and what I should speake and I know that his commandment is life everlasting whatsoever I spake therefore even as the Father said unto mee soe I speake and so he saith The Lord God hath given mee the toung of the learned that I should know how to minister a word in due season to him that is weary Isa 50.4 In respect of these commands put on Christ and undertaken to bee performed by him hee is in generall called The Saviour of the world Ioh. 4.42 And Gods salvation to the ends of the earth Isa 49.6 And in speciall the Saviour of his Body his people Eph. 5.23 Mat. 1.21 And hence also hee is said to be created for the glory of God and bidden by God to bring forth the blind people that have eyes and the deafe that have eares Isa 42.6 7. and 43.7.8 And because hee undertooke and went on in these commandements by the will and apointment of the Father hee is said to enter in the performance of both by the doore Ioh. 10.1 2 3.17 18. So that by our Saviours own testimony it apeares what the Fathers commands concerning him were III. It farther apeares by the furniture wherewith hee was fitted to keepe these commands and so to perform both parts of his Fathers will in effecting salvation for the world and eternall salvation in his peculiar people the Scriptures Assirming I. That for the first Hee was sent into the world to bee the Saviour of the world 1 Ioh. 4.14 Ioh. 3.17 1 Tim. 1.15 And had a body given him that was sit to suffer Psal 40. Heb. 10.7 And was made under the law Gall. 4.4.5 That soe hee might beare the sinnes of men and suffer and offer up himselfe in sacrifice for them 2 Cor. 5.19 21. II. That for the second hee was exalted at Gods right hand and imeasurably silled with the Holy Ghost to send forth in the Gospell to make known the saluation wrought by his death and in his owne body and to aply the vertue of his bloud and so to give repentance and remission of sins and so to heale and save Isa 50.4 10 and 61 1 2 3 4 and 42 1 8. Psal 68.18 20. Act. 2.31 33 and 5 31 32. By which furniture it appeares what the commands to him were IV. It is yet farther manifest in that these commands appeare to be peculiar too and for Jesus Christ our Lord who is the Lord from heaven a quickening Spirit 1 Cor. 15.45.47 These commands being such as not only are but ever were beyond the powre of all creatures or any meere man to performe Iob. 28.1.23 The law which God at first put in mans hart and to which by the grace of creation he was bound with all the commands encluded in that law for loving God with all the hart soul and strength and ones neighbour as himself were suitable and fit for a living soule as the first Adam was made and might have beene kept by him if he had abode in his integritie and so sin might have been kept from entring into the world Eccles 7.29 1 Cor. 15.45 But to take away transgression when it is come into the world and to doe it by dying and rising againe and so to ransome and work a redemption with God for transgressors this is and alwayes was beyond the powre of any meere man to doe Psal 49.7.8 And so likewise to enlive these ransomed ones lying dead in trespasses and sins and to enlighten them and give in the Holy Spirit to renew and save them and fill them with eternal life is beyond the powre of all creatures or any meere man though converted Ioh. 1.13 and 3 3 5 6 and 6 44 45. 2 Cor. 3.4.5.6 These things are peculiar to him that is the son of God God man the saviour and their is none besides Heb. 1. and 2. to the end Tit. 2.10 Isa 45.21 Who had a body given him to suffer and was manifested in this world to take away transgressions Heb. 10. 1 Joh. 3.5 And was exalted at his Fathers right hand and filled with Spirit to enlighten his ransomed to preach the Gospell to the poore to heale the broken harted and bring his people to life and glorie sa 42.1 8 and 50 61 1 4. Whence God in putting these commands upon his owne son Jesus Christ and on him onlie is said to have laid help upon one that is mightie Psal 89.19 V. The state and condition wee were in whom he came to save doth also evidence these foremencioned to be the commandments that were given to Christ by him that sent him forth to be our saviour our needs requiring the same that he should fulsill these commandments for though his being righteous in fulfilling the law to which by the grace of creation wee were all bound was both needfull and profitable for us in that thereby no need of any part of his ransome or sacrifice for himself but all for us Heb. 7.26.27 Yet could not all that righteousnesse of his have made satisfaction for our sins and overcome our death and procured life for us it he had not done this for us by dying for our sins and rising for our justification and so fulfilled that commandment Mat. 26.39 Gall. 2.21 Rom. 4.25 Ioh. 10.18 Neither by all that his personall righteousnesse joyned with the fulfilling of this command if he had not been filled with Spirit to send forth and should not by that Spirit in the Gospell be fulfilling the other command in teaching and renewing us applying that salvation wrought to us and working salvation in us could wee be eternally saved Isa 42.1.8 and 61 1 4 and 54 3.11 Ioh. 6.44 45 and 15 1 8. And thus it appeares what the Fathers commandments concerning Christ are II. The second thing to be enquired is How or in what manner Jesus Christ kept his Fathers commandments and that the Scripture shewes I. That he kept and performed the same in and through an union with his Father in mind will and purpose and so in love to his Father and to his chosen and to mankind Ioh. 10.27.30 Heb. 10.7 9 10. Psal 40.7.8 Ioh. 4.34 And so from the law writ in his hart with delight to doe his will II. That hee so kept and performed them in the midst of a gain-saying people and against many temptationes from the devill and from the world both Jewes and Gentiles and notwithstanding many illrequitealls from his called ones Isa 53.1 2 3 4. and 65.2 Mat. 4.1.12 Heb. 12.3 III. Hee so kept and performed them constantly goeing through and enduring all the labour payne and suffering set before him till hee entred his rest where hee abideth faithfull Isa 50.5 6. and 53.7 Heb. 12.2 and 4.10.16 Phill. 27.11 IV. He kept and performed them by the very powre of the devine nature in and by the stirring and motion of the Holy Ghost Luk. 4.1 14. Heb. 9.14 Rom. 1.4 and 6.4 Isa 11.1 2. And thus and in this manner did Jesus keepe his
Fathers commands Secondly For the things expressed they are fully and plainly affirmed which should bee to us proofe sufficient yet for better usefulnesse wee may veiw them that wee may the more profitably believe them I. The first of them is that Jesus Christ hath kept his Fathers commands not only those that apertained to his own person as hee had taken our nature and had a soule and body like us and was made under the law for us which law hee also perfectly kept and fulfilled and so in that respect was altogether without sin and perfectly righteous Which is greatly for our benefit 2 Cor. 5.21 1 Pet. 2.22 and 3.18 Heb. 7.26.27 But also as that heere specially ment and which wee are heere especially to heed he hath kept those commands which the Father gave him in respect of his office and mediatorship for which hee so fitted him and which were so peculiar to him and needfull for us that hee should performe 1 Tim. 2.4 5 6. Heb. 10.7.19 In respect whereof hee is also the just one and faithfull and perfectly righteous in fulfilling them 1 Ioh. 2.1.2 and 1.9 And that hee hath kept these commands is evident I. By the plain affirmation of Scripture In respect of the first command that he gave himself a ransome for all men by the grace of God tasted death for every man 1 Tim. 2.6 Heb. 2.9 Hee humbled himself and became obedient to the death even the death of the crosse Phill. 2.8 Died for our sins and was buried and rose againe the third day according to the scriptures 1 Cor. 15 3.4 In respect of the other command a testimony in due time 1 Tim. 2.6 Hee is the true light which lighteth every man that commeth into the world Ioh. 1.9 He taught in their sinagogues c. Luk. 4.14 15 22. He taught and advocated for his disciples and gave his Fathers words to them and sent and sendeth forth Spirit from his Fathers right hand Act. 2.33 Eph. 4.7 8 12. And was and is faithful to him that appointed him as a son over his owne house to edify preserve consolate and glorify them Heb. 3.1 6. Isa 61.1.4 II. By his own testimonie both by words and deedes by word he said I will give my flesh for the life of the world I lay downe my life that I might take it againe this commandment have I received c. The Father gave mee a commandment what I should fay and what I should speake therefore even as the Father said unto mee so I speake I have saith hee to his Father sinished the work which thou gavest mee to doe I have manifested thy name unto the men whom thou gavest mee Ioh. 6.51 and 10.17 and 12 49.50 and 17 4 6. By deed lie went out of the house and over the brooke and into the garden and offered himself to those that came to apprehended him and died and rose and ascended and sent forth of the Holy Ghost c. Ioh. 14.31 and 18 1 4 c. Act. 1 and 2. III. By the testimony of his Father that Jesus is his son in and with whom hee is well-pleased bidding all to looke to him and heare him and assureth that hee is full of Spirit and will not faile in whatever appertaineth to him to doe Mat. 3.17 and 17 5. Isa 42.1.8 IV. By the evidence and witnesse of the Holy Ghost of whom it is said the Spirit of truth which proceedeth from the Father hee shall testifie of mee Ioh. 15.26 And so is the Holy Ghost a witnesse of these things whom God hath given to them that obey him Act. 5.32 God also bearing witnesse with signes and wonders and divers miracles and gifts of the Holy Ghost according to his owne will Heb. 2.4 Yea the Holy Ghost will so evidence the righteousnesse of Christ in his perfect keeping of these commands that he will reprove the world of sin because they believed not on Christ that had ransomed them and received Spirit and sent forth light to bring them to believe And he will enable such as are turned in his reproofes to believe on Christ 1 Pet. 1.21.22 And will farther glorify Christ in the harts of believers and guide them into all truth Ioh. 16.13.15 That they may know him in respect of his faithfulnesse in these commands to be all wisedome righteousnesse sanctification and redemption for and to them an all life and good in them 1 Cor. 1.30 Coll. 1.27 and 2 3 9 10 and 3.11 V. By the experiments of those that are taught of God who in the knowledge and beliefe of this grace met with in Christ his keeping these commands for us have seene and experimented that through his obedience and faithfulnesse in the first command having offered himselfe in sacrifice for the sin of the world It is that the earth is preferved that life is reprived that Gods patience and long-suffering is extended and that mercies and bownty are dayly renewed and the foundation of repentance laid and the doore of hope and life opened to them Psal 75.3 Act. 17.28 Rom. 1.16 With. 2.4 Lam. 3.22.23 2 Tim. 1.10 1 Tim. 4.10 And that through his faithfulnesse in the other command making known and aplying by his Spirit the vertue of his bloud to them and working by his Spirit in them it is that they believe in him and love him that they enjoy remission of sins peace with God joye in the Holy Ghost knowledge of their sonship support in tryalls refreshing in ordinances fellowship with God and brethren hope of glory c. Rom. 4.24 25. and 5.1 11. Phill. 1.29 1 Pet. 1.21.22 Rom. 14.17 18. 1 Ioh. 1.1 2.3 4 7. Psal 36.8 65.4 So that from their experments they can set too their seale that hee is true Ioh. 3 32.33 Rom. 8.1 2 3 4. VI. By the witnesse of all those faithfull ministers of the word that have this gracious testimony inspired to their hart who beare record of this Gospel that declareth this which Christ hath done and is at his Fathers right hand ready to do knowing they declare no fable and that where this is faithfully declared they are witnesses and in such witnesse bearing Christ sends forth the Holy Ghost to enlighten and beare witnesse to others that they may believe 2 Cor. 5.18.19 Act. 5.31 32 and 10 44. 1 Pet. 1.12 Mat. 28.20 1 Ioh. 1.4.6 So that it clearly and many wayes appeares that Iesus Christ hath kept his Fathers commandments this being encluded in that great misterie 1 Tim. 3.16 II. The second thing expressed is that Iesus Christ in keeping his Fathers commandments did abide in his Fathers love So that I. In keeping these commandments even while he was made low and under law for our sakes and did humble himself to be made pore and to die for us yea in all his sufferings he went through whose love soever he lost and of whatsoever he was deprived and whosoever hated and persecuted him yet in all his Fathers love and
