Ministration of the Spirit as well as the Mediation of the Son of God is requisite Are not Christians washed 1 Cor. 6.11 justified and sanctified as in the Name of Jesus Christ so by the Spirit of our God 2. 2 Cor. 13. ult When the Apostle prayeth that Persons may have the Communion of the Holy Ghost doth not that hint that as they have Communion with him so also that by his Influence and Efficacy they are prepared for Heaven and for having their Conversation in Heaven whilst they are on Earth For the further proving of the Position I offer If we look upwards and unto God 1. Is it not the Work of the Holy Spirit to reveal as his Nature and Excellencies so withal the great Mistery of Godliness and the way of exercising the Trade and Transaction that is held with him Eph. 1.17 as also the Laws Priviledges and Advantages that any way concern it Is he not stiled the Spirit of Revelation 2. Is it not the Work of the Holy Spirit as proceeding from God the Father and the Son to instruct and elevate the Hearts of Persons that they may not be intangled in such Employes and Affections as would hinder their Trafficking with Heaven 1 Cor. 7. And also that they may attend on the Lord and the main Business without allowed distraction And now we will a little cast our Eyes down on Man with regard to the Point in hand and under consideration propounding the following Quaere's 1. As to that part of Trade that goes under the Name of Exporting or carrying and sending to Heaven Can any Person do any Duty aright so as to exert Graces therein without the special Aids and Operations of the Holy Spirit Jude 20. Gal. 5.22 Are we not to pray in the Holy-Ghost And are not the Fruits of Faith from him 2. As to what is Imported and fetch'd from Heaven into which count falls increase of Grace and Communication of Comfort Is not his working necessary Eph. 3.16 Are any strenghened with might in the Inner Man save by the Spirit And doth not a late great Divine hold forth that Communion with him is much in Consolation Dr. Owen of Communion From what hath been said and proved I will first lay down some Inferences of Truth The 1st is All the Persons in the All-blessed and undivided Trinity are ingaged having an Hand and Heart in Mans best Good even his spiritual and eternal Welfare Joh. 14. Doth not the Holy Spirit proceed from the Father and the Son as to his Personality so as to the great Office I am pointing at Idem Who that reads this should do it without Admiration The second Inference All that call and would prove themselves Men and Women of God should be exceeding loth to do what is called grieving and demean themselves with all tenderness Eph. 4.30 and due respect to the Holy Spirit of God Should they be chargeable with what would grieve him So Dr. Spurstow and Mr. Hickman if he was as we are capable of grief Or causing him to carry strangely as we do towards those that grieve us Can we have Fellowship or as England's later great Divine would have it read Mr. Baxter Communion with the Father 1 John 3.3 and with his Son Jesus Christ except we be inspired and acted by the Holy Spirit The third Inference They shew that they are not for driving a Trade into and with Heaven whose course carrieth in it a wilful quenching of the Motions and resisting of the Ministry of God's Spirit 1 Thess 5. See on this Reverend Polwheel Boyse Alas is not the World I add Is not the Church considered at large and as to those that cry aloud The Temple of the Lord The Temple of the Lord full of such Persons Whilest some vainly pretend to the Spirit and others vilely scoff at him How many are there that sit at his Summons strive against his Strivings and will by no means be wrought or brought over to a Closure with the Person Acts 7.51 relying on the Mediation and Submission to the Government of Christ The fourth Inference The spiritual Trade shall not quite fall or fail How great soever their Numbers are who do neglect or decline it Will the Eternal Spirit whilest Time lasteth leave off to spiritualize Thousands yea Millions and so hold this Trade up Shall not the Pleasure of God the Father prosper in this Hand The fifth Inference According to the drawing near or withdrawing off the Holy Spirit the Trade into Heaven and the Management thereof doth fude and flourish Doth not the more full and plenteous pouring out of the Holy Spirit since the Ascension of Christ as to his Humane Nature Vicariam navare operam vid. Buxhorn Hist p. Cant 4. ult supply the want of his Bodily Presence Is he not said to be in his stead As this Wind wakeneth the Spices of Grace flow forth Rules of Duty are to come next The first is general All that will vouchsase this poor Paper a reading should take themselves to task and enjoyn their Consciences to give right Answers Have they ever yet experienced what it is to have Communion with the Holy Spirit and with the other Persons in the Godhead by and through him Hath he in a convincing humbling quickening and mortifying Presence and Influence come in to them Are not sundry rigid Separatists said not to have the Spirit Jude 19. The second Rule is They who have not found should humbly and earnestly seek the Effusion of the Holy Spirit should they not cry to the Holy Spirit and to the Father through the Son for the Spirit Zech. 12.10 Should they not wait at the foot of the Promise made of him If once God gives them hearts to ask will he not answer them Should not Spiritual Traffick be esteemed Luke 11.13 The third Rule is They who have the Holy Spirit should evidence it by their being spiritual and heavenly Traders and by their studying to excel therein Should they not be alwayes abounding in the Work of the Lord 1 Cor. 15. ult Adding unto Faith Vertue and to Vertue Knowledge c. For being filled with the Fruits of Righteousness Phil. 1.11 and fitted for the Crown of Righteousness should their souls cry The fourth Rule They whose hearts are by the holy Spirit set on driving the spiritual Trade should take the Cordials which God offereth them Was it not the sweet Psalmist's Infirmity Did he not see Psal 77.2 that it was so to refuse to be comforted Alas many of the Excellent of the Earth labour under that weakness they put the Word of Consolation away from them Shall not all that hold converse with God by his Spirit find their Trading in Grace issuing in the gain of Glory 1 Pet. 4. Is he not the Spirit of Glory The 31st Position Spiritual Commerce and Communion between Heaven and
