Death in sinne and a Death in punishments and torments due to sinnings against the grace of God manifested in the Creation And had there been no remedy or prevention this death and punishment would have been eternall for men in particular suffering it could never have overcome it to get out of it only by reason of Gods preventing mercy in keepeing man from cating of that Tree of life of which if he had eaten his Body had been immortall and so capeable of eternall sufferings He should suffer eternally in his soalc And his body with the sting and povson of sinn and curse should be alwayes suffering till it turned to rottennesse and so to dust againe and this is the first death which came on all men at first Gen. 2.17 and 3.19 And this Jesus Christ hath in dying for our sinnes and riseing for our Justification as the publike person overcome 2 Tim. 1.10 and obtained of his Father power to ease men in this life of so much paines of this mortalilty as he pleaseth and to raise them all from this first Death at the last 1 Cor. 15.21.22 2 The Death or punishments on men for sinning against the grace of redemption in hardening themselves against the Patience and bounty of God and meanes through Christ procured to leade them to repentance and so for their turning herefrom and going after their own wayes are afflictions and troubles on soule and body name and estate having some mixtures of mâ—rcy and being to hide pride from man and force them to repentance c. Leuit. 26. Deut. 28. Iob 33. And these are called wrath Judgements punishments corrections out of which yet there is a way and meane of escape Iob 33. Heb. 1.12 Esa 27.4.5 3 But the Death and torment for these that have persisted in in resisting the spirit in the meanes and refusing this life in Christ and to have him raigne over them till they be given over to satan is more terrible and is eternall on soule and body raised and made immortad and so capeable of eternall suffering And this is called the second death Hell fire The lake of fire unquenchable fire and even that which was at first prepared for the Divell and his Angels into which all these shall goe who by their wilfull persisting in rebellion against the truth and walking in lyes and murthers become of the wicked one the Children of the Divell and the seed of the Serpent And so shall share of the same punishment 1 Iohn 3.12 Iohn 8.41.44 Mat. 25.41 onely in the sting and tormenting worme that never dyeth but alwayes tormenteth there is now this more to these miserable men then to the Divels The remembrance of a Remedy since their first fall which they have refused which will torment exceedingly but that cannot be in the Divels torment 6 And yet there is one thing more in which appeareth the effectualnesse of the Blood and Sacrifice of Christ on these rebellious refusers and that proveth the appearance of the same to be in all these 5. forementioned poynts And that is the judgement and condemnation of these Rebe's in that 1 The Lord Jesus Christ that shed his Blood and offered this Sacrifice shall even by vertue thereof be their Judge even he that dyed and rose and revived for them to be their Lord Rom. 1.4 9.12 he that bought them 2 Pet. 2.1 even he shall be their Judge and they shall appeare before his judgement sear 2 Cor. 5.10 yea even because he dyed for them God hath exalted him and they shall come before him to acknowledge him Lord by whom they might have been saved and shall be judged righteously Phil. 2.10.11 Esa 45.23 And of this God hath given assurance and offered faith to all men in that he raised him from the Dead Act. 17.31 And this is one efficacy of his Sacrifice on such as refused him in whom they might have enjoyed the comfortable efficacies that they shall acknowledge him Lord and be judged by him Rom. 2.16 2 Tim. 4.1 And they shall yeeld it right it should be so 2 That which shall be layd to their charge in this Judgement and that by which their sinnes shall be evidenced and agravated against them their sinnes that will be layd to their charge will be their ignorance of God and not obeying his Gospel 2 Thes 2.8 Their unbeliefe with all the fruits thereof Iohn 16.8.9.10 Their Impenitency and not profiting by but hardening their hearts against the meanes by the Sacrifice of Christ procured and extended to leade them to repentance Rom. 2.4.5 Their evill thoughts and hard speeches of him and his goodnesse in his word wayes people Iude 15. and so for every Idle word and all their Idolatries and unmercifulnesse and ungodly deeds which through their disobedience to his goodnesse they have runn into Iude 15. Mat. 12.36 yea every secret thing shall then be manifest That by which the vilenesse of their sinnes and justnesse of their Judgement shall be evidenced will be the put chase Christ hath made for them and they denyed him that so dearly bought them 2 Pet. 2.1 The mercy extended to them against which they hardened themselves Rom. 2.5 And all the meanes yea even the Gospel sent to move them to seeke the Lord Mat. 11 16-24 yea the very blood and Sacrifice of Christ by which all the residue was procured for them which they have contemned Heb. 10.29 yea and the Spirit of grace with all his spirituall hints of light motions reproofs and allurements which they have despised Heb. 10.29 Prov. 1.24.25 c. All which will then appear as aggravations of their sinne and judgement and this is another efficacy of the blood and Sacrifice of Christ on such as have refused him that when the day of grace is past it will occasion the evidencing and aggravation of their sin and judgement 3. The order rule law or medium by and according to which the judgement shall proceed and that is the Gospel in which Christ had before been set forth a saviour for them the propitiation for their sinnes and full of Spirit to send forth and so inviting them to repentance and faith with assurance of renovation remission and life on believing and warning that the issue of all other wayes would be death This Gospel as it is the word which Christ and his Apostles spake so such is the truth and verity of it that even the rejectors thereof it shall judge and hee shall judge them by and according to it Joh. 12.47.48 49. Rom. 2.16 And this is another efficacie of the pretious Blood and Sacrifice of Christ on such as have rebelliously refused it that by the declaration or word thereof and according to that declaration shall be the judgment Rom. 1.1.18.20 10.18 John 15.22 4. That which shall convince of sin and set home the sentence of sinne and of judgement to the heart and so kindle the fire that never shall be quenched is even the same Spirit
of men namely to purge the conscience and wash them from their sins and renew them to God Heb. 9.14 Concerning the Church of God on earth in respect of the double need they stand in of the continuall helpfullnesse of Christ 1. The believers though made free in Christ and their conscience purged their heart renewed and spirit made alive for righteousnesse sake Iohn 8.36 Gal. 5.1 Heb. 9.14 Ezek. 36.25 Rom. 8.10 yet for the time of their warfare there is a remaining of the old Disposition although unthroned from the heart and weakned yet working in all the powers and faculties of the soule and parts and members of the body lusting against the spirit and to satisfie the affections and lusts of the flesh and attempting to leade Captive to the law of sin and death Gal. 5.17 Rom. 7.14 24. Besides the manifold temptations from the world by Customs Promises Threats Asurements Terrors 1 Iohn 2 16. And also from Satan takeing advantage from the flesh and the world and adding strength to the lusts and temptations thereof adding his own fiery and he lish suggestions c. 1 Pet. 5.8 whereby it falleth out that in many things we even Believers offend all Iames 3 1. 1 Iohn 1.8 10. Which remaining evill and off nees overtaken which doe defile and make unmeete to appeare before God and if they be not pardoned and purged away they will exclude from his presence and bring to death againe Psal 5.4 5 6. Now the Blood of Jesus and the grace therethrough extended is the onely thing that can purifie and cleanse from these defilements Heb. 9.14 Reu. 1.5 1 Iohn 1.9 So that here is still need of coming to Christ for his cleansing herewith Zach. 13.1 1 Iohn 1.9 2 The believers having so many great enemies fighting against them Ephes 6.12 so many and great sufferings to undergoe Act. 14.22 2 Tim. 3.12 And so many and great servises of love to goe forth in till they be wholly conformed to Christ Col. 2.6 and 3 12.-16 Phil. 2 1.