34 35. 6 He fulfilled all righteousnesse that was to be done or suffered in life or death by me in my nature in whom God was well pleased Mat. 3. 15 17. Mat. 12. 18. 7 He raignes in my nature glorified above all in heaven Ephes. 1. 20. §. 3. Q. VVHy are you so willing to receive Christ A. That I may be knit unto him Gal 3. 26. 28. PART II. Q. VVHat is it to bee knit unto Christ A. To become one with him by his Spirit and my faith looking up and laying hold on my nature in him that as hee tooke my flesh and made it his so I take his flesh and make it mine that thus I might bee one with him and he with me I dwell in him and he in me hee dwelleth in me by faith and I dwell in him in my flesh that as my nature is become his so all his might be mine Joh. 17. 21. and 6. 56. Ephes. 3. 17. Cant. 6. 7. Q. How are you one with Christ Jesus A. 1. Not one in conceit and imagination 2 Nor one in consent and affection 3 Nor one in substance and transfusion as if the Godhead or manhood of Christ were mixt with any substance 4 But one in spirit or rather one spirit that is more the self-same spirit dwelling in him dwels in me so uniting me unto him that through his manhood from his Godhead it conveyes and I receive all spirituall life in soule and body for ever 1 Cor. 6. 17 Rom. 8. 11. 1 Joh. 3. 23. John 6. 60. Q. What union then is this that is betweene Christ and you A. The nearest that may be imagined for there is an union first of linage or flesh thus many kinsmen are one 2 Of love or friendship thus many men are one Acts 4. 32. the soule of Jonathan was knit to David and this union of Spirits is nearer then the first of bodies 3 Matrimoniall thus man and wife are one and this union is nearer then both the former seeing married persons are not onely one in flesh but in highest love and friendship besides a man must forsake father nearest flesh and friends to follow and cleave to his wife 4 Mysticall thus Christ and his Church are one by a nearer union then all the three for Christ is not onely first partaker of flesh and blood with us Heb. 2. 14. Secondly We are his friends John 15. 14. Thirdly he is our husband also Isay 54. 5. Fourthly But also he is our head and we are members of his body of his flesh and of his bone and this union is called Mysticall because it is more then any unconceivable in thought and unutterable by tongue kinsmen friends and married ones must die and then their union ends But Christ hath so taken my flesh as never to be divided from it such a friend as not life nor death can divide me from him whose love passeth all knowledge and time loving me unto the end and after all and not onely beloved but I am betrothed and married to him for ever and not onely betrothed but I am of his body of his flesh and of his bones nay by faith I eate his flesh and drink his blood what nearer union can be Q. What is it to eat his flesh A. 1. To apprehend apply and partake of his flesh as my owne as the meat I eat is mine 2 To beleeve that I am truely and really though spiritually united unto him and one with him of his bone and of his flesh as the meat I eat becomes one with my substance 3 To expect in faith for all grace and growth in good strength in his services quickning and comfort and eternall life from the flesh of Christ as the meat I eat maintaines life gives nourishment and enables mee for all naturall actions so doth Christ for spirituall bread strengthens mans heart and wine cheares it so and more in mee doth Christs flesh and blood Q. How shall I make this knowledge of Christ effectuall and the knot fast for ever A. 1. By a faithfull humble meditating on the grace of Christ Joh. 6. 43 44 45 55 56. 2 By an affectionate hearty thanksgiving to God the Father who hath blessed me with all spirituall blessings in Christ Eph. 1. 3. 3 By a fruitfull diligent growing in all the graces of the Spirit Joh. 15. 3. 4 By fervent daily prayer to God the Father through Christ Jesus by the Spirit to enlighten and lead me to the love of God unto eternall life Eph. 1. 17. and 3. 19. 2 Thess. 3. 5. §. 4. Q. HOw doe you meditate on Christ A. I desire to know Christ not as one farre from mee but as one with me and I in him and from him or rather through my flesh in him receiving all things from God the Father for my salvation This is the meaning of that Joh. 6. 