1.14 Rom. 8.3 And in that nature hath dyed and risen and is glorified and filled with life and Spirit for men Rom. 5.24 Eph. 4.8 Psal 68.18 But this nature of Adam or man Christ tooke of man Heb. 2.14 Gall. 4.4 Not wee of him this frayle nature but hee of us tooke this whence hee is called the son of man of Adam Ioh. 5.14 Luk. 9.56 and 3.38 And though in himself he hath restored and glorified this nature for us yet our comming in to him to partake with him is by the Spirit or powre of the devine nature that is in him 2. Cor. 5.17 1. Cor. 1.30 And so al men by nature and first birth be Adams sons and as the Gentils in oposition to the Iewes were of the wild Olive tree soe al men comming from Adam and remaining in their natural state oposed to Christ and those born of him be of the corrupt and pohited vine dead in trespasses and sius Eph. 2.1.2.3 Yea even the Jewes themselves though branches of the true-olive and tipicall vine yet in respect of spiritual one nesse in and with Christ they by first birth are not branches in him but children of the flesh dead in sinnes Rom. 8.9 And need a new birth to bring them into Christ that they may be branches in him Ioh. 3.3.5 Soe that noe man by his first birth is a branch in this vine nor any but such as are in some sort born againe soe that though Christ hath for all men taken their nature and restored it yet al men are not in him and so receive not that restoration Secondly we have to note that these spoken too now were but alwayes had not beene branches in this True Vine They were by nature dead in sins and trespastes once Eph. 2.1.2.3.4.5 Sometime of the world Ioh. 7.5 out of which they were since chosen Ioh. 15 16 19. Soe that in this that they were now branches in this vine wee have fowre things considerable I. How they came to bee branches in Christ the true-vine II. In what sence they are said to be in him III. What degrees are considerable about beeing in Christ as branches in the vine IV. What is intimated by their beeing in Christ as branches in the vine and all this as Scripture sheweth speakeing of such things apeares to bee That I. Their becomming to be branches in this vine was not by and according to nature and naturall meanes for Jesus Christ is a spiritual man the Lord from heaven heavenly and soe in that not like the first Adam who was a natural man and had his posterity in his loynes to come forth of him by a natural generation 1 Cor. 15 45 47. Gen. 5 2 3 4. But as the Lord Christ is a spiritual man so his seed is a spirituall seed not naturally springing forth from him but supernaturally and spiritually by a new birth from above brought in to him Ioh. 3 3 5. and 6 44 45. Soe as none are branches in Christ but such as were branches of the first and fallen Adam first Pro. 8 31 32. Ioh. 1 4. Whence that thinks for some Rom. 6 17. Soe as for comming to bee branches in Christ there must be a setting forth of Christ to the naturall branches of Adam to bee believed in Rom. 3.24 25 26. And therein a takeing out of the old Adam and ingrasting into Christ the new like that Rom. 11 17. And this is essected as the new birth beeing the same with it by water and Spirit Ioh. 3 5. Isa 44 3 4 5. Ezek. 36 24 27. 1 Ioh. 5 6. I. By water which spiritually understood is the free love of God in the gift of his son commended through his son as set forth and declared in the Gospell or word of grace with such presence of spirit as makes it discernable Deut. 32 1.2.3.4 Ioh. 3.5.14.15.16 1. Ioh. 5.6.7.8 Which shewes how Christ was broken and opened for us Isa 53 What God hath done and prepared for us in him 2. Cor. 5.19 And so evidenceth the love of God to call and draw us to him Rom. 5.8.10 Tit. 3.4.5 Ioh. 4.10 And so are they begot to him by the word Vers 4. Iam. 1.18 II. By the holy spirit of Christ or power of the devine nature entering the word into the hart so giving light and glorifying Christ to the hart and Gods love through him 2. Cor. 3.3 Psal 119.130 Ioh. 15.26 16.14.15 2. Cor. 4.6 So as he therby breakes of all old Adam like confidences and in some measure enables to believe in Christ and so brings into him enableing them to receive the testimonie Phil. 3.3.7.8.9 Act 11.20.21 1. Thess 1.5.2 Thess 1.10 So as they begin to rely on God in Christ Rom. 4.22 25. And to love Christ his 1. Pet. 1.8.21.22.23 And so come in to him to attend on him for teaching and life Ioh. 6.67.68.69 In which teaching of his by his spirit they ar united in hart or spirit to him and renewed Tit. 3.5.6.7 2. Cor. 3.17.18 And so were these borne againe and brought into Christ and made branches in him Mat. 16 16. Ioh. 14.14.17 15.14.16.19 II. The sence in which they are sayde to be branches in him is likewise spiritual suitable to the spiritual man and so not to be understood of a carnal union or in beeing but of a spiritual union and in being in Christ the joyneing is by spirit and union spiritual one spirit 1 Cor. 6 17 And so as hee is in the believers spiritually and by spirit and spiritual opperationes viz. I. By his gracious word by spirit put into their hart Psal 119.130 Isa 59.21 Ioh. 17.6.8 2. Cor. 3.3 and 5.19 II By that spiritual evidence and testimony of himselfe and his and his fathers love given into their hart which hee hath enabled them to receive and hold 1. Ioh. 5.10 2. Tim. 1 12. Rom. 8 15.16 III By his spirit or spiritual disposition and mind infused to them and created in them as indweller and liveing principle with its motiones Ezek. 36.26 Rom. 8.9 1. Cor. 2.16 2. Cor 3.3 1. Ioh. 3.24 Gall. 5.18.22.23 And thus is Christ in them spiritually and so and in the same sence are they in him that is spiritually And so I. By faith or the spirit of faith in receite of the testimonye comming in to him closeing with him and relyeing on him by believeing in him 2. Cor. 4.10.13 Gall. 3.26 29. Ioh. 1.12.13 And so in him by faith II. By love springing from his love shead abroad in their hart by the holy spirit by which they love him and God in him and him at the right hand of God and him in his spiritual presence in his people Rom. 5.5 1. Ioh. 4 19 20.21 and 5 1. 1. Pet. 1.8 22 And so they cleave to him and are in him By love desires delight and well-pleasednesse in him Call 3.1.2.11 1 Cor. 16.22 Ioh. 14.21.23 and 16.27 Psal 73.25 III. By a sweet and harty submission to
In which is one-nesse Eph. 2.19.22 And that of a body hee the head and the believers the members united to him al filled with and knit together and led by one Spirit of life in him the head immeasureably in them according to the measure of his dispensation flowing from him into and through each member by which they grow up in him and are compact together and soe among them one Spirit and one body Eph. 4.15.16.4 and 5.30 And soe of a green olive-tree c. And thus heere of the true vine and the branches which ar but one tree and so they were and all unfeyned believers are one in and with Christ by a devine faith begot by a deviue testimony in their hart fastening in Christ and by the operation of his devine love in their hart springing up spiritual and devine love closeing with and cleaveing to him and by the operation of his inspired word of life which they having received are by it subdued to his teachings leading into fellowship with him and such union and one-nesse have they as is before shewne in which they are one Spirit with the Lordâ— one body of the Lord one Temple or house for the Lord to dwell in one tree or vine-tree hee the roote and mayne Body they the bowes and branches and soe not only in him but still entering into farther union and growth for farther fruitfulnesse Heb. 4.3 Not only in confidence in him love to him and receite of teaching from him but both in al this and through this into farther one-nesse with him and soe with God the Father in and through him into I. One-nesse with God in his great desighne of glorifying Iesus Christ and shewning forth all his goodnesse in and through him the great designe purpose and businesse of almighty God is hath beene and wil be to glorify himselfe in glorifying his Son that himselfe may be glorified in and through his Son Ioh. 12.28 Pro. 8.22.31 Ioh. 5.20.23 The maine designe of Christ is the same in all the glory he receiveth from the Father Ioh. 17.1.6 and 7.18 And the beleevers abiding in him grow into union with him in this desighne to glorefy Christ that God may be glorified in and by him Phill 1.20 II. One-nesse with God in spiritual habitation in delightfull love and well-pleasednesse his delightfull love and well-pleasednesse being in his son and through him in al those made one with and sons in his son Mat. 3.17 and 17.5 Pro. 8.31 Psal 132.13.17 and 148.14 and 149.4 And so their delight and well-pleasednesse in Christ and through him in all that by grace ar made one in him Phill. 3.3.8.9.10 and 4.4 Psal 73.25 and 16.2 III. One-nesse with God in his will and love of compassion towards them that are yet ignorant and through ignorance unbeleeving willing their preservation repentance waiteing with patience for them and useing meanes towards them that they might repent and come to life 1. Tim. 2.4 Psal 145.8.9.2 Pet. 3.9 Mat. 5.44.45 Tit. 3.2 Act. 26.18 IIII. One-nesse with Christ in yeilding the flesh or old man to be crucified to have the new revived and soe to live in the Spirit to God Rom. 6.3.6 Eph. 4.21.24 1. Pet. 3.18 and 4.1.2 And soe one-nesse with Christ in all his interests and privillidges next mensioned II. These sayings you in mee I in you I the Vine yea the Branches as also the other simmilies of one-nesse betweene husband and wife in marriage foundation and building in a temple or house head and members in a body doe set forth their interest and right to participation and spirituall participation in a first fruites now and fulnesse in the harvest of all the interests privillidges and riches of Iesus Christ Ioh. 1.12 1. Cor. 3.22.23 Soe that verily His Father is their Father Ioh. 20.17 Psal 89.26 Rom. 8.15 His Spirit is their Spirit to dwell in and comfort and lead them Gall. 4.6.7 His Brethren their Brethron Ioh. 20.17 Mat. 23.8 His Promises their Promises That God hath made stable in him for them 2. Cor. 1.20.21 2. Pet. 1.4 And not only his death is their death and his resurrection their resurrection but his wisedom righteousnes holinesse redemption and life is their wisedom righteousnes holinesse redemption and life 1. Cor. â— 30 Ioh. 14.19 Rom. 8.2 Yea his people is their people his inheritance their inheritance Gall 3.29 Rom. 8.17 And soe his kingdome and glorie their kingdome and glory Luk. 12.32 and 22.29 Coll. 3.4 Yea in a word his servants for attendance and service be their servants for attendance and service Heb. 1.6.7.14 Yea not only such but his servants for use and advantage besides their wil are so their servants also 1. Cor. 3.22 Soe are they interessed in all the privillidges of this True Vine in the glorious husbandman the living sap the vineyard and the fruites III. This sayeing you in mee I in you I the Vine yea the Branches doth set forth a great deale of honour that God doth put upon them according to that Ioh. 12.26 and 5.23 with 1. Sam. 2.30 In that as he doth all things by Christ and sheweth forth his righteousnesse through Christ who is the righteousnesse of God in whom God dwells and through whom the devine nature shewes forth its vertues and opperationes Ioh. 1. Heb. 1. Ioh. 5.1 Tim. 3.16 Soe now as Christ is the fuitefull vine even soe the grapes his vertues shall be brought forth through them 1. Pet. 2.9 He not only cloathes them with his son for their righteousnesse Phill. 3.8.9 But also makes them the righteousnesse of God in him 2. Cor. 5.21 Soe as even his devine power in Christ for convencement alureing to Christ comforting edifying by Spirit shall be effected in their ministration by word and conversation Ioh. 16.7.15.1 Cor. 3.5.2 Cor. 13.1.2.3.1 Thes 1.8 Yea his love and mercies shall apeare through their love and mercy 2. Cor. 5.14.19.20 Yea his righteousnesse shall apeare through them and they shall be his witnesses Psal 92.15 Isa 43.10.12 Soe now in a measure and after in fulnesse wil he be seen and admired in them c. A great honour 2. Thes 1.10 Psal 149.4.9 IV. This their being Branches in Christ doth father import that al their life comfort and fruitfulnesse dependeth not on the first Adam themselves or any wisdome strength industrie or creature at all but him and on him onelie soe that being and abiding in him they receive life from him who is full of powre love and faithfulnesse and none can overturn him In whom all fulnesse dwells and flowes Ioh. 1.14.16 Coll 1.19 Ioh. 11.25.26 and 14.19 And as he instructed them about himselfe and themselves so he instructed them likewise about his father the great Almighty God the father of our Lord Iesus Christ and in him the father of al that by faith are one him Vers 1. As he saith And my father is the Husband-man which holds forth I. That he hath made and prepared this vine as his owne
