might and if beleivingly minded would move us readily to extend mercy according to our ability yet if their proofs of instructions be not so received as thereby we be made base and vile in our own eyes as unworthy to be made his stewards of any thing and for our abuse of that committed to our stewardship he may justly deprive us of all and how long it shall continue with us and what evil may be on earth soon and we deprived of power to do good we know not and refusing a present oppeâ—tunity when ability given as we have too often done deserves to be denyed and deprived of it when we would nor can that we retain help us without his blessing and we shall have iudgement merciless that sheweth no mercy c if we be not thus salted and seasoned we shall not so mind his mercy to us as to be found merciful as he is merciful but if we shew any meâ—cy it will be either out of necessity or constraint or sparingly with scantness oâ— with grudging and murmering or as if we gave of our own absolutely and with desire to be seen of men and have praise of men and boasting and lifting up our selves or upbraiding and defaming such as need it 2 Cor. 8. 9 10 11 12 and 9. 5. 6 7. 1 Pet. 4. 10. Matt. 26. 35. 45. Pro. 3. 27. 28. and 27. 1. Eccles 11. 1. 2. 1 Iohn 3. 17. Iam. 2. 13. 8. If the sore judgements of God be in the nation we live in though the testimony of Gods displeasure thereby and the sins that have provoked such a loving merciful patient and long suffering God to smite and the misery of men if according to his word minded might move and cause our heart to tremble at his woâ—d and judgements and fill us with mourning for the sins that have provoked him and for the calamities and distresses of the people and with pity and compassion toward the afflicted and so to receive corrections humbling our selves under his mighty hand and drawing nigh to him in confessing and bewailing our sins and praying earnestly for us mercy in forgiveness and healing and so trusting in his mercy to turn from our evil wayes and to walk in his way and so give him no â—est till he he al the nation yet if the reproofs of instruction be not so received as thereby we see the corrupt disposition in our own natural heart and our own having two much yielded to it and so see the plague of oue own heart our own sore and how by neglect of so great salvation and unkind requitals of his love and gâ—ievances of his spiâ—it and conforming in many things to the fashions of the world since light and mercy given us and so aâ—e the chief of sinners and deserve even the so arest judgements iâ— not thus we shall not be so affected in our own thoughts of Gods displeasure testified nor in the sins of men that have provoked it nor with the misery as to be filled with godly sorrow and child like and bâ—otherly gâ—ief for the dishonour done to God the bâ—eaches of his Law our own and breathrens sins and the sins of the nation nor with compassion and pity towards men and such dread of Gods Judgements as to be lead â—ightly to receive correction and draw near to God in confessing our sins and the sins of others and seeking his face for our selves and the nation and so to turn from our evil designs and wayes and trust in his mercy according to his word but rather be laying the greatest blame on others as the greatest sinners and cause of the judgements And think it more needful for them to be afflicted and fast and to pray for removeals then for our selves and so they to turn from their evil wayes of which we not so guilty 1 Kings 8. 37. 40. 2 Corn. 6. 28. 31. and 7. 14. Iam. 4. 7. 8. 9. 10. Lam. 3. 1. 2 3. Hab. 3. 5. 16. 2 Sam. 24. 17. 1 Cor. 5. 1. 2. 2 Cor. 12. 21. But I will proceed no farther in particulars seeing there is that in us for which we need the reproofs of instruction in all our wayes and without receiving them to be framed by them we cannot have peace one with another so that our Saviours saying and order in giving this commandement is needful admonitory and instructive and the one observed fits to observe the other which else will not be observed therefore let us have salt in our selves and peace one with another And therefore have I been so large in this and plain to instruct and move us To have salt in our selves Though c. CHAP. VII A clearing this discourse from some supposed harshness I cannot be ignorant that some conceive this harsh and not Gospel-like for some have plainly vented so much as to instance and answer * 1. Some think it is a putting beleivers under the Law which will gender to bondage Gail 4. 21. 31. Answ There is great differences between being under the Law to the law which gendreth to bondage and without law to God which genders to filth and profaness and being not without law to God but under the Law to Christ which is profitable for us 1 Cor 9. 21. and we being yet not wholly spiritual but partly carnal and though in spirit not made free from the power dominion and charges of the law and the spirit of life for righteousness sake yet the body dead because of sin and to be kept in subjection and no farther to be made free by us then by the spirits operation made free in and for services spiritually performed Rom. 7. 14. 25. 1 Cor. 9. 27. And the law is holy just and good and there is good usefulness of it if lawfully used 1 Tim. 1. 8. For it is good to discover our sins against it and short coming of it to slay us of all hopes in our selves of life or in our own doings and shew us our desert of curse and need of Christ its end being for righteousness to drive to Christ Gall. 2. 19. Rom. 10. 2. 3. 4. so as we may acknowledge the law good holy and just and confess our carnality and sin and desert of curse it discovereth and fly to Christ that was once under the law and dyed and suffered the curse for sinners and so redeemed us from the curse of the Law and so beleiving in the blood of Christ beleive in him for pardon righteousness and life in which the law of the spirit of life in Christ not our reasonings will make us free from the law of sin and death and the spirit also will afford us that righteousness which the Law required and would not work in us Rom. 7. 14. 25. and 8. 1. 2 3 4. and 3. 25. Gall. 3. 14. 2 Cor 5. 21. so as even these commands also are a good role for the exercise of Charity 1 Tim. 1. 5. 6 8 Rom. 13. 8. 9. 10. Ephes 6.
