vvas that vvhich they favv in the light and evidence of the Spirit and accordingly did testifie even as the sum of their testimony that the Father sent the Son the Saviour of the world 1 John 4. 14. 1 Tim. 2. 4 7. 4. In this Word is discovered to us his grace in what he hath through and by means of his death effected and obtained into himself for us and is become And so 1. That which he hath effected thereby is that he hath saved us mankind in himself from that so great a death in which otherwise we must have perished for ever for in Jesus Christ mercy and truth are met righteousness and peace have kissed he hath satisfied God's justice fulfilled his truth appeased his wrath paid that our debt answered the Law and this is manifested in that God hath raised him from the dead in that same body in which he was crucified and in which he bare our sins on the Tree and he hath brought him again from the dead through his blood so precious was it in the sight of the Lord Heb. 13. 20. That same Jesus whom the Jews crucified in that same personal body in which he dyed for our sins is raised again and this was of absolute necessity for if he be not taken from prison we must dye and abide in our sins for ever preaching is vain and faith vain c. But he is raised from the dead in that body which was pierced with a spear and with those hands and feet which were nailed to the Tree John 19. 34. with Chap. 20. 20 25 27. And unto his Apostles he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs being seen of them fourty dayes Acts 1. 3. And as he is raised in that very body in which he suffered so also in that publick consideration being acquitted from all our sins that were imputed to him and having over come all our death and enemies that had led us captive He was declared and determined to be the Son of God in whom he is well pleased with power according to the spirit of holiness in the resurrection from the dead Rom. 1. 4. He is taken from prison and from judgment and as in him as in the publick man all have dyed and suffered the whole of the curse due to them for our first departure from God 2 Cor. 5. 14. So in him who is the last Adam they are acquitted For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God being justified freely by God's grace through the redemption that is in Jesus Rom. 3. 23 24. 5. 18. He hath so purged away our sins from before the presence of God the guilt whereof was imputed to him as that now the Father judgeth no man according to the Law as they fell under it in the first publick man Heb. 1. 3. with Iohn 5. 22. that is to say no man is condemned or held out from God either because our first Father hath sinned and we in him or because as we come to receive our beings we come forth and are born in sin and so naturally and necessarily polluted and defiled for he hath made peace slain the enmity that was between God and mankind taken out of the way all that was in the way contrary to us broken down the middle wall of partition and is become the way to the Father and God hath committed all judgment to the Son that all men should honour the Son Eph. 2. 13 15. Col. 2. 13 14. Ioh. 5. 22 23. Gal. 3. 13. And he hath spoiled principalities and powers led captivity captive and destroyed him that had the power of death that is the Devil Col. 2. 15. Psal 68. 18. See how this began to be spoken by the Lord himself as to both these branches Iohn 12. 31 32. Now saith he is the judgment of this world to wit it was now executing upon him when his soul was troubled the guilt of the trespasses of the world which made it liable to the judgment of God being imputed to him he was called to the judgment-seat and made a curse for us and God in him took vengeance of our iniquities he judged and condemned sin in the flesh of Christ Jesus Rom. 8. 3. Isa 61. 1 2. He was wounded for our transgressions bruised for our iniquities c. Now shall the Prince of this world be castâ—out namely out of his principality and from being the Prince of this world as he was according to that judgment for we were fallen under his dominion necessarily and must have so remained for ever had not God devised this blessed means And I if I be lifted up from the earth namely crucified and hung on the Tree will draw all men unto me That is by means of his death who in the vertue thereof is discharged and acquitted he would draw all men unto him and now in the first sense hath drawn them unto himself from under the judgment of this world which was executed upon him from under that sentence of banishment according to which they were shut out from God and must have perished in their sins and from being under the necessary dominion of Satan who was become the Prince of this world from under both he hath drawn them unto himself to be under his judgment his gracious Government and Lordship for to this end Christ both dyed rose and revived that he might be Lord both of the dead and living Lord of all Rom. 14. 9. Acts 10. 36. And to a gracious end did he dye for all and is raised again and hath the sentence of banishment remitted to him and brought us under his kingdom viz. that he might bring us back to God 1 Pet. 3. 18. 2 Cor. 5. 15. And of both these it appears the Psalmist prophetically speaks in Psal 136. where he provokes to give thanks to the Lord for his mercy and that first because of his creating all things ver 5. 9. and then for his great goodness towards the house of Israel which he bestowed on them ver 10 22. to which he adds he remembred us in our low estate when we were brought low for our iniquities and were justly banished from his presence in the sentence of his Law for his mercy endureth for ever and redeemed us from our enemies for his mercy indureth for ever ver 23 24. I say it appears he speaks of this redemption of mankind in Christ generally and of his mercy to the Gentiles particularly in that it is distinguished from his work of creation his goodness to Israel and his providing for and giving food to all flesh And the like is also said Col. 2. 14 15. yea he hath so saved all mankind in himself as that no man shall perish for ever in that first death of which our Jesus tasted and which he overcame and hath abolished but be raised out of it for since by man death by man also the resurrection of the dead For as in Adam