and courage and bewty is gone Psal 125 5.8 Ezek. 19.10.13 Iud. 12. As heere Vers 6. V. That when they are withered men gather them while they retained his word and till the light sweetnesse and savour of it was dried up they could not be so easily drawne by Satan or lusts or men to other doctrine or to idolatrie or oppression persecution or the like but being withered they are driven with every wind and men gather them to any superstition oppression c. they turne into Egypt or the world againe and their sin growes ripe and they become of the seed of the Serpent the worst of men Iam. 1.14.15 Inâ— 4.5.12 Mat. 5.13 As heere Vers 6. VI. Men thus throw them into the fire and they fall under the wrath of God and his angels shall bind them in bundles and they shall be throwne into everlasting fire Pro. 7.7.27 Mat. 13.30.41.42 As heer Vers 6. A faire and whole some warning with might terrify any that receive gospell from remaining as high-way or stonie or thorny ground or harbouring such a secret evill disposition as ludas and Simon Magus did or from dispising the word and quenching the spirit and it is a wholesome admonition to al believers to shun all degrees of withdrawing and backssliding from faith love or any opperationes of the grace and spirit of Christ and now farther our saviour with this admonition joynes and gives to his disciples for quickening up their spirits a sweet and foreceible exhortation and encouragement to abide in him and that hee and his word may abide in them and this from manifold sure grounds and strong motives that will meete in one Viz. I. The experience they had already found of the goodnesse of him in and by the word he had spoken to them Vers 3. He had spoken and given to them the word gospel or glad tidings of peace remission of sinns and everlasting life which the father hath prepared in him which word of gospel the father gave him to spake Mar. 1.14.15 Ioh. 12.49.50 and 17.6.7 In which word or gospell is declared The peace or atonement Christ by death resurrection and sacrifice hath wrought and the fulnesse of grace and truth iâ— him and the greatnesse of Gods love in giving him and hâ—â— readinesse to accept all that believe on him Luk. 24 46.4â— Ioh. 1.4.9.12.14.16 and 3.16.17 And the father sending forth spirit in this declaration did so enlighten their harts anâ— prevaile with them that he therein brought them to beleeve Mat. 16.16 In which repentance was wrought in them anâ— they received remission of sins and life and so were turned from darknesse to light begotten to Christ made cleane and righteous in him and so sanctified to God and had interest iâ— the things of Christ Act. 11.18 and 10.43 Rom. 5.1.5.8.10.11 Tit. 3.4.5.6 Ioh. 3.5 In which they expetimented his word to be the words of eternall life Ioh. 6.68.69 So that as in him through that he hath done in himselfe life was prepared for men even so through him by his word and spirit bringing the word to their hart they had received of the life in him and so experimented the goodnesse of him in his word and to them and such as they this must needs be a strong and forceible motive to abide in the faith and love of him and to have his word abiding and opperating in them Psal 119.93.1 Pet. 1.21.22.23 and 2.2.3 Whence that 2. Pet. 1.9 II. The powre effecacy and fruitfulnesse of the same grace that will operate and shew forth it selfe in fruitfulnesse in those that abide in him and have his word abiding in them Vers 5. So that such as abide in mindfulnesse of his word and so in their beliefe estimate love of and submission to him and his teachings and so suffer his word to abide in them in its opperationes it will be profitable and fruitfull in them and make them fruitfull also Heb. 4.12 Isa 55.3.10.12 I. It will free them not only from that casting of withering and burning foremencioned Ioh. 11.25.26 But also from those out-goings falls snares hart condemnationes and sore correctiones that others by inconstancie and forgetfulnesse of him fal into Rom. 8.1.2 Isa 4.2 Psal 119.9.92 1. Cor. 15.1.4 II. It will bring forth plenty of fruites in them of love joy peace patience meeknesse heavenly desires and motiones that will spring forth to spirituall prayers confession conversation c. Coll. 3.16 Ioh. 7.38.39 III. It will leade too and bring forth blessed fruites in their word and conversation for convincing unbelievers aluring the convinced to Christ and edifying believers Isa 61.3.7 2. Pet. 1.7.8 2. Cor. 13.18 And this also is a strong and forceible motive to abide in Christ and that his word may abide in us III. The abundant love of the Father to Christ his Son soe that al that are brought to and abides in this his Son and have him in his Word and Spirit abiding in them he loveth them as he loveth his Son with the same delightful love Ioh. 12.26 14.23 17.23 And giveth them eternall life Ioh. 3.35.36 And whatsoever they aske of him they abiding in Christ and his words in them it shall be done to them vers 7. Ch. 16.23.24.27 Which also is a strong motive to abide in him and that his words may abide in us Pfall 66.18.19.20 IV. The assured comfortable issue of all namely That in his word abiding in them and they abiding in him and so bringing forth fruites their mayn desighne and buysinesse even that in which they are one with God and Christ shall be accomplised to the satisfying and joying of their harts that is God shall be glorified and so they shall be disciples and followers of Christ like him endeed vers 8. Phill. 1.20 Which is a sweet prevayling motive And how much more all these in one the fore-experiments and present operation of his grace the Fathers love and answer of prayers and glorifying himself in their fruitfulnesse is it a strong motive to exort and encourage to abide in Christ and to have his word abiding in us And our saviour having thus already instructed admonished and encouraged his disciples proceedeth in the 9. and 10. Verses To a father encouragement direction and instruction of them to this Abiding that their joy might be full From which practise of our saviour might be observed I. That the work of the ministration of the Gospell is a continual worke to be followed not only for bringing in men still to Christ but even also for building up and encouraging those that are in Christ while they are in these clay tabernacles so was the ministration of the Gospel by Iesus Christ from the beginning of it from the baptisme of Iohn till the day that he left the world Act. 1.21.22 Ioh. 16.28 and 17.4.12.13 And so was the ministration of his servant till the time of their departure 2. Tim. 4.6.7.8 2. Pet. 1.13.14 And such is the ministration
on him and love him that so they might come to partake of this peculiar love Ioh. 11.42 and 17.21.22.23 and 20.31 As Iesus Christ set forth the privilledges of his disciples in the hearing of the multitude Mat. 5.3.8 That the multitude hearing the same might bee alured to become his disciples that so they might also come to partake of such priviledges II. More speciall and peculiar for such as by the spirit of grace are enabled through the Gospell in the knowledge of the propitiation made by Christ and the eternall life that is in him and the love of God in the gift of his son to believe the truth and goodnesse of the report of the Gospell so as there through they are convinced and emptied of their former delight and considences and alured and overcome to submit and come into Christ Rom. 6.17 Isa 55.4.5 Ioh. 6.44.45 And in believing receive from God through Christ remission of sins peace in conscience and accesse to God Act. 10.43 Rom. 5.1.2 Eph. 2.17.18 So as heerby they are enabled to believe both the redemption and reconciliation wrought in and by Christ with God which is in him and hee is and that reconciliation that by his spirit he worketh in men to God and the eternall life that is in him to bestow and in this believing to depend on him for the same and in that dependance to love both him and their brethren Rom. 5.6.7.8.11 and 4.22.25 1. Pet. 1.8.21.22.23 These though yet accumbred with such like infirmities as these disciples were are yet true believers in end lovers of Christ and built upon him and in the same condition and so loved even as they were as is evident by comparing our saviours profession to Peter and Peters aplication of the same to all unfeyned believers and lovers of Christ Mat. 16.16.17.18 With 1. Pet. 2.3.4.5.9 And our saviours promise to all so believing in and loving of him Ioh. 14.21.23 And this affirmation charge and direction is recorded for their learning that through patience and comfort of the scriptures they may have hope Rom. 15.4 And so not only know they are beloved but even so beloved of Iesus Christ even as the Apostle writ to those that believed and knew they had life that they might farther know this eternall life and their having of it and so believe more and more and have their joy full 1. Ioh. 5.10.11.12.13 and 1.4 with Ioh. 15.11 Object It seemes as if believers now could not have like assurance of such peculiar love and so such consolation in it as the e had to whom Christ spake it because they had it from Christ his owne mouth which none now can have because he is in heaven Ans This is a great mistake and wrong conception confuted by our saviour himself who before he lift the world did testifie that he would send another advocate and comforter even the Holy Spirit of truth in his stead and place to be with the believers for ever and that his Spirit should bring his words to their remembrance and teach them al things Ioh. 14.16.17.18.21.23.26 Yea soe as it should be noe dammage to them that he left the world and went to his Father but more gainfull to them then if he had not gone in bodily presence from them Joh. 16.7.8.15 And this Holy Spirit gives to believers a twofold knowledge of this peculiar love though not both alwayes at once and this he doth I. By making a man a believer glorifying Christ so in his hart as hee not only brings him to believe the propitiation made by him but in believing that love and goodnesse to depend on God in Christ for farther saving and for that eternall life that is in him 1. Pet. 1.21 Rom. 3.24 25. and 4.23 25. and 5.8 9 11. And therein effects love and a Christ-like disposition 2 Cor. 3.3 In which believing he gives them interest in Christ and in al that is Christ 1 Cor. 1.30 and 3.22 23. And such in their believing veiw of this affimation and invitation may know themselves so beloved and envited of Christ and have the same assurance and consolation thereof that these had to whom Christ spake If not somthing more then they had till after his assencion that they received the promise of the more abundant portion of the Holy Ghost compare Rom. 15.4.5 1 Joh. 5.10.13 with Joh. 16.7 15. and 30.31 II. By a more peculiar witnessing such love as this into their believing hart Rom. 8.15 16 17. By a supernaturall illumination and inspiration of his gracious word and promise into the hart in which hee cleares up and sheads abroad even this peculiar love more abundantly therein Ioh. 14.26 Rom. 5.5 Tit. 3.5 6. By which Spirit Christ doth manifest his presence with them acquaint them with the things of the Father and himselfe which gives more abundant consolation to the beleevers as it did to these when they received the same Joh. 14.21 23. and 16 13 14 15.7 Act. 2. Cant. 1.2 And to this end was this recorded that believers might know certainly their interest in this peculiar love and have the consolation of it waite therein for the more full peculiar testimony therof so great their consolation thereby From these three things thus observed Viz. That it is Jesus Christ that hath affirmed so great love c. And that it was affirmed to believers and that it is recorded for believers that they may know how they are beloved I. Al that reade and heare the same should be stirred up to obey and embrace the Gospell of Christ in which not only deliverance from sin and death is declared and tendered but also for such as doe believe such peculiar love and eternall life to be farther found in Christ and the greater grace it tenders the greater the sin and the more woful the condition of al that doe slight and disobey the cal thereof Act. 8.38.39.41 Hose 11 7. Heb. 2.3 and 12.25 2 Thes 1 8. Oh that men would believe and turne II. Believers have good cause to praise and glorify God for recording the affirmationes of and invitationes to such grace in the Gospell Rev. 22.16 17. And also to give the more ernest heed to this great love and to the invitation and direction for continuance therein seeing it is from Christ to them Heb. 2.1 4. And according to this threefold consideration vew the words themselves now in the words themselves are three things considerable I. Our Saviour serious affirmation of his love and the manner of it to his disciples As the Father hath loved me soe have I loved you II. His gracious exortation invitation or charge Continue yee in my love III. His sweet and safe direction how to continue in his love including a promise in it If yee keepe my commandments yee shall abide in my love even as I have kept my Fathers commands and abide in his love I. The first thing to be vewed in our Saviour serious