And now I proceed to Rules of duty One is They who want the Regenerating work of the holy Spirit should by no means or with no willingness want breathings after it O that many did pray and cry Psal 51.10 Create in us O Lord new hearts O that so many were not insensible of their sad case O that they posed themselves after this manner Have we the characters and signs of Regeneration by and from the Spirit Who 1. Never yet bitterly bewailed our first being in the flesh which hath some being in the spiritual Rom. 7.24 Nor 2. do yet go much with praises to the Author of Regeneration nor study to give the praises of the life together with those of the lip to him or to answer an High Birth in an holy Walk 1 Pet. 2.9 Can they walk with God that walk not in the Spirit or they walk in him that do not live in him Gal. 5.16 25 May they who cannot regenerate themselves and are not worthy that God should regenerate them wait on and love the Ministry of the Word 1 Pet. 1.23 where it is plainly and practically preached that being the blessed seed which the regenerating Spirit doth usually use Employ they the Son of God to pray down the Spirit on them Plead they 1. That they are true and great needers of him Luke 11.13 2. That the glory of supplying them will redound to him Another Rule respecteth those whose hearts the Spirit as a Regenerator hath wrought on Psal 149.6 The high praises of God should flow from their hearts and be in their mouths Have persons these evidences of life 1. Rom. 7.14 Sensibleness of sin tho' counted small as contrary to it 2. Acts 9.11 Breathing in prayers and desires that are spiritual 3. 1 Pet. 2.2 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Catching at the breasts and desiring food and strength spiritual Are not they the blessed of the Lord Is not their dwelling on high Is not God in Christ their dwelling-place Psal 90.1 Is not that communion with him begun which shall by graces hand be perfected The 33d Position Through the Holy Spirit as uniting Persons to Christ the Spiritual Trade or Communion between God and Man is promoted That it is one of the Offices of the holy Spirit to cause an union betwixt Christ and those who are made sincere Christians is a great Truth on which many years ago I more than touched 1. 1 Cor. 6 1◠〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Is not he that is joyned truly and closely glued to the Lord in this sense One Spirit Davenantius Polus ad locum or one spiritually one with him through and by the Operation of the holy Spirit 2. Do not Divines who write of the union of persons to Christ Col. 2.19 and of the two bands thereof write of the Spirit as being the principal band 2 Cor. 4.13 See Nortons Orthod Evang Heb. 12.2 the band on his part And 3. Is not the holy Spirit the Spirit of Faith the Author as well as the Finisher of that Faith that is the other band That the Spirit considered under this notion surthereth Trading with and into Heaven is evidently evident 1. Is not Union to Christ the foundation of Communion with Christ 1 Joh. 5.12 Have any Life spiritual that have not the Son Have not all that have the Son such Life Doth not receiving further grace from Christ flow from receiving Christ And ◠John 1.3 2. Is it not through Christ the Son that persons have communion with the Father Is it not on their being and abiding on him that the way between Heaven and Earth is kept open 1. Have any save those that are in Christ by way of union the dews of Heaven lying on their fleece When the Lord blesseth persons with spiritual blessings in heavenly places or things Eph 1.3 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Is it not in Christ 2. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Can any save those that have union to Christ perform duties in a due that is spiritual and so acceptable manner Doth not Christ say to his peculiar disciples Without or separate from me ye can do nothing that is nothing aright Augustine Doth not one called a Father thus gloss thereon He saith not no great thing but nothing The 1st Inference is They are surely less worthy of the Christian Name how elegant soever their Tongues or Pens were who have spoken or written in a drolling way Dr. Parker Dr. Sh. as of persons having the Spirit so of their being any way save politically united to Christ Are they not well sent to School to an eminent Doctour Dr. Patrick Can they be counted Friends of or well-wishers to Spiritual Trading May he that survives well weigh as well as view what England's late great Divine wrote to him Mr. R. B. The 2d Inf. That persons may hold Communion with the Lord and Trade with and into Heaven they should long to know if they have not known and that experimentally what it is for the Holy Spirit to perform this Office for and in them Should they not be loth not to be as Members united to the All-blessed Head 1. Be they willing he should take his own way and method to work and cause this Union Joh. 16.8 9. Will he not prepare the House