the propitiatory-sacrifice for atonement and purchase to God for men So Heb 8.3 It is of necessity that he have somwhat also to offer Heb. 9 26. now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to take away sin by the sacrifice of himselfe vers 12. By his own blood he entred in once into the holy place verse 14. who through the eternall Spirit offered himselfe without spot to God see Heb. 10.1 12. Tit. 2.14 Who gave himselfe for us that he might redeem us 1 Tim. 2.6 who gave himselfe a ransome for all 4. Somtime together with all these former sences by the suffering Blood Death and Sacrifice of Christ is ment The prevalency and effectuallnesse thereof as presented to God with God for mankind so as he hath made peace slaine enmity obtained eternall Redemption and received fulnesse of spirit to make it knowne and dispense it Ephes 2.15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity so making peace verse 16. Having slaine the enmity Heb. 9.12 having obtained eternall redemption and Psal 68.18 Received gifts in the man and for men Ephes 4.8 even the rebellious also that the Lord God might dwell amongst them And this prevalency and effectualnesse of his pretious Blood and Sacrifice offered to his Father for men appeares in many things especially 1. In that the Father hath accepted of him and his Sacrifice for the ends for which he offered the same to him and hath received and exalted him with and at his right hand Mat. 17.5 My beloved Sonne in whom I am well pleased Iohn 16.8.10 The Spirit shall convince the world of righteousnesse because I go to my Father and ye see me no more That is He is received and his Sacrifice accepted and so sent forth no more to suffer and offer Sacrifice for sinns as he should have been if he had not satisfied for all Heb. 9.7.8 And wrought a perfect righteousnesse and so it is said Heb. 1.3 After he had by himselfe purged or made purgation of our sins he sat downe on the right hand of the Majesty on high Heb. 10.12 After he had offered one sacrifice for sinns for ever he sat downe on the right hand of God yea the Lord in Testimony of his well-pleasednesse with him hath said to him Psal 110.1 Sit thou on my right hand till I c. Heb. 1.13 2. In that the Father hath released and given over all to his Sonne and given all power and authority into his hands and made him Lord of all so as he shall judge all men And he hath filled him with Immeasurable fulnesse of the Holy-Ghost in the humane nature to dispense to men to make known his grace and that he may according to the Gospel absolve all that believe and condemn all that will not believe Psal 2.8 I shall give thee the Heathen for thine Inheritance and the utmost parts of the earth for thy possession Mat. 11.27 All things are delivered to me of my Father Iohn 16.15 All things that the Father hath are mine Mat. 28.18 All power is given to me in Heaven and in Earth 1 Pet. 3.22 Angels Authorities and powers being made subject to him Act. 2.36 God hath made Jesus both Lord and Christ Act. 10.36 He 〈◊〉 Lord of all and this by vertue of his death resurrection and ascention Rom. 14.8.9 And he is the Judge Iohn 5.27 Act. 17.31 And is filled with spirit to send forth in the meanes Act. 2.32.33 Ephes 4 7.-12 That so he may absolve and judge according to the Gospel Rom. 2.16 Iohn 12.48 3. In that the Holy-Ghost in the Scripture avoucheth such full sufficiency compleatnesse and vertue in this pretious Blood Ransome and sacrifice as it is by Christ in presenting and offering himselfe presented and offered to the Father and by him accepted and received that Jesus Christ is hereby become appointed and accepted of God even Gods salvation to the ends of the earth Esa 49. Ioh. 4.42 Act. 13.47 The Saviour of the world 1 Iohn 4.14 The Mediatour between God and men 1 Tim. 2.5 The great High-Priest Prophet and Advocate for his Church Heb. 3 1.-6 and 7. 1 Iohn 2.2 4. In the appearing and forth-coming of love and grace through the effectualnesse and fruitfulnesse of his pretious Blood Ransome and Sacrifice as it hath been and is presented to God from whom it procureth such Kindnesse and grace to be extended to manward that hereby even by Christ and for his sake and through the vertue of his Sacrifice 1 The earth with the Inhabitants are upheld for men and mens lives reprived and space afforded even to Rebels that they might repent Psalm 75.3 The Earth and all the Inhabitants thereof are dissolved I bear up the pillars of is Heb. 1.3 upholding all things by the Word of his Power when he had by himself purged our sins c. Col. 1.17 By him all things consist Joh. 1.4 In him was life and the life was the light of men Rev. 2.21 I gave her space to repent 2 Pet. 3.9 He is long-suffering to us-ward not willing that any should perish but that All should come to repentance 2. Patience and forbearance is extended to men that are yet found sinning and bounty and many mercies vouchsafed which carry forth in them the testimony of his goodnesse and that to this end To lead men to repentance Act. 14.16 17. He in times past suffered All Nations to walke in their owne wayes Neverthelesse he left not himself without witnesse in that he did good and gave us rain from Heaven and fruitfull Seasons filling our hearts with food and gladnesse Rom. 2.4 The goodnesse of God leadeth thee to repentance And this riches of the goodnesse of God and forbearance long-suffering and fruits of mercy being extended through the sacrifice offered and redemption obtained by Christ and carrying in it the testimony of his goodnesse and leading to repentance and that to this end that men might seek after the Lord Act. 17 26. It is grace and free grace and universally extended and that to a gratious end And as the giving of Christ to be the Saviour of the world 1 Joh. 4.14 was a fruit of Gods rich mercy pitty and love to man-kind John 3.16 17. So this is a fruit of the prevalency of the sacrifice of Christ with God And his kindnesse to manward for Christ his sake Tin 3.4 And so far as it is to all men it is generall and universall sure Matth. 5.44 45. Psalm 17.14 3 The giving of his Word and oracles with his ordinances to many men wherein the Saviour with his peace righteousnesse and salvation is set forth That men might through him believe and in believing have life Joh. 1.4 5 7. And so it is he that hath made peace That comes in the Word preaching peace Ephes 2.17 This was peculiar to Israel from Abrahams time till Christ his Ascension Psalm 147.19 20. And since extended to the Gentiles Ephes 3.5 6. 4 The affording some
it speaking Peace and answering Law-charges it is expressed by Bloud or Death Rom. 8 34. 2 And in respect of the free and rich love of God appearing there-through and entring the heart with its cleansing refreshing and renewing operations It is expressed by water clean water living water or water of life Isa 43.3 Ephes 3.23 Heb. 10.23 Iohn 4 10. and 7.38 And so the same washing is affirmed as a fruit of his love by his Bloud Rev. 1.5 with clean water Ezek. 36.25 and Christ is called The Fountain of living Waters Jer. 17.13 And as these tearms of Bloud and Water are used to set forth the same grace distinctly in divers and distinct respects so one of these tearmes sometimes comprehends both As Bloud in Rev. 1.5 and Waters in John 3.5 Tit. 3.4 5. And so as Jesus Christ in respect of his sacrifice with the efficacy of it as offered to God And by the efficacy of it as applyed to men was shadowed figured and typed out by Water and Bloud Heb. 9.8 12 13 14 19. Even so his first coming and finishing the work his Father gave him to do on Earth 1 Because of the great rich and free love of God in which he sent his Son into the World John 3.16 To be the Saviour of the world 1 John 14.14 By which he tasted death for every man Heb. 2 9. And in love laid down his life for us He is said to have come by water 2 Because of the satisfaction he made for us by suffering and dying for our sins 1 Cor 15.3.4 2 Cor 5.21 Gal 3.13 He is said to have come by Bloud 3 Because by the eternall Spirit he rose from the dead ascended and offered himself without spot to God and so was justified in the Spirit Ro 6.4 1 Pet 3.18 Ro 1.4 1 Tim 13.16 And by that Spirit testifieth of himself Iohn 14.26 and 15.26 27. It is said The Spirit beareth witnesse 1 Iohn 5.6 This is he that came by water and bloud not by water only but by water and bloud and it is the Spirit that beareth witnesse because the Spirit is Truth And so as there is one God and three Persons in one God The Father who hath loved us and given his Son for us 1 Iohn 4.10 The Son who was made flesh and so dyed for our sins and rose for our justification Iohn 1.14 Rom 5.25 The Holy Ghost who proceedeth from and maketh known the Father and the Son Matth. 16.16 Ioh. 14.26 and 16.13 So it is said 1 Iohn 5.7 There are three that bear record in Heaven the Father the Word and the Holy Ghost And these three are one and so the Record is the record of one God 1 Iohn 5.10 And answerably there are three that bear record on Earth to men and in the hearts of Believers The Spirit that discovers in and through the Gospell this grace and enlightens the heart to see and believe and so begets a spirituall disposition bringing out of darknesse into his light Matth. 