Commandments blessed this absolutely affirmed and so Psal 119. 1. 6. and though they have sin dwelling in their flesh anoying them and troubling them with its Iusts yet while in beleif of the grace in Christ they do not consent to and allow the same so as to make it so their own sin is not imputed to them but they are in favour with God for Christ his sake and grace dispensed to them c. Psal 32. 1. 6. Rom. 4. 5. 8. 11. and 7. 14. 25. and 8. 1. 2. yea in doing every and each one and all these Commandments For 1. In hearty beleiving the testimony of Christ and sayings therein it will work savingly and bring unto righteousness Rom. 1. 16. and 10. 9 10. 1 Thes 2. 13. Iohn 16. 27. 2 Thes 1. 10. And 2. In turning at his reproof confessing our sinfulness and the evil of our designs and waies disowned by those sayings of his judging and condemning our selves therefore and approving the light In this doing we shall come to the light and he will pour forth his spirit to make known his words to us so as we shall know what and how to beleive and receive strength enabling thereto Psal 32. 5. 6. Prov. 1. 23. Iohn 3. 21. And 3. In beleiving on him in his name and word from love and grace in Christ discovered beleiving and crusting in him for performance of his word and promise to us though in respect of all seen and sencible hope we sit in darkness yet he will be even then a light to us Isa 50. 9. 10. Mich. 7. 8 9. And Christ and the righteousness in him is imputed to us and forgiveness Justification acceptation into favour with quickning interest in son-like priviledge and hope of glory received Rom. 4. 5. 11. 17. 22. 23. and 5. 1. 2. 3. 9. 10. so that blessed are they that trust in him Psal 2. 12. so as they shall be as Mount Zion that cannot be moved Psal 125. 1. 2. And 4. In confessing his name denying our selves and bearing his reproach among the sons of men in suffering loss of outward and natural relations and accommodations yea life for his name sake we shall therein receive suitable supports and consolations in sufferings and assurance of exceeding and more abundant reward in the resurrection of the just Mat. 10. 32. Isa 43. 2. 2 Cor. 1. 4. 5. Mat. 19. 28. 29. Rom. 8. 18. Revel 7. 14. 17. therefore blessed Mat. 5. 10. 11. 12. And 5. In loving one another as he hath loved us and so bringing forth the fruits of that love in works of mercy where we can look for no return or recompence from men we lay up treasure in Heaven and receive inward mercies and assurance of being rewarded in the resurrection of the just Mat. 5. 7. and 6. 14. 20. Luke 12. 31. Psalm 141. 1. 2. 3. and 112. 5. 6. 9. Pro 19. 17. Eccl. 11. 1. 2. so blessed are such as do this Commandment And 6. In abusing our selves and not seeking any applause to our selves or our own design but giving glory to him and his word and so aiming at and seeking to glorifie him and occasion and win in others to glorifie him he will approve us and we shall discern his goodness and in due season be will glorifie us 1 Pet. 5. 5. 6. Mat. 5. 8. 1 Sam. 2. 30. And 7. In patience possessing our souls keeping the saith and finishing our course waiting and looking for the appearance and coming of our Lord and his kingdome we are assured he will appear without sin unto salvation to us and we shall then appear with him in glory and receive the Crown of life and righteousness Luke 21. 19. 2 Tim. 4. 7. 8. Heb. 10. 35. 39. and 9. 28. Iam. 1. 12. Coll. 31. 4 and it s plainly said blessed are they yea every one that doth his Commandments yea in doing them blessed for in respect of mans part the doing of his commands thus is wisdome and the fear of the Lord that is the beginning of wisdome And they have a good understanding that do it that is that do his Commandments the praise of it endureth for ever Iob. 28. 28. Psal 111. 10. and they are even now blessed while so doing Psal 112. 1. for in keeping them there is great reward And this is seen also in the end required namely CHAP. V. * 4 Observable THe end required and to be aim'd at in doing his Commandments yea the issue of so doing them is express to be That we may have right to the tree of life and having that right may enter in through the gates into the City so that to have right to the tree of life and such a right as by it we may enter into the City is the end and issue exprest The Tree of liâ—e is known to be Jesus Christ the true wisdome of God Pro. 3. 12. yea the Prince of whom that is affirmed Psal 1. 3. and 52. 8. Hos 14. 8. And Jesus Christ in the vertue of his blood and sacrifice is one and the same for ever Heb. 13. 8. But in respect of demonstration manifestation and appearance to us-ward he is two wayes considered * First as testifyed and demonstrated and the mistery opened in a word of faith to be seen by faith in beleiving * Secondly as testified to be seen in his glory as he is and as we are seen but yet not so demonstrated as to be so seen and according to the testimony So * First behold and consâ—der him as he is demonstrated manifested and set forth in the Gospel with the vertue of his incarnation and having been made under the law for us and suffered and overcome for us the whole of that curse and death that was due for us to have suffered and so risen for our justification and offered himself a sacrifice to God for us and is accepted of God and filled with grace spirit and life to dispense to us ever living to appear before God and mediate for us and so is declared and set forth our peace the propitiation for the sins of beleivers and not for their sis only but for the sins of the whole world also the possessor and giver of spirit and grace and eternal life and so he is the soundation of repentance and faith the way and door of approach and coming in to God and so he is set forth for all men and to be preached to all men and there is a liberty and true right for them to look to and come to him in whom is life for them so far that they might repent and beleive which in his Gospel ministring he is giving to them and if they receive and so beleive he will not reprove nor put them by but receive them and they so shall have eternal life such riches the Gospel brings to men and there is blessing for them in it Iohn 3. 14. 17. Rom. 1. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 2 Cor. 5. 14. 15. 20. 21. Heb.
fire And this is that wrath of God and that judgement and those torments to be executed on such as in all his means used through the day of grace rebelled against him refusing his salting in his convincements and corrections and willingly walked after the lusts of the slesh which wrath and fire is everlasting and without ceasing tormenting for ever and ever And so cannot be quenched Heb. 9. 27. Revel 20. 15. and 21 8. And so first or last every one shall be salted with fire as to say 1. The spirit in the word and discovery of the grace in Christ convinceing and reproving of sin of want of righteousness and of evil designs in a man and his wayes as hath been shewn is a fire to burn up that filth and heats to the acknowledgement of Christ the Lord Ioh. 16. 8. 9 10. which is now received and yeilded to so as it may have its perfect work would burn up that and nothing but that which would destroy the man and heat with desires and fitness to receive the teachings of the spirit Pro. 1. 23 and 6. 23. But if refused and rejected till the day of Grace be past the same spirits convincements now rejected shall after seize on them so as they cannot avoyd it but it will kindle a fire that shall everlastingly burn on soul and body for ever and cannot be quenched Isa 45. 23. Phill. 2. 9. 10. 11. Isa 30. 33. 2 Thes 1. 7. 8. 9. 2. Corrections and punishments added where convincements and reproofs are not readily received to set them home to the heart and take down mans pride and break him off his enterprise and bow him to hearken and to submit to induâ—e such shame loss and pain in the flesh as is to be endured in receiving such convincements Iob. 33. 14. 24. 29 36. Prov. 6. 23. Yea for Christs sake to forsake all a man hath to be his Disciple Luke 14. 