Invasions So is Christs Reâ—gniâ— as Head Law-giver and great Commandâ— in the Souls of his People by hâ—s Laws aâ—â— Statutes So is he said to Reign over the house 〈◊〉 Iacob Luk 1.33 with 1 Joh 4 4. 2. As the Master of a Family in his owâ— House where he dwells with Contentmenâ— Ease Satisfaction Pleasure and Delight 〈◊〉 beholding his House Even so Christ â—welâ— in the Hearts of his People Eph 3.17 Aâ—â— therefore called his own house Heb 3.6 And an habitation of God through the Spirit Eph â— 22. Christ standing before the door promiseth to such as will open to him to come it Revel 3.20 3. Christ is in the Believer as a Tradseman in his Shop doing the Work of his Calling I say so is Christ advancing the Work oâ— Grace in the Believer for beliveth in them Gal 2.20 And if Christ be in you the body iâ— dead because of sea but the Spirit is Life becausâ— of Righteousness Rom 8 10. As the GOD this World that is the Devil is and dwelâ— in them to whoâ— the Gospel is hid and whâ— are lost blinding the minds of them whicâ— believe not 2 Cor 4.3 4. And as the prince 〈◊〉 the power of the air that evil spirit doth worâ— in the Children of disobedience Ephes 2 2â— Even so Christ having cast out this strong man comes to the heart and takes possession â—hereof and worketh therein what is well pleasing in his eyes 4. Like into one in his obtained possession â—nd in his Garden delighâ—ing himself in the â—njoyment of what he hath gotten and purchased Even so is Christ in Believers havâ—ng purchased them unto himself and that with his own Blood pâ—ssâ—ssing them as his own and there delighâ—eâ—h he himself as in his Garden Song 6.2 My Beloved is gone down â—nto his Garden to the beds of Spices to feed in â—he Gardens and to gather Lillies So that this Expression Christ in you holds â—orth 1 Christ reco0ncilled with them by Faith He stands no more at the door knockâ—ng but he is let in and there is peace betwixt Him and â—hem he is come in 2. Christs â—nward Affection to them He cannot but love â—hem in whom he dwells and abides In whose bosome he layeth his head and in whose Heart he hath his Throne 3 â—hrists â—pecial acknowledging them â—o be his ransomâ—d Ones for his peculiar Treasure for his House and constant dwelling Place 4. Christs working in them the work of Holyâ—ess and drawing in them more and more â—vely Draughts and Lineaments of his new â—mage that the new Man of Grace may be â—tronger and stronger they made more and â—ore conformable to the Prince of their Salvtion in all the Graces of the Spirit 5. Christs reigning and sweying his Scepter in the Soul And that his Laws are obeyed his Statutes followed and that there is no willing subjection to any other Master That Christ having cast out the old tyrant usurper he is acknowledged as the Alone and Lawful Soveraign 6 Christs resting himself in his Love to them For where he loves there iâ— his resting place there he makes his abode 7. Christs being in them as their life the Fountain and Well spring of all Life and Operations Gal 2.20 8. In a word It holds sorth â—hat Christ is in them to do in and for them to bring them up to Glory to lead them through difficulties to strengthen them against opposition to comfort them against discouragements and to support them under crosses and so in the end to bring them home Question But how is He in the Believer I Answer He is there not only as GOD For so is he over all neither is he there meerly as Man For he is so in Heaven at the Right Hand of the Father where he must abide until the times of restitution of all things which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his Holy Prophets since the World began Acts. 3.21 Buâ— as Mediator not in Person but by his Viceroy and great Lord keeper of his Room the Holy Ghost For he is the Comforter that â—hall ever abide with us And for whom Christ prayed the Father and wâ—â—m he was â—o send Ioh 14.16 17.26 Ioâ— 15.26 and 16.7.13 Question But is it by the Spirit himself that Christ lives and abides in the Believer Or is â—t alone by the Graces Effects and Operations of the Spirit Answer By whatever of the two it be by this way of Christs in dwelling is every way strong ground of Consolation and affords solide Joy and a sure well grounded Hope of Glory Notwithstanding there are several Expressions in Scripture that seems to plead â—or the Spirit himself As 1. The Believer is said to be the Temple of God of the Holy Ghost 1 Cor 3.16 17. and 6.19 Which gives to know more than that they have his Graces as the design ground of the Apostles reasoning holds forth Know ye not that ye are the Temple of God And that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you