he possesseth and furnisheth Jude ult Is not he as are the Father and the Son one in Essence with him All-wise yea the only wise God If he make use of his Word that is a sharp sword yea of that part of it the Law in order to the convincing persons of sin and self-emptiness and so of cutting them off from the old ill Stock Adam as corrupted should not they be complyant 2. Be they afraid lest they should mistake in taking up with a shew and pretence how specious soever of this Union without the reality of it Gal. 6.6 God will not be mocked Should not Men be unwilling to be deceived in a matter of so great moment What are notions of Christ What are common though to others useful gifts from Christ if compared with union to him I add What is that union that is by way of adhaerence or appendance to him such as is that of a branch tyed to a Vine unto that of inhaerence and implantation Joh. 15.2 5. as is that of a branch this is and abides in the Vine 3. May they pray to the Spirit and to the Father for the Spirit and in their praying employ the Son as Mediatour Joh. 14.16 that this Work may be wrought in and for them joyning unto Prayer Pleas of this sort 1. Blessed Lord Those have been joyned unto Christ by grace that were by nature as distant and disunited from him as we can possibly be Isa 59.1 2. Is not thy power for uniting us to him as great as ever Is not thy willingness in
the case sufficiently declared Art thou not in and by the Ministry of the Word moving on and striving with us Art thou not in some measure inclining us to beg this great boon and to be earnest that thou wouldest grant it 3. Blessed Lord If thou wilt vouchsafe in this particular to hear and answer us will not much glory redound to thee as well as much benefit accrue to us For thy Names sake By thy Spirit cause this Union Sinful and therefore sad is their state who willingly resting on this side Union to Christ cannot Trade into Heaven nor lay a rightful claim to the Joys thereof but lye in the mouth of eternal Condemnation Mark 16.15 16. The last Inference They who have real special spiritual Union to Christ as they are to ascribe it to all the Persons in the Godhead and particularly and more immediately to the Holy Spirit the third in order of the Persons they are to be much in the high and noble Work of Praise Eph. 1.3 1. Do not their hearts lye open to Heaven and doth not Heaven stand open to them O the sweetness and preciousness of this Entercourse 〈◊〉 which alas Millions are utter strangers 2. Ps 138. ult Will not the Lord perfect that which concerneth them Doth not hiâ— mercy endure for ever Did not purely free mercy move him to lay the first stone and shall not the last be broughâ— forth with shouting crying Mercy Mercy 3. Are not they by being in and united to Christ out of the reach and gun-shot of divine wrath How many corrections soever they may meet with Is there any so much as one Condemnation upon or before them 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Rom. 8.1 4. Col. 1.27 Is not Christ in them the hope of glory Is he not the ground oâ— which they may groundedly expect the possession of it Shall not that Communion that is spiritual issue and end end in that which is and will be eternal The 34th Position Trading with or into Heaven or Communion between God and fallen Man is much furthered by the Indwelling Spirit or the Spirit as dwelling in persons The Doctrine of the Inhabitation of the Holy Spirit being high and being misunderstood some hints shall here be given concerning it And 1st See worthy Mr. Barret on the Covenants They as I and my betters judge fall too low whose opinion is that the Spirit 's indwelling in the faithful implyeth no more than his being essentially with them Who is there with whom he is not In this sense Psal 139.7 c. Whither can men go or flee from this presence 2. Undoubtedly they rise too high who assert such an indwelling of the Holy Spirit in persons that they become one person or one personally with him 1. One that excell'd has observed See the excellent Tuckney on 2 Pet. 1.4 that this Tenent draws after it the affirming that there is an Incarnation of the Third Person in the Trinity as well as of the Second and a dwelling of the Fulness of the Godhead in the Members of Christ as well as in him their Head 2. Acute Hollinworth Another Worthy expressed his dissatisfaction with that assertion in this manner Whereas the Holy Spirit is both indivisible and omnipresent this representeth him as divided and limited as if he was personally here and there in Peter and Paul and other Saints and not in intermediate places 3. Poor I am well satisfied and judgâ— it safe to keep the Excellent of thâ— Earth company who hold and holâ— forth that the Communion of thâ— Holy Ghost as well as the Grace 〈◊〉 Christ 2 Cor. 13. ult and Love of God the Father is with gracious persons and that in sound sense the Spirit is together witâ— his gifts given to them See Dr. Jacomb on Rom. 8. And Baxteri Methodum And Pool against Biddle Rom. 8.9 10 5.5 6. 8.16 26. Do not dâ—vers Texts attest that he is peculiarâ— related to and doth peculiarly operaâ—â— in them Is it not he himself that worâ— eth and preserveth grace in them thaâ— witnesseth to and with their Spirits 〈◊〉 that helpeth their infirmities thaâ— strengtheneth quickeneth and sealeth them And now at length I offer at proving the Position 1. Doth not the Holy Spirit as dwelling with and in the sanctified excitâ—â— to direct in and enable for the duties in which the Spiritual Trade is drivenâ— 2. Doth not the holy Spirit furnish and supply the sanctified with those soul-solacing or at least soul-supporting comforts wherewith the performance of those duties is rewarded and so encouraged Gal. 5.22 Is not Joy reckoned among the Fruits of the Spirit and iâ— not this Joy of the Lord the souls strength Neh. 8.10 Is it not as oyl on the wheel that furthereth its motion And now I 1st infer That the condescension of the holy Spirit and consequently of the Father and Son from whom he proceedeth is well worth wondering at Will God indeed dwell on Earth 2 Chron. 