at his Fathers right hand and receive and bee filled with the holy Gost in our nature glorified to send forth to the sonnes of men and to fill and lead his people and so to be as in his own place a reprover of the world and an advocate and comforter of his people Himselfe when he was in the world did testifie of it That the works thereof were evill Iohn 7.7 And hee declared himselfe the Bread of life Iohn 6. the Son of God and Doore of the sheep Iohn 10. yea the Way the Truth and the life Iohn 14.6 and did teach his Disciples and keep them and manifest his Fathers Name and Words to them Iohn 17.6 7 8. and hee being in that estate and manner of ministration not long to abide in the world did promise to send them another Advocate and Comforter to bee in his stead with them for ever Ioh. 14.16 and that this holy spirit should beare witnesse of him Iohn 15.26 and convince for reprove the world Iohn 16.8 9 10 11. and guide his Disciples into all truth Iohn 16.13 mind them of his sayings teach them all things Iohn 14.26 c. yet even when while Christ in his own personall body was in the world he told this for truth unto his Disciples Iohn 16.7 It is expedient for you that I goe away for if I goe not away the Comforter will not come unto you But if I depart I will send him unto you And when he promiseth such portion of Spirit it was at that time said The H. Ghost was not yet given because Jesus Christ was not yet glorified Iohn 7.39 Now in his ascending and offering himselfe in Sacrifice to God for men hee hath prevailed for this also as appears in that is said Psal 68.18 Thou hast ascended on high thou hast led captivity captive thou hast received gifts in the man that is in the humane nature and for men to give gifts to men Eph. 4.8 yea the rebellious also that the Lord God might dwell among them And so where there was a performance-evident and eminent in visible descent divine operation through some to the convincement of many and drawing in many Acts 2. totum It is said This Jesus hath God raised up whereof we are all witnesses therefore being by the right hand of God exalted and having received of the Father the promise of the H. Ghost he hath shed forth this which yee now see and hear and so the Spirit of the Lord doth rest on him Isai 42.1 and he is annointed with it to preach good tidings c. Isa 61.1 2 3 4. So that as himselfe hath made peace so he hath received Spirit to preach and give peace Eph. 2.14.16.17 As he hath procured meanes to be used to call men so hee hath received Spirit to send forth according to the means to breath and operate secretly therein towards and with men Gen. 6.3 to enlighten every man Iohn 1.9 to manifest the being and goodnesse of God to them Rom. 1.19 to reprove their evils Pro. 1.23 to lead to repentance Rom. 2.4 that they might seek and find God Acts 7.26 and hee opens his words and gives his Spirit to to them Pro. 1.23 And as he hath himself preached the Gospel and confirmed the truth of it with his blood left it with his servants to minister so he hath received and is filled with Spirit immeasurably Ioh. 3.34 to send forth in the ministration thereof to cenvince the world Ioh. 16.8 9. to bring down every high thought 2 Cor. 10.4.5 to discover grace to men that they might believe Ioh. 1.7 and come to Christ Isai 55.5 to purge the consciences of beleevers Heb. 9.14 and witnesse their sonship Rom. 8.16 And as hee hath shed his blood and presented himselfe with the vertue of it in offering himselfe a sacrifice to God for men and so made a purgation of sinnes and wrought salvation and righteousnesse and obtained eternall redemption for men so hee hath received an office and spirit at his Fathers right hand to offer and call men to to the receite of the same Pro. 8.4.7 Esa 45.22 And by the same spirit to apply the same grace sprinkle the vertue of the same Blood and Sacrifice on such as believe to wash cleanse sanctifie and conforme them to himselfe therewith Esa 61 1-5 Ephes 5.25.26 whence they that come to Jesus are said to come to the Blood of sprinkling Heb. 12 24. And to say in a word As himselfe is the gift of God Iohn 4.10 and full of grace and truth Iohn 1.14 and eternall life is in him and given us in him that whosoever hath him hath it 1 Iohn 5.10.11.12 So is he filled with the abundance of spirit to discover and dispence this gift grace truth and eternall life Esa 42 1-8 and 61 1-4 whence also grace mercy and peace are mentioned for the Holy Ghost coming downe from the Father and the Sonne discovering giving to and effecting in believers grace mercy and peace as is seene by comparing Rom. 5.1 5. and 1. Iohn 5.6.7 with Rom. 1.7 1 Cor. 1.3 2 Cor 1.2 Gal. 1.3 Ephes 1.2 Phil. 1.2 Col. 1.2 And so in all the Apostle Pauls salutations to the Churches 2 Pet. 1.2 Rom 4.5 And so and in every respect as a foresaid hath the Pretious Blood and Sacrifice of Christ prevailed with God for men and this set forth in the Gospel for men as a very truth yea to and for such as do not yet believe but are yet impenitent and disobedient that they might believe and repent it being the foundation of and Door to repentance and faith And so of the first consideration of the vertue efficacy and prevalency of the pretious Blood and Sacrifice of Christ even as it was offered to God and hath prevailed with God for men Now let us consider the efficacie in the three following considerations CHAP. IX 2. Of the vertue operation and effectualnesse of this Pretious Blood and Sacrifice of Christ As through its prevalency with God grace and mercy is shown and extended to men and how fit and forceable to prevaile with them IT is before shewn that through the prevalency of this Pretious Blood and Sacrifice of Christ with God for men mercy is shewn and meanes is used towards men And that though men are so dead in sinne that they have no power spirit or will to discerne God or come into him by these meanes yet Jesus Christ by his Sacrifice hath prevailed with God and received of him in the humane nature the spirit to send forth in and according to the meanes to discover the grace procured by his Blood and Sacrifice and so to call and draw in men to God as is shewn And of the Prevalency of the Blood and Sacrifice of Christ with men towards God in this Discovery of grace by his spirit is that here to be noted not what humane studdies artificiall knowledge and forced motives effect But what by vertue of the
his words Mark 1.15 Iohn 2.22 and 5.47 And so this faith and trust is in praising God in his Word Psal 56.10 and glorifying his word Acts 13.48 And so the object of this faith is God in Christ in and according to his word The first next Instrumentall and outward mediate object of this faith is the word and Gospel with the promises thereof which discovereth Christ and God in Christ and that in which and for which we are to trust in him Psal 119.49.50 The second inward inmost and absolute mediate object of this Faith is Jesus Christ in that which hee hath done is become doth and will doe which the Word reporteth and assureth Phil. 3.3 The last inmost and utmost object of this Faith is God in Christ in his infinite wisdome love power c. which appeareth in and through Christ 1 Tim. 4.10 And so the object of faith altogether in one is God in Christ as discovered in his Word by his Spirit This and this onely is the object of this faith So that no Arme of Flesh or device of men not multitude of men Ammunition or Forts not riches nor strength nor wisdome nor any self-wrought righteousnesse or workes can be in any sort the object of Faith Jer. 9.23 Job 9. 