Difference twixt heavenly earthly heirs may be cheated of their Inheritance may have it violently wrested from them as Naboth Ahab was sick for his Vineyard before he had it and as sick of it when he had it Or if none of these happen yet a Father may conceive displeasure against a Son and disinherit him Or there may be so many Sons that all cannot inherit as in Abrahams Family But none of these can befal a Childe of God in respect of his heavenly Inheritance 1. Through Gods free grace he cannot spend it He is kept by the power of God unto salvation 1 Pet. 1. 2. The Devil shall never cheat him of it as he did our first Parents of the first Paradise The gates of Hell shall not prevail 3. It can never be taken from them by force As they are reserved for that so that is reserved for them in the heavens 4. Their Father will never take up such a displeasure as to disinherit them Gods Covenant is as the Waters of Noah for As I have sworn saith the Lord that the waters of Noah should be no more on the earth so I have sworn that I will be wroth with thee no more nor rebuke thee Isa 54.9 5. And God hath blessings enough for all his children Gen. 27.38 He hath more than One. Thus the more we look into the Scriptures still the Argument appears stronger and stronger If Sons then Heirs Quest But how shall we know that we are Sons Rom. 8.14 15 16 c. Explained Ans First the Apostle resolves it ver 14. of Rom. 8. If ye be led by the Spirit then are ye sons The Spirits Manuduction or leading is an Argument of our Manumission or freedom from under the power of our first Master Sin and Satan It 's a Metaphor taken from blinde or weak persons who are glad when one leads them and supports them in their way Thus Gal. 5.18 If ye be led by the Spirit ye are not under the Law and Rom. 6.16 Secondly in the 8 of the Rom. ver 15. Rom. 8.15 But ye have received the Spirit of Adoption c. Spirit of Adoption implies two things Which implies two things 1. The Sons of God have the Nature of children in them As children naturally run to their Parents not to Strangers so do Gods children If you have a Lamb in your arms and seeing a company of Ewes about you would know which is its Dam set it down and you will soon know Nature will teach it to run to its Dam. Dost thou desire to know whether thou art Gods childe or no Observe the Bent of thy Spirit To whom dost thou run on all occasions especially in thy wants Wicked men run to the World consult with Flesh and Blood it may be go to the Devil A childe of God runs to his Father 2. The Sons of God have the Spirit of Prayer Behold he prays Act. 9.11 which is further intimated Rom 8. ver 26 27. Others may have the Gift of Prayer but the Sons of God have the Spirit of Prayer He that hath onely the Gift of Prayer it may be says much but prays nothing such as have the Spirit of Prayer possibly say nothing but pray much as Hannah 1 Sam. 1. Thirdly in the 16 ver The Spirit it self c. Rom. 8.16 The Spirit witnesseth our Sonship by a more immediate work upon our Spirit The Apostle had spoken of the Fruit of the Spirit before in the 15 ver Now he speaks of the Testimony of the Spirit it self which is an inward Testimony of the Spirit it self what secret and unspeakable Work of the Spirit perswading a Believer of Gods special love to him in Christ Even of his love shed abroad in the heart by the Holy Ghost Rom. 5.5 Obj. But I feel not this Witness though I feel the fruits of the Spirit Ans The Lord will give it at one time or other Wait for it knowing Note that God reserves the choicest comforts for the fittest time When Daniel was in the Lions Den the Three Children in the furnace Paul and Silas in the stocks then had they most of this Witness and Comfort And so doubtless when thou art plunged into distress when persecuted by enemies or forsaken by friends when sickness doth arrest and Death draw near and so hast most need of these comforts then thou shalt have them God who hath an appointed time wherein to come will come and will not tarry Now if by these or any of these we are assured that we are Sons then we may conclude our selves Heirs too Thus Faith assures by arguing from our Sonship 5. From the Chain of salvation 5. Faith argues from the Order and Inseperate Method of that Golden Chain Rom. 8.29 30. Whom he did foreknow he also did predestinate c. and whom he did predestinate them he also called and whom he called them he also justified and whom he justified them he also glorified But saith a Believer I am effectually called and justified therefore I shall be glorified All the men in the world or Devils in hell cannot break or pull asunder the Chain which God hath thus coupled together 6. From Christs being in Heaven 6. Faith argues from the present Possession of Heaven by our Elder Brother Joh. 14.1 2. The elder Brother sometimes takes Possession of the whole Estate in the right of all the Family 1. As our elder Brother though the rest do not come to possess their part a long while after And this Act is an Assurance to them all as if they had their Estate present Thus is a Believer ascertained by Christs possessing heaven So that as we are said to be Risen again with Christ Col. 3.1 So may we be said to be in a manner Ascended with Christ He hath raised us up and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Eph. 2.6 The Apostle speaks as if Believers were in heaven already because Christ hath taken Possession of heaven in their behalf and thereby offers strong assurance That they also shall possess it in due time Hence also is Christ called our Fore-runner Heb. 6. last 2. As our Fore-runner In the 19 ver All true Christians are compared to Sea-faring men and Christ comes first to Haven to take possession for all the rest So that the World is as a Sea An elegant Allegory The Church as a Ship out of which there 's no safety Christ is the Pilot All true Believers are Passengers that have a common Adventure The Land it 's bound for is the Kingdome of Heaven the Card or Compass is the Word of God the Wind that drives it along is the Spirit of God For the Materials The Bottom and Ballast of this Ship is made of Humility the Top of open Simplicity the Sides of Patience the Sails and Banner of Love the Cords of Charity the Rudder of Faith and the Anchor of
lettest me see my own weaknesse and inabâ—lity to believe let me also see thy power in creating this grace of Faith in my heart And this is that other powerful means for the begetting of Faiâ—h Remember Preaching is the First Prayer is the Second Let not Preaching justle out Prayer nor let Prayer justle out Preaching as some would have the Ordinances quarrel one with another whereas all lend their hands and their natural help to give a lift at Faith It is not the Word without the Spirit can do it Therefore do thou pray the Spirit may speak to thy heart while the Minister Preacheth to the ear That is a remarkable passage Act. 11 21. And the hand of the Lord was with them with the Preachers and a great number believed and turned unto the Lord. Mark that The hand of the Lord was with them We may preach long enough before we convert one soul if the hand of the Lord be not with us till the bellows be burnt Jer. 6.29 Therefore as Ministers should spend time before-hand in praying as well as in studying So should people also in praying for the Minister as well as in hearing of him Before thou goest to the Congregation lift up thy heart to God in this or the like manner Lord let thy powerful hand go along with the Minister this day O let thy hand go along with his tongue that I may have grace to believe what he speaks to my Soul in thy Name whilst he knocks at the door of my heart let thy Spirit unlock it for me as the heart of Lydia was unlocked Act. 16.14 Whose heart the Lord opened whilst Paul was preaching to her To conclude Eph. 2.2 Remember Faith is the gift of God and therefore good reason that we should pray God to give us Faith Prayer of a Natural man It is Objected We cannot pray without Faith and therefore how can we pray for Faith before we have it This is to put a natural man upon duty before he be come to Christ and what fruit can we expect from this I Answer 1 God hath no where freed a natural man from his duty though he hath lost his power to perfom it 2. As we tell natural men their duty so we are to let them know from whom they may have power to perform it namely from Christ if they be willing to close with him 3. It is evident natural men are called upon to perform some duties before they do believe As for hearing the case is plain Rom. 10.17 Faith cometh by hearing therefore we must hear before we can believe and so for Prayer Act. 8.22 23. Peter cals upon Simon Magus to pray though he was in the gall of bitternesse and bond of iniquity Object But may not such prayer justly be abominable to God whilst we are strangers to God and Christ If I were a friend indeed then I might hope to speed according to that expression of Christ Joh. 15.15 Henceforth I call you not servants but friends c. And therefore in the next verse he saith Whatsoever ye shall ask in my name he shall give it you Friends may look to speed but strangers may ask and go without Ans I answer It is true the prayers of such as are strangers to Jesus Christ may justly be abominable But yet if we observe it God gives some incouragement a loof off that such as are strangers may not utterly be discouraged to cry to God for the bread of Life for the Scripture tels us an importunate suiter may be heard though not as a friend yet for his Importunity sake Luke 11.8 Object But where do you find that God hath heard the prayer of a natural man or unconverted Ans I answer 1. The Scripture saith nothing in vain Jam 4 5. But Act. 8.22 Such a one is exhorted to pray to God 2. Though God threatneth wicked men that are resolved to go on in their sins that he will stop his ears to their prayers yet sometimes when they are deeply humbled though not wholly converted God hath heard their prayers that this his goodness might lead them to through repentance He heard the prayer of Abimilech Gen. 20.4 and of the heathenish Mariners Jonah 1.5 14. Of Ahab when he humbled himself 1 Kin. 21. last And of Jehoahaz 2 Kin. 13.3 4. And Jehoahaz besought the Lord and the Lord hearkned unto him c. Yet this is observable Caution that the prayers of the righteous man availeth much more Jam. 5.16 The incouragement of Simon Magus was but if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee Acts 8.22 And God threatens such as afflict any widow or fatherless child Exod. 22.22 23. If thou afflict them in any wise as if he should say Take heed thou dost not Why If they cry at all unto me I will surely hear their cry Object But these prayers are for temporal mercies and not spiritual Answ If God will hear the prayers of such for temporal mercies then much more for spiritual mercies because those prayers are more agreeable to Gods will to seek the things of his Kingdom When Solomon asked wisdom 1 King 3 6 c. 10. And the speech pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this thing Jam. 1.5 If any of you lack Wisdom let him ask of God that giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not and it shall be given him Object But a natural man cannot discern nor yet desire the things of God 1 Cor. 2.14 Rom 8 7. Answ We must distinguish of natural men 1. Some left wholly to themselves 2. Some are stirred up and enlightned in a great measure though not wholly converted Of such Christ speaks they are not far from the Kingdom of God Mar. 12.34 Though all natural men be infinitely distant by Nature yet God brings some neerer and neerer by degrees till they enter in Although others may be neer and never enter of such also speaks the Author to the Hebrews 6.4 For it is impossible for those who were once inlightned and have tasted of the heavenly gift and were made partakers of the holy Ghost and have tasted the good Word of God and the powers of the world to come if they shall fall away to renew them again unto repentance Now though some such fall away yet others in the use of Means come at last to be fully converted and Prayer is one Means among the rest Look upon Manasses 2 Chro 33.12 c. When he was in affliction he besought the Lord his God and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers and prayed unto him and he was intreated of him and heard his supplication Look upon Paul Act. 9.11 behold he prayeth Yet his Conversion was not wholly perfected though his conscience was stirred and he was much humbled for as yet he was not instructed by Ananias he had not received his sight a pledge of the cure of his Spiritual blindness he had not
for Heaven We wish this Book may be so entertained by thee and all others who meet it as a Pillar and Cloud in this Wilderness as the Rock and Manna to refresh thee as thy Viaticum to Eternal Life and Glory Secondly as these are evil Times in respect of Sin â— Tim. 4. Apostacy falling from the Faith both Doctrinal and Practical and also the latter days of the World wherein Faith shall fail Luk. 18.8 Yea these are the days wherein this Sâ—â—â—â— of Faith by many of the mighty harh been vilely cast away 2 Sam. 1.18 25 27. Faith in Doctrine and Life is forsaken and cast off by many formerly famous for Profession Now to teach the use of this Shield and how to uncover and anoint it is a word in season Credis in Christum fac Christi opera ut vivat fides tua fidem â—uam dilectio animet actio prohet Bernard And sure did men retain the Doctrine of Faith more in their Minds they would better practise Faith in Life And did we live more by it we should know more of it Joh. 7.17 Quest But have not many Divines already written of this Subject how then can this be so seasonâ—ble a Treatise Ans We may say its truth the world abounds with Books and as the waters cover the Sea knowledge aboundeth but never less practise of Faith especially if we consider the means and time of enjoyment Many Captains and Physicians we say may lose the City and spoil the Patient but not when they agree in judgment and practise Divines harmoniously handling the same Subject do more clear and beat out the Truth Who would be offended with any who should invent a neerer way to the Indies or at some Design to advance Trading or an Engine that would draw up Pearls and the Riches out of the Sea that all men might be made more rich and more suddenly so than ever Thus it is here This Servant of the Lord entring on this Subject was desired by some of his Auditors to enlarge it which he coming after many other by the largeness of his own heart and especially by the supply of the Spirit hath done and brought out of his treasure riches enough and more than the whole world can expend And as concerning this Branch of the Life and Practise of Faith we know none hath gone beyond this Treatise So as we may say of it as Solomon of the vertuous Wife Thou excellest them all Prov. 31.29 With respect we mention it to other learned and painful Labours Especially as to the methodical Contexture and copiousness of the matter for which it is highly commendable as the Orators Oration the longest was his best and who can think that can be too much spoken Nunquam satis dicitur quod nunquam satis disoâ—tur which is for our Life here and Eternity hereafter That is never taught too much which is never sufficiently learnt We shall adde no more but a few Directions for the Reading of this Book lest we cloy thy appetite which we desire to sharpen 1. Then to help thee how to read to thy profit Come not with prejudice against the Doctrine it self the Preacher or his manner of handling it A great Scholar and learned in the School of the the Remonstrants reading a piece in Dr. Prestons Works could finde no excellency of it And so Mr. R. Bolton before his Conversion in his first hearing worthy Mr. Perkins had such-like thoughts of him And so Nathaneel in Joh. 1.46 was prejudiced against the place where Christ was educaâ—ed in and it had well-nigh hindred him of the benefit of his Doctrine Expect not here a Garden of gawdy Tulips to please thy fancy or Jewels of â—igh Notions to hang on thy ear but wholesome Herbs and Spiritual Simples for the health and recovery of thy sick-dead Soul and Cordials to comfort thy Heart 2. Be sure to get the grace and habit of a true â—nd lively Faith of Gods Elect ere thou go about to live by it first be possessed of this Shield then â—earn to handle it uncover it anoint it Have the Bowe then learn the use of it seek the Stock and then improve it Esay 38. By these things men live 3. Crucifie in the strength of Christ Sense and Carnal Reason which will obstruct thee in this way and rob thee of thy comfort in this living by Faith We walk by faith not by sight 4. Hold up this Shield against all the fiery darts of Satan who shoots especially against the standard-bearer Faith Luk. 22. Resolve as they of old to return with or die upon this Shield of thy Faith in all thy contendings with the Devil Remember Faith must be had Vnde haec incredula cogitatio quid fà cit in domo fidei perfidum pectus quid qui in Christo omnino non credit appellatur dicitur Christianus Cyprian Ambula perfidem ut pervenias ad spem spes non aedificabit in patria quem fides non consolatur in via August if ever thou be saved and the Life of it maintained if ever thou have comfort in Life and Death 5. Pray much to Jesus Christ the Author and Finisher of thy Faith and to and for the Spirit of Faith to direct enlighten Heb. 12. and strengthen thee in the reading understanding believing and obeying what thou readest Go not out in thine own strength To conclude Our Prayers are and shall be through grace continued That this Universally Useful Subject may be crowned with Divine Blessing to the highest improvements of Faith in every Christian Reader Especially in the hearts of our much Honoured and Right Worthy Friends the Magistrates and Inhabitants of Ipswich which the Lord hath long made famous and happy as a Valley of Gospel-Vision Our due and deep respects of Affection are much knit and drawn out to our Christian Friends in that Town so long eminent for Profession of Godliness Our hearty desires are that they may never want able Helpers of their Faith and Joy that their Faith may flourish exceedingly according to all the high dispensations of the Lord towards them that so living and dying in the Faith they together with us may receive the end of our Faith the Salvation of our Souls through Him in whom and for whom we rejoyce to remain Your Soul-Servants John Fuller Samuel Smith London Aug. 26. 1657. THE GENERAL CONTENTS Of the whole TREATISE Yet referring more fully to the Alphabetical Table at the close of the Book wherein are the Special Contents The TEXT HAB. 2.4 Behold his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him but the just shall live by his faith CHAP. I. Contains a Prooeme to the main Treatise setting down a clear opposition 'twixt Believers and Unbelievers as to their Description and Condition The Exposition of the Text with its various Readings Two general Observations both spoken unto and applied briefly Two special Doctrines 1 Gods
freedom of breathing hearing seeing and exercising all the senses so great a difference there is betwixt the life of nature and grace as also betwixt the life of grace and glory We do no more know what is reserved for us in Heaven then a child in the womb what is reserved for it when it comes into this wide world Only as there is a natural instinct in the child to go forth of the prison of the womb into a better life so there is a spiritual and supernatural instinct in all Gods children to be made partakers of a better life For as the whole creation groans so we ourselves groan within ourselves c. saith the Apostle Rom 8 22. In the mean time before we come to enjoy the life of glory to the full glorious things in their degree are spoken of the life of grace in regard of the nature Psal principle comforts c. of it as abovesaid To all which we might adde it's excellency in regard of operations viz. the crucifying our corruptions overcoming the world and all opposite powers making us more then conquerours in Christ Therefore 't is an excellent life and thence most desirable Did a beast know the life of a man he would desire it did a natural man know the life of a Christian he would desire that too For it is as farre above the life of a man as his above the life of a beast Hence Christ to the woman Joh. 4. If thou hadst known the gift of God and who 't is asketh of thee c. So I say If thou hadst but known the excellency of this life thou wouldst greatly desire and ask it of Christ Vse 3 3. For Exam. Let us try whether we have this exclellent life or no. Examination There is not much need of giving motives 1. None come to live the life of glory but such as live the life of grace all are Saints on Earth before Saints in Heaven 2. Till we know whether we have this life or no we can neither seek it if we want it nor praise God for it if we have it 3. Besides we have command to make our calling and election sure 2 Pet. 1.10 For Rules of Trial. 1. Did God ever give thee to see thine own deadness 10. Rules of Triall and to bewail it Though thou maist leave sin and perform duty if thou dost this by thy own strength thou art not alive 1. Sight of deadness When such a soul comes to it self neverthelesse it cryes O sick sick give me somthing to comfort me Cant. 2.5 Alas sick of unbelief and a hard heart c. 2. Knowledge of this life Secondly Dost thou understand the Nature of regeneration of this life and this new birth Nichodemus did not before Christ told him Joh. 3. 'T is said 2 Cor. 5.17 He that is in Christ is a new creature New in understanding will affections and conversation 3. Instrumental cause of begetting Thirdly If thou art alive what was the instrumental means of begetting this life under God was it the power of Word preach'd upon thy soul 1 Pet. 1.33 being born again not of corruptible seed but of incorruptible by the Word of God c. Affections stirring without the Word or moral perswasion with the word or corrupt seed beside the Word these are not enough See 1 Thess 1.5 2 Cor. 3.6 4. Cause mainâ—aining Fourthly if alive what is the instrumental means of maintaining this life under God and every creature desires food even the insensible creature the youngest plants thrust their fibra's into the earth to suck nourishment thence And the young Lambs suck the duggs of their damme's upon their bended knees Every life desires food for self-preservation and the nature of the food must be suitable to the nature of the life spiritual life must have spiritual food That which will feed a swine fat Ex iisdem nutâ—rimur c. will starve a sheep What is begotten of the word will be nourished of the word 1 Pet. 2.2 And the more life the more desire after food The healthfull child cryes most eagerly after the breast Such was Davids hunger and thirst after the word Psal 42.1 c. Fifthly If thou art alive thou hast a faculty within to resist and expel whatsoever is an enemy to life 5. Enmity of the contrary 1 Pet. 5.8 Sin is a spiritual poyson and Satan a murderer Dost thou so resist them Or when there is deadness of spirit dost thou rub and chafe thy soul by prayer Quicken me O Lord by thy Word Psal 119. A good sign 6. If thou art alive thou shalt perceive it as by outward sense and motion so by inward quickning and vivification 6. Sense and motion 1. By outward sense and motion Every living creature exercises some sense Examine this by what Breathing faculty thou hast VVhere there is the inspiration of spiritual life there is the expiration of holy speeches Only 't is not wholsom when our expiration exceeds our inspiration 2. Exam. what sight thou hast Ephes 4.18 with 5.8 3. VVhat hearing He that is of God heareth us c. 1 Joh. 4.6 4. VVhat tasting 1 Pet. 2.3 If so be you have tasted how gracious the Lord is 5. VVhat smelling Cant. 1.3 Thy name is an oyntment powred forth 2. By inward quickning and vivification of the heart As the heart is first formed so informed and reformed Primum vivens Rev. 3. And without this there is but a name to live The heart is the first member of the new man Gal. 4.4 If sons God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts c. Deut. 30.6 The Lord thy God shall circumcise thy heart c. All performances without the heart are dead workes God begins at the heart therefore examine the heart 7. Spring of life Seventhly If thou saist thou art alive then what is the spring and principle of thy life and the actions thereof Is it thy own strength and opinion of thy own parts and applause of men Or dost thou in an humble distrust of thy self look up to Christ for strength Quest How is that known Ans If Christ's glory he made the end then the grace of Christ is the principle The stream is never higher then the fountain 2. Besides then this strength comes in a promise 'T is Christ in a promise What promise dost thou lay hold on 8. Growtâ— Eightly If alive where is thy growth where ever there is life there is growth till the creature comes to the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Eph. 4.11 Till we all come to the measure of the the stature of Christ Object If this be so may some say then I have no life Answ spiritual growth is not discern'd by every dayes observation but some long time as the shadow on the diall 2. A soul careful to grow and mourning for want of growth I dare pronounce it doth grow though it
who laboured in the Lord Salute the beloved Perfis who laboured much in the Lord. And their Crown in heaven Mat. 25.21 'T is said to him that had receiv'd and gain'd five Talents Well done thou good and faithful Servant I will make thee ruler over many things enter thou into the joy of thy Lord. They shall have the comfort of it to all eternity that have been active stirring for God in their little time upon earth There is a blessing upon him that loves the Lord with all his strength Ier. 48.10 and a curse upon him that doth the work of the Lord negligently that puts not forth that strength which God hath given him but quencheth the Spirit Such a man loyters and loses his time whereas the other redeems time and we had all need redeem the time considering how much we have lost already Ioh. 9. and how little there is behind The Sun is going down and the night is coming when no man can work Mot. 4 Satan hath great advantage of a dead-hearted Christian for he is like a man half asleep in a secure condition he may soon be deceiv'd as Samson was Judg. 16.19 It was the field of the sluggard not of the watchful and active man that was all overgrown with thorns and nettles Prov. 24.30 What are those thorns and nettles but those extravagant wayes of sin which though they seem to be smooth and pleasing at the first springing up as thorns and nettles are yet at the last they prove more dangerous and prick like a thorn and sting like a nettle And therefore that we may not be overcome of these Spiritual Philistines we should like Samson rowse up our selves with all our might to live by Faith this Life of Vivification Mot. 5 Rev. 12.12 Times call for Activeness They are laborious times and dangerous times with the Church Satan was never more active because his time is short His instruments never more active compassing Sea and Land to gain one Proselyte The Churche never more distressed and standing in need of our help Germany Ireland Scotland England all stretch out their hands for help As in Harvest time every one is with his sickle in his hand See Rev. 14.15 And in Building-time like as in Nehemiah's dayes Neh 4.17 every one with one of his hands wrought in the work and with the other held a weapon It was a shame for the Disciples to sleep when Christ was in the midst of his Agony and a shame for Christians to be dead-hearted when the Church is in her Agony When Zion cries For the Lords sake and the Lord cries for Zions sake You that are the Lords remembrancers give him no rest till he establish and till he make Jerusalem a praise in the earth Isa 62.1 7. The times therefore call for activeness which springs from this Life of Vivification Mot. 6 'T is the nature of true Grace to be more and more active if it be supernaturally natural All natural motion is in fine velocior swiftest near the end whereas things moved by violence are slower We throw a stone up with difficulty but it drops down of it self The true Christians they go from strength to strength Psal 84.7 As it is said of Time Senescit non Tardescit So may it be said of a gracious person Though he grows more old yet not more slow but brings forth more fruit in old age Psal 92. Mot. 7 Note It is so if we yield to deadness Dead-hearted service is a vain service and so a taking of Gods Name in vain against the Third Commandment That is vain which is not accepted and so attains not it's end Isa 29.13 this people draw near me with their mouth and honour me with their lips but have removed their heart far from me c. which our Saviour interprets Mat. 15.9 In vain do they worship me Religion is a part of Gods Name and must be used with zeal Rev. 3.15 I would thou wert hot or cold We are commanded to serve God with all our might Mot. 8 The coldness of the Times should make us active as men in cold seasons are most active to get themselves into heat These are cold times for the Soul as well as for the Body The Charity of many waxeth cold as Christ foretold and so do other Graces Men are hot for the Disputes of Faith and very cold in the Life of Faith Therefore we should be the more active to keep our heat It was cold weather it seems when Peter warm'd himself among the Servants at the fire in the High-Priests hall But he went to the wrong fire and to the wrong company he should have gone to Gods fire and indeed Gods people use to do so in cold times Others coldness makes them the hotter and others deadness makes them the quicker as contraries quicken one another by an Antiperistasis It is time for thee to arise sayes David Psal 119.126 because they have made void thy law Then addes in the next verse Therefore I love thy Commandments above gold Therefore the coldness of the times should make us active not cool and lazy Fenner These are the Motives We come now to the Means of Quickning The first and chiefest of all Means of Quickning 1. Influence of Christ is to get into the Sun-shine of Jesus Christ You know poor Bees and other Flies if they can creep into the Sun it quickens them and puts a new life into them So the Chickens that hang the wing get under the warmth of the Hen. The nearer we press to Jesus Christ by Faith the more spiritual life and heat He is the Sun of Righteousness that arises with healing in his wings Mal. 4.2 The beams of his grace revive the drooping Soul as she said Joh. 11. If thou hadst been here my brother had not died but I know thou art able to raise him up again So may a Christian say If thou hadst been here my Soul had not died not been in this dead and sad condition but thou canst quicken it again Faith draws quickning vertue from Jesus Christ as we heard before in the Reason 2. Ordinances The second Means are quickning Ordinances which are as beams from the Sun One of these Ordinances is a quickning Ministery this puts life into the Soul The Word of God is compared to fire 1. Word and therefore John Baptist is said to be a burning and shining light Joh. 5.35 A shining light so he taught the people A burning light so he quickned Did not our hearts burn within us said the two Disciples going to Emmaus Luke 24.32 while he talked with us and opened to us the Scriptures The Ministers lips are as fire Peoples hearts as tinder Elisha liv'd in a dead time and therefore he praid for a double measure of the Spirit of Elijah which was an active powerful Spirit that he might quicken the people If the Ministers lips be touched with a Coal
from Gods Altar they do oft inflame the hearts of the hearers Live under such a Ministery if thou wouldst be quickned A lively Ministery makes a lively people a dead Ministery makes a dead-hearted people And therefore it 's observable Rev. 3.1 that the deadness of the Church of Sardis is charged upon the Angel or Minister of the Church Vnto the Angel of the Church of Sardis write c. Therefore pray for your Ministers that themselves being quickned they may quicken you Another quickning Ordinance is Prayer 2. Prayer Psal 119. How oft doth David pray for quickning grace five or six times in one Psalm He begins many a Prayer with an heavy heart and before he hath done he is full of life Therefore pray much because all life is from God and he quickens whom he will Onely let me adde this Caution Caution before I let this pass Be sure thy understanding and affection go along together in every Ordinance and in every part of the Ordinance as thou wouldst have it a quickning Ordinance Many complain they are dead under Ordinances and no wonder They hear and they pray without understanding or without affection It is a Rule Quicquid agit agit per contactum Whatsoever thing acts effectually upon another it is by some kinde of touch or close When our Souls do not close with the duty in Prayer or Hearing no marvel if it put no life into us When we give way to distractions to wandring thoughts to wandring looks c. we do but take Gods Name in vain and the Ordinance is vain to us There is no life in it therefore no wonder if there be no life from it Therefore keep thy head and thy heart close to the duty if possible from first to last and then it will quicken Thirdly make use of Death to quicken Spiritual Life 3. Meditation of Death Eccles 9.10 Whatsoever thine hand findeth to do do it with all thy might for there is no work nor device nor knowledge nor wisdome in the grave whither thou goest Think of the shortness of our time of service in comparison of the eternity of the reward Say of service which is most affliction passive service Our light affliction which is but for a moment worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory 2 Cor. 4.17 Fourthly set before thine eyes 4. Gods Eye the All-piercing Eye of God So was Peter quickned by a look from Christ Rev. 2.18 19. These things saith the Son of God who hath his eyes like a flame of fire I know thy works and charity and service c. and again Chap. 3.1 I know thy work that thou hast a name to live and art dead q. d. I look upon the inside where the life of the action is This would quicken in Prayer Hearing c. Eye-service indeed in relation to men is not good Eph. 6.6 not with eye-service Partly because men cannot alwayes look upon us and partly because the Conscience hath a superiour tye from an heavenly Master at whose command they are bound to do service to their earthly Masters But Eye-service towards God who looks upon his children with an eye of Love as well as an eye of Observance is very commendable This it was made David so watchful Psal 139.1 2. O Lord thou hast searched me and known me thou knowest my down-sitting c. And it was Gods charge to Abraham Gen. 17.1 Walk before me and be thou upright God hath an eye into our brests therefore Faith will make a man take heed how he hears take heed how he prayes take heed what he thinks Psal 16. it will make him keep his heart with all diligence because God searcheth the heart and reins and ponders the spirits Faith setting God at our right hand will keep us from falling 5. Assurance of Gods Love Fifthly get assurance of Gods Love This will make us love him again 1 Joh. 4.19 We love him because he loved us first Love will make us very active Men care not what they do or suffer for those whom they love dearly Jacob served two hard Apprentiships for the love of Rachel he endured the heat of the day and the cold of the night and all was nothing to him Gen 29.20 Love is as strong as death Cant. 8.6 and active as fire Much water cannot quench love There is a constraining power in Love 2 Cor. 5.14 The love of Christ constraineth me sayes the Apostle You need not much perswade such a man to be active for God he hath arguments enough in his own bosome That Disciple who lay in Christs bosome how much love doth he express to God and Men Oh how active and passive too was Paul for God! 2 Cor. 11.23 and no marvel for Who shall separate us sayes he from the love of Christ shall tribulation c. Rom. 8 35. 6. Gods Power Lastly look at Gods Almighty power able to quicken the deadest heart Rev. 3.14 Thus saith the Amen the Faithful and True Witness the Beginning of the Works of God Ephes 2.10 We are his workmanship created in Christ Jesus unto good works c. Therefore David prayes to God Psal 51.10 Create in me a clean heart renew a right spirit And there is a Promise for Faith Hos 14.7 They that dwell under his shadow shall return they shall revive as the corn after winter and grow as the vine c. Vse of Examination Whether we do live by Faith the Life of Vivification Vse 3. Trial of Faith in vivifying And need we have to Examine lest we be deceived Many seem to be very active and yet they do not live By Faith for all that Therefore say to thy self as Isaac did when he thought Esau had brought him venison Gen. 27.21 Art thou my very son Esau sayes he So Art thou that very Life of Vivification Say to this or that particular Duty Art thou the very true Issue and Childe of such a life The DeVil is cunning to deceive us as he raised up a counterfeit Samuel in stead of the true Samuel 1 Sam 28. So he cozens men with a counterfeit Life of Vivification in stead of a true Quest But how shall I know one from the other Ans This is partly delivered before At present they may be known by Examining them 1. In their Principle 2. In their End 3. In their Manner of working 4. In their issue and Event Trial. 1 First in their Principle True living actions spring from a living and inward Principle Though a Clock moves we do not say it is alive because it is moved by the Weights Though an heavy Milstone moves apace we do not say it is alive because it is moved ab extra by the Wind or Water But if we see a little Fly or Ant move we say there is life because it is moved from an inward Principle So he that lives the Life of Vivification his activity proceeds