-6 And they having no good thing dwelling in their flesh Rom. 7.18 nor ability in themselves for a good thought as of themselves 2 Cor. 5.5 so as unlesse he work all for and in them there will be no abiding peace Esa 26.12 Great need have they therefore of his continuall presence and sending forth supplyes of spirit to overcome their enemyes Mat. 10.19 20. Rom. 16.20 to support in sufferings Esa 43.1 1 Cor. 10.13 to sanctifie them throughout 1 Thes 5.23.24 And to comfort teach and lead into all truth and to the inheritance Esa 54 13.14 Iohn 15.26 and 16.13.14.15 And so to perfect all that concerneth them Psal 138.8 And for this cause is he by vertue of his precious Blood and Sacrifice an Advocate and great High-Priest and Mediatour of the new Testament at his Fathers right hand for believers that are his called and chosen ones 1 John 2.2 Heb. 3 1.-6 8. 9.15 And in this consideration of the Churches need of Christ and his way of supply we may see one end of his continual presenting the vertue of his Blood and Sacrifice before his Father and applying it to the hearts and consciences of his people both together to keep them cleane before his Father and to cleanse purifie and conform them to himselfe Rev. 1.5 And so in respect of both his presentation of his Sacrifice to his Father and his gracious and spirituall application of the same to believers It is said Ephes 5-25 26.27 Christ also loved the Church and gave himselfe for it that he might sanctifie and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word that as he presents it in himselfe spotlesse before the Father Coloss 1.22 so he might present it to himselfe a glorious Church not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing but that it should be holy and without blemish And in the right understanding of these things we may understand the ends of the Sufferings Blood Death and Sacrifice of Christ First the ends of the sheeding his blood and so of his suffering and dying was 1. To satisfie for the sinne of the world and so to fulfill the truth of God and satisfie Diuine Justice and answer the Law and abolish death as is foreshewn page 2. 2. To confirm and ratifle the new Testament of pretious Promises for all that through the heavenly call beleeve on him as is shewn page 14. 3. To testifie obedience love and faithfulnesse in his Ministration and so to confirme his doctrine and give all his Disciples an example as is shewn p. 13. Secondly the ends of the vertue of this his pretious blood and death in offering himeelfe a spotlesse sacrifice to his Father Scripture sheweth to be 1. That he might be the Propitiation for the sins of the world as page 3.4.6.7 2. That he might obtain eternall redemption for mankind and procure some mercy means and patience to be used towards them as pages 5 6 13. 3. That he might be the Mediator between God and men as page 4.12 4. That he might be the great high Priest Prophet King and so the Advocate for and of his Church p. 15.16.12 5. That through him by his Spirit there might be a shewing declaration and tender of the grace of God to men to call them lesse clearly in his workes of creation and providence and more fully and clearly in the Gospel of salvation preached to men as p. 6.12.14 Thirdly the ends of his spirituall discovery tender and application of his pretious blood and sacrifice to men Scripture shews to be 1. To convince men of sinne and the vilenesse of sin in themselves and the vanity of all thier own wisdome and righteousnesse to help them and of the compleat righteousnesse that is in him thereby to empty them and pierce their hearts and submit them to himselfe Zach. 12.10 Gal. 2.21 Phil. 3.7 8. Joh. 16 8-10 Luke 2.34 2. To purchase and redeem these convinced from among men and from their Idols and vain conversation unto God Rev. 5.9 1 Pet. 1.18.19 Act. 20.28 26.18 3. To wash and cleanse these his so purchased in the discovery of the freenesse and abundance of his grace through his pretious blood enlightning enlivening comforting sanctifying and preserving them to the inheritance Eoh. 5.25 26.27 And these things considered distinctly as the Scripture sets them forth lead to the right understanding of the ends of Christs death and sacrifice when it is spoke of in respect of his dying and blood-shedding And when it is spoke of in respect of that and also his presenting himselfe with the vertue of that to his Father and when it is spoke of in both these former respects and also together therewith in respect of his spirituall discovery tender and application thereof to men in which is variety of the extent of the sense and signification CHAP. IV. A Digression shewing how these things were shadowed in the Sacrifices and Ordinances of
shall glorifie thy name Thus must all come before him one day and then he shall separate and dispose of them Matth. 25.32 33. 4. Another particular end in this first next immediate end of the suffering and sacrifice of Christ offered to God was That hee might shew forth to men this rich and abundant grace Eph. 2.4.7 And so it was 1. That this full Gospel and therethrough repentance and remission of sinnes might be preached in his name among all Nations Luke 24.46.47 And for this he hath prevailed so as himself came and preached peace Eph. 2.17 And first began to preach the Gospel of this salvation himselfe Heb. 2.3 and then left the commission for preaching the same unto his Apostles and faithfull Disciples that by grace come to be united to him and endued with spirituall gifts John 17 18-21 2 Corinth 5.18.19.20 1 Pet. 2.3 9. And left his charge to preach it to all Nations Mat. 28.19 20. Mark 16.13 2. And also that by his laying down his life in witnessing to the truth of the Gospel he taught and the Fathers acceptance of his sacrifice the truth of the Gospel might bee confirmed for all that heare it that they might beleeve John 18.37 1 Tim. 6.13 And in this also he hath prevailed and so it is said he spake the truth which he heard of God John 8.45 And the Apostles have said They spake the words of truth Acts 26.25 and that with great plainnesse of speech 2 Cor. 3.12 by manifestation of the truth 2 Cor. 4.2.5 for saith Peter 2 Pet. 1.16 We have not followed cunningly devised Fables when we made knowne to you the power and comming of the Lord Jesus Christ but were eye-witnesses of his majesty for he received from the Father honour and glory when c. 3. And also that himself might be the prime motive and example to us for faith and love and walking in both conversation and ministration in patience and meeknesse through sufferings in hope to the death 1 Pet. 2.21 John 13 1-15 And in this also he hath prevailed so as himself points to himselfe for the prime motive and example Joh. 15.12 .20 And the Spirit in the Scripture sets him forth to us for motive and example Col. 3.12 14. and bids us looke to him and consider him Heb. 12 2-7 and follow him Eph. 5.1.2 4. Yea and that he might ratifie the New Testament of pretious promises for all that in the heavenly call are brought in to believe in him that they through the Spirit may wayt for the same through faith Heb. 9.14.15.16 Matth. 26.28 In which also he hath prevailed as Heb. 9.15 sheweth with Gal. 3.15 26. and 5.5 And so the whole Gospel is by the blood and sacrifice of Christ confirmed and sealed for truth 5. That he might also having life in himselfe quicken whom he will and so give eternall life to all that beleeve on him and leave and give up such as will none of his counsell and so persist in refusing to beleeve on him In which also he hath prevailed John 1.17 3.18.19 5.20.28 6.37.40 6. That he may at the last judge all men according to the Gospel which himself first began to preach and then gave his servants to preach And in this also hee prevailed as is evident in that himselfe said John 12.48 He that rejecteth me and receiveth not my words hath one that judgeth him the word that I have spoken the same shal judge him at the last day And his servant by the spirit said Rom. 2.16 In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my Gospel And so it is said of God Acts 17.31 He hath appointed a day wherein he will judge the world in righteousnesse by that man whom hee hath ordained whereof he hath given assurance or offered faith unto all men in that he hath raised him from the dead And so as Rom. 14.9 to this end he both died and rose and revived that he might be the Lord of both dead and living So it is affirmed on that very ground vers 11 12. 2. Cor. 5.10 We must all appear abefore the judgment seat of Christ c. yea and such as come then to be condemned by him that so died for them and offered himselfe a Sacrifice and ransome for them and used mercy and extended meanes to call them to repentance are charged with sinne for that they have not believed John 16.8.9 and that they have troden under foot the Soone of God counted the Blood of the Covenant wherewith they were sanctified an unholy thing and offered despite to the Spirit of grace at least that he called and they refused Heb. 10.29 Prov. 1 24. And this shall be their condemnation light came and they loved darknesse rather Iohn 3.19 They by following lying vanities have forsaken their own mercies Iona 2.8 And lost their own souls Matth. 