1. Either the inmost and utmost object of faith and trust God onely is that Mark 10.24 1 Tim. 6.17 2. Or the inmost and absolute mediate object through which men beleeve and trust in God Christ Jesus is only that Luke 18.19 2 Cor. 10.4.7 18. 3. Or the Instrumentall and outward mediate object through and according to which men beleeve and trust in Christ and in God in Christ his Word onely is that Psal 56.4.10 As for prayers and endevours in use of means when they issue from and be the fruits of this faith and confidence in God in Christ according to his Word then in this confidence blessing may bee expected in them 2 Sam. 7.27.29 But they cannot be the object either as Rule or Medium or Object as aforesaid Rom. 9.32 10.2.3 The Word the Rule Christ the Medium God the Object and so God in Christ according to his word is onely and altogether the object of this faith Secondly for the Mover or Worker of this faith that which produceth it and in and by which it is raised and wrought it is not the force of any humane discourse reasoning or Argument 1. Cor. 2.1.4.5 nor is it the issue or birth of any fervent endevours or workings of men in and according to the law of works Gal. 3.2 yea though endeavoured and done to get Christ the righteousnesse of God thereby Rom. 9.31.32 and 10.2.3.4 neither yet is it a conclusion or spring from the appearance of any inward or outward changes effected in a man by any such reasonings or endeavourings Luke 18.11 12. 2 Cor. 10.7.12.18 But this Mover and effector verily is 1. The appearance of the grace of God in and through the Gospel even of that free and immense love of God in the gift of his Sonne to be the Saviour of the world and the satisfaction made by Christ and the fulnesse of grace and truth in him This grace of God appearing in and through Christ moveth to believe encourageth and draweth thereto whence this faith is called The gift of God by grace and not of works Eph. 2.8.9 and they that have it are said to have believed through grace Acts 18.27 2. The Spirit proceeding from the Father and the Sonne in discovery of this grace effecteth this faith and so the hand of the Lord that is the Spirit of the Lord or the demonstration of the Spirit and power is said to bring to believe in God Acts 11.21 1 Cor. 2.4.5 And in respect of both these this grace and Spirit working faith it is said After the kindnesse and love of God to manward appeared he saved us by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the holy Ghost Tit. 3.4.5 And so the beleevers are said to be borne of water and of the spirit Iohn 3.5 And so as the spirit worketh faith so for working it he doth not glorifie the workes of the Law or any frames or workes of men But he glorifies Christ and Gods rich grace in Christ to beget faith and hope in men Iohn 16.13.14 1 Pet. 1.21 And so to say in a word It is the spirituall appearance of rich grace in and by which this faith is wrought Grace is the mover 3 For the nature and Act of this faith There be three things together meeting in one in this Act of believing or this faith of which is here teached as Scripture and experience of Believers shewes that is to say 1 An assent and credit-giving to the report or Testimony of the Gospel and that which by the spirit is evidenced and appeareth through the same report the want of which the Prophet complaines of Esa 53. Who hath believed our report which not-believing the Apostle calles making God a lyer 1 John 5.10 And this assent and credit-giving to the report of the Gospel was in those Act. 13.48 They magnified the word of the Lord counted it good and true and so received the Testimony and so did the Thessalonians likewise 2 Thes 1.10 And this is the first Act without which no faith at all Iohn 5.47 and 8.24 2 An inward and hearty approbation of the goodnesse of that reported in the Gospel in respect of that Christ hath done and that he is become and that he doth and that he is ready to do And in respect of the rich free and great love of God appearing therein so as all other Excellencies are but losse and Dung in comparison of it 1 Pet. 2.7 Phil. 3.7.8 9. 3 Through this assenting and believing-approbation there is an inward and hearty resting and relyance upon Christ and God in Christ for the dispensation of this grace and perfecting that which appertaines to him to do Rom. 5 1.2.5-10 First creditting the savings of the Gospel and through those sayings Believing Christ himselfe and the spirits Testimony of him and in that believing trusting in God in Christ for that promised and so believing the sayings receiving Christ and trusting in God through Christ is the nature and Act of this believing 4 For the motions orstrings in this believing or faith they are 1 An inward and hearty acknowledgement of and submission to Jesus Christ as the Lord and Saviour and so to this grace appearing in him 2 Cor. 5.15 He dyed for all that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves but unto him that dyed for them and rose againe and so Rom. 14.8 Whether we live we live unto the Lord and whether we die we die unto the Lord c. verse 9. and 1 Cor. 6 19-20 Ye are not your own yet are bought with a price c. Rom. 6.17 Ye have obeyed from the heart the forme of Doctrine to which ye were delivered True it is that all men
light and motion of his Spirit in and according to the meanes vouch safed whether in the Book of Creatures onely or the Book of Scriptures also For calling All men Prov. 8.4 5. Isa 45.22 And willing them and striving with them at one time or other 1 Pet. 2.12 Gen. 6.3 And so Christ is the true Light that lighteth every man that cometh into the world John 1.9 And so in the workes of Creation It is said Rom. 1.19 That which may be known of God is manifest in them for God hath shewed it to them And of the preaching of the Gospel it is said 2 Cor. 2.14 God maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge c. And such as resist the light and motion in either of these meanes resist the holy Spirit Prov. 1.23 24. Act. 7.51 The liberty of giving life to all that believe on him 17. Iohn 2. And all these come through the efficacy and prevalencie of the Blood and Sacrifice of Christ presented unto God and accepted of him In which respect The Gospel where it comes sets him forth as indeed he is The propitiation for our sins and the Sinnes of the whole world Rom. 3.25 1 Iohn 2.2 The upholder of the world made by him Heb. 1 2 3. The laver of regeneration or new birth Iohn 3.5.15 Tit. 3.4 5. I he Fountain of leansing and purificatioons for defilements 1 Iob 1.7 Zach. 13.1 The Fountain of life Psal 36.9 He in whom God hath given us eternall life so as he that hath him hath life 1 Iohn 5.10 10 11 12. and as page 5. under this figure 3. 