16.16 Iohn 16 7-15 1 Cor. 2.9 15. The Water even that rich free and immense love of God in the Spirits exaltation of Christs appearing Isa 55.1 2 3 4 5. The Bloud even the propitiation made satisfaction given redemption obtained righteousnesse wrought and presented to God and accepted of him and now applyed for satisfaction to the Believer Rom 3.25 26. and 4.5.24.25 and 5.1 11. And all these agreeing in one And so it is said 1 Iohn 5.8 There are three that bear witnesse in Earth The Spirit and the Water and the Bloud and these three agree in one All these witnesses agree in one and bear forth one record and the Spirit is he that beareth forth the witnesse and he doth it with Water Bloud in discovery and application of the free grace of God and the vertue of the precious bloud of Christ Tit. 3.4 5. And so the whole record is the record of God 1 Iohn 5.10 11 12. And this is the record that God hath given of his Sonne Tha God hath given us eternall life and this life is in his Son He that hath the Son hath life and he that hath not the Son hath not life And so by this whole Discourse wee may understand That 1 When the Scripture speakes of grace or free-love though for the clearnesse purity refreshing and cleansing effects it expresses it by that metaphor of water yet it means of that grace love in which Christ was given to be a ransome and which is testified through Christ who by his bloud shedding and with the vertue thereof presenting and offering himself a spotlesse sacrifice to his Father hath obtained eternall redemption and procured favour to be dispensed and the way of dispensation 1 Iohn 4.10 Rom 5.5 6. 2 And when the Scripture speakes of the Bloud Death and Sacrifice of Christ or the redemption effected thereby It means the Bloud of Christ which through love or grace was shed and presented to God for us and is discovered to us and so the redemption through grace wrought and in and through which grace or free-love appeareth Rom 5 8.-11 Gal 2.20 3 And so when the Scripture speaketh of the teaching witnessing and operation of the holy Ghost It meaneth that teaching witnessing operation of the Spirit of Christ which by vertue of his Sacrifice Christ sendeth forth from the Father and in which he discovereth and witnesseth the things of Christ and so with water and bloud discovering free-grace through the vertue of that pretious Bloud Iohn 15.26 and 16.7 15. And these things are well to be heeded and digested in our hearts as they are comprehended and meant alwayes the most of them and often all of them in using these tearms and expressions The Sufferings Bloud Death Ransome and Sacrifice of Christ Jesus CHHP. III. The manifold ends of the Sufferings Bloud Death and Sacrifice of Christ as the Scripture distinctly sets them forth FOr the right understanding the distinct ends of the Death and Sacrifice of Christ according to Scripture sence and expression There are some things the Scripture mentions to be fore-understood and heeded of us 1 Of Jesus Christ according to his double mission from the Father into the world and also according to his double businesse in leaving the World and offering himselfe to the Father 2 Of Mankind In respect of the double misery and enmity against God they are through the first Adem fallen into 3 Of the Church In respect of the double need they stand in of the contiouall helpfulnesse of Christ Jesus In the understanding and distinct consideration of all these the divers and distinct ends of the Death and Sacrifice of Jesus Christ will appear clearly 1 Concerning Jesus Christ his coming into the world and leaving the world First in respect of his mission from the Father into the world it was two-fold 1 He came and was sent into the world to be the Saviour of the world 1 Iohn 4.14 To save
at his Fathers right hand and receive and bee filled with the holy Gost in our nature glorified to send forth to the sonnes of men and to fill and lead his people and so to be as in his own place a reprover of the world and an advocate and comforter of his people Himselfe when he was in the world did testifie of it That the works thereof were evill Iohn 7.7 And hee declared himselfe the Bread of life Iohn 6. the Son of God and Doore of the sheep Iohn 10. yea the Way the Truth and the life Iohn 14.6 and did teach his Disciples and keep them and manifest his Fathers Name and Words to them Iohn 17.6 7 8. and hee being in that estate and manner of ministration not long to abide in the world did promise to send them another Advocate and Comforter to bee in his stead with them for ever Ioh. 14.16 and that this holy spirit should beare witnesse of him Iohn 15.26 and convince for reprove the world Iohn 16.8 9 10 11. and guide his Disciples into all truth Iohn 16.13 mind them of his sayings teach them all things Iohn 14.26 c. yet even when while Christ in his own personall body was in the world he told this for truth unto his Disciples Iohn 16.7 It is expedient for you that I goe away for if I goe not away the Comforter will not come unto you But if I depart I will send him unto you And when he promiseth such portion of Spirit it was at that time said The H. Ghost was not yet given because Jesus Christ was not yet glorified Iohn 7.39 Now in his ascending and offering himselfe in Sacrifice to God for men hee hath prevailed for this also as appears in that is said Psal 68.18 Thou hast ascended on high thou hast led captivity captive thou hast received gifts in the man that is in the humane nature and for men to give gifts to men Eph. 4.8 yea the rebellious also that the Lord God might dwell among them And so where there was a performance-evident and eminent in visible descent divine operation through some to the convincement of many and drawing in many Acts 2. totum It is said This Jesus hath God raised up whereof we are all witnesses therefore being by the right hand of God exalted and having received of the Father the promise of the H. Ghost he hath shed forth this which yee now see and hear and so the Spirit of the Lord doth rest on him Isai 42.1 and he is annointed with it to preach good tidings c. Isa 61.1 2 3 4. So that as himselfe hath made peace so he hath received Spirit to preach and give peace Eph. 2.14.16.17 As he hath procured meanes to be used to call men so hee hath received Spirit to send forth according to the means to breath and operate secretly therein towards and with men Gen. 6.3 to enlighten every man Iohn 1.9 to manifest the being and goodnesse of God to them Rom. 1.19 to reprove their evils Pro. 1.23 to lead to repentance Rom. 2.4 that they might seek and find God Acts 7.26 and hee opens his words and gives his Spirit to to them Pro. 1.23 And as he hath himself preached the Gospel and confirmed the truth of it with his blood left it with his servants to minister so he hath received and is filled with Spirit immeasurably Ioh. 3.34 to send forth in the ministration thereof to cenvince the world Ioh. 16.8 9. to bring down every high thought 2 Cor. 10.4.5 to discover grace to men that they might believe Ioh. 1.7 and come to Christ Isai 55.5 to purge the consciences of beleevers Heb. 9.14 and witnesse their sonship Rom. 8.16 And as hee hath shed his blood and presented himselfe with the vertue of it in offering himselfe a sacrifice to God for men and so made a purgation of sinnes and wrought salvation and righteousnesse and obtained eternall redemption for men so hee hath received an office and spirit at his Fathers right hand to offer and call men to to the receite of the same Pro. 8.4.7 Esa 45.22 And by the same spirit to apply the same grace sprinkle the vertue of the same Blood and Sacrifice on such as believe to wash cleanse sanctifie and conforme them to himselfe therewith Esa 61 1-5 Ephes 5.25.26 whence they that come to Jesus are said to come to the Blood of sprinkling Heb. 12 24. And to say in a word As himselfe is the gift of God Iohn 4.10 and full of grace and truth Iohn 1.14 and eternall life is in him and given us in him that whosoever hath him hath it 1 Iohn 5.10.11.12 So is he filled with the abundance of spirit to discover and dispence this gift grace truth and eternall life Esa 42 1-8 and 61 1-4 whence also grace mercy and peace are mentioned for the Holy Ghost coming downe from the Father and the Sonne discovering giving to and effecting in believers grace mercy and peace as is seene by comparing Rom. 5.1 5. and 1. Iohn 5.6.7 with Rom. 1.7 1 Cor. 1.3 2 Cor 1.2 Gal. 1.3 Ephes 1.2 Phil. 1.2 Col. 1.2 And so in all the Apostle Pauls salutations to the Churches 2 Pet. 1.2 Rom 4.5 And so and in every respect as a foresaid hath the Pretious Blood and Sacrifice of Christ prevailed with God for men and this set forth in the Gospel for men as a very truth yea to and for such as do not yet believe but are yet impenitent and disobedient that they might believe and repent it being the foundation of and Door to repentance and faith And so of the first consideration of the vertue efficacy and prevalency of the pretious Blood and Sacrifice of Christ even as it was offered to God and hath prevailed with God for men Now let us consider the efficacie in the three following considerations CHAP. IX 2. Of the vertue operation and effectualnesse of this Pretious Blood and Sacrifice of Christ As through its prevalency with God grace and mercy is shown and extended to men and how fit and forceable to prevaile with them IT is before shewn that through the prevalency of this Pretious Blood and Sacrifice of Christ with God for men mercy is shewn and meanes is used towards men And that though men are so dead in sinne that they have no power spirit or will to discerne God or come into him by these meanes yet Jesus Christ by his Sacrifice hath prevailed with God and received of him in the humane nature the spirit to send forth in and according to the meanes to discover the grace procured by his Blood and Sacrifice and so to call and draw in men to God as is shewn And of the Prevalency of the Blood and Sacrifice of Christ with men towards God in this Discovery of grace by his spirit is that here to be noted not what humane studdies artificiall knowledge and forced motives effect But what by vertue of the