sanctified and made meet for the inheritance 1. What it is to sanctifie and who they are that are sanctified To sanctifie and to be sanctified in Scripture signifies these two things 1. To separate a person or thing from common and profane use and so from uncleanness and filthiness as it usually signifies in our types of old So Hezekiah commanded the Levites to sanctifie themselves and to sanctifie the house of the Lord and to carry forth the filthiness out of the holy place and accordingly they sanctified it by carrying out the uncleanness out of it as is signified 2 Chron. 29. 5 15 18. and so the sanctifying the people it was a separating them from those things that we e provâ—king in the eyes of God or forbidden by him Lev. 20. 2 8 a severing them from the pollutions and manners of the Nations whom the Lord cast out Levit. 20. 23 26. 2. To set aparâ— forthâ— Lord and for his pâ—culiar use and service any thing or person a devoting or dedicating it to the Lord that it may be his aâ—d unto him as were the Priests and Levites and â—emple c. So setting apart unto the Lord answers to and is the same with sanctifying unto him Exod. 13. 2 12. So here They are said to be sanctified who are cleansed from the errors and polluâ—ions of this world and devoted to the Lord separated from uncleanness and set apart for the Lord such as come out from among men and are separated and touch no unclean thing Such as in the light and strength of God's promises do cleanse themselves from all filthiness of flesh and spirit perfecting holiness in the fear of the Lord 2 Cor. 6. 16 18. 7. 1. and so the sanctified are such as are daily turned from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God Act. 26. 18. 2 Tim. 2. 21. such as so receive the grace of God as to redeem them from all iniquity and to purifie them unto him a peculiar people zealous of good works Tit. 2. 11 12 14. 2. The means whereby God in Christ by his Spirit doth sanctifie as to persons I mean that are come to years of capacity are 1. The chief and principal medium is the word of his grace in which is declared and commended to us the free grace of God in the blood of Jesus Christ Jesus Christ is said to sanctifie with the washing of water by the word even with the kindness and love of God our Saviour Eph. 5. 26. and so he is said to wash in his blood in which the love of God is commended and men are said to be sanctified with the blood of the Covenant Rev. 1. 5. Heb. 10. â—9 that is the blood of sprinkling whereby the heart is sprinkled from an evil conscience and the conscience from dead works to serve the living God Heb. 10. 22. 9. 14. and so they are said to be sanctified by the Spirit in the testimony and so by the Word 2 Thes 2. 13. 1 Pet. 1. 2. Joh. 17. 17 19. Act. 26 18. and these three agree in one 1 Joh. 5. 6 8. And indeed the principal means whereby men may be sanctified born again and saved now it is by discovering and commending the love of God to mankind in lifting up the Son of man by the Spirit in the testimony So our Saviour signifies in answer to Nicodemâ—s when he asks How can these things be namely that a man can be born again in answer thereto he tells him As Moses lifted up the Serpent in the wilderness so must the Son of man be lifted up c. For God so loved the world of mankind that he gave his only begotten Son Joh. 3 5 9 14 17. So that which the Apostle preached in order to the sanctifying of the Corinthians who were unholy and prophane the first thing he delivered to them was that Christ died for their sins according to the Scriptures and was buried and that he rose again the third day according to the Scriptures and tells them they were washed sanctified and justified in the name of the Lord Jesus even in and by that good report of him in which the Father's love was manifested and by the Spirit of our God Compare 1. Cor. 15. 1 4. with Chap. 6. 10 11. So the Apostle signifies that the means whereby he and other believers were saved from their ignorance disobedience and serving divers lusts it was by the appearance of the kindness and love of God our Saviour to man-ward which is the washing of regeneration and renewing of the holy Ghost Tit. 3. 3 6. It is not the Law as a Law of works or any observance thereof by men or indeavouring to frame their hearts thereby to love God and men and to avoid the evils forbidden that is the way or means whereby God doth sanctifie nor is the Law first to be preached to the effecting this sanctification though men may seek to sanctifie themselves and purifie themselves thereby and in so doing account themselves Saints and be so accounted by others yet these are none of God's Saints or sanctified ones but these shall be consumed together Isa 66. 17 nor is it any peculiar manner of love to mens persons in a personal consideration first discovered to or working in men before they believe that is the means for effecting this sanctification but it is done by the Spirit in glorifying Christ and therein commending God's love to the world sinners and ungodly ones Act. 26. 18 23. this is the supream means 2. And in subsâ—rviency and â—ubordination to the former he doth also cleanse and wâ—sh with afflictions even with the manifold trials and temptations which he is ordering to men while it is called to day in which he is also purging and causing the scum to swim aloft that by this men might be purged and that the iniquity of his Jacob might be purged Isa 27. 9. that he may withdraw man from his purpose and hide pride from him Job 33. 17 19. then he sheweth men their work and their transgressions that they have exceeded he openeth also their ears to discipline and commandeth them to depart from iniquity Job 36. 8 10. and sheweth unto men the vanity of their idols in which they have been trusting and by which they have been lifting up themselves according to that When thou with rebukes dost correct man for iniquity thou makest his beauty to consume away like a moth surelâ— every man is vanity Psal 39. 11. He then sheweth that all flesh is as grass and all the glory of man as the flower of the field even all their wisdom strength goodness c. and so is cleansing and purging them from their sins and idols that they may live to him and bring forth more fruit Joh. 15. 2. So the Apostle saith he chastens us for our profit that we may be partakers of his holiness Heb. 12. 10. that we may be delivered from our filthiness for stripes
them that is their iniquity which is now imputed to them according to the rule of the glorious Gospel Men were not capable of adding rebellion to their sin if God were not thus preventing them with his goodness for this is that which renders them rebellious when they are disobedient to God who is stretching forth his hands to them that is who is even beseeching them to be reconciled and giving them some light and power of his Spirit that they might turn and when also they are gainsaying and contradicting and so rebelling against the light extended Compare Isa 65. 2. with Rom. 10. 21. Men are therefore said to be a rebellious people because they have eyes to see and see not and ears to hear and hear not Ezek. 12. 3. Jer. 5. 21 23. Mat. 13. 15. This is the condemnation viz. the cause of condemnation the condemning sin and that which makes all sins condemnable according to the rule of Gospel that light is come into the world some discovery and manifestation of God's goodness afforded and some capacity to behold it given and men loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil so discovered to be by the light Joh. 3. 17 19. And certainly no man shall be condemned to a second death but for refusing the grace of God that brings salvation to save them in due time and persisting therein As our Saviour saith to the Jews If I had not come and spoken unto them they had not had sin but now they have no cloak or excuse for their sin Joh. 15. 