5 Sometimes together with all these four former sences by the Sufferings Blood Death and Sacrifice of Christ so presented to and prevailing with God is also farther meant the spirituall Discovery and Application of it to and prevailing efficacy in the hearts and consciences of such as through the appearance of grace are brought to believe Heb. 12.24 To the bloud of sprinkling 1 Pet. 1.2 Unto obedience and sprinkling of the bloud of Jesus Christ vers 19. The pretious blood of Christ which indeed prevaileth with and and in those who in spirituall Discoveries are sprinkled and washed therewith in and with whom it is so powerful and effectuall That it verily pierceth and melteth the heart for all its sinfulnesse and follies against him and all its hard thoughts and oppositions wherewith it hath pierced him Zach. 12.10 Acts 2.37 Reconcileth the heart and powers in their inclination to God 2 Cor. 5.18 20. Giveth an escape from the intangling pollutions that are in the world and holding from God through lusts 2 Peter 1.4 and 2.20 Rev. 5.9 Speaketh peace to the Conscience so as the Believer receiveth justification and peace with God thereby Heb. 12.24 Rom. 4 25. and 5.1.2 Purgeth the Conscience Heb. 9.13.14 from the accusations of sinne and charges of the Law putting in feare Rom. 7.4.6 and 8.2.3 34. from its former corrupt way of dictating to seek peace and righteousnesse with God by frames and performances of its own according to Law And also from speaking peace from such attainments Gal. 2.21 Phil. 3 3 7 8 9. Iob. 9.15.32 Purifieth the heart to a child-like love of God and Christ and his Government Heb. 9.14 Gal. 2.20 21. And so reneweth it with spring of ove ce brethren 1 Pet. 1.19 21 22. And omen 2 Cor. 5.14 And inclinations to serve the living God Tit 3 4.5 Conforming to Christ 2 Cor. 3.3 18. Washeth and cleanseth from such pollutions as befall Believers 1 John 2.7 Sealeth to the Day of redemption Exod. 12.13 with Ephes 1.13 and 4 30. And giveth boldnesse and courage in accesse to God Rom 5.2 Ephes 2.16 18 Heb. 4 16. All which are the efficacies of the pretious bloud of Christ spiritually applied to and sprinkled on the heart And meant when the Bloud is spoken of as Believers are said to be sprinkled redeemed from the world or vain conversation and washed with it Heb. 12.24 1 Pec. 1.19 Acts 20.28 Rev. 5.9 and 1.5 6 Sometimes by these tearms the Sufferings Blood Death and Sacrifice of Christ is signified encluded and meant The immense rich and free mercy love or grace of God in finding out a ransome and giving his Son That he might shew forth love Job 33.24 John 3.15 16 17. Ephes 2 4 5 6 7. And so this love made known in the gift of his Sonne and testified in the application of the vertue of his blood Rev. 1.5 and 5 9. In forgivenesse of sinnes Ephes 1.6.7 And there-through shedding abroad his love in the heart by the holy Ghost begetting love and confidence Rom 5 5 10. Vniting to comforting in and conforming to Christ writing his mind in the heart 1 Pet. 8.21 22. 2 Cor. 3.3.18 And herein is love That he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins 1 John 4.10 and 3 16 And herein is love communicated That he hath washed us from our sins in his blood Rev. 1.5 And so when we speak or in the Scripture read of the Sufferings Bloud Death and Sacrifice of Christ and the love of God to manward and the hope and benefit set forth to all men thereby wee are to understand it as of the bloud of Christ 1 That shed it and dyed for our sins 2 That overcame Death and rose for our Justification 3 That by and with the vertue of this bloud did through the eternall Spirit effer up himself without spot to God and hath thereby obtained eternall redemption And 4 that thereby procureth favour and meanes for the Sons of men That they might believe and in believing be saved And when the Scripture speaketh of so much and no more in any Proposition for Faith it speaketh of it as for the world John 1.29 Mer 1 Tim 2.6 Sinners 1 Tim. 1.15 And such like generall tearms it useth 2 Cor. 5.19 But when we speake or in the Scripture reade of the Sufferings Bloud Death and sacrifice of Christ as the vertue and efficacy thereof is found in any And the peculiar love and choice priviledges thereof affirmed of Then wee are to understand it farther 5 Of the vertue of that pretious Bloud applyed to and working in the heart And 6 of the rich and free love of God testified to and shed abroad in the heart thereby And then and so we are to understand it not only in the foure former sences but both in them and these two latter also And so it is never spoke of in generall for all men but for the Church Act 20.28 Ephes 5.25.26 27 Believers 1 John 1.7 His called and chosen ones Heb. 9.14 Revel 1.5 and 5.9 And so the same vertue and grace of Christ by Spirit given and made effectuall 1 In respect of Christ his dying for our sinnes and in respect of his entring into Heaven by his own bloud And in respect of his Application of it to the conscience And in respect of the first effects of
it speaking Peace and answering Law-charges it is expressed by Bloud or Death Rom. 8 34. 2 And in respect of the free and rich love of God appearing there-through and entring the heart with its cleansing refreshing and renewing operations It is expressed by water clean water living water or water of life Isa 43.3 Ephes 3.23 Heb. 10.23 Iohn 4 10. and 7.38 And so the same washing is affirmed as a fruit of his love by his Bloud Rev. 1.5 with clean water Ezek. 36.25 and Christ is called The Fountain of living Waters Jer. 17.13 And as these tearms of Bloud and Water are used to set forth the same grace distinctly in divers and distinct respects so one of these tearmes sometimes comprehends both As Bloud in Rev. 1.5 and Waters in John 3.5 Tit. 3.4 5. And so as Jesus Christ in respect of his sacrifice with the efficacy of it as offered to God And by the efficacy of it as applyed to men was shadowed figured and typed out by Water and Bloud Heb. 9.8 12 13 14 19. Even so his first coming and finishing the work his Father gave him to do on Earth 1 Because of the great rich and free love of God in which he sent his Son into the World John 3.16 To be the Saviour of the world 1 John 14.14 By which he tasted death for every man Heb. 2 9. And in love laid down his life for us He is said to have come by water 2 Because of the satisfaction he made for us by suffering and dying for our sins 1 Cor 15.3.4 2 Cor 5.21 Gal 3.13 He is said to have come by Bloud 3 Because by the eternall Spirit he rose from the dead ascended and offered himself without spot to God and so was justified in the Spirit Ro 6.4 1 Pet 3.18 Ro 1.4 1 Tim 13.16 And by that Spirit testifieth of himself Iohn 14.26 and 15.26 27. It is said The Spirit beareth witnesse 1 Iohn 5.6 This is he that came by water and bloud not by water only but by water and bloud and it is the Spirit that beareth witnesse because the Spirit is Truth And so as there is one God and three Persons in one God The Father who hath loved us and given his Son for us 1 Iohn 4.10 The Son who was made flesh and so dyed for our sins and rose for our justification Iohn 1.14 Rom 5.25 The Holy Ghost who proceedeth from and maketh known the Father and the Son Matth. 16.16 Ioh. 14.26 and 16.13 So it is said 1 Iohn 5.7 There are three that bear record in Heaven the Father the Word and the Holy Ghost And these three are one and so the Record is the record of one God 1 Iohn 5.10 And answerably there are three that bear record on Earth to men and in the hearts of Believers The Spirit that discovers in and through the Gospell this grace and enlightens the heart to see and believe and so begets a spirituall disposition bringing out of darknesse into his light Matth. 