunity of providence 1 Cor. 12 11 the good pleasure of the spirit in his assistances who divideth to every one severally as he will. We may admit somewhat as to congruity of the seeming order of nature or time but not press such conceptions over strictly for various experiences will contradict the curiosity of such notions But we may firmly determine that the understanding cannot spiritually discern the excellencies of Christ 1 Cor 2 14 nor the will of man stedfastly believe in him nor the affections savingly embrace him till we are first regenerated by Gods most holy Spirit who is powred out into every faculty and power of the soul at the very first initials of Conversion 4. Because the Commandments of holiness are part of the object of our Faith in its doctrinal foundation Rom. 7.12 Therefore Paul in his conflict sets down this as a maxim that the Law is holy and the Commandment holy just and good 5. Besides the truth of our Faith is demonstrable by holiness as its genuine effect It s vain for persons to pretend to Faith where this is wanting tho' it may not appear so evidently at the first Jam. 2.17 The Apostle James spends a large discourse upon this Argument to prove that Faith without the works of holiness is but a dead Faith. Indeed our holiness being imperfect does not justifie the person before God but it justifies the faith of the person to be true and the Apostle Paul conjoynes Faith and Holiness together and thence proves our eternal life 2 Thess 2.13 Blessing God for having chosen the Thessalonians to glory and proves it because they were sanctified by the Spirit and did believe the truth of the Gospel 6. Lastly Because the application of Faith or the working or actuating of our Faith upon Christ in the promise doth not only sweetly and clearly manifest our being justified but assists us also in the obtaining and increasing of holiness 2 Cor. 7.1 They walk and work together For how do the precious promises of the covenant purge us from sin and all filthiness of flesh and spirit but by the acting faith in Christ and so do embrace Christ for our sanctification 1 Cor. â— 30. and in his name and power derive holiness from those precious promises which are the golden Pipes or nerves that convey it from our glorious head Whence it comes that our belief of the inheritance promised and of Heavens aimiableness revealed by the Word and ratified on and by the verity of God helps us daily to walk more holily and to be made more meet for that Kingdom with the Saints in light And thus it is Act. 15.7 Lev. 4 20 33. that Faith purifies both the heart and life for glory Even as under the Levitical Law the action of the Priest in his offering the Bullock and sprinkling the blood before the Lord is said to purge away sin Rainold praelect vol. 1. p. 123. or make attonement for their sins that is instrumentally So may Faith be an instrument in deriving the sense of our justification and the sweet influences of our sanctification from our blessed Lord in believing the sanctifying promises made in his Name and actuated by virtue of his holy Spirit Now then according to that common and useful sentiment there be two works that attend Sanctity the first is to mortifie sin and the second to vivifie and quicken Grace Pet. 3.11 that we may be holy in all manner of conversation and this not of our own power either to begin carry on or finish but wholly by the work of the Spirit at first and then by his gracious concourse with every holy action of the new creature to the last being carried on by the power of God thru ' Faith to Salvation This is so great a Scripture truth that t is to be admired that the impugners of it who stand upon their own power so much both as to conversion and as to perseverance should be so noted for looseness
heirship and all the priviledges and liberties of the children of God Sanctification to mortifie the power and dominion of sin and to quicken our graces and duties to support us against and under all fiery tentations to eularge and fortifie our spirits under dificult services and to persevere to the end Phil. 1.6 1â— that at last we may attain the redemption of our bodies from the dust and the resurrection to glory But these resort more properly under the tenth and last chapter and therefore here I forbear 7. The next place sets forth Faith by our cleaving to the Lord with full purpose of heart Aâ—s 11 23. Isai 28.16 When the soul is glewed by an holy love to the mercies and goodness of God it will then 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 stedfastly abide with him It makes not haste out of the mountains of Zion as if full of bogs and quakemires Deut. 10.20 Josh 2â— 8 1 Cor. 1.17 2 Cor. 11 2 but as being setled on the strong and lofty rock of ages This closing of the soul with God is often set down in Scripture by that trust and assiance which a true believer hath in God adhering on cleaving to God is a term also which sometimes attends upon conjugal relation wherby true and faithful persons having the yoke of that union lined with the soft velvet of love 1 Cor. 6.17 become one as in person by the law so much more in spirit and delight To the same purpose the Apostle affirms that true believers being united to Christ by a true and lively faith become one spirit with the Lord and long daily to be more sully espoused by larger affections of the unction of Christs spirit in order to the solemnity of that glorious marriage-day of the Lamb. Rom. 7.4 Rev 19 7 Phil 3 20 And this is true faith indeed when persons long for the appearance of Christ in glory 8. Next follows that term of embracing of Christ as the Saints of old being first perswaded of the truth and goodness of the promises Heb 1â— 13 then at length embraced them utrispue ulnis with all affection and what are the promises but the precious fine linnen wherein Christ our sacrifice was involved after his death at his funeral which is the principal object of our saith even Christ in his sufferings This act of embracing notes our ardent affection to him delight in him and heavenly communion begun betwixt Christ and the heart of a believer Love is Faiths Agent and factor Faith worketh by love a true lover of