22. And this is great consolation to us that Jesus Christ is appointed to be and is the light of the world for he is good and upright any man is unmeet for this though he were never so willing yet he is unable to speak to all men yea the spirit is not put upon them to give forth or dispense to others this glory he will not give to another besides Jesus Christ nor his praise to graven images Isa 42. 6 8. It is true they are instruments in his hand and though they have no sufficiency of themselves as of themselves to do any good yet their sufficiency is of God and Jesus Christ hath promised to be alwayes with his people in their faithful ministration even to the end of the world Mat. 28. 18 20. But however unable men are yet seeing God hath given him to be a light of the Gentiles that he should be for salvation to the ends of the earth he will not fail nor be discouraged and this grace of his and of the Father in him is discovered to us in this word of his grace 2. He is also the Mediator between God and men making intercession for transgressors Isa 53. 12. that is to say when men after some manifestation of God's goodness afforded leading to repentance and some capacity given to behold it and men strengthned to turn from darkness to light yet they are found rebelling against the light and grace of God vouchsafed and provoke new wrath now that men might not be presently cut off and bound over to the wrath to come according to their deserts he is appearing in heaven for them that God may be still patient toward them and not deal with them according to their sins It is generally found with men that they are sinning against the grace of God bringing salvation to them the Lord after means used and mercies afforded looked down from heaven upon the children of men to see if there were any that did understand and seek God They are all gone aside they are together become filthy there is none that doth good no not one Psal 14. 2 3. they are not believing God in what he is testifying to them of his goodness in and through Jesus Christ or however not in what he is therewith testifying of them their works wayes and idols And he that believeth not the Son is condemned already because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God that is not so believed as to love the light more than darkness Joh. 3. 18 19. And this is generally the reason of mens refusing and rebelling against the light not simply because it discovers good of God and declares his graciousness and desire of mens good but because it testifies of the world that the works thereof are evil Joh. 7. 7. even their best works as well as their worst works He that doth evil hateth the light neither cometh to the light lest his deeds should be reproved and discovered Joh. 3. 20. Job 23. 13 17. and for this men are condemned they do deserve and are under the sentence of the wrath to come this is the sin of the world and for which it shall be condemned so persisting Now Jesus Christ in his present work is presenting himself in the vertues of his sacrifice once offered and alwayes acceptable before the Father for such as these during his good pleasure that judgment may not speedily be executed upon them but patience and forbearance may be exercised further means used and spirit sent forth in the means to open their eyes and to turn them from their disobedience to the wisdom of the just he is the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world even their sin of unbelief for this is the sin of the world Joh. 1. 29. with Chap. 16. 8 9. that is he in his present Mediation so takes it away that God's wrath may not presently break forth to cut men off in their sins and so in a lower sense he procures forgiveness for them not such as they receive who come unto God by Christ for their sins are blotted out in heaven but the sins of these are retained in heaven against them while they conâ—inue in them and the wrath of God abides on them Joh. 3. 18 36. but he procures sparing and further space of repentance Luk. 13. 34. Rev. 2. 21. and is also giving unto them grace of repentance and to such an end he is said to be and is the propitiation not only for their sins who have him as their Advocate with the Father but also for the sins of the whole world who lye in wickednes 1 Joh. 2. 1 2. with Chap. 5. 19. Hence it is that God is so slow to anger and that he saith to men to day after so long a time if ye will hear his voice harden not your hearts yea that he waits so long on such as love their simplicity delight in scorning and hate knowledge Prov. 1. 22. Isa 43. 14. 2 Pet. 3. 15. A type of whom was Moses who was the Mediator of the first Testament When that people had greatly sinned so as God threatned to destroyed them then Moses his chosen stood in the breach before him to turn away his wrath lest he should destroy them Psal 106. 23. Heb. 3. and so prevalent is he in his Mediation that God alwayes gives to him his
hearts desire and with-holds not from him the requests of his lips he did oft-times hear Moses but once when he request somewhat for himself the Lord said unto him let it suffice thee speak no more to me of this matter and would not grant him his desire but God never turns away the face of this his anointed one but hears him alwayes Joh. 11. 41 42. And as before is intimated his end in making intercession it is not only that mens lives might be a little longer continued much less is it that he may aggravate their condemnation though if men still refuse and rebel their condemnation will be hereby aggravated and God will wound the head of his enemies and the hairy scalpe of such as go on still in their trespasses Psal 68. 18 21. but that they which live and have their lives prolonged might live not to themselves but to him who dyed for them and rose again 2 Cor. 5. 14 15. and therefore while he intercedes for further sparing it is that he may dig about by his corrections and chastenings in which he hath a gracious end while it is called to day Job 7. 17 18. 33. 19 29. and dung them with his mercies and goodness to lead them to tepentance as Luk 1. 3. 6 8. So also the Apostle signifies in that motive and argument he layes down to move the Coriâ—â—hians not to receive the grace of God in vain for he to wir the Father saith to Christ I have heard thee in a time accepted and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee I say therein is signified that while God hears Christ and that is all the time he is mediating he is also using means and succouring him in his ministration that men might receive the grace of God to purpose and so all this while it is an accepted time and day of salvation in which men may seek the Lord and he will be found 2 Cor. 6. 1 2. Isa 55. 1 6. And hence the Apostle Peter instructs to account the long-suffering of our Lord to be salvation that is not only an evidence and witness of that salvation wrought and compleated in the person of our Lord though it is so also Psal 68. 18 20. nor only that during that time of his exercising long-suffering he is saving them from destruction but also to signifie what the end of our Lord in procuring it for us and exercising it toward us is namely He is long-suffering to us-ward not willing that any should perish no not those scoffers that walked after their own lusts and said Where is the promise of his coming while it is called to day but that all should come to repentance 2 Pet. 3. 