33. In which they will be received and blessed and enriched with better life c. by Christ But if a man refuse his convincements and corrections and prize not the Grace of Christ so as to bear that layd on them and undergoe the loss of natural life and all the comforts of it as required by Christ and for his sake but then and in such cases seek to save his life c. he shall certainly lose it and undergoe that loss and pain here if ever brought to repentance or else hereafter to his eternal woe lose all favour with God and Christ and Saints and all enjoyment of the inheritance and eternal life and yet confess Christ the Lord and then endure the torments of everlasting fire And this oft affirmed Matt. 10. 31. 35. and 16. 25. 26. Mar. 8. 35. 38 and 9. So that this is a most certain truth that to bring men to acknowledge Jesus Christ to be the Lord to the glory of God and every one shall be brought to it and that in bringing to confess it rightly here there must be a self denyal and sorrow with shame and grief for sin and loss of some things desirable to the natural life in Honour Ease Riches Friendship and relations below and it may be in some cases natural life it self which if for Christs sake not accepted but refused and not undergone they shall lose and undergo all and lose a far better use Riches Friend and Relations and yet be brought to this confession to their shame and then suffer eternal torments Vse 1. For every one shall be salted with Fire which sheweth both the truth of our Saviours saying It s better to endure the pain of this salting here what ever losses be in it then hereafter vers 43. 45. 47. And the necessity of taking and obeying our Saviours counsel given seeing there is no escape but this salting with fire must be endured now or hereafter And this also shews 2. The vanity and deceivedness of those that think to follow Christ and yet when his name or service requires this self-denyal suffering and loss seek to save themselves in these things yet think to be saved by him also and so to serve God Mammon enjoy their desires in these things here and life with Christ hereafter and this also shews 3. To warm and admonish us when a price is put in our hand to get wisdome not to think it too costly what ever is to be parted with for it or undergone to enjoy it whatever reproofs to be received or whatever self denyals and shame or sufferings to be undergone part not with the pâ—ize that is in truth for it Oh let not lying Vanities withdraw us from receiving our own Mercies but let us turn at his reproofs forsake the Foolish abase and Judge our selves in this World and so believe in his Mercy that we may not be condemned with the World but receive this Salting with Fire here that we may not be Salted with Fire hereafter And this is the first Affirmation given by our Saviour here in this Case to move us whatever it be that causeth us to offend how dear to us soever to cut it off and suffer the loss of it now in this Life for every one shall be Salted with Fire the next is CHAP. III The Second Affirmation ANd every Sacrifice shall be salted with Salt he speaketh here in the Plural Number every Sacrifice And so as Christ himself in his own body was abased and made despicable and dispised and suffered much and so was Crucified and died for our sins and overcame death and rose again righteous in that very body And then through the eternal Spirit offered himself in that body a spotless Sacrifice to God so made Peace compleated Righteousness and obtained eternal Redemption and an Inheritance And the Sacrifice that one Sacrifice offered by him once for all and by which he is able to perfect all comers to God by him Heb. 10. 1. 14. and 9. 12. 14. 25. 28. and 7. 25. And so offers and presents them in himself before God blamless Col. 1. 22. And makes them enabling them to offer Spiritual Sacrifices acceptable to God by him Heb. 8. 5. 1. Pet. 2. 4. 5. and every Sacrifice here meant is of these many Sacrifices and so they are and it verily is both 1. Every unfeighned Beleiver that in belief of this Sacrifice of Christ is thereby brought unto him and so into Covenant to be the Lords to have their Life in him and live to him 2. And every Spiritual Sacrifice by such Beleivers offered to God by Christ or in the name of Christ 1. And every unfeighned Beleever that in belief of the Sacrifice once offered by Christ is thereby brought into him and so into Covenant to be the Lords to have their life in him and live to him In which respect they are said to have made a Covenant with God by Sacrifice Psal 50. 5. And so to be the Lords and have given themselves to the Lord
with envy and wrath and malice at all that crosseth the design with other unclean lusts which if not disowned and denyed at the spirits reproofs in the testimony we cannot receive the spirits teachings in the testimony nor walk therein Gal. 5. 17. 19. 20. 26. Coll. 3. 3. 12. 4. In our demeanour towards and dealing with others it raises also these former Iusts and like wise vain glory with motions to equivocation subtilty fraud and injuriousness for self advantage besides disdaining the poor and envying the prosperity of others c. which if not disowned and denyed at the reproofs of the spirit in the testimony we cannot walk after the teachings of the testimony and so neither uprightly with God nor unblameably towards men Tit. 2. 11. 12. Iam. 3. 14. 15. 16. 5. In beholding the mercies and good things of this life and enjoying them it moves to be attributed too much to our own wisdome strength and industry and to satiate our selves with them and lift up our selves by them and so in fulness and forgetfulness of God besides the other Iusts which if not disowned and denyed at the reproofs of the spirit in the testimony we cannot walk after the spirit in use of such mercies Deut. 9. 5. 12. 17. and 32. 15. Heb. 1. 15. Ier. 9. 23. 24. 6. In beholding corrections and chastisements and feeling them and seeing fore judgements on men c. it raiseth motions to murmuring and impatience and to use of unlawful means or to confide in lawful means and to overlook and count little the plauge on our own heart and evil of our own wayes And to be viewing the evils of other men and judgeing them and not ones self as the cause of fore judgements with many other ill thoughts beside which if not disowned and denyed at the spirits reproof in the testimony we cannot receive correction and draw nigh to him to trust in him and walk in the teachings of his testimony Psal 78. 18. and 106. 7. 13. 14. 15. 25. Hos 5. 2. Amos 6 9. 2 Cor. 6. 28. 29. Ier. 2. 30. and 44. 10. 11. Zach. 3. 1. 2. But why do I run into particulars which are endless for me seeing alwaies in all our waies there is ever something of the flesh to be denyed so as from the spirits reproofs in the testimony we may so deny it as not to to walk after the flesh which if we do not so deny we cannot walk after the spirit Rom. 8. 8. 1. 8. 13. 14. Tit. 2. 11. 12. Ephes 4. 22. 23. 24. Therefore it is needful and necessary for us alwaies to have salt in ourselves and that in usefulness also that it may have its saltness in us as said in the beginning of this Chapter and somewhat in châ—p 4. at 1. and 2. and so make it impress and have its saltness in â—s it is a great favour from God when we are remiss in receiving it to afflict and correct us to make it take impression in us as hath been foreshewn 3. This having salt in our selves in which it will have its saltness in us when by the spirits reproofs in the testimony we are in beleif of that discovered in Christ humbled under them and the corrections used to impress them so as we imbrace them and are bowed to turn at them and framed by them as shewn Chap. 4. it is very advantagious beneficial and profitable to us For 1. God giveth grace to the humble and teacheth the meek in judgement and in his way and will in due time exalt them Pro. 3. 34. Iam. 4. 6. 7. Psal 25. 9. 1 Pet. 5. 6. Matt. 23. 12. Luke 14. 11. and 18. 14. 2. Christ will pour out of his spirit and make known his words to such as receive to turn at his reproofs and they shall get understanding and abide among the wise Prov. 23. and 15. 