Christ is certainly a true believer in him and this love increases by faith and faith by love For the soul determines it The more I know of his Excellencies the more I believe in him Rom. 5.4 5 and I love him more because I have the experience of Christs love to me In this very state of the valley there is a mixing of hearts and spirits but in heaven the soul is swallowed up in his love for ever 9. In the ninth place a Believer arrives at this reverent freedom with the Lord in all its streights and dificulties to cast its cares and burdens upon him being both commanded and encouraged by him to do it Whenever I am afraid saith David Psal 56.3 He trust in thee If the heart safely trust in a friend Prov. 31 11. there follows a mutual unvailing and disclosing of the most secret and bosome counsels Psal 71.3 Jer 20.12 Psal 142 2 So does the soul pour out its sorrows and open its whole cause before God. Three things make a friend or relation desirable power to protect wisdom to advise and love to comfort and mingle joys sorrows together All these are eminently and transcendently found in heaven There 's a heart large enough to entertain thy moans Jam 1â— wise enough to guide thee in the dark turns of Providence and so good as not to upbraid thee and can command Legions of Angels at a beck for protection â— Pet. 5 7. Let us therefore cast our care upon him for he careth for us and 't is worth notice what the Apostle terms thy care the Psalmist terms thy burden promising that the Lord will sustain thee to shew that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 dividing cares Psal 55.22 heart-rending cares are great burdens But divine sustentation and support of the soul in trouble plainly shews that God takes a fatherly care of thee and will not suffer thee finally to be moved as Davids song in the end of that Psalm since thou art a righteous man and hast cast all thy soul-battering cares upon Gods promise which are but so many tentations to try thy faith and trust in him Besides this trust is exprest by casting anchor within the vail Heb 6 19 When the ship of the soul being turned up-side down as to the world though too near the earth in this bodily estate yet in spirit sails above the firmament and makes all its sails upward still Rev 11.19 and if any storm arises it then rides at Anchor upon the Ark in heaven within the vail beyond the starry Canopy as upon the rock of life the Lord Christ himself 10 In the tenth and last place faith acts by Resignation giving up all its comforts into his heavenly hand when a true believer both living and dying commends his spirit into his divine manutenency during this frail life in all the mighty turns circles or helixes of providence full of intricate meanders and mazes past finding out is led by a hand coming down from heaven So that all ends well with a Saint his stormy dayes do always end in a sun-shine evening He gives up himself to the guidance of his counsel and as to death both for time place way and method yields up all to his safe conduct and yet sometimes breaths out with a most humble and reverent motion his soul still lying in the dust of submission before him to grant him an 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or an easy departure out of this life if it may be his holy pleasure and still quietly hoping and waiting for his salvation Thus Jacob in the Old Testament in the midst of his last languishments cries out I have waited for that Salvation O Lord gen 59.18 Luke 2.30 23 46. and good old Simeon in the New Let thy Servant depart in peace for mine eyes have seen and mine arms embraced my Saviour and thy Salvation This did our most blessed Lord Father into thy hands I commend my spirit and so did blessed Stephen Lord Jesus receive my spirit testifying to the Deity of Christ Acts 7.59 the immortality of his soul and the resurrection of his body in the same prayer of resignation There may be found in Scripture some other passages exhibiting the nature of Faith and Trust as fixing the heart choosing of Christ waiting for his coming and expecting the blessed day much to the same effect
much frequenting and associating with vain company of frothy relations who because of nearness of blood or affinity some sweet tempers are loth to reprove for want of the grace of holy courage and wisdom finding too much carnal delight in them especially if witty and pleasant though it cost them many a salt tear in closets In this there lies a deep snare to easy and unthinking spirits not considering the after-pangs to bring forth a new birth of holiness tho' they be otherwise in the main truly pious Others are taken with apish garbs and habits fashions and gestures going bent as if troubled with some forraign disease conforming themselves to the image of this present world Rom. 12.2 Luke 16.15 which is abomination in the sight of God loving of trifling and unprofitable converses in their visits and wanting of secret and serious thoughts of eternity the world to come and of standing before the Son of Man in his day and this often joyned with too much neglect of secret and working communion at which the world scoffs when spending their strength and marrow in the worship of Mammon or Flora fall off at length too far from their zeal for the pure worship of God in Christ Others by various deordinations of life not here to lengthen about for want of caution and watchfulness over their hearts and lives grieve and vex the spirit of God and having wounded their own consciences have lost their crown of joy that 's withered away and they are now deservingly bemoaning themselves in the dark caverns of desertion and can see no light Isa 50.11 and are in danger to follow others who blazed a while and then went out in a snuff whereas it becomes true believers Heb. 4.1 to be very tender and careful that they do not so much as seem to fall short of so great salvation I answer before any comfort can break in to such they must repent and do their first works and take heed they do not further lose what they have wrought Yet to such I reccommend our Lords advise to Laodicea John. 8. Rev. 3.18 to buy eye-salve of him to anoint their eyes that they may see and acknowledge