56. spoken of before to eate the flesh of Christ i. e. by faith to apply and truly to partake of Christs flesh as mine owne and being out of my self in it to have life and through it to have all things that concerne grace and glory This is that S. Paul determined to know onely Jesus Christ and him crucified 1 Cor. 2. 2. Gal. 2. 20. for this excellent knowledge S. Paul counted all things but dung that he might win Christ what is that That I might bee found in him not having mine owne righteousnesse but his not my selfe but him Phil. 3. 8 9 10. Q. What doe you meditate of in Christ A. 1. I finde my nature soule and body united to God in him and therefore feele my self reconciled and at one with God the Father his Father my Father his God my God Joh. 14. 20. 21 23. 20. 17. 2 I see my nature sanctified perfectly in his person from which I seek a power to sanctifie mine more and more in my person Heb. 2. 11. John 17. 10. 3 As hee hath fulfilled the law for me so 1 In him God accounts me righteous Rom. 3. 22. 2 Cor. 5. 21. 2 In me God accepts of my upright purpose to please him in all things for perfect righteousnesse Psal. 119. 1 2 3 4 5 6. 3 From him I receive a power to perform the whole law in every point though not perfectly in the highest pitch and purity that the Law requires yet seeking and striving to perfection pleasingly as God accepts in Christ Jesus who fulfilling the Law for me in my flesh which he took writes the Law in me by his Spirit which he gives making me to delight â—n the Law of God in the inward man to be ready to doe his will to have respect to all his Commandements to refrain my feet from every evill way to purge my self from all filthinesse of flesh and Spirit perfecting holinesse in his fear Jer. 31. 33. 32. 40. Heb. 8. 10. Rom. 7. 22. Psal. 40. 8. 119. 6. 101. 2. 2 Cor. 7. 1 Phil. 3. 12 13 14 15. 4 He hath
satisfied Gods justice in suffering in my stead being made a curse for me and in his own self bearing my sins in his own body upon the tree so I look for 1 Peace in my self from above being crucified with Christ Gal. 2. 20 2 Power over sin within being crucified with Christ in my corrupt nature Rom. 6. 6. Christ stood on the Crosse as my surety in my stead 1 As a sinner for he was made sin for me 2 Cor. 5. 2. 2 As accursed for hee was made a curse for me Gal. 3. 13. So being one with him 1 As hee in my nature is full o◠grace so out of his fulnesse I looke to receive grace for grace Joh. 1. 16. Col. 1. 9. 2. 3 9 10. 2 My best duties are in me damnable but in Christ Jesus God and Man my Mediator and Master my person is accepted and all my actions pleasing Eph. 1. 6. 3 I see my self shut out of Paradise I have no hope of heaven in my selfe a dead dog a damned creature an heir of hell but God which is rich in mercy for his great love wherewith hee hath loved me when I was dead in sin hath quickned me together with Christ and raised mee up with him and made me sit together in heavenly places with Christ Jesus So then in Christ I rose and in Christ now I raign in heaven being now on earth i. e. I see by faith my own nature in Christ sitting at the right hand of God who is my good and great high Priest In 1 Presenting my person to the Father and making mee pleasing unto him Heb. 4. 14. 2 Perfuming my prayers and praying for mee to his Father Heb. 7. 25. Revel. 8. 3 4. 3 Preparing a place for me and me for that place by his Spirit John 14. 2 16. Col. 1. 12. §. 5. Q. VVHat are the blessings that Christ Jesus brings A. First Eternall election to life in his Fathers love Eph. 1. 4. 2 Adoption to become the son of God with himselfe Eph. 1. 5. 3 Acceptation of my person and all my actions in him Eph. 1. 6. 4 Redemption of my soule and body by his blood and justification whereby I am fully cleared from Gods judgement freed from Gods wrath my sins forgiven and I freely accounted as just Eph. 1. 7. 5 Vocation whereby I am the called of Christ Jesus Rom. 1. 6. in the Gospel wherein he hath abounded to me in all wisdome and prudence having made knowne unto mee the mystery of his will Eph. 1. 8 9. 6 Eternall salvation and an immortall inheritance in heaven with all Angels and Saints that ever were or shall be Eph. 1. 10 11. And all this to the praise of the glory of his grace Eph. 1. 6 12. §. 6. Q. VVHat are the graces that Christ Jesus gives A. 1. Knowledge Col. 2. 3. to understand 1 The Word of God and meaning of the Scriptures Luke 24. 45. 2 The will of God Iohn 15. 15. and the minde of Christ 1 Cor. 2. 16. 3 The mysteries of the kingdome of heaven Mat. 13. 11. 