4 9 15. Prov. 1. 22. for he hath no pleasure none at all neither secret nor revealed in the everlasting destruction of men while the day of his grace and patience continues and that is while Jesus Christ mediates and that is while God is calling men by any means and stretching forth his hand which he doth while he calls Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should dye saith the Lord God and not that he should return from his wayes and live Ezek. 18. 23. 33. 10 11. Isa 49 8. 50. 1 2. and therefore when men have so provoked God as that they have deserved to be presently cut off and he is threatning to bring upon them such judgments as in which many would have their lives taken away and so dying in their sins be sealed up to the wrath to come because he hath no pleasure concurring with their destruction while there may be hope he is through the Mediation of Jesus deferring his anger and waiting that he may be gracious and exâ—â—â—ting himself that he may have mercy upon such Isa 30. 8 18. such his grace to man-ward while it is called to day But now in his present work and office he is especially the Saviour of them that believe the Apostle and High-Priest of their profession to whom he is more abundantly gracious he giveâ—h grace to the humble He forgives them their iniquities that come unto God by him and retaineth them no longer in heaven against them but justifieth them freely by his grace and ever lives to make intercession for them to take away their manifold mixtures weaknesses and infirmities and is therefore able to save them to the uttermost yea they are justified in believing by him from all things from which they could not be justified by the Law of Moses even from rebellious iniquities and to them he imputes righteousness without works and they are made accepted in the beloved Heb. 7. 25. Act. 13. 39. Tit. 3. 7. Rom. 4. 5 7. yea God is daily and continually tâ—â— just fier of him that believeth in Jesus through him as the propitiatory Rom. 3. 22 25 26. and so To them he gives power to become the sons of God even to them that believe on his name and they are the subjects of peculiar grace and favour Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed on us that we should be called the sons of God even such as were sometimes the children of wrath even as others 1 Joh. 3. 1. Eph. 2. 3. Jesus Christ loves them with the same manner of love as wherewith the Father loves him and the Father loves them with such manner of love as wherewith he loves his Son Jesus Christ Joh. 15. 9. 17. 23. even with a delightful and well pleased love yea therefore he loves them because they have loved Jesus Christ and have believed that he came forth from God Ioh. 14. 21 23. 16. 27. And because they are sons he sends forth the Spirit of his Son into their hearts to them he pours forth his Spirit and makes known his words Gal. 4. 6. Prov. 1. 23. He gives unto them the Spirit of Wisdom and Revâ—lation in the knowledge of Christ opening and enlightning the eyes of their understandings that they may know what is the hope of his calling c. Eph. 1. 17 20. And this he doth not because of any perfection of their coming to God by Christ but from his own goodness he is pleased to make and repute them as his people and to favour them with such favour Henâ—e the Psalmist ascribes it principally to the graciousness of the Lord that he still and further teacheth them and makes known his words Good and upright is the Lord therefore the meek he will guide in judgment and the meek he will teach his way and the secret of the Lord is with them that fear him and he will shew them his Covenant his Son whom he hath given for a Covenant of the people and in whom all the promises of God are yea and Amen Isa 42. 6. 2 Cor. 1. 20 Psal 25. 8 14. He gives them his good Spirit to guide them into all truth to teach them all things and bring all things to remembrance which Christ hath
do exceeding abundantly above all we ask or think the Father hath committed all judgement to him and so infinitely loved him because he humbled himself and became obedient to death even the death of the Cross that he hath not given the Spirit by measure unto him but hath filled him immeasurably therewith and hath given all things into his hand Joh. 5. 22. 3. 34 35. with Chap. 10. 17 18. yea herein is imported his sufficiency and readiness to assist them and dispense unto them according to their needs and capacities whatsoever was good unto all their services and sufferings and unto the utmost saving of them that they might be preserved blameless unto his coming and so not fail of his grace 1 Thes 5. 23 24. Heb. 7. 25. 2. As with respect to himself who now commended them even the Apostle there is signified 1. That he had the care of these lying upon him and indeed upon him came daily the care of all the Churches he was a steward to whom a great trust was committed and it is probable was the first that planted the Gospel among them and so might be an instrumental father of them and now he shews his love to these who had first given themselves to the Lord and afterwards to him and his fellow-labourers by the will of God as 2 Cor. 8. 5. and his faithfulness to his Lord in returning the charge of them to him from whom he received it herein imitating our Saviour the great shepherd of the Sheep Thine they were saith he and thou gavest them me and now I am no more in the world but these are in the world and I come unto thee holy father keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me Joh. 17. 6 11 13. And thus our Brother who was counted faithful and put into the Ministry and had a trust committed to him when departing to shew his faithfulness to the chief shepherd and love to the sheep returned his charge to him from whom he had received it 2. His assurance of his faithfulness and ability to whom he commends them it was to him whom he knew by experience to be gracious and had proved faithful in all things who had been exceeding abundantly gracious to him and had stood by him and strengthned him even as Israel blessed Jacob and intimately commends him and his to one whose faithfulness he had proved The God saith he which fed me all my life long unto this day the Angel which redeemed me from all evil bless c. Gen. 48. 15 16. He knew whom he had believed and he was perswaded that he was able to keep that which he committed to him against that day as 2 Tim. 1. 12. he was well assured of and satisfied in his infinite faithfulness and therefore safely trusts in him and commends these unto him 2 Tim. 4. 17 18. 3. As with respect to them whom he commends he may intimate unto us 1. That they were children such as had not attained either were already perfect Phil. 3. 12. and could not keep themselves they were all little children though there might be diversity among themselves some fathers experienced believers who might be instruments of begetting others through the Gospel and some young men who were strong having the word of God abiding in them and some weak and babes yet in this respect all little children they had not yet attained to perfection as 1 Joh. 2. 