6. will he that thinks it no robbery to be equal with the other Persons in the Godhead dwell in the hearts of those who dwell on earth Can we refrain crying O admirable Doth not this his dwelling imply 1. A Presence that hath much of inwardness May not that Phrase of one be here applied Intimior intimo nostro 1 Cor. 6.17 He is nearer to the faithful than they are to themselves Is he not more to their souls than their souls are to their bodies 2. A Presence in which there is permanence and continuance Pulsat aliorum corda Dr. Sibbs John 14.16 21. Doth not this blessed Lord who knocks at the doors of others hearts come into and inhabit theirs Are they not as his Temples Doth not he who only moveth others as he did Sampson at times abide with them for ever 3. A Presence that hath much of familiarity Are not persons familiar and open-hearted in their dwellings Do they not count their houses their castles where they may safely communicate their secrets Doth not the holy Spirit open much of his mind and love to those that are an habitation to God John 14 21. through him Doth he not manifest himself to them as he doth not manifest himself to the World 2. A 2d Inference is They who believe the Position I am on and Head the hints given concerning it cannot call in question this great fundamental Truth 1 Cor. 3.16 that the Spirit of God is very God Doth not his being as essentially so graciously present with all the sanctified yea as to peculiar operations in them all in all parts and places of the world sufficiently prove that he is immense infinite and unbounded Is any Being so save he that is the Being A 3d. Inference They cannot in their present state hold Communion with God or have their converse and conversation in Heaven who willingly want the Indwelling Spirit or the Spirit
See Reverend Harrison on this What it is to pray and use Pleas in prayer to beg in Christs name leaning on his Merit to fill the mouth with Arguments drawn from Power Goodness Promise and Providence of God 4. Heb. 11.1 See renowned Baxter on this What it is by Faith to render as present things that are future and evident things that are not seen So that Eternals are most look'd at and look'd at as great reality 5. Phil. 4.11 12 See blessed Burroughes What it is to know both how to suffer want and how to abound how to be abased and how to be exalted how to bear an heavy load quietly and how to carry a full Cup even O that more Persons had knowledge of this Stamp The last Use shall be for their cheering under Trouble who are Spiritual Traders Shall not their Gains and Incomings answer yea exceed all their pains and out-layings 1. Did not the sweet Psalmist experience what he expressed That in the performance of Gods Commands there is great reward Did not a late great Divine well say Dr. Tillotson That God's Work carried Meat in its Mouth 2. Hath eye seen or ear heard or can it enter into Mans heart to conceive 1 Cor. 2.9 what vast sums of glory they shall have given into their hands hereafter O the blessedness of the Saints in Heaven The 32d Position Spiritual Trading or Communion between God and Man dependeth no little on the Spirit as Regenerating or the Spirit of Regeneration I am willing to premise the following Particulars 1. Dr. Wallis Though one that is among the first Three conceiveth that the Word signifying Regeneration doth as well denote a Christians relation and state in Justification as his principle in initial Sanctification I shall as usually I do keep the Road and have an eye and respect to the latter And so 2. It is not doubted but is by the best I am acquainted with concluded Vid. Voetium Disp p. 2 that the Phrase of Regeneration is figurative and hath an allusion to Mans natural Birth and generation As in this there is natural Life given so in it there is an infusion of Spiritual Life 2 Pet. 1.4 2 Cor. 5.17 With this new Nativity there is a new Nature stiled Divine conferred the regenerate are new Creatures 3. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Being born again or from above is rightly father'd on the Holy Spirit as proceeding from the Father and the Son to produce it The subject of it is an elect sinner a sinner else he needed it not an elect one else he obtains it not Idem â—om 8.33 They who are brought forth by the hand of God were first conceived in his Heart Is not Vocation called Election 4. Far be it from me to limit Divine Prerogative God can and doth communicate the first grace to unregenerate ones Jam. 4.8 See Divine Vines on this otherwise none would be regenerated But as the regenerate are in a capacity to hold converse with God God who is most free hath by promise bound himself to converse with them And now I fall on proving the present Position 1. Doth not the change made by Regeneration fit for Spiritual Trading 1. Is there not a renewing in and of the Spirit of the Mind Doth not the Understanding behold the glory of God Rom. 12.2 and see the way to and from Heaven particularly that they who come to God do it by and through Him that is God Ad Deum Per Deum 2. Doth not the renewing Work reach the memory Doth not that retain the truth delivered by the Lord the Star that guides to him Joh. 14.26 Cant. 1.4 and withal the sweetness that in duty hath been received from the Lord a proof that the soul hath been with him 3. Hath not the