31. 32. 33. 3. Such as so receive the words of instruction with its reproofs as thereat to deny the lusts of the flesh â—o as they walk not after the flesh but yeild to walk after the spirit they shall neither fulfil the lusts of the flesh nor be under law but under grace Gall. 5. 16. 18. Rom. 8. 1. 2. Sin is not imputed to them though in their flesh anoying them and so they are so far blameless 4. Such as so receive his reproofs as by his strength therein they walk not after the flesh they receive from him of that life in Christ that enliveneth and strengthneth them to walk after the spirit and the way of the Lord is strength to them And their path will be as the light that shineth more and more to the perfect day Rom. 8. 13. 14. Prov. 10. 29. and 4. 18. The Lord will look to and dwell with such Isa 66. 2. 5. and 57. 15. So that though these reproofs of instruction received nor our receipt of them be not our foundation nor our builder on it nor our food nor our cloathing nor our life nor our strength nor our spiritual services of love yet they are the seasoners of us to come to and receive all and for performance of services and in that respect the way to life Prov. 6. 23. as hath been shewn Therefore let us look to this That we have salt in our selves And 2. Have peace one with another This a necessary thing To follow peace with all men and holiness without which no man shall see the Lord Heb. 12. 14. If possibly as much as in us lyeth to live peaceably with all men Rom. 12. 18. though our speaking thereof be so ill taken by them that they are inâ—aged and war against us yet suffer that and be we for peace and follow after the things that make for peace Psal 126. 6. 7. That so we may give no just occasion of strife or offence to any 1 Cor. 10. 32. 33. And especially see that we that beleive in Christ and profess his name and so are breathren that we have peace among our selves 1 Thess 5. 13. and live in peace 1 Cor. 13. 11. yea seek peace and ensue it 1 Pet. 3. 11. and follow after things that make for peace and wherewith one may edisie another Rom. 14. 19. 2 Tim. 2. 22. That so we may keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace Eph. 4. 3. And so be silled and cloathed with charity that will cover the multitude of infirmities 1 Pet. 4. 8. That so we may be peacemakers Matt. 5. 9. And so be at peace one with another which will not be unless we have salt in our selves For 1. If unbeleiving and evil men that are haters of the power of Godliness oppose hate and persecute us though the love of Christ to mankind and so to us when we were enemies to him in laying down his life for us might and with the heart beleived would move us to love and pity them and seek their good by striving to over come their evil with goodness yet
according to his will to be his Psal 116. 8 9 16. Rom. 14. 7 29. 1. Cor. 6. 19. 20. 2. Cor. 5. And these are called his Offerings by vertue of his own Sacrifice the fatness whereof is manifested therein Psal 20. 3 4 5. And as this was tipyfied in the High Priest presenting before the Lord and offering the Levites for an Offering to the Lord Numb 8. 13. 14. So in this sence Christ is said in the body of this Flesh through death to present Beleevers holy unblameable and unreprovable in his sight Coll. 1. 22 23. Though they bâ— brought to him by his Servants ministration Rom. 15. 16. 2. Cor. 11. 2. So every of these Beleevers he thus offereth and presenteth to God in himself shall be salted with Salt with that which hath a firy and â—â—rging nature to consume filth and to make savory that which is presented And every Sacrifice every Beleever without exception of any shall be salted with Salt And this 1. Not only in their first being brought into beliefe by reproofs and corrections brought to turn at his reproofe and denying themselves and letting all go for his name sake and therein exercising Sorrow Repentance and Self denial c. But 2. Also when Beleevers in their abiding and walking in the Faith and Services of Love and in reciâ—e oâ— more grace and savour from him Forasmuch as they are not yet wholly Spiritual but partly Carnal having no good thing dwelling in their Flesh but the Lusts of the Flesh warring against the Spirit Rom. 7. 14 24. Gal. 5. 17. So as there is still need of reproof and turning at them and oâ— corrections and receiving the same that Flesh may be still purged that they may still abide and go on in the Services of Faith and Love for there is no one of them in moâ—tal Bodies that is without sin or that doeth good and sineth not 2. Châ—on 6. 36. Prov. 20. 9. Eccles 7. 20. Job 15. 14. 1. Joh. 1. 8 10. And so Jesus Christ in his meditation by veâ—â—ue of his Blood and Sacrifice is still about that work not only interceding for Trangessours and taking away the sins of the World Isaiah 53. 12. Joh. 1. 29. but even for Beleevers that are coming to God by him Rom 8. 34. 1. Ioh. 1. 2. Heb. 7. 25. and 9. 15. And so by the freeness and greatness of his Love commended in his Blood and by his Word and Spirit therein teaching washing and cleansing them c. Ephes 5. 26. Both in their walking in the light as he is in the light cleansing them from all sin And wherein overtaken with a fault as they confess and seek so forgiving and healing them 1 Joh. 1. 7 9. And so as iâ— is his Office and work in which he is faithful to sanctify them throughout c. 1. Thes 5. 23 24. And so as there is corruption of sin in their Flesh and in their Walkings to puâ—ge out the remaining filth and make savoury his grations teachings to them that they may more readilâ— receive them Even so there is dispensed Salt to them And this 1. From the Testimony of Christ in that set before them of the excellencies in him teaching to receive of that life in him are certain reproofs of some things in us and our wayes to be still repented of denied and turned from And the reproofs of Instruction are the wayes of life or of receiving enjoying and retaining that life in Christ Prov. 6. 23. And he is wise that learneth in his teachings and loveth and receiveth his reproofs and he that doth not so is brutish what ever he boast to know and believe Prov. 9. 8. and 20. 3. and 12. 1. and 13. 1. And so Job that was such an upright and perfect man Job 1. 1. 8. and 2. 10. Yet discerning the power and excellencies of the Almighty was mightily abased and sitted to lay down himself and seek knowledge of and pray to God Job 40. 3 4. 5 and 42. 2. 5. Yea Isaiah the Prophet in beholding a glymphs of the glory of the Lord cryed â—ut of his uncleanness and was sitted to hear and â—eild to what ever God would send him about Isa 6. 1 8. So he dispenseth Salt in his word And â—et 2. To boar the Ear and bow the mind to drink in these reproofs and yeild more readily to his teachings he also even to Beleevers useth his Rod of afflictions and punishments to take down their Pride and break them of their own enterprize to reduce them c. Iob. 33. 14 15. 24. 29 30. Psal 94. 12. and 119. 66. 67. And so correcteth every Son that he receiveth c. Prov. 3. 11 12. Heb. 12. 6 7. Revel 3. 19. And by these afflictions to prize home his reproofs for purging out their follies Isa 27. 7. To humble and make them poor and low in themselves that they may not look to or rest on or glory in or of any seen or sencible things or any of their Wisdom Parts Gifts or Attainments but in his strength and salvation only Psal 20. 5 9. Jer. 9. 22 23 24. 2 Cor. 12. 7 10. To vehement them more to pray to him Hos 5. 16. And make them more ready to keep his Testimonies Psal 119. 66. 67. and 9â— 12. 3. And so both by these reproofs and afflictions to salt and season them in their believing and confidence that they may receive no instruction that causeth to erre from the words of knowledge noâ— believe every word or appearance of truth nor any thing for truth but his word his Testimony only and so the truth manifested therein to rest on that so they may not be rash in their confidence to rest in any thing besides or short of this truth nor mixe any thing in their confidence besides or with his Word or his Power Mercy or Truth manifested therein to rest on nor presume to confide in him for assistance and helpfulness in walking out of his way And this salting for this end is also needful for who through the Flesh in us and Satan and evil Ministers assailing us are too ready to miscarry herein that so our believing and confidence may be upright Prov. 14. 7 15 16. and 19. 27. Ye that in our confidence we may be taken off from resting on or attributing any thing of our helpfulness to any seen or humane things any Parts Gifts or Attainments received But as Christ by death overcame death being raised by the power of God so we in all straights and for all help may give all glory to God trusting in him that raiseth the dead 2 Cor. 12. 7 10. and 1. 9 10. which if not so salted we would not do And as 4. An addition to the forementioned reproofs and afflictions even sufferings of shame and reproach and tribulations c. For the name of Christ for his sake that we may be conformed to Christ in the fellowship of his sufferings and death and so through