12 14 18. they yet needed a tutor but not such as they were under during the ministration of the Law in which though sons they differed nothing from servants but such an one as became sons even Câ—rist as a Son over his own house and the word of his grace and so the Law of faith and not of works they were not perfect as to attainment and therefore needed to be committed to one who would be careful of and faithful to them yea and that they had many enemies who would indeavour to corrupt them from the simplicity that is in Christ and if possible defraud them of their inheritance and so beguil them of their reward many evil men violent persons and many seducers that would indeavour to pervert them and subvert their souls by removing them from him who had called them into the grace of Christ they were weak in themselves and had strong enemies whose end was destruction and therefore they needed an helper 2. To instruct them to commit themselves to and leave themselves with him Psal 10. 14. to submit themselves to God and commit the keeping of their souls to him in well-doing as unto a faithful Creator and to be ordered and guided and taught by this Law of grace and to have all their expectation from him and it for their being kept by his power in this Gospel through faith unto salvation 1 Pet. 4. 19. 1. 5. And indeed this is the most pâ—rfect means by which he doth now help them assist instruct and strengthen them and preserve them from evil the Gospel of Christ is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth Rom. 1. 16. This is the way whereby he keeps the souls of those committed to him so much may be signified to us in this That when the congregation of God's poor cry out to him Help Lord for the godly man ceaseth c. God doth then create the â—â—uit of his â—ips peace and speaks good words and comfortable to them in first assuring them that in committing themselves to him he would care for them and prethem and then he or the Prophet in his name directs them where they might meet with his gracious keeping guidance and preservation he will set his poor and needy ones in safety but wherewith and where may they expect this so as to commit themselves and way thereto The words of the Lord of or concerning the Lord in which is shewed that he is the Lord and by what means he is so become and the grace of God in him and so the words that are spoken by the Lord in the words of the Holy Ghost and not which mans wisdom teacheth are pure words that is they are pure in themselves in what they testifie of the Lord and of all things faithful words there is no lye of them and worthy of all acceptation they give a true and right discovery of all things and a good and gracious report of the Lord and they are pure in their effect and efficacy inlightning the eyes Psal 19. 7 8. and purifying the heart Act. 15. 19. and so purifying from all filthiness of flesh and spirit Jam. 3. 17. Joh. 15. 3. by this means then God saves and helps even by his words and therefore he is commending them to us that we might in them and by them expect his performing all things for us Now then in that he saith I commend you to God and to the word of his grace therein is imported to us that his desire and counsel
for the sighing of the needy now will I arise saith the Lord namely when the godly man ceaseth and when the tongue of the wicked speaks proud things as if now they should prevail I will set him in safety from him that puffeth at him and this he would do by his words which are pure words Psal 12. 1. 6. As to speak a little particularly â— The person to whom he commends them as is declared in the word of his grace is one that hath triumphed gloriously who having had the judgment of this world executed upon him hath indured and overcome it and hath cast out the Prince of the world and so hath drawn all men unto him he hath purged our sins from before the presence of God abolished death and destroyed him that had the power of death even the devil and overcome the world his own right hand and his holy arm hath gotten himself the victory Psal 98. 1. and hath obtained all power both in heaven and in earth and all fulness of grace and truth into himself for us The Father hath not given the Spirit by measure unto him but hath so loved him that he hath given all things unto him Joh. 3. 34 35. The consideration hereof is powerful to strengthen us not to fear any of those things we may suffer and to preserve us from evil and from the fear of evil this is our victory even our faith Who is he that overcometh the world but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God even accepted to all the ends of his undertaking and so raised from the dead c. 1 Joh. 5. 4 5. In this we see that He hath trodden down strength and delivered us in himself from the hand of our enemies so that neither Satan nor his instruments can set on us to harm us till he give permissive commission thereto because all judgment is committed to him of the Father he hath bound the strong man and the kingdom of God by him is brought unto us and reigns over us graciously Mat. 12. 28 29. And this is made known to us in the Gospel that we might rejoyce in his salvation and in the name of our God we might set up the banner as they profess to do Psal 20. 5. Forasmuch as the children were partakers of flesh and blood he likewise took part of the same that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death that is the devil and deliver them through the knowledge hereof who through fear of death were all their life time subject to bondage Heb. 2. 14 15. See in our types how Moses incourages the hearts of the people If thou shalt say in thine heart these Nations are more than I c. thou shalt not be afraid of them but shalt well remember what the Lord thy God did unto Pharaoh and unto all Egypt c. Deut. 7. 17 18 21. As if he should say consider how great things he hath done how gloriously he hath triumphed and in that thing wherein they thought to deal proudly he was above them and this will be bread to you for their strength is departed Numb 14. 9. Psal 74. 13 14. And now grace and truth is come by Jesus Christ we have this deliverance and victory obtained by the Captain of our salvation set before us to incourage us to serve God without fear seeing in and by him we are delivered out of the hands of our enemies Luke 1. 71 75. and to be of good comfort for he hath overcome the world Joh. 16. 33. He hath spoiled principalities and powers and made a shew of them openly triumphing over them in himself Col. 2. 15. Eph. 4. 8. Psal 68. 18. He hath obtain'd in himself a compleat conquest over Satan the true Levâ—athan and crooked Serpent and his instruments and is gone up with a shout in token of victory the Lord with the â—ound of a trumpet Sing praises to our God sing praises 〈◊〉 praises to our King sing praises Psal 47. 