well-pleasednesse was with him his delight was in him his presence with him and his purpose of glorifying him firme unmoveable and inseparable yea even when the shines and appearances of his love and delightfull fellowship were withdrawne and hidden from him and he for our sakes so far left as to feele the punishment of our sins which he suffered yet even then did the Father love him yea and also therefore love him Heb. 29. Phill. 2.6 7 9 10. Ioh. 16.32 end 10.17 And in his ministration of the Gospell and communication of Spirit and all the opperationes thereof in the harts of his people the Father is well-pleased with him and as he hath accepted his sacrifice and ransome for the sons of men so he accepteth all his Spirituall offerings and opperationes in the harts of believers acquainting them with and drawing and presenting them before his Father Isa 42.1.2.8 Psal 20.3 Ioh. 17.1 8 and 5 19 37. In all loving him II. In keeping these his Fathers commandments hee himself tooke delight in and was well-pleased in and with his Fathers love not desiring other loves favour riches pomp or Kingdome nor being troubled for being deprived of them or any of them having all his satisfying and content in the love and well-pleasednesse of his Father alwayes being well-pleased with him Ioh. 4.32 34 and 5 43 44 and 10.30 Psal 40.8 Ioh. 14.31 and 16 32. III. In all trials that befell him on earth in keeping these commandments this his Fathers love and well-pleasednesse with him and his delight and satisfying therein found had its perfect working with him carrying him through all labours and sufferings so as he neither drew back from any part of the first command Heb. 12.2 Isa 50.5.6.7 Nor did nor will faile in the other command to fulfill all righteousnesse Isa 42.1.2.8 IV. In all this his so keeping these commands through all he met on earth he retained the beliefe and held fast the confidence he had in his Fathers love with assurance of being upheld and in due season to see the travell of his soul and to be glorified with the glory he had with his Father before the world was Isa 50.5 6 7 and 53 8 11. Ioh. 17.1.2.3 And now being glorified at his Fathers right hand remaineth there Advocating for and sending forth Spirit to his people waiting till all his enemies be made his footstoole when he will take his great powre and raigne being the well-beloved of his Father Psal 110. 1 Ioh. 2.1.2 Eph. 4.7.12 Rev. 11.17 Thus hath Iesus Christ kept these his Fathers great commandments and abode in his love which might be of much use to us I. To informe us of the great love of Christ to us that hath undertaken and performed these so great needfull and fit commands to be done by him for us and of the great love of God in the gift of his son to fulfill such commandments for us and so loving and accepting him in the keeping of them Gall. 2.20 1 Ioh. 4.9 10 and 3 16. Rom. 8.32 and 5 6 11. 2 Cor. 3.18 and 4.6 And of the full and perfect saluation that is to be found in Jesus Christ that great saluation hee hath wrought in his owne body for men and that healthfull and eternall saluation which by his Spirit applying the former hee worketh in those that believe on him and love him 1 Ioh. 4.14 1 Pet. 2.24 Heb. 5.8 9 and 7 24 25. II. To exort us to looke to him and to that hee hath done and that which apertaines to him to doe to believe both and to accept and receive the one and to depend one and submit to him for and in the other Isa 42.1.8 and 45.22.23 and 55.1.6 Rom. 4.24 25. and 5.1.6 11. and 6. to the end And soc to love him and it love to receive and highly prize this his direction and promise to follow and walke in the one and to depend one and wayte for the other And so wee come to the third thing in this point which is that heer also affirmed by our Saviour that As he hath kept his Fathers commands and abode in his love so if wee keepe his commandements wee shal abide in his love In which are contained two things clearly set forth Viz. FIrst A sweet and healthfull direction how to continue in his love namely I. In keeping his commandments II. In keeping them as hee kept his Fathers commandements Secondly A comfortable promise that so keeping his commands they shall abide in his love First the healthfull direction hath three things in it to be opened and understood for our better use-fulnesse I. The commands of Jesus Christ to believers heere-ment what they are II. The keeping of them of which hee heere speaketh what that is III. The manner of keeping as he kept his Fathers commands what that is I. For the first of these to know rightly what the commandements of Jesus Christ to believers heere-ment are livers things may be considered Consider I. That there bee commandements of divorts sorts mencioned in the Scripture as to instance the chiefe of them There are I. Such commands as by the grace of creation by Christ and by the grace of redemption wrought in and by Christ in his own body and the common frultes thereof all men are bound with all their powers and in and by that strength that at any time hath beene given into their naturall powres by God to perform to the utmost in performance of which if noe fayling bee found they shall have life but the least fayling therein if but once in any part of any one command doth alwayes leave a man in and of himself under sinne and death the wages thereof and by these commandements are all men found under the guilt of sinne and under the powre of curse and death even al those that sight against and run crosse to these commands al those also who doe their utmost to make themselves righteous in and by the keeping of them Rom. 2.12.14 and 3.10 20. and 6.23 and 10.5 Gall. 3.10 Ieb 9.22 30 33. And the trespasses which these commandments doe charge mankind withall and which through the fall they were necessitated to commit and left without devine powre to help themselves were all laid on Jesus Christ who mas manifested to take them away and to make propitiation for the sins of the world Isa 53.2 6. 2 Cor. 5.19.21 1 Ioh. 3 4 5. and 2.2 Ioh. 1.29 And under this law of commandments was Jesus Christ made for those that were under it Gall. 4.4 And hee himselfe and hee only did altogether and alwayes fulfille it so as it could charge him with no sinne of his own commission but only with our sins against it in that hee was made under that law for us so as al his whole suffering and sacrifice was for us 1 Pet. 2.22.24 and 3 18. 2 Cor. 5.21 And to this law hath he perfectly satisfied in respect of himselfe in fulfiling it
and in respect of us in suffering for all it can charge us with that so through his death for us we might be dead to it 2 Cor. 5.14 Rom. 6.10 11. and 7.4 And by his death and resurrection spiritually evidenced and aplieil to us bee in bolieving freed from the bondage of it Gall. 4.4 5. and 3.25.26 5.1 So that such commands in respect of such a bond is not heere ment II. Such commands as are beyond all the reach anâ— powre that is or ever was in any creatures and these are To make satisfaction for sins entred and to take them out of the waye and to abollish death and to procure favour and life againe with God for mankind And allso by Spirit to make knowne this saluation wrought and to communicate the same to such as embracing this knowledge doe there through believe and so to enlive and sanctifie them therewith and therein working salvation in them and communicating eternall life to them which commandments are before shewne what they are and how they belong only to Jesus Christ our Lord the mediator betweene God and men who is found faithfull and perfect in performance thereof and by fullfilling the one hath wrought salvation with God for men and in full filling the other offereth salvation to men and communicateth eternall Salvation to those that believe in him as is before declared nor is there any creature in and by whom the fulfilling these commands can be found that beeing peculiar to Iesus Christ our Lord Ioh. 28.1 23. Psal 40.6 10. and 49.7.8 Isa 49.6 9. and 50.2 9. Heb. 10.1 10. So that these commands are not heere ment III. Such commandements as are given by Jesus Christ the fulfiller of these former commandements unto those who by his Spirit through the Gospell are drawne to believe on him into whose hart by the same Spirit he putteth those commandments Heb. 8.2 6 10. Ier. 31.33 Which commandements are not such or so given as to bind us to worke our righteousnesse in and by our owne observances and performances by our owne strength or such as we had once in Adam or by his devine providence have in our naturall powres as the former law did under which by nature we were and under which he was made for us such commandements so given are to us-ward beeing fallen heavy and burthensome neither can wee have life in our observance of that law but his commandments bee not grievous but easie sweete and affording-light and life in the observance Rom. 8.2.3.4 Phill. 3.3 9. Gall. 2.21 and 3.5 10 25. and 4. and 5.18 Ioh. 1.14.16.17 Rom. 3.27 Matt. 11.27.28 1 Ioh. 5.3 Gall. 6.8 Nor are these commandements of Jesus Christ to his disciples such or so given as those which have already beene shewne to be put upon Jesus Christ himself and poculiar to him Psal 40.6 Jsa 50. to the end 1 Cor. 1.12.2 Cor. 3.3 17 18. But they are such commandements and so given as that they come from Jesus Christ our saviour in the declaration of the saluation wrought in and by his owne person with God for men in fulfilling the first commandement he received of his Father and the saluation which by Spirit applying the former he worketh in men to God in fulfilling the other commandement he received of the Father when he helpeth any to believe in which believing he putteth these commandements into their hart Ioh. 6.38 40 and 17 6 8. 2 Cor. 3.3.17 18. Ier. 31.33 Heb. 8.6.10 Which commandements are to believe on him and to love one another which by this first consideration appeares to bee the commandements of Christ to his disciples and those heere-ment 1 Pet. 1.2.8.18.19 20 21 22. Consider II. That the commandements of Christ to his disciples are such commands as are I. Contained and expressed in the Gospell II. Put with the Gospell by the Spirit of Christ into the hart of believers III. And do naturally and aptly spring up in the beliefe of the Gospell I. The commands of Christ to his disciples are contained and exprest in the Gospell the Gospell fully declaring the mind of Christ not only in declaration of that good he hath wrought for us and that which hee is able and ready to worke in us and to confer on us but that also which hee requireth of us that wee may receive him and be followers of him Mar. 1.14.15 Act. 13.38 40 and 20 27 35 and 26 18. 2 Cor. 5.19.20 Whence the Gospel also is called the commandement 2 Ioh. 4.5 1 Ioh. 2.7 2 Pet. 2.21 Rom. 16.26 And the law of Christ the law of faith the law of righteousnesse the law of the Spirit of life and the law of libertie Gall. 6.2 Rom. 3.27 and 9 31 32 and 8.2 Iam. 1.12 And the so receiving the Gospell as thore through to believe on Jesus Christ and love our brother and yeeld to and walk in that faith and love is called obedience of the doctrine of faith of Christ Rom. 6.17 and 16 19 26. Heb. 2.5.9 And all not so receiving the Gospell where it comes are said not to obey the Gospell the word the truth 2 Thess 1.8 1 Pet. 4.17 and 3 1. Gall. 3.1 The Gospell of Christ is a full and perfect doctrine and stands need of no other law for precepts to direct and leade such as come into Christ having in it self not only generall but particular precepts even for every branch of al that which the grace of God requireth of believers as to give some instances precepts for repentance Mat. 3.2 Mar. 1.15 Act. 17.30 For submission to Christ and receiving his reproofe and forsaking all wee have for his sake Iam. 4.6.7 Pro. 1.23 Mat. 16.24 25 26. For believing whatever his Gospell reporteth Ioh. 12.36 Mar. 1.15 For approbation of and resting on him Pro. 4.8 Isa 30.7.15 For hearing and attending to the sayings of Christ Pro. 8.10 Mat. 17.5 For looking to Jesus Christ for beginning and finishing in us all that belongs to life and godlinesse Isa 45.22 Heb. 12 2. For loving the Lord Psal 31.23 And therein and so for child like affectiones to God Mall 1.6 For brotherly affectiones to believers 1 Pet. 4.8 For compassion and meeknesse to such as are ignorant and out of the way Mat. 5.44 As likewise for being feare-lesse and strong in the way Isa 8.12.13 and 41.14 1 Cor. 16.13 For being patient Iam. 5.7 For being sinceere Tit. 2.7 For being fervent in Spirit serving the Lord Rom. 12.11 And so alwayes and in all to have God and Jesus Christ only for our God and Lord 1 Cor. 8.6 1 Ioh. 5.20.21 To worship him in Spirit and truth Ioh. 4.24 To seeke to glorify his name in all things 1 Cor. 10.31 To delight in keeping sabboth with him Isa 58.13.14 Heb 4.10.11 And with his Heb. 10.25 To veeld our neighbour that preheminence and respect God hath given him in our love care and service and so to honour our parents and not to hurt but preserve the