understanding made uselesse or distracted So that this knowledge or knowing here meant is not such as slaies or makes the other altogether uselesse As for that doting upon naturall or artificiall knowledge the humane wisdome or the wisdome of the Rabbies and Prince of this world by which many so magnifie it as the only or necessary or at least the best mean to find out and discover the things of God It is a grosse and Idolatrous conceit and God hath executed judgment on that Idoll and stained the pride of that glory and so will do still in that the wisdome of God is hidden from them Matth. 11.25 Luke 10.21 and they know it not 1 Cor. 2.7 8 14. And few of them are called to it 1 Cor. 1.26 And those that are have their former wisdome befooled and they abased in the acknowledgment of the vanity of it before they receive the spirituall wisdome 1 Cor. 1.19 20. And the truth is this magnifying of humane wisdome and knowledge is the very enmity of Christ and the very Spirit of Antichrist Mat. 15.4.9 2 Thes 2.4 that moves to the building of Babell to Idolatry or Superstition to be as God in the Temple of God to appoint Doctrines Lawes Officers and to persecute the Truth and the Children of the Truth As for that saying that this naturall and artificiall knowledge this humane learning and wisdome is an Handmaid to Divinity Though this be but the Doctrine of men and no where affirmed in the Word of God yet if it be rightly understood it might by collection appear agreeable thereto for if it should be meant an handmaid or help to find out and attain Divinity that were rather to be a Mother then a handmaid and this is before proved false And if any object in men sanctified it may that is also false Job 11.7 8 9. Prov. 30.2 3 4. He that hath seeing eyes will not be befooled to take a candle to find out the Sun And again if by handmaid should be meant a guide and help to limit order and better the teaching of the Spirit the divine light knowledge and motions of grace that they may be more profitable and effectuall this is rather to be a Mistâ—is then a Handmaid and if suffered in this it would soone corrupt from the simplicity of Christ Prov. 30.22 23. And against this the Apostle hath protested 1 Cor. 2.1 4 5. But if by a handmaid bee meant a handmaid indeed that which is taken of its Throne and submitted to Divinity even to the Divine Spirit and grace of Christ to use as a Servant according to its pleasure and divine wisdome and motion for translating etymologizing and discanting on words for analyzing places comparing places using Similies c. Then if keeping the servants place is usefull as grace leads to the use of it And in this sence I conceive some godly men have used this saying and where it is so used it may be included in this saying Psalm 103. Blesse the Lord O my soule and all that is within me blesse his holy Name 4 But the knowledge or knowing here meant is supernaturall spirituall and divine and that appeares in three things that are together in this knowledge though distinct yet never separate in this knowledge or knowing First that the Giver or Teacher of this knowledge is the holy Spirit even God in Christ and the Spirit proceedin from both Prov. 2.6 For the Lord giveth wisdome and out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding Isa 48.17 I am the Lord thy God which teacheth thee to profit Isa 54.13 All my children shall be taught of the Lord Iohn 16.23 When the Spirit of Truth is come he will guide you into all Truth and this is in a heavenly manner as the Scripture shewes 1 By a divine not bodily but spirituall light shine or revelation in unbaring or manifesting to the soul or mind the things of Christ Heb. 10.32 In which after yee were illuminated 2 Cor. 4.6 hath shined in our hearts the light of the knowledge of the glory of God Math 16.17 Flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee but my Father which is in heaven 1 Cor. 2.10 God hath revealed to us by his Spirit 2. By a divine infusion or inspiration to the heart of a Spirituall streame motion or evidence and perswasion of the truth and goodnesse of that of Christ discovered Isai 44.3 I will powre my Spirit upon thy seed Job 32.8 The inspiration of the Almigty giveth them understanding Isai 30.21 Thine eares shall heare a word behind thee saying This is the way Isai 50.4 The Lord hath given mee the tongue of the learned saith Christ that I should know how to speak a word in season Isai 52.6 They shal know in that day that I am he that doe speak behold it is I. 3. By a Divine power or Spirituall strength so as he causeth the blind to see and the deafe to heare Isai 29.18 and openeth the heart to attend Act. 16.14 whence he is called The finger of the Lord c. Mat. 12.28 Such is the Teacher and teaching by which this knowledge is attained Secondly the Object of this knowledge That which the holy spirit teacheth and glorifieth in teaching is Christ and the things of Christ as the verity ends necessity excellency and vertue of Christ and his pretious Blood and Sacrifice the infinitenesse and freenesse of Gods love appearing therethrough and the promises and hope given therein yea Christ the wisdome of God and the power of God and wisdome c. to us 1 Cor. 1.24.30 John 16.14 He shall glorifie me for he shall take of mine and shall shew unto you John 15.26 he shall testifie of me John 14.26 hee shall teach you all things and bring all things to your remembrance whatsoever I have said unto you And so 2 Cor. 3.18 4.6 Thirdly the manner of knowing is likewise spirituall and that is both 1. By that new light disposition and spirit he hath put in the heart which is as a new and spiritual eye to see spirituall things which is not by a humane discourse collecting one thing from another judging to know unseen causes from some seen and sensible effects like humane wisdome and the spirit of the world but spirituall discerning in the very light and of the very evidence of the Spirit 1 Cor. 2.12.16 so as they may prove the effects sound from their knowledge of the cause 1 John 4.19 So John 1.14 We beheld his glory the glory of the onely begotten of the Father full of grace and truth Psal 36.9 In thy light we shall see light And in this as no mans humane wisdome and learning doth further his discerning so no mans ignorance or want thereof shall hinder Psal 119.130 The entrance of thy word giveth light and giveth understanding to the simple Matth. 11.25 Thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent and hast tevealed them unto Babes 1 John 5.20 we
his words Mark 1.15 Iohn 2.22 and 5.47 And so this faith and trust is in praising God in his Word Psal 56.10 and glorifying his word Acts 13.48 And so the object of this faith is God in Christ in and according to his word The first next Instrumentall and outward mediate object of this faith is the word and Gospel with the promises thereof which discovereth Christ and God in Christ and that in which and for which we are to trust in him Psal 119.49.50 The second inward inmost and absolute mediate object of this Faith is Jesus Christ in that which hee hath done is become doth and will doe which the Word reporteth and assureth Phil. 3.3 The last inmost and utmost object of this Faith is God in Christ in his infinite wisdome love power c. which appeareth in and through Christ 1 Tim. 4.10 And so the object of faith altogether in one is God in Christ as discovered in his Word by his Spirit This and this onely is the object of this faith So that no Arme of Flesh or device of men not multitude of men Ammunition or Forts not riches nor strength nor wisdome nor any self-wrought righteousnesse or workes can be in any sort the object of Faith Jer. 9.23 Job 9. 1. Either the inmost and utmost object of faith and trust God onely is that Mark 10.24 1 Tim. 6.17 2. Or the inmost and absolute mediate object through which men beleeve and trust in God Christ Jesus is only that Luke 18.19 2 Cor. 10.4.7 18. 3. Or the Instrumentall and outward mediate object through and according to which men beleeve and trust in Christ and in God in Christ his Word onely is that Psal 56.4.10 As for prayers and endevours in use of means when they issue from and be the fruits of this faith and confidence in God in Christ according to his Word then in this confidence blessing may bee expected in them 2 Sam. 7.27.29 But they cannot be the object either as Rule or Medium or Object as aforesaid Rom. 9.32 10.2.3 The Word the Rule Christ the Medium God the Object and so God in Christ according to his word is onely and altogether the object of this faith Secondly for the Mover or Worker of this faith that which produceth it and in and by which it is raised and wrought it is not the force of any humane discourse reasoning or Argument 1. Cor. 2.1.4.5 nor is it the issue or birth of any fervent endevours or workings of men in and according to the law of works Gal. 3.2 yea though endeavoured and done to get Christ the righteousnesse of God thereby Rom. 9.31.32 and 10.2.3.4 neither yet is it a conclusion or spring from the appearance of any inward or outward changes effected in a man by any such reasonings or endeavourings Luke 18.11 12. 