4 The misery wretchednesse blindnesse poverty nakednesse of my naughty nature Rev. 3. 17 18. Rom. 7. 18. 5 The graces of the Spirit in me and the good things which are freely given unto mee of God through Christ Jesus 1 Cor. 2. 12. 2 Faith with the beginning and increase thereof Mark 9. 24. Luke 17. 5. Eph. 2. 8. 3 Repentance with a mourning melting spirit Acts 5. 31. for every sin in my self and others by Christs look on me Luke 22. 61 62. and mine on Christ Zech. 12. 10. 4 Love to God and men good and bad Deut. 30. 6. Rom. 5. 5. 1 Thes. 4. 9. Mat. 5. 44. 5 The feare of the Lord God Ier. 32. 40. This covenant is made in Christ Heb. 8. 8. therefore he gives it working it in mee by his Spirit and warning me of it by his Word Luke 12. 5. 6 Hope of my inheritance in heaven Rom. 15. 13. 2 Thess. 2. 16. 7 In a word all other graces springing from the Father the fountaine of grace conveied in Christ through his flesh by his Spirit into my heart shed abroad and streaming on to everlasting life Iohn 4. 14. 7. 37 38. Gal. 5. 22 23 24. §. 7. Q. VVHat must you doe on your part to continue your communion with God the Father in Christ Jesus by the Spirit A. 1. Generally 1 Fly for my life every sin open or secret and every appearance of evill that may separate betweene God and me or make mee faile of his grace in Christ or grieve his holy Spirit Esay 59. 2. Heb. 12. 15. Eph. 4. 30. 2 Follow after holinesse and in all holy occasions company and courses commanded by God and commended by good men continue and increase in all goodnesse all good duties cleansing my selfe continually from all filthinesse of flesh and spirit perfecting holinesse in his feare 2 Cor. 7. 1. 2 Particularly 1 I give all diligence alwayes to make my calling and election sure 2 Pet. 1. 10. 2 Walke humbly with my God hourely with a reverend awfull respect of his presence fearing to offend his Majesty in any thing Mich. 6. 8 Psal. 139. 2 3. 3 Renew my repentance daily for my hourely offences or frailty confessing them in particular and craving pardon and purging 1 Joh. 1. 9. 4 I humble my selfe weekly in fasting for some speciall sins and daily slips in his service or my calling put aside some houres if I cannot a whole day Mat. 5. 20. and 6. 17. 5 Remember to covenant monthly with my Lord in the Sacrament of the Body and Bloud of Christ Jesus or as oft as it is administred 1 Cor. 11. 26. 6 Once in the yeare cast up all my accounts see how my Communion is increased and my corruptions lessened and how far I am gone and grown in grace and in the knowledge of Christ Lev. 16. 34. Once a yeare Merchants cast up their whole accounts and Husbandmen know their increase of corne and cattell So they who are wise Merchants and working Christians may observe in themselves a change or increase in a yeares space what cannot be so sensibly perceived in a short time 7 The Christian Sabbaths and Saints must be my delight holy and honorable when and with whom I have more opportunity and time to have communion with thy God Isa. 58. 13. Psal. 16. 3. 8 The Word of God must abide dwell in me richly wherein I may acquaint my selfe with my Masters will my Fathers love and communicate both to my fellow servants and brethren Col. 3. 16. 9 Take heed of omitting any occasion of doing good or receiving good in conference or company with men or my good duty in publicke or private before God Mal. 3. 16. 10 Beware of carelesse and customary performance of any holy duty but do it in love of Communion with my God that by every prayer I make every word I heare c. I
without us Eph. 1. 23 1 Cor. 12. 12. 2 We have the fulnesse of God in Christ who being our head supplies by his Spirit all things unto us that can be had in God the Father or from him what ever can make us 1 Holy in him here 2 Happy with him hereafter Ephe. 3. 19. 1 John 1. 3. Now unto him who is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we aske or thinke according to the power that worketh in us unto him be glory in the Church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages world without end Amen Eph. 3. 20 21. In him that is Christ we actually are by our actuall incorporation into that society which hath him for their head and doth make together with him one body he and they in that respect having one name 1 Cor. 12. 