16.26 And by denying the Lord that bought them brought upon themselves swift destruction 2 Pet 1. and so are rightly called * Jude 12 Frees twice dead And the destuction and torment into which they shall be cast is called the second death Rev. 20 6.14 And thus mightily and verily hath the pretious Blood and Sacrifice of Christ offered to his Father prevailed with God so as indeed Jesus Christ hath thereby put away sin abolished death removed enmity out of the condition of mankind bought all men of God and obtained eternall redemption so as he is become the Lord of all and hath remission of sinnes and life to dispense And through him the earth is upheld for men mercy shewed to and means used towards them to draw them to repentance and faith and they all given of God into his dispose and he hath power and shall raise them all from the dead and judge them all according to the Gospel such as have in beleeving been brought to him and abidden in him in the day of grace hee will sentence to eternall life and such as have through the day of grace persisted in refusing him or departing from him he wil sentence to a second death And that men might have knowledge hereof and faith herein to bring them in to him and confidence to abide in him and bee left excuselesse in their refusall he hath also sealed and confirmed the Gospel for a certain truth in the report of the Propitiation and life on beleeving for all men and the New Testament for beleevers And all this true whether men believe it or no. And so far hath the sacrifice as offered to God prevailed and yet further in his having a fitnesse for that to be after said And in respect of all hitherto said the light shineth in the darknesse but the darknesse comprehendeth it not Iohn 1.5 7. And now to remedy this also that the light may be seen and known through the means used there is yet another end of his Sacrifice offered namely that hee might fit
this Law but to fulfill it Mat. 5.17.18 Think not that I am come to destroy the Law or the Prophets I am not come to destroy but to fulfill For verily I say unto you Till Heaven and Earth passe one jot or one tittle shall in no wise passe from the Law till all be fulfilled neither did Jesus Christ come to be an Arbitrator or Dayes-man to plead with God and lay his hand upon him that he might abate to men some part of their duty required in the Law and to lay his hand upon men to enjoyn and cause them to perform some part of their due to the Law to give some satisfying to God so make God men friends that way 1 Sam. 2.25 Iob. 9.33 No such matter but Jesus Christ himselfe in his own person while he was here on earth did perfectly fulfill this Law so as no sin could be found in him but he was in respect of his own particular person righteous and just even by that Law And had he not been a publick person in our stead and so had our sins that Law could never have charged him for he kept it fully Heb. 7.29 Ioh. 8.46 1 Pet. 2.22 Rom. 3.19 Gal. 4.4 Esa 53.2.6 2 Cor. 5 19-21 Gal. 3.13 Rom. 4.25 2 Cor. 5.14 Rom. 7.4 and 4.25 But as the publick person in the roome of mankind He was made under the Law to redeem them that were under the Law and so being under the Law for us he had all our sins that Law could charge us with imputed to and laid upon him and all the curse and death which Law could and did sentence us to imposed upon him And so he suffered the curse died the death for our sins yea for us all so as all are dead And so he hath satisfied the Law that we are dead to the Law by the body of Christ And this Jesus Christ as the publick person is risen again for our justification and hath ascended to heaven and with the vertue of his own blood offered himselfe a ransome and sacrifice to God having obtained eternall redemption and life for men Heb 9.12 Esa 55.5 Iohn 16. Heb. 9.14 and 12.24 Reu. 1.5 to dispense to such as beleeve on him And now sendeth forth of that Spirit he hath received discovering this grace to draw men to believe on him and in the hearts of such as through grace beleeve in Christ he by his Spirit applieth sprinkleth and washeth with that pretious blood so as he enableth them to receive the satisfaction of the Law which himselfe hath made and to answer Law-charges therewith Rom. 4.24.25 5.2 11. 8 34. And to receive and own to themselves as theirs by faith the righteousnesse that he is become and to rest on him and approach in that to God 1 Cor. 1.30 Phil. 3.3.7.8.9 and by the same Spirit in and with the rich grace herethrough streaming he reneweth them Tit. 3.4.5 and worketh love in them 1 Pet. 1.18.21.22 yea a more excellent love then Law discovered in that it is a love of God in and for Christ 1 Iohn 4.10 19. and love of our brother as Christ hath loved us Ioh. 15.1.2 And this love fulfils all righteousnesse yea from a better principle then law could have affoorded Rom. 13.10 the Spirit in working this love writing the law in the inward parts 2 Cor. 3.3 and leading to deny all evill and live godly c. Tit. 2.11.12 and yeelding to and walking after the Spirit a man shall neither fullfill the lusts of the flesh nor be under Law Gal. 5.16.18 but have the righteousnesse of the Law the life it promiseth and cannot give yea a better life fulfilled in him and have an abundant entrance into the Kingdom Gal. 6.8 2. Pet. 11. And thus by Christ himselfe in his body in all his conversation was the Law fulfilled and by him in his own body as the publick person was the Law satisfied for all it had against us and by him through his Spirit applpying that satisfaction to our hearts he enables to beleeve and receive it and in that beleeving sheads abroad his grace in the heart that leads to all righteousnesse the Law requireth though from a better principle that will in due season perfect the same and hee also will fill us with eternall life And without this coming death resurrection and sacrifice of Christ the Law could never have been fulfilled and satisfied and without his spirituall application to the heart it will never be answered by us or fulfilled in us whence that thanksgiving or profession Rom. 7.25 8.1.2.3.4 4. The ends of the making known and giving this holy spirituall and righteous law was neither to justifie those to whom it was given nor to give them lyfe nor to kill and destroy from God for ever for if it had been given to give lyfe and justifie and bring to the inheritance it had been against the covenant and promises of God and saith therein which to conceive God forbid far bee it from us Gal. 3.18 21. Rom. 4.14 And if it had been given to get righteousnesse by it or to destroy from God for ever â—t had been against the grace of God testified in the Death and resurrection of Christ and faith therein which God forbid and far be it from us to conceive Gal. 20.21 and 3.11.12.13 Rom. 4.13 7.24.25 Heb. 2.9 Besides the giving the law in the hand of Moses a Mediator of the first Testament sheweth that it was not given to justifie for then no need of a Mediator nor was it given to destroy from God for ever for then he would not have given a Mediatour Gal. 3.17 And yet the law was given for good holy and mercifull ends For God in his mercy having found a ransome and given us life in him and confirmed a Covenant in him John 1.4 1 Iohn 1.1.2 which grace should have led men to repentance and faith in God and living to him But through blindnesse Esa 44.20 and 55.2 Gal. 3.19 and hardnesse of heart men slighted this great Salvation and put confidence in Idolls and superstitions and lived in and to themselves And because of Transgressions the law was added till the seed should come and this law to discover that righteousnesse which is due from men to God 1 To kill men in respect of themselves of all that lyfe which they have in and from themselves by any excellencyes parts endeavours or workings of theirs in and by themselves By discovering their sinfulnesse and the Immeasurablenesse of it and the curse and wrath due to them that so they may charge themselves with it which without the law they would not doe Rom. 3.19 and 4.15 and 5.13.20 By spoyling them of all hope of lyfe by their own workings that they may say Amen to the curse 1 Cor. 1.6 and yeeld themselves as dead and lost and so receive the sentence of death in themselves Gal. 2.19 Rom. 7.9 Deut. 27.26 2 To