and so without sin and this the scripture sets forth as his peculiar hee knew no sin he did no sin c. Ioh. 8 46. Heb. 7 26. Ioh. 17.4 Isa 50 and 53. Heb. 2 13. Ioh 13 1. Mat. 4 and 10. Ioh. 17 2 Cor. 5.21 1 Pet. 2 22 3 18. And that every one of us yea the best of all his servants while heere on earth offend in many things Iam. 3.2 Having sin still in nature Iob. 14 4 and 15 14. And also in his life Rom. 7 15. Gall 5 17. Against the law of works Rom. 3.19 20. Yea and the Gospell and so even against the law of grace In strists about the worke peculiar to Christ seeking in endavours to make peace and give satisfaction by performances or to doe in ones owne strength to make up duty and conscience good Rom. 9 32 and 10 3 and 7 15 24 25. and 8 7 8. Gall. 2 and 3. Or else in short-comming of that which through grace given wee might in the faith and love mencioned or walking therein to the denyall of the flesh and yeelding up to the Spirit in all things Rom. 7 15 25. Gall. 5 17. Yea it may bee in failing in particular service or ministration yea so certaine it is that all of us do in some things offend that who ever saith either that hee hath no sin or that he hath not sinned there is no truth in him and he casteth the lye on God Ioh. 1.8 10. Neither can any regenerate man avoid this by saying personally in themselves they have no sin or of themselves they do no sin but onely as they are one with their brethren and reckon themselves after them so they are sinners and do sin while any of their brethren have sin and are found to sin for in such a sence even so might Jesus Christ himself have said Isa 53 2. Cor. 5 21. 1 Pet. 2 24. And so may he still be said to suffer affliction Act. 9 4. Coll. 1 24. Isa 61 9. And to want of his fulnesse and perfection Eph. 1 23 and 4 13. And yet is this his peculiar that he knew no sin nor did sin being Holy harmelesse undefiled separate from sinners which could not bee if any could be said to be without sin in this life in such a sence besides himself Therefore there is yet one thing more to be put in in our keeping his commandements namely that as any sin is yet found either in our nature or life either against law of works or law of grace in failing either in faith or love or walking therein and yeelding to the Spirit there through according to grace received So wee in the acknowledgement of this his grace do speedily confesse our sins and seeke remission and healing of him and so in confidence of his goodnesse and love of brethren go one still in his way before him 1 Sam. 12 20 22. Pro. 28 13 14. 1 Ioh. 1 7 9. And in these five particulars is comprehended the keeping of his commands that appertaines to us III. For the third thing in this point the manner of keeping his commandements even as hee kept his Fathers commandements what this also is Viz. I. That all be done in an one-nesse and a greement of mind and will with the mind and will of Christ and God in Christ and so from the motion of the Spirit and law writ in the hart 1 Cor. 2 16 2. Cor. 3 3 17 18. II. Faithfully in the midst of his house and among the sons of men even a perverse people and in the midst of temptationes from the world the flesh and the devill Psal 101. Phill. 1 27 30 and 2 15 16 17. III. Constantly at all times and in all things with patience through all labours and sufferings till the season of entring his rest be fully given Act. 14 22. 2 Tim. 2 3 and 3 11 12. Mat. 10. Which will be but a first fruites heere Heb. 4 3 11. And perfectly at their departure hence Rev. 14 13. And gloriously at his comming againe for which they looke and long Phill. 3 20 21. 2 Cor. 5 1 6. 2 Tim. 4 8. Rev. 22 17 20. IV. Holding and excercising faith and love through all these 2 Cor. 5 1 14 19 c. For thus it is in all these respects before shewne that Christ kept his Fathers commandements And thus it is shewne what the commandments and the keeping of them with the manner thereof is Which may be Vse I. A discovery of the mistake or scant conceiptiones of the truth of such as in this place by commandements understand noe farther thing but the precepts of ten-words engraven in tables of stone and delivered by Moses to the people to be first kept by Christ by his Fathers command and to be now kept by believers by Christs command which beeing a law without us and enjoinning to doe and live will leave us all under sinne and death it beeing impossible for us to have life and enjoy the righteousnesse of the law that way because wee cannot perform the righteousnesse that apertayneth to us according to that law Rom. 3 10 20. Gall. 3 10. Rom. 8 3 4 Phill. 3 3 9. And though it were perfectly performed by Iesus Christ yet if there had not beene greater commandments that he received of the Father and performed for us our faith were but vayne and wee had beene in our sinnes and soe in danger of wrath still Ioh. 10 18 and 12.31 Heb. 9 22 26. 1 Cor. 15 14 17 18 Rom. 3 25. The ignorance whereof causeth many to establish a righteousnesse of their owne by setting upon the law and so submit not to Christ who is the end of the law for righteousnesse Rom. 10.3 4 In whom nothing avayleth but faith which worketh by love Gall. 5 6 All which may be clearly and fully seen in that which is all-ready said about this buy sinesse Vse II. And this also may bee an information of the cause of soe much darknesse and so many great and smarting afflictiones that many believers in this life do fall into namely because they keepe not the commandements which Christ hath put in their harts which are the same the Father by his Spirit through Christ hath given unto them which had they attended too their peace had beene as a river and their righteousnesse as the waves of the Sea Psal 89 30 31 32. Isa 48 18. Soe that the cause of such smarting afflictiones on them is not because they were unable to keepe the law of works or came short thereof through a necessity by that weaknesse Psal 103 10 and 143 2 Nor yet because they were unable to walke suitable and answerable to the Gospell or law of grace or fell short thereof through a necessity by that weaknesse Psal 130 3 4. For God requires in this no more then hee hath sowne Luk. 19.21.22 But in and according to the Gospell accepts of believers the will for the deed and requires
A brief declaration OF JESUS CHRIST His peculiar Love to BELEEVERS And how they may abide in it IN A MEDITATION On Ioh. 15.1 to 10. By THO. MOORE Printed at Delff by MICHIEL STAEL 1647. CHRISTIAN READER I Have heer onely briefely given thee this Meditation as an addition or step forward in the love of God to mankind to see his speciall love to Beleevers and how they may walk in it which thou and I attaining our groweth to the harvest and perfection in the harvest will be certain which being my desire I Rest Thy well-willer in and for Iesus Christ THO. MOORE A MEDITATION Of Ioh. 15.9.10 and occationly from 1. to 10. Ioh. 15.9 As the Father hath loved mee soe have I loved you continue yea in my love Ioh. 15.10 If yea kyepe my commandments yea shall abide in my love even as I have kept my Fathers commandments and abide in his love THE coherence of these words with the former shew them to be a farther encouragement exoitation and direction to Christs disciples for abiding in Christ and that he by his word and Spirit may abide in them for he had before beene instructing admonishing and encouraging them to abide in him and he in them Vers 1.5 I am saith Christ the Vine the True Vine a vine was known to them to be one of the trees of Gods Creation and provision for man such a one as brought forth such fruite as did testify the goodnes of God to man Zack 8.12 such a one as in the promise or giving of which was implyed plenty peace and safet ye Deut. 8.7.8 9. Ier. 31.4.5.8 I. King 4.25 Such as the fruite thereof did cheare both God and man because being filled with his goodnesse they offered of it to God and drank thereof in their sacrifices with thanks to God which he accepted and confidence in God in which they were refreshed Psal 116.11 to 19. Now that Jesus Christ is the Vine the True Vine is for such as they noe hard saying to understand according to the letter which is the sence the words import seeing the Scripture menciones two men or two Adams the first man who is the first Adam and the second man who is the last Adam 1. Cor. 15.45.47 And suitably two creationes the first Creation Gen. 1. 2. And a new creation Rev. 21.5 The first Adam being natural and earthye and soe the old creation that is supported for him 1. Cor. 15.46 Psal 75.3 The second or last man being spiritual and heavenly and soe the new creation compleated in and through him 1 Cor. 15.46 Isa 65.18.19 Soe as when in Scripture wee reade of vine fig-tree dore c. as it speakes off and is aplyableto the first man with the first creation for him and things pertaineing thereto wee may understand it suitably whether naturally or metaphorically yet ever as the words in that sentence and buysinesse import which is the litteral sence or as it speakes of the second man with the new creation compleated in and through him and things pertayning thereto wee may understand it spiritually whether in more general or more peculiar sence yet ever as the words in that sentence and buysinesse import which is also the litteral sence and so according to the letter or words written in this buysinesse I am the vine being spoken by and of Jesus Christ the spiritual man and the things of him it sheweth plainly that verily I. Hee is the vine the tree of life Rev 2.7 22.1.14 The greene Olive-tree in the house of God Psal 52.8 Their green fir-tree from whom their fruit is found Hos 14.8 And soe the vine as heere Vers 1.5 II. Hee is the vine or fruitful tree of Gods provision and preparation for man for the good of man 1. Pet. 1.2 Isa 42.1 1. Ioh. 4.14 In and through whom is testified the goodnesse and love of God to mankind Isa 55.1.4 Ioh. 3.16.17 And his peculiar love to his chosen Rom. 8.32 Joh. 9.3.6 III. Hee is the vine whose fruit cheareth both God and man hee hath in mans nature and stead soe dyed for mans sinnes and risen for mans justification and offered up himself such a perfect and acceptable sacrifice to God for man that in him mercy and truth are met Psal 85.10 And it is as iâ— all had dyed 2. Cor. 5.14 And with him yea in him God is well-pleased Mat. 3.17 17.5 And through him light mercy is extended to men filling them with good Joh. 1.4.5.9 Act. 14.17 So as in beholding and receiving his love heeâ— through testified they may give thanks to God and be comforted in God Psal 107.21.22.42.43 IV. Hee is the vine in which is all fulnesse of liveing and quickening sap that effecteth-life and fruitfulnesse it pleaseth the Father that in him should all fulnesse dwel Col. 1.19 All fulnesse of grace and truth Ioh. 1.14 Grace is powred into his lips Psal 45.2 Hee is immeasureably anointed and filled with the Spirit Psal 45. Isa 42. 61.1 In him are hid all the treasures of wisedome and understanding in him dwels al the fulnesse of the God-head bodily Coll. 2.3.9 V. He is the vine in promising of whom God promiseth and in giving of whom God giveth and in receiving of whom believers receive plenty of durable riches Pro. 3.13.18 Wisedome righteousnesse c. 1. Cor. 1.30 Enheritance Eph. 1.11 Kinred Mar. 3.35 Pleasures Psal 16. Utt. Also peace even peace with God in conscience with brethren and towards men peace passing understanding that wil keep the hart and mind in Christ and joy in the Holy Ghost Rom. 5.1.2.5 14.17 Phill 4.4.5 And safety for suport preservation and eternall salvation Joh. 10.28.29 VI. Hee is the vine in and through whom al spirituall and quickening sap and powre of the devine nature flowes that brings forth good grapes or fruites that are acceptable that will either satisfie or be gathered of his Father and him Psal 52.8 Hose 14.5.8 1. Pet. 2.5.9 1. Joh. 5.12 Joh. 3.6 Cant. 4.1.14 and 5.1 Thus is Iesus Christ the vine endeed and not only allegorically and metaphorically but minding the buysinesse spiritually hee is soe truly and really and other natural and earthy yea or metaphoricall vines are so called in respect of that which they resemble and shew forth of some small goodnesse of his in whom the true good is vers 1 I am saith hee the True Vine And this may bee understood in oposition too or respect of others that are so called or in soom sort are vines I. The naturall vines the trees soe called that bring forth such fruites as aforesaid truth these vines are vines endeed as Creatures that have theire being support fruitfulnesse and operation of their fruits from God through Christ Ioh. 1.4.11 Psal 75.3 Coll. 1.17 Without whose word or forth-putting of his blessing those vines languish and bring forth noe fruite or bringing forth fruits yet cannot nourish nor are accompanied with those blessings of plenty