labour to grow by the Means that God may continue them to us and that we may leave them as a Legacy to our Posterity after us Q. But what are those Means in the use whereof we be enabled to grow Râ—sp For understanding whereof however it is true we can do as little by any power of our own for the increasing of our spiritual stature as for the increasing of our natural Mat. 6.27 Which of you by taking care can adde one cubit to his stature Yet as we must not neglect eating and drinking and exercise under pretence that we cannot adde a cubit to our stature so we must not neglect the use of spiritual Means under pretence that we can adde nothing to our spiritual stature Q. What are these means then Means of spiritual growth R. If thou wouldst grow plant thy self in a good soil not onely in Christ but under Christ in the society of the faithful Psal 92.13 They that be plaâ—ted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the Courts of our God With the holy thou wilt still be more holy but with the froward thou wilt learn more frowardness The Tree grows not that is planted in the barren heath but that which is planted in a fruitful orchard 2. Mean Much Prayer 2. Be much in Prayer That God would make thee increase and abound in love 1 Thess 3.12 Paul may plant and Apollo water but God gives the increase 1 Cor. 3.6 7. Pray for wholesome showers fair winds and seasonable Sun-shine that thou maist grow 1. Pray for wholsome showers Isa 5. First for wholesome Showers When God would not bless but blast his Vineyard he commands his clouds that they should rain no more rain upon it What are these clouds but the Ministers of his Word Deut. 32.2 My doctrine shall drop as the rain my speech shall descend as the dew as the small rain upon the tender herb and as the showers upon the grass What the Minister draws and exhales out of the deep Fountain of Gods Word is distilled down again by the heat of the Spirit into the hearts of the people and so they grow Secondly pray for fair Winds a good and a wholesome air makes much for growth 2. For fair winds What are those fair Winds but the sweet gales of the Spirit going along with the Word The rain rides along upon the wings of the wind and if the wind of the Spirit do not bring the rain we will never grow so as to be fruitful in Christs Garden Therefore pray with the Church Cant. 4.16 Awake O North wind come thou South and blow upon my Garden that the spices thereof may flow out Thirdly pray for seasonable Sun-shine It is the Sun 3. For seasonable Sun-shine with the rain that makes fruitful 2 Sam. 23.4 The tender grass springs out of the earth by clear Sun-shine after rain The calidum and humidum in a sweet mixture is the life of every creature What is this Sun-shine but the sense of Gods love in Christ warming our hearts Mal. 4.2 The healing wings of the Sun of Righteousness 3. We must Exercise grace much 3 Mean Much exercise as well as pray much or else we tempt God in prayer Bodily exercise is a special Means of natural growth else the best diet does no good So is Spiritual exercise a Means of Spiritual growth Therefore Paul directs Timothy 1 Tim. 4.7 13 14 15. Exercise thy self unto godliness give attendance to reading to exhortation to doctrine Neglect not the gift that is in thee Meditate upon these things give thy self wholly to them that thy profiting may appear to all 4. Let the use of all Means be mixed with Faith 4 Mean Use all means in faith The just lives by faith Therefore pray as Luk. 17.5 Lord increase our faith without it no Word nor Sacraments nor Prayer nor any Ordinance can be profitable for increase Heb. 4.2 But the Word did not profit them being not mixt with faith in them that heard it As some meats mixt with some ingredients nourish much so do the Ordinances when mixt with faith As Daniels Pulfe mixt with faith made him look better and grow fatter than those that fed on dainty fare So men living under ordinary Means may thrive better mixing the Word with Faith than those that live under higher enjoyments continuing in unbelief 5 Mean A good stomach 5. Get a good Stomach to thy Spiritual diet if thou wouldst grow Though men have never so good meat yet they thrive not if they have no appetite to it So it is also in Spiritual respects Luk 1.53 He filleth the hungry with good things but the rich he sendeth empty away Mat. 5.6 Blessed are they which hunger and thirst for righteousness for they shall be satisfied 6 Mean Draw influence from Christ 6. If thou wouldst grow thou must be daily applying thy self to Christ thy Head for constant and renewed influence from him As all life so all increase is from the Head Christ is the Head from which all the body by joynts and bands having nourishment ministred and knit together increases with the increase of God Col. 2.19 7 Mean Applying the Promises of growth and pleading them 7. Lay hold of the Promise of growth and plead it if thou wouldst grow to purpose That is the best growth when there is a growth to a ripe harvest and that is the best harvest that is both ripened and reaped by laying hold of the Promise as the root of all growth Gen. 8. ult Seed-time and harvest shall not fail says God and so he hath said concerning Spiritual seed-time and harvest Psal 126.5 6. They that sow in tears shall reap in joy he that goeth forth and weepeth bearing precious seed shall doubtlâ—ss come again with rejoycing bringing his sheaves with him Plead this Promise of God when thou perceivest the seed of grace is sown in thy heart but thou mournest for want of growth Lord thou hast promised Seed time and harvest shall not fail c. make this good to my Soul Job 8.7 Thou hast said Though the beginnings of thy people be small yet the latter end shall greatly increase Thou hast said Such as are planted in thy house shall be fat and flourishing Psal 92.13 Thou hast said I will be as the dew unto Israel and he shall grow as the Lilly Hos 14.5 6 7. Thus lay hold upon God and binde him fast in the words of his own Promise and say Gen. 3 2. I will not let thee go except thou bless me with this blessing of growth and then thou shalt certainly finde vertue flowing from Christ in the Conduit-pipe of the Promise By these things do men live Isa 38.16 Mat. 4. 1 Kin. 17.16 even by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God As life comes at the first in a way of Promise so life is increast also thereby from day to day
And yet thus it must be if ever we believe He that is wise in his own conceit 1 Cor. 3.18 must become a fool that he may be wise and he that is rich and increased with spiritual goods in his own conceit Rev. 3.17 Mat. 11.5 6. he must become poor that he may be made rich Vnto the poor saith Christ the Gospel is preached and blessed is he that shall not be offended in me 2 Cor. 8.9 O this offends a carnal heart that he must become poor for Christs sake as Christ became poor for his sake that death is become the way to life if ever he mean to live he must believe in a poor despised crucified Saviour Now this a proud perverse unbelieving heart knoweth not how to stoop to and such a heart have all men by nature And this is the first Impediment Well but who shall remove this Impediment how shall we rowl away this stone of an unbelieving heart I answer If we would remove it Cure we must labour to finde it out to confess it to bewail it and to pray against it And thou when thou prayest enter into thy Closet Mat. 6. Psa 4. and shut the door Commune with thine own heart and be still Make thy complaint to God in private pour out thy Soul before him and say O thou blessed God of Truth how have I wrong'd thee by my base false and unbelieving heart What a heart have I that can relie upon a great man or a good man if I have his Word or his Bond and yet cannot relie upon the great and the good God who keepeth Mercy and Truth for ever Psa 146. with them that are in Covenant with him and hath bound himself by Promise by Oath by Seal to be good and faithful to such as put their trust in him O that I should have such a base heart to trust more to the Means than to that God who hath ordain'd the Means puts life into the Means And yet such is the baseness of my heart that when I see any visible means for the producing of such an effect I am secure and confident and when the outward means fail though God be ever the same I am as fearful and diffident as if I had no hope at all Is not this to trust to the Means and to trust to the Creature in stead of trusting to God Now when we have thus found out the unbelief of our hearts and bewailed it we should pray to God that he would forgive it and subdue it for us Just as the Parents of the Rebellious Son brought him to the Magistrate so should we bring our Rebellions and unbelieving hearts to God praying him to subdue them for us We should pray him to rowl away this stone even to take away our stony hearts and to give us hearts of flesh that we may believe according to his Promise Ezek. 36.26 and doubtless God will remember his Word for such as put his Promise in suit And so much for the first Impediment and the Means to remove it 2. Impediment of Faith Satan The second Impediment is from Satan He sails with the Wind and Tide of an unbelieving heart and labours if it be possible to keep us still under the power of unbelief he knows well enough they are under his power also When once they begin to believe they are turned from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God Acts 26.18 And therefore no sooner doth the Soul lay hold of the Promise but Satan is forced to let his hold go and therefore the Devil fights neither against small nor great 2 Chro. 18.30 but against the grace of Faith above all the rest If he can but strike the Sheild out of our hands he 'll soon hit us and wound us where he list Nay if it be possible he 'll prevent the very making and forming of this Shield Either thou shalt have no Minister to preach of Faith as 't was the Policy of the Philistims they might have no Smith in Israel to frame their Weapons of War 1 Sam. 13.19 that they might the better keep them in subjection So 't is the Policy of Satan we should have no Spiritual Smiths in Israel to help to frame this Weapon of War this Shield of Faith Eph. 6. that he may the better keep us under his power Or if thou hast such Ministers as preach of Faith if it be possible he 'll raise up Prejudice in thy heart against them and against the Word which they preach Therefore Acts 13.8 Elymas the Sorcerer who is call'd a childe of the Devil for that very thing he withstood the Apostles in the Work of their Ministery seeking to turn away the Deputy from the faith Mark ye why was the Devil so great an enemy to the Preaching of the Word because he was an enemy to the Faith of the Deputy And this is the second Impediment or Hindrance The Devil he is an enemy to the Faith of Gods People he doth what he can to perswade people to continue in Ignorance and Unbelief 2 Relief But well How should we remove this Impediment How should we rowl away this stone Why Fly to him by Prayer who by death destroyed him that had power of Death that is the Devil Heb. 2.14 who is able to cast out the strong man armed and is willing also because he hath promised to tread down Satan under your feet Rom. 16.20 Pray God to rebuke Satan when he casts into thy heart thoughts of Blasphemy or Unbelief and say Lord are not these things grievous to thy Spirit as well as to mine Doth not Satan aim as much at thy dishonour as at my destruction and therefore if not for thy poor Creatures sake who is as a hunted Partridge upon the Mountains yet for thy Names sake and for thy Honours sake rebuke him 1 Sam. 26.20 If thou canst but lift up thy heart to God in this or the like manner doubtless God will answer thee in mercy and he will answer Satan in fury as he doth in the like case Zech. 3.2 And the Lord said unto Satan The Lord rebuke thee O Satan even the Lord that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee Is not this a Brand snatcht out of the fire So will the Lord say Is not this poor Soul that waits upon mine Ordinance as a Brand snatcht out of the fire out of the fire of Hell and the flames of an accusing Conscience Have I forewarn'd it by these Terrors to fly from the wrath to come and to make peace with me by Faith Mat. 3. and art thou so cruel and maâ—â—â—ous to put it into the fire again by holding it under the power of Unbelief The Lord rebuke thee O Satan the Lord rebuke thee Even he that hath chosen the Soul of the poor creature to Life and Salvation rebuke thee And this is the second Impediment of Faith and the
THE USE and PRACTICE OF FAITH OR Faiths Vniversal Vsefulness And Quickning Influence into every Kinde and Degree of the Christian Life Together with the Excellency of a Spiritual Life in difference from all other by way of Prooeme And the excellent WORK and REWARD of Converting others to the Faith commended by way of Close Delivered in the Publick LECTURES at IPSWICH By the late Eminent and Faithful Servant of his Lord Mr. MATTHEW LAWRENCE Preacher to the said Town By it he being dead yet speaketh Heb. 11.4 LONDON Printed by A. Maxey for Willian Weekly Bookseller at Ipswich and are to be sold by John Rothwell at the Fountain and Bear in Goldsmiths-Row Cheapside and by Robert Littleberry at the Unicorn Little-Britain 1657. To the Right Worshipful The BAYLIFFS PORTMEN WITH The Residue of the Incorporation of the Town of Ipswich Worshipful and Beloved WHen this Piece is once come into your hands there needs nothing be spoken further either by way of commendation of the Work or upon the account of its Dedication to you The Author and his Labours having been of that worthy Estimation amongst you and his Memory still so precious as a Commendatory Epistle from us would be less And for the Right of whatever may be call'd His whose Name this bears it undoubtedly resolves on You whose he was both by your free Choyce and his most willing Service Moreover the Subject here presented besides its own uncontroverted Excellency and Necessity which commends it to all comes singularly commended to You upon a double Respect partly as that which was the largest and choycest part of his Labours with you partly as what of all other was the Vote of his last Bed to have made publick for your use Had himself survived to have compleated his own Papers as he had began in his weakness to revise them the whole surely had been more semblant and exact yet as it is it is his own as he left it not lame or torn though here and there undrest especially towards the beginning and such as nevertheless speaks a sufficient worth even without its due dress And now two of your eminent Lights have shone before you Mr. S. Ward and the Author especially in this one Tract and have left behinde them a clear and large Path-way for you of Living by Faith Whos 's Faith and Works of Faith Heb. 13.7 O that you may be found as eminently to follow their combined Light begetting in you the stronger heat Surely God expects of you an exact Hand in this Work whom he hath grac'd with so fair Copies Others in other places have travell'd likewise in this Theme but we dare say None more compactly and lively than the former nor copiously and distinctly than this latter of yours Of which the one may have seem'd to have given the Text the other the Commentary so as the Furniture of both makes you complete in this kinde Possibly the Work comes forth much later than your desire and expectation and truly than ours too not one or two but more years having pass'd since the Authors death But so it hath hapned through some cross and unavoidable occurrences May the Benefit of it at length recompence the Delay which we both hope and pray We shall adde no more by way of Preface but commit this so useful Treatise and your diligent perusal of it to Him 1 Cor. 3.6 7 who alone while Paul plants and Apollo waters gives the increase Your Servants in the Lord JOHN WARD NATHANIEL SMART JOSEPH WAITE AN EPISTLE PREFACE TO THIS TREATISE Christian Reader VVE desire not to know to give flattering Titles to any man Job 32. though dead nor to stretch our selves beyond our measure to any living Yet being called hereunto 2 Cor. 10.14 We presume it our duty to Preface something to this excellent Piece of Practical Divinity as referring to the honour of the precious Author departed so also to the more endearing to thy Soul that precious Grace of Faith and its use here handled The little of the Life of Faith amongst men and of Faith and Truth in Life excites us to become though not Midwives to deliver nor as Nurses to dress yet as standers by and servants to commend this Birth as Legitimate and Lovely 1 Tim. 6.12 Though we take not upon us to put weapons into thy hand for this good fight of Faith that this Tract doth yet if we may but encourage to the use of them like the Drum and Fife and such inferior Officers it sufficeth 2 Cor. 3. We cannot say as the Apostle in these days Need we Epistles of Commendation to you or Letters of Commendation from you Indeed we do need them both for our Persons Office Doctrine all are under the foot of Pride and Ignorance We love not our Food and loath our Physick and at the best give entertainment to the most Sermons and Books which ore heard and read according as they that speak and write them are famed and esteem and approve Doctrines by Persons Tertul. de Praescript Haer. cap. 3. and not Persons by Doctrines as an Ancient hath it That we might therefore by giving a due report to the Name of this worthy Writer raise a Spiritual seed to him a deceased Brother and encourage thee to the Use and Practice of this his pious Piece hear us in a few things as furtherers of thy Faith and Joy For the Composer hereof Reverend Mr. Matthew Lawrence though he be now in Heaven above our Praises yet know he hath by his Doctrine and living this Doctrine of Faith Heb. 11. obtained a good report and was of known integrity a mighty Apollos in the sacred Scriptures so abundant in alleaging apt and cleef Scriptures for Grounds and Enlargements 1 Tim. 4.6 that he might be called as another once was The Ark of the Scripture His Life and Disposition was made up of a meek and quiet Spirit a melting Heart towards God and a healing closing Spirit towards Brethren though in some things dissenting Such low Spirits are fitted to receive the high Revelations of Faith and living by it Such empty Vessels are most capable of the Oil of the Spirit The meek Psal 25. he will teach his way He was indeed a living Paraphrase and Comment upon his Text A Just man living by his Faith For the Treatise it self one of us had the happiness of neer Cohabitation some years to the Reverend Author and lived under the Divine droppings of much of this heavenly Doctrine that distilled from his lips which had he been delivered up unto as it was faithfully delivered unto him he might have been more enriched in the stock of Faith The other of us having perused these Papers though modesty may forbid him to utter Hyperbolical Praises as being happily by Providence united in neerest Relation with a Branch of that dead-living Stock the deceased Author yet accounts it but the just Honour
People are in a state of life by way of eminency They are partakers of the best life This is set out in seven Particulars viz. In the 1 Nature and Kinde of it 2 Fountain and Principle 3 Comforts of it 4 Measure of it 5 Safety and Security 6 Continuance 7 End of it Together with the Reasons of the Doctrine and five Uses viz. 1 of Conviction that there is such a Life 2 Perswasion to desire this Life 3 Examination whether we have this excellent Life Where are 10 Rules of Trial. 4 Information of the worst kinde of Murther 5 Thankfulness for this Life Second Doctrine mainly intended Whatever Life the Just man lives in a more excellent manner than other men He lives that Life by vertue of his Faith Eight general Questions for the better unfolding of the Doctrine Quest I. What Faith is It is a gracious habit infused into the heart by the Spirit of God whereby the Soul rests or rowls it self upon Christ in a way of Promise for all things pertaining to life and godliness for Gods glory and its own Salvation Where the several parts of the Definition are explained Quest II. What it is to live by Faith It implies five things 1 A Right in Christ 2 A clearing our way in point of Duty 3 A clearing our Right to the Promise 4 A searching the Scripture for Legacies bequeathed to us in the Promises 5 A remembring them and a seasonable applying them to particular cases and occasions The order or Series which is taken by the Lord to cause a Christian to live by Faith A fivefold step to this Life The Lord makes use of Faith all along from first to last in the order of working Spiritual Life and that in all parts and faculties of it which are seven 1 Quickning faculty of Faith 2 Expulsive faculty 3 Nutritive faculty 4 Digestive faculty 5 Motive faculty 6 Breathing faculty 7 Augmentative faculty In all these respects the Just lives by his Faith Quest III. Why a Christian is said to live by Faith rather than any other Grace Where four Reasons are assigned and two Uses Quest IU Who it is that lives by his Faith Answ The just or Righteous person Where is shewn that there is a double Righteousness viz. Twofold Righteousness Of Justification Of Sanctification The Text comprehends both in the term Just Yet he doth not say The Just shall live by his Justice because the Righteousness of Sanctification is imperfect and deserves death but By his Faith that is that perfect Righteousness of Christ which Faith lays hold on and applies This is that Righteousness whereby believers are reputed Just and accepted with God to Life Eternal Hence it follows That though an unbeliever may be predestinated to Justification and Faith yet he is not actually Just or justified till he believe For the just onely shall live hy Faith Quest V. By whose Faith shall the Just live Answ By his own not by another mans Two Reasons why it must necessarily be a mans own Faith by which only he can live For the right understanding of this observe four Particulars by way of Caution in the amplification of this Assertion 1 It is not so a mans own Faith but that still God is the Author 2 In Temporal respects one mans Faith may benefit another 3 In Spiritual respects the Parents faith acted by vertue of Gods Covenant including the posterity of the just may benefit the children of such parents 4 Such just ones who convert others instrumentally may and shall have much more comfort and glory by the faith of their Converts than otherwise they should have had Four Considerations by way of Restriction as unto this Truth That one mans Faith may procure some benefit unto another 1 It holds not alway in Temporal respects 2 When anothers faith procures Temporals yet such temporals are not sanctified to any without an act of their own faith exercised in the Word and Prayer 1 Tim. 4.4 Psal 78.30 3 Though natural parents by birth and spiritual parents by office supposing both to be Spiritually renewed themselves may procure much good to their children and people by their faith Yet not 1 To all the children and people always Gen. 17.18 Rom. 9.1 2 3. 2 To any so as to have comfort by such good procured till such children and people believe themselves in their own right 4 Those who have heen Instruments of others Conversion and Faith shall have more joy and glory supposing such to have faith themselves Hereunto is annexed a Quaere Whether an unbelieving Minister may beget faith in others Answ Very rarely when they do they cannot rejoyce in anothers faith sincerely having none themselves See this more largely handled in the Treatise it self Uses of the Just mans living by his own Faith not anothers 1 Reproof of the Papists whose faith is cobled up of Pride and Ignorance it being a blinde assent and implicite obedience to the Canons and Dotages of that Apostatical Church 2 Reproof of such carnal Professors who have no other faith but onely what is pinned on other mens sleeves who put carnal confidence in their Spiritual Relations 2Vse of Instruction If every one must have a faith of his own then every one must have a Minister of their own 3Vse of Exhortation To prove our own selves and so to prove our own faith Quest VI. When and how long the just lives by faith Answ No time is specified to include All time The just lives by his faith All his life and in every part of his life The Question is double When respects the season How long the continuance The season of living by Faith hath respect either 1 To the parts of Time Which are three Time Past Present and to Come In all which the just lives by faith 2 To the Adjuncts of Time These are especially two Prosperity and Adversity Good and evil days First For Prosperity the Just lives by Faith 1 In seeking or obtaining of it wherein Faith directs 1 In the right order and seeking of it 2 In the right measure 3 In the right means Which are two 1 Diligence in a lawful Calling 2 Not trusting to our own Diligence but Gods Promise to the diligent 2 In using Prosperity aright wherein Faith works 1 In causing a holy Diffidence in our selves and the Creature lest we should by Pride and Security deny God or forget him 2 It raises a holy humble confidence in God so that a Believer lives upon him when he most abounds in the Creature 3 It causes the Believer not to serve himself or his lusts but the Donor with his full estate 4 Faith lays out earthly treasure so Spiritual advantages Luk. 16.9 3 In being willing to part with a prosperous state 1Vse Reproves those who live not by Faith in prosperity in which estate we are most beset with Temptations 2Vse Examine whether you live by faith in prosperity Secondly In Adversary the just lives by Faith
the way of believing 3 That Salvation may be on free and sure grounds The general Uses drawn from the Life of Faith 1Vse Information in seven Particulars 1 The happy condition of Believers They have comfort in six respects 2 The misery of unbelievers in six respects 3 The Reason of Satans enmity against Faith 4 The difference 'twixt the Life of Christ and that of a Believer 5 Why so many remain spiritually dead 6 There cannot be any thing of Christ or of Spiritual life in the Creature before Faith As Christ and life so Faith and life come both together 7 What is the choice work of a Minister 2Vse of Reproof to three sorts 1 Such who live upon other things in stead of living by Faith as namely their Sins Pleasures Creatures Riches Friends or upon themselves either sinful Self natural Self artificial Self moral Self religious Self These particulars are inlarge 2 Such who profess Faith but live not by it 3 Such as act not their Whether 1. In Actions 2. Conditions 3. Elections 3Vse of Examination 1 For Trial of persons whether we be just and in a state of spiritual life or no Divers Marks of true Faith from feigned 2 For Trial of all Doctrines and Religions whether they be true or false Where living by Faith is demonstrated to be the Touchstone of them 4Vse of Thankfulness for Faith Five Grounds or Arguments to provoke Believers to Thankfulness for Faith 1 It is Gods gift 2 It s necessary to the very Being of a Christian 3 Such a gift as none else can give where there are five Wonders of Faith spoken unto 4 Faith is a most precious Gift Three things very precious The preciousness of Faith in four particulars 5 The rarity or scarcity of Faith 5Vse Humiliation for Vnbelief The evil of Unbelief is set forth in 7 Particulars 1 It dishonours God 2 It grives the Holy Spirit 3 It pleases the Devil 4 It is the Mother-Sin The Brood of Unbelief 1 Ignorance 2 Security 3 Worldliness 4 Hypocrisie 5 Heresie 6 Apostacy 7 Atheism 5Vnbelief is a Step-mother to Grace 6Vnbelief is the Nurse of Sin 7 Judgements on Vnbelievers 6Vse of Exhortation wherein four Branches 1 Branch Exhort To get Faith where Faith is proved to be the wisest Purchase and Vnbelief the greatest Self-murther The excellencies of Believing which contains 1 Strength 2 Wisdom 3 Riches 4 Beauty 5 Honor. 6 Faith honors God 7 Dead without Faith 8 Faith makes to prosper Q How shall we get Faith Here are Means Negative and Positive prescribed Negative means to get faith or the removal of the Impediments of faith Means Negative is the removal of the Impediments of Faith which are these 1 Self 2 Satan 3 The World 4 Gods hardning where hardness of heart is treated of and Gods Justice justified in hardning some sinners Relief is prescribed to all four 5 General Impediment contains seven mixt Impediments of Faith viz. 1 False Trust 2 Limiting of God 3 Harbouring some Lust 4 Our own Vnworthiness pleaded against the Promise 5 Laying too much stress on the depth of Humiliation 6 Want of feeling 7 Doubt of Election To all these particular Cures are applied 6 General Impediment of Faith viz. Neglect of the Means which should work Faith or beget it Five Causes of the neglect of Means 1 Prejudice quarrels the Means of Faith 2 Pride contemns the Means 3 Sloth recoils from the Means 4 Presumption postdates the use of Means 5 Despodency quits and casts off the use To all which Cures are applied 7 General Impediment of Faith viz. Supposition of having Faith already when it is nothing so Differences 'twixt Presumption and true Faith 1 In the Conception 2 In the Birth 3 In the Growth 4 In the Fruit. The second Branch of false Supposition is That we have not Faith when we have it This hinders the actings ad increasings of Faith Four Corollaries or Conclusions from the difficulty of Believing 1 The Word of God Positive means for obtaining of Faith Every Word of God is an object of Faith especially the Promise How the Spirit convinces of sin The method of converting Grace Six Reasons why Humiliation must go before Faith Humility appears in all the periods of Grace Direction to humbled sinners how to apply Promises 2 Means of begetting Faith is Prayer Question stated Whether a natural man ought ta pray 3 Means Good Society 4 Means Meditation on Gods Name 5 Means Sight of Treasure in Christ 6 Means Diligence in the use of Means which signifie three things 2 Branch of Exhortation To keep Faith Where is shewed The general usefulness of Faith Reasons why we should look well to the keeping of it 1 Reas The Benefit of keeping Faith 2 Reas The Enemies who opposite it 1 Corruption 2 Temptation 3 Troubles 3 Reas It is the glory of a Christian to be found in the Faith at Christs appearing Means of preserving Faith 1 Soundness 2 Trial of it 3 Love of the Truth 4 A good Conscience 5 A right Bottom 6 Commit it to God 7 Prayer for establishment with Gods free Spirit What the free Spirit of God establishes How the free Spirit of God establishes 3 Branch of Exhortation viz. To act Faith and to live by it Six Motives to act and exercise Faith Divers Helps for the acting of Faith 4 Branch of Exhortation viz. To increase the stock of Faith Six Motives to increase in Faith Five Signs of a weak Faith Seven Means for the increasing of Faith Conclusive Sermons on Dan. 12.3 An Appendix concerning the Converting of others to the Faith Doctrine The Conversion of Souls to the Faith as it is the most excellent Work so it shall certainly be crowned with the most excellent Reward Explication twofold 1 It is the most excellent Work Seven Reasons to prove this handled largely 2 It shall have the most excellent Reward USES 1 Information of the Dignity of the Ministry 2 Reproof to four sorts of persons 3 Exhortation to Convert Souls This is directed in general to All but in special to Ministers Eight Motives to quicken converted ones to labour to Convert others Eight Means whereby the Conversion of Souls may be promoted 4 Exhortation to Ministers to preach in a Soul-saving way 5 Exhortation to the People 1 To be willing to be wrought upon 2 To attend upon such Means as are proper 6Vse of Thankfulness 1 If we our selves are Converted 2 If any by our Means be Converted Seven Marks of sound Conversion 7Vse of Comfort to the Promoters of others Conversion in the midst of Opposition and Reproach The EPILOGUE Courteous Reader BE pleased before thou readest this Treatise to correct with thy Pen the following mistakes in printing that the sense of the Author may not be misrepresented ERRATA in the Titles of the Pages Page 230. read Bawkers of Impediments Page 417. r. Life of Faith in the midst of Death Page 429. r. Love of Lust Page 510. r.