the Blood in an earthly holy place but this High-Priest entred into Heaven it selfe to offer and appeare before God for us Heb. 9.7.8.12.24 They though they offered to God yet they tooke no pleasure in their offerings but this High-Priest offered to God and he hath accepted him and set all his wellpleasednesse in him and set him at his right hand and given all Authority to him Heb. 10 1-12 and 1.4.8 Oh consider how great an High-Priest we have And how excellent then the Sacrifice that he hath offered and by vertue whereof he interceideth Heb. 1. 3 5 7 8. 2 In respect of the Sacrifice it selfe which he offered for every High-Priest is ordained to offer gifts and Sacrifices And it is of necessity that he have somwhat also to offer and that in the Heavens Heb. 8.3.4 And so he hath offered a gift a Sacrifice for satisfaction for ransome for propitiation and for a memoriall to intercede with for us And this was not Gold or Silver nor Bullocks and Lambs c. nor the Blood of others as the other Priests offered but his own most Pretious Blood his own most holy Body even that very Body in which he had borne our sinns to the Tree 1 Pet. 2.24 In which he dyed for our sinns and rose for our Justification Rom. 4.25 Yea the Body which is the Body of the Sonne of God Iohn 1.14 In whom the fulnesse of the God-head dwelleth bodily Col. 2.9 This is the gift the ransome the Sacrifice he offered himselfe his own Body without spot to God for us Heb. 9.12.14 and 10 5-10 Oh how fit how satisfying and of what infinite value is this Blood and Sacrifice of his 3 In respect of the Altar on which this Sacrifice was offered and by which it was borne and carried up to God The Altar of Gods appointment whatever it be is greater then the gift or Sacrifice and Sanctifieth the gift Mat. 23-19 Now those other Priests offered upon an Altar of earth or earthly substance Exod. 20.24 But what is the Altar on which this High-Priest offereth this excellent gift that is greater then it and sanctifieth it surely this can be no other but the Divine nature which is greater then the Humane In respect of which Humane clad with our Infirmities he said The Father is greater then I Iohn 14.28 And by the power of this Divine nature he was supported in and through his sufferings Esa 50 1-9 Raysed from the dead Rom. 4.24 and 6.4 Ascended to heaven Act 5.30.31 And offered himselfe to God And so it is expresly said Heb. 9.14 he through the eternall spirit offered himselfe without spot to God And thus also was God manifested in the flesh Justified in the Spirit c. 1 Tim. 3.16 And so by ransome of the union of the humane nature with the Divine in the person of the Sonne of God one Christ God-man This Blood and Sacrifice if it be rightly understood may be truly called the Blood and Sacrifice of God Act. 20.28 found by God Iob. 33.24 And offered by God unto God according to the will of God though it was the Body or humane nature offere for men And this doth sanctifie and dignifie the offering that it is of Infinite value and prevalency Heb. 10 5-10-19 c. 2 In respect of the Declaration and appearance of this pretious Blood and Sacrifice And so of Christ that by the eternall Spirit hath offered it to God for men and received the same spirit to apply to men and his gratious ends in both the faithfull and playne declaration of this by such as by spirit have received it and as the Spirit hath taught them 2 Cor. 4.4.6 1 Cor. 2.12 Rom. 12.3 Mat. 28.20 Declares this Pretious Blood and Sacrifice to be of great excellency worth and Dignity In that in such declaration as he promised 1 The holy Spirit cometh along and sheweth and testifieth of these things of Christ Iohn 15.26 and 16.14 and manifested the savour of his Knowledge 2 Cor. 2.14.15 And goeth to the heart of men that they might believe Iohn 1.7 Rom. 10.7 8 9 10. And writeth the minde of Christ in the Believer 2 Cor. 3.3 and 13.3 5. So that in the hearing of this Doctrine and Object of Faith and in no Doctrine or observation of any law of workes the Spirit of Christ cometh and testifieth and is received Gal. 3 1-5 2 The free grace and abundant love of God to mankind in the gift of his Sonn To be a ransome for all men 1 Tim. 3 4 5 6. And the Saviour of the world And the propitiation for their sins 1 Iohn 4.10.14 That whosoever believeth on him might not perish but have everlasting life Iohn 3.17 And his acceptation of his Sonne for men and taking his wellpleasednesse in him Mat. 3.17 2 Cor. 5.14 Heb. 10 1-12 His filling him for men Psal 68.18 Esa 41.1 His readinesse to receive in and through his Sonn and that his Sonn shall give eternali life to all that in his Discovery see and believe on him John 6.40 and 1.12 yea even his peculiar and delightfull love and well pleasednesse in his Sonn and all that by grace are made one in his Sonn Iohn 15.9 and 16.27 All this appeareth and as living water streameth In the Declaration and appearance of this Pretious Blood and Sacrifice as it was offered to God And is applyed to the heart Rom. 3.24 25. 1 Iohn 5 6-12.13 3 The great and compleate salvation redemption reconciliation Propitiation and righteousnesse that is in him and which he is become which by himselfe 1 Pet. 2.24 1 Cor. 15.3.4 Rom. 4.25 1 Iohn 2.2 and in his own Body he hath wrought in dying and shedding his Blood for our sinns and riseing for our Justification And through the eternall Spirit offering himselfe a spotlesse and unvaluable Sacrifice to God in which he hath made Purgation of our sinns slaine enmity obtained eternall redemption and made such satisfaction in heaven that he hath thereupon received life to dispense to men Heb. 1.3 and 9.12.14 and 10 1-12 And the power and fitnesse of the same Pretious Blood and Sacrifice by the Holy Spirit applyed to the heart to purchase redeeme and reconcile to God from among men and to wash purge and renew the heart c. Act. 20.28 Ren. 1.5 and 5.9 Heb. 9.14 Tit. 3.4.5 And so worke Salvation in men All this appeareth in this Doctrine or playne faith-and spirituall Declaration of this Pretious Blood and Sacrifice so as therethrough from the threefold witnesse in heaven that are one there come these three on earth to men the Spirit and the water and the Blood 1 Iohn 5 6 7 8-12 By all which this Blood and Sacrifice appeareth of infinite Excellency and Dignity 4 In respect of the rich free bright and abundant love appearing in this Sacrifice of the Sonn of God for as it was the love of God to give his Sonn c. as aforesaid even so
faith come to him are said to come to the blood and sprinkling Heb. 24. And of the vertue power efficacy and prevalency of this pretious hlood and Sacrifice of Christ in and with beleevers when in their believing it is thus spiritually applied it is that in this consideration wee have to take notice of and it is already in some measure shewn which may be here recalled And so 1. It verily and indeed crucifieth the flesh with the affections and lasts Whence they that beleeve are said to have done it Gal. 5.24 It breeds inward sorrow for and loathing of ones sinfulnesse Zach. 12.10 and takes down pride breeding a low estimate of ones self as the sinner and cursed one for whom Christ was made sin and a curse 2 Cor. 5.21 1 Tim. 1.13.14 and it makes all worldly and Pharisaicall excellencies appeare contemptible Phil. 3. 7 8. and maketh dead to sinne Rom. 6.4.11 and saveth from the pollutions that are in the world through Lust 2 Pet. 1.4 2.20 2. It also verily speaketh and giveth peace yea even the peace of God which passeth understanding and that will keep and guard the heart and mind in Christ Heb. 12.24 Rom. 5.1 2 11. Phil. 4.7 And so freeth from the Law of sinne and death Rom. 7.24.25 8.2 3. It verily redeemeth and purchaseth from among men to God so as iâ— prevailes with the beleever to be the Lords and for the Lord and so makes him of one mind with God and Christ Acts 20.28 Rev. 5.9 1 Cor. 2.16 4. It washeth comforteth and reneweth the heart and all the powers to bee conformable to Jesus Christ Tit. 3.4.5 2 Cor. 3.18 5. It firmeth the heart in confidence in Christ and expectation of his giving in Spirit according to his Promise to teach comfort preserve and guide into all truth Rom. 5.5 10. Gal. 5.5 Rom. 8.32 Gal. 2.20 6. It inflameth with love to God and Christ 1 Pet. 1.8 1 Joh. 4.19 and moveth love to men 2 Cor. 5.14.15.19 and especially to brethren 1 John 4.21 5.1 And in this charity it springs up joy patience c. Gal. 5.22.23 7. It fits and makes ready to beat the reproach of Christ and to suffer for him and his people 1 John 3 16. Rev. 12.11 8. It saves from falling and gets victory in temptations 1 Cor. 15 1-14 9. It preserves from vain glory and makes fruitfull in good words and works to glorifie Christ Phil. 2.1.3 and 1.20.21 John 15. 10. It breeds humble and great boldnesse to approach to the throne of Grace and have accesse to God Heb. 4.16 10.19 1 John 2.1.2 Rom. 5.2 Eph. 2.16 11. It fits the heart for a sweet humble and profitable receit of spirituall visits and entercourses of love and a profitable use in venting them seasonably 1 Tim. 1.13 16. 2 Cor. 4.7 13 12.1 10. 12. It leads to a holy use of all Gods Ordinances Creatures and dealings with us Heb. 10 12-24 1 Tim. 4.4.5 Rom. 8 32-36 13. It prepares to enter through sufferings into glory and sealeth to the same 2 Tim. 2.11 12. 2 Cor. 1.5 Rev. 14.15 And these and such like are the efficacies of the spirituall application of the pretious Blood and Sacrifice of Christ which efficacies are in beleevers and in none else what ever appearances any frame to themselves CHAP. 11. 