Conscience the influence of this Work of the Holy Spirit See acute Sheffield on this Doth it not thereby act as a Minister preaching up Christ and duties to be done to and through him and preaching down sin yea running upon the occasions and appearances of it Doth it not as a Witness yea as many witnesses testifie against whatever would hinder Spiritual Converse Mille testes Acts 24.16 and as a Judge give its Verdict for and withal quicken to those services wherein it is held 4. Hath not the Will of regenerate persons a new byass put on and a new bent put into it Is it not as a Worthy's phrase was rightly poysed Mr. Strong Libera liberata Doth it when set free freely choose God in Christ for its Treasure counting it good to be and draw near to him And doth it not refuse what might breed estrangement from him 5 Are not all the Affections both closing or liking and guarding and disliking renewed by the Spirit 's hand Are they not in truth and in some degree as wings Col. 3.3 See roâ—zing Fenner on this whereby the regenerate fly away from the tents of wickedness and above the allurements of the world soaring and mounting up towards Heaven and heavenly Enjoyments Again Will not the Lord readily manifest and communicate himself and his choice favours to those that are born of the Spirit and so brought into the state and relation of his dear children Shall not his upright servants find him the best of Masters Joh. 14.21 Shall not his sons and daughters be admitted into his special Presence Shall not his Spouse be taken into his arm yea heart and bosome From this Position I shall draw Two Inferences of Truth The former is Persons in their meer impure Naturals or state of unregeneracy are objects of compassion Phil. 3.15 O that the bowels of the regenerate did more yearn over them Is there not a cause yea very great cause Are they not in the world Eph. 2.12 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 without God in the world without communion with him in communion with whom happiness doth lye Doth not the Scripture which miscals no one call 'em Athiests Are they not in a present incapacity to enter the Kingdom of Heaven Joh. 3.2 5. If we take the word in the highest sense could they desire to stay in it Can the unholy be happy And so the latter Inference is There are not a few that bear themselves high on their birth I mean their natural birth that have very small reason for it Are they that are meerly born of blood or as it is read of bloods Joh 1.12 13 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of the best blood fit in their present state to hold converse with God Is it not the new second or supernatural birth that prepares for such a practice and priviledge How many in vain wish they had never been born who dye and have not been born again Have they any right to eat of the Tree of Life Psal 9.17 Have not they their portion in the Lake that burns with fire and brimstone
a thousand Hells Is it not terrible to hear of that Sentence O what will it be to hear it The 2d Inference is The Patience and Goodness of God to Slighters of the Spiritual Trade is admirable yet 't is said to 'em Acquaint your selves with the Lord Job 22.21 yet through a Mediatour this may be The 3d Inf. is They who have not entred into and engaged in Converse with God should be for doing now without delay Can Persons be willing to be banished from the gracious presence of the sight of God and that for ever Is not the Fountain of Being the Fountain of Life Will not this cut deep if Heaven be lost for Lusts or Trifles Will not this cause as wailing so gnashing of Teeth Quantum pro quantillo Luke 13.28 when they see others that sate under the same means in the Kingdom of God and themselves shut out The 16th Position To those who live and die in the wilful neglect of the heavenly Trade on Earth there remaineth fiery Indignation which shall for ever abide and torment them in Hell 1. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 1 Thess 1. ult Gal. 3.10 Doth not the Law breath out the Wrath to come or which will still be coming against all those who have not obey'd its Orders Hath it not a Curse for every one that violates any one of its Commands Doth not the Gospel leave all Jo. 3 ult who having come to ripe years do not come over to the Son of God that through him they may transact with the Father for Mercy and in Duty under the Penalties by the Law threatned 3. In the Representation which we have of the general Judgment Matthew 25.41 c. and the Proceedings of that day under the hand and from the Mouth of Christ is it not declared that they who have not by Grace derived from Christ discharged in sincerity their duties to him shall go into everlasting fire The 1st Inference is There is great danger in and so had need to be great watching against sins of Omission Tho persons escape the grosser pollutions of the world See Baxters Apology p. 238 240. if they do not in the ways of Gods appointment tender their Homage to him and wait for grace from him is not the mouth of the Pit open to devour ' em O that many took a truer measure of the guilt that attends their willful sinfull Omissions 1. Deo servire est regnare Is not Gods Law in its primary design positive and its Precepts affirmative and doth not Religion much lie in respect to such Precepts 2. Do not sins of Omission strike high even 1. At Gods Soveraignty who gives out Orders 2. At his Goodness as if all his Laws were not written in love I add have not all sins of Commission sins of Omission leading to them To descend a little to particulars both as to Duties and Graces 1. As to Duties Jer. 10.25 Do not showers of Wrath hang over prayerless houses 2. Was it not well said or written to