perceive it not Trees though they do not grow are fitted for growth in winter 9. Propagation Ninthly If thou art alive know it not only by growth and augmentation but also by a desire of a propagation and conveiance of that life to others The Father delivers the lamp of his life to his son as one candle lights another So 't is in this life of grace it begets the like to it self Examine therefore whether thou art one like Pharaoh that seekest to kill the children of gace in the birth this is to play the tyrant nay the Devill Rev. 12. Or whether thou art like God and godly men that say as the Apostle Gal. 4.19 They desire to see Christ formed in others 10. Delightâ— Tenthly If alive what company delights thee Psal 16.2 my delight is in the Saints and the excellent The living converse with the living and not among Tombes unlesse they be possest as the man in the Gospel Why seek ye the living amongst the dead said the Angel Such are dead company as dead men Vse 4 Fourthly This informs us If the spiritual life be the most excellent life what is the worst murder Information of the worst murder Surely that which takes away the best life And that is the murder of the soul God commands in the sixth commandement Thou shalt do no murder Every man startles at that but many are found guilty of soul-murder See Ezek. 33 8. If the watchman warn not the blood of them that perish in their sins God will require at his hands This made Paul so careful to purge himself Act. 20.26 I am free of the blood of every one of you See also Ezek 13.18 Vse 5 Fifthly Bless God for this life where it is and makes much of it How desirable a thing as Gaius Thankfulness to have our souls prosper 3. Epist Joh 2. And if we find any decay remember the counsel to the Angel of the Church of Sardis Rev. 3.2 Be watchfull and strengthen the things which remain that are ready to die for I have not found thy works perfect before God But the Just shall live by his Faith DOCTRINE II. Whatsoever life the just man lives in a more excellent manner then other men he lives that life by vertue of his Faith Doct. 2 THE Apostle confesseth this was his life And what is the life of one faithful man as faithful is the life of all Gal. 2 20. The life that I live I live by the faith of the Son of God c. This is a lesson that is often taught and yet very hardly learned For as the life of a Christian is a hidden life so the means of conveyance of it is in a hidden way hidden and dark to a natural man This water of life runs as it were in a conduit-pipe under the ground A natural man perceives it not But the Just shall live by his Faith For the better unfolding of his mysterious and useful trade of living by faith we shall endeavour by God's assistance who is the Author and Finisher of our faith to shew these things Heb. 12.2 viz. First What Faith is Secondly What it is to live by Faith Thirdly Why living is by Faith rather then love c. Fourthly Who it is that lives by Faith Fifthly Whose Faith he lives by viz. his own Sixthly When and how long Seventhly What life it is he lives by Faith Eighthly The Reasons why Lastly What use we are to make of all QUEST I. What Faith is FOR the first You have the definition at least the description set down by the Holy Ghost Heb. 11.1 It is the subsistence of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen For example tell a natural man of God's favour and the comforts of his Spirit and the future recompence of reward which is more worth then all the comforts of the world he thinks it a mere notion that there is no reality in it but all feigned But a Christian by faith seeth there is truth reality and subsistence in these things and in whatever God promiseth who calleth those things that be not as though they were Rom. 4.17 To whom all things are possible Mark 9.23 And thereby becomes a kind of omnipotent faith By others it is defined thus In general A believing the Gospel In particular Definition of Faith A gracious habit infused into the heart by the Spirit of God whereby the soul rests or rolls it self upon Christ in a way of promise for all things appertaining to life and godliness for Gods glory and it 's own salvation It is not then 1. a bare disposition but an habit 2. An habit not acquired by frequent acts but infused by the spirit called therefore 1 Cor. 4.17 the spirit of faith 3. Infused not into the head only but the heart Rom. 10.10 with the heart man believeth And therefore it stands more in affection than notion Indeed in faith there is both an Assent of the mind to the truth of the message sent to sinners indefinitely 1 Tim. 1.15 and a consent of heart and will to the goodness of it whereby this or that particular sinner receives it to himself Gal. 2.20 Christ Who loved Me. Joh 21. My Lord and my God which differ as a garment in the cloth and on the back Christ is put on by faith Fourthly We say whereby the soul rests or rolls its self or leans For assurance and full perswasion is not of the being of faith but the well-being There 's faith of Evidence and faith of Reliance Or rather there is a double evidence 1. Of sense 2. Of reliance Faith in Scripture is set out in regard of the latter in such terms as we have given Psal 37.5 Isa 50.10 Mark 9.24 Fifthly Vpon Christ Who is the main object of faith and it is not sufficient to believe in God out of Christ Joh 14.1 Ye believe in the Father believe also in me and otherwhere None cometh to the Father but by me Sixthly In way of a promise No promise no Christ Abraham laid hold on a promise in those extraordinary things as an ordinary mean Rom. 4.20 he staggered not at the promise through unbelief See 2 Pet. 1.3 Eph. 2.12 Covenant of promise c. Seventhly For all things c. First for Christ and then all things with him Rom. 8.32 Wherefore the promises in Christ are called Rich and Precious promises Eighthly For God's glory Rom. 4.20 gave glory to God and our own salvation Heb. 10. last that believe to the saving of the soul QUESTION II. What it is to live by Faith To live by Faith Ans TO live by Faith is not only by laying hold on Christ by faith to receive life by Christ 1 Joh. 5.12 He that hath the Son hath Life Secondly But also in the use and exercise of faith to receive daily from Christ both the preservation and increase of this life Eph. 4.13 Thirdly Enabling a Christian by vertue
in expelling the enemies of spiritual life And so the just lives by his faith Act 15.9 By faith purifying their hearts Unbelief and other corruptions are deadly enemies to spiritual life Faith expels them and purifies the heart from them As the living fountain if dirt be cast into it never leaves working and working until it hath wrought it self cleer again So a beleeving heart if earthly thoughts from Satan like dirt be cast into it never leaves working till it hath wrought it self pure and fit for God's service 2 Tim. 2.21 If a man purge himself from these c. It overcomes and abandons all within and all without resists Satan 1 Pet 5.8 overcomes the world 1 Joh. 5.4 3. Nutritive faculty of faith Thirdly God makes use of faith in the Nutritive facultie or attractive faculty in drawing such things to it self as whereby is life nourished and maintained And so the just lives by his faith Faith like the first-born of graces though indeed they are all twins delight to be in the arms of God's mercy where it first receives life and there it lyes at the brest of the word at the nipple of the promises drawing virtue and strength and nourishment from them tasting every day how sweet and gracious the Lord is 1 Pet. 2.3 Psal 34.8 O tast and see that the Lord is good blessed is the man that trusteth in him q.d. by trusting in God we live upon God and taste how good he is For else we tempt God It were a miracle to live without meat But the more strength the more food 4. Digestive faculty of faith Fourthly God maketh use of faith in the Retentive and Digestive faculty turning the word into wholsome blood And so the just lives by his faith Whereas an unbeliever hearing the word receiving the food of his soul is like a man of a weak bad stomack no sooner is the meat down but it mixeth with some base humor up it comes again it will hold nothing to do it good So it is with an unbeliever not mixing the word with faith but being mixed with some base humour of pride or passion up it comes again with violence though it be in the very face of the Physician Prov. 9.2 He that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot But where the word is mixed with faith it meets with a good stomack and there it turnes into good nourishment the party grows and thrives and comes on in grace and so lives by faith as a man lives by a good stomack See Psal 36.7 8. They that put their trust under the shadow of Gods wings are abundantly satisfied with the fatness of his house c. Good meat doth well a good stomack is better Gods blessing upon both is the best of all and so it is in the life of Grace Fifthly God makes use of Faith in the Motive faculty 5. Motive faculty of Faith And so the just lives by his Faith For as bodily exercise profits much for bodily health when the Apostle sayes It profiteth little his meaning is in ordine ad spiritualia 1 Tim. 4. for doubtless as to bodily health it profiteth much it is instar omnium in stead of all Physick and without this the best diet in the world will be defective It is so with the soul Be the diet the means of grace never so good yet without exercise of grace and godliness all comes to nothing Now it is Faith and onely true Faith which puts a man upon profitable exercise Faith will not suffer a man to be idle in his calling It will not onely move his tongue though it will move that too Acts 4.20 We cannot but speak 2 Cor. 4.13 I believed therefore spake For he is a very dead-hearted Christian that hath the dead palsey in his tongue that cannot speak a word for God But it will move his hands also and his whole man to be active for God Jam. 2. Shew me thy faith by thy works Christians full of faith are full of action and so full of life See Acts 6.3 6 8 10 Whereas unbelievers are like sluggards with hand in bosome or like Idols of the Heathen Psal 115. having eyes and yet see not ears and hear not feet and walk not neither speak they through their throat and so prove dead for want of this exercise 6. Breathing faculty of Faith Sixthly God makes use of Faith in the Breathing faculty And so the just lives by his faith Breath is the Chariot of life called therefore The breath of life This breathing is twofold 1. Inspiration 2. Expiration these maintain life And both these in a spiritual sense do spring from Faith 1. Inspiration First for the act of Inspiration For howsoever every first inspiration of the Spirit gives life yet Faith draws more and more of this heavenly air from day to day for the maintaining and increasing of this life A man can no more live a spiritual life without the continual breathing of Gods Spirit into his soul than he can live a natural life without the continual sucking in of fresh air into his body And therefore it is observable Our blessed Saviour chose to convey the Holy Ghost under that similitude Joh. 20.22 He breathed on them and said Receive the Holy Ghost q. d. Ye can no more live the life of grace without my Spirit than you can live the life of nature without the breath of your nosthrils We are all by nature like Ezekiels dried bones Now it is the voice of Faith that cryes out Ezek. 37.9 O Breath breathe upon these slain that they may live And again when a man hath life and begins to exercise himself in the way of Gods Commandments he knows he cannot exercise to purpose unless it be in this fresh air of the Spirit Therefore Davids Faith put him upon this practice I opened my mouth saith he and panted for I longed for thy Commandments Psa 119.131 He took in fresh gales of the Spirit from day to day to uphold the vitals of the New man Secondly 2. Expiration There is another act of the Spirit in spiritual life and that is Expiration an holy breathing out of holy speeches and holy prayers And usually in proportion to our inspiration will be our expiration As in Nature 't is unwholesome to breathe out more then we suck in when the expence of spirits is beyond our receipts so also in grace when our expiration of holy speeches doth exceed our inspiration of the holy Spirit But when these go hand in hand all springs from Faith 2 Cor. 4.13 We having the same Spirit of faith as it is written I believed therefore have I spoken we also believe and therefore speak Faith will put a Christian upon it Faith is as it were the very breath of his nostrils Seventhly God makes use of Faith in the Augmentative or growing faculty And so the just lives by his Faith
In the loss of Friends Faith sayes Yet my God lives if a Husband Yet my Husband Christ lives if a Father Yet the faithful can say Our Father which art Heaven if Children David you see could comfort himself in the loss of his Childe 2 Sam. 12.23 Obj. Obj. Yea and so could I if I were assured of their good estate Ans Ans However thou mayest have comfort by vertue of these general promises Psal 25.10 All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth to such as keep his Covenant And Rom. 8.28 We know that all things work together for good to those that fear God 3. In Name and here are reproaches lies slanders c. You have a large instance of faith bearing up against such evils Heb. 10.33 35 36 37 38. 4 In Doubtful actions Here faith hath a promise Psal 37.5 Commit thy way to the Lord and he shall bring thy desire to pass 5. Or in Opposition of Enemies whether 1. Wicked men Psal 3.6 Or 2. Satan 1 Pet 5.8 Or 3. The World 1 Joh. 5.4 6. Lastly troubles may arise from the Displeasure of Friends Faith also overcomes these Jacob's faith his Brother Esau's anger Gen. 32. Moses faith the wrath of Pharaoh Heb. 11.27 Daniels faith made him fearless of the Kings Decree Dan. 6.10 So for the Troubles themselves 2. The just lives by faith also in the effects of outward Troubles and that either 1. In themselves whence arises Passion or 2. Towards others whence arises Compassion Faith in Passions First he lives by faith in those disquieting Passions and affections which outward troubles stirre up in the soul which are especially three Fear Sorrow Care Fear is stirred up from the apprehension of imminent evils Sorrow from the feeling of present evils and Care from both viz. to prevent if the evils be imminent to bear or remove if present Now a Christian lives by faith in all these Ans 1. Of Fear 1. In his Fears Fear is a strong Passion it makes sometimes the very life hang in suspense See Deut. 28.66 Peter on the water cryes out for fear Save Master I perish Now What time I am afraid sayes David I will trust in thee Psal 56.3 So Jehosaphats fear drove him to God 2 Chron. 20. He feared and proclaimed a fast and cryed Lord we know not what to do but our eyes are up unto thee Obj. But this may be the case of David and Jehosaphat onely and such eminent Saints No for 't is said of any faithful man Psal 112. He shall not be afraid of evil tidings How so his heart is fixed trusting in the Lord. Whereas a carnal man sometimes he is killed with the very fear Dan. 5. as Belshazzar his fear strikes him to the very heart at first But a believer presently looks at both Command and Promise Isa 8.12 13. Fear ye not their fear nor be afraid but sanctifie the Lord in your heart let him be your fear and your dread and he shall be for a Sanctuary c. 2. Of Sorrow 2. In Sorrows Though a believer puts not off natural affection yet he does not sorrow as those without faith without hope 1 Thess 4.13 But according to that of the Apostle in another place 2 Cor. 6.10 He is as sorrowful yet alwayes reioycing Rejoycing in hope Rom. 5.2 even before the evil be removed ver 3. We glory in tribulations c. 3. In Cares Whereas a carnal man is eaten up of cares 3. Of Care cares choak the seed of the Word in him Faith teacheth a Christian to cast all his cares upon God 1 Pet. 5.7 viz 1. By looking to the Promise Heb. 13.5 He hath said I will never leave thee nor forsake thee 2. By making his request known Phil 4 6. 3. By doing his duty and leaving the success to God Psal 37.5 Commit thy way to the Lord he shall do it What is begun in his strength trust him with the end and issue 4. In making God his portion in want of all things Psal 16.2 O my soul thou hast said to the Lord Thou art my Lord. See there how a believing soul acts faith in the worst hours even when the grave and hell is apprehended ibid. v. 9 10. Yet then O my soul though hast said unto the Lord Thou art my portion My good extends not unto thee yea but thy goodness extends to me Mark my goodness extends not to thee if I had all the world For magis and minus make no difference Yea but thy goodness extends to me if I had nothing in the world There is virtually in God whatsoever is in all Creatures So that God can nourish without meat as well as with it warm without clothes c. Therefore God is a sufficient portion of himself And faith believing this can chearfully embrace Christ and Reproach Christ and a Prison Christ and Poverty Christ and Death Thus the soul lives by faith in adversity as having nothing 2 Cor. 6. and yet possessing all things Secondly Faith in Compassions He lives by faith in the effect of our own trouble towards others and that is Compassion Faith tells us this is one main end of our sufferings that we may pity others 1. In Soul straits One that knows what belongs to a wounded Spirit cannot but pity Pro. 18.14 Other infirmities a mans own Spirit can sustain but a wounded Spirit who can bear 'T is a true saying besides reading meditation and prayer Temptation makes a good Divine Therefore such an one is set out as meetly qualified for a High Priest who can have compassion on the ignorant and on them that are out of the way for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity Heb. 5.2 And also 2. In outward troubles as sickness poverty banishment and the like One that hath been in them knows the better to pity others Exod. 23.9 Ye know the heart of a stranger seeing you were strangers in the land of Egypt 2 Cor. 1.4 We are comforted in our tribulations that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble by the comfort wherewith we our selves are comforted of God Quest How does the just live by faith in point of Compassion Ans Divers wayes 1. In observing the Precept unto it 1 Pet. 3.8 Have compassion one of another love as brethren be pitiful be courteous 2. In heeding the threatning of judgement without mercy Jam. 2.10 to them that shew no mercy 3. In eying the Promise Mat. 5.7 Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy And Prov. 19.17 He that hath pity on the poor lendeth to the Lord and he will repay him again And saith Christ With the same measure that you mete shall it be measured to you again c. Luke 6.38 * And here I cannot but give you of this place thanks for your liberality to the poor the stranger the fatherless and widows for the many bowels refreshed by you c. And
honour to God Such are more fruitful Heb. 6.11 12. And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end that ye be not slothful but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises 2 Cor. 5.14 For the love of Christ constraineth us c. 2. Receives more honour from God Rev. 2.17 To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden Manna And mark the Promise is made not to the Combatant but the Conqueror To eat of the hidden Manna Obj. But Christ is that Manna Joh. 6. I am the Bread came down from heaven therefore the weakest believer eats of him Ans Yet such a one tastes not at the first so much sweetness Exod. 16.31 The taste of it was like wafers made with honey A pleasant taste but not at first Manna was set within the Holy of Holies Exod. 16.32 before the Testimony they did not taste it so soon as they entred into the Temple 8. A jucundo Luk. 10.20 Rejoyce because your names are written in heaven like Paul are caught up into the third heaven By the least degree of faith a man is in the first heaven by a strong faith in the middle region of a Christian by full assurance in the third heaven This is to be with Christ in the Garden in the Wine-cellar in his Bosom as John Cant. 1. to be kissed with the kisses of his mouth to wear his favour which he gives to his especial favourites Joh. 15.15 All things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you to be è secretioribus consiliis a joy that the world knows not of Prov. 14.10 A stranger doth not intermeddle with their joy 9. A periculoso or ab incommodo for 1. Life is uncertain as a vapour and death uncomfortable if it come before we be assured Therefore David Psal 39. ult O spare a little that I may recover strength c. Simeon Lord now not before Say to thy Soul I may be dead before night and in hell before morning therefore it is good to be sure For temporal estate it s a great trouble to think estate is not made sure to Wife and Children it s a great mercy to set our house in order Isa 38.1 but a greater to set our souls in order they are dearer then the dearest and then we shall not fear though we walk through the valley of the shadow of death Psal 23.4 2. If it were certain yet there 's danger in deferring this 1. When God commands to make sure and we do not endeavour after it this is rebellion as the sin of witchcraft 1 Sam. 15. 2. It 's more difficult to obtain in ordinary course of working Mark 9.21 If Satan long possess he is hardly outed 3. The best condition of life is bitter without this Dan. 5.5 6. Belshazzar troubled in his feasting c. è contra this will sweeten the most bitter affliction cause to sing in prison Matthew 9.2 Christ said to the man sick of the Palsey Sonne Be of good cheer 10. A minori ad majus si isti callidi rerum aestimatores c. If men take pains to make sure the World yea Hell let their folly teach us wisdome If any thing be given by Will man rests not till he see his own Name written c. 11. Such have great boldness at the Throne of Grace in Prayer if they know Christ their High-priest Heb. 10.21 22. 2. Means of Assurance 2. In using of the Means by which we may come to Assurance True the Spirit is all in all Rom. 8.16 The Spirit beareth witness with our spirits c. yet this witness comes by means used As General Promises First Applying general Promises to our particular condition Whether they be 1. Such Promises as are made to sinners in general as 1 Tim. 1.15 This is a faithful saying c. And therefore saith the Soul Though I am a sinner though I am the chief of sinners as he said there yet there are no rails made about the promise to keep me off onely I must know thus much I can no sooner lay hold of the promise but the very first touch will draw vertue from Christ to make me a new man in the frame of my heart Acts 15.9 Purifying their hearts by faith Or 2. Whether such promises were made to sinners so and so qualified not as if these qualifications did spring from themselves for God himself worketh all in all as he pleaseth As for Example Matth. 11.28 Come unto me all ye that are weary c. Now then when I see my self not onely in this condition that I am weary of my sin but willing to obey the Command surely then I have as great cause to apply the Promise as to apply the Commandment I may as well claim the Promise for my Comfort as the Commandment for my Duty If I be willing and obedient in yielding to the Commandment and my heart tells me its holy and just and good why then God tells me from his Word That if my sins were as scarlet they shall be as wooll Isa 1.17 3. Or in laying hold of the Promises tending directly to Assurance it self Isa 60 16. Thou shalt also suck the milk of the Gentiles and shalt suck the breasts of Kings and thou shalt know that I the Lord am thy Saviour and thy Redeemer c. Isa 57.19 I create the fruit of the lips peace peace to him that is afar off and to him that is near saith the Lord and I will heal him 2. In receiving the spirit in the sealing work of it Sealing of the Spirit For there is one work of the Spirit whereby we cast our selves upon a Promise before we get assurance yet this is faith Isa 50.10 Who is among you that feareth the Lord c. that walketh in darkness and hath no light let him trust in the Name of the Lord and stay upon his God And another work of the Spirit after this Faith is begotten that assures us we do indeed believe Eph. 1.13 14. In whom also after that ye believed ye were sealed with the holy Spirit of Promise which is the earnest of our inheritance c. And this especially in Scripture is called a Seal wherein Christ is offered particularly as meat and drink 1 Cor. 11.24 Take eat this is my Body c. Exercise of Prayer 3. By stirring us up to exercise the spirit of grace and supplication more abundantly than formerly Psal 35.3 Say unto my soul I am thy salvation Zech. 12.10 They shall look upon him whom they have pierced and mourn Then they shall have a clear sight of Christ crucified and they shall mourn Obj. But where is Assurance in this mourning condition Ans Godly sorrow doth nothing hinder godly joy nay they are ever twins of the same womb for as godly sorrow so joy springs from
for the Life of Justification is perfect at the first though it be a continued act Therefore do not onely hear the Word but Pray Hearing the Word is the laying the mouth to the breast but Prayer is the drawing of the breast Therefore draw hard New-years-day O thou that createdst the first Heaven and the first Earth of nothing O thou that createst the New Heaven and the New Earth wherein dwells Righteousness when sin had made the creature worse then nothing O thou that createst the New Jerusalem coming down from Heaven as a Bride O thou that createst the New Creature the New man fit to be an inhabitant of the New World of the New Jerusalem O thou that hast said Behold I make all things New Create thou in me even in me Psal 51. a clean heart renew a right Spirit in me Plead with God and say Lord thou hast commanded me whilst it is called Heb. 1. To day to hear thy voice and not to harden my heart I beseech thee therefore whilst it is called To day hear my voice and harden not thy heart against me For if thy heart be hardned against my Prayer my heart must needs be hardned at thy Word Say Father let others give what gifts they please to their friends if thou please but to give me grace Eph. 4. grace to put off the Old man with the Old year as the circled Snake casts her skin and to put on the New man Psal 103. as the Eagle renews her bill and her age both together I shall esteem it the best New-years-gift that ever was given And say Father I have fast hold on thee and I will not let thee go Gen. 32. except thou bless me except thou giv'st me this blessing this New-years-gift of a new heart Lord I lay hold of thee in thine own promise Thine everlasting Truth is a cord strong enough strong enough to hold Thee and Lord I must needs make bold to binde thee to thy VVord Hast thou not said Lord A new heart will I give you Lord for whom is this new heart laid up in thy Promise for them that have it or for them that want it c. Therefore I beseech thee of thy faithfulness to answer me and in thy righteousness say unto me Though thy faith be weak Be it unto thee even as thou wilt Let there be light Mat. 8. let there be heat let there be a new heart Be thou holy as I am holy that thou maist be happy for ever as I am happy Thus much for the third Question How and by what means this Sanctification is wrought in the Soul 4. Questions follow Quest 4. What Reason of the necessity of Sanctification What is the reason that such a life is necessary in all justified persons Reas 1 1. Reason Because this is one of the great Ends of our freedom by the Death of Christ He died not onely to redeem us from Hell and from Satan and all our Enemies but from our vain conversation also 1 Pet. 1.18 Tit. 2 14. He gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purifie to himself a peculiar people zealous of good works Yea he delivered us from the hands of all our enemies that we might serve him in holiness Luke 1.74 Reas 2 2. Because it was one of Gods great designs in the work of our Redemption to make us conformable to the Image of his Son as in suffering Rom. 8.29 so in sanctity that as we have born the Image of the Earthly so we might bear the Image of the Heavenly 1 Cor. 15. VVe look upon Christ by the eye of Faith as they look'd upon the brazen Serpent not onely to save us but to transform us and heal us The vision of Christ begets transformation and transformation satisfaction this is partly in this life but perfectly in the life to come Psal 17. ult I shall behold thy face in righteousness when I awake I shall be satisfied with thy likeness In the mean time there are degrees of transformation and satisfaction to the Soul so far as it is able to look upon Christ by the eye of faith in the glass of the Ordinances 2 Cor. 3. ult But we all as with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord are changed c. To be changed into the Image of Christ is a great part of a Christians happiness a great part of this happiness is his holiness without which even heaven it self and the glorified Presence of God would be a hell to him for so long as men are unregenerate and wicked they say unto God Depart from us we will not have the knowledge of thy wayes Job 21.14 Therefore that they may be made like Christ and take comfort in the fellowship of Christ it 's necessary they should live by Faith the life of Sanctification Reas 3 3. Because from the first Adam we stand guilty of a twofold sinfulness 1. Imparted Rom. 5.19 As by one mans disobedience many were made sinners so c. 2. Imparted Job 14.4 Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean Reas 4 4. This is for the honour of Christ Philip 1.27 Onely let your conversation be as becomes the Gospel c. 2 Sam. 10.4 Hanun's abusing Davids Servants was to cut off half their garments Reas 5 5. Because Gods free love in the Life of Justification cannot but stir us up to love God again 1 John 4.19 And love is active and full of inventions to do service for the beloved And so he must necessarily live the Life of Sanctification and so Sanctification is an evidence of Justification How doth Christ prove many sins were forgiven to Mary Luke 7.47 Because she loved much And how doth she prove her love by the fruits her cost and care and pains ver 37 c. If ye love me keep my Commandments sayes Christ Joh. 14.15 Faith works by love Gal. 5.6 As Faith applies Promises for Comfort so commands for Performance of Duty Psal 119 66. And so much for the first Branch in Sanctification viz. Renovation BRANCH II. THE LIFE of FAITH A LIFE OF FRUCTIFICATION SEcondly The just lives by Faith the Life of Fructification for we shall speak of the Use of both together in the fruits of New Obedience And this in these particulars How or in what manner faith hath influence into the life of spiritual Fructification 1. Faith makes us good trees 1. In making of us good Trees A man must be a good Tree before he can bring forth good Fruit Mat. 12.33 Now Faith makes us good Trees by grafting us into the Mystical Body of Christ Rom. 11.17 Thou being a wilde Olive-tree wert grafted in and partakest of the root and fatness of the Olive Thou derivest sap and juyce and life of grace in Christ and so thou dost not onely bud and blossom as Aarons Rod Numb 17. by good words and fair