their sins and turn at his rebuke and chastening Then may they begin with some hope to search what vital acts are not as yet extinguisht Though in a swoone or a deliquium animae an ecclipse of spirits yet their pulse has not lost all its vibrations their eyes not quite set yet look up towards heaven though somewhat dismally There 's yet left a little warmth a little moisture a little breathing against the looking-glass of a promise held by a faithful searcher and obserâ—er of souls You may take notice that this partial back slider turns not wholly to prophaneness and an utter forsaking of the wayes of God but retains an impulse and a secret respect to those that are gracious but does not much care to shew it publickly and when they begin to revive out of their long fit of â—olly give a doleful motion of their eye to their near relations at whose checks they formerly scoft too much They are like the smoking flax or weiâ—k in the golden candfestick newly gone out which yet by admotion or putting to it a little lamp fire of the Sanctuary conceive afresh flame moving swiftly to it upon the oily smoke ascâ—nding from it Or they may be compared to the bruised reed which being battered by a storm of tentations lays down its hanging head upon the surging Waves of a violent torrent and is nigh to be swallowed up I say to such though now in a sorrowful case yet if they were once implanted truly into Christ the true vine of Lebanon they shall never finally wither and perish for the calling and grace of God is without repentance who always loves to the end For the foundation of his prescience and pre-electing love remaineth sure he knoweth who are his but let them take heed that they depart from all iniquity 2 Tim 2 19. and never return to folly more They may make a shift to get to heaven and sit within the door but with many a piercing sorrow and doleful agony and black Sack cloth on the loins of their hearts before they get thither But in the mean time if they are right as I hope and here suppose I would help a little that they may not totally walk in darkness I advise them to a serious search of their former ways and to holy resolutions add sincere endeavours of amendment and hereby they may possibly attain to find som inward motions upon their hearts that may manifest some vitality in the souls pulse towards things above some true desires of renewing communion with God though mixt with briny tears scarlet blushings of conscience and sore buffetings of Spirit Vital acts may begin to appear in recording the former times of the shinings of Gods face upon their tabernacles Yet as some Divines conceive that though Davids bones were well set after his sore fall yet there remained a callosity a stiâ—ffness and benummedness that was like an Almanack to him all his days after Psal 51.8 to his last But for the main I do believe he did recover the beams of Gods face and especially at his swan-like song had the clear Sun-shine of Gods love after his zainy clouds and that the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 1 Sam 23.4 the sure mercies of David were made sure to him yea and that he went off with a ruddy evening portending a glorious morning at the resurrection And so mayest thou if thou quicken thy pace to redeem thy communion and walk with God more carefully But now no more to that only since the mention of means as necessary quoad nos to the working and knowing of that work of grace in beginners Inference false professors and in recoveries from backsliding I would inferr a few considerations towards some outward false professors who presume of having grace and of being received to mercy upon common terms of the amplitude of divine benignity and yet continue notorionsly and grosly neglective of holy duties unless by fits using them as bellows to blow up the blaze of false and flattering hopes for if they do at times hear read and pray yet spend not together with them such serious and searching meditation on the deep points of eternity as their cause requires But if they do now and then upon a fit of melancholly yet quickly abandon all their secret resolutions of amendment and slip out of all like an Eâ—le after thunder and seldom come near it more but if they chance to return a little it is upon some terror of God some disaster some sickness some loss some fear some fright of conscience and then theyâ— confess and seem to repent of sin and look full of flushes wipe their mouth with her in the proverbs and after vowes make enquiry expiate their wickedness with a sacrifice and
combustible matter and purifie the Air. Artificial implements as Locks Saws and Handles c. are made brighter by mutual affrication attrition and use So do the chariot-wheeles of the soul kindle fire by swift rotation and motion in the ways of holiness and run flaming towards heaven 4. We may argue it from the good-will of God towards us according to that in the Angelical Song peace on earth and good-will towards men peace of conscience on scripture-ground is a certain token of Gods good-will towards us Luke 2.14 But if you ask But will God pardon me in particular I Answer 2 Cor. 5 20. John 3.33 why doubt it When as God exhorts commands and sâ—nds his Embassadors to beseech us to believe him and rest upon his promise and not to make him seem to be a deceiver by our unbelief Nay thou and I and every one to whom the Word of Life doth come are commanded in particular to believe Obj. I but says the timorous soul how can I know that be means the promise of life to me Answ I Answer if thou trust him it will certainly prove so For thy accepting and then relying and resting on him to perform his promise makes up the agreement between God and thee More of this anon God willing 5. An interest in the prayer of Christ is an assured help to evidence that we are in Covenant and under electing love To clear up this we must take our Lords own reasoning before the Father I have given them the words thou gavest me John 17.8.6 verse 14. and they have received them and have kept thy word and they are hated of the world because they are not of it So that if we keep the words or commandments of Christ and are therefore hated by the