peculiar the wine wherof himselfe wil drink and with the same refresh his choise freinds Cant 5.1 Psal 36.8.9 He found the ransome Ioh. 33.24 Hee gave his son Ioh. 3.16.1 Ioh. 4.14 Hee made him flesh Ioh. 1.14 Hee made him to be sin and curse for us 2. Cor. 5 21. Gall 3.13 Hee raised him from the dead and made him wisdome and righteousnesse for us Rom. 4.25.1 Cor. 1.30 Hee hath accepted his sacrifice and taken well-pleasednesse in him Heb. 10.1.10 Mat. 3.17 and 17.5 Hee hath filled him with spirit and eternal life for men so hath made him a quickning spirit Psal 68.18 Isa 61.1.1 Ioh. 5.10.11 1. Cor. 15.45 And so hath set him forth for a propitiation Rom. 3.25 A witnesse leader and commander Isa 55 4. The medium of dispensing spirit Isai 42 1.2 And comming into him and of fruitfulnesse Ioh. 10 9. Soe is hee the vine the True Vine which God hath made and prepared II. That from the beginning he by spirit in such meanes as he used hath beene drawing in some to his son and these are his chosen his vineyard in whom his word is put and soe hee in them that from them he may be declared to others Pro. 9.1 Isa 5. and 28.16 III. Hee stil useth meanes through Christ to make him knowne and soe to open him and call and draw into him and ingraft in him this being peculiarly in some sence the fathers worke Ioh. 1.13 Mat. 16.16 Ioh. 17 6.7.8 and 6.44.45 and 3.14.15 Rom. 5.8 10.2 Tim. 1.9 And this he doth by his gospel Rom. 1.16 And that both in his servants ministration therof Ioh. 17.20 23. Rom. 10.14 15.17.1 Cor. 3.5 And also by his spirit opperating therein and therwith Act. 11.21.2 Cor. 13.3 Whence that Act. 26.18 IV. That when God hath made knowne his son by the Gospel and vouchsafed the ministration of it by his servants with some motiones of his spirit calling to Christ and soe into his vineyard he According to his nighdrawing in the meanes and drawing them nigh to Christ and his lookes that they should bring forth fruites Isa 5.4 Luk. 13.6 Even fruites of repontance Mat. 3. Faith love joy peace c. Gall 5.22.23 And glorifying him that others therby might come to praise him Mat. 5.16 V. When he hath used such meanes and striven with them and waited for them his time and some bring forth noe fruite that is suitable to the meanes and for him Hee taketh them away either by taking gospel and church state from them Mat. 21.42.43 and 23.37.38.2 Chron. 36 16 17. Isa 5.5.6 Or by taking away his spiritual opperationes from them and so reprobating them Ier. 6.16.31 Ezek. 24 13. Mat. 3.1 Ioh. 2.19 Heb. 2.1.4 and 10.29.30 V I. Those which by the meanes and spirit therin doe bring forth fruite hee purgeth that they may bring forth more fruite I. He purgeth and cleanseth by the grace the promiseâ— the spirit given all opperating to reprove sin Ioh. 16.8.9.10 To deny ungodlinesse c. Tit. 2.11.12 To cleanse from al 〈◊〉 thinesse of flesh and spirit 2. Cor. 7.1 And soe is withering aâ—â— crucifying the flesh with the affectiones and lusts thereof Isa 40.6.7 Gall. 5.24 II. Hee purgeth by afflictiones and correctiones as often as need is to take downe pride breake them of their enterprises returne them from their strayings and hasten them to himself that they may being judged in the world not be condemned with the world but partake of his righteousnesse 1. Pet. 1.6 Ioh. 33.16.24 Heb. 12.6.11.1 Cor. 11.32 Isa 27.8.9 III. He purgeth them in nurturing with the crosse oâ— Christ enabling them to suffer shame losse hard-ship c. foâ— the name of Christ by whom the world is made as a crucified thing to them and they become as crucified to it which freed from many snares Gall. 6.14.2 Tim. 3.11.12 And al this purging is that they may partake of the vertue of 〈◊〉 resurrection of Christ bring forth more fruit Rom. 6.4.5.6 VII Hee accepteth and treasureth up those fruites that are brought forth by the opperationes of his spirit in and through those that abide in Christ and make them usefull 1. Pet. 2.3.4.5.9 Cant. 5.1 VIII Hee owneth knoweth keepeth and approveth this vine and vineyard and branches with the fruites thereof Mat. 3.17 Psal 16.2 Tim. 2.19 Cant. 6.2.3 and 7.12 He hath not only a right over them to dispose of them for so all are his Psal 119.91 The earth is the lords and the fulnesse therof the world and they that dwel therin Psal 24.1 Yea the whole field is his Mat. 13.24 But these are his garden Isa 51.3 His vineyard Psal 80.15 His pleasant portion Ier. 12.10 His peculiar above al the field his treasure Deut. 7.6 Psal 135.4 His enheritance Deut. 9.26.29 And his jewels Matt. 3.17 Soe that they are owned as his choise portion with speciall love care and portection And thus hath he instructed his disciples and us in them about his father himselfe and themselves which as it might be a motive to deter all from harmeing them and to alure men to come and suffer themselves by the doctrine of Christ to be drawne forth of the field into this vineyard and so into Christ and a strong motive to those that are in Christ have of his word and spirit in them to abide and walke in him in the faith and love of him and submission to his teachings and to have his word spirit with al its opperationes abiding in them seeing they are in such a vine and have such a Husband man Againe As our Saviour had beene instructing his disciples so hee had been admonishing them in warning them of the danger of unfruitfulnesse and not abiding in him namely I. That while they abide in the beleife of him and his word enlightened to their hart and in fellowship with his and his word abideth in their hart there is a possibillity of bringing forth fruite to God Psal 78.5.6.7.8 Act. 28.27 Heb. 4.12 And in suffering its opperationes and yeelding up thertoo assurance of bringing forth fruit Rom. 12.1 2. Goll 3.16 Isa 48.18 As heere Vers 2.4.5.6 II. That not abiding in him and his word but suffering it either to be stollen away or not to have its opperation and rooting in the hart it is unpossible to bring forth fruit that will abide or be accepted Mat. 13.19.20.21 As heere Vers 5.6 III. That those to whom hee is made knowne and his word come and they brought to the vineyard and bring forth noe fruite God taketh away in withdrawing his light and spirit from them and soe closeth their eyes and giveth them up to hardnesse Ioh. 12.38.39.40.2 Thess 2.10 And casteth them forth even from the hart and spiritual fellowship of his living people Ier. 14.11 1. Ioh. 5.11 and 2.19 and manifesteth them 2. Tim. 3.9 Psal 12.5 IV. That when they are taken away and cast forth they wither and ar soone withered their moisture light zeale
of his servants still to be a continued worke and that not only that they may continue being the salt of the earth and the light of the world and by their light shining to win in men to glorify God Mat. 5.13.16 But olso for such as God hath blessed their ministration unto and made them instruments by which the spirit hath brought them to Christ enabled them to believe on him and writ his mind in their hart they are not then to cease their ministration towards them but then to follow one and more abundantly to care for watch over pray for instruct admonish and encourage them for their father building up and preservation in the faith and provocation to love and good works 2. Cor. 3.2 to 17. and 11.2.3 Iud. 1.5 Act. 20.28 II. That those who are through grace brought into believe and so made cleane by the word of Christ applied to them and so in Christ and hee in them it is meete needful profitable and safe for them to be still attending the ministration of Christ in the Gospell and to be further instructed admonished exhorted and encouraged and that againe and againe while they are in these clay tabernacles 1. Cor. 13.10.12 Yea though they bee sinceere and fruitfull Phil. 1.7 and 2.1.13 and 3.1.2.10 And know and are established in the present truth 2. Pet. 1.12.13 Yea though their faith love and hope be stedfast and opperative and their election of God so testified as may be knowne 1. Thess 1.3.5 and 3.2 Yet stil the ministration of the Gospell is meete needful and safe even for them because of oppositiones in flesh and weaknesse and wants that yet may yet be found in the usefulnesse of their faith and love and orderly walking 1. Thess 3.2.3.10 And good ends and reasons for both these points are given in the scripture it self as to instance briefly a fewe I. To stit up and keepe mindfull and waking the harts of the believers 2. Pet. 1.13 and 3.1 That so they may not suffer that lose in opportunities which forgetfulnesse sleepinesse endangers too Cant. 5.2.3.6 II. To prevent and save from seducements by false doctrine which enstrange from God and Christ 1. Cor. 15. to the end 2. Cor. 11.1.2.3.11 1. Ioh. 2.19 III. To prevent and save from the intisements and deceitfulnesse of sinfull and worldly lusts that withdraw from God Heb. 3.1.12.13 1. Ioh. 2.16 IV. To edify in faith love hope 1 Thess 5.11 Iud. 20.21.22 V. To provoke to fruitfulnesse in love and good works Tit. 3.8 Heb. 10.24 VI. To help forward to fulnesse of joye and comfort that may abide and hold in times of tribulation 1. Ioh. 1.4 1. Thess 3.2.3 So that in the truth of these two observationes in Christ practise and teaching it appeares that it comes not from the spirit of Christ for any dispensour of the Gospell to think that when any are by their ministration brought to Christ that they may then leave their care over them and cease their ministration towards them all the scriptures of the Apostles shew the contrarie Nor is it from the spirit of Christ for any that in believing know themselves in Christ and hee in them to conceite they now need no more to attend the ministration of the Gospell the whole scripture sheweth the contrarie and this might also be an exhortation to us both to the use of and attendance to the continual ministration of the Gospell 2. Tim. 4.2 Heb. 13.7.8 c. Now in the 9. and 10. Verses For the better and more full understanding of that which is therein held forth to us it is meete first to consider some circumstances about the words and then that which is set forth in the words themselves First For the Circumstances these three are considerable I. Who it is that assirmeth soe great Love II. To and off whom so great love is affirmed III. To what end the saying is recorded I. For the first whose affirmation this is of so great and peculiar love It is evident from the chapters before and vers 1. of this chapter that it is the affirmation of Iesus Christ who is the Son of God Rom. 1.4 Joh. 11.27 And the Saviour of the world Ioh. 4.42 1. Ioh. 4.14 And head and husband of his Church Eph. 5.25.32 Who is the truth it selfe Ioh. 14.6 All whose words are truth and nothing false or wreathed in them Pro. 8.7 8. Hee of whom the Father hath born testimony Mat. 3.17 Ioh. 5.37 He of and to whom the Holy Spirit of truth hath bo ne and doth beare testimony Ioh. 15.26 1. Ioh. 5.6 Hee whose lips are full of grace Psal 45.2 And in whose mouth was never any guile found 1. Pet. 2.22 So that of the truth and verity of this affirmation how great soever it were great sin to doubt at all and needfull it is that wee be firme in beliefe of this greatnesse power love and truth of our saviour his one-nesse with God and his onenesse with us his love to mankind and his peculiar love to the church that so wee may firmely believe the truth of this affirmation of so great love c. Ioh. 3.31.32.33 and 11.25 II. For the second who they are to and of whom so great and peculiar love is affirmed and invitation and direction for abiding therein given it is evident to be the disciples of Christ Ioh. 13. And though they were the eleven Apostles Iudas Iscariot being gone out and their could be no more at that time because it would have beene above a competent number for eating the passeover together yet this affirmation was to them as they were his disciples and did beleeve on him and love him and so concerned all that did believe on him and love him as well as it did themselves that were present to heare and this appeares by the tearmes and titles by which they were called as His owne which were in the world Ch. 13.1 Which also were al given and brought to him by the heavenly call Ioh. 6.39.44.45 and 17.2.8 And disciples Ch. 13.5.22.35 As all were that did believe on him and love him Mat. 5.1.13.14.15.16 And little children chap. 13.33 appliable to all that believe on him and love him Ioh. 14.1 1. Ioh. 2.12.13 And it appeares likewise by the new commandment given them chap. 13.34 Which is given to all that unfeinedly believe on him 1. Ioh. 3.23.24 and 4.21 And it also appeares by the promise of the spirit to them Ioh. 14.16.17 Which promise belongs also to all that believe on him Ioh. 7.38.39 Act. 2.38.39 And it appeares also by the metaphor and expressiones used in this 15. chap. In which al that it said of being Branches in him Vers 2.4.5 Of being cleane through the redemption and propitiation in him by his preaching the Gospell spiritually applied to them Vers 3. Of abiding in him Vers 4. Of impossibillity of bringing forth any spirituall and acceptable fruite without abiding in him Vers 4.5 Of the withering