Promises but thou bringst forth fruit of New Obedience to the glory of God Joh. 15.1 2 c. 2. In telling of us or discovering to us 2. Faith discovers what is good Fruit. what is good Fruit. For the Matter Faith tells us what is Gods revealed Will and it layes hold of the Command of God for direction as well as of the Promise of God for consolation Psal 119.66 I have believed thy Commandments and whatsoever is not thus of faith is sin Rom. 14. ult So Faith laying hold of the Word tells me what is my duty as a Magistrate as a Minister as a Master as a Neighbour as a Fellow-Member c. If I do not live by Faith in all these the fruit I bring forth cannot be good Prov. 19.2 That the soul be without knowledge is not good c. 3. In stirring up the Soul to be fruitful 3. Faith stirs up the Soul to be fruitful How First First By guickning Considerations drawn not onely from our duty but from the Promise of God and the glory of God 1. The Promise of God as Moses Heb. 11.26 27. choosing affliction c for he had an eye to the recompence of reward So saith Faith If thou dost this the Promise is thine 2. Glory of God Faith tells the Soul 2 Thess 1. ult Matth. 5.16 Herein is thy heavenly Father glorified if thou bringest forth much fruit Joh. 15.8 Secondly By drawing strength from Christ the Root John 15.4 5. Abide in me c. Nothing without Christ all through Christ Therefore Faith and Prayer sucks strength from Christ Psal 119.4.5 Thou hast commmanded me to keep thy Precepts O that my wayes were so directed c. 4. In timing and seasoning of the Fruit 4 Faith suits all our scruples to a proper season which is a beautiful thing Eccles 3.1 True indeed our whole time is due to God Luke 1.75 Gods Trees are so full of sap that they must bring forth fruit all the year long Yea but yet there are several fruits for several seasons for several moneths Ezek. 47.12 There are several winds which blow upon the Garden of the Heart and cause several fruits to flow out Cant. 4.16 There are gales of the Spirit and gales of Providence Gales of the Spirit Joh. 3.8 The wind bloweth where it listeth so is the Spirit O set up thy sails when thou hast so fair a wind if thou art bound for the Land of Promise Gales of Providence viz. The north-wind of adversity O now bring forth fruit with patience The south-wind of prosperity O now bring forth fruits with joy and thankfulness Besides there are seasons of grace for thy self and for others For thy self see 2 Cor. 6.2 Now is the accepted time c. when God calls by his Word or by his Rod whilest the waters are troubled John 5. then is the time of healing For others in gaining them to bring forth fruit to God Some are made Fishers of mâ—n It is excellent to know the season and the bait to cast out the Net at Gods word and his time Faith teacheth this It is good fishing in troubled waters that is the season As it is with a man ready to be drown'd you must take him when he riseth up and holds forth his hand and cries for help c. Beloved there is no Ordinance no Providence but calls for some seasonable duty at our hands As every day hath its proper trouble Mat. 6.34 so every day hath its proper task and service Now 't is Faith onely that can instruct us and enable us to know our time and take our time As he that believes makes not haste Isa 28.16 So he will not be too slow Heb. 6.12 not slothful Natural men and unbelievers know not their times nor the seasons of their visitation Luke 19.42 c. So nor of their Fructification Natural men know natural seasons of Sowing Setting Planting Plowing every Almanack can tell this But onely the true Believer the spiritual man is instructed in the spiritual good husbandry to know the right seed-time and harvest of Grace and to know the season of every fruit of Grace Eccles 8.5 6. A wise man knows time and judgement c. 5. The just lives by Faith the Life of Fructification 5. Faith ripens the fruits of new obedience in ripening the fruit Faith is a bright beam of the Sun of Righteousness that ripens the fruit of New Obedience without Faith it is but crude and raw fruit yea dead and withered fruit dead Prayers dead Preaching dead Hearing dead Practice dead Works As Faith without Works is a dead faith Jam. 2.17 So Works without Faith are dead works Heb. 9.14 How much more shall the blood of Christ purge your consciences from dead works to serve the living God There are works that are called dead works that have all the outward lineaments of good works onely they want life and we are purged from these by the blood of Christ applied and sprinkled upon the conscience by Faith and so there is life put into them and they are made living works fit to be presented to a living God 6. And so lastly He lives by Faith in Fructification 6. Faith procures acceptation of our fruitfulness through Christ in regard of the Acceptation of this fruit when it is presented to the hands of the great Master of the Vineyard Faith presents it by the hand of a Mediator and so 't is accepted which otherwise would certainly be rejected Look as Whatsoever we ask the Father in Christs Name it is granted so whatsoever we present to God in his Name is accepted Gen 27. Jacob gat the Blessing in the garments of his elder Brother Take the same good works for matter Suppose the one presented by the hands of a faithful man the other by the hands of a proud unbeliever whose heart is lifted up in him and he thinks God is beholding to him for his service the one is accepted the other is rejected The Lord had respect to Abel and his offering but to Cain and his offering had he not respect Gen. 4. And what 's the reason of the difference The difference is not in the Offering but the Offerer The one had Faith the other had none By faith Abel offered a more excellent sacrifice than Cain God testifying of his gifts Heb. 11.4 The diversity of the persons makes a diversity in the Present They are like the two Baskets of Jeremiah's figs Jer. 24. The one had very good figs like the figs that are first ripe the other had very naughty figs that could not be eaten they were so bad True Faith dares invite God to eat of the fruit of his own Planting and of his own ripening Though it be not full ripe in it self 't is mellow'd in Christ Cant. 4. last Let my beloved come into his garden and eat of his pleasant fruit Thus the just man lives by Faith the Life of Fructification
As a natural death seizeth on all parts heart and all so true Mortification extends it self to all parts of the old man even to the best beloved sin and that which lies next the heart 3. Then there is no more delight in sin 3 Mark Rom. 6. If sin be dead in us we are dead to sin Bury my dead out of my sight said Abraham of his beloved Sarah when she was once dead Gen. 23.4 4. Further let us see 4 Mark if we have proceeded against sin as the avenger of blood in those eight Particulars above-mentioned viz. Is there 1. A rising of the heart against sin 2. A diligent enquiry after it 3. An accusation of it c. Obj. But my sin revives in me rather than is mortified Ans I answer as before VVhen a beast is struck it struggles Besides as Christ died a lingring death so doth a believers sin that is crucified with him There is a long Combate between the flesh and Spirit as there was between the houses of Saul and David Gal. 5.17 2 Sam. 3. The flesh lusteth against the Spirit c. Obj. Yea but there is a combate in the Conscience of Natural men against sin as there is in the Regenerate of the Spirit against the flesh And I am afraid mine is no more how shall I know it Marks of the combate of flesh against Spirit Ans Know it thus 1. By the Cause What is the Cause of this Combate or Trouble of Conscience Is it onely some gross sin or great judgement That may proceed from the horror of natural Conscience But if thy very corrupt frame of Nature troubles thee and its putting forth in the least sins in sinful thoughts in sinful looks c. This combate proceeds from a Nature renew'd by the Spirit of God Rom. 7.23 24. I see a law in my members rebelling against the law of my minde O wretched man that I am c Second Mark of the difference 'twixt a true and false combate 2. By the Aim The aim of a natural man in his combate or wrestling is onely to give sin a foil or at most a fall and he is willing to let it rise again so it will be quiet and not bring him to shame by giving him a fall in the place of lookers-on But the aim of a spiritual man in his combate is not onely to give sin a fall but to kill it and crucifie it He lives the Life of Mortification he desires that all that natural enmity which is in his heart against God Eph. 2.16 may be utterly slain 3 Mark 3. In the Effects and Issue For 1. the combate of a Natural man drives him to false succours When the evil Spirit troubles Saul he runs now to his Musick now to the Witch of Endor Cain to his building of Cities But a spiritual man runs to Christ Rom. 7.25 Who shall deliver me from the body of death I thank God sayes he through Jesus Christ our Lord. 2. The combate of a Natural man endeth usually either in Despair or Dissoluteness The flesh gets the better hand and at last his troubled conscience comes to be drown'd or sear'd But the combate of Spiritual men ends in Victory his conscience is more tender and smites him for the lap of a garment or any small thing and so he gets more power against sin from day to day Though he halts for it yet he gets the victory Vse 3 Thirdly It Reproves all that live not by Faith the Life of Mortification Conviction Reproof to 7 sort of persons 1. Such as rather make peace with sin than fight against it Though the Lord hath sworn that he will have war with this Amalek from generation to generation Exod. 17.16 What is this but to make a Covenant with Death and to be at an Agreement with Hell Isa 28.15 2. Such as in stead of fighting against sin fight for it See also Jer. 44.16 As the Sodomites for theirs Gen. 19. or the Benjamites in defence of theirs Judg. 20. or the Ephesians for their Diana Acts 19. Such take the Devils part and fight against Christ as the Dragon against Michael Rev. 12.7 3. Such as nourish and cherish their Sin as the countryman did the Snake till it sting them to death What Solomon sayes of one Sin may be said of all Prov. 23.32 At last it biteth like a Serpent and stingeth like an Adder These are such as make provision for the flesh to fulfil the lusts of it Rom. 13. last 4. Such as seem Neuters in this Christian Warfare Though none are so indeed for all are either with Christ or against him But some seem Neuters as Laodicea Rev. 3.16 that is neither hot nor cold Double-minded men that are unstable in all their wayes Jam. 1.8 Such as the Lord will spew out of his mouth Why halt ye between two said Elijah 1 Kings 18.21 if Baal be God follow him if God be God follow him 5. Such as will chide and rate their Sins and themselves for their Sins as Saul did before David My Son I have done very foolishly and Pharaoh before Moses 1 Sam. 14.16 Exod 9.27 The Lord is righteous but I and my people are wicked and Judas did before the High-Priest I have sinned in betraying the innocent blood and yet for all that they spare the life of them They had rather kill themselves than kill their Sins as Saul did and Judas also 6. Such as will restrain Sin or imprison it or binde it to its good-behavior or cast it so bound into a pit as Joseph was cast by his Brethren that the world may not see their wickedness Gen. 27.21 but they are resolved they will never kill it outright No but they plead for the life of it as Reuben pleaded for the life of his Brother Let us not kill him 2 Sam. 18.5 c. Or as David for Absolom Deal gently with the young man Just so men deal with their Sins they are kinde-hearted to their Sins but cruel to their Souls 7. Such as will whip and scourge their Sins and themselves for their Sins but spare the life of it As Papists do by their Fastings Pilgrimages and Scourgings and then presently give a new Indulgence to Sin As the worshippers of Baal cut themselves with knives and lancers 1 Kings 18. So these mortifie the outward man but the inward man is never pricked at the heart Alas it's easier to endure all outward torments than to mortifie one lust The sinner will endure any pain Job 2. so his sin may live Skin for skin and all that a man hath will he give for his life Now Sin is the very life of a sinner in his own apprehension dearer than his right hand or his right eye 8. Such as deal with their Sins as those Cutters in the 10 of Luke dealt with the Traveller between Jerusalem and Jericho wound them sore and leave
a very unskiful Souldier in this warfare Means of mortification Ans The first Means is to look up to God who teacheth thy hands to war and thy fingers to fight Go out in his Name as David did against Goliah Fall down before him as Joshua before the Captain of the Lord host Josh 5.14 Be much in Prayer and adde Fasting to Prayer Some sins cannot be cast out without this Means 2 Secondly Learn to loath and hate sin A man hates to death what he mortifieth and though he cannot kill it outright 1 Job 3. yet as he that hates his Brother is a manslayer so he that hates his sin as sin is a sin-slayer in Gods account For ye are dead sayes the Apostle Col. 3.3 then follows Mortifie therefore your Members c. ver 5. Means 3 Thirdly Get assurance of the Love of Christ and this will constrain to suffering and doing 2 Cor. 5.14 For the love of Christ constraineth us We love our sins naturally as our right eye and therefore are loath to part with them It must be the sense of a greater love that will make us willing to pluck out our right eye He that was next of kin to the person murthered was to be the Avenger of blood because it was to be supposed he loved him best If we consider what enemies our sins are to Christ our best beloved we shall do that part Love Christ much and you will hate sin much and the way to love Christ much is to be assured of Christs love to us 1 Cor. 15.31 I protest by our rejoycing we have in Christ Jesus I die daily Means 4 Fourthly Apply the Cross of Christ Rom. 6.6 knowing this that our old man is crucified with him The death of Christ is the death of sin First because it is the meriting Cause meriting the Spirit by which our sins are mortified Secondly the serious Consideration of Christs death doth give sin a deadly wound What did Christ die for my sins O let me crucifie them that crucified him Did Christ love me so well as to be willing to lose a precious life Let me love him so well as to part with a sinful life or the life of sin The death of Christ is the slaying of the Enmity not onely betwixt man and man Eph. 1.16 but between God and Man I am crucified with Christ sayes the Apostle Gal 2.20 Means 5 The fifth Means is set down Eph. 6.11 Put on therefore the whole armour of God c. VVhere you see two things 1. God hath provided for a Christian Complete Armour 2. Every Christian that would stand in the day of battel must put it on But what is the Armour God hath provided Ans See there in the verses after they are the Graces of Gods Spirit all Christian Vertues 1. Truth the Souldiers Belt that knits all other graces all other pieces of the Armour fast together Truth of Doctrine opposed to Errour Truth of Graces and Actions opposed to Hypocrisie Hypocrites are fearful true men are valorous One true man beats two or three thieves Prov. 28.1 2. The Breast-plate of Righteousness Righteousness imputed and Righteousness imparted and this is Murus aheneus Though infirmities may be in many yet this saves the Vitals 3. Shoes of Patience like brazen Greaves whereby the Christian Souldier treads upon Scorpions he treads down Satan under his feet in this Spiritual Combate 4. The Shield of Faith above all or over all For this covers all our Armour all our Graces and strengthens them in the Combate 5. The Helmet of Salvation which is Hope 1 Thess 5.8 Then lastly there is the Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God of which in the next Means Means 6 Sixthly Hear and apply the Word In Hos 6.5 God hews them by his Prophets and slays them by the Words of his mouth This is a sharp and two-edged sword that pierces to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit Heb. 4.12 And here apply the threatnings as well as the Promises to the mortifying of sin VVhen the Minister reproves such sins as we are guilty of every one should turn the Point to his own breast Suppose it be Lying or Adultery or Idolatry c. out of that place Rev 22.15 If there be an hundred in the Congregation every one should say Surely God meant I should take this to my self Suppose Despising of the VVord out of Prov. 1.25 Suppose partaking of other mens sins out of Psal 50.18 When thou sawest a thief thou consentedst c. VVe should do as Job's friends advised him Job 5.27 Hear it and know it for thy self This was that which prick'd their hearts Acts 2.36 37. when Peter told them they had crucified that same Jesus Means 7 Seventhly Entertain the Spirit for the VVord is but the Sword of the Spirit Rom. 8.11 If ye by the spirit mortifie the deeds of the flesh ye shall live Gal. 5.16 Walk in the spirit and ye shall not fulfil the lusts of the flesh This will conquer Corruption For 1. It is of a most contrary nature to it a holy Spirit 2. It is an Almighty Spirit able to cast corruption out 1 Joh. 4.4 Greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world Therefore walk in the guidance and strength of the Spirit Look higher than our selves for new supply of strength as we have new Employments new Trials new Temptations Do not onely desire it and pray for it but use it kindely The Spirit is of a tender and delicate nature very free where it is entertained and acts with freedom If thy Soul welcom the Spirit he will soon thrust out those domineering lusts that have disturb'd his quiet and peaceable possession And hereunto look with an eye of faith unto those great Promises of the Spirit Isa 44.2.3 Ezek 36.25 c. Joel 2.28 The Spirit is promised to be poured out largely under the Gospel as Ezekiel's waters chap. 47. 't is observable the further they run the deeper they grew They took the Jews up to the ankles the Primitive Christians to the knees the Middle Times to the loyns c. Means 8 Eighthly Moderate the use of lawful things Satan gets great advantage in these things Corruption is strengthned by immoderate use of lawful things Luk. 17.27 They eat they drank they married and gave in marriage and the flood came and destroyed them all They were first drown'd in their security and unbelief and then the flood drown'd them Means 9 Ninthly Keep corrupt Nature in compass by Vows As they vow'd the death of Paul Acts 23. so do thou of thy sins Vows are against either things absolutely unlawful and these binde ad semper alwayes as the Vow in Baptism against the World Flesh and Devil or things indifferent but in danger to be abused and these it is best to be made onely ad tempus for a time lest afterwards they become a snare Means 10 Lastly Shun Occasions of
the Sun harden the Clay and soften the Wax withers the grass upon the house-top and makes the grass in the meadows flourish comforts sound eyes and offends sore eyes 4. Probational 4. There is a Probational deadness which God dispenseth or permitteth for the trial of his Servants graces This was in Peter for a time to let us see what we are when God leaves us to our selves Summer were not so comfortable if we had not a Winter Look as it is in natural life Psal 104.29 30. Thou hidest thy face they are troubled thou takest away their breath they die and return to the dust Thou sendest forth thy Spirit they are created c. So in spiritual life whence there is so much difference betwixt one man and another yea in the same man at one time and at another Propos 2. Saints recover by faith out of deadness But it is better to know how to come out of this estate than how we come into it though both be needful Therefore I come to the second Proposition That at such times as these the just lives by faith and by Faith recovers the quickness and activity of his spiritual life again In the 2 of Tim. 1.6 the Apostle perswades Timothy to stir up the gift of God that was in him 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to thrive or rekindle it to blow it up as a spark into a flame Now Faith is as the bellows to blow it up The breath of the Lord indeed is the wind that breathes upon dead bones so upon dead Souls But Faith is as the bellows that draws this wind and blows it forth again And therefore if you observe it the Apostles Exhortation to stir up or blow up the gift is grounded upon the former verse viz. I call to minde the unfeigned faith that is in thee which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois c. As if he should have said Thou that hast faith art too blame if thou dost not stir up the gift that is in thee Ministerial gifts especially by the exercise of thy faith This is the Aqua-vitae of a Christian in fainting fits and dead fits when Qualms of sorrow and spiritual sickness come over the heart Psal 42.5 Why art thou cast down O my soul why art thou disquieted within me still trust in God for I shall yet praise him who is the health of my countenance and my God There was the cure his Faith did revive him and were it not for this we should quite sink away Psal 27.14 I had fainted but that I hoped to see the Lord the Lord in the land of the living So then the just lives by Faith the Life of Vivification And the Reasons of it are Reas 1 1. Because Faith doth assure us in present deadness that a time of quickning shall come I shall yet praise him as before Psal 138.7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble thou wilt revive me and thy right hand shall save me The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me c. Reas 2 2. Because Faith is a Mean of quickning an active grace that works and sets all a work like the Spring in the Watch. If Faith lies dead in a Christian all is dead If you winde up the Spring of Faith if you act your Faith it moves every Wheel it quickens all your Humility your Patience Love Zeal and the stronger Faith the quicker the motion Should we speak for God As strong wine must have a vent so strong Faith This made the Apostles speak so freely Acts 2. when others thought they were fill'd with new wine Thus Elihu Job 32.18 I am full of matter the spirit within me constraineth me Or do much for God Act 6.8 Steven full of faith and power did great wonders and miracles among the people This suffers us not to be slothful Heb. 6.12 Reas 3 3. Because it puts the Soul upon quickning Means As 1. It layes hold on a quickning Word Psal 119 50. Thy word hath quickned me Heb. 4.12 The word of God is quick and powerful c. and Faith layes hold on that Word Especially the quickning Promises Heb. 9.14 12.11 12. Hos 14.5 6 7. Isa 40.3 last verses Jer. 29 10 11 12. Prov. 12.25 Heaviness saith Solomon in the heart of a man maketh it stoop but a good word maketh it glad that is a word of Promise 2. On a quickning Saviour 1 Tim. 6.13 God who quickneth all things How in and by Christ 1 Cor. 15. Iohn 6. The second Adam is a quickning Spirit that hath life in himself and gives it to all others As the root quickneth the branches so Christ Joh. 15.5 The life of the branch in winter is hid in the root so is our life hid with Christ Col. 3.3 And 3. Faith receives a quickning Spirit Joh. 6.63 It is the Spirit that quickneth Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is liberty 2 Cor. 3.17 and where there is liberty there is activity Psal 119.32 I will run the way of thy Commandments when thou shalt enlarge my heart The Spirit is compared to water Joh. 7.38 not to standing water but to running or living water because it is alwayes in motion Psal 45. Cor meum ebullit c. my heart bubleth up as a spring Hence also it is compared to fire Mat. 3. Fire is an active element it 's alwayes mounting upwards and it warms those that come near it Dead and frozen members are made useful and active by the heat of the fire so are dead and benummed Souls by the warmth of the Spirit Reas 4 4. Because Faith puts the Soul upon quickning Meditations or Arguments Whilest I was musing says David the fire kindled Psal 39.3 Whether we meditate on good or evil Meditation will blow up the fire The faithful man is described to be a man full of Meditation Psal 1.2 he meditates day and night and Psal 119.147 148. I prevented the dawning of the morning Mine eyes prevent the night-watches that I might meditate on thy Word Quest But what Meditations or Arguments does Faith put the Soul upon to quicken it Answer Such as are drawn 1. From former Experience Arguments of faith to quicken the soul under deadness that God who once quickned the Soul will quicken it again Psal 77.3 5 6. I remembred God I have considered the dayes of old I call to remembrance my song in the night Will the Lord cast off for ever c Arg. 2 2. From Gods Attributes of Mercy and Faithfulness Psal 77.8 Is his mercy clean gone for ever doth his faithfulness fail for evermore Of his Perfection His works are perfect Deut. 32.4 A perfect God will perfect his works Arg. 3 3. From Gods Glory An active Christian brings him in more glory in one day than another in a thousand Psal 80.18 Quicken us and we will call upon thy Name Psal 119.175 Let my soul live and it shall praise thee c. Arg. 4 4
not say As many as believed were ordained unto life eternal but contrariwise As many as were ordained to eternal life believed To intimate That Faith foreseen 1. From Election was not the cause of Election but Election was the cause of Faith and so the same Election is the cause of Perseverance in Faith or else their Life should not be eternal Therefore that strong conclusion of strong Consolation Rom. 8.35 is fetcht as far as from that everlasting VVell-head of Gods Fore knowledge and Predestination ver 29. For whom he did fore-know he did predestinate and whom he did predestinate them he also called and whom he called them he also justified and whom he justified them he also glorified Therefore the Apostle is bold to make that brave challenge Who shall charge us Who shall condemn us Who shall separate us As if he should have said Neither Sin nor Affliction nor Men nor Devils shall ever be able to break this Golden Chain of Gods Election till it ends in glory Therefore the just perseveres God hath elected him to no meaner a life than that which is Eternal and therefore he shall certainly have it Rom. 11. the Election must needs obtain it 2 Reas From Gods Love from which 2. Gods love this Election springs in order of working Gods love is an Everlasting love As God is from Everlasting to Everlasting so is his Love for whatsoever is in God is God Jer. 31.3 I have loved thee with an everlasting love therefore with loving kindness have I drawn thee which I conceive is not to be understood à parte post after we are drawn to believe and obey but even before also à parte antè Gods love here is made the cause of our being drawn to believe and obey and not our obedience a cause of his love Obj. But is it not said Joh. 14.21 He that hath my Commandments and keepeth them he it is that loveth me and he that loveth me shall be loved by my Father and I will love him and will manifect my self to him therefore our love of God goeth before Gods love to us Resp. There is a love of Benevolence whereby we bear good will to another and a love of Beneficence whereby we testifie our love in doing good to him Gods love of Benevolence is before our loving of him Joh. 4.19 We love him because he first loved us but Gods love of Beneficence at least in part doth follow our love to him and is the reward of it according to his free grace If Gods love therefore be everlasting this must needs be an everlasting fruit of it even the life of Grace and Glory to all eternity 3. The Covenant 3 Reas From the Covenant of God made with his People which is an everlasting Covenant well ordered and sure 2 Sam. 23.12 Jer. 32.40 I will make an everlasting Covenant with them that I will not turn away from them to do them good but I will put my fear in their hearts that they shall not depart from me Whereas the poor Soul might say God indeed saith he will never depart from us so long as we do not depart from him but then he might justly depart from us Therefore Gods Covenant is That we shall not depart from him I will put my fear in their hearts and they shall not depart from me Therefore the just lives not from any stability in himself but from the stability of Gods Covenant 4. Gods Unchangeable nature 4 Reas From the Unchangeable Nature of God Mal. 3.6 I am the Lord I change not therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed You are not consumed not because there is no principle of change in you but because there is none in me As if God should have said When I first entred Covenant with you I saw you polluted in your blood and I foresaw full well how ignorant how impotent how unconstant how untoward you would be afterward but I am resolved as I did not choose you at the first for the good I saw to be in you so I will not reject you for the evil that I see in you but will forgive it and heal it for my gifts and calling are without repentance Rom. 11 29. 5. Reas From the Power of God 5. Power of God If Gods people do not persevere it is either because God will-not preserve them or because he cannot But 1. Not because he will not for it is his own good pleasure moved him to make an everlasting Covenant and his own unchangeable Nature moves him to fulfil it to this day 2. Not because he cannot for nothing limits Gods Power but his Will Psal 135.6 Whatever the Lord pleased that did he in heaven and earth c. Therefore if the Lord will preserve his Saints in a state of grace for ever he is able to do it Though we are not able to stand of our selves yet he is able to make us stand Rom. 14. or in case we fall he is able to raise us up again Psal 37.24 Though he fall he shall not be cast off for the Lord putteth under his hand 6 Reas From the Merit of Christ 6. Merit of Christ c. the Prayer of Christ the Spirit of Christ As Christ hath merited Eternal Righteousness and Eternal Salvation Heb. 5.6 So he applies his Merit eternally by his Intercession and the operation of his Spirit Wherefore Heb. 7.25 Intercession of Christ he is able to save to the uttermost all that come unto God by him seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them Wherefore we must either deny That God the Father hears the Prayers of his Son which is blasphemous to imagine and contrary to Christs confession 1 Joh. 11.42 I know that thou hearest me alwayes or else we must need acknowledge That all such as are once in a state of Grace shall persevere and be saved to the utmost Further they that are Christs And Spirit of Christ have the Spirit of Christ and so long as the Spirit doth not depart from them they shall never depart from God for the Spirit leads into all Truth But the Spirit of God doth never depart from them Isa 59.21 As for me this is my Covenant with them saith the Lord My Spirit that is upon thee and my words which I have put in thy mouth shall not depart out of thy mouth c. Therefore they shall never finally depart from God Thus we have the Reasons Why the just shall persevere 2. Why perseverance through Faith Now see the Reasons Why they live this life by Faith 1. Faith layes hold on the Promise 1. Because Faith lays hold on the Promise of Perseverance 1 Cor. 18. He shall confirm you to the end that you may be blameness in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ Phil. 1.6 He that hath begun the good work in you will perform it unto the day of Jesus Christ Mat 16.18
promise And it was a blessing of the first Age of the World where God graciously provided that men should live longer because they were sown thinner Therefore some lived seven hundred years some eight hundred some nine hundred and odde but at last it is said of the best and strongest and longest of the Sons of Men Et mortuus est that he died That is the way of all flesh in regard of natural life But it is not the way of all flesh in regard of Spiritual life Joh. 11.26 Whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die His Soul shall never die though his Body die Fear not those that kill the Body but are not able to kill the Soul Matth. 10.18 they are not able to kill the Soul no nor are they able to kill the grace of the Soul Rev. 14.13 Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord. Therefore say with David Oh let my Soul live and it shall praise thee Vse 6 6 Use is of Incouragement against all Discouragement That the just live by Faith the life of Perseverance Of incouragement concerning Perseverance That the just live by Faith the life of Perseverance and shall persevere in the grace and favour of God Nothing shall separate from the love of Christ There are four main Discouragements incident to a Christian in his earthly Pilgrimage 1. The inconstancy of Creatures towards Creatures 2. The Creatures inconstancy towards God 3. A mans weakness compared with the strength of enemies opposing 4. A mans own sinful Demerits daily forfeiting all his Mercies To which adde 5. The uncertainty of future Events But this Doctrine that the just lives by faith the life of Perseverance is a great Incouragement against all Discouragements First The inconstancy of the Creature 1. In the inconstancy of the Creature in it self Job 6.15 Job complains his friends had forsaken him like a deceitful brook that is full in raining times when there is no want of water and empty and dry in Summer heat or when there is greatest need For a man shall have many friends so long as God rains down showers of blessings from heaven upon him but if God once search him with the fiery trial of some such Judgement as dries up all his substance he shall hardly finde a drop of comfort from such as in time of prosperity did run in a full current of kindness towards him Well suppose it be so yet this is great Incouragement to a poor Believer when he can thus reason Well though my friends leave me upon earth yet Faith assures me Heb. 13. I have a friend in heaven that will not forsake me who doth usually let out most of himself to his people when they have the least of Creature-comforts he delights to visit his people in Egypt in the fiery Furnace His Servant John Baptist in the Isle of Patmos Paul and Silas in the Prison when they had little or no comfort from the Creature And what is Heaven but the Presence God Where there is most absence of the Creature viz. in Heaven where there is neither marriage nor giving in marriage neither buying nor selling nor possessing nor rejoycing in the earthly Comforts of this life yet there is joy enough for all that when there is no Creature-comfort at all 1 Cor. 15. God himself shall be all in all And if the Presence of God it self alone shall be enough to make Heaven when all the world shall be left am I not bound to believe Gods Person is enough upon earth if all Creatures should forsake me If I can live by Faith the Life of Perseverance in respect of influence from God what if I do not live by Sense the Life of Perseverance in respect of influence from Creatures The former is Incouragement enough of it self 2. Creature-inconstancy towards God Secondly The second great Discouragement and indeed greater than the former is this The Creatures inconstancy towards God The Creatures goodness is as the morning dew Hos 6.4 that is soon gone O how quickly are they turned out of the way saith God Judg 2.17 Peter is ready to swear Allegeance to his Master and as ready almost to forswear with the same breath and do not think that thou hast a better heart than Peter had for as in water face answers to face so the heart of man to man Prov. 27.19 One face is not more like another represented in water or in glass then one mans heart is naturally like another's All are very fickle and very inconstant in the love and service of God Now this is sometimes a great Discouragement to a gracious Soul Saith such a Soul I have such a base backsliding heart I shall never be able to hold out to the end what will become of me For thy answer Beware of Discouragement though thou art unconstant and unbelieving yet God is faithful and he hath promised to make thee constant and faithful or at least to heal thy unconstancy and unbelief 2 Tim. 2.13 If we believe not yet he abideth faithful he cannot deny himself What if we believe not at all that 's not the meaning of it For he gives Faith when he intend Mercy but if there be intermissions and interruptions in our Faith or at least in the activity of our Faith yet God is faithful to heal our back-slidings and to love us freely Hos 14.4 And this is a great Incouragement Gods constancy in Covenant opposed to our fickleness and inconstancy He will so put his fear into our hearts as we shall never utterly depart from him Jerem. 32.40 Thirdly A third Discouragement 3. In our own weakness is our own Weakness as well as our own Inconstancy yea were we never so constant in our resolutions yet how weak are we in our performances We are weak our enemies strong our trials many and great and this is a great Discouragement to a gracious heart that howsoever the Spirit is willing yet the flesh is weak that should God leave us to ourselves we should fall away from him every day in which respect Christ commands us to watch and pray lest we enter into temptation Mat 26.41 Well be it so that a Christian is so weak on the one side and his enemies so strong on the other yet Faith administers this notable incouragement in the sight and sense of all our enemies and greatest infirmities 1 Cor. 10.13 But God is faithful who will not suffer you to be tempted above that which you are able to bear but will with the temptation also make a way to escape and so the weakest believer if a true believer shall be kept by the power of God 1 Pet. 1. 2 Tim. 1.12 I know in whom I have believed and I am perswaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed to his trust against that day Fourthly The fourth Discouragement 4. Against sinful distempers is a mans own sinful Distempers daily forfeiting