If any man defile the Temple of God him shall God destroy For the Temple of God as holy which Temple ye are Here three times they are called GODS Temple And not only so but as if the Apostle would further lay forth the business he adds And that the Spirit of GOD dwelleth in you All which may be said very properly of a Person and more properly than of any work wrought by the Spirit To the same purpose the Apostle speaketh 1 Cor 6.19 What know ye not that your body is the Temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you which ye have of God The Holy Ghost is said to be in them as a Temple 2. The Spirit is spoken of as a Gift with a dâ—fference from his Works and Effects oâ— Grace Because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given us Rom 5.5 Here is the Grace of Love wrought by the Holy Ghost And moreover the Apostle sayes that it is by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us So that the Holy Ghost himself is given as a special Gift besides that of his Fruit and Operations in the Soul Compared with Ezek 36.27 And I will put my Spiriâ— within you 3. Christ promises to send him in hâ—â— Room and mentions him alwayes as a Person that he will send to dwell and abide with them to work in them â—o saith he Iob. 14.16 17. And I will pray the Father and he shall givâ— you another comforter that he may abide with yoâ— for ever So that it is the Comforter himselâ— that he promiseth here and not simply hâ—â— Comforts And who is this Comforter Eveâ— the spirit of Truth whom the World cannot receive because it seeth him not neither knoweth him bâ—â— ye know him And as if this were not sufficienâ— he adds further for he dwelleth with yoâ— and shall be in you And yet further v. 26. Buâ— the Comforter which is the Holy
Ghost whom the Father will send in my Name He shall teach you all things So that the Comforter himself as distinguished from his teaching is promised here And Ioh 15.26 He is also promised as contradistinguished from his Operations and testifying oâ— Christ. 4. The Believer is said to have the Spirit So that they belong not to Christ who have not have the Spirit of Christ Rom 8.9 He is said to dwell in them Rom 8.11 1 Cor 3.16 2 Tim 1.14 To be with them Ioh 14.17 And to be in them Rom 8.11 By his Spirit that dwelleth in you 5. Not only doth the Spirit help our infirmities which is through Grace But the Spirit himself is said to make intercession for us with groaninos which cannot be uttered which aÌ„pears to be somewhat other that is given them then the meer Graces of the Spirit And that because there immediately follows And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit Rom 8.27 6. The Believer is said to be sealled with the holy Spirit oâ— promise And he is the earnest of our Inheritance Eph 1.13 14. And given as a seal and Pledge Eph 4.30 The earnest of the Spirit is given in their hearts 2 Cor 1.22 So also 2. Cor 5.5 which seems to hold out more than his Fruits 7. Therefore the Believer is commanded not only not to quench the Spirit Ephes 5. 19. which may have respect to his Operations and Indrawings of Grace in the Soul But also not to grieve the Spirit Ephes 4.30 Which seems to import the dwelling of the Spirit in them 8. It is by vertue of this Union betwixt the Spirit and the believer that their very dust is raised up in the last day so that God by the Spirit that dwelleth in them shall quicken their mortal bodies Rom 8.11 This Spirit then that dwelleth in them must be somewhat else then his Graces for by these the mortal bodies are not quickened And he is called the Spirit of Him that raised up Iesus from the dead 9. He is said to be sent forth into their Heaâ—ts crying Abba Father Gal 4.6 10. David prayeth expresly Psal 51.11 That the LORD would not take his Holy Spirit from him Vse 1. This is a noble point of Truth and full of many grounds oâ— Comfort And how could Believers other wayes then rejoyce providing this Union betwixt Christ and them were believed Did they know that Christ were in them keeping house in them dweling with them with joy and satisfaction would it not make them sing under all adversity And that upon a four fold account 1. Upon the account of the great Honour which iâ— brought to them thereby even to them who formerly were meer cages of unclean spirits and yet still have much coorruption abiding in them That the King of Zion who is King of kings LORD of Lords Heir of all the Brightness oâ— his Fathers Glory and the express Image of his Person Heb 1.3 Who is the Image of the invisible GOD the first borne of every Creature Col 1.15 That he I say should come and loege with