world we may conclude we are his verse 9. and under the efficacy of his divine prayer He prayes for them whom the Father gave him out of the world and not for the world And lest we might say this concerned the Apostles only our Lord subjoyns I pray for them also that shall believe on me through their word verse 24. Wence we may inferr that all true believers in Christ upon the hearing the word of Apostolical Doctrine are the Subjects of Christs prayer The great end of all is that at last we may be with him and see his glory 6. Learn the blessed art of applying promises this is a sure and certain way to argue out the point of Faith and to infer assurance He that can spiritually apply a promise has the Spirit of God and acts in and by his vertue and influence A promise in the reading sparkles and shines but a promise applyed comforts and warmes Some noble cordial as Alchermes or that of Tycho or some great Elixir if charily set up in a closet or a cabinet of chrystal is an help to the thoughts but drunk or taken down in a proper vehicle makes it by divine blessing to become actually restorative Could we repeat all the promises in the Bible forward and backward and reduce them upon occasion to proper heads and use and service yet 't is special application gives the signative vertue and therefore I shall endeavour by the help of grace to give in a little aid to this purpose First Vniversals contain particulars of the same kind Indefinite and unlimited promises are equivalent to universal in a necessary matter Gods invitation is universal his proclamation extensive to all quarters of the world to all Regions and Ages 2 Pet. 3.9 Mark â—0 49.16.15 col â— 23 Isa 55.1 Rev. 22.17 John 3.16.2.37 1 cor 5 2 cor 6 17. John 6.37 God would have none to perish Ho every one that thirsteth and whosoever will let him take of the water of life freely and whosoever believeth shall not perish Wherever the sound of this Gospel-Trumpet rings Into whosoever's ears this blessed news descends from heaven he is the person invited The Lord excepts no person in the proclamation that will but receive the promise of life and although a God yet beseeches us to come to him and hath promised if we will come to accept and receive us I will receive you saith the Lord if you will come out from among them If you l come to me I will in no wise cast you out No time quality number or other circumstance of sins set barrs to free-grace The promulgation declares the mind and good-will of God and that if thou in particular accept the proffer of mercy thou mayst conclude it to be thine Because the inclination of thy will within comes down from God out of heaven and plainly determines that he is willing to save thee because thou art willing to close with his grace upon Gospel-terms of holiness and new-obedience Luke 2.14 Thy will is the effect and therefore the token and evidence of his will to thee good-will towards men Whence thou mayst collect that thy name is written within the parchments and coverings of the general promises which when thus accepted they are then particularly applyed Obj. If any inwardly object their own unworthiness Answ I answer it is a most frivolous and impertinent cavil against thy self For Christ came to save not the worthy Pharisee but the miserable sinful and unworthy Publican Rev. 3.17 Rom. 7.8.11 The Sick need the Physitian and not the whole and therefore come the rather because poor miserable blind and naked Sin took occasion by the commandment to slay thee do thou take occasion by sin to run to the promise Therefore come to Christ because lame tattered torn and wounded and sick and creeping by the hedg-side The more miserable the more acceptable when under the sense of misery thou comest to so merciful an High-priest and Saviour The promises of the Gospel are made to no other if thy case were not miserable thy coming were to no purpose The very reason which thou objectest is the only reason why thou shouldst be encouraged to come to run and flie to this bosome of mercy God has made his promises without any previous foresight of any holiness Ezek. 36.32 grace or Faith. It is for his own sake alone that he blots out our iniquities not for yours Indeed he sends his Son Word Ministers and his Spirit along with them He is graciously pleased to call invite beseech and command us to believe he promises rewards threatens punishments proffers the use and help of all imaginable means proper to this end He also by his holy Spirit moves upon our wills softens turns and bends them as he pleases and by his quickning work stirs up and guides our consciences in all its offices So that I may say Acts 13.26 as the Apostle to some of old To you is the Word of this Salvation sent O languishing trembling soul wouldst thou gladly â—embrace the promises and implore his help to do it What canst thou desire more finceâ— 't is his promise to do
when thou hast wisely and deliberately weighed the various phrases in the promises then examine the frame of thy heart and if finding them suit in some sweet measure tho not so clearly as thou longest to have it yet fear not delay not to joyn thy heart and the promise together And this moreover I 'll say to thee for thy comfort that tho the hand of thy Faith should shake with some tremblings at present be not dismayed Mat 9.2 Mark 2.5 our blessed Lord who spake to the palsie man both can and will in due time for thy inward hope is an evidence of it speak that great strengthening word to the relaxed nerves and sinews of thy Faith Son be of good cheer 2 Tim. 2.13 thy sins be forgiven thee for if thou hold but the head nay if touch but the hem of his garment virtue will proceed and thou l't perceive it by some sweet settling quietings of Spirit as when the dew of heaven falls in a still evening For he will abide faithful tho we do not in so full and triumphant a manner act Faith upon him Psal 149.4.50.23 yet he will continue to be gracious and will shortly beautifie the meek with salvation If you order your conversation aright he will shew and make to shine the face of your Saviour and the Sun of his salvation upon you his beloved ones That person may certainly conclude himself to be in Christ who walketh in this World as he did all to our proportion and continue in acts of contemplation and adherence 1 Tim. 4.8 Heb. 12.6 embracing the promises Hitherto I have spoken somewhat to the application of the promises whereby we may argue true Faith and thence lay a strong foundation for assurance but before I relinquish this Subject I would touch upon the several Arguments used by the Apostle John which he insists upon in his Epistles written on purpose foâ— the comfort of Bâ—lievers 1 Joh. 1.4 5.13 1 John 3.23 that their joy may be full and that we may know that we have eternal life To which end it is Gods Commandment to believe in the Son and to love one another Let us then mention the chief in Order 1. The first evidence of eternal life is drawn from our walking in the Light that is of holiness 1 John 1.6 2 29. 