us Psal 2â— 1 Psal 77.9 O Lord why hast thou forgotten us Were all these deceived was it their sin thus to complain or did this complaint spring from the weakness of their Faith Possibly it might be so in the Saints you say but it could not be so in Christ yet Christ himself complains My God Mat. 27.46 my God why hast thou forsaken me Never did any more seek to God and in that hour when he had most need of help and never did any more complain of Gods forsaking of him And though God hath not forsaken me I know not what he may do for time to come Ans For the clearing of this doubt Of Gods forsaking we shall propound to you several Considerations First of all there may be a forsaking in appearance 1. In appearance onely As there may be a real forsaking so there may be a forsaking in appearance As there may be the real presence of a thing when it is not visible and apparent Many things have a real existence when they give us no manifest evidence of that their existence God may be really present when he seems to be absent For example the Beauty of Christ is real he is altogether lovely the fairest of ten thousand but 't is not manifest to the greatest part of the world Isa 53.2 He hath no form nor comeliness there is no beauty in him say they that we should desire him The Comforts of a Christian are real but not always visible and therefore it is called The hidden Manna Rev. 2.17 The Soul of Man and the Deity are real but not visible It 's one of Gods Properties to be Invisible The Winds have a real existence as we see plainly by their powerful operations we have much ado to bear up our Sails against them sometimes and yet cannot see them The Sun it self is so visible that it makes all things else visible and yet when it is under a Cloud though we then see all other things by the light of it yet we cannot see the Sun it self As in Paul's dangerous voyage neither Sun nor Star appeared for many days together Acts 27 20. The rich Mines of Silver and Gold and the streams of precious Rivers they run sometimes under the earth many miles and no eye takes notice of them How near was Hagars Well of Water Gen 21.19 and yet she saw it not till God had opened her eyes Peter was really delivered out of Prison by the Angel but for a good while together while he looked upon Creatures he thought it had not been true but that he had seen a Vision or Representation of such a matter Acts 12.9 The Mountain where Elisha stood was full of Horses and Chariots but his Servant saw no such matter till he was faint to pray Lord open his eyes that he may see 2 King 6.17 And doubtless it is thus in Spiritual respects There may be many strong influences from God upon the Souls of his Servants which they perceive not many eminent supports in their trials which they take no notice of They take notice of the hand that cast them down but they do not take notice of the hand that holds them up Job took notice of Gods afflicting hand but he did not take so much notice of Gods supporting hand till the affliction was over And so David Psa 31.22 I said I am cut off from before thine eyes He speaks like a man forsaken of God but what follows Nevertheless thou heardest the voice of my supplications when I cried unto thee Observe God was nearer than he was aware of As Jacob said of his solitary journey to Padan-Aram Surely the Lord is in this place and I knew it not Gen. 28.16 God is nearer to his Servants many times than they are aware of so as they may say with Job Job 9.11 Lo he goeth by me and I see him not he passeth on also but I perceive him not The poor childe crieth after the Mother What shall I do for my Mother Oh my Mother my Mother what shall I do for my Mother And it may be the Mother stands behinde the back of the childe onely she hides herself to try the affection of the childe So the poor Soul cries after God and complains Oh my Father my Father where is my heavenly Father Hath he forgotten to be gracious Psal 77.9 Hath he shut up his loving kindness in displeasure when God is nearer than they think for Zech. 12. Rom. 8. shining upon them in a Spirit of grace and supplications with sighs and groans that cannot be uttered Thus the gracious woman Mary Magdalen she seeks after Christ she enquires she cries after him and weeps My dear Saviour my dear Lord and Master he is taken out of the Sepulchre Ioh. 16.20 and I know not where they have laid him Thus she complains to the Disciples and thus she complains to the Angels when Christ stood at her very back and over-heard all nay when she turned her about and saw him yet at first she did not know him nay when he spake to her and she to him yet she knew him not but thought he had been the Gardiner Joh. 20.11 Thus it is with many a gracious Soul though God speaks home to their hearts in his Word and they speak to him by prayer and they cannot say but the Spirit helps their infirmities yet they complain for want of his Presence as if there were nothing of God in them Obj. But are all such complaints of Gods people meer mistakes Did they not complain upon good ground Psal 44.9 Thou hast cast us off and goest not forth with our Armies Ans Therefore by propounding a second Consideration That there are many times real forsakings by God 2. In temporal respects onely and not imaginary onely but then 't is rather in Temporal than Spiritual respects For look as on the one side Gods influence may be great in Temporals when he dries up the streams of special Mercies men may have fat bodies and fat estates whilst they have lean Souls so on the other side Gods influence may be great in Spirituals when he dries up the streams of Temporal Mercies Gods people may have thriving Souls when they have least estates in the world Jam. 2.5 6. Hearken my beloved brethren hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith Yea but yet sometimes in a temptation they are ready to complain of Gods forsaking of them if he do but forsake them in some outward and temporal respect They are ready to reason as Gideon did Judg. 6.13 when the Angel said The Lord is with thee thou mighty man of valour Ah! saith Gideon if the Lord be with us why then is all this befaln us Hath not the Lord forsaken us whilst he gives us up into the hands of the Midianites So reason another sort The Lord hath forsaken me or else I should never be so poor Surely the
Cann while the spirit of the Wine is in him and his heart is lifted up he thinks there is none so merry as himself But behold his heart that is thus lifted up is not right in him or as some expound it it is not quiet in him he hath no true peace or solid joy but even as it is with a drunken man it may be the next morning when the spirit of Wine is gone his heart sinks down as Nabals did as heavy and as dead as a stone and therefore his heart that is thus lifted up with carnal joy is not quiet it is not right But the Just shall live by his faith that is to say He shall live comfortably as the strength of the opposition doth necessitate the sense he shall live comfortably in the midst of troubles as the other lives troublesomely in the midst of comforts For as an unbeliever hath inward troubles and unquietness of spirit in the midst of all outward comforts so a believer hath inward comforts in the midst of all outward troubles Be his condition what it will be or what it can be in other respects yet the just shall rejoyce 2 Cor. 6.9 As sorrowing saith the Apostle yet always rejoycing And what resolves this Riddle but the Mystery of Faith For the just lives by Faith the Life of Consolation For Method we shall first prove it That the just doth live by Faith the Life of Consolation and give Reasons for it Two Propositions First why God will have the just to live the Life of Consolation and Secondly why he is said to live this Life by Faith and then we shall endevour to apply it Propos 1. That the just lives the Life of Consolation 1. The just doth live the Life of Consolation Comfort is the proper Portion of Gods People Isa 40. Comfort ye comfort ye me people saith your God speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem God commands his people to speak comfortably to his own People But he never commands his People to preach comfort to the wicked whilst they remain so Isa 57. ult no There is no peace to the wicked saith my God And God complains of such Ministers as make sad the heart of the righteous and strengthen the hands of the wicked by Preaching Peace and Comfort to them whilst they continue in their sins Ezek 13.22 because with lies ye have made the hearts of the righteous sad whom I have not made sad and strengthned the hands of the wicked that he should not return from his wicked ways by promising him life for True joy is the Portion of the just The just lives the Life of Consolation 2. He lives this Life by Faith Propos 2. The just lives the Life of Consolation by his Faith As his Faith doth Justifie so his Faith doth Comfort him not originally but instrumentally It is the Conduit-pipe of Comfort as well as of Grace The just live by Faith the Life of Consolation God gives faithful men leave to be chearful Psal 5.11 Let all those that put their trust in God rejoyce yea let them shout for joy Nay he commands them to be chearful Luk. 8.48 And he said unto her Daughter be of good comfort thy faith hath made thee whole go in peace Mark he commands her to be of good comfort and why not so much because she was whole as because Faith had healed her and so she had inward peace as well as outward healing Thence it is that Joy and Faith are usually coupled together in Scripture Phil. 1.25 and joy of faith It is called The Joy of faith as if all true Joy did come from Faith 1 Pet. 1.8 In whom believing saith the Apostle ye rejoyce with joy unspeakable and full of glory Mark when they were full of afflictions and full of temptations as appears by the connexion yet they were full of glorious joy And how came that to pass but by vertue of their Faith In whom believing ye rejoyce c. That 's the reason why the Apostle would pray for the increase of the Peoples joy when he prays for the increase of their Faith Rom. 13.13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing that ye may abound in hope through the power of the Holy Ghost As if there were no joy without faith and the more faith the more joy No sooner did the Eunuch believe Act. 8 39. but the Text says he went on his way rejoycing as if he felt not the ground he went upon his joy was a pleasant companion by the way who is as good as a Chariot No sooner did the trembling Jaylor believe but it was said Act. 16.34 He set meat before the Apostles and rejoyced believing in God with all his houshold It was the merriest meals meat that he made in all his life I do not say that all believers have the same degree of joy much less that they have the same joy at the first 't is enough that they have the seed of joy Suppose it were a wet and troublesome Seed-time it may be they sow in tears yet this is sufficient security God hath given us his Word for it in due time thou shalt reap and reap in joy if they faint not Therefore let all those that put their trust in God rejoyce But we come to the Reasons Reasons First Why God will have the just to live the Life of Consolation Secondly Why he is said to live this Life by Faith 1. Why God will have the just live comfortably For the first God will have the just live by Faith the Life of Consolation because it makes much for the Glory of God he delights in the service we perform to him when we our selves delight in it also 1. For his honor As God loves a chearful giver so he loves a chearful worshipper Psal 100.2 Serve the Lord with gladness and come before his Presence with a song The chearfulness of the service commends the Masters service You may well think there is the wine of Consolation in the heart where you see the oyl of Gladness in the countenance Therefore God glads the hearts of his Servants by the grace of Faith that their very countenance and carriage may commend his service to all the world 'T is true indeed the service of Christ is called a burthen Mat. 11. and a yoke and 't is so for our corrupt nature but so far as we are spiritual although the yoke is rough you see nothing at the first but Afflictions and Persecutions and Self-denial yet the inside is smooth and easie 't is tied on with the silken string of Love and stuft with nothing but Peace and Joy in the Holy Ghost It 's better to feel than to see for many have boggled at the yoke that have but look'd upon it afar off but never any that took it up and wore it but highly commended it to be the sweetest and easiest
Surely by the hearing of the Word mixed with Faith Faith receives the Spirit of God which is called The Comforter because it is the special office of the Spirit to comfort the hearts of Gods people and to witness to their Spirits that God is now their reconciled Father in Jesus Christ and so it is called a Seal and this comes after Faith Eph. 1.13 In whom after ye believed ye were sealed by that Holy Spirit of Promise And this must needs be matter of unspeakable joy for the love of God is better than the love of all Creatures nay it brings along with it the love of all good Creatures and by this love the hatred of evil Creatures shall do us no hurt The love of God Job 5.23 is the life of the Soul as the Soul is the life of the Body nay 't is better than life Psal 63.3 Thy loving kindness is better than life Note Now Faith lays hold on the God of Love and on the love of this God and therefore must needs afford matter of strong Consolation Consolation what properly For what is Consolation to speak properly but a certain Reasoning of the Soul whereby we oppose some certain good to some oppressing evil whereby we mitigate our sorrow and bear the evil with more ease Now the greater and sorer the evil is the greater and surer good is required to weigh against it Now then forasmuch as a Christian seeks comfort against the greatest of all evils which is sin and eternal damnation for sin therefore it is not every good nor indeed any good but onely the Summum Bonum the chiefest good which is God that can be a sufficient remedy and cordial against this the greatest of all evils So then 1. How Faith comforts Faith lays hold upon this God reconciled to us in Jesus Christ forgiving all our sins because of his sufferings and Forgiving them Freely Frankly Fully Affectionately Most Advantagiously and In respect of us For it viz. Faith instrumentally redeems from Sin as a Debt then from the Prison of Hell then from the Jaylor Satan and re-instates in all the good forfeited by sin Believers shall have all things work for their good in this life and of Heaven at last And this is a Plaister broad enough to cover all our sores If God speak peace who can make trouble Job 34.29 Here is an object of unspeakable comfort God reconciled in Christ and this Reconciliation witnessed by the Spirit of Truth Again 2. Second way wherein Faith comforts Faith lays hold on the Ordinances which are as Conduit-pipes from the Brest of Jesus Christ as Christ is a Conduit-pipe from the Father And Faith as the mouth of the Soul lies sucking at this Brest and so draws in abundance of Spiritual strength and comfort Christ hath intrusted his Spouse the Church with these Brests for the nourishing up of all his children Oh how sweet it is to â—ie in the Lap of such a Nurse Isa 60.10 11. Rejoyce with Jerusalem and be glad with her all ye that love her rejoyce for joy with her all ye that mourn for her that ye may suck and be satisfied with the brests of her consolation that ye may milk out and be delighted with the abundance of her glory For thus saith the Lord I will extend peace to her like a river and the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream Then shall ye suck and be born upon her sides and be dandled upon her knees As one whom his mother comforteth so will I comfort you and ye shall be comforted in Jerusalem Lo here are the sweet brests of the Church Now the Word is one of these Brests the Seal of the Word is the other First the Word 1 Pet. 2.2 1. The Word is one of Christs Brests As new born babes desire the sincere milk of the Word that ye may grow thereby if ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious There is much sweetness in this Brest Psal 19.10 The statutes of the Lord are right rejoycing the heart more to be desired are they than gold sweeter are they than the honey and the honey-comb Oh this is a sweet Brest especially the Word of Promise for that is as it were the very Head and Nipple of this Brest Put this into the mouth of the most distressed Soul and it will still it when it cries out by reason of affliction Psa 119.49 50. Remember thy Word unto thy servant upon which thou hast caused me to hope And that must needs be the Word of Promise For what follows This is my comfort in my affliction for thy Word hath quickned me But how doth this Brest quicken and comfort the children of God Surely not unless they draw and suck out this Milk of Consolation by the mouth of Faith Heb. 4.2 The Word preached did not profit them not being mixed with faith in them that heard it The most comfortable Promise in all the Word if it be not applied by Faith it hath no manner of sweetness in it But if thou canst receive it and apply it to thy self in believing Jer. 15.16 it will be the very joy and rejoycing of thy heart Second Brest of Consolation The second Brest of Consolation is the Seal of the Word the Sacrament Oh there is much sweetness in this there is much sweetness indeed in the Word of Promise as you have heard Yea but is this true says the Soul that begins to believe but is weak in Faith Or does all this belong to me Will God give Christ to me and the Spirit to me and Heaven to me Will God indeed love such a vile wretch as I am I am half afraid it is too good to be true O that I had some further assurance of it O that God would set to his Seal that this is true that I might set to my Seal that God is true O that he would set me as a Seal upon his heart that I might set him as a Seal upon my heart I can and will says God to the believing and yet weakly believing Soul Art thou so desirous of assurance I 'll give thee a Seal in the Sacrament Lo that 's a Seal of my love and all the fruits of it As sure as thou receivest the outward elements so sure shalt thou receive what is signified and sealed thereby my Christ my Spirit my Comforter And therefore this must needs be a sweet Brest where God does so sensibly put comfort into the mouth of the Soul Note A great neglect of the Sacrament of the Lords Supper And if so surely we have the greatest cause to lay it to heart and to cry to our heavenly Father That one of our Mothers Brests is in a manner dried up or that some of his children do frowardly wean themselves from this Brest and therefore God may justly take away the other also And doubtless we finde the less comfort in the Word
because we neglect the Seal of the Word It may be in a Womans Brests if one be dried up the other may be the fuller because that nourishment which should run into two doth now run into one vessel But it is not so here for the neglect of one Ordinance makes the other more unprofitable because God never appointed any Ordinance in vain and will not indure the contempt of any Well then poor Soul dost thou complain for want of comfort thou canst not finde that comfortable assurance of Gods love active or passive thou wert wont to finde It may be there is more estrangedness every way I answer If it be so blame thy self and not God thou dost neglect a comfortable Ordinance thou sufferest one of thy Mothers Brests to be dried up for want of sucking in which thou mightst otherwise finde abundance of comfort You read in 2 Chron. 30.21 26. Gods people kept the Passover with great gladness there was such exceeding great joy in Jerusalem that there had not been the like many years before in those times when the Sacrament was neglected And you know the Sacrament of the Passover and the Sacrament of the Lords Supper are all one for substance And so you read Act 2.46 They continued in breaking of bread from house to house with gladness of heart Well then dost thou want this gladness of heart this Life of Consolation Consider whether this be not the cause thou hast not for a long time laid thy mouth to this Brest No wonder then if thou complainest for want of comfort I would not be mistaken Caution for I speak to none but true children as Christ says of his Bread so I say of his Brest It is not meet to take the childrens bread and give it to whelps For we must know though this Brest be sweet it is so onely to the believing Soul The unbeliever sucks poison out of it he eats and drinks his own damnation Therefore saith the Apostle Let a man examine himself and so let him eat And what must he examine Surely his faith above all the rest 2 Cor. 13.5 Examine your own selves whether ye be in the faith The Word and Sacraments are the two Brests and Faith is the Mouth and so the just by Faith sucking at these two Brests he lives the Life of Consolation And that 's the second Reason Reas 3 3 Reason Because by Faith a Christian lives the Life of Justification VVhy consolation comes by Faith as we have heard at large and therefore by consequence by the same Faith also he lives the Life of Consolation For as sorrow is more properly the consequent of sin than sufferings For suppose suffering without sin and they are more truly the occasions of joy than sorrow So on the other side comfort is more properly the consequence of Righteousness than of all outward Blessings whatsoever Rom. 5.1 2 3. Therefore being justified by faith we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ and we rejoyce in hope of the glory of God and not onely so but we rejoyce in tribulations And so tribulations cannot hinder the glorious rejoycing of a justified person The golden Chain Order of Righteousness Peace and Joy in the holy Ghost Therefore in that Golden Chain Rom. 14.17 The Kingdom of God is Righteousness Peace Joy in the Holy Ghost Observe the order First Righteousness when a a person is justified through the Merits of Christ then Peace when we understand God and we are friends for what strikes terror but this Oh! I have sinned says the Soul and God is mine enemy And what speaks peace but this I am justified from my sins and now God is my friend And then thirdly comes in Joy in the holy Ghost for as nothing wounds the Soul more than to look at God under the notion of an enemy so nothing comforts the Soul more than to look at God under the notion of a friend and reconciled Father Therefore as Peace is the fruit of Righteousness so Joy is the fruit of Peace and then both Joy Peace and Righteousness the fruit of Faith Therefore a Christian lives by Faith the Life of Consolation As you cannot separate the heat of the Sun from the light of it no more can you separate the comfort of Justification from the life and assurance of it and the stronger the assurance the stronger is the comfort Reas 4 4 Reason Because by Faith a Christian lives the Life of Sanctification Why Consolation comes by Faith both in purifying the heart from sinful corruption and in quickning of it to all holy duties as we have already proved Now howsoever it is true Caution the forsaking of sin on the one hand and the practising of holy duties on the other hand doth not deserve the least comfort or incouragement from God and in this sense we do not ground our comfort upon our duties Yet this we say from good Warrant from the Scripture God of his free grace doth usually make holy ways comfortable ways and sinful ways uncomfortable ways even to his own children Hereupon David says on the other side Psal 38. There is no rest in my bones by reason of my sin And Solomon says on the other side Pro. 3.17 All her ways are ways of pleasantness and all her paths are peace Hear what S. Luke saith Acts 9.31 Walking in the fear of the Lord they walked also in the comfort of the holy Ghost God deals with his children as we do with ours though we intend not to disinherit them for every fault yet we will discourage them by correction when they do ill and incourage them by rewarding them when they do well It is not all one in point of comfort whether we sin or sin not God is a wise as well as a loving Father he will shew no countenance to his own children if they regard iniquity in their heart Psal 66 18. If I regard iniquity in my heart God will not hear my Prayer But blessed are the pure in heart Why they shall see God Mat. 5.8 What of that why here 's the comfort here 's the happiness here 's the very heaven of a Christian to see God 1 Joh 3 2. For Vision of God works Transformation into the Image of God Satisfaction and Satisfaction even abundance of Soul-ravishing Consolation Now this Wisdom Transformation Satisfaction and Consolation God onely disposeth to the pure in heart And yet I do not mean such as are pure in heart from all acts of sin for we sin in our best duties but such as are pure from the approbation and allowance of any sin from the regarding of any iniquity in their heart If a justified person do not act his Faith to the purifying of his heart and life In that sense we speak of God will certainly suspend his comfort for a time The Sun of Righteousness will not shine upon a Dunghil heart but upon the Garden for the Spirit
time oppressed with sorrows ask thy Heart and Soul that question which David did in the like case Psal 42.5 twice in one Psalm Why art thou cast down O my Soul and why art thou so disquieted within me and certainly the Soul would return answer My distress of sadness springs from my Vnbelief You may know the disease by the cure In the very next words O put thy trust in God hope thou in God for I shall yet praise him who is the health of my countenance and my God All sorrow of heart springs principally from our Vnbelief not from the greatness of other evils I mean destructive sorrow for godly sorrow is a friend to godly joy It is not so much the weight of the burthen as the soreness of the back that troubles the poor Beast So it is not so much the weight of outward evils as the inward soreness of a galled Conscience not purified nor healed by faith that vexeth and troubleth the poor Creature Were all sound and well within a believer might look upon the grimmest visage of outward troubles and laugh in their face Job 5.22 It is a believer he speaks to At destruction and famine thou shalt laugh neither shalt thou be afraid of the beasts of the field O the sweet Security that holy men do finde under the shield of Faith It is not onely a guard from outward evils but it guards the Hearts and Minds of Gods People from the very fear of evils approaching and from the sorrows of present evils This is a Receipt from Christ to keep the Heart in a cheerful frame Carry this about with thee continually and then shalt thou be never overwhelmed with sorrow I dare not say Thou shalt be free from trouble but this I dare say Thou shalt never be overcome of trouble so long as thou canst believe Hear what the Apostle saith 2 Cor. 4.8 We are troubled on every side yet not distressed we are perplexed but not in despair persecuted but not forsaken cast down but not destroyed An unregenerate heart is a comfortless heart Inform. 2. Unregenerate soul uncomortable soul and so a faithless heart Where there is no shield against sorrow how can there be comfort Where there is nothing but deadness where the Soul is without God without Christ without the Covenant of Promise Eph. 2.12 what ground can there be of Hope It is the presence of the Sun that makes day and the absence of the Sun makes night So the Presence of God maketh a day-light of Comfort and his absence makes a night of Sorrow and darkness Creature-comforts are but Star-light at the best yea without God they are vanity and vexation of Spirit but when God is against a man they take part with God against the possessors of them as Balaams Ass riseth up against her Master when he riseth up against God How can a wicked man have comfort in his Possessions when God once possesses him with the serious thoughts of Death of Hell of Wrath Therefore an unregenerate heart is a comfortless heart Though Josephs brethren had their Sacks full of Corn and their Bags full of Money yet their hearts were full of fear and why They doubted they had not the favour of the Lord of the Countrey and they knew they could not live without him they must to him again when their Corn were spent and they were afraid his displeasure would be their utter undoing So it is with a wicked man though he abound in worldly comforts although he have his Pastures full of flocks his Barns full of corn his Coffers full of silver and gold yet for all that if God be not reconciled in Christ all these are but miserable Comforters he may lie down in sorrow for all that Isa 50. last Therefore an unregenerate heart is a comfortless heart There is no peace there is no joy to the wicked saith my God Who would rest in such a condition where there is no rest to be found O who would lie down in such a bed of Snakes Inform. 3. Religious life the only comfortable life The onely truly comfortable life is a religious life a Life of Faith Some seek it in Profits some in Honour and some in Pleasures of Sin but when all is done it is no where to be found but in God Faith draws comfort from God when sense can draw none from the Creature There was a time when Davids Mountain of Prosperity was removed so that he could finde no comforts in his Wives nor in his Children nor in his Possessions nor in any thing that was formerly comfortable to him for the Amalekites had swept all away yet even then he could comfort himself in the Lord his God 1 Sam. 30.6 When there is the greatest famine of Comforts upon earth yet Gods People finde bread enough in their Fathers house and it is Faith that opens the Cupboard door when unbelievers perish with hunger Faith opens the Cupboard-door of their heavenly Father The just lives by Faith the Life of Consolation O then learn to take notice of the difference betwixt the godly and the ungodly the believer and the unbeliever in this respect Hear what God says Isa 65.13 14. Therefore thus saith the Lord Behold my servants shall sing for joy of heart but ye shall cry for sorrow of heart and bowl for vexation of spirit Wicked men indeed may have a counterfeit joy as they have counterfeit grace they may set a good face on it when they have a full sorrowful heart Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful and the end of that mirth is heaviness Whereas true joy is the upright mans portion Psa 32. last Be glad in the Lord and rejoyce ye righteous and shout for joy all ye that are upright in heart Gal. â—2 But the fruit of the Spirit is in love joy and peace Obj. But wicked men are very merry and cheerful without any such check they are so merry they are the very Musick of the company as Job saith of himself Job 17.6 He hath made me also a by-word of the people and aforetime I was a tabret What he said as a Patient for they played upon him as men play upon Instruments they may say as Agents We are the Musick of the company where we go Ans I answer They may be so upon a gross mistake of their own condition as a godly man may be sorrowful upon mistake of his condition because he knows not his own happiness So a wicked man may be merry and cheerful because he knows not his own condition Belshazzar was in a miserable condition before he saw the Hand-writing upon the wall but he was merry and jovial before because he knew it not but so soon as he saw that intimation of Gods displeasure his guilty Conscience strook him and he was all a-mort So it is with all wicked men though they rejoyce in sin at the first though it be sweet in their mouths yet at last it