2 Cor. 10.7.12.18 But this Mover and effector verily is 1. The appearance of the grace of God in and through the Gospel even of that free and immense love of God in the gift of his Sonne to be the Saviour of the world and the satisfaction made by Christ and the fulnesse of grace and truth in him This grace of God appearing in and through Christ moveth to believe encourageth and draweth thereto whence this faith is called The gift of God by grace and not of works Eph. 2.8.9 and they that have it are said to have believed through grace Acts 18.27 2. The Spirit proceeding from the Father and the Sonne in discovery of this grace effecteth this faith and so the hand of the Lord that is the Spirit of the Lord or the demonstration of the Spirit and power is said to bring to believe in God Acts 11.21 1 Cor. 2.4.5 And in respect of both these this grace and Spirit working faith it is said After the kindnesse and love of God to manward appeared he saved us by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the holy Ghost Tit. 3.4.5 And so the beleevers are said to be borne of water and of the spirit Iohn 3.5 And so as the spirit worketh faith so for working it he doth not glorifie the workes of the Law or any frames or workes of men But he glorifies Christ and Gods rich grace in Christ to beget faith and hope in men Iohn 16.13.14 1 Pet. 1.21 And so to say in a word It is the spirituall appearance of rich grace in and by which this faith is wrought Grace is the mover 3 For the nature and Act of this faith There be three things together meeting in one in this Act of believing or this faith of which is here teached as Scripture and experience of Believers shewes that is to say 1 An assent and credit-giving to the report or Testimony of the Gospel and that which by the spirit is evidenced and appeareth through the same report the want of which the Prophet complaines of Esa 53. Who hath believed our report which not-believing the Apostle calles making God a lyer 1 John 5.10 And this assent and credit-giving to the report of the Gospel was in those Act. 13.48 They magnified the word of the Lord counted it good and true and so received the Testimony and so did the Thessalonians likewise 2 Thes 1.10 And this is the first Act without which no faith at all Iohn 5.47 and 8.24 2 An inward and hearty approbation of the goodnesse of that reported in the Gospel in respect of that Christ hath done and that he is become and that he doth and that he is ready to do And in respect of the rich free and great love of God appearing therein so as all other Excellencies are but losse and Dung in comparison of it 1 Pet. 2.7 Phil. 3.7.8 9. 3 Through this assenting and believing-approbation there is an inward and hearty resting and relyance upon Christ and God in Christ for the dispensation of this grace and perfecting that which appertaines to him to do Rom. 5 1.2.5-10 First creditting the savings of the Gospel and through those sayings Believing Christ himselfe and the spirits Testimony of him and in that believing trusting in God in Christ for that promised and so believing the sayings receiving Christ and trusting in God through Christ is the nature and Act of this believing 4 For the motions orstrings in this believing or faith they are 1 An inward and hearty acknowledgement of and submission to Jesus Christ as the Lord and Saviour and so to this grace appearing in him 2 Cor. 5.15 He dyed for all that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves but unto him that dyed for them and rose againe and so Rom. 14.8 Whether we live we live unto the Lord and whether we die we die unto the Lord c. verse 9. and 1 Cor. 6 19-20 Ye are not your own yet are bought with a price c. Rom. 6.17 Ye have obeyed from the heart the forme of Doctrine to which ye were delivered True it is that all men
9.13.14 12.24 Rev. 1.5 Ezek. 36.25 without which a man notwithstanding all the former remains unclean still In all this also is shadowed the severall distinct ends of the death and sacrifice of Christ as presented to God and as applied to men Fourthly the Israelites needing and having in their travels the Cloud as the testimony of Gods presence to guide them and his mighty arm to lead them uphold and defend them and Manna from heaven and water out of the Rock to sustain and refresh them Exod. 13.21 22. 15.2.12 16.17 shadowed forth our need of and Christ his gracious vouchsafing to be our Advocate by vertue of his sacrifice at his Fathers right hand from thence sending forth his holy Spirit to continue his presence with us and give in his promises and so to teach guide comfort and strengthen us against temptations and to goe through all sufferings in alll services of love c. 1 Iohn 2.1 2. Heb. 9.14.15 Iohn 14.14.26 15.26 16.14 And so in this digressiu to see how things were shadowed we may view the ends of Christs sacrifice fore-mentioned as also that which followes to be said CHAP. V. The necessity of the Sufferings Blood Death and Sacrifice of Christ It is shewn in that already said FIrst for Christ his shedding of his bloud and dying for us it was altogether necessary for Heb. 9.22 without shedding of blood is no remission of sinnes The truth of God makes a necessity for the sinner to die and without the death of the sinner cannot be fulfilled Gen. 2.17 Ezek. 18.20 The justice of God makes a necessity for the sinner to suffer the curse and without the sinner doe suffer the curse cannot be satisfied Deut. 27 15-26 Gal. 3.10 And as nothing without shedding of blood death can fulfill truth and satisfie justice so no blood and death but the blood and death of Man the very nature that sinned can satisfie Heb. 9.9 10.4 And if particular men should suffer this curse and death in their own persons they could never overcome but must perish in that suffering for ever and so can neither suffer for themselves nor for another to procure a way for remission of sinns Psal 49.7 8. neither indeed to make satisfaction for others will the Blood and Death of any man serve unlesse the same be a just and an innocent man that hath no sin of his own to satisfie for Heb. 9.26.27 Yea even the blood of a just man unlesse he be as the first Adam before his fall a publike man Rom. 5.12 And made as all men by the fall became under the law Gal. 4.4 yea unlesse this man be also the Sonne of God even God-man it will not be sufficient Heb. 10 5-10 Mat. 1.21.23 And this man God-man even Iesus Christ being come and as the publike person made under the law when he had lived thirty-three yeares and upward an innocent life so as noman could accuse him of sinne Iohn â— 46. yea in all righteousnesse and holynesse and fulnesse of good workes and spent about three yeares in ministration of the Gospel yet would not all this his righteous working though accompanied with many miracles and with frequent fasting prayers and teares make satisfaction for the sin of mankind without his Death and Blood to instruct us wherein and not in any unwillingnesse to suffer according to the will of the Father Phil. 2.8 Heb. 10 5.-10 He uttered this prayer Mat 26.39 If it be possible let this Cupp passe from me c. And so that which the High-Priest spake not of himselfe but by prophesie concerning the nation of the Jewes Iohn 11.50 It is true for all mankind It was altogether necessary for mankind that Jesus Christ should dye Gal. 3.10.13 2 For Jesus Christ once dead to rise againe and ascend to the right hand of God and to present the vertue of this his own blood in offering himselfe a spotlesse sacrifice to his Father for mankind This also was altogether necessarie for however truth had fulfilling and justice had satisfying in his blood-shed and death 2 Cor. 5.14 Gal. 3.13 Yet if he had not risen from the Dead and ascended with the vertue of his own blood into the Heavens and there offered himselfe a spotlesse Sacrifice to God for mankind There could have been no Justification no redemption no eternall life and inheritance obtained and received by Christ into his own hands to dispense to men nor any dore opened to shew forth and dispense this grace to men that by repentance and faith they might come into Christ and receive the same nor could there have been any resurrection of their bodyes after Death nor exercise of Christs Lordship over them in absolving or condemning according to the Gospel Rom. 4.25 He was raised againe for our justification 1 Cor. 15.17 If Christ be not raised ye are yet in your sinns verse 20. But now Christ is risen from the Dead Heb. 9.12 By his own blood he entred in once into the most hâ—ly place having obtained eternall redemption verse 24. He entred into Heaven it selfe Reu. 1.18 I am he that liveth and was Dead and beholde I am alive for evermore 1 Iohn 5.11 God hath given us eternall life and this life is in his Sonne 2 Tim. 1.10 who hath abolished Death and brought life and mortality to light by the Gospel Iohn 16.7 c. It is expedient for you that I goe away for if I goe not away the Comforter will not come unto you But if I depart I will send him to you he shall reprove the world c. verse 18.11 He will guide you into all truth c. verse 13.14.15 Psal 68. Thou hast ascended on high thou hast led Captivity Captive thou hast received gifts in the man for men Act. 2.33 Ephes 4.8 yea even for the Rebellious that the Lord God might dwell among them Act. 5.30.31 Him hath God exalted at his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour to give repentance unto Israel and forgivnesse of sinns Act. 13.30 God raised him from the dead c. to verse 39. verse 47. I have set thee to be a light to the Gentiles that thou shouldest be for salvation to the ends of the Earth Mat. 12.18 And he shall shew Judgement to the Gentiles If there be no resurrection from the Dead then Christ is not Risen and if Christ be not Risen then our preaching is vaine and your faith is also vaine 1 Cor. 15 13.-20 But now Christ is risen from the dead and become the first fruits of them that sleep verse 21. for since by man came Death By man also the resurrection from the dead and verse 22. c. and Rom. 14.9 to this end Christ both dyed and rose and revived that he might be the Lord both of dead and living Act. 10.36 He is Lord of all 2 Cor. 5.10 For we must all appeare before the judgement-Seat of Christ c. And of this he hath