6. Heb. 10. 28. 29. 30. and 6. 6. Yea if you beg any other thing of him or his helpfulness in any other way then he hath appointed he will not vouchsafe it 1 John 5. 14 and 3. 22. Prov. 21. 27. Yea though you retain the notion of truth and the love thereof and make profession thereof and do not receive the love of the truth in its declarations reproofs and instructions to be saved by it even by it nothing else what ever you dream can save you but you will be let to delusions to think to be saved by that for which you shall be damned 2 Thess 2. 10 11 12. Oh hearken to this If the salt have lost its saltness there is nothing else to season it But and if this Salt hath lost its saltness 3. It is neither fit for the land nor for the dunghil but men cast it out Luke 18. 36. It is thenceforth good for nothing but to be cast out and trodden under foot of men note this as spoken by Christ to his Disciples that were beleivers and by himself called the salt of the earth so that said is directly meant of them and so of them as ment by salt And so such beleivers of the Gospel as in receiving the spiritual convincements in it which are salt have yielded to the efficacies in which the saltness seasoning their beleiving and profession so as in professing truth rightly they were salt also as is foreshewn If they lose their saltness those efficacies mentioned chap. 4. 1. and 2. in their beleiving and profession they are then fit for nothing they can savorily neither receive correction it is so grievous to them nor the teachings of Grace they are not savoury to them Prov. 15. 10. Iob. 6. 6. Prov. 22. 7. nor are they profitable for ministration to others Matt. 5. 13. God accepts not their ministration Psalm 50. 16 17. and men despise such Apostate withered ones they are not fit to minister in the Church nor to the world but to be cast out altogether unprofitable yeatroden under foot of men despised as worse now departed from them before they know the truth and worse then them that never knew the truth oh heavy condition when the salt hath lost its saltness 4. Yet note our Saviour saith not If the salt have yet effected and impressed his saltness for that may be for a time in receiving but weak in some who yet retaining and attending to the word received it will be further effected Iohn 8. 30. 36. And in affording it to others it may be refused and so not take such place in others while yet the afforder is accepted Isa 49 4. 2 Cor. 2. 14 15 16. Nor saith he if the salt be abated in its saltness so as the efficacies be so weakned withered and dâ—yed in respect of their former liveliness that in that respect they that were once dead as of and from Adam having been enlivened once are now again as dead and so as trees twise dead yet not pluckt up by the roots the root of the matter is in them still something waking in the heart though they be a sleep these though in sad and heavy case yet in hearkning to his voyce receiving his correction and turning at his reproof are recoverable and so shall be recovered and so salted and seasoned again Luke 15. 16. 17 32. Isa 16. 17 18. and 55. 7. 8. Ier. 3. 22. Iude 22. 23. But that he saith is if the salt have lost his saltness lost his savour if the doctâ—ine of Christ Crucified be of no effect in reprooving and seasoning them if the reproofs of instruction have no force if the efficacies thereof be wholly dryed up so as it worketh not in them to any self denyal and abasement of themselves and pâ—ising and desires of Christ and his teachings c. so as they are carryed about of winds Clouds without Rain Trees without fruit withered twice dead and pluckt up by the roots c. the salt hath lost its saltness the blackness of darkness is reserved for them for ever and they reserved for everlasting fire Iude 12. 13. they are in a fearful case Mat. 12. 43 44 45. 2 Pet. 2. 21 22. Heb. 6. 6. and 10. 30. And now by all foresaid Mar. 9. It appears That a man by neglecting to have salt with its saltness in himself is in danger to fall into this woful state which to warn us that we may avoid it our Saviour both instructs us and sets the danger before us from verse 42. 42. and so move us to endure the pain of salting here that we may avoid it hereafter which else we cannot he assures us that every one shall be salted with fire and to move us to perseverance in retaining this salt with its saltness that we may feed on him and acceptably serve him he instructs us That every sacrifice shall be salted with salt ver 49. And to encourage us he assures us salt is good and yet to warn us so to receive it that we may receive and retain its saltness he tells us if the salt hath lost its saltness it is good for nothing And from and with all this presseth on us this councel admonition charge and commandment seriously ver 50. Have salt in your selves and have peace one with another CHAP. VI. Our Saviours Two-fold Exhortation 1. HAve salt in your selves 2. Have peace one with another 1. Have salt in your selves Hive that is receive it so as it may have its impression in you Prov. 1. 30 and 10. 17. and 4. 16. Salt that is the reproofs and efficacies of the testimony in your understanding affections and exercise Mat. 13. 9. 12 and 25. 29. in your selves not only to see it and speake oâ— it to others and press it on them but in your selves not only in your understanding and hearts but thereby in your selves your whole selves for seasoning and usefullness of the whole man for though in beleiving in Christ we become the son of God Yet that is yet but by faith Gall. 3. 26. and though the spirit of Christ do in beleif of the testimony quicken Eph. 2. 4 5. Coll. 2. 12. yet that quickning and renewing is of the spirit of the mind Eph. 4. 23. Rom 12. 2. And so that he framed is the likeness of Christ a new and inward man in the spirit Eph. 4. 24 Coll. 3. 10. 1 Cor. 2. 16. And that beleivers receive therein is yet but the first fruits of the spirit Rom. 1. 23. And though the spirit be made life for righteousness sake the body is yet dead because of sin Ro. 8. 10. And so while we are not wholly spiritual but as natural and naturally as of Adam and his sons so mortal carnal and sold under sin and what ever may pass and stir in yet no good thing dwelling in our flesh flesh and members Rom. 7. 14. 24. Gall. 5. 17. and so for this foolish flesh there is need of