of Faith in the state of grace Eye hath not seen nor ear heard what god hath prepared for them that love him how much more shall it be verified of the state of glory when Faith shall be turned into Fruition and Hope into present Possession When we shall have cause to say with the Queen of Sheba The one half hath not been told us No doubt that Queen was much affected to hear of the Wisdom of Solomon she was much taken with it or else would she never have taken so long a journey But how much joy more was she affected with and admiration when she saw with her own eyes the glory of his house and heard with her own ears the rare expressions of his unparallell'd wisdom Before she saw with other mens eyes and heard with other mens ears but now she heard with her own and therefore she was affected with much more delight and wonder insomuch as there was no more spirit left in her which intimates the surpassing greatness of the joy and comfort she took in it For great affections let loose do even drink up the spirit she was fuller of affection than she could well hold But in heaven there shall be an inlargement of the vessel as well as the liquor of heavenly joy and therefore how great shall that joy be If there be such joy in believing and that weakly too What joy shall there be in a plenary comprehension If it revived the spirit of old Jacob to hear that Joseph was alive and to receive his tokens at such a distance Gen. 45.27 how much more do you think was the good old man revived when he came to see and to imbrace his Son So if it do revive the heart of a Christian so much to understand by Faith that Jesus Christ who was dead is alive and behold he lives for evermore and is ascended to give gifts unto men how much more shall their spirits be revived when they come to be dissolved and to be with Christ which is far better Phil. 1.23 If the Sealing of the Conveyance be so comfortable what is the taking of the Possession and what the injoyment of all to all eternity If the Espousals be so full of joy what are the Nuptial Rites or Solemnities upon the Marriage day What Soul is there thaa is truly betrothed to Jesus Christ by Faith and Love that would not make the Conclusion of the Book of the Canticles it s own importunate and summary Love-shout Make haste my beloved and be thou like to a Roe or to a yong Hart upon the Mountains of spices Vse 2 The next general Use is for just Reproof of such as look at the life of Religious persons Reproof of mis-judging the life of the faithful as the most sad melancholly life in the world yea some are so deluded by Satan as to think Religion is nothing but the fruit and effect of a melancholick disposition And therefore by the way Note let Religious persons take heed how they carry themselves and how they walk towards them that are without that they be neither so light and jocund in their carriage as thereby to confirm carnal men in their unlawful liberties Nor on the other side so full of sadness and austerity as to give them occasion to imagine there is no manner of joy in the ways of God But the truth is if there be comfort to be found in any way under heaven certainly it is to be found in the way of Faith Faith being so powerful a hand to keep off such things as are any ways uncomfortable and to draw in also all such things as are truly comfortable to the Soul David was a religious man and yet a comfortable man yes therefore cheerful because religious The sweet singer was usually as comfortable as a Bird in May. Belshazzar was extremely sad in the midst of his Cups and therefore sad because wicked he looked as pale when he saw the hand-writing upon the wall as if there had been death in the last Cup he drank It is true wicked men may be outwardly merry as Gods People may be sometimes sad but look as in a wicked mans joy there is always the seed of sorrow so in a godly mans sorrow there is always the seed of joy Therefore saith Christ to his Disciples Luk. 6.21 Blessed are ye that weep now for ye shall laugh but he threatens the contrary to such as be of a contrary spirit ver 25. Woe unto you that laugh now for ye shall mourn and weep He is a wise man that will sorrow for a moment that he may rejoyce for ever But he is a mad man that will purchase his joy at so dear a rate as to rejoyce for a moment although he pay for it in sorrow to all eternity It is the wise mans judgement of the fools mirth Eccles 2.2 I said of laughter It is madness and of mirth What dost thou A wise man may give his judgement of a fools joy but a fool is no competent judge of a wise mans joy Prov. 14.10 A stranger doth not intermeddle with his joy And therefore when a wicked man speaks evil of the ways of God he speaks evil of the things he knows not For the just lives by Faith the Life of Consolation The second Use Reproves the Papists Repr 2. Papists rob of comfort while they rob of faith who rob people of their Comfort whilst by their comfort they rob them of their Faith or at least of any hope of full assurance of their faith For that is certainly proportionable to the assurance of a Christian Where there can be no assurance of the things promised there can be no sound comfort But the Doctrine of Papists is There can be no such assurance therefore no sound comfort Their Doctrine therefore is an uncomfortable Doctrine Note Therefore they that have received the Mark of the Beast have no rest day nor night Revelat. 14.11 They sting the Consciences of men like Scorpions Revelat. 9.5 They can never be quiet in their mindes whilst they hang in suspense they know not whether they are in the way to Salvation or Damnation This serves to Reprove such as live not the Life of Consolation by Faith but by Sense Repr 3. To such as fetch comfort from sense They are all for sensual delights such as warm themselves not at Gods fire but their own They compass themselves with their own sparks and therefore this they shall have at Gods hands when they go to their graves they shall lie down in sorrow Isai 50. last Such as these rejoyce either in the comforts of Sin or in the comforts of the Creatures 1. In the comforts of sin When thou dost evil then thou rejoycest Jer. 11.15 It is a dangerous thing to do evil but it is the height of wickedness to rejoyce in wickedness Rom. 1. ult They not onely do the same things but take pleasure in them that
man who dreams he is eating but when he awaketh his soul is empty or as when a thirsty man dreameth and behold he drinketh but when he awaketh he is faint and his appetite is not satisfied So is the joy of all Carnal men it s a faint and unsatisfactory joy But the joy of Gods people is full and satisfying and therefore though it cannot be set out to the full by any outward resemblance yet 't is compared to those things in which men use most of all to rejoyce as to the joy of harvest Isa 9.3 To the joy of a marriage feast Rev. 19. To the joy of a new discovered treasure Mat. 13.44 So 't is a great joy Behold say the Angels we bring you tidings of great joy Luk. 2.10 It a stronger joy i.e. stronger in regard of its effects 5. A strong joy The joy of Carnal men is but weak because it 's not able to hold out in a storm The terrors of God can easily drown the greatest of worldly comforts as we see in Belshazzar Dan. 5. But the terrors of the world cannot drown the comforts of God as we see in the noble Army of Martyrs singing in the Prison triumphing at the Stake So that we may say of True Joy as Solomon says of True Love It 's strong as death the coals thereof are as coals of fire which hath a most vehement flame many waters cannot quench it neither can the floods drown it Cant. 8.6 7. This joy of Gods people is therefore called strong Coonsolation Heb. 6.17 And indeed the word ordinarily used intimates as much Consolatio quasi Consolidatio q. d. a making one strong and solid against all opposite evils which onely the comforts of God can do And therefore they should not seem small to us Job 15.11 For the comforts of God are his peoples strength Job 16.5 It 's a more Durable joy as it 's stronger 6. A durable joy so it lasts longer The joy of Carnal men is like Jonah's gourd it 's born and dies again within the compass of a day or two The joy of an hypocrite is but for a moment Job 20.5 it 's but for a flash like the crackling of thorns under a pot though it makes a great noise it 's soon gone But of all flashes it 's most like a flash of Lightning it continues but a while and it sends after it a Thunder-clap of Judgment and extreme Misery But the joy of Gods people springing from an Immortal seed abides for ever it continues with them all their life long nay it out-lives life and is a comfort in death They that have it shall never lose it Everlasting joy shall be upon their heads Isa 35.10 7. A pure joy It 's a Purer joy The joy of Carnal men is like a Pit of Puddle-water They dig unto themselves broken Cisterns Jer. 2.13 Their comforts are not lasting nor cleer but puddle-water full of many sinful admixtures of gross and unmortified corruptions which make them like a pot of honey full of stings But the joys of Gods people are pure they drink out of the fountain Psa 36.8 There is no mud in the bottom no after-stings of a defiled and accusing Conscience they are sweet serene and pure joys 8. A sure joy It 's a Surer joy A Carnal man hath his joy upon very uncertain Tenure He is not sure of it before-hand and when he hath it he is not sure he shall hold it it depends upon many If 's and And 's If I have my health if such a business succeeds well if such a friend be as good as his word I shall then rejoyce saith a Curnal man therefore his joy rises and falls as outward Providences do ebbe and flow whereas he that lives by Faith upon a word of God hath sure comfort so long as the word holds his joy holds If for the present he have it not he is sure of it afterwards as sure as that Harvest follows Seed-time They that sow in tears shall reap in joy Psal 126.6 And when he hath it he is sure to hold it though there may be some intermissions of the lively feeling of it Your heart shall rejoyce and your joy shall no man take from you saith our Saviour to his Discples John 16.22 It 's a Fresher joy 9. A fresh joy All other joys have but their Honey-Moons and though they do not presently sowre yet they grow flat and dull within a while if they die not altogether yet ever and anon they come to the fall of the leaf But the joys of Gods people are as fresh and flourishing at the last as at the first His leaf also shall not wither Psal 1. The Bed of Jesus Christ is always green Cant. 1.16 The Poets fancy of a Continual Spring in the Golden Age of the World is here a Reality The joys of Gods people are ever springing and budding forth new comforts It 's a more Wholesome and Safe joy 10. A safe joy The joy of Carnal men 't is a destructive joy Destructive to Spiritual good How hardly is that man reclaimed who makes sin the object of his joy And 't is destructive even to Natural good There 's danger in excesses of joy as well as sorrow And what the Apostle saith of worldly sorrow may be said of worldly joy It worketh death How many men have lost their Wits nay their Lives in excessive joys Such heights of joy have set the door of the heart so wide open that the Spirits have run out of a sudden and returned no more This is sometime a fruit of Carnal joy But Spiritual joy is safe and wholesome wholesome for the Soul It 's a good means to concoct our knowledge To love the Truth and rejoyce in what we know while otherwise the sweetest Truths will lie raw and indigested upon the stomach of the Soul And it 's wholesome for the Body A cheerful spirit expels superfluities helps concoction quickens the understanding cheers the countenance and in a word Prov. 17.22 A merry heart doth good like a Medicine And now who would not be perswaded to savour these Spiritual Comforts and to live in them which have such excellent properties that worldly joyes are not worthy to be named the same day with them they are not meeet to be put into the scales with these which are so Solid so Rational so Pure c. as ye have heard Qu. But you will say What Means may we use to possesse more of this Joy of which I have given you but a little tast And yet as little as it is methinks every soul that hath heard me should cry out with the woman of Samaria Joh. 4. Lord evermore give me of this water that I thirst not neither go to the worlds pits to draw any more comfort thence Means of joy Ans I answer Therefore learn the Composition of this best Cordial better then ever the World could make t is not
of my making but of Gods prescribing T is Laetificans-Christi Faith 1. Then Labour for Faith and the increase of it It 's the very Doctrine now in hand The just man lives by Faith the life of Consolation Let us keep our Faith then and it will keep our Joy Let us increase our Faith and it will increase our Joy For Faith as it is the Mother so it s the Nurse also of Joy as it breeds it and brings it forth so it feeds and maintains it till it comes to a perfect age in Christ so that as the Just goes on from Faith to Faith so he goes from Joy to Joy till he comes into heaven it self As his Faith grows stronger so his Joy is sweeter All fruits the nearer to maturity the sweeter they are and so is the fruit of Faith in Spiritual Joy it s sweeter in the ear then in the blade Exercise Faith therefore every Day as thou desirest abiding and increasing Comforts Wouldst thou have the warmth of Spiritual joy abiding in thy heart and that holy fire never to go out Actings of faith for the increasing spiritual joy Be sure then to blow up the Gift of Faith by daily Exercise Qu. But how shall I make use of my Faith to the best Increase of my Joy 1. On the right object Ans 1. Remeber what was said in the Reasons Be sure to lay hold on the right Object of Consolation God himself and the Ordinances of God with joy draw water out of the wells of salvation Isa 12.3 Live the Life of Justification and Sanctification and thou shalt not fail to live the Life of Consolation whereas otherwise there can be comfort no more than fruit upon a Tree without a Root 2. Act thy Faith in Prayer Pray 2. In Prayer that your joy may be full Joh. 16 24. If joy be not worth asking 't is worth nothing No wonder some have so little comfort they pray so little Ye have not because ye ask not Jam. 4.2 Thou hast it may be praid for Grace not for Comfort Learn now of David Psal 51.8 Make me to hear joy and gladness that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoyce as if David had said Lord I have had thy Messenger the Prophet Nathan speaking peace to me for that 's the Title of the Psalm and saying The Lord hath put away thy sin thou shalt not die But Oh let me hear thy Spirit say so too or else my heart cannot rejoyce As I have heard therefore a comfortable message from thy Minister let me hear the same also from thy Spirit Make thou me to hear joy and gladness If all the Ministers in the world should preach peace to a penitent Soul as they have cause though it be in a safe yet it cannot be in a comfortable condition till God by his Spirit speak peace also Q. To what purpose then should we attend upon the Ministery of the Word A. Because though the Ministery cannot do it without the Spirit yet the Spirit delights to work in the Ministery of the Word or soon after When the Spouse in the Canticles wanting comfort inquired of the Watchmen it was but a little while ere she found him whom her soul loved Cant. 3.3 4. Q. But why doth not the Soul finde comfort in every Ordinance at all times A. There may be many causes Among the rest this may be one Lest we should ascribe so much to the Ordinance or to the Instrument dispensing it as to neglect looking up by Prayer to the God of the Ordinance whereas when we experience the best Ordinance sometimes empty and the best Instrument without the Spirit a miserable comforter This will quicken us to look above both to God himself saying We will use both but we will lift up our soul to God alone Rejoyce the soul of thy servant for unto thee O Lord do I lift up my soul Psal 86.4 and elsewhere Psal 35.3 Say unto my soul I am thy salvation That 's the second Means to act faith for Comfort in Prayer Pray that your joy may be full Joh. 16.24 3. In crucifying worldly joy 3. Act Faith in the Crucifying of worldly and Carnal joys if you would profess Spiritual and Heavenly For the first of these do exceedingly quench the latter as water doth fire so that as in the strife of fire and water if heavenly joys get not the Mastery Worldly will 'T is true God makes a feast of joy a feast of fat things to his people Isa 25.6 But remember what the Apostle saith 1 Cor. 10.21 Ye cannot be partakers of the Lords table and the Table of Devils Now the delights of sin are the several dishes with which the Devils table is furnished and he that is filled with these hath no stomach to the consolations of God nay he abhors them Prov. 27.7 The full stomach loaths the honey-comb He loaths the honey-comb of the Word and Ways of God And what 's the reason He was never yet weaned from the Worlds Brest David indeed could say of Gods Word Oh! it's sweeter than the honey and the honey-comb Psal 19.10 And why so Surely because the same David could say of all worldly delights Surely I have behaved my self as a childe that is weaned of his mother my soul is even as a weaned childe Psal 131.2 Wean thy Soul therefore from worldly delights and thou shalt be the bettter prepared to delight in the Lord who is both willing and able to give thee thy hearts desire And that 's the third Means 4. 4. 1 Sam. 7.2 In spiritual mourning Act your Faith in case you are in a mournful frame to mourn after the Lord For certainly as worldly joy ever ends in sorrow so godly sorrow ever ends in joy Mat. 5.4 Blessed are they that mourn for they shall be comforted God can no more withhold his sweetest comforts from those that mourn after his presence as their chiefest good than the tender Mother can withhold the Brest from the crying childe Oh! every cry goes to her heart and she cannot be quiet her self till she quiet the childe Isa 49.14 15. When Sion sits in the dust like a poor childe lamenting the parents absence saying My God hath forsaken me my God hath forgotten me What is Gods answer Can a woman forget her sucking childe that she should not have compassion on the fruit of her womb yet will not I forget thee Behold I have graven thee on the Palms of my hands As if God should say So long as thou mournest after me I may as soon forget my self as thee for I have graven thee on the palms of my hands If thou desirest comfort then mourn after the Lord not after corn and wine and oil not after the harvest of the Lord but the Lord of the harvest and then doubtless such as thus sow in tears shall reap in joy 5. 5. In raising spiritual affections Act Faith in digesting and
hold on the Blood of Christ witnesseth to a Christian his salvation So it 's explained further 1 Joh. 5. ver 10. He that believâ—th on the Son of God hath the Witness in himself The Witness of what Of Eternal life ver 10 11. This is the record that God hath given to us Eternal life and this life is in his Son He that hath the Son hath life and be that hath not the Son hath not life And what is it to Have or Receive the Son But to believe on him Joh. 1.12 To as many as received him c. Even to as many as believe in his Name To Receive Christ and to Believe in his Name are both one And those who believe on Christ are Sons He gave them power to become the Sons of God and so Heirs of Eternal life through Christ So that Faith assures a Believer of his interest in life Eternal How Faith works assurance of heaven Q. How doth Faith assure a Believer of his particular interest in life Eternal Ans 1. By laying hold on the Promise of the faithful and unchangeable God 1. From the Promise In hope of eternal life which God that cannot lie hath promised Tit. 1.2 So Joh. 10.18 And I give to them Eternal life Aye may a Christian say If I were one of Christs sheep I might be assured The 26 ver answers Ye believe not because ye are not of my sheep Such as believe then are sheep and to them Christ gives Eternal life 2. By arguing from the effect to the cause 2. From the effects Faith is an infallible effect of Gods ordaining a person to life Eternal Acts 13.48 As many as were ordained to Eternal life believed But I believe saith a gracious Soul therefore I know I am ordained to life Obj. But it 's impossible for a man to know that he believes Ans Not so for then 1. The Apostle would not have said I know whom I have believed c. 2 Tim. 1.12 2. The Apostle would not exhort men to try whether they were in the faith 2 Cor. 13.5 3. By arguing from the first-fruits to the Harvest 3. From the earnest from the beginning to the perfection from the seal and earnest to the full possession 1. Faith assures Gods people That they have the first-fruits of heaven upon earth Rom 8.23 We our selves which have the first-fruits of the Spirit wait for the Adoption By the first-fruits Deut. 26.1 the whole crop was sanctified and assured Believers then having the first-fruits by Christ Faith tells them That they shall have the harvest Dost thou remember what admirable joy thou hast found in Prayer Hearing Conference in a Promise at a Sacrament so that thy heart did burn That was a glimpse of Heaven and an assurance of it 2. Faith assures a believer That he hath the beginnings of life Eternal Joh. 5.24 and Joh. 6 54. He that eats the flesh and drinks the blood of Christ hath Eternal life This eating and drinking is believing Now this beginning doth assure a Christian by Faith of Perfection 1 Cor. 1.8 9. Deut. 32.4 His work is perfect Phil. 1.6 Being confident of this that he that hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Christ Obj. May not God repent and change his minde Ans No The gifts and callings of God are without repentance Rom. 11.29 3. Faith assures a Believer That having the Seal and Earnest 2 Cor. 1.22 Eph. 1.13 he shall have the full possession Ephes 1.13 14. And Faith assures this upon a double ground 1. Because the beginnings of saving grace are special Love-tokens and the love of God is unchangeable Jer. 31.3 2. God is able and willing to make good what he hath thus sealed Faithful is he that hath called you who also will do it 1 Thess 5.24 Obj. This were indeed good assurance if I had saving grace but how shall I know that Ans We may know whether Grace be saving 1. By the Root of it JESVS CHRIST Gal. 2.20 2. By the Extent of it the New man 3. By its Manner of working True grace works love to all that is good because pleasing to God and batred of all evil because displeasing to God Psal 119.6 4. From Sonship 4. Faith assures a Believer of his interest in Life by an argument drawn from the Filiation of all Believers They who have the first-fruits Seal and Earnest of Heaven as before are made the children of God Rom. 8.24 And what of that If children then heirs v. Right of Sonship proves the Right of Inheritance By nature we are not the children of God but of Wrath Eph 2.3 But Believers are the children of God by Adoption v 15.16 Adoption as it 's used in the Civil Law is the free and voluntary act of a man Adoption in the Civil Law how taken whereby he doth chuse any one that was a stranger before to stand up in the place of a Son Used in a threefold case This Adoption was wont to be 1. In case of Barenness 2. Of Death of Children 3. Of Degeneration and Wickedness of Children And in this last case we being all degenerate by the fall of our first Parents and so fallen from God God chuseth some of his free grace to be his children in Christ Jer. 3.19 Obj. But God chuseth as bad as those that are fallen from him yea the very same Ans It 's most true But yet he leaves them not in the same condition he found them in Double act of free grace in Adoption for there 's a double Act of Gods free grace in Adoption 1. The one is Acceptation in Christ whereby he is pleased to call those his Chosen People which were not his Chosen and those Beloved which were not beloved 2. And the other is Regeneration whereby they are born of God and so not onely called Children but made the Children of God partakers of the Divine Nature 2 Pet. 1.4 And herein lies the great difference between Gods adopting a Childe and Man's Difference twixt divine and humane Adoption One man adopting another mans childe may accept him for his own give him the priviledge of a Son in his Inheritance and so in all Outward respects but when all this is done he cannot give him the priviledges of a natural Son in Inward respects that is he cannot communicate his own Qualities and Nature to him But God addes both in Adoption God gives the inheritance the nature of children he both gives the Inheritance of Children and the Nature of Children he fits them for their Inheritance as he fits the Inheritance for them Thanks be to God who hath made us meet to be partakers of the Inheritance c. Col. 1.12 The Argument therefore is strong If Sons then Heirs There is no power in Heaven that will hinder it none in Earth or Hell that can hinder it Other Heirs may spend all
love and all other Graces on work So Unbelief sets all manner of sin on work and sin when it is finished Jam. 1. bringeth forth death Unbelief is the cause of all sin and misery As the Just lives by his Faith so the wicked man dies by his Unbelief All sins are pardonable to him that believes but Unbelief binds all other sins upon the Soul to condemnation O the miserable condition of all unbelievers and such are we all in our natural condition Let us confess it and bewail it at the Throne of Grace That God may give us this excellent gift of Faith that we may live by Faith upon the living God Inform. 3 Thirdly See the reason why Satan is such an enemy to Faith Reason of Satans enmity against Faith Because by it under God the creature lives Now Satan is an utter enemy to the creatures life and happiness he was a Murtherer from the beginning and therefore an enemy to Faith from the beginning He was an enemy to that Faith that was proper to the first Covenant Gen. 3.1 Now the Serpent was more subtile than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made and he said unto the woman Yea hath God said Ye shall not eat of every tree of the Garden His great Temptation was to perswade Eve not to trust God upon his Word Yea hath God said Ye shall not eat of every tree of the Garden And he is as great an enemy to that Faith which is proper to the second Covenant whereby a poor sinner casts himself into the arms of Gods Mercy through Christ held out to him in a promise of Free-grace Luke 22.31 32. you may see Satan was an enemy to Peters faith and so to the faith of every believer How do you know this Word saith the Devil to be the Word of God or if it be so how dost thou know it belongeth to thee Dost thou think God will ever make good his Promise to such a vile creature as thou art and a thousand such Objections No marvel Satan is such an enemy to Faith seeing the Just lives by his Faith Faith is that which puts life into our Zeal our Courage our Prayers all our Christian duties The Devil knows if he can but ham-string our Faith we shall halt and go lame all our days and in all our duties As our Faith is weakned our Zeal is cooled our Courage daunted our Prayers infeebled our Graces languishing and our Duties decaying from day to day Therefore as the Devil strikes most of all at our Shield of faith let us be perswaded to hold it so much the faster Eph. 6.16 Above all taking the shield of faith wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one If thou wouldst know how a Christian doth Ask him How his faith does if thou wouldst have him a thriving Christian perswade him to look well to his Faith 1 Thess 3.5 For this cause when I could no longer forbear I sent to know your faith lest by some means the Tempter hath tempted you and our labour be in vain The Tempter fights neither against small nor great but against our Faith If he robs us of that 2 Pet. 1.1 he robs us of our greatest Treasure Saving Faith is precious Faith and it is that which maintains the most precious life Therefore it is no marvel Satan is so great an enemy to our Faith Inform. 4 Fourthly Difference between the life of Christ and ours This informs us of the difference betwixt the life of Christ and ours Christ hath life of himself as the Father hath life of himself Joh. 5.26 He is the Principle of Life to himself he receives it from no other But our life is a derivative life we derive our life from him who is the Fountain of life and the Fountain of light too Psal 36.9 For with thee is the fountain of life and in thy light shall we see light Therefore as this puts us in minde of the glorious Dignity of Jesus Christ who is as the Sea to all living creatures especially such as live the Life of Grace to whom he is the Fountain of light and life So it should reminde us of the Humility which befits creatures in such a condition as we are As we should have high thoughts of Christ so vile and mean thoughts of our Selves For though Christ could live well enough without us as he did before we had any Being yet we cannot live without him he is the main Object of our Faith and therefore the very Principle of our Life for the Just doth live by his Faith Inform. 5 Fifthly This informs us why there are so many dead creatures in the world As Christ saith Why so many dead Mat. 8.22 Let the dead bury the dead let such as are dead in sins and trespasses bury such as are naturally dead How manymen in the world have no life to any thing that is good dead-hearted creatures and yet insensible of their deadness alive unto sin but dead unto all gracious performances The very reason is They want Faith Nevertheless when the Son of Man comes shall he finde Faith upon the earth Luke 18.8 There is little Faith in the world and therefore little Life in the world Nay many of those who have a Name to live are dead Rev. 3.1 because many who make Profession of Faith do want the Faith which they do profess They are not by Faith united to Christ the onely Principle of all Spiritual Life and of all living actions and therefore their most specious good works such as are materially good are no better than dead works and so sinful works because formally evil as not springing from a living Principle to wit from the Spirit of Grace dwelling in the creature and uniting him by Faith to Jesus Christ who is the Fountain of Life I confess a wicked man may perform many excellent works and that by the help of Gods Spirit too and yet have no life in him for all that for There is a twofold help from the Spirit of God the one from the inhabiting Spirit of God dwelling in the heart and changing the nature of the creature the other springing onely from some common work of the Spirit strengthning a man to this or that particular action by the Elevation of his natural parts and the improvement of them in outward Expressions There is a great deal of difference betwixt a creature that is moved by a Spirit that dwells in it and informs it That is forma informans and so acts it from an inward Principle and that which is moved by a Spirit that dwells not in it but doth onely make use of it or assist it pro tempore that is but forma assistens as the Angel that made use of a body in appearing and speaking to Manoah and his Wife Thus it is with men of most eminent parts if they have not Faith though