King Charles the second By Dr. Gauden that whatever hindred his regard to the word of God would prove ruining and damning 3. Is not he accursed that respecteth not the right manner of doing duties Mal. 1. ult should any one that hath a male in the flock offer a corrupt thing 1. Is not he in whom Unbelief reigneth under the Sentence of Condemnation As to Graces Jo. 3. ult Doth not the Wrath that comes on others abide on him 2. Doth not an Anathema Maranatha a Curse till the Lord come belong to such as are destitute of love to Christ 1 Cor. 16.22 See Pink on this The 2d Inference They are in an evil case and state who so commit as to drive a Trade of Sin serving divers lusts 1 John 3.8 9. plying the work of the Devil 1. If persons live and lie in those sins which Satan both tempteth to and acteth in So acute Herle distinguisheth of which sort are Pride Malice Lying Persecuting 2. If persons follow those Vices which Satan tempteth to but doth not that I know act in into which Count fall Drunkenness and Uncleanness Do not their paths visibly take hold of Hell Prov. 9. ult If the tree that is barren be cut down what will be the end of that that bears ill fruit The 3d Inference is It is the great and important concern of persons a concern as great as that of their immortal souls to look and long after this Ezek. 18.31 John 14.6 that there be in 'em a divine Nature a pure and powerful principle from which the heavenly Trade may be set and kept up that through Christ they may come to God the Father and find him coming to them May they cry for the Residence in order to their having the Influence of the holy Spirit And that 1. As an enlightned Spirit A Mystery is mentioned as to lower Trades Without Controversie 1 Tim. 3.16 great is the Mystery of godliness of the practice and not only of the principles of it Can lower teachers teach it 2. Rom. 8.14 Eph. 4.18 As an enlivening Spirit Is not life the principle of Movers and Traders Can any that are alienated from the life of God hold spiritual converse with him 1. That persons heard the Lord say to 'em What mean you O ye sleepers Rom. 13.11 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 will you sleep the sleep of eternal death It 's high time for you to awake and arise can you dwell with a consuming fire 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a fire that will burn and not wast torment and yet not destroy as to being Rather than you should not be awakened Evaccat haud perimit Isa 33.14 I am willing that the flames of hell should flash in your faces and consciences I had rather allure than affright yet rather affright than lose you If this work go on the Soveraign Remedy provided for lost man will next be touched on FINIS Trading Spiritualized The Second Part. Or some more POSITIONS On which Tradesmen And Others may O that they would meditate By W. BAGSHAW Minister of the Gospel LONDON Printed for Tho. Parkhurst at the Bible and Three Crowns in Cheapside near Mercers Chappel 1695. To the truly Worthy and deservedly Honoured Mr. William Nicholas HOW many praying Persons in the High-Peak do and will rise up and call you Blessed and with you many noble Citizens who promote the Work of the Lord therein We cannot think of the Fall of your late dear Son-in-Law * Good Mr. Coupe without Grief He together with Reverend Mr. How set on foot that charitable Work which that Worshipful Knight Alderman Abney hath continued and is now committed to your Hand Blessed be God for you and you of him that so favour the Place of my Birth and Labours May you and all that derive from you and all the bountiful Persons
1. May not the words on the Earth Vid. Arnoldum Vindic. Evang be construed thus of an Earthly Quality and Condition 2. Did being on Earth incapacitate for the Legal Priesthood 3. Is not this the Intendment of the Holy Ghost that if Christ had been only such a Temporal Priest as the Jewish ones were and had not shed such precious Blood as that he could and did take the Virtue and Merit of it into Heaven and there present it he had not been so compleat a Priest as he is I infer 1. That their Case is deplorable who set light by Christ's Intercession and consequently neglect spiritual Traffick And 1. Can they plead Not guilty Rev. 8.3 4. who either do not use solemn Prayer in their Houses and Closets or do not use it in a spiritual way Is it not with and not without the Prayers of Saints that Incense ascendeth 2. Is it not Guilt on them who are the Men and Women of the World of a Worldly Complexion and Disposition Doth Christ pray for such as for those that are given him Joh. 17.9 Can they with Comfort look to Heaven or for special Communications of Grace from Heaven by whom Christ's Intercession is so undervalued Inf. 2. They who groaning under the Burden and Body of Sin and breathing after sanctifying Grace trade into Heaven are furnished with Matter and Ground of Encouragement 1. Doth not their Advocate throughly understand their Case Joh. 2. ult Condition and Concerns 2. Heb. 2.17 4.15 Is he not most compassionate and tender of them 3. Is he not with the Father always ready to present and plead their Cause in Heaven 1 Joh. 2.2 4. Hath he not that Interest in his Father which will render his pleading as effectual as continual 5. Joh. 11.42 Luk. 22.32 Is he not an Advocate for every one that is penitent as if he had but one to plead for O that they who are thus privileged did better understand and improve this Privilege The 24th Position Through the Exercise of Christ's Prophetick Office Commerce and Communion between God and Man is much furthered 1. Doth not Christ as a Prophet show that as such Communion may be held so the true and ready way of holding it 2. Ephes 2.8 Illuminati