in beleif of his love to us and for his love sake We love one another as he hath loved us 6. That we intend and seek the glorifying him in all these forementioned and not applause or satisfying to our selves in any self designs nor humoring men but this glory and the good of men seek in all we do 7. That in all we in patience possess our souls waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ 1. That we beleive his testimony and the sayings therein in their own plain import true good and concerning us as that by one man sin entred into the world and death by sin and so death passed upon all for that all have sinned And as by the offence of one unto all men to condemnation even so by the righteousness of one unto all men to justification of life Rom. 5. 12. 18. So that Iesus Christ by the grace of God hath tasted death for every man Heb. 2. 9. 2 Cor. 5. 14 15. dyed for our fins and rose for our justification Rom. 4. 25 1 Cor. 15. 34. And so gave himself a ransome for all 1 Tim. 2. 6. and is the Saviour of the world the propitiation for the sins of the whole world 1 Iohn 4. 14. and 2. 2. And yet that such as know not God and obey not the Gospel of Christ shall perish c. 2 Thes 1. 7 8 9. and such as do the works of the flesh Adultery Fornication Uncleaness Wantonness Idolatry Heresy Blasphemy Witchcrast Hatred Variance Emulation Wrath Strife Seditions Envyings Murders Drunkenness Revelling c. That they which do such things shall not inherit the Kingdome of God Gall. 5. 19. 20. 21. Ephe. 5. 4. 5. 6 1 Cor. 6. 9. 19. And that Christ is exalted with and on Gods right hand a Prince and Saviour to give repentance and remission of sins Acts 5. 31. The true light that lighteneth every man that cometh into the world The Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world the Saviour of all men of sinners Iohn 1. 9. 29. 1 Tim. 4. 10. and 1. 9. 15. being filled with spirit to send forth to the rebellious that God might dwell among them Psal 68. 18. and in sending forth his spirit in the testimony he convinceth men of sin of righteousness and of judgement Iohn 16. 7. 8. 9. 10. And such as turn at his reproof he will pour forth his spirit and make known his words to them and such as wilfully refuse he will reject c. Pro. 1. 23. to 29. and many like sayings all tending to one and the same end which if beleived with the heart it would be unto righteousness and it is his Commandment we should beleive them yea Christ himself saith Beleive me Iohn 4. 21. and 14. 1. 11. beleive the Gospel Mar. 1. 15. And by his spirit in the Prophets saith beleive God beleive his Prophets so shall yea prosper 2 Cron. 20. 20. Pro. 4. 10. Iohn 12. 36. yea unless we beleive we shall not be established Isa 7. 9. yea the not beleiving these sayings in the testimony is a giving God the lye 1 Iohn 5. 10. and this is the very work of the Devil to keep men from beleiving this Luke 8. 12. 2 Cor. 4. 4. for to this beleiving is the blessing promised Iohn 7. 38. and in it the saving and powerful efficacy of the spirit met with Rom. 1. 16. 1 Thes 2 13. That in this beleiving we may beleive in him according to his name which is the very end of the declaration of the Gospel Iohn 20 21 and for such as beleiving his sayings do beleive on him for his promises they are still to hold fast the minding and beleiving of the testimony and sayings therein that they may still beleive in him for his promises 1 Cor. 15. 1 2 3 4. 1 Iohn 2. 24 25. so that it is cleer to beleive his sayings true and good and concerning us is one of his Commandements 2. hat we receive his convincements and turn at his reproofs which in discovery of his grace he affordeth Pro. 1. 23. and 9. 4. 6. Isa 55. 1. 2. and so his commands report and beleive the Gospel Mar. 1. 15. true it is in discovery of his great love in suffering so great and cursed a death for us and in making it known to us in the Gospel extending them it grace to us that in beleiving we might receive it and so have peace and life in him he therein discovers the vileness of our sins needing such a ransome the vanity and emptiness of all wisdome righteousness and strength in us to help us our being so verily dead by desert and sentence of the Law And Gods hatred of and severity of Justice against our sinfulness that his own son the Holy one having undertaken for us he would not spare nor abate him one jot of all the curse done to us but judged him in the flesh for it all and inflicted it all on him and he suffered it for us without which we could not have had no escape Heb. 9. 22. Rom. 5. 6. 2 Cor. 5. 14. Rom. 8. 3. Matt. 26. 38 39. Isa 53. 4. 5. 6. which is to be owned by us if we beleive in him Rom. 4. 25. and 3. 10. 21. besides in discovering this that we might live to him who hath power to take away our after sin he â—iscovereth the more abundant vileness of our sinnings against the light and grace extended by such a Redeemer and its desert of a greater curse then the former Iohn 1. 9. 9. 10. 11. 29. and 3. 19. 20. and 12. 48. And such manner sinning with our Pride and self considences and designs to be confessed and turned from owning our selves as ungodly if we will receive the pouring forth his spirit and making known his words to us and to beleive in him that justifieth the ungodly Pro. 1. 23. Mar. 1. 15. Rom. 4. 5. in which blessedness is received and for this end is Christ in the Gospel set forth unto us to bless us in turning every of us from our iniquities Acts 3 26. and 26. 18. and 20. 21. and so Christ is in the Gospel set forth for the fall and rising again of many which fall whoever refuseth he proves to such through their offence taking at his reproofs a stone of stumbling Luke 2. 14. Ier. 6. 15. Iohn 3. 19 20. 1 Pet. 2. 7 8. and so the Apostle renders it Rom. 9. 3. 32. 33. and 10. 3. compared with Iohn 10. 38. 39. and 6. 41. 42 60. 66. and in this owning receiving and turning at his repâ—oofs the blessing is met with Pro. 1. 23. and 9. 6. and those that have in beleif of his sayings turned at his reproofs and met with the blessing in beleiving on him there is something needing reproof still found in them and in their wayes Rom. 7. 14. 24. Iam. 3. 2. Pro. 20. 9. Eccles 7. 20. so as it becomes them to be still receiving of and turning
He that beleiveth not on the Son of God hath not life but abideth under wrath 1 John 3. 18. 36. 1 John 5. 12. and 4. He that is ashamed of the name and Cross of Christ before men Christ will be ashamed of him before his father which is in Heaven yea the end of the enemy of the Cross of Christ is destruction Mar. 8. 38. Phil. 3. 18. 19. and 5. He that loveth not his brother is in darkness and abides in death and walketh in darkness and there is no eternal life in him 1 John 2. 9. 11. and 3. 14. 15. and 4. 8 and 6. Such as are set for their own glory honour and applause with men exalting themselves refusing to deny and abase themselves and their own ends and so to give glory to God and so to glorify him and bring others to glorifie him are so far from having right to the tree of life and hope of reward from God that they are hypocrites and resisted of God Matt. 6. 2. 5. 16 1 Pet. 5. 5. 7. I am 4. 4. and sure 7. Such as make hast in use of unwarrantable means and put far off the evil day and say our Lord delayeth his coming are unfaithful and wicked and a bitter portion belongs to them Isa 28. 15. 16. 21. Amos 6. 3. Mat. 24. 48. 51 yet to say all in one word or sayings such as in the means extended to them do not know God and obey not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ but walk in their own waies fulfilling the affections and lusts of the flesh they have no inheritance in the kingdome of God nor are capacitated to enter it but another more terrible portion in flaming fire belongs to them Ephes 5. 3. 5. Gall. 3. 19. 20. 21. 2 Thess 1. 7. 8. such are none of Gods peculiar people none of Gods Elect and chosen and so have no right to the Tree of Life c. And yet even such he came to save and is exalted a Prince and Saviour to give repentance and remission of sins to such Acts 5. 31. 1 Tim. 1. 11. 15. so that yet while the day of his grace and patience lasteth as the voyce and call comes to them if they yet in hearing hear his voyce so as they verily beleive his sayings and so turn at his reproofs repent and beleive in his name and so to do these his Commandements before mentioned for the end here set forth they shall live John 5. 24. 25. 26. And receive washing sanctifying and justifying in the name of the Lord and by the Spirit of the Lord 1 Cor. 6. 9. 10. 11. And therein begin to enjoy their right in Christ as set forth in the Gospel and so come therein to begin to have right to the Tree of life as here mentioned And so are brought out of darkness into the marvelous light and such only are his peculiar people his beloved his chosen Rom. 9. 