affirmation As the Father hath loved mee so have I loved you In which are two thingss observable One that our Saviour loveth his disciples that believe on him and love him and this put downe inclusively as a thing so known to them that it needed no affirmation The other that our Saviour soe loves them as the Father loves him so that heere are two things affirmed I. Christ his love to believers II. The peculiarity and manner of his love to them whence spring two observation to veiw Obs 1. That Iesus Christ hath loved and doth love all that in the Heavenly call are brought in to believe on him and love him and that with such an apearing and manifested love that they may know hee loves them whence the affirmation is heere about the kind and manner of his love and not simply of his love as knowing they did not question that For that is soe abundantly testified that unlesse they close their eyes and harden their harts they cannot but know and believe that he loves them and that he loves them much I. In that he tooke our very nature upon him and was made flesh yea for our sakes tooke such flesh and bloud as wee have subject to weaknesse paines and death and so not only being God became man but being in the forme of God equall with his father in glory and majestie hee our case requiring it became not only man but in fashion as a man in forme of a servant in the likenesse of sinful flesh as a worme and no man a reproach of men and despised of the people for our sakes and was not this great love Ioh. 1.14 Heb. 2.14 Phill. 2.7.8.9 Rom. 8.3 Psal 22.6 II. In that hee also in this meane shape in our nature and stead became under the law for us and so in the same bond with us and took upon him our dept and had all our sins imputed to him and was made sin for us and so though he was innocent yet he bare the imputation and the shame and ignominy of all our sins and who can deny but this great love Rom. 3.19 Gall. 4.4 Isa 53.6.12 2. Cor. 5.19.21 Psal 40.11 Heb. 12.2 III. In that he also bare the strokes suffered the punishment and curse and died the death that was due to us and so rose againe acquit of all our sins and a victorer over curse and death and presented himself to his father as the ransome and propitiation for our sins and heerin appeares great and true love endeed Isa 53.4.5.7.8 1. Pet. 2.24 and 3.18 1. Tim. 2.6 Gall. 1.20 IV. In that he hath left his Gospell and received spirit to send forth to make knowne this grace that men might come in and receive it and procure mercy and patience waighting and leading to repentance that wee might repent and believe and so partake of this grace and this is love endeed Rom. 10.18 Psal 68.18 Rom. 2.4 V. In that he hath done all this for us freely while wee not only did not deserve it but were even sinners ungodly and his enimies yet so great his love that far lesse then this is hardly to be found among friends and no greater can be required in us to a friend then he shewed to us when wee were enimies to him Oh love without comparison 1. Pet. 3.18 Isa 53.2.3.4 Ioh. 15.13 Rom. 5.6.7.8.10 Coll. 1.20.21 In all which the believer may see love abundantly manifested to him and this knowne and believed there needed no such particular affirmation that he loved them for they see and believed it in his becoming the propitiation for their sins so as there is no cause to doubt of his love 1. Ioh. 3.16 and 4.10.16 Gal. 2.20 Object Iesus Christ hath so loved all men as to take their nature beare their sins and die their death and give himself a ransome for them and become the propitiation for their sins and procureth patience and mercie with some light at some time to lead them to repentance 1. Tim. 2.5.6 1. Ioh. 2.2 Ioh. 1.9 Therefore all men may know themselves so loved of Christ as well as believers Ans The proposition is True but the inference false for though it be True that he hath so loved all men Ioh. 3.16.17 And hath beene witnessing this his love to them in some measure Act. 14.17 More clearly where the sound of the Gospell comes 2. Cor. 4.13.14 Yet all men have not faith 2. Thess 3.2 The men of the world harkening to the enchantments and delusiones of Satan believe not the goodnesse of God no not where the Gospell comes and so have wrong thoughts of God and either regard him not at all but go one in serving their lusts Psal 14.1.2 and 50.21 and 10. Or else if they thinke of his wrath they suppose to apase him by some other satisfaction and righteousnesse Rom. 9.30.31 and 10.1.2.3 And so they lie in wickednesse 1. Joh. 5.19 And so though love of compassion be towards them as it is to all not given over to Satan yet they not believing it is not manifest to them and so they lying in unbeliefe they are under wrath and condemnation because of their unbeliefe Ioh. 3.18.36 And therefore cannot in their unbeliefe know themselves so beloved of Christ But such as through grace believe they have seene and knowne and believed this love of Christ in all the before-said five respects whence it s rightly said to be manifested to them and through this knowledge and faith they come to receive and have a tast of his first loving them 1. Ioh. 4.10.16.19 and 5.20 And are therthrough brought to depend on him and love him and desue to be conformed to him Rom. 5.5.11 Tit. 3.4.7 1. Pet. 2.3.9 And thus though such love hath shewed it self in Christ for all men yet it is not so manifested to nor knowne and believed of such as lie in unbelieve and so they have it not but the believers know this great love in believing and so have it and yet this is not all but it is farther evidenced to them VI. In that when God by his Spirit did through the Gospell evidence Christ and this his love and the fulnesse of grace and truth in him to them and so made him to appeare so glorious to them that it made all other excellencies as drosse to them and drew their desires after him and so caused them to come in and submit to him and desire to be found in him and enjoye him Isa 55.5 Ioh. 1.14.17 and 6.44.45 Phill. 3.7.8.9 Though then they were found in their owne bloud and filth so as they could not endure the stinch of their owne filth nor the sight of their owne blacknesse and bloudinesse Ezek. 16.1.9 Isa 64.6 Yet then did not he cast them away but washed them with his bloud spake peace to their hart Ioh. 6.37.45 Rev. 1.5 Heb. 12.24 And though they wore found some thing stubborne untoward and gainsaying yet did not he faint nor give over but
to do good and to shew mercy at all seasones a breaker of the Sabbaths Ioh. 5 16 and 9 16. For his zeale to have a devil and his miracles to be done by the devill Ioh. 7 20 and 8 48. Mat. 9.34 and 12 24. For his doctrine to be a deceiver Mat. 27.63 Ioh. 7.12 And for his holy and plaine confession of the truth to be a blasphemer of God Ioh. 10.36 Mat. 26 65. And an adversarie to Cesar Ioh. 19 12. And as for liberty and pleasures among men he was often conspired against continually persecuted and at last buffetted nailed on the crosse between two theeves and there derided and scoffed at and so died Mat. 12 14 and 26 and 27. In a word he was so far from being glorious or great in the world that in such respects he was as a worme and no man a reproach of men and despised of the people without forme or bewtie rejected of men c. Psal 22.6.7 So that the love wherewith the Father loved Iesus Christ was not a worldly love nor testified by filling him with worldly things the abundance whereof he very often giveth to his enimies sometimes as rewards for some services he hath done by them though they knew him not Ezek. 29.18.19 Sometimes in judgement to their farther snaring and hardening and overthrow Psal 73.18 and 92 6 7. So as this love is not worldly but heavenly and though heavenly yet Not only a love of compassion which may be towards such as one is angry with and counts sinners for their evils and is constrained to afflict them though with bowels of compassion yearning over them so as in returning they may be saved and in rebelling given up Hose 11.4.9 Luk. 19 41 42. For so God loved the world Ioh. 3.16 17 18 19. But his love to his son was a greater love then this Coll. 1.18 19 and Heb. 1. to the end Yet though it were a greater and more peculiar love It was not from the first appearance to the accomplishment of full perfection in the glorious harvest a constant appearing and brightly shining love admitting no clouds darknesses nor eclipses but such love it was as had its degrees of appearing and some intermixtures of clouds and darknesse in respect of the visible appearance and a great eclipse on the crosse before all clouds were passed and the fulnesse of the glorious appearance and enjoyment came into its perfection Luk. 2. to the end Mat. 3.17 and 4 to the end and 17 5 and 26 8 42 and 27 46. II. Affirmatively the Father hath loved his son our saviour Iesus Christ with a devine heavenly pure Fatherly and Spirituall love beyond all our conceptiones only wee may veiw it in the properties of it I. It is a most free and righteous love it is a free love which with out any fore-desert did fasten upon the man Christ Iesus and chose him into union of person with the son of God and so to be one and his only son and also to be the saviour of the world and also to be the mediator and the high priest prophet and King and head and husband of the church and that all fulnesse should dwell in him and that in all things he might have the preheminence Psal 89.19.20.27 28. Isa 42 1 and 49 6 7 8. Heb. 1 2 8 and 7. Coll. 1.19 And all this freely because it so pleased him and such his love yet it is also a righteously love slowing upon him accepting and preferring him in and for and according to all that he hath done in the work of redemption for men and that he doth in spiritual application to and in and advocation for and government of his called and chosen ones Isa 53.11 Rom. 14 9 12. Ioh. 10.17 Heb. 2 9. Phill. 2.8 9 10. Psal 20 3 4 5 and 45 6 7 8. II. It is a most well-pleased delightfull and satisfying love taking up all well-pleased in the beloved and affording all well-pleasednesse to the beloved the Father having so set all his delight in his son that he delighteth in him and in all that is in his son and in nothing out of his son that he taketh all fulnesse of content and well-pleasednesse in his son and in that which his son hath done in his ministration sufferings sacrifice and victorie and in that which his son doth by his spirituall opperationes and communicationes of privilledges and in all that are in his son and presented by him so as in that his well-pleasednesse he affords well-pleasednesse to his son and to all that are in and one with his son Pro. 8 22 23 30. Isa 42.1 Mat. 12 18 and 3 17 and 17 5. Heb. 10 7 12 13 14. Psal 20 3 6. Ioh. 16 27. Gall. 3.16 29 1 Cor. 1 30. III. It is a most abundant and flowing love resting not till the beloved be partaker of and silled with all his owne things and with union and fellowship with himself so hath the Father loved Iesus Christ as he hath him ever with him an I before him as the seale on his hart and the seale upon his â—â—me in all his counsels and works preferring him and shewing him all that he doth yea so as he doth it by him and maketh him the doore thereof Pro. 8 30. Cant. 8 6. Ioh. 1.1.2.3.8 and 5.21.25 26. Yea so as hee is one in and with the Son and the Son one in and with him Ioh. 10.30 and 14.10 11. and 17 21. Yea so as hee consereth on his Son and maketh him partaker and owner of al his own things his devine nature his Holy Spirit his attributes of wisedome power goodnesse c. His speciall people and all the works of his hands so as all that is the Fathers is the Sons Ioh. 16.15 and 17 6.10 Heb. 1.2.3 IV. It is a most glorious honourable and honouring love the Father hath so loved his Son Jesus Christ our Saviour that he hath honoured or glorified him with his own selfe with infinit glory yea and with such apearing honour also Ioh. 17.1.5 That he wil not be known or acknowledged loved or honoured in any thing by any man by any way or meanes but in and by his son and as the man knoweth acknowledgeth loveth and honoureth his Son Christ Ioh 5.23 and 14.6 7. 1 Ioh. 2.23 Whom he will have honoured as himself yea he hath honoured his Son by giving an honourable testimony of him Psal 89.20.21.28 Ioh. 1.33 Mat. 3.17 and 17.5 Heb. 1. to the end And sending forth the Holy Ghost to beare testimony of him Ioh. 14.26.15 26. 1 Ioh. 5.6 Yea he hath glorisied and honoured him by exalting him at his right hand Giving all authority unto him and making him the Lord and judge of all Heb. 2.9 and 8.1 Mat. 28.18 Jeh 5.27 Yea he hath giver him the Kingdome and the enheritance and made him the King and he shall rayn for evermore Psal 45. to the end Heb. 1. to the end Yea he so