Beneficio Doctrinâ Christi Doth not Christ as a Prophet teach People and lead them into and in that way Are we not in and by the holy Scriptures and choice Catechisms grounded thereon acquainted with his Teaching That it is 1. Outward Joh. 5.39 to the Ear and Eye revealed to Persons 2. Eph. 1.17 Inward to the Heart by the holy Spirit who revealeth Christ in Persons Joh. 16.13 leading them into Truth shewing its Glory and Tendency On these Particulars particular Hints may follow Here I infer 1. That all those who are for trading with and into Heaven are nearly concern'd well to study and much to improve the Prophetick Office of Jesus Christ That they who need Help in this noble Study may not want it See Wilson 's Dictionary be it considered the word Prophet is not always taken in one sense 1. Tit. 1.12 Are not Heathen Poets spoken of as Prophets 2. 1 Sam. 10.5 compar'd with 19.20 Hoornbeck de Indep p. 285. Is not Prophesying by Christians construed concerning Singing 3. Hath not a * Dr. Stillingfleet 's Orig. Sac. learned Writer written that the proper Notion of a Prophet is not a Fore-seeer or Fore-teller of such future things as we call Contingencies but having in an immediate way Divine Revelation 4. Are there not directing as well as predicting Prophets 5. Mat. 10.41 Do not some hold that the Prophets set before Evangelists and next after Apostles Eph. 4.11 had a peculiar Gift for interpreting Scripture-Prophecies Clear it is that both as to fore-telling and as to instructing Christ is a None-such 1. Deut. 18.15 Isa 7.14 If we regard his Person Was any other Prophet the begotten Son of God 2. As to Revelations made and given by him See Roobotham Heb. 1.1 2. Joh. 1.8 See Dr. Arrowsmith on it Dr. Owen on Heb. p. 17 18. did he not excel 1. Did not he being in his Father 's Bosom know his Secrets 2. Had not he a full Comprehension of all the Revelations that he had 3. Did not the Spirit of Prophecy so rest on him that he was always ready to receive Revelations Again As to his teaching others what Prophet came near him 1. Are they able to teach further than he enableth them 2. When they are teaching Isa 48.17 is it not he that teacheth to profit 3. Whereas they own their Weakness he teacheth with all Power Rev. 3.7 4. Are the best Teachers any more than his Ushers 5. When they teach a little in much time he teacheth much in a moment For 6. Their Teachings take place according to the Hearers Light Joh. 1.9 he gives and is Light And now I hint 1st That this Office and Employ of Christ should be improved Acts 3.22 Him should all that call themselves his hear in the best manner 1. Humbly Heb. 5.11 12. 4.2 bewailing their being hard Learners and having learn'd so little 2. Hungringly that they may hear his Voice and not only that of his Ministers 3. Believingly acting Faith on his Merit that his Spirit may teach them 4. Honestly resolving through Grace to be as Hearers so withal Lovers Learners and Livers in and after hearing 5. Reverentially bearing in Mind that he who is their Prophet Psal 45.11 is the Prince of Princes Infer 2. We are to keep a due and so great distance from the Tents of Socinus and his Followers 1. See Polhill 's Answ p. 573. Do not they deny that inward Illumination or Teaching of Christ which hath the Preheminence 2. Vid. Arnoldum p. 344. Do not they affirm that he was taken up from Earth to Heaven that he might there learn the Mind of God 3. 1 Cor. 2.12 Do they not confine his Teaching to New-Testament-Times Whereas we with and from holy Writ are taught See Dr. Owen 's Vindic. p. 376 c. 1 Pet. 1.11 that tho his Human Nature received Light he who Assumed it is as is his Father Light it self and the Prophets as well as the Apostles had their Light from him Inf. 3. They are to be pitied O that they did pity themselves who have it not in design to honour and learn of Christ as the Prophet Doth he not stand at their Doors Acts 3.21 Rev. 3.20 and that knocking whilst some shut the outward Door of the Ear on him not affording him an hearing and others will afford him no more Doth not their wilful Impenitency in inward if not open Sins keep the inner Door of the Heart shut on him How will they answer this at the great Day The last Inference Humble Christians who complain of their
as standing in a peculiar relation to them Jude 19. and having a special interest and propriety in them as persons have in their dwellings and possessions Are not these persons Multitudes Multitudes 1. Doth the Pure Spirit dwell in those impure ones who walk after the flesh Rom. 8.1 Gal. 5.16 17 not abstaining from but delighting in those fleshly lusts of drunkenness filthiness and idleness will he endure to be so opposed and affronted where his abode is 2. 1 Cor. 2.12 Doth the Spirit of God dwell where the Spirit of the World doth animate act and rule Are they his habitations that are its drudges and slaves rooting in the earth Ezek. 33.31 even on the day and in the duties and ordinances that are sacred 3. Doth the Spirit of God dwell where Satan the worst of Spirits keeps the house And doth he not so Joh. 8.44 Arrowsmith Tact. Sac. p. in those who look as like him as men and women can do being 1. Filled with wrath envy and malice 2. Addicted to lying and false accusing 3. Employed or at least rejoycing in persecuting O that persons saw and felt that whilst they are in their natural state they are void of the Spirit Rom. 8.9 and so without Christ O that they sorrowed for their own danger and God's dishonour and were afraid of dying yea of living in this condition and cryed and got others to cry that the holy Spirit may be given to and dwell in them The last Inference God's peculiar ones are priviledged ones O happy happy they if they