4. Of the vertue and operation of this pretious Blood and Sacrifice of Christ upon them that have perished in Obstinacy and refusing to beleeve JEsus Christ is the Son of God and shall see of the travell of his soule and so the fruit of his pretious Blood and Sacrifice even upon them that would none of him The Lord Jehovah having in acceptation of his sacrifice given over all into his hands and set his delight on him so as all shall submit and those that will not willingly shall yet be subdued to acknowledge him Lord to the glory of God when also the vertue of his Blood and Sacrifice shall reflect on them like the heat of the Sunne on sore eyes to afflict them So as all his enemies shal be found liers and made his footstool Isai 53.11 12. Phil. 2.10 11. Deut. 33.29 Psal 110.1 And this may be evidenced 1. By the greatnesse of the grace that was procured for them by this pretious Blood and Sacrifice of Christ and received for them into his hands to dispense as remission of sins justification eternall redemption and life Rom. 3.24 5.18 1 Ioh. 5.10 11. And that so verily that in refusing they are by the Spirit that discovered grace through the vertue of this Sacrifice said Iona 2.8 to forsake their own mercies Ma. 16.26 to lose their own souls 2 Pet. 2.1 to bring upon themselves swift destruction It was great grace at first to make man in the Image of God and a world of creatures for him and to put him in Paradice and to give him a tree of Life c and to depart herefrom and sin against it a great transgression But man fallen to worke redemption for him in such a way and therethrough to extend mercy and meanes to win him in to partake of it was much greater grace and so greater transgression to turn from it and abuse the same and refuse the offers of it These are the ungodly indeed in a high degree 2 Pet. 2.1 Iude 4.5 2 By the greatnes of the wrath this sin provoketh fire it kindleth It did deserve death and provoke wrath when man first sinned fell from God but that wrath God executed on his Son in our nature and herein dying for our sinnes and rising for our justification and offering himselfe a Sacrifice to God for us hath put away sinne and abolished death and satisfied justice and so hath appeased that wrath and quenched that fire 2 Cor. 5 19.21 Iohn 1.29 Heb. 1.3 9.26 1 John 3.5 2 Tim. 1.10 Col. 2.14 1 John 2.2 It doth deserve death and provoke wrath and kindle a fire in judgments on men that by the mercies means by vertue of the Sacrifice of Christ procured for extended to them men do not seek God by repentance faith come in to him to live to him but still go on after their own lusts chosing their own wayes and living to themselves notwithstanding all his goodnesse extended through Christ to them to lead them to repentance Act. 14.17 17 26-31 Rom. 2.4 5. But this wrath is appeaseable and this fire quenchable And for such as in the day of their visitation when Spirit comes forth in the meanes doe receive his reproofes and obey his call and are prevailed with to belief of his Testimony repentance of their evils and faith in his goodnesse and sabmission to him to live to him to such this wrath also is appeased and fire quenching and will be altogether Acts 10.43 Rom 3.25 5.1 2. Isai 54 1-10 in due season But when God and Christ by his Spirit in the means used and through
which he giveth to men 1 It is not that knowledge or knowing which is naturall Rom 3.10 and 11.34 Truth it is that as God through Christ and for his sake for a time preserveth the naturall life of man so through Christ and for his sake he giveth and preserveth unto men for the time of this naturall life their naturall understanding reason judgmentaind conception Job 35.11 Rom. 1.32 By which they may learne and understand some things in the workes of God Job 36 24 25. And some things in the Narration or History of the Scriptures or Word of God Rom 2.17.21 Luke 10.26 27. And it is also true that God hath imprinted and manifested his wisdome even some testimonies of his being and goodnesse in his workes of Creation and Providence Psalm 19 1-6 Act. 14.17 Rom 1.19 20. and 2.4 And in the Scriptures or Word of God hath set forth Christ the wisdome of God what he hath done what he is and what he will do and doth 1 Cor. 1.24 Io. 5.39 46. Rom 4.23.25 And yet this is also true that in respect of all men that are but naturall and have but their naturall life and understanding though preserved in mercy for Christs sake This light shineth in darknesse and the darknesse comprehendeth it not Iohn 1.5 Men by their naturall wisdome do not find out or attain to know God in the wisdome of God set forth in the bookes of Creatures or Scriptures 1 Cor 1.21 The naturall man cannot know the things of the Spirit of God which he teacheth concerning the things of Christ because they are spiritually discerned 1 Cor 2.14 So that the naturall man with all his naturall powers and parts cannot attaine the right knowledge of the things of God in Christ by all his search either in the Workes of God or in the Word of God Eccles 10.15 2 It is not that knowledge which is both naturall and artificial attained by knowledge of Arts in use of Arts and artificiall helps whence that interrogation challenge Isa 33. where is the Scribe c. A truth it is that through Christ and for his sake God blesseth mens industly in study of Letters Tongues Arts and Sciences that are naturall and honest and also their honest industry in use and exercise thereof So as many thereby become very knowing wise prudent and skilfull Orators and Disputers In study of the works of God they may attain excellent knowledge about the variety of soyles and seasons the nature of Beasts Birds Plants the nature dispontion and manners of men and so be very skilfull for husbandry trading and merchandize Government of Common-weales Isa 3.1.4 Lawes Warre Physick c. And this is a great mercy to a Common-wealth and a correction to want them And in study of the Scriptures such may attain excellent knowledge for translation of Tonguâ—s understanding and explicating Histories discerning of Times and some Proprecies and of the scope and circumstances of places and etyâ—â—ologie of words which is a mercy to the Nation where they live while they keep their bounds yea and to the Churches also Matth. 2.5 6. Luke 12.54 57 Isa 3.1 4. But yet this is also true that the verity excellency depth pretiousnesse enjoyment and efficacy of the things of God in Christ these Rabbies and Princes of the World for wisdome and understanding cannot by this wisdome find out discern approve or receive though they reade and study the words in which it is exprest yet in those words it is hidden from them and they by their wisdome in all their searching cannot finde out this mysterious wisdome of God in Christ 1 Cor 1 20.21 and 2.7 8 14. Matth. 11.25 Luke 10.21 So as naturall and artificiall knowledge and wisdome cannot reach or attaine the right knowledge of the things of God in Christ Prov. 30.2 3 4. So that the knowledge or knowing here spoke of is not naturall or artificiall but supernaturall as shall be shewn anon 3 Neither yet is this such a knowledge or knowing of which nature is no way capable of the receit of it or such as doth destroy the naturall or artificiall knowledge or as if they could no way consist and be together in the same subject Act. 18.24 28. and 7.22 23 Heb. 11.24 25. The body or humane nature of our Lord Jesus Christ neither did nor could raise it self yet was it capable of being raised and was by the Divine Power not destroyed but raised And yet the resurrection though it was of the humane nature yet it was not at all by the humane but by the divine nature the very Spirit and Power of God that not the divine but the humane nature was raised Act. 2.23 24 30 31. Rom 4.24 and 6.4 The eyes of blind Bartemeus could by no naturall meanes attain to see but they were capable of receiving sight by the guift of God Mark 10.46 52. And for the better understanding this businesse wee may consider that it is appointed to men once to dye Heb. 9.27 Eccles 9.10 and when they do dye and give up the Ghost then all their naturall and artificiall knowledge and wisdome dyes together with them And as they shall be one day raised again by the Spirit and power of Christ so then the knowledge they have shall not be naturall or artificiall but only that which they shall have from the power of God that raised them 1 Cor. 13.11 12. And the members of Christ by vertue of their union with him shall have all knowledge tending to happinesse from him by the divine nature filling them with light and leading both soule and body 1 Iohn 3.2 So that they shall then know perfectly and see as they are seen and know as they are known But here in this life as their bodies so their naturall powers are spiritually humbled and mortified that they may in the regeneration be quickned by Rom 8.10 11 12.23 and made serviceable to the Spirit not annihilated or slain nor is the man perfectly and totally made alive in the regeneration here wrought nor will be till perfectly and totally dead in respect of all naturall life but the Spirit is alive for Righteousnesse sake 1 Cor 13.9 And the Spirit quickneth also the mortall body and so he may as pleaseth him The naturall powers and faculties for such service as he pleaseth 1 Cor. 1.29 The to tall redemption of the body being yet waited for our knowledge yet imperfect so then though neither natural nor artificiall knowledge bee the knowledge of spirituall things nor doth nor can attain it yet the spirituall knowledge may consist and be together with them in the same subject and having humbled and slaine the pride of them may make such use of them in some services as the Spirit pleaseth and as it is a punishment or correction during this life to have the body by Diseases disabled from service and tormented with pain Deut. 28.28 so is it to have the naturall reason and