overtaken with self-confidence to relie upon the Mountain of his created strength or created Grace he is never well till he hath deeply humbled himself for it as David did Psal 30.6 And therefore I say a Believer so far as he is himself does all he doth in the strength of God If he be to preach if he be to pray whatever he be to do he dares venture upon nothing in his own strength lest God should blast his endevours in stead of blessing them 2 Cor. 3.5 Not that we are sufficient of our selves to think any thing as of our selves but our sufficiency is of God Phil. 4.13 I can do all things saith the Apostle through Christ that strengthneth me yea bear all things in the strength of Christ but nothing in his own strength This is an infallible symptome of the Life of Faith Psal 84.5 Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee 3. The third and last Evidence hath respect to both 3. In point of both for whether a Believer be to resist that which is evil or to perform that which is good as he goes out in Gods strength so he goes to God by Prayer in both respects for prayer is a calling in of the strength of God and a believing creature is ever a praying creature unless under Tentation and therefore true Prayer is called the Prayer of Faith and indeed Prayer is one of the first evidences of Faith I do not mean the Gift of Prayer whereby we can express our selves in good words But the Spirit of Prayer and Supplications whereby we express our selves in good and child-like affections No sooner hath a man Faith but together with his Faith he receives the Spirit of Adoption whereby he cries Abba Father Rom. 8.15 therefore as the same Apostle saith Rom. 10.14 How shall they call on him in whom they have not beleeved they are but poor formal Prayers without Faith So we may say on the other side How shall they not call on him on whom they have believed 2 Cor. 4 13. We having the same Spirit of faith according as it is written I believe therefore have I spoken we also believe and therefore we speak none of Gods children are born tongue-ty'd I am sure not so hard tyed but there will be inward sighs and groans and wrestlings with God when there are no outward expressions at all The Spirit of Faith is ever attended with a Spirit of Prayer and Supplication And this is the last Evidence by which we may judge of unfeigned Faith from that which is feigned and counterfeit Branch II. Of Examination Living by faith is the touchstone to try all Doctrines and Religions whether they be true or false And as this serves for the Trial of Persons so also of Doctrines and Religions That Religion which teacheth us to live by Faith and to lay hold on the Righteousness of Christ who was made sin for us that we through him might be made the righteousness of God to life Eternal that is undoubtedly the true Religion But that Religion which slanders the Life of Faith as if it were absurd to be justified by the Righteousness of another That which teacheth we have no Original Sin remaining in us but that all is wash'd away in Baptism contrary to that of the Apostle Rom. 7.24 O wretched man that I am who shall deliver me from the body of this death That which teacheth inherent Righteousness necessary to Justification and that it is possible also a man may so fulfil the Law of God as to Merit at Gods hand yea that he is able not onely to do what the Law requires but to over-do even to do so much as to spare of his oyl for others This is a Doctrine and Religion savouring of horrible Pride and Presumption and therefore false But that which teacheth us to go out of our selves and to give the Glory of Salvation to Free-grace and so to live by Faith this is true and there is no unrighteousness in it Now in case we finde upon search That we do believe we have infinite cause to be thankful In case we finde we believe not we have as great cause to be humbled and to seek out for Faith Vse IV. Of Thankfulness Vse 4 The fourth Use is of Thankfulness for them that have obtained Faith and know how to live by it Thankfulness for Faith Thankfulness for our selves for our Friends Yoke-fellows and Children as the Apostle is thankful Ephes 1.15 Phil. 1.3 Col. 1.3 4. What hath God given them Faith he hath given them an excellent livelihood We rejoyce when great Lands and Livings fall to us or our friends but what is all this to Faith which is the very life of our lives our living to Eternity All the blessings of Natural Spiritual and Eternal Life are wrapt up in Faith Indeed there are many quickning Considerations should stir us up to be thankful to God with all our Souls Grounds of our Thankfulness That we should say as David Psal 103.1 2. Bless the Lord O my Soul and all that is within me bless c. First For first of all 1. 'T is Gods gift Faith as the Scripture saith is the gift of God Eph. 2.8 If we could obtain Heaven by our own Workmanship or Faith it self as a particular work of our own to fit us for Heaven we might have some cause to boast and so the less cause to be thankful But neither the works which the Law requires in general nor this work which the Gospel requires in particular is of our own working or springs out of the liberty of our own Will but it is the gift of God Look as Christ fulfilled for us all that Righteousness which the Law requires So he bestows upon us that very Faith which the Gospel requires also And Faith is like an empty hand or an empty Beggars Dish and such a Dish as is given together with the Alms it self that all the glory may be given to God and none at all to the Creature And as we are bound to be Thankful to God for the very first Faith he worketh in us So also for all the degrees and increases of our Faith Luke 17.7 The Apostles pray Lord increase our Faith to intimate That all the growth and increase of Faith is from God as well as the first seed of Faith For The Righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith as it is written The just shall live by his faith Rom. 1.17 As God is the first Author so he is the carrier on and Finisher of our Faith Phil. 2.6 Heb. 12.2 And when he begins he will also make an end therefore be thankful for Faith from first to last It is his Gift it is his free Gift without the least desert on our part therefore let him have the praise of it 2. 'T is a gift necessary to our being 1 Thess 5.8 Secondly It is such a Gift as is absolutely
that it is the Work of a God and not of a Creature All the Ministers in the World cannot do it without the Spirit and therefore it is said Gen. 9.27 God inlarge or God perswade Japhet to dwell in the Tents of Shem. The Jews came of Shem and were the first Church of Japhet came the Gentiles and they were strangers to the Common-wealth of Israel Now it must be the Work of an Almighty God to perswade them to believe and so to dwell in the Tents of Shem. We are all naturally so imprisoned and lockt up under Unbelief that in case our hearts are once set at liberty to imbrace the Promise and Christ in the Promise we may well say as Peter said when he came to himself and found that he was delivered out of Prison Acts 12.11 Now I know of a surety that the Lord hath sent his Angel and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod c. So may a Believer say who is awakened out of his dead sleep as Peter was Now I know of a surety that God hath sent his Spirit and hath deliverd me out of the hand of the spiritual Herod out of the hand of Satan It is he that hath delivered me out of the prison of Sin It is he that hath caused the Iron-gates of my unbelieving heart to fly open of its own accord It is he that by the Power of his Spirit hath loosed and shaken off all the Chains and Bolts of natural Corruptions and sinful Customs what was impossible to me God hath made feasible and easie and therefore to Him be all the praise and glory who hath fulfilled the work of faith with power 2 Thess 1.11 Thus it was with David who naturally being the servant of Sin and perceiving himself redeemed and manu-mitted by the Power of Gods Grace he doth freely in a way of Thankfulness offer up himself to the Service of God as if it were his perfect freedom Psal 116.16 O Lord truly I am thy servant I am thy servant and the son of thine handmaid thou hast loosed my bonds What follows I will offer to thee the sacrifice of Thanksgiving And this is the third Consideration that should move us to be thankful Fourthly It is such a Gift as is very precious 4. Faith is a most precious gift and therefore we should be very thankful for it It is true indeed Christ is very precious he is so in himself whether we believe or no But he is not so to us unless we imbrace him by faith 1 Pet. 2.7 This sets a price upon him to the purpose Therefore we should account that faith precious that makes Christ himself so precious to our Souls Men use to be thankful for precious gifts Now there are three things in Scripture accounted precious Three things very precious First The Pearl it self Secondly The Cabinet that holds it Thirdly The skilful Hand that hath Right and Power to open the Cabinet and lay hold upon it 1. The Pearl it self viz Jesus Christ he is 〈◊〉 precious Mat. 13.45 46. so precious that the Merchant-man is content to sell all that he hath so he may but compass this Pearl Farewel Profits farewel Pleasures farewel Honours farewel Sin so I may but injoy Christ I am willing to part with all 2. The Cabinet that holds the Pearl is precious 2 Pet. 1.4 There are given unto us exceeding great and precious Promises whereby we are made partakers of the Divine Nature One Promise is more worth than all the world How should we know where to finde the Pearl if God had not laid it up in such a precious Cabinet Therefore the Cabinet also is precious 3. The skilful Hand which hath Right and Power to open the Cabinet and lay hold upon the Pearl that is 〈◊〉 precious hand Were the Cabinet and the Pearl never so precious yet if we had no hand to open the Cabinet or lay hold on the Pearl what were we the better But Faith hath skill and power from God to open the Cabinet and to lay hold upon the Pearl and to say This is mine and therefore this Faith must needs be precious Faith The preciousness of Faith in 4 respects 2 Pet. 1.1 It is a precious hand in four respects 1. Because it lays hold upon precious things Precious Christ Precious Promises Precious Righteousness and Precious Holiness For we are justified by Faith and sanctified by Faith as we have already proved at large 2. Because in case it lays hold on things not precious it makes them precious As it makes difficult things easie all things are possible to him that believeth so it makes vile things become precious Rom. 8.28 And this we know saith the Apostle that all things work together for good to them that love God 'T is all one as if he had said To them that believe in God For Faith worketh by love it turneth Iron-fetters into Golden chains There is much talk of the Philosphers Stone what great wonders it would do if it could be found out But this is true of Faith It turneth all that it toucheth into that which is most precious It was fabled of Midas That it was his desire whatever he touch'd might be turned into Gold he had his desire and yet he repented himself when he had done say they Because his very meat was turned into gold that should have preserved his life But whatever a Believer touches by Faith if it be not turned into Gold it is turned into that which is more precious than Gold Suppose he meet with Poverty or with Bonds and Imprisonment I know saith the Apostle that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayers and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ Phil. 1.19 And thus Faith is precious for it maketh even vile things become precious 3. Because it lays hold on precious things for it self The Master of a Ship may carry abundance of Treasure for another man But whatever precious things Faith lays hold on it makes them it s own My God and my Lord saith Thomas I live by the faith of the Son of God saith Paul who hath loved me and given himself for me My beloved is mine and I am his My Christ My Promise My Heaven All is mine saith Faith All things are yours and you are Christs and Christ is Gods 1 Cor. 3.23 4. Because it lays fast hold it lays hold for ever on those precious things If a Believer should lay hold and let go again his Faith were not so precious Nay the more happy a man esteems himself in the enjoyment of a good thing the more miserable he apprehends himself to be in the loss of it But Faith lays hold upon Christ for ever Once thine and for ever thine for The Just lives by Faith the Life of Conservation or Perseverance It may be thou art afraid thou shouldst let thy hold go of Christ But to be sure Christ will never let his hold go
9.18 might satisfie 1. Gods hardning cleer'd 1. If God had never given us ability it were something but he gave ability in Adam to obey him in all his Commandments to believe him in all his words Therefore when thou sayest By Nature our hearts are so hard c. I answer Not by our first Nature Naturâ integrâ but corrupt nature Therefore thank our Selves our Parents blame not God Simile Suppose a Master command his Servant to go a Journey of ten miles he by Drunkenness and quarrelling spends so much of his time and strength that he cannot finish his Journey in such a space whose fault is this Hath the Master lost his Power to command because the Servant hath lost his Power to obey Ans 2. I say a natural man doth not so much as he might do therefore God may justly strike him with judicial blindness If he would do that great hopes God would help him to do more Simile If a Father or a Master should say to his Servant Take up all these burthens some lighter and some heavier and when you cannot lift them your self I will help you and the Childe or Servant should say I 'll take up none at all because I am sure there are some I cannot stir Might not the Father or Master justly punish such a slothful and wilful Childe or Servant So God commands all men every where where the Gospel comes to attend upon the Means of Grace to Repent and Believe Now though they cannot Repent and Believe these are beyond their power yet they may attend upon the Means Why may they not go to a Sermon as well as to a Tavern or sit at home Why may they not reade the Scriptures as well as a Play-book or an idle Pamphlet Why may they not pray as they are able as well as smother the very work of their natural Conscience Acts 8.22 Pray God if perhaps c. Indeed to put natural men to duties and not to preach Christ to them withall were harsh but the Apostle doth both As if he should say Simon thou art in the gall of bitterness and bond of iniquity do not sit still and despair but use the means for all that and it may be God will shew mercy to thee What if thou canst not do so much as thou shouldst yet do as much as thou canst and God will help thee to do the rest otherwise this destruction is of thy self and who will pity thee Ans 3. I answer This hardness of heart falls not onely upon the Children of Perdition but upon Gods own People Therefore when we speak to a promiscuous multitude we know not which of them God may be pleased to heal and cure however the rest shall be left without excuse Ans 4. Perswasions from the Word to that which is good to Repent and Believe are not in vain because it is the triumphing Chariot in which the Spirit of God delights to ride along conquering and to conquer 2 Cor. 2.14 Do not say Alas what do you speak to us to repent and believe and take heed of hardning our hearts you had as good speak to a company of dead men Within the compass of these walls are many dead men under ground and there possibly are many dead men above ground I answer What do we know but the Spirit of God may joyn with the Word whilst we are speaking of it or soon after Acts 10.44 Whilst Peter yet spake the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the Word Obj. We have often preached in vain no Repentance no Faith c. Ans Yes in some possibly in many And for others wait proving if God at any time shall give repentance c. There is a time an hour wherein the Word shall be powerful Joh. 5.25 The dead shall hear c. Not as if we could cause this Psa 119.32 but When God shall enlarge the heart they shall run the ways of his Commandments What do we know but this may be the day and hour and so I beseech you in the Name of Christ Heb. 3. To day if you will hear his voice harden not c Lest God give you up to this fourth Impediment of Faith Judicial blindeness of heart Fifth general Impediment contains seven mixt Impediments of faith Fifthly Thrre are other Impediments which are of a mixt nature and do spring partly from our own corrupt Hearts and partly from Satan and partly from the World 1. False trust 1. Our trusting to the Mountain of some created strength our living upon our own stock in stead of living upon God whether it be in Temporal things Health Wealth Friends or in Spirituals when we trust to the Grace we have received already O we think we have so much knowledge and so much love to God and so much zeal for his Glory that we are confident though all men should deny Christ we 'll never deny him we trust to grace received and so we live not by Faith on God but we live upon our own stock But how shall we remove this Impediment how shall we rowl away this stone Cure of false Trust I answer 1. By considering the greatness of the Sin For Blessings received and Graces received are but Creatures and so to trust to them what is it but flat Idolatry To give that Worship and Service to the Creature which is due to the Creator who is blessed for ever Rom. 1.25 2. By considering the greatness of the Punishment it is that which causeth God to hide his face and to withdraw the manifestation of his favour from his dearest Servants Psal 30.6 7. And in my prosperity I said I shall never be removed Lord by thy favour thou hast made my Mountain to stand strong But what follows Thou didst hide thy face and I was troubled O remember Friends how by trusting to the Mountain of any created strength either in Temporal or Spiritual things we wrong God we wrong our Selves we weaken our Faith and we cause God to withdraw his wonted influence 3. Pray God to deliver thee from trusting in any thing else as God hath directed his People to pray in the like case Hos 14.3 Ashur shall not save us c. 2. A second particular Impediment of Faith is this 2. Limiting of God Our measuring of God by our selves by our own strength or by our own Reason or Understanding Suppose God promise this or that and we presently consulting with Flesh and Blood cry out It is impossible or at least improbable and so we 'll never believe it Thus it was with Nicodemus at the first when Christ spake to him of a second birth Joh. 3. How can these things be saith he How can a man be born when he is old Can he enter a second time into his Mothers womb and be born And it was so with Mary the Mother of our Lord when the Angel told her she should conceive the Saviour of
is broken upon the Feather-bed of Gods Mercy One looke from Christ or one look towards Christ by the eye of Faith melts the heart more then a thousand strokes of the hammer Zech. 12.10 I will pour upon the house of David and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of Grace and Supplication and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced and they shall mourn for him as one mourneth for his only son Observe nothing melts the heart so kindly as looking upon Christ crucified by the eye of Faith O saith the believing Soul that Christ should deal so kindly with me that have dealt so unkindly with him O that he should overcome my evil with his exceeding goodness O that he should die for me who once did hate him to the very death O these are melting arguments that come from faith Remember thou canst never be throughly humbled till thou beginnest to believe Other Arguments may Batter the heart but Arguments drawn from Faith do only Break it and melt it And therefore let not this consideration keep thee from believing to say I have not yet been humbled enough for by that reason we should never believe as long as the world stands For where is the man that can say He is humbled enough especially before such time as he begins to believe But so much for the fifth particular Impediment and the way to remove it The 6. Is this They want the sense of Gods love nay 6. Want of Feeling they feel the sense of his wrath and displeasure and therefore why should they believe Now to remove this Impediment Cure and to roll this Stone out of the way we must know it is impossible to have the sense and feeling of Gods love till we begin to believe For being justified by Faith we have Peace with God Rom. 5.1 and not before God sometimes carrieth strange to his own children as Joseph to his brethren and Christ to the woman of Canaan Yea whom the Lord loves he corrects and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth Heb. 12.6 The father knoweth how to frown and how to strike with the Rod too and yet he is a father still His chastisements are Castigatory Probatory and Purgatory they purge out the remainders of sinful Corruption And if we have but grace to carry towards him as Children under the Rod we may be sure by that that God offers himself to us as a Father Therefore be not discouraged though God seem to frown but say as Job If God should kill me yet will I trust in him I am sure to die if I fly from him Whither shall I fly from thy presence Psal 139. and I can but die if I fly to him nay I am sure I shall not die if I can do so for he hath said it and he will perform it Joh. 6.37 He that cometh unto me I will in no wise cast out And therefore do not reason against thy self and say Oh God is a terrible and a furious God he will never be at peace with such an one as I am True indeed if thou standest out in opposition against him he is a furious God but if thou layest down thy weapons of War and yieldest up thy strong-holds of Carnal Reason and Self-will into his hands in this case mark what God saith Isa 27.4 Fury is not in me As if he should say Thou thinkst I am a furious God there 's no dealing with me but if thou wilt submit thou shalt finde fury is not in me Indeed if thou settest thy self still in battel against me I will be as a consuming fire unto thee but if thou hast a real desire to submit and to make peace take my Word for it Thou canst not be so forward to make peace with me but I am as forward to make peace with thee And therefore be not afraid for so runs the Promise Fury is not in me who would set the briars and thorns against me in battel I would go through them I would burn them together Or let him take hold of my strength that he may make peace with me and he shall make peace with me O what a gracious Promise is this How should it overcome all the hard thoughts and jealousies we are apt to entertain of God! O but in the seventh place 7. Doubt of Election I am afraid the Promise belongs not unto me for I fear I am not Elected and therefore why should I believe This is another great Impediment and an heavy stone upon the mouth of the Sepulchre and how should this be removed Thus Who tels thee so not God if any body Cure the Divel Deut. 29.29 Secret things belong unto the Lord our God but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever Election of this or that particular person is a secret thing and cannot be known by any thing à priori that goeth before but à posteriori from the latter it may be known by our Faith and effectual calling we may know we are Elected and not before 2 Thes 1.3 4. But here 's the Divels policy to puzzel mens heads and hearts in Election when they should busie their heads and hearts about Believing in thirsting after Jesus Christ in being willing to make peace with him and wholly to receive him And if God hath given thee such a Will I am sure the Promise belongs to thee Rev. 22.17 Let him that is a thirst come and whosoever will let him take the water of Life freely And so much for the seventh particular Impediment and the way to remove it The Sixth Hindrance Sixth General Impediment of Faith viz. Neglect of Means Is a wicked and sinful neglect of the Means which God useth for the begetting of Faith Of which by Gods assistance we are to speak in due time If Christ and Heaven and Faith will drop into their mouth at unawares so it is but under pretence that God doth call in the working of Faith they are resolved to use no means under God but cast off all Ordinances as if they were to no purpose Now so long as a man neglects the means he is never like to attain the end Now of this neglect of the Means there are divers subordinate causes especially these five Prejudice Pride Sloth Five Causes of Neglect of Means Presumption and Despondency of Spirit We shall speak of them particularly and the way to remember them 1. Prejudice Quarrels the Means of Faith The 1. Is a strong and strange Prejudice against the Means of begetting Faith or against the Instruments dispensing the Means Tush saith one this Preaching this foolish preaching t is but a light kind of food as they said of the Manna and how should this do me any good I 'le never believe this foolish Preaching can be a means to save my soul And for these preachers saith the poor deluded soul what are they but a company of infirmous
an everlasting love and therefore with loving kindnesse have I drawn thee And thus God seals him by his Spirit and lets him see his right to the promise of his Free Grace and so the soul layes hold upon Christ in the Promise and rests upon him for Righteousnesse and Salvation Quest If you shall say Why doth God usually thus humble men more or lesse and stir up in them strong desires after Christ before they come so fully and so clearly to lay hold of the Promise This question is needful to clear up the manner of the working of the Word or at least of the laying hold of it Reasons why Humiliation must go before Faith Answ I answer First Because there must be a renouncing of our own righteousness wrought in us by the Spirit of God before there can be a submitting to the righteousness of God Rom. 10.3 For they being ignorant of Gods righteousness and going about to establish their own righteousness have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God Now it is impossible to suppose a man to be brought to that pass to renounce his own righteousnesse but he must be humbled 2 Chr. 12.6 Whereupon the Princes of Israel and the King humbled themselves and they said The Lord is righteous Luk. 18.10 c. to 15. See the example Reas 2 Secondly Because God hath joyned Repentance and Faith together in the Gospel Mark 1.15 Repent ye and believe the Gospel Now it is impossible to suppose true repentance without some measure of humility and godly sorrow for sin as the Apostle describes it 2 Cor. 7.8 9 10 11. v. 9. Now I rejoyce not that ye were made sorry but that ye sorrowed to repentance for ye were made sorry after a godly manner v. 11. For behold the self-same thing that ye sorrowed after a godly sort what carefulness it wrought in you yea what clearing of your selves yea what indignation yea what fear yea what vehement desire yea what zeal ye what revenge In all things ye have approved your selves to be clear in this matter Reas 3 Thirdly God doth humble them that they may hear and receive the message of the Gospel with the more meeknesse and readinesse Jer. 13.15 Hear ye and give ear be not proud for the Lord hath spoken And in this Text tell a proud unhumbled sinner of Mercy of Faith and of a Saviour What need of a Saviour or Mercy sayes he unlesse I were in misery But when God hath taken him down a peg lower Psa 141.6 and he is overthrown as it were in stony places O then he will hear the words of reconciliation for they are sweet O then if a Messenger or an Interpreter Job 33.23 one of a thousand shall shew to this man his righteousness that it is in Christ and not in himself he is very willing to hear on that ear it is the sweetest message that ever came to his ears And that is the third reason why God humbles men more or lesse before they come so fully to apprehend his love in Christ Reas 4 A Fourth reason is That they may be more thankful afterwards Prov. 27.7 The full soul loatheth the honey-comb but to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet This is Gods usual method he is wont to hunger-bite the Soul and then to fill it Luke 1.53 He filleth the hungry soul with good things Why so Because a hungry beggar will be thankful for every crust and crum and so will a hungry Soul Psal 66.16 O come saith such a one I will tell you what the Lord hath done for my Soul I will tell you something but I cannot tell you all what is wanting in expression shall be made up in admiration of the goodness of God to all eternity Reas 5 Fifthly because a true sight of God and of a mans self doth humble the creature Job 42.5 6. I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear but now mine eye seeth thee wherefore I abhor my self and repent in dust and ashes and that not onely a sight of Gods Power and Justice but even the least glimpse of his Mercy in Christ Believing in Christ is said to be looking upon Christ by faith Joh. 3.14 15. And as Moses lifted up the Serpent in the Wilderness even so must the Son of Man be lifted up that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have eternal life Now this look doth break the heart and humble the heart above all other means whatsoever Zech. 12.10 And I will pour upon the house of David and upon the Inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of Grace and Supplication and they shall look on me whom they have pierced and they shall mourn for him as one mourneth for his onely Son and shall be in bitterness for him as one that is in bitterness for his first-born See this in that great Convert Luk. 7.47 Wherefore I say unto thee Her sins which are many are forgiven for she loved much but to whom little is forgiven the same little because she loved much she mourned much Reas 6 Sixthly because God hath said he will give grace to the humble 1 Pet. 5.5 Likewise ye yonger submit your selves unto the elder yea all of you be subject one to another and be clothed with humility for God resisteth the proud and giveth grace to the humble Grace in the 1. Inchoation 2. Augmentation 3. Conservation 4. Perfection 1. Grace in the Inchoation Humility in all the periods of grace not as if a man could be truly humble before he hath grace but to intimate he hath no grace till he be humble for he that hath one grace hath all graces and therefore he that hath faith hath also humility The new man hath all his parts and members so soon as ever there is a new birth in the Soul He hath therefore humility as well as other graces Yea poverty of Spirit is made the beginning of all grace Mat 5.3 Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven Thus in the inchoation or beginning of grace 2. In the Augmentation or increase of grace Jam. 4.6 But he giveth more grace wherefore he saith God resisteth the proud but giveth grace unto the humble He giveth more grace to the humble As a Tree the deeper it roots the more it spreadeth in its branches and increaseth in its fruits so the deeper the creature is rooted in humility the more abundant it is in the fruits of Piety the high Mountains are barren when the lowly Valleys are very fruitful 3. In the Conservation or establishing of Grace received he gâ—ves to such the grace of Perseverance Spiritual Pride will certainly have a fall but he that stands low in his own apprehension he stands sure When we are weak that is sensible of our own weakness then are we strong 2 Cor. 12.10 Such are like to stand when others are offended and fall away 4. God gives grace
received the holy Ghost for that he received after the preaching of Ananias ver 17. To conclude Let all men as God shall assist lift up their hearts to God in Prayer that they may have grace to believe the Gospel for who knows but that the Spirit of Supplication and Faith may be poured upon them both together Zech. 12.10 I will pour upon the house of David and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of Grace and of Supplications c. Luke 19.3 9. Zacheus his strong desires after Christ were answered with grace If they have strong desires it argues there are the seeds of Faith and therefore such are encouraged to pray Mat. 5.6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness for they shall be filled Therefore pray that thou maist believe and believe that thou maist pray 4. If thou canst not pray thy self yet beg the prayers of others in thy behalf as Simon Magus begg'd the prayers of the Apostles apprehending their prayers to be more prevalent than his own It is possible God may hear the prayers of Job for his friends Job 42.8 9. when he will not hear them for themselves However pray thy self and be sure to beg the prayers of others that the new creature in thy Soul may be as Samuel which signifies 1 Sam. 1.20 One that is begg'd of God That the prayers of thy faithful friends may be as the Spiritual Midwives of thy new Birth How did Paul travel in the Spiritual birth of others sometimes by Preaching and sometimes by Prayers sometimes by one means and sometimes by another Gal. 4.19 My little children of whom I travel in birth again until Christ be formed in you The Jaylors Conversion Act. 16.25 is set down as the consequent of the Apostles prayers not onely their deliverance out of his Prison but his deliverance out of the Devils Prison is set down as a fruit of their Prayers Pray therefore thy self and beg the Prayers of others that the heavy grave stones and all those other Impediments we have spoken of may be rolled out of the way that thou maist have power to believe and so power to become the Son of God by Faith And so much for the second Means which is Prayer The third is Society Third mean of begetting faith Good Society and frequent converse with faithful men Remember what Solomon saith Prov. 13.20 He that walketh with wise men shall be wise but a companion of fools shall be destroyed There is much power in Company to make a man either very bad or very good But beside the Moral Efficacy of Vices and Vertues held out by way of Example for we are apt to conceive as Labans sheep according to the patterns that lie before us I say besides the Moral Efficacy there is much more power in the threatning taking hold upon a wicked Company-keeper If God say a wicked company shall be destroyed it were desperate presumption to expect Salvation in such a way And there is much power in the Promise on the other side If God say a Companion of wise and faithful men shall be made wise and faithful himself we may well expect a blessing in that way when God once gives us a heart to desire and to delight in the company of such persons As for vain Companions you must never look to get good by them the more they warm you with their outward comforts the colder will your hearts be to Jesus Christ as it was with Peter in the High-Priests Hall their Reproaches their Mocks their rotten and corrupt Communication is like cold water cast upon smoakâ—ng flax But now in the company of gracious persons there is some good to be gotten they are like Lanthorns they disperse their light round about it is good walking by such a light whilst we are in the dark our selves They are like Precious Stones they do in a very lively manner hold forth the vertues of him who hath called them out of darkness into his marvellous light 1 Pet. 2.9 If thou beest much in their company thou shalt see much of Christ and hear much of Christ and it may be at the last their discourse will warm thy heart Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked with us by the way and while he opened to us the Scriptures Luk 24.32 Agrippa was almost perswaded to be a Christian whilst he was talking with Paul and the Eunuch in the 8 of the Acts was not onely almost but altogether perswaded whilst he was talking with Philip. If thou dost frequently and conscionably converse with such as these thou shalt hear them discoursing one while of mans misery by Nature another while of the excellency of Jesus Christ another while of the manner and means of theâ—r own Conversion another while of Gods dealing with them since they were converted in removing their fears in answering their prayers in satisfying their desires and the like O come say they Psa 34. and we will tell you what the Lord hath done for our souls And thus like the good and faithful Spies they tell such good news of the Land of Canaan and present such goodly Clusters of the first-fruits to the view of others that their mouthes also fall a watering and their Souls fall a longing to be in the same condition That was the fruit of the gracious discourse that passed between the Spouse and the Daughters of Jerasalem Cant. 6 1. Whither is thy beloved gone O thou fairest among Women whither is thy beloved turned aside that we may seek him with thee And thus is many a poor ignorant Soul stirred up to enquire after God by conversing with godly persons O friend saith such a one I perceive you are in love with Jesus Christ and have received precious Love-tokens from him you have Truth of Faith and Truth of Grace but alas I am a stranger to Jesus Christ I pray then tell me how and where I should finde him and what is the readiest way to believe in him that my Soul also may seek him with yours And thus is the poor creature drawn after Jesus Christ As the Devil hath his Coy-birds Black-Birds of Hell to draw others into his Net to their destruction So God hath his Coy-Birds also Birds of Paradice to draw others into his Net to their Salvation God makes his Ministers both Fowlers and Fishers of men and private Christians in their places must endevour to draw and allure others to come within the compass of the Net to prove if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth and that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the Devil who are taken captive by him at his will 2 Tim. 2. the two last verses And thus of the third Means and Furtherance of Faith namely Society and frequent converse with faithful men Fourth mean of begetting Faith Meditation of Gods Name The fourth is the consideration of Gods