5 6. so as that they have no power except it be given them from above And he hath abolished death and taken out the sting thereof and so out of all afflictions and lesser deaths so as there is nothing in them simply to separate us from the love of God in Christ he hath delivered us in himself from that so great a death into which we were fallen and in which we must have perished for ever had he not remembred us in our â—â—w estate for his mercy indures for ever yea he hath turned our curses into blessings he is ascended far above all heavens into heaven it self that he might fill all things and so all afflictions and death with the vertuâ—s and influences of his sacrifice yea he hath the keys of hell and of death 2 Cor. 1. 10. 2 Tim. 1. 8 10. Rom. 8. 39. Eph. 4. 10. 2. Consider he who hath thus obtained the victory and whose it is he is the Shepherd of his flock the High Priest of their profession who hold fast the beginning of the confidence and the rejoycing of the hope firm to the end Heb. 3. 1 2 6 14. And so He is one who hath offered up an acceptable sacrifice unto the Father even the offering of his own body once for all both for his own sins which were imputed to him and accepted by him and for the sins of the people and hath so taken away the guilt of the former that the wrath of God from him remains not on any one for that sin and sinfulness simply and obtained power to make reconciliation for the latter and to forgive them that through his name believe in him Act. 10. 43. 13. 39. Oh what incouragement is there in this to strengthen us to run with patience the race set before us and not to fear in the dayes of evil when the iniquity of our heels compass us about Psal 49. 5 15. See how this even compleats the consolation of believers in a day of adversity and causeth them to triumph always in Christ It is Christ that dyed yea rather that is risen again who is even at the right hand of God who also maketh intercession for us that our iniquities may not be imputed but graciously forgiven and healed who shall separate us from the love of Christ shall tribulation or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or peril or sword Nay in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that hath loved us Rom 8. 34 39. Oh consider what a merciful and faithful High-Priest we have in things pertaining to God to make reconciliation for the sins of the people and who is therefore able to save to the uttermost all that come to God by him seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them for such an high Priest became us c. Heb. 2. 17 3. 1. 7. 25 26. If our sins were lest upon us and no deliverance there from obtained
how then could we live This wâ—uld make us faint in our sighings But bless the Lord O my soul saith the Prophet Who forgiveth all thine iniquity whose office it is so to do unto all that come unto God by him and to make them partakers of the forgiveness of sins through the word of faith Psal 103. 1 3. Act. 26. 18. 10 43. He is one who is made perfect through sufferings and so he orders nothing but what he himself indured for he was in all points tempted like unto us yet without sin yea he bare our sufferings with the sting in them He was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief And how may this strengthen us and make us willing to follow his steps considering he indured so great afflictions for our sins and hath taken the sting out of what remains for us to suffer Hath our Lord so willingly humbled himself for us and for the joy set before him that he might bring us to God indured the Cross despising the shame and shall not we count it an honour and rejoyce that we are counted worthy to suffer shame for him seeing also we have but the shadow of death to pass through Consider him that indured such contradiction of sinners against himself that ye be not weary nor faint in your minds Heb. 12. 1 3. Yea and since he hath suffered being tempted he is able also even fitted and disposed to succour them that are tempted He hath also been compassed with Bulls Lions Wolves c. and knows how to have compassion on us and to sympathize with us to be even afflicted in our afflictions and to pitty us therein as a father pityeth his children Heb. 2. 18. 3. 1. 4. 15. Our High Priest is one on whom rests the spirit of wisdom and understanding who knows all things and knows the hearts and thoughts of men Joh. 21. 17. Act. 1. 24. the darkness and the light are both alike to him Great is our Lord his understanding is infinite Psal 147. 5. And with this infinite wisdom is he filled and furnished for the good of men and especial good of those that believe that he may improve it for their good in so befooling and disappointing their persecuters that their hands may not perform their enterprizes his eyes run to and fro to shew himself strong in the behalf of those whose heart is perfect with him 2 Chron. 16. 9. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight but all things are naked and open unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do Seeing then we have a great High Priest that is passed into the heavens let us hold fast our profession Heb. 4. 13 14. Had we more to do with him and did we consider that in him we are compleat our souls would dwell at ease and it would preserve us from those fears of amazement and cares wherewith we afflict our selves to know mens intentions and to save our selves Psal 10. 11 14 35 22. Jer. 11. 18 19. And together herewith He our Lord is of great power Psal 147. 5. and hath received this and will manage it for the special good of those that believe The Father hath put all things under his feet and given him to be head over all things unto his Church And the Apostle prayes for the believers that the eyes of their understandings might be inlightned to know this which would delight their souls in the multitude of their thoughts within them Eph. 1. 17 20 22. And this compleats the answer of the good conscience that he is gone up into heaven and is on the right hand of God Angels Authorities and powers being made subject unto him 1 Pet. 3. 21. 22. Heb. 4. 14. 8. 1. 12. 2. All are his servants Satan and all his instruments are ordered by him and when he suffers them to take away from us or afflict us yet it is the Lord that taketh away and orders that affliction to us though he is not the author of the sin yet who is he that saith and it cometh to pass when the Lord commands it not Out of the mouth of the most high proceeds not evil and good Job 1. 21. Lam. 3. 37 38. Consider then when any grievous wolves enter in among us that it is the Lord that dyed for us yea rather that is risen again that hath ordered those cruel ones to us and his will is good perfect and acceptable and therefore let him do what seemeth him good He is such an High Priest who hath confirmed great and precious promises in his blood even for this life also as He will debate in measure both as to the weight and continuance of the affliction The rod of the wicked shall not rest upon the lot of the righteous lest the righteous put forth their hands to iniquity Isa 27. 8. Psal 125. 3. There hath no temptation taken you saith the Apostle but that which is common to man or moderate and God is faithful for the time to come who will not suffer you to be tempted above what you are able but will with the temptation make a way of escape that you may be able to bear 1 Cor. 10. 