them lodge in their Heart within their Soul That he whom the Heaven of heavens cannot contain that is High and Lofty who dwells in Eternity should live with such a One and be united with such O what incomprehensible Honour is this Elizabeth cryed once with great admiration And whence is this to me that the Mother of my Lord should come to me Luke 1.43 And may not the Believer with much more admiration cry out And whence is this to me that my Lord himself should come to me And not only so but come to me and dwell and abide with me 2. Here is great comfort on the account of profit and advantage Have they the Heir of all things so near to them and with them living in them what can they then want For if Christ be theirs all things are theirs life death â—hings present and things to come 1 Cor 3.22 23. Hath GOD given Christ and shall he not with him also freely give us all things Rom â— 32 And what can they lack that have all things what can they want who have Him in them in whom dwells all the fullness of the God head bodily Col 2.9 What want they who have Heaven And can they want Heaven within them who have Christ within them They are compleat in him Col 2.10 Which is â—he Head of all principality and power 3. Here is comfor upon the account of safety Who or what can harm them who have preservation or salvation wiâ—hin them Christ the Author of Eternal Salvation within them O what security for them in whom he is What can tribulation or distress or famine or nâ—kedness or peril or sword do to such can they separate him who is become a Habitation for Christ from the love of GOD which is in Christ Jesus No no can the ship drown wherein Christ is Can fire or water harm a Soul who is a Habitation for Christ What can satan do against Christs lodging Can he or dare he cast it down 4. Here is Comfort upon the account of security and tranquility For who can weaken and endamage their right to Glory that allready have begun Glory in the soul to wit Christ the hope of Glory can satan or the world make such an one miserable No surely greater is He that is in them then he that is in the world 1 Ioh 4.4 What surer pledge of Heaven and Salvation can the soul have then a begun possession What is Heaven other then a life of Communion with GOD in the nearest and strictest degreâ— And 〈◊〉 stricteâ— Union can any have with Christ than to have him in them Vse 2 Unbelievers and strangers â—o Christ may hence gather these princâ—pal Points for their better improvement oâ—â—he â—oresaid Truths 1. Have nâ— mean â—houghâ—s â—f â—he life and state of Bâ—lievâ—rs You sâ—e to what they are â—xâ—lâ—ed hâ—wever contempâ—able in the eyes of â—he World despise you such an incomprehensiâ—le â—â—ch advantage Iâ— is no such despicâ—ble and mean Life as you phansie Have then a higher esteem thereof if you would be truely Wise. 2. Again on the other hand ponder seriously what a fearful and mâ—serable condiâ—ion iâ— is wherâ—in ye are who are strangeâ—s to Christ And in place of Christ in you the Hâ—pe of Glory ye have satan â—n you working thâ— wâ—â—ks of darkness blinding the mind left the light of the glorious Gospel â—f Christ who is the Image of God shouuld shine unto you 2 Cor 4 4. Beâ—ng without Christ â—o ye have no hope strangers from the Covenants â—f promise and without God Ephes 2 21. Without a Leader and Commander Isa 55. Without Protectâ—on or â—oy and wâ—thout â—ll that â—s good 3 Do noâ— only think on it â—ut dwell on the thoughts of it until that your â—earts be wroughâ— up to a real sorrow and â—rief that ye have been so long in such a conâ—ition
Gospel and that so many undervalue and contemn it seeing there are so few real Saints who alone can see the glory and singulaâ— Excellâ—ncy of this Gospel Oh! it is a sealled 〈◊〉 even unto them who 〈◊〉 hear it 〈…〉 the ouâ—ward â—hâ—ll and 〈…〉 sweet and deliâ—aâ— kirnel 〈◊〉 2 Vse Behold here â—he Touch-stone whereby every one must â—â—â—mine himself and judge of Himself whâ—â—her 〈◊〉 be in the Faith or not This special sight and discovery is alone peculiar to Believeâ—s the Spirit of Light which they have received in the Gospel makes them now see another sight than formerly they could apprehend or understand O the depth of Wisdom Power Love Grace Righteousness and Mercy which we now daily more and more discover O what heavenly and divine Glory shines therein and â—haâ— in the very meanest of all Christ's Precepts Otheâ—s take but a carnal and general look of thâ—se Ordinances and therefore not so tender nor so zealouâ— of them who can bear with the mixtures and Inventions of Men amongst them and can fancy a Beauty Decency and Consistency in these Inventions