26. 2 Thess 2. 13. 14. 1 Pet. 2. 3. 4. 5. 9. let none deceive themselves nor suffer others to deceive them in saying though they do not his Commandements forementioned yet they may be his elect for ought any man knoweth for that is false and all that beleive the sayings of Christ know it to be false nor that he may say it is in vain or me to hear his voyce and turn for if I have no right to the Tree of life and be reprobated it is impossible for me to be converted and come to have â—ight thereto for that is false also though all remaining such as said have no right to the Tree of life which may be a provocation to hear his voyce and turn and be doing there Commandements Rom. 11. 7. 21. and 9. 26. The second Position THat the right end of doing these Commandments forementioned or the so doing them according to his mind that we may have right to the Tree oâ— life in the midst of the Paradise of God and so enter through the Care into the City It is to do them with this aime and desire and to this very end mentioned that we may have right to the Tree of life c. Thus express here and in the Gospel plainly discovered to us That as we must become Fools in our selves and beleive his sayings true and good who ever become a Lyar thereby so our end if we would receive the blessings must be not to conclude we are and shall be saved harmless because we beleive his sayings but even therefore beleive and here them that we may be saved by that discovered in them Isa 45. 22. Ioh. 5. 39. 40 2 Thess 2. 10. Psal 50. 16. 17. And so our turning at his reproofs and confessing ouâ— iniquities and judging our selves c. Must be not to conclude our selves as therefore saved and having the because that humbled and repenting But that in so humbling our selves under the mighty hand we may receive the powering forth of his spirit and making known his words that he may lift us up and bring us to beleive in him Isa 58. 2. 3. Prov. 1. 23. 1 Cor. 3. 7 8 9 10. 1 Pet. 5. 6. And so our beleiving and â—â—â—â—ing in him for performance of his promises must be not to magnifie and trust in our beleiving trusting and confiding as for that righteousness justified and sure of all But that we may so magnifie his words and trust not in our trusting but in him that Christ himself may be our Righteousness and we justified by the Faith of him and so be strong in the power and grace that is in him and trust in him that he will perform his word and promises for his own word and names sake Psal 56. 3. 4. 10. 11. and 30. 6. 7 8. Gall. 2. 15. 16. 1 Cor. 4. 5. Ephes 6. 10. 2 Tim. 2. 1. 2 Sam. 7. 25 26 27. And so our confession of his name and bearing his reproach and suffering for his names sake must be not to lift up our selves above others thereby and to vant of our sufferings But to be baptized in to his death to imitate him and be conformed to him in suffering and death that the life and power of Christ may be manifested in us and the spirit of Glory rest upon us and we receive this salvation and consolation and the power of his resurrection now and be made like him in the resurrection of the just 2 Cor. 11. 17. 18. Rom. 6. 4. 8. 2 Cor. 4. 10. 11. and 12. 9. Phill. 3. 10. 1 Pet. 2. 21. and 4. 14. 2 Cor. 9. 10. Rom. 5. 3. 4. Iam. 1. 3 4 12. And in loving and shewing forth the Fruits of love in good works our end must be not to gain Applause or after Riches here not to have them for a foundation to him or rest on for life and righteousness before God but to answer his love to us and imitate him therein to testifie love and thanks to him Mat. 14. 48. Ephes 5. 1 2. 2 Cor. 5.
his by the sanctification of the Spirit and beleif of the truth choosing you out of the love and fellowship of the world into union conformity and fellowship with himself sure that is stable and certain for if you do these things which are all done in doing his Commandments as aforesaid and proved yea shall never fall for so an abundant entrance shall be ministred unto you into the everlasting Kindome of our Lord and Saviour Iesus Christ 2 Pet. 1. 6. 11. So that it is clear that in this manner doing his Commandments right to the Tree of life and so entrance through the Gates into the City will be verily attained and enjoyed in the first Fruits of the Spirit now and fully in Soul and Body hereafter The fourth Position THat men must first have right to the Tree of life before they can enter through the Gates into the City this is clear in the words and shâ—own in the beginning of * 4. This third observable with the first and third Position in itâ— and may be seen in that fruit of Abrahams faith that did not only beleive in God in what he had formerly discovered to be done for him but also there from beleived in him for what he had promised And so walked in the steps of that Faith Rom. 4 9. 25. Heb. 11. 8. 16. whose Sons and seed â—â— are if we be of and walk in the steps of his Faith Gall. 3 29. Rom 4. 12. and so are heirs according to promise Gall. 3. 29. Yea it is not enough to beleive that Iesus is the Christ and and hath died for our sins and risen for our justification and offered himself a Sacrifice to God for us and is therefore the propitiation for the sins of the whole World unless we there through beleive in him for his promises of those good things to come and by vertue of his mediation to be conferred on us with compleat and unfeighned Faith in unfeighned beleiving had till it come to this Rom. 4. 24. 25. and 5. 1. 2. 8 9 10. and 8. 32. 34. 1 Thess 1. 10. true if the former be beleived with the heart it will bâ—ing to this Rom 10. 8. 9. 10. 1 Cor. 14. 1. 2. 3. 4. in which we have right to the Tree of life so as to hope in him for the inheritance which hope preserveth in the Faith even to abiding 1 Cor. 15. 19. 20. 23. 1 Tim. 4. 10. supporteth and â—â—eareth in afflictions 2 Cor. 4. 17. 18. and 5. 1. Rom. 2. 17. 18. Heb. 11. 23. 26. and leadeth to persevere to death 2 Tim. 4 7. 8. Heb. 11. 9. 10. 13. c. Yea he that hath this hope in Christ purifyeth himself as he is pure 1 Ioh. 3. 3. and all this enjoyed doing his Commandments as aforesaid nor can we be doing them or entring the Gates thereby unless in beleiving we hold fast this hope Col. 1. 23. Heb. 10. 35. 36. so that without this right we cannot enter through the Gates into this City which leads to mind the last observable which is CHAP. VI. * 5 Observable THat all that desire to enter into the heavenly City and so to eat of the hidden Mannah and of the Tree of life that now is in the midst of the paradise of God and will be in that City when it is come down from Heaven they must if ever they will enter through the Gates into the City of the City when it is come down from Heaven and the Gates as then they shall be that is so glorious and beyond our apprehention only unquestionable because affirmed so it shall be that I may not presume to explain that but as this is spoken not only for our hope but also for our present usefulness and so I may consider of the Gates spiritually as in exercise of Faith to be entred and gone through And so what these Gates now are and they must needs be such as are suitable to the Commandments forementioned For the doing the Commandments to the right end is that we may have right in Christ and so to the Tree of life we may enter and so in doing them is our spiritual entring now so that without doing even these forementioned Commandments no entring nor any right doing them but so far an entring spiritually now and hope of that full entrance into that glorious City after so that in some sort the Commandments and Gates are one and though in outward things this is strange and to our sence could not be yet in Christ and the doctrine of Christ and so in spiritual oneness in many things of this nature is affirmed Ephes 1. 3 16. And whereas Gates are here mentioned in the plural number where as the Gate Door or Way to the Father is one and but one and the same By considering Christ who is one with the Father and we may come to understand both what the Gate is and what these Gates are For As the door by which Christ came and compleated righteousness for us and obtained redemption and prepares a City for us it was one love the will and appointment of the Father 1 Heb. 10. 