16.16 Iohn 16 7-15 1 Cor. 2.9 15. The Water even that rich free and immense love of God in the Spirits exaltation of Christs appearing Isa 55.1 2 3 4 5. The Bloud even the propitiation made satisfaction given redemption obtained righteousnesse wrought and presented to God and accepted of him and now applyed for satisfaction to the Believer Rom 3.25 26. and 4.5.24.25 and 5.1 11. And all these agreeing in one And so it is said 1 Iohn 5.8 There are three that bear witnesse in Earth The Spirit and the Water and the Bloud and these three agree in one All these witnesses agree in one and bear forth one record and the Spirit is he that beareth forth the witnesse and he doth it with Water Bloud in discovery and application of the free grace of God and the vertue of the precious bloud of Christ Tit. 3.4 5. And so the whole record is the record of God 1 Iohn 5.10 11 12. And this is the record that God hath given of his Sonne Tha God hath given us eternall life and this life is in his Son He that hath the Son hath life and he that hath not the Son hath not life And so by this whole Discourse wee may understand That 1 When the Scripture speakes of grace or free-love though for the clearnesse purity refreshing and cleansing effects it expresses it by that metaphor of water yet it means of that grace love in which Christ was given to be a ransome and which is testified through Christ who by his bloud shedding and with the vertue thereof presenting and offering himself a spotlesse sacrifice to his Father hath obtained eternall redemption and procured favour to be dispensed and the way of dispensation 1 Iohn 4.10 Rom 5.5 6. 2 And when the Scripture speakes of the Bloud Death and Sacrifice of Christ or the redemption effected thereby It means the Bloud of Christ which through love or grace was shed and presented to God for us and is discovered to us and so the redemption through grace wrought and in and through which grace or free-love appeareth Rom 5 8.-11 Gal 2.20 3 And so when the Scripture speaketh of the teaching witnessing and operation of the holy Ghost It meaneth that teaching witnessing operation of the Spirit of Christ which by vertue of his Sacrifice Christ sendeth forth from the Father and in which he discovereth and witnesseth the things of Christ and so with water and bloud discovering free-grace through the vertue of that pretious Bloud Iohn 15.26 and 16.7 15. And these things are well to be heeded and digested in our hearts as they are comprehended and meant alwayes the most of them and often all of them in using these tearms and expressions The Sufferings Bloud Death Ransome and Sacrifice of Christ Jesus CHHP. III. The manifold ends of the Sufferings Bloud Death and Sacrifice of Christ as the Scripture distinctly sets them forth FOr the right understanding the distinct ends of the Death and Sacrifice of Christ according to Scripture sence and expression There are some things the Scripture mentions to be fore-understood and heeded of us 1 Of Jesus Christ according to his double mission from the Father into the world and also according to his double businesse in leaving the World and offering himselfe to the Father 2 Of Mankind In respect of the double misery and enmity against God they are through the first Adem fallen into 3 Of the Church In respect of the double need they stand in of the contiouall helpfulnesse of Christ Jesus In the understanding and distinct consideration of all these the divers and distinct ends of the Death and Sacrifice of Jesus Christ will appear clearly 1 Concerning Jesus Christ his coming into the world and leaving the world First in respect of his mission from the Father into the world it was two-fold 1 He came and was sent into the world to be the Saviour of the world 1 Iohn 4.14 To save
the redemption and purgation wrought by Christ hath been visiting enlightning moving at their hearts and striving with them to effect repentance and faith in them and so to bring them to himself and they after the knowledge of the truth refuse resist or depart from it willingly and will none of God none of Christ will not be brought in to him this way to have all their life and confidence in his grace and guidance by it but persist in their wilfull refusall or Apostasie till he leave striving and give them up to their own lusts and Satan This deserveth kindleth such wrath as wil not be appeased and such a fire as will not be quenched Gen. 6 3 Prov. 1.23 24 c. Psal 81.11 Ezek. 24.13 Matth. 23.37 38. Heb. 6.4 5.2 Pet. 2. Jude totū And the execution of this is called The wrath to come Luke 3.7 1 Thes 1.10 fire unquenchable Luke 3.17 Mark 9.48 hell fire Matth. 18.9 Mark 9.47 the second death Rev. 20.14 3 By the greatnesse and inexcuseable folly rebellion and filthinesse of this sinne it being an under-valuing neglect and refusall of so great salvation and redemption first obtained and then first preached by the Lord himselfe yea a denying him that bought them and so a treading under foot the Sonne of God Heb. 2.3 2 Pet. 2.1 Heb. 10.29 a hardening the heart against the mercies and meanes that through the pretious Blood Sacrifice of Christ was procnred for and extended to them to lead them to repentance and so counting the blood of the Covenant an unholy thing Rom. 2.5 Heb. 10.29 a turning from him that speakes from heaven and so resisting and offering despite to the Spirit of grace that strove with them to bring them to God Heb. 12.25 10.29 Act. 7.51 In a word by their preferring darknesse before light when light came John 3.19 exalting their own wisdom workes and choyce and objecting and taking offence at the means Doctrine and Spirit of Grace and turning from it after it hath so farre been extended to them they crucifie again make of no account and efficacy to themselves the Sonne of God and put him to an open shame Heb. 6.6 A great ingratitude and fearfull rebellion against so great and gracious a God and Saviour and Spirit and so reall an offer and tender Psalm 81.11 Great folly and madnesse to refuse so great and reall mercy and salvation and altogether excuselesse they cannot say we fell and were loft in Adam no redemptiō was wrought for us wherby we might have been saved Our Fathers have eaten sowre grapes and the childrens teeth are set on edge Ezek. 18.2 Rom. 5.12 18. for the later part of the plea is false God wil punish it for though they were lost in Adam and could no way redeeme themselves yet in Christ redemption was again wrought for them Nor can they say this mercy was altogether hidd and no meanes used towards them that they might have sought and found him Act. 14.17 and 17.26 nor will this pleasure we had in our selves no will or power to choose lyfe For though it was not in them yet it was in him And his spirit by which he tendred grace wanted not power Mich. 2.7 He doth not looke to gather where he hath not sowne though wicked Servants so say But on his examination they will be dumb Mat. 25.26 and 22.12 Sinnes of ignorance and weaknesse to which through the fall men are necessitated and for which yet there is a remedy though they are directly against the Father and indirectly against the Sonne and holy spirit sinnes against the meanes procured by Christ and extended through him to lead to repentance and faith and so against ordinary light warnings and motions are against the Father and directly against the Sonne yet all manner of these sorts of sinne shall be forgiven unto men but the willfull and rebellious sinning in refusing and opposing the grace it selfe in Christ and evidenced by the spirit after light obstinately refusing to have all life in and guidance by that grace the spirit discovers in Christ But blaspheming the same This sinning is directly against the Father and the Sonne and the Holy Ghost and shall never be forgiven Mat. 12.31 Marke 3.28.29 4 By the evilnesse and remedilesnesse of the state and condition such sinning throwes these men into And that may be seene in two things 1 That whereas they were once dead through Adam and a ransome was given for them by Christ and life procured for them and this set forth in the Gospel and in the meanes tendred to them with some quickning motions of the spirit and hope of life there being no other meanes or Sacrifice They having wilfully cast aside this have rent themselves out of this booke of life renounced this life that was set in hope before them and are become Trees twice dead and pluckt up by the rootes so as there is no more hope for them Jude 12. 