whereas there is nothing in them but a vile deformity And as for the substance of the Gospel the glad Tydings of Peace Reconcîliation with GOD it is unto them an indifferent business far from being all their Salvation all their desire Their Hearts cannot embrace the Gospel as the glorious Manifestation of the Son of GOD which brings to Light Life and Immortality They see not the Glory of GOD in the Face of Jesus Christ. Wo then to such who have not more knowledge of this Business Then 1. A literal speculative knowledge of this Glory of GOD which pusseth up and filleth the Soul with wind and vanity and never sinketh deep into the Soul 2. A tickling outward Motion with somewhat of acquired knowledge that only affecteth the person as the lovely Song of one that hath a pleasant Voice Ezek. 33.32 Their Ears are tickled with the new Tydings of Salvation and of a Mediator to preserve them from the Wrath of GOD and that is all 3. Who have no more than some small tastings in the time of a Communion or at some oâ—her solemn occasion that takeâ— more on them than ordinary but is instantly suffocate without taking further root 4. Wo also to such that have but some Light that forceth to some half works and to some raw wisheâ— that all might be better some Flashes of Resolutions and hasty Undertakings which occasioneth somewhat that looketh like a change thô â—las their Heart in the interim is cleaving to their Abominations and going out continually after their Covetousness To whom God would make known c. These words may have respect both to the outward manifesting of the Mystery of this Gospel Truth As as also to the making known and discovering of this Truth of the Gospel effectualy on the Heart which is more especially here to be understood because that this Revealed Mystery is calldd Christ in them the Hope of Glory In respect of both these the Words hold forth two thingâ— First That this Revelation is of GOD. Secondly That it is an Act of His free Grace and free Love As to the First to wit The outward making known of the Gospel which we shall pass in a word We see that as this Gospel is alone of GOD Who is the Author thereof so the outward publishing of the same dependeth on His free Grace and Will so that he sends it to whom He will and to whom He will He sends it not see Act. 16.7 The Spirit suffered not Paul and his Companions to go unto Bithynta However Satan and his Instruments may have a hand therein nevertheless we are to look mostly to GOD Who has the chief hand in iâ— Who followeth His own Resolution sending the Gospel where He has any to bring in thereby be it one Soul or moe or to 〈◊〉 one lost Groat or one wandering Shâ—â—p which finding incapacitate either to leâ—d or drive He taketh it on His Shoulders rejâ—ycing Luk 15.5 Christ went oveâ— to the Gâ—daâ—ens â—or one poor Soul Paul 〈◊〉 charged to abide at 〈…〉 the 〈…〉 Gospel of Salvâ—â—ion and thâ—t 〈◊〉 〈…〉 the publishiâ—g of 〈…〉 time and place wâ—er◠〈…〉 Providence of GOD have ou◠〈…〉 That we abase our selves in 〈…〉 be ashamed of our unsuteable 〈…〉 Him Who hath sought us ou◠〈…〉 many Thousands whereas we 〈…〉 as any only thâ—t He 〈◊〉 give â—â—â—vidence of the freeness of His 〈…〉 3. That we walk more 〈…〉 benefit that He 〈…〉 the 〈◊〉 when 〈…〉 The consideâ—â—â—ion 〈…〉 as to â—ear 〈…〉 the removâ—â—â— the 〈…〉 us as He 〈…〉 Revel 2.4 Tha◠〈…〉 GOD 's Soveraign tâ— who singularly in this disposeth as He will Our carnal Hearts are sometimes ready to rise against Him and to wonder wherefore He suffers so many rich Nations to be so long without one Word of the Gospel of Salvation and suffers it to remain there where the People iâ— wearied thereof and would willingly be quite of it But His Will should answer all such Objections in us and settle all such Distempers in our Hearts We must be satisfied herein for He doth what He will in Heaven and Earth and gives no account of what He doth As to what relates to the other part which is here principally to be understood we learn First That it is GOD alone Who can make known unto the Soul the Glory and Riches of this Mystery and doâ—h effectually publish and reveal it This requires the revealing of the Arm of the Lord. Isa. 53.1 For Flesh and Blood cannot do it but the Father which is in Heaven Math. 16.17 And the Spirit Ephes. 3.5 The God of our Lord Iesus Christ the Father of Glory must give unto us the Spirit of Wisdom in the knowledge of Him Ephes. 