understanding made uselesse or distracted So that this knowledge or knowing here meant is not such as slaies or makes the other altogether uselesse As for that doting upon naturall or artificiall knowledge the humane wisdome or the wisdome of the Rabbies and Prince of this world by which many so magnifie it as the only or necessary or at least the best mean to find out and discover the things of God It is a grosse and Idolatrous conceit and God hath executed judgment on that Idoll and stained the pride of that glory and so will do still in that the wisdome of God is hidden from them Matth. 11.25 Luke 10.21 and they know it not 1 Cor. 2.7 8 14. And few of them are called to it 1 Cor. 1.26 And those that are have their former wisdome befooled and they abased in the acknowledgment of the vanity of it before they receive the spirituall wisdome 1 Cor. 1.19 20. And the truth is this magnifying of humane wisdome and knowledge is the very enmity of Christ and the very Spirit of Antichrist Mat. 15.4.9 2 Thes 2.4 that moves to the building of Babell to Idolatry or Superstition to be as God in the Temple of God to appoint Doctrines Lawes Officers and to persecute the Truth and the Children of the Truth As for that saying that this naturall and artificiall knowledge this humane learning and wisdome is an Handmaid to Divinity Though this be but the Doctrine of men and no where affirmed in the Word of God yet if it be rightly understood it might by collection appear agreeable thereto for if it should be meant an handmaid or help to find out and attain Divinity that were rather to be a Mother then a handmaid and this is before proved false And if any object in men sanctified it may that is also false Job 11.7 8 9. Prov. 30.2 3 4. He that hath seeing eyes will not be befooled to take a candle to find out the Sun And again if by handmaid should be meant a guide and help to limit order and better the teaching of the Spirit the divine light knowledge and motions of grace that they may be more profitable and effectuall this is rather to be a Mistâ—is then a Handmaid and if suffered in this it would soone corrupt from the simplicity of Christ Prov. 30.22 23. And against this the Apostle hath protested 1 Cor. 2.1 4 5. But if by a handmaid bee meant a handmaid indeed that which is taken of its Throne and submitted to Divinity even to the Divine Spirit and grace of Christ to use as a Servant according to its pleasure and divine wisdome and motion for translating etymologizing and discanting on words for analyzing places comparing places using Similies c. Then if keeping the servants place is usefull as grace leads to the use of it And in this sence I conceive some godly men have used this saying and where it is so used it may be included in this saying Psalm 103. Blesse the Lord O my soule and all that is within me blesse his holy Name 4 But the knowledge or knowing here meant is supernaturall spirituall and divine and that appeares in three things that are together in this knowledge though distinct yet never separate in this knowledge or knowing First that the Giver or Teacher of this knowledge is the holy Spirit even God in Christ and the Spirit proceedin from both Prov. 2.6 For the Lord giveth wisdome and out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding Isa 48.17 I am the Lord thy God which teacheth thee to profit Isa 54.13 All my children shall be taught of the Lord Iohn 16.23 When the Spirit of Truth is come he will guide you into all Truth and this is in a heavenly manner as the Scripture shewes 1 By a divine not bodily but spirituall light shine or revelation in unbaring or manifesting to the soul or mind the things of Christ Heb. 10.32 In which after yee were illuminated 2 Cor. 4.6 hath shined in our hearts the light of the knowledge of the glory of God Math 16.17 Flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee but my Father which is in heaven 1 Cor. 2.10 God hath revealed to us by his Spirit 2. By a divine infusion or inspiration to the heart of a Spirituall streame motion or evidence and perswasion of the truth and goodnesse of that of Christ discovered Isai 44.3 I will powre my Spirit upon thy seed Job 32.8 The inspiration of the Almigty giveth them understanding Isai 30.21 Thine eares shall heare a word behind thee saying This is the way Isai 50.4 The Lord hath given mee the tongue of the learned saith Christ that I should know how to speak a word in season Isai 52.6 They shal know in that day that I am he that doe speak behold it is I. 3. By a Divine power or Spirituall strength so as he causeth the blind to see and the deafe to heare Isai 29.18 and openeth the heart to attend Act. 16.14 whence he is called The finger of the Lord c. Mat. 12.28 Such is the Teacher and teaching by which this knowledge is attained Secondly the Object of this knowledge That which the holy spirit teacheth and glorifieth in teaching is Christ and the things of Christ as the verity ends necessity excellency and vertue of Christ and his pretious Blood and Sacrifice the infinitenesse and freenesse of Gods love appearing therethrough and the promises and hope given therein yea Christ the wisdome of God and the power of God and wisdome c. to us 1 Cor. 1.24.30 John 16.14 He shall glorifie me for he shall take of mine and shall shew unto you John 15.26 he shall testifie of me John 14.26 hee shall teach you all things and bring all things to your remembrance whatsoever I have said unto you And so 2 Cor. 3.18 4.6 Thirdly the manner of knowing is likewise spirituall and that is both 1. By that new light disposition and spirit he hath put in the heart which is as a new and spiritual eye to see spirituall things which is not by a humane discourse collecting one thing from another judging to know unseen causes from some seen and sensible effects like humane wisdome and the spirit of the world but spirituall discerning in the very light and of the very evidence of the Spirit 1 Cor. 2.12.16 so as they may prove the effects sound from their knowledge of the cause 1 John 4.19 So John 1.14 We beheld his glory the glory of the onely begotten of the Father full of grace and truth Psal 36.9 In thy light we shall see light And in this as no mans humane wisdome and learning doth further his discerning so no mans ignorance or want thereof shall hinder Psal 119.130 The entrance of thy word giveth light and giveth understanding to the simple Matth. 11.25 Thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent and hast tevealed them unto Babes 1 John 5.20 we
shall one day be brought so farr to the knowledge of the truth that they shall therein be brought to confesse Jesus the Lord to the glory of God 1. Tim. 2.4.6 Esa 45.23 Phil. 2.10.11 But now in this day of grace from the appearance and force of his loving kindnesse in beliefe of his goodnesse to submit to and acknowledge the Lordship and grace of Christ is the motion and string of this faith Hosea 3.5 2 An inward and hearty acceptance and receiving of Christ and this grace of God in Christ for Pardon Peace righteousnesse and life so Iohn 1.12 As many as received him c. Col. 2.6 Received Christ Jesus the Lord Act. 26.18 Receive forgivenesse of sinnes Rom. 5.1 We have Peace c. verse 11. We have received the Attonement verse 17. Receive the Abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousnesse 1 Iohn 5.12 He that hath the Sonne hath life And this accepting and receiving is another motion in this faith 3 An approach accesse in coming or nigh-drawing to Christ and this grace in him and for farther onenesse and enjoyment thereof he also herein building farther upon himselfe Rom. 5.2 By whom also we have accesse by faith into this grace c. Ephes 2.18 Through him we have both accesse by one spirit unto the Father 1 Pet. 2 3 4. Ye have tasted that the Lord is gratious to whom coming as unto a living stone c. And this approaching is another motion in this faith 4 A hearty content and well-pleasednesse takeing in and with Christ and this grace in him which is a feeding thereon Phil. 3.3 And rejoyce in Christ Jesus Col. 3.4 Christ who is our life Psal 16.5.6 I have a goodly heritage Iohn 6.56 57 58.68 69. He that eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood dwelleth in me c. And thus doth this faith move in a submission to and acknowledgement of Christ receite of the grace in him approaching to God through him and well-pleasednesse takeing in him our Portion Psal 15.5.9 Such the moveings in and of this faith 5 For the subject in which this faith is the Instrument with which it moveth and worketh in and to all this beholding assenting believing trusting acknowledgement receite approaching content-taking It is the heart the principall the choyce and inmost strength of the minde will and affection even the spirit of all which is usually called the heart in Scripture Rom. 10.9.10 And shalt believe in thine heart for with the heart man believeth unto righteousnesse Ephes 3.17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith so that this faith is not in or with the minde or conception onely or with a light affection but in and with the whole heart Act. 8.37 And so it is with 1 The minde and understanding highly prizing Christ and this rich grace in him as the most excellent pretious and choice Pearle and Riches Phil. 3.7.8 1 Cor. 1.24 Col. 2.3.10 2 The will resolutely chusing receiving and accepting Christ and this grace in him as that which is most pleasing and welcome Psal 73.24.25 and 119.30.37 3 The affections closing therewith as that which is most desirable and satisfying Psal 16.5 6 7. Cant. 1 2 3 and 2 3 4 5. 4 A springing and reviving apprehension of truth and goodnesse of that believing however fainting before Psal 116.10.12 As old Iacob though before fainting at the newes yet when he believed the report of Iosephs being alive Gen. 45.27.28 His spirit revived he said it is enough my son Ioseph is yet alive c. And as Mary Luke 1.46.47 My soule doth magnifie the Lord and my spirit rejoyceth in God my Saviour and as David Psal 103.1.2 3. Thus is this faith in the heart and with the heart man believeth not only righteousnesse but unto righteousnesse and so with the heart moveth as aforesaid 6. For the strength power and principle in and of this faith It is the divine power and spirit of Christ entring with his motion or infusion effecting and spirituall seed or dispofition in the heart in which the divine power and spirit of Christ that wrought this faith operateth in and with this faith which faith is therefore rightly called Col. 2.12 The faith of the operation of God who hath raised Christ from the Dead and the working of his mighty power which he wrought in Christ when he raised him from the dead is affirmed to worke in those that by it believe Ephes 1.19.20 And by reason of this spirituall disposition effected in the heart of the Believer it is called The spirit of faith 2 Cor. 4.13 And by this spirit of faith it is that the believer in believing is enabled 1 To behold and discerne the object of faith Christ in his fulnesse and beauty and the rich grace of God in him Iohn 1.14.16.18 Mat. 16.17 1 Cor. 29. 1 Iohn 3.1 2 Moved and overcome in the appearance of this grace to believe 1 Pet. 1.21 Tit. 3 4 5. 3 Enabled to assent to and receive the Testimony 1 Thes 1.5 And to believe and accept the grace it selfe 2 Thes 2.13.14 And to depend on God for all the hope to come Rom. â— 5.10 Gal. 5.5 4 Prevailed with in the motions to the submission to and acknowledgement of Christ 1 Cor. 12.3 To receiving him Iohn 1.12.13 To approaching to God in and by him Ephes 2.18 and to Content-taking in him Col. 3.10.11 5 Hath the new minde spirit and heart effected Ezek. 36.27 1 Iohn 5.20 And the minde and law of Christ written therein 1 Cor. 2.16 2 Cor. 3.3.18 6 The springs fruits and operations of love joy peace c. Rise up Gal. 5.22.23 Diffusing the vertue and operation in all the powers and faculties of he man Mat 13.33 Purifying the heart unto unfained love of the Brethren 1 Pet. 2 22. Rasing up motions and so springing forth in prayer praise confession works of mercy c. 2 Cor. 4.13 And all notions about the Doctrine of faith and Profession of faith where this spirit of faith is wanting is but dead faith Iames 2.17.26 And all workes wrought by humane force not produced by this spirit of faith are but dead workes Heb. 6.1.2 Tim. 3.5 but this spirit of faith is the life of faith and that which makes faith lively in all that is said of it Rom. 8.2.4.14 7 For the one-nesse of this faith in the diversity of the Degrees and Acts of it the Scripture sheweth That there are divers degrees of this true and Divine faith the first Degree is little and small in comparison as a graine of Mustard-seede Mat. 13.31 Luke 17.6 And called little or weake in faith Mat. 6.30 Rom. 14.1 The second Degree is stable stedfast or strong faith abiding in Christ endeavouring temptations and tryalls Col. 1.23 and 2.5.1 Thes 3.7.8 The third degree is effectuall and victorious working faith and overcoming 1 Thes 1.3 1 Iohn 5.4 Though there are diversity of measures or Degrees and Growth therein in each
Degree 2 Thes 1.3 And in respect of the diversity of Degrees in faith some are called Babes some strong men and some Fathers 1 Iohn 2.12.13.14 2 That the Acts or Actings of this faith be divers and manifold as to say a areceiving Act a springing Act and a flowing and streaming Act as in the Scripture and experience believers find First a receiving Act this faith wrought by the spirit of grace in the heart receiveth the history or record and Testimony of God in the Gospel concerning Christ 1 Thes 2.13 2 Thes 1.10 1 Iohn 5.9.10.11 The grace of God in Christ testified Rom. 1.5 and 5.17 As remission of sinnes Act. 10.43 Justification Peace Sanctification Liberty of accesse to God and hope of glory Rom. 5.1.2.3 Act. 26.18 Divine power and strength of relyance on God Rom. 5.5.10.11 And yeelding up according to the leadings of grace 2 Tim. 1.7 2 Pet. 1 1-4 Whence also such exhortations to believers as Rom. 12.1.2 Phil. 2.1.2.12.13 and that 1 Iohn 4.4 and 5.4 Secondly a springing Act for from this faith wrought by the spirit in the heart springeth up love of God and Jesus Christ our Lord and joy in God 1 Pet. 1.7.8 Rom. 5.11 And love of brethren 1 Iohn 3.23 and 4.21 and 5.1 2 Cor. 5.14 and patience and meeknesse c. Gal. 5.22 According to that is said Iohn 7.38 Thirdly a flowing or streaming Act from the springs the motions flowing to put forth accordingly Rom. 10.10 And this more ordinarily to pray give thankes declare his goodnesse shew mercy c. Psal 116.10 2 Cor. 4.13 or more extraordinary in some miraculous operations Mat. 17.20 Luke 17.6 Marke 16 17 18. 3 That notwithstanding the divers Degrees in this faith and the divers manner of Acting and Acts of this faith yet the faith it selfe is but one and onely one Ephes 4.4 As there is but one body even one true Church or Sanctuary that is united to Christ and shall be in and with him for ever Cant. 6.9 And this Church one seed Gal. 3.17 One Sonne Hosea 11.1 One Christ one body though the members be many 1 Cor. 12.12 And as there is but one head husband and Lord of this body and Church with all its members which is Jesus Christ the Sonne of God and our Saviour Ephes 1.22.23 and 4.15.16 and 5.30 1 Cor. 8.6 And as there is but one Baptisme whereby we are baptized into this one Body whereof Christ is the head and that is by the spirit and with the washing of water and the word And this is into the Death and unto the resurrection of Christ and so for conformity in one and therethrough conformity in the other 1 Cor. 12.13 Ephes 5.26 Rom. 6.3 4 5. Tit. 3.4.5 And as there is but one God Father to whom we come in coming to Christ and he the Father of Christ and of every of us Ephes 4.6 And as there is but one spirit proceeding from the father the son effecting breathing one spirit minde disposition or heart that the spirit mind disposition and heart of Christ into which all that are baptised into Christ are made to drinke and so are one spirit Ephes 4.4 even so likewise as in the place fore-cited there is but one faith True it is The word Faith in Scripture is used diversly somtime for the object of faith even the ground and foundation of faith and that which is to be and is beleeved and beleeved in and to that end to be preached and heard Rom. 1.5 10.6 Gal. 1.23 3.5 Sometimes the word is used for the grace of faith Col. 1.4 2 5-12 Eph. 2.8 Sometimes for both the object and the grace united with the object together Acts 13.8 Rom. 4.11 9.30 And yet however taken there is but one faith The object in every respect is one The Gospel or word of grace though it hath many branches and uses yet is but one and the same Gospel 2 Cor. 11.4 with Gal. 1.7.8.9 The Gospel Col. 1.5.23 Even so the Lord Jesus Christ set forth in the Gospel though set forth as he is indeed the Sonne of God and the Sonne