3.6 9. walking in the truth Epist 3.3 in obedience to his Commandments 1 John 2.3 5 3.24 5.2 3. Epistle 2.6 In imitation of Christs holy walking 1 John 2.6 4.17 and in purifying of our selves according to his pattern 1 John 3.3 and yet all this must be qualified in respect to our infirmities and weaknesses 1 John 1.8 9 10. 2.1 2. 2. The second Argument to prove the truth of grace and assure our selves before God is love to the Brethren 1 John 2.9 10 and chap. 3.11 14. 4.7 12 20. and in his Gospel Joh. 13 35. 3. The third Argument is from our not loving the World nor the things thereof 1 Joh. 2.15 as the lust of the flesh the lust of the eyes or the pride of life ver 16. That is 1. Pleasures of all sorts as luxury in Diet Habit Houses Gardens rambling about the World without special ends and all inordinacy and intemperateness in the body as Jerom uses to express it iâ— ventre sub ventre For they that love Pleasures and Riotings shall not be rich in purse sayes Solomon nor in grace Prov. 21.17 sayes the whole current of Scripture 2. The lust of the eye which is as to all sorts of covetousness to get and retain by right or by wrong in an excessive appetition of the things of this World which must be left behind us and do not can not fill the heart of man no nor the eye with satisfaction Eccles 5.11 Nor 3. the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is the Pride of Ambition Fastuousness Honour and advancement into great places and to be alone in the Earth These things eagerly pursued eat out the heart and power of godliness 4. The fourth Argument is assumed from the anointings of their Spirit 1 Joh. 2 20 27 3.24 4.13 whereof more by and by God willing 5. The fifth Argument is taken from a holy and reverent hearing of Gods Ministers 1 John 4.6 we may know what spirit we are of by this if we receive Christ as Hilary expresses it Qualis ab Apostolis praedicatus est as he was preached by the Apostles and submit to him in all his Offices and Ordinances such a one belongs to the spirit that is of God that keeps the Doctrine of Christ as the Apostle expounds himself Epistle 2. ver 9. 6. The last Argument arises from our love to Christ 1 Iohn 5.1 and in him to the Father Now if these things be found in us we shall then overcome the World 1 Ioh. 5.4 and shall not be touched virulently or fatally by Satan 1 Iohn 5.18 shall have access to God in prayer 1 Iohn 5.14 and shall have boldness in the day of Judgment 1 Iohn 4.17 and this will so settle our sense of the love of God to us that it will by degrees cast out the torment of fear For it will allure us to a holy familiarity with divine love 1 Iohn 4.18 and so sweeten our thoughts and affections of and to him that we may begin to enjoy a kind of heaven upon earth which the Father of his great mercy in Christ grant unto us by the Spirit Having hitherto treated about Argumentation I proceed now to the second Head about attaining Assurance which is by the irradiation of the Spirit of God upon the hearts of Believers For all is in vain as to gaining of solid and permanent comfort unless the Spirit of God come in and confirm us against the innumerable doubts and cavils that will arise upon us under all our Arguings because of the subtlety of satan the natural diffidence of our own hearts and the clouds that arise from the unholiness of our lives and the dread of eternity I design therefore to treat a little while about the witness of the spirit his immediate breathings his bright shinings and as it were speakings within our hearts when a holy soul hath this witness in himself 1 Iohn 5.10 2 Cor. 1.3 Act. 10.44 For in and upon believing the Father of Lights and of all consolations sends in his own due time this his holy spirit like a dove of peace into our hearts who helps us to discern the truth of the work of grace After ye believed sayes the Apostle ye were sealed with the holy spirit of promise Eph 1 13. He is sometimes set forth by a Seal and a Witness to the bond of the Covenant by a Seal and an Earnest to the contract about the inheritance 2 Cor. 1.22 by a Seal and a Love-Token or an 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a word used of old to note
Tokens sent before Marriage and to be sure God will not lose his earnest nor be defeated of the fore tokens of his contract of love to souls sometimes the Spirit is compared to fire and yields both the light of joy the heat of love and influences or quicknings for service And 't is this lively Faith which works by love effectually thru ' the Spirit But I would speak a little more distinctly for the observation and the experience of holy men hath set to their seals that they do find and feel sometimes a most illustrious irradiation upon their hearts from the Spirit of God which I take to be of two sorts The 1. We may call an irradiation of concurse with our spirits The 2. An irradiation of incidence upon our spirits Give leave to use the terms and explain them to the meanest The First or the irradiation of concurse is then dispensed when he shines upon our Argumentation when we have laboured with our spirits used scripture mediums and upon examination suited them to our hearts in their most inward sincere and humble searches then comes the spirit of God and witnesses with our spirits that we are the children of God. When we have toiled and sweat many a time in our closets