1.17 see Vers. 9. Therefore the Spirit is promised for that effect Ioh. 14.26.1 Cor. 2.10 11 12. Gal. 1.16 This appears further from the natural state of Mankind who cannot know these Mysteries without a divine powerful Revelation Manifestation of the same in them For 1. Natural Men are by Nature blind without knowledge lying and living in darkness And whaâ— can they then discern â—n these Mâ—steries Revel 3.17 Luk 4.18.1 Pet. 2.9 Act. 26.18 Isa 42.7 They are in darkness and darkness hath blinded their Eyes 1 Ioh. 2 11. They walk in Darkness and ly in Daâ—kness 1 Ioh. â— 6 1 Ioh. 2.9 They are of Darkness 1 Thess. 5.5 They are called Darkness it self Ephes 5.8 Yea under the power of Darkness Col. 1.13 2. Therefore they are under a natural Impotency and Unfiâ—ness to understand the things of GOD. 1 Cor. 2 14. The natural Man receiveth not the things of the â—pirit of God for they are foolishness unto him neither can he know them because they are spiritually discerned 3. Besides this natural Impotency in the Understanding to take up and know these Mysteries there is also an acquired moral
Fountain of Life within them and the Bread of Life Therefore are they to present their bodies a living sacrifice unto GOD Rom 12.1 And shew forth themselves as lively stones built up a Spiritual House 1 Pet 2 â—5 6 They must also make this evident by their Zealous way of walking seeing Christ hath a loathing at lukewarmness Rev 3 15 16. That they are Zealous of good Works Tit. 2.14.7 Their Christian carriage should fill them with Joy and Gladness as delighting themselves in the Law of the LORD and rejoycing in serving and pleasing of him 8. They must walk in the fear of the LORD and be in his fear all the day long and carry themselves circumspectly and tenderly as in the sight of Jesus Christ who is in them and locketh upon them wherever they be and in whatever they are doing 9. Is Christ come into their Souls to work his work then theâ— should not suffer him to be idle buâ— gâ—ve him employment He accounts Employment the greatest Friendship and best Reception that we give him To wit 1. That he teach and lead them in the wayes of GOD Thus he getts Employment as a Prophet 2. That he command and lead them as a King Whâ—reas â— corruptions diverts from following the Dictaâ—es of his Spirit He is given for a leader and commander to the People Isa 55.4 And for that end he must be employed 3. Thaâ— he wâ—sh â—hem from their daâ—ly poluâ—ions seeing he iâ— a fountain opened to the House of David and to the â—nhabitants of Jâ—rusalem for sin and uncleanness Zach 13.1 His blood cleanseth us from all sin 1 Joh 1.7 And he is faithful c â— 9.4 That he pray for them as an Advocate with the Father being a Propitiation or atâ—onement for their sins 1 Ioh 2.1 2. Seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them Heb 7.25 5. That he renew sanctity them wholly in Spirit Soul and Body that he renew them wholly in the inward Man So that the new Man of Grace may grow and corruption may be brought under 6. That he strengthen them with all might according to his Glorious power unto all patience and long sâ—ffering with Joyfullness Col 1.11 That he may grant them according to the riches of his Glory to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the Inner-man Ephes 3.16 That they may be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might Ephes 6.18.7 That he may refresh and enliven theâ— when sicking and fainting under fears weakness outbreakings of corruption hidings of the Lords Face or such like 8. In a woâ—d that he may make them confident of this very thing that he who hath begun a good work in â—hem will peâ—form it until the day of Iesâ—s Christ Phil 1.6 That in him they may perfect their Holiness in the fear of Gâ—D 2 Cor 7.1 That so the work may be Câ—owned to his Glory That they may be presented to him A glorious Church not having spot or wrinkle but that they should be Holy and without blemish Ephes. 5.27 10. Seeing Christ is so near them that he himself is in them so they should have their retreat to him in all their difficulties for help and deliverance And that 1. when distempered wiâ—h doubtings and discouragements anâ—nt their State present frame or Duties For with him is the Fountain of Life and in his Light shall we see Light Psal. 36 9.2 When they are assaulted with sinking disâ—ouragements so that they cannot stand and subsist under their burdens For in him alone and in the strength of his power can they be strengthned He can make them renew their strength and mount up with Wings as Eagles to run and not be wearied Isa 40.31 3. Or when disordered with outward losses or crosses For he only can make up all their losses and fully satisfy being an incomparable portion Ier. 10.16.4 When they are confounded with fears whether from the breaking forth of Corruptions or from the deceitfulness of their own Heart the cuningness