13 14. To this purpose also speaks Moses Deut. 8. 5. 6. Thou shalt also consider in thine heart that as a man chasteneth his son so the Lord thy God chasteneth thee namely with compassion and much tenderness He is a God of judgment by whom actions and afflictions are weighed The fitches are not threshed with a threshing instrument neither is a cart-wheel turned about upon the cummin but the fitches are beaten out with a staff and the cummin with a rod he will not lay upon his people more than they are able or he will inable them to bear but beat them with a rod and a staff and not bring the wheel over them Prov. 20. 26. and his rod and his staff shall comfort them namely his moderate afflictions as Psal 23. 4. bread corn is bruised because he will not ever be threshing it nor bâ—eak it with the wheel of his cart nor bruise it with his horsemen This also cometh from the Lord of hosts which is wonderful in counsel and excellent in working who knows our frame and weakness and is excellent in working for our escape that the Spirit may not fail before him and the Soul which he hath made Isa 57. 16. Abruised reed he will not break Isa 28. 26 29. 42. 1 3. Psal 103. 13 14. Surely saith the Prophet the wrath of man shall praise thee and the remainder thereof which would not tend to his praise in the profit of his people thou wilt restrain Psal 76. 10. He will be with them in all the grievances he is ordering to them according to that Isa 41. 10 14. Fear thou not for I am with thee be not dismaâ—ed for I am thy God I will strengthen thee yea I will help thee yea I
let him be accursed Gal. 1. 8 9. If any man consent not in his teachings to wholsom words the words of our Lord Jesus Christ and to the doctrine which is according to godliness he is proud c. from such turn away 1 Tim. 6. 3 5. Now then we may be assured that such consent to wholsom words who say Christ died not for all nor by the grace of God tasted death for every man contrary to 2 Cor. 5 14. Heb. 2. 9. and so such as deny him to be the standing propitiation for the sins of the whole world 1 Joh. 2. 2. These teach men to deny the Lord that bought them yea they are led by the spirit of error who confess not praise not lift not up Jesus Christ as the Son of God the Saviour of the world they come not up to wholesom words for the true Christ is the Saviour of the world even of mankind and this began to be spoken by the Lord himself Joh. 3. 16 17. 4. 42. 6. 51. and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him 2 Cor. 5. 14 15 19. and so the Son of God is the Saviour of the world and this was the sum of the Apostles testimony which they had received and saw in the evidence and demonstration of the Spirit 1 Joh. 4. 13 15. And the Apostle Paul saith that he was ordained a Preacher of this viz. That God will have all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth c. 1 Tim. 2. 4 7. and instructed Timothy to hold fast the form of sound words which he heard of him that unto which he was ordained a Preacher as before and an Apostle viz. that God is one and there is one Mediator between God and men the man Christ Jesus who gave himself a ransom for all to be testified in due time by which he proves and evidences that God will have all men to be saved c. I say to hold this last in faith in an hearty belief of the truth of it and in love to men so as declaring this to them and holding it fast in profession according to the constraining operations of the grace of God in Christ 2 Tim 1. 9 13. with 1 Tim. 2. 4 7. 2 Cor. 5. 13 15 18 20. and exhorted Timothy to command others to teach and himself to teach that the living God is the Saviour of all men especially of them that believe 1 Tim. 4. 10 11. See also Tit. 2. 11 15. And in this direction given unto us for tryal of spirits that we may know so as to avoid false Prophets it is observable the Apostle doth not positively and particularly declare what the false spirits do hold and teach but in the general he saith If they confess not praise not lift not up Jesus Christ or give not to him the glory due to him in their confessions so as in all hearing the Apostles they are not of God and we are to beware of them if they Evangelize otherwise than what the Apostles have Evangelized we are to reject them for if it be not the voice of our Shepherd we may be sure it is the voice of a stranger and so we are to flee from them yea if any man come unto you saith the Apostle and bring not this doctrine the doctrine of Christ in which he is lifted up in the words of the Holy Ghost receive him not into your house neither bid him God speed He saith not if he take not up this doctrine which he may seem to do for advantage sake when he is with you that he may not be discovered but may deceive you but if he bring it not if this be not his message his errand when he comes the thing he is set to promote receive him not c. Prov. 14. 7. Joh. 10. 4 5. 2 Joh. 7 11. 2. And by their fruits may be meant also the effects of their doctrines which the Disciples of Christ may perceive and discern namely that they are such as tend to corrupt from that simplicity that is in Christ to draw away mens hearts and affections from him who is the only foundation of faith and hope the only fountain in whom dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily the only bread of life and door of approach to God They tend to remove men from him that called them into the grace of Christ and cause men to err from the words of knowledge Prov. 19. 27. Gal. 1. 6. and this appears plainly in those that imbrace and entertain those confessions in which Jesus Christ is not lifted up in the word of the Apostles Now then in applying our selves to God and the word of his grace we may be preserved from those grievous Wolves for they confess not our God or confess him not according to that discovery given of him in the word of his grace Oh let us then keep sound wisdom and discretion so shall they be life to our souls preserve our souls in life and grace to our necks then shall we walk in the way safely and our foot shall not stumble Prov. 3. 21 26. take fast hold of instruction let her not go keep her for she is thy life Prov. 4. 13. 3. That I may not over-much inlarge I shall briefly say the Apostle directs and commends them to this person and thing that they might not arise speaking perverse things and that they might be preserved from those amongst themselves that would arise speaking perverse things to draw away disciples after them ver 30. What hath been spoken before may be useful here also only in that he now forewarns them of this danger among themselves and therefore thus commits them He signifies 1. That amongst those whom the Holy Ghost hath made overseers over the flock some may possibly arise speaking perverse things crooked wreathed things such as in which they would pervert the Gospel of Christ Gal. 1. 7. and that either by desiring to be teachers of the Law as there were some inclined hereto amongst these believers 1 Tim. 1. 3 7. So some such among the Galatians that turned them aside to the Law to be justified or sanctified by the works thereof and to perfect by the flesh what was begun by the Spirit Gal. 2 15 16 3. 1 5. 5. 1 4. and turning them again to weak and beggarly elementâ— Gal. 4. 9. Col. 2. 22 24. or by not consenting unto wholsom â—â—rds event the words of our Lord Jesus Christ but limiting the grace of God and teaching men to deny the Lord that bought them 2 Pet. 2. 1 2. or not consenting to the doctrine according to godliness but â—urning the grace of our God into wantonness as if it gave liberty to men to continue in sin or to use their liberty for a cloak of maliciousness or licentiousness 1 Tim. 6. 3 4. Jude 4. 1 Pet. 2. 16 or corrupting the word of God with Philosophy and that Science