2 That whereas when they were fallen in Adam though truth and Justice pleaded for their Death yet mercy was for them and found out a ransome in which truth and justice did meete and joyne with mercy nor their good And though Justice might have risen against them for their strayings in ignorance and unbeliefe yet compassion and mercy had patience and forbearance to waite for them but now by his spirit he hath been striving with them and they will none of Christ but harden themselves against him and oppose and offer wrong and violence to Christ and his word and people even mercy also with Justice and truth is turned against them not that there is any change in God but they have put themselves into such a condition that his mercy becomes crosse to them the light is pleasant to the eye and that it troubles the sore eye the change is in the eye not in the light so Gods love and mercy is the same for ever His delight is in his Sonne and his pleasure in his people made one with his Sonne yea so great that when men harden their hearts against his Sonne the Gospel and spirit of his Sonne and turne to oprresse those that are vessels of mercy The more he loves his Sonne and the dearer his people are to him the more doth his mercy move him to plead their cause and plague their enemies and so he smote Egypt overthrew Pharoh and his Host in the sea smote great and mighty Kings c. For his mercy endureth for ever Psal 136.10.20 Oh heavy when mercy stands against them 5 By the greatnesse of torments and punishments to be executed on such sinners which as the Scriptures sets it forth is very terrible for it is the same that at first was prepared for the Divell and his Angels who sinned freely and without a Tempter or any cause Iude 6. Mat. 25.41 So it appeares that 1 The Death on mankind for the first transgression was an Allenation from God a
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
own particular persons they can never over-come and without suffering they can have no remission Heb. 9 22. Now to remedy this misery and take away this enmity in the state and condition of mankind Jesus Christ by the will of God even the will of his Father and his own free-will it being one and the same with the will of his Father hath taken the nature of mankind subjected to infirmities and the cause of mankind upon him and in their stead being made under the Law under which they were fallen hath borne all their sins and suffered all their curse and so dyed for All That all were dead and hath risen again just and free from all their sins imputed to him And a victâ—rer over all their curse and death imposed on him and so ascended and offered up himself to God a spotlesse sacrifice and a ransome to God for all men and God hath accepted it so that for mankind in him mercy and truth are met righteousnesse and peace have kified Psul 85 10. And he is become the propitiation for the sins of the whole world 1 Iohn 2.2 having slaine the enmity Ephes 2.10 Having taken out of the way All that was onely between God and us and so was contrary to us Col 2.14 And so hath given himself aransome for All to God and bought all men of God 1 Tim â— 6. 2 Pet. 2.1 And here is the infinite wisedome and great love of God in finding out this remedy for mankind which from the beginning was in himself hidden in his own Bosome And this he brought to passe so putting all to death in the death of his Son and setting them in heavenly places in him That he might shew forth the riches of his grace Ephes 2.5 6 7. And so war God in Christ reconciling the World to himself not imputing their trespasses to them 2 Cor. 5.14 19. And so hath made a way for himself to shew mercy to whom hee will And opened the doore to life and immortality for mankind 2 Tim. 1.10 And thus hath Iesus Christ by shedding his blood and presenting it to his Father redeemed all men of God and taken the enmity out of their stateand condition and is become their Lord Having wrought redemption and salvation in his own body for them even for all men 1 Tim. 2. 5. Sinners 1 Tim. 1.15 Vngodly and his enemies And that while they were such Roan 5.6 That he might bring them to God 1 Pet. 2.24 and 3.18 And yet unlesse he proceed to do more for men then all this none of them will come into God Iohn 6.44 45. For 2 There is a misery and enmity in the nature of mankind through which he is so averse to God That though the enmity in the state and condition be slain And all that which was between God and Mankind contrary to them taken out of the way Ephes 2.16 Col. 2.14 yet will not mankind come into God but remain sinners and ungodly still foolish disobedient and deceived living to themselves and after their own lusts and so in enmity against God Rom. 3.10 19. Ephes 2.1 2 3. Tit. 3 2 3. And such however ransomed by Christ neither can nor shall enter his Kingdom nor have any inheritance with Christ 1 Cor. 6.9 10. Gal. 15.19 20 21. But if not brought out of this enmity which is as impossible to them to do of themselves as to have ransomed themselves their condemnation will bee more fearfull 2 Thes 1.8 Now to remedy this misery and take this enmity out of the nature of man Jesus Christ ascended to Heaven and with the vertue of that bloud he shed for mankind having offered up himself a spotlesse Sacrifice to God and obtained eternall redemption and received all fulnesse of Power Authority and Spirit as the publike person in the humane nature glorified Act. 2.31.32 Psalm 68.18 Doth send forth of that Spirit in the meanes he useth at one time or other to enlighten and move at the hearts of men Iohn 1.9 To reprove and convince them of the sinfulnesse in themselves the vanity of all their Idols and all righteousnesse of their own working and of the fulnesse of that righteousnesse and life in him Iohn 16.8 9 10. And so calleth them Prov. 8.4.5 6. Isa 45.22 and 55.1 2. That in their turning at his reproofe he may power out his Spirit and make known his words to them Prov. 1.23 That so through him they might believe and be saved Iohn 1.5 7. and 3.7 And though all resist and go out of the way Rom. 3.10 19. And that this is the great condemnation when light comes to love or chuse darknesse rather Iohn 3.19 And he might justly give them all up and be righteous Rom 3.5 6. yet for a time he useth patience and striveth with them Gen. 6.3 That they might repent Rom 2.4 And to some he giveth more abundance of his grace and overcomes them as Bullocks unaccustomed to the yoke Ier. 31.18 20. Isa 30.18 And brings them in to believe Ephes 2.7 8 9 10. Phil 1.29 And these he redeemeth with his precious blood by presenting and applying it close to their heart sprinkling it thereon and discovering such free and infinite riches of grace therethrough that all things else though never so fore-thought of as gainfull appeares to them as losse in comparison of this grace allureing to win Christ and be found in him And soe as we by of our Children from their vanities to their bookes Phil. 3.7 8 9. c. with gifts he buyeth and purchaseth us with his blood from our vaine lusts hopes and conversations and from among men unto God 1 Pet. 1.18.19 Reu. 5.9 And then by the spirituall application of the vertue of his blood purgeth the conscience from dead workes to serve the living God Heb. 9.14 And so in his love washeth us from our sins in his own blood Reu. 1.5 And those whom he hath not onely bought of God as he hath done all men 1 Tim. 2.6 but also purchased them unto God from among men and washed them in his love from their sinns 2 Pet. 2.1 Reu. 5.9 and 1.5 Iohn 13.8 These and these onely are his Church and pecular people Act. 20.28 Ephes 5.27 In whose soule and body he worketh salvation through the application of that salvation which the hath wrought in his own body And in this consideration of the double enmity to God into which man fell and the reâ—â—â—cy in Christ appeares three ends of the Sufferings Blood Death and Sacrifice of Christ namely two ends of the presentation and offering it to God one to take away the enmity that was in the State and condition of mankinde Ephes 2.16 The other to receive spirit to send forth in the declaration of this grace to reconcile men to God that the enmity in there nature might be removed Ephes 2.7 2 Cor. 5.20 and one end of the spirituall presentation and applycation of it to the heart and conscience