of Satan the weakness of Grace the accusations of Conscience c. Seeing he is a present help upon all occasions and easily with a blink of his Countenance can drive away all these clouds and grounds of fear Having now giâ—en some Observations of these words Christ in you We come now to speak of them in so far as they are the ground of the hope of Glory And so they teach us that Christ in the Soul is a most sure clear and certain ground of a lively hope of Glory which we shall manifest and confirm with these Scriptural Reasons 1. All such in whom Christ is and Lives He hath purchased and bought with his Blood Gal. 2.20 Christ liveth in me saith he and then addeth Who loved me and gave Himself for me Such are bought with a price both Soul and Body 1 Cor. 6.20 And seeing Christ hath bought them so Dear and taken possession of them as of his peculiar Treasure what is there that can afford ground once to call in question or doubt of their Salvation they are bought unto Glory and Glory is purchased unto them and Christ possesseth them as such and so they are certain of Glory 2. There is no condemnation to them which are in Christ Iesus Rom. 8.1 And who are in Christ the same hath Christ in them as is clear from what folâ—ows in that Text ver 9.10.3 That Christ is in the Soul sayes that however they were once without Christ yet now are they made â—igh by the Blood of Christ Who is our Peace â—nd hath reconciled us unto God Ephes 2.12 13 14 16. Reconciled Souls shall certainly possess Glory 4. Christ is called our Life And our Life is hide with him in God Col. 3.3 4. They then that have him in them may be â—ssured of Eternal Life 5. Such in whom Christ lives shall be Filled with all the fulness of God as we see Ephes. 3.17 19. That is until begun Grace here be perfected in Glory hereafter where we shall be filled fully and compleatly with the fulness of God enjoying his presâ—nce in immediate Communion with him so full as we shall be able to contain Ioh. 17.23 24.6 Christ is made for all such Wisdom Righteousness Sanctification and Redemption 1 Cor. 1.30 How then can they be deprived of Salvation 7. Such are the Children of God as the Apostle saith Rom. 8. Who are led by the Spirit have the Spirit oâ— Christ in them ver 9 10 11. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God they are the Sons of God ver 14 And if Children then Heirs Heirs of God and joynt Heirs with Christ ver 17. So that Christ in them must be a certain and sure hope of Glory 8. Providing Christ be in them then The Spirit is Life saith the Apostle Rom. 8.10 Because of Righteousness That is their Soul and Spirit is already living by vertue of Christs Righteousness and the Life of Glory
ungrounded hope that all will be well with them at last 2. For reproof to Believers who have this assured ground of hope nevertheless improves it not for their comfort and encouragement But holds themselves up with doubtings and scruples concerning their Right and Inheritance taking heed to the lying whisperings and temptations of Satan and so lives in Terrors sinful Fears and Unbelief whereby they wrong and grieve the noble Spirit who hath taken up quarters in their Soul even for that end among others that they might have a lively hope of Glory and thereby be supported under the pressure of Terrors and Feaâ—s strengthened against thâ— Soul troubling injections and heart-disturâ—ing temptations of Satan and comforted against all discouragements Vse 4. Thâ—s Doctrine â—olds out these following Duties to the Unbeliever As 1. They ought to Labour to have this Truth deeply rooted in their Hearts that before Christ be in them they can have no well grounded hope ever to see God in Glory 2. That herein they are to be convinced of the necessity of giving ear unto the Call of the Gospel and to give obedience thereunto which is as we shall after hear that we receive Christ the Prince of Life in our Souls 3. That therefore there should be nothing so desirable to them as to have Christ living and working in their Souls and to rest on nothing less for a satisfying ground of the hope of Glory Vse 5. This Truth holds out unto us the sure ground of the consolation of Believers in whom Christ is O! what cause of gladness and rejoycing have they go as it will with them in the World For though the World frown upon them neverthelesâ— they may rejoyce in the Hope of the Glory of God whatâ—ver ground of sorrow they may otherwayes have as they see how it fares with them in the World yet when they look within and beholds the footsteps of Christ walking within them and the Fruits of his living and abiding in them so may they raise up themselves