12. for which cause by vertue of this mysticall conjunction we are of him and in him even as though our flesh and bones should be made continuate with his Hooker pag. 123. Ergo gratulemur agamus gratias non solumnos Christianos factos esse sed etiam Christum Intelligitis fratres gratiam Dei super nos capitis admiramini gaudete Christus facti sumus Si enim ille caput est nos membra totus ille homo nos August in Iohan. tract. 31. Let us rejoyce and give thankes that we are not onely made Christian men but also made Christs Brethren yee understand the grace of God that is upon us ye understand it ye wonder at it Rejoyce ye we are made Christ For if he be the head and we the members both he and we are one whole man The Mystery of JESUS CHRIST Emmanuel GOD with us The Mystery of Incarnation God with us receiving us into himself uniting our nature with his into the person of his Son Mat. 1. 23. Ioh. 1. 14. Heb. 2. 16. 1 Tim. 3. 16. God with us The Mystery of Reconciliation God with us reconciling us unto himselfe accepting our persons not imputing our sins by the blood of his Son 2 Cor. 5. 18 19. God in Christ The Mystery of Regeneration God with us renewing our natures to bee like himselfe partakers of the divine nature changing us into his owne Image by the Spirit of his Son Col. 1. 27 28. 2 Cor. 3. 18. 2 Pet. 1. 4. Christ in us The Mystery of mysticall Vnion God with us uniting our persons to his Son by his Spirit and our faith wherby we are members of Christs body of his bone and of his flesh which we feed on finding life grace and spirituall strength conveyed through it by the Spirit from God the Father Eph. 5. 30 32. Ioh. 6. 56 60. We in Christ The Mystery of the Gospel God with us who were without God without Christ without hope or mercy no people strangers from the Common-weale of Israel and covenant of promise enemies of God children of his wrath in the power of the Devil sitting in darknesse and shadow of death dead in sins and the damnation of hell at that time we were thus being Gentiles till Christ came in the flesh and at this time we are thus being as Gentiles till our effectuall Calling by Christs Spirit Eph. 2. 12. 3. 3 5. We with Israel The Mystery of the first Resurrection God with us in calling home his old people Israel who are now as wee were into one Church with us to confesse professe and praise Christ Jesus our Lord together on earth Rom. 11. 25. The Jewes restoring a resurrection Rom. 11. 15. that is the first resurrection Rev. 20. 5 6. Israel with us The Mystery of the second Resurrection God with us In calling us all up by the sound of a Trump at the second comming of Christ changing our bodies and carrying us up both body and soule to meet the Lord Jesus in the aire where and when the whole Church militant and triumphant the family in heaven and earth both Jew and Gentile and all the Israel of God shall meet at once and so wee shall ever bee with the Lord 1 Cor. 15. 51. 1 Thess. 4. 17. All Israel and we with God The first Mystery was God with us The last Mystery shall bee we with God And God All in All 1 Cor. 15. 28. Though I understand all Mysteries and have not love I am nothing 1 Cor 13. A plaine tryall by the Word of God of Mans spirituall estate whether he be in Christ Jesus or no In The state of Nature-Damnation or In The state of grace Salvation Flesh Spirit 1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus Who walke not after the flesh but after the Spirit Rom. 8. 1. They that are after the flesh do mind the things of flesh But they that are after the Spirit mind the things of the Spirit v. 5. The carnall mind is enmity against God for it is not subject unto the Law of God neither in deed can be so then they that are in the flesh cannot please God ver. 7 8. But to bee spiritually minded is life and peace v. 6. but ye are not in the flesh but the spirit if so bee that the Spirit of God dwell in you but if any have not the Spirit of Christ he is none of his v. 9. Now then Brethren wee are debtors not to the flesh to live after the flesh but yet if ye live after the flesh yee shall die ver. 12. But if through the Spirit yee mortifie the deeds of the flesh yee shall live v. 13. Now the works of the flesh are manifest which are adultery fornication uncleannesse lasciviousnesse idolatry witchcraft hatred variance emulation wrath strife seditions heresies envyings murthers drunkennesse revellings and such like of which I tell you before as I have told you in time past that they which do such shall not inherit the kingdome of God Gal. 5. 19 20 21. But the fruit of the spirit is love joy peace long-suffering gentlenesse goodnesse faith meeknesse temperance against such there is no law and they that are CHRISTS have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts thereof If we live in the Spirit let us walke in the Spirit Galat. 5. 22 23 24 25. 2 If any man be in Christ he is a new creature Old things are passed away All things are become new 2 Cor. 5. 17. If wee say wee have fellowship with with him and walke in darknesse we lie 1 Joh. 1. 6 7. He that saith he abideth in him ought himselfe also to walke as he walked 1 Ioh. 2. 7. He that saith I know him and keepeth not his Commandements is a lyar 1 John 2. 4. But who so keepeth his word in him verily is the love of God perfected hereby know we that we are in him 1 Ioh. 2. 5. He that committeth sin is of the Devill 1 Joh. 3. 8. Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not 1 Ioh. 3. 6. Ye are of your father the Devill and the lusts of your father ye will do he also is a lyar Joh. 8. 44. Whosoever is borne of God doth not commit sin for his seed remaineth in him so that he cannot sin because he is borne of God 1 Ioh. 3. 9. Caine was of the wicked one and slew his brother and wherefore slew hee him because his own works were evill and his brothers good 1 John 3. 12. Marvaile not my brethren if the world hate you We know we have passed from death to life because we love the brethren 1 Ioh. 3. 13. The wicked shall be turned into hell and all the nations that forget God upon the sinners he will raine snares fire and brimstone storme and tempest this shall bee their portion for ever Psal. 9. 17. and 11. 6. Blessed are they that do his Commandements that they may have right to the tree of life Christ Jesus our Lord and enter in through the gates of the City Ioh. 20. 14. The hypocrites hope shall perish and the eyes of the wicked shall faile their hope shall be as the giving up of the Ghost Iohn 8. 13. and 11. 20. But the righteous hath hope in his death and he that hath the hope purifyeth himselfe as he is pure Pro. 24. 32. 1 Iohn 3. 3. 3 Shall I take the members of Christ and make them the members of an Harlot God forbid 1 Cor. 6. 15. Shall I take the tongue of Christ and make it The tongue of a swearer c. Psal. 12. 4. Mat. 5. 37. Hee that yeelds any one of his members to Sinne is no member of Christ Jesus but a limbe of the Devill of the mystery of iniquity and has no part in the Mysticall union of Christ and his Church Rom. 6 13. 14. FINIS
may come neerer to him in Christ Jesus Jer. 48. 10. Psal. 73. 28. 11 Weane my selfe from the world use the world as not using it entangle not my self in other mens matters nor mine own draw heavenly thoughts from earthly things deny my selfe not only in indifferent but in lawfull yea necessary things 1 Cor. 7. 31. 6. 12. 12 Watch my heart with all diligence the rising of my lust the checks of my conscience the motions of the Spirit c Pro. 4. 23. 13 Worke out my salvation with feare and trembling striving harder running faster and pressing on to the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus Phil. 2. 12. and 3. 14. 14 Observe still my present estate the tempter of my soule my spirituall decayes deadnesse dulnesse hardnesse of heart security strangenesse from God I suffer not these to stay long upon me but stir up my selfe by repentance and prayer and strengthen the things which remaine and are ready to die Rev. 3. 2 17. and 2. 4 5. 15 Goe forward in good duties fruitfull in good works fervent in spirit zealous in Gods cause sensible of the least sinne and above all things beward of barrennesse and back-sliding and an evill heart of unbeliefe in departing from the living God 1 Cor. 15. 58. Col. 1. 10. Rom. 12. 11. 1 Thes. 5. 22. Heb. 10. 16 Stir up my faith continually seek to the Lord strengthen it study the promises apply them perfectly and in them Christ to thy selfe sticke very fast unto the Lord cleave unto him cling about him depart not from him depend upon him delight in him and be thankfull to him beleeve and live in the light of his countenance and of his Commandements Isa. 64. 7. 2 Tim. 1. 6. 1 Pet. 1. 13. Act. 11. 23. 17 In my nearest approaches and dearest imbraces by him I am not too bold but in my strongest feelings sweetest refreshments spirituall consolations in Christ comforts of the spirit joy in Gods face and favour I feare and tremble before him Psal. 2 11. 1 Pet. 1. 17. 