the first Testament or the Law A Perfect image made by a curing limmer may clearly present the visage complexion of him whose Image it is though it have no life and so neither see nor breathe c. But a shadow or the first rude draught will not doe so much onely may discover that it is to be of a man or a woman and not of a beast but whether man or woman or whom it sheweth not as the Image finisht in which the shadow passeth doth Now the law had the shadow of good things to come but not the very image of the things they were paterns and figures of heavenly things for the time present but not a full demonstration of them Heb. 10.1 9.9.23 Now then if we call to mind 1. The offering for sin to make Atonement was first slain and after that the blood sprinkled at the Altar and on the Atonement-day before the Mercy-seat and the people afflicted in themselves and blessed by the Priest Lev. 9. 15.22 16. per totum shadowed Jesus delivered to death for our sinnes and presenting himselfe with the vertue of his blood to the Father to make the Atonement obtain redemption for us and his blessing us in sprinkling his blood on our hearts melting and purging the conscience Heb. 1.3 9.12.14.24 10.1 19. The Passover a Lamb without blemish slain and then the blood wth a bunch of hyssop dipt therin sprinkled on the two side-Posts and the upper doore Posts that the striking Angel might passover Exod. 12. And then the flesh roasted with fire eaten Shadowed Jesus Christ the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world John 1.29 Heb. 9.26 His dying for our sins 1 Cor. 15.3.4 And by his Spirit sprinkling the vertue of his blood on the beleeving heart without which no safety Heb 12.24 and our feeding on him by faith without which no eternall life John 6.35.36 so that bloodshed presented to the Lord and applied to such as come to the Sacrifices are all held forth distinctly as distinct and divers works 3. For the people that came to these Sacrifices for whom blood was not onely shed but presented to God and who had the atonement and such reconciliation as was thereby affoorded there was yet provided a water of Purification to cleanse them from defilements when they befell them and the defiled person not cleansed with it might not approach to the holy things without danger of death now it was not enough There was for them a water of purification and it was right nor that it was put in a vessell and running water put thereto unlesse a clean person dip with a branch of Hissop and sprinkle him that is uncleane hee remains unclean and must die by Sprinkling is Cleansing And doth not this shadow out Jesus Christ the fountain of cleansing and Laver of regeneration and purification right with with God yet cleasing none in their own hearts c. without application and spirituall sprinkling Heb 9.13 14. 12 24. Zach. 13.1 Tit. 3.4 5. Ezek. 36.25 Consider and compare the Scriptures and say 1 Did not the red Hyfer slain without the Camp and her flesh burnt Numb 19.2.3.5 Numb 19.2 3 5. shadow out Jesus that knew no sin made sin for us and suffering without the gate and after in the power of the Spirit and fire of his love offering up his whole selfe a Sacrifice to God for us 2 Cor. 5.21 Heb 9.14 10.12 13.12 2. Vers 9. Did not the remainders or ashes of the Heyfer shadow forth the remaining Records Testimonies and vertues of the death and sacrifice of Jesus who died for our sinnes and rose for our justification Vers 4. and presented his sacrifice to God and applieth it to us as was shadowed by the blood sprinkled before the Tabernacle 1 Corinth 15 1-4 Heb 9.12.13.14 And is not this the water of Separation or Purification from uncleannesse Ezek. 36.25 Rev. 1.5 3. Vers 9. Did not the clean Place without the Camp where these ashes were kept for a purification for sin shadow forth the Gospel of Christ or word of grace which J. Christ by his Spirit hath breathed and caused to be written and therein declared and testified and kept as in record the truth and vertue of the blood-shed death and sacrifice of Christ and the offering it to the Father and its prevalency with him and for whom and his tender and application of it and the vertue thereof and in whom Are not all the sayings hereabout plain 1 Cor. 15.1 4. 2 Cor. 3.12.13 1.2 Faithfull 1 Tim. 1.15 True 2 Pet. 1.16 19. And in righteousnesse nothing froward perverse equivocall or wreathed in them Prov. 8.6 7 8 9. 22.20 21. Eccles 12.10 That we may rather take those sayings as they expresse the matter then any other sayings or glosses they are very righteous and faithfull his word is very pute Psal 119.138 The inspiration of the Spirit of truth 2 Tim. 3.16 4. Did not the ashes of the burnt Heyfer of Purification for sinne and running water put thereto in a vessell shadow forth the Word of Grace setting forth the vertue of the death and sacrifice of Christ inspired and put in the hearts of the servants of God 2 Cor. 5.18.19 and his free and rich grace and love appearing therein shed abroad thereby by the holy Ghost in the heart of those whom he hath brought to beleeve in Christ and so united them to him 1 Cor. 1.30 and so filled them with his love that it springs up like love in them that constrains them to declare this grace and beseech others to accept it 2 Cor. 5.14 15.19 1 Pet. 1.21 22. for which cause they are called Stewards and Ministers of this grace 1 Cor. 3.1 2 Cor. 3.3 and said to have this treasure in earthen vessels that the excellency of the power may appeare to be of God and not of them 2 Cor. 4.7 and so are called chosen vessels unto God to beare his name Act. 9.15 5 Did not the clean person taking Hissop dipping it in the water sprinkling the unclean shadow forth Iesus Christ the just who by his own Spirit stirreth this grace in the hearts of his servants and giveth them what to speak 2 Cor. 4.6 5.14 1 Cor 2.12.13 and giveth proof of his own speaking in their ministration 2 Cor. 13.3 Making manifest the savour of his knowledge by them 2 Cor. 2.14 and himselfe by his Spirit turning the heart of men to God Acts 11 21. and weighing his mind in the heart of these so turned to beleeve in him 2 Cor. 3.3 further minding and teaching them that they have heard John 14.26 and taking off the things of Christ and shewing to them John 16.14 and so sprinkling and washing them with this water of purification the vertue of the pretious blood of Christ and his infinite love streaming there-through melting cleansing comforting renewing c Heb.