with unspeakable and excellent joy Objection But it may be asked how comes it then that even such are more filled with fears and anxieties then others concerning their Eternal Happiness and lively hope and are continually in fears and doubting possessing their Life often in sorrow Ans. 1. It is one thing to have Christ in us and another thing to see him in us This is a new and different Gift And God may give the one when he thinks good to with-hold the other 2. The Lord may thus for wise and holy ends measure out his Favours As he is a Soveraign so he is also wise he doth what he will and yet doth all in deep Wisdom for wise and holy ends The Lord may have a high and Soveraign hand in this business and may find â—t necessar so to keep them humble tender waâ—chful and diligent in Duties For he sees that readily did they see how rich they were they would forget boâ—h God and themselves not being well ballâ—ssed to carry such a high Topsail and that thus they might come to boast and turn secure and give too much advantage to Satan to assault and overcome them 3. They may readâ—ly have a sinful hâ—nd therein themselves And that 1 When they give too much heed to the lying Injections and temptations of Satan It is not safe to entertain discourse with such an enemy who is a Lyar and a Murderer from the beginning He is too great a Sophist and Disputer for us 2. When they give too much way to corruption which darkens all and gives Satan advantage and occasion to accuse of Hypocrisy and to alledge and say providing Christ be in you how is it so and so 3 When by the false Injections of Satan they Nick-name the work of Christ in them consenting to the reproaches of the enemy and joyning with him in affording Objections against all the work of Grace in their Soul And thus having filled their mind with prejudices against themselves through the instigation of Satan they are not in case either to receive or accept of any right Information concerning their Souls 4. It may also fâ—ll out through their misunderstanding the true Nature and work of Grace and of Christs being in them imagining that nothing can be called or reckoned Christ in the Soul but an exceeding great out-letting of the Spirit carrying the Soul over all difficulties accompanied with great joy and gladness and with an eminent and great degree of Sanctification Vse 6. This Truth exceedingly calls for a narrow Tryal viz. If Christ be in us or not And because it is a material business we shall therefore speak the more to it 1. We shall lay forth some false Marks by which many deceive themselves both on the one hand and on the other 2. We will give you some true Marks where you may judge in this matter In speaking to the false Marks we must have our eye upon two sorts of Persons and so speak to the Marks whereupon each goes to work and deceives themselves Some have Christ really dwelling in their Soul and yet nevertheless imagine that it is not so upon â—uch and such grounds that they perceive in â—hemselves which they judge cannot consist â—ith Christs living in them Others again have â—ot Christ in them notwithstanding imagine â—hat he is in them by reason of such and such â—hings which they judge to be real Marks of â—hrists being in them And both the one and â—he other are deceived with false grounds As to the First viz. Such who have Christ â—eally in them and nevertheless will not be â—onvinced thereof They may mistake on these â—nd the like grounds 1. Because they are no wayes like to these â—aints whereof the Scriptures make mention 〈◊〉 whom was the Spirit of Christ Neither like â—ose who now live who have Christ in them â—s if forsooth all were Christians of the â—â—me Magnitude Age Strength and Liveliâ—ess As if there were not in Christs Family young Children as well as old young Centinels as well as Lively Strong and great Warriors 1 Cor. 3.1 1 Ioh. 2.13 14. A Child hath real Life and is a man though not a strong and able man yea the very Child in the Mothers Belly hath real Life and so many Children in Christ go to Heaven for he carries the Lambs iâ— his Bosome Isa 40 11. 2. Because they find not the Operations of the Spirit in them That is likewayes no true mark For he may be in the Soul and yet may be hide from the Soul the Lord judging it fittest it should be so that he may hide pride from their eyes and they as was said may be keep'd humble and sobbing all their dayes The Spirit bloweth where he listeth and after what manner he will 3. Because they are dayly full of Fears and Jealousies that all is not right with them Hence they conclude that providing Christ were really in them then all their Questionings would