occasion their submission to Christ and so their high prizeing of the grace and righteousnesse and lyfe in him that they may fall downe before him and be quickned and made alive by him Rom. 5.20 Gal. 2.19 who by sprinkling his blood and giving in his grace by his spirit enliveneth them Heb. 9.14 Tit. 3.4.5 And so Rom. 10.3 Christ is the end of the law for righteousnesse to every one that believeth Gal. 2.20 3.22.24 which also sheweth the necessity of the pretious Blood of Christ which he shead and presented to his Father for men to be by his spirit applyed to men without which they can have no true peace and freedome with God Iohn 13.8 and 8 32-36 3 The power this law hath in the consciences of men in this lyfe till they know and believe in Christ and be set free by him Iohn 8 34-36 this holy spirituall and righteous law in respect of the spirituall affections and services therein required was once in the heart of mankind when God made man in his own Image And made him and all men in him as in the first publike person righteous then was it the naturall bent of man to love God and his neighbour and to walke in that love uprightly Gen. 1.26 27 28. and 2.7 Ecles 7.29 And then while these righteous affections and services were naturally springing and streaming in men man was not under the power of the Commandements thereof with the promises and threats But when man sinned and fell He lost these righteous affections and services out of his heart and inward and naturall bent And became corrupt averse and full of enmity against God Gen. 3 10-13 Eccles 7.29 Rom. 5.12.18.19 And then fell under the power of this law with its Commands Threats and Promises And the effect of this law as a spirit of Bondage entred into him for such the power of the work of God in his grace both shewn in the creation and procured for men by the Redemption and extended to men for the redeemers sake that it still proclaimeth to men and testifieth that it is mans duty and that he is hereby bound to love God with all his heart soule and strength and his neighbour as himselfe and to walke in that love And the least short coming hereof is sinn Ioh. 35.10.11 and 37.24 Deut. 5.6.7 1 Iohn 3.4 For though man by sinn lost his interest in God yet God lost not his right and Authority over man But when man by sinn lost the inward and living principle of the law out of his heart Then through the Authority of God over man and the power of God in his works man fell under the power of the law And the effect of the law as a spirit of bondage entred into his heart and that with such force that according to the knowledge given him whether by the works of God in creation and providence or the law declared and written that it bindeth downe and embondageth a man that he can no otherwise have hope or looke to God for acceptance and life then as he conceives himselfe to keepe this law nor avoyd the feares of wrath and Death as he discernes himselfe a transgressor of it and as their conscience witnesse so doe their thoughts accuse or excuse one another Rom. 2.15 And so from the law sin takes occasion to become oft more violent in its motions to sin Rom. 7.5.8 And from the law sinn hath its strength to accuse and terifie Rom. 7.11 1 Cor. 15.56 And in desires of avoiding danger this spirit of bondage so laden with sinn pollutes the conscience to be dictating to seeke peace in workes of the law and to be speaking peace there from Rom. 9.32 and 10.3 which still genders to bondage and leaves under the curse Gal. 4.21.30 and 5.4 and 3.10 And this power hath law with its effect in the consciences of men in this lyfe till they be set free by Christ for the law can justifie none that have at all sinned nor gives any hope for any repentance after sinning nor any power or freedome for coming in to God againe this is the work of Jesus Christ the Sonne of God to justifie from sinn and give repentance and freedome to come in to God Iohn 8 34-36 Act. 5.31 So that onely by Christ by his spirit applying his preâ—ious blood to the heart and streaming in his rich grace there through the conscience is purged from the accusation of sinn and from speaking or seeking peace by dead works And gives in an inward living principle to serve the living God Heb. 9.14 And so washeth from sinn Reu. 1.5 Reneweth Tit. 3.4 And setteth them at Liberty for the things of the Kingdom Gal. 5.1 enduing them with the Spirit of adoption of love power and a sound minde Rom. 8.15 2 Tim. 1.7 And thus the law rightly understood in it selfe and the ends of giving it And the power it hath in the naturall conscience shews the necessity of the Pretious Blood of Christ to be by his spirit applyed to and sprinkled on the conscience CHAPTER VII Of the Excellency and dignity of this Precious Blood of Christ that is presented to the Father and his Sacrifice being also presented to the heart FOR the Excellency Dignity and worth of the Blood Death and Sacrifice of Christ presented and offered to God for men and presented tendered and applyed to men It is beyond comparison or expression yet we may understand a little thereof if we view and consider it in fowre respects 1. In respect of the Sacrifice it selfe 2. In respect of the appearance and Declaration thereof 3. In respect of the glorious and abundance of love herethrough appearing 4. In respect of the unvaluable and inexpressible hope it giveth to all that receive it besides the operation to be after spoke of 1 In respect of the Presentation and Sacrifice it selfe it appeareth to be of most excellent Dignitye and worth in many notable respects as to say 1 In respect of the Priest that offered this Sacrifice who was immediately called of God as Aron was Heb. 5.4.5 And infinitely above and greater then Aron and all the Priests of his Order for they had sinns of their own also first to offer for before they offered for the sins of the people But this our high Priest had no sinn of his own to satisfie for but his offering was wholly and altogether for us Heb. 7.26.27 And their High-Priests were men that had infirmities and so dyed But this High-Priest though the very man that dyed for us yet risen from the Dead and alive for ever-more to interceide for us Heb. 7 23-25 and 5.5.6 Yea they were made Priests according to the law of a carnall Commandement But this High-Priest after the power of an endlesse life Heb. 7.16.17 They without an Oath this with an Oath Heb. 7.21 They the Sonnes of men But this High-Priest is the Sonne of God even God-man Heb. 7.28 and 1 4-8 They went and presented
the redemption and purgation wrought by Christ hath been visiting enlightning moving at their hearts and striving with them to effect repentance and faith in them and so to bring them to himself and they after the knowledge of the truth refuse resist or depart from it willingly and will none of God none of Christ will not be brought in to him this way to have all their life and confidence in his grace and guidance by it but persist in their wilfull refusall or Apostasie till he leave striving and give them up to their own lusts and Satan This deserveth kindleth such wrath as wil not be appeased and such a fire as will not be quenched Gen. 6 3 Prov. 1.23 24 c. Psal 81.11 Ezek. 24.13 Matth. 23.37 38. Heb. 6.4 5.2 Pet. 2. Jude totū And the execution of this is called The wrath to come Luke 3.7 1 Thes 1.10 fire unquenchable Luke 3.17 Mark 9.48 hell fire Matth. 18.9 Mark 9.47 the second death Rev. 20.14 3 By the greatnesse and inexcuseable folly rebellion and filthinesse of this sinne it being an under-valuing neglect and refusall of so great salvation and redemption first obtained and then first preached by the Lord himselfe yea a denying him that bought them and so a treading under foot the Sonne of God Heb. 2.3 2 Pet. 2.1 Heb. 10.29 a hardening the heart against the mercies and meanes that through the pretious Blood Sacrifice of Christ was procnred for and extended to them to lead them to repentance and so counting the blood of the Covenant an unholy thing Rom. 2.5 Heb. 10.29 a turning from him that speakes from heaven and so resisting and offering despite to the Spirit of grace that strove with them to bring them to God Heb. 12.25 10.29 Act. 7.51 In a word by their preferring darknesse before light when light came John 3.19 exalting their own wisdom workes and choyce and objecting and taking offence at the means Doctrine and Spirit of Grace and turning from it after it hath so farre been extended to them they crucifie again make of no account and efficacy to themselves the Sonne of God and put him to an open shame Heb. 6.6 A great ingratitude and fearfull rebellion against so great and gracious a God and Saviour and Spirit and so reall an offer and tender Psalm 81.11 Great folly and madnesse to refuse so great and reall mercy and salvation and altogether excuselesse they cannot say we fell and were loft in Adam no redemptiō was wrought for us wherby we might have been saved Our Fathers have eaten sowre grapes and the childrens teeth are set on edge Ezek. 18.2 Rom. 5.12 18. for the later part of the plea is false God wil punish it for though they were lost in Adam and could no way redeeme themselves yet in Christ redemption was again wrought for them Nor can they say this mercy was altogether hidd and no meanes used towards them that they might have sought and found him Act. 14.17 and 17.26 nor will this pleasure we had in our selves no will or power to choose lyfe For though it was not in them yet it was in him And his spirit by which he tendred grace wanted not power Mich. 2.7 He doth not looke to gather where he hath not sowne though wicked Servants so say But on his examination they will be dumb Mat. 25.26 and 22.12 Sinnes of ignorance and weaknesse to which through