know their Priviledge They are Heavenly Traders and shall not let the Trade fall 1. Gal. 5.22 Will not the Indwelling be an In-working Spirit 2. Shall they not by him be brought from Trading into to live in Heaven May not they say aa the sweet Dropper wrote Dr. Sibbs Motum sentimus medum nesci mus Eph. 4.30 We feel his Motion though we know not the manner of his Presence May they daily demean themselves tenderly towards him and highly bless God the Father and the Son for him The 35th Position The Holy Spirit as a guiding and leading Spirit doth much promote the Heavenly Trade or Communion between God and Man 2. Doth he not guide unto Truth the Truth he hath given out Doth he not also lead into Truth and shew persons the inside and excellency of Truth John 16.13 See Reverend Case on this even as persons that are within a room that 's adorned see the Ornaments of it Doth not the Lord herein at once communicate his will and love to persons And are they not hereby brought to exert and exercise Grace on and towards God 2. Doth not the holy Spirit lead unto duty and to God in it And is it not in the due exercise of duty that persons draw near to God Jun. 4.8 and haâ—e God drawing near to them Can either be expected where duties are wilfully omitted and neglected From this Position I shall first lay down Inferences of Truth The former of them is Persons naturally or in their meer naturals are benighted or in the dark as to holding converse and communion with God Are they not said to be darkness Eph. 5.8 darkness it self or in the abstract A Domino Vide Poium ad loâ—â—m till they become light in the Lord or by and from the Spirit of the Lord Are they not alienated from and strangers to the Life of God that Life which the upright have from and lead with God Eph. 4.18 through the ignorance that is in them O that they saw their want of sight and their loss thereby The latter is The sons and daughters of God are primely priviledged Rom. 8.14 See Dr. Jacomb on this Are not they led and conducted by the Spirit of God As he is the Spirit of Glory filling those with glory that have full Communion with him in Heaven so he is the Spirit of Grace fitting those that are hiâ—â—or such Communion with him on Eaâ—â—â— as they are capable of How happy * O fortunati c. are they if they understand their state and know the things given them of God And now I am to present Rules of Duty The 1st whereof is It is the near concern of all who will give this poor Paper a reading to put it on a fair issue or tryal whether they have known by experience what the guidance and conduct of the holy Spirit is O that many did not vainly trust without serious trying I take the boldness to ask them at least to put them on posing themselves with these Questions 1. Eph. 4.18 Joh. 3.19 Have they seen to their sorrow that once they were not in this good Circumstance Are not Adam's Children born blind as to Spirituals And are they not averse to divine guidance 2. Do they highly value the Mercy of God the Father and the Merit of the Son Eph. 5.8 to both which they are indebted that are led by the Spirit 3. Are they under a daily fear lest they should provoke Eph. 4.30 vex displease and distast this blessed Guide and cause him to be strange to them 4. 1 Joh. 5.1 See Dr. Roberts Believ Evid Do they truly love those who evidence that they are under the Spirits guidance though as to some opinions they are dissenters from them 5. Joh. 16.13 Are they for keeping close to the Scripture of Truth in and according to which the Spirit of Truth doth lead and guide persons 6. Is it their resolution through Heavens help that they will be much on their knees and when on them Luke 11.13 beg the Spirits guidance O that I was assured that all that read this would lay these Marks and their Hearts together 2 Cor. 13.5 The 2d Rule is None should bless themselves in their Hearts and state till they can witness and prove that the holy Spirit is their guide and leader Motives are 1. Is not the path of Life and way of Trading spiritually hidden from all save such as he is the Guide of Isa 35.8 For 2. Is it not a low and yet high way lying as in humility so in heavenly-mindedness 2. Is it not the way of such as are wise for themselves and yet are much for self-denial Is it not by a late worthy well said Dr. Collings in his Lessons That it lyes cross the Fields of Nature down the Narrow Lane of Mortification and up the Mount of Holiness The 2d Motive is Shall any be received into Heaven who slight the Spirits Conduct Psal 73.24 Shall they be happy above who Trade not thither whilest they are here below 3dly Rom. 8.1 1 Cor. 2.13 Eph. 2.2 If persons be not guided by this good Spirit will they not be led by at ill one if not many ill ones or by the Flesh or the World The last Rule is They who drive the Heavenly Trade and have the Spirits guidance should humbly glory in this high Favour shewed them 1. Is not this guide the most able and knowing yea All-knowing 2. Nec fallcre nec falli potest Is he not of all Guides the most true and faithful Will he either mislead or mistake 3. Is he not the most tender and compassionate Guide Doth he not pity such as are apt to go astray 4. Heb. 5.2 Psal 48. ult Will he not be a Guide unto death Will he desert his 5. Will not his Guidings be attended with Efficacy 1. Hos 11.3 4. Will he not so guide as a Mother doth a Child who hlods it by the hand and streng thens it 2. Rom. 6.14 Will he not preserve from a course of sin so that no sin shall have full dominion 3. 1 Cor. 10.13 Will he not support under sore sufferings so that they are kept from sinking that are sighing 4. Will he not at last Land people in the Place and State where Bliss and Blessedness shall have no END