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
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
Sacrifice of Christ the secret spirituall and supernaturall breathing and motion of the spirit of Christ effecteth in and according to the meanes procured by his Sacrifice And so 1 In his manifestation and Discovery of grace and mercy in those mercies of God vouchsafed in his workes of creation and providence continued for Christs sake to the sonnes of men is effected for and to men 1 Some Testimony that God is Rom. 1.19.20 And that notwithstanding men have sinned yet he is God and mercifull to them Act. 14.17 And that he is a rewarder that is ready to shew favour and extend mercy to them that seeke him Heb. 11.6 And so the heavens declare the glory of God Psal 19. And his spirit striveth with men Gen. 6.3 And he calleth all Pro. 8.4 2 It giveth secret reproofes of evills found Pro. 1.23 And secret moveings to repentance of the evills reproved And faith in his goodnesse discovered and motions to seeke his favour Rom. 2.4 Act. 17.29.30.31 Esa 45.22 3 It effecteth a certaine light and disposition in men that is some what more then naturall even an inspiration from the Almighty giving understanding to discerne somthing of God and that with some inclination towards his goodnesse which because it hath not got dominion in men they are yet but naturall though somthing be vouchsafed them that is more then naturall by which a capabillity to heare some of the teachings according to God is for the time given them and so it is said he enlighteneth every man that cometh into the world Iohn 1.9 And there is a spirit in man and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding Iob. 32.8 And the spirit of man is the Candle or Lamp of the Lord which he hath set up and lighted searching all the inward parts of the Belly Pro. 20.27 and this is the great fault of men that they take not notice of this mercy Iob. 35.10.11 none saith where is God my maker who giveth songs in the night who teacheth us more then the Beasts of the earth and maketh us wiser then the fowles of heaven And thence come corrections olso to hide pride from man to seale his Instruction c. Iob. 33 16-19 to 29-30 4 To such as do not willingly harden themselves against the reproofs and speakings of this grace thus farr extended but turne thereby he maketh knowne his words by dreames visions or a rumour of the Gospel some way so as he worketh in them some sutable repentance and faith and feare of him and mercifull affections c. leading to himselfe as is evident in his own Testimony Pro. 1.23 And the examples set before us Iob. 33 13-31 Act. 10.1 2 3. All which is the fruite of his free grace through the Sacrifice of Christ Rom. 11.36 And such as harden themselves against his goodnesse are hereby left without excuse Rom. 2.4.5 And justly given over to wrath as is shewn Rom. 1.18.24 And so farr of the universall efficacy with all men 2 In and through the Gospel when the spirit goeth out in discovery of the Pretious Blood and Sacrifice of Christ And the grace therethrough procured for and tendred to men the effects and prevalency with men is greater 1 It begins to effect in all where the spirit doth so come in the Gospel some reproofe or convincement of the vilenesse of sinne the emptinesse in worldly things and the vanity of fleshly righteousnesse and also of a fulnesse and sufficiency in Christ and of sinne for not believing on him and also it allureth to a love and likement of the Doctrine of Christ with some motions to repentance faith and seeking the Lord Iohn 16.7 8 9.10 11. and 2.23.24 and 6.34 Act. 13.42 and 26.28 And such continuing in his words are his Disciples and shall know the truth and the truth will make them free Iohn 8 31-36 And if here they take occasion to stumble and oppose they may be justly deprived and given up Act. 13 39-46 and 28 23-28 2 It sinketh to the heart effecteth farther in many an inward and piercing sorrow for their former vilenesse emptinesse and rebellion with wearinesse of their old disposition hopes and wayes prizings and longings after union with Christ and these desires accompanied with some tasts of his goodnesse and love to his people Zach. 12.10 Act. 2.37 Nor will he faile or be wanting to these abideing to stablish them in due season Hosea 6.1.2.3 Esa 61.1 2 3 4. And when thus farr brought to depart from him cannot be lesse then wilfull sinning Heb. 9 26-29 And yet is this a common salvation where the Gospel is believed 3 This discovery of grace and operation thereof abidden in doth yet proceed farther enabling the heart to part with its former hopes and purposes and to believe in Christ So as it receives remission of sinns And hath the beginnings of Confidence with love of the Brethren effected And these are believers partakers of the heavenly Call Rom. 3.24.25 and 5.1 Heb. 3.1.6 To whom that hope is now given Heb. 14. and 9.15 And now in such a believer so excellent is the force of this appearing grace that it worketh an effect like that mentioned Phil. 3.7.8.9 And so in this second consideration we see a little of the vertue and efficacy of the Pretious Blood and Sacrifice of Christ and its prevalency with men as the knowledge of grace therethrough is given to men In which is discovered in the Gospel a heavenly motive and cord of love to call and draw to Christ CHAP. 10. 3. Of the vertue operation effectualnes prevalency of the pretious Blood and Sacrifice of Christ as it is spiritually applied to sprinkled on and working in the heart of those who through grace are brought in to beleeve in Christ VVHen Jesus Christ by his Spirit discovering his grace hath brought on the heart to beleeve on him then doth he by the same Spirit mind them of instruct them in and apply to them the vertue of his pretious Blood and Sacrifice and the rich and free grace appearing therethrough and so with the spiritual shines of grace and application of his Blood and streaming in his love doth he sprinkle and wash and cleanse them c. So it was prophesied Ezek. 36.24.25 Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you and yee shall be clean from all your filthinesse and from all your Idols will I cleanse you c. And so it is affirmed of his love to the Church that he gave himselfe for it that hee might sanctifie and cleanse it with the washing of water by the Word Ephes 5.26 And it is testified of beleevers of whom some had been notoriously evill But ye are washed but yee are sanctified but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God 1 Cor. 6.11 and so they have confessed of Christ Rev. 1.5 He hath loved us and washed us from our sinnes in his own blood Whence all that by