the fall men are necessitated and for which yet there is a remedy though they are directly against the Father and indirectly against the Sonne and holy spirit sinnes against the meanes procured by Christ and extended through him to lead to repentance and faith and so against ordinary light warnings and motions are against the Father and directly against the Sonne yet all manner of these sorts of sinne shall be forgiven unto men but the willfull and rebellious sinning in refusing and opposing the grace it selfe in Christ and evidenced by the spirit after light obstinately refusing to have all life in and guidance by that grace the spirit discovers in Christ But blaspheming the same This sinning is directly against the Father and the Sonne and the Holy Ghost and shall never be forgiven Mat. 12.31 Marke 3.28.29 4 By the evilnesse and remedilesnesse of the state and condition such sinning throwes these men into And that may be seene in two things 1 That whereas they were once dead through Adam and a ransome was given for them by Christ and life procured for them and this set forth in the Gospel and in the meanes tendred to them with some quickning motions of the spirit and hope of life there being no other meanes or Sacrifice They having wilfully cast aside this have rent themselves out of this booke of life renounced this life that was set in hope before them and are become Trees twice dead and pluckt up by the rootes so as there is no more hope for them Jude 12. 2 That whereas when they were fallen in Adam though truth and Justice pleaded for their Death yet mercy was for them and found out a ransome in which truth and justice did meete and joyne with mercy nor their good And though Justice might have risen against them for their strayings in ignorance and unbeliefe yet compassion and mercy had patience and forbearance to waite for them but now by his spirit he hath been striving with them and they will none of Christ but harden themselves against him and oppose and offer wrong and violence to Christ and his word and people even mercy also with Justice and truth is turned against them not that there is any change in God but they have put themselves into such a condition that his mercy becomes crosse to them the light is pleasant to the eye and that it troubles the sore eye the change is in the eye not in the light so Gods love and mercy is the same for ever His delight is in his Sonne and his pleasure in his people made one with his Sonne yea so great that when men harden their hearts against his Sonne the Gospel and spirit of his Sonne and turne to oprresse those that are vessels of mercy The more he loves his Sonne and the dearer his people are to him the more doth his mercy move him to plead their cause and plague their enemies and so he smote Egypt overthrew Pharoh and his Host in the sea smote great and mighty Kings c. For his mercy endureth for ever Psal 136.10.20 Oh heavy when mercy stands against them 5 By the greatnesse of torments and punishments to be executed on such sinners which as the Scriptures sets it forth is very terrible for it is the same that at first was prepared for the Divell and his Angels who sinned freely and without a Tempter or any cause Iude 6. Mat. 25.41 So it appeares that 1 The Death on mankind for the first transgression was an Allenation from God a
of the Lord which by vertue of his Death Resurrection and Sacrifice he in his ascension Psal 68.18 received and in the day of grace was striving with them Gen. 6.3 to have convinced them and began to kindle a fire that thē would have cōsumed nothing but their fleshly affections and lusts Isa 40.7 their carnall wisdome and confidence and then have healed them and given them life Pro. 1.23.24 but they would none of his reproofes but quenched this heat and resisted this Spirit till he left striting with them But now will this holy and Almighty Spirit from the Lord that bought them return again upon them and contince them of sinne because they have not beleeved on Christ c. John 16.8 9 10. and so set home the sentence to their heart that they cannotavoid it and by his Almighty breathing word like a stream of Brimstone kindle that fire that never shall be quenched Isa 30.33 And this is another efficacy of the Sacrifice of Christ on such as have rebelliously refused him that the Spirit he by vertue of his Sacrifice received to send forth to call men shal yet set home the sentence even on those that rejected him Oh then in that day though to their woe they shall see and confesse what ever before they thought or others told them that Christ died for them though they perish that Christ bought them though they have denied him that hee had wrought redemption for them though they have sold themselves again to vanity that there was mercies for them in him though they forsook them that he strove with them to win them to him though they resisted him that his word and wayes were good though they beleeved not And now to behold him that so dearly bought them and graciously cal'd them and they rewarded him with hatred for his love to come in fury to judge them and to perceive the Blood and Sacrifice that once would have spoken peace to them to rise up against them the Gospel that once declared good tidings to them from the verity of it to bee a condemning word to them mercy that once waited for them to be now turned against them the holy Spirit that was once moving in them to draw them from sinne to God to bee now sentencing them under sinne and unto death O what a terrour will this be And how will the remembrance of the redemption wrought by Christ the mercy once shewn and the doore to life once opened through which they might have been saved now adde to the terrour and the remembrance of all the vanities false Doctrines and humane applause for which they have turned aside will but encrease the vexation and now while they see those that embraced and followed Christ whom they despised to goe into the joy of their Lord into eternall life to see their own sin and judgement in the height and the terrible presence of the Lord driving them into the lake of fire that burneth ever and out of which there is no escape Oh how great this terror yea how easelesse how tormenting how intollerable unavoidable and remedilesse How endlesse will the eternall suffering in that fire be when the least drops of those mercifull effects of the Sacrifice that are in this day tendered and so refused will not be vouchsafed nothing then but biting gnawings torments in every part of soule and body Now consider this yee that forget God Psal 50.22 lest he teare you in peeces and there be none to deliver Those that know and beleeve all these forementioned efficacies of the pretious Blood and Sacrifice of Christ they know also this terror of the Lord they are perswaded and recōciled to God in beliefe of the reconciliation God hath wrought in Christ for the world and they in witnessing the same doe perswade and beseech others now in this day of grace to be reconciled to God 2 Cor. 5.10 11 19 20. 6.1.2 in which the comfortable efficacies will be found CHAP. 12. The usefulnesse of this pretious Blood and Sacrifice of Christ known and beleevingly remembred THat we may have the better understanding of this it is also to be understood 1. Of what the Proposition is 2. Of what knowing is here meant 3. Of what faith it is here to be understood 4. What remembrance is here meant And 5. what is meant by usefulnesse that in all wee may conceive according to Scripture sense First for the proposition It is of the pretious Blood and Sacrifice of Christ and that is to be understood both of it selfe primely and of the Doctrine of the Gospel in which it is set forth instrumentally and that as is before shewn concerning 1. The manifold sense in which those tearms are used in Scripture as for his Death His resurnection His Presentation and offering to God The prevalency with God the spirituall application to believers and prevalency in them and the rich love of God and satisfaction to God and conscience and Spirit appearing and streaming there through as is shewn Chap. 2. 2. The ends of this pretious Blood and Sacrifice and that in respect of Christ according to his double Mission into the world and his double businesse in leaving the world and in respect of mankind according to the double misery and enmity against God they were fallen into And in respect of the Church according to the double need she hath of Christ in all of them the ends of the shedding his bloud the end of his offering his sacrifice with the vertue of his bloud to God The ends of the discovery and spirituall application of it to men as is shewn Chap. 3. and 4. 3 The necessity of this pretious Bloud and Sacrifice both of his dying and resurrection and of his presentation and offering it to God and of his spirituall discovery and application to men as is shewn Chap. 5. and enlarged by some consideration of the Law Chap. 6. 4 The excellency and dignity of this pretious Bloud and Sacrifice and that in the Sacrifice it self in respect of the Priest the Sacrifice the Altar In the Declaration in respect of the three Witnesses the Spirit the Water the Bloud In the abundant grace and the great hope appearing therein as is shewn Chap. 7. 5 The vertue operation and prevalencie of this pretious Bloud and Sacrifice of Christ as it was offered to God as is shewn Chap. 8. And as through that prevalency with God mercy is shewn to men as is shewn Chap. 9. And as it is spiritually applyed to the heart of Believers as is shewn Chap. 10. And as it will be laid to the charge of such as have rejected it as is shewn Chap. 11. And all this is to be understood about the pretious Bloud and Sacrifice of Christ and in the Doctrine of Christ and so is the meaning of the Proposition 2 For the knowledge or knowing here meant and of which the Scripture meaneth when it speakes of the knowledge and knowing of Christ