15 16. 1 Ioh. 2.20 27. Yea even so that all his sufferings death resurrection ascension his victory wisedome righteousnesse sanctification and redemption is become theires as if they had done all Ioh. 14.12 1 Cor. 1.30 2 Cor. 5 14. Yea hee conferreth on them and maketh them owners and partakers of all that is his even of his devine nature in union interest usefulnesse and comformity and soe of all things pertayning to life and godlinesse 2 Pet. 1 2 3 4. Yea soe that his Father himself his Spirit his covenant his privilidges his inheritance his people are all theirs And this so operative that they and all that is theirs is gained to bee and made his 1 Cor. 3.22 IV. With a most honourable and honouring love the Lord Jesus so loving those that believe on him and love him that hee will not accept to be loved received and acknowledged of any that doe not in with and for him in a measure love receive and acknowledge them but counts all that is done to them as done to himself whether in love or hatred and will not otherwise reckon of it but in some measure will have them in and for him loved as himselfe Mat. 18 5 6. and 45 40 44. Luk 10.16 Act. 9.4 5. 1 Ioh. 4 17 21. He putteth his name upon them and his Spirit in them and so beareth testimony in to and through them 2 Cron. 7 14 16. Isa 59.21 Rom. 8.16 Heb. 11 3. Rev. 2 17. Hee giveth to them the Kingdome and enheritance the Father hath given him Luk. 22 29. Heb. 12 28 and hee will have them to raine with himselfe and make them rule over the nations and judge the world Rev. 2.26 27. 1 Cor. 6.2 Yea hee blesseth and honoureth with blessings such as blesse love esteem them Gen. 12 3. Psal 15.1.4 And this so operative that they so honour him V. With an everlasting love hee hath loved them from eternity in the roote and nature Pro. 8.30 31. And doth soe love them to eternity in roote and branches as they can never drop out of this love of his Ier. 31 3. Ioh. 13 1. He loved them before they were 2 Tim. 1.9 And when they were his enemies Rom. 5 6.10 And when he called them Tit. 3 4.7 And hee loves them even when he speakes hardly to them and chastiseth them Ier. 31.20 Heb. 12.6 And when they are in tribulationes and sufferings for his sake Psal 116.15 And when they bring forth the fruites of his Spirit and approach to him Cant. 4.9 15. Yea he will love them for ever and it shall shine forth upon them without any darknesse or interuption when they shal be with him and see his glory seeing as they are seene and being made like him and so rejoycing in his love for ever and ever Ioh. 17 24. 1 Ioh. 3.1.2 Rev. 21. and 22. And this so opperative as it unites them in love to him for ever and thus as the father hath loved his son Iesus Christ so hath and doth Iesus Christ love those that believe on him and love him only in this wee are to heed this caution to keep us sober in the beliefe of so great love viz. That as Iesus Christ made the propitiation himself for us in and by himself without us so hee and hee only is the fountaine and cause in and through himself of all this love and fruites thereof to us so that in this respect he hath no partners 1 Ioh. 2.2 Psal 36.9 Hose 14 8. And for the communication of this his delightful love and fruites thereof he doth it according to his Fathers mind who in al things will have his son Iesus to have the preheminence his portion with out bounds or measure immeasurable but to every one that believeth on him a measure according to the measure of Christ Coll. 1 19. Ioh. 3 33. Eph. 1.7 And this observed wee may safely affirme and verily believe that as God the Father hath loved all men with a love of compassion so hath Iesus Christ so also loved them that he hath given himself a ransome for all men to be testified in due time Ioh. 3.16 17. 1 Ioh. 4 14. 1 Tim. 2.6 Even so as the Father hath loved and loveth his son Iesus Christ with a higher degree of love and a more peculiar love then he loved the world for whose redemption he sent him forth Ioh. 5 20. Rom. 14 9 12. Even so the Lord Iesus Christ hath loved and doth love all those that by his grace and Spirit are in the heavenly call brought into believe in him and love him even with the same devine Spirituall free righteous delightfull well-pleased abundant flowing honourable honouring and everlasting love in which the Father hath loved and loveth him himself having assirmed it And to make a little use of this point before we enter on the next Vse I. This may be an Information to us both of the greatnesse of the love of God and Iesus Christ our Lord to all that believe in Iesus Christ and love him and also of the happy and blessed condition of such believers I. For the love of God to these his people wee may better expresse it by admiration then description For how great is his goodnesse which hee hath laid up for them that feare him and wrought for them that trust in him before the sons of men Psal 31.19 That neither know or love him or them it was love endeed and that great also to ransome and redeeme them with his owne bloud from that great misery into which they were fallen and then to make knowne this love to them and therthrough to extend the choise fruites of his compassionate love to them as before but as if all this were but a little in the account of so gracious a God to do for them his love stayes not in this but floweth farther in loving them as he loves his son to make them like his son and sons in his son who loveth them also as the Father loveth him so that in this love God maketh them his sons his treasure and delight and hee is become their God and Father their refuge rock-portion guide and protector and hath intressed them in and made them owners of all his owne things and will bring them to raine together with Iesus Christ his son and preserve them till he bring them to that inheritance with Iesus Christ and make them like him to be ever with him Oh consider and behold what manner of love is this Ioh. 17 23 2 Cor. 6 18. Psal 18 1.2 Rom. 8 32. 1 Cor. 3.22 1 Pet. 1.3 4 5 1 Ioh. 3.1.2 II. For the happinesse of the condition of such as believe in Iesus Christ and love him enough is said where such love is assured to them and in such love to have forgivenesse of all their sins acceptation of their persons and accesse to the throne of grace Act. 10 43. Rom. 3 1 2. To have the Lord for their
also an unfeyned love of our brother 2 Cor. 5.14 1 Ioh. 4.21 1 Pet. 1.22 From both which commands writ in the hart aptly springs up all contained in the particular precepts of the Gospell as is before shewne Ioh. 4.13 and 7 38 39. And walking in this faith and love in minding the precepts and veiw of the opportunities the motiones to go according to the mind of Christ will aptly spring up so as one may go one serving in newnesse of Spirit and not in oldnesse of letter Pro. 6.20 21 22 23. Ioh. 3.16 17. Rom. 12.2 and 7 6 25 and 8 1 2. So that from this whole consideration that the commands of Christ to his disciples are such commands as are contained and expressed in the Gospell and put with the Gospell by Christ into the hart of the believer and do naturally and aptly spring up in the believe of the Gospell it appeares that believing in Iesus Christ and loving our brother are the commands of Christ heere ment Consider III. The commandments of Ghrist to his disciples are such as are suitable to the commendements himselfe hath performed for them Pro. 3.1.13 Heb. 3.8.9 1 Cor. 6.20 Now hee in fulfilling the commandements hee received of the Father for us having taken away our sinnes and dyed our death and soe purchased us and wrought salvation for us and by his Gospell and Spirit sent forth having made knowne this salvation to us and in aplying it evidenced himselfe to bee our righteousnesse and life and ready and able eternally to save us 2 Tim. 1.10 1 Ioh. 3.5 Heb. 5.9 Suitable heerto it is that wee abhoring our sinnes and denying our selves our wisedome righteousnesse strength with all that is ours and all fleshly delights and considences to accept of him for all and so to believe in trust too and depend on him for all grace righteousnesse life and safety 1 Cor. 1.30 31. Phil. 3.3.4.7 8 9.10 1 Pet. 1.13.14 Gall 1.20 And hee having so loved us suitable it is that wee should so love one another 1 Ioh. 3.16 Eph. 5.2 So that in this consideration it also apeares That believing in Iesus Christ and loving our Brother are the commandments of Christ heere ment Consider IV. The commandements of Christ to his disciples are such commandements as he hath given into their harts and cannot nor are otherwise required to bee kept then as they are in the hart whence believers confesse that they have received the command from him 1 Ioh. 4.21 And hee is said to write them in their harts Heb. 8.10 And the commandement is true in him and in them 1 Ioh. 2.8 The law without was engraven in tables of stone and writ in leaves but the Epistle of Christ is writ by his Spirit in the hart 2 Cor. 3.3.7 The law without leaves under sinno and death but Christs law within affords life 2 Cor. 3.6.7.8 9 10. Whence Christ saith hee that hath my command ments and keepeth them hee it is that loveth mee Ioh. 14.21 In which consideration it apeareth that faith and love Which all Christs disciples have Coll. 1 4. and are to keepe and walke in Heb. 3.14 Are the commandments heere ment And yet that this may bee moore evident some proofes heerof may be considered Proofe I. These two commandements of faith and love as they are contained in the Gospell and spring from the Gospel believed so they contayne the whole summe of the patterne or forme of healthfull and sound words which the Gospel requireth of us 2 Tim. 1.14 And of all that which the Gospell believed springeth up in the hart 1 Ioh. 5.13 Ioh. 20.31 1 Ioh. 3.1.3 and 4 19 21. Whence the commandment is called the word of the Gospell it selfe believed 1 Ioh. 2 7. And the Gospell is called the commandment which in hart believed that which is said before of Christ his keeping his Fathers commandements is by believers found true in him and that which is said in consideration the second of faith and love springing up in the hart the believers find true in them because the darknesse is past and the true light now shineth 1 Ioh. 2.8 And so in respect of the Gospell put in the hart it is called the old command and that which was at first heard and received from Christ and which quickeneth and in respect of its Spirituall entrance receipte and abiding and the faith and love springing up therefrom it is called the new commandement being allwayes greene and flourishing so that the believer may thereby bring out of the good treasurie of his hart things new and old Mat. 13.52 Which according to all the considerationes proveth faith and love to bee the commandements heere ment Proofe II. These two commandements of faith and love are the commendements which God giveth unto and putteth in the hart of his children Ier. 31.33 Phill. 2.29 Eph. 2.8.10 They are the commandements of God the Father when he calleth and uniteth men to his son Jesus Christ causing them to beliefe on the name of his son Jesus Christ and to love one another as his son hath given commandement 1 Ioh. 3.23 and 4 21. And they are the commandements expresly given by Iesus Christ to all his disciples when he makes knowne his Father to them to believe on him for eternall life Ioh. 12.36 and 14 1. And to love one an other as hee hath loved us Ioh. 13.34 and 15 12. And these are also the very commandements which the Holy Ghost putteth into the harts of believers 1 Pet. 1.21.22 1 Ioh. 3.21.24 So that these two commandements of faïth and love are evident to be the commandements heere ment Proofe III. All labouring to attaine and fulfill in performance any or all other particular preceipts of law or Gospell which flowes not from and is not acted through this believing in the name of Iesus and love of the brethren whatsoever endeavours and services they bee and how and to what end soever otherwise done whether To please God and get boldnesse with him or to get therethrough the righteousnesse of God and so Christ and faith in him and love to brethren or to assure themselves by such attainments and observances of a peculiar interest in Christ even all whatsoever so done to comfort themselves therewith all of it I say as the scripture shewes I. It is but a serving of God according to the oldnesse of the letter and so leaves the doores thereof under sin and curse and the feare of both Rom. 7.6 25 and 8 2 7. Gall. 3.10 Tit. 1.9.10.15 Ioh. 3.5.6 II. The doers thereof do therein and thereby deprive themselves of and hold themselves out from enjoyment of Christ and unfeyned faith in him and love of brethren Rom. 9 32. and 10.3.4.1 Sam. 2 9. Zach. 4.6 Psal 107.11.12 Ecclez 15.16 and 16.15 III. They deceive themselves and are deceived in all that which by such observances and ataynments they judge themselves by to bee in Christ and to have peculiar interest in