and brought things as we hope some times to a pritty good issue then thru ' one tentation or another our unbelieving hearts fly off from the Conclusion and all our comfort vanishes But now when our arguings by evident Scripture tokens are finisht over and over and yet still we demurre to lay hold on the Tree of life and while we stick in the mire of fear doubtings and hesitancies and wander under dark clouds in the depth of midnight then comes in the spirit of God Rom. 8.16 as the Morning Star glittering over the Horizon and clears all This is the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or the co-witness of the Spirit of God. 2. The other is that which I beg leave from a term in Opticks to call the irradiation of incidence and is then illustriously performed when the Spirit of God in his most free and glorious agency is pleased to shine personally upon our spirits without and apart from all argumentation whatsoever This comunion with the spirit draws nigh to that of Angelical intuition where by acts of volition and luminous emanation they converse mutually together in a higher degree than we do here by ratiocination with mediums and consequences This is the point we are now upon to shew that the Spirit of God when he pleases without any previous foregoing arguments doth testifie by a secret still heart-ravishing voice Acts 2.2 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and doth sweetly and suddenly as 't is said in the Acts dart in a ray perswading and satisfying the soul in an instant that thou art a Child of God that sin is pardoned and that thou shalt be saved page 147. Which I reâ—ember the British Divines at Dort call the â—pirits speaking to the heart and even in darker times there were some of the Ilâ—uminate both of Spain and Germany and France that had to do I am perswaded with many distrssed souls in their secret confessions were acquainted with great worâ—nigs in the hearts of penitents but few of â—hem had skill to manage those inward methods Of which things we may find some â—otable footsteps in Bonaventure Gerson Thanlerus and sundry others So that of this inwaâ—d clear and bright perswasion of Gods love to the heart we have no solid reason to doubt but that some holy persons have enjoyed it Austin at his conversion in the garden at Millain had a voice though he had no vision as Paul had in the fields by Damascus I shall be sparing and touch but an instance or two Dr. Manton spake it in my hearing at Oxon of one that being in conflict in prayer had a beam shining into the chamber and being desired by him to have a care of delusion answered O Mr. Manton little do you know what God may do for his poor distressed children or very like words But the caution was wise and grave I know one also who being for almost a week deeply distressed about Eternity had an impression as like a voice within as if he heard it comforting in these words I will give thee rest and so iâ— followed speedily and joyfully and at another time I will not leave thee noâ— forsake thee I might also hint at the beam upon the wall in prayer to Dr. Winter in his life and the voices of Angels to Mr. Patrick Simpson I must confess they are great priviledges and sweetnesses which God may it his divine good plâ—asure and I am perswadâ—d doth sometimes instil and drop in to gracious when timorous hearts anâ— whose constitutions the great former oâ— hearts and spirits knows full well to bâ— naturally over subject to fears and inwarâ— commotions he like a most gracious and Tender Father full of pity and bowels discerns our frames See Mr. Maâ—hers prevalency of prayer Psal 103. p 17.14 at the end of his Tract of N. E. troubles Psal 40.17 By his loving eye and remembring that we are dust is mindfull of us in our low condition whereas many proud and disdainful persons set light by the inward sorrows of broken and contrite souls And are like lamps despised in the thought of him that is at ease But says David though I am poor and needy yet the Lord thinketh upon me and with how many precious thoughts his goodness is pleased to embroider and enamel upon the hearts of his holy humble meek and trembling children For your high exalted boasting persons tho' it may be have some few grains of grace at bottom are seldom visited with these inward joyes But the meek will he teach his ways Such blessed thoughts of grace David could not number Ps 139.17 18 they were more than the Sands of the Sea or the stars of heaven for multitude But now if these or such like lines should fall under the view or knowledge of any prophane or scoffing Ishmael that may vilifie the works of God and like bruits speak ignorantly of what they know not would advise them to forbear presumptious speeches 2 Pet. 2 12. Jude 10. lest their bonds be made strong lest the Terrors horrors of the almighty should one day drink up their spirits So that when Gods Servants shall rejoyce and sing for joy of heart they shall cry for sorrow of heart and howl for vexation of spirit Isal 65.14 But yet because there may be such things as Enthusiasines and transformation of Angels of darkness among some that call themselves Sweet-singers and among others that have more need to mourn over their follies and delusions in the dust of shame I would speak somewhat to that question of an humble Soul. Quest How may I comfort my heart that this irradiation you speak of is a true and immediate work of the Spirit of God and