which he giveth to men 1 It is not that knowledge or knowing which is naturall Rom 3.10 and 11.34 Truth it is that as God through Christ and for his sake for a time preserveth the naturall life of man so through Christ and for his sake he giveth and preserveth unto men for the time of this naturall life their naturall understanding reason judgmentaind conception Job 35.11 Rom. 1.32 By which they may learne and understand some things in the workes of God Job 36 24 25. And some things in the Narration or History of the Scriptures or Word of God Rom 2.17.21 Luke 10.26 27. And it is also true that God hath imprinted and manifested his wisdome even some testimonies of his being and goodnesse in his workes of Creation and Providence Psalm 19 1-6 Act. 14.17 Rom 1.19 20. and 2.4 And in the Scriptures or Word of God hath set forth Christ the wisdome of God what he hath done what he is and what he will do and doth 1 Cor. 1.24 Io. 5.39 46. Rom 4.23.25 And yet this is also true that in respect of all men that are but naturall and have but their naturall life and understanding though preserved in mercy for Christs sake This light shineth in darknesse and the darknesse comprehendeth it not Iohn 1.5 Men by their naturall wisdome do not find out or attain to know God in the wisdome of God set forth in the bookes of Creatures or Scriptures 1 Cor 1.21 The naturall man cannot know the things of the Spirit of God which he teacheth concerning the things of Christ because they are spiritually discerned 1 Cor 2.14 So that the naturall man with all his naturall powers and parts cannot attaine the right knowledge of the things of God in Christ by all his search either in the Workes of God or in the Word of God Eccles 10.15 2 It is not that knowledge which is both naturall and artificial attained by knowledge of Arts in use of Arts and artificiall helps whence that interrogation challenge Isa 33. where is the Scribe c. A truth it is that through Christ and for his sake God blesseth mens industly in study of Letters Tongues Arts and Sciences that are naturall and honest and also their honest industry in use and exercise thereof So as many thereby become very knowing wise prudent and skilfull Orators and Disputers In study of the works of God they may attain excellent knowledge about the variety of soyles and seasons the nature of Beasts Birds Plants the nature dispontion and manners of men and so be very skilfull for husbandry trading and merchandize Government of Common-weales Isa 3.1.4 Lawes Warre Physick c. And this is a great mercy to a Common-wealth and a correction to want them And in study of the Scriptures such may attain excellent knowledge for translation of Tonguâ—s understanding and explicating Histories discerning of Times and some Proprecies and of the scope and circumstances of places and etyâ—â—ologie of words which is a mercy to the Nation where they live while they keep their bounds yea and to the Churches also Matth. 2.5 6. Luke 12.54 57 Isa 3.1 4. But yet this is also true that the verity excellency depth pretiousnesse enjoyment and efficacy of the things of God in Christ these Rabbies and Princes of the World for wisdome and understanding cannot by this wisdome find out discern approve or receive though they reade and study the words in which it is exprest yet in those words it is hidden from them and they by their wisdome in all their searching cannot finde out this mysterious wisdome of God in Christ 1 Cor 1 20.21 and 2.7 8 14. Matth. 11.25 Luke 10.21 So as naturall and artificiall knowledge and wisdome cannot reach or attaine the right knowledge of the things of God in Christ Prov. 30.2 3 4. So that the knowledge or knowing here spoke of is not naturall or artificiall but supernaturall as shall be shewn anon 3 Neither yet is this such a knowledge or knowing of which nature is no way capable of the receit of it or such as doth destroy the naturall or artificiall knowledge or as if they could no way consist and be together in the same subject Act. 18.24 28. and 7.22 23 Heb. 11.24 25. The body or humane nature of our Lord Jesus Christ neither did nor could raise it self yet was it capable of being raised and was by the Divine Power not destroyed but raised And yet the resurrection though it was of the humane nature yet it was not at all by the humane but by the divine nature the very Spirit and Power of God that not the divine but the humane nature was raised Act. 2.23 24 30 31. Rom 4.24 and 6.4 The eyes of blind Bartemeus could by no naturall meanes attain to see but they were capable of receiving sight by the guift of God Mark 10.46 52. And for the better understanding this businesse wee may consider that it is appointed to men once to dye Heb. 9.27 Eccles 9.10 and when they do dye and give up the Ghost then all their naturall and artificiall knowledge and wisdome dyes together with them And as they shall be one day raised again by the Spirit and power of Christ so then the knowledge they have shall not be naturall or artificiall but only that which they shall have from the power of God that raised them 1 Cor. 13.11 12. And the members of Christ by vertue of their union with him shall have all knowledge tending to happinesse from him by the divine nature filling them with light and leading both soule and body 1 Iohn 3.2 So that they shall then know perfectly and see as they are seen and know as they are known But here in this life as their bodies so their naturall powers are spiritually humbled and mortified that they may in the regeneration be quickned by Rom 8.10 11 12.23 and made serviceable to the Spirit not annihilated or slain nor is the man perfectly and totally made alive in the regeneration here wrought nor will be till perfectly and totally dead in respect of all naturall life but the Spirit is alive for Righteousnesse sake 1 Cor 13.9 And the Spirit quickneth also the mortall body and so he may as pleaseth him The naturall powers and faculties for such service as he pleaseth 1 Cor. 1.29 The to tall redemption of the body being yet waited for our knowledge yet imperfect so then though neither natural nor artificiall knowledge bee the knowledge of spirituall things nor doth nor can attain it yet the spirituall knowledge may consist and be together with them in the same subject and having humbled and slaine the pride of them may make such use of them in some services as the Spirit pleaseth and as it is a punishment or correction during this life to have the body by Diseases disabled from service and tormented with pain Deut. 28.28 so is it to have the naturall reason and
know that the Sonne of God is come and hath given us an understanding that wee may know him that is true 2. By a certain inward experience of the beauty excellency and sweet savour of the things known a pleasing delightfull and reviving tast and savour 2 Cor. 2.14 15.16 manifesteth the savour of his knowledge a sweet savour of Christ a savour of life unto life Phil. 3.8 For the excellency of the knowledge of Christ for whom I have suffered the losse of all things and do count them but Dung that I may win Christ 1 Pet. 2.3 If yee have tasted that the Lord is gracious to whom coming c. And this is the knowledge here meant A supernaturall and spirituall knowledge of Christ and the things of Christ taught by the Spirit of Christ with light motion and power giving an understanding to discern and heart to savour the things knowne In which knowledge as there are divers degrees so some are but Babes and Novices in it and so in respect of some others unlearned and unskilfull in it others more skilfull yea some Fathers and very stable And this is the knowledge the Spirit in the Scripture speaketh of when it speaketh of the things of Christ and his Spirit 1 Cor. 2.1 15. 1 Tim. 3.6 Heb. 5.12.13.14 2 Pet. 3.16 which whoso wanteth altogether whomsoever he hath heard preach the Gospel what books soever he hath read and what knowledge soever he hath attained in the Scriptures what degree what office or profession soever he hath yet he hath not seen the image of the Father nor heard his voyce Heb. 1.3 John 1.14 5 37.38 c. And so knoweth not the Father nor the Son nor the things of the Spirit nor such as are born of the Spirit 1 John 3.1 John 15.21 1 Cor. 2.12.14.15.16 And so the knowing here meant is supernaturall spirituall and experimentall bee it little or much more or lesse and so yet wavering or stable CHAP. 13. 