is said of those that died in the faith that these all having obtained a good report through faith received not the promises God having provided some better thing for us that they without us should not be made perfect Phil. 3. 11 12. Heb. 12. 39 40. Though believers are complâ—at in Christ who by the one offering of his personal body once for all hath perfected for ever in himself and that provision he hath made and Covenant he hath sealed them that are sanctified so as there needs no more offering for sin yet in themselves they are not compleat nor compleatly in him and are therefore instructed to walk in Christ as they have received him rooted and built up in him and to have their hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and their bodies washed with pure water Col. 2 10. with ver 2 7. Heb. 10. 14 22 their being built up is by degrees they go from strength to strength Psal 84 7. and are changed from glory to glory 2 Cor. 3. 18. And hence they are said to grow like a Cedar Psal 92. 12. to grow up Eph. 4. 15. to increase 1 Thes 4. 10. Col. 2. 19. to abound more and more 1 Thes 4. 1. to press toward the mark Phil. 3. 14. to run the race Heb. 12. 1. All which expressions signifie that the believers while here in mortal bodies have not yet attained to compleatness in themselves or to a compleat iâ—joyment of what is to be possessed and which while here they seek and wait for Here though he that is perfect in knowledge is with them abiding in Christ yet they are not perfect in knowledge but are instructed to grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and savâ—our Jesus Christ 2 Pet. 3. 18. And the Apâ—stle prayes for these Ephesians who were sealed with the holy spirit of promise that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ the father of glory would give unto them the spirit of wisdom and revelation c. The eyes of their understandings being inlightnâ—d that they might further know what is the hope of his calling c. Eph. 1. 13 20. and that they might know the love of Christ Chap. 3. 14 19. And hence that holy man so oftentimes prayes that God would open his eyes make him understand teach him the way of his statutes give him understanding teach him knowledge c. Psal 119. 18 19 27 33 34 64 66. yea the Apostle Paul who as a wise Master-builder laid the foundation and preached the Gospel according to the revelation of the mystery affirms of himself and other believers that now they knew in part and not perfectly 1 Cor. 13. 9 12. And so they are not perfect in their faith in their hearty perswasion and imbracement of what God hath testified of his Son and dependance on him according thereto so as to live the life they now live in the flesh by the faith of the Son of God who loved us and gave himself for us and to walk by faith but many weaknesses and mixtures are found with them and much shortness according to what the Apostle signifies concerning the Thessalâ—nians where he saith night and day praying exceedingly that we might perfect that which is lacking in your faith 〈◊〉 â—â—â— 3. 10. and thanks God because thâ—â—â—â—iâ—â—â—iâ— grow c. 2. Thes 1. 3. and tells the Corinthians thaâ— he had hope that when thâ—ir â—aith was increased they should be iâ—arged â—y them 2 Cor. 10. 15. and surely this appears when God is ordering â—â—ptâ—â—ions and tryals of the faith to them by their weakâ—ess and readiness to faint â—â—d be wâ—aâ—y that they baâ—e nâ—t yet attained unto a most â—ull assurance of â—â—iâ—h what douâ—â—ings and aptness to be calling into question God's love and â—aithfulness what jealousies and â—ears concerning him as if he would leave and forsake them what readiness to be looking or vain hâ—lp and turning the eyes this way and that way is found with such the Scriptures testifie and the experiences of such confirm Psal 31. 22. 77. 7 10. 116. 11. How oft our Saviour reprehends his Disciples on this account may be seen mat 6. 30. 8. 26. 14. 31. 16. 8. Mark 4. 4â— Luk. 8. 25. yea when they said We believe that thou camest forth from God Jesus answered them Do ye now believe Behold the hour cometh yea is now come that ye shall be scattered every one to his own c. Joh. 16. 30 32. That hour that came upon him made discovery of them that there was yet somewhat lacking in their faith how confident soever they were of themselves yea it may seem there was sometime some shortness found with Abraham the father of the faithful though not imputed of whom it was said he staggered not at the promise through unbelief but was strong in faith for when God promised that Sarah should be a Mother of Nations c. Abraham fell on his face and laughed and said unto God O that Ishmael may live before thee Gen. 17. 17 19. and surely believers have need to pray Lord help our unbelief as he Mark 9. 24. or however as the Disciples Lord increase our faith Luâ— 17. 7. Nor are they yet perfectly conformed to Christ and filled with the fruits of righteousness there is yet sin dwelling in them and in many â—â—iâ—gs they offend all and need therefore to be still sanctified and washed with the washing of water by the word to which end Christ gives himself to them for them Eph. 5. 25 26. 1 Thes 5. 23. their love to Christ and God in him may yet abound in all knowledge and judgment and though they love one another and all men yet they may increase and abound therein Hence they are instructed to add to their faith vertue c. Phil. 1. 9 11. 1 Thes 3. 12 13. 4. 1 9 10. 2 Pet. 1. 4 8. And as this instruction is useful to preserve us from the error of those wicked and Antichristian spirits who boast that they are sinless and perfect and injoy the fulness of all blessing and that they have need of nothing while yet they are poor and miserable and blind who though they are pure in their own eyes yet are not washed from their filthiness Wo unto them for they have received their consolation And also from their swelling words of vanity who being pufâ— up with their fleshly mind and not holding the head boast of their merits and works of superâ—rrogation c. seeing it shews our shortness and incompleatness in our selves while here that pride may be hidden from us and no flesh may glory in his presence but that even unfeigned believers may confess that when they have done all that is commanded them they are unprofitable servants So also it is proper as viewed in the glorious Gospel to move us continually to come unto Jesus Christ and to give more earnest heed to the things we have heard that with open face