7. 8. 9. 10. Psal 40. 8. Ioh. 7. 28. and 8. 42. and 10 2. 18. so he as having compleated that righteousness obtained the redemption and the inheritance and is in the vertue of all now mediating for us with God that we in beleiving might partake so he and he only is by the same will and appointment of the Father the one and onely Gate Door and Way for our approach to God for grace and spirit and life c. Ioh. 14. 6. and 10. 7. 9. Ephes 2. 18. Heb. 10. 19. 20. and 7. 25. and 4. 15. 16. yea and with that grace of him to enter into the Church and be profitable to others and yet Jesus Christ coming in by his Fathers will and doing it in compleating his first great work passed through many Gates without which he could not have compleated the will of his Father in that first work as to say taking our nature partaking with us of the Flesh and Blood ' and bebecoming under the Law for us Heb. 2. 14. Iohn 1. 14. Gall. 4. 4. ' And in that body lived by faith immediately on his Fathers power truth and faithfulness that set him about that work Psal 22. 9. 10. Isa 50. 7 8 9. Iohn 8. 29. and 6. 37. ' And in exercise of that faith went through manifold afflictions Isa 52. 14. and 53. 3. ' And persevered to the death even in death giving up his spirit into the hands of his Father Luke 23. 46. ' And then after buried and overcame death and rose in that very body that died and after ascended into Heaven and offered himself in that Body a Sacrifice to God and is now accepted of and glorified with the Fathers own self with the glory he had with the Father before the world was and is now alive for ever more Luke 24. 6. 7. Acts
the man that heareth me watching dayly at my Gates and waiting at the Posts of my Doors for whosâ— findeth me findeth life and shall obtain favour of the Lord Prov. 8. 34. 35. which will be no less then to fit him with blessings and lead him in doing of these his Commandments to have right to the Tree of life and so to enter through the Gates into the City Psal 65. 4. And to keep his Commandments for such a blessed end and so to enter these foresaid Gates now that at his coming we may enter through these glorious Gates into the holy City and as the Text it self is a strong motive so also to encourage and move us hereunto we have a cloud of witnesses of examples of such as in keeping his Commandements have passed through all these Gates that have lived on this earth as strangers in it by faith and walked in that faith Heb. 11. 1. 2. 8. 9. 10. c. that have indured and gone through great trials and sufferings Heb. 11. 24. * 27. 34. 35. And that have died in the faith Heb. 11. 13. 14. 15. 16. And of whom it is ascertained they shall be raised and enjoy the City Luke 20. 37. 38. Heb. 11. 16. 40. But especially and above all we have the example of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ now in the Gospel set before us who is the object foundation author and finisher of our faith the witness Leader and Captain to behold him who having such Gates to pass though which required greater abasements and greater sufferings and greater strength to go thorough then these before us and yet he longed for them to be opened that he might go through them and now hath gone through them and shewn forth the praises of the Lord Phill. 11. 8. 19. who for the joy that was set before him not for addition to themselves Psal 16. 2. 3. but to bring us to glory indured the Cross dispised the shame and it is set on the right hand of God who having overcome the World and the Devil and Death an answered the law yea abolished death in himself and taken out the sting and curse out of the remainders of these afflictions and first death left us to pass through Iohn 16. 33. Heb. 2. 14 15 2 Tim. 1. 10 Gall. 3. 13. 1 Cor. 15. 35. 36 37. And sanctifyed sufferings and death as means to purge us and a way to pass thâ—ough the Kingdome Isa 27. 8. 9. 10. and 58. 10. Acts 14. 22. And hath both traced out the way for us and given us promise of spirit and presence with us 1 Pet. 2 23. 24 Isa 43. 2. And he is on the right hand of God making intercession for us and able to suppoâ—t consolate make us gainers and give us deliverance glory in due season therefore let us look to him and in beholding and considering him lay aside every weight and the sins that doeth so easily beset us and run with patience the race that is set before us having such a Leader and Captain Heb. 12. 1. 2. 4. 5. surely such a Saviour Leader and Captain and the gracious example and call and the blessing pronounced and the hope set before us and such a cloud of his servants is this way so blessed by him might prevail with To beleive his Testimony and saying therein as verily true and good and spoken by him to us for good To turn at his repâ—ooâ—s in repenting of and abandoning every thing in our designs and wayes discovered by the light in his sayings to be evil and loathsome to him To trust in his word and name for his performing gracious promises to us and not to be ashamed of his name but to confess it before men willingly bearing his reproach and suffering for his names sake and in all loving our brethren as he hath loved us even our enemies with pitty and compassion and all that love him with love of delight and to bring forth the fruits of that law in works of many righteousness and goodness and in all seeking to glorifie him and win others to glorifie him and so in all patiently waiting for his coming and yet when we have done all say we are unprofitable servants putting not trust in our own righteous doing but in doing all such to enjoy him and have our righteousness and life in him and so right to the Tree of life that so in doing the Commandements we may be entring the Gates into the City and that we may go through these Gates so as we may after enter through the glorious Gates into the glorious and holy City to abide and walk in the faith alwayes and in patience possessing our Souls To persevere in confessing his name and bearing his reproach in keeping the faith till our course be finished and wait to be alwayes in readiness to die in the faith and be ready for his coming and that we may do all and to be hearty and diligent in frequenting and using his ordinances foresaid continuing our fellowship with his People in the Gospel and if we thus do walk it will frame us to be of one mind with the first and give us some experiment of the truth and goodness of that we may set to our Seals that God is true Iohn 3. 33. And confess that by faith we have seen and do testify that the father hath sent the Son the Saviour of the world 1 Iohn 4. 14. confessing that Tit. 3 3. 4. 5. 6 7. and so experiment and joyfully say with the Text Blessed are they that do his Commandments that they may have right to the Tree of life and enter in through the gates into the City And that we may so do the Lord in mercy be pleased to favour us with the favour he beareth to his people in leading us in doing his Commandments to have right to the Tree of life and so to enter through the gates into the City and so visiteth with his salvation that we may see the good of his chosen and may joy in the gladness of his nation and glory with his inheritance Amen Psal 143. 10. 10. and 10. 6. 4. 5. Search the Scriptures quoted and learn the usefulness in the reading and the way so plainly shewn us let us up and be doing and the Lord be with us which is the desire of the most unworthy speaker of these things Tho. Moor. Postscript THough it be hinted in this Tract in * 3 Observable ye * 4. and elsewhere and in that Tract of having salt in our selves yet it was moved by a brother that in one particular mentioned about distress in the affairs of this life some farther explication needed I will therefore assay to some explanation how helpfulness is to be found in doing these Commands even in that very particular And so 1. Let us heartily beleive his own sayings yea even for such things as that he is gratious full of compossion of great mercy good to all