no delusion Answ In answer to this I must first in all manner of humble modesty declare that I would not dare to meddle too far with such deep and mysterious workings and influences only professing with all thankfulness to the Majesty of divine mercy that having had some glimpses of hope a little sometimes and thirsting after some further and clearer helps from heaven we faint not utterly but striving after to attain towards the resurrection of the dead crave leave to set down somewhat that hope may be a clue to conduct us out 〈◊〉 the Labrinth and maze of delusion The first and best token that these aâ—â— no deceits can only arise from the spirt himself According to that saying of â—oy Iohn It is the Spirit that beareth witness that the Spirit is truth 1 John 5.6 Whitak de sacramentis p. As I remember thâ—â— learned Whitaker in his book of the Sacraments says it should be translated I have forgot the page my books being laid upâ—â— But this is a great truth as no better light to see the Sun by Psal 36.9.34.5 than his own light So 't is of the Spirit as David expresses In thy light we shall see light and they looked to him and their faces were enlightened This is the apprehension of learned gracious persons that the spirit of God never speaks by this his inward heavenly voice but that he graciously helps them to know that it is no delusion but that it is he even the spirit himself that speaketh to them This phrase of speaking to the heart and in and upon the heart is more visible in the Original Hebrew of the Old Testament and was well known to the Prophets of old and is much treated upon among Jewish Antiquiaries Out of whom I must not here stand to enlarge but call to mind what the Apostle Peter mentions of the Day-star arising in our hearts 2 Pet. 1.19 so that it is as clear when the spirit of God does thus shine and testifie yea and more radiant than the Sun at Noon-day without clouds I shall say no more to this but what our Lord to the Angel at Pergamus of them that have a new name written in the white stone Rev. 2.17 which none knoweth saving he that receiveth it 2. I need say little more but that wherever the Spirit doth so illustriously speak and shine it is concomitant with growing in holiness For this most holy Spirit of God is still a building and increasing in such the works of holiness they are of a heavenly frame rivers of holy discourse flow from their lips in prudent seasons they are not vain and trifling spirits but grave and serious and yet chearful For the joy of the Lord is their strength and they have inward delights and value not the cracklings of fools Divine joy is a weighty thing and yet greatly upholds the spirits and sustains their griefs and infirmities If you come into their company by a blessed accident as they say of the Adepti in Philosophy there 's a glittering star shines from their converse society 3. They are the most humble persons living For the humble he will teach his way and shew his Covenant Psal 25.9 I know they may fall sometimes and othertimes have need of a little holy courage against despisers But the main of their conversation is like them of whom the spirit of God says they took notice of them that they had conversed with Jesus Acts 4 13. who was meek and lowly if we imitate him we shall find this rest and remember that Moses the meekest man had the greatest interviews with God in the Mountain Such as are given to much prate and length of idle impertinent discourses are seldom and little or never acquainted with the Spirit of God. 4. They are also the sweetest persons and fullest of love though sometimes provokt by fierce evil spirits about them but if their natural tempers had been before somewhat eager and sharp yet now they are washed purged whitened and sweetned by the Spirit of God. Tender to the Tempted kind to the afflicted pitiful to all bear every ones burden with a gracious frame onely they are taught by the holy Spirit 1 cor 23 4.5 as to such as prate with malicious words against them to imitate hole John not to succumbe under a prouâ—â— Diotrephes 3 John 9. but loves a child of God as such with the full stream of his Spirit And this love to the brethren is much more to Christ himself being filled with the love of the Spirit which by degrees casts out the torments of fear 1 John. 4.18 and gives a blessed confidence as to the Appearing of the Day of Judgment To end this we must remember that the holy Spirit of God doth never witness or illustrate apart from the Word Isa 8 20. 〈◊〉 any light in you try it by the Word and Testimony and hence that as Tentations and afflictions sanctified so the manifestations and communions of the Spirit help us to understand holy Scriptures and promises by experience Let us then be sure as far as possible that the person that pretends to be thus illustrated prove himself to be an holy person in heart and deed or else all 's like a puft and swoln delusion and such an onâ— must lie down in sorrow For the Spirit of God is a most holy spirit and never seals but as he is the holy Spirit of Promise upon the holy heart of an holy child of God. Well then to end this second part of the Spirits illustration Eph 1 3. Rom. 8.16 1 John 4.13 I say it is not meant of the Spirit of God concurring or witnessing with our spirits in the point of assurance clearing up our doubts dispelling the mists and clouds uponour spirits But it is an 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or like an 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a bright shining Ray a most illustrious beam streaming down from heaven into the inmost chambers of our hearts and is an act distinct and apart from his former blessed concurse with our spirits in time of argumentation or the gracious application of the promises for our peace and comfort it is an irresistable evidence of divine love See Dr Owen of the spirit 167. scattering all the clouds of diffidence and distrust in that very moment and when this immediate irradiation flows in though it may be a distinct act from that upon argumentation yet it cannot be totally severed from it because in this glorious light though we may see further yet cannot but see any argument we think meet to touch upon to be also illustrated by it as the Moon in her increases may be seen in the heavens like a cloud in the day time which also has its light from the Sun while he is yet shining bright within our hemisphere at the same time and when these come together they make heavenly work indeed That these blessed