18 Feare the Lord my God all my dayes a feare not of distrust but of diligence to work jealousie to watch my selfe a feare not servile only of his justice but sonnelike of his goodnesse a feare not to drive me from God but to draw mee to him wee cannot beleeve or love the Lord too much but yet God doth not cocker his children therefore when thou most beleevesâ— that thou liest in the arms of his love feare the more lest then thou fall asleep secure and sweetly sin Satan seeks but this to find thee thus hee cares not then but rocks sits by and sings and keeps thee fast asleep with the sweet sound of faith and assurance Pro. 28. 14. Oh the slights of Satan the methods mysteries and depths of the Devill in our neerest communion with God to cast us farthest from him 19 Continue constant in prayer watching thereunto with all perseverance present my selfe oft before the Lord upon my knees in my Closet or some corner if it bee but a word or two 't will increase my acquaintance and my communion with him have my heart ever upward heavenly and humble sending up sometimes strong groanes sudden sighs short ejaculations petitions or prayses in the midst of worldly affairs callings and company c. when they think not of it steale a secret thought to the throne of grace and my Father which seeth in secret c. Luk. 18. 1. Eph. 6. 18. Col. 4. 2. 1 Pet. 4. 7. Neh. 2. 4. §. 8. Q. VVHat should you especially pray for A. 1 That the God of our Lord â—esus Christ the Father of glory may give unto me the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him The eye of my understanding being enlightened that I may know what is the hope of his calling and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the Saints And what is the exceeding greatnesse of his power to us-ward who beleeves according to the working of his mighty power In 1 pardoning all my sinnes against him Num. 14. 17. 2 Subduing the power of every sin in me Mich. 7. 19. 3 Sanctifying me more and more in spirit soule and body blamelesse 1 Thes. 5. 23. 4 Strengthening mee in all hiâ— services Isa. 40. 29. 5 Supporting me in all my sufferings faintings feares Isa. 41. 1â— 6 Supplying all my wants exceeding abundantly above all thaâ— I can aske or think Eph. 3. 20. 7 Saving me to the uttermoâ—â— from all evill Heb. 7. 25. 8 Preserving me to salvation thaâ— I fall not from good 1 Pet. 1. 5 9 Presenting me faultlesse before his glorious presence with joy Jude 24. 10 Raising me at the last day and changing my vile body that it may be like unto his glorious Body according to his mighty working c. Phil. 3. 21. Which he wrought in Christ when he raised him from the dead and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places far above all principality and power and might and dominion and every name that is named not only in this world but also in that which is to come And hath put all things under his feet and gave him to be the head over all things to the Church which is his Body the fulnesse of him that filleth all in all Eph. 1. 17 18 c. 2 That God would grant me according to the riches of his glory to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man that Christ may dwell in my heart by faith that being rooted and grounded in love I may be able to comprehend with all Saints what is the breadth and length and depth and height And to know the love of Christ which passeth knowledge that I may be filled with all the fulnesse of God Eph. 3. 16 17 18. 1 The fulnesse of the knowledge of his Will Col. 1. 9. 2 The full assurance of his favour Col. 2. 2. 3 The fulnesse of all grace in Christ Jesus 4 The fulnesse of all joy in the holy Ghost unspeakeable and glorious not only in the feelings of faith but of afflictions 1 Pet. 1. 6 8. Rom. 5. 3. 5 The fulnesse of glory in his haevenly kingdome at his right hand when he sits to intercede for mee and his whole mysticall body to raigne in us his members and over his and our enemies till the last day when he shall deliver up the kingdome to God the Father 1 Cor. 15. 28. Then God shall be all in all when wee shall bee filled with the fulnesse of God and see him face to face Now we see God the Father mediately in the face of Christ then we shal see him immediately face to face with Christ yet without a Mediator now we are filled with the fulnesse of Christ only then we shall be filled with the fulnesse of God alone 1 We are the fulnesse of Christ who being his members he accounts himselfe but maimed