of Man yea God Man and declared in respect of what he was and what he became for us and what he hath done and what he is for us and with what he is furnished and what he is to us And as he is the Saviour of all men especially of them that beleeve and the Judge of all c. yet he is but one 2 Cor. 11.4 with 1 Cor. 8.6 the Christ John 4.42 Even so God the Father that is in Christ is one God though his works be manifold 1 Cor. 8.6 Gal. 3.20 1 Tim. 2.5 even so the holy Spirit that proceedeth from the Father and the Sonne and discovereth Christ and God in Christ and beareth forth the testimony however his gifts and operations be many and manifold yet the Spirit is but one 1 Cor. 12.4 11. yea the Father the Sonne and the holy Spirit are 1 John 5.7 one God Mark 12 32.34 set forth in one Gospel And so the object of faith is one and so faith also though so taken The grace of faith or the beleeving it self that is wrought in the heart by the Spirit of grace however there are diversity of degrees in the same both in the strength of beleeving and also in the fulnesse of the discovery of the object beleeved in the effects accordingly and also the Acts manifold as is shewn yet the faith it selfe is but one And this is evident in the forenamed place Ephes 4.4 where both faith and the object of faith and the means and the hope and the people that receive it are all mentioned distinctly so that the word faith there meanes the grace of faith and it is expresly affirmed to be one There is one faith As for humane and worldly faith or a shew and pretence of divine faith and hypocriticall profession thereof it is no faith at all in Scripture language there is no vertue in gtting or retaining it nor danger in departing therefrom in respect of any spirituall life As for that beliefe of the report of the Gospel and profession thereof which is destitute of the life and operation of the Spirit of faith it is no more faith then the body of a man is a man when the Ghost is given up and departed Jam. 2.26 So as there is no other true and living faith but one the receiving the history and record the receiving remission of sinnes justification and sanctification and power for divine operations or miracles the springs the streames the acts as is shewn are all by one and the same faith And so it is one and the same faith that in discovery of the object is tendered and to which called and which by the divine testimony is effected and which in abiding is after confirmed and which groweth and worketh by love it is still one and the same faith 2 Pet. 1.1 And
8. Heb. 5 9. Rom. 14.2.12 as now he hath come in the flesh and died for our sinnes and is risen for our justification Rom. 1. Heb. 9. and having offered up his own selfe a Sacrifice to God for us is received and exalted at Gods right hand having obtained eternall redemption and so is become the Lord of all the propitation for the sins of the world the Mediator between God and Men Wisdome Righteousnesse Sanctification and Redemption and life in him for all And hee all this for and to all that by the heavenly call beleeve on him and for them the Mediator of the new Testament that they may receive the promises being immeasurably filled with the holy Spirit to send forth to men even the rebellious that the Lord God might dwell among them and to such as are brought in to him to lead them into all truth having all power and authority to call all the sonnes of men that they might look and live to him to absolve and bring to eternall life all that obey his call and to judge and condemne all that persist refusing and will none of him This Doctrine as it is now declared in the Gospel it is the onely necessary doctrine to be taught known beleeved and walked in and it is a full sufficient and compleat Doctrine or Law and needeth no other doctrine to be added to it either to goe before or follow after or be joyned with it 1 Cor. 2 1-4 Gal. 1.7 8 9. 1. Either to convince the world of sinne or righteousnesse or judgement and to empty a man of himselfe John 16.7 11. Phil. 3 3-8 2. Or to call to Christ and so to repentance and faith and there through to receit of remission of sinnes renewing and life in Christ 2 Thess 2.14 3. Or to encourage beleevers to abide in the faith John 15 1-10 Col. 1 5-23 4. Or to direct and lead Beleevers to sanctification and conformity with Christ in heart and life 2 Cor. 3.3.18 Tit. 2.10.11.12.14 5. Or for Beleevers exercise to preserve and edifie themselves and one another in the faith and love of God in Christ and in the love of one another through all sufferings and services of love till they come to the Inheritance John 15.4 7 8. 1 John 2.24 25. Jude 20. 6. Or to oppose all sins and adversaries and all false Doctrines wayes and hopes withall 2 Cor 6.4 7. and 10.4.5 6. Ephes 6.17 Yea this Doctrine of the Gospell as it now sets forth Christ and life in him is a compleat full and sufficient Doctrine for all this without addition And for better understanding the sufficiency of the Gospell this is to be heeded That the life in Christ the Redemption compleated in his own body for men the redemption in the Declaration thereof tendered to be wrought in men by his Spirit in application of that in himself wrought in such as believe on him ever from the beginning was now is and ever will bee one and the same 1 Iohn 1.4 5 9 12. 1 Iohn 1.1 2 3. Heb 13.8 But the fulnesse and cleernesse of the Doctrinall Declaration and Dispensation as well as of the spirituall communication of Christ and the life in him hath had its diversity of Degrees 1 There was some discovery of this life even of the redemption wrought by Christ in himself for men and the power in him to make it known and tender it to men and give it into believing men even at first And that then declared was Gospell even the same though not so full and cleere as the word of the beginning of Christ now as appears by comparing Gen. 3.15 with Iohn 1.4 1 Iohn 1 1-3 and 3 5-8 2 After some time God was pleased to give a more full discovery of Christ and this life in him in opening to and making with Abraham an everlasting Covenant to assure all the spirituall Seed of this life in Christ and the priviledges thereof by a sure and unalterable Covenant Gen. 17. which was not another but the same Gospell more full come forth and the same that now is though now more open and cleer Gal 3.8 16 28 29. Yet till Christ was actually come God saw it needfull to adde stil something for the nurture and guidance of his people that they might estimate seek and lay hold of Christ and this life in him which still they were apt to sleight and neglect and ready either to extenuate their evils or to magnifie some wisdome and righteousnesse of their own wherefore God gave them a Testament or Law by Moses his servant one part whereof pointing out the righteousnesse due from man to God thereby to discover their sinfulnesse and make them say Amen to the Curse And the other part to type and shadow out Christ that they might in observation therof look and wait for all grace through him that was co come And this Law or Testament was not the everlasting Covenant It was not the Gospell preached to Abraham but a Law added because of transgression till the Seed should come and so long was the teaching and pressing of this Law needfull and usefull as subservient to the Gospell c. Gal. 3.19 to drive to Christ 3 But when the fulnesse of time was come God sent forth his Son made of a woman c. Gal. 4.1 4. And hee being come in the flesh and having suffered and being in our nature exalted at the right hand of God he hath given a new Testament which is a first fruits of the everlasting Covenant and the blessing of the Gospell for the nurture of his people and so the old Testament decayed and passed 2 Cor. 3.11 Heb. 8.13 Gal. 3.24 25. And thus though it was the same grace and life in Christ yet in respect of this full and cleer dispensation that is now by the Gospel it was hid in God and not so made known as now since Christ came it was to his holy Apostles and Prophets by the Spirit and by them in the Gospel in which the same Spirit still teacheth Eph. 3 2-9 Col. 1.26 1 John 1.2 3 4. And so of the Gospel as now declared is the Affirmation in the Observation to be understood namely That the Doctrine of the Gospel is the onely necessary and full sufficient and compleat Doctrine to be taught known believed and walked in c. And this doth yet further appear in that 1 This Gospell is that Doctrine which God gave Jesus Christ to preach and sent him and filled him with Spirit to preach and he preached it Iohn 12 49 50 and 17.8 18. with Isa 4.2.1 and 61.1 2. Luke 4.18 Mark 1.14 2 This Gospel is that Doctrine which Jesus Christ hath given to his servants to preach and sent them into the world and endued them with spirit to preach and given them in charge to preach it Iohn 17.8 18. and 15.26 27. 1 Iohn 1.1 2 3 7. 2 Cor. 5.18 19. 3 This Gospell is that