3. Of what Faith it is here to be understood and 4. of what remembrance 3. FOr the Faith here meant it is a Divine and Spirituall faith for the better understanding whereof these seaven things may be considered about it 1. The object of it 2. The Mover or Worker of it 3. The nature and act of it 4. The motion in and of it 5. The subject in which it is and immediate instruments in and with which it moveth and worketh 6. The power life or principle in in it 7. The onenesse of it in diversity of the degrees and acts 1. For the object that the eye of this Faith is set on on which it looketh to which it runneth on which it leaneth and resteth This object is Divine and but one even God In the Lord put I my trust Psal 7.1 and 11 1. and 121.1 and 123.1 and 9.10 Cant. 1.4 Yet this object is considerable in a threefold respect viz. 1. In respect of the most inmost and utmost object for refuge foundation and fountain of all help safety and satisfying and that is God himselfe even the divine Nature in his infinite wisdome power mercy love truth c. Psal 42. God our refuge and strength c. Psal 18.2 Rock Fortresse Deliverer c. Psal 27.1 Light and salvation even God Rom. 4.24 that raised up Jesus Christ our Lord from the dead 2 Cor. 1.9.10 which raised the dead who delivered c. and doth deliver c 1 Pet. 1.21 By whom we beleeved 1.5.5 trusteth in God Heb. 2 13. In respect of the inmost and absolute Medium through which this faith discerneth c. commeth to and fasteneth on God and without which there can bee no discerning of or comming in to God or closing with him at all And this inmost and absolute mediate object is Jesus Christ the Sonne of God made Man of the Seed of Abraham and David who is the Saviour of the world and the Head and Husband of the Church Rom. 1.3.4 1 Joh. 4.14 John 4.42 Eph. 5.32 and 1.22.23 Christ saith Iohn 14.6 I am the Way the Truth and the Life no man commeth to the Father but by me Eph. 2.18 Through him we have both an accesse by one Spirit unto the Father Iohn 1.7 that through him all might beleeve 2 Cor. 3.4 Such trust have we through Christ to God-ward Whence also this faith is called Col. 1.4 and 2.5 faith in Christ and Iohn 3.15 believing in him And so Christ Jesus is object of this faith and that 1. In respect of what he hath done for us in dying for our sins and rising for our justification and offering up himselfe a Sacrifice and ransome to God Rom. 4.25 1 Tim. 2.6 2. In respect of what he is through that hee hath done become for us as namely that nee is Eph. 2.14 our Peace 1 Iohn 2.2 the propitiation for our sinnes 1 Cor 1.30 wisdome righteousnesse sanctification and redemption Rom. 1.3 our Lord and Saviour 3. In respect also of what through that he hath done and is become for us he now doth in heaven for us and that is Heb. 9.24 appeare in the presence of God for us And Heb. 7.25 ever liveth to make intercession for us And so Heb. 9 14.15 4. In respect of what he will doe in and for all such as through grace beleeving in him accept that he hath done Rom. 5.11 and depend on him according to that he is and doth for that he will do in and for them as namely that he will support and uphold them Isai 43.1 2. and cause all to work together for good to them Rom. 8.28 and send forth his Spirit from the Father to them to beare witnesse of him to and through them Iohn 15.26.27 to mind them of his words and teach them all things Iohn 14.26 to take of the things of Christ and shew to them and so glorifie him to them and thereby comfort them and lead them into all truth Iohn 14.14 16. 16.13.14.15 to make them fruitfull in their ministration Iohn 15.5.16 convincing the world Iohn 16.7 8 9 10. calling in to Christ 2 Cor. 2 14-16 and 3.3 and answering their enemies Matth 10.20 and to sanctifie and preserve them to the inheritance 1 Thess 5.24 And thus is Jesus Christ the next and neerest object and the onely absolute and inmost Medium through which this faith fasteneth upon God or the Divine Nature which is the most inmost and outmost object Thirdly in respect of the Instrument and outward Medium through which Christ and so God in Christ is beheld beleeved and trusted in and this is the word of God that which declareth Christ and Gods love and gracious mind in and through him and so the name or great report and fame of the glory or goodnesse of God in Christ in his love mercy power wisdome c. Whence he is said to have magnified his word above all his name Psal 138 2. and so this faith is called A beleeving the Gospel and receiving
Degree 2 Thes 1.3 And in respect of the diversity of Degrees in faith some are called Babes some strong men and some Fathers 1 Iohn 2.12.13.14 2 That the Acts or Actings of this faith be divers and manifold as to say a areceiving Act a springing Act and a flowing and streaming Act as in the Scripture and experience believers find First a receiving Act this faith wrought by the spirit of grace in the heart receiveth the history or record and Testimony of God in the Gospel concerning Christ 1 Thes 2.13 2 Thes 1.10 1 Iohn 5.9.10.11 The grace of God in Christ testified Rom. 1.5 and 5.17 As remission of sinnes Act. 10.43 Justification Peace Sanctification Liberty of accesse to God and hope of glory Rom. 5.1.2.3 Act. 26.18 Divine power and strength of relyance on God Rom. 5.5.10.11 And yeelding up according to the leadings of grace 2 Tim. 1.7 2 Pet. 1 1-4 Whence also such exhortations to believers as Rom. 12.1.2 Phil. 2.1.2.12.13 and that 1 Iohn 4.4 and 5.4 Secondly a springing Act for from this faith wrought by the spirit in the heart springeth up love of God and Jesus Christ our Lord and joy in God 1 Pet. 1.7.8 Rom. 5.11 And love of brethren 1 Iohn 3.23 and 4.21 and 5.1 2 Cor. 5.14 and patience and meeknesse c. Gal. 5.22 According to that is said Iohn 7.38 Thirdly a flowing or streaming Act from the springs the motions flowing to put forth accordingly Rom. 10.10 And this more ordinarily to pray give thankes declare his goodnesse shew mercy c. Psal 116.10 2 Cor. 4.13 or more extraordinary in some miraculous operations Mat. 17.20 Luke 17.6 Marke 16 17 18. 3 That notwithstanding the divers Degrees in this faith and the divers manner of Acting and Acts of this faith yet the faith it selfe is but one and onely one Ephes 4.4 As there is but one body even one true Church or Sanctuary that is united to Christ and shall be in and with him for ever Cant. 6.9 And this Church one seed Gal. 3.17 One Sonne Hosea 11.1 One Christ one body though the members be many 1 Cor. 12.12 And as there is but one head husband and Lord of this body and Church with all its members which is Jesus Christ the Sonne of God and our Saviour Ephes 1.22.23 and 4.15.16 and 5.30 1 Cor. 8.6 And as there is but one Baptisme whereby we are baptized into this one Body whereof Christ is the head and that is by the spirit and with the washing of water and the word And this is into the Death and unto the resurrection of Christ and so for conformity in one and therethrough conformity in the other 1 Cor. 12.13 Ephes 5.26 Rom. 6.3 4 5. Tit. 3.4.5 And as there is but one God Father to whom we come in coming to Christ and he the Father of Christ and of every of us Ephes 4.6 And as there is but one spirit proceeding from the father the son effecting breathing one spirit minde disposition or heart that the spirit mind disposition and heart of Christ into which all that are baptised into Christ are made to drinke and so are one spirit Ephes 4.4 even so likewise as in the place fore-cited there is but one faith True it is The word Faith in Scripture is used diversly somtime for the object of faith even the ground and foundation of faith and that which is to be and is beleeved and beleeved in and to that end to be preached and heard Rom. 1.5 10.6 Gal. 1.23 3.5 Sometimes the word is used for the grace of faith Col. 1.4 2 5-12 Eph. 2.8 Sometimes for both the object and the grace united with the object together Acts 13.8 Rom. 4.11 9.30 And yet however taken there is but one faith The object in every respect is one The Gospel or word of grace though it hath many branches and uses yet is but one and the same Gospel 2 Cor. 11.4 with Gal. 1.7.8.9 The Gospel Col. 1.5.23 Even so the Lord Jesus Christ set forth in the Gospel though set forth as he is indeed the Sonne of God and the Sonne of Man yea God Man and declared in respect of what he was and what he became for us and what he hath done and what he is for us and with what he is furnished and what he is to us And as he is the Saviour of all men especially of them that beleeve and the Judge of all c. yet he is but one 2 Cor. 11.4 with 1 Cor. 8.6 the Christ John 4.42 Even so God the Father that is in Christ is one God though his works be manifold 1 Cor. 8.6 Gal. 3.20 1 Tim. 2.5 even so the holy Spirit that proceedeth from the Father and the Sonne and discovereth Christ and God in Christ and beareth forth the testimony however his gifts and operations be many and manifold yet the Spirit is but one 1 Cor. 12.4 11. yea the Father the Sonne and the holy Spirit are 1 John 5.7 one God Mark 12 32.34 set forth in one Gospel And so the object of faith is one and so faith also though so taken The grace of faith or the beleeving it self that is wrought in the heart by the Spirit of grace however there are diversity of degrees in the same both in the strength of beleeving and also in the fulnesse of the discovery of the object beleeved in the effects accordingly and also the Acts manifold as is shewn yet the faith it selfe is but one And this is evident in the forenamed place Ephes 4.4 where both faith and the object of faith and the means and the hope and the people that receive it are all mentioned distinctly so that the word faith there meanes the grace of faith and it is expresly affirmed to be one There is one faith As for humane and worldly faith or a shew and pretence of divine faith and hypocriticall profession thereof it is no faith at all in Scripture language there is no vertue in gtting or retaining it nor danger in departing therefrom in respect of any spirituall life As for that beliefe of the report of the Gospel and profession thereof which is destitute of the life and operation of the Spirit of faith it is no more faith then the body of a man is a man when the Ghost is given up and departed Jam. 2.26 So as there is no other true and living faith but one the receiving the history and record the receiving remission of sinnes justification and sanctification and power for divine operations or miracles the springs the streames the acts as is shewn are all by one and the same faith And so it is one and the same faith that in discovery of the object is tendered and to which called and which by the divine testimony is effected and which in abiding is after confirmed and which groweth and worketh by love it is still one and the same faith 2 Pet. 1.1 And