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
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
1 Tim. 2.5 And that in speciall for those that in the heavenly call are prevailed with to believe on him as that besides both the fore-mentioned for all men hee is in speciall manner for them an Advocate 1 Iohn 2.1 Yea even the Mediator of the New Testament that hy his spirituall application of the vertue of his sacrifice they may receive the promised inheritance Ephes 5.25 26. Heb. 9.14 15. Yea he is their King and Teacher and the high Priest of their Profession and to them wisdome righteousnesse sanctification and redemption Heb. 3. and 7. and 8. 1 Cor. 1 30. 3 That which by vertue of the sormer he now doth and will do and that both in generall for all men as the extension of his procured patience mercies and means to bring them to the knowledg of the truth Prov 1.23 and 8.4 c. Psalm 75.3 Act 14 17. And such as refuse light when it cometh he will one day bring them to acknowledgment of the truth and then judge them Jsa 45 23. Phil 2.10.11 Rom 2.16 And also in special for those that through the acknowledgment of truth in the day of grace believe on him how he presents them in himself spotlesse before God Col. 1.22 interceding for them Heb 7 25. and will send forth his Spirit to teach comfort and sanctifie uphold lead and preserve them to the Inheritance c. John 14.1 2 3 26. and 15 25 and 16.13 14 15. 1 Pet. 1.4 5. Psalm 138 8. 4 The great and rich love of God through all this discovered Ephes 2.4 5. His generall love of compassion to all men Iohn 3 16.17 Tit 2 11 12. and 3.4 and his peculiar and speciall love of delight to those in the heavenly Call united to Christ Ephes 5 25 26. Psalm 149.1 5. The great terrour and heavy inexcusable condemnation for all that when light comes set light by and will none of Christ to raign over them Hebr. 2 2 and 10 29. Luk 19 27. 2 Cor 5.10 11. And in this enlightning they receive a right judgment concerning God and Christ and Man and sinne and righteoesnesse life and death c Phil 3.3 9. and so it s said we have the mind of Christ 1 Cor 2 16. 3 In receiving this divine testimony and information is received also an encouragement of the grace it self testified in Christ Rom 1.5 as remission of sins c. as fore-shewn and the spirit of adoption with divine power c. Gal 3.2 Rom 8 15. as before 2 The second use is for springing up as in believing-minding these things are received so from this received in the same believing-mindfulnesse of Christ springeth up 1 A high estimate of Christ and the things of Christ and desire of him with a low estimate of ones self and all one 's owne things Phil 3.7 8 9. 2 An inward sorrow for all ones evill thoughts of God and Christ and sins against so gracious and loving a God and Saviour Act 2.37 Zach 12 10. 3 A fervent love of God and Jesus Christ our Lord with peace towards God and joy in God 1 Pet 1 7 8. Rom 5.2 5 11. 4 Love of brethren and compassion towards men 1 Iohn 3.23 4 21. and 5.1 2 Cor 5.14 5 Desires of Gods glory the Churches prosperity and Mens conversion and the coming again of Christ 6 Detestation of evill with love of God and so patience meeknesse c. Gal 5-17 22 23. And these and such like spring up in believing-remembrance of the sacrifice and mediation of Christ according to that Iohn 7.38 3 The third use is for streaming forth for as in believing-remembrance of the sacrifice and mediation of Christ there are such receivings and such springs as fore-shewn so in the same believing-remembrance the springs arising from the receites doe move and stream to flow and vent forth and is called a shewing forth the vertues of him that called c. 1 Pet 2 9. bringing forth good things Matth. 12.35 A working cut the salvation that is a mans own in and with him Phil 2 12 13. which is from the force of the spirit grace and love of Christ received springing up in the inwards fruits of zeale charity c. fore-mentioned streaming and boyling to flow forth in motions and bowels stirring thereto And this according to the channels opened and occasions given Iob. 32 8 18 19 20. 2 Cor 5 14 15 19 20. And grace received 1 John 1 2 3. Act. 4.20 1 To deny ungodlinesse and worldly lusts Tit 2.11 12. Gal 2.16 17 21. 2 To oppose false doctrines and wayes Revel 2.2 Gal. 2.11.14 3 To attend the Ordinances of God and seek his face therein Psalm 27.4 and 23.6 To pray to him and give him thanks Psal 116.2 10 13. Recount his favours and sing his praises Psalm 145.1 11. 4 To confesse Christ Jesus the Lord and Saviour in holding forth the word of life exalting Christ and yeelding themselves servants for Christ his sake Rom. 10.10.2 Cor. 4 5 13. Phil. 2.12.16 5 To use equity and mercy to give to every one his due for the Lords sake and to doe good to all especially them of the houshold of faith Rom. 13.10 Tit. 3 1-4.8 Gal. 6.8.9 10. whence for all these the exhortations to beleevers run in such a strain suitable to the law of grace Rom. 12.1.2 Phil. 2.1.2 6. To confesse it their finne wherein soever they have shut up these bowels undervalued the grace beleeved deaded the springs or stopt the streames either by forgerfulnesse or neglect of yeelding to its motions or turning aside to any other motions and seeking pardon and healing of the same in returning to Christ c. 1 John 3.17 1.9 Mat. 26.75 Psal 32.15 7. In some at some time to some miraculous operations in respect of that which is ordinary Mat. 17.20 Luk 17.6 Mar. 16.17.18 And these and such like are the flowings forth of the springs from the grace received in the beleeving-Remembrance of the vertuous Blood Sacrifice and mediation of Christ 4. The fourth use is for Patience for as in believing-Remembrance of the vertuous Blood Sacrifice and mediation of Christ and Gods rich love therein such grace is received such fruits doe spring and such streames flow forth so also it being some time after believing and walking in faith before all that is set in hope be received and in that time many thoughts trials and temptations to be gone through so that there is need of Patience Heb. 10.36 1 Pet 1 6 7. In this believing remembrance of the Sacrifice and mediation of Christ patience is stirred up and effected in exercise and preserved so as from that beheld in received from Christ ariseth a sweet confident expectation and patient abiding and waiting through all Tryals Sufferings and services for his performance of all his righteous Promises in his own season and so for his preserving us to the inheritance and for his owne visible coming again and receiving