a Seal of the same 2. Let him examine his Mouth and his Stomack Joh. 6 53. Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood ye have no life in you The best meat in the world can do no good where the creature hath neither Mouth nor stomack to feed upon it Now what is this Mouth but Faiths believing in Christ and feeding upon Christ are both one as he oft explains himself in the same Chapter Therefore let a man examine his Mouth and his Stomack as well as his Meat 2 Cor. 13.5 Examine your selves whether ye be in the faith prove your own selves Not that this excludes the Minister who is bound to know the state of his Flock If this be good at all times surely it is best of all at the Sacrament where the Apostle calls for examination in a special manner Let him examine his Mouth as well as his Meat We do not use to put meat into a dead mans mouth The Councel of Carthage condemned it as an abuse of the Sacrament to give it to a dead Body Sacrament not to be given to dead-hearted unbelievers because Christ saith Take and Eat but a dead Body can neither take nor eat The same reason reacheth to an Unbeliever if we could as easily discern the one as the other who is yet dead in sins and trespasses and therefore hath neither the Mouth of Faith nor a Spiritual Stomack to feed upon Christ but where God of his mercy hath given both this brest of the Church is of singular use to nutse up her children 2 Pet. 3.18 and to make them grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ For God hath appointed no Ordinance in vain The greater surely is the want of this Brest in these days and the cause of so much leanness amongst Gods own Children in most places Complaint of the interruption of the Sacrament and the corruption of it as the cause I know not whether I should complain more of the Nurses or of the Children or whether it were not better to turn our Complaints into Compassions and both complaints and compassions into Prayers that God would direct both Ministers and People to seek him in due order and to restore that Ordinance in a better manner than formerly that he may not make any farther breach upon us that children may not fast so long till they lose their stomacks for want of sucking and Nurses may not disuse and withhold the Brest so long till it be dried quite up for want of drawing And this is the third Means which God hath appointed for the increase of Faith The Sacrament 4. Prayer The fourth is Prayer for this puts the Promises in suit and sanctifies both the Word and the Seal of the Word for the increase of Faith The Scriptures tell us That God is both the Author and the Finisher of our Faith Heb. 12.2 If he be the Author we are bound to pray to him for the beginnings of Faith as in any poor measure we are able but if he be the Finisher of our Faith we are much more bound to pray for the increasing of it afterwards because our incouragements and abilities are far greater For 't is impossible a man should pray in Faith for the obtaining of Faith before he hath it but he may pray in faith for the increasing of faith when once he hath received a beginning of it If therefore a Natural man be bound to pray for Faith before he hath it though he be very unable to pray as he ought to pray how much more is a Spiritual man bound to pray for increase of Faith when he hath already tasted how gracious the Lord is 1 Pet. 2.3 in bestowing that grace upon him and hath in some measure received the Spirit of Prayer and Supplication whereby he is inabled to go to God for the supply of all his wants The man that to his own apprehension had but a little Faith and much Unbelief cries out with tears Lord I believe help mine unbelief Mar. 9.24 Yea the Disciples themselves had not so much Faith but still finding the want of more they put up this great Request to the Lord Increase our faith Luk. 17.5 and if such as they had need much more have we to pray to God for the increase of Faith The fifth Mean 5. Christian communion is Christian Communion of Gods people one with another This is a singular Mean to strengthen Faith the very sight of the Brethren doth embolden and encourage in the Faith Act. 28.15 How much more the mutual Instruction and Exhortation one of another Job 4.3 4. Eliphaz says thus to Job Behold thou hast instructed many and thou hast strengthned the weak hands Thy words have upholden him that was falling and thou hast strengthned the feeble knees You see Christian Communion is a Mean to strengthen in the Faith God in his Wisdom communicates special strength diversly to divers Members of the Body of Christ to some more to some less to that end that the strong may support the weak and comfort the feeble-minded 1 Thess 5.14 1 Cor. 14.26 It is the Rule of the Apostle Let all things be done to edification that is to the building up of one another in the Faith And this is to be aimed at not onely in publick Ordinances but in private converse of Christians one with another 1 Thess 5.11 Wherefore comfort your selves together and exhort one another and edifie one another even as also ye do Stones of the same building do uphold and strengthen one another and so should living and Spiritual stones in the holy Temple of the Church This is a special and powerful means to strengthen in the Faith In this respect Aquila and Priscilla are called fellow-helpers of the Apostle Rom. 16.3 because they confirmed the Faith in those in whom the Apostle had formerly planted it by the preaching of the Gospel Rom. 16.3 And thus all of us should be helpers one of anothers faith and one of anothers joy And indeed it is the main end why God doth convert us at the first and why he doth help us up again when we are fallen that we may convert others and strengthen them also in the Faith when they are converted Luke 22.32 Thou being converted saith Christ to Peter strengthen thy brethren And this is the fifth Means of growth 6. Love to God The sixth Means is to prove our Love to God for this will prove his Love to us 1 Joh. 4.19 We love him because he first loved us and the assurance of Gods love towards us will marvellously strengthen our faith towards God Therefore our faith in him and the manifestation of his love to us are coupled together Gal. 2.20 I live by the faith of the Son of God which hath loved me and given himself for me Now what better way is there to manifest Gods
God commands his People to pity strangers because themselves were sometimes strangers in the Land of Egypt So should we not pity such as are strangers to God because we our selves were sometimes so I have heard of many a Drunkard and loose liver who being once converted would ever after pity those in the same condition admonishing of them and visiting them in their sickness and saying Well what do I know but such an one may belong to God as well as I What do I know but God may change his heart as well as mine This is the Apostles Argument Tit. 3.2 3. Shewing all meekness to all men for we our selves also were sometimes foolish disobedient deceived serving divers lusts and pleasures c. But afterwards the kindness and love of God our Saviour towards us appeared c. As if he should say Let us therefore be pitiful to the Souls of others as God shewed mercy to us who sometimes were as vile and sinful as any others And these are the Motives Quest But some may say What means should I use for the Conversion of Souls Answ I answer First make sure thy own conversion Means for the conversion of others 1. Being converted a mans self Luk. 22.23 And when thou art converted strengthen thy brethren Then the Word comes in a lively manner That that comes from the heart is most likely to go to the heart Every life begets like to it self Propagation of kinde is natural to every Creature and so it is in Spiritual Life They that have this new Life desire to beget others to God I will not deny but an unconverted man may convert another but 't is very rare God usually delights to make use of such as are converted themselves and they have as great a delight to do the work Phil. 2.20 Tim thy who will naturally care for your estate And why so because Timothy was his natural son in the faith Mean 2 Make use of the Word for that 's the power of God to salvation Make use of the Word Rom. 1.16 and the incorruptible seed 1 Pet. 1.23 The sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God Eph. 6.17 God delights not to work by other means though men be never so eloquent and therefore say of that as David of the Sword of Golias 1 Sam. 21.9 There 's none like that So may we say of the two-edged Sword of the Word of God that Sword There 's none like that in the cutting down of sin and the stone out of the heart Mean 3 Go out in Gods strength 2 Cor. 10.4 The weapons of our warfare are mighty through God Go in Gods strength to the pulling down of the strong holds of Sin and Satan Therefore be as diligent in Prayer as in Preaching if thou wouldst convert Souls 'T is our duty to labour but when all 's done the success is from God He that planteth is nothing 1 Cor. 3. nor he that watereth but God that giveth the increase Therefore be as earnest for Spiritual children as Rachel was for the children of her Womb Gen. 30. He onely can help Ministers to teach profitably Eph. 6.19 And for me that utterance may be given me that I may speak c. He onely can help People to hear with profit Psal 48.17 I am the Lord thy God which teacheth thee to profit Mean 4 Look to thy Life as well as to thy Doctrine if thou wouldst convert Souls Teach by Life 1 Tim. 4.16 Take heed unto thy self and to thy Doctrine for in so doing c. People observe what a mans hand speaks as well as what his tongue speaks Surely say they if this man were in earnest he would do as he speaks Mean 5 Observe the Disposition of those with whom thou dealest and become all things to all men Observe dispositions 1 Cor. 9.22 so far as thou canst with a good conscience that thou maist win some 1 Cor. 9.19 c. As Fishers bait their hook according to the season and kinde of the fish they are to take For Ministers are called Fishers of men and in that respect had need beg wisdom of God that we may so cast forth the hook and the Net of the Word that we catch men Mean 6 If thou wouldst convert men from their sins Convincing of sin labour first to convince them of sin that 's Christs method Joh. 16.8 that they may be wounded for their sins for the whole have no need of the Physician but the sick Mean 7 Hold forth the Promise of Grace and of Christ In the Promise offering Mercy Hold forth Christ in the Promise with all the freeness and openness of heart that may be to all that are willing to receive him wholly and intirely Joh. 1.12 To as many as received him he gave power to be called the children of God c. Rev. 22.17 Let him that will come and take of the water of life freely What dost thou know but whilst thou art speaking to the ear God may speak to the heart by his Spirit Act. 10.44 While Peter yet spake these words the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the Word Mean 8 Work every part of the Word first upon thy own heart do not onely work it into thy head Work the word on thine own heart but work it into thy heart Ezek. 3.1 Son of Man eat that thou findest eat this roll and go speak c. As Nurses put into their own mouthes first Vse 4. Of Exhortation Vse 4 Exhortation to Ministers to preach in a Soul-saving way Exhortation to Ministers to preach in such a way as is most fit to win Souls to preach in a Soul-saving way not to stroke the ear but to strike the heart O thirst for Salvation of Souls Teach in such a way as is most sutable to the opening and unfolding of heavenly Mysteries Christ findes fault with the Scribes and Pharisees that they shut up the Kingdom of Heaven before men Mat. 23.13 So do they that either preach not at all or preach above the ordinary capacity of ordinary people who have Souls to save as well as other men we shall be no better than Barbarians to them 1 Cor 14. if we preach in a Language they understand not which may be as well in some kinde of English as in Latine or other Language Therefore we should remember the use of Language is just like the use of a Key which is nothing else but aperire quod clausum est to open that which is shut and therefore we do not esteem that the most excellent Key which is made of the most excellent Metal but that which is made of the best and fittest form in reference to the opening of the Lock So we should not esteem that the most excellent preaching that is made up of the finest and bravest stile but that which is fittest for the opening of the understanding by convincing the judgement
Converting of thy Soul The life of heaven is nothing else but a life of Thankfulness for this unspeakable mercy God might have rejected us as fire-brands of Hell for ever Quest But how shall I know that I am converted and effectually called that I may be thankful Answ If thou art turned to righteousness thou art turned from sin Act. 26.18 Perfecta contrarietas nullum medium admittit Ob. There is sin in the best Answ True there is sin in the best but not with allowance Observe Sin is cast out of its Throne though not out of the Man in a regenerate person Rom. 6.18 Being made free from sin ye became the servants of righteousness There 's no sin with peaceable possession The strong man armed is cast out Secondly There is a love of and endevour after Righteousness and Holiness 1 Joh. 3.3 Every one that hath this hope purifieth himself even as he is pure We were redeemed Luke 1.75 that we should serve him in holiness and righteousness all our days It is in fieri though not fully perfected Thirdly By resolved reliance upon God Job 13.15 Though he kill me yet will I trust in him at least earnestly desire so to do Fourthly By renouncing all other Confidences He that lays hold on God le ts go all his other holds God hath knock'd off his hands and his heart from other things Psal 44.5 6. Through thee will we push down our enemies through thy Name will we tread them under that rise up against us for I will not trust in my bowe neither shall my sword save me Hos 14.3 Ashur shall not save us we will not ride upon horses neither will we say any more to the work of our hands Ye are our God for in thee the fatherless finde mercy He that turns to God renounceth all other confidence yea even his own Righteousness Rom 10.3 They that establish their own righteousness have not embraced the righteousness of God So they that are turned to Gods Righteousness are turned from their own i.e. from trusting to it in point of Justification Fifthly By the Testimony of Gods Spirit and our own regenerate Spirit Rom. 8.16 For the Spirit it self beareth witness with our Spirits that we are the Sons of God at least testifying to us in point of Holiness if not in point of Comfort Sixthly By the Spirit of Prayer and Supplication and Adoption Rom. 8.15 Ye have received the Spirit of Adoption whereby we cry Abba Father None of Gods children are born tongue-ty'd Seventhly By our Love or working of our love to a threefold object for Gods People partake of Divine Nature 2 Pet. 1.4 and this Divine Nature is discovered in nothing more than in a way of love 1 Joh. 4.16 1. To God and Jesus Christ as our chief portion Psal 119.57 Thou art my portion O Lord I have said that I would keep thy words 1 Pet. 2.7 Vnto you which believe he is precious 2. To the Word of God which was an instrument to beget us to God 1 Pet. 1.23 Being born again not of corruptible seed but of incorruptible seed by the Word of God 1 Pet. 2.2 As new born babes desire the sincere milk of the word that ye may grow thereby 3. to our fellow brethren that are begotten with us as children of the same womb and loyns that have Father and mother the same 1 Joh. 5.1 Every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him 1 Joh. 3.14 We knew that we have passed from death unto life because we love the brethren If we see these marks of our conversion and spiritual cleansing we are commanded as the leper upon the like discovery of their cleansing to present our offering of praise as a testimony of our unfeigned thankfulness If he hath cause to be thankful that receives a change from sickness to health Mat. 8.4 from poverty to riches how much more is he bound to be thankful that is changed from sin to righteousness and from death to life Secondly not only so 2. Thankf If we have bin instruments of others conversion but we should be very thankful also if God hath made us instruments of others conversion for they that turn men unto Righteousness c. Is the work such an excellent work that the angels admire it And is the reward such an excellent reward that the very lustre of the heavens is little enough to resemble it How should we then be thankful if God hath made us instruments of others conversion If God hath blest our Admonitions Exhortations Examples Prayers as private men Especially Ministers Or if God hath blest any of our indeavours in the publick ministry to that happy end 1. We should be thankful that God hath let us in such a calling We deserved not to be so much as door-keepers in his house 2. Thankful that Christ hath in any measure gifted us for the discharge of our calling for t' was he that did ascend to give gifts unto men Eph. 4.12 3. Thinkful especially that God doth bless our endeavours in the exercise of those gifts to the conversion of souls for how many men of great gifts and parts do fish all night and all day too yea many dayes and years and catch nothing though they cast out the net of the word many thousand times Therefore be thankful that God should vouchsafe to imploy any of us in so honorable work and service who deserved not to wash the feet of his servants That God should crown our poor weak indeavours with the conversion of souls If God hath so honoured us Give God in Christ the honour of conversion let us put the honour back upon him yet not we but Jesus Christ may be admired among the people As they said of their bodily cure Act. 3.12 So should we of the conversion of a soul Why look ye so earnestly on us as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk No The God of Abraham Isaac and Jacob hath glorified his son Jesus Christ and his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong whom ye see and know Yea the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all Ministers are but Trumpets Alas we are but trumpets Isai 58.1 Lift up thy voice like a trumpet and therefore if God breath not in us we are as dead as others are neither can we raise others from the dead T is true indeed the dead shall be raised in the last day by the sound of the trumpet but not by the power of the trumpet it self but by the power of him that ordained it So those that are dead in sin shall be raised in the mean time by the trumpet of the gospel but not by the power of the gospel it self or of the publisher of it but by the power of that God who appointed the foolishness of preaching for the
conversion of souls 1 Cor. 3.5 6. Who is Paul and who is Apollo but the ministers bâ—y whom ye believe Paul may plant and Apollo may water but it is God along that giveth the increase If God therefore be the strength of his servants in the conversion of souls there is good reason he should be their Praise we have cause to bless God if any rise up and call us blessed we might have been so far left to partake in other mens sins that others might have risen up and called us cursed Vse 7 Therefore let God have all the glory if any of us have been made instruments of the conversion of any Thus Paul 1 Tim. 1.12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who hath inabled me for that he hath counted me faithful putting me into the ministry Of comforts to them that are Instruments of others Conversion Vse 7. Of Comfort Comfort to those that are instruments of others conversion in the midst of all discomforts they meet withall from the world for to that end as we told you in the beginning is this argument brought Be it so that those that perform this Spiritual piece of service for God and the Church in the conversion of Souls do meet with more than ordinary opposition and contempt from the world yet let this be their comfort their reward and encouragement from God is more than ordinary What if stones fly about Stevens ears upon earth so long as heaven is opened to him and he can see the glory of God Acts 7.56 and Jesus standing at the right hand of God this makes amends for all And truly this Text is as the opening of Heaven to those that labour in the conversion of Souls It may be the lot of such to be made with the Apostles the very filth of the world and the off-scouring of all things 1 Cor. 4.13 But what of that the more they suffer the more they shall be glorified The adversaries Reproaches shall be turned into Crowns of Glory and therefore they may say with Job 31.31 If mine adversary should write a book against me yet would I take it and binde it as a Crown upon my head This therefore I say may be matter of comfort against all that discomfort which the Ministers of God meet withall I plead not for all that are called by that Name who wear a garment or a name to deceive who prophecy of wine and strong drink who seek themselves and seek the fleece more than the good of the flock Let such bear their own burthen But I speak of such as are faithful and seek the things of Jesus Christ Let wicked men spit out their gall and spleen against Gods faithful Messengers Let them rail and revile and cast dirt upon their faces c. God himself shall undertake to wipe away all reproaches and all their tears when shame everlasting shame shall cover their adversaries Then they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever THE EPILOGUE OR A Pathetical Conclusion of the whole Work THus you see how such as live by Faith themselves should labour to convert others to the Faith And thus have we done through Gods grace assisting with this whole Subject of Faith I have now but two Requests to make unto you by way of Conclusion the one is that I may obtain the help of your Prayers that I may be enabled from God to hold forth by Pattern what I have so long held forth by Precept in the Life of Faith whatever Trials should come And the other is That you would be perswaded to follow after in walking according to the Rule that hath been set before you That what hath been spoken may be prest and imprinted upon your hearts by the Spirit of the living God You have heard much of Faith in my Reverend Predecessors time as appeareth by what is left upon Record and God hath directed me to strike upon the same Nail I may say as many years together as I intended days at the first But he that multiplied the barley loaves and the broken meat was pleased in the dividing and distributing of this Subject of Faith to multiply my Meditations far beyond my first intentions I heartily desire this 〈◊〉 be the fruit of my poor labours That when I have done preaching of this Subject you may so begin and continue to practise what hath been taught that your life may be a living by Faith and a perpetual Commentary upon the Text. And Oh that I could perswade you to live this Life of Faith before you lay down this Life of Nature or else you die and die for ever And do not say thus within your selves I 'll do it the next Year Moneth Day How many Scores yea hundreds have been cut off by Death since we began to speak of this Life of Faith And it may be many of them thought themselves as likely to live as any of us and it may be they were so indeed in the course of Nature But remember our Times are in Gods hands and not in our own And therefore let us put our hearts into his hands also that he may fit us for our times how long or how short soever our lives may prove Some have said I have been too long upon this matter of Faith but I confess they were some such as heard me not and therefore I do the less respect what they say because they speak evil of the things they heard not and therefore of the things they know not It hath been some encouragement and an Argument of Blessing that such as were usual hearers have not been tired out as hath appeared by these days assemblies compared with the other Lecture-day But I beseech you be you Believers and doers of this word and not hearers onely deceiving your own selves Jam. 1. Else I shall have cause to complain I have not stood long enough upon this Subject For that is never sufficiently taught that is not sufficiently learnt and put in practise My hearts desire and Prayer to God for Ipswich is That as they have heard much of Faith so they might live by it as much that whilst our Neighbors look upon us and mark our steps they may not see in this Town here a company living by Sense and there another living by Wits Shifts and Projects and a third living upon their Lusts and a fourth upon their unrighteous Mammon and a fifth upon their Self-righteousness and so the rest But we might so generally live by Faith through the grace of God that I might have cause to glory of you as the Apostle doth of the Romans Chap. 1.8 I thank my God through Jesus Christ that your Faith is spoken of in all places However in the mean time I bless God that I have found some fruits of my weak endevours in helping any to set their faces Sion-ward who have
comfort yet a necessary qualification evidencing our right to comfort 297 298 Satan Satans rage should be a motive to perseverance 252 Satan is a great enemy to the comfort of the Saints 315 Reasons why Satan is such an enemy to faith 424 488 489 Satan presents and applies the Promises in a wrested sense and for licentious ends 511 512 Scriptures They are a staff to believing Pilgrims 403 Arguments to prove their Divine Authority 404 405 Accomplishment of Scripture-Prophecies is a whâ—tstone to sharpen our assent to their Divine Authority 406 407 There is all the reason in the world why we should believe the Scriptures 408 409 Sealing of the Spirit It is a consequent priviledge of believing 93 Security It is the off-spring of the Devil and Vnbelief 462 Security twofold Spiritual and Carnal 246 247 The Saints Security for a sevenfold treasure 243. 244 The best security for the best purchase 380 Seducers Their sleights to beguile unstable Souls 254 Seducers are the Devils Factors 604 Self Shifting self is shiftless folly 433 Self a great Impediment of faith 486 Its Cure 487 Self-love The blessing of it is a sign of growth in grace 205 206 There is a fivefold self contrary to the life of faith 431 432 433 Sense Living by Sense is a great impediment of faith 503 514 Sin It dishonours God and wrongs the Soul forsake it as the highest demonstration of ingratitude 393 395 Sins great defilement in five respects 155 Believers have sin remaining to be mortified 157 Life of sin lies in the will ergo subdue desires 158 Sin may revive where it is mortified 159 Comfort against the vigour and rigour of sin 169 170 Scandalous sins cause great sadness 312 Inordinate aggravation of sin sinks into sadness 312 313 Sincerity The excellency of sincere grace in that 't is durable 247 248 Sloth It recoils from the means of faith It s Cure 508 509 Society Good society is a means of begetting faith 533 534 535 Soul Eternal life of the Soul proved 356 357 See Life Eternal Speech Our speeches either condemn or justifie us 365 Spirit of God What its testimony and witness is 347 The Spirits testimony may be separated from its fruits 347 348 Difference 'twixt the Spirits in dwelling in Believers and common assistance in hypocrites 426 427 The Spirits perswasion out-weighs and quickens all means motives in drawing to Christ 454 455 We must pray for Gods free establishing Spirit 552 What Gods free Spirit is from what he sets believers free and how he establishes 552 553 554 555 See Free Spirit See Establishment Strength A believers strength 471 472 473 Strength to do duties and resist temptations a sign of growth 209 210 Strength to bear afflictions and injuries a sign of growth 210 211 Strength to bear others infirmities as also to shake off Ceremonies a signe of growth 211 Its part of our strength to be sensible of weakness 212 Success This in the improvement of natural life is fetcht in by faith and that in six respects 71 72 Sufficiency All sufficiency Self sufficiency Sole sufficiency in Christ 540 T Temptation The just live by faith in temptation 50 Satan tempts sinners to conceit God to be either all Mercy or all Justice 536 Yielding to temptations is a sign of weak faith 573 Such who tempt others to sin are Satans factors and shall have deep condemnation 604 605 Thankfulness Be thankful for the life of Justification 109 110 The Saints thankfulness for the blossomings of Eternal life 391 392 393 How that thankfulness is exprest 393 to 397 Thankfulness for faith with the grounds of it 449 Time The Just live by faith in respect of all the parts of Time 44 45. Tradition Traditional faith is unsound 40 41 Trial. True faith is tried by undergoing adversity 63 We must try our comforts by our graces and not our graces by our comforts 300 to 304 Triumph The triumph of damned Spirits over unbelievers 491 Troubles These are various yet the Saints live by faith in them 51 Manner of living by faith in troubles nine ways 55 56 Means of living by faith in troubles five ways 57 58 Trust Such reproved who say they trust God with their souls and yet cannot trust him for temporals 75 76 False trust on Creatures or Grace received hinders faith together with its Cure 498 499 V Valuation See Precious A Believer neither over nor under-values his natural life 74 Vision Vision of God fourfold 337 Perfect Vision causes perfect transformation ibid Vivification The liveliness of faith in the cure of spiritual deadness 171 What meant by Vivification 172 Reasons why the Just live by faith the life of Vivification 175 176 Four Arguments or Meditations whereby faith quickens 177 Reproof of such who act not faith for Vivification 178 179 Motives to Vivification 179 180 Means to live the life of Vivification 184 185 186 187 Trial of true faith by its vivifying power 187 188 189 Vide Deadness Unbelief Unbelievers Unbelief is a piece of pride 3 It makes the heart and condition not right 4 5 Unbelievers lead a sordid life 8 Unbelief is the spring of sadness 307 308 309 Unbelief was the root of mans first Apostacy 415 Their dead condition 423 Humiliation for Unbelief 459 Unbelief is the Goliah-sin 460 Unbelief grieves the Spirit but pleases the Devil 461 The monstrous brood of Unbelief 462 The Unbeliever is the greatest Time-server 464 Unbelief is a Stepmother to grace 465 Unbelief is the Nurse that maintains life in every sin and which binds it on the Soul 465 466 Unbelief is a merciless Sequestrator 466 The Arraignment of Unbelief 467 Unbelief is the greatest Self-murther 470 The contrariety of presumption and despair unite in the Unbelievers ruine 510 Naturally we have hard unbelieving thoughts of God 536 Unbelief is a going out from God into our selves 539 Unchangeable Gods unchangeable nature is the cause of the Saints perseverance 239 Union Signs of spiritual actions flowing from Union with Christ 124 125 Union with God is unchangeable 50 Unregenerate Their Soul is no fit soil for comfort 309 310 See Regeneration Unsetledness In Gods truth its a sign of weak faith 571 W Watching Watching over one another is a means of perseverance 255 Wealth How the Just shall live by faith for it 70 Wisdom The believer is the onely wise builder 474 The believer is never at a stand because Christ is his Wisdom 475 476 477 Word See Ordinances Faith applies the Word of Christ for Sanctification 128 129 The Word mixt with faith is a means of growth 227 228 The Word is one of Christs Brests 293 How the Word works faith 443 Cavilling and mocking at the Word is the Seal of Vnbelief 494 The Word is the life of faith 517 The Word and Spirit go hand in hand 518 The Word both the object and instrument of faith 518 Living above the Word is living by a deluded fancy and not by faith such are neerer Hell 518 The Word is appointed to work faith not miracles 519 Every divine Word is an object of faith especially the Promise 520 Attendance on the Word a means to increase faith 574 Worldly World Worldly-mindedness reproved 361 362 Worldly-mindedness springs from unbelief 464 The VVorld tries fair means and foul to hinder faith 489 Wordly examples of the multitude not to be follow'd 490 FINIS