crucifie them to the world more and more You begin to grow up and some into years It s high time as the Apostle exhorts to put on the Lord Jesus and to make no provision more for the flesh and the lusts thereof Rom. 13.14 5. Fifthly The Doctrine of Faith infers it to be great wisdom and duty to keep your consciences undefiled For the mystery of Faith is held and preserved in a pure clean and serene conscience 1 Tim. 3.9 like a chrystal Venice-glass tipt with gold 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that runs like a clear sweet stream not conscious of any sin wilfully committed 1 Tim. 1.19 It s sometime termed a good conscience whereof wilful sins make sorrowful ship-wracks A good conscience is a continual feast gave Paul a Banquet every night and composed him to a better rest 2 Cor. 1.12 than in a bed of Roses But why is a good conscience such a golden vial for Faith Because holiness of life feeds conscience with joy and thereby testifies and comforts about the truth of Faith. 6. Sixthly We may observe from the former tract that Faith is an excellent engine to discern and observe the wise Government of God in the World and in the Church It s a Telescope to discern afar off in the heavens and a Microscope to pry into minuter accidents in the earth Had we no other Argument Heb. 11.3 yet by Faith we may know it and that more fully and punctually how the worlds were framed and by Faith we understand the divine dominion and management of the world by Spirits He maketh his Angels Spirits Psal 104.4 his Ministers a flaming fire of some whereof le ts speak in order 1. First God manages many things by the ministration of Angels They are the seven eyes of God that joy to see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel for rebuilding the Temple Heb. 1.7 Zech. 4.10 Dan. 9.21.10 13 20. Gen. 19.1 2 Kin. 1.9 15. Deut. 32.8 We read in Scripture of the Prince of Persia and Graecia of Michael and Gabriel tho the third is judged to be meant of Christ the other of created Angels which were imployed in divine works and messages and what were the Chariots of Mahanaim and near Samaria and at Elijah's rapture and other times but the holy Angels of God. There is also a place in Deuteronomy which the Septuagint read thus When the most High divided the inheritance to the Nations when he separated the Sons of Adam he set the bounds of the people according to the number of the Angels of God. Tho I do not justifie the Translation yet it shews that this notion was current among the antient Jews And altho the Pseudodionysius in his Hierarchy of Angels sets down many frivolous fancies and curiosities about their orders yet that God is pleased to execute his pleasure by the administration of good and sometimes evil Angels is consonant to holy Scripture As in the Psalmist Psal 78.49 he sent evil Angels among the Egyptians and so made a way to his anger whom some interpreters judg to be good Angels but called so from the evil of punishment which as instruments they inflicted However that be yet t is a Scripture truth and an object of Faith and known by experience in several ages And altho the methods be unknown yet the matter is certain and indeed may be joy and comfort to Saints to know that they encamp about them that fear him and are the valiant ones about their beds by night Psal 34 7 they are the holy Watchers in Daniel and the comforters and aiders of Saints by day and why may not they suggest some heavenly ill apses as well as evil Spirits tempt when God permits It s ground of sweet joy and praise for the Saints to have such society and communion with these holy Sons of God these Morning Stars that sang before him Ioh 38 7 Zech 6 8 It s said of them that they quieted the Spirit of God in the North Countrey that is Gods wrath was satiated by the execution of justice upon Babylon in the ministry of these holy Angels They fought against the Assyrian in Sennacharibs Camp 2 King 19 35 Zech 1 8 2 Chro. 35.21 they were in Battel aray against Babylon among the Myrtle Trees What may we divine of the visions to Pharaoh Necho when commanded to go up against Carckemish the Cercusium in Ammiano or of that to Alexander in Josephus or of that voice to Totilas commanding him to go against Italy and making him the flagellum Dei Gods Scourge to the Nations were not they secret impulses and instigations of Angels upon their Spirits to do the work of God 2. Sometimes by the spirits of men God turned the Egyptians hearts to hate his people and deal subtilly with his Servants after a while Ps 105.29.37 Eâ—od 12.36 he gives them favour in the sight of the same nation so that they lent them what they required both Jewels of gold silver and raiment sometimes a Pharaoh that dealt kindly with them all the days of Joseph and then other Pharaohs that were very harsh and cruel to them Sometimes a Grecian Alexander shall favour them and after him Antiochus one of his Successors deal barbarously with them When Israel was come into their own land God promised to restrain the Spirits of the Neighbouring Heathens at the three times a year when they went up to worship yea to bridle the inward desires of the adjacent nations Exod. 34.24 that not a man of them should so much as desire their Land. In after-ages the Prophet Daniel treating of the times of the silver breast Dan. 11.27 Prophesies there should arise two Princes scil Antiochus Epiphanes and Ptolomaeus Philometor who should speak lies at one table but it should not prosper that is make feigned shews of amity when they feasted together but it should not avail them To name no more there is a wonderful Praediction in Ezekiel that in the latter days not yet fulfilled things shall then come into the mind of Gogâ— that is the Turk or Tartars as the learned judg He shall think an evil thought Ezek. 38.10 even to come into the Land of Israel ver 18. ver 22. after the Jews are re-entred into it But the Lord will plead against him to his utter destruction and he shall be finally ruined when the Lord will raise up the Sons of Zion against the Sons of Greece Zech. 14.3.9.13 that is against the Turk or Tartarian in that day having fixed his seat at Constantinople in the old Imperial Pallace of the Graecian or Eastern Empire and being the Successor of the Graecian Alexander in his East Dominions 3. Sometimes by the heavenly bodies and their influences by the spirits of meteors and many other natural exhalations out of the sea and bowels of the earth as from Vesuvius Aetna Hecla and the Vulcanian Islands How did the Stars in their courses fight against Sisera Judg. 5.20 causing great inundations in the